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 Posted: Fri Nov 28, 2008 11:22 am
[AIM RP; Kimaria and Nuxaz]
The air was different here.
The way it smelt, the way it tasted, the way it felt in his fur. Even the wind acted differently near the coastline. It drew Cassian across the land as if he were a stray leaf. It had been a long journey and finally he could sense it drawing close to an end.
They'd been forced to go slower due to his wounds. These wounds were healing up nicely now and weren't so bad that they'd leave a scar. It'd be a while before the fur grew to cover them up and until then he'd look a little tatty around the edges. Even still, Cassian couldn't see them - since they were on his shoulders - and what he couldn't see didn't bother him. Though...sometimes the scar tissue did itch!
"I think." He puffed, after climbing an incline in the landscape. "We're almost there." He was moving up a slope, pushing through undergrowth headfirst - not caring that twigs and leaves caught in his growing mane. Then, with a final push he pulled up to catch his first glimpse of the sea.
He was stunned.
He felt small. He felt insignificant. He felt as if he stood on the very edge of the world. His eyes were wide and his jaw hung unhinged. For a moment he struggled to find words to describe what he was feeling.
Water had been something he'd never been much fond of, but looking at this glittering expanse made him feel slightly differently. "Would you look at that..." He breathed.
--
She could feel the change in the atmosphere. She could taste it, the change in the air. There was something to it that she had never experienced before and she couldn't put a word on it. It wasn't sweet, nor sour...it was something completely different in all together. Is this what he aunt meant by the world salty? She could only assume such and tilted her head to the side trying to discover the taste. There was no word for it but salty and she couldn't figure out why. She was so concentrated in her thoughts that her companions words startled her and she jumped just the slightest bit.
"Are we?"
She askeda smile lighting up her features. She couldn't help but be excited, it would be the first time she saw something that some could only dream of. Not to mention it was a favorite place of those she had spoken to. Trotting after him and the path he made she walked behind, her body shaking with anticipation. When she escaped the vegetation and saw the view for herself her breath caught in her throat and she felt as though time had simply stopped moving. She didn't even realize that she had stopped breathing until his voice penetrated her thoughts.
"Wow." That was the only thing she could think of to say.
--
For a long moment he was caught in that trance, not able to take his eyes from the water. Occasionally he would catch sight of some birds cutting through the sky, diving down to the surface so that their wings clipped the waves. He felt his heart rise and for a moment he lost himself completely to the sound of the waves lapping at the shore down below.
Illena's single word brought him momentarily from his staring. He turned his head to catch sight of her awe-struck face and smiled as he thought he'd probably looked exactly the same a moment ago.
"I didn't think it'd ever look like that. Water's always so..." He shook his head. "But this isn't some murky watering hole. This is...this is..." There wasn't a word to describe it. "Shall we look for a way down?" There was a steep drop before the sandy shore and with his poor eyesight he wouldn't have been able to pick out a trail to take them down.
"You can...uh...lead the way if you like."
--
Blinking she shook her head trying to shake the amazement away but it clung to her tightly and she couldn't help but sigh happily. It had been a wonderful decision to travel to the ocean, she was glad that he had let her choose. "It is simply...amazing...wonderful." She stated almost dreamily like she had found what she had been looking for her whole life. At his question she nodded. "Please?" The eagerness in her tone was easily recognized and obvious but she didn't care. She was too excited to.
Smiling brightly at him she nodded. "If you would like me to." She stated before moving to the edge of the rock peering over it to decide which way would be the best, most effective way to get down. Having chosen her path she started down slowly to make sure that none of it was lose. It would be terrible if they fell.
"Thank you Cassian."
--
He breathed a sigh of relief as she agreed. What if he'd had to have kept up the pretence and ended leading them off a jagged edge to the rocks below? He cursed his eyesight silent and squinted a little to help bring things into focus. And with every lie and excuse he made up he'd begun to feel a slight stab of guilt.
Why was he feeling guilty?
He didn't know.
"No worries." He moved to follow after her, waiting patiently without argument as she selected the way. He didn't want to make a fuss and have her declare him the leader. No sir-ee. "Maybe there's a...safer route?" He cast a hopeless glance to the left and right, but it seemed that this descent lasted for a good while. He was fed up with walking. He wanted to feel the sand and watch the waves.
--
Light laughter leaked out of her maw as she shook her head. "Relax, we're almost there." She told him proud that she no longer stuttered. She couldn't help it, ever since she had met him, ever since they had been traveling together she had been gaining more confidence in herself. She always felt so relaxed when she was with him and always so happy. She never bothered to wonder why.
It wasn't too much longer afterwards when they reached the bottom and she could feel the sand beneath her toes. It felt strange, the way it slid inbetween the cracks before slipping right back out when she lifted her paw. She couldn't say it was unpleasant, it felt like someone tickling her paw and it wasn't overly hot like sand in the desert could have been. "We're there." She stated even though she knew he could tell for himself. "Race you to the water?"
--
"Alright." He called back, fighting the urge to grab her tail and let her physically lead him to the bottom. Ugh, how embarrasing would that be? And, after a few terrifying moments and paws scrabbling against dirt as stones tumbled out from under his paws, they reached the bottom.
So, there hadn't been anything to worry about after all!
He stepped out lightly onto the sand and lifted each paw in turn, curious as to the odd feeling it left between his toes. How odd it was! He shook a forepaw and then took another step out across the sand. After a few strides he quickened his pace and when Illena's challenge uttered forth he quickly took it up.
"See you there, then!" He called, pushing himself to run, urging himself for the waves. He forgot his fear and dislike of water. Didn't care that the waves were reaching for him, that he'd soon be soaked.
They'd arrived! They'd reached the sea!
--
Delighted that he had accepted her proposal she darted after him putting her hunting skills to use as she jumped the slightest bit to catch up with him. Running by his side for a minute she fell behind just as her paws came in contact with the wet sand. She couldn't help but laugh as she came up to his side having enjoyed the race. Opening her mouth to speak she felt water lap at her paws before feeling it splash over her body. It was a pleasant, if cold, experience.
Collapsing to the ground, a smile still upon her features she glanced over at him before speaking. "We did it...we made it all the way here just the two of us."
--
He felt the water on his paws and skidded to a halt a little later than Illena had, turning to face her. There was that roguish grin on his face that jutted his chin. His pale eyes sparkled - though they were half hidden by uncontrolled mane.
"Course we did, easy, right? Didn't I tell you, huh?" He turned to face her and as he did a wave rolled up behind him unexpectedly.
It was bigger than the ones before it and crashed against his hind-quarters, rolling past his hind-legs and giving him the shock of his life. His fur bristled, and as if he'd been given a kick, he leapt forwards with a yowl of fright. He turned back to the sea and hissed angrily. "What was that for, eh?"
--
"You did, you did." She agreed nodding her head starting to close her eyes when he yelped. Her eyes fluttered open and she pushed herself to her feet. "Cassian! Are you okay?" She asked dark red eyes looking around for any sign of what had attacked him, when she caught him staring at the water she shook her head. Trotting towards him she nudged his shoulder with her nose.
"It's only water." She stated stepping back to look him in the eye. "Not good tasting water but water none the less." She told him hoping that it would make him laugh a bit. "Do you want to move away from it?"
--
He huffed and glanced at her as she nudged him. "No. I'm not scared." And, with a smirk he decided that if she was going to tease him about it, he'd have to pay her back. He braced himself and then, with a laugh, pounced at her in an attempt to roll her over into the water.
The waves weren't as mighty and strong as they could have been, but they were big enough to soak a lion completely if they lay down in the shallows.
Then, when she was wet and cold, she wouldn't be able to tease him so much.
--
"I never--" She didn't have the chance to finish when he pounced her forcing her to roll over in the water. With her back against the wet sand, with the water lapping over her she blinked looking up at him. She shivered but she wasn't entirely sure it was because of the cold. "Cassian..." She mumbled unable to really focus. Her thoughts were so fuzzy. "I-I...." She stammered trying to think of what she had wanted to say.
Shaking her head she focused upon him clearing her throat she grinned a light blush flickering across her face. "It's cold..."
--
He grinned triumphantly. "See. Told yah." He assumed her stutter was one form cold rather than nervousness, and, after proving his point he leapt off and trudged back up onto the sand - a safe distance from the waves.
"The sea might be prettier than a waterhole, but it has the same cold, wet effect." He stretched his body under the sun and glanced across the water.
"Do you think there's something on the other side?"
--
Illena looked away letting her fur get wet on one side of her face as she fought the strong urge to blush. When he moved off of her she rolled over and pushed herself up shaking her fur. She was still soaked but it helped, a little. "T-true." She mumbled slowly making her way back toward him. She odd, almost uncomfortable like butterflies were dancing in her stomach. She shrugged the idea away before coming to his side and sitting beside him.
"I'm not sure...maybe? I just wonder how far it extends...how far it goes before it touches something." She stated turning her attention to the water and the way the sun reflected off of it. It was magical and she felt as though she would be content staying by it for eternity.
--
He paused and glanced at her. He wasn't aware that she feeling odd. He had to admit she wasn't as annoying as he'd expected she would be. She'd really blossomed, really come out of her shell. It was hard to believe such a timid creature was now happy and content to be outside of a pride. Had he done that? Had he given her confidence? Or had she done it herself?
"You ever...heard of Gods before?" The question was asked somewhat casually, though it was clear he was worried about asking.
He'd not yet told her that he was searching for one, but he knew he couldn't keep it a secret for much longer.
--
Illena turned her head towards him when he spoke to her. "Hm?" At the question she furrowed her brows thinking about it. "Yes...well a little." She admitted. She had only heard whispers and brief talks about them, she didn't really know anything about them though. "I don't really know anything except that most have wings..." She admitted with a shrug wondering why he had decided to bring it up. What did Gods have to do with the situation?
"Why do you ask?" She asked him turning her attention fully towards him. She didn't look annoyed, not even worried but simply curious.
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Posted: Sun Nov 30, 2008 9:53 am
He found himself starting to panic. He wasn't sure why. Maybe it was because he had to twist this truth into a lie to cover up the real reasons why he was asking. Or, if he could, give a part-truth so that he wouldn't feel so awful.
He sat heavily in the sand and made patterns by swishing his tail.
"Honestly, I don't really know much about 'em. I heard they have powers that can do really awesome stuff, yeah? Like...turning sand into...rock...or fixing a crippled leg. That's what I hear, anyways." He glanced up. "Don't you think it'd be cool to...well...get one to use its power on you? To make things...better?"
--
Illena listened quietly interested in this new information he had to give her about gods. "Really? That sounds wonderful, if you need those services...and if they'll give it to you." Her thoughts raced as she struggled to find the information she had learned herself. "I heard that they aren't so willing to help though...that they can curse you as well as bless you." She shuddered at the thought of getting cursed by a god. Who knew what that could entail. Nothing good for sure. At his question she tilted her head back thinking. When she lowered it she shook her head.
"No, because there's nothing that needs to get better for me. I'm happy with what I have and who I'm with."
--
He nodded matter-of-factly, interested in Illena's thoughts on the subject. If she was curious about finding out if a God could help her as he was, then maybe he wouldn't have to hide as much as he thought. Alas, it seemed that the thought hadn't crossed her mind, and the word curse stuck vividly in his mind.
To be cursed by a God.
What if they decided to make his eyes worse? He'd never even thought about that... But then, if a God wouldn't help him, no one could. Wasn't it worth the risk?
"You are?" He felt a sheepishness come over him and he dipped his nose slightly. "Well I am a pretty awesome rogue, if I do say so myself." He grinned. "You too, actually. You've surprised me by how well you've gotten on. Hard to believe you were that shy little cat I met back at your homeland."
--
She nodded, "I am." When she had first left she was so skittish and scared. Uncomfortable even but as the days past and the more time she spent with him the better it got. The more confident she grew. She was content with what she had. "You are." She replied with light laughter coxing his ego on. She couldn't help it, simply being with him made her happy. "Have I?" She asked before pondering the thought. She had been incredibly quiet and kept to herself back home and now. Now she no longer stuttered.
"It's all because of you."
--
"Because of me?" He shook his head. "You're bad for my ego, you know that, right?" His pale eyes sparkled with amusement. "I showed you the way, sure. But I can't change who you are. You're the only one who can do that, yeah?" He wrinkled his snout. "Apparently I have a good effect on people."
Which was odd...because he was usually such an annoying kid to most rogues. But Illena wasn't 'most' rogues. She wasn't an annoying male picking a fight and she wasn't a female who was useless at hunting.
She was the best partner he could have asked for.
"We make a great team, you know that, right?"
--
"Yes because of you." She told him with a playful shake of her head. "Well it's a shame because you're stuck with me." She replied sticking her tongue out at him. She was going to stay with him wether he liked it or not. "Even so you helped. If you hadn't pushed me I would still be at home keeping to myself and stuttering ever single word I said." Which was very likely, back home she had felt so much pressure to be like her parents even if they hadn't put the pressure on her themselves. Out here she felt perfect, at home and relaxed. A feeling she definitely prefered.
"We do." She agreed with a nod. She couldn't have chosen a better partner if she had the chance to. Not that she would have changed him for anyone anyway. "We're gonna stay a team right?" A ting of worry lined her tone as she asked him.
--
He flicked an ear and after a moment of silence he stood and cast his eyes back towards the sea. His fur still dripped from their scuffle in the water, but the heat of the sun would soon have it dry again. He could appreciate its warmth far more than he had before.
"Of course." He replied finally, flicking his eyes back to her. "Even if you do snore in your sleep." He teased.
Why did he keep feeling so guilty? He'd not felt guilty about lying or being rude to others? Why was she so different? He knew why...she was his friend, probably the best friend he'd ever had. She'd stuck by him even though he could be a grump. Even though the initial idea had been to use her abilities to hunt for him...
So, when they were in situations like this. Where it was so obvious that they genuinely enjoyed one another's company, he felt he couldn't enjoy it fully. Not with the secrets hanging over his head.
"Illena..." He paused. "I need to tell you something."
--
"Hey! I do not!" She retorted with a shake of her head as she pushed him lightly with her paw. He just had to tease her, or course she couldn't say she didn't like it. She sunk down to her belly running her paws over the sand as she turned her gaze back to the ocean. Watching as the waves crashed onto the shore lapping at the wet sand, reaching towards untouched sand. The scene in itself was captivating. Even though the water couldn't reach what it seemingly wanted it kept going, crashing onto the shore over and over...
At the call of her name she blinked and pushed herself up to sit up once more. Turning her head to him she wrinkled her brow. "What is it Cassian?"
--
Crap.
Now what was he going to do?
What had he been wanting to tell her again?
Fear clenched its cold hand around his heart, had him struggle for breath. He looked into her odd-coloured eyes and tried to think of the words that could describe to her just what he was looking for. A God to fix his eyesight. It was simple. Not something hard to explain. But it was a terrible thing to Cassian - to admit that he wasn't as able as she believed - to admit that he had a fault.
"Oh, uh, nothing..." He swallowed back the nervousness. Wow, great response Cassian. She's suuuure going to let you get away with that one.
--
Worry crossed her features when she saw what seemed to be conflict spread across his features, his body language. When he finally spoke he pushed away his previous words. "Are you...Are you sure?" She asked a bit hesitantly, she wasn't sure if she should push the matter. If he didn't want to tell then he wouldn't but if he wanted to tell her and was worried that whatever it was would make her hate him then...she simply had to reassure him that nothing could make her hate him. "Whatever it is you can tell me...if you'd like." She paused trying to figure out the best way to say what she wanted to.
"I promise I won't be upset or mad at whatever it is. But if you'd rather wait that's okay too."
--
Dammit. Now she was worried. He could see it in her face, in the way she looked at him. He didn't like it, not one little bit. He was suppsoed to be the male here, supposed to protect her from bad stuff. But how could he protect her from himself?
His brain scrabbled to find something - anything - to say to her. And it found only one thing.
"Don't worry, it's nothing that bad, so take that frown off. Your face is prettier when you're smiling." He replied, realising what he'd said a tad too late.
"Uh. I'm gonna go and...see if there's a den nearby...you can...uh, come if you want to."
--
"If you're sure." She replied still not entire certain that everything was fine. But if he said it was nothing to worry about she would drop it. After all she trusted his judgement. Then his compliment reached her ears and a smile spread across her lips as well as a light blush. "Thank you Cassian." She mumbled embarrassed. No one had ever called her pretty. It made her feel happy, incredibly so.
"If you don't mind..." She replied eager to spend even a little more time with him. "Unless..." She shook her head. "Actually I'll go find us something to eat, after traveling for so long I'm sure we both need the food."
--
Alright." Cassian tried not to sound too happy that she'd decided to hunt instead. It wasn't that he didn't want her company. But right now he had to try and think his way out of the situation he'd put himself in and come up with a reason for his awkwardness. He also had to try and get rid of the embarrassment of what he'd suddenly blurted.
So, with a nod and a warning of 'don't go too far', he turned and loped off across the sand - towards the rocky cliffside that overlooked the coastline. There had to be something there.
He paused, cast one last glance at his friend, then continued on his path.
He'd tell her someday...but today just wasn't the right moment.
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