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Post by Delta on Oct 13, 2023 12:51:16 GMT -5
The aroma of pumpkin filled Dante's nostrils as he sipped his coffee. It mixed well with the fresh pine and crisp autumn air of the Moonveil Forest. He had on a thick cloak that had an acceptable green and gold patterning to it though it was a little heavy for his tastes. His eyes reflected a cat's eye colored gold in the dark, and he could navigate the hues of purple, blue, and grey that danced in his field of Darkvision. The crunch of fallen warm colored leaves and the caress of the breeze was far more pleasant with the heavy cloak. The heat of the Ash Land's sun made him miss the heat at times.
He crested a small hill and took out a small bar napkin with ink scrawled along it. He hadn't been given the precise location of the witch's cottage as some folks in the town were apt to call it. He knew who dwelt there and bought the appropriate gifts for when he was successful in finding her. He squinted and looked back down at the note: based on his sources, Lady Kamille's home should have been right here. So either he was lied to, or it was hidden by magic. He smiled and crumpled up the paper. With a flicker of fire at the tip of his finger, he set the napkin ablaze and sent it cascading into the wind, the smoldering ashes like sparks of fireworks.
If she was here, she would see it.
Dante took a deep breath and sipped his coffee, listening to the rustle of leaves, the snapping of twigs, and the choir of crickets. Fireflies danced about in the thin beams of moonlight that broke through the canopy, creating a thin haze of twilight. The fellblood followed the light as that just seemed like the thing one did in the Moonveil Forest. He adjusted his satchel with his goodies in it and said out into the void of nature, "Oh Witch of Moonglade! Lady Kamille, Hero of Charon and one of the Slayers of Vulcadraeus! I've come bearing gifts, and not just the gift of my company though that is a great gift indeed."
He set the satchel down and took a seat on the dirt. The cloak served as a good blanket to set under as he produced the gifts in question: a bottle of golden mead with the picture of a campfire on the label, two glasses, and a floral rosy evening shawl with pleated black lace. He folded the shawl and the bottle on the excess linen of his cloak and waited patiently to come to him.
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Post by Lady Kamille Verlithax on Nov 3, 2023 9:24:43 GMT -5
The fellblood brought a splash of chaos to an otherwise calm forest. Whether it was the wind that caught his words and brought them to the right ears, or if his unusual presence was felt as a disturbance in the silent woods, Dante wouldn’t be kept waiting for long.
Dante's voice made a few birds fly away from their hideout between the leaves of the trees, yet when the fellblood was made aware of the presence of the Black Quill, it was as if he sprouted from the ground [1,2].
"Ohhhhhh If it isn’t Mister Dante~"
Contrary to Kamille's associate that the fellblood had briefly seen with her, a broody shadow that lurked at the corner of their sight, that man had a playful smile dancing on his lips. He was clearly an archer, his bow and quiver hanging from his back - a handsome half elf that approached him up front, as if to try and not scare him. Dante had never seen him before, but it looked like the man recognized him on the spot. The archer wore black from head to toe, with a small brooch of a blacm feather pinned to his chest.
"My name is Allan, Mister Dante. I wonder you're looking for Mother Raven, right? Come, I'll show you the way - we're close."
Maybe it wasn’t the wisest to follow an assassin into the woods to a Witch's house, but...
"Luckly, you're not the one who woke up Kalaf, so all is good! Did you make a safe travel? How you've been?"
Allan seemed like quite the chattering one, imediatelly striking up a conversation as if they already knew each other.
Their walk wasn’t a long one, though, and soon the Witch's house would come into their view. It looked like a three store wooden cabin, very ordinary looking on the outside... except for the fact it sat on top of two bird-like legs.
That... probably explained why the exact location Dante was given was wrong.
Once they breached the clearing the house sat on, a pair of scorching red eyes turned to see them. Black scales glistening under the early morning sun, millions of tiny black mirrors, right beside the Witch's house rested a drake. A fully fledged, adult black drake, with the scars of years, decades, centuries, spreaded across his leathery wings. He was huge, a frightening sight to any wanderer that would happen upon the clearing on accident, resting idly by a small brook he'd been drinking from.
But before any kind of feeling of admiration - or terror - before the sight of the black drake could set in, the door of the house on legs swung open.
"By the fires, Dante! What a surprise!"
Given the last time they saw each other was in a high society party, it was quite a change to see Kamille in her at-home outfit. Her hair was gloriously messed up in a disheveled wave cascading down to her waist. Giving up her party clothes, even her simple purple robe looked luxurious, expensive silk that perfectly shaped her hourglass figure, bared shoulders and snug at the waist.
She looked genuinely happy to see the fellblood, opening her arms to bring him into a warm hug.
[1]Invisibility [2]Silent step
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Post by Delta on Nov 3, 2023 9:56:31 GMT -5
Dante had learned from the crime ridden streets of Darkveil to expect the unexpected. However in this case, a silent assassin was precisely expected. Everytime he had been in Kamille's company there was a handsome dark clothed figure lurking around the corner. If he couldn't see them, it was a guarantee they were watching him. Sure enough, the enigmatic figure he was anticipating came on schedule: after an awkward pause and at the precise moment when he wasn't sure if he was going to show up.
"You're quite a chipper doorman Allan." And you're probably nice right now because you don't perceive me as a threat, he thought. Just as well; Dante wasn't one to project an intimidating aura if he could help. Honey and vinegar and all that.
Dante chuckled and said, "If only we could all be so lucky. Grace and charm follow me like a shadow. Though if I'm ever in such a predicament with Kalaf I'll be sure to bring stronger spirits."
He stopped before the witch's hut and blinked. His words caught up to him sooner than his thoughts as he plainly said, "Allan, this house is a chicken. Chicken house? Turkey hut? It's... delightfully silly and efficient. Certainly ups the real estate value when you can choose any ideal location." He chuckled and rubbed the back of his head. He didn't wish to offend, but at the same time it was a little ridiculous.
When the door opened, his smile widened to reveal his teeth. Even in such simple clothes, her beauty was hard to mask.
"Kamille darling, it's wonderful to see you too." He accepted the embrace and did his best not to sigh with too much delight. She was warm, and the scent of fall and pumpkins hung in his nose. When she released he, he cleared his throat and said, "I won't say I'm on business given the humble bundle I have procured for you, but it seemed appropriate that if I'm going to work for you I should at the very least make contact in the realm I'll be doing work for."
He drew out a bottle of the campfire labeled mead and said, "It might be a touch early for something like this, but perhaps we can settle for um... coffee? Tea? I'm not sure entirely of your tastes, but I suppose discovering them is part of the fun. I hope you have been faring well."
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Post by Lady Kamille Verlithax on Nov 4, 2023 15:17:26 GMT -5
Allan definitely felt like the kind of person that liked the sound of his own voice - a curious trait for someone who now worked being a silent shadow. Maybe he chose the wrong profession?
"What can I say! Not everyone is as dashing and charming and has a lovely voice as myself.... Or yourself."
Dante was spared of Allan's antics as they arrived at the clearing, and the tiefling made his remark about the house. The half elf chuckled softly.
"It's certainly unusual, I'm gonna agree..."
And then Kamille approached like a hurricane, bringing him into her arms and a tight hug. When she stepped back, she looked genuinely delighted to find out he had brought her something.
"Oh, Dante! I wasn’t expecting you! I have coffee ready, but nothing will keep us from this. Come..." Kamille looked happy to see the fellblood first thing in the morning, grabbing his hand and guiding him up a few stone steps to her door, into her humble hut...
...except no humble hut greeted him inside. The interior was impossibly big, definitely warped by space magic to make it bigger, more suited to the interior of a great castle than of a hut.
Black and white marble lined the floors and books lined the walls - hundreds, thousands of books most likely! Tomes of arcane knowledge, romances and scrolls, and...
"My Lady! I didn’t know we would have visits! For the love of Lunala- I wouldn’t allow you to greet anyone like that, let me... let me just...."
"Zhantal, this is Dante, our honored guest."
Zhantal was, as far as Dante could see, a man made of paper. Inscripted pages shaped a tall and thin man of sorts, but it was clear there was nothing but magic holding the paper together. With a vortex of stars and darkness in the place his face should be, despite his otherwordly appearance, he felt like a real person. Zhantal took a bow to Dante.
"Pleasure meeting you, Mr. Dante. My Mistress said all good things about you. Are you planning on staying? May I take your things to the dormitory?"
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Post by Delta on Nov 4, 2023 16:40:06 GMT -5
Dante felt a flutter in his heart as he received the warm welcome. This was about as pleasant as he could have ever expected. He smiled and said, "Nothing will keep us? You have quite the magnetic confidence. Now look what you've done, I'm blushing." He chuckled and then blinked as an oragami man showed up. Speaking like a servant, it was clear this was some kind of witch's familiar, and with the suddenly large interior he nearly fell over from the vertigo. He was no stranger to Space, but it was clear just how outclassed he was by comparison. Well, he thought, I've actually gotten pretty decent lately but still.
"Much obliged good sir. Except for one thing." He plucked the rose shawl within his satchel and stepped behind Kamille. She'd feel it draping over her shoulders as he put it on her and said, "I'm not sure how you would look in red, but I figured an attempt as a shift in color palette would be far more bold and memorable than simply getting you more black and silver. It was tempting to find something black and silver all the way through. Happy Black Harvest Kamille."
He stepped around her and clasped his hands together and said, "I figured I'd schedule a sojourn to the boss' part of the world. Sometimes I feel like the trees are caving in on me, but the shade is a welcome change from the constant sunlight. You look lovely in that by the way, but of course you do." He winked and turned on his heel, adding, "I heard you mention coffee? That sounds utterly delightful, and I appreciate the offer you didn't make yet." He looked over his shoulder at her and grinned mischievously.
"You'll have to show me how you warped the interior like this. It would certainly expand my repertoire of ceremony venues. Oh imagine it now, a royal wedding inside of a gilded bird house!" He smiled gleefully lost in his ideas.
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Post by Lady Kamille Verlithax on Nov 10, 2023 10:21:38 GMT -5
" You look charming with that blush."
The Witch chuckled as Zhantal took away Dante's stuff for the dormitory. And when the fellblood put the shawl around her shoulders, her eyes lit up and she held her breath. Kamille looked absolutely delighted with the gift, clutching it closer to her body as she adjusted it over her shoulders. It looked like she loved to receive gifts.
"Oh, Dante~! You didn’t have to! I love it! Oh, I love red... I often reserve it to special occasions... Guess this is a special occasion then...!"
Happily wrapped in the rose shawl, the Witch took the fellblood gently by the arm, flashing him a happy smile as she led him to the kitchen. The kitchen was... definitely more chaotic than the library, with herbs and garlic hanging from the ceiling. On one side of the kitchen ran a counter with your everyday utensils: pans, clivers, knifes and a stove. On the other side, another long counter ran along the wall, and this one looked a bit more interesting...
Potions, flasks and ingredients. Her alchemy lab was an impressive one, with convoluted, interesting glassware taking the most part of the counter space. At the end of it, a large cabinet loomed over them, filled with potions. Some of them even looked like they stirred with...
"Of course it was an invitation! I would be damned if a guest left my house on an empty stomach! Sit, I'll fix us something to eat... What do you prefer? Tea or coffee? If time is kind to us, I can teach you how to bend space in this way, I'm sure it would be highly beneficial to you, no doubt!"
Adjusting the shawl around her shoulders, Kamille started to busy herself with the tea and food, as she indicated a chair by the table for him to sit.
"I'm so glad you came, you enlighted my day, Mr. Dante! How was your travel? Everything's alright?"
People often came to her to fix their problems, so it was a fair assumption that someone would bring her their woes. It didn’t seem to bother her in the slightest l, though. That was, after all, how she started her reputation as the Witch of Moonglade: as someone who can fix your problems.
One way or another.
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Post by Delta on Nov 10, 2023 10:46:01 GMT -5
Dante felt a skip in his heart and smiled warmly as Kamille noted his facial tint. He smiled widely and said, "I'm glad you like it. I figured you'd have a taste for red given the color palette you employ." He linked arms with her and allowed Kamille to lead him along the strange space within. At the mention of learning how to expand such a space, he chuckled and said, "It would certainly do my career a great service. I have a few ideas already brewing just thinking about it. As for my preference, I will be delighted with whatever you serve. Tea will suffice for the time being should choice be necessary."
He observed the kitchen and reclined in the seat provided, watching Kamille get to work as a hostess. There was something lovely about watching her step to and fro across the pantries and stovetop in such a simple and informal attire. That wasn't to say little of her impressive fashion sense elsewise, but the mark of true beauty was how one looked when the makeup was off, the clothes were simple, and the hair was a bit unkempt from a well deserved rest. He sighed, his eyes a little glazed over when she asked about his travel.
He blinked and came back to his senses and said, "Travel? Splendid! A breath of fresh air, a breeze and a cinch by contrast to my more arid origins. In truth the weather is chillier than I expected. I'm so used to the sun being a tyrant of heat during the day that having to wear anything more than a simple vest and pants was a bit of culture shock in and of its own right. Catches by surprise every time."
Dante sipped his tea and felt quite proud with his ability to maintain eye contact. He cleared his throat and said, "But yes, Moonglade is a lovely place. But I suppose my assessment is lacking when my perspective is that of a refugee escaping the terrors of a dragon god's irate tantrum. I don't know if I'll ever stop expressing my gratitude to your heroic service." He laced his fingers together and said, "But I won't dwell long on the matter and sour the mood. You're far too enchanting, and this breakfast has too much love in it to be sullied by such catastrophes. Perhaps, if you are amenable to it you can show me around the realm, or even humble yours truly with your mystical acumen. Learning from you is sure to be stimulating."
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Post by Lady Kamille Verlithax on Nov 10, 2023 11:45:55 GMT -5
Kamille seemed unabashed about her messy self, her lustrous locks of hair cascading down her back to her waist in a glorious stormy cloud. She looked like one of those people terribly comfortable in her own skin.
"I owe you a few classes, if I'm not mistaken? We could certainly arrange that! I'd like to hear of your progress first, but you can help yourself to my library, should you want it."
Apparently she had something already ready, for it didn’t take very long to start littering the table with some homemade goods: a warm bread, seemingly fresh out of the oven, some scrambled eggs, ham and cheese. The scent of plum and cinnamon rose from the kettle she brought over, pouring two cups.
"I'm glad you liked Moonglade - I myself fell in love with the forest when I first came. Darkveil is... unforgiving, I'd say. Not for the weak. Not that the forest doesn’t have it's own vipers and hidden dangers, but I understand it as an entirely different thing. If you ever find yourself around here, consider yourself always welcome in my home."
After a bit more shuffling, she finally sat down before Dante, cupping her own tea with her hands. A mischievous smile crossed her lips.
"How much of a strong stomach do you have, Mr. Dante? Because, if you so wish, we could have Kalaf take us on a flight over Moonglade. The drake you saw near the house, that's Kalaf. Perhaps you could thank him for helping with Vulcadreaus as well - I wouldn’t be able to do half as much if not for him."
Despite brushing it over, a gentle rosy hue covered her cheeks whenever Dante would thank her for the incident involving the great primordial. It all still... felt like a terrible nightmare. But they shouldn’t dwell on it too much, lest they'd sour the mood. Kamille was already serving them both a hearty breakfast.
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Post by Delta on Nov 10, 2023 12:03:45 GMT -5
Dante had a good sense of people, and transitioning from Vulcadraeus was clearly the correct move. It only served to bolster his confidence that he said, "That would be delightful. I would have thanked Kalaf, but they didn't seem like much of a morning person." He took his time to eat his meal, savoring the taste and the company. He said, "This is very lovely, and you're unbelievably kind." When he finished his meal, he stood up and offered her his hand and said, "You know, I've thought about our first encounter. Something you mentioned. I'm paraphrasing some, but you told me that I was too trusting. I suppose that is true when it comes to you. Such are the fragilities of the heart."
He waited for her to guide him despite extended the gesture, and he said, "It's no secret that your beauty is captivating, your kindness even more so. But it's rather humbling knowing how much wisdom you carry. Oftentimes I'm surrounded by talking heads, earl's sons and daughters whose inherited wealth has dulled their minds rather than sharpened them. Make no mistake, there are many in the aristocracy that take self actualization seriously. But I've not met anyone quite like you. You truly are one of a kind."
Dante took a deep breath and sighed with delight, the scent of Kamille's home pleasant upon the nose. He said, "Well, it seems I'm going to find out how well I can keep my breakfast down on the backside of a drake. I only hope he doesn't find my company too odious that he should have half a mind to throw me overboard."
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Post by Lady Kamille Verlithax on Nov 10, 2023 14:46:36 GMT -5
Kamille was not foreign to flattery, but she couldn’t help but blush softly at Dante's remarks.
"I'm sorry if I offended you with that, but I speak from experience. I was too trusting once - still am, I would say - and it comes with a cost. A broken heart is the least of them."
But perhaps that was a story for another day, with far too much spirits and time on their hands. Despite the blush, she still offered him a gentle smile.
"You are a charmer, Mr. Dante. But I know what you're talking about... I grew up among the aristocracy of Sol City, and I won't deny I had a good start ahead most people. And still that didn’t set me from having to carve my own path. But of that I'm sure you know much more than me. I admire you for your resilience, Mr. Dante. I truly do."
It was not without it's own sets of challenges, but her life was far from hard.
The quick breakfast, however, was followed by a tour around the Witch's house. First she showed him the library, a place he had already seen, showing him her collection of arcane tomes. It was clear she was proud of it, and as Zhantal joined on the monologue, Dante would get the feeling they could stay there for hours. There was a big fireplace, with a fluffy fur rug that sounded great to fall asleep on. Next to it, Mischief's perch and a nest littered with a miriad of stolen trinkets.
She showed him the dormitory as well, a simple room with two rows of single beds, at least three of them with assigned owners already - probably the Black Quills themselves. It was a simple room, but comfortable enough.
More and more the interior of the house looked like a huge castle, yet it was always pleasantly warm and inviting, as magic was embbebed in every stone and piece of wood. Some places seemed to seethe with magic - a faint, almost imperceptible tingle that could be felt some places, as if magic was eager to escape.
There was also a huge bathhouse lined with white marble that was so impressive it felt it belonged to a king's castle. They quickly passed by the door of her office, but she didn’t invite him in.
Next she showed him her room, heavily laying on the gothic decor, with expensive, dark mahogany everywhere. She excused herself for a moment to change, stepping into her walk in closet. He could still hear her speaking to him.
"You said you didn’t come prepared for the weather... If you need, I can see if I have something for you. I wouldn’t mind."
When she stepped out, gone she was with her purple robe and rose shawl - neatly folded on her closet - and now wore practical leather pants and a white linen shirt. She was making a quick braid of her hair.
"I hope it's been enough time for the breakfast to settle. Let's go talk to Kalaf."
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Post by Delta on Nov 10, 2023 15:14:24 GMT -5
Dante listened to her intently, keeping eye contact and a close and affectionate distance. The receptive warmth of her words was as pleasant as music to his ears that even when Zhantal drawled on about this arcane theory and this occult text he didn't feel like he was being overwhelmed with information. It was however difficult to keep his eyes off her when he was speaking, but it was gauche to stare so he mustered as well as one could given the circumstances. He noted that they passed by her office, a silent signal that there was levels of trusts he had yet to delve. He made no comment on the matter; the gesture spoke for itself.
The same could be said of her quarters which was expected. He waited outside and only spoke up when she made a mention of the weather. He chuckled and said, "So long as it matches my eyes. Otherwise I'll be content with a bit of a chill. Perhaps if it gets too chilly we can use each other for warmth." He laughed and said, "Sorry, couldn't resist the cliche."
When she arose from her room, Dante smiled and said, "Is there no color that looks exemplary on you? I swear you must have been born under good stars and a rainbow all at the same time." He patted his stomach and said, "My stomach raises no objections thus far, so I shall take its silence as affirmation of readiness. Let's give Kalaf a hearty late morning hello, shall we?"
As he walked with her, he thought to ask about her family and thought better of it. She was surrounded by familiars, assassins, and extraordinary creatures in the middle of the woods. Her home could sprout legs and walk like the witch huts of yore. He suspected there could be sore feelings surrounding the topic, and Vulcadraeus was all the negativity he would invite of his own accord. Instead, he asked, "I will admit that I had a pinch of luck in finding your size and color in that shawl, but I know it's folly to rely on luck indefinitely. What are your tastes that I could not surmise from what I've seen and heard? I have an inkling given your attire and your hobbies, and yet you remain such an aloof if delightful mystery."
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Post by Lady Kamille Verlithax on Nov 11, 2023 17:11:32 GMT -5
Kamille gave a hearty laugh at the remark that they could use each other for warmth.
"Cliche is not always bad. And this is particularly funny because one of my first titles was the Pyromancer..."
As they walked back to the front door, Dante would be able to see Mischief on his nest, carefully admiring and arranging his treasure - not even Kamille had a full grasp of everything he had stolen over the years.
"Stop it, you charmer... But since you asked... Well, as you must've noticed, I often enjoy the basics, black and white... I adore blue and purple too, but I also love that deep red of the blood lily, though I often reserve the scarlet for very special things... But don’t worry much, Mr. Dante. It's more about the gesture than anything else. Once-"
But she didn’t even start the story she was about to tell. Shaking her head, once again she headed out into the woods. Both Black Quills were gone, probably busy with their own chores and activities. And Kalaf, the black drake, was exactly where he had been for the last few hours.
"He likes his naps, like the old gentleman that he is... But it's time for a good stretch. Kalaf? Come on, get up... It's past your time to stretch your wings, you old grumpy thing... There's someone I want you to meet."
The drake opened his eyes, and his gaze had a weight to them that only the old and weary carried. Before Dante could say anything, however, Kamille pulled a necklace from her own clevage and approached the fellblood to put it around his neck. At first the gesture looked weird, but it was clear what was happening when the drake turned to meet their gaze...
...and Dante was able to hear his voice.
"...doing, little one? This one smells to home. I don’t know this one........ The horned ones only bring you trouble, do you not learn?"
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Post by Delta on Nov 11, 2023 17:43:23 GMT -5
Dante walked alongside her and hardly noticed the giant drake when they arrived. Such was the power of captivating beauty. It was clear however that she was playing coy and doing her best to stay warm without giving obvious signs of emotional reciprocity. I don’t blame her, he thought. She hardly knows me and clearly has a bleak history. I’ll have to take my time and…
“The horned ones always bring you trouble..”
Dante blinked as the necklace still warm with Kamille’s body heat enveloped his neck, and he could suddenly understand the creature before him. He grinned and said, “Regardless of fellbloods, trouble has a nasty habit for finding everyone no matter who they are. I’ll forgive your prejudice if only for your honorable service.” He took a bow and said, “Lady Kamille has expressed your talents and crucial to the success of Vulcadraeus’ slaying. At the risk of speaking of dark matters, I take that gamble to formally express my thanks and gratitude for your selfless service and unimaginable display of courage before a great and terrible threat. This is surely a debt no one will ever be able to repay.”
With that, he stood straight and looked back to Kamille. He grinned and said, “Kamille was just about to show this charmer a demonstration should the fancy strike you Kalaf. I hope my posterior upon your back is an easily forgivable burden. It’s my sincerest wish that it be like a bag of feathers and somehow lighter than if I did not mount at all.”
Dante held Kamille’s hand and took yet another bow and said, “Ladies first” as if he were the one offering Kamille the chance to ride her own drake. She seemed to like the charmer routine, and it had yet to sour.
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Post by Lady Kamille Verlithax on Nov 27, 2023 10:32:26 GMT -5
The great drake blinked slowly as Dante talked to him, apparently as taken aback that he understood the fellblood as Dante was to understand him. He brought his muzzle closer to him, taking a good sniff. It was unclear if he actually registered any of the flattery that Dante threw his way.
"You use a lot of words I don’t understand, little one. Perhaps you can tell me what 'forgiveness' mean sometime. But you smell to home - sometimes I miss that smell."
"Come on, Kalaf..."
Despite passing the necklace to Dante, they seemed to understand each other to some degree, even without it. Kalaf puffed a cloud of black smoke in Kamille's face, stretched a bit, and still lowered his neck for them to mount up. The Witch took Dante's hand to mount up, but it was obvious she had some practice. In the same move, she pulled him up to sit behind her.
"Hold on tight, horned one. My little one will be sad if I drop you."
The saddle was simple, but fairly comfortable for them both, with plenty of places to hold onto. Kamille waited for Dante to get comfortable, looking at him over his shoulder with a satisfied grin.
"The rise is the hardest. Hold tight."
Kalaf stretched his wings, rising from his napping position. He was bigger than he might have expected, certainly on the older stages of life, given the numerous scars and rips along the leathery membrane of his wings.
And then, as sudden as that, without any warning, he leaped through the air, with his powerful wings flinging them all towards the sky. The initial pushback was strong, so unless they held on, they could easily be thrown back to the ground. Like Kamille had anticipated, the rising was the hardest part, but it didn’t take long until the forest took some distance from them, forming a tapestry of greens and blues beneath them. And when the old drake leveled, they were allowed to relax a bit and enjoy the ride.
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Post by Delta on Nov 27, 2023 11:10:26 GMT -5
Dante accepted the hand in kind and felt himself hoisted up onto the drake. Apparently he had been a bit loquacious with the creature as even with the magic of the necklace there were words he simply didn't know. He didn't know what 'forgiveness' was? It must be a concept that he doesn't need be concerned with, he thought. Does an animal ask for forgiveness when they poop on the carpet?
Suddenly, he was thrust up and away into the clouds, breath catching tightly. It felt like he was being compressed into a diamond. He relied on Kamille's embrace and his grip on the drake as the only anchors holding him onto the alarmingly fast creature. There was a comfort he garnered from having Kamille this close to him. She had a strength to her that impressed him, and the ease at which she assumed the role of a rider was akin to watching a master chef make cooking a gourmet meal look as easy as spaghetti.
He caught his breath when the drake stabilized, leaning back into Kamille as he straightened up from the slight hunching position the sudden updraft forced him in. His heart raced, his hair a wild frizz from the sudden rush of air. He chuckled nervously and said, "O-Oh my! This is quite exhilarating!"
The cold air contrasted with the warmth of the drake, but even more so the warmth of Kamille stabilizing him. He chuckled and said, "Tell me Kamille, are rides upon your drake part of the job hiring process? If so you must have high job satisfaction. This is an extraordinary view!" He looked back to her, smiling more with joy than with mischief. It was clear by the look on his face that he was having a blast.
"Kamille, I love... this! This is wonderful!" He turned back to look down at the scenery and laughed in a giddy sort of fashion, his nervousness mixed with the wonder of flight.
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