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gojology · 4 years ago

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The Start of Winter Break. (18+)

𝑨𝒖𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒓'𝒔 𝑵𝒐𝒕𝒆 | I FEEL RLLY SAD CUZ I WANTED TO DO THE SUKUNA BUT I DONT KNOW THE STORY ON ALADDIN SO I OPTED FOR 2 INSTEAD IM SORRY ANON. anyways i wanted to feed u guys rlly well and actually took the time to write and edit. I’M REFORMED also writing on google docs is so hard?? (reposting cuz i think im shadowbanned)

𝑷𝒂𝒊𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈 | Gojo Satoru x Female Reader

𝑾𝒐𝒓𝒅 𝑪𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒕 | 3798

𝑾𝒂𝒓𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒔 | Food Play, Nipple Play, Oral (Fem Receiving), Degrading Nicknames (I didn’t really proof read that hard but I know there’s like, a mention of one nickname along the lines of that.)

𝑺𝒖𝒎𝒎𝒂𝒓𝒚 | It’s the first day of Winter Break, and you want to surprise Gojo with a cup of hot cocoa, instead, Gojo surprises you. Blinking your eyes furiously, you adjusted to the dark room. Immediately, you breathe a sigh of relief. You didn’t have to wake up at such an early hour, and for once you woke up refreshed. It was finally the first day of Winter Break, you had overworked yourself, making sure that you were to spend the end of the year work-free and available for as many Christmas parties you wanted to attend. Yawning, stretching as you did so, you look over your shoulder. There’s a slight smile dawning on Gojo’s lips. His long eyelashes fluttered when he slept. He slightly snored, grabbing at where you once slept in his arms. The room was unusually cold. You had always awoke to sunlight streaming from the window, realizing that could only mean that another day of work was ahead of you. But now, the room was dim, and freezing might you add. You couldn’t wait to snuggle with Gojo, this was perfect cuddle weather. Tearing your eyes away from Gojo’s pretty face, you instead looked at the door. Years of photos with Gojo absolutely slathered the poor thing, past memories all flickering before your eyes. Pictures in Disneyland, bright colors in contrast with the rather dark clothes he always seemed to wear. Once in a while, you would see pictures of Yuuji, Shoko, Megumi, Nobara, just about every Tokyo Jujutsu Tech School member there was, and even Utahime, celebrating good times with Gojo. You didn’t find yourself in many of the pictures, but the ones you did find yourself happened to be some of your fondest memories. Far more common were pictures of you, with ridiculous, shit, you’d even go as far as to say downright ugly faces while he told you a stupid joke were also taped sloppily, some photos were even slanted. Gojo had made it a firm promise to take pictures of you when you least expected it, because that’s when he always found you the cutest. You peek at Gojo’s sleeping face once more, a slight giggle rising from your throat that you struggled to silence. His mouth, slightly agape, was now drooling onto the pillow he oh so gracefully rested on. Jerking your head up and snapping out of your Gojo daze, you realized that you were supposed to make your daily morning coffee for you and him today. You had chewed him out multiple times, telling him that the way he made coffee was nauseating. Usually, Gojo would always accompany the bitter drink with 8 sugarcubes, which was not your thing. He always seemed to forget, honestly you couldn’t really tell with him, giving you a mug of absurdly sweetened coffee every morning. You always foolishly assumed that he had listened to you from the last scolding, so you would always sip it, letting the coffee coat your pallet, but promptly spit it out as soon as you realized how sickly sweet it was. “Satoru! This is too sweet!” “Honeybun, you’re the sweetest thing in this room, what do you mean the coffee could be too sweet? Not possible.” he would inquire innocently, tilting his head to the side. You’d frown, shaking your head and muttering about the acts of distaste you’d do to him before Gojo bursts into a fit of laughter, pointing at you and watching you unenthusiastically look back. Most likely fuming silently, but you didn’t want to tell him that. “You’re so fucking cute when you’re angry, (Y/N).” “Satoru, I can literally not survive the day without coffee. Whatever you’re serving me is definitely not the coffee I want, and sooner or later I’ll be dropping dead.” He would shrug playfully, as if he didn’t even understand the core concepts of what you were trying to tell him. But you knew he did, he just didn’t want to do it. You would clench your fists, trying to look threatening. Your back straightening, and on your tippy toes even though you knew you could never be as tall as him. It never ever worked though, he would just continue to laugh harder, but that was just the routine. “Then do it yourself, sweetie. I wake up at the asscrack of dawn just to make you a cup of coffee. I don’t know about you, but that’s the best show of love.” “Oh I will. I’ll do it well.” And so, you weren’t lying. The two of you began to take turns. You woke up even earlier than you did for work, and made him his coffee (with extra sugar, just as he likes it) while also making yours, making sure to relish the bitter and frankly delicious black drink, void of any sweetening. The next day, he would as well. He never listened to your sugar lectures though, making sure to add 3-4 cubes just to make you angry. You had pretty much given up on all hope of ever getting your ideal coffee from Satoru, it was beyond him to even listen. Besides, you had grown to like the sweetness. Speaking of brown sweet liquids, it was a perfect hot cocoa morning. The snow was beginning to pile up outside, pure white blanketing just about everything. You hastily threw on an oversized sweater Gojo owned, which you had found strewn on the ground. You rolled your eyes, that guy was a mess. What would he do without you? Trudging and stumbling your way into the kitchen like a newborn fawn, you flicked on the lights. As soon as the lights came on, you shielded your eyes from the brightness. Cursing as you pulled out a chair, your eyes slowly adjusting, pulling the chair over to the shelves and cabinets out of reach. Now standing on the wooden chair, you grumbled. So much for being a good girlfriend, your legs ached for some reason, so every time you stood on your tippy toes, you winced. Knocking down a bottle of vegetable oil into the sink, you were startled by such an incredibly loud noise. Your eyes widen and your legs tangle as you scramble, almost falling backwards. Grabbing onto the cabinet’s ledge, you breathed a sigh of relief as the chair stabilized. This was a blessing in disguise, as the chocolate syrup came into view. A feeling of triumph flooding you, you happily hummed gently pulling it out. Setting it down on the counter, you got down, moving the chair over to the right. Standing back onto the chair, you placed a finger on your lips, slightly rubbing them. Your memory wasn’t doing you very well, forgetting where all the extra add-ons for baked goods were. Your tongue stuck out to the side, swinging a random cabinet’s doors wide open. You had guessed correctly, sprinkles of various vivid colors stood idly, eye-catching colors on full display. A fine coat of dust had settled on the caps. You coughed into your arm, now rummaging through the many sprinkles that Gojo would insist on buying because, “they were too cute to pass up.” Sometimes, you swore the guy was a middle-aged Pinterest mom. Yanking out a half opened bag of Jumbo Marshmallows, you did a small victory dance. Normally, Gojo would inhale the darned things, but he was asleep, and very soundly at that. Finally able to have your first taste of marshmallows in a while, you popped a couple in your mouth, practically melting. So sweet. Strolling over to the fridge while popping more marshmallows in your mouth, you lazily threw the bag onto the counter. Swinging the fridge door wide open, you shivered at the cold air, hauling a jug of milk out. As usual, it was half full. Gojo would insist on eating all his cookies with milk, and if he didn’t have milk with his cookies, he would not eat them, stating that it was against his beliefs to even begin to stare at a cookie without a cold glass of milk at the side. He was probably a 9 year old trapped in a 28 year olds body. Humming a short tune, you poured the milk into a mug that Gojo had bought for you as a souvenir on a business trip. Painted onto it was a beautiful scene. Flourishing, vibrant flowers only half-heartedly concealing an undisturbed pond, deers frolicking around it. The mug was your favorite cup, and even Gojo, who most likely had the memory span of a goldfish when it came to unnecessary facts such as this one, knew it. You flipped the chocolate syrup bottle upside down, smacking the top. Making a note to yourself to buy chocolate syrup the next time you went out. Strong arms wrapped around your waist, pulling you in closer. “Boo.” Startled, you twirled around, expecting a rather friendly home invader, or something along the lines of that. Instead, you were greeted with Gojo Satoru’s face. Satoru’s eyebrow twitches, looking at you with an amused expression. “Scared? We’re on the same boat.” he snickered, “woke up to some loud ass bang.” Gojo sleepy whispered into your ear, ruffling your hair with his large, calloused hands. His chin now resting on your right shoulder. “I dropped the vegetable oil on accident.” You ignored the light, fluttering feeling when he touched you. “Gosh, you’re a clumsy one aren’t you, sugar?” Scoffing, you whip your head back to the hot chocolate. An unhealthy serving of chocolate syrup was splattered inside the mug, already blending with the milk. “Don’t turn your back on me, pumpkin.” whining playfully, tugging at your left shoulder. There was something about such a playful, childish Gojo that you loved. You wished you got to see it more often. You pretend to be annoyed, looking at him, now standing up without the support of your shoulder, in the eye now. A flicker of mischievousness over his face, he looks down at you. “How thoughtful.” kissing your temple, he yawned. “Making hot chocolate for me? Oh hey- you even got the exact same amount of chocolate I like.” “Satoru.” hands on your hips, you were bemused. How could one even like sugar this much? “This is an ungodly amount of chocolate syrup, and can NOT be good for you.” His warm gaze stared back, a slight curve to his lips now. You swear you could die a happy girl now, Gojo wasn’t sleepy very often, so when he was, you made sure to relish it. Usually, when you were lucky enough to be in the presence of a sleepy Gojo, he was always softer. Giving you small, coy smiles. Your retort didn’t even seem to register in his brain in the slightest. “I want it, though.” You sighed, facepalming. “Ooooh, marshmallows!” suddenly bursting with energy he never exhibited before seeing the sugary treat, his long arm extended over to the bag, tugging at it to get it closer to him before finally shoving 3 or more into his mouth. “Satoru!” you yank his hand back from the entrance of his mouth, able to save a few, albeit a bit ugly and smooshed, marshmallows. “Wha?” he rubbed his eyes, chewing noisily on the marshmallows he was lucky enough to get into his mouth. “Baby. We need those marshmallows, here, can you microwave a bowl of them? Save a few for later.” He nodded obediently, tugging a bowl out of the “washed dishes” section of the sink. Wiping it down sloppily with a towel. He dug his hand into the marshmallow bag, throwing a few handfuls into the bowl before carefully placing the bowl into a microwave, sneaking a few more into his mouth before jabbing at a few buttons. “There.” he gave you a crooked grin and a thumbs up, walking back over to you, placing warm fingers against your cheek, suddenly jumping back. “Holy shit, babygirl, you’re cold.” About to respond, you too realized how cold you were. Lightly shivering, your hands seemed to be blocks of ice. “Babe, can you go get an extra sweater-” Hands under your sweater (well, technically his) suddenly, his warm, big hands massaged your breasts. You yelped, the hot contact against your cold skin was electrifying. His thumbs, rubbing over your nipples lazily, sent even more shivers down your spine. Quietly moaning, you looked back at Gojo, who seemed to thoroughly savor every little sound you made. “Like that, lil girl~?” “S-Satoru! Not now… I’m making you s-something!” “Hot cocoa doesn’t take a chef to make.” he placed kisses on your neck, lightly suckling on your bare skin. “I-I know, but just… N-not now.” you stammered, he was now tweaking your nipples, gently pulling them. He didn’t seem to register the request though, but instead was drawing lazily on your breast. “That better, missy?” he questioned, watching you catch your breath and gulp. Resting his chin on your shoulder once more. “Mmmmm.” you responded, thoroughly enjoying his warm touch. Closing your eyes, enjoying the mystifying feeling his hands always gave you. Loudly, the microwave beeped. Suddenly jumping up from the loud occurrence, Gojo cursed under his breath and jogged over to the microwave, swinging the handle open. “Great news, (Y/N). I didn’t burn the marshmallows!” Grumbling under your breath, and wishing all hell to the microwave for disrupting such an intimate event, you nodded, giving him a few weak claps for his rather stupid achievement. Gesturing for him to bring the bowl over, you pulled out a spoon from the drawer beneath you. As soon as Gojo placed the bowl on the counter, he zoomed back to where he had left off, grabbing one of your breasts and squeezing it. This time, he was massaging one of your shoulders. Your breathing was heavier when he did this, Gojo noted, watching as you struggled to mix the chocolate syrup and milk together. He did this for a while, eyeing the cooling marshmallow. He swiped up a dollop, wiping it down your neck. Letting out a gasp by the sudden warmth, you assumed it was Gojo’s mouth. To your surprise, it wasn’t. He licked the cloud of fluff, before straight up placing his entire mouth on it, lightly sucking and licking your skin. Your panties were getting awfully wet. “L-love, we n-need the fluff to a-add the finishing touch to t-the hot cocoa.” you would mutter, trying not to collapse from the pleasure. “You getting wet?” now lightly nibbling on your skin, his hand left your breast, dunking his hand underneath the fabric of your panties. He sneered, realizing the puddle that had seeped itself into the material. “Aw, you’re absolutely wet. Fuck am I saying?” he swirled his finger around your entrance, lightly dipping one of his fingers in before he took it out. Whimpering, your walls clenched around something that wasn’t there. “Anyways, let's get back to the hot cocoa!” innocently licking his glistening finger, he looked at you. ‘What? Y-you can’t do that to me-!” “Isn’t that what you wanted?” he chirped back, smiling devilishly. “That’s what I wanted before-” “Hush up, slut.” he rubbed your head with one hand, the other, stroking your cheek. You didn’t realize how hot you got when he called you a slut, whimpering, the hot cocoa long forgotten on the counter as you leaned into his chest. “Aw, you’re so cute.” tugging on your cheeks softly, you look up at him, while he looked down. Even though you were his girlfriend, you didn’t really see his eyes often. They were a brilliant shade of aquamarine, flecks of a darker blue were also sprinkled amongst the sea of various shades of blue. “You want something? You’re giving me those puppy eyes.” Still pulling at your cheeks, he stared down patiently, unable to hide the smile on his face. “I hate when you tease me.” you blurt out, surprisingly coherent, even though Gojo was pinching your cheek. Another flicker of amusement on his face. “That’s not how you ask for something you want.” He stopped pinching your cheeks, now staring at you. You couldn’t quite tell what he was thinking about, his face was blank, eyes cloudy. “Mmm, I’ll give you one last chance before you get punished. Now missy, what do you want?” You tugged at the hem of his pants, still making eye contact. “You can’t have that, sweetie.” he straightened you back up, so that you weren’t leaning on his chest any longer. “It’s way too early.” “Then what was the point of teasing me?” you groaned, clasping your hands together and looking at him. “Please?” you were sure to have your eyelashes flutter. He laughed, shaking his head. “Sorry, princess.” You groaned, getting down onto the cold floor, getting onto your knees, looking at his pleasurably entertained face. “...What about now?” He chuckled, rubbing your head again. “No, baby. I’m just not in the mood, but I can make a recommendation that works with me. Although, you’re really cute when you’re on your knees for me.” You nodded, nervously anticipating whatever he wanted to do. You didn’t need to wait, though, he carried you over to the table, like a princess, unclothing you quickly. Throwing his sweater onto the floor once again, you felt your heart jump a little. A small pile of clothing consisting of the sweater, your panties, and a t-shirt was crumpled up on the floor. He cupped your breasts, leaning over the table to look at them. His expression softened, placing delicate kisses on each breast, making you gasp a little. “So cute.” whispering, rubbing your nipples once again. Your hands found their home in Gojo’s hair, now clenching onto his snowy white locks. He grunted a little as you pushed his head further into your chest, effectively telling you to start suckling on the now slightly abused domes. “Just a sec, (Y/N).” extending his impossibly long limbs to grab the marshmallow fluff bowl, his long fingers danced at the rim, then pulled it closer to his chest. Yanking the spoon out of the bowl, he spread the lukewarm fluff on your body, you weren’t expecting such warmth, and you let out a yelp, realizing what he was slathering onto you. “Satoru! D-did you forget what I said e-earlier?” “Nope, I just don’t care.” sadistically grinning, he ducked his head down, the space between your breasts and his face non existent. He had practically smooshed himself into your embrace, your arms around his head. He was good with his tongue, you had to admit, too good. Goosebumps grew on your skin, no matter how many times you two fucked senseless, he still had such an effect on you. His tongue swirling around your nipple, fingers rubbing and teasing the other. You felt his hot breath against your skin, and you couldn’t help but think how good it felt. Strands of hair tickled you as he began to noisily slurp, before coming back up again. Your breast was glistening with spit, few thin lines of marshmallow fluff left over. He licked them up, before scooping up a few dollops of marshmallow fluff onto you, looking hungrily at the attention-starved breast, before diving back down. Fingers now giving the spoiled nipple almost close to 0 action. He licked the hard nipple a few more times before sucking onto it, as if he was a baby. I mean, he probably was. Afterall, he was a manchild. Regardless, you found yourself heavily breathing, hugging his head like it was the last thing you’d ever do. His teeth lightly nibbled, making you jump a little. Now biting onto it, you squealed. He glanced up, before going back down, licking the sensitive bud. You felt a rush near your lower regions, a familiar warmth rushed to your cheeks. “S-Satoru! I think I’m gonna-!” You weren’t even going to finish the sentence, the white, hot liquid pooling out of you as soon as you uttered a few words. Gojo’s attention was now focused on you, before looking down. “Woah, lil girl. That’s a large mess. I didn’t know your pussy needed any attention.” he directed his gaze towards your pussy, spreading the folds and softly examined it. “How pretty.” he muttered, he flicked his thumb on your clit, making you moan loudly. “FUCK!” you threw a hand over your mouth, he laughed, his breath tickling you. “You’re really wet.” Without any warning before hand, he dove in between your legs, beginning to noisily slurp at your folds, dipping his tongue into your entrance. You began to practically scream louder, you were fuzzy, your body, your mind, everything. Unable to cover your moans, you began to grimace at the stares your neighbors would give you when you went out for the mail. Gojo would laugh, telling you that, “He was just trying to show the world you were his.” and not pay any mind, cursing him for being so skilled, you struggled to contain all the noises you were making. You felt his tongue tease your entrance playfully, flicking your clit a few times for extra measure, you were now wildly thrashing, and you knew Gojo couldn’t wait to ridicule you over dinner. About to straight up shove his head closer into you, his tongue finally stuck inside of you. Letting out a sigh of relief mixed with added pleasure, he skillfully lapped at your juices. Noisily slurping away at you, he glanced up. You were trying to sit up, but were struggling as you did so. The waves of pleasure sent you crashing back down onto the table. You felt him exhale through his nose, tickling you once again. He closed the little space between you and his face, as soon as he was in contact with your skin, you wrapped your legs around his back, trying to close the distance that wasn’t there. Now, his tongue was reaching you in places you’d never think he would. Flush, hot skin was sweating against the table surface, but you paid no mind, promising yourself to wipe the top later. Hair strands practically glued to the sides of your head due to the sweat, you whined again, feeling yourself close to cumming. You were about to speak again, warning Gojo, but you couldn’t. Before the words could even spill out of your mouth, you felt yourself burst. Gojo, seemingly unaware, was still lapping at your walls. You looked at him, breathing heavily. His eyes widened, and you felt him stop licking for a while, before you saw him gulp and stand back up. His eyes twinkled a little in the light, and you straightened, sitting on the table, your heart still beating rapidly. “You never told me you were gonna cum.” You turned your head to the side, about to retort, before you realized the empty bowl of marshmallow fluff. “Satoru! I told you to not use it all!” (resposting because i think im shadowbanned, please interact if u saw this!)

#gojo satoru smut #gojo satoru #gojou satoru #jjk gojo satoru #jujutsu kaisen x reader #jjk x reader #gojo satoru x reader #gojo satoru x y/n #gojo satoru x you #smut and more smut #jujutsu kaisen gojo #jjk x you #jjk x y/n #gojou satoru x reader #hhhh #i think im shadowbanned

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gegenji · 7 years ago

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Going Going Kugane, Part 4

We've Arrived! - The First Taste of Kugane

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It had been an arduous, yet short and altogether strange journey for the quartet of travelers... but they had finally reached the threshold of Kugane - though, not at the port of entry they had expected. Or even at the expected time; with their estimated date of arrival not being for at least another month. And yet here they were, stepping into the doorway to Othard that was the island nation of Hingashi. A bit tired and roughed up from their endeavors, but otherwise hale and whole.

The knight Denz had remained silent, eyes scanning the rolling hills of Hingashi's after they had maneuvered away from the beach cliffs to find an entrance to the city and he was surprised by its likeness to Coerthas before the snow. Entering through the gate, his eyes set upon the distance towers, estates, and the castle in the morning sun. The colors were so vibrant compared to his stony city, and the sounds of activity and bustling could be heard even before they pasted the guard and portcullis. His widened eyes gazed upon the city in wonder quietly, shock and awe removing any tension from his body from the previous dealings. It seemed the month of travel's hardships had washed away quickly as well, having finally arrived to all of this.

"Halone..."

Zhara immediately noticed the change in architecture as well; they certainly were not in Ul'dah anymore. "Woooah!" she gasped with a little chuckle before looking up and admiring the giant buildings and the palace that dominated the scene before them."... This place is amazing..."

For Jancis, the last bits of going over were exciting enough to see the lights of the major city state and sounds that would come. The ground getting some attention as she watched the grassy hills. By the time Jancis set foot in the city itself, she nodded along with Zhara, "Place is amazing." Fatigued and sore, salt encrusted, she still soaked in the vision of the elaborate rooftops and decorations, as if it was a reward well earned.

Chachan gave a weary nod. In fact, everything about him seemed pretty worn out - the slight stagger to his walk, the bags under his eyes, the little noises of exhaustion made here and there. A full night of swimming followed by a not terribly short walk from the inlet to here had certainly taken its toll on the little Lalafell. And yet he still trucked on, though, trying to hide it as best he could. Not that it escaped the otherwise excited Miqo'te's attentions.

"We should get you to the inn," she noted as she looked down at Chachanji and frowned. "I heard they have baths too... and we might need to give you some cold medicine as well." It was difficult to say whether she said the latter bit out of concern or a playful jab at the Lalafell's somewhat childish distaste for medicine, but the sly grin that crossed her features certainly learned towards the second. Whatever the reason, it certainly got a tired while out of the little Doman.

"'d rather..." His statement was interrupted by a sneeze. "Rather jus' rest up a bit if'n it's all th' same ta ya, Zhara..."

Zhara clicked her tongue and shook her head. "I don't know Chachan... you look very bad. Jancis might have to take out her med pack and take serious measures. But we can see when we get to the inn."

Another whine followed, causing the hyur's brows to furrow emphatically. "Some food and rest sounds ideal. Being exhausted does not help in knowing how bad off you are."

"Yeah... I'm pretty exhausted myself, and my head still hurts." she'd continue admiring the buildings as they walked further into town.

"Sounds good ta me..." Chachanji relented and began looking about blearily, hoping some manner of directions to an inn would present itself. As the little Lalafell teetered past, Denz turned his attentions to him and voiced a thought of his own - albeit one of curiosity: "You grew up -here-, Chachanji?"

"H-huh?" Chachan answered in half-awake surprise, looking up at the Elezen before slowly parsing the question posed. "Oh, no... 'm from Doma. 'cross th' Ruby Sea. In Yanxia."

"Ah, this isn't Doma?"

"Nope... 's Kugane. Part'a Hingashi."

"Was Doma a lot like here?" Y'zhara piped up, adding her own questions to the pile. "Or different?"

"Th' buildin' designs're 'bout th' same."

"You grew up in a very beautiful place then. I grew up in a sand hut." she laughed at that. "Horizon isn't nearly as colorful as here."

Jancis watched the buildings as they passed, mostly keeping Denz's head in her view to know where to go as she didn't look where they were going. "It looks prosperous. Unspoiled."

As they made their way to the square, Denz's eyes only grew wider at the amount of people that they saw and passed. Commerce, conversation, duty; Adventurers, sailors, nobles, commoners, here they all melded together. Denz had had a lingering worry that they would encounter their ship's crew shortly after arriving. Now he wasn't sure if they would even see them at all. "By the Twelve... I've never seen so many people before."

"Mmn... inn, inn..." Chachanji murmured as he returned to the task at hand, looking about as much as he could from his meager height advantage of the slightly raised dais. He did spare a brief, if tired, glance back Denz's way at his quiet exclamation. "'s a big trade city... a few customers would come ta our smithy from 'ere 'cuz they heard word'a us. Or tried ta, anyroad."

"Unfortunately I think all we can do is keep walking or try to find a map," Zhara mused thoughtfully, pausing to look up at the tall tower of the Shiokaze Hostelry that loomed over the center of the city. "Wow... I can't get over the buildings here."

"It does not sound like your father brought you here often if at all," Jancis added. Her eyes glanced about as well, though she was just looking for locals instead before leaning in towards Denz briefly. "Is what Gridania felt like at first sight."

"Nah... we us'lly jus' kept ta our smithy in th' foothills'a Doma..." Chachan affirmed with a nod, rubbing at the back of his neck. "Papa was famous 'nuff tha' 'e really didn't need ta GO anywheres. Folks came ta us."

"A mass held by the Archbishop in the Vault barely comes close to this..." Denz continued in his wonder as his hand wavered next to Jancis, unsure if he would be able to keep track of her in the crowd. Au Ra taller than he and lalafell shorter than Chachanji mingled and weaved around each other, almost with no distinguishable pattern. Ishgard had instituted sides of the walkway for people and chocobos, but this was some form of organized chaos that made his head hurt.

Speaking of the stout little Lalafell, he had chosen just then to hop down from their little perch and approach a merchant stall - though, more accurately, it was little more than a hand-drawn cart that was had been wheeled up and stools set in front of it. A few moments later, he returned with a bowl of ramen. "I... uh... found out th' way ta th' inn. Had ta get this first, though..." He holds up the bowl as evidence. "Not... tha' I mind, a'course."

Zhara jumped down herself upon his return and curiously eyed the bowl of ramen. Her pupils dilated a bit upon smelling the delicious food. Jancis' tired hand fit securely with Denz's, squeezing through the armor. "That solves two problems."

The Elezen, however, blinked at the bowl and the Lalafell's demeanor in confusion. "Were you just... solicited to buy goods to earn directions?" he queried before furrowing his eyebrows and putting a hand to his chin. "No, wait... I've definitely seen that happen back home. And Ul'dah. And Limsa... and everywhere else."

Chachanji was less thoughtful on the business practices being utilized by the noodle cart. Instead, he took a chopstick-full of his purchase and rather hungrily shoved it into his mouth, most of it still dangling back down into the bowl. "'s nt bd!" he stated, mouth full of ramen. "Ffn y'wnt sm."

Not wanting to steal Chachan's food, Zhara was quick to make her own trip over to the cart and would shelve out some gil for a bowl of ramen, coming back rather satisfied as she slurped a noodle for taste. "Mmf.... warmth..."

“What strange phenomena we find in a great city, all we need do is stroll about with our eyes open. Life swarms with innocent monsters.” Looking over at the cart, Jancis squeezed Denz's hand once before letting it go. "Is like bread in broth." Digging through her pocketbelt, she didn't really think that most of her money she gave to Denz anyway, counting out what she had - which was more than enough - to buy two bowls.

Denz looked at the amount of gil she had handed him, wondering if it was the gil for their room, before turning to the cart. Nodding, he went up to the cart and was asked what he wanted. Dumbfounded, Denz simply pointed at Chachanji as if he did not speak the common tongue. Chachan merely blinked when indicated, obviously not following what the Elezen was doing - likely because he was still too worn out or engrossed in his own meal. Still, ge punctuated the action nevertheless with a noisy slurp of ramen.

"Good sun, Lord. Do you have more bowls like that? And water?" Jancis added, not even bothering to try and bridge the language gap, speaking in the language she knew. It was Common, after all... to her. "It is enough?" She then asks Denz, clearly awful with money.

"... I think so? Oh, oops..." Zhara murmured, looking up at the pricing chart before she switched to speaking in broken Doman. "<Two noodle? Two noodle please?>" She then grinned and winked at Jancis and Denz. "I know a little bit to get around."

"Thaliak's Grace, Zhara." She glances over at Chachanji, then decides not to ask his noodle slurping form. She hadn't thought of speaking in Doman until after hearing Zhara speak it so well. "Where did you learn such?"

"Oh before our trip I read a book on the language, plus Chachan teaches me too."

"That was most wise. Language book." Be it from exhaustion, but Jancis looked far more guilty and embarrassed about herself than she probably should have for not preparing.

Inside the cart was a pair of Hyur, likely a married couple given their ages. The wife tended to the miniature kitchen while the husband took orders. The latter blinked at Denz's motions and Zhara's broken Doman before speaking in the common Hyuran tongue at Jancis' questions. "Ah. Tourists! It's okay! Not many speak Doman around here. What can I get for you?"

"Not that it wasn't nice to hear that one try!" the wife added with a smile, exaggerating the crow's feet along her eyes. Chachan - mouth still quite full of food - just glanced between all of them as he ate like a Lalafell possessed. Denz cleared his throat awkwardly at this revelation, deigning to hand over the appropriate amount of gil over silently.

"E-er... Aye, pray two of what you hath given our companion." *He folded his hands over one another in front of him modestly, horribly out of place in this foreign city. Meanwhile, Lehsohmarrn - their surprise fifth traveler - was still sleeping against Denz's back, making use of the arm straps from the shield to latch and curl about. The tiny two-month old had done little else but sleep and ignore hunger as they made the trek to Kugane. Now with the aroma of soup and Denz's own appetite, the beast stirred.

"Of course! Two more pork ramen!" the vendor stated with a nod, turning to aid his wife as Lehs stirred from his rest. Zhara, noting just how quickly her little Lalafellin companion was inhaling his own ramen, knelt down next to him and offered her bowl to him. She had already eaten a decent bit but there was still some left in there.

"Want more Chachan?"

"A-are ya sure?" was his response, giving a tired smile to Zhara as he held his now bone-dry bowl. "I mean... if'n yer still hungry I can jus' get 'nother bowl..."

Zhara shook her head. "Nah baby, I had plenty to eat. I just want to take care of you."

"I think it is so nice to sell soup in the city so readily," Jancis stated as she watched the couple work their culinary magic. Her praise was clear. "Limsa would do well to have the same. Around the docks. Or around the Vigil and Foundation. All the people who come and go there."

"Oh yeah, I would love for Limsa to just sell clam chowder everywhere," Zhara agreed as Chachan tentatively took the offered bowl from her hands. Despite the quickness that the couple were preparing the ramen, Lehs had decided that Denz was taking far too long in obtaining sustenance for the two of them. His head peeked out and snaked over the man's shoulder before resting on it. Maybe he could just be fed right there. Denz's newfound energy and excitement to this new place only went so far with their mental bond.

"Is it that surprising? With so many travelers, we make many rounds here and in Kogane Dori just across the bridge..." the noodle merchant explained with an easy smile as he turned to hand over the bowls... and almost dropping them when he saw little Lehs. "... Honey. Honey! Look!"

"Yeah we don't have many food carts," Zhara admitted, giggling at the woman's reaction to the little dragon before tilting her head in thought. "Perhaps just a food truck or soup kitchen?"

"I dare think it is a wondrous idea, nonetheless, Lord. Nald must-" She pauses then, unsure how to continue; Nald wasn't the right term here. The couple didn't seem to mind, however, obviously beside themselves at the little dragon head poking out over Denz's shoulder. The wife quickly produced a much smaller bowl of ramen, adding it to the other two before pushing all three towards the Elezen and his Hyur companion. Denz took up one of the larger bowls, blinking in confusion as he looked over his shoulder and remembered he brought a dragon into the city.

"A-ah, forgive me! I can put him away if need be!" He holds his one hand out carefully, the other hand holding up the bowl conveniently next to the dragonling.

"No no no! This is for the little one, for blessing our cart with his presence. The kami have truly smiled on this day for us..." the wife insisted, pushing the offering bowl of ramen towards Denz and Lehs. Chachan was partaking of his own offering - the rest of Zhara's bowl. After a moment of hesitation, of course. And it was quickly inhaled like his own.

"Blessed?" Denz repeated, his face twisting into further confusion at their reactions. As the Elezen fretted over this strange turn of events, a silver nose prodded at the bowl held in the knight's hand, wisps of the steam disappearing into the tiny nostrils. Somehow the small beast managed to look a bit regal and hold off moments, eyes regarding the cart couple one after the other before dipping in and eating every bit of the broth, noodles, and meat. A tongue snaked out and licked the bowl clean before the muzzle, a small warble coming before tucking back away into the shield.

"That's sweet of you, thanks!" Zhara chirped with a smile, before giggling once more - this time at how little Lehs had partaken of Denz's meal. "Your dragon is so proper and regal looking when he eats."

The couple actually seemed a bit sad at the little dragon's sudden departure. "Ah. Have we displeased the little one?"

"No, not at all!" Denz interjected quickly, looking down at the little bowl that had been meant for Lehs, taking it carefully and looking down at it. "I suppose he is used to remaining out of the sight of others, back where we are from. If it's... any consolation, he would, ah... taste this no matter whether he or I..." Denz trails off, bringing the bowl up to his lips to drink the broth within carefully.

"Ah, no no. A dragon is a rare, auspicious thing! It means fortune and good tidings," the wife explained, noting the dragon's consumption of Denz's bowl instead of the little offering one. "Ah. I should have prepared a full bowl of him. I did not know he hungered so. Let's get you a full bowl as well, dragon-bearer."

She was quick to turn back to her pot, pouring out another proper-sized serving of ramen so the Elezen wasn't shorted on his meal. She was already setting it back on the counter-top for him as Jancis was halfway in offering to trade with Denz, her hand out for the tiny bowl. "That sounds quite accurate, Lady. For Sir Denz here is always brought everyone about him the same luck."

The Ishgardian could only gawk at such a conception."Truly? W-we..." He decided -not- to mention his people slaughtered dragons by the hundreds, thousands. And instead focus on the fresh bowl of ramen set out before him. "We thank you."

"Strah narr whei nesh wan nesk." The rumble of a deep voice came from behind. How did such a creature bear such a mature sound? "Rhei." The couple remained obviously enamored at the statement from the satiated dragonling. "What tidings does he speak to us?"

Denz answered their question with action. Putting forth both his and Lehs' gratitude as he carefully took the bowl from them, he handed the appropriate amount of gil over to them - with some extra. Moving to sit down against the nearby wall, he looked in confusion to the sticks in his bowl, holding them up with close observation. "Are these... skewers?"

The couple seemed sad to see the little dragon and his keeper go, but they remained smiling nonetheless. They moved quickly to serve the next customer with all the more gusto having been blessed by the presence of a dragon to their stall. Back with the group, Zhara stood up and walked over to Denz to check out what he was talking about. "Oh no... I think those are chopsticks. I had to practice eating with them too. It's kind of hard."

"Yuh. 's chopsticks," Chachanji added as he neatly polished off Zhara's bowl. "Nev'r eaten wit 'em a'fore?"

"Surely Carina showed you those." Again Jancis thanked the couple before stepping away. "Is like a sea of white stones."

Denz paused thoughtfully to think back, before recognizing them. "Ah, yes! The insuff-" He blinked, remembering where he was. "Ahem, -difficult- utensils to use for eating." He attempts several times to try and capture the ramen noodles between the sticks, before sighing. "Seven hells, will I be bereft of a fork and spoon this entire trip?"

"I-I shouldn't think so..." Chachan murmured, setting Zhara's now-empty bowl to rest atop his own. "Food carts jus' tend to... not have utensils like tha', y'know? If'n ya dun mind bringin' it wit, 'm sure th' inn'll have some..."

The chopsticks for Jancis weren't much of a problem, however she wasn't using them in the proper Eastern fashion. The were basically only shovels or a damn to keep the broth from sloshing. She did it was an innate familiarity though to make it obvious she wasn't guessing on their use, she just had a different idea. Still with bowl mostly full and despite the great hunger, she stops and waits for Denz to figure it out.

"They did say many travelers come this way. I will find one." She set down her bowl next to Denz and wanders off. "Islands in the stone."

Her progress was slow. There were so many people that she was caught up in her habit of stepping out of the way and excusing herself that it took more time to get a few fulms than it should have. It didn't help that none of the other food stalls seemed to have the more common Eorzean-style utensils, all utilizing chopsticks for their customers. Detouring from that, she saw bright lanterns and headed for them. That would be like Ul'dah at least; markets loved lanterns. And her guess was well rewarded - the lanterns highlighted the door of a ceramics shop, one that sold bowls, pots, vases, plates, and cutlery.

"Do ya want me ta try'n help show ya how ta use th' chopsticks while we wait, though?" Chachan offered as Jancis delved into the shop, pepped up a bit by having gotten some food in his belly. Though he still looked pretty worn out. Zhara smiled and offered her own bit of positive spin on the situation: "I'm sure Jancis will find some silverware for you. Hopefully.."

Denz continued to struggle for a few more moments, before settling with just gulping down as much of the hot liquid as he could bare to atleast sate some of his hunger. Looking at Chachanji, he bowed his head. "I...I suppose I should learn if we are to be here for a while, aye?"

"It's... not too bad," the Miqo'te offered again. "It was a bit of a learning curve for me. I'm still not very good at it."

"Well, 's I said..." Chachan repeated shortly thereafter, pausing just long enough for a short sneeze sent away from the group before rubbing at his nose. "There's forks'n spoons too... ya jus' don't get 'em at th' carts. Chopstickses is cheaper."

"Ah. Well, I wouldn't wish to be insulting by not accommodating to the tradition here."

"Well, um... then le's see 'ere..." The Lalafell shuffled over and settled down next to Denz - placing his pair of empty bowls in his lap and holding up the chopsticks. "Ya gotta hold 'em like this... see? Ya kinda let this one rest on yer finger..."

Zhara curiously watched Denz's lesson on chopsticks while they waited for Jancis to return. It took some doing but, by observing his little Doman instructor, Denz managed to mimic the positioning with the chopsticks. "Okay, but... How do I eat things with this? It seems like it would take longer to eat, with these."

"Nah, ya can eat jus' fine once ya get th' hang'a it..." He clacks his chopsticks together for emphasis, plucking an errant fragment of a noodle from the dregs of what was once Zhara's bowl. "See?"

Denz blinked in confusion, before poorly tapping his chopsticks "together", clacking them against and past one another. He then dipped the sticks in the bowl, fishing for several tries before removing three noodles... until they fell and he was left with one noodle to put into his mouth. Chachan offered a smile for the Elezen's attempt, though the bags under his eyes made it look more weary than he probably intended.

"'m sure ya'll get better wit practice."

Back in the ceramics shop, and perhaps in an ironic twist of fate, Jancis noted that a lot of the merchandise on sale had some manner of dragon motif. Serpentine dragons of a rainbow of colors flowing around the rims of the plates, up and down the pots and vases, and ensnaring the grips of the utensils. Regardless of the designs, Jancis was quite elated simply to have found such a shop, her tired eyes locking on the merchant and going into more detail than she should about their trip and nearly sinking and "Sir Denz has come all this way because of me I must needs make him smile again." She held each utensil, picking the longest ones (or at least seemed the longest) and getting a whole set.

And a big spoon.

And a bowl that was wide and shallow.

The conjurer didn't try to haggle at all once told the price, excited as she took her new found fortune in her arms and started the long polite walk back. However, such polite 'getting out of the way' had Jancis go over a different bridge, pursing her lips as she caught sight of it and followed the river canal back until she saw it once more. She had found it, the red bridge!

Looking across was the beautiful stone sea. Hugging the bowl and other dragonesque tools to her chest, she was a bit less polite in her scurry to return. Moving from 'island' to 'island', she returned just as Denz attempted his three-noodle-nab, beaming all the while at the Elezen before seeing his awkward success. The fork still hidden in the bowl she hugged, she laughs lightly. "Nymeia would have surely never seen the path had I not gone on another."

Denz blinked, standing up as Jancis returned, once more resorting to drinking both food and broth from the bowl as he expedited their meal time enormously. Gulping it down, he tilted his head to the hyur. "Where... where did you go?" His mixture of poor sleep, intense engagement with the bowl, and frustration with the chopsticks made him forget where she went. Zhara, too, turned her attentions to Jancis upon her arrival and - in particular - the merchandise she had purchased. "Ooo... those are really pretty... I guess people from Kugane really like dragons."

"Oh. Byregot's Blessing they are. Though in truth I have never seen them so whimsical. The shop was full of them. And these. Fork, Spooon. Ah this one is a pick." Jancis held them out for Zhara and Denz to see. "I went to find you a fork. Is my bowl still there?"

"Well, th' folks at th' cart weren't lyin'..." Chachan chirped helpfully, setting his chopsticks down again and turning his tired eyes to the Miqo'te. "Dragons are kind of a sign'a good fortune 'round Othard. It... kinda took me a while ta believe there was a war all 'bout fightin' them when I came ta Eorzea."

Denz shook his head in disbelief as he looked about, finding Jancis' bowl and taking it back to the hyur carefully. He tilted his head at the items in her arms, holding out a free hand to trade with her. "I would never have thought anywhere beyond the heretical caves of Coerthas would anyone -worship- dragons. 'Tis good the war ended. Else there would be a much different outlook between the two nations."

"Oh yeah... the Dragonsong War," Zhara murmured with a nod before frowning at the bags under Chachan's eyes, sitting down next to him and attempting to scoop him into her lap. The Lalafell gave no resistance to being pulled into Zhara's lap, resting against her quietly and even shutting his eyes a little bit. She began to brush Chachan's floof out with her fingers as she continued, pausing only to let out a large yawn. "We should probably find an inn soon."

"I got directions..." Chachan murmured, half-opening his eyes again. "Th'... th' inn is... in th' northwestern part'a Kugane... ya can't miss it. They have it up high next ta'n onsen..."

"Best we finish eating and then find rest," Denz quickly suggested to Jancis. "Lest we carry these two to a bed."

"Okay," Zhara said in agreement, lips curling into a soft smile. "We'll let Jancis finish eating and then we'll head over there."

Jancis nodded, having traded and going back to the same thoughtful shoveling of food. She was now behind everyone else, and her pauses were short as she swallowed audibly, lips rubbing together to force enjoying the taste instead of inhaling it. Another thank you once the Hyur was done and the bowls were returned to the cart in a fairly neat stack, the chopsticks lucky enough to keep for another... meal. Rubbing her cheek, Jancis picked up her bags again, smiling at Zhara. "Lead on, then."

Chachan nodded at Jancis' statement, kind of wobbly as he unwillingly pulled himself up out of Zhara's lap and started heading in the direction he had been told. Zhara slowly stood once he was out of her lap and began to follow him, while Denz adjusted the goods in his hands and watched Jancis complete her own preparations. It was only once she was done that he'd follow behind the more acclimated pair.

Waving one more time to the cart couple, Jancis was the last to follow along, helpfully getting out of larger groups ways. Denz was easy enough to see... mostly. She'd catch up. Probably.

"Please, after you." "Good sun. Excuse me." "Pardon me." "Thank you." "Pray go on, Little One."

Denz's gaze kept going back to Jancis as she attempted to make her way through the crowd, halting until she caught up and wrapping her arm around his own, fortifying her presence in the sea of people to push their way through. He may not have had dealt with this many people recently, but he still knew how to muscle through a crowd, even if this one was slightly less combative.

And the hustle and bustle definitely made the journey a bit... problematic, but little Chachan wearily pressed on through the throngs. He had gotten this far, and with the energy of the ramen, he was pretty set on making it that last distance. He mostly assumed the others were following him, rather ungracefully bumbling his way along to the bridge into the northern part of Kugane. There were points where Zhara thought she had lost Chachan in the crowd, but luckily she was able to pin point where he was in short order and press on. She had been surprised she hadn't gotten separated from her group and lost yet, the thought alone seeming to be enough to jinx them.

Denz halted as they made their way to the bridge, unable to see Chachanji or Zhara anymore, having focused solely on keeping track of Jancis. The Hyur in question kept weaving through the crowd until she caught up, squeezing his arm and walking in the wake of his not-handicapping manner. He turned to her, raising his voice over the din of moderately loud chatter: "Uh... Where are they?"

"I only had eyes for you." Her tone was apologetic. "This bridge went to the market. There is another one down following the river..." Her cartography ran out there. "Mayhaps we can see atop the bridge?"

Over at the other bridge, Chachan was having the same concern. "A-ah, um... w-where'r Mr. Denz 'n Ms. Jancis? I thought they was right behind us..." The Lalafell moved a little further back towards the center of Kugane and the bustle of crowds there. From the corner of the tea shop, he stood on his tippy-toes and tried to see if those extra couple ilms would somehow help his quite low vantage point in scanning the crowds. "Ms. Jancis? Mr. Denz?"

"... I did too," Zhara agreed before trying to raise her voice over the crowd. "Denz?! Jancis!!"

The pair was unfortunately too far away for Denz to pick up on them, but he nodded at Jancis as he directed her to the top of the bridge to scout around for their fellow Eorzeans. Leaning on the bridge, the conjurer failed to see the beautiful river canal for what it was, instead keeping her eyes open for colorful friends. "By the small bridge. Under the stall." Tugging on Denz's arm with what excitement any of them could muster, she tried to keep crossing the bridge so they could head off the couple at the pass.

Oblivious to the fact that the other pair had located them, Chachan let out a little whine. "Mmn. I-I guess we should jus' keep goin' 'n hope ta meet 'em there?"

"...Maybe contact them by linkpearl?" Zhara offered meekly. "Our linkpearls still work right?"

"... Did we bring any tha' we can reach 'em on...?"

That caused the Miqo'te to pause, thinking for a moment. "Crap... I don't know, I don't think so. I never had any shared linkshells with Denz to begin with. I might have Jancis's personal pearl but I'm not sure."

The little Lalafell just let out another weary little whine. "I dun think I did either... I didn't think we'd need 'em..."

"I didn't think much about it either. Well... Denz and Jancis are smart, I think they'll figure out the way to the inn."

"Yeah... I was told it wasn't too hard ta miss if'n we kept goin' north 'n west..." he murmured worriedly, trudging his way across the bridge. Though his attentions were split on both heading that way and trying ineffectually to catch sight of the other pair. Which meant a lot of bumping and jostling and apologies.

Denz's eyes strained, unable to see well given his skewed perception, a detriment making itself more keenly known in the roaming squalls. Among the dimmed crowd, he saw where Jancis pointed out, seeing them disappear once more into the sea of people. "We'll have to meet them at whatever inn Chachanji directed us to... Which is.... where?" He looked hopelessly at his companion, wondering if he had missed that detail too.

"The inn, my love," Jancis responded. "You can shed that armor once more. Come, come! He will be worried."

Zhara kept looking behind for the other pair as they continued on through the crowd, looking all around. As Denz and Jancis tried to catch up, the latter waving - an action made a bit less effective since it was at the same height as Denz's head anyway - she finally managed to spot them as they reached the stairs leading up to the inn. "Oh Chachan! There they are!"

Chachan stopped pretty sharply at the announcement, almost causing a Roe to trip over him! He timidly mumbled out yet another apology as the stocky fellow grumbled, adjusted his yukata, and continued on his way - occasionally sending a few less than friendly glances back the Lalafell's way. Denz, meanwhile, adjusted once more the goods in his arms to lift his plated forearm above most of the heads in the crowd as they approached the apologetic Doman and his Miqo'te companion.

"Halone save me," he sighed as they crossed the distance and people to the pair. "Do we need bells around our necks to find each other?"

"I might be able to find a shop with some bells," Jancis added helpfully though she failed to leave Denz's side this time, hand hooked on his arm with good purpose. "But another sun! Pray let us continue. I will not fall behind a second time."

Denz bows his head in agreement, gesturing forward. "It's not too far, aye?"

"I don't think so," Zhara answered, looking to Chachanji for confirmation. The little Lalafell gave a little nod, and turned to continue... though he made many more glances back to ensure they were all still in sight. Which just meant him bumping into more things. At least once they reached the top of the stairs, the entrance to the onsen was fairly obvious.

Jancis, on the other hand, was using Denz's arm far to much as she looked about to see if any of the stalls had bells. And a couple of them indeed were, though they were... quite a bit larger than one expected. Many of them set into wide collars that would take quite the broad neck indeed to wear them properly. Though, that seemed fitting for the couple of stout catfish-looking individuals manning one of the stalls. As she took this all in, Denz gladly pulled the Hyur along.

They were in no particular rush, after all, and simply needed to settle in for where they would be remaining in the city. As they passed under the unlit lanterns in the afternoon sun, Denz took note of the lowering amount of people in this area of town. Fewer traders and more specific individuals lining the market. Older people lingering at the doors and speaking with one another. His eyes turned towards the large building at the top of the stairs curiously, wondering what it's purposed served. He watched a pair of Au Ra leave, noting the wetness of their hair and a towel in their hands. He gulped, as if he saw something he shouldn't have and turned upwards towards the inn.

"Great," Zhara sighed with a smile as the entrance of the inn came into view. "We can finally get some rest... that was a long trip from the coastline to here in the city."

"'n tha's not countin' th' swimmin'," Chachan appended wearily to Zhara's statement. He tarried for but a moment longer to look longingly over at the entrance to the onsen before heading for the stairs. "Mebbe... after a nap'r somethin'... I'd prolly fall asleep in it otherwise..." he commented with a tired chuckle, interrupted by yet another sneeze. "Ack."

"Yeah we could take a bath after a nap for sure. I bet it's a really nice spring."

"Verily," Jancis agreed, not bringing up the large belt-sized bells and missing Denz's discomfort. Her hand squeezed his arm nonetheless, another achievement seeing the inn and how high it was, "Mayhaps we can get a room up high to see the city. Like climbing a tree."

Rubbing his nose, Chachanji meandered his way into the inn and right up to the counter to book a room. A task made a bit more difficult that the counter was obviously not designed with Lalafell in mind so he had to again resort to standing on tippy-toes to get the coin onto the counter. All the while, Denz's eyes scanned the inn, failing to see how the entrance and lobby resembled anything close to the taverns and resting places of Ishgardian origin. "Where are their tables and chairs? I see refreshments. Are you supposed to take them back to your room?"

"I think you might just eat them on the tatami," Zhara offered, glancing between the trials of the wee Lalafell and the confused Elezen. The former looked back over his shoulder as the innkeep thankfully leaned forward to aid in collecting the gil. "Y-yeah. Ya can jus' sit on th' tatami." He settled back down once the coin had been successfully exchanged for a key. "Ya... uh... usually take off yer shoes on tatami too, by th' by... 'm jus' too worn out ta do it."

Denz blinked, looking at the floor beneath them. "The... tatami?" he echoed as he suddenly noticed how scuffed and dust-ridden his boots were from the travelling through Hingashi. And, looking about, it became all the more obvious that one was supposed to take their shoes off by the few pairs of shoes left sitting at the foot of the stairs leading up onto the tatami. All the patrons who were partaking of the snacks on the tatami were either barefoot or wearing socks as they ate and conversed. "Nothing but the best first impressions."

"Dare think that sounds like a welcome change. Unlike an unearned bed," Janics laughed with some fond humor. "Tatami. Will we be offensive for walking in them to our room?"

"It is fine, good patrons," the innkeeper interjected, smiling a smile that all but implied that it would be okay so long as they did indeed book themselves a room. Otherwise things might not be so fine. Zhara circumvented the whole situation for herself by walking over to where the shoes were laid out and flicked sandals off before walking back onto the tatami and giving a big yawn.

"Well I think I'm going to unload my backpack and check out the room."

"'m wit ya on tha' one," Chachan agreed, toddling after Zhara and leaving poor Denz and Jancis to deal with the rather strained-looking innkeeper. Jancis nodded, following Zhara's example and - slipping her arm from Denz's - knelt down to slip off her own boots, revealing gray tights stained from the perils of the past couple days. Stains that almost looked worse than the boots she now carried in her hands.

Denz was far less fortunate, unable to conveniently take off his sabatons while holding onto the goods Jancis no doubt spent more gil then necessary on. Blinking as he looked down through his supplies to those stubbornly affixed boots, he made his decision. "I shall take them off and leave them in my room, my good man," he assured the innkeeper, though - in the back of his mind - he wondered if he could pull Lehs out as a trump to the man's indirect disagreements. He quickly decided that, nay, he would not use his dragon for such pointless gain and flaunting. "When I get to my room."

Lehs slept without comment, but the man knew his dragon well. With that settled, the knight continued on. "Speaking of. What of our rooms?"

"You will have them as soon as you pay for them, sir," the innkeep stated through teeth clenched in that forced smile. Denz blinked in confusion before the weight of the man's words hit him. "Oh. Right. Forgive me, it has been a long journey. Jancis, if you would?"

"Oh! Forgive me!" Jancis pinched her boots between her arm and side as she once again dipped into the modest pocket-belt. Also standing up on her toes, she looks at Denz first and requests one room. The innkeep nodded and took the coin, seeming to be restraining himself from all but snatching the payment from her. What had the man in such a foul mood was anyone's guess, but it was obvious why he wasn't an actor. He retrieved a room key and pressed it into Jancis' hand.

"Do enjoy your stay. And do make sure to let us know when you are to check out as well, as this is merely the initial payment."

"Yes. Yes of course, Lord. Shall be back in the morn, then. Forgive me, the trip has been long and more perilous than first hoped. I mean not that we hoped for peril." Jancis sank back down onto her heels. "That we recover we can continue our journey."

"Yes yes, of course." A vaguely dismissive tone was entering his voice now. "Enjoy your stay," he repeated, garnering a frown from Denz at his demeanor as he sensed the fallacy of his own kindness. The blunt honesty and politeness of truthful Ishgardians was his more favored method, but he was earning a place to rest that was not a hammock, so he kept his tongue still. A couple of the other patrons cast apologetic glances towards the pair, as if sympathizing with them for this man's less than stellar treatment.

Jancis turned back to Denz, ignoring the innkeep's digressions, and held up the key. "One room." Her shuffled items almost tilted her one side to hold her boots and bag, freeing the key hand to hold that and Denz's. "Shall have to suffer me a bit longer."

"'Tis a suffering I will gladly bear," he responded with a chuckle, bowing his head and nodding as he followed her. His feet track the dried dirt upon the tatami as he moved past the innkeep, yet - despite the action - he was being neither petty nor apologetic. He was simply tired.

As for the innkeep himself, he simply nodded gruffly as the two shifted aside before turning to face the next in line. Which happened to be a couple with a kid that, almost upon seeing the man's less than pleasant expression, started crying and screaming in the sharpest of keys. The forced smile that he had quickly repainted to his features became all the more strained as he sought to get this next group handled and away as quickly as possible. It was going to be a long evening for him indeed.

#ffxiv logs #going going kugane #chachanji #y'zhara zekial #jancis #denz #how do chopsticks!?

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thehungryhybrid · 7 years ago

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I had a nightmare last night into this morning. And I feel I want to write it down somewhere cuz it was just strange.

Some context. I went to bed at around 11 pm yesterday. It was, and still is, very windy outside due to a storm coming in from the west. I hear it especially well because right outside my window on the ground (I’m on the second floor) is one of those campers (is that the word?) and we’ve covered it in this makeshift tent to protect it from the weather. This cover was somewhat loose and was flapping really loudly.

I also always go to sleep listening to music. Not that that has anything to with this.

I don’t really remember how the dream began. I just know I was in a school building together with my mom. Her workplace to be precise.

That’s another thing. Whenever I have nightmares I’m almost always in a familiar setting or with people I know. But instead of the school being in nice suburban area, surrounded by houses and villas, we were on the edge of a swamp. Kinda like how I imagine Florida. Not that I’ve ever been there.

Anyways. We were in the school. At night. Why we were there at all I have no idea. At first there were nothing to creepy about the place. We were just aimlessly walking around. The rooms got progressively darker and unkept. Was my mom really working here? I remember seeing the tapestry coming undone. Grey and dirty. The shelves looked more and more rotten and some had already collapsed on itself.

We didn’t actually think too much of it.

We then arrived into a room that just felt... wrong.

I could phyiscally feel, or as physically feel I could in a dream, pressure. The air was bad. So bad it was hard to breathe. It was hot and stuffed. But not only that I felt as if we shouldn’t really be there. I don’t really want to say I felt ‘evil’ but something sinister at the very least.

In the middle of the room was a circle made of animal bones. I think there may have been blood as well. It was not in the shape of a pentagram though.

The bones were probably from different animals and lying next to each other, vertically, forming a crude circle around the skull of what might be a goat.

“People have probably tried to summon a demon or something”, I remember telling my mom. It definitely felt like they had.

On the floor a bit to the side was a laptop. We picked it up. It had a lot of cables connected to it. For some reason we didn’t think of actually removing them.

We were now outside on the school, next to a playground, when we opened the laptop. Like dream does it moves you and you don’t question it. It was day. Or maybe dusk? On the laptop there was a video open. And we played it.

The video seemed to just be a scene from some kind of school drama. Two girls, around 12 years of age maybe, were talking to each other at the same place we stood.

What they were talking about I don’t remember, I do remember that the feeling I got was that they weren’t exactly friends and one of the girls were saying mean stuff or something to make the other feel bad. The school and the school grounds looked normal in the video and nothing seemed out of the ordinary at first. The two girls ended their conversation and walked towards an entrance to the school building located on the other end.

Behind them a huge crocodile began to follow them. I didn’t think too much of it when I saw the video. Maybe because the kids and adults weren’t that concerned that a huge, several meter long crocodile was actively hunting the two girls. The girls of course shouted for help, but they did not seem as scared as you’d think they’d be.

The crocodile itself had quite long legs. Long enough to not have to drag it’s belly on the ground. It walked quickly swaying a little as it did.

As the crocodile disappeared from view a man stood in front of the camera holding a chainsaw. I thought he was the groundskeeper. This man did not reappear in my dream.

We stopped watching the video and we realized, without any evidence or signs that this crocodile was real. Was here. We didn’t see it but we just knew. We went inside the house again.

It was around here that I woke up. I looked at the clock on my nightstand and I think it was 4:40 am. I was thirsty. There were 2 water bottles on the nightstand. One about half full. For some reason I decided not to drink anything even though I was almost parched.

What really unsettles me, now in hindsight, is that my half-full water bottle wasn’t standing by the wall but rather in front of my (digital) clock. And my phone was leaning against it. Standing.

I never leave my phone like that. It’s always laying down, and as far from the edges of the nightstand it can get.

I don’t remember putting it up like that. I guess it’s possible I did something while I was asleep. That would be a first if that’s the case. My knee-jerk reaction is that something put it like that. Like a warning or an announcement.

While the thought is scary now, I actually didn’t fully comprehend it to be so at that time. I just put the phone down from the unsafe position and pushed the bottle to the wall. And I went back to sleep.

The school was very much different now. It was dark inside the house. Impossibly dark for it to be somewhat light outside. We were in the room with the animal bones. Fear was slowly rising within me.

The door further into the house was closed. Suddenly locked. We had quickly entered the room from the outside (there was a door leading to the school yard in it) because something was coming. And it wasn’t just the crocodile.

Ever seen a picture of a lizard running on its hind legs? Their head upwards, the arms flailing. Looking quite goofy. Now imagine that but their body is swaying. Swaying to the sides, but the swaying wasn’t just the body moving back and forths but also the torso and belly jolting from side to side like a super agressive belly dancing.

These lizards were dangerous. And they were coming en masse from the swamp. The crocodile seemed like an ever present looming danger behind them.

We were inside the room. As dark as my room was. I was looking out through the windows. Seeing 3 lizards walking outside, then 3 more, then 2 more, then another 3. Their eyes dead and staring like a fish. Mouths open.

My mom turned around trying to discern something next to the door further into the building.

“I think i see something swaying there by the door”, my mom whispered to me. “There in the corner.” She points to a corner right next to the door. It was too dark for me to see but I still saw it, if that makes sense.

We were by the wall standing opposite it. I was thinking of maybe getting out but the other lizards were still marching outside and then there’s the crocodile. I didn’t have time to decide on a course of action because the lizard in the room charged.

I have no idea if I actually found it scary or not. But my brain decided to pull me out of the dream anyway. Probably because the dream was going to end with me and my mom killed. And I have this ingrained conviction that I must not die in a dream. It was 5:40 am now. Still 30 minutes for me to sleep.

But I was too unsettled to sleep. I didn’t want to go back to the dream. In my half sleeping brain I conjured up an automatic gun for me to use but I was unsure whether to use it. The noise would bring the others. But since I was awake in a sense I decided to make it so that we’d win. I would shoot the lizard, I wouldn’t be bothered with the kick back and I’d hit it even though I’ve never fired an automatic before. We would then hide in the lockers as the crocodile entered the building. On the other side of the door that had been locked.

My alarm clock rang at this point.

While the dream doesn’t exactly feel scary in my writing, horror isn’t exactly my specialty, I did have a constant feeling of dread. even when I woke up the two times. I still wonder how my phone was put in that position. Did it do it in my sleep? Or, if we go into the supernatural, was the evil presence from my dream an actual demon of some kind who wanted to get to me?

You know how kids justify them being safe by saying that the bed is the safezone or that if they’re covered completed while on it nothing can get to them? I still have that same belief at times. Especially when I get scared during the nights. I remedy that by hugging one of my pokemon plushies.

Another thing I did was to paint my wall.

This is on the wall above my bed. It’s a language I created, a magical language. And every word is magical. These 3 circles form a protection spell. And nothing that wants to harm me can enter the circle.

I like to imagine that if it was indeed a demon or the like in the room it was unable to get to me because of this spell. Belief is a powerful tool. And so if I believe in something hard enough, like I will be protected against anything and everything while within this circle. Then I don’t have to worry if I have nightmares. And I wake up feeling afraid.

#the hybrid speaks #story #nightmare #the words #demon

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