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Post by libellule on Nov 3, 2008 22:13:36 GMT -6
2.Pardon me... HOUSEKEEPING! Danalli and Zanen Location: Tekania The click of her heels against the cobblestone path echoed in her slightly pointed ears. Her footsteps reminded her of the clip and clop of her beautiful hooves against the Seraph glistening streets. The hooded woman looked on to the dark and dreary castle that laid before. "Who could ever live in such a dark place," she mused with a lick of acid in her tone. The spires stretched out towards her like branches from a dead oak as she mentally recoiled. Her overly large warm chocolate eyes closed wearily as she continued her trek up the winding stairway. "Halt," a stern voice came from the shadows of a post near the gate she stepped towards, "Name and business. Do without the hood as well, woman." She giggled softly and removed her hood and the guards took frightened step back. "Sp-sp-sp-sp-sp-SPY! Sounds the ala-" "No need," she spoke loudly, lovingly, and held out outlaw papers, "I was requested here." The guards visibly relaxed as they tentatively read her papers over, eyeing her ever so often. She shook her head happily, beautiful silver tresses framing her bright face. "Danalii," she called, smiling, "My name. I'm here for your housekeepin-" She was cut off curtly.
A shrill scream lit up the air, followed by a whiny of disobedience. "STOP THAT HORSE!" Someone was scrambling after the four hooves that beat the wet earth straight towards her. "GET OUT OF THE WAY," the guards wailed as she turned slowly.
A beautiful stallion was galloping away from the stables on a runaway path that aimed to trample right through her. Twenty feet and counting. She smirked softly, the guards cries were muted in the background.
"Hush, precious," her whisper was as soft as a goddess' breath, far too quiet for the normal human to hear. And the stallion slid to a grinding halt, hiking its fore hooves to the sky.
"That horse is crazy, Miss! Stay back." If she was anything human maybe she would have listened. The Stallion was visibly relaxed as he watched her trace the air before him. He swept his great head to the ground and back up as if bowing. She squealed quietly and clapped her hands happily. "Quite the gentleman," she noted, batting her extremely long eyelashes.
He snorted. "I'll make you a deal," she whispered to him, holding his large nose, "I'll come and visit you soon if you go back to those stables and play good horse throughout the day."
She scratched his ears and he neighed softly. Very quietly she continued, "Then we can race each other through the night." The stallion all but walked to the stables. The perplexed faces of the stable boys and guards made her laugh. "It runs in the family," she laughed joyously.
"Obviously." they all murmured.
Obviously, she was much more than a horse whisperer, she was one herself. An Dellavis. Thanking the guards, the over exuberant woman entered the courtyard of the castle. "Home, sweet Home," she said, non-too-happily.
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Post by Willow on Nov 11, 2008 21:34:12 GMT -6
It had been a collaboration of his own and Asina's ideas that had lead to the call for a Delavis from the Sequin to be called in to work. With the way the war was going, they needed some inside information, and the only way to get it was through someone who actually lived in enemy land. There was, of course, the Avian spies they had in place, and a few others, but Asina had proposed a slightly different approach, one that involved just getting to know what it was like for those who actually lived there.
That was why this girl was perfect. Necessary.
For this anyway.
Amethyst gaze watched the scene unfold below between the new arrival and the horse. The incident only confirmed what he already knew. She'd contacted the palace looking for asylum, refuge, safety, and a livelihood. The timing had almost been too perfect. But it had worked, and her request had been granted, unbeknown to her the other reason for her recruitment into the palace staff. After all, there truly weren't many running the dark palace, especially during such a violent time in the war.
The Kekenc Priestess's dwelling was run only by the most trusted, because it was where she and other important members of government slept, ate, and planned attacks as well as the well-being of her lands. There would be no room for error, no possibility that a spy could slip in. After all, Asina had spies in her sister's palace, and she didn't want to give Lilani the chance to plant the same within her own. Too dangerous.
Zanen agreed wholeheartedly.
Now the Zephyr Demon, one of the only two pure-bloods and like the other completely devoted to the Priestess, turned from the window and strolled out of his chambers and down the corridor to meet this new addition. Normally, Asina would have joined him, but she wasn't here. He would be out looking for her but for the fact that he knew where she was. Amethyst eyes flashes as he touched the crystal about his neck, the only color visible other than his striking eyes, and it matched, being of the same hue. He knew where she was because the about his neck connected him, Asina, and the one other person with a matching shard. The other Zephyr demon, Ciel. This was how he knew they were together.
Shaking his head, he dispelled the thoughts. There were other things to worry about now. Asina was a grown, powerful woman. She could take care of herself. Besides he knew for a fact Ciel wouldn't let anything happen to her. They'd had this conversation.
Now he stood waiting for the Delavis to enter the palace, clothed completely in black, not even his face was spared, wrapped in the garb so that only his eyes were visible. arms folded across his chest, his posture guarded although he seemed weaponless today. Seemed being the key word. Either way, he was prepared.
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Post by libellule on Nov 11, 2008 22:05:07 GMT -6
"I can take that, Miss," one of the stable boys had followed her into the courtyard. He must have played servant as well. Danalii looked back at him quizzically as he ran past her and opened the door for her. The gargantuan black doors groaned in protest. Suddenly she looked back to the stables, she was sure she would have felt much more comfortable with others in the brittle hay. His noisy and scrambling steps clued her in almost instantly. He was scared. No... he had been stabbed with terror. The stealth that took over her frame brought shivers throughout her frame. Had the temperature dropped or was it just the boy that had her on edge?
Something was waiting for her. Or rather, someone.
"Your cloak, Miss," he spoke too softly, too slowly as if he would stumble and stutter over them if he spoke normally. "It's Danalii," she clicked softly, "No titles for me, love. I am no different than yourself." Reluctanty, she took a handful of her dusty brown cloak and shook it off gracefully. The boy squinted as she revealed her garb. Soft gypsy pants hung off of her hips as the belt that hung there gave the softest moonlight glow in the dreary walls. The shirt was long sleeved and though the sleeves resembled her pant legs the shirt itself fit her torso snugly, the barest hint of caramel skin showed through as she took her short steps. Unfortunately the Seraph only sold black outfits in the winter and it was spring, it was either hot pinks and oranges or white. Danalii took the white.
The boy was speechless. "I'm sorry," she offered, " It was the only color I could find." "You're so bright," he offered a smile, "It's a nice break." If though his remark was peaceful his body had not relaxed. "The Oracle is awaiting your arrival, Miss- er, Danalii."
She raised a silver brow. The Oracle? So that was who was putting fear into young servant boys' hearts. "Where might I find this... Oracle?" A slight inclination of annoyance was present in her tone.
The boy looked behind her and the look on her face made her wish he hadn't. "Forgive me," he bowed and ran off with her cloak as she noted the statement was not directed to her.
Slowly, she turned and found herself face to face with the towering, black encrusted Oracle. The warmth in her chocolate eyes hardened as she remembered the boy's face.
She softly curtsied out of respect, "My lord. It is a pleasure."
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Post by Willow on Nov 11, 2008 22:31:53 GMT -6
The idiocy never ceased to perturb him. The stable boy was a loyal one, he knew. The son of a man he had trained himself from boy to man. Still, his blatant fear was both reassuring and annoying. It gave the impression of an internal weakness of their court when a servant was such open about whom he fears. Still, he felt a little bit of internal satisfaction that the boy knew his place and didn't challenge it. Knew better than to even dream of challenging it.
Yet that didn't change the fact that it was annoying.
This woman, however, proved to be interesting. At least up front. He knew a good deal about her. After all, he'd had to research her quite thoroughly before he would allow her to come and work within the palace, even if the only real reason such an intimate request was being granted was because of their own need of her. Either way, everyone benefited. He and Asina would gain their information, and this woman would be able to hide. Live out her life in a place she would be relatively accepted.
Amethyst gaze took in her appearance from the way she held herself to the color of her hair to the clothing wrapped 'bout her body. That she was dressed completely in white made him smirk beneath the veil, unseen to her and anyone else watching him. Very few could read him beneath his veil. In fact, there were really only two. Asina, and Ciel. Asina because of how well they knew each other. They'd worked side by side for ages. Millennium. Ciel was a Zephyr, like himself, and that alone gave them a greater understanding of each other.
It wasn't that black was the exclusive color down in the Kekenc lands. It was just that all the resources in this part of the world were of darker hues, naturally of shades from black to charcoal to deep purples and emeralds. He knew that the resources on the other side, in Lilani's territory, were lighter. Normally naturally white and thus could be dyed an array of different colors.
"You are Danalli." His voice was soft, but it carried, the tone low and dark, but not necessarily unpleasant. It was an interesting sound, on it's own, somewhat startling in that it had a rough edge to it. Black sand.
He nodded at her greeting and turned, beginning to walk up the master staircase. "Follow me."
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Post by libellule on Nov 11, 2008 22:55:50 GMT -6
She did not falter in her stance when the coldest draft drifted past her in a silent gaze. The coldest she'd felt in a very very long time. Something did not sit right with her as the short greeting was made. She was certain nothing sat well with anyone after meeting someone like the Oracle. The all black clothing was sure to send to darkest of criminals fleeing for the hills in their skirts and those eyes didn't do much welcoming help either. The fact that they were the only things visible indicated that he was one of the weakest beings she'd ever met, or that he was so seemingly powerful he could destroy this palace with a flick of his finger. She instantly assumed the later remembering the both.
'You are Danalii.'
She almost eyed him quizzically. What kind of voice was THAT?! She was expecting some sort of two toned demonic hell gate keeper tone. Er... yeah. She snorted to hide her instant giggle. Rubbing her nose theatrically she snorted again.
'Follow me.'
That was what hadn't sat right. Why in the world was one of the most powerful advisors leading her around? Wasn't she just a maid anyway?
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Post by Willow on Nov 11, 2008 23:27:31 GMT -6
Zanen could not read the woman's mind, so his next words were in a way coincidentally answering her questions, though it wasn't as if he was speaking them on a whim. "There are certain rules to working here," he said without looking back at her as he lead her up the stairs, veering to the right and heading down a long, mostly unlit corridor. "If they are not followed, there will be consequences, of course."
Consequences. Of course. Of course there would be consequences. Still, since Asina wasn't here, he was giving the shpeal in place of herself. It was important that each and every member of the palace be spoken to individually. It served two purposes. One, it enforced the gravity of the importance of their loyalty and confidentiality. Two, it weeded out the weaklings. Asina had had three or four in the past fifty years or so commit suicide or just die of fright after this part. Not many, but if just speaking with Asina or Zanen would kill someone, then neither wanted them living and working within the Tekanic Palace. It would be a waste of air.
He stopped them in front of a door made of a strange ebony-streaked azure wood. Turning to face her, he went on. "By working here, you are under the protection of those who rule here. You are here because you can be trusted and if you betray that trust you will wish for death." His words were stated simply, without threat or anything other than just as if he were stating the facts. He could have as easily been reading off a shopping list. "You are in charge of keeping nine rooms, and only nine rooms. If you venture into any others other than the common areas or the rooms you are assigned, it will be looked up as spying and you will be duly punished." He turned back to the door and opened it. "All your rooms are connected, so that should be simple enough." Again, no inflection of mocking or any emotion at all. Just stating the facts. "This is the Ebonazure Wing. Your own sleeping quarters are attached at the end of the strip."
Leaving the door open, he stepped back and considered her carefully, amethyst eyes sparked with intelligence as formed his own thoughts and opinions. "Each member of the staff of this palace is vital to its survival," he began, but just as he was about to say more, someone came dashing down the hallway. There was almost a collision, but when the man, unable to stop fast enough, stumbled into the place where Zanen had been standing, he was gone.
"Are you so inept that you need to be running down the hall?" came the voice of death. In some ways, it was recognizable as Zanen's, but it was deeper, harsher, and filled with emotion. Simmering rage. The Oracle was a composed, powerful being. But part of that was that he was a Zephyr, notorious for their hidden rage, so hot the blood boiled when spilt.
"N-no! Sp-spy!" the man said, trembling as he looked from Danalii to Zanen, who had appeared a few feet down the hall behind the two of them, his whole body tensed and coiled like a snake ready to strike. His patience was wearing thin today.
"Do you really think I would be standing here talking calmly with a spy?" he growled. "When she is here by myself and the Priestess's own approval?"
Eyes widened and the man backed up. He was pale, and looked, seriously, as if he was about to piss himself. The sight both angered and calmed Zanen, and while he did not recoil, and he did not make himself appear any less threatening in his still lethality, his eyes dimmed slightly from the infuriated glow. "Be gone," he said, his voice returning to normal, "and don't break anything with your idiocy." Then, he turned back to Danalii, his posture returning to normal, however minute that change was. The atmosphere relaxed. "As I was saying. Each member is vital to its survival. Few live among these walls because of that. We have our own reasons for this. You may learn some in time."
Cool amethyst gaze caught hers momentarily, then let it go. "Any questions?"
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Post by libellule on Nov 12, 2008 0:25:35 GMT -6
Her dainty hand traced the wooden door. The blue and the black, she'd never seen anything like it before. She'd never seen the amount of colors of this shade before. The intensity and the depth. "Beautiful," she murmured. The list he checked off rang a nagging similarity to the list she'd been given far too many times before. Consequences, loyalty. It was all the same. No one was better than anyone else in this godforsaken war. Because everyone was looking over their shoulders. The Oracle was a prime mascot. As powerful as he was even he was not indivisible to betrayal. Betrayal was the only thing invincible in this bloodshed. And it was evident and ever present.
The pounding footsteps shook her from her reverie as she had stared into the dark hallway of /her/ corridor. The quick breathing signified panic. She sidestepped all too quickly to avoid the collision if it would have happened. Her figure blurred with the sheer haste of the move. Could a mere Dellavis do that? Maybe...
The second time of the day and the accusation felt as stabbing as the first. As the Oracle lashed out viciously, she looked away from the scene. Now she realized why that boy had the look and the posture. One wrong task... The grinding of her teeth sounded as her fists clenched. Her tight blackened brown eyes closed and the soft chocolate remained victorious. 'As if,' she reminded herself sadly.
She leaned against the wall, her posture slouching backwards. She watched the man run off with solemn eyes. It wasn't like he could help it. Pushing herself off of the wall, she readjusted her stance. She only offered nonchalance to her company, if he could be considered that...
"My on-limits?," she offered in an apathetic tone, her excitement had decided to go cliff diving for the day. But when his gaze caught hers, the fire that danced there should have been more than apparent. Her silent stallion seemed to possess a better insight than this abominable apparition of seething loathe.
'Each member is vital to its survival,' she mused in thought, 'Treating each like they are vital must not be included within the package.'
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Post by Willow on Nov 12, 2008 22:16:42 GMT -6
"Any door that is unlocked," was his simple reply. Of course, he had direct control over which doors were locked and unlocked. One thing he had learned over the many years was that the more limits you put on a person, the more they were tempted to break them. Temptation was one of Lilani's gateways, one of the ways she was able to sink her power into someone and control them almost like a puppet. There had been several close-calls to this fault, and Asina and himself had taken great strides to preventing it from ever happening again. This went down to the core of those close to them. Giving the staff of the palace generally free reign had immediately cut down the incidents, and cutting down on staff had eliminated the rest. "Now. If you have any questions you find you are asking yourself later on, there are other staff wandering around. Any, I'm sure, would be glad to help you." He looked over the woman one final time, then turned and was gone 'round the bend of the next corner. He had more important things to do now that this Delavis was settled in as much as she could expect so far away from her precious golden court. There were matters of the state, matters of war. In most cases, matters of state were often the same as matters of war.
__________
It had been a few weeks. The palace was still running smoothly. The addition of the newcomer to handle the Ebonazure Wing hadn't done anything to stunt the order of the Tekanic Palace. In fact, it was running smoother without the hassle of rearranging schedules of the already working staff to be able to take care of that wing. Slowly but surely, they were building themselves up again.
Zanen was glad. He didn't feel much in the sense of joy or contentment, or even gladness, but if he did, he would definitely be feeling it with how smoothly things had been running these past few weeks. It was a nice relief. Even so, he couldn't afford to allow any of it make him let his guard down or relax at all. It was just out of the question. There were too many things to be done. Always, too many things to be done. He and Asina were constantly busy with any number of tasks from military operations to taxes and trade rights. To keeping the economic equality that the lands of Asina were known for. There was poverty in the Seraph, in the Sequin Marketplace. On this side of the border, however, there wasn't really such a thing. No beggars, no one out on the streets without employment. Orphanages housed the children left without care, and those were funded by the heads of government. Always something that needed to be sorted through. Thus, there was never time. It didn't exist, it was just constant work.
Except for now.
Five minutes, maybe, and there was nothing. Soon, he was sure, something would happen, something would come up. He would have to run somewhere or kill someone, or lead a battle or levy a tax, or something. He knew it. But right now. Now there was nothing. Just peace.
The sun was just barely peaking over the horizon, painting the landscape in dark hues from burgundy to a deep russet orange, forest green, and charcoal rose. All the colors were dark, but at the same time, it was so beautiful, such an array. So many believed that in order to find beauty and color, one must be in the light. As Zanen stood out behind the palace, looking out over the mountains, he couldn't believe that. There was so much more to his land than just darkness. It just took a better eye to find it, and he was glad. He was glad that only those who could truly see the beauty of this place were here. Only those who really appreciated it. As much as he could love, and for a Zephyr it was a great amount, something learned over thousands of years, he loved this place, the land, the kingdom that he helped run. "You see it, don't you?" he asked softly without looking at his companion, who snorted softly as if in agreement, tossing his fine equine head as if he truly comprehended not just the words, but the deeper meaning behind them. Beneath his veils, the Oracle smiles. "Of course you do," he said, patting the stallion amiably on his strong neck. The steed was a proud specimen of his race, arrogant and beautiful and as wild as they come. The very stallion that had nearly run over Danalii that first day. Though that part was a coincidence. With a sigh, Zanen shook his head and draped a black-swathed arm about the great stallion's neck and rested his head there. "War. It is always war," he murmured. "It is all I know. All I am. It will never end, but by the gods...." he shook his head "...I know that I'm not the only one that wishes it would. But what would I do?" he asked the horse, or maybe no one. "What would I do if not at war? What would Asina do? Any of us? We know nothing else. We are nothing else....."
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Post by libellule on Nov 12, 2008 23:16:08 GMT -6
A troubled sigh came from a figure beneath the thin sheets. The starry moonlit sky had done nothing all night to swoon her into a luscious slumber. Insomnia pressed through her like a warring tidal wave, crashing and awakening all who tried to ignore it. Though her eyelids were shut and her body was still they only aided the facade. Her mind was working behind her and the voices that planned would not shut up. Tumbling to her side, she mumbled for them to silence. A huff was the only response that came before a thick slap echoed off of the obsidian floor.
A sheer navy robe covered the small shirt and shorts as she pulled on a pair of knee high stockings. They were her secret props on how not to leave footprints on freshly cleaned tile floors. That's right. Little Danalii was off to clean. Seeing as no visitors resided in her wing at the time being and that she was ridiculously awake, the Dellavis thought it best not to waste her time. Perhaps if she finished before the afternoon was out she could visit her closest friend in the afternoon.
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Room after room, Danalii sweated her best into making them sparkle. The palace had taken her in. It was the least she could do. The keys jingled and jangled as she hummed a soft tune, moving her body to the melody. She sang in the soft voice she'd whispered to her beautiful friend. It was airless and breathtaking at the same time. As she scrubbed the floors her stockings proved true. She left no footsteps. Turning to face the corridor, she saw her reflection in the floor. What she saw drew a soft grin on her features. When she arrived at the palace her frame seemed brittle and lanky. After a few weeks cleaning and running back and forth, Danalii could see the significant difference in her body. Not only her body had changed, but her features as well. Her once brilliant white hair had softly morphed into a steely metallic silver. Covering her smile, she giggled and ran back to her room. She waited for thirty minutes like she always had. To gain patience she braided her long hair, adding black and gold charms here and there to add minutes rather than seconds to her pot. She dressed slowly, adorning an outfit quite like her first only in a deep blue. It was inspired by the name of her corridor. Flipping her braid over her shoulder, Danalii hooked her keys to her belt after locking each room. She of course left the corridor door open as instructed. A few maids waved happily to her as she passed through the halls. "Danalii!" One of the cooks called to her happily as she walked through the kitchen. "Jubi," she called joyously, "Have you got that treat for me?" "Always the giver," he chuckled, tossing her an apple. "He's made progress," she fought back. "Nah," Jubi offered, "You've just got a thing for him!" The few cooks by him chuckled. "Jealousy is not a very good practice, Jubi," she called walking out of the kitchen. She heard him stutter out a comeback, but it was just too late.
Stepping out into the crisp air, she smiled softly. The stables beckoned her near. A few neighs made her giggle happily. Looks like she would have to share her surprise.
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Post by libellule on Nov 13, 2008 13:06:11 GMT -6
Upon walking into the stables, the Dellavis' happiness dwindled when she found that her friend was no where to be found. "He must have been turned out into the field," she murmured, looking across the plains. "Now who do I give this apple to? Looks like I'll have to toss it out..." She spoke with mock confusion as the rest of the mounts bayed and neighed in argument. Somehow the perks of being a Dellavis gave her an overview of equine manners and thought processes. Apples were their favorite. She broke the apple into pieces for each horse. In return, Danalii received nose nuzzles and a few snorts. Their contentment washed away every ounce of depression she had felt before. What she wouldn't give for a stall, filled with oats and hay. The sweet smell and the warmth of the other horses, their constant snorts and sighs would keep her in a slumber for weeks at a time. The cold floor of the corridor and the silence was enough to drive her mad. And the darkness... She sighed as her hands wiped over the warm brown colors of the stables. It was so full of brightness and welcome. Though the palace keepers had welcomed her with open arms it was not the same. Only another Dellavis would understand the feeling.
Seeing as her warm friend had vanished there was nothing else to do beside wander the halls of the palace, which was what she'd been doing for the past few weeks to pass the time between the day and night. She'd visited the streets of the marketplace, but she had yet to find refuge there. A nudge in the small of her back startled her as she released a small shriek. Jumping to face the culprit she found a painted mare starring back at her. Danalii realized she had dazed off and was starring in the direction of the forest. The mare seemed to press the obvious option to her through her eyes. "Oh," Danalii exclaimed in realization, "What a good idea!!" A soft pleasurable neigh came from the mare's throat.
How long had it been since the change? How long had she put off her own enjoyment? The forest seemed to beckon her with ease as she loosened the laces on the sides of her belt and shirt. As she dipped into the tree line her senses became attentive and grew stronger. As soon as she was certain she was blind to the strongest of eyes she ducked behind a thick oak and let her pants fall to the forest floor after she removed her boots. Her shirt was added to the pile that was camouflaged with the dark dirt. If it would get dirty she would volunteer to clean it herself later. She had no opposition to that.
And so she stood, bare and basking in the sun's blinding rays. Her skin seemed to be made of metal as it reflected a soft shine. She had nothing to hide, nothing to hide from. At peace with herself and aware of her capabilities, the change swirled around her. This human skin, this spelled glamour, was a zip-up mascot that concealed her. Her true self, her beauty and the danger it brought.
The beat of her heart began to race with thick clicks of precision as the world slowed and her vision tunneled on the sun's glow that illuminated the area. Soon her adrenaline became her heartbeat as her heart slowed to a grinding halt and the world froze for the slightest inclination of a second. Time stopped. And then... It shot through her with blinding ferocity. Her human skin fell away from her as her body moved so fast her entire form blurred. She was running when a shrill scream ripped the human ears from her, dispelling her foggy hearing, and the speed disposed the clouded vision from her eyes, bringing the unseen clarity. She was running with a speed her human form could not keep up with. A crippling pain stabbed at her side as her legs gave out. Another shrill scream, but it was not human. It was beautiful and it was joyous. Danalii welcomed the pain. Another pair of feet sounded as they morphed into hooves and the speed was matched with ease. Danalii knew when she beat the blurring speed the change would be complete. Focusing on the light with more intensity, she whirled her head as her neck lengthened. She could feel the concrete figure about her as she pumped her new legs with endorphins. Never had she be able to run this fast. Never had she felt this power. As the new skin solidified across her bones her figure became more stable as the speed lost its race. Danalii saw no need to slow her lengthened strides as she galloped through the forest. The sun shimmered across her burnt auburn coat as silver stockings uplifted roots and dirt. The brown in her eyes had draped its color into her mane and tail, which lashed at any unwanted follower. Her new eyes match the color of her human skin with their topaz-caramel shine. The charms that she had added that morning clanged togther in her mane and tail softly, adding peace to her running free mind.
She gave a new name to Dellavis, trickster. The colors of her human form were out of order on this new body. Someone may just mistake her for a runaway horse... She snorted happily. What she wouldn't give for a race. A bellowing scream surged from her throat as she leapt with unimaginable strength into the clearing. Colliding with the soil, her back legs kicked to the sky as she wildly tore through the flat grass, counting how many seconds it took her to get across the field.
1...2...3...4 Two hundred feet fell behind her as she leapt back into her shaded forest, continuing her onslaught. She bayed in excitement at her new record. Pity, she was too focused in her counting to notice her long lost stallion friend and the man that held him at the top of the hill as she galloped through.
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Post by Willow on Nov 13, 2008 22:47:56 GMT -6
Dawn painted before his eyes. The colors spread over the mountains first, just the single shooting rays of sun that found their way between the peaks and melted over the valleys. There was a certain intense beauty about the scene before him that reminded the Oracle what it was he fought for every single day. Every single day when he strode down to the practice fields and kept his skills sharp. Every single day when he then went to his men and trained them, harder than in any other land near or far. He made them strong. Disciplined them. Made sure they would not fail their land, their Priestess, themselves. That training kept them alive. For nearly as long as he could remember it was a terrible routine that he worked through, thinking more in shifts than in days. He did not mark the time by sleeping, because he only needed to sleep a few hours every few weeks or so. In the intervening time he would plan out strategies, revise old ones, try to come up with new plans of attack or defense that would leave the enemy struck. This war had been going on so long that nearly everything had been tried. Both sides knew the other’s attacks, and had perfected how to best defend against them. The war remained thus in a tug-of-war where both sides continued to pull with the same strength. The only reason one gained any ground over the other was through the slightest weakening of the other side, and even then it was soon lost again.
Pointless, it was all pointless. Yet it meant everything to him. How could it not? This land meant everything to him and this war was threatening it, even as it had for centuries past, and he continued to fight with the same vigor. He refused to let something so treasured be taken from him, be destroyed. It gnawed at him inside. It hurt him. Made his heart sick.
His heart. Zanen lifted a hand and placed it over his chest where he could feel the slow, rhythmic beating of his heart. He had one, in more than the literal, physical sense. In a way, Zanen was an imperfection of his race. The Zephyr demons. They were few and far between, so it was hard to classify them as a group and place certain traits on them, but to those with access to the deeper, darker secrets of state, there were certain truths that did not seem to apply to Zanen. He was a Zephyr of great skill and great power. Centuries old. He was also the first of his kind. The first Zephyr demon. The original and the rough draft, imperfect. It was something he envied in Ciel, to see another Zephyr as they were truly meant to be. But Zanen was imperfect. Imperfection raised amethyst eyes to scan the horizon again, take in the beauty, and he felt himself sigh, knowing he would do anything to protect this place which he loved so dearly. Beside him the stallion, who had remained pensive during his thoughts, nickered softly to him and nudged his face gently with his soft, velvet nose. Although he didn't speak aloud to the stallion, he still communicated, stroking finger through the dark mane. Zanen was a man generally of few words, though he did give speeches on occasion, mainly to his troops. The stallion lipped at the veil that hid his face, then tossed his head slightly, his hair catching a breeze so that the cool air sifted through it. Zanen gave a rough, dry laugh and shook his head, contemplating for a moment. It was almost as Necromancer could read his mind, he thought idly. After casting a wary glance around, he lifted his hands and unbound first the veils and swaths that covered his head and hair, allowing it to hang down his back. The hair was a deep ebony that was pulled back into a short queue at the nape of his neck, a few wisps falling in front of his eyes, gleaming in the glow of the rising morning star. Then, he untied the bands about the lower part of his face and allowed them to fall and hand down his chest.
The cool breeze moved by and he smiled. It was a charming, beautiful expression on his face, and in truth, he was beautiful. A creature of striking looks, he was. Skin pale and clear, eyes a deep amethyst, catching flecks of silver in the approaching light of day, hair as deep as the ebony cloth he tied about his trim form. A sigh lifted from his lips again, moving his shoulders, and he closed his eyes to let that breeze fondle his skin again. It felt good.
Just as he was about to re-garb, however, Necromancer stopped him, nudging his shoulder and nickering softly, tossing his head int eh direction of the forest, where a blur could be seen moving between the trees. Zanen quickly reached for a weapon, but before he even unsheathed a throwing knife, he heard the stallion neigh out a greeting to the galloping horse in the not-so-distant distance. Easing himself, he put away the weapons and watched as the proud stallion trotted forward a few steps. "Friend of yours?" The stallion only whinnied softly in reply.
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Post by libellule on Nov 16, 2008 20:48:58 GMT -6
She was lost in the beauty of her speed. It was a secret weapon she tucked away and unlike most Dellavis' her speed was left with her in her human form. It was a strange and awe-spiring feature she had been given. Some seasoned Dellavis' could maintain their equine features when in human form but it required a lot of meditation and peace, whereas Danalii was born with it. The speed had incased her mind within this forest and it was easy to let it take over. Danalii regained reality at the sound of a low pitched neigh. She knew that sound. It was Necromancer, her dear stallion. She made a wide arc as she turned around, sputtering out a whinny back in excitement. The earth seemed to tremble as her tail rose with her head, her hooves digging into the soft earth to get back to the hill. She hadn't seen him in days. He might be crabby if he found out the size of the apple he missed out on... She snorted, which resembled a giggle. As she reached the tree line her gallop shuddered to a rigid halt as her hooves raked the sky. A shrill scream emerged from the depths of her throat as the second companion made her take a step back in shock.
'Thanks for the warning, horse,' she thought darkly in her own head.
There he stood in his majestic glory, a glory that had been hidden from her beneath layers of mystery. Never had she imagined him like this beneath those veils. She expected rows of teeth that pulled spines from unsuspecting soldiers. She expected viciousness, she expected sadistic and disgusting facades. Danalii had expected a face that was so much more... evil. And what did she find?
Beauty in the rarest of forms. He was beautiful, he was... painstakingly beautiful. Who would have thought /that/ was hiding underneath those ashen scarfs?
Shaking the surprise off, Danalii trotting over to Necromancer. No wonder he was so wild. What horse would let anyone touch him after knowing he was one of the closest companions to the most powerful creature in the kingdom? She snorted in annoyance at the horse as she nuzzled her nose roughly into his thick neck as a greeting before stepping back.
She was instantly afraid the Oracle could recognize her. She wondered what kind of wrath he'd inflict if he realized the maid standing before him. She hoped he wouldn't and she couldn't find a way how he could recognize her. She was practically in reverse in appearance.
Danalii was instantly embarrassed by her outburst and nickered softly to the Oracle, outstretching her neck, an act of trust and vulnerability that she hoped would send the message. If she had been warned perhaps her first impression would have been more appropriate. Danalii felt the itch in her hooves as she knocked into Necromancer and trotting around him, jeering. She wanted to show him and Zanen how fast she really was. Maybe if she pushed the proud couple she'd get a race out of them.
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Post by Willow on Nov 16, 2008 22:51:52 GMT -6
There was one distinct difference between the Predators and the Dellavis that put them in two separate groups, instead of all of them just being classified as shifters and have that be the end of it. The Predators gave off evidence of the other forms no matter which form they took. Be it by scent or the power of their aura, a Predator was always identifiable as a shifter to those who had the abilities necessary for such detection. A Dellavis, however. They became completely their other half when they changed. When in animal form it was impossible to distinguish them as a Dellavis instead of an ordinary animal. It was what made them excellent spies if they could be coerced into working in such a shady business, which not many were willing to do.
Still. This meant that Zanen had no way of knowing, no matter how powerful he was, that the comely mare before him was, in fact, a Dellavis, let alone that it was Danalii.
As Necromancer nickered softly, nudging his nose against Danalii in his own greeting, Zanen watched her carefully. Intrigued. He didn't really know what to make of the mare. She definitely wasn't from the palace stables. Somehow, he didn't believe her to be a spy. Necromancer obviously trusted her, and Zanen trusted his own stallion enough that in this, he was willing to look over that oddity. It was far more likely, anyway, that she was some runaway from nearby, or perhaps even a wild mare from the wood. Cool, calculating amethyst eyes skimmed over her, but his posture and relatively whole demeanor remains relaxed and nonthreatening. After all, he didn't want to spook her.
"My, you are a pretty one, aren't you?" he said softly, soothingly to her. His strange voice, when warmth added, rumbled softly in his chest, a deep yet light sound, earthy in nature. Very slowly, he rose a hand to stroke her neck, then he leaned over to blow gently into her nostrils, familiarizing her with his scent. "I saw you running. You're very fleet-footed. A gift I'm sure you're very aware of." He smiled, and the sum rose completely over the mountains, ridding the world of night and bathing it in the warm embrace of light and shadow bound in an intimate union only the lands of Asina was privy to. Though few really appreciated it. Few could see that. Most just scorned them. He shifted his gaze over the edge of the cliff they were near and gestured toward the painting of mountains against the rosen-ashed sky. "You came just in time, Pretty," he said, not really knowing how else to address the mare, "the morning sky is waking to kiss our land with color." The smile on his face was gentle, almost tender.
Never, ever could he have showed this side of himself to anyone other than Necromancer or his equine friend here. He just couldn't. Asina knew, of course, but she didn't understand. She accepted, she just couldn't comprehend it all. In some ways, she was more demon than he was, himself. The horses, however, he found were much more uncaring about certain things. They just lived and that was all they expected to do. In some ways the Oracle admired that, in others he envied it.
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Post by libellule on Nov 16, 2008 23:31:29 GMT -6
Danalii had been too busy playing 'Bump-the-stallion-on-his-flanks-playfully' to notice the demon's intake of her appearance. If she looked at him too often he may catch her fancied eyes and kill her for such a trespassing feat. Even though she had not known him long enough to learn his first name from his mouth, Danalii knew he wouldn't hesitate if he smelled spy. She'd learned the term 'Zanen' from the other maids who watched him fondly and sighing as they went back to work. Danalii wondered if that was one of the reasons why he covered his face. She snorted in her horselike giggle.
My, you are a pretty one, aren't you?
If she had been a human her cheeks would've flushed at such a comment. She thought the horse in her was as normal as they came. But the sizzle on his tongue told her otherwise. It was as serious to truth as anyone could hope to get to. The touch of his hand on her made her heart stutter as the electric touch skimmed across her smooth auburn coat. She nickered softly, quite content and joyous. He was so peaceful, when he spoke to her. His voice eased her tense form that relaxed underneath his strokes. And then her eyes closed as the toxic scent of his soul touch her mind. She exhaled, heavenly. His breath was a mixture of musk and spice. It was rounded and bright. It was not the musk she'd expected, nor the sharp artificial colognes they sold on the marketplace floors. It was warm like the sun and it filled her senses to the point of delusion. A pleasured neigh thundered from her throat as she boldly push her nose into his chest, taking in another whiff before giving him a playful nudge. His comments were blinding her with glory. He'd seen her run. If she had been an avian her feathers would have ruffled as he fluffed her ego.
He was so kind and so alluring. He was a mystery still. Danalii could understand why he kept himself from the world. If Lilani and her spies found such a beautiful creature, who loved.... Her skin shuddered as if a fly had landed on her back. She watched the scene unfold before her. The beauty was breath taking. She wanted to welcome it. She wanted to chase it... She wanted to out run it. She nudged Necromancer and leapt across the field faster than any horse and stood at the edge of the field, awaiting its warming rays. She pawed the ground as the first glimpse of those rays raced before her. She neighed as she chased after them, playing happily in the light. As the sunlight raced on before her, Danalii trotted back over to the two, nuzzling Zanen once again with ease and without tension before going to stand at Necromancer's flank. Simmering down, she watched the sun awake the Earth as it wafted past them.
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Post by Willow on Nov 30, 2008 23:28:40 GMT -6
Deep violet eyes scanned the horizon as the sun rose and shed light across the land. Land that was partially under his control. The adviser from the shadows, to be sure. He lived there, thrived there, but that did not mean he did not enjoy the sight of the sun, and what it could paint across the landscape. On the contrary, he loved it all the more because he didn't interact directly with the light. A secret affair. No one save Asina, Necromancer, Ciel, and this new beauty had ever seen his face. Nothing more than those piercing violet eyes. That was the way he wanted it, though, the way he needed it to be. There were too many complications that arose, too many petty discrepancies that came into play when his face was open to anyone who wanted to see. He didn’t know why, he didn’t much care. He just knew that the best way, the easiest way, was for him to swath his face in his dark wrapping.
So he did.
With a soft sigh, he gave a warm smile to Danalii, not, in fact, even knowing it was truly her. Stroking her neck gently, running his fingers through her mane and taking out the few snags he found, he spoke evenly to her, his strange voice carrying a music all its own. "There are such things impossible to understand, from the shadows that embrace this land to the sun that greets them as a lost lover." He rested his forehead against her neck and sighed again, then looked up at her again and shook his head, stepping back and raising the black swaths. With a practiced ease, he lifted them and tied them into place, so only those startling violet eyes were visible. "And there is nothing we can do but live. Live. Live and appreciate the beauty and the justness in both. I guess that is all we really can do. I just wish others understood that." He looked over at Necromancer and stroked his nose, then gave him a last pat. "I'm sure you two will be all right on your own. Necromancer knows his way about." He gave a nod and turned to go, stopping a few feet away to look over his shoulder and wink over at the pretty mare. "You two behave," he said, "it was nice to meet you." Then he turned away and walked without a second glance back to the palace.
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