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 Posted: Wed May 18, 2011 11:08 pm
A beat, and then, Riley's head dropped down all the way so that her chin touched her chest. Defeated by literal translation, her own favorite weapon turned against her.
Her hand reached out and rested atop of Malodore's, keeping it there as she lifted her head. So anyway. She was quick to move on. Don't be surprised if I end up acting weird lately. I have no idea how any of this is going to affect us. Though, I will be doing some research tonight when I am alone. She tapped a claw to her forehead. My kind have come in contact with dragons quite commonly. They have not encountered them in a friendly circumstance, however.. one can only assume that is what is needed for further information on this experience. But perhaps I will find something. We shall see.
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Posted: Wed May 18, 2011 11:12 pm
For a moment, Jericho stared at Mal as it responded. He began to shake a bit as he was trying hard not to start bursting out in laughter there. A few snickers did manage to escape him, however. Grinning like an idiot now, he worked hard to keep it in and thankfully the topic was switched to something more serious.
"I'll be doing some research as well. Online. Not sure how reliable the information I find will be, but I'm sure I'd be able to find something useful. In general it's not a completely uncommon thing and all."
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Posted: Wed May 18, 2011 11:22 pm
Malodore straightened, still radiating amusement - but its gaze softened a bit as it looked at Riley. "It may be that this is something entirely new to your people," it said, quietly. "But so is much you have done, is it not? You have gained experience and knowledge that none of them have ever dared to capture. Captured it, and kept it. I think that makes you strong. Stronger than those who have not allowed themselves to feel."
Its other hand, still resting over her heart, trembled slightly.
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Posted: Thu May 19, 2011 12:11 am
The tone of the moment had suddenly changed, and when Riley felt Malodore's hand trembling underneath hers, her fingers curled around it. It was trying to tell her something. Something very important. Something it dearly wanted her to take to heart.
She thought of her people, and her resolve wavered. It makes me smarter, perhaps. More valued. Better prepared. She paused, and a flicker of confusion passed through her gaze, before she reached out and brushed a claw along the length of Malodore's beak.
But strength is relative. All of this, it means everything to me. Her hand squeezed the claws that rested against her chest. I will not take this for granted any more.
Finally, she let Malodore go, and turned to take a few steps towards Jericho. She put her arms around his shoulders and gave him a warm hug. I think I'm going to take Malodore back to the dorms. We have a lot to talk about. She pulled away, and her expression was lifted once more. See you tomorrow?
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Posted: Thu May 19, 2011 9:09 am
As things became more serious, Jericho watched the two carefully. Something was going on in Riley's head right now but he wasn't sure what that was. He didn't think about it too hard though and returned the hug to the mindflayer with a soft smile.
"Alright. I'll see you tomorrow then," He nodded before looking at the two, "Goodnight."
Before walking off, he looked down at Luce at his feet and crouched down to give her a final pat, then started to make his way to the monster dorms. Damn today had been eventful.
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Posted: Thu May 19, 2011 8:34 pm
"I am glad," Malodore said, quietly, opening its beak just a little; the quick flurry of emotion around it identified the expression as a small, soft smile, laden with affection and relief.
That relief shifted to curiosity at Riley's next words. "Ah, si? As you wish, then. Buona sera, Jericho," it called after the dragon.
Luce yawned as Jericho slipped his feet out from under her dozing form; she gave him a bleary look but did not move after him. Apparently the pup had finally gotten properly tired.
Malodore released its hold on Riley and moved over to scoop Luce up. "What is on your mind, mia cara?" it asked, curiously, as it returned to her side. It hadn't been aware that they had much to discuss... but it wasn't going to object.
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Posted: Thu May 19, 2011 11:44 pm
Riley's hand slid over Malodore's arm before curling up around it and leading it back to the undead dorms. I do feel like I have much I want to discuss with you. Riley began, tilting it's head slightly so that her tentacles fell against it. They crept around, wrapping themselves possessively around her plague doctor. However, she quietly admitted with amusement. If I were to be completely honest, I am also being selfish. I very much want to spend some time with you, right now.
Her expression lifted slightly, and she turned to watch where she was walking. I hope you don't mind me stealing you for a bit.
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Posted: Thu May 19, 2011 11:50 pm
"I don't mind at all," Malodore said, hefting Luce with its free arm - Candlejack, she was getting heavy! Maybe it was all the steak? It leaned against Riley a little bit. "What with the club earlier, and I presume this... dragon-thing... with Jericho wasn't something you'd quite figured out before? It has been a busy day, has it not?"
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Posted: Fri May 20, 2011 12:21 am
Her easy, playful manner seemed to wane slightly. A busy day, she repeated. You could say that, definitely. Busy, and frustrating, and heart-wrenching, and exhilarating all at once. If I wasn't so keen on spending a bit of time just talking with you, I would suggest a nap. I do so enjoy a good snuggle.
She reached out and opened the door to the dormitories once they reached it, holding it open gallantly for the plague doctor. After you my dear.
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Posted: Fri May 20, 2011 2:21 pm
"Heart-wrenching?" Malodore tilted its head in Riley's direction as it stepped inside, shifting its grip on Luce so it was cradling the pup in both arms. "One of those things is not like the others, mia cara..."
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Posted: Fri May 20, 2011 11:31 pm
Riley paused to think about the question, before sighing deeply. It's complicated. I will explain when we are inside, I think. I'd rather not relive the doubts I was plagued with without being thoroughly encased in your embrace, if it is all the same to you.
She had all but decided to simply forget the day had happened, but she felt an odd compelling desire to explain her fears to Malodore. She felt an odd desire to tell Malodore everything, really. It was shockingly unlike her.
But don't worry. I will explain. And rest assured, my heart is nothing but content now.
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Posted: Sat May 21, 2011 7:41 pm
Malodore nodded, padding upstairs ahead of her, though it kept glancing back at her every couple of steps. It could tell there was something she hadn't told it yet, though the promise that explanation was to come - and her assurances - kept it from getting too worried. It did nothing for the curiosity, though...
Once it reached its door, it opened it, using one hoof to push it the rest of the way open for Riley. The first matter was depositing Luce on the foot of the bed; the pup shifted and yawned as she was released, stretching before curling up in a tight little ball and closing her eyes once more.
That done, the plague doctor turned around, reaching for Riley - ready to give the promised embrace. "Tell me?"
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Posted: Sat May 21, 2011 11:09 pm
Perhaps Riley had been mistaken in lighting the fire of curiosity over a topic she wished she didn't even have to explain. She could tell Malodore wanted to know, and there was no turning back from that now. It wasn't even something life-changing, or even important. It was just her own naivety and worries throwing her into a state of confusion. And now, it seemed, she was confusing Malodore as well.
Frustrating.
She gave Luce a brief glance, before taking Malodore's hand and stepping into it's arms. Only there, did she feel nothing was embarrassing enough to keep to herself.
Really, it's nothing. I've made you curious over such a little thing. I just had a moment of doubt, is all. The situation that has presented itself to me today concerning Jericho was all new to me, and when I did not know what was happening, I was caught feeling.. hm. Guilty, I suppose? I don't know how these things are supposed to work, but I assumed from what I read at least that you're only supposed to have strong feelings for the person you love. She bumped her head softly against it's own, and chuckled. That's you. So I had a moment of doubt. And I found it crushed me. I was foolish. When am I not, when it comes to matters of the heart?
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Posted: Sat May 21, 2011 11:57 pm
Malodore wrapped its arms around Riley and rested its beak on her shoulder - then just listened, letting its eyes close slightly as her thoughts rang through its mind. "No need to feel guilty - there are many kinds of emotions. I'm only learning it myself... when I came here I wanted to learn, and I viewed those around me as interesting experiments. And now..."
It chuckled and shook its head, the underside of its beak rubbing on her shoulder. "I still sometimes think of interesting experiments, mia cara, but there is more than that now. You are no fool, no more than I, are you not?"
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Posted: Sun May 22, 2011 12:35 am
Riley's arms, and every single one of her tentacles, rose fluidly and wrapped themselves one by one around her prey - errr, around her Malodore. It's head on her shoulder made her expression lighten as a light, floaty feeling filled her. She realized that, above all else, Malodore was the only one who could make her feel this way. This was no quickening of the heart, no racing excitement, though it did have the power to bring her that as well. This was something else entirely, something she'd failed to take into account.
She labeled this feeling as true love, and put aside any last lingering doubts.
Perhaps we are both fools. And perhaps not. Only time will tell, though I admit I am in no rush. In fact, if all the future had to offer me was this moment, I would take it gladly.
If only life could be that simple.
Her eyes closed, and she leaned her head just slightly to brush against the one beside her. Thank you for being mine.
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