Welcome Guest [Log In] [Register]
Welcome to The Sundered Weyr. We hope you enjoy your visit.


You're currently viewing our forum as a guest. This means you are limited to certain areas of the board and there are some features you can't use. If you join our community, you'll be able to access member-only sections, and use many member-only features such as customizing your profile, sending personal messages, and voting in polls. Registration is simple, fast, and completely free.


Join our community!


If you're already a member please log in to your account to access all of our features:

Username:   Password:
Add Reply
  • Pages:
  • 1
  • 3
  • 7
Skeleton and Fae go on a trip!; For Cain via Tide
Topic Started: Mar 5 2017, 12:59 PM (641 Views)
Raferties
Member Avatar
Lorekeeper
[ *  *  * ]
Even though visually Cain couldn't smile, not even with his eyes, it didn't really matter in the long run. Taki felt the ripple of his amusement and privately cheered to herself. Even when it wasn't intentional, she loved little more than bringing happiness to her first real friend ever. (Though that was true for most Myrgwae; it was why they could be said to have no sense of embarrassment, and would do even the most silly things to make others feel happy.)

Speaking of 'feel happy,' cue Cain laughing out loud!

Taki joined in quickly enough, giggling into both hands and with Journeyman doing a few whimsical, cheerful flips in the air around them before settling on the Myrgwae's hat like some sort of fancy adornment.

*Sorry, Dorth,* the feline fae apologized as well, though her merry smile was as ever in place. *I suppose I just did hit it. It's not that hard after all - it's right here I think.* Playfully she gave a very gentle stroke over one of Cain's lower ribs with the tip of a finger, a small inside joke from a long-ago conversation by a lake that, if she recalled correctly, could easily be said to teem with playful dragons and fox-bondeds.

She clapped her hands softly when Cain confirmed that he did indeed know how to set up a tent, then moved back to stand beside Dorth while she watched Cain set things up. She didn't want to be in the way or anything, and really it was fascinating to her to watch. Sure Taki had seen others during her many travels setting up campsites before, but Cain - well, she figured he had decades, if not more, experience on them and surely he had done this so many times that he had it down to a science! Perhaps she could learn something! She oohed appreciatively when he had the tent up so fast, moving over to take a peek inside.

Then he started on the firepit, and this time she saw a means to actually help! Like Brains she scampered around looking for sticks, bits of bark, and anything else she thought might be suitable for firewood, adding them to the Familiar's pile.

*At least I don't think a fire would attract any dangerous creatures!* Taki put in with a smile and a giggle at the hat tug. *Not that dangerous ones generally come nearby to me anyhow - remember those crystal spiders from before? Though if any were actually smart, like Bonded-smart, they might. But it's so quiet I don't think any of them are around either.*

At the invitation to set up the inside of the tent, Taki gave a merry little sound that was suspiciously close to a 'mew'-like noise and dived in with the flap closing behind her as she dropped to sit on the floor of it, instantly opening up her pack and upending it to dump everything out into her lap and in a small mound around her. Her just-for-this-journey-acquired backpack followed suit, and in a moment she was spreading out two plush sleeping bags, four pillows, and a blanket that was so big it had to be a feat of the IF that it fit in the bag in the first place! (Or you know, just another Myrgwae thing.) She was quite pleased with her work; there should be no fear of their discomfort should a storm hit, be it rain, snow, or just plain wind, barring IF involvement!

It was when she was making a few last-minute adjustments before she planned to return with the aforementioned marshmallows when Taki had a sudden curious thought. She had commented about now 'Bonded-smart' creatures might not be around, just like the place seemed devoid of any wildlife. But was it?

Plunking herself down on her sleeping bag, Taki closed her eyes and sent out her empathic power, sensing for any and all sources of emotion in the area. Of course she picked up on Dorth, Brains, Souna, Journeyman, and Cain; they were naturally very familiar to her and she was able to push their emotions aside after a small, muffled giggle at the rambling tumble that was the ferret's emotional patterns. The Myrgwae pushed further, reaching out beyond the extent of their campsite.

Nothing.

A little wonderingly, her curiosity fully roused, the feline reached even further, sweeping around in a radar-like pattern (not that she knew what a radar was), starting to her left and around towards the Manor.

It was when she touched the Manor that her eyes flew open and her senses stopped dead. For a moment she held her breath, body tense and more still than it naturally composed itself. A tiny breath in, then another, silent gasps of reaction to the sensation she was feeling, and her fur rose in an instinctual reaction.

Then the sensation changed, became more focused and directed, and she cut her Empathy off with a gasp, physically recoiling back from the direction of the manor and landing with her back against two of the pillows. Instantly her Empathy reacted almost without her conscious thought, seeking out Cain and locking onto him for a sense of safety and stability. She could feel him, he was just outside the tent. She was safe. There was Dorth, and Brains chattering on.

Taki was careful to not let any of her fear pass through the small touch, because she didn't want to worry Cain or Dorth, at least until she could get fully control of herself, and took a moment to gather up the lingering fear and dissipate it from her mind and heart. Granted, it was much harder to remove negative emotions that originated from within herself than it was what she might Draw from another, but soon enough she had dealt with it, pushed the thus-far unneeded things back into her satchel (Oh, there were those straws she'd been looking for last week, and a candle that she set aside just in case they needed an emergency light!) grabbed the bag of marshmallows, and slipped out of the tent.

*I've got it set up for us - should be nice and cozy!* Despite her carefree smile, Taki couldn't help moving over to lean momentarily against Cain's side before taking a seat at the fire.

(Word count: 1007, Things to Draw - straws, Grab Bag - Teem, Meteorology - Storm, Ball of Wax - Candle))
Edited by Raferties, Jun 23 2017, 02:45 PM.
Note: Until further stated, Scarheart, Belial, and Cassandra have standing permission to powerplay Raferties or Anari.
Raferties and his Shinies ~~Anari and her Shinies~~ Keldos and his Shinies~~Cobalt and her Shinies~~Taki and her Shinies~~Kemori and his Shinies
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Tidesweep
Shrine Attendant
[ *  *  * ]
Cain gave a deep chuckle as he moved away from Taki's tickling fingers. "Aye. I think you found it once more. You always seem to be quite a fan of that spot." Not that he would ever complain from her tickling him there. Her touch was always light and it wasn't like she was going for hurtful. Just playful.

Cue her helping Brains scampering around to gathering up some sticks and things. Between the two of them, he soon had a pile that would last throughout the night easily. Especially as he didn't need a large fire to start with. Between his lack of body heat needed at the moment and the fact that Dorth was more or less her own heater, he didn't think warmth would be lacking tonight. "No. I don't think they would nor does it sound like it." That still struck him as a bit odd. The lack of wildlife and the quietness of the forest, but as there was nothing he could do about it, he let it go for the moment.

At the dive into the tent, Cain gave a silent chuckle. He was almost glad that the flap had shut behind the feline fae. He didn't want to think of what she was doing in there as it would probably leave him in tears from all the hard laughter he would be doing from it. She really brings out your warm side. You know that right my Cain?[/b]

Aye Dorth. I know that very well. You do too. As well as all the other companions I've gathered here. Something about this place is just reminding me of all the joys and lighter side of life. Not this specific place of course. Just Haven in general.

The world is called Teragaia.

Tomato. Tomahto.

Indeed. Just don't let that side hide again? I don't think any of use would apperciate it. I know I like seeing you finally have more friends than what you have been. Plus Anari and Tide are very pretty. She gave a soft chuckle at Cain's mental glare.

If I didn't know better, I would say you were trying to set me up. Plus I could list quite a few problems with that...But I see you already knew that. He felt his dragon's teasing smile as he shook his head and went back to building up that fire. Laying down the first layer and then the small kindling he would need to light before adding on the bigger piles. Reaching into his ammo pouch, he grabbed a bullet and opening up the casing, poured just a little of the powder onto the kindling pile. Yes. It is safe so long as I don't use a lot. That was in response to Dorth's half formed question and he gave his dragon a mental look of 'what' as she just physically shook her head. Besides that, he was doing something useful while Taki got the tent set up.

Soon, the fire crackled softly as the warm glow let up the area. Dorth curled around one side of the fire, positioning herself so that if anyone came from that way, they would have to go over her first before getting to the tent. Brains, got as close to the fire as she dared while Souna made himself at home on Dorth's back, facing away and out into the night.

As Cain settled by the fire, he turned his head towards the tent. He didn't understand why, but a brief feeling of concern had crossed his mind. Gone in an instant and he wondered almost if his paranoia was getting the best of him at the moment. Sighing, he rolled his shoulders up and back. As he did so, he let go of worries and tension he was feeling. Or tried to for the most part. It was still there, at the back of his mind, but with the action, it was no longer at the forefront of his mind.

Feeling Taki lean against him, Cain watched her move to sit down, the pack of marshmallows in her hands. "Good thing it was you who decorated the tent then. If the roles had been reversed, we would just have had sleeping bags....If that." Reaching over, he gave her hat a gentle tug. Something was bothering him, but he couldn't quite place it at the moment. Everything seemed fine, but as he looked over the Myrgwae, he saw where her fur hadn't quite gone down. Almost like she had been scared and fairly recently too. "Everything okay Taki?" Remembering her ability to sense emotion, he wondered if some animal had suddenly come into range of her empathy and the suddenness had frightened her. But if she didn't want to speak about it, he wouldn't press. Things often came in their own time.

Poking through the stick pile, he found a suitable stick for roasting and passed it on to Taki. "How do you like your marhmallows?
Blacken and gooey or just gooey?" Whatever had her startled, Cain was bound and determined to help her completely relax again. For a relaxed ball of sunshine and fluff always made him happy. Not that he would readily admit it, even as Dorth chuckled quietly across his mind.


(Keeping Cool: Fan, 875 words)
"Death has a bone to pick with you and I'm here to help out." -Cain Skelington

"The waves have their own music...Are you listening?" - Tidesweep

"Don't take my silence for agreement. That would be a mistake."- Gertude Weavian

"I will protect what is mine with a will forged like a diamond."- Mildred Fresi

"Healing can take time. Lucky for you, you should having nothing but it for awhile."- Jeremi Kgute
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Raferties
Member Avatar
Lorekeeper
[ *  *  * ]
Despite the fear that had rattled her like leaves in a thunderstorm only moments before, Taki couldn’t begin to hold back the giggles that Cain’s joke brought out in her, tail giving a curling flick as he tugged on her hat.

Then he asked about her well-being, and her smile faded, just a tick. A part of the fae warmed at how good a friend he was to her, for noticing that something was still amiss despite her best efforts to push it aside and relax. But at the same time she realized that in empathically seeking out the Skeleton, she had despite her best attempts at being careful let some of her alarm slip through the connection. It was one of the reasons that it had been spoke that to accompany a Myrgwae – or more serious, Heartbond one – was a risky endeavor on her original world: even as they could Draw negative emotions from those around them, so to could they Push their own, even unintentionally, when the feeling was strong enough, or said Myrgwae felt especially close to the person and was distressed. While it didn’t seem that Cain had felt all of it – Taki had no doubt that had he suddenly felt powerful fear from her he would have entered the tent to investigate – it, combined with his perceptiveness that she knew well was enough. And she in no way had it in her to try to deceive her friend; that would be just wrong of her.

*I.. I may have done something bad,} admitted Taki after a moment of hesitation. *I was setting up the tent when I had an idea. I wondered if things were so quiet not because there was no wildlife here, Bonded-smart or otherwise, but more that they were all hiding really, really well. So I Sensed around us, in a circle.} She swept her arm slowly out in an arc to elaborate. *I’ve never been somewhere where I couldn’t sense anyone or anything at all, so it.. didn’t make sense to me.} Trying to explain this was proving to be rather tricky, even to Cain whom she trusted and felt knew her so well. How could she describe what for her was normal life – constantly brushed up against by the emotions of everyone around her – then to feel such a sharp lack? *I found you, and Dorth and Brains and Souna easily enough, but it really did seem like every living thing with emotion was very far from here. Then… I Sensed in the direction of the manor… and I think something… something felt me. Sensing, I mean. It… it was like something was looking right at me, even though I don’t think it could actually see me.} She shivered, hugging herself around the marshmallow bag. *I stopped Sensing, but I think whatever it was knows we’re here now. I’m sorry! I’ve ruined our element of surprise.} This last bit came out in a quick rush; clearly Taki was feeling a bit of guilt over the whole affair. Granted, Dorth had likely spoiled any actual surprise long ago, as even a brown dragon, by no means the largest of the breed, was all but impossible to ignore but in her mind by her actions she had cemented any suspicions on their unknown opponent’s part that they were, in fact, there for the manor and any inhabitants withing.

This also was her missing the point that she had also confirmed that there was a creature of thinking intelligence in the manor to begin with, and that any trouble she may or may not have brought would be of intentional, and malevolent, design rather than by happenstance.

As Cain passed her the stick, Taki blinked a bit, having to think for a moment to realize what he was doing, then managed to giggle and accepted it when he asked her marshmallow roasting preference.

*Gooey, the more so the better! I don’t even mind when it gets in my fur, even if it is hard to get out sometimes later.} She opened the bag – carefully, remembering once when she’d tried to do so a bit too excitedly and ended up with candy everywhere – dug out one fluffy confection and stuck the stick through it. Journeyman, meanwhile, fluttered over from where he’d been dozing on Dorth’s shoulder, looking for all the world like a giant snowball stuck to the brown dragon’s hide and landed on the peak of her hat, wanting to help comfort his bonded as well. Then he alighted and made a playful dive at Brains, thinking a few antics between himself and the Familiar couldn’t go wrong in brightening the Myrgwae’s mood. Taki did giggle, scooching a bit more against Cain’s side with her tail curling around behind him, then pulled her stick and toasted treat back and blew out the bit of flame that lingered on its surface but didn’t dig in right away.

*Do… do you think that whatever was there… do you think we can handle it?} she asked after the small pause, looking up at Cain trustingly. *I mean, we can’t even tell what it may be from here. It could be anything!} Myrgwae weren’t exactly creatures prone to bouts of worry, brushing aside concern about the future as easily as the summer sun could melt a snow cone, but where their friends were concerned they could show a surprising amount of caution. Even when said caution kept them from exploring hither and yon without care.

Taki took a breath to settle herself down, making an effort to bundle up all the bad feelings that were struggling to well up within her and disperse them just as she would do any other negative emotion, and looked up at the cloud-enshrouded night sky, wishing that she could see even a few tiny stars glimmering there. That would make things so much nicer!

*I know I shouldn’t worry. It’s not like me, really. I’m probably just tired or something.} Taki put forth an effort and smiled, though in truth she had to wonder about how strange it really was. Since when did she struggle to smile, or fret pointlessly. *Anyways, time to eat!} And the gooey marshmallow vanished into her mouth promptly.

((Word Count 1042; Dog Days – Thunderstorm, Grab Bag – Design, Keeping Cool – snow cone, Summer Nights - stars))
Note: Until further stated, Scarheart, Belial, and Cassandra have standing permission to powerplay Raferties or Anari.
Raferties and his Shinies ~~Anari and her Shinies~~ Keldos and his Shinies~~Cobalt and her Shinies~~Taki and her Shinies~~Kemori and his Shinies
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Tidesweep
Shrine Attendant
[ *  *  * ]
Cain listened calmly as Taki explained what she had done. While he couldn't understand how suddenly having a lack of emotion would feel for her, he could try. It was probably a lot like being suddenly able to breath after going so long without the need for air. Uncomfortable. Clumsy. Unnerving. Another example that sprang to his mind would be the ground and rain after a long drought. Sometimes the earth got so used to not having water that when it finally came, it often didn't know what to do with the liquid so it ended up flooding places. Which as Taki continued to explain, sounded more apt to what had happened.

Faced with something she had never experienced before, she caused another problem in her effort to confront and understand the first problem. Not that Cain thought she did much more than to confirm suspicions. After all, Taki did see someone at a window when they were landing and Dorth isn't exactly hard to miss. He knew of no dragon that could actually get the drop on anyone. Even going between had a soft audible noise that alerts potential enemies that they had company or that company could quickly become inbound. Not to mention, even if Taki hadn't confirmed, he figured the being would have already figured they were coming to the manor. It was the only thing for miles around after all and it didn't take a genius to realized that they may be on their way there. Their saving grace so to speak was that the house inhabitant didn't know what they were there for. They could just be curious about the house and wanting to explore. No harm in that.

Or they could also be coming to steal from it. Looters was always a possibility for houses as grand as that. After all, if the outside looked like that, who knows just what sort of treasures were just behind those solid doors.

Cain just knew that either scenario wasn't gonna happen with them. At least they wouldn't fit into either category anyway. Yes. They were curious, especially Taki, but they were more curious about their friend inside the orb who supposedly called the manor home. And they certainly wouldn't be taking anything from the house. Even if Brains did managed to snag something, Cain would put it back where it belonged. Really though, they were just merely dropping someone off. So to speak anyway. Cain didn't know if being trapped inside an orb made you more of a thing than a person, but he was willing to bet it probably didn't matter much in the end.

Brains started to make indignant chattering noises as she dodge Journeyman's dive at her. Raising up on her hind legs, she hit her chest in a very 'come at me' move and made a war yell. Though she wasn't actually going to hurt the poodle moth companion, she was going to play it up for all she was worth. It wasn't often she got to act out any sort of role and she was going to enjoy it why she could. Plus the sight of a ferret trying to take on something just about as big as herself has to be mildly entertaining. Normally, an athid and a companion weren't even close in size, but Brains was a bit on the small side. All the better to fit into Cain's skull after all.

Tilting his head down to look at Taki as she posed her question, Cain gave a small shrug. "I have no idea. I mean, chances are high we can handle whoever is there if we need too, but I can't say with any high degree of certainly we can handle them. Being a bit too cocky and confident is how I ended up dead the first time. Though I think between the two of us, I have no doubts that we can both get out in one whole piece." Sometimes Cain was good at pep talks. Sometimes. Most of the time, he would rather just be honest than not and let others make their own choices. He never doubted the power of will in anyone.

Chuckling at her plopping the marshmallow in her mouth, Cain tugged on her hat again. "New situation. Only natural for you to worry. Or I guess only natural for someone a bit more in the middle on the happiness scale to worry. Nothing wrong with a bit of worry. It can be helpful form time to time. Like anger. Or fear. Just because the emotions are on the negative side of things, doesn't mean that they are truly bad or evil. Look at Larandaithiel. Grouchy old coot who can turn pure sugar sour with just a look. He is just a bundle of negative, but he isn't evil."

Leaning back, he tilted his head up at the sky, wishing just like Taki did, that the stars were visible in the night sky. "Make sure you don't get it all over your fur. I don't know if I can help you clean it all out before bed time and while you may not mind sleeping in a sticky mess, I however do. I have had enough Dorth scrubs to last me a lifetime or two."

And I still have many more to give you my Cain. Don't let him bring you down Taki. Eat and get as sticky as you want too. I'm just itching for an excuse to give that walking bag of bones a good scrub down.

"You wouldn't..." Dorth didn't even give a response as Cain clacked his teeth. "Yep. You are so totally and somehow getting a bath before we go to bed if you get sticky."

(Dog Days of Summer: Drought, 955 words)
"Death has a bone to pick with you and I'm here to help out." -Cain Skelington

"The waves have their own music...Are you listening?" - Tidesweep

"Don't take my silence for agreement. That would be a mistake."- Gertude Weavian

"I will protect what is mine with a will forged like a diamond."- Mildred Fresi

"Healing can take time. Lucky for you, you should having nothing but it for awhile."- Jeremi Kgute
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Raferties
Member Avatar
Lorekeeper
[ *  *  * ]
Taki nodded sagely at Cain's thoughts on emotions.

*That's very true! I hear people all the time saying things like that, like how it's 'bad' to be angry, or scared, or upset, and I have to tell them that no it's fine to. Emotions aren't evil, and as a Myrgwae I should know.* Another decisive nod, then a thoughtful head tip. *It's how you react to them that matters, and I think that's what has me worried: that I reacted badly and caused us trouble. But- * She grinned at him. *You're right! You can handle anything! I mean, you've seen a ton of dangerous things and made it through them, and we have Dorth too. So there's no need for me to worry – we'll be just fine!* Typical Myrgwae behavior, emotions bounding from one to another at the drop of a hat. Or in this case, the toasting of a marshmallow, as she quickly finished off the first one with only a little mess to her muzzle fur and started turning another golden brown.

The back-and-forth between Dorth and Cain got a giggle as well. *It might be hard, Dorth – I don't see any water nearby. You'd have to use snow or something, and that would be really cold.* Briefly she had the mischievous thought of getting not Cain sticky, but Dorth herself, just in a good-natured way of letting Cain be the one doing the scrubbing for once, but then decided against it. The marshmallows tasted too good, and knowing Dorth she'd let Cain get most of it off, then somehow get some on him to give herself an excuse for another dragon-bath.

Well, it could be worse: Dorth could bathe Cain like a cat did its kittens!

The mental image got another laugh even as Journeyman fluttered at Brains, 'taking the challenge' posed by the Familiar, buffeting the ferret with his white, fluffy wings and then flipping around to land on the brown, furry back like some kind of tiny cowboy. Ride 'em, Poodle Moth!

Though he'd been quiet up until this point, the Voice in the orb finally spoke up again to Cain.

I feel stronger here. Indeed, its presence was more easily felt, and the voice was no longer wavering as if gasping for every 'breath.' I am – remembering a bit more. I was born here, grew up here. I played in the forests, fished in the rivers. This is home. A brief pause, as if he was straining for memory. Be wary, Cain. Whatever it was that... did this to me – it has servants in the woods. Things that once hunted me down and dragged me back home to... my end. The final hesitation clearly came from an unwillingness to speak on it, or perhaps the memory was still too vague. The home I grew up in is no longer welcoming, even to I who once viewed it as my family's castle. Watch out for your small friend, as well – there is a darkness in there that will seek her out, and another that will hunt for you.

Taki was of course unaware of the dire advice being given, laughing at watching the antics of their Bondeds and trying to nibble on marshmallow at the same time. Yes, that cleaning up might be useful after all.

((565 words, At the Beach - Castle))
Note: Until further stated, Scarheart, Belial, and Cassandra have standing permission to powerplay Raferties or Anari.
Raferties and his Shinies ~~Anari and her Shinies~~ Keldos and his Shinies~~Cobalt and her Shinies~~Taki and her Shinies~~Kemori and his Shinies
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Tidesweep
Shrine Attendant
[ *  *  * ]
Not unless I heat it up. I wouldn't be quite that cruel to my sack of bones there. Dorth chuckled as Cain took a marshmallow to toss at her. Not that it did much good as she opened her maw and swallowed the fluffy treat.

"You would totally be that cruel if you thought you could get away with it." Cain had to marvel at Taki's one eighty. Anyone else, he would have probably spent hours trying to make them feel better. Taki? Well. The proof was in the scene before him. He almost envied Taki for that, but even being cynical could have its place. He knew that as well as anyone. Besides that, if he didn't have a slightly more cynical side, Nynjbeth wouldn't have a rider. Fairly simple that.

Brains, knowing what Journeyman was going for, reared up like a wild bronco and starting running around. She threw in a few good bucks, but not hard enough to serious throw off the poodle moth. That would ruin the game and that would be no fun after all.

Cain got a good chuckle out of that, but it was cut short as the voice in the orb spoke again. Just when he thought that maybe he had gone to sleep. Nope. Apparently not. "Dire warnings huh?" Cain would speak softly, trying to pitch it just quiet enough for Taki to not hear, but he figured with her cat ears, it might be unsuccessful. Then again, it might prove successful. Cain actually couldn't remember how good her hearing actually was. "You think this is my first time facing the dark? Orb voice, this isn't my first rodeo." Though he did make sure that the latch on his gun holsters were undone. He could not care less about getting dragged off himself. Been there. Done that. Had to replace a few bones from it. Taki on the other hand? They would have to go through him and Dorth if they wanted to drag her off anywhere.

Dorth shifted so she was more of a barrier around the camp as Cain picked up another marshmallow to toss at her. He wondered if he should tell Taki about what the orb had said. On the one hand, it would make her worry. On the other hand, not knowing could put her in danger. It really wasn't much of a debate in the end. Danger out weighed worry any day and he gently tugged on the fae's hat. "Hey Taki. Mr. Orb voice spoke up again. Apparently this is the place where he died or got trapped in the orb. Really same difference in the end. Point is before I get off track, apparently this place is tailored made for intruders. So to speak. One for you. One for me. Basically, same old same old from my point of view. Just make sure to stick close okay?" He glanced out into the woods, head tilted to one side. "And keep an ear and eye out. Apparently, the reason these woods are so lackluster in terms of sound is not a good one."
"Death has a bone to pick with you and I'm here to help out." -Cain Skelington

"The waves have their own music...Are you listening?" - Tidesweep

"Don't take my silence for agreement. That would be a mistake."- Gertude Weavian

"I will protect what is mine with a will forged like a diamond."- Mildred Fresi

"Healing can take time. Lucky for you, you should having nothing but it for awhile."- Jeremi Kgute
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Raferties
Member Avatar
Lorekeeper
[ *  *  * ]
Journeyman was thoroughly enjoying the game with Brains, laughing and fluttering his wings before finally allowing himself to be 'knocked' off, landing gently on the dirt and happily batting his wings before righting himself and taking a moment to catch his breath. The mood in the camp had brightened considerably, so he considered it Mission Accomplished.

Taki's ears were sensitive enough to catch that Cain was speaking in a murmur to something, but she knew that when someone talked that low, they were trying not to be heard. So she didn't intentionally try to listen in, despite her curiosity, and instead focused on the roasting of her next treat.

She did catch the gesture of the skeleton unlatching his guns, however, which told her that whatever he was 'talking to himself' about, it was something scary and he wanted to be ready.

She giggled at the second marshmallow throw, briefly wondering if she could catch a marshmallow in her mouth like Dorth could (not likely, as they were actually a bit bigger than her mouth itself and she'd probably only get powdered sugar on her nose for the effort). She did turn to look up at Cain when he tugged on her hat, giving him her whole attention.

*So... something's setting a trap for us?* She shivered – clearly not used to being the focused attention of anything more malevolent, and scooted a little closer to Cain's side. *Okay, I'll stay close by. And I'll make sure to listen, and keep my eyes open too!* She opened her eyes wide for effort, though given her eyes were already a little bit overlarge for her head it was more adorable than attentive. She couldn't keep that expression up for long, however, and with a few rapid blinks was back to normal. *I take it... we have to go in... there?* Taki glanced over her shoulder at the manor, and shivered, but seemed to steady herself (Cain might notice, since she'd done so before to him, her Drawing just a tiny bit of his confidence to bolster herself). *Well, if it's to help Mr. Orb, then I'll go too.*

Aww, the Orb-Voice had a 'name' now.

*You – you be careful too, okay? I know you're really hard to kill, but that doesn't mean something can't capture you or something, and then I'd be all alone, and Dorth and Brains and everyone else would be real sad.* 'Mad' was probably the better term, especially when it came to a certain pair of dragons, but that was besides the point. A bit impulsively Taki gave him as much of a hug as she could. *I'd really not like it if something happened to you.*

((One more, then the scene shall progress! Feel free to have them turn in for the night or whatever, if you want to, or I can my next post))
Note: Until further stated, Scarheart, Belial, and Cassandra have standing permission to powerplay Raferties or Anari.
Raferties and his Shinies ~~Anari and her Shinies~~ Keldos and his Shinies~~Cobalt and her Shinies~~Taki and her Shinies~~Kemori and his Shinies
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Tidesweep
Shrine Attendant
[ *  *  * ]
Brains moved over to help dust off the poodle moth, being careful to not dust off too much. Mechanical bug or not, too much batting around couldn't be good for all the gears and spinnings things the moth probably had to function. After making sure her friend was all nice and clean, she dived into the bag of marshmallows to dig herself out a tasty, powdery treat.

Cain gave a soft chuckle at her wide eyed actions before nodding very slowly. "Yes. Yes. And I will be." He was just going to leave it at that till Taki gave him a hug and said that. He gave her a tight hug back, touched by what she had said. Really, no one had ever really cared that much to tell him such a thing to his face. Then again, when everyone that knew him knew exactly how indestructible he was, they probably didn't feel the need to tell him.

(I leave the turning in for the night to you~)
"Death has a bone to pick with you and I'm here to help out." -Cain Skelington

"The waves have their own music...Are you listening?" - Tidesweep

"Don't take my silence for agreement. That would be a mistake."- Gertude Weavian

"I will protect what is mine with a will forged like a diamond."- Mildred Fresi

"Healing can take time. Lucky for you, you should having nothing but it for awhile."- Jeremi Kgute
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Raferties
Member Avatar
Lorekeeper
[ *  *  * ]
Taki gave a little purr at the reasurance that Cain would be careful, then fell to laughing at seeing Brains (or to be more accurate, Brain's tail) sticking out of the marshmallow bag. Needless to say, when the Familiar had retrieved the treat she looked like the one that needed a scrubbing for once, instead of Cain.

Soon after, Taki started yawning and rubbing at her eyes, and Journeyman for one (and probably not alone) urged her to get into the tent and get some sleep. She proved to be a bit stubborn about it, however, sleepily wanting to linger next to her friend where she felt safe, but eventually was persuaded to venture into dreamland. Soon the fae was snuggled down in her bed of fluff, blankets, and pillows, smiling happily in her sleep.

Meanwhile, outside the tent, the night would be quiet for Cain.

Too quiet, actually, what with the lack of insects and night birds, only the crackling of the fire and his own bones creaking to break the still. The overcast sky would even make determining how much time had passed all but impossible barring innate, internal clocks. Shadows danced over the nearby trees making it seem as if things were there when they were not.

And perhaps that's what they wanted.

Silently, they glided through the trees like shadows themselves, eyes gleaming white and fangs bared. In truth they were indeed much akin to shadows, insubstantial things summoned with one objective: kill the intruders.

With well-practiced skill they surrounded the little camp, approaching from all sides... then sprang!

(Granted, they might NOT have accounted for thing such as dragons on watch and skeletons that don't sleep, so their ambush might not be as perfect as they'd have desired!)
Note: Until further stated, Scarheart, Belial, and Cassandra have standing permission to powerplay Raferties or Anari.
Raferties and his Shinies ~~Anari and her Shinies~~ Keldos and his Shinies~~Cobalt and her Shinies~~Taki and her Shinies~~Kemori and his Shinies
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Tidesweep
Shrine Attendant
[ *  *  * ]
It had taken some convincing on everyone's part, but as soon as Taki was settled in for the night, Cain was by the entrance to the tent, eyes and ears alert for any sort of sound. Normally, the natural forest noises would make it easy for someone to sneak up on people (including Cain who didn't have the best hearing since he lacked eardrums and the natural amplifying shape of an ear), but with the night so quiet, Cain figured that whoever could sneak up on them would have to not have a physical body. Though given the words of the orb, that would be too far fetched a thing.

Dorth had settled around the tent more, her tail wrapped protectively as a barrier should anything more solid attacked. She dozed though, not having Cain's ability to function on lack of sleep. Didn't mean she would be ready at a moment's notice should the need arise. Brains for her part settled in with Taki, curling up right next to the feline fae to conk out. Souna also slept in the tent. Or whatever it was Athids did. (That would be an interesting question to ask at some point, do Athids sleep?)

Filtering out the sound of the flames, he couldn't quite do the same with the shadows they cast. Moving constantly, Cain had to ignore them or he would have given himself a sore neck from all the rapid head movements. But sight and sound weren't the only senses Cain had and thanks to the illogical field, his paranormal detection sense was heightened (and constantly going off thanks to the residential angels and devils and other things that weren't exactly mundane). So while he couldn't see the shadows incoming, he did know they were there and a pretty good estimate on the numbers. Like an inky blackness across his mind, it didn't take him long to figure out what they were doing.

Moving his hands to lay lightly on his weapons, he did his best to appear as if he was just shifting into a more comfortable position. Or course he was actually gathering himself up for a fight even as he nudged Dorth. Dorth my dear. We have company and I am afraid they would rather have blood to drink than tea.

Dorth, knowing the game Cain was playing, woke up, eyes barely cracked so she could see but still give the appearance of sleep. I suppose that is for the best my Cain. We didn't have tea to begin with...I think. She didn't know what Taki had brought so it was very possible that they did have tea and just not know it. Not that the enemy would much care in that regard.

Just as both dragon and rider were wondering how long they would have to wait, the enemy sprang out for the shadows. It was a surreal thing to watch. The creatures didn't so much jump into existence as they appeared to just elongate the shadows already there. Cain had seen much more unsettling things however and he wasn't fazed by the sudden surprise at the ambush as he surged to his feet, one hand going for a gun and the other for the small knife he often kept with him. He doubted that a bullet would have much effect, but he shot at least one of the creatures in the body just to see. The crackling fire did nothing to cover the sound of the gunshot in the still forest and if that wasn't enough, Dorth herself let out a powerful roar as she shifted and moved a wing to protect the tent and those inside it. If Taki wasn't awake by now, she soon would be as Cain called out to her.

"Look alive Taki! We got company." He didn't want her involved in the fight, but letting her sleep through it would have been a bad idea. Or even worse, letting her wake up and not quite knowing what was going on. "Too bad Brains hid all those marshmallows huh?" Moving fluidly, like a dancer, Cain moved to strike at the shadows with the small dagger. He had realized they had gained ground much too quickly for the gun to be effective at the moment and he called out to Dorth. "Push them back!" That was all it took as the brown took her tail and swung it in a small half circle with the tent as the starting point. She was hoping that the things weren't as insubstantial as they looked that they tail might push them back the distance Cain needed. Of course, Cain wasn't immune to this and had to drop fast to the ground of be a victim of the sweep as well.

"Makes me glad I'm so good at limbo lower now."


((Hope this is okay~ Didn't quite know what would work against these guys so options galore~ ))
"Death has a bone to pick with you and I'm here to help out." -Cain Skelington

"The waves have their own music...Are you listening?" - Tidesweep

"Don't take my silence for agreement. That would be a mistake."- Gertude Weavian

"I will protect what is mine with a will forged like a diamond."- Mildred Fresi

"Healing can take time. Lucky for you, you should having nothing but it for awhile."- Jeremi Kgute
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Raferties
Member Avatar
Lorekeeper
[ *  *  * ]
The nine enemies that Cain rose to face were much in appearance wolves, though the shifting way their bodies moved and flickered showed they were not as mundane a thing. The bullet as might be predicted went straight through its target creating a small hole before it slammed into a tree behind it. The hole mended itself soon after, so it was hard to determine whether or not any damage had actually be done.

Inside the tent Taki shot upright, flailing about in the covers a bit as first Cain's gun startled her awake, then his call brought her to full awareness as did Dorth's battlecry of a roar. She'd never really been that close to a dragon roaring before, and thus for a moment huddled in the tent with her hands over her ears and hat, eyes scrunched tightly as she waited it out. When she opened her eyes the firelight was darkened, and for a moment she was alarmed. What had happened? A quick and heart-thundering peek from the tent told her the story as all she could see was Dorth's protective wing. With little more she could do at the moment she fell back into the middle of the tent, scooping up both Journeyman, Souna, and Brains and cuddling them close to her both to keep them safe and to make herself feel calmer. She knew she tended to unconsciously seek out Cain empathically when she was afraid, and he wouldn't need that if he was in a fight, not at all!

The knife... ah, the knife! Though it wasn't Cain's preferred weapon it did have one property to it that made it far stronger in this fight than normal:

It was made with silver.

The skeleton's first slash went just shy of the shadow wolf's shoulder, but the second, when he'd dodged a counter attack and made another blow, caught it solidly. And how the wraith-like thing howled! It recoiled back, a red glow and a waft of misty smoke coming from the wound, and its glare at Cain promised slow, painful death.

Hmm... maybe someone should tell it he'd already been there, done that?

Then came Dorth's tail sweep. While the things seemed ghostly there was at least some tangibility to them as they did leap back, or at least try to. Six successfully ducked, or dove behind trees, and one of them was simply not fully in the camp yet and out of reach. The other three however were not so fortunate and were sent flying – literally! - away from camp and into the woods. Their impacts couldn't be heard, but perhaps that was would help give the defenders some breathing space?

Or perhaps not, as of the remaining group four lunged at Dorth, biting at her tail and sides with the bravado of a creature that either didn't fear physical harm or thought that their combined might could vanquish the brown mottle. Where she had scales she would be more protected, but any place their claws and teeth found hide would come a numbing, yet aching and bone-deep, cold.

The other two, each one as large as Cain himself was tall at the least, circled around the skeleton with silent, perfect harmony, teeth bared. One then lunged for his chest while the other came low for his legs, trying to force him to make a potentially deadly choice and, if he failed to hold up under one's weight or the other made him lose his balance, he might fall to the ground. And anyone who knows anything about wolves and their pack tactics would know that was the worst thing that could happen.
Note: Until further stated, Scarheart, Belial, and Cassandra have standing permission to powerplay Raferties or Anari.
Raferties and his Shinies ~~Anari and her Shinies~~ Keldos and his Shinies~~Cobalt and her Shinies~~Taki and her Shinies~~Kemori and his Shinies
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Tidesweep
Shrine Attendant
[ *  *  * ]
The claws scraped along her scales, but Dorth paid them no mind as she tried to flick off the shadow creature's with her tail. While most of them had dodged the attack, it had sent at least a few flying. That was enough to make the odds a little better in their favor. Very little of course. She was just about ready to turn around and take a bit out of the nearest dog when one of them got lucky and struck hide. Teeth bit down and normally, the pain would be quick and hot, but that was it. Nothing more. This time around though...

The first thing to hit her was the fact that the bite wasn't hot. Despite the blood that was rushing towards the area, it was numb. Cold. A cold she felt deep in her bones and that was something that frightened her just a bit. She had never felt a cold like that and it made her think twice about biting into the shadow wolves. At least till she knew it was just limited to their teeth (and claws as another one laid a scratch into her) and not their entire being. She had little use for having that numb feeling enter her mouth. Very little use. At least Taki and the smaller companions were safe under wing. That was what mattered at the moment.

Cain was facing his own set of problems. At least he couldn't die, but that was a small consolation considering that every one of his traveling companions could. He was really regretting following the orbs advice as two of the wolves went for him. He felt Dorth's fear slash through his mind and he spared her a quick glance to see what was happening.

Then he felt the bone chilling cold she decided to share with him. The feeling of it was enough to make him wish that he had brought some silver bullets, but he hadn't thought that they would be needed. Good thing he had the knife and he brought it to use as he did his best to time his attack just right.

When he thought it would be too late for the one going for his chest to change direction, he charged at the one going for his legs. But he did so in more of a football like tackle. Going low for the foot wolf's shoulder, holding the dagger to make sure it would be the first thing to make contact with the shadow wolf. He hadn't missed the way the dagger had stabbed and hurt the wolf he had managed to get. He wasn't blind. He just didn't have eyes. "Hang in their Dorth! Taki, they dislike silver!" Should any of the wolves get pass both him and Dorth, he didn't want to leave Taki defenseless. Giving her a heads up on the weakness was the best he could do at the moment. That and pray to Death that she had something silver in her bag. Or maybe even iron.

Though as soon as he thought that last one, he almost physically hit himself with the palm of his hand. She was Fae. Least that was the sense he was getting (rather she was actually that or not), and Fae on his world couldn't touch iron so it would make sense that Taki wouldn't carry that around. Of course, the randomness of the thought floated over to Dorth and it got her mind off the cold for a few seconds. Just a few though as another pair of claws dug in.

Okay. That was enough of that as she moved one of her front limbs to try and tear the beasts from her back. Surely if her tail could launch them, she could throw them. Right?
"Death has a bone to pick with you and I'm here to help out." -Cain Skelington

"The waves have their own music...Are you listening?" - Tidesweep

"Don't take my silence for agreement. That would be a mistake."- Gertude Weavian

"I will protect what is mine with a will forged like a diamond."- Mildred Fresi

"Healing can take time. Lucky for you, you should having nothing but it for awhile."- Jeremi Kgute
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Raferties
Member Avatar
Lorekeeper
[ *  *  * ]
Instinctive jerking from Dorth would shed her unwanted, biting pests easily enough, as they lacked any means to get a real grip on her, and they would seem to be grinning as if knowing they'd rattled the dragon. For a few moments they would circle, making little feinting snaps and darts and one even making a dash for a bit of the tent that in the movements of battle had become exposed, though it would retreat before getting close as a brown tail intercepted its movements.

Cain's tackle-attack had powerful results as the knife plunged hilt-deep into the shadow wolf. It jerked, impaled on the weapon it couldn't hope to have avoided, and right before the skeleton's (non-existent) eyes vanished into so much smoke and mist, blowing away on the wind and nearly sending Cain sprawling from the sudden cessation of counter-pressure on his lunge. One down, eight to go!

The one that had been going for his chest, mostly due to the sudden slight shift in Cain's position as its partner perished, actually went clean over the skeleton to land in some foliage, having to take a moment to right itself before it could start positioning for another attack.

Dorth, meanwhile, would find that it seemed what she did to them didn't carry the same dark chill as did what they did to her. Reaching out she would grab hold of one, but it would be like trying to catch half-formed jello; barely any substance, just enough to throw quite a distance but feeling feather-light in her grasp. Another one gone, and now only three remaining on her. From elsewhere came the sound of the first three that had been thrown returning, perhaps another few moments.

Then suddenly the ones harassing Dorth and the one about to lunge at Cain again stopped, teeth bared but bodies visibly shaking violently. Their incorporeal forms wavered, then for a moment became more solid, then back to shadowy nothingness again, then back to solid, on a repeating cycle.

When they are solid, strike! It's – all I can do to help!

((And with my NaNo finished, I can FINALLY get back to this!))
Note: Until further stated, Scarheart, Belial, and Cassandra have standing permission to powerplay Raferties or Anari.
Raferties and his Shinies ~~Anari and her Shinies~~ Keldos and his Shinies~~Cobalt and her Shinies~~Taki and her Shinies~~Kemori and his Shinies
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Tidesweep
Shrine Attendant
[ *  *  * ]
One down. Too many more to go in Cain's opinion. Dorth helpfully pointed out that eight wasn't that many. Cain shot back that eight was one too many when they were attacking them and they had no advantage against them other than the fact that his knife could cut them. That is a very small advantage in the grand scheme of this battle.

Pushing his body up from the ground, Cain was grateful that one of the attackers was at least giving him a bit of breathing room. So to speak. Backing up against the tent, Cain let out a low growl as he hard the Orb's voice in his head. "Now you decide to make yourself useful? You know, that trick of yours might have saved me a dive or two." He watched the wolves, keen eyes keeping track of the cycle before making his move.

A charge of his own at the one that leaped over him, Cain slid along the ground like a baseball player going for home. Knife held up so that it would hopefully make contact with his adversary's belly. Thankfully, the knife didn't have to go in when the wolf was solid. Hence why Cain was going to use it on the last wolf that was closest to him. Not counting the ones on Dorth of course. Distance was key here though and he knew that with the Orb's help, he at least had a better chance of hitting them with a bullet.

Not a hundred percent shot, but at least a fifty fifty one.

Dorth for her part decided that she would probably never touch jello again. Not that she really had before, but unless the illogical field decided that her meat needed to be...Ah, sweetened, she would promptly pass it up for something less...Wiggly.

The fact that the shadows could now become solid had Dorth grinning. Finally! Now she could do some damage as she moved her limbs to strike at the three still on her with claws and teeth. Maybe now she could actually take a better part in this fight! Especially since they were about to have more company again. I would say welcome back, but that would be a lie sooo...I won't.
"Death has a bone to pick with you and I'm here to help out." -Cain Skelington

"The waves have their own music...Are you listening?" - Tidesweep

"Don't take my silence for agreement. That would be a mistake."- Gertude Weavian

"I will protect what is mine with a will forged like a diamond."- Mildred Fresi

"Healing can take time. Lucky for you, you should having nothing but it for awhile."- Jeremi Kgute
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Raferties
Member Avatar
Lorekeeper
[ *  *  * ]
I fear – I could not act – until – I remembered what they were – and that I can – used to – be able to control them. But... this is the – best I can do. There was definite strain in the 'voice' from the Orb, as if whatever entity within was concentrating very hard. I – will hold this as long as – I can.

With the 'wolves' being more solid, the battle turned severely in the skeleton and dragon's favor. Between Dorth's bite and claws and Cain's dagger and even his gun (the dagger did far more damage by far) soon all but one was dissipated, and it fell back, growling fiercely before turning tail and running.

Wolves: 0. Skele-Dragon-Fae-Orb Thingie: 1

For a few moments the woods held the tension of the recent battle, then Cain would sense almost a... collapsing sensation. But not an empathic one from Taki, though her powers would be brushing against him in a muted manner, as if she wanted to reach out with it to him but was holding back (presumably to not distract him with whatever she was feeling).

Should he look at the Orb, it would seem a little lackluster, and though still –there- the Presence wouldn't speak to any inquiry.

(little itty bitty post just to finish off the battle!))
Note: Until further stated, Scarheart, Belial, and Cassandra have standing permission to powerplay Raferties or Anari.
Raferties and his Shinies ~~Anari and her Shinies~~ Keldos and his Shinies~~Cobalt and her Shinies~~Taki and her Shinies~~Kemori and his Shinies
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
1 user reading this topic (1 Guest and 0 Anonymous)
Go to Next Page
« Previous Topic · Elsewhere · Next Topic »
Add Reply
  • Pages:
  • 1
  • 3
  • 7