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Post by Kodaka on Jul 6, 2022 3:17:43 GMT -6
Daniel Hawthorne continued to stare down the various halls that branched out in every direction as Aiden directed them through the castle during his explanation. “A place this big and ancient-looking as it is,” he observed, “I’d think twice before knocking on *any* closed door, least a spell be cast on me or a trap is sprung.”
“Only a couple rooms are like that I think,” Kodaka remarked.
“How would you know?”
“Past experience, o’ course.”
* * *
Kodaka was glad Helena was on friendlier terms with him since the last time they met, having remembered her icy glare when Dante brought him in after their scuffle ages ago. He took a second to take in the mini Demigoddess and noted the dirt on her jeans and he realized she had probably just come from the garden. She always seemed to be keeping herself busy and the Nephilim admired her for that. With a lighthearted chuckle he said, “that I am! Still alive over ‘ere, to the displeasure of some.” He looked from Helena to Daniel and smirked as if it say ‘these kids and their manners’.
“Ah, thank you Lady Helena, pleased to meet you,” Daniel said and dipped his head. He sat back down next to Kodaka and looked at him with a tilt of his head. “What?” Before he could say something snobby, Aiden laid out a small plate with the works for his tea. “Perfect. Thank you,” he said to Aiden and nodded. A small part of him wanted to ask him to just bring a mug of water and he would do the rest. A trick he learned not too terribly long ago was how to heat his own tea or coffee using his pyromancy arts, but perhaps doing it indoors would be a little dangerous. Instead, Daniel carefully listened to Helena’s explanation of who this Kea was and he wondered if the young woman was being deliberately vague or if eccentric was really the best word. He watched Kodaka’s reaction as the large man shrugged.
“Aye, eccentric’s a good adjective,” Kodaka chuckled quietly. His ocean blue eyes turned to the inquisitive Daniel and he rested his elbow on the bar top with his chin propped up on his closed fist. He pivoted his torso so his chest pointed toward the masked man but he could still turn and look at either Helena or Aiden but his attention was on Mr. Hawthorne as he explained, “she’s a close friend of mine that I’ve probably known a little longer than you, Danny.” He mused over their origin story. Kodaka was a different man back then. He was barbaric and cared naught for anyone else, not even himself. Nowadays his rage and lust for revenge remained in the back of his head and his despair pushed back beneath his heart, he was much more in control of his emotions and ultimately his own fate. “You know first-hand how very few folk I’d trust my life to, an’ I consider her one of them.”
He looked pensive until Aiden returned to their side of the bar and poured them both a glass of whiskey. Kodaka examined the bottle before Aiden placed it next to them and nodded his approval. The Nephilim grasped the glass and raised it up with the winged-man’s. “To friendships, new and old,” he said aloud for the room to hear. Kodaka clinked the glass against Aiden’s before the liquor disappeared down his throat in a single sip. He smacked his lips and glanced at his empty glass appreciatively before setting it back down on the bar top. “Now that’s the stuff.”
Daniel watched while drumming his fingers on the bar. “You never mentioned her before,” he said with some suspicion. Kodaka coughed a couple times and cleared his throat, making sure to turn his head so he wasn’t getting spittle all over anyone. “Well I didn’t want you to think I was out whor— uhhh, out bein’ a horrible role model.” The room grew silent as Daniel stared hard at the Nephilim.
“Kodaka,” he finally said dryly, “you’re already a horrible role model.”
“Wh—” Kodaka feigned shock and looked over at Helena and even Aiden for help before he turned back toward Daniel and jabbed a finger in his direction as if he was scolding a child. “Look here, you’re right but that still hurts.”
“Sticks and stones, my dear Nephilim,” Daniel replied with some amusement in his voice. “You’ve been dealt worse.” He shifted in his chair and rested both elbows on the bar top, his stiff formal posture beginning to relax.
“That’s true,” returned Kodaka. “Speaking of, how’s the castle been lately? Any more demonic possessions to be worried about?”
Daniel’s posture stiffened again and his gaze darted from Kodaka to Helena and Aiden, then back again. “Sorry, what? Oh dear…”
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Post by Mya on Jul 6, 2022 12:45:07 GMT -6
Helena nodded at Kodaka, “I can’t imagine a single reason why someone might be displeased to see you still standing,” She remarked somewhat sarcastically. She didn’t know Kodaka particularly well, but she had heard stories. Of course, she wasn’t sure how much truth there was to them as Keaira tended to overexaggerate at times.
She went and stood next to her brother behind the bar and poured herself a glass of water. She wasn’t terribly fond of alcohol since she found that it made her a completely different person… plus the fact of how many fights started because someone got too drunk. Not to say she never drank, but it was few and far between when she did. She hardly reacted to her brother’s voice in her mind. Helena sipped her water while returning the mental reply. I don’t even want to begin to understand Aunt Kea’s relationships, you know they aren’t conventional. Why don’t you just ask if you’re so eager to climb him like a tree? Helena smirked behind her glass of water as he passed by her to stand closer to Kodaka.
She also left the service side of the bar and took a seat at one of the stools with her glass of water. Helena quietly listened to the men talk while staring down at her drink. Helena appeared to be lost in thought for a while, turning things over in her mind. She hoped her father was okay, wherever he went. While the garden told her who stepped foot inside, the forest was a different entity and did not give up it’s secrets. Some forces of nature couldn’t be controlled, no matter how much power a person could have.
Her ears perked up at the talk of demonic possessions. She tuned back in and turned to look at Kodaka. “It’s been quiet since the incident. Too quiet. Nothing of note has happened since you were here last. I still can’t shake this sense of impending doom.” Her face was completely blank, no hint of a joke to be found. She glanced over at Daniel who seemed a bit perturbed at the mention of possession, "But I think we still have some time before anything bad happens."
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Post by Yuko on Jul 6, 2022 22:14:59 GMT -6
A black wolf was happily running through the forest, following the old game trails that were practically ingrained into its very soul. The paths seemed to be overgrown but she knew better. The energy in these old lands was just something to behold, it breathed life into everything. Game was always in abundance despite the denizens of these lands hunting and eating habits, the trees grew huge and very strong. Despite the damage that had befallen the forest during many a fight, It always came back just as strong and healthy. She had known many miles ago that she was on the path to home and that she was going the right direction despite it being so many years since she last took this path. This old castle had become home to her, and she was looking forward to seeing familiar faces and possibly even the new ones. Deep down, there was one face she was hoping she would find the most and that was the one thing that had kept her going. Even if the castle was empty like the last time she had returned, she knew it would only be a matter of time before someone would come along as that's simply how it was. People came and went like the flow of time, and yet somehow, they always found their way back here. She was very glad to be going home.
The old wolf looked like crap. While it was of a larger than normal statue, its fur was dirty and matted, absolutely covered in dirt, debris and hell knows what else. Something was dripping from its jaws as it just stood there trying it's best to catch its breath. The wolf stopped only for a moment, just long enough to catch its breath and realize that yes, it was finally home. Like a bat out of hell it ran up to the castle, going straight for the back gardens. She stumbled into one of the larger plants and flailed a bit before it finally found its footing and dragged itself to the back kitchen door.
It was the door that was never locked, and all she had to do was give it a bump with her should and sure enough it opened up just like it always did. It's like the castle knew it was her and was saying come on in. It was a sad state to see her scramble into the kitchen. It was like she was drunk or something but under the harsh lights of the kitchen it was overly clear to see that this wolf was not doing well. The substance dripping from its jaws was a bright red substance that smelled of iron. Its entire mouth was filled with it and not only was it dripping from its mouth, but it was also dripping from its nostrils, eyes and ears. It was getting blood all over the floor of the kitchen. The sad state of such a magnificent creature was made even worse when it actually slipped and fell in the blood that it was getting all over the floor. Quickly it scrambled back to its feet as best as it could as it was desperately trying to make its way over to the pantry. It slammed itself into the pantry door with a loud thump, knowing that you really had to force it open because there was this one part it would always stick on if you didn't give it a little extra oomph and just dragged itself into the dark pantry. She was so close to the prize she sought and gave very little care to the mess she was leaving behind herself.
Only a select handful of people knew of some of the additions that had been added to the castle over the years and even less knew the true secrets of the castle. One such secret had been a cellar that was hidden in the pantry and housed a select variety of unique things that were vital to certain residents of the castle. Desperately she clawed at the panel, knowing all she needed to do was hook a toenail to get a grip on the panel that covered it, but she had long overextended herself to get back here and worked herself. Absolutely exhausted she just collapsed there on the ground, whimpering so very softly at the floor panel. If only she could shift forms, it would be so easy for her just grab the panel, but she was far too gone to do that. She was so close to the very thing that she wanted.
Anyone going to investigate the sounds of a slamming door and scrambling legs, would find the back kitchen door with a bloody smear against it, blood all over the floor that looked like someone had lost a fight in it and a trail of it leading to the pantry where obviously something was injured and taking refuge perhaps in.
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Post by Kodaka on Jul 6, 2022 22:28:06 GMT -6
With wings tucked safely and firmly against his back, Nightfire found himself pushing a bit further into the edge of the forest, his shoulders brushing past the trees until he was approximately half-in and half-out the woods. He sniffed the forest floor carefully and would pause every so often to listen to his newly-silent part of the forest. It seemed his efforts to clear the forest of distracting sounds had been to very little avail. Come to think of it, the evening had darkened the deep wood quite significantly and even with his keen night-vision Nightfire could only make out faint details thirty or so feet away, whatever or whoever lay beyond that was blanketed in darkness. Nightfire wondered if another force entirely was interfering with his eyesight but regardless of whatever that force was the dragon was determined to at least catch a glimpse of it.
To anyone watching from outside of the forest, as silly of an antic it’d look like from the outside, they’d see the tip of his tail twitch in excitement as his back feet dug into the earth. It was all in an effort to completely push past the first layer of trees, as much of a fleeting goal as it was as eventually the young dragon would realize it was. That was when, of course, a familiar voice said something behind him and well behind all of his hard-earned progress. Startled from his self-imposed task with a mix of frustration and worry, Nightfire froze for a second before he tried backing out of the woods. Such a thing was a feat easier said than done. He ceased entirely to both collect himself and allow his visitor time to clear out. Nightfire felt his chest allow a deep sigh escape him as he stood there to acknowledge the silly situation created for himself. In that moment, he finally found himself able to speak again.
‘Ah… who? Please… stand clear for a moment,’ he spoke to anyone within his mind’s reach. He wasn’t able to see who he was communicating with and without a proper intimate mental connection his words shot out like a radar, careful but indiscriminate. Well after the warning and out of practiced chivalry, his struggles began again twice-fold and his bulky dragonly form broke the branches off several trees as they plummeted onto him or otherwise crashed to the ground. Nightfire didn’t think he was stuck by any means but the task of backing up without being able to see who or what was behind him proved difficult. His head turned to peer behind through a layer of underbrush and he saw red hair clash against the greenery.
‘Lady Jormungand!’ Nightfire greeted, a friendly hum coming from the bottom of his throat and rustling the leaves around him. His head poked out from a layer of underbrush about chest-height as he looked out at her. ‘Oh, I was waiting outside the castle when I saw a man run out and through here somewh— do you hear that?’ Nightfire’s head disappeared from the underbrush and out of Kea’s view as he returned his attention back to the forest. The dragon felt a disturbance coming straight for him and even as he squinted to focus his ruby eyes he couldn’t truly see until the last second. That was when he knew he was thwarted.
A rush of wind startled the dragon out of his wits and he immediately put himself in reverse, his hind legs scrambling to pull himself out as they dug and kicked at the earth frantically. Snarling, he scrapped and struggled out from between the trees even after the gust dispersed as quickly as it came. The dragon backed fully onto the grounds and tried shaking the flowers off. Only half of them floated away while the rest remained stubbornly clinging to his body, no doubt stuck between his scales. He sneezed not once, not twice, but a few times which left him whining softly and scratching at his snout with the back of his clawed feet, the equivalent of the back of a person’s palm. Finally it cleared up and he sat on his hunches looking rather warily at the forest. ‘That…’ He snorted, ‘was not a natural gust of wind.’ It wasn’t a question, but a bitter observation. He sat there in resentment to what had just occurred then as if he forgot about it, he turned to Keaira in a happy and chirpy demeanor that was meant to cover up his wounded pride and the agitation he felt toward the forest.
‘How have you been, Lady Kearia? Your appearance is very well kept as per usual I see.’ He lowered his head to her level and a dragonly purr emitted from his throat, inviting her to scratch at whatever part of his head she’d like. ‘Our journey was long…’ he sounded just a little weaker then as his body shuddered. ‘But I suspect Koda and Daniel will find comfort under the Moonlight.’ Nightfire was the most weary of the trio combined, though the dragon would never admit it. 'Which makes me... content...' The days of travel had suddenly caught up to the young dragon as his half-lidded crimson eyes regarded the lady demon with a level of appreciation.
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Post by Fina on Jul 7, 2022 10:11:12 GMT -6
Once at ceiling height, a couple beats of the raven's wings kept her in air as she glided at speed. Her wedge shaped tail steered as she banked the corner, cawing. The sound almost sounded like laughter as he shouted after her.
When Vasili fell into hasty pursuit, the raven knew she must think fast if she had a chance at losing him once and for all. She bobbed, weaved, and swooped her way through the castle halls. However, she was all but flying blind as adrenaline spurred her on. She didn't know know what the castle guard would do should he catch her and, frankly, she didn't want to find out!
Coming upon a wide spiral staircase, the raven swooped down over the treads as she descended. Distant voices barely registered with her as she knew Vasili hot on her tail feathers. At ground floor, she circled in the foyer she found herself in. Here the floor plan diverged into three hallways! She squashed her rising panic as her frustration mounted. Getting lost was the name of the game, but she still needed an exit in the end of this. Her salvation came in the form of the scent of fresh air, perhaps from open window or a open back door. She veered towards the left where it seemed to originate quickly.
Bursting into the occupied bar space, the raven gave a startled caw. She could do with a stiff drink, now wasn't the best time! At her rate of speed, she had only seconds to bank to avoid colliding with any obstetrical. Her broad wingspan only narrowly missed a hand here, a bowl of peanuts there.. It was dangerously close, but if she clipped something she would surely go down hard. Circling, the raven's keen quicksilver gaze searched out Vasili. If she hadn't yet lost him then perhaps she could out past him and backtrack her way out of this mess.
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Post by Yuko on Jul 7, 2022 13:45:06 GMT -6
When he opened the panel for her, she just flung herself down the stairs, tumbling down them and landing with a thump at the bottom. She was trying to catch her breath there at the bottom of the stairs and it sounded horrible. She was wheezing and trying to breathe through the blood, but liquid was not exactly a breathable liquid. She didn't have the energy to even try and stop him, there was just nothing left in the tank, and she had been running on fumes and he just lit the match to burn the last of them. The more he tried to help her, the worse she got. Her head was swimming, and she couldn't see clearly. She had just been riding the razors edge the entire time and unknowingly was pushing her over the edge. While she looked thin before, she looked emaciated now once he was done. You could definitely see her hip bones beneath her fur and her ribs. Practically nothing but skin and bones.
He had done the spell correctly and any other day yuko would have been proud of him but today was not the day for that. She had been cursed, and any attempt to help her only ended up in her getting hurt worse. She could feel her body slowly ripping itself apart and she was doing her best to keep it together. Her organs were failing, everything was just shutting itself down. Somehow, she managed to push herself into a upright postion only to open her jaws and basically just puke blood onto the floor. It was like her whole body was rejecting something with everything that it could. What kind of curse would affect someone like her? Who had she pissed off so royally as to have something like this happen to her? Why had she been so desperate to get down into this specific cellar? The only things kept down here was rare herbs drying from the ceiling, bottles of wine and various kegs of some sort of alcohol. She just flopped over again, desperatly looking around.
Her vision was fading and growing blurry, her mind was long checked out. She felt like she was drowning that was just the blood filling her lungs. She hadn't fought this hard to get here only to be so close to the finish line and have to lose all progress. Down in this cellar was a specific keg containing a specific brew of alcohol. Even if she managed to get that across, she was looking for one of the kegs, He wouldn't know what keg to look for. She wanted nothing more then to close her eyes and just fall asleep. The desire to do so, was pushing down on her with such a force. It was like there was a little voice in her head, telling her to just let go. Just slip away, Stop fighting so hard and just accept it.
But she would not. Even if aiden knew what she was looking for, there was little doubt that he would know what mini keg to grab. Afterall, her wedding to Seth had predated him by years. There was a special brew of honey mead down here that had a very specific family crest burned into the barrel and it was not the Deimos clans. This had been a wedding gift from her father and thus, it was the House of Necrosis crest that was burned into the small keg. Aiden had not been taught all of the demonic clans, nor would their history of been of use to him. But then again if someone were perhaps romantically interested in someone who descended from that house, they may know and may know that yuko was seeking this mead for its unique properties.
Demonic houses purposefully worked contingencies into their drink and food. Counter curses, anti-venoms, cures for poison, reviving potions, healing factors, etc. Afterall, in hell, how to obtain more power was to kill someone. To keep your power, was to survive and the Necrosis clan was second only to one. You couldn't look weak asking for a potion or for a healer, but you could ask for more alcohol. The title of brew master was only handed from father to son, and so as a daughter of the clan this was a title not passed onto her and yet while her family did not really attend her wedding all those decades ago, they did send their blessing of the union.
A ceremonial honey mead, specifically meant for the bride and groom to share and the very thing the necrosis clan was known for. It was extremely rare and usually only sold in small bottles as it was only meant to be the first drink the groom and bride had, so that they could party to their hearts content for the next several days without a care about trying to be murdered. She felt honored to have gotten the mini keg. They didn't even tap into it during their wedding and yuko simply tucked it aside for a rainy day and despite the sun shining in all of its glory outside, Today was such a rainy day, but she couldn't remember where the keg was down here. Her eyes rolled into the back of her head as her body went stiff and rigid as it began to shake violently.
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Post by Mya on Jul 7, 2022 21:55:49 GMT -6
Helena spun on her seat so her back and elbows rested against the bar. She had tilted her head back and eyes closed as she listened to the men talk. She nodded in silent agreement when Aiden spoke about their ‘Aunt’. Helena had a strained relationship with Keaira at times. Due to her uncanny resemblance to her mother, Keaira sometimes came on a bit too strong. Still, Helena was grateful to have her. When Mya had passed on, Keaira was sure to check in with Helena often. She wondered if she did the same for Aiden or if he spent too much time in the Heavens where Kea could not follow. With how thirsty her brother was acting, Helena deduced that he must have spent enough time with Keaira to pick up on some of her... behaviors.
She briefly glanced at her brother to see him wiggling his brows at her. His words reached her mind and she shrugged. 'Look after yourself, dear brother, lest you get in over your head.' She kept her mouth shut as Aiden shamelessly flirted with the mercenary. Something tugged at her mind. The garden was alerting her to someone entering the gardens. Black creature on all fours. Helena paid it little mind; many of the castle denizens had four-legged forms. It was likely someone from the Deimos clan.
When her brother returned to the kitchen. Helena reached over the bar top for a lemon wedge to add to her water. She opened her mouth like she was going to speak when a raven darted into the bar area. "Wh--" She watched as the bird skimmed past her and nearly knocked into several things. She looked over at Daniel and Kodaka, "Alright, which one of you let the bird in? Would you mind opening one of the windows? Maybe it will fly out... Aiden tells me he needs a hand, so I'll be right back."
Helena entered the kitchen but wasn't looking closely, "Aiden, what's going on?" She didn't immediately see all the blood on the floor until she stepped in some. She frowned and lifted her foot off the floor. Now that she was paying full attention, the smell of iron hung thick in the air... and a hint of something else. Something much more bitter. She rushed to Aiden's side, careful not to slip on the bloodied floor. She gently placed a hand on his arm as she moved him aside to see what was happening in the pantry. The delicate buzz of her brother's magic fizzled against her aura.
As she peered into the dark cellar that was opened, Helena was trying to determine who it was. Her eyebrows shot up with a loud gasp as she figured it out. "YUKO WHAT THE FUCK?!" Helena shouted(probably loud enough to be heard in the bar). She pushed Aiden aside so she could get down into the cellar. She slipped about half way down, the stairs slick with blood. Luckily, she stayed on her feet and managed to catch herself before she fell onto Yuko's dying body. "Auntie, what did you do??" Helena tried to think fast. She looked around the room and saw nothing but wine bottles and old kegs. What would provoke Yuko to come down here instead of seeking help elsewhere.
Most of the liquor was stamped with the brands that the castle patrons enjoyed. Nothing spectacular stood out to her until she laid her eyes on a small keg that looked different than the others. That logo looked familiar, Helena thought to herself. She racked her brain, freaking out from Yuko's convulsing body right next to her feet. That was Yuko's family crest. The Necrosis family made liquor with special properties. Maybe this is what Yuko was after? Helena grabbed the keg and looked around frantically for something to open the keg. Some kind of higher power must have been looking out for Yuko today as Helena was able to find a knife and stab it into the keg repeatedly until some of the mead began to spill out. Helena dropped to her knees and held Yuko's head in her lap. She began to pour the mead into Yuko's mouth.
"Please, please, PLEASE let this work!"
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Post by Fina on Jul 8, 2022 3:40:11 GMT -6
It was with a measure of relief that Serephina noted his sigh, heavy as it seemed, and his drying tears. She was thankful to see this improvement at least.. Her brow arched slightly when she overheard him muttering something about his powers. Perhaps this was the reason his path lead him to her doorstep..? She wouldn't press him, however, when he eyed her so warily still.
When Brandon pointed out that she was but a stranger to him Serephina paused. Surely, she hadn't sidestepped making an introduction.. No wonder he seemed apprehensive! Here she was, appearing as some old crone in the forest, trying to lure him into her home. "Of course, how silly of me.. I've forgotten my manners." She admitted, sheepishly. His appearance had caught her off guard and so she had forgotten herself. Her grip was confident as she took his hand in hers. It would be clear she worked for a living as she had smudges of soil and callouses on her palms. "It's nice to make your acquaintance, Brandon Kalos." She said, smiling brightly as she shook his hand. "My name is Serephina, Serephina Amaris."
Detecting the growl, Serephina and her guest both now stood searching the treeline. She hadn't expected him to notice really.. Once her guest hung his head, she capitalized on the moment and quickly cast her spell. When Brandon looked back to her, she was the picture of innocence before she prompted him to head inside.
Noting his awkward posturing and hesitancy, Serephina's lips parted with a sigh. She decided that perhaps a dose of honest transparency would do best in this situation. She nodded as her green gaze met his. "Yes, I am certain." She said, "I'm sure it might not seem like much, but.. While it is my home, this is also a haven." She continued, gesturing broadly about her as she strolled towards the front steps with him. "Here, I tend the sick and weary as Magnus.." She only hesitated as she realized he might not be familiar with her term. "Uh.. a mage apothecary, if you will." She clarified finally with a nod. "The protection wards I have in place reveal my cottage to those in need. If you weren't meant to be here in some way, Brandon, you would have been turned away at the threshold." She stated with certainty. "Now.. I do have room for you, even if it'd be only for tonight." She continued, stopping at he bottom tread of the poach stairs. She adjusted the herb basket in her hands as she regarded him. "The decision is yours to make, however. I will not force you into anything if you're truly not comfortable." She assured him, recalling her oath to serve her community. "I can see you safely home or back to your castle tonight just as easily, if that is what you wish."
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Post by Mya on Jul 8, 2022 10:38:26 GMT -6
Kea took a few steps closer to Nightfire, curious what had gripped his attention. His familiar voice could be heard inside her head. It seemed whatever got his attention distracted him enough that he didn’t initially hear her arrive until she called out to him. The demoness put her hands on her hips and simply observed the dragon and his antics. Keaira couldn’t help but compare Nightfire to some kind of feline that got his head stuck somewhere he shouldn’t. The familiar voice of the dragon floated through her mind and she stepped aside at his instruction.
Finally the dragon was free enough so that he could actually look at her. “Nightfire, it’s wonderful to see you. Did you grow since we last met?” She said half in jest for how he got stuck, but half serious as he was still a growing boy.
“What is it?” Keaira raised a brow. Her hearing wasn’t nearly as good as the dragon’s, so she didn’t hear anything other than the slowly returning sounds of the forest’s night life. Kea braced herself as Nightfire began his mad scramble to free himself from the treeline. A gust of wind enveloped the dragon with a shower of flowers. Part of the breeze whipped past Keaira and caught her dress, threatening to lift it. She had one hand to hold the bottom part of her dress down and one hand to hold her hair in place. Kea wouldn’t allow some breeze to ruin her style.
When the breeze died down Kea released her hold on her dress and hair. She nodded in agreement to Nightfire’s assessment. “No, that was not natural at all,” She held her hand up and caught one of the flowers that had fallen off the dragon. Kea placed a hand on Nightfire’s chin and gave him a good scratch along his jawline. When she was done she reached over to pick a couple of flowers out from his scales. “You’re so sweet Nighty,” she cooed in response to his compliment. “I’ve been keeping busy with work! I haven’t had time to come home in a while… and I’m glad I did or else I might have missed you.” Keaira gave him another pet on his snout.
“How rude that Koda and this ‘Daniel’ would just leave you outside like this! This simply won’t do, tsk tsk,” She shook her head in disapproval. Kea brought her hand to her chin and thought about Nightfire’s options. There were places in the castle large enough to fit a creature such as Nightfire, but the problem was getting him past the entrance and halls to those locations. Some of the castles denizens could transform so it was simple enough to enter as a humanoid and shift forms in the appropriate place. That wasn’t exactly an option for Nightfire, but perhaps…
“Nightfire, I can bring you inside… but you are going to have to make a deal with me.”
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Post by Kodaka on Jul 8, 2022 11:42:45 GMT -6
Kodaka raised a brow when he thought he sensed a whiff of sarcasm coming from Helena. “You’d be surprised,” he said with a shrug and decided to play it off. “I’m not particularly popular in some regions.” The conversation continued around Keaira as Aiden had his own things to say about her. Kodaka smiled and nodded at the winged-man’s description of the lady demon and acknowledged that he was pretty much spot-on. He briefly glanced at the bottle of whiskey and pondered another glass.
“Ah I see,” Daniel remarked and scratched the bottom of his mask where his chin was. “Well in that case, I doubt I would have any problems with her.” Then when Helena reassured him that the ‘incident’ had passed and things have been quiet. “If it is as you say Miss Helena, then all should be well.”
“Yeah… Impending doom, really? Honestly I like quiet. Quiet is good. Moments of peace are so rare these days ya gotta grab ‘em when you can. No sense n’ looking at them all suspicious-like,” Kodaka said gruffly.
“Indeed,” Daniel agreed with a dip of his head. He briefly thought about Nightfire and hoped heh had finally found a moment to rest. When the conversation turned to him calling out Kodaka’s role model status, he regarded Aiden with a raised brow from behind his mask. The way the young man looked at Kodaka and spoke to the man was starting to inform Daniel he was developing quite the fancy for the Nephilim. He chuckled lightly and rested both his elbows on the bar top, “I think I understand what you mean, Master Aiden. Although you just blew Kodaka’s poorly contrived cover-up about him whoring.”
“Shit,” Kodaka grunted. Bemused, he looked from Aiden, to Daniel, then to Aiden again. When he returned his gaze to Aiden, he could’ve sworn he caught the winged-man’s eyes trailing his body. This wasn’t the first time either, he thought. He gestured to himself with both hands on his chest and raised his shoulders in half a shrug. “I won’t either confirm or deny this. You only think I said ‘whoring’. Perverts the both of you kids.” When the tea kettle could be heard in the background and Aiden left to go attend to it, he turned to Daniel with a smirk.
“You realize he’s been flirting with you, right?” Daniel asked quietly and one could tell by the way that he spoke, the Hawthorne had a wide shit-eating grin on his face from behind tha damnable mask. Kodaka glanced at Helena to try and catch her giving him a knowing look before he turned back to Daniel.
“Oh I know when I’m being sized up, Daniel. It’s both flattering and amusing, I’ll be honest.” Before Daniel could respond he saw Kodaka tense up a little and the mercenary held up a hand to put the conversation to pause. Confused, Daniel looked around and saw it too. It began as a flash of movement that narrowly missed his plate of sugar and creamers. “What on earth?” He muttered. He had difficulty tracking whatever it was but soon Kodaka nodded up at the ceiling silently and Daniel followed his gaze.
“A raven?”
“Nah, crow,” Kodaka countered, not taking his eyes off it.
“That’s… ravens are considerably larger than crows, Kodaka. Much more noble as well.”
The duo looked over at Helena when she accused of one of them letting it in. They both lifted their shoulders in synchronized shrugs with their palms out at their sides. When she left to go help her brother with something, Daniel quietly left his stool and stood in the middle of the room as he watched the raven with a curious demeanor.
“Bit strange isn’t it? It’s almost like an omen or something.”
“Never took you for a superstitious type Danny,” Kodaka grumbled and helped himself to his second glass of whiskey. He placed the bottle back down, grasped his drink and turned his stool to face Daniel and their new visitor, his back propped up against the bar top and facing the kitchen.
“I just mean with the timing, Helena saying how quiet things have been. That’s like saying there’s always some form of… commotion around here.” He sighed and marched toward the nearest window, his polished dress shoes emitting barely audible footfalls even against the hard flooring. He fiddled with the locking mechanism and pulled the dual glass pane window open, the fresh night air seeping into the room. “Out you get, my friend,” he said aloud and looked back over for the raven again. “Unless you fancy a drink that is,” he added with a chuckle.
A shout coming from inside the kitchen startled both men. Their incredulous gazes met momentarily before they turned to look in the direction of the kitchen. Kodaka sighed and downed his second drink in one well-practiced gulp. “Well, here we go.”
“What do you mean ‘here we go’?” Daniel asked nervously. He assumed the raven would eventually find the window and leave on its own accord, so he stepped away back toward the bar with the glass panes still wide open. “Shouldn’t we go see what’s going on, Kodaka?
Kodaka shrugged and nodded toward the entryway, “you could, or we could see who’s stomping in from over th—“ A voice directly outside the entrance cut him off and Kodaka and Daniel turned to see a tall, blue-haired man. Daniel cocked his head as he approached Daniel and was able to say half a greeting before getting side-stepped last second. Whoever this strange man was, he seemed to be desperately looking for something. When he reached out for the raven, Daniel furrowed his brow and gestured to the open window.
“I wouldn’t worry about trying to catch the poor thing, this window should— what do you mean woman-crow? It’s… Shes?… She’s a rav—“ Before he could finish correcting the man, he fell onto the bar top and rolled halfway down its surface, knocking over Kodaka’s bottle of whiskey as well as the Daniel’s sugar and creamers. “Oh dear…”
“Oh hell naw," Kodaka growled, dropped his glass to the floor and reached for the falling whiskey bottle with a sudden burst of speed a man his size wouldn’t normally have. Luckily the bottle wasn’t knocked behind the bar, otherwise he’d never have the chance. He gripped the bar top with one hand and reached out with his free arm and snagged it at the last second. Everything else, Aiden’s glass and the plate of creamers all crashed to the floor and shattered. Kodaka sat up and held onto the bottle defensively, getting up off his stool and staring down at the stranger with a perplexed and rightfully agitated expression. “Man, hate to see how they get rid of mice around here, eh Daniel?”
Daniel approached the man now laying face-down on the bar top. He paused only an arms-length away and bent down a little to examine him. “Er... Are you alright?”
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Post by Fina on Jul 8, 2022 14:05:30 GMT -6
Serephina was pleased that her sentiments after introduction were returned, but when Brandon hailed her as 'lady' she made a face at him. While it was polite manners she had never cared for the honorific. It wasn't so much that she didn't feel deserving as it always felt haughty and pretentious. And so, she shook her head. "Just Serephina will do." She told him, "Or Fina, if you'd like." She suggested simply with a casual shrug as she guided him towards the cottage.
Upon finishing her explanation, Serephina found herself apprehensive of Brandon. She had hoped he would respond well of course, but she would understand if he was still quiet uncertain. That he had patiently listened at all gave her a fragment of hope, however. She held a warm smile when he expressed his understanding of her arrangements. "Then in that regard we are kindred spirits," she remarked, nodding.
Noting his awkward shift, she arched a brow as she observed. She was already mentally preparing to receive his refusal when instead he accepted instead. She was awash with surprise which compounded when he followed with a request of her skills. She nearly dropped her basket to gape at him, but she composed herself. This outcome was leagues better then she had anticipated.
Serephina was an active listener as Brandon explained the need behind his request. She keenly noted him avoiding her gaze and shoving his hands into his pockets. Asking for help did not come easy for anyone. Especially when backed with shame or guilt. She held nothing but compassion for him as his grief rose. As he cleared his throat and met her gaze, she gently reached out to brace his forearm. It was a small, reassuring gesture on her part.. "Yes, I certainly can help. It's a task we handle often, actually." She told him, "Getting a restful night's sleep does wonders for someone's overall health and well being." She added with a sure nod. "Compensation isn't necessary, but if you feel so inclined.. I am sure we can work out an agreement." She chuckled as she took the cottage's front steps, "I know I can always use a hand pulling weeds in the garden." She suggested over her shoulder as she reached for the door with him in tow.
Once Serephina stepped inside, she held the door open for Brandon to follow before closing it firmly behind him. In the small entryway, she set her basket down on the bench before doffing her cloak. This left Brandon with a few minutes to glance about. The first thing most noticed was that the cottage was clearly spelled to appear smaller and unassuming on the outside. Beyond the illusion, Serephina kept an open floor plan which was well outfitted to care for the needs of her community. With the front door at their back, they stood in the comfortably furnished living room. To their immediate left, there was a staircase that one might presume lead to a residential floor above. Here on the first floor, however, she had accommodations for up to seven in the rooms adjoining the living room: three on the left, four to the right. At the back of the living room, apprentices could be seen coming or going from the spelling lab or stocking supplies. Meanwhile she detected a delightful aroma, no doubt wafting from the mundane kitchen just down the hall to the left. If they investigated, she was sure they'd find the kitchen catering for guests and staff. Overall, it was a wonderful home with the atmosphere to match. A relaxed sigh emitted from Serephina as she again collected her herb basket. "Welcome in," She bid Brandon then, "Were would you like to start?" She prompted, "We can get you roomed if your ready, you could make yourself comfortable and wait here for now..? Or you can tag along with me and get a bit of a tour?" She offered. She wasn't too sure where his energy level was at the moment so she trusted him to define his limits. After all, he'd been through a bit of a ordeal this evening alone so she didn't wish to overtax him..
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Post by Kodaka on Jul 8, 2022 17:09:39 GMT -6
The ends of Nightfire’s lips lifted in a wide dragonly grin as Keaira commented on whether or not he’s grown since their last meeting. ‘I certainly did!’ He said, his tone thick with enthusiasm. ‘Everyday I grow a tiny bit more, at least that’s what Koda’s been telling me.’ When the situation involving the gust of flowery wind subsided and Nightfire’s embarrassment seemed to fade away he regarded the forest and seemed a little ill at ease toward it despite his heightened curiousity. Luckily he was so focused on the forest during that time, the dragon never even noticed Keaira holding her dress and hair down. Though he would have sympathized with her had he did, for he also tried to take great care of his elegant and handsome features.
An appreciative rumbling purr trickled from between his closed jaws as Keaira scratched him under his chin, loving the feel of her nails on his scales. Niether Kodaka nor Daniel had the same kind of nails for some reason, so Kea's were the best. She even plucked a few of the flowers out from between his scales which made it all the better. Nightfire had a feeling he’d be picking them off his scales for days before he’d gotten rid of all of them. The young dragon was grateful no one else had seen him in such a state, as he would’ve had a hard time explaining how on earth this could’ve happened. It wasn’t like he was a stranger to getting a stray twig or leaf stuck between his scales every now and again, but this was a little excessive.
‘I am also glad to see you return. These crossroads in our life-path are a most welcome junction,’ he said, his eyes half-lidded and his entire presence giving off a feeling of contentedness. Only Kodaka and Daniel ever nicknamed him 'Nighty', and though it was odd hearing her say it for an instant, he liked how it sounded when Keaira said it as well. His eyes snapped open and he backed away a little to sink his body slowly into the grass. He lowered himself to the ground and crossed his two front paws, like any distinguished gentledrake would. His head was only slightly above her eye level now as his neck arched backward. With every movement he made, no matter how slight, sometimes a tiny flower would break free of his black scales and float silently to the ground. Nightfire either paid them no mind or didn’t notice.
‘I do not mind it, really,’ he said, though his slight begrudging tone betrayed his words. As much as Nightfire liked sleeping under the moonlight on a calm and cool night like this one, half of him wanted to see what this castle was all about. What better way to meet its denizens then to actually be inside the castle? When Keaira mentioned something about bringing him inside after making a deal with her, the dragon tilted his head much like a dog would trying to better hear someone. His mind raced as he wondered what she could've come up with and his curiousity got the better of him. ‘You have my interest. What would this deal entail, pray tell?’
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Post by Mya on Jul 9, 2022 2:23:02 GMT -6
Yes, Keaira's nails would absolutely feel delightful for the young dragon. She took her time with her greeting to Nightfire, making sure to hit all the spots that were certain to elicit that lovely dragon purr. She wasn't one for younglings, but Kea couldn't help but be charmed by the adolecent drake. Who could resist his noble features? Not this demoness of temptation. Keaira murmured sweet nothings to Nightfire while enjoying seeing him bask in her compliments.
Making a deal with a demon could be a dangerous thing. Despite being creatures that thrive off chaos, demons were bound to follow ancient laws. Most people that made these deals often neglect to check for loopholes. Words are easy to twist and intentions become burdens. A large part of Keaira's power was accumulated from the many deals she had made over the years. She was well versed in exploiting desperate people for her own gains. After all, that was how things were with demons. Even though Keaira was one of those nasty demons that lived to take advantage, she couldn't possibly bare to bring harm to Nightfire.
"If I were you, I wouldn't want to be left out while everyone gets to go in and make merry," She shook her head, curls bouncing with her movement. "I am far too nosy! Now, lets see..." Kea had one hand on her hip and the other at her chin, looking quite lost in thought for a few moments. She had to think about what she could receive in exchange for her plan. The power of her deals wouldn't come into fruition unless she got something out of it.
"I can make you whatever size you choose as long as it is smaller than you are currently. Lets limit that to within the castle grounds excluding the front courtyard. If there is an emergency or there is danger, you will return to your regular size." She considered her words carefully, not wanting to offer too much lest the price become high. "You cannot stay longer than a full day indoors."
"In exchange, I will require one of your scales, a flight above the clouds..." She folded her arms across her chest while she was deciding her terms. "I would like to hear a tale about your kind." It didn't sound like much, but stories could hold a power that could last through the ages. Over times, stories became myths and legends. Knowledge of dragon mythology was rare in these parts, making it all the more valuable. There were also people who would pay handsomely to hear such a tale. She figured this would be enough of an exchange for a temporary transformation.
"This agreement will last for the duration of a month, should you wish to extend we can discuss it again. What do you think Nightfire? Do you agree to these terms?"
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Post by Fina on Jul 9, 2022 7:23:38 GMT -6
Causing a scene in the bar was hardly the raven's intent as she ducked and dodged the patrons. Vasili was quick on her tail, however, his footfalls in the hallway and swearing were loud behind her as she spurred on. Thankfully, her stylish entrance had scattered patrons and spared her some chagrin. The large man tracked her flight path with some accuracy she noted while his masked partner seemed a touch befuddled. If not Vasili, she knew the large fella would be one to watch out for.
When her species was accurately determined a glimmer of hope for the human race rose, but it was quickly snuffled out as his partner contested the guess. She cawed loudly in outrage, protesting. A crow!? The audacity this man had to call her a crow! Physical characteristic's aside, a raven didn't even sound the same.
As Daniel defended his accurate identification, she was rightfully chuffed. The masked one knew his ornithology and he was putting it to good use. "Noble, hm." She thought, perhaps a bit flattered. As the notion an omen was raised, she could have rolled her eyes. Mortals always though her kin were harbingers of the end times. Honestly, it was such a tired narrative.
Before she became too exasperated, the raven was hailed by the superstitious masked man from the window. Bless him and his opposable thumbs, she was saved! She might have to take back all those mean things she thought about him after all. Her eagerness to make a quick escape out the window nearly cost her her freedom, however.. Vasili had finally caught up to her and launched into the air in his attempt to capture her. She cawed in alarm, she could have sworn she felt his hand graze her wingtips just now! Overhearing Vasili explain his actions, her panic was replaced by fury even as he made another try for her. Again with the crow!? Well, he had called her a woman and a bird too but.. She wasn't a godsdamn crow! This time when Vasili missed his second attempt to grab at her she cackled. She reveled in his misfortune as she witnessed him then landed hard on the bartop. This was her chance and she knew to take it!
Circling the bar room once more, the raven swooped down upon the bar and the patrons. Her clawed feet pinched through Vasili's uniform when she landed on his prone back. She tilted her head as she eyed the two men warily a moment. Didn't this man have a shirt? And.. It was a gas mask he wore? "I'll never understand modern fashions," she decided. She didn't wait to see if they'd make a move to catch her. Instead, she cawed loudly to declare her victory before promptly giving Vasili smart peck. That'd teach him to hassle her yet alone call her a crow! For Kodaka's slight, she had other plans. Huffing, she hopped down onto the counter. She spied the target on the counter, thankful it hasn't been displaced by Vasili's fumbling.. With a measure of due caution, she scuttled forth and snatched the bottle cap of Kodaka's whiskey. It was small and petty theft, but she deemed the inconvenience it'd cause just as she took flight with her prize. She beat her wings before gliding out the window and into the evening.
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Post by Kodaka on Jul 9, 2022 19:54:56 GMT -6
Nightfire made a mental note to tell his two traveling companions to try growing longer fingernails as he beheld the delightful scratching Keaira’s were capable of. His tail shifted in the grass and curled around him. He almost drifted off to sleep right then and there were it not for the awareness that his head might wind up squashing her if he wasn’t careful. He thought back to his vague memories as a hatchling where Kodaka and the dragon were either sharing a meal or he would be cleaning his weaponry or something during his downtime between jobs. The mercenary would be having a casual, one-sided conversation with him about just about anything while the little dragon would be sitting there, watching him and absorbing everything.
There was one such topic Kodaka mentioned one time that served as a warning of sorts that had to do with demons and their contracts. Being a Nephilim whose power and strength was nearly unmatched by most mortals, Kodaka claimed to be visited by a few demons and devils with their own deals that sounded too good to be true. They were often as simple as receiving ultimate power in exchange for his soul, to which Kodaka of course always turned down. It was the more cryptic deals that left it up to the contracted to decipher that were most worrying. It was best to ignore any and all deals made by a hellspawn all together, as the mercenary concluded back then.
Nightfire returned to the waking world to regard Keaira in silence as he considered mentally probing her true intentions. His eyes flashed with alarm at such a thought and he felt ashamed, even if it was a thought that lasted an instant. To do something would be a total breach of privacy and should only been used in self defense or when the need was greatest. It would also break any trust Keaira had for him as a good friend, let alone Kodaka and Daniel. His mind, as a dragon, was as great of a weapon as tooth, claw, and breath combined.
Instead, Nightfire’s consciousness gently brushed up against her mind with a wave of understanding and genuine curiosity. It was a way to tell her he trusted her that meant more than simple words. The mind connection put both parties at risk, after all. He recounted her conditions and thought them through carefully, although the more she spoke the more excited he became and that could be seen by his body language and felt through their little connection as well.
‘I… yes! I understand and find your terms agreeable,’ the dragon said just a moment after she prompted an answer. ‘I… don’t want to be too much smaller though,’ the dragon added maybe a little uncertainly. He was proud of his size and wanted to parade it around the castle, but it was dawning on him that wasn’t a realistic expectation. This was something Nightfire never thought he’d be considering; how would he like to be downsized to fit inside a castle? The dragon tapped a claw against the ground as the options presented themselves to him, then he had it.
What other land predators were often most feared for their majesty and ferocity? The wolf. Nightfire may not be a pack animal, but he had a respect for them as fellow hunters of the night. It wasn’t even that hard to imagine himself the size of a wolf as he very much that very same size but several months ago. With a nod to Keaira, he snorted in satisfaction. ‘Though it pains a part of me to consider such options that a member of my kin would only scoff at, I must also realize I am still a dragon. A dragon with many 2-legged friends.’ A chortle grumbled from between his barely parted jaws, like a rasping repetitive growl. ‘If I were to choose a size other than my curent , I would think of none other as befitting than the size of a wolf. Still formidable but very much able to fit within the corridors and halls like any 2-legger.’
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