Private Through Leaves and Legends

[Aiden Rennek]

Aiden’s smirk softened as he caught the tension in Kinsey’s stance, the way her fists curled tight at her sides and the sharp edge to her voice when she blurted out her protest. Despite her attempt to play it cool, there was an underlying unease she couldn’t quite hide. It was enough to make him dial back the teasing, just a little.

His eyes flicked toward the murky water, then back to her. He let out a low sigh, running a hand through his hair as he considered their options. “Alright,” he began, his voice quieter now, tinged with just enough seriousness to cut through the moment’s awkwardness. “If we’re going to do this together, there’s really only one way.”

He gestured toward the water with a tilt of his head before looking back at her. “You’re going to have to ride along on my back.” He paused, letting the words sink in, his lips twitching again at the inevitable reaction he was about to get. “I’ll need my arms and legs free to swim, and unless you’ve got a better plan, it’s the safest option.”

Aiden shifted his weight slightly, his hands slipping into his pockets as he gave her a pointed look, though his tone remained light. “I know it’s not exactly ideal — But unless you’ve got some hidden water-walking ability, this is how we get to the artifact.”

This was going to be awkward.

Kinsey Starchaser ​

 

[Kinsey Starchaser]

Kinsey frowned. Arms crossed stiffly beneath her chest. "It's not funny," she repeated as she saw the corners of his mouth twitching. A huff as she tore her eyes away from his own and glanced around. A look down at Pibs.

"Well?" She was asking for better ideas. Any better idea.

Pibs offered another bemoaning sound.

A sharp cant of her head back up at Soldier Boy. For Kriff sake. Brows furrowed again as she tried to think of any other way. If it wasn't too deep, it wouldn't have been a problem. She could've figured it out. Maybe sent Pibs in to scout, first.

"Okay," it sounded more like she was trying to convince herself than respond to him. "Alright," she followed up, this time trying to rally herself. A small, quiet statement next. Her tone vulnerable.

"Just try not to laugh too much, okay?" Standing next to him, she'd begin wading into the water with him. After they got out a little past her thighs, she'd motion for him to wait and turn. For a long moment, she'd stare at his back and that waist she was about to straddle.

"Promise me you won't drown us?" There was a nervous edge in her tone even though the question was an attempt at humor. Pibs was already wheeling in the water, disappearing beneath the murky depths. Kinsey shifted her bag and would step forward, arms curling tightly around his neck, legs winding around his middle. Trying to keep any of the pointy things in her tool belt from jabbing into his back as she pressed against him. The water began to glow more brightly around them. Something was activating those runes. She took a breath of air and whispered against him.

"Okay. Ready whenever you are."

And to think? They didn't even know each other's names and here she was putting her life right in his hands.

 

[Aiden Rennek]

Aiden’s smirk faded slightly as he caught the nervous edge in Kinsey’s tone. Her vulnerability wasn’t lost on him, and for once, he decided to rein in his teasing. “I won’t laugh,” he promised quietly, his voice low and sincere. “And I won’t let us drown, either. You’re in good hands.”

He set his backpack down and knelt to rummage through it. After a moment, he pulled out two rebreathers, holding one up with a small smile. “Figured these might come in handy. You won’t have to worry about breathing once we’re under.” He handed one to her before slipping his own into place, the compact device fitting snugly over his mouth and nose.

When she climbed onto his back, her arms and legs wrapping tightly around him, Aiden took a steadying breath. He could feel the tension in her grip, her unease clear, and he adjusted his stance slightly to make sure she was as secure and comfortable as possible. “You good back there?” he asked, his tone steady but warm.

As he stepped carefully into the glowing water, the runes began to brighten around them, casting an ethereal light that danced along the surface. He paused just before they went deeper, glancing over his shoulder with a faint grin. “You know,” he began, his tone lighter now, “I don’t even know your name yet.”

Before she could respond, Aiden moved forward, stepping further into the water until it reached his waist, then his chest. Slowly, he allowed himself to sink into the depths, making sure to keep his movements smooth and steady so Kinsey could adjust. The water was cool and thick with an almost electric energy, the runes pulsing faintly as they descended.

Aiden’s focus remained sharp as they moved deeper, but a part of him couldn’t help but admire the trust she was placing in him. He wasn’t going to let her down.

As... strange as this was.

Kinsey Starchaser
​