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 Posted: Sat Jan 04, 2014 12:56 pm
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Introduction Solo
This Rocky Wasteland...
Tohru sighed softly as he unpacked his small box of belongings. They'd just made their last trip back to the Celestial Plane to retrieve the remainder of their belongings. The young Dovaa had manged to slip away for a moment to apologize and say goodbye to his garden one last time before he'd been summoned to load their packs onto a hastar.
Their new home on Ayr was smaller than the one they'd had on the Celestial Plane; with only two designated bedrooms, a small kitchen with adjoining dining room, a quaint little family room, and no study (if you can believe that!). Tohru and his fiance, Amara, seven years his senior, were expected to share a room, naturally. The little Dovaa wasn't entirely sure why this was the case, since Amara preferred to spend most time with his mother, anyway. He expected it was so she'd have a more private place to put her copious amounts of belongings. She had already informed him that he wouldn't be allowed to sleep in the same room as her, and that he was never to so much as look at her things without permission.
Tohru had only nodded and began setting his books up on the highest shelf (the one neither of them could reach without difficulty). The young Dovaa was currently perched on his tip-toes, standing on a chair so that he could reach his arms up high enough to arrange his four books on his allotted shelf (in order of the one he enjoyed most to the one he didn't like quite as much). Once those were arranged, he took out a little wooden figurine (given to him as a farewell present by one of his neighbors) and set it at the end, so that at least it could look over the room like a king surveying his subjects.
Tohru gave the toy a tiny smile as he climbed from his chair. He'd already helped the ladies unpack and get settled, so there wasn't much else for him to do... He peeked out the window. It was murky and foggy, but he was pretty sure the sun was hanging low in the sky, almost ready to bid the day adieu. This seemed like as good a time as any! He found the backpack that he'd nestled his small gardening tools away in sitting in the corner of the room. He pulled his gloves and a trowel free before slipping through the window and out into the world.
It didn't take Tohru long to realize that he didn't appreciate Ayr in the slightest. The smooth rocks were cold against his feet (as opposed to the soft grass of his previous home), the air was thick and foggy, and it almost hurt just to breathe it, but worst of all, as far as his eyes could see there were only rocks. Only. Rocks. No where suitable enough for him to create a new garden...
Despite the disappointment, he continued along, anyway. They weren't terribly far from the coast. Seawater wasn't great for most plants, but it was still water and had to have some merit over rocks, right? But even as he neared the beach, he only saw a nest of rocky outcrops and sharp stones. With only his bare feet, he didn't dare get any close. He could only sigh in disappointment as the loud waves crashed along the shore.
But as he turned to head home, a crumbling along one of the nearby cliffs caught his eye. Tohru froze as still as a statue and stared at the spot, now with a few pebbles rolling down the side. Something was up there. Fear lanced through him so powerfully that he could hardly breathe. He squinted his eyes shut as a shadow flew across him. He heard something land. Something approached him. Something four-legged and heavy.
"Boy." The voice was deep and low, and utterly terrifying. But after a harsh growl that demanded acknowledgement from the beast, Tohru cracked open his eyes. He wished he hadn't. The thing was big, with sharp teeth, sharp claws, and a serrated tail. It's scales were a deep navy, almost obsidian in the dim lighting Ayr offered. Tohru wanted to flee. But no amount of coercing his body to do as he bid had any effect. A tiny, pleading whimper escaped him, and the Drakein tipped his head. "Have you come to this beach to raid my nest?" He demanded. When Tohru only stared at him, he roared, "Answer me! All you two-leggers are after the same thing, aren't you! Well, you won't take my eggs."
At some point, Tohru started shaking his head stiffly, willing the small dragon (or large Drakein?) to believe him. No such luck. The beast howled like some kind of demon and leaped at him, fangs and teeth bared. For the first time since he'd seen the four-legged creature, Tohru made a sound; a pitiful high pitched whimper that turned into a yelp as he stumbled back and away from the Drakein. As he landed on the rocks, tears of horror slipped from his eyes, and he blinked helplessly back at the monster that was about to eat him.
But the Drakein paused and stared down at the boy. Surely one so weak and utterly pathetic was not here to steal his eggs. The child could hardly care for himself, let alone an infant Keinling. The Peisio sniffed him over. "What's you name?" He demanded hotly.
Tohru could only gape at him in surprise. His mind was completely white. It was like the Drakein was speaking another language to him. The only thing that moved was the tears leaking down his face, as if they were coming out of a faucet. He couldn't muster the wherewithal to get them to stop.
The Drakein leaned back to give Tohru a bit of space. "Quit that crying!" He commanded, tail lashing. "I'm not going to hurt you." He tried to reason, to no avail. Tohru's eyes were practically glassed over. Was he even staring at the Drakein, anymore...? He slipped forward cautiously. "Calm down, little one..." He cooed as soothingly as he could, despite the solid amount of distaste he felt for the human. With a roll of his eyes, the Drakein stepped closer to the boy. "Look. Watch this." He murmured softly. The salty liquid slipping down Tohru's face started to float away from him.
The Dovaa winced and closed his eyes at the strange sensation of the water leaving his face. But when he peeked them open again, he saw little orbs, tiny, teardrop-sized orbs floating about. They bounced into each other and waggled about, rippling off each other. Tohru was confused, but a tiny smile slipped onto his face.
The Drakein carefully watched his expression. Without ceasing in his playful demonstration, he whispered, "My name is Cadeo, and this beach is my home. What's your name?" He really wasn't going to ask again.
Tohru blinked and looked up at him. He seemed to just realize that he was still on the ground, with these tear spheres dancing around him. He swallowed. Sometimes, the questions his family asked were rhetorical, and not meant to be answered... But this Drakein, Cadeo had asked him twice... And not punished him when he didn't answer the first time. "Tohru..." He whispered on a quiet breath of air.
Cadeo had to lean in to hear him, but he dipped his head in acknowledgment. "Do you live on Ayr?" The Peisio asked. Tohru nodded. Cadeo shook his head and tutted softly. This continent was no place for a young Dovaa, especially not one as skittish as this boy. He was so young, and there were so few other two-leggers out here. The poor thing must need a friend. Maybe he hadn't brought a family of his own. "Little one, this beach is my home, but if you ever seek solace, I invite you to visit me here. As long as you don't come near my nest."
Tohru was horribly confused, but he gave another tiny nod.
"Good." Cadeo agreed. "But for now the sun is setting. Do you have a home to return to?" Tohru pointed off over a rocky slope. "Very well. You'd best be getting on. I will fly overhead and watch to make sure you return safely." Tohru was hesitant to move, but when the Drakein growled, "Now!" He skittered to his feet and took off across the rocks. He didn't know if the Peisio really followed him all the way or not, but Tohru made it home without incident and slipped in through his open window. He was quick to close and shutter it up, lest something else horrifying be creeping around on Ayr's rocky outcrops...
Results: Moved to Ayr and met Cadeo!
Words: 1465 |
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Posted: Sun Jan 05, 2014 2:39 pm
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Clan Solo
The Things We Want
"So we were discussing it, and we decided it would be most fruitful for everyone if you were to choose the Kiandri Clan." The voice belonged to his mother, Vesta, sitting in the living room. He couldn't see her, but he knew she was speaking directly to him. Tohru himself was cleaning up the dishes from dinner. Most of them had been washed, so he'd set to the task of toweling the smaller utensils and plates dry so that he could get them out of the way early. As the words reached his ears though, he gasped, and the plate slipped through the towel in his hand and crashed to the floor, landing in ceramic chunks and splinters.
Almost instantly, a red headed teenager poked her head through the doorway. "What are you doing?!" Amara screeched. "You're such a klutz! Well, don't just stand there clean it up!" With a huff and an annoyed roll of her eyes, the girl retreated to take up a post with her soon-to-be mother-in-law.
From the living room, his mother shouted. "Tohru! Did you hear what I said to you?! Answer me!"
The little Dovaa was already on the floor, scraping together the shattered dish with his bare hands. "Yes, momma!" He squeaked, finding it difficult to muster up his voice. What if she hadn't heard him? She'd be angry... "Yes, mother!" He called a little louder. She started talking again, and Tohru knew he should be listening, but his emotions were raging, despite how hard he tried to tamp them down.
A Kiandri...?
The boy's heart quickened. He had absolutely no interest and the wild and unruly power of the Kiandri Dragons. They were violent and brash, passionate and fierce... Pretty much everything Tohru was not. Nor did he want to be. He finished cleaning up the large debris and went to get a broom for the smaller shards. If it was up to him, he'd take the path of a quiet, patient Ysali gardener, someone that could help life to flourish and bloom (maybe even on this awful continent of Ayr). He dusted the glass into a pile, collected it in the pan, and threw it away.
Of all the things Tohru didn't want, this was pretty high on his list. It would affect him forever. He'd never be able to go back if he chose this path. Maybe if he just tried to talk to his mother reasonably... He put the broom away and finished the dishes in a quick, but careful (so as not to break anything else) rush, before padding quietly out into the living area.
The ladies were playing some kind of game with cards and dice when Tohru entered. He never took part in such things, and wasn't even entirely sure what the object of the game was. But that didn't matter now. He sat down on the floor, perpendicular to Amara. Should he just come out and say it? He wasn't sure what type of lead-in would cause him the least amount of trouble... But clan-choosing was supposed to be something that was completely his choice, right? He'd never expected his mother to have a say, anyway...
He decided to go for it.
"I- I don't think I'd make a very good Kiandri..." He whispered quietly, casting his gaze down at the ground.
The women hardly paid him a second glance. "No, I'm sure you won't." Vesta replied, setting a card on the floor in front of Amara.
"Then why-" Tohru started in confusion, his brows creasing together with the boldness of his argument.
"Because anything less would be an insult to this family!" Vesta set down her hand of cards. Her voice raised a notch, and Tohru could tell she was becoming annoyed.
He pressed on. It was the rest of his life, after all, and if he chose Kiandri, he was likely to get himself killed in combat. He wouldn't last two minutes. "Father was a Gaili..." He tried hesitantly. Instantly he knew it was the wrong thing to say.
"And look where it got him!" Vesta spat. "And your brother! Useless deserters! Both of them!" Tohru whimpered softly. She continued unabated. "It's for Amara's sake, my dear." She whispered soothingly, reaching out to pat Tohru's head. He couldn't help but flinch. "The fire of a Firani burns deep within her. Her powers are strong and ever-blooming, but even someone with as much prowess as Amara can be drowned by an ill-tempered Peisio. Kiandri magic will protect her from those monsters."
Something that felt suspiciously like hope leaped up inside of him. If it was only to cover Amara's weakness, then he had an even better idea! "But... Ysali magic is strong against both Peisios and Gailis." Tohru argued, feeling a swell of boldness. Surely, this fact was worth sharing! It may even get him exactly what he wan-
Vestra reached out and slapped him so hard across the face that Tohru fell backwards onto the floor. He hadn't even had the opportunity to flinch. The burning of his cheek instantly caused tears to spring to the corners of his eyes, and he leaned away from the two women defensively.
"Ysali magic is pitifully weak and useless." Vesta snapped, her crimson eyes flashing fiercely. Tohru should've known better than to defy her! Insolent little child! "Go to your room!" She commanded.
And that was something Tohru didn't need to be told twice. He got up quickly and scurried from the room like a small bug receding to dark corners. He was pretty sure Amara shouted something about 'not messing up her bed' as he retreated, but he couldn't be sure. He scampered into the room and shut the door silently behind him, before flopping down against the wall and burying his head in his knees. His cheeks burned, and his chest was tight.
Kiandri... He could be disobedient, of course, and choose the Ysali clan. No one could physically stop him from going that route. But the suffering his mother would cause him for that decision would follow him forever. It hardly seemed worth it. Tohru glanced up from the darkness of his limbs, to spot the shelf across the room, stocked with one of each type of orb, from Ysali to Diabi. It was mostly decorational. He doubted anyone from his family had actually earned them.
Tohru stood slowly and made his way over to the shelf. He stared at all the orbs. All nine of them, in all their glorious varying colors. Slowly, he reached up and collected the little golden orb with both his hands, holding it in his open palms. He'd never gone to the Dovaa's official school, so he didn't know many tales of clan-choosing, but he had seen his brother, Kasen choose his clan.
This little orb held all the power. All he needed to do was crush it, and the powers of a Kiandri would find their way into him. It wasn't what he wanted, but what choice did he have? With a quiet sigh, he smashed the orb in his hands. The pointed edges dug into his palm, but that didn't matter. He could already feel the magic flowing from the orb into his tiny, fragile body. It almost burned. The magic sparked across his skin as the orb dissipated, and Tohru flinched away from the power racing through him.
A power he didn't want.
He still had to use it. He didn't think he could stand having it sit and fester inside of him. It was like it was raging inside of him, begging to be free, and Tohru didn't posses the ability to quell it. It sparked around him, stinging his skin and making him squeak in pained surprise. Even that did nothing to stop the arc of electricity that was dancing in his very core.
It was going to be a long night.
Results: Accepted the Kiandri Clan.
Words: 1320 |
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Posted: Thu Jan 09, 2014 1:07 pm
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Family Solo
Cadeo
When the powers from the orb finally ebbed, Tohru still felt like had lightning crackling in his belly. It was uncomfortable, but not particularly painful, so he did his best to ignore it and move on with his night. He slipped briefly from his room to wash himself. Although when sharp, painful sparks kept igniting under his fingers, he abandoned that task quickly. The little Dovaa slunk back into his room and dressed in a long, loose t-shirt and crawled into the nest of blankets he had in the corner. He supposed he was still technically under room arrest, so it was probably best not to venture out into the living room with his mother and fiance... Not that he wanted to do that, anyway. He could hardly stand the thought of Vesta smugly nodding in approval at him having accepted the Kiandri's powers. So, he tossed and turned in his covers for a while, trying to go to sleep, but failing as something deep and very unlike anything he'd ever felt before urged him to venture outside into the free, open air.
Tohru wanted to ignore it very badly. As much as he enjoyed being outside, the urge had never been quite like this. It almost scared him. It seemed... dark, somehow, like little claws were raking at the back of his mind until he finally slipped from his nest and went to open the window. The fresh air did nothing to quiet his cravings, if possible, only making them worse, until Tohru had worked himself into such a frenzy that he was feeling very real, physical cramps in his belly. With a quiet whine, he slipped through the window, his bare feet landing silently on smooth rock.
He stood there quietly and awkwardly and looked around. He half expected some unholy beast to appear as the cause of these awful feelings, but Tohru saw nothing, heard nothing except the wind whipping against the cliffs. The cramps had subsided, and the overpowering urge to be free had ebbed. The only thing nagging at him now was that he knew he'd be in trouble if he was caught straying from his room... It all came down to which was worse; his family's wrath or these awful feelings created by his own body?
His wasn't sure. Neither were pleasant. He stared off over the cliffs... Hadn't he met a Drakein who'd said he could visit if he... 'needed solice,' or something of the like? The creature was surely versed enough in the ways of magic to explain it to him, as no one else would. The Dovaa padded off in search of that beach again. The terrain seemed different in the utter blackness of night. Even the moon was mostly obscured by clouds, leaving Tohru to wander through the rocks, only hoping that he was going the right direction. But the sound of waves soon called out to him, and the young Dovaa skittered out to soothe his feet in the somewhat softer embrace of the rocky sand.
Now how was he to find that Drakein...? It had happened just by chance the first time... What had he said his name was...? "Cadeo?" Tohru called out softly. His voice hardly carried three feet in front of him, let alone far enough to actually summon a Drakein. Even the boy realized this, but he was loathe to be any louder. He wasn't even sure if he could...
Nevertheless, the sound of wing beats accented the air in only a metter of moments, and soon the Peisio was landing before him. "Little Dovaa." Cadeo greeted with a cordial incline of his head. "I thought I whiffed something slightly familiar on the breeze. What brings you out here?"
Tohru glanced at the ground. He'd forgotten how intimidating this creature was in person... Even if he wasn't hostile. "I-I'm not s-sure..." He admitted hesitantly. Cadeo's tail flicked out and brushed the underside of his chin to make him meet his gaze, but Tohru only squeaked and recoiled in terror.
"Come now, child!" Cadeo scoffed. "You came to me seeking help, didn't you?" He demanded a bit harshly. Tohru flinched, but nodded. "Then look up and tell me what troubles you!" The Peisio commanded.
Feeling a heated blush of shame rush to his cheeks, Tohru turned his gaze up to the Peisio and recounted the tale of his clan-choosing, of how he had no interest in the path of a battler, and how the crackling powers of lightning had raked along his innards for what had felt like hours, and how he'd been coerced by some strange force to leave the relative safety of his home and come out into the night.
The Peisio remained neutral and silent through the whole tale. If he interrupted the youngster, he'd probably never start back up. But as Tohru's talking faltered and then died off, the Peisio could only tut apologetically. "Oh, little Dovaa..." Cadeo soothed softly, shaking his head. "The Kiandri spirit is wild and passionate! You cannot expect to coop it up and lock it away." He informed the boy. He could already see the youngster's heart sink, but he continued, anyway. "And that spirit is in you now, whether you want it or not. But I do not believe that is a bad thing. You are young. There are still many paths for you to take." Cadeo brushed the tip of his scaly tail lightly against the Tohru's shoulder. "I understand that it is not what you'd hoped for yourself, but don't condemn this decision yet. Perhaps Abronaxus has guided you to this for a reason. Never fret, little Dovaa."
It was one of the most reassuring things Tohru had ever heard, but he felt pained nonetheless. How could he be passionate and free when his mother dictated all that he did..? Even his clan... "Thank you for your wise words..." Tohru whispered softly, bowing politely in gratitude. "I should return home before mother begins to... worry." He turned and skittered back through the sand and across the rocks. Even now, he felt the crackles gnawing at his insides again...
How was he ever to make it through this...?
Results: Spent some time with Cadeo.
Words: 1033 |
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Posted: Mon Jan 13, 2014 8:15 am
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Family Solo
Kasen: Part 1
Time dragged on. Tohru was pretty sure he hadn't felt this miserable even when his brother and father had abandoned him, and he was told he was taking over his brother's responsibility to Amara. Not that either of the women had seemed that bad at the time... But now! The two had practically simmered with glee when he'd admitted he'd accepted the Kiandri clan. Tohru assumed that since he expected it, that it wouldn't bother him.
But he was wrong.
Listening to them gloat at him and tell him how much better this was for him stung. That was only mentally of course. The physical pain came when Vesta and Amara insisted on taking him outside to 'train.' Tohru was almost positive that it was a euphemism for 'shamelessly beat the snot out of him.' The two women didn't hold back their fiery rage, and more often than not, he was left with a few serious burns along his arms. Thankfully, it was just his arms. The women only aimed high, and Tohru was always blocking, defending his chest and head from their attacks with his scrawny upper appendages.
It took him several of these training sessions to realize that he could creep out of the house at night to visit his Khehora friend, and Cadeo would be more than willing to soothe the burns with his Peisio magic. It was all the young Kiandri looked forward to. Cadeo was gentle and helpful and kept his rude comments about Tohru's family to himself. That last bit was probably the most appreciated, since Tohru could see the big Peisio's annoyance with having to care for a child's injuries. Alas, Tohru did his best to quietly endure the training. At least his mother and fiance seemed pretty ecstatic about it.
At least... until Tohru retaliated.
It wasn't even intentional. It just sort of... happened. It was Amara's turn to have a go at him, violently slinging fireballs and whipping out fire, while Tohru did his best to keep out of the way and defend himself. He was chastised for not being more headstrong and offensive, but the little Dovaa didn't concern himself with that. He'd rather no one except for himself be injured, anyway... But it wasn't long before he found himself floored. A rock tripped him up, and he crashed to the ground, an arc of flames streaming just by his nose. During the two-second interval that it took Tohru to sit up, Amara had dove in front of him and grabbed his upper arm (to keep him from blocking, maybe?).
Her fingers seared against his skin, and the little Kiandri yelped and tried to yank away from her, but she didn't release him. But it burned, and though he didn't see it, he was pretty sure her other hand was coming at him too, with more spitting fire than he ever wanted. Desperation crept into his widened golden eyes and he gave one final, desperate yank-
He felt it tingling in his toes first. A spur of Kiandri magic. Before he knew what was happening, it was racing through him and spitting itself right at Amara. The girl shrieked as she sailed backwards through the air. And Tohru could only stare, wide-eyed. He hadn't meant to, of course! Though already, he was relieved that he'd been freed... He glanced up to see his mother, momentarily stunned but now striding rapidly over to the younger girl's side. He could hear nothing. Not the wind, or the sound of his mother's shoes against the ground, or even Amara's shallow breathing. But suddenly, he knew he should be scared. Vesta hadn't spared him a glance yet, but in only a matter of seconds, he was sure it would come. Then it would be too late to escape.
He was hurt, terrified, and he knew he had to get away. Not once had he ever considered fleeing from his punishment. The world was too big and scary to traipse it alone, but he was instantly certain that he fared better out there than he did here. Despite the agony in his body, Tohru righted himself and fled. He had nowhere yo go, and Ayr was an awful continent to live on, but that didn't matter. He didn't look back when he heard shouts, just dove through the cliffs and crevices and over the rocks and didn't stop even when his bare feet were bleeding from the pointed stones digging into them. He didn't care. It didn't matter. It just didn't matter. Nothing he did or said or felt or thought.
It didn't matter.
He didn't know how long he ran. It could've been hours, or it could've been minutes. The cloudy sky overhead didn't give him much to go on. No way of knowing time, just that the sun hadn't set yet. But where was he? All these cliffs and rock formations looked the same! Was he close to the beach? Maybe he could find Cadeo? The Khehora wouldn't want to take him in, the Dovaa was sure, but maybe he could help nonetheless? No. The beach was too close to his home. It was too risky to go back there again. But there was no one else, nothing else...
Tohru tucked himself in the smallest niche he could find. It was scarcely big enough for him, and if a predator caught his scent, he'd be more trapped than protected. But the little Kiandri didn't even spare that a thought. Maybe it was better this way. Maybe it was what Abronaxus wanted...
He thought he dozed. Maybe. Everything was kind of a blur of pain and fear and confusion, and it all seemed black whether his eyes were open or closed. Maybe it was night now. And when he heard a voice calling (whispering?) his name, it could only have been a dream or a hallucination. Tohru wasn't sure which state he preferred. All he knew was that the voice made him endlessly sad.
There was a touch on his shoulder, then his cheek. Even when he opened his eyes, he still saw only shady black outlines, only a hint of what was actually there. "Tohru?" The voice asked again.
He knew he had to work up the voice to answer it. Maybe then it would leave him in peace. "Yes..." He answered softly. He didn't know what the voice wanted from him or why it was touching him (since when could voices do that?), but he was pretty sure it would leave him behind like it always did when he thought about it. "I'm here, Kasen..." He trailed off into deeper darkness once more.
Results: Kasen returns.
Words: 1111 |
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Posted: Mon Jan 13, 2014 11:15 am
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Family Solo
Kasen: Part 2
Tohru awoke with a start, his body tensing and his golden eyes flashing about fearfully as he bolted upright. Where was he? What was going on? That voice... Was-was he moving?! It felt like his world was rocking! Had he actually fallen asleep or passed out? Where was his rocky crevice, and why did his resting place feel so... soft...? The little Dovaa was more than relieved to find that he was seeing more than blackness now, though things were still dim. He was laying in what he believed was a twin-sized bed, with funny smelling sheets. He glanced at his arms. Both were wrapped in bandages from his knuckles and the way up to his shoulders. When he tossed the blankets to the side and glanced at his legs, he noted that they were also wrapped. And sore. Most of him was sore. Though not painfully so. At least, not enough to keep him from moving.
He slipped slowly from the bed, wincing slightly as he put pressure on his bandaged feet. Was he even safe here...? Or worse off than when he'd left? He glanced around curiously. The room was small and dim, and it looked like everything was swaying... His mind must be playing tricks on him. There wasn't much ornamentation of furniture, just the little bed he'd been sleeping in, and a nightstand with a little candle. There was a door on one side, and a window on the other, though the window was shaded.
The little Kiandri decided to press his luck and see what was beyond the door. Maybe help. Maybe. He crept slowly, finding it easier on his feet to slide them across the wooden floor than actually walking on them. He opened the door slowly at peeked out. Then gasped in shock.
The ocean!
The smell hit him instantly after that, bringing with it the smell of salt and waves and muggy air. The sun was shining brightly and the sky was clear and blue. It definitely wasn't Ayr. But then, if not... where was he? Tohru spotted a few souls on the ship's deck, talking and... laughing? It had been a while since he'd heard something so... joyous. Even when Vesta and Amara laughed at him, it didn't sound like that. But should he approach? Someone had taken care of his burns and scrapes, so maybe they weren't that bad...
He slipped from behind the door, shuffling a bit closer before one of the two men facing him took notice of the youngster. The third man still had his back facing Tohru. The Kiandri couldn't hear what they were saying over the sound of waves, but a pudgy finger pointed at him. Tohru hunkered away, frowning slightly as the third man turned.
Soft brown hair, deep dark eyes, and a smile full of white teeth... Tohru's little heart froze. After... After two years... Had it only been two? He didn't care what could have changed in that time. He didn't care if he looked like a fool. Tohru ran. Ran straight towards him and crashed into the taller teenager with the full force of his body. "Kasen!" He shouted, flinging his arms around his older brother. That voice! It had been real! That, or he'd concocted it at just the right time, but that seemed unlikely.
He felt arms slink around him in turn. Stronger, and more muscled than Tohru remembered, at least. And then he was lifted off his feet and held tightly against his brother. It was quite possibly the most comfortingly warm and pleasant thing he'd ever felt. "You shouldn't be walking around just yet. Your cuts will open up again." Kasen chastised in a voice that was almost too deep for him, though familiar nonetheless.
"You're here..." Tohru whispered, nearly choking on his own voice.
Kasen nodded. Tohru had his face buried in his brother's shoulder, so he didn't see it, but he felt it. "I told you I'd be back for you." The older Gaili reminded him, rubbing his back soothingly. "And I am. I'm so sorry, Tohru. I should never have left you alone there. You're hurt because of that..." He squeezed a bit tighter, but the little Kiandri hardly minded.
Tohru didn't admit that he never expected Kasen to return for him. He'd often wondered if his brother was even alive, but chose not to dwell on it too frequently. He still had his mother and Amar- "Where are Mother and Amara?" He asked softly, tucking his head down farther as if he was afraid of summoning them with their names alone.
Kasen was walking, though Tohru didn't know where. "Where you left them, I'm sure." The teen replied. "I asked them where you'd gone, and when they didn't know, I went to find you myself. You ran pretty far away... But I'm pretty good at finding things now." Kasen chuckled. "Anyway, I didn't see a reason to return to them once I had you, so... I just left."
Tohru's head jerked up, his wide golden eyes finding his brother's face. "Then they... don't know I'm with you..?" Kasen shook his head. The little Kiandri didn't mean to whimper out loud, but he did. His mother would be furious... What if she really was worried about him and didn't know where he was? Wait, "Where are we going?" Tohru asked softly, already dreading the answer.
Kasen recognized fear. Both in Tohru's voice and face. He perched his little brother on a crate near the helm of the ship, then knelt to eye level. "I'm taking you to my home on Eowyn. You're going to live with me."
Tohru should have been happy, ecstatic even, but the words filled him with dread and horror. His mother and Amara... What could he even do with himself without them? They were all he knew and what he based his life around. They kept the strange badness he exuded away from everyone else. It was for his own good, so no one else would have to suffer him. But now Kasen was taking him home. Tohru could've cried. The thought of his defective self making Kasen suffer was far worse than anything his mother or Amara could've said to him. "No..." he shook his head. "I can't let you. Please take me back!" He begged.
There was obvious heartbreak in Kasen's brown eyes, but he slowly shook his head nonetheless. "I can't, Tohru." He replied softly. "We're already here." He glanced out and Tohru did the same, only to see one of Eowyn's bustling port cities, thriving with strange people and merchandise and smells. Kasen left his younger brother briefly to look upon the city from his crate. So many people his badness could impact. So many lives to ruin with his presence... He was a defective Dovaa... He could only cause trouble somewhere as rambunctious as this... When Kasen return, he had a backpack over his shoulder and another bag in his hand. With his free hand, he took up one of Tohru's slim appendages and led him from the boat and out into the crowds. "I know it's... different, but I really think you'll like my home." Kasen promised with a tiny smile.
It was all Tohru could do to nod somberly and follow him silently through the streets.
Results: Moved to Eowyn with Kasen.
Words: 1223 |
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Posted: Mon Jan 13, 2014 1:30 pm
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Family Solo
A Little Green
As infrequently as Tohru saw streets and large clusters of people, he still kept his head down the entire walk from the docks and through the small port city. In his mind, he knew he should have been entranced with all the sights, sounds, and smells, but he only felt fear and anxiety. Kasen's grip on his hand was the only comfort he had. And even then, he wondered how long that would last. Only until something horrible happened, he was sure.
It was a relief when the crowds finally thinned, and there were less and less buildings along the street. Well, it even started being less of a street and more of a path, something else Tohru took solace in. And eventually, Kasen was leading them up to a door. Only then did the little Kiandri peek up. It must be hi brother's home... The house seemed small from the outside. Couldn't have been any bigger than the one Tohru had shared with his family on Ayr. Kasen only smiled and led him inside.
Tohru smiled softly when he saw the what was beyond the door. It seemed much brighter inside than Ayr, with vibrant decorations and paintings, little statues on shelves, comfy pillows on the couch, and a whole case of books the little Kiandri didn't recognize. With a nod from Kasen, Tohru moved deeper in. The living room was just in the doorway, more to the left, with the kitchen on the right. He was pretty sure that was where the peculiar smells were coming from. He decided to save that room for last. He ventured down the hallway right between them. A bathroom, a closet, two bedrooms. One on either side. He peeked in the first. Warm lighting, decorated in deep reds and browns and golds. With dark wood furniture. And clothes everywhere. Who knew if they were dirty or clean? Kasen's room, no doubt.
He switched sides to the other. A little more bare, but still with nice shelving, bed and dresser. Tohru glanced up to his brother questioningly. "This one's your room." Kasen chuckled with a nod. "I thought maybe you'd want to decorate it yourself..." Tohru took a few steps in. He'd never had his own room before. Not even when his whole family had been together. It seemed like a lot of space for the lack of things he had. But something on the desk caught his eye, and he walked over to it.
Leaves? With a small pale orb protruding from them. Was it... some kind of plant? He'd never seen it before... And it seemed to be bright and thriving despite the fact that it wasn't nestled in dirt or anything. "What is this?" Tohru asked softly.
Kasen blinked. "Oh, just something neat I found while out hunting one day. It didn't really go with the rest of the decor, so I thought you might want it. You can just throw it out if it's not something interesting to you." The older brother then departed back down the hallway, maybe to fix his kitchen up a bit.
But Tohru did want the strange orb. It was perhaps the most mesmerizing thing he'd seen in a long while.
Weeks passed. It was difficult to acclimate himself to Kasen's lifestyle. The older boy was so much more social than Tohru and knew so many more things. It soon became apparent that despite Kasen's best efforts, Tohru was just not comfortable around anyone else, especially the older Dovaa's myriad of strange and unusual friends. Tohru didn't want to hunt or leave the house, but Kasen didn't want to stay in. They soon reached an agreement that Tohru could stay at home alone. He was responsible enough to handle himself and weary enough to avoid mishaps. All he really did was tidy Kasen's messes, read, and of course, stare at his orb.
the orb was smooth and shiny, and the leaves were bright green and the most beautiful thing he'd seen since he'd left his garden. It flourished without sun, water, or dirt, and for a while, Tohru wondered if it might just be a pretty toy...
But one day, he heard a noise from it. A cracking, like he'd broken it. Sorrow swept across him. Kasen was out and couldn't help him. And the poor little thing was breaking, no, dying! Then there came a chirp, and Tohru froze. A tiny white head emerged from the orb, peeking out and looking around. It's gaze landed on the Kiandri, and it flopped from its orb- erm, egg, chattering and beating its wings. It bounced up and hoped over to Tohru, its big, pale eyes intense on him.
Tohru shrieked.
He leaped up from his place on the floor and scurried to the wall, putting as much distance as he could between him and the strange creature. It tipped its head and let out a high, mimicking noise, before charging at him for all the little slippery beast was worth. The Kiandri dove to the side to escape, but only landed on the ground with a grunt. The strange thing was quick, though, and it spun on a dime and pounced straight onto Tohru's back. The boy flopped and whooped and hollered, until the little Dragon was smushed underneath him, only able to make tiny begging chirps.
Alarmed by the pathetic noises, Tohru rose. The little dragon ruffled its wings and peeped indignantly at him, shaking his head. He hopped a bit away before fanning its wings to make a perch on the table. It glowered at him. The little Kiandri stared after it. What kind of creature was it? It could be a Khehora or Dragon... but it was so small! It didn't attack, either. He approached it slowly, offering his hand to sniff as he'd seen others do when he was much younger.
The little creature leaned forward precariously, obviously weary, but willing to give him a chance. When the boy seemed harmless, he rubbed his head against Tohru's open palm. The boy giggled softly. He'd never had a pet before... Would he be bad luck to this little guy too...? Maybe not! "I'll call you... Tennor Yuuji." Now he only had to hope Kasen would let little Tennor stay.
Results: Acquired a little Fae dragon!
Words: 1047 |
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Posted: Wed Jan 29, 2014 9:49 am
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Tohru SaysVS 5 Dunkels in Flying Nuisances - Done!
Kasen sends Tohru out on a food gathering mission. Tohru returns only for a surprise.
I left him out there all by himself! What kind of awful, horrid Dovaa am I? Certainly not one so thoughtful as Kasen. While I was running from my last run-in with the dunkels, I managed to lose Tennor and my bag of berries. Ugh, I'm so awful... I went out with Kasen to find him, and we ran into even more dunkels than before. Luckily, we did find Tennor, and while I thought he was injured at first, he ended up to be fine. We still didn't get dinner that night, but oh well. At least we're all safe.
Results: +40 EXP, +5 LUK EXP
Words: 1522 |
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Posted: Thu Jan 30, 2014 3:25 pm
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Orb Solo
My Old Home
Tohru's golden orbs were wide as he walked the silver-lined streets of the beautiful capital of the Celestial Plane. It had been so long since he'd seen these lovely glass walls, and he'd expected it to be much longer. But Abronaxus forbid Kasen allow the young Kiandri to stay cooped up for long... The youngster had returned from his latest adventure at the shore side, with two new dragon orbs in hand. He'd never held any that he could really call his own before, and for some inexplicable reason, he felt compelled to show them off to his older brother.
Kasen's eyes had grown wide, and his dark peach lips had popped open. "Do you know what this means?" He'd shouted in glee, scooping the youngster up and swinging him about like a doll. Tohru had only shaken his head, barely noticed as he flew threw the air. The Gaili had crouched down to his level and looked him in the eye. "If you earned these, then that means you're strong enough to advance in rank, Tohru. Like me!"
There wasn't much delay after that. Kasen had packed them bags and within just a few short days they'd been on a ferry to the Celestial Vortex. Shortly after, they'd arrived in the city. Kasen beamed the entire time they were there. He waved and smiled at people he recognized and who recognized him, but Tohru just stuck close to him, his fingers balled into the fabric of Kasen's shirt. The Gaili said he was ready to advance in rank, but Tohru still felt small and weak and pitiful. He had no right to be in this gorgeous city, amongst all these pure and noble Dovaa, so full of the goodness that he did not possess. And he especially had no right to go before Marcus Ysaride, the purest and most noble Dovaa of all... But Kasen insisted.
They approached the Celestial Fortress together, somewhere Tohru had never been before. He gaped up at the building, tall and looming. But as he started up the steps, Kasen stalled. "You have to go in by yourself. You're an adult now. Don't be scared. You can do it." He urged as Tohru's face paled. Alone...? He couldn't possibly. But as Kasen waved him ahead, Tohru ascended the rest of the stairs. He gulped, and reached into either of his pockets to clutch at his two orbs.
He hadn't really earned them, just found them. He certainly wasn't worthy at all... But if he turned back now, he'd have come all this way for nothing and dragged Kasen along with him. And that was a awful thing to do. He trudged along through the large, echoing room, golden gaze flicking this way and that as he desperately hoped not to run into anyone.
"What's a little one like you doing in here?" Tohru jumped at the voice, his gaze flicking up fearfully to meet the much taller, much beefier man's eyes before quickly darting down again. "Well?" He prompted again. Tohru felt terror creep into his bones. This guy was big and clearly wanting some kind of answer from him, but no matter how Tohru licked at his lips and enticed his mouth to open, it would not. Instead, he reached for his orbs and brought them from his pocket, showing the stranger his two treasures while still keeping his gaze pointedly at the floor. "So, you've come to meet with Mr. Ysaride?" Tohru nodded. "Can ye speak?" The boy shook his head silently. Well, he supposed he physically could, if his vocal cords would allow it.
Instead the man only tutted and took him by the shoulder, guiding him through the hallways and up a set of hard, cold, granite stairs. The whole interior of the building was lovely. Everything was pristine and sparkling, and Tohru suddenly wondered if maybe he could one day live someplace as beautiful as this. he was still a Dovaa, so still accepted within the Celestial Plane. Maybe... If one day, he could prove that he had goodness too, he could convince himself that he could return here, to this land. But who knew how far off that would be? Certainly he had to obtain the capabilities or earning his orbs first, rather than finding them. Even that seemed too daunting a task.
"Here ya are, kid." The guard said as he paused in front of a large oak door. Tohru looked up at him once more, and the man knocked. "A little lad here to see you, sir." He called. He gave Tohru a friendly pat on the shoulder that the Kiandri instantly shrunk away from, before the guard departed back the way they'd come.
"Enter." The voice came after a moment.
With trembling fingers, Tohru reached out to take the door handle, cold and smooth beneath his palm. He could turn back, before it got too serious. It would be rude, but maybe justifiable. He swallowed and started to back off, but teh door opened before he could escape, and a man with deep, piercing blue eyes and large purple horns appeared in the doorway. "You aren't trying to upset me, are you?" He demanded.
Instantly, Tohru shook his head, his gaze bright with fear.
"Then please, enter." Marcus repeated.
Tohru didn't even begin to have the wherewithal to deny the command. He stepped one foot past the door and stood as far away from the desk as he possibly could.
"You've come to see me, haven't you?" Tohru gave a stiff nod. "Then don't be so difficult about it. Sit. Tell me of your adventures so far." He ordered, gesturing to the seat in front of his desk. Hesitantly, Tohru approached, steadily perching on the very edge of the chair. He'd already been seen. He was already in this great man's presence. There was nothing to do about it now, except do what he'd come here to do! He hastily pulled his two orbs from his pocket and shoved them on the desk before Marcus, his chinks tinged red with humiliation. Adventures? Hardly. At least, compared to others of his age, he was sure...
The Peisio picked up the blue orb and inspected it. "I'd think a dragon soul of this caliber surely has a tale behind it, if you've come in possession of it."
Tohru's eyes widened as he raised his head to see the other man. Marcus must know that he'd done nothing to earn them. The youngster was such a fool for thinking he could get away with this. "No, sir..." He whispered softly, fingers clutching at the fabric of his shirt. Oh, how he didn't deserve to be before this man, pretending he was some kind of dragon slayer...
An eyebrow quirked in Tohru's direction. "You can speak." The Kiandri nodded tightly. "Then do so!"
"Yes, sir!" He squeaked in alarm, clenching his eyes shut.
He heard the man rise from his desk once again, and felt a hand against his shoulder. "There's hardly any reason to be frightened. You've presented your orbs. Earned or not, I will grant you the next rank. One one condition."
Tohru glanced up to him then, unable to help but feel slightly curious.
"When next you come, you will present me with your orbs, and you will tell me, with explicit detail how exactly you acquired them understand?" Tohru nodded eagerly, making a mental note not to return to this place ever again. "Go on then, youngster. I expect to see you again before too long."
Tohru scurried like he'd never scurried before, departing the office and bustling down the stairs without looking back.
Results: Lost one Ayrala Orb and one Peisio Orb
Words: 1279 |
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Posted: Fri Mar 21, 2014 12:45 pm
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Tohru SaysAdventure with Mae in Cave of Dragons - Done!
After Marcus, the leader of the Dovaa commands Tohru to go off and have many adventures, the young Kiandri sets out for the biggest challenge he's ever faced: the Cave of Dragons. It would be nearly impossible for him to handle alone, though, so it's fortunate that another lad has beaten him there first!
This Cave is a place I never hope to have to return to. I didn't realize how powerful some dragons could be... Luckily, or not, another boy and his Bonded companion were already there. They did much of the fighting, but eventually it looked like they could use a little boost. I'm not sure if I really did them any good... They were obviously very strong, and I... am not... It must be my fault that we failed in the end. I was so useless that I dragged them down... At least they were kind enough not to let the dragons kill me.
Results: +508 EXP, +20 LUK, +3 LUK EXP, +2 Ysali Dragon Soul, +2 Ayrala Dragon Soul, +3 Kiandri Dragon Soul, +2 Firani Dragon Soul, +4 Peisio Dragon Soul, +8 Aiskala Dragon Soul, +2 Gaili Dragon Soul, +1 Aedaun Dragon Soul, +2 Diabi Dragon Soul, +1 Potion of Strength
Words: 3159 |
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