trans_9 | Snow Sheltering [Closed]

"All right, all right," Billy laughed, leaving it to Kaya to distribute the hot chocolate between them. He should've guessed they would take it over the tea. Oh well, more for him!

That left the problem of marshmallows, though. He answered them by fishing into his bag, retrieving three enormous ones. They were slightly sticky, and one had odd rainbow sprinkles.

"These were the only marshmallows I could find. Be careful, they got hot and tend to stick," he reminded them, dropping one into each of their hands. The strands of marshmallow goo flopped all around them, causing him to laugh again.

"I'm sorry! I should've been more careful with storing them."

Kaya giggled, and made sure that each of them had a marshmallow at hand before pouring the remaining cups and then dropping the treats in each. She knew better than to offer the marshmallow to Billy though: the way he thought, they would be for the guests, something she would have conversely done herself.

"Its all right Billy, somehow we'll manage," she said, siding up next to Nokosi, sitting Indian style, her head on his shoulder. "Though you might want to explain those weird things on the marshmallows with all the colors. Is that supposed to enhance the flavor somehow, like when you stoop tea for different infusions?"

One BIG marshmallow? Oh man, how great was that? Usually he just overstuffed his mug with a bunch of tiny ones, but this would be even better.

As eager as he was to eat/drink the whole sticky mess, he still remembered certain lessons that were drilled into him as a child. Had to finish that soup first.

"Thank you for the meal, Billy. It is highly appreciated."

Ronnae eyed the large marshmallow curiously and smiled as it slowly dripped comically around her hand. She took a little nibble out of it before letting it slide into her hot chocolate.

At the comfort of being somewhere she could partially relax for the most part, she absentmindedly licked off what had gotten stuck to her hand playfully before smiling to herself and settling down to pick up her stew. It felt nice, being here, amongst friends and in good spirits.

Billy could see he had a lot to answer to before they could begin relaxing and talking. But that could wait a little longer. He'd waited this long already! He watched them with their marshmallows, an amused little smile on his face at the sticky messes.

"The little colored things are sprinkles. All they add is a sort of...concentrated sugar. It was hard to find any marshmallows at all, and that's the one I ended up with. It shouldn't change the flavor too much," he reassured Kaya first.

"It's not a problem, really. I just wanted to see you all again, and I worried you might not feed yourselves," he smiled at Nokosi. He had been right to be worried, at least with some of them. At least he was here to look after them.

Billy was tempted to pick up Ronnae's hand and lick it himself, and he definitely glanced at it, but such a gesture was hardly appropriate in front of his other friends. Instead, he settled for scooting closer to her, trying to find a way to cuddle that wouldn't get in the way.

"It feels like we haven't seen each other in forever. You're all better from the fighting, right?"

"More sugar?" Kaya said, wrinkling her nose. This was one of the things that the water tribe had actually lacked: she'd read up on the long term effects of sugar and didn't like it. True, it tasted delicious, but Kaya had always been wary about how sweet things would be.

"You were right, actually," Kaya confessed, laughing. "My whole point of coming was to see that Borealis thing later, and to get some meditation time for myself. It hadn't occurred to me to eat, and if I got hungry I probably would have just chalked it up to fasting."

She lay back against Nokosi, marveling in the way his warmth and Fontaine's were already working its magic on her: you could literally see the steam rising from her.

"That depends on what you mean by better," Kaya said. "I'm at peace with the things that happened. They still hurt."

Around Kaya's neck, one could see a looped necklace with a blue stone containing what looked to be a lock of fur.

"I am too much of a glutton to forget to feed myself," Nokosi cheerily admitted. "The first thing I did upon finding myself on this planet was to set about hunting. I plan to do that quite a few more times before we depart; I actually miss the taste of cured meat."

He tore off a piece of bread and held it back to Fontaine, well aware that it wasn't even a bite for the giant creature. The wolf snapped at his fingers to show his displeasure at the action and Nokosi laughed, ruffled his fur, then turned his attention back to the others in the room.

"I did not participate. I partially recall spending most of that time in hiding."

Ronnae nodded, remembering the brief time she spent fighting alongside Billy in Engineering before they split up once more to help the others.

"I recovered. Soon as things started going back to normal, the wounds I suffered healed rather fast as per usual." One of the many blessings of her regeneration.

Grabbing her bowl, she relaxed against Billy, her head resting aright under his own and against his chest before she rose her knees close to herself and placed the bowl on them, dipping a piece of bread a few times before taking a bite and smiling.

"Yeah... I sort of forgot to keep track of time when I was out. Didn't know it had been this long since I last ate." To which she looked up and nuzzled her face slightly against Billy's neck.

"Thanks sweetheart~"

That was better. Billy set his stew on the ground and picked at it slowly, using his other hand to secure Ronnie against him. He reached up to move one of her long pigtails, brushing it gently. That space was needed for his food!

He kissed the top of her head once he was sure his face was clean. "Oh, any time. I thought the offer food might be the only way to catch you all," he reasoned.

Poor Fontaine's hunger did bother Billy, though. "I'm sorry, big guy. I couldn't carry any more."

"It was the best way, really," Kaya said, reclining against Nokosi despite his seemingly non interest in snuggling. She really was going to have to get used to how aloof he played it when having a relationship.

"But now that we're all here together, why not watch that Borealis thing together? I'm told its supposed to be a sight to behold. It's the reason I made it all the way up here to begin with."

To Fontaine, she reached over and actually nuzzled him. "Don't worry, I'll make sure we get you a lot once we're back with the others. Unless you'd rather go and hunt for the food yourself?"

It was less that he had no interest and more that he had a bowl of stew in his hand and...food required some amount of focus to truly appreciate.

Heavy thumps of a wagging tail hitting the ground was the response Billy received from Fontaine, who had been watching the humanoids' small chat with feigned interest.

"Do not let him fool you," Nokosi said, raising his eyes from the bowl. "He may not have eaten as much as he liked, but two hare are more than enough for him at this moment." The elf's mouth split into a grin. "He just likes the attention."

Fontaine huffed loudly, as if to dispute his claim. Sure he wasn't starving or anything like that, but he would have liked some more rabbits, or sheep or bears.

"You are more than welcome to join us on our hunt, though."

Ronnae giggled, "I don't think Fontaine's appetite could ever be quelled~" Not that she could talk much considering her own needs... But still!

"A little hunting trip would be pretty fun actually. I wasn't aware of the borealis myself, I was more... having some time to myself, getting my thoughts in order and stuff... But I wouldn't mind spending more time together of course."

"I know how to hunt, I'm jut not the best at it," Billy said defensively. He'd had one or two lessons in it, but killing to eat wasn't something he was very used to or fond of.

He glanced around at the group, very aware of what a foolish mindset this was. "But I'll go. I don't want to miss the lights either. They're spectacular. They were only viewable from really remote places on Earth, so I've never seen one before."

"It's all right Billy: where you're from, you don't have to hunt unless its for sport, and even then, that's a pretty bad reason to hunt to begin with. Where I live, you could always fish, but considering the diet in the North Pole, you had to get your protein too."

She smiled at the four. "I couldn't have for better people to be with though. I'm glad we ran into each other."

And yes Nokosi, she was totally willing to go hunting: you could see that in her eyes.

In no time flat the elf had finished the soup and placed the bowl beside him. He stretched--cat-like, slung an arm around Kaya's shoulder, then reclined back onto Fontaine. Nokosi watched the three talk for a short time before chiming in.

"I was not aware of the Borealis either, but it sounds like a sight I would enjoy. In any case, you do not need to be 'the best' at something to do it. I think..." Nokosi suddenly sat forward, jostling Kaya and Fontaine in the process. He shot them an apologetic look and laughed, then turned back to Billy.

"I think that, considering your knowledge, you would be an exceptional trap-maker. I am. Perhaps we can construct a few together? You would not even have to stalk around with a weapon, then."

It would be fun for the both of them, he thought--interesting in the least due to their different knowledge of nature, mysticism and high technology. He was looking more than forward to going out and hunting with Kaya as well. It would be great to see how she applied her water bending.

Edited 2012-01-14 22:01 (UTC)

Ronnae quirked a curious brow as she listened to the group, waiting a moment to ask what was on her mind.

"What is bad about hunting for sport? Does your world not collect trophies or have trials of passing? It's not as if the challenge isn't an honor to both hunter and hunted, and many times the roles are reversed." Ronnae paused for a moment, a tinge of red rising on her cheeks.

"S-sorry, I don't mean to be rude, I'm just curious. There's plenty of sport hunting for rituals and trophy collecting back home so I wanted to know why you consider it bad..."

Billy took in a breath. This was another one of those cultural differences he'd have to explain carefully. First, though, he'd agree to join the group.

"I can do that. Thanks, Nokosi." His mind started turning ideas around. He wouldn't particularly like it, but it was an important bonding ritual. If he focused on circuits and screws and twists, he'd be okay.

"And...it actually depends on the culture. Some groups of people on my planet feel the same way about hunting that you do. They enjoy the thrill of it and proudly display their kills in trophy rooms on their walls. In my area, though, it's not really necessary to hunt. We pay other people to do it for us, and the demand's not as high. It's really popular where I'm from to be a vegetarian."

Billy shrugged. "I'm not a vegetarian, but I don't like killing more animals than we need to."

Kaya was absentmindedly braiding Nokosi's hair, listening to the conversation herself. What she'd said had been mostly for Billy's benefit: he hadn't, after all, been raised in quite the same circumstances.

"I agree with Billy, at least when it comes to killing animals needlessly. That said, we definitely did kill animals for food and for clothing and pelts. You really have no choice, after all. I just don't agree with killing them for fun. If you're going to kill, you ought to use every part of the animal for clothes and food and all."

She was definitely not a vegetarian though. That was more Aang's thing.

It was a good question that Ronnae had brought up, and while he could understand that everyone lived their lives differently, Kaya's particular wording caused his voice to immediately take on a defensive tone.

"It is not 'killing for fun'. Granted, there are some who participate in such a mindless event, but that is not what the hunt is about," he said, crossing his arms. "It is about bringing honor to the hunted, the hunter and the spirit of the beast. If for those reasons, it is not 'sport', it is a glorious and time-honored tradition that many races partake in--even those such as Night Elves and Tauren, who have lived side-by-side with, and often converse with denizens of nature for hundreds and thousands of years, now. Said denizens understand and encourage it."

Nokosi took a breath and huffed, trying to suppress his annoyance in the face of what was supposed to be a fun time. Few things managed to get under his skin, but this had.

"You would be mistaken if you think that animals are poor, defenseless creatures who frequently become the victims when faced on the receiving end of one's keen eye or scope. They are just as frequently the victors during a hunt and it is also an honor for the slain hunter who participated in such a thing. They are praised just as much as one who was able to slay their prey."

Yes, he realized that things were different for others in their respective worlds, but they also had no idea how downright insulting that explanation had been to he, a hunter and denizen of the wilds.

Edited 2012-01-15 21:33 (UTC)

"A vegetarian?" Ronnae asked curiously before listening to the rest.

Once she had heard Kaya, her cheeks had flushed and she had felt awkward considering that it was much different than what Kaya was assuming, and even before Nokosi spoke, she knew that he, and Fontaine would both be offended by the things said.

"Most races," barring the ones like gnomes and goblins who were more into technology, "Honor the hunt. There's a mutual understanding, bond and honor between nature and the races." Ronnae paused and looked to Nokosi apologetically, understanding what had happened.

"Specially for races such as the Kaldorei or the Tauren. They have the deepest level of connection with nature and have always had strong ties with it like Nokosi. It is true that the creatures that best the hunters who go on the hunt are honored and cherished and even dying is a moment of honor and celebration, praising the undefeated champion and praising a good death..."

But she could go on and on about the traditions of the people of her world... but it didn't seem like it would do any good, at least not now. So she opted to very timidly fidget with her fingers and keep her hot drink close to her.

"A vegetarian's someone who doesn't eat meat at all. They get their dietary protein from other sources, like peanuts or beans. There are also vegans, people who won't eat anything that comes from an animal. They don't eat any meats, milk products, or eggs."

Billy withdrew, pulling himself against the wall. He'd driven another rift between them with his stupid human ignorance when they were supposed to be bonding.

"I'm sorry. It's just a hard concept for me to understand. Humans on my world are arrogant. They take pride in being the only sentient species, and we use technology to master nature, limiting the impact of the climate and the plants and animals on us. Among the hunters on my world, any human who got killed in the hunt would simply be called stupid. How could anyone possibly lose to a beast unless they were stupid? We're so obviously superior," he spat derisively. His views in this area had clearly changed over his time on the ship, leaving him marveling at how profoundly ignorant he was.

He curled into a little ball against the wall. "But that's my world for you. Stupid. Any of you could kill me in an instant, right?" He laughed without a trace of humor. As if he tried to diffuse the tension and knew it would fail. "I won't go. I'm sure you'll have a wonderful experience out there. I just don't belong."

Edited 2012-01-16 00:27 (UTC)

"That was what I meant too," Kaya said quietly. She wouldn't admit it, not right now, but she was still feeling that stirring in her when it came to Zhin. She had gotten attached the moment they laid eyes on each other, and, looking at Fontaine, she knew that of course Nokosi would understand better than anyone.

"No one is superior to anyone, or inferior, when it comes to us. But Nokosi, you and Ronnae have the advantage of at least knowing where you stand when it comes to this, and we're used to what we've seen in our worlds. Where I'm from, dragons were wise teachers that the first firebenders learned their bending art. Many years later, their descendants would hunt the dragons to prove their worth and measure their strength against other benders. I think we can all agree that is not the way you treat a species you share your world with, whether they speak a similar language or not."

She sighed. "But we're here now, and I think we're all a little smarter. That includes you, Billy, and even me. To be honest, I was reacting a little poorly to the idea of impulsive animal killing myself. We should know by now that Nokosi and Ronnae would never participate in anything so crass."

Kaya gave her beloved an apologetic "I'll talk to you about this later" look.

Ronnae.... was left dumbfounded at the turn of events. So much so that it snapped her out of her timid retreat for a second and it actually irritated her? Or something close to it.

"I don't get it. Did I miss something?" she asked a bit annoyed.

"We were happy, and relaxed and enjoying ourselves just moments, no seconds ago! Did a simple conversation and set of questions about differences in culture and curiosities really make everyone decide that the evening was ruined and further plans should be done individually and act like this never happened?"

Her voice rose a little, a bit of that orcish fervor stirring withing for a moment as she narrowed her eyes.

"This is something I'd expect from a gathering between Alliance and Horde, people getting set off at the drop of a pin and others... jumping to conclusions." She paused,looking at Billy for a moment before letting out a breath she didn't even know she was holding and leaning down to lift his chin up lovingly.

"We are who we are no matter how different or the same it might be. Regardless of the differences in strengths and weaknesses, all of us gathered here are together for a reason. We love and cherish each other for who we each are individually. And even more so as a group. What matters are the feelings we have for each other, that understanding that goes beyond the boundaries set by any race, group or culture! We're past that!"

It's cool, Ronnae. He was completely confused, too. Not that it was surprising, given this was the third or fourth time they had all been together and something he'd said sparked a quick change of atmosphere. It was almost expected at this point.

So he'd do what he always did. Honesty.

"I am not exactly sure what I am supposed to say to you Billy, because you have gone so far off what we were speaking of that I am made to believe you have some underlying issues that you might wish to speak about."

That was some hardcore loathing for his people and planet, not to mention the bit about them being able to 'easily kill him'. That came off as downright awkward. His own people had summoned a legion of demons that still persisted after thousands of years, amongst a number of other disservices to Azeroth and even he didn't speak of them in such a manner, world teetering on the brink of destruction or not.

"And I did not mention anything of one being superior or inferior. That is not the point. Neither was if we would participate in such a thing or not. Nor was anyone setting up some sort of blame game or bringing in one's ignorance to the situation." Elune knows he'd be at the bottom of that list every time if that were the case.

"The offense was given at the wording describing the event and nothing more. I was not aware one's ability to take offense at words would spawn such feelings of anger, resentment and despair. I will keep that in mind." So he could remember to keep his mouth shut.

It was amusing that Ronnae compared it to a gathering between the Horde and Alliance. There weren't even any insults or drawn weapons to qualify for that; that and the sensibilities were far too sensitive in this case.

"I'm sorry," was all Billy could say at first. His face burned so badly with embarrassment that he hid it as soon as Ronnae gave him the chance.

"I should've just apologized to you for that, but I got caught up in other issues I've been confronted with since I got involved in this war. So I'm sorry that I offended you with my ignorance. It's...next time, just say 'shut up Billy'."

There was a lot more he was starting to realize, but this was no place to dump his issues---and he couldn't yet articulate it anyway.

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