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Part 17a: Alone together
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17a - Alone together by Dworkin (GM)
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Meanwhile, Jack and Kalika head off into the interior of the island to find a more secluded spot for their... activities.
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Re: 17a - Alone together by Jack
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Jacks inky wolven form is
somewhere between substance and shadow. It is not night so he can not
flow along the dark paths as he could, gaining extra speed and grace.
Still he is a little stronger then his silver haired love and can pour
on a little more speed in a straight run. Occasionally he does gain a
bit of unnatural speed and impossible flow in his movement as he finds
the odd break in the pattern here. This place is not broken enough to
be able to take best advantage of it. But he knows the advantage this
supplies him when using the Broken Pattern to walk between words. He
can flow along the very breaks he would be traveling, allowing him to
bypass and flow around much of the garbage that resides in the breaks.
Jack loped easily and silently trailing the
silver wolf that was Kalika, a world of scents and sounds that he had
never comprehended assailing his newly enhanced nose and ears. As he
starts to catch up to her he moves in close and playfully nips lightly
at the scruff of her neck. It would take time for him to get used to
all of this, but he was a little better able to control his form now.
It was ironic, it was only his contact with Kalika and Hunter and
knowing the feel and form of their minds that allowed him to take this
form. He would have to learn the minds and realities of other beings to
learn their forms.
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Re: 17a - Alone together by Kalika Wolfblade
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Kali turns her head as she lopes away and a surprised yip escapes her
lupine throat. She turns and darts away, flowing into the interior of
the island. She isn't surprised that Jack is able to match, and even
excede her pace. It is evident that he is still getting used to his
wolven form, but he is bigger and stronger. She looks over at his
form, keeping pace with her so easily, her amber eyes appraising. Her
growl is appreciative as she darts forward with a sudden burst of speed.
Jack is able to easily catch up, and with a nip to the neck to boot!
With the midnight wolf running besides her, Kali lowers her head and
bowls him over, and they both go tumbling to the ground in a tangle of
limbs and fur. Panting for breath, Kali raises her head and shakes it
in an effort to orient herself, and takes in their surroundings.
A small brook ran to her left, they had crash landed on its banks.
Large trees provided dappled shade, and she sighs, content. The
silver wolf nuzzles the black one affectionately and rests against him,
relishing the feel of fur against fur.
This is a good place... calm and peaceful. A good thinking place. A suitable Bonding place. Do you like it? she communicates silently, through their touch. He can sense her inner
turmoil and desire to find peace within herself, and also her approval
of his wolven form... very similar to her approval of his human form...
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Re: 17a - Alone together by Jack
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The black wolf may have had strength
and speed, but it was evident that he did not have the sheer skill and
grace of the smaller silver wolf. It did not take much to bowl him
over, bringing him to the ground with a soft whump. It took him a
moment longer to sort out four legs instead of two and come to his paws
shaking dirt and leaves from his fur.
Following her gaze around the
comfortable forest clearing, his black eyes showing the faintest hint
of blue taking everything in. His dark tongue lolled casually from his
black lupine snout. It is a great spot lalai, what do we do next. he answered enjoying this alien form of contact, and walking in her world.
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Re: 17a - Alone together by Kalika Wolfblade
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Kali watches Jack gain his footing after the good natured tumble with a
critical eye. He was adapting well to this new form, but still needed
some work. At his question, several possibilities come to mind, but the
most physical of them is reluctantly ruled out. Sorry love, but I think you would need more time in this shape before attempting that... if you would even be interested... she trails off, suddenly feeling embarrassed despite herself.
She coughs softly works on banishing those thoughts from her head. I'm sorry she apologizes sheepishly, and a quote from Johnee surfaces from her memories You're just a sexy bitch she says with a mental laugh, and a wink of one yellow eye. With a deft
move she nips one of his sleek tipped ears playfully, returning the
favor from before.
Her gaze settles on the brook before them and she sighs. We
owe Hunter one for leaving him like this... but he's been more
understanding since you first took wolfshape. Before forming the Triad,
I need to get things settled in my head. So much as changed a feeling of almost being overwhelmed swells in her I just needed time away from the others to let things settle. They talk too much about things I know little about. Another mental laugh, this one softer. I think it would be a good time for this talk you have been promising Kali prompts Jack softly, eyes still watching the moving waters of the creek.
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Re: 17a - Alone together by Jack
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Kalika could feel much going on inside of
Jack. She had been changing her form for over a century as many of
their past and current traveling companions had. The problems he was
having with the wolven form were simple for her to see. He was being to
separate things, the man Jack and the wolf. To change shape you must
become the form totally, as she would put it, the Mai and Lai must be
one. He was holding them separate in his mind so the body was confused.
She could feel the man, that looked at her wolf form as
something beautiful, a magnificent beast. Though sexy did not fit the
list. However the man side seemed to be cerebral and found the essence
of Kalika, her mind and soul incredibly sexy with the mental contact,
for she was Kalika, his love. No matter what form.
Then there was the essence of the wolf in
him, that found this form of hers very attractive. Agreeing whole
heatedly with Johnee, and then some. She knew he had to stop
struggling, much as a swimmer in the water for the first time. Bringing
the two things in him together, then his body would sort the legs out
on it’s own. In many ways he was as a cub or a new student, this shape
changing stuff was new to him out side of the three main shadow forms
he seemed to have. they were natural to him. She could also feel
that this was not one of his natural forms, so he had to focus
constantly to hold it.
She could feel Jacks metal chuckle at
Jonnee’s comment. She could feel the wolf in him desiring to charge
forth into the most physical things she spoke of, the man was
curious by what she meant if nothing else. Don’t be sorry, I’m still trying to work this out my love. He responded. enjoying the wink and grinning wolfishly . Rubbing up against her and nuzzling her. You are really such a different person away from the other, but I
understand. We need to both settle some things before we do this, if
only so we are not uncertain. a soft wine escaped his muzzle, the equivalent of a wolfish frown. May I ask who was Jonnee and what happened to him?
She could feel an extreme curiosity burn in him and the uncertainty of
himself. Why would Kalika be with him and not Johnee? Even with
the uncertainty though she could feel his pleasure at their simple
touch and contact, not matter what form they shared.
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Re: 17a - Alone together by Kalika Wolfblade
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Kali is flattered by the feelings she senses in Jack. Denial rises in
her, a mechanical response to any sort of flattery or praise that was
instilled into her as a child. She wasn't the reason for the praise,
there was always circumstances that would explain it... or just blind
luck, or the trait inheirited by an elder who didn't acknowledge her..
there was always something, it was never her. She cloaks herself in the
excuses, using them to hide. This Jack can see clearly, while to Kali
it is normal.
She feels his assumption that Johnee was referring to her as the sexy
bitch, and she chuckles mentally as she rests her muzzle on him,
inhaling the scent and essence that was her love. To Johnee Ehlonna was the sexy bitch, not I.. but she was immune to his ah.. charms she clarifies.
A memory surfaces. A stunning woman with ivory skin, ebony hair, and
full red lips sits on a mossy rock. She is clothed in grecian style
white robes and is drawing. Her left arm is tightly bound in a bandage
and her cornflower blue eyes are open, yet haunted. Kali's mind
identifies her as Ehlonna, Johnee's sexy bitch. The subject of
Ehlonna's sketch is a man. He is crouched in an easy position. He is
wearing worn jeans, a scuffed leather bomber jacket and black boots.
His features are sharp and pointed, almost animalistic. His eyes are an
intense green, the pupils slitted. Blonde streaked auburn hair is cut
into sharp spikes, with a few long, thin braids falling down over his
delicately pointed ears. He smiles invitingly at Ehlonna and
winks. Rosy blossoms bloom across her milky cheeks. The man, Johnee,
raises a scarred hand and a bone spur extends from his wrist. He uses
it to clean his nails, but lightning quick Kali's memory flashs to
battles where those same bone spurs were used to kill a man.
The memories fade, and Kali, slightly amused, gives Jack a mental smile. Those are Johnee and Ehlonna. Johnee and I were friends... nothing more, and nothing less her feelings back up her words, Johnee was a friend. An amusing friend
who she respected as a fighter, but there was no interest in him beyond
that. After we resuced the Brintizzi's crown prince, we decided to
part ways. He said he would return to his shadow, but I somehow doubt
that a mishevious feeling He probably trailed Ehlonna... he
never took no as an answer from her... always told her 'You just need
more time to think about it doll.'. She wonders is Johnee felt for
Ehlonna what she herself feels for Jacck. If that was so then she
understod his persistence. She would give Jack all the time in the
world that he needed. Just to be with him, sharing his company please
her. Oh, she would long for more initmate contact, but waiting was
something she was extremely schooled in and experienced in.
Under the good natured sharing of a piece of her past, turmoil exists.
The transition between her strict, supersitious upbringing, and the
more dynamic and open lifestyle she was finding herself in were warring
in her mind. There was no decision for her to make, she would be with
Jack as long as he would have her around, but in doing so most of her
people's beliefs had to be forsaken, and accepting this fully instead
of pushing it off for later was something she could no longer do, yet
she still pushes it aside for now, more interested in sharing time with
her love than exploring her own soul. A soul that would be barred and
bonded during the creation of the Triad.
I understand what you mean about finding your way another
memory, this one fuzzy around the edges, an old one. Kali is a young
girl, scared and uncertain. A gangly wolf cub is sitting in front of
her, encouraging feelings emanating from him. Mind made up, flesh flows
and reforms, and the young girl has been replaced by a small wolf cub.
Uncertain steps lead to the cub falling down. Wolfish laughter comes
from the larger male cub, who dances around the smaller female, almost
mocking. I wasn't exactly a natural either she quips It will come in time lalai. Concern is evident in her feelings You must constantly concentrate to hold this form... I do not wish to tire you or inconvenice you. Would you like to shift back? the last thing she wanted to be was a burden to him.
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Re: 17a - Alone together by Jack
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Kalika can feel the loving pleasure at her responses as
Jack relaxes his concentration on this form. The shadows that make up
part of the young princes being writhe and twist, then flow off of him
like a dark liquid. An odd transformation between wolf and man, leaving
at first a monochrome Jack before returning the colors to him.
His arms close around Kalika’s silvery wolf neck
in a warm hug, both mental and phisical. He is open as ever to her.
“You are beautiful, wonderful and sexy. This I will keep telling you
until you believe me. You have no need to tail me as Jonnee did
Ehlonna, because I welcome you with open arms and heart. I want you by
my side.”
“But you know almost everything of me, and I
still know so little of you. Please tell me more. . .Also I am curious,
I am nothing of a fighter compared to you, nothing like your people or
your past. Why did you choose me Lalai?” He holds her close, wolf or
not, she is Kalika Wolfblade, his chosen love.
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Re: 17a - Alone together by Kalika Wolfblade
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Kali's sharp citrine eyes watch Jack shift forms. It was different than
how she changed shape, and the darkness that flowed over her love and
twisted his shape no longer scared her the way it did when she first
saw it. She growls softly as his hands tangle in the smooth expanse of
her fur, the sound resembling a purr more than a threatening growl.
She listens to him mutely, still wearing her wolfshape, open and
interested in all that he has to say. She then disengages herself
gently and sits down facing him. She cocks her head to one side,
studying him and then the lines that defined her form begin to blur.
Flesh melts and reshapes, the blur redefining as a woman.
Kali smles at Jack and moves to sit by his side, and takes his hand
into hers. What was once smooth was starting to develop calluses,
already he was changing. Her purple eyes lock with his deep blue ones
and she smiles, leaning forward to kiss him tenderly, lovingly.
"And I shall never stray from it" she whispers while pulling back,
referring to his comment to be at his side. She closes her eyes, taking
a moment to gather her thoughts and ground herself. She stays seated
across from Jack, and still keeps his hand in hers.
She hadn't meant to keep things from him, and Veiorn's words floated
through her mind "To share your secrets is to share your weaknesses."
She laughs hollowly, this same credo had ruled her life when she first
started travelling with the group, but now she did not care. She had
already shared so much with Jack, both physically and mentally, that
there was no secret, and weaknesses she would gladly share, for she
didn't fear him. It was an odd feeling, being in an intimate
relationship with a man and not fearing him, but it was a good one.
"My people's roots are engrained in rituals and supersitions. It is
what rules their lives and dictates their actions. To the Chunchee it
is about strength. To survive you must be strong and to show weakness
is to invite death. We are a hardy people, bred to endure as the
mountain does against the wind"
"As you know, some of my people are Chosen by nai;
enhanced animals like Hunter. It is against tradition for a woman to be
Chosen by a male's..." she pauses, sucking in her bottom lip while she
searchs for the right word, she finds it and smiles prettily "totems.
Females are usually Chosen by more female animals... does, squirrels,
horses. When Hunter Chose me, it was a new and different thing, and
Chunchee tradition does not deal well with new and different things"
she fights to keep the bitterness from her voice as she continues, but
she cannot keep it from the feelings she shares with Jack "My father
was devastated. He was awaiting my coming of age so I could be sold
into slavery, but being Chosen changed everything. I was taken from
them and our chieftan didn't know what to do with me. Female Chosen
were usually taken by the others to learn the woman's craft and
trade... but Hunter and I would not fit in there. Our ulez divined that I was to be placed with the male Chosen, to be trained as
a warrior" Kali squeezes Jack's hand, her gaze unfocused on the ground
to his left as she lost herself to the thoughts, feelings, and memories
of her past.
"I was four winter old then and it was a school of hard knocks. I was
the only girl in a society that uses them as slaves and mothers for
their sons. It was not a good time for me. I had to learn, and fast.
Hunter could only do so much to protect me and we spent many a night
with the healer. So I learned and I fought back, and at times, I took
revenge. I was still a runt though, and it didn't take many of them to
outnumber me..." she stops, memories of the terrible struggles, the
indignities, the pain momentarily too much. Her eyes begin to water and
she fights the tears fiercely trying to deny them "The more time I
spent in the sparring circle, the less time they had... and we
survivied. He hated it, but Veiorn and the others, they couldn't deny
my ability. I put in twice the amount of time practicing and learning
the warriors trade than the others and it showed when I came of age 16
winters, 63 of those years, later. Despite our skill, depsite having
earned a starmetal sword" Kali begins to shake slightly and she speaks
through gritted teeth "They still didn't respect me! All that I endured, the drive to survive and not
show weakness was rewarded with nothing but more scorn and disgracful
treatment" she sucks in a breath through the tears "Needless to say it
didn't sit well with me, just as my sudden status didn't sit well with
the chieftan and other warriors. I was given a novice's assignment,
accompany and guard the Brintizzi ambassador. It was a shameful
assignment for one of my skill, but it was my assignment and I took it
seriously, depsite the jeers. We left no one behind" a face Jack has
seen before, a man's sharp featured face framed with silver hair and
eyes like a hawk's flashes in her mind "No one who mattered" she
whispered.
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Re: 17a - Alone together by Kalika Wolfblade
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Kali's eyes come into focus and she meets Jack's gaze again.
"This is how I became such a superior fighter, through pain and
suffering, a Trial by fire, so to speak. While serving the ambassador I
was released from her duty to aid a group in rescuing the crown prince.
This is how I met Johnee, Ehlonna, Fizbin, and the others. We succeeded
in our mission and were made Citizens. I finally thought to have a
home, but the Brintizzi..." Kali shows Jack a Brintizz warrior in all
is splendor.
Jack sees are large reptilian monster. Red eyes gleam from a bony
ridged forehead. The creature stod 8 feet tall and resmebled a beefed
up raptor, yet deadly spines stod out on the things's back, and tail,
shining with deadly poison. Razor sharp claws shone dully on both arms
and legs, and even sharper looking teeth lined a large mouth capable,
Kali shared, of biting a man clean in too.
"I would have no true home with them" she picks up the oral narrative
"Instead of returning to the ambassador, Hunter and I decided to leave
and travel the Shadows. This is an action which is punishable by death
if I ever returned to the Chunchee, let alone what punishment would be
enacted for making a kaedi of a sworn companion" guilt swells at the mentioning of Cyan's maiming
"We came across the Princess Fiona. She was injured and being attacked.
We helped and she took us back to her brother's camp in the Arden Wood.
It was there that I met this group and agreed to work for Prince Julian
in this quest" Kali feels better for having shared these experiences
that have been locked into her heart for so long.
"when I first started this journey I was a hard line Chunchee to the
core. I thought and acted as a warrior, accessing terrain, people,
worlds. Soon after joining, we were attacked, and Cyan took one of the
men prisoner. He begain crying, begging for his life, telling of a
fiancee waiting for him. I recall thinking that I wanted to kill him
for that blatant show of weakness, and had to fight against acting. He
was lucky he was Cyan's prisoner and not mine, or he would have died
that day" she vision has returned to being slightly out of focus "The
longer I travelled, the more I loosened up. It was most noticeable when
we came across you and Lazarus" she smiles fondly, thinking of when
they first met "Since then I think I have tappered a bit, finding the
balance between the two, I only fear that you will no longer like what
I have become" she drops her head, allowing the thick blanket of her
shimmering hair to cover her face.
She stays like that for a few moments, and resolve hardens within as
she shakes her head, in denial. "No" she whispers hoarsely, more to
herself than to Jack "I need to trust.. stop the doubt. Jaciu no longer..." she smiles at those words and looks up at Jack, still
craddling his hand in hers, he can easily feel the beginings of a
balance forming in her.
"I.. I feel much better" Kali shares with an honest and geniune smile
"Thank you for listening to me, for asking, for being here, for just
being you" she finishes with a flourish and cocks her head slightly to
one side and continues in a more teasing manner "And what's this
nonsense about choosing?" Kali mock scoffs, reaching a rough hand to
caress the side of Jack's face "I did not chose to love you, to be with
you. It is what happened naturally, and for that I am thankful for" her
feelings back up the truth in her words "Now had there been a
choice..." she smiles playfully and shrugs her shoulders and leans in
so that her face is right in front of Jack's "I'll guess we'll never
know" she says to him softly, but her mind is screaming a different
answer.
There is no choice in her mind. She loves him, he loves her. Kali loves
and cares for him for who he is, for his strengths, for his weaknesses,
for the things that are unique to him, and the things he shares with
others. He is Jack, he is Antoine, he is prince, he is pauper, he is
darkness, he is light; but when all is said and done, he is him, and for that she loves him completely.
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Re: 17a - Alone together by Jack
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“Maybe yes and maybe no my love. In the end I don’t care if you chose
me or not, as long as you return my love freely.” He said with a
content open smile, for the first time in a long time Jack was at peace
and happy. So seldom in his life did he have happiness, even more
fleeting was peace. “I just thank whatever luck brought me to you and
grateful for the time we have.” He leaned in and kissed Kalika deeply,
holding the kiss for the longest time. Lost in just being there
together, holding her.
In the end he parted from the kiss reluctantly, and leaned back
against the trunk of a tree. Watching her with a pleased disbelief,
like she was to good to be real. “I know your people have hard rules to
live by, but the incident with Cyan was no more your fault than any of
ours. I should have never let Aaron get to me. . .” Jack changed tact
mid stream as he sat there alternately stroking Kali’s silver hair, her
cheek and neck.
“Back when I was first trying to go home
after exploring the worlds. A wise man warned me, you can never go
truly home. We leave our small marks on each of these wolds we travel
through. The longer we stay, the greater the impression we leave. Not
just on the worlds, but the people as well. And they leave their marks
on us. You will not be the same if you go home, you will have changed,
it will have changed.”
He was trying to give her insight that she
probably already knew, but he had to none the less. “If you go back to
your people, and face who ever would pass judgment on you. Know now
that I would be your side facing the same thing as you. We are to be
bound in the triad and married also. I could not stop you from going
where you wanted, but I would never let you face anything alone.”
He hugged her close and tight “Kalika I am
thrilled you have found your balance, I would support you and stand by
your side if you had or had not. Anything that helps you grow, I will
stand by you through it. For that matter I will stand by you through it
all, the good and the bad. Whatw more is you do not have to thank me
for listening to you, it is my delight, my pleasure. I could sit and
listen to your voice for hours and never grow weary of it.”
Finally letting go of the hug he laid back again. “So is there anything
you would ask of me beautiful? Any answers you want before we
complete our lives in this?” His smile did not change, it did not
waver. It was easy to see he had all he wanted here with him now. She
could feel that the only thing he wanted was her. He was as in love as
any man could be. “Also what kind of wedding did you want my love? Or
is this bonding a Chunchee wedding?”
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Re: 17a - Alone together by Kalika Wolfblade
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Kali melts into Jack's kiss, returning it fiercely and ardently. When
they finally part, she smiles at him, taking time to get her breath and
redirect her thoughts in a more appropriate manner.
She listens to Jack raptly, giving him her full attention. She
considers his words, and doubt and guilt war across her face when he
speaks of her facing her people for judgement.
"I don't know what else to do. The injury to Cyan was unforgivable. I
know the penalty... it would be inflict the same injury on myself" she
pauses, and self loathing enters the battle on her features "I cannot
lose part of my hand... I could no longer fight. Then I would truly
have nothing. I am too weak to enforce the penalty for my actions, but
I feel so terrible... so guitly for maiming her so, for taking her
music from her, it would be only fair to have my fighting taken from
me" she mulls on this for a few minutes "I will not return for
judgement. I am no longer Chunchee in their sense, I no longer bow to
their rules and traditions, but to our own" she smiles at Jack, but her
eyes are haunted, and then harden.
Kali draws her blade, the sunlight playing on the silvery sheen of the
exotic metal. She offers the blade, simple leather hilt first to her
love. "Would you do this? The blade will strike true"
OOC: I'll reassume the rest of what Jack said after we resolve this :)
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Re: 17a - Alone together by Jack
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Jack takes the blade his brow
furrowing heavily, holding the blade glinting in the sunlight. What she
asked was a heavy thing. Which was more important to him, her honor or
her body. “Before we think of doing this I have some questions Kalika.
Forgive the rapid nature in which I ask them, I need to understand.
First; have you spoken to Cyan of this? I do not believe she would wish
you to lose anything for what happened. . . But if she did or did not
wish it, she should have a say if she was wronged by you.”
He studied her eyes as they spoke
not pushing for any contact, but not closing himself off to her.
“Second; Once we are bound, we are truly bound correct? We are two as
one?” Part of his mind was hidden behind that thought, he was holding
something back if she noticed.
“Third; We can ill afford to
loose your fighting ability on this quest. You have much worth other
than fighting Kalika. But we need you, I need you. Think on that. . .”
“Lastly; if you deserve to
loose something. . . Then we all do. . . I should have ignored Aaron
and let him rant, rather than taking his challenge. In neutralizing
Isle I almost harmed an innocent child. By fighting him I put you in a
position where you had no choice but to attack Aaron, if only to
protect me. I ma just as guilty as if I had gut Cyan’s finger myself.
Aaron is as guilty as any of us in his way, yet he would give up
nothing in return. Cyan made a choice, she could have just as easily
tried to parry your blade with hers. She could have let you exact your
toll from Aaron.”
“What you ask is to fulfil honor. . . Yet it is to
throw foolishness after foolishness. Still if it must be, I understand.
Just let me know if after the bonding we will truly be two as one. If
it has to be I will take care of the price after that.”
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Re: 17a - Alone together by Kalika Wolfblade
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Kali holds Jack's gaze unflinching. Kalika, Kalika... the use of her
full name is a tad surprising, but it only tells her that Jack
understands the seriousness of the matter and of what she is asking.
"I have not spoken to Cyan of this. Her input in this matter isn't
necessary. I do not ask this because I think she would want it, or
because I think it is needed to clear the water between us. On the
contrary, if we spoke to her about this I believe she would argue that
I should pay no price, but I disagree, she should not have a say in
this. She was wronged yes, and she carries the burden of that wrong
each time she tries to do something with her hand. What do I carry?
Nothing but guilt!" she inhales deeply, raggedly and lets the breath
out, finding strength in the simple motion.
Her purple gaze is anguished. "It is a heavy burden, the guilt I bear,
and it grows heavier each time Cyan is unable to do something or set
back because of that wound. I cannot carry this burden into the Triad,
I will not punish you with it as well. It is a new begining, I think
for us both, and would not stain that with a past mistake. You and
Aaron have done no true wrong. Did you quarrel like brothers, and like
men allow it to go too far? Yes. Did you force my strike? No" Kali
breathes heavily again, and pulls her knees to her chest, and wraps her
arms around her knees. She no longer looks at Jack, but at
something in the space between them that only she can see. Her voice
drops to a whisper "I could have pulled it" she says softly "at the
last moment, I saw Cyan's hand, it registered and in that moment I had
to chose. Pull the strike or let it fall" she raises despondent, guilt
ridden eyes to Jack and holds them there for long, silent moments
before looking away.
"It's not entirely right of me to ask this of you and I apologize. It
would hinder my ability to fight, but it would not take it away. I can
fight with both hands and I would only be losing a finger and a half.
It would make things more of a challenge, but not impossible" she
prattles as if talking about someone else, and then closes her eyes.
"The Triad, it is a bonding and from what I understand it is like how
Hunter and I are Bonded. You and he will be able to speak with each
other and all of us will be linked in our heads, and able to speak and
share in experiences, see through each others eyes. Is it truly two
becoming one flesh? Literally no. We will not share the same skin. If
you couldn't already shift, you wouldn't be able to change shape after
the Triad either. It's a joining of the minds... from what I
understand" realization hits her and she chuckles dryly and opens her
eyes, studying him "But you can already do this, right?"
===========================================================
Re: 17a - Alone together by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
“Yes, you are right. . .” Jack responded holding
Kali’s sword to the side. It was a heavy weight, but on the soul, not
in the hand. “Yes I can after a fashion change my shape, though not
like you and Hunter.” his free hand reached out and stroked her cheek.
“Yes, I meant, two or in this case three minds, three souls as one.” he
breathed a heavy sigh knowing what was to come, but still he had to
try. Kali had to do what she has to do, but so did Jack. “Yes
Cyan would adamantly tell you not to do this. Though I understand that
it is for you and not for her. That it is a very personal thing. . .
Still. . .” Jack leaned close and kissed her on her forehead, his deep
blue eyes showing a weary soul.
“Kali, I love you.” he whispered softly “The
thought of doing this to you makes my heart feel as if it is being
wrent asunder. I will however do it if it has to be done, some one that
you can trust. As much as it pains me I am that someone. . . I’m asking
you. . . No I’m begging you let me take the strike in your stead.
Please Kali, let me take the pain for you instead of dealing it out. to
you.” He knows she will probably not take this, as it would just give
her more weight to the wound on her soul. He has to try anyway, for her
price paid in her way means that he would have to carry the burden of
having maimed his love. Gods how he hated this, and it all shown on his
face.
===========================================================
Re: 17a - Alone together by Kalika Wolfblade
-----------------------------------------------------------
She nodded mutely at Jack's answer to her question, not surprised by
it. Kali remembered his past offerings to take the punishment for her,
and she would not allow that to happen. He meant too much, and to hurt
him like that... She stiffened, struck by a thought that hit her deeply.
Kali reaches forward and pulls Jack into a sitting position from where
he rested against the tree and just held him in her arms, although she
was taking just as much support from the embrace as she hoped she was
giving. That thought that hit her so hard was realization. She was so
unwilling to allow Jack to take the blow for her because she could not
stand to hurt him in any way, let alone deal a blow that would maim
him, branding him as kaedi. And yet, this was exactly what she was asking him to do, to maim her, to mark her as kaedi,
to carry that burden on his soul. There was no fairness in that, no
love. Was her pride and honor worth the price of Jack's pain and
suffering? It was an easily answered question. Her love for the man in
her arms wouldn't let her hurt him, and hurting him was something she
had no desire to do, and yet here she was, asking for it.
Kali's grip tightened as she shares these thoughts and feelings with
Jack. Remorse, foolishness, and guilt are strong undercurrents and she
rests her face against his chest, seeking solace in his presence, in
their love. For the first time in many, many winters, and even more
years, Kalika Wolfblade began to cry.
They were large silent tears that soon soaked both Jack's shirt and
Kali's face. She cried for Cyan's injury, for the weariness she caused
in Jack's eyes, for her own foolishness, for her secret fears and
hopes. She cried all the tears she had held back for those long winters
of her childhood, and then some.
===========================================================
Re: 17a - Alone together by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
Jack melted into Kali’s embrace in all ways, physically, emotionally
and mentally. She could feel his anguish at the thought of
harming her. Yet she knew he would if it was what she truly wanted.
Only because he loved her and he wanted to see it done cleanly if it
had to be done. So he could care for her after it was done. This worry
/ thought is quickly hidden away as he hold his love. Instead he
focuses on being there for her, instead of his own worries and pain.
Jack held Kali as she
cried, the mental bond so strong that tears of his own silently rolled
down his cheeks. He rocked her whispering quiet reassurances, letting
her know that he was there for her and how much he loved her. At the
same time, he wrapped her mind in a warm, tender embrace. He is tempted
for an instant to actively soothe her emotion with his psyche, but
quickly pushed the temptation down. Often tears were good, often
healthy and he could feel that it had been so long since she had cried.
Instead he continues whispering, “It’s okay my love, you are safe with
me. Ol’ Jack will take care of you and be there for you no matter
what.” his soft voice was reassuring and even, though filled with
emotion. Holding her and whispering quiet reassurances for as long as
Kali needed him to be there. There for her. . . There for as long as
she needed him. . . Arms around her, embracing her and stroking her
soothingly. Mind around her just as soothing.
===========================================================
Re: 17a - Alone together by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
The sun, dim already, slides down the sky with almost indecent haste,
and drops behind the hills on the distant shore in what must be one of
the least spectacular sunsets ever seen. As the orb vanishes and
the sky darkens, a chorus of peculiar mewling cries rises from dozens
of places around the lake.
The cool air rapidly becomes distinctly chilly, and overhead the first
stars appear, blazing across the heavens in unfamiliar patterns and
clusters.
===========================================================
Re: 17a - Alone together by Kalika Wolfblade
-----------------------------------------------------------
At first Jack's loving support only causes Kali to cry harder, but it
is a good, cleansing cry. After awhile she begins to wind down,
her emotional state stabilizing as she returns to herself.
Her love for Jack is strong on her mind, along with gratitude for his
support. She sniffs and notices the nice damp stain and shame rises,
along with an apology that remains unspoken. It had been such a long
time since she had cried, she didn't know what to do, but she is
suprised to realize that she feels a lot better.
Kali shifts her head and smiles up at Jack. "Thank you" she says
in a heartfelt manner, her strong emotions speaking better than her
physical voice.
"I am surprised by how much that helped. I think I know why some women
cry all the time" she laughs "Whenever something goes wrong I should
just fall into a crying fit!" she declares "then I will feel much
better" she winks at Jack with a playful smile and hugs him, a loving
embrace that leads to a kiss. Her intention is a quick peck, but
she is unable to keep it at that, allowing the kiss to mature into a
deeper, more passtionate expression of her feelings. It ends too soon.
Kali's red rimmed eyes study the sky and she smiles prettily at Jack.
"It is almost time my love. Is there anything you would like to tell me before I call Hunter?"
===========================================================
Re: 17a - Alone together by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
Jack smiled at her thanks shaking his head
and simply said “We are there for each other.” He laughed at Kali’s
joke and kissed her back with all his heart and passion. Before
returning the quip “That’s it, Kalika Wolfblade, Countess, mighty
Chunchee warrior and shrieking violet.” there was love in his voice as
he teased her.
At first it looks as if Jack is about to
casually say no. Then a puzzled frown crossed his face as he remembers
the conversation with Lexy. Yes there are things to say. . . “Kali. .
.” Jack starts hesitantly “Back on the mountain when I fell, I thought
I was dying. A spirit was coming to collect my soul end everything. I
felt a female presence calling out to me and thought it was you. It was
so distant that I could not tell who it was. God I wanted you to know
me, to remember all of me if I died. So I sent all of my memories, such
as they are directly into her mind. But it was not you was it? I
accidentally sent my memories into Lexy.”
He chewed on his bottom lip nervously
“Please don’t interrupt yet, I have to tell you everything, all of my
past. Then you can decide if you still want me.” Jack seemed to
shrink in on himself and not look quite so certain anymore. “You know
much of me but not all, not enough. I thought you did know it all, I
had forgotten what Lexy had said. Now I will tell you what I can. My
memory is not perfect, I lost it when I teleported using my Broken
Pattern. Well when I walked the Broken Pattern in my mind and my memory
returned, it returned broken, not whole. Even now I remember things. I
think I knew things back then that I can’t remember now. Here is what I
do know and can remember. ”
“When I was a young man I loved to hunt and one
day while hunting on Mount Faust I found an opening created by a land
slide. Inside was the Broken Pattern I speak of, I stepped on it and my
life was changed. I could never go back. I learned much from that
pattern, finding that I could travel worlds and do amazing things.
Though I can not stress enough that it is as much of a curse as a
blessing to use the power.”
“Soon I found myself traveling between
worlds, horror after horror for over a century. Mind you magic is
strong in my home world and we princes were raised to have strong minds
to resist it. My journeys strengthened that, much as your did your
ability to fight. I survived by wit and will, using my pattern tendrils
and my mind. War torn worlds, haunted places, horrors man should not
see much less endure. Time and time again, always moving on
alone, my power will not let me take others though the worlds, not
without loosing them in places of forgotten corpulence. This as much as
anything gave my longing for a nice quiet life, for love and friends.
Things I could never have traveling the worlds like I did.”
“I returned home and though I had seen over
a hundred years, only a handful of years had passed in my world. Gods,
it was good to be home. Then I learned that my older brother had been
assassinated in my absence. It was a heavy blow to take upon returning.
I don’t know, I suppose he had always been a hero to me. He was also
first in line for the crown, I was second. Somehow I found solace in
the arms of a young noble woman. We became inseparable and were in
love.”
Jack’s voice had become soft and his deep
blue eyes stared at nothing as he remembered. “ Time slid quietly by
and we were engaged, we were going on a cruise to celebrate our
engagement. The limo. . the car was out front, I had just helped
her into it when I remembered something I had left in the château. I
turned to run inside, but as I neared the door I heard the engine
start. The car went up in a massive fire ball. Some one had tried to
assassinate me, and in doing so killed her in my stead. I had failed to
protect her and she died because of me.”
He stopped here for a moment continuing on
after a bit. “Over the next year, I held a often quiet little war with
one of my younger brothers, he had his eyes set on the throne. I found
him out and in the end I killed him. Some of my family stood behind my
actions, others hate me for it. After all I let love come between blood
as they see it.” Jack sighed deeply “After that I lived as a recluse on
Mount Faust, until I tried to teleport across the worlds using my
pattern, losing my memory and finding you.” His eyes focus on her
purple eyes.
“I found you and I no memory, no
past, not a care in the world. I was Jack, nothing more, nothing less.
. .<i>Jacui<i>. . . Back on the ship, those things I gave
the kids, the flintlocks, were a gift from my fiancée. It was my way
for laying the past to rest, giving myself to the quest. . . More
importantly giving myself to you totally. A break from the miseries of
the past and embracing the present. So I could give myself
totally to you <i>Lalai<I>, the love of my life.”
“There are so many things I’d love to show you on
my world, yet there are so many people that I would not wish for you to
meet, because they are an embarrassment to me and my world.” Jack
looked down at the ground “You have it all now, I am a murder of my
brother and a traitor to my blood. I will understand if this lessens me
in your eyes and if you no longer whish to do this bonding. I pray in
my heart though, that this is not so. If it is not then yes, call
Hunter. If you no longer like me, then please just tell me honestly.”
===========================================================
Re: 17a - Alone together by Kalika Wolfblade
-----------------------------------------------------------
Kali took Jack's teasing easily. He was so easy to get along with and
she knew that he didn't mean it and relished in that
understanding. Then the uncertainty crosses his face and fear
traces through her, and curiosity, for what would be so bad that it
would cause Jack to lose his confidence?
She had heard part of his story before, but doesn't interupt and is not
annoyed. Quite to the contrary she is appreciative of the strength it
takes to relate such a draining story aloud once again. Yes, she had
heard of his past love before, but not while they were touching, while
they shared contact. Feeling his memory of it, the similarities to how
he felt about her and his previous love... Kali quietly pools her hands
in her lap, breaking the contact from Jack, but not before he could
feel a glimpse of hurt.
Kali listens to him complete his story, eyes serious and watching him.
The silence between them is filled by the sounds of the wooded area
coming to life for the night of this world. Finally, she speaks.
"If you name yourself a murder, then I will welcome you to the fold"
she begins with a small smile "Killing, slaughtering, murdering, these
are things I, too, have commited and I cannot and will not fault you
for it. Recognizing your deeds for what they are and accepting
responisbility is a show of strength and I do not believe that you do
these things lightly and enjoy killing people for sheer fun of it" she
pauses "As for being a traitor to your blood, by the way your family
sounds, how could you be anything else? To try to cater to all factions
would be seen as weakness and they would join to bring you down, to
side with one would incite the others" she made a face of disgust
"Politics are a nasty business where no one truly wins or stays honest"
A sadness shadows her eyes and she holds Jack's hand, re-establishing the contact.
"You had mentioned your finacee before, but it took my by surprise,
feeling what you felt" she stops, feelings of inadequacy foremost in
her mind as she squeezes his hand "I am very sorry for your loss, and
as you said we are there for each other and will continue to be" she
smiles lovingly.
"Hunter is on his way" she comments offhandedly "I must get things ready"
Kali rises, kisses the top of Jack's head and then releases his hand.
She retrives her sword and resheathes it, and then removes her sword
belt entirely. She sets it next to the tree Jack is sitting against and
wiggles her eyebrows suggestively and then giggles at her own antics.
With a more serious demeanor, Kali pulls the dagger from her boot
sheath. Also forged of starmetal, the blade shines with the same
silvery light as her sword, only the irridescent isn't quite the same.
This blade had not been spelled by the ulez for strength and durability as her sword had.
Using the blade, Kali moves to a place closer to the banks of the creek
where there is only soft ground and no grass. Concentrating intently,
she uses the blade to trace deep gouges into the land, three mirrored
strokes. She wipes the blade clean on her trousers and then lies it in
the center of the triangle and leans back to admire her handiwork. It
was a equilaterial triangle, each leg the same length (about 2 feet).
She smiles, satisfied and returns to the tree. Once there, Kali removes
her boots, and then her clothes in a no nonsense sort of way. Soon she
is completely nude, her body paritally covered by the thick mass of her
silver hair. It falls in a curtain to her waist, and gleams in the
faint light of the stars. That same starlight illuminates her skin,
bringing to light the many scars that mar her. Scars that couldn't be
seen in the darkness of a bathroom. Kali looks up at the sky and the
skin at her throat ripples. Her howl silences the sounds in the woods.
The answering howl is almost immediate and sounds near. Hunter was
indeed on his way.
The skin ripples again as she lowers her head and smiles down at Jack.
Once she would have been embarassed by her lean muscular form, deeply
scarred and more fitting for a man than a woman, but that time was
past. She was herself, and she was ok with that. She extends a callused
hand to help Jack up, an inviting smile on her face.
===========================================================
Re: 17a - Alone together by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
Jack breathes a
sigh of relief chuckling at her eyebrow waggle, either his humor
was infectious or they were made to be together. He watched her go
about her work with open curiosity. Blue eyes watched her strip down
with a quiet appreciation. Taking her hand he let her help him to his
feet, she could feel his desire for her intermixed with the love.
As he came up with her help he flowed into a
brief embrace and playful kiss. If anything she could feel the
wicked thought in his mind of kissing each and every scar on her. “I’m
assuming that I must follow suit.” he said letting her go for the
moment. Already having left his own sword against the tree, he slipped
his shirt over his head pitching it casually to the growing pile. With
a little hopping and dancing the boots and slacks followed as well. He
moved back to her side, his bare form flowing in the moonlight. “Is
this really part of the ceremony or are you just trying to have your
wicked way with me?” he teased her letting his arm slid to its accustom
place around her bare hips.
“Kalika. . . “ Jack said softly, being serious for a moment “Thank you.”
===========================================================
Re: 17a - Alone together by Kalika Wolfblade
-----------------------------------------------------------
Kali chuckles at Jack's thought of kissing her scars "I'm afraid we'd
be here all night if you tried that" she tone is playful, but the mirth
doesn't quite reach her eyes. It's not that she's upset by the idea, just not sure
how it would feel, calling attention to each and every imperfection on
her body... and she was sure some of the scars would prompt questions,
which would bring rise to memories... and then they could just wave
bye-bye to their romantic mood. This thought, shared, like the others,
with Jack, causes her chuckle to develop into a full laugh. "And we
wouldn't want that at all" she murmurs to him, returning his playful
kiss, passion and desire rising in her.
She steps back and watches him disrobe appreciatively, and she doesn't
comment on his assumption. The hopping and dancing brings poorly
stiffled giggles, and a mock innocent look. When Jack is at her side,
arm around her waist, she leans against him, relishing the feel of skin
against skin, the feel of him, the feel of them. The strategic part of
her mind knows that Hunter is too close for anything too involved and
she is dissapointed, but only mildly. There would be time for those
things later.
A playful question; a serious thought. Kali responded to both, taking to the seriosness first.
"Um" she vocalises, shaking her head, she raises an arm and moves it so
that a finger rests lightly against his lips, while she still faces
forward "Do not thank me, but yourself, for being you. I love you" she
matches his momentary seriousness, but she has a question to answer.
Kali deftly twists around, effectively placing Jack's arm around her
bare bottom instead of her hips. She looks up at him with a seductive
smile. She rises to her tip toes and forges a trail of kisses from his
mouth to his ear "Both" she breathes the answer quietly, internally
wishing they had more time.
As if on cue, a low whine cuts through the air. Hunter had arrived.
===========================================================
Re: 17a - Alone together by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
Jacks hands had just begun to slide
over Kali’s bare ass appreciatively as he heard the whine. A half wince
came playfuly to his face. She could feel his building desire, not only
mentally through their link but the physical effects as well, pressed
in his arms as she was. “But I didn’t thank me. . . I thanked you for
being you.” he said.
“Now I’m starting to have a bit of a problem
here from all of this, not that I’m complaining.” He winked at her.
“The dilemma is I’m not quite comfortable with hunter seeing my
problem. Though as long as I stand here holding you, using you to cover
it. Well that's causing the the problem to get bigger.” He know he
should not mind what Hunter saw, Hunter would soon be a part of his
mind. Still it just seemed odd.
===========================================================
Re: 17a - Alone together by Kalika Wolfblade
-----------------------------------------------------------
Kali smiled up at Jack, mirth glistening in her eyes.
"Yes my dear, it does appear that you have a rather..." her eyes look
down in an exaggerated movement "...large problem" the smile widens to
a grin, she can't pass up this chance to tease him, although he can
feel the desire in her as well, and it is not all fun and games.
Her twilight eyes unfocus slightly, and images and senses flash along
her link to Hunter. Wolves interacting, smells. She waits, a reply,
more alien pictures flash through her mind, which dechipers it. From
Hunter's direction there is an exaggerated sigh, and then the sounds of
him padding away, a rustle of bushes. Kali's eyes refocus on Jack, and
there is a hunger in them.
"He says I picked a bad time to come into heat" she explains with a
laugh "but it's ok because he is hungry and hasn't had his dinner yet"
her hands begin caressing the muscles of his back "Which leaves us time
to see about that terrible problem of yours" A quirk of an eyebrow and
then she is kissing him, losing herself in the passion of the moment.
After breaking the kiss, Kali kisses the base of his throat, then his
chest, moving down across his stomach with teasing kisses until she is
kneeling before him, her mouth eagerly taking in and tending to the
"problem" of her love.
OOC: I'll leave how descriptive and graphic things get up to you, Boss.
===========================================================
Re: 17a - Alone together by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
OOC: Oh gee thanks! :p You know you are giving me some hard choices. This is as tempting as it comes and if I hadn’t already
promised you and Big D. I’d go for it big time. ;-) As it is I will
chant PG13, and go take a cold shower. What can I say, I’m a guy.
:p
IC: Jack laughed lightly at her teasing, he had never
known anyone quite like Kali nor had anyone been this easy to be
around. He honestly cherished his time with her, no matter what the
circumstances. Jack melted into the kiss, any reservations flowing
away, as Kali moved down kissing his neck and chest goose bumps spread
across Jack in a mixture of the sensation and anticipation. “Sorry
about the timing love,” Jack voice was husky with desire, “what did you
expect, running around in front of me skyclad like. . .that” The last
caught in an intake of breath as she found a sensitive spot on his chest
He had not been expecting this turn
of events and had half been playing around, even though half not. Kali
got to him in ways that he could not resist and part of him desired her
the entire time they were together. Finding everything about the
Chunchee attractive, all to often the dangers and the quest kept them
busy. It was not a bad thing to look at the one you love and desire
her, letting it build as the day past. To feel their touch and have a
shiver of delight at such a simple thing.
He ran his hands through her silvery hair as she
moved lower. The same touch that gave him shivers of delight through
the day, now driving him wild with passion. . .
A long while later, Jack collapsed into Kali’s arms, the
last echoes of their shared passions dying away in the warm after glow.
A thin sheen of sweat covered their bodies and Jack’s long honey
colored hair now a little wild and untamed, much as the man had been
moments before. His chest rose and fell evenly, as he took in deep
breaths. “Was that so Terrible?” he asked teasing her a bit for the
earlier comment, before giving her a brief but warm kiss. He was in no
great hurry to move and leave this warm embrace, yet she could feel
part of his mind was like a kid at Christmas, anticipating the bonding
ritual. Yet another part was pondering the notion of making love to her
yet again. Half regretful that there were things to do, yet knowing
there would be later. . .many laters.
===========================================================
Re: 17a - Alone together by Kalika Wolfblade
-----------------------------------------------------------
OOC: Argh!!! I had this nice long post typed out and I just lost it!!! Errgh...
IC:
Kali rests easily against Jack, her arms holding him in a loose
embrace. "No, not so terrible after all" she answers with a smile and
then forces herself to sit up, trailing her fingers across Jack's
skin. She lovingly runs her fingers through his wild hair in an
attempt to tame it and her thoughts and look are full of love. Sex was
not something new to her, but sex because one wanted it, enjoyed it
even, was a relatively new sensation for her, and she too was looking
forward to the years to come with exploring those areas with Jack. Her
eyes focus on the foreign sky and her smile fades a tad, anticipation
clenchung her chest "It is time" she says softly, rising to her feet
and then offering a hand to assist Jack up as well.
They make the short walk to the triangle Kali had hewn into the ground
earlier. Hunter is seated at one of the points. Before sitting Kali
embraces Jack tightly and whispers "I love you" fiercely into the
muscles of his chest. Reluctantly she lets him go and sits Indian style
at the point to the right of Hunter. Once they are all settled
in, Kali looks to both of the males in her life and begins to explain.
"It will start with you Jack, and then will go to me, and then to
Hunter and then back to Jack. First we must bloody our hands, slice
open the palms with the dagger. Once each of our hands, or paws" she
smiles at Hunter "are bloodied we must hold each others, making a
physical representation of the triad. Then we speak our true, full
birthnames and must repeat this phrase in our native tongues" she
pauses, a look of concentration on her youthful face, she doesn't want
to get this wrong " 'Bound by blood and bound by love, a Triad will be
forged. Us Three of intentions strong and pure pledge mind, body, and
soul to each other. A Triad once forged cannot be broken, once these
words of binding are thrice spoken'" color rises in her cheeks "Hey I didn't make it up!" she exclaims to the mirth in Hunter's feral eyes.
She sighs in an exapserated, but intentionally over-reactive way "When
you speak of mind, use the blade to trace a light scratch on your
forehead, do so on your neck for body, and then across your heart for
soul, then pass the blade to me and then I to Hunter and he to the
middle of the triangle"
Kali stares at the starmetal dagger lying in the triangle and then smiles at Jack "Whenever you are ready lalai a mekia" she whispers.
===========================================================
Re: 17a - Alone together by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
Jack followed Kali up
anticipation filling every fiber of his soul. When she embraces him
tightly he matches her embrace and softly says “I love you too Kalik.”
As he says it so softly and simply she knows that is pure
and simple, that is it a fact and could be no other way for him
now. In many way just like the man that Jack is, it just is plain and
simple.
Jack listened to her explanation nodding his
understanding. With a final warm smile at both Kali and Hunter
individually he says “I will be there for both of you, no matter what.”
then begins. Making a quick cut on each hand he mites his lip
just to ensure that he does not embarrass himself by showing any pain.
“I, Antoine Dominique Lavonte Prince
of Andara,” Jack started, sounding solemn with reverence., uncertain if
he should have said his title as well. But this seemed an official
thing and the title was one he was born with as well as his name.
He quickly decided that it was best, because by what he had seen in his
courts, children were born and given name and title at birth.
“bound by blood and bound by love, a Triad will be forged. Us Three of
intentions strong and pure pledge mind,” He traced the scratch in his
brow, right at the minds eye. “body,” tracing the scratch in the small
of his neck “and soul” making the final cuts over his heart “to each
other. A Triad once forged cannot be broken, once these words of
binding are thrice spoken”
After he was done, blood seeping from
the small cuts in his body, neck and head. He tuned the dagger in his
hand offering it to Kali, blood slicked hilt first with a small bow
from where he sat. If nothing else Jack was good at ceremonies as a
noble having gone through to many of them in his life. Though he
wanted to say her name as he handed her the knife, he did not. Again
uncertain if it was right for the ceremony.
This all went against everything
Antoine knew, you protected you name, and guarded your blood closely.
Both could be used against you with magic. Magic was as prevalent on
his world as science. But he was Jack, and he was in love so both his
name and the blood he gave willing and freely, without hesitation.
===========================================================
Re: 17a - Alone together by Kalika Wolfblade
-----------------------------------------------------------
Kali nodded solemnly at Jack as she accepted the dagger from him. Her
eyes open wide in surprise as a jolt rocks her body back. She gasps a
small intake of breath and stares at the dagger and Jack in wonder.
Tiny, silvery threads, glowing softly like spun moonlight connect the
blade and Jack. She smiles at them in their beauty. She, unlike Jack,
was not born to royalty and was not used to ceremonies. Blood snakes
down her wrists and she takes another breath, steadying herself as
purpose hardens her violet eyes. In a practised motion, Kali deftly
opens a cut across each of her palms. Her blood mixes with Jack's and
the silvery filaments glow in pulsing with her heart, and she feels her
heart beat increase. Two beat as one. He can feel the connection
solidying between them.
"I am Kalika Nahisdaughter" she speaks her birth last name quietly
"Bound by blood and bound by love, a Triad will be forged. Us Three of
intentions strong and pure pledge mind, body, and soul to each other. A
Triad once forged cannot be broken, once these words of binding are
thrice spoken" The dagger's blade never faltered as she made the
required incisions at forehead, neck, and heart.
She offers the thoroughly bloodied blade to Hunter, hilt first, and
silver threads thicker now. They can be seen, weaving their way through
Jack and Kalika, and the dagger, waiting for the Triad to be closed.
The great wolf takes the hilt into his mouth firmly and grunts
slightly. They all feel the connection of Hunter's mind to theirs, just
by him accepting the blade. Just before the great wolf begins, it
ocurs to Jack that Kali spoke her entire piece in Chunchee, and he
understod it perfectly.
Hunter manuevers the blade in his mouth in a fashion that would be
comical if not for the seriousness of their intentions. He holds it
steady in his mouth while opening wounds in each of his front paws. A
rush of a hunter seekingi its prey comes to their minds, the scent of a
forest sharp in their noses, and Jack now understands. Hunter has
shared his birth name, He-Who-Hunts-The-Shadow, with them. The
ceremonial words are recited in the same manner, images of wolves,
sounds of growls and whines, only they both understand what the
wolfspeak. The alpha male struggles with the final three incisions, and
the damage to his pride is clear for them to see, but at last it is
complete, and the blade is returned to the center of the triangle, the
eerie silver filaments now tightly binding them all. Together now Kali says to them through their newly forged link as they take up each other's bloodied hands and paws.
"As we will it so shall it be, Three to one and one to Three" they
recited the final words together and a bright silver flash lit up the
clearing momentarily blinding them.
The light slowly fades, and once it's light is completely spent Kali
opens her eyes. She, Jack, and Hunter are seated at the points of a
triangle. The blade, clean of any blood, lies in the middle. She is
holding Jack's hand in one of her own, Hunter's paw in the other. There
is no pain from the cuts and any inspection will show only a white scar
across their palms. All other traces of the ceremony are gone.
Her mind is a mess of thoughts and feelings from Jack and Hunter. She
had barely the skills to control her link with Hunter, and now that
link was strengthened, not to mention the link to Jack. She felt
overwhelmed, but in a good way. It had worked!!
Of course it worked a deep bass voice intoned in their minds Don't be so surprised Little One. It may express lack of faith in the man and I's intentions rich laughter followed, only intensified by Kali's embarrasment at
Hunter's nick name for her and his insinuations. The wolf's
communications still came as pictures and sounds, but were translated
into words by their minds.
Teasing me makes him feel better about himself Kali explained
scathingly to Jack. Inwardly she sighed, hoping Jack wouldn't be
angered by Hunter's acidic attitude, but more than that she feared that
they would get along perfectly and then were would they be? She laughs
out loud at this thought, not realizing it that she shared it with the
others. Very happy and driving the others crazy, that's where they'd be.
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Re: 17a - Alone together by Jack
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Though he is used to ceremonies, Jack is by no
means used to or jaded to this. He watched the process in wonder and
awe. This is as close as Jack has even been to being speechless in his
mind, other than when he had walked the broken pattern. Then his
mind starts working, running it’s multiple trains of thought.
The biggest thing that can be felt from him is relief. Now I can protect Kalika and hunters minds, even at a distance. It is surprising how comforting this thought is to him.
I can understand them and hear their minds. Likewise they hear me. . .Oh
He-Who-Hunts-The-Shadow How ironic, A shadow is the
darkness. A shadow are the worlds by the words of the Amber men and
Logrus wielders. Yet by my latest power I am the Shadow Jack, Jack of
the Dark Well. Coincidence? Fate? Amusing either way. . .
Like a radio station turned into multiple channels his mind
thinks on these things and many more. What all of this means? How it
will effect everything? How it was a completed? Slowly he
realizes that this must be wearing on the other two and brings his mind
down to a single train of thought.
Jack stepped over to Kali recognizing he problems with all of this, though she still knew it was good. No embarrassment lalai, we have no secrets from any of the triad any
more. Not even our own feelings. We must not only accept each other for
who they are. We must accept ourselves for who we are.
I have heard that social lying was needed to get
along with anyone, in sociological papers in his world. They would soon
find out if this were true or not. However he felt if anyone could
pull it off, they could. His mind turned over Hunters statement, He
understood Kali’s fears and doubt, he had felt his own share of them.
Yet he knew Hunter was right, distrust and lack of faith at the wrong
moment could cut and wound as easily as Kali’s starmetal sword. Though
Jack took no offence at Kali’s wonder and surprise.
Jack hung back mentally at the lack of tact from
hunter response, then he realized he was hanging back and that they
would realize he was hanging back and he realized this, that they
realized that. . . Jack stopped the thought realizing that he was
falling into a circle, before continuing down the emotional path.
Over all though he was a part of the triad now, he was the newest
member. Hunter and Kali had their way of dealing with each other, and
had had them for centuries. His place was not to defend Kali, it was
not to make waves. He knew he needed to find where he fit in the
dynamics of it all. What’s more is he knew Hunter had a certain
amount of reason to be less than polite. Not one was he a wolf , but
the play of events between he, Kali and Jack. . . Well in many ways
Hunter got the short end of the stick. Jack left the thought at that.
That and the feeling of respect and kinship he felt for the Alfa male,
both were strong. In the short days they had been together, they had
been through much. Through it all he genuinely liked Hunter despite
their inability to communicate.
Jack smiled warmly at the wolf
and chuckled. <i>He has a right to tease, it helps him deal with
it everything. Where do we go from here?</b> the thought was to
the immediate, long term didn’t matter. They were together.
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Re: 17a - Alone together by Kalika Wolfblade
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They were all starting to get used to this. The sheer number of Jack's
thoughts impresses her. How can he be thinking about so many things at
the same time and still keep them straight? His superiority was plainly
obvious. This didn't bother Kali at all, but it was distracting, all
those thoughts, whirling in her head. Jack maybe able to keep them
straight, but she was simple minded and could not. When he focuses down
on one train of thought Kali smiled gratefully at him, gratitude
swelling in her.
At the thoughts of protection, Hunter surprisingly feels relief as well. Good. He understands the way of the pack.
Kali rolls her eyes, irritation flaring. Yes he does, but apparently you don't. We have names for a reason you know she chastises him, bothered by his lack of respect. She knew that it
would tkae time for Hunter to get used to Jack, but he had agreed to
the Triad and now had to be polite.
Please accept my most humblest apologies Shadow Jack Hunter says sarcastically, a wolven smile that reveals his teeth on his face.
Kali sighs. It was better than nothing, and being sarcastic like that was just Hunter's way.
As Jack steps beside her she smiles at him and tip toes up to kiss him
gently. Her love for him is a warm, soothing feeling. Just his presence
helps her get a hold of herself. She smiles at Jack. Hunter rolls his
eyes, thankfulness coming strongly from him, but hints of envy and hurt
are there as well.
I doubt you would have any trouble lying to us my dear she references Jack's superior mental skills Not that I think you would Hunter snickers, and a rosy blush blossoms on her cheeks Ohhh, you're so cute when you blus Shut up!
Kali cuts off Hunter's mock cooing and then starts to laugh. She is
slightly apologetic, even though she knows Jack will deny her feeling
that way Welcome to our world...
It took Kali a moment to catch onto Jack's mental loop and when she
does it only makes her laugh harder. Tears stream down her cheeks as
she convulses with laughter. It is so funny to her because she could
easily see herself falling under the same circle, only it would
probably have taken her longer to snap out of it.
"I'm sorry" she chokes betweeen laughs. She isn't laughing at Jack, but
at herself falling prey to Jack's thoughts. She saw herself just
sitting there thinking that over and over and over until someone
snapped her out of it. She giggled and hugged Jack, chest still
quivering with laughter every odd moment or two as the comical value of
the thought faded.
Yes, in many ways I did get the short end of the stick Hunter picks up Jack's thought, his yellow eyes focused on Kali's back But
in many ways I did not. Besides myself, no one has truly loved her. I
wasn't surprised when she refused to take me as her mate although he was apparently still bitter about it She
needed a friend, not a lover, and so I am friend to her. I am happy she
has found happiness, for that gives me happiness as well And envy and hurt As
leader of our small pack I must look out for our best interests.
Forming the Triad, accepting you, these things were not easy, but they
are in her best interest... in the pack's best interest. I cannot
promise that I will be nice to you all of the time, but I will try Hunter then breaks the connection, a private one, so that only Jack could hear his words.
Kali squeezed Jack tighter and then stepped away reluctantly. She is
unsuccessful at stifling a yawn, then her stomach grumbles. All right, back to camp with you two. Cyan has cooked dinner for everyone Hunter says to them in a fatherly voice And she has completed your Trump Jack.
Another kiss for Jack and then she starts to hand him his clothes
regretfully. She takes in the sight of his naked form for the last
time, a devilish smile on her face, appreciative thoughts and memories
of their recent activities... Now that's tactless Hunter snaps, patience worn thin. Kali's chin raises as if Hunter's
words opened wounds across her back. She didn't want to hurt him, she
hadn't thought... and she knew that that was what had hurt the most. I'm sorry. I will block it better she says softly.
After handing Jack his clothes, she begins to don hers silently. She
feels bad about hurting Hunter's feelings and is berating herself for
it.
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Re: 17a - Alone together by Jack
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Jack smiled Taking the clothes and
slipping into them, the kiss and warm feeling giving him contented
security The echo’s of Kali’s laughter still giving him it wholesome
delight. He enjoyed her smile and laugh. He also understood why Hunter
would put her happiness above his own. I have to agree with Hunter, I have always thought you had a cute blush. Jack waggled his eyebrows in appreciation. Yes I do understand the way of the pack, though I’ve never been a pack being before. there is a slight dark emotion of pride for a moment but it is bitten back and pushed away to dark recesses. Forgive me, much like Lexy I don’t think I have ever had a quote leader before. Only people that I have chosen to follow. . .
After slipping on his pants Jack
blocked part of his mind off casually and walked forward thinking of
scratching him between the ears. Jack dropped onto his knee and for the
second time gave Hunter a big kiss on the snout and a big hug that he
had been hiding in the back of his mind. Be sarcastic all you want, I know you like me you big bag of fur. Otherwise I would have never made it this far. he got back up and moved back to Kali finishing dressing. It’s
easy to realize the smile he wears so often is his defense. His way of
disarming dark feelings, rather then letting them build.
Jack picks up his staff letting it
roll across his hand in a graceful arc, a smile comes to his face and
the shadows around his begin to deepen. They can feel the shadows
coming to him at the hint of a thought. An almost subconscious reaction
. “What say we go for a run.” it is night now, he can really open and
flow in his full shadow form. They can feel the excitement and
anticipation build in him, like that before a storm. He leaned out and
snaked an arm around Kali’s waist spinning them both a step or two in a
dance ending in a kiss. Closing his link to Hunter he sends this to
Klai I
hate the thought of hurting Hunter as well, but he must get used to us
as well as I must get used to him and you. It is the way of it, we all
need to work this out as we go. Just be there for him as you do, I
think he would forgive you anything. As I would.
“We can have a night run back to camp, it will be fun!”
===========================================================
Re: 17a - Alone together by Kalika Wolfblade
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Jack comments on Kali's blush, which only makes it rise and deepen once again.
"I swear between the two of you!" she exclaims light heartedly. She
shakes her head with a sigh, the long tresses shining metallicly in the
moonlight, but it had worked. Her mood had changed.
"Don't worry about the leader thing" Kali answers Jack verbally as she
secures her black shirt on. She ties the side knot tightly, making the
worn fabric conform to her body. When it fit tight like this it was
almost as if she didn't have any clothing on, which allowed her the
most freedom of movement. "I'm the one who really runs the show here,
so you don't have anything to worry about" she comments nonchalantly
teasing manner as she pulls on her pants, which are just as fitted as
her shirt. I really need to get my greys cleaned she thinks more to herself than the others as she secures the black pants.
Hunter laughs You keep on telling yourself that, if that's what makes you feel better Little One Hunter replies, but he does not deny her claim.
Jack approaches Hunter who is surprised by the hug and kiss What the? the great wolf makes gagging sounds as if he is trying to get a bad taste out of his mouth I thought you people believed in cleansing your teeth. And no Hunter looks at Jack imperiously I'm not that desperate. That's what you have her for he flicks his snout to indicate Kali.
Kali sniggers as she finishes putting her boots on, but doesn't
comment. She secures her sword belt on and smiles. A feeling of being
complete once again over takes her. Her sword is at her side, all is
well. With smooth strides she reclaims the dagger from the triangle and
returns it to the sheath at her boot with a sense of awe. She returns
to Jack's side and is swept up in his little dance. She giggles, Jack's
excitement and anticipation spilling over into her. She nods solmenly
in his arms, twilight eyes wide, but she is soon smiling again. You are right, he just needs time, as we all do, to get used to things she says to him privately and then steps back.
"An excellent idea Jack" she smiles at him, caught up for a moment in
love and wonder. And then she embraces her blood, that part of her that
is wolf. Bones melt, fur sprouts up and within moments a sleek silver
wolf is sitting where Kali once stod. Hunter calls his exulatation, he
always loved it when they shared the same form and nuzzles her in
greeting. A brother greeting a sister. She returns his greeting and
then focuses yellow eyes on Jack, she winks and then sprints into the
foliage with a mental giggle. He's in his element now, we must take advantage of the head start while we have it!! her sending, seasoned with good natured fun and excitement comes to them.
Hunter eyes Jack appraisingly. After you Princeling he invites Jack, wanting to watch him change and then take up the rear.
This young cub may think he was all that as a human, but wolfshape was
Hunter's specialty.
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Re: 17a - Alone together by Jack
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Jack watched Kalika dress admiringly but
keeping the thoughts that went with it to himself, a wicked grin on his
face gave him away though. along with a chuckle over the light hearted
leadership dispute. He was indeed feeling better, “Oh forgive me?
I never knew that wolves were so discriminating.” Jack shot back a
smart remark, thinking about but not mentioning the things they sniff.
Jack watched Kalika change and bolt a smile
playing on his lips. He gave a short bow to Hunter, “You are at home as
a wolf, but I must warn you I don’t play fair.” The shadows rushed in
at Jack engulfing him. They could feel the alien change in their minds,
semi pleasure and relief and semi pain. As each particle of him was
warped and twisted by the depths of the dark well, writhing up through
the cracks and imperfection of reality. They could feel the
slight gasp escape his lips and the Jack that was before Hunter was not
even half-substantial. Having only the faintest hint of substance to
him. He was Jack of the shadows, formless and flowing in the night.
Something comprised only of shadow.
For an instant Jack looked like a shadow of
himself, in a half heart beat he looked like an exact Shadow of
Hunter. He literally flowed backwards into the forest arrow fast,
flowing along the shadows himself defying all laws of physics. Don’t fall behind He-Who Hunts-The-Shadow. . .
The shadow wolf turned even as if flowed
along the darkness bounding in an impossible leap. Not a leaf wavered
at his passage, not a branch shook. He cheated following the link
to Kalika when he could not see her, often simply just going through
things rather than around them. She may not be able to see or hear him
closing the gap flowing fast as a speeding car, but she can feel
him. Closing like the dark ghost of a wolf. Tales are told on
worlds of Bet Noir, the Black Dog’s, ghostly apparitions of canine
spirits. Jack would be considered a lupine version of that as he is.
Olie Olie Oxen Free! Kali can feel him from the shadows
not far behind matching her, he had caught up far quicker than he had
any right to, by what she had seen of his running during the day.
He lets loose a Howl as he flows. It is mournful and eerie with the
distant quality of his voice in shadow form, being more of a psychic
thing as having anything to do air and vocal cords.
Yet under all of the spooky garbage, they can both feel
Jack just plain having a grand old romp through the forest. Still being
a bit of a geek almost like a playful pup, only in shadow form making
it seem alien. So much for the big bad boogie man.
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Re: 17a - Alone together by Kalika Wolfblade
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They romp an dplay, enjoying their time, getting used to the new bonds
between them. Hunter keeps up with them effortlessly, although he
cannot move through objects like Jack can, he is able to flow around
them, leaving little trail and moving almost silently. The driving
thought wasn't that Jack was superior to him in wolfshape, for Jack was
not in wolfshape, but rather a shadowshape. Take away the shadows and
then there would only be a wolf, and in that arena Hunter knew he was
better.
Kali has a lupine grin as she bounds alongside Jack. Cheater! she teases him as he flows through a fallen log that she has to leap over.
Jack howls and Kali and Hunter lend their voices to the cry. They
strike an odd chord together, but then again they do make an odd group.
The fun must come to an end, and they come up to the firelight of the
camp. Kali stops before the approaching the camp and shifts back. She
catches her breath and they can feel the strength flow out of her as
she completes the shift. It was draining for her and she was already
tired. She was sleepy now.
Hunter comes up to her side, a warm, soft presence. You tire to easily Little One. You could run like that for hours before Hunter's eyes settle on Jack, his tone is caring, light heartedly teasing To the fire with you, get some food, and then to bed he instructs her while guiding her towards the firelight.
"Mmm hmm" Kali mumbles back, tiredness making her limbs feel like lead.
It was worth it to her though. It was fun to run with Jack and Hunter,
the pack, Jack truly had had a good idea and she had enjoyed being so
close to them and the experience.
===========================================================
Re: 17a - Alone together by Kalika Wolfblade
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OOC: SO I'm thinkin we should give them some time to respond to Shade's
lovely little post before posting there, since it would be some time
after the howl before they would return to camp. What do you think?
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Re: 17a - Alone together by Jack
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The odd thing was Jack
did not look at himself as superior to Hunter, he was merely playing.
He had not had the opportunity to play since discovering this new found
ability. In essence comparing any of the two of them was like comparing
apples and oranges. They were each different and strong in different
areas, this lent strength to the pack as a whole. Though yes, in the
days bright light, Jack would be as gangly and awkward as ever in
comparison to Hunter and Kali.
A chuckle
escaped the shadow as it blended with Kali’s own, she could feel
the almost physical contact for a moment before Jack reformed as a
three dimensional shadow on the other side of her. Of course I cheat, all’s fair in love and romps. Isn’t that how the saying goes?
They could feel Jack’s
intentions of flowing into camp via the shadows and giving everyone a
start. But this intention evaporates as Kali stops and her weariness
can be felt. Jack pulled up short flowing up around her and the shadows
flow off of him leaving the man with an arm under Kali’s arms to help
support her weight. “Before?” Jack says concern registering in his
voice. “Before what? What is happening?” he asked his voice full of
concern. Though he himself was ravenous, the changes seemed to do that
to him. Each change seemed to make him more and more hungry, it felt
like he had not eaten in days. He picked Kali up cradling her in his
arms. Hunter what is the matter? Jack asked as he held Kali, sending warm comforting feelings to her.
OOC: Yes, we will wait for a little more. Give them a chance.
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Re: 17a - Alone together by Kalika Wolfblade
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Hunter raises his nose in the air and stares at the sky, not
understanding why Jack was concerned while Kali waves him off. Just as
shifting made him ravenous, it made her tired and she had simply over
reached herself.
Before you Hunter answers quietly, memories
of days spent in wolfshape surfacing in his mind. Days they would spend
together, and now she can barely suffer minutes with shifting back.
Kali's fingers tighten their grip on Hunter's fur and she twists her head to smile a little blearily at Jack.
"Go and scare them. We'll be right behind you" she says softly. Kali is
supportive of his idea and thinks it will be a good way to get them all
to relax around each other. She is just extremely tired. the change hit
her harder than she thought it would.
Stop being an ass she tiredly chastises Hunter, whose response
is rich mental laughter, focuses his eyes on Jack, silently urging him
to go have his fun and play his prank... stop it! the wolf's
thoughts are cut off by Kali's sharp words. Hunter laughs even harder,
picturing a babe trying to keep him from doing something. that's not funny Kali replies tiredly, stubbornly, but soon she is chuckling. Go my love... get them stirred up and then you can eat and I can sleep Funny how everything was so simple when you where dead tired.
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Re: 17a - Alone together by Jack
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“Phhhsss.” Jack makes the sound waving
Klaika’s request to continue with his scare off. A glance towards camp
shows a soft glow up in the air. To much light now, there will be other times. Right now, You are tired and I am hungry. odd how each of their bodies dealt with the same thing differently. No sense in me wasting more energy an another change. We may need
it later, best to be ready. So just sit back, relax and let me take
care of you for a change my love.
It was easy to see his desire to take care of her
outweighed any thought of startling the others. He was having no
truck with it when he could be there for Kali instead.
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Re: 17a - Alone together by Kalika Wolfblade
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Kali's first instinct is to deny the help. She was tired, but she was
capable, independent. But she remembers how it felt to care for jack,
and realized that it wouldbe kind of nice to be cared after.. but only
for a little bit, and only by Jack. SHe smiles sleepily and
kisses his arm where it crosses near her face. I love you she says/feels, fighting to stay awake.
Hunter grumbles. Don't start, you know I love you, too and she did, but it was different than her love for Jack.
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Re: 17a - Alone together by Jack
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Jack lifts Kali into his arms and carries her into camp cradling her tenderly, I love you too Klaika he sends her And you too Hunter, ya brtue! He chuckles at the last. Happy that he is allowed to care for her.
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