OOM All Skate Skellig Dream Magic Weirdness -Part 12

[brave_kreyu]

They wind up staying two full cycles of the Moon with Tyr's tribe.

Time enough to learn the various dances, share recipes, race through the Teeth, make friends, share stories, BELONG.

It might even be enough time for Skellig to sort out how he feels about being among other people with wings!

Tyr clasps Skellig's forearm in farewell. "I would call you my brother, if you would permit it?" he says, voice soft.

Comments

[brave_kreyu]

Ajax chuckles slightly. "Not to my eyes, certainly. I had not thought any creature could be that BIG."

He shivers. "Felt like a mouse before a cat, a thing to be played with."

[27_53]

"The first time I laid eyes on a dragon, I also was amazed by the sheer size they possess," he says. "It was unlike anything I had ever seen. Though my introduction was much less stressful than yours."

Redirection helps, so he allows his words to wander a bit. "One advantage that the mouse has is size, though," he points out. "We can fit much smaller places than the cats can, and while their senses may be sharper, our desperate feelings can sometimes come to our aid, allow us to throw aside our caution and simply flee."

[brave_kreyu]

"If I hadn't been trapped under my horse, I would have run," Ajax replies. "Just like a mouse, found a hole to hide in."

"You were not attacked, I take it? Were you rescued, as Koschei rescued me?"

[27_53]

"Yes, rescued is a good way to describe it, when I first met the dragon. They were not in their dragon form, otherwise I also would have likely run and tried to hide. They came across me as I was wandering, blinded by the sand and sun of the desert."

He knows Kreyu is listening, and Koschei likely is also. But he does not mind if his story is heard, as he works to realign the thoughts running through Ajax's mind.

"With the power that comes with their abilities, some choose to act in the name of kindness and good," he says. "Others are less benevolent, quicker to anger and harm. Gorgon is one of those types. He has chosen that path, of his own volition. All dragons desire to add to their wealth, grow their hoard...some are just more ruthless than others."

[brave_kreyu]

"I am glad the dragon you met was one like Koschei," Ajax says, sincere. "And not like Gorgon."

He smiles at Koschei. "A hero I certainly don't deserve, but am most grateful for."

Koschei snorts. "Deserve is matter for philosophers. Follow heart, rest will sort itself out."

[27_53]

"Wise words," Skellig agrees. "You will be well-served to follow his mindset."

Follow heart, rest will sort itself out.

If he was closer to Kreyu he might lean his shoulder against hers in solidarity; as it is, he only sends a bump of Light across their connection.

"Your injuries have been healed by Koschei's efforts, healed well. You will not have to fear a resurgence or pain from those wounds."

[brave_kreyu]

"Overturning what one has been taught from childhood is a tricky thing, but I will try."

She sends a little bump of Love back to him.

"Good," Koschei rumbles. "Fix self times beyond counting, but spell different."

"I'm glad you got it to work," Kreyu tells Koschei. "It can be tricky."

He nods in agreement. "Didn't dare long way, took wounds into self."

Ajax frowns in concern. "What do you mean by that?"

[27_53]

Skellig does not feel it is his place to explain just what the 'taking wounds into self' means - that is for Koschei to tell Ajax, perhaps in private once he and Kreyu have retired to their own suite.

(However, he takes advantage of Ajax's 'distraction' to push just slightly deeper and readjust those echoes; Gorgon's fearsome, fiery stare fades to more of an angry gaze, the screams of those around them on the battlefield shift to more of a murmur, the pain which was vibrant and sharp dulls to more of a background irritating soreness.)

[brave_kreyu]

"Will explain later," Koschei replies. "Is...complicated." In many ways.

Ajax relaxes under Skellig's efforts, the echoes fading. He's starting to become truly tired now, the events of the day catching up to him.

"I feel better," he tells Skellig. "Although quite tired."

"You did have quite the busy day," Kreyu quips.

Ajax laughs softly when she says that.

[27_53]

"Tired is good," Skellig says honestly. "That is your body able to communicate with your mind and it means that the signal is not getting lost along the chaos and the chatter."

He smiles gently.

"And I suspect once you find space in your bed, sleep with not be difficult to find either. You should rest easier than you would have, now. I have done what I can to start you towards being more settled."

[brave_kreyu]

"Thank you, truly," Ajax tells him, sincere. "And a hopefully more pleasant adventure for all of us tomorrow," he adds, wry. "At least if we end up finding the Procession of the Stars."

[27_53]

"Yes, we will aim for a much more enjoyable experience for us all."

Of course there will be last minute details to sort out, but Skellig is quite content to leave that to be dealt with in the morning AFTER breakfast - he can see the weariness growing with each passing moment as Ajax relaxes back against Koschei.

"I am certain our room is ready by now, don't you think, love?" He asks Kreyu.

[brave_kreyu]

"I think so," she says, nodding. "We should take our leave, get some rest before the excitement of tomorrow."

[27_53]

"I think that would be wise," he says, yawning faintly - a true reaction. "We will want to be at the top of our abilities, in all forms."

He rises to his feet and offers his hand to Kreyu to help her up.

[brave_kreyu]

She takes his offered hand, smiling.

They say their farewells, for now, go to THEIR room.

She kisses him gently after the door of their room is latched behind them. "I am glad you could help Ajax."

[27_53]

Once their door is latched securely, he relaxes just a bit and sighs as she leans in to kiss him.

"It was mostly fear that he was plagued with, that is one of the more intense types of emotions to realign, but at the same time, it is often straightforward. His was strong but not complicated. I am glad it was that way, and that I could help him."

He leans down to rest his forehead against hers.

"I feel he will need all the strength and courage he can manage for tomorrow."

[brave_kreyu]

"I believe you're right," she says, wrapping an arm around him.

"If we hadn't sent Koschei his way, he would have died today," she says, voice quiet. "And if I hadn't taught Koschei that healing spell years before you and I ever met, just in case he ever needed it..."

Things ripple, one choice resulting in unanticipated consequences.

[27_53]

Unanticipated yes, but in this case not unwelcome or unappreciated.

"Perhaps it was another part of our universe weaving itself together in the way it is meant to," he suggests, voice soft. "We may not ever be able to explain it, but that doesn't matter."

[brave_kreyu]

"I like that suggestion, whether it is true or not." She smiles, holds him close. "Thank you, love."

She yawns. "Time to get ready for bed, I think. Prepare ourselves for tomorrow with a good night's sleep."

[27_53]

"Of course, my heart."

Getting ready for bed has become somewhat of a routine they can both easily fall into without getting too distracted - since they will actually be trying to SLEEP they are also careful to keep any rowdy behavior to a minimum.

(Skellig does sneak a kiss here and there when he's able, and she reciprocates in kind.)

The House is not typically the most quiet in the overnight hours, but given the events of the day prior, it makes sense that any 'celebrations' lean toward the subtle variety. Sleep comes quickly after travel and wine, as does breakfast shared together.

"What do you think we should plan for as far as attire, love?" He asks, while checking through his bag. "What energy do we need to give off?"

[brave_kreyu]

"Something like what we wore yesterday should work." She smiles at him in between fussing with her hair. "The appearance of suitable companions for Ajax, ones who would fit in at a palace."

[27_53]

Nodding, Skellig selects something suitable - his hair is a bit of a lost cause, though he knows Kreyu does not mind it now that it has grown just a hint shaggy - and dresses himself, ensuring that his amulet is in place, as well as his bracelet, to aid in Karma should they need it.

(He HOPES they will not, but he suspects they may - if only to replenish what might be lost in a fight with Gorgon.)

Humming as he finishes dressing (it is one of the songs they learned during their time with the Winged Folk) he turns to watch her finish up, which is always a not-so-secret pleasure.

[brave_kreyu]

Putting her hair up is always a bit of a process. Some of THESE jeweled pins can also double as weapons, in a pinch. She prefers to fight with spells, but you never know.

Also, sparkly, and she and Skellig both like sparkly.

"My hair isn't too tilted to one side or another, is it?" Her pearls, resonant with karma, are looped in plain sight around her neck.

[27_53]

The avian influence in his mind is naturally drawn to the jewels that now decorate her hair, and it takes him a moment to blink his attention and focus back into 'here' when she speaks.

"Mmm?" He draws his gaze to meet hers, then her words (and question) meet up with him. "No, it isn't tilted."

[brave_kreyu]

She is clearly amused at his needing to refocus. "Thank you, love. Hard to tell by myself."

She makes a last adjustment to her chiton, deep green patterned with circles of golden thread.

"You look lovely." She touches his hair with her fingers, 'straightening' it a bit.

They do attract SOME attention as they head downstairs, but not that lingers. Ajax is waiting for them downstairs in the chiton he was wearing when they first met, the one patterned with birds in flight.

Koschei's chiton coordinates with Ajax's, although it's a little shorter than it 'should' be. Most residents of this area are nowhere NEAR Koschei's height, after all!

Koschei rumbles a "Good morning," while Ajax finishes his business with the owner.