0oC: I must apologize in advance. As is apparent, I simply /cannot/ write long, satisfying posts. I just can't think of enough to say and I really don't want to bore anyone with endless rambling or say, dedicating a paragraph to a tree, as I've seen people do to make their posts longer. So, I'm very, very sorry if you post eight paragraphs and I respond with two. Fair warning! Mia 48, 81378 ; late afternoon / early evening The cold season was drawing to an end, though it didn't usually gather much ferocity in the first place at the grand Magi Lake. Though the air's bite had dissolved into a soft, humid caress and the local flora had revitalized and adopted their vibrant colors once more, the hours had yet to catch up and this afternoon was rather dark, the sky watercolored with swirls of gray, the clouds reluctant to admit Mia's close. A certain stillness hung over the area, but held no tension. Indeed, the atmosphere was very relaxed this day, time itself seemed languid in its daily chores. The grasses wilted sleepily, swaying in peace with the late day's shadows and politely ignoring the occasional sunbeam that managed to squeeze through those lingering clouds. Even the breeze only made an attempt once in awhile, leaving the glassy surface of Magi practically still, save for the occasional ripple. A particular chocolate-colored male did his part in this scene, lying lazily along the shore, the tip of his tail still submerged in the water. His entire bodice was damp, except for a face marred only with two ebony streaks rising from behind his eyes, betraying his earlier activities. Lids fidgeted restlessly as he was gripped in rapid eye movement, his mind dancing with visions so colorful, lively. Loud, energizing dreams filled with familiar faces and music and drama. Such was typical of his individualÂ’s mind, for here lay the renown storyteller and writer, Simon Devs. Sleeping like a baby.
<font color='#000F22'><blockquote><font color=#330000 face=georgia size=1><font color=black>& out of character</font> <font color=midnightblue>That is far from a problem. Quality over quantity. I needed a thread with mah fellow Texan. :wields bullwhip and wears cowboy hat?: XD</font> <font color=black>& in character</font> Oh, it was certainly turning out to be a good day. At least, for Schism. Nostrils flared as she flicked her tail, which hung laxly behind her, body moving almost silently as the strange tribeswoman moved through Swaraj. Teeth were partially bared, pearly white and fiercely sharp in appearance, as she stalked forward. Prey was in view, but, in her bipedial form, she was less inclined to kill any. Instead, she preferred to observe. It was a calm sort of mood that had settled over her, though it was far from lazy. Instead, it was an intense desire to view everything around her, to understand all that was around her. Perhaps it was a somewhat puplike emotion, cuddling deep within her, a desire to be more like she had never been able to be. For she had grown up without a childhood - without a need for a childhood. A slight shake of her head was given as she considered it. The female pendragon was dressed in a pair of loose black jeans (or at least the equivilant), and a somewhat more tight shirt of navy blue, with the emblazoned figure of the sunhawk stretching across the part that spread over her stomach. The shapeshifter's gaze flickered across to the Lake, curiousity quite evident in her eyes as she peered at it. For the sorcery that thrummed through her veins - almost like a living thing - proclaimed it to be full of more than just the water element. There was a touch of death, there, but that was natural. After all, pendragons drowned. Even the possibility tossed a flicker of chance in there. Schism knew she was strange in the ways she sensed elements and sorcery. It might seem like an odd way to some. However, it had been that way since her birth. For the magic was as much a part of her as her organs, and the veins, the steady thump of her heartbeat in her velveteen ears. A slightly twisted smile curled her lips as she approached the mass of liquid, ears flicking forward, eyes intense as they observed the casual fusion of such elements as those that dwelt within that pool. As she approached, however, the chocolate-colored male came into view. A single eyebrow flickered upwards in delicate interest, as she drew near, unshod paws silent against the ground as she approached. A thin hiss escaped her throat, though it was not aggressive. Eyes focused on the male, and one of her legs extended so that a toe might prod him in the side. <font color=gray>"Not wise, to sleep here. Where death and chance dwell."</font> She murmured, a thin smile curling her lips.
0oC: But yer makin' me feel guilty, cowpoke. XD Ooh, whip. Hey, sorry this took so long... I'm likely to be rather slow, and I just keep getting more and more work on top of daily responsibilities and commitments. x__x ...also, I couldn't think of a Ramathian substitute for the shark-dolphins metaphor thing. So uh... just pretend there is one? 0_o; A sharp jab to the side... yet there was no portentous horseman wielding a spear, or the recurring orangish-green rhinocerous at a charge. In fact, even in his private acre of Fronima, now fleeting as his neurons sparked back into conscious routine, there was no hostility sensed in the prod. A child tugging at him for attention? A scrap of nature whipped at his side by the uncourteous wind? A lover wrapping an arm playfully around him to playfully pinch at the scarce fat, mischief twinkling in their eyes? All and none, but his dreamtime was up, and he suddenly found himself gazing heavenwards, the last figments of his ethereal colors dissolving in the sky, evanescent. A new beauty was presented to his rested eyes then: the gray face of a younger girl, her multicolored eyes holding him entranced for a moment. "Not wise, to sleep here. Where death and chance dwell." Rolled over on his back, the elastic skin of that region typical of canine species making a fold along the ground, he now watched her curiously, head cocked slightly, a single ear bending without his knowledge. Devs did not look upon strangers as most others did- one would think he thought the entire world was his extended family. He did, in a way. Always eager to jump into conversation, be it with a stranger or soulmate, he now seemed to contemplate her words, and then the femme herself. Death and chance... yes, perhaps. He thought about it, taking her warning seriously yet not, the subtle chirps of insects and smells of seaheather fodder for his idle mind in the background. "Of course... that's why I do it." His own fire-colored orbs connected with hers, pondering their intricate design as he spoke, completely at ease as if he would have known this unique character his whole life. "Do you know what they say about swimming in shark-infested waters? That it's ok if there are dolphins around." Only now did he notice her bipedal form, and paused to take it in a moment, apparently very intrigued. "I'm sure that positive elements dwell here too. I just had a ridiculously good time swimming laps all by myself." He watched her for a response as a naive child who didn't comprehend the concept of naivety, wanting an explanation for an aspect of the adult world, might look to a respected parent.
<font color='#000F22'><blockquote><font color=#330000 face=georgia size=1><font color=black>& out of character</font> <font color=midnightblue>Don't feel bad, dear. You rawk my sawks. :D</font> <font color=black>& in character</font> The lady's bi-toned eyes stared down at the male, still lying there, every breath she took inhaling the smells of water, chance, and death. All coiled so carefully within that seemingly serene pool. A place where murders had most certainly occurred, vile acts committed by those with nothing better to do than fret over rivals. The sort of rivalries and enemies she had were healthy enough. No beast could survive without a spark of animosity and the Sunhawk tribeswoman rather enjoyed having some of the more dark emotions in her life. That was merely how she had grown up, though. Perhaps it would change. Yet she didn't particularly want it to, so, then again, probably not. Maybe someday her opinion would change, but until that day... she would continue to live as she did right now. The tribe member yawned, and moved her foot back as the other stirred. Arms crossed over her chest as she quirked a brow somewhat comically at the other pendragon, awaiting an answer with all the patience of a hunter. Once his eyes fluttered open, she extended an arm to wiggle her fingers a bit, in an almost playful greeting, before bringing it back up to her chest, to cross over it once more. The guy seemed almost unaware that she had just warned him. Obviously he wouldn't realize her Mastery, due to the fact that she was a young pendragon. Too young for a Master place, probably, in his opinion. Not a part of the Tribes, that was why. The Sunhawk shook her head and continued to gaze at him with her odd eyes, waiting, waiting... The wings on her back fluttered slightly, before settling quite smoothly against her back, cupped across her upper and lower back in a curved, relaxed position. Yet the fibers that stretched tautly across them were unmoving, as the wind didn't ruffle such. It wasn't feathers, after all. As he began to speak, the lady listened with what seemed to be rapt attention, eyes focused intently on him, ears pricked forward as she heard his explanation. How interesting. There was water here, too. That was a given, though. Her nostrils flared, eye flicking to the Lake once more. There were other elements, too, easily explainable ones. Earth - for the bottom of the pool of water, a well as for the plants - along with fire, heat from the sun. That was every light, however, as it barely touched the topmost layer of liquid, and was the opposite of the water itself. Thus, it was fought back with all the energy the water element had to spare. A slight shake of her head, a vague look of interest, then a reply. <font color=gray>"It is true that there are other elements. Water, quite strong, and fire, less so. Very light, actually, the fire element. Rivalry between it and the strongest, so naturally it would be. Earth, of course. For the bottom of the Lake, and the plants... but I ramble."</font> She paused, then continued. After all, it was only polite to speak of names, right? <font color=gray>"I'm Schism Sunhawk."</font>
A sloppy, silly, somewhat queer grin had spilled over his features as he had seen the digits wiggling above him. Similar to that of a baby and its first mobile. He regarded her with intense curiosity, blinking slowly. There was something so very different about her, almost foreign. Yet it added a certain exotic beauty to her aura. Contemplating, he brought his forepaws before him, palms-up, and locked their fingers together, pushing towards heaven so that his knuckles and elbows gave a satisfying crack. Following this, he arched his spine, letting it snap, and crookening his lean bodice in the meantime. His hind knees popped as he stretched out his legs, neck rising a bit to watch his toes cross, uncross, separate. He went on like this for a moment, loosening every bone in his body. Snap, crackle, pop. Finally, he pulled himself to a sitting position, head rolling about on his shoulders, producing a few more subtle noises, and he looked at his fellow ‘dragon once more, tongue rolling absently over his teeth. He has assumed that positive elements would dwell there too- if there was death, why not life? But what did he know. Casting the matter aside for the time being, the sorrel-colored male offered a warm, open smile. To tell the truth, he was touched by her orderly manners, even if it was something as simple as introducing herself. It seemed, as of late, that less and less residents of the world would resort to such old-fashioned amusements. “Simon Devs, m’lady, and I have to admit that I’m charmed." Simon moved to raise his forepaw for shaking, then his brows knitted, maw still twisted into a held smile, and he shrugged, keeping it extended. The pendragon build made such a gesture in his four-legged state only slightly awkward. Though this particular individual preferred a bipedal form, his species’ original body seemed to sport a bit more endurance for swimming. Upon the thought, his gaze traveled again to her own outfit, and once again his head cocked. “The design on that shirt… any significance?"
<font color='#000F22'><blockquote><font color=#330000 face=georgia size=1><font color=black>& in character</font> The Sunhawk was interested in the way that Simon stretched. Not only did it quite easily show off his entire body (she was permitted to admire, after all), but it seemed to be an effecient way to do so. She had used a similar technique before, but not exactly the same one. Perhaps some would have thought it rude for him to stretch, but it was perfectly natural to her for him to act in such a manner. Especially since he had obviously been there for a bit, at least. Suddenly realizing that it was a bit odd for her to be standing while he sat, the sorceress sank so that she, too, was sitting, indian style, in front of her current companion. A more equal standpoint from which to have a conversation. Her eyes flickered across his face for a second, memorizing features, before they halted on his own eyes, paying attention to what she might see therein. Also merely fascinated by having another nearby who didn't seem like a complete moron. A potential friend? Ah, perhaps. Definitely seemed like he wasn't going to be an enemy. Unless one of them did something really stupid. Then he started to talk and she listened with easy attention. <font color=gray>"You flatter me, sir."</font> She replied with a slight nod. Charmed was not a word that had been used lightly when referring to Schi'. Often, if they were speaking of being charmed, it was literally. Her being a sorceress, 'n all. Now there was something she didn't see every day. Most had given up such gestures as handshaking. However, it was a pleasing enough turn of events and the proferred paw was accepted, digits curling around it, then shaking firmly. Not to break bones, just the typical handshake. Though it was usually between males that such a firm grip was administered. Not that the Sunhawk cared, she was far stronger than many of the masculine gender, and she found that acting like some petite doll was far from beneficial. The female's ears pricked forward and a bemused smile crossed her muzzle at the question. A pair of ginger-brushed digits ran across the emblazoned sunhawk. <font color=gray>"Oh, indeed, a great deal. The shortest explanation would be that it is my Tribal symbol and a sign that I am a Trialed member. Though that might spark more questions than it answers."</font> She replied with a chuckle. She had often found that others were intrigued by Trials and the like. Though Schism had grown up with them they were, apparantly, not the norm. She had long known that, however, so she was accustomed to the inquires that often came after she explained a tiny bit about the Tribal community.
0oC: Daaaamn I’m slow. I confess to one little bit of copy-paste here. Hey, it’s late. He held her gaze, one ear flicking casually, his eyes unmoving. They were quite similar to the much sought-after residents of the lively brick fireplaces in the lincoln log cabins one dreams about on snowy days. Not quite glassy, but with more substance, the lively irises like rings of sun-carved gold, flecked with reds and oranges that seemed almost animate, almost flickering like the warmest of flames. They were not piercing or stunning or shocking or very seizing at all, rather open and inviting. Direct eye contact with this fellow was about as intimidating as glaring directly at a mirror. To tell the truth, the fem’s sitting only convinced him more of her good manners. As they exchanged the old-fashioned greeting, he smirked slightly. He had, in his day, known a good many girls who, to put it bluntly, could kick his ass. At her words, mild surprise crossed his features, and immediately he seemed to ‘perk’ a bit, apparently utterly fascinated. If there was only one thing in this world that interested him, it would be fish. BUT, if there was two, it would be fish and societies he was unfamiliar with. A lazy chuckle rattled his voicebox, and he moved to scratch at the crook of his neck and jawbone. “Wise answer; indeed it does. Unfortunately, now you’ll never be able to get rid of me! I want to know more about your… tribe. What’s all this about Trials? I suppose this is where you got that neat element-sniffing sense." He was about to ask if she could set things on fire, but he recognized his rambling and bit his tongue, though unable to wipe that smile off his face.
<font color='#000F22'><blockquote><font color=#330000 face=georgia size=1><font color=black>& out of character</font> Sorry for the delay on my part, as well. Was on vacation. x) <font color=black>& in character</font> Though normally they could be rather disconcerting, the Sunhawk tribeswoman tried to keep her eyes as easygoing as possible. They weren't as intense as they normally were, either, being reservedly interested, nothing more. Perhaps it was because she didn't want to scare this male off, one of the first interesting males she had seen in quite some time. Oh, did her mind spin at the possible inflections of a simplistic thought such as that. Yet she pushed away such wicked thoughts in favor of something more serene. In case he, like some of the men in her Tribe, was capable of reading minds. Though he might be flattered, the Sunhawk was not in the mood to entertain a suddenly egotistical 'dragon. Males already had overly inflated egos - even if Simon did seem an exception to that rule, at the moment, she had no way of knowing if it was temporary. There merely so that he could complete introductions and make sure he didn't get rid of good company - at least she hoped she was such - then he would start tripping on his oversized ego later, once they had talked for a while. One could never tell, after all. Sorceress or not, she wasn't probing his mind with her admittedly limited mindreading abilities. Oh, dear... Were her initial thoughts as the male became more intense at her words. She had anticipated that, but she was a bit cautious about how much to tell. There was much about the Tribes that were secrets, only those that had been entered into the Adult rankings being permitted to know them. Children were too free with their words, thus hesitation in informing them and those outside of the Tribal community were not worthy of such information. Unless they were close allies. Which usually meant they had seen the secret rituals and matters of the Tribes, thus making the telling unnecessary. Perhaps if this one seemed quite interesting indeed, she could drag Simon back to the Tribe for a glimpse of their life. If, that was, her leader even let her. He was a rather picky fellow and, while she was among his favorites, very few were permitted to have such information. Schism knew it all, but she was a rather interesting exception to the rule. A coy smile crossed her lips as she heard the words, the slightest twist of her head to the side. Ah, this was likely to be even more in-depth a spurt of questions than she normally got. Where to begin? <font color=gray>"Ah... Trials. Now those are something I cannot speak about. The most I can say is that they are a sort of... initiation for anyone wishing to become a new member. Trust me when I say that few get through them unscathed. In fact, is unheard of, except in legends. Most come out with at least one body part significantly harmed. One of the many rules where I was the exception."</font> She said with a slight grin. <font color=gray>"As for element-sniffing, well, that's sort of me. A rare trait among the Tribes, actually, though not unheard of..."</font> The slightest shrug of a lean shoulder was given, before she continued. <font color=gray>"As for the rest of the Tribe information, well... I need more specific questions. There are so many things to tell... though you'd really have to see for yourself to actually understand the community I come from."</font> An invitation to see her Tribe? So early in a friendship? Sure. Why not? If she wanted to get to know him better, there was no easier way than a trip to the Sunhawks' homeland. Especially seeing as it was near Council season... a reason she would need to go back, anyway, to be a part of the festivities. Although, doubtless, there would be many jibes about Schism bringing home a new boyfriend. The entire Tribe remembered the last one. It would be an incorrect presumption, but it would amuse the strange sorceress, anyway. There was an almost mischievous glint in her eyes. Perhaps he would pick up on it and ask to go see the Sunhawks with her in the near future? One never knew.
OCC:I hope you don't mind if I pop in every so often, just keep going if I'm a little slow at posting. IC: Floating through Fromina, a tingling at my chest, the crystal calls. The world around the lake comes back into focus and my hand goes to the seers crystal around my neck, its glowing bright blue and is cold a ice. I remove it and look into it's surface, feelings rush at me and an image appears. One pendragon is proding another with its foot, its a female I think, things are so unclear, I'm not sure. The other is a male, crimson I think. Damn it I can't ever keep it in focus. The female radiates power, mostly water, possible master level. The male is a shape changer of sorts and can do a lot better than my half transformation. He puts out his paw and she shakes it. I lower the crystal and wonder, should I go and talk to them or watch. Better just to watch, if she is a master she won't like talking to me anyway, the male may be a bit friendlier though.
