TRUST TO A DRAGON [SEIJA] [D]

[SURMA]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, width: 445px; height: 477px; background-image:url(http://i596.photobucket.com/albums/tt49/eristhoughts/new_zps5c9e896e.png)] There was no verbal explanation for Bran, or how he felt about being banished from what he could not realize was the Fallen, his Ring. What was more, he didn’t care. He seemed unable to separate his past from his present, and viewed anyone near him as a threat … I am free now. I will remain so. His mind was wholly animalistic, as it had been conditioned to be for months in the Keepers hands rendering him as bad as any newbie retro. With frustration he had been exiled from a place he recognized as a home, but as Bran in the past had never truly thought of the place as HIS home - he had relinquished and moved on without much of a fight. In a sense, as a horse he still felt the need to find his herd. Out of breath, and puffing from the exertion of moving his large, heavy body for miles Bran slowed when he smelled water. Nostrils flaring, the large creature stumbled down the bank and into a creek until he was knee deep in the dark water. He drank greedily, knowing only that he was very thirsty and very, very tired. A rustle in the brush, Bran’s head shot up in alarm his ears tapering in on the soft footfalls of a pair of animals and a human. They were quiet, so quiet that Bran was not quite sure he had heard them until they appeared in the distance. He froze in the water, watching curiously … Rage, and panic; they had chased him out of the cold water and back up the muddy bank, hollering intelligible orders that fell on deft ears in the wake of Bran’s fury. Once on level ground he turned, striking his large hooves violently with a murderous shriek. His claw caught the side of a hunter, ripping his ribs open and spilling blood across the earth, up Bran’s legs, and splattering his face. There was more yelling and without warning one remained with the injured soul while another, a dog of some kind fled. The other remained in his form – that of some kind of wild cat, and Bran threatened and charged him over and over, forcing him back farther and father until he stood practically atop his companion protectively. Bran looked to the distance, where he heard the dog howled as loud as he could. With the equine’s distraction, the hunter leaped - his claws sought to hook around Bran’s neck and sink his teeth into his throat. The hard scales covered him like armor, and the cat was tossed to the side as nothing more than a rag doll. The cat roared, fear and anger in his yellow gaze as he harried Bran from behind, attempting to pull the monster’s attention away from his fallen comrade. It worked, and Bran turned with a squeal and reared high before tossing his head and slamming it into the side of the cat, launching him back toward his companion. It was then that another presence entirely stole his attention his startling blue gaze looking upon a two-legger. Bran’s head tossed again defiantly, and a large breath shot through his nostrils. Instinct drove him to protect himself, and since he had been free from the Keeper’s grasp he’d not had a moment’s rest to calm himself. Anger and hostility radiated from his being, and truly was a sight to behold. His size rivaled that of a full grown rhino, and his temper and pain made him less predictable than a bull elephant in mating season. His scales were hard, impossible to penetrate and the claws to the inside of his legs shifted as his massive hooves danced beneath him. The ground shook as the one-ton monster reared, striking his large hooves to the sky in signal he was prepared for more.

[SEIJA]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, width: 498px; height: 440px; background-image:url(http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x363/DoomBunniBins/tables/inktbl88.gif)] Seija strolled down the boardwalks of the docks, her footing light and seemingly hovering over the wooden planks that groaned under minimal protest. She had slept decently that day, considering she did, in fact, sleep during the time her comrades preferred to sleep and roamed when others preferred naught. It was a benefit to herself, being able to see others through her touch-sight, when they barely could see. Leather soled boots barely made sound as she moved from the docks to the soft earth. High blades of grass, littered with dew, brushed her calves and cooled her heated skin. This reminded her that night was usually better for her in the summer months, as she hailed from colder and darker climates, her body disliked the high temperatures that summer brought. A frantic howl reached her ears, a cry of warning and needed assistance, and without a pause in her stride, she shifted as she dropped to all fours and darted up the slopes of the cliff-side to the canines side; both shifting as she came upon him. He ducked his head to her as he panted lightly, clearly out of breath from whence he came; she stopped and waited briefly with her arms crossed over her chest. He was one of her own Hunters, Rex. "Intruder at the Cliffside," he rasped out, coughing a bit before she offered a canteen to him, filled with water. He greedily drank from it with a murmured thanks, clearing his throat before continuing. "Large horse with some type of scales on it like armor, thought it was retro, but it reeks of labs and sand people. Torri and Max are there holding him off, Max is hurt though-," "So you mean to tell me you left a newly made Scout, who is injured, and a Tenderfoot to take care of a possible virus of the labs?" "I didn't think-" "Of course you didn't think," she snarled as she snatched the canteen with one hand and grabbed him by the shirt with her other, forcefully lifting him off the ground with ease as he yelped, grabbing the forearm of the hand that grabbed him. "I-I-I'm sorry!!" "You will be if you have to bury your comrade with your bare hands! " she growled as she tossed him to the ground and then shifted before darting of in the direction of the Cliffside; leaving the Hunter to ponder if he should be following, going to get more help, or hiding until the Lead Hunter hopefully forgot about this event in time. Seija could feel the vibrations from the intruders stomping, though they were much heavier; she remembered Rex saying something about armor scales ... The Keepers weren't giving out Armor were they? The ever present thought of it being one of those Viruses plagued her thoughts as well, but no matter what it was ... well ... she would see what its purpose was here she supposed. She felt the fight before she heard it, coming upon the trio of figures as she shifted into her two legged form. The chain whip was released from the 'X' crossed over her chest as she stepped forward slowly, yet with a purpose in her stride. She stepped over the legs of the fallen Tenderfoot, not even glancing to him as he breathed her name like a sigh of relief. Although annoyed by the situation, her ever present smirk resting upon small lips. "I believe you do not belong here, beast," she said after his small display, her wrist turning to move the chain whip to curl upon itself, a hiss of metal echoing across the clearing they stood in, her lips pulling across her teeth to show them in the dim light of the eve. "What do you want of the Carna?" She was taking him in, the strength of him drawing her closer with no fear in her. He could possibly be a retro, or even better yet, an actual wild horse. It was rare, but she heard of them on occasion ... but no, this creature held too much intelligence in his gaze. Awareness. Even as crazed as he looked on the outside. She lifted her hand, outstretched to him, as if to touch him, though was frozen in place. OOC | so I totally thought I posted this already. >.< and when I saw I didn't. . Well this is what down time between parts for the past 3 hours is for. Haha. Will edit posting table in later. [Edited! :D] O3o

[SURMA]

The creature tossed its head, his long and armored lizard-like tail lashing as her chains cracked in the air. Bran half reared in mock charge – his teeth snaking out viciously as his ears pinned. Plates of earthy tan-grey pointed scales covered him from broad equine nose to the tip of his ten foot tapered tail, pouring down his throat and chest and covering his flanks. A large gust of hot breath shot through his nostrils in response to her first comment. Her words almost made sense, as when a song’s tune is recalled but not the lyrics.

When he inhaled the smell of predator hit his nose, carnivorous … and powerful. Blood polluted the scent of the dry earth, further sending him into panic. It was not lost on him when the original attackers relaxed in her presence and for a moment his curiosity began to turn the wheels in his mind. Carna, he recognized the lilt in her voice expressing a question.

Her hand was another story and though the beast was impossibly large and at least thirty feet away he backed away from her instantly; Hands meant pain. A stressed gasp caught his vocal chords as he emitted something between a nicker and squeak. Head at its height he took another step back in fear, ears flickering with worry before the memories of the Keepers torture trickled through him, and he bellowed again and retook the ground he had given without warning.

Bran was caught between fight and flight, trapping him in a complex state of fury and terror. The sun beat down on them all, the dust clouding beneath his massive hooves that refused to remain still. The uninjured cat hissed and swiped a paw before the female barked something, causing the feline to retreat. That was interesting.

A large foreleg lifted, then slammed to the ground as his ears pricked up again intent on the whip yielding two-legger. His nostrils continued to flare with great gasps as his blue eyes narrowed shrewdly.

[OOC: I assumed (which I can change!) that if the NPC moved without her say so, she'd have an issue XD]

[SEIJA]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, width: 498px; height: 440px; background-image:url(http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x363/DoomBunniBins/tables/inktbl88.gif)] When the Tenderfoot moved the Scout out of the way, she stepped forward one more step to almost instantly feel the beast rear up and back away from her. What was the things problem now? He had been aggressively rearing and she was prepared for the thing to charge .. now it was acting like a beaten animal in a corner -- though the thing wasn't running either. She watched him silently for a little while, feeling his body move through the ground and hear his labored breathing. She let her hands drop to her sides, waiting him out until she felt his movements slow, and his head stilled; trained on her from what she could tell. Moving back a step .. and then another .. she turned around to face away from him, motioning with her hand a cut sign to the two that watched from a distance. Meaning to not interfere unless commanded by her. As she began to walk forward once more she felt the heavy footfalls behind her, and a smile formed upon her face. Whether this was a shifter, a retro or a regular horse - though she doubted the latter since it was obviously mutated - she decided she would calm him. Least he do damage to Carna land or more of it's members. What better to do than to take the creature in. Whatever he was, he was more beast than man she decided. She bent to grasp the whip in her hand once more and felt him slow as she turned. Her 'sight' felt him standing stock still, flickers of movement in his ears and lips, and back haunches. He was very close, having almost caught up to her with his long strides. He twitched ... shuffled ... nervousness? Curiousity? She took a step forward and felt him tense, his neck arching as she let the chain instantly slip from her grasp again as her hands came to his large face, using her enhanced strength she felt her footing slide, her stance widening to hold his head in place as she let her face come to stay before his. Her breathing caught for a moment before she let her low alto speak to him, sternly and with a force that matched her grip on his skull. "Easy. I'm not going to hurt you ... but you'll hurt yourself if you keep this up." OOC | PP approved ;] Whootwhoot <3

[SURMA]

When the two-legger stilled, confusion wrapped his mind. Was, was she giving up? Impossible. Curved ears flickered curiously as she stepped back. Giving ground in welcome … his attention remained as she turned around and made a motion to halt her followers.

Interesting. Large nostrils flared. For the first time someone welcomed him into a herd, instead of attacking him. His head tossed uneasily, but despite himself he moved forward. One foot … then another …

Turning down blue eyes to spy her movement he froze, and as soon as she picked up the whip he felt tricked. His massive head tossed as his ears pinned, watching her … watching her. When she turned, his head rose in fear his eyes rolling to whites before the whip hit the ground, and soothing hands took his nose.

At first his attempted to throw her capture away was strong, but she did not give. Panic. She had him, she was going to hurt him! Hands had hurt him before ... a quiet, sure voice spoke to him. Her tone was calm and fixed his wild attention. He gave.

A large gust of air shot through his nostrils as he released tension and dropped his head. She had not hurt him … she had not hurt him. Wide, fearful blue eyes lowered to settle on the face of the small two legger, confident in movement but not aggressive. In turn, he relaxed (if only so much).

The adrenaline from so many hours without rest or sleep was wearing on him, and he was suddenly so tired, Another gust of hot breath shot through his nose as the weight of his massive dome lowered in trust.

Something … something about her bred comfort in his body, and suddenly she felt like a lifeline. The same hoarse nickered squeak emitted from his body. Safe?

Safe.

[SEIJA]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, width: 498px; height: 440px; background-image:url(http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x363/DoomBunniBins/tables/inktbl88.gif)] She knew he would fight her, and it was a surprise that he didn't completely throw her away - and she could only thank the Keepers silently in this instance for her enhanced strength. For matched with her keen mind it had gotten her this position as Lead Hunter, and had helped many a time where she would have been useless otherwise. She didn't move as his hot breath blew her hair back, she didn't even move when her bangs parted way to reveal her violet-green eyes whose pupils were almost non existent ... along with a handful of shades lighter than normal. It wasn't like she thought of him as a person, and a person would never be able to see her sightless eyes ever. She 'shh'ed' slightly, her thumbs gently moving over his velvet nose as he huffed again, lowering his head even closer to hers. "Surma,,,," she murmured as she looked to him. In her language, it referred to the god in Pagan lore which guarded the gates to the Underworld. It also meant to "kill". And if he was her demon-horse, he had to have a strong name. "My Surma," she said softly as she bowed her head to gently touch his with her own. She grinned against the gesture, before slowly straightening and looking to him. "You won't be aggressive now to your family, yes? No hurting..," she said as she pet his nose gently. She considered the large beast before her, her images in her head telling of his draft horse size but the sturdiness of his body and odd formations on his skin telling of the alteration the Keepers had done to him. He was gorgeous to her. A ideal image of pure muscle and intimidation. She turned to look to her charges, nodding to them. "Go ahead, I will meet you back at camp later," she said as she then moved to stoop in front of him and quickly grab her whip once more, holding it in her hand and she came to hold his face."This is my tool, but I will not hurt you with it, okay?" she asked the large beast as she stood there before moving to wrap the chain around her body and click the handle and tip into place across her chest. She watched him the whole time as she did so, "do you like your name? Surma?" OOC | whoooo >.> a little short but something! -flails as runs off-

[SURMA]

Since his recapture (and long before then) this was the first time a hand to his skin had meant comfort. His hide trembled nose to tail as he settled under her hands. He considered this new person for long moments. Was she going to hurt him? Multiple displays of her strength and confidence said otherwise. It was clear she was not dominating … or mean … though she was capable.

Surma … she said quietly. The name radiated in his mind as a sound, but her tone conveyed attention. She spoke again softly, but by then he was entranced. Nostrils flared as his head rose, but when she reached for him again his nose lowered, seeking her contact.

More speech was given to him.
His ears and eyes were attentive; trying his best to understand. His great nose pressed against her – pushing her back gently before Mistress turned to his attackers and Spoke. They withdrew. Another release of tension shot through his nostrils, parting her hair as his large maw snuffled her face. When she bent down, Bran’s great head lifted high and blue eyes rolled in fear, but her fingers closed around the whip and used the same voice spoke to him in soothing tones. He remained still as she whipped the evil creature around her body and it obeyed without question. Again the soothing words, and the great demon-stallion’s head bobbed with anticipation.

What was she saying? Her words seemed cool and nonthreatening. In response his head lowered again and playfully nosed her. A quiet nicker was expelled from him then, sounding like a hoarse yelp. Surma .. she’d said again. He liked the sound of it. Noticing his broad head was almost the size of The Mistress’s whole body, Bran was ever more careful as he attempted to respond to the light lilt in her voice as he nosed her again.She was so little ...

Suddenly, movement from the corner of his eye caused the large armored draft horse to tense, shifting a suspicious glare to the movement of a foreign shadow. Without warning, Bran’s tail whipped as his massive body turned on a dime in protection; his prehensile tail first capturing then throwing the threat from the woman. Almost without his own notice he then curled his great tail around this new friend defensively. The scales on his spine lifted protectively.

Again, quiet words were spoken by his Mistress. The feeling was a reprimand … disappointment. Bran’s ears drooped as he realized he’d made Mistress unhappy. What then? What? His focus on the strange woman was unnerving, those large eyes fixed to her. He felt new born, confused, and angry. No, she said. No. He guessed at that point that … maybe some of these creatures were okay to her. Still .. unless she okayed them Bran would remain unsure of their presence.

After all … who knew what the strangers were planning. They could be the Bad Men …

[SEIJA]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, width: 498px; height: 440px; background-image:url(http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x363/DoomBunniBins/tables/inktbl88.gif)] Seija watched him, constantly reached to touch him if he wasn't already leaning into her hand, body, or hair. Blowing hot air and parting her tresses all the while she attempted to keep them covering her eyes -- it almost seemed this would be the greatest challenge. The large creature did not move, and stayed attentive to her as she stayed there, until one of her lackey's came to retrieve a forgotten item or something of the sort. She wasn't quick enough to stop Surma from reacting, but caught his attention quickly. He voice lowered in pitch but heightened a little in volume to make up for it. "No! No Surma. Bad," she said as she frowned, the large horses oddly armored tail curling around her in a protective fashion. She cooed to him as she watched, in her own way of vibrations, these spikes of his settle down once more as if they were never there. How interesting he was; her Surma. She grinned, liking it every time she said it. She pondered his size a moment as she thought of the sewers and if he would indeed like them. If not there were always the warehouses -- but she would nee to teach him to be weary of the docks. She wouldn't want him to fall into the water and considering his size, the wooden docks might not hold him very well. She let her fingertips scritch the velvet part of his nose, smiling all the while as she turned slightly and began to walk towards the sewers and deeper into Carna territory. "We are to go home. Home," she said as she looked back to him a moment and then turned back, feeling him begin to follow her. "You would like that, yes?" she said as she pondered the great beast behind her. No one would touch him aside from her, not that she would have to warn most people. She would think his size alone would deter others. They followed the waters edge to the docks, though moved past them as she made her way to the warehouse area, ignoring the looks from distant other who lounged about; staring but making no move towards the Lead Hunter. She grinned beneath her locks before she began to hum a small tune, it was dark but simple, almost lullaby in nature. She tended to sing when she was .. happy, although she usually didn't notice, which was odd. She opened a large door to a dry warehouse, aka, limited things were stored here and food wasn't one of them so it didn't have the unique odd smell to it. She grinned as she looked back to him and opened the door wider for him to come in, her hand reaching up to lay on his side as she walked with him inside. She ran back to close the door before returning to him then, her thoughts running while she let her hands move over his large body, smoothing her hands over him. "I wonder what you eat, hmm? Grass? Hay?" She hummed a bit to herself once more while she glanced around, tapping the floor with the toe of her boot to send waves out into the ground, looking about for anything of use. Ah ha ... She petted his side and told him to stay, not sure if he would understand or listen for that matter, before she went to a crate and, using her awesomely handy enhanced strength, broke the lid off easily and then proceeded to pull herself up to balance on the edge of the crate on her stomach, grabbing at some large cloth material things she thought could serve as blankets. Horses liked blankets, yes? Too bad she was focused on collecting as many as she could and didn't think about the mischievousness a horse could muster. She felt him coming up behind her, yes, but realized a second too late what was happening as she felt the horses nose bump her forward. A non-Seija-esque 'meep' came from her lips as she tumbled into the crate. "SURMAA!" OOC | daww ... Seija obviously never had a horsey before ... muahaha xD

[SURMA]

Surma… Surma.
This seemed to be directed at him, and a tiny part committed it to memory. His nostrils continued to gust and flare and when her fingers scratched his nose his large blue eyes blinked and his head lowered further. When she turned and began to walk away, there was only a moment’s hesitation before his heavy feet began to follow her. His long tail swayed and her words were a jumble. As they passed the group of people, the giant animal pinned his ears and shot a gust of hot air in their direction as his neck snaked toward them in a menace.

As he followed her through the warehouses and strange areas now and then Surma would shy, and rally – however Mistress’s hand would find his hide to settle him. There was a critter that scurried past, and his eyes rolled as his head tossed and as they passed some of the larger predators the great horse’s heavy feathered legs shifted uneasily beneath him.

The hum in her throat calmed him further, and as they neared a warehouse the image of the small woman and enormous equine was quite a sight to see. His regard and care for her was almost that of a mare with a foal, his attention as if she were the only thing important in the world.

In this moment, for Surma – she was. There was something about her, her stillness, her hands, that inspired his complete confidence, and after so much anger and so much pain he could not deny her import. Mistress was his lifeline.

When the doors opened, she led them into the dim building, and with the door closed they were bathed in darkness. A horse’s eyesight work surprisingly well with little light, but Mistress seemed completely unconcerned. Her small hands moved about him, almost smoothing out the wrinkles of nervousness in his body. The noises she made caused his ears to flicker curiously, and when she walked away he watched her dive into a wooden box.

The armored horse was curious what she was doing and wandered over to where her behind stuck in the air. His head tossed, maybe she needed help getting in? What a silly thing to do but maybe she slept here? His giant maw gave her shove and loud noises came from inside the box.

When she appeared again Surma had remained close and his head bobbed in humor. Her hands came up to his face again with a tsking noise, and he rumbled a contented nicker under his breath. Mistress, his Mistress. He would care for and protect her … his nose rose to nibble at her hair affectionately. Mistress.