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Post by Tidfe on Aug 4, 2014 19:41:21 GMT -8
Cain shook his head rapidly even as he noticed the Kitsune trying to use him as a shield. "If that dragon comes charging, I'm not going to stand in the way. The laws of physics say what is bigger than you usually crushes you when it charges at you." Okay. That was a really bastardize, simplified version of physics, but it was true. The skeleton was pretty sure he would be no match again a dragon. Even if the dragon was still pretty young. "Apology accepted but you really shouldn't worry about it Taki." Grinning a little, he pointed to his ribs. "Cause I'm pretty sure it was not your intention to hurt. Not to mention, if I had skin and muscle it would not have hurt one little bit. So do not be too sorry about it because now you know the next time you want to try and flick me in the ribs and just about anywhere else but my skull. Skull is a bit harder for some odd reason." As if to demonstrate this, Cain flicked his skull himself.
"See? Nothing. So, got any more questions that need answering? I'll be happy to explain just about anything." Basaol meanwhile was actually a bit surprised when a few of the water droplets actually managed to land on her. Yay! She was getting to be more solid now, though most of the water still passed through her form. I am not too worried. Even if he could not, it is hard to drown one of us. Shaking her feathers of the little water drops that appeared on her, she landed lightly on Beleth. She barely weighed anything but if the dragon started to move in agitation or even just in general, she would move and settle in on the sands. For now though, she would rest here. I like your bonded by the way. She is good for Cain in my opinion. It is nice to feel him happy.
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Taki
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Post by Taki on Aug 5, 2014 1:32:41 GMT -8
Tam’kar seemed to ponder Cain’s comment for a moment, as if debating his options, then rather impishly used Cain’s shoulder as a prop to look over his head (or around as best able) flicked his pink tongue out at Beleth and Basaol, then dropped back into the grass and sprawled his still-damp head and forelegs across Cain’s thighbones. Wasn’t uncomfortable really, and it wasn’t so much that he thought the skeleton would protect him. More like he knew the brown dragonling wouldn’t haphazardly run them over to get to him. She wouldn’t want to run the risk of hurting Taki (Cain was lucky on that.) Yes, Tam’kar could be as mischievous, and clever, as a monkey at times!
Taki giggled a bit at his comments to her Spirit Animal, then nodded, a bit meekly playing with her tail.
*Yeah, I wasn’t trying to hurt you. I just like hearing people laugh. I like making people laugh and feel happy, any way I can. Well, that’s all Myrgwae, not just me.* Here she rubbed the back of her head, a quizzical expression on her face. *At least that’s what I’ve been told, and read in a book once. But I’d think it was a good thing your head feels less than the rest of you. Otherwise having an echee in there would probably be really odd!* There went that babbling again, but this time she didn’t try to hold it in check. *As for more question…* She giggled. *Got any tips for staying on a dragon’s back while she’s flying? I know Beleth isn’t quite big enough yet, but when she is, I know that I’m so small I’m likely to go tumbling off! I honestly think that’s why Beleth hasn’t really tried to practice flying yet.*
Beleth huffed when she saw where the playful kitsune had taken shelter. He was right that she was hesitant to do anything that might injure her bonded, even by accident. But she was having fun at the game (though she would never DARE give any indication of that to anyone!) and knew she and her phoenix ally would just have to be clever to get the multi-tailed fox! When Basaol mentioned Tam’kar drowning them, she chuckled at the mental picture.
Especially as you can fly, and I’m bigger than he is. She turned her head slightly to look at the spirit animal, for once not minding the physical contact from someone outside her ‘family.’ (she would never admit that she was picking up on her bonded’s fondness for such contact herself) And… I find that I like your bonded too. Taki has been distressed lately with a want to earn her keep here, and he has made her laugh and relax, plus offered a solution and been kind enough to answer her questions. She likes having friends, and being around others, especially people that don’t mind her bouncy nature. Shaking a bit of water carefully from her wings, so as to not shake off the Spirit Animal as well, she studied the location of their target. Hmm… got any ideas? I personally think he needs another bath!
(word count: 519/500, hesitant, ponder, monkey)
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Post by Tidfe on Aug 5, 2014 2:01:12 GMT -8
Looks Cain's words had no effect on the spirit animal as he made himself at home in Cain's lap much like Brains had made herself at home on Taki's. "That's what you been told?" That piqued Cain's curiosity now. How did she not know her own species' culture and habits? Shaking his head a little, he realized that now was not the time to be asking questions of her. That could always come later.
Laughing at the mention of where Brains lived, Cain moved to run a finger along the little rodent's back before speaking. "It is odd to begin with. I'm not quite used to things poking out of my eye sockets. Least she makes it hard for people to take my skull. As for flying...I may not be the best one to answer that question. I hate flying." Thinking for a few minutes, he leaned back to view the lake. "If I remember right though, Terris is making dragon saddles. You could talk to him about making you one. I'm sure he would be tickled pink to do so." Provided he was not still trying to fix up the tavern. Then he might grumble at her about adding another thing to his list. Good thing that Beleth wasn't quite old enough yet.
"Though if you are really concerned about falling, Beleth can always carry you in her front claws. She would just have to practice landing in a way that doesn't accidentally crush you." Which shouldn't be too hard to do as Dorth did it all the time. "Dorth can probably show her some tricks if you would feel safer riding that way."
Sometimes size is not everything. But yes, in this case it does matter. When nothing happened other than wings changing positions, Basaol figured she was okay on the dragon's back. It was nice. Almost as nice as riding on Cain's skull when he was not looking. Ideas...Ideas. The phoenix moved a claw to scratch at her beak as she studied the spirit animal and her bonded. An idea slowly formed in her mind and she grinned a birdy grin. ..Hmm.
I do not think my Cain would like another bath, but I'm sure he would not get hurt from it. Our multi-tailed friend could use another dunking. Dunk them both? Worse comes to worse is everyone gets a dunking.
Of course she would have to be careful of Brains and Taki, but she figured it wouldn't be too hard. Especially if Beleth could forewarn her bonded about what was going to happen. Give her forewarning about the plan if we decide to dunk both Cain and Tam'kar?
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Taki
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Post by Taki on Aug 5, 2014 4:21:08 GMT -8
Carefully Taki stretched out her legs, making sure she didn't disturb Brains, and tapped her toes together thoughtfully as she picked up on the surprise in Cain's voice.
*Yep! I've never met another Myrgwae, ever. We just kinda don't run into each other. I don't think we're supposed to, actually.* She paused, remembering. *There was one time I was told that another Myrgwae had been in town the day before me, but I got distracted by a really interesting cave and missed him.* She shrugged casually. *There's scholars and mages who've been trying to figure us out for a long time. I've spoken with some of them. Well, more like they wanted to talk to me, and I got to look at their books.* She giggled at that last part. Some of those wizards were certainly the curious sort! One had even wanted to measure her tail, and another had actually snipped a length of her hair with a knife, putting it into some sort of device that he declared would determine the origin of Myrgwae. That had proved to be quite a tragedy for his magical machine; it had promptly fallen apart! *I think Beleth would like the idea of carrying me while she flew, rather than my hanging onto a saddle. I’m not really all that strong, and she’d be constantly worried that I’d slipped, especially since to her I’d be kinda light on her back. If you think Dorth would really be willing to teach her to do it, I know she’d love to learn how to!* She smiled brightly, her eyes almost scrunching closed in the process. She thought it would be a wonderful way to travel herself, being comfortably held by her dragon while watching the scenery below. Though the thought of a bad landing ending up with her UNDER said dragon was a little daunting, until an idea hit her. *You said Terris was making saddles? Do you think maybe he could rig up some sort of harness for her to wear against her chest, kinda like a backpack, only bigger and worn backwards? In case Beleth’s worried about landing with me like that. That way she’d be able to land normally, but wouldn’t have to worry about my falling off!* Taki was getting a little excited about the idea.
Hmm… Beleth studied Cain and how Tam’kar was making himself quite comfortable in the skeleton’s lap. I’m not so sure I could lift them both at the same time. Tam’kar is quite wiry when he wants to be. But! The dragon grinned toothily. If you can distract them long enough for me to get into the water, then draw Taki away somehow, I could pop out and use my wings to splash them! While Taki’s never been one to not have fun with us, if she gets an idea of what’s about to happen she might try to warn Cain, since she wouldn’t want him to get caught in our fun if he wouldn’t like it. Think that could work, my little partner?
(Word count: 509/500, tragedy, knife, device)
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Post by Tidfe on Aug 5, 2014 19:36:34 GMT -8
Kind of just don't run into each other? Cain shook his head slowly as he thought about that even as he started chuckling about how Taki had broken this wizard scientist's machine. "Then, and forgive if this question is too personal, how do you have a Myrgwae child?" He mispronounced the word 'Myrgwae', but not too badly. It was mainly just cause it was a foreign to him and he had not used it as of yet. Give him a few more tries and he would probably have it down. For now though it came out more like he was trying to say the name Maria and the word we together which he was fairly sure was wrong at the moment.
"As for Dorth. I think she would be delighted to teach Beleth. She would probably be flattered if the younger dragon came to her for advice. Usually they go to Akanth or Nysath for advice or a lesson. As for the harness idea...Maybe. It can never hurt to ask him about it. It would certainly be better than trying to hang onto the back of dragon even with a saddle helping you hang on." Grinning at her excitement, Cain was quite glad he had decided to take a walk around the town and stumbled upon her. It was nice to hear the enthusiasm in her voice.
Basaol nodded and chuckled a little evilly at how their plan was forming. The good kind of evil though. Not the bad kind. Oh yes! And I think I know just the thing to do it. Taking off of Beleth's back, she landed in front of the two and bowed low. Hello! May I interest your two in a dance? I have been practicing it a bit and would like your opinion's on it. The fact that she was going to completely make it up on the fly did not seem to matter. Nor did their answers really as she slowly started to shuffle about and ruffle her feathers. She was going to start off slowly in case they said no, but she was hoping the start would keep them from doing so.
"Don't see why not Basaol." He then mumbled something under his breath that sounded an awful lot like 'you would just keep bugging us anyway.' To say that Cain still did not have a high opinion of the spirit animals was an understatement. Though he was slowly coming around...The key word was slowly.
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Taki
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Post by Taki on Aug 6, 2014 0:58:52 GMT -8
Taki giggled a little at the light mispronunciation. She wasn't offended by it. It was a strange word, and she'd heard worse stumbles over saying it. And hearing that Dorth would be likely to help Beleth made her happy too; she sent a small thought of the idea across her Bond to the brown dragonling and got approval from that corner as well. Beleth seemed particularly pleased at the current moment, she noted. Good! Maybe she was starting to relax around someone other than her Bonded.
*Not too personal! Believe me, I heard it a lot.* She smiled playfully. *And the answer is: we don't! At least,* she conceded, tapping her chin thoughtfully, *I don't think we have children. At least, I don't remember ever being anything but how I am now. And no one had ever seen a Myrgwae child before and wrote about it, or talked about it. We just kinda... exist. My first memory is walking towards a town that was having a wonderful harvest festival. From what I've read, that kind of thing is what other Myrgwae remember too. Being on a road, or entering town, or in a forest, things like that. According to one sage I spoke with, he thinks something bad might happen if two Myrgwae were to ever meet. Something to do with our empathy feeding off of each other. Like if one of them was sad, the other would become sad too, and that would start affecting everyone around them, worse and worse!*
When Basaol landed and performed her bow, Taki's eyes widened, having not seen the phoenix this close before, and as she started her dance, the Myrgwae grinned with delight! *Oh so pretty! I once heard a story about a phoenix from a traveling warrior. He came from a far off land, and said that once a phoenix stood against a bunch of demons who had stolen the sun. She looks just like I always thought the phoenix in the story must look!* Her good mood fueling her playfulness, she allowed her tail to very gently rub across one of Cain's lowest ribs, wanting to see if she could get another laugh out of the skeleton.
Meanwhile, Beleth slid quietly into the water, quite a feat for a dragon, and crept ever closer to her unsuspecting targets!
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Post by Tidfe on Aug 6, 2014 2:32:21 GMT -8
That was highly interesting. A species that simply just existed. Maybe it was a curse? Maybe some wizard decided, 'hey lets put a cat and a human together and see what happens'? Or maybe it was simply just was and nothing more, nothing less. "Very good po-" He stopped mid-sentence and jumped up as her tail tickled his ribs. It was not painful. Nope. Quite the opposite. It was very ticklish and such a surprise that it startled the skeleton into an upright position. The feeling still lingered a bit and a hearty laugh escaped his mouth even as his arms came around to cover his ribcage as if to both protect it from being tickled again and to help support himself.
Basaol meanwhile continued her dance, moving ever so slowly as she tried to lure Taki away from the water's edge. Thank you! That is a lovely compliment! If a blush could have shown on her face, it would have. Taking to the skies, she continued her dance, though this time with aerial stunts. Come dance with me?
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Taki
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Post by Taki on Aug 6, 2014 2:44:58 GMT -8
Taki giggled loudly at getting the laugh, almost as if she felt the sensation too, even as the tucked her tail back to her other side to reassure him that another tickle wasn't forthcoming. She liked his laugh! Definitely was something that she thought needed to come out more, though she wouldn't let anyone know about his sensitivity. Not in the slightest!
*Sorry, I couldn't resist,* she giggled. *You have a really nice laugh. But I won't tell anyone. Secret's safe with me!* Taki made a motion of buttoning her lips. Then she smiled at the phoenix's invitation. *Sure!* With child-like enthusiasm, she carefully shifted Brains into a warm patch of sun, then joined the phoenix's dance, even picking up her pipes again to play a tune for them.
Beleth slipped ever closer, just barely peeking above the water as she watched her Bonded be led away. Yes, Taki might end up scolding her for soaking Cain, but to get that kitsune it would be worth it! Suddenly, with a triumphant roar, she rose out of the water and waved her wings, beating at the water as if it was the air and sending a wave at the smug white fox. He wouldn't know what hit him!
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Post by Tidfe on Aug 6, 2014 3:00:07 GMT -8
"Likely story," Cain managed to get out once he caught enough breath. For someone that did not need to breath, air still was pretty important for speaking or making any kind of sound really. His tone was teasing which he hoped Taki would pick up on so she knew he was joking. Rubbing the back of his head as he realized if he still had skin he would be blushing, he was about to point out that she did not have to keep that secret when a roar reached his ears.
Turning, Cain let out a scream, a manly one but a scream nevertheless, as he caught sight of the charging dragon. While he was fairly sure the dragon would not hurt him, that did not mean it was any less frightening to have one come suddenly charging at you from the lake. Though as the chilly water hit him, he was yelping for another reason. Despite the sun shining on the water, it was freezing cold! Okay, it might not be that cold, but it was certainly that cold to him.
Brains was jolted awake by the scream and had enough time to scramble out of the water's range. Chitterring angrily at the dragon and the water, she scampered up to Taki's shoulder. While it wasn't her nest, at least Taki was dry and Cain was not. It would take hours now before her nest was dry enough for her to start trying to salvage anything and the echee was not happy.
Basaol on the other hand was laughing up quite a storm as Cain reappeared from the waves and started to shake off his bones. "A warning next time would be appreciated! Maybe then I could bring some soap and something to dry off with." Cain was annoyed, but at the same time amused. He doubted he was the real target and has simply been a causality in the pursuit of the true prey. "Speaking of a towel. You got anything I can use to dry off?"
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Taki
Handler
Posts: 333
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Post by Taki on Aug 6, 2014 3:21:14 GMT -8
Both the teasing tone and the emotions that went with it were easily picked up by the Myrgwae, and she flashed him a bright smile as she danced with Basaol, letting the phoenix whirl around her as she piped cheerfully. But then Taki spun with a gasp when Beleth breached the surface of the water, equal parts horrified and surprised by the joke that had been executed. Tam'kar was thoroughly caught off guard, as unaware as Cain had been, though the lighter kitsune was washed clean off of Cain's lap and sent sprawling into the grass, chittering his surprise and promising retaliation on the dragon. Taki knew he had suffered no more than a second soaking, and was alright by how he scrambled up and fearlessly rushed at the dragon, jumping onto her back while she was still in the water and playfully biting at her scaly shoulders in mock-fury, so the turned her focus onto Cain.
*I'm so sorry. I had no idea what Beleth was up to! Let me see... ah! Here!* Taki flicked off her sash - it had been made for a human and was thus folded in half and wrapped many times around her to make it fit - offering it in lieu of a towel. Thoughts of his heightened sensitivity and how cold the water was hit her as hard as the wave she'd avoided, but she thought she picked up on a bit of amusement at the dragon's (and now that she thought about it, the phoenix's) antics. Taking her scarf out of her pack, she proceeded to use it to help dry him off as well, knowing she could just wring them dry later.
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Post by Tidfe on Aug 6, 2014 3:31:42 GMT -8
"Even if you did, you probably couldn't do anything to stop her. A determined dragon will always get her way." Taking the offered sash Cain slowly started to dry himself off. Almost jumping once again as he felt the scarf material up against his bones. Laughing, he continued to dry off. "The sash would have been enough Taki, but thank you for helping." Even Basaol tried to get in on it, thinking her so called flames would help dry him off faster. While it did not help in that area, having her near did make Cain feel a bit warmer on the inside.
Not that he would admit it. He would never admit any fond feelings toward the spirit phoenix. But that did not stop her from picking up on them anyway. So jokes on you there Cain!
Wiping off as much of the water as possible from his bones, he handed the sash back to Taki, damp with the water that he had dried off. "Sorry about that. Do you need any help wringing that out?" He tried to ignore the chill that was starting to settle into his bones. He could hold it off long enough to help Taki, but then he had to go find Dorth or Able. Even his kurboks would offer the warmth his needed, though knowing Bandit he would wake up with something missing or something that was stolen stuffed up in his ribcage. But he wasn't ready to admit he had to leave. At least just yet anyways.
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Taki
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Post by Taki on Aug 6, 2014 3:39:30 GMT -8
Taki took back the sash with a smile, as in the water dragon and spirit animal were blissfully trying to near-drown each other. At current Beleth was trying to roll Tam'kar under, while he in turn was running along her like a log-rider, laughing at her attempts.
*It's like I said, Myrgwae like nothing more than helping others! It's what we're made to do.* She wrung out her scarf, the casually flicked her hand (no pun intended) bone dry before repeating the process. Being able to shed water and dirt like a duck had its advantages! *And we never mind accepting help from friends, either. But... are you shivering?* Her ears turned down in slight concern. *If you need to get warm, it's alright. I don't know if you can catch a cold, but just being cold is bad enough! And you don't have fur or anything to help.* With a few more twists and flicks of her hand, she had the scarf dry and draped the lavender material over his shoulder bones. *I know it's not much, but maybe it'll help?*
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Post by Tidfe on Aug 6, 2014 3:49:56 GMT -8
Cain blinked as he watched Taki make short work of the damp clothes. It was like having a living dryer! Not that he said this out loud as he doubted she knew what a dryer was and he currently had no way of explaining the contraption. He did not understand himself. All he knew, you put wet things in and they come out dry. What more was there to know about it?
He then proceeded to curse himself as she noticed him shivering. And here he thought he was hiding it so well, but knew in the back of his mind he wasn't. Brains came over and nuzzled into Cain's neck in an effort to warm him as Taki draped her scarf around him. Pulling it close and trying to get as much of him into the warm material as possible, Cain nodded slowly. "I can't catch cold, but the shivering is not very good for me either. If I do it enough, it tends to be painful." Tilting his head in a moment of indecision, he just decided to go for it. The worst that could happen was she wouldn't talk to him again.
Leaning his head over hers, he placed his teeth lightly against her temple in his form of a kiss. "Yes, this helps immensely. I will return it to you the next time I see you or you can just drop by Dorth's place when you get a chance. If Gambit or Bandit haven't gotten ahold of it, it should still be there." Giving her one last grin, he started to walk back into the town and towards the place he lived with Dorth. Basaol sticking behind to play with Tam'kar and Beleth.
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Taki
Handler
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Post by Taki on Aug 6, 2014 4:01:58 GMT -8
Taki was a little surprised by the gesture, but not at all offended, as she sneaked in a small warm hug of her own. *If I remember,* she said with a giggle. *I admit, I can be a bit scatterbrained about that kind of thing. No worries either way. Go get warm!* She let him go then, smiling as he headed back towards town and then dropped contentedly to sit in a dry patch of grass and starting up a merry tune on her pipes again, feeling much happier than when she had first come out here.
Yes, the lake was a VERY good place to be!
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