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Post by Rikki on Apr 18, 2012 23:21:46 GMT -6
~Nraith?~ Rikki sent a mental call, stretching as she awoke. The sun had started to break the mist that covered the mountaintop, setting out tiny colourful rainbows. She yawned, stretching again with eyes still closed. A smile curved her lips as she remembered the previous evening.
The evening.....she bolted upright as she looked around, calling "Nraith?!" Instead of seeing him, she saw a young man sitting across the cavern. He looked familiar, yet she couldn't quite place him. Frowing, she scrambled to her feet, heading to the mouth of the cave. A light laugh came from her as she saw Nraith in the air.
Everything in her paused as she watched him. "good morning," she called as he headed her way.
Within the cave, Ktal watched her closely. Though the ache had slightly abated, he'd had difficulty sleeping. He awoke after Nraith slipped out to feed, watching Rikki sleep. Waiting for her to awaken and ...and come to him. Yet she had given him a look of casual disinterest. This wasn't right, he thought. "Rikki?", he whispered, then closed his eyes as sorrow swept over him.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 19, 2012 5:52:47 GMT -6
He was near by and returning after feeding when he felt his young Rider waken. Her first call caused a soft chuckle through the link
::I am here Rikki::
As her head peers out of the cave and she calls out her greeting, he chuckles again as he heads back towards the entrance of the cave, circling down to land gently near her
::Good morning::
he held something in his front claw, he set it down and shifted
"Do you know how hard it is to catch a rabbit as a dragon? Hmmmm? Do you? those little things are quick! First two I burned because they pissed me off."
he chuckles, lifting the rabbit up and bringing it into the cave where he started to prepare it for breakfast, he felt young Ktal's ache and looked to Rikki
::Rikki, Ktal is here for you::
At the mention of his name he brings with it memory of what happened that brought her and the dragon together. She needed to remember, though he kept the flood of memory to a minimal, to the meeting, then the escape, bringing back to memory how Ktal was brought down, but he held back her reaction to it for now.
He looked to Rikki and smiled as he continued to prepare the rabbit, skinning it and slicing it, then setting it on the fire to cook.
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Post by Rikki on Apr 19, 2012 7:49:38 GMT -6
She was laughing as he landed and could clearly see in her mind's eye the toasting, or rather, roasting of the rabbits. The morning greeting she was giving him was cut short at his mental nudge. And as the flow of images pressed into her consciousness, she started to shake her head.
"No," she said shortly with that now very familiar stiffness to her shoulders. Though she was scarcely aware of it, she knew that should something befall Ktal, she would be in dire straits. He would be in her heart, her head....her very soul like Nraith...only....worse.
As the flow of images stopped, she continued to shake her head. "No,..." she tured to face Ktal as he emerged from the cave. "Rikki, please....I'm scared too." Ktal spoke, he didn't know either, but he knew....whatever was facing them, they had to do it together. Even, he was beginning to think, were it to be the three of them. He had no place now.
"No, go...I don't need you." She was stubbornly set and he gently placed his hands on her shoulders, "Please, Rikki." he tried to embrace her, hoping she'd see the reason. Instead, he stepped back in shock as her hand connected with his cheek. He stepped back another step, watching her cautiously now. Even though she seemed different around Nraith, she was still the same ole Rikki to him. "You've not changed at all Rikki.
He looked at Nraith, who had been silently observing the exchange, the look painfully clear. "what am I do do now?" not really expecting an answer.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 19, 2012 8:07:09 GMT -6
He continued to sit by the fire, watching the two, listening. the look from Ktal had him thinking, he touched the boy's mind alone
::don't push Ktal. Neither of you are going anywhere. I know this hard. But she will see. Both of us must help her through it, help her see. As I touch your mind, so you can touch hers. She must see you where I am not. I will do what I can to help::
He looks to Rikki, takes a breath, no, he would not go to that extent, not yet. She was stubborn, but she would soon realize that what befalls Ktal will affect her.. and Himself. He chuckled to himself and shook his head.. oh the webs we weave and the triangles we do make.
He should have let Ktal reach out to her, but he was already there and not in a position to draw Ktal in, so he thought, perhaps he could have. Then what would have happened?
He didn't tell her that she couldn't get down on her own, and they were cut off from the link to the other dragons, she didn't even realize that. If she tried to reach out to the others.. she couldn't. Only Ash as he would not block that which was so important and so vital.
He otherwise remained quiet, they had to work this out.
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Post by Rikki on Apr 19, 2012 9:27:21 GMT -6
Ash awoke to a sigh and curled onto his side, clutching the blanket tighter. ~why are you mad, Rikki?~ Most times, he didn't understand his sister. She was so happy when he went to sleep, now she's mad? What happened at night? ~Please don't be mad, it makes me hurt inside.~ *** She had been working herself up into a standard Rikki mood when Ash's plaintive call to her gave her pause. She didn't like hurting Ash. She didn't care about anyone else, but she hated to hurt him. She realized, she did it far too much for someone she is supposed to love. As the thoughts crossed her mind, she looked at Nraith. Well, she did care about him. But she certainly didn't care about anyone else. She nodded to herself, as if to convince herself, then she heard the soft voice of Reldai in her mind. She bit hard on her lower lip to still the trembling, then glared at Ktal for good measure as she stalked back into the cave. Ktal started to reach out to her as she passed him, then paused, looking at Nraith. The others words did stick in his mind. ~there are places then, that we will be, without you?~ he asked, knowing above all, he wanted to look into her eyes and have her look into his.....and..see. It was far easier to stalk prey and hunt that it was to deal with Rikki, he decided. But he knew, he gave up everything for her....would she not see that? Rikki, flopped down where she'd slept, drawing her knees to her chest as she thought. ok, so she might love Reldai too. After all, the woman, in the short time they'd been together, had been more a mother to her and Ash than their own mother had been. And from what Ash had told her, she continued to do so. But Ktal, she absolutely did not love him. She wasn't even sure she liked him. Well, she did when they were little. And, she was happy to see him. And he was attractive in a man way. Not as attractive as Nraith as a dragon. No, she did not like him. But, why did it hurt when she saw him fall? Why did she hide her nervousness when he came out? Why did she lash out at him just for being there? No, she didn't like him. She didn't love him. She didn't want him around. Absolutely. He'd have to go. She rose to her feet, intending to tell him and Nraith just that. After all Nraith would have to take him ...somewhere . As she started to head for the outside, a shadow blocked the entrance. ~Rikki?~ Ktal spoke gently to her mind. As he gave thought to Nraiths words, he realized. He was no longer the boy Rikki had known, to be cowed by her temper and wild ways. He was a man. And she would know it. She halted in half step, seeing his shadowed form. "What?" she asked shortly. ~Rikki, I am here for you too. You are my life now, as I am yours.~
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Post by Deleted on Apr 19, 2012 12:04:29 GMT -6
He winced a little at Ash's words to his sister and the pain he felt. He didn't realize just how much Rikki's mood affected her brother. He would speak with J'raith soon, to help Ash deal with what his sister will be going through. It will be difficult on everything.
Ktal's question touched him, he smiled,
::Just as you are a part of her and she of you, so it is between Rikki and I. You and I will never be where the other is not. But you have a part of Rikki that I will never have. We must teach her to reign in her emotions. It will be difficult for her to learn calm and reason, but we must be patient::
he watched Rikki, he would not interfere with Ktal and Rikki, which meant he would not take Ktal anywhere that Rikki was not. This was a danerous time for her and she was still working off the euphoria of becoming his rider, these next few days would be crucial.
He does, now, though realize he should have brought Ktal into this, helped Ktal reach out to her. He was.. selfish.. that hurt even to think it, but it was true and for that he was truly sorry. They would work it out though, even if he had to burn a few more rabbits to do so.
the meat was ready and he pulled it from the fire. He watched Rikki coming towards them and saw the resolve on Ktal's face. Yes, that's it young one, be the man she needs you to be. He did not intrude on their personal communication but monitored Rikki's emotions.
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Post by Rikki on Apr 19, 2012 20:40:50 GMT -6
(sorry for delays.....had margies baby shower tonight and was swamped getting ready for it...oy vey...had a houseful, which was good. my feet hurt!!)
"You are not," she shot back quickly as she brushed past him and on towards Nraith. A shot of anger flashed in his eyes and he turned to grab her arm. "Rikk...." he started to say, but she glared at him, jerking her arm from his hold. "Do not touch me!" she growled lowly.
Ktal told a deep breath, letting her go, then watched as she picked up a spear of meat to nibble on it. A moment later, she tossed the meat aside, feeling sick to her stomach.
~Rikki?~ Ash's light voice touched her gently. He had sat up, frowing as he fought with Rikki's emotions. He felt sick. Reldai, had been watching him, noticed the paleness that covered his cheeks. "Ash?" she rose, placing her hand on his forehead. He looked up at her, his eyes shimmering with tears. "I feel sick Reldai. Rikki is so mad and she won't let herself stop." Ash, burrowed his face against Reldai, being held close to her. "Shhh, my little Ash, it will be ok" Reldai turned a stricken gaze to Je'raith.
Ktal waited until Rikki tossed the food aside, then slowly walked to her. He picked up a bite, holding it out to Rikki, "Rikki, don't you remember?" He lightly touched her cheek, concern visible in his eyes.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 19, 2012 22:41:17 GMT -6
Nraith continued to watch, but kept his mind on how Ash was and frowns softly, he opened a link to J'raith
::Je'raith, Ash needs to understand this will not be easy on him with his connection to Rikki. But I wonder if it can't be turned back on her for a little bit. She needs to understand what she is doing to other people when she allows her emotions to rage as they do::
J'raith listened, he too had been watching Ash with Reldai, he listened to Nraith's words, nodding on occasion
::I understand. I will need to get Ash's permission. I cannot do that without his assent::
::I understand. Let me know what he says, well let me know if he doesn't, if he does I will know by Rikki's reactions::
He continued to nibble and watch Ktal trying to reach out to her. He was concerned, she was much like Aer'alyn in her extremes, though Aer'alyn was so extreme less frequently. Rikki was going to have to learn to control her emotions, and sooner rather than later. If she was going to stay his rider.
Je'raith moved to the other side of Ash and his arm wrapping around both Ash and Reldai, he spoke softly
"Ash, Nraith and I have an idea that may help Rikki see what she really does to you with her tantrums. But I cannot do it without your permission."
he looked to Reldai, she'll like this, well to a point. It certainly won't be any fun for Rikki.
"What I would do is put a shield in your mind. She would still be able to communicate with you, but it would be like talking through a long cave - your voice would be distant to her mind and her voice would be distant to your mind. But it would reflect much of what you feel when she bombards you with her anger.. well any emotion. You will feel it alittle, but it won't be so uncomfortable."
he continued to watch Ash. "Nraith wants to use this to help her gain control of her emotions, but we need your help as well. If you'll let me do this."
His hand moved down the boys back as he stole a look to Reldai
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Post by Rikki on Apr 20, 2012 4:15:30 GMT -6
As Ktal held out the bite, she remembered when they were children. He'd often tried to bribe her with food. "Come on Rikki, let's hide Sahira's shoes" and the like. Of course, Rikki would come up with not only the shoes but other things, especially when Sahira would go bathing. She always blamed Rikki and Ktal would smile his way out of it.
She frowned, pushing aside the offiering. "I remember well enough, Go away" She was beginning to feel caged in and didn't like the feeling.
~~Rikki, please be happy again, like last night....~~ she closed her eyes as Ash spoke to her, then stiffened her spine. If she gave up, then she was a quitter and she was never a quitter. But, now Ash was unhappy and ...that hurt.
Ash meanwhile, had swallowed back an ache and nodded to Je'raith as Reldai pressed a kiss to his head. He would do anything to help Rikki even if he died.
Ktal, settling back on his heels, tapped his fingers on his thighs and tried to come up with another tactic, ...all she had to do was just...see...him, and she was refusing to look. He realized how proud she was and knew her pride was her own worst enemy.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 20, 2012 7:38:21 GMT -6
J'raith smiled to Ash and looked to Reldai, he would not let Ash die. He spoke softly, "Ok Ash, this won't hurt. I promise."
He closed his eyes and touched the mind of the young boy, having been granted permission he slips inside and begins the task of building a shield about his mind, lips moving as words are whispered, they are old words, words which have not been heard by human ears since before the disappearance of the Race of Legend.
He spoke softly both aloud and within the mind of Ash. The shield forming with each word and syllable spoke, each sound of his voice and mind. Ash would begin to feel it's affect, the ease of the pain he felt as that pain was now being reflect back to his sister. Ash's own pain was now more like the dull ache that comes and goes, that would be more of an annoyance than actual pain, like that itch that just won't go away.
J'raith's words slowly faded and his eyes opened. He looked to Ash, smiling. "How do you feel?" it might take a few minutes for his pain to actually shift to the dull ache, each was different in how they reacted, but for the next few days Ash would not be in so much. Rikki on the other hand..
::It is done::
Nraith got the word but didn't reply, taking a breath and letting it out slowly he continued to watch Rikki. He was getting.. annoyed by her attitude and how blatantly she would hurt another for her pride. He looked to Ktal, his thoughts once more touching the young man's mind
::May I suggest something Ktal? You have told her the truth. Your words, whether she admitted them or not registered truth to her soul. I felt it there. Just be you. Just be here for her. Do things for her you would do if she were not being so stubborn and do them regardless of how she reacts. She may see sooner rather than later that she is in error, I hope, or we could be here a long time:: that was followed by a chuckle to Ktal.
Ktal would know he had a few things up his dragon arm, before it took to getting angry. Nraith was a patient one, he didn't live as long as he had by not being patient and careful.
For now Nraith had to think of something. Rikki would soon be feeling the pain that Ash had been feeling and with each emotion just how much she affected him would for a few days affect her in the same way. She might feel as if she is dying, but she would not.
Nraith turned and went outside, he was beginning to tremble inside as he held back his own emotions. Rikki could not know yet how her anger affected him, how her joy and happiness also affected him. But if it came to that, she would know, and she would not like it one bit.
He stood outside looking into the sky with a sigh. He would need to go for a bit soon. He would leave Ktal and Rikki, they would be safe, there was no entrance to the cave except this one.
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Post by Rikki on Apr 20, 2012 11:50:08 GMT -6
She swallowed looking at the tidbit. She shook her head rapidly and without a word walked into the cave. The words she'd started to say was stifled in her throat at the thought of Ash hurting again. Getting angry now at herself, she hid away in a niche, letting the cool cavern wall press against her back. Rocking her knee, she winced as if feeling an ache that wouldn't subside. *** Ash felt a smiliar ache, but breathed in as if it were easier to bear than what had come before. He slumped into Reldai's arms, closing his eyes and drew in a deeper breath. Reldai, with a concerned looked at Je'raith, then felt the childs' pulse ease and steady. She felt his weight and realized he'd gone into a deep sleep. Her frown grew as she realized, whatever hold he and Rikki had on each other, Rikki was wearing him down. How long had Ash been trying to keep up to Rikki, losing his own strength in the bargain? Her lips tightened as she knew, were Rikki around, she'd give the girl a piece of her mind. *** As the next minutes passed, Rikki grew more and more unomfortable. She couldn't settle, couldn't rest. Every part of her body started to ache. She cringed as a sharp pain throbbed at her temple. She tightened her hands, balling them into fists. Don't say anything, she told herself, but she felt really sick. Not just food sick, but late winter sick. And....more. She drew in a breath, tears beginning to trickly down her face as she pressed her hand to her head. ~Ash?~ she tried to talk to him as the tears continued, ~Ash?~ she tried again..... "It doesn't feel right...not...not...right...." she muttered to herself before bursting into loud noisy tears.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 20, 2012 13:50:24 GMT -6
Nraith could feel it and he didn't like this but it was a lesson that she needed to learn. She needed to see the weight of what was happening to her brother. He reached out to J'raith
::How is Ash?::
J'raith and Reldai were near him, Reldai continued to hold him close as he slept such a deep sleep
::He is sleeping. It is a very deep sleep. He has been worn down by Rikki's extremes. I might extend it a few more days. He needs his strength back. We never realized the weight he carried. How is Rikki doing?::
Nraith could feel her pain, he took a breath. ::She feels it already. It is a hard lesson for her to learn, but a necessary one. her ability to use her emotions was great. She could wield them for right or selfish reasons. She had to learn control.
Nraith waited a little while. He could feel it grow worse as it went, then He gently reached to her through the link
::Young rider, do you see what your emotional extremes have been doing to Ash? And would do to me and Ktal in time? I will help you gain control, for that is the only way Ash will not die and that is the only way you can remain my rider::
she would feel the edge of his trembling, but it was a small fraction to what she felt from Ash - the edge of an emotion that.. was it really there? the rage and anger that could have been released were it not for over a century of self-discipline.
J'raith touched Ash's mind and looked to Reldai "He sleeps, a much needed sleep. He has been suffering a long time." he wonders if there is a way to lessen the affect without the distance. He would check with Nraith later.
::Rikki is already feeling it. Nraith will deal with his rider. This is her first hard lesson. I may have to make the shield more permanent or long term to help Ash get through her training::
he leaned over and kissed her softly on the forehead, all would be well. Though he was concerned for the boy, unsure what exactly can be done for him to ease the pain in the future. He would have to seek out an answer.
He did chuckle a little at the thought of giving Rikki a piece of her mind, looking at her at that thought, letting her know that.. oh Nraith was well capable and already in the mindset to do it.
he did not share how much it would already be affecting Nraith. Being creatures of extreme emotions, she's lucky she got Nraith as a Dragon. Most others would have succumbed to her emotions and both would have to be destroyed.
This is why Nraith keeps both of them in seclusion until she learns even a little bit of control.
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Post by Rikki on Apr 20, 2012 15:38:55 GMT -6
She cried until she was spent, eyes burning, heart aching. At Nraiths words she curled up tighter against herself, ~I did this to Ash?~ not really wanting to hear the answer. Inside she knew, she did this and more to Ash and now...to Nraith. If she couldn't stop, he'd be gone. Ash would be gone. She'd have noone. Feeling that she was the worlds worst person, she began to cry again, hiccuping and moaning with the drain she was under. Words kept singing through her mind. ~I did this to Ash...~ with the intermittent ~I love you best of anybody, Rikki~ that Ash had always told her before they would sleep for the night. Ktal, silent in the interior shadows of the cavern watched her. Many times, he forced himself to stay where he was. Wanting nothing more than to go to her and hold her. Tell her that everything would be fine. *** Ash, instinctively curled closer ito Reldai's embrace. But for Rikki, no one held him. And his heart sought that comfort that he had not realized every child needed. Even a child such as he. *** Later, after waking from an emotionally exhausting sleep, she rose to her feet. She felt, weak, sore...as if she'd rolled down a hill and hit every rock on the way down. As if, she tried to swim and couldn't manage. With catchy sobs in her throat, she staggered out of the cavern, pausing as Ktal caught her under the arms at the entrance. Holdiing her steady, he walked with her to Nraith. Easing her down next to Nraith, Ktal lightly touched her hair and moved back to the entrance of the cave. Watching and waiting. "I'm sorry, ...really.....really I am...I'm so so sorry..." and at her words, she fell into a new rash of weeping as she threw her arms against Nraith, hiding her face to his skin.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 20, 2012 17:15:57 GMT -6
He waited, watching the sky. Yes he would have to go soon. There were a few things he needed to look into. He did not sleep but sat outside and waited. He would not sleep until she woke.
he looked to Ktal, smiled. The young man was doing well. He offered support to his mind, smiled before looking back to sky.
J'raith caressed Ash's hair as he curled into Reldai. Lucky kid he thought, it made him smile and he flashed one to Reldai letting her hear that thought before settling onto his back and looking up to the sky. A smile settling on his face.
Nraith continued to sit and wait as the hours passed he felt Rikki stir. He looked back to see Ktal helping her. As he brought her to him a strong hand touched the young man's shoulder to keep him close. He held Rikki and smiled
"I know you are young Rider. And I am sorry you had to learn it so harshly, but you are stubborn and head strong. We can help you gain control" his eyes to Ktal as he said that, yes.. he was including him in this as well, he had to. He would have a part of Rikki that he didn't and together they would give her the strength to learn self-control, "but you have to trust both of us and do as told."
He poured comfort into her and calm, touching Ktal's mind to do the same. They would be her rocks, just as she would learn to be their rock.
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Post by Rikki on Apr 20, 2012 18:13:27 GMT -6
Ktal let the respect he was learning to have in Nraith show in his eyes as he placed a light hand on Rikki's shoulder, gently rubbing it in a circular motion. Rikki nodded, sniffling, "I'll do better, I promise", she hugged him again, before asking worriedly, "will Ash be ok?" Both could see her foremost thought was her little brother. Guilt still filling her as she thought of what Ash had felt. *** Reldai laughed softly as she caught the thought from Je'raith, then smiling reached over to touch his cheek in a light caress. She could do little more without disturbing Ash, but it was clear she wanted to. *** Ktal nodded to himself at Nraith spoke to Rikki. He knew even if Rikki was sorrowful at this moment, all it would take was one moment and she'd flare up again. Had he not seen it time and time again. But he hoped, after all, Rikki had grown up.......some.
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