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alnifolia2022-07-12 06:40 pm
hearthwarming) wrote in alnifolia2022-07-12 06:40 pm
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[ It is always a blessing, when one dreams pleasantly. So often are the dreams of those in Reverein fraught with painful memories or laden with one's fears - perhaps because these sorts of dreams tend to be the strongest, the most likely to pull others in - that when a peaceful dreamscape forms, it feels that much more lovely and precious.
It's exactly this sort of dream that finds Oriphi in her slumber one summer night. There's a sleepy little glade in the forest, bathed in a hazy, but warm and inviting light. The grass beneath one's feet is peppered, all over, by colorful wildflowers. The forest teems with life, and even in a dream the breeze feels fresh and the sounds of birds and other critters fill the air.
And in the midst of it all lays the young tiefling woman, surrounded by flowers as her chest rises and falls with slow breaths. She looks at peace as she gazes up into the bright blue sky above, clouds drifting slowly by. She has always been a bit of a daydreamer, and perhaps even in her own dream - unaware as she might be of it being what it is - she daydreams, too. ]
It's exactly this sort of dream that finds Oriphi in her slumber one summer night. There's a sleepy little glade in the forest, bathed in a hazy, but warm and inviting light. The grass beneath one's feet is peppered, all over, by colorful wildflowers. The forest teems with life, and even in a dream the breeze feels fresh and the sounds of birds and other critters fill the air.
And in the midst of it all lays the young tiefling woman, surrounded by flowers as her chest rises and falls with slow breaths. She looks at peace as she gazes up into the bright blue sky above, clouds drifting slowly by. She has always been a bit of a daydreamer, and perhaps even in her own dream - unaware as she might be of it being what it is - she daydreams, too. ]
[ Rarely does Trahearne dreamwalk, and the reasons are many--he doesn't like feeling as though he's intruded upon another's privacy, their deepest and darkest thoughts and secrets; he often feels out of place, out of control; he often awakens bewildered and more tired, especially when he is such a light sleeper to begin with. And perhaps that doesn't make him a very good neighbor, especially in a place that relies so heavily upon dreams as this one.
This night is different, though. Something in his sleep draws him here, to this glade. The sun is warm on his skin, the grass soft at his feet. He tilts his head, curious, and hears nothing but nature at peace.
He can only think of one who might dream of such a thing.
As he steps through the foliage, parting branches, he sees the one who he was very much expecting to see. And though she cannot see it, a bright smile spreads across his face at the sight.
The sylvari comes to sit in the grass beside the tiefling with naught but a quiet rustle, his own leaves dancing on the breeze. ]
Hello, Ori.
This night is different, though. Something in his sleep draws him here, to this glade. The sun is warm on his skin, the grass soft at his feet. He tilts his head, curious, and hears nothing but nature at peace.
He can only think of one who might dream of such a thing.
As he steps through the foliage, parting branches, he sees the one who he was very much expecting to see. And though she cannot see it, a bright smile spreads across his face at the sight.
The sylvari comes to sit in the grass beside the tiefling with naught but a quiet rustle, his own leaves dancing on the breeze. ]
Hello, Ori.
Edited 2022-07-13 07:58 (UTC)
[ Yet unaware that this is a dream, let alone hers, Ori doesn't realize the possibility that Trahearne is here because, perhaps, her subconscious has reached out for him, seeking his company. Those are considerations for Ori to have in the morning, when she's awoken.
As it is, the soft rustling of foliage bids her to look over and smile warmly at him as he greets her. The flowers around her and in her hair seem to unfurl just a little more; she is happy to see him. And more and more as of late, the sight of him makes something warm bloom in her chest and pulls the corners of her lips into a smile, no matter how hard she tries to seem as she always had before she realized there was something special about their... friendship, something special about Trahearne himself. ]
Hi, Trahearne. I had a feeling you would find me out here.
As it is, the soft rustling of foliage bids her to look over and smile warmly at him as he greets her. The flowers around her and in her hair seem to unfurl just a little more; she is happy to see him. And more and more as of late, the sight of him makes something warm bloom in her chest and pulls the corners of her lips into a smile, no matter how hard she tries to seem as she always had before she realized there was something special about their... friendship, something special about Trahearne himself. ]
Hi, Trahearne. I had a feeling you would find me out here.
[ As she speaks, Trahearne cants his head to cast a glance in her direction, but finds his eyes dart away as their gaze meets, despite the broadening smile on his face.
It has been much the same for him in the past several weeks. There has been a constant internal tug-of-war within him--part of him finds himself thinking of her more often, thinking of seeking her out simply to spend time with her, but another part of him is mortified at the thought, worried about being overbearing or overstaying his welcome or--
Never mind that. ]
And I had a feeling I would find you here.
[ This is true.
His eyes fall shut, basking in the warmth and the sounds and the scents of the comforting dream, things he considers so quintessentially Ori. When was the last time he felt so comfortable, so at peace in the presence of another? Not for a very long time, he concludes.
It is hard for someone like him to simply be, however. ]
Where are we?
It has been much the same for him in the past several weeks. There has been a constant internal tug-of-war within him--part of him finds himself thinking of her more often, thinking of seeking her out simply to spend time with her, but another part of him is mortified at the thought, worried about being overbearing or overstaying his welcome or--
Never mind that. ]
And I had a feeling I would find you here.
[ This is true.
His eyes fall shut, basking in the warmth and the sounds and the scents of the comforting dream, things he considers so quintessentially Ori. When was the last time he felt so comfortable, so at peace in the presence of another? Not for a very long time, he concludes.
It is hard for someone like him to simply be, however. ]
Where are we?
This is one of my favorite spots.
[ Which doesn't necessarily answer the question of where they are. In the haze of this dream, maybe she's not even quite sure, herself.
Try as he might to avoid eye contact, however, her gaze stays fervently fixed on him as she watches his eyes slip shut to take in their surroundings. He looks... Peaceful, she thinks, and that blooming warmth in her chest resurfaces at the thought, at the quiet hope that he feels at peace because of her.
Before too long, at least, she turns her gaze back up towards the sky. ]
It's nice to lay in the grass like this and just clear your mind, sometimes. I've never been good at things like meditating, but this is probably the closest I can get to that.
[ She huffs a light little laugh as she adds, ] Though most of the time I just fall asleep...
[ Which doesn't necessarily answer the question of where they are. In the haze of this dream, maybe she's not even quite sure, herself.
Try as he might to avoid eye contact, however, her gaze stays fervently fixed on him as she watches his eyes slip shut to take in their surroundings. He looks... Peaceful, she thinks, and that blooming warmth in her chest resurfaces at the thought, at the quiet hope that he feels at peace because of her.
Before too long, at least, she turns her gaze back up towards the sky. ]
It's nice to lay in the grass like this and just clear your mind, sometimes. I've never been good at things like meditating, but this is probably the closest I can get to that.
[ She huffs a light little laugh as she adds, ] Though most of the time I just fall asleep...
[ He is at peace, as much as one like him can be. Though he is often content to sit in silence and let his thoughts roam, he finds that in this particular situation, he wishes to sit specifically because he's with Ori.
The thought causes a knot to form in his chest, one that threatens to spread up his throat, his stomach; one he quickly dismisses. It melts away. ]
I'm not terribly good at meditating or clearing my mind. My thoughts are much too loud.
[ The curse of being a scholar, he supposes.
An impulse overtakes him, and in this moment he is thankful that she can't see his face--or, at least, he thinks she can't. He feels the knot come back, accompanied by a slight tingle on his cheeks. And for some reason, he feels embarrassed at the thought of seeing him with a blush on his cheeks; he lifts a hand and lightly runs it down his face, bidding it leave.
The impulse stays, though. And he gives in.
He unfolds himself, rolling backwards to come lie in the grass besides Ori, his eyes fixed on the serene sky above. ]
Perhaps I can learn a thing or two from you.
The thought causes a knot to form in his chest, one that threatens to spread up his throat, his stomach; one he quickly dismisses. It melts away. ]
I'm not terribly good at meditating or clearing my mind. My thoughts are much too loud.
[ The curse of being a scholar, he supposes.
An impulse overtakes him, and in this moment he is thankful that she can't see his face--or, at least, he thinks she can't. He feels the knot come back, accompanied by a slight tingle on his cheeks. And for some reason, he feels embarrassed at the thought of seeing him with a blush on his cheeks; he lifts a hand and lightly runs it down his face, bidding it leave.
The impulse stays, though. And he gives in.
He unfolds himself, rolling backwards to come lie in the grass besides Ori, his eyes fixed on the serene sky above. ]
Perhaps I can learn a thing or two from you.
[ She lifts an arm to wave her hand dismissively, laughing all the more at what he says. ]
No, no, you wouldn't want to do that. I worry too much about everything.
[ The fact is, maybe tendency towards falling asleep happens less because of her being at peace and more because she's just plain tired. Right now, though, she doesn't feel tired. She feels... Happy in a way that she hasn't felt for quite some time, the kind where she wishes this could go on for as long as it possibly can - especially because of her present company.
But, ah... Now they're laying next to each other, talking about clearing their minds and feeling at peace, except that her heart has begun to race and she can feel warmth rising to her own cheeks as he settles in beside her. ]
Though I suppose we can pretend that I know what I'm doing for a moment... Just look up at the sky and take a deep breath, okay?
[ She says, although she can't help but let her own gaze fall sideways to catch a glimpse of him - just for a moment. ]
No, no, you wouldn't want to do that. I worry too much about everything.
[ The fact is, maybe tendency towards falling asleep happens less because of her being at peace and more because she's just plain tired. Right now, though, she doesn't feel tired. She feels... Happy in a way that she hasn't felt for quite some time, the kind where she wishes this could go on for as long as it possibly can - especially because of her present company.
But, ah... Now they're laying next to each other, talking about clearing their minds and feeling at peace, except that her heart has begun to race and she can feel warmth rising to her own cheeks as he settles in beside her. ]
Though I suppose we can pretend that I know what I'm doing for a moment... Just look up at the sky and take a deep breath, okay?
[ She says, although she can't help but let her own gaze fall sideways to catch a glimpse of him - just for a moment. ]
[ She laughs, and he chuckles in turn. Her joy is infectious--to him, at least. Even if it isn't exactly joy.
He turns his head to look at her, a fond smile crossing his face unbeknownst to him. The way the sun illuminates her face, how the grasses frame her profile and the flowers decorate her being just suits her so perfectly. Time and time again Trahearne has found himself impressed simply by how warm her demeanor is, how big her heart is, how much she cares for the plants and animals and people around her. And how hard he's found it to look away when she carries herself in her element, the way her face lights up when around friends. And now, something warms him to see her so happy, so at peace--
And she looks at him.
For a second he holds her gaze, but it feels like an eternity. Something catches in his throat, and a golden hue creeps onto his cheeks. He forgets to breathe, to blink. She is so close. Why did he think coming to lie here was a good idea? Because now he is most certainly making a fool of himself--
He turns his head again, directing his gaze back up to the sky. He inhales audibly, dispelling the knot in his throat, calming the buzz in his stomach. ]
All right. [ He did what he was told, after all. ] Now what?
He turns his head to look at her, a fond smile crossing his face unbeknownst to him. The way the sun illuminates her face, how the grasses frame her profile and the flowers decorate her being just suits her so perfectly. Time and time again Trahearne has found himself impressed simply by how warm her demeanor is, how big her heart is, how much she cares for the plants and animals and people around her. And how hard he's found it to look away when she carries herself in her element, the way her face lights up when around friends. And now, something warms him to see her so happy, so at peace--
And she looks at him.
For a second he holds her gaze, but it feels like an eternity. Something catches in his throat, and a golden hue creeps onto his cheeks. He forgets to breathe, to blink. She is so close. Why did he think coming to lie here was a good idea? Because now he is most certainly making a fool of himself--
He turns his head again, directing his gaze back up to the sky. He inhales audibly, dispelling the knot in his throat, calming the buzz in his stomach. ]
All right. [ He did what he was told, after all. ] Now what?
[ Something passes between them in that moment as their eyes meet, and that instant seemingly unfolds into an eternity.
Ori is unsure of what to make of that forever-second— until she sees a golden warmth bloom on his cheeks, and she canāt help but blush and tear her gaze away in turn. She hadnāt meant for him to see her looking at him, but he had and spirits, does the way he look - similarly surrounded by wildflowers and bathing in the warm sunlight - make her feel so uneasy but in the best imaginable way.
Before she answers him, she has to clear her throat as she suddenly feels so very flustered by the idea that they are here, the two of them, laying in the grass together.
Is she in a dream? ]
Umā¦
[ She huffs another light laugh. If she were truly trying to coax him into some kind of meditative state, she would have to talk about being mindful or being present in the moment and such, but sheās really not a meditative person, as sheās said, so instead she says: ]
ā¦How about we look at the clouds and say what the shape of each one reminds us of?
Ori is unsure of what to make of that forever-second— until she sees a golden warmth bloom on his cheeks, and she canāt help but blush and tear her gaze away in turn. She hadnāt meant for him to see her looking at him, but he had and spirits, does the way he look - similarly surrounded by wildflowers and bathing in the warm sunlight - make her feel so uneasy but in the best imaginable way.
Before she answers him, she has to clear her throat as she suddenly feels so very flustered by the idea that they are here, the two of them, laying in the grass together.
Is she in a dream? ]
Umā¦
[ She huffs another light laugh. If she were truly trying to coax him into some kind of meditative state, she would have to talk about being mindful or being present in the moment and such, but sheās really not a meditative person, as sheās said, so instead she says: ]
ā¦How about we look at the clouds and say what the shape of each one reminds us of?
[ That's an interesting exercise--one he has heard of before, the sort of things the idle individuals would do to amuse oneself. Trahearne has never tried it for himself, but why not?
He has engaged in a lot of "why not"s lately, he feels.
His eyes adjust to the bright sky as he watches the white puffs float across blue. One particularly circular one catches his eye, and he points up to it. ]
That must be a quaggan. [ Ori probably doesn't know what a quaggan is, but that's all right. His hand drifts to the side. ] That one looks like a ship. Or...an orange slice, I suppose.
[ A cluster of smaller clouds drifts into view, and the first thought that comes to him causes him to smile. His finger shifts to point to them. ] Those remind me of the flowers in your hair.
[ It does not occur to him that, perhaps, his thoughts and feelings might be having an affect on the dream. ]
He has engaged in a lot of "why not"s lately, he feels.
His eyes adjust to the bright sky as he watches the white puffs float across blue. One particularly circular one catches his eye, and he points up to it. ]
That must be a quaggan. [ Ori probably doesn't know what a quaggan is, but that's all right. His hand drifts to the side. ] That one looks like a ship. Or...an orange slice, I suppose.
[ A cluster of smaller clouds drifts into view, and the first thought that comes to him causes him to smile. His finger shifts to point to them. ] Those remind me of the flowers in your hair.
[ It does not occur to him that, perhaps, his thoughts and feelings might be having an affect on the dream. ]
[ She makes a mental note to herself, in that moment, to ask him later about what in the world a quaggan is; though based on the cloud that he compares it with, she has the impression that itās something friendly and cute. The ship/orange slice, though, she can easily see, and she hums affirmatively. ]
I can definitely see the orange sliceā¦
[ And then he surprises her by calling out the clouds that look - well, they look like flowers, certainly, but right now heās reminded specifically of the ones in her hair and she canāt help but feelā¦ perceived. ]
Oh! T-The ones in my hair? [ She hadnāt realized that he pays attention that closely. ] Thatāsā¦ Thatās sweet of you to say, Trahearne.
I can definitely see the orange sliceā¦
[ And then he surprises her by calling out the clouds that look - well, they look like flowers, certainly, but right now heās reminded specifically of the ones in her hair and she canāt help but feelā¦ perceived. ]
Oh! T-The ones in my hair? [ She hadnāt realized that he pays attention that closely. ] Thatāsā¦ Thatās sweet of you to say, Trahearne.
Is it?
[ Has he ever been told that something he's said was "sweet"? Perhaps as a joke, a slight against him. But he knows Ori isn't the sort--and in a moment of self-doubt, he wonders if she's just flattering him, that her flowers don't actually look like that and she's being nice.
He props himself up on one arm to look. His studious gaze scans her, memorizing the shapes of the flowers that decorate her. After a moment of quiet, he turns his gaze back up to the clouds--still holding their shape--and falls onto his back, satisfied. They are almost the exact same shape. ]
I thought I was just being observant.
[ Perhaps he doesn't want to acknowledge how often Ori has crossed his mind as of late, though. ]
[ Has he ever been told that something he's said was "sweet"? Perhaps as a joke, a slight against him. But he knows Ori isn't the sort--and in a moment of self-doubt, he wonders if she's just flattering him, that her flowers don't actually look like that and she's being nice.
He props himself up on one arm to look. His studious gaze scans her, memorizing the shapes of the flowers that decorate her. After a moment of quiet, he turns his gaze back up to the clouds--still holding their shape--and falls onto his back, satisfied. They are almost the exact same shape. ]
I thought I was just being observant.
[ Perhaps he doesn't want to acknowledge how often Ori has crossed his mind as of late, though. ]
[ Oh. Amber eyes go wide when he props himself up to look at her— to really look at her, and at this point her cheeks feel so impossibly warm. If she had anything to say about him being observant, or about how itās different because he was reminded of her flowers, specifically, itās forgotten in the face of how sweetly he looks at her, even studious as the gaze is, and more so for how handsome she finds him in that moment. All to say: sheās completely lost that train of thought. ]
I, umā¦
[ Seriously, what was she going to say?
She exhales a breath she hadnāt realized she was holding in once he flops back down onto the grass, having momentarily been freed from the arduousness of direct eye contact— only that his arm brushes against hers just so as he lays back down. Heās so closeā¦ ]
H-How about the other clouds? What else do you see?
I, umā¦
[ Seriously, what was she going to say?
She exhales a breath she hadnāt realized she was holding in once he flops back down onto the grass, having momentarily been freed from the arduousness of direct eye contact— only that his arm brushes against hers just so as he lays back down. Heās so closeā¦ ]
H-How about the other clouds? What else do you see?
[ The brush of warmth against him is unmistakable--Trahearne does not mean to touch her, not without her permission or unless the situation calls for it, but it reminds him just how close they are, and that in his shifting he's only brought himself closer to her. The thought, for a moment, mortifies him, but he finds he doesn't pull himself away as fast as he would normally.
They have hugged, touched before, but never before has he been so conscious of it.
He lies frozen for a brief while, letting the thoughts wash over him. And even so, he finds himself unable to calm his thoughts enough to concentrate on the shapes of the clouds.
This is not turning out to be a very good meditative practice, as happy as he is. ]
Am I still pointing out clouds to you? [ There's a slight jesting tone in his voice. ] When do I get to hear what you see?
They have hugged, touched before, but never before has he been so conscious of it.
He lies frozen for a brief while, letting the thoughts wash over him. And even so, he finds himself unable to calm his thoughts enough to concentrate on the shapes of the clouds.
This is not turning out to be a very good meditative practice, as happy as he is. ]
Am I still pointing out clouds to you? [ There's a slight jesting tone in his voice. ] When do I get to hear what you see?
[ His inquiry draws another laugh out of her, light and sweet despite the way that both her mind and her heart are racing with thoughts. ]
Okay, okay. Thatās only fair, I suppose. Letās seeā¦
[ Itās a good reason to redirect her attention back upwards at the sky, focusing on that instead of the way that theyāre so close to each other and that their skin is touching just barely. Perhaps, too, something about the nature of this dream is bringing out these whimsical sorts of feelings out in full force. Perhaps. Not that sheās realized that this is a dream.
At length, she finds a particularly fluffy and shaped cloud and points up at it as it drifts slowly by. ]
That one looks like a rabbit like the one we saw in the woods the other day, donāt you think? The other cloud next to it looks like a fluffy tail for it, too.
Okay, okay. Thatās only fair, I suppose. Letās seeā¦
[ Itās a good reason to redirect her attention back upwards at the sky, focusing on that instead of the way that theyāre so close to each other and that their skin is touching just barely. Perhaps, too, something about the nature of this dream is bringing out these whimsical sorts of feelings out in full force. Perhaps. Not that sheās realized that this is a dream.
At length, she finds a particularly fluffy and shaped cloud and points up at it as it drifts slowly by. ]
That one looks like a rabbit like the one we saw in the woods the other day, donāt you think? The other cloud next to it looks like a fluffy tail for it, too.
[ Trahearne chuckles. Except it isn't his typical enigmatic, closed-mouth sort of chuckle--it's much closer to a genuine laugh than he's expecting. Even he realizes that this sort of expression of joy is exceedingly rare coming from him. For a moment, he's a bit embarrassed to have laughed like that.
But there is good reason for that. ]
It does. You're right. [ He thinks back on that last trek; he can't help but glance sideways at her before looking back up at the rabbit cloud. ] But that's quite the macabre memory to bring up on such a peaceful occasion, Ori.
[ The poor creature stood no chance against the stone elemental. He sighs, another laugh behind his exhale as he recalls the gruesome sight. ]
That was a fun excursion, though.
[ They all are. He finds a lot of cheer in the time he spends with her. ]
But there is good reason for that. ]
It does. You're right. [ He thinks back on that last trek; he can't help but glance sideways at her before looking back up at the rabbit cloud. ] But that's quite the macabre memory to bring up on such a peaceful occasion, Ori.
[ The poor creature stood no chance against the stone elemental. He sighs, another laugh behind his exhale as he recalls the gruesome sight. ]
That was a fun excursion, though.
[ They all are. He finds a lot of cheer in the time he spends with her. ]
[ Oh, but the sound of his laugh makes her heart leap a little in her chest, and for just that moment she forgets to breathe. Itās such a lovely little sound, and she knows by now just how rare and therefore precious it is. She likes it so much that she dares to feel a sense of pride - sheās the one that made him laugh like that. Right?
Ori canāt help but laugh along a bit, though soon enough the memory of that particular encounter bids her to turn - this time with her entire body to lay on her side - to look at him again as she rests her head against her hands. ]
It was. Shall we have one again, sometime soon? Maybe find another spot like this and gaze at the clouds again? Or perhaps stargazing, this time?
Ori canāt help but laugh along a bit, though soon enough the memory of that particular encounter bids her to turn - this time with her entire body to lay on her side - to look at him again as she rests her head against her hands. ]
It was. Shall we have one again, sometime soon? Maybe find another spot like this and gaze at the clouds again? Or perhaps stargazing, this time?
[ She did, indeed, make him laugh.
Trahearne hears, senses the shift beside him, and he turns to prop himself to look at her...to see that she had the exact same idea. He freezes--the way she looks into his eyes makes him feel vulnerable, like she has seen every part of what makes up who he is and yet chooses to keep looking. And for a brief moment, his eyes widen in surprise as he realizes how close they really are, but they soon soften at the prospect of another outing. In real life. ]
I would like that. Very much. [ His head tilts to the side, resting on his own shoulder. He relaxes, shifting his legs to a more comfortable position, only to realize a moment too late when his knee brushes against her shin. His first instinct is to pull away, but...wouldn't that just make this more awkward?
This isn't awkward. She's...my friend. I think? he keeps telling himself. ]
I would quite like to spend more time like this with you outside of dreams.
Trahearne hears, senses the shift beside him, and he turns to prop himself to look at her...to see that she had the exact same idea. He freezes--the way she looks into his eyes makes him feel vulnerable, like she has seen every part of what makes up who he is and yet chooses to keep looking. And for a brief moment, his eyes widen in surprise as he realizes how close they really are, but they soon soften at the prospect of another outing. In real life. ]
I would like that. Very much. [ His head tilts to the side, resting on his own shoulder. He relaxes, shifting his legs to a more comfortable position, only to realize a moment too late when his knee brushes against her shin. His first instinct is to pull away, but...wouldn't that just make this more awkward?
This isn't awkward. She's...my friend. I think? he keeps telling himself. ]
I would quite like to spend more time like this with you outside of dreams.
[ Ori is very much an affectionate person; it wouldnāt be too out of character for her to be close much in this same way to someone that she thinks of as a friend.
Butā¦ She doesnāt think of Trahearne as a friend. If she were honest with herself, she hasnāt thought of him as a friend for a long time, now.
So when he turns in kind to face her and they bump into each other once more, all she can think about is what it would be like to be even closer, and how this all feels so niceā¦ ]
Then letāsā¦
[ Without really thinking, sheās started to lean in closer and closer, her eyes going half-lidded as she finds her gaze fixed on his lips— until she hears the end of his sentence. ]
—Outside ofā¦?
[ Everything seems to pause, then. From the clouds suddenly coming to a stop in the sky, to the birds and creatures around them falling silent, the breeze going still. And finally Ori herself, stopping with her face so close to his. ]
Spirits. Iām— Iām dreaming, arenāt I?
Butā¦ She doesnāt think of Trahearne as a friend. If she were honest with herself, she hasnāt thought of him as a friend for a long time, now.
So when he turns in kind to face her and they bump into each other once more, all she can think about is what it would be like to be even closer, and how this all feels so niceā¦ ]
Then letāsā¦
[ Without really thinking, sheās started to lean in closer and closer, her eyes going half-lidded as she finds her gaze fixed on his lips— until she hears the end of his sentence. ]
—Outside ofā¦?
[ Everything seems to pause, then. From the clouds suddenly coming to a stop in the sky, to the birds and creatures around them falling silent, the breeze going still. And finally Ori herself, stopping with her face so close to his. ]
Spirits. Iām— Iām dreaming, arenāt I?
[ Unfortunately, Ori, Trahearne isn't really listening.
She begins to lean forward, her gaze trained on his lips; though he may be inexperienced when it comes to the affairs of the (metaphorical, in his case) heart, he isn't entirely clueless. He understands what it means, and the slight act sheds light on a few things he had begun to question.
Ori is not just a friend. She is...special.
At the realization, he finds his own lips parting both in his own nerves and anticipation; surely, if this comes to pass, then their relationship will be irrevocably changed. In life, he has been content to let these feelings fall to the background, to let his object of affection go despite how painful that might be--there had always been a more pressing matter, something more important to deal with. But there are no dragons to fight here. He has no Wyld Hunt giving him single-minded focus on an impossible task.
If he is to let this happen, then he would be letting feelings he had once vowed to keep to himself to be known to another. But perhaps...that isn't such a bad thing?
With the hand not propping himself up, he reaches to lay it gently on Ori's cheek, taking in just how soft and warm her skin is. Briefly, he scans her eyes, before leaning forward to eliminate the last few inches between them.
Her lips are tiny suns on his own, and the new sensation is electrifying.
It only lasts a second at best before Trahearne pulls back, a smile slowly blooming across his face. ]
You are.
She begins to lean forward, her gaze trained on his lips; though he may be inexperienced when it comes to the affairs of the (metaphorical, in his case) heart, he isn't entirely clueless. He understands what it means, and the slight act sheds light on a few things he had begun to question.
Ori is not just a friend. She is...special.
At the realization, he finds his own lips parting both in his own nerves and anticipation; surely, if this comes to pass, then their relationship will be irrevocably changed. In life, he has been content to let these feelings fall to the background, to let his object of affection go despite how painful that might be--there had always been a more pressing matter, something more important to deal with. But there are no dragons to fight here. He has no Wyld Hunt giving him single-minded focus on an impossible task.
If he is to let this happen, then he would be letting feelings he had once vowed to keep to himself to be known to another. But perhaps...that isn't such a bad thing?
With the hand not propping himself up, he reaches to lay it gently on Ori's cheek, taking in just how soft and warm her skin is. Briefly, he scans her eyes, before leaning forward to eliminate the last few inches between them.
Her lips are tiny suns on his own, and the new sensation is electrifying.
It only lasts a second at best before Trahearne pulls back, a smile slowly blooming across his face. ]
You are.
[ And just like that, her mind goes blank.
The kiss only lasts for the most fleeting of moments, but at the same time, it seems to stretch into the eternity of this dream. And when Trahearne pulls away with a smile, she is absolutely powerless, weak against the look on his face. Itās only after another few moments that she remembers to breathe, and all the while the dream resumes, starting with the flowers in her hair sprouting new blooms and spreading open. ]
Iā¦
[ But sheās dreaming. Is the Trahearne in front of her the actual dreamwalker she knows - or is he a figment created by her feelings of infatuation? One of her hands mirrors his, reaching out to rest against his cheek. It feels as though heās really here, which would mean that this kiss was not something she dreamed up in her mind, but she also knows the kind of trickery that this realm of dreams is capable ofā¦ At length, she finds that she has to ask. ]
Are youā¦ Are you really here with me, Trahearne?
The kiss only lasts for the most fleeting of moments, but at the same time, it seems to stretch into the eternity of this dream. And when Trahearne pulls away with a smile, she is absolutely powerless, weak against the look on his face. Itās only after another few moments that she remembers to breathe, and all the while the dream resumes, starting with the flowers in her hair sprouting new blooms and spreading open. ]
Iā¦
[ But sheās dreaming. Is the Trahearne in front of her the actual dreamwalker she knows - or is he a figment created by her feelings of infatuation? One of her hands mirrors his, reaching out to rest against his cheek. It feels as though heās really here, which would mean that this kiss was not something she dreamed up in her mind, but she also knows the kind of trickery that this realm of dreams is capable ofā¦ At length, she finds that she has to ask. ]
Are youā¦ Are you really here with me, Trahearne?
[ Trahearne blinks slowly in comfort as her hand comes to rest on his cheek, unable to help the growing smile on his face. There's such a light feeling in his chest, one he has never experienced before. In this moment, he is so enamored by her eyes, the colors of her skin, the blooming flowers in her hair--everything about her, even this dream, is simply perfect.
Another would only touch him like that if they liked him in turn. Isn't that so?
He thinks her question is a silly one, but he understands why--this is a dream, after all. ]
I am.
I believe... [ His hand slips from her cheek, the edge of his forefinger lightly tracing her jaw, coming to a stop at her chin. ] ...your dreamscape drew me to you.
[ A selfish impulse bids to kiss her again, but he refrains. He doesn't want to get greedy. He doesn't want to ruin this. ]
Another would only touch him like that if they liked him in turn. Isn't that so?
He thinks her question is a silly one, but he understands why--this is a dream, after all. ]
I am.
I believe... [ His hand slips from her cheek, the edge of his forefinger lightly tracing her jaw, coming to a stop at her chin. ] ...your dreamscape drew me to you.
[ A selfish impulse bids to kiss her again, but he refrains. He doesn't want to get greedy. He doesn't want to ruin this. ]
[ The feather light touch of his finger along her jawline leaves a trail of warmth on her skin, and sets her heart aflutter once more as she reddens all the more. His voice, too, sounds so soft and gentle in a way that sheās never heard from him - and it is all too easy for her to simply get lost in his eyes, and in the sound of his voice.
In the back of her mind, she canāt but worry that despite his reassurances, her dream is what spurs them into this, into this closeness and into these gestures of affection. She believes him when he says that he is here, but what if the forces of dreamotion are responsible forā¦ this?
At length, she decides that she, too, is going to be selfish. If this really is a product of her dreaming, then surelyā¦ Itās alright for her to dream a little longer, isnāt it? ]
If thatās the reason why youāre here, then Iā¦ Iām glad that it worked.
[ And with that, she leans in to kiss him once more, this time lingering longer on his lips than the last. ]
In the back of her mind, she canāt but worry that despite his reassurances, her dream is what spurs them into this, into this closeness and into these gestures of affection. She believes him when he says that he is here, but what if the forces of dreamotion are responsible forā¦ this?
At length, she decides that she, too, is going to be selfish. If this really is a product of her dreaming, then surelyā¦ Itās alright for her to dream a little longer, isnāt it? ]
If thatās the reason why youāre here, then Iā¦ Iām glad that it worked.
[ And with that, she leans in to kiss him once more, this time lingering longer on his lips than the last. ]
[ She kisses him back.
Trahearne's chest feels like it's going to burst, joy uncontainable struggling to find an outlet. To have his affections returned like this--they are returned, right?--brings him a happiness that competes narrowly with some of the happiest days of his life at home. Though on the grandest scale, this was not world-saving, nor was it changing lives in the magnitude of millions...it is, without a shadow of a doubt, changing his life.
His joy manifests as a quiet sigh as he eases into her kiss, his eyes slipping shut to ignore everything else but her. In that moment, he takes in the sensation of her lips, how her scent intermingles with the freshness of the grasses and the flowers, the warmth of the sun and her hand on his cheek. It's perfect. And not bad for a first (second) kiss.
It's only a few seconds later that he pulls back first, the hand on her chin gently releasing her to rest on the spot of grass between them. As his eyes open, he finds himself smiling when he sees her again. ]
As am I.
[ This is quite possibly one of the best dreaming experiences he's had so far. ]
I... [ He swallows, suddenly nervous. He doesn't want to ruin the atmosphere by talking, but he has to know. ] ...When do I get to see you next? In reality?
Trahearne's chest feels like it's going to burst, joy uncontainable struggling to find an outlet. To have his affections returned like this--they are returned, right?--brings him a happiness that competes narrowly with some of the happiest days of his life at home. Though on the grandest scale, this was not world-saving, nor was it changing lives in the magnitude of millions...it is, without a shadow of a doubt, changing his life.
His joy manifests as a quiet sigh as he eases into her kiss, his eyes slipping shut to ignore everything else but her. In that moment, he takes in the sensation of her lips, how her scent intermingles with the freshness of the grasses and the flowers, the warmth of the sun and her hand on his cheek. It's perfect. And not bad for a first (second) kiss.
It's only a few seconds later that he pulls back first, the hand on her chin gently releasing her to rest on the spot of grass between them. As his eyes open, he finds himself smiling when he sees her again. ]
As am I.
[ This is quite possibly one of the best dreaming experiences he's had so far. ]
I... [ He swallows, suddenly nervous. He doesn't want to ruin the atmosphere by talking, but he has to know. ] ...When do I get to see you next? In reality?
[ In spite of her worries, Ori, too, canāt help but be swept up in an unfathomable joy when they kiss once more, this time more purposely and less as a consequence of simply how close they are. She would be remiss to deny the fact that she has daydreamed of this moment before, and although this is also a dream - it feels real enough.
Ori doesnāt know exactly when, over the course of their friendship, that her feelings started to change into something less platonic. When it was exactly that she started looking forward to each and every one of their conversations, whether through written means or in person, and when it was exactly that she realized she liked to look at him. Really liked to look at him.
But it hardly matters in this moment, when he kisses her in kind. His lips feel as soft and gentle against hers, as she has thought they would be. Though when he pulls away, she feels the pull of waking and the reality of Reverein tugging at her, too. Now that she knows this is a dream, it wonāt be long before she wakes, she knows.
So at his question, she smiles softly, and leans in again this time to gently rest her forehead against his. ]
You can see me whenever you would like, Trahearne. You know how to find me.
[ It's not a concrete answer. But she doesn't want to ruin things by being too forward or jumping ahead... ]
Ori doesnāt know exactly when, over the course of their friendship, that her feelings started to change into something less platonic. When it was exactly that she started looking forward to each and every one of their conversations, whether through written means or in person, and when it was exactly that she realized she liked to look at him. Really liked to look at him.
But it hardly matters in this moment, when he kisses her in kind. His lips feel as soft and gentle against hers, as she has thought they would be. Though when he pulls away, she feels the pull of waking and the reality of Reverein tugging at her, too. Now that she knows this is a dream, it wonāt be long before she wakes, she knows.
So at his question, she smiles softly, and leans in again this time to gently rest her forehead against his. ]
You can see me whenever you would like, Trahearne. You know how to find me.
[ It's not a concrete answer. But she doesn't want to ruin things by being too forward or jumping ahead... ]
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