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Post by Warped-Desire on Nov 5, 2018 5:17:20 GMT -6
Takes place some time after the Chapter 6 Earthquake
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Post by Warped-Desire on Nov 5, 2018 5:32:24 GMT -6
The earthquake that shook Nariah was devistating, lives were lost and homes destroyed. It was a harsh reality for Riviera when the dust had settled, she had almost lost her son, her life and her best friend all in one day and to top it all off her home had been reduced to splinters... she remembered the pain of that day, the smell of death and blood and the tears that stained her cheeks when she was reunited with her family after the devastation. All that was just a memory now as she returned to the present, she had been setting the table for dinner when she knocked a spoon from it's place, the loud clatter enough to draw her gaze downwards. They had been at her in-laws place for what felt like an eternity, Jaya's parents quickly taking in the little family reduced to homelessness in a single day; she was greatful when they let them in, the day had been emotionally and physically draining and after all they had been through she was surprised by their luck. A brother in laws medical assistance. A mother in laws help and all the support for her delicate boy Ever since that day she had kept the closest eyes on him, watching him like a hawk and when she wasn't she was assured by Jaya's father someone would. With her head still aching from her wound she retrieved the silverware from the floor, her teke stuttering and shaking a little as the cutlery rose up infront of her. She was quick to place the spoon down in hopes Jaya hadn't seen and instead pulled her ears back, turning to watch him as he cooked up dinner for the lot of them. She ruffled her wings at her side, her cloak left to the rack by the door, "All set" She chimed, quietly swishing her tail
post: #1 WC: #316 |
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Post by brittlewren on Nov 5, 2018 6:06:09 GMT -6
JAYA
Stirring the simmering pot quietly, Jaya moved between the two that perched atop the copper stove. Lifting the lid of the other saucepan, he plucked the wooden spoon from its cradle, stirring the rice briefly. The warmth of the steam was almost refreshing after everything that had happened. The quiet bubbling and simmering grounded him, and shuffling his wings he moved to prepare a salad as a side for the family. It felt strange to be back home with his parents - as much as he loved to visit them, living with them was a different story. He felt as if he couldn't shake the memory of adolescence that shadowed him when he walked the halls. The mason jar lid came off with a soft pop, and he fished out a few pickled cucumbers, placing them on the worn wooden chopping board. Slicing them into thick discs, he swept them into a bowl and seasoned them with salt, pepper, oil, and a pinch of sugar. Tossing the mixture briefly, he set it aside and returned to stir the simmering sauce and tend to the rice. He could hear Riviera shifting about as she set the table, and the muffled conversation in an adjacent room. Shifting his gaze to the bubbling pot, he blew air softly through his nose. Don't want to overcook it, he thought idly.
"All set!"
Flicking the rear stove off, he hoisted the pan up, slipping past Riviera to set down the scalding hot pan. Shifting it slightly so it sat neatly on the burgundy mat, he returned to collect the pickled cucumber salad and sauce from the kitchen. Placing them equally neatly beside the rice pan, he darted back to the kitchen once more to retrieve serving spoons. When he was content, he bumped his muzzle gently against Riviera's, offering her a soft smile. "Shall I go get the others?"
WC: 313
Post #1 |
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Post by Warped-Desire on Nov 5, 2018 6:24:56 GMT -6
Listening to Jaya cook was like listening to her favourite symphony, he moved so well and everything he made smelt so nice that for a moment she was caught up in a second of heaven. She was pulled away however when Jaya bumped his nose against hers, causing her to give him a gentle kiss beside his nostril out of reflex. "Yes. Of course" She replied, offering him up a small half hearted smile, "I think Ari is in the study with your father". She stepped back to allow him room to pass, turning to retrieve some glasses from the top cabinet and a pitcher of iced tea they had made earlier in the day. The honey coloured liquid glistened as her teke wrapped around it, as she pulled it towards her however she paused and let go, watching a drop of liquid slip down the side of the glass. Ever since her injury her teke just hadn't been the same, shed kept it from Jaya as best she could and had even asked her brother in law to do the same... he had told her it would be fine once her injury healed but she just didn't believe it and had grown weary of carrying almost anything, "I-I think your mother is in the sitting room with your brother...". She sucked in a deep breath as she finished, slowly and carefully lifting the pitcher up off the counter. It swayed in her grasp as she turned but she was quick to move both it and the glasses shed collected over the table before her teke faltered The glass jug landed base down on the table with a solid thunk, with its thick base it didn't break but she knew Jaya would have surely heard that. With a quiet sigh she placed the glasses in their respective spots, using her teke after to pull her hair back into a loose messy bun which she secured with her spare ribbon... She still had to fix her old one... but just didn't have the heart to look at the blood that stained it, her blood. She gave a small nod once everything on the table was in its rightful place, all she had to do was wait for the rest of the family before she could take her seat
post: #2 WC: #390 |
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Post by brittlewren on Nov 10, 2018 22:58:22 GMT -6
JAYA Giving a half nod and setting off towards the study, his ear flicked back to catch Riv's comment about Guari and his mum. Hooves gliding across the floorboards, he rounded the corner and gently knocked against the doorframe with his hoof. Ari and Kumara were sitting on pillows, a selection of books arranged neatly before them. "I hope Ari is learning much from you," He dipped his head politely, "I hope I'm not interrupting either. Dinner is ready, I'm just going to go get mum and Gauri." "Thankyou, Jaya, we'll just be a moment." Kumara inclined his head in response, and began to collect the books into a neat pile. The corridoor opened up as he made his way to the sitting room, where Mohini and Gauri were talking quietly. Lightly tapping his hoof against the floor, his chest feathers began to raise. Hopefully he hadn't disturbed them. "Sorry for interrupting," he started, straightening up. "Dinner is ready if you'd like to join us." Mohini shuffled her wings and began to stand, pushing herself up from the cushion and flicking Gauri lightly with her tail. "It's no problem Jaya, we were just wondering when dinner would be served," she laughed, starting towards him. Feathers settling once more, he smiled and moved to the side to allow them to pass in front of him. Following the small group, he allowed them all to be seated before the table before settling next to Riviera. "We thank Kaia's fertile soils for this meal, and Alya's rains for giving it the lifeblood to feed us." Kumara murmered, lifting his bowed head to serve out rice. "It smells wonderfu, Jaya." Mohini praised, teke reaching for the salad. "And the tea, too, did you help prepare it Riviera?"
WC: 293
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Post by Warped-Desire on Nov 11, 2018 0:07:39 GMT -6
Riviera let out a breath she didn't know she had been holding, listening to Jaya's hooves as they receded down the hall. Perhaps she was in the clear and he truly hadn't heard her slip up... once he returned she dipped her head to him and each member of the family as they passed by. She waited patiently as the other members of the family took their seats, only sitting down once everyone, including Jaya, was seated. Riviera repeated the thanks under her breath at the same time as Kumara, offering the tiniest of smiles for him as she finished She pulled her ears back as she was spoken too, dipping her head to notify her mother in law she had heard, "Yes I did" she replied, casting her eyes across the table, "It has to be perfect... Jaya always seems to put in too much lemon if I dont assist". She pulled up her napkin and unfolded it over her legs as she spoke, "everything else he does very well with. It's just that one thing he always seems to miss", she shrugged a little before pecking Jaya on the cheek, assuring him she was just teasing a little
post: #3 WC: #203 |
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Post by brittlewren on Nov 11, 2018 0:54:45 GMT -6
JAYA
"I thought you liked it lemony," he huffed, muzzle wrinkling with mock hurt. This was quickly broken by Ari's laughter, and he relaxed into a soft smile as Riviera kissed his feathered cheek. Lime teke reaching to take the rice from Kumara's, he began spooning heaps into his and Riviera's bowl, portioning a smaller amount for Ari. Setting the pan back down on the table, he reached for his napkin and placed it across his folded legs. His throughts drifted idly back to earlier events, recalling a soft thud from the kitchen as he'd reached the study. "Riviera, could you pass the salad please?" He asked, beginning to ladle the thickened sauce over his bowl of rice. Reaching for Ari's bowl, he began to serve him some of the lumps of the potato from the sauce. "I don't want any of that, I'll just have rice." Ari started, but was cut short as Jaya promptly poured more of the sauce over the rice. "You can't live on rice," he argued pointedly, handing him back his bowl. He offered to serve Riviera, and began spooning the mixture over her bowl. "How have you all been coping? You're very lucky your house didn't suffer in the rockfall," Jaya began, opening the conversation to the whole family.
"Yes, very lucky." Kumara replied solemnly. "We were worried something horrible was going to happen, so we sent my parents off to live with Kumara's parents." Mohini began, pouring some of the ice tea into Kumara's cup. "They're doing alright, of course, and didn't mind when we asked them to stay there longer. We just wouldn't have the room for all of you if they'd come back now." The ice clinked as she set the pitcher down on the table, then, realising her mistake, hurriedly moved to pour some for Gauri. "How could I have forgotten to pour you a drink, Gauri!" She chuckled, shaking her head.
WC: 321 Post #3 |
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Post by Warped-Desire on Nov 11, 2018 1:49:15 GMT -6
Riviera gave him a soft smile, "No one likes it that lemony darling" she told him, her smile brightening at Ari's laughter. She paused however when Jaya spoke, asking her to pass the salad across as he spooned sauce over her rice, "Y-yes, yes of course", she hesitated before grasping the salad tight with her teke. She kept her eyes on it as she delicately lifted it, thankfully it was a short distance and by the time her teke faltered Jaya's eas wrapped around it. She gave a wonky smile as he took the salad, turning away as Ari piped up about his food, Your father is right, you cant live off rice. If you eat all your given however you can choose a sweet before bed"Riviera took a spoonful of her meal as Jaya asked about the family, she listened as the spoke but swallowed hard, "I-I apologize for taking up space here. The builders fixing our home are taking longer to move those large stone then we thought...", she looked guilt ridden for a moment, pulling her gaze away from the family, she loved them alot but felt so guilty for staying as long as they were. "We would have stayed at my mother's except she had no room, if it wasn't for Ari we would have stayed at the inn"
post: #4 WC: #229 |
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Post by brittlewren on Nov 11, 2018 3:43:46 GMT -6
JAYA Taking the salad from Riviera's teke, he could've sworn he saw it falter. Could her head wound have weakened her teke? He frowned, topping his bowl with a spoonful of the pickled cucumber salad. He scooped a few from the saucer and topped Ari's bowl as well. "Make sure you eat your greens too, then you can have a sweet." That got a disgruntled frown from Ari, but he ignored it. "Salad?" He held out the saucer for Riviera, then dug in to his bowl of goodness. "Thankyou again for letting us stay," He added quickly. Reaching for the jug of tea, he poured some into his cup, an ice cube splashing into the bottom. Thankfully none spilt, and he shared a relieved look with Gauri across the table. "That was close," Gauri remarked quietly. Kumara listened to Riviera's apologetic spiel, offering a soft smile as he took a sip from his ceramic cup. "It's no trouble Riviera. It's no small task to move boulders that crushed a house, after all, and we're always happy to have you and Jaya here. And Ari of course," He paused briefly, watching the colt pick at his bowl silently. "Any time you need anything, we're always here. You don't have to feel like you're burdening us, after all time with family is precious, and we wanted to make sure you were all right."
WC: 230 Post #4 |
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Post by Warped-Desire on Nov 11, 2018 4:10:50 GMT -6
Riviera gave a nod and placed some salad into her bowl, nudging it back into the center of the table once she was done, "...It was hard to loose so much and yet still have everything. Your kindness really means the world to us... when I thought I had lost my son...", she swallowed hard past the lump in her throat, trying to offer them up a a thankful smile, "But I found him again and because of you he has a place to stay, to learn. I just dont want to over stay our welcome. That's all... because of you I feel we are doing well. Better then we would have been"She took a deep breath, pulling her ears back before carefully lifting the pitcher of tea and quickly pouring both herself and Ari a glass. It was placed carefully back down without an incident in which she was thankful. "...I'm grateful really. Sorry for bringing down the room. I didn't mean to, my apologies". She looked to Jaya as she fell silent, before returning to her meal. She enjoyed the company of Jaya's family but she felt like she was always over stepping and taking up space. Sometimes she couldn't wait to go back home
post: #5 WC: #211 |
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Post by brittlewren on Nov 12, 2018 4:04:08 GMT -6
JAYA Jaya turned to listen to Riviera, watching quietly as she opened up to the family. He could see how hard it was for her, and how she was struggling, especially when she mentioned what happened to Ari in the rockfalls. His ear twitched, and he touched her neck gently with his muzzle as she moved to lift the pitcher. She'd been through so much, and all he wanted to do was make her feel safe and happy. He'd been distressed during the earthquake as well, of course, but he didn't know what was happening to Ari or Riviera's struggle to free him. He'd been blissfully ignorant of the dark reality, but worried and doing his best to help others in need knowing he couldn't reach the house with the pathways and roads in such a state. Looking to his parents and Gauri, huddled together around the table, he could only imagine how they'd felt. And Mali Ouko, where ever she'd been at the time - hopefully holed away in a shrine somewhere, tending to those who needed the most aid. Realising the silence that had fallen across the room, he met Riviera's eyes for a brief moment before she resumed eating. "Don't worry, you didn't bring the room down." He assured her quietly, relaxing his wings so that they touched Riviera's. "No, not at all." Mohini reassured. "It's great to hear that you feel you're doing better.""How has your mother been?" Kumara interjected. "I haven't spoken to her for some time, though I have seen her around the shrine every now and again."
WC: 263 Post #5 |
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Post by Warped-Desire on Nov 12, 2018 4:22:14 GMT -6
Riviera was grateful for Jayas gentle touch to her neck, his soft words almost enough to bring down her worries and fears. Even when his wings brushed against hers the worry still didn't leave the pit of her stomach and only mad her chest tight, "Yes mother is fine" she replied quietly, glancing over to Ari to make sure he was eating, "She worries more about us and her business more then anything else. She didn't lose anything in the quake... I dont think she full realizes how close she truly was to loss". She knew her mother was more concerned with herself and her livelihood, if she hadn't been so full of herself they would have been with her... but that was her mother's way. It was always going to be about her so here they sat with Jaya's family. She couldn't really complain, the lot of them were so good for Ari. "...but enough about us... how are you coping with the incident?, I hope all is well", she bobbed her head as she finished, taking a quiet mouthful of her food, before the spoon even reached her mouth however it slipped from her grasp and clanked against the table, tossing flecks of rice across the wood. The spotted mare's lip quivered as she stared down at the spoon, avoiding eye co tact with everyone in the room, "I-I'm sorry. Please excuse me", she was quick to stand and bow her head, turning and leaving the room before anyone could say anything, she shut her eyes tight as she vanished up stairs, wiping the tears from her eyes once she made it into the room she, Jaya and Ari were staying in. She took a deep shaky breath and closed the door. She was such a fool and she hated herself for it
post: #6 WC: #309 |
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Post by brittlewren on Nov 12, 2018 4:46:55 GMT -6
JAYA "Yes, we're well thankyou Riviera-" Mohini started, ears flicking back as spoon clattered to the floor. Kumara's brows pinched together in concern, and Ari moved to stand as Riviera rushed out of the room. "It's alright Ari, stay and finish your dinner." Gauri, taking this as a suggestion, reached out to the young colt next to him with his teke, in an attempt to settle him. Jaya picked up the spoon, wiping the rice from the floor with his napkin. He collected his and Riviera's mostly empty bowl, pushing himself to his hooves. "I'll just be a moment, please don't wait on us." His wings were tight against his side, and his tail flicked nervously as he turned, placing the bowls into the sink. Returning to the table, his lime teke gripped Riviera's cup as he dipped his head, "I'll be back in a moment-""Is everything alright with Riviera, sweet?" Mohini murmered, nudging Kumara beside her as he shoved a spoonful into his mouth. "Yes, if she needs anything for her headaches or wound Gauri can help out." He added hurriedly through a mouthful of food. "She's just a bit rattled, please don't fuss." He glanced to Ari, who now seated, seemed a little less on edge. "Don't worry Ari, just finish your dinner then your Gran Mohini will get you a sweet or two, okay?"Ascending the stairs, he made his way quietly to the room he shared with Riviera and Ari. Pausing, he waited to hear the sound of soft conversation drift upwards from the dining room. At least they'd settled. Knocking on the door, he opened it a crack before moving fully into the room. "Riv?" His eyes fell on her slumped, quivering form, a lump forming in his throat. He set the cup down on the table, moving to embrace her. "It's alright, it's alright." He murmered, stroking her hair gently. "Are you okay? What happened?" |
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Post by Warped-Desire on Nov 12, 2018 5:02:44 GMT -6
Riviera had barely heard her husband enter through her tears, sobs racking her body as she lay against the worn wooden floor. When he embraced her however she sucked in a breath, shutting her eyes quietly as he spoke softly to her... how could she tell him what it was that was going on?, a silly little wound was causing so much trouble that she couldn't even speak to her own husband about it. She turned and drew him in close, wrapping her neck tight around his shoulder as a protective wing curved around her form. She nuzzled into Jayas feathers, trying desperately to hold back the tears the spilled down her cheeks, "...its horrible" she told him through ragged breaths, her form shaking with each quick inhale The headaches and pain had been enough to worry her family when they had seen her but she could only imagine what they would think if they knew she was struggling to use her teke. "...what do I do?... I cant fix it... if just doesn't work properly anymore", she was growing more upset by the minute and trying to hold it back was just making it worse, her body shivered and her heart raced, 'If they knew... what would they say?'[\i] was all that ran through her head as he husbands feathers swept up her tears
post: #7
WC: #227
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Post by brittlewren on Nov 12, 2018 5:37:39 GMT -6
JAYA His chest feathers ruffled as Riviera buried into them, becoming damp with tears. "What's horrible?" His chin rested on her pale silky wings, breathing her in as his chest tightened. She'd been doing so well before everything came crashing down - quite literally at that. He'd known she would relapse, anyone would be put into a state of stress by the events. Carefully shifting from a kneel to sit with her, he pushed his rear legs out to the side, careful not to knock anything in the tiny room. She needs to stay hydrated, he realised. Carefully lifting his head to face the small wooden table, he gently pried Riviera from his chest with his teke. Eyes glancing back to hers, he lifted the cup gently and held it before her. Brushing back her forelock from her eyes, he held the cup steadily in an extension of his teke. "Deep breaths, my love. Please, have a sip."Offering it to her more forwardly, his eyes darted between hers anxiously. Gods he wanted to help. He wanted to draw the pain from her chest and crumple it into a ball, throw it away so she would never be bothered by it again. But he couldn't, as much as he wanted. She had to get herself through this. He couldn't do it for her. All it took was small steps, and eventually, with support, she'd get there. "What can't you fix?" He prompted gently. Rushing her wouldn't help, but he could only make out so much from what she was sobbing about.
WC: 259 Post #7 |
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Post by Warped-Desire on Nov 12, 2018 5:50:58 GMT -6
By the gods she didn't want to let go, she just wanted to lay there and sob against his chest till she felt better... but it couldn't happen. She was pried from his chest unwillingly, forced to pull her head away she she could sit face to face with him. It hurt so much to see the look in his eyes but how could she break this news to him... with hushed words he offered her up her drink, his voice almost soothing as the cup was pushed towards her. Without even thinking she reached for it with her teke only to have it drop to the floor and splash up all over them. Just that made it worse, she wailed in despair and flattened her ears back, form shaking as a fresh wave of tears spilled down her cheeks. There it was for him too see, not only had her injury caused her pain and bad headaches but it had also done something to her teke and now she could barely hold anything, "...my teke is broken Jaya... it no longer works as it should" she cried out, tucking her head against her chest to hide her face, "Saving Ari... saving Ari has caused all of this... I can't fix my teke... your brother tried so hard but even he couldn't do it... I cant do anything anymore"
post: #8 WC: #231 |
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Post by brittlewren on Nov 12, 2018 6:11:25 GMT -6
JAYA The cool liquid hit his legs and lower chest, making his feathers clump. The few pebbles of ice left skittered across the worn floor, and the cup rolled awkwardly, rocking back and forth in a tight semi circle. Riviera started up again, sobbing louder this time. He watched the cup until it came to a stop, closing his eyes and sighing quietly as he drew her close once more. He hushed her as she cried out, worrying that Ari would hear his name being called, or his parents would hear. "I'm sure you could learn to use it again. When foals are born their teke takes time to gain its strength, and the knock to your head must've just weakened it." He suggested hopefully, nuzzling into her curly mane. "It would take more than that scrape to make your teke useless, surely."He partly hoped the door was locked - Ari bursting in wouldn't do anyone any good at this point, as much as he loved him. An endless barrage of questions would just make Riviera more upset and hopeless, especially if they mirrored how she felt. "I can help you practice if you'd rather not bother Gauri, although I'm sure he's more capable than me. And he'd be more than willing to help. It'd be good for him too, I think." He began rattling off in an attempt to reassure her, quietly reminding her - and giving her the opportunity - to steady her breathing.
WC: 244 Post #8 |
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Post by Warped-Desire on Nov 14, 2018 6:08:45 GMT -6
Riviera couldn't stop the sobs that racked her body even when Jaya pulled her close again and hushed her soothingly. She was in despair over the state of her teke and didn't know what to do... now that he knew there was no way she was going to let the rest of the family find out, there would be endless questions and worry for her, she just didn't want to put that burden on anyone. She stopped however when her husband's soothing turned sickening and she clamped her jaw shut for a second as she pulled away from him, pushing herself to her feet and taking a step back so she could stare down at him, her tear stained face now pulled back in an offended frown, "I-I'm not a foal Jaya! I'm a full grown mare. What if this doesn't change?, what if I am stuck with second rate teke all because of this accident?..."She swallowed hard past the lump in her throat, wings pulled tight against her body as it shook, trying to recover from her despair and switch over to whatever emotion she felt right now. It was a whirlwind just trying to keep up. Fresh tears spilled down her cheeks as she frowned at him, shaking her head slowly, "...and it's not just a scrape... Gauri said he was surprised I had still even been conscious. Jaya you just dont understand... it is useless... I'm useless. How am I supposed to look after myself let alone another baby if I cant even use my teke!". Her jaw clamped shut then as it just slipped out. It was true she had been thinking about asking him for a child, she had even spoken to Hyate about it before the earthquake, after all that had happened it had just solidified her want for another baby, just in case something ever happened to her Jaya would have a real child to remember her by... she just never had the courage to bring it up till now
post: #9 WC: #339 |
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Post by brittlewren on Nov 15, 2018 2:07:50 GMT -6
JAYA His heart sank as Riviera pulled away, her pale, quivering form glowering over him. She wasn't thinking clearly - he hadn't meant to offend her, he was just giving an example of a weaker form of teke. He listened with his jaw clenched, grinding his teeth as she frantically listed her insecurities about her "second rate" teke. She needed to help herself, to calm down and think more rationally. It was incredibly unlikely her teke would be stuck as it was forever, she just had to strengthen it like you would a muscle. He felt like he was being belitted as she stood over him, she was physically speaking down to him and borderline condescending in her words. He didn't expect her to recover instantly, but she wasn't listening. He pulled his hindlegs towards him in preparation to stand, taking her pause as an opportunity. "How can I understand if you don't talk to me? If you won't hear what I'm saying?" He retorted, pushing his front upwards so he sat more level with her pained eyes. "..How am I supposed to look after myself let alone another baby if I can't even use my teke!"His mouth felt dry, and he swallowed. He could really use a drink. Riv looked guilty, like she hadn't meant to say that last part, but it was out now. It wasn't necessarily a bad thing, but it sure caught him off guard. Pushing himself to his hooves in one swift movement, he watched her. "You're not useless," He murmered quietly. His mind was reeling, there were so many thoughts rushing around his head but he couldn't make them out, they all seemed to blur together. Say something. He plucked the cup from the floor, teke running over a small chip in the lip of the ceramic before he placed it back on the table. His feathers were clumped together and incredibly sticky, and for some reason that was all he could think about in that moment. Glancing down at the floor, he tapped his hoof against it softly. "I think," He paused to meet her gaze, "We should talk about this later, when you've calmed down."
WC: 362 Post #9 |
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Post by Warped-Desire on Nov 15, 2018 2:49:41 GMT -6
She stared hard at him as he was quick to stand up, his words going in one ear and out the other. For a moment she felt like the only one in the room as she took a step back from him, "I-I don't want to feel like this. Ever since the accident I've become more and more weak... i cant sleep... I barely eat. I dont feel like I am supposed to... you know why I can't tell you?, because all I feel is everyone's eyes on me...". If her in-laws found out what would they think, Mali Ouko already wasn't happy with her, if this got out she was sure it was only going to get worse She bit her lip as silence fell over them, the only words were Jayas soft encouragement. But she felt useless, she couldn't even keep her emotions in check. She stared at the wet spot on the floor as the cup as retrieved from its wooden surface, the room deathly silent till her husband tapped a hoof and spoke softly. "I-I think that would be best", she glanced over him as their gazes met and for a moment her eyes lingered on the sticky wet mess in his feathers, "...We should clean up. They are all probably wondering where we are. I'll... meet you downstairs when... I'm ready"
post: #10 WC: #229 |
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Post by brittlewren on Nov 15, 2018 3:29:21 GMT -6
JAYA He didn't miss the fact that she skipped over the second question, choosing not to answer why she wouldn't hear him. Maybe that just reiterated his point, he wasn't sure. But he didn't want to hold it against her, so he kept quiet, lips pressed into a thin line. Dipping his head, he went to reach out as if to brush his muzzle against hers, but caught himself and turned abrubtly. Why would she want his affections, now of all things? For reassurance? He shook his head, and repeated her words over his shoulder. "When you're ready."He closed the door behind him with a muffled 'click', and descended the stairs from the loft. Thankfully he could get to the washroom without having to pass the dining, so he wouldn't have to explain himself. The hushed chatter of his parents reached his ears, and he breathed a quiet sigh of relief. He didn't hear them pause when his steps echoed down the hall, and took that as a good sign - they were mostly unaware of the brief squabble that occurred. Once the door was shut and locked, he lowered himself to the cool floor, chin resting on the towel stand. A lump formed in his throat as he stared at the wooden bowl opposite. He'd only been trying to help. Why did she have to get so angry? Closing his eyes, he propped himself up reluctantly after a few moments, filling the bowl with water to rinse his feathers. He'd have to explain why they were damp, but that was easier than explaining why they'd been shouting. Holding the bowl beneath his chest, he gently scooped water onto the sticky area with his teke, teasing the lumps out from the fibres. When he was satisfied, he tipped the bowl of now dirty water down the sink, gently dabbing the feathers with a towel. Returning to the dining, he smiled as his gaze moved between his parents, Gauri, and Ari. "She'll be down in a moment, just needed some quiet time."
WC: 340 Post #10 |
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Post by Warped-Desire on Nov 15, 2018 3:49:18 GMT -6
Riviera averted her gaze as he glanced back at her, quietly repeating her words back to her before stepping out the door. Once she heard the soft click of the door she let out a sigh, she knew the second he left she had been in the wrong... shed even caught him pause and rethink some gentle affection. It wasn't his fault she felt so out of character, the accident had taken its toll and she just didn't have the heart nor the soul to share everything about how she truly felt just yet, "I'm sorry my love..." she breathed, turning to face the small mirror her mother in law had leant her. She looked a wreck... there was no way she could show herself looking as she did... it would raise too many questions Using her teke she pulled her hair from its bun, using her brush to neaten it and her forelock up before returning it back to its place. Riviera let out a soft sigh as she plucked a small washcloth from her bedside table and quietly opened the door... she held her breath as she descended the stairs, ducking into the bathroom and locking the door behind her before anyone could come after her. She knew Ari would have been the first to come and find her if he heard even a peep but luckily enough it sounded like he was preoccupied with one of his grandfathers tales The little mare filled the bowl with cool water and dunked the towel in it, squeezing out the access she lifted it to her face and cleaned herself up as best she can. If it weren't for the slight puffiness around her eyes no one would have even known she had been crying... She gave the mirror one last brave look as she poured the water away before she opened the door, hanging the small face cloth over the sink as she stepped into the hall. She took a deep breath before she made her way back to the kitchen, offering the family a tired smile as she appeared in the doorway, "My apologies everyone" she started, slowly making her way over to her seat, "I didn't mean to alarm you... I just needed a moment. My head you see... I just need some quiet time", she did her best to offer up a reassuring smile but she felt even she wouldn't have bought it
post: #11 WC: #410 |
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Post by brittlewren on Nov 16, 2018 3:05:37 GMT -6
JAYA Jaya's gaze shifted to Kumara as he spoke, welcoming Riviera back to their company. "It's no problem, Riviera. You understandably need some time to yourself after that bump." He knew Kumara was aware of the extent of Riviera's wound, Gauri would have told him, so he was probably understating to make sure Ari didn't worry too much. She'd fixed up her hair, now pulled more neatly back into a bun, although her eyes were tired and a little puffy, something he felt that Gauri wouldn't fail to notice. He made a note to himself to talk to Gauri about Riv's teke, and his prognosis for her recovery. Seated back at the table, he fixed Riviera's pillow so that it sat closer to the table as conversation started up again. The family had polished off their bowls, but he decided to wait a little before packing away the leftovers and cleaning up - he didn't want to rush off now that Riviera had arrived. As she settled down next to him, he shifted slightly so that his weight leaned towards her. Nodding along with conversation, he thought back to Riviera's frantic, one-sided questioning. He'd need to make sure she was taking steps to calm herself down in future, as much as he didn't like to counsel her, but especially with her wound it wouldn't help getting worked up and potentially dehydrated. Looking to the near empty pitcher of tea on the table, he filled his cup - realising he forgot to collect it with the bowls earlier - and let it sit before him.
WC: 260 Post #11 |
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Post by Warped-Desire on Nov 16, 2018 3:39:04 GMT -6
Riviera noted her pillow had been moved once she sat down but gave a small smile anyway, as much as she loved Jaya right now she didn't know if she could sit so close without feeling so awkward. "I-I'm fine I assure you" she told them, saying this more for her own benefit then anyone else's, though she was sure Ari would have been atleast somewhat happy to hear it. "please let's not dwell on this... what were you all talking about?, it sounded quite lively earlier", she smiled at them both as before nipping Ari's ear playfully She ushered him up with afew nudges, watching as her son collected his bowl and spoon and carefully placed them in the sink. He dipped his head to them all before prancing out of the room. Riviera watched him go before pulling his glass over to her, carefully filling it before taking a quick sip. "and please do continue. Dont let my return stop you from what it is you were doing". She bobbed her head to them as she finished speaking, nursing her glass near the edge of the table. It had a flat surface to keep it straight so at least it wouldn't fall like the last one
post: #12 WC: #211 |
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Post by brittlewren on Nov 16, 2018 4:06:03 GMT -6
JAYA Kumara and Mohini smiled warmly as Riviera reassured them, happy to hear that she felt well enough to say so. "We were just telling little Ari about how I taught Jaya, and telling him about how Mali Ouko travels with her job so much. She loves that pickled cucumber salad Jaya makes, it's a shame she couldn't join us tonight." Mohini gushed, shifting her weight as she took a sip from her cup. Kumara adjusted his bowl and silverware, piling Mohini's and Gauri's on top to politely indicate that they'd finished. "Thankyou for dinner Jaya, it was lovely." He added, looking to Gauri when he finished. "Gauri, would you clean up for us please? I'm sure Jaya and Riviera are tired and would like to head to bed." Gauri dipped his head, pulling the empty bowls and cutlery towards him with his teke. "I'll wash up, if you'd just like to put them in the sink." Jaya offered as Gauri passed him. "The four of you look more tired than I feel," He joked, finishing off his drink and adjusting the now empty pitcher. "Go get some rest, I'll see you all in the morning." "Keen to see us out are you?" Kumara raised an eyebrow, face cracking into a laugh as he shook his head. "I'm not quite tired enough for bed yet, so I might go and talk to Ari - he seems wide awake! And I still owe him a sweet thanks to you lot." Mohini kissed him on the cheek as he stood, and watched him before smiling at the pair. "Goodnight you two, hope you're feeling better in the morning Riviera." She picked herself up clumsily, and followed Gauri from the room. The remaining ice rattled around in the bottom of the glass jug as Jaya pulled it towards him, standing and making his way to the kitchen. Thankfully they hadn't been suspicious about the earlier incident, but had allowed it to slide. He scraped the remaining sauce and rice into separate containers, setting them down in the ice box to keep for later, and piled the dirty bowls and saucepans into the already crowded sink.
WC: 360 Post #12 |
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Post by Warped-Desire on Nov 22, 2018 0:47:43 GMT -6
Riviera gave them a warm smile as they finished up, rising to her feet as they did to show them her respect. She dipped her head, "Please enjoy the rest of your evening... Jaya and I are perfectly capable and happy to clean up", she nodded slowly and pulled what was left on the table towards herself. She drank the rest of her drink before stacking all the bits and pieces together. She sucked in a breath as she lifted them with her teke, carrying them carefully over to the sink without incident, "Where is the dish towel?" she asked Jaya, turning around to search for it She fell pretty quiet after Jayas family left the table, she had a tight feeling in her chest and almost knew her husband wanted to talk... even when she finally located the dish towel she stayed fairly quiet, pulling the towel over her withers as she stacked the dishes all together and started filling the sink. All she could think was what was to come, with Jaya's family gone in the other room there was the chance to speak to her privately, "I know what your going to say... please... just say it. I dont want to start a fight"
post: #13 WC: #210 |
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Post by brittlewren on Nov 23, 2018 6:11:08 GMT -6
Surprised when Riviera offered to help, his stomach twisted as she set down the remaining dishes next to the sink. She asked for the dish towel, and he swallowed hard. He had a quick glance around, but she'd managed to locate it before he could say anything. He filled a large teapot with water from the tap, and heated it over the stove to wash the dishes. He felt himself shuffling his wings awkwardly, but he didn't know what else to do- to say, even when Riviera quietly asked him to speak his mind. He didn't know what was on his mind other than confusion. Why didn't she bring it up earlier? Why now? Did she think it would help? What made her want another child? Rifling through the questions in his mind wasn't going to help, he knew that. But in some way he felt he was preparing himself, to try and answer her fully. He'd been thinking about expanding their little family, but he'd been worried about bringing it up. What if it struck a nerve? The teapot whistled, and he jumped, reaching for the teapot and dousing the dishes in hot water. "I don't know Riviera," He sighed, watching the soap drizzle over the stacked dishes. "Why now? When did you start considering it?" He waited for a moment, for clarification or just to remind himself of the task at hand, before beginning to scrub distractedly at the dishes.
WC: 242 Post #13 |
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Post by Warped-Desire on Nov 24, 2018 3:38:45 GMT -6
Riviera's lip quivered as he spoke, the silence had almost been too much but she was atleast relieved somewhat when the silence was broken, "I... I had been thinking about it before the earthquake .. I had thought about asking you. Talking about it..." She told him quietly, shaking her head. She sucked in a hard breath past the growing lump in her throat, turning to stare him directly in the eyes before she spoke again, "But after... I had thought I'd lost Ari, our son... my son. The moment I got him back I knew what I wanted... and even with my head and my teke... it's still all I want" Riviera shook her head before finally pulling away her gaze, looking down at her hooves as she allowed Jaya to process all she had said. She loved him as much as she could have, the last few years with him had been easier and brighter then she had ever thought... after the earthquake he had even been comforting and helpful to her, finding herself loving him with more and more of herself every day she just couldn't find the courage to bring it up. Now it was here and out in the open... she hoped he wouldn't hate the idea
post: #14 WC: #213 |
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Post by brittlewren on Nov 25, 2018 4:45:09 GMT -6
Jaya watched Riviera as she spoke, quietly picking away at a stubborn bit of grime stuck in one of the saucepans. He hated seeing her so anxious, she could be so much stronger than she thought. His thoughts silently ticked over as he listened, unintentionally picking apart her body language and tone. Dousing the troubling scrap of sauce in water, he scrubbed at it gently, repeatedly, in an attempt to free it from the pan. The motion his teke made was rhythmic, repetitively circling the bottom and sides of the pan until he was satisified with its condition. Dousing it in water, he flipped it over to examine the bottom for any darkened areas that needed cleaning. "...It's still all I want."The lump in his throat rose again, and he turned to face her - not in a threatening way, or at least not intentionally, he wanted her to be able to speak her mind and feel comfortable opening up to him, especially with such a sensitive topic. He worried for her, what it would do to her, after her previous experience with Ari's biological father. Itching his hock with his back hoof, he searched her eyes as she pulled away. "I want it too." He murmered quietly. "Ari is our son, you don't have to worry over how I feel about him." Did she worry that much before the earthquake? "I'm just- It's an uncertain time at the moment, people are picking their things and themselves back together - not to say that I don't want another child, I do, I just think it would be better to wait a little while." He trailed off, glancing back at the dirty sink. "Is that okay?"
WC: 283 Post #14 |
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Post by Warped-Desire on Nov 25, 2018 4:59:30 GMT -6
Riviera felt her heart skip a beat when the words came out of his mouth, 'I want it too', they lingered in her mind as he continued on and all she could think was what could be in their future. Her little world was shattered though when the next words came out of his mouth. Sure the world had rumbled and shaken and they were picking through the rubble that had become their lives but her heart... her heart only craved one thing and Jaya was the only one who could give that to her, whom she wanted to give that to her She craved so much but for the moment he didn't want to give her what she sought till they were sure of everything. "if you want to wait... if you prefer to wait till our lives and home are back together then I understand. I will wait if that is what you want". She moved over and nuzzled against him, he chest pressed to his as she snuggled close to him, burying her face deep into his feathers. She let out a soft breath and closed her eyes, "Then I'll wait... because I know you want it too"
post: #15 WC: #204 |
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