Dogs of a Feather (Nex, Aello)

[Alenias]

Season of Spring, Day 36, 511 AV

Even with the scary thing that had happened the last time Alenias was out in the wilderness she was to go out there again. There was something inside her that just sang out there. So she flew across the lake, ahead of the boat carrying Aello and Yune, and settled in the branches of a good sized tree.

Waiting for Aello she listened to the calls of other birds, and Alenias chirped out to them, joining their song as they talked about the weather, nests, eggs, food, and dangerous things. It was surprisingly nice to talk with other birds. People, even Aello, were confusing sometimes, but everything the birds like Yune and the ones out here talked about made sense to her. Yummy berries, scary wolves, and the joys of finding something interesting or pretty.

After a little time she heard about the bush that her and Aello had found before, and chirping happily she flew out of the tree and around in wide cicrles soAello and Yune could find her, and then she could lead them to the bush again.

[Nex Paciscor]

Nex walked quietly along a forest path, wearing a pair of sandals, brown sackcloth breeches and a dark blue cotton tunic. He walked easily among a previously forged path, the thin twine strap that connected to his pack looped around his shoulder loosely, and he kept up his bouncing stride. The woods where quiet for now, and oddly enough he was thankful for the peace, and quite enjoyed being outside of the hustle and bustle of the city. His left hand arm hanged easily at its side, with his left hand held stiff thanks to a set of white bandages binding them.

Nex smiled raised his hand briefly before him and grinned at it even though it be useless for more than a few weeks by his estimation. It marked for him one of the best fights of his life, and example of over extending himself. After the battle, with the help of Aello, he managed to get his shattered hand cleaned, set, and bound. He hoped that the healing process would go by quickly but he knew he had to be patient for his hand to heal, and the bones grow back properly. Right now the bindings where so tight that he couldn't move his digits even if his hand was in perfect condition, to make sure that the bones grew back correctly, and he would regain the use of his hand to the ability he had before.

He let his hand droop back to his side casually and kept up his hike through the woods, turning down the right side onto one path that crossed under a particularly large elm. He stopped right under the vast branching tree, and closed his eyes, using his keen senses to soak all he could out of the surrounding nature. Nex truly felt most at home when he was out in the woods, and a pang of longing swept through him as he wished he was in his true form to better enjoy this spectacular day in nature. With a sigh, he opened his eyes and frowned slightly knowing that transforming like that this close to Ravok was not a good idea. There could be spies, slavers, or worse about. Oh well, I can still enjoy it in my human form he thought, and continued along the path.

The sweet chirping of birds overhead followed him along the path, and coming under yet another tall elm, he took a seat, resting his back against the trunk of the mighty tree. Above him he noted several different types of birds mostly consisting of finches, and cardinals, the dull plumage of the female's mixing with the bright feathers of the males, as they fluttered about with each other. He even noted a blue jay against the sky right above him, and if it weren’t for his exceptional eyesight he doubted he would have noticed it otherwise. With a grin, confident he was safe for the moment; he closed his eyes briefly and soaked in the merry songs of the birds.

[Aello]

Aello stepped into the line of trees, listening in silence to the sounds of birds chirping overhead and off in the distance. Her boots sank into the terrain, being sucked down towards the center of the earth by large sections of dark brown mud. It looks like it just rained, Aello thought, as she glanced around the trees, and from time to time, up at the sky, towards the sun that shone down from in-between the branches. She held the wooden frame of her father's old bow tightly in her left hand. Her quiver and her pack were strewn over her shoulders, and they rested in the center of her back. As she walked, they'd bump lightly into her flesh; a constant reminder that they were there. For the first time in what felt like a long time, Yune was not perched on her shoulder, which was more than likely a good thing considering how many bruises, aches and pains the girl had acquired during her spar with Nex the day before. She didn't need to carry anything more. Instead of resting on Aello's shoulder, the sparrow flew out ahead of the archer, sometimes circling back and chirping at Aello incessantly, more than likely trying to get her to move a little faster, and do a better job of keeping up. Each time Yune did so, Aello would smile weakly, and pick up the pace, but only a little, after all, she had to keep Nex within her line of sight as well. Aello was hoping she would get to go on a hunt with him, but she doubt he would be all that useful considering the fact that due to her actions, his hand was now kept in a tight bandage. Mainly to keep it from bleeding all over the place, she kept telling herself, even though she knew that wasn't entirely the case. When Nex allowed himself to sit, with his back up against the tree, Aello stopped walking, and Yune returned to the girl's shoulder. When Yune had taken up her rightful place, and Aello could just begin to make out the bird's talons tickling her flesh, she spoke. "Are you tired already Nex?" Aello inquired as she looked up at the sky; at the sun, and then back at him. "The sun has only been up for a few hours now, and we have not been walking long, or moving that swiftly, are you alright? Do you think you injured yourself more severely yesterday than we originally thought?" Aello waited for an answer, before the sound of several birds chirping reached her ears. Aello looked back up from Nex to a small gathering of birds. Some she recognized but did not know the names of, others she did. There were cardinals there, and other sparrows, much like Yune. Maybe they knew each other? There was a blue jay amongst all the others, seemingly hovering in the air for a moment, staring down at her and Nex. That must be Alenias, showing off her bird form again. How she can fly. She must hate being confined to a human's body. Something that cannot soar up high, and be free along with the rest of her kind. Aello peered over her shoulder from the blue jay to Nex, "sorry to ruin your rest, but we must follow the birds, come along if you can," she said in a playful voice. A small smile made its way across her lips, and her eyes sparkled, even when she turned back around and began to follow the blue jay wherever it led her. OOCI think I got everything right. =S]

[Alenias]

Alenias turned her head as she circled about the tree, glaring at the man who stopped to rest there. He was the one who'd hurt Aello, and Alenias wasn't happy that he was with them out here. Aello wanted him there, so Alenias wouldn't try and chase him away, but she still didn't like him.

Noticing Aello come walking up Alenias fluttered down to briefly rest on the shoulder opposite of Yune, chirping pleasantly, "The berry bush is this way Aello, follow me!" and with that she took to the air again, chirping a short, "Meanie," at the man as she flew by.

Leading the way through the trees, occasionally doubling back to make sure Aello was following, it took about 10 chimes for Alenias to find the bush. When she finally did find it she fluttered down onto its branches and joined the few other birds there in nipping and nibbling at the berries.

[Nex Paciscor]

His eyes flickered open, and he looked up towards her. " I'm enjoying the sounds of nature, it’s been to long since I’ve been out her " he said as he stood up, and dusted his pants off. He looked to the path before them, and although he didn't know exactly where Aello was leading him he trusted her judgment. After all she hadn't led him a stray so far, and from what he saw in their saw in their spar, she was a excellent fighter as well. Nex felt any beast meaning ill will towards them this day, would find themselves sorely out matched by just Aello, even though they were both very tired.

After a meal rich in the dried meat he stowed away in his pack, he quickly regained his energy back, but unfortunately he had also eaten through the last of his stores, so the prospect of hunting and foraging this day was not far from his mind. He had gold to be sure to purchase more supplies, but he didn't much feel like associating with the traders of Ravok, always trying to trick him out of his coin, especially since he wasn't entirely sure of the value of the gold rimmed miza's he carried. To a savvy trader, Nex was probably gold mine, from which they were able to extort much more beyond a reasonable price.

Such things did not stay long in Nex's thoughts today though as he was happy as could be to be outdoors, his thoughts more concentrated on the sights and smells around him. " I'll come along at my own pace I'll have you know " he retorted jokingly, falling in line with her and matching her stride for stride. The back of his calves and his torso muscles still had vestiges of weariness in them from the fight the other day, but he was glad the meal from the other day put him on the road to a quick recovery. His body was used to loping along for long distances, but the fight from the other day was so intense that he had felt tremendously sore when he woke up in the morning, and his shoulder still ached from the hard stony ground he had chosen to sleep on.

A wide smile spread over his face as they continued to walk along the path, apparently following a blue jay somewhere ahead of them along the path, and he kept eyes on where they were going, while using his peripherals to try to find anything that might think to attack them. He continued to follow Aello to their destination, and when they reached there, he started to slowly walk around the perimeter of the area checking everything out to make sure they were safe.

[Aello]

When Aello happened upon the clearing lined with berry bushes, she smiled to herself. Well this looks familiar. The same place the birds led us to the last time we ventured into the forest, isn't it? Aello walked over to the nearest bush. It was about two and a half feet high, and was comprised of a series of long vines with the occasional deep purplish-red thorn. Several small green, almond shaped leaves with jagged edges were scattered here and there, and hidden beneath them were dark black fruits; blackberries. "Are you hungry Yune?" Aello asked, as she plucked a leaf from the bush, as the sparrow chirped in her ear. It looks like that means yes, Aello thought, as she pulled two small blackberries off the bush and bent down. She placed the leaf down on the ground, and then the berries atop it. "Go on Yune, eat as much as you would like," Aello instructed, as the bird fluttered off her shoulder, and towards the berries in the leaf-plate. As soon as Yune had begun picking at the berries, Aello straightened herself up. Aello glanced up at the sky, her gaze focused solely on the blue jay. "It's too bad Alenias is no where to be found, she really would have enjoyed the berries this time of year," Aello commented, with a small smile. She didn't know if Alenias would appreciate Aello clueing Nex in on her being a Kelvic, and decided it best to allow the girl to decide for herself. As she concentrated on Alenias, Aello noticed a pale yellow mist, inter-mixed with a muddied red whirling around the blue jay. It spiraled up and off her wings, extending them another few inches. The colors forming tiny sparks as they swirled together, and popped off the creature's tiny blue feathers, reminding Aello of the sun in a clear blue sky. Well she really does seem happy about something. Maybe it has to do with her finally having the chance to spread her wings once more. To see the world from way up there; a different perspective. Or perhaps, it is simply that she has found this place again... she did quite enjoy it the first time around. There was a slight pause, as Aello began to consider the rest of what she had seen. But the red means something else entirely. She seems to be holding two opposing emotions at once. For red such as that signifies frustration or anger. Is it possible that she is unhappy with Nex coming along? Is it possible that Alenias dislikes him? There was another slight pause, perhaps it has something to do with our heated training session yesterday. After all, we did manage to injure each other... Aello cast her gaze away from Alenias, and back towards the berry bushes. She was watching Nex out of the corner of her eye, and realized that a deep red mist hung around him. It swirled around his form wildly, threatening to lash out at the plants that surrounded him, using ethereal, thin red tendrils. Aello felt like the man were a tree with animated red vines; a very dangerous tree. The girl shook her head, a few long brown strands of hair falling into her face. She found it hard not to laugh at herself, and not to scold him for being so predictable. Why are men always so survival-oriented? Everything seems to be all about staying on top of things with their kind, and little else. "Hey Nex, don't worry about something jumping out at us," Aello called, "if there was something about, the birds would have scattered to a safer part of the forest, don't you think?" She giggled, as she extended her right hand towards the nearest bush and plucked a few berries from it. She held them between her fingertips, before raising her hand to her lips, and plopping them all in her mouth. Aello chewed the berries slowly, allowing their juices to slide across her tongue, and dye it a peculiar, deep purple shade. They tasted sweet, and filled Aello with a mild sense of joy. When she finished chewing, Aello swallowed the remnants of the berry's skin. "Come on Nex, why don't you try a few?" Aello asked. "They're quite good." As Aello finished speaking, Yune looked up from her pile of purple berry juice, and semi-finished blackberries. Chirp! Chirp! Aello smiled, as she reached for a couple more berries. As her fingers wound themselves around the flesh of another berry, she closed her eyes for a moment, breaking her concentration. When she opened her eyes again, the auras had faded away, and Aello's pupils had dilated. They were surrounded by a ring of bright red pigmentation, causing her to look as though she had recently consumed far too much alcohol. Aello plucked the berry from the tree, and tossed it into her mouth. Now where has that bird gotten to? Aello wondered. She is really missing out. OOCOh... clueless Aello stuck in a forest with a bunch of birds, and Nex... good times >.< P.S. If you're not happy with the aura colors/descriptions, feel free to pm me and I can tweak some stuff.

[Alenias]

Alenias wasn't quite sure what Aello meant when she talked about her not being around, the woman was looking right at her, but she had a feeling it had to do with Alenias being a Kelvic, and Nex finding out. Alenias didn't want Nex to find out because a meanie like him would probably try to hurt her or take her away.

She stayed happily in the bush, eating tasty berries, until she was full. Giving a satisfied chirp she fluttered out of the bush and over onto Aello's shoulder. Being careful to lightly perch there, not wanting to cause Aello any pain, she softly sang to Aello, "Would you like to go hunting again Aello? I promise not to disobey you this time."

Alenias knew that Aello couldn't understand what birds were saying when they talked, but she seemed really good at guessing what Yune was saying. Maybe she could guess what Alenias was saying. Waiting for Aello's response she gave another little glare to Nex as he walked around. She still wasn't happy he was here.

[Nex Paciscor]

He made sure to step softly through the grass as he walked his circuitous path around Aello. The grass felt soft against his toes, and the small rays of sunlight streaming down from the branches above felt good against his skin. Nex's eyes remained focused in the distance, investigating any little rustling in the bushes his eyes caught. Eventually when nothing turned up he relaxed a bit, and turned to Aello. " Aye, it is too bad, I'd rather enjoyed meeting you friend " he replied. Her smile with the lament confused him but he decided not to press the question supposing there was a inside joke hidden in that statement.

His eyes glimmered with amusement as he watched the sparrow eat from a makeshift plate, and he crouched over to get a good look at the bird. His knowledge of birds was vastly limited, and he only knew the basic types that he had found in the woods around his home, this type of bird he had never seen before, and gingerly he reached out with one finger to pet the bird on its head. If the bird didn't move, or peck his finger away he would gingerly pet its head with his finger tip, before rising back up.

Once more standing, he thought he heard a noise off to the right, and walked towards that area exploring it when Aello's words broke his concentration. Seemingly embarrassed at his constant alertness, he put his arms mechanically at his sides and slowly turned around stopping his investigation. " Sorry, I didn't quite think of that he apologized with a soft chuckle. The birds seemed calm enough, and so did Aello, so why shouldn't he feel at ease.

Rolling his shoulders back, and breathing in deeply, he relaxed his muscles and ignored the scents of large prey animals he felt nearby content to just enjoy the moment with the birds and Aello. " These berries do look quite delicious " he said as he headed towards a bush on the opposite side of where Aello was foraging. The bush comprised of many deep red stems, and oval leaves, yielding row upon row of round purple berries that looked filled with juice.

Snatching a few off from the end of the stem, he popped them in his mouth, ignoring the purplish residue they left on his hands. As his teeth first crunched them, and the juice spread out in his mouth, a really bitter taste spread out along his tongue and his face screwed up in disgust and he rushed to spit them out. After much spitting and wiping of his tongue he still couldn't get the taste out of his mouth and the purple dye of the berries, stained his teeth and lips faintly.

Running the back of his hand along his mouth he turned towards Aello. " These berries taste awful, I’m not sure how you can eat these " he said as he held up a string of the berries that obviously where different than the ones on the bush Aello was eating from. Tossing them back into the bush to fall on the grass below he walked back over to the woman and birds. That’s the last time I try any berries again he grumbled to himself still occasionally running his tongue against his teeth.

oocWell, there goes Nex eating poisonous berries, I’m afraid he knows as much about foraging as I do..

[Aello]

Aello said nothing to the blue jay as it landed on her shoulder. There was no reason for her to give Alenias away, or to make Nex believe her to be any more peculiar than he may already. As Nex began to spit the berries out, Aello giggled as she turned to face him. The startled Yune flew up onto Aello's left shoulder, sticky purple berry juice dripping down the side of her beak. Aello could feel her tiny talons digging into her shoulder once more, causing her to smile weakly. "What are you talking about Nex? They taste rather sweet. Don't they Yune?" Chirp! Chirp! Aello's smile widened. "You see Nex, even Yune seems to agree with her mistress." And there goes your one and only chance at seeming somewhat normal... "So perhaps, you merely don't like the taste of berries," Aello continued. "Maybe some venison, or perhaps a rabbit or two would be better?" There was a slight pause, "now that you think of it, a rabbit stew would be quite nice. Haven't had one of those in a very long while." Aello took a few steps closer to him, "do you think you're up for a short hunt?" Aello asked, wishing she could tilt her head to the side, considering it was what she always did when she asked questions, but the birds would be in the way. "Or is that hand going to keep you from doing much, do you think?" There was a slight pause as Aello waited for an answer from Nex, before she reached over her shoulder with her right hand, and plucked a raven-feather fletched arrow from her quiver. She pulled it back over her shoulder, so that it may rest before her. Always those with dark feathers it seems... Aello smiled weakly, as she turned her bow to the side using her left hand. She laced the arrow onto the bowstring, and when it clicked, she knew the arrow had taken to the serving. Delicately, she wrapped the three middle fingers of her right hand around the arrow. The index and middle fingers were above the arrow, the ring finger below. She began to inch the string back, as she pointed the bow down at the ground, the arrow at the space just in front of her feet. She knew now that she would be prepared should they encounter anything. "Even if you can't help to bring anything we find down, you can serve as an extra pair of eyes and ears. Don't you think?" Aello asked, as she began to walk past him and into the forest, away from the berry bushes. "Come along Nex," she called over her shoulder, without bothering to look back at him. OOCSorry this post is kind of awkward, and Aello makes a fool of herself. Um... Nex, should you ever want to try petting Yune in the future, assume you can be successful unless she is really pissed off. I don't mind. Just don't try stealing or killing her and we'll be fine.

[Alenias]

"How can you not like those delicious berries?" Yune chirped at Nex, and Alenias gave a short chirp of agreement.

Not only was Nex mean, but he was weird too. Who didn't like tasty berries? Alenias didn't understand why Aello seemed to like him, but she certainly wasn't going to argue with the woman who was taking care of her. Instead she decided to help out with the coming hunt Aello was talking about.

"I'll go see if I can find something," Alenias chirped to Aello before leaping off her shoulder and taking wing once again.

Aello seemed to want to find a rabbit the most, and Alenias thought she knew what those looked like. She remembered seeing something called rabbits in Nitrozian Plaza before. Flying off between the trees she glanced back and forth over the ground to try and find something for Aello to hunt.