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 Posted: Mon Jun 20, 2016 11:32 am
 Skye & Quil & ZahraZahra again bit back a laugh as the excitable Growlithe finished his tart in one bite, happy to eat the extra dessert that had been settled onto his plate. It wasn’t the right time for that, considering that they were just in the midst of calming and reassuring little Clara, but her brother Eliot definitely had a sort of spunk that Zahra connected with. He would make a great warrior, once he’d grown up a little.
Skye looked suddenly to Eliot, her heart warming a little as he asked her for a second share of food. The Espeon smiled with bright eyes, and her ears twitched as the soft words of Clara beside him seemed to echo his sentiments. ”You certainly can, Eliot,” she told him kindly. ”Do you want some more bread and cider, too?” She asked him, her eyes glowing brightly as an extra Bluk and Pecha tart each floated across the table and onto his plate. His cup of cider was close to empty at this point, and she imagined that the warm, fluffy bread would be more filling than the delicate little tarts they’d been passing around until this point. It was probably a little healthier, too, if she was entirely honest. Having fruit in them didn’t mean that they weren’t also a special treat for this occasion.
She was doing quite well to mask the physical evidence of her conversation with Dru, although she had a feeling that some of the other adults at the table would recognize the signs. She simply smiled, doing her best to look relaxed as she spoke aloud with Eliot, making sure that the young Growlithe had what he needed. He didn’t look much like Frost now, but she wondered idly if Frost had been the same way as a Growlithe. From what her mother had told her, Frost was a lot more like Clara when he was small.
That was an especially endearing thought. She tried not to think about that too hard.
The telepathic conversation was very different from the physical one, although it was quickly becoming as relaxed on Skye’s end of the conversation. Alexandru’s odd manner of speech made her pause a couple of times, but thankfully it was much easier to discern meaning from a telepathic message than a vocal one. She could feel the warm of his confession, and she resisted the urge to nod in response. She understood what he meant. ’I presume it’s a side effect of the soothing effect you’d intended for Clara. If it isn’t focused carefully on one individual, there can be a broader effect on others. It just makes me feel a touch out of it, is all. It’s not really a problem, especially when it has such a profound effect in helping Clara through an anxiety attack.’ Skye’s telepathic voice was a touch different from her spoken one, now that she was relaxed enough to allow emotions to shine through her words. It echoed faintly and rang with the soft and mystic sensation that one might get from her aura. It was normally something that only an aura-user would take note of, but a trusting link between two Psychics could occasionally draw out that sense as well. Perhaps she wasn’t feeling quite herself, but she definitely didn’t see the harm in Dru’s actions.
Feeling as though her moment of tension had resolved itself, and her mind already clearing away the fogginess from his Hypnosis, she continued with dishing out the remainder of the food they’d set out for their guests.
Zahra grinned in agreement. ”I think Neo’s right. Growlithe get pretty big when they evolve, so he’ll need to grow up strong and healthy. It’s good that you and Neo are here to look out for him,” she assured the Drifloon, careful not to emphasize anything too strongly. Light-hearted conversation was best for now.
Quil was quite like Clara in that he was finished with his meal, but he was happy to engage with Clara and Neo for the time being. Food was only a fraction of what he’d been looking forward to today. He smiled in his soft, tiny way as Clara flushed pink with happiness. She seemed to almost glow with confidence at her father’s praise, and the Joltik cast an appreciative glance to Neo as he spoke. The Meowstic was definitely an attentive father. For someone used to a family of several dozen siblings, he acknowledged strong parenting when he saw it.
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Posted: Sun Jun 26, 2016 6:56 am
Neo & Eliot & Clara & Lux & Alexandru "Yes! Th-Thank you!" Eliot's eyes were wide and eager as he watched the Bluk and Pecha tart float over to him and settle gently in the corner of his plate. He loved it when Daddy and Uncle Lux did tricks like that--it was neat that Auntie Skye could do them too. The Growlithe's eyes lingered on the Kee tart that was left behind, staring at it a little mournfully, but at least he'd be getting more bread and cider. The puppy's eyes would say glued on Auntie Skye thereafter, and the food that she was preparing for him. It was a mark of his father's good teaching that the pair of tarts on his plate would remain untouched until the rest of his plate was prepared; when it was however, Eliot would gladly begin to gnaw on his meal again, this time at a slower pace since his tummy was beginning to fill up.
As for Skye's other conversation, Alexandru was pleased with the result of his efforts. It was admittedly strange, the explanation Skye's mind had brought her to, and he didn't like the idea that she was aware he'd done anything at all, but for now it would have to do. The Espeon's mind was gentle and accepting, so the persuasion was able to fall into place as it should in the end. The Zubat could feel the trust that resonated in the Psychic link coming from Skye's mind, and the brief rush of relief coursed through him: despite his carelessness, he hadn't managed to do lasting damage after all. From now on however, he would be very careful with Skye--she'd brushed a little closer to him than he liked. That said, the Zubat bent his head back to his cider and drank deeply, the slight rigidity leaving his wings as he fell back to friendly rapport with Team Sunstrike's perceptive captain. Ah, I think I understand, his thoughts retained a faint confusion but were appreciative. I will try to keep my energy focused on Clara in the future. Until the day she grows past the need for such things. From where he sat, the Zubat tilted his head to Skye respectfully, the only indication the pair had been speaking at all.
Lux watched Alexandru's aura slow its churning and grow soft once more. For a moment the Zubat's colors hadn't looked quite right, but he must have just been imagining it--it must have been a darker blue, thanks to his discomfort, not the deep red he'd thought. The Lucario shook his head, thoroughly puzzled by the whole affair. He'd never felt so off-balance in his senses before--not since he'd first evolved. He took a bite of his ice cream and stared down at the blackness of the table, pondering the merit of going out after all of this to clear his mind for a while.
Clara nodded, looking down shyly at Auntie Zahra's compliment. She felt a little proud to be considered so important; Daddy always said that he was so glad her brother had a sister like her, but it was nice and kind of surprising to hear it from someone new. The Drifloon picked up her spoon and put it into her ice cream, staring at it tentatively before taking a bite. She flinched at the coldness on her tongue, but found that it was melty and sweet and creamy in all the right ways as it ran down her throat. A smile crossed the girl's face as she got an idea, and she picked up her half-eaten Pecha tart to dip it into the white, cold stuff Daddy had made before taking a big bite (which was a normal-sized bite for just about anyone other than the little Drifloon). She giggled happily as she felt the warm and the cold and the fruity and the creamy blend together in a wonderful taste in her mouth, and quickly made to repeat the process, pleased with her discovery.
Looking over at Auntie Zahra, who was still watching her, then at Uncle Quil and back, Clara spoke up of her own accord, feeling emboldened by everything else so far. "I, um... Daddy gave me the special job of helping Eliot with his words," she confided to the Togetic, "We've been working really hard to teach him, because he didn't start using them on his own since barking was easier." It wasn't a prod at her brother, Clara would never dream of doing something like that, it was just to explain Eliot's choppy vocalizations. "He's been doing really well, but he doesn't like it so much because it's hard for him to say a lot of things. I think that it's good for him though. I try to help him when he gets frustrated." Her big brother had trouble with a lot of things she found easy, but he also could do a lot of things she could never do; it was a part of why they were such good friends, because they could always help each other out.
Neo was pleased to feel the tension break and the easy understanding fall over all at the table again. Unlike Lux, the Meowstic was unphased by his lack of understanding about the whole thing: the important thing was that it had been settled and thing had resumed in a positive manner. His children were responding so well to Team Sunstrike's presence now, everyone was beginning to near the end of their meals, and all of that was good. The only trouble was the uncertainly ringing from his Lucario friend, which made him glance up and across the table at Lux. Frowning slightly to see Lux so bothered, Neo caught Quil's eye as he looked back and smiled slightly, getting an idea. Wordlessly, the Meowstic held the Joltik's gaze, then glanced over at Lux, nodding in his direction before looking back at Quil. It was clear what his silent message meant, even without telepathy. Neo didn't know what had come over the Lucario, but he had a feeling Quil would be a pleasant change of pace for Lux--from what he knew of the two, it seemed like they would get on well, so the Meowstic did his part to encourage that interaction, since Lux was acting unusually quiet and Quil looked like he was finished and seeking some sort of conversation.
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Dark_Hunter-Angelic_Tears Vice Captain
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Posted: Thu Sep 08, 2016 2:59 pm
Skye & Quil & ZahraSkye smiled softly at the young Growlithe as he awaited his dessert, sitting so patiently even in spite of his obvious excitement. She continued loading his plate with a little extra; spreading butter onto the warm, homemade bread, dropping both the Bluk and Pecha tarts beside it, and refilling his glass with some cool cider to wash it down with. She allowed the silvery, mist-like aura to fade from around his lunch, and Eliot brightened immediately as he finally dug into the second course that she’d set out for him. His manners were pretty good for his age, she had to admit.
There seemed to be a gentle pulse of approval in her mind from Alexandru, who was now much more relaxed than he’d been before. They still weren’t speaking aloud to each other, which was unusual enough for a non-psychic. It required a lot of focus to reply to a psychic this way, but he seemed content to continue with it. She flicked an ear in response to his words, showing a silent appreciation for his thoughtful gesture. She could see the tilt to his head, a sign of respect, and it was promptly returned with the same characteristic smile that she’d shown to Neo when he stepped through their door.
She could sense the confusion from Lux in turn, but he seemed pensive and she couldn’t find an excuse to interrupt him. It seemed better to let him think, especially with how little they knew each other.
Zahra was oblivious to the exchange, and Quil beside her was consciously focusing on engaging with Clara instead. Both adults, sitting near to the young Drifloon and her brother, seemed pleased as Clara explained how she helped Eliot. ”I’m sure he’s learning a lot from you and your father. Your support must mean a lot to him,” Quil’s quiet voice encouraged, his bright eyes shining with understanding. He was glad that Clara was feeling more like herself, more confident. The expression of bliss on her face wasn’t lost to him, either, as she dipped her spoon into a mixture of warm tart and fresh ice cream. He might have done something similar, if he was honest- it tasted delicious together.
Zahra fluffed her soft feathers, tucking her now-empty plate into the pile with her captain’s. ”I bet it does,” she agreed heartily with Quil. She settled back to relax slightly as Clara finished her meal. The Togetic wouldn’t push or pressure the young Drifloon, simply tidying the used dishes together so that they wouldn’t take up as much space around the table.
Quil caught a flicker of movement from the edge of his vision, and turned his tiny face to see Neo giving him a thoughtful glance. The Meowstic held his gaze, expression somewhat more serious than he’d expected from the jovial psychic, and then shifted his eyes back and forth to Lux. The bug-type’s eyes brightened again in understanding, and offered a playful crackle of static from his fur in exchange of a verbal agreement. He stepped lightly over a set of abandoned silverware, and moved to sit closer to Lux, who of the group on the outer side of the table, was coincidentally the only one to have both an empty plate and a set of free hands.
”…Sorry to bother you, Lux,” he excused politely, sitting back slightly on his stubby hindclaws and gesturing with a delicate front leg. The tip of each charcoal claw seemed purposely blunted, as if he’d filed down the sharpness of each one. It suited the Joltik, with his soft sunshine fur and the warmth of all four aqua eyes. He appeared as soft-hearted as his soul. ”Would you care to join me outside? I’d like to get a chance at enjoying the sun while it’s out.” It was a casual offer; he could easily decline if he wanted. At the same time, the slight fragrance of fresh flowers and the welcoming glow of sunlight off the grass seemed to Quil like just the place he’d like to be for the time being.
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Posted: Wed Aug 02, 2017 1:48 pm
Neo & Eliot & Clara & Lux & Alexandru Lux felt ashamed: his mind was troubled and he was hardly tasting the lovely food their hosts had given them as a result. Fortunately he'd eaten a fair amount before his head went strange, but he when he finished the half that remained on his plate it was through sheer force of discipline and nothing else. This wasn't like him, not like him at all. He knew the sensation well, the way that food tasted like dust in his mouth when his energy was unsettled, but why had it happened here? He swallowed another tasteless bite of tart and bit his tongue. He'd have to speak of it with Alexandru later, after he'd had more time to reflect on what he'd really seen.
That time would come later, however, because his brooding was promptly interrupted by a burst of gold and a rush of citrus on his tongue, and the Lucario's eyes widened at the sudden change. He looked down to see the small origin of the brightness and saw Quil's silhouette by his plate, the Joltik's aura glowing soft and expectant. The other 'mon spoke in his quiet voice, offering a reprieve from the closeness of the room and Lux felt a sudden surge of gratitude; whether it was through perceptiveness or otherwise, Quil was providing him with exactly the excuse he needed to get some air and clear his head. "You're not a bother at all, my friend." Lux stood and extended a paw to the table, waiting for the Joltik to climb atop it. "I, too, could use a bit of sunlight."
When Quil had joined him, Lux raised his paw to his shoulder, offering Quil a higher and more comfortable vantage point if he wanted it. "If you'll excuse us," he said to the room, dipping his head. He navigated around the table with care, using his companions' auras as guides, but allowed Quil to direct him thereafter. "I'm unfamiliar with your home, so if you'd steer I would appreciate it," he told the Joltik in a warm, low voice. He assumed the glow of vibrant plant auras was where they were headed, but it was more considerate and convenient to give the task of orienting to his host.
Alexandru felt a twinge of anxiety as he sensed Lux stand and leave. Suddenly he was without his closest companion in a strange place, and after the confusion with the persuasion too... The thought made his wings prickle with unease. He opened his mouth, thinking to excuse himself as well, but found himself suddenly addressed by Eliot.
"Uncle Dru! Wh-Why do you eeeat so slow?" The puppy spoke between mouthfuls of bread, blissfully coated in butter and warm enough to tingle even on his second slice. "Ifff yourrrrr not h-hunnngrry, I'll eat it."
"Eliot!" Neo scolded, though his voice stifled a chuckle. "You just got seconds."
"I was j-just asking...." Eliot said, his voice a bit reproachful as he stuffed his mouth with a bite of tart, looking like he'd just been caught stealing from the cookie jar.
Alexandru smiled slightly. "Yes, and you'll have to savor those seconds too, Eliot. I'm still very much enjoying my meal." Yes, there was still that. He'd forgotten in the commotion, but there was still more on his plate to be sampled. Leaning down, the Zubat took a careful bite of Bluk, then Kee, before straightening and chewing slowly, feeling how the flavors mingled with one another in his mouth. "When you are older, young Eliot. I will teach you the art of enjoying a meal," Alexandru said, sipping his cider to cleanse the palate, before dipping down to taste the Pecha tart again. "But for now, filling your stomach is most important, to help you grow."
Eliot looked a bit puzzled, but quickly shrugged it off. "Yep! I'll grrrrow up to be the biggest!" He asserted the claim again to a round of laughter, and happily took a big gulp of cider, followed by an unexpectedly cute sneeze, that surprised the pup so much his eyes went wide as saucers. "E-Excuse m-m-me..."
"Thank you..." Clara said, blushing from the praise. She really liked Uncle Quil. Auntie Zahra was being really nice too... She wouldn't mind staying here with them for a while. It'd be a better time than she'd worried it would be.
Clara took her time to finish her meal, feeling the warmth of the friends--no, family--around her. While she slowly worked her way through the blend of tart and ice cream, she offered occasional comments to Zahra and Quil. "The other day we worked on R words. He likes to growl through those a lot, so we couldn't get past 'Roggenrola.'" and "Sometimes, if he gets upset, Eliot won't use words for whole days at a time. Then I have to say what he means a lot because even Daddy has some trouble understanding him when he gets like that."
When she finished her portion, she put her plate on top of the others with surprising ease--despite their flimsy arms, Drifloon could carry a surprising amount of weight if it dangled straight down. Her food done, she glanced around expectantly, wondering what they would do now. Uncle Quil had gone off to see Uncle Lux, and Daddy was busy with Eliot, so the girl's wide-eyed gaze turned to Auntie Zahra. She didn't say anything, but the question in her eyes was clear What do we do now?
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Dark_Hunter-Angelic_Tears Vice Captain
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Posted: Wed Aug 02, 2017 5:50 pm
Skye & Quil & Zahra & Guildmaster FrostQuil’s small eyes focused on the distant face above him as Lux extended a paw out toward him. The Lucario was close enough to Quil now that he could see the individual hairs of his fur, and the carefully-kept claws that hid at the end of each paw-like hand. Having been raised around the fearsome claws of his Luxray father, Quil was hardly about to be startled by such things. He carefully clambered atop of Lux’ palm and settled his weight low against the soft pad. Lucario tended to have an excellent sense of touch and pressure on their palms, given the work they did with aura, but it was a good habit to be keeping. A larger Pokemon should always be aware of precisely where he was, provided he didn’t wish to be crushed in a moment of forgetfulness or confusion.
He shook that thought quickly, quickly finding his place atop Lux’ shoulder as he was delicately transferred into place. This vantage point was considerably higher up than it was from Skye’s shoulder, but Lux was well-balanced and careful not to jostle him as he stepped back from the table. This was safe and Quil settled comfortably into place amidst his guest’s fur.
”Of course,” he chirruped back to the older Pokemon. ”There’s a doorway just a little forward to your right from where we are. That’s it. You’ll want to watch for the steps just outside the door. They’re half-steps down, but the full width. Skye had them made so that I could crawl back inside on my own if I needed to,” Quil’s tone was light and soft beside Lux’s ear, his tiny claws grasping gently on his fur to keep himself anchored as the larger Pokemon navigated out through the open patio doors and down the steps. The smoothness of flat stone under Lux’s paws would be pleasantly textured and still warm from the touch of late afternoon sunlight. Quil recalled Skye basking against that dark stone earlier, a sleepy smile drawn across her face and a happy purr in her throat.
The sweet scent of tropical blossoms hit Quil a little later than it would have for the attentive Lucario, his sense of smell nowhere near as keen. He could detect pheromones quite quickly, but flowery scents like this were simply a mild background odor- he didn’t take particular notice of them until he allowed himself the time to do so. ”This is our garden. The flower beds are off to the right and the vegetables are by the left wall. The rest of this is basking stones and grass. We have the space, if you just want to wander.” There was something assuring in Quil’s small voice, relieving Lux of the responsibility for finding his way around. Quil was always conscientious. He would not allow Lux to stumble into things or hurt himself on an edge or plant he couldn’t see.
Then again, he supposed that Lux would be perfectly capable of maneuvering on his own. He seemed to sense the way with minimal guidance, and so the Joltik quieted to allow the Lucario the luxury of observing and exploring for himself.
- - - - -
Skye bit back a bright chime of laughter as she caught the exchange between Alexandru and Eliot, though she couldn’t hide the mirth and affection in her eyes when she watched the young Fire-type accept his scolding and encouragement in equal measure. To outright laugh at the poor pup might’ve seemed a little meaner than it was meant, but she took comfort in the still-comfortable brushes of the psychic energies around her. She could tell that Alexandru and Lux were quite close, given their discomfort on departing from one another, but they each seemed to relax in turn as their hosts and family offered respective companionship.
The laughter couldn’t be withheld as Eliot sneezed; however, as the sharp yelp of surprise that accompanied it had also made her jump in turn. The sound was soft like bells and rumbled with a friendly purr, the Espeon’s paws resting neatly on the table in front of her. ”Bless you!” she agreed, smiling widely at the Growlithe’s shocked expression.
”Sounds like you’re doing a stand-up job as a big sister, Clara,” Zahra encouraged warmly. ”I can see why he’d have trouble with words like that; they’re tricky to learn.” She would have continued, if not for the distraction of the sudden sneeze of the mentioned Growlithe and the warm laughter of her captain that accompanied it. The Togetic grinned.
”He’s doin’ a fine job of making my captain happy, though, isn’t he? Your team must be pretty lucky, having the two of you around.” Zahra informed her, squeezing out to step away from the table. She was just gesturing to Clara, with Skye offering her teammate an off-hand smile, when there was another knock at the door.
Both of the women paused, Zahra looking abruptly to her captain. ”Were you, ah, expecting someone else…?” she asked uneasily.
Skye gestured no with a subtle shake of her head. ”I’ll see to it, Zahra,” she noted calmly. Only a slight ripple of confusion in her aura. ”Excuse me for a few minutes, please,” she added to the collection of guests around their table. With a graceful twist and leap, Skye was trotting smoothly for the door. While it was directly within the line or sight for some, others at the table would have to turn or crane their necks to see properly as the Espeon answered the knock.
Zahra just tilted her head. ”You’d said that your partner was busy, didn’t you?” she asked Neo curiously. ”I wonder who it would b-… Oh dear.” Her words choked off into a nervous stammer as the door swung open to reveal an exceptionally large blue-furred Arcanine. He towered over the little Espeon who’d answered it, fur glistening as though newly-coated with frost and snow.
”Guildmaster; it’s always a pleasure.” Skye’s greeting was appropriately formal, but she seemed both surprised and pleased to see the great canine in her doorway. ”We were just having a late lunch, if you wanted to step in for a moment?”
For a moment, he looked equally poised, before the wafting scents of warm food hit his nose and he sighed wistfully. ”By the stars, of course you’d have a full spread of it, Skye.” She just offered him a smile as brilliant as the ones for her partner and batted lightly at his foreleg. He batted back at her, gentle though the sheer weight of it was enough to make her stagger.
Zahra stared blankly. ”Wait what?” she chirped in confusion. Both her captain and the attending guildmaster seemed not to hear her, looking more familiar with each other than she’d presumed.
”I was here for business, actually,” he told Skye, trying to regain some of the formality. ”I’ve been sent word from the Desert Plains. I’ve a fairly delicate mission and I’m in need of an experienced team. Someone I trust. If you’d be willing to meet with Claudius and I later tonight?” His order came in the form of a question, but it was quite clear what it was meant to be.
”Yes, Sir. I can be there just after sunset.” She was reluctant to turn her guests away, given the fragility of a new relationship between their teams, and was relieved to have him nod in approval. Both their shoulders untensed, the muscles sloping to a more relaxed posture.
”I’m going to guess the tarts are gone,” he barked lowly, sounding both amused and disappointed.
”I have bread left, if you want it?” she offered plainly, ears twitching as she smirked. ”And cider?” came the afterthought, grinning as he wrinkled his nose about bread and looking keenly interested in the cider.
”Hard cider?” he questioned brightly, to which a scandalized ”FROST!” answered him and his growling laughter rolled across the room like soft thunder. She took another playful swipe at his paws as the Arcanine properly entered the room to greet the other occupants, the Espeon darting behind him to shut the front door.
”Good evening. I beg forgiveness for the intrusion,” he offered, far too large to sit at the crowded table and instead choosing to sit on the nearby rug. He wasn’t terribly familiar with Skye’s team, but he knew for certain that the others here were not all her own. He was confused for a moment, until his gaze settled on the young Meowstic at the head of the table. ”Ah. Neo Vespara, right? Sorry to interrupt lunch.”
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Posted: Thu Aug 03, 2017 2:22 pm
Neo & Eliot & Clara & Lux & Alexandru Lux allowed Quil to be his eyes, following the instructions he was given closely. The Joltik would find his Lucario companion followed them with ease, never a wary or tentative step. Some of this was due to his ability to trace the aura trails of the wellworn paths, and some was from the trust he offered his small companion; the combination made him as sure-footed as if he were sighted. "How very thoughtful of her," Lux remarked, his voice a low rumble that Quil would be able to feel from his position near the Lucario's chest. "Your captain is quite thoughtful. I'm glad to see two such good friends leading a team together. You are excellent compliments"
Lux paused as he stepped out onto the stone, feeling the stone come alive with gentle heat beneath his paws. He breathed in slowly, the scent of flowers light against his nose--a refreshing change from the vacant tastes of the remnants of his lunch. The sun shone down above, gently teasing warmth into his fur, and the air was fresh and floral, enough to whet his palate of sense again. "...Ah." The sound was soft and pleasantly surprised. "It must be very beautiful." There was a wistfulness in the Lucario's words, that of a Pokemon who could no longer see. It was times like this he came to miss the arrangements of color and shape that could please the eye but nothing else.
At Quil's prompting, Lux stepped forward into the garden, his eyes wide and glowing with smoky-gold aura. He stared at the clusters of flora, watching their vibrant auras mingling with each other. Plants were interesting to watch because they all bore the same, blue aura of living things without consciousness, yet the way their aurae moved was cyclical and mesmerizing. He couldn't make out the shapes of any plant, but he could have counted every one if he so chose. He used the smells to orient himself, able to easily distinguish between flowers of different kinds, though he only knew some names. "Many of these are...quite exotic, are they not?" he remarked to his small companion, kneeling down to run a gentle paw across a blossom he soon found to be the size of his face. "I am no flower expert, but I am familiar with scents, and many of these are new to me."
Back inside, the dining party was interrupted by a knock at the door, causing three heads from Team Essence to swivel (while the forth continued gnawing at his bread and butter hungrily). Alexandru swiveled his ears toward Neo, trying to read his captain's posture. For his part, Neo wore an expression of complete surprise that showed through his whole body. He looked at Zahra with surprise, shaking his head quickly at her question. "He is--Nyx would never arrive late to a gathering with someone he wanted to meet, it's not..." The words died in his throat as he followed Zahra's gaze to the door to spot the enormous form of their Arcanine Guildmaster. What was a Guildmaster doing here? Was Skye in trouble? Was he in trouble? A million possibilities flew through his head as Skye and Frost spoke quietly by the door and he tried desperately not to overhear.
Alexandru stiffened at the word Guildmaster, turning around to access the massive form behind them. This was the Arcanine--his name was Frost if the Zubat recalled correctly. The bat listened quietly to their conversation, perfectly content to eavesdrop, unlike Neo. It seemed the captain of this team was very familiar with the Guildmaster--unexpected, but very interesting. They were good friends to have, this team.
Clara didn't know what was going on, but she did sidle a bit closer to Auntie Zahra, reaching out to take the Togetic by the hand. The sight of such a massive stranger made her very, very nervous, no matter how much he looked like Eliot.
When Frost walked in, politely excusing himself, Neo balked, shaking his head quickly. "O-Oh, no, not at all!" he protested, laughing nervously. "Yep, I'm Neo Vespara. Good to see you, sir. I hope we're not interrupting...?"
It was at this moment the last member of the team clued into the conversation, prompted by a peculiar scent that tickled his nose. Lifting a buttery snout from his bread crusts, Eliot licked his nose carefully and sniffed the air. It smelled like him--like burning and warm fur and dog. The puppy spotted the big, blue form across the way and his eyes grew wide, jaw dropping at the size of the stranger. That was the biggest dog he'd ever seen. He was also blue, which Eliot wasn't, but he looked like Eliot in other ways. That might mean...
The puppy's tail began to wag furiously, and he didn't bother to ask to leave the table, too overwhelmed by excitement. Instead, he turned and bounded around the table as quick as he could, ignoring his father's cry of his name as he bounded up to stand at the feet of the enormous dog. The puppy's eyes shone, his tail a blur as he looked up, up, up until he found the stranger's eyes. "Hi!" he barked, rocking back and forth on his paws excitedly. "Mmm-Mmmy name's Eliot," he said proudly, puffing out his chest. "A-Arrrre you like me?" He was desperate to know, and desperate to learn more about this mystery stranger. His paws were so big! And his tail was huge! Eliot wasn't even the size of his head! He wanted to crawl all over the bigger dog, but for now he waited to see what the stranger would say.
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Dark_Hunter-Angelic_Tears Vice Captain
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Posted: Thu Aug 03, 2017 5:56 pm
Skye & Quil & Zahra & Guildmaster FrostThe soothing rumble of Lux’s voice was like a balm to the little Joltik and he suppressed a flood of affection for the Lucario. He didn’t doubt that he would feel it anyway. Lucario weren’t psychics, but he’d heard that they were adept at knowing people’s hearts that way. He offered a tiny smile that Lux couldn’t see, but perhaps he’d feel the quiet joy in that instead.
As much as Lux seemed to be, Quil allowed himself to be entranced by the quiet peace of their garden. Such peace was momentarily broken by Lux’s wistful murmur. The longing cut at his heart in ways he couldn’t express. ”It is,” he murmured softly back to him. Joltik didn’t typically cry, but he could only be empathetic to that sort of loss. Especially for someone as soft and appreciative as Lux, that beauty would be sorely missed. But it was an old wound, a sadness deeper than words could touch and so Quil didn’t pry. He did his best to assure himself that Lux would know other beauties that maybe he could not, feeling his heart lighten at the self-bolstered reassurance.
”Most of our flowers are Skye’s and Zahra’s,” he answered, happy to have a change of subject. ” I think they wanted to bring ‘home’ back with them.” Quil wasn’t as interested in the flowers themselves, but he could admit to a certain fondness when he watched his teammates’ soften at the sight of them. And they truly were beautiful. Zahra’s garden was as lush as the rainforest she came from, and Skye’s additions added a sweet fragility that Quil thought was very suiting. ”Zahra’s family is from a rainforest to the south, so they have a lot of flowers I don’t recognize.” He eyed a massive shrub toward the back of the garden, with beautiful trains of blossoms weeping down from broad-leaved branches. ”I don’t know how she keeps them here,” he admitted softly.
- - - - -
Zahra clutched back at Clara’s grasp in turn, offering comfort back to the shy child. She stared blankly at the Guildmaster that had strode in to greet them, before twisting to look at Skye with an expression that could only be described as “what did you do?”. Still, with a delicate wing wrapped loosely over Clara’s back, she didn’t bother to move. It seemed like Clara needed someone close by, and Neo was far too close to the center of attention for the timid girl to rejoin him.
Frost offered a kind smile back at the visiting captain, shaking his broad head. ”Just a social call, now,” he assured the little feline. Everyone seemed small to Frost, aside perhaps from Claudius and a scant few of their members. ”Skye and I share family,” he added thoughtfully, as if to reassure Neo that he was unlikely to be dropping unexpectedly into the private homes of their teams. ”I haven’t had the chance to visit her properly since she came back.”
The mentioned Espeon shook her head. ”Don’t mind him, Clara. He’s as sweet as your papa,” Skye hummed softly to the child. In the midst of Frost’s presence, she’d returned to the table unnoticed by most. She poured his cider into a bowl, seeming to realize that he’d be unable to drink from a tiny cup as the rest of their company did.
Neo’s cry and the responsive jolt through Frost’s bulky frame startled her, and she was lucky not to have spilled the cider.
Frost peered down at his small admirer. The Growlithe was young- very young if the size of him was to be judged. A paternal smile crossed the older canine’s face and he settled delicately down onto his stomach to face the child properly. ”My name is Frost Ortez,” he told Eliot warmly. ”and I think we’re very alike.” The answering purr of approval from Skye was clear in the quiet of the room. Their Guildmasters were good people, and she was glad of it.
”You are quite bright for your age,” he praised, getting a feel for exactly how old Eliot was. Many of their kind still spoke in yips and growls around that age, though others were clear almost from the start. Eliot seemed to be a mix of the two, and his bright expression seemed keen to learn and explore. That was good, he decided. A paw the size of a dinner plate settled beside the puppy as Frost properly relaxed himself on the cool floor.
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Posted: Thu Aug 03, 2017 8:29 pm
Neo & Eliot & Clara & Lux & Alexandru Lux quite enjoyed the company of his Joltik host, the rush of positive emotions that poured from him were utterly charming to the aura reader. Every few seconds, a word or a look or a gesture would bring a surge of mandarin gold, ebbing and flowing in gentle waves. It was surprising to find a Pokemon like that here, in this Guild. Gentle creatures like his small companion were unsuited to the often-brutal work the Guild prescribed them, which meant Quil likely had some reason, something important he wanted to preserve or protect with all of his little being. Lux hoped that the Joltik would be able to achieve that goal, whatever it might be. A creature so sweet deserved nothing less.
Lux nodded thoughtfully as he listened to Quil's explanation. "I see," he said thoughtfully. "If there are rainforest flowers here that is truly impressive. Your friend must have quite the talent." Few non-Grass Types were quite so skilled with plants as to safely raise one out of its habitat, but every plant in this garden was not just surviving, but thriving. Their auras were bright and vibrant, and the smell of life was rich in the air where their scents mingled together. It was truly beautiful.
"I once grew flowers," the Lucario said, his voice soft and conversational as he passed through the vegetables, pausing to touch a few leaves when he neared a selection of herbs with sharp, distinctive scents, rubbing them between his paws gently so the scent would linger on his fur. "When I was young I volunteered all around the continent, helping those who faced disasters." He continued, moving on from the herbs to wander without any particular goal. "Before we left, we would plant Gracidea gardens in the towns we helped. To remind them of the promise of the future, and to express our gratitude for the time they shared with us." Lux's smile was small, and somewhat sad, but it quickly brightened again as he shook his head and laughed. "Anyway, I know plenty about growing edible plants from that work. And I know how to care for Gracideas. But other types of flora are far beyond my expertise."
There were Gracideas here too. His paws had taken him to them without him realizing; he really was terrible at avoiding nostalgia. The Lucario dropped to his knees and bent down, feeling for a blossom and cupping it gently between his paws. He leaned forward and breathed in, allowing the scent to overwhelm everything for just a moment, and then he released the flower, his eyes shut and a memory of gold in his mind's eye. ...Beautiful."
- - - - -
"O-Oh, okay." Neo still looked incredibly ruffled, but he put on the best smile he could muster. "Sorry about Eliot, he's a little rambunctious."
And indeed he was, though Frost didn't seem to mind in the slightest. "Frrrrrost. Frrrrrrost!" Eliot growled the name, liking the way it felt in his mouth. It was a tough name, a good name for a big strong dog like this stranger was. He beamed at the affirmation, spinning around in a circle with delight. "We're alike!" This was possibly the best news he'd heard in his whole young life. Certainly it was the best news of that entire day, and that was saying something when he'd already been told he could have seconds today.
Eliot's tail wagged even more at Frost's praise, his eyes shining with admiration. "You hearrrr that, Clara? Dad?" he said, glancing over at his sister, and then at Neo. "He says I'm brrrright!" Shortly after, his attention was distracted again by the soft thump of Frost's body lowering to the floor, and one of his paws landing close enough to Eliot he could reach out and touch it. And he did. He poked it with his paw, then leaned forward to poke it with his nose, breathing in Frost's scent with interest. It smelled like burning, like he and Nyx did, but it also smelled tingly. Eliot liked it. Without a second thought, the pup crouched down and jumped atop the Arcanine's paw, sniffing around on top of it carefully so he wouldn't fall off. He was almost too big to fit, but not quite. He peered up at Frost's face with curious eyes, wondering if he could climb to the larger dog's head, or at least his back.
"I heard," Clara said softly, her grip tight on Zahra's hand. Eliot really liked this stranger, and it made sense--Eliot liked anyone that reminded him of himself--but it was strange to Clara to trust someone just because of how they looked. Still, Auntie Skye said that he was nice, and Auntie Skye was family, so he was probably okay. But that didn't make her want to get any closer. Instead she watched warily, eyes fixed on her brother to make sure nothing happened to him.
Neo felt a surge of pride and gratitude to hear Frost's words, a purr escaping his throat, too, in spite of himself. It would mean a lot to Eliot to hear that coming from one of his own kind. "I heard, Eliot. Good for you!" He looked up to meet Frost's eyes and smiled gratefully. "Thank you for saying so," he said warmly.
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Dark_Hunter-Angelic_Tears Vice Captain
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Posted: Thu Aug 03, 2017 9:49 pm
Skye & Quil & Zahra & Guildmaster FrostQuil smiled to himself at Lux’ praise for Zahra’s work. He’d have to share it later, if only to see the return of soft smiles on the rough and tumble Togetic’s face. He supposed Clara did that well enough now, but Neo’s daughter would certainly want to be home before long. Visits could only be so frequent before they became intrusive. He offered a pleased hum of agreement for Lux, unable to offer anything more than he’d already expressed. It really was a beautiful talent to have.
But the conversation continued, and Quil looked in surprise to Lux’s face as he explained his former passion. His sightless eyes were soft, expression wistful and bittersweet as he spoke of the people he’d met and the gift he’d left behind for loved ones of his past. It was charming and gracious and almost too familiar a story. He’d heard it before, somehow, perhaps in the whisper of friends and family. The closeness of that feeling brought a soft echo of warmth in his chest as he thought of them. ”Maybe that’s how Skye has hers,” he wondered aloud, wishing that he could move so easily about the blossoms as his companion did. ”She says that they grow wild above snow-capped mountains, but her village is full of them. She lives by the sea... I never really asked why they were there.” That too, was rather wistful of him to admit. The Lucario was setting a rather soft and vulnerable mood for them, but it felt healing all the same.
”Not that you did, I suppose. But maybe someone else felt the same way.” He really hoped that wasn’t too presumptuous a thought. It really was a beautiful gift. The Gracidea that Lux now caressed between his paws seemed to echo their peace back to them. Maybe it was the vibrancy of its colours or the memories it held.
They weren’t his to give. But maybe Skye would, if he could encourage the two of them together. They’d make amicable friends, if nothing else, but the thought that she could offer him something so precious and fragile was encouraging. She’d have someone to relate to outside of their team, someone supportive as Neo was. It would have to wait; things like that felt too intimate for a friendship so new.
- - - - -
Frost chuckled softly as the pup began to spin in place, barking his delight for the room to hear. He could see the wagging tail amidst the thick fur and puppy fluff. He responded fairly predictably to praise, looking back to Neo and a timid Drifloon for support and encouragement. He couldn’t tell how old the latter was, given his limited experience with the species.
”It’s not a problem,” he assured Neo again. The young Meowstic was more anxious than he’d expected, though he supposed it could be any combination of things. His size, his status as a Guildmaster- he’d even once had a fellow flee out of a hallway. That, he remembered with an internal cringe, was because of his reputation on a battlefield. It was not a reassuring thought to have when surrounded by new company, so he pushed the matter aside.
He watched Eliot scent his paw, poking at it with his own tiny ones. They still looked comically large for such a small child, but he would grow into them quickly. The Arcanine didn’t flinch when Eliot jumped onto his leg, balancing precariously over the broad limb and staring curiously up at him. He chuffed in a friendly sort of way, sniffing back at Eliot to make a point of learning his scent. And as Eliot’s eyes widened, Frost gave him a friendly nudge with his nose to nuzzle against the child’s cheek. A common gesture with Arcanine, it was what they did to greet children among their pack. Such things offered the promise of safety and support. The children, of course, typically used it as an excuse to use their parents as jungle gyms. If you could reach it, it was fair game to climb on.
Zahra could see Clara watching, waiting. She wasn’t particularly concerned now that she knew who the Arcanine was, but it was still foreign to her. She’d expected more formality from one of their Guildmasters, and here he was playing with a child he’d only just met. Granted, she was totally fine with that. She waited somewhat patiently as Clara stood guard for her brother. The Togetic presumed that she wouldn’t want to leave his side, even if she was the sort to stay close to home and safety. Zahra didn’t let go of her hand.
Having served the now-forgotten bowl of cider for Frost, Skye returned to the table with Alexandru and Neo. She looked bemused to see Frost’s tentative play, knowing full well how strong he could be when he wanted, but said nothing of it. There seemed to be a consensus around the guild that their leaders were stronger than they appeared, but generally trustworthy. She hoped that Neo would feel the same, given that his son had taken a significant liking to the much older Arcanine. ”My mother trained him,” she offered conversationally to the Meowstic and Zubat beside her. ”Back when she led her own team. I wasn’t born yet,” she finished, admitting that whatever she could say on the matter was very much second-hand.
She frowned a little bit. ”It’s kind of a weird thought. I don’t think I’d be a captain if my mother hadn’t done it first, but I can’t say I dislike it. It’s what I grew up with. Is rescue work what you’ve always done?”
Frost very professionally kept from grinning at this. They’d argued over how to sort the reports coming back from Team Essence’s work. They had their own filing cabinet, dutifully labelled as being for ‘rescue teams who didn’t rescue’. Everyone in the office had found the matter hysterical at three in the morning, when a build-up of paperwork had left everyone running on power naps and caffeinated tea. He’d take that secret to the grave.
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Posted: Mon Aug 07, 2017 5:12 pm
Neo & Eliot & Clara & Lux & Alexandru Lux stiffened with surprise, his eyes widening at Quil's musing. "By--By the sea, you said?" His voice was low and startled. "It may well have been me and mine, if that is the case." What an impossibly small world it was, were that the case. "We often assisted in relief efforts by the sea. When the waves were too wild or the storms too fierce it was devastating to some of the smaller villages out there. We traveled further inland to manage earthquakes, fires, the occasional blizzard... But the ocean is the most frequent cause of natural disasters." He smiled slightly, a bit of regret in the look. "Still... We can't seem to stay away from the ocean. None of us ever can." Maybe it would even take him, in the end.
Lux stood, wondering what had made him so sentimental. This certainly was a strange day--perhaps he hadn't had enough sleep. The Lucario rubbed his arm absently, a frown on his face as he began to wander through the garden again. It was nice, the warmth of the sunlight on his fur and the dirt beneath his paws. It made him feel grounded even though his thoughts were threatening to run away with him. He breathed in and out slowly, focusing on the rise and fall of his chest; tuning into his slow heartbeat and the faster one that beat against his shoulder. He was distressing his small companion a bit, it would seem--that wouldn't do. The little fellow was a perceptive one, probably picked up from living so close to his Psychic captain.
"Quil..." He tilted his head thoughtfully. "Would you show me your favorite part of the garden?" He smiled in his companion's direction. "I'm very fond of stories. They're a way to see through the eyes of others, as it were." He chuckled softly, looking content. "It would be nice to hear about someplace that is special to you."
- - - - -
If Eliot had been delighted before, he was over the moon the moment Frost bent down to offer a familiar nuzzle. The gesture was simultaneously utterly foreign and completely right--Eliot rarely had experience with those of his kind, so the subtleties of his species' culture were a mystery to him. But Frost knew them, and when he did them it felt exactly like it was supposed to. The Growlithe puppy yipped, a mixture of surprise and delight, and butted his head into the Arcanine's cheek, nuzzling into it for a moment before he did exactly what Frost would have expected: the temptation of getting on top was too strong to resist.
Eliot crouched down and sprang straight up, a standing leap that was truly impressive, given his ability to Bounce as a result of his father's gift. The Growlithe overshot Frost's head by a good two feet, then landed securely between the Arcanine's ears. With a giggle, Eliot snuffled about on the crown of Frost's head before sliding down his neck to rest in the comfortable spot between the big dog's shoulders. This was nice--it would've been a good place for a nap if he were tired, but this was far too exciting for the Growlithe to even think about sleeping. Instead, he pawed at Frost's neck and shoulder blades curiously, feeling the strong muscles beneath the thick fur. "Woooooow..." Eliot's tail wagged quickly enough to stir the fur behind him. "Frrrrost is strrrong!" His voice was filled with utter admiration.
Neo's eyes widened at Skye's tale, and Alexandru turned his head as if to look at her more closely, though he lacked the eyes to see.
"Your mom...?"
"Your mother trained a Guildmaster?" Alexandru's voice rang with surprise. "That is...most impressive. Is it only because of your youth, then that you were not also chosen to lead this organization?" Where the Zubat was from, bloodlines were everything. Your parents' status determined your destiny from birth. The fact that Skye could have such prestigious origins and yet be on the same level as someone like Neo was completely foreign to him.
Neo laughed uncomfortably at his teammate's question, feeling it was a little too forward. "I... I'm sure Skye has her reasons," he said, smiling at the Espeon apologetically. If there was some sort of sensitive selection process that she'd missed out on here, it might stir some hurt feelings, and that was the last thing he wanted. "It really is impressive, though," he added, perhaps a bit too hurriedly in his attempt to stay polite. "I, uh, can't even imagine what it would be like to have such a history." Which segued nicely into her question.
"I haven't always done it, no. Not by a long shot." He laughed again, a sheepish grin on his face. "I come from the forest, really humble origins. I have a huge family who lives there and there are a bunch of family businesses, just local things." If he went into all of them it'd derail the conversation, but he wouldn't mind talking about it if prompted, as evidenced by the way his eyes shone as he continued. "Mom's family is all Meowstic line, but Dad's--Dad's is a big hodgepodge of anything you can think of. I'm pretty sure somewhere along the line one of my great great grandparents decided to adopt a bunch of kids and then it just expanded outward from there." He smiled, recalling familiar faces. "I really loved helping out with odd jobs around home. Dad and Mom would make really beautiful jewelry--sometimes I'd go with Dad to find the pieces and sometimes I'd stay with Mom to make them. Dad's was harder obviously, there was a lot of swimming involved--but I learned a lot from both of them. And I helped my aunts and uncles and grandparents, too. There was never a lack of things to do. But when I heard about the Guild..." His smile grew smaller, a bit embarrassed. "I've had a really great life, you know? Not a lot of people are that lucky. The idea of being able to work in a place where everything I did would help other people to find happiness, and move us closer to a world where that happiness is possible for everybody." He exhaled heavily. "That's the world I'd like to make. That's why I'm here."
Clara watched her father as he spoke, something stirring in her fragile heart. Daddy was so passionate, the way he spoke about the work he did. She was scared of that work, and scared whenever he left for it. She would never tell Eliot, but one of the things she knew (though she didn't know how) was that every time he left to do this work he was talking about, there was a chance he wouldn't come back. If Daddy didn't come back, that would be... She squeezed Zahra's hand tightly, closing her eyes. That would be the worst thing that could happen. She felt some guilt about those feelings, of course, because Daddy's face always glowed whenever he talked about what he did--what he wanted to do. But she was selfish even so--she couldn't bring herself to support him even though he loved it, because she loved him too much.
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Dark_Hunter-Angelic_Tears Vice Captain
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Posted: Mon Aug 07, 2017 10:01 pm
Skye & Quil & Zahra & Guildmaster FrostQuil felt Lux stiffen and froze. He ducked his head timidly as the Lucario spoke again, nodding despite Lux’s lack of sight to see the gesture. He wasn’t quite sure what he’d said to encourage such a reaction, but he had hope that it hadn’t been hurtful for him. His own eyes widened as Lux admitted to the possibility that he might have helped Skye’s village. If that was true, it was an incredible coincidence. Much more so than simply having the Gracidea flowers.
He sat very quietly as Lux explained some of the work he’d accomplished by the sea and the reasons they’d been there. His words were longing and regretful and he carefully extended his claw tip to brush the Steel-type’s fur in an expression of comfort. He couldn’t hold him as friend or equal. His kind could be held, but never hold in turn. All he could do was make his presence known and hope it was enough.
The Joltik had to clutch much more tightly to Lux’s fur as he rubbed his arm, only a little nervous of being dislodged. His movements evened again, luckily for Quil, but he had never really been in danger of falling.
They spent several minutes in silence, with Lux winding back down from the stress of their (admittedly intimate) conversation and Quil along for the ride as they wandered the garden. Lux’s soft call drew him out of the contemplative silence they had woven. ”My favourite… part of the garden?” he repeated quietly, looking around at the variety of beautiful blossoms. There were so many flowers with bold colours and wonderfully exotic appearances. Even Skye’s additions to the garden had seemed terribly beautiful, though hers a little more familiar from his time with her family. But he’s only brought one addition to the garden, and it seemed fairly simple in comparison.
He carefully directed Lux toward the inner edge of the garden, and asked him to crouch down beside a curious little plant. It was a bushy plant, with narrow and feathered leaves extending in all directions. It had no blooming flowers, though a number of buds sat waiting for the opportunity. Truthfully, it almost looked like a weed. But this little plant was his favourite for a different reason. ”It doesn’t look like much, but my father used this flower when he proposed to my mother,” he told Lux in the same soft tones as always. If he listened closely, he might hear the catch of emotion in Quil’s voice to know how much it meant to him. The throb of love and adoration in his heart. ”It’s a type of primrose,” he explained, ”It won’t bloom until nightfall. My sisters and I called them ‘golden night flowers’, like they were made of magic. We’d sit outside to wait for them when we were little, just to see if they’d bloom before we had to go to bed. They close up when the air gets warm in the morning, so sometimes that was our only chance to see them. Mom loved them even more than we did. She’d never tell us everything, but her eyes shine when she talks about them.”
”Giving someone a primrose says that you can’t live without them, that you’d never want to.” Quil looked rather bashful about this. He’d never been in love, not romantically, though he certainly had a number of people to love in other ways. ”I always wondered how deeply you’d have to love someone to make that kind of promise.”
- - - - -
Skye blinked in surprise at their reaction. She looked between them, looking both bashful and a little startled by the intensity of Alexandru’s question. She could think of a thousand reasons why Frost would be chosen over her, even if saying them aloud would likely speak more clearly to the cracks in her self-esteem than anything else. The Guildmasters they had were good at their jobs, far better than she’d be in their place. They were prompt to answer, organized in handling political matters, and empathetic to the needs of their teams. Serrin especially was over-qualified for what he did.
”My family’s influential, but it’s not like I was next in line for the throne. I was raised expecting to inherit my parents’ roles as guild captains. My cousin Ivy was the heir.”
She supposed that didn’t explain Frost very well, or why her mother would have been training a future Guildmaster. It was a complicated tangle of qualifications and politics that Skye had managed to grasp at the time, but truthfully it would be a bit much to explain over the remainder of their lunch. ”I think Frost inherited his uncle’s position, though,” she admitted thoughtfully. ”My mother instructed him in strength training and combat strategy, but the guild staff would have taught him everything else. We’re a lot smaller than we used to be.”
Neo’s reassurance and compliments felt more natural to her, and somehow that made it both easier and harder to accept. She felt the flush of heat on the back of her neck. She was very glad to escape that moment with a simple smile before it passed to Neo’s own history. His stories about his families was a lot more fascinating to Skye than her own. Having such large families was new to her. Her family had been her parents, her sister and the guild teams they’d built around them. She wondered if it felt the same way, or if they each had missed out on something more.
”Your reason sounds much more selfless than mine is,” she assured him. ”It must have taken a lot of courage to take on a guild team like that.” He’d stepped straight out of a civilian family to do this, and yet he was still readily taking on the responsibility.
Frost did not weigh in on such conversation, already enamored with the young Growlithe. He accepted the nuzzle with an odd sort of rumble, something akin to a purr, and could only hold himself steady as Eliot immediately jumped to play atop his head and shoulders. It was only to be expected, though the incredible power in the youngster’s jump was a bit surprising for the older male. He’d be superb in the field once he was grown.
He could hear the child’s giggling as he slid down into the thick, soft fur on his neck and shoulders. Tiny paws dug in at the muscle where his back smoothed into shorter fur, and fug through the plush mane around his shoulders. He playfully flexed his shoulders, just enough to feel the muscles twitched, and delighted in the further excitement that answered his actions. He could feel Eliot’s tail wagging, the rhythmic thump of it slapping against his back.
”I’d hope so,” he answered Eliot playfully. He was cautious not to startle him, though he knew from experience that a Growlithe his age could take a couple tumbles with no real trouble. ”I’d feel very silly being so big if I wasn’t.” Even the studious Claudius was immeasurably strong by the standards of the average Pokemon. Once you reached a certain size, there seemed to be a fair bit of muscle involved.
Zahra could see the look of distress on Clara’s face, but it was the tightening of her grip that had first grabbed her attention. Now, slowly crouching to kneel beside the Drifloon, she gently stroked the cloud-light wisps atop Clara’s head. ”Clara, are you okay?” she asked. She used the softest voice she could manage. ”If there’s something bothering you, it’s okay to talk about it. Sometimes it helps.” This was slightly out of her depth, though the affection and concern for the girl was definitely genuine. Hopefully Neo would come to the rescue, here, before Zahra could accidentally make things worse.
[[ The flowers Quil talks about are a species of night-blooming evening primrose. And yes, I did call them 'magic night-flowers' or 'golden night-flowers'. ]]
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Posted: Sat Aug 12, 2017 12:12 pm
Neo & Eliot & Clara & Lux & Alexandru Lux ran his paws gently along the fronds that Quil directed him to, feeling their shape and the soft bite of their points to get an idea of what he was observing. He noted the delicate buds that rested on the ends, felt the energy building up inside them, dormant now but with an air of readiness. The Joltik on his shoulder soon explained what the source of that energy was, and a soft smile colored the Lucario's face. He closed his eyes and handled a bud carefully, testing its shape and durability, vaguely wondering what the flower would be like when it came into blossom. "Golden night flowers," Quil had said, so they must be a lovely shade of deep yellow when they showed in the evenings. The plant itself felt quite plain by comparison, so the contrast between how it looked in the day and the night must have been striking.
Of course, as interesting as the flower was, it was nothing compared to the story Quil paired with it. Lux listened closely to it, smiling at the love in his small companion's words. These flowers were very important to him, in more than one way, it would seem. It was said that scent could leave a stronger imprint on a person than sight, and, as someone lacking sight, it was easy for Lux to believe that claim. Perhaps that was why both of them were so emotional here, although there was little reason for two acquaintances to share so much of themselves. Then again, perhaps it was just the right pair.
"Hmm..." Lux hummed thoughtfully, his eyes deep and dark as he stared at the aura-tinged blackness of his world. "I think it is a promise easily made without thought--there are many people who would discard the phrase 'I can't live without you' like it were nothing. I don't think many consider the weight those words carry." Even he was here, still living, after one he would have said those words to was gone. "It's not something to be taken lightly, that kind of promise. In some ways it's a very dangerous thing. Both partners have to be in agreement for it to be good, and even then it can be devastating to others. In that sense, I think pacts that end in death should be avoided." It was clear that he'd given some thought to it, though it was, perhaps, less clear that he'd considered following through with that promise at one point in his life.
"But, to answer your question." The Lucario lowered himself to the ground and crossed his legs, continuing to feel around the plant as he spoke, voice low and gentle to the ear. "I think the depth of that love is something most people cannot comprehend. I don't know if even I could imagine it. It would be a marriage of souls, where both partners are so entwined neither one could bear to exist in the absence of the other. The world without that person would seem too bleak and lifeless to bear." A hint of frustration crackled in the last sentence, but it smoothed out as he continued. "It's frightening, truly. Because we share our love amongst so many, that for one to surpass all others would be both the greatest privilege and the deepest sadness." These were words that came from years of contemplation, and Lux's gold aura blackened as he considered them. These ghosts of love and loss and sacrifice, were far too familiar. "And yet, so beautiful." Lux's voice was fragile, as the afterthought emerged in spite of himself. "It makes you wonder, truly, if it wouldn't all be worth it to give everything to one other."
The Lucario shook his head, eyes stinging slightly, and cleared his throat. "I think, perhaps, it's enough to live with someone to the end of your shared days. And to give to that person everything that you have while they are there, and know that they would want you to be happy, more than anything else, when they are gone." He sighed, paw closing around a bud. "That is what I think the deepest love is. The love that continues even when you cannot be together, and may never be again. And the love that lets you live on and love more for as long as you are able."
- - - - -
"Oh?" Alexandru looked intrigued. She was a sibling away from being heir to the throne of the continent? That was nothing to just dismiss, though Skye seemed to want to. "I see. Well then, you seem to have taken to the position quite well." He restrained himself from prying further about her heritage, although he was terribly curious, because he could sense the wariness in Neo's posture when he glanced toward the bat. "Frost as well. It seems they've prepared you well. I did not realize there were blood ties in this organization as well, though it makes perfect sense. These things must come from somewhere, and powerful families have the means to make these things happen."
"I'm pretty sure the old Guild was run by the royal family," Neo said, "at least, I think that's what I heard." He didn't really know a whole lot about the prior organization, but he was pretty sure he'd heard that before. The Meowstic blushed modestly at Skye's praise. "Aw, no," he said, waving off the compliment with a sheepish smile. "I'm just here to help. No more, no less. I'm sure you have a really good reason, too."
Clara shook her head, lip trembling. "I'm worried about Daddy." Her voice was almost inaudible--she didn't want him to hear. With a worried glance in the direction of the others, she tugged Zahra's hand to lead her away from the table to the sitting area by the fireplace. "When he talks about work he gets so excited. But he could get hurt! And if Daddy gets hurt what do we do?" She wrung her hands worriedly. "I--I can't do anything to protect him, and he does so much... And he'll keep doing it but it's scary and it's dangerous and..." Her eyes were watery and fretful. "I don't know what to do. And our Uncles do it too and you guys and everyone here, and Eliot wants to do it when he grows up--it's all he ever talks about. And It's scary, Auntie Zahra."
The Growlithe in question was busy being thoroughly entertained by his larger counterpart. The puppy bit down on the Arcanine's fur to keep hold while the large muscles writhed beneath his feet, making him lose his footing. He quickly scrambled up to a sitting position and began to poke his nose into Frost's neck fur carefully, sniffing it thoroughly before moving onto the shoulders for good measure. "Frost issssn't silly," Eliot yipped adamantly, sounding utterly offended by the suggestion. "Frost is strong and tough and big and cool!" And nothing could convince the boy otherwise.
With a decisive huff, Eliot turned around and walked down the Arcanine's back, hopping down onto the ground and running around to the Frost's front. With a few eager steps back, he dipped his front down into a bow and smiled a doggish smile at the Arcanine, inviting him to play. The size of the room was no thought to the puppy, who was only looking forward to a chance to engage with Frost more. Playfighting was fun, and who better to do it with than this wonderful older dog? He wouldn't be opposed to being taken for a walk or moved around, but Eliot was fully determined that this was playtime.
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Dark_Hunter-Angelic_Tears Vice Captain
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Posted: Mon Aug 14, 2017 9:18 pm
Skye & Quil & Zahra & Guildmaster FrostQuil fell silent with the depth of Lux’ contemplation. If his interpretation of being unable to live without someone was literal, his parents had made a suicide pact as a marriage proposal. That was decidedly less romantic and loving than the nature of the promise, or at least he hoped so. Such thoughts turned his belly to ice and he hurried to catch up with the warmth that was slowly creeping back into Lux’s voice. It was a fragile warmth, but given the fragile nature of love at all he was quite willing to cling to that.
”That’s what Mom taught us,” he agreed softly. ”That you can find love in a number of places, if you’re brave enough to offer it first. She’s a very generous sort of person that way; I think it’s what drew Dad to love her in the first place.” And while the admission was fairly warm and thoughtful, it burst into a nostalgic chuckling as he recalled something. ”I don’t think any relationship between them could have happened without a lot of thought; they’re kind of an odd couple.”
Understatement of the year. Luxray and Joltik did not frequently get married to each other. Children between the two was almost unheard of. ”Dad’s taller than you are, and Mom’s three millimeters taller than I am,” he explained off-handedly. ”They make it work,” he added, his tiny nose crinkling with laughter at the thought. He and his siblings hadn’t really taken notice of the differences until they’d become old enough to socialize with other Pokemon. At which point, they were made aware of how adorably silly that loving relationship appeared.
- - - - -
Skye offered Alexandru a bashful smile, feeling much more comfortable with his recent compliment than the ones preceding it. Her skill as a captain was, though still embarrassing, more easily accepted by the Espeon.
”It was, actually,” Skye confirmed for Neo. ”The Eclipse family oversaw the Guild here for generations.” She wasn’t sure if she’d ever introduced her last name to Neo and his team before, but she supposed it couldn’t hurt to offer them that much. ”This guild isn’t really run on old family bloodlines like our old guild was, though. The Guildmasters now hold positions based on personal skills and experience, even if some of them came by that experience because of it.”
- - - - -
Zahra’s eyes widened as she allowed the little Drifloon to lead her aside. The warmth of the fireplace likely felt safe to the child, and it was far enough from the group that she would feel secure about admitting why she seemed so frightened. She held Clara loosely for a moment, hoping that she’d find the contact reassuring but finding that it was difficult to know what to say. Clara was right; there would never be a guarantee that someone in the guild would come home safely. That was just the nature of what they did.
”That must be really scary for you,” she offered quietly, sitting down now that they were appropriately far from the table. ”Sometimes what we do is dangerous, and that’s not easy for anybody. But we do it ‘cause somewhere out there someone else has a little Clara or Eliot who needs tha’ help, too.” Zahra’s accent was much stronger when she spoke like this; quiet and sympathetic tones only seemed to make her voice sound more exotic to the ears. ”But that’s why we’re a guild. We work together ta’ keep people safe, so when your dad goes out for work he has friends and family with ‘im to help and they have ‘im ta’ do the same.”
”I know it’s still scary, but I feel like what scares me is a lot less scary when I’ve got somebody with me.” Zahra looked down at Clara where she was huddled next to her. She thought of what it meant for Eliot to be already dreaming about working in the guild, especially so young, and wondered if that was something to worry about. She wasn’t sure. It wasn’t like she knew that much about kids. ”As for Eliot, you’ve got a lot of time before you have to worry about ‘im working in the Guild. You’re both pretty young for that kind of adventure, but that’s probably what he sees it like. He sees ‘is dad as brave and helping people, so he admires what he does.”
”You’re very grown-up for your age, Clara, and very brave, and very smart. And even if it doesn’t always feel good to be those things, I’m real proud of you for it. Your dad is too.”
- - - - -
Frost huffed a bright laugh, feeling Eliot’s tiny nose burrow into his thick mane of fur and promptly disappear again as he stalked along his back. He sat up a little to keep better watch, wanting to be sure of where Eliot was as he circled around him to play. The pup bounced a couple steps back and bowed. His tail was wagging and his playful grin a clear invitation to counter the posture.
Gentle as ever, swatted a paw just over Eliot’s head. It would brush at his ears, at the very worst, and was just quick enough to give the excitable child a chance to dodge and play. It would be nothing too rough, given that they were indoors, but he wasn’t going to be taken down so easily either. He had a reputation to maintain, after all! ”Not silly, you say?” Frost countered with a laugh. ”But if I’m not silly, then who is going to wrestle with brave young pups?”
He crouched properly low to play, paw still waving in the air to encourage Eliot. He’d have to find a new approach if he wanted to properly defeat an Arcanine as big as Frost in their playful match.
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Posted: Mon Aug 21, 2017 10:15 am
Neo & Eliot & Clara & Lux & Alexandru Lux smiled at the feeling of tenderness that flowed from Quil's voice and aura when he spoke of his parents. The level of anxiety that had prickled through the bug at the Lucario's prior musings was an excellent indicator of the Joltik's age and innocence, and Lux was reminded fondly of Neo: the two would get along famously, similarly sweet as they were. It was easier to move past his heart's shadows when it was for another's sake, and his aura rippled gently, clearing and settling back to gentle gold. "Your mother is a wise woman," he replied, a hint of low approval in his voice. He allowed a smile at Quil's description of his parents as a pair.
"They do sound like quite the strange set,"
he concurred, not unkindly. "But I'm sure their love is quite strong. The less similar two partners are, in any capacity, the greater depth of the affection, generally speaking. Many find it harder to love the things they are not than the things that they are."
The Lucario hummed thoughtfully to himself. "Would you like to know something interesting?" He said, the question more rhetorical than genuine. "Most Pokemon go their lives without knowing it: those who see aura are the only ones who can observe the phenomena." He raised a paw, the appendage lighting with its owner's golden aura. It swirled about his paw, liking the air like a ball of flame, though if Quil were to get close or touch it, it would feel like nothing distinct from the air itself. Lux raised his other paw as well, surrounding it with aura just the same before he continued. "The aurae of Pokemon who share a bond are quite peculiar. The closer the pair, the more the auras mingle with one another." He brought his paws close to one another, and the separate aura sources began to shift, strands from each looping around the other like ribbons of silk winding around one another. It would have been a bit difficult to see, since it was all one color, but Lux's control was practiced, and the distinction was made clearer by the way he pulled certain strands forward to highlight the process. It's a friendly thing, the auras want to experience one another--well, that's how I think about it."
After he had toyed with this demonstration for a while, he pulled the aura back to two distinct sources, one on each paw. "However, there is a difference that comes from those who feel romantic attraction toward one another." Lux moved his paws away from one another, holding them out like he were showing the length of something long and thin. As he did so, the aura on his hands began to shift, tendrils of each straining toward the paw it didn't stem from. They reached for each other in numerous golden streaks of light, and every part of the aura flowed out toward these straining ends. "The auras of these Pokemon rarely rest still when separate from the aura of their partner. When separate"--he snuffed his right paw and the aura around his left pulled back into itself, regaining a normal appearance--"they act much the same as others. But when their important one is near"--the right paw brightened once more, and the two aurae resumed their straining--"...You see? They are desperate to connect with one another. The depth of the emotion makes them have an almost magnetic attraction. And when you bring them together..." He did it as he spoke. The tendrils of aura, when they found one another, twined together like rope, so tight that only close inspection would reveal their distinction. When his paws touched, they glowed brighter than before, gold swirling in spirals of the interlocked aurae. Though you couldn't tell it from his face, the whole process required a good deal of mental concentration from even Lux, so delicate and deliberate was every facet of the demonstration. He held it there for a few seconds, and then the color dissipated, leaving nothing more than his clasped paws for Quil's eyes to see. "I've always found it fascinating."
- - - - -
Clara nodded, lip trembling, as she shot a frightened look at her father, to be sure he wasn't listening. Fortunately, Daddy was still talking to Auntie Skye and Uncle Dru, so he hadn't noticed yet--that was a relief. "It is, it's scary," she persisted, looking as defeated as she felt when listening to Auntie Zahra's words. It was like she thought, there wasn't anything she could do to stop them. They would all keep going out and putting themselves in danger--of course for good reasons, but in danger--there there was nothing she could do. The small Drifloon shuddered, large tears trickling down her face though they were silent. She leaned into Zahra's arm when it was offered, taking some comfort from it as she tried her best not to whimper. Auntie Zahra was saying nice things, but it was also exactly what she'd been afraid to hear.
"It doesn't feel good," she murmured,
shaking her head slightly. "I'm not the way I should be. Nyx says it's because I came from another life. ...I know he's right." She shivered and pressed further against Zahra's soft feathers; they felt nice and comforting against the chill of her fears. "But I don't ever remember what that life was like. But I remember words and concepts and things and--" she covered her mouth, realizing she was saying too much.
Child, there is something important you must know. There are many things mortals cannot understand. If you speak of your history, they will not understand you: only a Ghost can understand a Ghost. ...I do not say this lightly. Because you are precious to Neo--to your father--you should ask me any question you may have about our kind. I will help you. But you must not speak of these matters to those who will not understand.
Clara didn't like Nyx, no matter how much Daddy did, but she had taken those words to heart. She shouldn't breathe a word of these things to people who might be frightened by it. Her existence was frightening--in that way she and Nyx were the same. "...But thank you." She wiped the tears from her eyes, doing her best to be strong. "It feels good to make you proud. I'd like to keep doing that. I just wish I knew how to keep you safe too..."
Neo, contrary to his daughter's thoughts, had one ear open, listening to the conversation between her and Zahra as it happened. Sensing Clara's discontent was second nature to the Meowstic by this point, but he was carefully allowing Zahra the chance to handle it, hoping it might encourage his wary daughter. It was good for her to open up to others--of course, if things got out of hand or Zahra seemed too uncomfortable, he would be with them in an instant, but for now it seemed things were well in hand.
"The Eclipse family, huh?" he said, tuning back in to his current conversation.
"The name sounds familiar. Eclipse." Alexandru said, the word as though he were tasting it on his tongue. "For their name to have spread to an isolated colony like my own, they must have been rather powerful."
"Probably," Neo said, with a touch of finality. He'd noticed Skye's discomfort at the conversation's current direction, so it was time to find something new. "Anyway, what's most important is what we're doing now. And we're doing important work here, I think." And that was that. "Do you have a favorite type of work, Skye?" It felt a little odd to keep talking about these sorts of things with a Guildmaster present, but it would've been more odd to talk about something casual. It was fine that they were still carrying on like this, even though Frost had come for Skye, right...?
Eliot yipped excitedly as his ears were batted, and he ducked low and wriggled back from under Frost's paw pad. Raising up on his hind legs, he batted at the paw with both his front ones, before making a rather less-than-graceful landing back on all fours. He was quick to jump back from where he'd landed though, not about to let Frost get in an easy swipe at him. "Brrrave pups fight brrrrave ffffighterrrrs!" Eliot retorted, huffing disdainfully at the suggestion that only silly adults would wrestle with him. "And I'm the brrrravest!" Puffing out his chest, Eliot breathed a small puff of smoke from his nose and jumped straight for Frost's muzzle, ready to grab on with all paws. If the Arcanine didn't react fast enough, he'd have a smug-looking puppy clinging to his face, looking him in the eye with the confidence only a child can have.
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Dark_Hunter-Angelic_Tears Vice Captain
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Posted: Mon Aug 21, 2017 2:55 pm
Skye & Quil & Zahra & Guildmaster FrostQuil offered the Lucario a small, playful grin at that. He could hear the amusement in Lux’s voice despite the thoughtful hum underlying his words. ”Please,” he answered curiously, though Lux had not truly been asking. The white-furred jackal was already drawing his paws to shoulder height, a golden glow lighting around his paws.
The Joltik just stared in open awe and curiousity. At times, it was just close enough to touch if he stretched for it and he didn’t break that wide-eyed expression for a moment if the tips of his claws touched gold. He listened in absolute silence apart from his gasp of elation as Lux demonstrated the differences in aura throughout relationships. He’d watched Skye use psychic abilities, and that was always beautiful to him, but was it the same as this? Did her soul reach out even when he couldn’t see it? Did his?
He didn’t shake or tremble, finally looking up to Lux’ clouded eyes when the aura dissipated. ”I… It’s beautiful,” he said openly. ”You’re beautiful! Does everyone’s aura look like that?” He didn’t stop to phrase it properly; he felt sure Lux would understand.
- - - - -
Skye felt heat flushing under her fur again; she was pleased they hadn’t recognized the name as hers, but their open agreement of the Eclipse family’s status was a little embarrassing. She hadn’t expected it to carry much weight outside the original guild. Luckily for her, Neo seemed as eager to switch to another topic.
The lithe Espeon nodded in agreement with Neo. ”We are,” she answered a little too quickly.
”Quil and I mostly partner for rescue missions,” she told the duo. ”We’ve been doing it for years, but I guess it’s just where we feel we can do the most. I’ve done some mercenary work in the past, but it doesn’t settle as well with Quil. He’d never judge anyone for it, but it’s not something everyone can do.” She paused for a moment, casting a proud glance at Zahra and Clara where the Togetic sat huddled together with the shy child. ”Zahra and Vyra are about ready to work in the field with us, though. It’s going to be interesting working with a full team again.”
- - - - -
Zahra held Clara a little closer, allowing the tiny weeping Drifloon to huddle against her feathered underbelly where she’d feel less exposed. Her youngest siblings and cousins had always wanted to be as close to the adults as they could manage, and though she’d have been quite young at the time Zahra could remember feeling the same way. She hoped that the sentiment held true for children of species outside of the two she was used to. That encouragement of physical comfort was all she could really offer until Clara had calmed enough to speak again.
Unfortunately for Zahra, Clara’s words came in a jumble of anxiety when she did speak again. And were words were confusing. Another life? She’d certainly heard of some Ghost types claiming to be spirits reborn from someone else, but she’d never met one personally and the idea of trusting someone enough to believe them when they said it was… well, another matter entirely. But she couldn’t look at Clara, her face streaked with tears and eyes darkened by anxiety, and imagine that the Drifloon would intentionally lie to her. Though it made her question what exactly this Nyx had been saying to her.
’You don’t have to get it, Zahra. Just try to figure out what the point is.’ The Togetic gently took a hand of her own and carefully pulled the little Drifloon’s hand away from her mouth. ”I’m no expert on Ghosts, Clara, but you for sure sound like you’re tha way you’re supposed ta’ be. You’re feelin’ and breathin’ just like the rest of us.” She offered what comfort she could, knowing as little as she did. ”You’re the only person who gets ta’ decide if you’re comfortable tha’ way you are.”
”I was supposed ta’ be born a flower, if it helps. Turns out nobody minds if you’re missin’ some petals when tha baby starts cooin’ and smiling. They’re just glad ta’ have you.”
She had long since released the timid girl’s hand, and was now watching her wipe the tears from her face. Something that Zahra let her do on her own, despite the fairy’s inherent comfort with a lack of personal space. She smiled back at Clara a little bit as she was thanked. The smile faded to a thoughtful little frown as Clara seemed to beg for a way to protect them. ”I dunno, Sweet Pea,” she admitted. ”I wish I had an answer you’d like a little better but it’s a pretty tough problem for grown-ups, too. You don’t have ta’ be a fighter ta’ protect people. It’s the way most of us go about it, but it’s not like it’s tha only way.
Don’t think I’ve ever seen Quil in a proper fight, but ‘e’s always sortin’ our things and fixin’ bandages. With how small ‘e is, ‘e had to figure out his own way ta’ help. What ‘e does is a bit much for somebody your age, but the general idea’s there. You’ve gotta figure out what feels right ta’ you.”
- - - - -
Frost choked back a laugh at Eliot’s growling retort. He wasn’t entirely sure of what the Growlithe actually meant, but he seemed particularly indignant about it. As you say,” he growled playfully back, his voice full of both challenge and agreement.
He pulled his paw a little higher to make sure Eliot had to jump for it, watching with sharp eyes though Eliot seemed not to mind the rough landing. He already excelled at backing off when he needed to, and seemed to be a decent judge of where Frost’s reach would end had he chosen to stay in place. Of course he could stand and make it harder, but that would rather ruin the fun of it.
The Arcanine eyed the puff of smoke from Eliot’s muzzle and simply shifted back when Eliot jumped. Eliot certainly landed where he intended to, but he’d find himself cradled there by giant paws as Frost reared up onto his haunches with the Growlithe held secure. He growled and nuzzled gently against Eliot’s belly and shoulders. His face was large enough in comparison that it was difficult to be delicate with him. ”But this time, brave one, I have to cut our match a bit short. I have to finish my cider and finish my meeting.” There was a very paternal note to that declaration. Frost had no mate and therefore no children, but that didn’t mean he had never wanted them. Eliot wasn't his, as the watchful eye of the Meowstic kept him firmly aware, but the young boy inspired a certain protectiveness that was hard to ignore.
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