[Aylasa Caves] Craziness in the Caves (Sylvette and Asen)

by **Sylvette Sciath** on March 14th, 2015, 1:57 am

The women said her name was, Something, something very hard to say, and then she had told Sylvette to say it, Geeting the sounds in order in her head, "Se Sa che naa sen?" saying the name in segments chewing each sound until saying the name in a broken manner, Before looking back at the woman defiantly as if to say, Their, I said it, what now?
Looking over the woman Sylvette didn't like her chances if she had to fight her, but she would if she had too, though it seemed that it would not be the way things turned out, as the more Orin talked, the more likely it seemed thay would be working together, Not that Sylvette needed any help.

Letting her master help himself to the remains of the bird, claiming trophies it seemed, Sylvette declined any such notion that she wanted any sort of trophy form something that smelled, and tasted, so badly . instead Sylvette decided to look further into the cave, it was indeed dark but not unbearably so.

My night vision is indeed decent though I think that leading you through the dark will be a trifle difficult, though not impossible",saying that Sylvette walked a little ways into the cave, enjoying the slight breeze against her naked flesh, It felt as if the cool air was blowing away the heat that had built up in her body when she had attacked the bird, similar to the rush one got when hunting, though intensified by the danger her master had previously been in. Spreading her arms Sylvette simply stood back to her master and the odd woman, allowing herself to briefly enjoy the feeling before undertaking the task that had brought them here.

by **Asen** on March 14th, 2015, 3:29 am

Asen rolled her eyes at the Kelvic's pronunciation. Orin's was more or less okay, though. "Sess. Ah. Shen. Ah. Zen. Sessaschenaas- you know what? Just say Asen. It's easier, little thing."

She looked at Orin. "Are you keepin' it around just to petch or somethin'? Seems like all she's good for. Other than huntin' and protection, apparently."

Asen brushed her hair out of her face, wincing. The bruises were giving her a headache, but she was able to work through it. She made a noise. "Mm-mm. I'm not a knight. I'm just a squire. They'll be fine, anyways. I'm sure they'll understand," she told him, adding under her breath, "I hope."

Her world suddenly spun and she dropped to her knees, brain pounding. She placed her forehead to the cool stone, fingers tangling in her hair. Her heartbeat sped up, panicking a bit. Her vertigo disappeared after a chime and she was able to sit up slowly.

"I banged my head up pretty bad," she nearly gasped out, "I'll be fine. Promise. I think you can wrap some flammable stuff around a stick or somethin' an' it'll be good enough."

The Kelvic had placed herself between Orin and the half-Dhani, stubborn. That behavior would never be tolerated in Riverfall. It irritated her, that this thing was so undisciplined. She stood, legs akimbo and arms crossed. Asen fixed the nude girl with a hard look, narrowing her eyes.

Those same eyes raked down Sylvette's bare skin, then flicked back to her face. Her lip curled in disgust. She normally had no problem with nudity, but when it was a Kelvic she didn't like it. "Savage," she hissed, a barely-noticeable extension of the 's' hinting at her heritage, "Put some clothes on."

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by **Orin Fenix** on March 14th, 2015, 7:26 am

Orin finished up his butchering of the Kriital’s corpse. Neither of the other two wanted what Orin had removed from the body, so Orin put it all away. Honestly Orin wasn’t quite sure why he wanted all this weird stuff anymore. And he was starting to seriously regret his decision to come out here in the first place. He didn’t feel as if a few broken down pieces of dead people’s belongings was worth all this trouble. None of it probably worked anymore. So the only reason to have it in the first place was for bragging rights. And Orin wasn’t one to brag. It had been strange for Orin to come out here in the first place. Anyone who knew him could attest that he wasn’t one for adventures of any kind, especially not ones that involved any danger. Orin didn’t know if this feeling of needing to explore the wide world out there was something that was coming from his bond from Sylvette or if it was internally driven, and grew out of his increasingly shored up self-confidence.

But this wasn’t the time or place for introspection. And Orin could sense annoyance from the part of his mind that he was coming to associate with his bond. Orin didn’t know what Sylvette’s problem was. Asen had probably saved both their lives. As Orin returned to the two of them, Asen repeated her incredibly complicated name. It seemed to have far too many sibilants for Orin’s liking. Orin idly wondered, What parents would name their child something like Ssahsasas...ssasensssas…I can’t even say it mentally! As Orin drew next to them again, though, Asen’s response completely blindsided him.

”We’re not, never in a million years…I mean, no absolutely not Sylvette and I have never done anything like that, in fact, I’ve never done, I mean we don’t need to get into, but rest assured that no we are not, have not and will not…do that.” Orin was incredibly flustered by Asen’s accusation. And he was sure that his face was turning all sorts of pretty shades of red as embarrassment hit him hard. Swallowing, Orin tried to add at least a trace amount of coherency to his words. ”I mean to say that Sylvette and I are just friends, really, no funny business there. I mean, a little more, we’re bondmates so it’s complicated but completely and totally platonic I assure you!’ Orin didn’t know where Asen was getting that impression, unless it was the not wearing clothes. In which case, Orin was even more determined to start bringing a spare set for Sylvette, to avoid mix-ups like this in the future. Especially since Orin had never been romantically involved with anyone, nor did he foresee that any time soon in his future.

Orin seemed to meet a lot of squires. In fact, most of his casual acquaintances either worked at The Rearing Stallion or were members of the Order. Orin was about to comment on this fact, when Asen dropped to her knees and started complaining of her head injury. Shyke not this. Orin felt all the blood drain out of his face. He wasn’t a doctor or a healer but he knew far too much about head injuries. After having suffered a pretty major one at the beginning of the season the healers at Soothing Waters had given Orin a tutorial on head injuries and what to look for. Dizziness was a bad sign. ”Here, can you turn to the light? I just want to check if your pupils are dilating. Ah and what year is it and who is the Grandmaster of Syliras? If her pupils were dilating, which Orin wasn’t actually sure the meaning of but apparently was so self-obvious the healers hadn’t explained it, and could answer those questions then the chance this was a serious injury diminished quite a bit.

Still, Orin was torn. Even if it wasn’t that bad, it should still probably get checked out by someone who actually knew what they were doing sooner rather than later. Not Orin, certainly. The fastest way to do this was to find Asen’s patrol and explain what happened. If they doubted the story Orin had proof in his bag and the corpse would be pretty easy to verify. On the other hand, they hadn’t actually fulfilled their primary purpose in coming here.

Hesitating for just one moment Orin decided on the only possible course of action he could see working. ”Alright I think a change of plans are in order. We’re not going to make a torch. Sylvette, you go see if you can find anyway, but staying within hearing. If you find anything salvageable, bring it back here. If you run into trouble, holler and try to make your way back to us. I’ll try and get to you as well. I’m going to be staying here to help Asen with her head. Assuming all goes well, we’ll regroup with Asen’s patrol as soon as possible and they can hopefully spare someone to take us back to the city. Orin didn’t really seem himself as a leader, but he kept getting thrown into situations where decisions kept defaulting to him, either because he was the only one who could make them or because nobody else was willing too. Still, he was far from being an assertive person.

Finally, Orin noticed that the animosity was surprisingly deep between Sylvette and Asen, for no reason that Orin could discern. Frowning, Orin tried to patch everything up between the two of them. ”Ladies, can’t you well, try to get along? I mean we all just saved one another’s lives, for Sylir’s sake, I’d say that makes us fire-forged friends or whatever that expression is, I never really got it in the first place. Still, friends?” Orin also was far from an experienced mediator, but he would feel bad if he didn’t at least try. Perhaps they were simply reading each other’s cues wrong. The gods and goddesses knew that Orin did that at least once a day.

OOCHope you don't mind me trying to move things along!

by **Sylvette Sciath** on March 14th, 2015, 8:39 pm

Keeping me around for petching, Sylvette wasn't sure what that meant, though by Orin's vehement reaction and embarrassment Sylvette figured it probably wasn't good, She'd have to ask Orin about it later. Sylvette could definitely say that she didn't particularly like how nice Orin was to everyone, always doting on other people when he liked to harp on Sylvette, telling her to wear appropriate attire, or eat with a fork, Still something she didn't like doing, and then he was nice to everyone else. Not that she bore Orin any ill will, just that, she sometimes wished he would dote on hr like he used to, he hadn't petted her at all in a while.

After complaining about hurting her head, and Orin quickly going to aide her Sylvette watched from afar not wanting to be involved, though as Orin was doing so he told her that she should go on ahead and explore the caves, see if she could find anything useful, Shrugging Sylvette turned away preparing to follow masters orders before Hearing the woman call out from behind her, calling her a savage, to which Sylvette's reply was to turn about and stick out her tongue at her while Orin was busy trying to figure out how to dress the wound and likely wouldn't see.

Then Sylvette wen into the cave, It was indeed dark, but not unbearable so, and there was certainly a chill that hung in the air, along with the general dampness of he cave, as Sylvette walked further in, there was evidence of scattered debris and various other ruined things in the cave, nothing that seemed like it was worth taking the time to even look at, though as she walked Sylvette noticed a mound in the distance, an are more dense in debris that anywhere else in the cave.

Cupping her hands nd yelling back into the dark of the cave from whence she came Sylvette shouted, "Master, I think i've found, Something" before turning back and wading int the knee deed chilling water that was the snow melt from the prior winter. Suppressing a shiver Sylvette began to dig through the debris looking for something that could be of value.

by **Asen** on March 14th, 2015, 9:07 pm

It was kind of funny, the way Orin stumbled over his words. Clearly he wasn't comfortable with the idea of petching someone. Of course they were 'just friends.' Asen gave a little snort as he asked her to turn towards the light.

The light, however, decided it was a good idea to make her eyes hurt. She covered her face with her hands, mumbling. Petchin' light.

She had to process Orin's words several times before she could answer. "Uhh... 515? I think? Grandmaster... Lorden?" she said, peeking through her fingers. She'd accidentally switched out the Grandmaster's name with the knight she'd met at the hotsprings.

Anger flared up when the young man suggested she stay in the mouth of the cave while the Kelvic ventured into the depths. "There is no way I'm lettin' some beastie go down there without me. My head might hurt, but I'm still goin'. 'Sides, even if I'm hurt I'll be fine."

She noticed the Kelvic stick her tongue out and responded with a rude gesture and a sneer. The creature disappeared into the darkness and Asen gave in to Orin's mothering. She sat down slowly, being careful to not jar her head more than needed.

"Petchin' lucky I have a headache. I'd kick 'er arse if it weren't for that stupid bird. Petchin' bird. Didja carve somethin' off o' it or somethin'? It stinks," grumbled the half-Dhani.

She wanted to punch something, break something. She hated being hurt. It made her feel useless, childish. She wanted to help look for objects, not sit on the ground and whine. She felt like kicking herself.

"The petch are you out 'ere anyways, Orin? An' why'd you bring such a filthy animal along?"

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by **Orin Fenix** on March 14th, 2015, 9:45 pm

Asen got the year right but the Grandmaster’s name wrong. It was incredibly close though, Lorden instead of Loren, so Orin curbed his first impulse to panic at her memory being faulty. However, when she quickly looked away from the light and covered her face before Orin could get a chance to see if her pupils were dilating or not, he felt a sense of dread uncurl in his stomach. Asen was showing the classic signs of a concussion. Not one as bad as what Orin had received at the start of spring, but Orin had been informed that head injuries had a way of escalating quickly into something much worse.

Still, at this point, there was nothing Orin could do except encourage her to return to her patrol. He couldn’t leave her, since she might pass out at any moment. Otherwise, Orin would go find the knights himself. And Sylvette had already gone off to do as Orin had asked and darted into the darkness of the cave. Even if she’d still been here, Orin wasn’t sure he could trust the two women not to come to blows. He’d seen Asen’s gesture to Sylvette as his bondmate had departed. And Asen’s words weren’t doing much to reassure Orin that he could abandon the two of them, or even take his eyes of Asen for one second.

Orin protested Asen’s assertion that she had to stay here. ”Look, I get that you’re a squire and you’re supposed to be tough and all, but you’re hurt and if you exert yourself you could cause yourself permanent damage. I know this isn’t your first choice but won’t you please just come with me to find your patrol? I promise I’ll come find you and give you a piece of whatever we find.” It was the best that Orin could come up with. He really didn’t want to have to go to the Order and tell them how he’d gotten a squire killed through his own recklessness. Orin figured that would probably constitute a punishable offense. So Orin was getting a bit desperate, especially as Asen showed no signs of listening to what Orin was saying.

He was about to respond to her inquiry about why they were out here in the first place when Asen insulted Sylvette. Orin’s concern over the squire’s well being was immediately replaced by a hot, burning, angry. Injuries and insults to himself he could deal with. But no one, and there were no exceptions to that rule, was allowed to talk badly about Sylvette. And to do it in front of Orin’s face was completely and totally unacceptable. Standing up to his full height Orin looked down his nose at the woman. He placed his hands on his hips, then let the words bubbling on his tongue loose. ”Filthy animal huh? For your information, that filthy animal, as you so charmingly referred to her, happens to be my bondmate so I’ll thank you to keep your opinions about her to yourself. Furthermore, she’s saved my life numerous times now. And unlike you, she’s got some modicum of manners. You’d think that a future Knight of the Syliran Order would handle herself with a little more decorum but I guess they’re scraping the bottom of the barrel these days when it comes to recruits. Now, if you apologize to her or just stop talking all together, I’m willing to let this slide, but I will not suffer you badmouthing her. She’s an amazing individual and you not only are displaying incredibly poor judgment and a nasty mouth, you’re also making a mockery of everything the Order stands for by treating a law-abiding citizen of Syliras as if she was the mud on your boots.” Orin glared at Asen, daring her to say one more word on this subject. He was enraged but kept a tight grip on his anger. He was willing to use his words but attacking a squire was a death sentence. Still, she had been behaving horribly and Orin refused to let himself feel as if he had done something wrong by giving her the tongue-lashing she most definitely deserved.

Sylvette’s call from within the caverns gave Orin the perfect excuse to leave Asen. He spun on his heel and walked in the direction Sylvette’s voice had come from. Without realizing it, he corrected his course minutely, homing in on that little bundle of feeling that represented his bond to Sylvette. Orin didn’t look back to see if Asen was following. If Sylvette had already found something worth looking at, then Orin didn’t foresee they’d be here much longer. She’d either come, or wait and then Orin and Sylvette could pick her up on the way out, deposit her with the knights, and be on their merry way. Orin was sure Asen would survive without a babysitter for a few chimes. And if she didn’t he was past caring, consequences be damned.

by **Sylvette Sciath** on March 16th, 2015, 11:34 pm

Rummaging through the Things Sylvette became increasingly disappointing as she looked for something amidst the trash most things were o tattered to be recognizable or too rusted to be usable. Slowly digging deeper into the pile Sylvette began tossing items that were trash or just plain unrecognizable behind her, along worth anything else she found that appeared to be of no use, eventually abandoning the first pile of junk with a huff.

Suppresing a shiver from the cold that was beginning to numb her feet Sylvette moved onto the next pile of debris looking for something of worth. beginning the search anew Sylvette began sifting through junk once more until her hand glanced a bag that gave a jingle after she hit it, curious as to what it was Sylvette lifted the bag out of the debris and dusted it off again causing it's contents to let out a dull jingle from the leather pouch that contained whatever it was that was jingling. Taking moment to open the pouch, ripping the water ruined leather in the process two pieces of metal fell causing Sylvette to jump back as the two things in the pouch fell from the bag she had ripped. picking them up Sylvette wasn't sure what they were but they greatly reminded her of her claws, two handles with four finger holes each and from the handle which had four knuckles and a slim claw like blade sprouting from each knuckle. the only difference in the pair of weapons was that the way they would fit ones hand was reversed on the pair as if one was made to fit the left hand while the other was made for the right. Sliding them onto her slim fingers, they were a little large, but after giving the claw like weapon a swing Sylvette decided that while they were never going to be as nice as her natural claws, they did make a good replacement for her while in her human form.

Claws still in hand Sylvette turned towards Orin who was approaching from back in the cave, Though how well he could see Had Sylvette concerned. "Hey maaaaster, Look what I found!!" Sylvette said moving to approach Orin to show him her find and to make sure he could see where he was going.

Secret :

by **Asen** on March 17th, 2015, 1:34 am

The young man's sudden shift shocked Asen into silence. She sat and stared at him with wide eyes, blinking several times. What... What the petch? Where'd that petchin' come from?

Evidently her attitude towards his bondmate had insulted him. She realized this, and guilt stabbed through her chest. Da didn't exactly say treatin' 'em like animals was bad, though. Is it? I s'pose it is. I'm sorry, Fenix. And Sylvette, I guess.

Her apology never made it out of her mouth, however, as Orin stormed away. His anger was almost palpable, and reasonable as well. Her jaw was slack and her mind had gone blank again in an attempt to recap what had just happened.

Did 'e really snap at me? Damn. Note to self: Don't piss 'im off ever again. Must be the quiet type who's got the bite of a Glassbeak when you anger 'em. The half-Dhani sighed and shook her head, gritting her teeth when it only made the headache worse.

Asen sighed and leaned over, placing her head between her knees on the stone ground. She rolled onto her back, closing her eyes. It certainly relieved the pressure in her brain, but the stench of the Kriital was still quite strong and the bruises on her skull were painfully present. Still, it helped.

She had begun to drift into sleep when Sylvette's voice pierced the fog and made her focus. The blonde opened her eyes and turned her head to look, but upon seeing nothing she promply closed them again. The Kelvic had found something interesting, but she was calling her bondmate and as such it was of no importance to Asen.

I should look for somethin'. Fenix has 'is Kriital skull, Sylvette found somethin'. I'd like to find somethin' to prove I was 'ere. Maybe in a bit.

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by **Orin Fenix** on March 17th, 2015, 12:48 pm

Although the darkness was absolute at first, the light filtering in from the entrance was enough for Orin's eyes to adjust. He couldn't see very clearly, just vague outlines. But at least he wouldn't have to worry about running into walls in their exploration. He'd look awfully stupid if he survived the Kriital only to knock himself out by walking headfirst into a wall. So at least he was spared that humiliation.

Orin was feeling a bit bad at his harsh reprimand. But only a bit. Asen had been behaving abominably for anyone. And for a squire and future Knight to act that way towards someone who had done them no wrong was nearly unthinkable. So, while a thread of apprehension was moving down Orin's spine at the possible fallout for his words, he knew he wouldn't take back a single one of them. Each one has been justified under the circumstances and he'd defend that all the way up to the Grandmaster if he had to. Orin was getting very tired of the superiority complex that seemed to afflict so many of the Knights. Not all of them, of course. Not even the majority of them. But when it was there, it was bad. Just because a person was not a member of the Order did not mean that person was allowed to be ridiculed. Quite the opposite in fact. If the Syliran Order really wanted to be arbiters of goodness they should be setting positive examples of behavior.

Still, regardless of what came from Orin's speech, it was over and done with now. He'd worry about the repercussions when and if they turned up. For now, Orin wanted to get what he had come for, get out, and return Asen to safety. Then Orin could go to a doctor or medic or healer and have his increasingly more painful arm checked out. Still, he thought his wound wasn't serious enough to kill him if he waited for a few more chimes before he had it checked out.

Drawing close to Sylvette, Orin risked a glance over his shoulder. If Orin was going to admit to a mistake on his end it was leaving Asen unattended. But he'd been so filled with fury that he had been afraid he might do something rash. Well, rather than what he'd already done. He'd just have to make sure he and Sylvette hurried back to the squire.

Kneeling down near the pile of junk that Sylvette had found, Orin smiled at her playing around with the claws that looked so similar to the ones she had in her cat form. However his smile faltered when she spoke. "Sylvette, I've said it once and I'll say it again: I am not your master. We're friends and equals in this relationship and I don't even want you to think that way, promise? Otherwise I can't keep this relationship up. I'll, I'll, I'll find a way to sever the bond I swear! Please don't make me do that." Though it would break his heart, Orin would find a way. He refused to let anyone be that subservient to him. Especially someone who he cared for as deeply as he did Sylvette. It wasn't fair to her growth and development to shackle herself to Orin's hopes and dreams. Orin resolved himself to seek out Asim. Perhaps the older Kelvic might know how to break the link between bondmates.

No longer able to look at Sylvette, ashamed at his thoughts but determined to do right by her, Orin shifted his attention to the debris. Most of it was so far gone or so unrecognizable that Orin didn't dare touch it for fear it would fall apart. However, a pack caught his eye. It was of surprising good quality and in good shape. There was some wear and tear, a few frayed straps, but it had held up well through the years, all things considered. Orin pulled it gingerly free from the pile.

It came free, but it wasn't alone. A thin chain was caught on it. Orin untangled the two items and held the chain up. It was a necklace. In the dim lighting Orin couldn't see what material it was made of. There were some darker spots that might have been rust and the chain needed a new clasp. But that wasn't what caught Orin's eye. It was the lovingly designed image the chain was linked to. The oak that was the symbol of the Syliran Order itself. A slightly grim smile curled one corner of Orin's mouth. He thought this would a perfect piece to give to Asen. Perhaps the reminder of what she stood for, peace and civilization, would do her good. And remind her to be civil when necessary and kind and just to those in need. Straightening up, Orin gathered the pack in his good arm. He held the necklace loosely in his left hand. "Sylvette I think we're done here. I got something for Asen too and I don't want us to run into any more monsters, all right? Unless there's some reason you need to stay."

Not waiting for her response, Orin quickly made his way back to Asen. He was alarmed to see that her state hadn't improved and might actually have worsened in the short time they'd been in the caves. Dropping to his knees Orin got her attention. "Hey, wake up. Don't you dare go to sleep on me, especially after I was nice enough to go and get you something. You hear me? I want you on your feet and moving. Please?" If Asen didn't recover, Orin knew he'd feel responsible for what happened to her for the rest of his life. Orin dropped the necklace in her lap, hoping that might revive her flagging spirits. He moved around to her back and slipped his hands under her shoulder, planning to pull her upright by brute force if he had to.

Secret :

by **Sylvette Sciath** on March 20th, 2015, 12:05 am

"Sylvette, I've said it once and I'll say it again: I am not your master. We're friends and equals in this relationship and I don't even want you to think that way, promise? Otherwise I can't keep this relationship up. I'll, I'll, I'll find a way to sever the bond I swear! Please don't make me do that."

Words have weight, and these particular fell like boulders, hitting Sylvette like physical blows. As her master turned to approach the rude woman they had met earlier Sylvette placed her face in the small of Orin's back. hands by her sides balled into small fists, shaking with the intensity of the emotions that she was currently feeling. Talking into Orin's back, Sylvette spoke her mind, "Orin, you are my friend, My only friend, and if I make you mad sometimes then, I am sorry, But i swear, that I never want you to say anythig like that again, ales you risk experiencing a series of bites and clawings like no man before, so, Promise me you wona't ever make that threat again. And if promise that then I won't ever call you master again, Orin." saying this Sylvette sniffed back once a few tears making there way out of her green eyes. "Ah shyke Orin, Bein around you is makin me go soft, i never used to cry before."

Not letting go of Orin Sylvette stayed behind her master, NO partner, Sylvette didn't particularly like strangers, and this particular one particularly didn't sit well with Sylvette, the woman was a rather violent and abrasive one. and on top of that she didn't have the prettiest way of speaking Sylvette had ever heard. that said, if her partner decided that the woman needed their aid then she would lend it, though perhaps not gladly. "it's not like we can leave you here to get eaten right? miss, Sessasch--enaasen, we can't have someone who aided us falling ill." trying harder to say the name than she had earlier, She wasn't as stupid as the woman might think. Then Sylvette offered a small hand to the woman. Though she still had her head turned away, Not that she didn't want to help her, just that well, Sylvette had pride as well, though it was pride of a different breed.

Completed [Aylasa Caves] Craziness in the Caves (Sylvette and Asen)