The Great Escape [Seliarus]

[Nidassasyae]

Early Morning, Spring 2 Nidassasyae padded forwards, her booted feet making soft crunching sounds against the virgin snow. The Kelvic was following small tracks in the snow, that could only be a rabbit's. How she ached to be in her animal form, to feel the snow under her paws, not soaking the leather soles of her shoes. To hunt as she was meant to hunt, with fang and claw. But she couldn't, not yet. Nida would have to be in her human form to skin and gut the rabbit, if she managed to catch it. And she simply didn't have the energy to shift twice this morning, before they set out to traveling later in the day. One shift today, and perhaps one later tonight, if she still had the energy. But at the pace that the Vantha wanted them to be at, Nida very much doubted she'd have even that much. Though in the heart of Winter, and wearing only a tunic and breeches, the young woman did not shiver. She loved the feeling of feathery snowflakes on her skin, and the deep drifts around her. It reminded her of the North. But even this was a poor comparison to the wastes that were her home. The whispering wind and peaceful forest held only a poor candle against the howling storms and bleak icefields. Nida sang softly under her breath, a melancholy tune more suited to harsher lands than this idyllic setting. The usual fear that plagued her was gone for now, drifting at the edges of her mind. It was lost under the current barrage of memories that overlaid her vision. Oh raven, where are you flying Over the ice and snow? Oh raven, surely I'm dying And my lover doesn't know. The words drifted through the silent Winter air, lending the emotionless beauty of the forest a certain sadness and longing. Nida's hushed voice faded into nothingness as she saw that the tracks ahead were fresher. She was getting close.

[Seliarus]

It was in the air. Yes, winter was coming to an end. It was getting warmer. Even though it was still below the Dhani's tolerance line, it was getting warmer. Well, it was about time. the fragile looking male, wrapped around a bear belt, which was given to him by his Bondmate, whom he cared for deeply, and also a cloak, gifted to him by the bandit Luke, who was an exception to the hate the Dhani had for the humans. Yes, an acquaintance, he could call the human. But, even though he was wrapped around like that, he still felt the cold. The snow. The wind, cutting trough his flesh like a razor sharp sword. Sel felt tired. He did for the past season. All he wanted to do is lie down and sleep. But sleeping wasn't the smartest idea. No, he shouldn't sleep. He shouldn't stop moving, unless he's resting in a saddlebag,where there is enough warmth. Yet, freezing as it was, the Dhani had other worries. As the group of the Kelvic, the Vantha, and him, were still on the road, it wasn't safe wandering out of camp alone. As once too many times before, Sel woke up rather early. Well, during just a faint look around, he realized that Nida wasn't there. The Vantha would be sleeping, but his Bondmate was gone. He tried to think about her, so he could get any sign from the bond if she was around, but, for naught. Dead silence filed his mind. With a low hiss of explaining, he muttered something about going to see if she's alright. Probably no one really heard him, though, as he stood up, reached to the dagger which he was gifted with from Luke, and looked around for any new-made footprints. Now, he knew very well that Nida could take care of herself better than he, but, even though, he had to make sure nothing happened. He would follow the footprints away from the camp, with some decent speed, hoping the footprints would lead him to his target. The Chevas mark shimmering lightly as the early sun would illuminate him.

[Nidassasyae]

The Kelvic walked alongside the rabbit's tracks, letting her mind lose itself in the pure thrill of the hunt. While this slow pace and fragile body could not compare to the pure pleasure of chasing down bigger game and ripping it apart with her fangs, it was better than no hunting at all. She craved something more than just simple dried meat, something bloody. Of course, Nehsmay would probably insist they cook it. Silly human's stomachs were so fragile, so unbalanced by the gush of blood from fresh prey. She could feel the cold knifing familiar daggers into her warm body, welcoming the prickling pain. The snow underfoot, the scent of pine and prey in the air, the whisper of the Winter wind. All too familiar, and yet so gentle as compared to what she was used to. What she longed for. But as gentle as this land seemed to be, there were unknown dangers here. There were dangers everywhere. The Kelvic knelt by the tracks, seeing as they led up to a small hole in the snow: A burrow. This would have been too easy in another form, but in this one? It posed a challenge. Nida didn't like that. Out here, a challenge was the difference between predator and prey, survival and death. While this one rabbit might not pose a significant threat, there were always other 'challenges' that could be met. That would be met. Fly through the bitter weather Fly through the starless night, where my people come together to sing by firelight. The Kelvic whispered, the tune still stuck in her head. The noise made barely a sound, almost silent even to her ears. She wouldn't want the rabbit to hear her, now would she? Out of the corner of her eye, she caught a flash of silver. Nida's eyes widened, and she gripped the handle of her dagger harder, her knuckles turning white. The rabbit was completely forgotten. Silver? A blade? Armor? Something unnatural, there was no silver out here. Something man made. Man. How that word made Nida shiver with fear and burn in anger, all at once. How easily that race took advantage of those weaker than them. She knew she didn't stand a chance, not in this form. But she couldn't shift, not yet. If the human had a blade, then her chances of survival went even farther down. A challenge. But she was not without her own advantages. Surprise. Yes, if she could just surprise him before that blade bit into her... The Kelvic sheathed the dagger, shrugged off her clothing, and kicked off her boots, they would only get in the way when she transformed. It would have to be quick, she'd have to leap upon the stranger before he got a chance. Shifting into crouch that she could easily leap out of, the young woman waited silently. The only sign of her being there was the small cloud of her breath in the cold air. But she misjudged the location of the stranger, turning directly opposite Seliarus. The thought that it might be her Bondmate never crossed her mind. While he might be able to identify her, even from her back, she wouldn't see him. At least, not until it was too late.

[Seliarus]

Snow was bad. Yes, it really was. Cold, wet, it got everywhere, and everything was white. Even if Sel would be a human, the same hate would be there. As the sun was rising, it flashed from the surface of the white thing lying everywhere, directly in the Dhani's eyes. It blinded him. It made him tired, slowed down his reflexes, and made him unable to see clearly. How how can he do anything under those conditions? He wasn't a rabbit, or snow owl, which body was white so they could hide. He wasn't like his Bondmate, a feline creature, who would easily run in the snow. he was a snake, used on warmth, with a silly little metal dagger in his right hand, trying to find someone in all this white-ness-ness. But, even those complaints weren't as worrying as the thought of never seeing his Bondmate again. Meh, cold as he tried to be, he was a tad afraid the worst could happen. He had seen it, after all. All the running, lack of sleep, more running, bad food. it made her weak. And if anything would jump out, well, he wasn't going to think about that. He'll find her, make sure she's safe, and then let her do whatever she was doing. Yes, he wont disturb her, he'll just make sure. He'll make sure. Somehow. Well, in all his worrying, and such, and even if he wouldn't worry about things, what happened next, is something he could never of guessed. I mean, something flashing out of complete nothing, and flying at him with full airborne speed, isn't something you get always when passing a snow covered terrain. well, beign a Viper, and all, he managed to duck down fast enough for the shadow to miss, moving a few feet forward before turning around, somehow managing to put his silly piece of weapon in a position, where the tip of it pointed forward the attacker. His eyes widened, however, after seeing who the attacker actually was. Maybe the nudeness would be appealing if there would be a different moment, but, the shock of actually being attacked by -her- made him a slightly tad dizzy.

[Nidassasyae]

Nida felt the bracing winter air bite into her skin as she leaped, misjudging the distance and passing her opponent. Blast it! He had ducked! She'd been sure that humans couldn't normally react that quickly. Was it a human then? Her resolve faltered for the slightest second while she was still airborne. But then she landed, lightly and on the balls of her feet, and spun towards her attacked. The Kelvic's nostrils flared as she tried to catch his scent, but she stopped that endeavor almost as quickly as it had begun. This was no human before her. It was her Bondmate. While the adrenaline of the fight had made her forget about the emotions coming through the Bond, they rushed in at her now. Misery at the cold, determination, surprise. And this other one that she couldn't identify, a mixture of fear and surprise and sadness. The Kelvic straightened to her, admittedly, small height, staring down the length of the dagger leveled at her. She didn't move a muscle, though her eyes and the one word that slipped through her lips communicated much more than simple actions could. "Sel-" His name choked her, and her throat simply refused to let any other syllables out. But her eyes spoke volumes. They were full of fear, of self-hatred, of apprehension and determination as she stared at that dagger. If Nida'd given in, had just transformed before she leapt- then one of them would probably be dead by now. Sel by teeth and claw, or Nida by venom and blade. They'd risked so much, given so much, and it could all crumble so easily. Everything she'd warned Seliarus about, and it was all happening. So the shocked young woman simply stood there, snowflakes gathering in her raven hair and on her shoulders, staring at her Bondmate. She didn't know what to expect. A word? An embrace? A dagger's kiss? The latter didn't seem that far-fetched, given the recent events. If he thought her too dangerous to him and Nehsmay, Nida would gladly welcome death. But it didn't matter the method, as she would never shift to hurt him, he could easily overpower her. By blade or venom or really anything else, Nida half-expected to be punished for this. How easily a Bond could humble a beast.

[Seliarus]

The Dhani kept looking down at the ambusher, as it took a while to get his thoughts straight. No, it must of been a mistake. He could feel the mixed emotions that were overcoming her. Fear, hatred. Yes, maybe she could feel those for all she wanted, Sel would snap out of the black-out he had a tad later. Strange, how the feeling of cold, and tiredness, vanished so quickly. As it wasn't important before, now it wasn't even worth mentioning. Yes, once more, his reflexes saved him from an ultimate demise. But, this wasn't as any attacks before. Or, at least, the attacker wasn't. In front of him, he could see the frame f his Bondmate, her waving hair in the air. yes, everything that actually meant to him, but in a way he dared not imagine. No, pointing any sort of 'weapon' at her wasn't going to work. With a swift motion, the dagger was back on his belt, as he deiced to make his way to her. Though, the distance wasn't far, but it felt like an eternity to him. He was still breathing irregular, from the shock and adrenaline. Yet, he forced himself to calm down, and keep his breathing to a minimum. The snake has to be calm, for what would of followed. Yet, as he made his way forward, deep inside, a replay button was pressed, playing an event that happened not to long ago. On the day the two got the Chevas mark. Before, even. The pain he felt the very moment he laid his hand on her. Back then, it was an attempt to stop her from ravaging around. Was he going to do the same now? is he really going to start to do that for every mistake she would do. No, he wouldn't. He couldn't. It wasn't her mistake, to begin with. He felt danger, and acted. Is he going to punish her for that? He wouldn't be much better than those humans, if he'd do that. He would, however, stop a few feet from her, and look down at her. Cracking up a light grin. "You're loosssing your ssspeed...Can't even catcsssh a little sssnake." He'd spoke, no sign of anger, of hate, in his words. No, even more. It sounded like a some sort of a taunt. But, not as the type when you see your average hero knight yelling at his arch nemesis, but more like the dares little children do when they play. 'I dare you to catch that bird.' Or, 'You can't even climb that tree up.' Were just a few of the examples he remembered from his younger days. His right leg shifted back faintly in the snow, as if trying to get more balance than a straight pose would allow, and then folding his hands over his chest, tipping his head to the side. His grin vanishing quite fast after he finished talking, as he tried to look at her eyes. Who would be tormented with feelings far over his own reach. He tried to understand the concept of the Bond, but, he knew little. Even she, knew little of everything that happened. He realized that. he told him, not directly, but still did, that she has to do everything he says. That she has to keep him safe. Has to. Orders. No, there are no orders. Other that she shouldn't think less of herself. He waited patiently for her response.

[Nidassasyae]

Nida suddenly felt exhausted, as if the full weight of recent events had finally dropped their true weight upon her slender shoulders. They were winning. She'd thought that she could hold Them off, at least for the time being. Far from any civilization, and having not encountered anything dangerous out here, she'd thought the group safe. And while that safety had always been relative, had always been in question, it was still there. But it wasn't so. Not anymore. It was with a resigned melancholy that she accepted the fact that They didn't even need to be here. That she was already doing exactly what They wanted. Playing nicely into Their trap. His taunt reminded her of times past. Of when she could go with him and not be afraid. Of innocence lost. But there was no room for that now. It was good that he understood her a bit better now, the need to follow what he said, to protect him. It wasn't healthy to think this way, but Nida had no way of knowing that, and couldn't comprehend that there could possibly be another way. All she knew what that her duty was to protect him, she'd posed a threat, and there was no way of controlling that. A course of action had to be decided upon, to remove the threat. But she'd thought of that already, before they'd been marked. And Seliarus hadn't liked it. Not one bit. The threat had to go. She had to go. But Nida knew that her Bondmate wouldn't let her. Oh, he would never keep her against her will if she didn't love him. But that was the problem. He knew she still did. Seliarus would never let her act upon the Bond's compulsion, to leave simply because she thought herself a danger. Neither was he strong enough to eradicate the threat. By blade, fang, or venom, the Kelvic knew he wasn't strong enough. So she did the only thing she could do: Take matters into her own hands. The young woman quickly closed the gap between them, the few feet that separated the Bondmates. Her blue eyes observed his wary and nonchalant posture, approving. This was the Seliarus she knew. Nida walked carefully, without any sudden movements towards him. When she reached her destination, face-to-face with the Dhani, barely an inch between them, the Kelvic stopped. One slender and pale hand rested itself atop his crossed arms, making sure he wouldn't react by grabbing her. At least, not until it was too late. Then, she very slowly traced the fingers of her other hand over his Chevas mark, the hand coming to rest behind his neck. For a moment, only a moment, Nida allowed herself to gaze upon his concerned countenance. Dark eyes. Sharp and pale features. Familiar. In a sudden movement, she rose up onto her tiptoes and kissed him. This was anything but gentle, completely different than any other kiss that they had shared. She crushed her lips to his so intensely and passionately, that she was sure they would be bruised when she pulled away. But even that could not cover up the underlying sadness and fear that would come through the Bond, hinting, warning her Bondmate that all was not well. This was goodbye. And when pull away she did, mere seconds later, a whisper would tickle at his ear. "But can the little snake catch the leopard?" With that, Nida stepped away. As one animal would back away from another, hackles raised, teeth bared, knowing that the trouble of earning its opponent's aggression wasn't worth it. A retreat. But this time, Nida had no hackles to raise, and she would not bare her teeth. All she offered him was a regretful and longing stare, her determination wavering. Nida knew she had to get away before she lost the resolve to continue this. "I love you Sel. Goodbye." Again, her voice would be in a whisper, but easily heard in the silent Winter air. One step back, then two, and she had turned and fled. The snow gave way before her feet as she ducked under branches and wove among trees. A bittersweet ache built up inside her when she realized how hopeless this was. As lithe and fast as she was, Nida could not compare to Seliarus. Nida didn't have the concentration to shift while running. Restricted to the limits of her physical form, Nida was only as fast as a human could be. Her Dhani Bondmate, on the other hand, was not. If he wished, Seliarus could easily catch up to her. And somewhere within her, Nida sincerely wished he would.

[Seliarus]

Something was wrong. He could feel it. He could taste it on the tip of his own tongue. Oh, he would murder to understand what goes trough in her head. He'd do anything to understand. But, all he had, it seemed like it wasn't enough for her. Maybe that was the thing he didn't understand. Maybe she realized he was useless. Maybe the Dhani wasn't as important as she thought at first. Maybe he did some mistake he will never be able to fix. Maybe. The Dhani didn't like to think this way. He was confused, if someone didn't say what they think. He had a hard time gathering information on his own. And this what appeared like endless worry that overcame him, was dreadful. If he only knew that the bond would bring such pain. Such confusion. No, he wouldn't bring her in such a position. He loved her more than anything, he was sure she knew that. But, did that really matter? His worry even deepened as the kiss came. And no, it wasn't the violent manner of the kiss that made him worry, as he offered no restriction, no fight to hold it away. He welcomed it, and returned it, with as much care as he could allow. it was the fear. The Saddes that flew trough the bond, that made him worry. That made him think. That haunted him. No, his fear was nothing compared to hers. His was selfish. He wanted her with him. But, it looked like she had other plans. He got no chance to react, as she said her good bye. he was left there, confused, blinking after her. The only fear he had in his heart, sprung to life. No, she can't leave. She can't. Yet she did. Why. What did he do so wrong to deserve this? To get his heart stabbed out... Hurt more than anything. "No..." Was the only thing he managed to mouth out. The only sound that left his lips. "NO!" He'd repeat himself, this time out loud. He wasn't letting this happen. He wont let a bond ruin his own happiness. He wont lose her because of some...Supposed feeling of fear. He'd ran after her as son as his thoughts were capable of thinking. Yes, luckily, a Dhani had the upper hand in this run. Faster than any human could hope, he'd follow her track, not minding if a body-part of his would hit a branch, or a bush, or a snow covered stone. Hitting his hand, toe, chest. Nothing mattered. He didn't feel pain. Pardon, he didn't feel physical pain. The pain of losing someone was more he could bare. it didn't take long, however, before he would start to gain on her. Let her run however she would, he'd keep close, and follow her movements. The Dhani never wanted anything else, but to catch her, and make her stay. No, no prey. No torture. No Siku mattered more at this moment. If she gifted Nida to him, why is she taking her away now? He did everything, and more, he could, to please her. No, Siku wasn't at fault.

[Nidassasyae]

OOCHeh. Only -we- can make a training thread so dramatic, no? Tears obscured Nida's vision as she ran, though the Kelvic was still able to dodge the blurry shapes of obstacles. It wasn't her own pain that she was feeling now. As she ran from the clearing, Nida could feel the utter shock and confusion coming from her Bondmate. Betrayal. Though it was not coming through the Bond, Nida felt that emotion more completely than she'd ever felt anything. He'd trusted her, and she'd taken that away. It might have been odd to think that this course of action, more than even her unsuccessful attack, had wounded him. Her limbs felt leaden, and she had to force herself to keep moving. Her mind screamed at her to stop, to turn around. The compulsion to follow what he asked, to stay with him, was strong. So very strong. She could feel the hesitancy in her movements, as though two different puppeteers were arguing over what she should do. And she did move like a puppet, stiffly, without any of her usual feline grace. This was no hunt. The sound of his denial rang through her head, her movements slowing down just the tiniest fraction. No, she agreed with him. No. I can't turn back. No. If she did, They would win. Perhaps not now, not a moon from today, but eventually They would win. They always did. The wolves, the sailor, the slavers. They. What was only supposed to be a simple hunting trip had turned into this. It seemed that Nida and Sel could never have a simple quiet moment, without fear or pain. Even those brief times of tenderness had been fraught with paranoid fear, at least for the Kelvic. But this was different. Nida could hear him behind her, crashing through the underbrush with an inhuman speed. She knew she couldn't outrun him, and hadn't the concentration to shift. Besides, her control as a leopard was weak and she feared that by returning to that form, she'd only be going back to exactly what she was running from. Without control, Nida might just harm him. No, she'd have to face this, face him, as a human. The Kelvic spun around, walking backwards very slowly. Distance. Distance was key. But she needed to see Seliarus, speak with him, convince him that this was right. That they shouldn't be together. But as the Dhani emerged from the bushes before her, her heart skipped a beat. Pain, so much pain. It flooded through the Bond, giving the Kelvic the sensation of being stabbed in the chest. In the heart. Is this what he's feeling? thought Nida, her eyes widening at the various cuts and scrapes on her Bondmate. He'd disregarded everything, just to chase someone who'd hurt him badly. Why? She couldn't understand. And yet, as she observed the various wounds caused by his rampage through the forest, Nida winced. "Why-" She never finished her sentence. Tripped by a snow-hidden log behind her, the Kelvic who had been backing away slowly was now deposited quite unceremoniously, on the ground. She landed on her back, eyes wide in surprise. Nida knew she had to get up, to get away. Why else would Seliarus follow her, if not to stop her, to try and talk? That stupid log had given him that very opportunity, stopping her for the slightest of moments. Nida started to rise, to try and scramble away. But for a Viper, that small moment would have afforded an opportunity. She knew she'd been caught. All he had to do was grab her, tackle her, restrain her. Anything! For a moment, she was lying on the ground before him, just like the prey she so often stalked, incapacitated.

[Seliarus]

Secret : Oh, yes. We're the drama couple extreme. Left, right. Duck. Away. thud. Left, no ri- thud. He couldn't even make a normal though now. He had to close his eyes quite often, just so a branch, or something among those lines wouldn't gauge his eyes out. His clothing was starting to rip away, his face, covered with more and more scratches. But, so what. It meant nothing if he would lose her now. Yet, to run after the one who he thought was always the hunter, made his own theory doubt. Yes, there was the proof of his statement spoken out long ago, to one of the hunters who killed his siblings. No one is perfect. Here, in front of him, in the snow covered land-scape, was the proof. Even though, he would much rather not to see that. He would much rather this never would of happened. But, there was no time for him to lament. He had to catch her. Or everything he was living for for the past weeks, was throwing life away for an illusion. Was throwing hope away for a lie. Love for fear... And then it happened. She turned around, and slowed down. But that did not help him one bit. No, he wasn't letting the Kelvic talk him out. No, she had to stay, or he'd do something that both of them would regret. And he was ready to go that far. In a way, he already did. Yes, an opportunity for that opened the same moment she fell down, tripping over the log. Only one try, and it had to work. He was already close to her, as he'd leap up, trying to tackle her down in the snow as she was going to stand up. No, he wasn't letting her stand up. He wasn't letting her run away. He wasn't going to be alone again! A single tear could be seen, shinning in his right eye, slowly travelling down his face. That was new, yes, but he couldn't help himself. Wrapping his hands around her to stop her from moving, to keep her there even if she'd struggle out of his embrace. "No..." He'd mutter once more, feeling the pain from his body from the landing on the ground, and, even more, the running trough the woods. Then again, he wasn't going to mind it. Not until this is dealt with. His eyes were glaring at the woman whom he so loved. Anger, maybe. Pain, yes, pain was the main reason of that. Without an explanation. Without a second thought. He couldn't believe what was happening. He didn't want to, yet, right here, in front of him, it did.