Oredion, you wake early in the morning in a soft bed, just before the break of dawn's light over the horizon. The window facing the bay has the curtains parted, and you watch sleepily as the glow over the sea blooms in golden crimson and coral hues.
It takes a moment for you to register where you are. To remember. You had no bad dreams plague you last night, no nightmares at all. Your eyes have no fiery glow whatsoever, but are able to look upon everything in its purity.
As your head clears, you hear a quiet murmur next to you. You suddenly realize Etny is curled up beside you, sleeping cradled in your arms, both of you wrapped in a large, warm blanket. Her hair is draped down around her face, her countenance and breathing, peaceful. You remember now.
She murmurs again sleepily, nuzzling against your shoulder. Her eyes open slowly, and you watch as the same realization washes slowly over her. She looks up at you, sheepish and shy. "Good morning, handsome Antrahtu."
Oredion blushes as he stares into her eyes lovingly.
"Good morning to you to beautiful."
Oredion brushes the hair out of her eyes and leans in giving her a kiss on the forehead. He feels content, shy as all hell, but content.
Etny blushes too, nuzzling closer to Oredion. She's overwhelmed with joy and emotion, happier than she's ever been. Shyly she leans up and runs her fingers through his beard, kissing him on the lips for a long, tender moment.
"One more day of rest here before the big trip..." She sighs, resting. "I'll have to admit... I'm going to miss this place. It's grown on me."
Oredion stretches out and let's out a long yawn before replying.
"As will I sadly. I will miss the forests and the inn that we spent many a night in. It was starting to feel a bit like a home. Ah well it cant be helped, besides my home is wherever you lead."
Oredion chuckles as he tries to come to a decision of staying in bed or getting up.
Oredion wraps his arms around Etny and pulls her in for another barrage of kisses before replying.
"Hmm... I think all of my business is heading with us. So... nope I'm free to relax for the day. Do you need to take care of anything love?"
She cradles against him, nuzzling into his neck. "Just you."
Etny traces her hand along the scars etched across your torso and arms, much more visible today in the morning sunshine. The dawn has finally arrived and bathes everything in light. You can see her scars as well, though not as plentiful as your own. One very large one across her shoulder, and another along her back--a much older one.
"You've been through a lot... too much, in my opinion." Planting kisses on them, she seems contemplative. "I feel like we're in for much more ahead though."
Oredion sighs as he runs his hands down her back lightly touching her scars.
"Yes, I have a feeling much worse is to come. That's why we need to enjoy the now. Today let us relax and enjoy each others company."
Oredion gives her a wink and a light kiss as he sits up and leans his back against the headboard.
"That's a good idea... I don't mind that at all." Sitting beside him she looks thoughtful. Peaceful. Comforted from his touch.
Once or twice she drifts off into a light daydream, but always wakes looking happier finding Oredion there, like it isn't a dream.
After some time she smiles. "I know something that would be fun..." Looking up at Oredion, she chuckles. "Why don't we take the little critters fishing by the docks or the lake? Gaare hasn't had a chance to stretch her legs in a while, and I'm sure our new little owlbear won't mind some fresh fish. Joey too."
Oredion jumps up excitedly forgetting about his lack of clothes.
"That's sounds like a great idea. You, me, and the small ones. Not meaning kids... er sorry being awkward again."
Oredion chuckles awkwardly and begins to head out the door until he realizes his current state. His cheeks turn red once more and he quickly grabs his clothes and starts to pull them on as he heads out the door half dressed talking as he goes.
"Sorry. Sorry. I forgot about... being underdressed... I'll go grab Joey and the little guy."
Etny just snickers, covering her mouth so as not to seem like she's laughing. "You're okay, Oredion-alann, I'll uh... get ready too." Blushing deeply at her own state of undress below the blankets, she hears the door click shut and goes to quickly gather up her own things.
You head downstairs, wandering the main room as you look for your animal companions. The owlbear lays on its back, snoring heavily through its beak. It looks like it thoroughly gorged itself on leftovers from the feast last night. It definitely looks a bit heavier today given the good feeding. Still, you're sure it probably wouldn't mind some fresh fish when it wakes up.
Joey skitters along the edge of the pool outside, slipping in every now and then for another swim. Most everyone else has either headed back home or is resting downstairs, for those that work and live here normally. When he sees you, the salamander turns bright red and flicks his tongue out with a little puff of smoke.
Oredion laughs at Joey's antics and decides to go pick him up first.
"Sorry bud, I didnt think you'd mind swimming for the night. I'll make it up to you with some fresh fish. Now let's go get feather butt off the table."
Oredion picks up Joey and sets him on his beard hoping the irritated salamander does light it on fire. He then proceeds to the table where the owlbear is sprawled out asleep. He carefully picks up the feathered fury, not to wake him, and proceeds to carefully set him in his travel bag. Once situated well enough not to disturb it he closes his travel bag and heads towards the front door.
Joey puffs smoke from your beard but nothing other than little embers singe you. Your owlbear seems quiet and continues to snore.
You step outside into the warm, salty sea air. It's beautifully pleasant outside. Etny comes outside a few minutes later, dressed in more relaxed clothes. She blushes red and smiles at you.
"Let's stop by at the jerky place too! I know a new friend of yours that likes jerky as much as you." She snickers, poking your travel bag.
Oredion grins as he stretches his hand out to hold hers.
"That sounds like a swell idea. I'm actually about out myself."
She smiles and takes his hand, kissing the top of his head.
You make your way to the market, and easily find your way to the meat seller that you're looking for. The little gnome Timothy waves enthusiastically at you.
"H-h-howdy gee again! Falkor, l-l-look who's back, ya?"
The big orc smiles, his top knot swinging as he hefts up an entire salted boar into a hook. "Hallo!"
"Oh, l-l-lookie here, ya!" Tim hops up, laying out a special satchel made of white, reptilian hide. It looks like it can be slipped into a belt.
"Present f-for savin' our town!" He beams. "T-the lady here paid us t-ta make some jerky, but we a-added the bag special."
Ore, you open it to find succulant white and pink jerky, fully smoked and flavorful. It's from the pale creature you hunted with Etny up the coast, and which you enjoyed a steak of at the festival.
Atriox growls again. He is not amused
"I'm glad my condition entertains you Bonebreaker. I could have killed you !"
He takes a moment to slow his breathing and stands up
"Well there goes my partying mood."
Oredion smiles brightly almost coming to happy tears from the smell alone. He turns to Etny and pulls her in for a tight long hug. He looks up while still hugging her and speaks with overflowing joy.
"You... you are the best thing in this world!"
Oredion picks her up and spins around twice before coming to a stop. He quickly stands on his tip toes not caring about who sees and gives her a loving kiss. After a few moments he backs away smiling and turns to the vendors. He slams down a lextra large bag of coins with a flourish.
"I'll take everything you have!"
Timothy stares in shock, then laughs as he takes the bag of coins. "Hahaha! Falkor, a-a-ain't he the jokester this one!"
He looks inside the bag.
"Oh. He i-i-isn't joking."
Falkor laughs belatedly, then stops and stares at the gnome. Then at Ore. Then at the meat, and back to Ore. He gestures with his arm, as if to say, You mean all of this?
"You two want everything?"
Tim seems frozen in shock. He's both extremely elated and flabbergasted.
"I need all of it... I'll pay you extra to take it down to our ship before day break."
Oredion chuckles as he watches the two look at each in confusion. He gives them a wink and turns to Etny with a bow and his hand extended.
"Shall we go my lady. I do believe we have fish to catch."
Oredions stays in a bowed position trying not to snicker from using the fancy voice they used before in the pool.
Etny can't keep a straight face either and blushes, realizing what he's referencing. "Um--yes! Yes we shall. Thank you gentlemen." She bows politely to them, a bright smile on her face. "It's the big ship with the gulls, you can't miss it. Tell them it's from Oredion and Etny."
Leaving the two in complete shock, she takes the dwarf's hand and hurries off with him before she's lost in a fit of giggles.
"I can't believe you did that! I mean I can, but.... shiza, that's a lot of jerky!" She laughs loudly as you both get to where Gaare is stabled. Etny goes through her things as she unhooks the large bird, finding a pair of fishing poles.
Etny saddles up Gaare and lends Ore a hand so he can sit up in front of her. Gaare sniffs at Oredion's new satchel full of jerky and lets out a large caw. A ruffling in your own bag indicates your owlbear has woken up and a moment later it pokes its scruffy head out from the flap.
"Wekk!" It squawks as it sees Gaare, eyes grumpy at the strange new animal. It slowly ducks its head back in, swiveling it around.
Etny just laughs playfully. "Let's get these little omari some breakfast before we have a riot."
The large axebeak trots along toward the sea, Joey atop its head and the salty air fresh in your faces. The huntress keeps smiling, wrapping the dwarf in her arms as she steers their bird. The entire way she cuddles his neck and sneaks kisses atop his head.
Once there she sets up the fishing poles, tossing hers out into the surf. The owlbear waddles along the sand trying to catch Joey as if to eat him, and Gaare grooms her feathers in the warm sunshine.
"Ready to catch something?" Etny winks, nudging the dwarf playfully.
(Roll a d100 for me XD Etny gets a.........92........)
(45..)
(roflllll....)
After about an hour, Etny stretches out on the sand on her back, watching the clouds.
"Ok... today seems like a slow day." She chuckles. Neither of you have caught anything, except the owlbear who is trying to pry apart a crab in a fierce, tiny battle.
Turning on her side, she smirks at Oredion. "Should we try some of the old jerky you still have as bait? What do you think fish will like?"
Oredion rolls over and gently moves some hair out of her eyes while speaking.
"Hmm by this point I'm game with throwing Joey in. We could continue fishing or go for a walk. I'm game for anything."
Oredion chuckles as he watches Joey flee into his beard. He reaches into his travel bag to pull out a few pieces of old and new jerky. He hands a piece of the new to Etny and starts nibbling on a piece himself. He rips up a bit of the old and places it on the sand for Joey to come out to eat. He lays the rest down for Gaare and the baby owlbear, for whenever they come over.
Etny's heart flutters at his kindness. She chews the jerky thoughtfully, the taste quite unique to the animal they'd hunted together.
Reeling her line back in she hooks a small piece to it, tossing it back out. She winks at Oredion. "It's good luck jerky, perhaps."
(Rolled a 25 this time xD)
Within the next ten minutes the critters have all munched on the jerky, and Gaare has started to fish in the shallow tide pools for edible snacks. The owlbear watches curiously and warily, a perpetually grumpy look on its face.
Etny startles. "O-Oredion! I think I have a bite! Here, help!" She hands the pole to you, being the stronger of the two of you.
(Roll 3 different strength checks for meeeeeeeeeeee pleaseeeeeee)
(14+5, 8+5, 18+5)
(See this is totally why Etny would be smart giving you the pole xD Those are great rolls haha)
You take the fishing rod and instantly feel the pull of a creature on the other end. It's terrifyingly strong and you give is a powerful effort on the first reel in. Once it's tired out you try again, but it quickly pulls a good deal of line with it.
Walking closer to the edge of the surf, you wait until the right moment and real with a fantastic speed, bringing the thrashing creature closer to shore. You can see it slamming against the sand in a desperate attempt to dislodge itself from the jerky-baited hook, but the owlbear spots it and clicks its beak hungrily.
Trying to help (Or perhaps just trying to get it for itself), it rushes up to the water with gusto, soaking its fur and feathers in a mini rage. It grabs the fish in its jaws and helps drag it ashore as you reel it the rest of the way in. It's a massive salmon, at least considering the size they normally get.
Oredion stomps his foot excitedly.
"See Et like I've said many times before your ideas always lead to good outcomes! Now let's get that little rascal away from the fish before he eats it all himself."
Oredion chuckles as he picks up the angry owlbear carefully and quickly before he starts to eat the fish. He reaches down and picks up the salmon as well by the line and wraps it around his hand as not to drop it. He turns to Et lifting up the Salmon excitedly and dorkily.
"You did it Et. Nice catch. Let's get this bad boy cooking before are fiery friends eat it all!"
Etny laughs at your enthusiasm, absolutely in love with it, "Well you reeled it in! It about pulled me in with it, but then, you would have caught me too." She wraps her arm around the dwarf and walks back with him. "Granted you already have..."
Oredion blushes for a moment, but then starts to laugh loudly. After a few moments he stops laughing and gives her a wink.
"That I have lass, that I have... but I feel it was more you have caught me, then I caught you."
She brushes sand out of her hair shyly, giving him a kiss as the animals jump around them. It's been a wonderful last day, and she wouldn't change it for the world.
After a time it is nearing dusk and the two of you have enjoyed your fish roasted over a roaring fire. Joey is asleep on a rock nearby, basking in the lingering heat. The owlbear is curled up on your lap, snoring soundly, and Gaare has her head laying in Etny's.
She leans against your shoulder, sleepy and happy. "This was a lovely adventure. I needed something peaceful again. Thank you, Oredion."
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