| Disclaimer: Dragon Haven and all of its characters are property of the Dragon Haven Website. Addrian: *relaxes between the rocks beside a pebbly lake, whetting a dagger on her lap* Jace: *watches her from a tree, hand placed on his own dagger* Addrian: *looks up to the hills and whistles once, rather like a bird. A rock tumbles down from the hilltop, and she tenses* Jace: *curses under his breath, afraid she's sensed his presence...pulls back behind the leaves* Addrian: *a larger one tumbles down, and she gets up, looking around, dagger clenched in her hand* Jace: *holds his position...doesn't breathe, doesn't move* Addrian: *crouches down slowly, fingers finding a pebble. She tosses it over her shoulder into the lake. Nothing happens* Jace: *decides to get creative...whistles from the tree* Addrian: *curses and backs away towards the lake as a rock bounces down* Jace: *takes notice to the rocks...wonders why they keep falling...whistles again* Addrian: *whimpers slightly....nothing happens for a moment, then a very sizable rock falls and rolls energetically into the lake. Addrian shrills like a falcon and for a moment all falls silent* Jace: *under his breath* What in the... Addrian: *fists clench...waiting...a breeze blows, then a 9-foot high at the shoulder dragon backwings out of a dive, landing with fangs bared next to her, eyes raking over the trees* Jace: My God...*not breathing, not moving* Addrian: *reaches out and strokes the dragon's jaw...in a moment the dragon relaxes and nudges her. She rests her arm over its head, one of its eyes still looking out at the trees. Addrian nods, though no one has spoken. she addresses the scene in general* Should you show yourself? We would mean you no harm. Jace: *sighs with half relief and half dissapointment (that he had been discovered) and gracefully leaps form the tree...his landing isn't quite as graceful, but it's still presentable....stands and looks at the dragon, a bit of wonder shows in his golden eyes, then turns to Addrian* Greetings m'lady. *bows* Addrian: *bows as well* I bid you good health. I am Addrian. *gets a nudge* And this is Halin. Jace: It is a pleasure to meet you, m'lady. I am Jaceon Wilem Renalde Cornada...but Jace will do. Addrian: *nods with a slight gleam of amusement in her eyes* What brings you here? I daresay it's a bit far from the nearest town. *Halin settles obediently at her side and gets scratched behind the horns* Jace: True, but I am a wanderer, m'lady, so it suits be perefectly. I believe the true question is what is a lovely maiden like yourself doing out in the wild? Addrian: *smirks slightly...which has a weird effect since her scars have her kinda smirking oddly anyway* Yet you lie like royalty. As for me, I am simply existing. Jace: *chuckles* Fair enough. And yes, I suppose I am quite capable of that, since the blood of a lord runs through my veins. Addrian: *raises an eyebrow in surprise* A wandereing young master...have you the blood of a king as well? You tell falsities twice over. *grins, not really meaning her words* Jace: *laughs* Lordships is practically royalty. However, lordship is hardly my title. I denounced that life long ago. Addrian: That rings familiar. *nods...Halin's wings swift slightly* Jace: Oh? Have you taken similar paths? Addrian: Myself, no... Jace: Ah...then you reference to someone else. *glances at Halin curiously* How did you come to find such an extraordinary creature? Addrian: We found each other. Jace: Oh...where may I ask? Addrian: *waves a hand vaguely* Not too close. And they usually don't take to kindly to humans. Jace: *smirks* Well, I don't think we will have to worry about that one. She seems to take kindly to you though. Addrian: *surprised face* If you say so. Well...we are both a bit rebellious. Jace: *still has a smirk upon his face* Yes...but I am not seeking one (he means a dragon). It attracts too much attention, and that is not my liking. Addrian: *nods* I see. They're more intelligent than humans as well, and that itself would attract attention if not for the unique body it is housed in. *strokes Halin's neck* Jace: Yes, so I have heard. I've read much about them, but my eyes have yet to see one...until now... *looks Halin directly in the eye, as if searching for what was inside* Addrian: *watches...* Halin: *raises her head and turns it so that one purple-blue eye is gazing right at his face. It glints, the slitted pupil widening slightly...her breath snuffles gently, taking in his scent* Jace: *own eyes hold the contact, searching, taking it all in...not caring if the creature found out about the dark secrets within himself* Addrian: *watches as Halin's talons knead the ground gently...clicks in her throat to the dragon, who withdraws her gaze and resettles* Jace: *still watches the dragon* Interesting creature that is... *this is said in a bit of a dreamy voice* Addrian: Indeed. Loyal, smart...and fierce. Jace: Yes...you're very lucky to have been chosen by such a creature. She must really see something in you... Addrian: *hesitates* Halin: *processes a number of thoughts at once and within a few seconds has pinned Jace on his back, tailspade lashing back and forth behind her like an agitated cat* Jace: *instinctively pulls out blade as this is done, but Halin is too quick, and it is pinned underneath his arm, giving it a nasty cut...blinks, but doesn't say anything, understanding the dragon's unease* Addrian: Halin. Halin: *reluctantly lets him up and slinks back to her side* Jace: *jumps to his feet quickly, keeping his eye on Halin, retrieves his knife and sheathes it. Sleeve of his left arm splotched with blood* Addrian: *hisses, setting her hand on Halin's black scales, then looks over at Jace* You're injured... ((thank you Legolas)) Jace: *curses under his breath, then:* Yes, that I am...don't worry about it...I'll be fine... Addrian: *raises an eyebrow* I intend to make it my concern as long as you're bleeding... Jace: I said it's fine... Addrian: *takes a step back...looking a bit disturbed...Halin takes a step forward* Jace: *doesn't say anything, but turns away from them clutching at his "wounded" arm* Addrian: Jaceon...? Jace: *muttered* I think it's best if I take my leave now... Addrian: *swings up on Halin, who paces around to face him* Jaceon...there is more wrong then just your arm...? Jace: No...and yes... *still clutching arm* Addrian: *leans over Halin's wing and puts a hand on his arm* Jace: *pulls away* Please...just leave it be... Addrian: As you wish. *lets her hand drop onto Halin's withers...the dragon shifts around uncomfortably at the smell of blood* Jace: *fangs have slipped out slightly, due to the smell and sight of blood...hand still covering the now non-existent wound...keeps his eyes on Halin* I give my thanks. *this is said at an almost inaudible volume* Addrian: *...eyes flicking over his in concern...* Halin: *tips her head respectfully...almost in apology* Jace: *nods slighty to Halin, indicating his acceptance, then turns to Addrian* I am fine m'lady...do not waste you worry on me... Addrian: *quietly* It has not been a waste... Jace: Whatever suites you, m'lady, but do not further your worry. 'tis merely a flesh wound... ((couldn't resist ^^)) Addrian: If you insist...I am not certain why Halin did that... Jace: Do not waste your worry upon that matter either. The reason behind her actions is known to me. She simply saw something in me that she did not take kindly to...that is all... Addrian: *chirps to Halin, who bows her head...Addrian nods* I see. Jace: Hm? Addrian: You are correct...marvelous intuition... *looks up at him with a grim smile* Sometimes she's so complicated it's simple. Jace: Ah...thank you, m'lady, but it was simple for me because, I, afterall, am the one who guards my secrets. You had no way of knowing... Addrian: *raises an eyebrow for possbily the fourth time so far ((isn't her face getting tired?!)) and wonders what on earth her dragon can smell that she can't* Jace: *grins* I imagine Halin will tell you in time... Addrian: I shall have to be an extraordinary guesser to understand it from her. Jace: How do you mean? Addrian: *not sure if Halin wants her to say anything* Halin: *takes care of the problem--half rises and roars, mouth gaping...nothing happens but a hoarse panting sound* Jace: ...oh...I see...how did this happen? Addrian: I think...she was hatched this way. Halin: *coughs* Jace: Oh...I'm sorry... Addrian: She does remarkalby well. Halin: *bares her fangs* Jace: Yes...in some ways, body language is much more powerful... *grins with his own fangs petruding a bit* How old is she? Addrian: About 36. Jace: Ah...still young... Addrian: And well learned. Jace: That much I could tell. How long have you known her? Addrian: Almost as long as I can remember... Jace: *nods...thinking* Under what circumstances did you meet? Addrian: *exchanges a glance with her dragon* Well...not pleasant ones, in the end. *Halin's wings flutter in agreement* Jace: *raises an eyebrow* Do you wish to share? Addrian: Not at the moment, no... *slides down from the dragon's back and leans against her* Jace: *nods* I understand, m'lady... Addrian: *nods* You have my thanks. Jace: You are welcome... Addrian: And how old are you if I might ask? Jace: *looks to the sky thoughtfully* I have twenty years under my belt... *voice is a bit distant* Addrian: ((LIES! *points at Jace*)) *nods, looking up too...gathering clouds* Jace: ((hehe)) May be rain in the future... Addrian: Have you a place to go? Jace: I have no place in mind, but I always manage to find one. Addrian: *nods again, still looking up* That is a blessing, as behind the clouds the sun now sets... Jace: Yes...well...*smiles a bit* ...I had better start walking... Addrian: Well... *Halins extends a wing* Jace: *a little shocked* Are you sure? Halin: *inclines head-"yes"* Jace: ...thank you... Addrian: *steps up behind him* Where to? Jace: ...anywhere... Addrian: *whistles a two-note candence* Halin: *takes a running start...leaps and climbs in altitude...open country below* Jace: *silent...truly taken a back...never thought he'd ever be privilaged enough to ride a dragon* Addrian: *leans back as Halin descends toward the base of a mountain* Jace: *takes notice of the sudden descent* Where are we going? Addrian: You'll see... *shouts slightly over the wind...touches his wrist to get his attention and points to a rapidly growing black mark on the ground* Jace: *eyes widen sightly* What is that? Addrian: You'll see. *relatively smooth landing...takes him by the wrist and leads him into the cave, Halin following* Jace: *looks around* What is this place? *bewildered Jace ^^* Addrian: *turns a puts a finger to her lips, then keeps going...the cavern is rather dark and quiet...as one's eyes adjust, people can be seen perched around the room, and dark doorways suggest halls. A few bickering people by a stream in the floor fall silent as they enter. Addrian approaches a couple by the little fire in the cave's center--a cat-eared girl with a horribly mutilated hand is drowsing in the arms of a half-demon boy. She speaks softly to the boy in another language, nods at his response, then raises her voice in some sort of command. A number of people--most of them cloaked, some bearing scars and marks of torture, several obviously half-breeds--get up and haul out a cauldron in to the now drizzling rain. Addrian flashes a grin at Jace* We're going to make some soup...sit down wherever you are comfortable. *She joins the couple by the fire, talking softly in that weird language as she takes out some potatoes and flips her dagger out to cut them. Halin picks up a very young dragon by the srcuff of the neck in her teeth, carries it over to the fire, and begins to groom it...while it squeaks and flails around in protest. A fluffy white cat with disturbingly purple eyes sits down in front of Jace, smelling him...then he speaks* Well look what the cat dragged in, Addrian, where in the godforsaken name of vegetables did you get it? Addrian: Be civil, Delwn. Jace: *follows Addrian, shocked (and relieved) to see others that are like him...so to speak...doesn't sit yet, still surveying, hand near the handle of his blade...just a precaution. Takes notice to the cat as it approaches, immediately takes a liking to it, and not very surprised when it speaks...kneels down to the cat* It's okay Addrian. He has reason to speak in such a way...although I could say the same of him... *flashes a fangy grin* Addrian: *shrugs* Delwn: In a magic shop. *swishes tail* I was one of the more...normal ones. Jace: *grins* Is there such a thing as normal? *looks at Delwn for a moment* What exactly are you? Delwn: Uh...I'm a cat. What are you? Jace: Yes, but a talking one. That makes you more than an ordinary cat. I... *bares fangs* Perhaps I should leave you to your own conclusions... Delwn: *views fangs briefly* Hm. Jace: *grins* Heh. Addrian: *reaches over and scratches Delwn behind the ears* How's the place been? Delwn: Good. Jace: *looks around again, taking it all in* Hm...a place for outcasts... *this is said more to himself than to anyone else* Addrian: Indeed. *watching him warily* Jace: Yes..quite a haven... *appears to be thinking about his next meal* Addrian: Exactly. That's why it's called Dragon Haven. Jace: Appropriate name. *looks to Halin and the young dragon and smiles* Of what relationship are they? Addrian: None, as far as anyone knows...We found the little one. And there are still other dragons here... Jace: Hm...she must be happy here. Addrian: Glad to have others around, indeed. Jace: *nods* And what about you? Addrian: Happy enough. I have others to look after and keep me occupied... Jace: Yes...I can see that... *looks off into the distance as if lost in thought* Addrian: *hands fall still for moment, looking up at him...then takes up her cooking again busily to make up for it* Jace: Is it potato soup that we are to have? Addrian: Indeed...the dragons have hunted. *gets up to give a hand in pulling the cauldron full of rain water in to the fire* Jace: Ah...so they provide the meat... *takes notice to the pulling of the cauldron and lends a hand...is capable of lifting the entire thing himself, so when he joins the haul, everyone else's load becomes considerably lighter* Addrian: Ah...thank you. *a couple of the bearers raise thier eyebrows doubtfully* Jace: *gives a little sheepish grin* You're welcome m'lady... Addrian: Here we are... *helps to set it down over the fire* The dragons have had their meat and now we have ours. *people laugh* Jace: I am sorry, m'lady, but I do not have much meat upon my bones spare... Addrian: *laughs* We shall not eat yours nor that of any other...few of us eat it anymore. Jace: Really? And why is this? Addrian: Many of us have seen too much blood shed to eat of it... Jace: Oh... *looks to the floor* I see... Addrian: *pats his arm* Fret not...Ah, the blood has dried. Does it pain you still? Jace: *looks up with a weak smile* More than you know... Addrian: *raises an eyebrow, then raises his sleeve* Jace: *lets her do so, then meets her eyes* Addrian: *looks expressionlessly at the non-existent wound...runs her fingers over his wrist and finds it cold* Now it all has a reason. *nods thoughtfully* No matter, you are sill welcome...and as I have brought you here, should you have a need, I will fulfill it... Jace: *nods* I would have expected as much, or I would have been asked to leave at an earlier time. *eyes fall upon her neck, but he tears them away quickly* I thank you, m'lady...but I am unsure as to whether or not that is a good idea... Addrian: It is a better one than taking another... Jace: Yes, there are greater sins to be committed. Better to have permission than none at all. I may take you up on your offer... Addrian: As you wish. They have seen stranger things. *waves a hand towards the others* And we have all seen death. Jace: I can imagine...and I have as well. *glances to the pot* Will it be ready soon? Addrian: Soon. *Halin peers at the fire, then adds a bit of flame to it...Addrian grins* Sooner. Jace: *chuckles* Dragons are quite handy creatures... *goes to sit beside the pot* Halin: *rolls eyes (VERY odd looking with slitted pupils) and blows a smoke ring at Jace* Jace: *laughs and coughs a bit* Well, it be true! Addrian: I'll grant you that. *dips a bowl into the soup and tastes it* Ready. *a couple of half-demons shove each other aside playfully, trying to be the first* Jace: *steps back, allowing the others to go first...the ones who need it* Addrian: *eats soup quietly...murmurs to a few people who come up* They don't seem to mind you here. Jace: No...but seeming to and being are completely different things... *receives a bowl that has been passed to him by a half-demon girl...he nods his thanks and sips it slowly* Addrian: *watches curiously* That doesn't help does it? Jace: Not in the least... *takes another sip* ...but it's still good. Addrian: I'm glad...the herbs around here give it some flavor... Jace: Yes... *looks down at his soup* I haven't had much to eat lately... Addrian: I can imagine. Jace: Yes...*sips a bit more* Addrian: So...how far have you come from your home? Jace: Not too far. I used to live in the kingdom beyond the mountains in the east. Addrian: Oh. Well, I came from the west across the plains. Jace: Ah...I've been there...and back again... Addrian: Halin's Kin... *dragon steps on her foot* Oh...not Kin and...never mind... Jace: Hm? Addrian: Nothing. Jace: *raises an eyebrow questioningly, then returns to his soup* Addrian: *finishes hers...most of the others go back to dozing, and she gets up* There are a few things I ought to look after for a moment. *goes around among the sleeping forms, and lifts one blanket, checking on an injured girl* We just got back from a rather...adventerous journey. Jace: Oh? *finishes soup* Addrian: Yes...hm, that still looks pretty bad... *regards a large gash on the girl's stomach* Jace: *gets up and kneels beside the girl* Hm...wait a minute... *returns to where he had been sitting and searches through the small pack that he carries with him...pulls out a small pouch and walks back to the girl. Opens the pouch, and pulls out a pinch of some sort of herb* This should help... *sprinkles it into Addrian's hand* Addrian: *fingers the stuff* What is it? Jace: It is Dragon's Hood. Addrian: Er...what do I do with it? Jace: Grind it up a bit, then spread it upon the dressing. Addrian: Alright... *cleans up the wound a bit, then does so* Jace: *nods* That's right... *eyes fall upon the bloody bandage and are transfixed for a moment, then he turns away...softly:* The bloodlust grows near... Addrian: *looks up, pausing, then nods* Come with me... *finishes rinsing her hands, and gets up, walking to a dark opening* Jace: *follows* M'lady are you sure you wish to...? Addrian: *smoothly* I do not mind. Jace: I do not wish to harm you... *fingers brush past her cheek* Addrian: You shan't. *sets her fingers on his arm to guide him in the dark, steeping through a narrow chasm into a little room, niches in the walls holding glass bottles...a dragon-sized nest is in one corner* We will not be disturbed. Jace: *takes in surroundings* I guess not... *steps forward...has not had too many willing "donors" and is not entirely sure what to do or how to start...he is very used to seduction...he simply holds her gaze* Addrian: *meets his eyes, lower lip caught slightly in her teeth...then slips her knife from its sheath and lays it on the shelf to keep it out of the way* Jace: *steps closer, then sweeps one of the braids behind her shoulder...rests a hand on the back of her head and tilts it to the side* Relax...this should be painless... *leans forward and touches his lips to her neck, kissing it gently--purely out of habit--then fangs slip out and brush past her skin before piercing through the flesh...she only feels tiny pricks, the rest is bliss* Addrian: *whimpers, sinking into euphoria...her hands drift to close over his arms for support, leaning back slightly (in involuntarily) against the wall* Halin: *prowls restlessly though the main caverns, looking for Addrian* Jace: *an arm goes around her waist to hold her up (and pull her closer...he's caught in the moment...what can I say?) continues to feed, wanting as much as he can take, ears perk at the sound of the approaching dragon (he has EXTREMEMLY good hearing)...reluctantly pulls away, lips bloody...tongue runs across the wounds before he whispers:* Halin approaches... Addrian: *eyes flutter open...still a bit out of it, she trails her fingers up his neck to behind his jaw, then blinks and puts a hand to her neck. She looks at her fingers which have come away with blood, whispering:* I hardly felt the...bite... *feels the vibrations in the wall of Halin's scales scraping over stone...wets her lips and gives two clicks and a whistle and the dragon comes running* Jace: *wipes the blood off his lips with the back of his hand, turns away from the entrance to the room...mutters:* The wound will heal quickly...you must be patient... Adrrian: *nods and reaches a hand out to Halin, who nudges her head under it...Halin slinks around in front of Addrian protectively, glaring suspiciously at Jace* Jace: *still turned away, skin tone not as pale...shaking a bit, the lust is still upon him* Addrian: *keeps a hand warningly on the dragon's shoulder* Halin: *sneaks her tail out and wraps it around Jace's ankle, giving it a sharp tug to trip him * Jace: *disaparates before he hits the ground...reappears back in front of the dragon, sword drawn, fangs still bared* I would not be trying such things... Halin: *bares her fangs as well, wings rattling threateningly, tail swishing* Jace: *holds his ground, stares directly into Halin's eyes, sword raised slightly* No harm came to your mistress, and I did nothing that she did not allow...please... *eyes soften* ...do not give me a reason to harm you... Halin: *snaps her jaws at him once, then backs up to Addrian's side nudging her mistress with concern* Addrian: He speaks with truth. *scratches Halin's poll* Jace: *does not flinch at Halin's snap, simply expects Addrian to explain for he knows Halin will not listen to his explanation as well as hers* Addrian: *rubs her dragon's eye ridges* He was hungry...and you know it's my responsibility...*pauses, apparently understanding Halin to say something* No...*grins briefly* I think dragon's blood would be too strong... Jace: *chuckles as he lowers his sword, fangs have retreated a bit* Yes. It would definitely make me...quite drunk actually... Addrian: *grins* That's an interesting concept... Jace: Interesting...and true. Besides, I would never drink blood from such a creature. Such an act would be...damnable... Addrian: I see. *strokes her dragon's neck* Jace: *sheathes his sword...it was upon his his back...a short sword, not very long or heavy, not that it matters much to him...sighs* I am sorry to have put fear in your heart Halin. Forgive me... Halin: *bows her head* Jace: *lays a hand upon her head* I give my thanks. *turns to Addrian* And to you as well, for providing me with my much needed...nourishment... Addrian: *smiles slightly* You are welcome...it seems that you only gained it through a great amount of anxiety, and I apologize. *retrieves her belt and knife and sheathes it* Jace: *shrugs* It was not much different from what I'm used to. There is always that hint of paranoia when I feed. There is always the risk of being seen. No need to apologize, m'lady. *bows* Addrian: *bows in return (has never curtsied and does not intend to start now)* Well, you are welcome here if you wish to stay for while... Jace: Yes, I think I will...I give you my thanks. *thinks for a minute* Do you have living quarters? Or do you all just take up residence in the main hall? Addrian: We trade off quarters as people come and go. *thinks* The cave two down the passageway from mine. That should be empty. *walks out* Jace: *nods and follows* Addrian: *peeks in* It's small, but it's the only empty one. I'd advise you not to explore much...you may get...unpleasant surprises. Jace: *looks around briefly* This will do fine...in fact...I believe it is the best room I have stayed in in a long time. *raises an eyebrow* And what surprises are these? Addrian: Well...nothing too bad. Jace: Do not fret. Whatever it may be, I have probably already laid eyes upon. Addrain: *nods* All right. Jace: Well... *sets sack upon the floor, then sits upon the make-shift bed* Anything that goes on here that I should know about? Addrian: We eat, sleep, forage, and sometimes we fight. *grimaces* Jace: *nods* I imagined as much. I was merely wondering if there were any rituals and such that go on after dark that I should be aware of. Addrian: Not that I know of... Jace: Alright. Just curious... Addrian: Though, if you discover any...I wouldn't be surprised. Jace: *nods* I was only wondering becasue well...let us just say that my reflexes are a little...too good. Not to brag of course, m'lady. It is just that mishaps can happen. Addrian: Indeed. They tend to happen frequently here. Jace: I can imagine. And I do not wish for one to be dealt by my hand. Addrian: *nods* Understadably. People should leave you well enough alone. Jace: Yes. Especially when word gets around as to what I am. This is why I do not wish to further my dislike that the others may or may not possess... Addrian: Most will not ask...we all have tasted what it's like to be on the outside... Jace: 'Tis true, but there are always those who are hypocritical... Addrian: Hopefully none of us will be... *pats his arm* Jace: *sighs* I am sorry, m'lady. I'm being cynical... Addrian: *smiles* No apologies. Are you...sated? Jace: Yes...and I will be even more so when I have recieved a full night's sleep. *stands and stretches* Addrian: Need you a blanket? It promises to be cold tonight... Jace: Yes...thank you... *pulls off his jerkin and tosses it upon the make-shift bed. Opens the first couple of buttons of his shirt* Addrian: *leans on the doorway* Anything more before I leave? Jace: No...just a blanket. Addrian: I shall get one. *steps out and slips back in a moment later with a blanket* Here... Jace: Thank you, m'lady. Your kindness had surpassed all... *bows* I bid you goodnight. Addrian: *bows back* Should anything happen...I'll be nearby. *walks out* 3 Hours Later... *whispering in the halls...light filtering through the vents in the ceiling casts shadows, and perchance something is moving in those shadows* Jace: *stirs slightly...fingers fall upon the handle of a knife which is sticking out of the matress. Eyes flutter open, looks around, listening* Addrian: *curls up more tightly, asleep* *animal-like eyes are reflected in the dark, shimmering green* Jace: *has wandered into the hallway and catches sight of the..."something". Pulls into the darkness, approaching it slowly* Halin: *head suddenly perks up, leaves Addrian and slinks into the hall* *eyes dart back and forth...a few more whispers* Jace: *listens, knife ready, attempting to make out what they are saying...hears Halin's approach and relaxes a bit, but still ready to attack if needed* Halin: *considers the options...makes prescence known by scraping talons lightly on the floor* *whsipers suddenly hush...light footfalls can be heard running awaaaay* Jace: *apparates in front of the whiperers, blade ready* Halin: *walks noisily past the whiperers, who run away from Jace into the dark ends of the caverns that Jace has not seen (yet)* Jace: *quickly follows* Halin: *trots quietly up beside him and reached out a foreleg to stop him* Jace: *turns to Halin* Hm? Halin: *shakes head and goes to wake Addrian* Jace: *sheathes kinfe and follows* Halin: *nudges Addrian awake, who rolls onto her back...pushes her back down, taking the sheet in her teeth and pulling it up...does a remarkably short series of charades* Jace: *stands in the doorway, puzzled* Are you...okay? Addrian: Oh! *pulls sheet up securely and continues watching Halin* Two people...demonic...looking around? *looks to Jace* Is that right? Jace: Yes...* still puzzled* M'lady...what...? Addrian: ... They must've have been just curious. Jace: *approaches slowly* Curious...of what? Addrian: Of you... Jace: Oh... *is glad he didn't attack* Addrian: The half-demonics get a bit...rowdy. *fingers the edge of the blanket absent-mindedly* Jace: *nods* Addrian: Perhaps Halin should stay with you... Jace: *nods* Okay...are you sure you are okay? Addrian: *nods firmly* Absolutely. Jace: *nod* Okay...*turns to leave* Addrian: *looks to Halin* They'll be back...keep an eye out. Jace: *strokes Halin under the chin* Thank you. *returns to his room* Halin: *follows, then settles with a heavy sigh across the doorway* Jace: *returns his blade to its original place and lies down* Halin: *settles nose between forelegs, waiting... Jace: *closes eyes...feigning sleep...hand draped over the mattress, fingers resting upon the handle of the blade* *quiet footsteps in the corridor* Jace: *hand closes around blade's handle* *shadow crosses the doorway* Jace: *one eye opens, then closes* *shadow passes quietly* Jace: *listens...and waits* *low voices from the dark end* No business of his...hiding something... Jace: *still listening...slips out of bed silently, goes to the doorway, but stays out of sight* *dull pink eye reflection glimmers in his direction* Not a concern...back to sleep... Jace: *still staying in the shadows and listening* *silence falls...a few steps brush by him, going back to the main cavern...one pauses nearby* Jace: *pulls farther into the shadows...not breathing, not moving* *Addrian's voice* Jace? Jace: ... Addrian: It's Addrian... Jace: *takes a step forward...questioning look on his features* Addrian: ...Where are you? Jace: *steps into the light* Here. What is going on? Addrian: I sent them to bed... Jace: Who? What's going on? Addrian: They're just curious...It was a couple of demons. Jace: *nods* Alright. They won't come again? Addrian: Hopefully not. Jace: Alright then. *yawns, fangs show slightly* I will return to bed now. G'night, m'lady. Addrian: *nods* Sorry for the disturbance. Jace: It's fine. No worries. *returns to bed* Addrian: *climbs back into Halin's nest in her room* Halin: *recurls at Jace's door* Jace: *restless sleep...if you can call it that. Soon realizes that sleep will not be reached on this night, so he gets up and decides to wander* Halin: *raises head and follows him with her eyes* Jace: *pauses at Addrian's room, listens, satisfied by her regular, soft breathing, then continues* Halin: *gets up and follows quietly* Jace: *aware of this...stops to let her catch up* Coming as well? Halin: *nods and casts her eyes around making sure no one is still out of bed* Jace: Looks like it's just us. Care to show me around? I don't recall ever receiving the full tour... Halin: *hesitates, then nods, turning to lead him into a moonlit side room* Jace: *follows, looks around* Full moon tonight... Halin: *shoots a little flame into a bowl of sweet incense, then sits beside the cold form of a girl whose hands rest stiffly across her chest* Jace: *eyes fall upon the girl...silence* Who was she? Halin: *respectfully nudges the girl's things, laid carefully beside her...incense, a careworn book of herb lore...and Delwn, sleeping curled up against her* Jace: *sees Delwn, hesitates a bit before nudging him gently* Delwn: *sits up, looking around...blinks at Halin, then looks expectantly at Jace...voice rough from sleeping* She was my friend...called Circe... Jace: Ah...I'm...sorry. May I ask what happened? Delwn: She gave her life for Dundelor...the ancient dragon. *rests his chin on the girl's arm and closes his eyes* She was...a good sorceress...and loved by all. *opens his eyes once more and gazes at a little sleeping bronze dragon in the corner* Don't wake Snuffle... Jace: *nods* A noble death. *glances at Snuffle* I do not intend to... Halin: *breathes gently over Circe's hands, then turns and slowly makes her way out the door* Jace: *nods to Halin* My guide takes her leave...and I with her. I bid you goodnight, Delwn. *gives a little bow* Delwn: Good night. Halin: *ducks into the dark end of the caverns...sends up a beacon of flame to show him an absolutely enormous cave, with others attached...a huge ice dragon takes up most of this one, and his eyes stare off blankly, apparently oblivious* Jace: *eyes widen a bit at the sight of the dragon, not sure if he should approach or say anything* Halin: *lowers her chest all the way to the ground, sweeping her wings and flattening them...a very deep draconic bow...turns to leave again, and one of the dragon's eyes rolls very slowly to look at Jace, then closes wearily* Jace: *follows Halin's example and gives a deep bow to the dragon as well* He is very old, isn't he? Halin: *nods empathically* Jace: *thoughtful expression* Hm. Shall we move on? Halin: *tail disappearing around the doorway* Jace: *follows, but not before taking one last look at the ancient dragon* Halin: *stops outside a wide doorway...sits down, head hanging, but beckons him on...he can go in, she will not* Jace: *puzzled, enters the room* *very dark...but since he can see in the dark...there are two bodies about twice, three times as big as Halin - dragon corpses. Both were wounded but have been carefully tended - but the second...the second, a dragoness, has draconic runes carved into the flesh across her ribcage* Jace: *eyes widen, walks between them...fingers runs over the runes, can read it a bit...has studied languages of all sorts quite a bit ^^* *a hastily scrawled warning of danger, a spirit, a portal* Jace: *pulls hand away quickly, eyes dart a bit, listening* *silence* Jace: *relaxes a bit, whispers a blessing, then meets with Halin again* Halin: *walks on, head hanging low* Jace: *pats her shoulder* You knew them? Halin: *nods* Jace: I'm sorry... *quiet for a little while* Where are we off to now? Halin: *pauses, shrugs her wings* Jace: No where else to go? Or no where else of signifigance? Halin: *nods twice* Jace: Ah...should we return to my quarters? Halin: *heads back to his room, claws clicking* Jace: *follows...humming something that sounds like "Greensleeves" softly* Halin: *stands aside to let him go in* Jace: *bows* I give my thanks...for showing me around I mean. Goodnight, Halin. *returns to bed* Next Morning... Jace: *up bright and early...spirits were restless. Therefore, so was he. He does a bit of personal training with his sword in the mornings (It's tradition!) 'Tis the sword his father gave him that he uses. Black hilt with red rubies upon it (father=lord=second only to the king=RICH) Jace's initials are engraved on the blade right above the hilt...JWRC. His skills are advanced, but they still need some work. Hasn't met that crazy Spainard yet. Swings it around skillfully, dealing out and blocking blows from an imaginary opponent* Halin: *watches him, mildly interested, with one eye open* Addrian: *watches from the doorway* Jace: *turns quickly, almost lopping off her head...sword stops a few millimeters from her neck* Oh. *embarrassed..sheathes sword and bows quickly* Good morning, m'lady. Addrian: *blinks* ...Good morning. I hope the disturbance didn't repeat itself. Jace: Not at all...er...sorry about that. It's a bit of a ritual of mine to train in the morning. Did you sleep well, m'lady? Addrian: No apologies needed...I ought to be keeping up with a few skills... Jace: Hm...I'd like to see... Addrian: *pulls out belt knife and hefts it, testing the weight* It's not really worth seeing. Jace: I might be. *folds arms over his chest* Let's see. Addrian: *laughs* I'm not match against your skills. *raises the blade horizontally, then flicks it straight and angles it towards him, inviting him to draw* Jace: *takes the invitation and waits for her to make the first move, a grin pulls at his features* Addrian: *crosses blades with him...((you know what? This would be so fun to do live...))* Jace: ((Oh yes...bring in the paintball bayonets 'cause I'm ready to RUMBLE!)) *swings his sword around, sending her blade back, knocking her off balance* Come now...I know you can do better. Remember...you can't hurt me... Addrian: *rocks back into position, then takes a backhand swing at his neck from which he moved his blade* Jace: *pulls blade back and over his shoulder to block* Better... Addrian: *whips the smaller blade around the front of his body to his other side, aiming for a cut across the abdomen* Jace: *jumps back, but is still receives a small cut...it bleeds a bit before healing* Nice...but... *comes at her quickly...blades meet, then gives gentle shove with his bit of extra strength and knocks her to the ground...tip of his sword pricks at her throat* ...my pride won't allow me to be beat... *grins as he pulls his sword away, then offers her a hand* Impressive though...better than I expected. Addrian: *grins and takes his hand, pulling herself up* I can only do enough with a blade to keep order around here... *sheathes the blade with one hand and wipes a little droplet of blood from her neck* Jace: *nods* Still...impressive. *watches her wipe the blood* Sorry, m'lady. I did not intend to break the skin. ((It's not that bad I know...but that's just the way he is)) Addrian: Ah, no trouble. I apologize for breaking yours. Jace: No need. I gave you permission to do so. You, on the other hand, did not. Addrian: Simply a scratch...*grins* when you were easily in a position to take my head off. Jace: *chuckles* I haven't beheaded anyone just yet...and I plan to keep it that way...((as of a month ago...he had kept that promise...oops...)) Addrian: A wise idea. Jace: *nods* Indeed...so is there breakfast this morning? Addrian: We generally fend for ourselves...but I will show you a fruit tree that gives an awfully good breakfast... Jace: Alright. *gestures to the door* Lead the way... Addrian: *nods and slips out, nodding to the other early risers in the main cavern before stepping barefoot into the dewed grass...sun has not quite risen above the clouds in the horizon* Jace: *follows, nodding to the others as well...steps outside and breathes in the morning air, the smell of the previous night's rain still upon it...sighs* It looks like the beginnings of a good day. Addrian: Indeed. It rains a good deal this close to the mountains... *heads up a footfall and down into a miniature valley where a few trees survive* Jace: *takes in the surroundings* Hmm...never liked the rain... Addrian: It has flooded recently. *pulls self up into the stunted tree nearest her* There is little left on the lower branches... Jace: Yes...what happened here? Addrian: It has been many years since these trees have been left in peace. *drops down with her rough tunic full of apples* ((She has pants so it's not like she's exposing her self...^^;)) Jace: What has troubled them? Addrian: *sighs, hefting one of the larger fruits which is still pretty small* Battles. Jace: Oh... *takes a seat in the grass...seemingly lost in thought* Addrian: For a haven, our...refugees seem to bring a lot of trouble... Jace: *nods* I can imagine. *pauses* I hope I do not bring you any such trouble... Addrian: I shall be quite satisfied for now if you fail to bring a half-bred army seeking revenge down on out heads...*chuckles* That happened once upon a time... Jace: *blink* Well, I doubt I will bring that much trouble to your haven. Addrian: I am glad of that. Jace: *nods* Shall we eat? Addrian: Certainly. *gives him a handful of fruit and sinks her teeth into one* Jace: *sinks his own teeth (fangs) into one of the fruits...wipes a bit of juice trickling down his chin with the back of his hand* Quite juicy... Addrian: *chuckles, rolling her eyes* Jace: *grins* What? Do you have a problem with my flawless manners, m'lady? Addrian: Of course not...* wipes the juice off her own chin* Jace: *chuckles, takes another bite* You're right...these do make a good breakfast. Addrian: Mhm...better than eating the rabbits... Jace: *pauses, then continues to eat...starting on his second fruit* Well...for you anyhow... Addrian: True... *reaches behind her and drops an entire apple into a hole* Jace: *cocks head to the side* Why did you do that, m'lady? Addrian: *grins and holds a finger to her lips...about 30 seconds later a little nose pokes out of the hole* Jace: *quietly* Oh...I see... *watches the rabbit as it pokes its head from the hole* Fortunately for it...I have no desire to spill any blood upon this day... Addrian: *nods...the rabbit noses the apple, then siezes it ((SHARP...POINTY...TEETH!!)) and flees back into the hole* Jace: *chuckles* Obviously we are not the only ones depriving the tree of its fruit this morning... Addrian: *smiles* They eat them when they fall off the trees... Jace: I know...I guess the rabbit is not as low as us. We steal...we are impatient...greedy. They wait...paitently...and recieve with humble gratitude. *spaces out for a moment, then snaps back, blinks and chuckles* I'm sorry, m'lady... Addrian: No apologies...I appreciate the insight. Jace: *nods* I just...tend to question humanity... Addrian: With justification. Most of us here do. Jace: I suppose so. *silence, then:* What is to be done today? Addrian: Today...hm...council meeting... Jace: Hm? On what matters do you discuss? Addrian: Generally the weather, if we're lucky. Usually...trouble approaching. Jace: Is the latter the case this time? Addrian: As far as I know...no. Jace: Good...but if there is, I will gladly help you and your companions in anyway possible. Addrian: Thank you. You would be a great asset to us. Jace: Thank you, m'lady. What time will the council take place? Addrian: Noon...High Noon. Jace: *looks to the sky* We've got quite a while... Addrian: Indeed. Jace: *stands, paces a bit* So...what do you propose we do until then? Addrian: Well... *pulls self to feet* There isn't a lot to do...you could teach me some new and better moves. *grins briefly* Jace: Heh. I am not a very good teacher... Addrian: I am hardly a prepared student... Jace: Well...*crosses arms over his chest* What do you want to know? Addrian: I can do simple blocking...I can't parry. Jace: Alright...we will start there. *proceeds to teach* 3 hours later... Addrian: *leans against the hillside, panting* Alright...I give up...I think I've mastered it though. Jace: *breathing has not quickened much...puts his sword point down into the ground, both hands resting upon the hilt...chuckles a bit* Fine by me...you did quite well. *looks to the sky, checking the sun's position, shields his sensitive eyes with his hand, peering between his fingers* It looks to be nearing the twelfth hour...shall we be heading back? Addrian: Yes, that would be a wise idea...I'd like to clean myself up a bit? Jace: *looks her over* Right... *doesn't relly want to take the conversation further...doesn't know what she means by "clean up"* Addrian: *has already turned to climb the hill* Jace: *not sure if he should follow* Addrian: *looks over her shoulder* Come on...oh. I 'm just going to wash up. Jace: Oh... *embarrassed* Okay. *follows* I think I will wash up as well... Addrian: Alright. *slips in and speaks to a handful of people* We will begin shortly. Jace: Alright... *goes to wash up, returns shortly* Do...you think there would be any objection to my staying here? Addrian: *smiles freshly changed* I doubt it...I'm glad to have you. Jace: *bows* Thank you...m'lady... The Council Commences - END - I'm not particularly satisfied with this ending...perhaps we will come back and continue this one...so stay tuned... |