April Love
((The following takes place in Seiri's days of youth and Dyarhk's young adulthood, Seiri being in her teens, and with Dyarhk being in his 20s. This is before the Chains incident which moved Adenna beneath the surface. These are its days of being in the sunlight.))
Bucket boots of a weathered brown leather with many miles of adventurey on them made their way ever closer to the proud knightly city of Adenna. It was a man, and he held onto a simple sack over his shoulder by a few fingers poking from a plate gauntlet that stopped at his metacarpus. He walked on past the first checkpoint, a watchtower outside the city gates. A friend-identifying nod was offered to the tower guard.
Adenna itself only now beckoned him forth. Its white stone walls shone in the sunlight, and strangely always in the company of a small band of fluttering birds flying off just to return back to it at a different spot. Up there on those perches with them were the Adenna hunters, watchful as he passed under them and into their city before they returned to their conversation. Wooden wagons creaked along, and everywhere people were speaking trade while this shadowy figure passed through them on a set path. But he stopped when he seemed he no longer knew where he was going. He tossed back the brown hood of his cloak and the mysterious man now revealed a thick head of a shiny black hair.
"Excuse me, this place is so big. I'm just looking for the Ichi residence." Dyarhk said.
The person whom he addressed was an exceptional carpenter, and a bit surprised to have been addressed by an outsider. "Ohh? Fancy an audience with those home wreckers, do ya?"
"I can see you know who I'm talking about. " Dyarhk's smile brightened.
"Of course. Everyone who's ever had something breakable or fragile should know their name. I'm Charles."
"Dyarhk." the two men shook hands.
"If you're looking for their house, it's just around that bend." He pointed, and Dyarhk saluted him.
"Thank you, Charles. I am sure I will see you around. Nice cart!" he said in a departing wave as he went back into the crowd. He reaffirmed his grip on his pack and moved on down the road, grabbing shoulders apologetically to continue moving where there was a complete mass of shoppers. "Hey! Break it up! There are other shops!" he yelled, exhaustively squeezing his way into the opening of the street that lead to the Ichi house. He had breathing room now, and so he did just that.
The homes here were much smaller, simpler estates here. And with blurry glass windows, they were impossible to gaze into, and those lit by lantern glowed warmly. These things, and things like these; he was happy to be back in Adenna. He finally made it to a fence and lawn, and passed through the weak little gate, going up the walkway to the front door of his old friend with the nice rack's house. But Dyarhk wouldn't find himself alone as he stepped along that walkway and came to stop in-front of the door.
He'd be introduced to a vision of young beauty sitting before him in front of the welcome mat. Bikini clad form bent over, busy tying those sneakers as the warm sunlight beat down against her tanned back. Though, soon enough the overcasting shadow created by the cloaked man would draw her attention. Slowly, Seirichi peered up as she continued to tie her shoe. No words. She just continued what she was doing while. A confused face struck Dyarhk at seeing the rather bosomy girl. A feature come too early, too bountifully to a girl her age; ridiculously so, he had to look away from her, instead scanning the house with a curious gaze. "I'm sorry. I must have the wrong house."
After finishing her ask, she allowed herself to lean back and place those hands against the hardness of concrete she sat against; using her arms as a prop as she leaned back in a relaxed sort of way to look up at him. "Who're you?" Eyebrow rose in question. One of those hands gave lift and brushed along brown strands of hair before returning to its place behind her once more. "You better go. I hear my Mom coming.. if she catches you out here she might think you're a pervert." Looking back to the cloaked stranger and tilting her head to the side. "Or.. are you here to duel me? I set up flyers all over town!" If this was a possible duel, then Seirichi couldn't be so relaxed. The girl quickly pushed out of her leaning position and rose up onto her feet. "If you're here to fight then it's okay!"
Dyarhk rose up his stop sign hand. "Easy, kid! I'm not here to fight you." he looked to the front door of the house that had been open since his walking up to it. The sound of water running, pots and pans clinking, and boxes shuffling around; a solid indicator someone was moving. And then a familiar face stepped into the doorway.
"Dyarhk? When'd you get back..?" Techichi said, sounding uninterested, and just saying it because it was customary. She put her hands on her hips, and gave a heavy sigh seeing Seirichi. "Seiri, put some clothes on for the gods' sake. Everyone can see you out here."
?Hey, Tetch.? Dyarhk took in the sight of her. It had been some time, but he hadn't needed to voice it. She knew.
Seirichi furrowed her brow then and crossed her arms under her chest.. which, in a way, caused her bust to be pushed up somewhat. As her Mom came onto the scene though, it seemed her expression changed back to confusion as she saw the way they spoke to one another.. a look to her mom, and then to the man she called ``Dark``. She would of said something if her clothing.. or, lack of clothing, hadn't been pointed out. Seirichi quickly looked to her Mom and uncrossed her arms. They began to move about as she spoke. "But I'm going to the pool, Mom! What else am I supposed to wear?"
"Seiri... I'm not having this conversation with you again." Tetch stepped out on the front step now out of the doorway placing a hand on her forehead. But Dyarhk interrupted their little mother/daughter quarrel. "Wait. Seirichi?! Little Seirichi?!" he took a step back, "Well that name's not appropriate anymore.? quietly.
"But you were so ?? he referenced the size of a person that came up to his thighs. "And now you're so ? " unable to emphasize correctly, he just held his arms out, "And you're only..."
".. Fifteen." Tetch chimed in, crossing her own arms beside her daughter, rocking on her heels and looking down the road. However long it took for this fool to re-affiliate himself.
"Fifteen... It's been that long." his voice sounded slightly depressed as he looked aside. Not only has the time this girl and her sister spent growing up come to pass, but so has the time with his friends in Adenna; with Tetch. He sighed, but he came back. "I'm sorry, Seiri. My name's Dyarhk. I'm an old friend of your mom's. You probably don't remember me, but I knew you when you were real little. Awe, come here! Give me a hug." he said all full of spirit, going over her shoulder and wrapping her up in his arms. Techichi took a step back and covered her mouth.
'Who is this guy..?' Now Seirichi was seeing him as full blown weird. ``Little Seirichi`` wasn't the best way to start things. The girl already narrowed her eyes.. and as this continued ? she couldn't help but grow more and more annoyed. It wasn't easy to do something like that; Seirichi was free-spirited and enjoyed attention.. But not when it was the type that made her feel weak. "Um.. No.. wait.." She tried to let out; but it was too late. Her form was taken into his arms and she began to grow tense. Arms kept themselves held at her side as she quickly looked from the man hugging her, to her mother, then back to him. Eyebrow twitched.. and next thing Dark knew? He'd find a quick fist meeting his side in a quick, harsh punch. " Lemmy go!"
?oOf!? He grunted suddenly, recoiling to cover his ribs and force a smile while he better stood before the girl and her mother. "You're your mother's daughter, alright. Heheh, ow." he test-moved his arm a few places, but ultimately just covered the pain with his hand. Techichi played a gentle grin over to Seirichi before winking.
"Now, now. Seirichi. You shouldn't hit our guest. He's come a long way to say hello to us. Come on, Dyarhk. Make yourself at home. Seiri, carry his things." she said, walking back barefoot inside her house.
Dyarhk blinked a few times outside still before looking back to Seiri. "..Normally, I'd carry this. But my side hurts awful bad all of a sudden. You wouldn't mind, would you?" he removed the roped sack from his shoulder and handed it to her on the cord he had been hauling it by, but there was much more weight to it than it looked. "It's good to see you again, Seiri. You've sure grown up!" he said going on inside, following Tetch. Indeed, his hearing had been correct. Boxes were all lined up, and everything looked a mess. "What is all this?"
"Stuff sent over from Liltu. Lilith thought our house needed sprucing up." Tetch responded, moving from hall to hall, and ignoring a neighborhood cat that bolted by the both of them and on out the front door.
"And Nima? Where is she?" reaching out for the frame of a portrait depicting a great battle.
" Wait.. What? But..! " Dyarhk really wasn't making himself out to be the type of person Seirichi likes.. Hugging at her, and now she's forced to carry his things? A pout came over her features as she was handed that bag and watched the two of them enter into the house. Ignoring them for now; she peered down at the bag.. and with that, she'd follow behind them while dragging the poor thing behind her. Hey, it looked pretty beat up already, what's the big deal with it dragged across the ground? A little idea came to her mind just then.. her mother was a little busy now with this ``Dyarhk`` guy. So, they wouldn't mind if she just slipped out? She laid the sack down lazily by one of those boxes before turning about and slowly attempting to escape from the door. Screw this, she was hitting the pool!
"As you can see..." Techichi nodded up for Dyarhk to look over his shoulder behind him, which he did, seeing the fleeing Seirichi. "? a lot of things have changed around here." deviating their indoor-voiced conversation to shout frighteningly loud. "SEIRI! Get your ass back here! Don't make me tell you again. You KNOW we don't have guests very often, the least you could do is be around for them." pointing her finger to the spot beside the kitchen counter for her where they were at.
Dyarhk had just nestled onto a cushioned swiveling chair and busied himself looking around Tetch's kitchen to keep occupied; after all nothing was worse than being embarrassed in-front of someone by your mom. But he was also waiting for Techichi's answer, and it came soon enough, when she opened the glass cabinet and sat out some cups. "Nima's in Ryuani, working very hard. A lot harder than her lazy sister who would rather tan, go swimming, and goof off with her friends all day!" she shot her daughter a glance.
"Now, now. There's nothing wrong with a little fun in the sun. You and I both know that." Dyarhk rapped his own swarthy digits on the counter silently, his arm resting there.
Techichi took notice to the armor on him, and being the obsessive mother she was, other people's accomplishments only reminded her of her daughter's. "You know, Seiri's got an outstanding duel record? Thirty-seven victories, zero losses."
"I figured! I very nearly became number thirty-eight when I walked up. It was between that and the city pervert." Dyarhk said.
"But Mom..!" Would be Seiri's response.. but soon enough, the door was closed. Sure; a slam would of been a better word to describe it, but it was closed.. and next thing Dyarhk would hear would be those over-exaggerated footsteps leading her back through the house. All sorts of pouts right now as she stepped into the kitchen. They were talking about her.. and in a good way. Her dueling had been brought up; which caused her lips to curl into the smallest of smirks. But she tried hard to hide it. A roll of her eyes was given in the man's direction before she looked back to her Mother. ".. I told the guys I'd be there.. Can't I just go for a little bit? Five minutes? Please?" Yes. She wasn't letting this go.
Techichi held her thick black hair up at the back with both hands, ballooning her cheeks while she looked around the kitchen in that black tank top that showed her navel ever since her arms went up. She was looking for the fruit drink her and Seiri made, finding the plastic pitcher amidst so much of the clutter that was still unopened and partially opened and boxes from Liltu. She finally sighed the air out from her cheeks, her daughter pestering her beyond her boundaries today. "You have more important things to worry about than, ?boys,? right now, Seiri. Why don't you put Dyarhk's things in the room he'll be staying at." pouring each of them a glass of ice-filled juice.
Dyarhk's hand rose calmly in protest at that, "No, no. That won't be necessary. I'm still a little used to being out and alone. But I will be seeking lodging in Adenna." he said, that hand coming back down to wait for his glass to be seized.
Techichi listened to this with sharp, addressing eyes on him before smiling with forgiveness. "Very well. I've just gotten so used to protecting you, you could say. You're still far safer here than I'm sure you've been these past years."
"Mm." Dyarhk replied, taking a sip of the fruity summer drink. Since Techichi made it, and her daughter as well, his unsureness for the well-being of his taste buds was at an all-time high. As it turned out, it was hard to screw up kool aid. Techichi leaned on her counter, sipping her own cherry red drink in a very different manner than Dyarhk, who had been enjoying it. No, Techichi was deep in thought, sharpening her eyes on her daughter, and wrapping her mind around those plans of hers she had interrupted. Finally, she spoke.
"Seiri, you've been getting sidetracked lately. I want you to run over to Atae's this afternoon and sit in on one of her Siovanui programs." she said.
"....... Nn..!" Getting more and more annoyed.. she might of even started throwing a fit, but her sights kept moving back to Dyarhk. Now she wanted her to take his bags up to a room..?! What ? he's staying with them? Lips pursed and eyes narrowed as she began to make a turn so that she could gather his things again.. but he protested, and she stopped. So right now she could just go back to doing what she had been doing before; pouting. The look on her face trying its hardest to make out Techichi as the worst mother of all time. She leaned against the kitchen bar and looked out in front of her.. still pouting, even doing heavy little sighs to show she wasn't all that happy about this! But then..? Mom just HAD say that.. Quickly, Seirichi turned and her hands slammed down against the bar.. enough to make the glasses shake and almost fall over from impact.
"You're shitting me..! That's the last thing I wanna do..! It's so boring..!" Groaaaan. Yes, long and drawn out as her knees began to bend and her body fell out of sight.. only her fingers could be seen as they gripped onto the edge of that bar. "I'm still a virgin, Mom..! Isn't that enough?"
"No it's not enough. And you're taking Dyarhk with you. You've insulted him by not remembering who he is, and me by swearin' in-front of him. Now PUT on some decent clothes and get on over there!!" she shouted, going on over to her and grabbing her by the string of that bikini at the back and yanking her towards the hall and then pushing her on the back towards her bedroom, kicking at her rump with her barefoot but missing. "And I'll know if you're goofing off! He's going to be my eyes and ears wherever you go during his visit." she said, grabbing two handfuls of her hair yet again when she heard that door slam! She turned back to Dyarhk who was looking a little agitated to have been given a job he hadn't requested, but he waited for her to defend herself.
"Sorry about that..." Techchi said, walking over and taking that swiveling chair beside him that Seirichi never did, for obvious reasons. "I didn't mean to put you on the spot like that. She can be a real handful. She's such a beautiful girl ? and, she's in a stage right now. She's talking to boys, she's sneaking out, doing GODS know what, and trying to turn me gray-headed. And I won't look good gray-headed, Dyarhk." Techichi put her elbows on the table.
Dyarhk sat his glass down, trying to keep from laughing while he put a comforting hand on her shoulder. "It's okay, I understand. You just need an extra hand around here. I'm not so busy I can't lend one."
Tetch's beautiful face came out of her hands to look at him. "I know you want to spend your time here, peacefully; relaxing. But it'd really help me out... besides, what's one more positive male role model in her life?" she smiled warmly, which was HIS patent. He smirked, seeing through her guise but decided to go along with it anyway, since the words did flow from her mouth; words she wouldn't even get caught saying, even if she was just saying them to get something.
"Yeah, I'll keep an eye on her while I'm here."
"GREAT! Now get into something more presentable. Atae hasn't seen you in a long time, either!" she grabbed his wrist and energetically sent him to her room.
"Now wait just a second!" he protested.
"It's fine! I'll send for Pearle! Now go go go! Take a bath. You look awful." she pushed him in before going to the front door and opening it. Techichi was anything but the subtle neighbor to have, as evidence by her shouting across the street to the occupying house across from her.
Dyarhk was left alone. Alone to prepare the bath, alone to locate the necessary amenities, and alone with his thoughts. A nice steam floated over the water he'd run. There wasn't much else to do. And it was not unlike he had protested his need for a bath. The fatigued wanderer tugged the changing screen the short distance from the wardrobe over to half of the tub and began removing his leathers. His old sword, he regretted, was part of the reason he returned here. It was far more injured than he would have liked it to be; far too cracked. Healing it in the forge would not do. It was a war's sword, not one that could reshape the world. It was time for an exchange. Not saying Dyarhk would find an immortal blade in Adenna, but he'd get close. He valued their steel more than any other.
He admired the ceiling for a time with an arm hung out over the tub's edge. He thought about the time between leaving here and arriving back some odd years later; the men he'd cut down, and the ones that hadn't gone without a fight. A nick in his arm was observed and he pondered if it would leave a scar. It had been right on the questionable line. That had been where that particular man's efforts and beliefs ended. It had been the last thing he had to show for them. Dyarhk's hand came up and covered the cut endearingly; a heavy thought on his heart. He leaned his head back and closed his eyes. When they opened again, he wore the sad face of a man trying to move past these events.
?I wonder where the others got to.?
((The following takes place in Seiri's days of youth and Dyarhk's young adulthood, Seiri being in her teens, and with Dyarhk being in his 20s. This is before the Chains incident which moved Adenna beneath the surface. These are its days of being in the sunlight.))
Bucket boots of a weathered brown leather with many miles of adventurey on them made their way ever closer to the proud knightly city of Adenna. It was a man, and he held onto a simple sack over his shoulder by a few fingers poking from a plate gauntlet that stopped at his metacarpus. He walked on past the first checkpoint, a watchtower outside the city gates. A friend-identifying nod was offered to the tower guard.
Adenna itself only now beckoned him forth. Its white stone walls shone in the sunlight, and strangely always in the company of a small band of fluttering birds flying off just to return back to it at a different spot. Up there on those perches with them were the Adenna hunters, watchful as he passed under them and into their city before they returned to their conversation. Wooden wagons creaked along, and everywhere people were speaking trade while this shadowy figure passed through them on a set path. But he stopped when he seemed he no longer knew where he was going. He tossed back the brown hood of his cloak and the mysterious man now revealed a thick head of a shiny black hair.
"Excuse me, this place is so big. I'm just looking for the Ichi residence." Dyarhk said.
The person whom he addressed was an exceptional carpenter, and a bit surprised to have been addressed by an outsider. "Ohh? Fancy an audience with those home wreckers, do ya?"
"I can see you know who I'm talking about. " Dyarhk's smile brightened.
"Of course. Everyone who's ever had something breakable or fragile should know their name. I'm Charles."
"Dyarhk." the two men shook hands.
"If you're looking for their house, it's just around that bend." He pointed, and Dyarhk saluted him.
"Thank you, Charles. I am sure I will see you around. Nice cart!" he said in a departing wave as he went back into the crowd. He reaffirmed his grip on his pack and moved on down the road, grabbing shoulders apologetically to continue moving where there was a complete mass of shoppers. "Hey! Break it up! There are other shops!" he yelled, exhaustively squeezing his way into the opening of the street that lead to the Ichi house. He had breathing room now, and so he did just that.
The homes here were much smaller, simpler estates here. And with blurry glass windows, they were impossible to gaze into, and those lit by lantern glowed warmly. These things, and things like these; he was happy to be back in Adenna. He finally made it to a fence and lawn, and passed through the weak little gate, going up the walkway to the front door of his old friend with the nice rack's house. But Dyarhk wouldn't find himself alone as he stepped along that walkway and came to stop in-front of the door.
He'd be introduced to a vision of young beauty sitting before him in front of the welcome mat. Bikini clad form bent over, busy tying those sneakers as the warm sunlight beat down against her tanned back. Though, soon enough the overcasting shadow created by the cloaked man would draw her attention. Slowly, Seirichi peered up as she continued to tie her shoe. No words. She just continued what she was doing while. A confused face struck Dyarhk at seeing the rather bosomy girl. A feature come too early, too bountifully to a girl her age; ridiculously so, he had to look away from her, instead scanning the house with a curious gaze. "I'm sorry. I must have the wrong house."
After finishing her ask, she allowed herself to lean back and place those hands against the hardness of concrete she sat against; using her arms as a prop as she leaned back in a relaxed sort of way to look up at him. "Who're you?" Eyebrow rose in question. One of those hands gave lift and brushed along brown strands of hair before returning to its place behind her once more. "You better go. I hear my Mom coming.. if she catches you out here she might think you're a pervert." Looking back to the cloaked stranger and tilting her head to the side. "Or.. are you here to duel me? I set up flyers all over town!" If this was a possible duel, then Seirichi couldn't be so relaxed. The girl quickly pushed out of her leaning position and rose up onto her feet. "If you're here to fight then it's okay!"
Dyarhk rose up his stop sign hand. "Easy, kid! I'm not here to fight you." he looked to the front door of the house that had been open since his walking up to it. The sound of water running, pots and pans clinking, and boxes shuffling around; a solid indicator someone was moving. And then a familiar face stepped into the doorway.
"Dyarhk? When'd you get back..?" Techichi said, sounding uninterested, and just saying it because it was customary. She put her hands on her hips, and gave a heavy sigh seeing Seirichi. "Seiri, put some clothes on for the gods' sake. Everyone can see you out here."
?Hey, Tetch.? Dyarhk took in the sight of her. It had been some time, but he hadn't needed to voice it. She knew.
Seirichi furrowed her brow then and crossed her arms under her chest.. which, in a way, caused her bust to be pushed up somewhat. As her Mom came onto the scene though, it seemed her expression changed back to confusion as she saw the way they spoke to one another.. a look to her mom, and then to the man she called ``Dark``. She would of said something if her clothing.. or, lack of clothing, hadn't been pointed out. Seirichi quickly looked to her Mom and uncrossed her arms. They began to move about as she spoke. "But I'm going to the pool, Mom! What else am I supposed to wear?"
"Seiri... I'm not having this conversation with you again." Tetch stepped out on the front step now out of the doorway placing a hand on her forehead. But Dyarhk interrupted their little mother/daughter quarrel. "Wait. Seirichi?! Little Seirichi?!" he took a step back, "Well that name's not appropriate anymore.? quietly.
"But you were so ?? he referenced the size of a person that came up to his thighs. "And now you're so ? " unable to emphasize correctly, he just held his arms out, "And you're only..."
".. Fifteen." Tetch chimed in, crossing her own arms beside her daughter, rocking on her heels and looking down the road. However long it took for this fool to re-affiliate himself.
"Fifteen... It's been that long." his voice sounded slightly depressed as he looked aside. Not only has the time this girl and her sister spent growing up come to pass, but so has the time with his friends in Adenna; with Tetch. He sighed, but he came back. "I'm sorry, Seiri. My name's Dyarhk. I'm an old friend of your mom's. You probably don't remember me, but I knew you when you were real little. Awe, come here! Give me a hug." he said all full of spirit, going over her shoulder and wrapping her up in his arms. Techichi took a step back and covered her mouth.
'Who is this guy..?' Now Seirichi was seeing him as full blown weird. ``Little Seirichi`` wasn't the best way to start things. The girl already narrowed her eyes.. and as this continued ? she couldn't help but grow more and more annoyed. It wasn't easy to do something like that; Seirichi was free-spirited and enjoyed attention.. But not when it was the type that made her feel weak. "Um.. No.. wait.." She tried to let out; but it was too late. Her form was taken into his arms and she began to grow tense. Arms kept themselves held at her side as she quickly looked from the man hugging her, to her mother, then back to him. Eyebrow twitched.. and next thing Dark knew? He'd find a quick fist meeting his side in a quick, harsh punch. " Lemmy go!"
?oOf!? He grunted suddenly, recoiling to cover his ribs and force a smile while he better stood before the girl and her mother. "You're your mother's daughter, alright. Heheh, ow." he test-moved his arm a few places, but ultimately just covered the pain with his hand. Techichi played a gentle grin over to Seirichi before winking.
"Now, now. Seirichi. You shouldn't hit our guest. He's come a long way to say hello to us. Come on, Dyarhk. Make yourself at home. Seiri, carry his things." she said, walking back barefoot inside her house.
Dyarhk blinked a few times outside still before looking back to Seiri. "..Normally, I'd carry this. But my side hurts awful bad all of a sudden. You wouldn't mind, would you?" he removed the roped sack from his shoulder and handed it to her on the cord he had been hauling it by, but there was much more weight to it than it looked. "It's good to see you again, Seiri. You've sure grown up!" he said going on inside, following Tetch. Indeed, his hearing had been correct. Boxes were all lined up, and everything looked a mess. "What is all this?"
"Stuff sent over from Liltu. Lilith thought our house needed sprucing up." Tetch responded, moving from hall to hall, and ignoring a neighborhood cat that bolted by the both of them and on out the front door.
"And Nima? Where is she?" reaching out for the frame of a portrait depicting a great battle.
" Wait.. What? But..! " Dyarhk really wasn't making himself out to be the type of person Seirichi likes.. Hugging at her, and now she's forced to carry his things? A pout came over her features as she was handed that bag and watched the two of them enter into the house. Ignoring them for now; she peered down at the bag.. and with that, she'd follow behind them while dragging the poor thing behind her. Hey, it looked pretty beat up already, what's the big deal with it dragged across the ground? A little idea came to her mind just then.. her mother was a little busy now with this ``Dyarhk`` guy. So, they wouldn't mind if she just slipped out? She laid the sack down lazily by one of those boxes before turning about and slowly attempting to escape from the door. Screw this, she was hitting the pool!
"As you can see..." Techichi nodded up for Dyarhk to look over his shoulder behind him, which he did, seeing the fleeing Seirichi. "? a lot of things have changed around here." deviating their indoor-voiced conversation to shout frighteningly loud. "SEIRI! Get your ass back here! Don't make me tell you again. You KNOW we don't have guests very often, the least you could do is be around for them." pointing her finger to the spot beside the kitchen counter for her where they were at.
Dyarhk had just nestled onto a cushioned swiveling chair and busied himself looking around Tetch's kitchen to keep occupied; after all nothing was worse than being embarrassed in-front of someone by your mom. But he was also waiting for Techichi's answer, and it came soon enough, when she opened the glass cabinet and sat out some cups. "Nima's in Ryuani, working very hard. A lot harder than her lazy sister who would rather tan, go swimming, and goof off with her friends all day!" she shot her daughter a glance.
"Now, now. There's nothing wrong with a little fun in the sun. You and I both know that." Dyarhk rapped his own swarthy digits on the counter silently, his arm resting there.
Techichi took notice to the armor on him, and being the obsessive mother she was, other people's accomplishments only reminded her of her daughter's. "You know, Seiri's got an outstanding duel record? Thirty-seven victories, zero losses."
"I figured! I very nearly became number thirty-eight when I walked up. It was between that and the city pervert." Dyarhk said.
"But Mom..!" Would be Seiri's response.. but soon enough, the door was closed. Sure; a slam would of been a better word to describe it, but it was closed.. and next thing Dyarhk would hear would be those over-exaggerated footsteps leading her back through the house. All sorts of pouts right now as she stepped into the kitchen. They were talking about her.. and in a good way. Her dueling had been brought up; which caused her lips to curl into the smallest of smirks. But she tried hard to hide it. A roll of her eyes was given in the man's direction before she looked back to her Mother. ".. I told the guys I'd be there.. Can't I just go for a little bit? Five minutes? Please?" Yes. She wasn't letting this go.
Techichi held her thick black hair up at the back with both hands, ballooning her cheeks while she looked around the kitchen in that black tank top that showed her navel ever since her arms went up. She was looking for the fruit drink her and Seiri made, finding the plastic pitcher amidst so much of the clutter that was still unopened and partially opened and boxes from Liltu. She finally sighed the air out from her cheeks, her daughter pestering her beyond her boundaries today. "You have more important things to worry about than, ?boys,? right now, Seiri. Why don't you put Dyarhk's things in the room he'll be staying at." pouring each of them a glass of ice-filled juice.
Dyarhk's hand rose calmly in protest at that, "No, no. That won't be necessary. I'm still a little used to being out and alone. But I will be seeking lodging in Adenna." he said, that hand coming back down to wait for his glass to be seized.
Techichi listened to this with sharp, addressing eyes on him before smiling with forgiveness. "Very well. I've just gotten so used to protecting you, you could say. You're still far safer here than I'm sure you've been these past years."
"Mm." Dyarhk replied, taking a sip of the fruity summer drink. Since Techichi made it, and her daughter as well, his unsureness for the well-being of his taste buds was at an all-time high. As it turned out, it was hard to screw up kool aid. Techichi leaned on her counter, sipping her own cherry red drink in a very different manner than Dyarhk, who had been enjoying it. No, Techichi was deep in thought, sharpening her eyes on her daughter, and wrapping her mind around those plans of hers she had interrupted. Finally, she spoke.
"Seiri, you've been getting sidetracked lately. I want you to run over to Atae's this afternoon and sit in on one of her Siovanui programs." she said.
"....... Nn..!" Getting more and more annoyed.. she might of even started throwing a fit, but her sights kept moving back to Dyarhk. Now she wanted her to take his bags up to a room..?! What ? he's staying with them? Lips pursed and eyes narrowed as she began to make a turn so that she could gather his things again.. but he protested, and she stopped. So right now she could just go back to doing what she had been doing before; pouting. The look on her face trying its hardest to make out Techichi as the worst mother of all time. She leaned against the kitchen bar and looked out in front of her.. still pouting, even doing heavy little sighs to show she wasn't all that happy about this! But then..? Mom just HAD say that.. Quickly, Seirichi turned and her hands slammed down against the bar.. enough to make the glasses shake and almost fall over from impact.
"You're shitting me..! That's the last thing I wanna do..! It's so boring..!" Groaaaan. Yes, long and drawn out as her knees began to bend and her body fell out of sight.. only her fingers could be seen as they gripped onto the edge of that bar. "I'm still a virgin, Mom..! Isn't that enough?"
"No it's not enough. And you're taking Dyarhk with you. You've insulted him by not remembering who he is, and me by swearin' in-front of him. Now PUT on some decent clothes and get on over there!!" she shouted, going on over to her and grabbing her by the string of that bikini at the back and yanking her towards the hall and then pushing her on the back towards her bedroom, kicking at her rump with her barefoot but missing. "And I'll know if you're goofing off! He's going to be my eyes and ears wherever you go during his visit." she said, grabbing two handfuls of her hair yet again when she heard that door slam! She turned back to Dyarhk who was looking a little agitated to have been given a job he hadn't requested, but he waited for her to defend herself.
"Sorry about that..." Techchi said, walking over and taking that swiveling chair beside him that Seirichi never did, for obvious reasons. "I didn't mean to put you on the spot like that. She can be a real handful. She's such a beautiful girl ? and, she's in a stage right now. She's talking to boys, she's sneaking out, doing GODS know what, and trying to turn me gray-headed. And I won't look good gray-headed, Dyarhk." Techichi put her elbows on the table.
Dyarhk sat his glass down, trying to keep from laughing while he put a comforting hand on her shoulder. "It's okay, I understand. You just need an extra hand around here. I'm not so busy I can't lend one."
Tetch's beautiful face came out of her hands to look at him. "I know you want to spend your time here, peacefully; relaxing. But it'd really help me out... besides, what's one more positive male role model in her life?" she smiled warmly, which was HIS patent. He smirked, seeing through her guise but decided to go along with it anyway, since the words did flow from her mouth; words she wouldn't even get caught saying, even if she was just saying them to get something.
"Yeah, I'll keep an eye on her while I'm here."
"GREAT! Now get into something more presentable. Atae hasn't seen you in a long time, either!" she grabbed his wrist and energetically sent him to her room.
"Now wait just a second!" he protested.
"It's fine! I'll send for Pearle! Now go go go! Take a bath. You look awful." she pushed him in before going to the front door and opening it. Techichi was anything but the subtle neighbor to have, as evidence by her shouting across the street to the occupying house across from her.
Dyarhk was left alone. Alone to prepare the bath, alone to locate the necessary amenities, and alone with his thoughts. A nice steam floated over the water he'd run. There wasn't much else to do. And it was not unlike he had protested his need for a bath. The fatigued wanderer tugged the changing screen the short distance from the wardrobe over to half of the tub and began removing his leathers. His old sword, he regretted, was part of the reason he returned here. It was far more injured than he would have liked it to be; far too cracked. Healing it in the forge would not do. It was a war's sword, not one that could reshape the world. It was time for an exchange. Not saying Dyarhk would find an immortal blade in Adenna, but he'd get close. He valued their steel more than any other.
He admired the ceiling for a time with an arm hung out over the tub's edge. He thought about the time between leaving here and arriving back some odd years later; the men he'd cut down, and the ones that hadn't gone without a fight. A nick in his arm was observed and he pondered if it would leave a scar. It had been right on the questionable line. That had been where that particular man's efforts and beliefs ended. It had been the last thing he had to show for them. Dyarhk's hand came up and covered the cut endearingly; a heavy thought on his heart. He leaned his head back and closed his eyes. When they opened again, he wore the sad face of a man trying to move past these events.
?I wonder where the others got to.?