Kiva
Apprentice
Self-proclaimed Ninja Mistress... with cat ears...
Posts: 171
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Post by Kiva on Mar 28, 2006 15:43:52 GMT -5
In the meantime, Connor was anxiously searching for woman who had arrived in Canyon City just last evening. He'd received a message from her and had hoped to intercept her before...
For an instant, he thought he saw her, but no such luck. Sighing in frustration, he knew he'd have to return to the Rookery soon, or who knew what trouble Cloud would get in. Just a few more minutes...
---,--'--(@
The slim young woman alighted from the Utahraptor's back and thanked him for the ride. Her face was hidden beneath the hood of the plum colored cape she wore in light of the current downpour. The Rookery was not as she imagined it, but she had little time to examine its architecture in her haste to get out of the rain.
She rushed into the nearest building and found that there were many Skybaxes and riders gathered in there. She saw one such pair off to the side, a large 'Bax and a tall black-haired woman that walked with a makeshift cane, and approached.
The Skybax turned his head to regard the visitor and cooed to get the other woman's attention.
Shaz looked up at the newcomer who was removing her hood. A mass of long, blonde curls framed a porcelain face with wide, crystal-blue eyes. The young woman smiled at Shaz who greeted her.
“My name is Shazrad. Welcome to the Rookery. Is there some thing I can do for you?”
“My name is Yvonne Du Bois,” she replied in a light, French accent. “Actually, I was hoping to find someone here...”
“Really? Who?”
The woman smiled, shyly. “Someone very special to me. Is Gavyn O'Malley a resident here?”
(Uh oh... is someone moving in on Shaz's territory? I wonder how Shaz would react to a rival for Gavyn's affection... )
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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 29, 2006 0:56:07 GMT -5
Alpenglow looked up at Shaz. Her face had become unusually still, but her customary friendliness rallied. "He's asleep right now. I'd let him be - he needs it. The rookery has had a spate of nasty accidents." Shazrad gestured, somewhat ruefully, at herself. The tall woman was a bit of a mess. She was dirty and wet from cleaning off Alpenglow. She had bummed a shirt off one of the other riders, so she had something to cover her bandages, but it was filthy and damp by now. Her hair was unkempt, and she couldn't put weight on her bad ankle. Even with her posture slightly stooped to accommodate the ankle, Shaz was a full head taller than the other woman, and the shirt's sleeves weren't long enough to conceal Shazrad's powerful, ropy arm muscles. Shaz suddenly felt the way she had felt when she first met Elena - too tall, gawky, and tomboyish by half. Maybe she's Gavyn's sister... With a different last name and no familial resemblance. Alpenglow whacked her in the sides with his beak, none too gently. "Yeep! The ribs, you bony flying rubbish heap!" Alp and Shaz exchanged amused glares. "Oh, right... This king of charm is called Alpenglow. Welcome to the Canyon City Rookery." Shazrad brushed the last coat of oil on Alp's wings. It was effective as a powerful lotion, protecting the wings from damage by sun, wind, or overzealous preening. It was also all over Shazrad's hands, softening even the calluses left by years of clinging to the saddle. Shaz inspected her hands resignedly. They were covered with loose skybax hairs and dirt, not to mention stray bits of straw from the barn, all stuck on by the oil. "I'd shake hands, but that'd hardly be a friendly gesture." ***** Rus found himself joined by Redrain and his rider, Brian Ulfson. Brian started. "If worse comes to worse, the young and the old would be safe enough in the barn, and there's certainly enough strong, fit skybax to make an attack foolish, even if they had greater numbers." Redrain broke in. "I don't think they do. Most skybax are associated with us. I doubt that there's enough wild ones who wish to attack a place of peace and exchange." Rus rumbled, "Even so... We must be prepared. However, I do not think that they will be foolish enough to attack our strongest point. If they are wise, they will go after patrols and fishing parties." He snapped his jaw meaningfully. "I know the fishing parties with me or some of the other larger dinosaurs will be safe enough. No pterosaur wants to risk a broken wing." Redrain sighed, morosely. "I hope it doesn't come to threats and violence. What I most regret is that the Untamed favor attacking the young and vunerable. I share my son's outrage at their actions, but I hope we can talk to Stratus and persuade him to convince his brother we mean no harm. Pain can only come from violence. It will hurt all involved." The other two nodded at the wisdom in Redrain's words. ***** Brightfeather, in the meantime, had whirled off again. She dodged between the younger skybax and riders, briefly joining the mass game of 'catch me if you can'. However, scurrying beneath big feet was not her idea of fun, even for the sake of a game. Her senses were enough to tell her that Cloudrunner would rather be left alone with Safyre, and Brightfeather was willing to humor him. Instead, she bounced over to Alpenglow and Shazrad. She remembered Shaz from the morning that Safyre had arrived, and she'd seen a lot of Alpenglow lately. She chirruped a greeting to the big rusty red pterosaur and his partner, then turned to extend the same courtesy to Yvonne. ((Ever tried to stay clean when you're grooming a horse or large dog? I figure the same principle applies. Oh, and as a by the by: Yay! Connor's coming back! He's fun to work with. Maybe Elena will swing by, when it's a good juncture in the story.))
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Post by Highsoar on Mar 29, 2006 1:50:16 GMT -5
(am still here, will reply tomorrow I hope)-Highsoar
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Kiva
Apprentice
Self-proclaimed Ninja Mistress... with cat ears...
Posts: 171
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Post by Kiva on Mar 29, 2006 22:30:33 GMT -5
(OOC: Heck, it's a chore trying to stay clean just bathing a Boston Terrier. There's lots of emotion and drama in this post, so be warned... )
Safyre watched the young ones playing with interest. Having lived most of her life alone, she didn't know how to play games like these young ones did. She expected Cloudrunner to join them, as many of the younglings wanted, but he stayed near her. Though her head was still low, she looked up at him.
“Why don't you go play with them?” she asked him.
He met her gaze, intensely. “Do you want me to go?”
She held his gaze a moment, then shyly looked away. “No...” she cooed, softly. Cloud's heart leaped. Gently, he reached towards her and touched the fingers of his wing to hers, the pterosaurian version of holding hands. And though she still did not look at him anymore, she didn't pull away, either...
---,--'--(@
Yvonne giggled, girlishly. “It's quite all right. I rather expected it from someone like you.” She turned to meet the little raptor.
“Well aren't you the sweetest thing I've ever seen...” she said, crouching down and holding her hand out. Brightfeather tapped her claws to Yvonne's hand and sighed. At least this human had sense not to try to pick her up.
A loud clap of thunder echoed around the room and the door banged open at just the right moment, startling everyone.
“Sorry!” Connor shouted above the rain. “Didn't mean to make that kind of an entrance...” he stopped when he saw, Yvonne “You? How did you...? Where did you...?” Yvonne laughed.
“Hello Connor. Did you miss me?”
“What's going on here?” a voice behind Shaz and Yvonne piped up. It was Gavyn. “Can't a fellow get some sleep around here..?” His eyes widened when he saw Yvonne. She also turned and her breath caught in her throat. A smile lit up her face as she ran to him. Throwing her arms around his neck she pulled his face to hers and kissed him. Gavyn was stunned a moment before pulling back and staring at her, wide-eyed, with a myriad of emotions flickering on his face. None of them were tender.
Yvonne's graceful arms moved from his neck to his waist as she held him, her face buried in his shoulder. “Oh Gavyn, I'm so glad I found you! You don't know how much I missed you. I couldn't stop thinking about you; wanting to see you again. I was stupid Gavyn, so very wrong. Can you forgive me?” She started to cry.
Gavyn was silent a moment, his face shadowed and unreadable. After what seemed to be an eternity, he finally spoke. “Yvonne, let go. You're hurting me,” he said, softly. Yvonne hardly had the strength to do damage to him physically, but her presence there was hurting him deeply. She lifted her tear-stained face and looked up at him, confused.
“But Gavyn...”
”Let go!” he repeated. Though his voice was by no means loud, it was cold and hard, like steel. Shocked, Yvonne backed away. Gavyn briskly stepped past her, avoiding the curious looks on everyone's faces. As he passed Connor, the Apprentice Rider grabbed his shoulder. “Gav, wait...” The silently outraged healer spun around.
“Don't, Con,” he said, acidly. “Please, if you value any part of our friendship, just let me go.”
The two men stared at each other before Connor raised his hand in surrender. “I promise you, Gavyn, if I had known that she was coming...”
Gavyn cut him off with an upraised hand. He said nothing but turned and made his way back to his living quarters in the far wing of the Infirmary. The receptionist looked up, startled as he stalked through the door. He paused briefly at the desk.
“I'll be in my quarters. See to it that under no circumstances am I to be disturbed. Is that understood?” The woman nodded. “Not for anything or anyone.”
He practically fled to his room and slammed the door. Emotions of pain, anger, and sadness warred within him. Yvonne had torn open the healing wounds, allowing his heart to bleed anew. She was just as he remembered her. Unchanged and pretty.
He had changed, however. Gone was that tender feeling he experienced every time he saw her or thought about her. With an almost bestial roar, he punched the stone wall as hard as he could, splitting the skin of his knuckles. He didn't feel the pain in his hand. Only the agony in his heart.
Suddenly, an image of Shaz entered his mind. Though perhaps she didn't have the same beauty that Yvonne possessed, Gavyn saw into her soul. There was a beauty there that not even Yvonne could match.
Yet what could he offer her? Inside, he knew that all he could give her was the fragile pieces of a shattered heart and a wounded spirit that he didn't know how to heal. He could never be that selfish.
Walking over to his desk, he sat down and reread the letter that Skala had given him.
Dear Gavyn, I write this now, knowing that it is time for me to pass on the mantle of Master Healer to an heir. Of my other students, I have not found one who has diligently maintained his studies more than you. Finish up your business at the Rookery and meet me at the school in Waterfall City.
Skala
Perhaps this was best for everyone. Quickly, he began to reply to Skala's letter, all the while, his eyes filling with tears. Finally, he could stand it no more. Flinging himself back from his desk, he got up and collapsed on his bed. Silent sobs wracked his body, as he wept for the first time in many years.
(P.S. If Shaz really wants to talk to Gavyn or whatnot, I'm sure she can find a way past the receptionist... *hint hint* )
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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 30, 2006 11:03:44 GMT -5
((Heh. Drama, indeed. Gavyn's still our melodrama king. )) Brightfeather caught a little of the human's speech. Sweet?! @#&$%#! It wasn't her job to be sweet. She was a predator, not a doll. She'd almost rather have Connor grabbing her again. Shazrad, too, was metaphorically bristling. Like me? What's that supposed to mean? She didn't even say hello to Alp!The rest of the confrontation stunned Shaz and Alp. In the aftermath, Gavyn having stormed off and Yvonne sobbing, the stillness seemed unnatural. Connor stared helplessly after his friend, worried that this would be too much but unable to pursue him. The ruckus had disturbed the rest of the barn, and even Brightfeather seemed subdued. Shazrad broke the silence suddenly, her voice unusually high pitched with shock. "Connor, see if you can cheer up our guest. I'm going to check on Gavyn." Shazrad paused contemplatively, then looked at Brightfeather. "Could you give me a hand?" Brightfeather whistled an affirmative note. Shazrad held out an arm, and Brightfeather jumped on it. For all the world, they looked like a falconer and her bird. Shaz petted Alp. "Wish me luck - I'll need all I can get." He cooed softly and gripped her arm in his beak for a second. Brightfeather nibbled on Shaz's hair in a gesture that was meant to be supportive. If Shaz had been another Microraptor, or had feathers, it would have been preening. As is, it just tickled a little. Then, Shaz left the barn. To her dismay, it was still pouring. Brightfeather squeaked disgustedly and dove under Shaz's shirt. Her head poked out beside Shaz's. The tall rider moved her free arm to keep the little dromaesaurid from slipping. Brightfeather cast an eye up wards - to her relief, Shaz looked more amused than angry. At least it was drier under the shirt. The cane was not meant for covering distance, especially in the slippery, treacherous muddy conditions. Shazrad fumbled her way along, trying not to put any weight on the bad ankle. It wasn't long before both Brightfeather and Shazrad were drenched. Her pole slipped, and Shaz fell heavily on her rear. For a few seconds, she just let her ribs punish her brutally. Mixed with the rain were a couple of tears, shed for the entire impossibility of the whole situation. Then Brightfeather dug her claws into Shazrad and rumbled. Shaz stroked the little dinobird's head with a fingertip. "Right. Stop feeling sorry for myself. We're going to go make sure Gavyn's okay. I'll work out what that was all about when I interrogate Connor." She worked her way back up, ignoring all her aches and pains. Shazrad made it to the infirmary with a few more slips and stumbles, but no falls. On the way, she explained as much to Brightfeather as she could. "We need to see Gavyn," Shazrad said, thinking of the icy look of rage on Gavyn's face. It was like no expression she'd seen from him before, and it scared her. "I think he needs someone to talk to, whether he knows it or not." Brightfeather was no Alpenglow, but she had a little talent. When Shazrad opened the doors, Brightfeather was squealing, interspersed with a horrible keening sort of moan. Her right wing flopped uselessly. She looked as pathetic as only a soaked bird can. Shazrad cradled Brightfeather in one arm. Of course, the other was on her makeshift cane. It didn't take much skill for her to look haggard and worried. Both were drenched, and a little puddle followed where they stood. Shazrad summoned a very real urgency into her voice and raised it to carry over Brightfeather's shrieks. "We need to see Gavyn!" In the rain, the place was almost deserted, something Shaz had been counting on. The woman behind the desk hesitated. "He said..." Brightfeather's piercing shriek transformed itself into a pitiful whine, and the little Microraptor managed an expression that, in a mammal, would have been described as puppy eyes. Combined with the fact that her eyes already looked glassy with imaginary pain, and Brightfeather was the consummate injured, small, *sigh* cute animal. "...In his room. I'd help, but someone has to manage the desk." Brightfeather managed a weary grateful cheep. As soon as they were out of sight (and hearing range), Shazrad raised an eyebrow and grinned at the little dromaesaurid. Brightfeather hopped out of the tall rider's arms and whistled. "You're such a ham," Shazrad remarked, stumping down the hall. The trail of water was lessening. Brightfeather shook herself, spraying the wall with rainwater. Then the Microraptor darted blithely around Shazrad, who was watching her feet to make sure that she didn't fall. Again. Brightfeather dashed ahead, and heard the sobs. She whistled urgently at Shaz, who tried to hurry. There was, however, only so much speed that she could achieve with one leg and a stick. Shazrad knocked softly. There was no response from inside. She raised her hand to knock again, and Brightfeather hissed with impatience. The maniraptor climbed the wooden door and used her weight to turn the knob. Shazrad stared at her, and Brightfeather butted the tall woman's good ankle. Gavyn sat up when the door opened. Shazrad could see the streaks of tears on his face, and her heart tightened in her ribcage. "Gavyn... I needed to make sure you were all right." "I asked to be left alone," he responded. Shazrad said, "It wasn't that long ago I told you that I'd be there if you needed anything." She stole the chair from beside the desk. "It looks like you need someone right now." He stared at her, emotions whirling across his face. "Please, let me be there." Shazrad hesitated, then reached for his hand. To her surprise, he took it. His grip was surprisingly tight. Shazrad saw the blood and winced internally. She'd busted her knuckles on walls, too. She cradled his hand, carefully. For a second or two, they sat there, heads bowed, each thinking his or her own thoughts. The tall woman looked at the healer for a moment. She wanted to help him so badly, but she wasn't entirely sure how to. She squeezed his hand, and he looked up. Shazrad pushed the chair forward with her good foot and hugged him gently. "Let's pretend it will all work out and stuff. Everything will be okay." Shaz was saying that for herself, too. She felt his arms go around her back, returning the embrace, and carefully ignored the pain. At the same time, she realized her clothing and hair were still soaked from the impromptu shower outside. Blazes. I'll get him all wet. Some comfort I am.***** Brightfeather's plumage was a loss. It would take more than an hour of preening after she dried off before she was airworthy again. Burning the energy to stay warm when wet had eaten through her small ratty breakfast. She sighed, disgusted, and began the long process of working the water out of her flight feathers. She sat midway down the hallway and delicately straightened the feathers of her tail. ((Yes, Brightfeather was obliged to try the classic bird trick. Never underestimate the small, fluffy and toothed!))
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Post by Highsoar on Mar 30, 2006 16:21:24 GMT -5
(ooc: I don't want to drop out of here but my characters may just have to stay kind of peripheral becuse I'm starting a job next week and how much I can post will depend on how much time I have to get on 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 30, 2006 18:49:02 GMT -5
Gavyn's breathing slowed as his sobs quieted. He didn't want Shaz to be here, to see him like this, but he didn't want her to leave either. Her grip on his hand was almost as strong as his, and her hand felt soft from the oil she'd been using on Alpenglow. When she hugged him, he almost lost control again. His arms slid around her shoulders, returning the embrace. For a moment, he lost himself in her presence, then remembered her injured back.
“Oh Shaz, I'm sorry!' he exclaimed, pulling back and holding her forearms. “So stupid...” he muttered, raking his sleeve across his face and blinking. He looked at Shaz and smiled in a tired, slightly insincere way. “Forgive me, I'm negelcting my duties.”
He stood and walked over to his closet. After rummaging around, he pulled out a fluffy, white towel and tossed it at her. She caught it and held it a moment.
“I'd rather be clean first, than ruin your things, Gavyn.”
The healer shook his head, still occupied with locating some wayward articles of clothing in his closet. “Not a good idea. You're cold right now, and you need to warm up internally before you try to take a hot bath or something like that.” He turned around, several things draped over his arm. “Now, I need you to undress...”
Shaz's head whipped up, her eyes wide with shock. “Mr. O'Malley! What kind of woman do you take me for?!”
Gavyn's face suddenly flushed crimson. “Not like that... I meant that you need to change out of those wet clothes before you get sick.” Still embarrassed, he walked over a laid a few things on the bed. “In the meantime, I'll go make some tea. When you're finished, come join me in the kitchen.”
He turned to go into the kitchen, when he saw Brightfeather still outside in the hallway. He walked out to her and knelt before her. “Somehow, I get the feeling you were responsible for getting Shaz past the receptionist.” Brightfeather couldn't understand a word Gavyn said, but his more relaxed tone sounded much better to her than the quiet sobs she'd heard only a few minutes prior. He said something else unintelligable, and held out his arm to her. Apparently, he was inviting her inside. She hopped up onto his arm the same way she had sat on Shaz's and he carefully carried her to the kitchen.
A fire was burning in the fireplace, making it warm and cozy. A good place to be when it was raining. He retrieved another, smaller, fluffy clean dish towel from a drawer near the sink and spread it out on the warm hearth. “It's not much in the way of nesting material, but it's the best I can do, “ he said, cupping his hand around her tiny avian form and placing her in the middle of the towel, allowing her to scootch it around to where it was comfortable. He put the kettle on the stove, and got some cups and saucers together.
A few moments later, the kettle whistled and Gavyn transferred the steaming water to a pot holding fragrant herbs and black tea. The delicious aroma filtered through the room, and Brightfeather visibly sniffed. Gavyn looked up and smiled as Shaz entered.
He had given her an indigo shirt with long, loose sleeves, and loose black leggings. She'd managed to get her hair in some assemblage of order, most of the dirt and such having been washed away during her trek through the rain. He gallantly pulled out a chair and waited for her to be seated. He placed a beautiful porcelain cup before her and poured the rich, fragrant tea. He also poured some into a child-sized teacup that was perfect for Brightfeather, and giving her a plate of choice, vitamin-enhanced insects he kept on-hand for picky Skybax hatchlings. For Shaz, he had some plates of fruits and sweets. Finally, he poured himself a cup of the scalding brew and sat down, sipping it lightly.
“Gavyn...” Shaz began, uncertainly, “Gavyn, I want to help you. Please?”
The healer looked up at her from his cup. “Shaz,” he replied, quietly, “I'm still not sure how to help myself...”
At that moment a knock sounded on the door and Connor let himself in. The concerned look on his face disappeared temporarily, to be replaced by a mischievous grin when he saw Shaz and Gavyn together, and an ornery twinkle flickered in his eyes at the sight of Gavyn's clothes on Shaz. He knew better than to spread such rumors to the other fliers, but that didn't mean he had to let Shaz live it down. He did not, however, forget why he was here.
“Gav, we need to talk.”
Gavyn patiently looked at his friend. “Connor, you promised not to interfere with my personal life anymore.”
“Gavyn!” Connor interrupted, exasperatedly, “I'm not interfering, I'm concerned! I just left Yvonne in one of the private recovery rooms sobbing her heart out because her heart was broken!”
“Well that made two of us,” he muttered. Shaz looked uncomfortable.
“Maybe I should leave...”
Connor shook his head, leveling his gaze at her. “No, Shaz, you stay. If you two are really serious about each other, than this needs to come out. Ask him questions. Pry hard. Force him to face this.” He sat down on the other side of the table. “It's the only way you two will know if you're truly meant for each other...”
(OOC: If Shaz wants to be a little nosy in Gavyn's room, that fine. After all, Gavyn's desk is a little messy...
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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 31, 2006 13:38:25 GMT -5
Brightfeather was in Microraptor heaven, and it smelled like strong, sweet tea. She worked on her feathers while she waited for the tea to cool off. She was careful with the flight feathers on all four legs - working the barbs together, straight and even. She paused in her efforts occasionally to sip at her tea. As far as Brightfeather was concerned, the world consisted of her feathers and her tea. Occasionally, it expanded to the bugs on her plate. Later, she could look at the big picture. Maybe she'd ask Rus for some explanation, or hunt down Seires. Shazrad sighed elaborately. "Connor, when I'm better, I will deck you so hard, our fight will even impress Cloud and Alp." She played absently with her braid. "Did you know that your partner's quite smitten with our guest? Alpenglow says so, anyway, and he usually knows what's going on." Shazrad continued on, explaining the confrontation in the canyon, the ultimatum on the landing pad, and Safyre's promise. "So, if you and Cloud are out on patrol anytime soon, watch yourselves." She smiled, a little bitterly. "Not a problem for me. I won't be flightworthy until I can rely on the ankle again." Connor laughed. "No offence, but I'm glad I'm not grounded, attacking skybax and all." "You're digging yourself a hole," Shazrad mock-growled. She sipped at her tea. While Shaz wasn't quite the tea fanatic that Brightfeather was, she appreciated the hot, sweet beverage. "Still, I wouldn't mind knowing what you boys are keeping to yourselves, if you're ready to share, Gavyn." She held the tea cupped in both hands and inhaled the sweet aroma. Her eyes met Gavyn's across the table. She was curious, but she didn't want to push him away. ***** Alpenglow was relieved to hear the rain slow. Soon it would stop altogther. Rus heard the same thing, and the theropod was convinced the barn was too cramped. Unlike Brightfeather, he didn't have to worry about wet feathers. The bull baryonyx opened the door and walked out into the waning shower. He was pleased to see the sun coming out. There would probably be a rainbow soon. Rus decided to venture down to the river. It would be a good time for fishing. He desended down the canyon's treacherous, curving tracks. Rus was surefooted and steady on his feet. He was a loner by nature, and rather a curmudgeon. He liked young Alpenglow well enough, and Redrain was good to talk to, but most of the time, the rookery was too crowded and gungho for his tastes. He wondered about the strange pterosaurs. If they felt like coming after him, they would have problems. Rus was an excellent swimmer, like all spinosaurids, and his jaws and claws weren't just for show. He waded in up to his belly in one of the eddies and began to wait. From here, it was a combination of luck and skill. ((Sorry this was short. I couldn't quite figure out what to do... So, here's a better introduction to Rus, an old favorite of mine. I didn't figure he'd show up, but he's a pushy kind of grumpy old saurian.))
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Kiva
Apprentice
Self-proclaimed Ninja Mistress... with cat ears...
Posts: 171
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Post by Kiva on Apr 17, 2006 16:30:06 GMT -5
(OOC: So sorry for the lack of updates. I had a bit of writer's block with this one, so I made a few more RP's to keep me busy until something came to me for this one. Well, here it is.
Gavyn confesses all... and so much more! )
Gavyn stared down at his teacup, as if he'd find the answers there. It was several moments before he spoke, and when he did, Shaz had to strain to hear him.
“There was a point in my life when I loved Yvonne. Connor had introduced me to her, and I was smitten on sight. She was my first crush, and I thought I'd been hers as well. Apparently I was wrong.” He paused and took a sip of tea, giving a small sniffle.
“At age 18, I was only a year away from graduating under my teacher, Skala Silverclaw, and becoming a full-fledged healer. The elderly female Utahraptor had left to venture into the Rainy Basin to study some new species of herb, so we were given a slight vacation. I took that opportunity to get closer to Yvonne, and Connor highly encouraged it. He wanted to see me settled down and content in life.”
He looked up at Shaz and met her gaze, an unreadable look in his eyes. “I even proposed to her, Shaz.” At that, he quickly looked down at his cup again, not wanting to see her reaction. He was barely managing to stagger through this, cutting into his own heart in an attempt to make it heal and destroy the emotions of bitterness and anger that festered there.
“Skala contacted her pupils, calling us to study for the remainder of the year in certain areas of the Rainy Basin where special herbs grew abundantly. I managed to find some time for one last encounter with Yvonne before we were to leave. I asked her to wait for me that year, and when I graduated, we could be married.”
He stopped again, his gaze began to harden and his grip tightened around his mug. “She refused. Didn't even bother to tactfully 'let me down gently'. Just an outright refusal.” His flashing eyes met Connor's and his tone became harsh and biting. “And here's something you may not have known about your little heartbroken prima donna: Apparently, mine is not the first heart she's broken.” Connor's eyes widened with shock, and Gavyn forged ahead. “After I left Skala's tutelage, I asked around, and found three other men who'd been infatuated with her. The little vixen also strung them along until she tired of them and discarded them with as much callousness as she did me.”
Connor reached out a hand to comfort Gavyn and placed it on his arm. The tenseness of Gav's arm muscles surprised him. “I'm so sorry, Gav. I swear I had no idea. It was she who asked me about you first. I thought she'd be good for you...”
Gavyn seemed not to hear his words. “Now,” he continued, “Now she has the audacity to think I'm as naïve as I was before. Well, she's wrong...”
Suddenly, the mug exploded in Gavyn's hands as a result of his strangulation hold on it. Most of the scalding liquid merely splashed on his hands, but some of it flew up into his face and eyes. He staggered back from the table and let loose a small string of Irish-Gaelic words. Shaz had no idea what they meant, but the look of shock on Connor's face told her that they must have been some heavy oaths to have him be that surprised.
“Are you all right?” Shaz asked, concern flooding her voice.
Gavyn swiped his face with his sleeve and blinked. He looked disoriented and paled suddenly. “Con,” he practically whimpered, “Connor, I can't see...”
The fellow Irishman also let loose a few choice words in the language Shaz could understand and bolted out of his seat, his hands on Gavyn's shoulders. “What do you need me to do?” he asked, earnestly.
Gavyn took a pained, shuddering breath. “The lavatory, now.” Connor led him quickly to the healer's private bathroom. “In the little medicine cabinet. A small, thin-necked purple bottle.” Connor rummaged anxiously through the contents of the cabinet, while Gavyn bathed his eyes in some cool water from the sink.
“I can't find it, Gav,” Connor said, shrilly. Gavyn shook his head,as if trying to clear it.
“My coat pocket. I left it in my pocket then. It's on the back of my chair.”
Connor called out to Shaz, who was watching the scene in shock. “Shaz, there's a bottle in Gavyn's coat pocket. Can you throw it to me?”
Shaz complied, having a straight line between the two of them. She chucked the bottle and Connor caught it expertly. “I've got it, Gav. Now what?”
The taller man knelt in front of Connor. “Since I can't see and I'll end up pouring it down my chin or whatnot, I need you to put a single drop in each eye. Can you do that?”
Connor nodded, mutely, then remembered that Gavyn couldn't see it. “Sure, no problem.” He tilted Gavyn's head back and let fall a single drop of the serum in each eye.
Gavyn hissed as the serum burned his eyes. It felt worse than the tea. He squeezed his eyes shut for a moment, allowing the liquid to searingly punish him for his stupidity. When the blaze finally ceased he stood and opened his eyes. Fuzzy shapes and dull colors were slowly coming back in to focus as Connor led him gingerly back into the kitchen. Gavyn leaned on the back of the chair he'd been sitting in, refusing to sit, waiting patiently for his sight to return to normal.
Shaz looked up at him, then to Connor. “What just happened? I remember that bottle, Connor. It's not for headaches, is it?”
Connor glanced at Gavyn, who waved a hand resignedly. He sighed. “You and I, Shaz, we've always been blunt with each other. And since there's no easy way to say this...” He took a deep breath. “Gavyn's going blind, Shaz. He's got some sort of degenerative eye disease that's going to steadily get worse as time goes by. He had frequent occurrences of severely blurred vision until he was 12. But it disappeared during his school years, and we thought no more of it until recently, when it returned.” Connor paused and looked at Gavyn with a frown. “I myself did not learn of this until that day the bottle fell from his pocket. When I helped him with the stew dinner, I confronted him about it. He hid it even from me.”
“I hid it from everyone, Connor. You, Skala, Yvonne, Shaz... everyone.” Gavyn's gaze rested on Shaz's face, her visage slowly coming into focus. “I was going to tell you, Shaz, when I was sure of your feelings. I knew I'd have to trust you with my secret if you truly cared for me, and I'd be baring my heart for another rejection if it was too much for you, but I was willing to take the risk.”
He strode over to her and dropped to his knees, his hands clasping hers. “I'm still willing to risk it now, Shaz,” he said, intensely. “Now that you know. Now you've seen behind the Healer, to the Man. This is all I can offer you, Shaz. A broken heart, an embittered spirit, and a body soon to be inhibited by blindness. I'm not yet asking for your hand, since we're only just now beginning to understand each other, but I am asking you for a chance. A chance to get to know you better, and woo you; and perhaps one day ask for the right to make you mine.” He took a breath, steadying his resolve to continue.
“It's more now than just a passing infatuation for you. When they told me you had disappeared, I thought my heart would never beat again. But I knew you were still alive. You're alive, Shaz. Vibrant, and alive. Your passion and fire are what drew me to you in the first place.”
He paused again, eyes searching her face, looking for her reaction. “I have so little to offer you, love, but will you give me a chance?”
(OOC: All right Katrina, Gavyn's fate and happiness are now in Shaz's hands. Make it good... )
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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 Apr 18, 2006 8:45:46 GMT -5
Shazrad buried her face in his shoulder, overcome by emotion. Things were happening so fast. Poor Gavyn. If she ever met Yvonne again, Shaz decided she'd open by decking the smaller woman. That, or have a long talk using some of Elena's least delicate vocabulary. She tightened her grip on his hands and regained her composure. "Gavyn O'Malley, I said I'd be there if you needed me, and I don't say those things lightly," she said. Her tone was a little gruff with checked emotion. "I might not be the best with words, but here goes... You may not be the first man I've fallen in love with, but I hope to all that's sacred you're the last." She flashed Connor a look. Connor nodded and vanished out the door, Brightfeather on his heels. Even if Connor was the soul of discretion (doubtful), she didn't need to be teased about her cheesiest lines by her friend for the rest of eternity. "Because I am, you know. In love, that is, and it's no cheap term to be bandied about." She slid off the chair to join him on the floor. She was careful, holding her leg with the bad ankle off to one side. The rider set her cane down beside her gently, freeing one hand momentarily. Shazrad reached out and cupped Gavyn's face gently. "Yeah, I'm pretty bloody sure I love you, and I'll do anything I can to help you and protect you. You're a good man, Gavyn. You're kind, gentle, selfless, not to forget absolutely gorgeous. You might not think you have much to offer, but you're wrong. I know I'm not much of a catch. I'm a Rider. I always have training and routines taking up my day. I have to take care of Alp almost constantly, and I'll spend a lot of time ranging thither and yon about the island. If you love me, Gavyn, I'm afraid that you'll spend a lot of time on your own. At any time, a bad wind could catch us. You'll always have the empty saddle to worry about if you choose to stay with me. I don't want to scare you away, but if you stay with me, it won't always be easy. I won't be able to spend as much time with you as I should." Shaz leaned forward and kissed him, gently, questioningly. "You don't have to answer right away, Gav. It's best to think things through before changing your life." She laughed, brightly and suddenly. "Blazes, some of those lectures must have finally worn through my thick skull! Here's me talking about how impulses can be dangerous!" She paused, then smiled slowly. "Listen, the rain's stopped." ***** Alpenglow heard the rain stop too, and he hurried out of the barn. The earth smelled fresh, and everything glistened, dripping wet. Over the Amu, little rainbows sparkled. He took off into the new air, climbing vertically until the canyon and the Rookery were just dots below him. He circled in the air, letting the sun and the smell of rain bathe him. He felt clean and calm. The world was beautiful on this leisurely afternoon, and the sky was a pure dark blue. His sharp eyes could pick out Rus, far below. It looked like the Baryonx was in the process of catching another fish. The big, rusty red skybax shrilled happily. It was easy to forget what a raw pleasure it was simply to be alive. He wheeled widely, feeling the breeze buoy him in the wind, and sang softly to himself. There was no meaning, besides simple bliss. The day felt like it had been reborn, and he celebrated it to himself, watching the scene below him spill back to life. The city began to buzz again, while skybax flowed into the air. He took a deep breath and descended a little, just enough so the skybax on the ground could identify the young male as Alpenglow.
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Kiva
Apprentice
Self-proclaimed Ninja Mistress... with cat ears...
Posts: 171
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Post by Kiva on Apr 18, 2006 19:58:01 GMT -5
A look of sad longing fluttered across Gavyn's face as he listened to her. He smiled carefully and took her hands in his own again, kissing the calloused, yet still soft, palms. In the firelight his eyes shimmered as he studied every inch of her face, etching it into his memory forever.
“Shazrad, know this: I do love you, and I would have you now if I could. Even a single day with you by my side would be enough to last me a lifetime.” He sighed, longing filling his voice. “But I will respect your wishes and will think of what you've said.”
He gave a small chuckle. “You think you're the only one to live a dangerous life? Consider me, too. As a healer, it's oftentimes I must go into a place where there may be a highly infectious contagion. Each time, there's always a risk that I will contract whatever illness I'm trying to heal. And as a healer, I'm often called away to where my skills are needed.” He paused and cupped her face with his hands as she'd done to him only moments before. “Perhaps it is something we both need to consider. But at a later date. For now...”
He leaned forward and returned the kiss, just as gently, but with an undertone of passion. One arm slid around her waist in a painless embrace, while the other hand was around the back of her neck, pulling her gently to him and holding her.
Connor poked his head around the corner, his mouth open with a question on his lips, when he saw the two embracing. A genuine smile graced his rugged face at the sight, and knew that the was best left beteen the two. Connor may be a goof-ball at times, but he had tact. He'd just tease Shaz and Gavyn about it in private...
---,--'--(@
Raincloud shook the water off her fur. She was one of the few 'Baxes that loved stormy weather, hence her name. She floated down from her perch in a small niche of the canyon wall and alighted on the bank of the Amu. It looked to be a good fishing spot and she was hungry.
She was cautious about the Baryonyx just upstream from her. She remembered him from their encounter at Pteros, and didn't desire a conflict now. She and her partner, Thunderbolt, couldn't return to the clan without Stratus, or Nightwing would have both their heads, so both were stuck waiting for Stratus to heal. Thunderbolt was still asleep somewhere in another niche of the canyon wall, location unknown to her.
If she got into a conflict now, she'd be on her own. Making no threatening moves, she simply stayed near the spot where she landed and hungrily began to fish.
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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 Apr 19, 2006 13:36:13 GMT -5
Rus rumbled, watching the stranger, but the theropod was not feeling that confrontational. Besides, he had fish to catch. Most of his mind was focused on the river. With the water flowing around him, he felt at ease as much as Alp did in the air. The 9 meter theropod sipped carefully at the water. It was a little muddy with grit washed down from the rains, and clearly higher than normal. Rus wondered if it was quite as high as it should have been. The Baryonyx decided that he would ask the pterosaurs to check for dams upriver. No point in taking risks. He studied the water, looking for signs of trouble, but it seemed all right. He saw a flicker of movement against the sky. He turned his head, and Brightfeather's iridescent tail caught his eye as she glided into the canyon. In the sunlight, it shimmered between indigo and blue. She whistled a cheerful greeting, and Rus rumbled a reply. Brightfeather perched delicately on one of the crags. Rus studied her with one eye. He'd seen avian dinosaurs before, and feathers were no rarity, but that didn't make tiny, quick Brightfeather less of a novelty. All of her limbs doubled as wings, and she never seemed to be still. Now, for example, she was preening furiously. Gliding down was easy and didn't require her feathers to be perfect, but there was still a lot of work to be down, and she savored the relative quiet for a moment. The little Microraptor studied Raincloud, too. She burbled cheerfully at the stranger. Brightfeather was universally amiable as a rule. Rus rolled his eyes at her, and she dive-bombed him cheerfully with a playful roar. The big theropod opened his jaws, laughing at Brightfeather's ridiculous behavior, and she dived him again. Rus threw dignity to the winds and chased her, water shooting up in great sheets from around his legs. The afternoon sun peeked down the canyon wall, casting little rainbows in Rus's spray and turning Brightfeather's tail into a shimmering light show. Rus was satisfied with his catch of fish and was willing to humor the strange small theropod. ***** Alpenglow kept a closer eye on Rus below him when he saw the stranger emerge. He knew that Rus had nothing to fear from the pterosaur, but still... He wanted to go on a distance patrol, or head down to Warmwater Bay to practice crashes, pickups, and falls. He wished Shaz was better - he missed her presence sorely. Without his partner, the pleasure of this glorious afternoon was somewhat diminished. There was Brightfeather, and he saw Cloudrunner below. The smaller male's beak was rested on Connor's shoulder, and Alpenglow's heart clenched with jealousy. They'd probably go out on patrol. He saw Elena saddling her partner. Silverwind was a medium sized female, about average speed, but with a gift for maneuvering in the air that few skybax had. Sure enough, Silver and Elena took to the air and began to practice tricks. They banked tightly, flipped, dove, and generally played around. Alpenglow was painfully lonely. It'll only be a few weeks, right? He pulled higher into the air again. He and Shaz usually performed search and rescue. Alp had a good eye, and he could fly all day without tiring. Shaz, too, excelled at spotting, and they had pulled off some tricky rescues that involved some fancy flying. Now, of course, it'd be a few more weeks to regain their muscles and hammer the necessary routines back into instinct. It could be a lot worse. At least she has Gavyn... I think. Shaz won't be all mopey, too.***** Shazrad sighed contentedly. It had been a very interesting day, and it wasn't over yet. She let herself be pulled up against his chest, though she kept her bad ankle clear. She twined her arms around his shoulders. The dark haired woman wished that this moment could last forever. She closed her eyes and leaned her head against him, taking in his scent and the feel of his shirt. Finally, she spoke, her facial muscles flickering against Gavyn's chest. "Don't think that any of this means you're getting out of learning to ride with Alp and me." Though her face was obscured, the smile came through in her voice, which also had a strange note of tenderness in it. The old barb of good humor rose through all of the undercurrents.
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Kiva
Apprentice
Self-proclaimed Ninja Mistress... with cat ears...
Posts: 171
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Post by Kiva on Apr 20, 2006 21:29:31 GMT -5
(OOC: Just a question... What's Shaz's last name? Or does she even have one? Just curious...)
Raincloud saw her prey. A nice fat river trout just waiting for her. She inched forward, beak open, ready to strike. Suddenly, a splash from the Baryonyx sent the fish skittering away. She watched it swim away with a cry of despair. Thanks to Rus, she'd just been denied a meal.
Rain was disgusted. Wet, hungry, and miserable, she backed out of the current and settled herself down for a preening session; still cautious of the large theropod.
---,--'--(@
Safyre stretched her wings. Surprisingly, they felt fine and strong. The pain had lessened to a mere ache and a closer inspection of the site indicated that whatever salve Gayn had applied to it the day before had greatly sped up the healing process. Making a few cautious flaps, she found that it did not hurt. Ambling out of the barn and into the sunshine, she preened a few minutes before spreading her wings and basked in the sun. A day or two more, and she'd be back in the air.
---,--'--(@
Cloud watched Safyre sunbathe; a sleepy-eyed look on her face. How beautiful she looked in the sunshine. The iridescent tail feather the little Feather-Pile gave her twinkled brightly from the small braid on her neck. He sighed wistfully, and Conner scratched his neck.
“You like her a lot, don't you Cloud?” Cloudrunner looked at his partner; and though there was a smile on the human's face, Cloud could see it was genuine. The Skybax nodded and replaced his beak on his partner's shoulder.
“She's good for you, Cloud,” Connor said. “She's taming you in a way that no one else can.”
Cloudrunner cooed in contentment, glad that his partner approved. They would talk more of it later, but for now, they simply enjoyed the sunshine.
---,--'--(@
Gavyn relaxed his grip on her and pulled back, smiling. “Of course not. And since, you're already on your feet so soon, perhaps we could start tomorrow.”
He stood and gently pulled Shaz to her feet, taking care not to aggravate any of her injuries. Since her cane was still on the floor, she needed to lean heavily on Gavyn to support her. But judging from the events of the past several minutes, she sensed that he didn't mind. Quite the contrary, he seemed rather to enjoy being forced to hold her.
He sighed, still unable to take his eyes off of her. “We should probably return to the barn and let everyone know we're all right. I need to make sure that Stratus isn't in any trouble...” He paused, his eyes twinkling merrily and a mischievous grin graced his lips. “...And quell the suspicion that we're causing trouble as well.”
Although the grin stayed in place, his gaze did turn slightly thoughtful. “You do realize that you're going to be teased mercilessly for wearing my clothes, right?”
---,--'--(@
Several minutes later, the two were slowly making their way back to the barn. Gavyn loved fussing over and caring for Shazrad, even though he knew she'd rather be taking care of him. Being a Healer carried some weight, and for now Shaz was forced to follow his wishes, medically speaking. He knew, though, that if anything serious ever became of their relationship that things would most likely end up being different. For now, however, he enjoyed taking care of her.
Suddenly, a voice broke through his dreamy reverie. Gavyn turned his head to see Yvonne catching up to them, calling for them to wait. Not wanting to be rude, and unable to do aynthing about it, he paused, arm still around Shaz's waist, supporting her bad ankle. Yvonne seemed not to notice Shaz; she had eyes only for Gavyn.
“Gavyn, please, we need to talk,” she said, grasping his free hand in both of her tiny ones.
“I'm busy at the moment, Yvonne...” he said, not trying to pull away from her in order to not appear rude, but not encouraging anything either.
“Gavyn, I know why you're angry, and you have every right to be. I was young and foolish; but things are different now. I'm different. Please, give me another chance. I-I love you.” She paused after her declaration, and when he didn't respond she forged on.
“That's why I came here, trying to find you. To tell you how sorry I am. To beg for your forgiveness and ask for another chance. Please Gavyn, let me prove to you I mean what I say.”
Gavyn was silent, his emerald green eyes as hard as the jewel they so easily resembled. His countenance followed suit. The anger and bitterness welled up inside him. He wasn't ready for Yvonne. Not now, not ever. And if something wasn't done soon, then someone's heart would be irreparably broken.
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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 Apr 21, 2006 11:25:09 GMT -5
((Hmmm... Good point. Well, now she's Shazrad Alverez, four mothers Moorish.)) Alpenglow spotted his rider and squeaked happily. His eyes narrowed as he noted her apparel. Shaz had some explaining to do. He dropped, spiraling lazily. Even from his height, he could see that she had been cleaned up a lot. The big rusty male studied his partner. Maybe with a brace and stiffener for her ankle, they could fly, but it wouldn't be anything fancy; anyhow, Gavyn would probably be appalled at the suggestion, and it wouldn't be good for Shaz. At least she was walking, which Alp had figured on. There was no force he knew of that could keep his partner down. He sighed mentally. Cloud and Saf, Shaz and Gavyn... The Rookery was filled with cutesy couples. Silverwind blasted past him and looped upside down over his head. Elena kept her grip on the saddle, braced well. Alp wheeled away, snapping his beak in mock aggravation. "Yeehaw!" Silverwind belted, righting herself with a flip. Her wings were comparatively broad and short. Alp knew she was useless at distance, but she excelled at short bursts of acrobatics. He charged her, and she slipped easily under his wings. "Showoff," Alp mocked, teasing the small female. Silverwind tossed her head and grinned broadly. "Any time, big brother... Any time. I'll fly your over sized wings off." "Psh. We'll go a couple of miles, then you'll start whining. I'd stop to chat, but I'm going to visit my rider." "Righty-o, boyo. Elena and I will say hello later, if we can find you." Silver peeled up into a climb that made Alp's wings ache to watch. Silverwind was a year younger than her brother, but they acted more like twins sometimes. Both had the combination of humor and pugnaciousness that made Alp a holy terror on occasion. Alp looked down to Shaz again, and saw Yvonne. His eyes narrowed. While the big pterosaur's hearing wasn't keen enough to pick up words, he could tell from his rider's body language that she wasn't happy about the other woman's presence. She might have been masking it fairly well, but Alp knew her better than any other. There was a slight tensing of her shoulder muscles, and her hands dropped closer to her knees. Alpenglow whistled loudly. ***** After goofing around for a little, Rus returned to fishing. For him, things stood at strictly business. Everything he caught could help the Rookery - there were a lot of big pterosaurs to feed. Brightfeather fluttered around his head, but he ignored the maniraptor's teasing. When she grew irritating, he snapped at her. Brightfeather sighed and flapped away. Rus was a crotchety old thing, to her disgust. She settled on a higher spire and preened quickly. She cocked her head to one side and studied Raincloud. She shrilled questioningly and glided over to perch above the pterosaur's head. If Rus was narky, maybe this stranger would be more amiable. Across the river, the Baryonyx rumbled a warning. ***** Shazrad wasn't quite sure how to defuse the situation, and the fact that she just wanted to punch the other woman wasn't helping. Gavyn's arm had definitely tightened around her waist. Her eyes flickered up, then she yelped, "Look out!" Yvonne jumped out of the way as Alpenglow landed. He back-winged slowly down, the sun coming through his thin, translucent wings. The rusty red pterosaur cawed a harsh note as his legs touched down. His body was bigger than a man's, and his wings spanned forty feet. His head and beak were huge. Alpenglow settled down to his wing fingers and strutted up to his rider with a throaty burble. "Alp, didn't I tell you to watch out for people when you're landing?" The big pterosaur butted Shazrad's hand, and she scratched his crest gently in a gesture that was more reflex than thought at this point. At that point, Silverwind came down, again almost on top of Yvonne. This time, she didn't have to dodge, but Silver's wings kicked up a nice breeze. Elena hopped down and punched her partner gently. "Diay! Sos loca, malcriada?" Silver chirruped in a tone that contrived to sound apologetic. Elena rolled her eyes, than looked at Shaz. She grinned, a one sided wry smile that already promised trouble. "Throttle, eh? Those aren't your pants, this I know." Shazrad turned bright red, and Elena laughed. "You owe me a good explanation, amiga mia." Before Shaz could reply, she turned to Yvonne and stuck out a hand. "Elena Morales. Sorry about Silver. I don't know why she was being a brat."
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Kiva
Apprentice
Self-proclaimed Ninja Mistress... with cat ears...
Posts: 171
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Post by Kiva on Apr 23, 2006 13:33:58 GMT -5
Raincloud ceased her preening session and looked up as the little dinobird cheeped at her. It was a warm, friendly sound; one that Rain was not expecting, considering who she was and what she stood for. She stretched her neck and answered with a soft coo of her own. By no means friendly, it was more a sound of curiosity. More a question. More like... “why”?
---,--'--(@
For a few moments, Gavyn said and did naught save stare at the hand that Yvonne had grasped in her tiny hands. His face he kept a careful mask as his thoughts tumulted. By the powers, he'd not forgotten her touch. He remembered her delicate porcelain hands clasping his powerfully large, yet surgically precise hands. He remembered holding her fragile form aginst him, promising himself to protect her, no matter the cost.
He was snapped from his reverie by Elena's scolding of Silverwind, and a small smile tugged at the corners of his mouth as she spoke to Shaz about her clothing. Shaz looked up at him and he quickly replaced his dark look with an “I-told-you-so” one. As Elena conversed with Yvonne, Gavyn turned without a word and continued his trek back to the barn. Shaz looked up at him, questioningly.
“Gavyn, are you all right?”
For a few moments, he said nothing but kept walking, his eye shadowed and unreadable. Shaz was about to give up when he finally replied.
“I'm so sorry, Shaz.” His voice was soft, yet hoarse. “I feel so unfaithful to you.”
She stopped, causing him to pause as well. They had turned a few corners and were well away from the others. No longer was there a need to speak candidly.
“Why, Gavyn? I don't understand.”
He had turned to face her, hands still on her waist to support her ankle, but eyes unable to meet her gaze.
“I... I can't stop remembering her, Shaz. Back when we were happy. Back when I thought nothing was wrong. Back when... I loved her.” His head bowed and he trembled slightly. “I remember so much about her, all the while finding myself loving you. Forgive me, Shaz. Please, forgive me.”
He finally managed to lift his head, although he still could not bring himself to meet her gaze. “You said I was not the first man you loved. Do you... do you ever find youself thinking back to another from you past? Remembering them? Even wishing to see them again? You don't have to answer if you don't want to, love.” A small smile came to his lips. “I just want to know if anyone else has felt like this before save me.”
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