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Knockout; aurelie hangs up help wanted fliers - a certain first.
Topic Started: May 25 2010, 01:52 AM (165 Views)
Aurelie Hamilton
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There was an important lesson learned from Aurélie’s run-in with the hoard of mangy, vicious wyverns. It was a lesson only reinforced by her other learning about Planet - there were such things as panthera, and vargul, and in general a whole bunch of beasties that she would not be able to talk down, manipulate, or negotiate with. Back on her home world, the most brutal thing you could ever come across was a drug dealer, or a criminal - oh, wait, she was both. Rephrasing, the scariest thing that Aurélie would come across was the police - oh, wait, she was that, too. Making a nice summary of things, it shall be known and stated that the scariest thing Aurélie ever came across was herself. There were no wild animals in Gehenna, and before that The Board kept all the creatures locked up. There was no room for animals that could kill or soil a world when it was supposed to be Utopia.

Fact of the matter was although Aurélie could talk her talk and walk her walk, she needed to adapt to Planet and begin walking an additional walk and talking less. Aurélie, for the first time in her life, was actually considering using violence herself to be an effective means to accomplish a goal. Sure, she had hitmen and bodyguards to take care of the riffraff in Gehenna for her but there was never once that she did it herself. Never has she held a knife, or a gun, or a bow and arrow. She has never struck another, and although she has harmed many, it was all indirect or psychological. No physical harm was ever done, and she never saw the need to learn. People feared her without her having the ability to kill them herself.

Now her greatest enemy wasn’t other people. It was the beasts she had to worry about - the things that go bump in the night and attack you from behind. Aurélie wasn’t one to specifically point out her own weaknesses, but she sure knew they existed and she sure knew what they were. Top priority weakness to work on getting away was this frustrating lack of influence, and the second (which can only lead to good things with the first) was learning how to fight properly. It was the hand-to-hand experience she needed, and figured that it was high time to find somehow to learn.

Or, at least, someone to teach her. Her least favorite activity was asking others for help and depending on other people, but here she was, tacking up fliers to request lessons, price on request, for combat. Sighing as she hung up yet another one - they were all over the Weyrd Proper, including the Wandering Dragon, the streets, and, well, EVERYWHERE - she resolved to make the most of it. It was just one little business transaction, and as soon as she got through lesson number one, she would start practicing on her own and surely beat her “teacher” the next time they met. It wasn’t long that she wouldn’t be the best at fighting.

Now she just needed to find someone to teach her.
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Kallisto
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It was strange, how coincidental this universe could be.

Kallisto was fast. Her orange and black fur seemed to blur as she flitted through the emerald forest she called home. She could run just as fast on two legs as she could on four, whether it was on the ground or weaving thirty feet off the ground through the trees. Her fiery orange hair was swept behind her as she dashed forward, breathing carefully monitored and moderated. When she paced herself, she could run for the better part of a day, her body being trained almost every day since the beginning of her third year of her life. She was a well-oiled and conditioned machine, her home-world being a fierce and merciless training ground. This forest was almost similar to the jungles that covered every inch on her planet. If only the trees were three times bigger, the air hotter and heavy with humidity, the visibility just barely ten feet and the gravity three times stronger; she might’ve felt right at home then.

There was no doubt that Kallisto was deadly. The light gleamed off her curved claws, subtle and lethal, while hiding behind red-stained lips were equally dangerous fangs that the woman had no qualms using. She could break your arms with the same force she exerts to snap twigs. Her companions flew in silence beside her. They could have easily gone their own way; taken different, higher routes to the training ground, but being able to move along side their Bonded appealed to them, especially since they knew not many could do it. They arrived at their destination quickly, but Kallisto hesitated, green, slitted eyes flickering to the female form the hovered around the edge of the grounds. The warrior didn’t particularly train while there were onlookers, and she never corrected her Shinies for scaring away anyone. But the woman had gotten here first and Kallisto had learned it wasn’t polite to frighten people who hadn’t done anything to her.

Kallisto was a Tigress, she didn’t normally interact with the townsfolk unless she was spoken too first. Even then it was a stretch unless she found them interesting. And the way the female was shifting by the fence, near anxiously, she looked like she was waiting for someone. Which got the attention of the forever curious feline. And that led to the huntress giving a great leap, landing crouched on the fence post near the human. She balanced on the balls of her feet, resting her forearms on her striped knees, her marked face cocked to the side. "Who are you waiting for, Human?” While the Tigress wasn’t new to this ‘trying to be sociable’ thing, she still had a lot to learn. Such as, which questions were intrusive and which weren’t. But the arrival of her companions revealed why she hadn’t learned yet. How was she to know her questions were prying when everyone promptly answered them?

The massive Forest Dragon ghosted behind her, his passage through the air leaving no trace or sound. His pupil-less, white-less golden eyes seemed to either stare right into you or straight through you. His 40+ foot body was covered with dark green scales, a brighter, acid green pattern etched along his back and sides, the navy blue stripe of fur running down his spine gleaming in the sunlight. ’What Kallisto means is she was wondering if you were using the grounds.’ While his presence wasn’t evil in the least, it was certainly more… heavy. The smaller form landed on either side of Kallisto. His hind legs landed to her right, talons scraping lines in the wood, while his back curved around his Bonded so his front legs rested to her left. The smaller Forest held a dignified air around him, the Elk horns adorning his brow. They only had two or three points, as he wasn’t even close to being fully grown yet, being only 13 feet long at the moment.

’Please excuse them. We are perfectly content to come back at a different time.’ The young Lord gave the two a stern look, more at Kael than anyone. The larger Common didn’t appear to be phased by the Lordling’s look. He retorted with, ’You might want to lecture us in a softer voice. Kallisto might break off one of your pretty little horns if you frighten Eros.’ The Tigress didn’t seem to be paying attention to the bickering Dragon’s behind her. She had eyes only for the woman in front of her, her ears up and alert. Her tail lashed behind her, helping her keep her flawless balance. The little flyers would be of no use to the warrior as she could not read, more effort in her childhood being devoted to keeping herself alive rather than developing a taste for literature, which hadn’t existed in the first place. Don’t be fooled though. Not being able to read didn’t mean ‘dumb as a brick’. She was incredibly intelligent, as implied by her smooth, eloquent voice and the sharp spark in her feral eyes as she awaited the human’s answer.
Edited by Kallisto, Jun 5 2010, 05:58 AM.
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Aurelie Hamilton
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A soft scowl set upon her face as she stood facing the fence surrounding the Training Green, last flyer in her hand and ready to be taped. She could still not believe that she was doing this, and even after posting about twenty of the flyers hanging each one was a difficult task, and she felt as if she was tearing away a big part of herself every time that paper went on the wall and she secured it. Hand to wall, paper pinned, and tape poised, she inhaled and let out a shallow sigh before – being distracted by a rather large half-feline half-human woman poised on the top of the fence, peering down at her. Turning her head to gaze upon her, she blinked rather impassively as she took in all that was squatting in front of her. Strong, emboldened, and if she didn’t have all the fur, Aurélie reckoned that she’d probably be quite beautiful. She could recognize potential when she saw it, and she saw it in the flash of her eyes, her strong bone structure, and her carefully sculpted body.

But, she was half-feline, and Planet had a number of things still left to teach her, one of which was not to judge people based on appearances only. As soon as her eyes set upon this woman, her mind began to tick things off, beginning with dangerous and ending with “this is insanity.” However, she needed someone to teach her, and it was clear that this half-breed thing was skilled in the art as judging by her claws and impeccable balance. She had everything Aurélie lacked: muscle, claws, and a good dose of physical intimidation. What was she waiting for, she asked? Well, Aurélie thought rather smoothly, I was waiting for you.

She would not give the business proposition in those words, she knew immediately. Once again, she had the short end of the stick, and the way this feline spoke she was anything but stupid. Aurélie was apathetic and had a hefty dose of self-absorbed arrogance, but she could recognize others strengths. She just used them to her advantage. She was about to speak up when, all of a sudden, her attention was drawn to the massive Forest dragon that stand behind her. As the first dragon that she had ever seen in her entire life, it took the complete control of emotion and facial expression that she had learned to possess in recent years to resist standing agape at the massive being. Yes, she had read about them, and yes, she knew they were big – but she had no clue whatsoever that they’d be that big. It’s one thing reading about something and a whole other seeing it in person.

Again, she was about to respond when the second Forest dragon landed, curling around the feline rather protectively. Smaller, yes, but this one held some sort of power over the other – perhaps a Lord? Either way, the appearance of the second dragon did not scare her or frighten her any more than the sudden appearance of the feline woman had, but instead had directed her attention to how powerful the woman that was in front of her was. Bonding to two dragons, one quite possibly a Lord, was no small feat. Success was recognized and respect was given where deserved. Yes, she assured herself, this feline woman would do just fine, both as a teacher and, quite possibly, some sort of friend. Or, at least, as close to a friend as Aurélie knew.

”I am currently searching for someone to give me lessons in physical combat,” she stated quite simply, her voice friendly and baring no hint at her thought that the woman in front of her should do it. ”If you were planning on using the Grounds, go ahead, I seem to possess no physical talents whatsoever,” she continued, almost making a joke at her own expense. Smart, yes. Pretty, yes. Cold and manipulative? Of course. But give her anything physical to do, and Aurelie would completely fail. In fact, the only physical activity she’s ever done was the twelve years of competitive dance she completed before being arrested. Whomever taught her may have a little bit of an issue on their hands. Good thing she’s a fast learner.
Edited by Aurelie Hamilton, Jun 5 2010, 05:44 AM.
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Kallisto
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The feline’s emerald eyes slid to the slip of paper the femme was still in possession of. So she was looking for an instructor? One of Kallisto’s ears flickered back. It certainly wasn’t a bad idea. None of the humans she had met thus far had been very good fighters. Easily startled, poor balance, not very strong or fast. They had no claws or fangs to protect themselves, and while they could have weapons made for them, how much good would they be when you were attacked from behind by a rogue Panthera? For Kallisto, fighting had been a necessary skill for survival. For any being not to know how to fight was strange to her, but had been accepted long ago. This human appeared different from the previously known. While still as peachy and soft looking as the others, there was a quiet air around her, a sharp, intuitive edge to her gaze. And while having Dragons pop into your conversation wasn’t quiet a normal part of everyone’s day, she showed no outward surprise, though Kallisto could detect a subtle change to her scent. Hmm… how curious….

‘See? We can use the fields. Let’s get this over with so we can hunt. I’m starving.’ Kael turned his golden gaze toward the human female, steady eyes piercing. ‘I’m afraid that means you have to leave now.’ His large head drifted forward, a deep, dark growl rumbling through his body as his jaws parted in the slightest. Kael didn’t like people watching his training. Kallisto still watched the female curiously, and while the smaller dragon sighed in quiet exasperation, it didn’t appear he was going stop Kael either. The Tigress’ decision was prompted when she heard the smallest, frightened ‘squeak’. Kallisto’s eyes narrowed and her arm lashed out, toward the large Dragon head that was passing behind her to get to Aurelie. She gripped the base of his antennae-like whisker and pulled back. Kael’s growls ceased very suddenly and he moved where he was guided, so that his whisker didn’t pull.

’Ow. Ow. Ow. What was that for?’ He griped as she released him, shaking his head. Kallisto looked at him dispassionately. ”You’re frightening Eros.” At that, Kael seemed wary. ‘And you thought I would be the one to scare him. I wonder if she’ll break off one of your horns?’ ’Shut up’ Kallisto was beginning to grow weary of conversation. But, for now, she had to tend to her shaking charge. Shoving her wild hair over her shoulder so it was out of the way, she had revealed her third companion to the group. The tiny Faedragon blinked his silvery eyes up at her, trembling slightly. The Hin squeaked again, nuzzling closer to the fur of her neck. Kallisto reached up and carefully plucked the small creature off her shoulder, placing him in the palm of her hand. He was quiet small, even for a Hin, barely reaching half the length of her hand, his pale form shimmering. He seemed to calm under the gaze of his Bonded.

’You are all being quiet rude to our Lady-Friend. Really, you are all quite hopeless.’ The young Forest turned his purple orbs to the human. ’Allow me to introduce myself. I am Terrestal, and this is my Bonded, Kallisto. Kael is the large brute behind me, and the little one we must all fear is Eros.’ Names were something Aurelie could have probably procured on her own, with everyone yelling at each other as is were, but it was simply a formality he had to carry out. Kallisto moved then, gently brushing Terrestal out of the way so she could gently hop down from the fence, landing silently inside their confines. She placed Eros on the pole where she had just been, before turning her back without another word.

’Kallisto?’ Kael called, looking back at Aurelie, clearly wondering what he was to do with her. Kallisto paused, also looking back at the female with feral eyes. “She may do as she pleases.” There was a certain edge to the way she said her words. Part order, part amusement. No matter what it seemed like, Kallisto wasn’t giving Aurelie permission so much as she was restricting Kael. The way she said would appease the Dragon, and would allow the woman to stay if she wished. Before Kael could protest the warrior spoke again. ”Terrestal will be training today, not you. He is old enough.” Kael blinked once, and he seemed to lighten up. ’Well if that’s the case.’ As Terrestal and Kallisto made their way a safe distance from the fence, Kael called out to him. ’Have fun, my Lord.’ he teased.

Kael turned toward Aurelie, golden eyes sparking. ’Well then, stay awhile! We don’t bite.’ The large dragon slipped forward, the fence groaning as his large body slid over it, his scales hissing over the wood. His snake-like coils curled behind Aurelie, shifting close but never touching. His body, along with the fence made a large ‘D’ around the femme, settling comfortably on the ground. Kael decided to be social, filling the woman in. ’This is the first time Terrestal’s going to be fighting with Kallisto. It will certainly prove interesting.’ Eros, left by himself on the fence post, hunkered down to watch his Bonded, cooing happily. Kael watched him cautiously, chuckling to himself. ’The Lordling was right about him, at least. Eros must be regarded with great respect.’ He grinned a draconic grin. ’For he frightens easily and those who scare Eros must face Kallisto’s claws. It’s funny, really… how much that little creature controls without his knowledge. To have his favour is to have the favour of Kallisto as well. Silly beast.’ Eros didn’t seem to be paying attention, too busy flaring his paper-thin wings in the sun, snuggling closer to the wood under his body.
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