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Post by Nephele on May 7, 2023 2:37:42 GMT -5
"I'll take that as a yes." Nephele said in a sing-song voice, happy to have the obsidian back. She reached into her bag to tie her hair back, also fishing out the pretty feather C'Leena had granted her and propping it behind her ear. Satisfied, she finally nodded. "Let's go."
She began to follow C'Leena, passing through and letting the cool air of the morning tickle her arms and flood her lungs. Nephele found she greatly preferred the Dragon's Cradle's atmosphere much more than Zeinav or the Ash Lands. Sky Peak Village was mildly breezy at all times, just as she loved it, with a calmness that made her just feel relaxed. It was such a stark difference to the desert lands they had walked through before. The people of the village were beginning to awaken, slowly opening up shop and shuffle about as they prepared to greet the day. Nephele knew that there was a rather active nightlife to the village, but it always seemed that the two of them were too tired to partake in the festivities.
Nephele didn't seem to mind much though, taking in the smells and sights of a morning in the village with a happy smile. They would have to find thread, Nephele knew. There were plenty of jewelers who would make the pendant for her, but some possessive part of her wanted to make it herself. For the most part she held C'Leena's hand, but every now and again (every five to six minutes) she would drift off to stare at something.
Her love for shiny and strange things knew no bounds. The nymph didn't forget her task thankfully, but she was truly, fully enamored by any and everything she saw (Like when: "Cee, look! Such funny apples, I wonder why they're sparking like that." Or: "Oh, Cee! They're selling kruthik fangs! They're so pretty, I kind of want one to make into a hairpin. That would be beautiful, don't you think?") Thankfully, Nephele knew better than to buy absolutely everything in the outdoor markets, always returning to C'Leena if she didn't follow after her immediately.
Nephele eventually stopped wandering as much, sticking to C'Leena after a bit to mostly talk about everything and nothing. She had simmered down enough and bought some small leather rope used for jewelry, and looked up at her girlfriend with imploring eyes. "Oh dear, you said something earlier, yes? You told me you wanted to show me something, I nearly forgot."
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Post by C'Leena Thomas on May 7, 2023 3:20:31 GMT -5
To say that C'Leena wasn't also getting incredibly distracted, both by random things and by whatever piques Nepheles interest would be a complete lie. However she found Nepheles attitude to be contagious, often getting just as distracted as she did. Frankly, it wouldn't surprise her to find out that it was Nephele being the responsible one and remembering what they're doing.
Now, C'Leena knew nothing about jewelry, let alone making it, but she's always enjoyed learning new things. It would be nice to be taught by Nephele. C'Leena may not have the dexterity required for jewelry making, but she'll at least give it a try if she can. That does remind her that they intend to teach one another their fighting techniques. She should discuss that with Nephele soon - however not now.
C'Leenas eyes were drifting off into the distance when Nephele started speaking. Looking down at Nephele, something strange occurs. C'Leena doesn't seem to notice it, but her eyes have changed from the solid aquamarine to what appear to be normal looking smoke-grey eyes. The very same ones that C'Leena said she had, once upon a time.
"Hm? Oh, right. Unless you're incredibly eager for it, It's something that can wait until we finish working on the pendant. 90% sure that it'll still be around when we finish up!" She says with a smile. Her new eyes somehow convey the smile so much more. They truly are a gateway into her soul, giving Nephele a unique insight into her.
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Post by Nephele on May 7, 2023 13:24:43 GMT -5
Nephele hummed in response, wanting to be curious and ask for more of an explanation when she notices the stark difference in C'Leena's eyes. Her lips part in barely muted surprise, a soft sound escaping her as the words got trapped in her throat. C'Leena's eyes didn't look like that before, she knew that. Nephele remembered C'Leena mentioning what they looked like before, but she had never expected them to look so drastically different. Wait, why did they look so different? What happened? There was a very long pause in what she was about to say, before she blinked a few times, snapping out of it.
"Ah, sorry. Just a tad tired." Since C'Leena wasn't mentioning it, Nephele couldn't tell if she simply hadn't noticed or if this had happened before and Nephele should have noticed it by now. The nymph frowned, jutting out her bottom lip in confusion and intrigue. It was a curious stare, one she hadn't fixed C'Leena with since she met her. Then she looked away. "Well whatever it is, I'm sure it'll be lovely."
Nephele had to physically tear her eyes away from C'Leena's smile, absolutely enamored. Whatever had happened wasn't hurting her, so she couldn't be too worried. Still, it was strange that in the last 24 hours that C'Leena had sprouted wings and changed eye composition and seemed entirely too relaxed about it. If it were her, Nephele would have been in a constant state of panic if either of those things had happened to her.
Nephele decided to opt for somewhere to sit to relax. She almost suggested climbing on top of a roof or something for to get away from the crowd, but thought better of it. She didn't know how much C'Leena needed to heal, so they instead found a spot away from the heft of the bustling crowd to sit down. Nephele sat on the bench, stretching her limbs and fishing out the obsidian with a smile.
"Ready?" She asked with exaggerated seriousness, trying to fight down her obvious excitement.
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Post by C'Leena Thomas on May 7, 2023 20:39:33 GMT -5
"Whatchu looking at me like that for?" she asks, quirking her head to the side, her smile remaining but turning confused. Nephele was still open like a book to C'Leena, but whatever it is doesn't seem to be particularly bad so she doesn't pry. She lightly chuckles to herself and continues being led around by Nephele.
The day has barely started, but it feels like a day to remember. C'Leena hasn't even helped made the pendant yet and she knows that it'll be something to cherish. What even made Nephele want to do this for her? What a wonderful question.
The two of them sit down. The day has well and truly started, with crowds moving through the town, conversation everywhere and a feeling of contentment in the air. The day is nice, too. Lightly cloudy, a good temperature on the colder side of things with an even cooler breeze.
C'Leena looks at the obsidian, then back up at Nephele with what looks to be a rather excited expression. "Of-Fucking-Course! Come on, lets get started!" she says with a borderline infectious smile. The reason she's this excited is because she hasn't been gifted something handmade before.
From where she was from, it was considered a bit.. dystopian. Capitalism was everything, so nobody really made their own things, instead buying them and gifting them if need be. That was sweet and all, but there was something really special about having something be made and gifted just for you; a One-Of-A-Kind item.
C'Leena was more than happy to watch the process, but she'd help if she could. She's simply happy to be with Nephele during this.
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Post by Nephele on May 7, 2023 23:30:28 GMT -5
Nephele was beaming at C’Leena’s enthusiasm, unable to help poking her cheek and scrunching her nose. It was her form of “cute aggression”, except that she didn’t have an aggressive bone in her body so it was purely channeled through the most devious forms of affection: poking.
“Alright, first thing’s first,” She started, adopting a serious tone despite the jovial smile on her face. She held the obsidian piece up, as if presenting it to a classroom. “Obsidian is a glass mineral, but it’s still quite sturdy. It’s not as strong as something like topaz or any form of quartz, but I can’t create a hole in the middle without a tool.” Nephele placed the stone on her lap, withdrawing the small leather thread. She measured out just about enough to start wrapping the stone with, before lifting it to her mouth and tearing it with canines. She gave the rest of the rope to C’Leena, mumbling a distracted: “Measure how long you’d like it to be,” before beginning to work.
Nephele was no master jeweler, but this was one of those skills that, regardless of how long it had been it would always come back to her. She wrapped the thread around the middle once, securing it in place before beginning to articulate and weave a web-like pattern around the stone with rapt concentration. Her face was so serious it looked like it hurt as she took this task with utmost seriousness. She bit her lip and tied off the top of the charm, making a small loop to fit the neckpiece through.
Satisfied, Nephele looked up at C’Leena, determination in her eyes as she held her palm out for the thread. “Pinch the thread so I know where to cut. I can’t make it adjustable with my limit of materials, but it should work fine.” She then paused, tilting her head. “Would you like me to put an initial or something? I can carve it, if you'd like.” For added emphasis, Nephele lifted her fingers, splaying out her sharp, pointed fingernails in a fan motion. They had definitely gotten longer since meeting C'Leena, about an inch long now as opposed to when they were only sharp little points.
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Post by C'Leena Thomas on May 8, 2023 1:15:10 GMT -5
The final time Nephele pokes her, C'Leena catches her hand mid-poke and quickly kisses the back of her hand before releasing it. She doesn't say a word, but has a smile that just screams accomplishment. Frankly, C'Leena is impressed she caught her hand in the first place.
C'Leena takes the rope in her still-skinless hand and slings it around her neck to get a measurement. it takes her a second to get it right, but she gets it to where she wants it when Nephele finishes up what she was doing. She pinches the thread as instructed, has it cut and hands it to Nephele.
While C'Leena was measuring, and also the reason it took her a hot second to finish up is because she was watching what Nephele was doing with great interest. She looks like she's done this a dozen times before, and it's incredibly impressive to watch. Everything back home is automated, so seeing someone make something with their own two hands is something that'll never get old to her.
"Initials, hm? Only if it's yours." she responds honestly. "I'm not about to have C.R.T on that. It's a gift from you, so I'd like your initials on it if you're willing."
C'Leena smiles a bright smile, her eyes almost glimmering in the light. "Jeez, who needs ADHD meds when you just have a loving girlfriend to make you cool shit?" she asks hypothetically. Frankly, it's impressive that Nephele is able to hold her attention this long. Again, C'Leena suspects that it'll become more challenging with time.
For now, though, she's incredibly interested in how Nephele makes the pendant. It's already looking beautiful, so she's excited for the final product.
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Post by Nephele on May 8, 2023 1:43:08 GMT -5
Nephele smiled as she looped the thread through the hole of the pendant, tying it tightly. She didn’t look up from her work as a particularly rough breeze made her pause in place, her right ear flopping at the intrusion on instinct and careful to not mess up her handywork. When she picked up again, Nephele said: “I would make you anything you desire if it were within my capabilities, dearest. But I think you knew that.” She added with a teasing giggle, cutting her eyes up to look at her for a brief moment before looking back down. “If you’re alright with my initials, then I can.”
By this point Nephele had finished the main parts of the pendant, the stone secured in place by thread as she adjusted it. Nodding to herself, Nephele then brought the stone close to her face, where the smooth surface of the rock met the eye, and she began to carve the letter ‘N’ very intricately with her fingernail. In the meantime, she picked up another topic with a slow, concentrated voice. “You’ve used that turn a lot, ADH…D, I believe? You say you have it, but I’ve never heard of it before.”
Nephele genuinely wanted to get better at understanding C’Leena’s strange medical terms. She knew they were relevant where she was from, but the terms completely evaded Nephele, for medical or for simply uninterested reasons. She did want to understand though, as a part of her felt so immensely guilty for not understanding. Nephele still couldn’t get over the day that C’Leena was bewildered that she never treated herself medically. What was it that she suggested? Antimonines? Antistines? Intestines? Ugh, she couldn’t remember. Probably wasn’t intestines though. She mused to herself with a small smile as she blew away some of the obsidian dust.
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Post by C'Leena Thomas on May 8, 2023 2:22:00 GMT -5
"ADHD, yes. It's a psychological disorder," she begins before mumbling under her breath "One of many I have." She clears her throat and continues.
"I'm gonna put everything I say into basic terms. I don't know the level of research into these things, so I'm going to act like you know absolutely nothing of what I'm saying. 'Psychological' refers to the brain and it's functions. A 'Psychological Disorder' would thus be something inherently wrong with how the brain functions.
"ADHD is an acronym for 'Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder'. Basically meaning that I can't focus on things I don't find interest in, but I hype fixate - focus really damn hard - on things that I love and enjoy. I used to take medication for this, but since coming here, it's been getting increasingly difficult to keep my attention on tedious things." She shrugs, and continues speaking, watching what Nephele is doing.
"You've managed to hold my attention incredibly well, which is startling to say the least. Congratulations, you've weaseled your way past one of the many things wrong with my brain-hole!" She says in a cheery voice with a chuckle and kisses Nephele on the cheek. Despite the subject of her various 'illnesses', she seems quite happy to talk about it.
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Post by Nephele on May 8, 2023 11:55:56 GMT -5
“Mmmm.” Nephele hummed distractedly, listening as best she could while continuing her careful ministrations into the smooth surface. She could hear and mostly understand what C’Leena was saying, but it had cracked toward the bottom of the final line and she was pretending to not be annoyed. She supposed she should have expected that. Nephele didn’t immediately respond, processing the words a few seconds later before responding tightly: “I see, I’ve definitely seen you do that especially when you’re working on magic. I thought that was normal if I'm honest.”
She did smile at the brief kiss to her cheek though, sighing through her nose heavily when she was done. It helped reground herself, and she showed the front to C’Leena. It was still raw obsidian, so most of it wasn’t flat except for one surface where she carved the ‘N’ in, and the brown thread wrapped around it in a series of ‘x’s to keep it secured. It gleamed in the light, reflecting the sunlight on its black surface and into the divots.
“Sorry it’s cracked, it’s harder to cut into glass surfaces without tools,” Nephele said sheepishly, a small half smile spreading across her face. Despite her words, the crack was barely noticeable, looking more artful than accidental as a tiny web of cracks bloomed on the bottom of the letter. She then stood from the bench, walking around to behind it so she could show C’Leena how it felt to put it on. Nephele didn’t tie it just yet, adjusting where it hung with a pinched brow.
“Okay, does this feel alright?” She asked, her tone concerned even if C’Leena couldn’t see her face.
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Post by C'Leena Thomas on May 8, 2023 13:31:00 GMT -5
Watching Nephele work was mesmerizing to C'Leena. Every move Nephele made had purpose, even through mistakes. The slight crack on the underside of the 'N' is strangely beautiful, even if it wasn't intentional. The string is tied in ways that C'Leena can't even begin to replicate, even though she watched her tie them.
With the pendant hanging around her neck, it rests in the perfect spot. A smile spreads across her face as she lightly fiddles with the obsidian, extremely careful with her motions.
"It feels perfect. I love it." She says honestly. She's having a hard time not launching herself into a hug with Nephele, but she's remaining seated - if barely. But for now, she stays as still as she can, following Nepheles lead.
"You've done.. really well, petal. This looks beautiful. Back home, nothing is really made by hand anymore so this.. This means a lot." She says quietly. If Nephele asks for an elaboration, frankly she's not sure how she'll answer it. A lot of technology she doesn't understand.
"Damn, now my thing feels slightly lackluster," she jokes, chuckling slightly. "S'pose we'll have to see, huh? Gonna have to really put on a display, and I reckon I know just the thing to do so."
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Post by Nephele on May 8, 2023 16:56:35 GMT -5
With one swift motion, Nephele tied the pendant around C’Leena’s neck, taking the opportunity to give her a back hug from behind the bench. If people were looking at them Nephele couldn’t care less, thrilled that C’Leena liked it. She was admittedly very proud, as it had been ages since she’d made one.
“I’m delighted that you like it.” Nephele mumbled happily, hugging her a bit longer before returning to her side, vaulting over the back of it and landing lightly. She had half a mind to ask her to elaborate on what she meant by nothing being handmade, as nearly almost everything she wore was either made by hand or bought by those who had the same methods. Granted, some people utilized magic to make things, but something told Nephele that wasn’t what C’Leena meant.
Sensing it’s a confusing topic, Nephele instead diverts her attention to another question. “But pray tell, you’ve been speaking in tongues about this all morning, what’re you planning?”
One thing about Nephele was in every capacity, save for the negatives, she absolutely adored surprises. Whether they were surprise acts of kindness or gifts, or even simple things like displays of physical affection, she was all for it. So the fact that C’Leena was clearly planning something, a secret no less, was beginning to drive her absolutely mad. Nephele wrapped her arms around C’Leena’s arm, not minding how cool it was against her skin. She rested her chin on her shoulder, smiling.
“Tell me! Or, no, give me a hint.” In truth Nephele wanted neither, knowing it would ruin whatever surprise C’Leena had planned. Still, the opportunity to be close and jest with C’Leena was there, and she went for it wholeheartedly. Also, from this angle she could see the color of her new eyes better, finding herself staring intently at her with a spark of mischief in her eyes.
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Post by C'Leena Thomas on May 8, 2023 18:25:29 GMT -5
"Come, it's some distance from here. Lets walk and I'll give you your hint." C'Leena says, standing up with Nephele still wrapped around her arm. Her free hand goes up to the pendant and C'Leena smiles even wider.
She begins leading Nephele toward what she has planned. If everything goes to plan, it should still be there. It would be rather embarrassing and upsetting if it wasn't. But right now, she needs to think of a hint that won't give away what she has planned.
An idea sparks, and C'Leena begins humming a tune. C'Leena has very purposefully not declared this to be a hint, so C'Leena wonders how long it'll take for Nephele to catch on. Secretly, she hopes she doesn't. She continues to hum as they walk. It's a rather calming tune, and not any song in particular. Walking for a few more minutes, she knows they're approaching her surprise.
Maybe if Nephele wants to get a place somewhere, we can get one for ourselves. That would be nice. She thinks to herself. The thought brings a smile to her face, but it'll be a subject for another time. Right now, she has music to play. Turning the corner, in the middle of what seems to be a small park, sits a large, black piano. Apparently, a recent installation in the town that C'Leena spotted being put here yesterday morning.
She walks toward it, Nephele in tow. Once they arrive, C'Leena pries herself from Nepheles grip and runs her fingers over the keys. She sits on the stool and looks at Nephele.
"I saw this getting put here yesterday morning, and I knew I had to show it to you. I've wrote my own song - just the piano, so no vocals for you with this one - So.." C'Leena smiles a wide smile.
"..Let me play you something."
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Post by Nephele on May 8, 2023 21:24:21 GMT -5
Nephele followed C’Leena, clinging to her as they made their way through the crowded street. She was starting to really grow used to the place, weirdly enough. She never thought she’d like it anywhere other than the Crescent Isles, though she supposed that wasn’t the truth anymore. Nephele gazed up at C’Leena with a soft, dopey smile. Maybe she was part of it. No, C’Leena was definitely part of it.
It nearly knocked the wind out of her to see the piano. She had never seen one in person, her only frame of reference being books and pictures. What’s more was that as soon as she saw it, realization dawned on her heavy as C’Leena walked over with her. Nephele’s eyes seemed to be in a permanent state of shocked and enamored, looking between C’Leena and the large instrument, her fingers trembling as soon as she was let go.
“C’Leena…” Was all Nephele managed after a moment, lifting a hand to her chest in an idle motion as if she didn’t quite know what to do with herself. Well if one thing was for certain she was certainly surprised. Beyond that, actually; Nephele was well and fully stunned beyond words. Processing the request after ten seconds, Nephele’s eyes went round as she swallowed the lump forming in her throat.
Okay…okay. This was happening. Why am I acting like this is a proposal? Relax! That sobering thought snapped Nephele back to reality, as she blinked and let out a shaky laugh. She didn’t quite know where to stand, but she smiled, nonetheless. “Okay.”
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Post by C'Leena Thomas on May 8, 2023 23:27:38 GMT -5
C'Leena smiles. It's been a good while since she last played, but just like Nephele and when she made the pendant, it's always something that'll come back to you, no matter how long it's been. She turns back to the piano, tests a few keys and deems them acceptable. With a deep breath, she begins playing. The song starts slow, but quickly escalates in complexity. Each key press, every push of the pedal is timed to a science, which C'Leena weaves into an artform. Her eyes are steeled, focused on each and every movement she makes. The lack of feeling in her fingers make playing the right notes more difficult, but she still hits every note flawlessly. This is her time to really show Nephele what she can do, instead of simple talk. She's always been a woman of action instead of words, and she doesn't want to make her promises and comments fall flat on her skill. Her fingers dance over the keys, and C'Leena trusts her muscle memory whole heartedly and closes her eyes, allowing herself to sink into the performance. Despite not seeing what she's doing, she never falters. Her body lightly sways as she moves across the keys. In a moment that feels like it lasts forever and not long enough, she concludes the piece and opens her eyes. She smiles fondly. Her eyes glisten with tears that don't fall. She clears her throat and speaks. "God, I haven't played since.. Since before Rose passed. Shit, man."
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Post by Nephele on May 9, 2023 0:21:05 GMT -5
Yeah, Nephele was crying.
She had been fighting like three separate urges at once, wanting to laugh, dance, and downright sob throughout the entire performance. Unable to decide, her hands flew up to cover her mouth and nose as she stood there and just listened. She had never heard a piano before, and yet in a few short minutes it had become one of Nephele's favorite sounds. It was so gentle, yet there were more powerful chords that picked up and carried through the air. It felt so...grounded. Yet somehow gentle and beautiful.
Music was its own language, and once C'Leena was done telling it's story, Nephele broke down. She let out one of the ugliest sounds she'd ever uttered as she sobbed, failing to hold the tears back as she nearly knocked her girlfriend over tackling her into a hug. Nephele buried her face in her neck as she immediately began showering her with affection.
"Y-You did so well oh my gods! I c-can't believe you shared this with m-me, thank you thank you thank you!" Nephele was practically spewing unintelligible nonsense, but it was simply in her nature. She sniffled and completely recoiled, wiping her tears with her arms as she tried to hold her tears back. "I-I'm so sorry, oh dear."
This was infinitely better than Nephele's idea, in her not at all humble opinion. What made it worse was that C'Leena's song was her own, and she shared it with her, just like that. Another heavy sniff and Nephele's muttering in that same language she always does: "Anghele mou...I love you so much. Thank you for sharing that with me. Ugh, I'm sorry I'm so gross." Nephele laughs wetly, her accent slurring her words together as she continues rubbing her face. She barely registered her last sentence, too busy trying to calm down at that point.
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