Okay. So I remember we start off with them meeting and she's got a badly sprained ankle for some reason. Like maybe they both first meet on this area when a long stretch of dry stream bed or something, and the embankment is a bit crumbly and Kenna falls in so Twitch runs in to save her [1:22:34 PM] Jinx: Maybe Twitch carries her home, then stops by frequently to make sure she's okay and brings her things. And as the day goes by she still tries to get him to do things for her, using her ankle as an excuse, but Twitch insists she do things herself if she wants to regain her strength. Like maybe he helps her around a bit in the beginning to make sure she doesn't put too much strain on herself too soon, but after a few days he encourages her more and more to do stuff on her own without his help. [1:23:01 PM] Yushika: -nods- Seems very likely [1:23:21 PM] Yushika: "You need to get your streng -twitch- strength up! o u o" [1:27:13 PM] Jinx: What do you think his reactions will be, like brief summary of how he feels during the story bit and how he feels about Kenna as she's healing and getting stronger. Like when it's clear she is healed enough to not need him. Would he use her requests on occasion as an excuse to stick around, or would there be other reasons? [1:28:46 PM] Yushika: During finding her, he'd immediately feel it is his duty to help. During healing, Twitch wouldn't think much about her trying to get him to do things, and genuinely be saying no just to help her heal. When it's clear she doesn't need him he'd start making excuses: "W-well, maybe you're -twitch- still injured?" or "You aren't at your best! -twitch- I should stay a week longer!"
Posted: Sun Jul 26, 2015 9:41 pm
Subject: Taranis & Coven
Shop: Modifoxes
Taranis stood on the island edge, sea water and liquefied flesh dripping from him. The latter was not really noticeable unless you stood close to him, and anyone willing to stand that close usually knew a bit about Taranis and his strange anatomy. A cool breeze plucked at his dark clothes and long braid of black hair. He took the waist-length braid into his hands and squeezed some water from it, though to properly dry it he would likely have to undo it. His bangs, some of which were long enough to be braided back but had escaped while he swam, hung around his face, already drying out. His clothes would just have to dry on his body, or he would have to strip for a bit and try to hang them from something. The outfit had an odd cut. The pants looked normal enough, a sturdy material that was loose enough to allow for comfortable movement. The shirt, however, was cut off at his midriff, revealing a well-toned stomach and the outline of abs showing, and had no sleeves, showing off even more muscles on his arms. The reason for the revealing top wasn't for vanity. Sharp spines emerged from his lower back and upper arms. The tips gleamed a wicked silver color as light reflected off of them, the same color as Taranis' eyes.
He gave the island another once-over. It appeared largely deserted, part of the appeal that had taken him into the water to begin the swim. He was glad he was fit, since the currents and rocks around it had been quite a challenge. Taranis just needed some alone time though.
It wasn't like he wasn't happy for his sister. Anything that made Andraste happy made him happy. In theory. In practice, he really wished her happiness wasn't because she had gotten back together with her ex. When that jerk had broken up with her in the first place it had taken quite a bit to keep Taranis from hunting him down and delivering a beating to him. Andraste being Andraste, she kept trying to tell him it wasn't Yusei's fault, that she was the one who ran off. Taranis didn't believe any of it, and even if it was true it didn't change anything. Andraste was his precious sister, and he would have taken on anything to make her happy.
And this time, making her happy meant working out his anger before he could show his face around her. He was prone to vanishing for long periods of time so he hoped no one guessed at the reason for his absence. He would hate to have caused his sister any more distress. Taranis began to work his way onto the island, hoping to find a good place to dry out, maybe even a comfortable spot to crash and something to eat. That swim had taken it out of him! [7/16/2015 10:27:24 PM] Yushika: Coven was exploring, as she always did. The pale woman gracefully dodged roots, grabbing berries here and there and slipping them in her makeshift waist bag. Today she had left her shoulder length blue hair alone, bangs barely touching the tips of her eyes. She wore a simple brown dress, tattered here and there. It was simple, perhaps even crude. She had a few various clothes, but Coven did not care much for appearance, and neither did her parents. Living on an island had it's perks; no one could judge you for what you left the house in.
Bare feet tapped against mossy earth as she headed towards the shore. Her skin almost glowed against the sunlight, illuminated by the faint aura of rainbow that clung to her body. She never needed to hide it, it wasn't like anyone visited other then aunt Freya. Or, so she thought! Coven let out a faint gasp as, in the distance, she spotted a moving figure. It couldn't be her father, nor her mother. They were busy at home with their chores. Kuro was out in the /city/, doing whatever it was city folk did. That meant this was a stranger. She.... wasn't used to strangers! For a second her heart fluttered, body pressing into the nearest tree and pink eyes peeking out to examine the stranger. Her aura vanished, hidden from sight.
Still, she was curious.... She only knew one person her age; Kuro. What if the other was someone she could actually connect with on that level? Her hand rested on her stomach, a comfort technique. Under her dress laid a bandaged stomach, covering up the wound that leaked blue blood steadily. Maybe she should stay back and make sure this stranger wasn't dangerous... [7/16/2015 10:49:15 PM] Jinx: Taranis scoped out the beach, but discarded the idea of staying for long due to the lack of coverage. While his spines were the most immediate mutation they weren't his only one. His skin liquefied. It wasn't much and wasn't really super noticeable if you looked at him. It was similar to sweating. Sometimes it fell to the ground but usually it dried on his skin, turning into a fine powder and blowing away. His grandfather had remarked on the powder once, saying it was similar to this bird called a cockatoo, which left a fine white powder all over the place. Taranis had glowered and made sure to leave several little piles of the swim powder around his grandparent's house for his grandpa to clean up. It really wasn't all that bad, but it was another quirk that made people stare, and Taranis hated that. Thanks to his "ability", his skin was always pale. He simply could not tan, though he could burn. Yet another injustice with his situation. It was a good thing he found he preferred the night anyway.
Once Taranis reached the shade of the trees he paused, undoing the end of his braid and combing his fingers through his hair to fluff it out. The wind felt pleasant against his damp scalp, though he knew soon enough he'd be ready to put his hair back in a braid. He liked it long, he just didn't like it in his face.
A prickling sensation went down his spine, faint but noticeable. Taranis froze for a moment, then slowly raised his head, eyes raking the surrounding area. The place still seemed deserted, but something had put him on edge. He stood there for another moment, eyes searching the treeline, then he dropped his gaze. It might just be an animal, but he doubted it. Still, he didn't know this area and it wasn't like he could go haring off into the trees. Best to just keep an eye out while trying to find shelter and food. [7/16/2015 10:56:38 PM] Yushika: She watched him, shifting from tree to tree as he moved, silent as a mouse. What a peculiar male. He WAS her age! He had long hair, far longer than her own. His skin looked…. odd, and his spines, too, but hey! What did she know? Her dad, Kuro, and herself were odd, and even her mother was a bit different. All she knew were odd people. Was he a friend of her father? Her mother? /Kuro/?
Her hands peeked around the tree as she leaned to view him, curiosity getting the best of her. Oh…. why was he here? Maybe he needed help? Oh! Maybe he was an explorer! Oh, he choose the wrong island, the island didn't have much to offer. Her daddy didn't like new people, and her mom was exactly the same. Oh…. what should she do? [7/16/2015 11:16:31 PM] Jinx: Taranis was positive the island was inhabited, and that he was being watched. It hadn't taken long for him to figure out. That feeling shivering down his spine had never truly abated. Maybe he was tooting his own horn, but his instincts were rarely off. This was when his long hair came in handy, combining with years of practice. He looked without seeming to look, glancing around here and there, taking in as many details as possible without making it look like he was truly looking. His hair shielded his face, keeping his eyes partially hidden so that an observer would only have the direction of his head to go by.
The signs had been a little odd. The sun was still high in the sky, though there was shade aplenty beneath the trees. At first he thought he was imagining the little rainbow glows, that they were just tricks of the light hitting shiny rocks or something. But he didn't spot any quartz or anything that could make a reflection like that. The were near the ocean, with plenty of water in the air, and he was willing to bet this place got its share of fog, but with the sun still up where it was it was too hot for fog to form and Taranis didn't see or feel any sources of water that would account for a rainbow in the area. There was also the fact that it seemed to keep following him...
Taranis was puzzled. This was quite strange. He had nothing against rainbows, his own clothing had subtle rainbow decorations and his....enthusiastic father and his family were quite fond of using multiple colors. This had to be the first time he'd seen one following him around. His wandering had been fruitful in a couple ways, some of them literal. He'd found plenty of food growing wild and had helped himself, making note of it all so he could come back later. The day wasn't getting any younger though and he still had to find a shelter, but it looked like he was going to have to take care of his multi-colored shadow first.
He hummed softly to himself, thinking, then suddenly sped up. He used his long legs, eating up vast swathes of distance with each step, trying to put as many trees between himself and his follower as possible. When he was sure he'd gone far enough he stopped, looked around, then made a leap for a low-hanging bough of what seemed to be an apple tree. He hauled himself up, making as little noise as possible, hide in the foliage, and waited. He was counting on the curiosity of his pursuer, though if he had actually lost them that was almost as good. He would rather know what was following him though. [7/16/2015 11:17:00 PM] Jinx: (( I figured she miiiiight forget her glow while she was following Taranis, and her thoughts/emotions might cause little swings in the intensity that he would spot. )) [7/16/2015 11:17:24 PM] Yushika: (( yup!! )) [7/16/2015 11:23:24 PM] Yushika: Coven couldn't be beat on her native island. If he thought he could trick her he was wrong! Or, should be. She stopped when he sped off, trailing to a complete halt and leaning against her tree, head tilting. Where was he running to? Had he seen something? For the longest time Coven waited there, pondering and mulling before deciding to trail after. Tiny feet leapt over moss, rocks, and roots. The dainty and little woman looked almost ethereal, especially in her simple dress and lack of shoes. Almost as if, perhaps, she was a spirit of the woods. But alas she was not, and therefor could not sense the male awaiting her in the threes!
She came into view, daintily leaping rock to rock at this point as if it was some game. Her hands were raised, helping her skillfully balance with each tap of bare skin against cold rock. Her glow gently radiated off her, shimmering as the light embraced it here and there through the openings of the canopy. After what seemed minutes she stopped, head raising and hands lowering to her side. Where had he gone? She was directly under his hiding spot, tiny body turning as she glanced side to side. Oh, she was sure if daddy found him first she wouldn't get a chance to meet someone her own age. What a bummer! [7/16/2015 11:40:58 PM] Jinx: (( Muse: Hmmm. Help me out, should he come out or keep hidden? I just worry about her reaction and whether or not she runs to you-know-who -keeps names out of this lest she draw father's attention- )) [7/16/2015 11:41:44 PM] Yushika: (( He could just speak, or jump! She'll run a distance and then zig zag until she loses him and peek at him from the trees again. )) [7/16/2015 11:51:23 PM] Jinx: Taranis wasn't too surprised when the woman hopped into view. Something about the way the watchfulness had felt just seemed to click with the appearance before him. She was pale and tiny, her physique bringing to mind his sister. That was about all they seemed to have in common though. Andraste's hair was dark like his, and even longer. She favored patterned-kimonos or plain robes, but most of her clothing was Japanese in style. This female could almost be called ragged, and would have been if she were in any setting but this. Somehow her clothing seemed natural here though, as though she had detached from the bark of a tree and just started wandering about. Her hair was short, the blue similar in color to the ocean. It wasn't exactly vivid, though compared to all the forest colors around them and her own pale skin it did stand out.
He could see the pale, rainbow glow surrounding her in a subtle halo. He wondered what was causing it. It couldn't be that her skin was pale; his was also pale, as was Andraste, and neither of them put out rainbows. Was it something in particular about her skin, something that turned her into a walking crystal?
Taranis didn't hold much love for "normal" foxes. Their stares, their whispers... It was enough to make anyone bitter, especially seeing how badly it affected his sister. If this female had been normal he would have assumed she was just trying to get a look at his "freaky" spines, but giving off an air that was clearly "other", he wasn't sure what to think about her. Did he reveal himself? Did he continue to hide. He weighed the pros and cons in his head for a bit, and decided it would probably be better to reveal himself in order to divine her intentions towards him. Jumping to her level was out though; it seemed like a bad time to learn if she did more than just glow. He noiselessly levered himself up so he was perched on the balls of his feet, one hand braced on the branch he stood on and one resting against one of the main branches next to him, his arm spikes jutting out behind him like tiny, bizarre wings, while his long tangle of black hair trailed around his face and brushed the tops of his feet. His dark clothes seemed to blend in with the shadows while his eyes and pale skin gleamed in the few bits of light that found him.
"Lose something," he called, pitching his voice to carry without shouting. He didn't want to alert anything else that could possibly hear him. Besides, on the off-chance that he could disguise the origin of his voice he would get to see the female's reaction without betraying his location. A slim chance, he granted, but it was still a possibility. [7/16/2015 11:57:40 PM] Yushika: She started when a voice called out, scampering behind a tree and managing to hide her entire body behind it. There was no sound as her curious little heart pounded. Time passed and perhaps one could begin to wonder if she vanished until a hand reached out, touching the side of the tree as a head poked up, pink eyes blinking up at the trees.
"No." Her voice was soft, perhaps almost cloud-like. She leaned against the tree, eyes flicking to find the other. Fright did not touch her face, instead wonder and a slight awe crossing it. Her glow grew, briefly, brighter, dancing against her skin before it returned to it's normal soft halo. "Hello?" She called, stepping out into the open. She was far too busy scanning the area, a small and excited smile spreading. She didn't notice the stick in time, stepping on it and immediately letting out the tiniest of yelps, leaping backward in an almost graceful dance. She bent down, examining her foot with a tiny frown. Blue blood dripped from the wound, staining the rocks a soft pastel color, leaving a faint aroma of blueberries. [7/17/2015 12:15:44 AM] Jinx: Taranis couldn't help a flicker of amusement when the little female first scampered at the sound of his voice. He knew better than most how deceiving an appearance could be, but it seemed like the female's demeanor was in keeping with her waifish appearance. He kept his muscles frozen in place, waiting. He couldn't be sure she had really gone. Someone who knew a forest well could move soundless through it. Finally his patience was rewarded as first a hand, then a head reappeared from behind the tree he had seen her vanish behind. It seemed she really didn't know where he was, her eyes scanning the area in a searching way. He could see excitement on her face and heard nothing but innocent curiosity in her voice, but the long habit of caution still held him in place.
He literally flinched when she stepped on the branch, holding himself in place with a massive effort of will. Something about this tiny female, perhaps her size and pale skin, brought his protective instincts to the fore. He was focused on the female and her wound, but in his preoccupation with holding himself in his hiding place it took him a moment to realize what exactly he was seeing. Blood. At least he thought it was blood. It was nothing like the usual spilling of crimson though. The liquid was the same color as the female's hair, a subtle color when compared to the rock on which it spilled, rather than the contrasting reds one would have expected to see. He couldn't smell anything from his spot, but he wondered morbidly what such strange-colored blood would smell like. Would it be salt and copper, or something else?
Just then a breeze ruffled past. He thought he smelled blueberries, then nature interrupted him with an apple bouncing off his shoulder. Muted thuds around him told him that more had fallen, probably the ones high up that were sheltered from animals, though thankfully only one actually struck him. He gasped soften and muttered a curse as the apple rolled off him, narrowly missing his feet before continuing its journey to the ground. [7/17/2015 12:21:12 AM] Yushika: Her head snapped up as she heard a soft thud, eyes training on the spot immediately. She could, just barely, make out a figure. Living in the woods taught you how to select where sound came from, and it looked like it had paid off. She stood, limping over to the spot until she was directly under it. She leaned on her good foot, head raising to stare up at the male with curious eyes.
Silence. She stared, unjudging. She couldn't see him very well but that didn't stop her eyes from flicking to view what she /could/ see. Yes. He was her age. Yes, he was male. And yes, he was her species! A small smile spread across her face, almost distant even as the airy female stood under the hiding male.
"You're in an apple tree." She spoke, voice just loud enough to carry towards him. "If you're hungry you can have some. Just be careful to bury the cores, please." [7/17/2015 12:32:46 AM] Jinx: Taranis almost swore again when the female locked eyes on his position, though he was pretty sure by this point, odd though she seemed to be, that she meant him not harm. He didn't move as she came to stand under him and traded her stare for stare. Her eyes were an odd shade of pink, or maybe it just seemed odd to one who came from a family where irises were predominantly silver or gold.
Then she spoke. Her voice, like the rest of her, could probably have been blown away with one good gust of wind. He had to strain a little to hear. As soon as he comprehended what she said though, he almost fell out of his tree. It was just so...random.
"Yea, the apple falling on me kind of tipped me off to the type of tree I'm in. Thanks though." Though his words held a bit of irony to them his tone was carefully neutral. He didn't want to antagonize a native when the only means of escape was to swim. He was too tired to make a trip back today. Hell, a few days rest sounded good after the kind of swim that had brought him here. "I already ate, but I'll keep that in mind." [7/17/2015 12:36:49 AM] Yushika: "Oh, good." She said in response to him having already ate, returning to examining her foot. She moved to rest against the tree he was hiding in, pulling her leg into her lap. Her hand reached down, ripping her dress and pulling a long strand of dress to wrap around her foot. When done she leaned against the tree, reaching back and plucking a wild strawberry from a tiny patch beside her, popping it into her mouth.
She either had forgotten he was in the tree, or simply was content waiting for him to come out. It was nice to have company. Kuro had been gone for such a time and her parents were…. well, her /parents/. Sometimes you just needed a friend! Or…. a stranger in an apple tree. That too! [7/17/2015 12:53:45 AM] Jinx: Taranis looked down at the female below him, his face a study of bemusement. She had just plunked down at the base of the tree like she planned to be there for a while. Though every impression of her so far led him to believe she was harmless, he wasn't so openly accepting as to just jump down next to her. He shifted, laying stomach-first on the branch he'd been standing on. The branch was board enough that he didn't have to hold on, so he took the opportunity to wind his hair in a simple, loose knot. He didn't like having it dangling below him, and though he highly doubted someone so tiny and with an injured foot could move and jump fast enough to grab it, he preferred to be safely paranoid over unpleasantly surprised.
He had a good view of the female from his vantage point and watched her curiously, though her eyes never drifted back to him. He could hardly believe she would have forgotten he was there, not after trailing him for a decent portion of time, but it seemed like as soon as she could fit him into some kind of category in her mind that her curiosity became more of a passive thing. They stayed like that for a while, her just sitting there and him laying across the branch. The island itself exuded such a calm peace that Taranis could probably have easily drifted off if he'd been alone
"You gonna sit there all day," he asked, still keeping his voice neutral but wondering just what on earth the female was planning. [7/17/2015 12:59:09 AM] Yushika: "No." She answered back, head lifting to make eye contact. Of course not. It'd grow dark and then she'd need to go home, of course! But, that didn't mean she wouldn't sit there /most/ of the day! The softest smile crossed her features as she looked around her, hands extending to fan out and gesture to the woods around her.
"It's comforting here." She stated, arms stretching out. "Isn't it beautiful?" She lowered her arms, leaning against the tree and closing her eyes, inhaling with a smile. The island smelled lovely. Why did Kuro leave? Why would anyone leave? Granted she /never/ had left the island so she didn't know the world around her, but this island was paradise. No wonder her father started it all by claiming this as his. What a smart man! "Sure," Taranis agreed easily to both statements. It would probably be a bit more comfortable if he knew he didn't have to sit in a tree all day, but that one was on him. It was just his stubborn nature keeping him in the tree at this point. His family probably would have shaken their heads to see him, but Taranis had just always been this way and didn't see much point in changing now. His position aside, it didn't make the forest any less beautiful, like the female stated. It was a shame there was nothing to recline on up here. He liked watching the sky as much as the next person, but his back spines made that difficult. He had a hammock he sometimes used, though there was literally no way to get out of it in a hurry without also having the hammock bunch up around the spines, getting tangled.
"You gonna follow me if I get down from here and walk away," he asked, partially sarcastic; who would truthfully answer a question like that? No one, in his experience. This female was odd enough though that curiosity impelled him to ask the question aloud. [7/17/2015 10:03:11 PM] Yushika: "Yes." She mused back, half distracted by the caterpillar on her fingers. She didn't offer a further response, content with her current one. Of course she'd follow him. It was better then daddy or mommy! He wouldn't be complaining if he had any idea what they were like to strangers! [7/17/2015 10:07:39 PM] Jinx: Taranis' eyebrows quirked upward. Even though he'd half-expected the response, it was still a bit surprising. "Would you follow me even if I asked you not to," he queried, curious to hear what she had to say. [7/17/2015 10:08:59 PM] Yushika: "Yes." She mused back, petting the caterpillar. "I'd stay behind the trees, like before." She admitted, aura shimmering as the tickle of the caterpillars feet touched her skin. A soft and breezy laugh escaped her, hand lowering to let the bug go. [7/17/2015 10:12:25 PM] Jinx: Taranis snorted softly. There wasn't any scorn to the sound, just slight disbelief. "What if I sped up like I did before. You couldn't keep up with me then, and now your foot is hurt. I might know this island, but I know how to hide [7/17/2015 10:14:31 PM] Yushika: "Then you'd fall into one of daddies traps." She mused back, nonchalantly. "And then I'd catch up." She tapped the rock next to her, head raising to look up at Taranis and give a soft smile. [7/17/2015 10:31:58 PM] Jinx: Now that made Taranis pause. Traps? She said it in that same voice, all soft and innocent, like it didn't occur to her that maybe it was a little odd for someone to booby trap a whole island. Hell, maybe to her it wasn't. There were some weird foxes out there, and not all had their oddities showing on the outside like Taranis did. The mention of "daddy" also gave him food for thought. So it wasn't just this female, it was her family. How many? What were they like? Taranis had a huge family, and that was just counting immediate relatives. He didn't even want to think about all the marriage relations and cousins, so he didn't. No telling what her family looked like either. Hands-down his sister probably had the most startling appearance in the family, a fact which made him want to pointlessly rail at the sky and Deities. He was perhaps second oddest. His half brother and son were tied for third, in his opinion, though Shiki probably won. Vreis' back spikes were tiny compared to Taranis', and were still small (though covered more area) when compared to the crystals that grew out of Shiki's back. Still, they were the minority. The rest of his family (those he knew) were all quite normal in appearance. This girl, with her glow and odd blood, might have equally bizarre family...or she might be the oddest of the lot.
Not something he wanted to learn when it involved fathers...
"Why? Never seen a freak with spikes growing out of him like a dinosaur and skin like a blob monster. Hoping to stare some more," he asked, though the girl's blatant openness so far kept the bitterness out of his voice. It surprised him; on the matter of his mutations, he was usually nothing but bitter. His eyes as he looked down from his perch still held an edge to them, though there was no hostility in his gaze. It was hard to be hostile with a girl playing with a caterpillar and not feel like some kind of moron at the same time. [7/17/2015 10:37:28 PM] Yushika: She blinked at him, suddenly standing and stepping on her tiptoes, briefly wincing as her hurt foot ached against the pressure. Her hands raised to press against the bark, steadying her stance. She eyed him, pink eyes narrowing into a squint to better see his appearance. She caught the skin, briefly, eyes flicking to try and find the spines. She couldn't, not originally, and instead shifted to the other side of the tree and stepped back on her toes. Oh. /There/ they were. A soft smile crossed her face, again, and she reached a hand out towards the boy, almost as if to touch him.
"You're beautiful." She admitted, aura shimmering playfully. He was, to her. She found beauty in mutations. They were unique, and while she had only met about two normals she had the idea they were rare. Something that was entirely their own. Something /precious/. She lowered her hand, aura chasing after it a second too late. "Daddy doesn't like visitors much. They tend to stare and talk too much for him." [7/17/2015 10:54:14 PM] Jinx: (( Sorry, was feeding dragons and nuking some hot dogs! )) [7/17/2015 10:58:52 PM] Jinx: Taranis openly stared with something akin to shock on his face. Beautiful? While he'd reassured his sister many times that he found her to be beautiful, it was the first time anyone had used the word to describe /him/! He honestly had no words in that moment, his mind a total blank as he gaped at the woman.
"You must have never left the boonies before," he finally growled in a low voice, turning his head to the side to stare out at the trees stretching along before him. "Mutants are just a stain on the rug to most out there in the world." [7/17/2015 11:03:20 PM] Yushika: She blinked back, head tilting to the side. "Then my family is a stain?" She asked, voice soft and yet hinting at a disbelief. She couldn't believe it. What was wrong with being unique? She had, once, heard her grandmother mention something about a tribe for mutants, and she figured it was to celebrate their beauty. Suddenly, her island seemed even more like paradise. Where was Kuro, again? [7/17/2015 11:14:45 PM] Jinx: Taranis let out a short, soft laugh. "Not everyone likes a world full of snowflakes. Some prefer the world to come from cookie cutters, everything all the same. And they outnumber us." That might have been an over-exaggeration. There were normal people who didn't care one way or the other. But to Taranis those people were even rarer than mutants. The rest would just follow the others, mindless tools being led along who didn't give a damn or bother to think that maybe their targets were victims with thoughts and feelings just like theirs. His face darkened just thinking about it, and he had to deliberately reroute his train of thought before he went stomping off into the forest. He knew he had a temper, and he didn't want to unleash it on this strange, sheltered creature. [7/17/2015 11:15:15 PM] Jinx: (( Oh, do tell her where and what Kuro is up to ; ) )) [7/17/2015 11:19:01 PM] Yushika: She blinked at him, face frozen in that half curious half whimsical expression. Suddenly, her brain decided it'd be best to change subjects, arms reaching out and pulling herself onto one branch, and then another. She winced each time her foot hit the bark, but in no time flat she was on the same branch he was, climbing the tree as if she was a monkey herself. Once she reached him she pulled herself onto one branch higher than his, feet dangling over the edge.
"Why are you here?" [7/17/2015 11:36:34 PM] Jinx: When the girl began to climb the tree Taranis frowned and shifted slightly, but otherwise stayed where he was. Her climbing above him caused his spine to start tingling again. It was an reflexive action; he just didn't like people in superior positions over him. Bits his hair that had escaped his messy bundle stuck to the miniature crevices in the bark, which scraped and pressed into his skin. He could see how sitting in a tree all day would be highly uncomfortable.
He didn't immediately answer the question, but he didn't really have an answer. There was no particular reason why he was here. He'd been listening to family stories involving the ocean and figured maybe he should make a trip to the coast. He'd just happened to spot the island and swam here on a whim to satisfy curiosity. Much of his adult life had gone by in such a fashion.
"Because my feet carried me here and the ocean didn't care enough to send a shark to eat me or a current to wash me away," he responded. He wondered if such a vague answer would bother the female. It wasn't like he had a more detailed or better one to give though, so she was going to have to be satisfied. [7/17/2015 11:42:11 PM] Yushika: And yet his answer didn't bother her. She nodded, as if it was only normal to suddenly decide to approach a random island. Perhaps to her it was. Her father, after all, had done the same journey. Her feet dangled, waving back and forth as she looked ahead, watching the sky change colors and begin the process of becoming night. Soon her father and mother would wonder where she was, but she doubted they'd look for some time. She was, after all, an adult.
She didn't move from her spot, content to just be near another. His tone had changed so often she was sure he was not as delighted to be with her as she was with him, but it didn't matter. He was the guest, after all! [7/17/2015 11:55:29 PM] Jinx: Taranis waited, but it seemed like the girl had run out of words for now. Since she'd admitted she would likely follow him if he tried to leave, he didn't bother. Instead he pondered how old this tree was. It was huge, but still producing fruit. Didn't trees stop making fruit at some point, or did they just keep producing it forever until something felled them? His inspection of the branch showed him there were still no splits board enough where he could take advantage and recline on his back. If he wanted to sit up he'd either have to balance on the branch or move closer to the main trunk. Since neither appealed at the moment and he was used to having to lie on his sides and stomach, he opted to remain laying half on his side and half on his stomach, keeping on eye on the woman.
The wind swept past in a soft, continuous stream, causing his hair to tinkle at his face and make him grumble. He needed to rebraid it properly. He reached back and undid the tie as he sat up, letting his hair tumble down his back. He pulled it over his shoulder and gave it a brief finger combing, then divided the strands and began weaving them together in something that would be much easier to manage. [7/18/2015 12:07:11 AM] Yushika: Silence was not boring to the girl. Her life was full of it. Her family was quiet, the island was quiet, even /she/ was. It wasn't daunting to be in silence amongst a stranger, though she had heard somewhere that silence was often met with discomfort, but that never had occurred for her. Closing her eyes, the girl lifted her head, inhaling the wind and holding her breath, tasting the fragrance of apples and serenity, and then exhaling.
A thought did occur to her. She could leave now and would probably come back later to find him in a deep hole of some sort, or another fun trap. He would need shelter for the night and probably grow hungry at /some/ point. The thought briefly amused her, mostly because she could imagine the face of surprise upon the stranger. She had, once, set a trap off herself as a child, earning her being netted high into a tree for her father to find. Her mother had, for a long time, spent evenings teaching Coven where to avoid and what traps were set where after that.
Her eyes drifted to watch him comb and braid his hair, reminded briefly of Kuro. Just once she had tried to grow long hair, but then promptly cut it when it grew tangled in a tree branch. Long hair just wasn't for her. She needed to move freely through the forest.
jinxgirl5 Captain
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jinxgirl5 Captain
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Posted: Sun Jul 26, 2015 10:22 pm
Subject: Camille & Lillie
Shop: Modifoxes
Lillie on the average is pretty busy in her tribe. Taavi and Lillie are busy bees! Taavi is more likely to leave the tribe since Kithara sends him on missions, but sometimes Lillie will leave here and there to help find medicinal herbs and sometimes to trail along with her mama because she loves following Amy like a nuisance [7/13/2015 8:52:16 PM] Jinx: Hmmmm. What if she met Camille when she was collecting herbs. Say something that only grew in difficult places, like high in trees or on cliff/canyon faces. I don't know if you want to go with a Camille-saves-her route, like she's reaching for something and starts to slip, only to be caught and pulled back to stable ground by Camille, or if you want to go the route of her reaching, being just a bit too short, then suddenly there's someone there reaching past her and just able to get what she was after. [7/13/2015 8:55:15 PM] Yushika: I like the first idea a lot ; u ; [7/13/2015 8:59:24 PM] Jinx: Are you more partial to a cliff/ravine edge or tree save? [7/13/2015 8:59:28 PM] Jinx: Or either [7/13/2015 9:03:09 PM] Yushika: The tree save. [7/13/2015 9:11:45 PM] Jinx: Hmmmm. How high up do we want this? Like if it was a high-branched tree she wouldn't have to climb too far into it, but she would have to climb it since she couldn't reach anything from the ground. Camille could be there, see her, wander over, notice her start to lose her balance, then rush over and manage to catch her when she falls out and before she hits the ground. Hm…. not TOO high. Probably she crawled up, got scared about going down, and then stumbles Okay, so Camille catches her when she falls out of the tree. He's the type who would make sure she was okay, and would offer to get whatever it was Lillie was after. He would then offer to escort her, if she'd like, in case she might need more help. [7/13/2015 9:16:26 PM] Yushika: And then would begin the questions [7/13/2015 9:16:46 PM] Yushika: "why did you help me? how did you get there? was I heavy? Didn't you get hurt? Do you need help? Why are you by Yasashii? Who are you?" [7/13/2015 9:22:30 PM] Jinx: Camille would be answering these as he climbed. "-Wiggling slowly up the trunk.- Because you looked like you needed it. I walked, then I ran. -Up on the branch, standing up now- Compared to a bird, yes. Compared to a fallen tree limb, not at all. -Slowly making his way across the branch.- No, I didn't. -Makes it to the thing, harvests some.- I didn't realize I was so close to Yasashii, though I knew it was in the area. -Successful, crouches and grabs the branch, lowers himself so that he's hanging from the branch by his arms, then lets go and lands lightly on his feet, crouching to help absorb the shock of the landing.- You'll have to be more specific." [7/13/2015 9:24:43 PM] Yushika: "-scrunches nose, slightly delighted SOMEONE was finally answering her important questions!- Your name. What is it? Well, you could also tell me more things about yourself, like what are your parents like, where do you live, what are your hobbies? Oh! Do you often save damsels from distress? What's your favorite color? Food?" [7/13/2015 9:24:47 PM] Yushika: I told you she asks a lot of questions. [7/13/2015 9:31:21 PM] Jinx: "-Looks both overwhelmed and amused.- Camille. My name is Camille. I'm not sure where my parents are, I don't live anywhere in particular, and I don't have any hobbies. I wouldn't say I often save damsels in distress, though I got practice at saving damsels in pretend distress thanks to my sister so I guess it's just habit. I like cool colors. I don't really have a favorite food. -Offers her the plant stuffs.- Do you need help with anything else? I'd rather you not need my saving skills more than once today." [7/13/2015 9:41:36 PM] Yushika: "No hobbies? Are you sure? Everyone has a hobby. -pauses. accepting the plant and slipping it into the woven bag on her side, returning to her attack of questions- No, but do /you/ need help? I'm Lillie. Have you ever met a Lillie? -cocks head to the side and gives a soft smile.-" [7/13/2015 9:50:28 PM] Jinx: "-Smiles a little and shrug.- I guess I'm just an enigma. I was just passing through the area going nowhere in particular. -Tugs at a lock of his hair as he thinks.- Can't say I ever have. I have a cousin Lilie, though she lives in Solarie and I've never been anywhere near there. I've got a lot of cousins I haven't met though. -Comes back from his thoughts and looks back at Lillie- If you don't need help would you like company? I don't have anything to do, no pressing need to be anywhere." [7/13/2015 9:57:03 PM] Yushika: "-frowns- Is she black and white, too? -Tail wags as he offers to join her, gently nodding- Oh. Sure! Are you in a tribe? Would they be mad you're spending time with me?" [7/13/2015 10:03:37 PM] Jinx: "I don't know what color she is since I've never met her or her parents. She's not a blood-relative, just a cousin by marriage. My aunt's mate is her uncle, but I've been told there isn't much resemblance between among siblings. And no, I'm not part of a tribe." [7/13/2015 10:06:38 PM] Yushika: "Oh. -Her soft voice goes quiet for once, eyes staring through him as she ponders. Clicking her tongue, the vixen tilted her head to the other side- What do you want to do?" [7/13/2015 10:14:16 PM] Jinx: "-Tilts his head in an inquisitive manner.- You'll have to be more specific." [7/13/2015 10:15:54 PM] Yushika: "You mentioned company. Is there something you wish to do? -blinks at him and doesn't wait for an answer, perking up- Have you see the local flower field? It's a tourist favorite." [7/13/2015 10:26:01 PM] Jinx: "-Smiles- No, I don't believe I've passed that way yet. I don't know where this field is, but I think I would remember seeing something that could rate as a tourist favorite." [7/13/2015 10:26:53 PM] Yushika: "Oh. -Seems to daze off for a second, nodding. Okay! She knew exactly where it was.- Want to come with? -She questioned, heading off to the direction of the flowers with a soft hum-" [7/13/2015 10:34:03 PM] Jinx: "-Nods.- Sure. It sounds delightful. -Falls into step with Lillie.- I'm not taking you out of your way though, by showing me this place? It seemed like you were preoccupied with something when I came up." [7/13/2015 11:09:04 PM] Yushika: "No no. All I need was the plant. Am I taking /you/ out of your way?"
Posted: Tue Nov 03, 2015 6:59 pm
Subject: Makala & Nasim
Shop: Modifoxes
Nasim sat on the roof of the cabin, knee raised and arm wrapped around it as he scanned the tree tops. The man wore black pants, lacked shoes completely, and a black shirt with a low turtleneck. His wings stayed firmly against his body, as useless as they were when he was a child. Black hair touched his shoulders in uneven layers, face covered by a white mask. The mask was decorate with a smile turning into a frown, looked aged and hosted cracks and scrapes. His fingers kept raising, checking the mask hadn't left before setting back onto his knee.
A soft sigh left him, a hand pushing the mask up to allow the hot air to escape before he placed it back down. Maybe someday he'd carve a hole for his mouth, but probably not. The area above his eyes were replaced with material he was able to see through, but not allow others to see his face. The mask looked completely solid, and most would wonder how he wasn't blind under the mask. It made attacking easier, at least. Throwing others off before he lunged was a good tactic, even if a cheap one. Though the sky above was a clear, brilliant blue with no clouds to block the sun, the lighting in the forest had a dimness to it that felt so heavy it seemed like there were parts that hadn't seen the sun in centuries. The light that did filter through was weak and green-ish. Here and there beams of sunlight did manage to find their way through the canopy. The flora took advantage of the light, and there was always some kind of plant basking in those sunny spots. It was in one of these spots were a petite woman was paused, looking around as though to get her bearings.
She was quite small, barely over five feet, and thin. It looked like a good breeze could just knock her over. Adding to the impression of insubstantiality was her long, pure white hair. She wore a layered dress that went down to her knees. The under layer peeking out from the bottom was a bright teal while the over dress was dark teal, both colors helping her to blend in with the forest. Simple sandals were strapped on her feet, though she only had them in case she came across rough terrain. She was just as happy going bare foot when she could.
Makala hummed softly to herself. She was lost. It was funny, in a way, because her memory was better than her mother's but she clearly had Hazel's sense of direction. That was apparently how she and Tokala had met. It was odd how getting lost always seemed to turn out okay for their family. Makala had personally seen quite a few interesting sights, had even met a few interesting people, before either her dad or brother managed to track her down and bring her back home. She was quite far out this time though, really wanting to explore. And she was lost. "Now which way was the sea? I think I'm supposed to be able to tell what direction to go by the sun's position. Only, it's hard to see the sun from here. Darn. Wasn't there some rumor about moss telling direction too? Which way was it supposed to point again?"
[10/26/2015 11:29:39 AM] Yushika: Nasim's cabin was high enough for him to gaze over the canopy of the trees time to time. For a second, he thought he saw the flash of movement not limited to an animal, his eyes snapping over before he shifted on the roof. It had vanished, but he had been absolutely certain /someone/ was in the forest. It didn't matter much. Almost 95% of the time the forest would send the person back where they started, but the 5% chance when that didn't occur meant he'd have to deal with it. Sighing, the masked man stood up, sliding down the roof and landing on his knees on the ground before he settled on the porch, guarding the only door to the inside of the cabin.
His useless wings folded, and for a second Nasim had to snort at the thought that he was pretty effectively a /burden/ without them. If they could work he could have approached the moving figure, but alas, he was stuck waiting. As always. [10/26/2015 3:49:27 PM] Jinx: The more Makala walked, the more she began to notice this...silent tension in the air. It was like a blanket had been thrown over this section of the forest, muffling sound and light and making even the air feel heavier. Underlying it all was a feeling of wrongness, like she wasn't supposed to be here. Makala pondered the feeling for a moment. She knew she hadn't been having those feelings before; she'd only really noticed it in the last ten minutes. In all the time before that she'd been convinced she was going the right way.
Maybe this was a sign? She thought she was going the right way and had gotten lost. Now she felt this subtle tension trying to prompt her to turn around. Could she actually be on the right course? Almost certain now that she was, she continued forward, pursuing the odd feeling.
(( Not sure where Nasim's cabin is. Like in a tree, on the ground, what have you. Just imagine that in a few minutes she either starts to walk under the tree it's in, or appears in front of the cabin. )) [10/26/2015 5:30:01 PM | Edited 5:30:04 PM] Yushika: (( NOW THAT YOU MENTIONED IT it should be in a tree, omfg))
Nasim was curled up on the porch, nails tapping against his knee time to time as he pondered just when the cause of the movement would approach. Perhaps they wouldn't, even, and the forest had either sent them back home or consumed them whole. Shrugging, the man had begun to grow lax against the wall he had leaned against, eyes drifting shop as the wind brushed against his face.
'rustle'
His head snapped up. No. Someone was nearby. Someone was absolutely near, and he couldn't just /sit/ there. Standing up, he walked to the edge of the cabin, peering down. Ah. A girl? Oh. So she had, somehow, gotten past the forest…
"Leave." His voice was muffled against the mask, but it rang clear as he stood on the porch, eying the girl from below behind his mask. [10/26/2015 6:49:27 PM] Jinx: (( How obvious is the house? Like it's pretty well hidden in the tree? )) [10/26/2015 6:51:06 PM] Yushika: (( Pretty well hidden )) [10/26/2015 6:57:12 PM] Jinx: Though the feeling was stronger than ever, all Makala was seeing was trees. They didn't look like the trees close to home either. Those were smaller and more close together. These trees were larger, with more space to move between them since their heavy foliage allowed no light to get to the forest floor for anything to grow. She felt a tinge of disappointment, wondering if she really was heading the right way, when a voice rang out, shattering the silence.
'Leave.'
She looked around, startled, but didn't see anyone nearby. Was she imaging things? Maybe she was just wishing so hard she thought she actually heard her own thoughts. Her brother would probably laugh.
"Wish I knew how," she sighed softly. Spotting an exposed root that looked comfortable enough, she walked over and sat down, then pulled her hair over her shoulder and absent-mindedly began braiding it. "I really didn't think I'd gone that far. Or that the woods were so big." She sighed, letting the braid dangle as she propped her elbow on her leg and rested her chin on her hand. "You'd think with all the times I get lost I'd eventually figure things out." [10/26/2015 6:57:33 PM] Jinx: (( YUP, TOTS DIDN'T EVEN SEE NASIM AND THINKS HER INNER VOICE IS AN INTIMIDATING MAN )) [10/26/2015 7:01:41 PM] Yushika: "I wouldn't know how many times you've gotten lost." His voice was rough from lack of use, mouth tightening as he watched her both completely ignore him and /sit down/. Flapping his wings, he flicked his eyes to the ground, then to his cabin. Man, it was a pain in the a** to get back up there when he left. This wasn't fair to non-flying folk like him.
"I will ask again; leave." His voice failed at being curt, instead coming off exhausted as he watched her. [10/26/2015 7:17:08 PM] Jinx: Makala heard the voice again, but this time it didn't really sound like anything she might have been thinking. Plus it sounded a lot closer and...above her?
She tilted her head back, but didn't really see anything. A lot of leaves and branches, black shadows and the occasional movement as the wind above played with the branches. Or maybe... Was the /tree/ talking to her? But that didn't make any sense. Why would a tree suddenly start talking to her?
[10/28/2015 5:46:23 PM] Yushika: Nasim was growing tired of the girls inability to follow his orders, sighing softly. This was always the hardest part. He wasn't a fighter.... Stepping backwards, he threw himself off the porch, extending his wings to allow them to help him glide down. Landing on his knees and a hand, the man stood up, cracking his neck before folding his wings back into place.
"Why are you here?" [10/28/2015 5:54:17 PM] Jinx: Makala started a bit at the sound of wood creaking above her head. Was the tree moving? Then a big, BIG, shadow detached from the other shadows and descended quickly to the ground, landing with a thump that was felt as much as it was heard.
The man was huge, and he had surprised Makala. Not very imposing to begin with, she shrank in on herself until she could have passed as a child at a distance. I got lost, and I can't find my way home," she said in a soft voice. "I didn't go very far into the forest, or I didn't think I had, but I can't find the way out. I've been walking for a long time trying to find it."
(( If that doesn't hit any deja vu buttons, Nasim doesn't remember his conversation with Makala as a kid XD )) [10/28/2015 6:27:36 PM] Yushika: He froze, watching the woman behind his mask. What? It took a few seconds for the familiar feeling to click. Oh. Now that he looked at her... she was the girl he met as a child. His wings shifted as he eyed her, mouth tightening behind his mask. Was a strange and unnecessary coincidence.... How many times had he wished she'd visit as a child? He had been a pathetic child... No. Focus.
"Why did you come into the forest?" He had three standard questions if "leave" failed, and the man shifted as he watched her, awaiting an answer. [10/28/2015 6:44:15 PM] Jinx: Makala straightened up a little. She was recovering from her scare, and this man seemed nice. He was the first person she'd come across for days, and it felt good to talk to someone again.
"I was looking for things. The forest always has something to find. Useful herbs, pretty flowers. Adventure. I went on adventures a lot as a kid, looking for flowers for my mom." She chuckled a little, recalling those memories. "I got lost a lot then too. My dad usually came after me before it got dark. I had a stuffed bear that I carried around, so I never go lonely." She reached down to her waist where a belt kept her dress close to her body. Dangling from one of the loops was a tiny little stuffed bear. "I gave him away to someone I thought needed him more, so Mom made me a little charm to take his place. She gets lost often too, so I guess she thought I might like to have something to keep close." [10/28/2015 7:05:10 PM] Yushika: His wings flapped at the mention of the bear, mouth opening before snapping shut. Luckily, she couldn't see it. This was the girl. Even more reason to get her away. Approaching her, the man looked down at the much smaller woman, extending his hand out.
"I suggest you don't play in these woods. It's built to send those like you either back home, or lost to the point you wither away. I will take you home." He flexed his fingers to indicate she take it, glad the mask hid his red cheeks. Quietly, he nodded towards the belt on her hip. "Whoever the bear went to, I am sure they appreciate it. Come." [10/28/2015 7:22:39 PM] Jinx: Makala didn't pause to consider the wisdom in accepting help from a stranger, let alone one who had been adamantly telling her to leave just moments before. She beams, words of thanks of her lips as she took his hand. Then a wave of deja vu hit her, so strong she was surprised it didn't literally knock her off her feet. As it was, her fact probably took on a stunned expression, and she blinked a few times.
"Oh," she exhaled softly, then looked up at the stranger's face. For the first time she noticed he was wearing a mask; she hadn't had a clear view before, and she hadn't wanted to stare. "Have we...met before? This feels oddly familiar to me." [10/28/2015 7:27:34 PM] Yushika: It pained him to say no. He had, long ago, accepted he was not allowed to have any significant relationship. Friends were out of the question. Having family was out of the question, usually, but the previous Gate Keeper had promised if he limited his time near them then it'd be fine. He took her hand firmly, moving to begin walking in-front of her.
"No." He lied, feeling the guilt twinge in his chest. Inhaling sharply, he tugged her ever so gently, heading straight for the woods. Just get her out. Get this over with. She'd be gone forever, then. [10/28/2015 7:38:11 PM] Jinx: "You feel familiar," she said, then giggled. "It might just be the situation. Sometimes other people found me before Dad could, and they helped me get home. There were a couple adults, and a boy who I think was about as old as me."
Makala let herself be pulled along, watching to make sure she didn't trip over her feet or the feet of the man leading her. "So, since we'll probably be here a while, will you tell me your name? Mine is Makala." [10/28/2015 8:09:09 PM] Yushika: He internally winced, his heart hammering at the question. His name? What was he supposed to say? He usually ignored the question in the first place, but he felt obligated to give some sort of response currently. He knew the rules; never give your name, never reveal your face, and stay away. The usual spooky commands of anything top secret, really. He paused over a large tree stump, gesturing for her to let him lift her over it.
"Nobody." He murmured, hands held out for her. [10/28/2015 8:16:39 PM] Jinx: "That's an unusual name," Makala commented, placing her hands in Nobody's and giving a little hop to help lift her into the air so he didn't have to pick up dead weight. He lowered her gently over the stump onto the group. She grinned.
"Thanks. So what do you do out here, Nobody? You don't seem like you're lost. Do you live out here? That must get pretty lonely." [10/28/2015 8:20:25 PM] Yushika: Ah, she took it. For a second he remembered them, as kids. Even then she had been sweet, hadn't she? Accepting her hands, he lifted her, gracefully setting her back on her feet before taking her hand again to lead her back out. It felt... intimate, and for a second he felt guilty. Hand holding was one of the only ways he could ensure the forest wouldn't use its magic to wrench her free. He was permitted access anywhere, but her? No. As long as he stayed in contact with her she'd be fine.
He debated her question, muling it over before finally landing on an answer. "It isn't." Was that a lie? Truth be told, he had forgotten what it was like with others. He didn't have much to compare now and a life near other living people, did he? "It's quiet." He added. [10/28/2015 8:36:26 PM] Jinx: Makala nodded understandingly. "Some people prefer quiet. I've met a few drifters who were like that. They either just like being on the move or not being surrounded by a lot of people. I live with a tribe near the ocean. I grew up there, so I'm used to having people around."
She paused, letting the sounds of the forest take over. The gentle shushing of leaving in the canopy brushing against each other, the calls of birds and the scufflings of squirrels and other small animals scampering over the ground. "I see what they mean though. Sometimes it is nice to just get away on your own."
She noted the surety with which Nobody walked, no hesitation in his step or which direction he was going. "You must visit people outside the forest too, right? You have a much better sense of direction than I do." The grin she wore hinted that probably wasn't much of an achievement, though her words had been sincere. [10/28/2015 8:40:12 PM] Yushika: He was quiet for perhaps too long. No. He didn't visit anyone. He was sure Toxic fretted over this plenty of times. Hesitating, his voice dropped, almost a faint and wistful whisper. "No." He sounded perhaps even sad, however any question related to his mental state would be deflected.
He quickly pulled her to the right, eyes flicking from tree to tree, judging each landmark. Close. They were almost out. Good. She probably would be on her way not, skipping off to anywhere but here. Still, the Deties must favor torturing him. What were the chances they'd meet again? Was it a trick to see how devoted he was to his job? What had he done for such a cruel game? [10/28/2015 8:57:25 PM] Jinx: Makala's face pinched. She could hear tones in Nobody's voice that made her believe he wasn't telling the truth. Or maybe he thought he was, but if so it seemed like he wasn't being truthful with himself. She didn't know what she could do about it. She didn't really know Nobody or what his life was like. Much as she wished she could fix things, there were some people who got more upset, rather than less, when you tried to meddle. No matter how good your intentions.
She was looking around the forest, trying to distract herself from helpless thoughts, when she noticed a particular tree lit up in a rare beam of sunlight. She inhaled sharply, pulling her hand free. "Oh, Nobody, look! Apples!" She took a few steps towards the tree. "They look perfect too!" She turned back and beckoned. "Come on!" [10/28/2015 9:00:09 PM] Yushika: He stopped the second she let go of his hand, head snapping her way. "Hand!" He almost yelled, fear touching his voice as he extended his hand. His heart hammered as he allowed himself to dare glance at the tree before looking at her. "This forest will swallow you up if you let go and wander too far." He added, apologetically. Perhaps yelling hadn't been the answer. His heart slowed as he once more looked at the tree, offering his hand again. Fine. He'd follow her if she took it, and release her hand when they were right under the tree.... [10/28/2015 9:10:50 PM] Jinx: Makala paused in startlement when Nobody shouted. She looked back at him, brow knitted in confusion. She reached out and took his hand, giving it a slight pull.
"I don't get lost /that/ easily," she said with a laugh. "Though I still don't know where we are, so if I lost you I'd probably be in the same boat. It's a pretty big forest. I come here all the time, but it's like I never follow the same paths." They reached the base of the apple tree. Makala released Nobody's hand and scampered up the tree like a squirrel. She scooted forward on one of the thick limbs, then carefully stood up and reached for a plump, golden piece of fruit. [10/28/2015 9:14:26 PM] Yushika: He decided it was best to leave it at that. How did one explain that, no, this place was one of the few magical locations in this world, and it fully intended to harm her? You didn't. Once she was at the base of the tree he sat down, spreading his wings for comfort as he watched the girl scramble up. Using one finger, he pushed his mask high enough to only reveal his mouth, exhaling loudly and placing it back down. He really hoped no one chose today to enter this realm through the gate....
"Careful." He found himself calling, internally wincing. He wasn't her dad, sheesh. [10/28/2015 9:25:31 PM | Edited 9:32:27 PM] Jinx: Makala grinned down at him. "Don't worry. The place I live is a ruin of an old castle. The forest is also pretty much right next to it. I think I was climbing things before I could even walk, much to the dismay of my parents." She grabbed a couple more apples, then walked back across the limb to the base of the tree. She pressed a hand against the rough, sun-warmed bark, and internally thanked the tree for the fruit. Cradling the fruits in her skirt, she managed to get back down the tree with a short drop. Thankfully she hadn't had to climb far.
Makala walked over to Nobody and plopped down on the ground, offering him an apple while selecting one for herself. "Seems like this is a good time for apples, with the weather turning. They smell good too." [10/28/2015 9:29:16 PM] Yushika: He watched her in awe, head snapping away when she approached as his nerves fired back up. He was supposed to be getting her out. Not playing friends. Yet, he accepted the apple, turning it in his hands thoughtfully before he lifting his mask a bit to take a small bite, placing it back down. The quiet man sat there, examining the bite mark he made as he realized that he was supposed to say something. That's what people expected, right?
His eyes flicked to the sky, wings lowering before he finally made a comment. "The sun will set in roughly an hour." [10/28/2015 9:38:47 PM] Jinx: Makala happily bit into her apple. It tasted every bit as good as it looked. She was enjoying the crisp texture and sweet flavor, wishing she'd remembered to bring a bag with her so that she cold have brought some of the apples home, when Nobody chimed up. She glanced up, noticing the light did look a bit dimmer than usual.
She swallowed her bite and tapped a finger thoughtfully against the fruit. "It doesn't bother me much. I spent the night in the forest before. Had to last night, actually." She frowned a little. "I just don't want you to have to wander back in the dark. Not after you've been so kind as to show me the way out. We've been walking at least an hour. I don't even think you could fly back in time before it got dark." [10/28/2015 9:53:57 PM] Jinx: (( I need to pester you for exact details on how the forest works at some point. )) [10/28/2015 10:00:45 PM] Yushika: He frowned at her comment about sleeping in the forest, watching the sky from behind his mask. The mention of his wings caused a sharp sigh. "It doesn't matter, anyway." He commented before standing, gesturing for her to take his hand back. "We should head out. We're nearby." [10/28/2015 10:09:37 PM] Jinx: Makala nodded and stood, still clutching her half-eaten apple in one hand while she took Nobody's hand into her free one.
"You could always stay the night, you know," she said in the quiet after they'd been walking for a few minutes. Her tone was slightly hesitant, like she expected a refusal but couldn't resist making the offer anyway. "My tribe is small, and the ruins are huge. There's plenty of places you could sleep if you want solitude. And we don't mind friendly visitors. That way you don't have to try to find your way back in the dark." Her face was pinched with worry as she looked up at the taller male. Her white hair had come unbraided as they walked since she'd never tied it. It formed a pale frame against her face that almost seemed to glow compared to the dark tones of the surrounding woods. [10/28/2015 10:15:44 PM] Yushika: He looked down at the much smaller girl as she spoke, his mouth clenching. Stay the night? He wasn't allowed to. Shaking his head, he was about to protest when he saw the opening before them. Ah. The clearing. Now he could say goodbye, and be done. Once he tugged her into the clearing he let her hand go, stepping backwards. He stood there, facing her as he was unable to speak. Here she was, the girl who had given him the very bear he still had inside the cabin. The girl he sometimes remembered when he tried to think back on a time he was happy, for even just a second. Swallowing thickly, he hardened his voice in an attempt to be serious, for once.
"Don't come back." He stated before stepping backwards, suddenly snapping around and bolting into the forest before she could tempt him with more sweet requests. He knew better. He always had. [10/28/2015 10:15:51 PM] Yushika: (( PLOT IDEA ))
[10/28/2015 10:18:47 PM] Jinx: (( STATE THINE IDEA )) [10/28/2015 10:20:30 PM] Yushika: (( SO she comes back. maybe she's drawn by the apples. Or him. Or something. She's stumbling around and for some reason the forest lets her through to the cabin again, and she finds him injured. I want to say someone came through the gate, ******** his s**t up, and he managed to fight them off but collapsed out of exhaustion. Cue her sticking around and him being forced to socialize for once in his god damn life. )) [10/28/2015 10:22:52 PM | Edited 10:22:55 PM] Jinx: (( She would def come back to try to see him again. She doesn't like the idea of him out there all alone. That's why I was asking about the forest though. Like how the magic protecting it works. Could it come to accept Makala as a nonthreat? Is it a blanket ban or does it sense intentions of those approaching and act accordingly? )) [10/28/2015 10:26:35 PM | Edited 10:26:37 PM] Yushika: (( The forest is like Luminaries. It has an entity. It scares all others off. Sometimes, it likes to ******** with Nasim and let people through. It's moody, but also protective. If she took care of the current Gate Keeper it would accept the person without question. It also reflects on the Gate Keeper's feelings. If the Gate Keeper greatly cares for the person, the forest might play nice and let them through. )) [10/28/2015 10:43:13 PM] Jinx: Makala stood there for a long moment, watching the dark forest where Nobody had vanished. Her body felt rooted to the spot, fighting the urge to flee after him while knowing to do so would only get her lost again. He could move much faster than she and likely was already long gone. Her hand felt very empty and cold now after those hours holding Nobody's large, warm hand. Finally, with darkness well set in and a chill wind whipping through the clearing, a violent shiver broke the spell. Makala turned and saw the outline of the castle ruins in the distance. She slowly stumbled her way back home, but her mind was still in the forest, running with a tall man with black wings.
Several days had passed since that time in the woods. Makala had stuck close to home, mostly to reassure her parents she was fine and had not suffered for being lost in the woods overnight. It took a bit of convincing, considering she'd walking into the castle shaking like a leaf and pretty chilled from the wind. She kept her hands and mind busy, but whenever she found herself with nothing to do her mind kept drifting back to Nobody.
It took several days for her to make up her mind. Her desire to please battled with her worry for him living out there all on his own. The worry finally won out.
The sun had just begun peeking over the horizon when Makala set out, a bag slung over her shoulder. She wore a similar color scheme (most of her clothing was teal, as it was her favorite color). This time she had on pale teal shorts, a pale teal tank top, and a long-sleeved dark teal sweater top that had a wide neckline and showed the tank top's straps. She also made sure to bring a bag with her. She set off into the forest, trying to remember exactly where Nobody had brought her out and what direction they'd been going. It would probably take her a little longer to find her way without him leading, but this time she was determined to not get lost. [10/28/2015 10:54:51 PM] Yushika: 'Cling' 'Clack' 'Smack'
The sound of metal smashing against one another echoed throughout the forest. A masked man panted as he leapt at a larger and sturdier man. It could be mistake for a dance as the two wield their weapons; Nasim bearing a spear and the other holding a sword. At times blood would splatter against the ground as one knocked the other. A wing would crumple here, a leg would give in there. The blades sliced without remorse, cutting through skin like butter. The game had gone on for about an hour, and both were exhausted. Their breath were ragged as they lunged at one another, eyes wild and hands trembling against their weapons.
'Thud'
The strangers weapon went flying. Nasir stood tall, pointing the spear at the attacker, the face behind his mask letting out almost frantic breaths. The other stood there, uncertain, before they fled towards the cabin. Nasim watched them, recognizing the familiar glow through the windows before he fell to the ground. Success. They had returned to their world. A long, exhausted groan left the masked man as he laid in a small puddle of his own blood. His wings bled profusely, arms torn by the shoulders and the side of his ribs sliced open. He'd tend to it.... later.... when he was..... awake....
Sleep greeted him, and he welcomed it with open arms. [10/28/2015 11:10:39 PM] Jinx: The sun was high in the sky if Makala was a proper judge of such things. Spending more time in the forest, she was starting to get better at figuring out the varied levels of light here. She was pretty proud of herself, and for more than one reason. Her bag held several ripe, golden apples. She'd managed to pass by the exact same tree, a sign she was definitely going the right way. The whole journey just had a feeling of rightness to it, like for once she wasn't going to put a step wrong.
It took her perhaps a bit longer, but that was as she expected. Finally a familiar sight loomed ahead; the fallen log that Nobody had helped her over. Makala rushed forward eagerly, scrambling over the log and running forward, only to stop dead in her tracks. A large heap was crumpled at the base of the tree, near the root she'd sat on last time. The copper scent of blood hit her nose with a blow that felt physical. Makala covered her mouth with a hand and just stood there, feeling her legs start to tremble. She took one shaky step forward, then another, the paused. Then the lump stirred, ever so slightly, and Makala broke her paralysis to run to it. She recognized those wings, and that mask. It was Nobody. She knelt next to him, hands fluttering over him without actually touching his body. She wasn't sure what to do, where to touch without hurting him even more.
Feeling herself on the verge of panic, Makala held her breath and gave herself a sharp pinch. The pain broke through her panic, and she tried to think of what the healers had taught her. Bandages. She'd need those. Water, if she could find it. Make sure nothing was broken, or sticking through the skin. Don't move the body if the head or neck seemed hurt. The panic threatened her again. She didn't know where to get bandages or water, and if she tried to go back it would take too long. Wandering off to find a water source was totally out. She swayed a little where she leaned and reached out to brace her hand on the root. The texture of bark helped to calm her, and she looked up. A thought came to mind. Nobody had come out of the tree when she first met him. Did he live up there? Maybe he had supplies. She leaned over the prone male, fingers ghosting over the one bit of unhurt flesh she could find on his shoulder. "I'll be right back. I'm just gonna look real quick, I'll be right back." Nonsense words, probably, but she felt she had to say /something/. [10/28/2015 11:29:49 PM] Yushika: He heard something. His eyes feebly opened briefly to see the blurry figure of a female before the world turned black again. Ah. The darkness greeted him, shifting and growing blurry before a bright light flashed. Ah. What was this? A memory? The scene flashed before him, showing a small boy holding the hand of a small girl. Her. The one who had given him the very bear on his bed right now. Ah, even then he wore the mask. Had she ever seen his face? No. Ha. It was almost funny, even. Even the one person from his childhood had never seen his face.
The humor was lost as the memory faded and suddenly, rapidly, the world became a bright white light. He was awake again, and the pain was real. A sharp screech left him as his ribs screamed in protest, his body pulling into itself. ********. Make it stop. Please. Please. Please [10/28/2015 11:48:32 PM] Jinx: Makala came rushing down the tree as fast as she could, a first-aid kit tucked in the bag slung over her back. She saw Nobody had moved, curling into a fetal position. She bit her lip, feeling momentarily helpless, then moved towards Nobody before she could clam up again.
She started with the arms. Those were the most obvious and easy to reach. Arms led to shoulders, which led to the base of the wings where they emerged from his flesh. She got his ribs as best she could, but worried she hadn't put enough pressure on the wounds. The entire time she worked on him Makala talked to Nobody in her softest, most soothing voice, keeping her touch as light as she could to avoid inflicting more pain.
It took her some time to get all the wounds bandaged. When she was done she sat there a moment, wondering what next. She should get Nobody to shelter, but there was no one he or she could get him up to the cabin in the tree. She knew how to build crude lean-tos, but could she make one that would be big enough to shelter Nobody? She'd seen a bed up there, so there were at least some blankets. She stood there, debating whether to look for branches or hunt for blankets, gently stroking Nobody's hair. Her fingers kept running over the cord tying the mask to his head. It couldn't have been easy to breath in that thing, especially with the pain he was in. Her fingers hesitated. Should she? [10/28/2015 11:55:35 PM] Yushika: His screeching had subsided as she worked on him, body limp against her touches. It was almost soothing, and the injured man found himself smiling under the mask. If this was how he went he didn't mind. Someone tending to him; caring for him. At times a sharp hiss would escape him when she touched something particularly sensitive, but often her soothing voice caused his mouth to shut and body to return limp.
He drifted continuously, fluctuating between awake and asleep through the process. His hot breath against his mask left a burning sensation against his mouth, but he didn't dare reach up. She couldn't see his face. She couldn't see hi- His eyes snapped open as fingers touched the cord to his mask, hand snapping up to grab hers. "Don't. Please." He whimpered, voice trembling under the pain. "Please..." [10/28/2015 11:59:54 PM] Jinx: Makala frowned. "Why," she asked simply. Did he think she was going to be afraid of him? That something about his appearance would cause her to change her opinion of him? A face was just a face. [10/29/2015 12:01:46 AM] Yushika: He twitched, keeping her hand firmly in his. "I can't. It's the one rule between us.... please. Don't." His voice was pleading, hand releasing hers as the weight of it was too much. It fell against the ground, recoiling into his chest as he prayed she listened. [10/29/2015 12:08:36 AM] Jinx: Makala sighed. Her fingers traced the band to the mask itself, until her hand lightly cupped the side of his face, the edge of the mask pressing against her palm, then moved up, back to his hair, and resumed a gentle stroking, trying to calm him. "Okay."
She sighed and looked around. It was only slightly past afternoon, but the light would probably be fading in just a few hours. "I should find stuff to make a shelter. I can't get you up the tree by climbing, and I don't think you should try." [10/29/2015 12:11:34 AM] Yushika: The stroking was enough for him to cave into her need to calm him, eyes blinking back weakly. His eyes trailed to the cabin, idiotic thoughts running through his head. He could get up there.... with enough patience.... and time... and gritting his teeth...
"Why..." He trailed off, wincing before finally jerking his head to look up at her. "Why are you here... Not safe..." [10/29/2015 12:16:44 AM] Jinx: She wrinkled her nose at him. "Says the man shredded to bits," she said lightly, hoping taking a teasing stance would distract him. "I might get lost more often, but I tend to keep my hind intact." She sighed. "And I wanted to see you. I kept worrying about you on your own. Looks like I was right, at least this time."
Makala peeked at the surrounding woods, then stood up. "I'll be back in a bit. Try not to move, okay. I think I see some branches that will work for a lean-to." She trotted off in the direction that had looked promising, throwing anxious glances back at Nobody. [10/29/2015 12:22:23 AM] Yushika: He snorted at her comment of him being alone, mostly out of the absurdity out of it. She worried? Why? He watched her trot away, only to cast anxious glances back. Ah... she really was a good girl, wasn't she? And he dragged her into this. He was disgusting, even, covered in blood before her and laying limp like a rag doll. If he was able to walk he would hide himself from the horrible fact that he was vulnerable, and making her care for him.
Ah..... he might as well go back to sleep. [10/29/2015 12:33:39 AM] Jinx: When Makala returned, Nobody was still. She panicked for a moment, then noticed the even, if slightly shallow, rise and fall of his chest. Sleeping then. She felt her heart unclench. She wished she could see his face. It would have been easier to tell what his state was. Just seeing if his eyes were open or closed would have made a difference. But she wouldn't. She'd promised, and she wouldn't break that promise.
Her arms were full of long branches, as straight as she could find. There'd been several, and she was pretty sure she could find more. It took three trips before she had as many branches as she would have liked, but once there were enough to suit her she began to carefully lay the shelter around the sleeping Nobody. She dug little holes in the earth to keep the sticks from sliding back, and leaned them against the tree in a careful pattern. It wasn't much, and it seemed ridiculously frail to her, but at least it was some kind of shelter.
Makala then climbed back up the tree to the cabin. She needed a blanket to cover Nobody with, and if there were any extras she could lay them over the lean-to as an extra blockade from the elements. She moved to the bed to get the blanket when she saw it.
The teddy bear. Her teddy bear. The one she'd given to the boy so long ago. She picked it up, trembling a little. Could it be? What were the odds that Nobody had a bear just like her old one? But no, she remember the ribbon. Remembered that tiny stain on the corner from when she'd gotten berry juice on it.
She set the bear back down after another long stare, then folded up the blanket and put it in her pack. Not now. She could ask later, but now probably wasn't the best time. She looked over the cabin real quick for any other bedding, then made her way back down the tree to Nobody. [10/29/2015 12:39:34 AM] Yushika: By the time she was returning he had stirred, sitting slightly up. He hissed sharply, watching her make her way down the tree, mentally running over the insides of his cabin. He was certain he hid the bear... or did he... or.... or ..... or....
He couldn't focus, instead watching her returning form. His vision was still blurry, but it was defiantly Makala. A frown bore under his mask as he tried to sit further up, yelping sharply before he laid back on the ground, careful not to knock over her carefully constructed shelter. His wings shifted, pulling feebly into his side despite the screaming agony it caused. Collect yourself. Now. [10/29/2015 12:50:22 AM] Jinx: Makala rushed to the shelter when she heard the yelp. There was enough room for her to squeeze in, but it was a good thing she was so tiny. She shushed soothingly as she pulled out the blanket. "I brought something to keep you warm. Otherwise your muscles are going to stiffen up from a night on the ground, and you'll hurt worse." She wished she'd been able to put something on the ground under him, but there'd been no way to move Nobody and she was honestly afraid to. [10/29/2015 12:52:17 AM] Yushika: There it was again, the soothing sounds from her. He melted, succumbing and resting on his side the second she entered the shelter. He felt like a child, pathetically clinging to each gentle hair stroke and hushed whisper as if it was the last contact he'd ever receive. "Thank you." He croaked, reaching up to touch her hand and, tentatively, squeezing her fingers. It was a grand gesture from the quiet and reclusive male, and immediately he regretted it as he recoiled into himself.
Fool [10/29/2015 1:10:01 AM] Jinx: Makala just smiled, taking the hand in both of her small ones and returning the squeeze. "Don't mention it. I just wish I could do more." She settled her back against the trunk of the tree, setting her bag next to her.
"I tried not to rummage through your stuff too much, so I didn't see if you had anything to eat up there. I brought some apples, but they might be tough to bite into. Do you even want food right now, or do you think it might come back up?"
[8:40:00 PM] Yushika: Let me scroll up and throw you a response! [8:40:13 PM] Yushika: Actually [8:40:30 PM] Yushika: Can we skip ahead? She's been caring for him for a few days and he recovers enough to crawl into his home?
[8:40:34 PM] Yushika: And then she asks about the bear? [8:44:29 PM] Yushika: Unless you rather I hit up our old response? [8:56:02 PM] Jinx: (( My internet is being an a**. Give me a sec to restart things. )) [9:00:54 PM] Jinx: If you want to skip ahead that's fine, since it's going to be mostly Makala scampering about the woods, gathering food and things for Nasim, and Nasim likely worrying every time she vanishes. Not much going on 'til he can move again [9:02:58 PM] Yushika: Okay! [9:03:03 PM] Yushika: Let me drop BCRs off then! [9:03:41 PM] Jinx: Also she left the bear on the bed, so it'll pretty be there, front and center, when Nasim /can/ crawl back into his home XD [9:15:14 PM] Yushika: DROPPED YOUR BABIES [9:17:21 PM] Jinx: YEEEEE [9:25:23 PM] Yushika: It had been a few days and Nasim had finally seemed stable enough to head up to his home. It was about time, after all, as he had grown fairly stiff sleeping on the ground. Malala did her best, despite the many times he tried to send her home, and Nasim's wounds were beginning to heal rather nicely. It was finally time to sleep in a bed, and he couldn't be more ready at this point.
He had already climbed the tree, stepping onto his porch with a shaky sigh before pushing the door open, collapsing in the doorway as his ribs screeched in agony and his legs gave in. Grunting, the 'daeva tried to push himself back up, making it halfway up the door before collapsing once more. [9:31:13 PM] Yushika: OH [9:31:21 PM] Yushika: DID I NOT DROP OFF YOUR YUAN GROWTHS?! [9:31:37 PM] Jinx: I.....am not sure [9:31:47 PM] Yushika: I didn't [9:31:47 PM] Yushika: I got you [9:31:52 PM] Yushika: Give me one second [9:33:20 PM] Jinx: Makala cleared the porch only a few moments after Nobody. She'd been standing at the base of the tree, watching and fretting the entire time he made the climb. She almost made her lip bleed from worrying at it with her teeth. She couldn't blame Nobody for wanting to get to a more comfortable place and it would help his healing, but she still fretted it was too soon for him to make the attempt. As soon as she saw him reach the porch she scampered after him like a squirrel. From all the previous climbs and descents she knew the tree quite well, and could probably have made the journey blind-folded.
She saw Nobody collapsed in the door frame and bit at her lip again. She made herself walk rather than rush, but the anxiety fairly radiated off her. "Almost there," she said encouragingly as she squatted down, back towards Nobody. She carefully pulled one of his hands to rest on her shoulder, then tapped at the other one, indicating he place it on her other shoulder. "You're too tall for me put an arm around my shoulder, but I think this should do the trick as long as it's a short distance," she said, trying to inject enough cheer in her voice to mask the anxiety she felt for Nobody's health. And her doubts at the idea. Nobody was tall. Like really, really tall. Or she was just short. Maybe both. She could help prop him, but if he collapsed with all his weight she'd probably go down with him.
[9:47:07 PM] Yushika: Nasir did as she asked, a soft and pained groan escaping him as they moved upwards. He didn't rely on her long, almost flinging himself into the bed when he was within throwing distance, grimacing and sharply hissing at pain. He didn't care, he was there. Rolling over, his hand smacked against something furry, eyes snapping open and a soft gasp escaping him behind the mask. Abruptly, he smacked the bear behind the bed, hoping she hadn't seen before squirming to fit his wings against the wall, now turning to view her.
"Thank you." He murmured, his voice muffled behind the mask. His eyes rolled backwards as a spasm from his wing reminded him how much it hurt, a whimper escaping before he leaned his head back onto his pillow. "I can handle things from here." Lies. All lies. [9:54:48 PM] Jinx: Makala giggled, despite her anxieties. "Just cause I can't see your face doesn't mean I don't know a fib when I hear one." She walked over and got to work on pulling Nobody's shoes off his feet; she would have even folded back the blankets too if he hadn't been laying on them. She set the shoes down neatly by the foot of the bed and sighed, looking up at Nobody from her position.
"I'm sorry I'm being so selfish," she said, regret making her voice almost child-like. "I know you like alone time and you haven't had any of that in a while, but if I left now I'd probably fret myself to pieces wondering how you were coping." She attempted a smile. "My parents say my imagination is too active for my own good sometimes." [10:05:57 PM] Yushika: He cringed as she removed his shoes, internally feeling guilty at the gesture. His eyes rolled to look out the window beside his bed, head snapping back to her when she spoke. His head shook before he could control it, hands folding together.
"It's fine." He promised, returning his gaze towards the window once more. "If you're staying, then avoid the back room." He added, voice molding into a firm tone as the masked man turned to look at her. "You may wander the entire house, but the room with a white door is off limits." [10:19:51 PM | Edited 10:19:53 PM] Jinx: Makala nodded. "This floor looks much more comfortable than the one we've been sleeping on," she said, chuckling a little as she stood up. She gave the room a look-through, taking note of the door Nobody had mentioned. She hadn't gone through it her previous trips up here, mostly because she'd been able to find what she needed without having to check. She actually hadn't given it much notice until now.
"You'll have to tell me what kind of foods you like. I'm not a great cook, but I can make simple stuff just fine." [10:20:05 PM] Jinx: (( I need to pester you for a map/description of the cabin... )) [10:32:08 PM] Yushika: (( It's four rooms. The kitchen and living room are open and lead into each other. Nasim's living area is a small square shaped area in the corner, still open. The second room is the bathroom. Third is where he holds food. Fourth is the forbidden room and all the way in the back.))
"Pasta." He mumbled. "Though, it's all I ate." And this was true. He didn't have much money on hand. Just what the previous guardian gave him. Pasta was cheap, and quick. He stocked up on it plenty. If she ventured into his pantry she'd be horrified, probably, but it's what he could afford and what he could make.... What did his moms make him as a kid? He.... he didn't remember...
[10:47:38 PM] Jinx: Makala tilted her head. "Just pasta," she asked. "Do you like vegetables or sauce or anything mixed in with them?" Not that Nobody would have much choice. Makala was known for her green messes back in the tribe, which, though nutritious, were a trial to swallow. Anybody who had eaten Makala's cooking would probably be pitying Nobody at this moment. [10:48:43 PM | Edited 10:48:46 PM] Yushika: "Jared sauce?" He questioned, voice almost comically curious as he tilted his head. "I am only allowed to leave once a month, I don't tend to get adventurous when buying food."
Makala's expression was so dismayed it was practically comical, though no one with sense would have laughed in her presence. It was clear she was unpleasantly surprised to learn about Nobody's dining habits. At least he'd been eating moderately healthy while she was looking after him. Now that she had access to a stove, she was going to see about getting a proper meal into him.
"I'm going to check the kitchen stock real quick. It's still early enough in the day that I can forage for a decent meal." Squaring her shoulders like a general about to face and assess her troops, Makala turned to the kitchen and proceeded to ruthlessly insect the contents of every cabinet. From the way the crease between her brows deepened with each cupboard, she was not at all happy.
She turned to face Nasim, her face an expression of displeasure. Nothing directed at him, more towards the thought of how horribly he'd been caring for himself. Unfortunately when she was most displeased, she tended to look more child-like; she had a habit of puffing out her cheeks since she was a child, and it stayed with her to this day. "I'm going to go get some food," she announced. "You rest, I'll be back in a bit." She slung her back over her back and proceeded out of the cabin, vanishing from sight in mere moments.
[11/3/2015 11:36:07 PM] Yushika: Nasim watched her puff her cheeks out, a smirk appearing behind the mask before he killed it, fast. He barely acknowledged when she left, having returned his gaze back to the window as a haze rapidly descended upon him. Being in so much pain often was followed with a need to sleep constantly, and the tall man was no different. Absently, his hand shifted to pick the bear he had knocked over back up, pulling it into bed. She'd be gone for a bit, right? Did he trust her heading back? She had, for a bit, been meandering the forest for the past few days.... and it seemed to behave. Perhaps it welcomed her at this point.
He was too tired to contemplate it, really. If she wasn't back by night fall he'd find her. Right now.... right now he needed to rest. He forgot about the bear he held, eyes closing behind the mask as his body went limp and sleep greeted him. Finally, a well-deserved nap. [11/3/2015 11:52:59 PM] Jinx: It was close to dark before Makala returned. She'd managed to find enough to satisfy her for tonight. Mushrooms, acorns, berries, a different apple tree with fruit that looked as tasty as the first, and several varieties of greens. She wished she had any kind of hunting skills to get some meat, since that would also do Nobody good, but this would have to do for now.
Makala scaled the tree and entered the cabin, looking around and waiting for her eyes to adjust to the lighting. She spotted Nobody, and had to smile a little when she saw a bit of brown fur poking over his shoulder. Then she turned her attention back to the kitchen, and started unloading her finds. Soon a dubious green sauce was bubbling away while Makala hummed over it and occasionally added something else to the mix.
