"Bread Keeps the Bird's Blood Beating"

Cast: Sally (Nerf) & Himaya (Sky)

TLDR: They have a bread competition, Sally confides to Himaya that she's a Branded. Himaya breaks down because he doesn't want Sally to feel bad for not being honest by covering up what she is. Sally comforts him and they take their leave.

Support Points Earned: 2

[10:40 PM] Nerf: The Sun had already started to set when Sally made it back to her hotel. As she carried a large pair of bags (not without certain effort), the criminal stopped at a bench placed right in front of the building, taking seat there for a second as she catched her breath. Shortly after, her attention was caught by another being: a small seagull had approached her, and was now looking at the bags with some blatant interest, yet hesitant enough not to get too close to her. "Hello friend. Looking for a snack perhaps?" Sally let out a small chuckle, before taking a loaf of bread from one of the bags and throwing a small piece to the bird. Immediatly, the creature jumped forward to grab it, catching it in the middle of it's flight. After swallowing the food in a matter of seconds, the seagull started chirping loudly, as if asking for more. "Aren't you a greedy fellow? Very well, take another one." This time the seagull wasn't fast enough to catch it, having to chase after the piece of food. However, before she got a chance to eat it, a second seagull arrived, beating the smaller bird to it. "Well, well, looks like we are starting to form a crowd. You guys better not start fighting over it," she said to herself, still amused at the situation.(edited)

[11:55 PM] Best (Crit) Birb | Sky: Another couple pieces of bread was thrown in the direction of the gulls. After looking to see where it came from, one would find Himaya standing close to Sally. He must've approached silently enough to not be noticed, which anyone would know is pretty unlike him. Himaya knew this. "Learned I gotta be quiet or I'll scare the 'em away." Himaya answers the question Sally was likely asking herself. "They like the ones with seeds on top the most I've found." Himaya adds, continuing to happily throw bread pieces their way as he sits down next to her on the bench. He takes a decently sized chunk of a bite out of the bread. "Mmmm, I can see why. S' pretty good." Himaya remarked with a smile emerging along a cheek full of bread.

November 22, 2017

[12:07 AM] Nerf: "Ah, so this is why they approached me. Someone had already spoiled them," she stated absentmindedly, as if Himaya's sudden apparition was barely even a surprise. She then looked at her own bread. "I'm afraid I don't have any seeds. Hope banana bread is good enough for them." The next piece she threw hit Himaya's in the middle of the air, sending it flying a couple meters away from it's intended destination. "Ten points for me. You better step up your game."

[12:12 AM] Best (Crit) Birb | Sky: "Oh they like any bread. It's like candy to 'em. Just like the seed-y ones best. Fruity and nutty ones are a close second though." Himaya responded. Since leaving Ramalia, he's found himself enjoying feeding birds. He found it peaceful and rewarding. "Ha, you're on." Himaya challenged as he saw Sally's piece collide with his own. Himaya threw a piece of bread slightly larger than the ones he had been throwing, aiming it at one of Sally's pieces that hadn't been touched by the gulls yet. His large piece hits it and knocks it out of the way. A seagull promptly notices this and eats Himaya's piece instead. "I'd say that's a solid one hundred points, if I do say so myself." Himaya taunted.

[12:24 AM] Nerf: "A hundred points? With a piece that large? Please. This is a serious sport, Himaya." Immediatly after, she throws another piece. This time, however, she misses her target by a couple inches, her piece instead rolling past the gulls. "Ah, this is not fair. I'm afraid I'm playing at a disadvantage. My depth perception isn't as good as yours," she says as she points to her eyepatch. Before she has even finished speaking, a second piece lands right on top of Himaya's, making both of them split in oppossite directions. The seagull hesitates for a second, before chasing after Sally's piece. "That does not mean, however, I can not teach you a lesson," she adds with a smile.

[12:33 AM] Best (Crit) Birb | Sky: "Heh, just calling 'em how I see 'em" Himaya retorts with a laugh. "Hmm, you gotta good point, y'know, Sal. Here," Himaya says "I'll even the playing field so you don't completely lose." Himaya covers one of his eyes with a hand. He gives it a shot like this, but vastly undershoots it. One of the gulls chases after Himaya's piece anyway, but the other seagull stayed where it was and munched on the other breads. "Thanks, Abba, you sure know how to give a guy pity," Himaya said to the seagull which he had named. He wouldn't say it in front of the other seagulls, but he was his favorite. "I'll be generous and say that was a single point." Himaya said with a laugh. "By Kyria, how do you live like this? I'd run into things all the time with only one eye! Let alone hit targets with my fangs!" Himaya replied about her eyepatch.

[9:53 AM] Nerf: "You get used to it," she shrugged off. "I'm sure you'd be able to do it with a little practice. I've been practicing for my entire life, so it's only natural it comes so easily to me." Taking a larger piece of bread, this time she took a bite for herself, instead of feeding it to the birds. After slowly chewing it up, she turned towards Himaya, in order to ask something that had been bothering her for a while. "You know, I hope this isn't a rude question but...what exactly are you, Himaya? You don't look like any beorc, laguz or branded I have ever seen before. I'd by lying if I didn't say it makes me a little curious."

[11:14 AM] Best (Crit) Birb | Sky: "Heh, I think it's safe to say 'all the above,'" Himaya said with a sigh. "But I really dunno for sure m'self," Himaya clarified with a shrug. "If I had to guess, it'd have something to do with two different Laguz bloods mixin' with beorc, or Kyria knows what else. I've never seen nobody like me either, but I always just thought that's just how Branded were. Growing up with pretty much only Laguz does that to ya." Himaya took another bite from his own bread, this time with more seeds. "But y'know... there's something I can't quite shake. I feel... I dunno... closer? Is that the word? Ugh, why is this so hard to explain..." Himaya thought whilst tapping his head, hoping to knock loose some words. "I just feel more... natural around you. But not in a weird way..." Himaya said after giving up with a sigh. "Okay, I won't beat around it. You're a wolf Laguz, aren't you?"

[11:36 AM] Nerf: "A wolf?" She laughed in amusement. "No, I'm pretty sure I am no Laguz." Sally stood silent for a good ten seconds before continuing. "Sigh...I guess there's no point in hiding it from you. You can tell, can't you? It's almost as if we were family in some strange way. I'm surprised you still having realized what that feeling means, if I'm being honest. Then again, you've never met others like you, so I guess it makes sense." As she was speaking, she casually removed the eyepatch that covered her right eye, revealing a perfectly sane eye under it, circled by a strange mark. Even under the dim light of sunset, she still had to blink a couple times before getting using to it. "So, what do you say Himaya? Do I look like a wolf to you?" A half smirk appeared on her face, as she waited for the young man's reaction.

[11:55 AM] Best (Crit) Birb | Sky: "Ah you're not? Huh..." Himaya said, more confused than before. Himaya takes out a small waterskin pouch and takes a drink of water because the bread had made him a bit thirsty. Upon seeing her eye, he spits out the water in front of him, getting some of his own shirt wet. He excitedly looks to see a brand in her eye. His tail starts wagging like crazy. "Oh Kyria! Lookit that! I never would've - I never would've guessed!" Himaya stammered out. "No, o' course ya don't look like a wolf, I was just... really confused actually, but I suppose this makes a lottt more sense than that! But really, that's sooo cool! What're the odds? I wish one o' mine were in m' eye! That'd be so cool..." Himaya said as he daydreamed such a reality.

[12:16 PM] Nerf: "Hey, not so loud. Someone might hear you," Sally attempted to scold him, yet her tone was hardly a harsh one. "I'd prefer to keep this a secret. So don't go telling anyone." Seemingly worried by the possibility of someone walking in, she covered her eye once again, carefully adjusting the eyepatch's position. "Oh, you should be careful with what you wish for. You don't want the mark somewhere visible, trust me. It's a pain having to cripple myself to hide it." Once she was done with the eyepatch, she grabbed a piece of Himaya's bread and ate it before he could get a chance to complain about it. "Hmm, I can see why the birds like it. By the way, Himaya, where is your brand located?"

[12:58 PM] Best (Crit) Birb | Sky: "O-oh, sorry 'bout that. I didn't realise." Himaya stammered, realising what he'd done. "My brands? Yeah, I've got one here," he said, pulling up his shorts to reveal a brand on the outer side of his upper thigh. "And I've got my other one here," he said, now pulling an arm into his shirt and out of the neckhole. He tugged the shirt down to show another brand on his shoulderblade. He craned his neck so he could see it, but he could only see just the top of it. He wanted to make sure he picked the correct shoulder. "I can't really show mine off unless I run around like a naked wolf. And that's not quite as acceptable, since I can't shift completely. Just my ears and tail. I guess it's as they say: the grass is greener." Himaya now said. He tried to use an idiom, but obliviously didn't know the second half.(edited)

[1:27 PM] Nerf: "You have two of them? That's, uh, interesting." she stated as she observed both brands, mentally taking notes of their design an comparing them to hers. "Quite a different pattern to the one I have, but that is to be expected." "You told me you were looking for your parents a while ago, didn't you? Are they both Branded too? Or maybe one of them is a Branded and the other is a Laguz? That's the only explanation I can think for your condition..." The criminal placed one hand under her chin as she tried to concentrate. "...it's not unusual for a Branded child to be abandoned by his parents, but I can't imagine a Branded abandoning another one. I wonder what would push them to go away..."

[1:38 PM] Best (Crit) Birb | Sky: "Yeah, I can't really see my own brand very well on my back, but Dad always said it looked just like his. And Mama was always proud that I inherited her pretty ears and tail. It's comforting to think about, y'know?" Himaya asked with a gentle smile he did to try to cover his sadness behind it. "But I am looking for my parents. Despite how young I may seem, it's been quite some time since I've seen 'em. I... I think it's coming up on..." Himaya paused, mentally thinking of the numeber. "... just about 30 years now..." Himaya said, melancholy after realizing the large nuumber. "I haven't seen them since I was 7. My Mama decided it'd be best to leave me in the care of a family friend in Maulu instead of her own village. I don't know why I couldn't stay there or why they left at all, but they promised me they'd be back soon. But the thought that something might've happened to them haunts me and I couldn't just sit and wait..."

[3:14 PM] Nerf: 30 years? That sounds like they are either dead or they never intended to return... "Heh, who would have thought it. You are actually older than I am. I'd never have guessed it." Trying to dissimulate her pessimistic thoughts, Sally smiled wider as she tried to lighten the mood. From her expression, it would be impossible to tell what was really going on her mind. "I've heard of different kinds of Branded aging slower, but it seems you hit the jackpot when it comes to that. You don't look even close to 37." "Hmm..." she pondered for a couple seconds, "do you have any clues about what might have happened to them? I'd expect that family friend that raised you to at least have an idea of what was going on if he accepted to do it. Has he ever told you something? It's hard to search for someone if you don't know where to start."

[4:52 PM] Best (Crit) Birb | Sky: "Yeah, I was able to grow up around the same rate as the Laguz in my village. Or at least close enough. More than if I was pure Beorc for that matter." Himaya said, mimicking her smile. "And I have no clue where they could've gone. Papa never said they told him either," Himaya explained, refering to him adoptive wolf Laguz father. "The only places I know to keep looking for are the places we haven't been yet. So far I know they aren't in Ramalia, Niciri, Arbor Aurelius, perhaps not Rettati, but I've not spoken with a lot of the locals yet. I try to ask around wherever we go for any clues. I don't expect anything from you, but might you have heard of Maryka or Hariel? I know my Mama is from Kubuk in Ramalia, but I don't know about my Dad..."

[6:19 PM] Nerf: What do you mean you know they are not there? You couldn't have searched an entire country, right? "Ah, that's a shame," she apologized, "but I've never heard those names before. In any case, I'll make sure to remember them. If they are somewhere in Naxos, I'm sure I can find them sooner or later. Beyond that...I'm afraid I can't do much." Taking a large bite from her own bread, she then offered what remained to Himaya. "Want the rest? I'll trade it to you for some water."

[6:28 PM] Best (Crit) Birb | Sky: "Ah, I figured. Not any of the locals as heard of them either, but that's to be expected. It's been so long since they left. But I appreciate the kindness. If you find out anything, please do let me know." Himaya replied. "Hmm... you drive a hard bargain..." Himaya said playfully as he handed over his waterskin pouch.

[6:44 PM] Nerf: "I don't make deals if they don't favor me, Himaya. You better get used to it," she jested in return. "And I'd rather get a drink before you spill it all over." A playful wink followed that statement, right before she took a sip from the pouch. "Needless to say, I will tell you if I find anything. Just...don't get your hopes too high, ok? 30 years is a long time." "Oh! By the way, I also have a favor to ask of you," Sally suddenly remembered. "Himaya... would you please help me carry these bags upstairs?" As she asked this, a large, practiced smile appeared on her face, in a way that made it hard to refuse her request.

[6:49 PM] Best (Crit) Birb | Sky: "Well I can't have my hopes too low. That's just not the Himaya way. I know I'll find them eventually, it's just a matter of when. But I set out on this journey partly as a chance to find them sooner. 30 years has took its toll on my patience." Himaya says as he takes back his water pouch. "Oh, and sure. I don't helping out!" Himaya said happily as he went ahead and lifted one over his shoulder. "Just lead the way." he said with a smile

[7:13 PM] Nerf: "Heh. If that's the case, I hope it's sooner than later. Seems like they've already been gone for long enough." After lifting the other bag, not over her shoulder but in front of her, Sally made her way into the building, almost immediately taking a turn left to climb the stairs. "You know where my room is, right? Last door on the second floor."

[8:12 PM] Best (Crit) Birb | Sky: "You act like I go to your room enough to know where it is." Himaya joked. He followed her up the stairs, lugging the luggage over his shoulder. He switched arms and shoulders as they began to get a little tired. "Say, you've never said why you haven't told everyone else. Why pretend? I can't imagine they'd mind if they don't mind me." Himaya knew how it felt to hide such things. He feels so much better not having to hide it from the pack anymore. He only wishes that Sally consider the same. "That's not to say I don't appreciate you confiding in me, but..." Himaya stopped midsentence, realizing he didn't really have anything else to say.

[8:33 PM] Nerf: "You are right, they probably wouldn't mind. But...why tell them?" the criminal retorted. "Would it change anything if they knew? Does the fact that some lost great-grandfather of mine decided at some point that Beorc women weren't good enough for him make me any different to them? Wether they know or not...does it even matter? It's still the same Sally, Beorc or Branded." As she arrived to the top of the stairs, she dropped the bag to the side before continuing. "I'm sure you will realize this soon enough, but once people know who you are, they won't look at you the same. Some will simply hate you and despise you, those are easy to deal with. Others will pretend everything is fine, but you won't be able to shake the feeling they get uncomfortable in your presence. And others...others will pity you. You have no idea how many times I've heard this..." As she continued speaking, her voice tone suddenly shifted, as if she was imitating someone else, "Oh, you poor thing! It must have been so rough...Pah! As if I ever asked for their pity. I'm a successful woman you know! I don't need anyone's pity!" Grabbing the bag once again, she resumed her march before Himaya could say anything. "And if those reasons are not enough, I'll just say it's bad for business. You have no idea how many clients I would lose if the fact I'm a Branded became common knowledge."

[9:15 PM] Best (Crit) Birb | Sky: Himaya listened to what she had to say and before they knew it, they had arrived at her door to her room. He set down the luggage he was carrying and said his own piece. "I'm from a place where Branded aren't persecuted, so maybe I don't quite understand, but having to hide who I am for only a few weeks or so was... agony. I constantly felt like I was just lyin' to everyone around me. Even if it wasn't on purpose, everyone knows I'm not a Beorc now. And... that simple fact was freeing..." Himaya said softly, trying to respect her previous wishes with not being so loud about such things. He was getting teary-eyed and just hugged her. "I just don't want ya to be goin' through that, Sal... B-but even if you can't be honest with the world, I-I'm glad you were honest... with me..." Himaya said this now through tears. He didn't want anyone in his pack to be prevented from happiness. Especially not from something so trivial as race. He hated that this is how the world was outside Ramalia, and he'd give anything to change it. He was trying to be optimistic about it, but it was very hard when he felt such empathy for the possibility of her secretly feeling even only a fraction of how he felt.(edited)

[9:28 PM] Nerf: Upon receiving the unexpected hug, Sally instinctively took a step backwards, unsure on how to react. "Hey, hey, stop with the waterworks. Didn't I just say I didn't want pity? I'm fine, really. You don't have to feel bad for me. Not being honest is what I do for a living after all..." As she said this, Sally returned the hug and gave Himaya a couple pats in the back, hoping it would be enough to calm the ramalian down. "Sigh...aren't you supposed to be my boss? What would the others think if they saw us like this? Now, wipe those tears off and give me a smile. Isn't that the Himaya way?"(edited)

[9:37 PM] Best (Crit) Birb | Sky: "Y-you're right..." Himaya said as he gave a last few pats on Sally's back before stepping back and wiping his tears. "This is the Himaya way." he said attempting his best at a smile. "I-I'm sorry... I just..." Himaya took a deep breath to try to get his mind back on track. "Even if you have to lie, please don't feel the need with me. No secrets. I don't believe in bottling things up or hiding things anyway. It just makes things worse..." He combed his hands through his hair nervously. "Err, well... I think I've done my fair share... Th-thanks again." he managed to say awkwardly. He was embarrassed by what he did in so many ways. One, just in general. Two, for crying. Three, for crying in front of an ally. Four, for losing composure when he's supposed to be a boss. Five, for temporarily going against the Himaya way.

[10:01 PM] Nerf: "Heh, that's what I like to see," she smiled in return. "No need to cry when we can smile instead. As for not keeping secrets...well, I can't promise to tell you everything, but I won't hide anything important. A woman needs to keep her dose of mystery after all," she joked. "Yes, I think you've done enough. Thanks for helping with the bags, by the way. Is there anything else you want to ask before I go into my room?"

[10:43 PM] Best (Crit) Birb | Sky: "Oh, I forgot to ask earlier, but which Laguz blood runs through your veins? We know mine are wolf and heron, and you mentioned yours looking different than mine, so it's not either of those, right?" Himaya smiled. Perhaps knowing more about her linage and satisfying some curiosity would help cheer him up.

[10:57 PM] Nerf: "Oh. I'm sorry to dissapoint you but...I'm afraid I don't know. Both of my parents are Beorc, so the truth is probably hidden a couple generations ago." Sally pulled a key out of her pocket, and opened the door to her room. "If I had to take a guess, I'd say I'm pretty sure it's one of the bird tribes. But..." she shrugged off, "...it's not really something I lose sleep over. Wether the blood of a dragon or a rat runs through my veins, it's all the same to me."

[11:01 PM] Best (Crit) Birb | Sky: "Well if I ever learn of the fancy designs and complex stuff about brands, we might be able to have hope of narrowing it down regardless." Himaya said with a smile. It was nice. Now there was something he could learn more about to continuing satisfying curiosity, for them both, even if she wouldn't admit it. "I'll see what I can find out about it. I'll let you know, alright?" he asked with a wave, already starting down the hall.

[11:07 PM] Nerf: What? I just said I didn't care about it. Sigh...whatever. If it'll make him happy, I might as well let him do it... "Take care, Himaya," she waved him in return. Soon, she was standing alone in the hall. After pushing both bags through the wooden door, she locked the door to her room, leaving the floor in absolute silence. He had to cry all over my shirt, didn't he?(edited)

[11:07 PM] Nerf: ==END RP==