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Emma had the same curiosity as Arturo, however she was more amazed by the look of such a big festival! At home, they'd had 'festivals', but never anything that would bring in many outsiders like this. They were more for the small community to entertain the youngest of them for a few days. They didn't do a lot because the only profit they could make was the joy of the children.
She watched the children practice as they made their way through, giggling a little. Coming here had definitely brought her spirits up very quickly. |
The inn Arturo selected was quite colorful and brightly lit. Within the lanterns hanging above their heads, fluttered enchanted fireflies that illuminated their colors as they moved through their enclosed space. Even the owners were in a singsong mood as they cleaned and completed tasks requested by their patrons. To keep a better eye upon Emma, the mage only purchased one room. How they would share the bed, or divide who got to be on it, was beyond him at the moment. |
Emma gave Arturo a curious look when he decided they would all share a room this time, though she was very thankful for it. The thought of being alone frightened her still very much... she just hoped she wouldn't be a burden to either of them at all.
Once they had their things put away, she tugged at both of the mens' arms. "We should go look around! Come on, Come on!" She was excited to be there, she wanted to see what else there was to do before the festival--before too many people flooded the streets as well! |
As usual, Arturo kept a watchful eye out for gifts to give his friends, namely, Danny and Danielle. While the other two explored and admired the upcoming festivities, he was far more concerned with the distant future and seeing their faces as they received the gifts. Denzell fingered over the hairpin, remembering that he had taken it and not yet given it to Emma. He too eyed the stalls for more to give to her. |
Emma looked around, keeping close to at least one of the two men she was traveling with as they explored, though she knew that they would never let something happen to her while they were out with her.
She seemed fascinated by things now and then, ranging from a piece of jewelry that had caught her attention because it was shiny, to maybe a book, or a unique little trinket. She loved looking over them all, though she bought only one thing--not even for herself, a sturdy kite for Danny. Perhaps she could take him out sometime to fly it. That was something Sloane used to do with him when he was a young boy. She wished she could go see her brothers... but she feared that going there would draw the tribe's attention. Then they'd know who she really was! |
As it grew later and the group grew hungrier, Arturo guided them back to the inn. He carried a great number of gifts. While he knew it wasn't the best of ideas to be so laden with things so early in the trip, he could not stop purchasing little trinkets for those he had on the mind. Once inside, Denzell gave Emma's sleeve a slight tug. |
Emma still only had the one trinket for Danny, though she was sure she'd find something else for him at the festival! She wondered if she should get something for Aidan as well... would that be strange?
When they hand returned, she blinked at the gentle tugging, glancing up at the man with curious eyes. "Yes, Denzell?" |
Slowly, the man took from his pocket the hairpin and offered it to her. Would she like it? he couldn't help but wonder. |
Her green-blue eyes widened at the sight of the hairpin she'd been looking at before--it had been so expensive, had Denzell really bought it for her?
"Oh Denzell!" She took it delicately, looking it over slowly. "But it was so much, you shouldn't have..." Her cheeks flushed gently as she smiled, looking over the gold and jade hairpin, amethyst and opal lilies along the top of it. |
Awkwardly, the moved some of her hair and pinned the hairpin within her ruddy tresses. "It looks really nice," he said with a nod and a somewhat silly grin. |
Emma could only blush even more as Denzell put it in her hair for her, smiling almost timidly. This was a first for her--someone getting her something like that. It was beautiful, she was glad she had it, and she didn't pause to think about the fact that the man had probably stolen it for her--she didn't care. They weren't back in that town anymore anyways, it was a bit late to be giving it back.
Stepping forward, she gave Denzell a tight hug, squishing her chest up against him. "Thank you..." |
He hugged her back in return, glad to know the gift wasn't ill chosen. "You're welcome, Ems," he said softly. |
Emma leaned into the returned hug, smiling warmly. Denzell's hold felt nice and gentle--this was the Denzell she knew and had missed while in Jordahn. She hoped he didn't go away again! She didn't know what she would do if he did.
Tipping her head back to look at him, she gave him a bright smile. "What should we go eat tonight, Denzell?" She wasn't sure what she was in the mood for, anything would probably sound good! |
Keeping an arm about her, he patted her shoulder some. "M'hungry for anything, really," he responded with a chuckle. The change he had experienced in the trading center had gone unnoticed by him. Arturo got them a table and began ordering his meal. He informed them of the local cuisine. While the rest of the country found it odd to eat certain vegetables and meats, Ilaine prided themselves for being different. The mage was eager to give it all a chance. |
Emma smiled at Denzell more as her shoulder was pat, giggling a bit. She was doing a very good job at hiding the fears she had right now, always alert, listening to her surroundings--she didn't want someone surprising her again.
When they were sitting down, she seemed think about what she'd want to eat as well, deciding she would give something new a try. Getting a slightly alcoholic beverage as well--though she didn't want to overdo it, trying to consider her change in body type. She might not be able to drink as much as before without getting wasted! She supposed it wouldn't be too lady like of her to get as drunk as she had on her birthday. |
Arturo exhibited some concern over the drink Emma wanted to order. "Er...I doubt, you'd be able to handle...it," he mumbled, almost incoherently. He felt awkward telling her what to do, while at the same time, trying to show some concern for her well-being. |
Emma giggled at Arturo a bit. "Well, I won't know my limits for sure until I've tested them." Besides, she could really use a drink... She didn't want to talk about what had happened yet, but perhaps she was hoping a drink would make her forget about it for a while.
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Arturo didn't push the concern further. He began eating and drinking once the food arrived, going silent. Emma was an adult and perhaps he was overstepping his boundaries by telling her what to do. |
Emma drank slowly as she ate, seeming to hold her liquor rather well for her size, though by the time she was done with it, she was indeed drunk, leaning slightly into Denzell as her freckled cheeks warmed over. She at least knew better than to ask for another drink after that, only getting water instead to help settle her stomach a little. She seemed quite happy however.
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Denzell moved his arm around Emma, rubbing her shoulder. He was glad to see her lightened mood and smiled himself. Arturo watched them. Was Jordahn such a stressful place that both of them had acted so out of kilter? Perhaps he should reconsider his plans on where they traveled. Fewer larger cities and more, quaint, cute towns... |
Emma smiled and relaxed in against Denzell as she was held. It felt very nice to be kept close, closing her eyes a moment before she drank some water, her face flushed still. "Mmm..."
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Denzell leaned in and spontaneously kissed her head briefly. He was glad to see her relaxed the way she was. Arturo, in the meantime, was scanning over his map, rethinking their travel destinations. He remarked some places he had originally cut out for time. |
Emma didn't seem to think it strange to be kissed on the forehead since Danielle was always doing so, her cheeks flushed still and she gave a tender giggle. "Denzell." She murmured softly, a happy and idle sign of affection towards the man.
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The man kept it playful since they were at the dinner table. Sure, Arturo was quite distracted with his maps and diagrams, but it would be quite rude for him to glance up for a sip and discover them quite more than innocently intimate. He drank some and observed the crowds coming in to eat. |
Emma was quite giggly as she sat there with him, leaning her head in against his shoulder and tipping her head back a little to look at him. "How are you? It's nice here isn't it?" She was overly happy, perhaps with the help of the alcohol.
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