Snow Day

[Sliver]

Snow Day 54th of Fall Sliver was restless. It was her day off of patrol, but the blankets of snow covering the ground and the fact that it would not soon ceased, kept her indoors. She growled softly to herself, never liking to be cooped up and tried to think of what to do. She had grown restless as of late, more so than usual and she just couldn’t put her finger on the reason. Sure there were plenty of problems going on around Avanthal, but that was not it, at least not the reason today. Fingers twitching with energy Sliver cleaned up her room, sweeping, dusting, even getting to the other side because she just couldn’t stand how old and abandoned it looked. Coughing and spluttering and covered with dirt, she took solace in the menial task, and two bells later, her space could have been heralded as the tidiest area in all of the barracks. A few passerby gave approving whistles and Sliver smirked in satisfaction as she sat down on the bed. Of course this sensation only last a few moments before the boredom set back in, she fiddled with her skinning knife for a few bells, flipping it around in her hand as her mind struggled with why she was feeling so jumpy and anxious, like she just didn’t fit in her skin. She mulled over everything she could, and even briefly attempted to meditate, but her mind was simply too high strung and jumbled to try to clear her tangled thoughts out of. She paced around for a time, wearing a hole in the floor and jumping about a foot in the air when someone tapped on her door frame. Kennen’s dark hair, square jaw and straight face stared at her curiously, and she saw the familiar tug of his lips when he was trying to contain a smile. Sliver stopped and brushed a hand through her hair absentmindedly. “So you’re off today than too?” He offered, glancing outside. “Good day for it to fall on if you ask me, but people have been talking about how you’re like a rat in a cage.” He smiled now, and Sliver enjoyed the expression. It was the same but opposite with both Simon and Kennen, for Simon who was always laughing and smiling she enjoyed the moments where his face was serious with emotion or thought, the way his eyes lit up with something deeper than his topical humor. With Kennen he liked to appear as stone to everyone save Shylir and Yilarra, but Sliver was pleased to say that he had loosened up around her as well, and his smiles, breaking his face like a crack in the stone face, were well worth the wait. Truth be told she knew she was a novelty to the two bears, for they both held an intense fascination for her un-bonded status, as well as an inherent sympathy that they rarely ever showed, though she knew was floating beneath the surface. Now Kennen leaned against the frame. “You know you don’t have to stay in here, you can walk around the rest of the barracks.” He said it in the sly sarcastic tone he liked to display. Usually it was used in a harsher manner on Simon, and Sliver appreciated getting the playful side of it from the bear. He gestured one hand dramatically out of the door way. “Come to the mess hall with me, you can stretch those legs and stop staring at these bare walls.” Sliver just chuckled in response and walked beside the hulking Kelvic down to the eating place of the Icewatch, a long room with several polished oak tables that stretched across the entire length of the room, benches and stools sporadically placed along the oak. Kennen made Sliver sit down and got them a couple plates of food, Sliver enjoying trying to discern the meals cooked for them before he brought them to the table. The Winterflame chefs that worked in the kitchens always had some kind of hearty meat for them, though Icewatch was the first to lower the amount of meat they consumed substantially after the closing of the gates. Nevertheless roving Icewatch parties still brought back game, giving most of it to the city, but taking the occasional carcass back to the barracks. Today was a few slices of rabbit and chicken, potatoes, and an orange vegetable that had a sweet taste to it. Sliver dug into her food, wondering why she hadn’t thought of coming to the mess hall in the first place, and several times during the meal she caught Kennen glancing at her, looking away quickly when their gazes met. The wolverine smiled. Kennen was an interesting bear. While Simon was the persuasive and outgoing of the pair, enjoying more…physical pleasure with any Kelvic or Vantha female that would have him, Kennen was a bit more reserved. Kelvic were animals first, and always had their physical needs, but while Shylir and Yilarra were always talking about Simon’s conquests, she rarely heard of Kennen’s engagement with other Icewatch members. Sliver was actually quite surprised by the lax attitude the Icewatch had about fraternizing, very unlike most military orginzations, but the more she learned the more it seemed that the relaxed nature was more of a realization of Kelvic and human needs in a job that could provide high stress situations and shortened lifespans. Also someone needed to keep the Dire Polar bear Kelvic numbers up, so a need for breeding would never be denied. As long as the relationships never interfered in the productivity of its members, the Icewatch all but encouraged the tightening of relationships in the guard, and Sliver could appreciate the open mindedness of a culture that understood Kelvic so implicitly. Once they were done the two Kelvic sat in silence for a moment, each one evaluating the next move. Sliver returned their dishes, but as Kennen began to rise, Sliver sat back down. Kennen looked pleasantly surprised as he sat back down and Sliver, gestured to the mostly empty cafeteria. “So where are the twins and your mortal enemy off to today?” Kennen shrugged. While the four of them were nearly inseparable they seemed to have a system of usually a couple days a week when each of them did their own thing, the twins often spoke about their bond being like a link, even when separated they could feel each other, but just because they were bonded didn’t mean they were joined at the hip. “They said they were going to have some fun today, and Simon just wandered off by himself, not sure when he’ll be back.” Sliver nodded, and observed the muscled Kelvic sitting across from her. He was giving her that look, the look both of the bears gave her sometimes when they were lost in thought. It had taken her several times to translate it, but she finally discovered from Simon that it was them each wondering how it would be like to never know what a bond felt like, each unable to imagine it. The look always made the wolverine uncomfortable, for it held altogether too much sympathy for her tastes. To break the moment she punched Kennen in the shoulder. He winced and looked at her accusingly, and Sliver just shook her head. “It’s not as bad as you think, so please stop giving me that look.” Some color came to the bear’s face at being discovered, and he pulled at his shirt for a moment, giving her a gaze that clearly was attempting to display an apology. As Kennen opened his mouth to say something, a voice interrupted both of the companion’s chat. “Oy, stone face! Stop boring the fine lady here!” Simon had arrived.

[Sliver]

No one could deny the well oiled charisma that Simon had at his disposal. He was fully aware of how his appearance tugged on the heart strings of men and women alike, and basked in the realization. A confident swagger hung in every step the Kelvic took, and even if his winning smile didn't completely consume his features, it nearly always hung in those dark and sultry eyes. To be fair Simon was playful at heart, and never openly cruel to anyone save perhaps Kennen on occasion, but it didn't stop him from breaking his fair share of hearts. He just wasn't a one woman bear, something Shylir and Yilarra took in stride, but not all women that he interacted with did. Sliver waved him over and the Kelvic sat next to her, making faces at Kennen, who by this point in their relationship, was adept at keeping that stone face mentioned earlier. Sliver sighed. She wouldn't be seeing any more of those rare smiles from her friend as long as Simon was around, though admittedly he had enough to go around. Sliver punched Simon's arm in a friendly manner, now completely dwarfed by both of the massive bears. "What's on the agenda today?" The newly arrived Kelvic gave a dramatic shrug and glanced around the nearly empty mess hall. "Just the usual on a day off, wake up, eat, spend time with the most beautiful Kelvic in all of the Icewatch." Simon smiled winningly at Sliver, then reached across the table and grabbed Kennen by his hair, dragging his head forward. "Isn't he gorgeous, though?" The wolverine broke out into laughter as Kennen growled, smacking Simon's arms to break free, and finally just yanking his head back viciously, a look of unamused annoyance plain on his features, his mouth placed in an interesting downward slant that just made the two Kelvic across from him laugh all the harder. "But seriously? Nothing. I'm going stir crazy in here honestly." He elbowed Sliver playfully. "I heard you were going on a cleaning frenzy earlier, we clearly share the same problem. This bear-" Simon pointed accusingly towards Kennen. "-Could sit inside all day just staring at the snow and be happy, I swear he's half walrus." Sliver smiled at Kennen, giving him an apologetic glance, but the bear had clearly gone into stone mode, and gave her no emotional response. Sensing the rising tensions between the two, which was more of Kennen becoming angrier and angrier, Sliver slapped the table. "I have an idea!" Both bears looked at her curiously, waiting for her to elucidate her purpose. "Snowball fight!" Eyebrows shot up and the wolverine raised her hands up. "Don't knock it until you've tried it." "We haven't had a snowball fight since we were cubs." Sliver rose from the table with a smile. "That explains a lot. Come on, if I can make a Mage have a laugh or too I can certainly make a couple bears get along for more than a chime." Sliver was already down the hallway, so she didn't get to catch their incredulous looks or confusion. She ran eagerly to her room, destroying the organization almost immediately as she threw out clothes, grabbing the fur coat with a hood, a scarf and the ever important mittens that would keep her hands warm. Then she raced down the hallway of the barracks. As she ran a vein of concern shot through her. Perhaps the bears thought her idea silly and wouldn't go with her, perhaps they thought her foolish or immature. These thoughts were soon cleared when two pairs of feet could be heard advancing from behind. Just as she exited the doorway two arms caught her form either side, easily hoisting her up into the air and throwing her bodily into the nearest snow bank.

[Sliver]

Cold snow was in her face all of a sudden, and Sliver coughed and spluttered as the sound of two throats echoing laughter came from behind her. She grabbed two fistfuls of snow and whirled around lobbing both of them into the bear’s individual faces, right on target. Their laughter ceased and Sliver’s picked up, and then the scene turned into an absolute free for all. It was every Kelvic for themselves out there in the falling snow, temporary alliances could be made between each other, but these agreements were made fully realizing that at the drop of a hat they would be broken and your ‘ally’ would shove a handful of snow down your back. To that end Sliver ran around the grounds, forming several stockpiles of snowballs that when one was discovered she always had a back-up handy to punish any betrayals. Soon enough their antics drew the attention of other Vantha and Kelvic cooped up on the snowy day, and encouraging shouts and hollers from the two bears and the wolverine, they were joined by several other Icewatch members. In the end they split up into four teams of three, each one had claim to one side of the barracks, and it was the aim of the other three teams to overtake and conquer the other sides while attempting to protect their own side. It became a chaotic game of capture the flag coupled with King of the Hill, and the shouts and hollers of glee, frustration, defeat, and victory, were swept up by the wind. Though previously enemies Sliver, Kennen, and Simon agreed that they made a set of crack shot snow throwers, and became snow ninjas. They formed arsenals of snow balls and systematically drowned their enemies in the sheer amount of ice balls they would bring to bear. While this technique was very effective in capturing points, it left their own side of the barracks horribly open for invasion, and eventually the technique was dropped in favor of just attempting to hit everything that moved, including each other. When the rules created too much debate they were thrown away in favor of a free for all, and the fun continued on for several bells of laughter, merriment, and red cheeks. Sliver worked to construct an icy bulwark from behind which she could lob her collected array of snowballs arranged from soft to filled with ice chunks at any passerby, but suddenly found herself besieged by Kennen who leaped over the front heaving a chunk of snow much too big to accept the name of snowball down upon her back. Bit of snow drifted down her coat, which was already thoroughly soaked, and Kennen smiled with glee, which got him the swift response of ball of snow in the face. The two resorted to wrestling, bits of snow flying, both Kelvic laughing at the scenario and how utterly covered with snow the other one was. This was interrupted by Simon who literally bulldozed the defensive barrier of snow over onto the two of them, causing them to both splutter and claw their way out to breathe. Soaking wet, and the cold beginning to sink in, even to those with Morwen’s mark, individuals started filing inside. Though the events had been fun, Sliver was relieved to take off her soaking garments, towel off and switch into dry clothes at last. She was nearly finished, just slipping on her shirt when she heard someone clearing their throat near the entryway: Kennen. Sliver looked up and smiled at the Kelvic, exposing her white teeth and a face that was still red from the exertion. “Glad you enjoyed it.” Kennen nodded silently, a small smile still playing on his lips which parted in order to say something just as Simon appeared in the doorway. Sliver couldn’t help but be amused at the fact that the bear had been interrupted not once but twice by his rambunctious counterpart. “Good show Sliver, good show. And I thought no one could loosen up this hunk of stone up save Shylir and Yilarra, speaking of…they should be back soon, why don’t we get something to eat?” As soon as Simon mentioned food Sliver’s stomach growled audibly, and without another word the three Kelvic headed back to the dining hall where they got their food and found the twins already sitting and digging into their meal. The conversation was polite, but somewhat awkward. Sliver was confused as to exactly what the reason for this was, but kept seeing Shylir and Yilarra glancing at each other, then at her, back then at Kennen, back then at Simon, and by the end of dinner Sliver felt like she had just missed some giant joke. She gathered most of the dished up when they were finished and Shylir or Yilarra walked back with her carrying the rest. She leaned over and whispered to Sliver. “Nice work by the way.” Sliver glanced at her in confusion. “Nice work with what?” The twin raised her eyebrows.“With whatever you did today, snow ball fights or whatever, you’ve got them hooked.” The wolverine was starting to become annoyed at the fact that she was missing something that apparently was so obvious to both of the twins. “What are you talking about?” Whichever twin it was smirked slyly,“Both of them have been giving you looks all night at dinner. I mean I knew Kennen had been crushing on you, but now you have both them on a little lead, well done.” Sliver stopped up short, stiffly depositing the dishware and any food remains into the designated area. She had recognized Kennen’s looks, so this realization had not come as a surprise, but Simon…both of the bears liked her? While fathoming it took a bit of time, as soon as she turned around and saw both of their gazes glued to her, quickly turning their heads away when she caught sight of her, there was no denying the truth of what the twin said. She gave Sliver an ‘I told you so,’ elbow and the two returned to the table. Though the twins and their bondmates continued talking, Sliver was silent, worried, and feared to speak a word after that, excusing herself shortly thereafter and making her way to her room. It seemed that neither of the twins minded their bear’s attention being focused on her, and she knew they slept around, but it still felt exceedingly odd to the wolverine to be taking the attention of Kennen and Simon away from their bondmates, almost wrong. She slipped off her shoes and sat on the edge of her bed. Though it was early, the day’s events caught up to her in a severe whirlwind and she felt the sudden need to collapse until morning. She was just beginning to undress when Simon came in. Unlike Kennen, who always politely knocked on the door or made some sort of noise to make sure she was aware of his presence, Simon enjoyed sneaking up behind you. Bears, however, had a tendency to make a good deal of noise when they moved so Sliver whirled just as the bear attempted to grab her, and took a small leap backwards out of range of his grasp. Simon clucked his tongue. “Too fast for me I see.” Sliver smiled, a coy expression coming to her face unbidden. “I know your little tricks, bear.” Simon gave her an answering expression, taking a step towards her, “Hardly.” The two stood there sizing each other up for a moment, corners of their mouths turned upward, and Simon broke the silence. “So I realize that little Ken has a bit of thing for you, ever since you joined up really, maybe its cause you’re new, I’ve seen him do it to other bears, and the occasional Vantha, maybe not, but I say he’s been too long in making his move.” The bear took another step and slid one arm around Sliver’s waist, kissing her lightly. Their lips remained together there for a long moment before separating, Simon smiling as if he had one some sort of victory over Kennen, and Sliver vaguely wondered if that was the only reason he was interested in her. Sliver cocked her head to the side, running a finger over her mouth. Well two could play at that game. She wondered if Simon had ever really had a taste of his own medicine. She wasn't as practiced as he to be sure, but that didn't mean she couldn't make him squirm a little in the process or his attempted conquest. “I’ve had better.” She commented. “Besides, what makes you think Kennen hasn’t made his move already?” Simon looked a bit surprised at the Kelvic’s turn around. “Harsh words, Sliver….” His eyes studied her as if seeking out the truth in there. “Well if he has I guess I’ll have to step up my game.” With that the bear strode from the room and Sliver smiled. The kiss had been nice, even if it had been misplaced, and those misgivings from before seemed to have evaporated. She was here and had both of their attentions, why not get a little fun out of it? If she got bored or the bears did or Shylir and Yilarra got jealous, this whole situation could easily be stopped, right? Sliver grinned, finished undressing and slipped into bed. What an interesting day…

[Capricious]

Sliver

Award

Skill	XP Earned	Lore Earned
Weapon: Snowball	2	• Possible Partner: Simon
Cleaning	1	• Possible Partner: Kennen
Observation	1	• Creating a Large Scale Snowball Fight
Seduction	1	• Goal: Teach Simon a Lesson
Rhetoric	1	•

Witty Remark Here

I did give you one point in both seduction and rhetoric. The point in seduction was for handling Simon at the end and the rhetoric was for lying to him in order to achieve a result. All other skills should be self-explanatory. I look forward to seeing how Sliver handles the knowledge that Simon and Kennen have a crush on her.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your grade, please send me a PM and we can figure it out.