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Post by ulrica on Nov 10, 2010 21:19:18 GMT -6
The world was barren and deserted. What remained of the once lush fields of grain, the rolling hills of long waving grass that danced in the wind, was blackened with disease and crumbling into the fruitless dirt; little more than dust. If there was a sun to this place, it too had fallen prey to sickness, leaving its world to fall into the grasping claws of oblivion. This was the hell he was subject to in his dreams. This was the hell he was subject to when awake. The hell he had been left with since the loss of his precious Rosemary. But wait, as if his thoughts had called to her through the darkness, she appeared before his eyes. Her fiery red hair played in the wind as she ran toward him, arms outstretched and ready to pull him into the warm embrace he remembered so well. As she drew closer, he realized the world returning to its original splendor. The grass sprouted and grew green, trees sprang from the newly churned soil. Deer and birds seemed to simply come together as if pulled from another worled entirely. And amongst it all was her. "Assyrian..." She whose bright blue eyes captured the light of the sky and it their own. She whose love he savored more than even the love of his sweet Della. "Rosemary...." He breathed, a tender smile rising to his lips. She was only a few yards away now, but quickly replacing the joy and excitement building in his chest was the sinking anxiety one gets when something has been drastically changed. Instantly, he searched for what could have given him this terrible foreboding on such a joyous occasion. "Assyrian..?" Oh the sorrow when he say it was his beloved. He could see now that with every step she took, with ever blade of grass restored to vibrant life, his sweet dear drew the sickness into herself. "Nooooo!" The man cried, reaching a desperate hand out in a gesture to halt. But she continued on as if she hadn't heard his urgent plea, and the man found himself unable to move toward her. Deadened roots thrust upward from the ground to wrap tightly and painfully around his legs, holding him prisoner.
Hands closed around the man's arms as Rosemary suddenly appeared before him, his nightmare teleporting her to his side. However, instead of the sweet loving face he knew, the beauty had become a black, crumbling, distorted figure. She was a horror, but his arms still closed around her as sobs heaved his shoulders forward. As if made of ash, she fell away in the wind at his touch. Opening tear filled eyes, a world of death and disease revealed itself to the man. This wasn't his paradise. This was his hell....
"Assyrian!!"[/i][/color] Della's exasperated shout resounded in the caverns of Assyrian's mind and he snapped into consciousness. "What?! What?! I'm awake!" He cried in shock, still half asleep and almost falling from Shadowfax's back. Misae smirked, rolling her eyes. "It's about time you woke up. I was starting to wonder if you'd kicked off in your sleep." The dragoness spoke rather than Della, her voice steady and calm but the underlying irritation obvious to the man. She hated when he fell asleep on the job. "You might want to wake him up as well..." She gestured toward the man who was currently tied to the back of a horse being led by Assyrian (A certain man who went by the name of Gus and had taken up a rather risky profession: a murderer.) before pulling up her hood and drawing her cloak tighter about her person. Wings would only bring unnecessary attention, attention that might be dangerous. However, a single human had been simple work for the team, and now as all members of the party were slowly awakened, they made their way proudly into a bustling city just as Assyrian too pulled up his hood.[/color]
The city was loud and stank of too many humans too close together. Still, the tell-tale scent of sizzling meat and mead drew her in again and again. However, there was a different reason for her visit on this occasion. Though neither the man nor woman had any need for the money, bounty hunting was a profitable occupation, and one they could take their leisure at. Besides, if it helped to protect these fragile humans...well, Misae would try her best to not completely kill the murderers and thieves she, Assyrian, and Della picked up. Now, as they entered one of the many main cities of Arilnor, the dragoness took a deep breath and allowed a wicked smirk to spread over her mouth. Silly ignorant creatures... If you only knew the beasts that walk among you perhaps you would be less willing to start such meaningless wars against each other and instead focus on us... The seemingly young woman mused silently, her violet eyes taking in every minute detail of the city and its inhabitants from the shadows of her hood.
Suntaria walked close to Assyrian's Shadowfax, the whites of her eyes showing at this bustling place. But they were in the thick of the city now and almost to the sheriff's house, they wouldn't turn back. "You wait here and we'll go turn this one in. Then we can find a room and get some sleep before we head out again tomorrow." Assyrian said when they arrived, his voice hushed so only Misae could hear his words. She knew the 'we'll' he referred to was himself and Della, but he wouldn't want others to know about his soulmate so he kept quiet. With that, he turned on his heel and disappeared into the house; Della snuggled under the man's cloak probably as a ferret or minx.
The minutes passed and finally Assyrian returned with a large man in tow. The money was exchanged and once again they were on the move. The pair stabled their horses at an inn they often stayed at in this town, one where the inn keeper kept his mouth shut and always took good care of their mounts. Striding in with hoods still on, Misae waited while Assyrian ordered them a room and payed before sitting down with the dragoness at a secluded table to wait for a meal. The man lazed in his chair, pulling his hood off, while Della nonchalantly took the form of a Maremma Sheepdog; she knew most of the people in this inn would be too drunk to notice any how and the keeper...well, he was a smart man. Della placed her large, white head on Assyrian's lap; the glow of the fire by which they sat creating an almost angelic aura around Assyrian's shapeshifting soulmate. The picture they created was heart warming and a small smile curled Misae's lips, but her hood hid that just as it hid the shift of her eyes and the dainty flare of her nostrils when a strange scent hit her delicate nose. A newcomer had entered the pub. Assyrian too looked toward him, and though his eyes were the burning gold of leisure and relaxation, an emerald green was creeping into them. There was something about this man that made Assyrian anxious, but the dragoness didn't dare look lest he take offense and start something. No, she worked better from the shadows. Let her friend study him visibly now, and she would haunt his footsteps later that night...[/sup]
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Post by Xenoxice on Nov 11, 2010 0:10:33 GMT -6
The city was bustling and busy with everyone going about their own business but it was much quieter in the dark and dank alley which the meeting was supposed to occur. Zenithe was starting to get impatient. The client who called him for a job was late and he hated it when people kept him waiting for long periods of time. The day kept passing and just as he was about to leave, a hooded man came strolling into the alley looking behind him to make sure he wasn't followed. "You're late...... VERY late. It's going to cost you ten times the original discussed payment if you want it done. AND I want payment now before hand. You've seen my previous job history. I'll get it done and you never have to look at me again or fear it won't get done." The hooded man had a look of shock on his face before he finally agreed. "Fine.... 300,000 it is. The bastard that you need to take care of owes me a hundred times that amount anyways. A small price to pay I suppose." Zenithe opened his eyes, the crimson color of them glowed in the shadow of the alley. "Just get to the point. Tell me where he's going to be and he'll be taken care of." The hooded man swallowed hard in fear of Zenithe's presence. "A local inn... a few blocks down to the south. He should be there in a few hours for his daily drinks." As the hooded man wrote something down on a piece of paper he handed it to Zenithe. "Turn this in to your employer and he'll take care of it." Zenithe quickly took the paper and turned away from the man without saying a word. His jet black scaly tail trailing behind him barely being held above the ground and his massive sword jingling in it's sheathe as it stuck out far behind him.
Walking the couple blocks Zenithe found the inn the client had spoken of and entered the door. A few of the patrons turned to look at him with odd glares at his tail but he payed them no mind. Grabbing a chair from a nearby table he drug it to a dark corner of the inn and sat down while he waited. Every now and again people would turn and look at him with suspicion but no one ever dared even go near him. Every person that walked through the door he watched seeing if they were his target. One pair in particular grabbed his attention as he squinted his eyes slightly in curiosity when they walked in. A woman and a man. As they sat down he observed them closely slightly intrigued by them. After a while he noticed a dog was now among them. So they have a third in the party. Interesting. Suddenly his attention turned to a few bigger men that strolled in. One stood out from the rest with an artificial leg. There you are..... He walked to the counter and ordered a few drinks for him and his buddies before sitting down. Patiently waiting until they became drunk enough that they wouldn't be able to notice him, Zenithe stood up and began to slowly make his way over to him, with nobody daring to look at him from fear he might be a murderer. About a quarter of the way to his target, in between tables, he drew his sword keeping it down below his waist and turning it so the blade was facing behind him. Creeping up for the kill he weaved his way between tables and patrons until he got behind the man and within range. With one swift and quick motion Zenithe slashed his sword upward and across to the left going under the mans arm and exiting his neck, sheathing his sword and walking back to his chair. He wasn't even standing still for more than a moment before he had completed his job and the strike was quick enough that the man felt nothing and couldn't tell anything had happened.
Zenithe got back to his seat and looked at his target who still carried on with his friends like normal. 5....4....3.... Zenithe began counting backwards in his head. 2....1.... He watched as the man's head twitched to the side and looked like he was starting to panic. His friends were too drunk and not even paying attention to realize he was dead. The top half had now started to slide off as it hit the floor, falling to the right side of the chair, the rest of his body fell off to the left. The dead man's friends had just now looked back to see their missing buddy. Shrugging it off thinking he had gotten up to go to the bathroom without them seeing, they carried on. It layed there for half a minute before a patron had even noticed it and began screaming in horror. As panic broke out, Zenithe just stood up and calmly walked over to the inn keeper and asked for a room. Once he got one he simply walked upstairs and went into his room, closing the door. Walking over to the bed he removed the sheathe from his belt and layed the sword across his outstretched legs as he sat in the bed straight up with his back against the wall. Waiting for the mayhem downstairs to calm down and taking a very light nap while waiting, still keeping alert, able to hear if anyone came walking down the hall.
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Post by ulrica on Nov 11, 2010 23:01:23 GMT -6
Their food arrived soon after the man did. They ate in peace, even Della content to lay in front of the fire and let it warm her snowy bulk. Assyrian scarfed down his food and soon lost any concern for the man who bore a fake leg. Who was he to care anyway? Certainly the stranger was no friend to him, in fact he was more likely to try and steal his purse more than anything. "Is the meal good?" Della asked softly. Turning his head the man noticed she had lifted her great head from her large white paws and was now looking up at him with warm, chocolate eye. Assyrian smiled and held out a slab of the beef he was currently gnawing on. "Would you like some?" He offered. The large dog simply shook her head before laying it back on her paws, though her eyes didn't leave the male shapeshifter. "No love, I'm not hungry right now. You enjoy your meal and perhaps I will dine with you tomorrow." She declined gently, closing her eyes again though their link was kept open. Assyrian shrugged and stuffed the meat in his mouth. "Suit yourself then." He replied, then turned his attention completely back to his meal.
While Assyrian inhaled his food, Misae ate with a bit more regality and grace. Sure her bites were swallowed half whole, but at least she wasn't constantly coughing up chunks of beef. After the fifth time the man choked, the dragoness rolled her eyes and rubbed her palm over her face. "Really Assyrian, you eat like a pig." She scolded, a scowl coming to her almost Elvin features. However, only the male shapeshifter could see into her dark hood, so her expression was meant for him alone. "Well m'dear, eating fast is something you learn to do when people are poking pitchforks in your ribs and calling you a monster." His tone was cheerful, almost sounding amused, but the pinkish-red hue his eyes took on revealed the irritation he felt. Misae smirked wryly but fell silent, not wanting to actually anger him. Seconds later, Assyrian's food was gone and he stared down at an empty plate as if wondering where the meat had gone. Sighing and rolling her eyes, the dragoness slid her plate over still half full and watched with amusement as the man chowed down. "Heaven help us if this place ever runs out of food..." She muttered sarcastically, not paying attention to her friend any more and instead turning her attention to the goings on of the pub's patrons.
It was about that time when she realized something odd about a certain, handicapped man. A thin trickle of blood was running down the side of his neck, and in his drunkenness it had yet to be noticed. But there was something odd about this streak of blood, it wasn't just on his neck. In fact it ran in a line from the middle of his neck to to under his right arm. It was almost as if... There were many noises in the pub, and one rang above them all: the grating noise of metal going into its sheath. Oh gods... Her meal threatened to make its way back out through her mouth and she chocked back bile as the realization hit her. Not even a second later, the man hit the ground...in two pieces. Time slowed down around Misae and her violet eyes widened with shock. "Misae what is it?" Della's calm voice is what sent the dragoness through the shock, and straight into a dangerous fury. The fire on her right flared hotly, searing the white dog's coat and making her jump away with a yelp. "Misae! Della yelped, in the female shapeshifter's mind. However, her words went unheard. "Be on your guard... There's a murderer in our midst..." She said simply before her eyes shifted to a suspicious looking figure just as all hell broke loose.
Misae seemed to vanish into the crowd after the first scream. Her body molding lithely to fit through the cracks between the random people around her. She always did hate physical contact... Assyrian mused rather unworried for the news he had just received. "Well, Della, how about we go and see the horses?" He proposed to his soulmate who then nodded and slithered up his leg and around his shoulders beneath the thick traveling cloak, now in the form of a black mamba. They both knew what Misae was about to do. She only ever lost control of herself if she was beyond furious... Tonight, someone would die by her hand.
Assyrian smiled - as if nothing was amiss - and took in a deep breath as he stepped outside into the midday sun; quickly on his way to the stables.
Up the stairs around a corner and through a thin, wooden door. He had closed it, just seconds before she could slip inside. The dragoness let out a breath she hadn't known she was holding and slid down to a crouch with her back against the wall. "We have the horses out front..." Della's voice said gently, and understandingly in Misae's mind. "Good... Keep them quiet and be as inconspicuous as you can. We don't want this to get blamed on us." The female shapeshifter replied. "Don't worry about us, you just focus and be careful..." Assyrian's soulmate replied, her voice quiet and almost sad. Della never did get used to killing, something she had taken from her other half.
There was a creak of wood as the man climbed into his bed, and eventually a slowing of breath as he fell into a light sleep. This won't last long, make your move before it's too late! Her cool, killer's mind calculated. Misae obeyed. With a predator's stealth, learned from over eight decades of stalking all sorts of prey, the seemingly young woman let her cloak fall to the floor before opening the door and slipping inside. There was no sound, she might have breathed but it was so soft her breath didn't even displace the air around her nose and mouth. She was a ghost, and little more. The man was on his bed as she had suspected, a long black tail draping over the edge. A smirk curled one side of her mouth, revealing a single delicately curved fang. Pearl wings hued with lavender and pale sapphire flared out to the sides as she silently prepared to spring. However, just before she would have struck, something made her pause. Perhaps it was the way what little light got in played on the dark scales of the man's oddly dragon-like tail. Perhaps it was the aura of mystery which surrounded this man who kept himself entirely covered with dark clothing.
Whatever it was, it had successfully done its job. With sudden horror, Misae's burning violet eyes picked up what she thought to be a minute movement of the man's head as it appeared to just barely turn toward her. It could have simply been her eyes playing tricks on her, but it was enough to make her regret hesitating in her sinful task.
"Assyrian... She sure is taking a while...."
"I know..."
"Assyrian... Your eyes are dark blue..."
"I know..."
"Assyrian-"
"Hush Della! She's fine!"
"Then why are your eyes getting darker....?"
Silence...
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Post by Xenoxice on Nov 12, 2010 0:31:49 GMT -6
Zenithe's small nap was dreamless. There were some moments he almost woke up suspecting that someone had started walking down the hall. His eyes fluttered slightly in response to hearing a few subtle noises. Now he was awake, but his eyes were still closed. There was a small lapse in which Zenithe almost fell asleep again before being woken up, his eyes still shrouded under the shadow of his hood. His instincts told him someone was in his room with him. There couldn't be.... I didn't even hear footsteps let alone the door open.... He thought to himself silently now with his eyes wide open looking at his sword. But somehow I just know there is.... he turned his head very slightly and looked at the small area of metal on the sheathe of his sword. There in the reflection stood a figure. Too distorted to be able to tell who it was or even what gender he readied himself.
Almost in a blur he drew his sword with his right hand, throwing the large sheathe at the intruder with his left. Zenithe jumped from his bed and now grasping his sword with both hands got into an aggressive stance ready to attack. Just as he was about to charge and end it quickly he stopped himself as he looked at his target. Something about this female standing there got his attention and slowly he shifted out of his stance and held the sword in only one hand. Still looking at this stranger he squinted his eyes in confusion and tilted his head slightly to the right. Strange. I've never once hesitated to strike an intruder before. What is it about her that made me stop I wonder.. He looked at his sword and with both hands, drove it easily two feet into the floor. Casually walking over to grab its sheathe as if everything was fine. Once he got it he walked back to his sword pulling it from the wooden floor and putting it back where it belonged, reattaching it to his belt. "No one has ever managed to sneak into a room I'm in without me knowing before hand. I must commend you." His voice was deep and smooth, but lacked emotion. He looked back at the woman his blood red eyes clearly visible now. "There are very few who have gotten any form of respect from me but I'd say you just earned a few points from your skills in stealth though. As such I'll at least introduce myself. The name's Zenithe Kodalis. And judging by your attempt at trying to be so subtle your plan was to attack me. If that's so it must be from what happened downstairs and before you do anything at all, maybe next time you shouldn't jump to conclusions. I'm not a murderer and I don't kill for recreation and fun. That was a job. Free-lance mercenary, assassin or bounty hunter. You name it and that's what I do. That man owed my client a very..... hefty.... sum of debts and wasn't paying. So I was hired to take care of him." After speaking he sat down on the bed. "If you're still interested in trying to kill me then by all means. Give it your best shot. But I can promise you with the utmost of certainty that in this room I'll have a massive advantage over you." Even as emotionless as his voice and attitude was, his eyes showed and entirely different story. He was teasing her seeing how she would react to such a statement even if it was truth. "Are there any questions you have or may I leave now?"
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Post by ulrica on Nov 26, 2010 21:40:15 GMT -6
The sheath flew towards Misae and instinctively she began to move sideways in a dodge. However, before she had actually made the movement, another thought struck her. Why not catch it? With that she simply altered her dodge to little more than a duck, raising her left hand to easily snatch the sheath mid-flight. Really... These pups need to start trying harder or something... The dragoness thought with some disappointment as she looked back to the man, a bored expression covering her face. The man now stood in a battle ready stance, a sword held firmly in both hands as he prepared himself to attack. But there was something about him, something that almost seemed....human? Misae smirked with her new realization. Oh, you've played with the humans too long hatchling... You just lost your threat. A laugh burned her throat, but she remained silent as the man gathered himself for a charge. The goddess like creature's muscles coiled and she bared her fangs slightly, violet eyes narrowing as a dangerous hiss sounded from between her soft lips. In that moment, the beautiful woman she was changed into a feral beast, a change that had always amazed and awed whatever human she had fought. But this isn't a human....
Shadowfax tossed his head and danced in place, the large charger bringing more than a little attention to the ex-soldier. "Damnit Sae... Where are you?!" Assyrian growled as he tried to control his skittish mount. The turmoil within the inn had spread out to street and people were screaming, running for their lives. But that wasn't what mattered to the young man, no, it was the glint of metal as a troop of mounted soldiers came cantering down the middle of the street. "Ah hell!" Leaping with obviously inhuman grace, the shapeshifter held his mount's head tightly, forcing the stallion to look him in the eye. "You and Suntaria get out of town. Wait for us in the forest." Assyrian ordered sternly, knowing that having a horse would be way to conspicuous at the moment. "Della make sure they understand." He added silently. "They get it." His soulmate replied as the two horses spun about and took off for the gates.
"Assyrian, we need to get Misae out of there or we're going to have a lot of trouble on our hands..." Della cautioned, poking her angular head out enough so she could see the quickly approaching soldiers. "You might have served with them once, but that was long ago. For all they know you're dead or dieing, but definitely not in the body of a twenty year old!"[/i][/color] Assyrian hesitated for a minute, glancing about him before deciding his diversion. There was a barrel of tar beside the inn from when the roof had been repaired a few weeks before, mix that with fire and it would give them a few minutes to escape. Lunging forward, the shapeshifter shoved the barrel on its side and waited anxiously for the thick liquid to spread over the street. Finally, he waved a hand and turned to sprint into the inn just as the tar burst into flame.[/color]
Nothing. No attack, no threats, not even a few curses. He didn't even ask her how she had gotten in the room! Misae blinked, somewhat surprised though such emotions didn't show on her visage without her willing them to. The man stabbed his sword deep into floor, bringing another feral hiss from the dragoness as her violet eyes burned with returning anger. However, he seemed to ignore this as he strode forward and casually took the sheath from her hands before returning to his sword and replacing it then hooking the sheath to his waist. "I must commend you." He was saying in a deep, smooth voice. It reminded the goddess like woman of Assyrian's voice when he was trying to persuade some girl to share his bed. A smirk curled one side of Misae's mouth at that thought. She wanted to come back with something smart and witty, but nothing came to mind so she simply examined the new hole in the floor while listening to the man's words.
"The name's Zenithe Kodalis... I'm not a murderer... Bounty hunter... I was hired to take care of him." He sat down on the bed beside him, giving Misae a break from his arrogant voice. "If you're still interested in trying to kill me then by all means. Give it your best shot. But I can promise you with the utmost of certainty that in this room I'll have a massive advantage over you." Misae rolled her eyes at this male's cockiness and pride. Foolish whelp, you have no idea who you're dealing with... "You know, if you were trying to intimidate me, or startle, or scare me, you didn't have to stab a big hole in the floor to do so." The dragoness said, violet eyes watching the sitting man closely as she ignored his questions. "And if you were trying to come off as threatening or strong, or anything like that, then let me make it clear that you have failed miserably. Death is not something I fear, nor is pain. I am the giver of life just as I am the angel of death. And you," she grinned maliciously, her fangs glinting in what light shone into the small room, "why, you're little more than their pet!!"
The dragoness paused for a moment to pull herself together and catch her breath while soothing the snarl from her voice. "Now." She continued, standing with her right leg cocked out to the side and her left hand resting on her hip. Even though she was dressed in the clothes a man would wear, the pose still seemed almost seductive when one added her hourglass figure, angular features, and sharp gemstone eyes. Then on top of that, there was the musical lilting tones of her voice. Any human male would have fallen at her feet then, the wild power of her aura simply overpowering. Though she had no idea how this male would take it, she figured it would be similar. "In this city there is an unspoken code. Humans are NOT harmed by anyone other than humans. We protect them, or leave them to their own petty wars, but never does a non-human kill a human. Not only is it immoral, but would you like to be the one to gloat about killing someone without even half the strength or skill you possess?" Misae snorted with obvious disdain. "Or perhaps I was wrong in judging you before and you really are so pitiful of a being that you don't even realize your wrong." She gave him a moment to think about what she had said, but continued on before he could actually respond. "And by the way--"
"Sae!" Assyrian suddenly burst through the door, Della swooping in after him in the form of a golden eagle. Feathers flew everywhere as the great bird did a swift circle, descending slightly to tug at Misae's long pale hair as she dove by to perch lightly on the windowsill. "Sae, we have to get out of her. Now!" His eyes flickered from the dragoness to the man sitting on the bed and a wicked grin came over his face. "Saaee, I thought you were coming up here to kill the guy not-" The death glare on Misae's face shut him up real fast. "Assyrian, you even think about finishing that sentence and I swear it'll be the last you ever speak." She promised, her voice surprisingly calm for such threats. Even so, Assyrian shut up.
Stupid idiot! Misae screamed silently, Della's fearful eyes watching them all closely. How could anyone kill with such an innocent creature staring at them? They can't... Ugh... The dragoness slid a palm down her face, rubbing at her temple with the index finger of her right hand. "I'd like it if you would accompany us." Misae said suddenly as the sounds of guttural shouts and sharp commands sounded from the pub below. "It would be mutually beneficial. That way I know I'll eventually make good on your wrong, and you know we're not turning you in to the army. Or, you could just stay here and try to convince the soldiers that you're innocent. Either way, you're not staying in this city. You can die on the walls, or escape with us. Take your pick and make it fast because we're not waiting." And with that, Assyrian sprinted for the window, leaping out and landing nimbly in the alleyway below. Misae, however, remained. Something again making her hesitate. This man had done wrong, but he was also one of the few dragons she knew of. Lust threatened to consume her thoughts, though, and she forced herself to turn away following Assyrian and Della through the window. But not before she had whispered a few final, almost prayer like, words.
"You could be him.... Please...." [/sup]
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Post by Xenoxice on Nov 27, 2010 12:15:35 GMT -6
Zenithe sat on the bed as he waited to hear the response from the woman before him. "You know, if you were trying to intimidate me, or startle, or scare me, you didn't have to stab a big hole in the floor to do so." He would have smiled with amusement had it not been for the covering of his face and his emotions held deep within him. "And if you were trying to come off as threatening or strong, or anything like that, then let me make it clear that you have failed miserably. Death is not something I fear, nor is pain. I am the giver of life just as I am the angel of death. And you," Still, he patiently awaited her to finish her sentence before he could reply. "why, you're little more than their pet!!" His crimson red eyes, emotionless, looked deep into the woman's own with an almost penetrating like nature. "First, I never use such pathetic tactics such as intimidation. A method used only by those who are trying to compensate for their own weakness. I only needed something to hold my blade while I fetched my sheathe. Tell me, had I come at you with sword in hand to fetch it you would have felt much more threatened no? Secondly, I never try to 'come off' as strong or threatening or anything else for that matter. Bravado is for the ignorant. I merely state fact and if you had even the slightest idea of what I am capable of you would see I wasn't lying. The shadows are my greatest power and as you plainly see with what sad amount of light fills this room, there are plenty of them and in every corner."
After getting in his own words he awaited once again as the woman began to speak once more. "Now." He tilted his head sideways slightly as a sign to show he was paying attention. He watched as she shifted her position, squinting his eyes slightly at he looked over her marvelous figure. Now there's a rare sight. I don't believe I've ever seen such a beau.... He interrupted his own thoughts. What in the hell am I thinking? Never have I once even thought twice about a female before. But she's.... different. Looking into her eyes once again a vision quickly flashed before his eyes. I see now..... that's what you really are..... The only other one I've seen before.. Once again his thoughts interrupted but this time by the woman's words rather than himself. "In this city there is an unspoken code. Humans are NOT harmed by anyone other than humans. We protect them, or leave them to their own petty wars, but never does a non-human kill a human. Not only is it immoral, but would you like to be the one to gloat about killing someone without even half the strength or skill you possess?" Zenithe sighed and shook his head. "And by the way--" As the door burst open he saw two figures come through its frame. A man and an eagle. An eagle? So that one has multiple forms then. "Sae, we have to get out of her. Now!" He watched as the man looked from the woman he had been talking with to himself. "Saaee, I thought you were coming up here to kill the guy not-" As the woman quickly shut him up and threatened him, for the first time since he was a very small child, he smirked slightly behind the cloak and hood hiding most of his face. The tough girl attitude. The ONLY thing I've ever had even a slight weakness to. Shows she has power which means a challenge. Suddenly his thoughts were jerked into a whole new direction when he heard the what the woman said next. "I'd like it if you would accompany us." W-what did she just say...? "It would be mutually beneficial. That way I know I'll eventually make good on your wrong, and you know we're not turning you in to the army. Or, you could just stay here and try to convince the soldiers that you're innocent. Either way, you're not staying in this city. You can die on the walls, or escape with us. Take your pick and make it fast because we're not waiting."
Zenithe stood almost in shock. I've been alone for over half my life.... nobody ever even trying to start a conversation with me other than business and now I'm asked to accompany them? My mind is telling me to ignore the offer and escape myself. Just as he was about to do so he stopped dead in his tracks and looked back towards the window. But..... there's something about that girl.... Once again he turned himself and started heading to the doorway but just as he reached it a voice spoke in his head. "Go with them." He stopped immediately once again. That's what my heart is telling me to do... but I'm not sure... Just then a memory flashed before him of what his mother told him long ago. "If you're ever unsure of what to do, just listen to what your heart is telling you." Mother.... Almost instantly he turned around and looked out the window to see it was dark outside. The soldiers footsteps were in the hallway now. It was nearly impossible for him to get to the window in time before they reached the doorway. Quickly stepping to the closest shadow on the ground, he looked at the wall of the alleyway outside the window covered in the shadow of the setting sun. In the blink of an eye he vanished with nothing more than a swirling black smoke that quickly dissipated to show where he had been. He leaped off the wall he had shadow jumped towards to land behind the others in the alleyway just as the guards charged into the room above. He stood silent for a few moments before looking at the woman who had extended the offer. "I know what you really are. The only other one I've ever seen aside from myself. And that 'unspoken code' you mentioned, believe me when I say I have quite valid and reasonable intentions for not following it. One of which is sort of selfish I admit but the other reason, I do for every innocent human in this world. If there's one thing I'm NOT, it's a liar. At first I rejected your offer and planned on escaping by myself without you. But something drove me towards you, something about YOU in particular rather than your offer itself. I plan on finding out what it is eventually. So I accept. I'll accompany you."
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Post by ulrica on Nov 27, 2010 22:43:04 GMT -6
Assyrian's boots hit the ground with the smallest of thuds, his knees bending to absorb the shock. A familiar weight settled onto his shoulder as Della took her perch there. Looking up, the man expected to see Misae's slender frame following him out of the window. But she wasn't there, just empty air. "Damnit Misae!" He cried, slamming his fist against the wall. Almost as if she had heard him, her lithe figure dove through the window and did a graceful somersault before her booted feet as well touched the ground silently. "Sheesh, about time twinkle toes. Let's get out of here." Assyrian grumbled in irritation, turning around to walk towards the high wall surrounding the city. "Assyrian, wait." Della commanded, ruffling her feathers slightly to get her soulmate's attention. Assyrian turned just as Misae echoed the creature's words. "Wait." Her hand was raised in a gesture for him to stay. The man opened his mouth to argue, but there was something on her face that silenced him. Hope? Lust? Sorrow? Whatever it was, it was a rare expression to see on her young face and Assyrian wasn't going to be the one to ruin that. "Sae-" He began, but she cut him off. "Hush." The man sighed but said nothing more. Seconds later there was a loud crash and the sound of splintering wood just as a slight thud sounded behind them.
Misae spun, her right hand instinctively clawed for defense in case whoever had just arrived planned on attacking them. But it was Zenithe. He stood there for a moment, simply looking at her with his bloody, garnet eyes. The dragoness's violet gems narrowed slightly when her heart thudded under his thorough gaze and she fought to keep a blush from her cheeks. Finally he spoke and the resonating tone of his voice brought some relief. "I know what you really are..." Her heart quickened at those words, though she didn't know why. She wore her wings freely, it was obvious to see that she was...different. But dragons were so rare that most took a while to figure out her species. Idiot, he's a dragon too! A voice said with obvious disappointment. Zenithe continued. "I have quite valid and reasonable intentions for not following it..." Misae snorted in irritation and disagreement. No one has any excuse for murder... She thought angrily. Hypocrite... The voice sneered gleefully. Misae grudgingly returned her focus to the talking man. "I'm NOT...a liar... Something drove me towards you, something about YOU in particular rather than your offer itself. I plan on finding out what it is eventually. So I accept. I'll accompany you." Misae blinked in surprise at Zenithe telling her his sole reason for going with them was her. She opened her mouth to say something but the words wouldn't come. Instead, the dragoness stood there with her lips parted in mid-word. Albeit, the expression was still lovely and almost seductive, but it was more than that. For what must have been the first time in her life, Misae was speechless.
Unfortunately, Assyrian most definitely wasn't. "Oh look at that. My little princess here has been catching looks from the opposite sex huh?" He teased, stepping up to Misae's side and slinging an arm around her shoulders. His eyes then turned up to look at Zenithe, now a red so deep they matched even the dragon's fiery eyes. "But he'll have to get my approval if he want's to come anywhere close to my girls..." It was a challenge, and the dragoness knew. Hell, she was sure that Zenithe knew it. But this isn't what she was focused on at the moment. Soldiers came skidding around the corner just as more rushed to the window. The ones in the inn didn't worry Misae, they would take a few minutes to get outside, but the ones running toward them with their swords drawn made her worry a bit. "Assyrian move!!" She cried, shoving her friend away and spinning to follow him.
Zenithe was forgotten as she raced behind Assyrian's broad shoulders. He would follow as he had said he would or he would stay and die, his choice. The outer wall of the city hadn't been that far away from the inn and they reached it in a matter of seconds. As they drew near, Della launched herself into the air and landed on top of the wall to wait. Misae clasped her hands together in a stirrup, in went Assyrian's boot and he leaped up for the edge of the wall. There! He had caught it and he was over. Standing agilely and turning around to reach his hand down for Misae. She wouldn't need his help and he knew that, it was just so she didn't criticize him later about chivalry and courtesy. Assyrian was ready, she was ready, and everything was in order. So why did she hesitate...?
Misae spun back, obviously looking for the man from the inn. "Misae! Move your skinny little butt and get up here!" Assyrian bellowed angrily, but she ignored him. Something had caught her attention, and less than a second later he realized what. The resonating twang of a bow string echoed in Assyrian's ears. Instantly, he snatched Della up to his chest to protect his soulmate, but the deadly bolt wasn't flying toward them. No, it's mark was the dragoness below. "No..." He breathed as the realization hit him. Simultaneously, the woman below was reacting. Her hand sliced through the air and following the movement cut a whip of fire which engulfed the arrow. But while the wooden shaft of the arrow was destroyed, the steel head continued on in its pathway until it found its mark directly in Misae's side.
Pain exploded in the goddess-like creature's side as the arrowhead embedded itself deep between her ribs. A strangled whimper escaped her mouth before the beast within her took control. She staggered but not once did she fall as she shuffled back from the direction the bolt had come. Blood trickled down her skin and stained her clothes, but all that was ignored. The pain was ignored. All focus was on her attacker. The dragoness snarled viciously as her vision swam before her, fangs bared and violet eyes taking in every small amount of movement. But just as she would have counter-attacked, a strong arm hooked around her waist and pulled her against a broad chest.
Assyrian's sure hand loosed two of his feather knives into the throat of the man who had caused Misae's pain. Just as quickly, Della swooped down to retrieve them so they were not lost. The shapeshifter then turned to Zenithe, his navy blue eyes growing darker by the second. "Stranger... You say something drives you to her, well prove it now. I would ask that you carry her and allow me to clear a path. Not that I doubt your skills as a fighter, but I know she would rather I carry that burden... However, if you would rather slay these men then please, do it quickly. All I ask is that you help us. Help her." Assyrian pleased, his deep voice carrying the sureness of a soldier. "No... You are a knight my heart... You are a knight..." Della amended silently, small claws scrapping his neck as she wrapped herself around his neck in the form of an ermine. "How far is it to the back gates?" Assyrian asked her through their link while waiting for Zenithe's reply. "A few meters at the most if you cut behind this black smith's shop. Then we can meet up with the horses and it'll be an easy right to Castle Drake." "Do you think we should trust this guy?" Della hesitated then, something like sadness in her thoughts. "Assyrian... He's the only help we've got right now..." "For some reason, that doesn't make me feel any better...."
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Post by Xenoxice on Nov 27, 2010 23:45:46 GMT -6
Even after speaking his gaze never left that of the dragon's before him. That is until the male stepped up beside her and spoke. "Oh look at that. My little princess here has been catching looks from the opposite sex huh? But he'll have to get my approval if he want's to come anywhere close to my girls..." At this comment a wide smirk came over his hidden face. "So that's how it is? "Well I guess I'll just have to try to refrain from disappointing you then now won't I?" His remark was almost interrupted as the guards came into view. Watching the others as they turned to run from the guards, he stayed behind for a few moments to confuse the guards into thinking he would stand and fight and let them gain distance. Looking behind him he turned his eyes to see the position of the lighting in the alley. Conveniently enough one of the guards was casting a shadow form the setting sun just a foot away to his left with another right where the others were about to run past. "If you'll excuse me for a moment gentlemen." With his comment he took a sidestep and warped himself to gain the needed distance from the guards and to mostly catch up to the rest. Zenithe ran in the back at least ten or fifteen feet away, the guards almost roughly the same behind him. Quickly running to stay ahead he watched as two of the group members were already on top of the wall. His heart however dropped into his stomach at the sound of a bow string being drawn behind him. Mid-run he began to turn around but half way he heard the hissing of the arrow flying as he watched it fly past him and towards the female who had remained below. His eyes got wide as time seemed to slow down and he watched events unfold. The woman had incinerated the arrows shaft but the steel end would not be so easily eliminated. With dread lying deep in his heart he watched it make impact.
With almost inhumane speed Zenithe sprinted towards the woman just as she was about to attack back. Drawing his sword, into his right hand he grabbed around her waist upon reaching her with his left and pulling her tightly against him. Leaping almost half way up the wall he thrust his sword into the stone, easily piercing through it, and used it to throw himself up the rest of the way, pulling the sword out in the process. Reaching around the woman he re-sheathed his sword and held her in his arms. Looking now at the blood on his left hand that had dripped down. His pupils began to dilate and anger started to take over. His breath coming slow but deep and heavy now. Barely able to maintain control of himself he looked at the male who had started to speak once again with his now cat-like eyes. "Stranger... You say something drives you to her, well prove it now. I would ask that you carry her and allow me to clear a path. Not that I doubt your skills as a fighter, but I know she would rather I carry that burden... However, if you would rather slay these men then please, do it quickly. All I ask is that you help us. Help her." Zenithe paused for a moment looking down at the guards now below them before turning his gaze the the woman in his arms. "No. I won't kill them. They're innocent people. The guards are just trying to do their job." His voice became soft for the first time in many years. "Besides....." He stood up carrying her in his arms gently. "She wouldn't want me to." Why do you care what she would or wouldn't want you to do...? You've never cared before about anyone's opinion. Why start now? Why her? He thought to himself silently. "Lead the way."
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Post by ulrica on Nov 28, 2010 1:00:53 GMT -6
Assyrian almost didn't hear Zenithe's reply, he was more focused on the gentleness with which he held Misae. She complained weakly but only for a few seconds, and after that she seemed more than content to simply relax in his arms. Her head laid limp against his chest, almost like a rag-doll. For a brief second the man worried that she had fallen unconscious, but her eyes opened and she managed a small smile at him before resting back against her protector. No. I'm her protector. Assyrian thought jealously, scowling at the two. "Well then, uh, we'll travel along the wall to the gate. The real fighting will start there and once we break through we just have a short distance and we'll have horses waiting for us. You follow close behind me until we get to the gate. Once there, I'll go down at the lead and then the first opening you see you take it and get her out of here. I'll be close behind." Assyrian ordered before giving his full attention to the wounded girl laying so helplessly in the arms of another man. Bending down to stroke her cheek with one hand and rest his forehead against hers, the shapeshifter whispered a few words in her ear before spinning on his heel and taking off down the wall.
Arrows flew at them but a few well aimed daggers and Della's quick return to the form of a golden eagle kept the deadly bolts away. You're not getting to her again you fools.... I'll kill every one of you if I have to. Assyrian promised them silently as he swiftly made his way across the wall. Finally, they reached the gate posts and here he paused for a moment. "Here it goes..." He breathed into the wind as a troop of soldiers gathered below, some on horseback some on foot. An angry snarl came from the man's mouth, except now it was a two foot razor sharp beak. His arms were growing and expanding, his legs were bending and creaking into their new positions. Raven wings pushed out of his back and clothes melded into his body while fur and feathers rippled across his skin. Assyrian's body contorted and writhed, eventually taking the form of a giant raven-griffin. He let out a massive pain filled roar, both vocals of lion and bird playing within the terrible sound.
Soldiers' knees quaked with fear as they scattered away from this devil beast. Garnet eyes shone blood red amidst a mane of black fur and raven feathers, razor sharp beak snapped together making an ominous snap. Almost like a serpent, he crawled down the gate and faced the soldiers. Della landed at his side, already shifting into the form of a mighty tigress. The soldiers stood frozen with their terror for a moment, but all too soon the spell was broken with a cry to "CHARGE!!!". Assyrian snarled and leaped forward, battering knights from their horses and slamming foot soldiers onto their backsides. Right beside him was Della, slashing her wicked claws through the gaps in armor and tearing her jagged fangs across exposed flesh. Blood sprayed the air around them and screams rang through the night, but a break was made. Assyrian paused in his fighting, glancing back to see if Zenithe had made his escape. If he had, then the griffin would create some sort of a diversion and follow them, otherwise he would just have to continue fighting.
"Zenithe...? Misae muttered, bewildered of how or why she had ended up in the arms of a man she had met mere minutes before and not exactly on good terms. "No.... I can walk.... I can-" She coughed raggedly, the jerking movement sending a new wave of pain through her ribs. There was a metallic taste on her tongue as well which bothered her, not for its meaning but because it was simply irritating. Don't loose your head now girly, there's still a long way to go before you're in the clear. A voice cautioned in her mind. But then, large hands were cradling her cheek; tilting her head back while something warm rested against her forehead. "See? See what I do for you...? A familiar voice whispered roughly, but the dragoness was too busy to pay attention. After all, she had to keep herself awake, had to keep herself conscious. Time warped then, it could have been days, it could have been hours, or seconds even. Misae didn't know, but sometime after hearing those words an agonized roar sounded. It came from everywhere and pierced the woman's mind with sharp knives of noise. She wished it would just stop, and finally it did. The din of the fighting which followed was lost to her as a hazy oblivion settled over her, and that slender figure went limp in the arms of a stranger.
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Post by Xenoxice on Nov 28, 2010 9:25:01 GMT -6
Zenithe listened to the man as he explained what his plan was. "Well then, uh, we'll travel along the wall to the gate. The real fighting will start there and once we break through we just have a short distance and we'll have horses waiting for us. You follow close behind me until we get to the gate. Once there, I'll go down at the lead and then the first opening you see you take it and get her out of here. I'll be close behind." A simple nod was all Zenithe gave to acknowledge he understood. Ignoring the fact the man had whispered something to the woman he was lost in thought, interrupted by seeing the man take off along the wall at which Zenithe himself quickly followed pursuit. He watched as the two in front of him fended off the arrows flying in their direction while running. Impressive.... Upon stopping he looked below at the troops gathering and awaited the opportunity to be given by the man and his companion. Observing the transformation from man to beast, Zenithe shrugged off the horrible roar after having heard much worse things in his line of work. The battle ensued and he looked back down towards the woman who was now limp again. Why are you drawn to her you fool..... You've shut yourself off from all emotion after your parents died and this can only get in the way of your work. Let. Her. Go. His eyes narrowed as his thoughts ran wild. Why try to cling on to the past and regain the feeling of emotions? All they do is hinder you. Just run away and do what you usually do just like before. His eyes shut and he shook his head. Battling against the thoughts that threatened to rip down his resolve and shred apart his promise of accompanying the woman. "You know what's best. Emotions are what make us stronger. When you have someone you're willing to fight for.... someone to LIVE for...." That voice appeared in his head again, with such clarity and purity. He looked down to the limp figure in his arms and with his new resolve stood up and waited for the opening. Someone to LIVE for.... He repeated in his head as he looked once again at the woman he was carrying.
I'll need to get through the opening as fast as possible.... the quickest way would be.... He thought for a moment before arriving at the conclusion to determine the best method. Zenithe leaned forward slightly as his back began to crack loudly and morph into a new shape. Wings started to take form.... enormous wings just over four times his size. Moments after the formation of the wings was complete, the opening presented itself. Just as he leaped from the wall as he was looking over all the soldiers, he noticed that the gates had begun to shut. Impudent fools.... iron gates won't hold me back in the slightest. Just before his feet were to touch the ground, one mighty flap of his wings sent him blazing through the opening the man had created in a blur of speed. Half way through the crowd the gate had completely shut but thankfully he had the needed momentum to overcome that little obstacle with ease. Letting out a roar as he prepared himself Zenithe set himself up so he was flying through the air with his back to the gate. Quickly throwing himself around and in the process, letting lose a powerful blow from his right wing an extremely loud crash rang through the air as he obliterated the gate that stood in his way. It barely hung on its hinges now, bent and damaged far beyond repair, and leaving it wide open for the others to follow behind. All the while he was making his movements smooth and fluent to not hurt the woman in his arms further with any jerking motions. He looked back at the man and the shape shifter that was a tiger at the moment. With the soldiers still deafened from the crash of the gate being crushed, he yelled back to the others as the wings rapidly receded into his back. "Let's get out of here."
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Post by ulrica on Nov 28, 2010 22:32:37 GMT -6
Misae's eyes opened a bit as she dropped into consciousness again. "Oh.... How lovely...." Her voice whispered, though it sounded more like someone else speaking as she reached a hand out for Zenithe's wings. Her attempt to touched the scaled limbs, however, turned out fruitless as her arm wouldn't move high enough before falling back into the open air. She drifted off again then, only the slight shake as her protector landed waking her again. Violet eyes cast around for the cause of her awakening, but somehow missed as they blew through the giant gate and into freedom. "Let's get out of here." Zenithe called over his shoulder, but Misae was already lost.
"Let's get out of here." The call came as a relief to Assyrian and Della. Their battle was almost completed. With one final multi-vocalized roar, the great griffin sent the soldiers stumbling back. Added with the man's destruction of the gate, and those humans were completely terrified. Rushing through the painful shift back into his human skin, Assyrian scrambled away from the loud din and rushed after the man holding his best friend. The dragoness's arm lolled without movement in thin air. His heart almost stopped at the sight, but he only ran faster. "Come on!" He yelled, sprinting past them as Della took to the skies in the form of a golden eagle.
It was a short run to the waiting horses, made even shorter when the mounts ran back toward their masters. Suntaria snorted with worry, tossing her dark chocolate head and whinnying shrilly. "You! Ride with Misae on that filly. She won't let you fall, trust her to carry you and just maybe we'll survive." Assyrian said shortly as he held the filly's head and waited for Zenithe to mount up and pull the dragoness up with him. Then he turned and swung into his waiting steed's saddle, spurring the stallion into a run before his boots were even in the stirrups.
Five minutes later through a hard ride, they crossed a bridge onto the wounded woman's estate. Shadowfax's sides were lathered and foam dripped from his mouth after having been pushed for so long as did Suntaria's, but both the horses had carried their masters without fault. As they neared the large, castle-like structure, two nicely dressed servants rushed out to take the horses. "Take care that these two get a good rub down and they both have an extra serving of oats. Be sure there is also a fresh layer of hay in the stalls for them, and that the water barrels are full." Assyrian ordered before pulling the dragoness into his strong arms. "You, with me." He called over his shoulder to Zenithe while striding with purpose toward the grand double doors. Once inside, he entered a room directly off of the grand hallway. It seemed to be a library of sorts, however there was a large couch pushed against one wall which Misae was swiftly deposited. "I'm sorry, but you'll have to wait out here. The servants will attend to you." Assyrian said shortly, already bending down to tend to Misae's wounds. Right on cue, a servant appeared to close the door. "Sir?" He drawled with a bored tone, standing with his back to the large wooden door and looking to Zenithe with an expectant expression.
How much time had passed? She didn't know. All she knew was the throbbing ache in her side that just refused to end. Something soft was beneath her though, something that gave way when she moved. "Just be still okay, Sae? Just be still and I promise this will all be over soon...." Assyrian...? The thought was hazy and hard to form, but there none the less. Ryan, what's going on..? She wanted to ask him so badly, but the words refused to come out and her mouth wouldn't move. "Sae... This is going to hurt...a lot..."
The ripping of fabric reached the dragoness's ears and a faint chill touched her side. Instinctively, her body increased her temperature in that spot and a small smile came to her lips as she relaxed into the cushions beneath her. Her contentment didn't last. Suddenly, red hot metal was plunged into her side, pulling her skin apart and stabbing at her ribs. Misae screamed, violet gems opening wide with agony. She writhed on the couch, her left wing - which was facing toward open air - slamming repeatedly against the stone floor. The spike there jabbing holes into the rock. Again the knife cut into her, and again the dragon screamed. A blood curdling sound of one in desperate pain. Something was tugging away inside of her, something that hurt and stabbed each time it was moved. She whimpered loudly, trying frantically to get away, but a strong hand held her in place while another dug into her side. Another scream, another jab. Misae clutched at the hand digging into ribs, pleading for it to go away. Begging the pain to stop. And finally....it did. With a final tearing sensation and scream, the arrow head came free of her body; falling with a clank to the ground. "There you are dear, there you are. It's out, it's out." A voice tried to soothe, and a warm tongue licked at her cheek. But pain was all she knew, pain and a darkness that threatened to overtake her.
It was over. At last, the arrow was out and she could heal. It would take a few days for the wound to be completely healed, but still she would live. Sighing with relief, Assyrian gently propped the dragoness up to wrap her entire torso in strips of clean cloth. Thank the servants for this stuff, Sae... How many times had one of them come to this place wounded? He head lost count, and so had the servants. So, a sort of trauma kit was kept in every room. Especially, the ones closest to the main doors. Once Misae was wrapped up tight, he allowed her to lay back on the couch. He wrapped her cloak up beneath her head and laid his own over her before heading for the door. A couple hard kicks with his foot, and a servant opened the door. "I'll be back in a moment... Keep her awake alright... If she goes out now I don't know when I'll get her back again..." Assyrian said softly to Zenithe as he stepped out of the room, holding his blood covered hands away from his body. The walk outside was like a dream, but soon he was at a water bucket and the servants were there to help him. He hadn't even been aware of Della following along behind along behind him in her previous form of the large, white sheepdog.
Gods help you Sae.... Gods help you...
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Post by Xenoxice on Nov 29, 2010 1:52:50 GMT -6
Zenithe followed closely behind the man as he sprinted past him. Coming up to the horses he listened as he instructed. "You! Ride with Misae on that filly. She won't let you fall, trust her to carry you and just maybe we'll survive." Zenithe nodded in acknowledgment. "Very well." He mounted the horse with ease, carrying the woman with him and setting her in front, taking off after the man who had already begun riding ahead on his own horse. It was only a short ride before they had arrived at their destination. Quite a nice building at that. As the man spoke to the people who came to greet them, Zenithe dismounted and gently took the dragoness down until she was taken into the arms of the man. "You, with me." He followed once more as instructed until they had entered the building and he turned into a room. "I'm sorry, but you'll have to wait out here. The servants will attend to you." The door shut and he was left outside. As the servant seemed to ask if he wanted anything, he simply turned his gaze away, sliding down into a slump with his back against the wall next to the door and said one word. "Nothing." The screaming started just as he had expected but something came with it he would have never imagined. It became hard to breathe and each time the woman screamed his side burst into excruciating pain. The same place she had been wounded. What in the name of all that is holy is going on..... Why...... why can I feel her pain as my own.... why did I not notice it before now? he thought to himself silently clenching his side tightly with short shallow breaths. The screaming eventually subsided and the pain in his own side had dropped down to only an uncomfortable feeling.
A banging noise came form the door and immediately Zenithe stood up as the servant opened the door. As the man came out he spoke to him. "I'll be back in a moment... Keep her awake alright... If she goes out now I don't know when I'll get her back again..." Closing his eyes, he nodded and replied quietly. "I will...." He walked into the room slowly looking at the dragoness lying down on the couch now. Stepping over by her side he knelt down. Closing his eyes, he once again brought his wings out after surveying to see if the room was big enough for them. He whispered quietly to her. "I heard you when my wings first emerged and saw you reach for them." For a moment he hesitated but after a moment pulled down the part of the cloak covering everything from his nose down, to reveal his full face. The first person to ever see it aside from his own family now long dead. He gently grabbed her hand and guided it to his left wing, which he was bringing in front of him slightly, placing it upon it. A genuine smile slowly crept over his face. The first time in his life he ever smiled. "I don't know why.... but when you were in pain.... when I was outside.... I felt it as if it were my own. I still don't know why I'm drawn to you so or why I can feel what you do.... but I'm here and I won't leave you until we both know the answers." His voice was gentle... kind even. And he remained by her side trying to keep her awake as he promised.
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Post by ulrica on Nov 29, 2010 21:30:01 GMT -6
Assyrian had left her. She was completely alone. No, not alone. There was the pain, always the pain. Her side ached horribly, but she simply gritted her fangs against the hurt and shoved herself into a sitting position. Misae winced at the movement, but that didn't matter. She had to get up, she had to stop being such a child and act like the adult she was. But you're not an adult... Not really... A tiny voice reminded in her thoughts. The dragoness ignored it, running a bloodied hand through her pale hair; leaving a streak of muddy crimson on the silvery strands. Finally, she was in a full sitting position, not leaning on her arm or slumped over. Had it not been for her torso wrapped in gauze, and her left arm suspended in a sling, she could have appeared perfectly fine. The sweat and paleness to her skin could have been from a hard day of training. The ragged panting that was her breathing could have also been training. But the pink stain growing ever so slowly from her left side would never be accounted to a blow from a wooded sword. At least not the sort she practiced with. And wood is for hatchlings anyhow... She thought stubbornly, the pain making her mood worse.
Long tendril of shadow played amongst the dots in her vision, obstructing her view when another presence was felt in the room. Sniffing daintily and opening her mouth slightly to taste the air, the wounded creature realized who had just stepped into the room. "I heard you when my wings first emerged and saw you reach for them." He said softly after crossing the floor to kneel before her, growing a magnificent pair of wings as he did so. The dragoness had a short flashback of vassals and knights bowing before in almost the same manner as they pledged their allegiance to her foster father and in turn asked for his protection and good grace. However, such memories were usually kept behind locked doors. She was curious as to what about this male triggered their remembrance. But she needed to pay attention.
Zenithe slowly took his mask down, but he moved hesitantly. As if he wasn't exactly sure what he wanted to do. Misae smiled, trying to see him through the dots swimming across her vision. She would have lifted a hand to brush it across his face then as Assyrian often did to her, but as she began to move his hand gently closed over hers and guided it to his wing. The scales were smooth under to the touch and the dragoness could tell almost feel the power that resided within them. "They are...." She paused, searching for the right words while slowly pulling her hand away to stare at it as if it were some foreign object. "Very familiar I suppose one could say.... Oh! Heh, pardon me. I do that sometimes after I get hurt like this. Please, forget I said anything!" She apologized rapidly, her brow furrowing in an almost cute manner.
Looking up, the dragoness realized a smile had come over his face. It smoothed his features, making the hard line of his jaw appear a bit softer. A corner of her mouth turned upward at the thought...until he spoke. "But when you were in pain.... I felt it as if it were my own. I still don't know why I'm drawn to you so or why I can feel what you do... I won't leave you until we both know the answers." Misae blinked, her eyesight clearing for a moment. Long enough for her to actually see him. He was so close. His heart beating was like thunder to the dragoness's ears, the place where he had touched her now ice cold. Her body was out of whack. What was he doing to her? And why didn't she care more than she did? The corner of her mouth turned upward again and she reached out with her right hand to brush some strands of hair away from his forehead and tuck them back beneath his hood. "I never meant for you to be in pain. If I could take it into myself, I would this very second... But the past is the past I'm afraid... And I am no time traveler..." The smile on her mouth seemed almost regretful now, apologetic. Her hand fell softly into her lap and her wings rested against the seat of the couch in a comfortable position. She was silent for a few seconds, simply listening to the world around her and gathering her bearings. When her violet eyes reopened, the haziness they once had bore had vanished. It was as if she had never been wounded at all. But the weakness in her voice when she spoke revealed the pain she still felt. "I suppose Assyrian sent you in here to make sure I didn't pass out didn't he? Well, I've always found that the best way to stay awake, is to take a walk." She rested her hand on his forearm lightly, the warmth of her naturally heated body perhaps being felt through the cloth there. "Mind helping me up?"
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Post by Xenoxice on Nov 29, 2010 22:06:03 GMT -6
Zenithe was slightly nervous as he was so close to the dragoness. He wasn't used to being in contact with others in such a manner until now. When she reached out to him to tuck the strands of his smooth silky black hair that had fallen in front of his face back, he averted his eyes for a few moments. Nobody had ever touched him aside from his parents. I have never let someone get this close to me before. Let alone touch me. But for some odd reason... I don't mind it at all. It's.... pleasant. As she spoke he looked at her with a small happiness in his eyes. Emotions slowly unlocking from his heart which had been held back for years and years. "I never meant for you to be in pain. If I could take it into myself, I would this very second... But the past is the past I'm afraid... And I am no time traveler..." He simply smiled and replied. "It's fine. There's nothing you could do about it. I just wish I knew what connection I had with you that made such an event occur." He remained in his kneeling position before the dragoness as she seemed to relax for a moment or two. When she opened her eyes she spoke to him once more. "I suppose Assyrian sent you in here to make sure I didn't pass out didn't he? Well, I've always found that the best way to stay awake, is to take a walk." He let out a very quiet chuckle. "Yes he did actually. I suppose a walk would be nice." When she placed her hand upon his forearm he could feel the warmth of her hand. So warm.... all I've known is the cold.... He thought to himself thinking of just how few memories he truly had of his family, and none of any friends. "Mind helping me up?" his daze was broken by the request of the woman. "Of course not. Just.... take it slow." With his left hand he reached around behind the woman to help slowly stand her up while her hand still rested on his other forearm. "I just realized.... I don't even know your name yet. Do you mind telling me so that I may properly address you?" He smiled, looking into her eyes as he helped her up and spoke.
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Post by ulrica on Dec 5, 2010 2:14:33 GMT -6
"Of course not. Just.... take it slow." Misae smirked at the man's words. Take it slow? Hatchling you've much learn about the workings in my world. Were her silent musings, though she allowed him to help her stand. Hell, if he hadn't, she would was thankful for his arm around her back. Pain flared at her movement, but she ignored it. The only sign to her discomfort being a the tightening of her hand on his arm and the unnoticeable gritting of her teeth. "Thanks for that..." She said quietly when she was standing, her upright position bringing her to stare directly at Zenithe's chest. Violet eyes widened and she swallowed hard, something about him just made her heart stutter. Luckily, his words were enough to snap her back into reality. "I just realized.... I don't even know your name yet. Do you mind telling me so that I may properly address you?" Misae returned his smile, unable to help herself. Fangs pushing against her bottom lip and causing slight indentations as she did so. Again, there was something about him that made her heart skip a beat. He was so close. His arm around her waist, her right hand still on his right forearm. His mouth was exposed. It would be so easy just to- "Lady Draconai!" The dragoness turned with a feral snarl, anger instantly bringing her blood to boil and her skin turn a feverish temperature. "What?!" She snarled at the servant who had just rushed into the room, the servant whose face was then turning a bright shade of red as Misae stepped out of Zenithe's supporting arms. "I uh, I'm sorry milady, but we need your um...expertise." The serving man explained, somewhat embarrassed at what he had walked in on.
Rubbing her temple with her good hand, the bloodied woman sighed and closed her eyes. When those bright gems reopened, they found their focal point on the male dragon now a couple feet to her left. "Stay put. I'll be back soon." She ordered, the sternness in her voice making clear her intolerance for disobedience. But she didn't have the time to ensure he was listening as the servant was currently leading her out of the room and down the grand hallway. Seconds later they were in the kitchens, which were overflowing with people. Misae blinked, looking around her as if she had never seen so many humans in one room before. "What is going on here?!" She growled in irritation. "Well, mistress, we've come to the conclusion that we don't think his lordship would appreciate a stranger staying in his home and-" "Let's get something understood between us. This is no longer your master's estate. This is my estate. And I will allow whomever I please to stay here. Learn your place, all of you. Get back to work." She snarled, venom dripping with every syllable which fell from her lips. It was poorly spoken but the workers understood, they knew better than to mess with a dragon. Their first employer's hand had been iron clad, Misae's was no softer. The dragoness was not stopped when she turned to leave.
Instead of instantly returning to the small library in which she had left Zenithe, the seemingly young woman walked at a brisk pace to her own rooms. Shoving through the heavy wooden doors into her quarters, Misae headed instantly for her wardrobe. Within were countless gowns, all gifts from her foster father back when they had actually been on speaking terms. There was a painful twinge at the memory of her mentor, but she quickly pushed that aside and pulled out a gown. An inner dress of a pale lavender, silky, flowing material patterned with lace roses near the hem, and disappearing into small leaves at her mid-thigh. The bodice was marbled with dark purple with about two inches of even darker lace at the collar. The outer coat was a heavier cloth and was a darker more vivid violet. Underlying it was also an array of lace roses. The sleeves were long, coming down to the beginning of her thumbs and then trailing down into angular tails. It was a lovely dress, the problem was getting into it. Sticking her head out her door she spotted a maid scurrying down the hall. Calling to her, Misae asked for her assistance in changing. Within a few minutes, the dragoness was dressed in the gown, pale hair falling down to the middle of her back. Though her left arm was still in a make-shift sling and a strip of gauze poked out over the low cutting bodice, the flowing material fit her elegantly. Much better than a man's clothes anyhow. So, tugging on her boots - which were easily covered by the gown - she strode out of her chambers and hurried as quickly as the arrow wound would allow to where she had left Zenithe.
A sudden anxiety struck the dragoness at the doorway. Instead of simply walking in, she paused, unsure of how the man inside would react. She didn't doubt her beauty even with her wounds and the streak of muddy red in her sweeping bangs. The gown brought out her already bright eyes and made her seem almost like royalty - which in fact she almost was. So why did Misae hesitate to greet Zenithe? What was it about him that made her second guess her every action? Why did she feel the need to impress him? Oh stop being such a child. Act your age. The woman scolded herself silently, irritated at her own irrationality. Mustering up what little dignity she still held and a fair amount of courage to go along with it, Misae turned through the doorway and into the small library. She was grace personified, and if not grace, then beauty. There was such wildness to her aura which heightened the effects of her looks, far surpassing those of any mortal woman's. She was a dragoness, and as she walked through the doorway, she looked like it. Everything about her - from the way she walked, to the way she carried herself, to the striking gemstones of her eyes - said power. Said danger.
"I'm sorry I kept you waiting." The spell was broken. She was a goddess not a daemon, the gentle smile which lit upon her lips proved this fact plainly. "But I thought it might be a good idea to change into some different clothes..." Her sentence trailed off and she waited for Zenithe's reply.
((OOC: Argh >.< sorry, this one is kinda crappy))
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