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Ruin Explorers	By : yukisan Category: +M to R > Ruin Explorers (Hiky? Tanken Famu to ?r?) > Ruin Explorers (Hiky? Tanken Famu to ?r?) Views: 1023 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Ruin Explorers or the characters nor make any profit from this.

Chapter List
- 5
- 6
- 7
Ruin Explorers

Chapter Five: Unexpected

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Ihrie woke and found herself alone. The light from the window told her that it was early morning and that Shigeo must have left recently. She refused to think about them only sleeping in the same bed. It was ridiculous to be embarrassed about something so simple as rest. She rose and went to the basin, washing the slumber from her face. Before she could dry her face, Fam and Ava burst in, both already dressed for the journey.

“You slept in?” Ava spoke surprised. Ihrie had always been the first up and ready in the mornings.

“Come on, Ihrie, get dressed. Eros and Shigeo are packing the horses now,” Fam interjected.

Ihrie was glad for the distraction. “Has the bill been taken care of?”

The woman nodded. “Yea, Shigeo took care of it.”

'Of course,' she thought to herself. “I'll be out in a minute, Fam.”

She nodded and bounced out the door. Ava eyed her before she followed her friend out into the hallway, closing the threshold behind her. She descended the stairs and walked out the front door, turning to the stables to the left, on the outskirts of town. Fam was skipping in front of her and she smiled. It was clear the the woman was happy to be seeing a friend again, but Ihrie didn't seem to share her companion's feelings.

Ava could see the men packing the last of their rations and equipment as they came into view. Fam took her horse's reins from Eros, thanking him before she mounted.

“I take it that she'll be here soon,” Shigeo spoke laughing at Fam's behavior and chattering words of excitement.

“She was dressing when we went to get her,” Ava told him, watching the man's reaction.

Eros saw her gears turning before he spoke, trying to distract the meddling female. “Ava, I sold most of the items you wanted,” he said, tossing her a heavy coin purse. She squealed with delight as she caught the pouch and Eros smiled at himself. Money always diverted a woman's attention.

Shigeo nodded a thank you but Eros only brushed it off. A favor for a favor. Besides, Eros had to admit that the man was growing on him. He had skills and honor, which were rare now-a-days. Ihrie caught the man's eye and he turned to see her coming their way.

Shigeo followed his gaze. He had left her this morning, quietly sleeping. But it hadn't been as easy as he thought. As she stopped beside him, he handed her the reins. “Sleep well?” he asked, teasing her.

“Yea, thanks,” she said as she glanced at him before mounting. Ihrie decided that she wouldn't let him goad her into embarrassment in front of Eros, especially not when he had been busy last night.

Shigeo climbed onto the horse. “I sent a messenger ahead to find and book passage for us to Pandros. It'll be easier to cross the Veridian Sea than trying to go straight to Reon. I know a man who can take us the rest of the way when we get to Isra,” he told her as the man glanced to see Eros on his horse, leading the mule.

“Sounds good. How long will the trip take?” she asked as they turned the animals and followed the trio out of town.

“I estimate about a month but we might can trim it down while we're on the water. It depends on the wind,” he replied.

Ihrie nodded her head and they continued for several hours with little conversation. The group broke for lunch and all were unusually quiet, with the exception of Fam, who babbled about their previous adventures with Lyle.

It wasn't until camp that night that Shigeo managed to talk to Ihrie without drawing attention to themselves. The others had went about their chores and wasn't in camp. He slipped up to her and pulled her with him into the shadows.

“What are you doing?” she asked him but didn't pull her wrist free.

“I wanted to tell you that I'm sorry about last night,” he said.

“What for?” she said. “Nothing happened.” His jaw tightened but the action was lost to Ihrie in the dark. “Shigeo,” she started and placed a hand on his arm.

He pulled her body to his, slipped a hand behind her neck and kissed the woman until she was breathless. Ihrie had laced her fingers in his black hair and when he broke the kiss, she pulled him back to meet her swollen lips. Her aggressive behavior was a surprise but Shigeo slid his tongue inside her mouth again. He would accept any punishment she gave him later for his silence.

A hand gripped her bottom as he tried to pull her closer. Ihrie could feel how hard he was before the sound of a snapping twig caused them to still. Shigeo let go of her and stepped quietly away. Ihrie glanced to see that the camp was empty before she waved him back over. Not wanting to chance getting caught, he pushed her out into the opening.

“That's not what I had in mind,” he spoke, frustrated that he let his libido get the better of himself. “I didn't mean to surprise you with that,” he began, trying to explain his actions.

“Shigeo,” she stopped him, “it's not a problem with me.”

“I left this morning because I didn't want to take advantage of you, Ihrie,” he told her. “I want to talk to you when we have some time alone. I don't want it to be weird between us.”

She nodded, understanding that it would be awhile before they could speak privately, and she agreed with him. The day's journey had been awkward.

“Ihrie, say something,” he begged the woman, afraid that she had become angry with him.

“I'm not mad,” she told him. 'Just frustrated,' she thought as she walked to the pit. “We better hurry and get this set up before they come back,” Ihrie suggested.

“Good idea,” he replied.

Dinner was more relaxed than the ride had been as everyone chatted and ate happily. They retired and woke before dawn the next morning, packing what little had been left out before departing. The group rode like that for the next three days before seeing the lights of Isra.

They were in town before the moon had risen and had just secured the horses before the messenger found them. Ihrie was surprised at how smoothly their check-in was and at how he managed to find a fairly clean tavern. They gathered their keys and everyone climbed the stairs to file into their assigned rooms. Ihrie lingered to the back of the group, hoping Shigeo would give her some signal that they could talk.

As Fam and Ava, opened the door, the women burst into conversation about the decor. The door shut behind them, cutting their words from her ears. Ihrie could only roll her eyes. She glanced at the man in front of her and saw him wave behind his back. She took the signal to mean 'go on' and she passed them before Eros could open the door.

Slipping her key in the lock, Ihrie opened the threshold to see a more than 'fairly clean' room. The wooden slab shut behind her as she stared at the bed, then large basin, then the small, but rare balcony. A knock on the door made the woman jumped as it swung open. Ihrie turned to see Shigeo smiling.

“What the hell is this?” she asked.

“Don't like it?” he threw back. “Want to join me for a drink?”

She glared at him but nodded. “Only one this time.”

Shigeo tossed his hands up in submission.

Thirty minutes later, the two ascended the staircase. Ihrie was laughing at a story Shigeo was telling her.

“I don't believe that,” she told him. “It's impossible.”

“I'm telling you, I'm a better warrior than you think,” he warned her.

“I'll see it when I believe it,” she finally told him.

He grabbed her elbow before she turned. “There are other things in my country that I would love to show you.”

Ihrie blushed at the realization of what he was saying but pulled away. “You know I can't,” she told him defensively.

“I'm talking about after you've broken your curse.”

“You can't ask me now,” she told him and turned. Shigeo let her go, watching her as she disappeared into her room.

The next morning, the group left the tavern and found the ship they were to take to Pandros. It was much nicer than Shigeo had described and she wished she could be annoyed at him. As they met with the captain, Eros and another shipmate began loading their supplies and belongings.

“Thanks to you, I'm able to make this voyage much faster,” the older man laughed, patting Shigeo on his back.

“I must insist that you are the one doing us a favor. It was quite hard to find a ship that would take such a large load on short notice,” he replied.

“Anytime you need a lift, let me know, son. I'll see you on aboard,” he spoke, slapping him on the back again.

Ihrie was smiling when he turned to the women. Shigeo overlooked it as he spoke. “We can board now. Our cabins are below.” He led them onto the ship, through a door and down a short staircase before he pointed to the two cabins across from one another. “I could only secure two,” he explained, “but they should be clean.”

They nodded and the women filed into their room. Eros turned to the man and shook his head before opening their room.

It took only took Ihrie three days to adjust to the swaying of the ground below her feet. On the fourth day, she was able to relax and enjoy the breeze and smell of fresh air. She hadn't heard his footsteps approaching her until he spoke.

“Feeling better?” Shigeo asked.

“It seems to have passed,” she replied, shielding her eyes with her hand as she looked up.

He smiled and had to tear his roaming eyes off of her body. He plopped down beside her on another sack. “The captain says we have another four days or so until we reach Pandros.”

“Wow, quick voyage,” she said, surprised. There was a long pause as the sounds of men working were in front of them with the ocean lapping at the wood below them. It was tranquil. “How did you do it?” she finally asked him.

“Do what?” he asked, not looking at her but understanding that she was beginning to figure a few things out.

“Shigeo,” she spoke his name and laid a hand on his forearm. He turned to look her in the eyes. “You couldn't have gotten that much from all the things we've sold.”

He covered her hand with his. “Don't worry about it,” he told her but the look she gave him forced Shigeo to give her a different answer. “I have the coin.”

The rocking of the boat and lapping of the water filled the gap between the two as Ihrie tried to process what he told her. She shook her head. “Shigeo,” she started.

“I'm no threat and I'm not rich,” he explained to her.

Ihrie held her tongue, trying to not care about the secrets he kept from her, even though she hadn't volunteered to share any more of her secrets.

“I'm not intentionally keeping things from you,” he lowered his voice when he spoke. “I'll tell you anything you want to after we get your curse broken.”

Ihrie nodded but wondered why he referred to her curse.

The rest of the voyage was smooth. Just as the captain had said, the group was in Pandros four days later. Ihrie lend against the rail, listening and watching the cat-calls from man to man as they worked to dock the ship. Shigeo's voice caught her ears as he spoke with the commander. He settled whatever was owed and came to stand beside her.

“Our things will be unloaded when we return with horses,” he turned, looking for someone. “Eros will be coming with us to fetch horses. I asked Fam and Ava to stay with our belongings.”

“Good,” she replied before the tall man appeared in her sight.

Shigeo saw her eyes flutter to a spot behind him and turned. “We'll talk later,” he mumbled, shifting to wave Eros over towards them. “We have until dusk,” he told him.

“That should be plenty of time,” Eros replied, nodding to Ihrie.

The trio moved down the plank and into town. Eros split, giving Shigeo a signal before Ihrie looked to him.

“He has other business,” Shigeo told her as they continued into the market. He led her to a tavern and reserved rooms before they moved to the stables toward the outskirts. Ihrie was surprised to see Eros waiting on them. “Finished?” Shigeo asked him and he nodded.

They walked into the large barn and spoke with the blacksmith. Ihrie was interested in the transaction since she had never seen Shigeo barter before. She had to admit that he was skilled. The woman realized that was why he brought her along, to show her how he managed money. Ihrie wondered if she had hurt his feelings but brushed it aside.

The group returned to their waiting friends and gathered their things before moving toward the tavern. Everyone retired to their rooms. When Ihrie entered hers, she wasn't surprised. Shigeo did it again. She shook her head, dropping her bag near the bed as she fell onto the mattress. Ihrie flipped over, glancing out the large window before sitting up and grabbing the Lancaster out of her bag.

The woman opened it up to look at her fifth spell. She hadn't wasted time while she was on the ship but was forced to be extra careful. As a result, her study time had drastically dwindled, and as expected, Shigeo came through her door.

She looked up and shook her head. “You can't keep putting me in nice rooms,” she told him, looking around.

He laughed. “Why? Does it scare you?” he said.

“Shut up,” she clipped.

He changed the subject, realizing that his special treatment bothered her. “Studying again?” he pointed to the book in her lap.

“I was going to look at the new spell before dinner,” she explained to him. She watched him glance out the window. He seemed hesitant to speak, so Ihrie prodded him. “Shigeo, I can tell you want to say something.”

He smiled and looked at her, nodding. “I thought that we could talk.”

“Oh,” she said surprised. She had forgotten that she wanted to drill him. “Well, where are you from?” she asked, suddenly not sure of what she wanted to know.

“Nortia,” he told her.

“Ah,” she replied. “Do you have any family?”

He nodded. “Yea, my parents are still living and I have a younger sister.” She nodded, discerning that, in reality, she didn't want to find out anything that might upset their fragile relationship. “Is that all you want to know, Ihrie?”

She nodded again, unable to bring herself to speak. Ihrie couldn't even explain her strange behavior to herself. “Sorry to make you worry so much, Shigeo,” she replied and put the book back into her bag.

“It's not a problem,” he said, furrowing his brows. “Are you okay?”

“Yea,” she replied. She was beginning to doubt her sanity. She couldn't be falling for him.

The next morning, the group left early, heading for Isra outside of the capital city of Asalon, Aysa, to met Shigeo's acquaintance. The terrain was an easy ride and they made it within three days of leaving Pandros. Shigeo arranged them boarding before disappearing. Ihrie only began to worry when he didn't return before she fell asleep.

When she woke the following day, Shigeo had readied their belongings by the time she reached the stables. “Where were you last night?” she asked, noting they were alone.

“Did you miss me?” he joked with her, looking over to see her pouting face turning away. “I met with my friend, Nolden. We are going to meet him a few miles outside the city. His ship, Veridian's Grace, is docked there.”

She looked at him, a brow raised at the oddity of it but Shigeo waved her off. He put his hands around her waist and lifted her up onto the mare. Ihrie turned to stare, wide-eyed, at him. “What were you thinking?” she stuttered, looking around.

“We're alone,” he told her, running a hand across her thigh before turning away. Shigeo mounted his steed as Eros rounded the corner.

Ihrie was surprised at how alert the man had been. She refused to believe herself that lucky. The chatter of Fam caught her ears but Ava was the first she saw. She was glad that her friend was getting along with the woman. Ihrie didn't want Fam to be left alone if something happened to her. Shigeo's call let her know that they were moving out. The woman focused on the immediate future.

It took less than an hour for them to reach a trail that led to the ship docked off the sandy beach. It was a much larger ship than Shigeo implied. The sails were white with a blue symbol, one she had never seen before. The men they were approaching were busy packing supplies in boats. Ihrie could see a trail of them coming back and forth. The amount of supplies were surprising.

Movement to her right caught her attention, Ihrie glanced over to see Shigeo climbing down from the horse and moving to greet his friend. “Nolden,” he called out as he walked toward a man that mirrored his action. The man had long dark brown hair that was tied at the nape of his neck. His clothes were dusty and showed their age but she could tell he was well-built.

“Thought you'd never show, Shigeo,” he laughed, slapping him on the back as the two shook hands. “Getting older is slowing you down. I remember a time when, come hell, high water or women, you were always waking my drunk ass up.” Shigeo shook his head but smiled.

Ihrie could see they were great friends and she felt a pang of jealously. Which was absolutely ridiculous. She saw Eros helping Ava down. Not willing to give Shigeo the satisfaction of her patience, Ihrie hopped down from her horse. 'This is really stupid,' she chastised herself.

“Ihrie,” Fam called out, drawing her friend's attention, as well as the two men behind her. The woman walked to see what had caused the smaller female to become frustrated.

“Are you okay, Fam?” she asked and laid her hand on the blonde's head, trying to sooth her.

“The present I found for Lyle broke,” she sniffled when she opened the flap to show her. Ihrie shook her head, wondering why she put it in there in the first place but kept that to herself.

“We'll find something before we get to his castle, okay? Don't cry,” she told her.

Fam nodded and wiped her tears before smiling. “Thanks, Ihrie.”

Shigeo called to the group and introduced everyone before some of the men began loading their belongings. He opted to stay and watch the transfer while they went on board and found the rooms, making sure the luggage was brought to the right place.

It wasn't until the sun had set, and they were at sea for several hours, that Shigeo came to her room. She was surprised but let him in. Part of her was happy and the other was frustrated. She closed the door behind him but lingered for a moment before moving past him.

“How is everything?” he spoke, watching her. It was apparent that she wanted to ask him questions.

“It's really nice. Everyone's is. And everyone got their own room,” she said, stressing some words to let him know she was wondering about the money again. “How much did this cost?”

He laughed. “It's always money with you. No wonder Fam is so happy to eat and sleep in towns.”

“You're spoiling her,” she muttered, suddenly angry about that.

“Nolden is an old friend and he owes me,” Shigeo explained. He took a step closer and brushed a piece of hair out of her eyes. “I can see that something is bothering you. Why don't you ask me?”

She shook her head. “I don't want to.”

“It will make you feel better, Ihrie,” he told her, pulling her closer.

“I don't want to feel better, Shigeo,” she told him, pushing away from the man and stepping to the other side of the room. “You need to leave. I don't want to see you until we're on land again.”

Shigeo refused to believe what she was saying. He couldn't imagine that she would push him away without questions, without giving him a chance to explain.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
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Ruin Explorers