Timestamp: Mia 40 81383 Warnings: Language It was a chilly night in the black market. Most of the stores and stalls were closed and the streets only had a few pedestrians. The street lights were on some broken others flickering. The streets were unkempt as they normally ever were. Some 'dragons were hanging out in front of a apartment do who knows what. Fremer carelessly walked down the street going home after working at Glita. Today was a busy day at the little restaurant, the tips were good to. It was time to celebrate a good day of hard work and good pay. He checked his jean pockets to make sure his wallet was not picked out of his pocket by another little sneak. He walked into a small store that was on his street. It was a cheap little corner store and he know the night clerk there pretty well. Fremer went up to the counter were the short arden was standing. <span style='color:blue'> Hay Eiak, another night at the store eh?</span> He pulled his wallet out of his jeans and pulled out thirty bhijan coins. Yea, just trying to make a living man. So do you want the usual local brew. The store clerk pulled out a bottle filled with a dark green liquid. <span style='color:blue'>That's right pal thanks.</span> Fremer handed the clerk the coins and picked up the bottle. Leaving the store he felt somewhat relieved of stress. He stopped in front of the store and looked up at the sky. The stars and Ramath-lehi's three moons were beautiful. Like a thousand shimmering jewels spread across the sky while the moons were more akin to bright plates. To think that there is so much out there is enough to make any 'dragon want to sign up for the next big project. But that was a distant dream besides space stations were a bit to sterile and bland. At least here there were restaurants and clubs. With that thought Fremer opened his bottle of cheap wine and look a good mouth full of booze. <span style='width:100%;font-weight:bold; font-size:10px'>Out of Character</span> <table class='ooc'><tr><td>Its been a while since ive lasted played so im still a bit rusty.</td></tr></table>
The three gods of Ramath-lehi descended their gaze from the heavens and gave light to the gloomy streets of Bhim. The pavement illuminated a soft blue-bell glow, giving way to a Pendragon that crawled on the footpath, its bare, furry chest low to the ground his steps in perfect sync on all fours like a naturally-born animal. Another pendragon was being carried on the said pendragonÂ’s back, asleep. Aleut was grateful for the blessing because tonight, he needed to bring his mother, Tiuejyn, home. Tiuejyn had collapsed from exhaustion while working and the employers had contacted him to come take her home. So here he was, his mother on his back and crawling low to the ground, heading for home. AleutÂ’s head bowed with worry, the lines of his eyelids drooping with solemn responsibility. Years of isolation from everyone but himself have hardened him to the point he could not decipher what to feel at this point. Confusion swirled in his pool of thoughts but it did not produce any motivation to change himself. Aleut looked up from his impassive trance and noticed he was nearing small store. Tiuejyn slide of AleutÂ’s back from the motion and her wallet fell from her pocket. Nudging her back into place, Aleut grabbed the wallet of the floor and carelessly put it back in the folds of her traditional robes as his own maroon shorts did not have any pockets.
The wine tasted bitter sweet, but Fremer found it to in his liking. He always liked the drinks that he found in the Black Market. Some had even been imported from Watani though were usually out of reach and ungodly expensive. He sighed and stretched his arms. He could hear the beat of someone listening to music in a nearby building. The rhythm was enough to make Fremer smile. Damn I could use some music and relaxation time. Off to home! And with that final thought Fremer started walking down the street. His house was only about a block away. After the first seven steps he stopped to take a small sip from the bottle to refresh the after taste. In a state of bliss Fremer started humming a random dance song he remembered hearing at a bar a few days ago. He continued walking in a sort of trance like state humming. Just about as soon as he started walking he tripped over or probably more like collided with something. It was about at his waist and felt like something soft. When he hit the ground he quickly tried to get up on his hands and knees to see what he walked into.
Aleut clambered past the store and seamlessly followed an unweary stranger that had come out from the store. Aleut stayed a good distance from him, far enough not to warrant conversation but close enough to hear him start humming a tune. The night dragged on, that felt like time had slowed when the first note vibrated from the strangerÂ’s throat. Minutes past and nothing changed except the stranger now moved on from humming a tune and into a full-blown orchestral piece which probably caused his catastrophe a few seconds later. Aleut observed from a distance that the hummer had fallen over a scruffy pendragon with a giant liquor bottle in his hand. . A smirk adorned his face, a rough baritone escaping his throat, laughing. By the time Aleut had caught up to the stranger, the drunkard had already fled in a fit of curses.
When Fremer looked up it turned out to be a drunk laying out in the street. Of course the 'dragon was gone before he even said anything. <span style='color:blue'>Damn it</span> Fremer got back onto his feet and looked around him to find his drink. It was right next to him and it didn't even spill. At least I didn't lose my wine. He picked up the bottle and brushed himself off. Black market was full of this kind of stuff. Then suddenly Fremer begin to notice that someone was coming towards him this 'dragon was particularly large and he could not tell if he had any ill intent towards him. <span style='color:blue'>Uh... is there something you need hehe... I just spent the last of my coins on this bottle of Black market wine so what ever it is that you want I don't have it.</span> He began to back up.
Aleut paused mid-step when he noticed the stranger back away from him, as if afraid. He wondered what was up with him, the bridges of his eyes moving slightly to convey a sense of confusion but then a thought occurred to him. Did this man fear him? Never before had that happened before and the situation was laughable. Aleut relaxed a little and positioned himself into a more comfortable crouch, shifting his back to move Tiuejyn so she wouldnÂ’t fall off, and also to reassure the stranger that he had no reasons to do anything remotely dangerous of inconvenient. He was just a lowly pendragon, taking a member of his family home. No words were uttered, but hopefully, he would receive the silent message of peace.
Fremer was a bit freaked out at first. This 'dragon was larger then usal and in Black Market being the smaller guy never works out to well. But this 'dragon was diffrent when Fremer could see the 'dragon's face he could tell that he wasn't going to hurt him. In fact he seemed to be preety young and he was apperently carrying an older thill with him. He also seemed kind of confused and problly amused by his fear. Of course living and growing up around here did that to some 'dragons Fremer could not help but blush. The 'dragon was preety quiet, probly wondering what was going on. <span style='color:blue'>Oh uh hay... Sorry about that its just not safe around here, keeps me on edge I mean you know with the crime and stuff. So was there somthing you needed? Lost or somthing?</span> Fremer cluelessly asked the stranger. <span style='color:blue'>Does she need medical help or somthing? I mean... if you didn't mind me asking.</span>
Aleut could only agree that Bhim was a dangerous place to be, relying on history and not personal experience. He was just the lucky ones, not to be severely traumatised by a childhood memory best left forgotten until it manifested itself into a nightmare that haunts you day and night. So naturally, Aleut was naive when it came to deception among the residents of Bhim. Aleut shook his head, declining his assistance. Now that they were aware of each other, Aleut became curious; a dangers double-edged sword to be playing with. It was a rare occasion to meet someone that was trying to be helpful besides his family and that sparked the start of a possible friendship. Aleut began walking, in his quadruped form, never taking his query - and weary - eyes off him. Since they seemed to be heading the same direction earlier, Aleut expected him to follow.
Fremer cocked his head at the young arden. <span style='color:blue'> Oook...</span> Strangely this 'dragon was going in the same direction as his home. Fremer meryl shrugged his shoulders and walked down the street. He could not help but feel watched by the arden. He didn't seem dangerous or intimidating, he actually seemed some what benevolent and kind. But damn was he odd, he didn't even say anything. Is that guy mute or does rapine just got his tonge. He came up to his apartment building. he went up the stairs but before he entered he looked back at the street were the mysterious arden was still near by.<span style='color:blue'>Good luck</span> Fremer whispered to the arden quietly almost like a silent prayer. With that he entered the building and headed straight for the flight of stairs that lead to his apartment. Fremer's apartment was on the first set stairs and it was the fourth one on the left. He walked up to the door and pulled out and his key chain. He fumbled with his keys until he found the one that was his apartment key. He put in the key and turned but the door was still locked. <span style='color:blue'>Son of a bitch, I swear that if they dont fix these damn locks im going to say something to that bastard landlord.</span> He continued to fiddle with the key but nothing happened.
Aleut had contemplated asking for his name but then thought the better of it. Perhaps it would have been better off if they were to remain strangers, just a chance encounter to enjoy each others company and then move on when they departed. Aleut and the stranger walked in silence. The only sounds were the scrapping of Aleut’s claws and the soft footsteps of the stranger. They neared an apartment complex, which the stranger stepped off the main sidewalk and headed towards the stairs the lead into the building. Aleut paused to see him off; after all, they weren’t planning on seeing each other again. With a blink, the curiosity that swirled in his pupils diminished to an emptiness that came from being forgotten. Without another thought, he left for home. The journey home was dreary and uninteresting but Aleut wasn’t bothered by the unchanging landscape wherever he turned albeit his steps became measured and slow. “He seemed like a nice fellow," spoken by his mother, alerting Aleut that she was awake and conscious. “You were awake all that time?" Aleut accused, turning his head to check on his mother and sure enough, he could see her eyes staring back at him. “You should have made friends with him." Aleut made a childish noise and continued walking. “Leuetym, you shouldn’t bar yourself from other people because you’re afraid that they might hurt you. Being alone is the worst thing to be—“ “What about you then?" “I have you don’t I?" “And don’t I have you too?" Aleut pleaded. “But I’m can’t be there for you in the end." Silence ensued, filling the space of time. Aleut spoke after a few moments, his voice a low and guarded baritone, “His apartment is closer still; our home is pretty far away. We’ll see if we can stay at his apartment until day breaks. You need to rest properly." “You don’t need to make excuses for yourself. I understand." Aleut made a sharp turn to cut his mother’s chuckle and galloped towards a strangers apartment building.
This just sucked, A typical end to a otherwise flawless day. You have a nice breakfast and go to work. Business is booming and so are tips. You get a drink and fall over a drunk then bam all else breaks lose. <span style='color:blue'>Oh come on, I got work tomorrow this is bullshit.</span> Swearing like this was uncommon but when things like this happen it's inevitable. The last thing Fremer needed was being locked out of his own apartment on a night like this. He sighed and begin to think about his situation. He was already for work regardless if he gets in or not and it wouldn't hurt to swallow his pride for one night and just sleep out in the hall. Later tomorrow he would just call the owner and get the locked replace even if he had to pay for it. And he still had his drink so maybe things were not so bad. With that Fremer opened his bottle of wine and sat down against the door and awaited a long cold night.
Aleut reached the apartment complex in only a few minutes, and headed up the stairs, mimicking the strangers movements. He found him slumped against the door, opening his bottle. Aleut approached him carefully and stopped a metre away, expecting his mother to start the conversation but only the sound of the wind and the creaking floorboards were heard. Aleut checked up on his mother and found her pretending to be asleep! Cursing mentally, he faced him, “Hey, could you let us stay in your apartment for the night? We’ll pay rent." Aleut was oblivious to why the stranger was still outside and not inside but at this point, Aleut couldn’t be bothered to find out.
Fremer was about to tip the bottle over until he began to hear footsteps. The suddenly from the stair case he saw the strange arden that he meet on the street. He came up to Fremer slowly almost as if He was trying to be careful around him. Surprisingly the arden actually asked if he could stay for the night. Fremer just looked at the 'dragon confused and baffled. Their was plenty of room for them even though it wasn't a high class pent house it could hold about four 'dragons. and Fremer did enjoy guess. <span style='color:blue'>I would love to have you guys over but that lock is messed up and I wont get a hold of the land lord till tomarrow.</span> Fremer sighed and took a drink of the wine.
Aleut lowered Tiuejyn to the floor with a thought in mind, “I’ll be right back," and dashed out of sight. A few seconds later, shuffling sounds could be heard inside the apartment then a mechanical click and the door swung open. Aleut leapt over the stranger and went to his mother. He was relieved to find her where he left him. Now that he knew that she was safe, he turned to explain how he got in, “A window wasn’t closed properly. Hope you don’t mind." With basic skills of assassination, anyone would know how to break in a house. Aleut nudged her back on his back and he gestured for him to walk in first.
After Fremer took a sip from his wine bottle the arden dashed off. A few seconds later he could here foot steps and the suddenly the door opened. The arden then returned to the thill in a amazing feat of agility. <span style='color:blue'>... Well uh thanks.</span> Fremer walked in and took a deep breath and exhaled. <span style='color:blue'>Come in come in!</span> Fremer was in a jolly mood, maybe this day was better then he though. The apartment was pretty typical for someone with a low income. There was a small Kitchen with a basic stove, a crappy old refrigerator, small counters, and a toaster. The small living room had a love seat and a couch with a TV in the corner of the room. There were 2 other doors visible one was the bedroom the other was a bathroom. <span style='color:blue'>Alright make yourselves at home, relax and enjoy yourselves!</span> Fremer was speaking in a cheery tone of voice. He put his bottle on the kitchen counter and stretched his arms. He looked over at the arden and smiled. Who ever the thill was he sure cared about her alot to be carrying her around like that around here. <span style='color:blue'>By the way im Fremer sorry I didnt tell you earlyer. So whats whats your name? </span>
Aleut followed him inside the apartment, taking a cautious step into the building. It smelt lightly of alcohol mixed in among other smells that created a unique atmosphere for the apartment. Aleut looked around admiring the simplicity, favouring cosy over extravagance. There was even a cute loveseat in the living room which Aleut made a mental note to try out. A tinge of a smile masked over his impassive face, a sign that he liked this man. Who could not like a man with a loveseat? Aleut took up on the arden’s offer to relax and headed for the couch to get the load off his back. Tiuejyn lay there, the slow and balanced rising of her chest meant that she had really fallen asleep. Without disturbing her any further he left her to be and went to sit on the love seat. A question came Aleut’s way and he answered without a thought. He believed he could be trusted, “You can call me Aleut. You have a nice home, Fremer," he complimented, testing how his name sounded on his tongue.
Fremer smiled warmly at Aleut's complement about his home. <span style='color:blue'>Thank you Aleut, I try to keep this place in one piece. I do have to go to work tomorrow but you two are more than welcome to stay for as long as you need. When I get up tomorrow ill make breakfast and before I leave ill clean up a bit around here.</span> Fremer put his bottle of cheap wine in the refrigerator and walked to the bathroom. He entered and took a towel from the rack that was above the toilet. The bathroom was small and somewhat cramped but still functioned as a good bathroom. He undressed and turned on the shower after getting the water to the right temperature he stepped in and bathed himself in the warm water washing his fur clean of impurities. Fifteen minutes and a tooth brushing later Fremer exited the bathroom covered in nothing but his towel. He left the bathroom with steam in his wake and turned his head to the love seat were Aleut was siting. <span style='color:blue'>Good night Aleut, watch whatever you want on the TV and I keep the fridge stocked so help yourself to whatever your heart desires in there.</span> With that said he gave the arden a smile and went to his bed room were he removed his towel and laid down in his bed to enjoy the sweet bliss of sleep.
A/N: I'm so sorry Grivon that I'm taking so long! Sappiness in this post so you better not ruin it for me! XD Aleut remained silent while he sat in the love-seat. He felt like he needed to say something but nothing came to his mind and he struggled to make any sociable sentences... but then again, night isn’t the perfect time to be bonding. Aleut watched Fremer leave the room to take his shower. Once he disappeared from sight, Aleut leapt off the seat to get a better look around without Fremer’s gaze upon him. He casually lifted himself up into a standing position before he headed towards the window. The familiar picture photographed in his eyes struck a chord. The plain window frame and sill, like an eye to the outside world, made him feel nostalgic. Aleut felt like he was home again and his mind began swimming into a sea of thoughts; negative thoughts that were carrying depressing feelings that dragged him down. He became motionless except for the steady movement of his shoulders as he breathed. Minutes seem to fly by until silence became apparent. Fremer had turned off the shower and was probably coming out soon so Aleut quickly moved on all fours and dashed for the loveseat. Moments later, Fremer popped in wearing nothing but his toothbrush and towel. Aleut didn’t move when Fremer plopped on the extra seat next to him and explained his freedom in the house. “Thank you," Aleut replied, feeling the need to show some gratitude. Again he watched Fremer leave, his back becoming familiar recognition points for him. What Fremer probably didn’t see was the grim smile that appeared on Aleut’s face because he realised that everytime Fremer turned his back towards him, he became the memory of his father that plagued him daily. Fremer would have a place in Aleut’s heart – his acceptance and generosity allowed him that. Aleut trusted him enough to hold the power to fix or break his heart. Either way, he’d take the risk for his mother, for his happiness. A sigh escaped his lips and he bent over to his mother’s side, resting his head on the couch seat so when he woke up from the nightmares, he would see the one that would salvage him from the depths of his inner mind. “Please don’t leave me." And with those final words, he drifted off to sleep, leaning on the couch close to his mother.
