| Take Nothing For Granted; 1st Draux Bonding Event | |
|---|---|
| Topic Started: Sep 8 2017, 08:35 PM (1,323 Views) | |
| Nherva | Sep 10 2017, 03:26 AM Post #11 |
|
Lurker Queen
![]()
|
Barely had the question reached his lips when the man--was it really a man? There was something off about him, something uncanny that made Koda's instincts stand up and take notice. He wasn't afraid of him so much as he didn't quite trust his eyes. The reason came clear when he smiled, pointed rather than flat teeth hiding behind his lips. Koda's world tilted on its axis along with everyone else's. The shriek and clatter of shattering glass scraped his eardrums and he tried to scream, but the sound was lost in the sucking, morphing world around him. There was no ground, no sky. His body was nothing-- And then it was over. Takoda all but stumbled in an attempt to stay standing upright from the vertigo induced by the transport. The sun, once near its zenith, was now gone. No...not gone. The horizon was pale. Morning? Where were they? When were they? Nerves twisted in his gut as fear attempted to take hold. His brain wanted to scream at him for being so trusting of that ambiguous message. He wanted to wonder if he would ever see his sister or Sable again. Koda shoved down that panic as far as it would go. This wasn't the time for hysterics. "You're late." The voice came from another. Koda's eyes widened in half-awe and half-shock. The creature that had spoken looked like a person, but was more like a dragon. Plated scales covered its body and it was taller than most of the humans. They all looked pretty scrawny by comparison. They were real. Koda's legs turned to jelly. He'd heard the fables and tales of the Qih-nzak, the Hybrids. No one knew magic the way they knew it, except maybe dragons. Even then, their powers were nothing so powerful as what the one teleportation spell exhibited. When they were bidden for questions, Koda listened to one of the girls with them as she asked several, firing them off like rapid arrow bolts. Those questions were no doubt on everyone's mind at this moment. The one question the others hadn't asked yet rose to his lips. It was a deeper question than what they were meant to do here, deeper than the 'where'. "Why are we here?" Koda asked as a follow up to the others, putting emphasize on his words carefully. What about them, him specifically made it so pertinent that they were the ones summoned--that they were the ones here now. He would find out the what and when if the others' questions were answered. Why had these godlike--they didn't seem quite as godlike right this moment standing among them, just...alien--chosen them of all people, for whatever this was? Koda never considered himself anything special, and even less so after Dia bonded to Sable and he'd been overlooked for a crystal time and time again. He was also fairly certain he didn't have any real enemies. If he did, he was unaware of them. Though, he was certain that if these hybrids meant them true, lasting harm, they'd have inflicted it upon them already. |
![]() |
|
| Kyariel | Sep 10 2017, 11:01 AM Post #12 |
![]()
|
As soon as she'd been warned to leave Kormac she'd looked to him "Kormac; Home now I'll feed you later". Thankfully instead of arguing the bird at least flew about as far as the horse was grazing before things went decidedly strange. Like the others around her she staggered hard when the world shifted, though she was left blinking bemusedly when she noted it was evening over midmorning "what the...". She hadn't clearly seen the sharp smile of the male who first spoke until she turned in time to see him speak and state now was the time to ask queries. She tried not to let it bother her; but she couldn't help likening him to a fox in the henhouse at that point. Least within the confines of her own mind. All the queries that were asked had twins in her own thoughts so she stayed silent up till a certain point. No one had asked if these strangers were affiliated with the Academy. So she swallowed her nerves to speak up when others had finished "um...are all of you...associated with the Untainted Dragonriders or their Academy?". Hearing someone in the surrounding crowd state they were late caused her to murmur "late for what...?". She wasn't yet close to full on panic thankfully but she wasn't quite sure why she felt...somewhat at peace wherever 'here' was. She'd not heard talk of the hybrids either so she didn't know that was what and who she was beholding. All her thoughts were hopeful that these entities meant no harm; even though one of the more dragonlike ones had just groused at them all for being late. Though something else the sharptoothed male had said left her wondering, what was going to happen to them all that required silence?. |
![]() |
|
| Zinc | Sep 10 2017, 08:01 PM Post #13 |
|
Parliament Owl
![]()
|
The trip had been notably unsettling for the group of young humans. The magic possessed by Qih-Nzak was notably potent and the likes of it were rarely seen away from the mainland. It was a bit refreshing, to some of the gathered Hybrids, to see such stunned reactions. But any interest that they had in the reactions of the humans began to wane at the more predictable questions that issued forth from their lips. It was to be expected, of course. But that didn't dampen the fact that few of them would find it entertaining to provide a response. Instead, the assemblage seemed to leave explanation to the original host, the pale Chre who followed behind the great Qhek. By this time, the land was beginning to be painted with swathes of gold and orange dawn, the fog clinging to the tops of the grass which swayed nearly as tall as the great Qhek, and far over the heads of the following humans and some of the Hybrids. At the sudden bombardment from Shae, there was a low chuckle from the great Qhek, the sound grating like the scrape of stones sliding past each other, his mouthful of fangs bared as he glanced over his shoulder at her with yellow eyes. "I like this one. Sensible at least." He turned his head back towards grass ahead, eyes scanning. "No danger, little one. Not now, at least." his voice was a hushed rumble. "Quite correct." The pale Chre glanced back at the humans as well, silver eyes flashing over each of them, assessing questions and appearing to measure which was the most important to address first, and decided to start with the two wayward children of the wilds. "You have come quite far. This world is a vast one, young ones, and there are other continents besides Sekkai. Untouched by your wars, your riders, and your strife." he gave a careless shrug and a slight smile. "The farther you travel around the world, the more time changes. It might be dawn on one side of the world and dusk on the other." It wasn't a perfect explanation, but he had no interest or truly the time to sit back and discuss the curvature of the earth, the stars beyond this meager planet, and the sciences which had allowed them to come to such a conclusion. "The scales have shifted once again. We see much, and we strive to keep the order of things lest disaster break the world apart. The world demands balance. That is why you are here." he leveled a cool stare at all of them. "We are not a part of your Academy. But we watched, and we saw many who suited our purposes. You were merely the ones who volunteered." It was simple as that. They were not chosen ones, but simply variables who had set themselves aside for the purpose of what was to come. The great Qhek ahead paused, raising a heavy, clawed hand. The Chre fell silent, and turned to the group, raising a finger to his lips, a universally known signal. The Qhek reached forward and pulled apart the grass ahead of him, revealing a close cropped stretch of meadow, the tall grasses trodden down. Dark forms lay in the misty grass shadowed by the tall borders around them. Draux. An enormous, healthy herd of them in a motley accumulation of shades and colors, the likes of which had not graced the continent of Sekkai for more than a decade now. Muted jewel tones, deep browns, blacks, and greys, washed out by the mist and early dawn light. The herd had bedded down here for the night, as was apparent by a few still laying in the grass asleep. At the arrival of the Hybrids and humans however, they came on instant alert, the eyes of the herd falling on the new strangers. The Qhek grinned, baring a motley crew of fangs as he pushed forth into the clearing. There was a clear sign of unease brewing in the herd at the approach. Most stood stock still, watching as the rest of them emerged into the clearing. A few Draux skittered away into the tall grass, some mothers ushering Eya's with them as they went. A deep bugle broke the silence as a Paladin huffed, staring at them with wide eyes, ears trembling. "The world demands balance." The Chre stated softly. "So the first generation is yours..." he smiled thinly. "If they accept you." he looked back to the humans. "I will not lie. These are not tame beasts. They have seen no humans for decades at least. We are here to prevent harm, but we cannot forsee everything. No sudden moves, no loud noises. If one here is yours...they will find you." He assessed the group for a few long moments. "This is not a life for everyone. If you have objections, you may remain here at the edge of the clearing. If not, we shall proceed." At some unseen signal, the Hybrids closed in ranks a bit tighter around the small group of humans. "Rhek, lead on." the Chre murmured. The great Qhek nodded his head once, and slipped forward, leading them towards the herd. |
![]() |
|
| GothicThylacine | Sep 10 2017, 08:50 PM Post #14 |
![]() ![]()
|
As much as Shae did not want to admit she was trembling both from nervousness, it was also excitement. When the Hybrid addressed her she felt a chill, a pleasant chill though. She did raise a brow at his reply "Fair enough" She said honestly. She felt she did not exactly have too much choice that he knew of. Though she also knew even if she did have an open option to turn around and leave, she would not. She would keep going. She wanted to be here. And that put her in a quiet kind of awe that let her appreciate the amazing things that were happening around her. She looked at the grass, the sky, the Hybrids. Shae knew this was something she never really fathomed experiencing. Maybe she was dreaming? If she was, she'd ride it out. When their guide spoke again, she listened. Sure, she felt a bit perturbed at the concept of being watched, but she doubted it was like what most humans would assume. Huh, wow, she was feeling humbled by these creatures. She felt as if she wanted to ask more questions about his statements. Traveling the world always called to her. But then the signal for silence was given. Shae froze in place and watched as the grass before them was parted. Then she saw them. For a split second, she thought they were horses. But a blink cleared her vision and mind to her second thought. Dragons? No, the wings fooled her for just a heartbeat. These were not dragons. These were Draux. Shae had read about them and seen many a sketch in history books. They had fascinated her, but she never fed the fantasy that they were still about, at least not like this! She had heard of a pair at the Academy but had never laid eyes upon them so she did not humor the notion further than that. She was a busy girl after all. But seeing them in the flesh was something very, very different. Surely this was a dream. The Chre spoke again. She stared at the great beasts before her but she did try to absorb every word he said. Was this...a bonding? It was not for everyone and she had the option to not proceed. But she did. She absolutely did. The pull within her was much stronger now, something felt right. So very right. When the Hybrids came closer and one began to lead the way, she followed eagerly. Her eyes took in the strange creatures. One met her gaze and put its ears back with a snort. Shae quickly looked away as she knew horse body language enough to know that was best. But then...these were not horses. In any sense of the word. Did she really know what to do? She still looked at them as much as she could unless she got some kind of cue to look away just to be safe. They were beautiful creatures. She could not even really use the word animal. Their eyes held an intelligence that Shae knew went far beyond any hound or steed. She wanted to touch one, but she didn't dare. Not yet. Not until she knew any would allow it. Edited by GothicThylacine, Sep 10 2017, 09:07 PM.
|
![]() |
|
| Kyariel | Sep 10 2017, 09:20 PM Post #15 |
![]()
|
Unlike Shae Myrna had not the foggiest what she was looking at. What she did know was nothing liked being stared full in the face. So she followed the fangy bipedal draconic being with her eyes cast down enough to at best only see the end of the Draux muzzles. Now at least she knew why the humanfaced 'fox man' suggested silence. As she moved however she felt an odd warmness. Almost like a hug? but not, from talking to her saviour Moira and her water serpent she had some idea of how the connection would feel when she met 'her' dragon partner. But here she was no where near dragons and feeling something. Not that she disliked the feeling, she didn't consider herself a 'chosen one' like in a fairy tale. But she wasn't going to try and block out whatever might be giving her the warm fuzzies either. She just hoped she was doing something right as she moved just as carefully as she once did around the lone bull of her family farm before he went to feed the young dragons newly hatched. In that regard you learned not to get attached to farm animals, but that bull had been an ornery cuss as her father used to call him. So after all the rest of his herd had been laid out by the plague the family had not been sad to see that bull go to a good use. She just hoped she didn't look dangerous to any of the intelligent creatures as she moved; or smelled like food if they ate anything aside from plants. After all she did smell faintly of raven thanks to her pet only recently having vacated her person. Thinking of Kormac caused a slight inkling of sadness as she hoped he wasn't missing her, since time changing implied they had been wherever they were pulled to quite awhile by now. She did quietly mumble to herself "my family is never going to believe any of this...". |
![]() |
|
| Kitsu | Sep 10 2017, 09:26 PM Post #16 |
![]()
|
With more than a bit of trouble Nerida tried to sort out the pale one's words. They didn't quite understand but felt it would be rude to make them explain. Perhaps Daijon would be able to explain later. The one who resembled a dragon raised a claw to silence them with the pale one lifting a finger to their lips. They were led past the long grass where it looked like the grass had been stamped down. Strange creatures filled the meadow. They were....little dragons? With their appearances plus learning all of the different forms dragons took when they had first arrived at the academy that was all Nerida could come up with. All eyes were on them as they entered the meadow. Some of the creatures left with much smaller ones in tow. Once more something clicked in Nerida's mind. They tapped Daijon's arm and lightly gestured at the smaller creatures in an attempt no to startle them. Their voice remained a whisper to follow the pale one's words. “Baby dragons? We bond now?” Nerida had no way of knowing what the creatures were and the significance of the event. After this day they may understand what they had gotten themselves into by following those whisperings. Nerida tried to examine each creature as they got closer. They were not sure how to approach these land beasts so did what they would do in the water. They made sure not to move too quickly to startle them. They did not thump their feet on the ground as they walked forward. Nerida lifted a hand to adjust the choker on their neck. The movement caused a fresh waft of the sea from the accessory. If there was one here to find them then it would be easier if they could catch Nerida's special scent better. |
![]() |
|
| Mythborn | Sep 10 2017, 09:52 PM Post #17 |
![]()
|
The grasses, so much taller than those Daijon were used to, gilded gold in the rising sun. While he was used to open grasslands, he was used to being able to see over the grass, too. This was as bad as being in a forest--worse, for all the hybrids nearby. Nerida's question distracted him, and Daijon chewed on his tongue for a moment, trying to decide how to answer. He did not know the proper word for these beings in the common language, and the word in his language would make no sense to her. "In simple? Yes." He would have continued, but the chuckle of the larger hybrid distracted him, and the fangs in the hulking creature's mouth made Daijon feel like he was being led by a wolf. He was reassured only slightly when the great creature said that there was no danger, for now. He was not sure he trusted that his definition of danger was the same as the hybrids'. And the pale one's explaination of the change in the time of day made no sense at all, but Daijon did not press, attributing it more to his difficulty with the language than the difficulty of the concepts. All fell silent at the pale hybrid's gesture. Daijon stared at the forms revealed in the dawn light, some skittering away and one challenging. He had seen enough horses to know that these were not them, and enough dragons to know that while these creatures might be kin to them, in a way, they were not dragons. He had no word, in either language, for them, but they were beautiful, elegant in their own way. Very slowly, and before they started moving forward, Daijon resettled his spear in its sling. Slow and quiet? That Daijon could do. He had a great deal of practice walking invisibly in grasslands, though it made him itch for the sticky mud he would normally have worn, if he were at home, to help him blend with his surroundings. But then, it did not seem that blending was the point. While he had no idea what these creatures were, the hybrids seemed to think that they, the ones who had chosen to be here, might find one among the herd that belonged with them. To bond to them, as they might a dragon. He stalked forward, certain to stay near Nerida, who seemed to look to him for guidance. His steps were all but silent, especially in the soft, trampled grasses, and he turned to Nerida's tap of his arm and whispered question. "These are not dragons," he answered softly, observing the creatures. He slid his eyes past each form, noting the various colors, without letting his gaze settle on any one beast. "I have no name. But not dragons. Bonding? I think yes. But I know not how." |
![]() |
|
| Nherva | Sep 11 2017, 12:00 AM Post #18 |
|
Lurker Queen
![]()
|
It wasn't until some extra explanation was given that Takoda felt more at ease. These hybrids might not have directly had their best interests in mind, but they at least didn't seem like they'd gathered them all here just to hurt them either. That didn't mean his guard was down, but it also meant there was less of a reason to panic like a frightened ninny. Koda had seen death and destruction first hand, he'd been in full blown panic before. Looking back on it, he wished he'd not been. He wished he'd handled it better. If his mind had been cooler, his brain more leveled, he might have been able to do something to help instead of just run away. A wave of great respect surged through Takoda when he realized they might very well be standing on ground never tread by humans before. Was it an honor? He wasn't sure. After all, the hybrid said they'd 'volunteered'. Presumably because the five of them had been the only ones that answered the strange summons they were given. They were not the chosen ones any more than those that volunteered to stand upon the hatching sands or to walk into a dire kennel and choose a pup. They were just the ones brave or stupid enough to follow a baited string out of blatant curiosity. At least, that was Koda's story. He contemplated the Qih-nzak's words while he watched the larger, armored one went forward, disturbing the herd slightly. The draux knew they were there. There was little mistaking them. Koda swallowed hard. They were so much like dragons--at least in appearance. He'd been rejected by the dragons. How could the Qih-nzak see him and think 'Yeah, this one'? Perhaps that was a question to ruminate upon later. Right now, he was only allowed to be awed by the scene before him. Untouched and peaceful, the herd only seemed slightly perturbed by their presence. It was a clear sign of a group that didn't know better than to fear humans among them--or hybrids from the looks of things. They stood up and took notice, or at least one of them had, but did not run. Their instructions were simple. Waltz into the herd, see if one belonged to you. Easy right? Except that Koda felt like he was treading upon hallowed ground. He wasn't supposed to be there. What were these hybrids thinking? I've come this far. He thought to himself. They gave him a choice. He didn't have to go out there. He could stand here and let the scales tip for balance without him. It's not like they are asking me to walk out there and just kill some of them for no reason. If anything they might pummel me. Takoda stood up straight, watching the rest of the group begin to follow the big scaled hybrid that went before them. He knew of draux. He'd even seen one of the Academy's two near the stables once--at least he was pretty sure it was a draux and not a small dragon. They might not have been nearly as visually impressive, but there was something about them that made Koda feel some sort of kinship with what he saw. He was not afraid. He wished he was afraid. He was more afraid of the hybrids than the draux before them. That might have been a mistake. This whole thing might have been a mistake, but it was a risk Takoda decided in those few moments that he was willing to take. He didn't know what it entailed to be bonded to such a creature, but those words from the pale hybrid were enticing...'If one here is yours...they will find you.' The words resonated in his brain and he stepped forward, the scent of crushed, damp grass filling his nostrils. They spread out and Takoda, keeping his wits about him, threw his doubts to the wind and walked very slowly into the herd. One of the beasts near him gave a shudder, a subtle flex of wings as if trying to shake off a fly and he fought the urge to jump. He wasn't dumb enough to be fearless, but he didn't want to hurt them or vise versa. Very quietly, which was his nature, he strode among them, taking in the varied patterns of their hides, the way they moved, the way they seemed to communicate with each other, and their uncanny resemblance to dragons. Once he was well within the waking herd, Takoda lowered himself to a crouch, pretending to inspect the grasses. He was attempting to make himself as non-threatening as possible, even if he could stand at a moment's notice and either run or try to defend himself if one of the creatures took offense to his being there. He took a moment to glance around to see if he could see any of the other 'volunteers' and how they fared. |
![]() |
|
| Zinc | Sep 11 2017, 09:29 AM Post #19 |
|
Parliament Owl
![]()
|
The herd was mixture of emotions, the thrum of it nearly palpable in the air about the group. It wasn't to be unexpected, given the tendency of Draux to form empathic and often telepathic bonds with those around them. Unease, wariness, but most importantly, a thin thread of curiosity was rippling through them as they watched the group slowly make their way forwards. The majority of the Hybrids broke off before they truly reached the herd, stepping to the side near the outskirts. Today was not for them, they were merely here to observe. A handful of them however, remained alongside those who slunk into the heart of the herd, likely to make good on the Chre's promise to protect them as best as they could. The nervousness of some of the humans and the Draux seemed to feedback on itself in a loop that quickly cycled itself out of a control. They had barely reached the fringes before a good clump of the herd bolted, disappearing into the tall grasses with loud, fading rustles. At the action, the remaining portion froze, unsure as they battled between instinct and curiosity, but no more ran. Instead, the opposite string seemed to take effect. A thin, strong thread burst through. White hot and aggressive. Defend. The great Paladin who had been so wary of the group before bellowed, a deep thrumming sound that was imposing as it issued from the depths of his chest, lips pulled back over sharp fangs. His ears pinned back, and he reared up, wings beating. A hide that was already deep crimson in color was dyed to deeper hues by the rising sun, blotted out by his mantled wings. It was true enough that Draux were herbivorous creatures, normally peaceful in nature, but there was reason they were used as a fighting force, and the charge of the male proved the prowess of the once strong race with terrifying ease. One had dropped to a crouch, were they hunting the herd? Two nervously bound together did little to settle frazzled nerves. This strange crew of inviduals was not of the herd, and therefore, were not welcome amongst them. He charged Takoda, dagger sharp claws tearing up sod and dirt as he went, tossing his head and mane with another deep bugle, ready to trample or drive him away. But suddenly the Qhek was there, feet braced and an arm shooting out to grab the beast about the neck. The cry choked off, and it reared up with a squeal, claws slashing, sparking ineffectively off heavy, plated armor. Stumbling back, the Paladin danced away to the fringes of the herd, ears back and eyes rolling. Rhek watched him go, making no aggressive moves towards him. The herd was silent for a few long heartbeats, unsure, before there came the sound of quick, light steps, almost nervous in the tattoo that they beat. A smaller Draux trotted around the fringes of the group, on the outlying ranks of the herd, ears up and trembling as nostrils worked. She was dyed nearly the same hues of the dawn, in a bevy of pale golds and oranges, fading to a purple down the muscles of her neck and back. The fine hair that traced the way down her spine was the deep black of dusk. Her eyes were focused on the Qhek, then switched to the humans. Like a nervous dog, she stretched her neck forwards, scenting at the Hybrid, her nose near to his hip. She let out a delicate snort before she zipped back around the back side of the group, her speed apparent in graceful footwork. It was to the tightly bound duo that she proceeded next, circling back behind them, ears twitching back and forth, listening. The Paladin from before shrieked a cry, causing her to startle and stare back at him, but she did not retreat. She gave a deep, guttering snort, head low and sniffed carefully at Nerida, and then at Daijon, taking an extra moment to inspect the straight line of the spear across his back. Slowly ears that had been nervously pinned back rose forward, and her stretching crouch relaxed into a normal stance as she pressed closer. The reason for her skittishness seemed to become more apparent the closer she got, faded, healed scars littered her hide in places, signs of survival against some unknown foe or predator. Not quite full grown, the young female had already seen her share of hardships in this unknown land. She had a right to be nervous, but to the man before her she seemed to become less fearful, her muzzle pushing against his shoulder as she took in the smell of him, lipping at his pants, his shirt, and then his hair, apparently quite taken with what she had found. Shadow (Female) Curious, Gun-shy, Sharp Daijon, 19, Male (Mythborn)
|
![]() |
|
| Kyariel | Sep 11 2017, 09:53 AM Post #20 |
![]()
|
Myrna about has a heart attack hearing the 'bull' of the herd charge, tries to calm down Myrna didn't know the rank of the bellowing one was properly 'Paladin' she just froze up eyes on the trodden grass when he bellowed as her heart leapt into her throat. Mostly because the last time she heard a noise like that followed by the thunderous charge it had been her family's bull feeling his oats and tearing up the dirt between her father's brother and himself. The reason for her heart hammering in her ears this time was the fact there was no fence to bolt for and vault over like there had been with the mundane wingless bull for her or anyone present. However she did finally risk a quick glance up through her bangs hearing the choked off noise. Blinking in some shock as the scaled biped took the abuse and set the big male entity on its four feet to slink back into what remained of the herd. thinking within her own mind note...keep moving slowly so as to avoid upsetting the bull of this herd. Then she noticed how one of the...whatever she was looking at nervously headed for one of her fellow humans in this strange and unexpected adventure. So she carefully side-eyed the sunset made flesh as it traipsed around Daijon, using the calm interaction as the winged creature appeared to choose him to settle her own nerves as she smiled slightly. Then she used the happy appearing moment to try and focus on not moving like a predator or worse a nervous animal. Finally realising that might be what triggered the tense anger from the male. Least to her understanding she assumed it was more visual cues than truly emotional; not having met an empath in animal form before in her life thus far. |
![]() |
|
| 1 user reading this topic (1 Guest and 0 Anonymous) | |
| Go to Next Page | |
| « Previous Topic · Fields · Next Topic » |

Player Guide
News Portal
Members
Calender
Gold Shop











7:51 PM Jul 10