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 Posted: Mon Jun 13, 2005 7:22 am
A tiny giggle almost escaped her lips when he nuzzled against her stomach. She gave a small cough instead, smiling and wriggling against the bed;
'No I dont want you to stay,' she teased lightly.
'Silly. I dont want you to leave. Didnt I already say that?' her hand stroked from his neck and down his back, kneading with her fingertips.
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Posted: Mon Jun 13, 2005 7:26 am
The Fey seemed more like a contented lapcat than anything, half curled against Aranea as he nestled there and let the tip of his tail flick lightly against the bed. Finally, a wry little though moved through his mind and he looked up at Aranea in hesitation. Pushing himself up with his hands, he came to eye-level with her, just watching her for a moment with his head slightly tilted, as if he were sizing up a problem. It took him perhaps a minute of staring in silence before he finally leaned forward and brushed his lips across her own gently.
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Posted: Mon Jun 13, 2005 7:34 am
'Yes?' she asked, tilting her head and looking back at Feles. She searched his eyes, curious as to what he was doing;
'What is i..' she said, falling silent as he kissed her. She stroked his cheek with a hand, tracing alone his jawline which had become more defined with his growth. His kisses were the same however and her eyes slid shut as she held onto him.
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Posted: Mon Jun 13, 2005 7:37 am
Feles' ears had flattened when she started speaking, and for a moment, he thought she would push him away when her hand came up. However, when all she did was stroke his cheek, the two furred points slowly started to lift once more, until his ears were pricked up fully once more and the purr started in his throat again. His hands slid down around Aranea's waist, tightening just enough to keep her close to him as he let his lips part gently and deepened the kiss.
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Posted: Mon Jun 13, 2005 7:44 am
Aranea smiled, listening to the rumbling purr coming from Feles. She pulled away a moment, nuzzling her nose tip against his;
'I love hearing you purr,' she did giggle then, the light sound coming from her sounding strange to her ears. One of her hands was resting on his bare chest now, describing a little circle on his skin with a finger.
'Did you...want to stay here tonight?' she asked quietly.
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Posted: Mon Jun 13, 2005 7:45 am
Smiling faintly, Feles nodded and leaned in to bump the tip of his nose against hers. "I'd like that," he said softly, content to curl up alongside her once more.
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Posted: Mon Jun 13, 2005 7:54 am
Aranea unwrapped herself from Feles a moment, sliding out of the bed and going to her door, turning the key so that they wouldnt be disturbed. She extinguished all but one candle and padded back over, sitting on the bed once more and pulling on the sheets, tugging them over her self and Feles, as she curled into his arms once more, seeking out his warmth and comfort.
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Posted: Thu Jul 21, 2005 7:57 am
Aranea had slid from the bed, standing naked next to it. She padded to her wardrobe and pulled out a robe, wrapping it around herself. Feles was still asleep; she didnt want to wake him but was feeling very restless and so she quietly left her chambers, padding down corridors until she was outside. She eventually found herself beside the lake, a spot she so often visited when she needed calm thoughts. The slight ebbing of the water and the gentle noise it made on the stones at the lake's edge calmed her mind.
'It happened,' she mouthed the words, speaking so very quietly in case there was another of her Court nearby and she hadnt noticed. She searched her feelings. Was she ashamed? She quickly vetoed that thought. She had such love for him, which she didnt think a calculating thing like her was capable of. She hugged herself with two arms, it was like she could still smell him, his scent clung to her skin. Shivering she got up from the lake edge. That was all she needed. A little space to work out whether this feeling was due to what she had just experienced or if it was enduring, and true. She would go back to him, back to her bed and lay next to him till he woke up. Her good feeling lasted till she got back to her chamber...he had gone.
Aranea shut the door then went over to the bed. Had he been ashamed? What if that was all he wanted from her; could he really have been like that and she didnt know? She curled up on the fading warmth on the sheets and closed her eyes. If that was it...she wouldnt think that way - yet.
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Posted: Thu Jul 21, 2005 7:58 am
24.07.05
And so now I feel as if I have become an adult...after the fact of growing. Time seems to have flown by since that time when the light engulfed me and my body grew; but I think my mind had yet to catch up. Until Feles was captured; taken away by someone from the Sun Court. I could have fallen apart when I realised that he was gone - but I didnt. Lupinus helped me track Feles to the Sun Court's castle, where we encountered several Sun Fey. They are weak creatures, and make foolish mistakes.
We bartered for the release of Feles with the life of the mouse Fey. She may have been able to tell us more but Feles' life was more important. He was badly injured, having managed to escape on his steam, when I found him. The mouse fey I dumped in the clearing. I have no idea if they found her - and nor do I care.
Having to return the hostage was not such a loss to us as my Feles had information of his own which was most troubling and which I have still yet to have an audience with Majestrix Nox about.
The Oracle Spina is a traitor...
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Posted: Sun Nov 13, 2005 7:51 am
Aranea frowned at the murky liquid in the glass tube, flicking it sharply with a jerk of one wrist. Still it refused to show the reaction that she had been expecting, and she slammed it down onto the table, the contents spilling over onto the wood surface. Why, why could she not concentrate on her potions, her mixtures anymore? Okay well she knew why, but she wouldnt admit that it was the reason. What did it matter if Feles had slept with her and then just vanished? It was just a thing right? She would find someone else, Lupinus maybe. Her lip curled at that thought. The big hunter was appealing enough to the eye but she needed more. Feles was quick, and clever. He excited her mind as well as body.
'It does matter to me,' she said aloud to the candle lit laboratory. It was a painful truth but she did care for him...more then anything. She wasnt meant to, she was sure of that. She was a dealer of death, and her totem was a conqueror and devourer of males.
'Because..I love him,' she walked away from the bench, leaving the debris there for next time. She walked slowly up the stone stairs and into a slightly warmer area of the Castellum, on her way to her chambers. That was another thing. The days were drawing in, the air cooling and it seemed to make her a little slower. Aranea entered her chambers, shutting the door behind her, curling up onto her bed and under a fur comforter. What she would give to have Feles warmth around her instead.
'The huntress has grown soft,' she whispered. As a teenager she didnt want comfort, didnt know it, didnt need it. Now she knew what it was to be held...that feeling was all she clung to.
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Posted: Wed Jan 04, 2006 10:41 am
Hibernating with Feles..Sayuri_Nitta Aranea pressed her forehead against the wood of Feles's door, the nails of one hand lightly scraping the surface. She wondered if he was in there...maybe he had forgotten about her..about what they had done just as soon as they had done it. But she would never know until she spoke to him and not knowing was tormenting her. She curled a hand into a fist, rapping lightly on the door, stepping back and waiting for an answer. Youkochylde "Come in," came the soft answer, Feles laying on the edge of his bed, one arm draped over the side so that the claw of his index finger could scratch against the stone floor and leave an intricate pattern behind. His gaze was intent on his work, as trivial as it may be. The cat was nothing if not slightly obsessive, and at the moment, his attention was completely rivetted on the design. Almost without his bidding, the centrepiece of the circular mark began to take on a shape. An hourglass shaped body, eight slender limbs... the mark of the spider. As he glanced up towards the opening door, a smile spread across his face. "Aranea." Sayuri_Nitta So he was inside; hadnt been kidnapped again. She took a breath before pushing open the door to his chamber.
'Yes its me,' Aranea said quietly, glancing down at where he was laying. And what was he doing?
'You are alive then,' she said.
'As I hadnt heard from you I thought..' she stopped, not even knowing what to say to him. It didnt look like he had been missing her after all. Youkochylde "I missed you," he murmured, looking back to the design on the floor and adding a bit more of a flourish to the scratchings. It was as if he were echoing her thoughts... but that wasn't possible. "I tried to see you... but I heard someone else with you." A frown then, came from the man, his eyes narrowing slightly. "I thought maybe you didn't want me there anymore. But that's silly, really. You wouldn't have... been with me... unless you wanted to. Right?" He glanced to her then, brows lifted in question. Sayuri_Nitta 'You're the one who left my bed,' she reminded him, going inside properly and closing the door behind her. She sat on the bed next to him.
'Where have you been? Why have you been avoiding me?'
Aranea couldnt look at him when she asked him the questions, to her ears she sounded weak and desperate.
'I told you I loved you. Why do you keep questioning that?' Youkochylde A soft shrug answered her first, the cat keeping his eyes on his work. "Because I don't understand. There are others here... the hunter, the researcher... Compared to them, what am I?" He sounded childish, and a frown crossed his lips as he spoke. "I am weak compared to them, thanks to that damned archer." His hand came down against the scratchings, wiping against it and eradicating the delicate lines. Getting to his feet then, he growled as his weaker leg nearly gave out from beneath him, but forced himself to stay upright as he moved to the desk near his bed and picked at a small satchel of herbs. "You could do better. And it's in the nature of our people to not accept failure. So why are you so accepting of me?" he turned then, the reddened eyes clouded by anger... and seeming almost dazed. "If you're trying to gain something from me, I have nothing to give." Sayuri_Nitta Aranea got to her feet as well, moving beside him at the desk, a hand moving out and resting on his arm closest to her;
'Stop. Feles please don't do this. You are not a failure. I would not bestow my love on a failure,' she said, looking into his eyes...his pupils which seemed more dilated then they should be.
'Feles..' she hissed.
'What have you been taking?' she looked from him to the herbs in the satchel. Was he drugged? That might explain his paranoia. Youkochylde "It helps with the pain," he hissed in return, snatching up the bag and holding it tightly. "It makes it so that I can walk, and think more clearly." Deft fingers tucked the small pouch into his belt, and he turned away to drop into the chair nearby. Sighing, he rubbed his hands against his face, then up into his hair and over his ears for a moment. "I want to believe you," he whispered, staring towards the floor. "I'm trying to believe you, but I just don't understand. Maybe I shouldn't have grown up yet, I don't know. I thought I was ready for all of this, but I'm not. I couldn't even collect HERBS without getting shot and captured." His voice was bitter, but the sentiment wasn't aimed at Aranea.. it was aimed at himself. Sayuri_Nitta Aranea clenched her fists, then relaxed them again as she let out the breath she had been holding. She wouldnt hit him to knock sense into him; yet anyway.
'It doesnt seem as if it is helping you think clearer if you can even think,' her voice pitched higher showing her irritation.
'That what we did meant nothing to me.' she knelt before him, two hands going to rest on his legs, her fingers touching the warm skin of his thighs.
'It happened...you must not blame yourself! He could have taken any of us.' her tone gentler now as she looked up at him.
'Don't pull away from me. And if you need something for the pain just ask me and I will give you something that doesnt rob the sense. Youkochylde "I'm alright," he said, stubbornly, a moment before reaching down and winding his arms around Aranea to pull her into his lap. He buried his face against her hair, nuzzling as he inhaled deeply of the lingering scent that clung to the silken strands. "I'm sorry. I'm being an idiot, but sometimes I just can't see why someone would choose me over them." Sayuri_Nitta 'As you say,' Aranea let him pull her onto his lap, two arms winding around so that the hands rested on his back, another traced the line of his jaw with a fingertip.
'Because I see your worth..even when you clearly do not. I love, I ache for you my Feles. I have not been able to make a single concoction properly since we joined because I did not know if you still wanted me.'
There..she had bared her innermost once again. It was something that only Feles would ever see. Youkochylde Tilting his head against the light touch, Feles could feel a purr rumbling in his throat. "Of course I still want you... how could I not?" He reached then, taking one of her hands and bringing it to his lips gently. "You're perfect... and if you can understand that there will be times I don't feel worthy of this attention from you, then I'll try to understand that I DO deserve it... and be thankful for it." Sayuri_Nitta 'Well I'm thankful that you aren't completely pig-headed,' she said, smirking a little. She drew him up to her, pleased that he was still hers enough to push the little matter of his substance use to one side for now. Hands cupping his face, she brushed her lips against his, drinking in his taste and the scent of him around her.
'Plus its getting colder..and I dont want to wrap anyone else around me for warmth,' she teased gently. Youkochylde Feles' eyes narrowed in mirth, a lazy smile creeping across his lips as he watched her. "I see," he murmured, flicking out his rasped tongue against her bottom lip. "You keep me around because my tail makes a good blanket." He knew better... and knew he was likely going to get smacked for that one, but it was worth it. Sayuri_Nitta 'Now then...' Aranea bared her brilliant white teeth, before nipping his bottom lip with them, running her hands lazily down his spine as she playfully nipped and kissed his lips, before breathlessly finishing her sentence.
'If that were true,' and a hand grasped the base of his tail lightly.
'I'd have long ago taken it from you,' she smirked again.
'But I like my Feles in one delightful piece so you are safe.' Youkochylde "Well, that's good to know," he replied, chuckling as he leaned back in the chair again. "Because I've gotten quite used to the idea of having four arms wrapped around me, and I'd need to find TWO women to take your place if you decided to take my tail and run." Sayuri_Nitta Aranea laughed at that;
'You'd never find two women like me,' she grinned, the fingers of one hand entangled in the long hairs of his tail. She kissed along the side of his face, moving downwards and kissing in the sensitive spot at the nape of his neck. Sitting up again, she looked at him.
'So..' she said gently.
'What have you been doing all this time? Apart from making me lust after you, tease that you are.' Youkochylde Feles glanced down then, letting his fingers twine in her hair lazily. "Thinking... trying to figure out how to walk right again. I hate having to use this cane." He shot a glare at the offending stick in the far corner of the room, the claws of one hand tapping against the arm of the chair. "I've been trying to get used to the seasons' change as well... I'll have better luck staying unseen in the snow." Sayuri_Nitta 'And so you will have an advantage over myself. The cold is making me feel..sluggish,' Aranea rested her head into the hand that was playing with her hair.
'If snow comes I won't even want to venture outside.' she shivered at the mere thought of it.
'I am sorry that I was not able to heal your leg completely. I don't know why it should still be giving you pain. I wish..I wish I could make it go away.' she understood that him having to use a prop to aid him in moving around wasnt helping his state of mind. Youkochylde "The arrow might have been poisoned," he murmured idly, his gaze moving to the jagged scar on his leg. "Or it could just be how long it was left to fester. I'm beginning to think that he did it on purpose... leaving it like he did. He wanted to hurt me as much as possible, he even drove the arrow in further once when I was struggling." Sayuri_Nitta Her chest rose, as her eyes flashed with anger at the thought of the vile attacker of the one she held dear.
'If I ever get my hands on him,' Aranea hissed between gritted teeth.
'He would beg for his end before a day had passed but I would let him suffer till his last breath.' her cheeks were flushed with colour at the thought, and she enveloped Feles in all four arms.
'We could torture him together, you and I,' she purred a little. Youkochylde Purring, Feles tipped his head back and wrapped around her, curling his legs a bit to give her a level sitting spot. "Sounds delicious," he murmured, leaning in to nuzzle at the curve of her throat. "I'd like to make him suffer for what he did... and for losing you your little prize before you were ready to let her go. If we ever get our hands on him again, he'll pay for what he's done... him and that treacherous b***h." Sayuri_Nitta Aranea felt little shivers along her spine as he carressed her neck.
'Hmm yes,' she said through barely parted lips.
'Kill the entire Sun Court...blood and bones spilled and snapped.' she managed to reach up and stroked his ears, kneading the soft flesh under her fingers. Youkochylde Part of Feles' mind gave the opinion that he REALLY should not be getting this turned on at the talk of torture and death... but the fact that the woman in his lap was the one making these statements was enough to drive him insane. There is something seriously wrong with me... but who cares?Wrapping his arms around Aranea, he moved to stand, scooping her into his arms. He was going to carry her to the bed and curl up there, exploring each and every inch of her body... It was a good thought, until he took his first step and his leg gave out beneath him, sending him towards the ground. He immediately rolled, wrapping himself around Aranea so that he would land on his back, and she would land on HIM... it was the only way he could be sure he wouldn't hurt her. Sayuri_Nitta Aranea grinned at the expression on Feles's face but it vanished as she realised that he was attempting to carry her on his weak leg;
'Feles I can walk,' she began, her voice throaty but he was already moving and she pulled away, landing heavily on the stone floor so that she did not land on him even though that was what he was trying to get her to do. She impacted with an audible thud, and pain shot through the side that hit the ground. Aranea grimaced, attempting to sit up. Youkochylde "I'm sorry," he gasped, rolling to his side and bringing one fist to impact with the stone floor. He growled sharply, lowering his head against the ground and cursing inwardly. WHY couldn't he just go back to being the way he was before? Back when he was whole and didn't feel as though he was going to break at every step? Sayuri_Nitta 'I'm fine,' Aranea said, shifting on the floor, and sliding over.
'I think I'll just bruise a little. You can kiss me better?' she offered, trying to pull him up to look at her.
'Don't do this..I should have gotten off of you before you moved.' Youkochylde "Is it too much to ask to just be NORMAL?" he growled, pushing himself to his feet and wobbling there for a moment as he attempted to NOT put any weight on his sore leg. "I should have known better..." He reached to the pouch at his belt then, picking a bit of the leaves out with his claws and tucking them beneath his tongue. The bittersweet herb could be tasted almost immediately, and he waited a minute or two before swallowing it fully. It seemed to work better this way. He turned back to Aranea then, reaching a hand out to her with a smile. "I promise, I won't carry you again." Sayuri_Nitta Again she had to suppress a comment as he swallowed the herb.
'It will heal. You just have to...not be so hasty to ravish me,' she winked, getting to her feet gingerly, and taking hold of his outstretched hand.
'So where were we?' Aranea smiled lustily, her head tilted towards his bed. Youkochylde He moved at a slow pace, favouring his leg as he moved to follow her and headed towards the bed. "I believe we were going that way," he murmured, pointing in a vague motion towards the bed. His tail flicked back and forth behind him, swishing through the air. The bed itself was almost like a cloud, between the feathertop, the down comforter and the feather pillows. He had discovered early on that anything touching his skin needed to be SOFT, and he'd demanded the bedding from his Kithain when he was but a toddler. Now, as he fell into the plush array, he nearly disappeared into the thick quilt, purring softly as he dragged Aranea there with him. Sayuri_Nitta Aranea laughed, the joyful sound at odds with her normal nature.
'How do you ever get out of this in the morning?' she teased, sinking into the bed things. She grabbed a feather that had floated up as they got onto the bed and tickled the nearest patch of bare skin to her...which she had alot to chose from. Youkochylde "It's not easy," he admitted, chuckling as his tail swatted towards her hand. "It's comfortable, and warm." As if to prove his point, he curled into the bed, winding an arm around Aranea's waist and pulling her against him. He moved to spoon up against her, nuzzling her hair. "So... you don't like wintertime?" he asked, letting his tail drape across her. Sayuri_Nitta Aranea nestled into the curl of his body, revelling in his warmth. She played with the ends of his tail, twisting the hairs around her fingers.
'I won't .. I don't remember one before this, before being trapped in the glass of that window. But I feel myself slowing down, and that is never good,' she shivered at even the thought of the oncoming wintery months.
'I know that spiders burrow themselves away during winter, and mine are already vanishing. I feel the cold as keenly as they do.' Youkochylde Frowning, Feles moved to trace his fingers lightly through her hair. "I ask you a favour," he whispered, concern in his voice. "Should you feel the need to sleep away the winter like they do... come to me? I'll keep you safe here, and you'll be away from the cold and the light." The cat's room was nearly pitch black, in the catacombs of the castle, even though it was nearly noon outside. He was still as sensitive to light as ever, and the underground room lent itself well to keeping warmth trapped. Sayuri_Nitta 'I dont think it will come to that,' Aranea smiled a little, not that he could see it. She reached behind her, pressing him even closer to her if that was possible.
'But I'd never need an excuse to spend the winter burrowed in your bed, and in your arms.' Youkochylde Feles let his eyes slip closed, one hand petting along Aranea's back, up and down against her spine. "You're welcome here whenever you like," he murmured, nuzzling against her. "I enjoy your company, even if it's just like this." Sayuri_Nitta 'I always enjoy your company...from when we first met and you couldnt pronounce my name properly. I think you burrowed your way into my heart even then,' Aranea buried her head into a pillow.
'Damn...good thing no one else can hear me. They'd think I had become a Fey of the light or something.' her words were muffled but audible. Youkochylde Snorting softly, Feles let a faint smirk cross his face. "You're nothing like them... weak willed, simpering idiots." He nestled against her, voice growing muffled with each breath as he started to doze. "Love you like you are." Sayuri_Nitta Aranea flushed red, and squirmed a little.
'Mmm,' she mumbled.
'I've always loved you as you are, and who you are.' she said drowsily. Her eyelids grew heavy and she felt herself drift away.
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Posted: Thu Jan 05, 2006 8:58 am
Aranea shivered, even her teeth chattered as she walked the distance from Feles's chamber to her own. She wouldnt have even ventured from his comfortable bed if not for the fact that her books and notes were in her chamber, and she wanted to find out more about the herb he was taking. She opened a hand, the curled leaf springing open a little, she had snuck it from his satchel when he was asleep, it would help her identify what exactly it was that he was ingesting.
Her door opened with a grumbling creak, almost as though reproaching her for not coming back sooner. She rubbed her arms, her skin covered in gooseflesh, and her limbs felt heavy. She was fighting the urge to give up on this until it got warmer but she couldnt not know. Dropping the leaf on her study table, she moved as quick as her cold body let her and located a book on herbs. Taking it over to the table, she pulled a chair up to it and sat down, leafing through it and turning the thick, crinkly pages. She held the leaf up in one hand, glancing from it to the illustrations...finally she stopped, looking hard at the leaf and then the page she had halted on.
'Got you,' she said, a note of triumph entering her voice.
'Catnip?' she queried out loud, as a finger ran down the text, as she read it hurriedly.
'Catnip, Nepeta cataria is a member of the mint family. Well at least it doesnt seem to be poisonous.'
She wasnt happy about his dependence on it though. What were its properties? Maybe there was something else she could get him that wasnt as addictive for him.
'It's good for colds and fevers,' she read on, her voice sounding loud in her quiet room.
'Soothes the nervous system, stomach and bowels in a diluted form. It also helps to prevent miscarriage and premature birth and helps with morning sickness.' she paused at that. Why would she care about that? It wasn't as if she was ever going to be a mother, she had herbs that did exactly the opposite, that prevented her becoming pregnant after her relations with Feles. Besides, she wasnt sure if Feles becoming a father was a thing that should happen right now. Not that she would need him to look after her...damnit her thoughts were going in circles. So what if would further the line and swell the numbers of the Moon Court...but that was a big 'so what' after all, wasnt it? She dragged her eyes and mind back to the text in front of her;
'Catnip can intoxicate, and has an analgesic and sopoforic effect on felines..'
Well that certainly described how Feles acted on it. According to the entry, it gave them a harmless 'high'. The trouble was, she was worried about him. If he was high would he act rationally on it? He had already displayed a tendency towards the paranoid while under its influence. She shut the book firmly, putting it away again before putting the leaf she had stolen into a metal dish. Light flared, dancing on the stone walls as she lit a match, dropping it onto the leaf, and she watched it burn, curling into a shrivelled thing. Dumping water from a jug onto it, she smiled grimly. At least that one leaf was gone.
A shivering fit passed over her and she gave up, leaving her room and hurrying back to Feles's chamber. She would deal with his problem properly when the weather started to turn. For now she just wanted to be warm..
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Posted: Thu Jan 19, 2006 8:29 am
Sizzla Pacing up and down the length of her room tapping a finger against her cheek, Procyon was wearing dents in the stone floor of her chambers. She'd been feeling antsy, as if something should be happening...but nothing was. There were no sounds in the halls, and it had been days since she'd even seen her best friend Dee.
So, she decided that it was time to get out.
Tucking her dagger into the sheath she'd crafted from black leather, she buckled it around her thigh, now feeling prepared for anything. Perhaps she'd leave the castle for a bit, and go roaming around in the forests that she saw outside her window. A cool wind blew through the cracks in the stone walls, and she could feel chilly weather coming on. Throwing on a dark grey fur-trimmed hooded cloak, she slipped on a pair of black leather shoes, and tossed a small notebook and pen into her backpack, and called Dreary and Knit to follow her. She might need the help, she thought, picking up the pouch with the rest of her sprockets. Putting it in her pack as well, she stuffed in a light blanket and a flint and steel, just in case. She'd be able to find food in the woods, she thought, and she looked out her window once again to survey the scenery...
It was early afternoon, and there was plenty of daylight left to explore. She decided to stay relatively close to the castle today, and eventually move her way outward as she became more knowledgeable of her surroundings. There was no need to get lost immediately. Turning toward the door, she pulled it open, the hinges creaking as she pulled. Looking left down the hallway, then right, she saw what she usually saw when she poked her head out of her room: nothing.
Heading right and following the hall, she eventually came to a set of stairs, which she promptly followed down to the bottom floor. The hall continued and grew wider, leading to a grand hall. She had to stop to admire the place, as she'd never explored this part of the castle before. It was exhilirating to be out on her own, and she felt a sense of independence as she explored outside of her chambers. Sayuri_Nitta Aranea shivered under the lined cloak, wondering not for the first time since she had left Feles's chambers exactly why it was she had left it. Oh right, she wanted to see if she could get an audience with Majestrix Nox. She walked under the lighted candles, moving from light pool to light pool, noting the lack of webs about the place. She could not wait until spring, this sluggish feeling would leave her and her many-legged friends would return.
As she walked through the large hall on the way to Nox's throne room she noticed another Fey walking around, a female who she didnt recall meeting. She sighed; well it would be rude not to say something and so she walked over to the Fey, clearing her throat as she approached.
'Greetings.' she said, her eyes moving over the..teenager she reckoned, and she tugged her cloak tighter to her body. Being social didnt mean she wanted to freeze to the spot. Sizzla Hearing footsteps approach, Procyon swiveled around to face an older Fey--a seductive looking woman with silver hair and bright red eyes. "Hello!" she answered in return, pulling her cloak closer around her. "I've never met you before! Excellent. I thought there were only four fey in the castle. I never see anyone roaming about the halls. It's good to know that there are more of us. I am Procyon," she said, giving a slight nod and bow. Sayuri_Nitta 'It's not often I venture from my lab,' Aranea said, reaching out to Procyon with one hand, her long nails flashing in the light. She ran her fingers through the Fey's hair.
'Aren't you the pretty one,' she said, moving away again.
'I am Aranea. Did you come to seek out our Majestrix?' she asked, curious as to why she would have wandered thus far without a purpose. Although she remembered as a child she had stumbled onto Nox but children were forgiven their curiosity. Sizzla Procyon was a bit taken aback at Aranea running her fingers through her hair. She wasn't used to such a touchy-feely fey. But she smiled instead of feeling awkward. After all, this woman was one of her own...How could she not appreciate the kind words and gestures?
"Thank you. I do appreciate the compliments," she said, her cheeks flushing a bit. "It is lovely to meet you Aranea." She shook her head. "Oh, no, I have not yet met the Majestrix...Well, I suppose I have once, when I was first released from my window. But I haven't seen her since then. Is that where you are going?"
"I was actually going to go exploring a bit. I rarely leave my chambers, and I've been feeling a bit pent-up inside these cold stone walls...I wanted to get a breath of fresh air, and perhaps explore the woods around the castle. Would that be unwise? I've never been far...Dee and I have really only explored the upper hallways and some of the rooms there. I just feel this urge to get out and about." Sayuri_Nitta This Fey chattered too much, Aranea decided with a wince. Unless it was just a nervous state, but why would a Moon Court Fey be nervous in their own Castle?
'I was yes. But I don't think she is receiving today,' Aranea said.
'You may explore the woods. But I would not go too far...the woodlands are the boundary between our land and the Sun Court's location,' a frown passed across her elegant face.
'It is not wise for you to fall into their hands. There is much treachery at this time.' Sizzla Procyon could see Aranea's face twitch, and she wondered why...Was it her chatter that bothered her? Did she not greet her appropriately or something? She had always been a big talker, and nothing could stop it. "Aah, well good luck finding an audience with her. I hope to one day meet her, now that I'm older."
Listening to the spider-Fey's advice about the woods, she couldn't help but ask about the current status of the Moon and Sun Courts. "I'll be sure not to go too far. I'd rather not fall into the lap of the Sun Court. But I must admit, I don't know what is going on between the Courts. All I know is we are rivals. But why?"
It was a question she'd been wanting to ask since coming out of the window. But everyone she'd met had come out at about the same time, and they had no idea either. Perhaps this older Fey could shine some light on it for her... Sayuri_Nitta 'I'm sure I will speak to her soon,' Aranea said simply.
'There is much history between our two Court's,' Aranea spoke as she moved to a window, looking down and out onto the snow covered grounds.
'Their land should be ours...this is our rightful place and their goodness is a taint - they have no true passions and are weak things. They should be ended for their own good.' she hissed, scraping the stone with the nails of one hand. Sizzla Procyon looked a bit puzzled as Aranea gave the Cliff's Notes version of the struggles between the two Courts. Could it really be that the Sun Court was invading on their land?
"When did this all begin?" she asked, truly curious. "And why did we let them inhabit our land? Shouldn't we have fought back?"
And then, she couldn't help but ask: "Have you met any of these Sun Court Fey? Are they terribly unpleasant people?"
Shivering under her cloak, she thought it might be best to go somewhere warmer. "Are you in a hurry? We could find some place that is less chilly...If you're willing to talk to me some more. I feel so out of sorts about the relations between the Courts. And I barely know any of my own kind..." Sayuri_Nitta 'But we did; the curse that we all fell victim to was meant only for the Sun Court according to what little writings I have found of that time,' Aranea looked at Procyon.
'Yes they are. I have met several; including their so-called 'Queen'.' she said, tapped the stone sill with her nails now.
'They are weak-willed, and easily tricked.'
Aranea felt a shiver run through her again.
'I am not in a hurry to freeze to this wall,' she said dryly.
'If you wish to talk it best be somewhere warmer.' Sizzla "Yes, we should find somewhere warmer...I'm not too familiar with a lot of the castle. Maybe the library would be pleasant. That, or we could go to my chambers...I know that they are warm." She nodded to Aranea, pulling her cloak closer around her. She could only imagine how cold it was outside. But had she been running around the woods, she would be much warmer than she was standing here.
"It was only meant for the Sun Court? How is it that we were cursed as well? HOW un-fortunate. Did the Sun Fey have anything to do with it?" The last sentence that came from her mouth sounded so unlike the sweet, bubbly raccoon that most knew. They were sharp words, cutting words. If she had nails like Aranea's, she'd be scratching the windowsils with them too. If the Sun Court had some doing in the curse of her own Fey, she could hate them easily. After all, the curse had taken her mother from her, and had locked her within fragile panes of glass.
"Weak willed and easily tricked eh? Sounds like they should be easy to defeat. It would be a matter of gathering our resources...but then again, I have not met many of our own kind...I don't even know how many of us there are." Sayuri_Nitta Aranea had no real urge to see this Fey's chambers;
'The library is fine,' she said, walking off, the cloak's hem skimming the ground as she went. She spoke as she went, not waiting to see if Procyon was following - just expecting her to.
'The curse originated from the Moon Court,' she went on.
'But as I said, it was only meant for the Sun Court. It would affect both Court's, but a cure was ready for us only.' Aranea sighed.
'But that did not happen. Our Court has been slower to emerge, for each of us relies on someone within our bloodline to escape the Curse. The Sun Court is weak itself, but has recently gained a few allies that are less so. One of which is the reason why I am trying to speak to Nox.' Sizzla Scampering behind Aranea, Procyon managed to stay close behind. She noticed that the woman paid no heed to her, and it interested her...Perhaps she just didn't care? Listening intently to what she was saying, she was disappointed to hear that the Moon Court had been the cause of the curse. That was the truly unfortunate part of the story.
"Ah, I see. Why is it that we weren't cured, if it was all a part of the plan?" Procyon's head tilted as if she were thinking about something. "Allies that are less weak than the Sun Court? Are there others besides those that reside in the two Courts?" Sayuri_Nitta 'What I've told you is all that I know of that time,' Aranea said as she walked down a narrow stone stairway, and onto another corridor. She cast glances into the ceiling corners as they went, looking for signs of arachnid life.
'There are two that are a mystery. One is the Oracle Spina, she was thought to be of the Moon Court but recent events have revealed she is not to be trusted. And a male by the name of Laniger who is possibly part of the Sun Court, but he seems to have a long past with Spina.'
Aranea frowned, as they walked to the library. Sizzla "Spina and Langier..." Procyon whispered their names, trying to commit them to memory. She didn't know when she'd come across either of them, but she found that the information might be important some day. "Well, if the two have a long past, perhaps they are working together against the Courts..." It was only a suspicion, as Procyon had no knowledge of either of them.
Following Aranea into the library, the raccoon stopped next the fireplace, hoping there was some way to get it lit. It would be much warmer if there was a roaring fire going. She bent down to pile some logs into the hearth, and looked around for something to get the fire going. "Any ideas on how to get this lit?" she asked the spider-Fey.
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Posted: Thu Jan 19, 2006 8:31 am
Sayuri_Nitta 'No one knows their agenda,' Aranea said, watching Procyon's attempt to light the libraries fire. She ran a hand along the top of the fire, on the mantelpiece, finding flint, and locating a bundle of tinder which she scattered on the logs. She struck the flint stones together, with quick, hard movements and a spark flared, igniting the tinder. She blew on it, watching as it caught properly.
She stood back as the fire devoured the tinder hungrily, and started to slowly burn the thicker logs. She tugged her cloak back around herself from where it had fallen open, and took a seat near to the fire, watching the flames. Sizzla "Strange..." said Procyon as she watched Aranea work her magic on the fireplace. "Well, now that I know where the flint is, it should be easier to light next time." She smiled. Boy, had she made an a** of herself already.
Sitting down in the chair next to Aranea, she was glad to have warmth back in her again. It would have been awfully cold outside, and now, she was glad she hadn't gotten past the castle walls.
"Wintertime is miserable," she sighed, pulling her cloak around her more tightly. "So, I do have more questions about the Moon Court. I'm sorry if I am asking too much...This is just the first time I've had the opportunity to meet an older Fey, and I am infinitely curious about the Court. Do you know how many of us there are? And how old is everyone? I know of the Majestrix, but is there a King of the Moon Court somewhere?" She eyed the spider, trying to read her body language. She had no desire to come off as obnoxious, but she was quite curious about those who lived within the same walls that she did. Sayuri_Nitta Aranea wrapped herself in the cloak, tight as she could, her bare feet dangling a hairs-width above the cold, stone floor.
'This season's end can not come quick enough for me,' she grumbled, her voice dull.
'If I can answer, you may ask,' Aranea said, her gaze flickering from Procyon to the flames of the fire.
'I know of a few others that have been released from the Curse. Pteryx, she was a child last time I saw her, Lupinus is an adult like myself, and Feles,' she said the last name and a smile curved her crimson lips.
'If there are any more hiding in the Castellum I have yet to meet them.' she closed her eyes, thinking a moment.
'A King? There was once I believe, but I dont know what fate befell him.' Sizzla "I've hardly been out of my chambers where it's nice and warm," Procyon said, smiling. "I barely noticed the change in weather. But now that I have, I can't wait until it's over."
She pulled her legs up into the chair, sitting indian-style. It was more comfortable for her that way...She wasn't as prim and proper as some of the other fey she knew. "Ah, I've met Pteryx. She was actually in the hallway right after I was released from the window. She seemed like a nice girl. She was quiet, but I suppose that was to be expected." The other names weren't familiar to her, but she engraved them in her memory. "Well, it's good to hear that there are others. I would like to meet them sometime. Do you ever gather together for anything, or is everyone lost in their own affairs?"
Procyon twisted a braid between her fingers absent-mindedly, and then gave the spider-fey a glance, on the lookout for shinies...And you never knew who would let you borrow something...
"Well, I've met a couple of fey myself, but they are all about my age. Dionaea is the flytrap fey, and she's my best friend these days...There's also Mephiti, but I see her very rarely. I think you're the fourth Fey I've ever met...besides the Majestrix of course."
She pondered the thought of a Moon Court King, curious how the balance of power would work out. Nox was a strong woman, and Procyon couldn't imagine her bowing down to anyone. Sayuri_Nitta Aranea was becoming drowsy now, the combined warmth of the cloak and fire making her eyes feel a little heavy. She stirred in the chair, shifting so that a cooler air touched her skin which made her more alert.
'We gather when its necessary,' she said.
'If you seek the others out I'm sure you will find them. What do you do anyway?' she asked, looking sharply at Procyon. Sizzla The Spider's look caught Procyon by surprise. "What do you mean, what do I do?
Are you talking about in general? Or what my profession is?"
The Raccoon stopped, and then thought she realized what Aranea meant. She was a bit wary of telling the Spider about her pursuits, but she figured that it would be wise to trust those of her own Court.
"To be honest, I haven't done much since I've been reawakened. I like to explore, and learn as much as I can about the Courts. But I would say that my true calling is sleight of hand, theft and generally sneaky behavior..."
She nodded to the Spider, having given away her not-so-secret secrets. "And what is it that you do Aranea?" Sayuri_Nitta 'A thief then,' she stated.
'I hope your pursuits lie outside of this Court, I would hate to have to come to you if I suspected something of mine had gone missing,' her eyes glittered in the firelight, her tone even.
'Maybe you should get yourself an audience with the Majestrix, I am sure she would be eager to make use of your skills...it has gone most quiet in reagrds to the Sun Court's quarters lately.'
A hand emerged from the cloak and brushed fine strands of her hair away from her face.
'I am an alchemist.' she said, in reply to Procyon's last question.
'I seek to change, and alter...I also make powerful potions.' Sizzla "Yes, I suppose you could say I was a thief..." she nodded in agreement, and then shook her head at the mention of stealing from those of her own Court. "I would never steal from my own kind," she said sharply. "I do know better than that..." Though the shiny silver candlesticks now resided on her own hearth instead of the one in the sitting room, she looked at them as borrowed, not stolen goods. "But if you ever are missing anything, I would be more than happy to help you find it. I'm quite good at hunting things down."
She tapped her fingers on the arm of the chair, and smiled at the thought of getting an audience with the Majestrix. "I would love more than anything to have an audience with Her Majesty. Helping the Moon Court is my desire, and anything she would have me do would make me quite happy. I could use some sort of reconissance work to help me hone my skills."
An alchemist? Interesting, the Racoon thought, pondering how skilled this woman was. "Well, your profession sounds fascinating. Have you always had an interest in potion-making? What are your favorite types of potions?" Sayuri_Nitta 'That's good then.'
Aranea regarded the teen thoughtfully. At least she had honour amongst her own kind, and for that answer, her opinion of Procyon rose a notch. She was after all, wary of trusting others from her Court implicitly after the whole Spina debacle.
'I have made many, but most are for practice. One of the most important things I made were to infiltrate the Sun Court and to steal a Kithain's child.'
Her crimson lips curved into a grin at that memory...that and the reminder of Feles in his little unicorn costume! Sizzla "But of course. I wish no treachery against those of this Court. In fact, I've come to like those I've met so far. I see no reason to take anything from any of them." She paused. "But, I'm in dire need of practice...and without taking from people here, I need to get out into the world, and take from those who I have less respect for...Do you think the Majestrix would give me a mission, even though I am only a teen?"
She was honestly curious, not really knowing how much Nox trusted those of her court. Would she give the Raccoon a chance to prove herself?
"How does one request a meeting with the Majestrix?"
And then, pondering Aranea's potion-making skills, Procyon couldn't help but venture further into the situation that brought one of the Sun Court into Umbra. She smiled at the Spider. "Really? You stole one of the Sun Court!? Amazing...You must have been quite sneaky and tactful to acquire one of their own. Did we gain anything from the situation? Some good information I hope..." Sayuri_Nitta 'The missions to steal the Kithains child used one of our number that was still a child himself at the time. Age means nothing if you have skills of importance.' Aranea watched the fire a moment.
'The capture of the child led to the capture of a member of the Sun Court..' she sighed.
'Unfortunately due to...other circumstances,' her tone as she conveyed this brooked no curiosity in to further details.
'We had to give our prisoner up before anything of great use could be got from her. I dumped her in the woods, and if she lives still I care not.' she smiled, standing.
'By persistence and being honoured, will you gain audience with our Majestrix.' Aranea gathered the cloak tight around her.
'And now I really must take my leave. I am getting too cold, and it affects my body more then most.'
She hated the weakness that the winter temperatures released in her but there was little to be done but retreat to the warmth of Feles's chambers. Sizzla "Aah..." Procyon said, nodding. "How unfortunate that nothing good came from all of your hard work. Though I'm sure finding and torturing one of the Sun Court was at least amusing for all involved..."
Standing with Aranea, Procyon gave her a slight bow, out of respect for the older Fey. "I shall be persistent, and look for opportunities to improve my skills within the court, and perhaps the Majestrix will grant me an audience. Thank you for talking with me. I feel much more knowledgeable now...I appreciate your kindness."
She turned toward the door, her cloak wrapping fully around her once again, and then, she turned back to Aranea and smiled. "It was a pleasure to meet you Aranea. Go, find warmth. I hope to see you again soon." With that, she walked through the doorway, and stealthily moved through the shadows, back to her chambers.
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Posted: Thu Jan 19, 2006 8:41 am
Aranea picked up her personal journal, putting it next to the small pile of books that she was taking with her to Feles's chamber. Rather then constantly be going backwards and forwards between rooms during her stay with him, she had decided to pick up some books, and the research papers she was writing as she had been experimenting with her potions. The actual apparatus for that was all down in her laboratory which would be even colder then up here; she had vetoed any actual practical experiments, and would spend the winter writing things to make when spring rolled around again. It wasnt very that she was taking; a comb, a few hair fastenings and some other personal items along with the sheafs and stacks of paper, and her books on herbs, poisons, and more elemental items. Her teeth chattered slightly, and she tugged on her cloak, wondering where Feles had gotten to..he had said he would help in this.
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