ANULIA OF AMORA
[/color] She said softly as he crawled towards her bed and paused when he back hit it. She had not known how to prepare him for that movement, but hopefully he had not hurt himself too bad. The wagon swayed and then was moving steadily. Anulia moved to her knees and walked on them towards him with a wide smile to reassure him. Reaching up, she smoothed back his hair and struggled to get up so she could sit on her bed. Pulling at him, she helped him up so he could sit on it as well and feel the softness of the cotton and wool give way under his rear. Pinks and purples swirled in a strange design on the cloth that covered it, while bright red and blue pillows were at one end of the bed. It was short, for Anulia herself was a short woman. Turning her head towards the left, she looked for the bristle she used to brush the horse's hair and her own. Grabbing it, she reached up to his and grabbed a few strands to gently stroke the brush through them. She hoped it would calm him a bit, if she perhaps redid his hair. It always calmed her when her hair was put into braids like they were now. She tried once again, pointing to herself with her free hand and then to him, waiting for a name. She knew it was a lot to take in and was trying to distract him.[/ul]
AMADO[/color] He smiled a bit, proud of himself for remembering her name. Name! Reaching out for her free hand, he pressed her palm to his bare chest.
"Ah-maa-doe.." He sounded out, releasing her hand. Fingers touched her face and ran over her lips, feeling the softness of such full and beautiful lips. Clasping her face between his hands, he formed and shaped her lips much like she did as he sounded his name out to her.
"Ah...maa...doe..." He said, slowly, eyes focused on her mouth and shaping it to mirror his. Eventually, he lowered his hands so she could speak it herself, teaching her his name. He smiled softly.
"Amado." His accented voice was faster, this time, putting the sounds together so it rolled from the tongue.[/ul]
ANULIA OF AMORA[/color] She said cheerfully to urge him on. Just as she was about to reach for a braid to undo it, he grasped her hand and pulled it to his chest. Her warm palm settled on the hair dusted flesh as her eyes looked to his own. Even after he released her hand, it lingered there on his chest, feeling his heart beat just under the skin.
"Ah-" before she could finish, he grabbed her face between his now warm palms and made her full lips press out in a fish expression. Unable to help it, Anulia messed up the shaping of her lips because she was smiling even as they were pushed together.
"Ah, ma, Doe. Ahma, Doe. Amado." She pointed to herself and said her name, then touched his chest again and said his name in glee.
"I like Amado. That name, suits you." Moving her hands back to his braid, she untwisted the tie about the bottom and would undo them all if he allowed her, so she could brush his hair and redo the braids to look neater. She noted the bands about his wrist, but said nothing. She would not be able to understand if he explained. She was as gentle as she could be when the wagon went up a hill and then over a small bump now and again. Instead of putting the vine back into his hair, when she was done she used material, like rope to bind the braids she had redid, in the same place he had then before. Putting the brush away, she looked back to him and patted the bed before moving her hands up to her face.
"Amado sleepy?" She tilted her head while her hands went together and made a pillow under her face as she leaned to the side, mimicking the actions many did for sleeping.
"Sleepy? Sleep?"[/ul]
AMADO[/color] He repeated, or tried to, watching her mouth move.
"Sss...leea..pah...Sss-leea-p..Sleeap.." Amado tried to sound out, and though he did not pronounce it correctly, he was close enough to understand that 'Sleep' meant to rest or slumber. Amado nodded and tried to lie down, but he was a tall man and her bed was short. Shifting about, he laid on his side, curling up while an arm reached out for her and pulled her close.
"Anuuulia sleeap?"[/ul]
ANULIA OF AMORAAMADOANULIA OF AMORA[/color] She spoke softly, trying to see if he was awake or not. The wagon suddenly stopped moving and she could hear people being assigned to go and look for fire wood. They were making camp for the rest of the night so the drivers could rest and the horses could graze. She felt and heard the gentle vibrations of Byron unhooking Coal from the wagon and pushing the set of wooden steps against the front to help hold it up. Coal whined gently and whimpered as he moved by the window, no doubt about to head to a field to graze and relax his tired muscles. Anulia slowly reached for Amado's arm and tried to uncurl it from her body.[/ul]
AMADOANULIA OF AMORA[/color] She asked as one of the women passed by. With beautiful blond hair and the face of an angel, Anya was the gentle talk among the younger men. No doubt, they would try to win her heart with all their might. Reaching down with her candle as Anya reached up with her own, she touched the end of the wick and lit it on fire, before thanking the woman and pulling her candle back inside the window so she could shut it once more. The orange glow filled the area and only increased as Anulia moved the flame around to light more candles until light filled the whole wagon. It was then, that she blew out the first one and looked to see Amado's back.
"Oh! Amado. We will have to get some oils for your back my friend." She spoke softly and moved to stand up as well. Just as she was about to reach him, a knock sounded on the door. A hand reached out to touch Amado's arm gently and pat it, trying to assure him it was alright.
"We are awake." She announced. [/ul]
VANE[/color] He was handsome to look at and many of the woman adored him and his playful charm. Like most males who held his features, he used them well to lure women to his bed, though he respected them and kept their secrets long after. [/ul]
ANULIA OF AMORA[/color] That seemed to make the male think.
"Amado. Vane." She pointed to the male ahead of them, to signal that was his name.[/ul]
VANE[/color] Eyes went over the other male but not in hate or to size him up. He simply was trying to figure out what he may be. His features were similar, yet not. His coloring was his own, almost like Native American, but his features were not as wide as they should be.[/ul]
ANULIA OF AMORA[/color] She tried to make hand motions so Amado would understand they were speaking of food. [/ul]
AMADOVANE[/color] With that, Vane closed the door but did not latch it.[/ul]
ANULIA OF AMORA[/color] She gestured to the outside. Opening the door, she slowly descended the steps and kept a hold of his hand to help him walk down them, but paused. It was chilly outside so she reached up to find a cloak and wrapped it around his back. Tying it at his chest, she adjusted it with one hand, then reached down to grab his own once more and pull him gently from the wagon. People were moving about and the wagons were no longer in a straight line, but now in a perfect circle with no more space between them enough for one person to walk through. It was for protection from larger animals and thieves, for they could not get in through the back way without someone noticing. It was a wide enough circle that horses could walk about by themselves and many had separate fires tending to foods or warm drinks. Already men were laughing; music was playing softly on flutes and drums, along with food cooking. Anulia went to the closer fire where Vane and a few of his brothers were sitting. They all looked almost alike, save for minor features changed, such as eye color, hair style and the way the hair laid on their face. As soon as Anulia and Amado got close, Vane held up two bowls with wooden spoons in them. Anulia took one wooden bowl for herself and released Amado's hand to grab his.
"Thank you very much Vane." Anulia did not want to push Amado too much and moved a bit from the fire to sit in the soft grass, patting it for him to sit by her side. Placing his bowl down, she tapped his shoulder to get his attention.
"Watch Anulia, Amado." Dipping the spoon into the bowl, she pulled it up and blew on it gently three times to cool down the stew, then pushed it into her mouth, made a yummy sound and swallowed it. Handing him her bowl, she waited for him to do the same and gently encouraged him.[/ul]
AMADO[/color] He mimicked, and then pursed his lips.
"Fff...oood.." Amado sounded, accent making the word deeper in its sounding. The tall foreigner followed her to the door, not wanting to leave her side, and when she opened it, he watched her move down the stairs. The last time he went down steps like this, he had been shoved and people laughed at him when he hit the ground. Frowning a bit, Amado watched his bare feet as he descended, one step at a time, gripping Anulia's hand. As soon as both feet were on the ground, he straightened, stretching stiff legs. The air was cold and it caused his muscles to spasm and chills run up and down his spine. But, Anulia had a remedy for that it seemd. A cloak. His eyes widened as he stared at the fabric...another gift?! Luxurious! His free hand lifted to touch and feel the woven fabric as she tied it around his chest. Eagerly he took her hand and when they set to motion, his attention turned from the marvelous cloak and to their surroundings. Every sound was heard and his gaze memorized the camp's layout. People...there were so many of them. Strangers. His face turned serious as the tall hunter observed them all. Standing at six feet and a little over two added inches, he had quite the height on Anuila. Amado quickly recognized Vane, but the others he did not. Two bowls of a strange smelling stew of some sort. Brown eyes stared in awe at the meal in the bowl. Like a lost puppy he followed Anulia, moving to the grass and sitting down beside her. He was about to reach for the bowl and stick his fingers in it, but Anulia tapped his shoulder and stole his attention. With a careful eye he watched her dip the odd looking instrument in the bowl and spoon out some of the strew. His brow arched. Amado took the bowl from her and looked at it. His long legs were crossed Indian fashion. A quick glance was passed to Anulia before a hand reached for the spoon and lifted it out of the bowl. For a while, he studied it. What was this? A scoop of some kind. Amado dipped it into the bowl and scooped out some of the stew. The spoon was lifted, but did not make it to his mouth just yet. Instead, he inhaled the aroma it produced; and then, he blew on it a few times before licking a piece of the diced meat. Pushing the spoon into his mouth, he chewed, and his eyes lit up. It was good! Meat. Ravenous for food, he devoured the food, blowing on each spoonful a few times before shoveling it in. Amado wasted nothing, for once the stew was gone and all that remained of it was the broth and liquid, he lifted the rim of the bowl to his lips and drank it. In a few minutes, the bowl was empty and the spoon placed inside of it.[/ul]
ANULIA OF AMORA[/color] One plate of bread and a cooked slab of deer meat was given to him, while the other was kept to herself as she sat down on the grass again and this time, she used her fingers to pick up the meat and pull it towards her mouth to bite off pieces. Juices flowed over her fingers and down her arm, though she paused to lick them from her full lips or used the bread to wipe droplets away from her face and ate it as well. While they sat, she showed him how to eat the meat another way. She opened the bread down the middle and shoved the meat inside of it, before closing the bread up and holding it that way as she took a bite into it. A sandwich.
"Mmmm." When they were done eating their meal, Anulia took a long drink of the water, and then passed it to Amado so he could have the rest if he wanted to. She waited for him to finish and got up to take the plates back to others could use them. Byron was taking a rest.
"Amado, give them the skin back." She handed the plate back and made a gesture to the skin he was holding to give it to Vane.
"To Vane." She motioned with a hand from Amado to Vane.[/ul]
AMADOANULIA OF AMORA[/color] The older male looked up to Amado and gave a nod.
"He is the caged one. I have heard of him. I am surprised he is still here." The door closed for a few moments and when it opened again, the male handed Anulia a small vile of oil and gave her directions on how to use it. [/ul]
ANULIA OF AMORA[/color] She said as she held the vile up and pointed to his bruises and scrapes.
"Anulia will put this on Amado and make him feel better." She paused to try and think of a good noise and ended up giving a contented sigh to show it would feel good, not bad. So he could see it, she allowed him to smell it and inhale the spices that lined it, before dabbing some on her forefinger and spreading it along his arm where scrapes were found. It was cool to the touch, but did not sting or burn. Not even a tingle, though the smell of the spice was strong. If Amado allowed Anulia, she would push the cloak aside and start applying it to his back as women danced, sang and men joined in. While she worked the oils into his back with gentle massages, she watched the scene unfold. There were always stories and like their profession, they acted them out, giving visual with words. This one was about a tragedy of lovers and a triangle of passion and uncertain feelings or struggles. It was among Anulia's favorite stories and that showed with how she watched it. Not even Anulia could keep up with the story, but the actions said a great deal and helped piece things together that might have been missed.[/ul]
AMADO[/i]..."[/color] He muttered under his breath, still watching.[/ul]
ANULIA OF AMORA[/i]?"[/color] She asked, giving him a chance to show her what that word meant. She leaned to the side to better see him and waited for him to explain. Before he could, Byron moved forward from the darkness with a rested expression on his face. Anulia smiled wide at Byron, glad her friend had a chance to relax.
"Look, he enjoys the shows." She pointed out.[/ul]
BYRON OF THRICE[/color] His hand reached out for Anulia, waiting for her to take it. The man could be lying about not knowing their language for all Byron knew. [/ul]
ANULIA OF AMORA[/color] Byron shook his head and offered a hand to her. Anulia reached for it and closed her fingers into his so he could help her up.[/ul]
AMADO[/i]!"[/color] He hissed, not wanting this man named Byron to take her away and put her in a cage...or who knew what! She was not like him, he led them both to a wagon...she was a captive too, wasn't she? His arm pushed Anulia behind him and he moved quickly to a crouching position, eyes narrowed and warning Byron.
"Pacao miha di nao...kala!" He growled out in his native tongue, breathing slowly and ignoring his sore body. Byron wasn't going to touch or take Anulia anywhere, not while he was here with her.[/ul]
BYRON OF THRICE ANULIA OF AMORA[/color] She did not know how else to say it to him. Before she could do anything, she saw Byron move.
"No Byron!"[/ul]
BYRON OF THRICE[/color] Byron did not move forward, worried the male would do something to Anulia.[/ul]
ANULIA OF AMORA[/color] Anulia remembered what it was like to be in Amado's position, yet like any male he held more aggression then she ever did. It was some time ago since Anulia had a disagreement with the Lord Marshal.[/ul]
VANE[/color] Vane tried to enforce by patting Byron on the back and smiling. [/ul]
ANULIA OF AMORA[/color][/ul]
AMADO[/i]."[/color] He hissed lowly, planting his feet firmly and glancing between the two. His large hand touched Anulia's hip and patted it softly, assuring.[/ul]
ANULIA OF AMORA VANE[/color] Vane teased.
"Come on, talk to Anulia later." He ushered a stiff Byron from the area and towards the fires where his brothers were.[/ul]
ANULIA OF AMORA[/color] Reaching for Amado's hand again, she tugged him away and towards her wagon. She went first to show him how to climb up the steps and once he was inside, she closed the door. They had food and were now warm, he also had oil on his back, so now it would be time to try and teach him words. Anulia opened a window to let some air in, while she made sure the cloak was still around him and kept him warm. Sitting upon her bed, she started out small.
"Anulia, and Amado, friends." She pointed to herself, then him, and then both of them together to try and help him better understand it. As long as Amado showed interest, Anulia would try and teach him. She would give him an item, and then tell him how to say it and help him form the words with his mouth. She also tried to ask him, how he said it in his native tongue and repeated the words back to him.[/ul]
AMADO[/color] He tried to sound out, though had to repeat it a few times before he got it right. While in her wagon, she tried to teach him words, and just as eager to understand her, he repeated the word in both his native tongue and in hers as well, unless it was an object never found in his world before.[/ul][/font]
