Weaving Dreams

【 〇 】➳ There were few Niles had even cared to remember the little tidbits about. Minor interests were none of his concern, and at one point, even when it came to the one he served. By the look on the princess’ face, however, it seemed like keeping it in mind was a good idea. Their conversations were simple, but he supposed the differing preferences in weather said a lot about the two. And the offer of cocoa together…? Well, that seemed like an oddly pleasant thought he could get used to. 

❝Oh? You enjoy this sort of meal?❞ He pondered aloud, the small roll he’d bitten from placed back onto his tray. 

❝Surely you’ve had better while in Hoshido, Lady Azura.❞

【 〇 】➳ A blatant tease, and yet he completely disregarded his near-natural manner of speaking. Solo gaze shifted to the young woman, examining her tray as she took her seat beside him. Eating with another ‘formally’ wasn’t something the outlaw was personally accustomed to. At times, he would simply graze during the day, while on the move. Sharing a meal with another would be interesting…

❝I suppose it’s gotten much better, considering this gracious attempt. Although I do enjoy the sun we’ve had, perhaps we’ll have a good chat in weather more suited to your liking, one day.❞ Bringing a roll of bread to his mouth, he would take a bite, mulling over an earlier conversation that had now seemed so long ago. Niles preferred mild weather, he enjoyed the feeling of the sunlight warming his skin - yet, oddly enough, he remembered the princess’ preference for the cold, with methods of keeping oneself warm.

❝… It would be interesting to take part in those cozy simplicities, regarding colder weather. They might make it bearable.❞

“Ah, Azura! Yes, yes, come in. Apologies for the mess.”

The ‘mess’ he was referring to was not his entire tent; his bed was made, the floor was clean of clutter, the bookshelf was well arranged, and so on. What was the mess was his desk. It was cluttered with books and scrolls and maps, all thrown about seemingly haphazardly, to where it was hard to even see the top of the desk underneath it all. He invited her to take a nearby seat, turning his own to face her.

“I hope you don’t mind the summons, but I wanted to discuss something with you.”

Daedra’s eyes turned to follow the jar as the princess replaced it to the counter. She could tell by Azura’s blank expression that the woman was at a loss. Perhaps it was better she felt nothing….compared to the shame and embarrassment the red was feeling.

She was supposed to be an awarded and skilled tactician. Daedra was sure many others were having a hard time buying such a story when she could barely overcome a simple fruit jar.

…Atleast everyone at home had gotten used to her….shortcomings. Everyone here was a lot more serious…

Forcing a smile, Daedra took the jar again, before dragging her tray closer. Never turning her face from Azura, she tipped the jar, letting the slow gelatinous contents slide along. She should have used a spoon….but she had no idea where that had gotten to.

Moment by awkward moment passed as the preserved sugary fruit slugged its way out, going millimeter by millimeter until it hung uneasily over the mouth of the jar. Then it stopped completely.

Realizing this horrid moment would last forever if no action was taken, the tactician jerked the jar sharply, hoping to encourage movement again. The fruit moved, coming out in a huge slop onto her tray - far more than she intended to eat.

More than enough to rot her sweet teeth.

Daedra was about ready to cry.

@of-conquest-and-lies

The nobleman yawned as he spruced his Koghan attire. Looking at the situation right now. It seems everything is falling to place.As he was fixing up his mane. He heard a gentle knock on the door. ❞You may enter!❞ He had anticipated that he would soon accompany the princess of Nohr on a special outing for this day out on the landscapes of Nohr. It was time to remain on track and keep courting his soon to be lady. At least what he is instructed by his steward and vassal. In reality, he was far too preoccupied in learning about the mysterious princess that hooked his attention. 

Daedra wasn’t given the option for assistance - Azura took the initiative.

One moment the stubborn jar was in her hands, and the next she was clutching nothing but air. Jerking her head towards the songstress, Daedra witnessed the other woman clutch it with purpose, one hand holding it steady, and the other ready to turn the lid.

The red head frowned, raising a single finger to try and interject.

“A-Azura… be careful. That jar is super—”

.Pop.

Silence settled between them, as the prior sound had indicated that the truly impossible deed had been done. Daedra was utterly flabbergasted and speechless.

All she could do was stare at the traitorous glass container in Azura’s hands.

Daedra had been trying to open it for 15 minutes…..now she didn’t even want the sweet tasting preservatives within. They’d only taste bitter and salty on her tongue…..

“Lady Azura,” a polite voice calls out the woman’s name through the silence of the night. “The moon is lovely on this night, is it not?“ A simple comment, meant to relay that he was a friend and meant no intrusion or alarm upon the other.

He looks towards the moon’s reflection upon the surface of the lake before following it down to where, if he had a reflection, he would be able to see himself. His expression is almost wistful even, as if he experiences a certain sadness of never being able to see his own reflection. but such feelings are quickly dissipated as it is useless to long for such worldly things.

“I did not mean to disturb you,” he comments, turning golden feline-like eyes to meet the princess’, whose own eyes matched the hue of his. “I could not help but be drawn here by such an enchanting voice.”

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❞—Once we go down the mountains. We will heading to what was once Kogha.❞ While he explains the situation with his liege. He masked his tone. Honestly it was going to be trying to venture forth being brought back to less than desirable memories. Though he didn’t know what to expect as they sally forth. He was skeptical hear that they had allies in Mokushu during their trek to Hoshido. It would gnaw at the edge of his mind which in turn more thorough when it came to Azura’s protection. Mokushians much like Hoshidians are playing for keeps and care little of the means to achieve it.

【 〇 】➳ The mess hall tended to get a tad too crowded, even for his liking. Despite the fact that it assured quite the number of people to pluck out and play with as they ate, retreating to dining in solitude sometimes became the more favorable option. Today had just happened to be one of those days where the outlaw had preferred to more so blatantly avoid the ɪɴᴛɪᴍᴀᴄʏ of other bodies warming his space. Thankfully, the cook on duty hadn’t prepared pig sludge by the buckets. The army would be fed exceptionally – and the outlaw himself would be able to enjoy a pleasant meal, with a moment to run some thoughts by himself.

That is, until a certain ᴘʀɪᴄᴋʟʏ ᴘʀɪɴᴄᴇss’ voice had fallen on his ears. She wanted to join him? How strange… Not that he could complain. Azura was one of the few presences the outlaw had actually desired, one he did more than simply tolerate. Dare he say, he ʟɪᴋᴇᴅ her. Of course he’d put forth the effort into NOT chasing her away.

❝Stepping out of our comfort zone today, are we? I certainly wouldn’t be opposed to accompanying you on little dinner date.❞

“Hnnn!!!!—Erkk—C-Come on—-”

The only response the tactician received was a whine of resistance as her fingers skidded over the metal lid. When the strain became too much, Daedra immediately stopped, letting the jar clatter to the table as she looked it over, panting.

Why was it being so stubborn?

With a pout of determination, she snatched the jar up once more, turning it in both hands, looking almost menacing. Opening a jar of fruit shouldn’t be this hard. The tactician would have chalked it up to divine retribution, but certainly this wasn’t called for.

She ate all her dinner portions, and simply wanted something sweet to end the meal. She wasn’t going to eat it all–just a few spoonfuls!

Glaring at the jar, she set it down with a loud clack (though no one seemed to notice, save one person). Grabbing her knife, she got a firm hold on the jar’s glass body before forcing the tip of the knife under the lid. 

If she could not twist it off - then she would pry it off!

With eyes scrunched tight, Daedra forced the knife ahead, trying with all her might to force it into the bottom seal of the lid. Her booted feet skidded on the floor from the excursion of her effort, making her scramble to keep upright. However, after moments of the wasted effort, the jar remained shut.

Getting desperate, Daedra dropped her knife and snatched the jar with ehr hands once more. Eyes ablaze, she raised the defiant container up as she looked at the counter with purpose. 

Thankfully, a voice behind her jerked her to a pause, making the red head spin around. When she noticed Azura behind her, Daedra’s cheeks immediately heated up when she realized the songstress had probably seen her whole pitiful display.

“O-Oh!…A-Azure….Um…hello….I was just…um…opening this jar,” she said nervously, turning to face the blue haired woman and lowering her arms.

“I–I think I can handle it….or, atleast give up on it. I don’t think this jar is capable of opening.”