[Sanctuary] Common Interests [Kadrath]

[Raiha]

She listened to their observations on dogs, and found herself nodding along with them. They were right - these two definitely had the knowledge and instincts about dogs, along with the all-too-rare common sense that was so highly coveted and yet so seldom found, and Raiha found that she really did approve of that. Both of them were actually easy to talk to, which she hadn’t really expected. She wasn’t one for interacting with people, if truth be told, but they had common interests.

Her eyes watched his face raptly, particularly his eyes. She had noted that the first day when he had come for his interview - that when Rath was there, they were blue, but when it was Uruk, they were green. So much like Hatot and Radris, but they had been gold and red. Maybe it was an Akalak thing, because she knew that her own eyes never changed. If they had, Kanikra would have had a harder time blending in so well. Well, at least you never tried to kill our Mother, Raiha remarked to her twin.

I had thought about it, but the consequences outweighed the benefits, Kanikra replied lazily. She was footing the bills, and she, at least, could be counted on to keep people away.

“That wouldn’t surprise me,” Raiha politely skipped over the internal battle between brothers, having a feeling that it simply was not her place to comment on it, not right now, not yet. She certainly didn’t know them well enough to feel able to do so. “I suppose that’s why some people are always looking for child-bearing hips. Still, just because someone might have a natural affinity in some aspect of their life doesn’t make them better than someone who has trained in that aspect their whole life. Being able to strike and recover from a solid center of balance is a good thing.” And something she had to work a lot harder on. Still, winter was coming and she’d have more time to do so then.

What came out next, though, surprised her, as her eyes widened a little bit and her head tilted at the question. “I’ve never had an apprentice,” she shook her head. That she hadn’t expected. “But I’d be happy to teach you, whenever you have some free time,” she looked up at him, as if seeing him in a whole new light. She knew a lot about dogs, it was clear, but her world was in her birds, and finding another that wanted to share that world with her... well... she hadn’t expected it. A number of Akalak came to have her train their birds, but she hadn’t yet had one that asked her to teach them what she did or about what she knew - they just knew that she was good with them, and if they wanted a bird trained, she was the person to go to. Still, if his interest was genuine, she would not say no. Maybe it was a ploy to spend more time with her. Maybe it wasn’t. “Do we have time to start today?” Raiha grinned a bit. “Or do you have other claims to your attention?”

[Kadrath Onktaka]

"Exactly so. There's an equal merit to both aspects. A person can be good at something but never value it enough to put any effort into it, making that gift an insult to the Gods not to foster it. On the flip side, if you work hard and show discipline in your training to gain ability in something, it has a strong value in and of itself."

He paused a chime to watch Raiha's face and body postures as she spoke. The young Akontak showed guarded curiosity, and after his brother's bickering, diplomacy as well. Her tone seemed a bit more intense and he considered that it might be a sensitive topic for her, being female and all.

"Some Akalak might consider child bearing hips a must, but for professional animal breeders, there's a lot more to consider. Overall health, strength, and individual abilities are truly more important factors than mere hip size."

The woman's overtly surprised reaction to his question made him almost smile because it was a genuine, spontaneous emotion instead of the verbal parrying they'd been indulging in.

"It's only mid afternoon so yes, I'd say we have time to start today, if that's good for you."

At this point, Rath did allow himself a brief smile at the thought of bird training. He'd always considered animals as a secret to learning more languages with each new bond. Dogs had taught him that standing tall was a matter of confidence shared by both species. Horses had shown him that a white eyed stare and bared teeth would be imminent aggression and again it was a common trait in equine and human. Honestly, he could hardly wait to learn more about birds and establish a new language bond with a different species.

"As of right now Raiha, you are my only focus for attention..."

(When Rath speaks and when Uruk speaks.)

[Raiha]

He’s flirting with me! Raiha was surprised by this.

Well, yes. Kanikra rolled her eyes. Males are visual creatures. We are young, attractive, female, and single. And, for all he knows, of a childbearing age. Don’t think that comment for one moment about childbearing hips was lost on him. Males are interested in one thing and one thing only, Raiha, and that’s burying their other head between your thighs. Still, there’s a power in that, if you have the guts to reach out and take it. You can control that situation. Females have that power, if you stick to your instincts. You just don’t let him have that control. Remember that it’s all on you. It’s not like he can rape you. Well, he could, but that’s desecrating an Akontak. I wouldn’t worry about it. This is your turf.

But it wouldn’t do to be arrogant about it... Raiha hesitated.

Of course not. But you don’t have to act like that. While men pursue, honorable men let women have the final choice. And as much as Uruk disrespects women, Rath appears to be the opposite. Use him to sharpen your claws, if nothing else.

“Well, then,” she widened her eyes slightly, smiling up at Rath, trying in her own way to flirt back. It was harmless. Nothing could possibly come of it. He just wanted to expand his knowledge. She stepped past him, perhaps closer than necessary, making sure to watch him, even over her shoulder as she gathered up the equipment, never letting her gaze waver from his, holding his eyes and attention captive. “It would be a shame to waste it.”

OOCDone, since Rath is gone.

[Gossamer]

. Character: Raiha Experience: Auristics +1, Reimancy +1, Herbalism +1, Storytelling +1, Riding +1, Planning +1, Observation +1, Animal Husbandry +1, Socialization +1 Lore: Wild Ginger, Groundhogs Taste Great In Stew, Fiden’s Origin, Racoons are not easy to hunt with dogs (who would want too?), Being Asked To Teach, Having an Akotak Flirt With You, Rath's Likes and Dislikes. Goodies: Fiden & Chain since Raith is missing. Additional Notes: Interesting thread. I couldn't give you much XP on anything because basically all you did is sit around and debate likes and dislikes. But it was still a fine read. .