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Post by Shitakibo on Jan 11, 2024 5:20:39 GMT -5
Keiga looked like they wanted to be anywhere else in the world at that moment. Taki set back down with a smile and packed a small glass pipe with herb. Taking a drag, she let the smoke swirl in her lungs while she gathered her thoughts. Setting the pipe on the table, she gestured to Ak'ka if she would like to partake as well before beginning.
"We'll start at the beginning, last summer on a job with another adventurer known as Morrigan Moonweaver. A sink hole had opened on the shore after a particularly bad storm, which stranded several large creatures in a tidal pool when things settled. Efforts to approach or help these stranded creatures was hindered by a pair of rather angry mantas. With the help of one of Morrigan's companions, we managed to create a safe route for them back to the sea. One of the many trapped creatures was none other than Keiga, who'd grown weak and exhausted. Coaxing him out with food, he wouldn't leave my side."
Keiga sighed, rolling their eyes.
"Afterwards we set out on the usual bout of training, learning, and growing. Keiga didn't take to the housework well though, at least at first. Mostly, he couldn't understand just how any of what we were doing was helpful. It was a warm day, Keiga and the others were free to do as they pleased for the day, while I was home preparing food for storage and harvest. After getting the morning harvest done, I set about preparing sausages to be smoked and stored. When Keiga set out for the day, I'd just gotten started, trimming down the fatty excess. That afternoon when he returned, I was smoking the first batch of finished links. He seemed confused about it, why I would spend my day off working at something. That evening, I made a big meal for everyone, including some of the extra sausages I'd made that day as well as things we'd worked on earlier in the season for storage. It finally dawned on him what the value of such work was, like a light sparking into existence, with a mouth full of greasy sausages and roasted vegetables, dripping everywhere... we all laughed heartily that night, despite Keiga protesting profusely."
Taki chuckled softly, smiling at the memory and glad she could share it. She took another hit off the bowl, and a sip of cool water afterwards.
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Post by Ak'ka the Bonegrinder on Jan 17, 2024 8:05:25 GMT -5
Ak’ka watched as her host prepared another glass pipe of the same herbs she’d offered the orc woman the other day. To her surprise, Taki offered her some; she wasn’t gonna be a rude guest, and it had numbed the pain pretty nice yesterday so she took a small inhale, exhalin’ smoke while Taki started her story.
It was sad to hear that Taki’d met Keiga in some dire straits, but that was just the way of life. The world had been crazy since that Sol Stone incident last year, Ak’ka could figure. It had started a domino effect of bad that had fucked the whole world up. Ak’ka’d been in the earthquakes, fought monsters unearthed by ancient magic she didn’t understand - magic she didn’t need to understand. Ak’ka was the cleanup crew, the gal you called to punch shit when it went south. She fought monsters and built buildings… didn’t surprise her that Keiga’d been swept up in it.
Taki continued on with her story, of hard lessons and the value of work. Sounded like one of the old mountain tales her old man would tell her when she was an orcling. Stories about the difficulties of being a tribe leader she never appreciated ‘til she took the mantle herself. Ak’ka laughed, leanin’ back in her seat.
“Took a lesson from the school of hard knocks, eh?” She turned to Keiga with a grin. “Sometimes the best way to learn is to live it yerself. I was the same way as a kid. Didn’t wanna get why things were the way they were - ya couldn’t just tell me.” Best thing to do sometimes was to learn with your own eyes and see how life was, then decide whether you accepted it or not.
“Still. If it means I get a little help clearin’ out the stalks, I ain’t complaining.” She pulled herself to her feet, careful on her bum leg. Already, it was feelin’ better than it had been only hours before. Taki’s magic was workin’ wonders. She leaned over and stretched, gettin’ feeling back in her legs. It was good to feel the right kinda burn in her muscles again. She missed this. “And it’s good to know i’ll have like company, too.”
Funny, how easy she got along with Taki and Keiga. Merc and shaman were pretty damn different, but they still somehow managed to find common ground and understanding. And her and Keiga were pretty damn similar. Predators in the wild, never just given’ up, pretty stubborn n’ headstrong. Of all the places she could’a landed, places that were takin’ care of her as vulnerable as she was; Ak’ka was glad it was here.
“Well, it ain’t much, but if yer gonna insist on not takin’ my money the least I can do is clean this place up as much as I can to give ya a much deserved break.” She flashed Taki a grin. “You just sit back and take the rest of the day off, yeah? I’ll take care of the cleaning n’ shit.” With that promise, she started making her way off… only after she started movin’ did she realize she had no idea where she was going.
Thankfully, Keiga was there to direct her to the task. Wouldn’t take long for her to get settled, and movin’ her body once more. The Bonegrinder relished the chance to get some energy out. The fact that she was helping a new friend was an added bonus.
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Post by Shitakibo on Jan 22, 2024 9:10:47 GMT -5
In truth, Taki could probably now handle that chore alone or with the assistance of magic. She considered her new friend's desire to be of value in some way, to be appreciative in their own way for help. That had seemed of some vital importance to Ak'ka, so Taki sat back and enjoyed her freed up evening out in the workshop. Beside her, outside their usual configuration, was Shuchu. The big golem's crystalline structure was far more exposed than usual as the shaman spent the afternoon adjusting their Formulae and construction.
"Alright, how's the feedback for that?"
"Better, less jerky, though it does feel sluggish."
"Hmmm... I may switch out some of the connectives."
"I've had a sneaking suspicion it's something else."
"Oh? What ideas might you have?"
"Hakaze and I were talking the other day, and he told me my muscle structure reminded him of a serpent, but I move like an ape. Perhaps that's what's causing it?"
Taki took a step back from the golem, looking at it's overall structure and form... Hakaze was right, she had unconsciously built their musculature all wrong for their body.
"That is a startlingly accurate assessment, I'll be sure to thank Hakaze at dinner this evening for the insight. Moving forward, how would you like to structrue your form? We're at a critical juncture where we're going to have to do a full tear down anyway... so if there's something more comfortable or preferable, I'd like to hear your input."
"May I ask a few questions first?"
"Of course, you're always welcome to ask questions."
"Why did you choose this ape like form?"
"Two reasons, it's a sturdy yet mobile form and it's able to both conceal itself prone as well as stand to full height. As you've seen, sometimes our work requires stealth, others deterring firepower."
"So something similar would be your preference?"
"From a practical sense yes, but this is your life, your existence, and that comes first."
"Last question, are there any restrictions?"
"Only size and materials, the first due to the complexity of magic and the second what I have available without using destructive practices."
The conversation went on like this for another hour or so while the shaman carefully deconstructed her golem down to their core. It was the only piece of the puzzle they both knew couldn't be changed, so they left it be to draw inspiration from other natural forms to build around. After some time, the pair decided on a new body to build around Shuchu and the long process of organizing, assembling and reconnecting would begin. The afternoon slowly gave rise to a chill evening, the first shivers shaking Taki from her concentration.
She headed for the main house to check on Ak'ka, prepare dinner and rest for the evening. While it would probably bore her golem into a slumber, it wasn't the first night Shuchu had spent in such a state and the rest would probably do them some good.
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Post by Ak'ka the Bonegrinder on Jan 28, 2024 8:33:01 GMT -5
Liftin’ bamboo wasn’t exactly the most strenuous of exercises in the world and far from the heaviest thing Ak’ka’d ever lifted. But she quickly found that if she gathered a bunch up at once after rippin’ them up from the earth, throwin’ em in a bundle, and using a bit of twine to tie them together, Ak’ka could create improvised weights. Not enough to lift and build muscle, but it would offer a bit of resistance while she worked. Ak’ka secured a weight on either side of her belt; the size was big and clunky and awkward, but Ak’ka was big and clunky and awkward, so she figured it was fine.
It definitely helped her work up a bit of a sweat while the afternoon passed her by. Ak’ka found a steady rhythm - break the bamboo, throw it in the pile, move the pile to a place in the retreat where Keiga directed. And there was a hell of a lot of bamboo. Ak’ka knew from local folks that it was kind of a weed, but she was surprised that it cropped up fuckin’ everywhere. The Spirit’s Retreat was chock full of it, which meant a long day of work. But it was helpin’ Taki, and she managed a decent chunk of exercise, so it was a double win, in her book.
Throughout the afternoon a couple’a rats and small prey started darting through the foliage, and Ak’ka and Keiga made a small game of seein’ who could get to it first. The winnings, either way, were tossed to Keiga as a light snack. Kept them both entertained while the worked, makin’ the chores an easier pill to swallow. By the time the sun set over foliage and turned the sky a shallow gray, Ak’ka hadn’t even realized how much time had passed at all.
“Oh, shit.” She grunted when she saw that it had already begun sinking into nighttime. “Guess we’ve done enough for today, man. Better start headin’ back.”
Taki wasn’t at the house when Ak’ka and Keiga returned, so the half-Orc warrior pulled a flask outta her things and sat down on her temporary bed with a large swig of what remained of her drink. Piece of shit got dented pretty bad in the fall and the attack, but it was still solid and hanging in there.
She… guessed she should probably start plannin’ where to head next. Her stay here wasn’t indefinite. Wouldn’t be long ‘til her leg healed.
“I’m thinkin’ it’s time to head up north for a bit. Back home.” She told Keiga, breakin’ the comfortable silence. “Plenty of shit for a merc to do up there, and, I dunno.” She made a sour face as she tried to think of the words to describe what she was feelin, but came up short. She’d never been a very eloquent gal. “I think it’ll give me a better handle on this lycan thing to return to a place I know better than anywhere.” At the very least she’d be less of a danger to folks in a place where she could easily fuck off to the woods if she thought the Beast was takin’ over.
It was as good a plan as any. Taki’d been more than kind, but Ak’ka had to face reality. She’d failed to catch her bounty here, fucked up her body almost beyond repair. She needed to heal - not just her body but her will.
Her musings would be cut short by Taki’s arrival, who Ak’ka greeted with a grin and a clap on the shoulder. “Takin’ it easy, I hope? We just got back from the fields. Got a lot of work done, and the leg’s feeling pretty damn good despite it all. Yer magic works damn wonders, doc.”
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Post by Shitakibo on Feb 1, 2024 2:48:13 GMT -5
She blinked for a moment as the big orc's hand pressed down on her shoulder unexpectedly.
“Takin’ it easy, I hope? We just got back from the fields. Got a lot of work done, and the leg’s feeling pretty damn good despite it all. Yer magic works damn wonders, doc.” Greeted the exuberant Orc, nearly knocking Taki to the floor. The shaman caught herself on reflex, but marveled at the sheer force. Her recovery was remarkable... even by magic's standards. She smiled as she bowed politely.
"Your recovery and thanks mean a great deal to me, as is the incredible amount of work you have done. If you'd like one more healing session before bed this evening just for good measure, it might be a good idea... otherwise, try to not jump off any cliffs or some such and you'll be fine in a few days, a week at most. Also, if you've got any requests for meals or provision, please say so."
As she straightened up, a sense of peace and comfort that Ak'ka's recovery was assured and a new bond formed with Keiga. She'd made a new friend, and saved a life, that was a good week for any shaman. She poured some fresh juice into a glass, then handed Ak'ka the rest in it's somewhat larger decanter.
"Enjoy, it's full of winter berries, and a few fruit juices from the greenhouse orchard."
The smell of fruit juice inevitably drew Kamina from another part of the house. She came buzzing in with her fae sized cup and tried to scoop some from Taki. The pixie chased the sweet concoction as the shaman passed it between her hands in various patterns, careful not to go fast enough to slosh the liquid out and just fast enough to keep it out of reach. The pair giggled until Kamina dove straight at the cup and nearly went head first into it. Caught abruptly but gently, she dipped her cup triumphantly in the cup while she dangled. Moving the larger cup, she carefully turned the pixie and her juice glass over.
"Well done... triggering the maternal instincts."
"Who? Me?"
"Indeed, you."
"Hmmph... Why I never..."
"I saw that smirk on your face."
"W-What smirk?"
Fight it all she wanted, Kamina's triumphant smirk wouldn't go away. The pair laughed heartily before Kamina zipped off again to another fae sized adventure.
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Post by Ak'ka the Bonegrinder on Feb 9, 2024 11:47:39 GMT -5
It was real nice to hear Taki’s relief over her recovery, even if Ak’ka didn’t really understand fully why Taki was so fully invested in her health. Most times, her encounter with healers were transactional. Magic, fixed limb, done. But Taki didn’t even ask for anything when Ak’ka barged into her temple, danger on her heels. She acted like payment was a nice bonus rather than a given. Bad for business, but she’d come to learn that Taki didn’t see the world in terms of money like a merc would. She cared about experiences.
For Ak’ka, life was the stretch that happened between battles. For Taki, life was somethin’ to be seen, heard, experienced. Didn’t need money to do so.
“Well there go my evening plans.” Ak’ka said with a hearty laugh. “But seriously. Don’t worry about another healing session. Leg’s feelin’ fine and I don’t want ya to exert yourself over somethin’ that’s already on the course to fixin’ itself in a day.” Taki’d already done so much for her comfort. Ak’ka was a big gal, she could tough out the last stretch of the healing process herself.
Speakin’ of, she’d probably been on it long enough for the day.
Ak’ka pulled herself into a seat while Taki poured some juice in a glass and handed her the pitcher.
The half-orc sniffed the drink experimentally, surprised to find that it had a sharp and tangy scent to it that reminded her of winter pine and the northern winds of home. She took a long swig and nodded appraisingly. “It’s nice. Sharp.” Not too sweet, either. Ak’ka took another long swig and watched Taki and the little pixie go back n’ forth, feeling like she was on the outside watching in. Bothered her only a little more than she thought it would.
Damn dream was bothering her more than she thought.
She pushed thoughts of her tribe away while the fae danced off to cause more mischeif. Ak’ka huffed out a small laugh at the sight.
“That little gal is trouble.” She noted, more in jest than anything. “Hell, I bet yer hands are full dealing with her alone.” Wasn’t a bad way to live, though.
She let out a wistful sigh and propped her feet up on the couch, energy already leaving her. She’d done a lot more work today than anticipated. Tomorrow would be more work. She hated bein’ this exhausted, her body not cooperatin’ with her. But there was nothing to do ‘xcept listen to it, stop, and let it recover. This experience had been good for teachin’ her that.
Ak’ka closed her eyes and sighed.
“You’ve got a good place here, Taki. Glad to be part of it for a bit, even if it ain’t permanent. Of anywhere I could possibly be to rest, feels nice that it was… this place.”
Wouldn't be long after that when her body would finally force her to sleep once more, the day’s work taking its toll on her.
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Post by Shitakibo on Feb 10, 2024 20:01:50 GMT -5
"The magic is only exhausting if I have to cast it repeatedly in a short span, say... on a battlefield or at the site of an accident. Otherwise, it's effort is little more than breathing, flexing a muscle, it's almost reflexive. In fact, I suspect there are a few tricks in my kit that would keep working even after I've been knocked out... but I'd rather not test the theory."
She chuckled softly, watching as Ak'ka settled in for some rest and nodded in agreement at her assessment of Kamina. The pixie was indeed a lively bundle of energy, one that the shaman would need a second self to keep after properly. Luckily, Kamina and Rina had built a lasting friendship and the pair of tiny titans kept each other in good spirits. While Rina was in her state of torpor for the winter, Kamina did her best to fill in and had been working well with the others while she traveled. In the span of roughly a year, the fae had grown a great deal, on the inside at least.
"She would be, in a life other than this one, Kamina would run someone ragged in a matter of days. I'm glad my home could bring you a measure of comfort and rest, and know that it's doors are always open to you. A little warning would be nice if it's possible, but only if... otherwise you're safe here Ak'ka. Enjoy your rest my friend."
With that, the shaman retired for the evening herself. Though she couldn't sleep very well, she spent a great deal of time meditating and communing with spirits. She still had to sort out why she'd had such an emotional stirring as well, though she doubted that could happen overnight. For much of her life, the idea of wanting to be that close to someone seemed repulsive. Not that she begrudged others, but her own early experience made those moments unsettling at best. Perhaps the mountain had more impact on Taki than she realized, some unforeseen closure about the past and what had followed in the wake of her father's passing. She spent the evening pondering about it until at some point she drifted off. Her dreams were stranger than usual that evening, visiting moments from her childhood in vivid detail.
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Post by Ak'ka the Bonegrinder on Feb 13, 2024 11:36:34 GMT -5
“That’s fair. Still, I won’t force ya to keep using yer magic. Gotta let my body do some of the work itself, yeah?” Magic was a good quick solution, but Ak’ka was from stern Orc stock. The kind where an injury grew back and made them stronger. She’d pushed through the worst of it with Taki’s help - now it was time to leave it to nature. “Bein’ able to use magic even when unconscious… that’s pretty handy.”
She nodded, fatigue pullin’ her back into unconsciousness.
“Rest well yerself, Taki.”
In sleep, she dreamed.
Remembered her clan, thought of the kin she’d let down and the people she’d watched die. When her old man died, leavin’ her leader of a clan she didn’t know how to run and rage and grief build from love lost, Ak’ka made a pact. A pact to protect people weaker than her who needed it. A pact she’d broken, being trapped in the ice of the avalanche. She let her people down. She dreamed of the World’s Crown, the remains of a village whose spirit was broken and lost. She dreamed of rollin’ up her sleeves and puttin’ it all back together. She dreamed of bringin’ her friends there - Snowball, Ein, Shaa, Javal, Taki.
When she woke up, she didn’t feel as battered as she had the nights before.
Sunlight filtered through the window of her makeshift room, the dust-tainted beams rousin’ her from her rest. Ak’ka pulled herself into a sitting position, rubbin’ out the soreness in her muscles. When she was awake enough, she pulled herself outta bed and went through morning stretches and exercises. She felt a little better putting weight on her leg; wasn’t perfect, but a sign her time here was drawin’ ever closer to a close. She needed to take to the road again.
She needed to return home.
The Bonegrinder dealt with her thoughts through movement, the exercise givin’ her a clearer head to get through the muddle and fatigue to somethin’ more alert. It was still pretty early, so Ak’ka roused Keiga to keep an eye on her, and set off to the grounds to go for a walk. She couldn’t exactly jog considering the condition of her leg, so she settled for a walk, where she would occasionally flip into a handstand, walkin’ on her hands while keepin’ her body completely upright. It was a good workout for her arms and core at least.
By the time she finished her walk, Ak’ka had worked up a decent sweat; she found a towel in her things in her room and started wipin’ herself down. She wished she had some real weights, but she’d make do.
Exercise done, she set off to find Taki and see what today would bring.
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Post by Shitakibo on Feb 21, 2024 18:29:55 GMT -5
Slumber did not come easily that night, though Taki was able to get plenty of rest. She spent the evening meditating, communing with the spirits, and pondering the day's events. Her body still felt a tingle when she thought of Ak'ka tearing up logs bare handed, but what surprised her most were the emotions. It was a chaotic storm of feelings, something she'd not experienced since exile. It was easy enough to accept that Ak'ka had her own plans and wasn't interested, but accepting that she was even capable of such feelings was proving challenging.
While she'd had plenty of passion and determination to acheive what she felt was right to do, that love and care was built from empathy and a desire to shield others from pain and suffering. This was something else, not the outward push to bring caring to others, but rather an inward pressure. Like a typhoon battering against a cliff, the presence and demeanor of another sparking emotions Taki had long considered beyond the scope of her life. Who could possibly love this oddity of a shaman? An exile, a 'mutant abomination'?
The scars of her tribe reared their ugly reality, filled the shaman with a kind of self doubt that could freeze her in her tracks. While their number was small compared to even a small human township, their fangs were potent and their views isolated. She heard her father's men often speak of other sentients as though they were worms crawling in muck, that somehow Orochi blood was not tainted while others were seen as lesser. The very same attitude turned it's attention on Taki when she started showing signs of her spiritual affinity. Such gifts were shunned by most of her tribe, only their healer, a wisened woman of many generations, showed the shaman any kindness. Even that earned her some small ire, but it was the only voice, the only heart, in Taki's life growing up.
Undoing that pain and suffering would have to come first, no matter how much her emotions begged for companionship. If she could not express her care to another, or be able to understand the care being expressed by another, she wasn't ready to be their partner. It would be a daunting undertaking, especially without guidance or understanding... and all the more reason why it needed doing.
As the first hints of blue sky were beginning to chase away the stars, Taki was up and about. A bit groggy from the lack of sleep but otherwise rested, she set about getting some early morning gardening done. With a batch of spring seedlings started, the shaman would have to tend them daily until they were ready to be planted. They seemed promising thus far, little sprouts and sprigs and determined leaves hunting for the sun while she carefully tended their needs. Afterwards she pruned those few plants that needed trimming, and harvested the last of the winter's crops. In a couple days, the various beds and pots would go through the hefty process of emptying their soil to start a fresh compost pile, and be refilled.
With a basket in each hand, she headed into the storeroom to put things away. Spices and most of the root vegetables were put into a drying room, the rest was stored in her cold room on shelves. She kept two separate piles, one for use as fresh ingredients over the following days, and the other for preserving. As she finished, she picked out some fresh berries, took a rope of sausages and headed towards the outdoor grill. After getting a fire going, she put the sausages in the smoker and went inside. She could hear Ak'ka stirring and setting about as she was mixing up a fresh muffin batter. Pouring the confection into their pans after coating the cups with butter, she headed outside and popped them into the waiting and now very hot oven. She adjusted the vent until she felt she was getting an even heat across the oven without burning the pastries. Satisfied with her preparations, she headed inside to let the coals finish cooking things.
Ak'ka found her a few minutes later, sitting down with a freshly packed pipe to take a break while breakfast finished. Scents of sweet berries, savory meat and aromatic spices were already invading the house as she waved to the warrior.
"Good morning, did you rest well?"
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Post by Ak'ka the Bonegrinder on Mar 1, 2024 8:15:08 GMT -5
The tangy smell of fresh fruit and the dull, bitter taste of pipeweed greeted Ak’ka when she found Taki.
“Mornin’.” She waved her hand in greeting, stretchin’ out her sore muscles before taking a seat. The food looked delicious; looked like there was enough for her and she’d settled into enough of a routine during her time here to know there was some set out for her in this spread. The sausages were still cooking on the grill, so Ak’ka leaned over and grabbed one between her fingers, careful not to disturb the coal.
She threw it in her mouth and grinned.
“Taste pretty done to me.” Probably not the best assessment from someone who ate raw meat regularly and had an iron stomach to handle it.
She grabbed another and tossed it to Keiga who caught it midair.
The rest were still finishing so she reached over and grabbed a fistful of fruit, shoving that in her mouth, too. Say what you will about her manners but she had a pretty damn healthy appetite.
“So. My leg is feelin’ loads better.” She started, looking pretty damn proud of herself. “Even managed a jog. Kinda. The parts I couldn’t do on my legs, I did on my hands.”
Keiga nodded, a look of almost awe or abject horror on his face because yes, she’d walked almost half a mile on her hands alone.
“Point is. I definitely think I’m through the worst of the recovery and I’ve got you to thank for it. So thanks again, Doc. Woulda been a pretty miserable healing experience in the woods if you hadn’t helped.” It meant one of two things. The first being that Ak’ka was about ready to set back on the road, with new experiences and friends to speak of for it. Second being…
“So. What’s on the agenda today? I’ve got most of my strength back so don’t hold out on me now.” She was eager to get some movement and some weight training, that was for sure.
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Post by Shitakibo on Mar 3, 2024 20:29:53 GMT -5
Taki chuckled softly, pulling on her pipe until the bowl had a bright glow. She let her breath out a few seconds later and pondered the question presented. Her only remaining task for the day was to finish maintenance and upgrades to Shuchu, though that did involve some manual labor, it wasn't much.
"Hold that thought a moment while I finish breakfast, I'll see if I can come up with something." Setting off out the door after offering the pipe to Ak'ka, she pulled the plump sausages from the smoker. After splitting them up, she snuffed the fire out and opened the oven door to allow the muffins a minute to cool down beside the sausages while she took a short stroll around the courtyard. Retrieving a jug of juice from the storeroom, she really had no clue what to suggest for Ak'ka to do. She set breakfast onto a pair of serving trays and headed back inside, puzzling over what to do.
"Here we are, enjoy." Taki set the trays down and plucked a sausage for herself, savoring the link of seasoned meats as it's casing popped. Afterwards, she plucked a muffin and started picking pieces off to enjoy. She was glad the food was enjoyable for Ak'ka though the warrior had accomplished weeks worth of chores in a matter of what seemed like minutes. She rummaged through the list of thoughts and chores but couldn't think of anything suitable to what little she knew of Ak'ka. She finished her muffin and another sausage, then took a sip of juice.
"I'm going to be entirely transparent with you Ak'ka, you've done weeks worth of chores and all that I could think of for you to do. Other than tending the garden this morning, and finishing up with Shuchu, the day is set to be a leisurely and relaxing one. You're welcome to stay, explore the area if you like, but I won't keep you if you'd like to start for your next adventure either. This has been a pleasant experience overall, thank you."
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Post by Ak'ka the Bonegrinder on Mar 10, 2024 8:53:39 GMT -5
Ak’ka grinned and leaned back in her seat while Taki divvied up the rest of breakfast. The orc warrior enjoyed her breakfast while Taki went through her mental checklist, but based on the look on her face, she couldn’t seem to think of much. Ak’ka liked to be useful, keep active. Takin’ care of Taki’s place while she was here was an added bonus. But now that she’d helped with everything there was to do, Ak’ka couldn’t help but feel… a little outta place.
This wasn’t her home, and these weren’t her gardens to enjoy.
Ak’ka stood once her meal was done, stretching out the stiffness in her legs. Taki’d done a damn fine job healing the hurts.
“You’ve been so kind. I don’t do well just sittin’ still and enjoying nature. To be honest that first day sittin’ and lettin’ my leg heal has been more than enough introspection for me for the next ten years.” Ak’ka grinned at her own joke before shaking her head. “Nah. I should be the one thanking you. Like I said before, I owe you a life debt. I don’t take that promise lightly.”
If Taki had chosen to let Ak’ka freeze in that courtyard she probably would’a frozen out there, slipping away into that quiet night where she would be buried in her memories of the avalanche that nearly took her the first time.
“But if my leg is better, I should probably take to the road. I’m thinkin’ I might head home myself.” Or as close as home got for her these days. Frostgale wasn’t her tribe anymore but if there was anywhere she could get this werebeast situation sorted and crush the remaining weakness outta her, it was the place where the ice was so cold it carved chunks into you.
She leaned over and scooped Taki up, pullin’ the orochi into a bear hug; the kind that knocked the breath outta yer lungs and told you exactly why folks called her the Bonegrinder. But this time, it was a sign of affection.
After a moment she set Taki down and patted her roughly on the shoulders. “Remember. If you ever need me just call for the Bonegrinder. Even if it’s just for some manual labor around the house.”
She didn’t have her things on her, but that didn’t matter. Ak’ka traveled light - light for her standards at least - so it only took a second for her to grab her sac full of shit and her tree. There was only a twinge of pain in her leg as she moved - it was practically back in fighting form. With Keiga at her side and the knowledge she had a new ally - friend - Ak’ka didn’t feel like her injury’d made her weaker.
It made her more invincible.
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Mage's Guild
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Renown
Crescent Isles
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Post by Shitakibo on Mar 18, 2024 11:22:02 GMT -5
Taki listened to Ak'ka's grateful words, smiling softly as the warrior scooped her up into a crushing hug. While it did make the shaman's body strain, she returned the hug with one of startling strength of her own. After being set down again, she nodded her acknowledgement.
"I will, in due time, take you up on that offer. Next time I'll be sure to have a better plan as to what we'll be doing... and hopefully there won't be an urgent need to mend broken bodies along the way... but that's a rarity. Take care Ak'ka, and don't get too mad at Keiga if they laze around the fire when it's bitter cold out. Safe travels and pleasant journeys my friend, until we meet again."
Along with Kamina, they followed the warrior and her new companion to the gate and wished them well one last time. She gave the little fae a playful nudge and headed back inside with a satisfied smile and a new part of herself to explore. Life often brought change into one's life when it was least expected, but this was one of those few times Taki was grateful for the experience, even if it had been a fleeting one. If she could connect with that part of herself, her spirit, perhaps she would find a more complete self. Time would tell, until then, she'd tend her garden, enjoy her breaks and help out those who called upon her.
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