He silently chuckles and writes: 'Of course, my dear. Of course.'
As the party marches forward, Piper looks at his best friend with a sad and guilty look on his face. He places a hand on Alara's shoulder in an attempt to comfort her. With his other hand, he grasps the wooden symbols that are around his neck and says a small prayer. 'Shelyn, Desna. I ask of you. Give William the strength to overcome this. Give him the one for him in his life. Not for me. But for him. Let him achieve happiness.' Again, he walks up to Will and writes: 'William, I'm sorry. I never meant for any of this to happen nor do I know how it happened. It just... did.'
"Its okay... Really Piper, I want you to be happy and the feelings that grew between you and her are the most pure. Be happy with what you have because you never know what's going to happen tomorrow. Or so my father said whenever he told me about these things. I'm not mad at you I'm mad at myself for not being more forward about my feelings honest."
I hope that will calm things down between this triangle, the last thing that we need now is a lover's quarrel about who gets what. Especially if it happens in the middle of a fight when I can't even understand what Piper is saying with his hand motions.
Alara appreciatively nods at Piper, then walks back next to Will. After Piper finishes writing, Alara speaks up, her hands wringing:
"I... I feel that I have to apologize as well. I didn't consider how you'd be affected by... well, the two of us. I should have made things clear sooner and not led you on like this."
She bows in apology. "I'm sorry."
Piper gains a small smile and writes: 'Thank you. I'm glad that that we can put this behind us. There's no need to beat yourself up over this. As a way of apologizing, if you need help with matters of romance and the heart, let me help. It's the least I can do.'
When they finish their conversation with Will, Piper thinks for a moment. He then sighs and writes: 'Alara, may I ask you some questions? What are we exactly? Are we... together? What about your feelings for Shalelu? What about... Ameiko?' He then turns red in embarrassment.
Sharrd walks out where he can be clearly seen by whoever lives there and yells out towards the house. "Hey Walthus, if you're in there we'd like to talk. The sheriff sent us."
"Honestly? I... I'm still trying to work that out myself. Ameiko looks quite beautiful, but I don't really know much about her to make any real opinions. With you, I feel like I'm, well, moving a little too fast. I mean, I only met you a day ago and already we're getting flustered around each other. I think that's, again, my fault."
She pauses, shifting from foot to foot. "With regards to Shalelu... I'm reminded of one time my family took me on a picnic in Kyonin. I was about 90 years old at the time (that's about 17 in human years). We were crossing a rope bridge in front of a waterfall, and Dad stopped to admire it. I got to the other side, but Mom kept trying to get Dad's attention: tugging on his robes, asking him to keep moving, and so on, but nothing got his attention. Mom had to resort to jumping up and down on the bridge, rocking it to get his attention. It worked; Dad started clinging to the bridge for dear life. He never got at all distracted after that; he just about only had eyes for Mom. They made up just fine afterwards... in, well, their Draconic-speaking way." She blushes at the thought, then clears her throat and continues.
"What I'm trying to say is that... I'm starting to think that, well, I'm mistaking adrenaline for love when it comes to her. I don't know for certain, though, and it's bothering me to no end." Her eyes widen at what she just said: "Er--not that I'm saying Mom and Dad only got together because of adrenaline!"
She sighs in a blend of exasperation at her inability to understand her own feelings and relief at finally getting them out. "Whew. This is sooooo stressful to puzzle out. I think a hot bath after this outing might be just the thing to help me unwind, don't you?" She looks to you.
Piper gives a sigh as well. He writes: 'I feel conflicted as well. Part of me feels that, despite only knowing you for a day, there's an... attraction to you. But another part of me still yearns for Ameiko. She's part of the reason I went to the White Grotto. To show her that I'm worthy. To show that I'm not... damaged. But, ever since meeting you, I feel... comfortable. All this time I felt guilty that my attraction could ruin your chances with Shalelu and mine with Ameiko. It's not your fault that it has come to this. I will admit... I've been having fun with you.'
He shakes his head and writes: 'You feel confused in regards as to what you feel for Shalelu. That is what I'm feeling between you and Ameiko. I don't know my feelings nor what may come in the future. But if you wish, I would like to... try a relationship... with you. In order to understand our feelings. Provided we take it slow, of course.'
He sighs. At your idea of a hot bath, he slowly gains a teasing grin and writes: 'Indeed, my dear. But, from how you worded it, it would seem that you wish for me to join you. Oh. woe is me! The woman who is conflicted about her feelings wishes to accelerate it even further! I suppose next you would propose the notion of having Shalelu and Ameiko in our relationship! How scandalous! But then again, you've caught me staring at your backside. And I've seen the way you were looking at me earlier...' He then gains a cheshire cat like grin.
Piper rubs his hand over his face at Sharrd's shouting. He then writes: 'Sharrd. I wanted to do this in a polite manner. You know, knock on the door, wait for him to answer, then talk. But, then again, we should now have his attention, at least. Gods know, I can't do that.'
If one had to describe the look on Alara's face right now, the proper metaphor would be either 'deer in the headlights' (give Will a week to invent them) or 'caught with her hand in the cookie jar.' Her face turns beet red, but a surprised smile is on her face at the thought of a relationship with you.
Her blush only intensifies as you tease her about her desire for a hot bath. Its almost as if... she's been toying with the idea. And then repeatedly trying to bury it beneath other things.
Finally, at the teasing mention of having Shalelu and Ameiko share the two of you, her eyes widen. Her blush goes all the way to the tips of her ears...
...as if she's started to consider it, then just as quickly trying to stop doing so.
For once in her life, Alara has become as a blank dictionary: completely at a loss for words.
Piper still has the cat like grin as he takes the board back from you. He then wipes it off and writes on it. He then places it back into your frozen hands. He then leans on your left side, reading the board with you, his arms around your left arm. It says: 'What are you thinking about, my dear? Excited at the prospect of being an relationship with me? Or is it something more scandalous? The thought of my body? Or... is it the idea of Shalelu and Ameiko being with us? Are your thoughts leading to the possibility of such a relationship? Having all the people we care for together, living together in a life of happiness. Or are those thoughts becoming... lecherous? You know, my dear, if you wish for such a relationship... I wouldn't mind. Who am I to deny a woman such happiness? Well, my dear... what do you want?' Piper leans up to your face, grin still plastered, eyebrow raised, awaiting your answer. You can feel his light breath on your cheek. He has a light blush on his face.
As you lean in, you swear you hear something snap inside her. Her eyes narrow as she turns to you. Focused. Pupils dilated. Can't turn back now point of no return can'tstopwon'tstopneedtostopfine. You asked for it.
She drops the chalkboard. Grabs the back of your head. Free hand wrapped around your side.
And kisses you full on the lips with all the force she can muster.
So much power so much passion kept bottled upwaitingstewingyearning to be let loose
It lasts only for a few seconds, but when you part, she's panting like she just ran a marathon.
"Yes. You."
Masamune walks over to Sharrd.
"Look over there see Alra, and Piper? Looks like you just got your opening for Ameiko. Go for it bro."
Masamune then walks to William.
"well not to burst your bubble, but I don't think you are going to be charming Alara anytime soon, but may I suggest you look at Shalelu? She is a great warrior, and she's good with that bow of hers. You could design her a few new kinds of bow, or arrows."
Masamune finally sighs glad to know that Alara, and Piper have finally found love.
"Relationship. Yes."
kiss on the left cheek-
"You. Naked. Yes."
one on the right to match-
"Four-way with Ameiko & Shalelu. Still thinking."
Lips find yours again. Deeper. Trembling.
Finally stops. Out of breath. Spent. Finally capable of coherent answers.
"Okay, in order: your teasing, yes, you naked, sharing you with Shalelu or Ameiko, yes, and you." Her words come quickly, breathlessly.
Wow. Only a day and you've already broken one guy's heart and got yours stolen by another. Slow down. Take a breath.
Alara shoots a mock glare at anyone else who witnessed the above... exchange. "Get a portrait done. It lasts longer."
As he starts to calm down, he writes: 'Alara... I really don't know what to say. I was teasing about the Shalelu and Ameiko thing. I just thought that since you still might have feelings for Shalelu and I might have feelings for Ameiko, that... it might...' He's too flustered to finish that. He shakes his head and erases the last entry. He then writes: 'I'm sorry. You must hate me for that. That I'm lustful. Lewd. All of those things.' As he finishes, tears begin streaming down his face as he closes his eyes, waiting for the backlash and wrath from you, making small sobs. 'I f**cked up.'
"Piper, I probably wouldn't have thought of something like a four-way if I didn't think you were teasing. If you really don't want something like that to happen, no problem." She shrugs a bit. "Like I said, I was still thinking about it. And now that I know it unsettles you, it's gone."
She cradles your face in her hands. Looking into her eyes, you find nothing but acceptance. "Be you lustful and lewd, or chaste and a prude-"She chuckles a bit at her rhyme."-you're you. If you're comfortable with who you are, that's enough for me."
She grins. "Besides, for all you know, I can be just as lewd as you. You don't know yet... but I hope, someday, to show you." She blushes a bit after saying that.
'Thank you, my dear. But... if I could be be honest, I wouldn't tease you if I didn't think of it myself. I guess my thought process was that since you were in love with Shalelu and me, I thought that... arrangement would make you happy. That's what I live for now. To make others happy. And, since I still somewhat have feelings with Ameiko, it just led to that. I guess that deep down... I'm just as lewd as any other man.'
Alara says nothing.
She just gently pulls you into another hug.
Sometimes, the best thing you can do for someone is shut up and be there.
A period of silence passes. She gently whispers into your ear.
"Do you really feel that having those thoughts make you less of a person?"
She continues. "Because I don't think so."
Sharrd answers Piper. "Well, him living all by himself like this I thought it better if we let ourselves be known before we trespass on his what he considers his property. If he owns any dogs I know this is safer."
Watching all the events with ever present, but quiet thoughts, he continues to keep to himself, simply staying close to his brothers. He was here to help them, if good came for others in the line of his help, he felt he would be very glad of that.
After hearing your response to his question, he writes: 'Let me ask you something. Do you still have feelings for Shalelu? If you do, then I'm willing to get into a relationship with you and her... to make you happy. That's what I'm concerned with.' As you read this, he has a small smile on his face.
Piper writes: 'True. But then again, he might still refuse to let us talk to him.'
"Yes, but that's your bats**t insane father you're talking about. He's... not the most reliable source of info on you. Too biased. Also murderous. That's a sure way to call his credibility into question."
She turns her head toward you and looks you deeply in the eyes.
"I think you're a fantastic flute player, a great conversationalist..." She gives you her trademark warm, sunny smile. "...outright adorable when you blush, and nothing short of an absolute gentleman. And frankly, for a man like you to have gone so long without attracting some romantically-flavored attention..." She takes off one of her gloves, running her slim, nimble fingers through your hair. "...I'm fairly certain that's a crime somewhere."
Her expression turns pensive when you mention Shalelu. "That's... something I'm still trying to puzzle out. If I do, then... that's something I'll sort out when it comes up. If not, then at least I got to make a new friend." Her uncovered hand comes to rest on your cheek.
Her sunny smile returns. She closes her eyes, and...
Well, when she first kissed you, it consisted of unbridled, frantic, forceful lust. A spur-of-the-moment decision. Something that Calistria would approve of.
This time, her kiss is gentle, full of warmth, love, and... contriteness for her actions before. A kiss that Shelyn herself would give you. The kiss lingers, asking you, timidly, if you'd like to join in...
Alara shifts from foot to foot while listening to Sharrd's and Piper's banter. Her nervousness is evident on her face.
Too open. Not enough cover. Enemies could strike from anywhere.
At your nervousness, he turns to you and rests his hand on your arm in an attempt to calm you.
Incidentally, because of your differences in height, your face is pressed close to her (rather modest) chest. Alara realizes this after a few seconds, releasing you with a nervous chuckle and a flushed face.
"...we should probably get going, before we completely forget what we were supposed to be doing. You know, before people start to talk." She says, putting her glove back on and taking your hand.
Alara gives you a quick, appreciative look. She's calmed down somewhat, but she still eyes the house's environs with suspicion.
Piper turns to the other three, points at William, and waves his hand towards the front group, indicating that William should join them.
William walks up to the group by the door. "Should I open it? Maybe he didn't hear us."
Sharrd readies his spear. "Yeah William, I think you should." He looks up to make sure no one is sneaking up from above on the roof, figuring that William, Piper and Alara can take care of any threats from the door direction and Masamune and Ash can take care of any from behind.
Piper holds up hand, indicating that they should wait. He writes: 'Will, while that may be a sound idea, there are a couple issues with that. First, as Sharrd said, we don't know what's on the other side of that door. It may be dogs or, considering we are dealing with a hermit so far from civilization, he might have traps set up. Second, if we just intrude, then he might not want to speak with us, especially if we go in with weapons drawn. And, finally... it's just rude.' He then erases the board and writes: 'I may not be the leader of our team, but I do have a few ideas. Sharrd, I would like you to try and look through a window. When you're done, report back to us. Also, try and be subtle about it. We don't want to offend Walthus. Also, if you can, try to stay close so we can come help if something happens. I'll stay here to work with the conversation. Alara, William, you two will stay with me, just in case. If there's again no answer, then you can open the door, Will. Agreed?' He then erases the board and knocks on the door again, with a bit more force behind the knocks. He also takes the time to scan the surrounding area.
Alara nods at Piper, and looks around the area for anything suspicious.
...unfortunately, she appears to be quite distracted.
Dammit, stop staring at him and get back to work!
Piper notices you staring at him. He raises a brow, but gains a teasing smirk. He writes: 'You can ogle me later, darling. But, right now we have a job to do.' He then turns back to the door, a frown slowly forming on his face. 'What is taking Walthus so long? I know he's a hermit, but surely he can't be foreign to the concept of answering the door!'
To notice what's on his mind:
"Alright, I agree it's rude, but so is not coming out to talk with us. But you're right about the traps. All right, I'll reconnoiter and report back." He looks up, considering trying to climb to the roof but decides the moss has made the sides to slippery and the roof is just too unstable. He just tries to move as silently as he can from window to window all around the house, peering in, trying to see what's there.
Alara's eyes widen, then snap shut as she shakes her head to refocus. She offers you a sheepish smile before noticing the frown on your face. You get the feeling that she understands what you're thinking right now... and that she's starting to feel the same way.
"Um... should I go help Sharrd? Or would you like me to stick around here?"
At your suggestion, Piper thinks about it. He then nods and writes: 'Now that I think about it, you should go with Sharrd. Help him out and keep an eye on him. The kid has a knack for getting into trouble. Just do me one favor, love: be careful. I don't want to lose you.' At the last statement, he gets a pleading look in his eyes, showing concern for your well-being.
Alara nods at your words. "Don't worry. I plan to be." You see her fingering the dagger at her belt while she replies.
With that, she moves off to assist Sharrd.
She makes hardly a sound as she makes her way to Sharrd's side.
As you leave, he can't help but stare at your backside again before shaking his head and focusing on the door, a light red tint on his face.
Wow. I think you broke him. Way to go, genius.
At the second river crossing, she stops, letting the rest of the party go on ahead for a bit. She waves them on, letting them know they'll be fine.
She cups her hands and dips them in the river, filling them with water. She turns back to you and moves close to you.
"So, hold still."
She then splashes the water as gently as possible into your face.
A handful of cold river water splashes into your face.
She braces herself for your reaction... and winces. "Feeling any better?"
It's not difficult to notice that Alara is standing a bit close to the river with her back turned to it, facing you.
"No."
"What can I say? I like giving hugs."
With that, she gives you a hug. This time, due to the incline you're standing on, you're not at risk of being smothered by her breasts.
Her cheek feels quite warm against your own.
...full of warmth, safety, passion...
...and gently runs her tongue along your lips as you part.
She's jolted out of her reverie by two things: Did... did he just call me 'love'?
and
"Um..." She points to the river behind her. Her eyes widen just as she realizes something: Oh. Swamp water.
"...I really didn't think this through, did I?"