Cha0s Gaming - Pua Hala Kai

EasyThreads added AsaniDraws to the group. 11/14/2025 20:36

*Lands on the Landing Platform, Removing his Loincloth and Hanging it on the Clothing Rack nearby, Rolling his shoulders and loosening his muscles in both his Arms and wings. Breathing in the Warm, Fresh air. Stepping into the spring. Cupping some of the water in his hands and Rubbing it in his face and some in his hair. getting it nice and wet. Before sitting and sinking slowly into the water.* Ahhh... How i Missed dis...

A Few individuals there noticed him arriving. and Greeted him with excitement. Saying hello to him and waving. a couple of the Males going over to pat him on the back and shoulder and mess with his hair.

20:52

And of course most females batting their eyelashes at him

*nervously walking over. trembling a bit. She's never seen him naked before. That and she's never been openly exposed before either. She looks to the other females. And her heart sinks a bit. Yes, she knows there's going to be others. She's not jealous or anything, more.....scared. Scared they'll distract him. Scared they're better.... She's just standing at the edge of the hot springs. Hesitant to undress herself*

*Turning to Twyla as she finally makes her way over. his usual Bright Smile once again crossing his face as he waves to her* Ah Der ya are!! Come on in, Da wata be Perfect yea? It won't bite yea? (edited)

*takes a deep breath, and drops her clothing. Hanging them nearby before getting in beside him. Sinking a little* Alright.... I guess you're right....

*He Laughs loudly* Of course Nio be right! He know dis place betta than anyone yea? *He said. Raising his hand to motion to one of the Attendees to bring them both drinks* Get us one of the Specials Yea? We have a First timer todeh!

*blushes* Well it's not exactly a public place....

One of the other frequent Visitors Goes to get their drinks and returns to them with it promptly. Where Nio makes a Quick Exchange.

*Thanking her before turning to give twyla her drink* See? Not bad is it? You calm your feathers now yeah? relax. Ol' Nio's Got ya.

21:15

Dis one of da best Drinks. Perfect for ya yeah?

*takes the drink and takes a sip. Smiling* Thank you. It is really good. Uhm.... By the way..... I wanted to ask.... Why'd you invite me here?.... Just curious is all

Because it be far away from your troubles yea? I figure if i be gettin' to know ya anywhere, it be here yea? Away from all them' listenin' ears yea?

Well... Anything you'd like to know about me?.....

Everyting of Course!! But why don't ya be pickin' a few tings out for me for now ya?

Well.... Besides everything you already know?..... I guess I love to read in my spare time?... I love quiet nights watching the stars... My favorite food is cooked mice... Last place I ever visited was the Raven Tribe.... I hate being the center of attention.... And ... And I've been practicing magic in secret.... Learning from the faeries.... It's not much, but..... I can brew pretty good potions and tonics now.... But I can't tell anyone in my home village.... They'd see it as .... Strange.... Dangerous.... And I'm scared one day word gets out.... I did it purely to help people!..... I don't want power like that.... Just to be able to provide care for others....

*the steam hangs thick around them, softening the lanternlight, turning the whole spring into a warm, secret world just for the two of them. When she speaks, he doesn’t move—doesn’t even ripple the water. He just listens. Really listens. Wings lowering, breath quieting, eyes fixed on her like she’s the only thing in the whole damn village. When she finishes, he lets out a slow breath, voice low and warm, shaped by the steam and the hush of water lapping at their shoulders.* Eh… you carry all dat inside ya, yeah? And you just now lettin’ it out? *He steps a little closer through the water, not enough to crowd—just enough she can feel the heat of him.* Mm. You think any of dat scare me off? *The silver tips of his horns glint under the lantern-moss as he tilts his head, soft smile forming.* Quiet nights, star-watchin’, books… girl, all dat sound like peace. Sound like you. *He lifts a hand from the water just long enough to tap her shoulder with the back of his knuckles—playful, gentle, familiar.* And cooked mice? *He laughs under his breath, warm and breathy.* You somethin’ else, Twy. But I like ‘somethin’ else.’ Makes life taste better. *Then he grows quiet again, the steam swirling between them as his expression shifts—more serious, soft around the edges.* And da Raven Tribe… *his voice lowers* …dey a lot. Heavy shadows up dere. I ain’t surprised it stuck with ya. But you came back, yeah? Means you stronger den da dark dat tried to cling to you. *When she admits the magic, his grin fades into a soft inhale—the kind that means her words hit him right in the chest.* Ahh… Twy… he says her name like it’s fragile and precious all at once. You really think I’d judge you for wantin’ to help folk? For learnin’ somethin’ gentle? Dat ain’t danger. *He reaches for her hands under the water, thumbs brushing slow circles across her knuckles, the heat of the spring mixing with the warmth of his touch.* Dat’s heart. Dat’s you tryin’ to make da world a lil’ brighter.

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If your village wouldn’t understand dat… den dey don’t gotta know. Not yet. Not till you safe. Not till you ready. *He leans in, steam curling around their faces, his voice dropping softer than she’s ever heard it.* But me? *his forehead almost brushes hers* I ain’t scared of you. I ain’t scared of your magic. I’m proud of you, Twyla—proud you learned all dat on your own. *He squeezes her hands gently beneath the water, anchoring her.* You got a good soul, girl. One of da best I ever met. If you wanna brew potions in secret, if you wanna learn from faeries, if you wanna help people… you ain’t walkin’ dat path alone anymore. Not while I’m here. *Then he gives her that lopsided smile—the one nobody else ever really gets, the real one.* Jus’ promise me one ting… *he lifts one hand and taps her forehead lightly* …next time you get scared of bein’ ‘strange’… *He leans back just enough to meet her eyes fully.* …you come to me first. I’ll remind ya you’re beautiful for it.

*Twyla’s entire body feels warm, and it’s not just the spring. She blinks slowly, the steam stinging her eyes, or at least she thinks it's steam, but it could be tears. Either way, she can’t look away from his.* Nio… *She whispers his name, the sound caught in her throat, raw and thick with emotion. Her grip on his hand tightens beneath the surface of the water, a desperate, anchoring clench. She tries to find words, but they're all tangled up and shy like baby owls refusing to leave the nest.* You… you’re not joking? *A tiny, disbelieving tear finally slips out, tracing a warm path down her cheek, instantly cooled by the air. It’s the first time anyone has ever said they were proud of her quiet, secret life.* ...you....you think it’s beautiful? Not… not weird? Or scary? *She manages a small, shaky nod, accepting his promise and making her own, a vow deeper than any potion ingredient.* I… I promise, Nio. Next time. I'll… I'll come to you. *She offers him a soft, genuine smile that reaches her usually reserved, wide eyes—a smile she usually reserves only for the moon and her books.* Thank you... Just.... Thank you.... Even if it's a bit difficult for me to believe.... I trust you.... More than anyone.....

*he watches that tear fall, and something in him settles—like a wave easing into shore. He brushes it away with his thumb, warm from the spring.* Eh, Twy… I ain’t jokin’, not wid you. Never wid you. *He shifts a little closer, the steam curling around them, his wings dipping low behind him.* Beautiful? Yeah… I t’ink so. Always have. Even back when it was you, me, and Uri runnin’ ‘round gettin’ scolded by Hala for stealin’ fruit off his prep tables. *He chuckles softly at the memory.* You remember dat? Me and Uri always makin’ noise, breakin’ rules, flyin’ where we shouldn’t… and you? You were da quiet one. Da calm in our storm. *His fingers tighten gently around hers under the water.* Dat’s what I liked ‘bout you even back den. You didn’t need to shout to make yourself heard… you just had this softness, this peace… made every wild moment feel steady. *He leans his forehead to hers, eyes half-lidded, voice low and warm.* So yeah… your magic, your potions, your quiet ways… none of dat be scary. None of dat be weird. It all be you. And I like you just da way you be. *He pulls back just enough to see her eyes through the rising mist.* And if you say you’ll come to me next time… dat’s enough. Dat’s plenty. *A small smile tugs at his lips—gentle, real.* You don’t gotta thank me, Twyla. I’m here ‘cause… I wanna be here. Dat’s all.

*Twyla closes her eyes briefly as he brushes her tear away, the gesture unbelievably tender. When she opens them again, the memory of their shared childhood mischief is surprisingly sweet, not embarrassing.* Hala… *She murmurs, a small, genuine giggle escaping her. It sounds like the soft chime of bells.* We were awful. You two were definitely the ringleaders. I was just the slightly-too-anxious accomplice who was always afraid of getting grounded. *She looks down at their joined hands, noting the stark contrast: his big, bright, Macaw-feathered hand next to her own smaller, softer, Owl-downy one. The difference felt right, complimentary.* The calm in your storm… *She repeats the phrase, tasting it, finding it comforting.* I… I never thought of it that way. I always just thought I was *boring*. Or too slow. You and Uri… you were always so *alive*. So bright. *She meets his gaze again, and the deep, steady honesty in his eyes makes her own confession easier.* ....but you see me.... Truly see me.... And I couldn't be more grateful..... You make me feel a little bit more alive too, Nio. *Her thumb gently traces the back of his hand beneath the water.* I feel… **safe** with you. Like I can actually breathe and not worry about everything all the time.... You make want to let loose a little more.... Be more carefree.... Wild.... It... Almost makes me want to stay in Pua Hala Kai.... But I can't let go of my responsibilities in Nakarutu so easily.... It would feel wrong.....

*his smile grows slow and warm as her words sink in, steam drifting between them like a curtain made of breath and memory. He shifts a little closer, water rippling gently around them.* Awful? Eh—maybe just a lil’. *he laughs low, the sound soft as a drumbeat under the water* But you weren’t no accomplice, Twy. You were da one keepin’ me and Uri from fallin’ off branches or gettin’ Hala’s ladle to the back of our heads. You call dat anxious… me, I call dat savin’ our feathers. *He looks down where their hands rest together, turning his just enough so their fingers interlace more naturally. Her downy softness against his macaw-bright feathers makes his grin soften even more.* Da calm in my storm… *he murmurs it like a truth he’s held for years* Dat’s exactly what you were. Even back den. Me and Uri, all wings and noise and bad ideas—you were da quiet heartbeat keepin’ us from crashin’. *Her words about being boring make him scoff softly, shaking his head, silver-tipped horns catching the lanternlight.* Boring? Slow? Nah, girl. You see things deeper den most. You listen. You think. dat ain’t slow—dat’s steady. dat’s soul. dat’s why I always saw you, even when we were kids runnin’ wild. *Her thumb brushes the back of his hand, and he squeezes gently in return, steady and sure, as if anchoring her and letting himself be anchored too.* You say I make you feel alive? Good. ‘Cause you make me slow down long enough to feel da ground under my feet. You make all da fast parts of life feel… clearer. *When she talks about Pua Hala Kai and Nakarutu, his smile shifts—softer around the edges, warm enough to melt through the mist.* Eh… Twy… *he leans in again, forehead resting against hers, breath mixing with hers in the steam* You don’t gotta choose nothin’ tonight. Your responsibilities matter. Your village needs you. dat’s important, yeah? *He pulls back just slightly, enough to meet her eyes fully, hands still wrapped around hers under the warm water.* But listen… w

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herever you gotta go, wherever you gotta be… dat don’t pull you away from me. When you here, you here. When you there, I still be glad knowin’ your wings fly strong. *He nudges her gently with his shoulder, a playful spark returning to his eyes.* And if you ever wanna be a lil’ wild? I can visit Nakarutu too, eh? Shake up da canopy, make the elders wonder where all dat noise be comin’ from. *He laughs softly before letting it fade back into a warm, quiet tone.* You got responsibilities… but you also got a place wid me. You don’t lose one by holdin’ da other.

*Twyla watches his smile grow, and a wave of calm spreads through her chest, chasing away the usual knot of anxiety. The way he describes her—*steady, soul, *and* saving our feathers*—is like looking at herself through a beautifully clear pane of glass for the first time.* You really… you really think that? *She asks, her voice barely a whisper, touched with a lingering disbelief that something so simple and innate about her could be valued so highly.* I never wanted to be a burden. I just… I don’t fit in the same way. *She looks down at their intertwined hands, tracing the smooth, bright surface of his knuckles with her thumb now that their fingers are fully laced.* *Her heart swells when he talks about her keeping him grounded. It makes the quietness she felt all her life feel like a gift, not a flaw.* You make me feel grounded too, Nio. *She confesses, her eyes wide and sincere in the steaming air.* You're so *big* and loud and beautiful, and when you look at me… you see me. All of me. It’s a very safe feeling. *The talk of her village and responsibilities causes a slight flicker of sadness in her eyes, but it’s instantly dimmed by his soothing words. He is giving her permission to be whole, to be both places.* Nakarutu is important… *She murmurs.* But I don’t want to feel like I’m leaving you behind when I go. *A genuine, shy smile blooms across her face at the image of him shaking up the sacred canopy of her quiet home. It’s an impossible, wild thought, but the fact that he’d *want* to follow her there, even playfully, makes her light-headed.* If you came to Nakarutu… the elders would have a genuine crisis. *She giggles, the sound soft and delightful.* But I think it would be nice to have you there, even if it’s just for a minute. *She leans her head against his shoulder gently, the down of her cheek resting near his collarbone. She feels the steady, strong beat of his heart against her ear, a perfect counterpoint to the quiet of the spring.*

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I don’t want to lose you, Nio. Not now. Not ever.

*the moment her head settles against his shoulder, something inside him melts—slow and warm like honey over fire. He turns his face just enough to brush his cheek against the top of her damp feathers, a soft, instinctive gesture of comfort.* Eh… Twy… *his voice vibrates through his chest, right where her ear rests, steady and gentle* Of course I think dat. Every word. You ain’t never been a burden. Not once. *He shifts one arm beneath the water, sliding it around her waist to hold her a little closer, the way one steadies something precious.* You say you don’t fit in? Nah, girl… you just fit different. And dat’s a gift. Da kinda gift dat kept me and Uri from flyin’ off cliffs and makin’ Hala tear out his feathers. *he chuckles softly, chest shaking under her cheek* You were da one dat made everything feel… right. Even when we were little terrors. *He tilts his head down to look at their hands, fingers laced tight beneath the surface, her thumb tracing slowly over his knuckles.* You make me feel grounded too, Twy. You make da loud parts in my head… quiet down. When you look at me, I feel seen in ways I ain’t never felt before. *He lifts his free hand and smooths the back of his fingers along her upper arm, slow and reassuring.* And listen—Nakarutu ain’t takin’ you away from me. You go when you gotta go. Dat’s part of who you are. Responsibility ain’t somethin’ to fear. But you ain’t leavin’ me behind. Not ever. I know where to find ya. And if da elders have a crisis when I show up? *he laughs, a warm rolling sound that echoes off the stone walls of the spring* Eh… let ‘em. Might be fun to shake dat quiet place up just a lil’, yeah? *He leans his head against hers, their temples touching, wings half-lifted in a protective curve behind her.* You say you don’t wanna lose me… Twy, look at me. *he angles his head so she can lift her gaze to his—the steam swirling between them like a blessing* You not losin’ me. Not tonight. Not tomorrow. Not when you go home.

00:37

*His thumb brushes her cheek again, slower this time, tender as moonlight on still water.* You got me, girl. And I’m stayin’ right where you leave room for me. Always.

*The feeling of his arm settling around her waist, holding her close, makes a happy, warm little flutter rise in Twyla’s chest. His physical presence is comforting and solid, a stark contrast to her own light, downy softness.* When you put it that way… *She smiles faintly, the memory of their childhood mischief finally settling into pure affection.* Maybe I wasn't anxious. Maybe I was just… tactical. *She sighs contentedly, leaning into his shoulder a little more, breathing in the scent of hot spring mineral and Macaw feathers. The rapid, constant worry that usually buzzes in the back of her mind has finally quieted, leaving behind a peaceful hum.* You really mean that about being seen? *She lifts her head slightly, needing to see his eyes clearly through the steam. She searches them for any hint of the playful bravado he usually wears, but finds only deep, steady sincerity.* Because I feel like I finally know what it means to be seen too. Not as the quiet apprentice or the one who stays home… but as… *she gestures vaguely between them, a shy, overwhelmed happiness coloring her cheeks*… as **me**. *She turns her hand in his, interlocking their fingers tightly once more. Her heart aches with the sheer relief and happiness of his promise.* I will go home, Nio. *She confirms, her voice soft but firm, acknowledging her duty.* But knowing you’ll still be there, that you’ll be *glad* my wings are flying strong… that makes the flight much easier... So much more worth it.... Because you're worth it.... Worth everything....

*he breathes in slow, like her words shifted something deep in him, something he hadn’t expected to feel this strong. He pulls back just enough to see her fully—really see her—and the look in his eyes isn’t reassurance now. It’s realization.* Twy… you talk like you already halfway gone… but da way you hold me? *he gives a soft, surprised laugh, whisper-close* dat don’t sound like someone slippin’ away. *He slides one hand up, not to comfort this time, but to tilt her chin gently toward him—inviting, not pulling.* You say I make you feel alive… *his voice drops, not soft but warm with something heavier, something honest* …you’re makin’ me feel somethin’ I didn’t expect either. *He shifts closer, heat of him mixing with the spring, steam curling between their mouths.* You think I ain’t thought about what happens when you go back? I have. More than I planned to. *He huffs a small laugh, shaking his head.* You’re not just da quiet kid from back home anymore. You’re… *he searches for the word, and when he finds it, it’s simple but weighted* …important. To me. *He lets that hang a beat—no flourish, no repeat, just truth hanging in the steam.* So yeah, you’re flyin’ back to Nakarutu. But don’t pretend you’re flyin’ alone. If you really t’ink I ain’t gonna meet you halfway? Girl… you don’t know me like you t’ink you do. *And then—slow, deliberate—he leans in until his forehead brushes hers, but this time it isn’t reassurance. It’s intention.* We got somethin’ here. I ain’t pretendin’ it’s small. So don’t talk like you’re losin’ me. *He pauses, eyes dropping to her lips for the first time with purpose.* Unless… *his thumb grazes her jaw, barely-there, testing the new ground they’ve reached* …you don’t want me walkin’ dat path wid you?

*Twyla’s heart starts to pound a frantic, trapped rhythm against her ribs the moment Nio's gaze shifts. When he says, "You talk like you're already halfway gone," her breath catches, and she realizes he’s right. She's been so afraid of what happens next that she’s been mentally preparing for goodbye, instead of allowing herself to fully inhabit this moment.* *The feeling of his hand on her chin is startlingly intimate, silencing the last of her anxious excuses. When he admits she's making him feel something unexpected, the sheer sincerity in his eyes sends a thrilling shiver through her.* *"Important".... The word echoes in her mind, a powerful validation she never knew she needed.* I… I want you to walk this path with me..... Very much so...... *She gently presses her lips to his. Begging to the gods she didn't get the wrong idea*

*he meets her kiss without hesitation, letting it settle warm and lingering, steam curling around them as his hand comes up to cradle her cheek. When he finally pulls back, it’s only enough to see her eyes through the mist, thumb brushing lightly along her jaw.* Bout damn time… *a quiet laugh slips out as he nudges her nose with his own* …had me thinkin’ I’d hafta jump first just to get you to look my way. *he gives her a slow, warm smile, the kind that settles deep rather than loud* Good thing you kissed me, Twy. ’Cause I wasn’t gonna let you run from this anyway.

*she chuckles softly. resting her head against his shoulder* I'd never run from you.... But you're right, the idea of messing this up terrifies me....

Da only ting I be afraid of, is what Yuray gon do yeah? She gon be shedding feathers like she molting yeah!?

*she laughs* Leave her be.... She's just a misguided teen. She'll learn, reevaluate herself, rethink her behavior, and one day, become a better person for it. People like her are only cruel out of insecurity. Maybe she's just scared she'll wind up alone.

She fun, but she not you yeah? She don need to be, nor you her eh? I tink I know why she be doing it now... *looking at Twyla, realizing it's because she was afraid of this very moment. Of not being the one he wanted* I'll talk wit her next yeah?

Alright, Nio.... But you be careful now, yeah?....... *pauses....blushes....realizing she accidently mimicked his accent*

Not bad.... but if ya be ta talk like us, da words not be spoken yeah, but sung, shouted to the highest canopy, and to the furthest valley yeah? You don be speakin wit ya tongue, but wit ya soul! Dat be da island way yeah?

Another thing I wanted to talk to you about.... If we do this.... One day.... sooner or later.... one of us will have to move in with the other.... and I could never ask you to leave your home, even longer than a week.... this place is too important to you... so I... I thought if it worked out.... I'd stay in the guest room at yours and your mother's place..... and besides, both our home villages are not that far.... just a couple hours apart via flight....

Not for me eh? *teasing at his speed, laughing a little* But let's not be planning what to name da little ones just yet yeah? Dis only be day one yeah?

*she laughs. loud. genuine. joyous* .......*takes a breath* ....fine....but we are crossing off Nio Jr.

Nah da wold not be ready for another me yeah? Still..... *pretends to ponder it in thought*

*pfft* You asshole! Anyway, I'll probably have to speak with Tikhiy.... Sometime soon

Hey say hello to her for me too yeah?... And tell her I be stopping by soon yeah? Watch her eyes roll in da back of her head yeah?

*she giggles a bit* You know she cares about you, even if you get on her nerves.... Especially when you prank Uri

Yeah, but he makes it so fun yeah? Anyway.... *presses his head to her again* I'm glad we had dis talk Twy.... You be careful getting home okay? Me serious..you know I worry yeah? All you don did now, is give me another reason to... As if I be needin anotha one.

....you worry about me?

Hey, don go doubting me now yeah?

I'm not, I just....when exactly have I made you worry?

Hey... *starts to stand* don be worrying about dat just now yeah? You got ta get going if ya trying to be beating the sun yeah? I'll see ya around okay?.... *flaps his wings, and takes off* Just be careful okay? *heads towards the beach*

*grabs her clothes, gets dressed, and heads home*