W a t e r f a l l // Aether [Finished]

[Seyka]

Zora's Domain was as far as her haggard frame could take her before she collapsed upon the earth. She knew better but she didn't measure how much of a negative impact it would be from falling into a pond until it was too late. The poor dear began to show signs rather quickly of growing ill. It started out with her porcelain cheeks paling out, and then soon enough her pace slowed down. Her cheerful nature began to tone down little by little until eventually, she started to grow weary, and weak. Soon enough it proved too much on her, and thus collapsed.

Seyka whimpered softly as she placed her cold hand against her forehead. She was burning a terrible fever, and everything was making her dizzy. This wasn't good~ Her tired magenta eyes looked up noticing the beautiful waterfall flowing down from up top of the heart of all the water source of Hyrule. Even with a cold, she couldn't help but take in the gorgeous scenery all around her. She stammered slightly before getting back up on her knees, quickly making her way on over to a wall to lean her small frame against.

The cat girl couldn't help but admit she wasn't not prepared for catching a cold, but it should have been an obvious sign it was going to happen. She only reaped what she sowed after all. Though Sey Sey didn't regret one thing, she got to meet Aether along the way as well~ Thinking about him brought a smile back onto her face, returning a little bit of color upon her pale complexion. She didn't travel far from the Pond, but she did end up wandering off a bit. She couldn't help but wonder if he was still around these parts or did he leave for other parts of Hyrule?

The silly girl didn't think for herself as much as she did for others.

[Aether]

He'd decided to stick around for a while. At least to make sure Seyka was ok. After her storming off, and falling into the pond, he was worried. He already knew cats didn't like water, but he wasn't really sure just how she would be taking to the water, or if she would even get sick. Hyrule's water was clean, of that there was no doubt. The fish however, dead or otherwise, brought bacteria into the equation. So he traveled to Zora's Domain, taking a moment to notice the pretty waterfall before moving on to find the kitty.

Aether however, couldn't help but just keep glancing back to the scenery. He had to admit, the Zora's Domain was nothing short of stunning. He had no idea how nothing like this existed back over in the Ocean Province. No stunning waterfall, nothing. Maybe when it was all over, and he had gotten rid of the pirates, then perhaps he could move here and away from the ocean. But that might have just been the moment getting the best of him as he admired the Domain.

However, eventually he found who he was looking for, finding the kitty slumped against a wall, and she didn't look too good. Aether immediately moved over to examine Seyka. "There you are!" He called out as he closed the distance between the two, and only then did he get a good look at her. Her paled cheeks and her tired expression made him wonder just what had happened to her. "Seyka, you look awful, what's wrong?" He looked at her, hoping that it was nothing too serious.

Maybe he was a bit of a worrywart.

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[Seyka]

It wasn't often that Sey Sey got sick. When she did, it had a tendency to overwhelm her like a flood, and drain her of any bit of life she had in her. The peppy little fluff of laughs, and smiles was put in a quick slump from one little slip up. She couldn't even remember the last time she got sick. The cat girl tended to be on top of her game when it came to staying healthy, and active~ She could only guess that it was bound to happen after her little stunt back at the Fishing Hole.

Seyka was rather concerned as to how Aether took her little outburst. She did, after all, just stormed off on him in a blind fit of excitement. The kitty hoped he didn't take it to heart, because she quickly got over the whole teasing. The feline could never hold a grudge, and was quick to forgive anybody who did her wrong. A wave of guilt clung onto her heart when she thought over her actions before hand.

Speak of the devil~ Her dark kitty cat ears perked up at the sound of a familiar voice calling out for her. Lifting up her magenta eyes, she peered up to see the recognizable male she encountered at the pond. A weak, but bubbly smile graced her lips happy to see him again. Her tail moving slowly, but excitedly. "Hey Aether," she spoke softly, "I'm just a little tired. No big deal~!" She tried her hardest to cover it up, lifting herself up off of the wall, balancing herself on her two feet. She blinked a couple of times owlishly noticing how close he got. She could swear she felt butterflies floating inside of her stomach, and blush escaped her pale cheeks as she quickly got flustered up.

Unfortunately, the poor dear couldn't keep her balance up for much long, and fell forwards. Her small frame collapsing against Aether. Her sense of balance was completely discombobulated. "Say Aether... I'm sorry. You know about getting mad earlier~" she mewed weakly.

[Aether]

He... wasn't entirely convinced when she told him that she was just tired. She seemed too... tired to be just tired. Especially when he noticed her pale cheeks flush. Was that a sign that she was indeed sick? Perhaps when she fell into that pond she really did catch something. If nothing else, then at least he could help her get better, if there was anything he could do. But, Seyka seemed to be worsening by the minute, he only saw her stagger for a brief second before she fell forward. He acted as fast as he could, catching her and keeping the poor kitty in his arms, as he kneeled down on the ground.

"Eh?" Aether squeaked, realizing the way this looked now. But she definitely wasn't feeling well, he could tell. But that still didn't stop his face from turning red from the moment. Normally, he would've pulled away, but she was sick, he couldn't bring himself to do that! But... considering how close she was, what if he got sick? No, that probably wouldn't happen. He spent time around pirates. Disease ridden pirates, and he never caught anything before.

Slowly, his hand rose up and started to run through her purple locks. She claimed to be a lioness, but she was still a cat of sorts, right? So if that was the case, then she would at least like the petting, right? But, that wasn't his biggest concern, what was his biggest concern was that the kitty was sick. "A-Are you going to be ok? You really don't look, or even feel all that good." Aether remarked, feeling a bit of intense heat. Though, he wasn't sure if that was Seyka being sick, or if that was him.

[/blockquote][/justify]

[Seyka]

What happened? Seyka's head was swimming up in the clouds for a moment or two. Where she expected the impact of the ground to cause a bit of rush of pain was soon replaced by a soft thud, collapsing against the young man. She didn't realize it until the very last second that he caught her in his arms. This wasn't the time to be dozing off into space!

The heat pounding in her head was rather painful, and a small whimper escaped from her lips. Though she was having a bit of trouble differentiating the heat exerted from the fever she was gaining, or was it warmth she felt being held in Aether's arms. Waitaminute... She was being held by Aether! Well, this was slightly awkward~ Honestly though, she really couldn't find it in her heart to complain, because it didn't feel bad. Just caught her by surprise...

Sey Sey realized she was purring. It just escaped from her throat all of a sudden. Fingertips found their way brushing through her lavender locks, and only then she realized she was still in Aether's arms. Was he petting her? Instinctively, her head nuzzled his hand enjoying the petting a little too much~ His voice brought her back into reality. Her naive little heart felt comfortable as a kitten laying rest within his hold. Yes, she was embarrassed for the most part, but another side of her liked the attention. Her magenta orbs for eyes peered up at the young man noticing the color on his cheeks. Her head tilted to the side slightly. "You should take a look at yourself," she joked meekly. "You're turning all kinds of red."

A soft raspy giggle escaped from her lips. Sey Sey inhaled deeply, and let out a long exhale to calm herself down. The warm waves of heat insisted on coming, and going, spiraling in an incessant ache that was driving her crazy. "I guess I caught something when I fell in the pond," she admitted sheepishly.

[Aether]

He had to admit it. His heart melted the moment she started purring. Seyka was far beyond the recommended dosage for cute. It made him sad that she ended up getting sick. So for a bit, he just continued to stroke her hair, hoping that if nothing else, it could at least get her to relax somewhat and take her mind off the sickness. He wasn't sure how strong her immunity system was, but if she stressed about the whole thing, it would just make things worse. So by petting her to relax her, that would help her recover. At least, that was what Aether was telling himself at the moment.

Aether did perk up at what Seyka said though. "Eh?!" Was the only response he could make to Seyka's little observation. He was blushing?! Oh jeez, it probably looked so odd. His mind blanked for a brief second and instinctively tightened his grip. Not enough to really hurt Seyka, but it did end up pulling her a bit closer to him. Of course, he didn't really realize this. He didn't want to say anything more, lest she turn it against him or she takes it the wrong way. She stormed off after being called a house cat, he really wasn't sure what would happen if he said something really wrong and she stormed off again.

"R-Right, well. If you really did catch something, we need to get you to a doctor." He tried to move away from the subject of his blushing."Can you stand?" He needed to know if she would make it to the doctor. Plus he really didn't want to continue on the subject of his blushing. It could just end up being such an awkward conversation, and to him, this wasn't the time to be having something so awkward! To him. He really wasn't sure if Seyka would end up finding it awkward or not. But he figured it'd probably be best to not attract anymore attention to it regardless.

[/blockquote][/justify]

[Seyka]

Seyka was rather surprised with her spontaneous behavior, but she tried brushing it off by telling herself mentally, she hasn't been petted before by someone else. The last time she's been petted so lovingly before was by her father. That was a long time ago, many years has past since she's felt the same kind of gesture, but even then it wouldn't do it justice to consider this simple little action held the same tone that her father had. Not to mention she was thinking about two different kinds of people, in both physical, and metaphorical terms. An innocent little motion of comfort to take away the stress from weighing down upon her shoulders.

Still the meaning behind the gesture brought warmth within her heart. Seyka couldn't help but giggle heartily watching as Aether got flustered this time around. So even the the pretty boy got embarrassed~ However she didn't get the chance to fully enjoy his cute quirks before Aether quickly tightened his embrace, breaching the wedge between them completely. It wasn't a death-lock grip, but he squeezed a bit tightly. Scarlet dust stained her cheeks softly, not really nervous about being so close, but rather paranoid with the thought that the male holding her close would hear just how loud her heart was pounding inside of her chest.

Her kitty cat ears perked up at the mention of a doctor. It wasn't that serious now, was it? Aether's change in subject was successful as the little kitty didn't even realize the redirection drawn away from his embarrassment. When he asked if she could stand, she nodded quietly, gently uncoiling his hands from the embrace. She didn't let go entirely, sort of using him as a support to lift herself up onto her feet. "Yep yep~! I'm good," she meowed as best as she could.

One foot in front of the other. One foot in front of the other... one foot - trip.

"Muuuurr..." she whimpered dizzily.

[Aether]

For a moment, it looked like she would be able to make it. She was making steps. They were slow ones, but she was still going. However, that all immediately went down the drain when she tripped. It wasn't a cute klutzy trip either. Seyka had caught something nasty, this couldn't have been a common cold. Whatever was in that pond had to have been bad. Concern washed over him, no longer concerned about his flushing or anything like that as he slowly made his way over to the fallen kitty, hoping to check on her.

The fact she wasn't getting up really did concern him. "You can't even stand..." He murmured as he grasped the kitty and gently pulled her towards him. Pulling her into his lap, he gently cradled the sick Seyka. It was just depressing to see her like this. A hand ran through her lavender locks again, at least trying to keep her relaxed. They would have to get going, Aether didn't really know what she had, all that he knew was that it could really get serious if it was left unchecked. He doubted she could make it on her own, and that he would have to carry her.

He was going to suggest that he turned into her animal form to make this easier on him. But then he remembered her words, that she was a lioness, not a house cat. He still found the idea of that... rather difficult to believe. She just behaved so unlike a lioness that he wondered if anyone would be able to believe her. Not to mention that he didn't want to put any strain on the poor girl, lest she make herself even more sick. "Are you ready to go?" Judging by how easy it was to fit her in his lap though, he figured she didn't weigh much, so he'd at least be able to carry her.

[/blockquote][/justify]

[Seyka]

Seyka was used to being independent. By nature, she was content with being able to fend for herself. That didn't mean she actually enjoyed being alone, but it came with the natural trait most felines had. It was reinforced quite well with the loss of her parents at such a young age. Summers have come and passed, changing from one season after another, but the bliss of ignorance decided it didn't want to stay. There just some things that couldn't be left forgotten. Why was she getting all emotional over the past? She could only guess it was the fever burning up, and causing her to be a little dilerious. That's right~ It was the stupid fever!

Seyka winced instinctively when he drew her onto his lap. Not because he frightened her, or that she was afraid of being hurt... no, she was nervous he might notice how fast her palpitating heart managed to get. It had to be a crime to being so tensed up, she only wished that she could just pass out right now, right there. Silly Sey Sey was being silly. That didn't seem to be the case much to the kitty's dismay. She was still wide awake, burning up with a fever, and her immature heart rampantly pounding. It didn't help matters when Aether began petting her again, but the repeated purring was an obvious sign of defeat.

She had to drop that second nature habit of hers, if only temporarily, and lean against the young man for support. Seyka had to convince herself this was only a one time thing, and she shouldn't get used to it. Unfortunately, her heart, and her mind were at conflict with each other. Was it wrong to like how affectionate he appeared to be to her? Even if it was just a small gesture of comfort she didn't want him to stop petting her. Somehow despite overall strong scent of freshwater, and zora protruding the atmosphere, she couldn't help but notice the oceanic fragrance that clung into his skin. The salts on his skin melded nicely with the sea salt, reminding her that he came from the coastal region of Hyrule. How nice~

When Aether asked her if she was ready to go, she took a moment or two of silence trying to figure out what was he meant. He wasn't going to... Right. Quietly, she nodded her head, closing her eyes a little insecure if she was going to be a burden in his arms. She knew there was no point in trying to protest when she couldn't stand up on her own, still the poor dear wasn't used to this kind of treatment before. Normally, she would be the one taking care of; not the other way around! Though she would not admit it openly, the blatant signs of her enjoyment of his attention was... quite noticeable.

[Aether]

Well, the purring was a nice sign. It showed that she wasn't going to fight this anymore than she already had to. Girl needed medical treatment. Trying to be gentle about it, Aether rose to his feet, the kitty dangling in his arms. He had never really carried anyone like this before. Sure, once on his back, and another over his shoulder. But this was the first time he'd ever really held anyone like this. His cheeks stained red again, which he tried his best to ignore as he started to move away from Zora's domain.

He figured the best place for her would be the capital, right? But would that even be safe? He had heard all about how it had been attacked recently... and how it unfortunately took a wanted criminal to save them all. Aether was not happy about that. He was trying to get rid of pirates, and hoping that he could take out all crime in general someday. He didn't need a criminal saving everyone because the guards were so inept, especially with one of the bloody lieutenants just derping around, posing dramatically like he was looking at himself in the mirror. He couldn't be everywhere at once.

Aether did start to leave Zora's Domain though. But he needed to be careful, and he needed to watch his step around this place. He didn't need her getting even worse, otherwise what could just be a really bad bug could turn into something life threatening, if it wasn't already. Oh... he hope it wasn't life threatening. He had spooked her into falling in. In a way, this was technically his fault. A pang of guilt shot up through his throat at the thought of that, but he did his best to hide it. All he could do now is move step by step, hoping that Seyka would be alright.

[/blockquote][/justify]

[Seyka]

This was real, right? It was totally real. Seyka's conscience was half-asleep, but the other half that was still awake, and processing what was going on was freaking out. If her body wasn't completely drained of energy, she would have spazzed out ruining the whole ordeal of carrying her in the first place. Her head rested against his chest noticing how small she truly was being carried so easily by Aether. She wasn't used to having her feet off the ground no more than what was necessary like taking giant leaps across gaps or jumping across tree tops in the forest.

Now she was being cradled like a kitten, his arms surrounding her small frame, holding her considerably close. It took a bit of pacing for her to get used to the unsteady rhythm his walking had as they begun their departure from Zora's domain.

The little bell wrapped around her neck by a purple collar Aether made just for her jingled slightly. One hang rose up touching the silver bell reminding her his kindness. Instinctively, she nuzzled her head against his chest affectionately, the soft vibrations her vocal chords exerted from a gentle purring sound escaped from her throat. This was more than nice~ Her magenta eyes stared up at the silver haired Hylian.

"Say Aether... Where are you from exactly?" she asked with an innocent curiosity coloring her tone. She wanted to confirm her suspicions since it was bugging her ever since she met him. Whilst it couldn't have been more obvious, Seyka tended to overlook things, quite often. Plus, there was nothing wrong with trying to get to know him better~

[Aether]

It didn't take long for them to exit Zora's Domain and find themselves back at the river. Aether ignored the sound of rushing water as he calmly headed towards the bridge that would at least be able to get him out of there, or at least downstream enough to end up at the capital. From there, he could at least get her to a doctor. He was... ok with some medicinal things, but he wasn't a licensed doctor, nor was he as skilled as one.

Aether was alerted to the sound of the jingling bell, still wrapped around her neck, using his same cloth. Well, he was reminded that she didn't throw it away, which he enjoyed. He wondered what she was up to as she touched the bell. The girl should have been resting, and he hoped she wasn't over exerting herself. However, that would all change very quickly as she started to do something that would once against catch him off guard, the only warning was the purring as she rested her head against his chest.

His cheeks flared again, and he had to remember for a moment to not drop her as she nuzzled against his chest. Why in the world did she have to be so adorable? It caused him to stop for a moment as his heart started to beat at a quickened pace, and his stomach twisted into knots. He had to regain control of his head before he could continue on walking. Thankfully, she asked a question for him to take his mind off of her nuzzling, and it was at least one that he could easily answer. "I'm from Oceania, or the Ocean province." Aether explained to her, trying to speak in a somewhat soft voice. He loved the ocean, he did. But there was just so much chaos there that he needed to weed out.

[/blockquote][/justify]

[Seyka]

"I thought so," she giggled, "You carry a strong scent of sea salt, but I didn't want to jump to conclusions..." Being part cat, it came nothing short of natural for her senses to be heightened higher than most races, but even those at times could come with drawbacks. For now, it was a wonderful gift, because she really liked that oceanic scent that perfumed his frame. Since she was practically left immobile for the time being, what with Aether carrying her and all, she decided to at least engage in some 'getting to know you better' conversation. It seemed like the right time, and so far the Hylian male didn't seem at all that bothered with her curious question. Though it didn't stop a string of more questions wanting to be let out in the open. "You wouldn't happen to be a pirate now, would you?" she perked up, exciting herself a little more than probably what she should have.

She didn't hear a lot from the Ocean Province to be honest. When she did, she always heard of stories of pirates, treasures and adventures crews set out in order to seek out said treasure. Seyka didn't know exactly what was fiction, and what was a fairytale so maybe Aether could tell her more about the life at sea. She made it no secret that she was eager to knowing more about him.

A silly little thought popped into her head. Was it a bad thing to feel all warm, and fuzzy inside? It took a lot of will power on her part not to start snuggling. That would have been weird, right? Well, she was already close enough to him as it is. Seyka had a very terrible habit of not paying close attention to her own well-being~ Rather liking to turn her attention to other happy matters.

An optimistic by default, she couldn't worry over things like this, she was pretty sure it wasn't going to kill her. Though Aether seemed rather worried, and it brought some more self-conscious doubt that she was being a burden on him again. She was quite surprise he hasn't mentioned anything about the whole incident back at the Fishing Hole. "Umm... Are you mad at me, Aether?" she blurted out.

Not entirely sure why it came out, but it did~

[Aether]

As he continued to move downstream, he calmed down a bit. And after a little bit, he was actually growing to enjoy having the kitty in his arms. She was a sweetheart, not one of those who fought back when carried, and genuinely seemed loving and compassionate. Aether still couldn't get rid of the knots in his stomach, or the blush on his face. But at this point, it was probably something that might stay a while. For now, he would at least enjoy this. But, she asked a question that put him on edge, and while he wasn't angry, he was a bit frightened.

"No. God almighty, no." He immediately shot down. It didn't have the sound of anger, or any sort of negative tone. But rather, it had a feeling of fear to it. He didn't want to be associated with them. He wanted them gone, he wanted every last pirate to disappear from the earth forever. Seyka must have heard about pirates and imagined them as a handsome, charming, savvy gentlemen that won his battles with wits more than actual brute force. It was a romantic figure that was starting to spread throughout Hyrule.

Aether looked at the ailing Sey Sey, hoping she didn't feel like he was mad at her. Unfortunately, that was the question that came up, whether he was mad at her or not. Aether felt guilt once again, depressed that he had done something to make her feel bummed about the situation. At least, he thought it was concerning his response. "No, of course I'm not mad. I just have... issues with pirates, is all." He tried his best to sum up his feelings on the matter n a way that wouldn't go too deeply into his psyche. Plus it wouldn't be fair to Seyka to just blow everything right away.

[/blockquote][/justify]

[Seyka]

Where was the conversation going? Seyka had no idea exactly, but it was going somewhere. Her magenta eyes blinked a few times blankly when he shot down her question. She was taken back a little, but not really disappointed. The poor dear didn't know how exactly to that the tone of voice he gave when he replied. Though one thing was noted soon enough that she got the picture that he wasn't one, and that he didn't like them at all. What with the very mention of pirates, she noticed how much his frame tensed up, and it brought worry that she might've upset him in the process.

"So pirates actually do exist," she concluded. If they didn't then Aether wouldn't have given such a strong in his voice when he answered her. Were they really just dirty, no good, thieves of the sea? He didn't really mention much about them it must be he didn't like talking about it. So even he has a mysterious side to him. Well, that only meant the cat girl was going to have to do some digging around in order to find out more about the gypsy boy. "They're not like people tell in stories, right? You know like Jack Sparrow?" she asked lightheartedly. A soft giggle escaped from her lips couldn't resist asking that one~

Sey Sey began to grow concern when the hints of depression leaked from his expression. However it quickly turned into confusion for a moment thinking that he assumed she was asking about the question.

"So I've discovered," she noted, "Though to be clear, my question was actually directed on how I behaved when I left the pond. I was... acting a little rash back there. I'm sorry about that~ It's my fault I'm being a burden on you. For that, I'm sorry."

[Aether]

Aether found it a bit odd that she was surprised that there were pirates. Technically, oceanic criminals could easily be lumped into the pirates group. He had so much work to do, but he knew he could persevere. One person could change the entire course of history, if all those legends were anything to go by. But, her question didn't catch him off guard this time. Whether they were all like Jack Sparrow. He hated Jack. Jack made a pirate's life look absolutely glamorous. Aether shook his head in response to her question.

"No, they aren't. They're horrible people. They try to make themselves look like trouble or just guile heroes, but they aren't." He honestly hated to break it to her, but she needed to know. A cute little kitty like her... they would just eat her up and spit her back out. No, he couldn't let that happen. He wouldn't let that happen. She didn't deserve something to befall her. Out of everyone, Seyka could have arguably been considered the most innocent person that Aether had ever met.

Aether blinked though at what she was really apologizing for. Was she thinking that somehow the rashness had caused her to get sick? Either way, he didn't blame her for anything, and in truth, he was never even mad, not even annoyed. "I'm not mad. I was never mad. I have to regularly deal with people who do things a lot worse than just pout and run off. You leaving like that was nothing compared to what I put up with." He remarked. Those pirates were just disgusting. Not only from their crimes but also just... unhygienic. They had diseases, and they just smelled awful, and you wanted to stay so far away from them.

[/blockquote][/justify]

[Seyka]

Seyka was a sheltered kitten whilst growing up. For the most part, all she really had to depend on where the stories that were told to her. It didn't mean that she actually believed them, but it was still interesting to hear what kind of tales spun out of the mouths of those who told the tales. Plus, she was enjoying the conversation, it got her mind off of being sick, and turned the direction of the conversation that the two of them could indulge in for a little bit. She knew in the long run when she was feeling better, the poor girl probably wasn't going to remember a thing about the conversation. Still, the company, the situation, and the atmosphere was quite calming; Seyka felt more at ease getting, perhaps, a little too comfortable in his arms.

"I take it you've had bad experiences with pirates in the past?" she asked innocently. He wouldn't have such a strong dislike for the 'terrors of the sea' if he didn't have some kind of experience that gave him a negative impact on the whole group. Sey Sey couldn't help but wonder what it was about pirates that brought such a major dislike for them in Aether. Whatever it was, in a sense, she liked the concept that at least, he supported doing what was right, and upholding justice. That was a very admirable trait, she had to admit, she knew she liked right away about the silver haired Hylian~

As soon as he replied to her clarifications, she couldn't help but tilt her head a little to the side. Much worse? Seyka didn't like to think about that one. "You don't say..." she murmured softly. She tapped her index finger against her bottom lip trying to think of the concept of piracy realistically.

... Instant turn-off. The poor dear was going to give herself nightmares. Quickly, she buried her face quietly within her carrier's chest. A shudder escaped from such a mortifying concept.

[Aether]

As they continued on downstream, Aether could see the peak of Hyrule Castle on the horizon. He knew though that it didn't really mean that they were close. Hyrule Castle was absolutely colossal. You could see it from miles away with the bare eye. They still had a ways to go, and there was a chance they might not even make it there in one day. He hoped that she could at least last that long before they got there. Though he would at least do whatever it took to make sure she got better.

When Seyka asked if something had happened to him, he didn't really answer about that. He did however, feel bad about breaking it to her. She must've liked the idea of the life of a pirate, and while it wasn't the truth, he still felt guilty for crushing an adorable kitty's vision of pirates. Maybe one day he could take her out on the seas, and she could actually see what it would be like to have a peaceful life at sea, one without piracy or violence, or even without having to worry about the issues of the world.

But his mind immediately changed subjects. Aether froze again the moment she pressed her face against his chest. The scarlet flush returned all too easily, and his heart sped up yet again, feeling like it was going to burst from his chest. Aether started to mentally panic. There was no way she wouldn't hear it. There was even the likelihood that she would in fact feel his heart beating. He only wondered what she would say if she did, or if she would feel awkward. He didn't want this to become awkward. He wanted this to be as comfortable as possible.

[/blockquote][/justify]

[Seyka]

When she didn't get an answer, Seyka could only assume that it was yes; he did have some bad experience with them. It troubled her a bit worried that she might have touched a sore spot. She did have a knack for sticking her nose where it didn't belong, and at times got her into heaps of trouble because of such things. Aether didn't appear like a ticking time bomb, but the very mention of pirates appeared to set him off. The kitty cat girl was left but no choice but to drop the subject for now. It didn't stop her thirst of wanting to know, but it was best not to push things otherwise she may end up getting the gyspy Hylian to dislike her.

Seyka was ignorant, but that didn't mean she deluded herself to fantasties. She liked thinking of concepts, and origins behind everything that happened. Yes, a part of her was crushed by knowing that her concepts of pirates being hearty adventurers were nothing more than the very name they represent, but she wasn't going to drown herself in self-pity. Such small things were easily fixed, and besides, it wasn't the biggest concern on her mind at the moment.

The poor kitten was taken by surprise when he froze up in place. Was he ok? Her magenta eyes peered up at him blinking a couple of times. "Are you ok, Aether?" she asked worriedly, "You just stopped all of a sudden." Ignorance was certainly bliss~

Though his racing heart didn't go ignored, but the kitty cat girl wasn't exactly sure of what to make of it. If anything, a soft smile escaped from her lips before nestling her head back into place, it was an uneasy rhythm but wasn't life like that as well? Like the lazy ocean sways to and fro from the shore, it never had even patterns. The same went with the sound of a heart beating so close that it felt warm, and endearing.

[Aether]

She noticed, oh God she noticed. Aether was worried that she was going to be bringing up an awkward question. He grit his teeth and he could feel his body heating up at the thought of things taking a turn for the embarrassing. He didn't want to have to explain why he was blushing, or why his heart was racing, or why he stopped. The reality was that he probably couldn't even explain it if he wanted to, which would just make things even more awkward and ohhhh, Aether was driving himself into a mental pit.

"I... uh... y-yeah, I'm ok..." He lied. Physically, he was ok. Though emotionally, not so much. His mind raced, trying to figure out a way to calm himself down, and it felt like his mouth was filled with peanut butter. This was new to him, and while he had helped injured people before, it hadn't gone anything like this. In a way, he was somewhat new to this situation, and well, had never really had much interaction with the fairer sex. Oh yeah, there were occasionally female pirates, but they were pirates, so Aether treated them like pirates.

He started to take a few steps forward again, trying to keep his mind on moving. Meanwhile, he kept mentally shouting at his heart to stop, hoping that it was just a case of mind over matter and that the thing would stop. Much to his embarrassment though, it wasn't stopping, and it continued at an increased beat. He wasn't really sure what to do at this point. If the pirates didn't kill him, this probably would.

[/blockquote][/justify]