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 Posted: Mon Jan 01, 2007 11:21 am
Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Amber wasn’t invited. Not to this gathering anyways, for although informed by a coworker that her supervisor would be holding a formal gala for his loyal employees – a mistake had been clearly made in her name.
“I’m sorry, Miss. No name on the list – no getting into the party.”
“B-But I WORK here!”
“Look, your name isn’t on the list. Your name was Amber, right?”
“Yes..”
“All I see is some broad named Adrian. No Amber, so no party for you.”
A small sigh fell in the form of steam as auburn optics went around the muscular frame of the attendant and into the world beyond her grasp. It was a beautiful engagement indeed, putting her, although well dressed, out of place and out of class with the rest of them. The sensation of a strong hand on her shoulder broke her attention, and with a single, gentle shove she was turned away for good. “Next!”
That word rang out behind her as the situation was finally accepted for what it was and she resolved that it simply wasn’t worth it. Those people weren’t her friends, so what use was their company to her? Very little use, but Amber still writhed and fumed in her own skin as she traveled the dark avenue towards a formerly visited pet shop. If she could not find companionship in her own spectrum, it was the least she could do to purchase a gift for her little rat friend who had been nothing but a therapeutic joy to have around.
However, as she reached the shop a flyer was beheld, its message blazed in bright reds and gold of the season to declare the place closed for the night. That was not all though, and Amber had to step closer to catch the rest of the message. ‘Come one and all to a Winter Ball, A celebration of this snowy season, Bring friend or come alone, There will be masks to be shown, Do your even need a reason? Shadyside Apartment will it be held, A marvelous event to behold, Your heartstrings shall be tugged and swelled, Come one and all from a midnight cold.’ Beneath this was the time and address, nothing more and nothing less to be presented to the careful passerby who took time to read it.
Amber read it once, twice, and then stepped back beneath the streetlight. She knew well where the address was. She knew she was dressed for the occasion. All that remained was the first and hardest step to actually interacting with figures and figments of those she had not before known. Strangers. Perhaps even stranger than she..
There would be a strangers. It might be a sham. What if some one tried to molest her or drug her? What if?!
*CLUNK*
The toe of her heel struck the door to the complex, halting her progress and worrying as for without realizing it she had continued walking towards the gathering. Now what was her excuse? She hadn’t been mugged on the way there, nor had she even seen anything that might pose as a threat to her fragile well being. People might mistake her for part of the party now that she’d arrived, and far be it from her nature to cause conflict with what others declared must be so. There was no escaping it now. So without any more hesitation than could be mustered up, she pushed the door open and continued forth into the ballroom, descending down the steps and into a MidWinters night dream that only forced beyond life and death could predict the outcome of.
However - it was those fates that caught her attentions most, for once having stepped foot into the gathering,her eyes widened as she beheld who the event was truly for.
There were Birds!
And not just birds. But birds out of cages. Birds without anyone to look after them. Birds...who were acting peculiarly civil, perhaps tamed, but still quite right within their own mind in their right to be there. The girl ventured forwards a few paces towards them, but dared go no further once any of them chose to notice her.Queen_of_Speeders Luis looked at the bird in his hands, who had stopped preening herself and was now looking about the room excitedly. Did she have friends here? Awkward, silent strangers stood in brightly colored masked, passive and glossy eyed. He backed away, looking this way and that. A darkened corner. A hidden exit. The hall glittered, awash in festive reds and greens. Golden tinsle licked at every wall's edge, and up balconies and large, ornamented evergreen trees. Was this really a holiday party of an s&m bird shop? Appearantly so, from the way the duck seemed to fit right in. They descended the stairs. Luis tried as hard as possible to melt away into the macabre desert sunset that adorned the wall. Slipping out of his hands gracefully, the long-tailed duck flew toward the banquet table, flapping violently. She stiffled a joyous bark. They had rememberd to put out her fa~vo~rite foul-friendly goods. Oysters! Clams! Fried food!! "ow owdle ow! ow! owdle ow!!" Luis' nervous smile turned into a look of horror as the duck crashed into a large, carefully stacked pile of expensive ordeurves. She had only missed her target by a few feet. Her unexpected (but somewhat predictable) collision overturned a tall bird feeder, sending a few song birds tittering into the air. Shaking crumbling bits of cracker and cheese from her coat, the duck uprighted herself sheepishly. Disinclined
Xaxis hadn't been sure what to wear to the party. He'd recieved the invitation, and had spent a good day staring at the closet. Yes, much of his clothing consisted of thin, colourful fabrics tied and sewn together. Nine times out of ten, the pale skinned raven looked more like a gypsy than anything else.
It would be no surprise to see him dressed as some sort of elegant creature, some sort of broken angel come down. Therefor, the Bird wanted to become something different, something transformed. But whatever could that be?
In the end, with a little advice from Vence and Lucien, Xaxis had decided to go as a physician. It was nothing glamorous, nothing out of the ordinary but it really wasn't the raven. He was dressed, not in skirts, but in actual slacks. Pin-striped pants that were a smidge too long and a smidge too large, they bunhched up around his ankles and drooped over the tops of his black boots. A black dress shirt, finely pinstriped with silver, and a crimson tye could be spooted beneath an open, medical jacket. A stethescope was placed easily around his neck, and a borrowed pair of black-rimmed glasses rested neatly on his face. His long, black hair was slicked back and tied together with a chord. All but a simple pair of earings were removed from his ears, and (shockingly enough) there were no janglies to be heard.
A few dazzling coloured feathers had been glued to the rim of the glasses - they were fake, dyed bright pinks, violets and greens. For once in his life, the raven with the molten wings looked masculine. . . And it wasn't necessarily a bad look!
Entering the party, his wings about as well groomed as he could manage, Xaxis was mildly surprised by the turnout. Many new faces, many unsuspecting vitems and strangers. Who were all these people and why were that at the party. . ? Well, it was a party - but part of the boy had thought it would have been on a much smaller display.
Oh well. He could deal with people. . . Besides, there was Diaycn, and . . was that Iamel over there? Yes, yes of course! And Savius with . . .with someone . . . and Shanuh and . . . The violet haired one closed his eyes, trying to figure out different feelings and sensations. There were other Kin here, too - a duck over yonder, Riycan - the one from the skating rink. A couple others that felt familiar and yet he couldn't place, as well as the plethora of feathered creatures hidden among the raftors and tables.
Tonight would be a glorious night for them all. It was great to have everyone in one place.
Quietly, Xaxis picked his way through the crowd, and headed straight for the punch. The food spread out upon the tables lookd marvelous - and there was even dead squirrel and rabbit~! Delicious, really. Reaching forward, the raven decided to try some punch . . . his throat was sore, and some liquid refreshment might do him some good.
A glance to the side - there was a duck amongst the snacks, and a woman seemed to be conversing with it! Perhaps she was the ducks companion. . .? Perhaps, perhaps.
First a drink - and then (perhaps) some socialization.
Of course - she knew not of what he was. She knew not those feathers were all too real and that this boy was no wayward intern of her medical physility. No, Amber only assumed that he to had fallen victim to a similar prank of mistakenly on purpose identity lapse. Queen_of_Speeders The ball-or rather, masquerade- was filled with monsters, mobsters and obscure historical figures, each crowned with twisting masks to keep their annonymity. Disguised and well dressed the partygoers seemed to melt into the scenery, like the overature to a junky cabaret musical. Luis, however, was concerned with much more pressing matters. A gold-rimmed glass dish made a dull thunk on the table as the young woman set it down, a few loose seeds cracking underneath its weight. Nestled inbetween spilled dishes, the duck gazed up at the foreign creature with interest as she moved platters. She gave a smile, taking a warm tone with the feathered animal, until another Matter took her attention. Luis navigated through a sea of faceless players, rushing towards the long tables, facund with food. A hatter a doctor a demon a joker a crook. Looking apologetic. The animal gut-gutted her response to the young lady, picking up a fried oyster and swallowing it whole. Yes, she had an iron stomache. Luis skidded to a halt next to the duck. It looks like she had made a friend. She looked at the Matter. A raven. Sometimes she had seen him in the shop, his worn sandals making warm sounds on the floor below. Queen_of_Speeders " Oh, I'm sorry." Luis apologized to the air with uncertainty, like he had something to prove. Looking apologetic. There was a Matter at hand. He frowned a motherly frown at the duck, who looked up at him innocently, a slightly manic gleam in her eye. It was an old game between friends. For a moment, a mask slid off. A polite smile before turning away. An excusemethankyoudon'tmentionit smile. The hall sparkled like concentrated Christmas. Luis retracted a nervous greeting from his lips. Shrimp chips and tinsle popped underfoot. An excusemethankyoudon'tmentionit raven. Luis mimmicked the woman's captivated gaze for the duck. She gut-gutted. A bubble of air from the depths of an ocean. Floating along the sufface, where ever the waves would carry her. Luis made a mother face, initiating a secret, infectious intimacy. "Now, now, young lady," He took a stern tone with the bird, who feigned ignorance by picking at a piece of celery inbetween her feet. "Don't you have some apologizing to do?" The duck cocked her head, stringy bits of green cellulose hanging from her beak. Outside a storm was brewing, high above the dim pools of orange light that fell on the snowy city streets. The air was bitter and cold. A starving animal. It sent white dandruff flakes floating down from darkened skies like the prelude to a symphony. An orchestra sitting down. The city below flickered like a christmas tree. Light dark light. The strings readied their bows. A flutist cleared her throat. Wounds puss and turn yellow when they are infected. The scars are smooth and shiney. To clean the wound, doctors pour alchohol on the open tissue. The surfface of the skin foams as the dead cells rupture. It is a sick dog's yellow shiney smile. Out with the old, in with the new. In the middle of a secret, infectious intimacy, a sickness rose in the back of his mouth. Luis swallowed, the sickness sliding down his throat, like a tiger slinking to its cave to bide its time. He could still taste the watery vomit at the back of his throat, tangy and sweet. Disinclined
Xaxis had found himself a cup of punch. Whatever was inside tasted like concentrated berries and other assortments of sugars, frutcose and strange, scientific creations. It wasn't a particularly good tasting liquid, but it was cold and soothed his burning throat.
There were other various punches and an assortment of other fruity beverages in dusty glass bottles - perhaps he'd try something else later. The duck was still lost within her own world, picking at various niblets of food, doing whatever the duck felt.
The black winged raven watched her, curiously. He didn't recollect ever meeting her on the rooftop, but then again, the age of feathers, wings and carrion seemed such a long time ago. His reign at the shop was probably long since forgotten. . .
Part of the young man wished he could go back to that place.
And yet . . . look at everything he'd gained. Fingers, toes, the ability to walk, run; to hold conversation with those at the top of the food chain. . .
Perhaps this life was better afterall. Perhaps indeed.
I hope you're enjoying the feast. Is the food as tasty as it looks? Through the unknown, Xaxis looked first at Louis, then at the gorging duck. He might as well greet hs Kin - they were something special, afterall. Of course there were no physical or verbal words - it wasn't necesarily thought either, or mental communication. It was more than that, it was . . . natural.
Kin should be able to talk to Kin, and that was what this Life had granted them.
Magenta eyes went from avian, to woman as only too late did Amber's words make sense. So she was talking to him. . . oh - oh how quaint! Oh, this could be fun, could it not. . .? Xaxis wondered if he dare expend energy for conversation, or if he should merely be silent and ignore her.
. . . the black bird was feeling rambunctious this evening, so "go along with it" was it. "Yeah, I still can't believe it. So much for ringing in the holidays."
A neutral statement. Xaxis didn't know what or who Garrison was, but he'd play along for now. A little sniffle, and another sip of juice.
Tonight may be entertaining afterall.
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Posted: Mon Jan 01, 2007 11:29 am
Of Blood and Ducks Delight! Ambers' face lit up with a look that could only be described as the frail hope of finding a momentarry companion that was loosely associated with her own profession. The look was realized and color rose to her cheeks for a moment before sympathy set in for a kin victim of her supervisors' pranks. "I'm sorry...Mr. Rastton can be somewhat sharp with his humor. I'm guessing your one of the new interns into cardiology? I know a few arrived last week - but I, unfortunately, haven't gotten a chance to go and greet them. I hope you haven't had too much trouble with the senior staff..."
Ah, the senior staff. Basically the lords and masters of the interns until the day when the lucky souls mastered their craft and became seniors themselves. Amber was neither of these things. However, that didn't mean she didn't offer some compensational kindness for her complete lack of use to them.
Right now that mattered little. He was here, she was here, and with a little smile - she actually hadn't fallen completely over herself yet. Thus she hoped to prolong the conversation until he chose to depart or she embarrassed herself to the point of no returning.
The girl averted her gaze for a few seconds to again glance back at the duck, having noted the boys passing interest in it, as well as the fact that it still had yet to move. Perhaps it was a tame duck? "Poor duck - you're going to be picking food from your feathers all night at that rate. Although, you look fine, whether or not you're with or without food on you."Scila Verna [[*hopes for the best ... again*]] A coat this time, but the cold still bit through the leathery fabric to his unimaginably fragile skin; human as he was, easily injured by the temperature. He was walking - anyone he'd known for a car or anything, they were all being joyous and merry at work or home, Christmas parties and wrapping presents all around. Lyle hadn't the slightest need, so he told himself [as if he could keep a desk job for any amount of days]. He was looking, this time. And he found. That shop, the feeble looking one from his angle. He could see the sign against everything else. The colors cut through the air as thick with cold as it was. He understood why he was there as much as he understood why it was there; a deep mental attraction, maybe. Interest. Hunger. Bah, whatever, he was there nonetheless. He stepped up to the door almost confidently. Closed. Closed? It didn't seem like that type of shop. Well, all the better, so he figured; returning from a job he couldn't have he didn't want to dirty his clean jacket and shirt [particularly the latter, which was a nice white]. He told himself, anyways, and turned down the street and went on against the wind. He stopped dead when a stray icicle snapped off the overhang of a building and drove itself in the direction of his face. He clutched at the injury with both hands. Blood, that was bad; the icicle had turned to a point where it was more optimal to give him a nice bruise and slash on his cheekbone. Lyle winced, turning to the apartment he passed - maybe they would have a first aid. And it wasn't an apartment inside. He stared at everything and everyone. Stared, blinked, and bled. Queen_of_Speeders The rite ended and Luis bent down to brush the crumbs off her coat. She bit at his fingers, already consummed by some other interest. Oh yes, yes, it is quite delicious, she responded, merrily. Barking, she lifted herself with some effort onto her companion's shoulder. " Hey...!" Luis jumped as though he was watched. Kin. She slid the word back and forth in her mouth like a hard candy. Kin indeed. Another black bird. Was the strange one here, too? She looked around from her protesting perch. Not yet. Luis tried to clean up the mess she had made. He didn't want to upset the host or any of his potential cohorts. Though a party wasn't a party without a few accidents. how's the punch? She nipped at her companion's hair lovingly. She wanted to say hello to some old friends, but meeting the new was just as well. For now. Luis sighed. So troublesome...! A lost memory played in the back of his head. Ba-bump ba-bump. A little beyond his reach. If he tried, he could catch it. He let it slink away, ignored. Disinclined
"I smell something bleeding~!" The sing song voice cut through the voices of a small crowd. Pushing through a back door, donned in a lavish, porcelain mask splattered with black stripes came Nikel. The mask covered his entire face save his pink lips, while fake, sequined eyeslashes were glued above the holes meant for sight. It was a simple affair,and yet it matched his french maid outfit.
Fishenet stockings, ebony heels, and the matching ebony dress that looked more than a little slutty. In one hand held a black and white feather duster, in the other a try full of various, questionable goodies. "Does someone need first aid? I know CPR."
His mood, unlike the stoic Shanu, was friendly and amicable. This celebration was everything he'd dreamed of, and he wasn't going to let anyone have a drabby time. Nikel desired dances with absolutely everyone (male or female a like) and did have strategically placed mistletoe in his pocket just in case he was feeling particularly friendly.
All Nikel wanted this holiday was a few dances, some kisses, and possibly some dirty sex. But then again, when didn't Nikel desire such things? But it was the holidays, and that made it all the more special~!
"Cocktail, anyone?" Breezing his way through the crowd, offering his homemade and freshly killed goodies, Nikel kept his eyes open for the particularly attractive.
The word cut through the atmosphere and caught Ambers' attention as a newcomer...er...new..a person of some sort, for she couldn't specify the persons gender, announced it without so much as second thought to what discomfort it might cause. Deep sienna orbs turned away from the one she'd been conversing with and towards the origin of the voice, having already caught glimpse of the indescribable person, for who could miss them, in hopes of catching just whom had been injured. A moment passed, but the tell tale spread of crimson over the napkin gave the patient dead away and she turned again to the man with a small, sorry smile. "Guess work is never done, eh? Excuse me, please."
Before pausing to hear his reply to whether or not she was allowed pardon, the girl quietly slipped away and towards the wounded stranger. There were others around him, but she ignored those, they weren't people she knew or particularly cared about at the moment, but once within reach she did stop and gently extend her hand to the man. For once, the girl appeared to be truly calm, truly in HER element - where no one could tell her she was in error. The smile eased a little before giving way to low, comforting tones, "Excuse me, but my name is Amber, and I'm a nurse. I see that you've been injured, but if you would allow me to escort you to a seat, I can have a look at the injury and treat it in accordance."
Scila Verna Someone closed the half of a circle of people beginning to surround him - quite female, and with that eerie calming smile of someone you'd see looking down at you when you were returning from a drugged unconsciousness on a hospital bed. Someone you'd hope to see, anyways. She was offering a hand to him, and he realized it was because of the worrying blood seeping through the thin cover of the napkin; was it really so noticeable? Lyle took the napkin from his face and glanced at it. The stuff had oozed through it like ink, exaggerating the real injury. He returned the smile and shook his head at the offer. "I'm Lyle, and trust me, I'm fine." His smile turned to that of one who wasn't asking for help - of someone sure they could handle this on their own. With that, he folded the napkin over and pushed it back onto his wide face. He glanced about again, taking in everything from the wings to the masks to the marble flooring. He'd stumbled into a party, that was what - a party for the most confusing of sorts. It was welcoming and foreboding, frightening and fun. And Lyle realized he was standing there uninvited with a napkin set out by a selection of food that seemed to still have tire marks on them. Inviting. "So," he said, "where the hell am I?" Disinclined
With Amber gone, and the duck doing her own thing, Xaxis contemplated his next move. There was Kin to greet - something about pretending to play human disturbed the raven. He didn't want to be an intern anymore, for now, he wanted to be around those like him. Those with wings, those with an understanding of life and living, those who knew the flavor of death.
With everyone hidden behind masks, it was a bit difficult to tell who was who. Some felt similar, but he couldn't place the who or what. Those like Riycan, whom hadn't returned to visit the shop, were all but strangers. Where their more that would arrive this day. . .?
Perhaps. Perhaps.
Magenta eyes were drawn, of course, to a far too familiar figure. For representing the smallest raptor in the avian kingdom (or at the very least one of them) Savius as a teenager was anything but small. Broad shoulders and height, and a cool, disengaging presence that somehow stood out amongst the rest.
His wings, of course, were a dead give away. The soft thistle blues, blacks and maroons proved that the elegantly dressed warrior was noneother than Savius.
A smile, genuine, and another sniffle. Fingers reaching up, the unjangly Xaxis pushed up his feather rimmed glasses. "Well aren't you two a pair!" From the old-fashioned elegance on Savius, to the mobster boss of Jer'ain, the raven couldn't help but admire the two. More to Jer'ain than the kestrel, Xaxis gave an approving nod at the girls choice. "Not that my words mean much of anything, but I approve whole heartedly of your choice in clothing."
There was something charming about Savius sibling, so polite and helpful, dressed to kill. All she needed was a tommy-gun and the girl would be set! Leave it to Lithle and Savius, of course, to provide it~!
With the nearness of his most dear friend, Xaxis couldn't help but be pleased. It was only a year previous that his friend had perched upon his shoulder as an avian, and the two had chattered about the world.
How things surely did change.
Scila Verna Lyle nodded to this Amber character as she insisted upon reassuring his health, a sense of 'trust me, really, I'm fine, sweetheart' coming across his brow in the lightest way. "I'm quite sure, thanks." And she took her hand back, which was good; he had either his awkward and underused left hand or his primary hand, the right, which was preoccupied by having its fingers tainted in his own blood. Pleasant. Definitely a good thing she'd withdrawn that hand - it would be really quite disgusting for both of them. The nurse and the, uh, other thing with the mask, the wings, and the mobster girlfriend said two very similar things at two very similar times. All Lyle could tell from it was that he was in a party - something about Kin, something about not being invited. Had the Gentleman not left so very quickly Lyle would have asked about 'Kin' and maybe the fact that everyone had wings - but the Gentleman had, and Lyle couldn't. A party made perfect sense to him, though he had no alternatives to make less sense [undereducation was never very beneficial]. Two somethings walked around him and put him back into the state of mind where he realized that s**t, could I be any more in the way? He looked towards the pair to apologize but stumbled over his words; really, he supposed the hoods and such were fine, given the party as it was with birdpeople and dresses on gals and suits on boys and sometime dresses on boys and suit on gals. What had caught his attention, though, was the very familiar viscous substance spread about their gleaming weapons. Ah, he recognized what that stuff was now - it was coming out of his cheek, and now he began to look back at the squirrel dinner and think maybe that roast chipmunk mightn't be too terrible, really. Donna the Vixen It was with that confirmation that Amber nodded and turned away, deciding that she need not coddle an adult into submitting to her medical practices.
"Please excuse me." And nothing more. She only wandered away from him and back towards her location, only to find her previous companion had not waited behind.
Ah well, the girl looked around for him for a few moments, but catching glimpse of his predetermined location, she decided that now would be a good time to sample some of the provided delicacies and meander over the whole matter of what in the world these people meant by 'Kin'. Was it a family reunion? Amber slowed her step as she came upon another small crowd, and she looked to see what similarities she could find. Well...it didn't take a genius, but it was quickly surmised that no one looked quite alike, but all of these people apparently had either
A. walked in, univited, like her: or
B. had some sort of feather fetish.
Almost all of them seemed to have at least one feather hanging out at some odd angle, if not more. Perhaps Kin simply met a group of over obsessed bird lovers?
Obsessed was right. A brow gently arched itself as she turned her attentions to the free flying creatures. Song bird, Raptors, Shore Birds, and Mountain birds...none of these things really belonged together, at least not in the same area, but the laws of nature appeared to have simply melted away, as though some one had told Mother Nature to take a night off so that this event could be held. Not even the laws of man held taunt, for some of the birds openly associated themselves within the personal space of, what she assumed to be, humans, including herself.
One had perched itself upon the table nearest to her and only inclined its head as though to ask, Why?, Why was she here?, Why did she think she was above something as graceful as he (or she)?
Surely no human girl could outmanuver an avian.
Amber glared slightly at the impertinent (in her own mind anyways) bird and dismissed the look with a slight shrug for comfort and a snatch of whatever it was provided. It looked an awful lot like cranberry, so she gave no more thought to it than she would a fruit at home, popping it into her mouth and watching distant feathery fiends and friends mingle. camberly Matsuo had a gift. He had an uncanny ability to stumble upon parties or promos for parties that attributed rather heavily to his lifestyle. One may argue that had he not been quite so gifted his life would not be spiralling so out of control. Of course anyone saying that to Matsuo's face would be scoffed and promptly added to his ignore list, a list that was growing at an alarming rate these days; Matsuo was proud of his gift and quite content with his life.
As such, it had been during one of his leisurely strolls through the streets of the city that he had come across the poster on the wall of the Birdcage; it was a purely by chance, a stroll meant to shirk responsibilities and most definately not to try and converse with that impossible, condescending but inhumanely beautiful shopkeeper. A party? A masquerade no less, with a Christmas theme! Matsuo's mind had gone wild with ideas for an appropriate costume to wear.. although Matsuo's idea of appropriate deviated rather severely from the majority of the world.
It was because of this that he showed up at the location (tardy as he usually was... all the better to make an impression) as a candy cane. At least that was what he was saying his costume was. To the casual observer even that could be hard to decipher. Red leather boots covered his legs to his knees with his thighs only covered from the elements by a two inch thick red ribbon that wound up each one, over the red short shorts he was wearing and up over his chest to tie at his neck in a bow. He had striped gloves from his hands up to mid arm and since technically all the important bits were out of sight, to Matsuo it was appropriate garb for a party. He had allowed himself a red sanata jacket for warmth while walking, but as he stood outside the apartment complex, wondering if he had found the right place (it seemed rather shabby to be associated with the likes of that beautiful shopkeeper) he shrugged off the warm garment and wrapped a red ribbon over his eyes in lue of a full mask.
Only one way to find out...
Stepping forward he reached for the door, opening it up to slip inside, more than a little amazed to see how his preconceptions were quickly forgotten in lue of the festive beauty inside... Of course he'd never admit that he was wrong about the place, not that anyone really knew what he had been thinking beforehand. Following the noise he came down to the room where it seemed the main party was taking place, he paused a moment at the door, taking in the sight of everything around him when a familiar lanky body and set of wings caught his eye, a slow grin crossing his face. 'This could be interesting...' He thought as he slowly sauntered over.
Besides - it wasnt' as though she had anyone else to keep her company.
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Posted: Mon Jan 01, 2007 11:34 am
Fight and Flight Responses Disinclined
And yet Amber wasn't alone. Within the decorated aviary was a plethora of eyes studying the nurse.
One pair in particular. Who was she. . ?
He'd seen how she'd been drawn to the scent of blood. And the golden one approved. Strange how he'd never seen her before, stranger still how fascinated he was with her.
Was she the one? Perhaps. Perhaps.
The candycane was looking particularly tantalizing as well.
No, no. Golden eyes, rich as honey, were drawn back to girl. Perhaps a closer investigation was in order?
A stretch of his wings, pushing aside a few contemporaries. He ignored their squbbles, chirrups and hisses. Whatever were they going to do about it. . . ? A flash of his talons proved absolutely nothing.
In a regal display, the bird circled overhead of the crowd, screeching for Amber's attention. If the girl was oblivious to the golden eagles flight, she wouldn't be in a moment.
Once around, twice around, and the great raptor finally decided to land. Dropping before the girl, he bobbed his head, and hissed.
Was she worth his time? Oh, she'd better be. He did not just lose his perch for nothing. What a shame it would be to have to maim the womans lovely outfit. . .
If anything - she was very much afraid of him.
"Nice bird...Eagle..." The normal human reaction, of course, to plead for a life not yet threatened, a pathetic, and rather cowardly trait the girl posessed. "Nice...bird..." Why was she speaking to him in such a manner? Surely he could not be any less intelligent than she, although in such a case - he would be highly offended by this point, she was sure. A gentle sigh fell from her, head inclining slightly with an expression that gave up a sort of non verbal apology, although a verbal one was not long in comming. "You're going to maul me for saying that, aren't you? I don't blame you, you know."
Amber hessitated then, waiting for the sickening swell. The crack of flesh, the intensly hot fluids to roil from beneath her pale flesh, tainting the cruelly curved beak as it dug deeper still into the frothy chaos, her body to be torn assunder before the entirety of this group. A raven to cry, 'Nevermore', although the poem before referred to was initially about suicide - not so much being ripped open and eaten.
However, she wasn't.
Not yet anyways.
Her voice faltered for a few seconds, but...but...she wasn't dead, he hadn't hurt her yet, so the tones were slightly calmer as she continued. "I really suck at standing up to anyone - human or bird wise, don't I? You probably think me fairly stupid, but hey...at least I have my personallity, right? I could be stupid and dull."
The shell of a smile widened, and if only for him to hear, she laughed, not at him, but FOR him. Morbid fear - replaced with morbid fascination with the creature, a hunger for knowledge as to why he'd come at her at all, and why he hadn't fulfilled his duty in the circle of life and finished her there. Amber kneeled down, now directly meeting the lushious golden orbs with her own shade of brown. Maybe one day she would get contacts like his...maybe...for they were beautiful, and frightening, all at once, something she envied but wouldn't persecute him for.
It was then, without even thinking to do so, her hand came out fluidly, offering it to him. It was ludicrous, but in her way, she was asking if he would like to dance this lethal tango betwixt their given roles. As though to beseech him to either break her heart by leaving, to rip her apart and end it, or to...to.......She didn't know. She just didn't want the bird to go - at least without offering him something to note her by - even if that precious momento was her hand in his belly.Disinclined
The raptor looked Amber over, finding her movements scared and terrified. The predator he was located the prey within her - where was the fire? Where was the backbone? She'd caught his attention from where he'd sat above, but the closer he'd gotten, the more terrified she was.
Terrified as she should be though. He was a hunter, a killer. Though rabbits, cats and small dogs were usually found within his diet, who wasn't to say he couldn't be cruel enough to snatch an inftant or new born.
Was human flesh truly that taboo. . .?
His crown feathers lifted, a small hiss rising in his throat. To be in the company of one so small, one so meek, he could dominate her life. Control her. Manipulate her with a word, a look, a sneer.
He stepped forward, hoping to see a glimpse of the strength he needed. Was it within the girl. . . ? Or had, perhaps, the shadows of the party decieved him?
And yet, there was another whom watched Amber. One with more gentle caring eyes. It was the gaze of the beautiful one, one not nearly as large as the golden eagle . . . but strong in his own right.
To tease her so. . . Let her be! Either she's yours or she isn't and if she isn't, then step aside. To scare the poor child so. . .
A flutter of wings and another Bird landed gently beside Amber. This one was tall, but petite. It stood no chance against the much more powerful golden eagle.
And yet, there was no fear behind his eyes. Two dark orbs stared confidently at the eagle, spreading large grey and thistle hued wngs in a protective stance.
A long neck stretched out towards the eagle, and a just as long beak snapped in aggravation.
The great blue heron would not be deterred by a bully. And right now, the golden eagle was being nothing but one!
The tension between the two Birds was obvious. The eagle hissed, feathers fluffing to appear larger than he truly was. His talons scraped against the floor, his sharp gaze looking from Amber to the Heron. Amber was supposed to be his, wasn't she? She'd do well with him. And yet, now here sat the Heron, challanging his decision with one of his own! For now, it was a silent staredown, broken only by the occassional hiss or clattering of a beak.
Not that anyone else knew that her employer had been abusing her. For all she knew, perhaps they had noticed, perhaps they too had been abused and were simply too frightened to act upon it...or found her suffering to be amusing, and thus had chosen not to care. The bruises never showed through the thick apparel she dawned, but this...this bird...this killer.....HE could see them, and by sheer stupidity had she offered herself up as nothing more than a timid, frightened, and foolish mouse before the slaughter.
The glacial shards of a hardening panic dug deep into the girls spine, impaling her, bringing her senses to an almost painful awareness of just how much in trouble she was. It was as though the grips of the tightening structure were slowly suffocating her, their tendrils weaving a gnarled web about her throat, so even as her lips parted and she attempted to cry out to any of the other guests, nothing came, but a low, and very sickeningly sad squeak. No one could hear her…no one was coming….Ambers mind clouded by sheer hopelessness, she scarcely noticed that some one, or rather, something, had come to her rescue. It was only by the sharp snap of the creatures’ merciful attempt to spare her that but a few strands of the eagles gaze were cut, allowing her to recoil in sharp abhorrence to make her next move.
Said move was her gaze, averted now to the gloriously graceful figure that had landed beside her, one unmoved by the eagle, one seemingly unafraid – although knowing the consequences of his actions. He would die. There wasn’t any doubt in her mind that the eagle could ravage the beautiful plumage, tainting the soft spoken hues with a beautiful, cold, crimson sheen. Why?...Why was it trying to protect her? Didn’t the bird know that he would be killed? Amber tried to speak again to no avail, her voice failing, the sound victim to the sharp sensation of tears caught in her throat. He had to go! He just HAD to! If not…her heart quelled at the thought and allowed it go no further than a flash of blood red, its color tarnishing her pale flesh as it was slung in the eagles claws.
Even that inkling drove her to wishing a great scream inside. How dare the eagle do such a thing! How dare he hit her…how could he…after she’d thought he was so beautiful…Just like she’d thought the man was before the violence had started and her affections became fleeting, curdling into disgust as she turned back to behold his powerful form. Her efforts to speak, to get her protector to safety, had continued until that point, but now nothing. She only sat there for a moment more, her small figure beginning to tremble with outraged terror of the negligent outcome, that would only be result to her doing nothing, as had been initially planned.
The scene would probably cause great embarrassment to her in later memory, but before she could even think to the consequences, something snapped, enabling her to move, and enabling the woman to push herself up and grab the nearest platter from that table and sling it at the eagle, her voice returning in the force of a hateful scream, “GET AWAY!!!”……..
…
… “Get away from him..” the tones died away, volume diminishing into barely a whisper as she sunk back down besides the other avian, tears streaming from beneath her mask as she turned her features toward him, unsure of what then would occur, but just….just too emotionally drained to care as she beseeched the bird for anything he would spare, even if only to eat her up right there and save her from the looks of the others who were sure to stare at her, due to the outburst. Disinclined
The show down didn't get as violent as the eagle had hoped. Though not a vicious Bird, there were worse, this particularly Guardian preferred to have control. After seeing Donna up close, to see the fear that overwhelmed him, the predator in him couldn't help but to be let loose.
She was one who needed to be protected, she wasn't one meant to harness his abilities! No, Amber's weak soul and petrified body hadn't been strong enough to support the Golden Eagle's desires. His companion would have to be strong, and that was something he did not see within Amber.
Not yet at least.
Perhaps if she were older, wiser, more experienced. Who knew, in days to come, what might have been - but for now, she needed to be protected.
The Golden Eagle, of course, was still pissed as hell at the Heron. Who was he to think that he could come between a predator and his prey? Hisisng in aggravation, the strong one bobbed his head, sizing up his chance at the Heron.
They were Guardians of Death, were they not??
But before the squabble and tension turned to blood shed, there was a swift movement and a shriek. The golden one had but a moment to react, and he quickly jumped/fluttered out of the way of the plate. She missed, though his tail feathers did get grazed, and a scream of annoyance reverberated throughout the room!
Damn them all, the weak ones. It was never fun when the rabbit kicked back.
In a flurry of feathers, the golden eagle made a sweep around the room, only to find a secluded spot above the rafters. His time would come, just they wait.
Turning to preen himself, he allowed his wounded pride to be soothed by the company of a mockingbird. Let her preen his wings. This evening was turning in to failure.
At least for the Golden Eagle.
But for Amber, it wasn't failure. She had dominated the golden one, and the Heron found her worthy. Perhaps the girl had been worthy all this time, perhaps those black and red-rimmed eyes had been following her for some time. Today was the day of reckoning, today was the day she needed not to fear.
She had a protector in the Heron, her newfound champion.
Snapping his beak once more, though it was more as an after thought, the beautiful one turned to look upon Amber with acceptance. Reaching over, craning his neck, he offered the frazzeled woman a soft, reassuring nuzzle.
Let her pour her fears in to him.
Let her lean upon his strength.
She'd be taken care of and watched over. She needn't have to fear anymore.
((Haha - strange for one so sweet to harbor ultimate d00m and demise! But here you go, Ms. Vixen! I hope you like him!))  Just as a note - his death is Dismemberment, not to be confused with Disembowelment. Haha. That's someone else on the list. xP ))
Come now...Get up. There isn't any more need to fear. I will protect you, my small one, my mouse.
The words never did register with her, but the Heron knew full well that the simple offering of the low, soft sound would be enough to quiet her. His slender throat vibrated as the unspoken words poured graceful, saving words of strength, for one who posessed none of her own.
Get up...it's time to get up.
His words came firmer this time. The beautiful one slowly brought his head up, stroking it against her own, beckoning her to rise from the earth and accept her place amongst the guardians, the keepers, and, most of all, amongst death.
Amber gently dismissed the rest of her tears and pushed herself up again, although unaware of her unconcious obediance to the bird. She only knew that she'd caused a bit of ruckuss and, most likely, a broken plate, thus meaning that it was her responsibility to pick up after it and apologize to the host - whoever that might be. "I'm ok....", her hoarse, quiet words came, "I'm glad the eagle didn't hurt you..and...I'm thankful you tried so hard to protect me. I'll be ok now though, so you can do what you want."
The girl still hadn't any idea what she'd just married herself to. Despite her words, she was suprised, as she went and began to pick up the plate, that the heron remained, watching her, and assisting every now and again by picking up a stray shard. How well he must have been trained! Perhaps a body bird? Body bird..what the hell was that, she wondered, to have come to mind, and the only image offered was a sort of body guard with feathers, that didn't quite seem to match up just right. She shook her head and placed the remaining mess on the table.
The heron was no ones body bird, although her protector, yes, he wasn't terribly fond of the idea-stricken look she spared him as some errant thought danced through her mind. His beak parted, clicking reproachfully, before reaching out and delicately grabbing ahold of Ambers' dress and pulling, not terribly hard, but just enough to get the point of - Come on, this way. You follow me. - across. Fortunately the woman seemed to understand, or perhaps fretted her dress being ripped, either one, and followed whichever direction he so chose to tug her until finally the pair stood very near to Shanuh.
The beautiful one then proceeded to release her, giving a look of 'Don't move, I'll be with you in a moment, dear.' to Amber, before craning his neck so as to look into the features of his prior caretaker, the red rimmed eyed smiling beneath the ruddy lights as the soft sounds emanated through the mind.
I'll be taking this one. She's not very brave, but I like her, I can help her. Just saying so, so you know where I am.
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Posted: Mon Jan 01, 2007 1:36 pm
Of Sex and French Fries Queen_of_Speeders ((this is going back in time a few posts... *sweat*)) Hyusis made a face as the teen ruffled her hair, and she looked up when he stopped, his face turned away. The woodpecker slipped away. Kittens? Birds? People? The question Luis voiced was left hanging, unanswered. Luis looked at Hylusis helplessly, his mind moving like thick honey. It took its time over the brooks and ridges, as if he didn't want to hear the answer, anyway. Hylusis. He looked at her, who was staring forlornly at the hatter scampering away. The corpse. "Hey!" said Luis, placing his hand on the child's head. She jerked her head up, looking for the source of the hand. " What?" Hylusis looked up at Luis. He wasn't getting it. " Um..." He wasn't sure where to go from here. A flash of purple caught his eye. A well-fit pinstripe suit and a tribal mask flirted in an out of view as guests paraded across the hall, chattering and howling like wild animals. " Let's have a talk with Shanuh." Hylusis seemed to brighten up at the thought. At least Shanuh would know where the french fries were. It was his party, after all. Luis jumped mid-stride when he heard the plate splinter on the ground. This party was getting more violent by the second. He could feel the cheerful holiday atmosphere turn strange and malevolent. Birds fighting, couples fighting. The air was opressive and warm with breath.
The man with the duck, or...Amber tilted her head at the girl, noting the similarity with the wings, but not quite registering just what had happened to her little duck friend...the man and his apparent lack of duck, who had already spoken to her (or at least she'd talked to the duck), and knew her face.
The face of the platter throwing girl.
Red hues quickly crept onto her cheeks, her gaze falling as she shifted uncomfortably, wishing to simply dissapear. She attempted to inch, just a bit, behind the strange man the Heron had brought her to, but to no avail. The bird had noticed her again, and was not about to allow her to hide.
And for good reason!
Shhhh, it's ok.....I'm sure they'll understand the circumstance, if you only take the time to explain it.
The girl continued to fidget. The Heron moved closer, placing his formidable being between her and the approaching pair.
Shhhhhhhhhhhhh...Calm down, you have no reason yet to be embarrassed. I will adress them before you have to.
And to this, the crane spread his wings, flapping them a few times before settling down and comming forwards to meet the duck girl, leaving but a few feet between them. As for her caretaker, the sanguine orbs turned towards his direction and his beak snapped once, albeit softly, so as only to hinder his step for a few seconds more. Within that time, he turned his attentions towards the oldsquaw, and, as many young fledglings, began his questions about what lay beyond the great beyond of their existance.
Hello, Oldsquaw. I do not know your name now, but I must know, what is it like without feathers? Did your transformation hurt? I'm not sure if I like the idea of losing my plumage - but still, I'm curious to what it's like..
Amber watched the display, but averted her gaze. The strange being that stood so very near unsettled her in a way, more so than Luis and the girl, for he seemed very aware of the entire situation - the entirety of this place - thus belittling her own intelligence in comparrison, although, she was sure, it was quite unintentional...for now.
"E-excuse me..sir.." The words came, and it was fortunate she was so close by him, or he would have never heard her - truly a befrazzled little mouse, whom looked more than a little lucky to have found the Heron, or anyone at all, to stay near. Aaron Arrikanez All this talk about bird sex made Adam want to burst out laughing for some strange reason. He politely refrained from doing so, but eavesdropping had become quite a honed skill of his. THAT was thanks, in part, to his sister Adelle - but also thanks to his father, which he would never admit to as long as he still drew breath. Did he mention he hated the man? At any rate, this party looked like a good one. He was glad he'd shown up, and he might even stick around. If just for the laughs. He had another sip of whatever drink was being served, and moved over to the one that now had a quite... intimidating looking bird hovering over her like a... well... like a mother hen. He bought another glass of what he was drinking, and offered it to her.
"Nice party, eh? Though I could die laughing over some of the conversation."
Not a smart ice-breaker, but no one had ever accused Adam of being good at socializing. As a matter of fact, that had to be his WORST skill. He smiled a bit, and went on to introduce himself without being asked to.
"My name is Adam. I'm studying to be a vet. Well... on Gaia leastways. I'm not from here, per se. I guess you would call me an alien of sorts?"
However, once he started talking, the hurdle was over with. And it was very hard to get him to shut up. He was quite the bully with his words, when he wanted to be. But right now, he was just trying to make a new friend... and probably going about it the completely wrong way.
"I have a sister named Adelle. She's not coming at the moment, but she would love it here, I think. What with all the talk of sex."
... Especially that. Taboo subjects weren't so to Adam, and he had no problem talking about sex, drugs, or other nasties. Another of his social shortcomings.
The Heron had not approved of him moving so close to Amber, but with both wings full with Luis and the Duck, what could he do? He turned his head and observed the man for a moment, giving a stern, although calm look that strangely struck those around him as sort of a 'Play nice' sort of command. He turned back to the girl before him, waiting for her response whilst leaving his keeper to fend for herself. The man wasn't hurting her - so for the moment being, she was just going to have to learn to talk to others, without him doing it for her.
Amber was again in her own state of peril. She looked to the Heron as though begging for him to hiss and chase the man away, but the bird would have none of it, and the figure had already come much too close for her to make a succesful getaway. However, to her greatest detest of approaching others, this one had absolutely no problem with social interactions, or so she took it, for he soon launched into a conversation involving sex and sisters, whilst offering her a drink. "Thank you, A-Adam."
It was at that point that she noticed that Heeeeey, this guy is cute. Wierd, but cute. Her sienna optics scanned him for a moment, before, in firm resolution, she determined him Out of my league... Thus ending that. No more thoughts wavered in that direction, but her eyes did wind up falling down towards the floor as he went on, leaving her hopelessly stranded in his affairs, while offering little rebuttle into the conversation - save for when he mentioned his job, to which she finally spoke out in tones that could actually be heard, if he listened closely. "I'm a nurse..."
Yyyyep. The regular conversationalist.
The heron looked back in hopes of finding her launched into a deep conversation involving some percentage of obtained confidence from the earlier incident, but what she looked like - at least at the moment - was a cute little pill bug,...curling into a shell. So much for that hope, but he would not be so easily detered.
"Arrrrr!"
A sound of greeting, directed at the man. If Amber could not bring up any better fight for it than that, he would offer her something to talk of.Aaron Arrikanez Adam snickered a bit, and looked the heron dead in the eye. No fear in this one. None at all. It would have been scary in any other situation. But he'd taken his medication today. While his stare didn't leave the bird's eyes, the intensity of the gaze faded into something more genial.
"Shut up your beak, you damn birdbrain." he said, irritated. Not at AMBER, mind - but at the bird.
He glanced at the other occupants in the room, and rolled his eyes. He really didn't know what the hell was going on, but that didn't stop him from being cynical about the whole business.
"Are these kids? Or are they birds?"
His eyes slid into a vaguely 'shifty' position, and glanced back and forth.
"Have you ever... yanno... seen one naked? Do they have... you know... or.... bird things?"
Amber was red as a beat and twice as quiet as she stared at him, her eyes clearly conveying the message of '******** you just say?' Although it certainly wasn't vocalized for the nearby ressidents to hear. She only shook her head a little and inched back, hoping he wouldn't notice the centimeter lost between them.
She was distancing herself from not only him, but the subject as well, for honestly - she had no idea what the birds were about, nor was she intent on going up to the winged farm girl and going 'Hey, get naked so I can see just what sex organs you've got!'. However, unable to run, as previously noted, she shook her head again and cast down her gaze. "I-I don't k-know...and no...this is my first time seeing anyone here..."
However, the Heron was NOT as easily frightened as she, and being highly offended by the remark, his wings spread wide and he flapped them harshly at the boy, the long, slender neck taking a distinct 's' shape that often signified high annoyance within the animal kingdom.
You, sir, have said quite enough! Step away from her, and cease this talk of naked..things....before innocent ears!...Cad...
The woman watched the bird, biting her lower lip lightly as she anticipated the outcome. There were no plates for her to throw this time, and she was unsure of just what this strange man would do. The moment hung tense with her, optics set upon her avian defender, whilst soft, unspoken words reached out through the nonexistant void, pleading and dependant as a child, watching the impending chaos unfold. Be careful...Heron Aaron Arrikanez He couldn't hear a word that the heron 'said' - but then again, he took the whole flapping wings and squawking thing to be an attack of some sort. He ducked out of the way, and down to the ground. LARGE bird. Quite large bird. Large bird that he, while not afraid of, was not going to provoke. Eheh. Very. Large. Bird. He sighed a bit, and started to back up, attempting to avoid any pecks that would be coming to his head. This could get interesting.
"Ok! Ok! Sorry bird, sorry! I just don't like being *dodge* squawked at! Woah! Down boy! 'Least I think you're a boy?... Ummm... GYAH! No pecking! This is a no pecking zone!"
Apparently, he'd offended the thing. Way to go, Adam. He tried to recover some of whatever he'd lost in the bird's eyes.
"All I meant by that birdbrain remark was... it was a joke! C'mon now!"
And to the girl?
"I really was kidding about the whole naked thing... Could you call him off? PLEASE!?
Done indeed. That would certainly show the man better than to say such things in the company of women and children. He tucked his wings back into their place and gently cranes his neck to preen a few thistle tinted feathers. It wouldn't do to be a mess infront of the woman, or at Shanuhs party. The heron continued his regimine until perfectly placed once more, dressed to kill in his own plumage, and poised in his position before and between Amber and Adam (or so he earlier called himself).
Amber lay her hand on the birds back and patted him gently. He'd done good in his effort, albeit somewhat unneccesary. The thought deserved praise, and the man deserved her offered hand as she attempted to help him back to his feet. "I'msososorry..." Aaron Arrikanez Adam sighed, and shook his head a little.
"Sorry about that - No need for YOU to apologize. I shouldn't have said what I said, even as a joke."
He scrubbed his hand through his hair, and looked at the bird, slightly in contempt. Not so much as to let Amber KNOW, however.
"Nice bird. Big bird. Protective bird... Yeah. Really protective bird. He have a name?" Donna the Vixen The woman shook her head a little, lowering her gaze to meet the bird as he affectionately snaked his head up to rub against her torso. "He...he's been following me...I like him, though, so I don't mind. It seems he knows something I don't." Queen_of_Speeders ((super long entry FTW)) The pair crossed the room with casual intent, Hylusis in the lead. Slipping past the other guests cooly. The sweet melody of small talk and bird calls gave a soft-edged tint to the festivities. Hylusis had one thing on her mind, and that was french fries. They must be somewhere! She thought exasperatedly, her face flashing a moment's displeasure before returning it's usual calm, if somewhat blank, appearance. She had agreed to Luis' orders on the condition that with Shanuh lay the key to obtaining this most treasured treat. But even without the Old kin's help, she was sure she could find them. Luis' mind was clouded affection for the curt little girl. Young lady. A life was brushed away. It was burried underneath the fresh white snow that fell like stars from the sky. Luis regarded the Hylusis nervously, with a dimmed freneticism. Even with Birds falling dead at their feet, a strange comfort crept about his shoulders. A sneaking comfort. A child comfort. The nostalgia of tidal waves hung close. Water gathered with a gentle, stinging salt smell. It swallowed its victims whole, and without a trace, they were gone. In winter, ice gathers on the surfface of the ocean, but the cold waters run swiftly underneath. Too strange! Luis shook his head as he followed the girl about the hall. Inexplicably, he felt responsible for Hylusis. His charge? Even with the duck's corpse suspended gracelessly in her hand like a broken toy. Her wings flapped in and out. " I don't get it," sighed Luis. " I surrender." He hoped they would find Shanuh soon, so he could get some answers. This Hylusis didn't seem to be of any help. A matter crossed their path, both companion and guardian surprised by this obstruction in their mutual path. It snapped its beak on bent knee. I'm curious to what it's like.., it asked. Kin. The word melted into her mouth like a sweet. Kin with a polite prince sound. Hylusis stared curiosly at the heron, bird thoughts and child thoughts solidifying in her head. She sized up her Kin. The bird looked at her curiously. She recognized him from an acient rooftop. " It's nothing." she said and thought at the same time. The familiar Kin cocked his head. " I'm Hylusis." She introduced herself once again, gruffly. Luis eyed the bird. A heron? He saw it on the edge of his mind. An excusemethankyouyessir Bird. Sometimes they stood guard around still waters. It seemed like Hylusis was talking to it, in her own strange child way. Luis swallowed a mothering softness. Weren't they on a mission here? An unanswered question bubbled up to the surfface. His mind frothed over, his eyes searching for a familiar face within a sea of wild animals, snorting and stomping. He couldn't get his thoughts in order. In winter, the mind freezes over until summer, when the water begins to rise. It sneaks into the house unnoticed, swirling up the drain like vomit. Until there is turmoil. Meanwhile, Hylusis' watched the scene unfolding before them with interest, he mind scattered between a Luis, a Matter, and a certain delectable fried treat. She settled on the Matter, at least for now. Sharp eyes wrinkled with mirth. Though the insults and nervous squabbling of the two Adults remained out of reach (luckily), she could hear the heron loud and clear. Kin with a polite prince sound. Monsieur heron, the gentleman. An excusemethankyouyessir heron. Monsieur heron, acting like a frantic hen protecting her clutch! She held onto the piece of shirt unconciously. Us creatures attach, form bonds and are broken apart. Though warm, his mind was shaking. He decided he'd just ask Shanuh. But he was scary~! "Could you call him off? PLEASE!?" a shrill shriek jolted the boy from his chain of thoughts. Hylusis seemed to be choking back laughter. Luis swallowed back a pang of motherly affection. He hadn't come (grudgingly) to this "ball" to babysit for some weird kid who amused herself by tormenting strangers with their deceased pet birds! Where were the scolding fathers, the apologetic mothers? " Ahh," muttered Luis. He didn't get it. Bird people? Was that it? He looked over the young Hylusis, tears welling in her eyes. Well, those wings were pretty damn realistic. He didn't think parents would be so eccentric as to force a little girl to attend a creepy petstore holiday fetish party. A soft-edged holiday party. A corpse and a little girl with perfectly matched sets of wings. Like twins. A piece of the puzzle fell into place. At least, he thought so. But why did the bird have to die? A sickening word. A sickening action. His breath was caught in his throat for a reason he couldn't explain. The room spun. A deep sadness made him sick to his stomach. Inside was circus hall and all its lavishly decoratetd players, laughing like maniacs. Softly, snow gathered, burying the world in its silent white mountains. In winter, the world died. Purple and gold and silver and pinstripe. The ring leader. Hylusis caught her breath, looking in the direction of the three other matters. She caught the eye of her Kin, Monsieur heron, and smirked a subtle, silent smirk. Dork.
Dork you may think of me, but at least you can't accuse me of not doing my job, eh?
He then came up again and gestured to the man with a mental wing.
But than again...I'm not the one on the floor screaming like a hatchling. I'm sure he's learned his lesson now, although just what he's learned remains to be seen.
Not that anyone else noticed his actions, for it seemed his woman was caught up apologizing to the one he'd beaten (or just flapped) into submission.
If anything, the moment was just for them.Aaron Arrikanez Adam picked himself up, and dusted himself off with a few angry/annoyed strokes of his hands. Not pleased, but then again - He HAD asked for it. He sighed, and studied the girl carefully. She'd do. A very pretty one indeed, and apparently at least semi-intelligent. He smiled at her.
"He seems to like you, more like. I'm not sure birds can be considered.. ummm... destined - But you two just... you fit. Like peanutbutter and jelly, or graham crackers and chocolate. You go together."
He stepped back for a brief moment, as though admiring his own statement, then closed the distance again, keeping a wary eye on the attack-heron.
"That bird reminds me of someone, actually..."
The bearing and 'grace' the bird showed was so much like his uncle Dragon that he was hard-put not to start calling it that. But he'd refrain. His mouth had already gotten him ONE wing-beating. He didn't need another.
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Posted: Sun Jan 14, 2007 5:16 pm
The Keeper of the Reapers Disinclined ((Sooo . . . I think we're going to fuzzy-time this a bit. xP I can't remember who all needs something of Shanuh. Amber's over there, I know. . . Hylusis was looking for French fries but I can't tell if she stayed or left aaaaand . . . I can't remember anything after that. ))
It was nice to see Gamvial, to see that the boy had finally returned to his home. Perhaps he could meet up with the Green Jay who had also returned? Shanuh allowed his eyes to drift through the crowd - yes, yes the green, indigo and black bird was still present. . . just more shy about such events.
But be that as it may.
"If you'll excuse me, Gam," Shanuh finished up with the turkey, noticing that things were starting to get a wee bit crowded.
So the party had taken off full-force. It all started, it seemed, with the appearance of the long-tailed duck. Even though he hadn't witnessed the act, like all the Kin, he felt the change. Moreso than the others. Death had visited and swept his hand over the feathered bird, and in her stead was a skinny, frazzeled-haired child.
Pink and yellow eye swept over the girl. She was on a hunt it, seemed, but was in good company. Diacyn was there, and so, it appeared, was Iamel. A good group to meet.
But he couldn't student Hylusis long. The fight between heron and eagle caused Shanuh some dismay. To make such a commotion, and all over a girl. The girl, he noticed, was that fragile Amber-one. The female who had searched for a dog collar, the female who skittered in to the shadows, who hid herself from the world. Psh.
As it was, neither heron nor eagle won the fight - a dish did. But it seemed to break up any interested the eagle had found taken. Shanuh wasn't irritated by the broken dish, but he was mildly annoyed that she'd aimed it directly at the eagle~!
Still, the heron had chosen his new ward, and Shanuh had to be pleased by that. Any mortal who could entertain a guardian to join them was worth a second opinion.
Maybe there was more to Amber than met the eye.
And finally, there was Iamel, the candy cane, and . . . .Patrick.
Shanuh heard the girly, black-skinned man shriek something about ********. To see Patrick panic and freak out did little to amuse the pale skinned shop keep. Patrick. The one mortal he hated to admit he . . . preferred over others. Psh. What did it matter? Patrick had proven his insignificance, had confused him by arguing over the matter of emotions, and had reminded Shanuh why there was no point in truly living. That was Nikel and Jojo's game, but Shanuh refused to truly play.
His life was for the Birds, and the Birds only. After that, it meant nothing. After they returned to their keep, his existance was over. This was his one shot, his one chance before being returned to . . . to what he was before.
This was his lifes one task, and after it was through. . . . well, it didn't matter what happened after that.
Those thoughts bled through Shanuh's memory like ink through paper. Of course, he dismissed them, glaring at Patrick's before turning to glower at the candy can. It was difficult to tell who was behind the striped, but there was sooome reminder. . . there was something familiar about his stance, his movements. . .
Bah. Before Shanuh had a chance to judge, Iamel dragged the man off. Hmph. He'd have to keep an eye on that. If Iamel was upset over a candy cane, then let the man rot in the after life. This party was rich with victems - this was a party to celebrate death and those that were of it.
If men needed to die tonight, than so be it.
It was, as they said, only natural.
"And what can I do for you?" Again, distracted. A girl. The girl. Shanuh slowly let himself draw away from where Iamel and the candy cane had skittered outside. He fixed himself upon Amber and the heron, his personality as cool and detached as before.
Behind the mask, a fire burned. Those who upset his wards typically wound up in Shanuh's lunch. So he had some hunting to do this evening. That was, of course, if Iamel didn't do it first.
Hylusis was in luck though. Her demands for french fries had been heard and her wishes granted. Shanuh knew that at least one at the party enjoyed such a greasy, fried delicacy. Of course, the platter that had once held such yummies had been eaten by the time she arrived.
Nikel, though, had heard her plea. The first words out of her very lips had been a summoning of the greasy potatos, and if that was what she wanted than that was what she would get~!
Disappearing in the back - it's how he missed most of the commotion - Nikel finally reamerged with a sample platter. And all for the searching girl. "Hylusis," Nikel called out in his sing-song voice, eyes light with good humor. "I have something for you~!"
And indeed he did. The platter contained not only fresh, right-out-of-the-fryer french fries, but curly fries, a few chopped fried potatos, aaaand . . . if she preferred to relive her days of eating scraps, some day old, cold and gritty french fries that the duck was accostomed nabbing.
Nikel couldn't help but be pleased by his thoughtfulness. He was sooo wonderful. With any luck, the long-tailed duck would think just as much.
"Here you are, sweetling, all for you."
((Haha. Feel free to post Nikel giving her the plate and what not if she wants to take it. xP )) Disinclined ((Sorry for the holdup, guys! School and a very bad weekend. *laughs*))
Shanuh stared at Donna, his shadowed gaze peering coldly down upon her. He was tall, yes, but there was something about Shanuh that made him seem like a giant.
Perhaps it was because of the way he carried himself - detached from the music, the warmth, the celebration. He was nothing more than a puppet on the string, lips tainted with dust from his earthan kiss that had created him. There was something entirely unnatural about Shanuh. . . even for Gaia's standards!
But such was the way of the world. This violet haired man behind the gold and silver glitter, was nothing more than a worker. He had his job, he knew his tasks, and that was the extent of that. Like a glacier cradeled within the depths of an arctic ocean, the frozen terrain would not melt regardless of the sunshine surrounding it.
Donna was insignificant compared to Shanuh, whom was even more insignificant within the room of all the Kin.
"Fear not of the plate," he responded, voice mild but detached. He truly didn't care about such things. The glass had already been swept up and taken care of. What was the worth of one dish?
Upon her next words, of course, Shanuh couldn't help but quirk a brow. Train!?! Ignorant fools. "Your words may be kind, but are untrue. I haven't trained any of the animals found within these walls. Don't confuse my post at a pet shop as that of a trainer. If the heron follows you it is because he can and he will, not because of any hidden magic."
And that, was that. He gave a little nod, eyes drifting over the Heron. A flicker of emotion, a flicker of expression, and then it was gone. His darling beautiful one had finally found a home.
If Patrick was noticed - which he was - Shanuh made no effort to speak with him. Not yet at least. He had more than a few words to speak to the man about, and didn't trust his tongue. Not that he cared to spare Patrick a lashing, but he didn't care to make a scene.
There had been quite enough of those this fine evening .
And such was the way of things. The two mingled but said nothing, both circling the room in an almost predatory way.
A shame that the one they needed appeared high in demand.
They would wait.
They had all the time in the world. . .
It was fortunate than that the Heron didn't mind it. The delicate trachea arched, its being rubbing gently against her flesh as he sought out to quiet the slowly rising fear. Why? He didn't understand why she was so easily frightened by a simple missunderstanding, but than again, he didn't understand much about the way humans behaved. The graceful movement of his ministrations continued, until finally the dark orbs might sweep over the damaged being and find it without quite so much trepidation as had priorly been exhibited.
Such soft sensation of those thistle hued feathers did do well to calm her, and Amber was able to look up again after a few moments. Not to say that she wasn't still unsettled by the man. After all...he was bigger than she, and it would suffice to say that he did not, if at all, care for her company as the case would be. As such, now would be an opportune moment to do as she did best...retreat. "You seem busy, so I won't be of any more trouble to you...please excuse me."
And with that, the Heron spread his wings in parting splendour and allowed himself to be ushered away, not by force, but simply by duty. The appendages folded back into inconspicuous attire, and to his lady he softly parted his beak, clicking in reassuring tones, only for her to hear. He had already gathered the breach of communication held betwixt them, but that mattered not. He needn't speak anyways, and such silence was preferred by the beautiful one. To him, easily spared words were simply...a waste. Yes...He would much rather save his voice for better things. Aaron Arrikanez Dragon had dressed in such a way that no one really could tell who he was. He was wearing all white, with a brown cat mask. THAT mask had a mask over its eyes. He'd made [or grown?] a tail that lashed behind him, and had covered his hands in brown fur. It was very likely that he'd shapeshifted. Which meant that the cat 'mask' might not be a mask at all. Regardless, he was a cat for now - no sign of his doctory accoutrements anywhere. He appeared, for all intents and purposes, to simply be here for the party.
He made his way into the place - which he noticed was quite a bit more crowded than he had anticipated. He was looking for Adam - as Aaron had given very explicit instructions to bring him home. To DRAG him home if necessary. The doctor didn't think it would be necessary, but he was ready and willing to carry out that sentence. As it was, he was tired. He'd had a long day at work, lots of people yelling at him, and a great deal of communication breakdown with Garrison. His eyes - though distinctly feline - appeared weary, as he scanned the place for, and found, his nephew. He strolled over to him, tail lashing, and narrowed his eyes.
"Go home."
His voice left no room for argument, and left no doubts as to who was speaking. If there was one person he was afraid of, it was Dragon - which is probably why Aaron had sent HIM instead of coming to get Adam himself. The boy meeped softly, dropped what he was doing, and rushed out the door as though his uncle had set fire to his feet. That done, Dragon was about to turn and leave. Something in him, however, compelled him to stay just that LITTLE bit longer. And it was a good thing it did.
He spotted someone he knew - but only just. One of Garrison's front-desk nurses was there, and appeared to be being followed by a quite... odd looking... and large... bird. Now, Dragon was an animal lover [with the exception of snakes] just as was the rest of his family. But he had something for birds as well, even if THAT was more of a curiousity. Plus, the communication breakdowns had gone between one of the nurses, and Christopher Rastton, and had been lost somewhere in the translation so to speak.
He meandered over to the woman, and rested his hand lightly on her shoulder. Err... paw, rather. He smiled.
"Hello, Miss. I believe you might know who I am."
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Posted: Sun Jan 14, 2007 5:19 pm
Of Cats and Goodbyes The girl recoiled inwardly, but from the depths of an unstable being, only a soft shudder made it up and past the rest to signal she was discomforted. However, as no painful sensation resonated from the firm grasp, she turned her gaze upwards to look into the face of...a cat. The girl blinked once or twice, before tilting her head slightly in blatant confusion. "E-Excuse me?..." The voice she knew, but the face...it was there she wasn't quite sure as to how to respond.
Excuse was right. What excuse did the man have to be touching her? The heron decided it best not to cause another scene, so in elegant fashion he made to place himself inbetween the man and woman - if only to momentarily distinguish himself as her escort. If only a passing glance would be spared into the limpid pools of crimson shadow, the message stirring just beneath thier fluid surface would be clear.
Unhand her, and step away, sir. It's rude to paw at a lady...and I do mean that literally.
It was a few more minutes passed before the girl lay a hand on the shoulder of her avian companion, letting him know that she was alright, sofar, and that the man didn't apear to have any unscrupulous motives towards her. In fact - it was then she hazarded a guess towards his identity, and softly inquired, as was her way. "Doctor Arrikanez?"Aaron Arrikanez Dragon nodded, laughed.
"Yes - But you can drop the 'Doctor' if you wish, and just call me Dragon. I was sent here to send Adam running back home, but when I saw you, I figured I would stay for at least a little while. You and your fine feathered friend look a little lost. Not much of one for parties?"
He excused himself briefly, and returned with a glass full of water. Offering it to her was his way of making amends for startling her.
"Here - I don't trust the punch particularly. Would your bird like some water as well?"
He eyed the heron, not QUITE sure how that beak was going to fit in a cup. Or even if it WOULD drink from a cup.
The bird was quite content with it. As his request had been answered without incident, he tucked himself down and silently mulled over each word as it came. Listening was, after all, a virtue - and this man might actually have something more to say than the last guest who'd rambled on at her expense.
"He seems alright...but, Do-I mean..Dragon, what are you doing here? I though that you might be at a party at your own clinic, rather than wandering around."Aaron Arrikanez Dragon laughed again, and had a sip of his own glass of water with a shake of his head and another soft chuckle.
"Me? Party? My dear, you must have me confused with someone else."
The cat snout was making it a little hard to drink, so he settled for lapping the water up with his tongue. It worked - he got his drink.
"Even if I WERE to throw a party in my hospital, no one would come. I'd imagine everyone else has things to do other than stop by at a co-worker's celebrations. As to what I'm doing here..."
He motioned his head out the door.
"That one is in BIG trouble with his father. For some reason, Adam fears me, so I figured that I'd drop by, and scare him back to his dear ol' daddy. He's going to have a tan hide when Aaron's done with him - metaphorically, of course. I doubt my brother would ever actually HIT his son. I know I wouldn't - even if he DOES deserve it quite a number of times."
He took another sip, and studied the people and bird-creatures around him.
"This is certainly a place for... diversity, yes? I've never seen so many types of people and animals in one place before. And I thought that my brother Ben's animal clinic was something to behold. Heh. Even on a BUSY day, it doesn't begin to approach..."
He motioned around.
"This. I'd love to know who all these people are. Do you think you might be able to introduce me?"
(( Short! xp ))Aaron Arrikanez Dragon shrugged a bit, yawned, and finished up his water as his eyes traveled around the room. He didn't seem particularly perturbed about anything at this moment.
"Not knowing anyone can sometimes be a blessing. One never knows when favors might be called in, or embarrassing stories passed around."
He paused for a moment in thought.
"Although you might try to get to know some of the people here. They don't seem like bad sorts. A little... odd... perhaps, but definitely not bad or evil."
He walked over to get Amber another glass of water while watching the ridiculous-looking bird try and apparently EAT the one whom Amber believed it to be attacking. He chuckled lightly, and shook his head.
"Turkey vulture. Can't say I know what it's doing in here, but it seems quite taken with that man over there."
She quietly sipped her beverage for a moment, her gaze wandering away from the friendly feline to observe those around her. Well, there was certainly no lack of company. There was, of course, the man who'd come in with the duck, now accompanied by a young girl who seemed perfectly content to indulge her french fry craving. Besides that she could see the candy cane man talking to an interesting looking fellow, avoiding the one who'd also approached - after announcing his sons sex to the entire party. Poor kid...she hadn't seen him since.
Yet, it was none of her buisness, so she continued analyzing those she could before returning to the conversation, as was polite, and attempting to add some small imput into it.
"It is nice not to know anyone, sometimes, but it can be a bit lonesome when you know so few people outside of your workplace."
Ah yes, the infamous hospital who'd kicked her out...She frowned for a moment, before the default expression returned.
"Not that they wanted me anyways, but on the bright side - I did find a date." She turned to look at her feathered friend, "Right, Heron?"
My, what a considerate woman. He hadn't initially considered her as such, but the prospect of escorting her on a more formal level did make it seem so much less of a thing than simply following her around. Yes, he liked that. Date...such a funny word. The Heron craned his neck to allow her rest upon it, a soft 'chuuurrrr' sound welling within his chest as his crown met her hand. It was decided, if only just at that moment, but he, the beautiful one, would be her date for the evening. Aaron Arrikanez Dragon sighed, and lashed that tail of his again, thinking. This was a party. There should be more going on than simple mingling. While he wasn't particularly FOND of dancing and the like, he would have preferred that there be music here. Since there WAS none, he was sorely tempted to make the short trek out to his car to get his guitar. Which is what he decided to do.
"Hold onto that thought for just a minute, Miss."
He murmured, as he started off in the direction of the doors. He returned a few moments later with his guitar case slung over his back. Approaching the woman again, he set the thing down, and opened the case to take out a shiny black guitar. One that had been gifted to him by a brother this last Xalneas.
"Do you play?"
He asked quietly, and started tuning the thing. If he was going to be here, he'd just as soon be playing his instrument than not. After all, music WAS the universal language.
"You're not planning an improvinisational performance, are you?", The girl inquired. "Even if you did play, there's no accompaniment, and I doubt that anyone here is in for singing...at least not after the fight."
To this, she referred to the glorious string of outbursts the man had been blissfully spared from. Between bloody guests, grim reapers, a broken dish, and 'SEX!' being announced to everyone - it was not without unreasonable evidence that she assumed the general mood.
As such was the thought - she did begin to notice the strange creatures that had slipped silently into the gathering. Whether or not their intent was good or bad, she knew not, but the sight was rather unsettling as her gaze drifted in their general direction, her thoughts bordering upon just what they meant by comming in looking the way they did. This was a masquerade - not a funeral...
At least not until she would play, if at all. The matter of who was going to strum on it was still entirely undecided. It would be only fair to warn him of her limitations though.
"I play for rhythm, as opposed to the actual song. I can keep it at a steady tempo for the rest of the players - but I don't actually know how to play a song on my own.."Aaron Arrikanez "Heh. You speak like I had a creative bone in my body. Oh no, no, no - that's my brother Aaron. He's the one that actually writes the stuff. I'm just a guitarist - simple as that."
His eyes scanned the room again, but he didn't really give much of a care who was listening, and who was preoccupied with their own business. He started to play - soft and mellow. A song that he'd heard Aaron sing, and had come up with the chords himself for. It was a very soothing and quiet melody - not at all in the nature of the party. But once again, he didn't care. Once that song was complete, he set down his guitar, and stashed it under the refreshments table as a precaution, before standing again, and offering his hand... err... paw.. to Amber.
"Shall we outside? It's starting to get a bit hot in here, and I've been dying to find out a bit more about you - in terms of your work and such. I've been looking for a nurse for my hospital. It would just be a walk and talk. I'm a gentleman for all I may not seem like one..."
He looked down at himself and laughed.
"Especially not right now!"
Amber listened for the longest time, transficted by the comforting and soft notes that teased her senses by staying just out of her reach to truly touch. Although out of her grasp, still, she chased the notes. Her mind wandered over and around them without regard to the fact that surely she must be odd looking to stand with closed eyes, enjoying it as purely as she was able for the innocence that time had robbed each living person of.
However, all must end. Once the last straining sound died and his paw was offered, she opened her eyes to reality.
"I can't take the job."
The song had died in her as those words were spoken, their tender embrace lost as she spoke with almost hollow, sad tones. A smile came, forced, and he inclined her head slightly as as was inevitable she took the paw, although, if he held her hand very tightly, he would notice that there was a small, if only just existant, tremble to her. Yet, even through an unknownst discomfort of the girl, she continued smiling as well as she could and continued, "I would like to talk though, and walk, although I must warn you that there isn't anything interesting to me at all."
Or not that she was allowing him to know. The Heron had become quite alert as she allowed the man her hand, and now stood at attention quite close by her. He did not see malicious intent in the matter, but it was not of him to simply ignore such a gesture and happening that involved his chosen. A coy look, a graceful motion forward. He placed himself almost between them, while sparing those shimmering orbs upon the man, as though cautioning him about what consequence lie behind anything that might upset the woman.Aaron Arrikanez "Why can't you take the job? Oh, nevermind about that for now. And I'm sure that there are PLENTY of interesting things about you. Your name is Amber, yes?"
He extended his paw to take her hand tighter, and walked from the doors, just outside, so they could get back in if they wanted to, later.
"Tell me about yourself, miss. And your lovely heron who seems to be following us?" Aaron Arrikanez "I would be too. There are so few good people... err... no offense sir... birds?... these days. He seems like a fine feathered friend if you ask me."
He bowed to the heron, tail sweeping the ground gently as he stood back up. He used his paw to dust off his coat, and straightened it slightly, as he searched around the wall out front for the cane he'd been carrying to go along with his theme. He was supposed to look like Baron from "The Cat Returns" - a popular anime on Earth - or so he believed to be the case.
"Well... in our little talk - shall we start with some information? If you would not mind, I'll tell you a little about my family, then you tell me about yours - sound like a good deal?"
Compliments were much like bread, and the Heron did not plan to live on it alone. The kind words did cause a slight swell of noble pride within his breast, but it was a feeling that wasn't cultivated. Instead, his neck tucked back into the placid, defensive stance that he'd been in a few moments before and continued to survey with unwavering scarlet optics. He sensed his companions uneasiness. He was waiting for the right moment for action.Aaron Arrikanez "Family is only what you make of it, sweetheart. There isn't a boy or girl in the world that would tell you any different."
He smiled, and rested his paw over her hands to get her to stop fiddling with her fingers.
"Stop that. There's no need to be nervous."
He sighed, and his tail twitched from side to side as he thought.
"My family, eh? I have a rather large one. Many, many brothers and sisters. I found them all, brought them all in. It hasn't been an easy task, acting as both father and brother. But it's one I'm proud of doing. There are very few things in this life that interest me anymore, but taking care of those I love is at the top of my list, and at the top of my priorities."
He looked over at the heron.
"Appears that your feathered friend doesn't care much for me. I'm half-afraid he's going to attack."
The wretched sound. Amber had just been about to apologize for her nervous behaviour, when the sound she dreaded most rang out. The girl looked down to the concealed pocket of the gown and pulled her hands away to pull out a small beeper. "Excuse me, please.." The crestfallen words drifted as she steped away for a moment, watching the bright red text scroll across the tiny screen before the neon illumination died away, leaving her to return to the company of cat and bird.
"I'm sorry about that...it seems I have to go to work, first thing in the morning. Hospitals rest for no one, I guess.." Amber ran a hand through her hair and nodded as the hour had come, and she knew it would not end well if she were to come in late. Still, although the night had been short, in its way, it had blessed her with a Heron and, if only for the moment, a friend.
The Heron gently craned his neck to tug upon the fabric of her dress. It was time to go home, it was time he appraised his new dwelling.
"Thanks for tonight, Dragon.....Doctor Arrikanez. I...I enjoyed talking to you."
A few steps back, before she turned away and slowly began towards home. Yet, she turned around to wave once more before she'd gone out of sight. "Goodnight!" And then, she was gone.
The Heron had gone with her, leading her way in the night, although he knew not fully to where they would go. After a time, he allowed the woman to take over, their partnership beginning truly then - and perhaps...something more.
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Posted: Sun Jan 14, 2007 6:07 pm
Homeward Bound Well it was certainly…clean… for lack of a better word to describe the emptiness of the apartment. “Make yourself at home…um...Heron” Amber murmured as she stepped inside and sat upon the couch.
Home Indeed.
She watched him for a moment, almost dreading he would show a different attitude and revert into thoroughly making a mess of her home. To her delight, the bird did nothing of the sort, but continued his critical exploration as though looking for some unknown sign that he truly belonged here and that he was needed.
There were plenty abound. For starters, the walls were stark, bare, lacking any pictures of any family or loved ones, any sign that anyone existed, other than herself beyond this room. Of course, there was always her uniform that signified her profession, but from what he could tell, she simply got up every morning, went to work, and came home – never once caring for the people who surrounded her, although she did care for her patients deeply. There were no signs of them, but hopefully the next room would be better, the kitchen.
Unfortunately, what met his eyes was a small, dank space with no light to illuminate the counters, merely a few crumbs of some leftover meal and the occasional dish, all empty, all bare. There was no doubt in his mind at this point. This girl needed some help, and this girl, more than anything, needed some friends – besides himself of course. He moved on from the kitchen then, moving back to the living room and looking at her, shaking his head in detest of her lack of any other activity than watching TV as she got home. What a waste! She could make so many more friends within this time, or at least attempt to better herself from the mousey sort of girl she seemed to appear, or had set herself to be. He moved on again, leaving her to do as she would for now, then moving on to the bedroom.
Luckily, this seemed to have a bit life to it. A few mementoes of her past, although not offering any great story, showing that, at one point, she had had a life, had love, friends, and happiness.
Those were gone now, but people grew, people moved on, and life went on, although it would eventually end, as he stood testament to, a guardian of death in his own right. Albeit a gruesome, cruel one to those who could not comprehend that all life must end, in its eventuality, leaving all behind – save for the memories that one sowed during life. Memories that Amber had yet to even plant. Memories that he was going to HELP her plant. He knew that he could offer her more, he knew he could offer her a more liable existence, a happier memory, and a happier image left for those who would follow behind her.
He moved again to the living room and sat near her, the couch big enough to seat both of them comfortably, although Amber could not fathom as to why a bird would feel the need to sit upon a couch when his own two feet were perfectly suitable enough. Although, he had proved strangely sentient as it was, so she asked no questions even as he moved very close by to her and lay his head in her lap, to see what exactly it was that humans found so terribly fascinating about a box with moving pictures. Wellll…a big ball dropping and lots of blasty things flying into the sky…Wonderful, nothing like a chaotic destruction of some unknown thing or some celebration of sorts, that offered absolutely no view as to why hundreds of people were crowding in the streets, screaming their heads off. Amber seemed to enjoy it though, so he made no move to turn it off or chastise her lack of activity until finally the woman picked up the remote and turned it off.
She stretched lightly and beckoned him to move so she could get up, he did so and followed her into the bedroom, watching as she began preparing herself to get into bed, perhaps to slumber and await her ascent into another mundane day – some unknown routine that she would follow again and again, over and over, until the end of time. However, that was not his plan. She was not about to go to sleep and then wake up only to go out and live life so coldly, with no emotion whatsoever, and a deep and irrational fear of everyone and everything around her.
Yes, it was his job to protect her, but it was more than that. More than simply chasing away her nightmares and sheltering her from living her own life. No – he was to teach her how to face her fears, although he was by no means asking her to get rid of them. Sometimes fear was a good thing! And it was fear and the sensation of emotion that reminded her that she was still alive, that she was still human and fragile and mortal, although he was no such thing.
However, she would be pleasantly surprised in the coming days, he was sure, for he was offering her a fresh start. He was offering her a new beginning to eternity, and to this credit, he wasn’t even sure Keepers could die. They were bonded to death – so would it ever truly claim them? He knew not, but he did know that eternity would be a welcome thing, for it seemed it would take an eternity to correct the damage that had been done by some unknown force that had filled her heart with such fear and mistrust of other human beings.
He closed his eyes and turned his head as she changed, offering her some privacy, before she soft sounds of her nocturnal descent into the beds depths could be heard, signifying it was time now for sleep.
It was then the woman seemed to realized that she’d not calculated where to keep the bird. She pushed herself up from the covers, only to be pushed, gently, down again as the beautiful one stepped up onto the bed and settled himself so that she might snuggle into his body whilst she slept. “Oh..um…I-I’ve never slept with a bird before, but I guess..I guess it’s ok..just for tonight.”
Not that she had much of a choice. The heron clicked his beak for quiet and snaked his head to lay on her breast. The heart below was fast…so fast..so fragile. He would mend it. He vowed to mend it, someday. That day would wait though, for nothing came between him and the quiet sanctity of slumber. His eyes closed yet again, and it was not soon after that Amber joined him, her head resting amongst the soft, thistle feathers. Resting amongst the dead.
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Posted: Mon Jan 15, 2007 2:11 pm
I am weak, but Heron is strong. They were dying together. The light bulb of the small bathroom was up, and the comforting light it provided now flickered erratically, choked by time, horrified with the scene as white heat shimmered off the viscous fluid that came forth as the small frame lurched. She was dying, all over again.
The fragile lining of her throat had been ravaged that night, made raw by cruel ministrations before the sweltering acid forced its way up, reopening the wounds as the vile liquid disgorged from the ever contracting windpipe. It was everything, memory wise, and through the repulsive swell, the salty excretion reminded her only too painfully of what had just occurred an hour before…a year before, if not several. Tears streamed her tightly closed eyes, agony having clothed them in insanities robe, their color nearly gone to the dark shadows that darted in and out as the light above wavered unsteadily.
Yet, even in the harlequin illusions, she stood out amongst the shifty crowd, her body glistening with heated diamonds – her flesh devoured by white silk as she trembled harder, the next wave coming. In its magic, the white silk slowly turned to red, a feast for some carnivorous being who would further invade her world to sup upon the steely taste of her life blood.
The shards had penetrated the stomach, sending bile and its contents spilling forth in mad-dash towards the sea, ripping the fragile being apart with every moment as it rushed with abandoned control to leave her nothing more than a trickling taste of what had been, before it subsided. It had gone to join its own. That own which had been carefully wiped away and bandaged, a few traces of the frothy scarlet hues tainting the porcelain tile. It was no surprise that it ached even more so for this fact, her flesh flayed and ripped asunder, until she’d gone numb to the wretched sensation, and her muffled cries ceased to be. All quiet then as the contracted sinew relaxed and the light bulb faded into a forever nothingness.
Amber hadn’t gone with it this time, but collapsed upon the tiled floor, silent tears fell to mourn the retreating light that had sheltered her just then, a job that was supposed to be the Herons – but she’d locked him out of that room today. She didn’t want him to see her bleeding, nor the purple obsidian that adorned her pallid flesh, where dark stones spilled from the lesions, mixing in a beautifully horrendous sight of just what she’d been through that afternoon. She didn’t want him to know about it on a day like today…
After all, SHE’D died on a day like today.
It had been cold at the procession, just as it had been on the evening her life was claimed by incomprehensible misfortunes that, over the years, neither of the two had ever caught onto. The tendrils had spread their seed, eating away at the very structure of her internal being, until bile and blood became as one, murderously ravaging the heart until it too choked, stuttered, and finally stopped beneath the innocent ivory digits. Amber had been her nurse, but she’d also been her friend for the longest time, and as the EKG machine registered a flat line – Amber was the only one present to become her mourner.
A few days later, she found herself held by strong hands, the keratin of his nails digging ever deeper into her shoulder blades as she was forced to watch the beautiful, broken doll being lowered into the depths of hells night. Not that hell was for such a kindly creature as the woman had proven to be over the blessed years, but a hell for the name written into her will. Not a family member – but soon to be dragged screaming into the chamber of her loins beast. Chris had never quite forgiven her for the memories he’d not been invited into, and nor would he forgive the murderer of mercy, the woman who should have saved his mothers life, her own now a worthless endeavor that would soon end, should his way be had.
He would seal her to this act, and upon the anniversary of a day like today, Amber was his to have in blessed torment, his pleasures filling her bruised and weakened frame as he violated her sanctum and silenced any cries for a mercy she was unworthy of, in his eyes. This was her own doing after all…for on a day like today, he would offer her two choices. She could either blast her brains out against the office wall, or again be subjected to the act of a stupid animal who was too stubborn to seek deaths gentle kiss, but rather chose to continue living, where she would never be free.
Sienna orbs slowly flickered open after hours had passed upon the cold plain. Errant strands spilling before them as the woman pushed herself up, staggering for a few moments more, before the lock turned away beneath her fingertips, and she beheld the Heron waiting for her still before the door. Regardless of how she attempted to hide the shameful saline tears, as she watched him rise and met those dark, knowing orbs, a tremor ran through her as had not in many years, and to the only soul she dared confide in, she collapsed into sobs, her face buried within the thistle feathers.
The girl would find the neck curled around her shoulders soon, the gentle touch of her companion quieting the mental screams. Unbeknownst to she, this would all end soon enough, albeit not in the way she was so used to it having been done. No – he wouldn’t stand for this a second time. Never again…for if anyone dared touch her, the Heron would commit murder. A cold, desolate task indeed, but one that he would hazard committing, all for the sake of a broken girl, who had had to die too many times, in the sake of living on.
Dawn tomorrow would read the obituaries. That was when the guardian would seek out his prey..
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Posted: Wed Jan 17, 2007 6:57 am
Rumors help him grow...Fear...it nurtures him
The Beautiful One, painted in Red In local news, a Mr. Chris Rastton - CEO of Garrisson Memorial -was attacked earlier this morning by, what witnesses can only describe to be, a large crane. Despite being armed, it was all Mr. Rastton could do to defend himself against the wild animal, who was later noted to have torn off a piece of the mans left ear. After this incident, Mr. Rastton was able to strike the crane against its wing, and the startled animal fled the scene, suffering from the blow. An ambulance was called, and Mr. Rastton was taken to his own facility, where one of his nurses confirmed that despite the external damage, he would still be able to hear, despite having some difficulty with soft or low sounds. The authorities have yet to conclude whether or not the animal was provoked.
In other news...
The hospitals TV was turned off, and a very startled young woman stared at her employer with wide eyes. He took no notice of her, but continued ranting to one of the senior staff, if just loud enough for her to catch the conversation as he rambled on. "That was no ******** crane. Cranes are white and that sky demon was BLUE." "Perhaps a subspecies, sir?" "Subspecies my a**. It's a dead species is what it is, or at least it will be if I ever see it again." The man stalled. "Sir, don't you think the wildlife society would press charges?"
The conversation didn't bode well at that point. A strangled noise and a low, malicious sound hissing from between clenched teeth as Chris brought his features near to the ignorant whelp who dared question his motive. "Those fools will never find out, because you're not going to tell them and I'm not going to tell them. So what killed the bird, Jhonson?" The man, who'd gone sheet white, nodded vigorously, struggling to distance himself from his livid superior. "N-Nothing, sir. Must have died of starvation or cold.." "That's right. Now, get back to work." "Y-yyy.y-yes sir." Chris flung the man away and stalked back towards his office, leaving only one witness untouched, for having not known her trembling existence
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The afternoon wore on later into the evening. The Heron gently ran his beak through the rats fur. Eiks sat perfectly still, only twitching his nose to sniff at the errant city breeze that wafted gently through an open window, the scent of food and blood on the wind, ever taunting the creature as he lay pinned beneath the bird. Not that the bird was hurting him. Heron kept an eye towards the night as he groomed his pet rat (or Ambers pet rat). She should have been home by now, and frankly, the bird was beginning to worry that he would have need to go and find her, although the dull throbbing of his wing did nothing to bolster confidence in that thought.
He'd set out yesterday afternoon. Amber would have found a nearly empty apartment then, one occupied by only a rat, as though the bird had simply vanished altogether into the twighlight hours. All that remained was a makeshift nest that he'd fashioned out of the other half of Amber’s sheets. Whether or not she mourned or called, the Heron knew not, for the beautiful one had ascended into the endless sky so that his glorious plumage might shimmer and dance against a cold wind that screamed in his ears 'punishment'.
And so it would BE!
But how would he have known the face? How would the Heron have known just whom had laid a hand upon his delicate mistress, to whom his loyalty had been sworn? A simple enough of a thing. The very device the man had used to summon her had been so kind as to provide an icon. A small depiction of the man, with which the Heron was capable of illustrating to a greater magnitude, so that he would know by sight the unlucky soul which he would some day stake full claim to in death.
It was by luck the man was found, and by brilliant maneuvering that part of his ear had been taken from him. But by that same luck, his wing had been injured...
Now he sat comfortably in his bed, stroking the rat with the tip of is beak, attempting to ignore the subtle twinges of pain that lanced through the glorious plumage.
What came next was not expected.
The sound of the door caused him to look up, the dark orbs relieved to behold the sight of his companion. He rose, his graceful stride quickly delivering him into her nervous presence.
Good evening, my dear mouse. Did you find your day to be an enjoyable one? I'm sorry for having gone without saying so - but I had some business to attend to and..
The girl wasm ore than angry. Delicate hues of an ever present embarrasment had slipped into scarlet, the gentle mannerisms set asside as she closed hte door behind her and shot the Heron a look of frustration. "You attacked my boss, didn't you? It was all over the news, you stupid thing!"
I beg your pardon?!
Of course, the girl couldn't understand him. It was only by common sense of the fact 'big blue crane' could only BE one culprit, whom she surveyed with fearful, but more so an angry air. "Do you realize that you could have been killed? That I could go to jail if anyone finds out I own you? I don't even know WHAT you were thinking!!"
What? The Heron looked injured in more than one way. He craned his neck and tucked his head back into his feathers, a mournful sound emanating from somewhere within the compact frame. She would have to be forgiven. The woman knew not of what she spoke, and he would alert her one day to just what she had said in regards to this occasion. After all, it was either the man or her, and he wouldn't stand for the prior tragedy to occur again. He relented his sad stance and looked up into her features, his own beautiful, but almost a lethal seriousness. It was never his job to be overly kind. It was never promised that he would coddle and hold her hand through every small detail of a life she had chosen by stepping into his sight. The Beautiful One would always love and protect her - but never would he relent what he was in the name of what foolish, hypocritave humans considered just.
The girl continued, "What you did was wrong. Attacking people is wrong, Heron, and he was armed. He could have shot you, do you know that? You are not to go outside anymore, at least not without me there with you. And..."
The Heron waited, the red rimmed orbs penetrating each word as it fell from her lips. Would he truly have to show her the magnificence of what he was?
"I brought you a fish, you damned bird. It was stupid - but gods...I'd be lying if I said that I didn't think what you did was..it....it was cool, Heron. I've always wanted to see that b*****d mauled by an untamed, wild, and beautiful animal.........or hit by a bus....or shot."
Amber reached back behind her and drew out a shopping bag she'd been toting. She set it down in front of him and pulled out a rather large, rather plump, and rather fresh looking fish.
It was much too big to swallow all at once, but honestly - what kind of Dismemberment guardian would he be if he couldn't tear apart a fish?
The bird seemed happy with her now, and the girl smiled as she watched him take firm hold of the tail and bodily lift it. True to his nature, the Heron wasted no time in running a claw against the shining silver scales, and as red as was the meat within, the girl’s cheeks flushed as she stepped inside and busied herself to ward away thoughts.
Happy as the occasion was, the Heron didn't see the worried glance that was cast at his back as he gourged himself. A bird wasn't supposed to BE that smart...A sickeningly coldness washed over her spine, a low, dull inkling of a thought drifting just beyond being tangible.
Maybe...somehow...the bird knew something that she didn't, and for whatever reason there was - it was watching her squirm.
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Posted: Thu Jan 18, 2007 7:56 am
In an Octopus's Garden with You I'd like to be under the sea
In an octopus' garden in the shade
Girl and Heron walked against the frigid winds, a winters afternoon passing into grey as the sun faded away.
He'd let us in, knows where we've been
In his octopus' garden in the shade
There were stares, but it didn't matter to the two of them. Her hand rested upon his back. He led her gently through the crowd, until he stopped and waited for her to recover. The girl caught her second wind, the icy tendrils whipping errant strands as though they were nothing but whisps of smoke. Still, she smiled. The Herons feathers swayed delicately between her fingers, so soft and pleasant..
I'd ask my friends to come and see
An octopus' garden with me
This time it was she who stopped, staying her companion as she looked over the vendors wares. Ater all - it was an open market, so why not? The Heron to looked into the cart, delighted as he beheld several pounds of fresh fish amongst the ice. Amber pointed at a small group, quietly addressing the man who'd not even noticed her. "I-I'll take those...please.."
I'd like to be under the sea
In an octopus' garden in the shade.
The fish were wrapped and bagged, the money exchanged between the two being. Amber rummaged into the package after a moment and pulled one of the small, silver fish out and offered it to the bird. He graciously took the treat, the full form silhouetted in his slender throat as he raised his head to the sky and allowed it a graceful descent into oblivion.
We would be warm below the storm
In our little hideaway beneath the waves
The wind blew harder then. Amber shivered, recoiling into herself as it stung her bare flesh. Eyes closed, through the darkness spread a tender warmth. The girl opened her eyes - the Heron stood close, nestling his body against hers as though to shelter her from the elements. Even though it was so cold, Amber smiled. She knew the wind would never be able to overtake his warmth.
Resting our head on the sea bed
In an octopus' garden near a cave
His beak caught the fabric and tugged at it. He'd opened the door now, letting her inside before it fell away at his back. The tent was snug and cozy, offering refuge for the markets visitors, if only for a moments rest and a hot drink. Amber took her place amongst them, although nowhere near the others. She sought a comfy sort of corner from which to observe. The Heron followed and stood guard, although there wasn't a terrible need for such vigilance. They stayed there for a while more, watching people come in.
We would sing and dance around
because we know we can't be found
It was by luck that a particular group happened to be performers. A man with a saxophone set down a hat, and a beautiful woman kicked up heels that had silvery bells tied on. The bird swayed his head in the time of their music. It wasn't as good as a birds - mind you - but it would have been haughty of him not to realize how wondrous some of the human devices were. Such odd sounds they made..such beautiful, sad sounds.
I'd like to be under the sea
In an octopus' garden in the shade
Amber gave up a coin to the bird. The Heron carried it with great care through the people, and to the amazement of the performing troupe, he lay down his prize within their hat and bowed low in recognition of their skill. The two laughed and waved at their backs as Amber and the Heron moved on. It was getting late, and the street was getting more and more crowded by the moment.
We would shout and swim about
The coral that lies beneath the waves
(Lies beneath the ocean waves)
They were split up for a moment. "H-Heron?!" The voice called. Several people gave Amber strange looks as she searched around, hoping to spot the bird before some unkind stranger might trample him or chase him away. "Heron?" "Arrrrrr!" The noise came from behind her. Amber turned around, smiling with relief as the bird sauntered up beside her again.
Oh what joy for every girl and boy
Knowing they're happy and they're safe
(Happy and they're safe)
From then on they kept close. It was time to go home, and Amber had bought enough fish to keep the bird sated for a week more. Ivory digits extended to brush the enlongated throat, the sensation somehow comforting as they stood alone amongst a world full of people.
We would be so happy you and me
No one there to tell us what to do
Amber stopped...The heron looked up at her, his dark, sanguine orbs inquiring why she'd stopped. Below the wind and the opinions of all the rest, she whispered something just for the Heron to hear, "I'd like to be under the sea, in an octopus' garden with you. "
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Posted: Fri Jan 19, 2007 2:00 pm
I'm Flying - Even if You Can't See Me. I'm flying without moving.
The sound fills my senses, deafening me to the rest of the world. It calls to me and captures the void left by the wind. Haunting melody, do you know? You take my breath. You force me to ascend without the ability.
The notes ripple over my feathers. I can feel the liquid words flowing over my body like rain falling into a pool. They bristle, comming up to meet the refreshing chill as it siezes my entire being.
I open my beak to the heavens, only to be silenced. My voice cannot compare to these unearthly tones. The lyrics surpass my own, while I tower over them, basic nature wound into an intangible, hidden meaning.
And then darkness, fast comming as I soar. My head falls back into myself, and my wings snap open in a flurry of shed tragedies. The song won't allow it. The song has no room for angers long having fled from me as I plucked eagerly away at it. My voluptuous frame trembled, my feet started forwards in an unfamiliar way - I circled.
Red rimmed eyes, clouded by the harlequin illusions slowly fluttered open. But the world I knew wasn't there anymore...the sound faded, and I to plummetted back into calm imperfection, while beautiful in my own flaw.
I never should have flown without the wind...but... Now I want more.
The Heron had stopped his dance. No one had bore witness, no tears shed for the tragicly sensational flow of his elegant motions. The cd had ended, and although considering dancing again to the strange human calls, the bird shied away from the stereo and moved to the window sill. Beyond the glass he could see his bretheren scorning him. They were truly that with which freedom was made, and as they flew higher, they seemed to frown upon his willing relent of their unpurposeful way. The Heron watched them for some time more, until he heard the door.
This time he didn't go to her. He was still under the influence of harmful feelings, as he mourned his confinement at the hands of the one he'd chosen to care for. The gods made sport of him in this way. They knew he wouldn't dishonor her wishes, but nor did he completely give up upon the thing he'd perhaps taken for granted - the sky.
"I'm home, Heron, Eiks........." Silence, before gentle, nervous fingertips brushed the back of his crown, causing him to turn to her. Ah yes, the look. She was worried over something or other, although she was trying hard to smile. He nudged her hand before turning back to stare at the window.
"You want to go out, don't you...?" The obvious statement, before the shuffling mumble and hessitation in her solution. "Maybe...I mean we could go out somewhere this weekend - if you want...Would you like that?"
He turned around and watched her fidget for a few more minutes, before he fluffed his feathers a bit and imitated a joyful sound from the sound of the recording. It didn't quite come out right, but the girl seemed amused by it and gently lay herh and upon his head. "Ok...this weekend, I promise. We can even go fishing. Right now though - why don't we listen to some music?"
And it began again...
We were talking about the space between us all
And the people who hide themselves behind a wall of illusion
Never glimpse the truth, then it's far too late, when they pass away
We were talking about the love we all could share
When we find it, to try our best to hold it there with our love
With our love, we could save the world, if they only knew
Try to realise it's all within yourself
No one else can make you change
And to see you're really only very small
And life flows on within you and without you
We were talking about the love that's gone so cold
And the people who gain the world and lose their soul
They don't know, they can't see, are you one of them?
When you've seen beyond yourself then you may find
Peace of mind is waiting there
And the time will come when you see we're all one
And life flows on within you and without you
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Posted: Tue Jan 23, 2007 10:14 am
Going to See What I can See
[PD between Dis and Donna] "Heron, NO!"
The flurry of feathers only struck her face again as stray, molting plumes fell from rapidly flapping wings. Amber stumbled blindly forwards through the crowd, only just barely making out the great blue streak as he continued just beyond her visible reach.
Ah! It felt good to be alive! He was truly tasting the wondrous winter air now, and it consumed his heart and lungs as both beat as one towards the new day. How sweet it was...besides the glasses of course. It was time for change, and just this morning he'd decided that Amber was much prettier without glasses - so he would do her a favor and get rid of them! He didn't really know where he was going, but he had seen a giant set of spectacles on a downtown shop window, so wouldn't that be the perfect place to go?
A man shoved her as the girl continued after the bird. She'd lost him for a few seconds, but once he was back in sight she followed with a renewed sense of speed. "Come back! I can't SEE without my glasses!!"
So she said, so she said...but the Heron was sure that he could fix that for her with just another few blocks...
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Posted: Sun May 06, 2007 1:13 pm
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Posted: Fri May 11, 2007 11:13 am
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