| Logs |
2011 June 02
| Neverneverwhere |
| Realms |
Retired
| Reality Fault |
General Info
 |
| Realms: Taps Logs |
Lovely Way of Saying You Love Me
When the caravan crosses through Roseville, on the way home to San Francisco, Zachariah almost sheepishly lets Suraksha know that he'd like to end his employment with her... so that he can stay in his hometown of Roseville. A little gentle questioning from Sura causes the young man to stumblingly reveal that he intends to court Diana, Bradley's daughter.
However, the young man is -- to put it bluntly -- rather intimidated by Diana's father! It's not so much that the man is a manitou, so much as that he's Diana's father! Zachariah really wants Bradley's approval of Zach's courting his daughter. It doesn't help any that Bradley still tends to associate Zach with both defending Sulochana from him, and Aurelius; and so the manitou tends to bristle a bit whenever the young man comes to visit. Sulochana thinks it's absolutely adorable, and very gently teases Bringer when they're alone together. Diana, of course, is deeply exasperated at her father when he growls at Zach, especially when he demands to know how Zachariah intends to keep his daughter in the manner to which she is accustomed!
Zach goes tongue-tied, crestfallen and flushed with embarrassment as it fully registers: he's disowned by his family -- he has nothing to offer his beloved! Diana sighs at her father, "Papa!" and the manitou frowns down at her, "What? He's going to have to support a family somehow. You can't live on just love, after all." Diana huffs that she'll do just fine with the family business -- and Zachariah will help her! That causes Zach to flush even more hotly, and Jerome to raise a disapproving eyebrow at him. Sulochana steps in and gently assures Diana that her father is right, actually -- one does need to start a family with some money in hand. Doing things just for love isn't wise, nor good for long-term planning.
Poor Zachariah is beet-red by now, and Bradley's nodding gravely, as Sulochana continues, "Things like, oh... running after a loved one despite the fact that it's all uphill and not a good idea, or... oh, getting caught out in a harmful place where one doesn't actually belong -- all very unwise." She nods sagely at Diana and the rather hangdog looking Zach, although her eyes are sparkling with mischief, and Bradley is looking suddenly rather uncomfortable. He rumbles, "Yes, well..." and clears his throat, preparatory to changing the subject -- and 'Chana raises a finger, continuing with the faintest of wicked grins, "Why, if I recall correctly, I do believe I know someone else who did just that!"
Bringer hastily rumbles, "Well, that's all fine and good. So! I believe-" and Diana cuts in, her eyes narrowed with suspicion, "Wait, Papa -- I want to hear!" Like her father, she's a clever person, and she knows Sulochana well enough to know something is up by now, even if she's not sure precisely what.
Bradley replies firmly, "I'm sure Miss Sulochana has better things t-" and 'Chana beams sweetly at him, "Oh, nonono! I do so love a good story, don't you?" Bradley gives her a rather exasperated 'whose side are you on?!' look, and she giggles, then taps her finger lightly on her lips, "Who was it, now, who did all those crazy things just for love..."
Diana's eyes light up, and she claps her hands, bouncing on her toes -- she's picked up a few habits unwittingly from Sulochana, "Oh! Was it Papa?!"
Bradley sighs and rolls his eyes in resignation... but before he can 'fess up, 'Chana laughs, "Oh, I was actually thinking of my Papai!"
That causes all three of the others there to stare at Sulochana in surprise. Bradley throws her a grateful look for not 'outing' him in front of his daughter... followed by a wry grin -- they are so going to have to talk about this later! Diana is wide-eyed with interest, and Zachariah too looks cautiously hopeful, as Sulochana explains her father was an itinerant monster hunter who came to San Francisco searching for a particular monster that was reputed to live there. She dimples mischievously as she adds, "That was my mother, of course... since I suspect you've all figured out by now that I'm not completely human!"
Diana giggles at that -- 'Chana's had her first baby by now -- and Bradley looks aghast, "Your father was hunting your mother?!"
The Naga smiles and nods serenely, "Yes, he was looking for someone like him -- a cat shapeshifter -- and she was the first he'd heard of. So when she caught him... he was quite ready to be captured to settle down!" Diana laughs aloud in delight at that, wrapping her arms around one of Zachariah's, and Bradley harrumphs, glaring at the young man. 'Chana smoothly adds, "Of course, my father had only the clothes he stood in, and his tools and horse. Zachariah's not like that."
That causes all of them to stare at her puzzledly again -- Zachariah perhaps the most so. 'Chana grins at him, "Zachariah's crossed the continent several times now. He has a tidy little nest egg saved up." At the astonished looks she gets, she does her best to look innocent -- not very well -- and adds, "What?! Did you think we crossed the continent just for fun? -well, all right, aside from me -- I do it for fun. But the rest of the caravan does it because it nets us a pretty profit!"
Diana squeals delightedly as she hugs Zachariah, "See! See, Papa?! He does have some money!"
Bradley glowers amusedly at 'Chana... and Zachariah, after putting an arm around Diana, gives Sulochana a completely bemused-horrified look, "You do all that travelin' an' back-breakin' hard work an' all... just for fun?!"
It's the beginning of the next year, and Suraksha is happy to be hitting the road again! The previous two years had been the first she'd been able to caravan since the birth of little Rohana, and she'd been greatly relieved to rejoin her caravan family and travel once more. Neither her entire blood family, Bringer, nor (later) Roy had been at all pleased with her traveling with her infant daughter, but she'd firmly stuck to her guns, pointed out how she was still nursing and (along with everyone else in the caravan) taking very good care of her little daughter. Further, as she told them, travel was so broadening! -and Rohana was clearly thriving.
Everyone had been a bit perplexed that Suraksha still wished to go walkabout, Sura included, since from everything she'd been taught she should be wishing to settle down now. Fearsome Grandmother had been Very Disappointed in her granddaughter; her parents had been extremely worried but quietly supportive. When the caravan had arrived at Roseville, Bringer had pleaded privately with 'Chana to stay at someone's place for the child's sake, although he'd stopped once he'd seen how the caravaneers doted on all their children.
Nevertheless, when Suraksha had arrived in Baton Rouge, Roy too had stormed grumpily around the mansion-palace at the thought of his daughter making such dangerous trips. Interestingly, of all the folks who knew what was up, it was Ohkwari and Onca who'd been the most supportive. Privately Sura had wondered if it was due to their also being mammalian quadrupeds, like herself, at least some of the time; publicly she'd just been relieved for their calm presence when around them.
So it had been a great pleasure for Sura to return home two years later, flush with the success of a good business trip, and with little Rohana finally weaned -- much to Suraksha's internal relief. The young mother had gladly met with Bringer during the week of travel past Roseville and back to San Francisco, teasingly congratulating him on his newest employee, Zachariah -- who'd quit the caravan during the previous departure in order to stay and work a job with Bradley's business, so he could properly court Diana. Sura had been unsurprised to hear the couple are getting along famously, and she'd also teased Bringer about Solstice weddings!
The week after Solstice, which Suraksha and some of the other members of her extended family and friends had spent with Bringer, had been lovely also. Now it's early spring -- time to head on out to travel once more! Suraksha can't wait to get going; she's got itchy feet already, and the caravan is in great shape, loaded with goods and heading for Roseville and Donner Pass. The Hetaera is looking forward to seeing Bringer that night and for the next week or so -- and then heading on off into the wild blue yonder!
As usual, Bringer is aware of Suraksha's approach ahead of time, thanks to her habit of sending Joe, Chanti, or Dominic out ahead of the caravan as a scout, and to take urgent messages to any of their stops. This time it happens to be Joe, and he makes straight for Bringer's house, where the manitou's factor opens the door and welcomes the wiry man in, offering him some food. The caravan scout is happy of the food and lets the factor know the caravan will be pulling in to the first camp site within Bringer's territory in the next twelve hours or so. They're moving slowly thanks to several heavily-laden wagons; their trading is going to be quite abundant this trip.
Little Joe also has a letter from Sulochana for Mr. Bradley; it includes a tiny, smudgy child's hand print next to Sulochana's graceful signature, since Rohana had wanted to say hello to her "Papa Jome" as well. Ever since Bringer's generosity and affection during little Rohana's birth and first two years, 'Chana has greatly enjoyed spending time with her new beloved. Her family had been rather shocked, since they'd not realized a second Chosen was even possible. By now, however, the old-fashionedly courteous manitou is rather a favorite of Fearsome Grandmother -- not that she'd ever admit to it -- although she's still not above getting a bit sniffy about foul-mouthed young men when the subject of Roy comes up! It still grimly amuses her that he unwittingly referred to her as a meddling old bat.
It's an hour or two before sunset when Joe arrives; the letter he brought for Bradley is taken immediately to the manitou's chambers. Bringer is still reading it as he comes up from his basement quarters to call out to his factor, "Did Joe say where they'd likely be? I can head that way at sunset."
Joe had known to expect this question; he's grinning as he lets Bringer know the location of the campsite the caravan had planned to reach by sunset, "They're making pretty good time along the way. Weather's been pretty fair."
The moment the sun is down Bringer steps out into the night. He knows the campsite Joe describes; it is the first one inside his expanded range. With one deep breath he finds the first shadow and melts into it, flashing across the moon-silvered land with the speed of thought itself. When he steps out of the shadows at the edge of the caravan's camp, he's careful to call out a halloo so as not to shock any of the night guards. One of the older Sokoloff boys recognizes him, and he's welcomed into the camp and pointed toward Suraksha's wagon, where he finds Alg waiting on the doorstep. The goblin cackles at the manitou, calling back to the wagon, "Here!"
The wagon's door is slightly ajar, a thin streamer of lantern light falling through in a light golden line across the tiny porch, the goblin, and the grass. It's just turning twilight, and Sulochana is happily awaiting Bringer -- or rather, she's ready, but Fantine is fussing with her hair just a bit more, so Bringer will get to anticipate longer. Sulochana's voice is soft, "Be there in a moment, Jerome!" He can hear her murmuring softly to Fantine, then the little loogaroo emerges, dropping a curtsey to the tall man, "But un moment, m'sieu, please?"
For a second through the door Jerome can see the Hetaera dropping a light kiss on her child's face -- then she too emerges as well, and Fantine slips back inside the dimly lit wagon. Little Rohana's four-going-on-five this year, and she's currently asleep in Sura's internally-repainted wagon; Fantine had enjoyed making the little wagon-room more delighting to a child's eyes. Bringer's eyes soften as he sees 'Chana kiss Rohana good night; were the little girl not already asleep he'd want to wish her goodnight himself.
When Sulochana steps out of her wagon she pauses for a moment, like usual, so Bringer may enjoy the sight of her all dressed up for him; tonight she's in a ruby sari with shimmering gold and jet trim. The manitou catches his breath a little and murmurs, "You are a sight for sore eyes, lovely."
Suraksha glows with pleasure at that, her eyes sparkling as she beams at the manitou. She nearly flows down the little wagon steps and into Bringer's arms, turning her face up to him for a kiss, "Mmmm... missed you too, sweet man." She absolutely adores the way her beloveds make her insides tingle when they look at her like that! Alg cackles again, bouncing off the little porch to wrestle with one of the big dogs trotting by. When Alg's pretty lady is happy, Alg is happy!
Bringer is dressed rather formally: a very dark suit with a barely-discernible silver pinstripe and a tie-pin 'Chana herself selected for him on one of her visits. His hair is combed neatly into place and he smells of soap and the spiciness of bay rum. When the first kiss finally breaks, he strokes her hair with one hand, "I'm glad you sent Joe on ahead so far."
Suraksha snuggles contentedly up against Bringer, and her purr is throaty with happiness, "Mmm... wouldn't miss an instant with you, lover, that I don't have to!" She leans back in his arms with a soft laugh, "I think everyone else approves of you -- people are always eager to hit each of the campsites precisely, even if there's been a problem during the day!" Her face softens with affection as she adds, "Thank you for that, by the way, if I've not yet properly done so." Her dark hair is pulled back into a loose braid; she knows how much Bringer likes running his hands through her silky mane. Toe and finger rings sparkle, and her elaborate pendant earrings swing alluringly. Under her shimmering jeweled pectoral necklace she's also wearing the same silken-tufted, wooden-beaded necklace she'd worn during the first time they spent together -- the necklace which tends to lead the eye right down to her decolletage.
Bringer laughs and resists the urge to gather 'Chana up in both of his arms and lift her off her feet, "It's in my best interest to have travelers and traders taken care of on their way through here. It doesn't hurt, of course, that it means I will know exactly where to look for you once you enter my territory."
The Hetaera giggles, looping an arm through his and her warm voice teasing, "Oooh, you're going to take care of me? Mmm, what sort of care have you planned for tonight, then?"
Bringer grins down at her and lets her take his elbow, "Oh, my plan for tonight revolved mostly around kissing every inch of you that I can get to before the sun comes up." He lifts her hand and kisses each of her fingertips, "That should be a good start."
The Hetaera sighs happily at the tingly feeling she gets from Bringer's kisses, leaning her head against his shoulder. There's a slightly goofy grin on her face as she says, "All right! Er, I mean surely!" She giggles at herself, flushing slightly.
Bringer leans in to nuzzle against the side of Chana's neck just under the ear. He breathes in deeply, lips parting to say something about how wonderful she smells -- when he realizes she smells differently than usual. He's quite sure he knows what the difference is, too; he has smelt this on her once before, after all. Abruptly he stands up straight, "You're pregnant?"
Sulochana blinks up at Bringer, her mind still full of pleasure and the prospect of a night spent with a beloved. "Er, pardon?" She laughs as she realizes what he said, "No, of course not, silly!" She laughs again as she realizes what Bringer must be teasing about, and hugs him tightly, "You're funny! No teasing like that just to get me to stay, though, dear. You've got me all night, every night, for the next week-" she grins, tapping one finger lightly on the tip of his nose, "-no need to be greedy!"
Bringer's eyes blink slowly, moving more like they do in his native form, "I'm not teasing, lovely. I'm pretty sure you are with child." He slides his hands down her arms and leans in again, tasting her scent carefully. There's a little thrill that goes up his spine as he realizes what that likely means.
Sulochana sighs in faint amusement, not quite rolling her eyes as Bringer extends the joke past it being truly funny, "Ha, ha, lover. Come on now; it's time to go." She smiles ruefully up at him as she slips her arm through his again, "I'm almost positive I've told you already we can only have one child. Don't you remember?"
Bringer lets her take his arm again but he doesn't move toward the shadows yet, even though he knows she loves being carried through them, "You also told me that you could only bond with one male."
Sulochana opens her mouth to politely insist they move -- then pauses, thinking carefully. Finally she sighs, "All right, if it will make you feel better, sweetheart, I'll prove it to you." She glances around, then nods as she spots the goblin, "Alg! Could you come here a moment, please, dear?" The goblin looks up, blinking -- then ducks, cackling as the dog he's wrestling with bounds entirely over him instead of knocking him down! 'Chana murmurs to the manitou, "Remember I told you he knew first, last time? Will you believe him?"
Bringer nods once, "I'll accept his word." He stands still and quiet, though he wants to whoop and exalt, while they wait for the goblin to come capering over. Alg blows a cheerfully casual raspberry at the tail-wagging, panting dog, then ruffles its ears and bounds over to the Hetaera. When he arrives it's in a tumult of dogs, all of whom seem happy to see Bringer as well. The small goblin brushes up against Sulochana in his characteristic manner, not quite purring as she gently rubs his ears too.
Sulochana smiles affectionately down at the cheerful entity, "Hallo, sweetie. Would you be a dear and tell Mr. Bradley here that I'm not pregnant, please?"
Alg blinks up at Suraksha in puzzlement for a few heartbeats, then asks in confusion, "Pretty lady want Alg to lie?"
Sulochana goes utterly still, staring down at Alg in shock; Bringer can feel her fingers tightening almost painfully on his arm. He, on the other hand, has to rein in the urge to whoop at that question, instead just grinning like an utter fool. The curve of 'Chana's cheek that Bringer can see has gone pale, and she has to swallow once before she manages to whisper, "...what?" She blinks -- then her eyes widen and her head comes up sharply, "What?! I can't be -- this can't happen! Sna'tha! Sna'thaid, where are you?!" She whirls in a flurry of sandalwood-scented silk and strides for the sidhe woman's wagon, fists clenched -- then stops abruptly as Sna'tha drops from a wagon roof into the circle with a slight buzzing of wings.
Bringer doesn't tried to stop 'Chana's storming off -- instead he follows her, eyes alight. His mind is quick: he realizes if she's pregnant there is a high likelihood he himself is the father. Again he suppresses that urge to crow. Before the sidhe can get anything out, Sulochana snaps furiously, "You told me I couldn't have another child -- that we had one with our Chosen! I can't be pregnant!" 'Chana throws up her hands, bracelets jingling as she rants angrily, "Why didn't you tell me the truth?! I'd have taken precautions, dammit!"
People are starting to look up at the anger in Sulochana's voice, murmuring worriedly to each other. Fantine slips out of the wagon and leans on the porch, eyes wide in confusion. She calls softly to Bringer, "M'sieu, what has happened, if you please?" Alg blinks large, unhappy eyes at Sulochana, saying in a small voice to Fantine, "Pretty lady not want puppies."
Bringer looks to Fantine and thinks carefully before he says, "There is some possibility that my lovely is with child." There is a goofy little grin on his face that he can't quite stop.
Sna'thaid listens impassively to her godsdaughter ranting; she finally says, "If I had known it was possible, I would have told you. Just as I would have told you had I known you could bond with more than one man."
Sulochana blinks at the clear truth of that statement, biting her lip -- then throws her hands up again in a frustrated jangle of bracelets, "Yes, but what am I supposed to do now?! It's spring! The caravan is heading out! I need -- I want to go traveling! I want Rohana to see her father! I want -- I w-want..." Her voice cuts off and she closes her eyes, fists clenched as she tries to pull herself together.
Bringer is standing calmly by during this exchange, the grin still on his face until the explosion of frustration. He reaches out one hand and lays it on 'Chana's shoulder, brows knitting at the clear frustration, "Lovely... it will be fine."
That gentle and well-meaning touch seems to tip some internal balance -- Sulochana snarls in frustration, stamping her foot. Her upset is such that she can't stay still; she paces furiously as she waves her arms and rants in her native tongue, her voice tight with anger. It's clear, in a sense, she feels almost betrayed by her body. People are watching wide-eyed -- Suraksha losing her temper is both extremely rare, and rather epic when it does actually happen. It's Ohkwari, leaning against a wagon and peacefully smoking his pipe, who stems the tide when her voice starts to rise. "Gonna wake th' baby if you're not careful, li'l girl." That causes Sulochana to blink and hesitate, glancing worriedly at her wagon, and Ohkwari continues in his usual laconic rumble, "No sense in worrying 'bout it now, either. Might as well go have a nice time with th' man waitin' so patient for you. We'll figger things out tomorrow, eh?"
Suraksha abruptly deflates, her arms falling to her sides, "I... yes. I'm sorry." She sighs, passing a hand over her face and murmuring to Sna'tha, "Godsmama, forgive me, please. I was shocked, and acted like a brat."
Sna'tha says, "You've gotten some shocking news. But yes, Ohkwa is right. Bringer has been waiting for you. Go have a good night and we'll talk about this in the morning."
Suraksha nods tiredly, then glances over at the woebegone-looking goblin, forcing a smile for him, "Sweetie, I'm not mad at you, promise. Can you tell me how many months it's been?" Alg nods silently, eyes wide as he holds up three fingers, and 'Chana stoops to give him a reassuring hug, "Thanks, Alg." He hugs her tightly back. She turns to Bringer, offering her hand, "I apologize, dear. I behaved childishly. Would you still like to spend the evening with me, or no?"
Bringer smiles somewhat crookedly, "Lovely, I would spend every night of my life with you if you'd let me. But I'll settle for this one."
The Hetaera's return smile is a curious mix of grim and regretful, but she steps forward and takes his arm, "Shall we, then?" She smiles reassuringly (if not completely convincingly) to her caravan family, and waves, "Be well!" They wave back to her and sensibly wait for her to be out of earshot before they start chattering happily about another caravan child.
Bringer leads 'Chana to the closest deep shadow and hugs her against himself before stepping into it. Sulochana sighs, leaning her head against Bringer's comfortingly solid chest for a moment as he hugs her... then she walks with him as he steps into shadow. She hopes she's not offended him with her outburst. Bringer doesn't do his normal out-of-the-way route to get 'Chana back to his house, taking her a more direct way and stepping out of the shadows near his wife's greenhouse behind his home. His expression is carefully neutral as he offers her his arm. Sulochana's body is still tight with rigidly enforced control, and she takes Bringer's arm almost automatically. She's staring ahead of herself but not really seeing what's before her, trying to batten down her anger and upset, and once they're safely away from the caravan her true feelings bubble up. "This is so unfair -- I wanted Roy to see his daughter again! I wanted to go traveling again this year! This means Rohana and the new baby and I will be stuck at home with Fearsome Grandmother for two more whole years, dammit!"
Bringer has had years of practice covering emotions, so he stows the bewilderment he feels that 'Chana could be so upset at having his child when he himself feels so elated. Instead he says, "Who said you had to stay with your Fearsome Grandmother? I have plenty of room here... and..." he hesitates -- which is not like him, "it is mine, yes?"
Sulochana gives the manitou a slightly grim look, "What do you think, Bringer? Alg says I'm around three months pregnant. You're the only person I've lain with for the past... four or five months! If it's not yours, you have a doppelganger!" The Hetaera stops walking and closes her eyes for a moment, sighing. "Wait. That was uncalled for. Bringer, I apologize."
Bringer nods and says, "Then stay here if you must stay somewhere. It makes sense for you to stay with the baby's father, yes?" He's careful to keep his tone level and sensible. When she apologizes he moves to face her and puts both hands on her shoulders, "You've had a shock, lovely. I think I can forgive you a little grumpiness."
Sulochana opens her eyes and smiles unhappily up at Bringer, adding in a more normal tone of voice, "Yes, this will be our baby girl." She pauses, tilting her head as she considers that, then adds slowly, "I... it is not that I do not appreciate the blessing of a child, but... well, I like traveling, you know?" She steps forward enough that she can rest her forehead against Bringer's chest, adding softly, "Well, that and... please do not take this wrong, lover, but... I miss Roy too."
Bringer wraps his arms around her, folding her against his body and letting her feel the stability in him, "Yes. I know, my love." He smiles wryly, "Perhaps we can find some way to bring him here to see you and his daughter."
Sulochana shivers slightly, pressing up against Bringer like a small bird seeking warmth. Her voice is soft, "I... if you were all right with that, sweetheart, I w-would-" She cuts off, realizing she has an absurd urge to cling to Bringer and cry a small storm of tears -- and she's not even entirely sure why! She swallows the lump in her throat, her fingers curled tightly into the lapels of his suit coat, and manages a tremulous smile as she shakily husks out, "Y-you know, sweetheart, you're asking for trouble, inviting me t-to stay -- I come with family! There'd be me and baby Roha, Fantine and Alg, maybe my parents and grandmother dropping in, maybe Roy and his people and Sna'tha and caravaneers and m-more... y-you sure you want all the bother, sweet man, when Diana and Zach just got married a few months ago?"
Bringer tips 'Chana's face up with one curled finger, making sure she's looking into his face before he says, "Lovely, you and your whole caravan could park in my dooryard... and I would be thrilled because you'd be with me."
Sulochana hiccups a soft laugh at that, brushing the back of one hand across her eyes. "Th-thank you, sweet man, for being so incredibly understanding." She hesitates, then adds worriedly, "You do know I'm not upset with you or the baby, yes? I'm just... well... over-reacting, I guess, at not getting to go walkabout again this year and the next?"
Bringer smiles wryly, "Well, it's a bit difficult not to take it personally, but I know what a wanderer you are, beloved. And I know you have people you wish to see in the rest of the continent. Plenty of time later to rejoice."
Sulochana blinks as the realization really registers, her voice wondering, "A baby... I'm having a baby again... with you this time!" She blinks again, her shining-eyed gaze returning to Bringer's face, "Rejoice? Er, at what, please?"
Bringer laughs and slides his arm around her waist, moving them both toward the back door of the house, "I'm sure we'll find something."
Bringer has for several years now been quietly and determinedly trying to increase his demesne's reaches more towards 'Chana's family home, especially once she turns up for the second pregnancy. He's keenly aware: the closer he can get to her Fearsome Grandmother's estate, the shorter the travel time will be between them -- and the more he may potentially see his beautiful priestess and beloved female principle. Consequently, on a weekly basis the manitou has been 'pushing' his borders to try and get them to grow. It's showing very slow but steady results! He's quite pleased.
It's a pleasantly balmy early evening, and the two of them are ambling relaxedly along that border. 'Chana's definitely showing the pregnancy now she's in her fifth month, and close to laying her egg. However, as always she looks quite lovely, due to Fantine's careful management of her lady's stylishness. The Hetaera is in an elegantly demure dress -- she occasionally finds them somewhat easier to wear than pants, as her waistline increases -- and is wearing attractive little lace-up, matching boots with a slight heel on them. The two of them are out there because Bringer wishes to 'push' a little, and 'Chana asked to come along. She's curious as to what it's like to have a border on one's reach.
Sulochana interestedly tries to feel anything at all when the air itself resists Bringer's passage. She can't, of course, so at some point while he's concentrating, in order to not be in the way, she simply cheerfully turns and strolls a few steps further down the road. She looks over her shoulder at her beloved as she does so, laughing with delight as she tells him how exciting it is that he's trying to do this -- she feels very special that he cares enough to even try! As she's beaming over her shoulder at Bringer -- and he's smiling at her nearly dancing on the edge of his lands, admiring the way her eyes sparkle when she's so happy -- a pebble in the rutted roadway unexpectedly turns under one booted heel.
Sulochana gives a startled, "Whoop!" as her arms fly out to try and keep her balance, and starts to fall -- her normal grace is off a bit, due to her advanced pregnancy. Without even thinking about it, a worried, "Sweet soul!" escapes Bringer as he practically teleports to her side! By the time she's been lowered gently to the ground he's bending over her, anxiously checking to make sure she's all right. She reassures him, a touch exasperated at herself, "I'm fine! I just twisted my ankle a bit, and mussed up my skirts." She sighs as she glances at the scuff on the palm of one hand, adding wryly, "Fantine's going to be sternly annoyed with me too, darnit. Well... what is, is. Could I ask you to please give me a bit of a hand up, sweet love?"
Bringer instead scoops Sulochana up in his arms, settling her as lightly onto her feet as if she were made of porcelain. She laughs, teasing him: "I'm pregnant, lovely man -- not broken!" It's as she's trying to brush out her skirts a bit, though, that she realizes she's still a bit unsteady on her feet -- she ends up hastily grabbing Bringer's arm as one foot gives out under her. That causes him to worriedly gather her up again, then turn his back to the border of his lands, shoving it determinedly out to a nearby boulder. He wants to gently set his beloved Xopuchmata down on it, so she can relax as he unlaces her little boot and checks her ankle -- since putting on and taking off her boots is currently a bit of a trial for her, considering the size of her tummy.
Bringer has not yet really registered what he's done; he's focused instead on Sulochana, worrying protectively over her and mentally arranging for any in-house assistance she'll need provided for her in the next few weeks as her ankle heals. Sulochana has certainly realized what's up, though! She watches Bringer fussing tenderly over her foot, her eyes sparkling with excitement. Her lover just abruptly -- almost effortlessly! -- forced his realm several feet wider in his need to get to her quickly!
It's while he's checking worriedly over her that 'Chana's increasing delight registers, and the manitou puzzledly rumbles, "Sweet soul, why so happy... about being injured? Even if it is a relatively small one?"
'Chana laughs, leaning forward to wrap her arms around her beloved in an exuberant -- if slightly awkward, due to her tummy size -- hug... and nearly crows with delighted pride, "Haven't you noticed, love?! You've just pushed your lands a little wider -- and nearly effortlessly, too!" Bringer's eyes widen a bit as he glances around, even as he reflexively holds his beloved close... and then the two of them share exuberant laughter, joy, and kisses.
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