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“TOVA!”
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Tova's hazel eyes fluttered open, squinting against the harsh sun that beat down relentlessly upon her olive-toned skin. The intense heat had left her complexion dry and blistered. As she became more aware of her surroundings, Tova noticed a thick, inky black hair pooled around her, dripping down from her mouth and staining the front of her shirt.
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Tova slowly sat up, exhaling a long, weary breath as she took stock of her situation. Glancing down at her feet, she braced herself and stood, her legs wobbling slightly as she steadied herself. With a deep breath, Tova began the arduous journey back home.
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Tova's journey had been gruelling, her muscles aching with each step as she climbed over the towering peaks. The glaring sun beat down mercilessly, worsening the pounding headache that threatened to split her skull. But as she climbed over the final ridge and caught sight of her small, quaint cottage nestled in the middle of the shimmering lake below, any discomfort was instantly forgotten.
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A profound sense of relief and joy washed over her. This was her sanctuary, her oasis of calm in the rugged wilderness. Quickening her pace, she hurried down the mountain, winding trail, eager to step through those familiar wooden doors and bask in the cool, soothing shade from the heat. As she approached the lakeshore, Tova located the old rowboat she kept tethered there and, with a contented sigh, eased herself into it. Grasping the oars, she began the short but peaceful journey across the glassy water, her eyes drinking in the picturesque scene all around her.
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The lush, verdant forest cloaking the rolling hills, the fluffy clouds drifting lazily overhead, the gentle lapping of the waves against the boat's hull. At last, she reached the cottage's small dock, and stepping onto the weathered planks, Tova couldn't help but smile.
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She was home.
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Pushing open the weathered wooden door, Tova stepped into the lush, verdant kitchen garden that sprawled out behind the quaint country cottage. Verdant vines and trailing tendrils of vibrant greenery cascaded down the stone walls, their leafy tendrils reaching toward the warm sunlight that streamed in through the open doorway. The air was filled with the earthy, herbal scents of the thriving plants - fragrant basil, peppery oregano, and the sweet floral notes of the climbing jasmine.
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In the center of this serene, sun-dappled oasis stood Haliros, his muscular frame silhouetted against the bright light as he tended to a sizzling pan on the old cast-iron stove. The deep ebony of his skin seemed to glow from within, the golden rays of the sun caressing his features and casting a warm, radiant aura about him.
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Iravanturned towards Tova, his face breaking into a wide, joyful smile but the expression quickly fell as his keen eyes took in the dark stains soiling the fabric of her shirt and the angry red marks mottling her skin. Haliros' features betrayed his worry for her wellbeing but he shook it off and put on a smile.
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“Sleepwalking again” Iravaninstantly moved towards a boiling kettle.
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Tova sank gratefully into one of the cushioned chairs, her limbs aching from the day's exhausting journey. With a practiced hand, Iravanretrieved a small vial containing a rich, fragrant potion - its earthy aroma of cinnamon, allspice, and cocoa mingling together in an enticing blend. Carefully, he heated the restorative elixir, his attentive gaze flickering periodically to the tiny aquarium strapped to his belt, ensuring the delicate filtration system was operating properly, it had been struggling a bit.
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Tova watched as Iravanpoured the steaming liquid into a waiting mug, the surface of the potion gently rippling. He then placed the soothing, comforting drink on the table in the cozy kitchen nook, positioning it directly in front of Tova. The warmth of the mug seeped into her chilled fingers as she wrapped her hands around it, already feeling the potion's revitalizing effects beginning to course through her weary body.
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Iravansat down in front of her. “The same non-dream?” He asked, watching Tova take a sip of the elixir.
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“Yeah,” she nodded, leaning back in her seat. “Just that familiar voice shouting my name”
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Iravancrossed his arms and legs, watching her closely. “You know why this is happening, right?” He leaned forward and touched her hair, Tova nodded, copying his movements. “You need a haircut, sweetheart”
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“I know,” Tova nodded, leaning back in her seat, her skin stinging. “Give me the aloe gel then we can get started” She leaned her head back.
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Tova stood before the vast, majestic mountains, her skin glistening as she applied a generous layer of cool, soothing aloe gel across her body, mindfully avoiding her cotton dress. The verdant peaks rose in the distance, their craggy slopes and peaks casting dramatic shadows that played across the landscape. Tova couldn't help but feel a sense of tranquillity wash over her as she gazed out at the breathtaking vista, the aloe's refreshing properties tingling against her skin.
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Meanwhile, her friend Iravanbusied himself with the tools, retrieving a pair of sharp scissors, a spray bottle, and a small brush. With focused precision, he began sharpening the blades against a metal sharpener, the rhythmic scraping sound sending a satisfying vibration through the air. Tova couldn't help but hum along, the metallic notes blending seamlessly with the peaceful ambiance all around them.
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A thump sounded behind her. “Bad news, babes, we're gonna need another scissor,” Iravansaid as Tova turned to look at him, the handle of the scissor falling to her feet.
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Tova exhales. “Fine, I will put on some pants.” She rushes into their little cottage.
…
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As Tova and Iravanventured deeper into the lush, verdant jungle, the dilapidated remains of an old factory slowly came into view, its weathered presence peeking out from amidst the dense jungle. The factory's oxidised copper roof tiles glinted in the filtered sunlight, casting an eerie, almost otherworldly glow over the surrounding area. A steady, haunting wind whistled and moaned as it rushed through the crumbling structure, lending an unsettling ambiance to the scene.
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Tova brushed back her hair, which had grown thick and frizzy in the humidity, some strands clinging to the sweat beading on her skin. The air was thick and heavy, making every breath a laborious task as she trudged onward. Haliros, however, seemed unperturbed by the conditions, his onyx skin practically gleaming as droplets of sweat dotted his brow.
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His hair, a magnificent mane, floated and danced around his head as if suspended in water. Each bead of sweat that formed on his skin caught the light, transforming into diamond-like prisms that sparkled and shimmered.
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They came to the foot of the old factory when Tova turned to Haliros. “How much time do we have?” She watched her surroundings.
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Iravanclosed his eyes and lifted his head slightly. “About an hour” he looked at Tova when something else caught his attention. “Oh. There is a beach close by, can we go?” his eyes lit up with excitement.
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“only if you promised to wash my hair after” Tova presented her pinky finger.
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“Deal” Iravangrabbed her finger with his pinky.
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Tova and Iravanhad just sealed their solemn pinky promise, the delicate bond of their interlocked fingers symbolizing an unbreakable pact. But as they began to pull their hands apart, a sudden snap of a twig behind them made them freeze. Tova felt the hairs on the back of her neck prickle as the sound pierced the stillness of the jungle.
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Iravanimmediately went on high alert, his senses heightened as he slowly turned his head, his eyes scanning the shadowy undergrowth for any sign of movement. Tova watched him intently, her own heart pounding in her chest, as Iravancarefully felt the air around them, trying to detect any unseen presence. After a tense moment, Iravanmet Tova's gaze and gave a subtle nod.
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The unsettling feeling dissipated, the tension in the atmosphere seeming to evaporate around them, he paused, taking a deep, steadying breath and allowing his shoulders to relax as the sense of danger receded. Tova, noting the change in her partner's demeanor, also began to unwind, the anxiety that had gripped her moments ago gradually fading away and they ventured on.
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But a taste of the sea water floating on Haliros's tongue. “wait!” he called for Tova.
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Tova's heart raced as she felt the sudden weight of the Axol collapse onto her, his sickly pink skin and vibrating external gills sending a shiver down her spine as he let out a hissing growl. Instinctively, she pushed the creature off her and crawled backward towards Iravanas the Axol regained his footing while other Axol peaked their heads out from the dense jungle.
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Up close, Tova was struck by the tattered, faded state of the Axol's traditional deep blue robes, the fabric worn and fraying, the once-vibrant color now muted and dull. His gills, curled forward in a threatening yet stressed posture, appeared dried and withered, a stark contrast to the lush, flowing gills she had expected to see. This was no healthy, thriving Axol, but rather a creature that seemed to be slowly succumbing to some unseen hardship, its very essence wilting before her eyes.
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A brilliant, dazzling rainbow of light suddenly burst forth, flashing brightly across the sky and momentarily blinding Tova and Iravanas they stood transfixed, shielding their eyes from the intense glare. The vibrant, kaleidoscopic display of colours - vivid reds, deep oranges, sunny yellows, verdant greens, serene blues, and rich purples - swirled and danced in a pattern, the light refracting and bending.
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Tova and Iravansquinted, trying desperately to discern the origin of this mysterious radiance, but all they could make out was a faint, indistinct silhouette obscured by the blinding illumination.
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