define('WP_CACHE', true); {"id":345,"date":"2014-05-09T03:00:41","date_gmt":"2014-05-09T11:00:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/crossed-paths.com\/logs\/?p=345"},"modified":"2014-02-01T12:46:14","modified_gmt":"2014-02-01T20:46:14","slug":"chapter-64-a-stroll","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/crossed-paths.com\/logs\/archives\/345","title":{"rendered":"Chapter 64: A Stroll"},"content":{"rendered":"

Chapter 64: A Stroll<\/i><\/strong><\/p>\n

In Which Walking Is Good For Your Health.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Yazeth: Intense dreams and jaunts to the library must be tiresome as Joseph is nearly done preparing breakfast before either mustelid begins stirring. Eventually, it’s the delicious smells coming from the kitchen that make Jozra open her eyes and think about getting up.<\/p>\n

Arrin Woodgreen: Currently, the otter hasn’t moved much from his position that night and as he feels Jozra begin to stir, he smiles softly. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Morning sleepy head.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Yazeth: Jozra sits up and stretches, suddenly very eager for breakfast. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Sleepy head yourself.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d She grins as Jozeph enters the room with a pair of plates. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Good morning, Joseph.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Arrin Woodgreen: Soquan wipes sleep from his eyes and sits up as well. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Morning Jo.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d He sniffs the air. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Pancakes again for breakfast?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Yazeth: The mouse nods, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Y-yes… You both seemed to, seemed to like them a lot s-so I decided to make some m-more for you.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Arrin Woodgreen: He beams delightedly and takes his plate from Joseph. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Thanks, Jo.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Without much more of a word, the otter tucks into his meal.<\/p>\n

Yazeth: Eventually, all the pancakes are once again gone and Joseph is washing up in the kitchen. Jozra sits quietly, idly examining the wall hanging.<\/p>\n

Arrin Woodgreen: Soquan sits in silence for a while before grinning in Jozra’s direction. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153You going to read more of that book today?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Yazeth: The ferret takes a second to register that Soquan has spoken, but once she does she smiles. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Of course!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d As she picks up the book and starts to open it to where she left off a thought occurs to her. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Hey… do you think maybe later we could take a little walk around?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Arrin Woodgreen: Soquan smiles, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Of course. I could ask Fiarah if there’s a park or something nearby.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Yazeth: Jozra nods as she opens the book. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Sounds like an idea. So let\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s see… Where were we?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Arrin Woodgreen: He chuckles slightly. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Honestly, I don’t remember, I was drifting in and out there the last little bit.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Yazeth: The ferret flips back a few pages. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Hrm… Do you remember the child Erran getting lost while on a fishing trip with his father? And the dragonflies?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Arrin Woodgreen: He nods slowly, settling back against the pillows. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Vaguely, s’kinda fuzzy though.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Yazeth: Jozra nods as she settles the book open at that part. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I read from there, then.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Arrin Woodgreen: Soquan smiles, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I’m all ears, read on Joz.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Yazeth: The ferret settles herself and begins. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcMy father always told me I should listen to him and to always keep him in sight while we traveled and he was usually right. Just once, though, I was glad I didn’t…\u00e2\u20ac\u2122\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Arrin Woodgreen: He listens to his friend read for quite some time before interrupting, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153What do you say we call it a day for the reading and go stretch out our legs a bit? Maybe we could snag some lunch too?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Yazeth: The ferret marks their place in the book and stretches. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153That sounds like a wonderful idea.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Arrin Woodgreen: Soquan smiles and crawls out of the bed with a long stretch. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Where should we head off to?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Yazeth: Jozra shrugs as she sets the book aside and climbs out of bed, standing stiffly beside it. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I don’t know. I’d rather not wander around in the middle of town, though. It’s too busy.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Arrin Woodgreen: He grins, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Should we ask around to see if there’s a park somewhere in this town?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Yazeth: The ferret nods, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153That might be a good idea.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Arrin Woodgreen: Soquan quickly pokes his head into the backyard where Joseph was puttering around his garden. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Jo, Jozra and I are stepping out for a walk and lunch. Just wanted to let you know.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d He’s about to go back inside but pokes his head back out. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Oh! Are there any parks in town?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Yazeth: The mouse sits back and wipes his face, leaving smudges of dirt across it. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Um, there, er, there’s a park not too, not too far from here. Just follow th-the road to the west. Y-you’ll find it.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Arrin Woodgreen: Souqan nods and smiles and thanks the mouse before heading back inside. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153We take the road west and we’ll find the park Joz.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Yazeth: The ferret moves towards the door, ready for walking. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Alright.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Arrin Woodgreen: He offers his arm to the ferret. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153You alright on your own Joz?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Yazeth: The ferret nods, only slightly unsteady on her feet. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Yeah, Soq. Let’s go, I could use some fresh air.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Arrin Woodgreen: He returns his arm to his side and walks beside Jozra as they both step out of building. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Any thoughts on what you want for lunch?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Yazeth: Jozra’s ears perk up. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Oooh, I’d forgotten about that. Do you have any coin on you? Maybe we could get something from a shop in town.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d She glances wryly at the otter. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153It has been a while since we’ve had any sort of fish.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Arrin Woodgreen: He licks his lips. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Yeah, I have coin on me, and don’t tempt me with fish unless you really mean it Joz.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Yazeth: The ferret grins. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Oh I mean it. I seem to vaguely recall a little cafe that served fresh fish from the river the last time we were here.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Arrin Woodgreen: He quirks a brow at her. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Maybe we could pick something up and have a little picnic?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Yazeth: The ferret nods. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153That sounds good too.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Arrin Woodgreen: He smiles at his friend fondly. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I’m afraid you’ll have to lead the way m’dear, I didn’t notice where it was.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Yazeth: Jozra grins at the otter’s choice of words as she slips her arm into his own and walks back towards the heart of the city.<\/p>\n

Arrin Woodgreen: Soquan smiles and pats her paw gently as they walk. After a while of silence he talks, his face turned to the sky. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153It’s nice today.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Yazeth: The ferret nods. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153It looks like it’s starting to finally be spring. I haven’t seen much in the way of clouds lately.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Arrin Woodgreen: He snickers, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Now Joz, don’t jinx us now. If you continue with that thought it’ll cloud over and we won’t see sunlight ’till we hit Krad.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Yazeth: The ferret chuckles, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I suppose you’re right. I think we’re nearly there now, I just can’t see with all of these people crowding the streets.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Arrin Woodgreen: Resisting the urge to swing the ferret up onto his shoulders, he settles on testing the air. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I smell fish, we must be close.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Yazeth: Looking around, the ferret finally spots the market stall selling fish. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153There it is.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d She leads the ferret over and examines the merchant’s wares. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153What do you think, Soq?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Arrin Woodgreen: Soquan grins, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I trust your judgment Joz, I know you’ll pick just fine.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Yazeth: Jozra shrugs, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Suit yourself, I just figured what with you being the resident fish expert\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Arrin Woodgreen: He grins, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Well, if I may offer some advice, stick with the salmon or carp.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Yazeth: The ferret nods and makes the exchange between coin and fish. She hands the package to Soquan and then leads him back up the street. Catching a whiff of fresh baked bread, Jozra turns to the otter. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153What do you think of adding a loaf of bread to our meal? There’s a bakery just up ahead.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Arrin Woodgreen: He nods, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Sure thing.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d He diverts his course to the direction the delicious bread smell was coming from.<\/p>\n

Yazeth: Just as the pair are about to enter the bakery, they nearly run into a very familiar looking pair of rats. One of them shrieks and hides behind the other who merely glares at the ferret and otter.<\/p>\n

Arrin Woodgreen: Soquan doesn’t need the use of his eyes to know who the two beasts are, and surprisingly, he doesn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t feel any animosity towards either of the females. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Good afternoon Dawn, Sola. Beautiful afternoon, is it not?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Yazeth: Dawn huffs at Soquan’s pleasant greeting and then fixes a steely gaze on Jozra. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I don’t know how you managed to fool Alvisa but I guarantee that I will find out and see that you get what you deserve.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d And with that she pushes past the both of them with Sola trailing along close behind, clutching the bag full of bread they had purchased.<\/p>\n

Arrin Woodgreen: Soquan frowns slightly as the two rattesses push past them. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Would it kill you two to be pleasant?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Yazeth: Dawn merely ‘harrumphs’ as the two walk away. Jozra rolls her eyes as she leads Soquan into the bakery. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Well that<\/i> was pleasant…\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Arrin Woodgreen: Soquan crinkles his nose slightly. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I hate to say it, but if I never see those two ever again, it’ll be too soon.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Yazeth: A slow grin spreads across Jozra’s face. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153You could say that again.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d At the counter she pays for a loaf of bread and then leads the way back out doors.<\/p>\n

Arrin Woodgreen: He smiles at her and walks beside her, relaxing again. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Off to the park then?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Yazeth: The ferret nods. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153It was just down the street from Joseph’s right?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Arrin Woodgreen: He nods, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Yep. To the west.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Yazeth: Jozra soon finds their way back to the road that leads to Joseph’s house and heads in a Westerly direction. The road is a quiet one and it soon leaves small cottages behind for more scenic views, eventually ending in an open meadow with a small, still slightly frozen pond in the middle.<\/p>\n

Arrin Woodgreen: Soquan smiles and takes in the scent of the fresh air. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Pick us out a nice spot Joz?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Yazeth: The ferret obliges the otter and soon selects a spot among some of the freshly budding grass and in a patch of sunlight. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153This should do nicely.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Arrin Woodgreen: He nods happily and places down the package of fish and seats himself with his back to the tree. Soquan pats the ground beside him with a smile. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Have a seat Joz.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Yazeth: The ferret settles herself on the ground. She breaks the loaf of bread in half and hand half of the still warm loaf to Soquan. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153There’s some little yellow flowers just starting to pop up, Soq.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Arrin Woodgreen: He stuffs some fish in-between the bread and takes a bite. Replying to the ferret’s comment, he swallows quickly, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Very pretty I’m sure.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Yazeth: Jozra takes her time fixing her lunch and eating it, enjoying the light almost-spring breeze.<\/p>\n

Arrin Woodgreen: Soquan grins at her happily. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Think Joseph and Fiarah will give you a clean bill of health anytime soon?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Yazeth: The ferret chews her sandwich and swallows before answering. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I hope so. I’m glad we’re able to take walks now and I like Jinx ‘n Joseph ‘n Fiarah and all but\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Arrin Woodgreen: He nods, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I understand. You’re not used to being in a sickbed, right?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Yazeth: The ferret nods emphatically as she chews quickly to answer the otter. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Exactly.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Arrin Woodgreen: He turns to her giving her a grin. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153At least you had me there right?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Yazeth: The ferret smiles at Soquan. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Yeah.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Arrin Woodgreen: He finishes off his lunch and for a while he sits there, soaking up the spring sunlight while fiddling with one of the yellow flowers he had plucked from the ground.<\/p>\n

Yazeth: Jozra eats the rest of her lunch thoughtfully, again trying to figure out what it was that Alvisa meant.<\/p>\n

Arrin Woodgreen: His thoughts, unlike Jozra, are on that strange dream he had last night. At some point, some how, he manages to tuck the yellow flower behind her ear, the words, “she needs you” still ringing clear in his mind.<\/p>\n

Yazeth: The otter’s actions pull Jozra back to the present. She smiles at the otter, knowing he can’t see it, and begins to gather up their things. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153The trees are starting to block out the sunlight here… Think we should go back?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Arrin Woodgreen: He shakes his head slowly, leaning back against the tree. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Not just yet, Joz.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Yazeth: The ferret places the crumpled papers that once held their lunch beside her and settles back again. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Okay.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Arrin Woodgreen: He grins at her, content for the moment. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153So m’dear… anything on your mind?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Yazeth: \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Hrm?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d The ferret looks at her paws. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Oh, not much really… Just thinking about being able to head home soon.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d She smiles weakly.<\/p>\n

Arrin Woodgreen: He smiles softly and puts an arm around her shoulders. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Think your family will like me?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Yazeth: This time the ferret grins genuinely. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Well, I’m not absolutely sure about that… They’re kind of an odd bunch but they’re mostly harmless.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Arrin Woodgreen: He smiles. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I’m not going to get any death threats from your dad, or possibly a brother am I?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Yazeth: Jozra shrugs and grins impishly. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Probably not.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Arrin Woodgreen: He snickers softly. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Why don’t you tell me a bit about them?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Yazeth: The ferret thinks about it for a bit, remembering her cover story. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Well, I haven’t seen them in a while so at least one thing will be very different; Azira won’t be a baby anymore.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Arrin Woodgreen: He grins as he listens to his friend. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Do you have a big family Joz?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Yazeth: She shrugs. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I suppose you could say that. Four of us kids. And Bellanzo probably has a family of his own now.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Arrin Woodgreen: Soquan smiles. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153So you’re not the oldest then?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Yazeth: She shakes her head. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153No, I’m kind of in the middle. Technically I’m the second youngest but Jovanz and I are too close in age to really make that much of a difference.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Arrin Woodgreen: He nods, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Understandable.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d He beams at her, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Anything else you want to share?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Yazeth: The ferret shrugs, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Can’t really think of anything else.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Arrin Woodgreen: Soquan nods and tunes into his surroundings. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153We should get back now.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Yazeth: Jozra nods, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Yeah, it’s starting to get a little chilly. Still winter I guess, huh?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d She gets to her feet, faltering a little but she’s able to manage well enough on her own.<\/p>\n

Arrin Woodgreen: Soquan helps gather their belongings and offers his arm to the ferret again as they start back for Joseph\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s house.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Chapter 64: A Stroll In Which Walking Is Good For Your Health. \u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d Yazeth: Intense dreams and jaunts to the library must be tiresome as Joseph is nearly done preparing breakfast before either mustelid begins stirring. Eventually, it’s the delicious smells coming from the kitchen that make Jozra open her eyes and think about getting … <\/p>\n