<font color=white>"I'm sorry. We are in a rush." ~ The firmness in her voice matched that of Sayn's, even as she nodded briefly and walked around Sive ~ Why do we always seem to be intercepted by strange people? ~ She wondered, tailing Sayn as they made their way into the streets.</font>

<font color=darkgray>Sayn nodded with a curt smile. "Yes indeed, I found my stay here quite enjoyable. Very comfortable, and the service is exemplary. A very affordable price as well. Now, if you would excuse us..." Sayn then started toward the door for a third time, her jaw set in determination.</font>

OOC>>> I see you've removed your post, Larry [img]smile.gif[/img] Hey all, it's been a back-aching day of dusting up my room and sorting out accumulated junk (still have to go through it again tomorrow and the day after), so that we can pack up and move into a temporary residence and the permanent residence can be renovated. What this means is that I may not be able to post as regularly as I'd like. But I'll do so the moment I have a chance to, that's a promise!

ooc- *looks for post, then screams* Noooo, I made a long post and posted it yesterday, but it's not here! *kicks computer* :mad: curses! [img]graemlins/bigeyesad.gif[/img] my computer hates me *sniffle* and it was a long-ish post too... I hope I can remember what I wrote..

ic- Sive appologized to the two brusque women as they strode out the door. After staring at the closed door for a short while with a hurt expression, she shrugged then turned towards her "monk" companion.

The strange creature grinned and walked over to examine the key clutched in his hand. <font color="lavender">"I'm sure we'll be able to catch up to them quickly enough, so let's go investigate their rooms. Although they don't seem the type that would enjoy your... interest in them,"</font> she added, giving Markul a curious look before waving her hand in a dismissive gesture. <font color="lavender">"Lead the way, fellow traveler. Let us see what is revealed,"</font> she intoned with a cheerful giggle.

ooc- grr, nothing as good as my post from yesterday, but I can't remember what all I wrote. *sigh* this is a very disappointing post to me :(

OOC>>> Aw, that's a shame, guys :( What I usually do is type out the whole post on MSWord and do a copy-and-paste to IW ("copy", so if the post gets lost, I still have the original to try a paste again later).

IC>>>
<font color=white>She sighed softly as they finally escaped the clutches of the odd character that had imposed herself on them. Something drilled at her as she strode on, keeping her eyes fixed upon Sayn's back but her mind doing mental calisthenics ~ Another interfering person... or is it? ~ Pausing momentarily, she wondered if she should voice her concerns to her travel-mate ~ Better not to; we've been delayed enough. ~ She grimaced, remembering how Sayn had ribbed her a little on her own concerns. All the same, the nagging doubt would not go ~ That crazy fool who had somehow shred his skin and turned into a child before our very eyes... he clearly can shapeshift or some sort, so what makes you sure it is not the same person?

It did not matter; she was annoyed, all the same. The little - if he could be deemed so, one never knew what shape or size he could next be - brat needed a good whallop on the bottom. With pursed lips, she took a deep breath and strided up towards Sayn, who had stopped halfway and turned to wait for her to catch up.</font>

[ 01-31-2004, 07:44 PM: Message edited by: mistral4543 ]

<font color=skyblue>Markul

Markul looks at the number code on the keys to figure out where they had stayed the night before. There are two rooms, one for each of them. He does not know which key belonged to which woman, so he just chose one and handed it to Sive at the door.

"OK...let's put you to work. But first, let me take care of something."

Markul begins to smoke and his proportions melt and mix with one another until he reassembled himself to be the perfect match of the Eastern girl that had just been met downstairs.

"This should give us a good excuse if somebody catches us."

</font>

Sive's smile widened as she watched Markul change to the exact likeness of the person from downstairs. <font color="lavender">"I don't see how you can be interested in my ability when you have such an extraordinary talent of your own,"</font> she said with admiration before walking daintily into the room.

<font color="lavender">"This will go faster if you remain quiet,"</font> she warned Markul, then glanced around the room. She sat herself down against the wall near a hole nibbled into it. Slowly her eyes began to glaze over, and her ear tipped towards the hole. Her lips moved as if she was saying something, but Markul could not hear anything.

Not long after, her gaze cleared and she shook her head. <font color="lavender">"Wrong room,"</font> Sive told her companion sheepishly. <font color="lavender">"The white-hooded one stayed in here, the one you currently resemble."</font>

<font color=skyblue>

"OK...then let's go to the next room."

Markul moved into the doorway, fished in his pocket for the next key, and found it. Then he led the way to the room where the hooded one had spent a few hours. He opened the door, pushed it aside, and allowed Sive to enter first. </font>

Sive looked around with a wide-eyed, curious look. <font color="lavender">"It looks ordinary enough,"</font> she commented, before stopping in front of a plain mirror. She fretted with her curly, pale-honey coloured hair for a moment as her forehead creased slightly with a perplexed frown.

<font color="lavender">"Nothing... that's not possible, there's always someone... wait... a flash of darkness..."</font> Sive seemed to be babbling to her reflection in the mirror, her own gaze apparently hypnotizing the odd creature. Her eyes suddenly shifted rapidly, the one pupil narrowing before returning to normal.

<font color="lavender">"I'm sorry, but I... she didn't show herself,"</font> Sive appologized to Markul with an upset face, as if she had failed him. <font color="lavender">"I do not believe she is an elf though... she is something more... sinister than that. The little creatures are afraid of her,"</font> she trailed off, concern written across her face.

The serious moment did not last long, however, and Sive was once again smiling cheerfully at Markul. <font color="lavender">"Well, she had dark skin, and... firey eyes... or maybe blood red... I couldn't really figure it out,"</font> she touched her head in slight confusion. <font color="lavender">"What shall we do now?"</font> she asked, tilting her head coquettishly at him.

<font color=skyblue>Markul

"We need to catch up with her, that's what! She may be up to something important. I bet the Eastern girl does not even know that she is in league with a dangerous personage...and she thought I was bad news! Maybe if we uncover this plot and save somebody...we'll be rogues no more, but fellow citizens among our race. What do you think? Is it too crazy of an idea that we may be heroes someday?</font>"

<font color=darkgray>The duo reached the gate in a matter of minutes, but were accosted briefly by the guards.

<font color=seagreen>"My ladies, are you leaving the city on your own? The road is dangerous."</font>

"Worry not, good sir, we are well equipped for the journey."

<font color=seagreen>"May I inquire as to your destination?"</font>

Beneath her hood Sayn's expression turned to to suspicion. Alri's warning eyes burned in the back of her mind like candles, filling her skull with smoke, reminding her to keep hidden. She cleared her throat and steadily lied, "We are ultimately off to the city of Neverwinter, sir."

The guard nodded with a slight grimace (which he obviously attempted to conceal), and leaned his weight on the shaft of his spear. <font color=seagreen>"Very well then, I wish you fair journey."</font>

Sayn returned the nod and stepped calmly under the arch of the gates, then onto the vast ribbon of road they would be following for the rest of the day...</font>

<font color="lavender">"Oh, everyone's a hero to somebody,"</font> Sive answered seriously. <font color="lavender">"But does everyone want to be a hero?"</font> she added with a smile. Whenever the creature appeared to be serious, she would start to speak in riddles or laugh, ruining the mood. Perhaps she was as light-hearted and innocent as she seemed... or was she?

<font color="lavender">"Well, I'm sure the Eastern lady will be fine, she looked like she could take care of herself,"</font> Sive told Markul reassurringly. <font color="lavender">"But... if you're still worried about her safety, we could follow just in case..."</font> she added with a cheeky grin. <font color="lavender">"It's up to you. I'll call Lark once we're out of the city boundaries."</font>

ooc- Larry, feel free to lead our two characters where you will [img]smile.gif[/img]

[ 02-05-2004, 09:04 PM: Message edited by: Skydracgrrl ]

OOC>>>Hopefully, I will be able to do that, but I currently have several members and people from another website calling for my execution right now...so who knows what tomorrow holds.

IC>>>
<font color=skyblue>Markul

Markul pondered upon this choice. He had this hunch about the cloaked one, but had no proof that she was of any concern. It was just an itch that he had in his mind that something would come of her. Now he, a shifter and a rogue along with a lady that could speak with unseen things about but hiding were going to get involved in this with no actual purpose other than to satisfy a curiosity. And the all-seeing tag-alonger was actually going to follow him around to chase after his whims? It sounded like a badly scripted comedy/drama that he could not find his way out of, but he had to admit one thing. It would be more interesting than hanging around here and getting into trouble with boring local law enforcement. Therefore, the open road to spy upon the stranger was of the type of opportunity to real fun that he could think of.

"I pray you forgive me, then...as I am on the road to discover this adventure, and mayhaps take part in it. If you will go, I would enjoy the companionship. Let us make haste and pick up their trail. Can you follow them safely and discreetly with your powers...or shall I become a canine and sniff them out?"</font>

OOC>>>I did not want to take away from your posting, Skye...so I wanted to give you the option of the tracker for a while, or I can take it. I prefer you make the call.

[ 02-06-2004, 12:16 AM: Message edited by: Larry_OHF ]

<font color=white>

For two hours, the hooded couple made good distance with a steady walk that brook no laziness, yet brought no unnecessary fatigue. Peeking out of her little shelter, Ji Xiang's eyes brightened at the sight of the peaceful countryside ~ How perfectly charming... ~ She licked her lips, trying to ignore the dryness of her mouth, then another thought struck her ~ If she was all that thirsty the first time I laid eyes on her, perhaps she is thirsty now. ~ Giving a slight cough, she waited for Sayn to turn around as she swung her cloth bundle forward, untied it and produced a sheepskin waterbottle.

"Would you like a drink?"</font>

[ 02-06-2004, 09:21 AM: Message edited by: mistral4543 ]

<font color=darkgray>Sayn eyed the waterskin dubiously for a moment then smiled genuinely and nodded. "Yes, thank you." She took a few sips of the contents, finding the coolness calming. The drums slowed their beat and she inhaled deeply, satisfied. She handed the bottle back to Xiang, whispered a thank you, and stretched her muscles a moment before walking on. It was almost as if she was finding this journey soothing.</font>

<font color=white>Her sharp ears picked out the steadier breathing of her companion and she smiled as the waterbottle came back to her hands. Swigging a mouthful, she stoppered it and glanced around, surveying their surroundings.

"Do you think you'd like a rest, or shall we press on?"</font>

ooc-well, I wouldn't want to put your character out or anything... [img]smile.gif[/img]

ic- Sive cocked her head, thoughtfully. <font color="lavender">"Yes, I could follow their path. But if you prefer to track them, I will willingly follow."</font> She smiled benignly. <font color="lavender">"It makes no difference to me. If it will add to the excitement for you, then go ahead. But I suggest that we discuss this outside the city limits, before any trail they leave grows cold... and before my presence in their rooms is questioned,"</font> Sive added, gesturing at her appearance then at Markul's current alias.

[ 02-06-2004, 10:36 PM: Message edited by: Skydracgrrl ]

<font color=skyblue>"Oh...you're right. Ok...since it costs me energy to shift, maybe you should try to follow. I will just alter my appearance a bit to not cost me much, and we will be gone."

Markul shifted around a bit to change his face to appear as though he were the Easterner's older self. She and Sive then were free to leave the room to catch up to their hunted people.</font>

[ 02-06-2004, 11:08 PM: Message edited by: Larry_OHF ]

ooc- replied to pm inquiry, Larry.

ic- Once outside the boundaries, Sive rubbed her hands together gleefully. <font color="lavender">"Alrighty then, lets see."</font> Her eyes got the familiar glazed look, and as she stared off into space, her head tilted to one side, her lips slowly began to move as if of their own accord. Lark appeared and alighted on her shoulder, but remained silent and merely twisted a strand of Sive's hair in his beak affectionately while she continued to mumble silently to the surrounding countryside.

Slowly, she regained consciousness. <font color="lavender">"Well, it seems they were seen heading off in that direction, at an easy pace,"</font> she pointed. <font color="lavender">"The pair didn't seem in any hurry."</font> Sive smiled at Markul eagerly, as if pleased she was able to accomplish what he asked.

<font color=darkgray>Sayn looked to the horizon and noted the position of the sun. "Hmmm..." It was a tempting idea for a moment, to relax and make herself comfortable, but then it seemed moronic in the next. She inhaled audibly before replying, her eyes still distantly focused. "Ahhh, we should keep moving. We are making good time, but there is still a long road ahead of us." Satisfied with her decree, Sayn nodded and began to stride forward again. "Come, at this rate we will midway before nightfall."</font>

[ 02-06-2004, 11:30 PM: Message edited by: Killing Spree ]

<font color=white>"As you wish." ~ She secured the knot of her cloth sack, and once more it was slung around her right shoulder as she followed Sayn on her path ahead. For a brief moment, she felt a little pang as her left fingers brushed against the flute, but she shook off the temptation as she remembered the earlier day's events ~ She couldn't stand the drum beat of that handsome male, she probably can't take my playing of the flute. ~ She sighed softly as she brisk-walked ahead, wondering how she would be able to bear the days ahead without this last connection with her teacher.

Zheng Cheng Kang.

One day we will meet again, Teacher. One day, we shall.</font>

<font color=skyblue>Markul

"Great!" The older female figure said, with a bit more energy than a woman of her age would have used. "I love it when you do that thing you do. It is a most fascinating ability.
Now then...since we are out of the city, I would like to catch up to these two mystery ladies. How are you at horseback riding? Or would you prefer a winged animal?"</font>

[ 02-08-2004, 06:08 PM: Message edited by: Larry_OHF ]

Sive beamed at Markul and clapped her hands excitedly. <font color="lavender">"I'm good at horseback riding, but I've always wanted to fly..."</font> she pet Lark wistfully, who nibbled her finger in return with a sympathetic <font color="lightsalmon">"Krii".</font>

<font color="lavender">"But what ever is easiest for you,"</font> she added with an easy-going smile.

<font color=darkgray>As Sayn had predicted, the halfway point was reached by sunset. The Dew Drop Inn was small and quaint on the horizon, with creepers growing up the exterior walls and a warm charm. Yet Sayn knew better than to judge a book by its cover. She knew within those pale colored walls something insidious lay waiting for her. Despite her concerns, the tiefling stayed amicable and turned to her companion with a relaxed tone. "Well, here we are..." She inhaled deeply before continuing. "I'll uh... I'll be meeting somebody inside, and I'm not sure what their condition will be, so if you would just make yourself comfortable and make our arrangements for the night..." Sayn reached for her belt and removed the pouch of gold, holding it out for Xiang. "I doubt my contact will be very sensitive, but do wait at least thirty minutes after I go in to enter yourself, just to be safe." She smiled weakly. "Can never be too careful on the road." To prevent any objections Sayn then quickly pivoted and strode to the inn, opening the door with caution and then stepping inside...

Sayn's eyes only had to graze the main room once to spot a familiar face. She grimaced slightly upon realizing who it was, then strode forward and took a seat beside him.

"I didn't think you'd be babysitting me, Alri."
The elf smiled, his handsome, if cold features showing no hint of malice as he relaxingly sipped a goblet of wine.
<font color=white>"Irinisayn, honestly, you wound me. Is it wrong to show concern for one I hold so dear?"</font>
He slyly slinked an arm around her shoulder, a move which she was helpless to resist as she felt the eyes of the few innocent patrons lazily pass over her. Her eyes narrowed as she focused them back on Alri's face.
"Well, what are we to exchange?"
She squirmed slightly, and Alri, seeming to take pity on her, removed his arm and offered her a sip of wine, which she greedily accepted. His dark, emotionless voice then whispered in her ear.
<font color=white>"I wish nothing but words... I came ahead of you because of suspicion... Somebody has... Died..."</font>
Sayn's eyes quickly flashed to Alri's, inhaling sharply and audibly, and she felt his hand squeeze her shoulder, urging her to calm herself.
<font color=white>"I know you are weary, I know you struggle... Let me help."</font>
She took a pair of deep breaths and muttered.
"But what are we to do now? This changes many things..."
He shook his head slightly.
<font color=white>"Not so many as you might think. But we must make haste. You are being followed as well. A mindless threat, as I see it, but too curious nonetheless. It's but a pity I can only be in one place at a time..."</font>
He growled quietly, then continued.
<font color=white>"You're going to have to dissapear, Irinisayn. Do not struggle needlessly. Take my hand."</font>
He symbolically extended his open hand to her, looking her straight in the eyes. She paused a moment, then took it. He smiled.
<font color=white>"Good. Let us go to your... Companion, then, and inform her of our new arrangements. She's gotten herself tangled in our wicked web now, whether she meant it or not."</font>

Sayn nodded, then took the arm Alri offered. They stood and exited the inn, and Sayn led the elf to her travelling companion with a heavy sigh. The elf examined Xiang critically for a moment, expecting her to do the same. His hair was smooth and black, his skin lightly tanned, and his eyes were soothing jade rimmed with intense flashes of vibrant gold. He looked to Sayn as she began to address the eastern woman. "Xiang, I'm afraid things have become somewhat... Complicated. We will have to change our plans somewhat, my... Friend here will be guiding us for at least the duration of our direct mission." The elf smiled politely and nodded in recognition. <font color=white>"I hope you can adapt to this... Unfortunate alteration well enough?... Ah, I am Alri, by the way."</font></font>

OOC>>> I’m assuming Sayn’s still hooded, even after 120 posts [img]tongue.gif[/img] This limits my descriptions a fair bit, but I like the challenge :D

IC>>>
<font color=white>The first thing that struck Ji Xiang was the way in which Sayn’s shoulders sagged as she shuffled her feet back towards her. Her suspicions were further confirmed by the helpless sigh that her companion emitted before the inevitable introduction took place. Beneath the polished exterior of the newcomer, she sensed, was some dark secret, murkier even than that of Sayn. Her instincts told her that the future could only bear gloomier tidings. This thrilled and terrified her simultaneously, and her wandering hands strayed to the flute by instinct, caressing it in a careless manner and taking her time before she made a response.

You have no choice, anyway. ~ She exhaled through her mouth as she cast another glance at Sayn before looking back to Alri ~ “I’m pleased to meet you, Alri.” ~ She spoke in as neutral a tone as she could manage ~ “Any friend of Sayn’s is mine, and three is always better than two, whether it be for fending off foes or overcoming any obstacles to be faced later.” ~ Folding her arms across her chest, her left hand still gripping the flute, she bowed slightly.

“Do we set off immediately again, then?”</font>

<font color=skyblue>With a smile, Markul began to smoke and bubble until he could no longer be distinguished as any living creature. This attempt at shifting would be his final one until he could get something to eat. And that would have to be at the next place that they stopped at, which was probably the same Inn that the two women preceding them had found on the road. What emerged from the now burning ashes of the old woman was now a <font color=white>Pegasus</font>. A white, winged stallion who held his head high with pride.

He knelt down and allowed his passenger aboard. He did not have the energy left to transfigure his throat into one that would function in any other manner than a real pegasus would have, so he lost his ability at communication with Sive, unless she had other ways to talk to him. He wondered if her powers would work on him in this form.

He neighed in horse-language his thoughts. </font>

[ 02-10-2004, 07:23 PM: Message edited by: Larry_OHF ]

ooc- Larry, pmed you [img]smile.gif[/img] Will wait for pm reply before posting

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<font color=skyblue>Larry says: I just now answered.
Or I should say, "neigh, neigh..."</font>

[ 02-10-2004, 07:25 PM: Message edited by: Larry_OHF ]

<font color=darkgray>Alri nodded with a polite smile.

<font color=white>"Yes, I have made arrangements for us to move ahead post haste."</font> His gaze switched to Sayn as he released her crooked arm. <font color=white>"I will be but a moment, if you ladies will excuse me..."</font>

Sayn waved off Alri and cast her eyes downward, an aura of concentration and irritation radiating off of her countenance even beneath the shadows of the omnipresent hood. She muttered quietly beneath her breath, nearly inaudibly, "I'm sorry you had to get involved with this, Xiang, but there will be no turning back now."

A moment later Alri returned, chewing on a long blade of grass. The glare Sayn shot could almost be seen burning through the elf man's ribcage. "Eating grass and prancing like a damn fool, Alri, are we to ride you to Candlekeep?" Alri took a step back with a sideways grin. <font color=white>"The ire, Irinisayn! Please, save your cutting tongue for the eulogy of the fool who brought us to this position."</font> Sayn exhaled heavily, and Alri added, <font color=white>"I have procured transportation to the nearest docks, it will be along shortly, dearest Irinisayn."</font> He smiled genuinely and rubbed at the tiefling's shoulder with one hand, knowing the action would exasperate her even further. His broad smile was then directed towards Xiang in the form of a smirk. <font color=white>"So are you yet regretting taking this one as a traveling companion?"</font>

Alri jumped to the side before Sayn could maul him, and leaped onto the wagon which arrived with immaculately good timing. He extended a hand to either one of the women, still seeming entirely too comfortable with the situation for Irinisayn's liking, yet growing more serious in expression. <font color=white>"Come along, ladies, we must be moving."</font></font>

<font color=white>A faint smile tugged at her lips as she extended her left hand to his' while her right hand lifted her skirts slightly and she stepped onto the wagon ~ "Thank you." ~ Sitting herself in one corner, she glanced about silently, outwardly little perturbed but inwardly knowing what a lie that was. How could anyone be calm in such a situation, really? On the one hand, there was further activity ahead; activity, which even Sayn abhorred, which meant danger and challenges! And as if that were not enough, the ominous presence of Alri infected both Sayn and herself, it seemed. No, this journey had taken on a second degree of peril, and Ji Xiang conceded that it was beyond her to be as detached as her teacher would have been.

As the wagon rumbled on its way, she decided to take a hazard and closed her eyes, catching up with much desired rest.</font>

<font color=darkgray>Seeing Xiang nod off in the arms of sleep, Alri strode across the interior of the wagon to Sayn, seating himself beside her. He shot a quick glance to the front of the vehicle, making sure that the hired driver had no intention of listening to them before leaning his face close to Sayn's ear and whispering.

<font color=white>"The mark on the dead was not of its lord..."</font> Was his cryptic message, easily decipherable by Sayn. An impending fear wrapped itself around the tiefling's innards, uncertaintly pulsing through her veins. She rested her chin on the shoulder of her old friend and tiredly whispered in return, "Then surely not of the light?" Alri chuckled outwardly at this. <font color=white>"No, no..."</font> He paused for a thoughtful moment, then bitterly muttered, <font color=white>"The twisted blade..."</font> Sayn could hear the drums of the blood war keeping time in her mind with every clop of hoof and every beat of Alri's nearby heart. "By all the abyss, surely not..." Alri licked his lips and nodded. <font color=white>"Yes, yes... Seems you're in more trouble than we first thought, dear Irinisayn."</font> Sayn exhaled audibly, then shrugged and smiled at Alri. "Then let's give the prince something to remember."</font>

<font color=indianred>The hustle and bustle reached a feverish peak as hands reached out to adjust her plaits and arrange the shiny dress - a new one, for once! how she had clapped her hands when she first saw it, not understanding why there were tears in her mother's eyes - she was wearing. In the background, a smirking old lady was busy chanting, whatever scriptures she would never know. A familiar face popped out of nowhere and stuck out a tongue.

"Hey, Ji Xiang! What fun, huh? What a lovely dress you're wearing!" Yes, an intricately sewn attire woven from the finest silk and satin. Surely Mama could not afford such a luxurious item! But Mama would never steal... would she? As she scratched her head in puzzlement, a large hand hastily snatched her little fingers away, swiftly followed by a gentle scolding.

"Don't fret so, child. You'll ruin your cherubic appearance." So many voices, mostly familiar yet she could not pinpoint who it was that was speaking to her each time. She blinked her large eyes and a tiny frown appeared on her soft lips.

"No, no, don't sulk so!" There was genuine alarm in the well-meaning voice, "This is an auspicious day, child, and you the centre of attraction. Smile, Ji Xiang, smile!"

And so she smiled... or tried to. The faces continued to zip by, the droning went on, until the burst of cacophonic chaos began. Before she could figure out what was to happen, she was being dragged, pushed, ushered into a great big box. What a huge, spacious box it was! And filled with such large, fluffy cushions! The best part was that it was all decorated with shades of red and gold, such happy colours that she could never remember seeing upfront since she was born! Amidst the excitement, Ji Xiang sat herself down solemnly, glanced about and broke into a genuine smile, which nobody else saw. What a memorable day it was!

Just as her short hands reached out for the overhanging red cloth, she felt herself jolted back. The container was moving! Then the blasts of merry musical accompaniment began. Outside, the crowds were cheering.

"Many happy returns of the day! Many happy returns of the day!" Though she remained obscured from the festive sights that surrounded her, Ji Xiang's heart swelled with pride and joy. Surely flowers and ribbons were being tossed about! She had seen it often enough in the streets in the past, when fairy-like ladies twirled around with elegant baskets and flung the buds gracefully, as if blessing their audience. Ought she to be happy? What was it Mama had said the occasion was?

Her mode of transport continued to bop up and down, sometimes swaying to the left and right, Ji Xiang all the while struggling to sit still, so that the heavy metal frame that pressed so uncomfortably against her temples might not fall off and cause her another round of delay. No, Mama would not be pleased and the others might reprimand her. Today was not a day for displeasure...</font>

<font color=white>Ji Xiang's eyeballs were shifting behind the lids, and her lips parted before she began to murmur softly.

"Bu yao... bu yao..." ~ Her folded arms wrapped around the flute tighter as she drowsily leaned against the back of the caravan.</font>

[ 02-16-2004, 09:56 AM: Message edited by: mistral4543 ]

ooc- *meep* sorry for being gone so long everyone :( I've just recently returned from... Katsucon... :D so much fun.... *heheh*

ic- Sive giggled and clapped her hands delightedly in response.

<font color="lavender">"Of course I can understand you! I told you it's not a trick!"</font> she pouted slightly at the thought before clambering onto Markul's broad back. She twined her fingers into his mane and leant close along his neck. <font color="lavender">"I'm ready,"</font> she whispered with supressed excitement into his ear.

OOC>>> Whose turn is it [img]graemlins/1ponder.gif[/img] Let's try to nudge this little baby, shall we? [img]smile.gif[/img]

ooc- *points at the other two* :rolleyes: [img]smile.gif[/img]

OOC>>>Sorry, school is busy these days.

<font color=skyblue>Markul

The pegasus spread his wings and flapped mightily against the ground, lifting himself and the rider into the air in one big swoosh. Another lazy flap and they continued to gain altitude. The winged horse neighed in delight for he had not had a reason to fly in so long that he had forgotten how much he enjoyed it. Soon, they were soaring through the sky.

Within a few minutes, the magically flying Markul and his friend had reached their destination. The pegasus circled in the sky, trying to spot a good place to land.

"Neigh, neigh neigh..." he said to Sive.</font>

(ooc: Freakin' ditto. [img]graemlins/1disgust.gif[/img] Yesterday alone I had 2 papers, a project, a quiz, and 2 tests. (And one of those tests was for AP, so it counts as 5. [img]tongue.gif[/img] ) So you're all just gonna have to bear with me if I'm not very active, cuz my life rather sucks at the moment. Only reason I have time/energy to post right now is because it snowed and school got cancelled. (Whee!))

<font color=darkgray>Alri muttered, <font color=white>"You should get some rest, Sayn. You've got a long string of long days ahead of you."</font> Sayn nodded in agreement, lowering herself onto the bench. With her head folded in her arms, her back to the wall of the wagon, and Alri at her feet, she felt almost safe. Now there was nothing to do but breath in the musty air and die for a while...

But unlike the slumbers of so many other nights, this one was not akin to death. Dreams came to her this night, an uncommon predicament for the tiefling.</font>

<font color=crimson>"You come at last to me, daughter of Orcus. I had hoped you would seek me someday." Sayn's eyes fluttered open to find a shadow looming over her, barely discernable in the swirling mists around her, coupled with a voice that was dark and somehow familiar. She extended her hand and it was met with the shadow's, clasping firmly and pulling her up. She whispered, "You are not unfamiliar to me, shade. I have seen you in dreams since I was young, yet I have never known your identity." The shadow laughed in its deep, intriguing voice. "Ah, but Irinisayn, I could say the same of you. I have dreamt of you for many years now yet have not seen your face for myself." Sayn grew more curious with each moment, inquiring of the eloquent figure, "Perhaps if I lower my cloak you will lower yours?" The shadow laughed again and replied, "That should be a fair trade in my mind, Irinisayn." Sayn nodded. "Very well then, shade."

She then lowered her hood, a strand of hair falling into her strikingly pallid eyes. She then untied the cloak at the neck and tossed it aside to where she had been laying before.

"It's your turn."

She was vaguely aware of smooth cloth slinking to the floor, but she still could not see the mysterious figure.

"Shade, surely you do not toy with me. I see not a thing."

Suddenly she felt warm breath on the back of her neck, causing her heart to leap. The voice muttered, "Well then you know one thing about me." She felt a solid body brush against her and noticed the shadow slink off from the corner of her eye, only making out a vague shape. The voice sound bemused. "We will play more next time, Irinisayn."</font>

ooc- ditto :(

ic- Sive giggled and nuzzled her nose into Markul's mane, breathing in the scent.

<font color="lavender">"Okay. But I don't think they would be so mean as to shoot us down though."</font> She looked sad for a moment before giggling again. <font color="lavender">"Anyways, Lark wants me down as soon as possible. He doesn't think it's natural for me to be flying up here with the winged ones."</font>

Her companion had moved back and forth during the whole trip between perching on top of Markul's head and flying alongside the Pegasus and it's passenger. He made an indignant squawk in response to Sive's comment, that sounded like he was voicing his opinion on the matter.

<font color="lavender">"I don't see why only you should be allowed to fly,"</font> Sive retorted back at the small creature, who gave her a snooty feline glance before diving downwards to land.

[ 02-28-2004, 11:45 PM: Message edited by: Skydracgrrl ]

<font color=skyblue>

The pegasus with his rider circled around a particular spot that he planned to land at, then made his decent. It was swift and hard that he flew, flapping his wings hard just before hitting the ground to slow his decent and straighten up. He realized a terrible hunger in his stomach, which was bigger now that he was a horse. As soon as Sive dismounted, Markul trotted over to a bail of hay that was lying by the stables and began to munch.

"Neigh, neigh, neigh"

He quietly said through the chewing. </font>

Sive nodded in agreement. <font color="lavender">"I'll keep an eye out, while I look for Lark. He should be somewhere nearby..."</font> she trailed off, looking around her.

ooc- I'm a little confused... is Sayn and Ji Xiang in the wagon still, or are they at the inn? I think Sive and Markul are at the inn... [img]graemlins/uhoh1.gif[/img]

OOC>>> Sayn and Ji Xiang are on the road, via the wagon ;) I'm tempted to pass my turn; can't have her dreaming all day long [img]graemlins/hehe.gif[/img]

So, it's Spree's turn again [img]smile.gif[/img]