Falkreath: The Stone Orc Settlement

Daris happily devours his meal. Truly ignorant of the young orcs flirtations. It is the way of teenagers. So focused on their own feelings, they are oblivious to the feelings of others. He catches Zar'Dura scrutinizing gaze, and pauses. Chewing and swallowing his mouthful of food, he ask curiously.

"What is wrong? Is there something on my face?"

Dari's eyes shoot up in surprise. What was Dura talking about? He looks over at the girl, who is indeed looking at him. She smiles and waves, but quickly goes back to her work. That wasn't out of the ordinary, she was always like that. Daris shakes her head, and says incredulously.

"Gar'Lea, attracted to me? I think you are mistaken. I know at least five warriors better than I, who have expressed an interest. She would not choose me over them, she is just my friend nothing more."

He digs back into is food. Glad to have settled that. He was nothing special, it was silly to think anyone would be interested in him. Especially someone as pretty as Gar'Lea... or Zar'Dura for that matter. He grimaced at the thought.

Daris looked up, fork halfway to his mouth. The orc blushed a little. It was one thing to think himself unworthy of Dura's affection. It was another thing to tell her so. Still it was not in his nature to lie, or avoid questions. Which left him with a half answer. He disliked this even more, but did not have the courage to speak with honesty. He cursed himself for a coward.

"I am just reflecting on my shortcomings. I am nothing special, I doubt I will ever catch the eye of a female. It is an unpleasant thought. Nothing you need worry about."

Daris stars at Dura mouth hanging open. Not only was what she told him news to him. To hear it from the lucky woman who had caught his eye, was rather astounding. Also highly embarrassing. The easy going orc had rarely blushed in the past, but now it was twice in the same day. He took a moment to work through his thoughts. He honestly wasn't sure what to say.

"I do not know how others speak of me, especially women. I simply do my best, and work my hardest. Still I think you must be exaggerating. I mean no offense. I just find it hard to believe, that anyone speaks of me."

Daris raises his hands, a gesture of peace.

"You are correct Zar'Dura. My own reluctance to believe it, does not make you wrong. I am sorry if I offended you."

That part was easy, to apologize. How to respond to the rest of it. Again the dilemma, he did not like avoiding things. Well except in combat, dodging was vital then. Still what was he to say? Again the only answer was a partial truth. For he may be as brave as she thought, but he was not that brave. Not brave enough to tell her who had caught his eye.

"I will keep that in mind. Hopefully it will hold true, when I work up the courage to ask the lucky woman. To use the phrase you did."

He digs into his meal, cheeks now afire. He is nearly finished, then he has combat training.

"Combat training, then back to the outskirts to meditate."

Daris answered, before shoveling the last forkful of food into his mouth. After finishing his meal, he sighs happily. Good food, and better company. Though the conversation could have been... less awkward. He spares a glance at Gar'Lea. Could the girl really be attracted to him? He just couldn't see it.

"Thank you for the company Dura, and your words. I assume, you do not wish to accompany me to the training grounds. So I will say good bye for now."

Daris approached his training, with the same enthusiasm as always. Even though his heart had previously been in turmoil, he set it aside. That was just his way. He never let anything bother him over long. He started with the basic exercises. Perform the various sword forms, in series one after the other. Even to a casual observer, the difference between his technique and others was obvious. He moved with a smooth, flawless grace the other warriors could not match. Most of the young warriors preferred training through sparring. They would rush through the forms, to get to the more exciting matches. Daris though took his time, and practiced regularly. Thanks to this his superior technique and skill was obvious.

After that Daris joined the other in the sparring fields. There was soon a queue of warriors eager to test themselves against him. Not just the young ones either, some of the older warrior sought him out as well. Daris fought them all, some with swords others bare handed. He didn't always win, some of the more experienced warriors manage to best him. Yet even against those who beat him, it was usually a close fight. After each bought, he would smile and laugh with his opponent. Eventually he finishes for the day, and goes to clean himself off. Stripping off his upper leathers, and rinsing himself off. His next stop was back to the outskirts for more meditation.

Daris was just settling into his meditations, as Dura arrived. He looks up a little surprised to see the shamaness. He grins at her though, happy to see her all the same. Though something seems off about her. She seems oddly breathless, and she is drawing mana. Wind whipping her hair around, rather enticingly. Then suddenly the wind, halted and she spoke. She just said his name, but something in the way she said it... It stirred something within him, he did not know why. Her next words were spoken normally. Perhaps he imagined the previous tone.

"Of course Zar'Dura. I am your friend the least I can do is listen."

Daris was stunned, eyes wide, mouth slightly open. This was not a request he had expected. She wished him to train her? Well it wasn't something he couldn't do. After all he often gave pointers to his fellow warriors. He was just surprised Zar'Dura asked him, and so formally as well. Still he knew what his answer would be. After all it was a chance to spend more time with her.

"I am touched that you ask this of me. It is a great honor, and one I gladly accept. I will do my best to teach you what little I known."