Infinity (Pauk;Open)

[Tiki]

23 Winter 511 A.V. The world was quiet save for the faint sounds of a celestial hum in the background as the chavi rubbed past each other in the infinite in-between. He opened his eyes and saw it again, endless and beautiful, full of promise. You could reach up here, and grab the stars, on this rocky shoreline in the world that does not exist. The enormity of the cliff sides were belittled with the rise and fall of the thick fog that splashed along the coast as waves, pouring into the little cove and back out. Little instances of a water fall, you might say. And those stars did shine bright through the carpeting clouds that glowed scarlet and indigo and everything in between, much like the world itself. The stillness was overlooked by the wind that gently blew inland in a constant stream of thousands of cool kisses off his bare nose. Tiki stood at the end overlooking the cover as the watered down fog began to rush in again. He heard the waves and saw the water rush, but it was just a blur. He never saw the ocean for its true form, the foam, not in his walking life at least. He reached down and pawed it, and it moved like sand. It slipped through his toes and claws and fell back to mend with the rest. It felt cold and wet, but it was still comforting. He stepped out onto it, apparently it was shallow enough. He crossed the way and came to the mini-peninsula at the farthest edge that jutted out into the abyssal foggy ocean. He could turn either way and see the edge of the world curve back on the turning sphere he was so used to seeing. He could look back and see the way to rocks continued on, and rose and fell into mountains and who knows what lay behind them. It was nice here, and he didn’t mean to leave just yet. As he did stand there in wonder he thought to himself of what was beyond the ocean, what was behind the fog. What else is out there that he’s missing? And he pawed at the fog in vain as it slipped back through and undid all he had done. There was much more in life than he knew, but he wanted to know. He was a curious cat, you could say, but his dreams showed he just wanted more. He’d be disappointed in the end with what the world really had to offer. Little did he know Sylira was among the best places of the civilized world, and that was hardly a compliment? Still he was hopeful or something like that. Naïve? A more reliable response yet… He was looking around for another way to go forward into the fog, constantly aware of his surroundings in this ethereal place. No one would surprise him. Unaware of those surrounding him, faceless figures with nearly no name or form to them, he minded his own. They could walk up to him at any moment and greet him. There’d be no surprise, just his warming grin over that feline face. He was a large jaguar black as the darkest nights in these dreams, and his eyes glowed of an enriched gold that knew no substance, only divinity. He waited for something to move him from this standstill…

[Pauk]

Pauk looked at himself...or more like, herself. In this dream-body, he was completely female. He felt completely female. His body was covered in tattoos, exactly imitating the tiger stripes he had when he was a tiger. He reached up to touch his face, and felt it smoother, rounder than his normal face. And his body didn't have a mix of the awkward angles and curves that he usually had, this one was completely feminine. He was wearing a white cotton dress, only down to his knees, and it was whiter than anything he had ever seen. Pauk finally decided to look around at his surroundings. The ocean was fog, rolling against the cliffs. The stars were unnaturally bright, even brighter than they were usually, and glowed easily through the million-coloured clouds. Not very far from where he stood, was a strange black object with silky-looking black fur and golden eyes. Gold like...the gold used in jewelry. But even that comparison failed in the real thing. As Pauk made his way over to the thing, he realized it was an extremely large black cat. Pauk was almost afraid, but it didn't look dangerous. He reached out to touch it, to feel the fur that looked so soft.

[Tiki]

He turned to Pauk and his voice echoed like thunder, “Hello.” The greeting was obscure in its location, but his mouth did not move. He showed his attention by looking to Pauk. His own tail cut through the low fog swinging back and forth in pleasure from the rubbing. The roaring voice that rippled across the sky called to Pauk again in plain thunder that would make children cringe. “Climb on.” He called to her, and if she even resisted a bit he was nudging her over and over until she would be slung over his back. There was plenty of fur to grab hold of. With Pauk on his back he approached the edge of the unknown and leapt. They knew nothing of gravity, and didn’t seem to be falling any time soon. Tiki’s body was in full extension as they seemed to glide in a great jump into the sky and fog. “I am Tiki. Who are you? The conversation was typical and simple to follow. That thundering voice receded back to the cat this time, and did not cut the silence as much now. There was merely a sound of the flowing wind over them. The sky still glowed in the distance, and the warmth of the light penetrated their every layer. The wind was soft and warm as well, but Tiki’s fur was smooth and cooled. Tiki took s deep breath through his nose and blinked gently. He felt the refreshing breeze fill his lungs with something cooler than his own core. Flowing through nostrils and throat and into his lungs. It was invigorating. He pranced to a cloud and stopped there. They stood on the floating object among the stars far and wide.

[Pauk]

Pauk had just started stroking the cat when a thunderous voice greeted him. It appeared that the cat had said it, as he was staring directly at Pauk, but his mouth didn't move. The loudness was terrifying, and temporarily paralyzed him. Not for long though, because before he knew it, he was on the panther's back. They were flying through the air, gravity completely meaningless in this dream world. The fur was incredibly and unrealistically soft. It felt like velvet between his fingers, softer than the best furs he had ever seen for sale in Taloba. No, even softer than anything he could have imagined on his own. Pauk leaned against the cat's neck, burying his face into it, inhaling his scent. Wrapping his arms around his neck, the plush fur like a soft caress on his face, arms and legs. The cat spoke again, calling himself 'Tiki'. Pauk lifted his head just high enough so he could speak. "My name...is Pauk," he replied, just as quickly burying his face in fur again. The light was warm, but the fur was cold, and Pauk was challenged with conflicting temperatures. They stopped, not so suddenly, but slowly. Pauk found himself sliding off of Tiki's back, floating next to the giant cat. A simple breeze blew past, and Pauk had transformed into a tiger. Not just any tiger, a Myrian tiger. He felt powerful, like he could crush mountains and empty oceans. Like this, he was just barely smaller than Tiki. But what he really wanted was to feel Tiki's fur again, so surreal and soft. He circled Tiki, taking in the sights around him as well as what he looked like. Pauk noticed the barely-darker spots littering his fur, and the melted-gold eyes following him. He stared right back, with one eye a pool of dark gold and the other as blue as an ocean.

[Arandolya]

Arandolya The only limit is the Stars . . . It had taken a while for the bliss to wash over her, she had too many thoughts racing in her keen mind. It tired her to think, yet even more active as her mind pursued new aspects, and tried to reach new heights all while she lay restless. When the bliss came, she was unaware she wouldn't dream normally tonight. Her thoughts turned over and over, but disappeared as sleep lulled her into it's loving embrace, caressing her, and burying her deep where no worries could follow. The Inartan woman let herself drown in it's coos, and submitted herself to the sleep, and where it took her. To be truthful, this wouldn't be the first time she'd woken up and been in the clouds. Being one of the Inarta, she just smiled, although it seemed nothing supported her but the wispiest of the clouds. Her Bryda was a creamy color, blue glass beads, Inartan blown, decorating the top. The Vinati wrapped around her chest, tying in a wrap over her neck and again at her back was the same color, and had deep green beads. Her feet were bare, and so were her arms, stretching them to brush the heavens. Red hair burst into a living flame in the sunlight, seeming to dance down in a burning cascade as it twisted in a braid with eagle feathers, and beads. Only then, when she'd taken in herself, did she look around clearly. The sky was no surprise, it was her home, and she felt no fear to look down. What was a slight surprise were the two cats that leaped along not too far away, one as black as night, the other a feline species she recognized. Tiger, wasn't it? Her honey gaze watched the two as they bounced around each other, relating them to her beloved beings of air, that bounced in much the same way, though wings held them up, and not a dreamscape. The Inarta walked forwards, her feet gliding along easily, quickly getting used to the prospect of walking upon air and clouds. "Hello," she said with a soft smile, once she was within earshot. Not knowing how tame, or friendly these cats were, she kept her polite distance, although her stance was one of a relaxed being, and her gaze welcoming. "I'm Arandolya," she added, having the feeling giving a name to her features would be beneficial in this situation. Arandolya clasped her hands behind her back, and waited quietly, her flame-colored hair continuing it's alight dance upon her shoulder.

[Tiki]

His head turned back over his shoulder in that characteristic take of his portrait: large golden eyes, the black fur folding over itself in the seamless manner, and the fullest gravity comprehensible from staring into the eyes of the beast. His voice was heard, “Greetings, Arandolya…Pauk, ” and gave each the passing glance they deserved. He looked to the horizon tilting before them and let his voice be heard. His let out a roar as massive as if the sky quaked and vibrated all around them. They were moving toward the stars due north-west. “Welcome…” Yes, but to where? He didn’t know or care. Here he could do anything he’d want. In a world more tangible than this, he was fast asleep in the depths of this dream curled up in a warm bed. Here he felt too the contrast of the warming cover of fur and the cool air just outside that clung like an oily residue. Tiki began think of the eagles of Windreach, and the Inarta he saw in front of him. “Do you fly? Then fly.” Inarta must know how to fly. Fly what? Why the cloud, or perhaps it was a bird from the spanning width. As the cloud moved across the sky at its pace it did begin to take on that streamline appearance, that of the great wing eagles: pointed front, massive wings, broad back, and the fanned tail leaving streaks in the sky behind it.

[Pauk]

The cloud was changing, changing into a giant bird. Pauk didn't know what kind, nor did he bother to answer Tiki. He was curious about the red-haired woman though, so he moved over to her. As he was moving, he shifted once again, not of his own accord. He was the same Myrian as before, wearing the same clothes. He inspected her closely, because 'Curiosity killed the cat.' Except, he hoped not to be killed. But this was a dream, where anything could happen. The stars were floating by, and Pauk looked over the edge of the cloud, into the foggy blurriness. He didn't know what they were floating over, and he didn't care. He just wanted to float and float and fly across the dream sky... OOCSorry for such a short post. It works, though.

[Arandolya]

Arandolya The only limit is the Stars . . . Arandolya met the gaze of the animal in an even manner, taking in the knowledge and intelligence that sparkled in those liquid gold depths. She couldn't help but smile gently at his greetings. The roar that followed somehow fell pleasantly on her ears, tumbling in like rocks into a stream. She molded around it, accepted it, let it live in her. The woman let a peal of delighted laughter part her painted lips, let it dance in the stars, in the soft folds of that passionate call of the wild. "Welcome..." the beast continued. To the stars? Arandolya smiled, and reached her arms out, as though she could tough these burning points of light. She welcomed to all, and laughed again, joyous, carefree. The Inarta let her beads catch the light, and refract it back into the eyes of onlookers, as her bare feet drifted across the air with the gentle grace of someone born of the sky. "Do you fly? Then fly." Those words turned her head, the red flames dancing in the air as they fell on her shoulders once more. "I fly," she said with a smile, spreading her arms to embrace the dreamscape. As the cloud beside her changed, Arandolya smiled at it. Curtsied. Showed deference. As one was supposed to in the presence of such a majestic creature. The bird turned to her, and its beak opened once before it bowed low in a posture that would allow her nimble form to climb upon its back. Given such permission, especially from an unbonded Wind Eagle filled her with glee. With the cat racing beside her, the Wind Eagle spread its wings when she seated herself carefully on its back. Only then, did she turn her attention to the silent Pauk. "A beast, into a man," she said in awe. She'd known of these changing beings, and she smiled at him. Outstretching her hand, Arandolya's golden gaze was welcoming. "You're welcome to fly with me." oocSorry this took so long to write, I ran into a few irl problems that kept me from being too long on the computer.

[Tiki]

OOCit’s help if I’d post, wouldn’t it? Thanks thread list for bumping this back! Please be alive. xD Noting the trend of humanoid forms, Tiki did what he could to compensate to conformity. He liked to feel he belonged, but he knew there was a part of him that was genuinely kelvic, more importantly feline. He stood up, shifting to his human form, but only in shape. His eyes still glowed with the golden color, and his digits ended in the cat nails. He had his thumbs of course! Fur became ebon skin. His hair blended perfectly with his skin, appearing more as if a silhouette. Most detailed or obscene featured were hidden in his walking shadowy form. Tiki looked toward their distant destination, that somehow still fell into their range of sight. The thrill of their arrival, the anticipation of reaching that place filled him. What place? Why, Windreach of course, at least Tiki’s interpretation of the heavenly mountain to start. The sun glowed over the snow coated peak and dark, smooth rocks. They didn’t go too far, and the sea of misty clouds still lingered below them. The colors of the sky danced all around them. Tiki looked back at the company as if to signal that they were ready to go. He himself dove down and began to leap from among the rocks. His movements were lightning strikes, not so much a hovering leap than a zipping from isle to isle. In time, the Inarta’s consciousness would blend into the image and bring their view to a more accurate interpretation. The crater of the city perhaps, or the sights of eagles all flying overhead in their hunt. Had she seen Thunder Bay? Would that appear before them too in perfect replication? Would any of them remember it afterwards though? Would the image of it all shatter Tiki’s dream of seeing the mountain as he imagined it? For the moment there was him and his mountain, friend trailing behind on the wings of an eagle. He’d enjoy it. His white smile broke out against the shadowed tint of his lips.

[Pauk]

OOCSorry for taking such a long time and for the short post. He looked around. Back and forth, back and forth. Pauk then looked down, at the clouds layering underneath, and then forward, at the misty mountain in the distance. An impulse hit him. "Let's jump." The wind blew through his long hair, pushing it across his face and into his mouth and eyes. He didn't mind this intrusion of hair, not at all. He leaped over to the edge of the eagle-cloud, and almost immediately felt himself turn into a tiger once again. A ginger tiger, strawberry tiger, golden tiger, the form he knew best. He looked back at Tiki and the fiery-haired Arandolya, and beckoned with his tail for them too to come to the edge and jump. The word echoed in his mind. Jump, jump, jump, jump... He didn't want to fall alone.