[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/cNtrvII.png[/img][hr]Kaspar [@Wolfieh], Zarina [@YummyYummy][hr][b][color=7ea7d8]Event:[/color][/b] Return to the Academy, Class Arc [b]|[/b] [b][color=7ea7d8]Location:[/color][/b]Academy of Thaumaturgy, Ersand'Enise[hr][hr][/center]
[center][youtube]https://youtu.be/TRKoQHRKKis[/youtube][/center]
[hr][center][color=7ea7d8][b]One Month Ago:[/b][/color][/center][hr]
[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/fz6IFjw.png[/img][/center]
[color=C78A2C]”Three fours.”[/color]

Called out a feminine yet somewhat deep voice among the chattering that reigned in the student lounge in the merchants’ quarters. With only these two words, one could distinguish a thick Virangish accent. It was Zarina, sitting before a square table with five of her female peers, all of which were of either Torragonese, Inipori or her own nationality. They were playing a game known as ‘Dudo’ in Torragon with wooden chips used as wagers. [b]”Four fours.”[/b] one of four players announced, essentially raising the bid. The tall, sun-kissed lady of the group raised an eyebrow, [color=C78A2C]”Bold.”[/color] she raised the upside-down cup before her to get another gander of the dice under it before clicking her tongue.

[b]”Four fives.”[/b] a torragonese girl added, getting a few surprised reactions from the others. Zaina took a sip from her small coffee cup right by her game cup. Everyone had one of those, actually, with a still warm kettle resting near the pot of tokens in the centre, [color=C78A2C]”Gonna call Sereza a liar, Fatima? C’mon.”[/color] the Virangish teen smirked, a hand supporting her chin as she leaned in to apply a bit more pressure to her neighbour whose turn it was.

Although as the game was about to progress, a regular member of the group, Isabel, had arrived and made her presence known to the entire lounge, [color=C78A2C]”Ah, there she is!”[/color] without fault, Zarina pointed right at the late arrival with a bright, toothy smile before gesturing for her to come, along with her plus one, [color=C78A2C]”And who’s this lost little cub?”[/color] her golden hues directed themselves toward the little Torraro noble and narrowed into an almost fox-like squint, [color=C78A2C]”Welcome.”[/color]

Ayla moves with grace as she leans towards the woman greeting her first of all. She takes her hand within her own as she places a pat upon it. [color=7ea7d8]"Pleased to make your acquaintance, you may address me as Ayla."[/color] She gives the hand a squeeze before breaking contact, then starts to greet the others the same manner, much to their amusement, as she casts eyes upon the game in front of them all, [color=7ea7d8]“It seems that much happiness is to be had here, may one partake?”.[/color]

Zarina blinks at the sudden contact made by the torragonese lass, certainly not expecting such an approach, although it did little to make her smile falter, [color=C78A2C]”My my, proper aren’t we, Ayla?”[/color] she leans against her chair, one leg over the other, and her vixen gaze now turned into a more focused, almost viper-like one, [color=C78A2C]”I’m Zarina.”[/color] a small gesture of her previously held hand invited the others to surrender their cups and dice as they were going to start again while the others were introducing themselves.

[color=C78A2C]”You are absolutely welcome to, love. I assume you know how to play?”[/color] the more predatory gaze has since mellowed into a calmer, half-lidded gaze that was shared among the members of the circle, though the newcomer still got a disproportionate amount of attention, especially as the free seat was set opposite of the ringleader, [color=C78A2C]”Five dices, up the bid or choose a higher face, one’s are wildcards.”[/color] she wooden cup is filled with the appropriate amount of dice, and each member is given one, for a total of five players this time around.

Zarina peeks into her own cup for barely a second before looking up at the new guest, [color=C78A2C]”Coffee, little Ayla?”[/color] she reaches for the metal jug, still warm with the faintest trace of steam emitting from it, and begins to fill a cup that she then slides over to the noble girl [color=C78A2C]”Care to start too?”[/color]

Ayla simply follows along with the instructions, rolling the dice upon the table with the cup. The dice scattering in an unceremonious manner upon the table with much of a chuckle, [color=7ea7d8]"The dice read 5, 5, 3, 2, 2"[/color]. The statement is left hanging as if awaiting further explanation or instruction. She uses the moment to look towards the steaming brown elixir, her hands moving to cup along the ceramic sides, bringing the liquid to her lips. Her face probably looking in disgust as her taste buds are suddenly overwhelmed with the bitterness, keeping the container up to attempt to hide her features whilst waiting for an explanation.

Zarina’s eyes just followed the rolling dice. She nodded with a grimace that exaggerated how ‘impressed’ she was, [color=C78A2C]”Wow, you really know your stuff.”[/color] she snorted while her posse giggled in tandem, [color=C78A2C]”I assume you’ve never played Dudo? It is a game from Torragon, pretty popular among sailors.”[/color] she smirked, [color=C78A2C]”And pirates.”[/color] the Virangish girl reaches out for the dice and gestures for Ayla’s cup to be returned, [color=C78A2C]”The dice is your hand, yes? Keep it to yourself.”[/color]

The cup was passed to the lion cub, [color=C78A2C]”You announce your bid. Two threes? If there are two three’s on the table, your bid is covered.”[/color] her turquoise nails drum against the wooden surface before her, [color=C78A2C]”But should Fatima deem you to be a liar, and your bid isn’t covered,”[/color] she flicks one of the dices on the table, causing it to fly off to the corner of the room, [color=C78A2C]”You lose a dice. If your bid is covered, she does! Simple enough?”[/color] she tilts her head before gesturing for Ayla to begin again, [color=C78A2C]”But given we’re five, let’s say the cost is now … Two dice!”[/color]

Ayla nods in acknowledgement, simply putting the dice within her cup and begins her roll again, the cackle of the dice within the cup is very audible, with a very good shake she comes to a stop, placing the top upon the table. She tries to manoeuvre the coffee cup to act like a shield as she tries to peek, seemingly mouthing the dice as she sees them, giving a big smile as she turns to Fatima, those sapphire eyes gleaming. [color=7ea7d8]"Foresee there being six 4’s on the table."[/color] Socially passing the baton to Zarina’s companion to make the next move as she gestures towards her.

A small gesture from Zarina’s hand had the metal jug levitate over Ayla’s cup, meticulously tipping it to fill it up again, [color=C78A2C]”Cheeky little cat, aren’t you?”[/color] she chuckled in amusement while Fatima’s eyes widened a little. Nervous peeks under her cup punctuated the awkward silence that was prompted by the outrageous bid, [b]”Uhm … Seven Six?”[/b] the anxious Fatima posed, which got Zarina to raise an eyebrow, as it was her turn.

A quick peek under her cup confirmed one thing: She had no six, but she had two ones,  [color=C78A2C]"Putting me in quite the corner already, you two."[/color] she pointed her index toward Ayla and Fatima, wiggling it a little in a playful manner,  [color=C78A2C]"Nine six’s."[/color] she solemnly posed before resting her gaze on the newcomer,  [color=C78A2C]"Am I a liar, Sereza? Or maybe Ayla has an issue with my bid?"[/color] and then she smiles.

Ayla ponders for a moment, then simply smiles. [color=7ea7d8]”You seem to be trustworthy. Raise you ten 5’s”[/color]. She pushes the almost empty coffee cup towards Zarina, as if gesturing to top it up from the jug after she has just taken in a nice long draw, a challenging gesture, as if the lion cub is roaring proudly towards the group in defiance.

Zarina squinted, although her smile persisted, [color=C78A2C]”You are a funny one.”[/color] she tilts her head to peer over at her neighbour, Isabel, [color=C78A2C]”So?”[/color] she then leans in, adding even more pressure to her friend, [b]”Lie? I think you’re lying, Ayla.”[/b] she somewhat confidently announced, which in turn prompted everybody to reveal their cups. Zarina had two one’s and a five, Sereza had two five’s and Fatima had one ‘one’ and one five, totalling seven already. When Isabel revealed her’s, she’d show neither one nor a five, bringing it to eight. All eyes were on Ayla now, [color=C78A2C]”Well, well, all pressure is on you, little Ayla.”[/color] Zarina leans her chin over her palm, [color=C78A2C]”I gotta say, I respect the ballsiness.”[/color]

Ayla frowned at the accusations levered before her. She lifts her cup up to reveal a 1 and two 5’s.  [color=7ea7d8]“It appears there was a mistake, there were eleven 5’s on the table”[/color]. Ayla looks towards Zarina, gazing within her eyes, her frown of disappointment attempting to hide that smile, as she indicates to her cup,  [color=7ea7d8]“If we are going to continue, my drink is required to be refilled”[/color].

Zarina scoffed at Ayla’s display of attitude, which only contributed to the Virangish girl’s amusement, [color=C78A2C]”You’re something, I’ll give you that.”[/color] first thing’s first, Isabel had clearly lost this round and thus was taxed not one, but two dice. But before the tall teen could get on to rewarding the Torraro winner with some more coffee, a bell resonated through the entirety of Ersand’Enise, indicating a new period had started and some electives were starting. Which meant most of the group had to disperse, leaving only the head of the group and the tiny newcomer.

[color=C78A2C]”Usually people hate their first coffee.”[/color] she remarks as the levitating metal pot pours the hot beverage into the cup for a third time, [color=C78A2C]”Either you’ve got REALLY good taste, or you’re trying too hard to look cool.”[/color] she gives the noble a very keen, soul-piercing gaze with her eye as her head had turned ever so slightly so she could properly arrange the cups and dice, [color=C78A2C]”How about you ‘n’ I have a game?”[/color] her golden gaze was now focused on tidying things up, [color=C78A2C]”Winner gets a small bag of nice, Virangish coffee beans. Well, you get mine if you win.”[/color] she smirked, peering up to see how the lioness would react.

Ayla smiles in sweet sincerity as she returns the gaze warmly, [color=7ea7d8]"Received your interest".[/color] She slides her hand over towards Zarina own, the fingers latching upon the bottom of the dice cup, clawing the dice towards her as the top runs along the table with that telltale scratch. She rolls the dice, planting the top of the cup down upon the table, and only with a quick check of the roll,  [color=7ea7d8]“Four 4’s”[/color]. She brings the coffee cup within her hands, as she drinks deeply, as her eyes stare deeply into Zarina from above the lid of the cup.

With her elbow over the edge of the table and chin rested over her palm, Zarina lifted her own cup once it had a good shuffling. She shared the focus in her gaze that Ayla was displaying, mimicking the little one’s indulgence and then refilling her own glass with the increasingly lukewarm drink, [color=C78A2C]”Don’t kid yourself, this place gets dull very fast. Fresh blood gets a few heads turning.”[/color] the cup was then set back to hide her hand, [color=C78A2C]”Five threes.”[/color] she announces solemnly before taking another sip, [color=C78A2C]”So what drags you here from the Blue quarters, eh? In need of some adventuring or rebelling like half you folks do?”[/color]

Ayla nurses the cup within her hand as she looks down towards her, the playfulness disappearing.  [color=7ea7d8]"Was instructed to come here, because my father didn’t want to lose my brother. Dispensable compared to him. Looking for somewhere which reminded me of home, it is sorely missed".[/color] Appears to be ignoring the game at this point, bringing the ceramic cup to her lips as she drinks upon it, her eyes gazing low as if looking beyond the table.  She replies as if reluctantly willing to engage, [color=7ea7d8]"Five fours"[/color].

With the game slowing down, Zarina tilted her head just a tad before conferring a dull stare to the noble girl spilling her heart out, [color=C78A2C]”Right.”[/color] a loud tap on the table punctuated that singular word, [color=C78A2C]”What makes this place any more comfortable than your own quarters, then, little Ayla?”[/color] she then taps the top of her cup with the same hand that frequently drummed over the table, [color=C78A2C]”’Cause last time I checked, we’re just as snooty as your pompous deadbeats in blue-ward.”[/color] the dullness of her expression quickly shifted to a jolly one as she begins to laugh, [color=C78A2C]”Can’t make friends among the great birthrights of Erd-Sand’Weenis?”[/color] she snorts at her own badness, [color=C78A2C]”Six threes.”[/color] she adds as if it were an afterthought, although just how much she thought of it was purposefully kept discreet in all the chatter.

Ayla has never thought of thinking about it so thoroughly, because to her, the obviousness posed made it seem like a given, though is aware that not all places are the same. [color=7ea7d8]"Varrahasta is the city of my birth, the lapping sea, bustling port, and even dice games like this. Far removed from ‘the blue quarter’ "[/color], she does give a wry smile as she plays down how much she knew at the beginning. It wasn’t a malicious deception to win the game, she knew that appearing weak and vulnerable allows others to drop their guard, giving better opportunities for some friendships to be made.  [color=7ea7d8]"Would like to request an alternative prize"[/color], speaking back to the topic of the game,  [color=7ea7d8]"One always prefers to share a drink with a friend."[/color]

Zarina traced the tip of her nail around the edge of the upside down cup, her eyes peering down at it while her adversary was sharing her origins, [color=C78A2C]”Varrahasta.”[/color] she repeated, again punctuating that single word with a tap, this time on the cup, [color=C78A2C]”I’ve been there before. Know a few folks there too.”[/color] now she adjusted her posture, crossing her arms before her and resting them on the edge of the table so she could support her upper-body’s weight. Her Hexaic pendant hung more obviously in that position, dangling about and contrasting less with her darker attire, [color=C78A2C]”But we’re sharing a drink already, no?”[/color] her hand was in the right position to seize her cup, and she lazily raised it as a ‘toast’ before indulging, [color=C78A2C]”Besides, there needs to be at least some stakes, don’t you agree? It ups the ante in a fun way, I find!”[/color]

Again, she peeked under her cup, only to purse her lips, [color=C78A2C]”Ayla, Ayla, Ayla …”[/color] Zarina clicks her tongue, [color=C78A2C]”Ayla. Generally the higher status likes to flaunt their lineage.”[/color] she smirks, [color=C78A2C]”If I win, you tell me your name.”[/color] she pauses and cranes her head to the side for a moment in her pensive silence, [color=C78A2C]”And if you win, I’ll tell you mine.”[/color]

The Torragonese girl simply smiles gently, after all, an exchange of names is how one establishes a friendship. [color=7ea7d8]"If you desire a noble's lineage, the best way to find out is to question it"[/color], the corner of her mouth flickering slightly as she mused. [color=7ea7d8]"Miss Zarina, I have fours, you have threes, I cannot raise. My only option would be to call"[/color]. She taps upon the top of the dice cup, gazing into those golden eyes. [color=7ea7d8]"How about we both walk away winning. We exchange names"[/color]. 

Zarina raises her hand, [color=C78A2C]”Just Zarina. Please.”[/color] her fingers then curl and prompt a couple of small cracks, [color=C78A2C]”Calling.”[/color] she chuckles, [color=C78A2C]”You know your stuff. And acting all naive too. It would also rub some the wrong way. Like one’s attempting to cheat them.”[/color] her eyes widen and stare right into the lazulite gaze of the other, [color=C78A2C]”Are you trying to trick me, little Ayla? Make me feel safe in this little truce?”[/color] the Virangish girl bites the tip of her own tongue while glancing down at the table before her, [color=C78A2C]”Or maybe you’re just a little sweetie. Or; like every person worth a damn, have more than one facet. More than a one-trick pony.”[/color] she chuckles.

The cup is tipped over, revealing 2, 3, 3, 4, 5, [color=C78A2C]”I’ll be taking that precious name.”[/color] she confidently states while staring at her adversary’s cup, but then raises her golden gaze, [color=C78A2C]”But if you ask nicely, I’m always willing to share with friends.”[/color]

Ayla bit her lip and looks a little troubled as Zarina confidently boasts her victory, and it wasn’t the threat of impending loss, it was the opposite which concerned her. She could tell the Virangish girl was proud, and softening could always make it worse, that would be a real deception. [color=7ea7d8]”Friendship is a bond between two people, and one must be willing to share. My name is Ayla Arslan, my ancestor is the great ‘Lion of Torragon’."[/color]. She moves her hands to lift up the cup, revealing the displayed dice underneath to Zarina, she had rolled 1, 3, 4, 4, 4. [color=7ea7d8]”Best outcome in a negotiation is where both parties gain a favourable outcome, both sides feeling satisfied with their win. Let's win this together, please help me make this happen."[/color] 

The name was uttered, Zarina had been given the prize she wanted, [color=C78A2C]”The adorable little cub of house Arslan.”[/color] she grins as the results were in, looking very satisfied with the victory, [color=C78A2C]”Very difficult to get anything done in Torragon without passing through Varrahasta.”[/color] she raises her hand to gesture, as if explaining a scheme of sorts, [color=C78A2C]”And to get through the port, you gotta go through the proper authorities. And one of the big ones is the Lions.”[/color] she continued as she slowly stood up, [color=C78A2C]”Ven.”[/color] she ordered the little cub with her gesturing hand performing a singular upwards wave to encourage a hasty reaction. Her Torraro accent was on point, and easily determined by that one word, especially with how she pronounced the ‘V’.

As she walked, it appeared as though she was aiming for the student lounge’s couch, and she just lazily dropped her rear on it with a complete lack of elegance, [color=C78A2C]”You know, pequeña leona, your mindset makes sense in commerce. It’s not really about dominating or glory when business is involved.”[/color] she exhales from her nostrils while the hoving coffee jug slowly levitates toward her, [color=C78A2C]”But the thrill of a game is to come out on top. Or at least try to get those feelings. It’s not like we’re winning some big prize. We’ll know our names one way or another.”[/color] she rests one leg over the other and adjusts her posture to be less taxing on her back, [color=C78A2C]”And it’s just more fun!”[/color]

Ayla isn’t sure of the moral of the story as she finds herself far removed from the gaming table, but it seems that her tactic seems to have paid off as Zarina is acting satisfied with this outcome. She follows behind her as she listens to the words, she is reminded of when her father approaches this topic, ‘this is a cat eats cat world, and the lions are the strongest’.: [color=7ea7d8]"Who wrote the law that to come out on top, there needs to be a loser?"[/color], she retorts, posing the question as purely rhetorical, and gently moves the topic, [color=7ea7d8]"and in these schemes, which family should we provide safe passage to?"[/color], this question poised and inviting Zarina to share her name.

[color=C78A2C]”I did. The winner.”[/color] she winks, clearly joking, [color=C78A2C]”They say I get a little competitive at times. And they also say I don’t have the best temperament for it.”[/color] she pushes her lips out in a light pout, [color=C78A2C]”And they’re kinda right. But, it feels good to win, sometimes, or at least win MORE than others. I just gotta learn to lose more.”[/color] she chuckles, tapping a spot next to her, [color=C78A2C]”Come. Relax. While the lounge is tranquil.”[/color]

Then came the elegantly asked question of Zarina’s identity. The way it was formulated brought a toothy smile to her face, [color=C78A2C]”You won’t see our name on many ships or cargo. But you will hear our name in any paper trail leading back to Gandakar … Well, at least if horses are involved.”[/color] she smirks, [color=C78A2C]”Ever bet on an Al-Nader horse in the races, Ayla of house Arslan? We have our ways to get the very best from Torragon.”[/color] she fills Ayla’s coffee cup once more via her magnetic magic.

Ayla does tend to find that the cooled coffee doesn’t have the best taste as she does use some arcane magic to start gently heating up the jug. She positions herself as guided, listening to the words, her thoughts drawing back home as she starts to think about her horse back in the stables. Beautiful horse, with a long mane which trailed down the left side, spending hours combing through it, though the best times are during the Carnival, where the mane would be adorned with ribbons, parading down the street as she rode upon it during the celebration. [color=7ea7d8]"Are you an equestrian yourself?"[/color], posing the question as she gazes towards her.

Zarina turns her body to lean on her side, one arm over the couch and the opposing hand over her own thigh. Her gaze was dedicated to her new friend and she listened with great intrigue while giving a thumbs up for the heated awake juice, [color=C78A2C]”Thank you very much, kitty cat.”[/color] she winked before taking a sip from the freshly heated beverage, [color=C78A2C]”Oh me? Definitely. The Dreamer only knows how many hours I’ve spent with my Riesco.”[/color] that name in particular would be graced with a thick and proper Torraro accent, [color=C78A2C]”A gorgeous grey stallion. Mmm~ It truly feels special when you’re the only one that can ride your one special horse, don’t you think?”[/color] she then nudges her chin forward, [color=C78A2C]”And you?”[/color]

Ayla could empathise with Zarina, her very own Palomo is very dear to her heart. [color=7ea7d8]"Perhaps we shall mount the saddle and embark upon a journey together.”[/color] The lion cub offers Zarina an invitation for when an opportunity arises.

[hr][b]Aberration Madness:[/b] [color=7ea7d8]Previous Post.[/color]
[b]Refuge Horse Ride:[/b] [color=7ea7d8]Posted by Zarina [@YummyYummy][/color][hr][center][color=7ea7d8][b]Picnic with Kaspar[/b] [@Wolfieh][/color][/center]
[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/Hh0U4hJ.png[/img][/center]

The desert has definitely taken its toll over the last week, with sand getting absolutely everywhere. It is no surprise that most of the students ended up back in their dorms to have a bath and soak their troubles away. As Ayla was leaving the study, and attempting to negotiate the impossibility of getting her haul through the doorway, she notices Kaspar who has appeared after she lost track of him.  [color=7ea7d8]“Kaspar! There you are. Let’s meet up for dinner, it is very important.”[/color]

Kaspar turned, crimson eyes tired but bemused at his friend’s predicament. Ayla seemed to have won quite a few prizes in the auction, and despite the troubles he was sure she was pleased with the haul. She’d even made away with three froabas eggs, the only item in the group he had seriously considered bidding on. He felt something nearing regret or envy, though not quite strong enough to be considered such; he’d focused on watching others claim trophies with no interest in any for himself, and it was an opportunity lost. But the boy was not one to dwell too severely, and they’d only been in Hugo’s care for a short time; there would be other prizes, though perhaps not dragon eggs. Taking a few paces back, offering hands as they might be needed, he replied softly, [color=#B8041A]“I would be amiable to dinner.”[/color] He paused for a moment, calculating time in his head, and continued, [color=#B8041A]“By the fountain in the Noble’s Dormitories, near two Eshiran?”[/color]

Ayla hasn’t even looked at the clock since arriving, but she trusts Kaspar’s judgement,  [color=7ea7d8]“By the fountain it is, you owe me a nice picnic.”[/color] She gives him a big teasing smile before she starts to question her life choices as she ends up with over 100 Wyrm scales, and trying to find out what she can do with them. She goes to attempt to negotiate with Hugo, who was currently far less than impressed with the load crowding his study.

Though he knew Ayla’s remark about the picnic was teasing, Kaspar was not one to disappoint. He was quick to bathe and had visited the marketplace. As he neared the fountain, just a few minutes early, he carried a small woven basket with hard cheese and fresh bread, and a small common melon that seemed to come from a group that ripened a bit too early for the Melon Derby. His thick cloak had returned to his shoulders and his clothes were once again close-fitting reds and blacks instead of the loose pale fabrics he had returned in.

Ayla came down looking far more refreshed than she did in the desert, wearing those more luxurious outfits as she typically did around the academy, though noticeably seeming more dressed up than normal. She wears a semi-transparent veil as she smiles towards Kaspar, approaching him. It appears she has brought some food with her as well.  [color=7ea7d8]“ Hoping you may still have room for dessert”[/color], she indicates towards the woven bag she is carrying.

As he stopped beside the girl, Kaspar offered out the basket for her to deposit the bag in, if she would like. [color=#B8041A]“So long as you have room for some melon,”[/color] he responded with a small smirk. He turned, angling towards where the arboretum lay beyond the dorms, and glanced towards Ayla. [color=#B8041A]“Would you like to eat near the lake, or did you have elsewhere in mind?”[/color]

[color=7ea7d8]“As long as you remember Mallow’s tribute, he should leave us alone if we go to the lake”[/color], she offers her arm out towards Kaspar, gesturing for him to take it as lead the pair of them towards the still waters. [color=7ea7d8]“My face feels like it still has moisture in this humidity. Could swear that my skin was ageing by the hour out upon those sands. Poor Jocasta looks like she is in her twenties”[/color].

Kaspar started towards the Arboretum, shifting a few items aside in the basket to pacify the demon goose, should they encounter it. He nodded in sympathy as she talked about the desert heat, offering, [color=#B8041A]“Ersand’Enise was too warm for my liking when I arrived here. Now, I think perhaps it is not so bad.”[/color] He shuddered in mock dread at the reminder of the desert heat, the individual furs on his cloak trembling. Looking to Ayla and scanning her face, he narrowed his eyes in thought for a moment before speaking, [color=#B8041A]“I do not think the sun was so bad for your skin. You were twenty-five when you came here, yes?”[/color] Though the words seemed genuine, a teasing glimmer flashed through his eyes.

Stands still for a moment as she blinks towards Kaspar, in horror at the boys suggestion, before seeing the glimmer of a tease. She hits at his arm, clearly playful but the boy could have taken it anyway even if it was not. [color=7ea7d8]“We were going to have a nice time and had something special planned, then you had to say that. Going to take it al back now, and but rotten this entire picnic. Going to give Mallow your portion of the dinner.”[/color] She dips her hand into the basket to pull out a random piece of bread and throws it out towards the water for the goose to eat. She breaks the arm not to storm off, but go lay down the blanket for them to sit down upon.

Kaspar sways dramatically at the punch, though it was dampened even further by the thickness of his cloak. [color=#B8041A]“I do not know that Mallow has better manners than I do,”[/color] he replied thoughtfully, adding, [color=#B8041A]“But if you would prefer to dine with him, I think perhaps I can lead him over.”[/color] The offer was, of course, teasing—though there was every chance the boy might try to bribe a goose if his friend showed a genuine desire to dine with it. As Ayla began to spread out the blanket, he knelt to lay out the food they’d brought, leaving the melon in the basket in the center so it couldn’t roll away.

Ayla still hasn’t fully forgiven him, but did start helping herself to some of the cheese and bread, using the various bits and pieces to create something resembling what she is more currently used to. She also had to navigate the issue of wearing a veil and trying to eat at the same time, choosing to unfasten it so she can enjoy the food.  [color=7ea7d8]“You did very well with that Froabas Matriarch, we were able to subdue it in time because of you.”[/color] She looked over to him as she examined his features, and appeared to be mostly in tack.  [color=7ea7d8]“You appeared to be very troubled this last week too, it seemed the heat really got to you.“[/color] She tries to create some small talk as she shows an interest towards to boy, wondering if she could encourage more from him, appealing to his good deeds, even his vulnerabilities.

Kaspar observed Ayla’s methods of eating, himself preferring to simply take a bite of one food and then the other. As she mentioned the alpha froabas, the barest hint of pink tinged his cheeks and he glanced out towards the lake, observing it rather than meeting her eyes. [color=#B8041A]“I mostly followed Zarina’s lead. I’m not… very adept, with chemical magic. But it’s what all Elstrøms learn. It just seemed like what should be done,”[/color] he offered quietly, ignoring the way the Elstrøm name sat uncomfortably on his tongue. [color=#B8041A]“The desert was… unusual, and difficult. I learned things, and faced things I’ve never had to face before.”[/color] Most would likely assume he meant the various dangers, and Kaspar was more than happy to let even Ayla think that; and while they were certainly part of it, there had been much more personal matters to contend with, and he was still unsure how to approach them—or if he ever should.

Ayla has an amused thought as she smiles brightly, [color=7ea7d8]“Surely the sand getting [b]everywhere[/b] was not that bad.”[/color] She cannot help but giggle, having the mental image of poor Kaspar being tortured as he tries to get the sand from out of his clothing, only to be greeted by more sand. Endless sand. She moves her hand upon his as she sees him reaching for another bite, the boy eating the equivalent of a deconstructed sandwich, as if trying to make a fashion statement. She pauses him as she starts to assemble a treat for him, putting it together then bringing it up towards his lips. [color=7ea7d8]“Now bite~”[/color], doing an instinctive opening of her own mouth to draw upon his urge to mirror her response.

[color=#B8041A]“The sand was [i]terrible[/i],”[/color] the boy bemoaned dramatically, reaching for another chunk of cheese. Ayla’s hand found his, then, and he flinched in the second they made contact, but didn’t draw away, letting his hand still and hoping she didn’t notice the reaction or the way his fingers shook ever so slightly. He watched in confusion as she brought the food to his mouth, but took a bite of it regardless. Kaspar didn’t seem to understand why she did this, but brought a piece of bread towards her mouth as well. [color=#B8041A]“...Eat?”[/color] he offered, clearly perplexed but giving in to what he assumed was a dinner ritual of sorts.

Ayla definitely knew now he didn’t know what she was gesturing about. She could not help but laugh at his response, and responded the only way one would, opened wide to nom upon it aggressively, with even ‘nom’ sound effect, as if playfully mocking the rough manner he was eating his food, probably even to the boy's surprise. She gently moved away the assorted item she crafted for him with the cheese, vinegar and bread, as she placed it down upon his plate. [color=7ea7d8]“Don’t worry Kaspar, we will make a noble out of you yet.”[/color] She beams brightly as she leans in very closer, moving a napkin as she smudges away the bit of food upon the corner of his lips. [color=7ea7d8]“There we are!”[/color].

Kaspar was certainly not expecting his friend to laugh, and found himself thoroughly confused by the proceedings, but willing to take it good naturedly. As she nomed the bread he’d offered aggressively, the boy felt for a moment the memory of the one and only time he’d tried to feed Mallow by hand—and whispered, in mock awe, [color=#B8041A]“You eat like the goose.”[/color] He bit his lip then, realizing it was perhaps not the most flattering remark to make, but could not deny the similarities—and was completely oblivious to his own. Her next statement, though, startled the boy, and a mask of neutrality briefly but quickly fit onto his face before he realized she was joking, mocking his manners rather than making some statement of his birth. Softly, with a sheepish glance away, he remarked, [color=#B8041A]“There’s a reason I’m taking etiquette classes. It was not the most… prevalent study of my youth.”[/color] He looked back just in time to see her nearing, and froze as she reached a hand out. Feeling the napkin quickly dash away some remnant of food, he swallowed heavily and stuttered, [color=#B8041A]“Th-thank you.”[/color]

Ayla couldn’t help but attempt a honk at being called a goose, though followed it up with one of her remarks, [color=7ea7d8]“Perhaps you should draw me like one of your geese then”[/color]. She simply smiles as she removes the crumb, looking into his eyes deeply as she replies with that sheepish thank you, [color=7ea7d8]“You can thank me after your dessert. You should get it out.”[/color] She looks towards him mischievously but with a friendly smile, her eyes moving to the basket to encourage him to open it up.

Kaspar pulled the bag into his lap, noting its heft and shape. He glanced at Ayla, noticing the mischievous glimmer in her eyes, and wondered for a moment if she’d also brought along a melon. Pulling open the fabric and grasping the object inside, he pulled it out, eyes widening as he revealed the reddish, banded shell of one of the froabas eggs she had returned with. He cradled it carefully, looking between the egg and Ayla’s face. He swallowed again, and then asked softly but with a touch of concern, [color=#B8041A]“...We are not actually going to eat the egg, yes?”[/color]

Somehow, Ayla expected that response, giving him one of those looks with the raised eyebrow, [color=7ea7d8]“That egg is far too precious for it to be eaten”[/color]. She moves up beside him as Kaspar is busy examining the egg, leaning in to peck him upon the cheek then fastening her veil back up. [color=7ea7d8]“Well done on now being a proud owner of a Froabas. These ones are rare, and often mistaken as being alpha froabas, You got to take good care of it, and definitely not selling or trying to pawn it off.”[/color] she gives him a playful thump to the arm on the last point as if it was a threat.

Kaspar breathed a small sigh of relief, settling the egg into his lap as he studied it. He started a little at the peck on his cheek, not having noticed how close the girl had gotten, but offered an appreciative smile. [color=#B8041A]“This would be a beautiful subject to paint, I am sure,”[/color] he offered, voice quiet as though trying not to disturb the egg’s inhabitant. The boy then glanced up, crimson eyes wide, and whispered, [color=#B8041A]“You are… You are gifting this to me? I… I cannot repay you.”[/color] Part of him felt he should hand the egg back to her, but the rest of him simply didn’t want to let go of it. He lowered his cheek against the shell, gasping in fake admonishment as Ayla’s fist once against connected with his arm. [color=#B8041A]“Shh, don’t hurt the baby,”[/color] he whispered dramatically. Cheek still pressed softly to it, he murmured in the Elstrøms’ native tongue, [color=#B8041A]“...[i]Varmkorv[/i]? [i]Ja, är det bra[/i]?”[/color]

Ayla smiles as she moves her hand down to stroke upon the egg herself as well. [color=7ea7d8]“Yes, make sure to look after our baby now. Make sure it is wrapped up room and snug, and… …”[/color], she goes into the basket to pull out a leaflet as well, discussing Fireflies. [color=7ea7d8]“Make sure to sign up for this society too. They will help teach us on how to raise these babies.”[/color]

She sits back as she smiles widely at the pair, watching how Kaspar seems to love his gift. [color=7ea7d8]“Next time you decide to sleep, remember to make sure it isn’t when they are auctioning off dragon eggs, or little Varmkorv here might have ended up in hot water.”[/color]


Kaspar chuckled, already trying to manoeuvre off his cloak to wrap the banded egg in. The fur was soft and warm, and would serve well for protecting it until they returned to the dorms and he could construct a proper nest. He took the pamphlet as well, eyes scanning through it as Ayla spoke. Chuckling, he replied, [color=#B8041A]“I remember the fire. I think Varmkorv may not have minded hot water.”[/color] Turning towards her with genuine gratitude in his eyes, he added, [color=#B8041A]“I will join this club, so long as you’ll be there with the others. We will be [i]familj[/i], [i]ja[/i], if they are [i]syskon[/i]? It is the best way.”[/color]

Ayla offers a bright smile, [color=7ea7d8]“One big happy Familia”[/color].

[hr][hider=TL;DR Summary]
Part 1:
Ayla and Zazzy meet for the first time!
Ayla totally beats Zazzy at Liar's dice.
OOC Note: Ran a few games online to see how it would play out in the RP. It was terribly one-sided in my favour.
Ayla tries to negoitate a win-win with Zazzy, using those skills.
Zazzy takes the win for friendship.

Part 2:
Ayla and Kaspar go on a totally not a date 'date'.
They have their innocent chat.
Kaspar gets a dragon egg!
He calls it Varmkorv.
Kaspar is more obsessed with the egg than anything else.
Ayla got abandoned for the Egg.
Boys and their toys.
[/hider][hr][hr]