Thou Art a Knight (Astarte) GM'd by Hafnium

[Hafnium]

Re: Thou Art a Knight (Astarte) GM'd by Hafnium

Spoiler

Lyra: HP = 70, PP = 60, EP = 37/50, Status = Fine, Home Sweet Home

The nymph giggled as Lyra broke away and composed herself, and then giggled some more when the redhead began to leave. "Yes, you're right. I'll think whatever I please. I think I'll think that our little Lyra is still little in unexpected ways," she announced in a sing-songy voice toward the retreating knight. "I'll think about how your heart was practically trying to pound its way out of your chest, too. But I won't force you to give up that cute inexperience of yours. When you finally give into what your loins really want, you'll be able to find me~" Hawa teased, but through it all she made no more physical efforts to stop Lyra. The summer and spring faeries were certainly willing to push things further than most humans were, but they weren't as aggressive or willing to outright rape as their winter and autumn cousins or demons. As long as Lyra made her desires abundantly clear, most of the spring fae would abide by them.

And if she kept moving then soon enough the knight would be out of sight and out of earshot of the nymph and the goats, unable to tell if Hawa's plan fully succeeded. The rest of her trip proved uneventful, and Lyra would arrive at her own tent just as dusk was setting. Her little part of the oasis was as she left it, with her gear and belongings unmolested by any of the other fae. She would be free to do as she pleased for the rest of the night until she was ready to sleep.

 

[Astarte]

Re: Thou Art a Knight (Astarte) GM'd by Hafnium

Lyra did her best to keep her face straight as she passed by the nymph, ignoring Hawa's teasing. The worst part of it was that none of it was wrong. It wasn't that she was ashamed of her inexperience, not really, but she knew how most of her kin would react to the truth: Just like the nymph was now. That was why she had always avoided admitting the truth. She didn't even hate the idea, what Hawa was offering sounded quite pleasant, and she was sure she would end up enjoying it, but she had never been able to make that final jump. She had been more open when she was younger, but she had also discovered a few things about herself that she was insecure about showing to others.

Seeing another faerie walking around naked was a common enough sight, and even more common to see something close to nudity. It was so ordinary around the oasis that nobody thought much of it, and the ones doing so never seemed particularly bothered by the attention. Lyra had always been different in that respect. Having others see her in such a state... it was arousing in a way that she couldn't entirely explain, and that was why she took such pains to always try to bathe in private, and usually wore her armour or more covering clothing around the oasis. It was her own reaction to the attention that made her ashamed to show that side of herself, and it had resulted in distancing herself from everyone else, to avoid those awkward questions. She had hoped to eventually find someone she could open up to, to admit those issues, but so far she hadn't had any real luck on that front.

In the end she had simply ended up dedicating most of her time and attention to the arts she practised. She didn't have the same sort of sex drive many of her fellow fae did, and so she had been able to ignore it for the most part, and focus on her swordsmanship and her dancing instead. There had always been rumours going around about how nobody had ever seen her with anyone, but she had been content to let everyone make whatever assumptions they wanted about that. Over the course of a single day now, somehow she had let two people see through that facade, and she was already dreading the next set of rumours that were going to make their way around.

Lyra did her best to avoid contact with anyone else on her way back to her tent, letting out a long sigh as she finally slipped inside, just dropping her bag to the side and lying on her back for a few minutes. The day had been a long one, and certainly tiring, but she didn't think she would be able to sleep just yet. She needed something to distract her first, something to get her mind off of what had just happened. Digging around in her pack again, Lyra retrieved the pendant from her first summoning, and the enchanted shield she'd bought from the slime. She needed to study both a little more still, and doing so would be a good way to distract her for a little while. Perhaps a second look would help her figure out what the pendant actually did, and she needed to study the shield's enchantment a little closer to figure out what could be done with it. It was faded and weak, but she might be able to strengthen it again—she simply needed to figure out what exactly she would need to do, and what materials she would need to pick up in the morning.

 

[Hafnium]

Re: Thou Art a Knight (Astarte) GM'd by Hafnium

Spoiler

Lyra: HP = 70, PP = 60, EP = 37/50, Status = Fine

Spoiler

Perception 1: 3 successes.
Perception 2: -1 successes.

She discovers the pendant's enchantment. New stats are as follows.
Dazzling Pendant: The wearer is treated as having the Dazzling Beauty succubus power.

She discovers that the shield is at least 50% likely to be made primarily out of wood

Determining the pendant's enchantment proved easy enough once she was able to give it a look in the comfort of her own tent. It was enchanted with succubus magic, and intended to draw the eyes and lust of any looking at its wearer. She couldn't detect any other sources of magic on it to suggest that it would be inherently unsafe to wear. Although putting it on in the wrong situation might draw exactly the sort of attention which Lyra had strove to avoid for so long.

To say she had less luck when she looked at the shield she'd pulled from the slime's pile of garbage would've been an understatement. Every time she tried to focus on the shield in order to determine how she might repair its crumbling enchantment, something distracted her. Sometimes it was a noise from the tents around her own, sometimes it was others moving to and from their own tents, and another few times it was the unbidden memory of the kiss she'd shared not long prior that popped in to torment and distract her. By the time she gave up on inspecting the shield, it would feel almost like she knew less about her purchase than she had before she'd started. It would probably be best to give it another try the next day.

The knight had still gone without any visitors or anything more distracting than what occurred while she was inspecting the shield. She was still able to pursue her own devices until she decided that it was time to sleep.

 

[Astarte]

Re: Thou Art a Knight (Astarte) GM'd by Hafnium

Lyra turned the pendant over in her hand a few times, considering what she had discovered. The enchantment wasn't anything dangerous on its own, like she had feared, but considering what she had just finished dealing with, it wasn't the sort of thing that seemed like a good idea to wear around the oasis. She liked the idea though... perhaps during her performance? It felt a little like cheating, but there was nothing wrong with it. It was something to consider, at least.

Setting the pendant aside for the moment, Lyra turned her attention to the shield. She had already figured out the enchantment, but what she needed to learn was what she needed to strengthen that enchantment. It was old and faded, and she was certain she could repair or stabilize the enchantment. Unfortunately, she made little progress on that front. Every time she tried to concentrate, something would distract her. The slightest noise or movement around her constantly dragged her attention away from the shield, and her mind kept wandering back to Hawa and the kiss from only a short time ago.

With a frustrated sigh, Lyra set the shield aside. She wasn't going to get any farther with it tonight. Maybe a fresh try in the morning would have better luck. Fatigue was creeping up on her now, so Lyra decided to just take this chance to sleep, she could worry about the shield and everything else in the morning.

 

[Hafnium]

Re: Thou Art a Knight (Astarte) GM'd by Hafnium

Spoiler

Lyra: HP = 70, PP = 60, EP = 50, Status = Fine

The knight would be able to lie down and find sleep in short order. Whether her sleep was restful or not, her eyes would open next after dawn had arrived. She would find that her body and spirit had fully recovered and were ready for the new day, however she personally might have felt given the events from the night before.

Outside she could hear the usual footsteps of the other morning-riser faeries waking from their own slumbers and beginning their own days. The knight had no particular responsibilities demanded of her by the leaders of the oasis that day. She was free to take care of her personal tasks in any order she saw fit, though there were obviously time constraints on a few matters.

Farah had instructed her to bring her armor by in the morning, and it would be wise to do that soon if she didn't want to risk the fey Lady leaving the oasis again before she had the chance. Meanwhile Abla tended to sleep in, choosing to do her work through the afternoon and later into the evening, and would probably be upset if Lyra gave her performance before she was awake for it. The training ground remained populated throughout most of the day and Kalila always opened bright and early and didn't close until the sun disappeared beyond the horizon. Any other craftsmen she might want to pursue about the shield she was trying to salvage would also likely be opening even as Lyra was waking up. The knight would be free to pursue whatever task she wished.

 

[Astarte]

Re: Thou Art a Knight (Astarte) GM'd by Hafnium

The next morning, the first choice Lyra had to make was what she was going to wear. She still needed to do some dance practise before actually performing with the new outfit and sword, so it seemed like her best option to just wear that and head off somewhere quiet to practise after doing the other errands she needed to do in the morning, rather than having to come back and change later. On the other hand, she could do without the commentary that had come with her first time wearing it around the oasis.

In the end practicality won out, and she changed into the dancing outfit, collecting the other things she would need afterwards. She still wanted to see Farah first about her armour, so she would need to bring that along, and after that she wanted to go see Kalila and apologize about the previous day. Unfortunately she hadn't figured out what exactly she would need to work on the shield, so she couldn't pick that up while she was there, but that wasn't an urgent project. She decided to take the shield along regardless, since she needed to consult artisans in other fields about doing something to improve its physical state.

She wasn't certain if she would do that before or after getting some practise in, it would likely depend on how her initial plans went. She would find Farah first, then make the trek over to Kalila's shop. She could figure out the rest afterwards. She had also considered looking for some of her fellow knights, to see if any would be willing to spare some time for her. Her fight with the half-giant and her duel with the demon knight had both revealed a weakness in her ability to break through an opponent's defenses. She was confident in her own defenses, but she could admit that her offense was somewhat lacking. That was something else that could wait however, until the more time-sensitive matters were dealt with.

Spoiler

In terms of spending exp, just going to pick up Resistant for 8 right now. Lyra is likely going to seek out some training for more combat-oriented stuff before getting any of that.

 

[Hafnium]

Re: Thou Art a Knight (Astarte) GM'd by Hafnium

Spoiler

Lyra: HP = 70, PP = 60, EP = 50, Status = Fine

Lugging around a shield and her armor was a bit heavy and unwieldy, but nothing beyond the faerie knight's ability to handle as she exited the tent and made her way to Farah's home and workshop. Fortunately enough for Lyra, the other faeries were mostly focused on the starts to their own days and only a few paid her more than a passing glance as she made the journey all the way around the lake toward the last known location of the oasis leader's abode. Fortunately, the fey Lady apparently hadn't moved her workshop recently and it turned out to be where the knight remembered it last, saving her a search and making the trip short.

Even when she did need to search for it, Farah's home stuck out. It was two stories tall and built out of sandstone in the shape of a miniature keep from knightly stories. It was easily the largest home in the oasis, mainly because over time all the amenities necessary to perform just about any craft still known by the denizens of Donevrion had been added to it. It had a forge, a greenhouse, an area for leather tanning, an observatory, more workbenches than perhaps all the other faeries in the oasis together owned, and that was just to name a little of what could be found inside. The building itself was also a common target of Farah's experiments, and much of it had been enchanted or otherwise modified in her quest for more knowledge. In addition to being able to stand up and literally walk its way right out of the oasis, many of the doors opened and closed all on their own, the windows changed places depending on Farah's needs, and even the building structure could be reconfigured at a whim.

To either side of the massive wooden door which served as the only entrance to Farah's home stood two more of her creations. The two door guards were eight-foot tall and made wholly of bronze, each wielding a long spear and a massive round shield made of the same material as their bodies. Their faerie creator had designed them to look like statuesque, athletic humans in the nude, and she had put painstaking attention to detail into her work. One was a female and the other was a male. Each feature on her creations looked lifelike enough that a casual observer might not have been able to tell they were golems if not for their metallic skin and the blue fire where their eyes should've been. They were for more than just appearances though, as Lyra had seen them swat aside some of her fellow knights like flies at the training grounds whenever one of her comrades worked up the courage to ask Farah for an opportunity to test themselves against them.

On the redhead's initial approach, the golems' spears would be crossed over the door. As soon as she was within a few feet, however, they would uncross the spears and the door would automatically swing open for her, which with Farah was a safe enough way for a visitor to tell that they were both expected and welcome. If she entered she would find herself in a carpeted hallway with two doors on each wall and dim magical lighting, which was different from the last time she visited when the entry room had been a kitchen. "In here, Lyra," Farah's voice would come from an open door immediately to the knight's right.

Assuming the sidhe woman entered the indicated room, she would find that it had been turned into a small study no more than ten square feet in size. The wall to Lyra's right was lined with bookcases filled with tomes without a hint of dust on any of them. The wall on Lyra's left had several of Farah's crafts on display. The knight recognized a few of them and their significance. Each was an item which Farah had created in order to prove her own mastery of a craft. There was a tapestry, a potion, even a wooden ship in a bottle, but the one Lyra knew best was the silver longsword mounted in the middle of everything else.

The longsword had been Farah's masterpiece as a swordsmith, yet it didn't even look particularly special. There were no engravings on it or design choices to distinguish it from any other well-made sword. The swordsmiths and knights of the oasis had spread more than enough rumors about it though. Some believed it could cut through armor like butter. Others told tales of bugs attempting to land on it only to find themselves split in half. Whatever the truth of the sword, many had gone to foolish lengths in an attempt to earn Farah's favor and get her to bestow the weapon upon them either to learn from its crafting or wield it in battle.

But the sword wasn't Lyra's reason for being there that morning. Directly across from where the knight had entered, Farah sat at a desk in front of a window, both of which spanned that entire wall of the room. She was wearing a blue silk camisole and black leggings, which made it one of the few times that Lyra had seen her out of her enchanted henna dress. The fey Lady had apparently been reading a book when her visitor had arrived, and continued to read it without sparing a glance as the knight entered the room. "Set your armor down and I'll have it mended in a few minutes," she told the knight. Farah would tap her finger on an empty part of the desk to her right for clarity.

 

[Astarte]

Re: Thou Art a Knight (Astarte) GM'd by Hafnium

Fortunately for Lyra, finding Farah's home wasn't a difficult task. Even if she didn't still have a vague recollection of where it was located, the structure was hard to miss. The building was certainly impressive, its general structure one that was familiar to Lyra from the many stories she had read or been told, but in miniature. She couldn't help but feel a little nervous as she approached, despite the fact that Farah had never given her any reason to be concerned. Maybe she should have dressed differently after all? This didn't feel like appropriate attire for meeting someone so important, as nice as it was. The fact that many of the other faeries likely did so wearing less didn't bring her much comfort either.

It was too late for that now, however. She was fairly sure Farah already knew she was here, she was certainly in plain sight of the door guards at the very least. She nervously approached the pair of constructs, not particularly eager to get into any sort of fight with them. She'd seen knights more experienced than her try to fight them and fail. A brief, if tense moment later, the two uncrossed their spears and the door swung open, assuring Lyra she was welcome here.

Stepping inside, she paused for a moment in the entryway to simply admire her surroundings, entirely different from what she remembered. Apparently it was true how much Farah liked to change things around on a whim. The Lady's voice called her from the room to the right, snapping Lyra out of her thoughts, and she quickly made her way towards the source. What she saw in the next room was even more impressive, displays of what could only be masterworks in various fields, and all made by the same woman. It was impressive to consider, and even more impressive to see for herself.

Her eyes lingered on the sword, so seemingly plain, but the subject of so many rumours among the knights. She would give much for the chance to wield it herself, but she knew better than to ask. Many had tried in the past, and she knew of none who had convinced Farah to even lend it. She managed to tear her eyes away after only a few moments of staring, turning instead to the fae lady herself, somewhat surprised to see her out of her usual dress.

"Thank you for doing this for me." Lyra replied to Farah as she unpacked her damaged armour, setting it down on the indicated desk. She wasn't entirely certain what else to say. Farah didn't seem to be much for conversation, and she didn't have anything else to say to break the silence, so once she had finished laying out the armour pieces she took a step back, waiting for the Lady to continue.

 

[Hafnium]

Re: Thou Art a Knight (Astarte) GM'd by Hafnium

Spoiler

Lyra: HP = 70, PP = 60, EP = 50, Status = Fine

Notes

Spoiler

Lyra's faeriegold armor is fully repaired.

Farah didn't say anything at first. She didn't offer much more than a glance away from her book at the knight's armor as she placed her right hand hand on each damaged item in turn and mended them back to their original states in mere seconds. Any mage would know that it was an act of incredible skill. Even magical mending couldn't produce replacement material from thin air and usually relied on having some spare to work with. The ancient faerie, however, had managed to shift the composition of Lyra's armor around to fill in the gaps with no difference in functionality or appearance.

"Long before you were ever born I would've repaired this armor by hand. I did it all by hand back then," she made a seemingly idle remark. "Everything was more difficult, but more satisfying. I suspect the two went hand in hand. Now it's all a checklist I've been through so many times before, but I do it again and again to recapture that spark."

The fey Lady finally turned to regard the knight. She looked much less imposing without her enchanted dress, but she never felt any less imposing with the overwhelming aura of confidence and experience that exuded from her. For a brief moment a hint of surprise would be evident through Farah's otherwise perpetually bored expression. She looked the knight up and down, though it would quickly become apparent that she was paying more attention to Lyra's clothing than her body. "Dalal's work," she stated rather than asked. "She'll be at the pinnacle of her skill in another year or two. She did expertly with those enchantments. I'm surprised that you would choose to wear such a thing though, Lyra. I assumed you were more shy, but I'm glad to see that you're budding."

"Anyway, I offered to repair your armor because I wanted to discuss something with you in private. There will be a tournament next week, only for invited participants. I've picked the most promising warriors in this sanctuary to take part and the best among them will accompany me as an honor guard to an important event. I imagine you might be interested in such a thing," she offered.

 

[Astarte]

Re: Thou Art a Knight (Astarte) GM'd by Hafnium

Lyra had no reply to give to Farah's words as she repaired the armour, barely seeming to need any concentration to do so. That alone was a sign of skill, Lyra understood the sort of concentration needed for even basic magic, much less a delicate procedure like this, but the work was flawless by the time she had finished. Lyra could understand Farah's words to some extent, how hard work could be more rewarding than such an easy solution, but she was fairly certain there was more to it than that. A matter of age and experience most likely, something Lyra still lacked.

"Thank you." Was the only response she could offer once the work was done, uncertain how to respond to the Lady's other words, or if she had even expected one. Lyra was not expecting the change of subject, however, especially when Farah commented on her clothes. She couldn't help but blush slightly at the Lady's comments, suddenly feeling a lot more self-conscious again. "Ah, yes. Well, I let Abla pick out a design for my next performance, and I thought I should get used to wearing it around beforehand. I suppose it's not as bad as I had expected, though. It's certainly a nice outfit." Lyra stammered a little before realizing she was starting to ramble and letting Farah continue.

The change in Lyra's expression was clear to see as Farah explained her real reason for offering to repair her armour. She was being invited to such a thing? She had always dreamed of participating in such tournaments, ever since she has seen the tournament held by the Summer Court. This might not be anything so high profile, but to be recognized as one of the most promising warriors in the sanctuary was no small accomplishment. To be part of the Lady's honour guard was also some significant recognition. She hadn't said what it was for, but that hardly mattered.

"Yes, of course!" Lyra did her best to temper her enthusiasm. It would be unbecoming of her to act like an excited child, as much as she might want to. "I am honoured you would consider me worthy of such an opportunity."

 

[Hafnium]

Re: Thou Art a Knight (Astarte) GM'd by Hafnium

Spoiler

Lyra: HP = 70, PP = 60, EP = 50, Status = Fine

"Ah. I should've known Abla had a hand in it. I didn't realize you two were that close, but I'm glad for that too," she would remark after Lyra had forcibly stopped herself from rambling, but before continuing into her next topic.

"Some believe I've grown aloof, but I still see everything that goes on in this sanctuary. You are all like my children and watching you grow offers me joy," she explained with a small smile. "Be proud. You worked hard and earned this chance, Lyra. The tournament will be held in my home exactly seven days from now. Arrive at dawn. It's a private affair, so try not to let it slip to anyone else. I would recommend that you begin practicing as soon as possible, your opponents will be strong as well." For a few moments, it would seem that was the entirety of what Farah wanted to say.

"Oh, and by the way," the Lady would abruptly add, continuing onto another subject. "Today should be a safer day if you have anymore business with Kalila." Farah's eyes were alight with a rare spark of mischief as the implications of her remark sunk in for Lyra.

 

[Astarte]

Re: Thou Art a Knight (Astarte) GM'd by Hafnium

"Yes, of course. I had been planning to get some more practise in after my last summoning." Lyra was still doing her best to keep from showing too much excitement. She understood that this would be difficult, that she needed to prepare, but she couldn't help looking forward to it excitedly. She had promised Abla another performance, and she intended to do so, but once that was finished she would dedicate herself to training. And, of course, after she got finished with the other business she had planned for the morning, as Farah reminded her.

"Oh. You, ah... saw that?" Lyra stammered, trying unsuccessfully to hide the embarrassment of remembering that encounter. She could already feel her cheeks heating up again as the memory resurfaced, along with the knowledge that someone had been watching. Or had she just heard about it somehow? She hadn't expected Kalila to have left her shop since then though. "Yes, I was just planning on stopping by her shop after this. I do need to apologize, and clear up any misunderstandings that situation might have caused."

 

[Hafnium]

Re: Thou Art a Knight (Astarte) GM'd by Hafnium

Spoiler

Lyra: HP = 70, PP = 60, EP = 50, Status = Fine, Extremely Tease-able

"I overheard bits and pieces. I keep an ear on the outskirts; I'm listening even as we speak. It's a preventative measure in case anyone grows bold due to her isolation and attacks her, but it sounded like she was the one who grew bold yesterday," she admitted with a titter. The normally stoic Lady would return to reading her book, likely to hide her own growing amusement at Lyra's discomfort. "I'm sure she'll understand, but do be careful. I'm sure I don't need to tell you how aggressive she can get when she wants something~"

With that, the knight was apparently dismissed. She would be free to say what she pleased in response and then leave and make the trip to Kalila's shop when she was ready.

 

[Astarte]

Re: Thou Art a Knight (Astarte) GM'd by Hafnium

"Ah. Well, that is good, I suppose." Lyra struggled to come up with a proper response to this revelation. She had known that Farah could watch anywhere in the oasis, but actually hearing about it from the source was a little disconcerting. On the other hand, her reasoning was certainly sound. Kalila's shop was quite isolated from the rest of the oasis, and was visited by outsiders as well.

"I should be on my way then. Thank you again for your help, and I will be sure to be... careful with Kalila this time." Lyra gave the Lady a respectful bow, collecting her armour before turning to leave the way she had entered. She was sorely tempted to take a closer look around the place, but she did not wish to wear out her welcome. Her eyes passed over the deceptively plain sword once again as she made for the exit, as if that brief glance could reveal some of its secrets, but she didn't linger long.

Her next goal was Kalila's shop. Farah's comments had reassured her that it wasn't too early to arrive, so there was no reason for her to tarry long. She could only hope things wouldn't become complicated this time.

 

[Hafnium]

Re: Thou Art a Knight (Astarte) GM'd by Hafnium

Spoiler

Lyra: HP = 70, PP = 60, EP = 50, Status = Fine

Rolls

Spoiler

Perception: 3 successes.

The knight's glance at the sword wouldn't reveal any of the sword's inner workings. It still simply looked like a well-crafted longsword made of silver. She would, however, spot a small engraving on the side of the scent-stopper pommel which dated the sword's creation at two-and-a-half centuries prior. The knight also spotted part of what appeared to be a dedication to some other faerie, but she wouldn't be able to make out the name unless she was willing to pick the sword up and flip it around.

After that, Lyra would be free to exit Farah's isolated home and make the trip to Kalila isolated shop. This, too, was rather uneventful. The only faeries she even came across were a group of satyrs leaving the oasis on a hunt, who she crossed paths with about halfway through her own trip. The majority of them offered her a respectful nod in greeting, though one ogled her exposed midriff a little longer than strictly necessary. About five minutes after parting ways with them she would find herself back at Kalila's shop, which was now free of any papers warning males away.

Stepping inside, she would find the faun behind the counter again, though this time she didn't appear to have any vibrators stuffed inside her. The goatkin shopkeeper would blush brightly at the sight of the knight entering the shop, but as she greeted Lyra she would do her best to pretend that the previous day hadn't happened. "Hi again, Lyra. The extra darksteel stuff hasn't sold yet."

 

[Astarte]

Re: Thou Art a Knight (Astarte) GM'd by Hafnium

Lyra filed away the final details she'd noticed about the sword, but didn't make any attempt to investigate more closely. She was curious, but not enough to risk annoying Farah—Not to mention whatever sort of protection she might have placed on her displays. She gave the door guards another glance once she made it back outside, but otherwise wasted no time in getting on her way to her second destination.

The walk to Kalila's shop was largely spent trying to figure out what she was even going to say once she got there. She felt that she needed to apologize, but what was she even apologizing for? For leaving so abruptly, or just for causing the faun such problems in the first place? She barely even noticed the group of satyrs she passed along the way, returning the nods she received out of habit, but entirely oblivious to the one that decided to ogle her as they passed by. Now that she was actually getting close, she was starting to feel a little nervous.

Finally reaching the shop, Lyra paused at the door for a good half minute before finally opening it and stepping inside. Fortunately, there were no notices on the door this time, and once she was inside everything looked entirely normal. Kalila's greeting caught Lyra off guard, the knight quickly averting her eyes after noticing how flushed the shopkeeper looked. The fact that Kalila was trying to act like nothing had happened made Lyra's response even harder, but she needed to get this out of the way now, rather than just ignoring it.

"Oh, no, it isn't about that. I didn't think it would sell so quickly" Lyra shook her head, pausing for a few moments before speaking again. "Really, I just wanted to apologize for yesterday. I should have just waited. I, um, kind of... left abruptly, so I wanted to make sure I said it."

 

[Hafnium]

Re: Thou Art a Knight (Astarte) GM'd by Hafnium

Spoiler

Lyra: HP = 70, PP = 60, EP = 50, Status = Fine

The shopkeeper's blush grew even more intense as Lyra apologized. "Oh no, you don't have to apologize," the faun insisted. "I was, um, a little frustrated when you left, sure. But when I woke up today I realized it was very... knightly of you, refusing me like that. Charming, even. Especially when you consider what any of the others might have done in that situation." Kalila averted her gaze from Lyra from a few moments, either out of some sense of embarrassment or because she had spotted a really interesting bug on the floor by her feet. The only noise she made for the next few seconds was drumming her fingers on the counter as she worked through some internal dilemma.

"Look... this might be kinda out of the blue, but um...." The faun's internal battle seemed about to reach its climax. In order to overcome her inhibitions in a do-or-die moment the goatkin would blurt out what she wanted to say to the knight almost in a single word; "Wouldyouliketodosomethingtogethersometime? Not anything super serious or anything! Just, um, watch one of the dances together or something like that...? N-no pressure or anything." Despite her promise that there was no pressure, Lyra could practically see Kalila's nerves fraying as she waited for a response.

 

[Astarte]

Re: Thou Art a Knight (Astarte) GM'd by Hafnium

"Oh, no, it was nothing impressive like that..." Lyra protested weakly. Kalila had managed to draw entirely the wrong conclusion from her actions. Of course she would never have taken advantage of the faun's state the previous day, but that hadn't actually been her reason for refusing, she would have done the same on any other day, if Kalila had been in full control of herself when asking. This wasn't the sort of response she had expected, not after everything she had said in the heat of the moment. Gone entirely was the predatory behaviour she had seen back then.

Kalila's first remark had been unexpected, but what she followed with left Lyra speechless, the silence stretching on as she averted her eyes from the faun, her own face reddening a little, though not quite to the extent of Kalila's. It took her a moment to process exactly what the faun had said, and several more to scramble to get her thoughts in order and figure out how to actually respond. "Ah, well..." Lyra stammered, struggling to find the proper words. It wasn't as if she had anything against the idea, it sounded rather nice even, but the question was so sudden she was having trouble responding coherently. Kalila had said nothing really serious, so she wasn't expecting too much out of this right away, right? That sounded nice to Lyra, much better than the usual propositions she got. It was worth a try, at least. "Yes, of course. I would love to." She managed to speak clearly after a few more tense moments of silence, "I was planning a performance of my own tonight—You're free to come watch that if you'd like, of course!—so I need to practise today, but, uh, I should be free any time after that..."

 

[Hafnium]

Re: Thou Art a Knight (Astarte) GM'd by Hafnium

Spoiler

Lyra: HP = 70, PP = 60, EP = 50, Status = Fine, About a 40% on the Potential Awkward Scale

The faun hung on Lyra's every word. She looked like she might shatter any second as the knight struggled for words. The awkward silence hadn't helped her overall condition either. Between the the sidhe and the faun, it seemed they might threaten to cascade into an embarrassment singularity which might engulf the entire oasis. But at least Farah was probably amused by their interaction.

"R-really?" A look of immense relief washed over Kalila's face as the knight gathered what she could of her composure and accepted the proposition. The nervous faun wore a bashful smile as she continued. "Yeah, that sounds great! I'd almost forgotten all about that. I'll definitely be there tonight. And I was thinking that, um, we could go see a performance together tomorrow. There's one in particular that I was going to close the shop to see anyway. Some of the younger highborns came up with it and this will be their first time performing. Would that be okay with you?"

 

[Astarte]

Re: Thou Art a Knight (Astarte) GM'd by Hafnium

"Yes, that works just fine for me. It sounds like it will be interesting to watch." Lyra nodded, still feeling embarrassed about the entire conversation. She hadn't heard anything about the specific performance Kalila had mentioned, but that wasn't surprising with how often she was in and out of the oasis. It sounded like something interesting to see though, so she had no issue with the choice. This would be a nice change, hopefully.

"I'm sorry I can't stay for too long right now, but I have to get some practise in. I was supposed to start on that yesterday."Lyra spoke up after another brief pause, looking to change to subject to something a little less awkward for the both of them. "Oh! I'll have to stop by to pick up some enchanting materials some time too. I picked up an interesting shield on that last summoning. Pretty old, so it needs some restoration work, but it has a really interesting enchantment I want to work on, to see if I can fix it up. I just need to figure out what I'm going to need first. That can wait, though."