Fizzled Spells
“I would appreciate a duel, if anyone's up for one.” The young woman announced as soon as she stepped from the portal onto Twilight Isle. She glanced around as she neared the dueling area. Only a handful of people were present, and none of them looked familiar. But that did not surprise her. She did not come here often and when she found the time, she spent it dueling.
The action in the one occupied ring drew her gaze. The casters were quite obviously experienced mages. The one called Syous by the gnomish official extended an arm toward his opponent, and the wizard blades the other mage had aimed amazingly well mysteriously dropped into the dust. She would have enjoyed to watch those two duel for quite some time, but the official pronounced the duel at an end just then.
The winner nodded his respect to the official before he stepped from the ring with an odd look on his face, somewhere between surprise and bemusement.
“Still time for ya to get another win in, Syous!” The gnome grinned.
“Or another loss...” The mage shrugged slightly. “As difficult as the duels have been as of late, there's no guarantee.”
“Bah, Syous! Ya should duel that nice lady over there.” The official pointed at her. The mage shifted his gaze toward her and seemed to recall her earlier request for an opponent.
“If no one else is interested, sure.”
“No one made any noise so far.” She did not expect to win. In fact, she had yet to win a duel on the isle, but perhaps she could learn something from the experienced and elegantly moving mage.
“Woohoo, then Syous and...hmm...didn't catch your name miss.” The gnome appeared above average excited at the prospect of more work. Perhaps that was a gnome-thing.
“Anushka, or Ana, if you like.” She didn’t give her last name. The name meant nothing here, and she was satisfied to keep it that way.
“Ok! Ana and Syous, ring Lizard! Can't use ring Gnome yet, the goblins still gotta clean all them meteors out!” She heard the official announcement but her gaze remained on the mage as she entered the ring. There was something mesmerizing about the way he moved.
Syous nodded to himself, headed over towards Ring Lizard, and entered at the opposing corner from Anushka. He nodded to her before he turned towards the gnome and nodded slightly once more. He faced her again before he declared his mage power.
“I'll be using Nether Ray.”
“O-kay.” Anushka paled a little. So he had been the arch mage at least once and wasn’t just a ‘mere’ mage. That fact made it all the more amazing to her that he had agreed to duel her, an unknown apprentice.
Perhaps to spite the gnome for all the troubles he had caused him, perhaps not, Syous began by casting down three flaming meteors to rain down upon the ring. He winced slightly in sympathy as Ana discarded the useless armor, having felt the meteors' wrath only too often.
Side Effects
Moderator: Staff
Ana appeared unperturbed as the mage flung his arms forward and cast a dark black bolt towards her to strike down her blades before they were able to harm him.
“It appears I'm getting nowhere fast.” She chuckled unsurprised when a reflective barrier drew the energy from her defenses.
“As I've learned many a time... until the duel is complete, anything can happen.” Perhaps he should have kept his mouth shut. He slung out a trio of blades, only to watch them fall to the ring floor and fizzle away as his mind was filled with disarray. He winced slightly and held his head for a brief moment.
“Look, it worked.” Ana clapped her hands together in bewonderment. She was even more surprised that her spell for the next round came out all right, but she did loose sight of the mage the next round.
An arm extends towards his opponent, Syous attempted to disrupt her thoughts with an assault on her mind. Though she stood and watched as if mesmerized, his focus and intention lasted for but a moment as he found himself struck back by the bolt she had already forgotten about. He staggered a bit before he found his balance, murmuring softly to himself.
His left arm rose high and a frigid gale descended upon Ana, freezing her in place.
“That was the wrong direction, obviously.” Ana muttered, shivering with cold.
Syous eyes closed for a brief moment as he began to murmur. Ana was still trying to decide if he was casting or talking to her and to shake of the chill when she was enveloped in a pale-green ray of harmful energy.
Her next spell did not want to work at all and she hung her head in shame. Syous quirked a brow and glared at her for a few long moments and she could feel heat rise to her cheeks. Feverishly she tried to put together another spell, but the arcane words refused to come together.
The mage quirked both brows this time as he peered at her. Despite her mortification at seeing another spell fail so miserably, something in the way looked at her struck her as funny and she gave him a saucy wink.
Ana then was able focus enough to get a shield to work, but then he started another mesmerizing chant. She swayed slightly to the musical sound until he stopped it. That was rather nice of him, she thought. She appreciated his kindness even more when she noticed that the shield that had formed in response to his musical chant to be less transparent than the previous one.
“Ya know, it figures I get the weirdoes on my first shift!” She heard the official say when her next spell went awry and she wanted to hug the chivalrous mage when he gave the gnome an outraged and threatening glare for his comment.
However, hugging a near stranger, however nice he was, and in the middle of a ring did not seem the proper thing to do. So she thought to thank him with the opera tickets she had gotten earlier in the day. She frowned a little at herself when the pale-green energy surrounded her again. She had thought the duel completed after the previous round.
Her attempt at displacing herself out of harms way was too late and didn’t work as intended either, she realized as she found herself in town an eye blink later. But it was just too embarrassing to return to the isle after this. She would try again next week.
“It appears I'm getting nowhere fast.” She chuckled unsurprised when a reflective barrier drew the energy from her defenses.
“As I've learned many a time... until the duel is complete, anything can happen.” Perhaps he should have kept his mouth shut. He slung out a trio of blades, only to watch them fall to the ring floor and fizzle away as his mind was filled with disarray. He winced slightly and held his head for a brief moment.
“Look, it worked.” Ana clapped her hands together in bewonderment. She was even more surprised that her spell for the next round came out all right, but she did loose sight of the mage the next round.
An arm extends towards his opponent, Syous attempted to disrupt her thoughts with an assault on her mind. Though she stood and watched as if mesmerized, his focus and intention lasted for but a moment as he found himself struck back by the bolt she had already forgotten about. He staggered a bit before he found his balance, murmuring softly to himself.
His left arm rose high and a frigid gale descended upon Ana, freezing her in place.
“That was the wrong direction, obviously.” Ana muttered, shivering with cold.
Syous eyes closed for a brief moment as he began to murmur. Ana was still trying to decide if he was casting or talking to her and to shake of the chill when she was enveloped in a pale-green ray of harmful energy.
Her next spell did not want to work at all and she hung her head in shame. Syous quirked a brow and glared at her for a few long moments and she could feel heat rise to her cheeks. Feverishly she tried to put together another spell, but the arcane words refused to come together.
The mage quirked both brows this time as he peered at her. Despite her mortification at seeing another spell fail so miserably, something in the way looked at her struck her as funny and she gave him a saucy wink.
Ana then was able focus enough to get a shield to work, but then he started another mesmerizing chant. She swayed slightly to the musical sound until he stopped it. That was rather nice of him, she thought. She appreciated his kindness even more when she noticed that the shield that had formed in response to his musical chant to be less transparent than the previous one.
“Ya know, it figures I get the weirdoes on my first shift!” She heard the official say when her next spell went awry and she wanted to hug the chivalrous mage when he gave the gnome an outraged and threatening glare for his comment.
However, hugging a near stranger, however nice he was, and in the middle of a ring did not seem the proper thing to do. So she thought to thank him with the opera tickets she had gotten earlier in the day. She frowned a little at herself when the pale-green energy surrounded her again. She had thought the duel completed after the previous round.
Her attempt at displacing herself out of harms way was too late and didn’t work as intended either, she realized as she found herself in town an eye blink later. But it was just too embarrassing to return to the isle after this. She would try again next week.
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Syous
- Junior Adventurer
- Posts: 8
- Joined: Sat May 28, 2005 4:31 am
- Location: Recently returned to Rhydin...
After Ana Left
“Jeez, Syous, that's no way to treat a lady...” Gnimish remarked after having announced Syous the winner of the duel.
“What just happened?” Syous turned to the gnome.
“Hm...” The gnome tilted his head, pondering. Tilts his head pondering. “From where I'm sittin', a nice lady just tried to give ya flowers and opera tickets, and ya blew her up.”
“Excuse me?” Syous’ brows arched. “Were you not watching the same duel I was? She nearly sliced me in half with that sword, and then the flowers... and swooning!? Who swoons in a ring!?” He shook his head emphatically. “That's no place for that kind of activity.”
“If I had a nice lady ask me out to the opera...” Gnimish shook his head and gathered up his papers.
“Either they call you old, spread rumors about you, and harass you at every chance they get or they try to slice you up with a sword and offer you tickets to an opera.” Syous sighed and glanced up before he peered back to the gnome. “I thought we thought alike when it came to women of the isle.”
“Hmm… well... you know...” The gnome stopped his paper shuffling and looked up at the mage for a moment and then scurried off quickly to change out of his uniform. A short while later he returned, back in his comfy prismatic robe.
“Yer still here?” He grinned at the old codger.
“Where else would I be?” He peered back at the gnome and then around the dueling area to make sure that she was gone before he stepped from the ring.
“I dunno, thought maybe ya were off fleein' for yer life.” The gnome shrugged.
“Like you said, I seem to have made her disappear, so I believe I'm safe for now.”
“I bet ya hurt her feelin's!”
“Excuse me?” Syous arched his brows again, incredulous. “Do you think I care about her feelings? She tried to swipe at me with a sword... and then invite me to an opera... while dueling!”
“Ya really *are* a big grouch.” Gnimish grinned. “And all this time I was thinkin' maybe ya were unfairly pegged!” He stood and went over to his lizard and grabbed the leash.
“Are you officiating temporarily... or am I going to have to "deal" with you week after week?” Syous asked after a mutter at the gnome’s comment.
“Oh yer dealin' with me...Every week.” Gnimish had flipped over one of his doodle sheets and quickly drew a stick figure Syous with a stick figure lady, holding hands with a heart floating over them and then handed the drawing to the mage.
Syous blinked as he was handed the paper, but opened his hand and looked down at it for a moment before he glanced back to the gnome. He smiled almost too sweetly as he held the sheet at a corner and set fire to it as he responded.
“Wonderful.” He rubbed the tips of his fingers together to clean them of the remaining ash, his eyes narrowed as he offered one last momentary glare. “Until next week then.”
Gnimish glanced down at Drakhan. “What? No, I wouldn't wanna go to the opera either, but that's not the point! Shush you lizard.” He grinned and looked back up at the mage. “Have a great night!”
Syous turned sharply and a slight scowl settled on his expression as he headed off back towards the southern shores before he flickered away.
“Jeez, Syous, that's no way to treat a lady...” Gnimish remarked after having announced Syous the winner of the duel.
“What just happened?” Syous turned to the gnome.
“Hm...” The gnome tilted his head, pondering. Tilts his head pondering. “From where I'm sittin', a nice lady just tried to give ya flowers and opera tickets, and ya blew her up.”
“Excuse me?” Syous’ brows arched. “Were you not watching the same duel I was? She nearly sliced me in half with that sword, and then the flowers... and swooning!? Who swoons in a ring!?” He shook his head emphatically. “That's no place for that kind of activity.”
“If I had a nice lady ask me out to the opera...” Gnimish shook his head and gathered up his papers.
“Either they call you old, spread rumors about you, and harass you at every chance they get or they try to slice you up with a sword and offer you tickets to an opera.” Syous sighed and glanced up before he peered back to the gnome. “I thought we thought alike when it came to women of the isle.”
“Hmm… well... you know...” The gnome stopped his paper shuffling and looked up at the mage for a moment and then scurried off quickly to change out of his uniform. A short while later he returned, back in his comfy prismatic robe.
“Yer still here?” He grinned at the old codger.
“Where else would I be?” He peered back at the gnome and then around the dueling area to make sure that she was gone before he stepped from the ring.
“I dunno, thought maybe ya were off fleein' for yer life.” The gnome shrugged.
“Like you said, I seem to have made her disappear, so I believe I'm safe for now.”
“I bet ya hurt her feelin's!”
“Excuse me?” Syous arched his brows again, incredulous. “Do you think I care about her feelings? She tried to swipe at me with a sword... and then invite me to an opera... while dueling!”
“Ya really *are* a big grouch.” Gnimish grinned. “And all this time I was thinkin' maybe ya were unfairly pegged!” He stood and went over to his lizard and grabbed the leash.
“Are you officiating temporarily... or am I going to have to "deal" with you week after week?” Syous asked after a mutter at the gnome’s comment.
“Oh yer dealin' with me...Every week.” Gnimish had flipped over one of his doodle sheets and quickly drew a stick figure Syous with a stick figure lady, holding hands with a heart floating over them and then handed the drawing to the mage.
Syous blinked as he was handed the paper, but opened his hand and looked down at it for a moment before he glanced back to the gnome. He smiled almost too sweetly as he held the sheet at a corner and set fire to it as he responded.
“Wonderful.” He rubbed the tips of his fingers together to clean them of the remaining ash, his eyes narrowed as he offered one last momentary glare. “Until next week then.”
Gnimish glanced down at Drakhan. “What? No, I wouldn't wanna go to the opera either, but that's not the point! Shush you lizard.” He grinned and looked back up at the mage. “Have a great night!”
Syous turned sharply and a slight scowl settled on his expression as he headed off back towards the southern shores before he flickered away.
Apology Of Sorts
Anushka decided that she had enough time to recover from the embarrassment on the Isle and to spend the next hour at the arena. Perhaps fate would provide her with a chance to thank the mage for his kindness. That mage, Syous, had occupied her thoughts rather a lot all week.
The arena was fairly crowded, she noted as she walked down the stairs. Her gaze searched the crowd for familiar faces. The gnome that had officiated her last duel was there with his pet as well as Syous, and now that lizard waddled over toward Syous leaving a trail of drool behind.
Syous peered toward Drakhan from the corner of his eyes and then narrowed his eyes as the lizard came closer. The lizard paused just short of the mage’s feet, drooling a puddle on the floor and looking up expectantly at him. His tail hit the floor once with a thud.
With a slight shake of his head Syous glanced from the puddle to Drakhan and said something to him Anushka could not hear over din of the crowd. The lizard kept staring back, continuously drooling and excitedly thudding the floor with his tail. Anushka skipped over to the mage and with a toothy smile handed him a handkerchief.
”Hello there.” Syous attention immediately shifted to the woman with the toothy smile. His expression was that of total surprise as he accepted the hanky.
“It's wonderful running into you again. I missed you at the opera though.” Anushka said with a teasing note to her voice. If she mentioned the disaster first it would be less of an issue, she hoped.
Syous glanced cautiously at the handkerchief and then back up to Ana before he glanced back down to Drakhan, all the while murmuring softly to himself. Looking quite saddened, Drakhan turned and waddled back to the gnome. The mage appeared relieved at the lizard’s retreat.
“You missed quite a performance.”
“I see.” Syous quirked a brow and appeared skeptical. “Yes well, I can't say I enjoy participating in ‘those’ sorts of activities.”
“Perhaps the next idea I have will be more to your liking.” She replied with a saucy wink. So he didn’t like the idea of an opera. “Or the muse may strike you.”
“Perhaps, especially if it does not involve a sword.” Syous replied after only the briefest pause and before she had a chance to feel awkward about having said that last thought out loud.
“Wow, did it get warm in here suddenly or what?” She fanned her face with her hand, hoping to forestall a belated blush, elated that he admitted to having considered asking her out. “No swords then, you got it.”
He blinked and averted his gaze as he shook his head slightly and then glanced back at her for a moment and nodded quickly.
“Yes, no swords. I'd rather not be left with a gaping hole in my side after one of these nights, especially if the intention is to ‘entertain’.” He said with emphasis on the last word.
Anushka decided that she had enough time to recover from the embarrassment on the Isle and to spend the next hour at the arena. Perhaps fate would provide her with a chance to thank the mage for his kindness. That mage, Syous, had occupied her thoughts rather a lot all week.
The arena was fairly crowded, she noted as she walked down the stairs. Her gaze searched the crowd for familiar faces. The gnome that had officiated her last duel was there with his pet as well as Syous, and now that lizard waddled over toward Syous leaving a trail of drool behind.
Syous peered toward Drakhan from the corner of his eyes and then narrowed his eyes as the lizard came closer. The lizard paused just short of the mage’s feet, drooling a puddle on the floor and looking up expectantly at him. His tail hit the floor once with a thud.
With a slight shake of his head Syous glanced from the puddle to Drakhan and said something to him Anushka could not hear over din of the crowd. The lizard kept staring back, continuously drooling and excitedly thudding the floor with his tail. Anushka skipped over to the mage and with a toothy smile handed him a handkerchief.
”Hello there.” Syous attention immediately shifted to the woman with the toothy smile. His expression was that of total surprise as he accepted the hanky.
“It's wonderful running into you again. I missed you at the opera though.” Anushka said with a teasing note to her voice. If she mentioned the disaster first it would be less of an issue, she hoped.
Syous glanced cautiously at the handkerchief and then back up to Ana before he glanced back down to Drakhan, all the while murmuring softly to himself. Looking quite saddened, Drakhan turned and waddled back to the gnome. The mage appeared relieved at the lizard’s retreat.
“You missed quite a performance.”
“I see.” Syous quirked a brow and appeared skeptical. “Yes well, I can't say I enjoy participating in ‘those’ sorts of activities.”
“Perhaps the next idea I have will be more to your liking.” She replied with a saucy wink. So he didn’t like the idea of an opera. “Or the muse may strike you.”
“Perhaps, especially if it does not involve a sword.” Syous replied after only the briefest pause and before she had a chance to feel awkward about having said that last thought out loud.
“Wow, did it get warm in here suddenly or what?” She fanned her face with her hand, hoping to forestall a belated blush, elated that he admitted to having considered asking her out. “No swords then, you got it.”
He blinked and averted his gaze as he shook his head slightly and then glanced back at her for a moment and nodded quickly.
“Yes, no swords. I'd rather not be left with a gaping hole in my side after one of these nights, especially if the intention is to ‘entertain’.” He said with emphasis on the last word.
“Thank you. I accept of course.” For a moment Anushka thought she might swoon. Then she gave up on trying to contain the joy that bubbled up in her and danced a twirl and even clapped her hands together excitedly.
Syous quirked his brow yet again as he glanced at her with a soft sigh to himself as he held a hand to his forehead for a moment. Ana had to smile as he was so obviously teasing her about her reaction to him. Or, she admitted the possibility, that he was this elated that she accepted his invitation.
“’Intend to entertain’, that's so adorable!” She stepped up close, took his head between her hands and kissed his nose.
His eyes opened wide in reaction and his complexion flushed a deep red before staggered backward a little as she released his head again. Anushka held out a steadying hand.
“You look feverish all of a sudden. Maybe you should sit down for a spell.” She, too, felt like sitting down, her knees felt a little weak and she wasn’t at all sure how to act now. It had been her policy up until now to avoid personal attachments while stuck in Rhydin. She pulled out a chair for him, wondering what it was about him that she would abandon that policy now.
His eyes remained wide as he gazed at her. Then he shook his head and offered his arm. Though the distance to the chairs was minimal, not even two steps, she took the offered arm and ‘escorted’ him to the chair.
“There, isn't that much better?” He blinked and again shook his head slightly. He also seemed to shiver a little, not unlike one was want to do when suddenly attacked by a head ache. So instead of sitting down with him, Anushka stepped behind him and started to massage his temples.
The mage appeared embarrassed that she should have noticed his discomfort and asked what she was doing.
“Making your nasty head ache go away. Is it working already?”
“I'm fine, I'm fine. Really, I'm fine.” His hand sought hers.
“Well, if you're quite sure....” He didn’t look like he was doing fine, but she did not wish to make him feel uncomfortable. So she just allowed him to catch her hand and to pull her into the chair next to him. For a long moment he just returned her gaze.
“When I said I didn't want a hole left in my side the next time we duel... “ He started at length but then broke off and dropped his gaze to their hands.
“You won't have to worry about that anymore.” She gave him another toothy smile.
“What might I ask are you doing?” He peered back up at her, slightly disapproving.
“I'm smiling.” She hoped that he would not lecture her about the necessity of focus in regards to spell casting.
He closed his eyes briefly and let go of her hand. She missed the warmth of his fingers around her immediately. When he opened his eyes again and looked at her, it was with suspicion.
“Did someone put you up to all this?”
Syous quirked his brow yet again as he glanced at her with a soft sigh to himself as he held a hand to his forehead for a moment. Ana had to smile as he was so obviously teasing her about her reaction to him. Or, she admitted the possibility, that he was this elated that she accepted his invitation.
“’Intend to entertain’, that's so adorable!” She stepped up close, took his head between her hands and kissed his nose.
His eyes opened wide in reaction and his complexion flushed a deep red before staggered backward a little as she released his head again. Anushka held out a steadying hand.
“You look feverish all of a sudden. Maybe you should sit down for a spell.” She, too, felt like sitting down, her knees felt a little weak and she wasn’t at all sure how to act now. It had been her policy up until now to avoid personal attachments while stuck in Rhydin. She pulled out a chair for him, wondering what it was about him that she would abandon that policy now.
His eyes remained wide as he gazed at her. Then he shook his head and offered his arm. Though the distance to the chairs was minimal, not even two steps, she took the offered arm and ‘escorted’ him to the chair.
“There, isn't that much better?” He blinked and again shook his head slightly. He also seemed to shiver a little, not unlike one was want to do when suddenly attacked by a head ache. So instead of sitting down with him, Anushka stepped behind him and started to massage his temples.
The mage appeared embarrassed that she should have noticed his discomfort and asked what she was doing.
“Making your nasty head ache go away. Is it working already?”
“I'm fine, I'm fine. Really, I'm fine.” His hand sought hers.
“Well, if you're quite sure....” He didn’t look like he was doing fine, but she did not wish to make him feel uncomfortable. So she just allowed him to catch her hand and to pull her into the chair next to him. For a long moment he just returned her gaze.
“When I said I didn't want a hole left in my side the next time we duel... “ He started at length but then broke off and dropped his gaze to their hands.
“You won't have to worry about that anymore.” She gave him another toothy smile.
“What might I ask are you doing?” He peered back up at her, slightly disapproving.
“I'm smiling.” She hoped that he would not lecture her about the necessity of focus in regards to spell casting.
He closed his eyes briefly and let go of her hand. She missed the warmth of his fingers around her immediately. When he opened his eyes again and looked at her, it was with suspicion.
“Did someone put you up to all this?”
Her heart sank. What awful experience did he have in his past that he would ask such a question, she wondered as she replied with what she hoped to be a reassuring smile.
“Well, I guess you could say you did, looking as you do and the way you cast those spells.” She was not quite able to hold back a dreamy sigh.
“Attacking me with the sword, then completely turning heel and offering me tickets to join you at the opera?” He paused a moment. “It's her isn't it? She put you up to this?”
“Her?” Anushka looked around to see who he might be talking about, utterly taken by surprise by his suspicion.
“And so you just decided to become so... “ He trailed off, still watching her attentively.
“Nice.” Anushka finished his sentence. “Yes, it was all you. Is.” Despite the accusation his movements were as elegant and attractive as they had been when he was casting spells. He blinked once and shook his head before he continued.
“Explain to me how one goes from trying to slash their opponent to suddenly,” he paused again as if choosing his words carefully, and rubbed his nose. “... Doing whatever it is that you're doing now with the opera tickets and all...”
“You made me forget all the spells, you see, with looking at me just so and casting your spells just so, and then ... well you know what happened next.” She had a hard enough time to make the spells come out right without any distractions. Somehow, what she had intended to turn into an apology for her lack of focus had turned into something else entirely, and wasn’t sure into what exactly.
He just stared at her for a long moment, presumably considering her replies.
“So it wasn't your intention to slice me in half then?”
“Of course not.” Nothing was further from her mind. She felt that she should say more on the subject, but her gaze fell on the water clock just then and she noticed the time with some alarm.
“But now I really have to go. No, don't look so sad. You'll see me again soon enough - for your 'intention to entertain' me. Have a good night and dream something sweet of me.” She hugged the disappointed looking mage, hoping to cheer him up between the hug and the mention of a date before she hurried up the stairs.
“He asked for a date, lalala, gotta find a dress, got a date.” She caught herself humming and even singing on her way to the late appointment. It had been years since she had worn a dress.
“Well, I guess you could say you did, looking as you do and the way you cast those spells.” She was not quite able to hold back a dreamy sigh.
“Attacking me with the sword, then completely turning heel and offering me tickets to join you at the opera?” He paused a moment. “It's her isn't it? She put you up to this?”
“Her?” Anushka looked around to see who he might be talking about, utterly taken by surprise by his suspicion.
“And so you just decided to become so... “ He trailed off, still watching her attentively.
“Nice.” Anushka finished his sentence. “Yes, it was all you. Is.” Despite the accusation his movements were as elegant and attractive as they had been when he was casting spells. He blinked once and shook his head before he continued.
“Explain to me how one goes from trying to slash their opponent to suddenly,” he paused again as if choosing his words carefully, and rubbed his nose. “... Doing whatever it is that you're doing now with the opera tickets and all...”
“You made me forget all the spells, you see, with looking at me just so and casting your spells just so, and then ... well you know what happened next.” She had a hard enough time to make the spells come out right without any distractions. Somehow, what she had intended to turn into an apology for her lack of focus had turned into something else entirely, and wasn’t sure into what exactly.
He just stared at her for a long moment, presumably considering her replies.
“So it wasn't your intention to slice me in half then?”
“Of course not.” Nothing was further from her mind. She felt that she should say more on the subject, but her gaze fell on the water clock just then and she noticed the time with some alarm.
“But now I really have to go. No, don't look so sad. You'll see me again soon enough - for your 'intention to entertain' me. Have a good night and dream something sweet of me.” She hugged the disappointed looking mage, hoping to cheer him up between the hug and the mention of a date before she hurried up the stairs.
“He asked for a date, lalala, gotta find a dress, got a date.” She caught herself humming and even singing on her way to the late appointment. It had been years since she had worn a dress.
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Topaz
- Legendary Adventurer
- Posts: 1283
- Joined: Fri Apr 02, 2004 5:31 pm
- Location: The Beacon
- Contact:
No Help
Syous sighed as he watched Anushka leave, but his gaze took on a vicious edge as he glared over to the gnome.
“You!” He stomped over to the table Topaz and Gnimish were sitting at, but said nothing for long moments after arrived at the table and his demeanor softened somewhat. “How do I fix this?”
“Now Syous, it's rude to interrupt!” But he grinned up to the white haired mage. He had been about to answer a question posed by the fairy when the mage arrived at their table.
Topaz firmly kept from grinning as she turned her gaze from the obviously miserable Syous to Gnimish. She had heard most of what had been said between Syous and Anushka. “Now Gnim, be nice. He's seeking your advice in a matter of the heart.”
Syous glanced toward Topaz and then back toward Gnim and paused a moment before he stomped back away.
“You had better go talk with him, Gnim.” Syous obviously didn’t want her advice. He probably hadn’t even been aware of her presence until she had admonished Gnimish.
“Wha'?” The gnome looked back to the fairy confused. “Askin' me...? No, he just wants an excuse to whack on me.” He stubbornly folded his arms over his chest. “I ain't movin'...humfph.”
“Hmm, perhaps.” Topaz turned to Syous, who now appeared to be brooding. “Would a little bit of a casting duel cheer you up?”
His ears seemingly perked as he heard the mention of a duel and he looked up. “Indeed, it always does.” He agreed with a sage nod. “Though, I fear I may have to wait until tomorrow to clear my mind...”
“Tomorrow is good.” She was again out of ideas.
“I don't know what yer complainin' about, Syous...”
“He wasn't complaining, was he?” Though the situation Syous found himself in struck her as funny, she didn’t think Gnimish teasing him about it now was fair.
Syous peered toward the gnome. “I wasn't complaining... I was simply seeking your advice since I recall you have had issues with...” He paused briefly with a glance to Topaz. “... Women of the isle. Well, most of them anyway.”
“You had issues with women?” She grinned to Syous while Gnimish lifted an eyebrow. “Present company excepted?”
Again Syous peered to Topaz and eventually nodded.
“I've had...issues...with most of the...women of the isle...?” Gnimish sounded lost and confused.
“Forget it... forget it.” Syous shook his head at the gnome and sighed, seemingly giving up on the idea of getting help or sympathy from the gnome.
Topaz hid her amusement in a minor coughing fit and a couple sips from her coffee cup. When she was sure that she could talk without laughing she set down the cup and turned to the still confused appearing Gnimish. “He wants you to tell him how to fix his woman-troubles.”
Gnimish shook his head in disbelief. “No he dosen't, he wants....” He scratched his head. “Ok, I dunno what he wants, but I bet it involves hittin' me or somethin'.”
Syous sighed as he watched Anushka leave, but his gaze took on a vicious edge as he glared over to the gnome.
“You!” He stomped over to the table Topaz and Gnimish were sitting at, but said nothing for long moments after arrived at the table and his demeanor softened somewhat. “How do I fix this?”
“Now Syous, it's rude to interrupt!” But he grinned up to the white haired mage. He had been about to answer a question posed by the fairy when the mage arrived at their table.
Topaz firmly kept from grinning as she turned her gaze from the obviously miserable Syous to Gnimish. She had heard most of what had been said between Syous and Anushka. “Now Gnim, be nice. He's seeking your advice in a matter of the heart.”
Syous glanced toward Topaz and then back toward Gnim and paused a moment before he stomped back away.
“You had better go talk with him, Gnim.” Syous obviously didn’t want her advice. He probably hadn’t even been aware of her presence until she had admonished Gnimish.
“Wha'?” The gnome looked back to the fairy confused. “Askin' me...? No, he just wants an excuse to whack on me.” He stubbornly folded his arms over his chest. “I ain't movin'...humfph.”
“Hmm, perhaps.” Topaz turned to Syous, who now appeared to be brooding. “Would a little bit of a casting duel cheer you up?”
His ears seemingly perked as he heard the mention of a duel and he looked up. “Indeed, it always does.” He agreed with a sage nod. “Though, I fear I may have to wait until tomorrow to clear my mind...”
“Tomorrow is good.” She was again out of ideas.
“I don't know what yer complainin' about, Syous...”
“He wasn't complaining, was he?” Though the situation Syous found himself in struck her as funny, she didn’t think Gnimish teasing him about it now was fair.
Syous peered toward the gnome. “I wasn't complaining... I was simply seeking your advice since I recall you have had issues with...” He paused briefly with a glance to Topaz. “... Women of the isle. Well, most of them anyway.”
“You had issues with women?” She grinned to Syous while Gnimish lifted an eyebrow. “Present company excepted?”
Again Syous peered to Topaz and eventually nodded.
“I've had...issues...with most of the...women of the isle...?” Gnimish sounded lost and confused.
“Forget it... forget it.” Syous shook his head at the gnome and sighed, seemingly giving up on the idea of getting help or sympathy from the gnome.
Topaz hid her amusement in a minor coughing fit and a couple sips from her coffee cup. When she was sure that she could talk without laughing she set down the cup and turned to the still confused appearing Gnimish. “He wants you to tell him how to fix his woman-troubles.”
Gnimish shook his head in disbelief. “No he dosen't, he wants....” He scratched his head. “Ok, I dunno what he wants, but I bet it involves hittin' me or somethin'.”
-
Topaz
- Legendary Adventurer
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“No, he's blasting spells at me tomorrow.” The fairy didn’t miss Syous’s slightly exasperated sigh as she attempted to explain the situation to the gnome.
“Well how should I know what to be tellin' him then?” Gnimish shrugged at the fairy.
Topaz turned to Syous then. “Perhaps Cory or Sartan over there would be better suited to help you, Syous, than Gnim?” As far as she knew both of them had more personal experience with women that the gnome did.
“No no Topaz, that's quite alright...” He did not appear too pleased with her suggestion. “I'm sure the duel tomorrow will clear my head... one way or the other.” He nodded sagely.
“One way or the other.” Topaz suspected that Syous was making a mountain of a mole hill to begin with.
“So ya weren't complainin' though, Syous?” Gnimish found a chink to pick at and went to it.
Syous turned back to the gnome. “Excuse me? I was not complaining... I had thought the two of us were of a similar disposition. It seems I was wrong.... case closed. I can handle it...” Only, Syous did not sound convinced of that.
“So if ya weren't complainin'...ya musta liked it.” It was the gnome’s turn to nod sagely.
“Oh!” Topaz gasped at Syous’s mention of ‘disposition’. At Gnim’s raised brow she leaned close and whispered. “I think he thinks you're gay.”
The mage’s gaze narrowed slightly as he continued to regard the gnome. “It's none of your business... and if you make it your business, then I will come after you with the intention of whacking you.”
“Wha'?” Still boggling at the fairy, he managed to keep up with Syous. “Well ya came over here and started in on me about it, figured ya were makin' it my business!”
“Ugh, excuse me, powder.” Topaz stood up to hurry to the ladies room.
“See?!” Gnim yelled at the retreating fairy. “I *told* ya this was all about whackin' me!!!”
“You had your chance to help... now I don't think I need it anymore.” Syous said with quite the smug expression.
“Pffft!” Gnimish grumbled at the white haired mage. “Drakhan!!” The lizard waddled out from under the table again, straight at the mage.
Syous peered at the lizard. “I said if... *if* you continue to try to make it your business… then I might have to start whacking you... as you so eloquently put it. I don't think you can provide me any help... given your tastes. So butt out.”
“Well then why did you even come over...” Gnimish boggled. “Ok, shoo then!!”
The mage rolled his eyes before he shook his head at the gnome. “Fine then!”
Gnimish, too, shook his head and grumbled as he went back to the newly-filled mug. “Drakhan, just let 'im go.” He motioned the lizard back under the table while the mage returned to his "brooding" over how deep a hole he had dug for himself this time.
“Well how should I know what to be tellin' him then?” Gnimish shrugged at the fairy.
Topaz turned to Syous then. “Perhaps Cory or Sartan over there would be better suited to help you, Syous, than Gnim?” As far as she knew both of them had more personal experience with women that the gnome did.
“No no Topaz, that's quite alright...” He did not appear too pleased with her suggestion. “I'm sure the duel tomorrow will clear my head... one way or the other.” He nodded sagely.
“One way or the other.” Topaz suspected that Syous was making a mountain of a mole hill to begin with.
“So ya weren't complainin' though, Syous?” Gnimish found a chink to pick at and went to it.
Syous turned back to the gnome. “Excuse me? I was not complaining... I had thought the two of us were of a similar disposition. It seems I was wrong.... case closed. I can handle it...” Only, Syous did not sound convinced of that.
“So if ya weren't complainin'...ya musta liked it.” It was the gnome’s turn to nod sagely.
“Oh!” Topaz gasped at Syous’s mention of ‘disposition’. At Gnim’s raised brow she leaned close and whispered. “I think he thinks you're gay.”
The mage’s gaze narrowed slightly as he continued to regard the gnome. “It's none of your business... and if you make it your business, then I will come after you with the intention of whacking you.”
“Wha'?” Still boggling at the fairy, he managed to keep up with Syous. “Well ya came over here and started in on me about it, figured ya were makin' it my business!”
“Ugh, excuse me, powder.” Topaz stood up to hurry to the ladies room.
“See?!” Gnim yelled at the retreating fairy. “I *told* ya this was all about whackin' me!!!”
“You had your chance to help... now I don't think I need it anymore.” Syous said with quite the smug expression.
“Pffft!” Gnimish grumbled at the white haired mage. “Drakhan!!” The lizard waddled out from under the table again, straight at the mage.
Syous peered at the lizard. “I said if... *if* you continue to try to make it your business… then I might have to start whacking you... as you so eloquently put it. I don't think you can provide me any help... given your tastes. So butt out.”
“Well then why did you even come over...” Gnimish boggled. “Ok, shoo then!!”
The mage rolled his eyes before he shook his head at the gnome. “Fine then!”
Gnimish, too, shook his head and grumbled as he went back to the newly-filled mug. “Drakhan, just let 'im go.” He motioned the lizard back under the table while the mage returned to his "brooding" over how deep a hole he had dug for himself this time.
Date Of Sorts
Anushka stepped from the portal and took a look around. When Syous had asked her for a date, she had been too excited to ask for a time and day. He hadn’t mentioned any either, so maybe we was just as excited. Just in case that she would be running into him, she had gone and bought herself a dress. It felt awkward now that she had gotten used to wearing pants.
The little gnome she had seen before waved a greeting her way before he leaned over to his companion and whispered loudly.
“He's so grumpy, but he's got a girlfriend now. Maybe it'll make him less grumpy.”
Then she spotted Syous. He was glowering at the Gnome, but then he saw her and his eyes widened in surprise. Positive surprise, she hoped, and maybe he really liked seeing her in a dress. She gave him a happy smile and skipped over to where he was standing.
“Good evening, gorgeous.” She twirled in front of Syous, showing off the new dress. “Does this do for your entertaining?”
“Err…” Syous’s reaction was all she could have hoped for. He even blinked a few times as if to make sure he wasn’t dreaming up the vision.
“You do like it! You're even speechless.” She smiled happily and plopped into the nearest chair.
Syous hung his head for a moment or two and Ana wondered if he would say something to the trio that was indirectly poking fun at them. Finally he quietly spoke.
“Now listen... when I said "entertain"...” He trailed off, searching for words.
”You forgot to say when” Anushka finished the sentence for him and scooted closer to him as he sat down next to her. To put him at ease over the little oversight she batted her lashes and smiled up to him.
“No... you see, what I meant by "entertain" that night wasn't…” He blinked back at her several times, almost perfectly copying her batting eye lashes, before he motioned toward her dress. “... *that* sort of entertainment...”
“Whaddya mean by *that* sort, Syous, got somethin' on yer mind?” The gnome piped in from the other table with a snicker.
“You also forgot to mention where. So here's fine, too.” She blinked at Syous in total surprise when another meaning of his words occurred to her. “That dress is not coming of on our first date.” Then she wagged a finger at Syous and laughed. That gnome sure was starting to get to her. “You're just teasing.”
“What?!?” Syous quickly turned in the gnome's direction.
“You said it, not me!” The gnome gave an innocent appearing shrug.
”You leave Syous alone. He was flirting.” Anushka addressed the gnome. What his words suggested was really rather mean. She was sure that Syous had tried to explain something entirely different.
“No no no, that's not at all what I meant...” Syous shook his hands vehemently as he turned back to her, his cheeks pink with embarrassment.
”Of course you did not mean that. I got that. I'm not stupid, you know.” Anushka chuckled softly and let him know that though she might be cross with the gnome for his interference, she’d not hold any of it against Syous. “But it's a cute compliment, none-the-less.”
Anushka stepped from the portal and took a look around. When Syous had asked her for a date, she had been too excited to ask for a time and day. He hadn’t mentioned any either, so maybe we was just as excited. Just in case that she would be running into him, she had gone and bought herself a dress. It felt awkward now that she had gotten used to wearing pants.
The little gnome she had seen before waved a greeting her way before he leaned over to his companion and whispered loudly.
“He's so grumpy, but he's got a girlfriend now. Maybe it'll make him less grumpy.”
Then she spotted Syous. He was glowering at the Gnome, but then he saw her and his eyes widened in surprise. Positive surprise, she hoped, and maybe he really liked seeing her in a dress. She gave him a happy smile and skipped over to where he was standing.
“Good evening, gorgeous.” She twirled in front of Syous, showing off the new dress. “Does this do for your entertaining?”
“Err…” Syous’s reaction was all she could have hoped for. He even blinked a few times as if to make sure he wasn’t dreaming up the vision.
“You do like it! You're even speechless.” She smiled happily and plopped into the nearest chair.
Syous hung his head for a moment or two and Ana wondered if he would say something to the trio that was indirectly poking fun at them. Finally he quietly spoke.
“Now listen... when I said "entertain"...” He trailed off, searching for words.
”You forgot to say when” Anushka finished the sentence for him and scooted closer to him as he sat down next to her. To put him at ease over the little oversight she batted her lashes and smiled up to him.
“No... you see, what I meant by "entertain" that night wasn't…” He blinked back at her several times, almost perfectly copying her batting eye lashes, before he motioned toward her dress. “... *that* sort of entertainment...”
“Whaddya mean by *that* sort, Syous, got somethin' on yer mind?” The gnome piped in from the other table with a snicker.
“You also forgot to mention where. So here's fine, too.” She blinked at Syous in total surprise when another meaning of his words occurred to her. “That dress is not coming of on our first date.” Then she wagged a finger at Syous and laughed. That gnome sure was starting to get to her. “You're just teasing.”
“What?!?” Syous quickly turned in the gnome's direction.
“You said it, not me!” The gnome gave an innocent appearing shrug.
”You leave Syous alone. He was flirting.” Anushka addressed the gnome. What his words suggested was really rather mean. She was sure that Syous had tried to explain something entirely different.
“No no no, that's not at all what I meant...” Syous shook his hands vehemently as he turned back to her, his cheeks pink with embarrassment.
”Of course you did not mean that. I got that. I'm not stupid, you know.” Anushka chuckled softly and let him know that though she might be cross with the gnome for his interference, she’d not hold any of it against Syous. “But it's a cute compliment, none-the-less.”
”Well... “ Syous looked to her again and then pointedly glanced down at his choice of clothing with a little sigh. “... as you can see, I did not come prepared tonight...”
”That's okay. You can bring flowers next time. I don't mind.” She readily accepted his apology and again tried to put him at ease. Perhaps he could not afford the fancy clothes, and it certainly was the wrong time of year for picking flowers along the way. She was happy to simply sit with him anyway. What he was wearing didn’t matter to her. Anyway, he carried the faded cloak and dueling robes rather well and looked very handsome and adventurous in them.
“Well, unfortunately it might be a bit too late this evening...” He motioned to the isle around them with another little sigh. “: ... as you can see, it seems dueling has been over for some time and I'm sure the goblins will have to clean up after the night's activities very soon.”
“Yes, I see that. That reminds me, I did get a little something for you.” She reached into her pocket. When she pulled her hand out again she held a bright red, blue and black braid of sting. She leaned over and tied the friendship bracelet to Syous’s wrist while the gnome piped in again.
“Actually, Syous, I agreed to stick around and call late nighters if folks wanted, soooo... Ooo, Syous, yer doin' somethin' right there old man!”
“It's the perfect size, too. I wasn't sure, you know, if I guessed correctly.” Anushka sat up again once the bracelet was knotted securely and gave Syous a toothy smile. “Now you've something to remember me by. I made it myself.”
“Erm…” Syous blinked and glanced down at his wrist and then looked at the bracelet some more. At length he glanced up and looked at Anushka again. When the gnome made another comment, though, he turned to the gnome with a burning glare.
“You're doing this on purpose aren't you!”
“What, ya think I'm mind controllin' her or somethin'? If I could do that I'd find better things to do than bug you...” The gnome tilted his head and gave another of those innocent looking shrugs.
“Never mind him, he's just jealous because no one gave him a pretty bracelet.” Anushka lightly touched a hand to Syous’s arm.
”Indeed, that must be it...” Syous nodded while Anushka stuck her tongue out at the gnome.
Then she turned another admiring smile to Syous, slid her hand down his arm and slipped her fingers into his hand. Squeezing gently she softly whispered.
“Do they always tease you so? No wonder you didn't feel like walking through the portal with flowers.”
Syous nodded and quietly murmured a soft thank you to her, earning himself another wide smile from Anushka. Then he lowered his head again and gazed at their joined hands for long moments.
“This is really nice.” Anushka was perfectly happy to just bathe in Syous's company while holding hands.
“Maybe we all oughta leave the newlyweds alone on the nice romantic isle, Rena...” The gnome’s voice carried over.
”That's okay. You can bring flowers next time. I don't mind.” She readily accepted his apology and again tried to put him at ease. Perhaps he could not afford the fancy clothes, and it certainly was the wrong time of year for picking flowers along the way. She was happy to simply sit with him anyway. What he was wearing didn’t matter to her. Anyway, he carried the faded cloak and dueling robes rather well and looked very handsome and adventurous in them.
“Well, unfortunately it might be a bit too late this evening...” He motioned to the isle around them with another little sigh. “: ... as you can see, it seems dueling has been over for some time and I'm sure the goblins will have to clean up after the night's activities very soon.”
“Yes, I see that. That reminds me, I did get a little something for you.” She reached into her pocket. When she pulled her hand out again she held a bright red, blue and black braid of sting. She leaned over and tied the friendship bracelet to Syous’s wrist while the gnome piped in again.
“Actually, Syous, I agreed to stick around and call late nighters if folks wanted, soooo... Ooo, Syous, yer doin' somethin' right there old man!”
“It's the perfect size, too. I wasn't sure, you know, if I guessed correctly.” Anushka sat up again once the bracelet was knotted securely and gave Syous a toothy smile. “Now you've something to remember me by. I made it myself.”
“Erm…” Syous blinked and glanced down at his wrist and then looked at the bracelet some more. At length he glanced up and looked at Anushka again. When the gnome made another comment, though, he turned to the gnome with a burning glare.
“You're doing this on purpose aren't you!”
“What, ya think I'm mind controllin' her or somethin'? If I could do that I'd find better things to do than bug you...” The gnome tilted his head and gave another of those innocent looking shrugs.
“Never mind him, he's just jealous because no one gave him a pretty bracelet.” Anushka lightly touched a hand to Syous’s arm.
”Indeed, that must be it...” Syous nodded while Anushka stuck her tongue out at the gnome.
Then she turned another admiring smile to Syous, slid her hand down his arm and slipped her fingers into his hand. Squeezing gently she softly whispered.
“Do they always tease you so? No wonder you didn't feel like walking through the portal with flowers.”
Syous nodded and quietly murmured a soft thank you to her, earning himself another wide smile from Anushka. Then he lowered his head again and gazed at their joined hands for long moments.
“This is really nice.” Anushka was perfectly happy to just bathe in Syous's company while holding hands.
“Maybe we all oughta leave the newlyweds alone on the nice romantic isle, Rena...” The gnome’s voice carried over.
“Ah... he does hold hands. She did say so the other night. He can poof them to another spot.” Rena replied amused.
Syous pulled his hand from Anushka’s at that comment, but then moved his wrist and the bracelet closer for his view to take deeper note of her gift while he addressed her query.
”No no... they don't always tease... I believe Gnim is just a "confused" gnome, and so he likes to take it out on me.” He glanced briefly in the gnome's direction.
”That is not very nice of him.” She watched smiling as Syous admired her handiwork. She had not expected her little gift to touch him so deeply and was immensely pleased that it did.
”Confused? Jeez, yer slippin', I expected some short joke or somethin'...” The gnome piped up again.
“We are *not* married.” Syous peered back toward Gnimish.
“He meant us?” Anushka boggled at Syous. She had hoped that he and his company had changed conversation topics.
Syous glanced from Ana back to Gnim.
“I don't even know her yet... how could we possibly be married...” Then Syous turned to Anushka again, mumbling apologetically. Obviously the gnome’s jabs embarrassed Syous. “More of his teasing...”
“Of course ya do, this is like yer second date, and yer exchangin' pretty gifts!” The gnome was not done yet and this time his teasing put a blush in Anushka’s cheeks.
”It's really just our first date.” Anushka explained to the gnome once she found her voice again. “Yesterday Syous couldn't make it as you well know, and the week before we just dueled.”
”Ohhh...” Gnimish nodded at her. “I do hope yer enjoyin' yer first date then!”
Syous turned back to the gnome with a scowling glare when he noticed Anushka’s blush. But the fairy that was sitting with the gnome and Rena was already distracting him from his incessant teasing and goading. Syous turned his attention back to Anushka.
”Of course I am, what a stupid question.” Anushka turned from the gnome to Syous, giving him a warm smile.
“Listen...” Syous started very quietly. “You're very nice, and I appreciate your kindness and the gift...”
”You already said thank you twice. More really isn't called for.” Anushka smiled, a little embarrassed at how big a deal he made of so little a thing. “That was mighty nice of you, glaring at the Gnome for me. You're really just ever so adorable.” It had been a very long time since anyone had shown any regard for her feelings or well being.
Syous opened his mouth to say something, but just sighed ever so softly instead.
“I know exactly what you mean.” Anushka whispered quietly, sighing just as wistfully. She leaned closer and even more quietly suggested that a walk on the beach may remove them both from the gnome’s barbs.
For a long time they just looked into each others’ eyes, unaware of the passing of time and with heated cheeks.
Syous pulled his hand from Anushka’s at that comment, but then moved his wrist and the bracelet closer for his view to take deeper note of her gift while he addressed her query.
”No no... they don't always tease... I believe Gnim is just a "confused" gnome, and so he likes to take it out on me.” He glanced briefly in the gnome's direction.
”That is not very nice of him.” She watched smiling as Syous admired her handiwork. She had not expected her little gift to touch him so deeply and was immensely pleased that it did.
”Confused? Jeez, yer slippin', I expected some short joke or somethin'...” The gnome piped up again.
“We are *not* married.” Syous peered back toward Gnimish.
“He meant us?” Anushka boggled at Syous. She had hoped that he and his company had changed conversation topics.
Syous glanced from Ana back to Gnim.
“I don't even know her yet... how could we possibly be married...” Then Syous turned to Anushka again, mumbling apologetically. Obviously the gnome’s jabs embarrassed Syous. “More of his teasing...”
“Of course ya do, this is like yer second date, and yer exchangin' pretty gifts!” The gnome was not done yet and this time his teasing put a blush in Anushka’s cheeks.
”It's really just our first date.” Anushka explained to the gnome once she found her voice again. “Yesterday Syous couldn't make it as you well know, and the week before we just dueled.”
”Ohhh...” Gnimish nodded at her. “I do hope yer enjoyin' yer first date then!”
Syous turned back to the gnome with a scowling glare when he noticed Anushka’s blush. But the fairy that was sitting with the gnome and Rena was already distracting him from his incessant teasing and goading. Syous turned his attention back to Anushka.
”Of course I am, what a stupid question.” Anushka turned from the gnome to Syous, giving him a warm smile.
“Listen...” Syous started very quietly. “You're very nice, and I appreciate your kindness and the gift...”
”You already said thank you twice. More really isn't called for.” Anushka smiled, a little embarrassed at how big a deal he made of so little a thing. “That was mighty nice of you, glaring at the Gnome for me. You're really just ever so adorable.” It had been a very long time since anyone had shown any regard for her feelings or well being.
Syous opened his mouth to say something, but just sighed ever so softly instead.
“I know exactly what you mean.” Anushka whispered quietly, sighing just as wistfully. She leaned closer and even more quietly suggested that a walk on the beach may remove them both from the gnome’s barbs.
For a long time they just looked into each others’ eyes, unaware of the passing of time and with heated cheeks.
”Erm…” Syous commented at length.
”Your friends couldn't tease you about what they don't see.” Anushka found her voice again as Syous broke the eye contact.
“You see, unfortunately I may...” He paused briefly. “I mean, I must call it a night a bit early this evening... because... with all the emotion... and all, I find myself a bit fatigued.”
“You just got here.” She looked utterly crestfallen and blinked suddenly watery eyes. How could he talk of falling in love and going home in one sentence? Then it occurred to her that perhaps he was simply misleading the gnome and cheered up again. “Oh, I know, you may walk me to the portal, and look, the Gnome's rather busy now. He won't be watching anyway.”
“My apologies... but indeed, I had wished to arrive earlier. Perhaps next week...” Syous had dropped his voice low again so the gnome wouldn’t hear and nodded to Anushka. “Very well.”
“Of course! Next week. Our second date. A walk at the beach is much better for a second date anyway. You are so smart!” She whispered back, her smile deepened.
”Eh, it seems it will just work out this way. Plus, perhaps the gnome won’t be around at such a time...” Syous nodded sagely, drawing a happy chuckle from Anushka.
”That is a possibility. I could bring a picnic basket, would you like that?” She stood and offered her hand to him.
“Sure... sure... “ He nodded several times before he took hold of her hand and got to his feet.
“A picnic it will be. That way it will not matter if the gnome is here, what with all the bends and trees one can put between. No one ever escorted me to the portal before. I think I do rather like it.” Together they started to walk slowly toward the portal, their joined hands swinging lightly. For a moment each imagined what their next date might be like, with the two of them secluded away somewhere on the isle.
”I don't think I've ever formally escorted someone to the portal before...”
”It's a new experience to the both of us then.”
”Aw, date's over I guess, look how cute that is, Syous is such a gentleman.” The gnome did have a carrying voice.
Syous glanced down at their hands but kept her hand in his despite the gnome’s remark. Softly he murmured a few words of which Anushka only heard the last one clearly: dear.
“I like that. You may keep calling me that.” She whispered softly as they paused at the portal. “It's good night, now isn't it?”
“Indeed, it is ...” He looked down at her and gave her his best smile yet as she rose to her toes and reached for his arms. But just before he could kiss her good night he had to cough. He quickly raised a hand to his mouth and slightly turned his head to his side. “My apologies... I seem to be a bit ill... and I'd rather you not catch it.”
“It happens.” Anushka nodded slightly. Her disappointment was quickly replaced by concern. “That is rather considerate of you. I hope you feel better next week. It would be such a shame if not.”
“Indeed...” He hung his head low, looking as disappointed now as she had felt initially. With a sage nod he added, “My thanks again for the bracelet.”
”I am very happy that you like it so much.” He looked so guilty at having to cut short their date because he was feeling miserable with the beginnings of a cold. Anushka gave him an extra warm smile, seeking to make him feel better. “Have a good night, Syous. Actually, have a good every night until our date. Thank you for the fine date and the escort to the portal.”
“To you as well.... To you as well.” Syous bowed his head in farewell before he looked back up towards her. She blew him a kiss to make for the one he was missing because of his cold before she stepped through the portal.
”Your friends couldn't tease you about what they don't see.” Anushka found her voice again as Syous broke the eye contact.
“You see, unfortunately I may...” He paused briefly. “I mean, I must call it a night a bit early this evening... because... with all the emotion... and all, I find myself a bit fatigued.”
“You just got here.” She looked utterly crestfallen and blinked suddenly watery eyes. How could he talk of falling in love and going home in one sentence? Then it occurred to her that perhaps he was simply misleading the gnome and cheered up again. “Oh, I know, you may walk me to the portal, and look, the Gnome's rather busy now. He won't be watching anyway.”
“My apologies... but indeed, I had wished to arrive earlier. Perhaps next week...” Syous had dropped his voice low again so the gnome wouldn’t hear and nodded to Anushka. “Very well.”
“Of course! Next week. Our second date. A walk at the beach is much better for a second date anyway. You are so smart!” She whispered back, her smile deepened.
”Eh, it seems it will just work out this way. Plus, perhaps the gnome won’t be around at such a time...” Syous nodded sagely, drawing a happy chuckle from Anushka.
”That is a possibility. I could bring a picnic basket, would you like that?” She stood and offered her hand to him.
“Sure... sure... “ He nodded several times before he took hold of her hand and got to his feet.
“A picnic it will be. That way it will not matter if the gnome is here, what with all the bends and trees one can put between. No one ever escorted me to the portal before. I think I do rather like it.” Together they started to walk slowly toward the portal, their joined hands swinging lightly. For a moment each imagined what their next date might be like, with the two of them secluded away somewhere on the isle.
”I don't think I've ever formally escorted someone to the portal before...”
”It's a new experience to the both of us then.”
”Aw, date's over I guess, look how cute that is, Syous is such a gentleman.” The gnome did have a carrying voice.
Syous glanced down at their hands but kept her hand in his despite the gnome’s remark. Softly he murmured a few words of which Anushka only heard the last one clearly: dear.
“I like that. You may keep calling me that.” She whispered softly as they paused at the portal. “It's good night, now isn't it?”
“Indeed, it is ...” He looked down at her and gave her his best smile yet as she rose to her toes and reached for his arms. But just before he could kiss her good night he had to cough. He quickly raised a hand to his mouth and slightly turned his head to his side. “My apologies... I seem to be a bit ill... and I'd rather you not catch it.”
“It happens.” Anushka nodded slightly. Her disappointment was quickly replaced by concern. “That is rather considerate of you. I hope you feel better next week. It would be such a shame if not.”
“Indeed...” He hung his head low, looking as disappointed now as she had felt initially. With a sage nod he added, “My thanks again for the bracelet.”
”I am very happy that you like it so much.” He looked so guilty at having to cut short their date because he was feeling miserable with the beginnings of a cold. Anushka gave him an extra warm smile, seeking to make him feel better. “Have a good night, Syous. Actually, have a good every night until our date. Thank you for the fine date and the escort to the portal.”
“To you as well.... To you as well.” Syous bowed his head in farewell before he looked back up towards her. She blew him a kiss to make for the one he was missing because of his cold before she stepped through the portal.
Picnic
Anushka emerged from the portal on Twilight Isle sans picnic basket and took a look around before she approached the dueling area. Syous was not here yet.
“’Evening.” She said to the official and the blue haired man already there as she picked a table to set the basket down on and to sit at while she waited.
She didn’t have long to wait, though. Only a short time later, when she waved to Rena and the gnome, she spotted a glimpse of Syous walking toward her. A smile spread on her face. She picked up the basket and went to meet him.
“Dude. It's Syous. I haven't seen that guy in, like, a long time.” The blue-haired man commented as Syous slowed his steps and pressed a few fingers to his eyes as if to relieve a sudden pain.
Syous gave the man a nod of acknowledgement and then turned toward Ana. His gaze shifted past her for a brief moment and he nodded slightly before he turned back to Ana.
“You look like you got over your cold. Are you ready for that picnic?” Ana had caught up with Syous and now gave him one of her best smiles.
“Well, we seem to have quite the audience around us. It... erm, might make for a disruptive picnic...” The game that so closely resembled cat-and-mouse game in his mind began once more as he tried to weasel his way out of yet another predicament. But none of his thoughts showed on his face.
“I don't mind if you don't.” She beamed him a wide smile. “I hope you like what I fixed. You didn't want to duel first, did you?”
“Alright everyone, tonight is Trivia Night.” Azjah, the official for the first half of the evening, announced as if on cue.
“No... I don't suppose I mind...” He glanced toward the gnome for a brief moment with a soft sigh and an even softer murmur. “I don't think I'd enjoy dueling anyone who would be up for a duel at the moment...”
“Did you hear that, trivia night?” Ana beamed Syous another smile, surprised that he would forgo a good challenge in favor of getting to spend time with her. She had guessed him to drop just about anything at the opportunity to duel. That he wouldn’t do so now touched her deeply. “That is wonderful. I just knew you'd like picnicking more than dueling.”
“Yes well...” Syous decided that it was not necessary to inform Ana that in fact he probably preferred dueling, just not when it would draw more attention to him from a certain few individuals tonight and made something up on the fly. “... it will simply delay getting a chance to see what all you've made, right?”
“Right. So where would you like to have our picnic date?” She swung the basket lightly and couldn’t quite keep from simpering, absolutely delighted with his reaction.
“You'd think I'd know of a good location after all the time I've spent on the isle... but in fact I'm not really sure.” Syous lifted his gaze and looked back down at her.
“Go grab Syous. He likes a good fight.” Ana overheard the official encourage the blue-haired man.
“Eh. He looks busy.” The blue-haired one looked at them.
Anushka emerged from the portal on Twilight Isle sans picnic basket and took a look around before she approached the dueling area. Syous was not here yet.
“’Evening.” She said to the official and the blue haired man already there as she picked a table to set the basket down on and to sit at while she waited.
She didn’t have long to wait, though. Only a short time later, when she waved to Rena and the gnome, she spotted a glimpse of Syous walking toward her. A smile spread on her face. She picked up the basket and went to meet him.
“Dude. It's Syous. I haven't seen that guy in, like, a long time.” The blue-haired man commented as Syous slowed his steps and pressed a few fingers to his eyes as if to relieve a sudden pain.
Syous gave the man a nod of acknowledgement and then turned toward Ana. His gaze shifted past her for a brief moment and he nodded slightly before he turned back to Ana.
“You look like you got over your cold. Are you ready for that picnic?” Ana had caught up with Syous and now gave him one of her best smiles.
“Well, we seem to have quite the audience around us. It... erm, might make for a disruptive picnic...” The game that so closely resembled cat-and-mouse game in his mind began once more as he tried to weasel his way out of yet another predicament. But none of his thoughts showed on his face.
“I don't mind if you don't.” She beamed him a wide smile. “I hope you like what I fixed. You didn't want to duel first, did you?”
“Alright everyone, tonight is Trivia Night.” Azjah, the official for the first half of the evening, announced as if on cue.
“No... I don't suppose I mind...” He glanced toward the gnome for a brief moment with a soft sigh and an even softer murmur. “I don't think I'd enjoy dueling anyone who would be up for a duel at the moment...”
“Did you hear that, trivia night?” Ana beamed Syous another smile, surprised that he would forgo a good challenge in favor of getting to spend time with her. She had guessed him to drop just about anything at the opportunity to duel. That he wouldn’t do so now touched her deeply. “That is wonderful. I just knew you'd like picnicking more than dueling.”
“Yes well...” Syous decided that it was not necessary to inform Ana that in fact he probably preferred dueling, just not when it would draw more attention to him from a certain few individuals tonight and made something up on the fly. “... it will simply delay getting a chance to see what all you've made, right?”
“Right. So where would you like to have our picnic date?” She swung the basket lightly and couldn’t quite keep from simpering, absolutely delighted with his reaction.
“You'd think I'd know of a good location after all the time I've spent on the isle... but in fact I'm not really sure.” Syous lifted his gaze and looked back down at her.
“Go grab Syous. He likes a good fight.” Ana overheard the official encourage the blue-haired man.
“Eh. He looks busy.” The blue-haired one looked at them.
“Save that damsel in distress then. Certainly no young sweet thing wants an old geezer like Syous dominating her time.”
Another slight sigh escaped Syous at his being volunteered to duel and he glanced toward Azjah and Harris.
“Ha ha...” It was a sarcastic mutter.
“Syous is no old geezer. He's a handsome and elegant mage and ever so adorable.” Ana politely informed the official despite her rising anger at the persistent barbs. She certainly was no ‘damsel in distress’ either. But now he was forced to defend his honor.
“Syous, have you enchanted that young woman?” The official sounded surprised.
“Oh yes, Syous is also absolutely enchanting.” She swooned at Syous a little to emphasize her words. “ You go show them, Sweety, and do the sweeping thing you do with your hands.”
“Go show them?” Syous blinked but he had cracked a smile when she called him ‘Sweety’.
“Yes, show them how elegantly you can cast those spells.”
“I have not...” A hand rubbed softly at his forehead as Syous glanced back at Azjah. Then he turned back to Ana and with a blush creeping into his to cheeks he murmured softly just for Ana to hear, “... at least not intentionally.”
“You're so cute.” She replied just as softly, batting her lashes. “I'll sit right here and make sure that the basket doesn't run off.”
“Ah, you must have done something to attract her Syous. It cannot be your glowing curmudgeon self.” The official was persistent.
“If you're so convinced perhaps you should ask her what I’ve done.” Syous narrowed his eyes at Azjah and motioned at Ana. “As I've mentioned many a time now Azjah, it's all a matter of perception. It seems her perception of me is simply quite different than yours.”
“Ah, that is true Syous, but being a mage, it would not be difficult for you to place a glamour over yourself, or to color her views of you.” The woman just didn’t give up.
“For good luck.” Anushka reached up to capture Syous' head between her hands, stood on tip toes, and placed a smooch on his lips before she let go of him again. “Now go show that blue haired wonder boy how cool a mage you are.”
“He's found himself a woman! Who would have thought?” Azjah winked at Harris with a soft snicker. “He'll be unable to fend you off Harris.”
Syous blinked quite a few times as he simply gazed at Anushka. She wondered if he was about to say something or if he might kiss her. He didn’t do either, but eventually turned sharply and made a beeline in Harris’ direction.
“Ring, now.” Syous looked to be really angry with Azjah and Harris. Pointing at Azjah as he entered the ring he barked out, “Immolation.”
“Huh, what?” Harris seemed to pale. “When did I say I was dueling? Hey now, I didn't come here for Syous to unfairly abuse me.”
Another slight sigh escaped Syous at his being volunteered to duel and he glanced toward Azjah and Harris.
“Ha ha...” It was a sarcastic mutter.
“Syous is no old geezer. He's a handsome and elegant mage and ever so adorable.” Ana politely informed the official despite her rising anger at the persistent barbs. She certainly was no ‘damsel in distress’ either. But now he was forced to defend his honor.
“Syous, have you enchanted that young woman?” The official sounded surprised.
“Oh yes, Syous is also absolutely enchanting.” She swooned at Syous a little to emphasize her words. “ You go show them, Sweety, and do the sweeping thing you do with your hands.”
“Go show them?” Syous blinked but he had cracked a smile when she called him ‘Sweety’.
“Yes, show them how elegantly you can cast those spells.”
“I have not...” A hand rubbed softly at his forehead as Syous glanced back at Azjah. Then he turned back to Ana and with a blush creeping into his to cheeks he murmured softly just for Ana to hear, “... at least not intentionally.”
“You're so cute.” She replied just as softly, batting her lashes. “I'll sit right here and make sure that the basket doesn't run off.”
“Ah, you must have done something to attract her Syous. It cannot be your glowing curmudgeon self.” The official was persistent.
“If you're so convinced perhaps you should ask her what I’ve done.” Syous narrowed his eyes at Azjah and motioned at Ana. “As I've mentioned many a time now Azjah, it's all a matter of perception. It seems her perception of me is simply quite different than yours.”
“Ah, that is true Syous, but being a mage, it would not be difficult for you to place a glamour over yourself, or to color her views of you.” The woman just didn’t give up.
“For good luck.” Anushka reached up to capture Syous' head between her hands, stood on tip toes, and placed a smooch on his lips before she let go of him again. “Now go show that blue haired wonder boy how cool a mage you are.”
“He's found himself a woman! Who would have thought?” Azjah winked at Harris with a soft snicker. “He'll be unable to fend you off Harris.”
Syous blinked quite a few times as he simply gazed at Anushka. She wondered if he was about to say something or if he might kiss her. He didn’t do either, but eventually turned sharply and made a beeline in Harris’ direction.
“Ring, now.” Syous looked to be really angry with Azjah and Harris. Pointing at Azjah as he entered the ring he barked out, “Immolation.”
“Huh, what?” Harris seemed to pale. “When did I say I was dueling? Hey now, I didn't come here for Syous to unfairly abuse me.”
Syous pointed at the heckler with a glare. Only when he was sure Harris noticed he pointed across from his position in the ring.
“Now!”
“Now he's giving me orders like he's the boss of me or something.” Harris scoffed while Syous paced in the ring.
“I don't think he's in any shape to abuse you Harris.” Azjah replied. “No one is the boss of you Harris, no one but you. But will you not grace my ring?”
“Dude, that guy looks agitated. I feel much safer out here than I would in there. Plus I have no intention of being his whipping boy so he can impress his new girlfriend.” Harris flicked a peanut at Syous, but made no move to enter the ring.
“So be it.” Syous stopped in his tracks and glared in Harris’ direction, preparing a spell to cast his way outside the ring.
“Isn't he just too adorable?” Anushka sighed to herself, admiring how Syous dealt with the blue haired man that was behaving more like a spoiled and scared child at the moment. The Baret would have severely punished anyone of his children had they ever behaved as Harris did now.
“Not precisely the words I would use to describe him lass.” Azjah had overheard her soft utterance.
“Utterly handsome?” Firmly restrained despite raging anger, Syous did look all male and the perfect leader. Her father would have been impressed and approved, too, Anushka thought.
“Wow, look at the time. I think I have to, uhh, pick my kid up from daycare.” Harris cowardly fled toward the portal.
Syous sighed as Harris dived right into the portal. His arms dropped to his sides and he resumed pacing back and forth in the corner of the ring. Anushka felt for him.
“Well, if he doesn't want to, I could duel.” Activity was the best thing to get rid of an adrenalin rush. Syous would need to calm before he could enjoy their picnic.
“I don't mind, really.” She climbed into the ring across from Syous, hoping to forestall a gallant protest. Emotions hurried over his features and for a moment she feared he’d decline her offer. But then he looked to her and nodded, his features relaxed as the inner war was obviously over.
“Alright, if you don't mind.”
“Not at all, really.” She beamed another smile, amazed at how quickly his inner storm dissipated.
‘How could she take what she just did so lightly?’ he thought as he looked into her eyes. Then he shook his head as if to clear his mind and readied for the duel.
“Let's see if I can remember how to do this, with you being close enough to touch.” She peeked at Syous from behind a shield.
Syous did not appear to have any difficulty concentrating on the casting of his spells. The sweeping motions of his hands directing the magic forces looked as elegant as ever. But despite Ana’s obvious difficulties, a couple of her successfully cast spells, to her utter surprise and delight, did manage to get through his defenses.
“Now!”
“Now he's giving me orders like he's the boss of me or something.” Harris scoffed while Syous paced in the ring.
“I don't think he's in any shape to abuse you Harris.” Azjah replied. “No one is the boss of you Harris, no one but you. But will you not grace my ring?”
“Dude, that guy looks agitated. I feel much safer out here than I would in there. Plus I have no intention of being his whipping boy so he can impress his new girlfriend.” Harris flicked a peanut at Syous, but made no move to enter the ring.
“So be it.” Syous stopped in his tracks and glared in Harris’ direction, preparing a spell to cast his way outside the ring.
“Isn't he just too adorable?” Anushka sighed to herself, admiring how Syous dealt with the blue haired man that was behaving more like a spoiled and scared child at the moment. The Baret would have severely punished anyone of his children had they ever behaved as Harris did now.
“Not precisely the words I would use to describe him lass.” Azjah had overheard her soft utterance.
“Utterly handsome?” Firmly restrained despite raging anger, Syous did look all male and the perfect leader. Her father would have been impressed and approved, too, Anushka thought.
“Wow, look at the time. I think I have to, uhh, pick my kid up from daycare.” Harris cowardly fled toward the portal.
Syous sighed as Harris dived right into the portal. His arms dropped to his sides and he resumed pacing back and forth in the corner of the ring. Anushka felt for him.
“Well, if he doesn't want to, I could duel.” Activity was the best thing to get rid of an adrenalin rush. Syous would need to calm before he could enjoy their picnic.
“I don't mind, really.” She climbed into the ring across from Syous, hoping to forestall a gallant protest. Emotions hurried over his features and for a moment she feared he’d decline her offer. But then he looked to her and nodded, his features relaxed as the inner war was obviously over.
“Alright, if you don't mind.”
“Not at all, really.” She beamed another smile, amazed at how quickly his inner storm dissipated.
‘How could she take what she just did so lightly?’ he thought as he looked into her eyes. Then he shook his head as if to clear his mind and readied for the duel.
“Let's see if I can remember how to do this, with you being close enough to touch.” She peeked at Syous from behind a shield.
Syous did not appear to have any difficulty concentrating on the casting of his spells. The sweeping motions of his hands directing the magic forces looked as elegant as ever. But despite Ana’s obvious difficulties, a couple of her successfully cast spells, to her utter surprise and delight, did manage to get through his defenses.
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