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 Posted: Tue Dec 15, 2015 5:55 pm
Fractured Memories
Isaris Nightmare
Memories. Thoughts. Lives. Three things Isaris frequently reflected on as he walked his fractured path towards his uncertain future. As he sat with his mind wrapped up in his own world, he failed to see everything around him. As change shattered his reforming mirrors over and over. Isaris shut himself off to the world. He was….
Lost.
The youth felt it everyday in his veins, pumping in time with his despairing heart. He would never find his elder brothers. He was going to ruin his younger brother's life. He couldn’t see where he was stepping. Trapped by his own doubts and fears.
He drowned.
He was walking through the forest that he once called familiar. Blind to everything around him he walked on and on. The youth wasn’t completely there, anyone could tell that. Isaris stopped for a moment as he mentally stalled.
Everything was wrong.
More like, it was all his fault. He let it get to this point. He let everything fall around him. He wasn’t trying to pick up the pieces, he was just walking over them again and again. Cutting a bloody trail of his life. He looked behind himself his mind playing tricks on him by showing him his bloody trail for just a moment.
His nightmare laid out.
Reality would show a sad story. The young shifter male stood there in the midsts of the woods. A blanket wrapped around him as the moon shown bright. Isaris wasn’t there because the youth was sleepwalking. His mind wrapped tight in a nightmare that threatened to consume his entire core. Watching him were various creatures of the forest, something kept them watchful of the youth. Yet none would approach. None would disturb him. It was fine with Isaris, he was in his world. The youth stopped then turned down a path.
He couldn’t turn around now.
He just couldn’t. Isaris was walking down a path only he saw. A path that twisted and turned. One that was laid by blood and shadows. The male slowed to a stop as he slid to sit against a tree. His mind flashed back to that day the nightmare began.
His Father was furious.
The male had told Isaris and his elder brothers repeatedly that they were to all be present for a hunt. Isaris was with the older warrior, fidgeting as one of the male’s siblings kept a hand on his shoulder. The sibling in question was his Father’s younger brother, a bully of a guard on his best days. Though even as much as he was a bully the male never took anything out on his nephews. Isaris felt safer by this male than by his own sire. Said Sire was currently pacing back and forth. Muttering darkly about his older four sons. The uncle sighed deeply.
This wasn’t good.
“Issao...look. Cut the brats some slack. Etheria is gone. They’ve all been off their game since her passing. Thank the lunar mother you even have your child who she fought to bring into life!” the younger warrior said. His heavy hand an odd comfort on the young Isaris’. A hand Isaris found himself looking for in his current reality.
Issao turned. Harsh eyes the same shade as two of his elder sons as well as his newborn. “Etheria was weak. Her sons are showing the same weakness.”
Isaris wanted to say something but that large hand tightened for a heartbeat as the younger warrior spoke over his head. “Ehteria was our best healer. You can’t fault her for that. Healing requires you give up small parts of yourself. She had the heart for it...if anything one would say your negative outlook on her lifestyle is what truly drained her---”
Isaris was pulled back by another warrior as his Father’s foot collided with the face of his own younger brother. The child shrank into the warrior who pulled him out of harm's way. Issao turned, his normally short starlight hair was an interesting style. Since their Mother’s passing Issao had actually “forgot” to trim his hair. So, recently he had started to braid it into a ponytail, though the braids only ended where the hair clasp was then the rest was left to flow. The clasp itself used to belong to their Mother, she had made it for their Father a long time ago. Due to his “no long hair” rule, she wore it for him. The cruel male glanced to his offspring. “Isaris. Come here.”
It wasn’t a choice...It was a command.
Like always.
Isaris walked to his Father’s side, wincing as the male grabbed his shoulder far too roughly. Issao guided his son to where the Hunt would begin. Isaris didn’t remember much of the Hunt itself. Only that mid-way as the child sat in a tree to keep lookout...he saw a color new to the forest. It was...red? He blinked then let out a sharp cry.
“FATHER!!! FATH----” he yelped as an arrow whizzed past him. The shock knocking him off balance and into the strong arms of his Sire. Issao quickly barking orders as he and several others ran back to the group. Isaris felt himself held tight to his Father, seeing a unfamiliar look in the male's eyes.
Fear.
When the warriors got back it was chaos. Isaris now recalled everything as swirls of red and silvers. Fear and loss were the primary emotions in his mind. Everything...everything was falling apart. His Father darted over to a fallen tree, placing the child against it. Issao stared hard at his son. “Remember this Isaris. This. Is. War. Its not pretty. Its not discriminating. I don’t expect to see most of the family after this.”
Isaris felt tears whell up. His Father brushed one away. “But I’ll be damned if I let any of you die in this. Go to the younglings. Take Issaly. Get out of here.” the male flinched. Isaris’ eyes went wide at the arrow which appeared in his Father’s shoulder. “Go. Run. NOW!” Isaris rose to his feet and ran.
Issao knew hell awaited him.
Isaris made it to the younglings tent, skidding to a stop as he saw more red. Warriors in reds and golds were taking the Mothers and younglings. Putting them in a large iron crate. Seeing Issaly being lifted Isaris ran forward to take his brother. He yelped as he was snatched up then thrown in the crate. Fate was kind as he caught his infant brother and was then pulled deeper into the throng of young Mothers. Isaris wanted his brothers now. He was scared. He called for them as the crate moved.
Nothing.
No one.
He was alone.
They weren’t there anymore.
His parents were lost forever.
Isaris screamed his way into the waking world. Body shivering as he remembered that day. He held himself as he wept bitterly. Looking around he saw it was just barely dawn. He had to return to their new home...standing he took a few steps forward and blinked as his foot hit something. Bending down he felt his heart drop as he held a familiar hair ornament in his hand.
It was his Fathers. Word Count:1201
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Posted: Thu Dec 17, 2015 8:52 am
Jigsaw Paths
Isaris' Daydream
Since he came back to Jauhar, Isaris had encountered many new people. Many who were now teaching him different things about himself. Things even he wasn’t aware survived his nightmare childhood. Sauron taught him that he hadn’t lost that inner child who sought his parents in his dreams. The shifter family that the male brought him to were warm. Welcoming. Isaris really did feel just right in place with them. He helped the Lady of the house out when he could, fetching her things from the market as Sauron hunted for the small broad. There were small moments which Isaris found himself falling asleep with one of the other children after a long day. He didn’t feel out of place when they woke, instead he felt like he had a new sibling. Playing with radaku pups all day long was pretty energizing. Almost made Isaris want to get a Radaku for himself…
Like the one who gave them their Kinfa feather earrings. Isaris smiled softly as he touched the earrings he wore at all times. He had been given Issaly’s earrings by a messenger who said something that confirmed his suspicion that his Mother’s brother was watching them. While he knew the male was private and most likely close. He didn’t want to try to find him just yet. He would wait to reopen that pathway of his nightmare. He recalled very little of his past in his waking mind. Seeing that Uncle would only unlock his nightmare to spill into his reality. Isaris shook himself to get out of that mindset. Nothing good was going to come from that pathway of thinking.
He sighed as he looked up. He was walking through the market, just trying to lose his way and forget about things. As he passed by a small group of shifters he barely heard the deep male’s voice calling out to him.
“Kid!” the voice jolted him to his senses and Isaris spun like a child’s toy to the owner of the sound. He blinked at the male who sat there. Surrounded by varying forms of Shifters, a few who looked mixed with another tribe. Most likely Leaf since Tale was next door to them. Isaris stooped in his walk to cross his arms and raise a eyebrow in question. The male went on. “You’ve been hanging out with that half-breed girl.”
Isaris instantly bristled. “Mind your next words, warrior. It wouldn’t be a good impression if you insult my friend.” he said hotly. His stance slowly shifting to be a tad more aggressive. The girl in question had become one of his first friends. He wasn’t going to let anyone insult her otherwise. He blinked in slight shock as the warrior chuckled.
“Ease up kid. I was wondering because the boys and I were worried she wasn’t being protected. Alks are starting to buzz around here like the blasted bugs they are.” the male said with a small chuckle.
Isaris calmed down a little. “So...what….you want to test me or something?” he questioned with a shrug. A few of the more obviously mixed warriors stood up as if taking that as a challenge. A sound from a slender male sitting next to the warrior who spoke to him had them sitting back down. Isaris was on alert for a few moments there…
“No. What’s your name kid?” the warrior asked.
“Isaris.” the youth answered shortly.
“What did your clan call themselves as a whole?” the question seemed innocent enough. Isaris blinked…
“Munelark.” Isaris instantly felt a few of the warriors flinch. The slender male looked up in slight...shock...Isaris couldn’t read it too well. “You heard of them…?”
“Only how they were slaughtered by the Oban’s not too long ago...a friend of ours is from them. He’s out traveling with the rest of the band. We’re here gathering supplies and funds for the boss.” the male said flatly.
“Bandits?” Isaris questioned. Part of him fearing the answer.
“Nah...Mercenaries. Odd jobs and the like. Need someone found...we’ll help you track them. Want someone dead? We’ll tap the shoulders of those who can get it done…” the male explained with a shrug.
Isaris nodded. “Middle men.”
“In lames-man terms, yeah.” another chuckle. Isaris was more at ease now than he was at the start.
“So...if you know about them...do you know Atherio?” Isaris asked quietly.
The slender male spoke up. “He’s widely valued as a Scholar to our Boss. Right hand man and all. If you know him...then you know Etheria.”
Isaris nodded. “She was my mother.”
The male stood, walked over to Isaris and moved a lock of hair away from his forehead. “So she was...the full circle...one of Issao’s boys…”
Isaris blinked up at the male. “How…” he trailed off as the slender shifter moved his bangs aside to show Isaris a semi circle of stones on his forehead. The same pattern as his Mother and Uncle Atherio. “Your….”
“Astraio. Atherio and Etheria are my elder siblings. I was the sibling who refused to acknowledge your Father and ran away.” he said guiding Isaris to sit on the bench next to him.
Isaris sank down with a silent nod. “From what I remember...not a lot of people were too keen on that union. Though, Uncle Atherio did say that we turned out more like our Mother than our Father...so there’s that small blessing.”
Astraio chuckled. “Indeed. Isaris...what are you planning to do now?”
Isaris was greatful the male wasn’t asking where he was all this time. “I wanna be a archer...like Istanell was…”
Astraio nodded. “If you need help, don’t hesitate to ask. I may be on the path of Mystic...but I have good aim.”
The male who spoke at the start snorted…”Good. Astraio...you can hit a spirtfrog off a janarim’s back...from three meadows over.”
Isaris blinked in shock. Astraio shrugged. “The thing had taken my breakfast.”
The youth started laughing at that. He felt a small piece of a puzzle fit into place before him. He had a inkling...now all he had to do was keep grabbing this path. He smiled at his newfound Uncle.
He couldn’t wait for Issaly to meet him.
Word Count: 1048
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Posted: Tue Jan 12, 2016 11:29 am
Distorted EpilogueIsaris Vision Isaris sighed as he looked up at the skies above. Things were getting interesting. Some big things apparently happened, Papa Sauron had triplets who were all bouncing around the house now. Isaris had started leaving the house for longer periods, hanging around with his newfound Uncle and the Mercenary band. Issaly was learning from an old healer blind with age. Isaris saw much of his mother blooming in his younger brother. It hurt...yet at the same time reassured him. He had a lingering fear that perhaps a bit of his Father passed to the youngest in some backwards spiritual possession or something. He sighed heavily. No use thinking about useless things like that. For the moment, he looked up as his Uncle set down a small pack in front of him. “I assume you remember how to Hunt from your younger days?” the slender male asked with a quirked eyebrow. Isaris blinked as he picked up the pack. Slipping it over his head, letting the bulk rest on hip as the strap rested on his opposite shoulder. He smirked. “Of course.” He glanced to the three Radaku’s that were going to join them. His Uncle had said that they were going to hunt a rogue Radaku pack that had been spotted near a small family settlement. The family leader had reached out to The Boss requesting aid. The Boss sent his “best”...Isaris was asked to tag along due to his Uncle wishing to test his skills. Isaris understood this. The Radaku’s were to be taken alive. As many as the group could trap. Isaris figured that they wouldn’t trap very many. A few of the men seemed ...too eager. Isaris could only fathom they would make the trap deadly just for fun. He would have to look over the traps while they weren’t looking. As the small group set out Isaris glanced a few of the men. They were chatting nonstop about the Alpha of these Radaku’s. Something about it being larger than the normal breed. About how it had a striking mark on its chest. A half moon. Isaris looked away and blinked in slight shock. It stood right there. He glanced around then back. Ah. It was gone. He looked back to the group to meet the eyes of his Uncle. The slender male smiled knowingly. Turning his head back to focus on their path. Isaris followed his example, now aware of the fact that they were being stalked. Most likely it was the pack they were after. As they neared the settlement Isaris glanced around to see alert bells hanging on fine wire, it was looped at random paths. Most likely to keep the pack guessing. Less likely for them to get close to the younglings who might try to play in the woods. Isaris looked up at the trees around them. Already figuring out which ones were best for him to climb to get a good view of their surroundings. He looked back to see his Uncle beckoning him over. Walking towards them he heard his Uncle’s soft melodic voice speaking as he was beckoning. “This pack won’t be slaughtered. If their coloring is a odd as your group has reported then our Boss wants to sell them. So, we’ll be enlisting the aid of a upcoming archer to help alongside our own. This is my nephew Isaris. Isaris this is---” Isaris nodded in greeting as he just let his Uncle’s voice fade. His attention was drawn to a young parent. A Father. He was helping his child walk. It seemed to be the pre-steps at least. The male attempted to let go only to have to quickly catch the child. Isaris watched as the child looked ready to cry, having been spooked by the sudden movement. Children rarely understood why things happened until they got older. Isaris blinked as he watched the young father. He tilted his head when he saw a similar crystal pattern to his own Father on the male’s shoulder. Impossible. He looked back to his Uncle who was now silent as another member started to speak with the settlement leader. Isaris jumped a bit. “What?” he asked with a slight squeak. “Nothing, you ready?” his Uncle inquired with a glance to the young parent. After seeing Isaris nod the group split up. Isaris scaled a tree easily taking up a perch, he crouched down to scan the outside of the bell lines. Seeing movement he looked to another archer and nodded. The tree-bound members slowly leapt from branch to branch. As Isaris kept his eyes trained on his Uncle who crept around the bells on the forest floor. Isaris came to a stop and signaled for everyone to freeze. There on the forest floor was a small group of females. Their pups were with them. Isaris didn’t see the Alpha...yet. Isaris was scanning for him. Seeing something dark move, he slowly notched an arrow. He pulled it back, eyes narrowed on the spot. All he saw was a long leg and he let the arrow fly. Blinking in shock as he saw it hit a small Menzeri. Oh lunar mother no! If there was one there was bound to be more. He notched another arrow, relieved to see a second and a third arrow strike the large spider. Though the sudden movements spooked the females and pups. Isaris mentally swore. He watched as the ground group easily netted the small group. No one had set any traps just yet. They were going to catch them in small bursts. From what they gathered there was a small group, perhaps 15 at the most. Counting the Alpha. Isaris didn’t let up on his attack on the crystal spider. Hearing a chitter above him he looked up to see another small one. A mated pair?!? Most likely they were going to set up a web here and prey on the settlement. Growling he turned his arrowhead to the other spider. Easily nailing it in the underbelly before leaping off his perch as the spider crashed into where he once was. Landing on a branch he realized that he was exposed. Looking around he made a split second choice to leap onto another branch. He pulled back another arrow aiming for the beast's head when he blinked. The Alpha had suddenly leapt at the creature’s head. While the other archers had seemed to pull back, Isaris could hear his Uncle calling for him. The male sounded nearly frantic. Isaris would have to return quickly but...he didn’t want the Alpha to get ganged up on. He growled as he landed letting three arrows fly at the smaller spider. Since it was already badly wounded it was felled easily. He turned his attention to the other spider. Firing off arrows as quick as he could, in between the Alpha’s attack. Once that one was down. Isaris scrambled for the net he knew he carried. Isaris never got it out as another net or two were suddenly thrown on the Alpha. The large male didn’t fight them. Isaris panted then looked at his Uncle. The male’s eyes were wide as he ran up to Isaris. Throwing his arms around him Isaris blinked rapidly. “Don’t you ever do that again! I was worried sick! We did a count and realized that we had all of them except for the Alpha. The Lunar Mother was on our side today it seemed. Their all being loaded into the cage now. He’ll be easy since he was tired out.” His Uncle explained dragging Isaris out of the forest and into the settlement. Isaris wasn’t able to say much as every time he opened his mouth to speak. He got a glare. So he knew his Uncle was really worried. Walking back into town he watched the small family huddle together. What would become of them? Well it wasn’t any major concern of his. His path was still laying itself out before him. He didn’t see it all just yet. This was just one more experience he would have to learn from later. Word Count: 1354
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Posted: Tue Jan 26, 2016 7:42 pm
Growth Solo
Thick Blood
Isaris was sitting on the branches. His mind wandering ever since they returned from the task. True the Boss did say he would give Isaris a purse of coins for his assistance in the capture of the magnificent beasts. That would aid in his goal to get himself and Issaly out of here. What plagued his mind...almost as much as his nightmares. Was that young father he saw. The male just...something clicked in the back of Isaris’ mind. What was it? Was it the way the male bore a similar pattern on that one shoulder? Was it the way he held himself? Like a warrior. Isaris recalled the figure clearly now. He had a sword at his side. A soft gentle smile. One his father never had in the memories of his nightmares. Just who was that male? Isaris jumped at the sound of someone clearing their throat and looked down as his Uncle stood there. A knowing look to his eyes. “Isaris. Come down here for a second.”Isaris mentally debated for a moment, then swung his legs over the branch. Leaping down to touch the forest floor he cocked his right hip. Leaning against the tree with crossed arms he blinked. “Yes, Uncle?”The male smiled warmly. “Remember that last mission?” Isaris nodded. His uncle sighed silently. “There’s something you need to know. While your father was courting my sister, the whole reason I was against their marriage was due to this reason. He...engaged in actions with another female. She was apart of a passing group. His excuse was intoxication. They had a very strong wine with them. Within that week he also engaged in the same actions with your Mother. You were aware that your parents didn’t come under union until after Istanel was born yes?”Isaris’ wide eyes and slightly dropped jaw spoke otherwise. His Uncle blinked then coughed into his hand. “I take that as a “no”…”Isaris nodded mutely then the facts hit him. “Wait...this female had Father’s child?!?”“Twins.” his Uncle said softly. Isaris blinked. “What?”“She had twin sons. Both are alive...and you saw one on that mission. I noticed him as well. I had talked with the leader later on. He said that their Mother was taken by the Menzeri a few years back. The twins are their best warriors. One is a new father...the other doesn’t seem to keen on the idea...yet.” His elder explained. Isaris had started to slowly walk towards the forest then stopped. Emotions flooded him. The hope of a new bond with a sibling he didn’t know, then the rage that his Father betrayed their mother in this manner. He looked slowly back to his Uncle. “Did he know…?”His Uncle sighed softly. “Yes. Its why I left. I couldn't’ stand the thought that he betrayed my sister in that manner. She accepted it. I grew furious. I regret not mending things with her, but not him.” Isaris saw the same hate in his Uncle’s eyes that he knew his own held for his Father. He looked into the forest. The proof of his Father’s sin were in there. He felt his hand flex over his bow. The quiver was full. He felt his rage...his hate. His sorrow. All of it well up inside him. Looking back to his Uncle he felt a silent command was given. Erase the sin. He turned back to dart into the forest. Remembering the path to the settlement he retraced it in his head. Never seeing the smirk on his Uncle who turned back and walked back to town. Isaris lost to his rage. It didn’t take him long to reach the tree canopy near the settlement. Ducking out of view as he saw tree scouts. Most likely to watch out for those blasted spiders. If the group was closer to the city they wouldn’t have to worry. There was a reason they were out here. Isaris didn’t care to know it. All he knew… Was there was a pair of Walking Sins there. A pair he wasn’t going to allow to taint their late Mother’s memory. How they were doing this, one might ask? Simple. They existed. He silently fingered his bow then turned to scan the group. There was one. He could tell it was one of them. The shoulder pattern. It was a singular trait of their Father. He gritted his teeth before settling down as another joined him. They were identical in appearance. To the last stone placement. Isaris didn’t fail to notice that both males were...he actually sobered up a bit at this fact...well toned and built. That and they seemed to have light armor on the parts that would be a instant kill for a arrow. He groaned as he turned to let the back of his head thump against the tree. His bow sitting against his thighs as he thought over what he was actually doing out here. This was hardly-- All thought stopped cold when he felt a blade press lightly against his throat. Wide pale eyes flickered to the male that stood there. One of the twins! He flinched feeling coolness tap against his middle. Eyes flickering over to the other twins. Lunar Mother above! When did they move?!? Isaris backed up a little, trying to get the blades away from his exposed torso. These two could have gutted him right now and he’d be a dead man. He felt a tremble run down his limbs. Then flinched as one large hand reached up to move a bang away from his forehead. The blade on his stomach made a small red line with that flinch. Isaris hissed. The large hand belonged to the twin that had the blade to his throat. Seeing the circle he let out a low noise. Eyes flickering to his brother, Isaris felt the blade at his middle remove itself. The young archer still didn’t move. The blade at his throat had yet to move itself. The male holding it tilted his head. “So...which one of Issao’s official children are you?”The question caught Isaris off guard, but he answered after hearing an impatient sound off to the side. “ Fifth son. Isaris.” The male nodded, then removing his blade. Sheathing it he spoke. “I am Yaalon. The male on your other side is my twin. Yahev.”Isaris looked confused. “How did you know I was one of his sons?”“I guessed it from the bloodlust you aimed at us...which by the way was a dead giveaway to your position. That...and the moon’s circle. That’s what our mother described your mother’s forehead stones as. She said they were the moon’s smile. We heard from others who knew them that you and your brothers had the full circle. They poked fun at it saying it was the target any enemies of…” he hesitated. Isaris snorted. “Go ahead and say it…”Our”. He’s your sire as well…”Yaalon chuckled low. “Our. Any enemies of our Father would use to take you out.”Isaris leaned against the tree, arms crossed. Yahev huffed off to the side. “Yaalon. Don’t waste your time. The kid hates us.”Yaalon let his gaze stay on Isaris. “Do you?”Isaris felt the tears burn at his eyes. “ I don’t...want to. But I can’t...I can’t forgive him!” He pushed off the tree to take a few rushing steps forward. He screamed in his rage. “All the nightmares! All the times he left us feeling like we were nothing! When he had the perfect sons right here!” Isaris turned to gesture to the twins. Tears streamed down his face. He didn’t care, but didn’t notice that both males were startled. Isaris wasn’t done in his rant. “All he said he wanted were warriors. We failed him time and time again. I could feel it...all those hours spent watching the hunts. Keeping an eye out for threats. He was training me. He did that with all of us. When my brothers picked their own paths, he got angry. We were suppose to fall in line. Take up the sword and become what he wanted!”He felt the strength leave his legs as he slumped to the forest floor. His shoulders heaving with the loss of adrenaline. “We weren’t. None of my brothers took up the sword from what I remember. One even became a healer like our Mother. He always called us weak...even up to the day he died. I don’t hate you two. I can’t. I lost my hate the day I lost him.”Yaalon walked forward. Kneeling to wipe away the streams of water. “We never knew him. Only the stories our Mother told us. We lived up to the stories as best as we could.” Isaris shook his head. “Trust me. You don’t want to. He was a grand warrior. That I’ll admit. He just...sucked as a earthling. He had no value for those around him. My memories aren’t good of him. The only thing I ever admired him for was his skills with the blade.”“His parenting needed work huh?” Yaalon mused with a slow smirk. Isaris gave a hollow laugh. “A lot of work. Though...the day he died. I felt like he realized that. He told me that he would be damned before he buried one of his sons…”Yaalon nodded. “Mother did say he valued the price of a life at least.”Isaris shrugged. “I never saw that, but...I wasn’t around him as long as she might of been.” By this point Yaalon was sitting beside Isaris, Yahev had silently joined on Isaris’ other side. Isaris looked at them. “You two knew of us?”Yaalon nodded. “Mother kept track of Issao. She wanted to steal him from your Mother, but she said she wouldn’t have his love like Etheria did.”Isaris blinked. “Love?!? My parents---”“He saved her. When our Mother was there, she saw him save her from a wild Radaku. He was always silently protecting Etheria. Mother never felt that was extended to her. Even when she told him months later she was with his child. He merely blinked at her and told her to not expect him to leave Etheria.” Yaalon said with a shrug. Isaris blinked. That was new information. He nodded slowly. Then looked back up at his….brothers. Yaalon smiled gently at him. Isaris spoke softly. “I’m sorry. I was going to take my rage out on you.”Yahev smiled then standing while offering a hand to the young archer. “Come on. Yaalon’s wife is making a meal for ten people at least. She always does. Join us for the meal and we’ll send you back to the town after dark.”Isaris looked up at him in shock. “...why would you?”Yaalon stood then, a large hand resting on Isaris’ head. “Because we want to learn more about our little brothers.” Isaris was still in shock as he took the hand and was pulled up into the one armed hug of Yahev. Yaalon picked up his bow and handed it back to him. Isaris smiled. Yaalon spoke as he looked at the red line on Isaris’ mid-section. “We’ll need to get your armor. You're too exposed to a blade. As a archer you’ll need light armor to avoid fatal blows. After dinner I’ll see which of my old armor tunics would fit you.”Isaris nodded mutely as the twins led him into the settlement. He blushed as cheers were heard as most of the warriors heard the conversation. Isaris made a mental note to never have a conversation in the middle of the forest again. He chuckled when Yaalon’s young son ran out to greet them. His wife in the door of the modest hut had a little girl on her hip. Looked like another set of twins. Isaris blinked as the little boy looked at him. “Daddy! The Lunar Mother kissed his forehead!” the child said, words slurred a bit due to his age. Isaris gaped a little. Yaalon smiled as he looked up. “She sure did. This is your Uncle...Isaris. Isaris this is Illarion. Illara is his twin sister there.”Isaris smiled as he bowed in respect to the small family. “I’m sorry to trouble you this evening.”Yaalon laughed as he clapped Isaris on the back. Making the youth stumble a bit. “ Think nothing of it. We’re family!”Isaris felt his heart sutter. Family. He smiled as tears threatened to slip down. He nodded. He had more family...they...didn’t hate him. He wasn’t completely alone. He looked back to the town. Wondering what his foster family were doing right now. The image of an excitable young male flashed through his mind as he was led inside to enjoy his night. Lesson of the Day Isaris, while ruled by his rage and confusion. Nearly made a fatal mistake. Though he's come to terms with the new revelation of half-brothers...he still has a long way to go before he "forgives" his Father for everything the male's done to them. For now...the lesson of never letting your anger rule you has been well received.
Word Count: 2,149
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Posted: Sun Jan 08, 2017 7:04 am
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Posted: Sun Jan 08, 2017 7:05 am
Excuse Me?First time he goes out of Jauhar in years...and he gets a lecture...
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Posted: Sun Jan 08, 2017 7:06 am
Isaris Solo
Interlude Isaris returned from Tale, every bit ready to just not go back. He wasn’t a fan of being lectured and the argument he had with Issaly afterwards was worse. Sighing he walked back into the pen where the Radaku’s were kept. As soon as he walked into the pen, the youth instantly caught a armful of Janarim Pup. “Dep!” he laughed. Instantly feeling bad. He held the pup close before going to sit on the hay nearby. He let Dep tangle itself in his legs as he sat there. He groaned as he flopped back into the hay. Alright, he knew from the gnawing feeling in his gut that he was wrong to say that thing about Abysio. He had Dep after all, something that he didn’t tell Issaly. Well wasn’t he just a all around jerk. The youth looked down to the Janarim pup who rolled to its back to look up at him. He gave a huffing chuckle before sitting back up to look down at the small beast. Dep was still tiny by all means. Isaris sat there in the hay, lazily rubbing Dep’s chin as he thought about things. He’d have to apologize to Issaly about the insult to Abysio...he laid back after stroking Dep for a few minutes. Sighing loudly he let out a breathe of air as Dep flopped up onto his stomach. He groaned as he looked down at the runt. “You know, for a small thing you weigh far too much for my comfort.” The pup seemed to snicker at his expense. Isaris rolled his eyes before standing. Dep yelping as he was moved without warning. Isaris chuckled before clicking his tongue. “Come on, Dep. We’re going to train a bit…” he walked over to the open door. Leaning in he snagged Dep’s treat bag. A small item that he made himself a little bit ago. He slipped it on his belt, settling it alongside his other pouches. The youth waited for the energetic pup to still itself, sitting at his side before he smirked. Dep knew his habits well it seemed. Isaris didn’t move past the threshold of the pen until his pup calmed down. Once Dep had visibly calmed, Isaris placed a hand on the top of its head. Giving it a treat. “Good boy.” He nodded once before taking a step. Dep instantly jerked to attention to follow in the footsteps of its master. Isaris walked the young janarim out to a clearing that was pretty much the training grounds for many young radaku’s. Isaris rolled his shoulders as he picked up a soft orb used for target training. He smiled as he went to the center. Clicking his tongue he went through the basics. Sit, Dep had that one down pat. The janarim loved to sit and stare at people talking at it like they were silly things. Roll...ehhh, that one was a bit tricky. Dep went halfway before its plates gave it a issue or two. Isaris didn’t make Dep roll that much. Lay down, yeah...that was a fun one. Dep had issues with that one as Isaris chalked it up to a dominance thing. Isaris figured he could work on, Lay Down. For now at least. He went through a bit more of the advanced commands, such as Jump. Walk, which was Dep rising to his back legs to waddle a little ways. Then he worked the pup till he saw the tail-tell panting. Isaris took a deep breath before he looked Dep square in the eye. “Lay Down.” There was a long moment of silence before Dep giving him a level stare lowered itself to the ground. Isaris celebrated his little victory….right before Dep rolled to it’s side with a huff. Then he let his shoulders slump with a heavy sigh... Word Count: 640
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Posted: Sun Jan 08, 2017 7:07 am
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Posted: Tue Apr 04, 2017 11:21 am
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Posted: Tue May 09, 2017 10:20 pm
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Posted: Tue May 09, 2017 11:37 pm
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Posted: Sat Sep 09, 2017 6:23 am
Isaris Solo
Wishing You were Somehow Here There were always going to be moments that Isaris regretted reflecting on his past. Moments that he was at peace then a image of his past floated to the surface. Yeah, those memeories that just ruined a good mood. He was reclined in a tree, carving a wooden radaku as a present for any future adopted children. He froze as the image of his Father’s radaku came to him. The feathers of its prey that it would bring to him and his brothers. He let the toy fall into his lap as his mood went south. Where had that radaku gone? Was it okay now? He leaned his head back as he recalled the beast. The radaku was a giant to his young mind, its eyes were a bright green. It didn’t seem to ever growl at any child of the group, though it did n** if you were misbehaving. The green didn’t carry over, though the soft tribal moon patterns it had on its sides had given it the name of: Lun. It was mostly a dapple gray with a splash of red around its paws and face. Were those natural or stained blood from all the hunts it went on with the group. Isaris never could tell. Isaris drummed his fingers along his raised knee as he mused about the beast. It took him all of three minutes to realize that there was movement in the trees across from him. He blinked then slowly looked to it. Menzuri? No...he slowly moved to sit on the branch as he watched the lean body of a beast prowl into view. It glanced to him and he inhaled sharply. Lun. He blinked and the beast took off. The youth quickly scrambled after him, calling out. “Lun!! Wait!!!” the beast may of been loyal to his Father, but Lun was a link to his past that he didn’t actually want to lose. Isaris landed on the forest floor, watching as the beast landed a little ahead of him. He caught his breath before Lun took off, Isaris hot on his heels. The youth felt as if he was on a familiar path, one that he ran along as a child. Lun turned sharply and Isaris found himself back at the old campsite. He stood there panting. Looking around for the beast as he slowly walked into the ruins. Flashes of that terrible ambush flittered across his mind's eye. He fought back tears. Family taken in various ways, most of which he was sure he’d never see back here again. He took in a deep breath as he walked on the edge. Keeping his eyes peeled for Lun. He blinked as he came to a tree he knew well. The Dark Tree. It was the marker for the path that lead to their makeshift graveyard. He placed a hand on it as he looked down the path. It was mostly overgrown but he could still see the stone outline. With another deep breath he started to move away before he heard a yip. Turning to see Lun step out onto the path. He started to slowly follow the beast down the path. As he walked Isaris remembered when his Mother was brought down this path. Their Father was the only one to carry her as Isaris was told it was family tradition. Behind him Isaris and his brothers trailed, his Mother’s Twin holding the newborn Issaly. Isaris stopped to hold his side, his lungs seemed to be burning. Not this again. He had fits like this as a child, moments his lungs felt tight in his chest. He learned to not wheeze, that made the burning worse. He stopped moving. Taking deep breaths to calm himself. After a few moments he opened his eyes again then walked out into the clearing. The trees opened into the small graveyard. Headstones were carved statues of Radaku’s each with a set of names carved onto its chest. Isaris stopped to look around, each Radaku represented a family within the group. The individual members were buried in a circle around the center statue. It was set up to contain a few generations before a new circle was made. The young archer walked to where he knew his Mother was. As he walked towards where the second biggest Radaku statue was, his family's marker he felt his legs get weak. The youth slowly sank to the ground as he just stared at the statue. He read the names slowly, then paused...his Father’s name was there. He reached out to brush his fingers over the carving. “What would you of done? If you lived to see you children scattered like this? Would you find us and drag us back here to raise the family again? Would you slaughter the Obans and refuse to change?” he let his hand drop into his lap. “Or would you of changed from the nightmare you were?” “One can’t ask the dead, that which they don’t know themselves.” a voice said over his right shoulder. It was female. Tender. Isaris felt his heart squeeze as he heard it. He didn’t dare turn around to face the voice. He didn’t have that right. “Your feet take you to where you need to be, never forget that my son.” Isaris felt the sob catch in his throat as he turned. Seeing nothing he closed his eyes as tears started to fall. His lungs burned as he sobbed. Holding his sides he felt the wheezing start. His breath started to come up short. As he tried to catch his breath and started to fail, panic started to set in. Before he could really feel it. A gentle hand on his back brought a cold breath back to him. He inhaled sharply as he looked up in time to see his Mother’s face. She smiled then when he blinked, she was gone. He took a deep shaky breath. “You got her lungs.” a soft voice said from the central statue. It was a grand Radaku that marked the resting place of the three founders. Big enough to hide a single earthling if needed. Isaris jumped then turned sharply to look at the figure sitting at its stone base. He wiped at his eyes, what was with his luck and meeting people after crying?!? The figure slowly got up. Then the male version of his Mother stepped out into view. If one didn’t know better they would say that the male was more ghost than earthling. He smiled softly. “Your Mother had issues with catching her breath while she was under stress or pressure. It was a panic inducer when she went into labor believe me. Sadly, with Issaly’s birth she was already under a illness...it was minor...but it did her in when coupled with her lungs.” Isaris watched the male walk towards him. He stood slowly. “Unlce...Atherio…” he knew this male. His Mother’s Twin. He watched as Atherio rose his hand to cup the side of his face. He leaned into the touch. “Why don’t we go discuss the family a little further nephew? Doing so here would only upset you.” with those words, Atherio walked Isaris out. Whistling once to signal Lun. Isaris smiled as the radaku trotted up to their side. Solid. Warm. Alive. Word Count: 1223
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Posted: Sat Dec 30, 2017 12:19 pm
Isaris Growth Solo
Family Matters
Isaris leaned back into the pillows that belonged to his Uncle. Seems the elder had the same idea he did of rebuilding the encampment. Lun lounged nearby without a care in the world. Isaris watched his Uncle as the male went about making tea for them both. As the elder was busy Isaris spoke up. “Uncle Astraio...are you close with him?”
Atherio blinked. “Somewhat.” he set the cups down with a chuckle. “He’s got his extreme side and likes to make others do his dirty work.” he sat down to smile over to his nephew.
“Huh?!? How is that honorable?” Isaris asked with a slack jaw. His Uncle snickered as he leaned back into his pillows with a shake of his head. Isaris took hold of the cup before pausing. “Does he hate them? The Twins…” he muttered more to himself, but his Uncle heard him.
“Ah, you meet them. Yeara’s boys. Yeah, he hates them.” Atherio answered plainly. “They found the two of us shortly after your Mother passed in childbirth. Before we got word of the attack and scattering of the clan.”
Isaris leaned forward again, curious. “So...how’d it go?”
Atherio hummed. “Bad. For a lack of a better term. The twins couldn’t get a word out of us. We were both too raw from losing your Mother. Once I explained that, they backed off, but I noticed that Astraio seemed…” he paused for a moment. Thinking on what to say. “...strained. He always was a extreme sort of character. Hiding his true intentions till it was too late.” he sighed.
Isaris blinked. “Then why did he hate Dad?” the youth was curious.
Atherio blinked. “Ah...see that’s where your mistaken. Astraio never hated your Father, he just convinced everyone else he did. I confronted him about it after we found the remains soon after you boys all vanished.” he waited for a moment. Isaris slowly getting the hint. When he saw Isaris’ eyes go wide he smirked. “He had a crush on Issao, regretting the fact he never owned up to it. He turned to self loathing, which in turn has turned to a twisted display of affection. Honestly, that sort of mindset has always been a issue with our bloodline. It’s easy for one of us to start down a destructive path like that.” he nodded sagely.
Isaris tilted his head. “So. He hates himself, but instead of being self destructive he turns it on others? That’s...weird.” he looked around. “So...your here with Lun. No one else?”
Atherio blinked, then blushed as he looked off to the side. Isaris followed his line of sight and blinked as he noticed that there was a nook set off to the side for sleeping. Which there was someone there already. Isaris jumped as he watched the being shift slowly. Atherio cleared his throat. “Isaris...they are...uhm...my current partners.”
Wait…
Was that plural?
Isaris blushed as he saw not one, but two beings shifted into view. One was a dreadlocked Alk/Wind-hybrid male, solid blue eyes pierced right through him as a Water tribe female smiled from the hybrids other side. The youth looked back to his Uncle. “Two?”
Atherio chuckled. “It’s not unheard of, it’s just not in widely practiced. Mostly because its too much of a hassle when jealousy spikes up. However it’s not a big deal when all parties involved have their lines drawn. Right?” he looked to the other two as the male chuckled. Isaris was glad that the other two were clothed. The male straightened as he walked across the circular tent. Kissed the top of Atherio’s head and then went to the side where food was. The female got up with a stretch. Walking to lounge on her own set of pillows as she inclined her head to Isaris.
“It’s nice to meet you, I’m Ottlula. The silent guy there is Byrinz. You could call us Atherio’s Companions if that makes it more comfortable.” she offered.
Isaris shook his head. “No, I think it’s fine. Uncle Atherio always struck me as the sort who had a heart big enough for more than one.” He looked to the hybrid who seemed to pause for a moment. “How long have you two been with Uncle?”
Ottlula blinked. “Hmmm...I was more recent. Atherio saved me from slavers about eight years back, Byrinz has been around longer.”
“Thirteen years.” the hybrid intoned as he turned around with a tray of foods for them. He set it down on the small table in the center of the pillows. Isairs blinked. That was close to when they were all separated. He looked to the male and saw a scar flash. Right at the top of the high collar he was wearing. Isaris blinked. Byrinz glanced to him. “You got big fast.” he said before taking up the pillows on Atherio’s other side.
Isaris blinked. “You know me?” Byrinz nodded. “I...I’m sorry I have no memory of it.”
Atherio chuckled. “You wouldn’t. Byrinz mainly stayed in the shadows. Only a few members of the group knew that I was taking care of him. I found him half dead from a Menzeri attack.” he reached out to intertwined his hand with the hybrids. “Though, Ottlula has brought her own ray of light to this place.” he smiled at her.
Isaris couldn’t help the smile at the trio, this was good. He could tell that they complement each other. Just by the body language they had with each other. The youth suddenly felt a slight chill as a thought entered his mind. “Did...Dad have siblings?”
Atherio hummed as if debating on that answer. “Yes. He has five siblings. Two sisters who both passed in the attack and three brothers.” When Isaris seemed nervous Atherio sighed. “I found two of them. One is unable to walk any longer thus relays on his brother and ...oddly enough. Janarim mount that he gained while in the wilds. Seemed the poor thing was used in a fighting ring that Issaly ran into.”
Isaris blinked at the mention of the baby of their family. It was Byrinz who chuckled and nodded in acknowledgment. “Have you met...Issaly?”
Atherio shook his head. “No, By meet him recently out on the Oba, Tale border.”
The hybrid huffed. “Saved the kid. His beasts nearly knocked me flat thinking I was the one attacking him. Good bunch there. Lun would of been impressed.”
There was a shared chuckled between the shifters. Isaris spoke up. “It would of taken a lot more than protective instincts to impress Lun.”
“Exactly, but to explain. I have heard of Issaly. Seems his rescue of his beasts in town created a wave. His mentor has a few high ranking friends.” Atherio said as he picked up a cup to sip at the tea.
Isaris sat up. “Where are Dad’s brothers now? Why haven't I ever met them?”
Atherio took another sip. “They hated their elders. After my sister was found to be weak of body. His elders said that marrying her was a waste. So, your Father left his original family group and joined your Mother’s.” he stopped. Taking a sip while not looking at Isaris. “His siblings were visiting at the time of the attack. They had every intention of meeting you boys, but fate wasn't so kind.” Still not looking at Isaris he inhaled softly. “Your Father never spoke of his family o you boys because he didn't---”
Atherio was cut off as Isaris bolted out the tent. The elder shifter didn't move as Lun instantly took off after him. Byrinz glances to his long time partner. “I take it Isaao was the worse at parenting?”
Atherio chuckled. “No, he just didn't want them being called weak. The day they realize that will either shatter them or reaffirm their resolve to defy him.”
Ottlula stood as she walked to the opening. Her hands folded over the small bump. “Here I was going to ask if he wanted to be there when the babies arrived.” She giggled as Byrinz walked next to her, pressing a kiss to her temple.
“I’ll go make sure our nephew isn't running headlong into trouble.” The big male said with a pointed look back to Atherio. “It's a family trait I noticed.” With that he took off after Lun’s tracks.
Isaris stopped halfway towards the Dark Tree. The youth panting as he looked skyward. “Why now?!? Why not back when I was forming my opinion on you?!?” He yelled out. One part pain, three part confusion. He would have to tell his brothers about everything he learned. This revaluation about their Father. The man who held so much fear and anger in his heart. Isaris could only assume his elders felt the same. He inhaled slowly feeling his lungs burn again.
Lun walked slowly up to his side. Isaris glances down before he heard Byrinz. “Sometimes. Adults do stupid things thinking that it's better for the child.” Isaris looked back over his shoulder to the elder. “They don't come clean with their intentions, they fail to tell you of family thinking their protecting you.” He walked up slowly to the youngers side. “They hide their hopes and soul behind a mask. Make themselves the monster you never want to become...because they think their not worth your love.” He clasped a large calloused hand on Isaris’ shoulder. “They lie to you for so long, they convince themselves there's no going back.”
Isaris could tell that there was more to that story. The youth nodded slowly. “Yeah...uhm. Thanks.” he looked fully back towards the elder. “Lets...lets go back to Uncle and Auntie.” his voice was soft. Byrinz blinked at the wording, then smiled warmly as he walked with Isaris back to the home. When they got back Isaris was warmed by the sight of Ottlula sewing something small. Wait.
Small?!?
He walked in and heard his Uncle chuckle. “Well, I hope Byrinz helped you out a bit.” Isaris nodded. “Good. Now then, for the big news. Ottlula here is expecting our first child. Not sure how many yet…” the shifter said as he walked towards Isaris. The youth looked bright eyed. Atherio placed his hands on Isaris shoulders. “I want to rebuild the family I lost. Think you and your brothers can help?”
Isaris laughed at how alike he was to his Uncle. “That was my thought as well.” he then felt his heart warm. “Hey...Uncle...do you know of any places I can go with my partner to adopt? We’re...we’re ready.” After he started his own family...that’s when he’ll face his Father’s.
Lesson Learned While Isaris' lesson is more of a hidden gem, he has come to realize that Family really isn't what he expected. There's heartache to it...there's warmth...and then there's that odd duck who wants to throw the wrench in the defenition of Family. He's come to terms with that in his own warped way, his Father had merit as family...maybe dealing with things later will help Isaris finally lay that demon to rest.
Word Count: 1785
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