Kiva
Apprentice
Self-proclaimed Ninja Mistress... with cat ears...
Posts: 171
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Post by Kiva on Mar 17, 2006 22:56:49 GMT -5
(OOC: Believe me, Croco, I in no way implied that you were a novice. I simply meant to inform you and others that if I don't reply to something your character has done, it's either because: 1.) I don't know your char well enough to control it... or 2.) It's not in a position for me to interact with it. That's all. If it came across as an insult, I'm sorry. That was not my intention.
And Katrina: I'm not sure what to do with Shaz and Gav right now, so she can wake up whenever she likes. )
Safyre nibbled at the prickly stitches on her wing enough to ease the discomfort. She was perched on one of the many rock spires that dotted the landscape. Firefly groaned and whistled sadly. He wasn't seriously hurt, but it certainly wasn't a comfortable position to be in.
“Are you all right, Firefly?” Safyre asked, concerned.
“I don't know. I can't move my right wing, but I think it's just because it's pinned between me and the rock.” He paused and looked up at her, confused. “Why are you being so nice to me all of a sudden? I figured you'd be pecking away at me right now.”
Safyre clicked her beak in a feminine pterosaurian giggle. “If I was as full of testosterone as Alpenglow or Cloudrunner, I just might.” She too, paused and extended her injured wing for Fly to see. “Besides, I know what torment is like, and I wouldn't wish it on anyone. Not even you.”
Firefly looked away, ashamed. “I'm sorry. I... I really don't know what to say...”
“Then why don't you just shut up, hatchling,” a menacing voice cawed out behind Safyre. She turned, and her eyes widened in horror as she was confronted with the massive form of Nightwing.
Nightwing was perched on another spire quite near Safyre's. Close enough for striking distance. His eyes moved from the trapped form of Firefly, to the fearfully paralyzed form of Safyre. His eyes sparkled, maliciously.
“Well, I and my companions scout out the invaders of our territory, and what do I find? The beautiful blue jewel that escaped my snare just a few days before. And from the looks of your... inhibitions... my dear, it seems that a similar escape act will not be possible.”
It was true. Safyre could not fly for risk of her wing being damaged permanently. She also could not leave Firefly to the villanous pterosaur's cruelty. She looked above them and saw 5 of Nightwing's more powerful clan members waiting for a signal from their leader to attack. Gone was Safyre's shyness, only to be replaced with a ferocity that had saved her life against him just a few days ago. She spread her wings in a chalenging way, focusing all attention on her, and hissed at Nightwing.
“Leave the youngling out of this. If it's me you want, then here I am.”
Safyre was scared stiff, but braced herself for the fight of her life.
(OOC: I ask that whoever posts a reply to this first that you not seriously hurt or kill Nightwing in any way. Drive him off if you want, but I need him to keep the plot going. Otherwise, we have a boring RP now.
Also, I meantioned this at the beginning of the RP, but I'll say it again. Everyone, please refrain from the use of vuglar or explicit language in this RP. Even if you spell it in a way that doesn't get picked up by Azzy's "Chocolate Meter," it's still offensive to some people. And being a writer, I know that there are more creative and less offensive ways to express yourself. Thanks for listening to my rambles! ;D)
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Katrina Rix
Apprentice
Del pasado al presente, vivimos en un universo encantado.
Posts: 108
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Post by Katrina Rix on Mar 18, 2006 0:02:33 GMT -5
Brightfeather's heart nearly stopped when she saw the six strange skybax. Once again, Safyre's body language was screaming that these were not friends. She landed just above Safyre, small enough to be unnoticed, and listened to the caws of the pterosaurs speaking. She saw Safyre's challenging posture, and noted it was directed at the big crimson male. Brightfeather's feathers flattened. This was the biggest skybax she'd ever seen, bigger even than Alpenglow or the new male. He took a step towards Safyre and the trapped youngster, and Brightfeather's maternal instincts went into overdrive. "SCREEYEEP!" Brightfeather launched herself at Nightwing's face. He flinched back in surprise, and tumbled into the air. It was like a fox attacking an elephant. She circled about his head in a series of dizzying whirls, trying to get close enough to use her claws. Brightfeather was an adult raptor. While no one could describe her snarls as bloodcurdling, they definitely had a quality that commanded attention. Nightwing cawed in anger and tried to snap at the tiny dinobird's long tail. Brightfeather saw the movement and dove away, losing another feather from her tail to his beak. She came up under his stomach and snapped her tiny teeth, suited for catching bugs and small lizards, shut on his skin. It wasn't serious damage, barely even piercing the skin, but Nightwing shook her off with a squall of pain. Brightfeather tumbled and caught herself just in front of Safyre, then banked and glided at the massive pterosaur. One of his clan came to his aid, and Brightfeather found herself pressed to avoid two snapping beaks. ***** Alpenglow flew up over the rocks. He could make it through, but he didn't want to risk a crash when someone needed help. Cloudrunner and Alpenglow swept in together, flying in tandem. So many confrontations with each other had left them capable of working together. Then Alpenglow saw Nightwing, and screamed in rage. He recognized the massive male, and his eyes got crazy. Cloudrunner saw Nightwing's cohorts and shrilled a warning to Alp. Brightfeather was keeping the crimson quetzacoatlus busy, making a serious nuisance of herself. At that moment, one of the others flapped his way towards Brightfeather, and the remaining four peeled off towards the two rookery males. "Remember that fight last November, right around here? The chute? The one I won?" Cloudrunner cawed. "Hmph. I seem to recall that I won that one," Alpenglow retaliated. "Whatever. Keep them off my tail!" Alpenglow climbed, seeking the advantage of height, while Cloudrunner dove down, looking for a hole in the canyon wall that, if he hit it right, would take him out next to Safyre, where maybe he could help. Sunchaser showed up, panting from keeping up with the bigger, older males. He squealed with fear, seeing the situation. Alpenglow climbed. Just have to keep them away from Cloud, keep them following me, stay out of reach... Oh no! The youngster! Sunchaser squalled as one of the Untamed pterosaurs lunged for him. Alpenglow dove into the other quetzacoatlus, knocking it out of control. However, now at the same height, Alpenglow faced three pterosaurs and one who was rapidly recovering, and he wasn't sure he could depend on Sunchaser in a fight. Sunchaser cheeped "There'll be a lot from the Rookery any second! The skybax on the landing heard the distress call!" ((Ah, let them sleep. I'm sure it won't last long.))
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Post by Highsoar on Mar 18, 2006 2:20:55 GMT -5
Highsoar was with the group searching for Safyre. She heard the distress call and had joined in the fray also, but she was quite distracted. She was trying to evade the rogue 'Baxes while not crashing to the ground. Luckily the wind wasn't that high at the moment. She was focused on the shape in front of her, the truth now quite apparent.
"Highwind!"
"I knew this would happen. But I hoped not this soon."
"And you will now attack me?"
"You are especially hard to understand, you could live wild now bu you remain with the humans."
"Yes, I made my choice. It is yours I do not understand. I don't want to fight you, however. I just hope I am not left without a choice, brother. I do not want to choose"
Nightwind did not truly want to either, but he did not admit this. "It does not matter now. Just stay clear and you won't get hurt."
"I will try, but if I am on a mission, I cannot compromise it. I do not want to fight, but I will if you choose to force me. I wish you would not leave us on opposite sides."
"I made my choice just as you did yours. I had my reasons. I will not speak for myself, but the others may well kill you. You are not the best flier anyway."
"I can manage." But she hoped they did attack in a group again. She would find herself on the ground after a crash again.
She did not get the chance to say anymore to him, the group had to focus on freeing Safyre and Brightfeather. But the truth she now knew deeply troubled her.
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Kiva
Apprentice
Self-proclaimed Ninja Mistress... with cat ears...
Posts: 171
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Post by Kiva on Mar 18, 2006 19:19:10 GMT -5
(OOC: Another nice long post for y'all. Katrina, I guess we should just let Croco bring Gavyn and Shaz back into the picture then when he wants to talk. Makes sense to me, if it's all right with you...)
“Oh, it is you I definitely want, Safyre. But I intend to make an example of the meddlsome hatchling as well.” Nightwing took a step toward Firefly, but Safyre interposed herself between the two and hissed menacingly, her wings spread in front of Firefly like a shield. Nightwing almost laughed. “Really, my dear, you'll have to do better than that to challenge me.”
Suddenly, Nightwing found himself being attacked by a tiny ball of feathers with an attitude and sharp teeth. The biting, scratching, and swooping did little more than aggrivate him, but Nightwing was not given to blind rage. A shriek on his part brought his brother, Stratus, down to assist. Stratus swooped at Brightfeather and she dodged. Nightwing gauged and measured her movements, studying the way the little dinobird moved as she avoided his brother's attacks. With infinite patience, he waited for the right moment... There![/b]
Faster than the eye could blink, Nightwing's beak shot out and snagged the tiny flier. He held her tight enough to keep her from getting away, but gently enough not to hurt her. Brightfeather squealed and scratched and bit, but her claws and teeth did no good against the bony, nerveless structure of Nightwing's beak.
Safyre screeched when she saw her tiny friend at the mercy of the heartless villain. And even with the tiny raptor in his beak, he still managed to communicate clearly and sarcastically.
“Well, if this isn't an interesting turn of events. What to do...? What to do...?”
“Please, don't hurt her...!” Safyre pleaded, lowering her wings and dipping her head submissively. “I'll do anything you ask, only please let my friends go!”
Nightwing's eyes held a bemused look. “Having a change of heart now, are we? I much rather fancied your look of rage. It very much becomes you, my dear.” Safyre knew she had almost lost her temper, and she was ashamed. Nightwing squinted at her, studying her with intrest, and spoke again.
“Yet, to show you I'm not as heartless and cruel as many think, I'll propose a trade. Your life for theirs. I'll not harm them if you come with us willingly. It's your choice, my dear.”
Safyre looked at the struggling form of Brightfeather who cheeped wearily and furtively. Her gaze then turned to Firely who was being towered over by Stratus. Fly was attempting to look brave, but doing a miserable job of it. Safyre knew the other Skybax could end the young one's life in an instant, and she suddenly knew what her answer must be. She could not let anyone suffer because of her selfishness.
“Don't hurt them. I will come,” she whistled sadly.
“Your word of honor, then?”
Safyre cooed an agreement. Nightwing nodded, then flung Brightfeather none too gently to the flatened ground of the rock spire that Safyre was standing on. Apart from being a little bruised, the tiny Microraptor was unhurt, but managed an outraged screech. Safyre, though, wrapped her wings around Brightfeather in a light blue cocoon and shook her head at the little raptor, signifying that she shouldn't try to attack again. Brightfeather peeped in uncertainty, but complied.
---,--'--(@
Rainstorm watched as the Rider Skybax knocked her companion, Thunderbolt, away from a younger Skybax that had come to the recue of the blue one. With an outraged screech, Rainstorm descended at breakneck speed upon the unwary male. She plowed into him, their momentum sending them crashing onto the flat top of a narrow plateu high above the canyon.
The impact knocked the wind out of Alpenglow, and he was surprised to see a female Skybax standing on top of him. It was the same position he'd pushed one of the younger 'baxes into earlier. And judging from the scars on this female's body, she'd been in -and learned from- many more fights than he had.
“Go after my partner, and you mess with me, hatchling,” she growled, pterosaurian-like, at him. And as long as she had him pinned, that left the other three to deal with the inexperienced youngling.
Suddenly, a far-off screech was heard. Raincloud looked in the direction of the cry, all the while, maintaining a firm grip on Alpenglow to keep him from scrambling off. Apparently, help was coming, and it would be too many for them to match at this point.
“Thunder! Alert Nightwing! We've got company!” Thunderbolt cawed an affirmative and shot out towards Nightwing's location. Raincloud returned to the matter at hand.
“Not so tough without your Partner, are you? You Riders are all alike. Weak and pathetic.” She got off him and flapped above to stay out of his reach. “Stay with those Humans long enough, and you'll turn weak and soft just like all the others.”
Rain flapped off to join the others of her group, leaving Alpenglow to continue to catch his breath and wonder what just happened.
---,--'--(@
“Safyre, don't do it! Help is coming! You don't have to do this!” Firefly cried out. He didn't want this to happen. Not to Safyre. Not to anyone.
“But I have to,” Safyre replied, resignedly. “I gave my word...”
At that moment, Clourunner burst through an opening between the rocks and took quick stock of the situation. He then made a dash for Nightwing, intending to end the problem once and for all. But Stratus was quicker. He plowed into Cloudrunner, but hit him at a wrong angle, and Stratus' shoulder dislocated. Flying was now impossible for him. Still, it had the desired effect of turning the newcomer male's attention to himself. Nightwing saw his brother's intent and took off, hovering nearby.
“Go, brother!” Stratus screamed, in pain, “If he's here than there may be others with him. Get the rest of the group to safety!”
Nightwing turned his attention to Safyre. “Our bargain is on hiatus, my dear. Remember your promise, otherwise I will take away all that you hold dear as payment. I will come for you when you are healed.”
His eyes locked on his brother's, and an uncertain concern flickered across them. With a screech of rage, he wheeled away and led the rest of the group down the ravine through an aerial trail that would be impossible for the assisting Skybaxes to follow without risking their Rider's lives.
Cloudrunner advanced on the injured Skybax, hissing threateningly. “So, what should I do with the likes of you?”
Startus was not intimidated. Having Nightwing for a brother had steeled Stratus to an imperviousness to intimidation. He was fearless, even in the sight of immense pain and even death. “Kill me, if it gives you satisfaction,” he replied with an unnerving calmness, “It matters not to me.”
“Stop it, please!” Both rivals turned to the speaker.
Safyre trembled violently in fear, adrenaline, and pain. Her beak was open in a hearty pant. Her wing hurt too much to support her, so she propped herself up on the other wing, but that too looked near collapse. “Hasn't there been enough hurt and injury today?” Her eyes pleaded with Cloudrunner. “No more... please!”[/color]
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Katrina Rix
Apprentice
Del pasado al presente, vivimos en un universo encantado.
Posts: 108
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Post by Katrina Rix on Mar 18, 2006 21:46:38 GMT -5
Brightfeather got to her feet with a hiss and an aggravated ruffle of her feathers. "This time, I'll just go for your eyes, or use my foot claws on your ugly wings!" she screeched, her feathers standing on edge with rage. At that point, Safyre effectively caged Brightfeather in with her wings and shook her head. Brightfeather whistled a questioning note, but respected her charge's wishes. She wondered what the nature of that interchange had been. The little dromaesaurid began to preen furiously, nibbling the edges of her feathers and putting them back in order. Her pride was more bruised then her body, but her pride was smarting painfully. She wanted to demonstrate she was nothing to be trifled with, and her predator's blood was still boiling with aggression. At that point, Brightfeather heard a series of screams and squalls. She darted under Safyre's wing. She saw another hurt bax, and the big crimson male (who Brightfeather had filed mentally under enemy) leaving. Cloudrunner was looking at Safyre, his head lowered submissively. ***** Brightfeather wasn't the only one with injured dignity, though Alpenglow's was a little less bruised. As soon as he was free, he darted towards Sunchaser. "Are you all right, kid?" Sunchaser had made a run back towards the Rookery when pursued by the Untamed. Now he turned back to Alpenglow. "... Yeah..." The two young males knocked beaks together in midair. It was a gesture of reassurance, and both needed it. Alpenglow wasn't used to being beaten, but that wasn't what hurt him. What got to him was the fact that they could have shredded young Sunchaser while the big rusty red male couldn't even help. Well, at least they were both all right. The large rusty pterosaur rose, flying protectively over the younger skybax. Alpenglow heard Safyre's yelp, and dove towards the noise. Sunchaser followed, just a touch behind and below. "We're coming!" Alpenglow bellowed. The two riderless skybax swept in. Cloudrunner was standing over another male, slightly larger than Cloud but a little smaller than Alp. The stranger's body posture yelled pain, and Alpenglow could see the dislocated wing. There was Safyre... She looked tired, but not injured. There was Brightfeather, grooming with a palatable air of rage and indignation. Alpenglow's stomach performed a somersault when he saw Firefly's position. At least the big male couldn't see any blood or broken bones. Cloudrunner backed off. "Well, since you're asking, Safyre." "Sunchaser, get to the Rookery. Tell them we've got two, no, three counting Safyre, skybax who won't be flying out of here," Alpenglow barked, assuming command. "Cloudrunner, make sure Safyre's all right. Leave the stranger alone for now. He's not going anywhere." Cloudrunner bristled. "Since when do I take orders from you, Alp?" Nonetheless, he winged up to Safyre, concerned about her. No one besides Firefly had heard and understood the exchange between Safyre and Nightwing. Alpenglow glared at Stratus, then wheeled to Firefly. "Easy, youngster. We can get you out of there." He examined the crevice and whistled, impressed. "Wow, you're good," he teased, gently. "I'm not sure I could get myself that stuck without help." Alpenglow was pugnacious and tough, but a larger side of him was mischievous - a side which had had too little chance to show itself since Shazrad's injury.
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Post by Highsoar on Mar 20, 2006 2:07:44 GMT -5
Highsoar sreeched after the departing Untamed, her head still whirling with different thoughts. She heard Highwind calling back one last time.
"Next time, we will fight. Or you can join us while you still have a chance!"
"Never!" she screeched, then called "No, I will not fight you! I will never fight you."
Highwind circled, fell in alongside her. He snapped as she passed him, not damaging her wings further but causing her to plummet downward.
"Stop. Just get out of here."
He said nothing, just dove after and snapped again.
Highsoar plopped down hard near the group on the ground, crash landing, though not too hard. She gathered her feet under her, hurting a bit.
"War divides kin" she said simply, not directing it at anyone in particular. "Family takes sides. Fights each other. Hard to know what to do."
With the other group, Highwind sighed. At least Nightwing did not have family lines crossing allegiance lines. He and his brother were on the same side.
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Kiva
Apprentice
Self-proclaimed Ninja Mistress... with cat ears...
Posts: 171
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Post by Kiva on Mar 20, 2006 6:48:13 GMT -5
Cloudrunner sidled up to Safyre, careful to avoid the still miffed Brightfeather. “Are you all right?” he cooed, concernedly.
Safyre's wings trembled as she tried to remain upright. She just wanted to sleep, but wasn't sure if she should. Cloudrunner seemed to read her mind.
“You can rest for a while, if you need to. Sunchaser won't be back with help for a little while yet.”
Safyre looked up at him. “But what if the Untamed return...?!” Her tone bordered on the hysterical.
Cloudrunner touched his beak gently to hers, silencing her agitation.
“Alpenglow and I aren't going to let anything happen. No one's going to hurt you as long as I'm here, Saf.”
She sighed and folded her wings, her eyes closing in some much needed sleep. Amazingly, throughout the whole confrontation, she still managed to hold on to the feather that her little friend had given her.
(OOC: Sorry the post is so short, but I really have no idea how to rescue everyone. And Katrina, I don't know when Croco's going to reply, so if Shaz wants to wake up now, feel free. Also, does Alp care for Safyre in "that" way at all? I just wondered... )
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Katrina Rix
Apprentice
Del pasado al presente, vivimos en un universo encantado.
Posts: 108
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Post by Katrina Rix on Mar 20, 2006 13:48:35 GMT -5
((Nah... They haven't really hung out enough for Alp to get fond in "that" way. But Alp will still somehow see Cloudrunner's crush as an excuse to fight with him.... Of course.))
Firefly stared at Alpenglow. "How?"
The bigger male sighed and raised his voice, for everyone's benefit. "It'll take a while, but we should be out before dawn. They'll have to get a couple of the bigger saurians from Canyon City and come around to one of the trails down to the floor. We're going to have to work you loose, Firefly. Both you and Safyre need to get to the canyon floor - Saf, if you glide nice and easy, your wing should be able to take it. Firefly, if you can't fly when we get you loose, Cloud and I can help you make a safer crash. Once everyone's on the floor and the saurians arrived, we'll be able to transport the ones who can't fly out of here. They might have a saddle that a skybax can cling to - I've seen them used before. If worse comes to worse, someone'll have to be strapped down... Probably him." Alpenglow gestured at Stratus.
The stranger was still alert, though he was wishing he wasn't. Stratus stood, his wing dragging. "I didn't ask for your rescue," he hissed.
"You've got it anyway," Alpenglow snapped.
Safyre looked at her wing. "All right, so I just need to glide down." She hoped it would hold. Brightfeather stared at her, curiously. As usual, she had no idea what was happening, but she burbled to let everyone know she was game for it.
Cloudrunner was instantly alert. "Alp!"
"Way ahead of you." The two males glided right under Safyre, ready to break her fall. Brightfeather flew just above Safyre's bad wing, whistling. Fortunately, she made her way to the canyon floor with no difficulty. Cloudrunner landed protectively between her and Stratus, half closing his wings and hissing. Alpenglow clacked his beak impatiently. Cloudrunner glared over his shoulder, and Alpenglow, surprisingly, shut up. Instead, he went back to Firefly. "How are you doing?"
"I feel all right. I mean, I don't think I'm hurt, but I can't move. I've been trying to wiggle, and I think I'm looser."
Alpenglow considered. "I'm going to try pushing you back. Don't hesitate to tell me if it hurts at all."He wedged his beak in under the younger male and shoved up and back, the reverse of the direction Firefly had come from when he got stuck. Alpenglow was trying to be careful. The last thing he needed was a hurt youngster. It was no good, though. Before he could properly push, Firefly squeaked in protest. "All right, we'll wait for riders."
Firefly nodded mutely, but Alpenglow could see panic burgeoning in the young skybax's eyes. He needed a distraction. The big rusty male began to tell a story about worse rescues he'd had to perform. It worked - he could see that he was taking Firefly's mind off the situation.
Alpenglow looked up and sighed with relief. Four skybax and their riders were coming fast - one of them wearing a Master's blue. In short order, Firefly found himself in a rigged rescue harness. One end of a rope was tied to his harness, and the other end was in the beak of the master's skybax, a trim, strong looking female. It was slung over a spire, so that the whole system was rigged as a pulley. The riders surrounded Firefly, ready to steady him and help work him out. Hands and a gentle pull managed what Alpenglow could not. Firefly was quickly freed, then lowered to the canyon floor. Alpenglow watched the efficiency of the older skybax and decided that one day, he, too, would be that cool.
Safyre was asleep again. Brightfeather was standing watch. Dark was falling, and Cloudrunner had succumbed, too. Alpenglow saw Firefly yawning as the master rider inspected him minutely. Alpenglow was suddenly aware that he hadn't slept at all last night; he let himself drift off while he waited for the saurians to arrive so the hurt skybax could be moved back to the rookery.
Brightfeather's nurturing instincts, in the meantime, were leading her straight into trouble. She saw the injured male, looking surprisingly lonely. Friendly, Brightfeather may be, but she wasn't outright stupid. She knew perfectly well that this was the skybax responsible for Nightwing catching her. She fluttered to a spire above him and whistled loudly - a sharp note, but not hostile.
Stratus, resigned to being left on the floor alone, was surprised to see the small, brightly colored dinobird land near him, just out of reach. He cooed curiously. This was one of the few creatures bold or stupid enough to outright attack his brother? Brightfeather sat down, burbling comforting notes.
It was a couple of hours later that four dinosaurs arrived. One was a club tailed ankylosaurid - a Saichania. A pair of large Edmontosaurus cows and a Torosaurus bull finished the group. It was an easy enough matter to help Safyre and Firefly onto the saddles of the Edmontosaurus cows, but Stratus presented a problem. He hissed and snapped his beak when the riders came close. Finally, Alpenglow put his foot down.
"Do you want to lie here until you starve," he rumbled, "or do you want some help?" Stratus shut his beak and glared, but he didn't resist when they lifted him onto the Torosaur's back. Alpenglow, Highsoar and Cloudrunner returned to the rookery after they were shooed off, while the rest of the group began the more serpentine path back.
((And Brightfeather's collection of injured skybax to protect grows. Oy. How about you wake the rest of the crew up - it's almost dawn gametime anyhow... I've about typed myself out.))
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Post by Croco and Speedwing on Mar 20, 2006 18:48:15 GMT -5
((OOC: Crap...I've lost the RP a little...I'm gonna have to do the best I can to make some sense of this. And Kiva, I wanna talk to you about how to handle Croco and Shaz. If there's anything I'm more afraid of than screwing up someone's character, I'd like to know what it is.))
Croco had made his way out of the chaos and was proceeding down the path to where the infirmary was. It wasn't too far from the rookery, so it wouldn't have been too taxing on his already worn out body as he smiled when he saw the facility. It was like any other typical Dinotopian hospital; you walked in and was greeted by a front desk, where a receptionist would greet you while a shelf of scrolls stood behind her, most likely the records of the patients that had visited the hospital. When Croco entered, he was greeted by an elderly woman and an ovinutrix, who had a sack attached to his back.
"Oh!" the human receptionist gasped, "I'll be with you in just a moment..."
Croco smiled as he leaned over the desk, arms resting against it. "That's okay....I'm here to check on an injured Skybax rider." She was busy unloading various items, including bottles of medicines and scrolls, from the sack, then removed the harness from the ovinutrix so that he could move his arms freely. The only other thing on him was a silver-lined blue vest that stood out on his dark hide as he nodded and offered a clawed hand in greeting to Croco. When the woman was done, she smiled up at Croco as he pressed his hand to her saurian companion's.
"You said something about an injured Skybax rider?" she asked. When Croco nodded, she reached under the desk to pull something out, then handed it to the ovinutrix and he walked off, swishing his tail lightly behind him. "Name?"
"I'm not sure of his name," he responded, "I only heard that he was attacked by a group of wild Skybaxes...I've heard some of the other riders refer to them as the Untamed. Do you have any light of this?"
"Oh...we have a flier that was brought in not long ago. Those that brought her in were talking about the Untamed and..." Croco put his hand up,
"That's great...I need to talk to her." The woman was hesitant to do so as she stepped out from behind the desk
"I don't know if she's in good enough shape to talk right now," she told him, "When she was brought in, she wasn't in very good shape...when I saw her, it appeared she had several broken ribs after being thrown into a river. That and the people that brought her in said she was also feeling discomfort in her back...I gave her some medicine derived from Cycas litoralis to ease the pain." What Croco didn't know is that the woman was not just the one at the front desk; all that worked in Dinotopian medical facilities have had extensive training in medicine and healing as well as the various herbs that grow on Dinotopia. He knew that species well, having seen them on a visit to Thailand when he was younger, but did not know the healing qualities of the plant.
"Can I see if she's asleep?" asked the young man. Just as the woman was about to answer, the ovinutrix returned and grunted a response back to him, which drew a smile on her face.
"Paga says that she is awake," she said to him, "Come..." Croco followed the pair back behind the desk into the heart of the infrimary, where several rooms were situated. They were a cross between an examination room and a room found at an inn, each having a temporary bench for patients to sit and be looked at by the doctors as well as a bed for those that have been ordered to stay to rest and sleep in. Paga looked at his partner before knocking on one of the doors...the one leading to room 5. "She's in there..."
Croco and Paga stood in the doorway of the dimly lit room, looking over to see Shazrad sitting up in her bed. "Hello?" he said softly, not sure if there's any other people or saurians in the room.
((OOC: We're gonna have to discuss this in further detail, Kiva...I'd like for this to be a good story as much as anyone else here.))
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Kiva
Apprentice
Self-proclaimed Ninja Mistress... with cat ears...
Posts: 171
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Post by Kiva on Mar 20, 2006 20:47:07 GMT -5
Safyre was lulled into a doze by the rythmic rocking of the Edmontosaurus' stride. It was slow progress back to the Rookery, but she was almost unaware of the slow passage of time. Only once did the Edmontosaurus walk too close to the canyon wall and Safyre scraped her wing. She let out a tinny shriek and her mount honked an apology.
Firefly was out like a light, and snoring loudly; much to everyone's chagrin.
Brightfeather perched on the Torosaurs' frill, watching the injured Stratus try to keep his wing stable and immobile. It was difficult work and not always successful. Each time it was jostled, Stratus would hiss slightly in pain, and Brightfeather would chirp in concern. Stratus was actually getting used to the motherly instincts of the tiny dinobird. He'd never gotten any from his mother. In fact, he hadn't even known his mother. She had abandoned the nest when Nightwing was almost an adult, and it had been his older brother that raised him. Another stumble from his mount sent a shudder of pain down his wing, but he held his tongue. Brightfeather cocked her head at him. He smiled to himself. “Crazy little fluffball...” he cooed.
---,--'--(@
Alpenglow noticed that Cloudrunner was reluctant to leave the group. He kept looking back every few flaps or so, a concerned look in his eyes. Alp had already guessed the reason why.
“Relax, Cloud,” he cawed, a trace of humor in his voice, “Your girlfriend's going to be fine.”
Cloudrunner seemed to blush. “She's not my girlfriend. I just don't feel right about leaving her with one of them[/b]. No telling what he'll try...”
Alp's beak clacked in laughter. “What? Like try and steal your girl's heart or something?”
Clourunner's beak snapped shut, loudly. “Shut up, Alpenglow! If you want to pick on me, that's fine; but Safyre's not that kind of girl!”
To say that Alp was surprised by Cloudrunner's outburst would be an understatement. Though they'd had their spats before, he'd never heard this type of emotion coming from his rival. “Cloud... I'm sorry...”
“Just forget it, Alp,” Cloud cut in, curtly, “I wouldn't expect you to understand, anyway.” The frazzled male pumped his wings and pulled away from Alpenglow.
A few moments later, they landed at the Rookery, and Cloud stormed off to find Connor and Gavyn. Safyre and the others would need Gavyn's healing abilities, and he desperately needed to talk to his human companion.
---,--'--(@
Gavyn busied himself with his studies and monitored Shaz's condition. After a few hours had gone by, he knew that the medicine would wear off soon. He settled himself in for a few minutes sleep on the couch nearby.
Before he could even get the chance to mentally shut down, there was a familiar scratching sound at the door. Gavyn walked over to it and opened it up, to be confronted by the agitated form of Cloudrunner.
“Cloud, what's wrong?”
“Gavyn, they'll need your help at the Rookery. Firefly may have been hurt, Safyre was forced to take flight, and we have a member of the Untamed with a dislocated shoulder is coming in soon.”
Gavyn's eyes widened. “All right, I'll be right there.” He gathered some supplies, scrawled a short note for Shaz in case she woke up, and left some instructions for Quill and the receptionist before heading to the Rookery.
And now that Cloud had taken care of his civic duty, he headed off to find Connor.[/color]
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Katrina Rix
Apprentice
Del pasado al presente, vivimos en un universo encantado.
Posts: 108
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Post by Katrina Rix on Mar 21, 2006 1:41:56 GMT -5
((Shaz is mine - she's tough and competent, but with a serious playful streak around the other riders. She's pretty social and friendly. Alpenglow's her partner, Connor's her best friend, and she has a crush on Gavyn. She's very physical - punch in shoulder, wrestle, and challenge to a rock climbing contest. She and Alp seem to favor search and rescue flights.)) Great. Now Alpenglow was feeling moody again. He watched Cloud fly off in a serious snit, but didn't try to catch the smaller male. Alp considered going to the hospital to visit Shaz, but the sun was barely over the horizion. He roosted above the barn and dropped off to sleep again. ***** When Shazrad opened her eyes and stretched, she suddenly remembered exactly why she was in a strange bed. Her rock scraped back screamed, the ribs felt like they were on fire, and her ankle joined the chorus. She could see that one of the bruises on her chest was a lovely shade of deep indigo. It was a horrible way to wake up, and Shaz expressed her frusterations in a hissed torrent of creative obscenties she had learned from a protoceratops. Then she looked around the room. Well, Gavyn was gone. At least he hadn't heard that nasty outburst. She noticed a note, but it was on the couch, and she wasn't feeling up to that expedition. She levered herself up and stared at the wall. Um. It was white, and had a small crack. The blackhaired woman slumped, which sent a fresh wave of pain across her ribs. The rawboned rider realized it was going to be a very long two days. At that point, Shazrad heard a soft knock at the door. "Come on in!" Please, she added silently. It was David, Swiftflight's young rider. The sixteen year old boy smiled nervously. "Thank you for saving us over the river," he stumbled. "Swift and I owe you pretty big. Any time you need a favor..." Shazrad's eyes lit up. "Do you play chess? Because if you've got any time, I'm going insane with the wall for company." David laughed. "I actually have a lesson soon, but I'll tell some of the riders your age that you're bored." "I think you just won a prize for understatement. Tell Connor. He'll know who to send." David left, and Shazrad stared at her friend Mr. Wall some more and tried not to concentrate on the painful throbbing in her ankle. Most of the riders would be at dawn lessons now, and Shaz envied them with a passion. Once again, Shazrad was delighted to hear a quizzical "Hello." She almost went with her gut instinct and bellowed a cheerful response, but this time she actually remembered the ribs. The twenty-two year old woman settled for a more sedate response. "Hey! Feel free to grab a chair and entertain me," she said, grinning cheerfully. Croco entered, and Shazrad flung her mind into searching for his name. "You're one of the older riders... Erm, year or two older... Don't tell me, you'll spoil my fun. Eh, the tall one, yeah, I know you. You haven't been flying long, right, but you've done pretty well? Hey! I've got it! You're Croco, heh? I think I've flown a few flights with you. Shazrad." Croco nodded and took the proffered seat. "Would you mind telling me what happened?" Shazrad smiled. "Is the old rumor mill grinding already? Okay, here goes. I was flying a night patrol with two kids who'd never flown at night - David and Swiftflight. Alpenglow and I were a little goofy at first. You know, racing, some dives, just fooling around. We settled down, and then I saw the biggest bloody skybax I've laid eyes on. I yelled, but Swiftflight didn't hear me. He dove right in front of the youngsters. Swiftflight stalled and went into a fall. The stranger vanished, and Alp and I dove after the kids. You know how at night, the only good thermals are coming off the Amu? Well, Alp and I punched into Swiftflight and got her over the warm air. We didn't pull out fast enough, though, and we both hit the water. I hit first. I guess Alp made it out pretty fast, but I was stunned. I got drug through some rocks before I got clear. After my swim, I was in fairly rough shape, so I just lie there for a while. Suddenly, the huge skybax comes back. He was acting like he wanted to kill me, but then a smaller one shows up. They're both fairly agitated, and then they leave, just before I hear Alp calling." Shazrad paused. "I'm pretty sure that's the lot." ***** Brightfeather and the injured skybax were back in the barn. Brightfeather greeted Gavyn with a downright resigned coo. She darted back and forth between Safyre and Stratus, checking on both of them. Safyre seemed as healthy as she had been before the incident. Firefly was fine. Stratus was a different matter. Brighfeather decided that this was the creature most in need of her protection at the moment. While she was still wary of his motives, she walked a little closer. The dromaesaurid knew she was the quicker of the two. Brightfeather twittered affectionately at Safyre, then turned to inspect the stranger. He was watching her, and didn't seem hostile. The microraptor gurgled and beeped, going through her lexicon of wierd, though friendly, noises.
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Kiva
Apprentice
Self-proclaimed Ninja Mistress... with cat ears...
Posts: 171
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Post by Kiva on Mar 21, 2006 22:11:52 GMT -5
Gavyn was shocked at the sight that met him. Three Skybaxes needed his attention all at once. He checked on Firefly first. Apparently this young juvenile had gotten stuck between some rocks. The Master rider had said that there were no injuries as far as he could tell, but he wasn't a healer, so it was best that Gavyn take another look. He did, and found that Firefly was merely a little scraped, bruised, and tired, but otherwise quite healthy.
He caught Safyre nibbling her stitches and pulled her head away, the reed in his mouth allowing him to talk to and gently scold her. He examined her injury and saw that, though the stitching was strained a little and seeping blood slightly, it was otherwise still strong and holding well. Taking some ointment from his pack, he rubbed the cooling paste onto her itchy wound. He chuckled when Safyre sighed in contentment and placed her beak on his shoulder. He stroked the soft navy “peach-fuzz” fur on her neck and her eyes half-closed in weary contenment. Gently, he moved away and walked over to Stratus.
During that time, Stratus was simply observing the goings-on and kept his eye on Gavyn. Nightwing had told him some horror stories about humans, but this one hardly seemed to fit the black picture Nightwing had painted for him. Absently, he observed the little Microraptor darting back and forth between himself and the blue female his brother was obssesed with. He wondered if, when she truly was fully healed and Nightwing came for her, she would go with him. She had given her word, but would she truly keep it? And would the others let her go? He doubted it. Especially the other male that seemed fond of her, the one he'd had to crash into; the one the bigger male had called “Cloudrunner.”
He was startled from his reverie by the sudden appearance of the human healer. He was even more startled when the human spoke in Stratus' language.
“Easy there, big guy, I'm not going to hurt you. Just let me look you over, okay?”
Stratus watched him. “If you wish to examine my injuries, fine, go ahead. I won't stop you. Just please don't patronize me.”
Gavyn arched an eyebrow. “My apologies. It wasn't intentional, I assure you.” He efficiently checked Stratus over and examined his dislocated shoulder. Sighing he moved to the large male's head. “I'll have to set it. It's going to be very painful. Do you want something to put you to sleep first?”
Stratus shook his head. “Just do it,” he grunted.
Gavyn shrugged a little and moved to the 'Bax's shoulder. “Don't say I didn't warn you...” He gripped Stratus' wing and double checked the angle of movement. The muscles in his arms flexed as he jerked Stratus' wing up. Stratus' gave a cross between a screech and a hiss. But the deed was done, and though it ached something fierce, at least the sharp firey pain was gone from his wing. He slowly crumpled to the floor, pain and exhaustion the only thing flitting through his mind.
Gavyn allowed him to lay where he fell, knowing that the Skybax was capable now of moving himself into a better sleeping position should the need arise. Gavyn yawned himself, exhaustion tearing at his body and mind as he walked between patients, making sure each of them were comfortable. This would be his third night in a row without sleep. Between injured Riders and their mounts Gavyn wondered if he'd ever sleep again.
He gave a miserable sigh; one of the few times that he ever expressed a dislike at his choice of jobs. He shook his head and pulled out his medical notebook, making notes about his patients. He would not be able to sleep for quite some time yet, so he might as well get used to it.
---,--'--(@
Cloudrunner was upset. Connor had gone off on some errand a while ago and was not expected back until tomorrow. He needed someone to talk to, now. His feelings for Safyre were growing into something more than just mere infatuation. True, he'd flirted with females before, but it had never been serious.
He and his human partner never got around to discussing what happens when a male 'Bax is attracted to a female, and frankly, he didn't quite understand what he was feeling right now. He needed to talk to someone... anyone...
(OOC: I was really tired when I wrote this, so forgive me if it sounds really stupid. I just didn't have the strength to go on... *falls off chair and onto floor, snoring loudly*
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Katrina Rix
Apprentice
Del pasado al presente, vivimos en un universo encantado.
Posts: 108
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Post by Katrina Rix on Mar 22, 2006 14:28:34 GMT -5
((Cloud needs the "birds and bees" talk? Well, there's always Brightfeather. "Look, I'm feeling really confused right now." "PweeT?" "I just don't know how I should be acting." "Cooourp. Sheerip, reet weetitit arurayurp." Or Shaz. ".... Look, you should probably ask someone with a higher batting average.")) Brightfeather watched Safyre drop off to sleep. The barn was practically empty - most of the other pterosaurs were out in the dawn, beginning the day. Even Firefly left. The other pterosaur was a strange male - older than any of the skybax Brightfeather had interacted with. He had an air of implacable dignity, and when he turned his head to face Brightfeather, she bobbed her head respectfully. He was twice as old as Alpenglow - about Brightfeather's equivilant age. He wasn't big - only Stratus's size, in spite of his greater age. He returned Brightfeather's head bob and ambled towards Stratus. He was collected and confident in his movements. "My name is Thunderhead," the older male offered. "I am here to answer any questions you may have." Thunderhead was partnered with one of the masters, a short, wiry woman with hair just going grey. Ellen was not in the barn with her partner. Instead, she was talking gravely with Firefly outside. Brightfeather chirruped brightly and dashed up beside Stratus. She leapt over his body and pivoted, then sprinted back to skid to a stop beside Thunderhead. She peeped, and wished, once again, that she had the foggiest notion what was going on. Oh well. ***** David hadn't been able to find Connor, what with him being gone, but the riders from Shaz's group had heard about the accident. The training created close camaradie between the riders, and that, combined with Shazrad's natural friendliness, meant she had plenty of well-wishers. However, no one wanted to disturb Shaz and slow her recovery. Eventually, it was decided to send one of Shaz's close friends with best wishes from the rest of her year group. Elena was chosen - she and Connor were Shaz's best friends. The young woman was a dolphinback, hailing originally from Central America. She had taught the Dinotopian born Shazrad and Irish Connor a little Spanish. Elena was on the short side, about 5'4", with green-grey eyes, long curly black hair, and a curvy body Shaz not-so-secretely envied. Elena, on the flip side, was jealous of her friend's height and strength. It had become somewhat of a joke between the two of them. "Beanpole!" Elena greeted. " ¡Bichiata!" Shazrad retorted, cutting off her conversation with Croco. Both girls beamed, and Elena gave the tall girl a careful hug. Shazrad winced, but returned the gesture. Elena raised an eyebrow. "So, who's the gentleman caller, willas? Don't tell me you've given up?" " ¡Diay! Of course not. This is Croco. He came by to find out how I destroyed my third uniform this year."
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Post by Croco and Speedwing on Mar 22, 2006 21:18:57 GMT -5
((OOC: Nice job, Katrina! I like how you played him for that little exchange....though if you wanna have her mention anything about Nightwing and/or the other Untamed, go ahead. And another thing...is this set in book time or modern time? This has a significant role in determining the method that Croco arrives on the island.))
Croco was naturally shocked after hearing Shazrad's tale of the strange Skybax, though he couldn't help but to crack a smile as she threw in the part where she and Alpenglow were playing with David and Swiftflight.
"Too bad Speedwing and I weren't around," he said with a bit of a chuckle, "He's always up for a little playtime in the canyon. But I think I may recall flying with you, Shazrad...can't think of when exactly off the top of my head, but you do seem familiar." A smile started to form over Shazrad's face despite the evident pain on her face while Croco continued. "So this...huge Skybax...could you tell if there were any distinguishing markings on him or anything?"
"Uhh..." Shazrad started, but was cut off when Elena burst into the room. Croco smiled and let the two young women embrace and exchange greetings, not saying another word until the fallen rider introduced him to her.
"Aye, it is a pleasure to meet you...I heard your friend here got into a little bit of trouble and then I started hearing things; first from other riders and then from the Skybax handlers in Chandara. Funny how things like this spread across the island, isn't it?" Then he turned to Shazrad with a wide grin on his face and leaned down close to her ear. "So I guess you now know what it's like to be dolphinbacked, eh?" Croco laughed a little at that, seeing as how Shazrad's swim in the Ame was reminiscent of his own ordeal off the southwest coast of Dinotopia...
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Kiva
Apprentice
Self-proclaimed Ninja Mistress... with cat ears...
Posts: 171
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Post by Kiva on Mar 22, 2006 22:57:34 GMT -5
Gavyn decided to go and check in on Shaz to see if she had awakened yet. His patients did not need him at the moment, so perhaps he could visit with Shazrad and then perhaps get a little rest.
Just as he reached the receptionist desk, he was greeted by Paga. “I have a message for you, Gavyn,” Paga said and handed him a letter. Gavyn thanked Paga and examined the envelope. It bore the seal of his former teacher. If Skala was contacting him, it must be important. But first, he had the last of his rounds to make.
He headed over to Shaz's room, knocked, then entered. He was surprised to see her with two guests, both of whom he'd seen around the Rookery once or twice. He greeted them both before turning to Shaz.
“How are you feeling?” he asked, smiling at her.
“Sore. Real sore. You wouldn't happen to have any more of that stuff you gave me, would you? I could use some of it right now.”
Gavyn laughed. “Sorry, but I'd have to make you more. I couldn't give you another dose until tomorrow anyway. The plant that it's derived from is highly addictive. I wouldn't want to risk that. I'll get you something milder. Won't be quite as effective, but it will help you sleep.” He walked over to the medicine cabinet and opened it, rummaging through the various bottles. “So, did you think much about what I said?”
Shaz looked at him, confused. “Umm... what did you say?”
Gavyn glanced back over his shoulder at her. “In my note. Did you... read it?”
Shaz's eyes widened. “I forgot all about it! I was going to, but I couldn't get to it, then Croco came and Elena...” Gavyn held up a hand and silenced her.
“No big deal,” he said. There was a strange sadness to his tone that was masked with exhaustion. He walked over and picked the note up. “It was my fault for not leaving it in an accessable place.”
“I'll read it now if you want...”
Gavyn shook his head. “It's not important,” he said, simply. He tore the note in half, then in half again, and threw it into the wastebasket. “I'm disturbing you and your guests, so I'll be back to check on you later.” He headed for the door, then paused.
“I also don't think it's a good idea for me to work with Alpenglow. I'm sure that Connor ar Elena would be happy to exercise Alp for you.”
Shaz was shocked. “But why? I thought...” Gavyn turned to her, and the look on his face shut her mouth. She saw it again, only more clearly this time. That look of betrayal and pain of rejection.
“I guess I'm just not good enough...” was all he said. He whispered a quick “goodnight” and left.
Elena immediately got up and fished the fragments of the note out of the trash. She put the pieces together and read it.
“Oh dear,” she said, worriedly.
“What? What is it?”
Elena brought the note fragments over and spread them out on Shaz's lap:
Shaz, I'm needed at the Rookery for an emergency but I'll be back soon. I look forward to our time together with you training me to ride. Perhaps, when you're well again, and this business with the Untamed is taken care of, we might spend some time getting to know one another a little better. I'b be honored to call you my friend.
Gavyn
---,--'--(@
Gavyn closed the door to his room and sat at his desk, opening the seal of the envelope and pulling out a short letter. Skala was known as a raptor of very few words, and this letter was no exception. The female Utahraptor wrote with a delicate hand, but Gavyn had no trouble translating. The letter, however, was not a pleasant one.
Gavyn sighed in frustration and put his head in his hands. “What else can go wrong...?” he mumbled.
(OOC: Uh oh, looks like Shaz just lost a few points with Gavyn right there. And what's with the mysterious letter? What's going on? I'm confused! Someone help!
Actually, I didn't know what to do with Cloudrunner at the moment, so I focused on Gavyn. More drama! Yay! And I think this is set in book time. Sounds easier to write that way.
Still tired... Still have a lot of homewrok to do...
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