Volga still followed along quietly keeping an eye on the two in front of him. He couldn't help but form a small grin to how well Feng was remembering everything, and how leader-like he appeared. Volga was proud of the cub, but tried to keep the verbal praise to a minimum so it did not swell the cub's head.
When the Nan begun to trip Volga tensed, ready to act, but she seemed quick to recover.
"Are you going to be alright?" He spoke. She didn't make a big deal of it, but it seemed wrong to not ask.
Seruta
Thalion
Posted: Mon Jun 19, 2017 12:09 pm
He pressed forward, picking his way down a natural stair of stone, some twisting inward, others shelving neatly. Eventually he came to rest against the edge of the water, allowing the cool wake to break along his paws. There was shelf enough to wade out until the water reached his neck- and he had learned where it sloped too much. It was exceedingly dangerous- but Volga had been careful to teach Feng how to swim...at least well enough to get himself back into the shallows in case of a mis-step. He didn't know, nor would he assume, if this nan was able to do the same, so he brought her to where he had cooled himself as a newly-woven.
"Creatures? I don't think so..." Feng looked out. The lake wasn't connected to a river or sea. He wondered if it was fed only by rainfall- but that didn't seem likely either, he'd not seen it raiin but once, and it had been short lived. Perhaps there was another source under-ground...if that was possible. It wasn't an answer he would find on his own. Perhaps there were B'alam that were of the water affinity- they would know. Then again, he didn't know the complexities of his own element and its origin source. It was hard to say.
A hiss of pain had him freezing and turning his head, ears perking. "...you cut yourself." He stated the obvious, wincing in sympathy. "Cool it in the water, okay? Then lick it out- you don't want it to fester." Whatever that was. He'd suffered a cut or two, and Volga had been very insistant that he made sure the wound was well cleaned out until it closed up on its own.
He settled down beside the water, partly to enjoy the cool stones around it and partly to put himself close in case the nan did slip in. He wasn't strong enough to pull her out- nor large enough to provide something for her to hang onto, but he could keep her head up if need be.
He smiled at the complement, but he seemed a little over-whealmed by the praise. "It's not brave to live where you were woven, I wouldn't think. This is where I opened my eyes." He jerked his horns towards a large cliff made of the obsidian. "It was closer to there- but this place is all I've known. I've heard tell of a land where the ground is soft like...fur on the ground."
His ears flattened in embarassment and he glanced away, cheeks burning. "I've had a good teacher. I just reflect what I've learned, that's all."
The pain was new. She had dealt with gradual and minor aches and pains up to this point, but placing a cut on top of the already burrowing bruises... She winced visibly as Volga seemed to notice, but was - for the moment - very grateful for his concern. She simply nodded and offered a soft smile of reassurance, but quickly found her attention return to the younger Tah.
She nodded softly in thanks to Volga before she decided to follow the younger's advice. Carefully, she moved towards the water's edge and found herself nearly purring as she felt the cool water lap against her tired paws.
"Thank you." she seemed to purr further then settled carefully upon her haunches to rinse and clean the wound.
Her ears then perked again as the young Tah continued. So he was created by the weaver as well? 'Oh, Weaver? What great plans do you have for this young one?' she thought to herself. It was clear to her that he was found and being raised by... 'What did the younger call him? Velgo? Valgun? Volga? Yes. Volga.'
"I've had dreams of such places." she admitted. "Though the ground I woke up on was only a little more forgiving than here, there were some rather small patches of green "fur" splashed about on it. But I quickly discovered that it isn't all that edible..." she made a small bit of a face at the reminder before resuming her cleaning.
"If I may ask?" she then began, lowering her paw into the water again. "What is it that keeps you both here?"
Word Count this post: 266 Word Count thus far: 2634
Thalion
GunSniper
Posted: Thu Jul 20, 2017 12:51 pm
Volga remained watchful as the two conversed. He thought it best to allow the young tah to do all the talking. If they needed his input than Feng would ask. He was to be emperor, there was no need for his bodygu- ... trainer to comment and correct him.
Volga drew in a deep breath than watched them interact with the water. He recalled teaching Feng about the slopes, it was charming to hear him repeat the information with precise recall.
Seruta
Thalion
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Posted: Thu Aug 03, 2017 2:52 pm
"It's nothing to thank me for." Feng insisted with a smile, "The water is here for anyone that's able to seek it out- and wise enough to know of its dangers."
He gently moved his paw through the water, allowing it to cool his pads and ease the aches in his joints. It had been a long day, and he knew he would be sore as anything come morning. Most nights left him feeling like he'd been lashed to a log. Volga assured him that the stiffness and pain was just a result of the training, and one day his body would grow so strong that they would be things of the past. He wished that day would hurry itself up already.
He couldn't help but chuckle as the nan continued. "I don't know if I could bring myself to nibble on the fur- my own fur likely doesn't taste fantastic, not as a food item. I imagine the fur of the earth isn't much better." Quietly, he wanted to ask if she got an earth-fur ball but it seemed rude so he tucked that thought away.
He rolled his ears at her inquiry, looking thoughtful for a moment. "I don't know of anywhere else....not really." He turned towards the fang-like peaks that rose over them in the distance and nodded his horns in that direction. "I hear tell of a land there that has fallen under the shadow of a tah who's ideals have led to bloodshed. Volga is training me here, in this place, so that when I enter those lands I might be able to stand against him. It's... a lofty thought." He admitted, and more quietly added, "I don't feel it's entirely my place to do so either."
Seruta
GunSniper
Posted: Thu Aug 03, 2017 5:36 pm
She chuckled softly, making her bells give off the faintest of tingles. "To be fair, I saw a critter nibble at the stuff before I tried it. When you're new to the world and hungry, you will try anything at least once in the efforts to survive." she smiled.
She listened as the young Tah started talking of the city. For the moment, she didn't realize that it was the city, mind... just that it was another place. Her ears rolled back at the mention of the shadow and bloodshed. A look of worry fell over her as her eyes looked back in its direction.
"That sounds horrible..." she half whispered in relation to the monstrous Tah. She looked back at the cub, saw his battle with the ordeal dance across his features. He was troubled, uncertain. A large part of her wanted her to scoop him up and assure him that it was all going to be alright! Then the horror slipped from her face as she blinked her eyes.
Perhaps he was her calling all along? He held a certain pureness in him... It was clear to her that he displayed acts of kindness, generosity and compassion. To worry about others in another place, but also to worry that it isn't his place to do so...
She closed her eyes softly. "The Weaver has plans for each of us, little one..." she started again with a bit of an inhale. As she opened her eyes, she offered a warmer smile. "If Tah Volga is training you, it is because the Weaver has asked it of him to do so." She carefully and slowly pulled herself out of the water and moved closer to him. "He heard the Weaver's whispers and is now following the thread of events to accomplish that task..."
"To continue training under his teachings shows that a part of you has also heard the Weaver's role for you. You've heard his whispers and are working towards that goal."
She then lifted a brow softly at the Young Tah. "If it's such a 'lofty' thought, then why do you continue?" she asked him. She was curious to hear his answer.
Word Count this post: 364 Word Count thus far: 2998
Though Feng's words were humble, Volga couldn't help but raise a brow slightly to the doubt he had displayed. It wasn't his place to say anything when they were in the presence of another, but he was shocked none the less. The cub was still young to the world and here he was now with so much thrust on his shoulders. Volga too had doubted several times and still struggles occasionally. ... he had failed before and that had cost his friend and nation gravely.
He drew in a calm breath than looked to the Nan when she imparted her wisdom to the situation. Impressive. Volga couldn't hold hack a subtle nod to her wisdom.
Still he remained silent while the two conversed. It was not his place to intervene yet.
Seruta
Thalion
Posted: Sat Sep 02, 2017 11:17 pm
"Ah...well that's fair I suppose." He smiled a little and bobbed a shoulder, "I will be the first to admit that I have sampled a thing or two brought to me by my Paroo companion- I swear he fancies me his own personal sprout." At times that had been...less than wise. The Paroo favored a variety of things- some good, some still very much alive and creeping...with shiny shells, multiple legs, and unworldly faces. He had drawn the line when things had come wiggling and covered in slime. Thankfully, the beast was smart enough to learn what "gifts" would be rejected and which were rewarded.
Horrible... was it though? His ears rolled back as his eyes clouded over with thought. The tah was a rumor, his deeds had yet to prove themselves a reality... he couldn't judge anyone based on here-say alone, he needed to see this individual, and their handiwork, for himself. After all- would he be any better? Some strange upstart from the obsidian sea looking to over-take an entire kingdom? And why? Because... his protector felt it was best?
The question earned an honest sigh and a shake of his head. "That's not an easy question to answer, Nan. Especially when I know too little of what I'm against- or why anyone feels I should be the one to put things right...", He looked away. "Right" wasn't something he was entirely sure of either. Was it right for him to do this? Any of this? He didn't know any other life- and he certainly didn't have any ambition other than to fulfill what others expected of him. What did...he expect of himself?
"To be honest, I feel I'm looking for that answer as well. My apologies."
Ling purred softly in response. She had hoped for answer of some sort, but his ability to outright admit that he was still looking for the answer himself... Well, that was enough for her at the moment. At least he was still looking!
"When you've discovered your answer, Little Tah..." she smiled. "I'd love to hear it."
She flicked her tail and moved herself just a little bit further from the water's edge, sitting down to look around a moment. "There are many things that can only be answered in time. Perhaps this is one of them." Golden eyes flashed over to the young Tah again. "I go where the Weaver encourages my paws, and for now they appear content to rest. Why here? That I cannot answer. Not yet. But my answer is much like yours in that it'll be clearer further along my journey." she nodded. "Perhaps to accumulate knowledge of how to live in such a harsh environment so that later on, if I find myself alone in such a place I might continue to survive through another night.... Perhaps in meeting kind folk as yourselves I've learned that there are others out there in which I can trust. And judging from what you've heard and shared with me, I now know that there are some out there I should try to avoid."
"And perhaps..." She blinked a bit then looked down at her paws. "Perhaps I am merely rambling." she gave a small giggle though seemed embarrassed at the realization. "Forgive me if I got a bit too chatty." she gave a small shy chuckle as her tail coiled around her feet.
Word Count this post: 276 Word Count thus far: 3274
Thalion
GunSniper
Posted: Mon Sep 04, 2017 4:18 pm
The Nan was not lying, she did seem to like to chat. Volga was resolved to stay out of the conversation. He was a warrior, not a philosopher. Even the weaver's intentions were beyond him. Following orders and giving them were his strengths.
Though he was resolved to not engage in the conversion, he still listened to the words. Payed attention to what the Nan was sating especially. They had just meet her and Volga would not wish to have her poison his head with falsehoods. So far her words gave not even a hint of malice intentions... Still, he wanted to be alert.
Feng was handling this interaction so well. Volga couldn't help but be proud.
Seruta
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Posted: Wed Sep 06, 2017 10:20 am
He smiled a little more. Perhaps it wasn't a question with an answer as simple as all that. So far, nothing had been simple. Waking here had promised that tasks as simple as walking were much more difficult. Certainly, there had to be a reason that he was woven here of all places, placed under the care of Volga of all B'alam, and had encountered those that he had...still, when she spoke of trust his expression became guarded.
He had wanted to trust easily too. Perhaps it was his youth and overall ignorance of the world, but Volga had been very stern in cautioning against giving his trust so easily. While Feng had never met any such being, there were apparently those that would take advantage of the kind, the meek, and the young. He couldn't trust to easily- and none should trust him right away either. It felt...empty. He hadn't done anything to earn it, not yet. Even if he had the best of intentions, he was young and inexperienced- he might fail or blunder so badly that it hurt another.
"We move forward with caution always." He said quietly.
He waved a paw at her apology. "I imagine you've been thirsty for company as much as you've been thirsty for water. Please, I don't mind. In truth, I'm curious about the lands beyond the black peaks."
Seruta
GunSniper
Posted: Wed Sep 06, 2017 3:46 pm
Ling smiled softly. "You are very kind, young Tah." she purred a bit and then lifted a paw to hide behind as she yawned. She excused herself for the act almost silently and then purred a bit. "I'm afraid there's not much in the way of stories I could tell you of the different lands I've seen." she then started, turning her gaze to the black peaks "I'm still new to the world myself. The best I could offer would be to describe some of the things I remember on my journey here."
She shifted her golden orbs to land on Volga. She felt bad at the fact that she'd basically ignored the larger Tah for most of the conversation. She didn't want him to feel left out.
"What about you, Tah Volga?" she asked, now looking at the larger male with her full attention. "Are you familiar with the lands beyond here?"
Word Count this post: 153 Word Count thus far: 3427
Truth be told he had not felt ignored and had no desire to engage in conversation beyond what was asked of him. Nor was he willing to give a verbal tour of the land to some stranger. Feng had yet to even receive even a brief description beyond the fire capital. The cub was too young to receive a geography lesson in any case... Volga would take him on a pilgrimage when the world was not fresh under the young one's paws.
Seruta
Thalion
Posted: Tue Sep 12, 2017 2:50 pm
Feng bobbed his shoulders. It didn't hurt to ask. Everyone thus far had come from the place beyond the obsidian peaks- and few wanted to talk about it. His young mind couldn't help but imagine what sort of horrors must exist to silence a b'alam against even describing their homeland. Perhaps the world he knew wasn't the most hazardrous- or perhaps it was just difficult to find words. After all, he wasn't sure how he could explain the color blue without using the color itself. He didn't yet want to entertain the thought of something horrible out there.
As the nan tried to pull Volga into the conversation, Feng's smile became an apologetic one. "If you get anything out of him, you'll have to tell me your secret." He said gently. "Volga guards his secrets better than he does my life- and that's saying something. I once caught him giving a particularly sharp stare to a stone that nearly snagged my paw."
Ling blinked softly to the simple response. Her head tilted slight, bells shifting to grace the breeze with their gentle chimes as she peered at Volga. She seemed to be looking for more than just that and her lips parted a bit in efforts to press further. Perhaps there was some land that she hadn't seen that he could bring to light?
But then the young Tah spoke and her lips closed again. Golden gaze shifted back to the smaller of the pair before she nodded in understanding. "Oh, I see." she started and then giggled a bit. "With a rock?" She purred at the thought while a jovial grin graced her muzzle. He was an interesting fellow, and she was certain she'd be able to speak to him in more depth at another time perhaps. He seemed to be more occupied with guarding the cub at the moment and she couldn't blame him in the least.
She nodded softly to the cub. "If I manage to get more than a few words out of him, you have my word." she purred, winking at Feng and then giggling softly under her breath. She then sighed and smiled, "You know... I believe you were right. Perhaps I was as thirsty for company as I had been for water." She shifted a bit on her paws, trying to keep from letting too much of her weight rest on a certain paw for too long. "Just talking this little bit with you two..." she purred, tail flicking to rest calmly over her paws again. "... I feel a little better about my journey..."
Word Count this post: 269 Word Count thus far: 3696
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