A wide open area of flat, grassy land and rocky trenches, supposedly a wide range of ancient civilizations once lived here. Species that like wide, open areas, such as Gyrophants, Serraptors, and Sahound, thrive here, though only the agile survive. (+3 Speed)

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Postby Jaykobell » 09/05/2012 7:52 PM

Nyala had to hand it down to the Fairy for keeping a good spirit despite her warning. "Good luck with that," she replied, though you couldn't tell if she was irritated or neutral about it. She'd lived in this tribe her whole life, and she certainly knew the true faces of some dragons who lived here.

Still a little miffed at being cut off for no good reason, Dunstan eventually turned his attention to Hani. "It's... hard to say, actually," he admitted at her question of which dragons to avoid and which ones to interact with. "None of the dragons here are necessarily bad... They're just a little ridiculous, sometimes," he answered, although he knew that wasn't much of an answer. "You'll probably get a feeling for them by yourself once you get out of the den." He smiled a little sheepishly, but anyone could still see that the smile was forced. "I can't really tell what kind of personalities you'd like."

With the conversation dragging to a topic she didn't want to discuss, the healer Sandshark eventually made her way towards the exit of her den. "I have to go. Remember what I said, and you'll be out of the den in a few days," she said and reminded Hani, in passing, before making her exit.

The Frost watched the Sandshark leave, silently, seemingly drifting off into a daydream for a few seconds. He eventually sighed, looking a little down. "Well, I guess I'll go too. Hopefully you can go around and about in just a few days and see the Hive for yourself," he told the Fairy before awkwardly squeezing himself out of the den, carefully backtracking in order to avoid knocking anything over. Before long, the den was empty, leaving the injured Fairy to herself.

~*~

Luckily for Hani, Nyala's advice had been accurate and within a little under three full days, the Fairy's body had recovered enough to let her get up and about without any pain. Despite that, the Sandshark had refused to let the stranger Paragon outside the den. She allowed the Fairy to move about inside the den, and just a little bit outside of it, if only because it was located on the side of the mountain itself, so it was a little ways away from the main clearing where everybody was. It was only a small space for Hani to stretch her legs about, but at least she was allowed to move.

Shortly after word of her ability to move about got out, the Fairy Paragon was visited one morning by an unfamiliar dragon she had not yet met.

Image

First only popping her head in, the Sailfin eventually stepped inside the den. Nyala was currently away, and so was Dunstan, leaving Hani alone with the unknown Sailfin in the den.

The Sailfin, however, didn't carry a dangerous aura, although her presence was impossible to miss and actually quite powerful, despite her smaller size. "Hani, yes?" she inquired of the Fairy, her voice softer than you would expect from a dragon with that serious of a complexion. "My name is Slavica, and I am the Hive's supportive leader. Are you fit enough to move from the den?" There was a short bow to Hani as Slavica introduced herself, her behavior were business-like and serious, although not menacing. Intimidating, however, may also be on the list, depending on how was interacting with the business-like Sailfin.

After asking her question, the Sailfin paused, although she quickly continued. "Rest assured that Nyala has confirmed that your wing and other injuries have healed well." The Fairy had probably seen a glimpse of the healer's personality, after all, so Slavica felt the need to assure Hani she could answer honestly without the Sandshark unleashing her anger. "If you feel well enough today, I can bring you to our leader, and we can talk about your stay here for the foreseeable future."
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Re: Out Of The Storm And Into The Snake Pit [P-Shrewd]

Postby Kallile » 09/05/2012 9:22 PM

It was an ill-kept secret that, while she complied with it, Hani hated being kept on a short leash. The tiny strolls outside were a welcome breath of fresh air but she desperately longed to be out and about. Her body was feeling fine, her wing was being kept firmly to her side to let everything heal as Nyala had instructed, and she wanted to go and see what this Hive was all about! But…she had also seen the Sandshark in some small tantrums; and she was not about to make herself a menace to the one Paragon trying to assist her. So she stayed, obediently, in the boundaries set before her and kept her grumbling to herself with no sign of open defiance to the healer’s decision.

The absence of both Nyala and Dunstan was making this day in particular lag greatly. Typically it seemed that one or the other would be around somewhere to chat with, but today there was truly no one there to keep boredom at bay or so it seemed. As the flash of bright blue crest adorning a navy head poked around the corner Hani perked up considerably. Oh, a guest? Nyala was not going to approve of this.

“Yes, I’m Hani.” She answered back carefully. As the Sailfin slipped into the den Hani instantly marked her for one of higher standings. Her father had poise and posture similar to hers, though she held herself just slightly different. It was comfortably familiar to the Fairy but she did not let her guard down. She simply fell back into a more proper tone to ensure that everything went as well as she could possibly make it. Coming off as anything short of a proper lady at this moment could ruin her chances to repay the clan properly. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Slavica. Yes, I think I am well enough to move about now. I have been making several trips daily just beyond the den—I feel confident that I can make it to a meeting.”

Her muscles relaxed a little as the words that Nyala had somewhat approved of this sunk in fully. Well then, without an angry healer on her tail, this might not turn out to be such a boring day after all! “Yes, I’ve been very eager to meet the leader of this Hive since I first learned of where I was. If you do not mind a little slower pace, I would very much like to meet with him.” She was mobile, yes, but not ready to sprint.
"I have been hidden, scorned, adored, worshiped, forsaken, coveted and banished more times than I care to count. But the one thing all those experiences cannot steal from me is the gentle soul I was born with, the kind heart I have molded, and the bright ideals for the future that have lit my way through the darkness of the past."




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Postby Jaykobell » 09/05/2012 11:16 PM

"Wonderful," Slavica nodded once Hani had confirmed that she would be able to move about well enough so she could meet the leader. The sooner she would be able to move out of the den, the happier Nyala probably would be. The den was small, so when a Paragon had to stay in it for many days, it often raked on the Sandshark's patience. Of course, if the Fairy couldn't make it today, then the healer would just have to bear with a crowded den for another day.

"Certainly. The day is still young; we have plenty of time. Tell me if you need to stop and rest while we're making our way there," the Sailfin invited, making sure to treat their guest as nicely as possible. She usually wasn't this lenient, but Hani wasn't from here; getting on the guest's bad side and making them grow resentful towards the Hive would be a bad move on Slavica's part. "This way," she guided, turning tail and slowly making her way out of the den. Out the leafy barrier that covered its entrance and out, it lead directly to the forest surrounding the mountain of the Hive. A turn to the right down a small dirt path, and before long, the two females had already reached the heart of the mountain.

The mountain itself seemed to reach beyond the clouds, so enormous in size that the dragons looked like medium-sized creatures next to the hollowed dens and paths leading up and down certain sections of the mountain. Curled in the shape of a rough croissant, the mountain had a large clearing right between its edge and the forest surrounding it. In the clearing itself, countless dragons of various species flew and sparred, with every color of the spectrum of the color wheel present among the dragons. "This is the Hive's main clearing. Everything usually happens here," Slavica explained as they kept to the edge of the mountain rather than crossing straight across the clearing itself.

The moment the other Paragon noticed Slavica and Hina, chatter started going about. Many eyes and heads turned towards the two, but as expected, they were all a lot more intrigued by Hani. The feelings looked mixed; some looked like they were neutral, while others looked like they wanted to go talk to Hani and see who she was. On the other hand, the opposite also applied; certain dragons looked apprehensive and wary of the stranger. However, being that she was presently under Slavica's watch, no one would dare to cause trouble right in front of their supporting leader. She almost had as much authority as their leader, so getting on her bad side was a very bad idea.

The Sailfin ignored the looks, and hoped that Hani would do the same. She lead the Fairy to a small rocky path that made its way upward on the side of the mountain. It lead to the middle of the mountain, with a path meeting theirs halfway on the other side, the two connecting to a small protrusion in the middle. Hollowed in front of that platform-like extension was a den that was much bigger than the others, which could only mean one thing: the leader was in that den. "I'm sorry, it's a little walk on foot, but it's manageable. If you need to stop, don't hesitate to say so," Slavica repeated, just so Hani knew she really could ask. She was still injured, so if she needed to stop, that was fine. "I would suggest for Izotz to make his way outside, himself, but we would both prefer that we discuss things with you in private."
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Re: Out Of The Storm And Into The Snake Pit [P-Shrewd]

Postby Kallile » 09/06/2012 10:30 AM

Hani carefully got to her feet as the Sailfin invited her to follow. No matter what the meeting held, it was going to be nice just to get more than 50 feet away from the den. If Nyala’s nerves were running high from being cramped, one could be sure Hani’s were as well. Coming from an island clan there was little soil stable enough to make dens out of. Trees would be bent as needed to provide shelters for clutching mothers or the ill, but otherwise most everyone slept under the sky be there stars or storms. The confines of the den were beginning to be a bit much with no promise of release to go out into the world for long.

She had seen the expanse of the mountains enough, but upon seeing the clearing Hani felt her heart soar. She hoped to find herself amongst the others within one day soon, she desperately wanted new faces to talk to. But now was hardly the time; she took in the eyes, trying to remember the faces who looked more excited than fearful, before turning her head back to focus on the path ahead of them. She wanted as desperately as they to just go and make an introduction, but she would not dare stray from her current host at the risk of seeming insubordinate. Besides, this was the moment she had been waiting for; the decision of her fate as it was.

“Rest assured I will speak up should my body begin to protest, but I will do my best to make it to the den.” She didn’t feel the need to say that no matter her legs’ protests, she was going to walk until they reached the leader called Izotz. She could always rest once the talking began…but for that to happen she had to make it there first.

“Oh no, I am in agreement. These matters would be best discussed in private to keep curious ears at bay.” It was true, with that many Paragon just behind them now alert to the fact she was out and about it wasn’t farfetched to assume that one or two might be so bold as to try to sneak a peek at the meeting and begin rumors among the rest of the Hive. Rumors were certainly already buzzing already, but that didn’t mean more needed to be sparked. “I have looked forward to this meeting for days; I thank you for your patience in leading me here.”  It only seemed right to thank her, she couldn’t really be enjoying this role too much—leading a still-lame Paragon the long way around.
"I have been hidden, scorned, adored, worshiped, forsaken, coveted and banished more times than I care to count. But the one thing all those experiences cannot steal from me is the gentle soul I was born with, the kind heart I have molded, and the bright ideals for the future that have lit my way through the darkness of the past."




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Postby Jaykobell » 09/06/2012 7:47 PM

It seemed that despite being a stranger, Hani had the right idea. "Exactly. So many dragons would try to sway us one way or another — these matters can't be shared with the Hive in great detail, or else rumors get around," Slavica confirmed as she continued to lead the way, finding the path familiar, yet slightly unknown to her. Being flying creatures, it was rare for her and the others to stay on the ground, especially when they wanted to reach their dens. Not to say the walk wouldn't be good; it did change the scenery in its own way.

At being thanked by the Fairy, Slavica blinked and looked over her shoulder briefly. "It's not a problem. We have wingless Paragon here, so it's not rare to take the foot road," she assured the stranger, motioning her head a little towards the clearing. A few wingless Paragon could be seen down there, and obviously, they couldn't fly all the way up. Of course, they had their own strengths to make up for the lack of wings, but they couldn't do anything related to flying.

Before long, the two eventually reached the plateau, even more dragons glancing and looking their way curiously as they noticed them. It was like those dragons were burning right through Hani, staring attentively at the stranger. This wasn't a common occurrence here, so any stranger was quite a sight.

"Here we are," the Sailfin indicated as she motioned to the den with her head and stepped inside in front of Hani, bowing slightly and briefly once she'd entered. "Sorry for the wait," she apologized, adopting a more business-like presence, with a strong feeling to her.

Further inside the den, a bulky white and soft blue Frost Paragon lay, seemingly relaxing on his own.

Image

Upon hearing a voice coming from the entrance, the Paragon stirred and turned his attention towards the source of the voice. Piercing light green eyes surveyed the two females that had entered the den, but despite his bulk — which was surprisingly no match against Dunstan's unique size — and his position, his presence wasn't threatening or even intimidating. He also didn't look old, despite his rank — he certainly wasn't as young as he could be, but he wasn't old, either; he was right in the prime of his life.

He stretched slightly and slowly sat upright, crystal wings glowing softly even in the dim light of the den as he nodded in Slavica's direction. "We're not in any hurry," he answered at his assisting leader's apology before turning his eyes towards Hani, observing her from head to toes. "This is her, then?" he inquired, since he hadn't seen Hani for himself until now; all he knew was that she was a Fairy, but that didn't really help any.

Slavica nodded again as she went to settle next to the leader, whom then got up completely at the Sailfin's confirmation of the Fairy before him. "Hani, then," he called out, at least knowing her name, courtesy of Nyala's reports as the healer reported on Hani's condition. "My name is Izotz. I am the leader of this Dragon Hive," he introduced formally, out of protocol. "My understanding is that Dunstan brought you here when he found you on the plains during that thunderstorm a few days ago," he started with, tilting his head to indicate that Hani could correct him at any time if he happened to say something wrong. "I'm glad you've healed fine and that your wing is going to get better; we've had some dragons become permanently handicapped from thunderstorms and other elements. It's clearly not healed enough to let you fly, though, and that's why we wanted to talk to you."

When he was done with that introduction, he slowly sat back down, facing the Fairy still. "I haven't a lot of dragons outside the Hive. I've heard rumors about other clans being around this continent, but I've never met them, personally. My guess is that you probably come from one of those rumored clans. Considering your situation, my invitation to you is that stay here at my Hive while your wing heals. Nyala probably warned you that, despite the medical gel healing external damage and numbing you enough to let you move about, it doesn't heal anything inside the body itself. It has to heal naturally, which will take time, depending," Izotz went on, not really talking like a leader, but more like a concerned stranger — his presence had nothing like an intimidating or forceful leader figure to it. "Of course, if you do decide to stay here, I would expect you to put some heart into this Hive in return. Nothing necessarily too tiring — Nyala would most likely disagree," he added, cracking a mischievous smile at the last part. Even the leader didn't want an enraged Sandshark going after him. "I have a mentor for you who could teach you the basics of how we work here. We have a few factions you could probably fit in while your wing heals." There was a short pause as he tilted his head slightly, curiously. "Of course, it's up to you whether you want to stay here or not. We won't hold it against you if you decide to leave — but be warned that once you step outside our territory, you will be left on your own. No dragon will escort you to your home, and you will be left to your own resources."

He paused for a while, letting Hani process all of that. "What do you think? Does that make sense?"


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Re: Out Of The Storm And Into The Snake Pit [P-Shrewd]

Postby Kallile » 09/07/2012 4:01 PM

The Fairy did her best to hide the fact that she was rather pleased with herself—it was a step in the right direction to make sure everyone was on the same page. And agreeing on the topic was an even bigger step towards forward progress. It was nice to feel that she hadn’t completely lost her touch as a clan leader’s daughter. Hani inclined her head back towards the clearing and tried to take in the colors of the wingless paragon as best she could. If she was staying, she would probably end up getting to know them much better than just this faraway view until her wing healed properly.

Her attention was drawn back by Slavica spoke and she mentally beat the grin on her face back. It wasn’t a malicious or ill-intended grin; oh no. Much to the contrary—she was like a hatchling who was being allowed to go on her first hunt with the hunters. But now wasn’t the time for excitement over finally reaching what she had considered a major milestone for the past few days. She needed to be focused, she needed to be proper, and most importantly she needed to come off as being the intelligent female that she truly was. With a small smile she too dipped her head in a light bow.

She watched the Frost move with a great amount of intrigue—he didn’t act much like a leader. Not to say he hadn’t properly earned the rank, but she found herself pleasantly surprised with their first face to face meeting. “Yes, Izotz. Dunstan has spoken very highly of you.” She was careful to leave out the fact that she was, herself, enthralled to finally be putting a face and name together. “All true; I was struck by lightning on a journey to my temporary home.” She confirmed.

She waited and listened as patiently as she could force herself to and as Izotz took a seat so did she. The twinkle of mischief, the way he spoke to her, and a few other tiny mannerisms all intrigued her greatly. Once Izotz was finished, Hani drew herself up a little in preparation of her turn to speak. “Yes, all of it makes perfect sense. You are correct, my origins lay within an ocean-dwelling clan. I am, however, currently rather lost from that home; my siblings and I were blown desperately off course during our Rite of Passage and this continent is where the storm happened to drop me at.”

She gave another smile and a gracious dip of her snout. “I would expect no more lenient an offer from you; you are very kind. I had hoped to be able to repay this Hive for your generosity in resources during my stay—I would very much like the opportunity to repay this kindness and aid where ever you see fit for me to be stationed. I am an excellent fisher by upbringing, and if there is a lake and a desire for a more varied diet I can certainly help to proving that. But I will eagerly learn any skill needed to become an asset to this place while I dwell here.”

Again she quelled her pride. Well spoken, if she did say so herself.
"I have been hidden, scorned, adored, worshiped, forsaken, coveted and banished more times than I care to count. But the one thing all those experiences cannot steal from me is the gentle soul I was born with, the kind heart I have molded, and the bright ideals for the future that have lit my way through the darkness of the past."




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Postby Jaykobell » 09/07/2012 9:50 PM

Izotz listened attentively as Hani replied to his comments and questions, with Slavica watching the Fairy very carefully. Now that they were in the presence of their leader, her task was to be alert and make sure that the Fairy wouldn't try anything shady. Despite Hani sounding and acting tame and gentle, the Sailfin didn't know the stranger well, so she couldn't afford to drop her guard down. If the Fairy made one suspicious move, the Sailfin would jump right in. Despite being so tense and on guard, however, Slavica just looked a little preoccupied and attentive towards the whole discussion, staying quiet as the two dragons spoke.

Izotz tilted his head at the Fairy before him. "Ocean-dwelling, huh. That's really unfortunate, what happened to you and your siblings. I can only hope that they're safe," he commented in passing, knowing he would be anxious if some of his own dragons went missing from a bad weather condition. If anything, he could sympathize with whoever was leading Hani's tribe.

He grinned a little sheepishly at the words that came after. "I don't mind some flattery," he answered as he chuckled just a little bit. Well, he didn't flattered very often, so he sure wasn't going to pass that up. As for the rest of Hani's suggestion, Izotz tilted his head, a little perplexed. "Fishing wouldn't be a problem under normal circumstances, but the only lake we have is far from the mountain. I don't think a trip by foot would be possible with the intention to bring back prey. We do have certain divisions that can contribute, even on foot or if wingless." It wouldn't quite do if you ended up with wingless dragons who couldn't do anything, right? Fortunately, the Hive could accommodate both flying and earthbound Paragon with relative ease.

"I don't really know where to put you, though. I usually base my decision on what kind of talents each dragon has, but obviously, I don't know you very much," he admitted with a chuckle. "I think it would be easier to let you pick on your own. I don't know exactly where all my commanders are, but I'm sure we can find some Paragon from each division that could explain to you exactly what they do. How about that?"
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Re: Out Of The Storm And Into The Snake Pit [P-Shrewd]

Postby Kallile » 09/08/2012 5:00 PM

Hani gave a solemn grin and another nod of her head. “It is a test all young dragons in our clan had to face to prove our worth and strength to the rest of the clan. Though we might have failed in their eyes by not returning, I am sure my siblings are doing as well as I.” She left it at that—Atl she was certain was fine but Kahewai….she was delicate and meek. If she had survived it would be a tremendous miracle. There was little time to dwell on that; it had been a year or more since the storm had swept them away and it was time to move on to find her own place in this drastically dryer world.

“Agreed, the amount I could possibly carry would not be worth the trek. But perhaps it’s a skill I will later be able to share with the Hive.” Her eyes brightened almost instantly and the little orbs around her wings—dormant for the past several days—bobbled a little from their magically suspended positions in show of this excitement.

The very idea a leader would allow a stranger to choose their own place within the delicate workings of a society was baffling. She was sure he would put her to work helping clear out the rubble created from den making and shoving the leftover bones from a kill away to avoid attracting predators. Something nasty that only an omega-position might do. But to give her the right to select? She…was baffled.

“I should pick my place? I can’t say I’ve ever heard of a leader making such a generous offer. Yes, I would very much like to meet with some of the others to find a fitting job while I am grounded.” This was nothing like she was expecting; not by a longshot. This paragon, for his position, was unlike any other she had ever encountered. Her intrigue was sparked…and so was her desire to learn more about what drew everyone to follow him. They were skills she would very much like to learn.
"I have been hidden, scorned, adored, worshiped, forsaken, coveted and banished more times than I care to count. But the one thing all those experiences cannot steal from me is the gentle soul I was born with, the kind heart I have molded, and the bright ideals for the future that have lit my way through the darkness of the past."




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Postby Jaykobell » 09/08/2012 9:37 PM

Izotz grinned when Hani seemed surprised that he would let her pick her own job. He felt Slavica giving him a look, but she did nothing more. "Well, like I said, I usually make the decision based on the skills I've seen from a particular Paragon. In your case, though, you're a stranger to me, so I can't make a good decision. If I place you wrong, that won't do us or you any good. I only trust that you know your own strengths and weaknesses, and that you can make your own decision based on that." Not to say he never let his followers pick. He would sometimes give a task to a certain Paragon who would end up not liking the job or not being as productive as he would've imagined. That was fine; the dragon could then change ranks, if they so wanted. Others were given a very specific job due to their handicaps or quirks, such as Nyala being the healer due to her blindness. Sadly, throwing the Sandshark in a situation of hunting or battling when she couldn't see any of the field would be dangerous and ridiculous.

Now that it was all settled, though, Izotz got up from his position and shook himself some, stretching a bit as well, before he turned slightly to Slavica. He made a single flick of his head towards the exit, without saying a single word. The Sailfin left him with a baffled look, mingled with a little bit of uncertainty. Izotz shook his head and motioned towards the exit a second time, insisting on whatever he was telling the Sailfin. Slavica turned to Hani shortly before getting up and heading outside the den, just as silent as her leader. Izotz didn't need her here; Hani wasn't a threat, so he didn't need to waste Slavica's time.

"That's a supporting leader — or a second-in-command, if you will," Izotz explained after the Sailfin was out of the den. "But I don't think you'd want that particular rank," he added with a chuckle and a grin before starting to head out, himself. "There might also be something we're missing — some tasks can only be done by one Paragon out of all the Hive, so if none of the divisions speak to you, there might be something a little bit more obscure," he reassured, making his way outside the den, looking over his shoulder to make sure the Fairy was following him out. "We have a single den-digger, for example; no other Paragon is as fit as he is for the job. We've been recovering from a fairly dark time, so certain things a still a little unorganized," he admitted, though he didn't seem to mind admitting the flaws they had. You couldn't really dwell on those things — you couldn't change the past, so it was what it was.

Outside the den, Izotz lead Hani out towards the protrusion, which gave a nice aerial view of the clearing below. Countless Paragon were still flying about, while others were down in the clearing, doing their own things. He noticed a few hatchlings playing together down in the clearing, the babies so small that they were little specks from their view from up above. There a Fairy, the same species as Hani, who was keeping a close eye on them as they played. "We do have a lot of hatchlings to look over, if you're the nursing type," he mentioned in passing, turning to Hani. "We can make our way down and see if anyone can help you pick out a good division."
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Re: Out Of The Storm And Into The Snake Pit [P-Shrewd]

Postby Kallile » 09/08/2012 10:16 PM

“A  very understandable resolve. It’s just…refreshing to hear a leader offer such a thing to a stranger in his clan.” Refreshing was the softest word she could think of. Astounded, dumbfounded, baffled…all those just sounded too harsh; as if Izotz might be doing something wrong in his position in the Fairy’s eyes. But the opposite was true. The exchange with the Sailfin was also unlike anything within the workings of a clan that she had ever seen. In her clan no one would have dared to question such a gesture from her father, but many things in the Hive were proving to be drastically different in ways she found rather thrilling.

“You’re right, I think. Seems a bit stuffy for me.” She laughed back, seeming perhaps a little more relaxed than she should be in front of a Hive leader. With a click of his claws he could probably have her killed, she knew, but somehow she didn’t feel the larger male had it in him to do such a thing. After all, what was she going to do? Scratch his eyes out and fly away? Her main mode of transport was out of commission so even had she been of rough character, the female wasn’t going anywhere fast and she knew it. The question lingered on the tip of her tongue—if Slavica was his mate, given her title—but the Fairy held that particular thought back. It would be more than impolite to ask that.

“I’ve heard a little about the leader before you as well and can sympathize. My clan, from the sounds of things, was ran very similarly…though perhaps not for the same reasons. Our society had to have rigorous structure or we would not be able to survive in the conditions we dwell in.” While land animals could only migrate in horizontal directions, Hani’s old prey could often times take a vertical migration down into the depths. In a vast ocean, prey could hide anywhere. “I am sure I will be able to apply myself to an existing faction, though if I display skills required elsewhere then I will think nothing of changing the task I perform for the Hive.”

As they stepped out to look over the clearing, Hani’s eyes instantly fell onto the dragons still airborne. It was always an excellent way to strut your stuff be it for a mate or just acceptance and a show of strength. She would be up there soon enough, she was sure of it, and when she was she would be sure to make a lasting impression. But Izotz words brought her back to earth so to speak and she focused on the tiny hatchling-dots bounding around below them. “I always fancied myself a fair babysitter, though I don’t know how the Hive would feel about a stranger guarding their hatchlings. Perhaps that would be a task best left to try another time, once I have had time to prove myself to them.” A second though entered her mind and her tongue, already preoccupied with holding back one question, let this one pass before she could stop herself.

“Any of them yours?” She asked with a twinkle in her eye and a grin on her scaled face. It was a fair question at least—leaders often did get more mating rights than lower members. However that was also the common thinking for more tightly structured thinking as was common in clans like her birthclan. With such a different leader, perhaps he also had different morals. With a shake of her head and a wish that maybe he wasn’t listening at that particular moment she continued. “If you don’t mind the walk, yes, I think I would like to gather advise from some of the others to help find where I might come to belong here.”
"I have been hidden, scorned, adored, worshiped, forsaken, coveted and banished more times than I care to count. But the one thing all those experiences cannot steal from me is the gentle soul I was born with, the kind heart I have molded, and the bright ideals for the future that have lit my way through the darkness of the past."




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Postby Jaykobell » 09/08/2012 11:43 PM

Izotz smiled a little sheepishly when Hani complimented his seemingly benevolent nature. He was considered a little controversial among even the Hive itself, being a lot more lenient than the leaders before him. It wasn't a good trait in itself, but many of the Paragon in the Hive thought his kindness would end up being his downfall — that he would end up making terrible mistakes because of his benevolent nature. Regardless, Izotz had been leader of this Hive for many years, and the clan was slowly getting back together after all those years of tyranny from their previous leader.

Speaking of said leader, Izotz was a little disappointed to hear Hani's clan was lead similarly: with an iron fist and things being so structured that a single mistake resulted in you being ridiculed or punished. "The leader who used to be here was cruel," he told Hani grimly, himself being a part of it before he became leader. "She was hungry for power and manipulation. She was corrupt and would put her needs and desires before the Hive. We lost more dragons than I can count from her reign of terror." Something dark seemed to flash in his eyes as he remembered those days. Fortunately, they were over and he was now the one leading this tribe to a better future. "I don't want to lead my tribe that way," he added in a low voice, but with a determined, passionate tone that spoke for itself. "That's not what a leader is."

He shook his head a little, trying to clear it of those dark memories. "Ah, that is true. Not to mention, laying females are sometimes very protective and wary when it comes to their hatchlings," he replied passively to Hani saying that the others probably wouldn't trust a stranger to their hatchlings. They needed all the babies they could get right now; those little specks were, quite literally, the hope of the Hive.

They were making their way down the small path when Izotz heard a peculiar question coming from Hani. If any of the hatchlings down there were his? "I'm afraid I don't have any," he replied, longing resonating in his voice just a little bit. "I tried in my younger years to impress a female or two, but I was always outmatched by another one — or sometimes I just wouldn't fight for my 'right' to a female," he told, and although the end result had been fairly disappointing, he didn't seem to mind. "I became leader when I was younger, so I never had time to really bond with any of the females in the Hive. Even now, I have no mate — not even a potential one." Which was another reason why the other Paragon thought he was controversial. In under normal circumstances, the leader always had a mate; mating in order to have hatchlings to follow in his footsteps, and for a strong bloodline to stay in the clan. Izotz, however, hadn't ever gone that far, so no baby carried his blood at this point in time. "Eventually, though, I'm sure," he added in passing, as they reached the bottom of the small path and down into the clearing.

Within seconds of them reaching the ground, the little swarm of hatchlings they'd seen from up above came rushing towards the two Paragon. Babies of all sizes and colors, of all wings and tails, and of all species — every single one of them was unique and they all had their own little special characteristic.

"Who are you?" a little one piped up at Hani, staring at the Fairy with huge, curious eyes. "I've never seen you before!"

"You so bwue!" a tinier one said, which looked a lot younger than the others.

Soon enough, the babies gathered around the stranger, curious and excited to see a new face around.
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Re: Out Of The Storm And Into The Snake Pit [P-Shrewd]

Postby Kallile » 09/09/2012 1:20 PM

While unconventional, Hani could hear the passion in his voice as he spoke of the leader who had come before and defended his own stance on wishing to be a fair leader. It was admirable that he would still feel so strongly no matter if he had been leading one season or one hundred. If Hani knew anything about leadership, it was that passion made up for many other failings. She offered him a condoling smile as he finished and simply nodded.

“You are right, it’s not the way things should be done. Perhaps you example will inspire others.” She offered hopefully, her eyes focusing back on the path before them. She chuckled a little as he confirmed her worries of taking on any sort of hatchling caretaker position at the time. “Perhaps in time it will be my calling to watch the young ones, but for the sake of peace I don’t think that time will be now.”

Izotz answer to her (unfortunate) question surprised her. A leader without hatchlings to his name? Granted perhaps here things worked differently, but it further baffled the female to think that a leader such as Izotz would have no offspring whatsoever. She was silent for perhaps too long before realizing it and shaking herself back into the present moment. “Forgive me, it’s not my place to pry into such matters. Where I am from, the leader has the right to select whichever mates he likes. The others are still allowed their games to impress one another, but the leader selects his favorites first.” She said, trying to give a better explanation of her long silence on the matter. Her hidden question was answered in the same explanation; so Slavica was not his mate, simply one who had truly earned her place there. With a nod and a small chuckle, she looked to Izotz. “Well then, if you haven’t the time to impress a female, I am surprised no females have tried to impress you. But yes, all good things happen with time. Perhaps this season will be your lucky one.”

Her attention was quickly stolen away by the little hatchlings at her feet. A bright smile took over her features and she carefully lowered herself towards the ground to be closer to the little ones’ level. “Well hello.” She began, listening to the two bravest hatchlings speaking to her, though the greeting extended to all who came to investigate. She didn’t worry so much for the moment—if the Hive truly had respect for Izotz then the mothers would feel secure enough to know that he was also there with the hatchlings. She hoped her prone position would also double as a way to help calm their nerves as well.

“My name is Hani, and what’s yours?” She asked in return. “I’m brand new here, and I would really like to make some friends. Would you like to be my very first friends?” Her gentle eyes went to look at every little face with a bright smile before her gaze came to rest on the smallest infant.

“That’s because I come from somewhere faaaar away where everything is blue. It helps me stay hidden when I need to. I don’t think it will do that out here though, what do you think?” Her voice was animated as she spoke and she utilized her neck and hands to make exaggerated motions to help demonstrate just how far away she had lived and even the idea of hiding. By the time she was at the end of her sentence her hands covered her eyes and acted as if she was trying to hide from them. “Can you still see me?”

The little show was largely for the youngest of the little group, but it's innocent nature was sure to win over more than just the little one.
"I have been hidden, scorned, adored, worshiped, forsaken, coveted and banished more times than I care to count. But the one thing all those experiences cannot steal from me is the gentle soul I was born with, the kind heart I have molded, and the bright ideals for the future that have lit my way through the darkness of the past."




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Postby Jaykobell » 09/09/2012 5:32 PM

Perhaps his example would inspire others... Izotz could only hope that those words would eventually come true. He knew but too well that some Paragon were still very hesitant to consider him their leader, despite holding on to the title for years. Some had tried to get the title from him, some had challenged him to a fight, with the title of leader as prize. Despite his gentle nature, Izotz was far from being a pushover in battle; there was a reason why Izotz had been picked as a leader from the beginning.

He gladly would've explained the mating process to Hani, but before they could really continue a conversation, the hatchlings had already started to swarm all over them; perhaps there would be another opportunity later. Some of the hatchlings were hiding by Izotz, both because they liked him and respected him — he was the leader, after all — and because they were scared by the stranger with him. He amused them himself, lifting his tail up and down and flapping his wings just slightly to entertain them.

The ones that did go up to Hani out of curiosity listened attentively to her words. Some of them screamed up their name back, while others were a little shier and kept to themselves. However, at the mention of being friends, they all bounced and squealed excitedly. "Friends!"

When the Fairy explained where she came from, the babies all "Oooh"'d in unison, eyes stretched big and wide with curiosity. When she hid her eyes, many followed suit and covered their face as well. "Peek-a-boo!" some of them screeched happily, definitely not complaining that they could play with someone new. "I can still see you!" a little male piped up proudly, buffing his chest big and proudly. "Because I will be with the scouts when I'm big! I can see anything!"

"I'll keep that in mind, little one," Izotz piped up in passing as he tilted his head at the little ambitious hatchling.

As they continued to play with the babies, a Paragon eventually came running towards them. "Babies! Oh, no, don't bother the big Paragon!"

Image

The Fairy snatched up a few of the hatchlings, although she couldn't grab the full group with her arms alone. The ones that ended up being snatched up started struggling and whining against their caretaker, but the Fairy was holding out with iron arms. "Babies, you can't bother just anyone! What have I told you about bothering the leader, especially? He's a busy dragon!" She turned to Izotz with a slightly apologetic look. "I'm so sorry, Izotz. They just, they love you a lot, you know?"

Izotz smiled sheepishly, still keeping the little ones all over him entertained. "They're not a bother, Corinna," the leader assured the Fairy with a smile and a slight tilt of his head.

"But we made a new friend!" one of the hatchlings complained, struggling against the hold of his caretaker.

Corinna blinked at the words of the baby, only to realize that there was another Fairy Paragon, whom she did vaguely recognize. "Oh! I saw you going up with Slavica earlier!" she piped up as she turned her attention to Hani, whom seemed to actually be doing a good job at keeping the babies entertained.

"Hani, this is Corinna. She is our hatchling caretaker," Izotz introduced, motioning towards the wingless Fairy. "Corinna, this is Hani. She's the Paragon Dunstan saved a few days ago. She'll be staying with us for a while until her wing heals."

Being properly introduced, Corinna's expression quickly turned into a friendly one. "Oh! You're that stranger Paragon everyone was talking about. I was really curious about that. I hope you get to enjoy your stay here, though!"


[ Shhhhh, Corinna's totally not Izotz's granddaughter in this story. :'U ]
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Re: Out Of The Storm And Into The Snake Pit [P-Shrewd]

Postby Kallile » 09/09/2012 7:14 PM

Hani gave a laugh when some of the youngsters shouted “peek a boo!” back at her, and she moved her hands away to look over them once again. “Oh dear, you could still see me? You will make a very good scout one day then.” She didn’t catch the names that had come flying at her all at once, but she was sure she’d get to know them more as the time came for such things. Izotz’s words caused the Fairy to look over her shoulder and smile at him from her much lower position. A leader who was benevolent, generous, and even listened to the hatchlings in their dreams of adulthood. He was getting more intriguing all the time.

A new voice pulled her attention away, however, and a species highly familiar to the ocean-dweller came into view. Hani did her best to stay very still and non-threatening as the female frantically tried to scoop up as many hatchlings as she could. It didn’t seem that she alone was the cause of her distress…but that was precisely how Hani wished to keep it. She remained quiet and passive as the two exchanged words before her fellow Fairy finally dropped her attention downwards.

“Yes, that was me in all my glory.” Hani said with a laugh as she carefully pushed herself up into a seated position. “A pleasure to meet you, Corinna; you certainly have your work cut out for you.” She giggled a little as she willed the suspended pearls above her wings to wiggle and bob about to further entertain the remaining hatchlings. Every so often the pearls would click together and emit a soft, pleasant chiming sound.

“I’m sure I will have a fine time while I’m here; I may have come here under unfortunate circumstances but I plan on making the most of it.” She paused, tilting her head towards the hatchlings Corinna was still holding. “Would you…like some help with them?”
"I have been hidden, scorned, adored, worshiped, forsaken, coveted and banished more times than I care to count. But the one thing all those experiences cannot steal from me is the gentle soul I was born with, the kind heart I have molded, and the bright ideals for the future that have lit my way through the darkness of the past."




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Postby Jaykobell » 09/09/2012 8:11 PM

Corinna smiled sheepishly as she continued to try to keep all the hatchlings under control. "They're a little handful, but they always get excited when they're bored. They've been curious about you the moment they noticed you walking up with Slavica," the caretaker explained as she motioned towards a den that was further away, but bigger than the usual dens around it. "They don't know everybody, but they'd heard about a new Paragon coming by, and they were just dying to meet them. I guess they hit the nail on the head!"

At Hani's offer to help with the babies, Corinna gasped a little and shook her head. "Oh, no! They're a little more excitable today, but I'm all right. Besides, I'm sure you two were doing something important right there — I'm so sorry the babies interrupted you to begin with," she answered, a slight apologetic tone as she apologized once more.

"It's all right," Izotz assured with a small smile. "I was on my way to show Hani some of the different divisions we have; she does need to blend in with the others."

"Oh! So you really are very busy right now," Corinna answered as she held onto the babies with a tighter grip. Some were still latching onto Izotz, others were mesmerized by Hani's little floating orbs, especially by the soft sounds they could make. Corinna quickly shifted her attention to the babies still bothering the two, and her demeanor changed. "Shh! That's enough now!" she scolded the little ones, dragging some of the ones still swarming over Hani away with her tail. "You heard Izotz, he's very busy! You don't want the leader to be upset with you, do you?"

At the mention of Izotz — of all dragons — to be upset at them, almost every hatchling changed their tune and swarmed back to their caretaker immediately, including the ones Corinna hadn't been able to catch. "We're sorry Izotz, please don't be mad!" the babies said all together, although they weren't in unison. Still, the message was that they didn't want Izotz to be upset.

"I'll leave you two to your business," Corinna added after the babies had all gathered back to her side. "If it helps, Izotz, Galo was very close by. I think he's sparing on his own nearby."

"Oh, that is a good start. Thank you, Corinna," Izotz thanked with a nod of his head. Of course, he knew Galo: a loyal and dedicated Paragon of the Hive who was passionate about his rank and the things he could accomplish for his tribe. He gave a single nod to Hani as he started walking away towards the general location Corinna had provided.

"Good luck!" Corinna wished as she gave a little wave at the two, some of the hatchlings following along. "Bye friend!" they screeched in Hani's direction, bouncing and flapping their wings, for the ones who had them. "Feel free to come see them again if you're bored, Hani! I think they like you!" With that said, the Fairy slowly started to guide the babies away and back towards a safer place to play, leaving Izotz and Hani to their current task.
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