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 Posted: Sat Nov 14, 2020 8:33 pm
[6/10]
Watching the way the younger raptrix messed around with Azreal was enough to elicit a snicker out of Zakia. One she tried "hiding" behind her hand, that is. It was just too funny to see the way it's slobber made the ends of his fur stand together! "Midnight and Bubs?" Another laugh but this time it wasn't discreet. She wasn't sure what to make of the names, but at least Midnight was friendly. When he moved closer to them she playfully shoved at the big canine, pushing her hands into it's thick fur when he got too close, and was happy to see that he just seemed to lean into her hands instead of walking away. The nose at her side was met with a surprised jolt; after all, she may have been wearing pants, but her torso was still bare! And that nose was cold!
Soon enough Midnight's attention was wrapped up in Kuno and honestly, so was Zakia's. She almost wished she'd brought her notebook out with her because there was absolutely no way she would remember any of this tomorrow, but maybe they could just go over it again? "I think I got it." Leaning in, she tried to take a look at the stirrup leather. It might have been an easier task if Midnight weren't more focused on the teens than behaving. "Are the extra straps, here-" She poitned towards a few extra rows of strapping going up from the normal foothold, "-what goes around the calf for extra support?"
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Posted: Tue Dec 22, 2020 1:46 pm
What could possibly go wrong? Azreal's gaze slid over towards Kuno's scar at the thought before he glanced away once more and stayed out of the way while Kuno worked on setting up Midnight for Zakia. He winced a bit when he saw the younger raptrix wiggling here and there while Kuno worked on strapping him into the harness but eventually it looked like most of the things were in place and that the saddle wasn't about to fall straight off. He personally preferred trying to ride without one but knew that it was super risky and had taken several lectures about such decisions before. His dark azure gaze gleamed at the thought before he did take a step forward to inspect Kuno's work slightly from the side. Was it really okay? Maybe he should have let Zakia go bareback. The thought was tempting especially after watching how amused she was by the raptrix's interactions with him. A faint flush did decorate his cheeks at the reaction to the names. "Why yes." Replied Azreal quietly under his breath as he studied the harness some more. He had asked to name Midnight himself and had thought it was fitting for the fur....perhaps it's not as regal a name as what our aunt and uncle would normally give... Bubs wasn't really their choice either. A thought which had him pursing his lips slightly as he glanced between his two companions once more.
Azreal raised a brow at Zakia's question before nodding slightly, "I believe so, right?" He glanced to his brother for confirmation before having to pat the raptrix's nose as it suddenly got interested in Azreal again and started pawing at his pants as if looking for treats. "I don't have anything." He replied with slight exasperation before glancing towards Kuno almost pleadingly, "If you want to get Zakia better acquainted with Midnight I can go grab some snacks for him." The raptrix seemingly perked his ears up at the familiar words, his tail wagging happily as Azreal attempted to back away.
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Posted: Tue Dec 22, 2020 6:38 pm
Kuno found himself just laughing along. "Hey, it makes 'em unique. Where else 're ya gonna find a raptrix named Bubs?" He glanced over to Azreal with a smirk. It was more fun than classy like most of the animals were named, certainly. Perhaps that was why he liked it. When Azreal mentioned snacks, Kuno nodded and waved him off. "Go ahead. I got this." He reached out to rub along Midnight's muzzle in rough play to try distracting him from the retreating teen. "Come on, boy. Let's show Zakia how good a boy you are." Leaning over to see where Zakia was pointing, Kuno pursed his lips. It would be so much simpler to have her sitting in the saddle to hook it all up.. but even he knew that might be too risky to jump into. Good thing he didn't mind making himself the guinea pig! "Sort of. They're less support and more added security. There's nothin' like bein' in the air and getting jostled around to where your foot flies outta the stirrup." He grinned playfully. "Ya know, if that kinda thing scares ya." He pulled himself up onto Midnight's back in one swift move. "Good boy. Stay still... These straps hook here, see?" So he started buckling himself into place, taking it slower to make sure Zakia saw it all so that she could replicate it when he was done.
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Posted: Wed Dec 23, 2020 2:10 pm
[7/10]
"Aww, you should have brought him something. What kind of dad are you?" Almost laughingly, Zakia went from mock chastising Azreal to running her hands through Midnight's thick fur in a cooing tone. "He should have brought you some snacks, huh? Big guy like you needs his snackies~" This was so much better trying to bond with radaku. Even when tame they still held onto that vicious pack mentality, and Mvua was never really this sweet. He had a special spot for her mother but he tolerated Zakia at best. "Azreal's out here trying to starve you, poor baby. Look at him; he's going to waste away!" As if that were possible. If anything he looked a little plump, but Zakia knew that was only because he was so well cared for.
When Azreal stepped away and Kuno took point the alkidike back up a little just to give him space. Hearing him talk about things so casually....it took some of the color out of her face. "Seriously, Kuno, you worry me sometimes." All the time. She watched him intently, bending at the knee just so she was at a better angle to catch all the moves. Now that she thought Azreal was out of earshot she pursed her lips. "Is it....is flying scary?"
It was kind of funny, honestly. She'd been in trees leagues taller than anything Zena could produce but the thought of sailing into the clouds made her stomach flip.
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Posted: Thu Dec 24, 2020 7:25 pm
Spirits help him. Between Zakia and his brother, Azreal wasn't certain what was going to happen next. Either way it seemed to promise a ton of chaos and potential danger. Still, it was what he had agreed upon and so the teen just squared his shoulders before heading off in search of treats for Midnight. He just hoped that the barn was still standing by the time he would return with some fresh jerky for the raptrix from the kitchen. Azreal made certain to take his sweet time which was perhaps a way to try and manage his growing anxiety about the situation at hand before finally returning to the barn to see where the other two teens were at in the riding preparations.
"You mean you aren't soaring already?" He mused as he appeared in the doorway again, a small leather bag in his hand that was tightly closed with a corded rope, the obvious swell of something nestled inside. Azreal had placed the jerky in there and Midnight's gaze went straight to the teen's hands, his maw opening slightly as if trying to scent the air. Azreal held up a finger to keep the raptrix at bay should he ruin anything but it was obvious that the younger familiar was eager to investigate the mysterious bag and its contents. If someone was tied to Midnight then it definitely would be hard to keep their balance with the raptrix inching closer and closer towards Azreal, the desire to leap towards the treat bag gleaming brightly in those silver orbs.
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Posted: Fri Dec 25, 2020 8:25 pm
Kuno cocked his head curiously, intrigued by Zakia's reaction to his warning. Worried? "Yeah? ...I get that a lot. You don't hafta worry though! See, the rest of me is strapped in good." He reached forward and scratched between Midnight's ears. "I guess the first few times you go up can be scary, but it's like anythin' else new. You get used to it." He glanced over when his brother returned and grinned, patting Midnight's shoulder when the beast jerked under him. "Maybe I would be if you weren't draggin' your heels gettin' Midnight's snack. He'd be nose-divin' back down the moment you come back shakin' that bag." He started to unbuckle himself though, glancing to Zakia. "I figure that some ground work might be best first, anyway. Get Zakia a bit more acquainted with ridin' 'im. We should get you up here while he's distracted with eatin'."
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Posted: Sun Dec 27, 2020 11:06 am
[8/10]
Yes because only being strapped in by your legs and little else was absolutely no cause for concern. Still, Kuno did look pretty comfortable seated atop Midnight so she could only assume he was telling the truth. I mean, if anyone knew about raptrix it would be someone who was raised with them, right?
She couldn't help laughing a little at Midnight's eagerness. She was so used to Mvua's sass and grit that being around a younger canine made her excited. Her nerves were still there, sure, but there was just something so infectious about him that made her want to smoosh her face into his. "Okay, yeah, just grab on and swing up, right?" In that regard it was just like getting on a radaku...except a little bigger and she had to watch out for the wings! And all the squirming.
As soon as Kuno had slid off Zakia reached for the saddle and swung her leg over Midnight's back, slipping up easily enough. When it came time to settling, however, that proved to be the challenge. He just kept moving, like he wanted the treats more than life itself, and trying to get her legs adjusted around the wings was difficult. "A little help?"
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Posted: Wed Dec 30, 2020 5:01 pm
"I doubt that." Replied Azreal with a huff towards his brother. Maybe, just maybe, it would have been hilarious to see Midnight diving straight for him with Zakia on his back but it wasn't as if the teen had the idea in mind when he went to go get the treats. He just knew the raptrix loved his fresh jerky bites and had made certain to grab some specially made for him. A devious expression crossed his features before he quickly shook his head. "Sounds like a plan." He motioned for Zakia to move ahead and whenever she asked for help Azreal whistled so that the raptrix could come bounding over towards him. He could have easily walked to Midnight and Zakia but it would be far more fun to see her reaction once the raptrix was in motion with her riding along.
Of course, Azreal moved quickly enough to meet them half way just in case someone happened to slip since she wasn't quite so settled in yet. "Good boy." He murmured towards the raptrix as he patted the familiar's neck and gave him a few treats from the bag to keep his attention focused and his paws still.
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Posted: Wed Dec 30, 2020 5:57 pm
With his feet back on the ground, Kuno stood at the ready in case Zakia needed assistance. With her height though, she was sure to have an easier time getting up there, at the least. ..She did look pretty cool already, she was only just in place. He winced when Midnight suddenly went for Azreal, and his breath sighed out with relief once the beast paused again to snack. Now that no one had been hurt, his wince readily turned into a laugh of delight while he kept clear out of Zakia's reach. He hadn't been the one to whistle, but he didn't want to get caught in the wrath that might follow! "You better strap in before Azreal sends you up," he teased.
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Posted: Wed Dec 30, 2020 6:15 pm
[9/10]
Naturally she yelped as soon as the raptrix started bounding over like a big idiot! She faltered, nearly sliding off, but thankfully Zakia was able to grab the saddle at the last minute. By the time they made it to Azreal's side her nerves were frazzled and she was already hunched over the canine's back like a frightened perzi. Oh this is going to be fuuuunnnn. Maybe Alkidike just weren't meant to fly. Climb, sure, but fly? This didn't seem right anymore...
"You did that on purpose," she growled, snapping her head around to glare at him from underneath a fringe of dreads. She might have said more if Kuno hadn't caught her attention. Out of fear that he really would spurn Midnight into flight she hurriedly started buckling the straps around her legs. Surely he wouldn't, right?
"Oh no, no no, what are you doing?" As she was getting the last straps ready it was like the raptrix knew what was coming. He'd started spreading out his wings and fluffing them up. "Has he even been on a flight before?"
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Posted: Wed Dec 30, 2020 6:32 pm
"My apologies. I had no idea that he would just come running over." Azreal blinked large, innocent eyes towards Zakia which were basically moot once one noticed the grin spreading across his lips. There was no harm in a little prank now and then especially when no one got hurt, right? Midnight's temperament made it all too easy to mess with Zakia. Had it been one of the older raptrixes then perhaps they would have just stared at him while waiting patiently but the younger pup was always eager to rush towards a treat bag. His amusement only grew whenever Midnight started to fluff out his wings, his paws bouncing against the ground in anticipation for flight.
"Oh yes, he certainly has been on flights before. It's just he prefers flying upside down and twisting a bit more than others so we really need to get you strapped in." Teased Azreal as he set the empty treat bag down and approached Zakia. His hands traced over her legs without hesitation, his mind more focused on the task of strapping in Zakia than anything else. Even though he was mostly messing with her the thought of Zakia falling did twist his gut into a rather uncomfortable knot. "In all seriousness you should be fine. Midnight isn't that awful of a flyer, he's just a bit excitable and not as gentle." Azreal patted Zakia's legs another time and tugged at some of the straps before taking a step back. "Kuno can guide him around the enclosure and hopefully he won't take off right away with you. So whenever you're ready just say the word."
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Posted: Wed Dec 30, 2020 6:59 pm
Kuno smothered another laugh as he approached the trio. He couldn't help wanting to double-check that Zakia was strapped in properly. "You're a terrible liar," he teased, elbowing his brother's side playfully. He pursed his lips as he followed Azreal around to approve his brother's work, and paused to ruffle the thick fur at Midnight's chest. "Yeah, who's a good boy?" His brow rose when his services were offered up again, unable to resist a bit of pride lifting his posture. It was nice to be appreciated for what he knew.. not that he would say such a thing. "Right, send me out there while you get to be lazy here." Still, he laughed and rubbed his hand over Midnight's muzzle before running for the stable door. "Come on, Midnight! Stay down, come on!" His run was merely Midnight's trotting speed, but he still wanted Zakia's first ride to be a little exciting.
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Posted: Wed Dec 30, 2020 7:14 pm
[10/10]
Zakia rolled her eyes. No idea my a-. That grin said it all! With a little huff the alkidike pushed herself back into a seated position and shifted her hips just enough to get comfortable. At least Kuno wasn't going to take Azreal's bull; he may have been playing, but someone was actually calling him out which made her feel validated.
It felt a little weird to have so much attention paid to her legs, but in the end Zakia was glad for it. If he really was such a wild flyer then she'd need all the help she could get. "If he takes me upside down you're waking up bald." It may have sounded like a joke, but it came off as anything but. Zakia wasn't above it; not at all.
For a while Midnight seemed pretty keen on listening to the boys, but once Kuno got frisky he went after him. At the very least his pace wasn't as abrupt as it was before; this she could keep up with. His wings were still fluffed, but for the time being he was grounded, attention kept on the hybrid in front of him while Zakia kept hold of the reigns.
Of course it would have been a little easier if he didn't have little periods where, in his pursuit of Kuno, Midnight would jump up and glide. The first time he did it she gasped, clutching the reigns for dear life, but once Zakia realized he wasn't that far off the ground she relaxed.
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Posted: Sat Jan 09, 2021 10:51 pm
Azreal chuckled quietly at the threat. If anything he was actually tempted to believe that waking up bald would be worth seeing Zakia's reaction to Midnight twisting upside down in the air. Still despite such thoughts he found himself keeping an intent eye on Zakia as she bolted forward with Midnight. Thankfully it seemed that Midnight was being somewhat behaved and mostly keeping to low glides instead of just darting through the skies. Azrael found himself letting out a sigh of relief before continuing to slowly walk after the trio, a small smile tugging at his lips. Maybe just maybe their summer together wouldn't be quite so bad this time after all.
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Posted: Mon Jan 25, 2021 4:53 pm
To be honest, resisting the urge to let Midnight go ham and command him into flight was difficult. Hearing that Azreal might end up bald by the end of it made it even more tempting! Still, even he could restrain himself a little. He could remember his own first solo flight. Even with a few paired flights under his belt, it had still been intimidating. So, they would start with jogging along the ground. He didn't mind if he earned a scratch or two, but he tended to hold back when it was someone else on the line. Besides, Zakia really did look impressive up there.
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