Prompt 4 (Fear and Feathers): The moon is bright tonight and reflects off of the snowy ground, illuminating everything with an ethereal glow. Destiny City feels almost safe, even at night. The fresh fallen snow seems undisturbed and brings a sense of peace. Only, nothing is ever as good as it seems, and there’s something eerie about it. After a while, it feels like someone--or something--is watching you. In the shadows of the trees, a set of milky eyes watches. Whatever it is, it’s tall and bulky. If you walk quickly, you feel it follow you but once you leave the line of trees, it disappears. If you try to approach it, a great beast will screech at you: a six foot tall snowy white owl takes flight. It may tackle or claw at you, depending on how you approach it, but it will always take flight and disappear in the night. If you choose to attack it, for the next few nights any time you look out your window you will see glowing eyes in the distance--or worse, hear it scratching to get in. Eventually, the temperature rises and the visits stop. For now.
It seemed that the rule of two, stay in pairs and not go out alone, had been superseded by the fact that this was no longer a temporary stay as they had been led to believe. Many Cadets, himself included, had enrolled in school and found jobs to busy themselves. Each found some sort of niche to which they could learn more about this world and in turn hopefully find a way to save their own.
For him, it was technology advancements; learning how humans went from rocks and stones to airplanes and robotics arms that functioned almost normally for those who were missing a limb. Fascinating how they had developed over centuries and yet, in his mind, they were still so naive and child-like in many other facets. Perhaps humans would always remain an enigma to him, only time would tell and he hoped that he wasn’t stuck on Earth long enough to find out how much they would inevitably end up disappointing him.
At the moment it seemed that the rule of two was no longer a requirement and yet when it came to exploring, Cypher felt more at ease going with someone until he became familiar enough with this region to scout alone. And so, he went upstairs hoping to find someone that was still home that might be interested in joining him on a small adventure.
"Nessaela?" Cypher had gone upstairs, knocked on his comrade's door when he noticed a soft light filtering out into the hallway. “If you are available, would you care to accompany me on a trail walk?” The temperature outside was freezing but with some added layers they should be fine, or so he hoped.
tefla
Posted: Fri Dec 24, 2021 12:58 am
Nessaela had been going over one of the astronomy charts that her class professor had given out to the students and frowned. With so many inaccuracies it was hard to fathom how humans had managed to get as far out into space as they had. It was frustrating because all Nessa wanted to do was start labelling the chart with her own version of what celestial locations were where. Shoving the paper aside Nessaela groaned in frustration. Her prof wouldn't take kindly to having a total illegible map returned and so it was with a sigh that she began to erase the markings that she had made.
The paper soon sat blank on the desk as the knock on her door sounded and Nessaela could have kissed whomever was on the other side but that impulse disappeared as soon as it popped into her mind. At least this would prove to be a prime moment to procrastinate on her homework. Pushing aside her chair the Velencyan stood before opening the door to see Cypher. "Cypher, thank you. Yes - a trail walk sounds lovely."
If her eagerness to get away from her work didn't scare her fellow cadet than she was glad. "To be frank I'm getting annoyed with this assignment so I relish the distraction."
Walking back to her desk Nessaela flicked off the light source she'd been using and rejoined Cypher at her room's entrance. She was curious about this walk and was more than happy to tag along.
Amused, Cypher smirked. “There’s likely to be humans out where I plan on taking you so we’ll want to dress warm and use our glamour.” The white stuff outside, snow as they called it, was not as unassuming as it first appeared, especially when outside in it for too long.
“If you need a coat I have an extra you can borrow.” Although, it might be a little big on her but that should be fine. “I overheard a couple of students talking about this place in my last class. There is an area where they skate on ice and some trails that lead out to an open field . From what they said, some of the trees have been decorated with lights.” Things he thought she might enjoy while they were out.
tefla
Posted: Sun Dec 26, 2021 6:58 pm
This outing sounded more and more interesting. Cypher's mentioning of probably needing to use their glamours had Nessaela turning around to grab the comtech device that she had taken to not wearing when in the house set up for members of the Vanguard. It was at quiet times like this when one could possibly forget that they still appeared different. Wrapping the tech unit around her wrist Nessaela activated her glamour and sighed before eyeing the room. Her coat was probably okay for the evening activity. However Nessaela rummaged through a pile of clothes and grabbed a long-sleeve sweater and drew it over her head. It would probably be enough with the sweater and the coat that she was thinking of using.
"I think this sweater and a coat will be perfect. I'd not turn down your offer of a coat if I believe mine will not suffice."
She was curious about this area where humans skated on ice. It sounded like a risky adventure. Although it was the type of adventure that she would maybe like to try one day. "You mentioned the activity of skating on ice. Do you think there are skates available for loan - like a library would loan out books?"
Nessaela had found her coat and folded it over her arm before glancing at her fellow cadet, "do you think your coat would be warmer than this one?"
Cypher hummed thoughtfully, “It would perhaps provide a similar warmth.” He nodded and decided then that it wouldn’t be a bad idea to bring a second coat anyway, just in case.
“I don’t know if they will have skates for loan, but we will ask.” His own interests were more in line with the trails but if she desired to try skating on ice, then he would oblige. After all, she was accompanying him on this outdoor adventure.
Together they walked down the hallway, only stopping briefly at his own room where he stowed a spare jacket in his subspace pocket and a pair of gloves. When Cypher reemerged he was wearing a glamour, same black hair but his eyes were a softer purple instead of a startling red.
“Shall we?”
tefla
Posted: Tue Jan 18, 2022 9:19 am
Having activated her own glamour moments earlier Nessaela took a moment to study Cypher's before wondering for a moment if her own was too odd. The idea of having a different color hair seemed outright strange but it was what she had chosen to do. She wanted to blend in and in her investigations earlier she had seen that humans did love to use alternate colors to accent things.
Giving no more thought to her appearance Nessaela followed after Cypher before going back to the idea of ice skating. It was a strange thing to want to try a human activity just from hearing about it. But she would eventually want to at least attempt it. But maybe not on a frozen pond: it seemed like that could just be asking for trouble. "It'd be nice to see if they do loan out skates but for the moment I'd settle for keeping myself off any sort of water, even if it's frozen."
She nodded in response to Cypher's proclamation and she gave a smile to her fellow cadet. "Let's get this show on the road," she wasn't sure where she'd picked up that human idiom but it seemed apt to use in the moment.
Cypher led her outside where he then pulled out a cell phone he had obtained, WiFi connected to the internet immediately and he then entered the name of the trail his classmates had mentioned. It took a moment but eventually, the directions option popped up and he was able to open up a map. It'd be more convenient if he could use his ComTech but felt it would be unwise especially out in the open among a crowd of humans. No, their technology was suitable enough for what he needed even if it was basic by comparison to what they had brought with them.
“According to this, the trial is about twenty minutes away in that direction” He turned and pointed towards where the skating area was supposed to be since that was what Nessaela seemed most interested in. “We can save ourselves perhaps five minutes if we cut through this area here.” Cypher turned to show her the map on the small screen, pointed to an area that seemed like it might be wetlands or an undeveloped part of the city. Either way, there were dense trees and only a snow-covered dirt path that cut through them.
tefla
Sorry for the long wait. I figured they could encounter the owl on their way to the outdoor rink.
Posted: Tue Mar 15, 2022 12:41 am
Nessaela peered over Cypher's shoulder to glance at the cell phone screen before making notes of which direction they needed to travel in. It was always a shame when they had to resort to Terran technology instead of using their own com-tech but perhaps it was for the best. Even if they appeared Terran in nature the truth was that they weren't. Her eyes rose to meet Cy's before she tucked her hands into the pockets of her chosen jacket before glancing up towards the sky. The current conditions didn't seem to spark any concern in her mind. But the weather on Earth was unpredictable at any given time. "Taking a shortcut seems like an reasonable idea. We should have enough ambient light to take in whatever obstacles that the path might have in store for us," and here she pointed up at the moon, bright and full as it was.
"Even if we don't get time to actually attempt skating - just watching will be a learning experience for later on when I do get to try it."
Taking a calculated guess Nessaela thought that even if the chance didn't happen tonight that she would indeed return to try ice-skating on her own if it didn't seem like she could rope in another cadet to join her. But perhaps she'd find someone willing to go with her. Glancing back to Cypher she grinned. "You lead the way and I will follow."
A normal person would have smiled but Cypher didn’t express emotions as others did and while he appreciated Nessaela’s positive outlook on this evening's adventure Cy could only nod his head in response to her joyful grin. Her optimism was admirable, as was her desire to try something new especially since he was oftentimes more reserved, preferring to watch and observe before deciding if it was something worth attempting.
Leading the way, however, was something he felt more confident in doing since he had been out this way a couple of times before. He proceeded down the path, holding aside branches until Nessaela passed in a gentleman-like manner. In all honesty, he actually felt quite content, if not relaxed, while in her company. Despite conversations not being his forte he instead errored on the side of asking questions and lettering her talk while they trod upon the snow-covered path.
“If I may ask, what interests have you found since our arrival? Any…” He paused to consider what his classmates had called them. “Any hobbies?” Every Cadet knew what the mission was, and things they should be looking for to help Valencia thrive or even aid in their return trip. But some had found a liking to things such as gardening as a pass time when their glamour had run out.
“Perhaps if not hobbies, then any other new experiences? For myself, I’ve had a Senshi offer me a sticky covered fruit; it was called a... candied-” The word apple was lost on him since he decided that the combination did not suit his tastes. “My apologies, I don’t recall exactly what it was other than it being too sweet.” By his expression, it was clear that he didn't care much for it. Made his teeth sore after eating; had to pry them apart after taking one bite of the caramel; too much effort for something less than satisfactory.
tefla
Posted: Sun Jul 10, 2022 6:54 pm
Nessaela was not on the same page as Cypher was. She was actively looking forward to trying this 'ice skating' if the chance arose. That being said she did take the time to pay attention to what her fellow cadet was asking of her. She glanced at Cypher as he recalled his experience with a senshi and something that had been candied, but entirely too sweet. The question also arose of if she had found any hobbies or interests. There was a pregnant pause before she nodded. There had been some activities that she had found interesting and well, it was polite to share stories.
"I've not been interacting much with the senshi on Earth. Mainly I've been trying to keep up with things that involve the Vanguard. But honestly, I feel like I'm falling behind. But as for hobbies: I'm keen on learning how to swim. It just looks like it would be an amazing ability to be able to have in one's repertoire. I will admit I have a lot of work ahead of me in order to be any good at it."
Nessa fell quiet for a moment. She felt strange admitting that a goal in life was to be a good swimmer but only because that didn't really serve Velencya at all. Yet she was dead set on learning. Slowly she glanced from the trail marker she passed before giving a soft sigh. "I also just like being able to watch people go about their lives. There's so much of a culture difference between us and then and it's interesting to be able to observe, discreetly, how they go on with their day to day activities."
“Recognizing that there is more work to be done is the first step in moving forward in achieving the goals we were sent here to accomplish. You are not alone in feeling like you’re falling behind.” Cypher stated this as a fact even though he did not divulge who else felt similarly. It was, however, implied that he was among those few.
“There is no need to feel ashamed in finding a measure of happiness, or joy, while we are here.” Some, like Fysarious, preferred to keep well away from any possible connection that might tie him to Earth. Whereas others, like Fae-Fae embraced the experience. “If you wish to learn how to swim, I’m sure others will support your endeavor.” He was not overly inclined to wade into the water but if asked, he would at least watch over her if she required, or wanted, company.
He was about to add more to that statement when a pile of snow fell from a limb above them. It was no small flurry but a chunk that left a hole in the undisturbed ground not more than three feet to their right. Cypher turned quickly, hand placed above his blaster that hung on his side.
tefla
Figured it was a good opportunity for the owl to make an appearance.
Posted: Wed Jul 27, 2022 12:02 am
Nessaela had been taking in Cypher's response with a quiet thoughtfulness. It was true that others of the Vanguard had taken their own approaches in how to deal with the situation of being seemingly stuck on Earth. Although there was some sort of innate knowledge that if enough data was gathered that maybe those in the Vanguard could return home. She recalled the battle on the hill on that fateful night before sighing softly. That night had brought out the divisive cracks in their once cohesive grouping. Some cadets felt compelled to stick with Caedus, and some with Lyndin. She had only chosen to follow Tenoch. Was it with a fellow cadet that her loyalty now lay?
At the noise of a lot of snow creating an audible *whump* sound as it collided with the ground Nessaela took in the sight with a quizzical look. Her hand touched the dagger on her side even as Cypher turned with his hand resting over his blaster. Her eyes grew large as a noise overhead registered and she glanced up towards the boughs of the trees. Visually she couldn't see anything yet and she withdrew her source stone before squinting. Surely it'd not help in this situation but maybe it could?
"What is it Cypher?"
Even as she spoke another pile of snow seemed to fall from above and struck her right in the face, temporarily blocking out her vision. Hands almost dropped her source stone in surprise but she kept a tight grasp on it before using her free hand to swipe frantically at the snow that covered her gaze and kept her from truly seeing what was above them.
Moving through the snow was difficult, especially through patches that hadn’t been trod upon. As such it actually put effort to position himself between Nessaela and the large creature that flew through the limbs above them with surprising silence given its size.
Blaster now drawn, Cypher’s lips pursed into a tight-lipped frown as he listened for the sounds of more clumps of snow falling with a thud beside them. “I’m not sure-” he replied since all he could make out was a winged beast that was in silhouette against the moonlight that filtered between the branches overhead.
“Can you use your ComTech and tell me if this thing has a signature.” If so then maybe she can help him figure out where to aim; if not, then he’d be shooting blind which was not ideal but something he had practiced before embarking on this mission to Earth.
tefla
Posted: Fri Jul 29, 2022 12:38 am
The source stone proved utterly useless against something that barely registered in her vision. Tucking the stone away Nessaela finished scraping the snow from her face before hearing what Cypher was asking of her. She activated her ComTech and began analyzing the readings it was taking from the area: from the depth of the snow around them to how large the trees were. But for something that was flying silently above their heads there was seemingly nothing that even Velencian technology couldn't get a read on.
Nessaela continued to watch the foliage above them before returning her gaze to her tech and she frowned and tapped a few commands into the device. With a muttered curse that she'd picked up from the inhabitants of Earth she grimaced. "I'm not getting any reading from whatever that thing is. Only thing we can be sure of is that it's large and has wings. Other than that ... the ComTech isn't sure what it is. Though it's giving suggestions of predatory birds. There's just too many to list."
