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Irako of the Desert Vice Captain
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 Posted: Mon Jan 16, 2012 1:48 pm
  Cruel dark clouds loom just above the bow
and the torrential rains begin to fall Lightning and thunder hack up the sky with blazing blades
As dragons fight to win the night
Dɼagaɲa Єadgyσ Dɼaycє Dragana waited silently as Astrayl bowed and offered his apologies. The entire time, she was watching for any hint of the Bear Whisperer's real purpose, and only saw how agitated he was. It obviously pained him to have to so humble himself before one who was his equal in power, and her superior in social rank. She was about to graciously accept his apology when she spotted Marnie waving madly. The sight of her apprentice looking like a windmill and one of the dragons looking like a cat with cream made Dragana's mouth twitch downward in a frown. The girl really needed to learn to time her entrances more elegantly. "Astrayl, I must confess that I don't understand why you're here. You have already apologized for that at the meeting, and I was under the impression that it was behind us."Then Marnie was knocking on the door frame and Dragana felt a flash of irritation, though she hid it expertly. "Is there something wrong, Marnie?" Her tone was studiously neutral. The dragon prudently stayed outside, floating in little circles just out of sight. Other Whisperers could see all the spirits, though could only control the one that protected their clan. She didn't want Astrayl to think she had decided to attack him. It would be pure folly to take him on with only the small wind dragons anyway. If I were really considering fighting him, I'd call up the mightiest storm dragons that dwell in the deep just to start with.
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Posted: Mon Jan 16, 2012 6:33 pm
__________________________________________________________________________________________  ~Marnie~
"Pardon me," Marnie dipped a little curtsy to Astrayl who was awkwardly placed somewhere near the floor.
Marnie's mind raced to explain herself without being obvious to the Bear clan leader and without exactly telling a lie. She was a horrible liar.
"Ah...while working on my exercises you set...." she started off, slowly, knowing Dragana would surely understand she meant the exercises she'd practiced back before dinner. "I was discussing with some tempest dragon spirits about possible ways to benefit the dragon clan, and they've returned with news that appears to be extremely urgent. - I'm sorry to interrupt but I thought that it was best I relay it to you right away. " Marnie gestured over her shoulder to the spirit winding about the doorway then clasped her fingers together tightly enough that the grip made her hands blanch white.
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Posted: Mon Jan 16, 2012 9:58 pm
Astrayl stood up and was glad to do so. Even if he didn't here it from her mouth he took her last remark as "we are good for now." Sighing in relief he looked towards the girl and the tempest dragon that was floating in the air. If it wasn't for its small size he might have mistook it for a threat. Then again dragons are hard to take down but not invincible.
Astrayl turned his attention towards the girl. Like he saw before her constitution wasn't much but there was something else. Her spiritual awareness and her inner power were astounding. Only someone of the dragon clan could produce such a person. Too bad she wasn't physically stronger.
While deep in though over all this he listened to the girl's explanation. This information that she wanted to pass on must be important, otherwise she wouldn't have the guts to even interrupt the two whisperers. Then again, kids these days are getting more and more disobedient, not to mention daring. "Tch, your apprentice has a bright future in front of her." He gestured towards the tempest dragon. "I suppose this is part of her exercises as well."
He sat down in a chair and looked at Dragana. "Alright, well now that the apologies are out of the way I have something more important to discuss with you after you talk with your apprentice, it seems she might have something important to talk to you about." He smiled at the two of them.
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(back at the bear clan)
Toki went running through the main house with documents in one hand and a large tub of ink in the other. "Master is off trying to court the dragon whisperer. This is not going to end well. Think of all the damage he could do if he gets angry. Then they will make me responsible for figuring out the damage costs." He cried in a cartoonish way as he ran across the training field.
His body made a sudden stop when he spotted someone from the main house. Ren, from the main house, was someone Astrayl has been considering for a long time to take as a apprentice. She had the physical abilities and even though toki himself couldn't see her spirit he knew it was there. "Hello Master Ren, what are you doing training on such a fine day?"
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Posted: Mon Jan 16, 2012 10:22 pm
 Ren leapt into the air and roundhouse kicked a training dummy's head, knocking off it's helmet. Hearing a voice speaking to her, she whirled to face it and saw Toki standing there. "Oh, hey, Toki. Just thought I'd get in some practice is all. Where's Astrayl? You're usually with him."
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Irako of the Desert Vice Captain
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Posted: Tue Jan 17, 2012 10:52 am
Cruel dark clouds loom just above the bow
and the torrential rains begin to fall Lightning and thunder hack up the sky with blazing blades
As dragons fight to win the night
Dɼagaɲa Єadgyσ Dɼaycє Dragana nodded and stood. "Please excuse me, then. I will be back in moments. Come with me, Marnie." She turned and walked out, snapping her fingers for the dragon spirit to follow. She led them both to a different sitting room that was far enough away so that Astrayl wouldn't be able to hear their discussion. She turned to contemplate her apprentice and the dragon spirit, who continued to float in circles. When she spoke, it was in a low, soft voice that wouldn't carry. "I hope this is as important as you both seem to think it is. It is extremely rude for me to just abandon a guest like this. What is it?"
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Posted: Wed Jan 18, 2012 4:39 pm
(^.^ Yay! Marnie's not a total weakling anymore~ ) __________________________________________________________________________________________ ~Marnie~
Marnie eyed the dragon spirit, who twirled upside down in silent response. It would figure he'd leave the telling to her, just when she'd run out of words. Really if she didn't have such a grasp of serpentine body language she'd have been totally lost.
Standing as she was - feet apart and braced with arms akimbo she tried to reign herself in as she thought of the words, only...well, she couldn't think of any that would be more effective that the plain truth - flat out.
"Well, I have it on ...dragon authority" Marnie pointind to their twining floating friend "- that the Bear clan whisperer is not only here to apologize but to...well...ask. you. to ...well...marry him." Marnie's face turned pink as the Dragon bobbed it's head repeatedly as accompaniment to a husky chuckle. It caused the candle on a nearby side table to go out.
"Uhm..." Marnie continued as Dragana wasn't saying anything and she did have a little more to add...
"It's partly becuase the Bear whisperer is having such a hard time picking an apprentice. His clan wants him to display some sense of stability to reassure the populace. They figured you seemed like the reassuring type I guess. They threatened him if he didn't agree to try. " Marnie looked up to the dragon as if to confirm.
"I..em, we just thought you'd like a warning. And again, really sorry to interrupt. " Marnie said with a little hand sweep. She didn't even know how to start explaining how she'd gotten the dragon to go looking around for that kind of gossip.
Marnie tucked her hands together and waited, Dragana was doing her impassive face, and even as experienced as Marnie was with the unaffected adult visage she couldn't quite grasp what the Dragon whiperer was thinking.
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Posted: Wed Jan 18, 2012 5:45 pm
Astrayl sat there thinking about how to propose to Dragana. 'I could simply go old fashion by getting on one knee. Then again she doesn't seem like the type to marry a muscle bound idiot like me. She probably wants someone of a more higher class and of course someone who has lots of money.' He sighed in his chair as he brooded. 'Let's face it, I have no charm, money, or any noble traits that the so called nobility class has, especially those of the dragons. I am just a warrior through and through.' Astrayl shook his head as he tried to think of more ways around this. 'Maybe if I just leave, I could tell the elders that she refused my proposal and that there is nothing I can do. Dragana is a honorable person who stands by her beliefs, I don't want to push the bear problems on her.'
He sat back again with a frown on his face, his teeth became bare showing that they were sharp. His hand moved into his pocket and pulled out a cigarette then popped it into his mouth. Then he strained his thumb against his pointer finger and flicked it causing a small spark, this lit his cigerette in a instant. He took a deep breath and blew the smoke into the fire place. 'But if I runaway that would be cowardly, it would hurt my pride to much.' Leaning closer to the fire, he came up with the only solution. 'I am going to have to tell her the truth.'
---------
Toki looked at the girl as she destroyed the training dummy. "You certainly are getting better. But I suppose you should be, you are one of the candidates for apprenticeship." When she asked about Astrayl he looked at his papers and immediately went to the floor with a sulky mood. "I don't like being around your uncle so much. He causes so much trouble for his own enjoyment. Earlier when I asked him to stay in the cart, he jumped out the first chance he got and destroyed a entire league of bandits. Oh what am I going to do about him?"
He stood back up with a small tear running down his face. "Your uncle is off to meet with the dragons. Sense you have noble blood in you, I could arrange for you to come with me. I have to go there anyways encase there is any damage that I might have to assess." He walked past her waiting for her to follow.
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Posted: Wed Jan 18, 2012 8:11 pm
"Astrayl's my cousin, not my uncle," Ren corrected Toki. She groaned at the mention of her cousin's exploits that morning, then she wiped the tear from the secretary's cheek. For all her being a warrior, Ren still had some compassion. "I'll come with you, Toki. Even if it's just to clean up Astrayl's mess." She strode briskly beside Toki, easily catching up with him.
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Irako of the Desert Vice Captain
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Posted: Fri Jan 20, 2012 8:36 pm
Cruel dark clouds loom just above the bow
and the torrential rains begin to fall Lightning and thunder hack up the sky with blazing blades
As dragons fight to win the night
Dɼagaɲa Єadgyσ Dɼaycє Dragana was stunned speechless for a minute when Marnie shared what she'd discovered. A Whisperer marrying a Whisperer was unheard of, at least so far as she could tell. Part of her mother's upbringing had included extensive memorization of the Drayce family tree, and Dragana could not remember one instance where a Drayce Whisperer had married another Whisperer. She glanced at the little tempest dragon for confirmation, who did the equivalent of a shrug and a nod, then made a decision. When she spoke, it was in a firm, quiet voice. "You were right, I do appreciate the warning. I must return immediately, but be assured, we will be discussing just how you found this out later. Do not interrupt again unless it is a matter of life and death. In fact, tell Jonathan I said that and that he's to take care of it."With that, she left the room to return to Astrayl, who was now smoking a cigarette. This matter had to be handled delicately, but if played right, would work out in her favor. It was such a perfect opportunity, she couldn't allow it to pass up. "I apologize for my rudeness, Astrayl. Please know that all is forgiven, and I bear no ill will towards you."She looked at him with an earnest expression, "Was there... Anything else you needed to discuss? I cannot imagine that an apology was so important that you rushed to arrive so late at night rather than waiting until the next day."
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Posted: Fri Jan 20, 2012 11:34 pm
Astrayl blew one last puff of smoke into the fire place before Dragana walked back into the room. He looked at her and saw a small difference in her expression, something that put him on his guard for a split second. Dragana wasn't one to underestimate. She knew something and that what she knew could help her in any way possible.
This didn't stop Astrayl, he had his purpose for coming here and even if she knew what was going to happen next it did not matter much to him. Astrayl decided to play think of what he was going to say one last time. He closed his eyes for a minute and let his entire body relax, showing no signs of tension. Lastly, he flicked his barely used cigarette in the fire then turned to Dragana.
Astrayl stood up from his chair then got on one knee before Dragana. "Dragana I know that what I am going to say next will be sudden. I also know that what I am going to say next is something that will change our lives forever." He pulled out a small box from his pocket. "Dragana Drayce, Whisperer of the Dragon clan will you do me the pleasure," He opened the box to reveal a small ring, the design was a bear claw and dragon claw holding a emerald in the center of the ring. "Of becoming my bride."
Astrayl was holding himself back rather well, better then he thought. Now he just needed to wait for her to say no so that he may go home. If she ask for an explanation he will give it to her and then leave when she says no again.
---------------------------------------------
Toki looked at the girl and got on his hands and needs to apologize. "I am so sorry young master. Please forgive me." He stood up quickly and gathered his things. He then started to hurry down the hall towards his carriage. Then he brisked past the guards without giving them a second thought. The guards didn't seem to care, Toki had a reputation of doing what needed to be done no matter what.
Toki opened his carriage to the young master and as soon as Ren entered they were off. "Don't expect much from this ride. Your cousin was reported to kill most of the bandits on his way to the dragon estate. He seemed angry at the elders and took his anger out on them. I heard they actually put up a fight, at least for a few moments." Toki wasn't trying to amuse the girl. He was trying to tell her that this was the current bear whisperer, this was the monster that she would have to beat if she wanted to become the bear whisperer.
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Posted: Fri Jan 20, 2012 11:45 pm
"Don't apologize to me, Toki. It was a simple slip of the tongue." In the carriage, Ren was completely relaxed, despite the jolting, bumpy road. "It sounds like you don't think I can live up to my cousin's talents," she said. "Is it because I'm a girl? Or because he defeated my mother to become Whisperer? Or are you just trying to scare me? I'm pretty strong, Toki, and I don't expect to take over for a few years."
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Posted: Sat Jan 21, 2012 10:49 am
Cruel dark clouds loom just above the bow
and the torrential rains begin to fall Lightning and thunder hack up the sky with blazing blades
As dragons fight to win the night
Dɼagaɲa Єadgyσ Dɼaycє Dragana hesitated as Astrayl offered her the ring, thinking furiously. So far, she had only been able to see reasons why she should accept. Astrayl was her equal in power. He had his own problems to take care of and wouldn't be eager to assume responsibility for another clan, leaving her far more freedom than a normal husband would. As his wife, she would be privy to the Bear clan politics, solving her problem of information gathering. Of course, the Algernons would benefit as well, which was only fair. She could not think of any drawback. It wouldn't even matter if he was a violent man. He's not stupid enough to attack another Whisperer, even if it happened to be his wife. As for children... Well, I suppose I can handle bearing a few, and it would be interesting to see if our children had Whisperer potential as well. It's not very common, but if both parents were full Whisperers, that could change...Finally, she spoke, looking at Astrayl directly. "I am honored by you, Astrayl. On behalf of the Drayce clan, and myself, I accept your proposal."She held out her hand so that Astrayl could put the ring on. Her father would be livid that he had not been asked for permission or even consulted about this. It was simply another reason to accept, because her father would be forced to support it or lose the goodwill of two Whisperers at once. Besides, it felt good to stick one to the old man. There would be no more doddering old suitors to entertain now, and no more nagging from her mother to get married. Dragana didn't care that it was an alliance marriage rather than a love match. She'd never expected to get a love match in the first place, and had only looked for someone she could bear to live with for the rest of her life without going on a destructive rampage. Astrayl wasn't bad as far as men went, and was the best of prospects she'd been presented with yet.
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Irako of the Desert Vice Captain
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Posted: Sat Jan 21, 2012 2:18 pm
__________________________________________________________________________________________ ~Marnie~
Marnie nodded quietly at Dragana's order then wondered briefly and for the split second it took her cousin to leave the room, just where Jonathan would be found.
Then her cousin disappeared from sight and Marnie realized - she wouldn't miss the outcome of this for the world. She had to pass by the parlor door again to get back to the main wing anyway.
Unfortunately the tempest dragon was way ahead of her, both in thought and action as he'd floated out the door and after Dragana.
"Woah-no, not without me you don't!" Marnie whispered and chased after it - quietly - in her dress slippers.
She arrived at the closed door just in time to catch a half the muted proposal and the thoughtful silence that followed. Even the tempest dragon waited with bated breath.
Marnie had a good guess at what her cousins answer would be; but was still blown away by the response. Though not more than the tempest dragon - who went head over tail and nearly bottomed out on the floor.
Marnie held out a warning finger and shot it a look so it would control itself.
She knew her cousin was goal oriented and wasn't likely to ever accept an average suitor, she was also intent on doing the best she could for the Dragon clan. Marnie couldn't come up with an example where her cousin hadn't put the clan's needs first.
Somehow though, Marnie had always thought that Dragana would find a way to be ...happy. If anyone could have figured out a way...it was Dragana.
Whatever, her cousin must have had a plan, and when she thought about it more, another whisperer would be a much better option than anyone her cousin had "met" so far.
Still Marnie herself felt a little sad, though she didn't quite know all the reasons why.
Taking a deep breath she swiped at the tempest dragon's tail and gave it a quick come with wave as she wanted it to follow her down the hall. It did so, though it was slightly confused and shot a curious glance at the closed door before following easily.
When they were in the clear Marnie gave it a good look and spoke to it seriously.
"I don't know how the spirit network works exactly. But not a word to anyone. My cousin will tell you and the rest when she's ready. Besides, eavesdropping isn't exactly a good trait and you don't want her to be able to 'talk' to us about anything other our data gathering methods now do you? "
The dragon just gave a twining roll and a whispery chuckle, but.... finally it nodded its head in a move along gesture and followed after Marnie when she did legitimately go to find Jonathan.
It seemed the dragon would be sticking around. At least for now.
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Posted: Sun Jan 22, 2012 12:02 am
On the outside, Astrayl seemed calm, posed, and under control of his emotions. The inside was a completely different story. His head was racing to try and figure out why Dragana just said yes to his proposal, to be more accurate why she said yes to marrying him. He was so sure that she wasn't going to go for a warrior that was rumored to bathe in the blood of his enemies. After a couple seconds of thought Astrayl pushed all the negativity towards the back of his mind and started to think of the positive points of this marriage. This marriage would mean the union between the bears and dragons, something that hasn't happened in years, not to mention this was one of the first marriages between whisperers in history. She doesn't seem like the type of wife to suppress him with duties.
He sighed in happiness as he finally decided that this marriage wasn't going to be to bad. When she raised her hand up, he took the ring and placed it on her finger then stood up. "Thats great, you due me the great honor of becoming my bride." He took her hands and looked her in the eyes then thought about how to meet the rest of her family. 'This is going to be an interesting marriage.'
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Toki smiled at the girls response. 'This is a true member of the bear household.' He looked back out the window. "I am not trying to scare you young one. No, I am testing you." He smiled at her again then started to right something on his papers. "I think you will be Astrayl's new apprentice from now on. Besides, his last one already died."
"By the way, I believe you are someone that can surpass our cousin's talent." Soon they appeared at the Drayce family household. Toki walked up to the front gates. "Hello, I am Toki of the bear clan. I am Astrayl's private secretary and am here to conduct business and relay Astrayl a message." Soon he was let in and both him and Ren were told to wait in a waiting room for Astrayl.
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Posted: Sun Jan 22, 2012 12:14 am
The corner of Ren's mouth twitched upward, making a sort of a smirk. "Yeah, I saw the mess that one made. Weakling wasn't fit to be a Whisperer's apprentice except that he could see the spirits." She followed Toki when they got to the Drayce household and into the waiting room. Something about the place made Ren jittery, and she started fidgeting in little ways after only about half a minute of waiting. It was probably only the fact that they were in the home of another extremely powerful Whisperer.
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