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Miki and Andros Take a Road Trip
Posted: Tue Mar 07, 2023 11:50 am
by Andros
It had been an interesting three days. Andros couldn’t quite decide whether having Miki for a traveling companion had been a good idea or not. There were some distinct pros and cons.
For one pro, she was useful. She helped him unload the cart and set up the tent, she led the animals to water, and she found a berry bush just off the road that provided a whole day’s worth of snacks.
For another, Miki was good company. She had lots of stories and wanted to hear his. The more he learned about her, the fonder he grew.
And for a final pro, being around a beautiful, very striking woman who seemed to like him gave him a rush. It was impossible to deny that he was infatuated when they were spending so much time together. He hadn’t breathed a word of it because he didn’t know how to handle it, but he had the sense that Miki knew. He felt guilty and excited at the same time whenever she brushed up against him or their hands touched.
Those were big pros, but there were some real cons. Miki’s manners and habits were odd. Of course they were, she was foreign. So was he, but he was used to Radenor by now and had adapted. She was, if anything, even more foreign than he was, not just from another realm but from outside the world of Atharen itself. She made jokes he didn’t understand, used unfamiliar words, even ate things he found taboo. It made it harder to get to know her, even if he knew he ought to be patient with their differences as others were patient with his.
And, as much as he thought he ought to be above such judgments, she was simply too…manly. She insisted on chopping wood. She demanded to stand guard duty when they slept in a forest she deemed dangerous, marching back and forth past him with her gun. She used foul language and kept spitting off the side of the cart. And while he understood that women had the same bodily functions as men, did she need to belch loudly after every meal.
As the campfire dimmed and the embers gleamed red on their third night on the road, Andros watched Miki pick her teeth with a knife. No amount of boorish behavior could make her less beautiful, especially in this light where her skin matched the light of the dying fire. Andros sighed, not sure how to feel.
They would reach the next Guild Tower the following day and presumably go their separate ways. Part of him was glad to get back to his ordinary routine. Another part was grateful for her company and didn’t want her to go. And a third wanted more. Not necessarily to take the woman to bed, though he did want that, but to make a more personal connection. Their conversations had been so superficial during this trip. He felt like he didn’t really know her.
They’d been sitting in companionable silence for some time when Andros decided to make a gesture. She might not appreciate the significance, but it meant a lot to him.
“Miki, I have one bottle of wine I brought from home left in my pack. You can’t find real wine anywhere in Radenor and I’ve been rationing it carefully, saving it for a special occasion. It’s excellent stuff and I’d like to share it with you tonight. Would you like that?”
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Re: Miki and Andros Take a Road Trip
Posted: Tue Mar 07, 2023 4:28 pm
by Miki
The past several days with him were rather peaceful. He was right, she knew his lust and didn't try hiding her own-- but didn't do anything crude or lewd to drive him away. In fact, despite not being considered sophisticated by his own standards only proved in her mind that he was more than he thought. Miki was used to randy, unkempt, obnoxious men and and women with no substance who couldn't hold a conversation. Despite not going much into her own history she knew a fair amount of Andros' own. It was this sole reason that he kept her so engaged, finding herself feeling like an intellectual and some-what tame. She didn't need to be the big dog and didn't have the want to get into trouble.
Long story short she wanted in his pants, he had a mature air about him that she was drooling over every chance she got. And yet, she also respected him. She wondered if he would be someone good to tell about her past. She had been considering telling him some choice details about her past, her brought up the idea of her own kids a lot while he was with her. It was probably because Miki could tell he was a great father to his children. He oozed respect and ability while not putting off a pretentiousness that was off putting or any kind of show. It was strength that he had in his confidence. That was the most sexy to her.
"Wine, dear? Absolutely. You say this is rare? I'm always interested in a rare wine, wouldn't be me if I ain't! Oddly enough I have with me a bottle of whiskey... I was going to see if you wanted to share it as well, ain't that funny, think you want to have some of that wine and polish off the night with some whiskey? Or do ya think ya can't keep up with a lady like myself?"
Re: Miki and Andros Take a Road Trip
Posted: Tue Mar 07, 2023 10:10 pm
by Andros
There were no elegant wine glasses here in the woods. Those were a specialty of his son-in-law Fell, who used his magic to make such delicate luxuries for the shepherds and farmers of Mikronisi. Here Andros had his iron cup and Miki had hers. He had to dig through his cart to get to the small wooden barrel that contained his very last few cups of wine. Then there was a struggle to get the cork out. Finally he was able to sit down next to Miki by the campfire and pour a portion for her and one for himself.
He took a sip and the taste transported him back. He was in the Men’s House in Upper Village, dining with his friends, perhaps celebrating a betrothal. He could almost see the sun setting into the ocean behind the building and taste the roast lamb that was the village’s specialty.
“Whisky next. Take your time, enjoy.”
Failing to follow his own advice, he took a large swig, enjoying the feeling of calm that came over him as he swallowed it down. It was irresistible.
“Would you like to hear how I got this particular cask of red? It’s 42 years old, and I can date it exactly because it’s from the first raid after I came of age.”
Miki seemed curious, so he continued.
“In those days we in the Upper Village were at war with the Lower Village. There are more of them, but we were more martial. We’re shepherds and they farm. They paid us tribute in what they grew - grain, olive oil, and wine. When the tribute didn’t come, we would raid and take what we needed.”
He got a wistful look in his eyes. The memory brought him pleasure.
“I was sixteen. We saddled up at dawn, hoping to catch the farmers sleeping. I was feeling bold, as a man does at that age, but that vanished when I saw they had known we were coming. A tight square of men in gleaming bronze breast-plates with iron helmets and iron-tipped spears was waiting for us. We hadn’t expected a full battle, just to set some fires and take what was due to us, but we had a strategy..”
He drew a square on the ground between himself and Miki with a stick, then around the square several times in a circle.
“We rode around the enemy, shooting arrows from the backs of our horses to soften up the lines. Some of the enemy threw their spears, but few hit. We were moving too quickly.”
Then he drew a line straight into the center of the square.
“When our commander judged the enemy sufficiently weakened, we rode right into the center of square. The cowards turned and ran. We don’t generally chase them down - the shame of flight is enough damage in a war with your neighbors. But I saw an opportunity and took a risk. One man among the fleeing stood out. He was the son of the headman of the Lower Village, a big bruiser of a boy, a head taller than me. I rode out ahead of the pack and chased him down. The soldiers around him turned to defend him and I took a spear in the thigh.”
He raised his tunic to show Miki the scar, but didn’t stop talking.
“But I got my man. I grabbed him by the strap of his helmet and dragged him back to my comrades. We carried him back to Upper Village and ransomed him back for double the tribute we were ordinarily entitled to. We still had some of that year’s wine when I left for Radenor.”
Andros used his hand to erase the square on the ground.
“Those days are gone now. When I became VIllage Headman I made a permanent peace with the Lower Village. I don’t like violence and I didn’t want that life for my people anymore.”
He grinned at Miki and winked. “Still, it was quite the rush. It was a stupid risk and I knew it at the time, but I had a girl I wanted to impress. And it worked - she married me.”
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Re: Miki and Andros Take a Road Trip
Posted: Thu Mar 09, 2023 9:34 am
by Miki
She listened curiously the whole time he told his tale. Quiet and studious, she was lost in thought as he started speaking. She was thinking about how he frequently seemed to lean on his past for conversation-- but Miki had told him next to nothing about herself. Nothing really substantial. It was a complex feeling thinking about her past but for him it was natural, something he could be proud of. She missed feeling proud, living in the Badlands gave little to be actually proud of. Not in reality. Fighting over a meal and killing each other was blatantly senseless. But farther back than that, talking about her own two children, talking about her previous family... It wasn't something she had done in a long time and not to mention she hadn't told a soul about how she was from another world.
The wine simply was delicious. Miki drank each swig with utter delight.
"Forty-two year old wine is amazing! I've never had a wine so sweet."
With the wine finished off she brought out her bottle of whiskey. It hadn't yet been open and she uncorked the bottle, drank deeply, and handed it over to Andros. She inspected the scar when he showed and it was lovely, she nodded her approval. They passed the bottle back and forth for a little bit when he had finished talking, a comfortable silence settled around them. Finally Miki got up the urge to speak.
"I had two kids. And a husband. They passed away."
That was all she said at first, leaving the words to hang solemnly in the air at first. Then she followed up with,
"I did similar work back then to what I do now. I'm a smith today but back then I assembled machines, sort of like artificing-- though I don't mess with machines anymore."
There was another pause, as if talking about her experiences was awkward or painful and she said her last statement,
"My children died first, they were infants and a toddler when they passed. My husband is certainly dead, when I left my home I left him behind-- he said we would see each other again. It's been almost 30 years. Before you ask where was I from, I can't tell you-- No really, I'm sorry. But I ain't goin back and my husband can't leave."
She sighed,
"I just want you to know that I do have a life too, but my life ain't always been beautiful. In fact, being around you makes me think my life has kinda sucked. I am glad to be making more memories with you, even though we just met each other.... there is something about you Andros. It makes me pensive and feel calm. I like that."
She moved her hand to rest on his shoulder for a moment, before taking it away. Her tail swished behind her, always betraying her emotions.
Re: Miki and Andros Take a Road Trip
Posted: Thu Mar 09, 2023 3:26 pm
by Andros
Miki didn’t make Andros feel pensive and calm. She didn’t make him reflect deeply on his past or on anything else.
No, Miki was fun in a lot of the same ways a man would be. She had good stories, she made good jokes, and she never complained about the rough living conditions. She occasionally made Andros a little horrified when she leaped too far over the bounds of propriety. But more than that, she made him excited. Being around her was thrilling. The hand on his shoulder was electric.
But at the moment, he couldn’t enjoy the feeling because of the deep sadness radiating off of his friend. It broke his heart to hear she had lived through something so awful.
“I’m so sorry, Miki. No one should have to go through that. We were lucky that all six girls made it to adulthood. There was a boy who died with his mother in childbirth, but that’s not the same. To lose a child after you knew her well enough to love her - it’s unimaginable to me.”
Acting on impulse, he took Miki’s hand and squeezed it.
“I’ve enjoyed our trip very much, making memories as you said. I’m honored that you shared this part of your story with me. If I can be a bright spot in life for you…well that makes me very proud.”
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Re: Miki and Andros Take a Road Trip
Posted: Sun Mar 12, 2023 1:44 pm
by Miki
It had been many years since the incident so she wasn't as upset as Andros was thinking, at least not as upset as someone hearing her story for the first time. This also put some context of her tale into perspective for her, it had been so long since she had felt the true weight of the emotions of leaving her husband behind on Kornos and her dead children... Miki felt it was something best left in the past in any case. The present though, the present was igniting with how they placed their hands on each other. Subtle yet loud affirmations that they both had the same thing on their mind. She hadn't felt truly infatuated with someone for some time, it was refreshing to feel. To this end, she knew she could manipulated him a little bit and maybe get a tryst.
Part of her wanted him in bed and to leave him high and dry the next morning. The other part wanted to explore their relationship and maybe extend the meetings, come see him again perhaps another time, but this second part also felt a certain pang of sadness at the thought. The thought of betrayal hit hard when she considered actually pursuing a relationship with this man. And yet, the more she felt the squeeze of his hand, she felt the absence of the weight of those years again. How long had it truly been? Nearly 20 years since she had last seen her husband? His spirit would forgive her for loving again.
"Thank you Andros. When you say you'd like to be a bright spot in my life, ain't ya implying you'd like to see me again? I've been thinking the same thing, there's something between us Andros. I have some misgivin's about how to proceed, but I ain't been one to ever back down from a challenge neither. So if you want to see me again, or see more of me at all, you let me know. I'll be more than happy to come around."
Re: Miki and Andros Take a Road Trip
Posted: Sun Mar 12, 2023 9:15 pm
by Andros
For Andros, there had only ever been Elena. The most beautiful woman on the island, he had been in love with her since they were children and still allowed to mix freely with the opposite sex. When they married everything was easy and natural and they just fit together.
He should have remarried - and quickly. He was rich by island standards and the Village Headman - it wouldn’t have been hard to find someone to take Elena’s place and help him raise the girls, maybe give him some sons too. But he found he didn’t want to. The thought of another woman in her bed made him a little sick to think about. No one else could fill her shoes.
But Miki was different. Not like the women of Teos. Not modest, not demure, not even human. She was in another category all together, and Andros liked that. Rather a lot. Unfortunately, it didn’t help him know how to take the next step, to make this end where they both wanted it to.
“You’re a remarkable woman, Miki. I’d absolutely like to see you again. I know we said we’d go our separate ways tomorrow, but why don’t you stay with me, at least a while. Your company on the road has been wonderful. I’m having a lot of fun.”
He picked up her hand and kissed it, feeling hopeful and excited.
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Re: Miki and Andros Take a Road Trip
Posted: Mon Mar 13, 2023 10:34 am
by Miki
This was it, her ticket to getting away from that Orkhai. Though never in her mind did she dream what it would imply, that she had found new feelings for another man after all these years and he was human too! He kissed her hand and she smiled, gesturing the hand on the side of his face and letting it linger there a moment in his before setting it back down.
"You know,"
She said,
"This is much better than where I was headed. I'll stay with you for two weeks at most, if you'll have me that long. Then I must get back to my home, I ain't too keen on overstaying my welcome now."
The alcohol was working, she felt warm, fuzzy, and loose. Miki wanted to push him down and take him right here, bare assed under the stars. But even with the alcohol coursing through her veins making it a wish, it wasn't something she would act on. Just fantasize about in the mean time. She looked at him with a big, drunk grin and told him,
"Really though, I appreciate that you enjoy my company. I ain't felt this good in with someone in a long time."
She looked forward to spending the next few days with him and getting to know him more.
Re: Miki and Andros Take a Road Trip
Posted: Mon Mar 13, 2023 8:07 pm
by Andros
Sitting here with Miki felt pretty damn great. This was the most fun Andros has had in many years, certainly since he came to Radenor. He liked his life but it could be lonely. Now that he had such good company he was not at all inclined to give it up.
“You say two weeks, but I’m a good negotiator, Miki,” he said with a wink. “Let’s say two weeks is your opening offer and we’ll see how long I can get you to stay with me. The road is a lot more fun with two, don’t you think?”
It really was good to be around Miki. He was talking to an actual human being all day instead of his sheep and his donkey. He was doing a better job and riding faster because he wanted to impress her. He had someone to share his meals with, even if she hadn’t volunteered to cook once. And, though he wouldn’t admit it, knowing she was by his side with her terrifying weapon made him feel safer riding in a cart full of valuable goods down deserted forest paths.
The hand on his face knocked all other thoughts out of his head. He was a gentleman, he imagined, but still only a man. A beautiful woman touches you gently and your mind goes only one place. Still, as much as he wanted to take her off to his blanket under the stars - rather romantic now that he thought about it - he was content to wait until she came to him. He was fairly certain she would. Soon.
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