Veaji turned towards the sound of the voice, tensed. But then she realised it was only Shadow... in a weird sort of garment she'd never seen before. <span style='color:orangered'>Shadow...</span> she breathed out his name and tried to relax. <span style='color:orangered'>Uh, yeah. I'm fine. Just a bad dream...</span> Then she frowned as she looked him up and down. <span style='color:orangered'>What excactly are you wearing?</span> She asked as she tried of figure out the funny clothing that covered her friend.
Shadows' eyes widened as his cheeks began to go red. Looking down he saw his baggy red-grey tartan pajama bottoms. His mind whirred as he desperately tried to think of an answer. "ummm.... well - these?" he began, his cheeks bright under his fur. what could he say, finally he breathed out. "Pajama bottoms" He looked at her waiting to see her reaction for this interesting piece that he was wearing...
<span style='color:orangered'>Oh...</span> was all that Veaji replied. She didn't know what a pajama was nor the use of it. She'd never come across one in her life... Even if she did, she wouldn't notice anyway. Night time was always best to sleep without cloth. She pressed her maw against the window and looked out. <span style='color:orangered'>There are many stars today. The moon is out too. It's hard to see from inside here...</span> Then she opened the window with her paw. She then dangled her legs outside, careful to keep her balance from falling out the building. The stars were definately beautiful tonight. They shown like diamonds and the moon was like their guardian, watching over them. <span style='color:orangered'>I used to star gaze all the time when I was in my village...</span> she commented to no one in particular
Really? Shadow answered, thinking she was talking to him, Carfully he slid beside her, luckily the window was big enough to accomidate them both. Why did you leave.....? He said softly, carefully. as though the words were made of glass, he spoke them. Like a whisper into the fragile wind.
Veaji tensed. That was the question she would most normally avoid. But she'd brought Shadow this far to knowing her. Why not tell too? She ran her history through her head and decided not to tell too many details. <span style='color:orangered'>I was young... around 10 or 11...</span> she started. <span style='color:orangered'> My family had arranged my marraige before my birth and I found out then. My family is um... in a high position. They're popular and respected. That's why an arrangement was made. I managed to track down who my arranged mate was... I tried to like him. We did get on well and that made my parents happier. But that wasn't enough. My mother... she tried to change me into someone I cannot be. I had to go for advance studies, make friends with only high class anubi, and tolerate my mate-to-be. You couldn't imagine the stacks of books I had to read everynight. Even I can't belive it now!</span> she mused and shook her head in disbelief. Then she cleared her throat and continued. <span style='color:orangered'>One day I was with my arranged mate. We were playing with fire. He singed my fur a couple of times... he did it on purpose. I got really angry and pushed him into a puddle. We both didn't know the puddle was alcohol left by a travelling trader and my arranged mate burst into flames. I'm not proud to admit but I did feel a little satisfaction hearing him scream like that.... Anyway, a passer by just happened to walk through and spotted me pushing him. She ran to tell the chief and news spreaded fast. I was captured and my death was arranged. I wasn't one to give my life so easily. So I fought. With only a piece of sharp wood, I managed to hurt a few guards, escaped and ran to get my father's gun. I was just trying to get them to listen to me, tell them I didn't know it was alcohol. They crowd around me with torches, saying I should be burnt. They didn't listen. My words were in vain and I was just wasting breath. I shot someone... it was out of reflex. I really didn't mean to do it. I ran back home, shut the door, quickly packed all that I could and ran out the back door. They came chasing me... someone blocked my path and-and.... the gun... it went off again... I-I tried to help her... but my time was running out... I just left...</span> Then Veaji went into a daze. Her eyes were glazed as she recall a scene that hurt her so much.
Shadow listened... His heart going out to her, she had recieved so much pain, it was hard for him to believe this, for one so beautiful to had endured so much...It was all one huge unfortuneate accident. And moments after she finished, her mind seemed in a state of panic. <span style='color:red'>Hey... shh... its ok, i know you never meant it... you were a kid then...it wasn't your fault..ok?</span> He said this lowly into her ear his arm around her in a hopefully comforting embrace. Anything to show that he knew she was being truthful.
Veaji knew that what she told wasn't the full version of it. But if it will, let it be satisfactory to Shadow. He doesn't need to know what he need not know. Veaji wiped away the silent tears that fell. Her body was tingling from the embrace that Shadow had brought her into. <span style='color:orangered'>We should get some sleep. I don't know if tomorrow would be one tiring day but it's better being prepared.</span> she said. Then thinking about food, <span style='color:orangered'>I hope you can survive without blood for sometime.</span> Her brain urged her to get up from the window sill and get to bed but her body would not obey. Then, slowly and hesitantly, she moved herself away from Shadow and climbed back into the house. <span style='color:orangered'>See you in the morning.</span> she said before striding quickly into the room she came from. <span style='color:orangered'>What is wrong with you?</span> she asked herself before lying down on the soft bed.
<span style='color:red'>Yes... i'll see you in the next few hours then... </span> Shadow didn't reply to her comment though, the one about blood. He hadn't fed for weeks... he'd be alright with the blood bags he had for emergencies, he hoped. Sighing and moving himself from he window. He padded back into his room for tonight. Closing the book carefully he settled himself under the covers, waiting for morning to come.
Morning light came shining through the window and hitting Veaji in the face. The weather was back to dry heat after a long chilly night. She tried to get back to sleep but the sunlight was annoyingly bright. Then remembering what she had to do today, she reached blindy for her bag of clothes. When her paw grasp nothing but air, she opened her eyes and remembered that she hadn't brought her bag along. She didn't expect to stay a night in Pwa. <span style='color:orangered'>Great... no armour</span> she thought to herself as she looked down at her only attire; a leather tube top covering and black short pants. Knowing she had and wanted to continue her journey even without her armour, she sighed and got up to look for her boots she'd thrown when she went to sleep. After a few minutes of rummaging, she finally found one boot under the bed and one hidding in the corner and put them on. She walked into the living room and found her belt holster. She checked her gun for bullets and put her holster on, her long sword resting neatly by her left side and gun by her right. Then she stood in the middle of the room wondering if she should wake Shadow. She could easily sneak out of this place and go look for her village by herself. She could do this herself anyway... or so she thought. Shadow would probably make matters worst. She walked silently to the main door, turned the knob and walked out.
Shadows' ear flicked at the sound of the door closing, Getting up quickly he found that Veaji was gone... Why? his mind thought as he tried to think why she would go alone, it was dangerous out there. He'd have to follow her even if it meant stalking her. <span style='color:purple'>Veaji, where are you? </span> He telepathed to her trying to get an answer. He didn't have time either way. and there was only one way he wouldn't be reconised... For a moment he just stood there, tiny changes becoming apparant as his fur seemed to bubble his body slowly srinking and twisting until he looked like a mere Dakesto. His large grey paws and his canine like body, was a true disguise, even his eyes had pupils now copared to his usual pupiliess ones. Slowly and silently he crept out of the building after her. Luckily he would not be attacked for the critter he had morphed into was known as a gentle giant.
<span style='width:100%;font-weight:bold; font-size:10px'>Out of Character</span> <table class=ooc><tr><td>So sorry. This would be a little bit long... mayb boring too >.<</td></tr></table> As she received his telepathy, she ran a little faster down the stairs. Shadow would most probably track her down, follow her and try to help. She must move faster. She reached the ground level and passed the reception where the innkeeper from the night before was busy chatting with the receptionist. She briskly walked into town, sidestepping people and ignoring traders. Then she walked out of the busy village and the guard said a pleasant goodbye. So now here she was again back to square one. She closed her eyes and try to remember where excactly did her village lie in Pwa. She decided then to just follow her instincts. So she headed east. It was a long walk. Nothing was special about the walk either. All she ever pass were dunes and cactusus. Veaji had to shake her body off the sand that stuck to her fur a few times. Her hopes and spirit were about to diminish when she spotted something some way ahead. Her walk turned into a jog as the building got nearer and nearer. She couldn't help but smile when she finally reached it. It looked like something she'd read in a book; what the mystical humans call ancient Rome. Two strong looking pillars stood as the entrance and the roof was a dome shaped covering. The guard house beside the entrance was empty so Veaji walked inside. It looked the same as ever... except that it was emptier. The place was huge and it looked like no one was around. Rows and rows of dome shaped houses were lined up on one side. Curtains were drawn and doors were closed. On another side, rows of shops varying in different sizes and shapes were arranged according to their benefits and functions. Plants and trees were planted everywhere randomly. There were more deeper inside the village and Veaji knew it was just as it was before. Slowly, she walked as she took in everything. Flashbacks came back when she looked at each house, each lane, each shops, remembering all she'd done when she was around. Then she stopped. Her ear twitched and perked. Someone or something was watching her every move. She turned to her left where a darken alleyway lay. Cautiously, she walked towards it. Then behind a large garbage bin, something moved. She had took the gun out of the holster when the something jumped from behind the bin. <span style='color:orange'>Wait, don't fire!</span> A voice came out and the creature stepped into the light. It was a he and he was grey... no wait, silver. His silver coat reflected the sunlight. From under his maw down on his front, his fur is white. He looked anubi but even if he is, he wasn't pure. <span style='color:orange'>You're new here, aren't you? I've never seen anyone come here before. You should leave this place. The folks here don't like outsiders.</span> <span style='color:orangered'>And I reckon the folks here like an unpure breed?</span> Veaji replied. The stranger looked at her with a small smile. <span style='color:orange'>I have been with them for a very very long time. Come now, you should leave.</span> Then he walked closer to her, paw extended to reach her.
Shadow crept into the village, indeed it was grand. his dakestoe eyes stared around accepting the odd pat from a child as she boldly went up to him. he still panted from the heat that inhabited his body. But he had to find her. His nose touched the dusty floor catching her scent he followed swiftly after her. The trail swerved, and when he caught the scent of an other his pace picked up until he came to an alley way. Boldly he padded into there, tail wagging in a "friendly" manner this species was supposed to have. He looked up seeing, and smelling Veaji. And another. Plonking himself in the middle of the two, he barked. His tongue lolling out as his tail made the dust rise. He barked again to grab their attention. <span style='width:100%;font-weight:bold; font-size:10px'>Out of Character</span> <table class=ooc><tr><td>Nah its brilliant! putting me to shame....</td></tr></table>
Veaji raised her gun, about to fire the stranger when a Dakesto plonk itself right between the two. <span style='color:orangered'>What the...</span> <span style='color:orange'>Stupid dog,</span> the stranger muttered. Then he moved closer to the dog, hand raised, a gesture to scare the animal away.<span style='color:orange'>Scram, will ya? Get outta here!</span> <span style='color:orangered'>I have some questions for you, stranger. This village looks as dead as a burrial ground. There aren't anyone around... so tell me, what kind of folks would try to harm me?</span> Veaji spoke up after she studied the empty lanes and seemingly empty houses. The stranger never kept his eyes away from the Dakesto when he replied. <span style='color:orange'>Oh, there are anubians here. Just that it was less than what it was before. Look, if you don't go, I'm sure someone else will find you and you'd be taken to the chief. Gun or no gun, you're still powerless in this village.</span> <span style='color:orangered'>Then I'll see your chief. Tell him I have a personal incident I'd like to solve with him regarding this village.</span> Veaji said and then walked towards a lane which she knew very well lead to the centre of the village, where the chief's house would be. <span style='color:orange'>I don't know what you're trying to gain, but I hope you make it out of here alive. Many who come in here don't come out.</span> the silver pendragon had fallen into step with her. Turning to look at the dog, he asked. <span style='color:orange'>Is he yours? He looks like a big fat monster...</span>
Shadow had ignored the Little kelp so far, but big fat monster?! Come on! Shadow growled at this kids comment pushing between the two so he was in the middle. he narrowed his feral eyes before remembering he was a "friendly" animal. He changed his facade into a more "cute" personality. before yet again wagging his grey tail. Licking the kids hand reluctantly and then Veajis' for equal measure. He had to admit he was having fun...
<span style='color:orange'>Hey! Stop that, will ya? You little germ carrier.</span> the silver pendragon scolded before jerking his hand away from the animal's friendly lick. Veaji raised an eyebrow at the stranger. <span style='color:orangered'>No, he isn't mine. I don't have time for pets.</span> She continued on her walking, with each step she walked faster. <span style='color:orange'>You know, we hadn't had a very good introduction. So we'll start again. I'm Devsaptyol but usually people just call me Dev.</span> the stranger said and stuck his paw out for a handshake. <span style='color:orange'>Okay... stay silent then. But I wouldn't know what to call you.</span> he said when Veaji didn't make any respond but just kept walking. Dev gave a puzzled frown and tried to keep pace. <span style='color:orange'>May I know whats your problem before you actually speak to the chief? He's a busy 'dragon and he wouldn't like anyone disturbing him.</span> Veaji turned around and gave an irritated snap. <span style='color:orangered'>Look, is it you or him who's gonna be annoyed? If you don't want a bullet in your head, I suggest you either keep quiet and witness what I do or just get away from me!</span> Without waiting for a respond whatsoever, she went back to her journey to the chief's house.
Shadow gave a wuff of agreement before again licking the silver pest -just to annoy him...- Padding along the path he stuck close to Veaji wagging his tail absently as a natural reflex. It was surprising how no-one had seen through this yet, then agin, this sort of shift was hard to do... A fluke if you will. <span style='width:100%;font-weight:bold; font-size:10px'>Out of Character</span> <table class='ooc'><tr><td> eep, dont have much to say....</td></tr></table>
<span style='color:orange'>Hey wait! You...</span> <span style='color:darkblue'>What's going on here?</span> A voice, resounding like a low growl, interupted Dev's sentence. Veaji spun around to see who it was. She was hoping to have a smooth flow towards the chief's house. But it seems that the deeper she goes into the village, more pendragons chose to come out. This one was fully black in colour with pupiless eyes. He was also quite muscle toned. <span style='color:orange'>Oh, Jaleurla! Err... Aren't you supposed to be in your post?</span> There was a nervous hint in the silver youth's voice. <span style='color:darkblue'>I went for a short break. When I went back, I saw pawprints heading in here so I thought I'd come check. Who is she?</span> then Jaleurla looked down, finally noticing Shadow after the short banter. <span style='color:darkblue'>And what is this? I thought I told you a million times to chase out unwanted animals?</span> <span style='color:orange'>Well ah... This dog here just came in by itself. And this lady-</span> <span style='color:orangered'>I'm hoping to see the head of the village.</span> Veaji cut him off. Jaleurla gave an irritated huff and then said, <span style='color:darkblue'>Miss, the chief is a busy anubian. And we don't let outsiders in. You have to leave now.</span> <span style='color:orangered'>I will. But right after I see your chief.</span> <span style='color:darkblue'>If you don't leave now, I'd have to take a life. Now go.</span> <span style='color:orangered'>I told you. I will go right after I see him. This is important and it involves your village. Tell him to slot a time for listening to just one anubi and if I'm not worth his time, he can take my life.</span> The look on Veaji's face was dead serious and Jaleurla knew what type of person she is. She wasn't going to budge, with or without threats, unless she gets what she wants. <span style='color:darkblue'>Alright. I'll bring you there. Dev! Take that flea bag outta here.</span> Immediately Dev moved into action. He mumbled a spell and a bubble enclosed on Shadow, trapping him inside. Dev raised a paw and the bubble raised, carrying Shadow in it. <span style='color:orange'>Okay... I'm just going to take you outside. And you don't ever need to come back here again.</span>
Shadow panicked, he had to protect her! He wriggled trying to pop this damned bubble. he tried to make words but it only came out as a high pitched dog scream, yelps, barking, howls soon followed hurting even his ears... He had to help Veaji, he had to... Stopping his frenzy he stared at the young kid... trying to get a connection with him. A pop happened in his ears and he knew he had a link. <span style='color:purple'>{let me out of this bubble!}</span> He boomed through to his mind. Staring at him intently. He had to think of something fast... click, a thought... <span style='color:purple'>{how dare thee meddle with a guardian spirit in its animal form!}</span> He spoke distorting his voice, to make it sound grander, more threatening. <span style='color:purple'>{i was sent here to protect the Anubi...The gods will not be happy...}</span> His voice spat this part with venom, eyes glowing red and narrowed as he showed his teeth at him. Acting did come in useful, he just hoped that today he woulkd fool yet another person.
<span style='color:orange'>What the...?</span> Dev took a step back from the bubble containing the strange life form. The animal's last sentence struck fear into the youth's heart and his icy blue eyes widened in shock. Dev's concentration of the spell broke and the bubble burst. Trembling, he fell to the ground on his knees. <span style='color:orange'>Please don't hurt me!</span> he said. <span style='color:orange'>I didn't know you were one of Them. Pity me will you? You got to have mercy... I've been struck with bad luck my whole life. First I'm born an unpure breed, then I lost someone close to me, then this village got struck with a mysterious illness and lots of the folks died, then I'm used as a dog to these anubians, and...</span> Dev stopped his ridiculous banter, knowing he'd said more than he had to and that he felt that the so-called guardian wouldn't care much. ________________________________________ The guard had taken Veaji right in the middle of the village where the chief's house was the tallest building that overlooked the whole village. It's roofs was dome shaped like the rest of the houses but the building was way taller and grander. It looked like a small castle. She was brought inside. She remembered the countless times when she was in here. Jaleurla and she took a few turns before they entered a spacious room with chairs that lined up its sides. A carpet of blood red ran in the middle and right up to where a grand chair of fine wood sat. In the corner a few feet away from the chair a bended anubi, covered in a black cloak, was hovering over something on the table in front of him. What now, Jaleur? called out a weary voice, worn with age. I don't need anymore distractions. <span style='color:darkblue'>I'm sorry, but she said it was important. She said it was regarding this village.</span> Jaleurla spoke out. His paw shot out and grabbed Veaji's arm tight. He pushed her to walk faster and up to the chief. Besides giving an angry glance to the guard, Veaji didn't do anything. What do you want, thill? What about my village? The anubi turned from his work. Pure white were his features. His eyes were also pupiless and not much expressions could be read with eyes as white as those. But his face was worn with age and creases of years of worry, anger and many more expressions marked themselves on his forehead. <span style='color:orangered'>I'm here to seek pardon. This is about the incident that happened 8 or 9 years ago. You should know about it. You were around then.</span> she said and studied the old anubi. The kiom frowned. He lapsed into momentary silence and Veaji found it unnerving not to read his emotions. Then his voice came out harsh and seemingly loud, it cut through the silence like a blade. Who are you? And what do you know about this incident? <span style='color:orangered'>My name is Veaji Ralla. I was the wanted anubian.</span> she said in the steadiest voice she could manage. She had to admit to herself that she was getting a little nervous. Again, the kiom lapsed into silence. This time, Veaji could read disbelief. When he spoke, Jaleurla had already went out of the room. His voice acended to an angry tone. Veaji Ralla. Famous for lack of cooperation and, of course, your royal decend. Tell me, young one. How you ever got the nerve to bring down the glory of the name you carry? Your parents are so shameful of you! <span style='width:100%;font-weight:bold; font-size:10px'>Out of Character</span> <table class='ooc'><tr><td>*Bounces* Ha! I just realised I've got a history to write for Veaji now ^_^</td></tr></table>
Shadow hit the ground with a thud, He looked at the half breed, He knew how it felt... he'd try and humor the poor soul...it really wasn't his fault... <span style='color:purple'>{half blood or not you share their blood, the gods will know that you were only obeying your higher ups... Young Dev do not worry.. one day they will see you are the same as them... I must go to the anubi, i fear for her safety...}</span> he slowly rises to his haunches, racing off at a lightening speed that comes with his mothers blood. Veaji could be in trouble... he said that he would help her... he had to do it. Scraping around the corner her waited outside a grand building, a small castle almost... He sat there his whole body focused on the door waiting until he heard anything that signified his cue. <span style='color:purple'>{Veaji}, </span>he telepathed. <span style='color:purple'>{Whistle if you need me... }</span> i can telport to your position he added lying, if only for her pride. he would explain later if needed.
