[ Not terribly long after their formative rendezvous in the woods, Nicole approaches the door of Varka's inn room with a comprehensive plan in mind.
This plan was as follows: Knock on the door to ascertain whether Varka was inside. If yes, wait for him to open the door. Subtly and elegantly imply that, due to her relative lack of experience, that the practice he had mentioned was of paramount importance. Be open to any development from that point onwards.
It was foolproof. Absolutely airtight. So why was she so… nervous? They had already determined there was no danger in it. She had absolutely nothing to fear. Though… if she dwelled on the feeling for a moment longer, she could distantly catalogue what she was actually experiencing.
She wasn’t afraid. Anxious, perhaps. It had been a long while since she was inexperienced with anything! It is why her knock, ultimately, is… borderline timid. ]
[For all their verbal fooling around, Varka has been nothing if not serious about trying to research their predicament. While he is less than eager to leave at this point, it can't hurt to know what they're up against. That's precisely why he's sat at his desk, book open as he pores over it. He's been at it for awhile, judging by the fact that his chest plate is hung up, both his boots and his greaves are set to the side, and his jacket is slung over the back of his chair. There's also a stein nearby, filled with one of the tavern's best but... he's only half-empty at this point.
This is important. He needs a clear head.
That clear head is precisely why he doesn't startle at the knock. Or maybe it's the fact that he's reasonably certain as to the identity of his visitor. He's gathered a few companions thus far, but he doubts that anyone would directly seek him out.
Or sound so cautious about it.
Carefully marking his place with a plucked dandelion, Varka makes his way to the door. Admittedly, he's a little worried as to the nature of the knock. Had someting happened to Nicole? Certainly not. Her knock was hesitant, not urgent.
Well, there was only one way to find out, right? He opens the door, offering an easy smile.]
[ That was the funny thing about plans: they were incredibly easy to lose track of. When Varka opens the door with his shirt only partially buttoned, Nicole forgets nearly every detail of her plan.
In fact, the only thing at the forefront of her mind is fascination with how the shirt was managing to remain buttoned at all. Was it always this tight on his body beneath his armor?
It takes approximately five seconds of unabashed and distracted staring before she actually looks at Varka's face. By that point, her face is already flushed. She gropes wildly for the vestiges of a script, blinking quickly enough to denote that she is struggling.
[Well. Varka had thought she wasn't in danger. The way she struggles to form words briefly sends Varka's heart into his throat, however. It's only once he figures out where she's looking that he puts two and two together.
Oops. Probably a little much for a newly fledged romantic.]
Practice, huh? [Given the chaos that their first kiss ended in, Varka probably knows better than to push his luck but... only just barely. He takes a step backward into the room, allowing her to enter before he responds properly.] Is that actually what you came here for, or did you get distracted?
[ Nicole certainly isn't complaining. Since they kissed it means she’s allowed to look, doesn’t it? Varka doesn’t seem to be complaining.
She is quick to shuffle her way into the room as soon as she is given the opportunity to do so.
Theoretically, she knows that he is teasing her. It seemed that he had been emboldened to do so in a similar way that she had been emboldened to admire him. Still: she knows what she is here for. She has a plan. She is following the plan regardless of the state of undress that Varka is in.
Her expression is determined when she turns to look at him. ]
[There's no complaints to be had whatsoever. Really, if he was going to be complaining about anything, it was the fact that the temperature in the room seemed to be rising. He'd have to have a word with whoever ran the place. Clearly something was malfunctioning.
Or maybe, just maybe, it's the way Nicole looks at him. Certainly, it's enough to temper any additional teasing he might issue.]
Right. Got it.
[He makes his way back toward his desk, using it to lean against as he studies her. He isn't trying to put an excessive amount of space between them, more to get comfortable without being presumptuous.]
Did you... have an idea of how you wanted it to look? Or do you want me to take the lead?
[He doesn't mind one way or another. Taking the lead might have been the better play, considering his experience but... he'd leave the ball in Nicole's court, just to be sure.]
[ Therein lies the rub. Varka moves to observe and Nicole follows suit. Except, in a signature move that Varka may or may not be aware of, her mind is quick to blossom with a hundredfold varying thoughts.
Was she supposed to know the particulars of how she would like this to go? She had read romance, of course, but how accurate were novels in comparison to the real thing? Did Varka have preemptive preferences that he wasn't communicating? Was he going to communicate them, or was he allowing her to dictate the entirety of the experience? Surely that would make little sense, given her lack of knowledge on the matter. Should she have arrived equally dressed down? But perhaps that would have given the wrong impression. There were nuances to these types of interactions, and to lead with the wrong foot could be devastating… both for a budding relationship and the mood. The mood, which was incredibly important. Was she ruining the mood? Was she still staring silently at Varka, a little wide-eyed?
Yes. Yes she was. She looks away, nervously twining a piece of hair around her finger. ]
[Politeness would dictate that Varka should look anywhere but at Nicole right now. He should especially not be staring when her thoughts are clearly frantic, if the sudden noise within his own head is anything to go off of. She's struggling, and staring is only going to make it worse. But knowing something and actually acting appropriately based off of that knowledge were two very different things.
Which his why his lips have shifted into a crooked smile.]
You're dressed just fine, Nicole.
[He can't help himself, but at least he clears his throat and moves on quickly enough.]
You've got a lot of questions — that's normal. For now, let's start with the basics. [It was clear that she was going to need guidance; he could handle that. He'd been responsible for training countless knights. Surely he could apply a little of that logic here, too.] There's two ways this can go: I can take the lead, or I can give you options.
[He motions around the room.]
What would make you feel most comfortable? You could come over here, to me. Or we could sit on the bed. My preference — [A wink here.] — would be the bed, but maybe that's a bit more intimate than you're ready for.
[ She was projecting her thoughts the whole time wasn't she? The embarrassment that sears through her is nearly strong enough to send her marching right out that door.
Somehow, though, it was also… strangely enticing. Invigorating, even, especially given Varka's seemingly easy confidence. She was an independent and capable individual. They were both aware of this. Varka had said as much many times over now.
There was, however, something to be said about… an attractiveness intimately tied to competence. While she scarcely wanted to be put through romantic drills, the idea of adhering to Varka's preference certainly didn't sound bad.
Nicole glances from Varka to the bed. With her eyes trained on him, and the faintest tremor in her fingers, she seats himself at the foot of the bed. There is a fascinating heat in her stomach that she cannot quite place. Furtively, she crosses her legs and tries not to mind it for the moment.
Her dress pulls taut across her skin. The fabric parts where the slit sits, which is likely… unintentionally scandalous. ]
The bed is – the bed works.
[ She wets her lips in spite of not using them. There is an equally heady heat on her face, one more difficult to hide than the warmth in her core. ]
[ Another late night rendezvous... except she does not have anything nearly as risque in mind this time. She still knocks on the door, regardless of... whatever they are now. ]
[Varka, by now, knows that knock. Enough so that he doesn't bother to sit up from where he's reclined in bed, arm folded behind his head. He has a book open, reading through it in the waning hours of the night. Honestly, he might have even nodded off.
Which is precisely why he sounds like he's yawning as he says:]
[ Aw. That really should not be as endearing as it is. Nicole closes the door behind her, marches over to the bed, and carefully plucks the book out of Varka's hands. ]
[And equally as emboldened, Varka takes advantage of her momentary distraction to tug her onto the bed. Nothing so scandalous as being on top of him, but certainly nestled beside him.]
[ It is only by virtue of the surprise severing their connection that she does not make an ungainly sound into his head. She recovers quickly enough – after all, Varka is warm and the weather outside is still cold. ]
[ It was time. The powers that be in the Grove had granted her the gift of a home to her exact specifications – in fact, they had almost granted her multiple houses as a direct result of the rampant magic – and now she was to deliver the news to Varka. It is how she finds herself standing outside of the door to his inn room for what feels like the hundredth time in recent memory.
This will be much less of a hassle when he is simply in the same house. She will not have to concern herself with how long she stands nervously in front of his door, because there will be no nosy onlookers! For now, she forces her nerves to steel and lifts a hand to knock on the door.
…Then she simply lets herself in without waiting for his reply. At this point, she sincerely doubts there could ever be anything waiting through that door that could shock her. ]
[Thankfully, Varka is at least mostly dressed when he heads to the door; only his armor and his jacket have been removed for the time being. Like before, there isn't an ounce of hesitation when he opens the door. He's memorized Nicole's delicate knock, and is already smiling broadly as it swings open. She barely has time to get her greeting out before Varka is sweeping down, stealing a quick kiss — privacy be damned.]
There you are! I tried knocking earlier, but you weren't in. I was just about to gear up and start a search party, you know.
[He absolutely was not, do not believe this idiot.]
[ Frankly she likely would have been just as enthusiastic about stepping inside if he wasn't mostly dressed – maybe even more enthusiastic if we're thinking about it –…
Nicole is quick enough to return his kiss, lifting a hand to lightly graze the front of his chest. Privacy be damned, indeed, these two can boast at least a smidgen of public displays of affection. Thankfully, what she has come here for might solve that little issue for them rather quickly!
She giggles, leaning up against the doorframe with her hip. ]
Thankfully, there is no need for that! I was having a conversation with the dear Shopkeeper here, who assisted me in summoning in one home, to my exacting specifications. I came here immediately thereafter to inform you, if you would still be interested in joining me there.
[Likewise, Varka lifts a hand to her cheek, then cards it through her hair as he shifts to give her space. Thankfully, due to their difference in height, he can angle his body just enough to still similarly lean against the door frame, though it does come at the "cost" of remaining relatively crowded toward her. Oh well. At least it means he can keep her his hand tangled in her hair.]
Really? Everything you wanted, just like that? [His imagination is already running wild. They'd gone over their wants and needs for their home, but to have it happen so smoothly? Even having spent time with the Hexenzirkel, it seems rather fast.
Not that he's complaining.]
I'm still plenty interested, don't you worry. If you give me a few minutes, I can have everything packed up.
[There are benefits to being a perpetual wanderer, and that's the fact that he keeps very little on his person. All he needs are the clothes on his back and the books he's borrowed.]
[ Nicole leans into the touch almost immediately, practically cat-like. Her eyes slip closed in conentment as she allows herself to bask in the physical contact. Being able to have this, no holds barred, is something she is sorely looking forward to.
Her eyes do open after a few seconds, but only enough for her to squint up at Varka smilingly. It made sense for him to already be prepared to leave, but she does hope that he will achieve some measure of comfort within her home… it would disappoint her if he was in such preparation to leave at any moment that he did not even try to put down roots.
Not that she wants to force him. It has to be his decision. ]
Yes! The magic they bear is rather accomplished, though I did almost have four houses instead of simply the one. I had requested there be more than enough space to comfortably house two people, regardless of whether we are spending every minute of every day attached at the hip or puttering about the place on our lonesome. I think you will be particularly fond of the interior!
[ She clasps her hands. ] And of course. Take your time! I will only slightly rush you!
[With time, Varka will likely gather possessions and learn what it means to put down roots. He does want to consider his home with Nicole to be a permanent one, but breaking down years of training and traveling was going to take time.
Of course, in this instance, it does help that Varka was largely prepared to move given their previous discussions. He takes only a moment to grab the bulk of his supplies, carefully put together in a bindle he made from a blanket. He'll be keeping this, thank you.]
No need to slightly rush me. See, already almost put together.
[Beyond that, he needs only grab his gear. For now, that means keeping the door open as he retreats to his bed, sitting down on it as he hefts on his boots and other pieces.]
Did you charm them too much? That how you almost ended up with more houses? Or, uh. Wait. I've got this. It was the magic again, right?
[ Sad ant with a bindle... or in this instance, smiling happy blonde man with a bindle...
Nicole is capable of waiting mostly patiently by the door while Varka prepares himself to leave. With an emphasis on mostly. She barely refrains from tapping her foot as he gathers himself, though her attention does sharpen the moment he sits down on the bed.
Sorry, Varka, you'd snagged yourself one who just wholly appreciated your... entirety. She is admiring him rather openly. ]
I wouldn't say I charmed them too much. Only as much as one can anticipate from the likes of me. It was largely assuredly the magic though, yes. Not that I would have minded having multiple homes!
[He is the happiest ant with a bindle right now, thank you very much.
Varka does pause for a moment the second he picks up on her tapping. He gives her a look, one that desperately tries to be reproachful but looks more and more fond the longer he holds it. This woman. This beautiful woman.
He's equally aware of her eyes on him as he works, too. Maybe he slows it down a little, giving her a show as he lowers himself to slide his boots on, then stretches himself out before reaching for the breast plate. He clasps it together with slow deliberation, glancing up through his bangs after a moment to see just what an effect he's having on her.]
Ah, sounds like even the village elders are struggling with these changes. Feel bad for them, especially after all they've been helping out.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
timeasmymeasure
KNOCK KNOCK.
Date: 2026-03-10 05:11 am (UTC)This plan was as follows:
Knock on the door to ascertain whether Varka was inside. If yes, wait for him to open the door. Subtly and elegantly imply that, due to her relative lack of experience, that the practice he had mentioned was of paramount importance. Be open to any development from that point onwards.
It was foolproof. Absolutely airtight. So why was she so… nervous? They had already determined there was no danger in it. She had absolutely nothing to fear. Though… if she dwelled on the feeling for a moment longer, she could distantly catalogue what she was actually experiencing.
She wasn’t afraid. Anxious, perhaps. It had been a long while since she was inexperienced with anything! It is why her knock, ultimately, is… borderline timid. ]
no subject
Date: 2026-03-10 05:43 am (UTC)This is important. He needs a clear head.
That clear head is precisely why he doesn't startle at the knock. Or maybe it's the fact that he's reasonably certain as to the identity of his visitor. He's gathered a few companions thus far, but he doubts that anyone would directly seek him out.
Or sound so cautious about it.
Carefully marking his place with a plucked dandelion, Varka makes his way to the door. Admittedly, he's a little worried as to the nature of the knock. Had someting happened to Nicole? Certainly not. Her knock was hesitant, not urgent.
Well, there was only one way to find out, right? He opens the door, offering an easy smile.]
Don't worry. You didn't wake me. Come on in.
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Date: 2026-03-10 05:53 am (UTC)In fact, the only thing at the forefront of her mind is fascination with how the shirt was managing to remain buttoned at all. Was it always this tight on his body beneath his armor?
It takes approximately five seconds of unabashed and distracted staring before she actually looks at Varka's face. By that point, her face is already flushed. She gropes wildly for the vestiges of a script, blinking quickly enough to denote that she is struggling.
Eventually, she manages something. ]
You mentioned… practice.
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Date: 2026-03-10 06:04 am (UTC)Oops. Probably a little much for a newly fledged romantic.]
Practice, huh? [Given the chaos that their first kiss ended in, Varka probably knows better than to push his luck but... only just barely. He takes a step backward into the room, allowing her to enter before he responds properly.] Is that actually what you came here for, or did you get distracted?
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Date: 2026-03-10 06:14 am (UTC)She is quick to shuffle her way into the room as soon as she is given the opportunity to do so.
Theoretically, she knows that he is teasing her. It seemed that he had been emboldened to do so in a similar way that she had been emboldened to admire him. Still: she knows what she is here for. She has a plan. She is following the plan regardless of the state of undress that Varka is in.
Her expression is determined when she turns to look at him. ]
It is actually what I came here for, yes.
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Date: 2026-03-10 06:21 am (UTC)Or maybe, just maybe, it's the way Nicole looks at him. Certainly, it's enough to temper any additional teasing he might issue.]
Right. Got it.
[He makes his way back toward his desk, using it to lean against as he studies her. He isn't trying to put an excessive amount of space between them, more to get comfortable without being presumptuous.]
Did you... have an idea of how you wanted it to look? Or do you want me to take the lead?
[He doesn't mind one way or another. Taking the lead might have been the better play, considering his experience but... he'd leave the ball in Nicole's court, just to be sure.]
no subject
Date: 2026-03-10 06:38 am (UTC)Was she supposed to know the particulars of how she would like this to go? She had read romance, of course, but how accurate were novels in comparison to the real thing? Did Varka have preemptive preferences that he wasn't communicating? Was he going to communicate them, or was he allowing her to dictate the entirety of the experience? Surely that would make little sense, given her lack of knowledge on the matter. Should she have arrived equally dressed down? But perhaps that would have given the wrong impression. There were nuances to these types of interactions, and to lead with the wrong foot could be devastating… both for a budding relationship and the mood. The mood, which was incredibly important. Was she ruining the mood? Was she still staring silently at Varka, a little wide-eyed?
Yes. Yes she was. She looks away, nervously twining a piece of hair around her finger. ]
I'm… not sure.
[ Nailed it. ]
no subject
Date: 2026-03-10 06:54 am (UTC)Which his why his lips have shifted into a crooked smile.]
You're dressed just fine, Nicole.
[He can't help himself, but at least he clears his throat and moves on quickly enough.]
You've got a lot of questions — that's normal. For now, let's start with the basics. [It was clear that she was going to need guidance; he could handle that. He'd been responsible for training countless knights. Surely he could apply a little of that logic here, too.] There's two ways this can go: I can take the lead, or I can give you options.
[He motions around the room.]
What would make you feel most comfortable? You could come over here, to me. Or we could sit on the bed. My preference — [A wink here.] — would be the bed, but maybe that's a bit more intimate than you're ready for.
no subject
Date: 2026-03-10 07:10 am (UTC)Somehow, though, it was also… strangely enticing. Invigorating, even, especially given Varka's seemingly easy confidence. She was an independent and capable individual. They were both aware of this. Varka had said as much many times over now.
There was, however, something to be said about… an attractiveness intimately tied to competence. While she scarcely wanted to be put through romantic drills, the idea of adhering to Varka's preference certainly didn't sound bad.
Nicole glances from Varka to the bed. With her eyes trained on him, and the faintest tremor in her fingers, she seats himself at the foot of the bed. There is a fascinating heat in her stomach that she cannot quite place. Furtively, she crosses her legs and tries not to mind it for the moment.
Her dress pulls taut across her skin. The fabric parts where the slit sits, which is likely… unintentionally scandalous. ]
The bed is – the bed works.
[ She wets her lips in spite of not using them. There is an equally heady heat on her face, one more difficult to hide than the warmth in her core. ]
What next?
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From:We can call this NSFW now.
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From:Is me again.
Date: 2026-03-20 03:40 am (UTC)is you! i love you!
Date: 2026-03-20 03:45 am (UTC)Which is precisely why he sounds like he's yawning as he says:]
C'min
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Date: 2026-03-20 03:49 am (UTC)Hello there.
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Date: 2026-03-20 03:55 am (UTC)Hey, yourself. Come here often?
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Date: 2026-03-20 03:57 am (UTC)[ Clearly emboldened by recent events, Nicole does not hesitate to lean down to press a quick kiss to Varka's lips. ]
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Date: 2026-03-20 04:07 am (UTC)[And equally as emboldened, Varka takes advantage of her momentary distraction to tug her onto the bed. Nothing so scandalous as being on top of him, but certainly nestled beside him.]
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Date: 2026-03-20 04:12 am (UTC)Maybe. Wrestling me is particularly funny.
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Date: 2026-03-20 04:15 am (UTC)[Just guffawing straight into her face before smacking a kiss right on her cheek.]
Seriously, though, what's going on?
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From:sighs and puts a nsfw warning on this just in case.
From:They're kind of like rabbits.
From:wow aspen and lina have horny characters? color us surprised.
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From:It's ME, again. After Nicole has acquired a House.
Date: 2026-03-31 11:32 pm (UTC)This will be much less of a hassle when he is simply in the same house. She will not have to concern herself with how long she stands nervously in front of his door, because there will be no nosy onlookers! For now, she forces her nerves to steel and lifts a hand to knock on the door.
…Then she simply lets herself in without waiting for his reply. At this point, she sincerely doubts there could ever be anything waiting through that door that could shock her. ]
Hello!
YAY IT'S YOU
Date: 2026-04-01 04:59 am (UTC)There you are! I tried knocking earlier, but you weren't in. I was just about to gear up and start a search party, you know.
[He absolutely was not, do not believe this idiot.]
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Date: 2026-04-01 05:34 am (UTC)Nicole is quick enough to return his kiss, lifting a hand to lightly graze the front of his chest. Privacy be damned, indeed, these two can boast at least a smidgen of public displays of affection. Thankfully, what she has come here for might solve that little issue for them rather quickly!
She giggles, leaning up against the doorframe with her hip. ]
Thankfully, there is no need for that! I was having a conversation with the dear Shopkeeper here, who assisted me in summoning in one home, to my exacting specifications. I came here immediately thereafter to inform you, if you would still be interested in joining me there.
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Date: 2026-04-01 05:57 am (UTC)Really? Everything you wanted, just like that? [His imagination is already running wild. They'd gone over their wants and needs for their home, but to have it happen so smoothly? Even having spent time with the Hexenzirkel, it seems rather fast.
Not that he's complaining.]
I'm still plenty interested, don't you worry. If you give me a few minutes, I can have everything packed up.
[There are benefits to being a perpetual wanderer, and that's the fact that he keeps very little on his person. All he needs are the clothes on his back and the books he's borrowed.]
no subject
Date: 2026-04-01 06:33 am (UTC)Her eyes do open after a few seconds, but only enough for her to squint up at Varka smilingly. It made sense for him to already be prepared to leave, but she does hope that he will achieve some measure of comfort within her home… it would disappoint her if he was in such preparation to leave at any moment that he did not even try to put down roots.
Not that she wants to force him. It has to be his decision. ]
Yes! The magic they bear is rather accomplished, though I did almost have four houses instead of simply the one. I had requested there be more than enough space to comfortably house two people, regardless of whether we are spending every minute of every day attached at the hip or puttering about the place on our lonesome. I think you will be particularly fond of the interior!
[ She clasps her hands. ] And of course. Take your time! I will only slightly rush you!
no subject
Date: 2026-04-02 01:20 am (UTC)Of course, in this instance, it does help that Varka was largely prepared to move given their previous discussions. He takes only a moment to grab the bulk of his supplies, carefully put together in a bindle he made from a blanket. He'll be keeping this, thank you.]
No need to slightly rush me. See, already almost put together.
[Beyond that, he needs only grab his gear. For now, that means keeping the door open as he retreats to his bed, sitting down on it as he hefts on his boots and other pieces.]
Did you charm them too much? That how you almost ended up with more houses? Or, uh. Wait. I've got this. It was the magic again, right?
no subject
Date: 2026-04-02 02:15 am (UTC)Nicole is capable of waiting mostly patiently by the door while Varka prepares himself to leave. With an emphasis on mostly. She barely refrains from tapping her foot as he gathers himself, though her attention does sharpen the moment he sits down on the bed.
Sorry, Varka, you'd snagged yourself one who just wholly appreciated your... entirety. She is admiring him rather openly. ]
I wouldn't say I charmed them too much. Only as much as one can anticipate from the likes of me. It was largely assuredly the magic though, yes. Not that I would have minded having multiple homes!
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Date: 2026-04-02 05:06 pm (UTC)Varka does pause for a moment the second he picks up on her tapping. He gives her a look, one that desperately tries to be reproachful but looks more and more fond the longer he holds it. This woman. This beautiful woman.
He's equally aware of her eyes on him as he works, too. Maybe he slows it down a little, giving her a show as he lowers himself to slide his boots on, then stretches himself out before reaching for the breast plate. He clasps it together with slow deliberation, glancing up through his bangs after a moment to see just what an effect he's having on her.]
Ah, sounds like even the village elders are struggling with these changes. Feel bad for them, especially after all they've been helping out.
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