fearlessly | (no subject)

[ Ah, yes. There it is, that tell-tale hint of anger in her words. No wonder Alisaie parted from the Crystarium as she did. Perhaps the subject of the Exarch is one best left avoided.

Besides, now that she mentions it, he is quite hungry. As is the way of things, the instant he becomes aware, his stomach growls rather loudly. ]

Mayhap more than I realized. I hope it will not be too much trouble to have another mouth to feed.

[ x'rhun is such a smart man..

but she laughs now, because that growl is quite audible across the echoing sands, especially to their sensitive ears. it's been quite awhile since last she laughed. ]

We can manage. There may be some stew left over from last night. 'Tis leftovers, but honestly I think it tastes even better on the second day.

[ Leave it to his stomach to undo any lingering hopes of dignity he might have had, but it's worth it in the end to hear Alisaie laugh. From what little he has heard of this place, the inn in particular, it does not seem like there is much laughter to be found. ]

I am hardly one to be picky, especially now. Afterwards, though, I would very much like it if you'd show me around.

I don't see why not, but there is little enough to see around here.

[ the inn is rather a bleak and empty place, hardly fit for tourism, and wider amh araeng is.. not much better, really. mord souq is the liveliest place in this light-blasted desert, and it's full of kobolds tryna make you eat worms.

alisaie leads him to a wooden table. ]

But go on, rest your feet.

[ Yes, well, though this is far from X’rhun’s first jaunt across time and space, being in a new world - even one nine-tenths annihilated - means there are new things to see. Even if that new thing is a sprawling desert.

X’rhun does as he’s bid, slipping out of his cloak and shaking the sand from the folds in the fabric before he takes a seat. Once settled, he casts around the place. There is certainly a… prevailing mood, and somewhat knowing the inn’s purpose, it is no small wonder the place isn’t grimmer. The men and women who care for the inn’s tenants are likely to thank for that, and X’rhun finds himself admiring their courage. He’s better when faced with a foe he can fell with his blade, and to do what they do would put him out of his depth - or so he believes.

But if he is to stay here with Alisaie, which he absolutely plans to do, he’s going to have to learn. ]

I am not so old and frail a little walk across the desert has me longing for rest.

[ He says, already sitting down. ]

Is that so?

[ she watches while he sits, to see that he is comfortable, before she crosses past him toward an iron pot of stew. it's already warmed up from lunchtime, so it's easy enough for her to ladle a good helping into a bowl, sliding it onto the table with a heel of bread, before scooping herself a serving as well, and plopping a pitcher of water between them.

and at last, she drops down heavily on the bench across from his. bon appétit!! ]

Are you sure those bones of yours aren't a little old and creaky?

[ Sharing a meal with her is a little bittersweet. There should be a third member at this table, and a myriad of animals crowding around their feet, but instead it is only the two of them. That’s a blessing in itself, and not one he is quick to overlook, but he cannot help but being reminded of another time.

He waves his spoon at her, as if he’s trying to scold her. It doesn’t work terribly well, because even if as a mentor he can put his foot down, it’s a different story when he plays the part of a parent. ]

If there is any creaking around here, I assure you, it is not coming from me. This poor table, perhaps.

[ x'rhun isn't the only one feeling that keen absence, one alisaie has been feeling for quite some time now, reminded of a world that feels a lifetime away, like a fever dream behind them. honestly, sometimes she wonders if she had made the entire thing up, if it had not happened at all, but the memories are too real, too strong, stuck stubbornly to her heart. rhun's presence here stirs up that old pain, but gods, it is worth the feeling to have him here, to see his face, to hear his voice. ]

Are you so sure about that?

[ she teases with ease, her mouth curling in a sharp smile while she tears off a hunk of hard bread to dip into the stew's broth. ]

I could get you some ointment for those old knees of yours, if you like.

[ she got that ICY HOT HANDY!! this ungrateful daughter ]

Quite sure, thank you!

[ This child!!

Any attempt at indignance is lost in his smile – for as bittersweet as this is, it’s good for the both of them. He’d been worried sick about her, constantly kicking himself for not finding his way to her side sooner, and to see her grin and tease is like a weight off his heart. ]

You ought to be nicer to me, you know, since you’re stuck with me now.

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we just finished tonight, what a wild ride

IT SURE WAS

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comes back to this TEN YEARS LATER!!

WHOMST