Talimede
Level 3
I am Leona :3
Posts: 161
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Post by Talimede on Dec 27, 2007 1:49:39 GMT -5
In the Region of Pisce, the settlement of Jikkup...
Talimede smiled broadly a moment from his perch, as he took in a deep breath. The air here in this region was different than any other region the L'ortus man had traveled to. Here it was rick with salt... and fish. He quite adored fish as well. He took a moment to stand, his toes upon the edge of the rooftop of this building's roof. Here the view was wondrous, and one could see leagues out into the ocean. Here and there a ship peppered the view, but Talimede could look past those and truly appreciate the waters. He could smile watching the gulls idly fly past, laugh as they started a fight, grin as a group sailed off together towards their next meal.
It was calming, being like this. He outstretched his arms, looking as though he was about to take flight himself. Golden eyes closed, he tuned out the sounds of the merchants and people below and just allowed the wind to blow around him with its whispers and stories of the worlds around. One could hear a lot if they only listened, after all.
"HEY TALI!" boomed a nearby voice from below. Tali let out a hiss, his fur on end as he jumped backwards a bit. His balance was still off however, and he landed flat on his butt. "Oooooh, nice landing there Tali!" grinned a man from behind. Tali looked up, seeing those violet eyes filled with mirth and frowned.
"A little warning..." he growled, ears flat upon his head. "Some of us don't have wings...."
"Nor do they have spiffy new clothes, nice blond hair, and eyes that kills BOTH sexes! Yes yes, we cant all be perfect like me eh? But no matter, you make do Tali! You make do! Anyways, lets get you off of this stuffy roof and into town hmmm? I have a new outfit thats sure to attract ya a mate for the night!" Tali sighed.
"You know Ive never...."
"There's a first time for everything! Now come on!" Tali sighed as he watched his harpy friend (who today had died his hair and wings blue) and shook his head. He knew he would catch it if he didn't follow. Perhaps a distraction was in order somehow? Of course, being on a rooftop, that wasn't likely to happen. So Tali was bound to be doomed to try out things that were too... intricate for his tastes. Artificial.
Please let something... interesting happen today. Perhaps a new type of fish for dinner? That was certain to be wild...
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Post by Kerin on Dec 27, 2007 2:09:08 GMT -5
Kerin was almost tempted to just bypass the settlement, keep swimming for another few leagues or so, or to the next one. He loved the feel as he cut through the water, and frankly the fish he had ripped apart earlier had more than given him enough energy to go at least a little bit further.
But, tempting as it was, he twisted towards the increasing underwater evidence of the landside settlement, waterproof bag tugging at his neck as he shot into the surf, mentally wishing that blissful feeling of utter freedom a temporary goodbye.
With a final burst of speed he jumped from the water onto solid land, his earlier grace immediately fading into the jumpy awkwardness of a seal as he moved further away from the pull of the water. A moment later he was sitting back on his heels, adjusting the bag so it fell more comfortably over his shoulder and brushing the worst of the sand off of the sealskin that still clung to his body.
"Alrighty then." he muttered, standing up and glancing around, one hand running through his dark hair as he thought, "First things first, need to change clothes. Then I'll figure out where too next."
He always felt more graceful in his skin, but at the same time horribly exposed when on land. Not only was it obvious to anyone with a clue as to what he was, but... well it was his skin and nothing else. Shaking his head slightly he glanced at his surroundings, maybe observance could take his mind off of self consciousness.
His dark eyes flickered upwards, and he paused midstep, an eyebrow raising at what appeared to be someone, for whatever reason, perched on a roof. Curiosity really was a horrible thing, since it kept the boy staring for at least a moment more than he should have if he really wanted to hurry and change.
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Talimede
Level 3
I am Leona :3
Posts: 161
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Post by Talimede on Dec 27, 2007 3:11:53 GMT -5
Talimede certainly didn't look forward to what was about to happen at all. He sighed a moment, and with a hand brushed a bit of hair from his eyes. He supposed he had best follow his friend into the wardobe Hell. What was wrong with loose and comfortable anyways? If Tali had his way, he would run around in less! But of course, things he found didnt work like that in countries like this.
They tended to frown upon ones anatomy for some reason. Oh well, he supposed some folks just didn't know how to admire the Creator's work. He was about to make his way down, when he had that strange feeling... the one that a person gets when being watched. One of his lion-like ears twitched. It wasn't a bad feeling... for Tali was sensitive to when someone meant him harm. More like... curious perhaps? One of his golden eyes glanced backwards, to see the dark eyes staring up.
The rooftop wasnt very high, so using his catlike reflexes he jumped down upon a nearby box, and then off of that, his tail swishing gracefully behind him. He found himself, in front of the one who had been watching him. This one smelled like.. the ocean? That made Tali relax a bit. Anyone who smelled like nature was fine by his book. he bowed slightly in greeting then.
"I know... strange sight to see a man atop a roof right?" he asked, then smiled sheepishly. "You see, I had the best view of the waters from there. Nature is something I try to make time to appreciate while I can, makes sense right? At least I hope it does... I'm terrible at explaining things..." Before he could say anything else, Kashin appeared behind him and slapped his shoulder hard.
"ACK!" cried Talimede, as he hissed and jumped in the air. Finally landing, all of his hair seemed on end and his tail flicked behind him with agitation.
"Soooo... slacking off again eh Tali? And whos this... my oh my! Its a selkie! Well, I suppose we are by the water but still..." the harpy added, folding his arms as he raised an elegant brow, "Do you you really believe it wise to be parading into town with nothing but your skin? on?"
"KASHIN!" Tali warned, tail flicking again, and ears back. The two certainly were a study of contrasts. Kashin with his tall, lithe form and pale, elegant features. An outfit far too elaborate for its own good. And Talimede, tanned, muscular, with simple loose clothes.
"Well never fear, I bought enough clothes for the both of you! Come, come! Let us all go to the inn and have a drink to celebrate being alive!" And with that, Kashin wandered off towards the bar. Talimede sighed deeply, turning back towards the selkie man.
"I am terribly sorry about that. Kashin is a bit... loud. But the offer still stands if you would like. Ill try to keep him a bit more.. quiet. What brings you to town out of curiosity?" he added. Being a feline, Tali had more then enough curiosity himself as well!
Plus, he wished to somehow make up for Kashin's rudeness with kindness. This was, really, how it worked many an occasion.
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Post by Kerin on Dec 27, 2007 10:20:46 GMT -5
Kerin backed up a couple steps as the person jumped down, it probably would appear that the motion was to avoid being crushed, but really it was just so he could stay at a safe distance. It was too late to pretend he hadn’t been staring, and curiosity killed the cat… well, this time it looked like curiosity was taking the form of a cat.
He could understand what the taller man meant, and that put him at least a bit more at ease. Generally people who could appreciate nature for itself weren’t as dangerous as those who couldn’t… Granted, Kerin hadn’t really ever talked with one of the beast-men before, so maybe they were all like that. For a wanderer, he really hadn’t wandered horribly far from his old home, not on land anyway.
Before he could actually get around to answering that he did understand with more than the grin that flickered over his face, the bird appeared. Kerin jumped back another couple steps, whiskers twitching as he frowned up at the Harpy. The words didn’t exactly endear this stranger to the Selkie… honestly, Kerin was still soaked from the ocean, what was he supposed to do? Strip on the beach? It wasn’t like his second skin was obscene, just skintight and obvious.
He didn’t even bother trying to answer the bird. He’d had a cousin like this one seemed to be, and if the Harpy was the same way then Kerin would just ignore whatever random orders were issued. Some people were just insane.
“Its fine.” He answered after the Harpy had disappeared again, shaking his head and deciding on amusement instead of annoyance -- after all, that was generally the better way to deal with such things -- before answering, “I’ve been wanderin’ and ended up here, is all. Plannin’ to restock and send off a letter before I decide where too next.”
The little selkie smiled up at the man, offering out a hand as he added, “I’m Kerin. Suppose I’ll take you up on that offer, if only since I need to change before I can do much else.” He paused a moment before adding, “I have my own clothes though, I have a feelin’ it would take a lot more than insistence to get me into whatever your Harpy friend had in mind."
Of course drinking was out too. Most selkies he knew wouldn't touch the stuff in a strange town with their skin carried by their sides. Far to many horror stories told to scare the children for that, and enough truth to them that he took heed of them.
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Talimede
Level 3
I am Leona :3
Posts: 161
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Post by Talimede on Dec 27, 2007 15:23:28 GMT -5
"One finds the best things while wandering," Talimede replies thoughtfully. As Kerin reached out a hand Talimede smiled and shook it firmly, but not too hard as he dipped his head lightly in respect. Tali tended to do that to everyone he met really, finding most folks took well to it.
"A pleasure to meet you Kerin, my name is Talimede," he replied. At the comment upon clothing Talimede laughed warmly. "A wise move! Kashin feels that elaborate ornamentations detract from his own... stature but feels the need to constantly adorn all of those around him. One of those quirks I suppose. Let us head inside. By now, I am certain Kashin will be occupied by his next conquest... or alcohol," he amended with a light sigh.
He held the door open for Kerin, before wandering into the bar himself. It was a rowdy place this one, like most bars were. Groups of men clustered around a loose barmaid, a drunken group singing songs in another, and at the counter was Kashin telling a group of eager ears his latest adventure. "And there I was, surrounded by fifty men! Well I took out my blade and you know what? there's not enough left of them to fill ONE casket!" This earned him a cheer, and another beer, to which Tali shook his head lightly.
He knew the truth to that story, and it involved Kashin screaming like a small girl. But why ruin the harpy's fun right? So instead he just sighed and turned towards Kerin.
"Kashin and I have already got ourselves a room here, where you are more than welcome to change," he said, nodding lightly. The folks here were all too drunk to pay either of them much notice it would seem. He weaved his way through towards the stairs, and opened the third door down. "It... works," Tali replied, walking in briefly to pick up something by one of the beds, which he then pocketed.
"Sorry, forgot to bring this with me earlier, " he explained with a soft smile. "Anyways, feel free to use this room to change. Its just going to waste right now," he added, as he started back down the stairs. The room itself was like any other inn: barren, stark but for the necessities. Light traveling accessories, but nothing one would truly miss.
Down below, Tali could hear Kashin gearing up for the aerial battle talk. Shaking his head, the beastman saw an open window and opted instead for that. Using a nearby ledge he climbed up, upon the rooftop once more. But, if one looked out the window, they would see the tip of his tail twitching with content. It was clear he preferred the outside air. Other thing was, he rather disliked noisy, rowdy, crowds. He would wait until it calmed a bit before heading in for a cup of cream.
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Post by Kerin on Dec 27, 2007 21:27:06 GMT -5
Kerin paused until the door was safely closed, then settled down onto the floor to start the task of peeling off his sealskin. The stuff didn't like coming off, and it was pretty darn annoying how it kept trying to get back on him before he was completely free of it. Getting it on was the matter of a moment, off not so much.
Once it was finally off of him, he unsealed his larger bag, pulling out a much smaller one with both a long shoulder-strap and a series of leather and metal cords hanging from it, his sealskin went into there, carefully folded so that it would fit before he lashed the whole thing shut.
Maybe normal people would have worried about dressing before that, but really he was going to put his skin away as soon as he could. The sooner it was away, the less likely of anything happening to it. And the sooner it was on his hip the less likely it would be that someone could actually take it... Not that he thought anyone would actually be able to from here, but it was a good habit to get into.
"Clothes are vaguely overrated anyway." He muttered, putting out the first two bits of fabric that came to hand. Dark green shirt, dark brown pants... Eh, it worked. Within a couple moments he was dressed again, the shoulder strap of the skin's bag over his head and the cords tied as a belt around his waist so that the flap of the little pack was pressed against his side. On his other hip he tied the knot of his 'belt' around the scabbard of his dirk, and his smaller knives each slipped into his short-cut boots alongside his feet. It certainly wasn't the most elegant of a style, but it was one that he could shed in less than a minute to change into his skin, and that was really more of what mattered. There had been a couple times when the selkie had to play the kelpie and lead would be pursuers to the water where they were barely a match for even a small seal. Moments mattered.
Dressed, he shook his head, figuring that now really wasn't the time to be thinking about things like that and holding his pack as he contemplated exactly what he wanted to do now. Really two choices: go ahead and leave, or hang around for a little bit. If he'd had pressing matters other than maybe sending off a letter to his Da letting him know he was alive... well, he didn't have anything pressing so that didn't really matter.
With a shrug he let his pack drop by the end of a bed, slipping out of the room to see where Talimede was. The nice thing about strangers was that he could just follow them about until they got annoyed with him... not that getting people annoyed with him was generally a smart thing, but it did make it possible. As he reached the stairs he paused, whiskers twitching in something near contempt for everyone drunk down there. He couldn't understand that. Couldn't understand it at all. Half of the things that were drifting upwards, including those he believed were being said by the bluebird, made absolutely no sense. And how had the man managed to get drunk in such a small amount of time? ... Unless he wasn't and just acted that way.
A little bit of movement caught the corner of his eye and he turned his head towards the top of a window, frowning in confusion for a moment before his dark eyes focused on it and he realized that it was a tail. A moment later it was a pretty easy conclusion that it was probably Talimede's tail... at least unless there was another roof loving beast-man in the house.
Kerin moved over towards it, tempted to try and see if he couldn't manage to jump up and grab it but smart enough to realize that wouldn't be the best idea... not that he was likely to be able to actually reach it. Jumping wasn't a strong suit of his and his height didn't help.
As it happened neither was climbing, so instead of attempting to join the l'ortus on the roof he simply leaned out of the window, glancing up towards the man, "Hallo again. You really do like it up there don't you?"
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Talimede
Level 3
I am Leona :3
Posts: 161
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Post by Talimede on Dec 27, 2007 23:57:18 GMT -5
Talimede, from his perch, was smiling serenely in a sort of meditation. He did this during those times Kashin was drinking, or the rare free times he could manage. He had always wanted to spend time by the seaside anyways. Despite him being of a feline manner... he liked the water quite a bit.
He wasn't sure how much time had gone by, before he heard Kerin's voice close by. This time Talimede wasn't startled, just blinked and peered over the roof's edge. He blushed a bit, giving a sort of sheepish smile. "One second," he commented, and carefully he slipped down a bit, his hands still clinging to the roof's edge. "Can you uhm, give me a bit of room?" he asked, before swinging with agility back through the window.
"Its a nice place to get away," he explained. "I was just meditating a bit really, nothing much. Ive always wanted to meditate by the sea," he added, smiling warmly once more. He glanced downwards towards the stairs, and wish a sigh shook his head.
"I am not much of a drinker... I only ask for cream. Nor do I care much for Kashin's shows," he added, frowning slightly. So I figured I might escape a slight moment before he drags me down there." Talimede laughed to himself, hands behind his head. "Hmmm... you know though. I was thinking perhaps I might sneak outside while he's busy and find a good place for fish. Do you know of any? Or would you like to come?" Tali asked, his head tilted to the side ever so slightly in questioning.
Down below, one could hear Kashin's larger than life voice boast of the time he had defeated the feral beastman in nothing but his underwear. All the men would roar in laughter and demand details, details! Tali, meanwhile, tried his best to tune it out. He knew the truth behind that one as well!
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Post by Kerin on Dec 28, 2007 2:16:15 GMT -5
Kerin backed up as the larger man came back in through the window. He hadn’t really meant to make it so Talimede had to come back inside… but there really was no point in mentioning that now, he supposed. As a general rule Kerin tried to just say things that actually had bearing on whatever situation he was in... made things a lot easier than blurting out whatever was on his mind would.
He was a little bit jealous of the man's obvious ease going from rooftop to window. Not too much, Kerin had learned pretty early on that there were some things just not worth dwelling on, but a little bit. There was no way the selkie could have hoped to do something like that without killing himself.
"The sea tends to be calmin', days like this." He said, softly enough that he couldn't be sure if the l'ortus heard him or not as he glanced back out the window, a soft grin crossing his face. It sounded as though Telimede hadn't ever really been around the sea... which was rather sad, at least in Kerin's eyes. For him the ocean was just one of those necessities of life; he could leave it for a little, but never for all too long, it called him back too quickly for that.
The grin was replaced by a grimace as the man mentioned drinking, his own eyes also flickering towards the ruckus downstairs. At least Kerin wasn't alone in disliking drinking, though the man's birdlike companion seemed to be making up for the both of them. For a moment Kerin wondered why exactly what their relationship was, they seemed so utterly different that it was almost odd how they traveled together, at least in the tidbit that Kerin had seen... then he pushed that bit of curiosity into the same bit of his mind where the wondering of what Telimede had grabbed from the room had gone. He was an annoying kid, that was certain, but he did try to not be a nosy annoying kid.
"I think I saw a few places there may still be fish on my way in. There are coves a bit outside of the settlement, not really frequented by those who fish normally." He paused, a grin flickering over his face as he looked up at the man, "I tend to try to mark those for when I leave. Can't go to the places normally fished with a line or people will start complainin' about the 'bloody selkies' scarin' away all the fish."
He turned back towards the stairs, frowning at the people making such an awful din below, "Innkeeper might know of some places that more people go to, those'd be closer than the ones I saw, more people, but closer." Kerin glanced back again, "Think your friend would notice if we went by downstairs?"
He didn't really bother to answer the second question. Even though Kerin was absolutely daft with a line, fishing was something that he could be amused simply watching. His own style of fishing tended to be a hit or miss one chance type of thing.
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Talimede
Level 3
I am Leona :3
Posts: 161
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Post by Talimede on Dec 28, 2007 18:16:04 GMT -5
"Is it?" Talimede asked, smiling back. His ears were sharp, and he had indeed caught the Selkie's words. It was an advantage to being what he was. "This is my first full day near anywhere with a waterfront view," he admitted, flushing slightly. "Ive seen rivers, and lakes... but the ocean isn't anything like those it it?" he asked, a theoretical question he didn't expect answered really.
He noted Kerin's grimace at the mention of drinking as well. Good to see he wasn't the only one! Talimede... he didn't like the taste of alcohol... so bitter! Nor did he like the results it gave. He preferred to think, rather than, well, what one did under the influence. He liked having his mind whole, untampered. Kashin had tried to explain on many an occasion why drinking was 'fun' or 'exciting' but Tali never bought it.
Tali's face lit up when the fishing spot was mentioned. "Actually, I wouldn't mind a bit of distance for a time," Talimede replied. "Such moments are rare... and I rather dislike crowds honestly," he added, shaking his head. "As for slipping out, don yout worry about that," he added, as he took in a deep breath.
"Alright, just stick close and you shouldn't get pulled in," he explained, as he headed down the stairs. At the door's opening, Kashin's group all turned to look.
"TALI! You finally came down here you ol' dog... er, cat! And your little friend too! How cute, bet you two had fun if you know what I mean?" Kashin winked, to which Tali tried hard not to groan. It was clear, indeed, Kashin was pretty tipsy. Light on the ale really as he always had been. "Why don't ya sit over here and join us! Drinks on me!" Talimede seemed to ponder for this a moment, but it was an act really to pacify his traveling companion. Tali really had already made up his mind.
"Kashin, did you tell them the story yet about the battle in the mountains? You know, the one where you won the girl and..."
"OH YEAH!" Kashin said, his violet eyes lighting up as he turned back towards his gathered crowd of beer buddies. "Boys and girls, you will LOVE this one! So there I was..."
Talimede started walking for the door quietly, whispering to Kerin that 'Now was their chance.' The Feline's steps were quick and light, before finally ending up outside and gently shutting the door behind him.
"Phew... got away safely," Talimede commented, a wide grin forming then. "Well, shall we? You don't mind if I use one of your fishing spots, do you?" Talimede asked, to be clear. "Id hate to intrude after all..." He pulled out of his pocket a small claw tied to a leather cord, which he slipped over his head. Was that what he pulled from his room earlier one might wonder?
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Post by Kerin on Dec 28, 2007 22:33:21 GMT -5
Well apparently Talimede really hadn't ever been by the ocean before. To Kerin that was... almost unthinkable. He supposed that it made sense that some people wouldn't be able to be around the oceans much though, he had seen maps of the whole continent, and remembered being amazed when he was little that there were some places where the ocean was days and weeks away. His Da always told him that in those places a Selkie could hardly hear it's call, if at all, and that's why they didn't go mad with the loss of it.
Kerin obediently stayed close being the l'ortus as he followed the man down the stairs, easily within armsreach, which was something that he usually wouldn't have been comfortable doing. He would hope that being physically pulled in wasn't something that could actually be a problem... but he was rather tiny, and with how the men down there were acting there really was no sense taking the chance. He was another that didn't tend to like crowds at all. Especially not drunk ones.
It wasn't all that surprising that the Harpy yelled out to Talimede, but somewhat to his chagrin he couldn't help but flush slightly at the bird's words, settling for simply glowering at him to cover it up. Stupid drunk bird. Kerin didn't like birds as a general rule, except for penguins, but that was because they tasted good... and they were kinda cute, he'd had a pet one for a small while after they'd both almost become orca-lunch, and after that really hadn't had the heart to eat them all that much... Which meant that other than cute penguin-pets birds were completely useless and the Harpy really was reinforcing that idea. Apparently hominid birds were even worse when drunk... not that it was to surprising.
Glowering did at least allow him to hold in some muttered retort. And the Harpy's words had at least tossed one possible reason for the two traveling together right out the window.
"They aren't really mine." He answered, his expression returning to a slight smile as they were finally out and away from the ruckus indoors. He started towards the waterfront, barely pausing as his eyes flickered with a bit of curiosity over the necklace, "Took me about five minutes or so t' swim from the nearest. I'm not sure how long that is for walkin' but it can' t be too long, maybe twenty-thirty minutes, probably less. I wasn't in much of a hurry to get here."
Kerin glanced down the shoreline with a frown, trying to remember what would mark the place before glancing back towards the taller man, "Should be a small cove, I think we'll have to go climbin' down some rocks to get to it, which would be probably why fish are there, if it's no easy place to get to."
He could remember the place underwater fairly clearly now, it was fairly steepish for a shore with lots of rocks, a glance above water had shown him a lot more rocks. There wasn't anything like that on the coastline down where he was facing, and he wondered if maybe it would be faster to go some other way... but the only sure way he knew of to find it was to actually search down the coast. If worst came to worse and it wasn't as easy to find as he was thinking it would be he could always just change into his skin and find it that way.
Kerin glanced back again towards the l'ortus, smiling at him before continuing down the shoreline.
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Talimede
Level 3
I am Leona :3
Posts: 161
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Post by Talimede on Dec 28, 2007 23:45:55 GMT -5
Talimede grinned. "Must be a fast swimmer I take it?" he asked Kerin, which of course, was probably a silly question to ask a water-based individual like selkie but he asked it anyways. "Mustbe interestng, swimming out there," he pondered as they walked. "Ive only swam myself in lakes... and the rare stream deep enough of course." Truth was, despite being a l'ortus, he loved to swim. It was truly a wonderful feeling. Granted he didnt like the part that came afterwards. What with the wet fur and the er... smells that went with it. But he rather enjoyed the moment quite a bit. Something he never could get Kashin to understand. but then, the two didn't see eye to eye on many a subject either.
"We'll find them. I don't mind the walk actually... its rather nice being out here away from the hustle and bustle of the city," the feline explained, walking at ease. "Traveling with Kashin these moments are pretty rare..." he trailed off a moment, before glancing towards his selkie companion.
"If you're wondering why I travel with him, its simply because someone has to keep him out of trouble. He helped me at a time no other would..." Talimede's eyes gazed up towards the sky a moment, as he smiled sadly. He liked being open with people, and felt he could trust Kerin. Kerin didn't seem to have the racial issues many did with his sort. "So dont think too badly upon him. He is a ratehr nice fellow... at times."
He flushed then, laughing warmly. "I apologize! I perhaps, think a bit too much sometimes for my own good," he explained. "So, how are the fish around here? Any good?" he asked, giving a light grin. His tail swished lightly behind him, showing just how happy Talimede was to be out here. He certainly appreciated nature.
But, one couldn't help but wonder... didn't most of his kind live in their Clans? Why was he wandering away from them? Tali knew the answer of course and it was tied into the necklace he was wearing now.
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Post by Kerin on Dec 29, 2007 1:05:33 GMT -5
"I'm a leopard seal." Kerin explained, figuring that he might as well, since most people assumed all Selkies were the prettier little ones for some reason. "We're fast without even meaning to, just fly through the water. Otherwise we'd starve, I suppose, since fish and birds know well enough to get away do they spot us."
He ran a hand through his hair, grinning as he gazed out over the waves, "It's fun, being able to choose a direction and just swim, forever it seems like sometimes. You could swim where we're headed, if you want. I didn't see any other big predators near there." He paused, eyes flickering from the sea to the man and back again. That was one thing that was surely different from a lake and a stream, he supposed. The ocean was a living place, something constantly eating something else. Kerin was fairly lucky, not too much hunted leopard seals, only orcas in the cold waters and the occasional shark were actually truly dangerous if he kept his wits about him. Other things weren't so lucky. Hell, that was the reason that Kerin had been sent on land in the first place, too many sharks for his Da to be comfortable with a little Selkie around them.
He let the pause lapse into full silence, kicking at a bit of sand as he listened again to the other man, that did answer the question that had been bugging his mind about the pair. And the Harpy surely seemed the type to need looking after. He couldn't help wondering how it was the bluebird had helped Talimede... but it wasn't really something he could ask; from how the l'ortus phrased it Kerin doubted it was the sort of thing someone would just blurt out to a random stranger, though he couldn't really imagine what had brought about whatever the situation was. He felt oddly at ease with the man, and he tended to be good at telling when he could actually trust someone; why others wouldn't be willing to help someone who seemed trustworthy was somewhat beyond the boy.
"There's not to really such a thing as thinking too much, I think." He said, breaking his own silence with a smile towards Talimede, "It's s'alright though, I try to not think to judgin'ly on people, most times, birds just tend to bring out the worst in me." Birds and drunkards, but he didn't mention that part. If nothing else, the beast-man's explanation had shown that there was a side to the bluebird that Kerin hadn't been able to see yet... which made since, seeing as Kerin had only seen the bird all of three short times, and two of those the Harpy had been drunk.
"Depends on the fish." He answered, actually laughing this time, not something he did often, "some of them very, some of them not so much. The ones out deeper taste better." Glancing ahead, he caught a glimpse of what appeared to be the beach cutting off and the ground sloping upwards. That could mean their cove, though it was a bit far ahead still.
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Talimede
Level 3
I am Leona :3
Posts: 161
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Post by Talimede on Dec 29, 2007 2:14:53 GMT -5
"A leopard seal huh?" Talimede asked as they walked, smiling lightly. "I see, to be honest, you're the first Ive ever met," he informed, blushing slightly. "Ah yes, and certainly cannot have that. Everyone must eat, I suppose that makes sense then! Im afraid my kind is rather the opposite. In the water, I'm rather mediocre. I suppose Im designed more for hunting in the woods. But I just prefer fishing when I get a chance," he added, giving a grin. "Fish or steak and my choice is fish any day!"
"We can?" he asked, titling his head again. "That sounds... rather fun actually!" he admitted, brightening. His whole face seemed to light up even, which was a rather cute sight upon the l'ortus. Even his tail behind him twitched with excitement at the prospect of swimming in the ocean.
"No worries! Actually, a lot of people react far worse towards Kashin," Talimede informed, flushing slightly. "Kashin has a way of saying the worst things at the worst times. The alchol doesnt help much... butsadlyhe's a lightweight." The feline sighed, shaking his head. Listening when it came to fish, he smiled wider. "Well then, I suppose that means Ill need a long line," he replied, before looking back towards Kerin.
"So, shall we swim a slight? You don't think it would startle the fish do you?" he asked, concerned. But swimming... wow! It sounded just... just great!
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Post by Kerin on Dec 29, 2007 3:15:03 GMT -5
"First leopard seal or first Selkie?" Kerin asked, a teasing grin flickering over his face as he looked over at Talimede. He was pretty positive the man meant Selkies... which was just odd to him, but, well... "I've never met a L'ortus before you, so that puts us about even."
Kerin was fairly hopeless at hunting on land, which he supposed was rather funny for someone used to being an almost uncontested predator in the water, "Well they do make us to hunt different ways, I suppose. A penguin can move faster than me on land, if I change to seal, and I'm no good at hunting in this form. Maybe it's natures way of evening everyone out." He grinned up at the man, "Just being able to hunt both sides puts you at better odds than most of us." Maybe the man didn't really consider fishing hunting, but then again his fishing was different than Kerin's. He paused as the man spoke again, a soft grin crossing over Kerin's features. It wasn't too often that someone from the land looked like that about swimming.
The boy glanced in front of them again. It looked like their cove was fairly close now, if those were the right rocks, funny how a walk seemed to go more quickly with someone to talk to. "The fish should be fine, long as I stay not a seal." He answered, as they neared the rocks. A glance down told him that this at least looked like the place he was thinking of, and if it wasn't swimming certainly would tell him so.
Really even if it would have frightened the fish he probably wouldn't have said so, the eager look on the l'ortus's face was absolutely priceless, and somehow Kerin couldn't bear the thought of crushing that. Hell, worse come to worse he could have just changed to seal and gone to catch them something. Since they wouldn't starve or anything without the fish even if he was wrong and these were strange overly scared-of-anything fish they would have at least had a nice swim.
Of course, they had to actually get down there first. Kerin had no doubt that the l'ortus would be able to manage it with the same ease he had come into the window with, but climbing really wasn't anything close to the Selkie's strong point. He crouched down on the rock, managing to half fall half slide to the next boulder without killing himself and grabbed onto the granite behind him to steady himself. Stupid boulders.
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Talimede
Level 3
I am Leona :3
Posts: 161
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Post by Talimede on Dec 29, 2007 12:24:04 GMT -5
Talimede flushed even brighter red at the question, shaking his head. "First selkie..." he admitted. His clan, after all, had been one of those sorts that didn't usually get out much. Talimede had been traveling for some time, but this was his closest visit by the seaside. Or, if there were any selkies not near water, Tali just hadn't run into them yet.
Tali laughed when hunting was mentioning, nodding. But he blushed again when it was mentioned Talimede could sit on both sides. "Ah, well, actually I'm not very good when it comes to fishing," he admitted. "I enjoy doing so, but if I wish to catch anything have to use a style similar to the human's," he admitted. "Or my tail... and, well, its obvious why my tail wouldn't work." In streams, he could use his teeth if he was fast enough, catching fish as they swam by. But that was rather ineffective at best! "So if I want to fish I have to improvise," he explained. Yes, his sort were definitely better on land. But, Talimede was smart enough to learn and adapt. That... and the l'ortus really liked fish.
'Ah, well, alright, I just wanted to double-check," Talimede replies, smiling once more, relieved. He looked to the rocks with ease, since well, agility was his thing. The thought of injury upon the rocks didnt occur to him. He had done a lot of hiking after all, in his travels. Those were the times Kashin would just giggle and fly past, but Tali actually enjoyed the more hands on approach anyways to things.
However, he looked over and noted his friend was having a bit of trouble. A look of worry went across Tali's gold eyes, as he maneuvered himself beside Kerin. The rocks, at least, were stable here. But for an amateur, it might be hard to find a good grip. And he certainly didn't wish for Kerin to hurt himself.
"Just try not to think about it to much," the l'ortus suggested. "The hands almost naturally will find a good grip, and don't second guess. Just take it nice and easy downwards. If it doesnt feel right, find another grip." Talimede then began to scale downwards, carefully. But he kept a close eye on Kerin, in case the selkie should fall. If he did, Talimede would make certain to take measures after all.
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Post by Kerin on Dec 29, 2007 13:07:43 GMT -5
It was something of an amusing picture to think of Talimede trying to fish with his tail. Kerin wasn't even sure exactly how that would work... He could imagine why things would go for it though, even beyond the fish just being stupid; he'd wanted to grab at it when he had seen it through the window a bit to high for his reach, if he saw it in the water Kerin probably would just go for it without thinking.
Granted, amusing pictures weren't all that much on his mind at the moment. He had fairly good balance, but trying to climb boulders vaguely wet from being so near to the ocean wasn't exactly his idea of especially safe. If he could have been sure of hitting deep water and not rocks he would just find somewhere to dive down instead.
Kerin glanced up as the L'ortus appeared besides him again, having been contemplating was the least possibly harmful way of actually getting to the next rock. The man's advice made sense... at least as much sense as it could to someone who had absolutely no idea what they were doing. Whether or not he could actually put it to good use was a completely different matter.
With a vague growl under his breath, glaring at the rocks he was attempting to get to, Kerin tried to figure out exactly how he could manage to climb and not think about it too much. Maybe that was one of those things that just was easier with skill, after all there were people who couldn't swim either. After a moment he started moving, attempting to get something of a grip on the rock so he wouldn't have to worry about slipping and falling as he maneuvered downwards.
Of course, that thought jinxed him; just when he was to the point that he was no longer truly supported by the rock he had been on, his foot slipped from where he had put it, and of course because sometimes the Selkie could just be stupid that made him frantically grab for some sort of better hold and lose whatever tenuous stability he'd had, starting to tumble away from the rock.
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Talimede
Level 3
I am Leona :3
Posts: 161
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Post by Talimede on Dec 29, 2007 14:14:22 GMT -5
Making his way down, Talimede idly hoped that tehre would be no accidents here. Thank goodness for being mountain lion in nature really... but he doubted selkies ever had much of a reason to climb rocks like these. He sighed inwardly, hoping for his companion's safety. He wasnt sure what he would do if something was to happen after all. They were nowhere near a safe place to land after all. 'Stop worrying so much Tali,' he chided himself, tail idly twitching behind him in aggravation at himself. He could be such a worrywart after all when he wasnt careful.
And then his sharp ears caught the sound of a grip lost. All of Tali's fur went up on end as he quickly sprang into action. Times like these, he was really glad for his muscular build, really, REALLY glad. He swung over underneath where his companion was falling, and with one hand gripped te rock hard, digging his claws into a crack. With the otehr hand, he caught the falling Kerin. The impact of Kerin's weight nearly caused Talimede to loose his grip, his clawscould be heard scraping the rock. However with his feet he bettered his hold and breathed a sigh of relief.
"Are you alright?" Talimede asked, keeping a good grip upon Kerin. The way the hold was, Tali's arm was around Kerin's waist. Thankfully, Kerin didnt land upside down or anything like that. But it was the first time, otehr than a handshake, that Tali had actually touched someone. Normally this would amke him flush, but this wasnt the time to blush!
"Kerin... do you think you might be able to hold onto me on the way down?" he asked, head slightly tilted once more. "Its okay, I don't mind. You're bound to be lighter than Kashin's traveling pack used to be!" he added, giving a light smile. It was clear the l-ortus really didnt mind at all. Funny how the man could be so calm. Really, Tali was worried to death for his companion. But he wanted to be calm, because he knew if he projected calm then hopefully Kerin would be calm as well. It would be easy to freak out in this situation after all, and that could be disastrous...
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Post by Kerin on Dec 29, 2007 15:08:04 GMT -5
Kerin hadn't known exactly where Talimede had been when he started to fall, but he wouldn't have thought that the L'ortus was actually fast enough to catch him. His mind was such an instant turmoil of 'holyshitImgunnafallontherocksanddie' that it took him a moment to even realize that what he had slammed into was actually another person and his bones weren't crushed or anything. He kept his eyes squeezed tight, still utterly limp as he could hear the scrape of what he assumed was Talimede's claws against the rock.
He didn't dare to actually open his eyes until the larger man spoke, and then he felt his face heating, probably turning bright red. That was graceful; figured that he could manage to fall that easily. It didn't help at all when he realized that Talimede's arm was wrapped around his waist, making him overly aware of both that and that he was pressed back against the man. Kerin wasn't really antisocial... but he usually avoided any real contact with people if it was at all possible.
Rather belatedly, Kerin managed to calm his mind down enough to answer, "I'm fine. I think I'll be swimmin' back instead of climbin' though." He mostly managed to keep his voice from shaking. Stupid slippery rocks. "I'm... pretty sure that I can hold on." Kerin glanced towards the L'ortus's face for a moment, frowning, though he still hadn't managed to get the stupid flush from his face. Easiest for him would probably be to wrap his arms around the man's neck, though he wasn't sure if that would hurt Talimede or not, even with his slight weight in this form. Or if that would leave him in the way and make it hard for the L'ortus to climb. It would somewhat defeat the purpose if he made it so they both fell... "What would be easiest?"
It was tempting to insist that he didn't need to be carried down, but at the moment the Selkie was more scared of falling than having his pride injured a little bit. At least Talimede didn't sound worried, hopefully that meant that getting down with another person wouldn't be too hard. Kerin was fairly sure that if the L'ortus had been worried that would have been bad.
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Talimede
Level 3
I am Leona :3
Posts: 161
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Post by Talimede on Jan 1, 2008 0:25:09 GMT -5
Talimede nodded at this. "Probably for the best," he agreed, smiling. "That one was a bit too close for comfort eh?" Too close indeed! Tali didn't even want to consider what might have happened if things had gone awry. Yikes. He noted the flush upon Kerin and a thought flickered through his mind. A thought the l'ortus quickly pushed aside as being not the thing to think upon when another's life hung in the balance... literally.
"Easiest? Just wrap your arms around my neck... I'll make sure we both get down safely." He nodded to himself then, and a boosted confidence entered his voice when he next spoke. "You have my word." And to Talimede, that word was everything. e waited a moment for Kerin to get a grip, before taking in a deep breath.
'Here goes...' he thought to himself. Everything rested upon his shoulders. Although at a time like this he wished he had conscious control over his tail. His tail, like most felines, moved upon its own will swishing behind him. He just hoped it didn't hit Kerin too many times. But it couldnt be helped he supposed. He made his way down slowly, careful that his claws picked the best holds. Although a time or two a claw would slip, he would dig it back in deeper to keep from falling. Slowly down... down...
Until finally, they had reached a point where one could jump from the boulder's safely. Talimede kept his hold however, giving Kerin a chance to go first. "Phew... you doing okay back there?" he asked his companion, a brow raised.
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Post by Kerin on Jan 1, 2008 0:51:56 GMT -5
Kerin clung fairly tightly to the L'ortus after he spoke, relieved that what he could easily reach was also what would enable the man to climb. He honestly wasn't sure quite what he would have done otherwise. He didn't speak again. Honestly he was on that little brink of sanity between rational and frozen with fear, so he figured that it would probably just be smarter to keep his mouth shut before he embarrassed himself even more. Instead he simply buried his face in Talimede's shirt, not quite sure if the butterflies in his stomach were caused by the pure fear of almost falling and now having to cling to another or... something else.
At least the man's promise helped with the fear a little bit. Kerin wasn't quite sure why, but that at least made him calm enough that every time it felt like the larger man might be slipping he didn't freak out and simply pressed closer, hoping he wasn't about to cause both of them to fall. In some ways it helped that the L'ortus's tail kept brushing against him, distracting the seal simply because it was so strange to him. He wasn't sure if Talimede was doing it on purpose or no, but either way it too was helping to keep the boy calmer. And to remind him that at some point he wasn't going to be able to resist leaping on that tail... not that leaping on anything was something he should be thinking of at this point.
When Talimede spoke again Kerin unburied his face from the man's shirt, risking a glance down and seeing with utter surprise that they were quite a bit closer than he had expected... Close enough for him to maybe drop down. "Aye, I'm fine." He said, loosening his grip and dropping downwards, face burning red again as he managed to land rather ungracefully, tripping over himself and falling to the ground. He jumped up again a moment later, moving away so the L'ortus could get down as well, "Sorry you had to carry me down." Really, the Selkie probably should have thought through the whole having to climb down thing. After all, he had been the one to suggest this place origionally... and that wasn't helping banish the flush from his face at all. Stupid pale skin.
He glanced towards the water, glad to be so close to it now and itching to dive in. Going down rocks was terrifying, at least in the water such a thing seemed worlds away. Kerin glanced back towards Talimede "I suppose you'll want to catch your breath, then we can take that swim" He said, a smile flitting over his face to replace the half shaken look that had been there since he fell.
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