(shall i start?)
14:11:11
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(sure go ahead)
14:11:19
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(want me to enable rp mode just in case we wanna mess around with actions?)
14:11:43
Nagusa is sitting at the lakeside, staring out over the water's surface, holding a small flower in her hands idly
14:12:09
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The young fennec is running around in the woods, playing with some little animals she saw running here and there, until she bumps into a figure sitting on the river of the lake
14:13:47
the unexpectedness and the force of the collision knocks Nagusa over, fortunately not into the water
14:14:34
ow... it seems the gods are conspiring not to allow me solace here..
14:14:57
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I-!
the red haired girl bows repeadetly I'm so sorry miss! I didn't mean to disturb you! Or.. to bump into you like that... I was just... running after a frog...
she looks around herself, seeking for the small animal Hmmm I lost it...
her attention goes back to the girl she just met Again, my apologies!
14:16:27
no need to apologise, dear. this is a public place. anyone is free to run
14:17:05
It is heartening to see children running around freely, having fun. they often grow up far too quickly
14:17:41
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I still feel like I've done something wrong...
she leans forward, looking into your eyes with curiosity What were you doing here all alone?
14:17:59
I come here almost every day. It is really something I should stop, but something compels me here
14:18:31
like a fragment of me that has broken off, incomplete. it is alluring, yet provides nothing of substance
14:19:31
yet i find myself here, hours on end, meaninglessly spent. Ironic, is it not.
14:20:07
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Sunny sits next to you, a tender smile brightening up her face. She starts playing with her fingers among the tugs of grass If you feel like doing it, why should you blame yourself like that? If it's something you enjoy it's not meaningless. You know, I think I'm gonna tell you a secret.
She leans in to get closer to your ear The woods hears us... and it will eternally hold pieces of yourself, every single step you leave here is gonna be preserved forever by these trees and grass. We're but guests here...
14:23:36
oh, i know that without you telling me, my dear
14:23:59
some of my recent guests of late have told me they have come seeking me after a night in the woods
14:24:32
apparently the woods have kept a fragment of my memory that it shows to these travellers, and having spent an enjoyable night, they resolve to seek me out in my new home
14:25:13
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Oh?
her ears twitch a little, she seems to be surprised by your words I... I didn't think you had such a deep connection with the woods... it's nice to hear, you know, I ended up here seeking for something... but... i don't really know what this something is.
her tender smile still curving her lips as she gazes in the distant waters of the lake
14:27:10
oh, what do you seek, little one?
14:27:27
and pardon me. i have not asked you for your honoured name. I am Nagusa, and I am but a simple custodian of a shrine, not far from here
14:27:59
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she bows a little, again My name is Sunny. It's a pleasure to meet you. I am here because my father lost his fortune and he sent me away to travel across the world in search of my very own fortune, but... it feels lonely sometimes... and the wood attracted me, it made me feel listened to...
her smile saddens a little I don't know where my steps are leading to, but i keep taking them anyway, I am not afraid of the path that awaits me
14:30:06
That is fantastic.
14:30:56
Clear vision of the path you tread is always the most important part of any journey
14:31:32
Your father is a wise man. I have sent my own out to seek her own fortunes as well. Yet i find myself here everyday, worrying and nostalgic for her presence
14:32:28
Nagusa stares out over the water again
14:32:41
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I am sure he misses me, but more than my family, there's something else I miss... something I probably never had and that is still not clear in my mind. That's another reason why I am traveling, but, you know, Nagusa, I really wish I wasn't alone on my path...
she looks at a distant point, not even realizing that you're looking at the same spot
14:34:43
*you would have made a wonderful companion for Kiuko, my dear. it is a pity that we have met just a few weeks too late
14:35:55
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But now I'm here... and your daughter is not...
she giggles a little, standing up and opening her arms, the tender sunlight kissing her pink skin So, we find ourselves on the side of the lake, both alone together...
14:37:22
are you asking to substitute for her, my dear?
14:37:45
Nagusa smiles gently
14:37:49
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I know that lonelyness is a horrible place. And I think I may find something here, in this woods... or maybe I already found it.
14:38:30
what have you found?
14:38:42
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she looks down at you and smiles, covering her mouth as she giggles You wanna hear me say that, do you?
14:39:14
of course I do. I am not a mind reader after all, although some friends like to think otherwise
14:40:33
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I found a kind shrine guardian... and someone that can feel things like i do...
her eyes meet yours
14:41:31
hahah. you flatter me much, little one
14:42:03
Nagusa pats your head gently
14:42:09
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her cheeks start blushing lightly, she gets closer to you, placing her head on your shoulder I didn't say that just to say, I really meant it. I am happy I've found someone on my path.
14:43:32
your path? i am hardly on a journey
14:43:45
well, there is little use in continuing to wallow in loneliness here
14:43:53
Nagusa gets up and starts to dust herself off
14:44:01
Where do you live, little one?
14:44:06
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I have no home for now...
she blushes again, in embarassment this time, looking down at the grass
14:44:33
Nagusa frowns a little
14:44:45
how long have you been living in these woods, sunny?
14:44:53
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Not so much, maybe a three or four days, I've traveled through many villages now. But yeah, I spent my last nights under the starts.. hehe..
she giggles, still a bit embarassed
14:45:53
ah, do the villages all show you adequate hospitality?
14:46:22
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Not everyone, I have had to sleep in stalls sometimes...
14:47:01
oh dear. it must have been harsh...
14:47:40
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It's part of the journey, isn't it?
14:47:59
it is true. all journeys have their highs and lows
14:48:23
the low points are what makes the high points worth looking forward to
14:48:41
Nagusa starts walking slowly into the woods, away from the lakeside
14:49:02
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Sunny starts following, her hands behind her back Well, I haven't much with me, but if you know a place where I can sleep just for tonight I can pay for it!
14:49:43
we will see, dear.
14:50:02
4 days is some time to have spent in the woods. have you found out anything about it?
14:50:23
Nagusa continues to chat as she moves
14:50:34
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I felt some sort of mythical aura around here, it's quite hard to explaing through words, but I'm sure you should know what I'm talking about.
14:51:23
hmm, you're going to have to be more specific than that
14:51:50
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It's like I'm now alone even if I am alone... Like a spirit watching over me, and since I'm still here, I guess it's a pacific one
14:52:47
There are many spirits that pass by. most of them benign or even benevolent.
14:53:23
but you are not wrong. these woods have a certain magical property about them. to the sensitive like you and myself, you could say there is magic power in the air
14:54:14
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So I was not wrong about this place... how it called for me, welcomed me inside... it had to be something magical, I was sure about that!
14:55:04
Nagusa pauses briefly, at the edge of a clearing
14:55:22
The clearing is surrounded by lush greenery, and the sun filters through the canopy on top. You can hear the faint whisper of birdsong float through the trees
14:56:04
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Sunny stops her steps and looks at the sun filtering through the branches, taking a deep breath Everything is so clean here... it seems like a refuge from the outside world.
her eyes go on your figure, gazing deep into your eyes Are you hiding from something or someone?
14:58:04
Nagusa takes a deep breath
14:59:02
she takes a slow, careful step into the clearing, followed by another
14:59:37
she walks slowly towards the middle, then sits down, on her knees
15:00:26
come here, sunny. put your hand on the ground. do you feel anything different about this place?
15:00:46
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sunny nods her head and walks close to you, kneeling as well. Her hand touches the soft grass as she closes her eyes, feeling the breath of the forest
15:01:43
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I feel like... you lied to me. That's what I feel, Nagusa.
15:02:52
and what would i lie to you about?
15:03:41
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It's not like you're hiding yourself here.... you're hiding... something.
her ears start twitching as her hand starts caressing the ground But I won't force you... Everyone must have his secrets after all...
15:04:57
no, there is nothing i will hide
15:05:28
but i assure you nothing i have said so far has been a lie
15:05:41
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Not even that so unsure "no"?
her eyes open again, to look into yours
15:06:19
there is... no longer anything to hide
15:06:35
but in due course
15:06:49
what can you tell me of the magic in this area?
15:06:59
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I will be clear to you Nagusa... I don't know if i have magic powers, I just know I can feel things, but the things I feel are undistincted, confused and clouded in my eyes and mind...
15:08:03
you are absolutely right. and it is tied to this place.
15:08:45
This is the site of my former home
15:08:52
a place where i had many pleasant and precious memories
15:09:07
where i spent time with Kiuko and all my friends
15:09:18
she picks up a piece of stone and turns it over in her fingers. you can see the intricate carving of a small section of a lion's mane on the other side
15:10:22
It has been only a few weeks, but nature has started to take over once more. You would never suspect this place unless you knew what it once was
15:11:40
Dust to dust, as they say. What is once nature, must eventually return to nature
15:11:55
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she looks at the stone in your hands, then closes her eyes again and moves her head around I feel now... I see... You like to hide things... but the memories binded to this place aren't pleasant at all... not every memory, at least... I can...
she suddenly takes a deep breath and opens again her eyes, leaning to you to wrap you in her arms I... I am sorry Nagusa.
15:13:12
No, it is ok... memories are memories, be they pleasant ones or...
15:13:48
she pauses and trembles a bit
15:13:55
*... less pleasant ones"
15:14:06
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her embrace pulls you closer, tighter I know, I feel it... You're still tied to this place... And still didn't let go, did you? Your words can't coincide with your feelings now
15:15:25
she pats your back reassuringly
15:16:19
memories are not something you let go, for they are the final, intangible history of a person or place
15:17:18
a place is not really destroyed, nor is a loved one really dead, unless all memory of them disappear
15:17:40
they will be kept alive, if only in the hearts and minds of those who treasure and remember them
15:17:57
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she places her hands on your shoulders, almost forcing you to look at her But the place is not here anymore. And if you wish to go on, you have to let go and accept it. It's a good thing to keep it in your heart, but you will have to eventually go further and accept that this is not your home anymore. Not this very place at least
15:19:35
No, i have long accepted it isn't my home any longer
15:20:27
it has been long since I visited this place
15:20:41
but I have come here for you today.
15:21:09
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For... me?
she widens her eyes, surprised
15:21:49
The magics of the place are in flux, because the last memory i made in this place was in pain, in tremendous suffering... and while...
15:22:19
nagusa pauses to swallow once
15:22:29
... while causing great harm
15:22:35
it does a disservice to the place which i have once called home
15:23:12
and yet, it is undeniable that it is rich in magical energy
15:23:21
if you seek a place to call home, this may be one you may wish to consider
15:23:43
not only will the concentration of magic here benefit you, but you may yet make more happy memories for this place, to erase my own
15:24:06
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The thing is...
she looks at the ground, timidly placing again her hand on it It makes me doubt of myself... who am I? What.. am I?
her hand starts to tremble a little I never had a similar connection to magic before coming into this wood, it's like it had awakened something into myself and... I don't understand.
she lifts her hand and looks at it, still trembling Home..? This may be the blace where... I belong to?
15:26:11
only if you wish it so. it is but one of many options i can offer you
15:26:44
perhaps you wish to visit a few other locations?
15:27:12
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I..
she immediately gets up, almost scared Yes please, but I will need to rest before... I feel so confused. How can I not know myself? I'm so unsure of everything now
15:28:18
it is fine to doubt. life is never simple and straightforward
15:29:47
have you heard people speak of dream?
15:30:24
Nagusa gets up slowly to and holds a hand out to you
15:30:45
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she takes your hand, crossing her fingers with yours Dreams are way too far from reality... I do not like to rely on them.
15:31:30
Nagusa looks at the trembling sunny and decides the younger girl has had enough of the place, and so decides against showing her more of her old home
15:32:15
she turns her back and starts walking away from the clearing
15:32:26
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she follows you, her steps uncertain
15:32:59
Dreams are... things we hope to achieve in life
15:33:00
yet often really good dreams are those just beyond our reach
15:33:14
that disconnect between our dreams and reality
15:33:31
properly nurtured, becomes hope
15:33:41
and hope, is what really sustains our life - it gives us a reason to keep looking forward to the next day
15:34:02
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she listens carefully to you, walking right behind you It is a way to see life... but I was sure your ideas were something like that after what I saw... I have a different opinion. You need a reason to keep going only if it is hard to do so for you. But where sun shines, you can always enjoy the warmth instead of going to hide in the shadows.
15:36:24
ahh, you are not wrong
15:37:25
when the sun shines, we can enjoy the warmth
15:37:33
but when the sun shines too often, we start complaining about the heat
15:37:47
it is when you start dreaming about how to harness and manipulate the power of the sun, that dreams and hope are born
15:38:33
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Dreams and hope are born because unhappy people invented them.
15:39:31
and what are happy people?
15:40:01
what is happiness?
15:40:12
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Heppiness is knowing that the sun won't always be there and enjoying it until it lasts
15:40:45
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You couldn't enjoy it if you seeked for shadow or for the night to come and cool the place off
15:41:42
so you are content to be sad when the sun goes down?
15:42:20
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When the sun goes down I welcome the moon and enjoy it too. Life has given me a cool night after a nice warm day, and I'm happy because of that
15:43:00
then you enjoy the simplicities in life. we are much the same, in that regard
15:43:28
Nagusa smiles as she slows to a stop
15:43:40
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I enjoy what I have. Even if it could not be much... but i get what life gives me
15:44:07
she stops in front of a small waterfall, but the water flows smoothly and there is no thunderous roar, only the smooth sounds of running water cascading down the rocks
15:44:21
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she looks at the place, an amazed look in her eyes Looks like a fairytale...
15:44:57
it is. the water here is fresh. you can drink directly
15:45:12
it feeds into the lake we were at earlier
15:45:19
and...
she leads you around the back of the fall, a small hidden alcove behind the curtain of water
15:46:23
it is also a great place of solitude and meditation. if you are content with the simplicities in life, or want to get away from the busyness of it all, this place is quite good, even for temporary retreats to rest and recuperate
15:47:26
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she sits on a rock, enjoying the sounds of flowing water I think this may be a place i would like to be alon e at... your thoughts can flow along with water. But it is nice to have company too... so thank you for showing me.
she smiles, caressing the rock gently This place will give me what I need in the future.
15:50:36
great. then shall we?
15:51:13
Nagusa holds out her hand again
15:51:20
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Where are you bringing me next?
you notice that her ears twitch everytime she gets curious about something. She reaches for your hand and with your help you and her get back in front of the waterfall
15:52:16
Just one more place. are you getting tired, dear?
15:52:42
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Not at all!
she jumps a little to show you she's full of energy I'm used to take long walks, I really enjoy them!
15:53:35
sighs with a smile
15:53:55
you do remind me a lot of dear Kiuko
15:54:06
she starts walking along the river
15:55:02
i've talked quite a lot so far
15:55:14
tell me of your adventures, dear. i'm sure you must have had wonderful experiences
15:55:44
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Oh I sure have!
she jumps into the water and start walking next to you, but with feet into the waters of the river I've once went to a city where there were five identical taverns. People there kept arguing on which one was the best and I couldn't stop laughing because from one to the other changed literally very few details
15:57:42
five identical taverns?
15:59:14
however do they stay in business?
15:59:22
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Yeah, because the people there find very smal difference that they think are crucial. I wouldn't mind as long as they offered me some beer to show me that their favourite tavern was the best of all
16:00:11
oh, a cunning one.
giggles
16:00:34
but children shouldn't be drinking beer!
giggles some more
16:00:47
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I am no children, even if it could seem so since I'm very short. But you are short too, so you better don't talk!
she sticks her tongue out at you and then starts laughing happily, her tail swinging right and left
16:01:47
yes, but i have the moral highground of not drinking alcohol
smiles
16:02:13
i hope you didn't create any trouble after getting drunk on alcohol
16:02:42
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Weeeell...
she looks away, blushing a little I would not define creating a bar fight and fleeing a proper trouble... I mean, the city was full of dwarfs, they would have fighted anyway, I just accelerated the process
giggles a little remembering that night But yeah, you can't call it an adventure if it doen't involve some kind of trouble
16:04:22
i am certainly going to ponder the wisdom of bringing you outside the forest at all
16:06:02
the river opens up the lake they were at previously, but on the opposite shore to where Nagusa was sitting
16:06:46
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Hey! Don't treat me like I'm not worthy of trust! I will demonstrate to you that I know how to behave well, if I'll be sticking around for a while.
16:08:05
oh, will you be?
16:08:42
i was under the impression that you like to move from place to place
16:08:52
"on an adventure" i believe the phrase was
16:09:08
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For this night and maybe the next one I will surely be here, so I might get the chance to show you I can be a well educated lady. I'm the daughter of a nobleman after all...
16:09:53
a well educated lady that starts barfights?
giggles
16:10:55
Nagusa stops in front of a small, nondescript cave, separated by a small sandy beach from the waters of the lake
16:11:24
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I said that I can be one, not that I am an educated lady full time! Adventures require more practical skills that the clothes of educated lady don't provide
16:12:34
oh, so what kind of practical skills do you have, other than starting bar fights?
16:13:03
she slowly leads you inside. it really is nothing more than a small cave strewn with rocks
16:13:25
If you look extremely closely, you can see tiny pockmarks on the walls, as if something sharp had struck it hard
16:13:54
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You will have to find out, I don't uncover my cards so easily.
she giggles as she starts looking around the cave What kind of place is this?
16:14:57
The clearing is full of magical energy, while the waterfall provides a place for solace.
16:15:36
this... is really nothing special
16:15:41
it is simply Kiuko's favourite hangout, and the place that we eventually found, and rescued her from, after the... events in the clearing.
16:16:17
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Oh... I see. We can arrange something to make the place more welcoming, don't you think? If it's your daughter's favourite place we should keep it nice
16:17:14
I'm sure she would like it if it were to become a new home. perhaps you would like to add it to your list of considerations?
16:17:58
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Hmmm... a cave is not my ideal place, but maybe I will hop back here before going and leave something behind.
16:18:53
as you wish. the place can always be... refurbished, as needed
16:19:30
a cave is simply to plain for permanent dwellings, after all.
16:19:39
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Indeed! Where you're taking me to now?
her tails wag in excitement, she got progressively more comfortable around you
16:21:01
it's about time to leave the forest, the sun is setting
16:21:42
i am surprised you have not encountered wild beasts during your time here. you must have been very lucky
16:22:06
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Don't understimate me, I know how to deal with this kind of things. I was on adventure after all, I've come prepared.
looks at the setting sun with a tender smile The sunset looks so nice from here...
16:23:28
yes, it does, doesn't it?
16:23:58
sunset over the lake is a great view. one that we used to share together.
16:24:21
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Ughhh...
she suddenly brings one hand on her belly, that is growling
16:24:33
but i try not to linger. you may have great skills, but i am weak and have next to none
16:24:53
oh dear. i suppose you should learn to take care of yourself too
16:25:08
when was the last time you had a proper meal, dear?
16:25:18
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I... I admit that I have fed off snacks lately... I gathered a lot in the last village i visited and yeah it's been a long time since I had a proper meal...
looks down a bit embarassed, pulling out of her back a backed snack Want some?
16:26:30
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(baked* sorry i lost my focus)
16:27:58
keep it for yourself, dear. it looks - no, sounds like you need it more than i do
16:28:36
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I don't mind sharing.
she breaks the snack in two parts and hands you one, while eating the other in literally two bites Hmmm so nice, it's still soft
16:29:30
Nagusa brings you out of the cave, and to a small hidden path between the trees behind it
16:29:36
keep it, dear. i mean it
16:29:49
now remember this path. it is well hidden, but it's always here if you know where to look
16:30:04
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Alright then, more for me!
she eats the rest of the snack in one bite, swallowing it whole H-hm.. yeah i will pay attention then! Even if I think you will be here to guide me the next time we use this path
16:31:20
perhaps, perhaps not..
16:31:42
not 50 paces along the path, the trees end and the path widens
16:32:13
another 50 paces along, and the dirt path becomes one laid with stone, lined by trees on either end
16:32:46
at the end of the path is a pair of wooden buildings, one clearly larger than the other
16:33:14
welcome to my humble new home, sunny
16:33:28
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she looks around, her ears twitching as she examines every detail of the building in front of her Ohh! That's so cute and nice! And well hidden too! I wans't able to find it in four days of permanence in the woods
she giggles a little then looks up to the wooden plate Wow, must have taken a long time to build everything in such details!
16:35:22
It didn't take long. I had... a lot of help, and generosity
16:36:04
many close friends helped and offered their labour or their coin. even the lord of the land himself
16:36:27
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The lord? Does this wood belong to a person?
she looks shocked
16:36:54
yes, the woods, and the land that we are now treading on belong to the local lord
16:37:20
do not worry, i was equally as ignorant as you are until fairly recently
16:37:41
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Oh, do you think I will be able to meet him? I love making aquaintance of new people!
16:38:59
Nagusa opens to sliding door, the entrance to her home
16:39:55
but i cannot let a dirty, smelly and hungry fox despoil the mansion of the lord!
16:40:13
if I am to bring you, you will have to be... rectified
16:40:27
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Hey!! I am nothing of what you have said! Except for hungry, maybe..
mutters puffing her cheeks, then sniffs herself and whines a little Am I really smelly? Ughhh!
16:41:40
well, when was the last time you had a bath?
16:41:54
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Yesterday morning I washed myself in the lake!
16:42:15
just water, no soap
16:42:28
that barely counts
16:42:33
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Ughhh...
she pouts Where do I get soap in the forest, hmph...
16:42:58
and that would be fine if you continued to live in the forest
16:43:18
but not if you are about to meet a lord
16:43:23
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Now you're making me anxious... what kind of person is he?
16:43:41
He's a really nice person, protective of those under him
16:44:15
you will be fine
16:44:30
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I am still a little scared...
her tummy starts growling again Uhm... do you happen to have some snacks? That was my last one...
16:45:05
Nagusa brings you inside, to the inner chamber
16:45:28
The inner chamber is lined with straw mats, and consists only of cushions and a small tea table
16:45:50
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she follows you inside, smelling the air
16:46:22
you are fortunate that we have had no guests today
16:46:33
you will have more than snacks, but you will not eat with those dirty paws
16:46:59
are you happy to wash yourself, or do you need me to do it for you?
16:47:09
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I..!
suddenly turns all red I can do it by myself!
16:47:34
well, alright then
16:47:56
Nagusa hands you a towel, and toiletries
16:48:11
the bath is down the hall, on the right. the warm water is already prepared
16:48:26
take as long as you need
16:48:48
and call me if you need help
16:48:52
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she takes them from your hands smiling gratefully Nagusa... thank you...
16:49:08
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after a whole hour you see a fresh and clean Sunny coming back from the bathroom Ahhh... It felt so nice! I really needed it
16:51:52
Glad you enjoyed it, dear
16:52:03
Nagusa is still sitting at the table, waiting for your return
16:52:14
you smell much better too. '
16:52:21
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she sits next to you, taking a deep breath I smell nice food, only heavens know how much I missed it!
16:53:25
ah, yes. then sit here like a good girl, please.
16:53:48
I shall have dinner with you too
16:53:53
Nagusa disappears off into the kitchen
16:54:04
Nagusa reappears a few minutes later, carrying a tray with many small plates of food
16:54:48
She sets out the table: Rice, Soup, baked fish, and steamed vegetables
16:56:12
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Ohhh! My tummy can't wait to get filled with all this delicious foos!
she starts drooling looking at the nice meal you've prepared C-can I start?
16:56:37
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Y-yeah I'm sorry!
16:57:13
Nagusa puts her hand together and offers a short thanks, then opens her eyes
16:57:14
sure, let's eat now
16:57:23
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she emulates your gestures, then when you speak she immediately starts eating with great appetite
16:57:50
It is simple fare, dear. but i hope it is to your liking
16:58:10
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It's so good! Did you make it all alone? Ahhh I wish I was this good at cooking as you are. At home I had servants cooking for me so I never had the chance to learn
16:59:07
well, good food is part of the service i provide
16:59:27
it doesn't take much to make simple fare such as this
16:59:41
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Do you think you can teach me how to cook? So i can spoil my tummy with delicious dishes like this one!
17:00:25
well if you like, of course
17:00:39
food is meant to be shared.
17:00:51
after all, you know how to find me now
17:01:42
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I firmly agree! Sharing food is one nice thing in life!
17:01:47
Nagusa smiles as she watches you eat
17:01:56
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she leaves all the cups and dishes absolutely clean, licking her lips after she's finished Ahhhh...! So good! Thank you a lot for the meal Nagusa!
17:02:36
no problem dear. it is wonderful to see someone enjoy the meal as much as i did
17:02:56
Nagusa takes the dishes back to the kitchen to wash up
17:03:11
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Sunny relaxes a bit, looking around in the room before reaching Nagusa in the kitchen Do you need help?
17:03:49
well, i don't expect it
17:04:03
but if you wanted to, you can help me dry the dishes before putting them away
17:04:17
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Surely!
she comes closer and takes a dripping dish, starting to dry it Uhm... N-Nagusa, can I ask you something?
17:05:00
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Uhhh... how do I put this politely...
she mutters to herself, her face slowly turning red Do you... do you have... sweets? I like to end my meals with sweets...
17:06:24
sweets before bedtime?
17:06:43
what will you do if you get cavities?
17:06:49
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Just a little one, pretty please...
17:06:57
let's finish up here. i don't think you'd like me handling sweets with wet and soapy hands
17:07:44
Nagusa puts another stack of washed and dripping wet plates on the counter
17:08:02
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Yeah!
suddenly speeds up, drying every dish you just rinsed and putting it in its place
17:08:27
thanks to sunny's efforts the washing is done in record time
17:08:59
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We did it!! N-now can I have my treat please?
17:09:21
go sit by the table, dear
17:09:22
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she runs to the table, sitting there while her tail wag in excitement
17:09:49
Nagusa rummages in the cupboard before returning to the chamber
17:09:59
She puts a small plate of what looks like baked fish on the table*
17:10:21
on closer look, they look like biscuits, or cake, baked in the shape of a fish
17:10:49
have as many as you like, dear.
17:11:21
She pours a cup of tea for herself and one for you
17:11:36
do you know what these are?
17:12:22
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Ohh! I know these ones!
she eats one in one bite and her eyes start to sparkle Hmmm! So good! T-thank you so much Nagusa!
her tail wags uncontrollably, swinging around I've had something like that before in a distant village! I didn't think you could bake them too!
17:13:19
It is simple red bean filling, dear. anyone could make them
17:13:42
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I could not!
she keeps eating them greedily, swallowing them with a couple sips of tea Nomm... theywe so goowd! Nom!
17:14:23
but they do make a sweet treat. children must be spoiled, after all
17:14:26
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I...
blushes once again I do like being spoiled, if I have to be honest...
17:15:04
well, there is nothing wrong with that
17:15:19
who doesn't deserve to be spoiled now and again?
17:15:35
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You're right... but is it a good thing? To ask to be spoiled, I mean
17:15:59
There are many things we can do with sweet red bean paste. perhaps i shall show you a few other possibilities in due time...
17:16:16
well, i suppose it depends on who it is
17:16:26
you can always ask me at any time 😊
17:16:45
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I would love baking sweets with you...
17:16:45
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Oh... that's so nice of you.
she gets up, leaning to you to wrap you in a tight hug I am so happy now!
17:17:24
Nagusa caresses your back gently
17:17:49
It is late, dear. what will you do? return to the forest for the night?
17:18:05
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I...
she looks away for a second I guess I will...
17:18:25
Truly? it is cold out, and it looks as if it may rain tonight
17:19:10
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Well... You have already been too nice to me... I feel like it would be too much to ask if you have a place for me for the night..
17:19:51
well, i will be honest and say that I have not prepared bedding, as I was not expecting guests tonight
17:20:29
but if you do not mind the lack of proper bedding, you are welcome to spend the night with me
17:20:50
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C-can I? You really mean it?
17:21:07
would I offer if i did not mean what i said?
17:21:21
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I... I don't know how to properly thank you... you've done so much for me and all I did what bumping into you..
she mutters in an embarassed pitch of voice
17:22:10
fate works in strange ways, is was simply destined that our paths crossed at the lake today
17:22:37
the bigger question is, will our fates resemble a simple X, meeting once, then parting forever
17:23:08
or will it resemble more like a helix strand, crossing and recrossing through time
17:23:35
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I really hope for the second option. You're a nice person to have around
she smiles at you So... tomorrow I will meet the landlord?
17:24:22
oh no. you are mistaken
17:24:36
the landlady of this place is different from the lord of the region
17:24:46
the lord commands a vast piece of land, while the landlady is an eccentric one, but she has provided the building we now reside in
17:25:28
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Oh... I hope she doen't mind if I stay here then
17:25:58
Oh she doesn't mind guests... unless you desire more permanent lodging
17:26:28
i would not be able to operate if i could not have guests staying overnight, after all
17:26:51
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No need, as I said I'm on adventure so I won't stay long!
17:27:07
then consider tonight a small break from your adventures
17:27:35
Nagusa goes to a cabinet and starts to take out some blankets and sheets
17:27:55
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A very nice break..
she helps you but you can clearly see she's not used to do this kind of thing, so she just hands you everything you take out
17:28:41
Nagusa smiles and just sets everything beside her
17:29:01
I did mention that i am not able to prepare proper bedding
17:30:01
instead of a pillow, would you like to have a rest here instead?
17:30:34
Nagusa pats her lap gently
17:30:48
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Oh... I...
her cheeks turn pink Yes, please...
she curls up onto your lap, closing her eyes Won't you be uncomfortable this way?
17:31:43
no, Kiuko often slept like this. it is comforting to have someone else so close to you
17:32:26
She covers you in the blankets to provide additional warmth
17:32:44
besides, i did say that everyone deserves to be spoiled every now and again
17:33:11
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Then I will gladly accept your offer...
her breath starts to slow down as her whole body starts to relax
17:33:12
Nagusa begins to stroke your hair softly
17:33:41
go to sleep, dear. tomorrow is a big day
17:33:51
she begins to hum a soft tune
17:34:02
hmmm~ hmm~ hm~ hmm~
17:34:12
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I missed being spoiled... I don't know how many times I've thanked you today, but I really meant it every single time...
she slowly falls into sleep Good night... yawn...
hearing your tune she falls asleep with a tender smile on her face
17:34:42
