Submission (#119) Approved

Western Semi-binding ritual Kaminarai and Katara

Setting the scene - Kaminarai

It was expected of him, a traditional family and ways that *must be followed*. When one reaches their prime at the second shedding, his family expects a certain level of steadiness... and the best way is to settle down apparently. There was at least the expectation that Katara would be there, Kaminarai had always felt she was the palerfect match for him, almost as if they had been made to be together. The very though leading to Setchi, his newly awakened tail, to lead into a mocking tirade against the ego it was born of.


**Preparations - Katara**

The blue, water elemental Opexo was nervous. She was an eastern woman, who adorned wings on her back, even if they were teacup sized. But she was going to a semi-binding ritual area that is known for *western* Opexo. She had been comforted many times by her partner, Kaminarai, that things would be alright. The two were meant to be, even if total opposites. She was water, he was lightning. She was eastern, he was western. They overcame their differences and fell in love. So it was going to be alright….right?

She took a deep breath at she stared herself in the mirror one last time. She adorned a dress, white with blues and yellows to represent water and lightning. Was it going to be obvious? Maybe. But Katara didn’t want anyone else besides Kaminarai. Around her tail was the lightning scarf given to her by her lover. She smiled as she spun, the dress hugging her larger curves comfortably. She then set off to meet her forever mate.

Semi-binding ritual - Kaminarai

Kaminarai needed no assistance in preening, no help to make himself shine to best attract a female. Instead, after helping build the biggest bonfire he could, he retired into his tent to prepare alone. Kneeling down he had sat arms folded, palms resting upon opposite biceps, steadily sending pulse after lightning pulse into himself. His scales and markings taking on a full glow, bright almost white yellow against his blacks, sparks firing off his Whiskers, even Setchi shone aglow with vibrant light.

Ready for the evenings festivities he strode off to the giant pile of driftwood near the waters edge. Sand softly crunching between the claws on his feet as he moved to take his place, front and centre for all to see. To look out over the clear waters, which made him think of the lady his eyes were set upon, her control over that element a match to his own over lightning. The opposite and complimentary abilities between them, one of the multiple reasons he was set upon her.

Eyes scanning around and it was clear that not all males were ready and finished with their preparations, yet patience was not always his strong point. Standing tall and proud before the impending pyre, a smirk spread across his face, a slightly mischievous thought sent to Setchi, for who could then blame him? Arms crossed he looked out across the area surrounding, soon to be filled with those both looking for a partner, but also just a good time. *She* was due to be here, the thought that as yet he didn't see her disrupted by the fireball that took flame from the tinderbox behind him, flames roaring high to frame him in wreaths of fire. One hand casually reaching down to scratch the scales between Setchi's eyes as it hiccuped lightning, turns out the wood had only required the slightest spark to set it ablaze. His beacon was lit, let any who wished approach, but his eyes would continue to search for that one regardless.

**Semi-binding ritual - Katara**

Upon arrival, the nerves had begun to set even more. Her eyes scanned the area, filled with nothing but western Opexo. Katara took a shaky breath, wanting so badly to tuck her wings inside of the dress, but it would’ve done nothing but create the most awkward lumps in her back. So she had to just embrace the fact that she was different and they were a different couple - she and Kaminarai. So she began to walk further into the area, trying to see if she can spot her dark and electrifying lover.

Her steps were slow, but also quick at the same time. If she managed to find Kaminarai quickly, they could get this ritual done almost quickly. She felt a little intimidated but continued on, looking at all of the tents and bonfires. Some other men would stare at her, curious but also interested in a water bending Opexo. It all seemed to be stares for the wrong reasons. Thank goodness that she was here for a certain Opexo… and voilà.

She found him, standing a few feet away. Her tail looked up and merely got excited, squeaking about. A smile formed onto Katara’s face and she pressed on, walking just a little quicker and wanting to reach him.

Semi-binding ritual - Kaminarai continued

Eyes roaming the growing crowds, as they were themselves drawn to the sudden blaze behind him, Kaminarai finally locked gaze on the opexo to whom his heart belonged. He knew she was nervous, feeling like an outsider here for her wings, and petite ones at that, but a smile grew on his face when he saw she had not attempted to hide them away. A smile that grew into a grin when he took in her dress, beautiful upon her in itself, yet also beautiful in it symbolic colours, a touch he knew Katara had made deliberately. One of the many reasons he had fallen for her.

Watching her look for him, he could almost feel the intimidation from her, but pride at her unyielding manner grew within him and he had to stop himself from approaching her, he did not want to make her doubt his belief in her strength by 'coming to her rescue' in the crowds. Of course should any comment be made the offending individual **would** have to answer him, the sarcastic thought from Setchi suggesting he may not get a chance to, after his beloved's own response.

Katara was beautiful, the dress highlighting and drawing forth her natural features, enhancing further if such was possible. A momentary flicker, that damned tail intruding into his thought he was sure, of doubt at his choice of blacks, wanting to let his vibrant yellow glows stand forth. Insignificant, and externally imposed, doubt fled as he saw her catch sight of him, the smile lighting her face and even an infectious excitement flowing from her own tail. Taking a single step towards her, symbolic coming together at last, all fell away around, beyond the two of them. *Four* the resigned mockery echoed to him, able to almost feel Setchi roll its eyes...

**Semi-binding ritual - Katara continuation**

Oh how happy she was to have spotted her western lover. Katara continued to make her way towards Kaminarai, hands just holding her dress a few inches off the ground, avoiding any sort of potential clumsy act that could happen. It wasn’t every day that Katara wore a dress, but this occasion was too special not to.

As she finally reached Kaminarai, she smiled bright and was so tempted to hug him, but wasn’t 100% sure if the western binding ritual included physical touch, let alone words. But that was fine, instead she showed her sheer excitement and happiness through her smile, and those sparkling eyes that gazed up towards her much taller lover. Even her tail rose, glancing towards the western male with a smile and glimmering eyes itself. It waved around, showing off the lightning scarf that it worn right beneath its head.

To Katara, it felt like the whole crowd had disappeared and it was just the two of them, together, ready to get this ritual done.

Semi-binding ritual - Kaminarai continued

As Katara reached him, Kaminarai felt a pressure on his shoulder and eyes boring into him, a sense of impatience flooded him as he peripherally caught Setchi 'encouraging' him. For once in agreement with his strong minded tail, Kami took a step forward, closing the distance to stand just before the target of his hearts desire. He would take up her hand, raise it to his mouth softly with a grin.

He may not have been a giant, but neither was he small, a little over average height for an opexo, yet he dwarfed the female with him. Truth be told Kaminarai was quite fond of the fact that Katara was so much smaller in stature than himself, although still equally fierce and strong willed. There may not be the strict rules about touch and voice as their western counterparts had for these rituals, but still some chose not to flaunt it. And Katara **was** an eastern Opexo... yet that was not for Kaminarai. They were not here to find each other, no they already held each others hearts in loving embrace, they were here to dedicate themselves to one another, and he had little interest of pretending she was not already his, as he was hers. Let anyone who chose to, voice their displeasure... and see how far that got them with the elemental couple.

With sure feet he would spin around her, hand still in hers to rest upon her shoulder as the other came to rest upon her, equally as Setchi sought out its enscarfed counterpart in welcome. Leaning down to her right he'd speak firmly in her upright ear, "let's show just what we can do together."

**Semi-binding ritual - Katara continuation**

Katara was definitely surprised to see that Kaminarai took her hand in his own, raising it to his mouth. She smiled as she looked up at him, a faint blush appearing onto her cheeks. It was comforting to know that they *can* use physical touch, so she took no hesitation as she approached her lover some more, nearly pressing her chest against his torso.

The water bender absolutely loved the height difference between she and her western male. He was tall, buff, and overall handsome. Meanwhile she was shorter and chonkier, but it was never an issue between the two. The thought slipped Katara’s mind as she got distracted by those beautiful eyes of his, completely captivated by them. She felt so incredibly lucky to have found such a good man like Kaminarai, and couldn’t ask for a better life partner.

Katara’s eyes watched as he began to spin around her, feeling his hand on her shoulder. Her tail rose and watched Setchi, almost swaying to perform a sort of tiny dance itself. She grinned with a small giggle, nodding her head eagerly. “Yes, let’s.”

Semi-binding ritual - Kaminarai continued

Kaminarai was a serious opexo, sometimes seen overly so, a tone and demeanour leaning towards imperious a result of a formal and traditional family upbringing. Yet with Katara he couldn't help but be jovial, playful even, she unlocked a part of him that nobody else saw. Yet here he was in such a public setting with her and that side was vying for release against his upbringing. Setchi was definitely up for that, always trying to chip away at the self important facade constructed over many years. Probably part of why Setchi also loved Katara, for she managed something it seldom did.

At her words, inviting them to truly begin, Kami burst into a grin unbidden and uncontrolled. With the slightest of flexes his hand upon her shoulder he sent a small shock down into her, simultaneously dancing backwards as seeking to spin her out at arms length. A laugh bursting forth from his chiselled jaw, this felt right, and they could just be themselves, together.

**Semi-binding ritual - Katara continuation**

Katara was the sort of Opexo who held many sides to her, and everyone usually would be greeted by all. She could be silly, friendly, serious, caring, and soft. She also tends to be rather clumsy at times; her teacup wings could never save her from a trip and fall and the such, they were basically there for decoration only, really. Which was fine, she didn’t need use of her wings anyway, although she loves them greatly. She remembered when she first met Kaminarai, she was mostly shy over anything else: he’s taller and he’s bigger than she is, but mostly his seriousness had made her nervous. But as they got to know each other, a friendly and silly side had come out of his shell and it was incredible to see. It only had Katara fall in love with him.

She couldn’t help but to smile widely at his own massive grin, almost giggling at it before her body shuddered slightly at feeling the small shock of electricity lurking down her spine. Even her tail shuddered, raising and grimacing at Kaminarai in a playful way. She then spun around as she held his hand, her giggles brightening up and dress flowing around. With her free hand she managed to have bubbles flow and dance around them, but not after her foot caught something and she stumbled for a second, before catching her balance with her lover’s grip.


Semi-binding ritual - Kaminarai continued

Her laugh enlivened Kaminarai, brought a feeling of jot within him that spread along every nerve like electricity. When she smiled, when she was happy, he could not help but mirror it. Hearing her giggle as she spun away under his hand, dress flowing around her as bubbles floated by... considering how nervous he knew she was about this... it was a wonder to his ears and delight for his eyes.

He shouldn't have been surprised as she stumbled, he held great affection for the slightly clumsy manner she held at times, and dancing on a beach would certainly be likely to bring that to the fore. His beloved managed to caught her own balance, happily Kaminarai was her anchor, large hand around hers and strong muscled arm providing the necessary counterpointfor her recovery. Indeed it almost looked intentional, as if she dipped and swayed back with full intent.

He didn't notice straight away but after a moment he realised Setchi had looped round under her, ready to provide a brace to help catch her should she have fallen. A burst of affection for his tail that so oft infuriated him with its needling and mockery... once it realised her footing was once more sure, it dipped to the ground, taking hold of the offending obstacle in its jaws, a lump of sand that seemed to have coalesced into a solid sandstone. Moving it clear and away from their space, he may be her anchor, but maybe it best not test that overmuch...

**Semi-binding ritual - Katara continuation**

Katara felt absolutely silly with her clumsiness, but she knew that Kaminarai didn’t mind too much. It was a part of her since a child, always managing to catch her feet/talons on something (or herself) and either falling or stumbling.

When she felt a presence behind her, she couldn’t help but to shake her head with a small laugh. Katara felt Setchi’s presence from behind, acting as an extra arm in case she’d fall once more. She loved that tail, so caring and affectionate, just like Kaminarai. It wasn’t too long before Setchi had moved away, instead noticing how he had grabbed a large chunk of sand and tossed it away. She smiled and would thank it later.

The two have danced for what felt like forever, and Katara knew they could go for longer. But, tiredness had began to set in the curvy eastern female, and soon enough an idea had come to mind. Whilst she continued to dance with Kaminarai, she looked up at him with a sort of mischievous grin on her face. Her tail’s face even lit up, the idea flowing to its mind as well with a tiny chuckle. With her free hand, Katara formed a large ball of water, before she took a spin and threw it at the bonfire, causing a loud steaming hiss as the fire died out, which then caused a blackout at the beach.

“Now, my electrifying mate…” she grinned as she faced him once more, finger trailing along his chest. “How about we call it a night and enjoy each other’s company elsewhere?”

Semi-binding ritual - Kaminarai continued

Time passed without note, immeasurable and uncared for, as all that mattered was Katara. His beautiful blue Opexo mate, and now everyone would know that she was his, as he in turn was hers. There was no doubting, not room for his family or anyone to question propriety in their union. And it was truly the season for unions to come together seeking the blessings of the Originarus.

When Katara plunged them into darkness, the only remaining light the subtle blue glow cast from Baniri, the moon a fitting spectator to their promise to each other, alongside the flickering cast from his own body's elemental lightning. He would close the space between them, gathering her into her arms, "Yes my love, let us retire and satisfy our appetites together, just us and Baniri's light." Leaning down to kiss his beautiful partner, sealing their promise, before leading the way into the forest at the edge of the beach, together never alone, for now they are one.

Reward	Amount
Opo	400