Legend of Ransera

Posted: **Tue Nov 03, 2020 10:00 pm**

A Night Out On the Town
Ash 26th, 120th Year, A.o.S.

Oliver spent the vast majority of his day handling his other projects, as he still had commissions to finish from the Artisan's Guild within the week. However, he had been waiting and expecting the arrival of one in particular, as he'd finished the final reparations necessary just a few days prior. Sure enough, the man of the hour walked in, with the same rigid posture he always seemed to possess, and the lingering eyes of a predator as they dismissively lowered to the floor. "Well well," the dark-headed man murmured as he drew close to the counter, "you're a few days late you know, I'd finished the repairs like you asked, even so much as sent word as you instructed."

"Apologies." Rickter answered Oliver in turn, his eyes actually on the verge of brimming with curiosity. "Recent events have kept me busy. May I see it?" He requested with a look to Oliver himself, from the tools on the counter behind him.

"Sure thing!" He stated as he already seemed to be on the move, bending down somewhat to reach down and pull an item from within the counter. Sure enough, the instrument came into full-lighted view, and almost immediately the wolf's lips loosened to a slight grin. "Well now, isn't that a first! Must've done my job well if that's your immediate reaction." Oliver teased as he handed the ukulele to Rickter, to which he carefully accepted before lowering it onto the countertop. The wood looked freshly polished, and the cracks he worried might be present were gone entirely, what's more, the detail in the instrument itself wasn't lost at all. Oliver had done exactly as he'd promised, and delivered on restoring the ukulele as Rickter hoped.

"You've just brought joy back into another's world with this. I can't thank you enough." The wolf assured the man as he graciously picked back up the instrument, keeping it close to him with his left arm as he bowed in appreciation to the woodworker. "Was it difficult?"

"It had its moments," Oliver assured him with a mixture of a grin and shrug, "but from what you just said it was all worth it." On that note the wolf lightly chuckled, giving the man a short farewell before he took leave off the premises. It had already been rather late in the day, and Rickter was apt to make sure his companions had no idea he was here. Mostly because he wanted to surprise Telion, who seemed to be looking for him as well, as he had but a sole moment to hide the instrument after exiting the shop.

"There you are!" The bard declared with a slight crease in her brow, clearly having been challenged in trying to locate him. "Gods you were literally everywhere today, I asked around but everyone said you were seen here or there. Kinda odd really." Actually no... Rickter did that on purpose after all, and even so, she still managed to figure out where he'd gone. As well as noticing he had hidden something behind his back. "Hm? What's that?"

The wolf frowned heavily as he hoped to make it back to the tavern first. ".... A surprise."

"Oh?" Her eyes widened as she tilted her head, evidently curious about what he hid from her. "From Into the Woods?"

"You're not gonna know until we're back at the tavern..." Of that he made sure of, with a stern tone towards her no less. Still, Telion couldn't help but laugh!

"Why?! What's so important that it has to wait until we're there?" She tested with a hearty grin. "Oh I get it! You went and bought something you're ashamed of!"

"No... actually..." Technically she wasn't off, as he'd been ashamed of something. But he didn't buy that shame, instead covering the expenses necessary to mend it. Still, Telion did have a point and, if anything, she seemed pushier than she normally was. Rickter knew that little nuance in her behavior meant something also, likely the same as his indirect gesture was a means of surprising her. Thus the wolf reluctantly sighed, bringing the ukulele around from his backside in surrender. Rather quickly Telion's features changed, as her expression became one of complete shock and awe, when her eyes were upon the ukulele he displayed.

"That's..."

"Your ukulele." He assured her as he presented it to her, which Telion took hesitantly as she was still baffled by it's presence. "I saw how much it meant to you, back when I'd broken it, so I thought if I could have it fixed..."

"That was why you wanted it." She pointed out as Telion connected the dots, her cheeks slightly flushing as she looked up at him with glassy eyes. "You didn't want to keep it, you just wanted me to use a spare, until this one was fixed?" The wolf needn't say anymore then, just simply nod as she understood the entire gesture, and reacted with an ecstatic cheer as she jolted to wrap her arms around him. Rickter shook with surprise when she did, unexpecting the girl to hug him so dearly, as she hid her face from his view in the process. "Thank you! I didn't think I'd..." She trailed off briefly there, but found her voice once more as she eased off of him. "Thank you, Ricky." Telion told him once more, a bright smile given up to him as the wolf somehow loosened up once more.

It was all unexpected really, how a gesture could cause someone like her to react. He about smiled at her in a way, admittedly a little happy he'd brought back a piece of her she'd thought lost. "What say we go back to the High Hopes then, hm?" He remarked in turn. "I'd like to hear you play more if that's alright."

"Oh I plan to do more than that," Telion teased him with a wink as she started testing the instrument's chords, "now that I have two ukulele's I plan to teach you how to use one. May even let you keep it too, for all the trouble you've gone through."

"Twas no trouble at all..." The wolf remarked as his eyes settled a bit more comfortably on the woman. "And... I wouldn't mind giving it a try." He'd done a lot of that this season, trying some of the new and unusual, putting himself out there whereas he normally kept a low profile. It had done him well thus far though, so what harm was there in enjoying the fun things that came his way? "C'mon, let's go."

"Yeah." Telion agreed as the pair began their stroll back towards the High Hopes, with Rickter expecting another to be there waiting for them like usual. Whatever did they have planned though? He was curious to find out at least, and the way Telion fiddled with her instrument made him even more so. She was comparatively happier than before from the looks of it, a countable boon Rickter would keep close to his heart in turn. Before too long when they did finally arrive, Hannah waited for them at the bar, with Margo and Rien found there discussing something with her. There were a few nods between them as they chatted, but within moments of seeing the pair enter the tavern, Margo quickly split from the group and Rien went back to work.

What is this... He suddenly felt as though they were conspiring together, and while that quickly set him on edge, Telion's giggle distracted him as she nearly ran toward the counter.

"Hannah! Look!" The brunette was visibly in a good mood, rather amused at how excited Telion seemed to be, and yet when her eyes fell on the instrument she looked the same as Telion did prior.

"Is that?" She inquired with a great amount of disbelief, rather delighted by Telion's response when the bard eagerly nodded.

"Ricky had Oliver repair it, almost as though he never broke it actually!"

"Impressive." Hannah looked to Rickter with a bit of a glint in her eye, stirring the uncertainty within the wolf as he wondered what she was up to. "You really do surprise me Wolfman, in more ways than you can imagine."

"Ricky also wanted me to play when we got back, do you think now is a good time?" Telion checked with another curious tilt in her head, to which Hannah cheekily laughed to her companion in response.

"Absolutely!" At that Telion turned from her friend to Rickter, the ukulele held delicately as she placed her fingers along the upper strands of the neck.

"I know it may sound strange but I wrote a song about you!" And on that note Rickter's eyes widened in pure awe, she actually took the time to dedicate an entire fucking song about him?! "I hope you like it."

"Come now, he's going to love it!" Hannah remarked as she gestured for Rickter to sit next to her. "Have a seat Rickter, I've already bought you a drink." What was going on? Telion wrote a song about him... and Hannah went and bought him a drink? It wasn't the first time to be sure, but he certainly didn't expect the brunette to go out her way and do it again. He didn't want to know that he knew something was afoot, but with the eyes of his companions on him, Rickter felt in a position where he wasn't entirely able to decline. There was no doubt something here was planned, and while he wasn't entirely sure what it was, he reluctantly took the spot next to Hannah; accepting the mug she held out for him as he turned to watch Telion's performance.

"Alright." He blurted to the pair as he raised his mug to get a swig, surprised to experience the burning taste of whiskey when he'd done so. As he cleared his throat Hannah lightly chuckled, while the bard herself finished tuning her chords, and started to ease into the first part of her song.

Posted: **Sun Nov 22, 2020 9:40 pm**

A Night Out On the Town

26 Ash 120 Steel

Talon’s eyes roamed over the broad back on display, the two dark black feathered wings spread out on the bed. The soft wheeze of Aoren’s breath as he slumbered peacefully was heartwarming to see. The man had been busying himself for the past several days, training, readying events for the challenges in the upcoming season, and also helping to get the tavern ready for the surprise that was being planned for that evening. When Talon had finished his business at the palace, meeting with a few of the ministers for the mason’s guild and signing off on a few reinvestment projects in the Low-City, followed by meetings with representatives from some of his family’s vassal houses, along with checking up on his shop, he’d come to the tavern to check up on the evening’s preparations. Rien had informed him that his companion had gone to rest his eyes and freshen up before the night’s festivities.

Looking around the room, Talon spot his bondmate’s shirt. It was a high collar sleeveless shirt that was tailored to fit Aoren’s physique. The color was a fetching red that brought out the prismatic sheen that sometimes reflected in the feathers of his companion’s wings. He picked it up and began to straighten it when he felt arms suddenly wrap around his waist. The feel of Aoren’s arms sliding through the space of his primary feathers and slipping around his waist to hug him tightly from behind helped heal a hole that had torn open in Talon’s heart close to a year ago. The two of them simply stood there, Talon’s wings lowered and grazed lightly over the floorboards.

“You are making me want to stay in this room tonight.” Talon spoke softly. Aoren hugged him more securely and rest his chin atop Talon’s scalp.

“Then stay. With me.” There was a very strong part of him that wanted to take his companion up on that offer.

“Aoren…” He felt the warrior’s hands slide up his sides before Aoren rest his head against his neck gently.

“I know. But I am done hiding how I feel, Talon.” Gently, the Kathar turned him so that they were both facing each other. Talon felt a warmth flow through him as his companion cupped his face. “I almost lost you. First because I was not quick enough and then because I put a wall between us. I will not make that mistake again.”

Talon did not know what to say. He searched his bondmate’s face, too overcome with his own feelings to truly make sense of what the other man was feeling. It seemed that Aoren was better equipped to handle the situation than him as he smiled.

“All I ask, is that when you are ready, you just give me a chance.” Talon returned the smile and nodded his head. With that, he helped the other man into his shirt even going so far as to help him button up the shirt. Talon was not going to lie to himself and in that, he knew his companion could feel the truth of his emotions as well. He could not deny and would not deny that there was a deep attraction between the two of them. Talon did not know if he was ready for such a thing however. He felt brittle when it came to acknowledging and opening up to acting on those feelings in their totality. He had been burned and burned badly and while he was healing from that loss, he was slow to open up.

A knock on the doorway followed by a clearing of a throat made Talon smile.

“Well, if you two love-birds are done, our guests have arrived.” Rien was smirking at the both of them. Talon shook his head.

“We are coming.” Rien gave an exaggerated bow which prompted Aoren to throw one of the bed pillows at him. His brother, without missing a beat, caught the pillow with ease.

“I have half a mind to charge you extra for that.” He shook the pillow threateningly. Talon laughed as his companion rolled his eyes.

“You might be a prince, Rien, but I can still kick your ass and say it was a bar brawl.” Rien barked a laugh.

“I will see you in the ring then!” With that, his brother tossed the pillow back on the bed and made his way back to the main floor. Talon took a deep breath, gave both himself and Aoren another once over before the two of them made their way down the stairs and to the main room. It seemed they arrived just in time as Telion was beginning to spin up a song.

"All good things to those who wait."

Posted: **Mon Nov 23, 2020 3:22 pm**

Telion finished returning her actual lute moments before the others had arrived, Rickter wasn't even aware of the fact Talon had managed to sneak in. For one the wolf's own back had been turned towards the prince, for all the more a very good reason, as Margo was quietly carrying out a platter from within the kitchens. It was a cake. Freshly baked and topped with a white frosting, the cook that prepared it had even gone so far as to add garnishments, leaving a few half-cut strawberries placed carefully along the rim of the cake. Seeing that Talon and Aoren had joined them of course, Margo gave a light wave as she too watched the performance given by the bard.

With the few starting notes simple and spread out Telion seemed to pause, appearing a little nervous before she began her first sequence. The blonde stilled her breath for a moment, and in beginning the first few strokes of her melody, Telion breathed out softly as a means to help her ease into the start of the song. It was carried out slowly but not at a drawn outpace, rather in a way that allowed the notes themselves to carry out the mood. It wasn't jolly but the tone she created felt jovial to be certain, and while Rickter dreaded whatever part of the song was about him, he couldn't deny that seeing Telion play her original lute actually did loosen him up more. She looked more than comfortable when she played, she was genuinely happy again, which was something that he'd hoped to see in giving it to her originally.

"Well I, I met a man, he's a fighter without a reason,
Well a, a tall man, he can knock a brute into next season,

Hannah lightly laughed a bit at the first two lines, as did Margo who had to quickly cover her mouth in turn, for she didn't want Rickter to turn around too soon. Which he started to do before he realized... Talon was also there. Aoren too? Why? What was this? Why was everyone he knew gathered around? He looked rather confused by it all honestly, with Hannah viciously smiling as she watched him discreetly.

"Still, I've walked, and watched him charge in a fight,
Oh my! My, my! How he'll fight for what is right
Nah, nah nah, when that man fights for what is right!"

Telion's voice carried out in melodic harmony with the tune she made, generating a sort of relaxed and genuine mood with the song she sang toward them. Honestly, it was probably one of the longest moments for Ricker, for he'd never really watched someone for as long as he did. But boy... was Telion glowing while she sang her song, it admittedly loosened the firm lines in his lips quickly. And this song was about him? He felt... weird about it honestly, not uncomfortable to be sure just... unusual. Still, he took a swig of his whiskey then, expecting that burn this second time around, before he placed the mug behind him on the counter and watched the show.

"Well I, I met a man, someone who's both strong and gruff,
Well a, a brave man, someone who's always so tough,"

Admittedly he softly chuckled at that part, the cracks in his armor growing now as he was on the verge of a smile. Hannah sipped at her own drink, a mindful glance given to Talon and Aoren before she winked to them; Aoren specifically as mischief lingered in her eyes. It was while she resumed watching the performance Margo inched closer finally, delicately placing the platter of cake down behind the wolf's position.

"Still, I find, that deep inside there's a big heart of bold,
Oh my! My, my! How he carries a big heart of gold!
Nah, nah nah, how this man carries a heart of gold!

Na, na na, na na. Oh na, na na, na na."

Strange... Rickter felt really odd inside. Like he was actually moved by this, or perhaps even bothered they all did this for him. This was unusual for Rickter, as he could never recall anybody going so far, as to surprise him with a drink and a song. What brought these two to be so nice to him? It wasn't... It couldn't be... could it?

"Well I, I've made up my mind, that it's time we all know,
A certain man, whose tall mind you, with room to grow,"

Telion looked lost in her own world, of course, still embracing the muse of her song with a light heart. Her smile continued to brighten the mood of the song for Rickter, and ultimately, he began to feel his core slightly wretch with sudden pains. Was he upset? He didn't want to be... Yet slowly but surely that armor he wore slowly began to crumble, his blue eyes looked to ease between a state of somberness and sincerity. He was moved that much was clear, but Rickter did not once think he deserved any of this.

"Still, I see, a future this man has yet to behold,
Oh my! My, my! How this man has learned to show,
Nah, nah nah, the brightest parts of his heart of gold!"

Telion's arrangement of notes started to spread out then, her tune easing into the final chords of her song.

"Na, na na, na na. Oh na, na na, na na."

And with it finished she relaxed her shoulders in turn, looking to Rickter with a grin as she slightly bowed in turn. "Happy birthday, Wolfman." Hannah remarked within his ear nonchalantly, leaning away to gauge his reaction as the wolf gazed her way. That was when he saw it, from the corner of his eye, the very thing that they waited to surprise him with. Gradually the wolf turned on his stool to lay his eyes upon it, the bafflement in his expression far greater than any one of them could've guessed.

"You all... did this... for me?" A light giggle was heard behind him as Telion approached, placing a hand on his shoulder as she and Hannah both smiled at him.

"Well of course silly! It wasn't easy to figure out," undoubtedly as Rickter never would've told them, "but we wanted to know when you're birthday was so we could surprise you!"

How though? Unless that night Hannah paid him a visit... it had to be. That would've been the only chance she had at meeting Madame Zirnomei, which meant she wasn't actually there just to have fun... Hannah was there to ask about him. Did that mean she knew? No, that question was stupid. If she went there asking questions, then there was no doubt in his mind, Hannah knew exactly where Rickter came from. Still... he couldn't recall the last time he'd been given cake. Hell, he couldn't even recall the last birthday he actually had, mostly because he didn't want to remember her in the end... Just like he did now. Rennei. She didn't deserve what happened to her, and Rickter often blamed himself for the fact those things happened.

Innately his walls would've kept him from showing it, but now those walls were crumbling faster than he could maintain them. The wolf's eyes started to well up, making his vision blurry as he stared at the cake. He needed... He needed... "I have to piss..." He quickly excused himself as he didn't wait to rise, briskly walking away from the bar towards the tavern's restroom. In turn generating confused looks from both Hannah and Telion, as they watched him quietly enter the room without even looking back.

"That... didn't go as planned..." Telion admitted reluctantly, a little concerned about the wolf now that he'd stormed off.

Posted: **Thu Nov 26, 2020 6:36 pm**

A Night Out On the Town

26th of Ash, 120 Steel

As the notes of Telion’s song began to fill the space of the tavern, Talon posted up near one of the support beams for the main floor. He folded his arms over his chest and watched quietly as the bard began to sing. The stanza’s of the song made Talon smile. As he was leaning casually against the pillar, Talon opened up his senses to perceive that which was intangible to most. He concentrated on Telion and on Rickter so that the tapestry of their emotions opened up to him. He could see the thrill and excitement that was bubbling across Telion’s aura. It was a bright yellow color to Talon and had the distinct fizzy feeling to it that reminded him of champagne as it passed down his throat. From Rickter he could glean a sense of confusion as well as humor. It was reserved and there was no missing the fact that the wolf was a little uncomfortable. There was something in his mood however that Talon began to see slowly weave its way into the tangle of other emotions there. He could not quite place the emotion as it was clear Rickter was not entirely certain what it was himself but he got a general sense of the man growing more comfortable.

Talon nodded to Margo. He felt Aoren step up behind him, prompting the young Novalys to tuck his wing in closer so that the warrior could be as close as he desired. His grey eyes observed the exchange between Hannah and Aoren. He caught a hint of the mischief in her mood as well as a touch of interest that bordered on a more adventurous side. Across their bond, he felt his companion’s curiosity spike and Talon knew right then and there that if the two of them did not get to know each other that night, they would certainly explore that path later. He simply rolled his eyes with a soft chuckle.

Telion continued to sing and Talon watched how her happiness and clear excitement at singing the song on her lips spread to others. There was a nervous happiness to her performance but it was enjoyable to watch and experience. Talon felt himself relax even as he accepted a drink from his brother. Telion’s song came to an end. Talon raised his glass, joining the clapping and cheering that followed the conclusion of her music. He then smiled at Rickter as the man was turned around to see the cake that had been painstakingly prepared for him.

“Happy birthday, Rickter.” Talon nodded to him. But instead of joy, he saw the swell of confusion enter into Rickter’s aura. He was baffled. He was dumbfounded. Talon blinked at him. There was a mix of emotions swirling in Rickter’s aura from what he could tell, too many for Talon to truly sort out individually at a time as the man seemed to be struck with something. He could only assume it was memories of something else, something deeper. Talon handed his drink to his companion just in time as Rickter rose from his seat and hurriedly went to the restroom, closing the door behind him.

“Wait here.” Talon pushed off of the pillar. He gave a knowing look to both his brother and Aoren before walking to the door of the restroom. Avialae were an emotional people, well versed in observing and even experiencing the emotions of others. They were prideful, they were headstrong, they were passionate and spirited and even in their stoicism there was still a rawness to their emotions. Talon was moved to help and though he knew his brother to be a Mesmer, he did not think that Rien was the best choice in this instance.

Talon stepped up to the door. He reached out and felt it with his kinetics, taking hold of the locking mechanism. He flicked it open then opened the door and stepped inside. Closing the door behind him, he tucked his wings in close and leaned against it with his back to it. Folding his arms over his chest he leveled Rickter with a steady gaze.

The bathroom, like most rooms built with the Avialae as patrons in mind, was spacious. Certainly spacious enough for the both of them.

“Which do you need? Time or an ear?” He did not bother asking how Rickter was feeling. Talon could see it, he could experience it, as plainly as his Semblance allowed him to.

"The weight of a memory is a blessing and a burden."

Posted: **Fri Nov 27, 2020 5:11 pm**

He hardly had any idea as to why he felt so caught up in his whirlwind of feelings honestly, as Rickter knew right then and there that he should've been happy. Just plain happy. What his friends did for him was good and he knew that, so why on Ransera did he feel so convoluted with his extra emotions? It actually pained him a bit to realize this, which in part led to his hasty need for a swift retreat. Little was the wolf aware, however, that another had aptly taken to follow him in turn. When Rickter reached the room and locked the door, he didn't waste time moving towards the wash basin where he faced a golden-rimmed mirror. He didn't quite pay mind to the room itself, seeing as how he needed to reign in his emotions, but admittedly the size of both the room and throne was impressive.

Needless to say, as he lingered near the basin he clutched the nozzle, prone to let the water that gushed out just run continually as he stared into the mirror. His eyes looked as though they were glassy now, and in blinking from the build-up that irritated them, a couple of soft tears streaked out the corners of his eyes. That was when Rickter realized his breathing elated just a bit, before he glared hard at his own reflection, before lowering his head down so that he could splash water into his face. Moments later as he was getting ready to dry, Talon somehow managed to not only unlock the door, but also step inside and stand at the door behind him before the wolf could react.

Silence. Even after Talon extended the offer of either time or an ear, Rickter still indirectly stared towards the Avialae almost in pure astonishment. Did he actually follow the wolf into here? Innately Rickter wanted to outright deny the offer, or simply default to the easier option of time instead. But seeing who had joined him though, the wolf knew who Talon was as a person by now, and he knew the man was more than just perceptively aware. Yet to be on the receiving end of that warmth and kindness? He hardly felt worth the trouble, and even so, Talon still would've likely gone out of his way just to help him overcome it. "I..." He started as he finally turned the nozzle once more, bringing the clamoring splashes to an abrupt halt when he looked back down in turn. Time... or an ear? He didn't know.

"I'll be fine." He admitted a little reluctantly finally, as he looked to himself sternly in the mirror. "I've always been fine. And yet..." There was a forlorn sigh that followed in turn, as he seemed to willingly look to Talon almost with direct eye contact. "I can't recall the last time I actually experienced happiness. Genuine happiness, until tonight that is... and for the longest time I wasn't sure if I wanted to or deserved to." There came about a pained somber mood within his tone now, as he continually remained just shy of eye-to-eye contact, while admittedly sharing what troubled him most with Talon.

"I've told you about the man who mentored me before... but I never really shared why. Before all that I was raised by a fisher family, a man named Gregory and his wife Rennei. The first time I..." Another painful memory for him honestly, in fact, he realized it was the first one that led on to more painful memories. Innately he felt the need to clutch at something, namely the rim of the wash basin itself when he continued. "The first time I turned into my other form was when I was only eleven. Some of the other boys in my class were teasing me a bit too much... and then I simply lost it. Rennei somehow knew how to calm me down, even so much as helped me realize I could control that form I took on." It was difficult to relive that memory but to admit her role in it made her presence in his life feel all the more significant, allowing him to recognize what good memories he did still have of her before she'd died.

"After that Gregory started to grow a little distant, even to the point where Rennei argued with him about it a few times. It... It ended up with him abandoning her later, which is something I've always seen as my fault... since I caused it the moment I learned what I was." Rickter often switched back and forth between looking at Talon, and then looking at the reflections of him and Talon within the mirror. Surprisingly, while he found it difficult to maintain eye contact directly, looking at the prince's reflection made it easier to achieve it for short intervals of time. "After that my anger grew worse, to the point where I fought often and even defied my mentors. Without even realizing it at the time I'd started to drive Rennei to a breaking point, until the mysterious Reaver entered my life to help change my ways."

Admittedly that still remained only the partial reason as to why he felt so torn, and why memories of his past were often avoided in turn. "Still, even after I changed she wound up sick years later... and I remained helpless in bettering her health." Once more his fierce eyes shifted from his reflection to Talon's once more, his eyebrows slightly elevated as he wondered what insight the man would have to offer. "So tell me, do the bitter parts of my story pluck at the heart? Or are you annoyed by my constant prattle by now?" In a way he sounded depreciating of himself when he posed the joke, offering a very faint smile at the mirror with his expression still somber. Of course, he knew by now that Talon would hardly think such a thing, as he was always generous and kind towards him. Often times it perplexed and even intimidated the wolf, but Rickter knew that in sharing his own personal story, he'd help the prince see how exactly the moments prior led up to where they were now.

Which was still inside the spacious restroom they were in... a fact that still lightly tickled Rickter even in his disbelief.

Posted: **Fri Nov 27, 2020 8:28 pm**

A Night Out On the Town

26 Ash, 120 Steel

To Rickter’s admission that he would be fine, Talon merely blinked at him. It was the slow kind of blink that said that while Talon was not going to say out loud that Ricky’s words were complete bullshit, he knew perfectly well that they were. The confusing mess of the wolf Rathari’s emotions swelled in front of his eyes. It was very apparent to Talon that the man was very much not fine and was struggling to get a grip on himself and how he approached the situation. He listened as the wolf Rathari confessed to his experiences. He listened as Rickter spoke on Gregory and Rennei as well as the influence that this mysterious Reaver had on his life. When the man finished speaking, ending with a self-depreciating joke, Talon managed to crack a small smile.

“I cannot speak for Rennei but I can speak to this; it is clear that she loved you.” He let out a low breath and turned his head so that he could stare off into the distance. Instinctively he gazed in the direction he knew the palace to be in. If he concentrated, he could feel the ties that bound he and his own family together. They were light and loose but they were there.

“It is as much your fault that this Gregory left as it is the fault of thunder following lightning in a storm. You were a boy, Rickter. A child facing new and frightening things. He chose his path, the path of a coward who abandoned his family instead of rising to meet the demands of the need that was presented.” Talon had much harsher words that he could have used but he refrained from sharing them. While it did happen among the Avialae, it was something that was heavily scorned and frowned upon. To abandon a child was the height of cowardice and shame. It was a quick way to earn the disapproval of not just the nobility but the Avialae community at large. Children were a gift, as the Avialae were ever aware of the dangers they faced in siring children. Improvements had been made across the generations but even still, it was a matter that they collectively approached with all seriousness.

“You cannot change what you are any more than I can. Tear my wings off and I am still an Avialae. I may have lost what people associate with my kind but I have not lost what truly makes us what we are.” He shook his head as Rickter confessed his feelings about the woman’s health.

“I am sorry for your loss, Rickter. You carry a weight on your heart. Your burden, however, is one that I may be able to help you with.” He smiled softly at the wolf before sighing.

“I do not know how much you know about my people but we are uniquely equipped to deal with emotional distress.” Even as he spoke of it, Talon felt his bondmate reach across the bond that they shared and give him the equivalent of a mental hug. It was a show of support. The bond was not always straightforward but it could alleviate much when it came to balancing the burdens that some shared. Talon often wondered if the loss of his bondmate had driven Jacien to his madness.

“It is called the Bond. It is something we are taught to navigate and handle from the time we are children. It makes raising an Avialae both more intuitive and more difficult at the same time.” Talon chuckled. Oh, how he could remember the days when his younger brother was just a baby, ready and able to share his discomfort with everyone around him.

“Unlike most of the people’s of Ransera, Avialae were not made by the gods. We were made by a mortal man, if he can be called that. Our history is one that we know well, along with our origins. In our creation he gave us a gift.” Talon touched a hand to his chest as he spoke. He looked down at his chest as though he could physically see the bond that existed between himself and his companion.

“There are levels to it and it is not always an easy thing to describe. In the simplest terms, it forges a connection between ourselves and those who we care about. Aoren and I share one of the deepest levels of the Bond. It is how we can communicate with each other even when literal mountains of distance separate us.” Talon raised his grey eyes to regard Rickter calmly.

“If you are struggling, I can form a Light Bond with you and help you with your struggles. It is something that is easily done and while it is the most superficial of the Bond, it can go a long way. The choice is yours.”

"Listen."

Posted: **Sat Nov 28, 2020 1:28 am**

Of course, such a thing might become a short habit between the two. How often was Rickter prone to silence when the mood struck him? And how often would Talon be there to see past that continuing facade? Perhaps for once he should do himself the favor, and considerably admit that he hasn't been as okay as intended. He certainly denied himself the better luxury of things in life for the longest while, and yet here he was now, completely unhinged over a simple thing such as a surprise. Yet at the same time, Talon listened avidly to what parts of his life were shared, the moments that often led him to question many things about his life. And yet surely, the man sympathized with him almost innately over his parents, even going so far as to show a bit of practiced restraint within his words.

The wolf could determine, at least, that what he said was carefully chosen, and it was because smiled in turn that the message felt genuine. Rennei did love him in the end, didn't she? Even throughout their hard times, there were moments of peace between them. Rickter could only wonder how many more memories he kept from bubbling to the surface, what precious pieces of his past had he buried so deep because of fear? Because of hurt? Gregory... That man had lost Rickter's respect long ago, long after he'd even walked out, even after the wolf still cared back then.

But the way Talon spoke was much like Telion, almost nurturing but in an insightful manner each time. It actually surprised him at how much Talon reminded Rickter of Linden, who he sometimes would wonder about as he kept a distance. It was strange to him mostly since Linden was as close of a brother as Rickter could think of, which was probably why Talon had started to remind the wolf in the beginning. Was this his way of helping Rickter? Even if he expected nothing to be gained? Generosity clearly wasn't something he was unaware of, but Rickter almost felt guilt-ridden to have garnered such attention. Yet what Talon expressed wasn't fallen on deaf ears, even as anxious as the wolf may have felt, listening to what the prince had to say in turn as he seemed intent to help.

But why? What was this offer? While he did seem a bit confused, he listened intently to the details of Talon's kin. The Avialae and their unquestionable bonds, how they can share with each other feelings, emotions, even thoughts if such a bond was strong enough. To learn of this Bond and its significance, Rickter seemed to reach a sense of utter awe in turn. There came so much history to his brethren, so much that his kind has had to burden within the annals of history. At the start, Rickter could see why Talon could actually be a great leader, as he was dear and true to anyone he seemed to cross paths with. But now? What Talon had offered ultimately petrified the wolf for a moment, as he realized then what Talon could be like as a friend.

Already his heart stirred with conflictions, his insecurity still a plague on his soul he just couldn't shake. Yet he wanted to... Deep down something within him yearned. That part of him that felt wracked with doubt, suddenly stirred into curious humility as he looked to Talon then. Could he really allow himself to burden another with his own troubles? For the longest time, Rickter has always remained independent and preferred the mentality of a lone wolf for safety measures. Now though? He found himself in a very unusual circumstance, and in a roundabout way, he began to question Vicis' sense of humor. Because while he dreaded the risks involved with the idea, just this once, Rickter actually felt the whim to reach out and accept it.

For someone, I've only briefly met, it's certainly odd that I'd even feel like this. He reluctantly admitted to himself in turn, his gaze finally drifting to align with that of the Avialae before him. As the ocean would reflect the stars so too did the wolf's eyes mirror the prince's. Never thought I'd contemplate this before, just this once though, I think... I'll actually place my faith in you... It was settled to him at that point, even if he did question such an investment in his own personal welfare. Talon was given a steady nod in turn, with the wolf's expression stoic as before.

"...What needs to be done?" He then quietly asked almost in an aloof tone of voice.

Posted: **Sat Nov 28, 2020 12:14 pm**

A Night Out On the Town

26 Ash, 120 Steel

Talon could see the swell of emotions warring inside of Rickter. He remembered quite clearly how the wolf had thrown himself into battle. There had been no hesitation there. He was certain that there had been some measure of fear but it had not stopped him from acting. He recalled being told how Rickter had very quickly and selflessly thrown himself into the path of the ghouls that had attacked both him and the people in High Hopes. His bravery was followed even after exhausting himself in the ring during fights for entertainment. It was impressive and if he concentrated, Talon thought he could make out the very thin presence of the core of Rickter. If the wolf agreed to a Light Bond, Talon would be able to see the core of the man more clearly, just as Rickter would be able to see and feel the core of Talon more clearly. It was a superficial glance but it was enough to be able to lend support and strength to one another.

It was plain to see that Rickter did not derive his greatest fears from things that could hurt him physically. Beneath the exterior of the hardened wolf, Talon could see, at least on the surface, that there was something deeper that had wounded Rickter and had led to his more emotional fears. He did not know what those wounds were, he could guess, but only Rickter could reveal them if he so chose. Entering a Light Bond would not reveal such deeply layered scarring either but it would at least give Talon and Rickter the ability to better understand and help one another. When the wolf Rathari finally spoke, Talon’s eyes softened. He stepped forward and extended his hands flexing them gently in a silent request for permission to touch Rickter. When it was given, Talon rest his hands upon the wolf’s shoulders, squeezing them gently. He slid them down so that his hands were resting on Rickter’s deltoids in a comforting grasp.

“Only that you trust me.” Talon closed his eyes and leaned forward, pressing their foreheads together lightly. He drew in a deep breath before letting it out slowly. With each breath he listened quietly for the breathing and pacing of the rise and fall of Rickter’s chest. He slowly began the work of opening himself up to the wolf. He let his mind focus only on Rickter’s breathing and the beat of his heart. Talon’s wings extended so that they naturally began to curl around the both of them in a subconscious movement born of the Bond’s protective nature. Slowly, a soft glow began to brighten at the center of Talon’s chest. It was small and illuminated his skin just enough to make out the outline of Talon’s beating heart within his chest. The light was a silvery white and was reminiscent of a winter morning.

The beat of Talon’s heart and his breathing was in synch with that of Rickter’s as the makings of the Bond stirred between them. Talon opened his eyes and stared into the wolf’s.

“This is going to be the hardest part for you, Rickter.” Talon kept his voice gentle as though he were coaxing a frightened animal into feeling safe and secure. In some ways, Talon could see that Rickter was similar to that. He hoped this would set him on the path to healing.

“You have to open yourself up to accepting it. Not just here…” Talon lightly touched the tips of his fingers to Rickter’s head. “...but here.” He touched Rickter’s chest, directly over his heart.

Talon stood up straighter. He kept his hands lightly on Rickter’s arms but the grasp was one that the wolf could very easily step out of and away from if he so chose. Talon merely waited. He would not push this. It was merely an offer and Rickter could still refuse if he so chose.

---

Aoren gasped and shivered slightly. His wings extended and curled around him reflexively as he felt Talon open himself up to forming the bridge between heart and soul. The center of Aoren’s chest glowed a soft scarlet. He touched his hands over his chest and let his emotions flow freely from himself to his companion. He lent his strength and his presence to the offer that Talon was making. For the Avialae, it was a sacred thing and though Light Bonds were formed all the time, they were still the first step in what could become something greater if those involved allowed it to.

Rien saw the glow in Aoren’s chest. His eyes went to the restroom and there was an understanding in them. He smiled and nodded his head.

"Feel."

Posted: **Sat Nov 28, 2020 9:01 pm**

Then came what would be the scary part for Rickter, which was following through with what he'd decided. Ultimately he wasn't afraid of putting faith in someone like Talon, it was the unquestionable certainty that certainly lingered afterward. Far too many times had the wolf allowed himself the attachment of emotion, only to find that fate itself had removed the figure centered at that attachment. For a long while he believed it to be something akin to a curse, although more or less chalked it up as bad luck in the end.

Indeed Rickter wasn't ever really lucky when it came to friends, such was the reason why his nature resembled that of his beastly form. A loner with nobody to mourn had no reason to, just as the solitary life he'd chosen granted him a sense of peace. Security is more like. Now though that seemed like a waking dream to him, for Rickter was about to actually go through with this decision. Quite plainly he was a basket of anxiety, but even so, he did his best to remain absolute even in those moments of doubt. Talon reached outward after his inquiry, indicating that he wished to handle or prod at the wolf for whatever reason. It merited a brief furrow of his brow for a moment but he nodded in turn, allowing the prince to draw closer as his hands gently rested upon his shoulders first.

Strangely he didn't feel as against it as he expected to, the wolf only watching Talon's hands in turn, with his breathing light and slightly paced in turn. This was important for him to realize in turn, but for now, he remained focused on what Talon was doing. Trust him? Rickter thought he already had at that moment, then again, nothing had quite been started at that moment either. It had to be a means of communication with the wolf, or so Rickter thought, to implore him so that when they began he would be ready in turn. He trusted Talon and there was no questioning that, for the prince had earned that trust in turn. It was in the moments that transpired after Rickter felt odd, mostly because he had never quite anticipated what occurred next, even after seeing such a common gesture between Avialae numerous times.

Their foreheads lightly pressed into one another as Talon closed his eyes, the wolf doing the same in turn as he felt their noggins touch one another. What made this seem odd to him was the fact it was him, not the gesture itself, who was on the receiving end of that gesture. Even so, he realized what it was Talon was doing, as the Avialae slowed his breathing in turn, listening to Rickter's own patterns as the wolf waited in turn. He was so confused, unsure of what to expect from this. When he finally caught on the wolf made his next intake of air drawn out, slowing his breathing down so that it could be matched easier in turn. Reluctantly he opened his eyes in turn, admittedly intimidated far beyond his normal capacity to see the man up close. This felt so unusual for him and yet... Something felt on the verge of transpiring between them.

Not in the sense that others would expect in situations like this, for that was far too commonly easy for those with ideals of passion or lust. No. What would soon manifest had to be something greater, certainly different beyond anything Rickter was aware of. Their breathing and their hearts were one at that moment, leading Rickter to gaze into Talon's silvery eyes when he spoke again after. The hardest part... Even now his voice felt warm and soothing, comforting like the words of a master to his dear pet. Strange how that reminded Rickter so much of Telion, and how gradually his feelings of uneasiness lightened as his wings spanned around them. How? How did he feel safest here? Protected by the man in front of him Rickter felt guarded still, questioning himself initially, but also the reason as to why that still remained.

And then Talon answered for him. In his mind, he might've felt ready but deep within, as those fingers brushed at the surface of his heart, Rickter realized then just why he still remained guarded even when secure. He didn't need to just accept the Bond that was being forged between them, he needed to open himself to it entirely, and in doing so help build that connection between them. But was he ready? For so long the wolf had remained unsure of himself, always questioning the facets that made him who he was. Could he learn to embrace them? Talon showed he was already willing to, otherwise, he wouldn't have even offered to create the Bond, to begin with. Open... my heart... Often times he ignored what it told him, probably why it was usually only silent until moments like earlier sprouted.

Now though? Though in his heart he felt that same fear, that residual worry over an uncertainty beyond his control. But what point would there be in stopping because of that worry? Already his heart felt on the verge of aching again, and this time he knew, it was because of the fact he doubted it immensely. Emotions had always been a fickle thing for him, the only prominent emotions lingering within that of anger and sorrow in turn. But what if he looked past all that? What if he sought beyond all that buried torment? What then? Rickter thought heavily about himself and his being, as the instrument in his chest continually beat with a life of its own. The pulsations were rather erratic to be sure, but within his uneasiness, the wolf started to search deep within to find that answer on his own.

All those times he simply wanted to be ordinary... All those moments he spent spiting those who teased him growing up... They were nothing but lakes compared to him, for the ocean within his heart felt vast and endless as it met with the sky eventually. Rickter hadn't forgotten the trance of meditation he'd gone through with his Negation rune, as part of him often wondered if the visions he experienced held any significant meaning in turn. Now though he felt sure one did. That lonely wolf acknowledged him there. Rickter didn't know if that was a part of him entirely, or just a spiritual metaphor he had yet to really ascertain in turn. But that ocean... That ocean he'd fallen within felt familiar to him. It felt a part of him even, the more he thought on the matter entirely.

Naturally, as he thought of this he actually noticed the light coming from Talon's core then, his eyebrows elevated as his eyes also widened at the sight. He's actually... opening up to me. He then came to understand in turn, grasping the concept of the Bond and its nature in turn. The wolf's expression remained stoic if not sullen, the residual pains in his heart lessening now, as he stared into that gleaming silvery light with pure bafflement. This really was hard. No matter how much he wanted to, no matter how much effort he put into it, his heart only continued to yearn in pain as he waited. Slowly, but surely, the wolf felt the tangible forces at work, but even then he struggled for cooperation with the instrument in his chest. He really wanted to... So why? Why couldn't he do it?

Even now he felt Talon reaching out to him, encouraging him but going no further beyond that. However, it wasn't just Talon alone that seemed to be doing it... Another sense of familiarity started to settle over him then, as he could feel another joining in on building the bridge between them. It had to be Aoren... Although Rickter couldn't figure out what made him decide. Perhaps he didn't even need to, in just feeling their presence he knew all he needed. Thus, with another closing of his eyes, the wolf breathed in deeply, that same breath withheld as he focused in turn on himself. These two warriors... Everyone outside... They were all there for him, they were all rooting for him in their own way. Telion. Hannah. Margo. Maybe even Rien. All the time now when he'd come in, there was someone there who encouraged him; one way or another.

Thus did the ocean within stir.

Innately fear plagued his heart but within that fear did courage rise, as Rickter found within him the means of opening his heart. Over his sternum where it continued to beat, the erratic palpitations lessened to a calmer pace as he then breathed out again. In turn, a faint glimmer started to manifest at his core, with traces of light softly emitting over the surface of his shirt. Rickter's eyes were cast downward when they opened again, witnessing the gradual rise of a small light as it poured from his chest. That light looked to be as deeply blue as the ocean itself, its particles reminiscent of that in turn as he felt his heart fully open. Talon was allowed inside now, and initially, he'd feel the wave of doubt that always crested in Rickter's being. Beyond that though? All his other residual emotions lingered still, fear and anger were no longer as convoluted as before, as they were almost no longer prominent within his being.

What did strongly remain though was that trust, the feeling of hope within a world of uncertainty. Faith had guided Rickter in that moment for when he felt Talon and Aoren reaching out, he, in turn, did the same to rest that faith within them. What did he feel though? Warmth. Not like actual temperature or anything, but like the rays of the sun on a gentle Glade's day. It was almost alarming actually to feel such a thing, as he couldn't recall if he'd ever experienced it before in his life. Though puzzled with questions the wolf remained silent though, his gaze clearly one of vulnerability as he and Talon looked at one another. What could the prince see in the wolf's eyes? In Talon's there was that same warmth, in a welcoming sense that softened the features on Rickter's face. He didn't smile, though he was noticeably far more relaxed than before, as the Bond between them started to feel established in turn.

---

After the abrupt need for Ricter to leave Telion had taken a seat at the bar, her ukulele still held close in her lap as she often glanced, between both that delicious-looking cake and the doorway to the restroom. Talon had gone in after the wolf several minutes ago, which had left the rest of the group alone for that time. "Maybe... he just doesn't like cake?" She questioned thoughtfully in a quieter tone than before.

"I thought you said he would though." Hannah ruminated with her as she'd been busy with her nails, although sparing the occasional smirk to Aoren while they waited.

"Well, he did eye those cakes back at the palace the other day..." Telion sighed then before realizing that Aoren twitched, more or less reacting to what the others present obviously could not see... yet. Until at last light filtered out from the Avialae's core, glistening a small ray of scarlet out of his chest as he seemed to focus in turn. "Huh?" The tilt of her head when she made that noise prompted curious eyes from Hannah and Margo, the two foreigners present staring at him in pure awe as they watched him.

Rien and Margo, on the other hand, were both pleased with what it was they saw. Enough to where the barmaid noticed the bafflement in Telion and Hannah. "Awe, well would you look at that. I take it you two haven't ever seen a Bonding before?" She inquired to them in turn.

"No, but..." Hannah's voice trailed off then as she watched Aoren further, expecting him to do something more exciting later on.

"It's beautiful." Telion admitted in turn with fascination in her eyes, her gaze solely zoned on the scarlet glow softly resonating from Aoren's chest. Even Hannah looked to him rather surprised, her eyes quickly moving past the Raven-winged Avialae towards the restroom. While Telion wasn't fully aware of what it meant overall, Hannah seemed to figure out quickly why exactly the knight-captain had started to glow as well.

"It appears our dear wolf is opening up to the Prince." She remarked with a rather cheeky grin in turn, casting it at Aoren as she still watched him with appraising eyes; with a hint of appreciation seen at the slight raise of her eyebrow to him.

Posted: **Sat Nov 28, 2020 10:02 pm**

A Night Out On the Town

26 Ash, 120 Steel

Talon watched as the river of blue light flowed from Rickter’s chest to his own. It joined with the silvery white light in Talon’s chest becoming pale blue before it was accompanied by the scarlet light of Aoren. Talon brought a hand up as the light settled and he let out a steady breath. As the fullness of Rickter’s emotions, of the rudimentary form of his thoughts and how they stirred in him became clear to Talon, the young man’s expression softened. He met those blue eyes, his hand tightening into a loose fist over his heart.

“Oh, Rickter…” The wolf did not need to speak. Talon could feel what he was feeling, at least what was most prominently on the Rathari’s mind. Gently, ever so gently, Talon reached out across the bond that the two of them now shared and grasped the fear, the doubt and the turmoil that raged across Rickter’s being. Very carefully, almost as though he were showing Rickter what he was doing, Talon didn’t quell those emotions but instead offered up the steadiness of his support to allow Rickter to move past them himself. That support was compounded as through Talon, Aoren’s support flowed as well. Neither of them invaded Rickter’s heart, his mind, or his soul. They merely gave him a more solid foundation to wade through the confusion of his struggles more clearly.

Through that bridge however, as it stood in its infancy, Rickter was given a glimpse into Talon’s heart and soul. There was pain there. Even as Talon worked to offer up support for his newfound friend, Talon could still feel the faultline of that jagged chasm inside of him. The edges were not as sharp and it no longer felt as though he were going to be swallowed by it but it remained. It was a black pit of anger, a crushing sorrow and a broken despair that had torn through Talon when it had formed. He remembered clearly when he had lost someone he had once so treasured not but a year prior. It had been a sharp betrayal and he was still finding his way away from that darkness. There were other things around that chasm as well. There was the weight of fear for his people. The armies of Zaichaer were stirring. The Order of Reconcilliators was becoming more vocal and was growing to become of concern to the Elder Council. Talon held within him the fears of a man ready to assume the mantle of leadership among his people.

He was afraid for Kalzasi. He was afraid for his people. Always. For he loved his homeland and stood ready to fight bitterly, tooth and nail, to protect his people. But there were other fears there as well, there was astonishment and a sense of his world view having been shattered following the attempt on his life. There was the realization that there were still so many people who needed to be helped. Those things, they were things far larger than Talon could face on his own...but he still wanted to. If he did not lead the way, who would? Such was the thinking of a Novalys. Always to be the first to step into the path of danger. Theirs was a duty to protect and to serve the people they ruled over, for that was their privilege and their burden.

Those things faded however, as the bond solidified into the most superficial form. The deeper glimpse of who Talon was became something akin to looking at his core through frosted glass. The vague haze of something just beyond it could be made out, but the glass was far from clear enough to get the details.

In Rickter’s eyes, Talon saw a deep weariness and a loneliness that called to him. Talon brought his hands up and rest them upon Rickter’s shoulders. Again, his wings curled around the both of them protectively.

“You are not alone. Not anymore.” He squeezed the wolf’s shoulders with a light smile. “And when you feel you need this no longer, you need only reach out to the door between us and close it.”

Talon chuckled then.

“And no, we will not always be in your head. Only when you need us.” To demonstrate this, Talon winnowed down the connection until it was barely perceptible on Rickter’s peripheral senses. He did it slowly so that the wolf could get a feel for what Talon did and how he did it. Talon then slowly opened up the connection again.

“Now, take a deep breath. The others are waiting for us.” Talon stepped up to the door. He held a hand out to Rickter, waiting for him to lead the way back out into the celebration.

----

Aoren closed his eyes, taking a deep breath as the new bond settled in his chest. The feathers of his wings rustled as they fluffed and settled into place. He rolled his shoulders and shivered. The Bond was never something he would get used to. He didn’t want to, truth be told. Still, having another in that small space that he shared with Talon would be interesting to say the least. He let his support and strength flow to Rickter as it was evident the confused wolf needed it. Such was the nature of the Bond, it tugged at each bondmate, urging them to grow closer, to support and strengthen one another. The lighter the bond, the easier that call was to ignore. The deeper it went, the clearer that call became and the more distinct the needs of the partner became.

“Just as Talon and myself are now open to him.” Aoren’s hazel eyes came to settle upon Hannah. “What he feels, we feel. What he wants us to know, we will know. Where he needs us, we can lend strength if it is what he wants from us.”

Aoren slid into a nearby chair. He picked up a drink brought over to him by Margo and took a gulp. His brow was furrowed as he sorted through the dynamic of having Rickter so close to him now. He did not regret it and to share a bond was to share something close and intimate, he merely needed to wrap his head around understanding what seeing Rickter in this light would be like.

"Listen."

Legend of Ransera

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