Stormy Roads (Aello, and Alenias)

[Nex Paciscor]

Season of Spring, Day 37, 511AV

Nex laid out in his natural wolf form across the forest floor, the grassy moss making a comfortable bed, and slowly his eyes flickered open. He had been having a pleasant dream about chasing wild animals and the like, but never the kill. The kill was satisfying enough to be sure, but just dreaming eternally chasing the white deer was much more pleasurable for him, for it was enjoyment came from not achieving ones goal, but the process one took to get to it.

His eyes adjusted to the soft light that surrounded him, and he shook his head to clear the murkiness from it, and slowly he stood making sure that he did not put too much pressure on his left foot. It was damaged but Aello did a fairly well job of fixing it up, and for that he was thankful. Slowly as his vision cleared he paced around in a rough circle, and looked around the clearing, still seeing the remnants of last night’s events. He remembered feeling much joy when they returned from the hunt and much more enjoyment when he feasted on the rabbit. After he had his fill, he turned back to his human form and helped Aello locate another such rabbit free of his drool, and soon they had eaten all they wanted and rested easily during the night. He had tried to stay up even beyond when he thought they had fallen asleep to keep watch but the events of the day tired even him.

He had slept better than he had in a long time, and felt comforted in having people he could trust nearby. Now that he was fully awake he was ready to find these new people, and decide what they would do today, though he was leaning towards going cave exploring. He had caught a glimpse of one the other night and he was more than interested in finding out more about it. Perhaps they would find the idea enjoyable as well he mused and he walked over to the scent of the hastily made camp after checking in on Aello and Alenias. With some carefully placed gnaws, he tore off the bindings, and unleashed the makeshift bandage from his paw and nudged it off of his injured limb gently with his snout. After doing that he decided he should spend some time in his human form now to more easily talk with both of the girls.

With just but a thought he transformed instantly into his human form, and stretched out in the warm sunlight. Silently he hoped that neither of them where awake to see him nude, not for his own sake but for theirs. He did not wish to make his newfound friends uncomfortable after all. A short walk brought him back over to his pile of clothes and he put them on quickly and silently as he could with a broken hand. After he was fully dressed, he walked back to the center of their camp, and sat down cross-legged, waiting for either of the women to wake up, or open their eyes if they by happened to be faking sleep.

[Aello]

Aello was curled into a ball on the forest floor, pale golden light trickling down through the trees and licking her skin as she slept. Her head was resting on her bag, her quiver in the center of her back, although the lowest end touched the ground as well, making it seem like she was being dragged down in her dreams from time to time. Her father's old bow rested on the ground before her, the string was curled protectively under her arm. Her eyes seemed to dance, scrunching tightly shut before returning to a more calm state over and over again. To anyone who looked at her, she must have appeared as though she were experiencing some sort of nightmare, or at least something she found troubling. And it was true, Aello was experiencing something rather dark... The girl dreamt that she tread alone through the forest she and her friends now inhabited. She dreamt that she was dressed as she was now, but no longer had her bow, or her quiver. Instead, only her bag rested in the center of her back, and she could feel the hilt of the cursed blade against her thigh. She was stepping as silently as she could through the forest, since it was early morning, and she didn't want to wake any of the animals up. Especially when she was so exposed... with all the things that usually kept the girl safe being no where to be found. Aello wondered where her two companions had gone, and if they had her bow and quiver as she walked along, seemingly following the sun through the endless rows of trees. It's so quiet today, she thought, as she kept on going. There were no birds chirping, trying to welcome the new day, and she hadn't seen a single animal scurrying about their business either. It's so very, out of place... she thought, as the smell of smoke reached her nostrils. The edges turned a bright red as they began to flare. "Smoke?" she whispered, "could someone be around after all?" Aello stopped dead in her tracks, and took a moment to sniff the air before she realized that the smoke was coming from some place to her right. Better go investigate, she thought, as she headed in that direction. Soon, a crackling sound reached her ears, and then the sound of tree branches falling down towards the earth. Leaves being engulfed in flame, "oh Dira, what happened here?" Aello whispered, as she stared up at a long spiral of smoke. "The forest is on fire," she went on, as she simply stared in silence a moment, as an eerie orange glow became more and more prominent. It cast her skin in a warm glow, making her seem just as out of place in the forest as the fire was, if not more so. "And it is coming this way." You should run, Aello's brain whispered, so you don't get burned. The girl nodded swiftly as her heart began to pick up the pace. She could hear it drumming against her tiny rib cage as she turned on her tail and fled. She ran for what felt like hours, until each of her muscles ache, and sweat had appeared on her brow; begun dripping down her face. Her skin seemed to glow, as she finally took a moment to rest. To breathe. Her body curled so her hands were on her knees, and she glanced down at the ground. It must be far behind us now, Aello thought, as she looked up again. Aello was surrounded by a sea of orange, and blackened tree; ash. Everything seemed to tumble to the ground, as she stood herself back up and looked in every which way. "Alenias!" Aello tried to scream over the smoke, as she looked around frantically, trying to look for a way out. But there was an endless wall of fire; of thick black smoke, and every so slowly, it was choking her. Aello began to cough, her lungs growing tight. There is no where to run. You cannot escape the inevitable... Startled, Aello's eyes shot open. Her chest was rising and falling rapidly, as her heart pounded in her tiny rib cage. Several beads of sweat had appeared on her brow, and she felt rather hot, despite the fact that the weather was not so bad. In fact, there was a slight breeze. It was just a bad dream, she told herself as she sat up, and rubbed the sleep crystals from her eyes, before allowing herself to glance at her surroundings. Just trees... and more trees, none of which are on fire. Nothing to be afraid of, Aello thought, as her heart began to calm down. Aello could hear footsteps coming from behind her, and instantly, she turned to glance over her shoulder. "Oh hello Nex," Aello called, as soon as she had recognized him. "You are up rather early. Did you sleep ok?" she inquired, before whispering, "or were you plagued by the darkest of dreams as well?" OOCSorry this isn't much to reply to. Oh, and Nex, she notices you when you are dressed. In case you were wondering...

[Alenias]

Alenias had awoken with the first rays of light as the birds in the trees sang their morning songs. With Aello still sleeping at that time she had transformed into a bird and fluttered up into the trees to join the other winged creatures.

Happily singing and chirping along with the other birds Alenias had flown about for a while, and even gotten some yummy berries and nuts for breakfast. It was so much easier getting food without those grumpy merchants around! She briefly thought of bringing some back for Aello and Nex, but they had eaten two rabbits last night so they probably weren't hungry anymore.

After a little more time playing and singing with the birds Alenias heard Aello's voice, and excitedly dove down out of the trees towards her. Transforming just a short distance away she landed on the ground running, and came up to hug Aello happily, "Good morning Aello!" she said with a bright smile before letting the woman go and going to put her cloak back on.

[Nex Paciscor]

As he slowly sat down he listened to what Aello said intently. Darkest of dreams.. Aello must have had a nightmare he thought while staring into her eyes. " I slept good as well, tell me what dreams plague you if you wouldn't mind " he asked softly picking up on her tone. Nightmares where never good, and Nex didn't particularly enjoy them when they disturbed his sleep. There wasn't much for him to be afraid of, but the nightmares always managed to find a sore spot like killing someone he loved, or him becoming undead and other nonsense that he pushed from his mind as he awoke. Becoming undead was the worst nightmares he ever had, and those had left him in a cold sweat for many nights, hoping he wouldn't dream of the awful transformation again. Nex could sympathize with her, nightmares were no fun at all.

A slight smile found its way to Nex's lips at Alenias's warm greeting to Aello, and silently he hoped that would cheer her up from whatever had shaken her so. If only she had dreamed of chasing, she would have been much better off he thought with a smile, bring back images of the pleasant dream. He blinked slowly again, and his golden eyes flashed in the light streaming from the trees as he looked up at Alenias. " Good day Alenias, and how does the day greet you? " he asked while leaning backwards resting on his elbows whiles his legs where still crossed. It was a bit uncomfortable, but it helped stretch out his legs well enough, and even helped him relax his back.

[Aello]

As Alenias' arms wound their way around Aello's neck, the young spiritist raised her right arm, and clutched Alenias' for a moment before letting go. "Good morning to you too," Aello replied, with the slightest of smiles, before she gingerly got to her feet. Her muscles ached as she did so; they seemed just as unwilling to get up and start the day as Aello. Perhaps they are clinging to the remnants of your dream... the level of exhaustion caused by all the running they did to try and get you away from the fire, Aello thought, as she bent at the waist, and plucked her bag off the ground in her right hand, and her bow in the left. Aello straightened herself out, and then strung the bag over her right arm, until it had settled in the center of her back. Her fingers tightened around the wooden frame of her bow, as she walked over to Nex. Sometimes it is difficult to remember that you travel with two Kelvics, that their hearing is far more keen than yours, Aello thought to herself, as she gave Nex a small smile. "Simply that the two birds we travel with had left, as had you, leaving one archer all alone in this forest," Aello finally began to explain. "It was not that in itself which was scary, for it is often that one travels alone. It was simply that the forest was on fire, and everything was gone. Burning. Being consumed." After the last word had left her lips, Aello fell silent. It is a short explanation of your dream, but it is enough. It should satisfy him, she thought, as she glanced over at Alenias. Aello felt strangely incomplete without Yune perched on her shoulder. She was simply too aware of the fact that something was missing... "Anyway, that is not important," Aello went on, "what is, is getting out of this forest, or at least, moving out of this particular spot. It is more than likely unwise to stay in one place for too long, whilst out in the wilderness, don't you think? Especially when there doesn't seem to be a single thing to have for breakfast in sight," Aello added with a small smile as her stomach rumbled. OOCSorry this post sucks... Aello is now, officially, the pc who only thinks of her stomach. Awesome.

[Alenias]

After putting on her cloak again Alenias paused and gave a confused stare at Nex for a moment, "The day can greet you?"

Before she could get an answer out of Nex though Aello spoke of what Alenias figured was a dream, and the Kelvic gave a small gasp as the woman mentioned her and Yune being gone in it. Once again rushing up to the woman Alenias threw her arms around her waist, her eyes growing moist with tears, and she hugged Aello tightly, "I'm never ever ever leaving you alone Aello! I don't care where you go, how scary it is, or what meanies there are I'm not gonna leave you!"

The thought of being without Aello terrified Alenias, and her body was trembling slightly with the thought. She didn't think she could stand that feeling of emptiness again, and she knew there was no way she could find someone like she had found Aello. Almost everyone else in Ravok was just so mean!

[Nex Paciscor]

" Ah a dark one then " he said softly. If there was anything in the world that Nex was afraid of most, it was fire. Logically, he knew he shouldn't be so afraid that he was nearly paralyzed by the sight of it but it was such a deep set instinctual fear in them that he could hardly ignore it and go on pretending it wasn't there. It was simply so all consuming and destructive he didn't know what to make of it. He cocked his head curiously as he saw Alenias's reaction to her dream. Nex wasn't used to such heartfelt interaction between a kelvic and master, a role he assumed Aello had. He knew nothing of bonding and bond mates, and not anything close to how it felt, the closest he ever got was to a sailor back in Zeltiva and even that was arms length at best. The thought reminded him of the key he received so long ago, and he felt like he could feel it within his bag. Maybe one day I'll take him up on that offer and stay in the house for a spell he thought for a moment before focusing back onto Aello.

" Well last night I noticed a cave not too far from here, and caves have food right? " he asked hoping he was right as he really wanted to explore it. It was just so intriguing. There was bound to be life around the cave anyways, and plenty of food to feed him, Alenias, and Aello till their bellies was contented enough for them to brave the subterranean access. He kept his golden eyes open for any danger around them and after a brief glance around he gave Aello a reassuring smile while waiting to hear their thoughts on this.

oocSorry for the meh post guys, I had a busy day and feel kind of drained and didn't know quite what else to add, If want me to add anything shoot me a pm or message on AIM.

[Aello]

As Alenias' arms curled around Aello's waist, the girl simply smiled, as she pat the Kelvic's arm with her free hand. "Don't you worry Alenias, it was only a dark, dark dream. A nightmare. Nothing more." There was a slight pause, "it is unlikely we would ever be separated, don't you think? When you cling to the flesh, and refuse to let go? And when Yune seems to enjoy flying alongside you so much?" There was a slight pause as Aello shook her head, displacing several long strands of brown hair, sending them spiraling towards her pale pink lips, and then back to their proper place; where they framed her face. Aello did not shake her head for long, for it had always made her dizzy, and when she stopped, she spoke again, "besides, the one you travel with likes you too Alenias. It is unlikely you would ever be asked to go away... unless of course it was for your own good. In a fight perhaps... something that we weren't likely to come back from." Aello fell silent after that, "but we needn't worry about that either Alenias," she finally said, before giving Alenias' arm one final pat. A second later, she had moved her hand over Alenias' own and was trying to pry each of her fingers apart, so that she may be free. "You know Alenias, if you keep on doing that, you may squish all the air right out of me," Aello said with a laugh. "And that would not be a very pleasant thing to see, now would it?" Aello continued, before glancing up at the sky. "Say, have you seen Yune Alenias? It is unlike her to be gone this long..." Aello's voice trailed off as she turned to look at Nex, something about caves? "You wish to explore a cave?" Aello asked, not knowing quite how she felt about that. Being in a place so dark... something that seemed to curl into the world, and beckon to those still living, only to swallow them up... "For what reason Nex?" Aello asked, as she pictured the caves she had seen before. She vaguely remembered a few in Avanthal, and that people had told her they were very dark inside. It was impossible to see without a torch. But those were only stories, words that meant nothing for she had never seen for herself. There was a slight pause, as Aello considered the rumbling of her stomach, the fact that it was time for breakfast. Maybe he asked about food because you mentioned it before? Aello wondered, considering the chances of her being right. If only she had caught every word... "There could be something living in the caves," Aello went on. "Something which could provide us with some breakfast... or not. It is difficult to say when you have never explored one before, or even seen the cave of which you speak." There was a slight pause, "I guess we would have to find out when we get there, wouldn't we?" Aello asked, as she tilted her head slightly to the side, "so lead the way Nex."

[Alenias]

Alenias slowly relaxed and calmed down as Aello talked to her, relaxing her grip and her trembling stopping, until the woman mentioned sending her away from a fight. Even though Aello was taking care of her now the Kelvic could still remember Treanas and that horrible night he had died. She'd rather die than go through something that horrible again.

Aello said they didn't have to worry about that though, and so Alenias relaxed, letting Aello pull her fingers apart and then quickly letting go of the woman when she mentioned squishing the air out of her, "Sorry Aello," she said apologetically as she looked down.

The question of if she had seen Yune brought Alenias' gaze back up, "I think I saw her earlier this morning when I was eating with the other birds. Do you want me to go find her?"

Alenias listened quietly as Aello and Nex talked about a cave, whatever that was, and turned her eyes up to glance about the trees to try and see if she could spot Yune. It was strange the other bird wasn't around, she was almost always with Aello.

[Nex Paciscor]

He looked at here, and only then did he notice the absence of the bird on her shoulder. Where could the bird be? he wondered. Nex had always seen her with that bird, so it was reasonable odd to not see her with it, but Alenias seemed to have things well in hand so he cast the worry from his mind. The question she had asked had drawn his short attention away from those thoughts. " I think it would be nice " he said with a smile. The cave could posses its own dangers he knew, but with any luck, there might be just a easy source of food, coupled with the fact that they would get the chance to explore. He knew that he could easily find his way back to it; it would all just count on him remembering the exact way back without getting them all hopelessly lost. Still the benefit outweighed the risk to him, and he was eager to go as soon as possible. With a brief nod he acknowledged that he would lead the way, and he picked up his back pack before forging a path through the woods.

The air felt rather warm around him, with no evidence of a breeze so navigating by smell would be little help, but he could remember a rough direction that he took to get there, he only hoped that he was heading west even though he didn't know where north was in the first place. Nex walked through undergrowth, making a path where there was none, and eventually coming upon a steep rocky grade. At least something looks familiar he thought as he watched the rocky slope, and slowly made his way up it. A few times the rocks slid under his thin shoe, but with a quick grab of his good hand saved him from stumbling back onto Aello or Alenias behind him. He hadn't checked in a while how close they where to following him, but he felt safe enough with the pair following behind him. Finally he crested the rise and onto softer turf, cool grass and damp dirt. The cave loomed in front of him, and he breathed a sigh of relief, turning backwards to see how Aello and Alenias progressed.