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 Posted: Thu Feb 07, 2013 8:38 pm
Rashida I love...
Semirr
I like...
No one
I know...
Arase
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Posted: Thu Feb 07, 2013 8:40 pm
withSemirrplayed byGeyser Eelborn statusDone
Rashida: *notices a male that looks similar to the one she's already conversed with, cautiously approaches*
Semirr: [Is looking around the shop in wonderment, having never been here before]
Rashida: *pauses, tail twitching and unsure of what to do next; does she greet him or he greet her?; stands there, a little awkward, trying to make up her mind*
Semirr: [Notices a sound and looks up at the stranger, blinking]
Rashida: *caught just standing there and probably looking a little silly; blinks and clears her throat a little self-consciously* Ah, hello. You look similar to someone I have conversed with before. *tail twitches a little, wondering why socializing has to seem so difficult*
Semirr: [Blinks] You've met my brother, maybe...? [He pulls his wings in closer, at once fascinated by her animal-like appearance and frightened of her femininity]
Rashida: It is possible. I did not get his name, but you two have similar hair styles. *glances at the male's wings* His wings were demonic, though.
Semirr: [Nods] My brother, Arase, if the hair was purple. [Fidgets with the bow he carries in one hand] Um...I'm Semirr?
Rashida: I'm Rashida. *debates attempting to smile, but decides not to cause that would probably just be scary; notices Semirr's bow* You hunt with that?
Semirr: [Nods] I'm a hunter...Rashida. My brother prefers to fight, but I'd rather just hunt. And...you?
Rashida: I'm a lioness, so you could say hunting was always my calling. *eyes the bow* Though I prefer to use fang and claw as my weapons.
Semirr: Ah. [He fidgets again with his bow] I have not my father's claws, so I am...limited. To my bow. [He peers at her paws curiously] You must have quite large ones...
Rashida: *flexes her claws, glances down at them* They always seemed average size to me, so I couldn't really say. Regardless of their size, it's a matter of much practice to be able to properly use them. *again glances at the bow, but with a bit more curiousity* Are you not worried that thing will break, perhaps when you need it most?
Semirr: [Straightens up] If I care for it properly, it will not break. [Gives a very soft smile] It may still break, though. If that happens, I will have to take my chances. I am a hunter, though, not a fighter.
Rashida: *lips twitch in a smile* True, but sometimes fights just have a way of finding you at the most inconvient moment. I've never been involved in one myself, but I tend to spend a lot of time on my own.
Semirr: [Looks at the ground, then back up, saying in a soft voice of protest] I know a little self defense...
Rashida: *tilts her head ever so slightly, tail twitches* Oh? What kind of defense?
Semirr: Just...Defense against grappling.
Rashida: Perhaps one day we can fight then, as practice to keep your skill sharp. *small smile* I've grown so used to hunting beasts with little thought in their heads that I myself might begin to forget how to fight an intelligent opponent.
Semirr: [Shakes his head quickly] I am not a warrior! Just a hunter. I leave the fighting for the ones who are good at it.
Rashida: *seems puzzled at Semirr's reaction* It's just practice. Not like a real fight. If nothing else the exercise is always good for you.
Semirr: [Nods reluctantly] Alright. I don't fight much, though.
Rashida: *actually chuckles, a quiet sound* Well it doesn't have to be right now, anyway. I promise, it'll be more like exercise and keeping your body limber than an actual fight.
Semirr: Oh. Then yes, that would be a lot of...fun. I'll look forward to it. ^^
Geyser Eelborn: Kiddo, did your father ever tell you how he met your mother...?
jinxgirl5: I imagine he didn't, but I bet it would be an interesting story XD
Rashida: *nods, then shifts a little* So.... *actually looks a tad self-conscious* I'm not really sure what to say now. I'm not what you'd call a conversationalist.
Geyser Eelborn: Basically, the first date his parents ever went on was a sparring match. Arazir is probably going to be protective of his boys around warrior women, for fear they'll run into more men-hating amazons.
Semirr: Me neither. I don't get out much. Too busy training. Um.
jinxgirl5: XD Rashida would give him such an offended look if he ever voiced that worry.
Rashida: *doesn't seem that much better off than Semirr; moment of silence passes between them, then she gestures at the bow again* What sort of things do you hunt with that?
Geyser Eelborn: I imagine she would!
Semirr: This and that. Rabbits, deer, birds. Not good enough yet to shoot fish. That's tricky.
Rashida: *looks a little taken aback* You can shoot fish with that thing?
Semirr: If you're very skilled, yes. Things underwater appear...differently. They're never where you think they should be. And you need different arrows and techniques.
Rashida: I see. I don't really fish, not too fond of the water *makes a face*. There's plenty of game on the land for me to hunt, so I never bothered trying.
Semirr: [Shrugs] I'm not as fond of water as some. I like to watch it, though, and it's fun to swim in on a warm day. But if you don't like water, then yes, a bow. For me, mostly, it's an act to practice, though.
Rashida: We don't really have a whole lot of water where I'm from. One of the jobs of the lionesses is to take stock of the land, keep an eye on water sources and the herds who use them. *shakes her head* Even after the rainy season you don't really want to go in the water. We've got crocs.
Semirr: I come from here, but my father comes from the jungle. There's always water there. How big are the crocodiles where you come from?
Rashida: *chews on lip* Well I don't usually get close too them, but pretty big. *thinks for a moment* I guess nine feet is about average, but some are even bigger.
Semirr: [Blinks] That is big. How do you avoid them?
Rashida: Not that hard. Most of the time they're in the water. Sometimes they come on the land to sit in the sun, but they're so slow and they don't really venture far from the water anyway. When you have to cross the water, or go to get a drink... *shrugs* Well it's part knowing what to look for, and part luck.
Semirr: What do you look for, then?
Rashida: Claw marks on the bank usually indicate the area is a popular sunning spot, and can also tell you how big the beast sunning was. Areas that are popular for herds to drink, or cross, because that's where the food is. If you watch the water sometimes you see them coming close or above the surface. After awhile you just kinda recognize the spots most likely to be dangerous.
Semirr: I'll have to watch out for that, if I ever hunt in your lands. Are there any crocodiles around here?
Rashida: *scrapes her claws against the ground, shakes her head* I do not know for certain, having never left my home lands. I've been told there are such beasts in the jungles as well. They prefer warmth and wet lands. I've been told you can find them, or a beast much like them called an alligator, in much of the world. More than that, I couldn't really say.
Semirr: I know we have kanagir* in the jungles, but I don't think they're as big as your crocodiles.
Geyser Eelborn: *caiman
Rashida: I've never heard of them before, so maybe. It could also be that we just don't have any where I live in particular. *tiny smile* As dangerous as the crocodiles sound though, they're nothing compared to the river horses.
Semirr: [Tilts his head] River horses? How could they be more fearsome than crocodiles?
Rashida: They're giant beasts, bigger than crocodiles and will attack you with no warning simply because you were in the wrong place at the wrong time. They are brutal creatures who will savage you until you are beyond dead. It is out of pure malice though, because river horses are plant eaters. They also move quite fast on land, though they can't stay out of the water for too long because they are so big.
Semirr: O.O How do you fight them, then?
Rashida: *raises an eyebrow* You don't. You stay as far away from water horses as possible. Only a fool would seek them out.
Semirr: [Nods] Not even from a distance? [He strokes his bow]
Rashida: *snorts* You think a stick with a pointy end is gonna take down a water horse? Their hides are tough and most of their head is mouth. It would have to be the luckiest shot ever to take one down
Semirr: Many hunters, and not a bow. Spears would do more damage.
Rashida: *raises eyebrow, then shakes head* I can't see that ending well. You'd have to get really close to use a spear, and water horses move a lot quicker than their bulk implies. They could easily snap a spear just flailing around.
Semirr: Oh. [Sighs] Pity. They sound like they would taste good.
Rashida: *blinks* I've never thought they looked all that tasty, at least not for the trouble you'd have to go through to kill one. *thinks for a moment, tail slowly swishing on the ground behind her* I suppose you could always try for one that's mortally wounded though, if it's come up on land to die. It's a rare occurance, but sometimes there are crocs that can get the best of a water horse.
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Posted: Thu Feb 07, 2013 8:42 pm
withSemirrplayed byGeyser Eelborn statusDone
Semirr: [Thoughtfully sitting in the rafters, sharpening a spear; an atl-atl has been thrust into his quiver today]
Rashida: -She wandered out into the common space, though wandered wasn't quite the proper term; she tended to stalk or ghost into places, since every move she made was more deliberate than "wandering" and she was always watching her surroundings. Speaking of, she spotted someone familiar. She quietly padded up to sit under Semirr and looked up at him, tail twitching behind her; it was comically reminiscent of a cat watching a bird.-
Semirr: [After some time, the hunter noticed the lioness watching him from below. Seeing that it was a friend of his, he slid the spear into a carrier on his back to join three fellows and flew down to sit down beside her.] Rashida! A thousand happy greetings to see you again. How is the hunting? [He gave her a rare smile and slid a little closer to her.]
Rashida: -She graced Semirr with one of her own rare smile.- "It goes quite well. I have made many fine catches since we last met." -She gave her head a curious tilt, spotting the spears on his back.- How goes it for you?
Semirr: [Semirr nodded.] As have I. I have been practicing new techniques for hunting. [He reached into his arrow quiver and pulled out an atlatl decorated with swirling carvings of stylized birds and leaves.] And I have made this. Do you know what it is? [His smile grew wider and decidedly more impish. He wanted her to guess.]
Rashida: -She examined the offered object.- "A spear?" That seems the most obvious answer, but for anything specific I am afraid I do not know."
Semirr: [He shook his head.] No, it's an atlatl. A spear thrower. For throwing a spear harder and from a longer distance. It's for hunting dangerous prey. [His grin grew, if anything, even wider, and he began to wiggle back and forth. She'd figure out what he was talking about soon enough.] My father taught me how to make one and how to use it. I'm getting very good at it.
Rashida: -She thought back to the conversation they had last time when talking about different hunting methods and predators/prey.- "You're not thinking of hunting crocodiles or hippos with that, are you?"
Semirr: [He nodded in enthusiasm--she remembered!] Not alone, of course. I would need other hunters to help me. And of course, the time, place, and target would all need to be carefully selected, the spears made for just the right combination of weight and speed to the target. They must be thrown straight and true. So it's an ongoing project, certainly. And of course, observance must be made of the preys' habits.
Rashida: -She eyed the atlatl doubtfully, despite Semirr's enthusiasm.- "I can't see how that bit of wood would make much different..." -She tried to remember that Semirr was the expert in weapons, not her.- "Could I ask for a demonstration?"
Semirr: [He nodded and stood up, slipping it back into the quiver among the arrows.] Of course. But we'll need to find a place less populated. I don't want to hurt someone. There should be some space outside. The edge of the woods, where it isn't so thick, should be good.
Rashida: -She nodded.- "That sounds agreeable." -She turned and walked with Semirr, occasionally casting the weapons on his back speculative looks.- "If you have those, where is your bow. It didn't break did it?"
Semirr: ...Yes. But even if I had a bow, I would consider it silly to carry a bow with me when I'm laden with spears. [He glanced briefly at the quiver full of arrows.] Though don't ask me what madness possessed me to bring my arrows without my bow today.
Rashida: -She gave Semirr a brief look of sympathy.- "A shame. I suppose you could make another one, though I imagine a good one will take time." -She gave the spears another glance.- "Those at least appear to be much easier to make."
Semirr: [He nodded, feeling rather embarrassed about it all, especially since last time she had warned him that a bow could be fragile and break at an inopportune moment.] Yes, a new bow will take time. My father is showing me how to make one. In the meantime, I am getting more and more practice with spears. It's useful for taking down big animals, though there isn't much in the way of big animals around here.
Rashida: "You should visit my homeland sometime then. We have many large animals that you could probably use those things on to practice with." -If they proved to be as effective as Semirr enthused them to be. Maybe it was because she preferred to rely in her own strength over weapons. She had to see to believe what those points sticks could do.-
Semirr: Yes. About that. [He turned towards her.] I'd love to visit your homeland someday. Maybe soon? Or at least as soon as I have my bow. If. You don't mind or anything.
Rashida: -She shook her head.- "I don't mind at all." -Next she tilted her head slightly, a hint of a smile playing about her mouth.- "You might find it very strange if you've never been to a savannah before. Not many trees, a lot of tall grass and open space, and quite dry until the rainy season starts."
Semirr: [He thought about that description for a while. No rain? No trees? It would certainly be strange, and he would probably stand out like a sore thumb. No matter.] I would still like to see it, even if I find it strange. My father says that it would be good to get out to see the world and not get too attached to one place.
Rashida: -She nodded slowly.- "That...makes sense, I suppose." -She turned her gaze out over the unfamiliar terrain and trees, a tiny frown on her face.- "This is the closest I've ever come to leaving my homeland before."
Semirr: [He looked around at the surrounding landscape. For the first time, he wondered how often she came here.] Why did you leave your home? I...was "born" here. This is the only home I've ever known. Why do you leave your home for here?
Rashida: -Her voice became a little sharp.- "I didn't leave my home!" -She seemed to realize she was jumping on Semirr for an innocent question, and softened her tone and demeanor.- "I just kind of appear here. Like a dream, except I know it's real. When I choose to "wake up", I'll be back home." -She looked only mildly unsettled about this; magic wasn't in her family, or Semirr's, she assumed, so she chalked it up to something else that just pulled her to where other Noodles were whenever she had her conversations with people outside her family.-
Semirr: [He flinched at her harsh words and stopped in his tracks, realizing his mistake in asking her something that seemed to bother her. She spoke of magic? She was probably a mage like Ebony, and he did not want to make a witch angry. He had heard stories! And not just about angering a witch--he'd heard stories about angering a woman, and as easy as it was to talk to Rashida and spend time with her, he was in need of a wakeup call. Rashida was a woman, and that meant she was danger and unpredictability incarnate. He shook himself out and faced forward, not meeting her eyes with his own. His wings were now pulled in defensively against his body, and he replied in a stiff tone of voice.] Oh. I am sorry. I did not mean to offend you. I was unaware you were a masitri, a magic-user. There is nothing shameful about that, of course, but I was caught offguard. [He looked around at their surroundings, still careful not to look Rashida in the eye.] This looks like a good place.
Rashida: -She sighed quietly, her own shoulders a little stiff. Well now she'd done it. They'd been having a normal conversation, the most normal she could ever really claim to have with someone not related to her (and even more normal than some of the conversations she did have with those related to her!), and she'd gone and screwed it up by getting defensive. She should just save the world some trouble now and find the most deserted piece of savannah outside the pride lands; better to become a solitary hermit than to have pride and bitterness warp her into something tainted. She knew she should apologize to Semirr, but couldn't think of what to say. Words had never been her strong suit.- "I don't have magic. I'm just a huntress, nothing more." -How did she even try to explain that one away? Was being able to appear here magic? She'd just assumed it was something all Noodles did, and how those from very different places could meet when they otherwise might not have. She'd never paid much attention to her surroundings except to note they weren't "normal" to her like home was. If she'd thought about it more, would they have appeared to be in a land similar to her home? She hunched in on herself, tail close to her body and lion-like ears flat to her skull. Why did everything have to be so complicated?-
Semirr: [So...she wasn't a masitri? He wasn't sure anymore, and he was getting increasingly nervous in the female's presence. He'd avoided females until now (not easy in a house full of females, or considering that his father was friends with Ebony and her daughters and granddaughters)--what did they do? Did they attack males they didn't like? Did they abandon them to die? That's what his own mother had done. Probably normal for them. His father had said that his mother was a warrior, a huntress--maybe all huntresses did that. Why couldn't they be normal, like hunters?!] Oh. I see. [He set his quiver down and pulled out the atlatl. He was no longer excited.] Pick a target.
Rashida: -She sat, tail curled close around her body. Was there a point to this anymore? She already appeared to have freaked Semirr out; the whole reason she'd asked for a demonstration was the possibility that they might go hunting together if he visited her lands. She doubted he'd want her around now.- "It doesn't matter, anything you think is a challenge." -She tried to at least pay attention rather than act like she was sulking or pouting.-
Semirr: [He paused at the way she said it. It sounded like she was trying to be a good sport, but was unhappy about something. Would she leave him now? Mentally, he cursed himself for having gotten attached to a female. She was probably going to leave him now because he'd offended her. He lowered the carved piece of wood.] Rashida, have I offended you? [Now he dared look her in the eye. He was probably about to get attacked, but he was armed, wasn't he? He could defend himself.]
Rashida: -She actually looked a little startled at the question Semirr posed to her.- "What? No." -She was the first one to break eye contact, ruby eyes glancing to the side as she fidgeted uncomfortably; she was not good at this kind of thing at all.- "I just....thought you were upset with me." -Another fidget.- "I tend to let my pride overrule my manners and snap at people without thinking, like I did just a bit ago. I.....it-," -She shrugged helplessy, still not meeting Semirr's eyes.- "I don't have many friends, because of it."
Semirr: [He paused and gave this thought. Maybe it was just a one-time thing? Well, okay, she'd said it was a bad habit, but was this common? He didn't know, and he was suddenly a little bit frightened in her presence. Best to not let it show. His voice was soft and solemn] Oh. I thought you were angry at me, and that I'd said something upsetting. [He returned to his spear-throwing stance.] Do you think I could hit the knot on the tree over there?
Rashida: -Once she had finished explaining she risked glancing at Semirr ead his body language. It didn't look like her explanation had helped; if anything, it seemed to make it worse! Her ears drooped a little further. She knew it, pride was going to be her ultimate downfall. And as soon as she had that thought, something inside her dug in its heels and rebelled. Well, why couldn't she be proud? What was so wrong with pride? All lions were proud in their own way; heck, a group of lions was labeled as "pride". That spark felt like it lit a fire under her, and her ears snapped back up and she whipped her head around to look at Semirr.- "Why are you acting like you're suddenly afraid of me? I'm still the same person I was when we were talking a moment ago, you just happened to uncover another side of who I am." -She frowned a little, wondering just Semirr was acting this way. The atlatl demonstration seemed to be temporarily forgotten.-
Semirr: [The hunter gave up and put his equipment away. All that would happen today was a talk. He wished, oh how he wished now, that they could go back to the innocent friendship they'd had before today!] You...I do not know what you are going to do, Rashida. It worries me. [He took a deep breath--he shouldn't be telling her this, but he felt like it needed to be said.] My brother and I...were left by our mother when we appeared. We don't know why. So I'm just a little...nervous. And...feeling...alone. [He stared at his feet. It was hard to talk right now.] I do not want to lose your friendship. I have so very few.
Rashida: -Her frown deepened a little in confusion as she tried to figure out just how mother-issues tied into what she'd done that could have made him nervous. It couldn't be from when she snapped, or at least it didn't seem likely, not if his mom abandoned him and his brother before they'd gotten to know her personally. The cause, pride, seemed just as unlikely, and for the same reasons.- "I don't....understand. How do I enter into this? Just what exactly did I do that brought this on?"
Semirr: [He sighed--why couldn't he explain this?] You snapped at me. I'm...worried now that you'll do something unpredictable. Like she did. She left no explanation, and I feel like I'll never understand why she did what she did. Why any...why anyone does what they do.
Geyser Eelborn: He doesn't want to admit he's afraid of women. [COUGH]
Rashida: -For the first time in her life, Rashida looked utterly and completely baffled.- "You're afraid of me...because I unexpectedly snapped at you?" -She just stared blankly at the male, though the urge to bury her face in her paws was growly more and more appealing by the moment.- "Ugh. Okay, let's see if I can't explain this." -She paused, thinking and getting her words in order.- "Well first, I snapped at you cause you hit a touchy point with me. Family and home are kind of a big deal to me and it all seems to be falling apart right now. I shouldn't have growled at you for it, I wasn't thinking." -She sighed and looked off to the side, trying not to let the unhappiness of her family situation swamp her.- "As for not knowing what I might do next, well shouldn't you try getting to know me? How do I know you're not secretly coo-coo and going to jab me with one of your pointy sticks?" -She shrugged.- "That's kind of the whole point to what we're doing right now isn't it, learning things about each other?"
Semirr: [He looked up at Rashida and nodded. What she said...made sense, now that he thought about it. He wondered how he would have reacted if someone had asked him why he only had one parent--he probably lashed out, too. And what she said made sense--he'd forgotten that in the short time they'd known each other, they'd hardly gotten to know each other all that well. With that in mind, he set down his equipment and sat down, looking up at her.] What is happening with your family? If you can talk about it. I promise not to jab you with one of my pointy sticks.
Rashida: -She fidgeted in place a little, looking away a little. Not because she was ashamed, but she found the happenings in her family troubling.- "My grandparents broke up. I don't really see my sisters or brother anymore. I think even my parents might be breaking up, but I don't know for sure." -She gave Semirr a really weak smile.- "I'm too scared to ask and find out for sure."
Semirr: Oh. [He nodded.] I can see how that would make you upset. Is there...anything I can do...?
Rashida: -She shook her head.- "There's not really anything that can be done about it." -Sighing, she brushed some of her hair out of her face.- "Just...sorry if I snap at you again about it. I don't ever mean to, sometimes I can't keep a guard on my tongue."
Semirr: [He nodded and stood up again.] And I will try to be more forgiving. [With that, he picked up his stuff and slung it on his back. They might as well "hang out" (as his housemates called it) somewhere else. Preferably someplace warmer.] Is there something you would like to do, Rashida? Something we can do together to maybe get your heart...well, to get it off of the ground? [He decided at the last minute that the idiom he was going to use, "get your heart out of it," would come out wrong. The literal translation didn't sound good--he should have gone for the local idiom "get your mind off of things." They meant the same thing, but didn't sound the same.]
Rashida: "That sounds agreeable." -She stood, tail uncurling away from her body.- "I don't know of anything off the top of my head. I'm afraid I don't get out to do much besides hunting or just walking through my territory. Is there anything you find enjoyable to do?"
Semirr: [He shook his head.] Me neither. I'm not very social, not many friends. I mostly hunt or explore. There are some nice places around, but it's nicer when the weather's nicer, if that makes any sense.
Rashida: "It does." -She tried to think of something they could do that might be enjoyable.- "I can't really think of anything off the top of my head. There are places I know people sometimes go into, shops and stuff, but-" -She made a little face.- "-I dunno how fun that could be.
Semirr: [He made a face and shook his head] I can't think of anything I could want in any of those shops and stuff. I only go to the shop because it's a social place, and I might meet people. [He didn't add "might meet you."]
Rashida: -She rolled her shoulders in a shrug.- "Aside from those weird moments when I'm somewhere else, like now, I've never left home. I've never really had a friend to do something with either, so I'm at a loss of where we can go around here."
Semirr: [He thought about it for a while and glanced at his wings contemplatively] I...I wonder if I could visit you. In person, someday. It would probably be a long way, but I wonder if I could do it?
Rashida: -She looked around and for the first time tried to guess how far she really was from home if this was the place Semirr lived.- "I don't think it would be an easy journey. Certainly not a fast one, though better if you had only your feet to move you forward." -Pauses to give her own feet a glance, a small smile quirking her lips up for a moment, then looked back up at Semirr.- "I think if it was something you really wanted to do, you could accomplish it. You don't seem like the type to quit when you've made up your mind."
Semirr: [He nodded and smiled slowly] When my bow is made--I don't know when that will be, but I've been working on it for a few months, so not that much longer--I could come find you? You could show me your home. Then we could have something to do with each other. You're right. I don't give up when I set my mind to do something.
Rashida: -Nods, then smiles.- "I sure hope you can see a lot of detail from an ariel view, cause my homeland colors are made up of a lot of brown." -She flicked a very brown tail attached to a very brown body.- "You might have trouble spotting me."
Semirr: I can fly around for a while to find you. I can follow my nose and track you, as well.
Rashida: -Nods, since this makes sense to her.- "I hope to see you in my actual home sometime soon then." -She tilted her head a little, seeming amused.- "Of course you could always try a reverse of this strange travel thing and visit me like I apparently visit you, to get an idea of what you'd be in for."
Semirr: I could ask for help? I don't know how you do it, so I don't know how I could do it. Perhaps Ebony has a book about it. I could ask her. She knows many things.
Rashida: "You should, since I don't know. I do know someone who says its got something to do with humans, but she seemed a little...odd, so I didn't pay much attention to all that she said."
Semirr: [He snorted--a human with magic?! Ridiculous!] The only humans I know of who can do anything out of the ordinary are the ones who work in the kitchen. I've never heard any of them talk about dreaming.
Rashida: -She quietly laughed.- "Well, I did say this female was very strange. Perhaps she just made it up."
Semirr: [He shrugged.] She could have been right. I'll ask around. If anyone knows, it would be Ebony. She knows everything about magic.
Rashida: -Sighs. She isn't very fond of magic, it seems like cheating to her in a way, but she doesn't hold it against anyone who has it.- "Well sounds like you have a plan." -Tilts her head questioningly.- "I suppose....goodbye, until we meet again?" -She wasn't sure if this was a parting point in the conversation, or just a lull.-
Semirr: [He noticed the sigh, but forced himself not to react. To him, magic was a fact of life. Ebony was a family friend, and he trusted her--even if she was female. She was different. And he didn't see any shame in using magic. He didn't understand what Rashida's problem was--this was clearly magic. And what was wrong with that?] Yes, I suppose it is. [He gave her a smile.] Until we meet again, Rashida? Your place, maybe?
Rashida: -She nodded, and managed to give Semirr a genuine smile.- "I'll see you when you get there."
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Posted: Thu Feb 07, 2013 8:44 pm
withSemirrplayed byGeyser Eelborn statusDone
Semirr: [Perches on a rock and sighs, glad that the sun is setting and it's no longer so hot out on the plains. He stares out at the alien landscape and feels distinctly vulnerable]
Rashida: -She looked out over the plains from her perch, kneading her claws absently into the wood beneath her as she surveyed the land before her. The sun was setting and soon it would be night. An excellent time to hunt, when the grazers slept and were less attentive. As she scanned the horizon a frown suddenly crossed her face. She knew that outcropping of rocks in the distance. What was that lump atop it? It was small, but visible. Were there splashes of bright color on it? Curious, Rashida puddled gracefully from the tree to land on the ground, stretching out her muscles before moving forward at an easy trot.-
Semirr: [He noticed the lithe shape trotting towards him, but in the low light, it wasn't clear who it was. Sure, it could be his friend--but it might be someone else. He checked again that his quiver was on his back and his bow by his side and waited to see who the stranger was; when she got closer and could identify her better as Rashida, he moved closer to the edge of the rock and watched her, fidgeting]
Rashida: -The closer she got to the rock the more sure she was that whatever was on it wasn't natural to the landscape; nothing was that green, not when inbetween rainy seasons, and there was nothing that color of blue or purple, nor red. A sneaking suspicion began worming its way to the surface of her thoughts, and the closer she got the more she thought her suspicions were correct. Finally, about thirty feet away from the rock, she sat and cocked her head back to look up at her friend, gracing him with one of her small, rare smiles.- Semirr. I wasn't sure if it was you or not. You're a long way from home, my friend.
Semirr: [Finally, when she was within forty feet, Semirr relaxed. That was definitely Rashida. It couldn't be anyone else. He returned her smile with a small one of his own] The flight was well worth it, Rashida. I'm glad I found you.
Rashida: -She shook her head, but there was still a smile on her face.- I am glad too. The pridelands are very large, the plains they sit in even larger. You must either have an extraordinary amount of luck or you are a far better tracker than I realized. -It wasn't that she doubted he was an excellent tracker already, but as far as she knew from what he'd told her he'd never left his home before; different terrains presented different challenges, and this would have been Semirr's first experience of the plains. She glanced towards the west and pushed her speculations away for another time. Already the sun had sunk below the horizon. Soon darkness would settle over them. Her tail twitched, then suddenly she sprang forward into a ground-eating lope. As she reached the base of the rock she bunched her muscles then leapt upward, climbing up until she could join Semirr on the flat top. She walked over to him, breathing easily as if her climb had been a pleasant stroll.- Night falls upon us soon. I had planned to hunt. -She glanced sideways at him, then looked over the plains.- You are welcome to join me, if you wish.
Semirr: [The hunter watched in admiration as his friend lunged up beside him as easily as stretching. He was a little jealous of her easy leaps, he had to admit, but it was a fine thing to watch, even.] I am a good tracker, but in honesty, I asked for directions. I found a shaman, and he told me how to find a pack of lions. I was hoping I might meet you rather than one of your less savory relatives. [He'd been warned about that--oh yes, he had. He looked out at the plains as well. How well could he hunt in the dark? Fairly well, he was certain. Father had taken him out hunting at dusk and night to train him how to hunt in the jungles, where the floor is always dim and twilit.] I would enjoy joining you, if I would be allowed to make use of my weapons.
Rashida: -For a moment her face tightened. Family was still a sensitive subject with her. It probably always would be, in some fashion or another. But it was only for a moment, and her body relaxed again.- None have wings, so if by chance you had run into someone less than friendly, you'd have been safe in the air. -She thought briefly of Zazu. The loyal servant to her family could fly, but he wasn't a fighter; he'd probably have acted as a tour guide and lecturer. The mental image was amusing, but Rashida brushed it aside with the rest of her idle thoughts.- As long as you don't hit me by mistake, I see no reason why you can't use your....weapons. -She gave the items a dubious look. Maybe she was just a snob, but to her claws and fangs were true weapons. Well, if pointy sticks were what Semirr preferred, she supposed to each their own. She'd never really seen him use weapons before; the one time he was going to give her a demonstration with some carved sticks he'd been carrying, atlatls, she thought they'd been called, she'd let her temper and pride get away from her and they'd ended up having a more-than-slightly uncomfortable conversation instead. Remembering that night, Rashida flexed her claws and wondered just how good a shot was Semirr?- I have never hunted with one who does not take down prey as I do. Have you ever worked with one who fights with fang and claw?
Semirr: [Family was a sensitive subject for Semirr, as well, but Semirr had never met much of his father's or his mother's family. The subject of his own family had never come up in conversation. He did notice Rashida's tightening on the subject--she obviously didn't like it--but he didn't comment. Best not to.] I will not hit you. And I have worked with my father before--he, too, fights with fang and claw, though he does not always trust them to bring his prey down. You have more confidence in this than he does. [He looked at his own paws, devoid of his father's needle-sharp claws. He had always been a little disappointed that he hadn't inherited them, for claws seemed like fine things to have.]
Rashida: -She gave a light shrug.- I pick my battles very carefully, and my kind usually hunt in groups. Lately I've been on my own a lot, so I've had to make smaller kills. -As they spoke the sky steadily grew darker, until it was a deep blue in the west and velvety black in the east.- Soon we'll move out and track down the herds, until we find a good target.
Semirr: [He nods] Hunting in groups sounds like a wise idea. [He looked up at the sky. He was disconcerted with the size of the horizons, though not as much as he'd been a few months ago when he began this journey. Now he was used to them--he didn't like them so much, but he was getting more and more comfortable with them every day. He glanced up into the sky--the stars seemed different. Different places, different stars.] Should I fly on point for prey, or shall we do it on the ground?
Rashida: -She was quiet for a moment, thinking it over. She'd never had a hunting partner from the sky before, and wasn't sure how that would differ from what she was used to. Then again, Semirr's hunting style was probably something she was completely unused to.- Whatever you feel most comfortable with, for tonight. Once we have a better feel of each other's styles, we'll work out a more efficient team style.
Semirr: I would not want to make you uncomfortable or put you off your hunt. Your life depends on it. I can hunt on the ground.
Rashida: -She nodded- If you wish to fly until we find game to hunt, I do not believe that will put my life in danger. You may spot something from the air that I cannot. -She lazily stretch first her front legs, then the back, stretching out her spine and loosening her muscles. She looked out over the plains again, then back to Semirr.- Though if you prefer to follow me on the ground as I track, it is up to you. -She bunched her muscles, then leapt off the rock to land with a muted thud on the dusty earth. She gave herself a quick shake, then began at a swift lope towards the nearest water hole likely to find prey.
Semirr: [Seeing that Rashida was stretching, Semirr followed in suit, taking care to stretch out his wings first. He sighed with the realization that his long flight had left them aching and tired. Ah, well. They could carry him a bit further. He took off in flight above and just behind Rashida, taking care to keep her in sight.
Rashida: -She had to take care with how she moved. Lions weren't the only hunters on the plains that traveled in groups, and plenty of creatures would be perfectly willing to attack her. So while she didn't dawdle, she wasn't crashing through the long grass in a hurry either. Every now and then she'd glance at the sky where she near Semirr to be, though she didn't always see him. Finally they got closer to the watering hole. She could smell the hide and dung scent of grazers, and slowed to a walk then a complete stop. She'd wait here for Semirr to join her before moving forward.-
Semirr: [He followed behind her, mindful that his wings would be making some noise. His feathers weren't soft like an owls--they were more like a diurnal bird-of-prey's wings. He didn't notice many animals below, but to be on the safe side, he flew up a little ways to what he hoped was more out of hearing range before stringing his bow. He flew back down to join Rashida, landing softly on the ground next to her and looking to her for guidance.]
Rashida: -She cocked her head to the side, red eyes flashing reflectively in the darkness as she gave the bow another look. She spoke in a quiet voice.- From here we move quietly. I might only be smelling remains from recent visitors, but no sense taking chances in case we do come upon a drowsing herd. -Hopefully Semirr had experience night-hunting. She almost asked, but didn't want to insult him. If he'd been a hunter for his whole life, as it sounded, surely he knew what he was doing, else he wouldn't have taken her up on her offer. How they were going to work out two completely different hunting styles was probably the larger issue, but until they found something worth taking down Rashida wasn't going to worry about it. She stood and started forward again, taking extra care with her steps now.-
Semirr: [Semirr had hunted at night, usually in forest, but sometimes on plain. Mindful now of every pawstep he took and every noise he made, he nodded his head in acknowledgement of her warning. He followed her pawsteps carefully, keeping low to the ground with his bow balanced on his back between his wings]
Rashida: -The pair hadn't been traveling long when the smell of water reached Rashida's nose to mingle with the animal and plant smells. There was a distant sound ahead, like multiple animals grunting and shifting. The sounds were soft and infrequent enough that they probably came from a smaller herd. Rashida pulled her body close to the ground and stalked forward carefully. Time to see if there was anything worth catching.-
Semirr: [Semirr's ears twitched at the sound of prey animals up ahead, and he scented the air. The animals were totally alien to him, though the smells themselves were not. He'd been smelling them for days now, though he still had no idea what most of them were, beyond just "really big herbivores." Rashida knew what she was doing; Semirr kept close to her, and low to the ground, waiting for her signal. To that end, he kept his own tail still and kept an eye on her ears and tail]
Rashida: -Finally they reached the edge of a break in the tall grass. Rashida froze and cautiously peered ahead. A herd of antelope drowsed fitfully under one of the many tall, thin trees of the plain. A few were quite obviously awake and staring out into the night, but Rashida didn't trust the ones that appeared to be sleeping; she knew it wasn't a deep sleep, and that any startling sounds would have them jerking awake and kicking in an instant. Only the males had long, curving horns on their heads, but the hooves were just as sharp and could pack a punch. Her ears and eyes flicked restlessly, trying to find a choice target. Her attention was caught by a smaller one at the edge, probably a yearling. Female, following one of the older ones in a wandering way, clearly uneasy with the night but too fool to know to stick as close to the main body of the herd as possible. She glanced back where she sensed Semirr was. With a gentle flick of her head she tried to indicate her chosen target, or at least that she had chosen. Once she broke cover the herd would run; it seemed only fair he get a chance to try choosing a target himself. She wasn't sure how it was for those who hunted with pointy sticks, but it seemed like picking a moving target in the dark wouldn't be any more fun for them than it was for her.-
Semirr: [His eyes caught the yearling and considered it. Tempting target...very tempting. But Rashida's flick of the head implied that that was her target. He'd have to find one of his own. He searched the herd as well, gesturing with his head towards a male with a limp. Some past injury, perhaps, and he was just close enough to the edge of the herd for an easy shot. They'd have to strike at the same time, or they'd each startle the herd with their own attacks.]
Rashida: -She acknowledged Semirr's pick with a backward and forward flick of her ears. A slightly feral grin was starting to form on her face. She wasn't some beast who lived for the hunt, but she'd be lying if she said it didn't make her feel very alive in those few moments. Now she waited patiently, letting Semirr ready his weapons while she let her target get in just the perfect spot for an ambush. Semirr's target wasn't moving much because of the limp; she'd noted it, but was reluctant to go with anything for horns it she was going solo. She rose into a crouch, powerful muscled bunch up in anticipation. As soon as the moment felt exactly right she launched from the grass at her fastest speed, making straight for the yearling. The herd shied and squealed, then began to launch into a run. Rashida pushed herself to go faster. Before the yearling could really start running, all of Rashida's deadly weight slammed into her, knocking them both to the ground as Rashida fastened her jaws and held on.-
Semirr: [He would have loved to watch Rashida take her prey down, but first he had to deal with his own. As Rashida's muscled bunched for the lunge, he pulled out his bow, notched an arrow to it, and stood up. His arrow was loosed, and it buried itself in his prey. The herd was running now, and Semirr turned in time to see Rashida make her own kill. It was...interesting. Unusual. Primal. Simple and elegant, hunting at its plainest and truest. She was...well, she was right to take pride in her skills. He forgot all about his prey, entranced with watching.]
Rashida: -The yearling thrashed in her grip, uttering a strangled bawling sound. Rashida increased the pressure of her jaws, further cutting off any air. She could feel her teeth biting through muscles and bones cracking in her grip. She used her hold to keep the yearling from regaining her feet, flexing strong muscles in her neck to keep the yearling's head down. She kicked out with her back feet, digging claws into tender flesh and ripping at it, leaving long, bloody furrows in the beast's belly, while twisting and avoiding the legs and sharp hooves of her prey. The noises it made were weaker and now had a gargling quality to them; blood was filling the throat and starting to ooze from the corners of the mouth and from the punctures around Rashida's teeth. Finally the struggles grew less and less, until the yearling lay dead on the ground beneath her. Rashida held firm a few moments longer to be sure, then remembered Semirr and raised her head to look for him and see how he had faired.-
Semirr: [At the sight of blood, he shook his head and tore his gaze away. Two voices were arguing in his head--the voice that said he wanted to learn how to do that, and the voice that said that at this point in his life, it was best to stick with what he'd grown up learning. It wasn't that it was too late to learn--it was just that, at this point, he would never be as good as she was. He made his way over to his prey, picked it up, and slung it over his shoulder] Well-caught. You're a master at this.
Rashida: -She shrugged as if to say it were nothing, though secretly she was pleased at the praise. It had been a while since she'd had any; she was still a proud creature, even if her family was incomplete.- I've been doing this since I was big enough to learn. -Feeling the need to be truthful, she added.- I lose almost as many as I catch, however. It is hard to hunt this way alone, when you have only one chance to get it right. -She bent and picked up her kill by the neck, pulling it closer to where Semirr stood then releasing it to survey his own prize.- Very clean. Those things don't look like much until you see what they can do. -She offered Semirr a small smile, then ducked her head, suddenly feeling a little shy for some reason.-
Semirr: [The fact that she missed some of her prey startled him--but on the other hand, it also made sense] I miss my prey sometimes, too. You can't always help the weather, or the prey. And sometimes you just have an off-day. [He looked over her kill and compared it to his] It's a matter of hitting a part that's vital to life. An eye is good, but it's hard to hit--the chest is better, but it doesn't always work. And it takes time to make new arrows. [She was smiling, and he returned the smile. His cheeks heated up, though what he was feeling embarrassed about he didn't understand.]
Rashida: -She chuckled deep in her throat.- Well then, advantages and disadvantages to both sides, it seems. -She looked down at their kill, aware of the coppery scent of blood starting to trickle into the air.- Do you want to eat here or attempt to find somewhere else. -She stared out into the grass.- Plenty out there that lives on stealing the kills from others. Hyenas, for example. You don't want to mess with them. -Her eyes flicked to Semirr again, but her ears remained on alert.- There's not much secure around here. Usually the only way to fend of poachers is to have more of you than more of them.
Semirr: [He thought about it for a few seconds, looking around. There were always scavengers around to steal a kill. Where he'd been raised, near the shop, the scavengers were mostly coyotes, though bears weren't unheard of. In the jungle, there could be other creatures looking to steal a kill.] I think we should find somewhere more secure. [He pulled the arrow out of his prey and tucked it back into his quiver. Waste not, want not.]
Rashida: -She gave a short, nearly imperceptible sigh. That was one problem with living on the plains, and why creatures in groups did better than ones and twos.- There's not much around. Very few caves, none very good, and none close, in any case. Our best bet would be a tree or a tall rock. -She left her kill for a moment to walk a couple steps closer to the tree the herd had been taking shelter under. Ugh, no good. She could climb it if she had too, but not while hauling up a heavy carcass as well. There were no good lower branches that would help her. The rest of the trees were a bit small. None were the thick, many-branched kind ideal for hiding a kill in, nor did she see any close by. Rashida turned and looked at Semirr.- I don't suppose you could fly these up there? -The way she asked, she didn't have much hope that he could. Those carcasses were heavy.- Or see if there's an ideal place close that we can't see from here? Otherwise we'll have to eat fast while guarding our backs, and get out of here with whatever we can carry that won't slow us down.
Semirr: [He looked up at the tree appraisingly, then glanced at the bodies. The expression on his face was doubtful.] I'm not that strong. I can carry my weapons, and I could carry a kit, but these are a bit too heavy. But I could definitely scout out a place to eat. Should I keep close enough for you to guard the food, or should I get higher into the air? [Personally, he was inclined to stay close. He didn't want to leave her in a sticky situation]
Rashida: -She turned both options over in her head, thinking about their various merits. It didn't take her too long to make a choice.- Stick close. If you have to go higher to find a safe place, it's probably too far to be practical. -Her shoulder blades rose in a shrug.- If you can't find anything we'll just eat what we can and move on to somewhere safer. I've had to do that before. -It was a little irritating to think that most of her efforts would have gone to feeding scavengers, but only a little. It was her own fault for taking down such large prey.-
Semirr: [He refused to give up his food without a fight] What about that rock cluster we found before? The one where we met? Would that be a good place?
Rashida: -She gave Semirr a doubtful look.- It is not far if we were unburdened, barely a warm-up of a run. Dragging these -She tapped a paw lightly against the side of her kill- we will be slowed down. We run the risk of being ambushed and having to abandon our kills without even eating, for we will have to go now before the smell of blood attracts scavengers. We will have to constantly guard the spot as well, until the kills are gone. -She tilted her head lightly to the side.- Do these risks seem acceptable to you in the face of lose versus gain? -She asked it in neutral tones, not negative or judging but as though curious to hear Semirr's answer.-
Semirr: [The fact that Rashida was not attempting to be critical was lost on him. His ears flicked backwards in irritation and he shook his head without saying a word. With that, he launched himself into the air, flying up further than he had originally intended to, and took stock from the air. There was a different jumble of rocks out in the distance on the other side of a small hill, not much more than a five-minute drag with their loaded carcasses. He flew over to investigate, and noting no fresh scent of carnivore in the region, he flew back to report.] Follow me.
Rashida: -She blinked and stared after Semirr when he took off, wondering what bug bit him. Probably pride, she thought. Hunters were a proud breed, after all. She just happened to be a little bit more...extravagant in her pride that some, so it shouldn't have come as a surprise to discover Semirr had his own buttons one could push. Fair turnabout, she thought wryly, considering the times she'd snapped at the male without thinking. It didn't stop her from raising an eyebrow when Semirr came in to land and gave a brisk command. She gave mentally shrugged and picked up her kill by the throat, indicating with another quirk of her brows that he was to lead on.-
Semirr: [It figured. Every time he'd come to believe that Rashida was a completely calm, completely rational person, she had to go ahead and act snippy or critical. Males never gave him this garbage--why did females have to be so different?! He picked up his own kill and slung it over his back, taking the lead. With one paw and his teeth, he unstrung his bow and added it to the heavy burden on his back. If need be, he could defend himself with a spear, or just use an arrow as a knife.]
Rashida: -As soon as they began walking her mind turned away from Semirr and went on high alert of their surroundings. She strained her ears for the slightest hint that something might be sneaking up on them in the grass, kept her eyes moving constantly looking for the slightest hint of movement that could betray an attack before it happened. Funny, but even hyper aware there was something in Rashida that relaxed. She'd missed this, missed hunting in a group. It was a small group and an odd way of hunting, but it still seemed to ring familiar in her heart. Without having to think about it her mind slipped back into old habits, keeping tabs on Semirr as she followed while keeping an eye to their sides and back.
Semirr: [He kept going until they reached the new cluster of rocks, his ears constantly flicking back to sense if she was still there. By the time they'd arrived, he'd managed to work most of his fuming off. Rashida was just a strange person. A pleasant person to hang out with most of the time, but she had unpredictable spells. He'd just have to learn to accept that if he wanted to continue being her friend. He laid his prey down and jumped into flight to get a look around; nope, still no scavengers.] Here's the place.
Rashida: -She weighed the pros and cons of eating down here or dragging her kill up on the rocks to eat. In the end it was the thought that there were too many other predators out here who could jump that decided her. Getting hemmed in from the sides and above was really something she'd rather not experience, given the chance. She resettled her grip on the neck of the antelope and gathered her muscles under her, and leapt. She had to scramble a bit, but in the end she finally made it up. While she trusted Semirr, she automatically gave the plains her own scan for any danger before looking back down where her friend waited below.- Coming up, or would you prefer to eat down there? Or we sharing mine and leaving yours for another day? -That might be neater, now that she thought about it, instead of having two bloody, partially eaten meals to guard.-
Semirr: [He grabbed his own prey and climbed the rocks awkwardly, using his wings and tail as balance and leverage. Once up there, he scanned the plains in the dusky twilight, and turned back to Rashida] I hadn't thought that far. Is there someplace where we could leave this prey for later? Where vultures couldn't find it?
Rashida: -She shrugged.- If it's not vultures it's other scavengers. We could bury it to discourage birds, but other things can dig it up. We can try to find a cave, but those aren't exactly common around here. We pretty much have to guard leftovers until they're either gone or not worth guarding anymore. -She quirked her head to the side, a small smile on her face.- It's another advantage of hunting in groups. Better success rate, and the leftovers go quicker.
Semirr: [Frowns; both ideas sound bad, and he's seen leopards while flying overhead, so the trees were right out] Maybe we could bring the excess food to someone else who needs it?
Rashida: That's about the same as just leaving it for scavengers. Out here, almost everything needs the food. -She glanced down at their kills, crowding the space on the rock, a bit of thoughtfulness to her expression.- We should have targeted something small, I suppose, though there was always the chance one of us would have missed. If I knew where all my family was these days, I'm sure they'd have been glad for the extra. My brother's already a grandfather. -Unfortunately she only knew this through word of mouth; she'd never met any of her nieces and nephews. She shrugged, her tone matter-of-fact.- Not many care to take their chances on the plains, and most that do are territorial. I don't know how things usually are where you live, but here, if you're a solo hunter or part of a small group, you usually guard your kill until either it's gone or you're driven away by bigger or badder hunters. That's just how it is.
Semirr: [He bit his tongue. When he'd asked about needy mouths to feed, he had been thinking specifically about family. If she weren't so sensitive, he could have just said it...] That sounds like a hard use of time. But if you think it worthwhile, then that is what we shall do.]
Rashida: -There was a hint of amusement lurking in her bright red eyes.- It can be, though there's not much else to do aside from scouting and practicing. What do you do, when you make a kill too big for you to eat in a day, or even two?
Semirr: We sell it to someone else. But there's no people around here with money, so that's not an option. I doubt we could use it as trading material, either.
Rashida: -She shook her head.- Not around here, no. Maybe closer to the ocean or "civilized" places. -She bent her head down to her kill, examining it for a good starting spot; the first bit was one of the toughest, having to work through that hide. Finding a likely-looking point, she sank her fangs into the meat and started on filling up her belly. Better get as much down as possible, just in case something did come try to steal it.-
Semirr: [Once Rashida had begun to eat, the bird-winged hunter joined in as well, falling silent and mulling over the strange new place he found himself in. Different, but fascinating. He could tell he had a lot to learn.]
Rashida: -She ate as much as she thought was safe. The more she got down the quicker the kills would vanish and the sooner they'd have to stop worrying about scavengers, but too much meat in her belly could slow her down if she found herself needing to move quickly. Well, at least there was still room on the rocks to stretch out. There was nothing more satisfying for digestion than stretching out to sun on a rock, in Rashida's opinion. Not that there was any sun at the moment, but it'd show up eventually. What were she and Semirr going to do while they were camped in this spot? Well, she could think of a few things they could do to pass the time, but being of the quieter, not as good at socializing ones in her family, it made her a little uncomfortable to think of initiating idle conversation or starting a game.-
Semirr: [The food was delicious; it wasn't quite the same as any animal he'd ever eaten. When he'd had his fill of the meat, he briefly considered climbing into the tree; leopards hunted in trees, but there were far more enemies on the ground. But, on the first paw, he was sleepy and full--not the best flying or climbing conditions. Instead he took off his weapons, and, keeping them still very close to him, he stretched out] A fine feast, and a good hunt.
Rashida: -Rashida nodded, settling herself down into a sitting position with her tail curned neatly around her feet.- A good hunt indeed. -She glanced at Semirr's position. He looked tired. She found herself wondering about him. Were night hunts rare for him, or did he do them frequently. What was normal for him?- I'll take first watch, if you want to sleep. I'm used doing most of my work at night and napping during the day.
Semirr: [Semirr nodded--a good plan] I did a lot of flying today. I will hopefully be better tomorrow. [With that, he curled into a ball. He didn't fall asleep yet, though--he had some grooming to do. He spread out one wing and picked through it with his fingers, dusting off each feather and laying it out right against the others.]
Rashida: -For a moment she sat and watched Semirr work. She'd seen birds grooming themselves before, but there was something a bit different in this case. Birds had such dull plumage sometimes, but all the better to hide themselves. Semirr's wings were bright to her eyes, even in the dark, and the colors shifting about as he attended to and arranged each feather was actually quite beautiful. With a bit of reluctance she looked away, eyes glowing faintly in the scant moonlight as she scouted the land, ears constantly on the move. She welcomed the gentle breeze, even if it meant the smell of blood was that much further dispersed; for some reason her face was feeling unusually warm.-
Semirr: [Feathers now fully laid out and arranged, the male could curl up to sleep. He hadn't noticed that his grooming had been observed; he just curled in a ball, tucked his tail over his nose, and folded his wings against his back. His paws clutched a spear. Sleepily, he murmured,] Night.
Rashida: -She chuckled very softly under her breath.- Sleep well. -The rest of the night she sat out watch on the rock, sometimes hopping down to pace and stretch out her muscles to keep from getting stiff, but always making sure to return with as little disturbance as she could manage. Once she caught the sound and faint scent of hyenas in the distance, but they were far away and upwind so there was no danger of them watching the scent of the lioness and her hunter friend. As so when the sky began to lighten to a dull, steely blue with hints of pink and orange at the very edge of the land to the east, Rashida was still calmly sitting there to greet the new day.-
Semirr: [He woke up the next morning feeling rejuvenated, but confused. First, he checked that his weapons were intact--check. Rashida was still here, as was the food. What was so confusing? He slung the quiver on his back and walked over to the eastern side of the rock to sit next to his friend] I thought I was supposed to take second watch.
Rashida: -She heard Semirr as he rose and moved around, but continued to watch the sky to the east with a feeling of peace in her heart. When Semirr came over she turned her head and blinked at him.- You are. Look, the sun is starting to rise. -There was a hint of a smile on her mouth and a very relaxed air about her when she turned back to the sky.- For all that this can be a hard land, it's beautiful, my home. -She settled down on the rock, curling up with her head resting on her front paws. The sun peeked over the horizon, a brilliant orange-red orb that added golds and purples to the pink and orange and turned the roof of the sky into a clear blue that faded into pale twilight to the west. The light was so gentle now, it was hard to believe soon it would become impossible to look at the sun without pain. It settled into her fur, making the dark brown glow. Rashida glanced up at Semirr from her position. Was he upset he'd slept the rest of the night? She'd meant to take the whole night as her watch, but perhaps he'd thought she meant to split the night into two watches. They hadn't really elaborated.- I don't really sleep until the middle of the day, when it's hottest and a time best suited to rest. You've been traveling a ways, so it seemed more efficient to let you sleep until sunrise rather than split up the night if all was going to be quiet. -She looked back to the east and blinked.- It was an attempt to be thoughtful, since I don't know your limits or whether or not you've been pushing at them. We can talk about it and settle on a schedule later. -A hint of amusement entered her voice.- I think all teams get a few toes stepped on in the beginning, until they settle into a comfortable routine.
Semirr: [He blinked back at her and lay down on the rock beside her, watching the sun rise. It struck him, suddenly, just how far from home he really was. How far he was from anyone else he'd ever known. The rising of the sun reminded him--in reds and purples--of his father and brother. He would see them again someday, that much was certain, but now... Well, now he was in a strange but beautiful land with a good friend and many challenging hunts ahead. It would be difficult. There would be blocks ahead. And misunderstandings. But for now, it was a beautiful sunrise with someone he cared about. He brushed her shoulder with his wing, a friendly gesture, or, maybe something otherwise. But he shrugged with his leg-shoulders.] It is quite alright. If you will sleep during the day, then we need someone awake to guard our food. I will keep watch today. Thank you for the sleep. It was a restful one. [He smiled, even if she wasn't turned to see it.] I have confidence we will prevail.
Rashida: -She dipped her head regally in response to both the thanks and the assertion that they would prevail. She had no doubt they would, if for no other reason than they were both hunters, hardwired for survival. And there was more to this relationship than that. Her eyes drifted shut while her mind buzzed. A mutual respect of each other's abilities that continued to grow with their gradual understanding of each other. Pride and temper, accepted as part of who they were and forgiven then that part sometimes bit. Even as they muddled along, their individual songs had begun to weave together into what someday could be a beautiful harmony. The fog of sleep settled gently over her before her mind could conclude its line of introspection, though her shoulder still felt a bit warm where Semirr's wing had touched her.-
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Posted: Thu Feb 07, 2013 8:46 pm
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Posted: Thu Feb 07, 2013 8:48 pm
[size=9][align=center][color=black][b]with[/b][/color]
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Posted: Thu Feb 07, 2013 8:50 pm
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Posted: Thu Feb 07, 2013 8:52 pm
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Posted: Thu Feb 07, 2013 8:54 pm
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Posted: Thu Feb 07, 2013 8:56 pm
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Posted: Thu Feb 07, 2013 8:58 pm
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Posted: Thu Feb 07, 2013 9:00 pm
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Posted: Thu Feb 07, 2013 9:02 pm
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Posted: Thu Feb 07, 2013 9:04 pm
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Posted: Thu Feb 07, 2013 9:06 pm
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