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Post by Tiasalle on Mar 17, 2007 20:06:10 GMT -5
ooc: Kendi was very well played, thanks! That is awesome that you found the real name of the Drivers, but I think I 've gotten so used to calling them by their informal name that the situation has become kind of like shortening "quetzalcaotlus skybax" to "skybax" , would it be entirely terrible if I kept calling them by their nickname as long as we reminded the readers of their true name every once in a while? Kendi was so wrapped up in the pride and joy of the moment, that she jumped just a little when Nightskye nudged her shoulder, "What did that old skybax say?" she asked Kendi translated the question into human, and flinched at the response from Oolu, "He says that such pranks are beneath a true Rider and...partner...and that you, as a senior cadet, should know better than to tease official squadron leaders in such an immature manner" Nightskye hissed and raised her wings, interrupting Oolu and Lightwing's reprimand. Kendi placed her hand on Nightskye's neck and comforted her friend. "Fine, but he better start listening to you now that you can fly." Kendi felt hot in the face as Nightskye defended her so loyally, she had never experienced such a friendship before. Elsu approched, trying his very best to appear dignified after his embarrassing moment. Kendi bowed and said, "I apologize, sir, for the scare I gave you and your esteemed partner, I hope all is still well" Elsu cleared his throat, "Yes, well, all is still well," he lowered his voice to a whisper, "Although I do have to congratulate you, no one has ever been able to scare a commander before, much less two together," he smiled and Kendi smiled back Kendi looked back at Nightskye as she cawed just loud enough to get everyone's attention. The pterasaur looked at Kendi and said, "I need to talk with Lightwing's rider. It's important. You may need to leave Canyon City." Kendi felt her heart stop briefly, leave Canyon City? The only place she actually felt comfortable, despite the ridicule of a skybax reject? She took a deep breath, "Captain Oolu, Nightskye has some sombering news" "Will you translate, cadet?" he asked in his fatherly tone Kendi nodded and Nightskye began, "There is a terrible possibility of being outnumbered by the Ornithoceirus at least five to one or, if worse comes to worst, ten to one. If that does not give the warning cry, then hear this... The Ornithoceirus is much bigger than an adult man, with a wingspan of 30 feet. Unless the skybax have been formally trained for such an invasion by so many large carnivores who will do anything in a flock to feed themselves, this corps must leave Canyon City immeadiately, before the Drivers have a chance to encircle us and devore every cadet, captain, commander, and skybax alike" Kendi choked on the last words as they slid out of her mouth. She shuddered as a terrifying image of desolation and destruction whisked across her mind. Oonu (ooc: I keep forgetting his name:)) stood straight and considered what Nightskye had said through Kendi. He said something in skybax to Lightwing that Kendi did not catch, and the skybax's eyes grew stern and he rumbled in reply. Oonu nodded and said in human, "It is this corp's responsibility to protect Dinotopia from any danger, to run from it means death to the entire civilization. We will remain here for the protection of our country and the people who live in it" Kendi stared at who had once been her hero. Only a week before she would have simply accepted the command, but now that Nightskye had given her a new confidence, she began to voice her opinion much more openly, "Pardon me, sir, but by so commanding you have sentenced this corps to death!" Lightwing heard the rising tone in Kendi's voice at his partner, he reacted by lifting his wings, hissing, and opening his beak, something Kendi recognized as the threat a skybax used just before he attacked. Nightskye must have also recognized this, because she opened her own beak, clamped it down on Lightwing's, making it snap shut, and threw him away from Kendi. The girl felt her heart beating fast as she looked at the bruised form of Lightwing. This was not a peaceful Dinotopian dispute. This was a possibility of civil war between the skybax corps! She looked back up and saw the face of Oonu, fiecer than she had ever seen him look. He marched up to Kendi, ignoring another warning hiss from Nightskye, and tore off the badge that marked her cadetship in the skybax corps. "You have just commited the most unthikable crime, Miss Keshi, in assulting a skybax. You and your partner are dismissed from this camp, never to return so long as I live as Habitat Partner" Kendi said nothing, Oonu's harsh words had stirred up a feeling of defiance and she glared into his face even as hot tears ran down her cheeks. Oonu ripped up Kendi's badge and threw it off the canyon's ledge. By now, almost the entire patrol had gathered to see the dramatic scene. Oonu turned to them and in a loud voice, said, "I never want to hear the names Kendi Keshi or Nightskye in my presence, understood?" He helped Lightwing stand, then entered the Rookery, the skybax limping heavily on one of his legs. ooc: Now I'M the one that hopes YOU don't mind the drama Really, if you do have a problem with this, let me know, but from what I've seen on the past ooc's, I think we might have the same mind...
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Kyalnick
Apprentice
Hello, good world...and goodbye!!!
Posts: 141
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Post by Kyalnick on Mar 18, 2007 17:44:29 GMT -5
((ooc: That's perfect!!! Ornithoceirus is too hard to type so I'm sill all for calling them the Drivers. What side is Elsu on, or are you getting to that? He sounds young enough too for Kendi. By the way, I'm still trying to reach Thenewguy, but so far, no luck.)) Nightskye watched as Kendi exchanged a few more words with the commander called Oolu and began her explanation when the other nodded. She only told them the barest facts about what she knew, not mentioning that the Drivers, after being hidden for so long, would probably number among the millions. ((Hope you don't mind that.)) It was only better for them that she reveal one hard truth one at a time. There was silence after Kendi had finished choking out the last of Nightskye's words, probably scared to death. Oolu and Lightwing talked briefly, the later's eyes becoming firm with what Nightskye considered stubborn determination. There was utter foolishness underlining Oolu's voice which made Kendi raise her voice in protest. Lightwing didn't react well to this and hissed, his raised wings and open beak setting off a protective reaction in Nightskye like she'd never felt before. She closed her own beak around the skybax's and tossed him as strongly as she dared to one side, knowing full well that that was only a warning. Oolu reached up to Kendi and for a moment Nightskye thought that he was going to hurt her, but instead he ripped the cadet's badge from Kendi's uniform; an insult if ever there was one. Ignoring Oolu's few shouted sentences, Nightskye studied Kendi's face carefully. It was completely crestfallen, a sign that the commander had just dismissed her from the corps. It's my fault, Nightskye thought sadly, crooning softly in an effort to comfort her friend. If I hadn't made friends with her in the first place, she would still be an elligible skybax cadet. The other commander said nothing to Kendi until after Oolu, Lightwing, and their mild audience had left. His voice was soft and Nightskye couldn't sence any threat in it, so she assumed that he was trying to help her. Straightflight, however, chirruped something that sounded like "Stupid." Straightening up, Nightskye turned around to face the skybax. "Not stupid," she clacked, thinking about how much the rejection must hurt her friend. "Protect." Straightflight cocked his head as if he either agreed with her or was thinking about what she had said. "Half-stupid." There was a teasing gleam in his eyes that cheered Nightskye up a little. A tap on her wing drew Nightskye's attention back to Kendi and Elsu--now she could remember his name properly. Kendi's face was still dark, but there was a slight change in it that made Nightskye wonder what had taken place between them. "Elsu wants to know why exactly we have to leave Canyon City and where we would go." Nightskye glanced at the later in a new light. Maybe he wasn't so close-minded after all. "If we are to survive for a while longer, we need to find a place that's more to our advantage. Drivers hate terrain where they can't take a gliding start. In the air they are deadly...on the ground, however, they are cumbersome and slow to get into the air from a power-lift." There was a gleam of understanding in Elsu's eyes when Kendi translated, and Nightskye could only guess what he was thinking. ((ooc: That's all the time I have today. I hope I was right in guessing that Elsu's on Kendi's side. If I'm wrong, tell me so I can change it. Thanks!))
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Post by Tiasalle on Mar 19, 2007 10:46:52 GMT -5
Kendi breathed in the warm, afternoon air as the exhileration of riding with Nightskye enveloped her entire being. The first time they had flown together had not been long enough to Kendi. She only hoped that Nightskye felt the same way. Elsu was just in front of Kendi and Nightskye, his face set in an determined expression. He brought out his warning bugle as they neared Pteros, calling all skybax patrol partners to the skies. Already, they had given the same cry in Canyon City, but Oolu had threatened to report them to the Council if they did not stop what he considered foolish cowardice. Thus was most of the cadets in Canyon City left behind when only four or five Riders called their partners after Oolu turned his back. When Kendi looked back and saw the solemn and concerned faces on her new comrades, she immediately felt guilty for the hope within her own heart. Nightskye must have sensed this, because she said, "Do not fear the future of others, it will only blacken your own" Kendi smiled, "Thanks, Nightskye" The septet hovered near Pteros, waiting for an answer to the call of Elsu's bugle. Nothing replied. Elsu looked back at his small squadron, deep concern etched in his features, "Remain here while Kendi, Nightskye, Straightflight, and I scout ahead, something is amiss" The five other Riders flew towards a ledge not too far away and Kendi translated what Elsu expected of them into pteranodon for Nightskye. They flew ahead of the group. When they rounded the last canyon wall, Kendi felt her heart stop. Dead silence ensued, not only from the quartet, but also from the town of Pteros. Kendi felt tears in her eyes for the second time that day and had to turn her face away from the carnage in front of her. It was obvious that the Drivers had been there and Kendi's heart ached for those who had lost their lives. Why had they not considered warning Pteros? It would be an obvious attack, especially since it was much smaller and less trained than Canyon City. Kendi buried her head into her uniform sleeve and wept. She wept for the skybax, humans and saurians who had lost their lives, wept for those who would lose their lives because of foolish leadership and she wept for herself and Nightskye, outcasts of their species and now the ones responsible for thousands, maybe even millions, of lives. ooc: I hope you don't mind this scene (and I hope Vorchia and Azzy don't kick me out )
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Kyalnick
Apprentice
Hello, good world...and goodbye!!!
Posts: 141
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Post by Kyalnick on Mar 19, 2007 18:38:09 GMT -5
((ooc: No, I don't mind this scene at all. The first part of this will briefly say what happened before it, though. Do you think that it's okay if I include Nightskye's brother in on this, though?)) Feeling the warm canyon air rush by her wings, Nightskye briefly thought that maybe not so many skybax would be willing to help after all. When Kendi had told her that Elsu agreed that fighting the Drivers would be Dinotopia's best and only defense, the foursome had worked hard to sway the skybax and riders. Unfortunately, Oolu found them out and only five pairs had made it out of Canyon City with them. Their next stop would be a city called Pteros, a lesser city than Canyon City, but still with enough skybax to warrant some attention. Straightflight had assured Nightskye that fighting was something uncomprehensible to some of the older, more experienced pairs and that only the youngest would really understand to the point that they would agree to come along to the Great Dessert. The somewhat smaller pterasaur was quite nice and understanding, Nightskye thought absently. If not for the barrier of their lack of each other's language, she was sure they would be talking nonstop right now. With the exception of Kendi, Nightskye was still very much alone, but Straightflight was also becomeing what she consedered a close friend. Elsu took out a devise Kendi had explained communicated alarm to other cities when the rider was high above or couldn't land and bugled something that sounded like the sauropod's language. She felt Kendi look back at those following them and could plainly feel her worry in the tenseness of her body. "Do not worry about the future of others, it will only blacken your own," she reassured Kendi with what other Pteranodons would consider common logic, not knowing if Kendi really understood the idea. "Thanks, Nightskye." Kendi replied, but her tone betrayed some inner doubt that Nightskye didn't think even she knew. Suddenly, the stench of death struck Nightskye's senses like a physical blow. As Kendi directed her to a point to land, Nightskye strained to keep her instincts from making her cry out in rage. Even before she landed, she knew that the Drivers had gone around Canyon City for a bit and had ransacked Pteros. Silence reigned for what seemed like forever until Kendi buried her arm in her uniform and began crying. Nightskye could understand how she must have felt; this was the first real sign of what the Drivers could do that her friend had seen. Kendi's peaceful Dinotopian life wouldn't have prepared her for something like this. Letting her friend cry for a while, Nightskye glanced around what remained of the city, trying to guess how long ago that the Drivers had attacked and in what numbers. For every single human and saurian to be dead, she could very well guess that a minimum of three hundred Drivers had fed, but how recently was beyond her. Straightflight whislted sharply to get Nightskye's attention and she followed his gaze to a point so far away that only pterasaur eyes could see. There was a dead skybax there, all right, and she didn't blame Straightflight for not telling his rider about it. Narrowing her eyes in her kind's form of a squint, she could see that the wounds still were red and raw. "Drivers...here...not...long.." Straightflight clacked rapidly in his own language, but Nightskye could figure out what he was saying. "I agree." She glanced at Kendi and when she saw her crying still, she nudged her sharply, startling her enough to make her stop and glance up. "We need to leave... now." Nightskye told her friend firmly, the same instincts that had kept her ahead of the Drivers before once more urging her on. "The Drivers were here not too long ago. They may be down below." Kendi absently translated for Elsu, the trails of her tears still fresh on her face. "Where do we go now?" Nightskye glanced to the southeast. "To the Great Dessert, Kendi. Maybe if we fly over your capital of Sauropolis, there will be more skybax there." "What if they're not?" Now Nightskye lost her temper with Kendi's self-pity and she hissed slightly. "They will be, my friend. Besides, if they refuse to help us, there are thousands of Pteranodons scattered around the canyons who may help us. All we have to do is hope and wait. We'll find a way out of this somehow." Just as she said that, a warning shriek from one of the skybax left behind drew her attention to the darkness below. It was seething with Drivers preparing to take flight. ((ooc: Do you mind if I have Elsu eventually soften up with Kendi? Or do you have another rider in mind?))
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Post by Tiasalle on Mar 19, 2007 23:51:03 GMT -5
ooc: Consider Nightskye's brother included! By the way, I was just thinking the same thing about Elsu and Kendi myself...Do you think we could change his name, though? It sounds too mature for this character to me... Kendi finally gathered her senses when Nightskye hissed softly at her. A pity party was the last thing her small squad needed at the moment. She wiped the excess tears from her face and looked towards Elsu, seeking strength from his experience. A skybax gave a warning cry, and Kendi turned towards it. Nightskye looked below the canyon and Kendi felt her friend's muscles tense up. Without asking, Kendi knew what Nightskye had seen. Cold fear clutched her heart as Nightskye took to the air. An enormous flock of Drivers dove out of their hiding places and rose to meet the small group. Nightskye shot upwards, then dove, at least ten Drivers on her triangular tail. It took all of Kendi's self-control not to panic as they twisted, rolled and dove away from their pursuers. "Thank goodness for countless hours on that training machine" Kendi thought as she lightly hugged Nightskye's back, moving in rhythm with the pteranodon Kendi only hoped that the others had enough time to get a good start away from the Drivers. Suddenly, Nightskye chirruped, "Cowards! Come out and fight for your homes! More Drivers will be here soon, come out!" At first, Kendi thought she was taunting the Drivers and almost hushed her friend, didn't they have enough problems already? However, she shut her mouth when a flock of pteranodons flew out of hidden crevices and joined the fray, taking some of Nightskye and Kendi's pursuers with them. Kendi almost laughed with relief, until a particularly large Driver clamped on Kendi's good foot. She yelped and kicked with her other one, but the Driver's beak was too thin for her to make contact with. Nightskye slowed a little, not wanting to hurt Kendi as the girl struggled to free herself. However, instead of helping Kendi, it allowed another Driver to come from above and snatch her in its claws. Kendi couldn't help but think to herself, "Crud, not again" as she was lifted away from her friend Suddenly, the Driver bounced violently once, then twice. On the third bounce it let go of Kendi and the girl free fell into the canyon below, screaming. She wasn't typically afraid of hieghts, but free falling was where Kendi drew the line. Suddenly Kendi felt her arms jerk as she was picked up again and brought to a canyon ledge. Straightflight gently lowered her onto the safe ground and Kendi thought she saw Elsu wink at her as he flew away to help the rest of the group. Nightskye then landed next to Kendi and protectively wrapped the girl in her large wings. Kendi caught her breath and said, "We need to get back and help" Nightskye did not hesitate in allowing Kendi to mount her and diving towards those whom Elsu had rescued. "Fly away!" Kendi and Nightskye yelled in unison, and five of their seven turned tail towards the Great Desert Kendi looked back at the rampaging flock of Drivers and searched earnestly for her mentor. There! A speck of blue caught her eye and she motioned Nightskye back to the flock. The pteranodon seemed very used to this and no wonder, Kendi thought, she must have had to fight for her life before she was excommunicated from her flock. It was all Kendi could do, to hold on for her life and make sure her limbs did not look like a tempting morsel to one of the Drivers. She saw another flash of Elsu's blue uniform and grabbed at it. Their hands made contact, whipping Nightskye around to dive for Straightflight. ooc: I hope I wasn't repeating myself when I wrote this. I hate it when I do that
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Kyalnick
Apprentice
Hello, good world...and goodbye!!!
Posts: 141
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Post by Kyalnick on Mar 21, 2007 10:04:50 GMT -5
((ooc: I didn't get the feeling that you were repeating yourself. Sorry it took so long to get this up! )) The sight of hundreds of Drivers was not what Nightskye wanted and she took to the air as soon as Kendi was securely strapped on. She rose and dove sharply, begging Kendi silently to hang on. She could feel ten Drivers on her tail and didn't think that she would be able to loose them alone. A cry from down below caught her attention and briefly made her cheer up...it was her brother's cry if she wasn't hearing things. Still, why were they hiding down there if they were next? "Cowards!" She shrieked. "Come out and fight for your homes! More Drivers will be here soon! Come out!" If there was anything that would grab a Pteranodon's attention, it was being called a coward. Her call didn't go unheard as hundreds of Pteranodons rose up from their nests and mobbed the ten Drivers who were pressing Nightskye to the limits. Suddenly, Kendi's weight shifted dangerously and the deep croak in back of her told Nightskye that a Driver had grabbed a hold of Kendi's leg again. She slowed down so the pull in oposite directions wouldn't hurt her, but that still wasn't enough. Crying out, Kendi's hold on the saddle broke and she was hauled off of Nightskye's back. Nightskye's cry, though lost in the initial tummolt, was heard by another Pteranodon and he dove fiercely to strike at the Driver's back. That didn't work and he dove two more times, his anger clearly seen from far away. On the third jolt, the Driver lost his grip on Kendi and she fell into the empty space, screaming. Nightskye dove almost in a free fall to catch up with her, her fear nearly as great as her friend's. Straightflight swooped over Kendi, however, and grabbed her arms, taking her safely to a ledge not far away. Her worry greater than her fear for their safety, Nightskye landed as soon as Straightflight left and folded her wings around Kendi protectively, not finding any words to acurately describe her feelings. Although shaken, Kendi's face hardened once again in determination. "We need to go back and help." Nightskye agreed; the other skybax wouldn't last any longer out there in the mayhem. Diving back into the melee, she cried out in unison with Kendi, "Fly away!" The skybax immedeately turned tail and flew straight for the Great Dessert, but the Pteranodons hung around for a little while. Elsu and Straightflight, however, were not among those who'd left and Nightskye immedeately inserted herself into the writhing mass. She shrieked Straightflight's name, a sound that would've been inaudible to Kendi, and waited, hoping for a reply. She saw the pair just as Kendi caught a glimpse of blue. Nightskye didn't waste any time in getting as close as she could to them. She could litterally feel the humans' hands lock and she and Straightflight turned around as one and headed as far away from the Drivers as they could go. When they reached the lip of the canyon, a familiar cry caught Nightskye's attention and she glanced backwards. Almost one hundred Pteranodons were following them, the rest having stayed behind to stall the Drivers for as long as they were able. At their head was her older brother, Daycry, and Nightskye couldn't help but respond with her own joyfull screech. Kendi glanced backwards and Nightskye could feel her muscles tense. "Nightskye, who are they?" "My brother's flock. They've come to help us." Daycry sped up until he was even with Nightskye's slower flight. They exchanged whistles and cawings that were the sole root of sibling language until they landed that evening. ((ooc: By the way, I'm trying to find that paper I have that has different guy names. If I can get it to you today, maybe we can agree on a name and change Elsu into something else. ))
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Post by Tiasalle on Mar 21, 2007 11:34:16 GMT -5
That night, Kendi's mind was brought back to consciousness when another human hand pushed her fallen, black hair out of her face. At first, Kendi thought it was her father, but her mind soon reminded her where she was and she sat up, startled. Kendi looked around and saw Elsu, frozen in place. "S-sorry, Kendi" he said awkwardly, "I didn't mean to wake you up" Kendi was still very tired and groggy, "It's ok, Captain" she said, "I just didn't expect it, that's all." she paused as what Elsu had done sunk into her understanding, "Wait, what in the world were you doing?" Kendi was not sure in the dim light of the stars, but she thought she saw Elsu blush, "Well, uh, I just figured that, uh, well..." he smiled and said, "Miss Keshi, I think you are one amazing Rider, the way you befriended a pteranodon, understand their complicated language, and, and the way you rescued Straightflight and me from the Drivers this afternoon. Kendi smiled and almost replied when she remembered what Nightskye had said about the Drivers coming that night. She jumped from her position on the ground and looked at the skies, accidentally stepping on Nightskye's hand with her bare foot. The pteranodon snapped awake and clacked, a little irritated at being awakened in such a rude manner. "Sorry, 'Skye" Kendi muttered "What's wrong?" Elsu asked "Don't the Drivers come tonight?" Kendi asked Nightskye rattled in her throat, "Not here, they invade Canyon City" Kendi felt her heart tighten, "Then we should go back and help" Elsu shook his head, "There are only seven of us here, it will not make any difference. Do not become overly protective to the point that you place your life and the lives of those you love in danger. It was their choice to remain in peril, now everyone recieves the consequences due to that choice" Kendi stepped forward, unsure of what to do when Nightskye said, "Kendi, hear what we pteranodons say to our hatchlings since the day they hatch. It means great rememberance to die in defence of others, but eternal rememberance when you live to leave the legacy of courage firmly planted in the hearts of your own hatchlings" Kendi paused and let the words sink in. She finally sat down and wrapped her arms around her legs. Satisfied, Nightskye was soon asleep again next her friend. Elsu hesitated, then scooted next to Kendi and put his arm around her, not saying a word. Usually, Kendi would have put up a protective bubble around herself and scooted away, but right now she appreciated the silent comfort and leaned her head against Elsu's shoulder. ooc: I saw your name suggestions, here's what I liked: Alcander, Blayde, Garrick, Kael, Nykolas, Peter If you like any of these in particular or perhaps like a different one on the list you gave me (or anywhere else ), let me know By the way, I just got a new website! There's a link to it on my profile if you're interested in registering. It's an RP site, along with some religion discussions (One of my fascinations )
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Kyalnick
Apprentice
Hello, good world...and goodbye!!!
Posts: 141
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Post by Kyalnick on Mar 21, 2007 15:30:09 GMT -5
((ooc: I like the names Kael and Blayde. Kael may be a better choice, but since you made him up, the last decision's up to you. ))
After saying good night to Daycry and the others, Nightskye returned to her usual spot next to Kendi, made sure she was all right, and fell asleep.
Something stepping on her foot woke Nightskye with a few irritated clacks. "Sorry, 'Skye." She heard Kendi say and relaxed. The gril had been looking at the night sky and hadn't watched where she was going. "Will the Drivers come tonight?"
Nightskye shook her head and rattled (a sound she usually made when woken up in the middle of the night), "Not here, they invade Canyon City."
Kendi's face looked pinched in the moonlight. "Then we must go back and help."
Kael shook his head and tried to convince her otherwise, judging by the softer tones he used. When Kendi still looked undecided, Nightskye straightened and looked her friend in the eye. "Kendi, hear what we Pteranodons say to the hatchlings the day they hatch. It means great rememberance to die in defence of others, but eternal rememberance when you live to leave the legacy of courage firmly planted in the hearts of your own hatchlings." That was exactly what her mother had said to her and one of her earliest memories which she cherished.
When Kendi finally sat back down, Nightskye went back to sleep, content to see Kael wrap his arm around her unresisting shoulders.
((ooc: Got to go now and volunteer! Boy is it inconvenient!))
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Post by Tiasalle on Mar 21, 2007 19:55:31 GMT -5
ooc: You volunteer? COOL! Where at? (or is that not a good question to ask?) I like Kael, too, it's a really cool name... Kendi awoke and found herself still leaning against KAEL , she jumped up and walked away, afraid to break down her barriers. Actually, there was no reason for her to be afraid. Her eighteenth birthday was the next week, making her an eligable batchelorette (don't know how to spell it... ). Kendi picked up her canteen, poured some water into her hands, and splashed it into her face to awaken herself more fully. Out of the corner of her eye, Kendi saw Striaghtflight clacking mockingly at his partner, who snapped out of his sleep and clamped his friend's beak shut. Kendi blushed and looked away, unsure how to take the obvious compliment to herself. She saw Nightskye and Daycry flying in the brisk morning air and Kendi smiled, realizing how long it must have been since the two had seen each other last. She did not mind the lonliness, though. It felt good to simply run around on the canyon peaks and fully enjoy the morning while the others got ready for the flight to the Great Desert that day. Everything seemed to slow down as she twirled in the Dinotopian sun, breathing in the energy of a new day. Suddenly, a hand took hers and spun her. Kendi almost pulled away, but simply gave a queer expression when she saw that it was Kael. They danced to the music of the canyon when the mirage ended and Kendi looked at a curious group of Riders. Kael was smiling as he saddled Straightflight and ordered the group to do the same. Kendi was grateful that her captain had not said anything about her odd behavior. It was very embarrassing, especially since she had imagined she was dancing with HIM, of all the young men she had met and liked. Kendi palyed with her hair nervously as Nightskye landed and she mounted her friend. Nightskye muttered something under her breath something like, "Love-struck human females...", but Kendi was not sure. ooc: Ok, I think I'm getting a little mischievous
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Kyalnick
Apprentice
Hello, good world...and goodbye!!!
Posts: 141
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Post by Kyalnick on Mar 22, 2007 14:23:48 GMT -5
((ooc: Yeah!! A new name for Kendi's boyfriend!!! I live in California and I volunteer at the local library. I've actually done it for eight years now!!! How about you?)) Nightksye woke up early the next day despite her late night. She rumbled annoyingly to herself and shook the sleep from her wings. Taking a sly glance in Kendi's direction, Nightksye wasn't surprised to see that they had separated in their sleep. Some of Kendi's independent spirit still existed, at least. As she took to the air, Nightskye considered Kendi's obvious choice of a future mate. Kael ((I just loooooooove that name! )) didn't seem too bad for a human and Straightflight was kind and considerate, especially when it came with dealing with Nightskye's horrible pronounciation of his language. Trilling her version of self reproof, Nightskye tossed her head. What am I thinking? Pteranodons don't mate with skybax! Not to mention that I'll be as scorned as if I'd mated an Ornithoceirus ! Still, she couldn't help but feel warm and full of life when she thought of the skybax. Daycry swooped in beside her. "Mooning over that human's skybax, are you?" He teased, knowing Nightskye's behavior all too well. "I am not!" She retorted with a clack, though it was only meant in good nature. "What about you? Last I remember, you were driving yourself insane with trying to mate with that girl...what's her name?" "Rainwhisper..." Daycry muttered sullenly, jerking his head in the pterasaur's version of a blush. "Right," Nightskye admited, though she'd known the female's name quite well. A wicked gleam appeared in her eye and she tensed. "Though of course, you always chase after every female who looks at you no matter what their age..." Daycry lunged playfully at her, but Nightskye had already dived into a free fall, avoiding his beak. Her brother accepted the invitation with a joyful whistle and a mad catch-me-if-you-can game began in earnest until the sun peaked over the edge of the far away canyons. They were both temporarily satisfied and simply glided together, wingtip to wingtip. Nightskye sighed with satisfaction...it was good to be with her brother again. "Looks as if your friend's awake." Daycry nodded towards where Kendi had just stood up. Nightskye watched in interest as her friend simply twirled along the canyon as if she had no care in the world before simply loosing interest. "So, what news of home?" "Nothing good. Father and some of the older members were considering using the mayhem the Drivers will cause to create their own attack and get rid of the skybax." Daycry's wingtips flickered; a pterasaur shrug. "Of course, that was just as I left, so I've no good news about it. Look on the bright side; if we make good time today, we'll be at the Great Dessert with at least a few days to spare before the Drivers get there." "I'll keep that in mind," Nightskye thanked him sarcastically and returned her attention to Kendi in time to see Kael swing her around in his arms and join her for a bit. Shaking her head, she returned to the others to pick Kendi up, muttering about how lovestruck humans could act so stupid when all they had to do was speak their mind. She didn't realize, however, that she was also speaking about herself. ((Well, that's all I have time for now. What do you think about Daycry as a possible comic relief? This seems to be getting a little too serious for me. I don't know about you, but I can't stand too much seriousness, it isn't healthy. I can think of different situations where he disrupts conversations with Nightskye and Straightflight . Nightskye could do the same with Kendi. We'd have a roaring good time!!! ;D ))
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Post by Tiasalle on Mar 22, 2007 14:51:47 GMT -5
ooc: Lol! I LOVE the idea about Daycry! We do need some comic relief... By the way, I live in Utah. I don't volunteer anywhere, but I do take a Shakespeare class nearby I will have to leave for @ three pm. You wouldn't mind if I took it from Kael's point of view for moment, would you? Straightflight was talking about the currents and how glad he was that the air was warm now that the sun had risen higher, although Kael suspected that his friend was hiding something in his droll one-sided conversation. He had his own thoughts to turn to, however. He dared to sneak a look behind his back at Kendi and smiled when he saw her looking at him in turn. She blushed and focused on the horizon and Kael turned back to catch Straighflight's last comment, "Not to mention Nightskye, now THERE'S a rare beauty" he said, then clamped his beak shut Kael chuckled, "Uhoh, I think we may have a mixed-species pairing going on" "Huh? What are you talking about? All I said was that the night sky was a rare beauty last night" "Nice cover-up, Flyer" said Kael, teasingly calling his friend by his nickname "Look, Kael, I'm not blind, I saw you and Kendi dancing together this morning with hearts in your eyes. Besides, even if I did, and I'm not saying I do, because I don't, it would never work because Nightskye is a pteranodon and I'm a skybax. We would be ridiculed our entire life as if we had mated with a Driver!" Kael laughed at Striaghtflight's confusing mutterings, "Oh you are so in love, bro" Straightflight whistled and said, "Believe what you want", but gulped nervously when Kendi and Nightskye approached them "Mind if we join you?" Kendi asked "Definitely not" said Straighflight "No problem" Kael replied The quartet flew in silence for a while before Daycry approached from above them and started singing. "What on earth is that crazy pteranodon doing?" Kael asked, looking up at Daycry Kendi blushed and giggled nervously, "Heh, you don't want to know" ooc: I think I'll leave the rest open for a little bit...
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Kyalnick
Apprentice
Hello, good world...and goodbye!!!
Posts: 141
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Post by Kyalnick on Mar 23, 2007 14:03:10 GMT -5
((ooc: You are going to LOVE this one!!! )) The late morning breeze was refreshing as Nightskye flew just behind Straightflight. Somehow, she felt nervous just being near him even though he was just a skybax. She saw Kael glance back and could feel the extra heat from Kendi's face as they locked eyes. When Kael returned his attention to the front, Nightskye knew she had to get the two closer together. As Nightskye drew even with Straightflight, she saw him gulp nervously. She couldn't believe it; Straightflight might have some feelings for her? Nightskye twitched her crest in a self consciouss ((can't spell that)) blush and remained silent. Daycry suddenly appeared overhead and began singing one of the teasing songs that unmating Pteranodons sang to those who were ready to mate with a few changes: "Come on, dear friends, don't be shy. You four look so lovely here up in the sky. Come on, you fliers, you're as scared as a hatchling. There's nothing better than two fliers and mating." Fuming with embarassment, Nightskye retorted, "And brothers who have nothing better to do will have to know how to fly fast!" With no warning to Kendi, Nightskye rose abruptly and caught up to Daycry before he knew it. Laughing in a way that grated on Nightskye's nerves, he began to wheel away, but Straightflight was there in front of him. Nightskye didn't think he knew any Pteranodon, but Daycry's tone was mocking enough to make the skybax know who he was teasing. Together, they herded Daycry unmercilessly, eventually laughing along with him until they landed for a brief lunch break. Kendi's face was cloudy with frustration. "Didn't you hear me? He's just doing that to goad you on. You didn't have to listen." Nightskye lifted a wing in a pterasaur's shrug. "You would have done the same if you had wings, Kendi. I just took care of it for both of us. Anyway, you've got to stop being so shy with Kael. He's a good mate for you as far as I'm conscerned." Her face blosoming crimson, Kendi stormed away, but Nightskye took no offence by it. As she ate the fish her friend had brought her, Nightskye could feel Straightflight's eyes staring at her the whole time. Maybe they were going too far already, but she didn't know how to stop something they both were already denying. Reaching down for her last fish, Nightskye was halted by its dissapearance. "Daycry?" She screeched, preparing to pound him into the dirt, no matter who was present. Instead, Straightflight was the only pterasaur nearby, the missing fish in his beak. "Give me my fish back!" Straightflight set it down at his feet. "Why? I didn't hear anything polite in that, so try again." He said in almost perfect Pteranodon. Nightskye was so shocked that her beak opened and closed several times without a sound coming from it. "How? I mean...you don't..." "I've been practicing with your brother every night." Straightflight explained as if it was the most simple matter in the world. "You still have to ask nicely, though." Rumbling, Nightskye glanced at the ground and muttered. " Please give me the fish back." "I can't hear you." That decided it for Nightskye. Crush on him or no, she was NOT going to admit that she needed to speak louder. Lunging half heartedly at him, she dove at the last second to grab the fish...only to find that his beak had closed gently around her crest. That was an intimate gesture of affection that she'd only experienced with her mother and brother. Nightskye froze, to shocked to do anything. ((ooc: I hope you don't mind this scene. Besides, what's so inapropriate of two pterasaurs beginning to mate? Tell me if you have a problem with this, though.))
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Post by Tiasalle on Mar 23, 2007 18:18:00 GMT -5
ooc: Whoa, just as long as you don't go into any details. I consider "mating" to be a beautiful, sacred practice. Just to let you know... Kendi's breathing was shakey as she sat on a large stone and stared at her thumbs. She could still feel the red hot embarrassment from Nightskye's last remark and prayed that Kael hadn't heard. Her heartbeat finally relaxed enough for her to think clearly and she looked up, mortified to see Kael looking right back at her. "Riding a skybax is definitely different from using the training machine back at camp, isn't it?" he said, sitting next to her and semi-casually unwrapping some dried fruit and nuts from a kerchief. That remined Kendi of her own hunger and she brought out her own napkin. "Yeah, I guess so. But I trust Nightskye not to drop me." "Just as I trust Straightflight" Kael replied, "With my life" "How did you and Straightflight meet?" Kendi asked, wanting to keep the conversation away from her flushed face "Oh, the usual way. When I was done with my training, Captain Oolu brought me out to the landing platform and had me raise my arm. Straightflight answered right away, sensing my excitement" "Wow" Kendi said, not knowing what else to say "So, I hear your eighteenth birthday is next week" Kendi started, "Where'd you hear that?" "You offend me, Kendi, I used to be your instructor, you know" Kendi shook her head, "Sorry, so much has happened since then that I forget even the smallest details" There was an awkward silence as the pair ate their meal. Kendi looked up towards Nightskye and saw Straightflight gently clamp on her crest, an obvious gesture of intimate affection. Kendi smiled despite her embarrassment and nudged Kael, who looked where she motioned. "Well, well, look who gathered enough courage..." He was interrupted by Daycry, who popped his head between the two human heads and cawed, "Hey Nightskye, looky what I..." he stopped and saw his sister and Straightflight fly away together Kendi put her hand on his beak, "Let them be for now, Daycry, just for now..."
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Kyalnick
Apprentice
Hello, good world...and goodbye!!!
Posts: 141
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Post by Kyalnick on Mar 24, 2007 12:26:01 GMT -5
((ooc: Don't worry. It's just like us and our first kiss, that's all. I wasn't going in any deeper, anyway. Sorry if it seemed like that.)) When Nightskye finally returned to camp just as they were about to leave, she couldn't find the right words to explain what had happened to Kendi. From her friend's wry smile, however, it seemed that she'd understood. "So, how did your meal with Kael go?" Nightskye inquired as she joined her friends. "Okay," Kendi replied vaguely. It was as if they were both trying to avoid their recent experiences by asking each other how it went. "Daycry didn't exactly help, though." Nightskye had to laugh at that, startling a few of the skybax to look her way. "He's never been very good with serious occasions. Be glad you didn't tell Kael what that song was about, though, or that Daycry doesn't speak skybax. That would've been a disaster!" "Tell me about it." Kendi groaned and Nightskye felt her turn her body to look at Kael, wherever he was. "It seems as if you and Straightflight are getting along quite well." "I can't say that about you and your lack of progress with his rider." Nightskye retorted and then grew silent as a rogue breeze from behind her caught her attention. It had come from a diagonal when their little flock should have been flying with the wind directly behind them. "Kendi, I'd like to check something out for a second." As soon as Kendi had agreed, Nightskye wheeled about in a perfect 180 and headed back in the direction they'd come from. Daycry appeared beside her. "What's up, 'Skye?" "I don't know." For once, Nightskye wasn't annoyed with her brother's antics. There was something on the horizon that had caught her attention. Picking up speed, Nightskye rose a little higher and nearly stalled in her surprise. "It's skybax from Canyon City!" She shrieked, grabbing the attention of all those left behind. ((ooc: I've got to quit early because mom's hounding on me to finish some chores. I'll try again later.))
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Post by Tiasalle on Mar 24, 2007 16:04:53 GMT -5
ooc: Oh, sorry about the "first kiss" thing. I DEFINITELY have NO problem with THAT Kendi started out of her own thoughts when she heard Nightskye call out, "It's skybax from Canyon City!" She wondered how they had escaped from the Drivers as Kael put his hand on her shoulder. Kendi looked up at him quizzically, Kael looked away and took his hand away from her, "Sorry, instinct" Kendi stood and called to Nightskye, "Are you certain?" not because she doubted the pteranodon's sight ability, but because she could not believe what her friend had said Nightskye cried back, "Of course I am certain, it is only a little group of them, though. Possibly about nine or ten out of the hundreds that were training there" Kendi felt weak and sat on the rock ground, "Are they all dead or did more of them survive?" she asked no one in particular Kael sat next to her, "I don't know" he said For some reason, the fact that Kael was as uncertain as Kendi comforted her. It meant that they were on the same page, at the same time in life. Kendi counted the days that they had been away from Canyon City. Was in only two or three? The fact boggled her mind. Nightskye landed before Kendi, next to Straightflight and Kendi had to wonder at what the future held in store for them. She felt as if something great was going to take place. As if this was what she was born to do. Kendi's brown eyes moved from side to side on the ground as she listened to her thoughts and feelings. She had never had this feeling of something so grand approaching her. It was as if her feelings of being left out and rejected had prevented her from seeing her true self. She walked towards the fire and closed her eyes. Suddenly, she felt what it was like to be a true Dinotopian. A oneness with everyone and everything enveloped her heart. Kendi opened her eyes and saw a few members of their small group staring at her as if trying to figure out her odd behavior. Kendi ignored them, turned back to Nightskye, who seemed to know exactly what was happening. Kendi took a deep breath, "We need to be careful, these visitors may have brought Drivers with them. If the skybax can move that fast, imagine what the Drivers could do" Silence lingured among the souls that were gathered on the top of the last canyon as Kendi spoke. Kendi's spirit was tired of being smothered in the fear of what others thought and saw in her. It was time for Kendi and Nightskye to step up. They had brought this small clan here, now they needed to make sure they survived under their leadership. Kendi turned confidently to Kael, kissed him on the forehead, and whispered, "I love you" before turning back to Nightskye, "I guess we have our job cut out for us, 'Skye. Let's greet the strangers and make sure there are no Drivers behind them" As they rose into the sky, Nightskye asked, "So what made you finally give in to the power within you?" Kendi smiled, "You have been so protective of me, Nightskye. Your example has taught me what I needed to do. Thank you" The pteranodon's back viberated with her happiness, "You have taught me as well, Kendi. I guess we were meant to come together at this time and this place to work together and protect Dinotopia from the Drivers" Kendi smiled as warmth wrapped her heart, "I couldn't agree more, dear friend" ooc: I hope you don't mind this scene, but Kendi had to step up SOME time
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