*** GMAmy changes topic to 'Grandia: New Horizons | Chapter 28.3: Nathan and Feray Lude | Location: Tenkala, evening,, July 8 | Lude Start'
<GMAmy> Some hours after the conflict, Nathan goes in search of Feray, hoping to find out how she's doing. Pushing open the door to her room, he peers in. Feray lies on her bed, eyes closed and apparently asleep; however, her bedding appears to be upside down. ^^;
* Nathan raises an eyebrow and steps into the room quietly
* Feray doesn't respond, as if she's sleeping. Her face is pale and she seems almost thinner while like this. A largeish purple bruise mottles her head.
* Nathan watches her for a bit, then slips into a chair next to the bed and gets comfortable
* Feray doesn't open her eyes but her good arm suddenly shoots out and she grabs Nathan's nose.
<Feray> ...got your nose.
* Nathan grins wryly
<Nathan> I wouldn't expect less from the huntress of Leck ;)
* Feray opens her eyes and smiles tiredly at Nate. "Damn. You know me too well."
<Nathan> I came to see how you were doing
<Feray> It feels like someone is stomping on my face. ^^; But yeah, I feel great!
<Nathan> Good to hear. Considering that cheap shot you took in that fight I was wondering :)
* Feray grimaces and reaches up to touch the purple bruise. "Bastards."
<Nathan> No argument there
* Feray blinks and squints at Nate for a moment, something flickering in her eyes. She reaches out to brush her fingers along Nate's shoulder. "...you got hit too, didn't you? Are you okay?"
* Nathan touches Feray's hand in support, "Nothing too serious, I'll be OK in a while. I was pretty lucky that those archers didn't turn me into a pincushion."
<Feray> Yeah. What the heck were you thinking?!
* Feray drops her hand and scrunches her face up almost comically, scowling.
<Nathan> That I might be able to take an arrow better than the village elder? ;)
<Feray> Hmph. Because you would've been a much better help to us all with 200 arrows in your forehead.
* Nathan chuckles
<Nathan> Well, in hindsight it may not have been the wisest thing I've ever done ;)
* Feray relaxes a little, a wry smile flitting on her features. "If you had died, I would've ressurrected you just to kick your ass for being such a dork, you realize that?"
* Nathan laughs!
<Nathan> That's touching in a bizzare sort of way ;)
<Feray> Yeah well, you're welcome. ;) I'll gladly kick that firm butt of yours anytime you want!
* Feray waggles a fist and then winces, realizing it's her bad hand.
* Nathan ruffles Feray's bangs a little, playfully ^_^
<Nathan> Thanks
* Feray quirks her lips a little and flops back into her pillows. "Watch the hair, crabmeat."
<Nathan> Crabmeat huh? ;)
<Nathan> That almost sounds like a petname ^_-
<Nathan> Oh!
* Nathan digs around in his pockets, "I wanted to bring you something, but I didn't want to seem all mothering and hovering. You've probably had enough of that already."
* Feray nods a little, arching an eyebrow. "Erellisae was here a little while earlier."
<Nathan> Ah? Well hopefully she brought a little sunshine with her ;) *continues to search*
<Feray> Well, there was cuddling and I admit my eyes misted a little. But don't tell anyone!
<Feray> It'll ruin my image. ;)
* Nathan grins an zips his lips ;)
* Feray gets a little anxious and leans over. "What is it what is it what is ittttt?"
<Nathan> Ah, I brought you something... *slides back his left sleeve* ...a little bit... *slides back his right sleeve* ...more... *puts his palms together, and spins them around once, revealing a small tin bottle* ...practical *hands the bottle to her with a wink* ^_-
* Feray wideyes and breaks into a happy grin. She accepts the bottle. "Thank the spirits. I was beginning to go crazy with all the healers and fussing and....ooohh.."
* Feray pops the cap easily and sniffs it..
<Feray> ....bourbon? ^_-
<Nathan> Yup ^_^
<Feray> Ah, Nate...you truly are a gift to lanky beautiful huntresses everywhere.
<Nathan> Wel, I try ;)
* Feray waggles the bottle and holds it up. "Cheers, crabmeat. To me not falling off cliffs anymore or getting clonked on the head."
* Feray takes a nice hearty slug.
<Nathan> Cheers to that :)
* Feray flushes brightly at the burn, licking her lips. "Mmmm. Good stuff. Want some?"
* Feray holds the bottle out.
<Nathan> Twist my arm why doncha? ^_-
* Nathan accepts the bottle with a bow, and takes a small swig
<Nathan> Ah, passable, very passable indeed ^_^
* Nathan returns the bottle
* Feray grins happily now and scoots over to the side of the bed, patting it with her good hand. "C'mon up here. I wanna make sure you weren't lying to me about that wound of yours."
* Feray takes another swig, arching an eyebrow at Nate.
* Nathan blinks, then shrusg and plops down on the bed as instructed
* Feray wiggles a little so she can clearly see Nate's shoulder. She waggles her fingers at the shirt. "Up. And here."
* Feray offers Nate the bottle again ^^
* Nathan slides his tunic down from his shoulder, revealing the well-bandaged shoulder
<Nathan> Thank you much
<Nathan> I won't say that it feels good, 'cause it doesn't
* Feray nods slightly and lightly brushes her fingers over the bandage. She gets a serious look, murmuring. "ĪBeef Jerky."
* Nathan takes the bottle again and takes another drink, then returns it
<Nathan> Hm?
<GMAmy> The pain in Nathan's shoulder eases considerably.
* Nathan sighs a bit in relief
<Nathan> Thanks
* Feray smiles a little and nods, looking disturbingly paler after the spell. She leans away and takes another slug from the bottle. "Okay, put that shoulder away before I bite it."
* Feray flashes a toothy grin.
* Nathan chuckles and slides his tunic back up
* Feray gets a more serious look, looking at the bottle, eyes darkening... "Nate?"
<Nathan> What?
<Feray> When I was really young, my dad used to take me for walks around the village. Everyday he would tell me of the world. One day he told me of how he met my mother, how she swept in and saved him. And how from then, she felt the constant need to save him. 
<Feray> One day, she couldn't.
* Nathan nods and listens
<Feray> It wasn't anything life threatening, really, he emerged okay....but he told me "Feray, your mother was so distraught that she had failed...she let her love for me blind her to the fact I was okay...all she knew was she had failed. The lesson is this....if you set yourself up as a guardian, you will eventually be the one kneeling and begging for mercy. From your own demons."
* Nathan thinks about that, raising an eyebrow at Feray
* Feray chuckles wryly and takes a deeper swig of the booze, coughing a little at the harsher bite. "I should've listened, I think, better to him. It would serve me now."
<Nathan> Perhaps yes, perhaps no. Being a Guardian is a big responsibility to be sure
<Nathan> But I think there's another lesson worth learning there
* Feray lifts her tired gaze to Nate. "Yeah? And that'd be?"
<Nathan> As a Guardian, you are a shield against adversity, and must strive to drive away that which you are defending
<Nathan> But you also need to realize that there are times when even the most resolute guardians must stand down and rest
* Feray exhales harshly as if punched in the gut and slouches down.
<Nathan> Every Guardian needs to have faith that even if they falter, someone else will lift their shield and carry on for them
<Nathan> Even if only for a moment
<Nathan> Believe me, that makes all the difference in the world
<Feray> ....
<Feray> ..Mitsuo...and Erel...and...you...and..
* Nathan grips Feray's shoulder lightly
<Nathan> Its not over, not yet
* Feray utters a soft laugh, vacant of any joy. "Erel was telling me how she was destined to be Mitsuo's protector, that it was in her blood...and that she had failed and she was so upset..."
* Nathan just listens, letting Feray talk for now
<Feray> And the entire time... I was thinking....nobody should go through that...but at the same time, ah, Nate...at the same time, I feel the exact same way as her... I'm not blood linked to him as a protector but I failed as well..
<Feray> If I had maybe...I don't know...somehow...
<Nathan> Somehow what?
* Feray trails off, unable to express the worry and sadness she feels...she slouches further and leans forward to rest her head in a hand, her hair drifting forth to shield her expression from sight.
* Nathan brings a leg up and rests an arm on his knee
<Nathan> You would give anything to have prevented Mitsuo from being taken, wouldn't you?
* Feray murmurs. "Yes."
* Nathan sighs, "You did all you could, and I know that's no consolation."
* Feray takes a deep breath and her shoulders shake for a second.
* Nathan slides over and gently puts a hand on Feray's back
<Feray> I just don't want them to suffer....I don't want any of you to suffer...and damnit, that's part of the problem...
* Nathan waits for Feray to continue
<Nathan> What problem?
* Feray grunts softly and sits up a little straighter, tucking her hair behind her long ears, staring straight ahead. "That I care. The problem is that I even care about you guys to begin with. I tried not to. I tried not to be suckered into being friends with you all, to liking you and wanting to spend time with you."
<Feray> Because time isn't exactly on my side. Time is something I don't have.
<Nathan> Hmm...
<Nathan> No offense Feray, but I don't think you're one to be capable of NOT caring about others
<Nathan> And do you really think that would make things better or easier if you didn't care?
* Feray utters a soft sigh and turns to regard Nate, her expression anything but confident and calm. "I don't know. But it's better than getting involved and becoming friends only to be ripped away....I've made promises I don't think I can keep...and I feel like such a liar, Nate...but I lied because I care...and everything is just getting so confusing..."
* Nathan takes one of Feray's hands in his own
<Nathan> I think you;re forgetting something Feray
<Feray> Please tell me it's something positive and cheery....angst is not my best color.
<Nathan> When we care for others, its never a one-way thing. Those feelings are returned, especially with friends and family.
<Nathan> When its time to go, its time. We never have any control over where or when its going to happen. That's always how life and death and fate work.
<Nathan> But when it is time, and you've lived your life and shared your heart and happiness with others around you, then they will be with you when death comes.
<Nathan> Yes it is painful to lose someone you care for. But its also comforting to know that even in death, they still love and care for you.
<Nathan> They will be with you until the very last moment, celebrating the fact that such a caring person has been in their lives
* Nathan gives Feray's hand a squeeze, "And if you have lived you life as true as you can, then that's all that really matters."
<Nathan> Yo can give only as much as you have to give, no one can ask more of you than that, not even yourself
* Feray stares at Nate for a moment before exhaling softly.. "....you're right. I know you are. Agh, Nate... I'm sorry...I didn't mean to brood all over you...things are just moving so quickly along..."
<Feray> Too quickly..
* Nathan gives Feray a gentle hug
<Nathan> Shh...its okay
* Feray nuzzles her face into Nate's neck for a moment, taking a deep breath.... "...I need you to do me a favor..."
<Nathan> If I can
<Feray> Erel...if I......just be there for her. She's like the little sister I didn't get to have and...I told her I'd be there to protect her...and...
<Nathan> And you want me to be there for her if you cannot
<Feray> Yeah...and I know that you have your own life and that eventually the group will have to part ways but...I want to know she's safe...to some degree, that she's okay..
* Nathan wraps his arms around Feray in support
<Nathan> I will do what I can for as long as I am able, but only if you are not there to do it yourself
* Feray closes her eyes and rests against Nate for a moment before drawing back in his arms to gaze at him solemnly, her eyes unreadable. "Thank you. That means a lot to me..."
<Nathan> You're my best friend. I know you would do as much for me if I asked
<Feray> Oh yeah. I'd do it naked and on fire, too. I love you THAT much. ^_-
* Feray flashes a quick grin.
* Nathan smiles, "Now that's more of the Feray I know." :)
* Feray waggles her eyebrows. "Speaking of that Feray, she thinks you smell nice and are fun to cuddle into. Though she wonders what the others would think if they found her in your arms like so."
<Nathan> Frankly, some of us don't really care what the others think about that. Its my business who I have in my arms...that and the business of the other person in question ;)
<Feray> Oooh! I love it when you're all dominating and affirmative!
* Feray drawls on the 'firm' part. ;)
* Nathan chuckles ^_^
<Nathan> I'll have to be that way more often then ;)
* Feray juts her chin. "Are you going to stick around for a while longer?"
<Nathan> I was planning to keep an eye on you, yes. Most of the others are tending to cleaning up after the battle
<Feray> Mm. Well, I suppose I could let you into our secret plotting session that Erel and I have decided to host with Cassidy. Since you've made me feel better. ^_-
<Nathan> Oh? Do tell ;D
* Feray eyes Nate in wry amusement suddenly and swats lightly at one of his arms. "I bet you're thinking something dirty about that. Men. Hmph."
<Nathan> Oh? And you weren't? You must be sicker than I thought ;)
* Feray blinks and laughs despite herself, blushing. "That's bad, sailor. Oh gods that's bad. No! We were going to decide how to rescue Mitsuo...and decided Cassidy would be the best bet for a plan!"
<Nathan> Ah, with that dissapearing act of hers, yes?
<Feray> True...but also for her military background. ^_- She knows what to do to get to the point of the matter.
<Nathan> Hmm...if she can get Mitsuo out of their grip, back to us, and we can make it to the sea before they're wise to it...we could make a clean getaway
<Feray> Aside from being devoured by merfolk, sure. ^^;
<Nathan> Well, there are ways around that
<Nathan> Even Merfolk can't be everywhere at once
<Nathan> Besides, we don't have to actually GO anywhere
<Nathan> All we have to do is make Jiandir THINK we've gone somewhere
<Nathan> And he'll come trotting 'after' us for sure
* Nathan thinks
<Nathan> Mikari's plane is still around, right?
<Feray> Probably. ^^; 
<Nathan> Hmm...
<Nathan> Its a tricky plan, but it might work if we work fast
* Feray waggles a finger. "We have to fix it first. It's around but won't work without an engine."
<Feray> Maybe if we flapped our arms really fast.
<Nathan> Not necesarily
<Nathan> Since we can't go any further out to sea from here, Jiandir will prbably figure us to backtrack
<Nathan> All we'd need to do is hide the plane enough for Jiandir to think we've run off
* Feray nods, understanding dawning.. "Riiight...see, this is good. I am glad I invited you to our little study group on Rescue Missions."
<Nathan> Then we can just hide out and wait for him to go tearing off back across the ocean to find us
<Nathan> Giving us a chance to actually THINK about our next move ;)
* Feray grins. "Smart. But we need the other members of our little plotting group. So stuff those ideas back into your head, hmm?"
<Nathan> Stuffing ^_^
* Feray reaches out to tap Nate's forehead and arches an eyebrow. "Now...until they arrive....wanna play a game?"
* Feray gets a slow, wicked grin.
<Nathan> Hmm...well I do happen to have a deck of cards on me ;)
<Feray> Oooh, good.....ever hear of naked shilali? I'll teach you it...it's...fun. ;)
<Nathan> Never heard of it, but what the heck? ;)
* Feray winks and begins to teach Nate the particularily racy game of cards.. ^_-
<GMAmy> ==Lude End==