|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Wed Sep 24, 2008 1:06 pm
 The sun was bright overhead, and the fine mist in the air glittered. It was almost as beautiful as sunrise over the forest, Florian thought... just a bit wetter. Even here, way back from the edge of the precipice that the waterfall hurtled over, the spray splashed back onto his face. It would probably get even wetter closer to the edge. There was probably a rainbow below, where the falling water hit the floor of the canyon, and there was even more spray. But he'd have to look over the edge to see that, and that would mean getting closer to the wetness...
But it would be worth it. The young painter smiled to himself and took a couple of steps nearer the edge of the cliff. Sure enough, the spray blew into his face more forcefully than before, and he had to blink to avoid getting water in his eyes. But, as he edged closer, careful to watch where he put his feet on the slippery rock, the view below emerged from the haze. And it was beautiful. Far beaneath him, the spray arced up and out from the ground, and an iridescent pastel rainbow glittered across the width of the canyon.
Florian smiled. Well worth getting soaked for.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Sep 25, 2008 4:15 pm
‘Hmmm, he’s getting heavy…’ The seal brown dragoness thought, silently pleased with herself; gripping her ‘pet’ more firmly around the neck, she internally pictured herself devouring on the fattened creature…he’d surely make for a great fall-back if a dry-spell hit the island. This promptly caused the Chimaeve to gasp and squirm once the teeth dug further into his fragile flesh.
“Ow! Ow! Ow! That huuuuurts~.” The tiny male cried out pitifully, which quickly snapped the dragoness back to attention and loosened her grip to allow him breath.
Cioccoiato on whim decided to allow her Chimaeve the rare honor to choose where both would travel to for that day. And to no surprise the tiny creature eagerly shouted ‘Water! Water!’ as soon as she offered the suggestion. Thankfully however the femme had taken shelter only afew miles away the night before, so the distance wasn’t of great length.
Slowly closing in on the location, she could gradually pinpoint familiar landmarks before the grand fresh waters lake came to view; she fallowed the short distance of river before it met the edge of the cliff in which sent the waters plummeting down the canyon. It would be afew more moments before the dragoness viewed the stranger who sat precariously on the rim of the gorge, so for that short while she entertained other thoughts as she progressively lowered closer to the ground.
The female wasn’t attractive by the ‘fundamental standard’; heck afew could say she wasn’t good-looking period. With a body that was more huskily built, her muscles bulged on her back, even now as her wings beat in unison. With coffee brown scales and caramel speckles that dotted her back and underbelly….she was less vibrant and interesting. Aswell Cioccoiato had a few scars toying around with the skin they were upon, which in themselves tell of numerous occasions she’d had in the past. Besides those features….she was pretty, well, normal looking. If there but one thing worth notation, where her eyes, they were wide and always fully open, revealing the scarlet orbs that looked quite ominous at night.
She wasn’t sure exactly how long she was staring at the figure before her, shortening the distance between them…when her pet piped up quietly. “That a sandpaint? Cio?”
The female grunted an affirmative in response, before throwing her head back as she released hold of the Chimaeve, which caused the male to fly up momentarily before falling onto the female’s back. “If you fall, I wont catch you.” The dragoness warned, after which she began pumping her wings at a higher rate, with the Chimaeve gripping onto her back for his life.
Cioccoiato wanted to test this stranger…of whom she could tell was a sandpaint. She didn’t care for the company of others who were weak. So if she could manage to spook him and came him fly away…there wouldn't be much of a loss in her standards, weaklings are so terribly bothersome anyway. But he was to stand his ground, fight back, and actually show some level of skill…Cio didn’t bother to think much into for now. She was getting terribly close by now, surely close enough for him to notice her presence. But instead of offering a warm hello like any normal dragon would do. The femme let out a rain of fire, most of which was snuffed out by the mist. She didn’t bother to let loose the full power of her fire….it would be idiotic to fully blast flames in a place so moist. No, she’d have to lead him away to attack him with the elements. For now, she’d have to use more physical attacks. Out reaching her rear claws for landing, the woman felt to make a perch of his head.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Sep 26, 2008 8:18 am
Absorbed in watching the arching spray as he was, the first Florian knew of the approaching female was the ragged flames that swept past his head. They were somewhat pathetic in the damp air, and he looked up unscathed, searching for their source - and saw it coming straight down at his head.
His eyes widened in alarm and the young painter sidestepped away from the female, ducking out from under her claws. Sliding awkwardly away, he realised he was precariously balanced on the river bank, only a few feet from rushing water which would surely sweep him off the cliff. He began to scrabble in vain at the slippery rock, all his attention on keeping his footing, but his claws lost purchase, and his best efforts weren't helping him at all. With an undignified cry of annoyance, Florian slid headfirst over the edge.
For several moments, there was no sign of the brightly coloured painter - just white water and mist obscuring any view of what lay below. Then the column of water exploded outwards, falling away to reveal bright yellow skin marked with green spines. Florian shot upwards with a couple of quick wingbeats. He was soaked, water pouring off him in rivulets and splashing up from his moving wings, and he was also rather bewildered. The female had come from nowhere; he didn't recognise her, and she'd had no reason to go for him like that. Unless it had been an accident - or a practical joke. Wet as he was, Florian didn't think it was a very good joke, if it was one. Frowning, he beat his wings harder, heading rapidly upwards, back up to the head of the waterfall, to look for her. He deserved an explanation.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Sep 26, 2008 3:43 pm
Laughter. Hard, rather hoarse laughter. That was all the female let loose once the dragon dived into the river and was carried with the currents to the canyon bottom. Still chuckling spitefully, the femme carefully inched to the edge, in attempt to catch a peek, if there was one, of the ill-fated stranger. But alas, for the first few moments she couldn’t see a thing. Just when she was about to draw her upper half from over the edge, an explosion of color lifted from the mist below.
Rising her ‘eyebrows’ the dragoness was surprised to see the male return, after his pitiful display only moments before she denounced him as a weakling. ‘So he returns….’ She thought, considering a return of her previous thoughts. She wasn’t so easy to impress. Pulling herself upright, the dragon turned her attention to her ‘pet’ Chimaeve. The creature was already preoccupied, making tentative steps closer to the raging water, deeming the worth in risks in taking a plunge. Helping in make the decision, the female whipped her tail around, the tip snapping against the rump of her pet which sent him flailing as he submerged into the white water. “Pest….I’ll fetch you later.” She murmured, watching as the creature was carried by the currents.
Flexing her wings, the dragoness vainly tried to shake the excess dew from them. ‘This is why I hate water falls…’ She stood readily prepared for the return of the other, expecting him lash out. Not that she’d mind. The dragoness enjoyed a good fight once in awhile. She didn’t offer much acknowledgement to the sandpaint when he arrived, she acted as if he wasn’t there and merely yawned lazily before cracking her neck, scarlet eyes fixed on nothing in particular.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Sep 27, 2008 10:58 am
Florian stared at the female, uncomprehending. After a moment of two of hovering, with some difficulty staying in place, at the level of the clifftop, he demanded, "Well, what was that for? Why are you ignoring me?" She... didn't seem very friendly, he thought. Rather odd, all considered. He couldn't fathom why anyone would act as she had.
Despite his resentment, Florian couldn't help being intrigued. She was pretty, in an understated way, in his opinion at least. His friends always made fun of his taste in females, thinking he was strange to prefer dark shades and subtle patterns over bright colours and elaborate markings. But with this female, it was her eyes that stood out, that entranced him. They were bright scarlet, framed by dark triangles that drew attention to them, and completely unreadable. And that was a totally inappropriate thought to be having about a female he’d only just met, whose name he didn’t know, and who had just attacked him. The yellow painter swallowed uncomfortably and distracted himself by sweeping above her, landing on the other side.
The ground there was less slippery, less dangerous if she surprised him again, and of course further away from the cliff edge – it was a tactical choice as well as being the most practical one. This female was unpredictable and Florian was reluctant to turn his back on her for any length of time. Confusion and annoyance fought for control of his expression, but annoyance was stronger and he settled for a glare as he turned to confront her, his striped tail flicking irritably across the ground.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Sep 27, 2008 2:36 pm
“I have no idea what you mean….” The female’s voice surfaced coolly, in response to the male’s accusations. She kept her eyes averted, acting as if she were merely speaking with a child who demanded attention. Well, he could have easily been two years younger then her. She stole a few chance glances at him, inspecting his rather prefect body, not one blemish…not a single scar she could find. Her disapproval showed, the corners of her mouth pulling into a frown.
“How very….sad.” She said aloud, this time allowing her eyes to stay on his form. She’d looked just in time to see him swallow uncomfortably, she could only guess what sort of thoughts danced on his mind. No doubt staring at her unfeminine scars…her bulky frame? It all showed strength, and she could care less if another found disapproval in it. Her head and gaze fallowed the other as he glided over-head landing away from the cliff-edge. Well at least he wasn’t an idiot; he learnt his lesson after the first time, now she couldn’t simply shove him off, if he bored her as company. “You best learn to keep an expression like that to yourself child. It isn’t my fault you over-reacted.” The words practically dripped with venom. Oh no, Cio did NOT like the glare he was giving her, “You think your so tough. Come at me then.” She was egging him on, and with a smirk she wondered how much she’d be able to manipulate his emotions. “I mean, it’s not like it was my fault you hopped off the cliff. I was merely dropping in.”
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Sep 27, 2008 3:04 pm
Florian narrowed his eyes at the female, but his temper held. She had called him a 'child' - he guessed it was supposed to be an insult - but that had little effect on him. So he was young - he was resigned to that, at least. There was nothing he could do about it except live, and he was doing pretty well with that so far. But the female really didn't seem very happy. She was actually inviting him to attack her! Florian eyed her uncertainly. No; now he looked at her more closely, her skin bore the scars of, presumably, previous battles, and she was muscular compared to his slim build. While he was almost certainly more manoeuvrable in the air than her, a fight wasn't what he wanted right now. He was annoyed, but not that annoyed.
The bright painter sat back, calmer now, his glare fading to a faint frown. "I see. You startled me, that's all. And the waterfall makes the rocks there slippery - I should have realised," he admitted, then paused. What could he say next? He was not going to apologise for something that was only half his fault. Shaking his head to rid himself of the drops of water trickling uncomfortably down his neck, he took the opportunity to think. What was it you were supposed to do to defuse situations like this? Ah, yes - humour. He had no idea how she'd react to that, but it was worth a try.
Florian looked up, smirking back at the female. "At least you're almost as wet as I am," he commented.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Sep 27, 2008 3:42 pm
The dragoness, sat back on her hunches, ‘Apparently he isn’t as easily aroused in combat. Well he isn’t an idiot….like others of his gender.’ She noted, remembering numerous occasions in the past of hot tempered males who’d she fought with when she insulted them…mostly by questioning their masculinity.
“Yes, well…next time don’t jump to false pretenses.” She replied, trying desperately not to smile or let loose a giggle. Cioccoiato sat quietly, not minding the awkward silence form between them, her eyes had stayed glued to the male since she allowed herself indulgence….and now she found herself unable to look away.
‘How long has it been?’ She tired to remember…she couldn’t. To see a male, of her kind and actually converse. It wasn’t that the femme purposefully isolated herself….okay, she did. But she was beginning to feel, regret? Something clouded her mind, as she stared on, eyeing the male before her. One would think with an island full of dragons it’d be hard to NOT come in contact, but Cioccoiato managed to find away.
She laughed, it wasn’t as strongly as earlier…but it was genuine. The female was not known to pull punches for another’s sake. So her laughs came because, well she found it funny despite the fact. It was probably because of the sheer corniness of the joke…plus he was kind of cute when he smirked. The laughter came out in a short burst, and she only stopped when she snorted. Then it stopped abruptly, and she coughed into her balled up claws. “I’m assuming you aren’t going to leave I take it?” She began, “Do you have a name? Or shall I have to assume one for you?” She bowed her head, a sly smile forming on her lips. Cioccoiato wasn’t much of a flirt, and she wasn’t actually trying…it just came natural. The femme obviously went too long without companionship, if she was becoming so easily attached to this male.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Sep 27, 2008 4:27 pm
Florian grinned when the female laughed. She really was a strange one - he'd only half expected that tactic to work. But with her question his expression softened into a genuine smile. "I'm Florian. I suppose you can make up a name for me if you like, but I might not answer to it. What about you?" he added.
He certainly wasn't going to leave, not now she'd actually started talking to him. It didn't look like she was lacking in confidence, not from the way she'd spoken, but, when she bowed her head she'd looked... different. Not quite shy, but less likely to attack him at a moment's notice. Besides, now he'd seen her laugh so openly, she seemed like she might be fun, if she got the chance. As these thought passed through his mind, the young painter had a moment of uncharacteristic boldness. His smile widened again, and he added, "And no, I don't think I will leave just yet."
Almost as soon as the words had left his mouth, his mind began to work frantically, realising that he had just as good as proclaimed his interest in her, and wondering how he was going to back that up. He'd have to find a way to keep her attention, now - or maybe he'd already done that by making a fool of himself. Florian's smile wavered slightly as his mind whirred, but he couldn't change it now.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Sep 28, 2008 7:10 am
“Florian.” She repeated, with a nod of her head. “No, I believe that name suites you.” The femme swished her dark tail slowly, contemplating for a moment if she should reveal her true name. As far as she could tell, this ‘Florian’ easily revealed his name without hesitation. “I am….Shar-..Cioccoiato.” At the final moment she changed her mind, deciding it’d be best to keep it truthful. What could he hold over her head by knowing her name?
“Hmmm…oh, really?” She teased, “One would think a youngster like yourself would have pressing matters to attend to.” Rising to her feet, the dragoness drew closer to the male, keeping a fair distance from him so he wouldn’t get nervous. As she circled him the female held a predatory smile, “I haven’t had company in awhile, you are sure you aren’t needed elsewhere?” She offered, knowing full and well she wouldn’t allow him to leave even if he had a change of heart. He looked like an able play-thing…
Soft ‘tinks’ sounded as the claws clicked against the jagged rock that framed the river. Some of the rocks shifted under her frame as she padded around him. His scales seemed brighter with the water droplets refracting sunlight on them. She herself was glossy as well, enough of the dew collecting on her skin to begin to form droplets that slid off her scales. “I’m growing tired of this river. I would much rather be down at the canyon bottom…wouldn’t you agree?” Her pace slowed to a halt, considering possibilities in herding him to the canyon bed. They could have always just…flew down normally. But that was just boring. “Do you like games? I love them….ever hear of ‘catch’?” She asked, crouching, with her upper half pressed to the ground, and her rump swayed, the dark tail whipping around in what could closely be described as ‘playful’. Raking her head against the air, Cioccoiato leapt forward which upon landing on her hind legs, beat her forelegs in the air, before barreling in Florian’s general direction, in attempt to spook him into jumping towards the canyon’s edge, or very least into the air. The game had begun.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Sep 28, 2008 8:12 am
Florian wondered a little at the female's hesitation over saying her name, but he didn't have much chance to think about it. "Cioccoiato," he repeated, ignoring her jibes about him having other things to do. "Pretty name, but a bit of a tongue twister," he added with a smile, and was about to ask if he could shorten it when she began to circle him. Florian followed her path with his eyes, uncertain of her intentions. Her gaze was piercing, and she was clearly studying him, and he couldn't help but feel a little uncomfortable.
He blinked uncertainly at her next remark, for he liked it up here, even if it was wet, and then just looked more bemused at the apparent non sequitur about games.
Realisation hit him a moment before Cioccoiato herself nearly did, and he leapt nimbly backwards - well, relatively nimbly, until he spoiled it by treading on his own tail and stumbling as he landed. He still managed to move out of her way, and then began to edge backwards, parallel to the cliff edge, keeping a close watch for signs of sudden movement. So she liked to play - well, he could certainly enjoy doing that, for a while. He hadn't played 'catch' in ages, and she was sweet when she was acting playful.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Sep 28, 2008 8:45 am
Stopping when the male tripped over his tail, the female merely rolled her eyes, a smirk on her lips. “Clumsy aren’t you?” Though she was rather peeved that he didn’t go in the direction she wanted him in. Well, he wasn’t stupid…she’d give him that. It was easily harder for her to get hold of him, with him being younger, as well as more slender. A smoldering flame burned in the back on her throat, smoke puffed on of her mouth with each breath.
She was obviously growing restless, yet she couldn’t move just yet. Her claws racked beneath them, her muscles tensioning and loosening as she rolled both shoulders. She couldn’t very well sneek up on him…and he was just to aerodynamic to catch in one pounce. But she might actually have a chance in out doing him in endurance. Unfolding her wings that had been tucked closely to her body, the female beat both twice, in a manner similar to earlier when she shook dew from them. But this time she made a running start, as if she was going to chase him, and caught a wind before lifting off the ground and giving chase.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Sep 28, 2008 3:07 pm
At the sight of the female taking off, Florian whirled round and pushed off from the ground. He was just barely ahead of her as he shot into the sky, translucent wings beating hard to try to gain ground. And it worked, to start with. He was lighter and faster than his more muscular pursuer, but he wasn't used to strenuous exercise, and he was soon breathing hard. Slowing, he began to glide for short periods, beating his wings at irregular intervals and making the most of warm updrafts. That was better – this way he could keep up a decent speed and save some of his energy.
He hadn’t actually travelled a great distance from the waterfall, since he’d circled round towards Crater Lake and back, and was now heading out towards the cliff edge. Directly below him, the river thundered into the canyon, white water falling away into the distance. Florian glanced back over his shoulder at Cio. She’d said that she’d rather be in the canyon – well, now was the chance. He’d see how she reacted to this manoeuvre.
In one neat movement, the bright painter folded his wings flush to his body and angled downwards, diving headfirst towards the base of the fall. He closed his eyes against the stinging wind and the dizzying sight of the rocks walls as he hurtled past them, and momentarily forgot all about the female behind him.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
