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 Posted: Wed Mar 12, 2008 10:40 pm
The sun beat down on the sparse land below, tempting the lone wandering figure to halt and rest to soak up the warmth. The land here was rockier than he was used to; the temperature much more pleasant for this time of year. The stones were sure to have absorbed much of the heavenly heat. However, he was no fool. The scent of other Banthi was strong here and he knew he was trespassing on another clan's territory. Best hurry and move on before he was discovered.
At least, that's what his head kept telling him. For some reason though, he found himself wandering in what probably looked like narrowing circles from above, slowly making his way closer into 'enemy territory.' It was almost as if something was calling out to him...beckoning him to come closer...
But that was silly, wasn't it? Of course it was. He knew better than to do something as foolish as this. While he still seemed like a young Banthi adult on the outside, something in the male's slitted eyes implied that a soul resided within that had seen and experienced more than one of his years would have normally.
His tail dragged lazily in the dust, his pace lagging a bit as he grew distracted by his own thoughts.
You know they'll just chase you off when they catch you. Just like all the others. Why give them the satisfaction of driving off the freak?
The cobra Banthi's hood drooped just a bit, though his face held the same resolute expression. As nice as it might have been for once to be able to remain in one place for more than a day or so, he couldn't expect to be allowed to do so. He'd gotten his hopes up before only to have them dashed to pieces upon the rocks before his eyes. No, there was no place for him and there never would be. He'd learned to accept that.
The life of a cobra was destined to be a lonely one.
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Posted: Thu Mar 13, 2008 7:56 am
With the mouse's body resting in front of a statue, Raajmuat had given the main goddess an offering of gratitude. It wasn't too long ago that the basilisk had found the little cub wandering on his own and taken him under his wing. He was even more surprised to find out that the banthi had lizard affiliations. But, he couldn't help but feel pleased that reptile blood was slowly seeping into this place.
His head was slightly dipped in respect for his goddess. His eyes were closed as he was concentrating on nothing and everything. The male didn't have any questions for the goddess or any advice that he needed from her, but he still gave her the respect she deserved with his head bowed and silence surrounding him. It wasn't until he felt something tug him deep within did he lift his head and open his milky eyes in surprise. This nagging feeling was tugging him, urging him to wander out of the temple and into the lands before him. Were the deities trying to tell him something? He tried to brush the feeling aside as he stood up and headed out of the temple. His paws carried him out, but they were not going with his will. He just couldn't brush that tugging feeling he felt, but decided that he should just go along rather than fight the urge.
His ears were pricked forward, listening to every little sound. Trying to pick out what was attracting him so. He had a few ideas, but nothing real solid. His paws were trying to feel any vibrations, to see if he was supposed to be searching for another.
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Posted: Thu Mar 13, 2008 7:18 pm
Black tongue flickering out, tasting, caressing the air...then a soft hiss of disapproval from the cobra at the realization he'd wandered even deeper into the unknown clan's territory. He'd meant to turn and be on his way! How in the world had he ended up going the wrong direction?
Slitted eyes narrowing, Naithir shifted directions abruptly, intending to head straight to the border of whatever territory this strange clan called their own...but hesitated. What was that nagging feeling in the back of his mind? He couldn't possibly be considering trying to stay here!
The idea was foolish...childish even.
Don't be an idiot. Get out of here before they find you and attack you like the others.
With a final glance over his shoulder, a hint of longing betrayed in his blue eyes, Naithir pulled away from the nagging feeling that drew him inward. His mind knew better than to follow strange urges to wander deep into another clan's territory. Especially without a clan of his own to look to for protection. The mere thought was suicidal and he knew it.
Didn't stop him from thinking it anyway.
However, his tongue flickered again and the scent of nearby Banthi was strong. He couldn't tell how many or what kind just yet, but he knew enough that he needed to move if he was going to avoid being discovered.
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Posted: Tue Mar 18, 2008 2:34 pm
As the basilisk moved silently through the land. With all the time he had spent here, Raajmuat had the area pretty much memorized in his head. It was a good thing too, since that helped when he went hunting on his own. He knew that troubled Talakin greatly, that he went off to hunt by himself and without any support, but he wasn't one that would let his sight cripple him. With each step, he could pick up the faint tremors that the other banthi was making. This was helping to aid him in the other's general location. It wasn't always his sense of smell that he relied on. He felt that it was best to rely on every sense that he has to help make up for his lack of sight.
As he could pick up the other scent, it smelled familar. Something about the smell made all his senses tingled. It hasn't done this in so long...not since he found Talakin. Talakin...his head shot up. That must mean that the other banthi was of reptile blood! This idea amused him greatly, what were the odds of him running into another of his own kind? With this in mind, he could pick up the other's scent and tremors rather effortlessly which meant that the other banthi was on the move. Probably away from where he was now. Not wanting to lose this chance, it was not often that he felt so compelled to seek another out. He spoke out, 'Does it not make you wonder why you feel so drawn to this place?'
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Posted: Wed Mar 19, 2008 11:57 pm
The telepathic call nearly caused Naithir to leap out of his very skin...though it wasn't exactly that time of year now, was it? Eyes darting back and forth, he wondered if he'd been spotted yet, or merely sensed.
He almost answered the question without a thought, but caught himself in time. Of course he wondered...but he wasn't about to... Wait a minute! How did the other know about that? Naithir had assumed that the strange longing was something of his own imagination; the cruel tricks played on a Banthi's mind after being alone for so long.
Still, habit took precedence over curiosity for the travel-worn cobra. Without knowing who he was even speaking to, he sent out a message to the mysterious Banthi somewhere nearby. His telepathic voice sounded automatic, as if he'd given this message many, many times before. 'Please, I mean no harm to either you or your clan. I'm not looking for any trouble. I was merely passing through the area and was unaware that the territory belonged to another. If left at peace, I'll quickly be on my way.'
He'd given the same excuse time and time again in the past; anytime he wandered into another clan's territory. Sometimes it was heeded and he was allowed to pass without harm...sometimes not. Hoping silently that this wasn't one of those times, the cobra's eyes continued scanning the land, tongue testing the air. If he was going to be attacked, he wasn't about to let himself be taken by surprise; that was for sure.
Yet...his mind wandered a bit. Before he could stop himself, he added another line to his earlier message, though his tone carried a hint of curiosity this time. '...what do you mean, 'drawn to this place?' '
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Posted: Tue Mar 25, 2008 1:35 pm
The dull words that the other banthi told Raajmuat came off as practiced and automatic. It made the basilisk wonder if there was something underneath the words that the other spoke. But, he couldn't help but feel a smirk flitter across his features as he knew by the latter words that he had caught the attention, and interest, of the other banthi. As he made his way closer in the other banthi's direction, his milky eyes gazed forward. 'I am not as savage to attack all who pass by.'
His ears pricked forward as he thought about how to word it to the other banthi in a way that would make it understandable. This had to be the work of the deities, leading more of his kind towards the lands. He replied, 'Do many banthis often wander into unknown marked territory just because?' He kept his stance neutral, wondering where the other banthi was, if he could be seen or not. It would be stupid to be hostile, especially when he had an inkling that this banthi was different from the others.
'The land here only calls out to a certain type of banthi,' He raised his head to get more of a wiff of the banthi's scent. He wondered silently what he looked like, like he always did with every banthi. His serpentine tail flicked slightly, with a sly grin settling on his facial features.
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Posted: Tue Mar 25, 2008 9:50 pm
It was a strange occurrence for the cobra Banthi to experience the brief feelings of embarrassment and shame at the other's words. 'Forgive me. I meant no disrespect to yourself with my words. The past has taught me that few are as considerate as such, sadly. From my own experience, many would not hesitate to attack another based simply on how one looks...'
He hesitated, paws shifting nervously in the dust. Had he said too much? He was torn...to stay and risk everything...or give up and run, risking possibly more than he ever had before? Of course, it was a foolish notion to begin with.
'Not particularly,' he answered, the briefest wry grin crossing his muzzle. 'Only the foolish ones, I suppose.' Was he kidding? Referring to himself? Who knew? Only Naithir would...and even he wasn't completely sure anymore.
Still, the other Banthi had snared Naithir's attention and it didn't seem like he'd be freeing himself any time soon at this rate. The other's words intrigued him and he couldn't leave without finding out exactly what this other voice was talking about. He sounded so sure of himself...so knowledgeable. 'A certain type of Banthi? What type would that be?' He bit back a comment about it having to be foolish ones with death wishes if he were any indication. But wait...the 'land' called out?
That feeling was growing stronger, calling him forward and perhaps against his better judgment, Naithir started forward again, his hood flared as the sun beat down warmly. His serpentine tail slithered back and forth in the dust behind him, leaving a winding trail in his wake. The scent of other Banthi grew stronger, making Naithir's instincts rather edgy. He was getting close...very close now. He should be able to see the other Banthi at anytime, and while that might be dangerous in itself, it was better to see one and know where they were than not know at all.
Imagine the cobra's surprise when the other came into sight...
Slitted eyes wide, Naithir froze in a mix of surprise and shock...and a bit of confusion. Without thinking, he exclaimed, 'You...you're like me! Granted, they still bore their differences, but this other Banthi was more like himself than any other he'd ever run into before. Much more than those fluffy others who balked at the mere sight of him, gathering in groups to drive him off in anger and fear, despite the fact he never meant anyone any harm. He couldn't help how he was born; what he looked like.
The sight of another even slightly like himself had shaken Naithir enough to let down his guard, even if for only a moment. 'This...is what you meant, isn't it?' His eyes narrowed, seeming normal again. 'Others...like us? Does that mean...there are others besides ourselves then?'
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Posted: Wed Mar 26, 2008 2:22 pm
As Raajmuat had come in the other banthi's view of sight, the basilisk couldn't help but hear the surprise from the other. It was moments like these that he cherished greatly, to know that you're not the last of your kind...that there are others out there similar in nature to your own. That's what he was hoping to start here in their sacred lands, in the temple of their deities. As he stood there, letting the other get closer to where he was, he took in the male's scent. It was strong, a sharp reptilian scent that only those of similar natures possessed. And with his acute sense of smell, he was glad that for once, it didn't let him down.
With a slight nod of his head, he answered the male's questions. 'Of course. Only those of similar nature to our own can hear or feel the calling of our land. Those not of similar nature just think that this is just the same land as anywhere else.' He growled at the last part softly. It was a disgrace to consider these lands similar to the lands that holds other banthis. But, he pushed that bitter thought aside before he gave the other a sly grin, 'Did you think you were all alone? Well, you wouldn't be the first, let me tell you.'
It was the worst feeling in the world, being all alone and rejected from everyone. But, that was the past. Today, was a new day, a new era that he was creating with the help of others. 'There are a few with me in the temple,' He couldn't help but to ask, 'Which nature are you affiliated with? It pains me to be without the mundane sight, so therefore I am curious as to what type you are.'
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Posted: Wed Mar 26, 2008 3:21 pm
'To be honest, I did,' Naithir admitted. For some reason, he felt no more reservations about speaking with the other. Perhaps it was their similar natures, or maybe it was something in the other's voice. Whatever it was, he found himself continuing and telling more than he'd ever told another Banthi. 'In all my travels, I've met a lot of other Banthi, but never another like myself. Apparently, I was looking in all the wrong places, hmm?'
Naithir was relieved to hear that there were others as well. What would they all look like? Act like? The thoughts assaulting his mind were staggering and dizzying. As he stepped closer still to the new Banthi, his eyes tracked upwards at the other's statement and only now did he notice the milky white gaze that met his own. He hadn't even noticed before, used to keeping his eyes low and not meeting those of others. He probably wouldn't have noticed if the other hadn't pointed it out.
'Nature? Err...I think I was told once specifically. Mal...Mala...some sort of spitting cobra, if I recall. It's been some time since then...let alone since I've talked to another Banthi about myself. Forgive me my awkwardness.' He trailed off with a soft chuckle, still eying the other curiously.
'Err...if it's not a problem to ask...could I inquire a bit about yourself? As I said, I've never seen another like myself, so I'm curious. What nature are you?'
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Posted: Wed Mar 26, 2008 5:15 pm
The basilisk could understand the words that Naithir spoke about. Raajmuat knew what it was like to travel for so long and not meet another like himself. With a smirk, 'It takes trial and error before you find your way in life.'
Though, when he listened to the other talk about his nature, it made the basilisk's facial features harden. A cobra. Cobras were something that he had very little pleasant memories of, as the cobras were the ruling family in his old clan, and one of the many that spoke highly of killing him. Though, this male's scent held nothing of his old clan and he shouldn't be so rash to dismiss him because of what he was. It would be like turning against himself for what he was. Pushing any dark feelings down, he'd dwell on them later. His past. Those dreadful and hateful memories that'd haunt him forever. 'We have a decent number of banthis here at the temple residing with me. I expect it to grow over time, once the calling gets stronger to those of our nature. I hope to help revive our kind, to bring back our pride, our strength, and our culture so that we're not just another clan lost forever in the passing of time.'
It was only natural for the other to be curious about him, he knew he must be a strange sight to behold. His voice was bitter as he spoke, ' Curisoity is only natural, and something I cannot withhold. My story is nothing pleasant, but I would not wish it upon anyone,' He paused to narrow his eyes slightly, not towards the cobra but at himself. He purely hated what he was, he would never accept what he was, what his father had turned him into, but the love from his mother made him compassionate at the very least. 'I am the worst nature there is, at least in my clan's eyes. I was cursed with the nature of the Basilisk, a monster to all but my mother.' He spoke the last part softly, he held his mother very dear to his heart. A soft snarl was caught in his throat as he pushed some memories aside. As he raised his head a bit and turned his attention back towards Naithir, 'I can only imagine all the questions you must have, but at least I am thankful for the deities for bringing you here and a chance for you to see that you're not alone.'
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Posted: Wed Mar 26, 2008 7:38 pm
Practiced skills reading other Banthi, useful normally for predicting attack, aided Naithir this time in noting the subtle reaction to his description of his own nature. While he had no knowledge of this clan or its history, let alone of the ties to cobras in the other Banthi's mind, he knew enough to realize that the tiny shift in the other's demeanor betrayed a negative reaction to Naithir's own history. It was enough to make him falter, hesitating just a moment as he wondered if even this Banthi was about to turn on him for the way he was born.
However, the dark foreboding feeling faded and Naithir lapsed once more into an uneasy, seemingly-relaxed state. 'That sounds like a loftly goal there...but worthwhile. If there truely are others like myself out there, I'm sure they'd love to know of such a clan and such a place.'
Honestly, the idea of a clan was still foreign to Naithir and a bit disconcerting on some level. As far as he could remember, he'd never been welcomed into any clan. Not to say he hadn't been a part of one once...just that he hadn't been welcome. As soon as he'd begun to grow, his hood forming and taking shape, he'd been driven off by the other Banthi. He'd made the others uneasy, so the Alphas had taken the suggestions of others to heart and expelled him from the clan as a mere adolescent. He'd had no parents to speak of and no one had objected on his behalf. Afterwards, he'd been chased off by every other clan he'd come across. With such a history, it was no wonder he held such a distrust in the concept of clans. How could one ever trust others?
At the same time...he felt an undying curiosity to know what it was like to be one of the others...welcomed into a clan and belonging somewhere...
However, something about the other Banthi's explanation confused Naithir. 'Perhaps I'm ignorant of you and your clan's ways and history, but I'm not sure I understand. How is the nature of the Basilisk cursed? At least, how are you any more cursed than I am by the nature of the cobra? Neither you nor I can help the way we were born. And yet, I get the feeling we've both known the persecution that other Banthi hold for our kind.'
Granted, Naithir hadn't even known there were others of his kind until a few minutes ago...but if there was one who said there were others...
Eyes narrow with only seriousness, no malicious intent, Naithir continued. 'Yes, I do have some questions, but you'll have to forgive me for now if my thoughts are too jumbled to form a coherent inquisition at this time. Perhaps with a little more time to absorb this, I'll be ready for a more informative exchange. For now though, I too am thankful to learn that I'm not alone. If possible, I look forward to meeting the others one day.' Nodding slightly, the cobra offered a small pleasantry that he couldn't remember offering recently, if ever at all in these exchanges.
'I am Naithir.'
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Posted: Thu Mar 27, 2008 11:46 am
The basilisk sat down and curled his tail tightly around his body. It was a stance that Raajmuat often took when he was praying to the deities or just listening to the land. His thoughts started to jumble together before he pushed them all aside. Offending memories!
At the male's question, it was innocent enough. The other didn't grow up in the same environment and thus, didn't have the same understands that he did even if they are of a similar nature. 'In my old clan, we were separated by what type of snake you represented. Depending on what type of snake you represented helped to determine your status within the clan. If you had parents of different types, the type that you represented more of is where you were placed in the clan,' He paused briefly, 'There was a myth within the clan about the basilisk. Apparently there was a banthi that had the nature of the basilisk, but turned out to be a monster and went on a rampage. Whether the myth was true or not, no one knew. But even if it wasn't, the fear was so deeply rooted within the clan that when I was born, I was quickly label an abomination and had it not been for my mother protecting me, I would have been killed before my eyes were opened.' He let out a growl at the last part, it still made him bitter to think that his clan would kill an innocent cub because of a deeply rooted fear.
As he let the memories fade, he turned his head slightly towards Naithir. With the introduction, he had almost thought about giving out his real name, but that would have not been a smart move at the moment. With this just being their first meeting, how would he know that he could still trust the male? 'A pleasure. I'm Basilisk.' He gave the male a sly grin in reply.
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Posted: Wed Apr 09, 2008 8:26 am
'Basilisk, hmm? How...appropriate.' Chuckling softly, Naithir took up a more relaxed position, dropping his haunches to the ground and tail coiling up in the dust. The cobra listened silently to Basilisk's story, absorbing the details given both in word and in action, his mind piecing both parts of the story together before he dared speak again. He knew there was more going on in the other male's mind than he was sharing, and while he didn't blame him for keeping his own secrets, Naithir thought only of how he needed to tread carefully for now, lest he inadvertently offend by crossing some line he could not see.
Some line, ironically, visible only to the blind Basilisk.
'That is...truly horrible,' he finally muttered, shaking his head sadly with honest sympathy. 'As unfortunate as I may have believed my own situation, it seems that I still had things rather easy in comparison.' He wasn't about to get into an argument over whose life had been harder, though he had to admit, at least his original clan hadn't tried to kill him. At least, he didn't think so...not now. At the time, he might have believed it, which was why he'd allowed them to drive him off when he was no more than a large cub. He saw now that the Alphas were only trying to satiate the majority of the clan by getting rid of him. Better to have been chased off with at least a small chance of surviving on his own than to be killed outright. He had to thank them for that much, little as it might be.
Still, this new information about the old clan being sorted by classes depending on the type of snake represented? That could explain a lot...at least, the other's odd reaction earlier to learning of Naithir's nature. Apparently, something unpleasant was related to the cobra line. As much as Naithir would have liked to know what it was, he knew better than to press on the matter right now. Basilisk's earlier mood shift had been enough to unnerve the cobra Banthi for today. Perhaps later....or perhaps one of these others like themselves that Basilisk had mentioned would be a bit less intimidating to ask. Someone else might know afterall, right?
'Forgive me again for my ignorance,' he continued, dipping his head slightly as if forgetting the other could not see it. 'I know no other way to remedy this condition aside from asking questions, but in this instance, I'd like to apologize for bringing up unpleasant memories. I can't imagine this ever being an easy topic to touch on, no matter the circumstance nor amount of time passed. If it would be preferable, I'd like to talk more about the clan today, the new one that you are working so hard to build. How it is organized, what it is that you do...matters such as that.'
He left out the silent question at the back of his mind...the one that kept asking whether there was room in this new clan for one more, and whether they would have him, after so many had rejected him.
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