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2024-10-29 19:42:56
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Catching the Wind Safe Moment
“Hurry now lad, though we have yet to be discovered, tis still a chance they will catch on.” Nikolas said as Caspian mounted one of the horses they had waiting just inside the outer gate of the castle. Nikolas was there to rescue the young dragon. Caspian blended in mostly when he was in human form other than the blaze orange hair and bright green eyes. So, sneaking him out with a brown cloak was easy, but it was Nikolas whom the guards would recognize. “They be comin! Head out with the lad, I’ll stay back and fend em off!” Barreth yelled to the captain as he came running from the guard house towards the outer gate. The handful of men coming after Barreth stopped as 3 of them drew their arrows, and one after another they shot towards Barreth and Nikolas. Barreth was hit but the arrow didn’t pierce all the way through his armor. “Nay, we leave together!” Caspian yelled from atop the horse. Nikolas ran towards the ropes holding the portcullis up. He waited until Barr
Catching the Wind Greetings
Word had reached back to the camp that Hagthoria was located and with some free ale, she agreed to Nikolas’s request. This was good news, as he wasn’t sure how much time they would have before the King would send for reinforcements from the borders. The men that abandoned the King would out match the Kings total combined forces that were left, as long as they returned to camp when called. Nikolas felt at ease with this, certain they would back for the battle when called. Even with the thought of him dying on the battlefield, the young dragon could soon be safe as well. Darkness had come again and the camps were in full swing with discussing plans for the upcoming battle. They knew the lay out of the land would either work for them or against them. The giant field between the castle and the forest was the perfect spot. With a hilly range on both sides of it and the forest at their back, they could keep the entire thing contained in that rocky field. Nikolas was sullen though
Catching the Wind Curse
"Omph, COUGH, I was merely taking a nibble, no need for that! I had to catch the wind beneath my hooves in order to make it here as fast as ye requested, can not an old man simply relax and enjoy a bite?" the wizard responded. "Ye be a gluttonous fool, if it wasn't for me, the last bit of magic ye'd have in those old bones would be nothin good but for manure." the witch responded, very tipsy. "I just happen to let ye help, my dear, as yer very tipsy from the 4 pints of ale ye’d consumed before we took off. Ye cannot control yer magic, elsewhere I may have ended up handsome steed instead of that bag of bones ye’d made me." The wizard spat back at her, and the air started to crackle and spark as they faced each other. Captain Nikolas could see that both had too much to drink and a fight between them was about to ensue, so he decided to step in. "Come now, we be friends here, all of us. There tis a larger enemy bitin at our heels other side of that hill out there. We should dis
Catching the Wind Hello
"Still yer self, boy, we will get this figured out." After telling this to Caspian with a sense of determination, he turned to the wizard who was just standing there taking it in. He was stroking his long yellow tinged beard with a wrinkled forehead. "It wasn't I, I can assure ye. I was merely feeling for energy when that nasty curse kicked me out. I have only heard of one incident along my travels that involved a curse like this." Saying it out loud to the group hovered by Caspian, the wizard bent down to talk to Caspian, he pulled his hands gently from his face as Caspian lifted his fair freckled face up to look at him with gold green eyes. "Boy, now listen to me, ye will fly, I will make damned sure of it, but first, I must hear details of yer actions, places, and people ye have met. Any Fae fold ye may have come to know. We must find the start of this, and continue from there. The magic played upon ye is Fae, for that I am certain." Caspian just listened to the wizard's words
Catching the Wind Newcomer
"It'd be just a moments time, and it be ready." The witch turned back to the magic after getting a nod from Nikolas. She had used most of her energy to focus, but the alcohol was really starting to hit her now. Closing her eyes she took the focus off of standing straight and focused on the words. The swirl of the smoke made her dizzy, and she knew one wrong word and all hell could break loose. She didn't need a demon suddenly popping in to say hello. After closing her eyes though she suddenly started to sway, she had one hand gripping for dear life on the cane while the other was splayed out at the clearing trying to contain the magic that arrived. Feeling her shift beside him, the wizard was also trying to contain the magic with his hand stretched out at the clearing. The rain beat around them as lightning started flashing in the clouds above them. He knew it was almost time. Soon they would direct the dragon to stand in the magic swirling before them. He reached out wit
Catching the Wind Awake
She stared for a moment. Her brain did a fantastic job she thought. He really looked like a knight. His hair sat right below his shoulders, a bit dirty, but a nice color of dark caramel and chocolate. He had a broad face accompanying a chiseled jaw and chin. His eyes were possibly hazel or just a light brown sitting on each side of a strong nose. His skin was weathered and a thin, short, scar ran down the left side of his face. He was dressed in what looked like tarnished amour. His arms were thick, muscular, being crossed over a wide chest. She thought she should make it into one of 'those' dreams, with this look, she could really enjoy it. Nikolas noticed her eyeing him while he got a clearer look at her. "Fantasy? Women, ye are in our camp, be weary of what fantasies are going on in me men's heads at this moment." Saying this caused her to stop staring at him and look around. He could tell from her face and cocky attitude she may really think this a dream. The wizard
Catching the Wind Respect
After making sure she was covered and warm, he stood and headed out of the tent. A handful of soldiers were hovered together looking over in the direction of the Nikolas's tent. They were talking about the woman who just popped out of the smoke. One soldier was using his hands to describe her figure and the men laughed and nodded in agreement. "Now that the knights have no King, have thee become ruffians? Bandits? Tasteless thieves who pillage and rape!?" Nikolas said this with distaste when he walked over and scuffed the nearest soldier on the back of the head. "Keep yer words and thoughts to yer self. We are yet unsure who she be and what she be about. Until then, avoid looking at her till I say differently! Hear me?" His thunderous tone could be heard echoing for miles. He didn't take kind to disrespecting women he didn't know, but once he crossed that line, he knew what kind of animal he could be as well. A sudden ruckus could be heard coming through the trees towards
Catching the Wind Forced
Nikolas let loose a gut filled laugh as he put his hands on the Lieutenants shoulders. "Ye were out only a handful of hours. Rest, our guest is passed out as ye were." The moment Nikolas said this, a scream could be heard from outside the tent. It wasn't the scream of the witch, but of a younger woman. He looked at Barreth's confused face and winked. "Our new guest has apparently woken as well. Rest, I will be back." With those words he left the tent to see what the fuss was about. Waking up and realizing she was not in fact dreaming at home, but awake, here in this reality, Ally couldn't help but be scared. Peeking out the tent, she noticed the sword leaning on a branch helping support the tent. She had never held a sword before but holding it like a golf club couldn't possibly be any different, so she thought. Rushing out she had grabbed the sword to find herself almost tripping to the ground trying to lift it. When she finally got turned back around facing the camp,
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- Catching the Wind
Clean Open
Besides the rare utterings from Hagthoria as she bad mouthed Ally in her sleep, no other noise except soft snores and crackling embers filled the small camp. All of them were exhausted, but relieved, the battle had ended. The sun rose quickly, shining off the cool dew that blanketed the leaves and clung to their cloths by the fire. Vermanious was already awake, still in the form of a horse, munching on the sweet wet grass while Nikolas woke. Getting up, he walked over to where the old man was. “Goodmorn” he said stretching, looking through the trees at the sun peeking through. “Yes, it be right nice, though the cool nights will be getting longer soon.” Vermanious responded between chewing the vegitation. Nikolas just looked at him and laughed softly, as he patted his neck. “Never is it easy to be seeing ye like this and watchin ye speak old man.” Nikolas said nervously. The horse bobbed its head, “Trust, tis even funnier when the old witch and I be getting to the pub, I dare s
- Catching the Wind
By the Fire
Ally covered her smile and walked over to her horse. She had trouble when leaving the castle earlier, she had never mounted a horse on her own. “Let me help ye lass.” Nikolas said coming up behind her. She nodded, facing the saddle. “What made ye change yer mind?” He asked quietly. “I’m not sure. It’s crazy to think all the movies I’ve seen never prepared me for what this world is really like. Knowing that, it probably helped to change my mind. I will have to return home someday, but for now, without a job to go back to, I will just consider this a vacation, sort of.” She responded as he lifted her at the waist. Ally pulled herself up and looked down at Nikolas when she was seated. “Are you mad I stayed? Do you think I am crazy for staying?” She said smiling gently. He shook his head no in response. “What I be thinkin lass, is nothin to do with ye stayin or goin.” He was trying to hide his desire for her. Grabbing her small waist and lifting her up put images in his h
- Catching the Wind
On Their Way
“Well are ye ready lad?” He said watching Caspian who was now looking down at the field. “Umm..where’s Ally?” He asked turning to Nikolas. “Did she not say her farewells to ye last night lad? Did ye forget?” He responded walking over to the edge. “No, she didn’t say a word to me she wouldn’t be joinin us. She only asked how I was feelin and what would be the first thing I be doing when I can fly. There was nothin else.” Caspian said looking over at the castle. “I be not sure why she didn’t give her farewells then. She plans on waitin around for them to send her back, I’m sorry lad. She did say she will be missin ye though.” Nikolas relayed the words, not understanding why Ally didn’t say goodbye to Caspian. “I be figurin as much, she be nothing but a selfish devil, best she be goin back soon.” Hagthoria commented while she eavesdropped on their conversation. “Hush, old woman. She has a right to be wantin to return home, we cannot blame her for that.” Nikolas said, glancing
- Catching the Wind
Appearance Request
His words sat heavy her heart. “I cannot tell you what kind of experience this has been for me. I still am trying to believe this is not a dream. I appreciate everything everyone's done, in their own way, to make me feel accepted. It breaks my heart to leave Caspian, he’s like the little brother I’ve never had.” Ally said, feeling at loss on how to react. “I am sure he will be missin yer company, tis certain.” Nikolas responded, feeling suddenly awkward. “And..I will miss him too.” She wasn’t sure what else to say. “I, ehm..am sure the rest of them will miss ye as well.” He almost let out that he would miss her, but he didn’t want to appear desperate. Ally nodded and stared at him. If he begged her to stay at that very moment, she knew she would say yes. “Umm..I do have a question that’s been bugging me. Why does Caspian need his parents so he can learn to fly? I mean, isn’t it as simple as flapping his wings?” Ally never had the chance to ask, so with the short silence bet
- Catching the Wind
Time to Part
Nikolas could understand where his friend was coming from. The loss of a loved one was never easy to move past. He was hopeful that Cutterson taking over the new Kings army would give him reason to live. “Ye cannot be blamin ye self, brother. The person responisible will be rotten in the dungeon until her last breath. Y can be sure of that. Now, I need ye to drag yer self back up proper. Those men need a good captain and I cannot think of another who has more reason to keep going forward then ye.” Nikolas kept his words convincing. The biggest fear he had was that Cutterson would reach a depressive state and take his own life. Nikolas had seen it happen too many times amongst the men. Being far from home, away from a dying loved one. No way to see them. “The captain is right. Ye be best for this. It will give ye a purpose.” Barreth commented, not sure how else to help convince him. Cutterson asked that they give him time to think on it more before the morning. It was already lat
- Catching the Wind
No Mourning
Ally was feeling torn. She wanted to object, and beg them to try, she wanted to go back home. A hot shower with normal body wash and real shampoo was something she missed. Her body wanted a face mask, and to file away the jagged edges that developed on her nails. Her stomach missed a cold beer with fried chicken and she needed a good night's sleep in her own bed, not a hot sweaty back from animal skins. Then thinking about Nikolas, Barreth and Caspian, she had grown close to them in such a short time, how could she leave. What she witnessed on the field below was a piece of history, for someone’s future, probably not even hers. She wanted to see Caspian fly, if she were to ever go home, she wanted to take that kind of memory with her. “I understand, but I really need to get back soon.” She really didn’t, unless you would name off her wants as needs. Other than herself, she didn’t have anyone. No job, no real friends, back in her time. “We understand lass, ye are welcomed to stay
- Catching the Wind
Without Decision
Nikolas felt without a doubt that the solution to the curse resided in the mountains. “We will head to Mt. Gelu come the morn. The lad had been cursed by a wee Fae up there, I’m sure of it.” He blurted out as he approached the camp fire. Barreth stood, “Are ye sure?” Nikolas nodded. “We first must see to the Kingdom Cap’n, then I will join ye on this trip.” Barreth said, feeling a bit concerned that they were rushing. “Aye, ye be right. I will speak with the King come the morn. For now, we will head back to the castle with the lad.” Nikolas said as he looked over at Ally by the fire. “The Fae generally don’t approach dragons. They have long lives themselves so I am unsure of what the purpose of the curse would have been for.” Vermanious said outloud. “Tis a simple reason. Our dragon has him a little fairy up there in the mountains that couldn’t bear the thought of him leavin her.” Nikolas chuckled as he walked over to stand by Barreth. “Oh? Ha ha, ye don’t say, how did ye come
- Catching the Wind
Obvious Truth
Barreth gave Nikolas an odd look and shook his head. “Lass, when ye done, we shall be headin to meet with the witch on the hill. Tis cooler, I will have a someone bring ye somethin, warmer, to wear then what ye have.” Nikolas called out from behind the door while thinking of the garment he was eyeing not moments ago. “Okay, that’s fine, thank you.” Ally responded in a rushed tone. Barreth could sense something happened before he had returned to his captain but decided it wasn’t worth visiting. Afte Ally was well dressed, the three of them were given horses from the stables. Even though it was dark, they would be fine riding as the field was already alit with bodies being burned. Halik opted to stay back to keep an eye on Cutterson. Nikolas hoped that Caspian was awake so he could be questioned about wandering the snowy mountains. If what he heard from the Scourts troops was true, they may be one step closer to getting the dragon well and flying. After riding for 30 minutes,
- Catching the Wind
No Answer
Not sure if going in unannounced was the right thing to do, Nikolas decided to try one more time. “Lass, I am about to enter. If ye aren’t decent, I cannot be held wrongly if ye don’t answer me.” He waited until the count of 10 in his head and turned the wooden latch on the door. Slowly opening the door, her peaked his head around. Ally was nowhere to be seen in the room. All that sat there was a a steaming wood basin. Nikolas opened the door further as he entered followed by Barreth. “She must be somewhere else in the castle.” Barreth commented as he stood by the door, scratching his black beard. “Go and see if ye can find her. Ask all the help and check and see if any horses are missing from the stables.” Nikolas said, standing next to him. “Cap’n, I do have a question before I go’s searchin. What if the lass be with the King? I dare not knock on his door in fear of losin me head, haha” Barreth asked, and the laughed because he truly thought it was possible. Swearing under hi
