Now What?... (Open)

by **Alenias** on March 31st, 2011, 9:10 pm

As the woman said she wasn't leaving Alenias calmed down, and she sniffled a couple times as she looked hopefully at the woman and Yune. Had she finally found someone like Treanas? The emptiness was still inside her, but the thought of going with this woman helped it feel a little better. Even as the latest of her tears traced down her cheeks she smiled at the thought of not being alone anymore.

When the woman asked if she used magic Alenias blinked at her, and then shook her head, "No, Treanas said I don't know magic. That it's just who I am that makes me special," glancing around she checked to make sure no one else was nearby, "Treanas said I shouldn't show a people, because they get scary then, but you're nice so it's ok," and then in a swirl of lights and colors she transformed into her bird self.

Her now much too large cloak and the bag of shinnies fell to the ground as Alenias took to the air, flapping her wings and circling above the woman for a moment before landing on the shoulder Yune wasn't on and giving a happy little chirp of, "See?"

by **Aello** on March 31st, 2011, 9:34 pm

"If you don't know magic, than how could you possibly become a bird like Yune?" Aello inquired, her brow furrowed. Her forehead was etched with several lines. How is such a thing possible? Aello wondered. Her mind was simply drawing a blank. If she wasn't using magic, then how could she be as special as she claimed? Yune chirped in the girl's ear, in what appeared to be surprise as a series of bright colors enveloped the girl. Bright yellows, white, reds and oranges, that reminded Aello of the sun.

The light was so bright that Aello had to avert her gaze, as did Yune. The sound of coins clanking against coins reached Aello's ears. Startled and confused, the girl turned back to where Alenias had just stood. In her place was a blue jay. The bird fluttered up to Aello's unoccupied shoulder, and chirped. Aello's eyes grew wide. Well, that, that right there, that was pretty cool. Aello smiled weakly. "It doesn't look like you were kidding little one," Aello commented, unsure of what else to say. Of what she should do. Should she retrieve the girl's things, or would she be able to turn back into a human if she so chose? Would she be offended if Aello tried to pick everything up? Should Aello just go for it?

Shrugging, Aello bent at the waist and picked up the sack of money. She tightened the draw strings, and then wrapped it in the girl's clothing and other belongings. "Don't worry little one, your stuff is safe with us. Isn't that right Yune?" the bird seemed to chirp in agreement. Now that you have two companions, where do you go? There has to be somewhere safe where you can take her. Somewhere where you two can figure out how to proceed. It is simply too open here, too risky. Aello nodded in response to her mind.

"Just hang tight little one, we are going to find somewhere a little more private to speak," Aello said as she lurched forward. She felt like a pack camel, carrying everything she was, but at least, this way, she would get a half way decent work out. The girl was silent as she began to weave her way in and out of the city streets and down narrow alley ways. Hopefully no one sees us and asks questions, that would be bad. After a few minutes, Aello arrived in a familiar place. It was a small alley wedged in-between two streets lined with abandoned and run-down buildings. Aello gingerly placed Alenias' things on the ground. The streets were almost never used, they should be as safe as any. "Well, here we are little one. No one ever comes here, except us of course."

OOCUm... if it's not ok to lead you around like this and carry your stuff just tell me, I can change things around.

So um... other than the abandoned buildings... the street is thin... maybe four feet wide at most. It smells of mold, since mold covers the buildings. Beneath a few of them are old, wooden crates, presumably empty. The occasional rat and alley cat can be seen scurrying about the place.

by **Alenias** on April 1st, 2011, 2:07 pm

"Yes, Aello is very good for a person. She will take care of your things," Yune chirped as Aello picked up Alenias' cloak and the bag of shinnies.

"I knew she was good because she let you ride on her shoulder," Alenias chirped back to Yune as Aello carried the two of them off to somewhere more private. Alenias fell silent as Aello walked along, as Aello was silent too. Were they hiding from someone? Alenias wasn't sure who they would be hiding from, but she knew it was important to be quiet while hiding.

When Aello announced they had arrived, and placed Alenias' cloak on the ground she fluttered down next to the cloak before transforming back to her human form. She quickly put the cloak back on, because Treanas had not liked her without clothes, and after a moment she hesitantly picked up the bag of shinnies again. She would just carry them until Aello took them, like when Treanas had let her play with them before.

Back to looking as she had before she transformed she gave Aello a smile, and then remembering what Treanas had told her she said, "Thank you for carrying me and my cloak here," it was important to thank people who were nice to you. Not sure what Aello had wanted to talk about in private Alenias tilted her head slightly and waited to see what the woman would say.

by **Aello** on April 1st, 2011, 2:48 pm

"You're welcome," Aello replied when the girl had shifted and but her clothes back on. "So, little one. If you can shift like that, but aren't using any form of magic, wouldn't that make you..." Aello's voice trailed off. She knew there was a term for people like Alenias. In fact, there was an entire race with the ability to shift from an animal form to that of a human. Perhaps it starts with a B, or perhaps a V. No, no, maybe it's a K. Aello's brow furrowed as she tried to remember the name given to those with such abilities. She could feel it on the tip of her tongue. Aello had met a few of them before, but she simply could not remember. "Ve... Rei... Clay... Day... No, no, we are thinking of the race of animal shifters Silly. Aello scratched her head. "Ve... Bor... No that doesn't sound right. "Ke... Kel... KELVIC!" Aello exclaimed happily. She quieted her voice down a bit. "You are a Kelvic," Aello declared.

"How very interesting," Aello continued. "We haven't seen one of you guys in a long, long time. But then again, there aren't too many of you, and you could blend into a crowd rather easily. Stay hidden if you wanted to." Aello smiled pleasantly. The girl must have taught to keep that hidden from others, for fear of being captured. Much like you learned to avoid the mention of your magic. Her grip had tightened around her bow, and Yune was chirping wildly in her ear. She turned to the bird, who must have been frightened again by the shift. "Shhh Yune, you wouldn't want to alert anyone to our presence, especially not the stryfe. Ok love?" The bird continued chirping. Aello sighed. "Please Yune." Her chirping began to die down, as she turned back to the girl.

"Anyway, little one, if you're a Kelvic blue jay, does that mean you can tell what Yune is saying?" Aello asked. "Can you understand her even when you're not in your bird form?" If she can she'd be really handy to have around. You wouldn't have to guess at what Yune is saying anymore. But then again, the girl could always lie to you. But you'd know. Thank goodness for magic right? Aello smiled weakly. Her eyes seemed to sparkle. "So can you turn into a bird whenever you would like, or only when you're not tired or too hungry or something?" she inquired. She is probably easy enough to feed, you know, when she remains a bird. Berries and grass go a long way with the things. "Because if that's the case, you can easily ride along on the other shoulder. We could keep your things in a backpack, and I'd carry it around for you." There was a slight pause. "You could be friends with Yune if you'd like. Surely she could use a friend."

Aello shifted her weight from her right to her left foot. How strange, to essentially be talking to a bird, especially when you always complain about how you can't understand Yune. It's like the gods sent a solution to your tiny little problem. Well, as long as she decides to come along with us. It's up to her really. "So little one, would you like to come along with us?" Aello asked as she raised her right brow quizzically. "We can help keep you safe, but, you should know that even if you come along, you will be faced with several obstacles, and great danger." There was a slight pause. "There is nothing that can keep you from such things forever," Aello continued. "No matter how strong the entity. Can you live with that..." her voice trailed off. "Do you have a name?" Aello inquired.

OOCSorry I have an incredibly difficult time with conversation... especially when Aello is supposed to come off a little nuts, and increasingly paranoid. Um... I don't know if you had more of a direction for this thread in mind, or not... I'm pretty open to either wrapping it up soon or perhaps writing in some sort of NPC that would perhaps, cause some trouble.

by **Alenias** on April 1st, 2011, 4:28 pm

Alenias blinked as Aello declared what she was, tilting her head slightly as she thought about it. That man who had tried to capture her had called her a Kelvic too. Treanas had never called her that, but maybe Aello knew stuff that Treanas did? No, Treanas must have just never mentioned it. He would have known something like that.

"My goodness! You're the Blue Jay I've heard about!" Yune chirped after Aello's declaration, and Alenias blinked and tilted her head at the bird questioningly as Aello asked her to be quiet, "How can you turn into a human? Is it something you learned?" when Aello asked for quiet again Yune gave a softer, "Sorry Aello."

Alenias nodded in response to Aello's question about understanding Yune, "Yes, I can. She was asking me how I can turn into a human, and she said sorry for being loud," Alenias tilted her head the other direction questioningly at Aello, "You can't understand her?" she knew that Treanas had not been able to understand birds, but she'd thought Aello could by the way the woman talked with Yune. How could you talk if you couldn't understand what was being said?

Alenias had to think a moment about Aello's next question, "Ummm... I've never not been able to turn into a bird, or a person. If I do it a lot it does make me hungry though," she then paused and her eyes widened slightly as she realized what Aello was saying. She could go with Aello!

When Aello asked the question of if she would like to come along with her and Yune Alenias ran forward and threw her arms around the short woman, being careful not to knock Yune off of her shoulder, and hugged her tightly, "Yes! Yes, thank you!" she started to cry from happiness as she felt the emptiness inside her get smaller, "I'll go with you, do what you say, behave for you, and get you shinnies or anything else you want, like a I did for Treanas!"

She let Aello go as she asked what her name was, and Alenias gave a small nod and a brilliant smile, "I'm Alenias. Thank you Aello, I promise I'll be good and make you happy."

OOCNo worries, it works for me.

As for plans for this thread my main plan was just to get Alenias with someone to replace Treanas, and introductions and the like. I'd be fine with wrappin it up soon, or maybe doin a bit more "getting to know you" type stuff. Or would ya rather do that in a new thread? Either way works for me.

by **Aello** on April 1st, 2011, 5:22 pm

Aello's eyes widened. Well, isn't she friendly? The girl's arms wrapped around Aello's slender waist. Aello could feel the air being sucked right out of her chest. A pale pink color wedged itself into the corners of her cheeks, as her arms dangled uselessly at her sides. Should she hug the girl back or something? Was she being rude by not returning the gesture? Finally the girl let go, and introduced herself. Thank goodness, it looked like she was going to suffocate you or something for a moment there. Aello smiled weakly, and giggled for a moment, before forcing herself to hold her amusement in.

"Well it's good to know Yune here will have a friend," Aello commented, unsure of what to say. See this is what being a loner does Aello. It makes people awkward, and well, socially inept. Aello ignored her mind's whispering. "We could both use the company, after all." There was a slight pause before she added, "and someone to translate for us. You know, with the apparent language barrier," she laughed. Perhaps having her around will be a good thing after all. It'll be like having another person. But then again, you do have another mouth to feed, and another entity to worry about. But we'll be ok right? After all, she has to be good at something.

"So, um, Alenias, what is it that you do? Do you have any sort of hobbies? Places where you prefer to be or need to go?" Aello asked as she looked up at the sky. The sun was still low, it couldn't yet be after noon. "We have some time to look around the city if you'd like. Unless you'd prefer to leave it, and head into the wilderness." Aello turned back to their new friend. "Do you prefer it out there, in the wild?" Aello asked. "We're alright either way, so whichever you'd prefer."

OOC*Facepalms* I am soooo bad at conversation. Anyway... we could wrap up unless you have an idea as to a fun place to go, and something exciting to do. Erm... Aello is probably not going to say much more. She is really, really awkward in social situations. Um... also as for extending the meet and greet thing, isn't getting to know someone a long drawn out process? I mean, I think it'd take more than a day to really get to know each other if you know what I mean. We could always ask each other tons of questions, but, actions speak louder than words, you know? (Hopefully that last bit makes sense). *Bites bottom lip nervously*

by **Alenias** on April 1st, 2011, 6:56 pm

Alenias simply smiled at Aello as she spoke of friends, company, and translating. Well, she stopped smiling at translating, and tilted her head at Aello questioningly, "Translate? What does translate mean?" she hoped it wasn't too confusing, but whatever it was she would definitely do her best so Aello would like her and not send her away.

The next group of questions brought back Alenias' smile though, because she was good at things, "I'm good at sneaking, hiding, and getting things!" she said brightly and proudly, sure that Aello would be happy to know it, "I like to go to Nitrozian Plaza, because lots of people leave good food and pretty things sitting out there. I used to need to go back to Treanas' home at night, but Treanas is gone and bad people come there now," she then paused and then gave a shrug, "I'm with you now, so I'll go wherever you want or you want me to go."

She had to make sure to be really good for Aello, so she would let her stay and then it'd be just like it had been with Treanas before he had disappeared.

OOCNo worries, you're doin great in my opinion!

As for fun/exciting things to do the only thought I have is goin to Nitrozian Plaza and the resulting excitement when Alenias takes something for Aello. And I totally agree with ya on the whole get to know each other thing, what I meant when I mentioned it was what we're doin now, and maybe exploring the whole "Take vs Steal" thing from Alenias' perspective. We can certainly do that in a different thread though.

No need to be nervous or anythin, you're doin fine and I'm havin fun!

by **Aello** on April 1st, 2011, 8:36 pm

"Translate means... well, to tell someone what someone else is saying when they don't quite understand that someone else," Aello explained. "For example, humans don't speak bird, unfortunately, so you could tell them what the birds are saying, and tell the birds what we are saying." There was a slight pause, "well, you should probably keep the bird communication thing between us. You wouldn't want to draw attention... or suspicions." Aello shivered. She hated to think about what the stryfe would do to the poor girl should they ever find out what she was.

"Anyway, we could always go to the plaza if you'd like. There are plenty of things to do there. We could shop, find a bite to eat... anything really," Aello commented. She's good at getting things? What does that mean? That she is quick to grasp new concepts, or something else entirely? Aello took a step closer to the girl, as if to walk past her. Aello thought that the plaza was that way. "So Alenias, what sorts of things do you like getting?" Aello asked. "Are you interested in weapons, or certain types of foods or spices? Anything shiny or expensive?" Hopefully she isn't a high maintenance sort of creature. She'd be sure to hate us soon enough.

Aello took a few more steps towards Alenias, and then past her. She raised her right hand, and pulled her hood over her head again. Best to keep the wandering eyes off. She turned her head slightly, "feel free to follow Alenias," Aello called. "Do your best to keep up, but if you need us to slow down, then feel free to holler." Yune chirped again. Aello turned her head back around, and walked to the end of the street, when she had she turned left and continued walking. When she reached the end of that street, Aello turned right, and then began to rapidly weave her way in and out of narrow side-streets. Eventually, the streets ended. "This should be it," Aello whispered as she looked around.

The hood was casting shadows over Aello's vision, making it difficult for her to take in everything around her. "Is there somewhere in particular within the plaza that you wanted to go Alenias? Or were you simply hoping to walk around and stretch your legs?" Aello inquired, as she turned her head to the right. Why does it feel like someone is watching us? Aello wondered as she turned her head to the left. Invisible eyes seemed to be digging tiny holes into her flesh; holes that burned. Especially when there is nothing there that could possibly be making us feel this way? A soft breeze rustled the girl's cloak. It's not cold enough for ghosts, and even if it were, would they bother to seek you out with Alenias around?

Aello took a deep breath in through the nose, she held it in for three seconds. Allowed the air to fill her lungs before she let it out of her mouth with a sigh. Just calm down love. "Trying to," Aello whispered through grit teeth. Perhaps this is one of those times Cassandra told you about. One of those times in which you are imagining things. Remember when she told you that your stalker wasn't real? Aello nodded her head slightly as her heart picked up the pace. Aello could hear it thudding in her ears, feel it pounding in her chest. Her palms began to sweat. It'll be fine, if only you could distract yourself.

"On second thought," Aello whispered, "perhaps you should simply follow." She took a few cautious steps forward before stopping dead in her tracks. Just where did she think she was going?

OOCThanks, I'm having fun too >.< Erm... just if you do try "borrowing without asking," make sure Sethies or V knows. Unless you get caught, in which case, Aello will bail you out. Or at least, she will sure try to.

Oh... and um... Aello is a bit paranoid. It's from her magic use. It kind of makes her a little sketchy. Ok... maybe not a little sketchy, a lot sketchy. Very sketchy? *shrugs* Whatever it is.

by **Alenias** on April 1st, 2011, 9:23 pm

Alenias nodded and smiled as Aello explained what translate meant, and was even happier when Aello said that she shouldn't let other people know she could talk to birds. That was what Treanas had said too! Aello was nice and smart like Treanas, which meant it was very good Alenias had found her. She still felt empty, but not as bad as before, and she was sure it would get better with Aello.

One thing that was different was that Aello used a lot of words Treanas hadn't. Like now when she said they could go to the Plaza and shop. Alenias didn't know what shop meant, but she didn't want to bother Aello by asking lots of questions. Treanas laughed a lot when she had asked him questions, but Aello hadn't laughed. Her wondering thoughts were cut short when Aello asked what she liked to get, and Alenias smiled brightly, "Shiny and pretty things are my favorite, and food is good to get when I'm hungry, and whatever Treanas asked for. Usually shinnies, but those were for him."

Following after Aello and Yune, Alenias weaved her way through the narrow passages with a smile on her face. She had done something like this with Treanas a lot, and it felt good to move quickly again. Soon Aello stopped, and Alenias was right behind her as she asked her question. Thinking a moment Alenias gave a gasp as she realized something she wanted to try and get, "Sweet bread! Like the one I had when I met Dervish. It was really good. I bet you'd love it Yune," she smiled at the bird on Aello's shoulder.

Aello didn't move into the Plaza though, and Alenias blinked and tilted her head in curiosity. Was something wrong? She heard the woman in front of her whisper something, but wasn't sure what. Alenias moved closer so she could hear the next whisper better. Was something dangerous about? Alenias looked around, but couldn't see anything dangerous. When Aello froze Alenias did as well, straining to try and figure out what was making Aello nervous. When she couldn't tell she whispered softly, "Aello? What's wrong?"

by **Aello** on April 2nd, 2011, 1:26 am

There's nothing to worry about. There is no one watching you. You should simply keep moving before she thinks you've lost it. There was a slight pause in the girl's thought processes. Well, then again, you have lost it. Aello turned to face Alenias as Yune chirped in her ear. The hood of her cloak left most of Aello's face in shadow. "Nothing, nothing is wrong," she replied, as she turned her head back around.

"You were saying something about a sweet bread we may like Alenias?" Aello asked. "Do you know where we may be able to find them?" There was a slight pause. "It is about time we had something to eat, we haven't had anything yet today." Another pause. "You can lead the way if you'd like. Surely you're more likely to know where you're going." A slight smile flashed across Aello's face, but it disappeared almost as quickly as it had come.

Aello's stomach rumbled. "Perhaps we should get a little more than sweat bread," Aello giggled. "Do you know what else is good around here? Any special Ravokian delicacies? Any little known secrets we should know about? Anything we just have to try?" Aello's stomach rumbled again, the girl rolled her eyes. Why is it that you always act up at the most inconvenient of times? Hmmmm? There was only another growl in response. Figures the stomach would take on a masculine edge. Never wants to talk about anything.

Aello's grip tightened around her bow as she watched several people go by from beneath her cloak. Her knuckles were turning white. It still feels like everyone who passes us is staring, doesn't it? Aello made no response. But they're not really, are they? Aello wondered. They couldn't possibly know you're traveling with a Kelvic unless she tells them, or even shows them. And they couldn't know you used magic unless you told them, right? You haven't done anything bad either. You're not strangely dressed... so what makes us feel like this anyway? Aello took a half step forward. Maybe we're just being paranoid again, like Cassandra said, but it really does feel like they're all staring at us. Aello's palms began to sweat, and the back of her head stung.

Aello just wanted to get out of there. They're all watching us. It looks like they want to eat us for breakfast or something. Several beads of sweat had appeared on the young spiritist's brow. Her fingers were winding themselves around her bow. Her eyes darted back and forth nervously. Where are all the eyes coming from? She had forgotten what Cassandra had told her all those days ago. Forgotten that she was walking with Alenias as she quickened her pace and her muscles continued to tense. Why do they always follow? Why can't they leave us alone? All we want to do is find a place to rest and to eat in piece. ASSHOLES.

OOCHooray for paranoid pcs. Um... you probably won't notice, I suppose, that the girl is so nervous. She really isn't too open about it, and does her best to "appear normal around others."