Stony Fields - RPLOG
Participants
Date
23/8/477
Log
Cassidy peers out at the farmland as Natska points to it, giving a little nod. "That's not too bad!" She reaches out to briefly return the hug before adjusting her long cape. "I hope they don't mind us dropping in uninvited! I think you mentioned that we might be visiting them in your letter, but... Well, I doubt they're expecting us -now-!"
Natska grins at that, and shrugs. "They'll just have to deal with it," she says lightly, then hops up onto the rail of the airship and then over the side, into the sky. Her wings spread and her feathers alight with flame as she becomes - for a bit at least - a streak of living fire in the sky. She keeps a close eye on Cassidy, just in case, and leads the fennec past the first farming village, and off towards her previous home. Starting from the airship gave a great perch to launch from with plenty of altitude, and some careful use of fire and air helps provide the occaisonal updraft to prolong the glide. Eventually she stops near a large tree to catch her breath and rest her wings, and then it is off to the journey again. The next time she lands, it is at the edge of a worked field, with a collection of houses a short ways away. The jaguar's form returns to normal, licks of flame molting and fading against the ground as she brushes off her skirt and straightens her dress.
Cassidy snickers softly and kicks off of the deck, zipping alongside Natska as she smiles. She's far less noticable in the sky than her love is, but she's not a flaming bird! She does fairly well at keeping herself aloft, due to her size and expertise with air magic. When she touches down next to Natska, a gloved hand goes up to adjust her hat before she stretches. "Not a bad flight, if I do say so myself!" She glances around, before looking over the fields. "This is it, then?"
"... yup," Natska answers. She retrieves her own hat, carefully settles it on her head, then does one last check over her things. Finding it all in order and with no further excuses to stall, she offers Cassidy her arm and begins walking towards the village.
Stonyfield is, as Natska had said in the past, a very small place - there are a little more than a dozen buildings, mainly clustered around the crossroads at the center of the village (the 'trade route' and the road leading into the fields that the farmer's carts used) with a few on the outskirts. Natska leads the way down the farm road directly towards the middle of the village as the sun nears the horizon, the day's activity winding down but the evening's socialization not quite started yet. The pair get a few odd looks from villagers as they go, but Natska pays that no mind - she leads the way to one of the only two story buildings, a wooden store with a sign that reads "Anton's", the 'o' painted to look like a leopard's spot. Across the street from the store is an inn, and a little further down the road is the only stone building, the guardhouse that bears the emblem of the National Army.
Cassidy glances around the place, reaching up to remove her mask as she smiles. "This place is... Kind of nice. Quaint. And I enjoy seeing the kind of place you grew up!" She looks over the shop and the sign, snickering softly. "I'd have to imagine this is your place, then, judging by the spot on the sign?" She asks with a playful grin. "Shall we see if they're in?"
Natska nods her head slowly. "Yea," she says, and heads for the front door. "It's been... mmph. Not quite a year since I left. I somehow expected more to have changed." She reaches the door and then holds it open for Cassidy, letting the fennec enter first. The interior of the store is small, with a couple of isles of shelves and more shelves on the walls, holding pots and cookware, a selection of plain, sturdy clothes, various dried and preserved foods, and many different sorts of tools - the sorts of things a village needs, with nothing too extravagent. One part of the large, single room is set aside with a counter, and behind the counter are the stairs leading up to the second floor. As Cassidy and Natska enter, a younger snow leopard looks up from the shelf he is straightening, calling out. "Welcome to Anton's, how can I help you!"
Cassidy glances around the shop, a happy smile plastered on her face as she looks amongst the shelves. It was... Quaint. A farcry from the kinds of shops she grew up with, but it had a very... Home-y feel to it. When the snow leopard speaks up, she turns to look to the feline and dips into a little bow. "Hello there! Are the owners around?" She offers a warm grin and holds out a hand for Natska to come and join her.
The snow leopard tilts his head to the side, tail swishing as he spends a few moments trying to place Natska. She makes it easy for him, though, as she comes up and takes Cassidy's hand. "Hello, cousin... Gerald, was it? One of Uncle Jason's?" She smiles at him. "Are my mother and father home?"
Gerald's ears go back for a moment, and then he forces on a smile. "Oh! Cousin Natz, so good to see you again." He gestures behind himself with his thumb, towards the stairs. "Melanie is upstairs. Anton is over at the tarvern." He pauses, and when he continues there is a slight amount of suspicion in his voice. "So what brings you back, cousin?"
Cassidy raises her brow at the reception Natska gets, tail twitching behind her as she smiles. "Hello there, Gerald," she echos, offering another tip of her hat. "Thank you for the help!" She looks up towards Natska, brow raised. "So, who to see first? Your mother, or your father? I'll follow your lead here, love!"
Natska blinks a moment, then smiles. "Cass, this is one of my cousins, Gerald. Gerald, this is my love, Cassidy." She looks at Cassidy, then, and nods. "Gerald is from Little Oak," she explains, then begins leading the fennec towards the stairs. "We were in the area, Gerald, and thought we would visit. I am not moving back."
Gerald seems to relax a bit at that and he nods his head, giving Cassidy a small smile, his expression one of open curiousity now. "Oh! Is that so?" he asks. "Really?" Natska does not seem inclined to chat, however, making her way up the stairs. The upper floor of the house if filled with the scent of cooking, some savory stew and the smell of fresh bread, and it as 'cozy' as the lower floor - if somewhat more posh. The stairs from below open into a well-appointed dining room and sitting area, with a table large enough for four in one corner of the room, and a matched set of leather easychairs near a window at the other side of the room. One doorway out of the dinning room obviously leads down a hallway, while the other one opens into a kitchen. Natska hesitates for a moment, then clears her throat and calls out. "Mother?"
Cassidy nods at Gerald, smiling. "Yes. Pleasure to meet you, mister Gerald! I am Cassidy Solacious." She dips into a polite bow. "This is a lovely shop you folk run here. I'd love to stay and chat, but it looks like Natska has other plans for now. I'll see you again soon, I'm sure!" She turns and folds her hands behind her back as she follows the feline up the stairs, coming to a stop behind her, sniffing at the air.
Gerald's mouth opens just a little at Cassidy, but the pair leave him behind; upstairs, a woman's voice calls back, "Natska?!" Natska takes off her hat and holds it in her hands, ears folded back, and in a few moments an older jaguar woman quickly makes her way out of the hallway, stopping to stare for a moment before she closes the distance and pulls Natska into a hug. Natska is happy to hug her mother back, and the two stand there a moment before the older jaguar - Melanie Illyushkin - steps back and holds her daughter at arms length, looking her over.
The two are obviously mother and daughter, and even though Melanie is almost twice Natska's age she is in decent shape. She does not look like she was ever as strong or athletic as her daughter is, but they have similar builds and features. Melanie's hair is long, reaching her mid back, and tonight she is wearing a plain green dress with a white apron. "It has been long, Natska," Melanie chides gently. "And who is this?" "Mother, this is Cassidy. I mentioned her in my letter. Cass, love, this is my mother, Melanie."
Cassidy smiles fondly at the sight of the reunion, tail giving a happy little wiggle behind her. That was a precious moment, and she's all too happy to let it go uninterrupted until she is directly introduced. Another polite and respectful bow is given. "Good evening ma'am. Sorry for dropping in so unannounced, but we were in the area and I have been very much looking forward to meeting you and your bondmate. I can definitely see the resemblance, and I must say that you're looking lovely tonight! I can see where she gets her good looks from," she says offering a grin, doing her best to pay complements to them both at once.
Melanie raises her eyesbrows at that, giving Cassidy a small nod. "It is nice to meet you," she says, while Natska's ears fold back again. After a moment, she gives her mom a small nudge. "Mother, you are staring," she murmurs quietly. Entirely unphased, Melanie nods her head again, then smiles and gestures towards the table. "Would you like a seat? Something to drink? I have a bottle of cabernet from Cliffside that my sister sent me, and I have been waiting for an occaison to open it."
Natska quickly nods her head, moving to the table and pulling a chair out for Cassidy. "That is a great idea. You sit, mother, and I will go get it." She looks to Cass, giving the fennec a tentative grin.
Cassidy brings a hand to her muzzle, stifling a small giggle before moving over to accept the offered seat. "Thank you, Natska. And thank you, miss Illyushkin. This is a lovely place you've got here! I've never really been out this way, but I have heard that you've got quite the history in the academy?" She raises her brow, peering at Melanie. "That is no small feat, to be discussed in such a way. And you raised a wonderful daughter, too! My, I can only hope to be as good a woman as you, someday."
Melanie considers for a brief moment, then settles into one of the chairs at the table with a small nod. Natksa's tail flicks, and she gives Cassidy a quick hug before she practically scampers into the kitchen. Melanie watches her daughter, then turns a smile on Cassidy and shrugs. "Oh, I wasn't that great... just memorable, I suppose," she says, smiling fondly at some past memory. "And thank you, I am glad to know she is making a good impression." She rests one of her arms against the table, slowly stroking along her jaw with one fingernail. "So, Cassidy. I have to admit I had trouble believing Natska's letter... you are a noble? From Firmament? Please, tell me about yourself."
Cassidy snickers softly as Natska scoots off, turning her attention back to Melanie, folding her gloved hands on the table. "Yes ma'am, I am. I am Cassidy Solacious, and I am absolutely smitten with your daughter." She gives a fond smile and leans back in her seat. "When we first met, we became pretty fast friends! And then it grew into something more, and I am very glad that it has. It may be an... Unusual pairing, but your daughter has brought me nothing but happiness. As for me, myself... Well, I'll confess I'm nothing too special. I do my research, and I am a bit of a magister myself! Quite fond of the magics, though I've not officially been to the academy or anything, yet. I figured if I was to be courting your daughter, and, hopefully, in the future, lifebonding with her, I should get to meet her family, as well!"
"Oh, my," Melanie says, her tone and inflection very familiar to Cass. The older jaguar nods her head a couple of times, settling back in her chair. "Well. I am happy for the two of you. My darling was always so helpful around the house, but I could tell she was not happy here." Natska enters on that note, her ear flicking; she is carrying a bottle of red wine and a set of glasses, pouring for all three of them before she sits down next to Cassidy. She leans her shoulder against the fennec, and smiles at her mom. "Yes, mother, I am incredibly happy with my dear Cass. More than I could put into words." She raises her glass towards Cassidy, then takes a drink of her wine.
Cassidy raises her glass in return, smiling. "Thank you, Natska." She wraps her free arm around the younger jaguar as she nods at Melanie. "Yes, Natska has a bit of a heart for exploration. I cannot fault her on that, as I am much the same. And I'm very thankful to have her by my side. So thank -you- for bringing her into the world," she says with a wink, giving Natska a fond squeeze. "Like I said, I know it is... Not the most typical type of pairing, but I couldn't be happier with her."
Natska murrs happily as she nestles in closer against Cassidy, hugging her beloved fennec back. Melanie watches the pair with what is at first a slightly bemused expression, but it fades into a more genuine smile. "I want my daughter to be happy," Melanie says, between sips of her wine. "And she looks far happier than she did when she left. So you have my thanks, Cassidy Solacious." She thinks for a moment then, while the sound of voices drifts up from downstairs. "You will still be living in Firmament?"
Cassidy folds her hands on her lap and hums. "Yes. Well. We largely live in the manor at the moment, but we are, actually, soon to be building our own castle out on Firebough mountain, which is a liiiittle closer!" She brings up her own wine glass, ears perking at the sounds of the voices. "And please, you may just call me Cass, or Cassidy, if you wish. But I would love to visit from time to time, or even have you visit us, if you and Natska wish it!"
Melanie raises her eyebrows at 'building our own castle', then slowly nods. "Cass, then. And yes. You are always welcome to visit," she adds. Natska doesn't look quite as sure herself, but she nods her head as well. "And, of course you'll be welcome to visit us, mother."
Footsteps sound up the stairs, although there are still voices below. An older snow leopard makes his way up from below, dressed in tailored pants, a white, buttoned shirt, and a rich blue vest. Although a little shorter than either woman in the family, Anton is broad shouldered and strong-looking, and he carries himself well despite the grey that is starting to streak his muzzle. His hair is short and well groomed, and his expression is guarded as he sees the collection of women sitting at his table. Natska turns her attention to him as he enters the room, the jaguar going still, and Anton begins crossing the room towards the hallway without comment before she stops with with a quiet "Father." He turns to look at the table again, then gives them all a small nod. "Natska. And you must be Cassidy," he says, words terse. Natska's ear flicks, and she rises from her seat. "Cassidy, my father, Anton. Anton, yes, this is my love and my heart, Cassidy Solacious."
Cassidy smiles at Melanie and nods. "Thank you, ma'am." When Anton enters, she falls quiet for a moment, raising her glass in greeting to the seemingly unhappy man. "Hello, sir. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance. I have been looking forward to getting a chance to meet you. I have already had the pleasure of being introduced to your lovely bondmate."
Anton Illyushkin studies Cassidy for a long moment, then grunts and makes his way over to the table. "You do fit the description," he admits, tone almost begrudging. Melanie gives him a stern look, and Natska herself snorts as she sits down with Cassidy again, putting an arm around the fennec once more. "Be nice, Father. Cassidy is a wonderful woman and you have nothing to complain about." She pours another glass of wine, setting it in front of her father. "We are only visiting, and will not be staying long."
Cassidy keeps a kind smile on her face all the same, returning her arm to its place around Natska while she sips at her drink. "Yes, sir. I assure you that I have only the best of intentions for your daughter. Sorry to come by unannounced, but as I was telling miss Melanie here, we were in the area and decided to stop by on our way home. This is a nice place you've established for yourself, if you do not mind me saying."
On the other side of the table, Melanie gives her husband a hug and then takes his hand in hers, and Anton seems to relax a little as he watches Cassidy and Natska. His tail swishes back and forth, still slightly agitated, but he nods his head. "Thank you, lady Solacious," he replies quietly. "I am training young Gerard to take over," he adds, glance shifting over to Natska.
Natska smiles at that, giving Cassidy a small nuzzle. "Oh? Good for him. I hope he is working out well for you. How have you been, mother, father?" she asks them.
Cassidy sets her wine glass down once she has drained it, and rests her now-empty hand on Natska's arm, waiting patiently for the reply to Natska's question before asking one of her own. "Mister Illyushkin, it is quite obvious that you're on edge. I can only guess at a number of reasons as to why that is, so..." She tilts her head and flashes another genuine smile. "Please, if you have any concerns or grievances, do let me know. I had expected some, and have come prepared to try to assuage any worries you might have. I wish to court your daughter, and eventually bond with her, if all things go as I am hopeful. I'd like to know what is troubling you, so that we can try to put it to rest now, lest it come up later."
"Things have been well since my last letter, dear," Melanie answers, smiling. "It still looks like it will be a good harvest this year, and our business is doing well." Anton pats Melanie's hand and nods his head. "Quite," he replies. "And Gerard is a quick study. There is plenty of time before I decide to retire but the boy does well and is liked by the Community." Cassidy's question gives him a moment of pause, and he conisders it as she sips his wine; Melanie slides out of her chair in the meantime, pausing to let her hand linger on his shoulder before she moves into the kitchen to check on dinner.
Anton finishes his wine, then, and sets the glass down as well as he leans forward to give Cassidy a level, serious expression. "You know that Natska is one of the Soulless?" he asks. "My livelyhood and a happy retirement depends on my acceptance by the community, and I simply want to avoid scandle."
Cassidy regards Anton with a likewise serious look out of respect for the topic at hand. "Yes, I do mister Illyushkin. I, myself, am soulless. In fact, a fair number of us in the noble households are. In Firmament, it is often a blessing to be soulless. While our union is... Unusual, as I have said earlier, I have the support of my family. Furthermore... If your livelihood or retirement is at risk, I will see to it personally that you are all provided for. By marrying into the family, you will not likely find yourselves in any kind of dire straits."
Natska lets out a small huff and shakes her head, then gently nuzzles Cassidy; she does not respond herself just yet, though, simply supporting her beloved. Anton raises his brows at Cass' statement, and responds with a slight rumble. "Anton Illyushkin does not accept charity." Still, by his tone, it is a statement of fact - he does not sound offended. The snow leopard steeples his fingers and leans against the table, watching the two young ladies. "And you are doing to do it regardless, aren't you?" he asks, to which Natska mutely nods. "... hrmph. Very well. This falls under our current arrangement, Natska. Do as you wish."
Cassidy shakes her head at that, ears twitching. "No, it's not charity. And I had a feeling you'd say that. I'm saying that we look out for our own. Natska is the love of my life, and she is very important to me. That means the happiness of her family is important to me, as well. I may be wrong, but my parents did raise me right. Part of why I wanted to come visit her parents is because I want your approval and blessings going forward. It would really mean a lot to me. And in the process, I want to assure you that I'm not snatching your daughter away or anything, and I would still be more than happy to visit as long as she is."
Anton is quiet for a moment, and then he nods his head. "Natska is an adult and can look after herself. I was not worried about that," he says. Melanie comes back into the room, setting bowls of stew and cuts of bread out for everyone, then pats Natska and Cassidy on the shoulder. "He means that Natska is our daughter and we love her, and of course we approve and you have our blessings, dears," she says gently. "And we both," she heavily stresses 'both' "would love for you to visit as often as you wish. Now, I will be back in a moment." She picks up her tray again, that has one more serving on it, and takes it downstairs.
Natska smiles softly, giving Cassidy a small squeeze. "When I left, I made a promise to Father that he would not need to worry about taking care of me, and that I would not come back some day and try to take over from whoever he decided to leave as his successor. And in exchange, he would be 'happy' to give me his blessing in whatever I chose to do with my life." She gives her father a happy smile. "Yes?"
After another moment, Anton grunts and nods his head. "Yes. And that she would be careful of the family's name. I..." he pauses, and his nose wrinkles. "Well, yes. I am happy for her. For you both. And there is certainly nothing wrong with her marrying into the Solacious family." The older snow leopard nods his head in assent. "Feel free to visit, yes. Whenever you want."
Cassidy smiles at the pat to her shoulders and returns Natska's squeeze before pulling her arm away for a moment, so that she may properly eat. "Thank you, ma'am! I am very glad to hear that." She gives a nod to Anton, smiling again. "Yes, well. I am very glad to hear that, then. I know... I'm probably the last kind of person you expected to end up with your daughter. And I'm probably not your first choice, either, but I hope to show you that I do truly care for her!" She nods at Natska at that, before spooning some of the stew into her mouth. "I still have to introduce you to my parents."
Natska picks up her spoon, then gestures towards Anton. "You know, father. I have mentioned in my last couple of letters that I am doing well for myself. The contracts I take through the Guild pay well, and I recently rejoined the army. You really have nothing to worry about." She smiles, and begins slowly eating. Melanie comes back upstairs and reclaims her seat, and the husband and wife quietly chat about the business and gossip of the village while they eat; Natska remains quiet after that, gently leaning against Cassidy as she eats.
Cassidy gestures towards Natska and nods. "Yes! She has become quite successful. My, I'd be proud if a child of mine was half as successful as she is. She can definitely take care of herself." She smiles at Natska, leaning against her in turn as she settles into the quiet to eat, listening to the parents discuss.
Talk eventually turns to Natska and Cassidy, mostly lead by Melanie as Anton gets a second bowl of stew and, at Melanie's gentle prodding, a second bottle of wine. They ask about some of the places Natska went before reaching Firmament, followed by all sorts of questions about the large city and what they do there. Melanie is taken in by Natska's description of her collection of dresses, and the grand Solacious manor that her unit is based out of. "And you, Cassidy," Melanie asks. "You said you were something of a magister, as well. From what I hear, the academy in Firmament is certainly well respected."
Cassidy blinks a little as the questions turn to her. She offers a little smile in return, splaying her gloved fingers out. "I am! I am proficient at both fire and air magics. A swordswoman and an archer. Though... Mmh. I didn't train much at the academy, I will say. I study there from time to time, but I am largely self taught. I take existing spells and modify them. Like my pink lightning. I am also in the process of creating a number of new spells!"
The pleasant, idle chat continues throughout the evening, with Anton retiring early to his study to go over his ledgers. "I am sorry, Natska, but Gerald is staying in your old room," Melanie starts. "It is fine, mother. We can get a room at the inn, and will probably be on our way first thing in the morning," Natska replies, looking over at Cassidy and giving her a tight hug. "I... I am glad I visited. "If I do not see father again tonight, tell him... tell him I do love him, yes?" she asks, smiling. "Of course, dear. And it has been wonderful to meet you, Cassidy." Eventually Melanie excuses herself as well, and Natska leads Cassidy over to the inn across the street as the night winds down.
Cassidy dips into a polite bow. "It was very nice to meet you both, yes. I am glad to see that Natska comes from a good family! Sleep well, you two, and thank you again for hosting us on such short notice. We will definitely keep in touch!" She smiles happily as she lets Natska lead her out and towards the inn. "They were good people, Natska. I'm glad I got the chance to meet them. I do hope it wasn't too uncomfortable for you, love."
