Leon
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Post by Leon on Aug 13, 2017 1:05:20 GMT -6
The soft roll of smoke flitted up from the tip of a simple chimney. It intermingled with the air for but a moment before it was lost on the currents of the wind, carried off to the infinite edges of the world, while spreading a pleasant scent of a wood fire to anyone near by. Following the chimney down, it would lead to a rough log wall, mortared with a simple mud to ensure that the heat would be kept within. The wall continued, only broken intermittently by a small window and shutter. The two on this wall were propped open to allow the air to move through the home in which they belonged. Looking inside the windows, one would see a very basic set up. The entire house was rather small, large enough to be called a bedroom, in which a part of it was dedicated. But, in addition to a plain wooden framed bed stuffed with straw and basic sheets, there were several other features that would catch the eye.
By the foot of the bed sat a large, somewhat weathered, trunk. Its clasp had long since been taken off and lost, so the simple iron clasp stood unlocked and easily accessed, but that was much to the delight of its owner. In the corner nearest the bed stood a small end table with a basin for water sitting atop it. A very rough mirror sat at a casual lean, allowing the viewer to look at their facial features without too much difficulty. A small hemp towel hung from a small rung on the table's side, and in several places, small tufts of fur sat, unattended by their owner. In the opposite corner, and wrapping around one of the walls sat several shelves and a small stone counter. Small vials, flasks, and draw-string bags occupied the shelves, along with various herbs, roots, and what looked to be clear vials of dirt. Arranged in only a way their owner would know, there was a cacophony of different colors vying for attention from onlookers. Several different shades of red, green, yellow, and brown in all manners colored the various herbs and flowers, and the smell was a combination of earthy tones, and sweet smelling floral notes.
Atop the stone counter sat a small alchemy stand. Nothing more than a simple metal rack for vials to be heated upon without much worry of a fire spreading, at least, not while supervised. Several balms and poltaces sat in wooden bowls on the edge of the counter, as well as a pestle and mortar, somewhat discolored from skilled use. The rest of the room was occupied by a small table with two chairs, a small book case with a collection of simply leather bound books and tomes, as well as various piece of paper scrawled upon with alchemical notes and ideas. The floor was wooden, but covered with simple rugs made from weaved together plant fibers, used to insulate the floor from the winter months.
The only resident of the small house was a, to normal men, towering werewolf like creature. Standing chest, shoulders, and head above a normal man, the figure was imposing in their build. Clawed hands and paws were plainly visible, its chest and arms clothed in a simple brown tunic and open shirt, a hood hanging at the collar. A wolfs muzzle made up its face, its eyes a strikingly deep blue, and its fur the color of twilight gray, patterned with black. Clothed from the waist to its digitigrade knees, simple pants of white cloth, a simple rope belt holding them up around the creatures waist. Boots were unnecessary, as the werewolfs feet were wolven paws, giving them solid footing.
The werewolf stood before the counter, reaching up to the various shelves easily, and collecting a few items from them and placing them within a small shoulder bag. A grunt and a small nod could be heard and seen from the big creature, and the motion of closing over the small flap of the bag. With the items it would need placed within the bag, the werewolf slung it over his left shoulder, and moved to the door of his home. Located in a small clearing near to a hill with a cave in it, the only other life in the area were the sounds of birds and other various creatures of the woods in which the werewolf called home. Having left human society years beforehand, this self imposed isolation allowed for adventuring and study, without much interruption.
Now standing outside, the werewolf looked to the sky. Clouds were forming, and a sniff of the air brought a frown to his features.
"Rain... I didn't anticipate rain any time soon... Steady Gaius... This won't stop your collection of herbs, you'll only be wet at the worst." The wolf, now identified as Gaius, commented to himself.
With a reassuring nod to himself, Gaius stared out from his home into the woods beyond, confident that he would find what he was looking for.
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Several hours later, after taking refuge in the shade and canopy of a large elm, Gaius looked out to the world beyond. Gray rain came down steadily, his pelt being soaked due to it, and it stretched out before him to the edges of the water before him. A frown had formed upon his lips an hour ago, and it had not lightened. Neither with his mood, which was nearly as foul as the sudden turn of the weather.
"Of all the blasted times to start a downpour...!" He lamented quietly, resigning himself to having to wait out the majority of the storm.
Having partly succeeded in his goal to gather materials, he took solace in the idea of at least the majority of the problem was solved. This did little his sense of unease, however, as a nagging feeling of unease tugged at his senses. Something unusual for him felt like it was going to happen, but he had not the faintest idea of what, or even when, it was...
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Post by Mokobo on Aug 23, 2017 22:23:51 GMT -6
Was it all just a dream? A hallucination? Have I lost my mind? During the previous night Oren had undergone the most wondrous and confusing experience. After waking from one of the vivid dreams he was prone to, the young druin had discovered his father's sword blazing like a beacon within the darkness of his den. Upon investigating this oddity, the youth had seemingly transitioned to the perspective of another. At first the detailed visions were disturbing, but he had soon found himself so immersed in the events that he lost all sense of his own being. Weeks, perhaps even months had passed by as he saw life through the eyes of a demon named Jhomin. It was only when he awoke that Oren discovered the drama he had been privy to had passed in the span of a few beats of his heart, if it was indeed his own. To have experienced so much in so little of a time was inconceivable, and had unsettled the druin's concept of reality. Rather than attempt to fall back to sleep, Oren had spent the rest of the night grappling with that which he had seen. However, he continually found himself questioning who he truly was; Jhomin, the son of a demon lord or Oren, the son of druin warrior. What he had seen, what he had lived, had seemed so real that it was difficult to draw a line between it and his current perception. He even went so far as to lightly pierce one of his paws upon the blade of his father's sword just to ascertain that in this current form he could feel pain. While that sensation remained true, the youth quickly speculated that as Jhomin he had experienced all the normal senses, both physical and emotional, and as such this test only raised more questions than it answered. He had even experienced his first concept of friendship, something he had always desired, along with the pain of loosing such a bond. After hours of reflection and speculation, Oren had eventually decided to go for a walk in an attempt to clear his head. Dawn was just beginning to break when he first emerged from the den. The bright sun rose cheerily past the horizon to offer the promise of a bright and bountiful day. Yet the weather soon reflected the youth's mood, as thunderheads began to roll forth from the East. Oren's mind was too clouded to pay any attention to such trivial concerns, and even when the first, small droplets of rain began to fall he simply continued to wander aimlessly. The thoughts which weighed heavily upon his mind allowed no room for self preservation. After all, how could he be certain that the water falling upon his chocolate brown pelt was truly there, or that it would have any consequence upon himself? It was only when lightning and thunder began to battle in the heavens above that Oren decided to seek shelter. Even if his current experience was a false one, it would be foolish to needlessly put himself in harm's way. For the first time that day, Oren's bright orange eyes lifted from the ground before him to examine his current surroundings. By then he had wandered all the way to the nearby coast, and he hastily took refuge among the boughs of a large elm. With his mind still weighed down by the heavy thoughts the evening had presented, the young druin had carelessly climbed halfway up the tree before lounging upon a large limb. There he drew his father's blade from its scabbard to examine it once more before allowing his mind to attempt to tackle this newest conundrum once more. However, Oren did not have much time to himself for speculation. He soon had an unwitting companion beneath the protection of the large tree. Before the previous evening this creature's appearance and scent would have immediately put Oren on guard. The beast below freely walked upon its hind legs, and it also reeked of smoke and other odd smells. Yet this newcomer also seemed familiar in a sense, and quickly reminded Oren of a creature he had met further within the pack-lands. For a moment the druin silently observed the bipedal beast which shared the shelter of the elm, debating whether or not it would be wise to reveal himself. It was only when the other spoke than the youth felt compelled to call out in a way that was akin to Jhomin's sharp wit. "Well if you didn't want it to rain, what was the use in starting this storm?"
OoC- I feel the need to apologize for taking so long to reply to this (and also for said reply being a bit lacking >.<). Thing's have been pretty chaotic over here in Monkey-land Dx The delay is partly due to my debating whether or not to actually use this character (given his involvement in other ongoing plots) >.> Luckily I can rely on liquid time to allow some sense of continuity xD
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Leon
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Post by Leon on Sept 2, 2017 23:54:52 GMT -6
The weather continued to get worse as Gaius looked out. The slate gray of the sea waters melded with the clouds and the pouring rain didn't seem to be lessening any time soon. The herbs that he had been collecting sat in the small leather satchel at his side, probably soaked in the first parts of the downpour, and his fur clung to his form, the chill there, but not enough to cause him to call a flame.
The crack of thunder and the flash of lightning were his only real companions, illuminating the sky overhead and the area around as the day lengthened. He had only been under the protection of the elm for mere seconds, perhaps a minute at best, already his mind wandered to thoughts of how long he would have to stay under the limited protection of the trees arms. His mood reflected the dark skies above, only marginally better than feeling disheartened and resigning to slink back along to his home.
His quiet introspection, however, was cut short as a voice sounded from above him.
"Well if you didn't want it to rain, what was the use in starting this storm?" Called the voice.
Though his fur clung close to his skin, Gaius could feel the hairs on his neck raise in panic and alarm at the sound. That panic shot to his legs and feet as the scrambled out from under the tree and into the rain. He ran for only a few meters, ending up behind yet another elm who had not fully grown in yet. Pressing his back to the new tree, facing the same direction from his flight, Gaius cast his eyes about the storm about him. Water dripped down onto his face, but the sensation was lost upon him due to his panic of an unseen entity.
Taking a few quick seconds to gather his fleeting courage, Gaius turned and looked back towards the tree he had fled from. Having forgone his normal walking stick for sake of maneuverability, he felt unarmed. Though he could call fire to his hand with a brief thought, in this rain, flame would be ineffective to say the least. Thinking that his tenuous control over the element of electricity would have to be enough in case of a fight, Gaius mustered as much confidence as he could.
“If I had the power to cause this downpour, I would have remained in my home!” Gaius chanced, uncertain as to how his jape would be received.
His natural physique allowed him a small advantage over a human opponent, and his human-like features allowed him certain gains over a feral foe, but it was nothing if he couldn't tell what or where exactly this new voice came from. Readying himself for a potential scuffle, Gaius took in his surroundings quickly, noting possible directions he could run if things turned ugly.
.:OoC: I think it's my turn to apologize there Monkey. Things have been rather bust these last couple of days, as I've been from work to home, and repeat. Besides, I've got enough direction to produce this reply! Also, I'm very interested in seeing where this does go with Oren, as I can see this as a perfect introduction to other events!:.
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Post by Mokobo on Dec 15, 2017 17:31:55 GMT -6
Almost immediately after Gaius’ reckless retreat into the raging elements Oren began to laugh. It was not a cruel laugh, but rather the exclamation of a child’s innocent mirth. The young druin could not help himself, having found himself rather tickled by the other creature’s surprise and sudden escape. However, he himself was surprised by his own laughter, which quickly died within the depths of his throat. When he had last issued such a sound Oren could not say, but he was sure it had to have been before his father’s passing. That was assuming the of his memories of his father were truly his own, and not another’s.
As quickly as it had disappeared, Oren’s own melancholy mood returned as he surveyed Gaius through the thick canopy of the elm trees and the even thicker rain. The beast he saw before him reminded him of the demon Jhomin’s companion, and yet the two were entirely different as well. The one before him seemed to be between the forms of two different breeds of being, much like a stranger with whom Oren had dueled several moons prior. Even muted by rain, Oren could detect the pleasant aromas of wood smoke and crushed flowers from remnants of the other’s scent beneath his own shelter.
This was obviously not a creature accustomed to battle, and yet Oren could see that he was poised in preparation for as much. Rising to all fours with a soft exhale, the young druin leaped from his perch atop a large bough of the elm tree to land lightly upon the soft earth below. Now on even ground, the two beasts could survey each other much more easily, and Oren took a moment to scrutinize the other with his sharp, orange gaze. Yet his own examination was brief before he redirected his gaze to the satchel, forgotten in Gaius’ hasty flight, which laid beside him.
“What’s this?”
Rather than wait for a response, the lanky druin shifted his father’s sword further up his chocolate brown backside, another skirmish in the never ending battle against the scabbard’s oversized straps. With the freedom to shift his center of balance Oren lifted a paw, the wrist of which was gilded in jet black scales, and deftly undid the simple clasp holding the container shut before flipping its lid open. What he saw within caused the youth to cast the other creature a dubious glance.
“Leaves and flowers? You came out into this storm for leaves and flowers?”
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Leon
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Post by Leon on Apr 3, 2018 3:41:34 GMT -6
Gaius felt the moments move past him like watching leaden stones. Each second that ticked by felt like an eternity to him, and in the back of his mind, a growing uncomfortable sense was growing. The storm was sudden and appeared out of the blue, and his plans for the day had been dashed with its appearance. Now, he cowered behind a tree that could scarcely conceal him from view. But, his eyes remained rapt towards his point of departure. Sounds, muffled by the rain and the howl of the wind, came from the tree, telling Gaius that he had not been its sole occupant.
From the upper boughs of the tree came a creature that resembled a wolf to his eyes, though, it also was dissimilar to any of the quadrupeds he had ever seen or heard described. The creature was certainly wolf-like in general, but it was taller at the shoulder and longer than any breed Gaius knew. In addition, the brown of his fur seemed akin to that of rust on iron, an almost sooty, black-brown. This could also be attributed to the gloom of the day, and that of the "Shade" the tree provided, though to consider it shade was like considering the darkness of shadows to the pitch of night. Apart from his unusual coloration, three things stood stark for Gaius. The first being the black scales that covered the creatures chest and hind legs. Were they black? or was it a trick of the light. Where they rightly scales? Gaius wasn't certain, but from initial observation, that is what his eyes told him. The second point, and probably his most curious one, were the horns growing from the creatures brow, and once again, from its chin. Even in the gloom, Gaius could see the silvery luster that they had. The seemed to catch the poor light like some fae illusion his mother would tell him of when he was a child. The thought came and went, a small pang of pain in his heart at the thought of his life prior. A shake of his head cleared him, and his eyes once again returned to the creature across the gap from him.
The last point, something that made him ask more questions in the depths of his mind, was the blade strapped across the back of the creature. Situated across the creatures back, it shifted and slipped slightly as the beast moved, to which it readjusted it across its back with its paw. The feat alone made Gaius wonder all the more about the creature. How could it have such dexterity with its... paw? Hand? He wasn't certain what to make of it. Gaius had more and more questions pop into his mind in mere moments of looking at the creature than he had had looking at a book of alchemical recipes.
“Leaves and flowers? You came out into this storm for leaves and flowers?”
The sound alone made Gaius gape. The creature before him had, he believed, just spoken! Not only that, but it was inspecting something with curiosity! Somet hing that looked... rather... familiar...Gaius gasped. A pat of his hip told him that the object of the creatures inquiry was indeed his satchel. He must have forgotten it in his flight into cover! Cursing himself for being a fool, Gaius reeled in his stupor and curiosity for a moment. He focused on the fact that he had been asked a question.
"Well... well, not simply leaves and flowers! I came out looking for herbs and other sundries to make balms and poultices!" His response was, in truth, weak. His confusion of the scene before him, plus his curiosity and interest in the creature making his choice of wording to be more vague than he would have liked.
Clearing his throat and gathering some of his remaining courage, Gaius stepped out from behind the tree, and came more into view of the other.
"I came out to search for components to make medicines. I am an alchemist, by trade, though not many come to me on account of... well..." He said, making a kind of half gesture to himself.
"But, but... I must ask. Forgive me if this seems... rude I suppose? But, what manner of creature are you? I've never seen something like your kind in my time, and I am very interested in learning about you." He said, his curiosity outweighing his discomfort, fear, and the continued rage of the storm.
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Post by Mokobo on Apr 26, 2018 17:37:06 GMT -6
|After asking his question, Oren wondered to himself why it was this other creature was so skittish. He thought to himself that perhaps it was his appearance, something that was not in the least bit a new experience. Unlike in the past, the youth saw no reason to wish harm upon this beast before him, and quickly contemplated how he could convey as much. In the span of a heartbeat he remembered one his father's lessons; often in tense talks the mood of one soul can influence that of others. With that in mind, Oren slowly reclined upon his hind legs as Gaius emerged into the murky light which barely managed to pierce the storm above. After he settled upon his haunches, the young druin wondered if the gesture would be enough, or if the other would perhaps misread his intentions. Upon being able to get a better look at the other, Oren almost immediately decided this beast was a different breed than the one he had likened them to previously. Whatever this stranger was, they were certainly not anything he had seen or heard of before. This revelation caused the youth's brow to quirk slightly in curiosity. As his new acquaintance offered their first answer to Oren's question, that quirk in his brow heightened significantly. After the druin opened his mouth to ask just what a vague statement meant, the other seemed to notice their error and offered a more in depth one. The youth, however, was unfamiliar with most of the words and concepts used, and found himself even more confused than when he had first made his inquiry. The furrow between Oren's brows became a deep valley as he tried to unravel this new puzzle, which had thankfully pushed aside the one which had sent him wandering in the first place. "Me? I'm a druin," The youth offered this answer to Gaius' question in an off-handed manner before continuing on. "The only one I've ever met, besides for my da- my father... but he's dead now." Oren's pause came from choking on his sorrow over the loss of his patron, a wound still fresh despite all that had occurred since. "You said you are an alkey- an alchemist? What kind of creature is that? Are there more like you? What's medicine, and why don't others want it?" As the young are prone to, once Oren began to ask questions he found himself unable to stop. His inquiries spurted forth in a steady stream before he realized what he was doing and bashfully bowed his head. After taking a few breaths to calm his curiosity, Oren would once more direct his vivid orange gaze at the other creature and speak calmly. "My name is Oren, what's yours?"
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Leon
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Post by Leon on May 2, 2018 23:40:29 GMT -6
The creature before Gaius took a more passive posture, seating itself in its haunches, as it listened to Gaius prattle on about himself and his work. Gone from his mind was the storm, his discomfort, and the creeping chill that permeated his clothes and fur as the rain continued unabated. The casual indifference the weather held for them rang in the back of Gaius' thoughts, but the scene before him drove his focus to the creature. This was incredible! Not only had he been partially successful in retrieving various sundries that he had needed around his meager home, but he had met a creature capable of sentient thought, and was not immediately driven off by his looks! Elation was a subtle way to put how he felt at the moment.
After asking his question of the creature, and thinking now about how much about himself he had revealed, Gaius felt suddenly very foolish. Here he was, several hours from his home in the middle of a storm, conversing with a creature which carried a sword upon its back! The notion struck him as peculiar, but at the same time, the thrill to learn played heavily upon his mind. When else would he get a chance to speak with something along the same lines? When would he be able to learn more about the natural world about him from one of its inhabitants? Surely humans and their ilk could offer some answers, provided the didn't simply slam the door in his face, but to meet a creature in the wild who was capable of human-like, if not superior, thought and speech?
"Me? I'm a druin." Answered the other causally.
The answer seemed to be so plain faced, but Gaius had never heard the mention of the species ever before. This new answer to his question made him realize just how woefully ignorant of how vast the land actually was. To study and learn about all of the creatures that inhabited it would be more than he could do in his lifetime, but at the same time, it thrilled Gaius to no end to be able to try and learn something new every day.
"The only one I've ever met, besides for my da- my father... but he's dead now." The druin continued, obviously swallowing the pain that the statement had brought to him.
A sympathetic pang ran through Gaius, not simply from a scientists standpoint, but from knowing the pain of losing family. The memory flashed before his eyes. The smell of the cooking fire in the other room, his mother humming his child sister to sleep, and of the man who had turned Gaius into... this. Gaius buried the memory deep, focusing on the creature before him. Now that he had asked his question, it seemed the tables had been turned, as Gaius was assailed by questions about what he had stated before. One after another came at him, making Gaius begin to plan on how he should go about answering the questions in the most... general of manners. Then, as quickly as the questions came, the stopped, the creature before him seemingly taking a moment to think. It wasn't until this moment that Gaius noticed the eyes of the creature. A vivid orange, the color of a warm fire, or the glint of the sun as it sinks below the horizon, and it was focused intently on him. A very sudden and poignant feeling of being caught in a predators gaze fell over Gaius, making him realize just how little he knew of this creature. What capabilities did this druin possess? What was it able to do?
A question broke his introspection however. Its tone was calm and showed a vary open interest in him.
"My name is Oren, what's yours?"
Gaius nearly gaped. Not only was this creature capable of sophisticated sentient thought, but it having a name told him of the sophistication and social development that those of his race possessed.
"Well, Oren. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance. My name is Gaius Auriot." He responded with a small bow.
The motion made him feel a touch more foolish, but a small smile came to his features, hoping that the gesture would help to dispel the tenseness of the meeting.
"To answer your questions, firstly, yes. I am an alchemist. My role, if you will, is to combine various flowers and herbs into curatives and other healing items for those in need, or should desire them. To your second point, yes. There are quite a few alchemists about, though they aren't a manner of creature. An alchemist is a profession chosen out of the desire to study the world around oneself. To learn how best to take a small portion from nature in the gains to heal others of sickness or pain, from fatigue and pestilence." Gaius stated, remembering learning at his fathers side how various compounds could be made from simple ingredients. Another pang of sadness fluttered over him, but a small shake of his head cleared the thought.
"Your last point, about medicine and those who aren't interested in it, is... interesting, to say the least. Medicine is what I use to heal those who are sick. It is the result of combining the herbs and flowers of the world to combat the illnesses and pains that can and do trouble everyone. As to why people don't want it... I should have said that others avoid me. To a humans eye, I am a monster. Caught between man and animal, I frighten them. What I look like is the stuff of nightmares for them, things they they tell their children will steal them away and devour them should they misbehave. Absolute rubbish, if you ask me. My intent is to heal, to cure the problems facing others, but I cannot convince humanity with simple words alone." Gaius said, his distaste for how humanity looks at him clear in his voice.
"But," he said, his shoulders slumping slightly as he refocused, "I will not be one to turn away someone should they need medicine. I wish to save and heal lives, not take them."
A crack of thunder boomed overhead, and the flash of lightning called Gaius back to the area that they stood chatting.
"I would ask a favor, if you wouldn't mind. Might we continue this conversation out of the storm? I can feel my fur clinging to my body, and a slight chill is creeping in the air. Something tells me that this storm isn't over, and I would rather not be soaked to the bone if I can help it." Gaius asked, taking a quick moment to look heavenward. "If I recall correctly, there should be a small cave near the beach. Might we go there to be out of the storm?" Gaius offered.
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Post by Mokobo on May 10, 2018 22:07:50 GMT -6
Oren did not seem to notice Gaius' surprise at his introduction, or the latter's discomfort brought on by his fierce orange eyes. The youth was entirely preoccupied by his own curiosity at just what sort of being was before him. As the other creature offered their own name with a small bow, Oren returned the gesture almost instinctively. Quickly the young druin raised a paw against his chest and inclined his head in a warriors bow, all the while keeping his gaze upon Gaius. One of his father's lessons had been that it was always proper to return gestures of respect, even if they were made by a mortal enemy. After finishing the formalities of his bow, Oren's ears perked up as Gaius began to answer the former's tirade of questions. Almost immediately the youth realized his misunderstanding of what an alchemist actually was, causing a flush of embarrassment to rise all the way to the tips of his ears. Yet he also found his curiosity bubbling back to the forefront of his mind as he contemplated such a profession. While he did not know some of the words Gaius used, or some of the concepts described, Oren thought he was beginning to understand. Almost all of his life so far had been spent training and learning to become a warrior of honor, Oren could see some parallels between such a life style and that of healer. Both professions were designed to help others, but in entirely different ways. After all, the youth knew all too well that some foes could not be bested by strength, having watched his powerful father waste away in a matter of days. He wondered to himself if perhaps this creature's craft could have saved his father, an idea which formed a painful lump of sorrow in the druin's throat. With that painful memory at the forefront of his mind, Oren barely heard Gaius answer his third and final question. A somber air formed around the youth, and for the first time since he had awoken from his confusing dream Oren felt the pull. At first it was subtle, a slight urge to rise up and return to the cave he had slept in the previous night. Yet that pulling sensation grew until it seemed to form a single world within his mind; come. That he would be beckoned like some common mutt quickly expelled Oren's melancholy mood, replacing it with a fierce determination to rebel so prone within the young. No. It was then that Gaius made his suggestion that the two relocate to a more comfortable setting, or at least one that offered shelter from the storm. Eagerly Oren nodded his agreement before rising to all fours. Using one of his dexterous paws, the young druin leaned down to grasp the strap of Gaius' satchel, before skillfully tossing it directly to the latter. This action caused Oren's sword to promptly slide from his back to rest against the fur at his side in the latest episode of that never-ending battle. Purely out of habit, the druin shifted the sheathed weapon to its former position before striding to Gaius upon all fours. "This storm isn't as bad as some of the ones back home, but it doesn't look like it's going to let up soon. Lead the way to this cave." As the two of them would set off into the storm, Oren would remain a respectable distance from Gaius' side. His own thoughts were still swirling in his mind much like the rain clouds above them, and he did not wish to make this strange creature any more uncomfortable. It was in those first few moments of their trek that Oren repeated to himself the answer his third question had received. Almost immediately the youth's thoughts slipped past his lips before he could rein them in. "I don't see why you should be concerned with the opinions of humans." Oren spoke those words before nimbly leaping atop the trunk of rotting tree and turning to face Gaius. "I don't know much about them, but my father told me they are primitive. Although-" Here the druin's anger began to rise as he noticed the parallels between Gaius' distress over the humans and his own exodus from his homelands. "They sound a lot like the wolves who exiled my family. They were afraid of my mother and my father..." As his fury began to boil within his chest steam began to rise from the soaked tree trunk beneath Oren's paws. "But as soon as I was the only one left they came and chased me from my home. Creatures like that have no honor and don't deserve any kindness." After those words Oren would promptly leap to the other side of the felled tree before continuing on, despite not knowing where their destination was.
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Leon
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Post by Leon on Jun 8, 2019 23:32:39 GMT -6
Gaius watched his companion with continued awe. Not only did this creature posses understanding of family, honor, and of a dynamic clan system, but he was also able to understand complex situations and respond accordingly. The warrior's bow only strengthened his belief that this was a creature numbering one in a million. To Gaius' stark amazement, he found that Oren was becoming more and more impressive the longer he observed him. The look of comprehension and of confusion, plus the myriad sub-nuances of gesture towards the onslaught of information that he had provided told Gaius that this creature before him was wholly unique in both physiology and mental understanding. The prospect of seeing what Oren would become in the future made Gaius all the more interested in furthering his understanding of the creature. Almost like a selective query and study of endemic life in an area of the forest. Coming back seemingly at random to monitor and study the growth of a subject.
Gaius had to mentally shake himself from his postulations and wonder as Oren deftly tossed his satchel back to him. Nearly dropping it, Gaius was again amazed at the dexterity exhibited by Oren. This kind of thing stood against all the things that he had learned while he was a child under his fathers tutelage. His understanding of the fauna of the world extended to the awareness of wolves, deer, and the typical other members of the forests around both his current home, and of that of his childhood. To watch something other than a human deftly pick up and toss his satchel to him with such ease, beggared belief, and here he was, witnessing it first hand. How many other things of the natural world did he take for granted? How many other sentient creatures had he come across without the slightest inclination of trying to observe, or even to interact with them? The foundation of Gaius' world had been rocked with the single meeting of a creature that possessed an intellect akin to his own, just in different understandings.
Despite his musing on the wonderful meeting of an individual such as Oren, Gaius also noticed the slight slump and sub-sequent fixture of the weapon on Oren's back. There was nothing comical about the instance, only an interest and curiosity at the event. Two distinct thoughts came to him at that moment. Firstly, the weapon had been forged for Oren and he was still adjusting to the item in his possession. The second, and considerably more somber than the first, was that the blade had been passed down to Oren when his father had passed. Remembering the look and expression that Oren had when he admitted that his father had died made Gaius' own pain of losing those whom he loved ring anew. The two had commonalities, that much was certain, but how far those went, Gaius could only guess. His desire to study this Druin surged nearly as much as his desire to get to know him and potentially call him friend. The inclination that there was wholly much and more to learn about the world in which he lived filled Gaius with a yearning that he had not felt in quite some time.
"This storm isn't as bad as some of the ones back home, but it doesn't look like it's going to let up soon. Lead the way to this cave."
The statement and request brought Gaius back to the here and now. The rain continued unabated, uncaring at the actions of the two, and the storm overhead showed no interest in their conversation.
"Right. It shouldn't be very far away at all." Gaius responded, feeling slightly foolish for having stood there in the rain, bewildered and amazed at the discovery of another being.
Setting off, Gaius took the lead, as he knew that he should, having requested sanctuary within the cave. Taking small note that Oren followed at a slight distance made his wonder of his companion scream all the more loudly in his head, but he knew that there was a time and a place for such discussions and questions. Resolving to hopefully garner more information from Oren in the future, Gaius squared his shoulders slightly and proceeded along the path that would take them closer to the shore.
"I don't see why you should be concerned with the opinions of humans. I don't know much about them, but my father told me they are primitive. Although-" Oren paused in his statement.
An obvious change came over Gaius' traveling companion then, making him stop and look to Oren with wonder and a slight sense of fear.
"They sound a lot like the wolves who exiled my family. They were afraid of my mother and my father... "But as soon as I was the only one left they came and chased me from my home. Creatures like that have no honor and don't deserve any kindness."
The anger and resentment in his voice was plain to hear, but the steam coming off of Oren's body and the trunk of the fallen tree that he had alighted on took Gaius aback. The flash between this display of strength was like a bolt of lightning, coming so quickly and out of no-where. It also reinforced the feeling that the two of them had similar backgrounds, despite having different origins. A pang of sympathy ran through Gaius as he understood the emotions that Oren felt towards Humans and wolves. Though he had no experience with these wolves whom had wronged Oren, the common ground that the two stood upon made Gaius desire to embrace the other and offer his support.
But, again, as quickly as it came, the anger went and Oren returned to the ground they trode. Taking note to ask more about his family later on, Gaius simply swallowed and continued on, uncertain how or if he should respond to the prompt.
~ The trek took only a few minutes. The sound of the waves on the coast sounding closer and with more candor due to the winds stirring the waters and frothing the waves. The interior of the cave was occupied mostly by small dunes of sand, with the various outcrop of rock exposed due to the pounding of ancient waves. Small stalagmites made of calcium and saline stood at various intervals around the area, but few, if any made their way to the rocky ceiling. The cave yawned about ten feet tall, and roughly twenty feet wide at is greatest points, small enough to warm with a simply fire, but large enough to shelter a small group from the weather.
Gaius, having led the way due to previous knowledge of the area, pulled several large branches into the cave and pulled them apart to make kindling for a fire. The air was colder in the cave, and his clothing and fur clung to his form, holding in the chill. Seeing no reason to hide anything from his companion, Gaius called a simple ball of flame to his hand and held it in the midst of the kindling. Though it taxed him slightly, the heat of the flames he manifested soon dried the wood enough for it to catch, and within a few short minutes, the two had a small fire warming the room in which they sheltered.
"My apologies for the lack of comfort," Gaius said, seating himself on a dune near the fire. "While it lacks the decoration of a home, it certainly makes up for sheltering us from the wind and the rain."
Uncertain as to what he should do now, Gaius pulled at his shirt, removing it and laying it nearer the flames, hoping that it would dry soon.
"If you would like, and presuming that you wouldn't mind, I could offer to adjust the belts of your sword for you. It seems a touch loose about you. I'd be glad to help to make it fit better." Gaius offered, not knowing the significance of the blade.
He hoped that this simple offer would help to ease any tension in the air, the storm having only pushed its oppressive melancholy down upon the world.
oOc: Holy.... crap. So, firstly, I want to offer my sincerest apologies for the stupidly long wait for a response from me. These last... however many months have been filled with so many life changes that I have had zero time to sit down and even think about writing. In addition, knowing that I have had no time has put a huge damper on my muse to pick up where I left off, so I want to doubly apologize if this seems disjointed and unfocused. Should there be something that you want changed or whatever, please, let me know. I've wanted to get back into RP and I am truly interested in seeing where the interactions between Oren and Gaius go from here. Again, sorry for making you wait so long for this Monkey, but I'm glad to get back into the swing of things and I look forward to working with you!
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