cashewlater | for @suffusion

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. ]

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[ tighnari's hands are gentle as they lift and touch his face, and cyno feels that same warm wash of familiarity that he felt before - as if he has done this hundreds of times, been cared for by this man, in this hut, in the past. an absurd notion, but cyno always follows his heart, and there are many strange things in this world that cannot be explained. he keeps still as tighnari examines him, it's clear that he is fighting the drowsiness as best as he can, trying to remain aware despite how tired he is feeling.

it certainly doesn't help that these last five days he has spent stalking his prey he has not gotten much rest, instead remained vigilant and watchful, sleeping only in brief naps when he knew the witch was resting. even those had been restless.

at any rate, his brows lift a little at tighnari's explanation. bound to these woods.. he could mean in many ways. perhaps it is simply loyalty that keeps him bound, but perhaps it is something deeper than that, something in his bones and soul that keeps him tied to this place. ]

And you are willing to die to uphold this responsibility?

[ he asks this without malice or judgment in his voice, only simple curiosity. perhaps the two of them are not so different after all, he thinks. dedicated to their work, to their respective causes, to bettering the world and the place around them. ]

[ 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.

[ there's a conviction in tighnari's voice that cyno recognizes, for it is the self-same conviction he carries in his own heart. they're very similar, he thinks, despite their differences as well.

saved his life, hmm..? cyno has always felt the energy of this forest, an energy that grows thicker the further into its depths that you travel, but such a thing is not terribly uncommon, especially where ley lines overlap and converge. still, it's a bit odd how tighnari refers to the forest, as if it is a living, breathing creature with sentience and a will of its own. or perhaps cyno is simply looking too deeply into it.

when the seelie hovers down against his chest, he feels it again, that sweet, warm flow of energy that both heals and comforts, and it's enough to make cyno hum softly, contented, like a cat purring in a sunbeam. it also serves to make him even more tired than he had previously been. cyno carries himself with a certain stiffness most of the time, a readiness to move, to fight, a sort of underlying tension that always thrums in his pulse, but here in this place, with tighnari, and with this strange little seelie, cyno feels.. at ease. so at ease that it feels strange, as well. ]

Mm. I suppose I should.

[ he makes no remark on tighnari's convictions, on his comments; he doesn't want to pry more information from the witch than he is willing to give. so cyno nods instead, and rises slowly from his chair. ]

[ 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. ]

[ in the end, cyno chooses the couch. a bed might be too comfortable right now, and he might oversleep if the slumber takes him too deeply, and besides, he wants to be immediately available should something happen. leaning his polearm against the wall beside him in easy reach, cyno unfolds himself onto the cushions, lying comfortably on his side. the cushions are plush and soft, they support him easily, and it isn't long before his body is beginning to relax.

the seelie, of course, nestles right into the crook of his arm, which cyno finds a little curious. is it always this friendly with strangers? most people.. don't like cyno, don't warm to him easily. his reputation tends to precede him wherever he goes, so he is widely respected, but also widely feared, so most tend to give him a wide berth. his solemn, serious, intense personality certainly doesn't help things along, either, even if he's quite warm beneath his stony surface, though few indeed have ever discovered as much.

cyno watches quietly, through hooded eyes as tighnari begins to work, but the mood is so calm and peaceful that it isn't long before he drifts off, to the sound of droning insects and the sound of wind through the forest boughs.

generally speaking, cyno is not a good sleeper. he often sleeps fitfully, and suffers from nightmares, but now.. now he sleeps soundly, not moving an inch, with the seelie warm against his chest, his tall ears relaxed, the tip of his tail curling back and forth in something almost like contentment. it's been years since he has felt so safe anywhere, or with anyone.

the long rays of sunset are filtering through the window when he wakes with a start. how long had he been asleep? sitting up, cyno rubs the heel of his hand into one eye, instantly awake and aware, his gaze sweeping the room, settling on the table, and then tighnari nearby, who in fact had not attempted to strangle him in his sleep. ]

.. smells good.

[ 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?

[ cyno, too, is a little bit surprised that the seelie is still with him when he wakes, hovering near even when he sits up, as if it wants to be touching him at all times. he's unbothered by it, if anything its presence is soothing, calming, and cyno knows full well that he could surely use the comfort and relaxation. the potion has left him feeling a little sluggish, but overall he's feeling much better. the pain has vanished, and he feels.. recharged. ]

Good, thank you.

[ that concoction really did the trick. unfolding himself from the sofa, cyno stands and stretches his arms out, his back popping, tail flicking, before he's approaching the table, inhaling the scent of the warm food. he's still feeling quite ravenous after using up so much energy chasing tighnari down. ]

You have a gift for healing. Or you had a good teacher. Both.

[ he slides into his seat. ]

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.

[ cyno, meanwhile, begins to dig immediately into his warm stew, which has had just the right amount of time to properly cool, and he finds it's quite delicious. it could be that he's just incredibly hungry, but he's soon humming his satisfaction, taking spoonful after spoonful fast enough that he.. gives himself a case of the hiccups. ]

Ah, sorry -

[ usually his table manners are much better, but he's absolutely starving. swallowing his mouthful, cyno takes a few gulps of water to try to stave the hiccups off. ]

I know a decent amount about wound healing and survivability, but I certainly don't have a witch's skillset.

[ hic. ]

[ ...

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?

[ yeah yeah, laugh it up, fox boy!! cyno's cheeks darken a bit, his ears folding back in embarrassment, but it's also.. nice, to have someone feel so comfortable around him that they can laugh. cyno doesn't have friends, but this feels good, and tighnari has a lovely laugh, it sounds like a silver bell, warm and musical.

hic. ]

.. right.

[ plucking the lemon wedge from tighnari's hand, cyno pops it into his mouth, and immediately pulls a face. sour.. but he endures it very toughly, and after a few seconds he pauses, holds still. the hiccups seem to have gone. ]

[ 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. ]

[ imposing and ruthless as he might seem (and he is), cyno is an odd and multifaceted man that few have chosen to see this side of. collei is, more or less, the only person that knows his soft heart, though it would seem that tighnari too chooses to look past his stony exterior. how peculiar, he thinks. ]

I doubt it.

[ tighnari trying to frighten him would likely end in spectacular failure, but he is certainly welcome to try. cyno tucks back into his meal without further preamble, though he goes more slowly this time, now that he's over his hiccups. once his stew is finished, he picks at the mushroom platter in the center, which is.. all he's seen tighnari eat so far, in fact. ]

I take it you enjoy mushrooms.

..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.

I see. Well, the forest has plenty to give, at least.

[ personally, cyno thinks plain mushrooms without any spice at all are a little bland, but they're not bad either, and he gets it - hybrids like them are sensitive to flavors thanks to their senses of smell, but cyno enjoys good, strong flavor despite it. still, plain mushrooms just to munch on are just fine.

at the mention of seconds, however: ]

.. all right, if you're sure.

[ he begins gratefully scooping himself another generous helping of stew, quick to dig into it again. cyno isn't normally such a ravenous eater, but he needs the calories to fully recharge; tighnari was no easy mark to hunt, after all. ]

[ 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?

[ tighnari isn't wrong. cyno is absolutely in need of a good, long, proper rest after all of this, but that will come in time - the witch's help has already restored him a great deal. once he's home again, he will take the time to rest fully and properly, in order to resume his work. he'll need to find a way to explain himself to his employers, to the townspeople, that this witch is no danger to them, but that's a problem for the future.

which means.. yes, indeed, cyno will need to soon take his leave.

something deep in his bones is quietly saddened to go, something he doesn't entirely understand, as if he is leaving behind a place that feels like home, but of course, he hardly knows tighnari. ]

Yes, once we're finished here. I'll do what I can to assuage the people of your innocence, but..

[ but he's not certain how successful he will be. ]

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?

[ tighnari certainly seems confident that he'll manage, but cyno is not so sure, and a part of him is hesitating. of course, it's not as if he can remain here and serve as tighnari's protector, of course - they barely know one another, and cyno has responsibilities outside of this forest that he cannot and will not abandon. still, he mislikes the idea of tighnari remaining here alone, facing hunter after hunter, for cyno is sure that the threats will not stop coming, not unless he can convince them otherwise.. a weighty task, indeed.

ah. the seelie is back. cyno's eyes flit upward, and something like a muted smile lightly quirks one corner of his mouth as it settles itself down between his ears again. as before, cyno is unbothered, the thing is hardly heavy. and it's also, you know. cute. its presence is soothing, and comfortable. ]

That's fine. You really don't need to do even that much, if you've other things to attend to.

[ cyno made his way through these woods already once before, and he's more than confident he can return the same way, even easier for tighnari's blessing. ]

It isn't a problem, it's along the way anyway.

[ tighnari's gaze lift back to the seelie, calm and comfortable in turn. it chirps softly with a little wiggle. the witch is aware that the forest won't turn on cyno after how things are now, especially with tighnari and the seelie both at his side. even alone he should be fine but...

his tail sways a little in thought. tighnari then turns away from that muted smile as he pushes back a distant feeling. ]

I'm pretty sure it wants to ensure your safety as well.

[ at last, cyno nods. ]

All right, then.

[ he understands that protective instinct, even if he surely does not deserve it from tighnari, after nearly crushing him beneath his claws. he's certainly glad that he stayed his hand, that he listened to his instincts and didn't do something horrible that he would regret for the rest of his life. following his heart is always the correct course.

and so cyno is back in his meal, polishing off a second bowl of stew without issue, though he does not go for thirds. he needs to replenish his energies, yes, but overeating further could make him more sluggish and lethargic. he'll pop another mushroom into his mouth, though, for good measure. ]

I'll help you clean up, first.

[ tighnari already moves to tidy up leftovers, though his movement starts to slow at the offer. he blinks a bit then looks back down before he gestures to a different door. ]

Alright, if you could just take these empty dishes here to the sink. You'll find it in that room over there. I'll wash it later once I'm back so just leave them there.

[ with that said, he steps over to grab hold of his dark robes from earlier. he brings it up to wrap around himself, securing it by tying and then pulling the hood over his head. there's an added step this time around as he secures a half mask over his mouth as well. after ensuring he has everything he needs, he takes hold of his bow to secure onto his back and looks in cyno's way. ]

Ready?

[ the Seelie has taken its own time to drift over to the door, waiting for them both as it dances up and down. tighnari takes one step before stopping with an, "oh" until he walks back to his desk where he plucks a small bundle. it isn't until Cyno joins him at the door will he hold that bundle out to the huntsman. ]

I'm not sure how long of a trip you'll need to take once you leave the forest so I've packed easy food to snack on if you get hungry. There's also something else in there to help you, just in case you find yourself in trouble.

[ that something else will turn out to be a familiar orb tighnari had tossed earlier while they were both in the cave. it's only one, but tighnari is sure that cyno could make use of the Vijnana Stormheart if it comes down to it. with that said, he'll exit the hut without another word. ]

[ taking the dishes to the sink isn't quite enough, he thinks, but he has a feeling that he won't be able to wheedle more than that from tighnari, so he offers no argument. instead he's gathering up their plates and cups in a neat pile, and carrying them to the sink in the second room, where he sets them carefully down.

by the time he reemerges, tighnari is already getting back into his loose robe and hood, so cyno steps over to the sofa he'd slept on to retrieve his polearm from where it's still leaning against the wall, slinging it over his back with the smooth motion of a practiced movement. that weapon may as well be an extension of his own body. ]

All right, I'm read- [ he starts, then stops when a bag is thrust into his hands. he doesn't answer right away, which is enough time for tighnari to slip out of the hut before cyno can offer an argument, but.. well. all right. he fastens the little bundle to his belt, and steps out after tighnari and the seelie, back into the clearing. ] .. thank you.

[ really, tighnari didn't need to do any of this, but he had. cyno doesn't say it aloud, but.. he will find some way to repay the witch's kindness, if it means he needs to protect him from every threat that makes its way toward him. ]

You're welcome.

[ his bright eyes flicker cyno's way with a little twinkle to them. the smallest of movement seen beneath the heavy hood before the man gestures to follow with quick steps. not exactly hurried or in rush, but certainly not slow as to lose the bit of daylight they have left. the clearing no sooner turns into its previous secluded pathways, tighnari weaving between heavy bushes and various flora with practiced ease as though he's done this again and again.

eventually they make their way onto the main path, peeks of birds and other critters that house themselves in these forests spotted now and then. but always keeping a distance. the accompanying seelie leads them with a light dance ahead, flowing fluidly through the air with a destination already set in mind since they've left the hut. tighnari keeps up easily, but it's clear his attention is around them - alert and at attention, but at ease enough when the only thing to be felt is that curious child-like feeling of being watched.

tighnari does spare a glance to cyno from time to time, mostly when he thinks cyno isn't looking to him, and if their eyes meet he looks forward again with a quicker step. eventually though, his steps do start to slow and he looks towards the left side of the path. ]

I'll branch off from here, but as I mentioned before the Seelie will stay with you at least until the edge.

[ true to his words, the Seele remains just a slight bit ahead, circling in the way cyno is meant to go while it clearly waits for him with a soft chirp. tighnari knows he should hurry himself, that there's no reason to linger and wait a moment longer but. something aches a little. he doesn't quite understand it. ]

.. Take care of yourself, Cyno.

[ they move through the forest together, and the silence between them is not awkward, but comfortable, as if they've done this a hundred times before, the same strange nostalgia that's clung to this entire odd event.

but the time at last comes to part, and together they stop at the fork in the road. something in cyno's heart yearns to stay, to better get to know this strange witch with his captivating eyes, but for all cyno follows his heart in most things, he is not a fool about it. he has a life to return to, and so does tighnari. if they are meant to know one another, surely their paths will cross again, he thinks, just as they crossed now. ]

All right.

[ turning toward tighnari, cyno inclines his head respectfully, his gaze lingering on what he can see of tighnari's face behind the hood and mask. he should start moving, get out of the deepest parts of the forest before nightfall, but.. he's hesitating. only for a moment. soon enough, cyno nods, and turns onto his path. ]

You too, Tighnari.

[ funny, though, how things work out. cyno returns to his life, and for awhile, things are rough. not only did he not complete the job, but he also did his best to counsel the townspeople on tighnari's innocence, something they did not appreciate. well.. some of them understood, were even relieved to hear it, but others simply did not believe him, or thought he had been bespelled by the witch, enthralled to say such words. perhaps he was, for how often his thoughts turn to tighnari, how often cyno remembers his eyes, and the warmth of his touch.

things settle, in time. cyno returns to his work, and the townspeople seem to have a difficult time finding a replacement to send after the witch; most are too afraid to attempt it, others agree that cyno's word is good enough, that they shouldn't pursue the witch any longer. for now, at least, tighnari is safe, though cyno is sure it is only a matter of time.

it's some three months after taking the job that led him to the woods that cyno finds himself returning. where last time he was quiet as a mouse, stalking, hunting, this time he is running hard, spooking everything in the vicinity, for he makes no attempt to disguise himself as he sprints through the trees with a large bundle in his arms. ]

Tighnari! [ he shouts, trying, and failing, to keep the panic from his voice as he stops near where he recalls the clearing was. it's late in the night, the witch may very well be asleep, but that doesn't stop him. ] Tighnari, please -

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