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Post by jialingjin on Jan 29, 2006 16:06:59 GMT -5
The young woman grinned, lowering her hand to pat the shaggy dog who was hanging limp over the saddle behind her. Jin looked terrified and was panting hard, even as he thumped his tail against Jialing's leg in appreciation of the pat. Jialing turned her head down to look at him, twisting her torso back so she sat sideways on the Turisia. Soft laughter came from her thin lips, her thick, shaggy hair wet with sweat and hanging in her face. Her eyes were half closed, but she was smiling. "Poor Jin. You didn't like that very much did you?"
Jialing would then turn, her hands taking up the leather reins as she looked towards Reed. She smiled, more to herself than anyone. ..It was.. nice.. to have someone else. Jialing had avoided peple for so long because of the life she had lived... It was pleasant to have someone again. A Friend. She watched Reed and his Turisia begin to cross the lagoon, the creature swimming slowly and peacefully. Clicking her tongue, Jialing gave her Turisia, Niu, a light slap of the reins and the lizard moved forward. Jin whimpered, trying to stand on the rear of the Turisia, before leaping off and into the water. His long hair trailed behind him as he dog-paddled his way alongside Jia.
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Post by reed on Jan 29, 2006 21:47:20 GMT -5
Reed looked at his reflection. For the first time since him, Jialing, and Jin had been on this island...He frowned...His shoulders drooped, and his eyes slimed. His head lowered and he disappeared from reality. All around him went dark. The only thing that kept him intact with the world around him was Jin's panting and slashing as he swam in the cold, clear blue water. Reed had no idea why he was sad. He felt his heart sink with in him. He had no idea why out of the longest time...this had to happen to him now. He had found two new friends, he had never felt better. But for some reason, he couldn't be happy or cheerful at the time. Reed kept silent as Zhen and Niu got out of the water and started to walk for ward to wards the green terrains in front of them.
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Post by jialingjin on Jan 31, 2006 17:15:33 GMT -5
Jialing herself remainded quiet, as Niu plodded through the lagoon at a leisurely pace. She pulled her feet up to the saddle's horn, in a attempt to try and keep her feet from getting absolutely soaked. With her arms between her knees, she carefully balaced in the saddle, her head drooping to the side. Jin was keeping a good pace with them, his long flithy hair trailing behind him and getting nastier by the minute. Jialing gave a heaving sigh, imaging the knots she'd have to brush out. She frowned, rolling her head back and groaning at the idea. Maybe where they were heading to.. she could give Jin a bath.. and get one for herself. She stared at her hands through a veil of flithy, oily hair. Her fingernails were filled with dirt, one nail even partially missing. Her hands were lined with dirt and her palms were rough. She'd have to re-wrap her bow too.. and get some new arrows.
Jialing lifted her eyes and her chin off her arms, leaning to the side as the Turisias came upon land. "..Where are we headed now, Reed?"
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Post by reed on Jan 31, 2006 17:30:04 GMT -5
Reed snapped out of his zoned out state and looked to Jialing. His frown soon drifted away and a smile rose back on to his filth covered face. “Well first off, I don’t know about you, but I want to sleep….or eat…or both,” Reed said keeping Zhen at a steady pace, “But like I said before, we’re going to go up to The Manor. I used to work there, so I have a free invite there anytime. It’s about an hour walk so we should be there in about…give or take...maybe twenty minutes to a half an hour. You’ll be able to get cleaned up there and brush your hair or what ever you feel like doing.” Reed smiled. But soon his smile of kindness changed to a smile of slyness at Jialing, “And I’m sure Ying-Ying would love some company,” Reed laughed.
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Post by jialingjin on Feb 3, 2006 12:57:07 GMT -5
"I'd love a bath.." Jialing would grumble, her dirt covered face turning slyly down to Jin who trotted along side the great lizards, but stopped every few feet to shake his body from head to tail. Watery mist shot outward from the pup, his long hair matted and flithy. "...A clean one, not provided by Jin..." Jialing would sigh, looking away from the dancing pup back up to Reed. Oh how a nice warm bath would be.. and chance to finally clean her hair. Maybe even cut it a bit. Her brown eyes darted up to the thick strands that hung in her face, bent at such odd angles. Oh her mother would hang her for such hair, she thought, letting a small chuckle slip. Maybe she could get some arrows there as well.. and finally wash these darn clothes! Her head lifted again, a brow rising too, as she questioned Reed once more. "..Ying-ying..?"
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Post by reed on Feb 3, 2006 21:33:28 GMT -5
Reed looked to Jialing riding on her Turisia, "Yeah, Ying-Ying....Uh, how could I explain," Reed asked him self scratching his chin," Hmm......well.....Ying-Ying, is probably the exact opposite of you," Reed said while smiling, "The only difference is she's probably about...." Reed though for a minute, "....probably in her forty's now. But you two will have a ball together!" Reed said throwing up his arms like a small child in a carnival. Reed whistled and snapped his fingers to help pass the time. He nodded his head and moved it side to side, though to help pass time..... it didn't really work very well..
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Post by jialingjin on Feb 6, 2006 21:01:35 GMT -5
.... Jialing's face grew blank, the bright lights washing out from her eyes. Her lower lip dropped open and her eyes rolled to the left. Her dirt covered face developed a scowl and her pleasant mood vanished. "..Great.. just like my mother.." Her memories of her mother were not pleasant. The woman had nagged the young Jialing constantly about her chores around the farm, and of course, that Jialing should follow her in the family weaving business. Oh sure.. Weaving could be intrested. Jialing loved to make trapestries. However, when given a specific task to do which involved boring and tedious weaving of patterns.. Jialing would rather be out in the fields with her brother. The year before Jialing had left had been also been accented by nagging of a impeding marriage. For some odd reason, her mother had gotten the impression that Jialing was excitied and hunting for a prospective husband. "HA!" Her thoughts had led Jialing to laugh outloud at her mother's ignorance. Nah.. Jialing didn't want to stay on the farm or with the weavers. She didn't necessary want to run either and explore the wilderness.. which, for the past two years she had been. The young woman sighed, a ran a hand through her hair.. Yeah she wanted to live her own life in a exciting city or someplace..
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Post by reed on Feb 6, 2006 21:50:16 GMT -5
Reed eyed Jialing very oddly as she let out a loud “HA!”.
Reed, Jialing, Jin, Niu and Zhen walked and, as Jin and the Turisias did, trotted for about a half an hour. The group rode up a large hill. From the top of the mound they could see every thing. There before them was the main city of Northern Nadai. The sun over them illuminated the entire town. There were many farms and many streams going by to give water to the plants, as well as farmers harvesting their crop.
The group rode ‘til they reached a large Manor. Reed tied Zhen’s reins to the porch and motioned to Jialing to do the same. On the door the was a poorly wood carved sign that said “The Manor”, Reed pointed to the sign with a embarrassed smile on his face, “I made that.” He said as he knocked.
A short, portly lady with a round, chubby face opened the door. Her hair was black with a few strands of gray hair. “Reed sweetie is that you?” She said looking at him top to bottom. “Hello again, Ying-Ying.” Reed smiled. Ying-Ying pinched his cheeks and tightly embraced him, “You’ve grown so much!” She said releasing him. She gasped, “And who is this?” She said walki over to Jialing.
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Post by jialingjin on Feb 10, 2006 20:50:28 GMT -5
Jialing's head rolled back and forth along hershoulders, the Turisia's no longer intrested in running rampant. Now the ride became really boring.. Groaning with discontent, The young woman leaned back until her back was flat against the dragon's spine. A whine escaped Jin who felt just as bored.
Upon approaching the manner, Jialing sat straight up, her dark hair falling into her relieved face. "Finally!" Quickly, she dismounted the Turisia, brushing the dirt and dust from the faded green of her tunic. Her upper lip curled, by the gods she smelled. For a moment, Jialing felt a pain in her pride. Had she really gotten this flithy over the last few years? When was the last time she had gotten new clothes...? Scowling, she staired at her stained pants, the flith that covered the fur of her boots.. why look, even blood!
Resigned to the fact that she was indeed.. absolutely flithy, Jialing put a poor knot into the turisia's rein on the porch. Ah well.. creatures aught to be smart enough not to run. Jin followed her up the stairs, nose to the ground as he sought new smells! Her eyes drifted, but she listened to Reed, only paying him enough attention to scoff at his shodily made sign. "Can't be more creative?" She'd question, poking him with a finger. Jialing waited behind Reed as he knocked on the door, her hands folded behind her back and her weight shifted to one foot. Jin stood at her feet, sniffing continously. Ah, she couldn't help but smile to see Reed being treated as if he was the woman's nephew year old nephew.. Pinched cheeks and all.
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Post by reed on Feb 10, 2006 23:21:53 GMT -5
Reed answered Ying-Ying’s question, “This is Jialing, and her dog Jin.” He said. Ying-Ying also embraced the young woman with a giant smile on her face for what other expression would she have? “Oh! Welcome to the family, Hun! Any friend of our Reed is a friend of ours!”
The old woman walked back to the door way, “You two must be exhausted!” Ying-Ying gasped, “And Reed. I hate to tell you this, Sweetie, but you smell like a three week old spring role and you are filthy.” Reed’s cheeks turned slightly pink, “I know.” But Ying-Ying didn’t stop there, “And Jialing, you look like you need a comb,” She looked down to Jin, “You do too, Jin.” Ying-Ying grabbed Jialing’s hand and walked her in to the house then stopped, “Reed you use the down stair’s bathroom and guestroom, okay?” Reed nodded. “DOGGY!!!” A little boy squealed. The little four year old ran up to Jin playing with his tail. “Come now Jialing, you get the up stairs room,” She said pulling Jialing up the stairs, “I’ll tell you a little secret Jialing,” Ying-Ying whispered, “The up stairs bathroom is the only one with hot water,” She chuckled still pulling Jialing up.
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Post by jialingjin on Feb 12, 2006 12:05:32 GMT -5
Jin whimpered and whined torn between the excited little boy and his mistress. All in the all, the poor tired dog flopped on the floor, his legs spreadeagle. Even with the child climbing all over him and pulling his tail, he did not bark or bite.. just liad their, exhuasted. Jialing protested at first, looking between Ying-Ying and Reed with a concerned face. After a moment, her head dropped and she resigned, realizing just how tired she was. Jialing had snickered at Reed and the comment about him smelling like a spring roll. "It's true, my friend. You do not smell like the ripest flower by far..". Of course, Jialing shouldn't be talking. She herself was no great princess and would never be. She put a hand to her forehead, cringing at the feeling of greasy, dirty hair. Yuck.. Now being pulled away by Ying Ying, The young woman reluctantly followed."Eh heh heh..Warm water...? Nice.." Jialing commented, forcing a week smile on her face.
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Post by reed on Feb 13, 2006 22:15:39 GMT -5
Ying-Ying giggled, "You bet, Hun," She said leading Jialing up stairs.
Ying-Ying pulled Jialing into a room and closed the door. “Now we need to get you some clean clothes until we can clean your other ones,” Ying-Ying said smiling before digging through a closet. “Hmm….I know my daughter left some of her clothes here before she left. She was just about your age you know,” Ying-Ying said prior to pulling out a pair of loose, white, silk pants with a gold threaded vine on the right side. Ying-Ying folded the pants on a dresser. Then soon pulling out a sleeve less, bright green shirt with a high collar. “These will look fabulous on you!” Ying-Ying squealed also folding the shirt and putting it on top of the pants. Ying-Ying reached into a dresser drawer and pulled out a brush and a towel also putting them on top of the pile. Ying-Ying put the pile into Jialing’s grasp and walked her to the bathroom. “Now once you get all washed up and comb your hair, come on out in the clean clothes and come down stairs and give me your dirty ones, ok?” Ying-Ying said walking down the stairs.
Reed had bathed, in cold water, and changed into the clothes Ying-Ying’s husband Saiji gave to him. Just a simple dark green long sleeve and a pair of dark brown pants. Reed was running around the yard with Ying-Ying’s child, Soongie.
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Post by jialingjin on Feb 16, 2006 16:46:32 GMT -5
Following Ying-Ying, Jialing merely walked in silence, being pulled along. She didn't really know what to.. trapped in a fabulous home, being offered a warm bath.. and even clothes... She sighed. "Er.." Jialing raised a hand in protest, wanting to state that her clothes would be fine but she couldn't get a word in. So she sighed and nodded. "That'll do fine.." As Ying-Ying left, closing the door behind her, Jialing turned to the fine clothes and the bathing towel. Snatching it up, The rugged looking woman turned and vanished into the other room, throwing off her harness of belts as she went.
After nearly a half an hour, with the water finally running clear, Jialing would emerge from the room. Her hair was clean, a beautiful mousey brown with a shiny and smooth texture. It still held it's trademark crimp, but did not defy gravity like before. Her dark skin was actually two tones lighter, once all the dirt had been cleaned off. Her arm, wrists bruised and marred by the strings of her bows, smoothed the emerald green vest against her stomach. She held her flithy clothes away from her body, scowling at them.. Ugh. She had forgotten what clean felt like.
Jialing descended the stairs in her bare feet, toes bright pink from the shower. The white pants, which hung loosely till her calves, made her nervous. What if she got dirt on them?! Wincing, her feet were raw after all that scrubbing, she stepped outside.
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Post by reed on Feb 17, 2006 21:13:46 GMT -5
Ying-Ying was watching Reed run around with the boys. Ying-Ying looked away from her knitting activity, and over to Jialing. “Your bath was nice I presume?” She said looking to Jialing’s bare feet. “Oh Sweetie, there’s a pair of green slippers you can wear so your feet don’t get dirty after your bath,” Ying-Ying said pointing to the small shoe shelf behind her then soon after getting back to her knitting.
Reed was also not trying to get dirty as the fun and games had just begun. So he tried every thing in the book. He tried to run faster than the dog and the little boy trailing behind him. He also tried not to trip on Jin as well. And pretty much your basic “Can we stop now?”. Reed was getting tired and stopped while the little boy and Jin crashed in the back on his legs, making him stumble for word at bit. “Why don’t we all go get somethin’ to eat?” Reed suggested ruffling the boy’s hair. “Yay!” The little one squealed pushing Jin to come with them. Reed looked over to the porch and saw Jialing, “Enjoy your bath, Your Majesty?” He jested at her fine clothes.
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Post by jialingjin on Feb 20, 2006 22:15:53 GMT -5
Jialing had turned back to quickly step inside, to snatch the slippers when she paused, hearing Reed's voice. her hand rested on the door frame and she turned her shoulders and head to look back at him. Her dark brown eyes were narrowed, but her brows lifted in puzzlement. With a clean face now, one could see the numerous freckles that dotted her skin and even the rosy blush that crept up. Her hair, which now was so clean it actually reflect light instead of absorbing it, fell across her shoulders, now at combed to it's real length. She dropped her gaze for a moment, fingers lifting from the wooden frame, only to grasp it tightly as her head shot up again. There was the ever familiar grimace, the daring glitter in her dark eyes. "Put a rock in it, Reed!" Jialing snapped, her voice like a whip's crack.
Her hand lifted from the door frame, and remained above her head. She snapped her fingers. "Jin! You need a bath, bud!" Not hungry for the moment, she would rather drag the dog outback for a hour's worth of work. With a excited bark, the golden dog lept to her heels and followed her through the house.
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