Stopping for the Night

Log Info

• Title: Stopping for the Night
• Emitter: Skielstregar
• Characters: Skielstregar, Vaera
• Place: Wayfarer's Inn
• Time: January 30th, 2022
• Summary: Finally, Skielstregar and Vaera have that outing to the Wayfarer's Inn that they spoke of some time ago. They have a a nice meal, them trying to find the boundaries of their newfound relationship as they quip back and forth. In the end, they're grateful to just have /something/ after quite some time of feeling like nothing.

Wayfarer's Inn, Night

It's a dreary, cold night out. Starless in the wilds. Where one could normally see the vast array of the the celestial blanket, clouds obscure the view, along with the moon, the light snow giving more evidence to the overcast night sky.

The inn was a good stopping point before Mictlan, especially if one rolled in at night. So it was to no surprise that a snow-dusted silver and bronze scale steps into the establishment. Skielstregar rolls his shoulders, rumbling a sigh as the the stop is reached. "A night here, then back to camp," he comments in his native tongue to someone behind him, the makari holding the door open for them with his tail. "And, to warm you up some," he teases.

Through the door less than a minute after the large makari was an equally tall, but not nearly as broad, dark red one. She took her time entering, pausing at the door to dust off the snow that had collected on her jacket. And very much purposefully brushing against the tail keeping the door open

"You know full well that I can manage a camp in this cold." The hunter chuffs. "But, it is still pleasant here, and worth stopping. They can cook a lot with their kitchens here that aren't feasible on a fire, so it is worth a change of pace for the meals. Though, I think you are the one who needs warming up, not this one, Skielstregar."

Skielstregar rumbles warmly, grinning. "Fair, fair, though, this one isn't sure they could ever be warmed. And yes, this one looks forward to a slight change. Though, this doesn't mean your cooking is any lesser."

He strides forward, finding a place for them by the hearth. Swapping out chairs for something more fitting for them, he pulls a chair out for Vaera and sits down. He gets some drinks and food ordered and out of the way, getting whatever the hutner requests.

He works on removing his equipment, then sets it aside before watching the redscale for a moment. Then he looks to the fire, then down to his lap. There's a bashful, if small, smile. A latent happy coming from him.

"This one is glad to hear that. Making sure you enjoy this one's cooking is important." Vaera chuckles as she joins him in venturing to find a place to sit down. She pauses for a moment, catching Skielstregar watching, and she steps closer to the fire for a moment, angling to make the light pick up what scales were visible more, before she joins him at the table, pulling her chair up next to his.

"This will be nice, yes. It is somewhat what you were hoping for last time at the fernwood, is it not?" She asks with one raised brow after she doffed the coat on another chair.

Skielstregar blinks, him glancing to Vaera before looking down at his lap intently. Embarrassment floods from him. Seems like she got the reaction she was going for. "... y... yes, this... this one was... um.. they just... got a bit caught up in their.... words," he mumbles, finally lifting his head to look at her.

He smiles warmly. "... the... fire looks nice on your scales..."

"It is alright, I understand. And, your intention was there, this one is glad it was not misinterpreted." Vaera chuffs, leaning to put an arm around Skielstregar. "And, thank you, you have mentioned it before. But this one thinks it looks much better on your silver scales.:"

"You have trouble with your feelings at time, Skielstregar, but this one tries to understand them as best as they can."

Skielstregar nods slowly, him sighing lightly and leaning into the arm. He pauses, then rubs his neck. "A-Ah. T.. thank you. This one really likes their scales," he murmurs. If he was a softskin, he'd be scarlet.

Their food and drink arrive, Skiel pulling his mug closer. "Shaaa, this one is... still sorting it out. And when they try to say something, they just... realize how kind you are, and just doesn't want to ruin anything."

"And how could you not? They are quite stunning. And with them being healthier, they move more easily by the looks of it, showing your muscles well." Vaera chuffs, taking her drink that came along with the food, a large tray of soup, stew, roasted meat and bread. She pauses after a slow sip of her drink, regarding the makari next to her.

"Not that this one ever minded, but seeing how it makes you feel, this one can not help but feel happy. This one thought you were kind and dependable, and they just wished to see you happy more. You have not ruined anything this one can think of, so do not worry."

Further compliments make the man bury his face into a hand. "... you are going to make this one melt," Skiel mumbles, leaning into her for a moment. "... yes, they feel much nicer."

He takes a drink, his own food just a simple stew of deer and vegetables. "That is good you do not mind. This one is, indeed, happy. And wishes for you to be happy."

He drinks more. "... to be honest, this one... never imagined being with you. This one felt you are... in a different league, to borrow a softskin phrase."

"And this one thought that you were impossible to warm up." Vaera chuckles, leaning back against the other makari, and squeezing her arm around him. "This one will try to help with that more, then."

What Skielstregar says next however, makes the red makari pause, and turn her full attention to him. "Is that so, Skielstregar? I do not know why you would think that. If anything, all this one could think was how much you deserved, with how you are, Skielstregar. And they were happy that you were willing to give this one a chance."

Skielstregar smiles some, and rumbles a quiet laugh. "... this one enjoys it. It makes them feel nice." He enjoys the squeeze, and nudges his head against hers before spooning his stew.

He blinks. "Ah... yes. You are quite resourceful, and mindful. Accepting. This one didn't have a good self image, so... it felt out of the question."

"But now," he mumbles, looking at her to reaching out to brush a hand against her cheek, "this one is glad that they are worth such affection."

Vaera kept her free hand occupied with soaking up some of the stew with the loaf of bread she had torn in half, waiting for an answer from the makari.

"To be completely honest, this one did not have a high opinion of themself. They are still weak from everything, and moving with a missing leg is a hassle that makes hunting much more difficult. They simply wished to help others along, and expected nothing."

Vaera stopped, and the red makari sighs, leaning into the hand. "Of course you are worth such affection, this one is happy that you would return it, truly."

Skiel shakes his head. "And yet, despite all that, you still press on. Your tenacity and ingenuity is commendable, and is something to look up to."

His thumb brushes across some scales, nudging her head one more time before pulling back to eat more properly. ".. and this one feels... happy that you would feel similar. This one thought they'd never be accepted, having been away from the People for so long. Thank you."

"That is, this one has just tried to keep moving, for what purpose, they were unsure." Vaera sighs, leaning back to poke at the stew for a moment. "They did not think they would feel truly happy again, after everything. So, perhaps we were more alike then thought. And we both helped each other to adjust."

The hunter chuckles, and squeezes Skielstregar again. "So, thank you, as well. It raises this one's spirits that they can be looked at with such fondness. And, this one saw how you looked when they were by the fire. They are not that embarassing to look at, no?" She teases, before silencing herself with some of the soup accompanying the meal.

Skielstregar rumbles warmly, closing his eyes and leaning into the side embrace. "It takes time and... acceptance for has happened. To you, and to this one. Yes, we are... quite similar. That's not to say we didn't move on, just that we learned from it, and can look to what we have now."

He raises his mug, smiling more. Before it falters slightly and he looks embarrassed once more. "A-Ah. No, they are not. This one finds you, um..."

Fidget fidget with the cup. He speaks quietly, demurely. "... this one looks forward to scale painting."

He coughs into a fist. "... sorry."

"No, this one did not forget, will not forget. But, they are willing to look forward, to allow themselves to be happy." Vaera chuffs, reaching for her own mug in replacement of the spoon to raise. The red makari coughs into the drink as Skielstregar responds, and it takes a moment before she collects herself, and chuckles quietly. "Ah, this one sees. You enjoy looking at this one, much as this one does. But, why apologize for that? Or, is it in reference to the ritual you mentioned?"

Skielstregar ducks his head briefly as Vaera sputters, him feeling like he overstepped a boundary. But then it was his turn to sputter and cough once more. "... o-oh. You... y-yes this one does, um, yes. Looking at you. Um. Yes. Scales... is it hot in here?" he tugs at his collar.

A few steeling sips of a drink, then he slowly shakes his head. "No, just... what you mentioned before. Not the ritual. This one is just sorry, they do not know such boundaries yet."

"It is alright, really, Skielstregar, this one was just surprised to hear that." Vaera continues to chuckle, pausing to lean back against skielstregar. "No, it is just me." She jokes.

"This one does not mind you looking. If you are looking forward though, then this one will speak with the shamans to gather the necessary materials."

Skiel rolls a shoulder, then looks off to the side before glancing at Vaera. ".... yes, you are," he mumbles, smiling a bit more and nudging her in the side playfully.

He lets out a small chuckle, him idly stirring his stew. "... this one does look at you quite a bit. When this one sees fire, they are reminded of you."

He fidgets a bit. "... that sounds.... shaa... good. Um-"

He blinks. Then looks at her head on. "... when you suggested scale painting, was that a pass at this one?" he asks with a sudden burst of realization.

"And yet this one finds you much more warm, Skielstregar." Vaera chuffs, then she turns to Skielstregar, and shakes her head. "No, it was not. There are many occasions with which one might apply paints in various patterns, for different reasons. This one felt it was something you should get to experience if you wish, and, to see if it would help you to appreciate yourself more."

The red makari smiles after, and turns back to her stew. "However, this one has given you many compliments in the past, as they were sincere, for similar reasons. And some patterns are much more personal than others, that this one could show you."

Skielstregar shifts in his chair, looking down into his lap once more. Though, a smile paints his face. "That is... very kind of you to do. They would like to do that. For both of our sakes."

He pauses, embarrassment seeping from him. "... this one would like that," he says quietly. Skiel looks to her, then back into his stew, smiling at it and eating some. Silent for a few moments.

"... you really are okay with this one..." he intones to himself mostly, before speaking up more properly. "... we should purchase a larger tent in the morning from the vendors here. While this one most certainly enjoys sharing space with you, they find moving around in there difficult. And this one doesn't want to crush anything. Or you, on accident."

"Then that is settled. I shall meet with the shamans and crafters, and see about procuring everything." Vaera rumbles, letting their tail swish behind them. Seeing the smile, she smiles back, and gives the makari another squeeze with her arm.

"This one thought it was obvious when you woke up next to each other." the hunter chuffs. "We can do that, and see about finding one large enough for both of us. With enough room to stand up and move around if possible. Which, may be difficult, given how tall we both are. But I think it is possible."

Skiel rumbles happily in the squeeze, his tail lightly swishing as well, it bumping into hers several times. "... this one... looks forward to it," he intones, stealing a glance at her before busying himself with his food.

He chuckles. "If it is not bid enough, you said yourself that this one has the talons to work with leather! We could easily expand whatever we get to fit."

A pause, then his eyes half lid, looking into his nearly empty bowl. "... it... felt nice. To wake up next to you. It put into perspective how lonely this has felt. They have great friends, yet, but in comparison to the years after waking from the grave. It is... very, very welcome to feel... well. Normal."

"This is true, you would definitely be able to do more work such as that, this one imagines. You have been a huge help in assisting with woodworking, too. Though this one believes there are rules against more permanent structures in Mictlan, there is nothing stopping us from making a larger tent. More room to move around, a place you could feel comfortable without your tabard on."

Vaera chuffs, and gives another squeeze. "This one thinks you deserve to feel normal and welcome so much, Skielstregar. They have been hoping for you to feel that way for some time. That this one can be the one you are next to however, it is nice. It has been so long, this one missed it, too."

Skiel smiles warmly. Beaming, even. "This one is glad they can help!" Though, he looks a bit bashful. "... yes. Um, the scales are... are growing back on this one's chest. But this one doesn't think they will continue to wear that regardless. It is still... ingrained, in this one. But around you, this one should be fine about it."

He is squeezed once more, and this time he takes it as a cue to wrap a silver arm around her, almost engulfing the redscale with just the one. "Vaermiir," he rumbles. "This one... it will take some time for this one to feel like they deserve such things. This one is sure you feel similar about it." His smile grows warm. "That is.... shaaa, nice to hear. At least now, you needn't sleep alone."

Then there's a hint of mischief to his expression. He looks away. "... though, it is cute that you cuddle your tail in your sleep."

"I did notice that, a few times. Ah, apologies." Vaera chuffs, looking down, and back up, where she nods. "That is good though. This one is happy you feel comfortable around them, and, you are nice to look at."

Vaera found herself enveloped in the hug, and the red makari sighs, and closes her eyes, leaving her seat to sit in Skielstregar's instead. "Yes. It is nice to not be alone." She agrees, only to open her eyes and turn back, and chuff. "This was only because you woke up before this one." They reply. "And, they likely needed something to hold onto, still."

Skiel shakes his head. "No need for apologies, this one is..." he rubs his neck. "... glad you... enjoy that."

Now there's a Vaera upon him. He blinks dumbly, then his embarrassment becomes threefold. Still, he wraps and arm around her and he rumbles a chuckle. "This one needed to stretch! You would not let this one go! They were going to return in just a moment, yet you were already passed back out!" he teases.

"And, you could have left to stretch if you needed, and you did." Vaera chuffs, closing her eyes and almost seeming to pout. "This one was barely awake to begin with."

The red makari used it as a chance to lean back and into Skielstregar, and sigh. "But, you returned, so that is forgiven. And there will be plenty of times to be together to come, this one imagines."

Skielstregar snickers, him resting his head on her shoulder as he closes his eyes. "And you were soooo sleepy..!" he continues to tease. "For as stoic as you are, you're downright adorable in the morning~"

He softly sighs, nodding into her shoulder. "This one did. And promptly fell back asleep in your arms. There will be many more times, yes. This one... this one looks forward to it."

"A good night's sleep is important, it does not do to be tired in the middle of the day. That is how oversights and accidents happen." Vaera chuffs, leaning to rest her head against the silver makari's. "And, this one did not wish to leave. They woke up, and they decided they wished for more time together."

"Yes, just because there are more times, that does not mean this one does not look forward as well. Such as tonight. You were not planning on getting two rooms tonight, were you?"

Skielstregar warmly yet quietly laughs. "This one did the same. Awoke, saw you, then went straight back to sleep. Content." Content, just like was now as the hunter rests against him.

Though, he pauses. "A-Ah, this one, um, said that last time at the Fernwood because this one wasn't sure where we were. But... they won't make that mistake again. Though, this one will be sure to get two beds."

...

Oh. He should explain. "... to push them together. They are too small to fit both of us."

"Both of a same mind again." Vaera chuckles, using the closeness as a chance to gently nuzzle against the makari. "It was good it was not a dream, and waking up a second time only confirmed that."

One yellow eye opens, to regard Skielstregar, and the redscale barks a laugh. "This one just wanted to let you know what was okay. And, one bed, it could be managed. This one could sleep on top of you. Just like sleeping on a sturdy tree branch. Though moving them together, is probably a better idea."

Skiel returns the gesture with one of his own, pushing his head against hers. Dead silver meets yellow. Only for him to chuff in kind. "Please, this one still has to /breathe/, which would be hard if you were atop this one."

Sensing their meal was coming to a close, and that this talk of sleep was growing more prominent, the silver/bronze scale holds onto Vaera with one arm. Reaches over to scoop up his things in their bag. And simply... picks her and everything up with a light grunt. "Alright, Vaermiir, this one thinks we should get some sleep," he rumbles, shouldering one strap of his bag so he could hold her aloft easily with both arms. One around her back, the other under her legs.

He's got a playful, goofy expression about him.

The patrons look on with a... confused expression. Two large makari are speaking in Draconic, one just picked the other up. Was there about to be a throw down? Softskins and their uncultured manners.

Vaera was surprisingly easy to be picked up with care, being relatively light for her size. Though she was no less surprised, and she looks up and over, before chuckling and looping an arm around his neck, while she picked up the armor and her jacket to carry. "And yet you carry all this as if it is nothing." The makari chuckles. "Sleep is sounding good now."

"Or at least, getting to lie down together with less people watching. It does not look like you are ready to sleep just yet."

Skiel grins some. "What do you expect? This one carries trees for fun."

He's starts to move towards the stairs, but he slows for a beat, looking down at the redscale in his arms. "... you are dangerous, redscale," he chuffs, shaking his head. "Let us us rest and enjoy company. Without all the confused softskins staring."

He trundles up the steps.

Vaera was curled up, carrying her always overladen jacket, along with Skielstregar's armor. It was a strange sight, but the redscale didn't seem bothered by any strange looks. At the response, the makari was just chuckling again. "This one only states the obvious. And I am only dangerous to my enemies, which you could not be farther from."

"But, enjoying the company, this one believes wholeheartedly."

-End Scene-