Cheaters, beaters, and rapists.

in ___ character, http://shadowlack.com/forums/index.php?act=ST&f=25&t=400&st=0#entry5095reveri silvent</a>

<font color=gray>Reveri certainly wasn't the sort to spend all of his time at parties. As a matter of fact, he avoided most of them, merely because everyone got high and seemed to think there was something wrong with a pendragon who didn't want to. Silvent had gotten various bad looks for his habits from the more heavy party goers, but that hardly mattered. Though he smoked, the black 'dragon kept it at that. It was easier to maintain the cravings if they were just for a little thing like the cigarettes that he bought. Which weren't that hard to ignore, anyway. That was just for him, though, Rev had a lot of self-control. It had taken many years for that to happen, but he had managed. Even before he learned it perfectly, that was part of his temperment. Which was a gift he was always thankful for.

Today was an exception to the rule. There was a party at a friend's house. Free drinks were offered. While he wasn't an alchoholic - nor did he drink until drunk - the male 'dragon enjoyed a bit of alchohol every once and a while. Which was the initial reason why he had wanted to come. As it turned out, some females that he knew were going to the same party. Thus he ended up as a bodyguard - and designated driver, of sorts - for the group of charming ladies. Including a 'dragon named Esper, who was still in his company. Who was particularly charming, if you asked Silvent. Then again, he was a rather withdrawn and relaxed male, who didn't tend to speak about his opinions much. Or, for that matter, didn't tend to have relationships. Not since the failed one with Amarilla.

Though there was nothing wrong with the conversation or his company, the silver-eyed pendragon was dying for a quick smoke. No alchohol had been consumed and he had gone away from the ladies for only very short periods of time. Most of them had gone home now, but there was a lingering few that he was just keeping an eye on. Whereas Esper was actually near to him, though not too close, of course. No reason to make anything uncomfortable. Slowly standing, the male gestured at the balcony in a weak attempt at trying to be subtle. Yet he decided there was no reason and gave a slight, almost apologetic smile. <font color=darkred>"I'm going to get a touch of fresh air. Would you care to join me?"</font> Whether Esper came or not, Reveri was going to walk out there for a bit of that fresh air, as well as a cigarette.

Yet his eyes wandered as he approached the balcony and steps became more hurried as the male caught sight of a familiar set of words - namely, his own name, sewn onto the back of someone's pants. The caramel fur should have given away who it was, but he was a bit out of it. Having been up all night. <font color=darkred>"'scuse me, miss, where'd you get those?"</font> He inquired, capable of seeing only bits and pieces of the seated Okkie.

 

o o c. So, bad timing, but I'mma be gone from Tomorrow (Saturday) morning, early, 'till Tuesday night. I'm going on the schooner Spirit of Massachusetts for school. But the second I get home I'll post XP

i c>http://shadowlack.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=1907Esper Avalon</a>

The party had been excellent, and, in Esper's opinion, was still excellent now that the sun was peering reluctantly through the clouds of mist. It was the type of morning when the dew, fog, and clouds were thick, leaving a cold miasma of dampness all about the earth. The sun would come out in a moment, though, rendering the early wet obsolete and creating a contrast to the air. A slight scent of pot drifted through the air; about three quarters of the party's invitees (and most of the crashers too) were still here, their previous joy now spawned into head-aching, stomach-twisting discomfort, drowning their hangovers with coffee and tablets. Some were just sleeping off the night before (and some were with each other in the bedrooms, doing everything but sleeping).

The Lady had come here early, not knowing many of the people. But soon the young femme had befriended several, and she spent the evening drinking lightly (and later less lightly) with her newfound companions, and twisting it up on the dance floor. The kid's house was amazing: four floors all decked out in marble and carpet, complete with courtyards and terraces. Of course, the third floor was completely trashed due to the violent nature of those 'dragons who had been smoking perhaps more than should have been entering virgin lungs. The host's parents had been, of course, absent, as was the case for almost all of the bashes (and Esper really did mean bashes) that were thrown around here. It was about seven in the morning now, and the sun was still rising steadily. The hot-pink-dyed pendragon had just awoken from a deep slumber in one of the many fourth-floor guest rooms, feeling slightly refreshed from a scant sprinkling of hour's sleep. She held a ginger-ale bottle in one paw, and a cherry lollipop in the other. The clothing that adorned her sharp physique was a clinging, white, racer-backed muscle-tee; a pair of baggy, charcoal-coloured cargoes tied off with a lime green rope; and of course her usual assortment of tongue-studs, bracelets, chokers, and earrings.

Her head probably would have hurt a hell of a lot more, and she might not have been wearing half as much as she was now, if it weren't for Reveri. She'd known him previously, through casual conversation and mingling at the Academy, but had bonded more through the evening. He'd stood as a sort of guard to her, blending with the dark shadows and keeping sketchy-seeming hellions at bay. He'd hovered around herself and a group of aqquaintances, and she was always grateful for his prescense. He seemed to take it upon himself to keep an eye on those at the party he'd taken some shine to. It made her want to melt that he'd've done such a thing; she could sleep without forcing herself to wake and check her surroundings every twenty minutes. He was still here this morning, spending most time around her, silent and slightly awkward-feeling; but Esper knew he was an intelligent and kind male. She relished his sweet combination of detached and hopelessly involved, and decided that the male, four years her senior, was a wonderful guy to know.

There'd been some gambling, drinking, and hooking up to do that morning, and 'Sper took part in a bit of it, sans the drinking. But now many had gone back to sleep, laying entwined on the side of the dance floor, on couches, and in piles of coats and abandoned clothing. It was a sweet picture, in some way-- all the hopeless, fresh, insolent youths all wound together in groups. They might have been putting on façades of toughness and roughness, but in reality, they were still young and somehow, a spark of innocense still was in them, subconciously. They were smiling, some of them, their eyes closed, and their bodies pushed close for warmth and comfort. They would wake, and some would push away hastily, putting up the mask of chill coolness again, but others would just lay there, reveling in the good times of the night before and in the touch of a friend.

For some, though, it wouldn't be that way. Some would wake up hurt, some sick, some just disgustingly hung over. Some would cry tears and breathe sighs of regret of their previous actions; some would brawl and hiss and fight. Esper doubted any wouldn't wake up at all, but she did feel sympathy for those who became ill from the intensity of what they'd just done. The parties always stirred something in their wake: fights, breakdowns, relationships, habits. 'Sper supposed if she wasn't so tired and so wrapped up in her own business, she might like to observe what was going on amongst the teens and youths. But now she just wanted to go outside and take a few breaths. She absentmindedly brought her candy to her soft lips and licked it twice. The false cherry flavour was comforting. Then, she put her arm down. The sconce-lighting glittered on both the slick red surface and her chipped black nailpolish. Now she brought her bottle to her mouth, and the cold drink soothed her pounding head for a moment. At this time, she heard the heavy scratching of claws behind her. Her head was hazed, and she turned around slowly, her tail lashing to help maintain her balance.

But it was only Reveri, and cast a grateful glance at the male, setting the bottle down again. Bubbles ascended rapidly from the bottom to the top of the drink. Hugging her arms to her alabaster-striped sides, she looked at the he-'dragon again. His hand was drifting towards the balcony, and she squinted, her slightly-numbed mind failing to comprehend his thoughts. But her eyes crinkled once more, this time in a smile, as he told her what his plans were. He was polite. "Yeah, sure," she said. "An' I'll have my 'cigarette'," she said, waving her lolly rather expressively and popping it firmly in her little bouche. Her canines peeked over her lips, and a tiny gold star, cemented there, glinted on one. There'd better damn be chairs out there, was her only thought as she tottered outside. The scent of burning paper and cigarettes alike plumed from two locations: the latter from Rev, and the former from a gingersnap femme she'd never seen before, who'd got her back to 'Sper. Rev spoke some words that were quite nonsensical to Esper, if you asked her... 'till she saw the female's pants. Fushia brows furrowed at this; it wasn't a normal thing, or at least the Lady of Avalon didn't think so, for her friend's name to be adorning a random she-pendragon's butt.

Frowning, the Lady looked from Reveri to the anonymous figure, walked over to a plastic chair, and plopped down to have a suck at her lollipop. She turned to the slim femme some feet to her left and said, "Who're you?"

 

in ___ character, http://shadowlack.com/forums/index.php?act=ST&f=25&t=400&st=0#entry5095reveri silvent</a>

<font color=gray>Silvent rather liked having Esper with him, because she was one of his more interesting friends. The sort that he enjoyed mingling with as often as he could. Thus, her being here was something that enhanced his enjoyment of the entire party. Though he also knew the rich chap who was throwing it. Had seen him wander off in a drunken stupor with a couple of lovely ladies toward the end of the party, as a matter of fact, toward his own bedroom. A smart one, that kid, though. He hadn't been entirely out of it and would probably recover without a hangover, and without regrets. Though he might have a couple of lawsuits if the pair of females claimed rape. Either that or if they became pregnant with his child, which didn't seem likely. The kid was intelligent enough to take proper precautions. So that they either wouldn't conceive or, if they did, they wouldn't be getting angry and start blackmailing. That was simply the way he was. Anyone who was here was either friends with him or had been permitted to party at this house, though, were drinking and drugging themselves up with stuff that, it was likely, he had provided most of. Though the drugs, naturally, would have been hush-hush.

The raven male was curious as to who was making pants with his name written in such a... strange place. He wasn't presently involved with anyone, so that couldn't be the reason. Nor were there any past girls who might be interested in having his name pressed there. Especially since, once he broke up with them, they would have decided to throw the pants out, right? Besides, one would think he would know about that. They probably would have shown him, before they ended their relationship, after all. It would have been some cutesy sign that they loved him or whatever. Though he was actually inclined to be amused when someone who had known him for a scarce amount of time told him that they loved him. How could they, even if they had been together for six months? It was a long time, but that wasn't enough time to know, not absolutely for sure. Yet maybe they had stolen his name for a clothing line? If that was the case, he was going to sue for some of the money. It was his moniker, after all, they had no right to use it. Then again, he had never seen clothing with his name on it before. Or had he? The male wasn't sure what he anticipated from the smoking pendragon. All he could do was stand there and wait, see what they had to say. Half-grinning in amusement. The grin fading quickly as the other pendragon began to respond.

Reveri certainly hadn't anticipated what happened, the turning of the seated woman's head, the abrupt strike - like that of a viper attacking its victim - of realization. Why hadn't he known her the second he saw her? Because of the smoke drifting up from that joint rolled loosely between her fingers, it was likely. The last time he had seen her, she had been rather gentle in nature, a warm and friendly soul that found herself far more friends than she needed, though few that were close to her like Silvent had been. So it had seemed from the perspective of the charcoal-colored pendragon, anyway. Even if he had been mistaken, this was certainly a different 'dragon from the one he had seen the last time that they had met. Which had been... at the Academy. Recently he had been so caught up in his schoolwork that he hadn't seen her. Why, though? Was she hanging out with a different crew, now? Why had Silvent not viewed his soulsister - probably often in the same buildings - for ages? Perhaps it was a forgetful sort of reaction to everything. That was it. He had tried to forget all of his past, to be unaware of the pendragons he was ignoring, the friends that he hadn't spoken to. It hurt too much.

He wasn't the adorable Revvie that she remembered, either, though. The male had "grown up" over the passing of time. Though it felt like years, there was no doubt that it had been less than that. Perhaps it just felt like forever because the ache had been there, the desire to see her, for so long that he had begun to forget it was there. They were bound together as souls kindred, though, there was no way to break that bond. Unless one died. Which wasn't likely to happen anytime soon - unless either was careless with drugs and alcohol. However, Silvent didn't like drugs, and he drank sparingly. It wasn't an addiction, though he did smoke clean cigarettes rather regularly. Even that could be ended if he so cared to halt the desire. Yet he hadn't had any need. No one trying to end his "nasty habit", seeing as all of his friends either did it themselves or had no reason to believe that he should stop. Mostly because those concerned for his health were just given a faint smile of appreciation, but politely ignored, as far as their opinions on smoking went. He simply wasn't the sort to change his mind because someone said he should. Reveri was a very independent beast.

Eyes flitted hesitantly toward Esper for a moment, a faint smile on his lips. She was the sort that would likely become a better friend over the passing of time. Though they weren't close like he and Okkie were, there was a certain affection for the lady that had made him stay beyond when he had planned to, guarding her from harm even after his other wards had left. Either to bed some desired male or to go home. Most he had escorted, uttering an apology to the remaining Esper before scooting off to make sure they got home safe. Sometimes he just let them make their way back with another of his friends - of the good, masculine sort. The kind that wouldn't rape a drugged up or drunk woman, just because. They were good sorts, the kind he would trust his own life to, thus he could trust others to as well. His life was worth far less than any of his friends, after all. This thought process - between recognizing Okkie, realizing how long it had been and how much both had changed, as well as considering Esper and his other nightly comrades - took a few seconds to consider, speedy thoughts going even faster because he was trying to make sense of everything at once.

<font color=steelblue>"Okkie."</font> He breathed in a rather breathless way, eyes abruptly lost and almost hurt in their own strange fashion as they focused on his banded soulsister. Bare feet led him heedlessly in her direction, almost tripping over a discarded bottle, though he quickly regained his footing and avoided falling on his face. As he drew near enough, a finger reached out to run along the cheekbone of his dear friend, if she didn't move, which he highly doubted she would. With a smile that was hesitant in nature, the silver-eyed male turned his gaze back to Esper, offering a half-grin of encouraged apology for the fact that he had forgotten her in his moment of delight. <font color=steelblue>"Ah, Esper, this is Okkie XII, my soulsister. Okkie, this is Esper, a good friend of mine."</font> In this moment, the affection of a keen friendship was felt toward Esper, who he certainly didn't want excluded, even though the charcoal male hadn't seen Twelve for ages. Even if that feeling that she was a good friend was just part of the happy buzz, it didn't matter, not in that moment. Because it was true, for a time, even if it would change later. Which was doubtful, knowing Silvent.

 

O O C. Sorry for the delay, guys, back from the trip now. Now if only the room weren't still rocking around... :rolleyes: Onwards.

Esper watched as the banded female put out her joint. She seemed to be lost, then, for a minute, forgetting the world around her... which was hardly abnormal after the night they'd had. She shrugged at the femme's lack of speech. Prolly too bloody hung over, she thought rather sympathetically, and continued to look at the femme's back. When there continued to be no emission of sound from the female, she quirked a brow and turned to Rev. He seemed to have a slightly curious expression on his face, one of wondering and confusion. 'Sper's muddled head certainly couldn't comprehend this little exchange of glances, so she just turned back to the ginger-hued she-'dragon-- who'd just turned about, her teeth bared in a surprisingly aggressive rictus. Her electric blue orbs were now open, albeit stormy and overcast. 'Sper blinked and stood up a bit, stumbled in a rather comic way, and then sat heavily back down on the lawn chair. She sighed gustily then, but turned her head in the white- and milk-chocolate femme's direction and showed her own fangs in a returning gesture. Then her rather attractive visage reverted to its original state, and she glanced back to Reveri just in time to hear the female's tired-sounding voice.

Revvie?

Instantly, the situation changed. Any femme who was hanging around the large, sweet male was a friend of Esper's, but at this particular moment, the Lady couldn't imagine this one, with her pot-smoking and rather primal behavior, to be any 'dragon needing Rev's protection. It seemed to 'Sper that she'd be more than able to take care of herself. But you never know, the hot-pink female reminded herself. Truthfully, she wasn't in any real need of Reveri's watchfulness. But If she had him there she didn't need to keep her guard up. Which was quite useful, she believed, when it came to meeting new people. And meeting new people was something the bleach-striped female held dear to her heart.

After this little train of thought made its way through her hazy mind, she coughed slightly, expelling a cloud of mist into the still-cold air. The sun had risen some more, but unfortunately, another cloud had rolled by, delaying its golden talons from their job of sweeping away the chill fog. 'Sper's nose was a bit stuffy, and she snuffled absently as she shifted again in her seat. Bringing a beringéd and braceleted hand to her mouth, she drew out the bit of candy, now made much smaller. She then brought it home again, leaving both hands free to cling to her lawn chair, the muscles in her arms, toned from hours at the forge, noticable as she pushed herself up out of her seat. She was about to say that she was cold and going off to get her sweatshirt, but at that moment it was Reveri's turn to speak. His words were rather surprising.

...This is Okkie XII, my soulsister. Okkie, this is Esper, a good friend of mine.

Esper showed her pale white teeth again, but this time in a smile of true pleasure to meet someone who was soulkin (though she wasn't exactly sure what the term meant to the two) to the charming Rev. She did seem fascinating, so 'Sper decided to disregard the silent snarl that had just fled from the other female's face and be friendly. She was in an amiable mood, anyway. Removing her lollipop from her firm mouth, she said, "Hey, Okkie. 'S that your real name? Et's quite interesting," Esper said in her morning-time slur. "M'Esper Avalon. You can just call me Esper. Or Avalon, or Frank, or whatever floats your pickle." Introductions done, she stretched long arms and said, "Guys, I'm just gonna grab my sweatshirt, I'll be back in one sec, mmkay?"

'Sper journeyed inside and then stopped for a second, her eyes not accustomed to the dimness of the hallway indoors. She looked around, greenish light-spots still glowing though her vision. When they faded, she instantly saw what she was looking for: a large pile of clothing by the staircase up to the roof. Easing her hoodie out from under a sleeping youth, she shoved it down over her head and tucked dual pink paws into the pockets. The sweatshirt was black, but now it had faded and was spattered with bleach. There were holes in the pocket. Its only ornamentation was the white letters "FOUL" across the chest.

Journeying back outside, she murmured a hello, which gave way to a smile, for Reveri; and sent a pleasant nod in the direction of Twelve. Then, she sat back down, wondering what would happen next.

 

in ___ character, http://shadowlack.com/forums/index.php?act=ST&f=25&t=400&st=0#entry5095reveri silvent</a>

<font color=gray>It was hard to breathe. Quite literally, he was starting to inhale in heaving breaths. Ones that slowed as he began to realize that it truly was as it seemed. Okkie was right here in front of him, as alive as he himself was. Though he hadn't seen her in ages and things had changed, there was that inescapable tug at his heart that, at some point in his life, he had thought meant romantic love for the banded she-dragon. Now it was clearly understood what it meant, at least to him. Hopefully it was also obvious to Okkie. He was pretty sure it was, seeing as she had agreed to the fact that they were soulsiblings, so long ago. Both had come to realize that truth. However, Silvent had no way of knowing how it was that Stormwing felt the soul's bond between them, that bound them together far more closely than any pair of mates could ever be. So he wanted to believe, anyway, though true love might rival soulsiblings for their dedication and affection. They were entirely different, of course. Romanctic interests and siblings were in different categories entirely. Yet sometimes they could be equal for love.

The response of his 'sib seemed somewhat odd, at least to him. The way she leapt into his arms and seemed enthusiastic wasn't unexpected. That was what he would have done, in her position. However, the hot tears that he felt beginning to brush against his fur, burning down to his skin, concerned him. Was it sadness or happiness that drove her to cry? Hopefully the latter, but he couldn't be entirely sure. So much had happened, though, at least for him, that Rev wasn't sure what she would think of him. The earrings, the drinking, the schooling. He had started to do so "abroad" because it was simply annoying to sit in a classroom while pendragons blabbed on about nothingness. The mercury-eyed male had grown so much over the span of time in which they had been apart. Yet the same was most certainly true for Okkie. Of course she must have changed. Every day, every creature in the world changed. Silvent cast Esper a silent glance as she left, a faint smile directed toward her in gratutide. She was an interesting female, assuredly, one that he was grateful for. More now than ever, seeing as she seemed understanding of what was going on. Even if her escape to get the sweatshirt truly was because she needed the shirt and not because she was giving them a few moments to spout out their affection and what had occurred over the past few months. Had it been a year? Silvent didn't believe so, though he wasn't sure. Time went by so quickly.

As Twelve pulled back, Silvent gave her a fond smile, listening to the words that came rather easily from her lips. About them needing to get reconnected. Though still soulsiblings, the actual relationship of two that knew each other completely had to be regained. Things had changed for both and they had to be accounted for, so that it remained rather comfortable, the relationship, rather than changing due to their lack of commitment to remembering one another, their differences and the fact that they were even different from when they had become so close. It seemed like ages ago. Chenoa Cascades was a land he could never return to, but Silvent regarded it with affection, none the less. It was the place that he had met Okkatteriu at and, thus, it was the best place in the world. Besides that, Zuriel had also been there. Though he doubted that the old wolf was still alive, somewhere, Reveri knew for a fact that Thanatos had been one of his best friends, as well. Perhaps a soulfather, of sorts. Seeing as Race had never been much more than a sire for the charcoal-and-silver male. The painful thoughts faded away as he looked at his soulsister, taking in all of the physical differences, even as he began to contemplate the possibilities of the mental changes.

The look in her eyes was so different, both sad and happy. Clearly she was worried, as he was, about the changes. His dark fingers clasped her milky one in a loving embrace, the differences in colors likely to be as different as the pair of characters that now stood with one another, holding hands. Reveri let loose an amused chuckle at her comment about the pants. It was just the sort of thing that he anticipated from his beloved caramel-and-cream 'sister. At least some things didn't change. <font color=steelblue>"I could never ask you to do that, otherwise I would have to get rid of those boxers I have..."</font> He trailed off teasingly, then went more serious, eyes light with concern as he continued. <font color=steelblue>"But I'm sure there are other things than the pants that are important to discuss."</font>

 

When the she-'dragon returned to the porch, she caught a glance of Okkatteiru and Rev together, with him holding her like a brother, and her clinging to him, her visage buried in his shoulder. Well, no... when she looked at it again it seemed to her that his arms were wrapped around her in more than brotherhood. She could almost... feel the energy and love that sparkled between them. She was glad she'd gotten her sweatshirt for another reason now, besides the obvious one. The ginger-hued femme and her companion seemed to want to be alone, and who could blame them? Esper watched Okkie's words spilling in a rush from her mouth. It seemed to the slim pink female that the two hadn't seen each other for some time.

The words she caught were deep and quick, happy breaths of warm and thankful air. Obviously the bond felt by the two was deeper than the eye could see. Esper, normally comfortable around all sorts of 'dragons, shifted in her chair. There was nothing more awkward than fucking up an otherwise touching situation. So the female decided to vacate the premises for a moment, and got up once more to flit inside, this time without a murmur of apology.

Once again the air was dark and close. The smell of beer and smoke and sleep lay in the interior of the house, rather like a blanket of damp, dead leaves over an otherwise vibrant forest. There wasn't a stir in the darkness, not even a sigh or the shift of a paw to wrap tighter around some 'dragon's torso. There was utter stillness, and some sort of peace. What sort it was, Esper couldn't fathom, but it felt sweet there, like she wanted to sit down and close her eyes and curl her tail around her folded knees. The mood was quite different from the previous night, when wild partying was in vogue. It changed quite quickly.

The female sighed and tucked dual paws into her front kangaroo pocket on the worn, discoloured sweatshirt. She strode down the hall, into a larger room, something that was probably a foyer. She spied a cooler hidden away in the dim, and traipsed over. After flicking it open with one paw, she began to hunt through the frigid melted ice-water for something to drink. It was mostly beer, but she managed to find some soda. She removed the cap with her teeth, squinting at the grating of metal against her sharp little teeth. Spitting it onto a nearby table, she took a deep drink and sighed, shivering. A couple more hours at the party, maybe, and then home to a hot shower and curling up in her comforter for hours. She flexed her claws. It was getting warmer outside than it was in here, and though she didn't wish to interfere with Twelve and Reveri, she decided to give it a try.

So the Lady headed back towards the door, flicking bone-tipped tail expressively. With soda in hand, she walked outdoors to Rev and 'Kie. Silently she planted her bum on the lawn chair and took another swig, looking briefly towards the two other pendragons.

 

in ___ character, http://shadowlack.com/forums/index.php?act=ST&f=25&t=400&st=0#entry5095reveri silvent</a>

<font color=gray>The charcoal male didn't know what to do. He was so lost, standing there, lost in the two-toned gaze of his beloved sister. The warmth of her palm against his was like a raging fire that threatened to roar on for hours if he permitted it. If they had just stood there, silent, he would have been trapped in a bubble of happiness. Completely forgetting the outside world in favor of this far kinder reality, where just Reveri and Okkie existed. There were things that he loved about his life, but she was the highest point. Though the pendragon hadn't seen her for so long, still she was the most important thing. Others came and went, but she had always remained. Even though someone else might come along and snatch a bit of the spotlight, his little sis' would always take precedence. Because she had been with him for so very long. It seemed millennia ago, Chenoa Cascades, when he had first met the spitfire caramel lady. Back when she was still quite young and so aware, already, of the world. Now here they were, once more drawn together by some unexplained force that seemed inclined to have them converse occasionally, though it had a way of tearing them apart for terribly long periods of time, as well. One of the sad facts of his life.

As Twelve began to speak, Silvent's ears pricked slowly, taking in the words slowly, as if there was something messing with his hearing. His eyes widened a bit, their silver burning brilliantly in sharp anger and concern, both warring with one another. Who the hell would dare to rape the lovely caramel-and-cream woman that was his soulsister? Obviously they hadn't realized their horrible mistake. Reveri was notorious to some for his strong loyalty and he wasn't against thrashing some idiot that had wronged anyone he cared about. Which was why he made such a perfect guard. No one who knew Rev - even if merely by reputation - wanted to mess with him. Things had a way of turning ugly if other pendragons messed with the wrong people. Not in a way that made him a "thug" or some sort of evil, burly beast. Merely that his ties with family and friends were very close and he took the bonds quite seriously. Especially when they involved his soulsister. After all, she was the closest thing he had to bloodkin, and soulkin was better.

If his fingers hadn't already been wrapped around XII's own, they would have been flexing in the air, moving in quick little motions of agitation, of suppressed emotion. As it was, they just tensed against her warm digits, though he was careful not to squeeze hard enough to hurt. Not by any means would it harm his sister, they were merely a bit more stiff as they remained entwined. Because he didn't want to let go. No, Reveri was afraid this meeting would fade into oblivion, that he would wake up, if he released her. Though if she had tugged away, of course, he would have let go. It merely seemed that the pair was on the same page as far as this went. Both needed the comfort of the other. Reveri needed to keep from rushing in and demanding to know who had done this. Because they weren't about to confess to rape. Especially not to the enraged Silvent.

It was hard to even recognize that he was standing there, still breathing and blinking habitually, avoiding a response as if it would burn to speak in reply. He was still there, of course, but it was complex, this matter. Rev couldn't just get retribution for Twelve, seeing as he didn't even know who had done this. There were lots of junkies in there and some of them had left on the arms of friends or being carried by someone out the door. So the male who raped her might not even be here anymore. Even if, somehow, Okkie hadn't been raped and was merely harmed in such delicate spots, the male would have to teach whoever did it quite the lesson.

Reveri realized that Esper had just returned... though he hadn't even realized she was gone, really. There was a tender grin on his face as he looked apologetically at his comrade, listening to what XII said and chuckling. He nodded, merely affirming what she had said.

 

<span style='width:100%;font-weight:bold; font-size:10px'>Out of Character</span>
<table class=ooc><tr><td>D'you guys still want Esper in the thread/posting order like this, or should she vay-cate for a bit? If it's awkward or whatever, either's fine. ;]</td></tr></table>


Esper retained her lawn-chair perch, her eyes flickering towards Reveri and Okkie. The hot-pink she-'dragon was still surprised by the sudden love and devotion she saw, but now was rather charmed by it. Not wanting to screw up the moment, 'Sper set down her soda bottle, crossed her legs, and tucked black-padded front paws into the front pocket of the sweatshirt again. But she couldn't help but prick up her ears when Okkie began speaking in a rather grateful, but troubled tone of voice.

She listened to Twelve's speech, first with understanding, and then with worry. When the femme finished, Esper took a long, sharp breath; the air, which had seemed to be warming just moments ago, now seemed chill and made her throat burn. Though she had never seen the chocolate-and-cream femme before, she felt the deepest sympathies towards her situation, and at the same time again felt grateful that Reveri had been there to stop her from possibly entering the same predicament. Rape. The word, though it hadn't passed through Okkie's lips, reverberated through her mind all the same. Her playful mood of before dropped almost as if it never existed, and instead was replaced by concern.

After Okkie had made her revelation, there was silence from both the latter and Esper's companion. The femme swallowed; she could only imagine what Rev's reaction would be. He was protective over her, and she had barely known him when the night had begun. But it seemed that he and Okkie did have a soul-bond of sorts, and she hoped that his rough sweetness would only intensify in this situation, hoped that he would watch over 'Sper's new aqquaintance as he watched over her. But she didn't have many doubts that he would.

Almond-shaped, slit-pupiled, golden-tawn eyes shifted again, this time away from the pair of soulkin. She rather wanted Reveri's reaction to be something meant for Okkie, directed in an intimate way towards her, and not modified for an audience. Again Esper took a deep breath, slightly calmer now, and the air tasted damp, though not in a mildewy or unpleasent way. The air itself was warm, but the pure mountain water particles suspended in it stung her tender palate like shards of ice.

IÂ’m sorry, IÂ’m hogging your date.

Though the situation was grim, Esper had to laugh, quickly and throatily, at Okkie's mention of a date. It wasn't that it was so out of the question, she would later muse; the soft-inside, hard-outside Reveri was kind of dashing. But the idea of she, the fiery, quirky femme, granting a kiss to the polite and tough Rev made her giggle nonetheless. "Well, he's not exactly--" she began, but soon heard the rest of Twelve's comment:

YouÂ’re more than welcome to stick around with us, though. I have many things to tell him, but none of them are secrets to be hidden and ashamed of.

It was Esper's turn to smile ruefully, as she intoned, "Hey, thanks. I was thinking on leaving, but if you wished me to stay..." she trailed off, waving her paws slightly from the wrist while she thought momentarily, "...Well, there's nobody inside anyway. If you mind me being here, just tell me." She paused. "And I'm sorry about... whatever happened last night. I know you've just met me, but if you and Reveri need any help with anything, just tell me, 'kay?" Upon finishing, she turned sideways in the lawn chair, now facing the pair, willing to become involved in the conversation should her verbal prescence be needed. Just remembering that her forgotten lollipop was still trapped between black-enamelled claws, she opened her jaws once more and popped it in, ivories clenched lightly on the rolled-paper stick.

 

in ___ character, http://shadowlack.com/forums/index.php?act=ST&f=25&t=400&st=0#entry5095reveri silvent</a>

<font color=gray>Things were so jumbled at the moment. It was hard for Reveri to get a firm grasp on things when the world was going by in slow motion, each piece just another part of the puzzle. Would he ever know the truth about last night? The pain that Okkie was going through, was it in vain? The silver-eyed male felt like crumpling into a corner and drinking himself to oblivion. He had never tried it before, but Silvent had heard that it was a good way to drown one's sorrows. Thus it seemed the appropriate response to something like this. He hadn't been there for her. That was what stung the most. As soulbrother, her close proximity, and the agony of rape, if it had happened, should have drawn him inexplicably to her. Yet where had he been? Attending to Esper or one of his other companions, no doubt. Making sure they were warm and safe, that no one had troubled them. Yet he had failed her. She was someone necessary to complete Reveri Silvent and he had failed her. It was almost unbearable for the kindhearted male. In fact, tears pooled behind quick, darting eyes, but they were hidden by a glance off toward the sky, so that the dripping beads of salty liquid tumbled heedlessly down dark cheeks.

It wasn't normal for him to let his emotions go like that, but this was an exception. Today was just too turbulent for him to stifle such physical reactions, just as it would have been hard for him to not crack a grin if someone made a good joke, so was this response. It was involuntary. Silvent didn't want to seem like a softie who sobbed over every sad story he was told, but this was something that warranted his tears. There was a dark, ominous silence that finally faded as Esper spoke. Relief was etched onto the face of the male as he looked at the woman he had guarded last night. Despite the circumstances of his reunion with Okkie, Reveri was glad someone else was here. Maybe that was why, though. He needed something that distracted him, however temporarily, from the mocha-and-cream lady who still had a grasp on his hand. At least she did at the time that Esper spoke, though it slipped away soon afterward. Something was wrong. His vision flickered worriedly back to Stormwing, ears flicking back a bit in concern.

As she stumbled and nearly fell, the male sent out a muscular arm to try and halt the movement, but Okkie caught herself. Yet the unease that had settled over him as her clammy palm pulled away from his remained, because his 'sister was reeling toward the glass doors, her face lost in some memory. Did she know, now, then? Did she remember what had happened with the stranger the night before? Silvent was worried that the recollection might be too much and his feet drew him quickly after the caramel lady, a single glance sent back toward Esper, making sure that she followed. Because Reveri wanted her there. Most especially if Stormwing remembered who had hurt her, because that male was going to get what was coming to him, if Silvent had any say. Perhaps Esper could keep him from killing the bastard. Then again, maybe she would just help. Either case would be fine by Rev', as long as she was there. He swallowed harshly as Okkie collapsed onto the bed, fingers flitting toward her own digits, trying to brush against them, even as the other hand reached up to try and swipe across her vision, to see if she was still gone or if she had returned to the here-and-now. Reveri silently sat beside his sister, attempting to grasp her right hand in his left, trying to reach the other paw to touch her forehead. Maybe it wasn't a memory at all which gripped her but a feverish sickness. Though he doubted it, he wanted to make sure.

<font color=steelblue>"Okkie... Okkie?"</font> The male queried, his voice soft and tender. Like the croon of a worried mate, though even more intense, if that was possible. Because this was far more than mere mates could ever acheive. Soulkin.

 

Esper was moved by the emotion on Reveri's face, the crystalline liquid that had gathered in the corners of his eyes. But perhaps she had imagined that, for he looked away and returned to his normal self, executing a seamless transition. It was as if the tears had never been. And perhaps they never were. Though she had just met him, Rev seemed a genuine sweetie. She looked at him for a moment, knowing he must be feeling the pain of a loved one's injury. I hope there's a good explanation to this, some sort of resolution, anything--! she thought, her paws curling into fists. Disgusting. How could I be here when-- if she-- But just then, Reveri's eyes travelled to her.

She lowered her own oculars, her gaze now travelling towards Okkie. Things did not look well, suddenly, with the gingersnap pendragon. The banded femme's eyes were closed, and Esper could see her fur begin to darken with sweat when her hands tore away from her soul-brothers; 'Sper leapt up in concern as 'Kie staggered towards her. Instinctively, long arms braced to catch the other female in her fall, but were not needed. She'd managed to keep herself up and was now pressed against the glass door. "Oh God."

She ran towards the banded female, tawny eyes infinitely concerned now. But Okkie pushed herself inside towards a nearby bed, her soulkin running after her. Esper trailed one fuschia finger through the dampness on the glass door before following suit. She was so sweaty. I hope-- Just as Esper reached the interior of the house, though, the femme had fallen to the bed. Her breath caught in her throat. Heart racing, 'Sper ran the rest of the distance to the large, unoccupied sleeping space, taking the side opposite to Reveri. While his fingers traced hers and his hand tested her conciousness, Esper hesitantly, and then fully grasped her hand, squeezing it tightly in hopes to comfort her and bring her back to awareness. Without letting Okkie's milky paw go, Esper hopped up on the large bed beside her, feeling her forehead with two fingers. The hot-pink female was about two feet to Okkie's right on the king-sized canopy bed, trying to give her space. The other female's paws were damp and hot, and 'Sper closed her eyes tightly. She must've remembered. I swear to God, if we ever find who did this-- a low his eminated from her throat, probably only audible to Okkie, who might not have heard anyway. Esper removed the other female's hand from her own, and hopped down from the bed, still looking at her closed eyes. "Okkattieru," she spoke, using the female's full name. "Okkie. Can you hear me?"

Esper took a long, steadying breath. At least 'Kie was lying down now, at least she was comfortable. And safe, for that matter, with Reveri and Esper flanking the bed. "Are you all right?" she asked the poor female, knowing what the answer was. "Are you both all right?" She added, realizing that Reveri was just as shaken as his soul-sister seemed to be. "I'll be right back," she said, flitting away from the bed into the darker other room.

She trotted briskly to the cooler, pushing aside a surly, hung-over male headed in the same direction. As far as she knew, any of these low-lives could have been the ones to steal Okkie's pride. She opened the icebox with a silent snarl on her face, drawing out a plastic water bottle. She double-checked the seal, wiped it on her sweatshirt and slammed the lid closed, rousing several other pendragons from their induced slumber. With the bottle clutched in one hand she ran back to the bed, opening it and coming around to Reveri's side. She remained silent, though she knew Okkie should drink something other than alcohol. First we make sure she's all right, she though, holding the water at the ready and gazing at the femme, who lay spread-out on her back, looking very sickly indeed. Then she looked at Reveri, making sure he was all right. She waited for the femme to speak, hoping that it would be good news that escaped her lips and knowing otherwise.