Author: Undine, Posted: Wed Jan 9, 2019 1:13 PM, Post Subject: In Plain Sight [P,R]

Undine offered a subtle nod towards the word she had spoken. He had repeated it but she knew it was because he was always truly warm. He was beginning to understand the things that she was discovering. The way the pair felt together and how they felt apart. How fate was making it so much more than it had to be… But was it really fate or was it each other dancing closer together in the storm? The sea demoness did not know.

Out on the sea she had seen many different types of water vessels but these were much different than anything she had ever encountered. Her lips pursed as she listened in to what gambling was and what type of things were on the boats. Undine had proven to be a fairly quick learner and Sol was a damn good teacher which made Undine learn faster. As a sea demon, she was good at deceit since that was what she required for survival.

Her blue eyes moved up to Sol’s red ones before they stepped onto the ship. Her flamboyant nature was toned down but not out of the need to but because she was simply out of her element. She hid what she was easily enough behind pleasant smiles and batting eyelashes. Even in such a diverse place like this a demon who feasted on flesh wasn’t overly welcomed with warmth.

The couple found a table and he showed her the different hands and rules of the game. There were eyes preying on them at all times. Her hair would stand straight when someone’s eyes lingered for too long on her but she was focused on learning this game. Sol kept the lessons going until she had a good grasp of the game. It was simple. It was not only a game of deceit but also of observation. Two things that she was rather good at.

Her eyes slid over the tables around them and she noticed just how sinful these creatures were. Even she could see cheaters but that was the name of the game. They couldn’t get caught and they were lucky that Undine wasn’t the one hunting them. However, she would have to be on the lookout for cheaters at her own table.

“One game is enough for me to learn tonight… I am sure we will learn the others with time Sol.” Her voice was soft but only because of the amount of talking, laughing, and other things about. She made sure he could see her lips moving just in case her voice could not reach him. These crowds were new to her and it made her skin crawl. So many unknowns for a demon who bathed in them. This would take some getting used to indeed.

“Such skills are ones I picked up a long time ago just not for a silly game.” Once they spoke of a person and their tells it brought her back to the table. “It’s a good way to find a liar or find out what a person likes the most.” She pushed herself up off of her stood and held out her hand. “I am fine with looking at the tables. I am not overly confident in myself but we’ll see how I do.” Sol should have been enough for at least knowing. It appeared to Undine that this would be a good way to make money… and to make pacts. As she heard others losing everything they owned because of one stupid bet. Yes, they could use this.

“Let’s try a few hands then?”

Author: Sol Norcross, Posted: Mon Jan 7, 2019 3:51 PM, Post Subject: In Plain Sight [P,R]

“The warmth…” The demon found himself uttering those simple words, but then reminding himself that he was speaking to a sea demon. Polar opposites the two were, but somehow…found comfort in the other, not that he was open to admit it just yet. Both terrible dealings with one of their parents- with Undine, it was her mother and him, his father. It was because of that they both were also cast away in slumber until they were awakened, either by right or escape. The more he thought about it, the more it seemed obvious that they were alike more so than he had originally felt.

The bands would be enough to secure their story, which suited him finely. It seemed to fit Undine as well. Now there would be no question whatsoever on their legitimacy as a married couple. At least even if his father had sent agents to look for them, they would never look for a pair that was wedded, or at least claimed to be. But in a large city like Jayou, it appeared hard to find one’s own self let alone someone else. Despite nightfall taking life, they were met with unnatural lights that filled the air all around. Much has changed in the world for one that lived most of his time on the island of Abed. The large boats that sailed about the rivers also were quite the surprise. Sol looked on with interest as he led Undine around until he decided to take to one of the boats that were anchoring to release its guests and welcome new ones. “Gambling? It’s not too difficult but the game isn’t the only thing you’d have to watch. The other players…the dealers…the setting itself, there are many obstacles that will try to throw you off or take advantage of you. It's more of a game of intellect, having to outsmart everything and everyone while luring them into traps.” Sol had his fair share of risking thing, and a game of cards and such was only just another risk they would have to take.

“Of course, we too can play such games with them.” Stepping onto the ship, he managed to gain a table that was empty at the time and while its dealer was away, he took the deck and started to show her the different cards as well as the tiers of hands that could be achieved during. He made sure that she got a good grasp of poker before he was satisfied.

“As long as we know of the opponents’ hands, we can judge and play our hands accordingly. As far as with the other games, we’d have to study them with care, never been one that gambles too often myself. ”, he explained as he shuffled the deck some more and pointed out some more hand combinations. “Another good thing to look out for tells. Everyone has one- a face twitch, fingers moving in some manner, eyes looking about. Probably won’t be able to see the tells until a few rounds in. From there, you can see whether they have good hands or bad. If bad, look to see the tells more when they try to bluff. Anyway, shall we check out the other tables? Not too familiar with the other games.”

Author: Undine, Posted: Fri Nov 16, 2018 2:27 AM, Post Subject: In Plain Sight [P,R]

Undine’s usually cold blue eyes looked Sol over as he grabbed a towel to dry himself with. There was a playful glint that appeared in them like they normally did once in a blue moon. “I could have anyone I wanted if I tried.” She was teasing him mostly. “I’m not eager because sex isn’t the top thing on my list to really worry about… I like the connection and feel I get with you. The warmth. Something probably only someone like you could do.” Undine was lazy by nature and the ‘if I tried’ part was probably the funniest thing she said. Undine didn’t try unless she absolutely had to. She was motivated by few things in life except her own goals and now Sol.

In short, she liked Sol for Sol. It was an odd concept when both of their families were screaming at the other that they were crazy individually. Sol was told that Undine was a crazy psychopathic siren who ate everything she came across… Undine was told that Sol was so prideful he would destroy not only her but himself as well. Both statements held some form of truth to them. The siren wasn’t about to let the djinn kill himself over his pride. That was why she had chosen to stay so that she didn’t have to have a world without him in it.

Blue eyes danced over him intrigued as he finally gave in and spoke the words she had wanted. Undine could feel him opening up to her and this pleased her greatly. Wrapping the towel about her form she too made her way back to the room. At least she had another dress for the night out as it was. Though she tilted her head as she watched the guard give Sol a simple pair of silver bands. “They smell without blood too… Flawless.” Her eyes drifted to the door and she chuckled a bit. “A man of talents I would say.” Her attention was drawn back to the ring as he put it onto her finger. It was almost a perfect fit. The ring spun only a little but with her ever watchful eye it would not fall off.

“Aye, I’ve heard nothing but good things about it.” She let her hair down for the nightlife. Taking his arm in hers they went down the stairs and bid farewell for now to their caretaker. The whole area was light up with magic lights. The boats were like dancing fireworks on the waters. The noises were cheerful and full of excitement.

There were brothels, gambling houses, and other establishments that began to litter the cityscape the farther into Jayou they went. “What should we try first Sol?” Her eyes drifted up to him. “I’ve never gambled before…”

Author: Sol Norcross, Posted: Thu Sep 27, 2018 3:19 PM, Post Subject: In Plain Sight [P,R]

Sol didn’t think a possible meeting with his father would end well; at best he would lock his son away and send Undine back to her father. At worse…well, he didn’t want to think about that. Beneath the cool exterior of his, he was a murderer. Sure, most of the time the blood didn’t end up being on his hands, but it might as well have been. The man could speak to someone so polite and yet not even as much as bat an eye when he caused their demise. He had the pleasure of seeing such things in his youth, and was reason for him to fester further contempt for the devil.

The djinn didn’t compare himself to her former lover, which furthered his confusion over the matter. Although the man did come to his mind, it wasn’t of comparison of himself to him. But all the same, he figured that her words would apply in this manner like any other. She was right- he couldn’t betray her due to the oath he made with her father. While Sol didn’t consider himself an honorable man, what he did technically fit the bill when it came to making sure that he got her from her dear old dad. Even if it was because she was necessary for his plans, or at least it had been just that.

The warmth of the water pale in comparison that he felt from their bodies as their mingled together and the next few hours passed by in bliss. Aside from some water that splashed out of the tub, there had been no damage. He had been resting while Undine appeared to be doing the same as the coldness of the water was kept at bay by his body heat. Sofly did his eyes stir as her voice reached him and then got off him and out of the tub. He started to follow suit, the cold air hitting him as well before taking his first step out. Sol had just made out completely when Undine spoke up and made him freeze up slightly. It would have been easier to believe that she was interested in him in that manner because he was powerful or that he was tied to her by that oath. But he wasn’t stupid- it was for neither reason. “I…figured as much. You seem to be the type to be very selective and not too eager like other women.” Taking one of the free towels, he started drying off his hair and then body.

“I doubt anyone at all can hold my attention like you could, either”, he spoke as he wrapped the towel around his waist. There was a different feel to him instead of his usual indifference. It was slow, but he was starting to open up a bit more to the woman. As much as he was worn out from their activity, she was right- they would have to be going out pretty sure. With that in mind, he headed out of the washroom and gave the guard instructions to seek out some items for them. From there, he ventured into the room and got dressed for a night out on the town. As regal as his clothing was, there was one thing missing and it came when the guard returned with a pair of rings. Taking them, he dismissed him and slid one of them onto his finger. “Not sure how he did it, but I did say to do whatever it took.” He moved over to her and slid it onto hers as well. “Guess we should see what all the fuss is about with this place then…”

Author: Undine, Posted: Thu Sep 27, 2018 10:17 AM, Post Subject: In Plain Sight [P,R]

“I have a feeling if I came face to face with your father we wouldn’t be having a lovely chat about how he was right.” There was dark humor in her voice but still, she gave him an amused look. Though the moment he shrugged it off she stopped the conversation where it had been. She knew that Xunatar was a sore spot for him and didn’t press matters when it came to him. Still, everything was turning towards personal matters for the two of them.

For the first time in perhaps the whole while they had been working together she saw a change in his expressions when she brought up what she wanted. Tilting her head. “Let me explain something to you to make it more clear why this is okay. You are not him. You have honor and a pride for being the man you are and you wouldn’t just do something to me unless you thought I was useless. Which brings me to the other reason. Even if you wanted to hurt me, you cannot. You will die if you betray me. This makes you perhaps the only person I can truly be open with and safe around. I am not choosing you because of this though. There is so much more to my feelings than that but it is a reason to tell you that it will be alright for me.”

Undine’s hands gave his hands a squeeze with gently grips. Soon he was wrapped around her and she could feel his heart against his chest as they lost the distance between them. Instead of confirming it for the final time she returned his kiss with how she was feeling. Slow and sensual was the way the rest of the evening progressed. The waters cooled a bit and Undine found herself against him for the warmth. Her blue eyes were closed and her breaths were shallow as if she was asleep. However, once she felt the pull of the moon she opened her eyes a bit and nuzzled her head against his neck. “It’s almost time to go out… I suppose we should get out of the tub.”

She didn’t know if he had anything to tell her. She didn’t know if he knew how to tell her anything but they could at least work on it together. Pulling herself from his body she let a shiver out at the cold air before making her way over to a set of towels so she could dry herself off. “I wouldn’t have anyone else for my partner but you… you know that right?” Her blue eyes drifted over to him so she could see his face during that confession. He was one of the only ones she let have a bit of control over her. It had been fun but also enlightening for her.

Author: Sol Norcross, Posted: Wed Sep 26, 2018 6:52 PM, Post Subject: In Plain Sight [P,R]

“Don’t tell him that if you ever come to face with him. It would only stroke his ego greater.” Sol shrugged it off, for the time being, not wanting his father to be right all the damn time. It was aggravating to say the least. The conversation would soon fade from that and drift over towards the two of them. It was awkward to speak of it but the more that was hashed out, the easier it seemed to get. Sol was taught not to show weakness and that emotions were clearly just that, according to his father. The only one that had been exposed by him since his youth was that of anger over the wrongs done to him. Anything else seemed very foreign to him. Sol was complicated beyond the usual scowls and hunger for power.

Perhaps he could have worded his question better; it was a bit after he said it that Undine could have possibly taken it as an offense. Nothing in this world was free and he believed that her decision to stick with him through anything would cost something. When it became clear to him that he had made a mistake, he went to say something when her lips pressed against his. His words, along with his breath was stolen and she gave him her demands. His usual stoic look fell for once as he learned where she was going with this. He was a proud dem…no, he was a proud man, always had been. Admitting things was not his forte, but he had let the thoughts linger too often. Those damn people calling them a couple or believing that she was his wife… He didn’t think love was possible, that it was confused too many times with lust. While Sol could trust Undine, did that mean he felt something more for her?

Looking at her, it was becoming clear that she did. “The last person you trusted in this manner ended up betraying you. You are saying that you would go through it again? I don’t quite…understand it.” His lips fell into a frown, but not out of sadness but of trying to understand all of this. His breaths slowed down as he contemplated everything that had just gone on. She was right though, he was very stubborn for his own good. His hands were wrapped with her dainty ones and when she kissed him again, he started to cave as his lips moved against hers. He released her hands only to wrap his arms around her waist and pulled her against him, closing any space that was between them.

Sol’s exhales quickened with anticipation as he stared into her blue orbs, “If that is what you want, then fine.” The demon moved in to kiss her this time, his hands gripping at the small of her back, enjoying the smooth, wet skin.

Author: Undine, Posted: Wed Sep 26, 2018 6:07 PM, Post Subject: In Plain Sight [P,R]

Undine chuckled a bit and shook her head. “He isn’t wrong. We are as temperamental as the sea we come from… However, once we find someone we value we tend to control ourselves a bit more. We too feel the pull of the moons and it can aggravate us but I assure you he is right. You should never approach the demons of the sea without a bargaining chip.”

She pet his face and nodded to him. “That’s true… It has taken a long time for both of us to cater to one another. For both of our wants we’ve worked together and bonded.” They had learned together. His reactions were different to her like he was coming to terms with them but not used to them. He was much like her in that aspect.

Still, she listened to him and for a split second, she thought about her price. She wasn’t something to be bought though and soon the word price made her have a sour taste in her mouth. Instead, she pulled him to her and kissed him. “My price Sol?” She tilted her head. “I want you to be more open with me when we’re in private. I will hold your secrets and everything you have on yourself. I’ve never once steered you wrong and I stayed with you even during the hard times after I said I wouldn’t. You once told me that you thought love and trust weren’t really true.” She took his hands into hers and looked at them for a few long moments. “But maybe you just didn’t have the right person to trust. I just want you to know its okay to be open with me because I support you. Even if I wasn’t tied to you by an oath I would stay now.” Still, she smiled and kissed him again. "I also know you are stubborn though."

Author: Sol Norcross, Posted: Wed Sep 26, 2018 4:39 PM, Post Subject: In Plain Sight [P,R]

Aside from his imprisonment, this was one of the lowest points of his life- living as a refugee hiding from his powerful daddy. But he was still alive and breathing for another day and everything wasn’t completely terrible. As much as he would refrain from speaking it, he was being tended to by a powerful and beautiful woman in a bath. Soft breaths seeped from his chest as he felt her hard at work washing his head. “My father…warned me about your sort. Sea demons can be hard to deal with, especially with my kind. Then again, he liked to talk like he knew everything.” Xunatar was powerful and knowledgeable but even he had his weak points and it was difficult to tell the forest from the tree when he was involved.

“You simply wish to know where you stand in this world. A world that was thrust upon you when you were killed…” Sol could understand a bit about that, at least when he had been as young as she was. The hands of fate guided him to become the man he was, for better or for worse. It just took quite a good while for it to usher him into the right direction. For Undine, it was hard to say if it would be just as kind to her. He still didn’t quite get why she didn’t run, or perhaps it was much more that he didn’t let himself understand it. His eyes darted open when she spoke of his magic; no matter how much he would have refused it, they both knew that she was right so what was the point in fighting it? His hair felt more cleansed and refreshing but his focus was over their conversation that was growing more…intimate for a lack of a better word. It was clear from his reaction that he wasn’t used to these.

“It’s foolishness to toss around trust like a free coin. It has to be earned, we both know that. But I suppose that I do with you.” It was his way of saying that he did have trust with her, only after they had been acquainted for so long. His shoulders fell and his breathing quickened a bit; Sol listened and thought as she spoke of how empty she had felt and that he had filled that void somehow. It made him think about his past, which he wasn’t keen on remembering because of how Xunatar was as a father. Sol had the weigh on his shoulders as his heir and was put through hell and back to make sure he was as his father wanted him. The world hardly saw that out of the demon king but he still remembered.

“The past holds many scars for me, that’s why I look forward and I look to achieve my goals so that it would be all worth it. The pain suffered, the trials I was forced to endure, the treatment placed onto me by Father… I simply can’t let it all go to waste. But I do know back then and even now, I can’t do it by myself. As much as I dislike it, I do have to rely on such support. If that’s your wish, then so be it. You can name your price, Undine, and I will pay for it.”

Author: Undine, Posted: Wed Sep 26, 2018 3:40 PM, Post Subject: In Plain Sight [P,R]

Undine watched Sol in a way she probably hadn’t before that moment. Things that she hadn’t noticed were being noticed now. Together they relaxed in the tub and she smirked a bit as he nodded at her and allowed her to turn to straddle against his lap. “Normally they don’t… No.” She used some of the things next to the tub to sud his hair after she used magic to wet his hair. Her fingers scrubbed at his locks and she thought about it. “However, my father used to tell me that being opposites… isn’t always a bad thing. People who are too alike become too complacent with each other and lose sight. Fire and water keep each other in check because they have to be aware of each other.”

Her voice was soft and nearly dead quiet. However, he called her out on something and she smirked a bit more. “I did didn’t I?” She tilted her head. “My goal for my life Sol… I’ve never told you.” Her eyes narrowed a bit. “Because it isn’t something people can help with or at least I thought. I want to find myself. Truly understand myself. To do that I cannot die or be put asleep. However, things change and I will never be the first one to admit I was wrong.”

Her hands were soft against his hair. “Because when the moment came that I could run from you and be safe. When they gave me that out. I could have taken it but I did not. Maybe it is because I feel like a part of myself rests with you. Not that I would run myself through the mud to be near but I could not just let you die. It’s why I yelled at my father the way I did when he captured me. I was so busy worrying about you that I couldn’t get the spells out fast enough. Even though you never say it… I can tell when your magic is there and when it isn’t.”

There was a chuckle from her lips once more as she thought about it and gently brought up the warm water to wash the soap out. The water stopped from hitting the floor and instead moved itself over his shoulders. “And you said you didn’t trust. We only know of each other really. However, gradually I have felt that shift.” After the soap was gone she cupped his face. “The unspoken talks we have often say much more than words ever could. Let me tell you my secret,” she hesitated for a moment. “I may have been given all the power in the world but I feel so empty and… I feel like I’m missing something. It’s probably a result of being killed so young but I do know that I feel a sense of warmth with you recently. It dulls the pain in the back of my mind. I don’t mind giving you all of my support for that reason even if you may not feel the same way or even understand.”

Author: Sol Norcross, Posted: Wed Sep 26, 2018 3:22 PM, Post Subject: In Plain Sight [P,R]

For two people that have been mainly isolated to their own devices and were vastly different element-wise, they seem to have a sort of understanding with one another. Sol wouldn’t be quick to admit it, but Undine was practically the only person to get this close to him. His own family didn’t even qualify in that situation- many of them he couldn’t stand, especially mindless beasts like Samyaza and Keres. Trust wasn’t a thing he put much into but she would be the only one that he could give given their predicament.

It showed a bit when he moved his touch away from her scar, not having known that it had been there this entire time. Even more was that he was vulnerable once they made their way into the washroom where he was physically exposed. On his left upper arm were markings in the form of Abedian symbols; he had them put on back when he was at the top of the underbelly. It served as a reminder of what he was working towards and he would get it back one way or another. It wasn’t difficult to see that Undine hadn’t been one for dresses like the one she stripped off her form. Her nudity was a common thing for him to see, so he didn’t bother to shy his eyes off her as she made her way into the tub to join him. Sol shifted enough and even now as she laid on him, he felt her soft form mesh against him. He remained reclined against the tub’s end, his head hung back at the edge before crimson eyes fell upon hers.

There was likely plenty of things that were unsaid between them as they enjoyed the bath water and he nodded towards her suggestion and closed his eyes to ready himself. It was still very odd that people actually believed them to be a couple. First that stranger at the rest stop and now the innkeeper. “Fire and Water…hardly mix well together.” It may have seemed like random mumblings while she washed his hair, but it did break the silence.

“You said it earlier that you do not like playing dangerous games. You have also said before that when push comes to shove, you’d flee in case things got too crazy. Yet, you didn’t when our siblings went after us.” He wasn’t used to having an actual conversation with another person about themselves, but it had been on his mind a couple of times while they traveled. Sol leaned his head back slightly as he felt her hands surfing through his ebony locks. “I know of you, but I don’t know you exactly, Undine.“

Author: Undine, Posted: Wed Sep 26, 2018 2:38 PM, Post Subject: In Plain Sight [P,R]

Undine held a smile at first. “I know port towns but that’s… barely the case. Rarely before you did I ever even think of going on land and I wouldn’t have been caught dead walking into the mainland. It makes me defenseless for the most part and I am not the type who likes playing dangerous games.” So why was she so eager to be with him now? This was a dangerous game they were playing.

Her blue eyes watched his as they narrowed to hers. There was a silent knowing but also there was the way she tilted her head. She didn’t need to tell him he didn’t need to put an act on with her. He should have known already. Although she had her doubts if he would admit to trusting her. He trusted her enough to go all in on her existence.

Once his hands shifted she gave him a light smile. “It’s just my scar from the captain. That’s all… I don’t think anyone has ever rubbed it before.” Except maybe Sol during their intercourse. He probably hadn’t even noticed it before she had said something.

Once they were in the washroom she started to unbutton her dress and let all the pieces slide off. It was troublesome how noble women dressed on the mainland and it showed by her frustrated face. Still she didn’t complain as the last piece slid off and she undid the braid in her hair. Long brown curls flowed to the mid of her back as she pulled them all back up so she could tie them in a bun on the crown of her head.

Once he was settled in and made his little noise of relief she turned to him. She walked over and slid into the tub. Her legs didn’t transform making it more comfortable as she nuzzled her head against his and slid down under her head was snuggled against his chest. “This is nice… Exactly what we needed.” Her eyes turned up to him as she leaned her head back. Sol was quite a bit bigger than she was which made a scene a bit funny to her but since the man back at the small rest stop she had been wondering how everyone else saw them. She knew better than to ask Sol.

“Do you want me to wash your hair for you?”

Author: Sol Norcross, Posted: Tue Sep 25, 2018 11:39 PM, Post Subject: In Plain Sight [P,R]

Sol was hardly honorable by any means, only doing so when it was absolutely necessary. Aside from that, he was very selfish and self-centered. So it was understandable that she was skeptical about his recent actions. He didn’t pay such little things that much mind, but Undine was curious about it all the same. There was a time where he didn’t used to have to think of such unnecessary things and sometimes he longed for it to come back. All that mattered was his goals back then. “I’m not too familiar with the workings of the mainland. My focus had been Abed, even now I feel its call to me. The rest of the world is an enigma to me.”

His eyes lifted to hers and narrowed slightly, “It doesn’t matter, my strength’s been returning to me in the last few months and it won’t take much for me to dispatch any threats. Your prey will come to you, don’t fret about that.” Although her concerns were acknowledged, he couldn’t very well admit that since he still had some of his pride and he wasn’t one to look weak in front of another. Prior to coming to Jayou, Sol had been making certain that his magic was coming back, especially late at night when he would summon forth flames to test how much stronger he was getting. It was close to his actual power, but still it was lacking a bit. But it wouldn’t be too much longer though. His fingers stopped once he felt her reaction towards one of her thighs and shifted them away.

While he thought of what to do until nightfall came and they could explore the real sights of the city, Undine suggested a bath which made him think for a bit before accepting. One of the guards were taken to keep watch while they prepared and readied the tub. Steamy warm water was poured into it, accompanied with scented oils before he undressed and slipped into it first. It had been a while since he could actually enjoy a bath himself. All this running and hiding was tiresome but at least they were safe. The warmth comforted his skin rather nicely and he let out a sigh of relief as he sank further into the tub. Leaning against one end of it, he watched and waited for Undine to accompany him in.

Author: Undine, Posted: Sun Sep 23, 2018 7:56 PM, Post Subject: In Plain Sight [P,R]

Undine was giggling much like a school girl at that point when she saw the look on his face. While he rubbed her legs she tilted her head. “This is me relaxed. I’ve just never had you care whether you were forced to or not.” It was drastically new for her. Aside from him waking her up this was perhaps only the second time he had done such a thing. “That sounds wise when it comes to a diplomat anyways. Wouldn’t want to leave an ill woman alone.” Especially since she had sold herself as possibly being with child.

The wedding band comment made him stall rubbing her legs for a moment before he continued. “You are right about that. I’m used to seamen and creatures of the deep. What little interaction I’ve had with land dwellers has pretty much between you and yours. Aside from Aarav, that is.” However, her old lover was now dead and she hadn’t quite learned as much about land life from him as she did from Sol. The way she said it so calmly meant she had finally let it go. She hadn’t been as angry lately since she had left the sea months ago. Whether it be the ocean tides that provoked her or how tired she was from having land legs. Or… just maybe she had the control to keep herself calm this whole time.

“If you do… Please be careful. The reason why I have said the things I did was to make sure you were safe from harm. It is not I that is being hunted. My power and strength are not worth anything here, not with the vast ocean so far between us. I would appreciate it if it meant not getting ill. I do not wish to feel that way again.” Her time aboard that ship as captive sent shivers down her spine. She remembered much of their torture. She shivered once more once his fingers touched the scar from where her scales were pulled off. The slight indentation on her skin was a dead give away. The discoloration of her skin was another. Her scales could grow back but the scars still remained. Such was life after all.

“We have some time before we go out and see the city.” She pulled herself up and took hold of his shoulders. “What should we do until then?” There were only a few possibilities. They could sleep but the possibility of them not waking up in time for the nightlife was there. She tilted her head. “We could have a nice bath. It has been a while since we bathed… At least for real.” Not counting the times she had played in the water to bring the moisture back into her skin.

Author: Sol Norcross, Posted: Sun Sep 23, 2018 7:31 PM, Post Subject: In Plain Sight [P,R]

Never would Undine saw Sol with such a dumbfounded look on his face as he had right now. His jaw could have fallen onto the floor with what she had meant with that moonblood talk. Suddenly it all made sense with the whole carrying business the innkeeper had said and he felt all but stupid at the realization. “Ignorance is bliss, indeed”, he groaned. He couldn’t even entertain the thought of having a baby at all- a child was the absolute last thing he ever needed, ever! But Undine had been quick on her feet to garner the innkeeper's sympathy. And it had worked after all, much to their luck.

Sol looked at her nonchalantly while he continued to rub at her legs. “Relax. I’m doing this because I can’t afford you to be hurting while we go out. It would be foolhardy for me to let you go like this and we run into trouble later down the road.” He didn’t need for her to get the wrong idea about all this- he had made the deal to keep her safe, and if she wasn’t well or hurt, then she wouldn’t have been safe, right? “I’ll have to have at least one of the followers to play guard for you when you bathe and give you a warning when she’s coming then.”

His hands worked against her legs, merely halting when she mentioned getting wedding bands for the two of them to keep up the act. He thought for a moment before his hands went back to work. She was right, of course. All they would have to do is find such a way to earn the silver necessary for the rings. “You have been watching people a lot. Seclusion had made you curious- it’s only natural.” Sol’s hands made their way up to her thighs, his hands grew warmer as he firmly massaged them. “It could, but I doubt that you should do it for very long. Like you had said, this city is full of people that come in and out of this city all the time. Who’s going to miss any stragglers that suddenly go missing? I can at least make sure that you get such a meal so that you don’t have to deal with the sickness.”

Author: Undine, Posted: Sun Sep 23, 2018 5:13 PM, Post Subject: In Plain Sight [P,R]

Just like the talented demon, she knew he was Sol caught on and acted the part of the loving husband. Her hands went to his and rested on them as he held her. “What a nice set of manners you have young man. Reminds me of my son before he moved off to be an alchemist.” The old woman seemed rather proud of her son and Undine noted it for later use if needed.

Undine couldn’t help her laughter as he blurted it out to her his question. She quickly took a pillow to cover her voice for a few moments before her blue eyes looked out to him. “Moonblood is what we woman folk call the monthly bleeding we go through if we’re not pregnant. I told her I might be pregnant with your baby after all. Pregnant women get a lot of sympathies after all.”

Tilting her head she nodded. “That would be best. This city is supposed to come alive at night. We might find information or even a steady flow of silver to get better lodgings.” She watched him warm up his hands before he set to massaging her legs. A pleasured moan left her lips as she laid back on the bed. Her eyes were on the ceiling as she thought about it more.

“You would think but I’ve not used my legs that much ever in my life. I’m sure I’ll get used to it eventually now that we’re here… I can’t very well live in these ways. I’m going to have to use a tub to stretch my fins and carefully at that if she is wanting to tend to me.” Undine was going to let it go and she wanted to but once more her head rolled to the side so she could look at him. “It’s not like you to care for my well being. I mean I know you have an oath to keep Sol but…” She wasn’t about to die from her legs hurting her. Still, she let the words die on her lips. If he was fine with it she would drop it.

The look on her face was more of being puzzled by his actions. She liked it though and it was helping her. “We’ll probably have to purchase wedding bands with the first batch of silver we get if we really want to play this. A doting couple would do that first I think… At least from how I’ve been watching people.” It was after all how she came up with the little story. She had been watching all along. “Food is a priority though… for me it will be harder. Though that might play to our advantage. I will get weaker here not being able to eat flesh. I suppose I could get sick but for us, that would work well with what I’ve woven so far. I can survive even if I only eat regular food. Just won’t be very pleasant.”

Author: Sol Norcross, Posted: Sun Sep 23, 2018 4:58 PM, Post Subject: In Plain Sight [P,R]

As much of a culture shock (as well as with the rest of their new environments) provided for him, it was much more of a case for Undine. Sol had paid attention to how she fared, especially when it came to fresh water. It didn’t take long for him to be reminded that she probably only knew of seawater in this world. Nor did the inhabitants help with the matter with their last encounter having someone believe that the two were a couple, let along married. Those thoughts entered Sol’s mind once they got into the inn and watched her change demeanors. While he knew it was a ploy to take advantage of the workers, she damn sure nearly had him convinced. It was strange to see Undine not act with that natural flair of hers but instead appear more like the women seen in the higher classes of society.

He stood by, strong and resilient-looking as he understood her deal and would pretend to be her husband. She was a good actress the more he observed and went over to stand close to her, holding onto her shoulders as she acted up a storm. When it came to the mentioning of moonblood, she had completely lost him and he tried to save face and keep attention away from him. But what the devil was moonblood? Whatever it was, it seemed to work as the woman sympathized with her. Carrying? He looked at his “wife” again and smiled as his hands held onto her more gently. “Yes, yes, of course. My men won’t mind a little work, madam.”

He didn’t particularly like the thought of his followers being used as the help, but the situation was out of his hands at this point and they had to do whatever necessary. He took hold of the key to the storage. “Yes, I’ll be right back…dove” He received the kiss before going back outside and instructed his men on what to do. Once that was settled, he made his way back into the inn and up to the room prepared for them. He peeked around the hall before closing the door and looked at Undine.

“What the hell is moonblood?”, he questioned as he approached her, arms crossed tightly together. As smart as he was, he didn’t really have the sort of knowledge that she had on such…delicate matters. Mainly because to him, they weren’t that important to learn back in his prime. “I suppose we should explore the city at night, seeing how that’s when the fun begins.” He hadn’t ignored her comment and looked onto her legs before he sat on the bed, warmed up his hands a bit and started to massage them firm enough to comfort them. ”You’d think you would be after months walking around this land. Perhaps we should have taken the airship instead. Then again, that’s an entirely different sort of beast to deal with.”

Author: Undine, Posted: Sun Sep 23, 2018 3:53 PM, Post Subject: In Plain Sight [P,R]

She tilted her head. “I have heard that Jayou is just a bit from Karith but before Baltil. It is a river trading city or so many say. Lots of people all year round and enough so that a pair of nobodies looking to hide could get lost. There’s also the underbelly of the city itself that might be useful. Groups have clashed for years there. That’s all I know about it… Aside from that it is a little bit inland. It is more like a resort town from the sounds of it… Though I only know that from the whispers and rumors.”

Undine raised her head ever so slightly, enough that she could nuzzle his face with her own. She was using herself to shield the light from him. The sunlit up all the colors in her hair that always seemed to be hidden by water or darkness. She rested herself upon a propped elbow as she took his hand and gently kissed each of his knuckles. Her movements seemed much better than the night before but there was still fatigue heavily featured in her eyes. Though she would never admit to being weak of any sort if someone were to point it out. She was stubborn like that.

“I bet we could catch an airship to Karith… I’ve never been on an airship before… It’s the last place they would think to look if it is a long trip.”

–

In the end, they had decided to travel by foot after making it to the mainland from a boat. This was the safest option they had decided. Though the mainland peaked her curiosity something bad. Her eyes were everywhere always jumping to whenever they would come across a water source. In the evenings when they were alone or knew they were safe she could take a swim in rivers. She had never tasted such water before. It was different for her. She had been a creature of the sea. She felt very much landlocked and she went stir crazy the first few nights.

Undine was a quick learner. She knew more about survival than she had let on as she traded her finer shells and gold for a quick set of nicer clothing. She looked oddly… normal. Her long normally wild hair was done in a braid for most of the trip. Along their journey, she had observed quite a bit. Her eyes were always watching and always studying. From the little roadhouses, they came across to the inns in small towns. She was always vigilant about watching behaviors that she wasn’t used to seeing.

There had been quite a few eyes on her as well. She had thought perhaps she didn’t mask herself well but there was no hiding her natural beauty even if she had dirt on her skin. Though it still unnerved her. She was used to luring in prey like sailors but she wasn’t used to being admired. They were just about to Jayou when they took their final rest. That was when she heard something that genuinely surprised her. “Mister, you are very lucky to have a pretty wife like that on your arm.” The man’s voice caught her off guard and she moved her face into Sol’s arm almost out of instinct. He hadn’t stayed long enough for Sol or herself to correct him but once they were in Jayou itself… It gave her an idea.

“Stay here,” she told Sol’s men but when she looked up at Sol they were beaming with an idea. She had noticed the small inn not far from where they had entered the city. In all the commotion, which was still making her dizzy, she pulled Sol inside with her. “Excuse me,” her voice was gentle and timid compared to how she normally she spoke. Her face naturally flushed at what she was about to do but it worked to her advantage.

“Can I help you?” It was an older woman who answered her call from behind the counter.

“Maybe…” She sounded so unsure she pried herself away from Sol for the moment. “We were on our way here when we lost all of our luggage, silver, and even our wedding bands.” The woman’s eyes got large at Undine. “I’m quite afraid that we have nowhere to go. I was hoping that perhaps my husband and I could at least work something out. We have our guard too that was sent with us. We are lesser nobles from across the sea and we were being sent for diplomacy reasons to strike a deal up north in the mountains. It’s been such a hard trip and I haven’t had my moonblood you see… So I’m very worried about…” Her face flushed more and the woman started to nod as Undine let her words drift off.

“Well, we’ll get you right taken care of. Can’t have a young woman who might be carrying out in these streets. We’ll put your guards to work and your husband can take care of you… I would suggest getting a job or two to make up for your losses so you can go up north but here in this city it can take a while.” The woman appeared to have a big heart as she narrowed her eyes on Sol. “Your guards do work around the inn and you can stay for however long it takes. Don’t expect the same kindness from the other folk here though.”

Undine’s face lit up as she was handed two keys. “I am giving you and your husband your own room but your guards will have to stay in the storeroom with the supplies… The big key is for the storeroom where they will stay… and the small key is for your room upstairs. It’s the only room on the left.”

“Oh! Thank you so much. I’ll make sure the boys get to work right away once they are rested.” The old lady looked them over once more before making her way into the storeroom to tidy up for the guards. Undine turned to Sol and took a silent sigh of relief as she gave him the storeroom key for the guards. “Why… don’t you go get the boys and I’ll go upstairs to rest. Don’t want to stress my body out too much just in case.” It was all a play but she was hoping Sol had caught on. With a gentle kiss to his lips like a married woman would she let him go on his way.

She made her way up the stairs carefully and got into their room. Collapsing on the bed she groaned a bit as her feet hurt. “I’m not used to land legs Sol,” Undine pouted at him quietly as he finally got into their room.

Author: Sol Norcross, Posted: Sun Sep 23, 2018 3:26 PM, Post Subject: In Plain Sight [P,R]

While he wasn’t too pleased with leaving what he had considered the closest thing to home, Sol knew that his father would send more assailants to come to subdue him. With Undine’s suggestion, they would leave for the mainland and travel far north to this Jayou place. Parting was sweet sorrow, but he promised himself that he would return to Abed and take it as his own when the dust settled. The entire trip was exhausting as he hadn’t endured a long voyage in centuries due to his imprisonment. Had Abed been a surprise to him over how it changed in his absence, then the mainland surely would have given him a heart attack. So many things that he could vaguely remember were gone and new settlements, cities and the land itself had changed. Sol couldn’t help but feel the slightest out of place with the times though he wouldn’t admit it unless it was squeezed out of the demon.

Was Undine coping any fairer than him?

The pair traveled with the few men that he still had to guard them with the insignificant lives they held. The journey seemed endless when in reality it had been about two months that he had to secretly look over his shoulder, half expecting for Keres and Samyaza or someone else from his past to come to hunt them down. Junko didn’t seem to be a problem to worry about after he had saved her sister from her fishy father. Eventually, they reached their destination, though he had no idea of what he was seeing. A city built along rivers? He had never seen anything like this before, nor of the sights of powerful ships that drifted about hosting a slew of activities. His men were nearly as surprised as he had since they had been bound to Abed.

“Perhaps they would have a hard time looking for us here after all”, Sol muttered absently. It seemed big enough to keep them hidden for a good while, though now that they got here, what were they suppose to do? Were they to kill someone and take their house? They had to be careful and discreet since they were outsiders coming in. It wouldn’t take much for the blame to fall amongst them in no rush. He eyed Undine and sighed, “So what’s the plan?”