Sand in my shoes [ OPEN ]

[Gegenji]

I'm all alone...

 

Harsh words to end their ride on, as Avenger trotted through the gate into Black Brush Station. The place was abuzz with life and conversation, as usual - a sort of microcosm of the Ul'dahn market. Here ore was collected from the mines to the north and then set onwards towards Ul'dah or wherever else the Miner's Guild sought to send it. It was also the common resting place for the workers, or merely a brief rest stop before descending upon the Coffer & Coffin to the south.

 

For the most part, the workers and merchants making their rounds about the Station left the two Lalafell be. They had their own lives to live, and had little time for two popotoes nestled atop a tiny Chocobo. Really, the only time they gave the Dunesfolk any attention was when Avenger got in their way, sending dirty glances up at both bird and rider. More than one apology was quietly muttered as Chachanji guided his mount towards the shade and possible sanctuary of one the Station's sandy-hued buildings.

 

"I... wouldn't say yer alone," the green-haired Dunesfolk finally stated as Avenger settled down to let them both dismount. "I-I mean, there's still folks in yer life, right? Ms. Momodi fer one, 'n.. 'n through her ya can meet all sortsa people. It's pretty amazin', really, all th' folkses she knows."

 

He offered a small, worn hand to aid in her dismount. A hand toughened through years as a smith, yet still used to help friends and anyone who needed it. A hand that, should she accept it, would also soon be used once again to touch up any scrapes and scratches Ququki's sensitive skin had suffered during the ride with healing aether.

 

"'n then there's all th' folks ya meet ev'ry day. Any one'a 'em has th' potential ta become a frand. If'n yer willin' ta let 'em."

[Desu Nee]

Black Brush. It's a nice enough place, really. Close to Ul'dah, nice cheap restaurant nearby, and it's interesting to see the others go on their business. She stares at the camp for a while, listening to Chachanji...he's really nice. Overly nice. Almost sugary puking nice. And friends...she wouldn't object that, albeit she always found the idea of replacing friends with family preposterous. You can replace mentally, but family will always be family, no matter how much you try, but still...

 

Is Chachanji a friend? One would suppose so. She took his hand, quiet. She really had nothing to say about that.

[Gegenji]

Avenger gave a little contented wark once both his passengers were off his back. He rose to his feet and did a little dance-like motion to shake the sand from his feathers and loosen his legs a bit. Chachanji gave the bird a well-deserved pat on the side for a job well done before turning his attentions back to Ququki.

 

As he intended, he gave her face a quick once-over, tending to any new scrapes and such with his simplified Physick spell. Once he had done that, he gave a small smile and a nod before dusting off his hands. Placing his hands on his hips, he looked over his shoulder towards the building they had stopped next to.

 

"So, um... wanna go get somethin' ta eat a'fore we part ways?" he asked innocently enough. All he had brought with him was candy, jerky, and water. And he felt a more substantial meal might be in order, for the both of them. "Recover some'a yer strength fer th' rest'a th' trip? 'n hey, maybe ya might make yerself another new frand in the process."

 

By his tone, Ququki could probably answer her unspoken question easily enough. Another new friend. A little forward and assuming of the youngest Gegenji, but he had always been the sort to offer his friendship whether the receiver really wanted it or not. He'd just been lucky enough that no one had been openly vocal against being his friend.

[Desu Nee]

...There is kindness. There is selflessly. There is martydom. And there's what you are doing.

 

 

 

 

She smiles a bit, and shakes her head, smiling sincerely.

 

Your...friendship is enough, really. Next thing you will buy me a house in the Goblet and warm my milk and read me before I sleep, really it's fine. You're...fine. Here, your gil sack.

 

 

She returns it...it is considerably fuller. She smiles, giving him a hug before running off to the Chocobo Porter. She had to rent a room in the inn before midnight after all.

[Gegenji]

"What I'm doin'...?" Chachan echoed. He wasn't entirely sure if what she was implying was sincerity or ribbing or what have you. He wanted to ask her for clarification - on exactly what it was he was doing if not something already on that list - but she had moved on.

 

"I... I dun think I could afford a house in th' Goblet..." he argued timidly, blushing a little in embarrassment and rubbing the back of his neck. "I jus'..."

 

He was interrupted again, this time by the return of his gil pouch. As soon as it was in his hands, he noticed the difference in heft. Curious, he pulled it open to glance inside at the extra coin that now filled it. He gasped a little in surprise, and then held it out once more.

 

"A-ah, I told ya didn't... need... payment..." he explained, his words losing strength as he watched her hurry away. He stood there for a moment, still as a statue, before a sigh escaped his lips and he melted into motion once again. Pouting a little bit despite his sudden windfall, he cinched the cord to his pouch shut again and returned it to its normal spot.

 

"Mmn..." was all he could manage as Avenger trotted up to nuzzle the back of his head.

[Desu Nee]

- THE END -

 

Thanks Gegenji <3

[Gegenji]

No problem, it was a lot of fun. :thumbsup: