duty

[Talon]

duty

10 Searing 121

Talon was thrown back by the concussive force of their blades meeting. The burst of power ricocheting off of the impact of their swords. Instead of trying to fight the propulsion, Talon merely angled his body, shifted his wings and swooped upwards into the air. He flapped his wings so that he could ascend higher into the air and gain control over his momentum. As soon as he was no longer simply rocketing through the air but moving with purpose, Talon adjusted his direction so that he could face the battlefield once more. He turned to see Rickter taking control of his own trajectory. As he observed the wolf’s aura, he could see the extension of his will pushing out into the Flux around his body. Rickter picked himself up and utilized one of the fundamental powers of Kinetics to allow himself to levitate in a manner similar to that which Talon achieved. It was not the exact method that Talon performed but he had to smile softly. His bondmate had certainly seen him levitate often enough to ascertain that it was possible through kinetics.

Talon was proud of how much Rickter was allowing himself to let go during this bout. Some might have been concerned with overstepping and indeed, that would be a risk. One of the reasons that Talon was carefully observing Rickter’s aura was to gauge how far his beloved wolf was pushing himself. The minute that Talon saw a crack in his bondmate’s aura, the moment he felt a ripple of buckling in the foundations of his stamina, Talon would intervene. He wanted his lover to vent, to push himself, to go as far to the edge of what he was capable of as possible but he did not want to break him. No, what concerned Talon was the momentary lapse in awareness that he had felt shudder through Rickter. He had seen a ripple across the wolf’s aura and felt a tug of something across the Bond.

Was it more of the memories that had shown themselves in Zaichaer? Was it something deeper? Was Rickter reliving through the trauma he had experienced? Talon did not know at the moment, nor did he have time to focus and discern the truth of the matter. Rickter had used the flare of the shielding magic around the arena to propel himself forward and into the air. Talon watched as his lover began to unleash some of his greater abilities in the realm of Reaving. Talon met Rickter’s gaze. His wings continued to flap in broad sweeping strokes through the air, keeping him aloft unaided. He smirked at his wolf, then enacted Seeming out of the path of his lover. Talon bolted through the air, maneuvering cleanly out of the way of Rickter. For much of the battle now, the two of them had been crossing swords, exchanging blows with blade and raw physical strength. It was time to force his beloved to explore the other gifts at his disposal.

Talon came to a stop a fair bit of distance away from Rickter. He ascended rapidly into the sky, spinning into the air. He came to a stop, suspended in the air. Extending his awareness into the flow of the Aether Flux, Talon found the currents of aether running through the air around him. He exerted his will upon them, tightening his grip to create cylinders of aetheric power that he then began to Decelerate. He slowed the flow, easing the friction of powers in the air. As he did this, he slowly raised a hand as one of the kinetic cylinders took shape beside him. The air around Talon grew cold, then it grew colder. No less than five frozen javelins of kinetic ice formed around Talon, with one of them firmly in his grasp. His fingers tingled as they came into contact with the chilled aether. Had he been touching them with his bare hands, Talon likely would have felt the burn and shock of the power snapping through his nerves, cascading through his body.

Bringing his arm back, Talon took aim at Rickter. His eyes narrowed as he met the gaze of his lover. There was certainly enough time between Talon forming the aetheric icy javelins for Rickter to have seen them coming and likely he would have enough time to mount a defense against them if he acted quickly. But this was an exercise in pushing limits, so Talon would push his lover and himself. The threats they would face, the journeys they would have to embark upon, none of what lay ahead of them would be easy and none of them would show restraint.

Please, Rickter. You can do this.

Talon launched the first javelin.

Then the second.

Then the third.

He hurled them at Rickter, one by one until all five were spearing through the air toward the wolf.

"I am Justice."

[Rickter]

Before the dispersions of his aether were only really minor, effective enough to shrug off an opponent when he released them after impact. As Rickter felt the gravity of force shift, however, he quickly realized just how powerful the concussive blasts could be with moderate firepower added to them. Quite honestly he had always doubted much about himself before all of this, particularly the limitations of his aetheric reserves at every given opportunity. Nevertheless, when he caught himself midair to land against the surface of the ward, innate shock poured from the crowd as he heard the multitude of gasps and awes called out behind him. He was actually doing this! Even with such a loose grasp on the concept of his magic, the ability alone to express what he could only dream to achieve with careful practice... was happening.

And for a moment all that terror inside of him was there no more.

At last, he could fathom the extent of his power, and he could already gauge the limitations based on what he experienced firsthand. For certain, his body started to feel that toll gradually weighing in, but he could not lose any more ground than he had at the start of this match. Talon was testing him regardless, that meant the wolf's final task wasn't to conquer just some mighty foe. Thus he leapt into the air, kicking from the ward just seconds after he caught himself on it, and with a weave of his aether like a current into the Flux he trajected forward at a wicked speed. Bursting through the residual aetheric smoke from the concussive blast earlier, he surged forward through the air with both arms crossed over in a downward angle. He closed the gap between him and Talon nearly as quickly as the prince's first strike at the start of the match, only to quickly zip away higher into the air and out of Rickter's own trajectory.

The counterclockwise rotation he made probably seemed redundant, but Rickter first threw his left arm outward in an upwards direction, casting the whirling blade into the air above him as he still zoomed through open space. Though now he began to descend and the spinning blade he hurled traveled only two feet high, before the wolf had to recall it back to avoid losing his mental grasp over it. "This entire time I've seen others use magic to such degree, I could never have thought myself able to achieve it." In regards to this his mind went back to the trial back on the summit of the Circle of Wandering, where Rickter first saw Aoren use the same power himself with the flying blades. "Careful as my approach has been, you've yet again pushed me to great lengths." As his feet came to hit the sand he dispersed more aether from beneath his boots, the wolf rolling into another slide as he continued to skid across the field. He needed a moment of effort to regain his footing, but as he quickly lifted himself onto his feet, the gyrating sword returned to his side to linger near his left hand.

The weapon itself slowed to a frequent pivot near him, as Rickter pointed his other sword down when brought his eyes to the heavens. Talon was quite high up even for a mage like Rickter, pushing himself with Kinetics would only get him so far up. That and he'd be open to whatever attack Talon launched his way. The Synnekar had the upper hand here, a full bird's eye view of his surroundings, with no cover at all for the wolf to hide behind. "Wait a sec!" He felt it then as the air above Talon seemed to intensify, the smell of ozone heavy in the sky above him, as Rickter realized what Talon was about to do. "Again?!" The frost on Rickter's skin started to sting a bit now, another sign he flagged as he watched ice take form. "I see... only this time the form is changed." Incredible. The wolf could only hope to match that level of skill one day, for he couldn't help but afford Talon that respect even if just a moment.

But as the first lance of aetheric ice came into creation, Rickter assessed the situation to the best of his ability, to effectively come up with a resolution to his newfound predicament. "I already know that shit's gonna burn if it touches me." His eyes narrowed again as he relaxed his fingers on his left hand, the hovering blade near him steadily dropping flat onto the sand after he did. Finally, he released the other one from his right hand, allowing that to fall as well so that he could bring both hands in close before his torso. "With just the limited amount of aether I have, I need to be able to withstand this next attack. Maybe even generate an opening with it if I can, I have the capacity to with enough backlash from an aetheric repulsion field." As he concurred with this his hands came together with palms open, thumbs touching together, before all other eight digits bent forward to mold the first aetheric weave of the anchor he created.

His fingers lifted again except with the left index pointed into the right index finger, and the rest of his left three digits pointed away in a half triangle. "Not to mention the amount of aether I've already suffused onto my Pact weapon." It was hard to tell whether or not they would be able to cut through pure aether such as what Talon created, nevertheless, the option wasn't out of the question entirely in terms of a countermeasure. Still, that half triangle was brought over to connect the left middle finger beneath the right pinky, with the rest of the digits stacked on one another as aether continued to weave. The anchor on his hands started to glow like the northern lights as he pulled back his right hand half an inch, only to realign his fingers and then bring his opened palms together once more.

"Never let it be said, Talon, that you really know how to push someone to their boundaries." He admitted as he felt his aether reserves still dwindling, but the second lance had already come to full manifestation. At this rate Rickter needed more... just a bit more... Closing his outer two digits on each hand, Rickter started to brush the index and middle fingers over one another, repeating it steadily as though it were a mantra he recited to generate another anchor. The more and more aether he spun into it, the more his runes expanded as now witchmarks could be seen covering his upper body, half of the lower, as well as the contours of his cheeks and forehead. While nothing about his eyes suggested a rising glow within them, the blues of his irises did take on a shimmering quality as he continued to focus. He felt somewhere between pounded but also second winded somehow, his skin starting to trickle with sweat as he brought both sets of fingers in, and pressed knuckles together to cement the weave of this next one.

"Five total?" He looked half impressed but somewhere deep down, though of course, it was natural the wolf expected more out of Talon. "...Well... Alright then." The first of the set began its descent down toward him, causing the very air it speared through to sizzle as frost rained from its trajectory. Rickter brought his left arm up and opened his hand, revealing the anchor he contained there as the aether within surged out. As quick as the crest of an ocean tide the northern lights spanned outward from the center, spreading at least three feet away from the core before the liquified aether reached the ground. At contact with the sand though the shield began to harden into a thick aetherial dome, just as the first of five ice javelins came down to make contact with the barrier. "F-" There wasn't even a chance to finish that thought, as the tip of that aetheric spear tore straight through his shield, giving him only that one instant warning to move before it finished it's trajectory down.

Darting into a sprint the wolf threw his hands down toward his weapons, aether released into his third step as he went in for another quick ice slide away. Without looking over his shoulder he heard the point of impact where the ice javelin peared ground, its impact causing sand to burst up within the dome as the aetheric dispersion itself gave way. Cold air sighed out through pockets of holes that tore within the weave, as the shield itself crumbled away quickly to release the burst of ice and frost that assailed it from within. Both of the weapons that Rickter maneuvered through Dancing soared behind his arms as he charged forward, his right foot just now starting to go numb from the cold seeping inside it. He didn't account for the difference in power levels between Talon's kinetics and his own Negation, and that had quickly backfired on him in a way he could not imagine.

Still, as dust and ice surged at him Rickter skidded to twist around, his boots pressed firmly into the sand in an attempt to brake himself, and generate a wall of sand between him and the first wave that came to impact him. Dust and frost went billowing past him as the arena became clouded for a moment, the second javelin already lancing to the last location Rickter had visibly been seen within. As the impact caused dust to clear from that area of effect, Rickter zoomed out from the dissolving clouds nearby, his left arm thrown out into one sharp hook toward the next javelin coming his way. From the few feet away he was toward the dying embers of the previous aetheric fire, the whirling Howling Fang spun out with that same fire wheeling around it. "It burns like hell," He admitted as he finished the varnishing onto his weapon, "but I can handle it! I have to!"

The flying blade spun directly into the third lance that came his way, immediately sawing the construct in half as Rickter spun out of its trajectory. He felt intense heat and ice jab into his soul then, his eyes momentarily on the Howling Fang in his right hand, as one look revealed the weapon's edges were starting to discolor and rust. But just two more, the first of the pair being met head-on with the rotating blade that burned with a violet-blue flame. The crushing impact caused the blade itself to veer off course, as chunks of ice pelted Rickter on the shoulder and neck. Not yet! This was the part he braced himself for, even as his skin felt icy hot in small spots, the wolf pointed his weapon before him with both hands gripped firmly at the hilt; his eyes bloodshot as he pointed it directly toward the last javelin. All he could do at that moment was a roar and pull off the last desperate move he could think of, the clutch that would hopefully get him through this last obstacle. With a focus of wind around his weapon Rickter varnished the element onto his blade, causing a small gale to swirl around it as the aether of his residual shield began to hum.

If he pulled this off...

The javelin reached the tip of his blade and Rickter pulled into another rotation, this time clockwise, to dodge as much of the lance as he could before striking. And the end of his roar his blade spun hard into the body of ice near him, the aetheric dispersion of his shields bursting out as the shields dissolved away. "THERE!" He twisted his wrist to release the gale of air coating his blade, the aether released from his shields repulsed by it as it blew all but a few more small fragments of ice at him. The rest, however, went spiraling down to the ground as Rickter had started to do the same. Howling Fang spun out away in the opposite direction from where the blast originated, before descending down to hit the sand as Rickter would inevitably do soon.

"Oh, gods!" Telion watched in pure disdain as concern filled her eyes, even though it was already clear Talon wouldn't let Rickter just crash into the ground on his own.

"Common" "Synskrit" "Norvaegan"
"Rickter" "Telion" "Hannah"

[Talon]

duty

10 Searing 121

Talon’s heart clenched for a moment as his javelin pierced through the dome of Rickter’s barrier as though it were little more than glistening soap bubble. The shield immediately crumbled and even Talon was surprised as how swiftly his kinetic power smashed through the might of Rickter’s barrier. Talon knew the magic of Negation to be one of his beloved wolf’s strongest magics. It was an estimation of his own limited perspective on his own abilities to be faced with the revelation that he could so easily breach them. In the back of his mind, Talon had quietly assumed to himself that at the end of the day, anything he threw at Rickter could ultimately be warded off by one of his cleverly constructed shields. Realizing that was not the case, Talon felt his anxiety spike ever so slightly.

He kept his focus trained on Rickter, watching as he zipped and dodged out of the way of the icy javelins that exploded, releasing a hail of frigid aether upon impact with the ground. The kinetic fire that still burned in the arena around them was dampened, if not completely extinguished. Finally, Rickter released a roar of triumphant defiance as he unleashed a torrent of wind, smashing the final javelin that had been headed straight for him. Talon shielded himself momentarily with his wings as wind and ice blew in his direction. When the commotion cleared, Rickter was plummeting to the ground.

“Rickter!” Talon shot through the air as swiftly as his wings could carry him. He enacted Seeming to yank himself toward his bondmate, with arms outstretched. The world slowed to a crawl as he watched his wolf’s plummeting form inch closer and closer to the ground. With what was far too close for Talon’s comfort, he swooped in and caught the Rathari man in his arms, clutching Rickter to himself tightly.

Talon swerved, extended his wings and flapped them with powerful downbeats in order to slow his momentum. He ascended into the air at an angle just a few feet before slowing. Panting, breathless, and with his heart beating a staccato in his chest, Talon looked upon the man in his arms with a smile. Gently, he lowered the both of them downward until his boots touched upon the earth. Talon just stood there for a moment, breathing and holding on to his bondmate. He was sweating. Ice and fire could be seen around them. Talon felt the soreness of having exerted his muscles and his power to a greater height than he did normally but he felt the satisfaction of having pushed both himself and his lover.

“Sōrumeito.” Talon pressed their foreheads together, beaming at Rickter. Not wasting a moment and not caring about who saw or their current state, Talon placed a kiss upon the man’s mouth. He opened up their Bond, enfolding Rickter into as much warmth as he could across their mental embrace. He felt Aoren join them across the Bond, the two Avialae awash with pride in the Rathari man’s impressive display of skill and power. When the kiss was finally broken, Talon nuzzled Rickter with a smile as he spoke softly in Synskrit.

“Zuò nae neugdae.” Well done, my wolf.

Talon looked up as the din of cheers and applauding onlookers came to his ears. He unfurled his wings, allowing the gathered in the stands to see him. Gently, Talon set Rickter onto his feet though he kept one hand firmly in place at the small of his bondmate’s back. Across the sands, Aoren was helping Telion and Hannah onto the ground not far from the two of them. As soon as the tall Kathar had safely deposited Telion and Hannah onto the earth nearby, he was in front of Rickter in but a few strides. He immediately cupped the wolf’s face and kissed him with as much ferocity as he dared. When he pulled back, there were practically tears of pride in his burning eyes. He then clapped Rickter on the shoulders with a broad grin.

“Finally! The Wolf of Kalzasi bears his teeth!” Talon smiled, watching as Telion made her way forward to both congratulate and praise Rickter.

He felt an arm wind around his waist, the feeling of Aoren nuzzling into his hair made some of the tension bleed out of him. Across their bond, thoughts and warmth were exchanged between the two. Talon saw that even his younger brother had joined them, heaping praise upon Rickter’s performance during the bout.

“You’re going to be sore as hell, my friend. But I can see now why my brother chose you to be his bodyguard as well as his bodyguard.” Rien clapped Rickter on the shoulder, grinning.

“Yes, it was an impressive display.” The intimate revelry was interrupted with the arrival of another Avialae. He was tall. As tall as Aoren, and just as powerfully muscled. His skin was bronzed by time clearly spent soaring through the skies or through work spent beneath the sunlight. He had dark chestnut brown hair that was slightly matted with sweat, most likely from sparring before Talon and Rickter's bout. He bore facial hair that was well groomed and the smile he was giving Talon was friendly enough but there was a hunter's edge behind the white teeth that he could see. But that was not what drew Talon's eyes. It was the pair of golden feathered wings that graced his back that made Talon stare, a fact that did not go unnoticed. The man practically smirked and Talon realized that his own wings and appearance was being assessed as well. There was something familiar about this man but Talon could not rightly place it at the moment. The man bowed in a well practiced and smooth motion. That told him that this man was very well groomed.

“Prince Talon. Prince Rien.” The others beside him bowed. He did not seem to cast any others much of a glance. “Truly you do your House honor. It’s rare that we see such a potent display here in the Proving Grounds.”

Talon spoke in a measured tone.

“Thank you…?” The man smiled.

“Karam. Karam of House Senue.” Talon stiffened. He felt both his brother and Aoren tense slightly too. Before him stood the Heir of House Senue. He should have recognized him but in truth, the two of them had never interacted before. Karam extended his hand. There was the briefest hesitation before Talon accepted the man’s hand giving it a firm shake. Though Karam did not squeeze more than was necessary, Talon could feel the strength in his grip. His hand remained grasping Talon's perhaps a moment longer than was necessary.

“Well met, Lord Karam.” Karam smiled, a bright and friendly grin that somehow still held a predator’s edge to it.

“My friends call me, Kar.”

"I am Justice."

[Rickter]

Tension had obviously grown thick within the crowd leading up to the drop of the first lance, yet it was as the rest followed after that Telion visibly tensed. The sight of the shields when they immediately gave way to power of Talon's kinetics was almost eerie, for the aetheric ice immediately cut through it the same way a hot knife does through butter. Yet in that last bout of defiance the whole of the arena could see what took place, the stunt to hurl his blade through fire just to break through two of the three remaining javelins sparked awe.

Even Hannah looked rigidly fixed on the intensity of the match, the rogue leaning heavily over the rails of the stands with sheer wonder at what they were seeing. Rickter put everything he had into this last attack and sure enough, it paid off when the swipe of his blade resulted in one final burst of magic in midair. The chunks of the ice lance he destroyed scattered everywhere, pieces both large and small crumbling into the air as the burst of wind sent everything flying through the air. Both ladies were ecstatic to see him pull through with the stunt, though not before Telion quickly realized that the wolf had now plummeted to the ground.

Everything Rickter saw in that moment, when his blade pierced into the center of the lance, turned dark with a hard shut of his eyes just before he finished the stunt. The twist in his wrist caused the wind to burst just as the aether of his shields attempted their repulsion, causing the dispersion to blast off the sword itself before any of it could die out. Within seconds he felt wind and ice assault his arms, his torso, hell even his face felt pelted by small doses of the aether before the energy rippled against him also. Rickter lost the grip of his weapon quickly as exhaustion seeped into his spirit for a moment, the hurdling into the open space akin to what he'd felt every once in a while... when he'd fall into that meditative slumber without intent.

Except he was still aware, aware of the fact he was falling, and that for some reason it felt like the span of eternity as he did. "Well done, Rickter." The voice in his head felt akin to swimming within heavy depths now, his tone certainly clear but it carried with it a weight the wolf couldn't determine. "Now, master your new abilities and soar, ever higher, beyond their limits."

The wolf wondered if it were Tiberius again, and he thought to reach out to the entity, but a sudden thrust in movement changed the course of his direction. He wasn't falling anymore and things... quickly regained their sense of pace as the wolf's eyes gradually opened again. He was in Talon's arms once more, the prince having to come to his rescue yet again. Yet he was happy this time, as the wolf could not only feel but visibly see the pride in his bondmate's face. With such little aether left in his reserves, Rickter hadn't the slightest idea how he would've turned the battle around, if he had completely pulled through as he intended to do with his earlier stunt. But of course, he was at his limit at that moment, and he realized that quickly, and so the wolf didn't necessarily beat himself down over it as he normally would.

The both of them reached ground once more when Talon brought him safely back to the floor, his quick reaction to catch Rickter before hitting the ground not lost on the wolf once they landed. The Synnekar's heart was beating at a rapid pace now, one the would heard with his own ears being in such intimate proximity. Clearly the prince had been given quite the workout of his own, throwing such powerful spells at his own subordinate. But Rickter did everything he could not just to keep up, or even overcome his opponent, but to demonstrate just how far he'd go just for his peers. “Soulmate.” At the word Talon didn't even waste time pressing their foreheads together, the wolf still somewhat dazed but also regaining clarity from just the affection alone. Then with a warm and earnest kiss planted on his lips, the wolf's thoughts felt rejuvenation warm them as both his Bondmates poured everything into him. All the love and pride they felt, the joy and the excitement from watching his endeavors.

They were proud of him and rather than being overwhelmed with questions about it, he simply basked within it because of what he had just accomplished. He felt good for once about how things panned out, and even better knowing that he wasn't as helpless as he felt after Zaichaer. What that group took from him when he was abducted had felt lost, when in truth, he simply hadn't realized his full potential the entire time. Had his powers not been stripped of him at that time, he would've certainly overcome the dangers thrown at him. He knew that now, and with that knowledge, felt a sense of comfort in Talon's embrace. “Well done, my wolf.” Well done? Even if he didn't pull completely through that last stunt as he'd hoped, he still managed to impress and earn praise from his Bondmate.

Immediately upon hearing it the wolf looked baffled at his significant other, the corners of his lips finally parting into a soft smile as he too nuzzled into Talon for a moment. "We both know I have you to thank for that." He remarked softly just between the two of them, admiration in his heart as he continually let in all the warmth his bondmates shared. Then the praise of the crowd broke out in ambiance, the pair standing together as the arena still remained covered in small patches of fire and ice. Both his weapons had fallen in completely opposite directions, one no longer coated in flame but the other in partial frost. The wolf knew it was gonna be a pain to dematerialize those in a bit, but for now, his exhausted mind focused more on the moments developing ahead. For Aoren aided Telion and Hannah, the three of them striding toward Talon and Rickter, as the Kathar approached with all the zeal of a proud lover, and pressed his own lips into Rickter's with a passion not unlike Talon's own.

Rickter's eyes were filled with wonder from the praise he continued to receive, his heart vibrantly drumming in his own chest now as both men held such high praise. The wolf hadn't realized it until now but Talon had actually been making sure he was able to stand on his own, as Rickter admittedly still felt the exhausted trembling in his arms and legs. Wolf of Kalzasi. It had been a slight nickname in his past, but Aoren's enthusiasm made him feel all the more honored to hold such a title. It was strange in a way, how he normally avoided associating himself with such a name. For the longest time he'd always wanted to be nothing more than ordinary, to have lived a simple and easy life without all the screwups and mishaps that led him to where he was. Now though he didn't regret any of it. He felt stronger now because of it, able to live up to the new expectations that his peers around him developed.

As Aoren stepped aside to allow Telion her chance to praise him, Rickter's eyebrows rose the moment he saw the blonde leap at him. Telion threw her arms up around his neck and he quickly caught her, his legs softly buckling only a couple of times as he held her close to him for just a few moments. "You were amazing out there, even if you don't think it." She urged into his ear with a bit of a squeeze with her arms, Rickter's eyes softening to utter adoration as he gave her a gentle snug before lowering her back down. She smiled up to him endearingly when her feet were back on the sand, the wolf vividly smiling before Rien's addition to the camaraderie surprised him. Granted he was normally a frequent customer due to the food and beverages, and perhaps the fight nights he held there, nevertheless the praise that came from him was met with a warm smile; then a bit of a blush near the end.

Yes indeed. Rickter was Talon's bodyguard and he would remain that for as long as he could, in every shape or form of the word that was possible no less. He loved Talon deeply, hell, all of them were important members of his pack. "Thank you." He finally shared with the group softly, humbled beyond any other words. He could look to each and every one of them, and somehow do so with a rising pride in his own heart. Yet another seemed inclined to join in on the celebration, another Synnekar that approached them with the wings of a rich earthly gold furled behind his back. His remark on the spectacle was tactful at that, and while the wolf's blue eyes curiously fell on him for a moment, it was Talon and Aoren's reactions that he followed more than anything.

The Synnekar greeted Talon and Rien with perhaps the more formal sort of etiquette the wolf could observe, but he could smell something about the man who didn't quite sit right with him. There wasn't... malice in his scent, but there wasn't denying that something akin to a predator hid beneath his candor. Tracing that the wolf's spine tingled at the base, which didn't hesitate to impart as a warning to his Bondmates upon detection. Still, he watched them lead as Telion stood close into him, a hand clasped with his as they watched in silence. Hannah quickly took to a stand that placed her somewhat in front of the pair also, her arms crossed as she looked about ready to tear into him with words of her own.

Yet she waited patiently just as Rickter and Telion did, letting Talon be the lead here as Karam made himself known. When the reveal of his name Senue came into light, the tension the other three Avialae was sensed, and even carried over into Rickter as he somewhat tensed with his head somewhat tilted back. What did this man want with Talon or Rien? Other than the fact he recognized their noble status, there felt as though something else brought him here the wolf had yet to perceive. Telion sensed the growing unease in her beloved guardian, and thus with a gentle squeeze of her hand with his, she brushed her other hand along his inner forearm softly.

"Common" "Synskrit" "Norvaegan"
"Rickter" "Telion" "Hannah"

[Talon]

duty

10 Searing 121

"Forgive me for being forward, Shinsei. I couldn’t help but overhear that you refer to that warrior as your soulmate. He is your consort, then?” Karam surveyed Rickter from head to toe. The gaze that observed the Rathari was that of a man assessing another as one would an adversary. For the briefest of moments, there was a glint of challenge in Karam’s eye. The hint of a smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth before he returned his attention to Talon. The young demigod was not sure what to make of the look he saw crossing Karam’s features. Did the Senue want him to see that look? Why was he presenting himself right then and there? More specifically, why was he asking that specific question?

“Would it matter, Lord Karam?” Karam smiled at him. He made a sweeping gesture.

“It is merely a question among peers. Then this mighty warrior is not your consort?” Talon felt his jaw flex. He did not like this line of questioning. It was a well known fact that Talon was still unmarried. His reputation for avidly avoiding the social events that he found meaningless among the peerage of Kalzasi was not an unknown thing. It was also known that he had more or less been strong armed into attending the Cotillion in Glade and also being invited to attend social gatherings with the Curator of the Elysian Halls.

“I did not say that.” One of Karam’s eyebrows rose.

“Then he is your consort?” Karam’s eyes were boring into him. Talon could feel himself being watched with the utmost scrutiny. He internally took a deep breath.

“He is my Sōrumeito but...no. He is not my consort. As you are aware, I am unmarried.” Talon watched as Karam ran a hand through his hair. The golden wings at his back fluttered slightly. The Senue Heir nodded his head.

“Interesting.” Talon arched one of his own eyebrows. He could feel Aoren’s mood darkening. He performed the equivalent of mentally lacing their fingers together.

“Is it?” He was not enjoying the direction that this conversation was going. He was already suspicious of the fact that a son of House Senue had approached him in the Proving Grounds.

“Yes, Shinsei. I find myself asking many questions. You are a skilled warrior. You are a powerful sorcerer. You operate a successful business and administer the affairs of House Novalys well in your father’s place. You are loved by our people. You are clearly surrounded by both men and women who love you. Yet, you remain Kalzasi’s most eligible bachelor.” Talon resisted the urge to grind his teeth. He could not place it but everything Karam was saying was digging under his skin. He did not know whether it was the man’s prideful smirk or the look in his eyes but Talon was quickly finding this man aggravated him.

“If you have a point, Lord Karam, I suggest you make it. Myself and my cohorts are tired and in need of rest.” Karam chuckled. That only made Talon feel more irritated.

“My only point, my Shinsei, is that I find it curious that such a promising…” He eyed Talon from head to toe. “...man has managed to reach such heights and yet has no suitors. Do you find them unworthy?”

He gestured to those beside Talon. Talon stiffened. His wings flared slightly and he narrowed his eyes.

“Or maybe he is only worthy of consorting with that dog, my lord!” One of the Synnekar beside Karam hurled the comment before barking a laugh. It was soon joined by others laughing at the implied slur made toward Rickter. The world seemed to slow for Talon. He felt a burning fury rise inside of himself. The air around him grew hot. The symbols gracing his body went from their violet-blue hue to a searing hot silver-white. His eyes flashed with indignant rage that burned on behalf of his insulted bondmate. Before he could truly register that he was moving, Talon saw the eyes of the offender go wide. For a moment, for a very brief moment, Talon saw abject terror flash in the eyes of the man and in that moment Talon knew that the veil of his mortality had fallen away. Talon’s fist collided with the offending Synnekar’s jaw. He felt as much as heard, the crunch of bone before the man was sent sprawling back, smacking onto the ground. His eyes rolled back and he was knocked out cold right then and there.

The world snapped back into its regular flow of time and awareness for Talon. His wings were spread wide. The shadows around Talon were extending farther than normal. His own shadow loomed over the unconscious man on the ground. He took one step toward the man. Talon’s vision was obscured by a pair of golden wings and the imposing frame of Karam Senue blocking his advance. The Senue Heir was in a defensive posture but Talon stopped himself. He quelled the fury that was burning inside of him and ground out through his teeth.

“I question the company you keep, Lord Karam, that they would spit such things in my presence so freely. Consider this an act of generosity. Rickter is my Bondmate. My Sōrumeito. My friend. Insult him again and it will be you I hold responsible.” The light receded around Talon and the area returned to normal. Turning, Talon jerked his head in the direction of the Proving Grounds gate. He was no further than two steps before he felt a hand grasping his forearm. His silver eyes came to rest upon amber brown. Karam was studying him intently. Talon looked at the hand grasping his arm, a clear warning in his stare but Karam did not back down.

“It’s true, isn’t it?” Immediately, Talon knew what the man was referring to. He did not answer. With a swift gesture, Talon dislodged himself. He turned and began walking away. He felt Aoren fall into step beside him. His beloved bondmate reached out as though to grasp his shoulder, hesitated, and dropped his hand. Talon reached out and laced their fingers together. The touch helped to ground him. Later he would be upset with himself for losing control but for the moment, he just wanted to spend time with his friends, family and loved ones.

"I am Justice."

[Rickter]

As the Lord Karam continued to speak the others around Rickter shifted, Telion having already wrapped her arms around his left as she leaned into him, while Hannah took a more different stance and crossed her arms when she stood a couple feet in front of him. The way he could tell the rest of his pack was assembled, and from the looks of it they were quickly getting uncomfortable with the lord and his small entourage accompanying him. The man seemed heavily fixated one such a simple thing, something that Rickter didn't quite grasp initially but started to realize now that he'd heard. Consort? What was that to him? Even the wolf knew better than to stick his nose into other people's affairs, so the fact this man had such gall to do so already brought a clench in his jaw.

Karam reflected the response Talon gave him with regards to the general populace, even so much as gesturing toward them in his attempt to press the matter further. "What is this?" He could only begin to wonder now as the intent of this charade remained unknown. There were times when Rickter had it hard dealing with others as a child... and situations like this very easily reminded him of those times. His heart palpated and the firm squeeze of Telion's hands over his, the small trembles that surfaced were quickly remedied after. Hannah rolled back her eyes in response to the noble's remark, obviously disgusted with his play on the subject and his obvious fixation. Yet even when Talon was also getting irritated with the man, he managed to remain calm enough to keep a straightforward answer.

Talon didn't have a spouse and that was... important because? Were people really that eager to know of the Prince's personal affairs? In a roundabout way the wolf suddenly felt pity, mostly because he couldn't fathom the levity. How high were everyone's expectations of Talon in all this? What did they see him as now? There was nothing held back within that field of battle, nor afterward when the prince himself came in for the save. Rickter had not considered the fact that public eyes were on them at the time, hell, how could he when he was barely holding consciousness for a few moments? It didn't sit right within him, and that became ever more apparent the more he felt Talon and Aoren stir as well. As Karam went on with his observations of Talon, part of Rickter started to question it as well, realizing that Talon hadn't in fact been focused on familial affairs... at least not in that regard.

As far as the wolf had been concerned, the pack had always been important to him before. Seeing now though that Talon had other responsibilities meant to be upheld, it reminded Rickter of the differences in their stature; regardless of their connection between souls. Hannah, however, rolled her eyes sharply at Karam before they rested heavily with a soft sneer. Her shoulders even tensed as she seemed to contain herself, as Karam's insinuation on Talon and the assembled pack generated an even thicker layer of tension. "Seriously?!" The wolf was sick of being confounded by what he deemed as nonsense here, the sheer will of his patience immediately grown thin as he felt one foot shift forward in the sand. Telion's squeeze of his forearm snapped him out of the sudden spell though, his sense of awareness was less honed on Karem and more on the rest of those around him. Did he nearly blackout just now?

Even after Talon remarked about a point of relevance to the subject, the Senue Lord glibly chuckled before finally asking the fucking question. Even Telion gave the golden-winged Synnekar a glare in response to the inquiry, though not as intense as the wolf's as he felt a fire welling in his gut. "What does it fucking matter?" He nearly wanted to shout the damn words at the noble, yet he knew better, far better than to feed into this man's antics. Let him think whatever the hell he wanted, they didn't know the truth like the pack did. Everyone one of them had stood at Talon's side in some aspect, there to lend a hand when he needed it as he did the same for them. He was generous and kind, but far beyond that, exceptionally loving and passionate about it to boot. There wasn't a shadow of a doubt in his heart, if Talon had ever been worried about finding such a partner, then come that time the wolf would understandably support him in every way. That was just how Rickter saw it, which was probably why he bore such initial confusion in regards to Karem at first.

Yet when the word "dog" reached his ears there came a sudden sharp pang in his gut, mostly because of the insult that had been posed at Talon rather than him. What did these assholes have to gave from belittling his beloved prince? As he felt the fires in his gut churn he witnessed Talon's witchmarks as they turned brighter, the silver hues a familiar indication of what would follow as Rickter stiffened. Was he lashing out because of him? Was that insult hurtful in the same way as Rickter felt? The wolf began to question the interpretations of the Bond for a moment, or rather the integrity of his own emotions as he realized what really took place. He could see it happening now, the whole damn pack was protecting him. From them! Why on Ransera were they though? It was his job to protect them! Talon's nimbus manifested and the divine light that hooded over him shone, as the Silver-winged Synnekar didn't relent in slugging the offender square in the jaw. Telion quickly gasped before she puffed the air through her lips, her fingers clenched tighter around his forearms for a moment as even the wolf heard that sound.

And boy did Rickter eye Talon with a look of pure awe. "Talon..."

"Great hit big guy," Hannah enthused casually with admiration in her eyes, "I'm just sorry it wasn't me." As she shared that remark her eyes drifted right back up to Karam, with a hand placed on Talon's elbow delicately to check with him, and ease him back into the moment from the spell he'd just experienced. For Rickter it was like... almost like looking in a mirror, or a fountain perhaps, and seeing the same thing happen but to someone else entirely. Was that how it was for everyone else when Rickter was the one charging headfirst into danger? Did they experience the sheer discomfort and concern for their loved one, as they watched the gap between him and his enemy clear in just a few seconds? Talon's recollection of his composure followed with the warning that both baffled and uplifted the wolf. Talon spoke in his defense, an act the wolf never deemed necessary and yet... He did it anyway.

After the light of his nimbus had faded and Talon finished his business with Karam, he made it clear with his intent to leave once the Lord Senue inquired of his divinity. He had glimpsed merely a fraction of it, and yet that was already enough for him to know of its existence. Hannah's lips turned into a delighted smirk as she pointed her shoulder up, looking down over it as she turned slowly away from the unconscious Synnekar on the ground. "I think you've learned a wise lesson today, Lord Karem." The brunette then flicked a hand through waves of locks to throw them over her shoulder, her back turned to the Lord as she watched Rickter be pulled to follow Talon and Aoren by Telion's gentle tug. "Underestimate the bonds of my friends, and you'll only wish His judgment is merciful." The woman knew full well the lengths either one would go to for one another, and hopefully now, they both were grasping it as well after what Rickter just experienced.

With a step forward Hannah flashed into space, her Blink behind the group resulting in another brief flash as she strut along behind them. There came a satisfied grin in her face as Telion looked up to Rickter, who's eyes still remained on Talon as he still silently followed the pair in front of them. "Understand Rickter, that what Talon did wasn't because of you." Telion urged softly which caused him to look down to her, his widened eyes somewhat somber before Hannah weighed in with her own words.

"She's right you know, it should be pretty obvious that was for." Her implication didn't leave Rickter underwhelmed at least, and yet he still couldn't help but look at Talon with awe. He was still tense in his wings even if they were folded, the wolf had figured out how to study them, only enough to gauge his moods a little. Though the Bond itself tended to make the rest far more easier, and though he was only a bit unsettled by the experience, he quickly found himself ever humbled by the actions of his Bondmate.

"Common" "Synskrit" "Norvaegan"
"Rickter" "Telion" "Hannah"

[Reviewer]

REVIEW TIME

Talon

Lores: (13 Eligible, 13 Requested)

Blades: (Longsword) Using momentum to lend weight to a swing
Blades: (Longsword) Combining Seeming with a blade to keep it in hand
Blades: (Longsword) Reversing the grip on a blade to allow for versatility
Blades: (Longsword) Swinging in a wide arc to force distance between self and opponent
Blades: (Longsword) Using a whirlwind pattern to confuse an opponent
Blades: (Longsword) Battle Salute, Royal
Blades: (Longsword) Guiding strikes through Semblance to anticipate opposing movement
Blades: (Longsword) Using quick swipes to deflect sharp objects
Divinity: Invoking the Nimbus to evoke Terror.
Kinetics: Using Acceleration to conjure Kinetic Fire
Kinetics: Using Deceleration to conjure Kinetic Ice
Leadership: Understanding the importance of advice and counsel
Unarmed Combat: Using a surprise left hook to knock out an opponent

Loot: N/A
Injuries: N/A

Points: 8, may not be used for magic (as Kinetics is maxed out).

Comments: What a tough match for Talon, where both "winning" and "losing" can be perceived as a loss. The emotional turmoil, the desire to push and better his soul mate, the use of the audience in the writing, all well done.

In accordance with the Skill Guide, you must list a Style to go along with your Unarmed Combat skill as it is deemed an 'umbrella skill'. Please make the appropriate changes to your CS.

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Rickter

Lores: (13 Eligible, 14 Requested)
Leadership: Finding Courage Through Fear
Reaving: Sensing The Direction Your Weapon Is Suggesting
Reaving: Predicting Your Opponents Next Move Through Your Weapon
Resistance: Blocking The Full Brunt of a Seeming Assault
One-Handed: Blades: Consistently Parrying A Barrage of Strikes
Elementalism: Manifesting Ice With Just A Gesture
Elementalism: Elements React To Your Emotions
Elementalism: Generating A Cone of Ice
Elementalism: Improving Your Agility By Sliding With Ice
Acrobatics: Avoiding Large Area of Attacks With Magic
Kinetics: Aetherial Fire and Aetherial Ice
Reaving: Utilizing Dancing To Control Your Weapon
Reaving: Hurling Your Weapon At A Range It Can Return From
Kinetics: Pushing Yourself Into The Air From A Wall Or Surface

Personal: A Bout Between You and Talon
Personal: Holding Back Without Even Intending To
Arcana: Expression Is A Form of Magic Among Mages
Personal: Talon Punched Somebody Over You
Personal: Discovering Your True Potential
Personal: The Echo Keeps Resonating

Loot: N/A
Injuries: N/A

Points: 8, 8 Points can be given fully to Elementalism and/or Negation and/or Reaving and/or Kinetics. This may be divided up however you see fit. (Elementalism [Journeyman], Reaving [Journeyman], Kinetics [Novice], Negation [Journeyman])

Comments: Excellent showing and lovely flow of story. This was quite the heartfelt combat and seeing the changes within Rickter made it all the better. Also, excellent use of multiple magics and NPCs without weighing down the story. Looking forward to maybe a future second bout, or perhaps maybe a Talon & Rickter vs a pair that is equally as strong. Well done, the both of you.

I've removed your last Kinetics Lore as Rickter is only eligible for 13 Skill Knowledges and you requested 14. If you'd prefer a different lore removed instead, let me know and I'll adjust accordingly.

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