floralogy | ♥ 8th Flower Picked

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Oh goodness, it's so cold!

[There's a shriek that follows that and the intense shielding of oneself from the falling snow. Ino trains her eyes around her surroundings. It's obvious she's in the forest, but where exactly? Grumbling, she focuses on staying warm, at least as warm as she can get when she's dressed for a humid forest.]

It's really typical of this place to send you on a mission to a perfectly humid jungle only to dump you back into a freezing forest.

[Ino rambles, teeth starting to chatter amid the frigid air. A certain location looks different when covered in snow but she hasn't been in this place for two years not to know her way around. Two years, Ino recalls, come to think of it, this is my third winter in this place.

She sighs, her expression falling a little, as she focuses on finding her way to the village. Probably by the time she does reach its outskirts, she's freezing and looking ready to fall any moment.]

[Voice; much later]

So, I'm back.

[The voice behind this post, which obviously belongs to Ino, is tired and a little hoarse from sneezing a lot.]

If anyone ever needs me, I'll be available next week.

Or the week after that.

Or the week after that.

[There's a long sigh.]

I think I won't be going on any missions for a while.

[Not that she can promise that, but a long hot bubble bath and some well-deserved rest and relaxation for days are probably in order.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Oh, I didn't mention that before? It's a martial arts technique in my world.

[Oh yeah, there are still plenty of people who haven't seen her fly before.]

Ki is a little like the chakra ninjas use, and ki can be harnessed for flying.

I... see.

[That leaves her a little stunned. She knows some people are capable of flight but to know that you can harness something that's similar to chakra in order to fly makes Ino briefly wonder if they can also do it.]

That's really something. We can't fly using chakra, though.

I'll try to explain how it works once you're inside and warmed up. For now, I don't want you to turn into an Inosicle.

[She offers her hand once more.]

[And Ino grabs her hand.]

Yeah, I think a few more minutes and you'd have to wait for me to melt.

[Bulla makes sure she's got a good grip of Ino's hand before taking off. She doesn't fly too high in the air - not only will the air be cooler, but it's also not a nice thing to do to someone on their first flight without knowing how well they handle heights. Ino's feet will be just a few feet off of the ground typically, with Bulla dipping down or flying up according to wear the tree branches are.

She's also flying very quickly - much faster than even a horse could run. There's a reason Bulla prefers to get around this way, and it's not just avoiding walking in snow.

It doesn't take long before they get to her door. Bulla sets Ino down and unlocks the front door, opening it up and motioning for Ino to go in first.]

After you.

[That was one short journey Ino will never ever forget. It was one thing hopping through branches and roofs but to fly was another matter entirely. It was an interesting experience, for the lack of a better adjective.

Once she's before their house, Ino fixes herself a little, as she dusts some snow off of her before actually accepting Bulla's invitation to come in.]

Thanks. You have a nice home.

I'll get the kettle boiling so we can have some hot chocolate. Are you hungry? I can put on some soup, too.

[Because while she can spare a sweater or two along with a spring coat, she does only have one actual winter coat and she'd like to ensure that Ino goes home warm.]

[Aww. You da best, Bulla. <3]

I think I'll have some soup. Thanks!

[Her eyes continue to wander around their humble abode after responding to Bulla's offer. While her own apartment in the Flame Building is cozy enough, an actual house is still an actual house and for a while there, Ino begins to miss home and their own house.]

[Bulla gets the kettle boiling, and starts up a can of soup on the stove before disappearing into her room and returning with a couple of sweaters. One is black and meant to cling tightly to the body. Another is pink and oversized.]

Take your pick. Or you can always layer them. The pink one fits loose enough that you could slip the black one on underneath.

[When Bulla returns, Ino's eyes travel to the warm sweaters she has with her. In an instant, even before Bulla's suggestion, Ino already likes what she's seeing.]

Fashionable and functional. Bulla, you amaze me.

[Which translates to "Yes, your advice is perfect!"]

I'm hoping to become a fashion designer one day. Still working on the learning to sew part right now, but I'd like to think I'm pretty good at putting together outfits at least.

[She sets the sweaters down and heads off to the kitchen. It doesn't take long to boil soup, and she can hear the kettle just beginning to whistle. The boiling water is poured into a teapot, on top of a bag of tea. She'll let that steep for a bit, and just as she finishes with that, the soup has come to a boil. She pours it into two bowls, and sets the kitchen table with soup spoons, tea spoons, tea cups, milk and sugar.

It's not long before she pokes her head out from the kitchen door.]

Everything's just about ready. It just needs a minute or two to cool down.

Well, that makes sense given your talent for this.

[This said, Ino begins to put on the warm sweaters Bulla gave her. They fit snugly as they possibly can for someone who doesn't own them. Not that Ino has any right to be picky right now.

While waiting for Bulla, she sits on one of the chairs in the living room and continues to observe their humble home. It's definitely a cozy place.

When Bulla calls out on her from the kitchen, Ino responds with a smile.]

Alright, thanks. [She stands up and starts to head for the kitchen.] Do you need any help?

Oh no, I'm all set.

[And sure enough, the kitchen table is set when Ino comes in. While the offer is appreciated, Bulla's intent is to be a good hostess. That means getting Ino warmed up and fed.]

Sit wherever you'd like.

♥ 8th Flower Picked

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