Glittering Eyes (cont'd)

[Niphanos]

((Heheh, you're really determined to not let him go through with this, aren't you? (: Sorry, I just find it terribly amusing because this is the only thing he knows how to do. The only way he can relate to others is through his crafting. You see, he's rather socially awkward, as are most who spent much of their time isolated from others, crafting.))

Niphanos' head sort of twitches towards Kellyn as he tries to look at her, before looking back at the tools. "Hmm...? Oh... I have found all can craft, in some way. Have you ever composed your own songs?" He places the tools on the ground solemnly. Something is bothering him... He stands up and turns to her as he says, "Well, if you do go out there, be careful. I hunt with my metal discs. Do you recall how I got the rabbit back at the volcano? It is very sudden, and terribly deadly. I have covered metal plates spread out in the valley below. You should be able to see them glint in most cases, I cannot be certain of their location." This is not what is bothering him, however.

((Gar, I'm out of it... also, I don't know what's bothering him... I'd ask him, but we're not currently on speaking terms. I just sit here, watching him, admiring his--nevermind!))

[BlackWind]

[glow=blue,2,300]Kellyn had to resist the urge to burst out laughing when Niphanos asked her if she composed her own songs. He knew very little about wolves. "I suppose you could call it that, but I don't sing with words, no wolf does. We sing with our voices, with sound and feeling. And none of us are the same so none of our songs are the same. Rarely do we ever sing the same song twice either."
Kellyn wasn't really surprised the dragon didn't hunt on his own. He loved crafting but she felt it was impersonal to kill so often with a distance she was incapable of. "How can you hunt like that? I couldn't imagine hunting from a distance. There's no thrill, no chase, no fairness."
Her brow furrowed and Kellyn sat down. Mostly she was confused. "Perhaps you could hunt with me? I'll show you what it is to be a wolf, to hunt and sing."
She got up and walked to the entrance of the cave and then looked back at Niphanos hopefully. She hoped to distract him and to show him things that meant the same to her as his crafting did to him. "And you are not allowed to use any magic if you hunt with me."
Her grin was inviting and daring. She hoped to cheer the bum looking dragon up. She was sorry but she wasn't a crafter, wasn't a creator. While she found joy in watching Niphanos do what he loved, she had no desire to do the same. She felt the most at home running through the forest or howling her joys and sorrow. There was no way to explain that so Kellyn would simply have to show Niphanos if he would let her. [/glow]

[Niphanos]

((Oh, I do not know if this is apparent, but he does not really "feel" where the metal is, he can only do that with gems. Manipulating metal for him is like having a numb hand and trying to take a drink, or something of that sort.))

Niphanos scoffs at her idea of hunting being "fair". He says to her, "I do not hunt for sport, for pleasure. I hunt that I may eat, regardless of my prey's abilities." After saying this, he looks to the side solemnly. "I do have a sense of honor, however. I give all of my prey their... their 'last rites', if you will. I respect my kills in a manner that does not require myself crashing about, frightening others while I subdue my quarry." This second speech started out solemn, but the last line was biting. Something must really be troubling him. He sighs, then looks up at Kellyn remorsefully. "I'm sorry... You're a wolf. It's what you do..." With this, he lets out a resigned sigh. "I'd love to watch."

((Oh! I figured it out! He's wanted to be a wolf for quite some time! It's a very deep longing, so it's upsetting him, seeing what Kellyn does, or even hearing about it. Remember back at the volcano when he looked longingly at the sky after mentioning the winged wolves?))

[BlackWind]

((Yep, sure do))

[glow=blue,2,300]Kellyn's ears pinned back against her head at Niphanos' biting words. Growling, her ears flew forward again. "Yes, it's what I do."
With that she turned and looked down the edge of the opening and, spying a thin trail to the bottom, she made her way down and towards denser vegitation where the larger dragon would have trouble finding and following her.
Kellyn was angry and hurt but she wasn't about to let Niphanos in on that. She slowed only when ferns began to brush her fur and sniffed the air searching for something that would give her a good run. Rabbits were abound and mice, but she was interested in neither.
The forest quieted as she passed, sensing her intent and likely her anger. They knew she was a danger. Her steps were light and filled with purpose and the deer were on edge. She could see them up ahead, she could see the doe.
Stepping from the shrubs there was that split second where her eyes met those of the doe's and they stared at each other, each knowing their fate, and then they ran.
Kellyn was right on their heels and she followed their every twist and turn, intent on running the the weakest link out. She felt her muscles work like springs as she bound over logs and under vines. Her tail flowed out behind her keeping her balanced and upright as the deer tried to shake her. But the doe was alreadyfalling behind and Kellyn could run right beside her.
They passed a stream and as if on cue Kellyn leapt and hit the doe from the side sending her tumbling down a slight incline. The doe tried to stand but she had caught a leg and broken it in the fall.
Kellyn moved in and clamped her jaws around the doomed animal's throat. The fight was short lived and Kellyn soon released her hold and began to feed. She was still mad but at least the edge was taken off of her anger and she wouldn't do something stupid. [/glow]

[Niphanos]

((Sorry for the late post, I couldn't think of a response at the time and I sorta forgot about it, lol.))

As Kellyn dashes out, Niphanos calls out, "No-- wait!" but it's too late. She's gone. He goes to follow her, but quickly realizes he cannot follow her into the dense foliage. He briefly pounds the ground out of frustration with his paw. This isle may seem transcendent, but to the other dragons of this mountain, she'd be nothing more than a snack. He's glad she is still wearing the gem, at least he can know where she is, even if he can't tell if she's hurt or not. Still, he doesn't chase after her, since he figured both of them needed a little while alone after that. He sighs. How could I act like that? That was absolutely appalling! I do not know if I can forgive myself after that...

He slowly walks back to the cave, not caring to fly, simply thinking about his actions. He has a bad habit of being overly harsh on himself for childish, irresponsible, or otherwise thoughtless actions he commits. This is no exception. He repeatedly tells himself how badly it went, and what he could have done better, never letting up on himself. It is a great surprise he does not have any sort of depression issues. He does this to try and learn from his mistakes, to try and burn the consequences into his mind, so he never forgets. As a hatchling, he did it for much simpler things, such as breaking pots. He hardly remembers those days, much less the mishaps he caused. His method is not terribly effective, his mind is too pliable, and any imprints he attempts to leave this forcefully simply fade quickly. Still, he thinks about it for quite some time, and will no doubt spend a great deal of time on that decision when he sleeps tonight.

Now back at his cave, he keeps a careful inner eye on the location of Kellyn's jewel, making sure it does not leave the ground. If he lost her, he definitely would not ever forgive himself. She was his charge, it was his duty to ensure her safety. However he could do nothing more in his current position, and could only hope she knew her way back.

[Niphanos]

Happy Birthday, BlackWind!

[BlackWind]

(It's no biggy and thank you.))

[glow=blue,2,300]Kellyn finished her meal and cleaned herself so there was no trace of blood anywhere, even on the jewel. A slight sadness gripped her but she shook it off still holding on the the little anger he had left. How dare he believe himself superior to her. She growled quietly to herself as she rose to her feet and began to wonder slowly back to the cave.
The sounds of the forest had returned. She was no longer a danger to them. Her throat tightened and her chest swelled as she felt emotions take hold of her. Kellyn's muzzle pointed to the sky and her howl filled the cooling night air. It rose and fell with her anger and sadness, even calling out to another for answer, drawing out longer and longer until she had no more energy to sing.
Her head fell again and her white eyes scanned the horizon and saw nothing she did not already expect should be there.
Silently she made her way to the forest just outside the cave but she wasn't ready to go in yet.
Instead Kellyn settled outside with her tail wrapped around her lost in her thoughts. Much as she hated to admit it just now, she needed Niphanos if for nothing more than to get off this blasted place. Still, he was her friend and she did admit that. She was just angry.[/glow]

[Niphanos]

As Niphanos heard a strong howl nearby, he realizes it must be Kellyn. As he listens to it, he can hear the sadness and the anger contained therein, and tears began welling up in his reptilian eyes. Her voice... it's beautiful, and terrible at the same time... I had no idea I-- with this, his breath hitched and a tear fell from his eye, splashing on the compressed stone floor of his cave. I must have really hurt her, for her to sound so sad and lonely... He looks towards the cave entrance with a pained look on his face. He wants to go get her, to hold her and tell her it's alright, but the anger was still evident enough that seeing him would only make things worse, he was sure of it.

Instead he lays his head down on the cave floor, shedding just a few more tears before his wells dry up along with her howl. He never was much of a crier, so even with how sad he just was, he could only manage to shed a few drops. Still sad, but no longer crying, he looks down at the sad, solemn, shed tears, and begins toying with them using the tip of his claw. He drags them all into one small puddle, before dropping his head down out of depression, feeling useless. At least she's just outside the cave now, but still... she was so sad! I just want to hug her and never let go, if it would make her happy again... but I can't.

He stands up just enough to sulk over to his bed area. I might as well stay comfortable while I wait for her... He feels bad about thinking that right after he does, but is too upset at that point to get up and change the fact. He sighs a deep, depressed, draconic sigh, blowing away little clouds of dust and dirt that had been lying on his floor, but not his saddened emotions. He tells himself there's no real reason he should still be awake, and ends up napping, though it was far from peaceful or even enjoyable. In this sleep, however, he is more sensitive to any sounds that might drift up, indicating she wants to talk, or leave, or anything.

[BlackWind]

((This would be the perfect place for someone else to come in, another character might spice things up a bit, you think?))

[Niphanos]

((Hmm. Sure. Someone else recently a thread on Myoujou, which means there is definitely someone else on the island, so it isn't entirely improbable that another should come across them. I think it is a good idea, so long as it doesn't ruin the idea I have... which it most likely will not.))

[BlackWind]

((ok, idk if you want to wait for someone else to come along or invite someone? sorry it took so long for me to reply.))

[Relairah]

OoC: Sorry I took an extra day to join, guys DX it took me longer than I expected to read everything since I was doing other stuff and then I had a bit of trouble decided which of my characters to use lol I'm all curious and excited where this is going to go.. especially since Kellyn is a seer >D anywho...

iC:

He had visited this place only once before, and there had been a specific reason. He didn't think of it now, there was no need. Now he was returning. His purpose was entirely different. He had grown bored of the wolves beneath, and had heard of strange creatures here. He was looking for new and different - perhaps even more dangerous entertainment. He could feel the adrenaline rush at the thouight.

His wings beat powerfully, despite their fragile appearance, carrying him easily, and strange-looking they were indeed. What started as purely white feathers faded into papery-thin butterfly wings and back to feathers at the tips, the feathers also in patches here and there. The butterfly texture was faded and in some places torn from past battles, though in the sunlight as he flew, the golden veins glimmered as though gems within his wings. Like his wings' color, his fur was white, untarnished and pure. Oh yes, he was the image of an angel, a bringer of peace. How ironic with the blood which stained his heart black.

He came to land on a grassy slope, the wind rippling through his coat. Oh it made him feel powerful as he drew his wings into himself and shook out his fur, the 'mane' of fluffier fur on his neck settling easily. Another oddity about this wolf were the external bones which decorated his figure, making him look ready for a fight. One started as a thin line on his forehead and wrapped around and under his chin like a soldier's helmet. Four encapsulated his legs from his paws to his knees like boots. Golden-amber eyes looked around, but there were no other creatures in his immediate sight. That was no matter.

He stepped forward, the black of his nose a stark contrast to the rest of him as he sniffed the air. He could smell the scent of dragons in the area. Well this could get interesting...

His pace was steady, he loving the feel of his muscles beneath his pelt. If one were to notice him, they would not feel anything particularly out of the ordinary, except perhaps his appearance and large size. Afterall, he was nearly seven-and-a-half feet in height. But otherwise, his body language and eyes gave away nothing of his mind or intentions. Oh this wolf was laced with deceit, for that was his own power. To deceive others, even the most insightful of wolves had fallen to his lies before. At least, as far as he had tested it.

As he moved, he passed the incline leading to the cave in which Niphanos and Kellyn currently resided, though currently he was unaware of them since the wind gave no indication of their presence and their height and location wouldn't allow their voices to reach his ears, especially with the wind. However, on stepping out if they looked down, they perhaps might see him. It was only a matter of time before an encounter would occur.

[BlackWind]

[glow=blue,2,300]Kellyn saw the giant moving towards her. However she was not in the cave and he was too close for her to move without making herself vulnerable. If he continued he would come directly bewteen her and her only safe haven in this strange land.
Kellyn sat back in the shrubs, visible only from the front, with her tail wrapped around her and her pupiless, motionless, white eyes watch the stranger approach. He was over twice her size and white as snow though she suspected he was not as pure. It mattered little enough to her but she soon determined by looking at him that she was at least faster on ground. Curiousity got the better of her and she kept quiet instead of calling for her only protector, Niphanos. The dragon would hear them talking if the wolf confronted her.
Being a lone female without powers besides her sight, Kellyn was naturally wary of others. She was also aware that others could prove just as useful as friend as they could dangerous. So she waited silently, no moving, not really trying to hide, for the giant to move into her sight.
When his shoulder was even with her sight she spoke, quietly but he would hear. "Hello, stranger." Her voice was soft and higher pitched making it sound delicate and feminine. Sitting partially in the shadows with her tail wrapped around her feet made her look just as small and delicate as she sounded. The jewel glistened slightly against her chest as she breathed.[/glow]

[Niphanos]

Sensing something to be wrong, Niphanos claws his way out of his sleep. Slowly raising his head, still feeling the sleep cling onto the fringes of his mind, he notices Kellyn's gem is moving again. Then, thanks to the wonders of how dense his cave walls were, her voice drifted up and reached him. It was very faint, so he could not tell whether she was addressing him or not, but she did not seem to be too distressed. He has to wonder, though, if she wasn't addressing him, then who? Hopefully not one of the other dragons... They may be clever and tricky, but without fail will try to eat or kill most of those who they talk to. Of course, he must consider other possibilities as well; dragons are not the only creatures on this isle capable of speech. By now, his curiosity was getting the better of him, and he began quietly creeping up to his cave entrance, his deft claws making no sound on the dense floor of his cave.

[Relairah]

He stopped, ears swivelling on his head as he caught the soft words uttered by the female. His golden-amber eyes scanned the shrubbery, looking for the source. At last with a glimmer of light and white he caught a glimpse. She was hiding in shadow, for any number of reasons he thought to himself. Whatever they were, he didn't really care.

"Well, hello to you as well," he said a pleasant smile gracing his lips. He knew how to be the friendly, gentlemanly wolf whose only interest is pleasantries or aid. It was all about the presentation. He sat back, though his mind and senses remained alert. He would not be caught off-guard. He waited, to see if she would come and reveal herself or not. He would make no move to try and get her to. She could do whatever she wished. Or so he would try and make it seem.

"Is this place not beautiful?" He paused, his eyes glancing around and toward the distance. "It holds so many mysteries, surprises..." and many other things. His gaze rested once more in her direction. "Do you live here? Or just visiting like me?" he asked pleasantly.