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admiralla
Seductive Temptress of Enchantment
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Selena Byn'Hahli - Racing home...
The pounding of Jo'har's hoofs on the grass and gravel matched the pounding of Selena's heart as they both flew over the plains toward Bascone. Everything that Auntie Greysilks had told her was running through her head and she feared the worst for the town of Bascone and her village. She had seen the slavers and what they did to their victims. She had witnessed them raping their women and children, slaughtering them if they posed any resistance. She had seen them bear the cruelest of treatments and it made her sick to even think of it. It stirred up intense feelings of fear, anxiety and anger. If anyone Selena knew and cared about suffered at the hands of those monsters, they would surely suffer her wrath for sure.
The trip easily took her a day and they reached Bascone early the following morning. Jo'har was built for speed and this long distance run was nothing compared to her days spend in her homeland running free along the grassy plains and sandy deserts. In fact, Selena knew Jo'har was enjoying this as it wasn't very often she got to run all out and to her heart's content. Selena even cut through fields and cut across rivers to reach her destination quicker. She stopped only long enough for herself and Jo'har to eat and sleep and even then it was precious little. They were used to going on little food and water to complete a long journey. The more time she could buy her people, the better.
While she tried to concentrate on the route home, she couldn't help but think of Martin. Would she get the chance to see him? She thought of his smiling face and her heart pounded even faster at the very thought. There was a good chance all the patrols of La Lanterne would unite to fight the slavers so the chances of meeting up with him were certainly good. Taking a deep breath and leaning lower to Jo'har's neck as they raced along, Selena made a promise to herself...
...once this was all over she would take the chance to apologize to him and tell him how she felt about him...
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Why are you worried about "You know who?" .... You should be worried about You No Poo! -- The constipation sensation that's gripping the nation!
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25/Sep/05, 5:13 pm
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admiralla
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Selena Byn'hahli - The cat's out of the bag....
The afternoon didn't bring much for Selena once they had returned to Phenix. Once she had finished settling her horse away in the barn, she began moving her things back into her room. It was dusty and for the most part, wasn't completely destroyed. Her mattress wasn't damaged yet she wished she could say the same for her dresser. It looked as though it had been used as a punching bag. Several holes were in the front and there were dents in the top. One of the legs was missing thus it was horribly lob-sided as it sat unsteadily on the floor. With an audible sigh, she spent the rest of the afternoon cleaning and straightening up. It had been a tedious task and the hours weren't long passing. Before she knew it, it was evening and drawing near supper time.
As she began to fix the rug by the hearth of her fireplace in her final moments of finishing her room, she heard humming through the fireplace. Remembering that the room below belonged to Martin and they shared a chimney, she paused to listen. He seemed like he was in a very good mood and Selena couldn't help but give a little smirk. His cheerful humming reflected on her and she found herself feeling a little cheerier herself.
Selena stood and left her tidied room to head downstairs to fix herself something to eat. As she reached the bottom of the landing, she paused on the final step as Martin emerged from his room. She was about to say hello to him, but something made her stop. He was very handsomely dressed. His large plumed hat lay perched on his head tilted to one side and his riding cloak was draped over one shoulder in a more formal fashion. He had polished his boots and seemed to stride across the common room with an air of purpose as he made for the door. She raised an eyebrow as she was not accustomed to seeing him like this. She drew back from the landing and watched him leave. She found herself marvelling at how handsome he was and she felt her heart skip a beat at the sight of him.
Once he had left, she followed him to the door, only to see him enter the barn. She watched curiously as he emerged some moments later (a lot more quickly than when he had to saddle his horse for duty) and ride off toward Bascone. Her curiosity grew. Where was he going? He had never spent any of his off duty time heading off like this. It struck her as odd and she went to the stables to find Jo'har.
Her horse was lazily munching her hay and turned her head in query to Selena's unexpected visit.
"Come on," she told her horse, "We're going for a little ride."
Now? But I'm still eating...
"You can finish that later..."
Fine.... the mare sighed.
Selena didn't even bother to put any tack on her as she sprung aboard her horse and headed her out of the barn.
You're in a hurry. This wouldn't have anything to do with where Martin was going would it?
"How'd you... ? Never mind. Yeah it has."
Jo'har stopped abruptly, tossing her head.
"What the...? What are you doing?" Selena asked.
I'm not going...
"I know THAT. Move.. I want to see where he's going..."
No.. you DON'T want to know where he's going...
"Oh and you know do you?"
No, but I have an idea...
"What do you mean...?"
I saw that lady slip a note in his hand this afternoon while you were coming in to get my bedding ready. And... when he left just now he said "Let's go, boy. Let's not keep the lady waiting..."...
Selena paused.
"What does that mean, "Let's not keep the lady waiting.."." She asked.
Jo'har sighed again, Do you REALLY have to ask that... It's it obvious?
Selena felt a sick turn in her stomach. Could it be true? Could he have a lady friend now? Now that she thought about it, it all made sense. His good mood. His general happiness with life since his return. She had seen him shake hands with Corporal Bright as she and her patrol left this afternoon. She knew it seemed odd but he did serve with the First for a while, maybe he was just saying goodbye because he knew the patrol a little better. Then again, how naive did she have to be to not notice it before now? She did wonder why he was in better spirits since his return, but she just thought it was because of his time off. Now, it all made sense.
Feeling as though she was a balloon that just suddenly had all of it's air let out, she slowly slipped from Jo'hars back and felt tears sting her eyes. Why she had not expected something like this to happen, she didn't know. What a fool she was to think that everything would just eventually come together for them, that they would eventually talk about thier feelings for each other and become a couple. Her inexperience with relationships made her realize that it didn't always work that way.
Jo'har's soft warm muzzle turned to gently nuzzle her arm in attempt to offer her comfort. Her soft brown eyes found Selena's and she could sense her horse's growing sympathy for her. Selena headed slowly into the barn, her horse following in her wake.
I guess the crazy chicken man was right... She heard Jo'har say. Selena turned to look at her as they got back to her stall. His words echoed in her mind.
"It's just as well you and he can't be together... she hates to lose...."
Her features winced as she now knew what he meant. Sorrow overwhelmed her and suddenly tears came flowing down her cheeks as she buried her face into her horse's thick mane and wept.
It's just as well....
The words echoed again and as she stood there crying, a thought occured to Selena.
"I have to know for sure." she said, "I have to see for myself..."
You can't be serious. Haven't you suffered enough for one day? Jo'har said.
Selena ignored her, went to the tack room and emerged with her saddle and a bridle that wasn't Jo'har's. She then went to one of the other horses. A large black stallions that was quietly resting in a stall across from Jo'har's. It tossed it's head glaring down at her as she spoke calmly to him. It was strange not to be able to talk mentally with this large horse, but she still had a masterful skill that allowed her a certain ability with horses and it wasn't long before he calmed under her care. Besides, she had a task in mind and wasn't going to let a tempermental horse stop her.
What are you doing? I'm over here...
"I'm not taking you..." Selena spoke to her horse from across the way as she tightened the girth on the saddle. Jo'har squealed in shock.
"Relax," Selena reassured her, "it's only because he'd know it was me if he saw you..."
You're not going to spy...
"And why not?" She said, "I have to know if he's seeing her or if this is something harmless... I won't rest until I do..."
Jo'har let out a long deep breath and returned to munching her hay as Selena led the large stallion out into the courtyard. She then mounted him and rode off into the night. This horse's stride wasn't nearly as fast as Jo'har's but he did have a stamina and speed that she needed. As she galloped along toward Bascone, many thoughts ran through her head. Amazingly enough, the words, "What the hell am I doing?" weren't among them. She was determined to find out the truth.
As she reached a stream near the town, she pulled the large stallion to a halt. Something on the wind caught her attention. She tugged the stallion toward it and guided him slowly through the trees. She lifted her head and drank deeply the scent of people. There was a familiarity about the scent that let her know she had found what she was looking for. She didn't have to wonder what was going on to know that somehow, more of her Duman-kir abilities were now surfacing on her call. She wasn't scared, in fact, she welcomed it. Straining her ears, they picked up voices not too far upstream as she heard a man and a woman talking and laughing. Dropping to the ground, she tethered the stallion and crept upstream.
As she hid behind a thicket, the voices were coming from across the wide river as it trickled gently along. Crouching low to the ground, Selena stealthily peered through the bushes and watched as the pair ate their dinner together. They were sitting far too close to each other for it to be a formal meeting and Selena felt her heart sink to the ground as she watched him give her a kiss. Sure enough, it was Martin.
As Selena watched them for a moment longer, her eyes lingered on the lovely lady sitting near him. Her eyes narrowed and from somewhere deep within her, jealousy took hold and she felt a low gutteral growl eminate from her throat....
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Why are you worried about "You know who?" .... You should be worried about You No Poo! -- The constipation sensation that's gripping the nation!
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21/Dec/05, 12:57 pm
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admiralla
Seductive Temptress of Enchantment
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Selena Byn'Hahli - "I only have ears for you..."
Jo'har blinked her large brown eyes at her master curiously. She could sense the trouble in the young girl's mind.
Bad ear day? the white mare asked.
Selena nodded, "Yes, I had this bandana on to cover up my ears. They suddenly became very pointed and grey-ish looking."
Jo'har jerked her head a little. It seems your father's abilities are stronger in you than your family had once thought. What were you doing to provoke this?
"I was trying to listen in on a conversation between Etienne and Camille," Selena said shamefully, "Maybe that's when it happened... they were outside and suddenly I could hear them as if they were right in front of me...."
Jo'har snorted, And they say I'm nosy...
Selena shot her a look, "It was about Martin... and his new girlfriend...."
Figures...
Selena let out a sigh, "What am I going to do? I can't control these powers and I haven't the slightest idea on where to begin learning how. Father never took the time to teach me because he thought this had passed over me. Do you realize how much of a danger I am to this patrol if I can't control this? I've seen what Father could do and if I'm anything like that...... " Selena paused as the thoughts came rushing out, "....I could end up doing something really bad like luring those bloodwolves back here by accident... that would put everyone in danger, or what's worse, they could think that I'm actually becoming one myself... they won't understand..."
Selena could feel the anxiety coarsing through her.
They won't if you don't tell them... Jo'har tried to reassure her.
"Oh and what am I supposed to do? Waltz up to them and say, `Hey by the way, I'm a wolf but I don't bite'?"
It's a start...
Selena shook her head adamantly, "No, they can't know about this... it's too risky... I could get thrown off the patrol... I couldn't handle that... "
The mare never answered her, she just stared at Selena. Her large brown eyes penetrating her master's. Selena could sense her horse didn't agree with her decision to keep this quiet but didn't bother to press the issue anymore. Selena turned to head out of the barn, leaving Jo'har to munch on her hay. She decided that tonight she would spend some time in her room alone. She had another dream last night about being a wolf and Jo'har had told her she was whimpering in her sleep. It was only a matter of time before she did something to let everyone know her little secret. She felt she would be safer in the barn with Jo'har at night where the mare could keep an eye on her.
She thought about what happened when she went to spy on Martin and Madeline. They heard her wolf-like growl and thought she was a real wolf. It made them leave their dinner quickly and knowing Selena had caused this made her nervous. If she couldn't control her feelings for him, she might end up doing something she would regret like attacking Madeline or worse... Martin... She was now aware of just how much she was in love with him and this too she couldn't control. She couldn't ignore it all anymore. It was very plain that the time to sort out what was happening to her couldn't wait anymore. She had to try and do something, if not for her sake, for the sake of the patrol... and Martin.
She shuddered to think what he would think of her if he knew...
Last edited by admiralla, 14/Jan/06, 4:40 pm
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Why are you worried about "You know who?" .... You should be worried about You No Poo! -- The constipation sensation that's gripping the nation!
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14/Jan/06, 4:40 pm
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admiralla
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Selena Byn'Hahli - Out in the Forest...
Since late afternoon fell on the following day (after the big party night with the Gypsies), Selena looked for any excuse to get out of the house and into the outer edges of the forest. She had been having dreams about going in there for days, ever since she discovered that her body was now changing to reflect the Duman-kir magic from her father’s tribe. Of course, it also had a little something to do with the fact that she was pretty angry at Martin right now and needed the time needed to concentrate on something other than him. Her confusion about his behaviour last night was more than enough to throw her concentration. And, with something as important as this, she needed no distractions. She knew that going into the forest was very dangerous this time of day but she didn’t care. She was feeling a little reckless in her spite and also needed to be away from everyone for fear of someone discovering her right in the middle of some kind of transformation. She wasn't concerned with danger. She had her swords with her and, if needed, Jo'har was within earshot would be at her side to defend her at the slightest whistle.
As she headed into the thick brush, she removed her bandana and tucked it into the waist of her pants. She then surveyed the heavy thicket of trees before her as her heart began to beat a little faster in anticipation of what she might actually accomplish. The forest floor was thick with dried debris, moss and leaves and they crunched and crackled softly as she carefully hiked into the woods. A bird gave a little chirp in the tree above her and she paused to look up. It feasted on some of the berries among the leaves before flittering off to oblivion. The soft breeze through the trees calmed Selena’s senses and she began looking around on the ground near the base of a huge tree for a comfortable place to sit.
She settled on a spot among the tree's massive roots and seated herself with her legs folded resting her back against the large trunk. At last she was quite alone and ready to be free in learning her magic. Placing her hands on her knees, she concentrated on her hearing. As she listened, she could hear a bird far off in the distance and focused her attention on it. She strained to hear it’s song and before she knew it, it became louder very quickly. It was almost instantly, in fact. It now sounded as if the bird was right above her. She opened her eyes and looked around, looking upward to see that she wasn’t hearing another bird that was closer to her. She didn’t see or hear anything to suggest otherwise and smiled to herself. As a final confirmation, she reached up and touched her ears. They were again, very pointed and prominent as they stuck out from under her long wavy hair.
“Okay,” she said to herself, “I know I can turn this on... but how can I turn it off is the question...."
Taking a deep breath, she closed her eyes again and tried to tune the bird out. She closed her mind to its song. She didn’t try to listen to any one particular sound. She just opened her mind to the whole of the forest and all of the sounds around her. The bird’s song began to quickly blend into the natural surroundings and Selena smiled to herself again and touched her ears in eager anticipation. They weren't quite back to normal but they had reduced in size and had only a little tip on them. A small remnant of what they were only moments ago. With a rush of excitement, her heart soared and she let out a little laugh of delight.
Finally, something she could control.
She took in another deep, calming breath and before letting herself get too excited, she tried it again. This time, it came much quicker and the change back was just as swift. She tried this again and again. Several times in fact, until she was sure she had mastered it. She tried it until it felt very natural to her. She was delighted with her progress and even put her hands to her ears to feel them as they transformed. It was a strange feeling as they changed their shape to take on the long pointed ears of a wolf and Selena could even feel the softness of what she could only assume was a thin layer of very fine fur. She chuckled softly to herself and turned her ears back to normal.
She must have been sitting there for a good couple of hours because the forest was now becoming darker with the onset of the coming evening. Getting to her feet she brushed off the litter of the forest and started back out of the woods. As she walked a few steps, she suddenly heard a sound. Suddenly coming to a fighting stance, she stopped. Every muscle in her body froze. She instantly tuned her hearing to her newfound abilities and she could hear something softly plodding through the woods. Its footfalls thudded softly like the sounds of tiny hoofs and Selena could pick up a certain scent on the wind and recognized it as a deer or something similar to one. It was hardly a danger nonetheless. Letting out a long breath, she relaxed and started out of the forest again, putting her bandana back on as she went.
As she headed across the field toward headquarters, she was feeling in better spirits now that she had learned this part of her tribe's magic. It felt as though she had taken a solid step towards becoming accomplished in her father's magic. She didn't have any idea how far it would take her and what she would be able to do exactly, but after her progress today, she would soon find out. Regular trips to the forest would be needed for her concentration. The provided the privacy and the solitude she needed.
While she intended to use her newfound ability carefully, she knew it would be handy should she ever need it while on duty. She would definitely need to wear the bandana she had made or fashion some kind of hat at least. Something loose and that would cover her ears loosely to hide the small transformation. At least until she was ready to share this with the rest of the patrol, anyway.
As she reached the courtyard, she headed back into headquarters and up to her room to change for dinner. She could smell it cooking all the way upstairs and it made her stomach growl. Now that she had relaxed, her appetite returned. She knew there were things she would have to work on and others she would have to try and control without practice, like the vocalizations but that would all come when the time was right.
She smiled.
If only her father could see her now.....
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Why are you worried about "You know who?" .... You should be worried about You No Poo! -- The constipation sensation that's gripping the nation!
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22/Jan/06, 10:13 pm
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admiralla
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Selena Byn'Hahli - Out in another forest...
The morning air was still and quiet as the dawn broke over the sleeping camp. Some of the horses began to stir and some of the slumbering figures mumbled in their sleep in the waking hours. There was one person, however that wasn't asleep. In fact, she wasn't even in her usual sleeping place atop her horse, Jo'har. Instead, she was out in the forest, taking advantage of the quiet morning and the unfamiliar forest surroundings, to try out her newly discovered magic and hopefully work on some new tricks.
She had marveled at how she had been able to sneak up on the lair of rabbits yesterday without them hearing barely a thing. Usually, rabbit's hearing was impeccable and before now, she had to place traps to hunt such creatures. But now, she found she was able to creep through the forest and mask the sounds her hands and feet made on the forest floor allowing her to sneak upon the animals as if she were hunting them. She didn't feel like hunting this morning. It was more like practice actually and drawing too much attention to the fact that she could just go into the forest and bring down some wild animals for a meal would certain raise too many eyebrows at this point.
Looking up at the lightening sky, she decided that it would be time to return to camp soon. There was time however, for another go at her magic before she went back. Getting down on all fours, she spotted something move in the distance. Raising her head slightly to it's direction, her heightened sense of smell recognized it to be some kind of bird. Focusing her eyes on it, she quickly saw it was some kind of ground-dwelling bird as it scurried along the forest floor, in search of food. With focused attention, she crept along, the soft moss gently tickling her toes and fingers as she stalked the bird. Her magic was now coming to her more easily each time she called upon it and it felt great to have such heightened senses. It made her feel at one with the animals around her and gave her an added sense of freedom from the usual daily tribulations that troubled her mind.
As the bird crept closer, she lowered herself to the ground, stiffening her body and summoning her energy to pounce. The bird froze, suddenly aware that something was wrong in the still morning air. Before it had time to react, Selena had sprung forward and grabbed it with her hands, tucking her head and one shoulder under and rolling over onto her back. Her momentum carried her back onto her feet as she came to a crouch holding the bird in her hands. It didn't move in it's terror as Selena looked down at it and smiled. Her breath was coming quickly as her heart hammered. The rush of adrenaline through her body was exhilarating. As she stared down at the bird and was about to let it go, she noticed something about her hands. Staring at them more closely, she noticed that her nails looked a little different. With a nod of thanks to the bird for unknowingly helping her this morning, Selena laid it gently on the ground and looked down at her fingertips as the bird scampered off into the bushes.
The nails on her hands had turned a dark grey and were very thick and elongated. They came out at a slight curve about an inch from the tip of the finger and ended in a dull point. Touching them with her fingers, she saw they weren't as sharp as a cat's claws, but could quite easily do some damage if used the right way. She tried them out by scratching at the ground. They were very strong. Much stronger than they normally were and easily dug up small handfuls of dirt and moss from the forest floor.
Reaching up to the trunk of a tree, she quickly scratched them along a trunk in a quick swipe, leaving light scoring in the bark. She stared down at the nails in a mixed expression of amusement and amazement. Another ability to add to her growing list. Her ears now caught the sounds of the stirring camp and Selena got to her feet. It was time to go back before anyone noticed she was gone.
As she walked, she saw her toenails too were like the nails on her hand and frowned slightly. That wasn't the most attractive part of being Duman-kir, but she found comfort in the fact that she could make it go away when she wanted. She began to clear her mind of her magic as she walked and felt her senses return to normal. Before exiting the forest, she glanced downward at her now human-looking feet and surveyed her normal fingers. With a quick touch to the ears, she found these too were their normal size as well and made her way back to her horse, who nickered softly in welcome to her as she roused from her sleep. Selena nodded to her and softly stroked her velvety muzzle as she climbed onto her back. She would rest here for a little while so that the others would think that she had been here all along.
As the haze of drowsiness slowly crept over her, her eyes found Martin, asleep on his bedroll nearby. She frowned. Why did things have to be so complicated with him? Just as she thought that he didn't reciprocate her feelings for him, he goes and challenges Radin, or rather Raul de Lawrence to some kind of a dancing competition that night the gypsies threw that party. He just jumped up while she was dancing with Raul and started showing off as if he was better than him.
Why did he do that? Why it seem like he was jealous of Raul? The look on his face as he danced around them made it seem like he was determined to prove himself to her and to the gypsy. But why? He had Madeline, why did act as though he had feelings for her? Why couldn't he just let her alone so she could try and get over her feelings for him? She sighed. She doubted she'd be able to stop even if she wanted, but at least if he didn't act as though he had feelings for her, she'd eventually give up on him after a few... well maybe more like a hundred... years...
Shifting her position, she lifted her chin onto the back of her hand as she gazed fondly down at him. Her eyed flickered in her drowsiness. As heavy-hearted as she felt, she had to admit that it was nice to see him happy for a change. Even though she desperately wished that it was her that making him this blissful, she thought that Madeline couldn't be all that bad if she brought out the best in him. She had to admit that she did prefer him like this rather than having him uptight and grumpy like before. Feeling her eyelids grow heavy, she started to think that maybe it was all for the best just as the chicken man had said. Selena's heart ached at this thought and tears stung her eyes. She blinked them away and took a slight shuddering breath.
Sleep was coming now, but her mind was still going. If only she had to act sooner, if only she had to face her feelings and tell him how she felt. Maybe she'd be the one he would be sharing his affections with instead of Corporal Bright. Maybe she'd be the one that was kissing him so passionately that evening on the river bank and she'd be the one he'd be lying next to this morning. She imagined him curled up next to her on the bedroll, his warm frame pressed against her back, keeping the chill of the morning away. She closed her eyes, thinking of how impossible this would be now. Everything had changed and it seemed that he didn't want anything to do with her. It was blatant in the way he avoided her.
Don't think about that now... try and get some sleep in before the camp moves again...
Jo'har's thoughts entered her mind and Selena mentally agreed. She had been so free this morning and had done so well, it was a shame to ruin it with such disappointing thoughts. She took a few calming breaths and let Jo'har's peaceful thoughts lull her into slumber
Turning her head, she closed her eyes and shut out everything around her....
---
Why are you worried about "You know who?" .... You should be worried about You No Poo! -- The constipation sensation that's gripping the nation!
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12/Feb/06, 6:20 pm
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admiralla
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Selena Byn'Hahli - The morning after (Note: Read after Martin Du Vraise)
The room was still dark when Selena opened her eyes. For a moment, she wondered where she was as she wasn’t in her room. The figure next to her stirred in his sleep and the arm that had just been holding her securely loosened and fell away as he turned over. Her eyes went to the window and she could see the black night sky fading away to a dark ocean blue. Dawn wasn’t here yet, but it wouldn’t be long now. She’d have to get a move on if she needed to get to the Shaman’s house before dusk.
She gazed fondly down at Martin’s sleeping face, still finding it hard to believe what had happened last night. Flashes of the nights events crept into her mind as she stared at him and a lone tear leaked out of the corner of her eye. Things would be different now, but just how different only time would tell.
Leaning over, she pressed her lips to his cheek letting them linger against his warm skin for just a few seconds. She whispered a goodbye in Crescent before slowly edging her way out of his bed taking extra care not to disturb him. She crept silently across the floor toward the door, opening it slowly and slipping through into the dark hallway. It wouldn’t be long now before the others in the headquarters would be waking and she didn’t want anyone to catch her leaving Martin’s room. Questions would be raised and the consequences of last night she could do without right now. She had a mission to concentrate on.
Simian raised his sleepy head from her bed and thumped his tail in greeting as she entered her room. He gave a wide yawn and stretched wearily as she sat next to him on the bed.
“Hey boy,” she whispered, “Thanks for keeping my bed warm. I’m sorry you have to be sleeping alone again tonight.”
The puppy crept forward and laid his head in her lap looking for some attention. She scratched his ears thoughtfully. He knew she was going to get ready to leave soon and wanted some last minute affection before she set off.
“I’d take you with me, only it’s a long journey and you’re too young to go just yet.” Simian looked up at her with his big brown eyes and she knew he understood. “Martin will look after you for me while I’m gone. I’ll be back tomorrow evening anyway.”
She got up and packed a change of clothes and some supplies in her saddle bag and got dressed quickly. The sky was lighter blue now and needed to hit the road before everyone got up. She slung her bag over her shoulder and stopped at the kitchen to grab a take-a-long breakfast before heading to the barn.
As she crossed the courtyard into the barn with a piece of bread in one hand and a half eaten apple in the other, Selena reflected on what happened last night. It was even better than she could ever have imagined it would be. Martin was every bit as loving and passionate a man as she knew he would be. Though the events leading up to their encounter were painful, she knew that it still wouldn’t be easy from here on in. Things had just been made much more complicated, actually.
Jo’har raised her head, looking back at her as she approached her stall. Her ears pricked up curiously as Selena got her tack and began to saddle up her horse.
Oh my... you mated with him... didn’t you?
Selena blinked and looked at her. Sometimes her equine friend was just a little too observant. A smile flickered at the corner of her mouth and she turned back to saddling her horse without answering.
If horses could laugh, Jo’har made a good attempt. She tossed her head and shook it giving out a loud snort.
“Oh will you cut it out...” Selena said to her shoving the bit into Jo’har’s mouth with a little bit more force than was needed.
Hmph... I thought finally getting what you wanted would make you happy... instead it’s only made you grumpier. I think I liked you better before.
“Yeah well it’s not as easy as just getting what I wanted, okay?”
You mean the other woman?
Selena scowled at the words ‘other woman’, “Yeah.... that and it’s practically forbidden for me and Martin to even get involved.”
Oh.. That...
“Yeah... that...” she replied as she finished securing her supplies and rations and led Jo’har out of the stall.
But you did anyway...
Selena smirked as she turned her for the open road. “Yeah... we did anyway...”
Jo’har gave a snort and cantered until they were out of Phenix.
‘Bout time...
Then she broke into a full run...
---
Why are you worried about "You know who?" .... You should be worried about You No Poo! -- The constipation sensation that's gripping the nation!
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4/May/06, 11:11 am
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admiralla
Seductive Temptress of Enchantment
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Selena Byn'Hahli - Bittersweet Victory
“I have to go after her,” Martin said, “to see if there's any way we can end it gracefully. I do care about her, but there's no way I can ask her to sit and wait for me while I'm out on long trips with you...”
Selena watched Martin leave the tavern to go after Corporal Bright, the woman she had been silently rivaling with for Martin’s attention. She had just gotten up and left and Martin felt he had to go after her before she went home.
Selena could see the conflict in his eyes as he left and her heart sank. She knew she should feel happy that he was going to break it off with her but she didn’t have the heart. She would have gladly shared Martin with Madeline if it meant keeping him in her life. Such was the ways of many of the Crescent tribes. Though her father never had another wife, her uncles and aunts were all part of polygamous relationships and she was quite used to this concept.
Of course, the thought of having Martin to herself the same way her father and mother were, was much sweeter and deep down Selena was finally feeling as if things were finally going right. She and Martin could be together without too much restriction. The thought made her heart soar and while waiting for Martin to return she danced a few songs away on the dance floor. But Martin didn’t come back and after the fifth song had played, Selena grew concerned. She gently shoved her way through the crowd and left the tavern to go and find him.
As she exited the pub, there was no one around.
Where did he go? Her heart sank. Did he leave with Madeline?
She didn’t even want to think about that. Maybe she had left already and he followed her home to talk with her. She sighed. If that was the case, Selena would be waiting for him when he got back. If he needed her, she’d be there for him.
As she entered the courtyard to Headquarters, she spied a white mare with her head out the barn door, munching on a pile of hay. She shook her head.
“What are you doing?”
Jo’har turned her head to look at her, Selena could sense a mixture of surprise and guilt in her horse.
Umm, midnight snack?
Selena sighed and motioned for her to head back into the barn. “Unless you want me to start tying you in there, please don’t do that anymore. This hay has to do all the horses.”
Jo’har sulked. Fine. But it’s not like we don’t have enough you know...
“We won’t if you keep eating it!” Selena shook her head. She didn’t have time to deal with her greedy horse right now. She tore some smaller sections of hay off a full bale and tossed it in the stall with Jo’har.
Why are you back so early, anyway?
“I was looking for Martin, he left to find Madeline...”
Oh.... there was a pause..... why -
“He was going to break it off with her...”
Wow... Another pause.... good for you then, huh?
“I guess,” Selena said, “I just wish things could have been different. I almost feel like he’s settling for me...”
Jo’har snorted in disgust, Humans and their silly emotions...I’ll never figure it out...
Selena ignored her, “I mean, he’s going to be spending all this time working with me, of course we’re going to grow closer but it’s not by choice you know. It’s what he’s been assigned to do... I guess he felt it best to let her go... it was the fair thing to do yeah... but what if we had to stay here in Phenix...”
Jo’har let out a sigh. Leave it to Selena to think the negative. Never mind that Martin did choose her after all. Never mind that she was finally going to be with the man she loved. Never mind about the circumstances that got her there and the fact that it might mean they were really meant to be... Sure Selena could be silly at times and she never really understood her master’s way of thinking. But she was young and would figure it out soon enough. For now, she’d just enjoy her hay.
As Selena left the barn, still muttering to herself, she caught sight of an orange glow coming from one of the windows in the headquarters. It was Martin’s room and she headed over to peer in. The fire was burning gently in the fireplace and the glow was casting an orange shadow on him as he sat on the hearthrug facing the flames, his expression calm and deep in thought. He had gotten partially undressed and sat with his legs folded in just his trousers. He looked so handsome just sitting there, she longed to go in and be with him. Yet something stopped her. He looked like he needed to be alone tonight. After all, if he didn’t, he would have come back to the tavern to find her. Selena let out a soft sigh and decided that perhaps she needed some time alone too. They would have plenty of time to talk later.
Before turning to go inside to her own room, she caught sight of a large grey furry lump lying next to him. Simian was stretched out alongside Martin with his head in Martin’s lap. This was much different than the usual wrestling match the pup insisted on playing and Selena smiled as she watched Martin stroke the pup’s head and fondle his ears. She knew Simian was loving every moment of this and she couldn’t help but let out a soft chuckle.
With a feeling that Martin was in good paws for the night, she tore her eyes away from the sight and headed up to her room. Even though she wasn’t with him, she felt better knowing he wasn’t completely alone...
---
Why are you worried about "You know who?" .... You should be worried about You No Poo! -- The constipation sensation that's gripping the nation!
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23/Jul/06, 9:54 pm
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admiralla
Seductive Temptress of Enchantment
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Selena Byn'Hahli - The Watcher in the Woods
<Selena> ::leads Jo'har out into the courtyard::
<Jo'har> So are you sure you know where to find her?
<Selena> Of course not....
<Jo'har>Great... this could take all night....
<Selena> ::nods as she climbs up onto her back:: M-hmm... or all day too.... ::grins to herself as she gathers the reins into her hands::
<Martin> :: walks outside, clapping his hat on his head and looking up at her:: You're ready to go, I take it?
<Selena> ::smiles down at him:: Not quite... there's still one more thing I have to do....
<Martin> Oh? And what's that? ::walking over toward Jo'har::
<Selena> ::gives Jo'har a slight touch of her heel and the horse sidesteps closer to Martin , Jo'har lowers her front legs as Selena bends over to give him a kiss:: There.... now I'm ready to go.... ::smiles as Jo'har stands again::
<Martin> ::blinks and smiles:: That's a nice trick... I don't have to kiss her too, do I? ::motions to the horse::
<Jo'har>::snorts and gives a great shake to her head::
<Selena> ::laughs:: No offence... but she says you're not her type.... ::winks at him:: All the better for me....
<Martin>::nods sagely:: For me too... Be careful out there, alright?
<Selena> ::nods:: I will... hopefully I won't be too long ::doesn't need to tell Jo'har to get moving as the horse springs forward::
<Martin> :: waves as she rides off into the darkness, then heads off for his own part in this saga::
<Selena> :;the winds blows gently in her ears as she rides out into the night. She quickly turns on her wolfy abilities to help her both see and hear better as she listens for any sign of danger or, hopefully, the Grey lady.
<Selena> ::as she rides along, she reaches inside the depths of her shirt to dig out the amulet that was given to her with the seeing eye on it. She wonders if there is a way to call the Grey lady to her presence::
::the woods are dark and peaceful, with snow falling gently from the cloudy sky. Selena's lupine senses are filled with the crisp cleanness of winter, it's downright delicious. After a while, Selena has the feeling of being watched, though she cannot determine from where::
<Selena> ::slows Jo'har to a walk as somehow she gets the feeling she doesn't need to look much farther. She takes in the wintry delight for a moment before calling out softly:: I'm here.... and I think you know I'm looking for you....
<Selena> ::waits and listens carefully, atuning her lupine senses to anything she hears::
::Selena hears the sound of soft laughter from among the trees:: ...come and sit with me, sister, beneath the holly tree...
<Selena> ::smiles and gets off Jo'har, the sound of the snow softly muffled beneath her feet::
::Selena spots a holly tree growing a distance from the path, and beneath it, seated on a bench, is a woman in a hooded wool gown trimmed in fur. With some surprise Selena recognizes her as a fellow Crescent::
<Selena> ::looks on in wonder:: Hello.... ::greets her in Crescent::
<Woman> :: pulls her veil from her face and smiles:: Good evening, wolf's daughter. What are you seeking on such a cold night?
<Selena> ::her smile fades a little:: Answers... My friend's husband is plagued by a poison. A poison which we know nothing about...
<Woman> And you hope we can aid you again...
<Selena> ::nods:: We are launching our own investigation.... but aren't getting anywhere with it.... I suspect Damien
<Woman> ::gestures to the bench:: Join me... I'd offer you kaffe, but such things are hard to bring through the Dreaming.
<Selena> ::sits next to her on the bench:: Thank you... I feel badly asking you for help all the time, but we are at a loss... this madness is waning everyone's hope... and if something isn't done soon we will all be victims
<Woman> ::the woman gently lays a hand on Selena's shoulder and smiles:: At least you have identified the true danger around you... Threats to the body are dire enough, but it is the spirit that must survive if you are to come through these dark times.
<Selena> ::nods:: I only hope it's enough... i fear for my friend Miette... she has suffered enough... first her cousin... now her husband...
<Woman> Her suffering is not over, I'm afraid... This is not the work of her brother.
<Selena> ::nods vigorously in agreement:: I think she sees that now... at least I hope she does... is there a way to stop him? it seems every time we do physical damage, he only grows stronger... I can't help but wonder if he can be defeated at all
<Woman> You misunderstand. This was not the work of the Queen of Blood or any of her minions...
<Selena> :;blinks:: You mean, we have another threat?
<Woman> You do. Much closer, too close to see perhaps. A creature of the Nightmare.
<Selena> ::feels a cold chill go down her spine and it is not due to the cold of sitting there on the bench with the ghost. She sits up a little straighter:: Too close to see? you mean, its already among us?
<Woman> It is. It has been for some time.
<Selena> ::jumps up from the bench in shock:: What? ::shakes her head in disbelief:: it can't be anyone we know.... it just can't....
<Woman> Are you sure?
<Selena> ::stares at the woman in disbelief:: But.... who....? ::said all the while trying to think of wh could be a traitor::
<Woman> The poison you seek to cure is the creation of the Nightmare. Only it knows how it may be cured.
<Selena> ::stares at the woman in confusion:: But who.... what... is it?
<Woman> I cannot tell you who. I can tell you something of what.
<Selena> ::takes a step toward her and sits on the bench again, nodding:: Anything... anything that will help... if Luc dies... Miette's heart will break... and not even Nic will be able to mend it
<Woman> I do not know if it helps, but you must understand. The Nightmare is the power behind the sickness of your land. It steals sanity, shatters thoughts, and taints dreams. It turns that which is good into a horrible mockery of itself. It is the Madness.
<Selena> ::nods:: I understand... so if we destroy the nightmare... we destroy the madness....
<Woman> In a way... But remember, a creature with power drawn from the Nightmare is not the same as the Nightmare itself, any more than my sisters and I are the Dreaming. Be very careful who you trust, whose help you accept.
<Selena> ::Nods in understanding:: Can I ask you something?
<Woman> You may ask, but I cannot promise an answer.
<Selena> The.... thing that's already among us.... is it a person? Someone we already know? or is it much broader than that?
<Woman> Both.
<Selena> Is it....::takes a gulp::... someone in our Patrol? The tenth? or even the Lancers?
<Woman> You know all I can tell you, but I will leave you with a question. ::stands up, smoothing out her skirts:: Who would be the least sorry to see the man die?
<Selena> ::looks up at her as only one person comes to mind. She frowns deeply::....no.....
::the woman walks behind a tree and is gone::
<Selena> ::gets up and hurries after her:: Wait is it....? ::sees only the forest before her::
<Jo'har> ::having seen the whole thing, trods over to her master and breaks Selena's mental thoughts with her own branch of communication:: Well.... that was informative.... i don't know about you... but I'm no further ahead now than I ever was.....
<Selena> ::shoots Jo'har a look of disgust as she turns and gets back up on her back:: of course not.... you're a horse.....
<Selena> ::heads back through the forest toward home, to figure out what was said and to tell Martin everything she found out::
---
Why are you worried about "You know who?" .... You should be worried about You No Poo! -- The constipation sensation that's gripping the nation!
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16/Dec/06, 10:36 pm
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