Out of Character Who- http://shadowlack.com/persona.php?id=545Palekusa Lelli yv Djumesa Sjetsunaxu</a> What- Introductory thread for Palekusa When- Dyo the 11st, in the year 81379 Where- Northern Region of the Nyonge Mountain Range Rating- PG Please, if you join, be patient and literate. ^^ I'm both busy and irksome of late, so one-liners will find themselves booted. If you join, you commit. Palekusa does not take meetings with new faces lightly, and will remember your character for long than you might think. In Character The wind swept crags still offered refuge to the snows of winter, despite the warm Dyo sun that glared off the glacial ice and blinded the careless wander, and the darkest holes in the rocky canyons offered solace to the most reclusive of Ramathian beasts. High atop a rocky ledge a lone figure sat lotus-style, seemingly oblivious to the wind that stirred the long wrapped braid and set the ornaments on their shawl singing out like a chorus of wind-chimes caught in a spring breeze. The shawl itself was what made the figure visible, the bright scarlet contrasting sharply with the white, gray, and black of the mountain peaks. A world-weary sigh was breathed, and a small canteen produced from within the silken folds of the milky yukata. Once un-capped, a fine miasma of steam drifted up from the small opening in the oblong container, carrying with it the tantalizing scent of herbs and spice. A tiny cup came from within a worn leather satchel, and soon the ‘dragon was enjoying a soothing drink of tea complete with a picturesque view of the peaks and valleys for miles around. Her thirst sated for the moment, the ‘dragon meticulously packed away her belongings and rose from her position, leaving behind not a single paw print to hint that she had been there at all. Copper oculars shone in the suns rays, lacking the squint that most who traveled the region developed when exposed to such brightness. Fingers drummed a random tattoo against the travel bag she carried at her side, accompanied by a low, sad tune hummed quietly by the slight femme. Each step she took brought her lower down, into one of the rocky ravines in the Nyonge mountain range, closer to the dark, and closer to home. Although large predatory beasts often climbed to these heights when in desperate need for prey, the female still walked with the confidant, purposeful stride of a huntress, the sensuously sway of her hips and the flap and tug of the wind at her clothes and hair giving her an almost inhuman (or in'dragon, rather) aura; almost as though she floated over the rocky terrain rather than walked. But no. This granite and slate thill was as mortal as the eagles that soared high above on the turbulent Nyonge currents, or the insects that crawled and creeped beneath the stone and slab of her home. Her home itself was so well concealed that a trained tracker could pass by it without even realizing that any sort of creature, either animal or pendragon, lived there. A crack in the side of the ravine, barely large enough for an average sized arden to squeeze into, was the entrance way to a series of tunnels and caves that this femme resided in. However, now she was not going home, instead she was simply dropping off her lunch supplies before going to scout out what she had dubbed ‘her territory’. The area she had marked off consisted of her ravine, the two peaks that flanked it, and the southern most side of the valley far below. It was to this valley, where plant and animal life found oasis in the mountainous countryside, that she was heading for. Her travels took her along a well worn, although well hidden, path down the slope, through snow, then rock, then eventually the first bits of clinging scrub and lichens. Only when she reached the lush valley floor did she stop, pausing to breath deep the scent of wild flowers and crisp water that flowed down from the highest mountain top. She dropped to the grass, once again assuming the lotus position, and took yet another deep, refreshing breath. Meditation would clear her mind, cleanse her impure thoughts until she could think straight again. The Dyo sun beat down on the thill, warming her back and lulling her into a sense of peace and well-being that often eluded her in these recent days of turmoil. Turmoil that had driven her from the crowded cities and into the serene loneliness of the mountains.
<span style='width:100%;font-weight:bold; font-size:10px'>Out of Character</span> <table class=ooc><tr><td>Hey I don't know if I'm literate enough, but boot me out if I'm not XD. <span style='color:orangered'>Speech</span>Thoughts<span style='color:maroon'>Telepathy</span></td></tr></table> Run. As fast as she can. From the nightmare that haunt her wherever she goes. Many a 'dragon had gave her weird looks, shoved her when she got on their nerves and gave her rude remarks. But for once, she didn't care. For once, she didn't pull out her weapon and finish those fools. Instead, she gave an almost insane laugh, grinned at them and carried on her way. It wasn't as if she was mad. She wasn't crazy at all. She was scared. Terrified. All the vocabulary on fear is what she was feeling at that time. In her daze, she had teleported to a place where it was rich with green plants and wild flowers. Crystal clear waters flowed from the top of a nearby mountain. Birds and tiny little creatures that found their way in this valley created another world of their own. She remembered she had found peace and solitude away from her nightmares there. Perhaps this time, it'll help again. Veaji sat beside the river, gazing at the clear water. Her anubi reflection gazed back up. Why, she wondered, did she choose this path of life? Stand up and fight when not needed and run away when pulled back to reality? The dream... her dream had been reality. Something that had happened many years ago. An incident she wish to forget. Then, all of a sudden, the place seemed too quiet. The birds had stopped singing and the waters didn't give out their usual sounds. It was too soft. It felt like 6 years ago. A chill crept up her spine, making her shiver in response. Shaking her head to clear it off, her left paw reached for her sword. She remembered she had used it earlier that day. She didn't want dried blood to be on it. Her digits grasp only thin air. Puzzled, she looked down to her left and then remembered why her sword holster was empty. Angry frowns appeared on her face. The thief who stole her sword had to pay. Her right paw reached for her gun and swiped it out. Aiming at the stream (for some weird reason she didn't feel like hurting any of the animals nearby), she let out two shots, enjoying the loud burst of sound the gun made. She still wasn't satisfied but she refrained from wasting the other bullets in her gun. She knew that in this lonely place, nobody would know her presence. But unknown to her, there was another 'dragon nearby.
<span style='color:gray'>"Iyosh... telamka iyoj faugymt yv paush us ymka. Shet et mys iyoj gluka sy petjogs."</span> her words were spoken cooly, with a hint of annoyance towards the interuption of her meditions. Unwilling to move from her spot, Palekusa continued speaking, eyes slidding shut. <span style='color:gray'>"Iyomd umore... fhi py iyo sjattgutt ogym sha hullyfap djyompt yv sha Djumesa Lelli? Sha ryompjeat yv shet sajjesyji uja nujcap klaujli ri jap vludt. Uja iyo tengli edmyjums yj kum iyo qots ys jaup Junusheum?"</span> she murmured, her voice barely audible above the sounds of nature all around them. The wind continued to stir the long grasses around them, giving the confrontation a surreal air.Of course, Palekusa did not wish for this encounter to escalate that far. Dispatching a young thill on the brink of adult-hood was not exatally her idea of a fun day. From behind jade and pewter ornamented bangs a single metallic ocular slid open, the pupil dialating as it set sights on the rust and sand colored anubi. It was a rare sight for Palekusa... Anubi usually kept to the desert regions, too proud to leave their broiling hell-holes to wander into her chilled paradise. Although carrying anubial heritage herself, this was still the first encounter with one for over a decade. Of course, this was the first encounter with anyone in the last month at least. Palekusa liked her privacey, and only for rare supply trips did she travel to one of the towns bordering the mountain range. With a delicate sigh the stoney femme mentally centered herself, not wanting to allow the encrouching annoyance spoil her serene afternoon. <span style='color:gray'>"Fhi iyo uja haja et iyoj yfm jautym ump ompaj myjnul kojkontsumka E fyolp mys woatseym iyo uryos es. Hyfabaj, iyo huba sjattguttap ump shus debat na sha jedhs sy tyna cmyflapda yv fhi u tsjumdaj hut fumpajap emsy ni lumpt ump ygamap veja emsy ni kjaac."</span> her tone was cold, but all the same she indicated a spot not far off from her, beckoning her to sit.
Veaji's head turned at the sound of the soft spoken voice. She thought she was the only one here. Actually, she'd never come across anyone here before. Hearing someone speak in this serene place did more than surprise her and she let another bullet go. This time, it wasn't on purpose. <span style='color:orangered'>Ub, cbuup!</span> she muttered to herself in anubian. She positioned her body to face towards the source of the sound. The voice has started talking again. Several feet away from her, a granite colored pendragon sat. As if in meditation. Veaji took a moment to study the creature, checking if the older thill meant any harm. Veaji found that the stranger had some anubi traits. The pointy ears, the thin and wiry build says it all. But she was sure that the stranger wasn't 100% anubi. For one, the stranger's coat is mostly granite and she has spikes. After making sure that the lukuo isn't any threat, she replied the older thill with coldness in her voice. <span style='color:orangered'>Sha luts sena fham E kuna, shaja futm's umi vludt. Shaja futm's umiyma. Ratepat, hyf fyolp E cmyf? E salagyjsap haja.</span> Veaji got up from where she was sitting. It looks as if she have to find some other place to dwell in. This place was already spoilt by another being. She was about to teleport when the stranger spoke again in a cold tone and gestured for her to sit. Despite the tone, the gesture was welcoming. She was quite surprised to be welcomed. It was, of course, rare for her to be welcomed. All those years of keeping only to herself and the anubi race which is rarely found anywhere else but the desert. Then she reminded herself that the stranger would only want an explanation on why she had opened fire in her territory. After I do my talking, I should leave. She put her gun away and started walking towards the femme. She sat down, facing her. <span style='color:orangered'>I'm not going to speak everything in Ramathian for I don't excell much in that language. And under normal circumstances, I wouldn't tell you at all why I am here and what in the world is wrong with me.</span> she paused, trying to catch her breath. She didn't realise it 'till the last moment but she had spoken in a fast beat.<span style='color:orangered'>But I guess I owe you that. It is pretty simple, actually. A short version of why I'm here is that I was depressed, scared and confused. I'd been here before when no one was around. At least it seemed to me that way. So I came here to vent my anger. I didn't think anyone else would be here.</span> She looked at the older femme, wondering what else she would like to know.
A small smile flickered over Palekusa’s maw as the youth switched from Ramathian to the more common tongue. Rolling her shoulders slowly, she let out a breathy sight; the only indication that she might have been the tiniest bit worried by the females appearance. It wasn’t often that there were intrusions in this area. It was too harsh on environment for most to explore, let alone survive in. But she should expect no less from an anubi; a breed of ‘dragon well suited to un-hospitable regions. Her gaze grew clouded, almost thoughtful, as she thought through her next course of action. She had been discovered. Not good. But to silence such vibrant youth…. And one that reminded her vaguely of a younger-self was almost unthinkable at the moment. <span style='color:gray'>“Very well, my young friend. I shall speak in the norm for the time being."</span> She murmured pleasantly, although her voice carried with it the same cold chill that ran through the icy mountain creek nearby. It wasn’t something she could control; the females’ voice always sounded cold and distant, even when she felt otherwise. Now was one such time. <span style='color:gray'>“You have nothing to fear from me, as this is partially my fault. The markers are few and far between, and it is my own laziness that has kept me from making the boundaries more clear. As for you reasons for coming here…. Tell me, anubi, what causes one so obviously talented such grief?"</span> A sly smile twisted the corner of her lips, her eyes soft, yet mischievous. <span style='color:gray'>“An argument with a lover, perhaps?"</span> Palekusa paused, sitting absolutely still for a brief second before raising her right hand, as if to halt the femme in front of her. <span style='color:gray'>“But before you answer, there are certain pleasantries to be exchanged."</span> She rested the same hand against her breast, fingering the top-most buckle of her crimson shawl. <span style='color:gray'>“My name is Palekusa Lelli yv Djumesa Sjetsunaxu, address me as you please. But before I ask your own name, as well as hear the answer to my query, I ask you this: Please. In the name of all that have suffered before you and I, do not freely use my name once you return to your home, or anywhere outside this clearing or my presence for that matter."</span> Knowing that the young anubi would most often question her premise, Palekusa attempted to elaborate in a way that would placate the girl. <span style='color:gray'>“I am a private individual, and I’d prefer that the minimum know of my being here. You… I am giving you my trust, girl, although part of me is advising against it. Please do not betray me; have pity on a world-weary traveler."</span> Palekusa’s tone grew sweet, and for a few short moments the iciness was gone. Her eyes shone as she met the anubi’s gaze, brushing back her ornamented bangs.
It was quite a short period of time. Maybe not more than 5 minutes that she had become acquantied with the stranger. But Veaji had found that she was already begining to have some respect for the elder 'dragon although she wasn't at all anubian. Somehow, to Veaji, Palekusa had a certain quality that requires one to respect her. Or maybe it was her calmness edge with coldness in her speaking or that she would put her trust on someone she barely knew. Whatever it is, Veaji was more used to chaos, harsh talking and fighting with anyone she meets. But this... this soft spoken thill had given Veaji a sense of comfortability no one else that she had met could have. <span style='color:orangered'>I wonder, Palekusa, why you would tell a complete stranger your name if you wish to remain unknown by many? Aren't you afraid that I would use your name freely?</span> Veaji asked. Though it seemed that it was unlikely for her to do a thing like that. She was just asking out of curiousity. <span style='color:orangered'>Whatever the cause, I promise that I wouldn't tell anyone about you. And as for my name, I'm Veaji Ralla.</span> She paused and looked at the green ground. A small smile that didn't reach her eyes crept unto her face. <span style='color:orangered'>An argument with a lover...</span> she uttered a small laugh. <span style='color:orangered'>This is more than a silly fight between lovers, Pale. You don't mind me calling you that, do you?</span> She took a second to glance up at the femme before continuing on. This time, a frown had begun to crease her forehead. <span style='color:orangered'>No... not that. It is something that had happened 6 years ago. It still haunts me to this day.</span> She shut her eyes and opened them right after, regreting that she had shut them at all. For when she did, she saw the horrid images of her dead parents... <span style='color:orangered'>I had a nightmare before I came here. This dream didn't bother me much before. But the last dream I had was so vividly real... not that it isn't. It was as though I was going through what I went over again.</span> She pointed a rust paw to the long empty casing that was straped by her side. <span style='color:orangered'>Another factor would be my sword. It was stolen last night by a stranger I met at the bar. Those people in Bhim have no respect for people's properties! All of them are so money minded!</span> Amber optics flashed with anger at the thought. She took two deep breaths to calm herself. That sword of hers was precious to her. It still is. And she would go to many lengths to get it back. She looked at the older, more calmer, individual. <span style='color:orangered'>How long had you claimed this as your territory?</span>
Palekusa folded her arms into the wide sleeves of her yukata, her expression pensive and thoughtful. Her adorned ear turned independantly of it's partner, scoping out the low scream of a hawk high above. No matter how far she ran from civilization, she was never truely alone. Her chimeric wings shifted against her back, stirring the golden coins of her shawl and kicking up a tiny whisper of dust from beneith them. She listened silently to all Veaji had to say, nodding occasionally and making a small noise in the back of her throat of agreement or understanding. <span style='color:gray'>"As I mentioned before, you may address me as you please, Veaji'http://shadowlack.com/forums/index.php?act=Glossary&show=13sla</a>."</span> once again a small smile twisted her usually morbid expression. <span style='color:gray'>"As you rightly know, Bhim is not a suitable place for such delicate beauties as ourselves."</span> she murmured with just the tiniest undertone of mirth in her voice. But this dream... What dream could possibly frighten such an obviously capable and independent thill as Veaji? <span style='color:gray'>"Tell me... if it is not too invasive... What dream causes you such sorrow? Youth should not be wasted regretting the past or future, if that is what haunts you. Only the present matters. Not tomorrow, not yesterday..."</span> she trailed off, once again becoming quiet and pensive. <span style='color:gray'>"Your sword... until you manage to find the vile creature who took it, would you seek a replacement?"</span> she asked softly, the wheels in her head slowly turning.
She noted that Palekusa hadn't answered her question. But there were more pressing matters. The older thill had asked a very personal question. The thought of the dream sent a wave of mixed emotions from somewhere in her veins to her heart. Palekusa was right about regretting the past. Veaji regrets the past day and night. The past wouldn't leave her alone. But to not regret it? The young thill found it so impossible. How can one not regret such horrible past? Especially one filled with much misery, sorrow and confusion? She looked up at Palekusa. <span style='color:orangered'>I tell you, Pale, that if you had gone through what I had, you cannot stop regretting the past.</span> She looked the thill straight in the eyes through the thill's green bangs. As she spoke, her voice became more calm and serious. <span style='color:orangered'>I don't know how much to tell. I don't know if you'd spent your time long enough in one of the anubian tribes. But this past had happened in the tribe I was in and news had spread far and wide to every other tribe. If you didn't know what happened, and if I were to tell you, please I ask a favor to keep this between you and me. As far as the anubians in Pwa knows, I'm dead.</span> The wind blew a cool breeze as Palekusa asked another question. Veaji absent mindedly picked at one of the green grass. <span style='color:orangered'>I do not have a replacement. That sword was the only one I had. But I will make sure to track down that creature. I do not easily forget people I meet in Bhim. Past experiences thought me not to.</span>
