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Post by Leaf on Nov 20, 2011 21:21:10 GMT -5
Leaf smiled a bit when he heard that Mika hadn't heard of the legend. That gave him a chance to regale someone with a story and that always made Leaf happy. Shifting so that he was sitting cross-legged. Looking into the flames, he interlocked his fingers and began, "Well, it's quite an interesting tale. Legend says that it occurs in a realm far, far away from XISIN, and yet still somehow under the same sky.
"In a ancient kingdom called Ethiopia, there was a princess who's beauty could rival that of a goddess. That princess was Andromeda. She was modest, sweet, and kind and everyone around her loved her. Her mother, Queen Cassiopeia, was a different story, however. The queen went around, bragging about her daughter's beauty. She even said, "My daughter is so beautiful that even the sea nymphs are jealous."
"The sea nymphs, daughters of the sea god, heard the queen and were enraged. They immediately told their father, who then sent a sea monster called Cetus to ravage the coasts of Ethiopia. When this caused a great problem to the kingdom, the king and queen ran to the priests and asked how they could get the sea god to forgive them and their kingdom. The priests then said to them, "For you to be forgiven, you must sacrifice your virgin daughter to the monster for your coasts to be calmed."
"This greatly troubled the king and queen, for they loved their daughter dearly, especially Cassiopeia, who regretted her arrogance. However, in order to appease the gods, they chained Andromeda to a rock by the sea with heavy hearts. As the hour for Cetus to arrive approached, everything seemed hopeless. However, just as the waves began frothing, a figure appeared at the edge of the sky. It was a young man mounted on a winged horse.
"This man's name was Perseus and he was a prince of another country, where his uncle had usurped the throne. In an attempt to rid of Perseus, the uncle sent the prince on a death mission; to kill Medusa, a Gorgon, whose look would turn you to stone. However, with the blessings of the gods, Perseus succeeded and was heading home when he saw Andromeda chained to a rock. He flew down on Pegasus, his winged horse, and asked why the princess was in such a pitiful state. When he learned of the reason, he decided to stay and help her. Upon Cetus's arrival, Perseus held up Medusa's head, which he had taken as proof for his uncle, and turned the monster into stone.
"After he had saved Andromeda, Perseus married her and brought her back to his kingdom, where he turned his uncle and his uncle's followers into stone. He then ruled with Andromeda as his queen and when they died, they were put among the stars by the gods.
"And that's the story of Andromeda," Leaf finished and looked up at Mika. He could feel that after a good storytelling, his melancholy feelings from before had subsided considerably. The boy then smiled at Mika, hoping that she enjoyed the story.
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Jezbel
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Post by Jezbel on Nov 20, 2011 21:58:36 GMT -5
Mika sat up and watch Leaf prepare to tell the tale of the girl called Andromeda. She was captured from the start, as she listened she could picture it all happening. As she finish it was almost as if the curtain was closed at a play. The image she held of Perseus and Andromeda began to fade and she was brought back to the present. She just stared into the fire for a moment until she felt Leaf's gaze on her. She returned the smiled and said, "You're an amazing story teller! That was just... amazing!" She said falling back. Mika folded her hands over her stomach and she let the warmth of the fire spreed over her as she tried to remember ever little bit of the story. She sighed happily.
"Thank you Leaf. I haven't enjoyed a fire since before my father passed." Do to the fact she was still submerged in the story Mika didn't realize what she had said. It was a good thing, because those memories could easily bring her to tears. She looked over to Leaf and smiled. "I have a few stories up my sleeves if you want to hear about any of them. I know two the best, although they aren't constellations. The first, 'How Coyote Stole Fire' and the second, the story of the 'Magic Arrows'. If you don't want to here them I understand." She said closing her eye. He might even have heard them already, Mika thought opening her eyes.
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Post by Leaf on Nov 28, 2011 17:02:50 GMT -5
Hearing that the girl had enjoyed his story, Leaf scratched his head and grinned. "Thanks," he said happily, "But I'm really not that good." He was glad that Mika had enjoyed it. After all, it was nice to share some of the stuff which he had gathered over the years. The thief couldn't tell you how many scholars he had stole from and while he was rooting their studies up for riches, Leaf couldn't help but be curious when he saw a pretty picture with interesting stories beneath them.
Leaf fell onto his back beside Mika, facing the stars once more. The warm glow of the flames beneath seemed to yearn to reach the heavens and yet the cold, cool night sky was just a tad out of reach. Leaf didn't know how to respond when Mika said her father had passed, but decided to settle with a quiet "Oh really..." when it seemed like Mika skimmed over the fact briefly. 'So she's an orphan, too.' he thought to himself.
Leaf hadn't heard of the stories Mika listed and was curious about both of them. "Let's hear the coyote one," he said, feeling a certain kinship with the canine. The one about magic arrows, though, brought up a different memory when the thief tried to steal some rather special arrows before. He chuckled to himself before turning to the girl, eyes sparkling with anticipation.
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Jezbel
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Post by Jezbel on Dec 4, 2011 17:50:02 GMT -5
Mika was glad that Leaf had picked that story. It was the one her father told her the most often and the one she remembered the most. A smile played across her lips as she sat up and opened her eyes to the dancing flames. She thought back for a moment, quickly replaying the tale in her own mind. The small girl then cleared her throat and began the tale of how the coyote stole fire.
"Many moons ago, when men were still young to this world, they where the happiest of all the creatures. The days when spring swept the across the willow trails, when the young children ripened with the blueberries in the glow of the summer sun, when the goldenrod flourished in the autumn haze. "But as the autumn nights grew cold and its bright color began to fade, then the men new. They knew that the cold winds of winter would be rolling in. They became fearful and unhappy. He was worried for his children and grandfathers and grandmothers who held the sacred tales of the tribe within them. Many who were not strong enough will die in the long unforgiving months of winter. “The Coyote had no need for fire, like the rest of the People. So he didn’t concern himself with it. Till one spring day his travels brought him past a human village. He there heard a song, so sad. The women of the village were singing of the babes and old ones who had passed during the winter. Their voices moaned like the west wind through a buffalos skull, the very hairs on the Coyotes neck rose and fell with the voices. "Feel how the sun is now warm on our backs," one man was saying. "Feel how it warms the earth and makes these stones hot to the touch. If only we could have had a small piece of the sun in our teepees during the winter. “As the Coyote heard sound of lose in his words, he could not help but the wave of sorrow as it washed over him. The Coyote also knew there was something he could do to help these humans. He knew in a far away mountain top, three Fire Beings lived. These Beings had fire and kept it to themselves afraid. Afraid that man would steal it and have as much power as the Beings. Coyote knew doing a good for man would be at the expense of these selfish Beings. “The Coyote crept to the top of the mountain. To watch the Fire-Beings are they guarded the fire. As he became closer the Beings leaped to their feet and glared around the camp. Searching around the camp. Their eyes glinted like bloodstones, and their hands were clawed like the talons of the great black vulture. "What's that? What's that I hear?" hissed one of the Beings. "A thief, skulking in the bushes!" screeched another. “The third watched more closely and spotted Coyote. But seeing as Coyote had gone up the mountain on all fours, the Being thought he was an ordinary coyote. Seemingly slinking amongst the leaves and trees. “It is no one, it is nothing,” she cried. When the other two turned their head they merely saw a grey coyote. They sank down around their precious fire once more, not giving the coyote another thought. “Night and Day the Coyote watched the Fire Beings guard the fire. He watch them as they fed pine cones and branches that were bone dry from the ever growing sycamore trees. He watched when they stamped the flames that reached out to the dry grass, the small runaways. He saw at how the Beings took turns sitting by the flames. Two would sleep the other would guard, almost as if it were clockwork one would get up and take the place of the other, letting the other sleep soundly in the teepee. Coyote saw that they carefully guarded the fire all day, except on part of the day, when the first winds of dawn arose on the mountains, in the earliest mornings. All three Beings would hurry, and scurry into their teepee and yell, “Sister, sister go out and watch the fire!” But the next Being would always be slow to go out into the cold. Her head still spinning with the night’s sleep and the thin dreams of dawn. “After seeing all this Coyote went down the mountain. He told his friends among the People about the hairless men, and the fear of the cold harsh winters. He then told them of the warmth and brightness the Fire Being kept to themselves. After hearing Coyote’s tale they all agreed that men should have fire, and they agreed to help Coyote and his undertaking. Once more Coyote sped to the mountain top, and once more as he drew near the Being leaped up and one cried out, “What’s that? A thief, a thief!” Then only then saw it was a grey coyote hunting among the bushes, so they settled down and thought nothing more. Coyote waited, he waited all day and night, as the Being went into the teepee and one stood out. He waited till at last the dawn winds rose. Then one Being on guard called, “Sister, sister get up and watch the fire.” “The next Being whose turn it was slow crawled form the teepee and said, “I am coming, do not yell so.” Yet before she could do so Coyote sprang from the bushes and snatched up a glowing portion of the fire and darted down the mountain side. Screaming the Fire Being ran after Coyote. Swiftly as the coyote ran, they caught up with him. Once reaching out and touching the tip of his tail. Only one touch was need to turn his hair white, and coyote’s tail tips still are. Coyote yelped and flung the fire away, but the other People had gathered at the bottom, just in case they were to be needed. Squirrel saw the falling flames and caught it, slipping it on her back and fleeing through the tops of the trees. The fire burned her back so painfully it cause her tail to curl up and back, as squirrels tails do today. “Squirrel then threw the fire to Chipmunk as the Fire Being pursued her. Chattering with fear, Chipmunk stayed still almost rooted to the spot, until the Being were almost upon her. Then as she turned to run the Being claw tore down the length of her back and there leaving three white stripes that are seen on chipmunks’ backs everywhere today. Chipmunk threw the fire to Frog, but the Beings turned to him, one grasped Frogs tail, but Frog gave a mighty leap, leaving his tail behind the Being’s hand—which is why frogs have had no tails every since. “The Beings still after Frog, so he threw the fire to Wood, and Wood swallowed it. The Fire Being gathered around Wood. They promised the Wood gifts, and sang, and shouted at it. They struck it and twisted, and tore at it with knives. But Wood would not give the fire back. In the end, defeated, the Being went back to their mountain-top and left the People to be. But Coyote knew how, he knew how to get it out of Wood. He went down to the village and showed men how. He showed them the trick of rubbing two dry sticks together, and trick of spinning a sharpened stick in a hole made of another piece of wood. From now on man was warm and safe from the killing cold of winter.”
Mika let the end of the tale sit for a second, hanging in the air before saying, “And that is how the Coyote stole fire.” She leaned back on her hands and looked down at Leaf. She smiled and said, “So did you like it?” The whole story reminded her about the tale of Robin Hood. It was a favorite from when Mika was a little girl, she would always ask her father to tell it. And to this day he was the best story teller Mika knew. He would really become the story, she could only hope that it was at least interesting to listen to.
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Post by Leaf on Dec 6, 2011 16:32:39 GMT -5
It impressed the thief to hear about the behavior of the coyote. They were so similar: both canines and thieves, but the reason behind the coyote's action was what set them apart. The coyote did not benefit from stealing fire for humans, and yet it risked itself to do so. It was a typical "steal from the rich and give to the poor" story. In comparison, Leaf, who stole from both the rich and the poor, seemed very despicable.
"That was admirable… what the coyote did." he said, staring at the endless void of night. "It makes me think that there are good people in the world." the boy said as he thought about Shadow, who had without prejudice helped him. Then he wondered about Mika. Did she have a person that reflected the character of the coyote. Perhaps… just perhaps… "Your father… was he such a selfless man?" Leaf turned his head to face the girl, who had sat up beside the fire to tell the story. He could still remember the melancholy feeling that struck through his heart when she mentioned her late father. From the sliver of words she had spoken, Leaf could tell that this man meant a lot to her. Maybe she also felt the emptiness of losing someone close. Maybe she understood the bitterness that twisted the werewolf's insides whenever he thought of his lost companion…
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Jezbel
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Post by Jezbel on Dec 6, 2011 17:15:58 GMT -5
Mika nodded as Leaf's first statement, it was true. When he asked about her father, she sat straight up and hugged her knees closes. Feeling cold even though she was right in front of the fire. She said nothing at first and then slowly nodded, "Yes." She said quietly, even to herself she sounded sad and lost and childish."To me he was the best. My world." She didn't look at Leaf as she said this already the tears had started. "He would help our neighbor, she was elderly and blind. So he would do things around her yard, fix up the house, you know things that a husband would do. He sent me inside to help her clean, sometimes bake." She smiled and some salty water slipped inside her lips. "The one time, we were baking cookies and my dad was working on the roof. And when she said 'Done.' not even a minute after, he ducked his head through the window. And reached down and stole the whole plate! A few minutes later he slipped gave bake the plate with nothing on it. I was so mad, but then he showed us that he saved the biggest two for us." Mika laughed slightly picturing her father, hanging upside down reaching through the window. "I never realized how much those moments would mean to me..." She was quite, tears soundlessly sliding down her cheeks."
"I think what means most to me is that he loved me. Even after I took his world away, my mother." Mika hated that, anytime she thought about it. She took her mother away from her father. Her mother died during child birth. Her friend's father, Aidan told her once, though he was drunk, that Mika's father wouldn't even hold her at first. He cried day and night for a week because of her. Aidan said that her father even thought of killing her once, but when he looked at her, he saw her mother in her eyes and face. Aidan said that that was what saved her, her looks. Remembering this only made Mika cry harder, tears now falling down her cheeks like someone had turned on a hose. But she didn't make a sound, because Mika knew it was the truth.
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Post by Leaf on Dec 6, 2011 22:03:51 GMT -5
From the way Mika tensed up when Leaf mentioned her father, he knew something was wrong. He sat up with a concerned look on his face, watching her intently. As she began to speak, Leaf could hear her sadness permeate into her voice, making the boy regret bringing up the topic. It was just the way she spoke of it lightheartedly earlier that gave him the wrong idea. As tears began to roll down Mika's cheeks when she began to recount her memories of her father, Leaf could sense that even her laughter was filled with sorrow.
"He definitely loved you." Leaf whispered gently. He did not quite understand how she could have taken away her mother, but speculated that she probably had something to do with her mother's death. Leaf had only recently experienced having something heavy on his conscience. With his brother, he had slaughtered an entire village of hypnotized people without mercy and till this day, he could still see their soulless eyes staring into his. Their eyes that recovered their senses in their last breath only to be extinguished again. They were frightened and confused as they passed into the void with these emotions etched into their faces for eternity. Although Leaf did not fully understand the familial bonds Mika shared with her family, he knew that her involvement in her mother's death must eat at her conscience day after day. The awful twists she felt from it must be far greater in magnitude than what Leaf felt.
Leaf shifted himself closer to the girl, hoping to provide some sort of comfort. "It hurts, doesn't it?" he murmured. "But I'm sure that your father wouldn't want you to be like this." Leaf didn't know what else to say. He never really encountered situations like this before and it felt awkward and strange. Still, it provided a feeling of connection to the girl. Looking at the droplets of tears, Leaf remembered how she was crying when he first saw her. But now, her weeping seemed much more grave and painful than before.
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Jezbel
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Post by Jezbel on Dec 7, 2011 17:09:10 GMT -5
When Leaf spoke about her father loving her she couldn't help but smile. Mika knew he did but it was nice- no more than nice, wonderful- to hear someone else think so to. Mika looked deep with in the fire and saw almost a face, that's what it looked like. A woman's face, one that looked similar to Mika's. Mother She thought and nearly reached out to it. No it's just my mind playing tricks on me! She looked back to Leaf and realized for the first time how much she had cried. She rubbed her eyes and made sure most of the moisture was gone, though her throat felt soar.
She listened to Leaf's soft voice and nodded. It did hurt but it was nice that Leaf was hear, even if he didn't understand he still listened. She didn't notice that she leaned into him ever so slightly. "Thank you. And I'm sorry... I'm not always such a freakin mess." She said quietly, she looked up to him and said, "Leaf have you ever lost someone? And that someone was your rock, the one who kept you grounded?" He seemed to know more about loss then he was willing to share, but she just wanted to know if that was why. Because he had been through it to. She rubbed her eyes again, starting to feel the pricking sensation, "Sorry.." She muttered, "I guess you got more then you bargained for when you stayed." She looked to the fire once more, this time not seeing a face. But she watched as some embers flicked themselves out into the ground and burned slowly out. Will that ever happen to me? She thought, will one day she just blow out?
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Post by Leaf on Dec 7, 2011 21:22:32 GMT -5
Leaf nodded gently, acknowledging her thanks. She definitely couldn't always be so gloomy. Hadn't he just seen her lively side only but a few hours ago? Then she mentioned loss. His loss. In comparison to hers it was nothing. Yet, it meant all the world to him. "Me? Well, yes I have had such an important person before. He was… my brother." Leaf paused, unsure whether or not to continue. He then looked at Mika, who was staring up at him with such sad and curious eyes. She looked so small and so innocent, yet had gone through so much. Leaf felt like he could just… tell her. "Well he wasn't my real brother. I don't know if I have any brothers, really. I'm an orphan. Always been since I could remember. But no, this guy—his name was Shadow—came into my life but a few weeks ago." Leaf could still remember his initial wariness and hostility he felt toward the stranger. It was so strange that their lives would take a turn moments after their encounter. He looked into the flames, recounting his memories in detail. "It was strange; we didn't know each other. But then… something… happened and he protected me. Nothing like that had ever happened to me before. It was… life-changing."
Leaf then looked back at Mika with an empty stare. Her apology seemed so frustrated, like she was anxious and confused. He watched her watch the flames before continuing. It was all or nothing now. "Before Shadow, I was nothing like I am now. I trusted no one. I loved no one. I lied, cheated, and hurt others. Perhaps you've seen my face before… on a wanted poster. They're everywhere. I can't even stay in a city without worrying about my safety. Everyone was out to get me and I either had to eat or be eaten." As he spoke, a darker and darker look settled onto Leaf's face. "Shadow saved me from my pursuers even though he knew of my background. He almost died for me! We knew each other for less than a day, but he changed me!" By this point, Leaf was almost yelling. He was pouring out the pain he had felt over the last few weeks. Nothing mattered anymore. "He disappeared, though. We had… slaughtered an entire village of people. It still haunts me to this day. Those people were innocent—tangled up between my pursuers and I. Their faces when they died, it still burns in my mind. That made me realize how many people I had wronged and how many things I could not make right again. And right when I thought I had someone to turn to, they were gone." Leaf grabbed Mika by the shoulders and shook her violently. "It was them, my hunters, who drove us apart. My salvation! Torn from my side right after it touched my hands. Shadow—ironic his name may be—was my light! And now, because of me, he's gone! Missing! Because of me, he might be dead!"
Leaf released his grasp on Mika and sank back, letting the cold seep through his limbs. Only then did he notice the wetness on his face. Tears. When had they appeared. Leaf looked down and stood up, averting his eyes from the girl. "I'm sorry," he said quietly. "You're probably terrified of me now. I'm a criminal, a thief, a murderer. There's so much about me that you don't know." Leaf backed away from the flames slightly. He didn't deserve the warmth of these flames. He had hurt so many people. Even the one he wanted to stay by his side the most had vanished. He was weak. He wasn't strong enough to ignore his own feelings and not strong enough to repent for them either. He was just a coward, living in the shadows of others, not worthy of a happy life. Despicable.
"Maybe I really am insane."
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Jezbel
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Post by Jezbel on Dec 9, 2011 16:49:50 GMT -5
Mika watched wide eyed as Leaf began to speak. She didn't really think he would talk about it and as he did his voice began to rise. She had never liked yelling, but this-this was worse. It wasn't the volume crashing out into the quietness of the forest, the peace of the night. No it was the look on his face, as it grew darker, Mika's eyes grew as well. Wanted poster? Slaughtered? Mika was so confused, and it only made it worse when he started to shake her. The grip on her shoulders was starting to hurt by the time he let go. She watched him go back and say he was insane. But things just didn't make sense!
Mika watched he stood there unsure of what to do. In truth she was scared. She was spending the night alone in the middle of the woods with someone who has killed before and could easily overpower her. But on the other hand he had all the chances to hurt her, to do terrible and unforgivable things to her but he hadn't. It was clear that he was hurting, and Mika would even say a bit scared. Moving slowly, so not to scare him, she got up. She kept her eyes on his and slowly made her way to him. Approaching as if he would lash out on her if she moved or spooked him so quickly. When she was close enough, Mika wrapped her arms around him. Pulling him close, yet not saying a word. Sometimes it's good not to say anything at all. she thought.
She pulled back and looked him in the eye. "I'm not going to lie to you." She said strongly, "I am scared. I don't know what to do right now. I really don't. I can see that you aren't all bad, you aren't all good either. You could have done so many other things when you found me, but you didn't. Yet you did horrible things in the past." She paused and then added a bit softer, "But you realize that, or at least you sound like you do. And I think when you find Shadow you're gonna get better or stick to the right path. I believe everyone deserves a second chance, heck maybe even a third. You aren't insane, maybe just confused and you can always work to make that better, so don't give up on yourself." She spoke up a little, "'Cause like it or not you are my friend now Leaf, and I'm not going to so you shouldn't.” Mika smiled.
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Post by Leaf on Dec 9, 2011 20:53:09 GMT -5
The flicker of the flames seemed empty as Leaf stood, eyes cast at the dancing shadows. He was a horrible person, conflicted with his own morals and deeds. And now he had to stand here and feel every awful twist of it. There was no denying that it was painful and it brought tears to the boy's eyes. He didn't even move to wipe them away.
Then he felt Mika advance. She moved slowly, treading cautiously, as if she was afraid of startling him. Who wouldn't, when they were afraid? It surprised Leaf when he felt arms around him. They were gentle, not constricting, and felt comforting. For a moment, it felt like there were flames dancing inside of him. Mika didn't speak and so neither did Leaf. He wasn't sure why the girl was doing this, but decided that he could appreciate it, even if it was only for now. Nervously, he brought his arms up, then hesitated. He was unsure whether this was the right thing to do, but cast those thoughts away quickly and returned the embrace.
After a few moments, they separated and Leaf saw his eyes reflected in Mika's. He listened to her speak, feeling troubled at first, but when she told him not to give up, he perked up a little. "Friend?" he asked, his voice a little shaky. "You'll be friends with me even though you…" His voice trailed off as he looked at the girl silently. It was an unbelievable thought, that she would accept him even though he had just told her about his past. It was all a little overwhelming. "I," he started, stepping backwards. "I'm going to go clear my head." Leaf turned around and began walking away from the fire. He had to go into the darkness and make sure that this wasn't a dream. He had to go make sure that this wasn't an illusion that would disappear with the extinguishing of the flames. His pace quickened as he approached the end of the light. Then he stopped and turned his head back. "Don't worry. I'll be back."
He smiled.
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Jezbel
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Post by Jezbel on Dec 9, 2011 21:18:45 GMT -5
Mika watched as Leaf left. She returned the grin, just as wide. She was glad the Leaf was feeling better; at least he seemed to be. She walked back to the fire and stood there watching the flames gently flicker back and forth. The fire was starting to die down so she went a bit further away into the woods. She made sure she was in sight of the fire so not to get lost.
Walking along with the light of the fire made forest seem less evil. She walked along picking up a few semi dry pieces of wood. Mika saw a perfect piece of wood just a few feet away. It looked perfectly dry and would burn for a long time, Mika knew the type. So she quickly ran back to camp, struggling to keep hold of the wood along the way. Then she set some down, and glanced around just checking if Leaf was back yet. Sighing she ran back and slowed to a walk when it came into view. Smiling she was only a few steps away now. Then it happened, the ground gave out. Mika didn't even have time to scream. For a split second she saw grass and twigs flying through the air. Then she landed. She fell on her hands and heard an ear splitting crack, and fire shoot up her arm. She clutched her arm to her chest and refused to scream. Though tears welled up in her eyes and a slow steady throbbing was placed in her arm. She flipped over and looked through blurry eye at where she was.
A hole, simply as that. Most likely used for hunting, Mika hoped that the hunter wasn't anywhere near. The walls where about seven to eight feet deep. At least a good two feet above her head. Crap! What am i going to do? Leaf isn't at the camp so he wouldn't even know I’m gone and I can't call out because of a hunter possibility. She let out a low groan and sat up against the wall. "What am I going to do?"
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Post by Leaf on Dec 9, 2011 21:46:45 GMT -5
The sound of his feet on the ground drummed in Leaf's ears as he hustled away from the camp. As he felt the rush of cold night air, he felt his stress flush away with the wind. Slowing to a brisk walk, Leaf looked behind him. The flame seemed as distant as the stars above him. He stopped, deciding that he was far away enough to be alone without getting lost. Leaf leaned himself against a tree and lifted his gaze to the endless platter of stars above. He remembered the joy he felt when he and Mika were storytelling. It was really a heartwarming experience and he didn't want it to end quite yet. Breathing in and out for a few moments and letting the fresh air clear his mind, Leaf decided that he should head back. After all, he shouldn't keep Mika waiting.
A few minutes later, Leaf had galloped back to the fire. However, Mika was nowhere to be found. The site seemed so empty and chilly despite the blaze. "Mika?" Leaf whispered. "Mika… Mika! C'mon! This isn't funny!" He raised his voice, swiveling his head around with a panicked look on his face. Where could she had gone? Did she just disappear? The thought made Leaf panic even more. The sore in his heart that had quelled a bit earlier began to ache even more painfully. Why did people that were close to him disappear? The self-accusing feeling came back as the blonde-haired boy held his head in frustration. "She couldn't be far off," he muttered, eyes wide with fear. "No, no, no. Think! You're a thief! You've got the brains. You're a werewolf… wait! No! That's right!" Leaf looked up suddenly as if he was enlightened. Of course! He could use his wolf form and track her down!
Without any time to spare, Leaf began to shed away his human form. His blonde hair melted into a pure snow white and spread across his body. A muzzle stretched right under his nose and on the other end, his tail sprouted. Hands were replaced with paws and soon, the boy was replaced with a sleek, white wolf. Leaf snapped his head around and hurried over to the Mika's pack which she had left next to the fire. He bent his head down and absorbed the girl's scent through his nose and into his memory. Then, he was off, following the trail of Mika's scent, determined to find her.
He soon arrived at what seemed like a pit. Peering down it, he saw the girl curled up inside of it. At the sight of Mika, Leaf let out a great sigh of relief. Quickly, he transformed back into a human and panting heavily, he called to Mika, "Mika! You're here! Are you hurt? Let me get you out of there." The boy extended his arm down the hole, his face wrinkled with worry. It was such a relief that he had found her before anything else had found her. Such a relief.
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Jezbel
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Post by Jezbel on Dec 9, 2011 22:02:12 GMT -5
Mika heard something coming and shrank deeping into the side. But when Leaf called out she felt so much happiness she jumped up forgeting her arm. "Leaf!" the pain caught up with her and she pulled her arm close to her, "Yeah i think i broke my arm." She reached up with her good hand and griped his. She pressed her arm close to her and tried to keep it there but the pressure was hurting so much! She had to realise it and just let it hang. "Ready!" She called. She looked down at the wall and tried to find a foot hole. There was nothing but a root a few feet up, she would be able to reach it if Leaf just pulled her up about a foot or so. Thank god he's here! She was so filled with happiness that even though her arm was killing her she was smiling.
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Post by Leaf on Dec 9, 2011 22:19:01 GMT -5
Leaf grasped Mika's hand and pulled back slowly so he wouldn't yank on her arm. As soon as he could reach, he grabbed her arm with his other hand and pulled her up and out of the ditch. He smiled, glad that she was generally unharmed. "Whew. Good thing you're so light," Leaf said, commenting on Mika's small stature. It was good, too, since Leaf wasn't much of a bodybuilder and wasn't very good with lifting weights. "Anyways, let's head back to the fire and take a look at your arm, okay?"
Leaf led Mika back to the camp, careful not to do anything that would strain her. "Here, sit down. And be careful with that arm," he said as he examined her arm. It looked swollen and was most likely broken. That meant that they would probably need a sling of some sort. "We've got to find something to stabilize your arm so it doesn't get worse." Leaf said with a serious look on his face. His priority was to make sure her injury didn't worsen. Looking at her arm, Leaf began to feel regretful again. If he hadn't left the fire, perhaps Mika's wouldn't be in such pain. It was all his fault.
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