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Post by Trippy Hare on Aug 4, 2009 7:45:17 GMT -5
Camp that night was much more laid back than the previous night's had been- so much so that Nura even cooked! The stew was quite tasty, and went well with more Klamath tea. Barax was tempted to bring up the days' events again, but decided that discretion was the better part of valor. They'd already gotten on each other's nerves often enough, there was no need to exacerbate the situation. They had done a good deed today- so whatever bickering was going to be done could happen later. For now, this was a victory celebration, with a hot meal and a quiet night. Barax complimented Nura's cooking, and they exchanged some idle chatter- noticeably avoiding mention of their confrontation in the village. Even still, the night was pleasantly cool, the food delicious, and the day's events left Barax satisfyingly sleepy. That night's rest was the best sleep he'd gotten in months as a result. The morning dawned clear and hot once more, as though to remind the world that the dry season was approaching. Barax prepped his armor in short order, and they were back on the road in less than an hour. As they walked, Barax pondered whether or not he should tell Nura about his family- or rather, warn her about their eccentricities. The more he thought about it, the less likely it seemed he could adequately describe them. It was probably better that way. "We should be there well before nightfall at this pace," Barax said nonchalantly. "And if we're really lucky, Ma will be making bonnieberry pie!" Barax quickened his pace, albeit without realizing, at the prospect. The terrain had begun to change, from grassland and seasonal marsh to a rolling plain, dotted with trees and bushes, with a wide creek wending its way about. Barax smiled at the sight- they were effectively in Saparte, though the actual village was a little further on. Barax stifled the temptation to hop out of his armor and stuff handfuls of blackberries into his mouth, though just barely. They were so plump and ripe, the sheer weight of them was causing the branches to bend towards the ground. "Such a shame blackberries are poorly suited to traveling," he mused. "On the plus side, we're at the outskirts of the village now. The town square is just over the next rise."They had hardly gone a step when a tall, rather paunchy man approached them from across the bridge. "Oi, ye great metal oaf! What in blazes are ye doin' here, eh?" the man called out angrily, shaking his walking stick. "I've got half a mind te climb up there an' give ye a paddlin'!""Hello, Da," Barax replied. "Have you been drinking already? It isn't even dark yet!"The stranger let out a gruff laugh, nodding as he did so. "Aye, aye. But in me defense, I'm retired- not much else te do! Come on, then. Won't do te make yer Ma wait te worry 'bout how skinny ye are. Oi, who's this, then?" Barax's father said, as he finally noticed Nura. "Da, this is Nura. We've been-" Barax began, but he had hardly said a word when his father cut him off. "Oh ye have, eh? It's about time then, innit? I figured ye'd be so wrapped up in that contraption ye wouldn't notice such minor details as having a life! Wait till yer Ma hears about this- oh, she'll probably cry, then giggle, then cry some more," his father said, looking wistfully amused. "All right then- the name's Corben, lassie- though only when I'm in trouble with the missus. Any other time, 'Da' will do fine. Yer both in luck- Maya and Tina were supposed te visit, but not for another week. So aside from me and the missus, ye got the whole house te yerselves!""Da, we're not staying long, probably just for tonight. We've still got a lot of ground to cover," Barax tried to explain, but saw that his father wasn't paying attention. "Oh, nevermind."Corben chatted rapidly as they slowly walked through the semi-wild orchards on the outskirts of town- mostly stories of Barax's youth, some of which were rather embarrassing. "An' the top of that hill there is where Barry tried te grow a sausage tree. He came runnin' home one day, saying it had grown so big as te bear fruit. I didnae have the heart te tell him that Ma had made me plant a Spearfruit bush up there, te spare the boy's feelings," Corben said, chuckling at the memory. "Lad was about four, as I recall.""Why don't you tell Nura about the candyloaf incident, Da?" Barax chimed in, grinning a little sardonically. "I don't seem te recollect that one," Corben said, obviously lying. But in a humorous sort of way. "So, every year on my birthday- well, all our birthdays, but I remember mine the most- Ma would bake a big loaf of really crusty bread. She'd scoop out the soft insides, and fill the crust with nuts or berries or cookies- all sorts of small treats. Da would then take the loaf and hand it over a tree branch, and my sisters and I would take turns trying to knock it down with a stick, to get the treats," Barax explained, gesturing while he talked. "Da, of course, would always pull the loaf just out of our reach whenever we swung at it. Until one time, I think it was Maya's ninth birthday... anyway, it was my turn to swing. I'm six- or maybe seven- when this happens, by the way. Anyways, I crouch down, body turned, my arms shaking excitedly, getting myself ready. I closed my eyes and swung as hard as I possibly could. Da pulled the loaf out of reach like usual- and my swing, instead of hitting the loaf, hit him square in the nether regions!" Barax said, roaring with laughter. "Da faints dead away, and Ma and all my sisters are running about, getting the smelling salts or running to the herbalist's house. And meanwhile, there I am, sitting in the grass, with the loaf broken open in front of me and stuffing my face with candy, happy as can be!""Aye, aye, ye got me good then. I stopped tryin' te pull away the loaf after that," Corben said, giving Nura a rogueish grin. "That's also when his Ma and I decided not te have any more kids!"They made a quick stopover at the shed behind the house, so Barax could park his armor, and Nura could stable her horse. Aside from fresh hay, there was also a Poffinfruit tree nearby, with a few fruit-laden branches hanging low enough to reach. Barax chuckled as he watched the horse pluck one of the soft fruits, then turned to follow his father into the house. Corben slowly shuffled up the steps leading to the front door, before looking back at the pair of them. He looked from Barax to Nura expectantly for a moment, then laughed uproariously and opened the door into the house. "What a strange sight the two of ye make! Takes all kinds then, dunnit?"
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Post by VecaVjestica on Aug 4, 2009 14:37:54 GMT -5
The closer they were to Saparte, the cheerier Barax's mood seamed to become. He even sped up his pace as he ranted on about fruit and his mother's cooking. Nura suppressed chuckles the best she could, happy that he couldn't see her quite so well when he was inside his armor, because her best wasn't really all that good. He was simply that silly, like a puppy...almost cute. On an impulse, she plucked some blackberries, the biggest, darkest, sweetest she had in years, and put them in a clean handkerchief to save them for later. Saparte looked something like a crossover between a large village and a small town. It looked...sort of dry. Not that it lacked signs of activity - everything was clean and well looked after, people they could see going about their business looked pretty healthy and well fed, and there were kids playing in the streets, but everything and everyone in Saparte lacked...color. Yes, that was it - everything was somehow in various shades of gray and brown, aside from the fruit-baring trees and an occasional herb garden, and gave out the sensation of washed and used many, many times. She remembered what Barax said, about his family's history in the military. Yes. A place like this looked like it bore many, many soldiers. Probably very few officers. It looked like a place that bread obedient followers rather than ambitious tacticians. And as they walked towards what Barax had told her was the town square, an older, somewhat chubby man with a crude walking cane came up to them and called out to the Templar: "Oi, ye great metal oaf! What in blazes are ye doin' here, eh? I've got half a mind te climb up there an' give ye a paddlin'!" Nura covered her mouth, trying not to laugh. The man obviously knew who was inside the armor, and her suspicion was confirmed as soon as Barax replied, calling the man "Da". So, this was his father. A feisty man, it seamed. Probably an old infantry trooper. She learned how to recognize people like him while working in the Mine, and she mostly liked them. People like that survived thick and thin and usually ended up tired old men who just wanted to have some fun and a bit of peace in their old age. But the truly amusing part came when Barax tried to introduce her to him. "Da, this is Nura. We've been-" he starred but his father cut him off, giving a sly look first to his son and then to Nura: "Oh ye have, eh? It's about time then, innit? I figured ye'd be so wrapped up in that contraption ye wouldn't notice such minor details as having a life! Wait till yer Ma hears about this- oh, she'll probably cry, then giggle, then cry some more." Nura raised her eyebrow quizzically. Was it just her imagination or was this man implying she and Barax were...an item? "All right then- the name's Corben, lassie- though only when I'm in trouble with the missus. Any other time, 'Da' will do fine. Yer both in luck- Maya and Tina were supposed te visit, but not for another week. So aside from me and the missus, ye got the whole house to yerselves!" A wide, malicious smile spread across Nura's face. Yup. He was. "Aw, that's too bad!" she exclaimed sweetly, "And I was so looking forward to meeting Barax's sisters!" She gave the man a naughty wink before conspiratorially adding: "I was hoping they might tell me some embarrassing secrets I can use against him in times of need." The man began to laugh so hard his belly was shaking and almost immediately began to tell Nura various amusing - and highly embarrassing stories form her companion's childhood. Oh, it was a pity she couldn't see the Templar's face! She was sure it was red hot! Not that he allowed himself to go down without a fight. Nura laughed to his "candyloaf story" almost as hard as to the ones his after told her. Corben Shaden was certainly an amusing man, and much more fun to hang around than his son. He had an air of confidence that Barax lacked, and a different kind of simplicity, the kind that comes from knowing that good moments are rare and short and you need to enjoy all of them or life makes no sense. She couldn't help but wonder how Barax ended up so...melancholic. They reached the Shaden home, a place neither big nor small, and looking much like every other house in Saparte. They first went to the sheds, where Barax finally came out of his armor and Nura left Shine to enjoy fresh water, hay and some fruit, prompting another chuckle from Nura. That horse was hooked on sweets like a child. While they did this, Corben headed over to the house, laughing loudly as he turned back to them, as if there was a joke only he understood. "What a strange sight the two of ye make! Takes all kinds then, dunnit?"Nura chuckled. Yes, from his perspective, the two of them made one funny couple. "Oh, this is gonna be so much fun," she murmured, amused. Sure, she knew they'll have to tell the poor man that she's not Barax's wife, or girlfriend, or whore...but who said she couldn't enjoy watching Barax sweat a little till that moment comes? Still chuckling, she followed the old man into the house, mentally preparing herself to meet Mrs. Shaden.
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Post by Trippy Hare on Aug 4, 2009 18:39:54 GMT -5
Barax couldn't help but wonder if Nura and his Da were planning something. They certainly were getting along well. Barax surmised that raising six daughters had given his Da a measure of cheerful indifference. Or perhaps a measure of happy insanity. Neither would surprise him, really. "Oi, Kya, we got company!" Corben bellowed, once the door was open. "Barry's home, and he's brought someone ye oughta meet!" Corben turned and gave the two of them a wink, then walked inside. Barax let Nura enter first, before following. She had a mischievous grin on her face, which only strengthened his suspicions. He closed the door, and was immediately set upon by his mother. "So, 'off te see the King', eh? Ye coulda just told yer Da an' me, ye know. What, did ye think we'd give ye a hard time?" Barax could only stare, puzzled. "But, I did go to-""Bah, we can discuss things over dinner. Though I hadnae expected guests! Ye shoulda sent word, Barry. I'm no mind reader!""But, truthfully, I didn't know we'd be coming. Our encounter was sort of unexpected."Corben laughed merrily at this, while Kya's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "I didnae know ye had such a crazy streak, boy. Though she isn't showing a'tall, how can ye be sure? Ah, no matter. Come on then, if ye brought two and a half mouths te feed, yer going to have te help yer old Ma out.""Your not old, Ma, your just trying to get sympathy," Barax said, chuckling. "But what was that about two and a half-"Come on, boy, you an' I can do the dirty work in the garden, so the bonnie lasses don't get their hands dirty, eh?" Corben said, cutting Barax off and dragging him towards the garden. "You can still dig potatoes, eh boy? Come on then!"With that, Corben insistently directed Barax towards the garden, leaving Nura and Kya in the kitchen. "Ugh, men," she began, with a irritated grunt. "I'm happy my boy's come te visit an' all, but no sense pf propriety a'tall. Never even got yer name, lass! Anyway, my name's Kya- but ye already knew that, I suppose."Though Kya was friendly enough, she never once stopped moving. One moment she was chopping vegetables, the next setting a kettle on for tea. "Barry's a good boy, but he's always been so shy! I'm sure ye noticed," Kya added, bustling around the table to set extra places. "Never figured him to be much good with the lasses, always trippin' over his own words. " She bustled back to the kitchen and dropped the sliced vegetables into a large pot, stirring it gently as it simmered. "Comes from his illnesses, I suppose. With Barry sick so much as a boy, he never really got the hang of bein' around people. The girls, on the other hand- every time they visit, there's another grandchild te feed. Poor Tara's got six already! Didnae waste any time, that one." The kettle began to whistle, prompting Kya to empty it into a pair of mugs. Kya picked a few sprigs of an herb growing by the kitchen window, and to that added a few drops of a fragrant oil. "Here ye are, dearie. Klamath, mint, and lemongrass oil. Did wonders for me with all of mine," Kya said, smiling kindly. "Now that we have a minute, why don't ye tell me about yerself a bit? The boys won't be back for a while just yet- unless Barry's gotten a great deal better at diggin' potatoes." Kya took a long sip, sighing happily. "For a while now, we figured poor Barry would never find himself a lass. Always tinkering with that metal giant, he is. Though I cannae complain. Keeps him busy, and better busy than bored, I always say. Drink up, dearie, ye hardly touched it. It's a bit more tart than plain klamath, but it's good for the sinuses, clears ye up. Go on, then."Kya took another sip, looking over her mug at Nura. "Don't talk much, do you dearie? Aye, it makes sense Barry would go for a quiet lass."
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Post by VecaVjestica on Aug 5, 2009 3:44:51 GMT -5
Watching Barax fidget when his parents rounded him up, his mom attacking him and his dad laughing, openly enjoying the show, was more fun than watching a street theater or circus performers. It took a lot of self control not to show how much she loved the sight of him in such an uncomfortable situation. And when his mom misunderstood Barax's clumsy attempt of explaining who and what Nura was for the announcement of a new grandchild coming, she almost burst into laughter, especially since the Templar obviously didn't get it. Alas, the show was brought into an early pause when Kya Shaden finally rushed the men off to the garden and turned to Nura: "Ugh, men. I'm happy my boy's come te visit an' all, but no sense pf propriety a'tall. Never even got yer name, lass! Anyway, my name's Kya- but ye already knew that, I suppose." For a moment, Nura though of being merciful and explaining the woman what really happened and why Baxar brought her here, but decided against it. "It's a pleasure to meet both you and Corben," she replied with a polite smile, "My name is Nura." The two women shook hands, and without wasting any time, began preparing diner. Though, truth be told, Kya did most of the work. She saved her from any parts of their work that could be classified as difficult no matter how much Nura protested, and talked all along, only giving the girl a few short chances to actually talk back. "Barry's a good boy, but he's always been so shy! I'm sure ye noticed," Kya said as she set the table - one of the few things she allowed Nura to help her with, "Never figured him to be much good with the lasses, always trippin' over his own words." Nura chuckled to herself, but replied nonchalantly, with an air of mischievousness: "Oh, I don't know...he could be quite eloquent when he's...inspired." Kya gave her an odd look and then began to laugh before continuing telling her about her children, Barax mostly, working on diner and making them some tea. Nura, who's mother taught her everything she knew, including her midwife training, recognized the blend almost as soon as the smell hit her nostrils. "Here ye are, dearie. Klamath, mint, and lemongrass oil. Did wonders for me with all of mine," Kya said, smiling kindly, handing her the cup. Nura smiled politely as she took the tea, and decided to grant Barax at least one small charity. "I'm sure it will do me good...but you really needn't worry. Barax is a gentleman, perfectly respectable," she said so calmly as if they were talking about cookie recipes. Kya raised an eyebrow and, a moment later, nodded. Yes, that is more like my Barry, the look on her face said. "Now that we have a minute, why don't ye tell me about yerself a bit? The boys won't be back for a while just yet- unless Barry's gotten a great deal better at diggin' potatoes." Kya continued, finally letting herself take a rest from work and started drinking her tea, but continued before Nura managed to even open her mouth and give the woman a reply, "For a while now, we figured poor Barry would never find himself a lass. Always tinkering with that metal giant, he is. Though I cannae complain. Keeps him busy, and better busy than bored, I always say. Drink up, dearie, ye hardly touched it. It's a bit more tart than plain Klamath, but it's good for the sinuses, clears ye up. Go on, then." Nura chuckled and drank up. Kya was one strong-minded woman, there was no arguing about that. So far, she rather liked Barax's parents, and couldn't see how two such open, merry, loud people had gotten such a shy and quiet son. "Don't talk much, do you dearie? Aye, it makes sense Barry would go for a quiet lass," Kya commented, prompting Nura to give the woman at least some kind of answers. "Barax and I met only a little while ago," she told her, happily sipping the warm aromatic liquid, "I lived and worked in Swordstroke Moors when he came to meet the King there. And the rest was...destiny, really. Neither of us had all that much control of the events that brought us together. Now we're traveling to the Sureeta Dawn plantation further west. I have...some issues to resolve with the owner. Family matters, you know." Kya nodded. As someone who had a large family, she understood well the weight that phrase carried. Smiling in self-satisfaction, Nura quietly congratulated herself on managing to both tell nothing but the truth and making Kya keep believing she and Barax were a couple. That would provide her with further entertainment at diner...and she couldn't wait to watch the Templar sweat and blush even more! Helpless maiden in constant need of rescue, indeed!
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Post by Trippy Hare on Aug 5, 2009 7:34:12 GMT -5
"So Barry, how is it ye managed te find such a bonnie lass?" Corben asked his son, almost the moment they walked out to the garden. "Must have made quite the impression on her, te bring her all the way back here."Barax blushed hotly, though thankfully his back was to Corben and thus the blush went unnoticed. "No, it's not like that, Da. We're just-""If ye say so, Barry. But she had her eyes on ye the whole time we were walking through town, though ye were up in yer suit and didnae notice. But yer old man is keener than he looks, ye know!"Barax let out a resigned sigh, and started digging. His parents were so stubborn! Once they got some notion in their heads, there was nothing to be done but just accept it. So if they thought he and Nura were romantically involved, there'd be no way to convince them otherwise. Which explained what his Ma had said when she met them at the door. "Whatever you say, Da. Though in all seriousness, it's not what you think.""Oh really now?" Corben said, a tone of mirth in his voice. "So me only son didnae just arrive unannounced to me home with a pretty young lass, mere days after telling me he was off te see the king?""Well, yes, but-""I'll tell ye what I think, lad. I think ye fell for that lass while on one of yer patrols, and ye didnae want te say anything te Ma and me, in case she didnae think ye were as cute out of 'uniform', eh? So ye make up this grand tale about seeing the king, then sneak off te go a-courtin'- then decide te let her see just what sort of family she'd be getting if the two of ye get married."Barax grunted in annoyance. Every time he visited his parents- who were getting older and needed help around the house- they brought this up. 'When're ye getting married, Barry?' 'Have ye met any bonnie lasses, Barry?' 'Ye know, mister Goren's daughter is about yer age, Barry, why don't ye go introduce yerself?' It was frustrating, to say the least- and it only got worse once Maya- the youngest of his sisters- got married, leaving him as the only single child left. Of course, all his sisters had moved away, so the only one near enough to Saparte to lend a hand with the house or the garden or the animals was him. "Da, I told you. It's not like that! We're just traveling together!""Oh are ye, now?" Corben said, obviously not believing him in the least. "Staying at inns, in separate rooms? Or are ye camping out under the stars together? Ye both go out te get yer own food, or do ye share provisions by the campfire? Look, lad- there's nothing te be ashamed about, she seems like a fine, level-headed sort of lass. And if she didnae enjoy yer company, why would the two of ye be 'traveling together', eh? Or did the king 'order ye' te do that?"Barax couldn't tell what was more frustrating- how badly his Da had it wrong, or how preposterously close to the truth his impressions were. "Can we talk about something else, Da? Or maybe not talk at all? I'd really prefer not to get you and Ma's hopes up- it really, really isn't what you think it is.""Oh no? Then answer me this- ye two have been camping nights, eh? Have ye seen her nekkid?""Tain't none of yer bidness, Da!" Barax spluttered, briefly slipping into his highland accent. Corben smiled knowingly. "Maybe things have changed since I was an army lad- but in my day, lasses didnae just show their figures willy-nilly. So if a lass let ye catch a peek, she knew full well ye were watching."Barax's face was so hot it could've fried and egg. "Oi, lads! Where's those potatoes! Some of us would like te eat sometime today!" Kya called from inside the house. "And make yerselves useful and bring some tomatoes and squash too! Or do ye think ye can survive on chatter?"Whatever further comments Corben had were effectively stifled, and he and Barax quickly and diligently finished gathering the requested vegetables and hurried inside. "Took ye both long enough," Kya said, giving them both a smirk. "I was beginning to think ye didnae want dinner a'tall. Now, you boys go sit at the table, where I can keep an eye on ye!"Not wanting to provoke Kya's considerable ire, both men did as they were told. Nura giggled as Barax sat down next to her, to which Corben gave him a wink. He responded by rolling his eyes- but keeping silent. "Nura, dear, can ye give me a hand in the kitchen?" Kya asked. "I just need ye te help me serve, dearie. I'd ask Ben te do it, but I'd like te eat sometime before I die of old age."Despite having little time to prepare for extra guests, Kya had made a thick, hearty stew with the vegetables Barax and Corben picked. Into that, she mixed some rabbit and dumpling soup, and a loaf of olive bread alongside. There was also a delicious, sweetly tart smell coming from the oven, which Barax hoped was a bonnieberry pie. "Now I've not had time te get yer room ready, Barry," Kya started, "what with ye being too busy te let us know ye were visiting. But after dessert, Nura and I can go spruce it up, while you and Ben clear the table.""Yes, dear," Corben said. "Yes, Ma," Barax said, simultaneously.
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Post by VecaVjestica on Aug 5, 2009 13:57:12 GMT -5
By the time Kya and Nura finished with their tea, it was time to make the final preparations for the diner, but Corben and Barax still weren't back, which caused Kya to yell at them once more, which in turn made Nura laugh again. She hadn't expect this to be so much fun. She imagined the Shadens as serious people with no sense of humor and long, pale faces...and she was happy that she was wrong. Soon enough, the men were back with the vegetables. Kya took them over and commented with a smirk: "Took ye both long enough. I was beginning to think ye didnae want dinner a'tall. Now, you boys go sit at the table, where I can keep an eye on ye!" And since they both knew what's good for them, the father and son did as they were told. Barax sat next to her, and Nura couldn't help giggling at the sight of his red and tortured face. She could only imagine what a hazing Corben gave him and be sore she wasn't there to hear it. "Nura, dear, can ye give me a hand in the kitchen?" Kya asked not much later, "I just need ye te help me serve, dearie. I'd ask Ben te do it, but I'd like te eat sometime before I die of old age." Nura chuckled and replied: "Coming," as she stood up and did everything Kya asked - cut the bread into slices and arranged them on a plate she then put on the table, helped her carry over the pots and pans the meals were served in, and brought out a bowl with tomato and cucumber salad. "Now I've not had time te get yer room ready, Barry," Kya started as soon as they were all seated and began filling their plates, "What with ye being too busy te let us know ye were visiting. But after dessert, Nura and I can go spruce it up, while you and Ben clear the table." The men obediently replied with a yes. Nura chuckled: "Pity we can't stay longer, isn't it Barry," she spoke sweetly, but her eyes shined with malice, "Your Ma could teach me all the tricks she used to keep her men so well in line. It's a skill I'm sure I could have use of." And by the reaction her comment had gotten, she knew that she would've made a mistake if she had staid quiet. The food was simple, but rich and tasty, and the scent that came from the oven promised a delicious desert as well. Nura enjoyed the diner, both because of the food and because of the way Kya and Corben pressed Barax. It was a pleasure to watch. But it wasn't enough. Nura wanted to watch him sweat, literally...and a little yellow ant she saw on the table gave her the perfect idea. She sent the creature a message. Insects were the most simple of creatures and it was easy to manipulate them to her will. All she had to to is insert the thought that what the little ant wanted - and that was food, always food and only food - was where she told him it is. And the best thing about ants was the fact that they were social animals. This little ant was just a scout, a scout that will now return to the nest and tell all the other ants that he found a large source of tasty food which is safe and easy to reach, and his little friends will then gather up and follow him towards the place Nura designated - up Barax's legs and straight into his pants. And now all she had to do was lay back, enjoy her diner, and wait for the show to climax.
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Post by Trippy Hare on Aug 5, 2009 19:36:21 GMT -5
Dinner was an animated affair, even with just the four of them. Barax kept mostly quiet at first, hoping his parents would find Nura interesting enough to keep the focus on her. It wasn't that easy. "So Barry, Nura tells me the two of ye are heading towards Sureeta," Kya began, innocently enough. Barax immediately felt as though he were forgetting an important detail, but unsure of what, he stuffed a large tomato wedge in his mouth and nodded. "Ye know, Tara and her husband live just north of Sureeta. I'm sure they wouldn't mind if ye paid them a visit. Ye never see yer sisters much, anymore," Kya added, with an air of admonition. "No she doesn't", Barax said, puzzled. "Tara lives in Cormorac, Ma. That's much further North than where we're going.""It's no more than two or three days for ye Barry, in that contraption of yours. Or is two days two far te visit your own sister?""I didn't say-""OI!" Corben bellowed, cutting him off. "Ye don't talk to your mother like that!""Like what?! I didn't say anything!""Ye just watch your tone, boy," Corben said, wagging a finger at him. Barax fumed, but saying anything would only make things worse. His parents were too old and too set in their ways to ever change. So the only real defense to their constant berating was to change the subject. Which Nura did for him- much to his chagrin. "Pity we can't stay longer, isn't it Barry," she said, with a tone of false sweetness. "Your Ma could teach me all the tricks she used to keep her men so well in line. It's a skill I'm sure I could have use of."Corben and Kya both laughed uproariously at that comment- Corben slapped the table hard enough to rattle their plates, while Kya stifled her shaky chuckles behind a napkin. "Oh, ye picked a fine lass, Barry! Now there's one of ye with a sense of humor!" Corben said between big, shaking belly laughs. Barax felt a mix of humilation and rage- as though his entire body was blushing hotly. As the topic of conversation changed to complimenting Kya's cooking, Barax still felt hot- especially along his legs. Hot and itchy, like something was crawling all over him. He fidgeted uncomfortably, trying to keep from doing so enough to draw attention to himself. Yet the itching only got worse, so much so that he dropped his fork on the floor, just to have a reason to check himself. He lifted up his pants to about the ankle, and saw several ants running about his skin. He was so startled that he tried to quickly stand up and back away from the table- but instead, banged his head on the underside of the table with a loud 'thunk'. "Oi Barry, what in blazes has gotten into ye?" Corben asked gruffly. "Almost knocked over me ale!""Ants! I've got ants in my pants!" Barax said, scooting away from the table and scratching furiously at his legs. "With a cutie like Nura, I can see why," Corben began, "but can't ye wait until after dinner?" he finished, laughing at his own joke. Kya slapped him hard on the top of the head. "Tis no joke, ye fat hyena! Now go fetch me the beehive smoker!" Corben shakily stood and went to do as she asked, still laughing to himself. "And you- she said, pointing to Barax- Get out to the garden right this instant! I'll not have ants making a nest in me kitchen! Go, on, out out out!" Barax did as he was told, scratching as he went. Kya hmphed as he shakily walked out. "That'll teach him. I'm not exactly sure what it'll teach him not te do, but I know there's something that boy shouldnae be doing," Kya said, talking mostly to herself. "Nura, would you be a dear and run a bath? The smoke may not get rid of those little pests, but water certainly will," Kya added, turning around to face her. "Course, if you'd like a bit more privacy, there's a tub out in the barn we use te bathe the horses. Then ye can- inspire- all ye like," Kya said, with a knowing look. "Ye know, I wouldnae put it past Barry te get himself all infested on purpose, just te get ye in a hot bath with him," she mused. "The boiler's the third room on the left, sweetie- there should be a few buckets in there, too. Just try not te make too much noise, we don't want te spook the horses," she said, before bustilng back into the kitchen to check on the pie. "Don't worry dearie, bonnieberry is great cold, too. Take all the time ye need."
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Post by VecaVjestica on Aug 6, 2009 0:09:59 GMT -5
Nura had her eye on Barax the entire time, watching out for any signs of discomfort...well, more discomfort than he was already in. And, soon, she was rewarded for her patience. At first he was just twitching, then he looked panicky, and finally broke in sweat from the effort to look like there was nothing going on. She had to keep biting her lip and talking to Kya and Corben to prevent herself from laughing out loud. Still, Barax soon provided her with the perfect opportunity to laugh freely when, after lowering himself to lift the fork that had fallen on the floor, he hit his head against the table when he tried to get back up. But that wasn't the funny part. It was the conversation between him and his dad. "Oi Barry, what in blazes has gotten into ye? Almost knocked over me ale!" Corben asked brusquely, but Barax was too busy shaking his trousers to care about his father's beer. "Ants! I've got ants in my pants!" he exclaimed, moving away from the table and that's when Nura began to laugh, but still had the decency to at least cover her mouth with her hand. He must've seen them when he was lifting the fork. Not quite what she had in mind, but it still worked out great. "With a cutie like Nura, I can see why," Corben joked, "But can't ye wait until after dinner?" But Kya wasn't in the mood for her husband's humor and she smacked him on the back of his head and ordered: "Tis no joke, ye fat hyena! Now go fetch me the beehive smoker!""And you!" she turned to Barax next, "Get out to the garden right this instant! I'll not have ants making a nest in me kitchen! Go, on, out out out!" Scratching like crazy, Barax did as his mother demanded, while Nura practically suffocated from the laughter. "That'll teach him. I'm not exactly sure what it'll teach him not te do, but I know there's something that boy shouldnae be doing," Kya said, talking mostly to herself, but Nura stopped laughing enough to reply, quite seriously: "Oh, yes. Yes, it will." The woman looked at her as if she wondered if Nura had something to do with this incident, but by her next words, it was obvious that she dismissed the thought. "Nura, would you be a dear and run a bath? The smoke may not get rid of those little pests, but water certainly will," she said, and when Nura got up form the table, added, "Course, if you'd like a bit more privacy, there's a tub out in the barn we use te bathe the horses. Then ye can- inspire- all ye like." Nura almost blushed, not so much from the words as from the look Kya gave her. This was her son they were talking about! "Ye know, I wouldnae put it past Barry te get himself all infested on purpose, just te get ye in a hot bath with him," she mused and added before going back to the kitchen, "The boiler's the third room on the left, sweetie- there should be a few buckets in there, too. Just try not te make too much noise, we don't want te spook the horses. Don't worry dearie, bonnieberry is great cold, too. Take all the time ye need."This time Nura did blush, but Kya wasn't able to see it, thank the gods. She rushed to do what she was told, still snickering to herself every time she remembered the look on Barax's face when he realized what was going on. Oh, the man was hilarious! She wondered if he had figured out she was the one who made it happen yet, but didn't think too much of it. If he doesn't come to the conclusion on his own, Nura will simply tell him. After all, that was the point - to have him see just how much of a helpless damsel she was. The bath was full and the water was hot, but not enough to burn. She found some soap as well and a sponge, and she was just about to leave when Barax came into the Barn. Just seeing him was enough to make her chuckle, but the look on his face, now all black from the smoke, made her unable to stop and, a moment later, she was openly laughing her heart out.
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Post by Trippy Hare on Aug 6, 2009 9:23:36 GMT -5
"Ach, don't be such a pansy! It's not like I havnae seen ye before, boy," Corben told his son with a tone of weary resignation. Barax had adamantly refused to take his ant-infested pants off, even though the smoke would- probably- drive out the insects. "Have it your way, then," Corben added, before pointing the honeybee smoker at a still fuming Barax and spraying him with the thick, tarry black smoke. "Da, Da, that's enough!" Barax said, between coughs. "I'm convinced, all right? Stop- stop!" he said, protesting, while Corben continued to douse him liberally with the smoker. "You're actually enjoying this, aren't you?!" Barax demanded, his voice rougher from all the smoke. "Maybe," Corben replied- with a mischievous look that proved he really meant 'yes'. Now quit complaining, I'm missing yer Ma's bonnieberry pie for this! So the sooner ye forget about having dignity and take off yer ant-hill pants, the quicker I can go have dessert!""I have a better idea. You go, and I can stay here and smoke my own pants. It's not like it takes a genius to do or anything.""Good point," Corben said. He set the smoker on the floor and headed back towards the house, shouting "Oi, Kya! Barry said he didnae want any pie, and I could have his slice!"Barax hoped his mother would know better, finished stripping down, and hung each item of clothing on a separate hook. He doused his legs with the smoker, then proceeded to douse every item of clothing individually. Lucky for him, his suit was parked just outside the stables- right next to the garden. Though his other uniform was filthy, he did have several polishing towels, which would suffice for the short trip from the garden to the bathroom. With that, he wrapped a towel around his waist, and headed inside. He had managed almost two whole paces before his mother started screaming. "What in the world do ye think ye're doing?! I didnae send Nura te the barn te draw you a bath so ye could bring yer mess inside my house! Get out! Ye can come in and have dessert once ye get clean- now go!"Barax had already gone back outside the moment he heard Kya start yelling, so the latter half of her tirade was muffled by the now-firmly-shut door. "Sorry, Ma. Tell Da not to eat my serving of pie," he added flippantly. This visit- which had seemed like a good idea- was turning out to be extremely humiliating. Just like when he was a child, it seemed as though everyone made him the butt of their jokes. At least there was only one other person here- Nura- instead of six sisters. Sometimes he was glad they all moved far away from sleepy little Saparte. Lost in thought, Barax stomped towards the barn, his mood wavering between melancholy and angry. He opened the door, not expecting to find Nura still inside. Almost the moment she saw him, Nura burst out laughing hysterically. Barax could feel his temper rising and his nerves fraying- but then, he caught sight of the large tub the family used to wash horses. And he noticed that Nura was standing very close to it. Best of all, she was too busy laughing to notice. Barax walked towards her, slumping his shoulders as though defeated, and said, "Yes, yes, ha ha ha. I'm so very funny. But you know what would be even funnier?"Nura looked up for a moment, still laughing, with a look of triumph all over her face. Barax grinned, then pushed her into the tub and practically shouted, This!" Now it was his turn to have a look of triumph on his face, and a smug airy tone. "So- are we even now?"
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Post by VecaVjestica on Aug 6, 2009 10:03:09 GMT -5
"Yes, yes, ha ha ha. I'm so very funny," Barax said looking all sad and hurt, which made Nura laugh even harder. Oh, he was just too funny! The proud and dignified Barax Shaden, Templar Knight, looking like a naughty puppy who was just punished by a bath! Absolutely hilarious! "But you know what would be even funnier?" he continued, and if her mind wasn't preoccupied with remembering to breathe between laughs, she'd recognize the threat in his voice. But she didn't and the next thing she knew, she was falling backwards into a tub full of warm water, getting herself completely wet, head to toe, and nearly drowning in the process. She quickly emerged, laughing violently, gulping and fighting for air. "So- are we even now?" Barax asked with a smug tone in his voice...but the man should've known better than to make Nura angry. There was that flash in her eyes again and, breathing heavily, holding herself up by the edges of the tub, Nura watched him with so much hate you could drown an elephant in it. She quickly searched the shed for anything that could help her turn the tables to her favor again and found just what she needed on her own horse - fleas. Fleas were even simpler than ants, and faster too. She just inspired them to thing they were starving mad and that Barax is the richest, tastiest sack of hot blood in their vicinity. A minute later, when he was feeling the full fury of her vengeance on his skin, jumping around like a mad bunny, scratching and, finally, jumping into the tub with her, splashing her all over again, Nura laughed maliciously and replied: "Oh, yes. Now we're even."And then she began to laugh again, but there was no more malice to it. It was a simple laughter of someone who just realized how childish and petty they've been, how ridiculous they both looked, how none of this had any real point to it, and how much fun was it simply because it was so immature. It was the kind of innocent fun normal people had with their friends and siblings, the everyday friendly squabbling she never got to experience, and it was so sweet, it felt so good, she felt an overwhelming need for more and so began splashing water at her mighty Templar guard's face, giggling and laughing all the way.
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Post by Trippy Hare on Aug 7, 2009 19:42:55 GMT -5
Now it was Barax's turn to laugh hysterically. Nura was completely soaked, and looked furious, but he didn't care. After being harangued by his parents all night, then having Nura play right along just to make him sweat, the chance to get back at her for it was very satisfying. He didn't even mind how hot and itchy the night's ordeal had been. It still felt itchy, come to think of it. Barax scratched at his chest absently, then noticed tiny black dots all over his hand. And they were moving. Fleas?! How the hell did he get fleas, of all things?! Scratching furiously, Barax tried to think of how his parents' house could have gotten so very dirty. But his brain was out of order at the moment, and he bagan furiously scratching with both hands, edging his way towards the tub. He couldn't let them get into his hair, or into the towel, or there'd be no getting rid of them. He couldn't just let go of the towel- Nura was still here. That left one option- he'd have to get in the tub, towel and all, and soak himself long enough to drown them all. Nura was laughing hard again at the sight of him- almost like she had something to do with his predicament. But that was impossible, unless she could talk to fleas. Which itself was a preposterous idea. Still, Nura was having fun at his expense, and he'd need to rectify that. With that thought, Barax jumped- literally- into the tub, sending water splashing all over her once again. He laughed and spluttered as she splashed more water at him, to which he splashed her back humorously. This entire evening had been so utterly ridiculous! With his parents thinking Nura was his wife or something, his father's constant goading, and his mother's smothering, it was like he was a child all over again. Of course, Nura had led them on, probably just to get a rise out of him. And now, he sat naked except for a useless towel in a horse tub in the barn. Things couldn't get much sillier. Nura seemed to wordlessly agree, and continued splashing water at him, giggling like a schoolgirl. "I'm glad you think this is funny," Barax said, himself laughing. "I should be angry. I'm missing pie for this. Oh, and the whole 'my parents think we're married and won't shut up about it' thing. Now, I wonder, who could have possibly given them that impression?" Barax asked, splashing Nura at every other word. "Now we both get to be stuck soaking wet in the barn, while all the towels and linens are inside. With the pie."He tried to keep a serious face- but failed moments later, when he burst out laughing. "Strange as it sounds, this is the most fun I've had in a long, long time. Humiliating, degrading, and itchy- but fun!" He leaned back, sighing happily. "Oh, my poor parents. I don't know if I have the heart to tell them the truth. Of course, they'd ignore me anyway, so I guess it doesn't really matter. I could tell them I've turned into a pechaberry tree, and they'd just smile and nod and pester me about when they're going to get any grandchildren."
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Post by VecaVjestica on Aug 8, 2009 6:13:10 GMT -5
Finally, Barax himself relaxed, or maybe he too realized the silliness of their situation. They looked like children in this giant tin bath, she dressed and all wet and Barax naked and all wet, splashing water at each other, giggling and laughing like it was the most normal thing to do, like they hazed each other every day, like his parents weren't just a few feet away. "I'm glad you think this is funny," Barax said, himself laughing. "I should be angry. I'm missing pie for this. Oh, and the whole 'my parents think we're married and won't shut up about it' thing. Now, I wonder, who could have possibly given them that impression?" Nura giggles, splashing him right back. "Not me!" she replied, trying - and failing - to look and sound serious, "They got all those ideas on their own...I just...allowed them to keep believing it." And then she began to giggle again. "Now we both get to be stuck soaking wet in the barn, while all the towels and linens are inside. With the pie," he moped, to which Nura splashed him again. "Are you trying to make me feel bad? Because it won't work. And every time you dare call or compare me to a damsel in distresss, you will suffer the wrath of my vengeance once more," Nura replied with a self-satisfied smirk, "So I hope you've learned your lesson - or I shall be forced to use more persuasive insects...like horseflies." This was, of course, an empty threat, but Barax had no way of knowing that. She would never risk seriously hurting him - the Templar was, after all, her protection in travel as much as he was her jailer. "Strange as it sounds, this is the most fun I've had in a long, long time. Humiliating, degrading, and itchy- but fun!" he said, chuckling, before finally starting to enjoy the warm water, "Oh, my poor parents. I don't know if I have the heart to tell them the truth. Of course, they'd ignore me anyway, so I guess it doesn't really matter. I could tell them I've turned into a pechaberry tree, and they'd just smile and nod and pester me about when they're going to get any grandchildren."Nura smiled. "Look, if it's really that big a problem, I'll talk to them while you finish your bath," she told him, "I'm not heartless, you know...just a little cruel when you hurt my pride." She sighed, leaning back. The warm water was soothing, even though being in soaking wet clothes wasn't all that fun. "I'm not a soldier and I'm not a man. I know my limits, Templar. But I'm not helpless or useless, and it offends me that you think I am," she told him, serious this time. She looked to her guardian, the funny little man who was, at the same time, very dear and very irritating. "Tell me something," she asked, even though she knew he probably won't answer, "What did the King tell you about me?"
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Post by Trippy Hare on Aug 10, 2009 1:16:51 GMT -5
"Not me!" Nura replied, after Barax teasingly implied she had intentionally led his parents to believe they were an item. "They got all those ideas on their own...I just...allowed them to keep believing it." And then she began to giggle again. Barax splashed at her some more, stifling his own laughter. There'd be time for serous discussions with his parents later- preferably long after they left Saparte. "Are you trying to make me feel bad?" She asked him, as he daydreamed about pie. This was an undeniably stupid thing to do- and Nura seized the opportunity his lapse of concentration provided, and splashed him mercilessly for it. "Because it won't work. And every time you dare call or compare me to a damsel in distress, you will suffer the wrath of my vengeance once more. So I hope you've learned your lesson - or I shall be forced to use more persuasive insects...like horseflies." Barax looked at her as though she had caught on fire- what did she mean, 'use more persuasive insects'? She couldn't possibly be controlling animals. She must have been joking, in order to make him drop his guard again. Barax mused for a moment, before laughing once again and splashing her right back. "Oh, that's not entirely fair. I apologized, didn't I?" he said, his tone light and playful. "A casual observer might have difficulty discerning which of us has gotten revenge, and which has been the target of it. After all, I did bring you to meet my overbearing parents, then drag you away from dinner just before dessert, then essentially throw you- fully dressed- into a bathtub. So there!" he added, sticking his tongue out at her. Nura smiled- which struck him more than it should have. Was it possible that this was the first genuine smile she gave him? "Look, if it's really that big a problem, I'll talk to them while you finish your bath. I'm not heartless, you know...just a little cruel when you hurt my pride.""I wish my sisters had the same concept of what constitutes 'cruelty'," Barax chuckled. "Growing up, a few itchy pranks and teasing me in front my parents was considered routine. It would have been strange and unsettling not to have that happen.""I'm not a soldier and I'm not a man. I know my limits, Templar. But I'm not helpless or useless, and it offends me that you think I am. Barax suppressed a chuckle, seeing that she was serious. What a strange thing to say- he wasn't a soldier either. Not in the way his father was. Did that imply she thought he was being sexist? "I don't think you're helpless," Barax began, somewhat apprehensively. He didn't much feel like broaching the subject, but it looked as though it would happen irregardless. "but it seemed a little like you were trying to prove you weren't, and got a bit reckless in doing so. Which mixed with the adrenaline and the physical rigors of what happened yesterday, made me forget to keep my temper in check. I think- in all seriousness- that we probably had some ideas about each other that weren't really true." Barax fidgeted as he spoke- which brought the old nervousness back, and with it came the realization of where he was, who he was with, and where his clothes were not. "It does makes sense, in a way. We were- and in many ways still are- strangers to each other, it is only natural that we do not immediately and unconditionally trust one another."Barax was getting redder and redder as he spoke- both from the circumstances, and from what is was he was actually saying. He had practically given a speech! It was an immense relief when Nura changed the subject. "Tell me something- what did the King tell you about me?"Barax thought, puzzling for a moment. "He didn't really say anything about you. He said you could be dangerous to him, but you were also important. He said I was to keep you safe, but also keep you away from him. That's about all, really."
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Post by VecaVjestica on Aug 10, 2009 2:20:11 GMT -5
"Oh, that's not entirely fair. I apologized, didn't I?" Barax replied playfully, "A casual observer might have difficulty discerning which of us has gotten revenge, and which has been the target of it. After all, I did bring you to meet my overbearing parents, then drag you away from dinner just before dessert, then essentially throw you- fully dressed- into a bathtub. So there!" And, saying that, he stuck his tongue at her like a five-year-old. With a loud "Hmpftah!" as a reply to his preposterous notion, Nura pounced and jumped on the Templar, grabbing onto his shoulders, making his head sink beneath the water for a moment, giggling. "I may be wet in my clothes and missing desert, but you're naked, bitten all over, missing desert and your parents think you've been a naughty, naughty boy. So I'd say I win," she chuckled when he emerged, trying to catch his breath. "I wish my sisters had the same concept of what constitutes 'cruelty'," Barax chuckled later on, "Growing up, a few itchy pranks and teasing me in front my parents was considered routine. It would have been strange and unsettling not to have that happen." Nura felt a pang of pain. Did Barax even know how lucky he was to have a family, a home? He complained about his parents and his sisters, but Nura would've given anything if her mother and her could've had what the Shadens did. "Well, if you ever feel homesick, I'll be happy to have the ants bite up your behind again," she teased him, wanting to shift the conversation to less sad topics. "I don't think you're helpless," Barax tried to explain and, as he talked, Nura had a feeling he really wanted to justify his actions. She nodded along, listening to everything he had to say. Yes, he was right about some of it, but not all. "I'm not trying to prove myself to you," she told him, trying to make him calm down, "But there are things I cannot stand, and standing aside, watching people be hurt and doing noting about it is one of them. I'm sorry, I know that isn't very sensible of me, but it's just what I'm like.""He didn't really say anything about you. He said you could be dangerous to him, but you were also important. He said I was to keep you safe, but also keep you away from him. That's about all, really," he told her finally, and Nura nodded, frowned. "Yes, it figures," she said coldly, "Why would he tell you anything that might actually make sense of this situation for you?" She sighed, angry and frustrated, like she tended to be lately when thinking of the King. But she didn't want Barax to think he was the one she was angry with, so she turned her eyes back to him and smiled. "Don't worry, I'll tell you everything," she told him, "Just not now. The story is too long, and like you've noted several times, we're missing pie." She chuckled and took the soap. "Now turn around," she told him and, as soon as he obeyed, started rubbing his back.
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Post by Trippy Hare on Aug 10, 2009 17:18:28 GMT -5
Barax decided not to argue the point of who was winning or not- though really, it made no difference whatsoever. There was still the matter of dessert to settle, and they would have plenty of time to talk about anything trivial once they left Saparte. Which would probably be fairly early in the morning, as his parents were not the sort to sleep in and didn't allow anyone nearby to do so either. "Well, if you ever feel homesick, I'll be happy to have the ants bite up your behind again," Nura said, teasing him a little. "No, I don't think that will be necessary just yet," Barax responded, laughing. "I can't get homesick while I'm still here, now can I?"They continued chatting casually, as though neither of them were sitting in a large tub of mostly hot water. "I'm not trying to prove myself to you. But there are things I cannot stand, and standing aside, watching people be hurt and doing noting about it is one of them. I'm sorry, I know that isn't very sensible of me, but it's just what I'm like.""You're right, that isn't very sensible. I'm not saying I don't understand why you'd get involved, I'm just concerned for your safety. I'm sure we can figure out some sort of arrangement, though I would very much prefer if we didn't find ourselves in a situation where we had to."The conversation roamed on, landing on the king and his orders. It certainly seemed that Barax wasn't the only one dissatisfied with the level of vagueness he'd been sent off with. Nura was fairly irritated too. "Yes, it figures," she said coldly, "Why would he tell you anything that might actually make sense of this situation for you?" "Exactly! I can follow orders just fine, but I would like to actually know what it is I'm supposed to be doing! It's almost as if he wanted both of us to just stay away from him- which makes no sense, as I'm hardly ever anywhere near the capital. All this secrecy is a little unnerving," Barax said, a little agitated. He didn't want to discuss his main concerns in regards to the king as of late, yet neither did he feel like discussing his gratitude towards the king for making him a Templar in the first place. Not that Waeleth had anything to do with it- but he had approved the formation of the Templar Corps, and that had given Barax's life purpose again. "Don't worry, I'll tell you everything," she told him, "Just not now. The story is too long, and like you've noted several times, we're missing pie." She chuckled. "Now turn around.""By all means, take your time. With the story, I mean, not with the soap," Barax said, laughing. "Though I'm more concerned about the lack of towels, personally. Because eventually, we will have to go inside, and Ma doesn't take kindly to soaking wet people dripping water all over her floors. Da will probably just laugh his ass off, so we won't have to worry about him."
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