Starting over

<font color='#003300'>Tsizz chuckled and smirked as she repeated his stammer, "I am sorry... My name is just Tsizz. Please forgive me I am a little nervous," he spoke softly almost hoping she hadn't heard him. He hated admitting that he was shy around girls, especially with the persona that he usually tended to put on infront of others.

He raised a brow some as she spoke of 'Zenai' a couple of things went through his head but one seemed to stick, "Who is this Zenai, your brother... or perhaps some one more uhm... like a boyfriend?" wow... he was really fishing here. Yet he hardly knew the girl. Perhaps it was just because he had been alone for a little more than a year. He didn't really know. Pushing the thoughts aside he smiled slightly. "Sorry, I don't mean to pry it is none of my buisness, You can forget I said anything if you like."

Way to go hotshot! You really are quite the charmer aren't you? Now if you haven't completly botched things she will at least feel sorry for you and not say anything. If... and only if by some slim twist of fate she doesn't think anything of it you may not end up looking so bad. Yeah! That's it... she probably won't notice. Tsizz scolded himself internally because of his seeming probing for information. He was being down right silly, or so he thought.</font>

 

<font color='#8D38C9'>Tennenie cocked her head, grinning inwardly at her mistake. One couldn't blame her, she supposed as she wasn't used to society, and being about other 'dragons. Realizing that she was commiting a faux pas by taking so long to answer, she replied</font>

 

<font color='#8D38C9'>Tennenie cocked her head, grinning inwardly at her mistake. One couldn't blame her, she supposed as she wasn't used to society, and being about other 'dragons. Realizing that she was commiting a faux pas by taking so long to answer, she replied

Well, if your fault is nervousness, mine is being too literal.

She blushed, then wondered why. She wasnt embarassed of anything, though she sort of, well sort of liked Tsizz. That was an odd thought, though true she supposed.Suddenly his words broke into her thoughts. Who is this Zenai, your brother... or perhaps some one more uhm... like a boyfriend?She laughed aloud, then toned it down, not trying to be mean. In between chuckles, she said

Zenai, hes my twin. We've lived a long time, just me and him. But no, currently I have no eyes for any dragons.

Which, she supposed was a lie. Tenneniel sort of was beggining to like this 'dragon. He was cute, and nice, and spoke to her without cursing at her. She gasped, almost when she heard herself thinking cute in accompiniement to a guy. She hadnt seen anyone but Zen for years, and then she falls for a guy.</font>

 

<font color='#003300'>Tsizz leaned some against a nearby wall and sort of fiddled with the strap of his pack as he looked towards the floor some, "Oh sorry, that was my mistake then... I should have known better." his ears lay back some feeling a little foolish for his asking. It was rather personal and really none of his buisness.

Though he had been alone for quite some time now he had odd feelings towards this 'dragon. But he pushed them back some thinking, Tsizz you shouldn't be thinking about her like that. Besides you don't even know he his thoughts trailed off some.

He lifted his head to look at her through his rather long mane that spiked about his head and some of the longer strands which hung in his face. He smiled sort of a half smile as his bright green eyes glinted some, "It sounds like you and your brother are close..."</font>

 

<font color='#8D38C9'>Tenneniel smiled at his nervousness, and embarrasement from asking the question.

No problem. My mistake, I made it sound like he was my boyfriend.

She realized that he might of been asking the question because he was worried she was taken, but quickly took that out of her mind. Impossible. She shook her head a bit, remarking in her mind that she was being incredibly nioti like. It sounds like you and your brother are close...

Yeah. We lived together for 14 years, without anyone else.

Whoops. That wasn't something that would have happened to a normal 'dragon. Now he'd get her past out of her, he was so inquisutuve, and for some odd reason she couldn't lie to him.</font>

 

<font color='#003300'>He blinked tilting his head to one side slightly as his ears pirked up some, "Wow... that must have been tough... what happened to your parents? errr... sorry I am being nosey... it is none of my buisness." he knew how it felt 'being under the burner' so to speak, so he tried to surpress his curiosity. Tsizz's efforts seemed to be futile because every chance he got he ended up having another question. With each subsequent inquiry he wandered deeper and deeper into her past. Yet he haven't given anything on his.

This was going too smoothly... meaning she hadn't asked anything of his past. That was usually the first thing 'dragons got to... and they soon after found out how touchy a subject it was. Tsizz again pushed back his parinoid thoughts and looked over her again, his eyes trailing down her form and back again. The realization of what he just did hit him and he looked away quickly hoping she hadn't noticed, "Thank goodness for dark fur...." he muttered very lowly knowing that if he had light fur the pinkish hue of his skin would surely show through.</font>

 

<font color='#8D38C9'>She bit her lip, closing her eyes. Here was the question she'd expected, but it's bring more attention if she didnt say anything.

My father he disappeared, and, and... me mum was taken by the rapine.

While the beggining of the statement was spoken heavily laden with greif, rapine was spoken with such hatred that it seemed impossible to come from her. She closed her eyes, remembering her mums death defending them, and how she and Zenai had attacked the rapine finally slaying him. She kept her eyes closed and finally opened them, looking at Tsizz.</font>

 

<font color='#003300'>Tsizz cringed some feeling bad that he asked now and brought up  such memories again, "If I had any idea that was the case... I would have never asked you... I am very sorry to hear that..." he hung his head.

Looking around some he saw a couple of chairs, glancing back to the siblings for a moment he looked to Tenneniel, "Well perhaps while we wait we could have a seat there... and... um... talk some more? If I won't upset you too much that is..." he gave a half hearted nervous chuckle and took a couple of steps towards the chairs. He glanced back to see if she was comming and the continued on and sat down waiting for her to join him.</font>

 

<font color='#ADA96E'>As soon as Tenneniel mentioned her lost parents, the three siblings stopped in their tracks.
"We know how you feel, miss Teni... Teneline... Silver." Thykc said.
"We do?" Rujjal asked.
"No we don't. We're just trying to make miss silver happy again... Oops." Lykc snorted.

Thykc pulled down her hat over her eyes, looking like she was going to explode. "Great, guys. Now you ruined it all!"</font>

 

<font color='#8D38C9'> Its all right, Tsizz. Long time ago, and at least Zenai an' I made it. Damned rapine she added, then silenced. Whoops. I slipped. Better hush my muzzle and stop cursing.

She forced herself to smile at Tsizz, it was nice to know that he didnt want to make her feel bad. She had never really been able to get over her mothers death, because she had never gotten to really face it.  When the younglings told her they knew how she felt...then ruined it by saying they were just trying to make her feel better. But that simple kind gesture that was botched, proved to cheer her up more the way it was then if they had pulled off their little lie. A small smile erupted on her muzzle, and she went to sit next to Tsizz. She smiled a little wider at the small ones.

Its all right, Thyck, Lyck, Rujjal. Nice try, though.

Those nioti were sweet, and as tight knit as her and Zen. She grinned a bit wider, then realized she didnt know where their parents were. They hadnt said anything about theirs, and there werent anyone but them in the room. Them and the sleeping 'dragon. She twitched an ear.

Silver. Just Silver. No miss, and dont be cocky and call me "Just Silver." By the way, nioti, where are your parents? Unless you dont wish to speak about them. That I understand.  

That she understood, indeed. She almost asked Tsizz about where his parents were, but felt the...how could she think of it. Aura. Aura of emotions floating off him said that he didn't want questions. She wouldn't ask him anything, she didnt want to ruin her first friendship.</font>

 

<font color='#003300'>Tsizz glanced to the three siblings for a moment and then back to Tenneniel, "Well it looks like we all know how it is to not have parents... for whatever reason." his eyes drifted to the floor and he stood up and walked off just a little ways.

Standing infront of the enterance doors where he had entered earlier he leaned on the wall and stared out to the surrounding land outside. Maybe they are out there still... but if they were why hadn't they come to find me yet? They must be dead... or worse... these words he had ment to think but managed to speak them softly. He lifted a digited paw and brushed his main out of his face. It always seemed to hang there, at least some of it... the rest always spiked on its own.

Tsizz leaned there having mostly forgot about the others that were around at the time... he was consumed in thought. "I thought I could get over this quickly... I decided to just let it go and stop looking... I guess it wasn't so easy after all..." he didn't know who he was speaking to but he spoke just the same.</font>

 

<font color='#8D38C9'>Tenneniel cocked her head at Tsizz' statement, then realized he was walking away, head downcast. She reached into a stream of magic with his signature, and pulled it into her mind. The scent was, upset, regret, and an odd, recognizible emotion. The want for family. At least, she was pretty sure. Tenneniel followed Tsizz, getting as close to him as she dared, and listened to him murmur. His words struck a different part of her heart, and one she didnt know she had. She pitied him, and wished he hadnt gone through that. The emotion startled her, she had fallen for this 'dragon, apparently. That was... stupid, but she couldn't help it.  She reached out a gentl silver paw, and pushed the mane out of his face again. She whispered softly

The loss never goes away, Tsizz. It stays in your heart, a reminder of them.Remember them in the happy times, when they were happy with you, and you with them. They would want you to, they wouldnt want you to grieve and not live your life. Cherish your memories, the memories keep them alive. In here, and here.

She put a paw to his temple, and then his heart.

Ramath- Lehi is a large place, Tsizz. If they live, they search for you. If they are dead, then they have made their way to Fronima. Perhaps they shall visit you in your dreams. The pain of the loss will fade, yet be reopened sometimes, an unhealing wound. Yet you will live through it all, and live to become a Master of your trade. You need only to try.</font>

 

<font color='#003300'>Tsizz stands there not realizing that he had said those things out loud. He jumps a bit as he sees the paw heading for his face but settles again seeing that it was Tenneniel's paw. Now he just froze as she brushed the mane out of his face and watched the paw. When she took it back he looked up to her eyes, "I didn't realize I had said anything out loud. I am sorry."

He sighed and the mane which she had pushed out of his face fell back into place. "It would really be one thing if I knew they had died... but what could make an entire clan just dissappear without a trace? I just want closure, I want to know what happend... and if they aren't dead then why did they leave me?" he said the last part with some gruffness. His tale flame burned white as it always did when he got upset. Realizing what he was doing he calmed himself and turned his head away, "I'm sorry... I don't mean to yell..." he folded his arms and leaned his head upon the wall that he was leaning agianst and only glanced back to Tenneniel.

He thought to himself Why did she come over here? Does she want to comfort me? Or does she just feel sorry for me? his mind just went on with different questions about her the final one being, Does she like me, I wonder?</font>

 

<font color='#8D38C9'>Tenneniel shook her head, realizing that she had startled him. She should have known that he would be startled, and was glad he didn't lash out. Some 'dragons would lash out, swiping her accross the face etc. for startling them.

Hey, it's all right, better actually. You have held this in your body for so long, it's bound to come out sometime. Better this way than in a massive explosion. It does not bother me.

She smiled as the mane fell back into his face, but the small curve of her lips faded as he spoke his next words. She responded in the same, soft whisper.

The same my brother and I ask daily about our father. Why did he disappear, where did he go, and why doesn't he come? The answer could be anything, Tsizz. Perhaps they cannot, they have been captured, or dont know where you are. They might not even remember anything.  What can make all the elders, 7000 and older disappear? The answer, we wont know, at least until we become spirits of Fronima. They didnt leave you on purpose, Tsizz.

Tenneiel quieted, listening to the raw anger and remorse in his voice. She stood and watched him fold his arms, silent and staring at her.

She wondered if she had overstepped her bounds as a new friend by following him, and trying to comfort him. But his aura seemed to be wonder, and a tinge of... something indescribable. Yet, Tenneniel felt that she had done the right thing.</font>

 

<font color='#003300'>He sighed and turned his head to look out the window sadly, "It would have been one thing if it were just my parents... my entire clan just up and disappeared... POOF!... gone... " he growled lightly and then went silent for a bit.

Tsizz looked down at his feet and sighed again, "Tenneniel... um... I don't mean to act mad at you... it is just a touchy subject that's all..." he glanced up to her nervously. He was never really that swave around females. Infact he usually ended up putting his paw in his mouth so he just did the best he could.</font>

 

<font color='#8D38C9'>Tenneniel lowered her head, tailflame drooping and darkening to black as it always did when she felt helpless, hopeless and alone.

Our parents were our clan. The only other 'dragon I really knew besides them was Zen. We lived alone in the forest, I dont know why. But mom and dad were always worried, and speaking about someone, their son. I always assumed they meant Zen, but who knows. I think it would have been worse to not know what happened to mom. But dad might be out there still.

She paused, blinking nervously. Her tail twitched with anticipation, anxiety, and regret.

Her name was Tenneniel, and that was it. No last name, clan name, nothing. It was lost forever. Unless they found their father. She was without a family, or past, or life and heirarchy. She decided to make an outrageous offer.

Tsizz, when, and if we get out of school, I err... propose we look for your clan, and my father. I think he is dead, because before she was taken mom cried alot, but still, I can help you look for your clan. Zenny will want to too.

She stretched out a paw, and pulled out a small silver knife from a corner pocket. The last part of her history, it was a gift from her father. She would make a blood pact, or a simple handshake with him if he said yes.

She wondered if she was being overly impulsive. She hardly knew this 'dragon, and he could be seducing her. If he was, he was doing a good job of it. A very good job of it. For the first time, Tenneniel worried about her appearance.</font>

 

<font color='#003300'>Tsizz narrowed his eyes a Tenneniel and tilted his head to one side. He couldn't believe his ears... why would this 'stranger' offer to help find his clan? Yes they would be looking for her father as well but still... "If you are kidding with me I just want to let you know this joke really stinks! Why would you want to help me find my clan? "

Yes he was being very sceptical and probably even a little mean, but one had to do certain things to keep from getting hurt. "I would agree to look for your father... but to look for my clan is useless. They left no trace. No clues for me to follow... they are gone... I have to accept that. But I will help you look for your father if you like... " Tsizz looked back to her and to her paw and then held his out offering it to her.

What on earth am I doing? Her father is probably gone just like my clan is... it is a waste of time. But... she has hope... that is a great thing to have... Hope... too bad for me.</font>

 

<font color='#8D38C9'>Tenneniel looked stricken at his accusing statements. Her snout fell, and her tailflame diminished, disppearing with a small *pop*.

I want to help because it isnt fair for you to have lost your clan. I thought that you would enjoy company, and I thought you wanted your family back.

She closed her eyes, about to turn away when she  heard his next words. She turned back to him and remarked

Because it isnt fair for you to have gone through that.

She began to turn away again, then said over her shoulder.

My father has been gone for nine, near ten years. I am guessing your clan dissappeared not too long ago, judging by the way you have acted. There are more ways to track than by pawprints.

With that, she began to trot away, head drooping a bit. SHe hadnt expected to be... insulted like that. She didnt see his outstreched paw. Her tail hung limp, devoid of its flame. She felt his sadness about his family, and it added to hers. When she had said the truth, how long he was gone, it hit her like a brick. She would never know her father.</font>

 

<font color='#003300'>Tsizz looked at his own paw and then back to Tenneniel as she walked away. Shifting to his quadapedal form he caught up with her and nudged her with his muzzle, "Hey... um... I didn't mean to hurt your feelings... it is just..." he trailed of becoming silent for a short span of time, " It's just that... just after they went missing I used what valuable items I had and hired a tracker to find them... he was a ranger I do believe..."

Tsizz sighed and shook his head slowly, "He couldn't find them... he said it was like Fronima just opened a gateway below them and swallowed the whole place. He was so shocked infact that he gave me my things back and left. So please forgive me if I seemed rather harsh... I just don't want to get my hopes up like that again..." his head hung low as hers did but he stopped walking with her and simply sat down where he was. He didn't know what else to say. It seemed to him that he drove away the first person that he had met since everything happened that he was able to talk to.

"Way to go Tsizz... you really screwed things up now... she was  a nice one... rather cute too... way to go and stick your paw in your mouth..." he scolded himself for his harsh words.</font>

 

<font color='#8D38C9'>She stopped suddenly and looked at him, listining to his apology and reason for being so harsh. She lifted her head and responded quietly.

Its not just that. Its just... well, I imagine you know females are telapathic? Well, I dont read others minds, but their feelings... leap out at me. And when I admitted, to myself and you, how long my dad was gone, your sadness about the loss of your clan componded with mine. And, I just never realized how FINAL death, or loss is. I will, never know my father.

She took a deep breath, trying to contain herself. When he talked about not wanting to get his hopes up again, she knew what he meant. Wait. He had said that the ranger said it was like a gateway to Fronima had appeared. Could the ranger have stumbled on the truth, mistakenly?

Maybe he wasnt so far off, Tsizz. What if that was what happened? We have gateways, to other places, what if one opened up beneath them? If you havent noticed, government is unstable, and though we are at peace, the rapine still roam. Maybe the thing I heard about Everything and Nothing and Everythings daughter.... Something, has something to do with this.

Suddenly realizing this was a bit naiive, she sat down and was about to say "Never Mind" when she stopped. Let him find out how crazy she was. Maybe this insane theory had some closeness to the truth.</font>