Fantasy Code FERAL

[Sleipnir]

Bael couldn't help but be more than a bit proud of himself and surprised by this response, but all that dissolved when Zoe stepped to him again and took his hand, replaced by the same awkwardness and hot-facedness that always accompanied these situations. It was becoming abundantly clear to him that surely Zoe wasn't catching onto the signs in him and had very little concept of personal space to boot. He had almost painfully mixed feelings about that; he didn't like it but at the same time, it was really kind of nice.


His pride returned shortly when she went on about how brilliant the idea of the tea was and asked him to teach her to make it. "Of course," he told her readily. No way was he going to pass the opportunity up, not if someone found his knowledge of putting plants in hot water impressive. He gestured to head back down to the kitchen. "I don't know if they'll have some of the more exotic stuff, but any number of things that can help should be pretty common." He had to admit, this hadn't been what he had expected when it blurted out the word tea simply because his brain wasn't working.


@DawnAntalios

 

[deer]

Finallt finished cleaning Laohu's wounds from the wolve claws he had managed to get on his body, Xiao Hui hissed at such a sight, mumbling under her breathe, "That damn wolf! These scars wouldn't be gone until a month. At least your stripes cover it up, sorta." Laohu blinked at Hui's backlash, especially since she looked like a pouting child. He chuckled lightly as Xiao Hui gave him a look that screamed "if you don't shush, I'll dan the alcohol even harder on your wounds". Laohu wasn't scared by such threat and continued on swishing his tail, deciding to play along,"How dare the wolf mess up my coat! It's too beautiful to be splashed with red. I would rather blue if you ask me." He teased, trying to mimic Hui as he felt more relief when she started loosening the right grip she held on herself. Laohu was worried she would revert back to the time. . Xiao Hui huffed slightly as she took the bloodied cottons and wraps away into a back and closed it. Next, she went to work, wrapping an ankle brace on her leg. "This thing is a contraption that's going to be in my way of walking." She grumbled again as Laohu laughed, or what sounded like a laugh, as he fell back on his back, wincing slightly. Xiao Hui jumped feeling the same wince as her eyes softened, "Are you okay?" Laohu shook his mane, nodding, as he got up and licked her ankle. The two shared a bond where they knew whatever each one would feel to the extent of they were hurt, they would feel the same pain and suffer the same wounds. Xiao Hui had already placed wraps on Laohu's hurt foot, however, he was concerned with her back. "Hui. . the wounds on your back, it's a risk and it'll show but you need it taken care of."


Xiao Hui was about to respond, most likely refusing until they heard a chipper voice bouncing over to them. Laohu looked over towards Duirk, swishing his tail as he pounced on Duirk playfully, rolling in the flowers, until he keeled over, panting. "Better than ever, if I must say. Yourself?" He asked the hyena he's come to enjoy the presence of. In fact, it was nice to be around him, better than most animal companions in his opinion: Haku and Duirk both different yet ones he considered friends. Laohu had yet t meet the others officially. Xiao Hui blinked, letting out a soft laugh, like wind chimes, as she watched Laohu tumbling with Duirk. She watched how animated Duirk became when he talked about music, as she tilted her head, "Mixing? Music? Do you like music, Duirk? Perhaps you're like. . what do they call those. .? With big headphones. .?" She asked, curiously, pouting at the fact she couldn't get the idea. Xiao Hui felt much more relief with Duirk by herself especially seeing how his spirits aren't so down. She wouldn't have wanted to be the "Debby Downer" , if she remembered correctly. As Xiao Hui continued listened to Duirk, Laohu sat back placing a paw under his head and laid down comfortably.


However, at heading Duirk's question if she played, Xiao Hui smiled softly, gently running a hand through his coat. "I do play instruments, Duirk. However, I'm not quiet used to instruments such as piano , guitars, etc. I use traditional Chinese instruments." She said quite fondly, missing the sound of music until a lightbulb popped into her head. Xiao Hui knew that whenever she played for her House during their darkness times, their mood seemed to have changed when she finished. Perhaps this would be a good time? "Duirk, should we look for any musical instruments they have? And. . would you like to help me? Don't let others tell you that you can't play just because you don't have 'hands'" Xiao Hui said, scrunching up her nose slightly at anyone who would judge Duirk. Soon she smiled encouraging towards Duirk, getting up slightly. She felt giddy and excited to be playing instruments again as Laohu grinned at the happy girl, turning his attention over to Duirk, playfully shoving him.

@SilverFlight
​

 

[Lioness075]

Leandra gave Eos an exasperated look when he responded with poetry and more of his 18th century style of conversing. What was up with that guy and where was his sense of humor?


Listening to Eos mentioning Manjano, Leandra immediately jumped back into the conversation (not literally), as she said, "Hey, hoofbrain, what'd you just say about my brother? That Beth has 'found her way into his heart' or something?"


Glancing at Beth now, Leandra then curiously asked her, "Has he spoken to you or something?"


Feeling defensive of her brother and the lack of a relationship between the twins, Leandra then added, "'Cause you aren't finding your way into his heart anytime soon if he still hasn't spoken to you. He hasn't spoken to me in years. I would know."


Feeling her humor and good-nature waning, Leandra took a deep breath before saying, "Sorry, that was a bit out of line for me to say. I, um, actually really hope you can help him find his voice again. I couldn't figure him out on my own."


Glancing over at Eos, Leandra then added with a cautious grin, "Also, it really wouldn't hurt for you to find a sense of humor, mate."


@Flutterby @DawnAntalios


Hearing commotion closer to her, Leandra redirected her attention back to Alec in time to see him defending himself at the fact that she'd found his glasses amusing.


A genuine grin back on her face, Leandra then said, "Don't worry, Alec. I actually think the glasses are cute, a dorky kinda way, and they make you look really smart. Especially with that scientist coat you have on. Now you look all...science-y."


Cringing after her terrible joke, Leandra jumped a little when Alec suddenly snapped his fingers.


Seeing the gold locket, Leandra tried to crane her neck for a better look, but was too far away and ended up slumping back in her bed with a huff of annoyance at her lack of mobility.


Luness took this moment to peer over at the locket for Leandra, noting that it definitely looked like something meaningful and personal to someone. Whether it was more meaningful for Strong or Simon was unknown.


Unable to staunch her curiosity, Leandra then blurted out, "Is there a picture of someone in the locket?"


Disappointed at her explosive prosthetics idea being shot down, and the fact that Alec didn't even crack a smile at it, Leandra then raised an eyebrow at the young man before saying in a mock serious tone, "Alec, either your sense of humor is really lacking or you just don't understand how brilliant an explosive prosthetic would be. A bit chaotic, but plenty of fun."


Realizing that recent events probably were killing Alec's mood, Leandra then added, "You might need a break, too. I'm pretty sure most of our team has probably convened in the gardens area. I feel like that's a go-to kind of place after a mission goes awry. There's no point in running yourself to the ground."


At the mention of food being brought in, Leandra suddenly lit up, her serious mood forgotten, and asked with an excited grin, "Can I get hot chocolate with my food? Maybe add some little marshmallows, too?"


@SilverFlight @zCrookedz

 

[SilverFlight]

Duik yelped in mock fear as Laohu pounced on him. "Ahh help! I'm being eaten by a tiger!!" He poked a paw in Laohu's face to prevent him from getting closer. "Hey Xiao, what do I do if a tiger's attacking? Is it play dead or climb a tree?" He grinned at Laohu, his short tail racing back and forth. "Or maybe it was run downhill? Or is that bears?"


When Xiao described what she thought Duik could be he knew exactly what she meant. "A DJ!" He exclaimed, both flattered and excited. "I've always wanted to be one! Alec says I'm pretty good but I dunno..."


When she mentioned she played traditional Chinese instruments he clearly looked impressed. "Ooooo! We should totally find some, I've seen the tech in this place, with the amount of money going into here they have to have something!"


He rolled over and wiggled out from under Laohu, poking his tongue out at the white tiger before dancing away. He slapped the laptop closed and slid his headphones into a waiting pouch. Both items were attached to a holder which Duik could pick up in his mouth and carry everything with relative ease.


"Wef's go!"


It took a little while and Duik had to set his equipment down several times just so the people he asked could understand him but in the end he uncovered an attachment to the lounge where several instruments were on display in elegant glass cases. A baby grand piano stood quietly in one corner while sunlight filtered in through large South-facing windows, dappled by the forest canopy.


"Are any of these what you play?" Duik asked her, pulling a small microphone and clip from his bag.


@crucialstar


"'Cute', 'dorky' and 'science-y'." Alec parroted with a raised eyebrow. "I'll be sure to add those to my dating profile." His sarcastic tone carried a hint of amusement. "Let's go with the latter, I have absolutely no appreciation for the genius of potentially blowing more off of yourself than you already have." He tried to sound as serious as he could, but a smile was beginning to show through.


He pulled off the lab coat and tossed it onto the back of a chair, putting his spectacles away in one of the pockets.


"Gardens huh?..I'll be honest, feeling in my element has helped me deal with...this." He waved a hand about himself to indicate what had happened just yesterday. "But you're probably right. Which way are they?"


@Lioness075

 

[Lioness075]

Grinning at Alec repeating her adjectives for him, Leandra couldn't help but let out a short laugh at his dating profile comment.


"Well, I better get some credit for giving you those brilliant adjectives being added to your dating profile."


Hearing the slightly amused tone and sarcasm made Leandra smile, pleased that her attempt to get Alec to relax was working, even if only by a small amount.


Luness quietly chortled to herself, fully understanding that Leandra was flirting here, even if it appeared to be going over everyone else's heads.


At the mention of blowing off more of one's self, Leandra grinned and then said, "Hey, if you blow off more of yourself, then you can just add more prosthetics! Then you can be a human cyborg."


Seeing the hint of a smile on Alec's face, Leandra teasingly smirked at him in a manner of saying 'told ya so', as she knew she could eventually make him smile. Even if it was only a small one.


Seeing Alec removing his coat and spectacles, Leandra raised an eyebrow amusingly until she heard his explanation.


"Yeah, well, being in your element might be nice, but it kinda sucks when you wear yourself out and then start losing interest in the very thing you love so much."


At the question of where the gardens were, Leandra blinked and then couldn't resist a grin with her smart reply, "Mate, you're asking the wrong person for directions. I only woke up in here a few minutes ago and the last thing I remember was being in the chalet after everything went down. I can tell you where Simon, Jimbo, Luness, Beth, and Eos are though."


Leandra then proceeded to smartly and jokingly point at everyone she mentioned before adding with a slight shrug, "I think the only one here who could tell you that would be either Jimbo or Eos since they're the only other mobile people here. Er, animals...or whatever. You know what I mean."


@SilverFlight

 

[DawnAntalios]

Zoe felt a thrill she had not felt in several years. Somehow that all-too serious warrior was gone and she felt like a curious little girl who was just about to stumble into something amazing. Her worries were abolished immediately as now she had hoped to find that solution she was looking for for so long - with that special tea she was surely to be more relaxed and prepared before every mission.


As they finally entered the kitchen she looked around, baffled. She had rarely had the luxury to enter in a place like this much less do anything here - but she was hopeful that Bael knew something she did not.


" I have hunted hundreds of Ferals, tracked down countless deserters... yet never in my life have I bothered to make a single cup of tea. " she mused as they entered the enormous room. She looked around, wondering in awe how on earth could they amass such a massive amount of various ingredients... and how did they know how to use all of them.


She walked close to Bael, her eyes watching the boy's every step, hoping to learn the secrets he had.


" I know I have told everyone that they were but rookies... " she said " But this time I am the one who needs instruction. "


She turned to Bael and saluted with a serious expression. Suddenly her body stiffened, forcing herself in a pose as if she was standing before one of her previous superiors.


" Private Zoe reports for duty, Tea-Master Bael. " she said, though her words might have sounded funny she was dead serious " I am ready to unveil the secrets of the ancient art of tea making. Teach so I can learn! "


@Sleipnir

 

[Sleipnir]

Bael walked into the great kitchen, turning once to survey the options. It was sort of like paradise, all these spices and options. He had never seen so many herbs in one cupboard -- and was that saffron? A bag, something like 6 ounces, of saffron! He turned when Zoe addressed him, managing to catch sight of her right as she saluted. She saluted him. Bael couldn't help but give a scoff at this, disbelief etched into his sharp features. "Private!" He laughed, shaking his head. "This isn't the military, Zoe -- this is tea. It's an art, not battle training. Relax." He shook his head with a grin, then turned to open the cupboard again. "See, look. This here..." he pulled down a bag and opened it. "...It's cornflower. D'you know why you'd add it to a tea?" He paused for a minute, but didn't really wait for a response. "Because it's pretty." There was another short pause. "Not everything has to be stiff and completely... completely..." He stopped, struggling to find a word. "Dull. It can be relaxed and bright and vibrant. Otherwise it isn't art. It's utility." He brought down more bags, looking at each one and pausing, thinking. "It isn't very exact. The only exact things you need is the base and whatever it is you wantto use the tea for. In this case let's go with ginkgo and pu erh. It has a nice, earthy taste. So that's settled."


He spread out several different clear bags of herbs on the table, ranging from flowers to citrus peels to herbs, roots, and leaves. Bael took the two plants he had mentioned before and put them together in a bowl. Then he looked back up at Zoe. "Now -- what do you like?" He asked with great emphasis. "Lemon? Rose? Cocoa nibs -- maybe cinnamon or ginger?"


@DawnAntalios

 

[Flutterby]

As Eos began to speak, Beth pulled herself into a sitting position. She grimaced, not feeling the pain but knowing it was there. She crossed her legs, and Totus hopped into her lap. Without thinking, she began running her fingers through his feathers as they listened.


Eos seemed to be asking her to help mend his relationship with Zoe. Beth frowned. Her? Because she had interacted well with Manjano? The girl thought deeply for a moment. For once, Totus would not be able to answer for her.


Before Beth could answer Eos, Leandra cut in, questioning her about Manjano. The blonde narrowed her eyes thoughtfully as she first berated, then apologized. She took a breath, then answered in an even tone. "Im not sure what you think my intentions are with him, but I have none. I don't need him to speak to me to appreciate the help he has given me. Maybe I can become a friend. I understand it must be hard for you. But I promise Im not trying to steal him away." She smiled a little at that thought, and the irony she could see from her perspective. After a moment, her smile faded, and she deeply considered what Eos had said.


@Lioness075


"I would love to help you, Eos. But Im not sure I can. My advice will seem.. insignificant, when compared to missing your human like you miss Zoe." Beth said quietly. Even though her gaze was on the stag, her green eyes were distant with thought. "The old Zoe, the one you love. She doesnt exist anymore. You might think that she is buried under the hurt, but she isnt. Whatever happened, it destroyed that girl. Its not that you have to find her again, its that you have to build her again. And she won't ever be exactly the same." Beth paused, thinking again. "Something happened to me once, and I ran away from home, bonded with Totus, and then lived in the forest for two years. Thats how Totus and I began our life together. I learned a lot from him about how to treat people. The most important thing I realized is that you cant help people, you cant change them, if you don't accept how they are, first. Accept people just how they are, right where they are." Beth paused, Eos's mention of Manjano echoing in her mind for a moment. "I think thats why Manjano is better with me than with others. I dont expect anything from him. Right now, his silence and general dislike of people is a part of him that can't be changed. And thats okay. Its nice even, if you don't want to be alone but want to be left alone. The thing is, he will change it when he feels like it is safe to do so. And to make people feel safe, you have to accept them just how they are, right where they are. I dont know what happened to Zoe, but Im sure that it was very scary, and that she is afraid it will happen again."


Beth frowned, as she suddenly lost her train of thought. Totus looked up with a bit of concern, as she looked away and tried to pick up the thread that had slipped through her fingers.


"An important thing I learned from Beth is that identities are not fixed. People change all the time. As companions, we have to adjust with these changes. Your Zoe was young and unscarred when you bonded. But she isnt anymore. Your relationship might have to change. I've heard the two of you together. She sounds like a very stubborn teenager rebelling against a parent. She has grown since you started out together, so you must treat her as if she has. She was never going to be your little girl forever." Totus added, as Beth hunted down her thoughts. His words seemed to help her find them, because she continued as he fell silent.


"And its not your fault. That she has changed, that the two of you have grown apart. Relationships ebb and flow. But keeping them takes work and honest communication. Have you talked with Zoe about how you feel like youve lost your connection?"


The pair blinked at him, one pair of green and one pair of black. Their 'wisdom' didn't sound so wise when they tried to put it into words, especially not when compared to the way Eos spoke. But they were a simple pair. Most of their understanding of one another was never put into words- it just was.


@DawnAntalios

 

[DawnAntalios]

Zoe was surprised at first when she was commanded to be at ease but she followed that order nonetheless. She was never told to... relax, she was always busy with training or working. She was meditating often, that much was true, but she was never out with someone just to have some time together. She watched as Bael explained the usage of some ingredients and she raised her eyebrows.


" Only to look...pretty? " she repeated with disbelief " So you mean to say that you use that just to make the tea fancier? Why would you do something like that? " she picked the cornflower up, inspecting it from close " Why would you use something with no practical use? It makes no sense! "


When he spoke about being rigid and dull she could have sworn that he meant her - but really even if that was not just her imagination he was correct. Following protocols, schemes and plans was all she had done in her whole life - even when she tried to get friends: she had followed the same conversational pattern every time.


It was then when Bael asked her what she wanted. Her eyes widened in surprise and she blushed.


" What... I want? " she parroted, scratching my head " I... well... I don't know. I have been always told what should I do, how should I work. I was never... granted the opportunity to choose... "


She tried to think hard but then she found her answer.


" Right now the priority is to get rid of this... illness, correct? To achieve that I would like something in the mixture which brings harmony and serenity - to calm the raging storm in my mind. Is that possible? "


@Sleipnir


Eos listened to Leandra's words and he couldn't help but smile.


" My sincerest apologies, I did not mean to offend you by proposing something like that. I was under the impression that Beth and your brother have... " he paused, searching for a correct word " That they have a seed of harmony sprouting, intertwining their souls slowly. Sometimes the unspoken feelings are even stronger than those we utter - for our words can lie but our heart can not. Sometimes a hug can say more than thousands of words. "


When she mentioned the lack of humor he had he smiled with a sardonic smile.


" I respect your refined taste for jesting - but as Zoe grew so did I have to mature. I do appreciate good jokes and humor, be not mistaken - I just have... probably a different opinion on what is funny and what is not. But I shall try and learn about what you find to be funny, I promise. "


He then turned to Beth and Totus and listened to their opinion carefully. The old stag sighed as he heard the words which hurt him more than he expected. He refused to give up on Zoe, she was his pride, his companion - nothing in the world would change that.


" I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your comforting words. It is difficult to talk about this - I know Zoe would never do something like that. Her first impression on everyone was rather dreadful, I loathed that moment - but alas, that was nothing but the defensive strategy of hers. "


He fell silent for a moment once more. He did not want to tell everything but he had to give a little context.


" We used to have a very special connection, beyond just being companions. We could... fuse our minds to be as one, to fight as one. I saw what she did and so did she - we were close, almost as close as being a single entity... but the cold betrayal caused us to lose this gift. This, I fear, traumatized her - she still blames herself for everything... I tried to talk to her about this but she would always dodge the subject. "


He sighed.


" I think that you are correct in the fact that the past can not be brought back - and nor do I intend to do something like that. I just want to see her smile again... to see her among friends again... to see that happiness once more. But until that day comes I wait and hope - for that is all I can do. "


He bowed his head, trying to relax just a bit.


@Lioness075 @Flutterby

 

[zCrookedz]

Simon leaned against the bed frame, listening to the others converse. He wanted to get this procedure underway so that he could get moving faster, and would gladly take the tranquilizers if it meant he was about to go back under to get the surgery. He looked over to see Jimbo putting his gun back together and began to get a bit nervous at the prospect of the procedure. Whatever this was going to do to his leg, it would be worth it if he could get moving towards getting Amber back.


Simon looked up as Alec snapped his fingers. When he produced the golden necklace Simon cocked his head to the side for a second. The gold oval on the end caught the light and the gleam mad Simon's eyes widened. He reached out for Alec to drop the locket into his hand. He pulled it close and ran a thumb over the polished gold as he sighed. He looked up as Leandra mentioned opening it, but Simon knew what was on the inside. He gave it a little push and it opened and the two pictures on either side made him smile for a second. On one side, was a picture of a man and a woman who both had very strong features of Amber. The other side, held the picture of a very familiar ball of fur, Calista. Simon remembered reaching out and grabbing the gold colored item just before he had passed out at the cliff. He clicked it close and ran another finger over the gold before holding it in the palm of his hand.


At the sound of food and drinks, Simon actually felt like his stomach was responding to the mention of food and began to growl. He found the cup of jello that Jimbo had tossed at him and grimaced as he set it on the night stand. Jimbo knew that Simon didn't like raspberry, and yet the jerk had tossed him raspberry Jello. Where do you even find raspberry jello??


Simon bounced his hand up and down for a moment before he looked up at Jim and tossed the gold locket to him.


"Jim catch. Its Amber's. Do me a favor, find Calista and get it to her. She needs ever little thing she can to hold onto her until we get her back."


Jimbo caught eh locket and gave it a look over before he looked back to his partner and smiled with a nod.


@SilverFlight

 

[Sleipnir]

Bael chuckled a bit and gave her a little smile, shaking his head just a touch. "Zoe, I've got that covered. Pu Erh and ginkgo to calm and sharpen the mind. But what do you want it to taste like?" He had assumed this was going to be an uphill battle — from what he could tell Zoe had always been in the rigid world of discipline and battle. He wondered if she had ever even been introduced to doing things just for fun, whether it was tea or drawing or snowball fights from before. She seemed to have to justify everything under the pretense of battle prep.


Well — Bael was no stranger to uphill. He was good at mountains, and this one would be no exception. "The thing is, the cornflowers do have a use. They make the tea look and smell appealing. Liking what you see and drink and do — thet's every bit as important as what it can do for ya. We've got what we need it to do. So I'm not gonna ask about that. What would you like it to look like and taste like? The cornflowers go well with citrus and look lovely against a dark tea like this. Rose smells and looks great." He paused to put several different ingredients in different bowls so she could see them. "Which ones do you like? Not need; this isn't about whatever this is we're fighting anymore. We have that down. It's about what you think will look and taste and smell nice." He looked up at her again expectantly.


@DawnAntalios

 

[DawnAntalios]

Zoe blinked once or twice in surprise and she cocked her head to the right in question. Appeal? Look good? These strange concepts have never occurred to her... although it was true that she needed to pay attention to her look but that was only to appear professional, to look like someone who demands attention and to radiate a strong, commanding presence. She looked down on the drinks in preparation and her eyes lit up in this revelation.


" I see... " she said, humming as she walked around the table " So what you say is that teas - just like us humans - need dressing in order to look attractive to consumers... those who want to look strong drink a strong one while those who want to appear as someone who is kind and caring drink one which smells good... "


She nodded.


" A clever tactic. Subtle manipulation at its finest. I never have imagined teas to have such power over the mind of onlookers... but now that I think about it my superiors always used to drink something strong, that characteristic smell still lingers in my mind as a reminder of their tenacity. "


She walked up to the ingredients and looked at Bael, with a determined look.


" I want to emanate such a strong presence as well, so I would like something which gives off that impression: something which has a strong aroma! " lowering her voice she blushed a bit " However... I was always a bit of... a bit of... "


She shook her head, her serious look returning.


" I always favored sweets. Thus I would like something which gives the impression of strength - but at the same time it is delicious to the taste. Could that be done? "


@Sleipnir

 

[Sleipnir]

Bael raised an eyebrow. Manipulation wasn't a word he ever used when talking about tea... But perhaps explaining that to Zoe would be a bit difficult to do, since the line between simply being appealing and manipulation really was rather blurry. He let it pass and nodded when she made the connection between a certain type of person and their tea of choice, and leaned forward a bit when she quieted herself before admitting an affinity for sweets, then he cracked a smile. "Well, anything can be done with a good tea master," Bael insisted, and winked when he added, "I've been told I'm the best in the U.P." He looked over the different herbs, frowning and thinking for a little while before he spoke again, considering their options. "How about this: Something like those citrus hard candies, not necessarily acidic, but smoother with some lemongrass, lemon and orange peels, and just a little bit of vanilla." He set aside each flavorant as he spoke, then looked up at Zoe again expectantly. He hoped she liked the idea; it wasn't as though Bael didn't like being impressive and when people admired his skills. It felt especially good now, since he didn't have the same skills everyone else seemed to and he didn't feel as though he was as useful as the others were.


@DawnAntalios

 

[Lioness075]

Leandra was about to mimic Beth's movements when Luness sharply looked at her and said, "Wait, don't move, Lea. I'll help you."


Without Leandra realizing it, Luness had been purposely placed on a small table right beside her bed because she could reach the controls for Leandra' bed for her, keeping her from moving on her own and possibly messing up any of the stitching in her leg, which was elevated in some kind of sling currently.


Hearing a faint 'click', Leandra was amused when her bed slowly lifted up on the top end until she was able to sit upright without having moved herself.


Grinning at Luness, Leandra then said with a grateful tone, "Thanks, Lune. Even when you're crippled like me, you're still the perfect companion for me."


Blushing slightly at the sudden compliment from Leandra, Luness humbly shrugged before settling back down to listen to everyone's conversations, more content to listen as opposed to Leandra who'd rather be speaking.


Hearing Beth addressing her, Leandra glanced over at the young girl with her owl and kept her mouth shut so she could respectively listen to the girl's response.


When Beth first spoke, Leandra immediately felt the need to defend herself, but was cut short at the mention of Manjano being stolen from her.


Unable to respond to that, especially since Leandra wasn't sure what kind of brother Manjano even was anymore, Leandra slumped back in her bed, now unusually quiet, all things considered.


Looking down at her hands in her lap, Leandra quickly wiped at an escaping tear, though it seemed Beth's attention had diverted to Eos so Leandra doubted anyone had noticed anyways. Well, Luness might've, but that wasn't too big of a deal. Luness understood that Leandra always wanted to keep her problems to herself and only between Luness.


@Flutterby


Her mind quickly began to wander, as she thought back to a memory from years ago...the twins were both sixteen at the time. It was their 'Sweet Sixteen' birthday.


Laughter and chatter could be heard echoing down the hallways of the home, as teens were gathering for the big birthday for the twins.


Leandra was downstairs in the lounge area, holding a drink, though she was saving it for later since there was no fun in getting buzzed so early in the party. Not that her foster parents knew that she drank. It was hidden in the kool-aid and Leandra had added it for her friends and herself after her parents had left for an evening date together.


Upstairs, Manjano was hidden away in his room with Falarion, who was cautiously trying to encourage the young boy to join the others downstairs.


A blur of unknown time passed and then Leandra found herself dazedly in a room alone with her boyfriend at the time. Things began to get heated until Leandra suddenly realized that she didn't want to do this anymore.


Crying out in fear, Leandra began struggling with the teen, as he decides that he's going to get what he wants, regardless of what Leandra wants. What's worse is that she's too drunk to defend herself and Luness was let outside earlier to spread her wings for a few hours.


Downstairs, the DJ continues to blast the dance music, the colorful lights dancing about the walls and floor, masking Leandra's cries for help.


Back upstairs, the door to the room Leandra's in is suddenly kicked open and Manjano comes sprinting in before tackling Leandra's boyfriend off of her and onto the floor. He straddles her boyfriend and then begins punching him, his face contorted with pure fury and hatred.


Despite what he was about to do to her, Leandra leaps to her feet and quickly puts her top back on before shouting at Manjano, "Stop! Manjano! You're going to kill him!"


Suddenly, Falarion appears in the doorway, frozen, as his wide eyes watch Manjano beat the teen's face in.


After a second or two passes, Manjano stops punching and instead continues to straddle the boy, his bloodied fists hanging at his sides and blood dripping from them while blood stains his clothes and the floor around them.


Leandra shakes in fear, her eyes staring into Manjano's, which stare back with fading anger and increasing realization at what he'd just done.


Retreating to the door, Leandra then looks Manjano in the eyes and says softly, "Never help me again, Manjano. Don't talk to me either. I-I can't believe you just did that..."


As she exited the room, Leandra felt the tears staining her face and clothes.


'How did I get stuck with such a demonic twin brother? What's wrong with him?'


Leandra suddenly blinked, returning to the present. Feeling the faint tears on her face, Leandra quickly wiped them away with her sleeve and worried that someone had seen her getting upset by herself.


Luness was staring intently at Leandra, who in turn blinked in surprise when she noticed that she'd been watched by her companion the whole time.


"Lea...are you okay?"


Biting her lip, Leandra nodded quietly and then looked the other way before sighing and wondering if she was the reason why Manjano had stopped speaking. She'd told him to never speak to her again that night...had he taken it to heart and decided to stop speaking to everyone because of what she said?


Just outside the infirmary, Manjano felt his heart racing, as she saw the many people bustling about inside and had no idea how he was going to tell any of them what was wrong with Falarion.


Realizing that everyone who had been injured had been taken to a certain room, Manjano took a deep breath and then entered the infirmary, wandering about before finding the correct room and seeing his teammates resting and chatting inside through the window.


Seeing his sister with her leg all wrapped up and elevated, Manjano furrowed his brows, wondering if he should check up on her.


Sighing, Manjano decided against it, as he was sure that she'd been taken care of already and was probably just resting at this point.


Opening the door with his shoulder, Manjano silently entered the room and walked straight to the nearest open bed before laying Falarion's limp body on it.


Seeing Falarion's chest steadily rising and falling, Manjano turned away before walking up to Alec nearby and tapping him on the shoulder.


Once Alec looked his way, Manjano then pointed over at Falarion with the intent of having Alec help him get Falarion set up to rest for the time being. After all, he already had gotten his stitching...surely that meant he was okay now, right?


@SilverFlight

 

[Flutterby]

Beth listened and watched Eos quietly, absorbing what he said, and trying to get a sense of what he held back. Again, there was a deep silence as she and Totus pondered. There didnt seem to be any communication between the two. But there was a very subtle, rapid exchange of emotions that even they weren't aware of.


"I think.." Beth paused to gather her thoughts a little more. "Zoe seems to be a very proud person, very passionate about her strengths. I think it must be hard for someone like her to admit a weakness. Being confronted with the fact that your relationship has waned might feel like having a weakness thrown in her face." Beth mused, then looked up at Eos. He looked so very, very sad.


"Oh Eos.. I know it isnt very helpful, but I really do think it will be okay. Humans and their companions, they are meant to be together. There might be distance between the two of you now, but it wont be there forever. Even now, I think Zoe is becoming more like the person she used to be. She tried to apologize on the plane, and I've seen her interacting with some of the others. She is making an effort, at least, to reach out. Maybe these missions will help the two of you become close again, like theyre helping her learn to be with people again." Cautiously, she reached over and rubbed his neck softly. "Youre a very good friend to her, Eos. Its obvious how much you care. It will get better, given time." Beth gave him her best reassuring smile, feeling as if her words would do nothing to comfort him. But it was the best she could do. Totus and she felt for him. Neither could imagine feeling like they had drifted apart from one another. It would be worse than actually losing each other.


"I agree. You are her companion. She needs you, even if things have been difficult. Things are already looking up. Continue to take care of her, support her, and she will return to you in her own time." Totus said lowly. Affection and respect for the stag were clear in his tone. "Little consolation, when you have already waited so long. But I think it will not be too much longer. Beth and I are honored that you sought us out to speak about this, and that you have taken our small bit of advice so seriously. Its not often someone looks to us."


Beth glanced up when she heard the door open, catching sight of Manjano entering. She blushed a little, self-conscious of the mention of him in their conversation. Even so, she raised a hand in greeting, so that he would at least feel acknowledged.


@DawnAntalios @Lioness075

 

[Hel]

Cerci did most of the talking with Cedar as the trio made it's way down the long corridor to their rooms. They seemed pretty nice considering they were at a military base. Wednesday went inside to look around and found the bed to be one of the most comfortable she'd been on in a long time.


I'm going to leave you two be, play nice, okay? Wednesday thought to Cerci, after about an hour had passed, Cerci nodded to her, and thought back, Stay safe, call if you need me.


Wednesday left, unsure where she was heading.


"So, do you hibernate? I'm from Tibet and we don't usually. My sister did once or twice, though, when she had cubs of her own." Cerci said, looking to Cedar. They could finally talk about bear things now that Wednesday had left.


@Sleipnir

 

[SilverFlight]

"I can't picture myself ever losing interest in helping people." He countered Leandra's statement, then realized it may have come off as a bit critical.


Jimbo returned at that point and behind him someone wheeled in a cart food, including the hot chocolate Leandra had asked for.


@Lioness075


Alec took a bagel half for himself and covered it liberally in jam before taking a bite.


"Your leg was operated on while you were out Simon, now we just need the bones to knit."


As if on cue the aardvark returned accompanied by a tall, thin man with mouse-brown hair. He held a tray with a syringe on it. The liquid it contained was a light yellow colour.


"Its just a simple shot." The man said. "You would really be helping us out by taking it."


Alec snorted. He had insisted he be allowed to look at the previous test records, review the study design and the statistics. He wouldn't admit it but he had become slightly protective over the team he had wound up with. They would get the best. So far their results had seemed sound, but that still didn't relieve Alec's skepticism, however there was no evidence of lasting side effects and it was likely better then letting Simon go with a broken leg.


"If that stuff does anything permanent to him I'll be making aardvark steaks for Duik tonight." He grumbled.


@zCrookedz


Just then he felt the tap on his shoulder and turned to where Manjano was pointing.


"Oh geez, Hasn't he been treated yet?" Alec snapped into action, leaving his bagel, putting on a set of blue gloves and checking Falarion's vital signs, also running a quick check to see if the maned wolf had any other injuries besides the obvious.


"He seems stable, just exhausted, probably lost a lot of blood too, but I don't think a transfusion is necessary." He checked the colour of Falarion's gums as he said this.


"I'll clean up the stitches a little bit, make sure nothing gets infected." He looked back at Manjano, "You should have let the other doctors here take him. You can trust them you know, they're on our side." His bagel forgotten Alec set to work doing what he said he would. Once the wolf was comfortable he pulled off his gloves and leaned back against an empty bed.


"I'm going to go find Duik." He announced, finally letting the other doctors take over for him.


"I'll catch you guys a bit later. Hey Jimbo, walk with me?" He heard the ape was to go and find Callista and he had a few questions for him.


@zCrookedz @Lioness075

 

[Lioness075]

Manjano glanced over at Beth in time to see her raise a hand in greeting, resulting in him blinking and then hesitantly raising his hand slightly in return before letting drop awkwardly back to his side.


Hearing Alec responding to his tap, Manjano looked away from Beth in time to see Alec don a set of blue gloves and start looking over Falarion.


Manjano made his way over to the foot of Falarion's bed, his expression somewhat worried, as he watched and listened to Alec's observation of Falarion's current condition.


At the mention of cleaning up Falarion's stitches, Manjano felt slightly relieved, though he just wanted to see Falarion wake up and grin at him more than anything right now.


Feeling someone's gaze on him, Manjano glanced up to see Alec looking at him. Listening to what he said next, Manjano merely blinked in response, as he thought, 'Why would I trust the doctors to take care of my companion if I don't even know them?'


Manjano had a hard enough time trusting those that he knew, it was near impossible, no matter their profession, for him to trust anyone he didn't know at all.


Hearing Alec's announcement, Manjano merely nodded at him before returning his gaze to Falarion while a doctor and a nurse took over in making sure that Falarion had an IV and was comfortable in his bed with a pillow and blankets.


If anything, being right there while the strangers worked on Falarion made it a bit easier for Manjano to let them do their job.


@SilverFlight @Flutterby


Having wandered off into her own world in her head, Leandra almost entirely missed Alec's comment, but was brought back to reality when Luness thought to her, 'Dear, he's talking to you. Also, your hot chocolate is here.'


Sighing, Leandra turned herself back the other way in time to say to Alec in a rather weary tone, "That's not what I meant, Alec. But it's whatever, I suppose."


By the time she'd responded, Alec had seemingly already wandered off to help Falarion, who had just recently arrived with Manjano.


Overhearing Alec badger Manjano about trusting the medical personnel here, Leandra rolled her eyes and muttered under her breath, "If he can't trust his own twin sister, then he's definitely not going to trust any workers here."


Feeling as if she was mostly being ignored by now, Leandra let out another small sigh before picking up her hot chocolate from the trolley near her bed.


Sipping at it, Leandra smiled slightly, enjoying the warmth that seemed to rush throughout her body after drinking the hot chocolate. It was definitely her favorite drink thus far.


@SilverFlight

 

[deer]

Xiao Hui giggled at Duirk's exasperated expressions and teasings about Laohu. Laohu in returned rolled his eyes and nudged Duirk's shoulder. "I think that's a bear's Duirk." However, a grin crossed Xiao Hui's face as she knelt down and whispered in his ears, "He has a tickle spot under is arm, you're bound to get him off of you in a second. He's a lug of a tiger." She giggled as she stood up and followed behind Duirk, listening to him, "A DJ? That sounds really. . cool? I think that's the word." She smiled softly as she took in the chatter and lightheartedness. Nodding Xiao Hui was looking around the place with awe, her eyes litting up like a child's. "I think we deserve to go on an exploration, think so? And you know. . I'm sure Alec wouldn't lie about his compliments to you about your skills, Duirk." Xiao Hui encouraged as Laohu looked at the hyena in amusement when he started carrying all of his equipment. But, he was just glad the hyena still kept his cheerful and playful banters, it definitely helped him stay sane and kept Xiao Hui's head out of the gutter, that's for sure.


As they reached the place that would be crawling with instruments, she gave a light smile towards all of the workers they passed by. As soon as she saw the baby grand piano literally glowing by the sunlight in one corner, her heart raced as she could imagine music being filled in the air. "It's beautiful. ." She said to Duirk, as she hobbled her way inside the room, looking around at the different instruments as she went. Laohu did the same, swishing his tail back and forth as he looked at Duirk. "What's that for?" He asked him, pointing at the microphone. Xiao Hui stopped as she set her eyes on a beautiful, traditional, Chinese instrument: Zheng. Her smile formed across her features as she gently touched the instrument. "This is one I play, Duirk." She spoke softly as she took the Zheng from its place and gently placed it in her lap as she sat down. Fixing her posture, Xiao Hui began plucking the strings, seeing if they would need tuning or not. Satisfied with the sound it produced, she made one fluid moment down the instrument, causing the Zheng to make a music much like a harp's. Pondering on what song to play, Xiao Hui looked across the room at Laohu and Duirk. "Shall we do cover of songs?" She asked them, until she remembered as song she had heard in the car before she arrived at the hotel in New York. Xiao Hui was differing from traditional Chinese music and rather liked to do song covers so that those who heard her music, they'll become engaged in it. Perhaps she would play one of her traditional songs later for Duirk. "See you again." Laohu said to Xiao Hui, reading her thoughts exactly. He had approved of her idea and would wait and see if the others would listen to the music or not. Whatever the case was, he always enjoyed listening to her play, despite whichever songs she chose. Nodding, she took a deep breathe, as her hands began to glide across the instrument with elegance and precision.



​

Spoiler

[media]
​

[/media]
@SilverFlight @ anyone who can hear the music

 

[DawnAntalios]

Zoe now felt really curious. It seemed that her plans were foiled systematically one after another: at first she wanted to test how powerful Bael was but this strange illness intervened. Now she wanted to see if he was a true tactical mind yet instead she had discovered a whole, entirely new side of him - one which intrigued her more than she could have imagined. It was a very strange feeling, she had not spent this much time alone with anyone but Eos before and it felt like that the more they were together the harder it was for her to keep her composure. Her iron will and her serious mask slowly eroded as a much softer, much weaker personality took their place in turn.


She looked at the ingredients and although she had not the smallest clue of what Bael was talking about she replied.


" They all seem... tasty. " she said, knowing that this answer would not be very satisfying " I think, based on what you said, it matters not what kind of tea can you make from these... as long as you do it it will be fine. "


Her eyes wandered up to meet his eyes and then she suddenly grabbed her own chest as she felt a sharp pain. Touching her heart she found it pounding even harder and she felt the warmth creeping over her. Trying to guise and mask her pain she let it go and looked at the boy.


" I am looking forward for this tea making process. Perhaps even I can learn how to brew such a miraculous drink. " she stepped closer to him as she felt the haze overwhelming her, making it difficult to stand. She gently grabbed his shoulder just to stand still a bit, then with pleading eyes she but whispered " Please... let us start. "


@Sleipnir


Eos remained silent as he listened to the mending words of the duo and he smiled warmly. Once more he looked up, and feeling the gentle stroke on his fur he felt warmth coursing over him.


" Those alone can understand feelings like this who bonded together with a link stronger than iron - like the two of you. I have turned to you because I thought that your wisdom is beyond your age - and I was not disappointed. " he snorted " It is said that wisdom comes with age but it is only partially true. True wisdom only comes when you are wise enough to ask, when you vanquish your pride and you wish to learn from others rather than just exploring the world alone. Zoe seems to start to understand this. "


He bowed his head.


" I am nor worried primarily about our relationship though. Zoe is devoid of emotions, she had no time to experience anything - she studied in her whole life, becoming a scholar at a very young age. That I sat next to her even when she was so young was only partially due to the fact that I too wanted to learn - I wanted to keep her company, I did not want her to grow up and be alienated from others. But then she decided to follow the footsteps of her elder sister and became a huntress very early on. She never had time to bond, to learn, to talk and to laugh. She wanted to become the perfect warrior - but at a terrible price. "


He now looked at the two of them with a warm, gentle smile.


" All I want to say is that you look at her as a very young child when she tries to interact. She knows not how to do it and patience is the key to teach her. Obviously we have not much time for this... but do not shun her if she is rude or she is demanding and bossy... she just doesn't know better. "


It was then when he spotted Manjano entering the room and how the two of them exchanged looks and waved at each other. He bowed his head respectfully, catching the slight blush on Beth's expression. Smiling he returned his gaze to her.


" You wish me to ask the boy to come and visit you? " he asked " I feel that after a discussion as heavy as this your heart longs for a familiar friendly face. The child might be silent but his heart is gold - he might be able to cheer you up. "


@Flutterby

 

[zCrookedz]

After tossing the locket to Jimbo, Simon set his eyes on the cart of food that had been brought in. A small tray on top caught his eye and he waddled the best he could over to the cart using the bed posts to move. He reached for the dish and lifted the top off to find a hearty looking plate of eggs, bacon, sausage, and ham starring up at him. He smiled as he glanced to Jimbo, who he thought might have something to do with that being there but said nothing to him as he grabbed the plate and a fork and sat back on his bed.


As he sat and ate more protein than any normal human should consume, he listened to Leandra and Beath speak for a moment before Beth began speaking with Eos. His attention returned to Leandra, and he watched as she seemed to slip away into her thoughts. Then he thought he saw something, possibly a tinge of sadness, or maybe regret? Simon wasn't the best at reading emotions, but at the sound of Luness asking if she was ok, Simon knew he had spied something.


Before he could ask, the Aardvark had returned and with him a new face with a syringe on a tray. Simon looked from Alec to the syringe and then the man as they spoke to him about the injection. After swallowing a mouth full of bacon, Simon set the plate on the nightstand beside the bed. He pushed himself up leaning on the bed post again and reached out and grabbed the syringe without a word.


"Uh, Simon. Why don't you let the.......ok......or do it yourself."


Before Jimbo could finish, Simon had lifted the bottom of the hospital gown and plunged the needle into his outer thigh pushing the plunger. Jimbo sighed and rubbed his eyes, mumbling something that sounded a bit like "numb glass" under his breathe. As Simon sat back down on the bed removing the syringe, Jimbo heard Alec call to him.


"Could you please not do anything stupid for 5 min?"


Jimbo lumbered past the others in the room following Alec outside into the hallway. Once outside Jimbo tried to sound as apologetic as he could, but he wasn't very good at it.


"Sorry Simon's making you guys work so hard Doc. The moron thinks he's invincible."


@SilverFlight @Lioness075

 

[andujarprime]

Rin had silently stood as he watched Xiao Hui, Duik, and Laohu. He hadn' really planned on following them, but Haku insisted on it. "Come along Calista, makes no sense for anyone to be alone in such a big place. Let's see what else is going on around here" He said to her as he began wandering in their direction. They had trailed behind and didn't know what room the small group had gotten to. Until the sound of music filled the air. He followed the sounds as they floated out of the room, he stood at the door smiling. "Wow, that was amazing" He exclaimed as he bowed low when she was done. "That was impressive indeed" Haku added from her spot on his shoulders. They stepped into the room and looked around, eyes on the piano, Rin let out a small shudder before looking at the rest of the room's instruments. "This is an amazing collection" He said aloud clearly impressed. Haku looked over to Laohu "Do you play anything?" She asked teasingly, smiling at the grand tiger as they went over to sit in a chair. Then Rin turned to Duik "And I overheard you're a dj? Do you have any mixes ready?" He asked, he had never personally known any djs. But he had been to parties, usually working, but every once in a while, Haku would convince him to go out.


@crucialstar @SilverFlight

 

[Sleipnir]

Bael gave her a bit of a smile when she agreed with his choices somewhat vaguely, but didn't press her. He then turned to put the kettle on the stove. "It'll be just fine," He assured her from where he was still fiddling with the controls. He'd never had a stove like this at home. "It'll help if this--" He stopped mid-sentence when he turned and Zoe approached him. He was at a loss then, made worse when she put her hand on his shoulder. He felt more than just a little bit dizzy, staring at her, knowing she was this close again. Whatever it was that was the issue for Zoe, he knew for certain what it was he was dealing with. He wasn't unaware of his own thoughts and feelings and he knew what exactly this was for him, and as easy as it would be to delude himself, he didn't intend to. He stood there, unable to say a word or even think at all.


Then the kettle whistled and he broke out of his enthralled state. "I -- yes -- we... The tea should steep for five minutes to get any benefit out of the herbs. It works out because the pu erh won't get bitter at five minutes steep time." He turned sharply, pulling the kettle off the hot burner to silence it and speaking abruptly and in something of a cross tone, as if he were irritated by something. "Here. Two mugs. Put a teaspoon of the tea leaves in these two tea balls." He handed her two metal mesh balls and poured the hot water in each mug, preparing a timer for when the tea was ready to steep.


He turned back to Zoe after a few moments, then spoke again in a much softer and more typical tone for him. "...And you don't suppose there's any explanation for your change in behavior? It's got to be something wrong, some sort of ailment?"


@DawnAntalios


Cedar shrugged when Cerci asked about hibernating. "Sometimes. Usually depends on the weather. Most of the time I just hang around inside the lighthouse for the winter and eat whatever -- you know, scraps from Bael's dad's hunts, leftovers from dinner, whatever it is. Sometimes I go out to find roots and things if it's real nice. If we've got a real cold winter coming on I'll duck out and sleep it off. Hard to do with that foghorn though. White-out conditions, lighthouses, you know how it is. So, Tibet. Neat. What sort of stuff do you do in Tibet?" He asked curiously, looking at the moon bear.


@Hel

 

[Hel]

"Mountain climbing, tree races, hunting. Really it's a lot like you described, just without the horn... Or the light house... Or the scraps... So not really at all like you said, I suppose." Cerci said, her voice slowing after she realised her contradiction. "Huh, I'm no good at descriptions, I suppose." She adds, a bit of a chuckle in her voice.


@Sleipnir


Wednesday spent a little while wandering before finally arriving at the kitchen and seeing the two "friends" she'd been spending time with.


"Zoe, Bael, how are you?" She asked as she came in, waiting for Zoe to first respond to Bael as she hovered. She didn't realize she could be intruding, or could be unwanted


@DawnAntalios

 

[Flutterby]

Beth nodded thoughtfully as Eos spoke again. "This is a good place for her. We all seem to be.. A little odd. Maybe being together will help us all learn more about other people." She said softly, and Totus nodded in agreement. When asked about Manjano, her blush deepened and Totus did an owlish version of a smirk. "Uh-no." She said quickly. "I dont want to bother him. He's really worried about Falarion. If he wants company, he knows where to find me." Beth leaned back, resting her head against the soft bed. All the talking and thinking had worn her out a little.


Luckily, a cart full of food had been rolled in. When it came to her, she picked up a tray with a large sandwhich on it. Totus returned to the perch to give her room to eat. He had learned a long time ago that Beth loved her food. She took a moment to inspect its contents, pleased to find roast beef, ham, turkey, lettuce, and cheese piled high. She removed the tomatoes and added mayonnaise. When she bit into it, it was clear she really enjoyed it. As she munched, the girl and her owl watched the others. The others were eating; Simon seemed to be anxious to get going, despite his injuries and Leandra had withdrawn from the conversations after Beth's comment. She considered this, as she bit into the sandwhich again, but dismissed it. If Leandra had been offended, she would have said so.


Swallowing and taking a sip of water, Beth said, "You need to eat something Eos." Then, in a louder voice. "You guys too, Manjano and Alec. Grab some food." They might not appreciate her input, but no one else seemed to be paying attention to how everyone was taking care of themselves, food and rest wise at least.


@DawnAntalios @Lioness075 @SilverFlight (mentioned @zCrookedz)