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Collaboration in Progress (Do Not Disturb) |
| [Introduction]
"We're tired of moving around so much!" she pawed the ground irritably, folding her arms before her as she glared at her husband. He shrugged wordlessly as he turned about to look around again. They would be underway again in but an hour's time. "Alexia..." he growled, "You know why we are moving." "I don't care!" her voice grew louder, making some of the nearer centaurs look up at them in curiosity. "It's their problem, not the herds!" He shifted to look at her, his face anything but accomodating, "Hunters may not normally hunt the centaur herds," he answered calmly, "But that doesn't make it any less our business to keep away from them." "They're Hunters, Kalas!" she snapped, flicking her hair out of her face, "We have no need to worry about them! Feed those two troublesome brats to them and be done with it!" "No!" He looked ready to kill with that word. "You see!" she cried, growing loud enough now that most of the herd could hear them, "You're not fit for a leader! I'll barter an apple for a grape that you would give your life for those worthless Two-Feet!" "Another word, Alexia," growled Kalas as he leveled a look that would have made any other centaur cow, "And you'll have more than myself to deal with. Not all this herd is against protecting those two...even if they do not seem to want us doing so." "Then that's final," she answered, as deadly serious as he, "The herd will just have to split." She turned, tossing her tail in his face as she called over her shoulder, "You can keep your pitiful Two-Feeters and what pathetic centaurs that will follow you! I will take the herd and rest for a change! Something you've forgotten! = = = = = Nyx caught a branch of the tree moments before she lost her balance once more, having nearly tumbled down from it quite a few times by then. She'd noticed that Diali had given up trying to talk her out of climbing to the top. After all, she wanted to get to the top so she could watch the sunset there. It looked magnificant from a height! = = = = = "Nyx!" he called up, "Be careful!" He could hear the sounds of shouting just a short distance behind them. No doubt it would have been easier to hear what was going on back with the herd if he were to climb the tree as well.... His sister would have her wings soon and she'd no doubt leave him when the night came. Gods, it was terrible having his wings during the day when she had them at night. With a rather loud whinning grumble, he called up to her, "Hold on Nyx...I'm coming up too!" Of course, he wasn't quite as good a climber as Nyx... = = = = = "Then you're the one who's better be careful, Di!" Nyx called back, chuckling to herself as she remembered the last time he'd attempted to climb a tree. He would have broken his neck if she hadn't caught his hand in time. The youwarkee pulled herself up another branch, a satisfied sigh tumbling from her lips as she started to see the opening of the top. A grin lit her features at that. She'd finally conquer this tree after a full hour or more trying! = = = = = Diali scrambled up as quickly as he could. He wasn't as elegant a climber, but he certain knew how to catch up to his sister when he needed to. Besides, his wings were helping...somewhat. He paused halfway up when he heard voiced below the tree. It was Alexia...their caretaker's wife. "If you find those two..." her voice seemed to always send chills down Diali's back, "Make sure that they are never found. I want them dealt with. We'll not have the herd split because of those worthless Two-Feeters." |
| Nyx stopped as she reached the last branch to the top of the tree, holding onto it with her arms in a daze as she listened to the woman speak. She growled angrily when she heard such words being uttered from that wench's lips. How dare she order such a thing! Her husband would have her head if she succeeded in getting rid of them! Dialia nearly let out a surprised yelp as Nyx came tumbling down beside him. "I'm going to wring her neck!" she hissed through gritted teeth. = = = = = Diali hushed her, "Shh! She's not alone!" "Take what you need," instructed Alexia as she stood under the tree. "Yes, Mistress," answered a voice that could have shot daggers in the darkness. "And you as well," she spoke while pawing the ground again, impatient for these cut-throats to be out of her way. = = = = = Nyx continued to growl, though she was holding tightly to her brother's arm. "We need to leave," she said lowly, nearly under her breath. "Maybe it's time to go home." = = = = = Diali nodded, his wings fading away as he turned to look at Nyx. "Let's get back to the herd and tell Ka...Master Sal." = = = = = Nyx nodded in agreement, watching as Alexia and her henchmen left the tree soundlessly. "I suppose we're causing more trouble than what we're worth. Perhaps our mother mgiht welcome us with opened arms?" She shook her head as she jumped down from the tree. "I can't help but wonder what she's like. I've been thinking of that since we were told." She glanced up toward her brother. "Come on." = = = = = Diali quickly followed after, ducking as her wings sprouted out behind her. He was getting quite used to that! "Master Sal will know what to do," insisted the youwarkee, "I mean...he'll know which way to go, at least. But we have to tell Tai before we go. I can't just up and leave without saying goodbye to her." He followed Nyx over the small creek, nearly falling in the same spot as her. Gods, were they ever so alike? The trees were growing thicker...more ominous in his eyes. If anything, those killers could be out there right now...watching them. "Let's hurry," pushed Diali quietly, "I think we might be watched." = = = = = Nyx shuddered at such a thought. "Come on then." She took off in a sprint without warning. "We'd best hurry, say goodbye to Tai, and get a move on. I really don't feel like getting killed just because of her whining." = = = = = They skid to a halt at the edge of the herd. Their caretaker would no doubt be down in the center somewhere. He was always so hard to find at this hour. "Diali, Nyx," a familiar voice caught them, they turned to look. "I was hoping I'd find you two," Kalas looked down at them, troubled. = = = = = "We were just looking for you," Nyx said as she turned to eye their caretaker. "Alexia is trying to assassinate us, so we're leaving. I think it's time we went home." = = = = = Kalas sighed, "I knew she would try," he waved a hand, motioning them to come with him. "The herd is disbanding. I had promised your mother that I would take care of you as long as I could. I had prayed that it would have been longer...but time is not always so kind." He shook his head as he stopped for a moment for them to catch up, "You have your weapons and horses to tend to before leaving. I will send Tai with you when you leave. She knows the way to Cheric better than any guide and she cares about the two of you." = = = = = "I wonder how Mother will accept our homecoming," Nyx thought aloud as she and her brother followed their caretaker. "At least we won't have to part ways with Tai just yet." = = = = = Kalas chuckled, "I've no doubt she is expecting you. Your mother is an amazing woman. Saved me from a flash flood when I was younger than you two." Diali smiled faintly as they continued down the hill. He could see that Tai was chattering with a couple other fillies. They were younger than her, so there was no doubt that she was foal-sitting again. "Tai," Kalas called her, "You will be needed here." Quickly sending the three younger girls off, she trotted up to them, smiling at Kalas, "What is it, Father?" "You will be taking our brethren to Cheric," he informed, "Perhaps it really is time for you to take your place...find your herd as all young fillies must." He placed a hand on her head and sighed, "I shall miss you, Tai." "Dad!" she groaned, "I'm not going to just up and leave forever, you know!" "That is what I told my parents," informed Kalas lovingly, "I pray you will be happy where you go from here." He turned and left, leaving the three of them there, watching him exit. "...He's always so...odd," commented Diali as he looked up at Tai, "You good?" "Course," answered Tai with a wink, "Let's go get ready. I think I'll enjoy the time away from him anyway!" = = = = = Nyx grinned slightly as she followed them, glancing about unattentively, as she had always done. "I wonder if any of our other siblings have gone home yet." = = = = = Diali leaned over and nudged Nyx, "Hey! Wake up, Daydreamer!" = = = = = Nyx jerked slightly before she sent a displeased look toward her brother, pouting. "What?" = = = = = Diali grinned a bit, "You're wandering again, Nyx. You don't have to, you know. You can talk to me and Tai." He pouted a little at the last few words, "You don't talk to me as much as you used to." = = = = = "Aw," Nyx cooed at her brother with a slight smirk. "It's like you're ogling me or something! Should I be flattered?" She was only poking fun, of course. = = = = = Diali blushed a little and looked away. Gods, he had to watch his step there! "Um..." he gulped a little, "Stop saying that...Nyx...It really..." Tai giggled as she nudged Diali, "Come of it, Di! You're embarassed!" = = = = = "It really what? It really hits a cord?" Nyx said in a teasing voice. "Di, you're blushing! Don't tell me you've just let out something I wasn't supposed to know! Or did you mean for it to slip out, hm?" She giggled to herself as she shook her head. "Seriously though, you're half choked up. I've only seen boys do that around a girl they have a crush on." = = = = = Diali stuttered a little, turning redder, "Um...well...ah..." he shook his head, forcing himself to calm down, "I was just taken by surprise, that's all!" He huffed. = = = = = Nyx couldn't help but laugh. "Oh, sure, whatever you say, Di...That's why you won't look at me, and you're blushing redder and redder, while choking up a little more each and every time you try to make an excuse." The youwarkee shook her head. "Which one of us do you think he fancies, Tai?" = = = = = Tai laughed as she winked at Nyx, "I doubt I'm his type...I mean, seriously, the hooves give it away! What do you think, Nyx?" Diali eyed the sourly, getting more and more peeved as they went, "No wonder I liked books better. Girls are weird." He marched off towards their horses, feeling more and more put down as he went. Gods...he couldn't outright tell Nyx the truth could he? It would probably make her avoid him all together...unless she liked him too...but why would she do that? Growling to himself, he hauled himself astride and turned to wait for them to catch up. It wouldn't do to fancy such things happening--they never would. = = = = = Nyx rolled her eyes as she watched Diali take off before smirking at Tai deviously. "That boy is so weird. I can't help but wonder what other girls besides me could put up with him," she said loud enough for her brother to hear. The youwarkee eyed her brother carefully for a moment, wondering all the same...He couldn't...really like her like that, right? They were siblings after all. Most siblings didn't fancy each other, did they? Did any of them ever? Nyx started to blush just thinking about it, shaking it off as best as she could. Why would she even think of it like that? She glanced up at him again momentarily before crossing her srms in front of her chest, getting lost within herself again. He HAD been acting strangely since she'd started looking for a mate... But...why would he fancy her, of all people? And was she assuming he did when she couldn't even be sure. She growled at herself for a moment before she sighed. It was like she was hoping he did. She always wondered what would happen after Diali found someone of his own. When they were younger, she'd been afraid he'd leave her to herself...that he wouldn't be there to play with her or watch over her anymore... = = = = = "Hey..." Tai nudged Nyx, "Are you okay? You seem a little wistful there. You and Di aren't...um..." = = = = = Nyx snapped her gaze over to Tai blankly for a moment before shaking herself out of it. "What? Di and I?" She stared at the girl dumbfoundedly for a moment before she looked ahead. "We've never done anything of THAT sort, if that's what you mean..." Though she couldn't help but wonder if they actually would at some point. = = = = = Tai glanced between them for a moment. They weren't that far off, but Diali might not hear her if she whispered. She leaned closer to the youwarkee, "You are serious, are you..?! You're siblings! Isn't that...wrong or something?" = = = = = Nyx regarded her blankly for a moment before she shook her head again. "I'm serious about the fact that we haven't done anything, but I'm curious about whether or not Di is interested or not, if that's what you mean." "As for it being wrong?" The youwarkee merely shrugged. "It's rumored that same sex relations are wrong, sex before marriage is wrong, and all that other stuff. I admit I've never heard of this kind of thing happening before, but don't think I'm going to treat my twin brother like some kind of sick freak if he does feel that way. After all, maybe it's meant to be." = = = = = Tai cocked her head to the side, nodding after a moment, "I see...well..." she shrugged, "I suppose you're right. I never saw it that way." She grinned a little as she stopped beside Diali and waited for Nyx to get on her horse, "I wouldn't be surprised if this journey might just tell us the answer for sure though!" = = = = = "I wonder what Mother would think of that," Nyx wondered aloud, grinning to herself as she flung herself astride her steed. = = = = = Diali frowned, looking between them for a moment before sighing to himself. He pulled out a book and quickly situated himself on top the saddle with the book in his lap. He almost always rode like that. It was rather odd that he could even read the words, let alone understand them. Nyx glanced over to see that the pages were covered in a language she didn't know. Her brother was quite good at translating languages... = = = = = Her mind wandered through quite a few things as they continued on that day. She couldn't help but be curious about what it would be like to have a romantic relationship with her own twin brother. Would it be like being with any other unrelated male? Would their mother even condone such a thing? If that's the path she chose, it wouldn't matter what people thought, but she imagined that it would be a little troublesome to try to keep such arelationship going if everyone around them was against it. Nyx sighed to herself in a wistful sort of manner, nearly getting smacked by a branch had Tai not moved it out of the way. = = = = = Diali ducked the trees without a pause in his reading. Tai sighed to herself, rolling her eyes with a grin. It was a good thing she was there. The two youwarkees would probably have knocked heads together before even leaving the herd behind. "We'll travel for a while tonight," sighed Tai as she yawned, "But we'll have to get some shut-eye in before long. We can't be out cold when morning comes, after all. That's when the storms come." = = = = = "Oh Gods, those storms are terrible," Nyx exclaimed as she finally came back to consciousness. "The herd had to huddle together just to keep warm. Di and I were smooshed together like two squat peas." She realized how bad she made that sound. "The lightning always keeps me up at night..." = = = = = "I thought is was thunder that did that," mused Diali as she glanced up for a moment. He eyed Nyx carefully for a moment and shook his head, "Lightning is the more dangerous of the two if you ask me. Out in the prairie like we are...I'm surprised we haven't been struck dead by a bolt or two." = = = = = Nyx blushed slightly, frowning as she looked down into her lap. "Thunder is what I meant. I always get the two confused. I love lightning. I like watching it rip throguh the sky." = = = = = Diali smiled faintly as he imagined Nyx soaked in the torrental downpour, lightning highlighting her curves as she stared up at him. He had to shake his head real quickly before burrowing back into his book, trying his best to seem disinterested, "...Just don't..." he cleared his throat, "don't be in the sky when that happens." = = = = = Nyx eyed him for a moment. "Did I hear a...husky tone just then?" = = = = = "Frog in throat," answered Diali tartly, refusing to look up from his book, even though the words just weren't coming to him. = = = = = "You were always a terrible liar, Di," Nyx said, waving it off. "Whatever. If I want to watch the lightning, I will. It's not like I'll be able to sleep anyhow." = = = = = Diali sighed to himself. Gods, he was being an idiot. No wonder Nyx was so frustrated with him. He ought to come out and say it. ...But she'd hate him for it. He could never live with that. At least without her knowing, she'd stay somewhat close to him...most of the time = = = = = Nyx watched him a moment longer. There was obviously something wrong. Maybe she could figure it out furing the storm? Or perhaps that night? She wasn't sure, but she would give it her best shot. Her brother could be quite stubborn about this sort of thing. However, judging by his actions, she already had a good guess of what it was. The only problem was that it was too unbelievable for her to believe unless she heard him come right out and say it. = = = = = Diali sighed as they stopped for the night. Tai was cheerfully chatting, but he could tell that Nyx had something going. She was thinking about something and she was most definitely plotting it out. It sort of sent a chill of anticipation down his spine, but he frowned all the same. What was going on with him? He didn't want Nyx to know for sure! = = = = = She figured flirting with him would be the best way to discover whether or not he really liked her like that or not. However, she couldn't decide whether to start that night, or when the storm set in. She figured she would just go with the flow. She didn't want to do it with Tai awake, or anything...so she'd wait and see. = = = = = They paused once they were out of the shallow stretch of trees. Diali remembered Kalas, their former caretaker, had claimed this had once been an orchard for his herd. It seems sad that such things had changed for whatever reasons. Tai set up the fire as Diali tended to the horses. He brushed their coats carefully, always watching for anything that could prove harmful--even fatal--to his and Nyx's steeds. In the prairie lands, a good set of hooves were life or death. = = = = = Nyx watched Diali carefully for a while, glancing toward Tai now and then to see what she was doing. Diali had a habit of getting engrossed in his books even late at night. Time seemed to lose all meaning when he was reading, and if that happened tonight, she could most likely see if her plan would work. After all, if he did fancy her, he would react like any other boy who fancies a girl flirting with them would, right? All she had to do was be patient. = = = = = Picking up the book once more, he sat down and by the fire, opposite Tai and turned back to the page he'd been reading. "Interesting book?" inquired Tai. She usually asked such things when Diali was so engrossed. "Huhn..." he grunted before looking up, "It's about a legend a while back...a child plagued by demon's power and a pure-empath who would die to rid the demon...it's very...interesting." = = = = = Nyx grinned a bit, giggling to herself as she laid back, stretching against the lush grass. "He won't even hear you half the time, Tai. It's rather useless to talk to him when he's that engrossed. I learned that quickly." = = = = = "Oh, I'm listening," retorted Diali as he glanced up for a moment, "I just don't have much to say is all." He turned back to his book and Tai let out a bust of laughter. = = = = = "That's what he says to cover himself when he hasn't been paying attention at all. Sure, he might be listening now, but give it an hour or so..." Nyx purred a little, closing her eyes as she laid down on her stomach. "Have you ever noticed him being an 'early bird'. It's because he hadn't slept the whole night, he was too busy reading to notice the time." = = = = = Diali looked up at her and frowned, "You really like teasing me, don't you, Nyx." He looked down at his book once more. It would have been wonderful to just tumble into the story again, but his sister didn't seem to ready to just let him do that. Setting it aside, he leaned forward, clasping his hands infront of his knees and looked at Tai and then Nyx. "So what were you two planning on doing then?" he sighed. = = = = = I was planning on teasing you some more and then laughing with Tai about it," Nyx said with a grin before she closed her eyes. "Or maybe catching some shut eye, unlike you." = = = = = Diali looked at her for a moment in silence, "I do sleep, you know." = = = = = "Eventually," Nyx said passively, shrugging as best as she could in her position. = = = = = Diali rolled his eyes and poked at the fire, wondering just why he was letting Nyx get to him like she was. It wasn't exactly usual for her to tease so much and it was definitely not his style to listen to her. = = = = = Nyx glanced at Tai for a moment before eyeing her brother once more. "Aw, what's wrong, Di? You're not really acting like yourself tonight = = = = = For a moment, Diali merely glared into the fire. It wasn't working. Everything he did backfired. He tried acting normal with reading his book...he tried avoiding it. How was he going to openly admit that he liked Nyx in that way?[/code] = = = = = "Aw, come on..." Nyx cooed as she watched him intently. It seemed like she couldn't wait after all. "What's the matter, Di? It's like you're trying too hard to hide something." = = = = = "Knock it off, Nyx," he growled, "You're getting me angry." = = = = = The youwarkee pouted at him momentarily before shrugging it off. "I wouldn't be doing this if you didn't keep leaving me wondering why you're acting so strangely." = = = = = Diali glanced at Tai as the centaur busied herself with making them a quick dinner. "Nothing's wrong with me," he answered plainly. Making sure he said it with the utmost certainty and clarity in his voice. = = = = = "Did I say something was wrong with you? No. I'm just wondering why you're acting like a boy crushing over his first love," Nyx replied as she looked up into the sky. "I mean, there's only Tai and I. It's either her, or me. That, or I'm hallucinating." = = = = = "You must be," he answered tersely, "Because I don't see whatever you're talking about!" = = = = = Nyx rolled her eyes before resting herself on her back. "Maybe you're the one who's hallucinating." = = = = = "All right, all right, enough you two," chuckled Tai, "You sounds like you're both two again! Now come one, let's eat and get some sleep. You too, Diali. We'll be traveling non-stop as soon as dawn breaks." = = = = = Nyx waved her hand in dismissal before taking her plate and gulping down the food cooked quickly enough. "Always a tummy filler, you were, Tai. I wish I cooked half as good as you." = = = = = Tai grinned, "Talk to your brother," she nodded towards the brooding youwarkee, "He's even better than I am." Diali didn't even seem to notice them talking anymore. He was fishing around in the food aimlessly, jabbing at it as if it were the reason he felt so frustrated. = = = = = "He's too busy brooding for me to talk to him right now," Nyx said passively, shrugging as she glanced over at him. = = = = = Tai smiled faintly and shook her head, her long black mane tumbling behind her, "He's been moody for a while, Nyx. Lay off him for a bit, maybe he'll come around." She yawned and glanced at the moon for a moment. "We'll have to get some sleep if we're to be up by dawn." = = = = = "You go ahead. I'll go when I get tired," Nyx said absently as she stared up into the night sky. = = = = = Tai shrugged, "Suit yourself, Nyx, but being tired in the morning isn't a good thing." With that, she leaned back against herself, stretch for a moment before resting her head on her fur-covered rump. If anything, it looked quite uncomfortable = = = = = Nyx waited a while glancing between Tai and Diali a few times before she slowly sat up, slinking over to her brother quietly. She sat right beside him, leaning over him to catch a few words from the book he was reading. It seemed like he was quite into it... = = = = = "From loe the towns of descra' And nigh the boughs of light, Where comes the fated amity That holds the evil's might." Diali loved the strange words. Most were only half-formed and that made the translation harder to comprehend for sure, but whatever the words really were...he'd found them unsurpassingly beautiful in their flow. = = = = = Nyx's arm stretched out, snaking behind Diali and nearly his waistas she continued to look, her chin halfway on his shoulder. "Must be really entrancing." = = = = = It was quite a scene seeing that youwarkee jump practically out of his skin--and clothes, for that matter. Even more so when he turned and their noses slammed into each other, their lips grazing before either of them could turn away. = = = = = Nyx went on feeling with the entire scene. As their lips grazed, she pressed her own against his, just to see how he would react, one of her hands coming up to cup his cheek. = = = = = Diali scrambled away, his heart beating too fast, his ears roaring because of it and his eyes as wide as his face could hold. He was gasping for air, the book forgotten on the ground at his feet. "What are you doing!?" he cried. = = = = = Nyx merely shrugged as she stared up at him numbly, unsure of what to say for a few moments. "Going with the flow." She shifted to an upright position as she averted her gaze to the fire. "Why, did you hate it, or something?" = = = = = Diali curled his arms about his legs and stared into the fire, "Gods, Nyx. What are you trying to do to me now? Just...stop it all ready!" His voice broke as he stood up. He looked at her for just a moment longer before grabbing his book and running out into the prairie alone. = = = = = Nyx's head snapped up as he ran off, not long stumbling to her feet and sprinting after him. "Di!" = = = = = Diali was a bit faster runner than his sister, but he knew she'd find him sooner or later. It wasn't like the prairie gave much for hiding places. He went down one short hill and around one, hoping it would help lose her. He didn't want her to know. He couldn't let her know. What could she have been thinking tempting him like that? He was a weak, pathetic pervert...even thinking of Nyx like that...it ought to send chills of disgust through him. = = = = = Nyx growled to herself as she continued to run after him, coming up the top of one hill and looking about frantcailly. Gods, what had she been thinking, doing that? She should have known it would have been too much for him. She couldn't even imagine how he must've felt. He probably thought she'd hate him, or that this sort of thing shouldn't be. He probably thought himself monstrous, but it was obvious to her now, what it was. "Diali!" she yelled out at the top of her lungs. Her voice echoed back to her. "Di, I don't hate you, so don't do this! Come back, I want to talk!" = = = = = Diali shivered to himself, clutching the book to his chest. Gods, what had he done? Nyx knew. Oh Gods, what had he done? A cry desparately wanted to tear from his lips, but he stangled it. Instead, whimpers poured out of him, tears tumbling down his face as he mentally berated himself. He could never see Nyx again...never...he'd have to find a mate and let such fancies die forever. = = = = = Nyx was near tears herself as she wondered what she mgiht've done. What if he ran off and never let her find him? What if he disappeared? She didn't want him to leave her. He could never abandon her! She wouldn't let him! The youwarkee took off into a sprint in an unseen direction. Her eyes were too blurry for her to even see what she was doing. It was far too lat by the time she skidded. A high-pitched scream left her throat as rocks tumbled, echoing loudly off the ground. One of her wings tore as it hit the cliff side on, the bone snapping with the pressure. Her hands caught a brittle root near the top of the cliff. Still, her tears ran down her cheeks, along with a cry of utter agony. "Diali!" she screamed brokenly. = = = = = Diali bolted up right, knowing instantly who's cry it had been. Without even pausing to tuck his treasured book under his arm, he tore off as fast as he could towards the scream. What if she was attacked by Hunters? Their weapons were left back at the camp. What if she'd been attacked by griffins or something? He had no way of fending them off! "Nyx!" he called, franitcally looking about for her. "Nyx? Where are you!?" = = = = = Nyx was biting back her whimpers of pain as she heard the echo of her brothers voice. She opened her eyes, letting out another cry as the root she was holding began to come loose. "I fell off a cliff! Di, help me! My wing is broken!" she cried out, trying to quiet her sobs = = = = = Not even thinking as he followed her voice, the calm colors of morning came over the prairie. A red haze gathering at the horizon went unnoticed by either youwarkee as Diali scrambled about, desparately looking for her, "Sis? Sis! I can't find you!" he cried hysterically. = = = = = "Di!" she yelled again, squeezing her eyes shut tightly. "The root is giving way!" = = = = = He skid as he turned about, heading in the opposite direction, Gods, where was she? "Nyx!" He saw the tip of a wing just barely in view for a moment before it wavered. Gods, was he too late? "I'm coming, Sis!" = = = = = Nyx whimpered a little more as she felt herself fall a bit more, the root hanging on by barely a thread. "Diali!" = = = = = The snap of the root was all Diali needed to launch himself over the edge after her. He reached outwards to her, as they tumbled, her wings vanishing as the sun shot over them in a wave of amber light. He caught old of her, pulling her into his arms, his throat dead as if the fall were cutting off all things save the knowledge that he had to save Nyx. His wings shimmered back to him, shooting outwards so quickly, the sound of popping joints echoed in his ears. He whinced in pain as they were suddenly lifted upwards from the powerful force. = = = = = Nyx didn't take long to bury herself into her brother as if her very life depended on gripping him as tightly as she could muster. Her fingers grabbed his tunic near off his back as she sobbed into his shoulder. Gods, he was here. He was with her, and they were together. That was all she cared about! = = = = = Diali pulled them back over the ledge, cringing with ever move of his wings. What, in Gods Names, had he been thinking? = = = = = Nyx was still holding onto him for dear life, even after they'd landed on the ground safely. It took her a while to calm down enough to say anything. "You...you don't...ever...leave me, Di. You're not ever supposed to leave me!" she choked out as she glared up at him. "Who else would protect me and make sure I don't do something stupid? Who else would give enough of a damn? Who else would I depend on, Di? There's no one! No one but you, and you promised we'd always stay together! Always! We're never ever supposed to leave the other's side!" She shook her head as her cheeks stained with more tears. "You think I care whether or not you love me? You think I'll think any less of you? You think I'll be disgusted? No, Di! I don't care! I don't mind! Furthermore, if anyone were to fancy me, I'd much rather it be you! That way, I know the person truly loves me, and that I can trust him, because I trust you with my life!" = = = = = Diali looked down at her, wrapped about him like she'd done so many times when they'd been children growing up in a herd of roudy centaurs. All she spoke...it made him want nothing more than to kiss her tears away. But...he couldn't...? Hesitating again, he lifted her tear-streaked face and looked into her glittering eyes for a long, quiet moment. Even before he could stop himself, he leaned forward, his eyes fluttering closed, kissing her trembling lips, a muted groan grumbling in his throat. He gently flicked his tongue across her upper lip for just a moment before pulling back, looking at her again. Hoping that there might just be something there. = = = = = Her heart skipped a little when he kissed her, and her body tingled all over. She felt something freeze for just that moment before he looked into her eyes. She could see all of the fear, and all of the hope. She could see that he might fall apart if she dared refuse him. Even so, she wouldn't have, whether or not he might have shattered to pieces. She would have never refused him. Her hands reached up to cup his face before her lips meant his again. The stains on her face started to dry slowly as her own tongue invite his to a dance. Before either of the twins knew what was happening, they were entangled within the other's embrace. Neither knew nothing more than that kiss. = = = = = He just couldn't believe it. His heart had frozen for what seemed eternity before it started hammering away like it could not go any slower. He felt her pressing herself against him, a purr escaping her lips before his met her again, tasting her unbelievable bounty like it was the sweetest honey the realm over. Nyx traced fingers up and down his form, sending shivers across his flesh like nothing he'd ever imagine. He almost died as her lips settled on his neck, gently tickling kisses about him like a laurel. His hands curled about her waist, pulling her harder against him, feeling something he'd thought would never happen to him growing quite quickly. He whimpered as Nyx rolled him over onto his back, setting her weight atop his hardened flesh. He could feel the heat through the cloth and it might as well have burned him for how unsanely powerful it felt. He felt like the eager colt eyeing the fillies as they teased him mercilously. = = = = = Nyx was lost in her own world as she settled her thighs on either side of Diali's hips, resting herself against him comfortably. A contented sigh passed her lips as she felt a throb go throughout her loins, her flesh tingling with anticipation. Her fingers trailed across Diali's pant waistline slowly, unsure of what she was really doing in those moments. She had never done anything like this before. It was almost as if some other power of will was guiding her. = = = = = Diali could hardly keep himself from becoming the eager colt. Gods, did Nyx even realize what she was doing to him? "Nyx..." he whispered hoarsely, "God, Nyx, do you know what you're doing...?" he gasped as her hands trailed across his flesh like fire. = = = = = Nyx shook her head in a sort of haze as she looked down at him. Her voice was hoarse itself as she kissed his lips. "Just...going with the flow." = = = = = Diali looked at her, "Nyx..." he whimpered. Knowing full well what he wanted, the youwarkee practically tore at himself to roll Nyx off of him and sit up, "...I can't, Sis." His voice was broken as he slowly stood up and moved further away, "Not unless you want it as bad as I do." = = = = = Nyx stared at him, her heart hammering in her chest as her flesh continued tingling. "Di..." she whispered deeply. "You should know very well by now that I never do anything I don't want to unless you literally pick me up and force me." = = = = = Diali looked at her, the absolute worry written on his face like it would never come out, "Nyx..." he whimpered, "I don't want to..." he gulped, trying to reign his voice in to normal, "to do anything to you that you don't want." = = = = = She crawled over to him, staring him in the eyes tenderly. "Di, I started it, didn't I? I wouldn't do that if I...didn't want to do it." Her lips parted slowly before she buried herself into his embrace, straddling his lap once more. "I've been thinking about...what this would be like...all day, Diali." = = = = = Diali's eyes grew large at that, looking at his sister with surprise, "Sis..." he kissed her lips hungrily, "You...you mean it?" = = = = = A soft purr emanated from her throat as she nodded. "I tell you nothing but the truth, Di. I've been off in my own world the whole time, thinking about this..." She looked at him and smiled. "I even talked to Tai about it...she asked me if I thought it was wrong. I told her lots of things are considered wrong...but I'd never turn my back on the person I love most just because he feels something uncommon in siblings." She leaned in to whisper in his ear. "If I have you, I don't need to look around anymore...or flirt, or get myself in trouble with strangers..." = = = = = "But...Diali wrapped his arms about her, "What if you get pregnant?" = = = = = Nyx thought about that momentarily before shaking her head. "We can worry about that if it happens, Di...I know you need this, and I want to give it to you. How else will we ever be able to concentrate on getting home?" = = = = = Diali hesitated again. He knew he could simply refuse her. In fact, that was probably the most sane and agreeable thing to do. But she was practically offering herself to him. "I..." his mind raced like crazy, "I...can't..." his voice sounded surprised with itself. = = = = = Nyx sighed as she stared at him. Gods, she'd have to force him, wouldn't she? "Di...I don't want to force you...but I know you need this. I know you won't be able to concentrate otherwise." She pulled him tightly against her, gasping herself as she felt the pylse of their lower regions before kissing him, pulling at his pants insistently. = = = = = "No!" answered Diali, standing up and backing away. "I'm not going to do this to you, Nyx! You and I both know how youwarkees are with mates! I can't ruin your future...your chance to have children just because of me!" With that, he turned and marched away, determined to find a creek to douse himself in. = = = = = Nyx let out a slight grunt as she fell back against the ground, watching Diali slip away in an almost numb manner. She sat up slowly with a heavy sigh, but she didn't bother to follow him. She was far too trouble with the fact that he would rather make them both miserable then to just take joy into what she offered him. She growled to herself, shaking her head as her vision blurred slightly. She blinked it away before standing up, her legs feeling as if they would collapse under her any moment. She walked over to the cliff slowly, staring over the horizon for a moment before falling to her knees. She stared down to the ground under it blankly. Something was raging inside of her; something she couldn't understand. It made her want to curl up and cry. She had half a mind to just...refuse everything. She felt like yelling at her brother, telling him she would never find a mate. She wanted to swear upon her very life that she would live out her whole life alone; that she'd never ever even bother again. On the other side, she didn't know what she wanted to do. The youwarkee stood up again and walked away from the cliff, turning to the direction Diali ran off in. = = = = = It took a while, but he finally found his book. The warming sun soothed his thoughts as he brushed the dirt off the cover, "I suppose I've ruined everything," he mused to himself. "What have you two been doing?" Tai's voice came up the hill. Diali looked up at her and sighed. It had only been a matter of time before the centaur found them, "Arguing." = = = = = Nyx appeared soon after, glancing up at them silently before climbing on top of her horse. She didn't say a word to either of them before she sent her horse into a gallop. = = = = = Tai glared at Diali for a moment, "You idiot." She took off after the youwarkee, leaving Diali to get on his horse and follow on his own. = = = = = The wind whipped her hair back behind her as she eyed the town upon the horizon. If she could get there before the storm came...she wouldn't have to deal with Diali. She wouldn't have to be anywhere near him. All she'd have to do was order a room at an inn and lock herself away. = = = = = Nyx growled as she turned and slapped Diali across the face as hard as she possibly muster. "Giving myself away isn't something light!" she snapped at him viciously. "It means I'm willing to give my heart to you!" The youwarkee stood up before whirling around, eyeing the stranger crudely. "And you! Why don't you find your entertainment elsewhere, you inconsiderate dolt! This isn't something to spectate!" With that said, she started to march off again, her face warming now and then with her tears while her long hair stuck to her flesh. He didn't think it woul hurt her? Sure, she had done it because she wanted to, but wouldn't that mean it meant something special? Wouldn't that mean more than what Diali saw it as? It was like he thought her a whore or some such other nonsense! = = = = = "Sis!" he called after her, one hand covering the reddening spot on his cheek. "I'll go after her," answered Daegal as he stood up. "I was hoping you two would stop arguing long enough for me to ask directions..." he shrugged. Diali eyed him warily, "Stay away from my sister, Mister," he growled. "A little protective?" chided Daegal as he let his wings come out of his back, flashing golden in the dreary day. "She is her own woman, Boy, let her make her own decisions on that." = = = = = Nyx ignored Diali's last cry, her fet stomping in the muddy ground relentlessly. Her eyes were set on the town, and there was nothing else. She didn't care one bit about anything else. She was so angry in those moments, she wasn't even sure what to do with herself. All she knew was that she needed to get to town, order a room, and then take it from there. = = = = = They hurried after Nyx, getting closer as they argued back and forth, "I said to stay away from my sister!" cried Diali as he pushed the demon/fairy out of his way. "What makes you think you have any say over that?" retorted Daegal, "It's not like I'm going to rape her or anything!" There was a silence before Diali answered loud enough that Tai may have even been able to hear him from behind, "Stay away from my sister!" = = = = = Even Nyx could hear the childish squablled from behind as her hands formed tight fists. "BOTH OF YOU STAY AWAY FROM ME!" she screamed at the very top of her lungs. = = = = = "There, see?" snapped Daegal, "Get over it." The thunderstorm overhead paused as it's waters turned from drops to hail. "What makes you so..." a large rock of ice hit Diali on the head, "Ow!" = = = = = Nyx didn't even stop when the hail started, even though her wings started to shimmer back, and she cried out from the pain. She cursed at the top of her lungs, whimpering as the tears fell off her chin. Gods, she surely would be dead before she reached the town at this rate! = = = = = Diali could feel his wings shimmering away. The cry from his sister, however, made him race to her, "Nyx!" he cried, shoving Daegal out of his way again, "Sis, are you okay?!" = = = = = Nyx growled as she glanced back, her vision blurred by the rain and her own tears. "My wing is broken, Di! Do I LOOK okay?" = = = = = Diali whinced, "Sis...I..." "Let me handle it," growled Daegal as he finally caught up with the two of them. He looked at Nyx's wing before she could say anything and shook his head, "I'd have to set it, but I doubt it's going to feel very pleasant while I do." = = = = = Nyx looked at him momentarily, biting her lip as the hail continued to strike her wing. "Do it." = = = = = "Hold her steady," instructed Daegal without even looking at the boy. For a moment, Diali eyed him warily, but he took hold of Nyx and gently hugged her arms against his chest. Focusing on the bones, Daegal slowly pushed them back into place. The slight movements making the youwarkee cry out in pain, struggling against her brother's hold. = = = = = Nyx shuddered as she grabbed onto Diali's shirt, nearly ripping it as she fought to keep herself steady. She cursed under her breath before everything was over and done with. She tried to pull away from Diali, but he refused to let her go. "Di..." she said in a low voice. "I am not in the mood for this right now. Get off of me." = = = = = The youwarkee shook his head, "No...please don't go..." he whispered hoarsely, fighting back the tears. "Don't leave me, Sis." Daegal stood back for a moment, pulling on the seem of his cloak to gain a few strips of cloth to bind the wing in place. "Hold still," he warned as he approached them again. Nyx gasped this time, the pain even greater before because it didn't stop as quickly as it started. She fainted into Diali's arms and the youwarkee nearly fell under her sudden weight. He quickly lifted her legs up and cradled her against his chest, "Oh, Nyx..." he whispered. "I'm done," stated Daegal. "But we have to get her somewhere out of this hail." "Get on," ordered Tai as she finally caught up with them. "I'll not have you two leaving me again...?" Diali glanced up to see that she was eyeing Daegal. "He helped Nyx," he explained, his voice hollow to his own ears. The centaur nodded as she pulled Aste and Noran, "Get on." = = = = = Nyx could feel warmth all around her, and she was laying on something soft. Her wings were gone, but she could hear the faint sound of rain thundering against a window pane. She shuddered, rolling over before she started to feel a weight against her. She realized she wasn't wearing anything too. The youwarkee jerked into a sitting position her eyes wide with fright and shock as she turned to see who was beside her. = = = = = Diali was slumped halfway in a chair. Upper half was sprawling across the bed, resting against her as if even as he sat watching her, he couldn't stop holding her to him. Looking about, there was no sight of Daegal or Tai. = = = = = Nyx covered herself with the blanket as she looked about the room. She didn't see her clothes anywhere, and...who had undressed her? She stared at Diali for a moment before inching to the other side of the bed, wrapping the covers about her securely. She closed her eyes tightly before shoving the blanket over her head as well, feeling as if she wanted to disappear. = = = = = Diali blinked awake a moment later. What happened? He groaned as he pushed himself up, feeling anything but wonderful at the moment. He looked over at Nyx and frowned for a moment. "Nyx? ...Nyx, are you awake?" = = = = = Nyx didn't bother to respond for a moment as she shifted a little. "Just go away." = = = = = "Sis..." Diali stood up, a little stiff from his awkward sleep, "Come on...what's wrong? Are you still angry with me? Please talk to me. I want to make it better." = = = = = Nyx growled under her breath, but still refused to move. "How are you going to make it better? Find me a mate I can have babies with?" she snapped. "Sorry, not interested." = = = = = Diali sighed, "Sis..." A knock on the door interupted him and Daegal came in. "How is she?" "Awake," answered the yowuarkee tersely. "Go get some food," ordered the fairy without even showing his ire at the boy, "I'll sit with her for a bit." "Not in your dreams!" answered Diali. "I'll starve to death before I let you close to my sister!" = = = = = "Why do you even bother?" Nyx said lowly. "Maybe he'll be that mate I was talking about; the one who gives me the babies, right?" she said in the most sarcastic of tones. "I'm just about ready after all; completely nude!" She pulled the blanket tighter against her body before curling up once more. = = = = = Diali's face turned red. He glared at Daegal, "Get out." "You first," returned the fairy as he folded his arms in front of him. For a moment, they simply glared at each other. Tossing his white locks out of his eyes, Daegal finally sighed, "Look, you need rest and sleep as much as she does. Go get some before I tie you to that bed!" Giving him an even fouler glare, Diali took a stubborn stance, "No." = = = = = Nyx growled as she kicked Diali swiftly in the behind. "BOTH of you get OUT of my room!" = = = = = "Doctor's orders," retored Diali and Daegal at once. Diali glared at Daegal and he folded his arms in front of him again, watching the boy. "...The doctor took a look at your wing, Sis. He insisted that someone stay with you until it heals so that you don't roll onto it or something." "Not my idea," grumbled Daegal, "but your brother here can't possibly sit with you for that long. He has to eat and sleep just like the rest of us!" = = = = = "If either of you haven't noticed, my wings are gone now, so there's really no need for either of you to be watching me like hawks," Nyx snapped at them both. "At night, fine, sure, someone can watch me then, but it's day time now!" The youwarkee promptly sat up, ripping the blanket off of her, flashing both before she turned to let them view her bare, wingless back. "See?" She pulled the blanket over herself again. "Now go away! Send Tai in tonight, because I don't want men in here while I'm naked! Brother or no damn brother, and especially someone I don't know!" = = = = = Diali and Daegal glanced at each other, "Tai's not allowed in the inn," informed Daegal as he pushed Diali towards the door. The sound of the door shutting and then Diali's rather displeased shouting came into the room as the fairy leaned against the door. = = = = = Nyx growled again. What the hell was with that man? Why did he have any interest in them? Why could he just leave her alone? She curled up on her bed again and closed her eyes, feeling them sting slightly before burying her head in her pillow. He'd been the first person she'd ever...wanted to share something like that with, and he'd rejected her. It didn't matter if he did so because he wanted what was best for her. All that mattered was that she felt like she wasn't good enough all because of it. Well, fine, if he didn't want her, wanted her to find someone else, she had news for him. Let him find his own mate and do whatever the hell he wanted. She didn't want anyone. She didn't care about having a family. She had no interest in such activities. If Diali wanted to act like a stubborn mule, let him, but it would cause her to be absolutely miserable. She supposed it was her way of sort of getting back at him. At least until it didn't bother her anymore. Last edited by Rose Dark Thorn on Fri Sep 15, 2006 1:00 am; edited 1 time in total = = = = = "You two had quite the argument," droled Daegal as he remained against the door. "I'm going to level a guess that it was intimate." = = = = = If she hadn't been naked, she would have killed him. "Get out." = = = = = Daegal chuckled slightly, "I promised the doctor I'd help take care of you two until you were completely better. That sort of puts me in the spot here..." he shifted slightly, looking away from her, "It's by the doc's insistence you aren't to be left by yourself. Diali pointed out your lack of wings to the doctor anyway. Obviously doesn't matter much, but you're stuck with one of us at all times until you're better." = = = = = "And what the hell am I going to do besides lie here, huh? I don't need a damn babysitter, and I'll force you out if I have to, whether I'm nude or not! I don't want to be pestered by anyone. I don't know you, and I'm not going to discuss my personal business with you. I don't see why you care anyway. You don't know either of us," Nyx retorted in a very displeased tone. "I can't even have any damn time to myself," she growled. = = = = = Daegal moved away from the door after hearing no more from Diali from the other side, "I never would have guessed..." The door burst open again. Diali's eyes were glowing white, "Get out." The youwarkee pushed the somewhat surprised fairy out the window before he could stop him. They both landed outside the inn, amidst the shatter glass. = = = = = Nyx was wide-eyed, sitting up in the bed now after what had just happened. She stood up, the blanket still wrapped tightly about her form before she looked out the window. She could see Diali straddling Daegal, trying to squeeze the life out og him. She watched with a sort of numbness, wondering why in the world Diali was so angry. She'd witnessed him do such things before...when men had tried to take advantage of her in the past. The youwarkee sighed to herself before she walked back over to the bed, unsure of how she should feel. All she knew that she would have liked nothing more than to lay in her brother's arms. As angry as she was at him, all she wanted was his love. He just refused to give it to her. Last edited by Rose Dark Thorn on Fri Sep 15, 2006 1:32 am; edited 1 time in total = = = = = "You can't have her," he growled at Daegal as the fairy broke his hold around his neck. The youwarkee jumped back as the fairy tried to take a swing at him, "What's the big deal?" growled Daegal between coughs, "I didn't even touch her." "She's my sister," answered Diali as he tried to catch hold of his opponent again. "What's your point? She can make her own choices." A right hook caught the fairy in the shoulder and he flinched, retaliating with a kick at Diali's legs. = = = = = Nyx pulled herself up gain, staring toward the window. What had he said? Had her brother said Daegal couldn't have her. What? Had he taken her sarcasm seriously? Why did it even matter? He didn't want her. He wanted her to find someone else. The youwarkee shook her head and fell back against the bed, groaning in utter confusion, as if she were in agony. Gods, what was going on. "Make up your mind, Di!" she shouted to herself before she covered her face with her hands. What did he want? Did he want her, or someone he could have children with? What did he want!? = = = = = The noise from the crowd drowned most of Nyx's voice out but Diali still looked up to the window, giving Daegal enough time to plant a good fist in the youwarkee's chin. Knocked to the ground, Diali started to get up, shaking his head when Daegal straddled him, pinning his arms under his legs. "Now you listen here, Runt," growled Daegal, "I had no intentions of doing anything with your sister." "Liar!" Diali struggled to get free, "You can't have her! She's mine! No one can!" "Listen to yourself!" growled Daegal, "You sound like an idiot!" "N-no!" cried Diali as he started to grow frantic, trying to get free of the rather stiff hold Daegal had on him. Tears were coming to the youwarkee's eyes, "No one can have her! She's mi--" A swift knock to the head stopped Diali's ranting. Tai stood above them with her hands folded before her, "I wouldn't have thought it possible, Mister, but you've really got a way of upsetting him." = = = = = Nyx ran over to the window again, looking down when she heard her brother's frantic cries, she flinched when she saw Daegal knock him out. She left the window soon after, searching frantically for her clothes. She found them hung in the closet, so she threw them on quickly. She stormed out the inn in her bare feet, paying no mind to the glass as she knelt down beside her brother and pulled him into her lap. She looked down at him with a trouble expression before she kissed his slightly parted lips. She bured her face into his shoulder and squeezed her eyes shut tight. "Di..." = = = = = Daegal watched her for a moment and sighed, "I take it that I stumbled onto something a bit tender this time." Tai laughed gently, "Come on...Daegal, was it? Go order us a couple of drinks and meet me in the stables. These two need to sort it out." - - - Diali shifted and groaned. "Oh..." he whimpered, "Ow...my head." = = = = = Nyx looked down at him clouded eyes. "Come on. We're going back to my room." She stood up, pulling him up with her before pulling him along. = = = = = Diali let his sister direct him to the room, but he stopped outside, "No, Sis. You're right. I'm being such an idiot." He slumped in the door frame and watched her through half-dazed eyes, "I love you and you know it...and I just can't let you love me back. It's bad enough that I've signed my fate as a bachelor..." = = = = = "Well, guess what? if you don't want me, I don't want anyone, so you've just signed my fate too! Now get your rear in here, or I'll drag you in by the ear!" Nyx growled. = = = = = Diali looked at her, all but panicking this time, "What? But...Nyx...didn't I just...or I..." = = = = = She was true to her word. She took his ear in her fingers and yanked on it. Diali yelped before crawling inside of the room. Once inside, Nyx shut the door and locked it. She then pulled her brother toward the bed and st him down there while she sat across from him. "I don't know what to feel, Di, but I feel things for you that I've never ever felt before." She stared into his eyes in an almost glare. That was just the way she looked when she was speaking seriously though. It rarely happened. "I wanted to give myself to you. I wanted to have something with you I've never had with anyone else, and I don't want it with anyone else if I can't have you," she told him flatly. "I want you to be my first time, first lover, first everything. I always want you, Di." She looked away from him. "When you shoved me away, it was near enough to shatter my heart. I felt like I wasn't good enough, just because we're siblings." Her eyes shined with uncried tears. "I've wanted to curl up and cry ever since." She looked at him, her voice having wavered. "Is that what you want, Di? To make me miserable?" She shook her head. "You said to Daegal that I was yours. As far as I knew, Di, there was nothing between us. Make up your mind. Make it up now. You're choosing both our fa = = = = = "Sis...I..." he couldn't quite form the words for a moment. Looking down at his hands, he sighed. If he'd brought that book with him, it'd have been easier. The words would have been supplied for him. "If I take you like I want to...that's it. Neither of us can have children. You know how I feel about that, Sis...I've always wanted children. But for us to have kids...Gods..." he shook his head, doing his best not to tear up, "Nyx, you know what might happen. I don't want us to end up like so many others...all the ones I've read about over the years..." He curled up against the headboard and sighed, hugging himself, "I don't want to take your future away, Sis...it's all we have. I will never be able to choose another...you still might be able to..." = = = = = "I don't care," Nyx said lowly. "You say you can't have children if...we have that, but you're also saying you can't have children anyway. What difference does it make?" She looked down at the floor, shaking her head. "I wouldn't make a good mother, Di. I don't care if I never have children..." = = = = = "Sis..." his voice was gentle now, "You'd be a wonderful mother." He wrapped his arms about her and sighed, "But do you really want to give up ever having children...?" = = = = = "How can you say I would make a wonderful mother?" Nyx looked up at him, scrutinizing before shaking her head. "You know how careless I am. I'd have a miscarriage before I managed to get through the pregnancy |
| She averted her gaze again. "I'd rather have fun and do my own thing than pay attention to watching over children, Di. I thought you would realize that by now." = = = = = Diali smiled faintly, "Sis..." He sighed. Pulling her into his lap and kissing the top of her head, he closed his eyes, resting his head on top of hers, "I love you and that's all there is to it. But I don't want to take our chances of having children away..." He hugged her closer, "I want nothing more than to have you as my own...but you know how much I want to have children...I can't press that on you." = = = = = Nyx sighed as she heard him sat that again. "Di...if you wanted to have children with me, I would give them to you..." She fell silent after a moment before she pulled away a little. "But you don't want them with me. So if it really means that much to you, then find someone you're willing to have them with." = = = = = "But that's just it!" growled Diali, "I want you." = = = = = "Well, then we have a problem, don't we? Di, if you don't want to have children with me, then you're going to have to choose between me and a family," Nyx said tersely, her voice a little less than steady. "If you love me so much, it shouldn't matter if we're siblings, but if you just can't stand that fact, then you're going to have to find someone else." She stood up, shaking her head as she sighed. "But you want me, and you don't want me to have anyone else, and I don't want anyone else...I'll not have children either way! And then you're telling me you won't have children if you're with me, but you won't without me either! Your logic makes no sense, Diali." She started heading for the door. "Just forget it, okay? I guess it's really not worth it." = = = = = The youwarkee stood up and walked about the room, trying to piece together his words as he did so, "I don't want anyone else, Sis. But you don't have to settle for me...I don't want you losing what chances you have at a happy and full life. Together...we won't be welcomed practically anywhere..." = = = = = "I'm not settling for you, Di. I've already made up my mind. I don't need kids, or acceptance from anyone else but you. I'd be happy just with you. It's always been like that, Di..." Nyx whispered as she let her hand fall against the door knob. = = = = = Diali looked at her in confusion. "You..." he shook his head, "When....how?" = = = = = Nyx turned to look at him. "How? We've always been together, Diali. I've always had a bond with you like no other. I always, always wanted you by my side. I always thought we'd spend the rest of our lives together; that we would never part for any reason besides death." She took a step toward him. "I've always been happy with just you; always. By always, I mean my whole life. I've never ever needed anything or anyone but you. It's because you always protected me, watched over me, helped me, loved me, accepted me, everything, Di. You've done more than I could have ever asked for. What more could I need than that?" She closed the distance between them, hugging him tightly as her tears started to slide down her cheeks. "All my life, I've wanted nothing more than to spend it with you. Maybe not romantically...not at first, but I still always wanted you by my side. I could never dream of us ever parting ways, and this...this is the perfect way for us to always stay together..." She shook her head. "But I don't want to deprive you of what you want most, Di, and I know how much you want to have a family..." = = = = = Diali's face lit up suddenly as a thought struck him, "What if we could find someone to have children through?" = = = = = Nyx looked up at him blankly for a moment. "Di...you'd kill anyone that came near me, and you know it. You tried to kill Dae, and he didn't even try hitting on me." = = = = = Diali made a face, "As long as I know I have you...the rest doesn't matter as much to me..." he paused for a moment looking at her with a frown, "I do have you, right?" = = = = = Nyx nearly didn't register what he said when he said it. "Have me?" She looked at him in a bit of disbelief before she shook her head, blushing. She kissed him then, her hands running down the sides of his face before she pulled back with a sigh. "Yes, but...youwarkee only ever have one mate, don't they? Di, if you only love me, then you can't..." = = = = = Diali laughed, "Who says anything about me? I love you and whatever comes with you, Sis." He winked, "Besides, we're both only half youwarkee...I'm sure there's some sort of loophole..." = = = = = Nyx furrowed her brows. "But you said we'd find mates to have children...and now you're saying this has nothing to do with you?" = = = = = Diali's smile faded, "I love only you, Sis. But that is because I've all ready pledged my heart to you. If I claim you here and now like I plan to. That's it. It's claimed that way in the book I had last summer." = = = = = Nyx stared at him blankly for another moment. "Then what are you saying, Di? That I find someone for you to have children through? Or are you expecting me to? I already told you that I'm not interested in having children. It's you I'm concerned about here..." She sighed softly as she stared up into his eyes. "I'm not the one who needs someone to have children through, Di...It's you." |
| Diali shrugged, "I love you, Sis. There can be no other as far as I'm concerned." He glanced at the door for a moment and shook his head, "I think Daegal's back though." = = = = = Nyx waved her hand in dismissal with a sigh. "Di, I'm not about to go looking around for another mate. It wouldn't be fair to you. I don't need anyone else when I have you anyway." She smiled at him, looking up into his eyes with her own glittering optics. "I just wish you didn't have to sacrifice something you want so badly just for me." = = = = = Diali grinned as he lifted his sister up in his arms, "What says you have to find another mate then? We'll figure it out later." = = = = = Nyx wrapped her arms about his neck when he lifted her, looking up at him lovingly. "I don't need to. That's my point." = = = = = Diali rolled his eyes, kissing her, "I'm sorry for being a complicated and paradoxial moron." = = = = = Nyx smirked slightly before she started to laugh. "I forgive you." = = = = = Diali twirled her about a few times and tripped over a chair, making them both fall over onto the bed. It was at that moment that Daegal chose to force his way into the room, knocking the doorknob against the wall before standing there with a frown on his face. = = = = = Nyx let out a joyous laugh before Daegal had entered the room. It was cut short when she heard the door slam against the wall, and she looked up at see the man's expression. "What is it?" she asked flatly. = = = = = "I want an explination right now," he answered equally flat. "I get shoved through a window and knocked about by your obnoxiously idiotic brother, I deserve an explination at least!" = = = = = "We don't even know you," Nyx replied sharply. "Why should we have to explain anything? If you hadn't locked him out of the room, he wouldn't have shoved you through the window. You have yourself to blame there, sorry to say." = = = = = Diali pushed Nyx off of him and sat up, "It's okay, Sis. He's right. I did over-react and all he's done is help us. I'll go downstairs and explain things to him....You should rest." = = = = = "We didn't ask him to interfere, so I don't really care," Nyx admitted as she slid off of the bed. "And I'm not tired. I just wanted to mope earlier because I was still upset." She eyed Daegal for a moment before glancing at the window. "Diali just tends to be rather over-protective over me, and he tends to get a little obsessive when I'm trying to avoid him. Your presence didn't put him at ease because I've always had the tendency to flirt with men, and he just wants to make sure I never get taken advantage of." = = = = = "No, no," Diali sighed, "It's okay, Nyx....I think Daegal wants to discuss this with me. I did throw him out the window and that is going a little overboard. How about we go downstairs for a little bit and order some drinks? I'm sure Tai will want a bit of company and perhaps some real food in the stables." = = = = = Nyx rolled her eyes, waving her hand in dismissal. "Whatever. Just don't tell him anything he doesn't need to know, Di," She said in a rather displeased manner, pushing past Daegal to leave the room. = = = = = Diali sighed as he watched her go, "I don't seem to be able to keep her in a good mood recently." "I can't say I would trade you for that job," grinned Daegal as he turned to head downstairs. "I believe a round of drinks are in order before we start anything." = = = = = Her grey eyes shined with interest as she eyed the inn warily, all too aware of the familiar energies floating inside. The entities surrounding her were gleeful and purring. He was in there. He had to be. Meira walked in confident, strong strides to the inn before pushing the door open, scanning the place intently. He was here. The question was where. A soft, near silent sigh passed her parted lips as she pushed back her grey, woolen hood. She could feel their eyes peering at her, burning holes through her body. She glanced about, and the burning ceased. A chill was being sent through the place, of course, but the spirits never left her unless it was direly needed. She stepped into the inn casually, a hand placed upon her hip as she eyed the staircase. She couldn't get up there unless she ordered a room, and she had no gold. Her wings ached; she hadn't stretched them the entire time she'd been travelling, and that had been a full twenty-four hours. Of course, it wasn't safe here. It usually wasn't safe anywhere. Her slated eyes caught sight of a woman storming down the stairs, looking to be in quite the foul mood. Her eyes gleamed slightly as she caught her lovely dark eyes. Something in her soul lurched, and she moved forward as the woman sat by herself. "Mind if I have a seat?" she asked softly as she surveyed the ebony haired woman as her tresses fell over her shoulders while her legs crossed. Nyx glanced up at her with a scowl. Who was this woman and why couldn't she find her own seat? "There are plenty of other tables. Find your own." Meira sat across from Nyx without taking any heed to the youwarkee's words. "It's tiring to always sit by oneself. I think I might enjoy a bit of company. Perhaps you can help me with that." She smiled slightly. "You seem to be a very interesting character." |
| = = = = = At the tavern below, Diali paused to look about for a moment before feeling Daegal push by him, "I'll be back. Find us a seat away from everyone. I believe my sister is here." "Sister...?" Diali frowned as he glanced about the room. He didn't see Nyx anywhere. Perhaps she went out to the stable with Tai? With a shrug, he headed to the very corner table, the one practically no one ever sat at. Of course, the wobbly stance and somewhat uncomfortable seats were a dead give away as to why. = = = = = Nyx eyed Meira doubtdully, having no interest whatsoever in small talk at the moment. "Look, I don't know who you are, and I'm not interested in knowing either, so shove off." Meira held laughter in her eyes before something mentally snapped within her. The spirits grew restless. "We'll speak again later then," she said lowly. "Count on that." With that said, she stood up and whirled around, scanning the room again while Nyx stared at her as if she was insane. "Brother..." she said in a sort of sing-song voice. = = = = = Daegal caught his sister from the side, lifting her up with ease and spun her about, "I knew I sensed you here, May!" = = = = = Meira was taken by surprise at the form of affection. Her brother had always been a wee bit more affectionate in public that she. A soft cry escaped her parted lips, and she would have slapped him if they hadn't just found one another. Instead, she merely hugged him while Nyx just stared at them blankly. "Where have you been, Dae? I've been searching all over for you." She looked up into his grey eyes, gaining her composure as she inquired of his whereabouts. = = = = = Dae let her go and shrugged. A grin played across his lips--it lit his face up into something that one could have called handsome. "I ended up out by the ocean. I seems that there's a sort of monster in a bay not too far from here." He grinned a bit sourly now, "It also seems that demons are it's main source of food." = = = = = Meira laughed softly, bring her hand to her lips as she shook her head. "I was wounded. I fainted from the loss of blood, and a group of nymphs cared for me. They thought I was going to die, but..." She merely smiled at him. = = = = = "You and those spirits," chuckled Daegal as he gave her a quick hug before finally letting her go. "I see you've met Nyx, then." = = = = = Nyx rolled her eyes and sighed, leaning back against her chair as she stared up at them with disinterest. "Yes, she decided that she wanted to try and get to know each other while I'm moody. Bad idea, to say the least." Meira, chuckled to herself, grinning slightly as she glanced at Nyx with a sparkle in her gaze. "She has such spirit. Where did you find her, Daegal? You weren't look to replace me, were you?" "Hardly," Nyx replied before Daegal had the chance. "He just decided to butt into my business, and then follow my brother and I around for absolutely no reason whatsoever. Perhaps you might want to relieve us of him and be on your way." "Brother?" Meira asked softly, her eyes taking on an intrigued shine. "Twin?" "None of your business," Nyx growled back. Last edited by Rose Dark Thorn on Sat Sep 16, 2006 3:56 am; edited 1 time in total = = = = = Daegal sighed, "Let's leave her to her drink, May. I have some business with her twin to deal with. You may feel free to come, but you have to hold your tongue. This is a very personal sort of m = = = = = "It's a wonder you can't be bothered to hold your tongue," Nyx said as she heard his words. Meira laughed a little, shaking her head as she started away from the table. "I like her." = = = = = Daegal gave her a flat look, "She's more trouble sometimes than she's worth. Her brother tossed me out the window a few hours ago." = = = = = "You're still alive though," Meira said passively. "She reminds me of me when I was younger. I like her." She glanced at her brother for a moment with a hint of a smile. "I think you do too." = = = = = "Don't even go there," answered Daegal tartly, "I'm with these two because I promised to watch over them until Nyx was fully healed. That's all." They'd reached the table and sat down, Diali giving Meira a somewhat odd look. = = = = = Meira held laughter in her eyes once more as she glanced at her brother before she looked at Diali. "Hello," she said softly before seating herself. "My name is Meira. People call me May. I've met your sister. Daegal found me seated with her only moments before. She has a lot of spunk." |
| "Spunk isn't the beginning," growled Daegal as he waved the nearest bar-wench over. Diali ignored him for a moment as he regarded Meira, "Nyx is a little peeved at Daegal and probably myself. I think she's a bit upset with the recent interuption." "Not exactly my fault," retorted Daegal as he took the mugs from the wench, "You threw me out a window for no reason." = = = = = "For no reason?" Meira inquired, eyeing her brother with an arched brow. "There's a reason for everything, Daegsl. You may not know or see it, but it is there." Meira chuckled as her brother eyed her with that look. "I'm sure you'll be able to work it out with her," she said to Diali soon after. "I can tell she's very private." = = = = = Diali shrugged it off and turned to Daegal, "Now then, I'll explain myself." For a while, both Daegal and Meira were silent as they listened to Diali explain in full what had been going on between him and Nyx. Leaving out most of the recent romance and such that had suddenly came up, but not even trying to hide his undying love for his twin. After he finished, he was silent, waving a wench over to refill his mug. = = = = = Meira leaned over on the table, staring at Diali intently. "Sounds like a lot of inner struggle took place." She closed her eyes for a moment, listening to the silent whispers of the spirits whirling abot her form momentarily. "Do you think she'll appreciate you having told us so much?" = = = = = Diali shrugged, "Doubtful. I'd appreciate it if you'd let Nyx tell you about most of that when she's ready...well, if you're still around by then." Daegal snorted as he glared into his beer. = = = = = "Something tells me she won't be ready any time soon. She's not fond of the idea of Daegal sticking around, and she seemed rather irritated with me." Meira smiled a bit. "It could just be her bad mood though." She glanced at her brother momentarily, stifling a laugh before she averted her gaze. He was struggling with himself. = = = = = Daegal growled as he glanced up at Meira, "Don't even start, May." The youwarkee glanced at them both for a moment, confused at what he was missing, "Do you two need some time alone?" = = = = = "The last thing my brother needs is time alone. It'll give him more time to deny certain things he needs to come to terms with," Meira replied, getting a glare from her brother. She glanced at him, waving him off without much concern. "I'm sure your sister would appreciate your company though." = = = = = Diali nodded, quickly getting up and taking his cup with him. He looked about for a long moment, wondering where Nyx was. = = = = = Nyx had her feet set up on the table she'd sat at, looking about in a bored manner. Gods, she couldn't wait to get out of here. She wanted to head for home. She didn't want any more distractions. It was surprising that one person could cause so many of them. The youwarkee sighed in an irate manner as she crossed her legs, letting her shair bend back and forth on the two remaining legs upon the floor. She noticed a couple of men eyeing her, but she paid them no mind. She wasn't interested in such things. She just wished Diali would hurry up. How could it possibly take so long to explain something so simple? = = = = = Diali spotted her after a moment, leaving the Daegal and Meira alone as he crossed the room to where his sister sat, "I think I've squared everything away. Let's leave in the morning...it's all ready too late to set out today." = = = = = Nyx sighed, pouting as her brother said that. "I'm bored. I want to leave now." She averted her gaze irritably, tilting her chair back a little too far. She lost her blance and began to tumble back. = = = = = Daegal caught her even before Diali could rise to do so. He eyed the fairy warily for a moment as he tried to stop himself from trying anything again. "Nice...catch," he growled unhappily. = = = = = Nyx growled a little, ripping herself out of Daegal's hold. "I would have taken the fall over that," she said lowly before she walked toward the exit of the inn. "I didn't ask for your help, and I don't want it, so don't bother." Meira smiled as she watched Nyx carefully, intrigued by her strong-mindedness. She was rather stubborn. "Hard to get," she said under her breath. |
| Daili couldn't help his growl, "Tell me about it." He raced after Nyx, catching her arms and turning her around. The youwarkee peered over her shoulder as he slowly directed her towards the stairs, "Come on, Sis...we can snuggle in bed..." he bribed. = = = = = Nyx pouted at him as she looked up into his eyes. "I'm restless, Di. I'm tired of being in here." Of course, once she was in her brother's grasp, there was almost never any way to get out of it. He had a way of getting her to do what he wanted. Nyx really loathed that ability at times. "Diali..." she whined, growling deeply in her throat. Gods, why didn't he ever listen to her? = = = = = Diali pouted a little, "Oh...all right, Sis. But we'll only get an hour or two before we'll have to stop to camp. And we'll have Tai to contend with so we won't get to snuggle..." = = = = = "And why not? It's not like she's going to care," Nyx retorted. "I already spoke to her about it. I doubt it'll bother her too much." The youwarkee sighed heavily as she glanced about glumly. "It's a wonder you're not trying to keep me here because of my wing," she mumbled. = = = = = Diali shrugged, "If anyting, I'd try to get you away from here because of that. Then I won't have to deal with Daegal watching us all the time." = = = = = Nyx smirked at that. "I don't like him. He's too pushy, and you're pushy enough as it is." = = = = = "And what's that suppose to mean!?" Diali let go of her and put his hands on his hips, feeling every bit defensive as he did so. = = = = = "You know what I mean, Di," Nyx replied. "You're always telling me what to do, and when I want to do something, you won't let me. He's the same way, except he does it to both of us." = = = = = Diali shrugged, "I suppose I ought to watch that then. But I know what you mean about him..." the youwarkee growled, "I hate being pushed around." They'd made it to the stables by then and Tai looked up from the plate she'd managed to snitch from the kitchen, "Are we leaving?" she inquired with a frown, "The service here is unbelievable!" = = = = = "His sister's no better. She decided she wanted to try and get to know me right out of the blue. She sat down at my table after I clearly stated that I wanted t be left alone." Nyx rolled her eyes, huffing before she looked at Tai. "And this inn is horrible for treating you so badly, Tai. We're leaving now. I don't care if we only have two hours of travel." = = = = = "Well," Tai backed out of the stall, "Let's get going then. We did spend quite a bit of gold to rest here..." she shrugged, "Not much of a rest, if you ask me. All I've seen today is fights, arguments and the like...It's a good thing no one else has come into the stables, though. I've, at least, had some peace and quiet." She turned slowly and started down the hall towards their horses, "I'll get your horses while you collect whatever needs you have. = = = = = Nyx glanced at Diali for a moment. "We didn't leave anything inside, did we? I don't want to go back in there. They might try to follow us." She rolled her eyes, clearly disliking that thought. = = = = = Diali laughed, "I did. But don't worry, I'll go and get it. You can help Tai, it's a little cramp in this stable to a centaur anyway." He turned to head back into the inn, his spirits amazingly high after everything that had happened to them. = = = = = Nyx sighed softly as she went after Tai, glancing back at Diali for a moment before she readied Noran. She really hoped those twins didn't attempt to join them. Their company was unwanted, to say the least. = = = = = Back in the room, Diali quickly picked up his weapons. He'd dropped them when he'd been sitting with Nyx for most of the day. He checked around the room once and turned to leave, coming face to face with Daegal and Meira in the doorway. = = = = = "Leaving so soon?" Meira asked softly, smiling at Diali silently. "What a shame. We've only just met." = = = = = Diali shrugged, "Nyx wants to leave, so we're leaving." He brushed by them and headed down the stairs, the twins on his tail the entire time. = = = = = Meira glanced at Daegal with interest for a moment before she made her way down the rest of the stairs. "Any reason you wish to follow them so much, brother?" = = = = = The fairy chuckled a little, "I suppose it has something to do with that promise earlier. I said I'd watch out for both of them until Nyx's wing was better. Gods know whay I actually keep my promises when they're like this, but I'm not about to break my habit of such things!" Diali was too far down the stairs to hear them. Instead, he went straight out the door and pulled himself onto Aste and glanced over at Nyx with a wink, "I don't think it would have been wise to leave without my knives. It'd be very bad, actually..." With a shrug, he quickly situated himself and pulled out a book. "At least there's still enough light to read by." |
| "It's more than that," Meira replied, smiling knowingly. She got the look that clearly meant, "Don't go there." Nyx rolled her eyes as Noran walked out of the stable behind Aste, Tai following behind them. "You and your books, Di." = = = = = The youwarkee turned to look at his sister, a curiously blank look on his otherwise handsome features, "What?" Daegal stood in the doorway to the inn as he watched them leave. Somehow, he'd have to follow them...even if it meant tracking and sneaking again. = = = = = "Nothing," Nyx replied. "It's just funny that, as soon as things calm down, you're back to burying your nose into books again. I didn't meant anything bad by it." = = = = = Diali shrugged as he shut his book for a moment, a finger keeping his place, "You know I love books, Sis. Probably as much as you like causing mischief and mayhem." He winked at her before tossing his book open again, "After all," his eyes were on the page now, "What would you expect from me if this is what I've done for years?" Daegal growled a little as he slowly started after them, "This is going to be one very interesting night." = = = = = Nyx merely shrugged her shoulders before sending Noran into a gallop. Her laugh echoed back toward Tai and Diali as she took off. She wanted to get as far away from that inn as she could while there was still light out. "Getting to know that couple will be the interesting part," Meira replied as she followed her brother calmly and silently. = = = = = Daegal glanced back at his sister and shook his head, "You are such a strange girl, May..." He pulled his hood up over his shock white hair and shifted in his clothes. Wearing as much leather as he did, it was a bit of a problem when traveling in such unpredictable, somewhat rainy terrain. "I hope the rains won't return," he growled more to himself than anything else. "I've no money left to buy shelter for us." = = = = = "No less stranger than you, brother," Meira told him softly. "Why you refuse to accept certain things, I simply cannot understand." "As for shelter..." She glanced back at him before turning, laughing as she walked. "There is shelter everywhere. Sometimes it's just hard to find." = = = = = Daegal watched her go and frowned. She'd always been so...opposite. What had he done to deserve such a completely opposing sibling? For a moment, the fairy merely watched everyone leave him behind. It wasn't like it really bothered him that they did, mind. He had wings and he could very easily catch up... "I wonder..." he grumbled to himself when his sister had gotten far enough away so that she couldn't hear him, "Perhaps May has a point in all this...but what good would it do...?" = = = = = Adrenaline pumped through Nyx's body as if she was on a high while her midnight tresses danced upon the wind in waves behind her. She loved racing with Noran, even if she was only racing the wind. It put her at ease, and it lightened her mood. That was the best thing about letting things go; you could relax. Of course, once the sun set, she caused Noran to skid to a halt as she unintentionally pulled on the reigns. She pouted as she glanced back at her wings. Gods, why did her wing still have to be healing? It took the fun out of things. = = = = = Diali glanced up as his wings disappeared again, "I suppose we'd better find Nyx soon. Her wing isn't healed yet." "Still?" Tai looked at him with a bit of disbelief, "She seemed fine today." "Because she didn't have her wings," supplied Diali, "I think a youwarkee's wings are the hardest things to heal....they're only their for half the day, after all." = = = = = Nyx grumbled lowly to herself as she looked up at the stars. Gods, why did she have to have such rotten luck? Now she had to wait for Diali to find her, because it would be foolish to continue with an injured wing, all alone in the dark. The youwarkee was so distracted with herself, that she didn't notice eery eyes watching her in the dark. If she'd been playing close attention, the figure would have been easy to see. = = = = = The beast was the size of a half grown horse--it's legs longer than it's own body. The long, dark hair was like a wolf's, but the visage was far more terrifying for a youwarkee than any woodland beast. Hunters. Eyes glittered yellow in the dimming light. It was at night that these creatures would normally roam...but this one had been following the delicious scent of these delectable prey for some time now... It's next feast would be it's reward for such singleminded desires. Noran pawed the ground warily. The horse could sense danger close, but her rider seemed to care so little of it all. Large paws silently padded closer, the sharpened canines extending slightly like a vampire's as the Hunter made ready for the final bound. His short whip-like tail stuck straight back; the long length just weighting impatiently for a sign of complete unawareness from the youwarkee. The camel-like snout twitched slighty as the large, dog-ears perked about for any signs of a set up. It was far too easy... = = = = = "Something is not right," Meiras whispered to herself as her eyes scanned the horizon. "Brother..." She closed her eyes, pulling her hood up over her head once more as the spirits shrieked. "Death is just beyond the horizon..." Nyx frowned a little as Noran nickered strangely. "What is it?" She asked softly. "Be quiet, Noran. The sounds will jst cause more trouble for us." = = = = = Daegal didn't bother to wait for his sister to follow, his wings quickly shot him past her, the darkened power of the dead, speeding his approach as he skittered across the edge of the cliffs overlooking the ocean. For a long while, he didn't see anything until a horse with a rider slowly focused...there was a large shadow a few hundred feet behind. A shiver far colder than any sin-fouled soul crossed his shoulders as he sped towards his target. This must be it. Opening a mouth a bit, the muted hiss of the Hunter's breath mingled with the sound of the ocean spray. A triple-forked tongue lolled out for a moment before the Hunter tensed it's kangaroo like hind legs, striking forward with such force as it was capable. Foreclaws dug into the startled prey's shoulder and hip with their deadly sharpness. The open maw of the beast only inches from the green eyes of it's prey. = = = = = Nyx screamed not only from the agony, but from the terror. The youwarkee could feel her flesh rip as she fell off of her horse and landed hard in the water. When had she gotten so close to the cliffs!? Nyx didn't have much more time for thought other than that. Everything went black. |
| Without even thinking, Daegal shot downwards after the youwarkee. He landed in the surf and splashed his way over to the down-faced girl. He could feel his heart hammering in his chest as he rolled her over, testing to see if she was still breathing. A sigh of relief was short lived as a heavy, soggy weight slammed into him. Claws snagged his left arm and he growled loudly with pain. Eyes glowing white, Daegal summoned power, letting his own blood lure the entities towards him. Black smoke turned to liquid about him, focusing in his hand as he thrust it forward, slamming the beast in the face with its acidic power. The Hunter shuddered as it collapsed in a heap in the soggy sands. It's face contorted into a flattened mess of gore. Daegal ignored it as he gently lifted Nyx up in his arms and looked about. The waves had blocked them into a small sandbar against the side of the cliffs. He opened his wings to fly upwards, but a sharp pain made him look back to discover he'd managed to bend one of his transparent wings in half. He growled in disgust. At least there were no bones to set in place in his own wings! But where was he to go now? They would not easily find them here...let alone in time before the waters took them as they pleased. He looked about, spying a dark crevice some feet upwards and at the very edge of the sandbar. Hesitation could mean life or death... = = = = = Pressure tainted the air, and there was blood. Meira herself could not sense the blood, but the spirits familiar purrs were enough to alert her. Daegal had been wounded, and black energy seeped out over. Shrieks could be heard mentally within her ears, and she sighed. She often wondered if Daegal was aware that such force harmed spirits. She did not have much more time to think of such things as she heard a shout. Her head snapped up as her wings shot out from under her cloak. = = = = = Diali looked about in worry, "Nyx!" he called again, "Where are you?" "Her tracks lead this way," Tai's voice was a bit ragged now. It'd been at least the tenth time she'd told him that, "So stop hollering and let's get moving we'll meet up with her within the hour." = = = = = Dust kicked up with Meira's movements as she gained upon the group. Nyx and Daegal were not with them, she knew that much. Wherever the woman was, her brother was also. Perhaps this might show him just how much he cared. She caught sight of them as Tai and Diali headed in Nyx's and Daegal's direction. There was something else coming. It was a powerful mental force of trickery; a siren. = = = = = "Do you...do you hear that?" Diali glanced about for a moment before looking over at Tai. "What?" Tai paused for a moment to eye the youwarkee with a sour look. "That voice..." Diali frowned for a moment in confusion, "It's coming from over there...." He slowly nudged Aste in the direction of the song, ignoring Tai as she called after him, "You're sister is this way, you numbskull!" = = = = = Meira stopped beside Tai, appearing there so quickly, Tai barely had time to register her presence. "He will fall of the cliffs and drown if we let him continue following her." Cold. She was unbelievably freezing. There was an overwhelming amount of pain as well, and she was hivering from both. She tried to roll over, but a hand stilled her. Slowly, her eyes opened, her dark gaze blurred. Her violet optics slowly registered that of shock white hair and grey eyes. Nyx hissed, scrambling away from him, glaring at him menacingly before she surveyed her surroundings. Where was she!? She turned back to Daegal accusingly. "Where have you taken me!?" she demanded. = = = = = Daegal frowned, "The only place safe at the moment. Go look for yourself if you're so accusing of me." He pointed towards the small crevice that he'd managed to lug her through. = = = = = Nyx crawled over to the ledge, biting her lip as her shouder and hip burned in protest. She could see nothing but sea water when she got to the edge. Her hands gripped the rock ledge tightly at the side. "I have to find Di..." she said lowly to herself. Her wet hair stuck to her flesh as she pulled herself int a sitting position before she pushed herself off of the rock. She didn't fall under the water. Daegal cut her wrist and pulled her back up. "Hey!" she snapped. "Let go!" = = = = = "Are you an idiot!?" Daegal growled, "Do you know what's in those waters right now? Why do you think I pulled us up here? You'll die if you get in that water!" To prove it, he picked up a rock and flung it out before them. A large reptilian creature shot up out of the waters, snapping the rock up as it splashed in the waters. "You see!?" Daegal was about ready to slap some sense into the youwarkee. = = = = = "I don't care!" Nyx yelled as she tried to rip away from him. "I have to find Di! There are Hunters out there! He might get hurt!" The youwarkee made a few indignant noises as she continued to try and pull away, but to no avail. "Let go!" Her vision was blurring with uncried tears. She couldn't just sit around when her brother was in danger. She didn't care about the stupic lizard monster. She'd find a way around it. She was, after all, an excellent swimmer. She could outrun it! = = = = = "If I have to tie you down and break your legs," snapped Daegal as he managed to push he further into the cave, "I'll do it!" = = = = = "Try it!" Nyx snapped at him, growling viciously. "Try me, because I swear to Gods I'm about ready to gut your sorry heap of flesh!" The youwarkee kneed him in the groin, ripping out of his grasp and to the other side of the cavern. "Stay out of my damn business! My life isn't any concern of yours! No one would go through this much trouble to keep a useless promise to some stranger!" She eyed him accusingly. "If you lay a hand on me, I swear I'll gouge your eyes out and rip your arms off." |
| With a sour look crossing his face, Daegal raised one hand towards her, focusing his powers and watching the dark spirits bind her where she stood, "That will hold you," he hissed. He stiffly went and sat on the opposite side of the cave, hunching over slightly from the pain he refused to let her see. "Now stay out of trouble until the tide goes down." = = = = = Nyx let out an indignant cry of rage as she tried to move, but could not. It was as if something was holding her. "What have you done to me!?" she shouted, cursing loudly as she continued to struggle. = = = = = "You'll live," growled Daegal as he closed his eyes, "Just shut up and go to sleep. We can leave in the morning when the tide goes down as long as you don't cause and avalanche." = = = = = Nyx ceased struggling eventually, her head bowing. Her hair fell into her face, sticking to her cheek. Her eyes were squeezed tightly shut as her face was warmed with her own tears. Anger raged inside of her like a fire that could consume her, and she couldn't do anything to douse the flames. "I hate you." = = = = = "Good," answered Daegal tersely without looking up, "Now get some sleep." He shifted with a grunt until his back was too her and forced his eyes shut, his breathing to be calm and even. The fairy was determined to sleep even if he had to force himself to! = = = = = Nyx didn't sleep. It was unknown if it was just to defy Daegal, or if she was too angry and distraught to even care. Diali and Tai were out there somewhere, and they could be in trouble. How could she help them while she was stuck here, held by whatever unkonwn force that damn man had set on her? It enraged her further just thinking about it, and more helpless tears fell upon her thighs. The youwarkee was shivering uncontrollably from the cold, barely even able to feel her limbs now. Still, she hardly even cared about it. All she really cared about wan wrining Daegal's neck. She wanted to make him suffer for what he was doing to her. He was torturing her; surely he must take amusment from such sick things. Her thoughts plagued her so much, she let out a frustrated cry, her eyes tightly shut once more as a sob escaped her. Out of that entire time, her tears had fallen silently. It only enraged her more. = = = = = Daegal sighed as he finally gave up, "Will you stop it all ready?" he growled, "You know very well that it's for your own good and you still won't listen. Your brother is no doubt safer with that centuar with him than you wandering off into dangerous waters! So get over it and wait!" He crossed his arms over his chest and glared at her, "And I know you think I'm enjoying this, but believe me! I would prefer you out in that water in that beast's belly! I should have never promised to keep you safe!" = = = = = Nyx cursed at him with a few choice words that had made Diali slap her in the past. He didn't agree with such language, but it had spilled from her lips with out even a thought. The youwarkee said nothing more for a while after that, her body tense. She was dileriously tired, but she couldn't, perhaps just wouldn't, sleep. "You can take your promise, and shove it up your ass," she said levelly, though rather quietly. She shifted slightly, her limbs aching from having been glued in the same position for so long. "You try being in my position and see how well you deal with it," she said tightly. "Don't you dare tell me to get over it. I won't. Go eat a carcass of a rotting boar." = = = = = Daegal laughed sourly at that, "Is that all? I'd have expected more out of the girl that had her brother send me out a window!" = = = = = "Well, excuse me, but I seem to be held up at the moment," Nyx said in a bouncier voice, though her expression was still dark. "If you hadn't cheated, and kept me isolated in this little corner, I would have had your tongue torn out for long ago." Her heartbeat elevated. Gods, she needed to rip something limb from limb. "Do us both a favor and break this stupid promise. What meaning does it have? None. You made it to someone who doesn't give a damn about me, or you. What's the use in keeping it?" The youwarkee was staring almost wide-eyed into the water. Her eyes were white and had been for quite a long time. "No one decides what is for my own good but my brother and myself. You have absolutely no right to be doing this to me. You should learn not to interfere in other people's lives that don't concern you." = = = = = Daegal scoffed at that, "You are too incompetent, Girl! I do not care what you may think and I most certain do not care what you think of me! If I let you go right now, your brother would no doubt have my head for letting you go out there in those waters. I'll keep you here, thank you very much!" = = = = = An eery sort of glow enveloped Nyx as her rage continued to grown, and she chuckled. "He'll have your head for doing this to me anyway!" she snapped. It was like white fire to the spirits holding her, and they shrieked. Nyx couldn't hear them, but no doubt Meira could. They let her go, and she slumped a bit. She had a mind to threaten him, but she figured that might just cause him to try that stupid trick again. Instead, she stood up and walked further down, surveying the walls with a growl. Wasn't there another way out of here? She would never be able to get through the water if that bastard kept at her. She loathed it. She loathed everything about this situation. = = = = = Daegal was surprised the childish hold had lasted so long. He watched her quietly. He's scoured the entire cave with no avail. Her finding one would be most interesting. Of course, she could very well cause a cave in too...leaving them locked together for Gods know how long! = = = = = Nyx's fingers were ice cold and stiff, along with her toes. It was to the point of agony. Her eyes were still stinging. Gods, what could she do? What could she do to get out of this mess? The youwarkee ran her hands through her tangled hair, leaving her fingers nestled there. She squeezed her eyes shut tight, shaking her head. What the hell was she supposed to do? Incompetent. The word rang in her head. Her eyes stung stronger. She was incompetent. Oh, great. So nice of him to point that out. Her hands formed fisted, her nails digging into her palms as the tears spilled over her cheeks again. What was the point? Was there any point at all to getting angry? Most likely not, but she couldn't help it. All that idiot could think to do was insult her. Nyx's back slid down against the wall until she fell to the floor again. She wanted to scream. Instead, she curled up, shutting her eyes tightly as a tune spilled from her parted lips. If she couldn't get away from him, she would block him out with the song herself and her brother had known since they were children. = = = = = Daegal covered his ears as she started to sing louder and louder. By the Gods, did this chit have a set of lungs! The low grumble didn't even register as he stuffed his hands into his ears. = = = = = Nyx didn't even seem to notice the rocks from above cracking over where she sat. She didn't pay attention to their tumbling, or the fact that the ground was shaking. She just wanted to get absolutely lost. She didn't want to hear him anymore. She didn't want to see him, or even register his existence anymore. Singing had always helped her with that. |
| Daegal was a bit more intune to these things. If he'd thought twice, he might have let them fall on her, but he pushed off the rock wall and shielded her with his body, casting a quick--though weak--spell to protect them from the tumbling rocks. = = = = = She felt warmth, and her body started to tingle before everything started to register. She inched as far away from Daegal as she could, while staring up at the falling rocks with wide eyes. She shuddered a little, shutting her eyes again as she tried to ignore everything. "Get away from me," she said lowly, having curled up tightly against the wall. = = = = = Daegal didn't move until the last rock finally crumbled away. He colapsed with a grunt, bruises forming on his back as he laid there. = = = = = Nyx stared at him blankly for a while, though with some sort of guard in her eyes. Gods, what was wrong with him? Why did he continuously risk his neck just to keep her safe? It was starting to really irritate her now. Not only because he did things she despised, but because he had no real reason to do so. "Stop it," Nyx growled. "Just leave me alone, Dae. My life isn't worth getting yourself killed, and you know it. You know you don't want to protect me, so I don't know why the hell you bother." = = = = = "That's just it," growled Daegal as he tried to pick himself back up, grunting from the pain, "I can't." = = = = = "Can't what? Leave me to die like you want, since you so openly admitted it to me? I'm just a stupid, childish, incompetent, pitiful girl anyway, right? You said so yourself! Why not just leave me here to die, or let me go off into certain death? You're just as paradoxical as my damn brother!" Nyx hissed at him, growling once more. The youwarkee averted her gaze, pouting to herself before she glanced at Daegal again. He was badly wounded, apparantly. She averted her gaze once more. It was useless to even try to bother helping him. He'd probably shove her way anyhow. = = = = = Daegal shook his head and slowly managed to roll onto his side amidst hisses of sharp pain. Gods, what an idiot he was! "I'm such a fool," he growled to himself. He shrugged out of his vest painfully and slowly tested his ribs. They were battered, but none were broken. That was a relief. "Gods," he growled again, "I wish I could simply just stand by and let you fall to your own faults...but I can't." He managed to slowly push himself up to a sitting position and he groaned a little as he got a little light-headed. "I don't have a bloody clue why I can't leave you to your own death and I doubt I'll understand it. I just know I can't do it and no matter how hard I try, I know I'll never be able to. So just..." he grimaced again, his wings far from happy over the past events, "Just leave me alone. Go get eaten or something..." = = = = = "Why, so you can pull me up by the wrist again?" Nyx retorted before she pulled him up, though gently. "Stay still." She pulled a pouch out of a pocket of her belt, dipping her hand into it. When she pulled it back out, it was covered in white powder. She started to rub it across his ribs and back. For open wounds, so took a vile and poured just a tiny bit on the wounds. "Incompetent indeed," she hissed. "At least I know herbal mixtures that ease pain and heal wounds." = = = = = Daegal had tensed for a moment, but a sigh passed his lips as the pain subsided. Gods...he'd have to get the recipe for that ointment. The youwarkee even had something for his rather delicate wings. After a moment, he glanced at her again, a slight blush coloring his cheeks, but that could be mistaken for coming from his injuries. "...Thanks..." = = = = = Nyx stared at him quietly for a moment before packing her things away. "Yeah, well, next time you decide to make assumptions, make sure they're actually correct," she said tightly before she relaxed, glancing down at the ocean with a troubled look into her eyes. A sigh passed her lips as she curled up again, resting her chin upon her knees as she stared into its depth. "Now just as long as you hold your tongue when it comes to your sour remarks, I won't cause another avalanche." = = = = = Daegal leaned back against the opposite wall, his eyes closed for a moment as he finally relaxed a bit. His groin still throbbed considerably, but that, at least, would heal like any time before--what few times those were... He opened his eyes to see Nyx staring out of the cave with a somewhat troubled look on her face, "....What's wrong?" he asked, genuinely curious. = = = = = "You, of all people, should know what's wrong," Nyx replied. "Just because I'm sitting here like a 'good girl' doesn't mean I'm worrying any less about Di or Tai." She slumped back against the rock wall glumly, shivering with the cold. "Plus it's freezing in here and my fingers and toes are throbbing with pain..." = = = = = Daegal looked about for a moment, all ready knowing that there was nothing to burn. He dragged his vest off the ground and scooted over to her, dropping it on her shoulders with a sigh, "I suppose that's the best I can do..." He didn't bother moving away again. = = = = = Nyx looked up at him in the most vulnerable state Daegal had ever seen. She was always guarded, or at least angry. Both had faded from her face and entire posutre as she clutched the garment about her slender frame. "When you figure out why you even bother, let me know. It's bothering me not knowing." = = = = = Daegal chuckled, "I will, Nyx." He leaned back and sighed. The ointment had eased his pain and he was quite close to falling asleep now... = = = = = The youwarkee sighed, glancing at Daegal momentarily before shaking her head, blinking a few times. What could she do? She needed Diali. She wanted to be held. If he'd been here, everything would have been alright... Nyx closed her eyes, burying her face into her lap as she let out a slight whimper. Gods, why did she always have to get herself into such horrible situations? She just couldn't understand it. Diali must've been worried sic, if he wasn't busy fighting for his life... She groaned, chiding herself quietly about making herself worry even more. "I can't stand this..." = = = = = Daegal wrapped an arm about her and rubbed her shoulder comfortingly without thinking, "It's okay. We'll be out of here when the tide lowers. And I promise I'll get you back to Diali. No doubt May will be with him right now. He's safe with her." = = = = = A shiver ran down her spine and she started to blush, but she didn't pull away. "I never even thought of her," she admitted quietly. "Hunters rey on Youwarkee meat. It's what they eat." She shuddered, curling up tighter. |
| Daegal nodded, "I've heard of such creatures. I never would have thought I'd kill one. But never fear, May can sense such things. She's very in tune with the spirits...though I don't see why she would care to be. Spirits are rather droll creatures..." he shrugged as he let his hand fall down and rest next to hers. "I'm sure he's more likely to run off the cliffs after you than have anything attack him. And that will be most entertaining to hear about when we return." = = = = = Nyx shook her head, having tried so hard not to laugh before it just...burst from her lips. "You sister and you are just as opposite as Di and I. I find her kind of...creepy. It's like she floats like she's a spirit herself. It's so weird." = = = = = The fairy shrugged, "When you get as intuned with spirits as my sister and lack the control of their powers, it turns out that way sometimes. She's practically a spirit anyway. As many times as she's used the energy from her celestial friends...she might as well be one." He frowned darkly at that, "Spirits change a person. I'll not have them doing any such thing to me." = = = = = Nyx watched him for a while before she sighed, looking down at their hands silently. They were side by side. "I don't know much about that stuff...so I can't really give you an opnion on it. She must have her reasons to allow such things to happen though." The youwarkee glanced at him momentarily before back down at the rocky floor once more. "Both of you have one thing in common though. Both of you have an odd dominance about you that would intimidate most others." = = = = = Daegal shrugged at that, nudging her playfully in the shoulder with his own shoulder, "You can't tell me it threw you any." = = = = = Nyx smirked slightly, shaking her head. "I said most, not me. It's hard to intimidate me, and even if you did, I'd still get in your face." = = = = = Daegal grinned, his features lighting up with the change, "I suppose that's what draws me to you and your brother...well, in part, anyways..." = = = = = Nyx glanced at him curiously, a slight blush to her cheeks before she shook it away. "Drawn? So it really isn't that ridiculous promise you made?" = = = = = Daegal backed off slightly, frowning now. "I...I don't know..." he looked quite baffled again and the look he gave Nyx only proved his confusion. "May used to always say I wouldn't listen to what I really wanted if my life depended on it." = = = = = Nyx stared off in front of her thoughtfully. "Then maybe you should think about what you want and start listening. How could anyone ever truly be happy if they don't follow their heart?" = = = = = Daegal made a gesture like swatting the idea away, a somewhat dubious expression on his face, "I don't really care to deal with things like that. There's always more important things that concentrating so much time and energy on what's inside. Besides...it's the same regardless of how you dice it up and think about it." = = = = = "Is it really?" Nyx asked, looking at him with a flat expression. "If that were true, I wouldn't have found..." She hesitated for a moment before she continued. "I wouldn't have ound a lover in my twin brother. If I hadn't bothered to look inside, he'd be suffering, and I would therefore suffer because of his misery from my oblivious behaviour." = = = = = Daegal grinned, his eyes half-lidded, "You hesitated. You shouldn't hesitate unless you're trying not to say something. What were you going to say?" = = = = = "That was what I was going to say." Nyx replied. "I just wasn't sure whether I really wanted to tell you or not. It's private and personal, and I don't give off such information to someone I hardly know most of the time." She glanced at him momentarily. "That could go for you too, except like this: You should never push aside your heart as if it doesn't matter. It always matters, because how you live your life controls how happy or miserable you'll be." = = = = = Daegal shrugged as he spread his wings to see if they were usuable yet, he cringed a little and let them settle onto his back again, "I seem to be living quite fine as it is." = = = = = "Bitterly and sourly," Nyx retorted. "Where is the happiness and content in your life, huh? When do you smile, laugh joyously, and just enjoy yourself?" = = = = = Daegal puzzled over that for just a moment, a finger coming to his chin to tap before falling back next to Nyx's hand, "Here and now?" = = = = = Nyx looked at him blankly. "Do you mean when you were shouting insults at me, or after that?" She arched a brow, crossing her arms. "It BETTER be the second one!" A small rumble and cracking sound sounded, and Daegal looked up in time to see a large boulder falling down. The youwarkee gave a squeal, and the next thing they both knew was that the fairy was on his back with Nyx straddling his lap, laying flat on his chest. = = = = = Daegal could feel blood rushing in his ears and he shook his head slightly as he sat up. Her lips but an inch from his own and he was getting sensations that were most definitely not what he'd been expecting. He scooted away a little, trying to maintain a sort of dignity by doing so, "...Thanks..." he managed with a slight growl in his voice. Shaking his head, he glanced at Nyx again, sorely confused now. "Gods...I feel like I'm going to go on one of those sappy inner thought patterns." = = = = = Nyx was blushing rather deeply as she slipped off of him and curled up again. "Maybe you should. It might be good for you." She glanced at him again, before down at the rocky floor once more. Gods...things like that just weren't supposed to happen when you'd already given yourself away to another...as it? She shook her headm clearing her throat a bit. "Do some soul searching, Dae. If you really insist on following me around, then I'm going to have to teach you how to have fun. I won't have any sour grapes travelling with me. Get used to it." = = = = = Daegal's snide grin returned for a moment, "Sour grapes make delicious wine." But he said no more, his smile disappearing as quickly as it came. He'd never done any soul-searching inner conversations and such. How was he suppose to do such thing? It'd been so easy just bouncing his thoughts off of something. Why should he start thinking inwardly. A scowl lit his face for a moment before he glanced at Nyx, "You and I might not like what I discover..." = = = = = Daegal grinned, his features lighting up with the change, "I suppose that's what draws me to you and your brother...well, in part, anyways..." = = = = = Nyx glanced at him curiously, a slight blush to her cheeks before she shook it away. "Drawn? So it really isn't that ridiculous promise you made?" |
| Daegal backed off slightly, frowning now. "I...I don't know..." he looked quite baffled again and the look he gave Nyx only proved his confusion. "May used to always say I wouldn't listen to what I really wanted if my life depended on it." = = = = = Nyx stared off in front of her thoughtfully. "Then maybe you should think about what you want and start listening. How could anyone ever truly be happy if they don't follow their heart?" = = = = = Daegal made a gesture like swatting the idea away, a somewhat dubious expression on his face, "I don't really care to deal with things like that. There's always more important things that concentrating so much time and energy on what's inside. Besides...it's the same regardless of how you dice it up and think about it." = = = = = "Is it really?" Nyx asked, looking at him with a flat expression. "If that were true, I wouldn't have found..." She hesitated for a moment before she continued. "I wouldn't have ound a lover in my twin brother. If I hadn't bothered to look inside, he'd be suffering, and I would therefore suffer because of his misery from my oblivious behaviour." = = = = = Daegal grinned, his eyes half-lidded, "You hesitated. You shouldn't hesitate unless you're trying not to say something. What were you going to say?" = = = = = "That was what I was going to say." Nyx replied. "I just wasn't sure whether I really wanted to tell you or not. It's private and personal, and I don't give off such information to someone I hardly know most of the time." She glanced at him momentarily. "That could go for you too, except like this: You should never push aside your heart as if it doesn't matter. It always matters, because how you live your life controls how happy or miserable you'll be." = = = = = Daegal shrugged as he spread his wings to see if they were usuable yet, he cringed a little and let them settle onto his back again, "I seem to be living quite fine as it is." = = = = = "Bitterly and sourly," Nyx retorted. "Where is the happiness and content in your life, huh? When do you smile, laugh joyously, and just enjoy yourself?" = = = = = Daegal puzzled over that for just a moment, a finger coming to his chin to tap before falling back next to Nyx's hand, "Here and now?" = = = = = Nyx looked at him blankly. "Do you mean when you were shouting insults at me, or after that?" She arched a brow, crossing her arms. "It BETTER be the second one!" A small rumble and cracking sound sounded, and Daegal looked up in time to see a large boulder falling down. The youwarkee gave a squeal, and the next thing they both knew was that the fairy was on his back with Nyx straddling his lap, laying flat on his chest. = = = = = Daegal could feel blood rushing in his ears and he shook his head slightly as he sat up. Her lips but an inch from his own and he was getting sensations that were most definitely not what he'd been expecting. He scooted away a little, trying to maintain a sort of dignity by doing so, "...Thanks..." he managed with a slight growl in his voice. Shaking his head, he glanced at Nyx again, sorely confused now. "Gods...I feel like I'm going to go on one of those sappy inner thought patterns." = = = = = Nyx was blushing rather deeply as she slipped off of him and curled up again. "Maybe you should. It might be good for you." She glanced at him again, before down at the rocky floor once more. Gods...things like that just weren't supposed to happen when you'd already given yourself away to another...as it? She shook her headm clearing her throat a bit. "Do some soul searching, Dae. If you really insist on following me around, then I'm going to have to teach you how to have fun. I won't have any sour grapes travelling with me. Get used to it." = = = = = Daegal's snide grin returned for a moment, "Sour grapes make delicious wine." But he said no more, his smile disappearing as quickly as it came. He'd never done any soul-searching inner conversations and such. How was he suppose to do such thing? It'd been so easy just bouncing his thoughts off of something. Why should he start thinking inwardly. A scowl lit his face for a moment before he glanced at Nyx, "You and I might not like what I discover..." = = = = = "Why would it have anything to do with me? Unless you're strangely infatuatated with me. I can't imagine why that would be, since I've given you absolutely no reason to be. I don't think I need to worry about that too much," Nyx said in a dismissive manner. She the laid down with a heavy sigh, scooting a bit closer as to use Daegal's thigh as a pillow. "Just don't wriggle about too much. If I'm to sleep, I at least need something softer than rock to lay my head on..." With that said, and before he could protest, she closed her eyes and dozed off almost immediately. = = = = = Daegal had his hands up as if he were about to be shot with something. Hesitantly, he let it settle on her waist. It seemed a somewhat possessive place to put it, but it felt quite fine to him. It actually made him slowly start smiling again. He had to shake his head furiously to stop. "Where to start..." he grumbled to himself for a while. "It's not like I've ever done this before..." = = = = = Meira knelt down in front of Diali while Tai held him sitting on the ground. The Siren had swam further out to sea, but she was still singing. She stared into the youwarkee's clowded eyes piercingly. "He's completely lost to us. If I'm to bring him back, the siren needs to be stopped." = = = = = Tai eyed the siren for a long moment. "I...I've never tried to hit anything that far away before...My bow might not be strong enough." = = = = = Meira laid her hands upon Diali's shoulders, keeping him firmly sitting on the ground. "Try to get closer. If you don't try, you won't know, right?" = = = = = Tai nodded, slowly pulling her bow from the case she kept strapped to her back, "Okay..." she said unevenly, "I'll...I'll try..." She pulled the bow taunt and her aim wavered slightly as Diali moved suddenly, catching her off guard and sending the arrow straight upwards. "Hey!" = = = = = Meira whispered something that sounded foreign to Tai's ears before Diali's movements were stilled. He was hanging as if being held. "He won't be able to move again, don't worry." She eyed him seriously, keeping watch of the spirits who clung to his limbs. = = = = = Again, the centaur slowly pulled her bow taunt, eyeing the siren carefully for a long moment before releasing the barbed weapon. It sank into the siren as she let out a piercing howl far more accuartely called a squeal. = = = = = "You're stronger than you think, Tai," Meira said quietly as the spirits eased Diali to the ground. "Now..." She raised her hands and laid them against the sides of Diali's head before closing her eyes. She attempted making contact with his mentality. There was a slow pulse between them as she did so. There were a lot of tangles as well. No doubt they were for protection, or the cause of the siren's hypnosis. 'Diali...where are you?' |
| The youwarkee merely stared deliriously at her, he was as limp and unresponsive as a bag of potatoes. = = = = = Meira pulled the tangles back, slipping through as she entered to corridors of the youwarkee's mind. 'Diali?' she called in a sing-song voice. 'Your sister is lost. Why have you allowed yourself to be distracted from helping her?' = = = = = Nothing seemed to be registering. It was like wandering around an empty maze with no hope of ever finding even the end. = = = = = Meira glanced about her, turning corner after corner to find any sign of the youwarkee, but he seemed to have disappeared. That was unlike a Siren. They never usually caused their host to fade...just tied up somewhere, unable to control what happened to themselves. = = = = = For a while, Tai just stood there, uncertain as to what to do. Surely there was something that could be done on her part, but what? She pawed the ground a few times before glumly turning to set up camp. Perhaps that was all she could do at the moment. = = = = = Meira pulled back eventually, blinking a few times to gain back her senses before turning toward Tai, who was starting a fire. "I can't find him within...We need to call him back somehow..." She stared at him for a moment, completely lost on what to do while she gazed into his hollow eyes. "What could we do to jump start him?" = = = = = Tai shrugged, "The last time he was practically hysterical was when Nyx went off alone with some traveler. Well..." the centaur paused for a moment in thought. "And that night right before they met your brother." = = = = = Meira shook her head. "The siren's song has rendered him senseless. If he was in his right might, he probably would have gotten himself killed trying to find them by now." She scrutinized him a little longer. "I wonder..." She smiled slightly as she took his chin in her hand, moving closer. "I bet you he'll think it's Nyx..." She pressed her lips against his, letting her fingers get tangled into his sapphire-colored hair. = = = = = Tai's eyes grew wide with surprise; what was that fairy doing!? Diali pushed Meira away violently, shuffling back so quickly, he slammed into Tai's leg. Huffing several times and coughing a little he stared at Meira with a look that could only be said to be apprehension and worry. = = = = = "Relax," Meira said calmly, chuckled quietly. "A siren caught your fancy...I couldn't find you, so I had to take drastic measures." = = = = = Diali scrubbed his lips with the back of his hand, "I'm not sure whether I'd have preferred to stay under the siren's spell or not...." Tai laughed, nudging him from behind, "Say thank-you and let's get on with everything." = = = = = "Well, if you ever hope to find Nyx, it would be helpful if you were in your right mind," Meira replied with her own laughter. = = = = = The youwarkee eyed both girls for a moment before standing up and dusthing himself off, "I don't see what's so funny...!" = = = = = Meira shook her head. "Get some sleep, Diali. We've a long night ahead of us. Don't worry about Nyx. She's fine. Daegal will take care of her." = = = = = For a moment, he stared at them blankly, "...Daegal...Oh Gods..." Turning about, he raced towards the cliffs, "Nyx! Sis! Where are you!?" = = = = = Meira watched him for a moment before the spirits followed the youwarkee, catching him as he was left hanging in mid-air. "What is so horrible about my brother that you can't seem to trust him to take care of Nyx, Diali?" she asked as she walked over to him. = = = = = "Let me go!" he demanded, struggling as he did so, "Nyx needs me!" Tai followed after them, knowing that she might end up traveling alone again if this kept up. = = = = = "If you tried getting to her now, you will drown," Meira told him flatly. "I can't allow that to happen. Your sister would likely try to kill me if I did." She waved her hand and he settled down upon the ground with the spirits still gripping him. "Diali, you need to rest. There is no way to get to them now. They are halfway to the bottom of the sea. We'll get them in the morning." = = = = = "You can't be serious," Diali spoke with such calm authority in his voice, it would have amazed anyone else but the two he was with, "You expect me to sit around patiently while my sister could be injured or dying or something worse than that??" = = = = = "Then tell me what else can you do that won't get you killed," Meira replied. "I'm open to suggestions." = = = = = The youwarkee eyed the fairy for a moment before turning back. He sat down by the fire and pouted. Obviously as close to being reasonable as he was willing to be when it came to the safety of his beloved twin sister. "If you so much as get a tickle about my sister," he growled, eyeing Meira carefully, "I'm gone." Tai frowned as she went back to making dinner. What was with Diali recently? He was such an idiot...a very brash idiot! = = = = = "A tickle, you say?" Meira asked, shaking her head. "She's sleeping right now. My brother, on the other hand, is brooding with himself. You've nothing to worry about." = = = = = Diali looked at her, an expression on his face that told her he was anything but credulous on that account. "As long as Nyx is not by my side, anything you say to ease my fears is not going to help." |
| "You are not very trusting, are you?" Meira inquired as she glanced at him. "Aren't you aware that Nyx isn't a child anymore? She's quite capable of protecting herself." = = = = = Diali rolled his eyes. Crossing his arms over his chest, he glared into the crackling fire. What use was it trying to talk to the stubborn fairy? She'd never understand. = = = = = "Or perhaps it's just that you don't trust her?" Meira added soon after. "Isn't there trust needed in the relationship you are starting to lead?" She smiled slightly. "Oh, I see, it's my brother you're worried about, even though he hasn't laid a hand on her yet." = = = = = The youwarkee said nothing. He'd seen enough men oogling his sister to know that he wasn't the only one that liked her. It would kill him inside if Nyx and Dae... Shaking his head, Diali growled as he marched over to grab a blanket. He dropped down and laid his head on Aste's saddle, burrowing under the blanket he'd grabbed without another word. = = = = = Meira chuckled a little, shaking her head. "If he's to keep her, he'll need to learn to trust." = = = = = Tai shook her head as she handed Meira a plate of food. "If you're going to hang around, I suggest you get use to it. He's never been that trusting of anyone other than myself and Nyx...well, and my father." = = = = = "Must have something to do with Nyx's choices," Meira replied before she settled to eat. "He'll eventually have to let it go if my brother plans to hang around." = = = = = Tai eyed the fairy for a moment with a frown. "...What does your hanging around have to do with Daegal? You two aren't...aren't like Nyx and Diali, are you?" = = = = = "No," Meira replied. "And Daegal hanging around has nothing to do with me. He follows them by his own choices. I follow them because they interest me. That, and I don't wish to lose track of my brother again." = = = = = Tai grinned a little, leaning closer to Meira, "That's what those to kept saying. Not wanting to lose each other...turns out they were a bit more interested than just that!" = = = = = Meira laughed softly. "Who knows? All that I know is that my brother has never paid much attention to his feelings. Until he knows what he feels, there's not much of anything that can happen." = = = = = The centaur made a somewhat confused face, "You and your brother are very strange, Meira. I hope they're doing okay." Daegal sighed as he continued mumbling to himself. "I have to be an idiot for thinking this...she's a hellion when she's trying to be sweet and polite. How could anyone but a brother want her...?" = = = = = "We're known for being mysterious. You'll get used to it eventually if Daegal plans on sticking around as long as I know he will," Meira replied. "After all, he's starting to figure himself out not." Nyx made a slight sound before trying to roll over, mumbling something aout her brother. = = = = = Daegal stiffled a hiss. She was doing it again! "How am I suppose to concentrate if she keeps moving?" he growled to himself, "It's not like I'm asking that much, but seriously...who in their right mind could admit loving such a girl?" = = = = = The moving continued, no matter how much it annoyed Daegal. In fact, they started getting a little more violet, and a bit more urgent. This continued for a while, and Daegal had to hold her down until she awoke violently, with a fearful shout. The cave started to rumble again. = = = = = "Stop it," he growled, "Whatever you're trying to do, you need to snap out of it right now!" = = = = = Nyx had her eyes squeezed shut tightly, shaking her head as if she hadn't heard him at all. A shudder ran thhrough her spine ans she scooted away from him. She stared at the sea. It had gone down a ways, but the entrance was still covered. There were tears in her eyes. = = = = = Daegal growled, "Look at me when I'm talking, Nyx. You need to explain yourself right now. There's no way you waking up like this is natural and I can't help you unless I know why!" = = = = = Nyx wiped her eyes, letting out a shuddering breath as she shook her head again. "You can't help me with nightmares. Only seeing my brother will help." She curled up, blinking back more of the tears. "...I dreamed about him getting torn apart by s hunter." Her voice was slightly broken. "How are you supposed to help me with that?" she said in a less kind manner. = = = = = Daegal sighed, pulling her against him and stroking her hair gently, "I've had such fears for my sister, Nyx. The water is almost down far enough that we can make it out. Don't worry. We'll find your brother...in once piece, no doubt." = = = = = Nyx didn't bother to pull away, but buried her face in his shoulder to try to gain her composure. "You don't realize how much this is killing me." = = = = = The fairy sighed, "There, there...just a few more hours, Nyx. We can hold on for that long." He leaned his head against hers and looked upwards into the jagged roof of the cave. What had he done to have such a troublesome life? Daegal was certain he was going insane. Never would he have touched another being in such a manner as he was doing...to comfort her no less! This youwarkee no doubt had some sort of mental disease or whatever that was effecting him. That had to be the solution, yes? But no...that couldn't be it. Daegal sighed to himself as he closed his eyes. Perhaps, as much as he would prefer it not to be, perhaps he really was falling for the chit.... = = = = = Her wings drooped upon her back a little as she stared out across the flat rock. She was practically in Daegal's lap now, but she hadn't really noticed. She had too much on her mind to really care. "Di's probably about ready to explode by now..." She said to herself, trying her best to keep thoughts of death barred. "He doesn't trust...anyone with me." = = = = = Daegal tried not to growl as she wiggled against him. What was she trying? "I would never've thought that I would fall for her." Nyx hadn't even heard him. She was far to preoccupied with her thoughts. Gods, she hoped Diali had made it alright. And what about Tai? Had they been able to stick together? And what about Daegal's sister? Was she with them? She wasn't even sure what to think about that. She just hoped everyone was alright. |
| "You can be a very gloomy chit." commented Daegal with a growl. He quickly raised a hand to lift Nyx's face. "Quit being so gloomy and think positive. A lot of things can happen." Without even thinking, he kissed her forehead gently and rested his own on hers; looking into her eyes quietly. Nyx stared at him blankly, just completely shocked by his sudden display of affection. It sent a shiver down her spine. "I'm not usually this gloomy, you know," she huffed as she averted her gaze away from his piercing eyes. "You're probably just rubbing off on me," she grumbled. = = = = = The fairy scoffed at that and wriggled his way out from under her. "I'm not gloomy." "Oh, yeah, and I suppose I'm not a female too, right?" Nyx retorted, rolling her eyes. "You were pretty damn gloomy earlier, that's for sure. Insulting me left and right, and laughing bitterly as if you were going to die here, and you wanted to take me with you or something." She chuckled. "Sure, you're not gloomy at all, Dae. I suppose I'm a male disguised as a female too, huh?" = = = = = The fairy growled a little before pushing himself up. "The tide should be low enough now." Daegal brushed himself off before turning to leave. For a moment, Daegal stood in the rising sunbeams-appearing like a God as he slowly spread hs golden wings. He glanced back for a moment. Extending a hand, he grinned, "Shall we?" Nyx was to her feet seconds after Daegal said those words, diving into the water without a word. She shot through like she was born to swim; a mermaid of the sea. The fairy couldn't take his eyes off of her as he followed behind. = = = = = Daegal sighed for a moment. Right as he was getting a bit more gentlmanly towards her, she just up and runs off. Of course, he couldn't very well leave her to such things. No doubt Diali, her brother, would have his neck if she got into trouble because of this. Moreso if the tide really wasn't low enough. He testing his wings timidly before taking to the skies after her....feeling a bit of the pain still, but at least they worked. = = = = = Her hair whipped back behind her as her arms dove out back and forth while her legs kicked ferociously. She didn't care if that lizard was still around or not. She was getting to the surface this time! She had to get back to Diali. That was all that mattered. = = = = = Daegal caught up with her as they made it to the shoreline. Nyx was panting heavily. "You could have waited and I could have flown us," grumbled the fairy as he landed next to her. The youwarkee was a little too winded to retort. = = = = = Once the youwarkee had caught her breath, she stood up straight, flicking her dark hair out of her face as she marched onward. "I can swim just as easily, and besides, your wings still need to do some healing. You shouldn't have flown at all, and my weight would have hurt them all the more." = = = = = Daegal shrugged, "I suppose that's true, but it would certainly of made it easier going up instead of around. Do you have any idea how far you've gone?" = = = = = "No, but I don't really care. I'll find them eventually," Nyx stated rather firmy. = = = = = The fairy sighed as he raised his hands, begging for patience. "I suppose you don't care what I found out while you were sleeping then." = = = = = "Is it any of my business? It's your personal business, right? I'm not about to butt into someone else's privacy. After all, you're not my brother. I can't see why I would need to know about what you found out," Nyx replied as she glanced back at him. "Your sister might have more business knowing than me." = = = = = Daegal shook his head, "Then I suppose me admitting that I have a thing for you is of no bother to you then?" He huffed to himself, tossing his hair out of his face as he turned his face away in annoyance. "Fine then. Have it your way." With that, he pushing himself into the skies, searching mentally for anything that might hint to his twin's whereabouts. = = = = = Nyx halted for a moment as she looked back only to see Daegal lift himself in the air. "Thing? You have...a thing?" She furrowed her brows as she watched him. "Didn't I say you shouldn't be flying!?" = = = = = The fairy was too far above to hear him as the sun finally came up. It's brightening rays raced towards him, shattering on his golden wings like spun sugar. It was only a moment before he caught the slight feel of spirits. No doubt that was his sister. She was always surrounded by spirits. Probably part of the reason that he'd sensed her the first time as well... Shrugging off his sudden inward thinking, he took off towards the amassed bubble of spirits, hoping it was his sister. = = = = = Nyx growled in irritation before she started in a sprint. "What a dolt," she grumbled to herself as she followed him as fast as she could. Gods, she hated it when things like this happened! = = = = = Daegal felt the wind whistling through his hair and a smile lit his face as it always did. This was one thing he loved more than anything else: flying. It didn't take too long, however, for him to feel the noticeable pangs of pain in his wings still. Grumbling to himself, he slowly soared towards the ground, alighting after a moment on a short hilltop and folding his wings behind him, "I hate having injured wings," he growled for a moment before scanning the prairie about him. He didn't even notice Nyx. = = = = = When Nyx caught up, she smacked him upside the back of his head. "Don't leave me behind when I'm talk to you!" she growled. "And don't fly when you're not supposed to! I can't see you letting ME fly yet, if I had my wings now!" = = = = = Daegal growled as a hand went to the back of his head, "Don't be starting a fight with me, Child!" The venom in his voice didn't even seem to deter the youwarkee as he rubbed the back of his head with a slight pout, "And I'll do what I please, thank you very much! You have no need to be fretting over me! ...Or following me!" = = = = = Nyx growled. "You don't intimidate me, Dae, so don't think you're going to get anywhere just by petty words, and your little "Stay still" trick won't work this time, so don't even try it!" = = = = = "I can do far worse than that silly little bit!" barked Daegal defensively, turning to face the youwarkee with his eyes blazing with instant anger. = = = = = "Oh, really? Like what? Having a bigger thing for me, or whatever it is?" Nyx shot back, chuckling. "What's that supposed to mean anyway?" = = = = = Daegal hushed immediately, his ire disappearing as a rather embarassing blush crossed his face. He looked away, closing his eyes slightly as he did so. Gods, how else could he put this strange desire? |
| "Well?" Nyx inquired, her brow arched. "Nothing to say?" = = = = = "Forget about it," he growled, "It's better I forget about it anyway. Gods only know what sort of trouble I'd be in if I explained any further. Besides...I believe that that..." he pointed towards the horizon he'd been staring at earlier, "is your brother over there with Tai and my sister." = = = = = Nyx waved him off. "Whatever. You almost sound like you're craving for a friend with privileges or some such thing." She laughed out loud. "Sorry. I'm not into that." She went off in a sprint down toward where Daegal pointed before he could get a word in. = = = = = "Friend with priviledges?" Daegal had never heard such a thing. Was it anything like a concubine? Shaking his head, he growled to himself. Since when had he been the sort to actually think inwardly? After a moment, he slowly plodded after Nyx. He'd have to go sooner or later...his sister was with them, after all. = = = = = "Diali!" the youwarkee yelled at the top of her lungs as a campsite came into view! "Di!" = = = = = The youwarkee looked up suddenly. His eyes caught sight of the youwarkee coming at him and he scrambled to his feet, racing towards her. "Sis!" = = = = = A grin lit the youwarkee's features as she nearly bulldozed Diali over as she threw herself into his arms. "Are you alright? What happened? Did any hunters come after you? Is everyone alright?" = = = = = Diali burrowed into Nyx's chest and sighed contentedly. "Hahhh..." he murmured, "Don't ever leave me again, Sis..." The fairy eyed them for a moment as he finally made it up to them. He glanced at his sister for just a moment before folding his arms before him in a somewhat defensive manner, "Stop looking at me like that, May." = = = = = Nyx sighed herself and smiled, burrowing her face into her brother's hair. "Never intentionally." Meira chuckled at her brother's antics. "I didn't say a thing!" = = = = = Diali glanced up at them at that. Looking from one to the other, he frowned as he turned to Meira first, "What are you two talking about?" = = = = = "Talking?" Meira asked innocently. "I don't believe I was talking to anyone before Nyx came running up, yelling at the top of her lungs." = = = = = The youwarkee eyed both of them warily, "You two are evading something. I'm not stupid, you know." = = = = = Meira shook her head and laughed. "If anyone is evading anything, it's my brother." = = = = = Daegal growled at Meira as his arms fell to his side, his fists clenching and unclenching periodically, "Don't bring me into this, May," his voice hissed slightly. The youwarkee looked at the fairy for a moment before looking down at Nyx, "Anything you'd like to add, Sis?" = = = = = "He said he had a 'thing' for me," Nyx said with a passive shrug. "Not sure what that's supposed to mean though." Meira nearly burst out laughing before she eyed Daegal with a certain look in her eyes. She remained silent. = = = = = Diali looked at the fairy again, pulling Nyx closer, "She's mine, Daegal. Keep your grubby mits off." = = = = = Nyx glanced at Daegal momentarily before shaking her head. "Whatever. Can we go now?" = = = = = Diali glared at the fairy, pulling Nyx closer still, "I mean it, Daegal. I'll do worse than what I did at the inn if you try anything." "Enough with the fire and brimestone!" cried Tai as she pawed the ground impatiently, "I'm not going to stand around like some sort of tourist, get your gear and let's get moving!" = = = = = Nyx shoved Diali toward his horse before she halted. "Oh Gods...Where's Noran?" She looked about. "She fell of the cliff with me!" = = = = = Diali looked at her curiously, "Cliff...what...?" The fairy cleared his throat and waited for his attention, "A Hunter came and attacked Nyx by the cliffside overlooking the ocean. Her horse was knocked into the water at the same time as herself." = = = = = Nyx pulled away from Diali and went sprinting off to the sliffside again moments later. "Noran!" = = = = = Daegal rolled his eyes as he turned to trot after her, "Here we go again," he huffed before starting off. The youwarkee was left watching his sister run off with a confused look on his face. The rest of the group was following after Daegal slowly...all save Diali who was a big confused. Cliffside? He didn't even see the ocean... = = = = = Nyx was panting by the time she got back to the cliff, kneeling o the very edge as she searched the sea. Gods, had her horse drowned? "Noran!?" = = = = = Daegal knelt down next to her, placing a hand on her back without thinking, "We'll find her." = = = = = Nyx glanced at him momentarily before standing up and walking downrad, trying to find a path to a beach of some sort. Perhaps she has swam to shore and was fine? Maybe she was grazing near where she washed up... "I've had her since I was a child. I can't lose her." |
| Daegal glanced back, his eyes catching Meira's, "You want to look for her, May?" = = = = = "She isn't in the spirit realm," Meira replied. "So she must stil lbe alive. I'm sure she'll turn up." Nyx shook her head as she continued to wander, seeming to not even be listening. Meira shook her head as she watched the woman go before smiling slyly. "She's not that terrible, is she, brother?" = = = = = Daegal sighed, looking about carefully to make sure Diali wasn't in hearing range, "She's quite an interesting girl. I'd blame you for all this inner thinking, save for the fact you weren't around." = = = = = Meira laughed softly. "Sounds like you two had a little bit of an in depth conversation after you were done trying to verbally fight one another." = = = = = The fairy flinched a little, crossing his arms before him and frowning, "I was lugged out a window for just being in the room with her, May. Do you seriously think I want to see just what this sort of thing will hand me? I don't really care to kill her brother, you know." "Why would you have to kill her brother?" Meira asked, her brows flying up under her bangs. "I'm interested in both of them. We're twins. Why not have twins for ourselves?" = = = = = The fairy laughed at that, making Nyx take a moment to glance sharply at him. Clearing his throat, he turned to eye Meira carefully, "Have you noticed how well we get along with him? I ended up in a fight the last time. No doubt I'd have to apply some sort of force to keep him off of me should we go any farther than now." = = = = = Meira chuckled. "There are ways around such things. We just have to wait for the right time and opening." She started to follow after Nyx soon after. "Is her wing healed yet, do you think?" = = = = = Daegal frowned, "I don't think so. I merely bruised my own. Hers was broken...multiple fractures." = = = = = "Then I can see you demanding to stay in the room while Diali passes out again," Meira replied. "I'm sure we'll have plenty of time, while they're separated. I think the best way to get to him is to get to his sister first." = = = = = It was Tai that finally spotted Noran. She cried out in surprise to see the mare resting on the shoreline where the edge of the cliffs met the soft golden sands. = = = = = Noran gnickered a little as Nyx came running up to her, throwing her arms around her neck. "Oh, Noran! Thank the Gods you're safe!" The youwarkee sighed in relief as she took Noran's reigns, leading her back toward the campsite soon after. "Now we can get going, unless she's exhausted." = = = = = Daegal eyed the horse in a little disbelief. A regular horse would have at least gotten a broken leg or knee or something, but there didn't seem to be anything wrong with the horse save the long, thing tear in her hide. "We should tend to the mare's wound before we do anything else," informed Daegal as he slowly approached the animal. "It could be infected." = = = = = Nyx took a good look before scrounging through her pouching. She took out a variety of powders, a patch, and some sort of liquid. She mixed it all upon the patch before pasting it against the large tear in Noran's hide. "She'll be fine until we get to a town." = = = = = Daegal eyed the patch for a moment. "We shouldn't ride her though. It might irritate the wound. That leaves three of us on foot and only one horse amongst the four of us..." The youwarkee frowned at the fairy as his eyes came to meet Diali"s. "I'm not letting you on my horse, Daegal. Aste is strong enough for two and I'll let your sister and my own up there, no one else." = = = = = Nyx shook her head. "Di, it's fine. I can walk. I want to stay close to Noran anyway. I want to walk with her." = = = = = Diali smiled at his sister for a moment before nodding, "Then I suppose we let... Meira, was it? ...have a ride?" = = = = = "That's very kind of you, Diali, but it isn't needed. I don't need any special attention just because I happen to be female," Meira piped up as she ran a hand down Noran's snout. "Perhaps both horses could use a rest." = = = = = Diali laughed at that. "You don't know Aste like my sister and I! He'd be down right hurt if we just let him follow us without someone riding! Remember when we were trying to sneak back into the herd a month ago, Sis?" he turned to his sister, a grin on his face at the memory. = = = = = Nyx chuckled. "He wouldn't let Di near him after we left him to follow us that one time." Meira laughed softly, shaking her head a little. "I've never seen animals with such distinct personalities before." = = = = = The youwarkee grinned before stroking his horse's mane lovingly, "They're one of a kind! I remember being told once that their from a particularly rare stock!" Turning to Nyx, he frowned, a slight pout on his lips, "Do you remember where Master Kalas had said they were from, Sis?" Daegal stood there for only a moment longer in silence before rolling his eyes and looking skyward, his hands raised up in submission. "All right, you three. Enough all ready. Let's get going before Tai leaves us behind. He smiled faintly as he saw the two youwarkees turn to see that their guide and friend, Tai, had all ready started off without them. = = = = = Meira mounted Aste, as Diali had suggested, if only to keep the horse happy. Then, the group set off. Most of the travel was quiet after they caught up to Tai. Nyx and Diali seemed to keep hinting at things to one another. Nyx would make a suggestive smile toward her brother, and he would grin in return. Meira could tell it was slightly irritating for her own brother as well. Perhaps the twins had missed each other a great deal more than herself or Daegal had first thought. = = = = = Tai rolled her eyes finally as she looked down at Diali and Nyx walking next to each other, "If you two don't stop doing that, I'm going to go on without you two! You're making me sick! Even the colts from the herd aren't as exasperating as you two!" = = = = = Nyx rolled her eyes in return. "At least we're not doing the deed in front of you, Tai. It's not like we're doing anything that horribly disgusting!" = = = = = The centaur eyed Nyx for a moment in silence, "And you think your parents are going to like seeing you do this in front of them? Seriously...don't you even know who Rayne, Child of a Thousand Years, is??" |
| "No, because I've never met her, but I'm not going to let anyone get in my way of being happy. I don't care who they are, or what they think of it. If Mother doesn't like it, then that's just too bad for her," Nyx replied haughtily. "Honestly, Tai, I thought you'd understand after we'd talked about it, but fine, be that way. See if I care." = = = = = The centaur sighed and shook her head, "Just because I'm okay with it doesn't mean your mother will be as understanding, Nyx. I've, at least, met her." With that, the centaur folded her arms before her, pouting slightly since Nyx thought her so close-minded. Daegal glanced at his sister for a moment, wondering what exactly was going on. The two youwarkees were taking a journey home from the sounds of it...but they'd never met their own mother? = = = = = "I didn't say she had to be, but that won't stop me from expressing my feelings," Nyx replied firmly. "I'm not going to hide a part of myself just bebcause people don't like it." Meira smiled slightly before glancing at her brother. "I'm sure we'll find out soon enough." = = = = = "Hold on a moment," Daegal raised a hand as he came up beside Diali and Nyx, "You two have never met your own mother???" = = = = = Nyx rolled her eyes. "Can we talk about this later? We have ground to cover, and now's not the time for idle chatter." She brushed her hair out of her face, keeping Noran close to hr as they continued down the path. = = = = = Diali eyed Nyx carefully. She was blowing the fairy off like he'd never seen her do. It almost amazed him to the point of worry, but a grin covered his face as he wrapped an arm about her, "Does this mean I don't have to worry about defending you against any more male suitors?" = = = = = Nyx couldn't help but laugh. "If you're worried about HIM, you needn't be. He's far too annoying for me to even take a glance over in such a way." = = = = = "I don't try to kill myself," Nyx retorted while Meira was still chuckling. "I only tried to get back to Di. You just happened to think I had a love for suicide." = = = = = "Certainly proved it when you tried to jump out over that giant lizard," growled Daegal easily. = = = = = "I just wanted to get back to my brother, nothing more," Nyx said haughtily, glaring at the fairy irritably. = = = = = "And to do that, you figured that making yourself lizard bait would get you back to him," scoffed Daegal. A sour grin was on his face as he tossed his shock white hair out of his eyes, "If I didn't know anything about you, I'd say you were foolish, but I know you well enough to say that you're far more than just foolish, Nyx." = = = = = "And what's that supposed to mean, huh?" Nyx snapped as she looked at him daringly. = = = = = "Exactly what I said," answered Daegal easily, he folded his arms before him, resting them on his muscular stomach, "At least I don't see killing myself as a way of getting back to my sister faster." = = = = = Nyx rolled her eyes. "I had no intentions of getting killed, you dolt. I'm a rather fast, experienced swimmer, if you didn't know. I figured I could outswim the damn thing." = = = = = "Yeah," huffed Daegal as he let his arms drop to his hips to resituate his belt, "No doubt you figure your invincible too!' "All right, Children," Tai's voice broke in, "That's enough all ready! No more talking about each other." = = = = = "Shut it," Nyx snapped at Tai. "If you don't like it, ignore us," she growled. She turned toward Daegal again with fire in her eyes. "You don't know anything about me, so I suggest you leave your petty assumptions back at the sorry cliff you trapped us in." = = = = = "All right," snapped Tai, swishing her tail irritably, "I've had it with you two! Go find your own way home!" Turning back, the centaur started stomping her way back towards where they'd come. Diali watched her go silently for a moment as Nyx and Daegal kept at it. He shook his head. "Wonderful..." = = = = = Nyx waved it off without a care. "She knows what I'm like, and if she can't handle it, then she might as well leave," the youwarkee replied. "We can ask directions in the next town. It can't be that hard to find." = = = = = "That does not give you the right to talk down to her, no matter how she is in the wrong," Meira replied as she stared back at him. "You are far from being reasonable. You are only following her example." = = = = = As if she'd give me a better one," retorted Daegal as he stood up and brushed himself off. = = = = = "That's no excuse, and you know it," Meira replied to him coolly. "The others are starting to catch up. No doubt Diali will be wondering why his sister is so broken." = = = = = The fairly glanced back and rolled his eyes, "It seems that they couldn't stay away like they'd planned after all. No wonder Nyx is so certain. They're practically too predictable! How can you respect a friend that comes back after you practically dismiss them as unimportant? And why can't she seem to understand this?" He raised a hand towards Nyx in exasperation before turning about. "I don't care anymore...let's go." = = = = = "Emotions blind, brother," Meira replied. "You'd do well to remember that. Nyx is an extremist, as you are. She knows they will not abandon her because they understand her. You do not, and so she gives you reason to be annoyed." = = = = = The fairy scratched the back of his head in thought for a moment with his right hand. He squinted as he turned his head to look at Meira, looking at her with one eye, "Do you really think so? = = = = = "Since when have I ever said anything that I didn't believe was true, Dae?" Meira asked simply. "She knew they would return, so she did not go after them. Not only that, but she felt it was more important to calm down before coming in contact with Tai again. You ruined her plan, certainly; she's crying." = = = = = Daegal frowned, stopping to stare at his sister, "...Are...are you sure?" = = = = = "Yes, I am sure," Meira replied as she watched Nyx carefully. "She's very stiff, did you notice? She refuses to look anywhere but ahead, and, now and then, her arm raises as if to scratch her face, but she's really wiping away the tears." She glanced at her brother with a scrutinizing gaze. "If you don't want to be famous for a Nyx Grandfalls, I suggest you find another way to release your frustrations." |
| Without even bothering to listen to her, Daegal strode right up to Nyx and set a careful hand on her shoulder. "Nyx..." he spoke hesitantly, "Are...are you crying...?" = = = = = Nyx raised a hand and shoved him away from her. "Stay...away...from me," she said slowly, to try to keep the shakiness out of her voice. = = = = = "You are..." he whispered in disbelief. The sheer shock of it made him look at her differently. Gods, what had he been thinking. = = = = = "Oh, is it that surprising, hot shot?" Nyx snapped at him. "Having you beat me to the ground with your insults, and then blaming me for everything that happens, when you don't even know me? Having you judge me and my actions before you even understand them? Is it really so surprising that maybe, just maybe, your words actually HURT!?" She glared at him with her tear stained face before whipping her head back to the front and continuing to walk. She pulled Noran closer to her, as if looking for some kind of comfort. = = = = = "Great Gods," he cursed himself. He came up beside Nyx opposite Noran and looked at her quietly for a long time, "Why didn't you tell me that you knew they'd be back?" = = = = = "Why in hell do you think I would just continue on if I didn't expect them to be back?" she hissed back at him. "We're talking about my brother and closest friend here! Did you really think I'd go after them when I'm still emotionally stressed, only to upset Tai even more? Are you mad? She's only a filly! I don't want to do that to her, but sometimes, I speak before I bother thinking!" The youwarkee looked at him with a stoney gaze. "Is that so hard to grasp, since you've caught me in the act so many times before?" = = = = = The fairy looked away, completely embarrassed, but too proud to show it. "...I apologize, Nyx. I was in the wrong. Perhaps I've known far too many that would." = = = = = "Hmph," was her only reply as she continued marching forward, glancing back to see if her brother and Tai caught up every now and then. = = = = = For a moment, the fairy let her go, but he hurried after her, brushing a lock of hair out of her face before she could flinch, "Look...I admit that I was an ass...is there anything somewhat civil that I can do to make it up to you?" = = = = = "How about getting as far away from me as you can manage?" Nyx saiid coldly. "I don't like the way you are. One moment, you're a jerk, and then you try to be nice, and then go back to being a jerk again. It's almost like there's two people inside you, and I don't want to be around someone who's going to purposefully destroy me for their own enjoyment." = = = = = The fairy sighed, "I'd figure you'd say that, actually." He glanced back at his sister for a moment before looking at the youwarkee for a long silent moment, "Next time I do that, feel free to slap me and tell me I'm being an ass or something." = = = = = "You think I haven't tried? You just lash out, so what's the use?" the youwarkee replied bitterly. "You tell me I give you reasons to talk down to me, when you don't know a damn thing about me. How quaint of you." = = = = = Daegal sighed, more annoyed with himself than anything else, "Look...Nyx...I can't exactly explain why I do these things. I just always have. Old habits die hard and I've never bothered to try. At least give me something...I really hate seeing you cry like this..." A hand raised up to wipe a tear away before he could stop himself. = = = = = "Give you something? Like what?" Nyx asked as she looked at him. "What do you want me to give you, Daegal?" = = = = = Shrugging as he let his hand fall away from her face with tears covering his fingers, he sighed, "I'm terrible with all that internal stuff. Surely you can figure out something less...internal? If it really does this to you..." he looked her over with a look of sadness flashing across his face for just a moment, "Then I want to change. ...I'm asking for your help." = = = = = "So, you're asking me to break you of your outwardly destructive habits?" Nyx asked in a less brutal voice. She could hardly believe he even cared about how he was effecting her. After all, she'd explained how it made her feel, and he hadn't seemed to care before...and now suddenly he does? The man made no sense! = = = = = Daegal nodded slightly. "I'm probably the first to admit that I'm a borish idiot when it hits me, but I've never really bothered with it. I wouldn't even know how to begin..." He glanced back to make sure Dialia and the rest were out of hearing range still, "I care about you, Nyx. Not exactly a planned sort of thing and when I realize just how terrible you feel because of me...? I..." he shook his head, looking down bashfully at his feet, "I feel far worse than I even thought was possible." = = = = = Nyx herself felt a bussing in her ears after Daegal had said such things. She looked at him blankly for a moment before shaking her head. She stared at the ground, trying to grasp the fairy's logic. "Gods, your mind is more of a paradox than Diali's." = = = = = The fairy frowned as he looked up at her, "What?" = = = = = "First, you want me to hate you, you are amused by my anger, you don't give a damn how you make me feel, then, the moment you realize I'm crying, you shut up and try to make it better. You come off as caring...though slightly uncomfortable, and then you go back to being bullheaded again. Then, you turn around and have a thing for me, make me feel miserable again, then suddenly decide you care about me, even though you didn't seem to care one bit ten minutes earlier," Nyx rambled in a sort of wave of words Daegal could barely even catch. = = = = = He smiled sadly for a moment when Nyx grew silent, "...No one ever told you that people were complicated, did they?" = = = = = "Not as complicated as you, I would hope," Nyx said with a heavy sigh. She wondered how much further that town could be... = = = = = The fairy shrugged, "Can I get some sort of sign of forgiveness for being so complicated?" = = = = = "Good luck with that," Nyx told him. "Youwarkee hardly forgive and forget easily." Meira chuckled. "You brought that one upon yourself." = = = = = The fairy shrugged, "So I like a challenge then. But will you at least agree that you'll think about forgiving me then?" = = = = = "I'll think about thinking about it," Nyx replied with a slight chuckle. = = = = = The fairy frowned. "Think about thinking about it....?" = = = = = "Yes, I'll think about thinking about forgiving you," Nyx replied. "Now, can we please get a move on, get to the town, so I can rent a room, and get as far away from you as possible?" = = = = = The chuckle from behind made Daegal turn about to see that Tai had come up behind them, "It seems that you made an idiot of yourself, Daegal..." Frowning, he eyed the centaur carefully, "And what do you have to say about it?" |
| "Probably that it'll probably take you a week of sucking up to me before you get any forgiveness," Nyx said as she glanced back." = = = = = Tai giggled a little as she came up beside Nyx, "Is it save to come back up here, Nyx?" = = = = = "If you think you can handle Daegal's moodswings," Nyx said with a half laugh. = = = = = The fairy made a somewhat annoyed pout on his face, eyeing Nyx carefully, "So it's you're turn, huh?" = = = = = "I'm not beating your self esteem to the ground; I'm stating facts," Nyx retorted with an amused smirk. = = = = = The fairy rolled his eyes, "Yeah..." he said with enough sarcastic growl that it sounded more husky than anything. Tai smiled as she leaned over and curled her arms about Nyx as best she could, "I'm glad you're feeling a bit better, Nyx." = = = = = Nyx wrapped one arm about he friend briefly. "No thank to Mr. Moodswings over there." = = = = = Daegal rolled his eyes, "You're just trying to make me do something, aren't you?" Tai giggled as she kissed Nyx's cheek, "Want to climb up and leave Mister No-Fun for a bit of a run?" = = = = = "No, Daegal...just trying to annoy you as much as you annoy me," Nyx said in an almost innocent manner before climbing upon Tai's back, with a joyful grin. = = = = = "And now you'll just let me walk back here with your brother who is most likely going to try and kill me," he mused somewhat displeased, but still finding it rather funny. = = = = = "Oooh, something amusing to watch. I can't wait!" Nyx replied with a laugh. "Di doesn't like people picking on me, you know, and you've made me cry more than once." = = = = = "Excuse me?" Diali's voice came from behind them. It wasn't even the slightest big of a happy tone. = = = = = Nyx waved her hand dismissively while Meira chuckled in the background. "Take it up with Daegal. Tai and I are going on ahead." = = = = = "Hold tight!" grinned the centaur as she tossed her bag over to Diali, "We'll meet up by the creek. Just keep heading straight!" With that, she raised herself on her back two legs for a moment, pawing the air with glee before galloping off, Nyx hanging on as the wind whipped her hair behind her. = = = = = The echo of Nyx's excited laughter filled Daegal's ears as Diali glared at him. Meira could only watch in utter amusement. "I suppose this had to happen eventually. Good luck with that, Dae." = = = = = He gave his sister a somewhat peeved look for just a moment, "Thanks, May..." he growled before turning back to Diali expectantly. Still, the youwarkee didn't say anything, he merely glared at the fairy. = = = = = "I'm surprised he's not inquiring just what exactly you said to her," Meira commented after a long moment of silence. = = = = = Diali glanced at her for a moment, "I'm expecting him to dish it out before I get too impatient." = = = = = "You sound so excited," Meira replied mockingly. = = = = = The youwarkee didn't answer. He looked at Daegal quietly for a moment longer before the fairy raised his hands skyward and sighed, "What do you want me to say? I was a bit rougher on your sister than I ought to have been and I apologized. Satisfied?" = = = = = "I doubt he'll be satisfied with just that. He might be satisfied to cut out your tongue though," Meira said with a slight chuckle. = = = = = "I think I'd like to know what you did to her to make her cry," answered Diali levely, "Because the next time I let you near my sister, it'll be over my dead body." = = = = = "My brother tends to jump to conclusions before really analyzing the situation, Diali. He misunderstood, and when he realized, he apologized." Meira smiled to herself. "He's probably not listening to me." = = = = = "I can hear you just fine," answered Diali as he glanced at the fairy for a moment, "And you certainly have a lot more to say than your...." deciding not to say too much more, he shrugged, "Brother...." = = = = = "He has nothing to say because nothing good was said to your sister earlier, besides wanting her to help him break his habit of needing to destroy her self esteem," Meira replied frankly. "Your sister doesn't take criticism well." = = = = = The youwarkee raised an eyebrow as he glanced back at Meira again, "Criticism..." He turned and looked at Daegal carefully, "If I hadn't promised Tai that I wouldn't try and kill anyone anytime soon, I'd see to it that you were taken apart, bone by bone!" = = = = = "I'm assuming you knew she didn't take criticism well?" Meira inquired as she looked up at him. = = = = = The youwarkee glanced at Meira for just a moment before looking at Daegal for a long quiet moment, "Promise or no promise, Daegal, if you try anything with my sister again, I'll do worse than just kill you! She's mine and I'm not about to share her with the likes of you!" = = = = = Meira laughed quietly to herself, shaking her head. "Possessive, aren't we?" = = = = = Diali glanced over at Meira levely, "I would suggest you keep those sorts of comments out of this." The fairy had been listening to Diali quietly the entire time, but when he turned on his sister, a scowl crossed his face, "You'd better watch your tongue when you speak to my sister, Diali, if you want me to do the same." |
| "I state the facts; no more, no less. I will not hold my tongue either way," Meira stated firmly. "You'd both best get used to it." = = = = = "That tongue won't be so useful for long," growled Diali under his breath before turning back to Daegal. He spoke clearly enough for both fairies to hear him, "I don't rightly well care what either of you do, but the moment either of you even think of getting close to Nyx, you'll have to answer to me!" = = = = = "You couldn't even manage to get out of my grasp when you tried to jump off the cliff after your sister. What makes you think you could successfully cut off my tongue?" Meira asked in a matter of fact sort of voice. = = = = = The youwarkee leapt at Meira in his ire, being pinned down by Daegal when he tried. Curses thickened the air with the dust as the two boys wrestled about the ground so violently the prairie grasses were torn up behind them. = = = = = Meira watched them in an uninetested manner before she continued down the path. "Fowllow when you're done playing, children." = = = = = Neither of them heard as they tussled about, their anger slowly subsiding as each of them landed a square punch or jab. It all ended with the both of them flopped on a hillside, gasping for air next to each other. "...Oi..." huffed Diali breathily, "You're a good fighter..." Daegal managed a winded laugh, "You aren't so bad yourself..." = = = = = The girls were quite a bit farther ahead than the two by then, but neither seemed to really notice at that moment. They just laid their, catching their breath until they found the energy to move, though it wasn't to try another punch, surprisingly. = = = = = Daegal shook Diali's hand with a grin, "I suppose we're square then." The youwarkee grinned from ear to ear, "For no anyways. I beg to wonder what happens next time." Laughing for a moment before standing up, the fairy look down at Diali, "Next time, I'll win." "Not if I can help it," retorted the youwarkee as she picked himself up and dusted himself off, "I'll cream you! I was taking it easy on you, after all." They joked about for a good amount of time, pushing each other and laughing like good friends until they finally took a moment to look about. "Which way did Tai say they were going?" inquired Diali curiously looking about for any signs of their sisters and Tai. None. = = = = = Tai and Nyx had reached the town long before Meira. However, the only question was...where were Daegal and Diali? "Where's my brother?" Nyx demanded as Meira walked up to them. "Probably still rolling around in the grass with my brother," the fairy replied. "I'm sure they'll start to follow again eventually. If they get lost, Daegal could always feel me out." = = = = = Tai frowned for a moment, "Why are they rolling around in the grass?" = = = = = "Diali attempted to attack me after threatening to rip my tongue out, and Daegal tackled him to the ground," Meira stated bluntly before chuckling. "Don't worry, they're still alive and kicking." = = = = = Tai raised an eyebrow at that before swiveling around to look at Nyx as best she could, "I take it we're going to let them duke it out before we worry then?" = = = = = Nyx merely shrugged. "Anyone up for some lunch in town?" = = = = = Grinning again, she looked about carefully, "At least this place is more centaur friendly! My father used to come here a lot when I was younger...remember?" = = = = = Nyx grinned back before she headed on inside. "If it wasn't, I would have intimidated them into being friendsy." = = = = = Diali looked about for a moment and sighed, "I don't suppose you can figure out where they are...? You did say you could sense your sister, if I remember right." The fairy raised an eyebrow at the youwerkee, "I"m a little surprised that you even remember that. Last I heard, you were trying to kill me or at least maim me." The youwarkee shrugged, "I suppose I wasn't quite prepared for such a worthy opponent." = = = = = The girls chatted while they ate at the inn where they were waiting for Diali and Daegal to get their acts together and catch up. The more Nyx spoke, the more interested Meira became. Everything about the girl was a tangle of sorts. It meant many things. = = = = = It wasn't long before Tai grew tired and yawned. She looked at the two for a moment longer before finally getting up and stretching. I'm going to go turn in. You two enjoy yourselves..well, until those two bozos show up, anyway. Goodnight!" She waved to them as she slowly made her way down the hall to their rooms. = = = = = Nyx waved back as her wings shimmered into place. She winced a little as she shifted one, since the broken one was still healing. She sighed in annoyance, pouting a bit before sipping her apple cider. "I wonder what's taking them so long." "They'll get here eventually. I have a feeling it won't be 'til late though, so I'll keep watch over you as you sleep. Someone needs to make sure you don't roll over and damage that wing again," Meira said softly to the youwarkee. Nyx frowned a little, averting her gaze. She didn't like it, but she did have a point... = = = = = "Don't worry about your sister," pressed Daegal as he watched the youwarkee with a somewhat baffled expression, "It's not like we can go any faster now that you've lost your wings and mine are as stiff as two boards nailed to my back." Diali frowned more and more, pushing himself onwards with such forced determination, the fairy was certain he'd collapse at any moment for the exertion. "If you don't stop," growled Daegal finally, "I'm going to tie you down and carry you there so slow that snails will get there before we do!" = = = = = Nyx had retired to bed with Meira sitting in a chair beside her. However, she couldn't seem to sleep. "Do you know why Daegal likes to pick on me?" Meira smiled slightly within the darkness. "My brother is an extremist. He tends to go too far with everything he does. He is especially attracted to negativity, and that could be because he surrounds himself with it. However, of you want all of your questions answered, you will have to find the answers yourself." The youwarkee rolled her eyes and sighed, rolling over as she grumbled to herself. Gods, talking to either of them just annoyed her further. |
| They finally made it into town, a bit tired and the youwarkee just about ready to snap. What was worse, Daegal was certain he'd done so enough for the both of them as it were. "Let's just find them and get this done with," growled the fairy as he kept a strong hold on the youwarkee. = = = = = Nyx was dozing fitfully by the time Daegal barged into her room. Meira glanced up at him serenely. "How'd it go?" = = = = = The fairy let go of Diali's arm with a grimance, "Remind me never to get these two separated. They're a pain in places I didn't even know existed." = = = = = Meira laughed softly. "Do you need help, or can you take care of those places yourself?" = = = = = Giving her a rather sour look, he leaned against the open door and watched as Diali quickly went to his sister's side, curling up on the bedsheets next to her. "Do you think we ought to leave them alone now?" = = = = = Meira stood from the chair slowly and walked to the door, glancing at them momentarily before scooting her brother outside. "They deserve some privacy for once." = = = = = Closing the door, Daegal leaned against it with a groan, "Remind me never to let my wings take the brunt of anything again." = = = = = "Should I remind you to never fall into the desires of negativity again as well?" Meiras asked as she strode to her own room. = = = = = The fairy rolled his eyes and shook his head before pushing off of the door, "You know very well just how helpful that would be. I never listen to you when you talk about that stuff. Besides, it's a great source of power for me. It's a shame I can't seem to stop searching for such power now that I have it." = = = = = "Then hopefully Nyx will break you of it, now that you've asked for her help," his sister replied. "Now, come. You need your rest." She opened the door wide and waited for him. = = = = = The fairy smiled, raising an eyebrow at his sister at the same time as half grinning at her, "You certain seem demanding," he teased before walking through the door. = = = = = "A brother who takes care of others most certainly needs someone to take care of him as well," Meira replied as she shut the door behind them. "I will see to it that you don't harm your wings any while you sleep." = = = = = He gave her a look that would suggest to his sister exactly what he thought of that, even before he answered her, "I don't need anyone to take care of me, May, and you know that." = = = = = "And you know that you do, even if you refuse to admit it," Meira replied. "You're much more like those twin youwarkee then you would believe." = = = = = Giving Meira the exact expression that he'd seen on Diali's face under much the same circumstances, the fairy folded his arms in front of him and looked at his sister levely, "You all ready know my response to that. = = = = = "And you know what I would say back, no doubt," Meira told him before shoving him down on the bed. "Sleep." = = = = = Sitting up, Daegal eyed Meira stubbornly, "Not very likly, May." = = = = = "I'll straddle you until you fall asleep," Meira told him in a matter of fact sort of tone. = = = = = Daegal's eyes grew large with a frowning disbelief, "Excuse me...?!" = = = = = "You hear what I said, Daegal, and I will not repeat it," Meira told him as she stared at him intently. "Get some rest. You need it." = = = = = Daegal gave Meira a skeptical look, "I doubt you doing that is going to put me to sleep." = = = = = "It'll at least keep you lying down to rest your body, if not your mind," Meira said with a slight chuckle. "Why, afraid my feminine body would excite you?" = = = = = Daegal said nothing as he eyed Meira. = = = = = Meira paid no mind to her brother's glares as she sat next to his upon the bed. "Brother, I feel your weariness, and if I didn't care, I wouldn't insist that you rest. Why is it that you know when others need rest, but not when you need it, hm?" = = = = = "I don't need things as much as others," he answered tartly, "and you can't say I know when others need something. I wouldn't make an ass out of myself as much if I did!" = = = = = "Even so, you've care for Nyx and Diali, ignoring your own needs. If you won't pay heed to them, then I will." She pushed him down again and straddled him, peering down at him silently. She sat upon his chest, her weight holding him down. = = = = = A growl came from the fairy as he looked up at his sister. If there was one person he'd never willingly hurt, it was Meira. "You're lucky your my sister," he seethed. = = = = = "You're lucky you still have a sister," Meira said with a slight smile. "Who else would care for you when you don't care for yourself?" = = = = = Managing to wriggle an arm free, Daegal rolled Meira under him, and he looked down at her with a frown, "I'd have one less person to serve, love and protect and one less person trying to force me to do things." = = = = = Meira smiled up at him before running a finger down his cheek. "You would also have one less person who understands and cares for you more than life itself." = = = = = Brushing her finger aside, he closed his eyes and growled, "Which is the reason I have to protect you so much," he grumbled. = = = = = Meira laughed before she closed her eyes. "I'm tired myself, you know...but I will not sleep knowing my brother refuses to rest." = = = = = "This is getting us nowhere," he growled, slowly pushing himself up on his knees. = = = = = "Perhaps not, but I'm quite content, other than the fact that you're being a stubborn blockhead," Meira said softly with a wide smile spreading across her face. = = = = = "Now what are you talking about?!" groaned Daegal as he let his right arm run slowly across his face. Gods, Meira had always been so hard to follow sometimes--especially late at night. = = = = = "You refusing to rest your mind, body and soul," Meira answered simply. = = = = = Daegal growled as he pushed off the bed and wandered about the room, "And I suppose you think it's easy just shutting everything off and going to bed." = = = = = "Isn't that what I'm here for, brother?" Meira asked softly. "Have you forgotten how I helped you ease your mind to sleep in the past?" = = = = = The fairy rolled his eyes, "I've spent enough time away from you without a problem." = = = = = Meira sat up slowly, crossing her leg over the other as she watched her brother silently. "Then I wil lwatch you brood until you sleep." = = = = = He gave her a sour smile that looked more like a snarl, "Thanks," he spoke before sitting down in the chair by the fireplace. |
| Meira smirked slightly. "You're welcome." = = = = = The fairy almost nodded off in the chair, but he kept shifted. The wooden frame wasn't the softest thing, to be sure. = = = = = Meira crossed her other leg over and leaned back against the bed, continuing to watch over him. They were like that with one another. They always protected and cared for the other, even if her brother didn't always appreciate it. = = = = = "Go to bed, May," instructed Daegal gruffly, "I can take care of myself while you rest." = = = = = "You know I won't. I already told you as much," Meira retorted. "Whether you can or can't isn't the point. The point is that I will watch over you anyway, whether you like it or not." = = = = = "To bed," he growled, "I'll hear no more of it. And I can guarantee you that I can pin you far better than you can pin me!" = = = = = "I let you roll me over," Meira informed him with her eyes closed. "And even if you do pin me, I can still stay awake." = = = = = Daegal rolled his eyes, "You're as annoying as they are. Now go to sleep. I promise I'll go to bed soon. Is that good enough?" = = = = = "I will sleep when I see you lay down to sleep yourself," Meira replied shortly, but sternly. = = = = = Grumbling a little, Dae went to the other side of the bed, dropped down and crossed his arms over his chest, glaring up at the ceiling, "There! Now go to sleep!" = = = = = Meira laughed as she leaned over him, close enough to kiss. "Relax, and rest, brother. You must first relax before you can sleep." = = = = = "You first," he growled. = = = = = Meira laughed at him quietly. "If I fall asleep, you'll just get up again and brood some more. I know you well enough to know that." = = = = = He growled, "You're making this difficult." = = = = = "You're known to cause the other person to make things difficult, Dae," she replied simply, the ends of her hair feathering across his flesh. = = = = = Daegal pushed her off of him and growled, "Leave me alone, May." = = = = = Meira's eyelids drooped a little before she pulled back, laying beside him and staring up at the celining. "You must come to terms with it eventually, brother. Stop trying to fight your emotions away and accept them." = = = = = "I am at terms with it," he grumbled, shutting his eyes and rolling onto his side, away from her, "Whatever they want is the opposite." = = = = = "I mean when it comes to us, not them," Meira spoke softly as she turned onto her own side, her back to his. = = = = = "I haven't a clue what you're talking about, May," growled Daegal as he shifted a little to ease the pain in his wings. = = = = = Because you refuse to feel or even think about it," she retorted, shifting a bit herself. "Go to sleep, Daegal." = = = = = "I would if you'd stop moving," he growled. = = = = = "Full of complaints," Meira commented in a sort of sleepy voice. = = = = = "As if you aren't," grumbled Daegal as he finally managed to get comfortable with his wings. = = = = = You know for a fact that I am not," Meira chuckled before drifting off to sleep. = = = = = Daegal listened to his sister's soft breathing for a while before finally dozing off. It was daybreak by the time anyone stirred. And it was Tai who was first awake. = = = = = The morning was uneventful for the most part, and the filly ate her breakfast by her lonesome while she awaited someone to come downstairs. Nyx was next to wake, and nearly through Diali off the bed, instantly thinking it was Meira or Daegal. However, she only elbowed him in the stomahc before she realized who it was. "Oh, Di! I'm sorry!" = = = = = Groaning a little, Diali rubbed his soar tummy, "Ow...good morning to you to, Sis." = = = = = I thought you were Meira or Daegal," Nyx said with a pout. "When did you get back?" = = = = = "Middle of the night," he murmured gently, "Did you sleep well?" = = = = = "I slept fine," Nyx purred as she scooted a little closer, embracing her brother for the first time in two days. = = = = = Dialia purred a little with a grin growing swiftly on his face. "I don't plan on doing that again any time soon..." = = = = = "You'd better not," Nyx mumbled into his chest. "I'll be the one to roll around in the grass with you then, and it won't be enjoyable." = = = = = "Aw..." purred Diali, "Why not?" = = = = = Because I wouldn't reward you for disappearing for half the night, fighting with a bigger oaf than you, that's why," Nyx said with a slight pout, burying herself into Diali's embrace further. = = = = = Nyx was dozing fitfully by the time Daegal barged into her room. Meira glanced up at him serenely. "How'd it go?" = = = = = The fairy let go of Diali's arm with a grimance, "Remind me never to get these two separated. They're a pain in places I didn't even know existed." = = = = = Meira laughed softly. "Do you need help, or can you take care of those places yourself?" = = = = = Giving her a rather sour look, he leaned against the open door and watched as Diali quickly went to his sister's side, curling up on the bedsheets next to her. "Do you think we ought to leave them alone now?" = = = = = Meira stood from the chair slowly and walked to the door, glancing at them momentarily before scooting her brother outside. "They deserve some privacy for once." = = = = = Closing the door, Daegal leaned against it with a groan, "Remind me never to let my wings take the brunt of anything again." |
| "Should I remind you to never fall into the desires of negativity again as well?" Meiras asked as she strode to her own room. = = = = = The fairy rolled his eyes and shook his head before pushing off of the door, "You know very well just how helpful that would be. I never listen to you when you talk about that stuff. Besides, it's a great source of power for me. It's a shame I can't seem to stop searching for such power now that I have it." = = = = = "Then hopefully Nyx will break you of it, now that you've asked for her help," his sister replied. "Now, come. You need your rest." She opened the door wide and waited for him. = = = = = The fairy smiled, raising an eyebrow at his sister at the same time as half grinning at her, "You certain seem demanding," he teased before walking through the door. = = = = = "A brother who takes care of others most certainly needs someone to take care of him as well," Meira replied as she shut the door behind them. "I will see to it that you don't harm your wings any while you sleep." = = = = = He gave her a look that would suggest to his sister exactly what he thought of that, even before he answered her, "I don't need anyone to take care of me, May, and you know that." = = = = = "And you know that you do, even if you refuse to admit it," Meira replied. "You're much more like those twin youwarkee then you would believe." = = = = = Giving Meira the exact expression that he'd seen on Diali's face under much the same circumstances, the fairy folded his arms in front of him and looked at his sister levely, "You all ready know my response to that. = = = = = "And you know what I would say back, no doubt," Meira told him before shoving him down on the bed. "Sleep." = = = = = Sitting up, Daegal eyed Meira stubbornly, "Not very likly, May." = = = = = "I'll straddle you until you fall asleep," Meira told him in a matter of fact sort of tone. = = = = = Daegal's eyes grew large with a frowning disbelief, "Excuse me...?!" = = = = = "You hear what I said, Daegal, and I will not repeat it," Meira told him as she stared at him intently. "Get some rest. You need it." = = = = = Daegal gave Meira a skeptical look, "I doubt you doing that is going to put me to sleep." = = = = = "It'll at least keep you lying down to rest your body, if not your mind," Meira said with a slight chuckle. "Why, afraid my feminine body would excite you?" = = = = = Daegal said nothing as he eyed Meira. = = = = = Meira paid no mind to her brother's glares as she sat next to his upon the bed. "Brother, I feel your weariness, and if I didn't care, I wouldn't insist that you rest. Why is it that you know when others need rest, but not when you need it, hm?" = = = = = "I don't need things as much as others," he answered tartly, "and you can't say I know when others need something. I wouldn't make an ass out of myself as much if I did!" = = = = = "Even so, you've care for Nyx and Diali, ignoring your own needs. If you won't pay heed to them, then I will." She pushed him down again and straddled him, peering down at him silently. She sat upon his chest, her weight holding him down. = = = = = A growl came from the fairy as he looked up at his sister. If there was one person he'd never willingly hurt, it was Meira. "You're lucky your my sister," he seethed. = = = = = "You're lucky you still have a sister," Meira said with a slight smile. "Who else would care for you when you don't care for yourself?" = = = = = Managing to wriggle an arm free, Daegal rolled Meira under him, and he looked down at her with a frown, "I'd have one less person to serve, love and protect and one less person trying to force me to do things." = = = = = Meira smiled up at him before running a finger down his cheek. "You would also have one less person who understands and cares for you more than life itself." = = = = = Brushing her finger aside, he closed his eyes and growled, "Which is the reason I have to protect you so much," he grumbled. = = = = = Meira laughed before she closed her eyes. "I'm tired myself, you know...but I will not sleep knowing my brother refuses to rest." = = = = = "This is getting us nowhere," he growled, slowly pushing himself up on his knees. = = = = = "Perhaps not, but I'm quite content, other than the fact that you're being a stubborn blockhead," Meira said softly with a wide smile spreading across her face. = = = = = "Now what are you talking about?!" groaned Daegal as he let his right arm run slowly across his face. Gods, Meira had always been so hard to follow sometimes--especially late at night. = = = = = "You refusing to rest your mind, body and soul," Meira answered simply. = = = = = Daegal growled as he pushed off the bed and wandered about the room, "And I suppose you think it's easy just shutting everything off and going to bed." = = = = = "Isn't that what I'm here for, brother?" Meira asked softly. "Have you forgotten how I helped you ease your mind to sleep in the past?" = = = = = The fairy rolled his eyes, "I've spent enough time away from you without a problem." = = = = = Meira sat up slowly, crossing her leg over the other as she watched her brother silently. "Then I wil lwatch you brood until you sleep." = = = = = He gave her a sour smile that looked more like a snarl, "Thanks," he spoke before sitting down in the chair by the fireplace. = = = = = Meira smirked slightly. "You're welcome." = = = = = The fairy almost nodded off in the chair, but he kept shifted. The wooden frame wasn't the softest thing, to be sure. = = = = = Meira crossed her other leg over and leaned back against the bed, continuing to watch over him. They were like that with one another. They always protected and cared for the other, even if her brother didn't always appreciate it. = = = = = "Go to bed, May," instructed Daegal gruffly, "I can take care of myself while you rest." = = = = = "You know I won't. I already told you as much," Meira retorted. "Whether you can or can't isn't the point. The point is that I will watch over you anyway, whether you like it or not." = = = = = "To bed," he growled, "I'll hear no more of it. And I can guarantee you that I can pin you far better than you can pin me!" = = = = = "I let you roll me over," Meira informed him with her eyes closed. "And even if you do pin me, I can still stay awake." = = = = = Daegal rolled his eyes, "You're as annoying as they are. Now go to sleep. I promise I'll go to bed soon. Is that good enough?" |
| "I will sleep when I see you lay down to sleep yourself," Meira replied shortly, but sternly. = = = = = Grumbling a little, Dae went to the other side of the bed, dropped down and crossed his arms over his chest, glaring up at the ceiling, "There! Now go to sleep!" = = = = = Meira laughed as she leaned over him, close enough to kiss. "Relax, and rest, brother. You must first relax before you can sleep." = = = = = "You first," he growled. = = = = = Meira laughed at him quietly. "If I fall asleep, you'll just get up again and brood some more. I know you well enough to know that." = = = = = He growled, "You're making this difficult." = = = = = "You're known to cause the other person to make things difficult, Dae," she replied simply, the ends of her hair feathering across his flesh. = = = = = Daegal pushed her off of him and growled, "Leave me alone, May." = = = = = Meira's eyelids drooped a little before she pulled back, laying beside him and staring up at the celining. "You must come to terms with it eventually, brother. Stop trying to fight your emotions away and accept them." = = = = = "I am at terms with it," he grumbled, shutting his eyes and rolling onto his side, away from her, "Whatever they want is the opposite." = = = = = "I mean when it comes to us, not them," Meira spoke softly as she turned onto her own side, her back to his. = = = = = "I haven't a clue what you're talking about, May," growled Daegal as he shifted a little to ease the pain in his wings. = = = = = Because you refuse to feel or even think about it," she retorted, shifting a bit herself. "Go to sleep, Daegal." = = = = = "I would if you'd stop moving," he growled. = = = = = "Full of complaints," Meira commented in a sort of sleepy voice. = = = = = "As if you aren't," grumbled Daegal as he finally managed to get comfortable with his wings. = = = = = You know for a fact that I am not," Meira chuckled before drifting off to sleep. = = = = = Daegal listened to his sister's soft breathing for a while before finally dozing off. It was daybreak by the time anyone stirred. And it was Tai who was first awake. = = = = = The morning was uneventful for the most part, and the filly ate her breakfast by her lonesome while she awaited someone to come downstairs. Nyx was next to wake, and nearly through Diali off the bed, instantly thinking it was Meira or Daegal. However, she only elbowed him in the stomahc before she realized who it was. "Oh, Di! I'm sorry!" = = = = = Groaning a little, Diali rubbed his soar tummy, "Ow...good morning to you to, Sis." = = = = = I thought you were Meira or Daegal," Nyx said with a pout. "When did you get back?" = = = = = "Middle of the night," he murmured gently, "Did you sleep well?" = = = = = "I slept fine," Nyx purred as she scooted a little closer, embracing her brother for the first time in two days. = = = = = Dialia purred a little with a grin growing swiftly on his face. "I don't plan on doing that again any time soon..." = = = = = "You'd better not," Nyx mumbled into his chest. "I'll be the one to roll around in the grass with you then, and it won't be enjoyable." = = = = = "Aw..." purred Diali, "Why not?" = = = = = Because I wouldn't reward you for disappearing for half the night, fighting with a bigger oaf than you, that's why," Nyx said with a slight pout, burying herself into Diali's embrace further. = = = = = "I'd love to roll around in the grass with you, Sis..." he purred gently, trailing a timid tongue across the edge of her ear. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Nyx grinned a little, a soft laugh spilling from her lips as she rolled over onto her back. Her brother followed her. "Di!" -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "What?" He was all innocence and naivity before a grin spilled over his features. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Nyx smirked up at her brother with a sort of love in her eyes he hadn't seen before. "Nothing. Do more, go on." She grinned deviously. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The grin turned mischievous in an instant as he leaned so close their lips almost met, "Talking or doing?" -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Both," his sister purred back to him as their lips met once more. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Diali could have sworn his heart stopped in that moment again. It left him breathless and wanting so much more as Nyx drew back slightly to see his obviously dazed look on his face. A knock on the door made both of them look in surprise, "Nyx! Diali?" Tai's voice came through the door, "Are...are you two up yet? I ordered breakfast all ready." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Nyx sighed in minor frustration and definite disappointment. "We're up," she called. "Kind of, anyway..." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Diali chuckled and kissed her cheek, "We'll find time, Sis. But we shouldn't keep Tai waiting. It's rude. Besides...once we get home, we'll have all the time we want." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Unless Mother has us out on five legends at a time," Nyx grumbled as she pulled out from under him. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "When we just got home?" inquired Diali with a laugh, "She'll have to give us some down time! I mean, we have siblings!" -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "They're probably all out on legends by now too, no doubt," Nyx replied as she dressed. "She might give us a couple of days, I don't know. I don't know her, after all." |
| Diali stretched languidly for a moment before getting up and looking out the window, "Well, whatever the case, we'll make sure we have a few days at least then." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Nyx mumbled something incoherently before opening the door to stare at Tai for a moment. "Alright, we're coming." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The centaur smiled faintly, "I was hoping you'd say that. I've been up for hours without anyone coming down. I was worried someone got sick." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Just tired," Nyx replied. "Di didn't get in 'til nearly dawn, apparantly. We just woke up minutes before." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tai giggled a little, "Meira and Daegal haven't woken up either. They aren't answering their door, so I think they're even heavier sleepers than you two." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Good. I've had enough of those two for the time being," Nyx muttered as she shut the door behind herself and her brother. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Do you think we should leave without them then?" inquired Tai curiously. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Of course! Let's leave the whole town without them, even!" Nyx exclaimed with a mischievious grin. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tai sighed, "We can try, at least, but those two practically stick to us like maple syrup." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Who's gloomy?" Nyx inquired. "If you want gloomy, wake up Daegal." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Diali chuckled a bit, "I don't know...he's not as bad as I thought he was...well, at first anyway..." He sat down at a table with them, munching happily as Nyx stared at him. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Di, seriously...you haven't been around him enough to know the full potential of his glumness. He nearly destroyed me in two nights," Nyx replied bitterly before stucking some food in her mouth and chewing slowly. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Diali shrugged, "I can see that, but he's not all dark clouds and anger." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "There's not a lot more to him than that though," Nyx mumbled back. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The youwarkee sighed and shook his head, "He's not as bad as you figure, Nyx. He's just hard to get any other way." "You seem to be vieing for him," commented Tai with a wink, "Interested?" -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Nyx arched a brow at Tai scrutinizingly before eyeing her brother in the same manner. That was a rather dangerous look. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Diali brushed and looked down at his plate, "I've all ready got the love of my life, what would I have need of another for?" -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "That blush doesn't make me feel any better," Nyx grumbled. "What did he do? Do you up the butt before you came back, or what?" She excused herself from the table. "Whatever." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Diali's face was so completely aghast that Tai couldn't help but burst out laughing. He scrambled after Nyx before she even managed to get two tables away. "Nyx! How could you think that!? I'd never even dream of doing something like that! I have you!" -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Then why are your ogling over him?" Nyx asked, glaring at him accisingly with a pout. "You're even standing up for him, after everything he's put me through!" -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Daegal and I just reached an understanding, Sis," explained Diali carefully, "I don't understand it myself, but I'm told it's just one of those guy things. Please, try to understand...we duked it out, that's for sure, but we came to understand where we each sit...." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Nyx waved him off with a pout. "Sure, watever you say, Di. I'll remember that the next time he's telling me I'm a useless, worthless chit who can't do anything but run to her death. Yeah, sure. I suppose you'll decide to defend him then too. Fine, go ahead." She started storming out of the inn. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The youwarkee pouted as he watched her go, "And I thought trying to hide my feelings for her was hard..." he mumbled before glancing up as Tai came to stand next to him, "Do you think I ought to go after her?" Tai shrugged as she watched the youwarkee make her way towards the edge of town, "She's a runner, remember? Perhaps we ought to let her walk it off for a bit and track her down later." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Meira slid off of the bed in silence as she surveyed her brother's sleeping form. He was certainly exhausted to still be asleep at this hour. She smiled slightly as she ran a hand through her main of hair, wondering what she should do while he slept. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sighing with resignation, Diali went back to the table and sat there, pouting to himself, "I didn't mean for it to sound like that, Tai...Daegal and I had a scuff and we're fine now. I wish it were the same between Nyx and him though..." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Meira bent down over Daegal slowly, running a finger over his lips after kissing her finger. If only he knew just how much she cared for him... A sigh passed her lips as she headed toward the door, taking a glance at her brother once more before turning the knob. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "I hate this..." grumbled Diali, "I can't do anything right..." Tai sighed and rolled her eyes, "You pouting isn't going to solve anything, Di." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Meira shut the door behind her, walking down the stairs and joining Diali and Tai soon after. "Why the long faces?" -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Diali growled to himself but didn't answer her, muling over his meal instead. The centaur sighed and rolled her eyes again, wondering when they'd ever grow up to act older than herself, "Di and Nyx had a fight." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "What about?" the fairy asked as she seated herself between the two. "Surely such a thing couldn't be light, just after being reunited." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tai glanced at Diali for a moment before answering, "Daegal." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Meira couldn't help but laugh. "My brother always seems to be able to cause trouble...even when he isn't around." |
| Diali growled and shook his head, "All I said was that we'd come to an agreement and that he wasn't all dark clouds and depression." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "It rules the better part of him though," Meira replied as she ordered a glass of cider. "Nyx gets the full blow, and that would be why she might've been upset...because you aren't taking her side." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Diali pouted all the more, "I like my side...why does it have to be hers!" -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "She feels as if you abandoned her by deciding my brother isn't as bad as she thinks," Meira replied with a simple shrug. She feels as if, maybe, you won't protect her, or maybe afraid something will happen?" -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Diali frowned. That'd never happen in a million years...how could his own sister that had grown up with him since birth ever question that? -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "I think Daegal has broken your sister's confidence in nearly everything by now...so you getting along with him probably doesn't help," Meira added after a moment. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A dark look covered the youwarkee's face, "...I can't say I like the way he's been treating my sister, but he isn't all that bad. I just won't have him around my sister." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Let's put it this way...She felt safe when you two didn't get along," Meira said softly with a slight smile. "But perhaps they will eventually start to get along as well." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "I don't know..." Tai spoke as she looked out the door, "That seems pretty hard to believe right now..." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "I didn't say they would any time soon," Meira said with a soft laugh. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Diali stood up with a rather sour look on his face, "I'm going after Nyx. You'll catch up with us, right, Tai?" Before the centaur could answer, he was gone out the door, tucking his daggers away and dodging a cart before vanishing from view. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Nyx was standing atop a far off hill, overlooking the town. She wasn't far away, but she had felt quite solitary, so she'd gone to the outskirts to overlook everyone's daily life. Sometimes things like that helped her feel more at peace. She pouted to herself as she sighed heavily, falling down against the grass upon her back. "He'll take everything away from me yet..." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Everything?" purred Diali as he huffed his way up the hill. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Confidence, Self esteem, self love, you name it. Next he'll take my brother and leave me completely alone and truly worthless," Nyx mumbled as she started to sit up. Diali pounced on her, knocking her back down as she squealed in surprise. "Diali!" -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "How about that tussle?" he growled, nipping her ear playfully as they started rolling down the back side of the hill. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Nyx gasped slightly before she let out a cry of utter shock. She stared up t him blankly as they landed once more, herself on the ground while he straddled her lap. "What has gotten into you!?" -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The youwarkee grinned from ear to ear, "Just letting my sister know how much I love her and reinforcing the fact that I'd never ever put anyone above her!" He leaned closer, whispering against her lips, "I can't have you thinking I'd leave you, Nyx." His tongue came out to trace her lips, gently gaining a gasp from her before their lips met. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Her lips parted slightly, haaving not expected any of this at all, but utterly delighted. How had he even known she'd been thinking such things? It didn't really matter then...not when her fingers were sliding down his back and his hands were against her hips... -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Diali growled as he pressed himself against her...growing strangly hot with their closeness, but not wanting to move away. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Nyx felt her whole body stiffen under the pressure, a strange warmth coming over her lower regions like wild fire. Gods, she couldn't help but wonder just what her brother was thinking. They were going to do it here? Just on the outskirts of town? -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- As clouded as his mind was, Diali shook his head and looked at Nyx. This wasn't exactly the perfect time to consumate their relationship. Tai and the others could be coming over that hill at any moment... -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Nyx stared up at him for a moment, unsure of what was happening at that point. "...Di?" -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "I..." Diali wet his lips, doing his best to clear his foggy mind, "The others might be coming for us right now...I don't want....well...um..." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Nyx watched him for a moment before she chuckled, a euphoric look upon her face. "That would make the deed so much more fun." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The youwarkee pulled back again, "More... fun??" -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Nyx grinned as she pushed him down to the ground and kissed him, pushing herself against him teasingly. "Exciting," she hissed into his ear. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The youwarkee wriggled out of her grasp, scrambling a little away at that, "Nyx!!! Our first time!??" -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Aw, c'mon...." Nyx cooed as she crawled over to him, sliding her arms across his shoulders slowly. "I don't care where, Di...and when will we get another chance like this?" -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The youwarkee looked at her, "Sis...I want to do this right. I want..." he stiffled a shudder, "I want to make this the most unbelievable thing in the realm. Take you out on the town with a candlelit dinner...the whole works. I don't want to be caught half dressed by people I don't know!" -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Nyx laid against his chest after a moment, staring out over the darkening horizon as her wings started to shimmer into place. "I think all that matters is the moment...and how deeply connected the couple feels during that moment." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Diali sighed, "I would prefer not to go displaying everything in front of everyone. Especially those two fairies." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Nyx shrugged. "You're the one who started it." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Not exactly to go in this direction," he grumbled, more to himself than anything. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Nyx grinned as she watched him. "But...I liked that direction..." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- He kissed her nose as he stood up, fixing his shirt, "I do too, but not if I know someone will be coming over top that hill at any moment to catch us." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "But you don't know," Nyx replied with a half-hearted pout. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Diali looked up just in time to see Tai's head peaking over the hilltop, "But I can certainly guess well," he mused. |
| The youwarkee sighed, "I'm not perfect, Sis...you know that!" -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Still.... thought you knew me better than that, Di." Nyx pouted at him before burying her face into his chest. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Diali grumbled to himself, "Do you know how many times I berated myself for that...? I can't help feeling worried and jealous. I just can't understand it." He kissed the top of her head before glancing back to see that the others had almost caught up to them. "We'll have company here shortly, Sis..." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "That's why I wanted to keep walking...so we could lose the company...but you had to cling to me," Nyx grumbled before she pulled back and turned to the path once more. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Diali sighed, "Aw...Sis..." He wasn't even sure she wanted to be around him right now. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Nyx sighed heavily. "Nevermind, Di. Come on, let's get going now, alright?" -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Still feeling like he'd done something irritatingly wrong, he hurried after his sister, wondering when the next time they'd enjoy a few embraces or--if they were lucky--more. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Nyx kept glancing back every so often, seeing just how far behind Daegal and Meira were. The further away they were from her, the better. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- They traveled in a more or less stretched line for most of the day, but Diali managed to convince Nyx to stop for lunch. If only for the fact that his stomach was rumbling a great deal louder than what it would have had he actually eaten more than a few bites for breakfast. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Nyx sat as far away from Daegal and Meira as Diali would allow her, staring off down the path they were to continue travelling 'til nightfall. She couldn't help but wonder if any of their other siblings were already at the inn. Had their mother kept any of their siblings to raise herself? It was an odd thing...for a mother to send her children all across the lands... -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "We'll be there in three days," informed Tai to cover up the obvious silence. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Three days?" Nyx said passively. "It's not that far away then. I wonder how far away she's sent our other siblings." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "As far as the oceans that claim the sea; From mountain range, cooled by evergreen tree. To endles gold rivers and hillocks run cold, Thus to these places each one behold...." Diali spoke under his breath, reciting a few lines from a book he'd read but months before. It seemed a bit odd that he even remembered it so well...word for word even. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Nyx glanced at him momentarily before standing once more. "I'm going." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Diali watched her go with a somewhat confused look on his face. What was it this time? He glanced at Daegal accusingly before sighing as he got up to go after her. "What did I do!?" growled the fairy with annoyance, "I haven't even said one thing to either of them!" -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Meira chuckled to herself, shaking her head as she took her brother's hand in her own and pulled him forward. "She's trying to avoid you, that's all. There's nothing wrong with her." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Seems she's trying to avoid you as well," growled Deagal unhappily. "I can't make ammends if she won't talk to me!" -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Give it time," Meira replied. "All you've caused is conflict between you both. It's natural for her to try to avoid it now. It's her way of keeping things balanced." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Some balance," growled Daegal, "Give me a chance tonight and I'll wrangle her out of this stupid balance of hers!" -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "And upset her once more, and cause the cycle all over again?" Meira asked. "I wouldn't advise that, Daegal. That won't help anything." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The fairy glared at his sister wordlessly, "Women are too damn emotional." "Hey!" Tai pawed the ground with a pout on her face, "That's not fair!" -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "And my brother is too damn sour for his own good," Meira retorted. "Need I remind you that I am also a woman?" -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "You're in the wrong company if you're going to bash females," warned Tai sternly before glancing back at Meira with a wink. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Meira chuckled softly. "Lighten up, Dae. She can't avoid you forever." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Diali and Nyx kept a firm lead ahead of the two fairies and their centaur guide until dusk started to creep upon them. The youwarkee couldn't help staring at his sister's hair as it flashed red and purple in the sunlight. It was at this time that he'd always found her unbelievably facinating. Her wings spilled out from between her shoulder blades like woven spider's thread, whispering into existence as his rustled away. Stretching for just a moment, he couldn't help the usual sigh that crept past his lips as the weight vanished again. - - - Daegal trudged behind Tai and Meira with a sour face. Was there anything he could do right? Not only had he totally destroyed any bridges he might have built with the youwarkee siblings ahead, but he was almost certain his brash behavior had done quite a turn on Tai, the centaur that was suppose to be leading them to wherever they were going. This inn that the youwarkees had spoken of didn't seem familiar. Perhaps it was a rather out of the way place? And why did he care? Why was he following after them and what, by all that was good in the light of day, was he thinking?! [and now the additions] |
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