cashewlater: (84)
ɢᴇɴᴇʀᴀʟ ᴍᴀʜᴀᴍᴀᴛʀᴀ ([personal profile] cashewlater) wrote2023-09-13 04:54 pm

for @suffusion



[ the forest is quiet.

cyno knows these woods like the back of his hand. he knows all of sumeru, has trekked nearly every inch of it - nearly - for he fears no beast, nor the darkness of the unknown. his work takes him all over the land, through the deserts and forests alike, and though he works for no one, he does not hurt for mora, for cyno is the most gifted hunter and tracker in sumeru. no quarry has ever escaped him, and he has never failed to deliver on any job. this job will be no different.

it isn't an easy hunt. not only is this area of the forest unfamiliar to him, but his prey is sharp and smart, with an incredible sense of hearing. cyno's footsteps are all but silent, but the sensitive ears of the witch can detect him even at his most stealthy. it's fine. he's brought in difficult prey before. if stealth could only get him so far, he has other methods, though he must take care - should the rumors prove true, this witch is powerful, tricky, wise, and cyno could easily find himself on the wrong end of his quarry's wrath. but he was ready for a fight, if it came to it, and it would.

for five days he simply watches. listens. the witch hears him, he knows, but cyno is well hidden, and cannot be found. he scales the trees and watches from the branches, stock still, his clothing camouflaged, his pale white hair tied up and rubbed with charcoal to keep it from standing out. for hours he sits, vigilant, watchful, learning the witch's patterns and strengths, behaviors, taking their measure, and even that is not easy, but cyno learns over time that his adversary favors the bow and dendro magicks, that they know the forest well, and make use of all of its parts. in the end, cyno can only hope to overpower them by force and speed alone, striking fast, getting in close before the bow can be drawn on him. it'll have to be enough, with the element of surprise unavailable to him. but he'll use the tools he has.

his eyesight, for example, sharp in the night. his keen sense of smell. his own good hearing, and his powers of observation. his patience.

cyno strikes in the night, when the witch is far from their hut, gathering samples of bioluminescent moss. he's fast as a bolt of lightning, moving comfortably in darkness, taking them from behind and knocking them to the loamy earth, with his spearhead at their throat. ]
suffusion: (always be sunshine. ✿)

[personal profile] suffusion 2023-09-17 06:20 pm (UTC)(link)
[ the more tighnari looks to him, the more he wants to push just a bit more on his reassurance. which is strange. a lingering, almost distant need to protect- to ensure his safety. he tries to shake it off, with the thought it could be more from the forest itself than actually himself. it couldn't be him. and yet his gaze curious and bright keeps finding its way back to him. ]

... No need to thank me. I wanted to so I did, that's all. [ nothing more, nothing less is what he means to say. his hands begin to tidy his own things, stacking papers and books together. getting rid of the cluttered space to set his bow down on the now clean surface of his desk. he leaves the earlier cup beside it for now. and for a moment, almost seems a bit of a loss on what to do next.

maybe it's because he has actual company. something he's never had before, never allowed anyone close to the vicinity. and now here someone was as far as to be resting under his own roof. it's not a mistake, and tighnari does not believe to be a foolish decision either but. what was he thinking?! an ears twitches to his statement and he glances over. ]


You don't really seem like the type to come with a group, much less have backup. [ no, he seems like the type to work solo. it's the impression he's gotten so far. ] In any case, I'll know it as soon as someone makes their way into the forest if they do. If it happens and you're asleep, I'll be sure to wake you for a helping hand.

I think that sounds decent enough for payment, don't you think?

[ not that tighnari was expecting any form of payment to begin with. but, he had asked a bit more from the forest than he normally does during their earlier clash, so his confidence in tackling anything right away by himself is extremely low. however, he refuses to give any information like that and instead puts it under the guise of payment. at least this way he may not receive a no. ]
suffusion: (✿ in darkness)

[personal profile] suffusion 2023-09-17 11:02 pm (UTC)(link)
Good.

[ cyno's answer seems to satisfy him. at least he has that definitely covered, looking to the window to the woods outside. he's aware no one could have made their way in without his notice. and more especially come up upon the huts so deep, deep into the forest. so there is no anxiety or concerns there, and it shows as he continues his minimal cleaning up with calm composure.

however, it's those words again that come up that give him pause. ears flicker back, tail giving a low considering sway. finally, a hand comes up to pinch the bridge of his nose with a soft sigh. ]


I know, I know. [ the situation is pretty serious and dire the more it goes on. it is not something he can just ignore and keep pushing back, he knows. however, tighnari can't do much except chase them off, there aren't any other options that he exactly has available. there's a brief pause, thinking, before he turns to meet cyno's gaze straight on. ] Unfortunately, I'm not capable of leaving this forest. And even if I were - I can't exactly trust anyone else to be allowed in these woods to help me if the time comes to it.

[ which is to say, he doesn't have anyone. anyone he did care for before.. the risks there were too much, living a much more suitable life outside this forest. though, the more he stares at cyno, technically that was someone he did allow into the forest in the end. ...no. he shakes his head, waving his hand in turn. there's no way he could ask of something like that. ] I'll manage it by myself. If my fate ends up with me dying on these lands, so be it.
suffusion: ((are you ready to see me now?) ✿)

[personal profile] suffusion 2023-09-18 12:01 am (UTC)(link)
[ as it starts to take effect, tighnari makes his way back over with little to no hesitation this time around. gingerly, a hand reaches out to carefully cup the man's chin to steady him gently. a look of concentration shows on the fox's face, frowning a little as he examines his eyes, moving his hand then to rest the back of his fingers against his forehead for his temperature. he straightens a moment after, peering at the seelie that remains comfortably quiet. ]

...You could say that.

[ for a moment, he says nothing else, closing his eyes with some serious contemplation. the risks of it all, deep down knowing he shouldn't say any more than he has to but... a part of him is comfortable enough to share. just a bit, a small explanation - it's the least he owes after what he heard earlier. ]

It isn't exactly the same as your case with your spirit, but my life is more or less intertwined with this forest. If I leave these woods, I'm dooming it to a fate that is much worse than death.

[ as he's sure this man has his sense of duties and responsibilities with his job, tighnari has the same here. duties he cannot break and attempt to run from. his words leaving no room for any other options, determined to stay his ground. because.. it's the least he could do. he owes this forest that much. a resignation he has long accepted a long, long time ago. ]
suffusion: (my mind still fears. ✿)

[personal profile] suffusion 2023-09-18 03:08 am (UTC)(link)
[ most wouldn't be capable of understanding, and though tighnari has tried in the past... it brought a danger upon this place, and it's because of that reason he wants to leave the topic there. and yet, feeling that earlier spirit dwelling in the depths of the huntsman's soul, it piqued even the nature here's interest. an interest he gently keeps trying to hold at bay for its own safety.

bright eyes meet with those scarlet red again, finding something about the other man that brings a certain kind of comfort to him. the kind of feeling one has after being gone so long and finally coming home. as if this man was meant to be by at his side and nowhere else. a breath leaves him and his next words come before he even realizes it himself. ]


If someone saved your life, wouldn't you do anything to repay that debt? [ tighnari blinks suddenly, as if surprised by his own murmured inquiry, looking off to the side with an exhale. after quickly recomposing himself, he turns back and brings his hand to gingerly nudge the seelie. it chirps before moving off cyno's head to drift on down to settle against the huntsman's chest like a lounging cat. that earlier warmth is much more vivid now, soothing as it flows out with the intention of encouraging that sleepiness. ] So yes, if it comes down to it, I am.

[ the words are a bit grim, dark, heavy with an unknowing weight that he doesn't clarify any further on. briefly, his hand touches cyno's shoulder until he moves away towards the chimney with a new plan in mind. ]

You should rest. I'll have food prepared for us by the time you're awake again.
suffusion: (through the blinds. ✿)

[personal profile] suffusion 2023-09-18 05:49 am (UTC)(link)
[ hmm, tighnari almost expected any kind of remark. some reply, further inquiries on what tighnari has mentioned so far, but he actually moves on. which only makes sense, he does not truly know tighnari, whatever decisions he's made himself is his own business. just as tighnari takes to not judge the kind of life the huntsman has, tracking down people like himself. even if... he is admittedly curious. drawn by something he can't really name concerning the other. ]

The door to the left will lead to a bedroom, you're free to help yourself to the bed there. Or the couch inside this room if you don't want to be too far.

[ on the account of being within quick reach for anything. wherever it is that cyno decides to go, the seelie will stay close by with no intentions of leaving his side. it doesn't go unnoticed, tighnari sparing it a glance with some minor amusement. though he resumes his food prep now, ears twitching atop his head and taking some moments to pause as if listening.. or feeling.

fortunately, the food doesn't take long to make. after a while, the scent of mushrooms and a hearty stew fills the hut. the fox settles two bowls of sabz meat stew on a cleared out table, along with something more of his own preference and creation. the mushroom hodgepodge settles more in the middle of the table for easy pickings of delicious mushroom pieces. with all the work done, tighnari looks it over with his hands on his hips, his tail swaying highly and a pleased expression on his face. ]
suffusion: (✿ we've dreamt about.)

[personal profile] suffusion 2023-09-18 06:27 am (UTC)(link)
[ at the beginning, tighnari did spare a few glances cyno's way once he settled on the couch. taking in sight of the seelie and cyno both comfortable and relaxed on the cushions. the seelie has always been free-spirited, doing as it pleases, and while tighnari, for the most part, can have it aid and do what he may ask of it from time to time... he cannot really control it. it does as it wishes in the end. and the fact it has chosen to stay by cyno, tighnari was sure it must be due to the fact it could sense the bit of suffering the huntsman was going through.

yet, even after, it's almost attached to him - as if it senses something of him that it knows to be safe, to be trusted. for anyone else that has trespassed upon these lands, it has always remained at a far distance and hidden. well, so long as no harm comes to it, then it's alright. he tries not to look cyno's way anymore after that so the man can finally find some sleep. even if there's... something nostalgic, seeing the man sleep soundly nearby.

the fox moves to bring glasses of water beside the stew, falling into idle thoughts until a voice breaks through it. he jumps only a little, as if having forgotten momentarily, letting his own guard entirely. ]


Ah, you're awake. [ already he makes his way over, and from looks alone cyno does look much better but-- ] How are you feeling?
suffusion: (on serotonin. ✿)

[personal profile] suffusion 2023-09-18 06:59 am (UTC)(link)
No negative effects as far as I can see, and if you don't feel anything wrong... then that's good. I'm glad it helped.

[ a smile comes to his lips at the confirmation, turning back as they make their way to the table. he made plenty of food for them both so having seconds or even thirds is possible. he takes his own seat soon after, blinking over before quietly snorting. ]

You think so? I'm sure you must hear ominous things about the dangerous crafts of a witch dwelling deep in the forest. [ his words sound more of a joke, almost light-hearted, reaching to help himself to one of the delectable mushrooms. yum. ]

.. It was both though. Good teacher and fortunately a talent for it.
suffusion: (fall away like dust. ✿)

[personal profile] suffusion 2023-09-18 07:29 am (UTC)(link)
[ ...

pfft. tighnari hardly has a moment to stifle his laughter, bubbling out of him and stopping him from his own bite of the meal. he quickly recomposes, clearing his own throat while sitting a bit straighter. ahem! ]


No, I wouldn't suppose you do. It takes a lot of studying and researching, not to mention an affinity to dendro magicks.

[ cyno, your hiccups. a hand reaches to pluck a slice of lemon and hold it out to his company, pointing with his other hand towards cyno's mouth. ]

Try sucking on it. [ whew. ] You're a lot hungrier than I thought, hm?
suffusion: (tonight. ✿)

[personal profile] suffusion 2023-09-18 08:05 am (UTC)(link)
[ he will, thanks! an elbow props on the table, resting his cheek into the palm of his own hand as cyno takes away the lemon. he watches him closely, raising a brow at the face and chuckles a bit more.

to think such an imposing, intimidating man... dangerous and ruthless, had quite the cute side. the sight of those ears pinning back with a notable flush on cheeks stands out from what he's seen so far today. ]


Better? If that doesn't work, I don't think the "scare" method will work much on you.

[ cyno does not seem the type to scare easily. but also that was a joke anyways. tighnari is more confident in sucking a lemon or even trying something sweet to get rid of them. he reaches for another piece of mushroom to enjoy in the meantime. ]
suffusion: (✿ where hope is left)

[personal profile] suffusion 2023-09-18 03:03 pm (UTC)(link)
..Ahem. Just a simple preference of mine. [ a true favorite, really. ] They are very enjoyable fresh, more to appreciate this way even without any condiments added to it.

[ his tail sways a bit while he moves to busy himself a little to the stew as well. it makes sense to tighnari for the huntsman to have such acute observations, nothing seeming to get past him. even so... it did surprise tighnari there.

fortunately the bowl of stew is quite good as well. his cooking in general isn't at all terrible, though he is simple enough himself to please with mushrooms alone.. he has still learned to make a few recipes to ensure good nourishment. it's only that he hasn't had much experience cooking for anyone else other than himself. after all, having company over like this isn't really the norm for the witch. ]


How was it? If you'd like more I still have plenty leftover, so don't be shy about asking.
suffusion: (your rock my love. ✿)

[personal profile] suffusion 2023-09-18 08:27 pm (UTC)(link)
[ that's precisely why tighnari has left a bit of spices and more wedges of lemons aside to spice up the stew if the man feels the need to. not the mushrooms, if he even attempts to spice up a shroom tighnari will squint hard at him. these shrooms are perfect the way they are, thank you very much! otherwise, he encourages him to help himself to more of the stew, taking his own time to eat. ]

The concoction may have helped plenty but you still need to catch up in other means to feel perfectly better, so I'm very sure.

[ hence the need for the man to finally rest. sleep, eat and obviously drink plenty of water. it's a bit of a trek from here to back out the woods again - and the witch would rather he not pass out from lack of food or dehydration.

... ah. right. because something like this won't be permanent. cyno has a life to go back to, jobs to finish, so the sooner he's back on his feet the better for the huntsman. maybe it was the comfort of company that, just for a moment, had tighnari's thoughts thinking something like this was so familiar. a hand raises to gently rub at his own ear, pulling it a little to get his thoughts in order. ]


Take your time, there's still a bit of light before night comes in. [ .. ] I assume you'll want to take your leave today?
suffusion: (✿ I know my soul believes.)

[personal profile] suffusion 2023-09-19 03:20 am (UTC)(link)
If there isn't much you can do about it, then that's just how it is. Whatever ends up happening - I'll deal with it.

[ and that's that. while he does appreciate that cyno will go out of his way to attempt to change their minds.. he knows it isn't something so simple. those so motivated by their fears aren't likely to let it go.

tighnari leans a bit back in his seat, watching as the seelie that had been hovering nearby drifts over to gingerly flop atop cyno's head once more between his ears. a curious chirp sounds from it and he chuckles as he drinks some his own glass. ]


When you're ready to leave, the Seelie and I can walk you to the border through the fastest path. I might need to branch off a bit right before to check on a zone, but Seelie will stay with you the rest of the way. Is that fine?

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