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Take Nothing For Granted; 1st Draux Bonding Event
Topic Started: Sep 8 2017, 08:35 PM (1,320 Views)
Zinc
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Parliament Owl

Rhek had stood back to watch the herd swirl around him, uneasy but quickly calming down now that the Paladin with it's battle cry had abated. The youngster who had been upon the grass behind him breathed out a startled thanks, though the Qhek did little other than glance back over his shoulder at the human, giving him a once over to make certain no injuries had been sustained. The shift in approach seemed to be all the herd really needed. The small female was the first to approach, delicate and trembling. Another came shortly afterward, nosing her way into the pack upon Takoda's back, causing the Qhek's lips to lift in a smile. His attention was only diverted away when he heard the heavy thud of someone hitting the ground. Another Draux, pouncing interestedly upon another small human, but not out of malice.

Things were settling, and the sudden milling of others from the herd around the humans caused both the Hybrids and the Draux around them to begin to relax. The watchful Qih-Nzak drew back, save for the Chre and the Qhek guardians who had settled into the depths of the herds along the younglings. Here and there, a few Draux nosed and snuffled at the humans, some drawing closer than others, but none appearing to be quite as intent on garnering their attention as the others before them.

But it was clear that the young buck who Rhek had deterred wasn't entirely satisfied with the proceedings. He raised his head, chuffing angrily as he paced the edges of the herd, his ears flicking to and fro. The more Draux that approached the group, the more his dismay and anger seemed to grow. He pawed at the soil, kicking up dirt and loam, spattering his rosette strewn hide with mud as he paced, bright green eyes trained on the form of the Qhek, and the smaller humans. The Qhek watched him too, but this time, when the male lunged in, it wasn't the Hybrid who interfered.

She burst forth from the depths of the herd, who rippled like water to get out of her way. Painted in deep teals and dark purples, her amber eyes blazed as she bore sharp white fangs into his face, growling a deep challenge, wings fanning out and nearly clipping his face. The Paladin reared back in surprise, ears pinning as he side stepped away from her. He was as big as she was, destined to be bigger, but the authority in her posture rang clear. Matriarch, they were recorded as by the Academy hand, nearly as big as the male at their full growth, but it was clear who was the older, wiser of the two. He seemed to defer to her for a moment, backing off, but as she slowly lowered her lips and made to turn away, he surged forwards again.

The Matriarch reared, claws slashing to meet the Paladin in a tangle of spurs, snapping teeth, and muscle. The Hybrids looked on, impassive in the face of this animal aggression, not even faltering as the Matriarch drew blood, catching the Paladin across the face and causing him to stagger back, ears falling flat and drooping. She stood, head up and wings half opened as he slunk away, truly submissive in the face of her greater fury, slipping back away into the herd.

The dusky creature let out a snort, the sound rippling before she folded her wings back to her side and slipped back amongst the small group of humans. Ears flicked up to catch the strains of a song, to the human singing their wordless tune, she gave pause, curious and listening. After a few moments, her stride continued and she paced past the sunset Shadow, the golden Bull, and the grey Warrior, all of them having found something within these creatures that drew them. Something called to the Matriarch too, a humming thread of anxiety, a note of apprehension and anguish. She circled the girl, nostrils flaring as she pushed at her shoulder, her hair, curious and beseeching. None should worry or fear while she was there, especially not this one.

Matriarch
Commanding, Empathic, Regal
Shae, 22, Female (GothicThylacine)
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The herd was beginning to slip away now, as the day drew brighter and the light of the sun rose, the call for food and to set forth once again urging their steps. The ones who had come to the humans sides lingered, appearing unbothered by the retreating herd. Only one pushed forwards as the rest moved past. The red Paladin, blood dripping a slow trail down his muzzle, olive eyes flicking over the group as he paced nearer. The Qhek watched him sharply, as did the Matriarch, but his stance was low, his body language showing no signs of further intent towards mischief at the sake of the humans.

Instead he seemed...confused. Ears swiveling about, uncertain and uneasy. the notes of the song caught in his ears and he looked warily from the Qhek standing guard to the strange bipedal being issuing forth it's sounds. That bright, burning thread of energy reached out to them, grasping, a low croon issuing forth from the Paladin's injured jaws, calling to them. Head low, ears drooping, and mane lank, he was no threat, but merely beseeching. If they would have him, he would stay.

Paladin
Aggressive, Rebellious, Lion-Hearted
Nerida, 20, Non-binary (Kitsu)

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Edited by Zinc, Sep 12 2017, 10:20 PM.
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Mythborn
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Nerida's humming and then soft singing caught Daijon's attention away from the other creatures that had come, seemingly to claim others of their number. Daijon certainly felt claimed, with his new friend's head over his shoulder. He gave the sea-born girl another private smile, and shifted to stand closer to her again as the herd seemed to settle around them after the striped beast tackled one of the girls.

"This is my friend, Nerida." Daijon wasn't entirely sure why he spoke to the creature in his native language, but it seemed proper. "She is your friend, too. She won't hurt you."

A bit of the nervous energy ebbed off the edge of his mind and curiosity took its place as the beast leaned around him to sniff at Nerida. She snorted, a deep, throaty noise, and then looked back at him. He gave her a smile, too, then turned back to Nerida.

"She likes your smell," he told Nerida, which he thought was interesting, because he liked the way the girl smelled, too, the odd, salty scent that seemed to follow her about. He'd never smelled anything quite like it. "And song."

Daijon looked up and around at the sudden clash between the troublesome red creature and a new, purple and teal one, who seemed quite in charge. Well, that made sense, at least. In a group of animals, there was always one that led. What would happen if that one claimed one of them? Would the one claimed have to stay with the herd? Or would the herd find a new leader? He backed away from the fury of the fight, only to bump into his new friend, who stood solidly, head cocked and ears up, watching the two fight. Her solid weight behind him was reassuring. She seemed not at all surprised when the angry scarlet one backed away from the darker one, bleeding.

The huge creature, larger than the one by his side, walked through the group of humans. When she passed by him and his friend, the smaller creature bowed her head a bit to the larger, a submissive gesture. Where his lady looked like a sunset, this new female was dusk, twilight after all the true fire had left the sky. She made her way to Shae, and Daijon had to cover his grin with one hand, he was so pleased for her.

Shock erased the smile and replaced the delight when the scarlet beast, the one that had caused so much trouble, carefully crept forward, toward Nerida. He was a handsome creature, Daijon couldn't deny, but he wasn't sure if he liked the creature's temperment, especially to be paired with Nerida. Still, it didn't seem to be his choice to make, and he backed away a few steps again. This time, the creature at his back went with him rather than impeding him, shying away from the rosette spattered male that had startled her more than once. She didn't go far from Daijon, though, and he put a hand back on her muscular neck, twisting in the smooth hair of her mane, as he kept an eye on Nerida.
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GothicThylacine
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The longer she waited, the more Shae questioned. To both snap out of this and just to be sure, she pinched her arm. Ouch, ok it hurt so it wasn't a dream. But could you dream pain? It seemed like you could. One of her remaining companions, the girl who had come with Daijon, began to sing and coo softly. Shae mentally kicked herself for not thinking of that, as she had done that with horses back home but this situation was so foreign she could not think of much familiar.

She just watched now. Taking on every detail she could of every herd member. If nothing else she wanted to remember this time in her life. Even if she forgot all else from old age or sickness or injury, she wanted to forever have this. As she scanned, her eyes fell again on the rather headstrong male who had already attempted a charge. She could tell right away he was planning to do so again. A spirited one he was! Sure enough, the male lunged in again.

A roar that sent shivers down Shae sounded and within a fraction of a heartbeat, movement seemed to explode from the herd. A huge creature burst forth to intercept the red male. A creature painted with the dark cool hues of twilight as opposed the the brighter lights of Daijon's partner. A creature whose very essence and presence screamed....commanded, respect.

Shae found herself gasping and stepping back from the intense scene. The dawn hued Draux stood before the red male and challenged him, dared him to try his stunt again. He seemed to relent, but then to Shae's surprise, he did indeed try again. It did not end well for him. The creature that held her awe reared and bared her fangs angerly. Opening her wings (SOmehow Shae could feel it was female), and slashing with her impressive talons.

When blood flew from the male's face, Shae gasped again, frozen in place unable to move or look away. The large female stood to him now, again proud and commanding. As regal and inspiring as any queen could ever dream of being. This one was a leader and a guardian through and through. This was made even clearer as she began to walk along their little group, examining them. Even Daijon's bond bowed her own head in respect. Shae let out a low breath of awe.

Her eyes widened as the stunning twilight queen met her gaze and began to circle her. Shae was so dumbstruck she did the only thing she could. She bowed her head just as others had done. This Draux deserved only respect and Shae was never before so humbled, but happy to just be in her presence. SO when she began to gently touch Shae's shoulder and hair with her snout, she actually felt tears form. Not fear, but joy. She then felt a gentle touch elsewhere. In her mind.

It was a feeling of interest and protection, of warmth and assurance. A feeling she had not felt for so long, and never in her mind. A feeling of a protective mother assuring a child of their safety within her arms. Shae blinked and finally made herself look up. Her gaze was met with large amber eyes full of fire and passion. Shae could not look away. As if driven by a deeper instinct, Shae raised her hand. The Draux seemed to know exactly what it meant as she gently places her nose into the offered palm.

The smile that came to Shae's face was the widest she had ever given. Tears streamed down her face now. The amber eyes closed and the Matriarch leaned more into the touch. Shae traced her fingers along the jaw and neck of her new bond. A pleasant purring rumble sounded in the Draux's throat as well as ripples of joy and contentment from her mind that were shared in Shae's.

Well. Shae was sure as hell happy she took a chance on that mysterious scroll now.
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Kitsu
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Nerida continued their song as the creatures around them began to calm. They only slowed their song as the red not-dragon made to charge once more. It was met boldly by another of the herd. Unlike Daijon's new partner it was the color of the sky before the sun rose. It stood in the red one's way, keeping them between it and their group. It seemed like the red one would heed the twilight beast but at the last moment he charged forward. The dusky creature met him bravely, forcing him to submit to her through brute strength. The red male fell back with blood dripping from his face. Satisfied the female turned to venture among them and chose the one other person in their group.

They turned to look upon the new creatures who had joined their group when something tugged at them. It was not a physical tug. Something unseeable pulled their attention back to the red male. All eyes were on the male who had defied the group since they had entered the meadow. Olive green eyes locked on their's as the creature called out to them. Their song faltered as the creature took a hesitant step forward. They knew what it asked and as they thought on the other creatures knew what it would mean for them.

Slowly their song resumed, changing into something different. It was no longer just a song of welcome. It was a song of goodbye. Each step was painful as they stepped closer to the uncertain beast. These creatures were part of the land. Though they had wings they were not large enough to take them far. They would always roam these lands. Nerida's song grew stronger as tears began to form at the corner of their eyes. These creatures could not swim great distances. Though the dragon people's magic had brought them here they would not be able to take Nerida where they wished to go.

The young paladin's ears flicked uncertainly as they took a step closer to them as well. Nerida knew the truth of what this decision would mean for them both. In order to gain something they would need to give something up. They would need to give up their homes. Nerida's voice rose as they stood in front of the beast, their heart breaking in their chest as a bright thread wrapped around it. They lifted their hands to cradle the creature's head in their hands as fat tears ran down their face. They would have to say goodbye to say hello. The creature let out a pained sound as thoughts and emotions were given over. Nerida ended their song and looked the creature in the eye. “You are my home now. You are my Kahale.” Nerida closed their eyes as they rested their head against the young paladin's, their sounds of mourning intertwining together. Never again would Nerida return to their island. Never again would he return to this meadow and his former herd. From now on their homes would be wherever the other stood.
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Kyariel


Myrna didn't get to enjoy being able to breathe for too long, as about the same time the red troublemaker had charged again and another entity stepped in against it something else moved. Specifically Kiron as he flattened 'his' biped to the ground shivering with tense protective aggression as he nervously bared fang in the Paladin's direction. Especially as the thing had already tricked the crowd once in acting cowed when it came up to someone for the last time. Bearing a mark of disapproval from the female that had stood up to him. After a beat Myrna petted what parts of Kiron she could reach from her position "I'm ok Kiron, the...scaly people were protecting us from that one when he first got nasty".

Then she tried to wiggle her legs as Kiron still didn't seem certain "Kiron please, you are heavy and I can't move". It wasn't till the singing biped spoke to the Paladin and named him that Kiron stood up. But he didn't exactly let Myrna move yet. Using one foot to poke her shoulder in silent indication to stay put. Myrna patted the foot as she breathed "fine big guy I'll stay put for now till who brought me here to meet you sends me n my fellow humans back home". As she spoke she tried to avoid choking up hearing the calm song Nerida sang turn sad and painful. She hadn't heard what Nerida said to the troublesome creature but she felt somewhat heartsore for her fellow human on some level without truly knowing why. Such was the power of music; even as she brushed a hand across Kiron's searching snout "I'm ok Kiron I'm not crying because I hurt just sad".
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Zinc
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Parliament Owl

The herd had disintegrated around them, leaving only the five who had taken it upon themselves to stay. Even the rebellious red male appeared to have calmed as it found the touch of the islander who it had reached out to. The Crhe watched the assembled group for a few moments before looking to the Qhek. The great Hybrid gave the Qih-Nzak a single nod before they stepped back into the group of Hybrids that loosely ringed the field, nodding in farewell to the humans that he passed. As the Qhek reached the others of his kind, all turned and looked to the Crhe who was studying the assembled humans and the Draux with narrowed, pale eyes.

It had been a success, all things considered, though perhaps a bit more emotionally charged than anticipated. There had been the minor incident with the Paladin as well, though it was really a bit light on attacks, which was hardly something to be upset about. Rhek had come in handy, and no blood had been spilled. At least not by the hands of the Qih-Nzak or from the humans. The paladin who had been put in his place was another story entirely.

Calmly, the Crhe stepped forwards, his hands pressing flatly together, palm to palm. A chill wind crept up, ruffling his clothes before his hands parted, another perfect, crystalline sphere twisting idly in his grip. It was time for the humans to return home, with their new partners in tow. Another sharp smile, and an amused "Good luck." Were the only parting words before the crystal shattered, and they were thrown back to the fields of the Academy, leaving the field empty save the Hybrids. The Crhe studied the place they had vacated, a delayed thought coming to him that perhaps he should have told them to warn their new megafauna of the sudden lurch to come. Oh well. Too late for that now.

"All is prepared for them?" Came a curious inquiry.

"Oh, yes." the Crhe stated, staring cooly back at the assembled Hybrids. "While likely not the most orthodox way to reintroduce the population, there was a warning put in place. They'll be looked after." One final set of scrolls, laid out for the appropriate people to find. The Guarde, to inform of the happenings, and the other, for they would need a teacher. "And in the meantime, we'll be watching closely."

---
OOC


Alright! That wraps up the first Draux bonding event in almost a decade! Wow! You guys were super great and I want to thank you so much for your patience with this particular event. Huge thanks to Nherva for coloring up some Draux for this event, to Semper and Kess for creating a few to toss your way, and to Balu for giving us the template when we thought it lost.

A few housekeeping things: Your Draux are quite noticeably, not Eyas at all, but full adults! The age range of the Draux in this thread are from about 5-8 months, depending on your preference, save for the Matriarch. She is about a year old, hence why she went toe to toe with the Paladin and he backed off. Not quite fully grown, but close to sexual maturity. Sizes for full adult Draux are listed in the information section for the species, and hopefully a size chart will be created shortly. Despite the ages of your Draux being considered young adults, they will still be given a full series of lessons! These will begin shortly, so keep a lookout for the first lesson in the coming days! Thanks again so much guys!
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