RP:The Seed
Part of the Rynvale Darkest Night Arc
Summary: The would be island rebels begin their training in the sheltered pirate coves of West Rynvale. For the first time, the rogue captain Leoxander seeks to find the seeds of magic in himself with the aid of the ice magus Satoshi, and Fold militia begin their training regimen.
Characters: Arien, Leoxander, Satoshi Jack, Mahri, Angelo.
Location: Rynvale: The Secret Cove.
Leoxander broke apart those flares on their walk, tossing them back into the dark tunnels and rock pools they passed. Along side that quiet shack of a hideout, following the cove, and the scene there would be already alive with life. Elven Fold militia from the compound stood guard along the way to the south and north, while others off duty stationed themselves in small campsites and around built fires, watching the trio as they passed. A few might have afforded a salute that the rogue ignored, and that large torch stuck into the sand for light reflected off eyes that went searching across the area to see who was present, or if others had arrived. Now and then, a furry looking creature might be noticed stalking the shadows in the cove rocks, but most of the lycan sentinels strayed from the fire and noise.
Angelo would simply follow behind Leoxander, quiet as physically possible. It would almost seem like he wasn't even there - a ghost, betrayed only by scent. He wouldn't question, just follow, though he was mentally preparing himself to start enchanting. Because it was going to hurt.
Satoshi looks like a different fox today thanks to the pair of sailors she made a meal of, and the day-long nap she took in Kirien's absconded bed. She may be intending to wing this lesson, but at least she'll be winging it with energy to spare! For the better part of an hour, Satoshi's been waiting in the cove, perched on a crate and ignoring the suspicious looks from the various guards. Or perhaps they're not suspicious... considering the fox is correctly topless save for a breastband, to spare Leoxander's fresh artwork on her shoulder from a painful meeting with fabric.
Leoxander had barely been gone for that amount of time, but it seemed the magus had arrived not long after the lycanthrope and elf had left. Fortunately, they'd returned with others, and once he caught sight of the foxkin on the premises, he'd look to Jack to cash in on that offer. "You've got your pick of litter here, mate. Plenty sitting around doin' nothin. There's more room round the bend, opens up to a wide bay if you want your own spot to work, but otherwise I suggest you look for some volunteers and go at it." Which... nerve wracking enough, was just what he was going to attempt to do. He'd separate himself from the man to let him seek Arien's help, if she needed it, though he'd already managed to get the attention of several elves, one in mid chew of an apple with eyes fixed toward Jack. Leo headed for Satoshi, whether Angelo followed or not. He'd already invited the man along once to join the lesson, and maybe by the end of it he'd understand more about the properties behind what they did. Then again, maybe not. "You ready to do this?" Would be his first words to the well fed and rested Kit-Vamp.
Leoxander was not at all intimidated by the silver-blue skinned woman in her bikini top. Though he mighta snuck a small glance toward cleavage, just an initial, instinctive look. Leoxander would have looked at visible weapons in nearly the same manner.
Angelo would follow behind Leoxander once he began moving to the ice magus, though he was a bit hesitant. He -was- invited, though...so he may as well. Satoshi doesn't make any outward gestures that suggest she caught Leoxander's look, either because she's actually oblivious, or simply does not care about stolen glances. Either way, the kit nods at his words and offers a lopsided grin, "Not entirely, but there are no guidelines for what we're attempting so I can't exactly prepare."
Jack had followed fairly silently throughout the trip here, save for the occasional comment here and there. Much didn't seem needed to be said. It wasn't until they got to the camp that Leo spoke, and Jack let his gaze cast out across the camp. Oh how he yearned to practice with his blade again, to teach those in the art of war. "Aye, it would seem I do have quite a group." Sarcasm? It was hard to tell.
Arien was a moon pale form clad in dark leather, following that trail of light left by the rogue to light up and lead the way to that secure camp. The warrior was near silent so much as to almost not have been noticed except by her scent until her voice answered Jack’s observation, amused. “I’d have thought you’d have learned not to judge a book by its cover Jack..especially not those I have bound. There would be the soft singing of her blade drawn from its sheath. “If you are to train my men, it behooves me to trust in your own skill does it not? It have been some time, since we’ve danced..” With their swords. A nod of greeting was offered Satoshi, an gentle touch to Leo’s back and a curious look flickered Angelo’s way, before she’d be stepping closer to touch her blade to Jack’s own. “Shall we?”
Jack chuckled a little at the woman's words, "Aye, you are right. I'm sure they will shape up to a respectable lot--especially if you put them here." As for her challenge, of course he would accept. Unsheathing his Scimitar with his right hand, his left fell to the hilt of his Katana. He touched his blade with Arien's, and took a step back. "I'll make sure not to actually touch ya, else I might be a hide short of a man." Bowing, he waited for her to make the first strike.
Leoxander almost flinched at that touch to his back, but he managed to turn a calm look on Arien, despite that he was nervous about what he'd gotten himself into. He didn't trust magic, didn't like it, didn't understand why people couldn't rely on their bare hands and work for those conjured and powerful things. Still, he leveled his look away from the elf who drew her blade, to nod at Satoshi. "I figured. But... I'm here, an' this man here was going to tell me about some enchantments he can put on the Eternity, to keep the cubs safe inside. Figured you could explain stuff I didn't quite get." Not that he was likely to admit any of that with anything more than a dirty look during their attempts. His patience was already strained, and yet he'd roll his shoulders back in a slight stretch that emphasized his try to 'relax'.
Leoxander questioned Satoshi low, "What exactly did you have in mind? I mean, even if I just understand this s*** better, it's a help."
Satoshi said to Leoxander, "I intend to see if I can't find a hint of potential in you, firstly. If not, I have a plan B of sorts." The kit looks toward Angelo then with an uncertain expression, but she doesn't voice her thoughts. Instead, she nods in the direction of the shoreline. "Your ship would work well for us to start at. Or at least at the water's edge." Angelo would remain silent, feeling the need only to speak when spoken to. Besides, he was still 'recharging', as it were. Satoshi resists the urge to make a comment about teaching old dogs new tricks. She's not really in the mood to be mauled.
Leoxander shifted a look at the Eternity, shifting lightly in the water's smooth current. Without waiting for her to instruct more, the rogue turned to approach that said dark water, a hand drawing his shadowing hood from his features while the other drew down his black mask from somber, unshaven features. Potential in him when it came to magic was a far fetched thought, but he'd do his best to be a good student - watch and listen.
Arien didn’t answer him with words. The elf was moving, and it was not in a straight line for a head on strike. That gemlike gaze had taken note of their surroundings, every jutting surface and crag of rock that would be available for obstacle and aid. A fluid three step running start and she was leaping onto and then pushing off of the nearest solid surface that would give her the advantage of the high ground. Shoales pulsed to life, shimmering with frigid power in the moonlight, and Arien was dropping from over his shoulder with the force of her strength bearing that blade down in an attempt to thrust him through from his unguarded back end. A strike, which if it made contact would likely send a system paralyzing chill to the man’s core. As she fell, the leather bound sleeve of her free hand would fall to offer some minimal shield of vital organs and parry to his possible defense. She fully expected he’d be able to defend the blow- he was one of hers, after all, and if he didn’t, well then it was a good thing there was a healer on deck.
Leoxander listened to the clash of blades, the step of feet... whatever noises of sparring echoed the well secured cove. Partially aware that magic took some focus of mind, he'd try to let go of the weight of so many thoughts, orbiting around war and loss and worry. Leo came to a pause near the small ferry with it's single dingy tied, studied his bleary, shiny eyed reflection in silence for a moment more, then took a look toward the ice magus' eyes. Just to prove he was truly devoted to this sort of training, a clip of buckle would loosen his jacket, and he'd shrug out of both that and the heavy blades belted around his waist to deposit them in that empty boat for safe keeping and easy reach. "What does my ship have to do with magic, cat?"
Satoshi studiously tunes out the swordplay behind her as she reaches Leoxander's side, only pausing long enough to clumsily remove her boots--it's stll a chore with only one arm--and toss them aside. Feet now freed, the fox steps forward to stand in the water, allowing it to lap around her ankles a moment before she answers. "Not the ship, per say, but the water." Turning to face the pirate, the kit levels azure eyes on him with amber flecks glittering in the torchlight. "She calls to you, doesn't she? I don't know many that choose a life upon the sea, and -survive- it, without hearing her voice."
Jack watched as the woman moved, fluid, beautifully, deadly. His stance widened a little, lowering, expecting a straight forward attack. Though, he ought of known better, he was surprised by her leap into the air and her bound towards him. It was so quick, should he be most anyone else, he would have grave need of a healer. However, Jack too, was quick. He pivoted on his heals, scimitar ready to meet her blade. His newly facing position would allow her to see the flame flaring in his chestnut orbs, the thrill of battle pushing him. This could very well be her folly, if she wasn't quick enough, which would be highly difficult. Her blade made contact with his, but he allowed her force to push his to the ground while he swung about, right leg planted and swinging his left around to land on the other side of her, katana drawn in an instant to be poised at her throat. Perhaps if she were fast enough she would bound forward before the blade reached her, or maybe even aim for a foot to knock out from under him. Either way, Jack was ready to react.
Angelo was paying attention, interested exactly as to what the mage would do. Upon mentioning of 'surviving' life on the sea, he shuddered...unwanted memories. No matter. Satoshi shares her own shudder with Angelo, although she hides it well. Last time she set foot in the ocean, she'd been drowned by it and lost in its depths for too long. Leoxander made absolutely no move to remove his boots as well. Inked arms folded over the front of a once white shirt, now dingy colored and stained from blood and ink and sweat. He wore a skeptical, almost annoyed expression as he listened to her words and watched her actions, glancing from her ankles to her eyes with only a brief pause on those many tails, should they be visible. "She calls me." He admitted low... he knew the ocean had life, -was- life... and in some instances... death. "But I've never tried to control or manipulate her. Not too sure she'd dig that..." A step closer to the water till the edge was at the fronts of his well gripped boots, some of his expression changing to uncertainty. He came to slowly crouch at that shoreline, letting the tips of his fingers exposed from that black, roguish glove grace the foamy pull of a lazy wave that wouldn't move more than a foot inland. Those cove waters were fairly still.
Leoxander was only briefly interrupted, and would come to stand to receive a missive handed out by a hooded man who seemed to have a bandage over one eye. Apparently this courier had pissed someone off, in the past. Once the note was exchanged he would spare no one else a look, and simply retreat the way he'd come, from the other end of the cove.
Leoxander shifted a brief look toward the north, sun spotted nose twitching for a scent. Leoxander would still be paying attention to what Satoshi had to say as he unfolded that parchment for a glance, then held it over the top of the torch to burn it in his fingertips, seemingly immune to the heat of that flame.
Satoshi 's eyes narrow to near slits and her expression darkens suddenly, albeit the look is a fleeting thing, passing across her face like no more than a shadow and leaving the amiable-seeming fox as she had been seconds ago. Her voice, however, takes on a cold tinge, the words spoken softly, "Non. We won't tread into -those- waters. Manipulating a force of nature is courting death. However..." With a quiet clearing of her throat, the magus crouches down similar to Leoxander and rests her hand palm down above the waves. A half-whispered melody escapes her then, the tune following a rhythm that matches the movements of the water. As each wave rolls under her hand it begins to form a layer of frost, dispelling into diamond dust once it reaches the pirate. "If there's a grain of her power in you, I might be able to teach you how to work with her. Or at least reflect her abilities. If there isn't... well, we'll see~."
Angelo watched Satoshi intently, making sure to take note of all the magic she exhibited. Perhaps he could duplicate it later with an illusion...was that ice? That could work. That could work -wonderfully-...if he could just mimic it.
Satoshi straightens, snapping herself out of her brief trance to watch the paper burn with curiosity.
Leoxander was looking back toward the foxkin by the time she crouched. His brow furrowed, as though Satoshi were crouched before his lover and ready to do something beyond his control, and yet he would watch with that maintained patience as he wiped soot from his fingers onto his shirt, adding to the stains. Instinctively, he took a step back from those crystals of frost, still finding it difficult to trust magic enough to tolerate it. "So how do you test it? I mean... how do you find a damned grain?" Seemed like finding a single silver hair in Senka's white coat. Not an easy task. Sure, maybe he was a little impressed with what she could do but he was also a little intimidated by the idea of attempting anything of the sort, himself.
Angelo eyed Leoxander as well, a bit curious as to -what- exactly the paper had said, wondering if he should be concerned.
Leoxander almost seemed willing to resign as a failure in magic, too easily. He looked frustrated, already.
Satoshi promptly diverts her eyes downward, seeming suddenly uncertain. "Aha. Typically magelings display their potential before we start teaching, but I think I may have an idea on how to find it myself. Only..." she glances up at Leoxander through a cascade of hair, "it might hurt. My magic isn't typically put to gentle use..." If she wanted to make analogies, she'd mention something about it being similar to trying to coax a war-hardened destrier to prance about prettily bearing small children.
Mahri trudges down the path to the cove, not bothering to keep quiet. On the way, her hood is eased back so that by time she reaches the torch lit area she is easily recognized. Wouldn't want anyone thinking her a person of nefarious intent or anything even though it's likely her scent preceded her.
Leoxander couldn't resist that urge to roll his eyes as he looked away, for just a moment. "Of course it will. Why the hell wouldn't it?" But he seemed resigned enough that he wasn't really phased by the idea. Everything important had the potential to hurt. It wasn't so much that he sought to rush Satoshi but he wanted to keep that possible magic lesson moving, so he'd turn to face her and advance a few steps not knowing at all what to expect. "Just... don't be scarrin' me up, an'... try to steer from the goods." Whatever happened, those would be his conditions. Hands and arms opened a bit as if to say, 'Go ahead'. And if she didn't need him closer or didn't plan on doing anything just yet, well, he'd be standing there, waiting, looking fairly stupid and cautious, with only a brief tug of attention taken toward Mahri's approach. She'd be watched by several, as the camp was full of militia, lycan, and refugees alike.
Leoxander dropped his arms to his sides, dolefully, a deep breath raising his shoulders to stay relatively calm and composed.
Angelo would fold his arms to watch the process, gaze flicking over to Mahri and offering her a bow and small salute before he returned his attention to Leoxander. Mahri met look for look until each fell away or simply followed her advance. So long as none tried to stop her, they'd be fine. Beneath the cloak she still wore, fingers curl around the dagger strapped to her thigh. It was a familiar weight and she barely noticed it so not even her stride would indicate it was there. Passing without incident, Mahri stood at the fringe of the group and just watched.
Mahri gives Angelo a slight nod. The wolf wasn't about to interrupt, not if what she'd heard on the way was correct and...Satoshi was going to do something magical. Wouldn't want to distract the magus.
Arien felt the give of that sword beneath her own, and a flash of irritation sparked her gaze. No Jack. It was a tell. Already she was bracing, her body moving for that counter strike. The instant her feet touched the ground she was pushing herself back, creating the needed separation. That free left hand whipped out toward the leg that was flashing toward her side, a flex of wrist releasing dagger blade from vambrace with its target the meaty muscle of his thigh. As much force as he was applying to that kick, he'd now be applying to impaling himself on that steel. Whether or not it made contact, the elf would be withdrawing her hand and that blade, only to return with an attempted secondary strike with that blade still wielded in sword arm. While she might have chosen an organ for fatal strike in blood combat, the elf would shift targets to assume the more tolerable blow that would be a between the joint of shoulder and chest, her intent to weaken his sword arm should he try to retrieve the weapon again.
Satoshi said to Leoxander, "Same routine as you told me for the inking. Stay still, and try not to tense up, eh?" With that, the kit brings her hand to her mouth, sinks fangs into her palm, and tears a ragged line across it. Stepping forward, she closes the gap between herself and Leoxander by pressing the bloodied hand against the center of his chest. As the contact is made, Satoshi begins to hum that same ocean-rhythmed melody as before. If Leoxander is particular sensitive, he may just feel the blood on her palm pulsing to the same beat as her hand grows colder with crimson frost creeping across it and onto his clothing. As the chill seeps into his flesh there is a distinct stinging sensation, Satoshi's magic seeking out his blood beneath, calling to it as only a bardic vampire can. Each passing moment finds the numbing cold burrowing deeper as it courses through the lycan's veins, before Satoshi weaves a lyrical warning into her tune, "Don't move. Think about the sea~." The cold abruptly worsens then as Satoshi forces a fragment of her magic into her, the frigid essence contracting from its travels throughout Leoxander's body to condense within his chest, his heart at the center. There it lingers, seeking out its kin somewhere within the lycan. "If there's anything, it's right here..." . Mahri keeps well away from the clashing swords, flashing knives and blood-smearing fox-kits. She is probably getting that much closer to Angelo.
Satoshi doesn't notice Mahri, thankfully, thus she's not distracted while she's got a mass off icy magic focused upon Leoxander's rather mortal heart.
Leoxander didn't bother to nod at the woman's direction. He understood. But the moment that potent wiff of vampire blood hit his nose, his eyes would be squinting warily, mostly because that stuff had a certain level of toxicity to him. Because he was particularly sensitive to the stuff, he'd feel the effect it had, and jaw would tighten under that strict mask because of it. Then... of course it was moving toward him, and that demand not to move became increasingly more difficult to follow. Had he just walked willingly right into his death and not even suspected it? The moment that icy blood creeps onto his skin, it burns, and that smoke/steam mix would rise off his skin as though he were made of molten rock and she'd just doused him with melted snow. "F%&#!" There was no stopping that sudden, sharp curse that left him as he flinched, recoiled from the sensation a bit, unable to think about the sea. That would take a certain level of -calm-. All he could think about was the chill that was so intense it burned far worse than fire. Yeah, it might 'hurt a little', Satoshi. Miss 'Leading'. "No, forget this! STOP...!" But then that stuff... that... weird and crystallized stuff was moving, rapidly, up his arm and toward his heart, and as that hand should start to clutch at his chest, panic would well and breath would leave him, his eyes glazing over in a grip of fear and anger. He'd turned from a willing student into a terrible fighter, and when he bared his teeth from the pain they had developed longer than human fangs edging the corners.
Jack couldn't say he was surprised when she pushed herself away, she knew him well even after the time apart on the war field. He also expected no less from her than the dagger produced to cause him to inflict damage on himself. As such, he was at least somewhat prepared, though still off guard. He attempted to counter as best he could, trying to bring the katana aimed towards where her neck should have been to knock the dagger away from his leg. Successful, he ended up looking highly odd, pulling his leg down as quickly as possible to bring himself to proper stance. However, this all seemed to take him far too long, and Arien was already on the move, aiming for his shoulder with a wicked thrust. Instinctually Jack dipped down to avoid the blow, his scimitar coming to point at her throat, a grin playing gently at his lips.
Mahri 's immediately alert at Leo's yell at the ice mage and stepping forward to come between if needed. Eyes darting between alpha and fox, confusion furrows her brow. Why would Satoshi be trying to hurt Leo? It didn't make sense, but then so few things did. Words rise to her lips and the ground might tremble slightly in preparation with the softly spoken syllables
Angelo widened his eyes at Leo's apparent discomfort and pain, cracking his neck and preparing several illusions to use should all hell break loose.
Satoshi recoils suddenly as if bitten, although Leoxander's bared teeth aren't anywhere near her own flesh. Her bloodied hand quickly finds her mouth again, although this time it's to suck on it like one would do after suffering a burn. "Hellfire, there's -something- there, and it doesn't like me," the growls out around her hand, while taking a wary step back. Leoxander's fangs are just a little too close to face level for her to feel comfortable standing near. Releasing her hand, she peers closely at it, inspecting for damage, but finding none aside from that self-inflicted gash. "Hrm. Whatever it is, it's an angry thing, with teeth. But anger can be channeled to fuel, like magic. I think... I think I can work with this." It's only then that she notices Mahri nearby, and while her eyes are curious about the lycan's unexpected presence, Satoshi does at least salute her. . Mahri only relaxes when Satoshi withdraws. That subtle rumble of ground ceases as well. "The hell..." she doesn't finish the question instead looking at Leo to ask, "You okay?" Satoshi's salute gets the slightest of nods in return. At least until Mahri is sure everything is as okay as it'll ever be.
Angelo folds his hands behind his back once more. He still needed to charge if he was going to enchant that ship. That, and explaining the process to Leo.
Leoxander backed off, as well, into a stumble that almost landed him ass first in the sand. Still clutching his chest and breathing hard, Leo bumped into a barrel and glared toward Satoshi with a blend of confusion and wariness, his brow pinched together and his pupils dilated small. Their broken edges smoothed back out just as his canine teeth pulled back into a more acceptable size and shape, slipping away from view in his open mouthed pant. His hand flexed, his arm was tested in movement, and all that burning sensation seemed to be gone. "What the f*** was that?!" He demanded rudely, bitterly toward the one so kind to deal with the pirate's mood. She'd said it would hurt a little, not that she was going to impress the sensation of being split from arm to sternum. Mahri is heard, he offers her a nod, but won't take his eyes off the vampire long. She could have at least warned him... about the blood thing. Perhaps after he calmed a bit he'd realize she'd stated he had something, some small dose of possible potential.
Satoshi shakes her hand, as if hoping to rid the burning sensation with mere movement, while staring squint eyed at Leoxander. "-That- was me apparently pissing off whatever you've got lurking in there. It either doesn't like vampires or cold, is my guess. Opposing elements, and races, are like that." In all honesty, she's taking a shot in the dark with this, as Leoxander is nothing like the subjects in her books on magical theory. "But it's there and awake. I don't know how big we can train it, mind it."
There was one thing in the world, one sound alone that would ever have the power to draw her from that predatory focus, and the elf heard it just as that thrust was aimed for her throat. Were it not for the fact that Jack would have had to bend to retrieve that sword for the earth, buying her precious seconds to throw a shoulder back and flex into that dodging stance, she might have been run through. As it was, the elf was flexed and poised to take that momentum into a reverse spin that would have whipped her around his body one hundred and eighty degrees for another attack on his flank when Leoxander's cry of pain ricocheted through the coves. She hesitated a beat in that dodge, head and eyes flying up to look across the coves toward the beach front, a soft "Leo.." escaping her lips. A beat was enough, and Jack's scimitar was skimming across her bicep, drawing a line of vitae that sprung like a well to the surface. A soft hiss and she was forcing herself into the focus needed to complete the maneuver. Only now, her sword pivoted in her grip mid swing until her grip on its hilt was reversed an she was brining down the blunted edge toward the back of the soldier's head. Simultaneously, that dagger was released again, in free hand, extended into a slicing motion that might brand her sparring partner with a slash across his torso if he turned to face her incoming assault. In a combat situation, her intent might have been something close to a decapitation..or at the very least, an attempt made to slice his throat open.
Angelo mumbles something to himself along the lines of, 'But we can try.'
Mahri looks from one to the other, Ice Queen and Alpha. Arien's softly spoken words were barely registered but the scent of the elf's blood wasn't so easily ignored. Pressing her lips together, Mahri balls her hands into fists and she looks from elf to rogue then to Angelo. Mahri's just made helluva visual circuit there. "Oh for Gods' sakes." She, having only lately arrived, only knew some training was going on. Not that Satoshi was looking for a spark of magic in Leoxander but the fact Arien had so easily been distracted by his cry of pain did not sit well. Muttering under her breath, Mahri goes to find a place to sit, "And if that'd been a real fight bloody elf'd be dead now.."
Leoxander was still recovering from the interaction, but he hadn't gone completely oblivious to her words. There was something. She'd found something. In... him? Magic? Not necessarily. Even the well skilled Magus seemed a little uncertain and put off by whatever she'd discovered - and it hadn't been a pleasant process, at all. The sounds behind him stopped, and Leo looked back ... just in time to see the elf 'defeated' and at once... he knew why. As he was her strength, he'd likely be just as much her weakness, and that caused his already set frown to deepen. He could scent the elf's blood in the air, now. A sharp look back to Satoshi and he demanded of her, almost to the point of 'rude' with his gruff tone. "So what now? I'm sure as hell not doing that s*** again." Nor was he going to take a step near her. He was pretty wary of the frost bard, at that moment. Leoxander rubbed his palm and fingers over his heart once more before his hand finally fell.
Leoxander also heard Mahri's words, and they would not leave his head.
Mahri sidles atop a crate. Or barrel. She wouldn't be particular. Crossing one leg over the other, the edges of the cloak are settled back over her shoulders and an elbow comes to rest on a knee while her chin drops to cupped hand.
Angelo would abruptly seat himself on the ground for no damned reason, performing small illusory tricks whilst he waited. What to do now, indeed.
Mahri would not apologize for those words, if called on them. They were true.
Jack too had his attention jerked away for a moment by the caterwaul leaving the pirates throat, and like Arien called things a little too close for comfort. Her spin around him sent him whirling around after her, katana brought up to block the downward assault. His foresight lacked a little, not seeing the dagger slash coming to spill a trail of blood across his chest and through ragged shirt. The pain tinged through him before he could push it aside. Jumping backwards, catching his breath a moment, swords dropping to the ground. His hands fell to his knees, head dropping as sweat ran down his face and the tip of his nose. "I think......that'll do.....for now." He chuckled a little. "You still are always.....one step ahead of ....me." He looked up then, meeting her gaze. He needed more practice, clearly.
Satoshi snorts in a very unlady-like manner. "You couldn't -pay- me to do that again. I don't poke my nose back where it's been burned once already." Shaking her head to emphasize her words, the kit steps further out into the water. The retreat is of double intention, to put distance between herself and Leo, as well as herself and the rich scent of elven blood wafting her way. Freshly fed or not, elf blood is a personal favorite of Satoshi's, but she highly doubts it'd go over well if she attempted to pounce Arien here and now. From her new place waist-deep in the cove, she gives answer, "Now? Figuring out how in the hell to tap into and exercise the damnable thing. Don't do it right, and we'll burn it out, most likely." Over over-fanning newborn flames in an eagerness to make them spring to life.
Angelo had his own idea of -how- exactly he'd exercise Leo's magical ability, but he'd keep that to himself. Besides, someone could very well get hurt...but it sure as hell would be good practice.
Satoshi wonders if she is indeed doomed with be the One Lesson Lady for the rest of her unlife.
Mahri eyes Satoshi in the water, listening intently as she spoke to Leo. Well, almost listened. With half an ear anyway. What the beta was thinking what bad luck for her it was that the vixen was in water. Water was not the beta's element. The earth and the things that grew on her, on the other hand, was. Tilting her head in contemplation, Mahri stays right where she is. Nothing happens, yet. But the thought is there that, under all that water, is the ground. And things growing in that ground.
Leoxander only looked back to Satoshi for a moment as she retreated into the cool cove waters, turning to walk the opposite way, passed the fires that... curiously, ever so slightly leaned into his passing. He headed for the elf that he could smell clearly above the rest, a hard look offered to Jack for letting his blade land in sparring, but mistakes happened. Whatever he and the ice magus had accomplished was finished, for the time being, and he'd contemplate over all those different feelings later, when the nightmares plagued his attempts on sleep. "That's probably not the smartest thing, when we gotta vampire present." He wasn't psychic but he could guess that he was only part of the reason the bard had distanced herself, and Leo would shamelessly pull off that off white shirt inside out to find something to press against the wound until they saw a medic, or found some proper bandages. He'd reach for Arien's wounded arm, if she allowed him to treat her with something stained in old ink and sweat.
Leoxander gave 1 white shirt to Arien.
Satoshi wishes she could read minds, so she knew what Mahri was thinking...
Mahri tears her gaze away from Satoshi to watch Angelo a moment. That is until Leo's on the move. "Need help tending that?" she'll ask from her perch. Mahri could, of course, heal that small wound without risk to anyone else.
Leoxander nodded to Mahri, summoning her silently.
Mahri thinks Satoshi really doesn't want to know what goes on in her mind..it's pretty scary in there.
Satoshi has been in Kasyr's mind, and brought back souvenirs. Nothing scares her anymore.
Mahri slips from the barrel, unless it was a crate then it'd be that she gets up from, to stroll towards the bloodied Arien. A glance is spared over her shoulder to Satoshi with a slight grin on her lips and a shrug. Next time, that look said. Next time it'd be them, one on one. Again. Like the old days. For now, her help is needed and it's to the elf Mahri looks to next, a brow raising in question. Did she want Mahri to heal it or no? Even if Leo had summoned her over. "Do you mind?" the question is voiced. . Angelo would let out a small puff of icy mist, grinning. That was always a fun one...though he had too little to go on to mimic the ice magus. One day, perhaps.
Leoxander glanced over at Angelo from his place holding his shirt to Arien's arm, or not. Likely gaining more blood stains, if he did.
Satoshi sinks into the water up to her nose, resisting the urge to hiss when the salt water hits her healing shoulderblade. Remaining like that, letting the waves gentle push her back and forth, she watches those on the beach with quiet interest. Especially Angelo and his frigid breath.
Arien withdrew her weapons and the elf was hardly breathing heavily after the workout even if a steady dripping of blood into the sands below would betray her injury. The elf was nodding her agreement to a cessation, a certain grimness settling into her eyes. "You drew first blood. I'm the one who needs practice.." she said quietly. They were going to war, a war where Achilles could die right next to her, and there were too many lives who might count on her to maintain her focus and discipline, regardless of what went down..or who might fall. How could she practice shutting down her desire for him to be safe? It had driven her the entirety of their history. She would have to learn. That stinging arm was her reminder tonight. And yet, its hurt was forgotten the moment the rogue was moving to close the distance between them, and she was lifting leather clad arm for him to tend. "I'd no intention of getting sliced open.." she murmured quietly. The rest of her words would not be spoken aloud, but the expression in her eyes might betray that there was mischief afoot in her thoughts.
Mahri would refrain from tapping her foot while Arien got all absorbed in Leo. She would, however, clear her throat. "Ari, let me look at your arm." It's almost not a request.
Arien would glance Mahri's way.
Arien said to Mahri, "Evening Mahri..if you would, tend to Jack first? Have you met?"
Angelo would let out another puff of icy mist before he looked at the ground and poked it nonchalantly, leaving a trail of ice as he drew a small circle. Well, it was simple, but it was there. Now he'd have to expand on it. But what in the -hell- could he add...he murmured to himself, half-finished thoughts and ideas, one constanty, never-ending brainstorm.
Mahri slants a look towards Jack then back to Arien. "No." To both questions. First, she wouldn't tend him first because, well..she didn't know him and she did know Arien. And Arien was, for good or ill, pack. And pack comes first.
Arien might have smiled faintly, then.
Arien said to Mahri, "Then get your ass over here. I'll need to sort him after you sort me."
Jack would have turned down the opportunity to be healed first if she accepted, but he found himself slightly hurt that she didn't offer. Regardless, he wanted the wound the scar. Wanted to remember the start of this war, hoping this would be the only scar he received for the duration. His chestnut gaze settled upon the woman, a slight discontent veiled with a smile. Breathing have returned to normal, he bent over to pick his weapons up, sheathing them into their respectful cases.
Arien wasn't quite able to bring herself to walk away from that rogue who was holding her bleeding arm.
Leoxander had been locked on Arien's eyes in silence, listening to unspoken words, but the moment Mahri closed the distance he'd take his shirt back and turn it back the right way, pulling it back over his torso with a new blood stain on it. To spare Satoshi, he'd retrieve his skull marked jacket to pull on over this, and buckled it secure before his knife belt was thrown over a shoulder.
Mahri , as it happens, is right there. Beside Leo. And in that case she'll be hip bumping him out of her way if he didn't move first, "Let me see." She didn't need to see so much as get her hands near the wound. Mahri just liked to say the word since she could. See that is. Once her hands are near the cut, a green glow tinged slightly with a black edge that seeped into and healed the severed capillaries, veins and other damage. Actually, it wouldn't take long at all and Mahri will step back only slightly paler than before and with a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. At least nothing small was dead so it's a safe bet that the energy needed for the beta's brand of healing had come from herself. "There. All better." That's when she looks at Jack. "You good over there?" Even as she spoke she was walking towards Arien's sparring partner, one dark brow raised in polite question.
Jack was at least relieved that she asked, but still he refused. "Thank you, but I think I will let this scar. Better that way. This way, I will remember my mistake." He smiled a little, the would stinging only slightly. Luckily, it was fairly shallow, leaving his smile to remain large.
Mahri 's smile then almost holds a hint of respect, "I can leave a scar and still stop the bleeding but," she shrugs, turns on her heel and finishes over her shoulder, " suit yourself." It's to the water Mahri goes next to eye the nearly submerged vampire. "It's safe now. And if you wanna eat that Jack fellow, I wouldn't cry about it." That last might have been heard easily.
Jack wasn't really surprised by the comment made. Some people were just like that, he supposed. Regardless, he turned to Arien. "Do I prove suitable to train those in need? Perhaps they will train me more than I them."
Satoshi smirks at Mahri from beneath the waves, but rather than approach the shore the kit sprawls onto her back and pushes herself farther out. A few water-laden kicks might be aimed the lycan's way in the process.
Arien would be absentmindedly rubbing the smoothness of skin that remained now after the druid's healing touch,and her own observant gaze narrowed slightly to take in that paleness about Mahri's face. She'd almost have offered up a question were it not for the fact that the woman was already moving away. Eyes tracked her to the water's edge for a few beats, before she'd turn to find Leo's form again.
Arien said to Leoxander, "You were hurt.." General obvious there. "Was there..anything?" She knew why he'd ventured to see the magus tonight."
Arien looked around to Jack's question.
Arien said to Jack, " You drew first blood. You'll do.. We'll be here most nights. And the Garrison likely could use a hand as well in their training staff."
Angelo yawned then, cracking his neck idly as he finally ended his ceaseless whispering. He remained seated however, switching between practicing the illusory ice to cloaking and de-cloaking himself from time to time. May as well...seems he wouldn't be enchanting anything anytime soon.
Satoshi isn't sure she trusts Angelo. But that could be because his cloaking and uncloaking whatnot seems like teleportation magic to the kit, and she just plain hates that branch of the arcane.
Mahri turned slightly from the splash of water with a chuckle. A few spatters dampen her shirt and pants, a drop or three rolls down her cheek. "One day, Satoshi. Soon." As an afterthought, or maybe it seemed so, she calls to the swimming fox, "Thanks. For the wing." Afterwards, Mahri looks over at Angelo, "Seen Micah yet? He won't shut up about you." Angelo had made quite the impression.
Angelo looked to Mahri and (finally, having not realized it was still up,) lowered his hood, revealing his grinning face. "Haven't seen him yet. But I'll be sure to teach him, of course. I think he'll like the art of illusion." At least, he hoped Micah would.
Mahri is pretty sure her ward would like learning what he can from Angelo and her nod might say as much. "I'll be bringing him and Lan soon's the ship's ready." Speaking of..casting a glance towards Leo and Arien, Mahri wants to be sure he's not preoccupied.
Leoxander didn't know what to say to Arien. He only shook his head. He'd felt no magic other than his own rage and Satoshi's intrusion. "Maybe I just don't have it, Elf." Was all he'd remark on, quietly, ignoring the remark of his being hurt. He seemed to recover well enough, despite having that chill of the bard's blood still pricking goosebumps across his ink.
Satoshi 's lost in her own world while lazily drifting about the cove, looking very much like a large white otter as she floats upon her back with hand upon her chest.
Leoxander cast an idle glance toward the otter in his cove, frowning.
Leoxander wasn't -too- concerned with enchanting that ship that night since there were no children upon it, yet, and Angelo had specifically told him to do it all at once to avoid the repeats. If the man so wanted to take the chance to explain, now, in the silence of that night illuminated by some campfires and torchlight, seemed the time, in that calm of the evening. But Leo had found himself focused on the elf, once more... he couldn't help it. The drow targeted her, the war targeted her. He'd barely just found her. She knew him well enough to know his want for magic was only to win that war, but before he could get too in depth to a heart felt conversation or look, his attention was drawn back to the illusionist. "It would be best, to put the cubs there with something to stop him from taking them all out, savy?" Not that the parasite knew of their plans, but he might. The rogue was willing to plan two steps ahead. Reaching for Arien's hand on her uninjured arm, he'd lead her toward the sentinel, Angelo, if she'd follow. He'd give Mahri an understanding nod, on the way. "Take one of the lycans home with you." To the forest, at least, to escort her. Didn't matter that she could see.
Satoshi contents herself with merely listening: to the waves, the crackling wood of the campfire, crunch of sand under so many feet, and to conversation.
Mahri is going to start taking Sora with her. Everywhere. Maybe a dragon would look nice perched on top of the Jolly Roger. "I'll..take one." As far as the forest anyway. The ice dragon is already waiting at the edge, curled in the fog she was coming to love almost as much as the snowy region of Frostmaw. "Be safe." Then, she's gone, disappearing among the shadows of the path, through rocks and to the forest. Of course, one of those lycans trails after. Keeping an eye on the beta at least and returning sooner than expected probably. Had he even made it to the edges of Fog Forest before Mahri sent him back? Unlikely. But he might mention in passing to one of his cronies about the woman riding a dragon.
Arien laced her fingers through his. It was such a simple act, holding hands, but she remembered when he’d stared at her extended limb as if it was a snake about to bite. Now, he sought the contact, and she noticed. Something shifted inside her. So much had changed, but their road had never been easy. She suspected it never would be. No wonder the cards had turned for battle. Not for one, but for every one. Every fight, physical and emotional that they would have to survive, to endure, for a dream. The elf would not be speaking as they approached their lycan kin, but she’d be leaning in to murmur in his ear, just as they came to a stop near his side.
Arien whispered to Leoxander, “I’ve got something for you..for luck.”
Angelo wasn't exactly paying attention at this point, continuing to draw, lost in memories.
Leoxander did not take as much notice in the change in himself, as Arien did. He went day to day, with more or less the same reserved look in off colored eyes. That stare found the lazy illusionist, now. "Are you going to get up? Or do I have to throw your damned ass in the water an' wake you tha' general direction, mate?" Perhaps his low, grating voice in the silence would alert Angelo that they were right there. He'd let go of Arien's hand, to save face on his vile reputation.
Leoxander glanced at Arien, to make it clear he'd heard her whisper. Leoxander looked back toward Angelo, calmly.
Angelo blinked - that was Leoxander talking. He was up in an instant, dusting himelf off. "I'd rather -not- be thrown in the water, you understand..." He coughs. "Lead on..."
Leoxander glanced at Arien, before he'd motion the man into the dinghy where he'd recently stashed knives and jacket. Arien would be the second one to settle into that small lined boat, before he looked toward Satoshi. "You stayin' or comin, Cat?" Typically he didn't let cats aboard, and the sign underbelly read so, but maybe for her he'd make an exception...
Satoshi rights herself at the call, and after a moment of awkward one-armed paddling, ends up at the waiting little boat. "Might as well. Haven't been on that thing in... how long?" Shaking her head at recollections of the Labyrinth, Satoshi climbs aboard.
Leoxander reluctantly helped Satoshi by hoisting her mostly face first into that little rowboat, revenge for telling him 'it might hurt a little'. "You know you're the only feline I think's been on it, Cat." He gripped rope in hand, to tug them in to that rope ladder they'd climb the hull to board her with.
Angelo would follow suite behind Leoxander and Arien, folding his arms once he was on the boat and standing dead still. He hated boat rides with a fiery passion...stupid waves.
Arien lifted that hand to restrain Leo a heartbeat, before he'd leave to lead Angelo from that boat to the Eternity, a quiet murmur offered. "I need to go check on the men.." Some responsibilities in war could not be abandoned. " You know where I'm camped..." Her tent was undistinctive for security reasons, but was set apart from most and closer to the cover of rock wall on two flanks. It would be her invitation to him to find her later, if it was his desire. A finger would slip into the inner lining of her jerkin, and draw forth an armband, red, and stained now with her blood from that combat. She'd reach for his arm, as he had for hers, and slender fingers would be working that favor up over the curve of his bicep. She could sense that unspoken dread, that fear of loss that could threaten to hobble him. He would be as effective as he could believe himself to be. Her lips would come to touch his ear again for a whisper.
Arien whispered to Leoxander.
Leoxander would be the last to board his ship, oddly enough. But with three of Satoshi's tails and Arien's leather clad backside to watch on the way up, who could blame a pirate? He might squint an eye just a bit when he got a viewfull of Angelo by accident, but would be stalled when the elf stopped him from the 'best for last' hope. That pause lasted while she tied her own blood stained scrap of fabric around his arm, and something in his eyes softened. He wasn't particularly pleased about her separation, but he'd nod to the reminder that he'd know where she was, and dipped in for a rough, wolfish 'bite' of kiss to her jawline and throat. "I can hear you." He'd remind, a touch of thumb to gold earring to indicate he was a call away, and with a chuff of breath, Leo ascended to draw himself onto the deck of that beautiful... damn beautiful ship. She was old, and not unlike Satoshi would remember, save that her sails had been recently exchanged for a red to match his new 'favor', in a signal of 'No Quarter'. It didn't matter that there would potentially be children upon her - this was a sign to steer clear. A glance around his main deck, the wheel unmained, then he spoke brief directions to the visitors. Satoshi may or may not remember. "Galley's to the left. Those doors lead below. There's cots and hammocks down there, now, you can take your pick, but you stay out of mine and the Brizo's quarters." There were only two rooms doored off under that deck, one belonged to Caedan and would be used for the children. The other was smaller, his own limited confines.