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Post by kilnarak on Sept 19, 2015 10:46:55 GMT -6
The park was much as he remembered it: dense trees in one area with trails interspersed between them, thinning into a larger, grassy area marked with walkways, gazebos, picnic benches, and even a little play area for children. Of course, there weren't any children there now - even in a nice town like this, parents didn't let their children stay out this late after dark. There were, however, a few young adults (or maybe teenagers) hanging out at one of the picnic benches. Ari shied clear of them - he didn't intend to visit that side of the park anyway, and he wasn't sure he felt like getting involved in whatever it was they were doing.
He shoved his hands in the pockets of his jeans, hunching his shoulders a little against the chill night air, and picked his way along one of the sidewalk trails leading into the trees - making a leisurely stroll of it, or at least trying to. He hoped he looked leisurely, and not like some homeless youth looking for a place to crash. He wasn't, at least, although he did want to find that hollow tree he had stayed in, in case he had left something there. He had a place to stay now, at least for a while.
It wasn't all that long of a walk until he found it - closer to the main path than he recalled it being. He veered into the trees toward it, then ducked down to climb into the hollow amidst the tree's roots. There were no furs there now - perhaps he should have taken them with him when he fled, the ground packed hard and scattered with fallen leaves. He scraped them aside and half-crouched, half-sat, wondering what he had thought to find here.
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Post by nellewarner on Sept 19, 2015 18:47:17 GMT -6
Cyren tugged at the foreign fabrics that clothed her body as she left the mountains. She had gone to spend time with Marchelute and ended up being attacked by the Fire-Head Raine. Well, he forced her into the fabrics that she now wore- "Jeans and a Blouse" is what he called them. He wouldn't even let her keep her own boots. He said that'd he'd return her things- but only after she gave "This periods fashions a try".
So flimsy. No protection. So weird!
Before she knew it, she had walked herself all the way back to her old little forest home. She smiled as she thought about how she lived here until her 'Thiel showed up and moved her to his home. She missed the feel of the forest and the way of life that she felt that she was being forced into leaving behind.
Hunting, fishing, washing in the river; unlike the metal monsters that ate beings and cloths that cater to... what did Raine call it? Fashion?
It had been quite some time since she had last visited the park- the place where she met a lady that gave her a gift of communication, she touched the pendant hanging around her neck at the thought, she met the ghostly Bruse that tried to protect her from sand creatures, and "Ah-ree-cat" she whispered.
When she had woken from her nap, he had gone and Cyren had not seen him since. Now that she found herself back in the area, she thought she should go check out her tree. In towards the denser part of the forest she walked until she ported herself onto one of the higher branches. She crouched, but then almost fell because of her Raine imposed footwear. She growled a bit as the 'jeans' resisted her movement and decided to simply sit on the branch instead.
Nope. She was giving these cloths to Marchelute just to watch him burn them.
"Where oh where has the Ah-ree-cat gone? At least he played apodidraskinda with me." She rested herself against the trunk of the tree an stretched out on the branch as she thought of her missing friend and the simpler days before her 'Thiele returned.
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Post by kilnarak on Sept 20, 2015 23:11:29 GMT -6
Ari's ears twitched slightly as he heard something scrabbling at the tree, overhead - probably just a squirrel or a racoon. He ignored the noise for now, taking a bit longer to ascertain that nothing had been left here. It was a small space, but at least it was snug - it would be warm if he curled up here. Of course, there were warmer places to nap, and he wasn't particularly tired at the moment.
When he finally crawled out of the tree-hollow, he heard noise overhead again and a few bits of loose bark and leaves fell from overhead. He almost thought he heard a voice murmuring above, but he couldn't quite make out the words. When he glanced up, however, he saw that there was someone in the branches above. That person hadn't been there before, had they? A bit of magenta-colored hair draped down from the branch above, and when he spied it, Ari's blunted human ears tried to twitch forward. It was that girl, wasn't it? Who else had hair that color, that would be here?
"Kai-ren, is that you?" He called up.
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Post by nellewarner on Sept 20, 2015 23:27:42 GMT -6
Cyren's daydreaming was cut short when she heard her name being called. She paused and shifted silently cursing herself for not paying attention to her surroundings. Ever since she appeared in this place she felt less and less like the warrior she was... she ported herself to a lower branch and twisted herself so that she hung upside-down whilst her legs were wrapped around the branch- securing her place. Her face ended up mere inches away from the face of whomever had called out to her. Dark Hair. Light eyes. Scruffy... though not as scruffy as the last time they had met. She grinned.
"Ah-Ree-Cat!! Has been long time, many adventures-yes?" she probably shouldn't have shouted in her excitement...
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Post by kilnarak on Sept 20, 2015 23:46:23 GMT -6
When the figure abruptly vanished it startled him, although he didn't have the chance to question what had just happened as she abruptly reappeared, upside-down and directly infront of him. He drew a sharp hissing breath as he staggered back a step, but caught himself before he could fall. But when she reappeared, there was no question of who it was - the turquoise blue of the girl's skin gave her away.
"It *is* you!" Ari laughed and stepped forward again to awkwardly hug the girl, grinning broadly. "It has! I didn't know if I'd find you here! Oh!" He realized something, abruptly. "Oh! You can speak English now! That's great!"
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Post by nellewarner on Sept 21, 2015 0:26:07 GMT -6
Cyren squeezed Ari back, barely taking notice that his face was almost certainly squashed against her chest. When she released him she cocked her head in confusion at his words. "English?" Deciding that speaking to her friend from above was a bit strange she let go of the branch and summersaulted into an upright position to land on her feet. When she stood again- she tugged on the cloths she wore in exasperation.
"Is that the way you speak? I know not how to speak it, truly. But, my 'Thiel insists that I am to be learning." She peered closely at Ari and smiled, "you are to be looking better then when seen last! You has found placing that is not the big trunk?" She twitched tugging again at her blouse, "I no not how these can be worn!"
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Post by kilnarak on Sept 21, 2015 0:39:53 GMT -6
Ari certainly noticed, at least, after the fact. It hadn't been intentional, but when he withdrew his cheeks were a touch flushed. He almost offered an apology, but as she didn't comment on it or, really, seem to have cared at all, he decided it would only be more awkward to do so. He smiled a little when she flipped down from the tree.
"Yeah, English. It's the language you're speaking now. It's um... good this Thiel is having you learn, 'cause almost everyone speaks it, here." He flashed his teeth in another brief grin, then leaned back a touch to take in her new clothes, folding his arms over his chest. "I guess they are kind of different than what you wore before, huh? You almost look like a different person. You'll get used to it eventually? Or maybe you could try something else?"
For a moment he ignored the question of where he was staying, a bit uncertain as to whether he should answer or not. After a moment he shrugged off the brief paranoia and nodded in answer. "Yeah, I uh. I made a new friend, I guess. He's letting me stay with him... Better shelter than in that tree, at least. What about you? Do you still stay here?"
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Post by nellewarner on Sept 21, 2015 1:00:22 GMT -6
Cyren paused to stare at Ari, "Kind of different?? I am much suited to my armors than these restricting things. I may ask the fire-head Raine for something else if it is allowed."
Cyren hugged him again when he revealed a new place had been found for him, "That is most exciting and wonderful that you has a friend that will letting you be staying with him. I am sorry that the tree I showed you could not be a home."
She stepped back and clasped her hands behind her back before she continued, "No, I am not to be living here either. My 'Thiel- he was a guardian from before- has taken me to his home. It is very strange but nice. But, all here is strange from Atlantea."
"Has you many friends yet? I made one near the time of a grand festival, but he has disappeared. He had a large metal beast that likes to eat beings... I am not fond of them..." her face scrunched at the thought of them.
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Post by kilnarak on Sept 21, 2015 8:19:30 GMT -6
"You could think of this like armor too? Well... maybe not this..." He plucked at one of her blouse sleeves and laughed. "Maybe a leather jacket or something, though..." He tilted his head slightly at the name 'Raine' - was it the same Raine he had briefly met? "I guess um, Raine picked these out for you? Maybe it'd be less offensive if it was something you chose..."
He was briefly startled when she surged forward to hug him again, the move not entirely expected, but his surprise passed quick enough that he could return it less awkwardly this time. "It... It is nice, yeah. Bed or a couch does me better than the ground, you know? Less chance of people straying in and catching me off-guard, too." He grinned wryly.
"So you're staying with a friend, too? What's um... Thiel like? Your boyfriend? You're from Atlanta?" He furrowed his brows slightly, considering her curiously. He had expected somewhere more exotic, truth be told, given her appearance and mannerisms. After a moment he shook his head slightly.
"Ah... a few. Not too many. I suppose I should, though, since I guess I'm gonna be staying here... well... a while anyway." He trailed off, considering that. His new demonic friend was certainly intriguing enough to warrant it, although he really wasn't one to put down roots. Still, having a few more contacts here would do him good, other places to crash unless he wore out his welcome. He licked his lips. "A metal... beast? Really? Like... a robot or something?" He was trying to picture it, not quite sure what she meant.
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Post by nellewarner on Sept 21, 2015 20:55:04 GMT -6
Cyren almost doubled over in laughter at the thought of 'Thiel being her boyfriend. "Oh!... Th...'Thiel, he's." she paused to catch her breath, "no, no he is guardian. He worked with mother within the halls of Great Empire. You know of, yes? The Fire-head Raine say to me that they were lost, but if you know, you can helps?"
Maybe Raine was incorrect and her home was not as gone as he thought. Cyren did not understand how an entire empire could be lost in such a short period of time, and still did not truly believe it to be true.
Cyren ported herself to the branch that she had previously hung upside down from and sat on it, motioning to Ari to join her. "yes, those metal creatures that bare their teeth and growl as they speed toward you. 'Thiel say they are not monsters but I not sure I believe. He call them..." she paused as she searched her memories for the strange word he used, "Kahrs..."
She glanced at Ari,"Things here are strange. Like suits for bathing that you only use outside or fishing without diving for to catch. Ah, I curious about your gift!" She suddenly changed the topic from keeping herself from feeling sad, "Your tribe all have same or are gifts very different? I know not many who shift." Her eyes wide with interest as she gazed upon her friend.
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Post by kilnarak on Sept 22, 2015 1:40:21 GMT -6
"Oh... A guardian?" Ari furrowed his brows slightly, trying to wrap his head around what she was saying. "So, not your boyfriend then. A... A friend of your mother's?" He wasn't sure what she meant by the 'Great Empire' in Atlanta. Perhaps he hadn't heard her right? He shook his head, frowning softly. "Ah, I can't say I know anything about that. Sorry..."
He drew a sharp breath when she disappeared, but she reappeared not far away, on the branch above. He considered a moment, then set about climbing up to join her. He didn't shift fully, although he allowed his hands to change for a few moments, using claws for a better grip. It would be easier still without the shoes, but he didn't want to risk losing them. "Cars? Metal monsters? He's um... Thiel is right. They're just machines." He settled onto the branch beside her, letting his legs dangle off the side. "I... guess you're not from Atlanta... Tell me about where you're from?"
He bared his teeth briefly, not quite a grin, as she changed the subject. Still, he didn't pry any further, instead inclining his head slightly. "I don't have a 'tribe,' or anything like that. I barely even knew my mother. She died when I was little. I don't know if she was like me, too... I haven't really met any others..." He trailed off, then shook his head. "I mean, since I've been here I've seen... other people who can change? But they're not the same, you know? So... ah... Does that answer it for you?"
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Post by nellewarner on Sept 22, 2015 2:26:16 GMT -6
Cyren swung her feet back and forth as she listened to Ari talk about his family, or lack of one rather. "I sorry to bringing bad thoughts. My clan was called the Mysticks. No two persons had same gift- and gift always came at different times. I had tribe member who controlled flora and another who wield water, one who felt fire, and one last could shift into cat of darkness. I is odd one, only."
She was silent for a moment before nodding her head in decision. Ari had told her about where he came from- she could talk about her home.
"At-lan-ta... no, only of At-lan-tay-a Greatest Empire of 7 shores. I am heir to the Emperors Grand Seer. Mama lived at central palace where 'Thiel was advisor to Emperor. I only saw her for short times, and 'Thiel came to care for me in her absence. I thought he dead for long time before appear here. For my 5839th birthday I was honored with a title of 1st General of the Great Army, but not yet receive gift. That only happen right before I be here..."
Cyren could only slump as she spoke of the time before, when she was not truly happy but things were familiar. "Sorry for sadness, I has a few friends here but wish to find home if only for the familiar. Does that sense make?"
"Though, I has more battles here than home. That normal? 'Thiel try to treat as kid, so maybe should train more. You spar? I need practice..." Her gaze steadily tracking a squirrel two trees over as she spoke.
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Post by kilnarak on Sept 22, 2015 3:11:29 GMT -6
Ari shrugged slightly and offered Cyren a smile. "It's fine. Can't very well miss something you hardly remember, right? I've uh. I've met other people with 'gifts', I suppose, but they weren't like me." He paused a moment, considering her, his head cocked slightly to one side. "What about what you did to get up here? Isn't that a 'gift'? I mean, I can't do that... Or do all of uh... your Mysticks... can you all do that?"
He fell silent, listening as she explained her home and family, trying to make sense of what she said. When she mentioned her age, his eyes widened. Had he heard that right? Over five thousand years old...? "Five... Five thousand years...?" He trailed off again, trying to get past that number, to consider what else she had said. After a few moments, he nodded slightly. "I... Um. I guess it does. We must seem pretty strange... But... at least, uh, Thiel is something familiar, right?"
He sighed and shrugged slightly, offering her a wry smile. "I get what you mean, I think. I mean, there's stuff when uh... when I was younger that I remember, and I miss... Not my ma, but... I mean you know? But you can't go back to that, it's past now. Best to make the best of what you have now, right?"
At her question on fighting, he furrowed his brows slightly. "I guess it's 'cause there's... lots of different kinds of people here? I uh. I guess I can 'spar', but I'm no black-belt, or anything!" He noticed her gaze, and made note of the squirrel, then smiled slightly. "We could hunt it? I mean... you know, catch it, at least. If you want?"
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Post by nellewarner on Sept 22, 2015 3:53:21 GMT -6
Cyren grinned at Ari's suggestion. "Next important birthday is when I 7,000- then I considered adult in Eyes of Emperor. You not know my tribe- only one gift occurs. I am only that be this colored," she held out her bare arm to him as evidence, "also only with two colored hair and eyes. Real gift that brought here is sudden ables to appear. New trick is," she paused again and turned her hand up so that she was holding a fluctuating glowing blue ball of light that had two golden rings around it. "Only just learned to do without staff." She grinned, "maybe not so bad to be odd one."
She and Ari watched the squirrel for a moment more, "Don't know about belts impacting the fight, but I no like taste of squirrel so we can let go." She kicked her boots off and jumped into a crouch on the branch. With a glance over her shoulder she told Ari, "I go up through branches if want to take ground. See who gets first?"
With a predatory grin she swung off to a higher branch to track the animal from above.
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Post by kilnarak on Sept 22, 2015 4:39:36 GMT -6
"I... I see. So they're not all like you? Do they look like normal people? Like um. Like me? And. You know. Them." He gestured in the direction of the clearer section of the park, intending to indicate the youths he had spied at the tables, but the gesture could easily encompass the city, as a whole. He was a bit confused by her 'gifts' - she had said her people only had one? But she was showing off at least two different things (provided her coloring wasn't considered a 'gift' as well...)
"That's a lot of tricks, Kai-ren... How am I going to keep up with all of that?" He offered another wry grin and a small laugh. He shook his head as she sketched the rules of the game, pushing off the branch and dropping down to the ground below. "No teleporting! That's cheating!" He looked up at her and mirrored her grin, then set off along the ground to where he had last seen the squirrel.
His gaze flicked up to watch the branches overhead - both for signs of the prey, as well as for Cyren herself. The squirrel had progressed along the branch it had been on to the trunk of the tree, scurrying down it to get something in the leaves beneath. Ari slowed as he drew nearer, stilling to watch it a moment. If he was quiet and still, it might not see him. Slowly, in small movements, he crept closer until he was near upon it. Then abruptly he made a grab - but the squirrel caught sight of him at the last moment and scurried quickly back up the tree-trunk.
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