Zailune + 103475
Word count: 640
Tokens: 5Prompt 2: How do you think they see you?Mentioned: Aosii | Venasyx(Vee)Two weeks before our first expedition...
Lion's Inn, a refuge of warmth nestled in the grounds just outside the trading district of a Northern city. Silken fabrics of wild colors made soft the seating of a public area within the inn. Aosii entered this space from a side entrance early one morning, his mug newly filled with fresh water. He yawned and glanced around, noticing the scarcity of others' presence. It was a quiet day, and a slow time of the year for the place. Many travelers of various professions and aims had little reason to pass through, so most of the remaining folks were permanent residents or staff. Even then, it was common for locals to head south this time of year. The silence was soothing.
This wasn't Aosii's home region. Far from it. Still, there were many layers to this place, and many reminders of where he'd lived long ago. Some brought about bad feelings, worries and discomfort, but some of these reminders brought peace to his heart.
The wooden stairs creaked loudly in their old age, despite Aosii's attempts to be gentle in his steps. He reached the top and moved forward, glancing for a moment to his left at another room with its door firmly shut. He continued, and went inside his room, leaving the door slightly ajar. Sitting on a springy mattress, he slowly sipped the water from his mug and waited, occasionally peeping out the small window to his side at the dry foliage and darkened flowers outside.
After some time, he heard a knock on his door. The light force of the knock opened the door completely, and Venasyx stood in the doorway. Aosii put his empty mug aside and began to stand up, when Venasyx spoke. “How long have you been up?” She asked.
“Not long.” Aosii replied. “I got some water from the tavern next door. The staff were pleasant.” He continued. He noticed Vee's hair was a complete rat's nest. “We have time, please don't rush yourself.”
Vee rolled her eyes began to say, “If you went on ahead and got lost, would that be-” but paused, unsure of herself. Her eyes met with his for a moment, but Aosii looked down awkwardly. Vee took a breath and a pause before speaking again. “Sorry. I'm not used to doing these with company. I'm not so used to company at all, really.”
An awkward silence kept the air still between the two of them. Neither knew what to say in that moment, but neither Aosii nor Venasyx wanted the tension to continue, either.
“Vee, I may be a drag in some ways, but I can prove myself to be an asset as well.” Aosii said, breaking the silence. Vee smiled, stifling a laugh.
“You're you, and I invited you here.” Vee said, newly composed. “You're my friend and ally. I shouldn't speak so carelessly, because I do respect you and value your presence.” She added. For a moment, she looked saddened. “I need to support you in your goals, too. I won't be selfish.”
Aosii smiled. “Allies support each other, right? Let's focus on what's important. We'll both find what we need.”
Vee grinned back. “We will. For sure. Thanks for being here.” With that, Vee spun to return to her room and began prepping for departure.
The peculiar relationship forming between Aosii and Venasyx was bumpy and confusing at times, but over the course of their time together, they came to understand each other more deeply and fully. They found that they were both honest and genuine souls, and their resonance was strongest with their guards down. They arrived at a point where they no longer questioned the views of the other, rather, their love and companionship was built on the trust and sincerity of their hearts.