A Walk Through the Woods {Basic Wilderness - Zokia}

[Nydardomond]

Afternoon, Early-Mid Optia, Era XIII Post Fractum. Paradigm: New Nation

Nyd had just left one of the local bookstores with something of a prize in his hand. He had spent nearly all of his life living in the mountains south of Nexus Prime and had learned a little of how to survive in such a place yet it was his mentor and adoptive father, Gri'Tai who had helped him to survive. Although Nyd had learned some of what was needed to survive in the wilds on his own, he was still yet a boy as far as humans were concerned and had not learned nearly enough to stand much of a chance on his own in the wilderness for any length of time. It was because of that fact that the book purchased was a rather worn yet functional guide to wilderness survival.

Looking at the book as he walked down one of the streets leading out of Nexus Primes Private Trade Circle, he noted that it had been written by a ranger who had more than enough experience to share with others. The book was stained with something foul and tattered in places; making it quite affordable, but the information contained was serviceable.

Nyd made his way to his home away from home, the City Gardens, where he had arranged a meeting with a woman who had broken down his barriers and opened his eyes to a new level of life. He looked forward to seeing Zokia again. Although it had only been a short few brightenings since they last saw each other, he enjoyed each and every moment they spent together and wished for the next meeting every time they parted.

Having a few brightenings free from his constable duties, he had planned on going for a little trek into the woods and wanted Zokia to join him. He knew there was a rather large forest to the east of the city and planned on going there to become reacquainted with the wilds as it had been many months since he last found himself spending any real time away from the city.

Nyd entered the Gardens and walked to the meeting place where he and Zokia had agreed on. As he rounded the corner, he saw the beautiful elf-maiden sitting on the bench where they first met and spoke their first words to one-another. Nyd grinned widely and quickly trotted over to the bench where he greeted Zokia with a gentle yet encompassing hug.

"Even a few brightenings is too long to spend without you near. How are have you been?" Nyd took in her scent; his keen nose missing nothing. He looked forward to getting started yet he couldn't get her out of his mind. The sight of her, her scent, everything about her tickled his senses.

[Zokia Zora]

It was a lovely afternoon. The birds were singing and the flowers were blooming, sending delightful tunes and aromas bursting into the air. Needless to say but it delightfully stimulated many of Zo's tender senses, so much so that it left her in awe as her violet orbs slowly glanced about while she sat upon the bench, but not before tossing her traveling Ranger pack onto the ground beside her.

This was a very special place. The season had changed drastically but the Esh could still envision Nyd sitting over there upon the fountain that still trickled with the same sound. Of course a smile cascaded over her Elvin face as she thought of such fanciful things. Her belly began to stir with butterflies when she allowed her mind to be tantalized her with visions of the half orc, both here and in the bath where they had united. Nyd didn't even have to be here to bring her to her figurative knees.

And then it happened. True to his word he met her and was here. Immediately he jogged over to her and encompassed her with a hug. And as usual, when she could, she stood upon something so that they could see more clearly into each other's eyes. Zo smiled widely, every part of her body tingling with wonderful sensations and her breath slightly gasping. "Oh I've missed you. I don't know how much longer I can be without you even for the short period of time that we've been apart." Of course Zo then kissed him deeply but not before glancing about to make sure that they were indeed alone.

Her fingers, as usual, danced over his body wherever they could. It really didn't matter where as long as she could feel him within her embrace and she in his. Deeply she looked into his rather dark eyes. "I've been missing you, that’s how I’ve been. How have you been my love?"

[Nydardomond]

Nyd licked the taste of her lips from his as he held Zokia close. It indeed had been too long since he last had saw her much less touched her. Of course he often felt that even a brightening was sometimes too long. As she looked into his eyes and he hers, he too remembered the first time they met in the Gardens. He allowed the memories to hold sway over him for a short time before he cracked a wide grin.

Reaching for his pack which hung over his shoulder, he opened it and revealed a blue shirt; the blue shirt of a constable. He had been a constable for a few cycles yet much of that time was spent in training and practice. He found himself quite busy and had little time to see or even speak to the elf woman whom he had shared intimate thoughts and moments with. Finally though he was able to reveal a great achievement; one which he had hoped and worked toward for many months.

"I am doing quite well now that I have finally become what I had talked about for so many cycles..." His voice was joyous and his demeanor was one of satisfaction, confidence and victory.

"I have worked so many extra shifts and plan on working more that I have been allowed a handful of brightenings worth of "my time" and I thought that perhaps we could go on a little hike of sorts. I have become quite rusty on how to manage out in the wilds and picked up a survival guide. I figured with it and your own experiences, I could learn a few things and perhaps you could have a chance to refresh yourself as well." Nyd was still smiling.

"I don't dare go too far with the whole situation in Paxia involving orcs. The last thing I need is for us to get cut down as possible orc scouts or something. I figured we could still get out, have a little fun and alone time and perhaps even learn a thing or two in the process. Whatcha think?" Nyd was more than prepared for a few brightenings away from the city and civilization. He had the gear and the drive yet Zokia had the knowledge. He hoped that between her and the survival guide he purchased that perhaps they could make an extended date of it.

[Zokia Zora]

When Nyd revealed the constable uniform Zo squealed and sprang a few times up and then down, using the balls of her dainty feet, she was like a springy worm in his arms. Clearly she was excited for him, as such was also evident by the huge smile upon her Elvin features. "I knew you could do it! I'm so proud of you!" Firmly she hugged him and pressed her cheek into the crook of his thick neck, whispering softly. ”I love you so much Nyd.”

After Zokia was 'almost' finished with being intoxicated by the news of his accomplishments the half orc sprang another question toward her. She had a feeling that maybe they'd get the chance to do something together, hence the reason for the pack and why she arranged for a babysitter at the farm. Zo nodded eagerly. "Yes! I'll go! I've missed you so much! I'd do anything to be with you for a little while. It's been way to long."

Indeed it had been way to long for the comfort of the Esh Elf. She found that her mind thought about him almost every second of the day, and even in her dreams at night. Her heart yearned to be with him. Perhaps now circumstances will change, allowing them to perhaps buy a house together or something. But that could be discussed about later, among many other things. Zo's mind raced with the events that they would now share in. The more she thought about it the more aflutter she became. Obviously he'd know this because his body was wrapped around hers.

Zo kissed him happily and could hardly contain herself. "Can we go? Can we go right now?" Her body stopped long enough for him to answer her. Deeply she looked into his eyes, her own violet orbs practically glowing from all of the positive emotions that she was feeling. These would be a few brightenings that they’d remember for the rest of their lives.

[Nydardomond]

Nyd allowed himself to enjoy Zokia's affections while returning some of his own. He had missed her greatly however it appeared that she too missed him as much and possible even more by the way she held onto him and lavished him with kisses. Finally he brought himself to more focused attention, reluctantly, and with a wide grin on his face, spoke.

"Indeed we can go and this instant. We will go to the grasslands and low hills to the south, perhaps a brightening's walk from the southern gate. We will have to find our own food and water out there as I have packed only enough for a snack or two along the way. I need a break from things and I want to share it with you." Nyd indeed wanted a break from the city and the people who lived there. Although he loved the city and his job as a constable, he had been working double shifts and sometimes longer ever since he started. With the funding slashed to the constabulary, he had little choice in the matter.

Nyd took Zokia's hand and began walking out of the gardens and out into the streets of Nexus Prime toward the southern gate. Along the way, Nyd told Zokia about the weapon's training he had received as well as the class on law.

"I had never imagined how busy a constable could be. I do so enjoy it though even if I need this break." It took little time to make it to and through the southern gate and within no time at all the two were on the southern road.

[Zokia Zora]

Zokia felt like a child when receiving a pretty package as a gift. She simply felt like she was in heaven. The female couldn't wait to begin their adventure together. Her wish was granted when Nyd lightly tugged at her arm, which of course was connected to her hand and her hand warmly tucked into 'his' rather large hand. Neatly she jumped from the bench and willingly followed him, squeezing his hand with her own, but not before grabbing her bag and flinging it over her lithesome shoulder.

The female held the biggest smile upon her features. As customary, or so it seems, she pulled his hand to her lips and kissed the back of it. She took advantage of the moments in which she thought it safe to display her affections for him.

Soon they were well passed the southern gates and headed for greener pastures, or so to speak. Zo had an extra spring to her step as she listened to Nyd's constabulary training experiences. It slightly tired her to even think about the exertion he must have put forth, mentally and physically. Still she was proud of him and she'd say so whenever she got the chance. "I'm so proud and happy for you Nyd! But I'm glad that you've decided to take a break and decided to share it with me. We're going to have some fun."

The Esh sighed deeply and then reached to cup the outside of his hand with her other hand. She pulled slightly upon his arm, tugging herself closer to him. His strides were much longer then her own but she did her best to keep up.

[Nydardomond]

Nyd agreed, indeed they would have an enjoyable time on the trip he had planned. Of course he didn't exactly have a real plan; he merely wanted to get away from his duties as a constable and spend some time out in the wilds with Zokia. It had been quite some time since he last wandered the unknown wilderness on his own. Then it had been Nyd merely stumbling about the outdoors trying to learn how to survive on his own. Of course being half-orc helped quite a bit but he had never truly developed the skills needed to sufficiently live alone in the unpredictable expanse that was the true wilderness.

As the two of them left the city and made their way further into the uncontrolled outlands that surrounded the massive city of Nexus Prime, Nyd took every opportunity to hold Zokia close and take in her scent as well as the feel of her flesh against his.

There were few trees around them; mostly expansive prairie and grasslands. A few small streams broke the landscape yet were easily crossed.

Nyd was already beginning to enjoy the distance they were from the city and the people whom he swore to protect. Even protectors need a rest he thought. "Milady, you are of the wilds being an elf. If I understand it right, you possess a blood tie to nature. Do you ever yearn for a release from the demands of civilization? My blood constantly pulls to the wilds as it does to chaos and darkness. How do you resist the call of nature in your blood?"

Nyd had nearly forgotten how much he enjoyed the solitude of the outlands. He allowed the smell of early blooming flowers and grasses to fill his senses as the cool breeze tickled his flesh.

[Zokia Zora]

It took every ounce of the female's control to keep from pursuing what she longed for from Nyd. But now was not the time nor the place and so she'd be more then content just being near to him, as near as she could possibly get without actually having him carry her in his arms. Zo chuckled at such a thought but continued on without missing a beat.

Indeed the Esh felt as one with nature. She didn't realize just how much she missed it until this very moment. The female stopped and then took a rather deep breath. Her head leaned back and she closed her eyes as her lips turned up and into a smile. Every inch of her body began to tingle, her mind and body was becoming reunited with her surroundings.

Zo's body trembled slightly. She felt guilty for neglecting nature so badly, and for so very long, but she just 'had' to suppress her longing and desire due to her present circumstances. The Elf had been working rather hard to secure a future for both herself and her daughter.

She concentrated deeply but then Nyd's words echoed back into her pointed ears. It was as though she'd just been taken upon the clouds and given a personal tour of the area from above. Her ears picked up sounds and her nose was tantalized with some old, and some new, scents. This was heaven.

The Esh jerked slightly, as if from a trance. She smiled lightly and squeezed his rather large hand, almost apologetically. Perhaps her actions spoke louder then words but then again some old fashioned communication by way of speech was what warmed her heart, especially if it was with Nyd. "Yearn for a release?" Zokia took another deep breath and then continued on. "Oh yes. I long for such a thing everyday but I've learned to suppress that desire due to my present circumstances. It's not easy but it also teaches me control. And when I can enjoy times like these... it makes me appreciate nature all the more so."

Zo allowed her fingers to press against a rather tall sprouting daisy. Its pedals were soft to the touch; it sent electric shock waves up the length of her arm and then dispersed teasingly to the rest of her lithesome frame. She could only imagine what it smelled like and when she could resist no longer she plucked it and pressed it to her nose. Indeed the Esh seemed to be coming to life. For to long now the ties of civilization had restrained her.

Eagerly she squeezed his hand again and then giggled like a small child. "Oh Nyd you don't know what this adventure means to me. I've been waiting for this for so long!" Zo picked up her pace and practically skipped across the fields, moving fast enough for now to have to tug Nyd along. She goaded him with her antics and her overall aura of happiness.

[Nydardomond]

Nyd couldn't help but smile as Zokia seemed to come alive. As she tugged him along the open field of the grasslands surrounding Nexus Prime, a part of him felt a little odd. He had seen human children running around and playing in the outdoors as if they had not a care in the world. Zokia reminded him somewhat of those children enjoying life; a life devoid of racism, hatred, danger and death. As a child, he had not known such a life. Living in the frozen highlands of the southern mountains, Nyd had only known the cold walls of stone and blankets of snow that surrounded him. His childhood was spent in study and learning how to survive not in the wilds, but to survive in human society. It left him little time for play.

Perhaps that is why Nyd now felt somewhat strange at being so close now to someone who obviously found real joy. Of course he was happy. He was alone with a lovely elf woman whom he had developed rather powerful feelings for and he was away from the city and the people whom he not only suffered discrimination from but whom he also fought to protect each and every new brightening. Indeed this little outdoors adventure would bring all manner of new learning and enjoyable experiences to say the least.

He allowed himself to be pulled along by the much smaller woman. His movements however were much stiffer than hers as he was not familiar with the physical movements of play. He was however very aware of his surroundings as he he was always on the lookout for some signs of danger. He saw many flowers and other plants dotting the grasslands and noted that several had been mentioned in the old survival guide he had picked up before the outing. Nyd tried to balance the pleasure and enjoyment of being with Zokia with his desire to learn a bit of the outlands at the same time.

At one point a short time into their trek, the two came to a small stream. The spring rains had brought water once more to the stream and Nyd stopped for a moment to take a drink of the fresh water. He knelt down and cupped and handful of water and brought it to his lips. Looking around he found that he could see for quite some distance in all directions. The few trees that peppered the land did little to conceal much and although the grass was growing tall, it had not yet become too overgrown.

"I must admit that this place is indeed beautiful. You can see so far in every direction. Zokia, is the place you came from like this? Or is it a great forest or mountainous region?" Nyd was always curious about where Zokia came from and what she had left behind. His life seemed so small by comparison having lived but the tiniest fraction compared to the elf-woman. He thirsted for knowledge that he lacked and perhaps would never attain and the amazing woman next to him he felt held so much of it.

[Zokia Zora]

Ethgan’tor is located in practically the epicenter of the Forest of Light, its foundations rested inside a small basin that had once been a clearing of wild grasses and flowers. The clearing still reaches on for about a half of a mile after the city walls, hence the evidence of the original surroundings. Not much besides trees, low creeping bushes of berries, and mushrooms grow within the confines of the forest. The trees are generally cedars, which are able to withstand the moderately cold winters and snows of the Lauryllian province. The summers are also mild in the surrounding area, and sometimes sea breezes can reach up to the forest and its city. In the fall, and stretching into the winter, a light mist can be present amongst the walls and the trees. It is more dense, however, when one moves towards the ocean and surrounding rivers of the province.

The city is built largely out of pristine white marble, excluding the shop of the weapon smith, since ash generally discolors its perfection. Some of the stones excavated from the mine are shot with a pale, rosy color, which is present in the more common establishments such as shops. The architecture in Ethgan’tor can be considered baroque, with domes and round stained glass windows in earthen colors instead of the spiky and more malicious gothic counterpart. It’s built in a circular fashion, and divided into nine sections, which the main streets run through like the spokes of the wheel. It was built like this to represent Ioannes and reinforce his trio of Justice. One major noble house can be found in each of the nine sections. A wall of marble encircles the city, although its main protection is in the Trials that lead up to it, and the powerful illusions that wipe it from the eyes of those with evil intent.

Zo tried to explain her home to Nyd as best as she could. She described the beauty of it and rarely shed a negative shadow upon it. Happily she shared with him of herself, her thoughts, her feelings and emotions as they shared personal and special moments together. The Esh hoped that even after the half orc got to know her better that he’d still long to be with her. Surely their relationship would be a fight and wouldn’t always be easy. At times Zo wondered if he was prepared for such a thing and wondered if he had the strength to stay with her even through the rough times, bad times that were not necessarily brought upon by each other but would come from an outside source.

Finally they stopped. Zo watched him as he dipped down to drink from the stream and she followed suit. By first glance at the Elvin woman many may have concluded that she was a prim and proper high society female but if they only looked deeper within they’d see that she was willing to rough it, to give of herself… to be a ‘tomboy’ if she needed to. And this called for such an occasion. Lowly she leaned over. She tried to keep her long blond locks from touching the water but the struggle was in vane. More then the ends got wet but this didn’t matter to the female since the water was sweet to the taste and cool to the touch, more then making up for the inconvenience of wet hair.





OOC- I wasn't sure how to put the description in words to write them out. I hope that this post is okay.

[Nydardomond]

Nyd listened as Zokia described her homeland. He closed his eyes and tried to envision what it must look like. He found it rather difficult though as such things were beyond his full comprehension. Such beauty, he thought, would never allow room for him, even in his imagination. He did silently vow however to one day be able to set eyes upon such a place if only for a moment.

Nyd opened his eyes and looked over at Zokia as she too bent down to drink from the stream. He smiled and stifled a chuckle as she at first tried to keep her hair from getting wet. He then splashed some water on his face and wiped his hands on his pants. He reached into his pack and pulled forth the small, heavily worn book that he had purchased before he and Zokia had left the city. Before opening it, he looked around him at the stream and surrounding area. He could see various plants growing along the banks and the occasional bird or small furred animal could be seen bathing or drinking nearby.

"Now I wonder if anything here is in this," he asked aloud as he opened the book and began flipping pages; looking up from time to time to match things he saw to what was in the book.

There were numerous sketches of plants and animals with scribbled notes about what they looked like, where they lived, and what they ate. The two spent a not-so-small amount of time there as Nyd identified many species of plants and a few animals as well. He discovered that some of the plants he saw were poisonous if ingested and also found a very small tree nearby with some yellow berries. According to the book, the berries were quite edible and held a pleasant taste comparable to cherries but slightly sweeter.

Moving to the tree, Nyd plucked a bundle of the berries from one of the limbs and walked back to where Zokia was. On his way he popped a couple in his mouth. He grinned and offered her the berries.

"According to this book and my own tongue, these taste pretty good and are more than edible. I figure it would make a nice snack to go along with our little break." Nyd continued to smile as he looked at Zokia. Her hair, the ends, were wet and curled slightly. The light of day reflected off of her pale skin making her look almost like a being of pure light. Or at least that is how Nyd saw her. He found the physical differences between her and him to be more than a little arousing as she was everything he was not yet in a solidly positive fashion.

[Zokia Zora]

Zo of course grinned when suddenly the book appeared. She then nodded as she glanced at the picture and then at the berries that she had taken from Nyd. "You have a good eye. Perhaps we should pick some to take along. I'm sure that they will provide ample energy for the hike that we have ahead of us. Do you have a container?" The female placed some berries upon her pink tongue, forever, unintentionally and at times intentionally, teasing Nyd with her grace and natural sexual appeal.

The female began to pick some and eating a few as she went. She glanced back and smiled at the male softly. "Does the book say what they are called?" The Esh then let her piercing violet eyes look above. The brightening was passing by much quicker then she expected. Her berry picking pace picked up. They need to get going soon if they wanted to find a good place to camp for the darkening. The forest would be perfect and with such a thought Zo's eagerness grew by leaps and bounds.

Still though the Elf said nothing about time. She thought it best to fail to mention such things since she wanted nothing more then for their time together to be relaxing and refreshing.

She continued to pick until she could hold no more luscious looking berries in the palms of her dainty hands. Zo held them out for Nyd to see. Perhaps by now he found a container to preserve them in.

[Nydardomond]

OOC: So VEEERRRY Sorry, been trying to keep up with everything lately....*pouts*

Nyd couldn't help but notice Zokia's teasing mannerisms and himself licked his lips; his light blue tongue seemingly having a mind of its own. It took him a bit to shake off her effects on him in order to respond. He quickly looked through his pack to find something to carry the berries in. Unfortunately he was unable to find anything suitable.

"Blast, I think the only place I have that I could keep them is in one of the pockets of my pack. I could probably pack them in a strip or two of cloth to help cushion them and keep them from being too ravaged by the trip. I agree though they would make a wonderful treat...second only to you." She was having an effect on him and he couldn't help but make that apparent by his own mannerisms and words.

He looked at the book again in response to her question as they continued picking the berries. "There is no official name for them but the author of the journal refers to them as "ticklers" due to their sweet taste and tingling sensation on the tongue."

Nyd grinned as Zokia held out a handful of berries. He offered the pocket of his pack which was now stuffed with some extra cloth from which Nyd had torn free from one of his shirts although he chose not to reveal this fact initially as he didn't want to concern her with such a thing. It was a cheap shirt as it were anyway.

He too was looking forward to setting up camp but knew they had to press on in order to make it to a better site. On the horizon he could see the beginnings of a small forest that led to the foothills of the southern mountains. That indeed would be a great place to camp he thought as he finished packing the berries.

"Zokia, thank you so much for coming along with me on this trip. I wanted to learn a little and refresh myself on how it was to be away from the city and couldn't imagine a better person to be with while doing it." He leaned in and gave her a soft kiss on the forehead and brushed her cheek with the back of his hand while smiling gently. He then gathered his things and motioned forward for them both to continue on their trek toward the forest.

[Nydardomond]

ooc: Going to finish up thread on my own

The two made there way to the nearby forest that spread across the foothills of the mountains. The darkening fell and with it came a cool breeze and a cacophony of sounds. Nyd made his rounds and gathered some firewood from a nearby fallen tree and prepared a campsite. He then retrieved the flint and steel from his pack and after a few tries he was able to get a small spark to catch and in short time a good campfire had been started. The two huddled together next to the fire and ate berries and dried smoked meat while telling stories of times past. It indeed had been a great outing and as the darkening grew, the two embraced one another as lovers did and eventually drifted off to sleep.

The brightening came some time later and Nyd realized that they couldn't travel too much further away from the city else they would not return in time for him to resume his duties as constable. Thus the two packed their things and hesitantly made there way back toward the city. Along the way, Nyd consulted Zokia and the ranger guide he had purchased on the sights, smells, and sounds they encountered. He was able to identify a few more plants, some poisonous, others quite editable. Also, there were a couple of unique looking birds with colorful patters to their feathers that he learned were common in the area near Nexus Prime. Crossing again the stream that they had before, he stopped and identified some fish that he found swimming in a feeder pool.

All in all the small trip was uneventful save for the time spent with Zokia and the knowledge he gained about the various types of flora and fauna that lived in the area. Nyd vowed to make similar outings hopefully with Zokia but by himself if necessary in order to learn more about the land. Although he had grown up in the icy peaks of the mountains, he hadn't truly retained much of the knowledge needed to survive on his own in the wilds. Changing that would be his next goal.

The two returned to the city with the trip taking a total of three brightenings after many stops along the way. They parted ways with a kiss and memories that would extend long after the trip was over.