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 Posted: Sat Sep 28, 2013 6:55 pm
One Foot In Front of the Other
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This is a private RP between Lime (Trox) and NeonMace (Ethiriel/Leonard)
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Where: Gambino Park
When: Late September, evening
Weather: Clear and starting to get chilly.
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Posted: Sat Sep 28, 2013 7:01 pm
Now that work was starting to slow down, it gave Leo more time to cater to his physical needs as well as giving his Raeven some time outside together. The two had been cooped up in their apartment for the last few months, sorting through photos, editing and practically working nonstop and the photographer was more than happy to get a chance to stretch his legs. The two had spent the last few hours walking throughout the park, giving Ethiriel some air and sun.
The Frei was set aside after their short stroll, taking a chance to soak up some sun in peace. Leo had been thoughtful enough to leave her with a hot cup of water, which she held daintily in her lap, thumbs submerged. Unable to wear normal jackets, she was given a fleece blanket which she draped over her shoulders, looped beneath her large, silver branches. The blanket did little for her back, but with her hair let loose from its normal, low hanging bun, it was long enough to cover what her cover didn't. She was very relaxed, listening to passing runners who had long gotten used to seeing her on her perch as Leo made his laps as well.
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Posted: Sat Sep 28, 2013 7:28 pm
The new running trails had been a large attraction for Trox since he had restarted his entire workout regime. The new diet required more running to couple his hours of quick calisthenics in the gym, otherwise he'd be tight and inflexible causing immeasurable pain in his lower back. The pilot swore to himself that he wasn't becoming a crossfit nut, that he wasn't buying more into the fad than a membership and now new diet. He wouldn't fall prey to the advertisement scheme as many had to jazzercise back a decade ago. He was lying to himself of course. Harrison Troxel was indeed becoming the next poster child complete with bro-bottle and 'no bread please'. At least he knew when natural cardio was needed.
He decided to sleep in and let his body naturally pull him from sleep. Following in which he fed the dog, drank his coffee, read the news, brushed his teeth and nibbled on a banana while he dressed before deciding ******** it all and climbed back into bed. The sheets were cold and he wanted their warmth back, fingers and toes searching for any indication of the slumber he left before the dregs of his exhaustion resurfaced and pulled him under. He slept restlessly well into the afternoon.
Now Harrison hated wasted time- he felt gross, sticky and itchy from lack of activity. Sloth was always his least favorite sin. On top of that his eyes seemed heavier than before and his limbs had been infiltrated with lead, resisting his urges to actually get up and become a functioning member of society. He had paperwork and errands to run, packages to ship, emails to check...
By the time Trox was able to relax once more it was well into early evening and a chill had settled in his bones. The day had been wasted and the bumrush to complete everything left him tired. The pilot needed his energy back and furthermore needed to rest easy tonight. A single day off of activity left him an insomniac well into the early morning. So he dressed once more and grabbed the dog to head to that main attraction. Running trails. Nothing like his cardio to bring back color and put him in a good mood. He zipped up his windbreaker, adjusted his shorts and stretched a little by his car before starting a light jog. And there to his right with a blatant disregard to local leash laws trotted Trigger.
The rush of blood and burn in his lungs felt satisfying, ears blasted with 'Ready Aim Fire' as he sprinted along the dirt road. His sunglasses cast the darkening world in an darkened hue. For once the man was without his ball cap and he felt naked. Luckily he was distracted enough by the feel and flow he kept on plugging.
Suddenly a glint caught the corner of his eye and it was bright. The pilot flung his head to the side catching the soft lights of the Raevan, jaw slackening. Despite meeting Revontulet he was still caught terribly off guard for seeing another Frei in the flesh. A little bit too of guard. How did they all look so different? He thought as his ankle rolled slightly, causing him to change directory. What was that one's essence? A knee sliding into a fuzzy, warm and exposed side of his canine companion. What the ******** bit my leg?!
Trigger had yelped and snapped around back at Trox's thigh as his human counterpart all but kneed him in the ribs. Immediately the flying mass of gangly limbs and elbows careened over himself, skidding across the dirt running path and onto his back. The shepherd had no idea what had happened and bolted ahead to avoid the crash- ears pinned back as he apologized in kisses towards the nipped area on Harrison's thigh. The aviator himself was a bit too embarrassed to immediately get up and decided to stay put while he attempted to find his natural system axis. Shiiiiit that just happened.
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Posted: Sat Sep 28, 2013 7:40 pm
It wasn't necessarily the fall itself that immediately caught the Frei's attention, instead the dog's pained yelp caused her to hover slightly higher over the bench that she had been rested at. Of course, the tumble that came afterwards caused her eyes to widen, brows furrowed lightly against her lightly golden skin.
While Ethiriel had no distinction of where the fumble happened, only knowing that it was vaguely in front of her, she held her hand up to her collar, the other's fingers lightly pressing against her elbow. "My goodness, is everything all right?" Her voice was soft and gentle, unaware of the distance between them but the evening was quiet enough for her voice to carry. Her eyes scanned fruitlessly around her, unable to catch a glimpse of anything other than Leo's watch in the very, very far distance, to give her grounds.
The Frei wanted to drift to their aid but sadly she could only wait for a response, mindlessly reaching her hand back for the backrest of the bench. While her issues with sight never gave her much grief prior, the fact that someone had managed to possibly hurt themselves while she couldn't be of any assistance was frustrating.
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Posted: Sat Sep 28, 2013 7:52 pm
Trox groaned, pushing the dog from his side and attempting to get up. The bigger they are the harder they fall and all that. He felt the impact shaking through his limbs and deep in his bones- deep in his spine and it was not comfortable. That's when he noticed the Frei nearby once more. He looked craned his head to face her and adjusted his hips so he could comfortably roll onto an elbow.
Trigger had long since bored of his owners pain and happily padded over to the Frei. There was a spring in the old dog's step, mouth open in a lazy pant, tongue lolling from his run. New thing is new friend. He unabashedly went over and placed his head towards her elbow, rear end firmly planting itself into the ground and he looked pleased with himself. Mouth closed, almost intelligent before all pretenses were once again dropped for dopey grin and rolling tongue.
"Jesus." Harrison muttered slowly moving to his knees and hissing. "Some guard dog you are, Trigger, leave her alone!"
His command was futile from what he hoped was aged hearing and not blatant disregard. He wiped the gravel from his skin and grimaced at the slight 'road rash' that appeared. There'd be inappropriate jokes on monday for sure.
"I'm fine. Sorry--" He watched for a moment, really watching the Frei for a moment before scrunching his face up. Was she blind? Why would she be blind. Weren't the Raevans all 'lab babies' built towards perfection minus a few odds and ends and vulnerability from the rune? The large man got one knee up and rested there for a moment.
"Trigger, leave her be!" He laughed out, mind still racing.
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Posted: Sat Sep 28, 2013 8:04 pm
The tags jingling from the dog's neck were enough to gauge his approach, but the cold nose to her hand caused Ethiriel to give a light laugh, floating lower so that she could cup the dog's face in her hands. Her laugh turned into a smile, her rosy lips making a gentle curve. When his owner finally spoke, she looked in the general direction of his voice with an apologetic brow.
"That is relieving news!" the Frei called, attention called back by the dog's licks of adoration. She laughed again, turning her face downward as she ran her hands over his elongated face. "Trigger is quite all right! He is merely friendly, I would think." While she didn't press her forehead against Trigger, she pressed her lips and chin against the slope between his eyes as her hands snaked down his sides. Leo had always talked about getting her a dog, someone to help her when he couldn't. Ethiriel was by no means put off by the idea -- especially when she had the chance to meet a new friend. She felt close to nature, animals included.
With a soft ruffle of his fur, Ethiriel lifted her head once more in his direction. "You are not injured?"
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Posted: Sat Sep 28, 2013 8:15 pm
Trigger was most content at the new hands and leaned into the closest tangible bit there was to Ethiriel. He sniffed and got acquainted with the new scent, tail wagging slowly. Then Harrison spoke and even while called he refused to move- merely watch as the pilot struggled to stand.
"I'm always injured nowadays..." Harrison spoke as he was once more able to stand at his full height, dusting his knees off and limping towards the canine. The ankle he rolled was stiff too, great. It would warm back up to elasticity after half a mile or so once they got moving again.
He grinned softly, watching the Frei with a bewildered look as he approached. He still couldn't wrap his head around the eye disease displayed in the gentle face. It was a difficult concept- a Frei with a chronic disease. That was his own ignorance thickening as he bit his tongue. He had to change the topic and leave the poor Raevan to her day. Didn't they normally have guardians or human companions? He gave a cursory look around the park before looking back to the girl and his dog.
"Yeah, Trigger's nothin' but a sweet old dog. He wouldn't hurt a fly." He paused scrunching his face, "I mean literally. He tried to eat a fly but his jaw and tongue moved too slow and it flew out of his mouth. Pathetic but that's why I love him..."
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Posted: Sat Sep 28, 2013 8:26 pm
Ethiriel certainly had a scent that stuck out; she always carried the sweet aroma of green tea, very earthy, with the very subtle tang of silver. She pursed her lips as the dog messily licked her chin and what bit of her neck was exposed before bending further to hug his neck, still petting his head all the while.
Had she known that the man was having difficulty getting up she would have tried to offer assistance in some way, but with his facetious comment her smile faded ever so slightly. "I am truly sorry to hear... Will you be fine?"
With that, Ethiriel lightly nudged the dog's muzzle away, floating just a little higher when she heard the gravel crunch beneath his feet. Just as the man had thought it, several yards behind him came jogging the man in question. Ethiriel knew only by the watch on his arm.
"Excuse me!" the man called out, closing the distance behind him. He was rather plain looking; dressed in shorts and a tshirt, square, thick rimmed glasses resting over deep blue eyes with curtains of platinum blond framing his tanned face. His expression was dull, seeming bored with the situation other than his labored breathing. "Can I help you with something?" He finally came to a halt just behind the bench where he had left his companion. The corner of his mouth tugged just a little as he looked at the dog his Frei so lovingly tended to.
"Leonard, all is well. This man seems to have had an accident."
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Posted: Sat Sep 28, 2013 8:36 pm
Trox actually barked out a laugh at that, adjusting his black wicking shirt. The letters SERE-C were printed around a medallion- a helicopter planted in the center. It seemed all of his activewear was directly related to his current job or former service but it wasn't something to worry over. After all, the course outlined on his shirt was exactly the reason why he felt pressure changes and rain in his lower back.
"Maybe I will, it was worth it and it doesn't get any better with age. Thanks though." He started, reaching down and patting his thigh, snapping with his fingers with a whistle. Trigger's forward 'get over here' command. The old dog looked towards Trox's hand before slowly meandering over. From there, the pilot dug his fingers in the fur between Trigger's ears.
The sound of another's footsteps behind him shocked him. He hated being unawares of anyone entering or exiting his proximity. The tall man jumped, spinning on the ball of his foot to look. Whoops, this might be the guardian. He scrunched his face and pushed his sunglasses onto the top of his head, Now he was in a conundrum. He hadn't introduced himself to the Frei but felt the urge to offer his hand and greeting to the fellow man- if only to have something to say. He bet he looked like a class A park creep, approaching the Raevan. He also didn't want to appear-- racist? Speciesist? He scrunched his face and looked completely lost for a moment- completely uncomfortable in his skin.
"I tripped is all. No harm..."
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Posted: Sat Sep 28, 2013 8:48 pm
The photographer looked between the two before giving a satisfied nod, extending out his own arm before Trox had the mind to. "At least you don't seem hurt. Name's Leo, and I see you've already met Ethiriel."
As if on cue, the Frei floated just a bit higher at about 5'6" before offering a bow, tugging lightly at the sheet over her shoulders. "I apologize for not asking for your name sooner, sir. It is a pleasure, however." She gave him another warm smile as she brought her head back up, adjusting her hair as it fell out from behind her ears.
"Ethiriel usually stays here when I go on runs. I can keep tabs on her well enough while going." Taking a deep breath, still just a little winded from his laps, he tucked his hands into the pockets of his jeans, thumbs outward. Leo tilted his head, getting a better look at Trox's shirt and merely raises his brows -- his way of showing that he was impressed, at least a little. "What's a pilot doing in Gambino? Retired?"
Just a little bit disappointed that the dog had been called, however making it a point not to show it on her face, drifted back downward to 'sit' against the bench as the two talked.
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Posted: Sat Sep 28, 2013 9:05 pm
Trox slowly gave one of his single dimpled crooked grin, reaching an hand and firmly shaking the photographers hand, a practiced shake portraying confidence and discipline. He'd long since mastered the General introductions and competence tests- as if a single handshake was the real first impression. He shook his head and thought about just how much the Aviation branch was a 'good ole' boys club'. Oh well.
"Leo- good to meet you. Name's Harrison," He nodded, retracting his hand and rubbing a palm over his elbow. The gravel of the dirt path was lodged in there well- not damaging mind you, just finding and making imprints and crannies to stick to. He brushed them away and tilted his head at the question.
That was discomforting, a look of confusion crossed his face and he squinted- how the flyin' hell did he- oh. A hand came up and touched the design on his left. He wasn't exactly subtle about his disposition was he. His mouth formed a small 'o' and chuckled nodding.
"Yeah. I retired a while back. Active service- C Co 1st of the 132nd." He rattled off, waving a hand in the air. He felt uncomfortable now, knowing he left his sidearm locked away in the glove box. He dropped a hand and checked his back just to be sure that no, there was no 9mm resting there and yes, he was defenseless.
Paranoia was still rife in the older man. While the world may not be out to get him, select individuals might be. But this man had something else in common.
"I fly for DHS now, slower paced, just as fun." He babbled out quickly hoping the acronym would throw them off of the conversation and then to change topics. He turned his attention to the Frei and scrunched his face as he grasped at his memory.
"Ethiriel, I have the sinking suspicion y'all are with LAB 305, no?" He turned back to Leo with an inquisitive but equally knowing look.
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Posted: Sun Nov 03, 2013 8:01 pm
Much like the man had trained for the handshake was certainly impressive, Leo’s eyebrows remaining raised as he formed a grin of his own. The look of confusion was amusing on his worn face, though it wasn’t long until the photographer’s returned to its normal, passive state. He was still impressed, mind you, but it sometimes felt like his expressions couldn’t lean too far one way or the other without his cheeks or brows getting tired. He didn’t much care for the sensation.
He had no idea how uncomfortable Trox was now that he was ‘exposed.’
”It’s good to meet you, Harrison.” Leo said, lifting his chin attentively while the man prattled off about his new position. His brows raised again, lips tugging into a knowing and semi-impressed frown before turning his attention back toward his Frei, then to their new companion. Leo would have responded but Harrison was quick to address Ethiriel directly so he opted to stay silent, giving her the spotlight instead.
While she was slow to respond, Ethiriel gave a nod and lifted her head in the man’s vague direction. ”But of course, sir. I was created by the Doctor Kyou.” she said, dipping her head as if it were an absolute confirmation. She had no idea that his attention was no longer on her.
”It won’t be long now until she’s two. Roughly three months now; I didn’t receive her until a few days later but she was born on New Year’s Eve.” Leo said, swelling with just the tiniest bit of pride.
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Posted: Sat Nov 09, 2013 5:23 pm
"No s**t, huh? New Years Eve. That's probably one of the best birthdates I'd figger," Harrison said, smiling over at Leo and shrugging, "Yenno, start both years off fresh. Diets, gym memberships, tha' whole thing..."
The aviator shifted from foot to foot, allowing Trigger to lean against him. He felt a little more exposed now. But, technically this group was the new community he was walking into. The empty soul bottle resting in its case at home. His fingers itched and he glanced from Leo to Ethiriel and back. He was nervous, this whole dad thing was getting to him, clawing at the back of his mind. And the Raevans weren't exactly children were they. He bit his bottom lip and lifted a leg, spontaneous quad stretching always allowed for those extra moments of awkward silence to be slightly less awkward.
"I uh... I myself am joining that- your crew... I guess. I met another Lab... goer and..." Harrison gestured to Ethiriel's lower half, ribbon and rune, before dropping his hand because- well that was rude, "her... daughter?"
He was cautious with his word choices because Leo and Eth might have a very different relationship than strict parental. Especially when Leo looks like he just finished high school - could be a more friendship based thing. Harrison felt old again.
"Either way, I've got the bottles at home, met with the... punk rocker? and... well," Harrison shrugged, "Apparently soul finding is more difficult than originally anticipated."
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Posted: Sat Nov 09, 2013 6:05 pm
”Yeah,” Leo chuckled, passing a glance back toward Eth before beckoning her over with his watch, then returning his attention to Trox, ”it’s certainly changed a few things in my life but I definitely appreciate it.” Once Eth was in his arm, floating daintily and staring just past Trox, the photographer adjusted so that both of them could be comfortable, leaning on one side.
The two listened carefully but both were a bit surprised by Trox’s awkward and rocky speech. He seemed so unsure and it was a bit concerning, especially if he was going to be taking care of a Raeven, himself – Leo had come to learn of them a few years before even obtaining Ethiriel, and even though he never was 100% sure he would ever get one of his own he prepared. He was extremely fascinated by them and actually had a decent collection of portraits from those willing to participate. The call had come as a surprise but he was ecstatic to get the news. Trox seemed like some kid had been dumped on his front porch and Leo’s brows furrowed subtly, but then the question was asked and its odd wording confused him for just a moment before he finally understood. However, he did give Trox the chance to finish his spiel before answering.
”Well, it’s a bit like parenting, yeah, but it’s also a lot different. I never had to capture Ethiriel’s soul… she was actually completed before she came to me.” Leo confessed, though he didn’t seem put off by it at all. Had soul capturing been left up to him, well, perhaps Ethiriel might have never come to be. He was always at home and there was little for it to react to as far as he was aware.
Ethiriel, now able to stare a bit better in their new friend’s direction as he spoke, lifted a hand to her chest and smiled gently. ”I am sure that it will not be a problem for you. Are you hoping for it to happen on its own or are you actively searching for a soul to house?”
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Posted: Mon Nov 11, 2013 7:58 am
"I think that, like this whole application process, It'll come t' me yenno?" Harrison smiled to himself and kicked the pebbles at his feet. Trigger stood again and began to circle around, sniffing the ground. Poor dog's sight was going.
The pilot looked up to Leo and bit the inside of his cheek and rolled his shoulders. If Ethiriel was already finished when he received her, does that mean she was once abandoned? That was a terrifying thought. Harrison was under the impression that this was a life long process, a commitment. He squinted his eyes not wanting to be insensitive. Was Ethiriel taken from her first family, was is a child-care like system? Abuse? Neglect? Inability? He'd hoped the lab would do enough background check to negate any applicants that wouldn't see their deed to fruition.
"Y'mean... Eth, y'were adopted twice? H'don' mean t'pry. That's jus'.. h'm sorry?" Harrison blurted. Awkward is as awkward does. He mentally chided himself and squirmed in place, looking to Leo for help.
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