Raziel
Level 1
One man's trash is another man's treasure!
Posts: 48
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Post by Raziel on Apr 6, 2008 16:21:05 GMT -5
Janus shifts a little under me, and I figure he's probably woken up on his own. Probably a good thing, since I'm still pretty relaxed from sleeping. Since I hadn't slept much for the past three days, I'm not too inclined to move away now that I've gotten the chance to rest.
I glaze up at him, though, and notice the blush on his face... which just serves to make my own flush linger a bit longer.
"Sorry? I swear I don't do this often... but I've been hiking for three days with maybe a few hours of sleep." I pause and blink up at the man. "You want me to get off?"
I'm personally hoping that that he doesn't, considering how comfortable I've gotten.
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Janus
Level 2
Will no one relieve me of this meaningless existance..?
Posts: 81
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Post by Janus on Apr 6, 2008 16:35:33 GMT -5
The initial look of surprise faded to a more neutral one while Raziel spoke, although the blush did linger, if not growing deeper. Janus felt his cheeks burn and frowned, tearing his gaze from the elf to stare at the tunnel opening.
His jaws clenched, which annoyed him because he had meant to ask the elf to move. But for some reason, he couldn't bring himself to do that. Was it sympathy? Or was he just that desperate for company? And why now, of all times? It had caught him completely off guard, and he disliked that fact quite a bit.
It made him feel nervous.
".. Do as you like. I'm not in a hurry or anything." were the words that eventually pierced the silence, and to his relief, he managed to keep his tone of voice quite neutral. At least the situation would let him keep that much dignity. That's how he saw it, anyway.
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Raziel
Level 1
One man's trash is another man's treasure!
Posts: 48
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Post by Raziel on Apr 6, 2008 16:53:13 GMT -5
The troll looked away while I spoke, and I cringe inwardly at the sound of his jaw clenching like that.
Am I... making him nervous? Huh. Why, though? Just because he isn't used to this?
When Janus finally answered, I sighed again, this time with a little disappointment. "Why do you insist on talking like that, Janus?" I shift around so I'm on my back and looking up at the man's face. "You actually have a fine voice... at least you do when you're telling stories."
The guy hasn't been really living for awhile, huh? He should learn to relax a bit! Have some fun!
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Janus
Level 2
Will no one relieve me of this meaningless existance..?
Posts: 81
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Post by Janus on Apr 6, 2008 17:18:52 GMT -5
He frowned again, looking back to the elf.. who had settled quite comfortably on his lap now. Was it really that comfortable? He didn't really know. Well, maybe he did but in that case he didn't remember.
Raziel's words did have some kind of effect on him though, because his eyebrows raised ever so slightly. "... what? Talk like what?" A fine voice when telling stories? He was just talking about the past, everybody does that. It's nothing special.
This was turning out to be a weird encounter... He couldn't quite decide if that was a good thing or a bad thing.
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Raziel
Level 1
One man's trash is another man's treasure!
Posts: 48
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Post by Raziel on Apr 6, 2008 17:44:25 GMT -5
I use my feet to drag my bag over and search by feel for another piece of jerky.
I sigh at Janus's words. "Speak with emotion, I mean." I frown up at the other man and chew on my jerky. "You sound like some kind of machine, otherwise... I like it better your telling a story! You actually sound like you're alive."
I nod and take a small sip of flat honey mead.
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Janus
Level 2
Will no one relieve me of this meaningless existance..?
Posts: 81
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Post by Janus on Apr 6, 2008 18:01:53 GMT -5
Janus arched an eyebrow at Raziel's words. A machine? Maybe so. He spoke rather tonelessly, didn't he... But on the other hand... "You try to feel passionate about anything after having lived as long as I have. There isn't really anything new to see." He looked back to the cavern wall. Or well, he wasn't really looking. He was thinking.
"... When I think back, I remember only the important parts, because everything else lacks significance. That's why I, as you say, would sound alive when I tell stories." He closed his eyes, a frown persisting on his features. I talk too much, he thought to himself. Why does he want to know, anyway? I'm just an old man.. oh great, now I'm calling myself an old man again.
"I don't like to talk about my life. It makes me feel old."
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Raziel
Level 1
One man's trash is another man's treasure!
Posts: 48
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Post by Raziel on Apr 7, 2008 8:48:15 GMT -5
I sigh and sit up, massaging a slight crick in the neck before slowly standing.
"Well, at least you have stories to tell, Janus." I smile a little at him before turning away. "I'm going to check the weather... I'll be back."
To prove that I will, I leave my bag where it is, only taking the strip of meat already in my hands. I retrace my steps from the night before, heading towards the entrance I'd found when the storm had begun.
Thousands of years... at least he's got something interesting to show for it! How far back does my memory go? More than five years, but less than ten. Not much.
I find the entrance quickly enough and squint at the bright sun outside. Blinking back tears caused by the light, I peek out and smile.
The rain's gone, and the ground is already drying in the heat of a more typical Voragimines day. I look around and notice a brilliant patch of color and walk up to it.
Flowers! I've never seen flowers this shade of violet before! I dig around the plant a bit to loosen the soul and spread my shadow over it. The flowers should do alright for a little will in the "shadow-lands".
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Janus
Level 2
Will no one relieve me of this meaningless existance..?
Posts: 81
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Post by Janus on Apr 8, 2008 9:52:34 GMT -5
Hm? What did he mean by that? Janus stared at the elf's retreating back with an arched eyebrow. Of course he had a past. Everyone did. Unless... The expression turned to a slight frown at the thought. Well, that would certainly be ironic, if that was the case. One of them had more memories that fit in his head, and the other had a need for more.
He sighed, and glanced around the cave, which had become decidedly more empty since the elf left. Standing up using the wall as leverage, he stretched, and stifled a yawn. He glanced to the pack left behind, then shrugged. It's not like Janus would be back inside this cave anytime soon... Raziel could get his own stuff, if he was leaving as well.
He walked quietly through the tunnel and reached the mouth of the cave, taking a moment to get his eyes used to the sunlight. The weather definitely cheered up since the rainfall. Glancing about, he saw the elf.. picking flowers?.. He frowned slightly as a thought came back to him, regarding that hue of violet.
"... watch your fingers. The reddish ones have poisonous barbs." The bright light contra the dark cave really made it visible how pale his skin was. Kind of like marble...
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Raziel
Level 1
One man's trash is another man's treasure!
Posts: 48
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Post by Raziel on Apr 8, 2008 19:21:27 GMT -5
I gasp and look up, startled. I'm not used to being the one sneaked up on; usually it's the other way around.
"Ah! Thanks! I just saw these and thought someone would pay a decent price for them, if I can get them to survive the journey, that is." I look around and notice the deep red flowers that he'd mentioned and scoot over to look closer without touching them. "Hmmmm... Tanj. I left those specimen jars in my pack. Ah well. Probably a good thing!"
I look up at Janus again, now that I can see more in the light. Either he needs more sun, or he's just like that. But...
I tug on my "skunk" stripe. "You're a lot better looking than I've heard trolls are supposed to be. Is that just you, or is everyone misinformed?"
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Janus
Level 2
Will no one relieve me of this meaningless existance..?
Posts: 81
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Post by Janus on Apr 13, 2008 15:22:23 GMT -5
Janus watched quietly, with a certain calm and tranquil look to him. He found himself not minding the rocks so much with company around. But that didn't last long, because all of a sudden some very blunt words hit him in the face.
With a slightly outraged look at the statement, he glared down at the elf. "Supposed to be? I'm so tired to hear that all the time! One could think that after having lived in this land for I don't know how long, people would KNOW what we look like!"
.. which perhaps wasn't really applying since his kind always seemed to wear hoods, but Janus wasn't really thinking about that at the moment. Why, he didn't even dwell on the underlying compliment.
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Raziel
Level 1
One man's trash is another man's treasure!
Posts: 48
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Post by Raziel on Apr 13, 2008 15:48:52 GMT -5
I cringe at the man's angry words and end up falling from my crouch onto the ground, quickly bracing myself up with my arms before I fall back completely.
What?! He's... angry? W-well... that's new, I guess.
I stare wide-eyed up at Janus as he fumes. "Ummm... Let me point out that I said 'Is everyone just misinformed...' Trolls isolate themselves so much that people don't really know what your race looks like- especially with you all wearing cloaks constantly! People keep thinking you do that because you are hideous or something!"
I reach up and brush the white streak out of my eyes. "And if you hadn't noticed, I said I think you're attractive, so what are you so mad about?!"
I flush, both with my own rising temper and the realization that laying on the ground at his feet like this doesn't exactly give my argument any edge at all.
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Janus
Level 2
Will no one relieve me of this meaningless existance..?
Posts: 81
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Post by Janus on Apr 13, 2008 16:03:35 GMT -5
"You..!"
His words stopped dead as he realized he didn't have any arguments to counter the elf's. And the reason for that was, Raziel was absolutely right. Not only was he right, Janus had acted like an immature child, and that angered him even further.
He was over ten thousand years old. If anything, he should be the mature and rational one. The troll's glare didn't falter, as he was silent, although the sharpness went down noticeably- in defeat. Gaze lowered, and he glanced to the side, and sighed. ".. Forget it."
Shoving his hands in his pockets, he turned around and started walking down the mountain trail, feet very much used to this sort of ground. He didn't bother to bring up his hood, and so the long, silvery white hair trailed behind him in the breeze. Maybe a walk and some breakfast would help clear his head.
A thought struck, and he stopped for a brief moment, then resumed walking in the same pace.
He just called me attractive...
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Raziel
Level 1
One man's trash is another man's treasure!
Posts: 48
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Post by Raziel on Apr 13, 2008 16:21:08 GMT -5
I scramble to my feet as Janus turns and starts walking off.
Jince. That anger of his blooms and wilts as fast as one of these flowers!
I brush myself off as I watch him walk down the path, and my thoughts turn more speculative. Hmmm...
"Nyosik. Hey, Janus! Wait a mo' would you?" I rush after him.
Janus falters a step before continuing, but I don't notice how close that made him; I crash into him and we tumble to the ground.
"Oops.. sorry?"
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Janus
Level 2
Will no one relieve me of this meaningless existance..?
Posts: 81
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Post by Janus on Apr 13, 2008 16:29:35 GMT -5
Janus' mind didn't quite register the elf's words, as he was busying himself thinking about just about anything else. In fact, he was distracted enough that he didn't notice the elf's presence until he crashed into Janus' back and sent them both tumbling forward.
"... oww..."
Raziel had, likely out of pure instinct of hands to find something more solid than air, grabbed the troll's hair as they fell, causing them both to collapse almost into the same space on the ground.
The edge of the cliff a mere two feet to their right.
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Raziel
Level 1
One man's trash is another man's treasure!
Posts: 48
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Post by Raziel on Apr 13, 2008 16:51:06 GMT -5
I blink at Janus, mere inches away from him and then glance over his shoulder at the sudden drop.
"...That went... well..." I blush again and curse my clumsiness.
Making up my mind, I sit up a little and grab Janus about the waist, scooting us carefully away from the sheer edge. I then realize that my hand is twined around Janus's hair and smile. For someone who doesn't pay attention to much, his hair's well cared for! Wonder if the rest of him's this healthy looking!
Delighted in my find, I start threading the man's hair through my fingers, fingertips briefly caressing Janus's scalp.
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Janus
Level 2
Will no one relieve me of this meaningless existance..?
Posts: 81
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Post by Janus on Jun 1, 2008 16:08:52 GMT -5
First, he felt really confused; tangled in robes, limbs, and to some extent, hair. He was on the ground, and he heard the elf mumble something in his ear. Oh, so he was the one who knocked them over... Wait, what now?
He saw the edge of the cliff, uncomfortably close, as he was dragged away. Dragged. He could move by himself! Janus was just about to protest, when he felt fingers threading through his hair. Interested fingers. Raziel did say he found the troll attractive just a moment ago, didn't he? Is that why?
But I don't know him. We just happened to meet. This doesn't feel right... Wait, why am I I hesitating then?
"You're..." he spoke, tone hard to read. In fact, he wasn't really sure what he was supposed to say in a situation like this one. ".. pretty bold, aren't you?" His words came out pretty calm, he thought. But he couldn't hide the faint blush beneath the frown as he glanced back at the elf.
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Raziel
Level 1
One man's trash is another man's treasure!
Posts: 48
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Post by Raziel on Jun 1, 2008 16:20:48 GMT -5
I hum a bit as I play with the man's hair, a little smile playing on my face.
At Janus's words, I look at his face and my smile broadens a little at the sight of a blush on the pale man's skin. I realize that we're only an inch or two away from each other, but decide that if he hasn't tried to move away that it doesn't matter if we stay where we are.
"Bold?" My fingers twist around a lock of hair. "I guess so. I can't sell things if I'm too meek, can I?"
I hum a little more before continuing. "Besides, I'm not nearly as bold as some people are, and you're hair's worth playing a little with!"
So might the rest of him be, perhaps, but if nothing happens I won't worry about it.
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Janus
Level 2
Will no one relieve me of this meaningless existance..?
Posts: 81
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Post by Janus on Jun 1, 2008 16:34:46 GMT -5
He doesn't even deny it. What kind of an elf have I run into? No, wait. He ran into me. Janus sighed, not quite liking where this is going. At least his logical mind didn't. The troll sifted through his memories at an incredible speed, but nowhere could he find anything quite like this. It was starting to make him feel seriously flustered.
"It's too long. Maybe I should cut it all off." He wasn't sure where that line came from... he liked his hair. But Janus felt pressured, somehow. Swatting Raziel's hand away, he stood up, and dusted off his robes, before glancing back at the elf. His face was still in a frown... but he didn't feel hostile, and he probably didn't look it either.
"... I don't get you."
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Raziel
Level 1
One man's trash is another man's treasure!
Posts: 48
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Post by Raziel on Jun 1, 2008 16:47:56 GMT -5
Janus looks for a second like he's hit in the back of the head with something.
I blink in surprise at his remark. "Cut it of-!" Startled, I tilt my head and move to lay on my back as Janus stands. Eh? That was quick... He's really not used to touching, is he!
I look up at the troll from where I lay and smile at him. "Sometimes I don't get myself, either, so don't worry too much about that!" My smile turns into a slight grin. "I'll answer any questions about myself that I can, if you decide to ask."
And while I'm at it, I might learn more about him. After all, knowledge is as much a treasure as anything else. Maybe even more so, since it's so much easier to alter it.
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Janus
Level 2
Will no one relieve me of this meaningless existance..?
Posts: 81
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Post by Janus on Jun 1, 2008 16:58:25 GMT -5
Shoving his hands in his pockets, he turns back to Raziel, still frowning. Ask anything I want..? Dozens of questions echoed through his head, and for a while he just stood there, in thought. He was astounded to find himself curious, for the first time in.. no, he wouldn't bother thinking back how long it'd been. In a long while would suffice.
"... I don't really..." he stopped, thinking of something. An image came to mind.. yes, that's where he had intended to go anyway. So, maybe, he could ask other things later...
".. are you hungry?" He asked finally.
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