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 Posted: Tue Jul 17, 2012 3:23 pm
 The night sky was beautiful. Staring out into the vast emptiness, Mneme found herself at peace on the high rocks of the Stormborn territory. Out here, with only her thoughts and the rolling waves for company, the little goddess found herself attempting to make peace with her thoughts. While getting along with mortals was easier now than it had been, she still found herself lost in many regards of their lives.
The Stormborn were terrifying- far too brutal for a timid little soul like her. Yet these lands and these cliffs comforted her, and were the only home that she’d ever known. And Raiden was her friend! Leaving him would break her heart, first off, and leave her with only the rogues she knew in the grasslands for company.
It wasn’t that they were bad company, mind you. Mneme just wasn’t certain how she’d locate them again, if she’d even be able to do it.
Sighing to herself, Mneme laid her head upon her paws, allowing her wings to flutter in the cool breeze. At least the weather was night. Here, in the open air, she could unfurl her wings and enjoy the water, immense and endless before her. Sure, being a bird was fun, but being herself was far more peaceful. It felt more natural, more right, to be stretched out along the rocks, letting her fur be ruffled by the wind.
It also didn’t feel like every breeze was going to throw her off balance, at her correct and normal size.
“Oh, Mneme,” the little goddess sighed once more, flicking her tail in thought as she stared at the waters below.
“What are you going to do with yourself? Can’t just mope around like this all night, poor girl…”
Maybe- just maybe- if she articulated her thoughts, Mneme could think of an answer to give herself. Where was she going with her life?
She just didn't know.
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Posted: Tue Jul 17, 2012 4:17 pm
 It was dark and he should be asleep, but the large reaver wasn't interested in rest at the moment. In fact, he wasn't sure if he had ever been a very restful lion, as sleep never came easy to him. As an ex-rogue he had had to deal with open territory, and more than once challengers had come in the night hoping to get the best of him. So it just became his routine to sleep lightly and rigidly.
Ever since coming to the Stormborn he'd found it difficult to let go of old habits, his sleeping pattern being one of them. Now he found himself wandering, the chill wind of the night biting at his back, and the sound of crashing waves catching his attention. Apparently he'd gone in the direction of the ocean, and though he had investigated it before, it was still a strange sight. Strange how his paws would lead him here, but then it was a foreign place to him.
In his approach, he did not notice the pale figure at first, but as he drew closer to the edge of the rocky outcropping his ruby eyes were drawn in the direction of a pale vision. Maybe he was still tired, but that didn't seem likely. He paused in his step, unsure if he wanted company, but it was his curiosity that drew him closer. He could not yet see her fully, but her voice was enough to draw him in. "Moping doesn't sound like any fun at all", he commented, sitting himself down several yards away, facing the raging waters. He had never seen her before, but then he hadn't gotten a good look at her yet either.
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Posted: Tue Jul 17, 2012 4:53 pm
Her train of thought was interrupted by the newcomer- startling out of her reverie, Mneme turned to look at this new lion, worry evident on her features. She hadn’t even had the time to switch into her godly voice; he’d heard her, plain and simple, as unintimidating as she’d ever been. Staring at him, even as his attentions were turned to the sea, Mneme wondered just what his intentions were.
He hadn’t made any claim to killing her in the future, but… if he was out here, it meant that he was Stormborn. And with the Stormborn came the possibility she’d be overpowered. While she wasn’t going to be a nervous wreck through this whole meeting, Mneme had no intent of letting her guard down. Fluttering her wings several times, she managed to coax them down once more, and resumed laying on the rock.
Her eyes remained trained on the visitor, however, ever cautious and alert.
“I… suppose moping isn’t quite the solution, no,” she conceded, nodding slightly at the thought. A small smile played at her features after a moment, however, and the goddess turned towards the waters once more in order to mask it.
“But Stormborn aren’t the sort for thought at all, are they? At least, that’s been my understanding so far,” the comment was followed by a soft little laugh, and Mneme found herself able to uncoil from the tension that had taken her.
This wouldn’t be so bad, Mneme. Just relax. If all else failed, you could fly away.
“I don’t believe we’ve met before, stranger. If I may ask it of you, what is your name?”
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Posted: Tue Jul 17, 2012 8:48 pm
He had not meant to startle her, but neither did he offer an apology for doing so. A gentlemen might have, but Don had never been such a thing. In his life he'd been a brutal and cruel killer, calculating in nature, and strong of paw and fang. However, he had never been outright nasty, more of a calm storm that brewed and threatened to burst forth when needed. While his attention was still on the sloshing of the waves below he flicked an ear in her direction, listening to the sound of her voice and catching her quiet laughter.
"On the contrary, some of us are more prone to thought than others. Though I see your point", he replied evenly, calmly. Many of the Stormborn he met had been nothing but mindless fighters or bickerers, throwing their weight around where it didn't belong; whereas, others held a cunning that Don appreciated. It all depends on who you talked to, and thus far the ex-rogue preferred the later. "My name is Don, and you are-?"
When his ruby gaze did manage to flick over to the pale form, he had expected to see a Stormborn lioness; perhaps a freeborn. What he did not expect to see was the wild and untamed form of a Goddess. Golden as sunlight, dipped in blood red and with eyes as void as the moon. Even in the darkness of the night such bright things could not be hidden. It took him by surprise, a lion who naturally guarded himself against emotion, and ran away with him. Those things alone had given him a start, but it was the delicate glimmer of pale wings in the moonlight that grabbed his eye. He found himself quite taken with a feeling that, in all rights, he had suppressed throughout his youth and into adulthood. She was... truly stunning.
"If this is what you look like under the moonlight, I can not imagine how you'd shimmer under the sun." Those words escaped him before he could bottle them up, but the reaver had to get control of himself again. It wasn't like him to run away with these sorts of feelings, and though there was some awe to be expected for being in the presence of a goddess, he didn't think that was all there was to it. The large lion settled himself, moving to lay down on his belly, as if the slightest of steps forward might startle her away into the night. "And here I thought I was awake, of all things." Surely, this was unreal.
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Posted: Tue Jul 17, 2012 11:16 pm
“Don,” she repeated, still trying to keep her airs about her. It wouldn’t do to have this lion thinking less of her, even if he’d caught her off guard. There was a certain levity she could keep in this persona, were she to keep her wits about her. Her eyes were still terrifying, and if she used the idea that it was a trick of the moonlight, then—
What? Wait, what? When Don suddenly threw so many compliments her way, Mneme was entirely caught off guard. For a moment, she simply stared at him, confusion evident on her features. This… had Raiden put this stranger up to this joke? Surely, that is what this had to be. She was… strange. Not like other lions, in the least.
The gods she’d met and heard tales of were beautiful- strong and powerful, their wings were feathered and elegant, and they stood proud above their mortal brethren. Mneme was… small. Small was a good way to start it. And meek, and strange, with empty eyes and wings like a bug’s… how anyone could say these kind things to her, she’d never understand.
“I— I— I don’t know what to say,” she stammered meekly, horribly embarrassed by her complete misunderstanding. Raising her head slightly, Mneme looked about the area, attempting to find some explanation for the desperately confusing situation. When she found none available, the little goddess bit her lip nervously, then turned back to Don once more.
“Surely you can’t mean me, I…” Mneme mumbled, laying down as if to try and disappear. She laughed uneasily, making to cover her face with her paws.
“My eyes are strange, and so are my wings. And if you’re Stormborn, well. Well look at me! I’m tiny, compared to the lionesses here! I’m nothing special at all.” She pleaded, tone horrifically uneasy.
“If this is some sort of joke, I… I don’t find it terribly funny. Or funny at all.”
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Posted: Wed Jul 18, 2012 9:34 am
The last thing he had expected to see was a goddess enjoying the night in Stormborn territory, but what surprised him further was her shyness. To be fair, it was kind of adorable to see a creature of pure power so meek. "I assure you, I do not jest. It is not something I'm fond of", the reaver replied as evenly as before, wrestling to regain his composure. Goddesses were strange creatures, beautiful, primal and wild in nature. With the sea raging below them and the moon shining brightly above he could not have imagined a more mystifying scene to behold her. He had grown up on the savannah, alone and wicked, and had found himself on the edge of the earth, starring at an angry sea and what might have been a benevolent Fey Queen no more than a few yards away.
"Aye, I'm Stormborn alright, but I've lived almost all my life out in the roguelands", he offered, placing his chin on rather large paws. Don was nothing but patient in most matters, and he wasn't in a hurry to get to know this Goddess. For all he knew, it would take centuries to get to know one of her kind fully, but he supposed he didn't have that long. Collecting himself and his thoughts the golden lion returned his gaze to the sea, thinking it might help ease whatever sort of embarassment she was feeling. "Your eyes are not strange, they are bold and bright like the moon. As for your wings, they are delicate and glittering like the stars. I do not have such things, to me... to a mortal, they are beautiful." He said these things as a smile played at his maw, his gaze watching rise and fall of waves as they splashed angrily onto the rocky cliffs of his new home.
Still, he became curious about her, and he lifted his head to once more glance in her direction. "So what has you hanging around Stormborm territory? I can't imagine we're all that interesting." At least not when he was concerned. He fought, he sparred, and he went Viking, that's really all Don did. Was that entertainment for a deity? He wasn't sure, but it was kind of funny.
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Posted: Wed Jul 18, 2012 12:52 pm
“Well… if you’re being honest, then… thank you. It is a far kinder compliment than I… well. Than I’ve ever been paid,” she admitted, still flustered by his interest in her. While she had several lions that she called friend, Mneme had ever been complimented in such a way. They’d only assured her she wasn’t frightening; not once had they spoken such kind words as Don.
Knowing that he wasn’t attempting to make her feel worse about herself, Mneme uncurled from her nervous position, allowing her wings to lay to rest once more. If he was genuine in his kindness, well- she had nothing to fear. And no judgment would come from this male for her strange form. Really, she might’ve found another friend! One who wouldn’t reveal the secret of her godly nature.
“Oh, you’re very interesting to me! I’ve… little experience with mortals, admittedly. This life is a new one for me.” Mneme conceded, closing her eyes as she recounted the tale.
“I’ve completely erased my past, I’ve found. All I know is my name, my domain, and my powers. I’ve a brother, somewhere, but…” Mneme sighed once more, turning to look at Don as she continued.
“I can’t find him. The last of my past is a complete mystery to me. So I’ve essentially apprenticed myself to your God of Thunder, and am learning from him in your pride. What may seem mundane and average to you is a complete new world to me! Your culture, and your challenges… I find them utterly fantastic! Oh, if I could fight the way you do, I’d be a much better Goddess. Or, at least, a more respectable one. A Goddess that could be admired, and respected, and... protect her followers with more than destroying minds.”
A minute after she’d spoken the words, Mneme realized she’d rambled- and revealed a great deal of information to a practical stranger. Flushing in embarrassment, Mneme’s ears flattened, and she once more laughed nervously.
“Oh- oh goodness, I’m so sorry! I did not mean to talk your ears off.”
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Posted: Thu Jul 19, 2012 11:58 am
"No, no, I don't mind listening", he assured her, comfortable in his position on the ground. Ah, there she was, opening up and not hiding from him anymore. And revealing quite a bit of information. "The god of Thunder? That's got to be an interesting apprenticeship." He'd never met him of course, only heard about him in the Stormborn's tales. Of course, he was also a worshiped god of the pride, so that little tidbit certainly caught his attention. Though he focused more on what she was talking about herself, how someone could force themselves into forgetting their entire past was beyond him, but it was an extraordinary feat no less. "Maybe some day you'll be able to find your brother," he offered, considering. Was this brother mortal or god? Either way it seemed like a daunting task.
When she mentioned her inability to fight physically he could only smile at that, snorting softly. "Destroying minds sounds like a nifty trick though, but if you'd like I can show you the basics of protecting yourself and others physically. I've been doing it all my life, I wouldn't mind teaching you a few things." Honestly he wouldn't, if he could help such a beautiful creature just a little bit it would be worth the time. Though the thought of such a tiny creature physically trying to fight something off was slightly worrying, but he supposed a goddess would have a few tricks up her sleeve.
He was tempted to get up and move closer, and he would have, if he didn't think it would frighten her into taking flight away from him. This strange encounter was fascinating to him, it enthralled him, as she herself seemed to do. It was difficult to look away, and Don wasn't sure that he wanted to. These feelings, these desires to help her, they weren't normal for the ex-rogue. And it made him wonder, why? Certainly her beauty and her meek demeanor had something to do with it, something that drew her in. The way the moon shone on the waves and the stars twinkled up above, there was something truly supernatural about this night.
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Posted: Thu Jul 19, 2012 12:32 pm
“He’s…” Mneme began, about to tell this lion of her friendship with Raiden, when something in the back of her mind stopped her. While she thought it alright to share the details of her own life, the secrecy her friend kept spoke volumes of his relationship with mortals. It probably wouldn’t do to out him like that, then. Smiling a bit stupidly, Mneme decided to go with the story that seemed to fit his ideals.
“He’s very scary- a rather large god, with great wings and terrible strength. How he could be kind to a little thing like me, well… I suppose I’m very lucky that Gods tend to stick together.” She offered, content with how that sounded. Nothing too revealing, and it helped keep the idea that he was great and powerful. Certainly, if Raiden heard of this encounter, he’d be pleased!
At the mention of finding her brother, Mneme snapped from her thoughts of Raiden, and nodded a bit to herself.
“I… certainly hope so. If he was important enough for me to keep memories of him, I’d like to think we got along well. Or could be friends again,” she added, looking to the ocean’s waters. Would he still like her, even after she’d destroyed her memories? Or would it make things awkward between them? So many thoughts plagued her conscience, driving her to these unreasonable bouts of fear and worry.
When Don offered to train her physically, and help her learn to fight, Mneme perked up, smiling brightly at her companion.
“Are- are you certain? Most of my fighting ability, well… I use my powers if I need to hunt. You might be disappointed with me, as a student.” And it was likely true. For a member of the Stormborn to take on someone like her, who didn’t know how to fight… she feared disappointing Don, and making him regret this kind offer. While Raiden might not have associated with mortals, Mneme found them absolutely wonderful, and would hate to upset any of them.
“I’m very grateful, none the less! Thank you, Don, for being so kind.”
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Posted: Thu Jul 19, 2012 3:16 pm
Had the God of Thunder not been described as scary, Don might have laughed. From everything he'd heard from his Stormborn brethren, all of their worshiped Gods were capable of frightening strength. It suited the pride that believed they were descended from such creatures, though that particular belief was the one Don had the most trouble adjusting to. Perhaps it was rogue lifestyle that led him to believe otherwise, but the golden lion did not question it openly. And perhaps, he would eventually come to realize its truth later. It was good that this little goddess was apprenticing under the eye of such a powerful God! Only greatness and glory could come of such a thing. "A worthy endeavor to learn from your peers, and from a powerful God as well", Don approved.
Her little tidbits about her brother had his ears flicking forward, pondering. Don remembered his family, but he had no desire to see them again, or speak with them of old times. They were normal, boring, and expected favors to which they were not willing to do themselves. That bothered him more than anything. But he also realized that other lions- other beings, had families as well, and they might be on better terms with theirs than he was with his. He wondered if this Goddess would be able to find her brother, but it was not his place to ask.
His claws flexed as she asked if he was certain and Don could only smirk. "Of course. Everyone should know at least the basics of fighting, to help keep themselves and others protected." Though Don wasn't really one to fight the battles of others, he was prone to wishing to protect things he cared for. "Its not a problem, and it won't be a bother. Just let me know what you're comfortable with and I wouldn't mind showing you a few things." For instance, he wasn't sure if this beautiful creature would be willing to kill, and so he was already pondering different strategies that might not involve claws or teeth.
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Posted: Fri Jul 20, 2012 6:22 pm
“I’m at the disadvantage that I never learned to hunt, unfortunately,” Mneme told him, a bit embarrassed by the fact. She’d realized, since she’d started meeting and interacting with mortals, that… they had to eat and drink on a regular basis. Mneme had flown along for some hunts, curious and hoping to observe, and found that they looked absolutely difficult! That amount of stealth and focused power that went into hunts was beyond her.
“We don’t eat, you know. Gods and Goddesses, I mean. So nobody ever taught me, as far as I can recall!” She giggled, glad to have a mortal around to… well, show her how to be mortal. Raiden was great for social things, but he was used to being big and tough. Don, while still large, was more on her playing field, and understood basic things she needed to learn.
Mneme nodded enthusiastically at the topic of being able to protect things. She thought of Mihko, so fragile and scared, and how amazing it would be to teach her courage through strength. Smiling as brightly as possible, Mneme hopped down from her resting spot, and trod to stand in front of Don. Though she was not as tall as him, she did not fear looking him in the eye- and somehow smiled even brighter.
“This means the world to me, Don. Thank you so much.”
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Posted: Thu Jul 26, 2012 2:37 pm
To say the least, Don was interested, and perhaps a bit surprised to learn that Gods and Goddesses did not sustain themselves like mortals. He supposed she had never tasted a fresh kill either, nor had the satisfaction of knowing you caught the creature yourself. It wasn't exactly problematic to teaching her how to fight, but it meant he'd have to start at the basics. It was a small price to pay for the charming little Goddess in front of him, and he would prefer she knew how to defend herself physically in case something ever came up. Did Gods fight each other? He wasn't sure, but the more he thought about it the more he suspected there might be some that could resist her 'mind destroying' abilities. Or at least, those were the thoughts of an increasingly interested mortal, and a daring male who found himself more and more absorbed in the alluring, wild beauty of a Goddess.
As she approached Don remained relaxed in posture, ruby eyes following her movement until she stood in front of him. He noticed her smile, and he swelled with a proud knowledge that he was so close to such a creature. His mortal eyes also remained on hers, starring into the bright abyss of her moon colored eyes. A grin flashed across his maw as she spoke her words of thanks, and the large lion took upon himself to stand. The fear of her running away dissipating for the most part, as she had approached him first. "We can start at the basics, as learning to hunt would have taught you how your body works", he replied steadily, more quietly now that she was standing in front of him. "The first thing to note, is how your body moves. It may seem trivial, but its crucial predicting your next move as well as your opponents."
The brute of a lion began to walk slowly around her, keeping his posture non-threatening as he did so. "Walk opposite of me. Watch how I move, how my step leads me forward and turns me inward. While doing so, feel your own muscles pull you along, and be aware of which ones flex at your neck, shoulders, and legs. They wield your weapons, your claws and fangs", he paused in his words, flexing his paws as he stepped and revealing his claws that now dug into the stone. "These are the tools that will help you protect yourself and the ones you care about." It did occur to Don that they were on the cliffs, with the waves crashing violently under them, but his pupil had wings and so he was not all too worried about her safety. As for himself, Don was no stranger to dangerous situations, and though he was aware of the possible treacherous step over the side, he did not allow fear to grip him. His mind was set on teaching the Goddess how to fight, for reasons he understood as well those he did not.
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Posted: Mon Jul 30, 2012 5:51 pm
For a moment, Mneme simply watched Don circle around her, observing how he moved and listening to his words. Even relaxed like this, there was a power in his gait- the little goddess would not want to be on the opposite end of his claws. Still watching him, she very carefully mirrored his walk. Focusing on Don’s words, and her own movements, Mneme was suddenly made aware of how much thought she could put into her stride.
Her shoulders would pull forward, and her body would follow in turn. While it felt strange and forward, Mneme realized there was an innate sense in these motions. Every muscle that pulled and relaxed was a natural and right motion. Keeping with the serious nature of this lesson, Mneme made certain that a smile didn’t pull at her maw. It would be horrible if Don thought she wasn’t taking this seriously. She was simply… excited, she supposed, was a good word for it.
Feeling and hearing the tap of her claws against the stone, Mneme gave herself several rounds in this focused state, learning the way her body moved when tensed and relaxed. When she felt decently satisfied with her practice, she looked over to Don’s face, tilting her head slightly.
“No powers, I would assume?” She asked, wanting to clarify before she did anything foolish. Turning into an elephant or a rhino didn’t seem terribly fair, if she were learning to fight honestly. And teleporting… well, that seemed like cheating too.
And Mneme was going to take this very seriously.
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Posted: Tue Aug 07, 2012 8:16 am
Moonstone Dazzle x.x Work decided I'm tasty and has been trying to eat me lately. Sorry for the delay!
"Not for this exercise, no", he replied without breaking stride or eye contact. "But in a fight for your life everything is fair game." Maybe not so fair to mortals, but he didn't want to see the beautiful creature before him get maimed. In a sudden movement, the slightest of twitches from his inside leg, shoulder, and neck the only alert to his intent, Don turned inward- now walking at her. He remained walking, however, as he was just trying to demonstrate how quickly the tide of battle may turn. "Watch your opponent for signs of what they may do next. Do not get caught off guard, or it may land you in serious trouble." Of course, he did continue to walk towards her, he did not look particularly menacing, but he do not look like he would be stopping. He was curious. Would she back-off? Or would she stand her ground? It may give him some in sight on to further continue this training exercise. It wasn't everyday that one got the opportunity to train a goddess.
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Posted: Thu Aug 16, 2012 6:09 pm
“I’ll keep that in mind,” Mneme called back, making certain to put her powers to rest. It wasn’t very fair, in a training exercise, if she simply blinked herself somewhere else. Raiden might have been able to keep up with it, were he here, but…
No. Her thoughts had to stay focused on this exercise. Drawing a deep breath to steady herself, she nearly blinked and missed his turn- and now he was coming at her. Instinct told her to back away in a panic, but… That didn’t seem like it would be beneficial to this. Bracing herself, Mneme stood and watched Don approaching her, lowering herself to a more defensive position.
If he were to jump, or something like that, she would have the ability to get at his belly. Right? Or what if she had misunderstood what he was going for, and left herself open for some sort of attack?
Making a decision, Mneme rose and trod forward as if to meet him- she stayed a length away at the side, however, watching him cautiously. If she kept pace with him, well… that was a reasonable decision, right?
“Would this be what you do? So that if who you’re fighting goes forward, you can get at their side?” She asked, a bit of nervousness taking her tone. Her body didn’t betray it, however, and Mneme moved as if her had the confidence to carry herself.
“I’m sorry if this isn’t right, but…” Mneme flicked her wings once as she walked, as if to punctuate her point.
“Well. I suppose learning is why I’m here, isn’t it?”
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