• Graded • All It Takes

[Darius Baer]

One kiss is all it takes...

Arc 722, 14th of Vhalar

"Rise and shine, birthtrial boy. It's time to get going."

Astra's voice was enough to stir Darius from his slumber, and the Scalvorian's bleary grey eyes strained as they opened. A mess of tousled hair framed his squinting expression as he lifted his head from his pillow and sat up in bed.

Astra was standing by the door. The half-biqaj was wearing travelling clothes, with walking boots over her leggings. A knapsack, fully packed, was leaning against the door beside her.

"Where are we headed?" Darius mumbled as he rubbed his eyes.

"It's your birthtrial. You're taking some time off."

Darius' brow furrowed at that suggestion. It was not common for Scalvorians to receive special treatment on their birthtrial. If anything, they were to give to others.

"But the tradition is to--"

"I've spoken to the council," the brunette interrupted him. "We all agreed that you deserve a break. And birthtrials aren't just about giving to others. They're about reflecting on the past arc, and I would say there's plenty to reflect on, wouldn't you?"

Darius hesitated, and Astra seized the opportunity to labour the point.

"Look at it this way," she added. "Taking the trial off means you're giving Hopetoun a refreshed leader. I'm sure they'd all appreciate such a fine gift, don't you?"

Darius nodded, and began to pull back the covers of his bed so he could wash his face and start to get ready.

"And besides, you don't have a choice - I've packed bacon."

Darius chuckled at that. Astra had often insisted that the way to his heart was through his stomach, and he suspected she might be right.

"Well, in that case," he quipped, "how could I possibly refuse?"

[Darius Baer]

Fallin' in love with me...

Hand in hand, they walked down a familiar road.

Almost an era earlier, Darius had led Astra out of Hopetoun and taken her to the site of a skirmish: Otter Cove. It was named after the ship that was being careened when the fight took place, and had been little more than the place where a small crew of pirates had taken their last breaths.

But the following era had been kind to the area. Where bodies had once lain, wild flowers now bloomed in abundance. A plethora of bright colours made for an intoxicating sight: yellows and blues mixed with reds, whites, and oranges. They swayed gently in the sea breeze that rose up from the coast, their scents mixing with the salty air.

"Beautiful, isn't it?" Astra remarked as she turned to look at Darius.

"Aye," he agreed. "It was once a place of death, but everywhere I look, I see life."

That prompted a warm grin to form across Astra's lips.

"Ever the thinker. People underestimate you at their peril, Darius Baer."

Darius was grateful to receive such a compliment, but Astra knew better than to let him dwell on it for too long and she was quick to move on.

The pair walked further across the top of the cliffs until they reached a tree with low branches that was offering plenty of shade.

"Do you remember this spot?" the half-biqaj asked.

"I brought you here for a picnic," Darius nodded.

"And regaled me with the romantic tale of a pirate ambush," Astra teased, feigning a swoon.

Darius chuckled at that light rebuke.

"I suppose my efforts at courting could do with a little refining," he acknowledged, which caused Astra to guffaw.

"That's something of an understatement," the half-biqaj grinned good-naturedly.

It felt strange to Darius to use the word 'courting', but there was no doubt that that was what was happening. The bond he had shared with Astra had unquestionably been growing tighter, to the point that they were courting - even if they'd never specifically used the term before.

"Now," Astra added, lowering her knapsack to the ground and beginning to open it, "shall we have something to eat?"

[Darius Baer]

Possibilities...

A couple of breaks later, conversation and laughter were drifting over the edges of the cliffs that overlooked Otter Cove.

The trial had been passing by with consummate ease. They always seemed to, when the two of them were together.

It hadn't always been this way, of course. Their relationship had been a slow burn, and Darius had made an underwhelming first impression.

But over time, and without intentionally seeking to impress anyone, Darius had proven himself to be a reliable and competent leader, and in the process, he had earnt Astra's trust. Once he had seen past Astra's hard exterior, their encounters had grown, both in frequency and in comfort.

And now they were sitting on a picnic blanket, atop the cliffs over Otter Cove. With a simple but enticing offering of foods to share between them, they reflected on the last time they were in this very same spot.

"You really wanted to return that," Astra said, pointing to the sword knot that hung from the hilt of Darius' longsword.

"I still do," the bearded blond admitted as he bit into one of the sandwiches that Astra had prepared. "We tried in Almund, of course. I just wish it had worked."

"Do you think it really belongs to Liathen?" Astra asked as she took a sip from her drink.

"I don't know," Darius shrugged, "but if it does, I'd rather be the one trying to return it, than have her catch me trying to keep it from her!"

Astra laughed at that, and the sight brought joy to Darius. The half-biqaj hadn't smiled often when they first knew each other, but over time, she had come to appreciate his sense of humour. And when that happened, she smiled.

She had a beautiful smile, Darius had decided, and he felt good every time he was responsible for its return.

But there was more to her than that, of course. Darius had found himself in the presence of beauty before. Often, he felt awkward, blushing at the slightest kindness, but it was never like that with Astra. He felt comfortable around her. It felt as though he didn't need to try, which made him want to try all the more.

It just worked.

"I like making you laugh," Darius said.

It was a simple statement, and more direct than he was used to, but it was unquestionably true.

"I like you making me laugh," Astra grinned.

Emboldened by that, Darius responded: "I like you, too."

Astra laughed again, but then she set down her cup, and leant closer to Darius - whose sandwich was promptly dropped onto the picnic blanket - and, after a trill of hesitation, the pair shared a kiss.

[Darius Baer]

I look like all you need...

Astra's lips were soft.

That revelation would remain with Darius well into the next trial, when he would swear he could still taste her kiss; when it felt as though her lips were still pressed against his own. They had briefly shared breath, and though he didn't really know what he was doing and was unquestionably clumsy at it, it had been enjoyable for them both. Astra's gaze swirled with many colours, but the doninant hue was a vibrant purple.

What followed was some embarrassed laughter, sighs of relief, more shared picnic food, and - of course - more kissing. At one point, Darius' question of "Are you sure?" was batted away by Astra amidst more laughter. Eventually, they found themselves in a comfortable embrace, snuggling as they lay on the ground and staring up at the clouds that drifted by.

Much of the rest of the picnic was a blur, the meal overshadowed by their relationship taking a step in a direction that they had both seen coming, but for which neither had been completely prepared.

As they spoke afterwards, they both realised that they shared a feeling of mixed fear and excitement; that what they were stepping into was a thrilling unknown.

Their walk back to the settlement, hand in hand, was deliberately slow. There was no urgent need for them to return before sundown, and their pace reflected that. It was a much more meandering expedition than their usual, determined pace. So often focused on getting to a destination to complete some kind of task, the two travellers instead opted to savour the journey.

Eventually, though, even that had to come to an end, and they made their way past Hopetoun's gates just as dusk settled over the settlement. There, they lingered for a few trills.

"Thank you," Darius spoke sincerely. "I think I needed that."

"I know," the brunette responded with a quiet confidence. "Hopetoun deserves a rested leader, and I wanted to give you a birthtrial to remember."

Having done precisely that, Astra gave Darius a quick farewell kiss on the cheek, before making her way to her lodgings for the night.

SPOILER

The post titles in this thread originate from this song:

[Pig Boy]

Darius Baer

Oh this was a nice birthtrial celebration. Admittedly not too boned up on the whole aspect of Scalvoris culture, but I believe it's meant for reflection, not necessarily a full day off. But then Astra's reasoning is impeccable. He's giving Hopetoun the gift of a refreshed and clear-headed leader.

The kiss was nicely described and tasteful. I enjoy these two together. You play Astra very well for all they've been together, and it's taken this long for them to kiss. Such is the way of it I suppose. I wonder where their relationship will go next? Are there wedding bells in the future?

Great writing anyway, I enjoyed the banter between the characters.

• Renown: 5
• XP: 10
• Knowledges:
  • Etiquette: Not every tradition needs to be followed in a traditional way.
  • Psychology: Reflecting on the circle of life.
  • Seduction: Just be yourself.
  • Seduction: Telling the object of your affection that you like them.
  • Etiquette: Consent is essential.
  • Leadership: Looking after yourself enables you to better look after others.

Also, this is for you:

If you have any questions, comments, or concerns regarding this review, feel free to PM. Enjoy your rewards!