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Feeling her head turn into his shoulder, See'r's expression softened. "I was restless. I didn't want to wake you, Alchemy." I did a good job of that. The male kept his covered gaze forward, as he always did. "I knew where I was until they attacked me." Even then he'd known the way back to the inn. It was like an inner map of sorts. The only problem had been that he was injured and losing blood quickly . . . and he hadn't known where to seek aid. Without Cocoa's assistance, he might not have made it.
Subconsciously pressing his free hand to his wound, See'r started forward. "I just . . . went on a walk." I did it all the time back home . . . you never noticed because we slept in seperate buildings most of the time. "It helps me think." |
Maye became a bit uneasy as they walked through the woods to Halt's home, if you could call it that. Though the wood looked a bit old, the house itself, as small as it was, looked stable enough. She looked up towards the tops of the trees, where the tiniest patches of light came through. Other than the small patches, it was quite dark and a bit difficult for her eyes to adjust to.
When Halt stepped out from the dark shadows around the house, she gave a small gasp of surprise. She followed the two into Halt's home. She was glad to be out of the dark, and settled into a spot on the floor by the fire. As Halt spoke, the air became solemn and tense. Maye's eyes locked with Halt's for a brief second, before shaking his head and continuing. Realizing that he was speaking to her, not Amy, when he mentioned staying on the campus, she didn't know what to say at first. So instead, she asked questions. "What do you mean, the paths and roads are being watched closely? Do you mean I would get ambushed or something on the way to Pay'Tions? Not to be insulting," she said, looking directly at Halt and then Amy, "but I never planned on staying. I mean...I don't know. Would I become a bandit too, or help more around the camp or what?" She fell silent, not knowing what else to say, hoping they didn't feel negatively judged by her words. She liked the camp, yes, but staying caught her by surprise. She didn't expect leaving home only to end up staying in another area. It wasn't bad really, just very unexpected. |
(sorry guys, my computer broke thats why ive not been on)
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"Couldn't we just get to to Pay'Tions?" Amy suddenly broke in, and Halt sent her an annoyed glance. The male shifted, leaning against the wall behind him.
"I was going to suggest that next, if you were unwilling to stay." Halt took a slow breath. "We aren't bandits, Maye. We're Outlaws. There's a difference." ((:XD I have to go! Sorry for the short post!!)) |
"Wha-What do you mean you're outlaws? You mean people out there are purposely trying to kill all of you!?" Maye said, breathing heavier and losing her calm. Outlaws. She was with outlaws, meaning if she were caught with thm, she'd probably get killed to. She looked up at Amy and Halt, she thought of the camp. All those people...they were strangers, but they were nice people. No, she'd stay, try to help them. "I...I'll stay." she said almost hesitantly, gulping.
((It's okay.)) |
Halt slowly tilted his head to regard Maye for a few moments. She was obviously getting scared. "If you stay, you will need training." The cloaked male crossed his arms over his chest, meeting the girl's gaze steadily. "You will need to become one of us."
With a small swallow, Amy reached over to touch Maye's shoulder. "Hey, don't let him scare you into this. You don't have to stay if you don't want to! What Halt was going to suggest next was a group-lead party that would get you to Pay'Tion's without trouble, and-" "And you should learn to keep your mouth shut." Halt's voice was low, almost grating as he sent his "apprentice" a glare. "Even a fool is considered wise if he learns to control his tongue." His gaze slowly moved back to Maye. "Amy speaks truly. You don't have to stay if you don't wish to." |
Maye kept her eyes locked on the floor as her thoughts whirred away. She looked up at Halt, locking eyes with him. She faced Amy as the girl touched her comfortingly on the shoulder. "I...I want a night to think it over before I make any final decisions, if that's alright?" she asked, looking from Amy to Halt. "But before that, I want..." she hesitated again. "No, I need to know...why are you outcasts?" she asked them, eyes wide.
((Sorry if that's really short. I didn't know what else to say! :/)) |
"Thank you! Thank you!" Giving another thankful bow, the girl went to scoop up her money filled cap. Finally she was done for the day. It took an hour longer to reach her today's quota because she had gotten a little impatient; her tricks became a little sloppy near the end. But now was the time for running, not regretting. Byron hoped she hadn't missed much of the show she had been so eager to see. Maneuvering through the crowds seemed more tedious than before and the young performer bumped into a few people along the way, nearly knocking them over. Poor Knox had to hang on tight due to his owner's sudden recklessness. Would they not stop for snacks this time? Finally the fairgrounds came into view. The place where Rayeth worked was near.
[Sorry for the long and unannounced absence, but I'm back for today. I'm not sure about the rest of the week but I'll try to get on again tomorrow. Sorry again :sweat: *bows one thousand three hundred and a half times*] |
((ooof, what MinteyRay said :sweat: I've been tied up in waaaay too much reality :\ Cocoa is back, if he's allowed <3 ))
A cold breeze ruffled Cocoa's unkempt dark-brown hair, his hands calloused from weeks of enduring the harsh weather that seemed worst at night. Holding a hot bun to his mouth for a moment, he savored the smell of his meal before biting into the stolen food. A great view of the fairgrounds sparkled in front of him as he ate on a shingled rooftop at the edge of the city. He was tempted to venture to the grounds, the warmth of the light appealing right about now as he shivered slightly in his worn jacket and holey boots. The boy watched the sun set slowly as dusk crept in, his thoughts wandering out as he thought of his older brother Milki, who had vanished on the streets, and the dragon attack he couldn't recall that left him orphaned when he was just a little boy.... Sighing, Cocoa rested his chin on his bent knees, waiting for dark to settle in. |
Halt nodded once. "You should decide soon." Of course, it was then that Maye asked her question. The silence that followed was thicker than the mist that commonly stretched over the Outlaw encampment. After about a minute of frozen stillness, Amy got up.
"I'll go start some tea," she muttered, biting a lip as she slid into the adjoining kitchen. The blonde girl pretended to be busy as Halt took a deep breath. "Outlaws. It is only a term used for those who oppose the cruel treatment of dragons." His dark eyes flickered with mistrust for a moment, but he pushed it away. "We are here of our own choosing. To save ourselves from becoming . . . scapegoats." If the Outlaws lived among society, they were killed off brutally. It had been seen time and time again. It was one of the many reasons that they lived far from other towns. "Is there anything else you'd like to know?" Halt asked, his expression offering amusement. "Or are you unsatisfied with my answer?" - ((oh, you two! *laugh* It's fine! I've been dreadfully busy myself. :oops: Sorry for the delay on my part as well!)) Rayeth would have paced had there been room. The silver cage contained him well once again - the lock had been reinforced by Devan. At that moment, the show was starting. For once the dragon was eager for it to get going. His excitement was crushed by a sudden pain in his chest. Pale hand shooting up to the left side of his form, Rayeth bit back a snarl. "The Outlaws have been terminated." Abel's duel-toned voice teased the edges of Rayeth's senses. "The others are here. I want you to find them. Soon." He was speaking to some of the other workers. Devan was still guarding the dragon himself . . . and they both met gazes silently. Will you speak of the girl? Though the question wasn't voiced, the smaller youth seemed to shrug as though pushing the thought away. His slitted gaze returned to the console he was fiddling with as Abel entered the back stage. "I expect you to keep a better eye on the machines," Abel said with his calm tone, and Devan nodded frantically. Anything to appease the master. As their leader gave each of them a look that conveyed nothing but a cold facade, Rayeth let loose a low rumble. If he'd had the chance, he would have struck at the deceiving man. With a slight smile, Abel inclined his head. Rayeth fought back a wave of pain, a bead of sweat appearing on his brow. The heartstone about the tall male's neck was the only thing that kept the dragon "tame." Abel spoke to Devan about timing before leaving. Rayeth's blue eyes continued to glare at the man until he left. The result was a constant ache in place of his own heart. I'll kill you. Slamming his hand against the bars to distract him from worse pain, the male tossed his blond hair away from his face with a snarl of frustration. I'll tear you limb from limb. Another slam against the bars. As the skin on his fingers began to blister, he finally stopped his fit of rage. Claws and fangs were obviously apparent, and his tail was slowly sweeping the floor beneath him. Wings broke from his back, and Rayeth cried out in pain. Abel was starting his performance. - ((*giggle* Whisper - I will say that it is morning already. *cough* And the day is well under-way now. ^_^ Amaya Mori: Here's hoping she doesn't mind the poke. :sweat:)) |
(Esmme:can you make Aesh do something please)
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(oops, i'll keep that in mind for the next post, or just wait for night to settle in ~)
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[Yay jake!! :glomp: You came back!!! :hug:]
Now this was a familiar scene. Nothing. Nothing but the backs and the heads of people who were taller than her and other kids around her height. Once again, Byron couldn't see past the eager crowd surrounding her. With her stature and the audience, the stage was nowhere in sight. But at least she could hear it, the unique sound of Abel's voice. And it had been a good enough guide to tell her that the stage was just a little to her left but nowhere within reach. After jumping up and down like a bobbing loon, Byron mapped out a good enough path through the people and to the edge of the stage. Though it was a good while before she squeezed through the last few people blocking her view, and there were kids already clinging to the stage as if it were a piece of flotsam keeping them afloat, the girl was as content to stay put as she had been yesterday. 'I wonder what he's going to say about Mr. Rayeth this time?', she mused. The story the crimson eyed man told yesterday painted dragons in a terrible light. Had the child not spoken with the dragon herself the night before, she would have continued to believe the ever eloquent Mr. Abel. But she now knew, or at least she believed, that it was all part of their show. Scripted, planned, and no-one actually gets hurt. |
((Ah, Aesh. :sweat: I forgot about them. :XD))
Slowly lifting her hand, Aesh cleared her throat. She knocked quietly, biting her lip. Perhaps Jake was awake now. She needed his help . . . and quickly. "Jake? Are you up?" Mute had gone missing, and the dragon was worried. If the unspeaking girl had disappeared, obviously there was trouble. "I need to speak with you as soon as possible." - Abel slowly moved toward the edge of the stage. Seeing a few familiar faces, he smiled slightly . . . and sat on the edge of the platform. His slender hand reached out to touch one of the children who had their fingers outstretched toward him. The little boy's eyes widened, and he whipped his hand back. Wide-eyed, the youth beamed a smile before clinging to his new savior's pant leg. Abel carefully lifted the boy up, setting him on his leg. It was then that he began to speak. "The world cries out for a savior," he said, stroking the boy's hair from his dirty face. "Not many know how to offer their services to aid them." Abel's crimson eyes narrowed, and he carefully wiped a smear of dirt from his new friend's cheek. His gloved hand fell after a moment. "Today I am here for you. I wish to help you . . . anyone should come with their troubles." The first few people that approached were either deaf or crippled . . . and they were strangely healed when Abel touched them. He spoke kind words to them in his duel-toned voice. The whispering-calm of his words was like a salve that he applied to his patients. Many others began to surge forward while asking for his healing gifts. He was suddenly a miracle worker. - From where he was held, Rayeth cried out again. No one could hear him over the crowd. Stupid creatures. His clawed hands raked against the steel beneath him, and the dragon's form shimmered with pale scales. The cage shook as his wings snapped open, and he a hand clench over his heart. It burned. Everything burned. As silver began to blister his extended wings, Rayeth pulled them in close to him. Damn you, Abel. He was using the heart-stone to heal others. The Zealot was taking energy from the captured dragon to fuel his own "miracles." "I hate you!" He would be called onto stage soon . . . when Abel weakened, the dragon would be called upon. True to his assumptions, Abel slowly set aside the next child he'd healed. Looking weary, the male congratulated the girl he'd just helped. "Even I cannot go on forever," he said to one woman who called out for healing. He shook his head, and bid her to return later the next day. Clasping the ice-blue stone about his neck, the Zealot took power from Rayeth to regain his own sense of energy. Gears began to grind as the cage was lifted. Rayeth, snarling at his master, kept one hand clenched over his heart. Wings snapping once again, the dragon began to transform. Stubbornly forcing himself to keep human form, his gaze shot to Abel. "I will kill you." |
"...Oh, uh, no!" replied Maye, extremely startled by his blunt response. "I mean...we knew there were others who disagreed on their views of the dragons but becoming murderers because of it, really now," she said, staring off, remembering her home. She looked up at Halt. "Not, I mean, I don't mean that I don't believe you, I do , I just..." she said with a flustered look, not knowing what to say. After some silence, she looked back up at Halt. "I'm sorry. I know I personally didn't do anything...but living in a small town like where I come from, I guess one doesn't realize how bad things really get in more populated areas. We're very supportive of the dragons, my town is. We don't always show it, but we are. My grandmother even...well no, I suppose that can maybe wait for another day," she said, starting to rise. "I think I'm going to head back. To get some rest and all," Maye spoke, looking at Amy and then Halt respectively. "I'll see you both tomorrow...um, how do I get back to the inn from here?"
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Byron, with a smile on her face, watched in awe and silence as Abel did his miracles. There were visibly more people today who accepted him, who accepted his words. This show was becoming a sensation through town and Byron wondered why she had never heard of it before. Surely anyone with a gift for astounding healing such as this would be famous at least half the world over. "Maybe he's not such a bad guy.", the girl muttered to herself as she watched yet another cripple stand with good legs and jump for joy. 'I could probably ask him about seeing Rayeth after the show instead of just sneaking in this time. At least that way, I won't be an 'intruder'.', she mused with a smile. She had found respect for this kind man despite having seen him for only two days and knowing very little of him offstage. And by the end, though he couldn't heal the last woman, Byron found herself, like a few others around her, concerned for Abel's well-being.
Then the sound of grinding gears told the young performer that it was time for her friend to steal the show. Many eyes were now on that sturdy, silver cage. Some who were new gasped at the man within the cage, while the more experienced attendees knew that he was no ordinary prisoner. Before she knew it, Byron was now leaning on the platform herself after some of the smaller kids once again backed off. This time she wasn't alone at the edge as other children around her age or older also rested their elbows on the stage. They, like her, saw the show yesterday and felt safe with the cage around the great lizard. |
"I'll take you," Amy said with a relieved smile. Halt himself merely bowed his head and waved them off in a docile manner. His younger friend darted toward the door with quick movements, and didn't speak until both Maye and herself were at least a few feet from Halt's home.
"Is it true that you like dragons too?" she asked in a whisper, looking hopeful. The inn came into view a few seconds later, and the blonde girl licked her lips in anticipation. - Though his fury grew to the extent of madness Rayeth attempted to hold his tongue. He failed swiftly. The scaled man hissed words of hatred, and stubbornly grasped one of the silver bars in order to overwhelm himself with pain. It was one way to keep Abel's commands from slipping through that heart-stone - it was one way to keep from transforming completely. As the acidic burn spread over his palm and fingers, the dragon grit his teeth. I will not work for you so willingly. He never would - he never had. As steam rose from his hand, Rayeth finally yanked away from the silver. It was too much to handle. Clenching his blistered hand into a tight fist, the blond turned his attention to the gathered crowd. He wasn't focused on who was there, but merely the fact that humans were enjoying anything that was happening at that time. Fear was echoed through many gazes, and a hiss sent quite a few of them scrambling back from the stage. Few remained still. A youth remained on the edge of the stage, drawing Rayeth's gaze with a growl. Byron. Letting his snarl fade, the dragon sighed. As his blue eyes closed, he transformed - Abel used the moment to force his will upon the creature. A white beast stood in place of the former man after his human cry turned into a dragon's bellow. Snorting away a bit of smoke that streamed from his muzzle, Rayeth turned his slitted eyes back to Byron. You're a brave child. For once, the pale creature chose to do what he'd never done before - give in. With a low growl, he seemed to settle - Rayeth looked the part of a docile pet. Keeping his gaze on Byron, who refused to back away from the stage front, the dragon pressed his nose against the bars. The burn made him pull back, but Rayeth was surprisingly close to touching Byron's arm with his warm breath. What will he think of this? Abel kept his composure throughout Rayeth's struggle. A barely perceptible frown appeared on his face when the dragon relented to a quick transformation. What startled him even more was the fact that a familiar face at the stage front didn't back away. Byron had stuck to her spot while the "terrifying beast" sniffed at her. What are you up to this time? |
"Of course!" Maye exclaimed, turning to Amy. "I mean, well, you see my grandmother, she taught me so many things. Told me stories that had been passed on to her by her parents, and so on. We don't speak of it a lot in our village, but we support peace between the humans and dragons." She paused to catch her breath. "She even...no, it probably sounds silly," Maye said shying, blushing and turning away.
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"What sounds silly?" Amy asked, looking interested. Her wide eyes grew even bigger as they neared the inn. A mere foot from the door, the Outlaw turned to her new friend. "Not much sounds strange to people like us." Her green eyes glowed with excitement as she watched Maye. "I won't let you go in until you tell me," she laughed, lifting her shoulders in anticipation.
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"...You're going to think I'm crazy," responded Maye lightly. "When I was younger, my grandmother didn't just tell me the stories that generations before her had recited, she also told me..." Maye paused to create a bit of an effect, "...she told me how to recognize dragons. Even when they're in human form. Like what to look for, the tiny details normally passed over. I haven't ever spotted a dragon myself, but my grandma said she's seen a few in her lifetime, on rare occasions." Maye paused to wait for Amy's reaction. "So that's my story. Please don't tell anyone though," she asked as she grabbed Amy's hands, her eyes widening in slight fear.
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Amy started to smile. "If you can tell how to spot a dragon in human form, maybe you should take a look at Halt. I'm convinced he's not human." Wrinkling her nose, she gave Maye a sisterly hug. "My lips are sealed. I promise not to mention anything to anyone. Ever."
Backing away, the blonde girl shrugged. "I have a few things I need to get finished. Have a good one!" With a wave, the youth headed toward another part of the encampment. Chores and lessons on her mind, Amy began to hum quietly. ((:XD I'm not quite sure where to go from here. :XD)) |
Byron smiled at Rayeth and gave a small wave to the caged terror. She still didn't know how harsh the silver bars were to him. But the girl was getting an inkling that not everything was an act. Being a little closer to the cage than she was yesterday, Byron felt that her friend seemed sadder somehow. The role he was playing today, if it was indeed all an act, gave him the air of a defeated soul. Perhaps she was just thinking too much into it.
The expression she had was not like those of some spectators around her. While she wasn't the only one with an entertained look, Byron was looking forward to her friend's performance as a fellow performer and not as a freak show. [Sorry, I'm getting brain block again :XP] |
If the bars had been thinner, Rayeth would have broken free. Blue eyes flickering from Byron to the rest of the audience, the dragon fought back a snarl. "You shouldn't believe his lies," the serpent whispered. His hissing words were inhuman . . . but they got the point across. Rayeth looked at Byron steadily, a growl building in his chest. "He's a lie."
As the dragon swayed, Abel seemed to frown. Keep your words to yourself, serpent. Taking a step toward the cage, the man's soothing voice became dangerous. "A dragon never speaks the truth, child." Reaching his hand toward Byron, the Zealot's brow knit together in warning. "He lies." A few people in the audience looked warily to Byron. They were soon convinced that this girl was being enchanted by the dragon. Whispers started, and a small clearing appeared around the girl and the dragon. "Step away from the beast." Abel's red eyes were unreadable, and he inclined his head ever so slightly. His hand was still extended, and he knelt down to prompt Byron to move further. "Go, child." |
"Huh?"
Though the girl still had a smile on her face, it was clear that the ivory dragon's whispers confused her somewhat. 'Lies?' She then looked to the man who ran the show and who, to her surprise, had his attention on them. "A dragon never speaks the truth....lies..." Abel's words, because of his tinted voice, would confuse Byron even more. "Uhmm..." The nearly suffocating lack of personal space that surrounded her only moments ago now became a gap between her and the rest of the audience. It only served to make things worse. Despite having faced crowds before, Byron could only feel a sense of panic welling within her. 'What's going on? Did I do something wrong?', were the purple clad girl's flustered thoughts as she looked around at the open space and the people that bordered it. Then her eyes returned to the extended hand before looking to the scarlet eyes. Finally, she turned to the familiar lightning blues. 'What should I do?' her gaze pleaded, hoping her friend could give her some sort of instruction. She took a small step back, wondering if it was the right course of action. |
As Byron slowly stepped back, Rayeth seemed to shake his head. Not yet. The dragon seemed to be focusing on something . . . perhaps it was his tail. The white tail that slipped its way between the bars suddenly lashed forward, striking Abel hard enough to make him stumble. Since he was on the edge of the stage, it was a disastrous outcome. With a muted gasp, Abel was pushed forward and fell from the stage. Despite the tear that marred his coat, the tall male seemed nothing but a bit breathless. Fortunately for him he wasn't hurt much - he seemed fine, albeit a bit flustered.
Rayeth's azure gaze glinted with victorious spite. His on-the-spot plan had gone rather well. Byron had to play the part of the bait . . . but Abel had fallen for it. If only he were closer to me . . . I could have gutted him through. With a loud snort, the dragon surged his wings outward. The snap of thin leather was met by the hiss of silver. As he stood, looking (for the first time) at the pale beast in hatred, Abel brushed himself off. A few members of the crowd had rushed forward to ensure his well-being, but he calmly assured them that everything would be fine. His red gaze locked on Byron as soon as he thought of her. "Are you alright?" he asked, his previously annoyed expression melting into worry. Whether it was true or not was . . . unable to be determined by his body language. He seemed genuinely concerned. "Did it strike you?" With a sudden bellow, the dragon lowered himself against the floor of his cage. Looking as though it were in pain, it hissed dangerously - much to the gathered people's dismay. Abel didn't seem worried about the creature, but instead focused on Byron. |
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