Event Start: Renzu's Flock; Predator or Pray

[greatbeasts]

There's a commotion by the ocean.

At dusk, a strange and unsteadily honored tradition begins to cause unrest within the city. It's nearing the end of a trade season, and the approach of winter brings with it a tenuous and uncomfortable truce of necessity. A small trading group of Beast Hunters dock their ships at Outer Nuren's pier, just within Dragon Bay. They have brought with them hides, trinkets, meat, fish, rare plants, magical items and caged common creatures from the wildlands beyond the city's walls. In turn, they seek fabric, clothing, lumber, weaponry, armor and food from Nuren's harvests. Most of the Beast Hunters have come to trade their goods, while others are there to relax for a week in the seedier Outer Nuren, where the citizens are less likely to bother them and they can pick their fights and conversations with little concern for the preaching of the devout or the judgement of the sheltered citizens in the city proper. Beast Hunters are fond of tavern brawls and games of chance, though their regard for a scion's dragon, or any magical creatures, is visibly and openly one of disgust and discomfort. Despite this, many of the traveling traders enjoy sharing stories and will pass on tales of the fearsome and dangerous creatures they proudly boast to have killed or survived encounters with. There is open distrust or curiosity toward the scions and their worlds, but in general the Beast Hunters are a far more survivalist group of Remnants with a scattering of Touched. They're grim, rough around the edges and quick to violence and anger, but a bit of gold, flattery, charm or gambling can soothe most tempers. For a few gold, a scion skilled at games of dice, chance, or drinking competitions might find a profit in Outer Nuren throughout the week, and curious souls could learn more about the world beyond the city walls. Including its dangers and potential treasures, stories of the Wastewalkers or wild magical creatures and lands, and boastful accounts of survival against horrible odds. The Beast Hunters have a low opinion of the city citizens, calling them soft and worthless creatures who lean too heavily on their faith and security. Likewise, the citizens of Nuren have low opinions of the Beast Hunter's, calling them dangerous cut-throats and warning that they will gladly stab you in the back or poison your drink for a single gold coin or to steal the young and vulnerable dragons from their scions. Open scorn from both sides is apparent while the Beast Hunters linger in Outer Nuren, with fights both physical and magical breaking out. While the citizens may not venture far beyond Nuren's walls, they are practiced magic users and skilled fighters, albeit a bit less prone to fighting dirty. By the end of the week, the Beast Hunters will have sold their goods, and will pack up their ships and leave, refusing passage to scions and citizens alike. Only Beast Hunters may sail aboard their vessels, and any stowaways will be thrown to the sea serpents and sharks.

Strange magical feats in the streets.

In stark contrast to the rough and rowdy Beast Hunters, another group has grown active in Upper Nuren, becoming very visible during the week. A group of Scholars of Renzu have returned to the city from a trip to Renzu's temple, and bring back with them more of the great Griffin's teachings and knowledge. Throughout the week, the scholars try to get involved with the Scions. They offer to help the Scions understand and learn what their elemental alignment is, and how to use the ability they and their dragon now share. Several of the scholars hold daily 'classes' in the squares of Upper Nuren. Displays of elemental ability occur in the squares, along with discussions on how the different elements relate to and interact with one another. In the evenings, the Lorekeepers of the group tell tales to small gatherings of young citizens and any interested Scions, teaching them about Renzu and occasionally delving into tales of Chelba, Benra, Mouros, and Lysheu. A few scholars with powerful shield and healing magic offer to help Scions practice their magic, so that they can learn how to use their new abilities, and learn what to expect if their dragon decides to use their magic as well. At the end of the week, when the Beast Hunters have sailed away, the scholars will still be present, but less visibly active away from the smaller temple of Renzu within the city.

And a fine feathered friend around every bend.

Osaaru's sparsely filled streets have begun to fill in with the sounds of life. Excited citizens, exploring scions and intrepid young dragons have to learn to live with one another in the city. The adjustment is easier for some than it is for others. None understand this better than the Great Griffin. Renzu, the Great Griffin and Guardian of Knowledge, is a prominent and active guardian, revered and respected by a large portion of Nuren's population. The wisdom of the Great Beast is spoken of by any Scholar, Mage or devout citizen who mentions either of the Great Griffin's names. Though largely viewed as a gentle guide and known to be the Observer who watches over the city, there are occasions where the Great Beast takes a more direct approach. As evening descends, a distant chime begins to fill the air. The darker the sky grows, the more the melody seems to grow, always faint but with new melodies whispering and intertwining their way through the winds that sweep as gentle breezes through the city streets and alleyways. The distant sounds create a melody of wind chimes accompanied by a faint song that seems to resemble the soft music of wind instruments. It fills the air for a week, always faint but present, and all who hear it are likely to feel a calming, peaceful emotion settle over them, that comes and goes over time. With the winds and music, a flock of Griffins and Grifflings have entered the city, taking perches on buildings and walls. They play with or assist the citizens of Nuren and any scions who do not attempt to attack them. Grifflings race across rooftops in playful games of tag and chase, or engage young dragons in tag or hide and seek to sharpen their hunting skills. Griffins, some larger than lions in size, stroll through the streets, lending their backs to the pulling of wagons, or their wings to the creation of helpful currents. With some dragons nearing an age of testing their wings, and other young hatchlings beginning to fill the city, Renzu decided to take the young creatures and their scions under wing and give them a first lesson in their new lives. Renzu's flock are there to help the young dragons with their first steps toward flight. Throughout the week they can be seen acrobatically soaring through the skies above Nuren or creating small controlled winds and gusts to lift young dragons and their scions into the air. Gently approaching a Griffin may even see the creature allowing citizens or scions to ride on their backs, provided the person in question is respectful. Their powerful wings and large forms allow them to carry scions and their young dragons, or up to two people, on their backs. While they may be unable to ferry about larger creatures, they will gladly assist others where possible. The citizens of Nuren caution against injuring or threatening Renzu's flock. Most will insist they are gentle and harmless creatures as long as no harm is done to them. Injuring or killing a Griffin or Griffling is severely frowned upon by the citizens, though a Beast Hunter or two might be willing to pay a high price for one. Any harm or threat scatters the flock, making them distrustful and even aggressive toward the attacking or threatening party. From then on, the Griffins and Grifflings will not allow the scion in question to approach them or others of the flock. At the end of the week, Renzu's flock take wing, returning to the mountains they came from and leaving only a few scattered Grifflings playing in buildings and on the streets. With them goes the music, fading away on the gentle winds.

Notes

Please direct all questions to the Q&A on the plotting post. Additionally there is a post on the OOC community for talking about upcoming wishes in the Tide of Wishes Here. You are welcome to use this post to toss out open or closed starters and tag around, or to make your own posts within the community. Another post will go up for the Tide of Wishes, soon. In the meantime, there is an OOC post for you to leave your character's wishes, if you so choose, or to discuss them with others.

Comments

Sync the Tempest | Open, will match format

[fifthreplacement]

[A. Beast Hunter stories]

The sudden flurry of activity in the outer section of the city doesn't go unnoticed by him. Sync is drawn in by the newcomers, not caring for the scorn shown towards him or his dragon. Hearing the stories being told (and accepting that it was entirely likely that they weren't all true), he takes the time to engage a few of the hunters in their storytelling, curious about the outside world. He's planning to explore this world soon, after all. He'll take what he can get.

Inbetween talks, he keeps out of the way, watching the hunters with curiosity and letting Gale rest on his shoulder, the dragon attempting to hide against his neck. "I know you don't like them, but you're going to have to deal for awhile," he comments to her, not caring if anyone overhears. "It's the best chance we've got of learning what the lands outside the walls are like before going out there ourselves."

[B. Beast Hunter fights]

Of course, with the Hunters being so openly scornful of the Scions, it's only so long before one of them makes the mistake of directing his attention towards Gale, sneering and calling her a tiny weakling. Now, Sync could ignore them trying to rile him up, because he really didn't care what anyone thought of him. People having a go at Gale though, that kind of pissed him off. She was only young, and she was his. No one got to talk about her like that.

"Take that back, before I make you," the teen says softly, on his feet and shifting just enough to be better braced, hands curling into fists. Unarmed he may be, but by the look of it, he really doesn't care. The Hunter he's ticked at just grinned nastily at him. There was probably a few seconds until an all out brawl, unless someone else interferred.

[C. Scholars of Renzu]

Classes are not his thing. They involve people, and people are something he'd rather not have to deal with in large numbers. But when the scholars show up in Upper Nuren, Sync drifts among the magical displays, a little curious despite himself.

Gale herself is very curious, to the point the little green hatchling is galloping ahead of him, weaving around people and using her wings as forelegs to make herself run faster. Sync just sighs as she risks tripping people up. Apologies if you end up being one of them.

Eventually they stop near someone who is showing off Wind magic, and Gale pads over to sit near the man's feet to watch and try to copy him. Sync just rolls his eyes some at her enthusiasm, folding his arms across his chest as he watches from a short distance away. "Magic. Bad enough being in a new place, but now having to work out a new system like this?" he mutters to himself.

[D. Griffins and Griffinlings]

Being a little over a month old (or half a month, as Sync would say), Gale was beginning to get a feel for using her wings as more than make-shift forelegs. Seeing the magical creatures around, she's more than willing to run and play with the youngsters, chirping happily.

It's the adults though that she's most curious about, and currently having the most fun with. As the create wind gusts that lift her off the ground, she attempts to fly on them, clearly enjoying herself. Sync just watches with curiosity, staying a small distance away from the pair. He's seen some of the other griffins lifting people into the air, either on their backs or on the wind, and he's finding himself almost tempted...

[E. Wildcard]

Sync will be all around the place during this, so feel free to run into him wherever!

Saralegui | open!

[enthraller]

A.
[The cavern homes in Upper Nuren have been convenient in many ways. Nice to have someplace to stay, certainly, when he was still making sense of this world and had no way of finding anything more private yet. And definitely nice that it's designed with the dragons in mind.

However, being designed with the dragons in mind means it's very easy for the dragons to come and go. Which means it's pretty much impossible to keep a needy, stubborn little dragon there when she really wants to follow him.]

I said stay.

[Saralegui is just outside the caverns, having a bit of a standoff with his little golden dragon. He tries to guide her back inside with a pale hand, but she simply ducks under it and darts forward to circle his legs while he sighs and frowns deeply.]

Stop it. You can't come while the Beast Hunters are there.

[He still feels a little silly talking out loud to her, but he's mostly over that these days. And it helps that she seems to at least understand his scolding tone, because she gives a shriek in response and continues to evade her scion. Gods help him.]

B.
[Saralegui likes learning things. The teachings of the scholars are intriguing just for the concepts being discussed, but the help in better understanding this world's magic in a practical sense, that's invaluable.

He's a quick learner, and he'd had a headstart in figuring things out on his own a bit. So with a decent handle on that, he'd looked instead to the logical next step, in his opinion -- getting his dragon proficient in the same magic, as she scholars said she should be capable of doing. Easier said than done. How do you explain a theory to an animal? He could barely get her to keep her nose out of trouble, most of the time.

After a while spent with the scholars, Saralegui separates from them to try working through things on his own. He ends up sitting on the edge of a fountain the the square the lessons had been taking place in, Shima curled by his hip and watching him with big, curious blue eyes.

Lacking context, it probably seems strange if not alarming to a casual passerby when he picks up a small knife and, after nudging his dragon gently with his elbow to make sure she's paying attention, cuts a neat little line into the back of his own hand with only the faintest grimace.

He holds his injured hand out to his dragon. Whatever he was trying to get her to do, though, it seems like it was probably unsuccessful, as she just leans forward to sniff at the blood before giving a soft cry and pressing her beaklike snout against it. Saralegui purses his lips in mild frustration before pulling her head away so he can try wiping the blood off her snout with the corner of his sleeve.]

C.

[The arrival of the griffins was yet another novelty in a whole world of the stuff, but that didn't stop Saralegui from going out to see them for himself more closely. The beasts themselves are interesting. The talk he hears, that they're something to do with one of the Great Beasts, is even more so.

Shima, however, seems most interested in trying to fly with the griffins. Saralegui has no idea if she's actually ready for that or not yet, and as much as he's trying to appear unconcerned -- she should be able to figure it out in her own time, surely it's something that will come to her instinctively as much as walking does to toddlers -- he's still just a little anxious about it. Only in the quietest and subtlest ways, of course, a bit of tension in his typically easy posture and eyes that keep darting back to the little dragon. It's worse because it's nothing he can really help at all with beyond trying to make sure she doesn't hirt herself in the process of learning.

Saralegui's seated himself on a bench at the edge of a plaza, watching Shima playfully chase after a few griffins. She hops and leaps to try to get airborne with them, wings flapping enough to get her a bit of lift, but she hasn't quite worked out the proper mechanics for herself yet.

Her attention so focused upwards, the little dragon manages to run headlong into a stranger's legs, squawking and tumbling backwards in a tangle of golden scales and feathers. And while Saralegui had been trying to distract himself from her antics, her surprised sound catches his attention immediately and he's quick to hurry over and crouch beside her, offering apologies to the stranger even as he checks her over.]

I'm sorry, I should have been watching her more closely...

[She's fine. The impact was inconsequencial to her or the poor stranger, lightweight as she is for her size, but Shima still gives a shrieking whine as she rights herself, and Saralegui rolls his eyes even as he indulgently smooths the feathers alonng her neck back down.]

Papyrus | open | will match format

[highstandards]

A; scholars and magic

A-1
Papyrus is quite excited to learn more about the world's magic. He always thought humans can't use it! He ooohs and ahhhs in the right places when the scholars demonstrate their magic and, in the spirit of interspecies camaraderie and sharing, offers to show off his own magic. The scholars are equally curious about the scions' unique abilities and Papyrus spends some time summoning bones, using them to spell words like COOL MAGIC and AWESOME. He even shapes them into a skeletal dragon once. It's actually pretty impressive, until –

"CURSES! I ALREADY TOLD YOU THESE AREN'T FOOD!"

It's aimed at his dragon, who just pounced and crushed the whole structure, and perhaps at other dragons as well.

A-2
Later, it's time to learn the new magic he apparently acquired. Papyrus can't wait for him and his dragon to master it – he'll be even greater than he is now! He's made of magic, weaved into his very soul, and he's always had an impeccable control over it, so figuring out his new element with the scholars' guidance is fairly simple. Papyrus thinks he got the basics, but the problem is how to test it. He's taken aback by some of the scholars' willingness to injure themselves for practice – even if it's a minor wound, he can't ask people to do that for him! Better find someone who got hurt naturally.

"EXCUSE ME! HAVE YOU BY ANY CHANCE FORGOTTEN TO WEAR SUNSCREEN AND THUS HAVE A SMALL BURN IN NEED OF HEALING? A PAPERCUT WOULD WORK JUST AS WELL!"


B; Griffins and flight attemtps
Oh WOW, those griffins are amazing! Papyrus is beyond himself when they respond to him with equal friendliness; they're almost like dogs! Giant dogs with feathers, wings and deadly claws. His dragon is even more excited than him, running around to play with the youngsters and trying to imitate the adults' flying. Unfortunately, she's not very good at it. Just over a week old, her wings are yet to mature and despite being a natural climber, she still trips over her own feet and tail when she runs too fast.

Failure doesn't seem to deter her, though. Papyrus is proud of her tenaciousness, but even he has trouble keeping up with her. Even if the other scions managed to miss the tall skeleton running around, they'll definitely hear him:

"NICE TRY! MAY I SUGGEST USING THE TAIL NEXT TIME?"

Maybe he's cheering his dragon on after she crash landed on your head or pounced your dragon playfully. Maybe he's even talking about YOUR dragon, offering an unsolicited motivational speech.

Dust | OTA, will match format

[mithrarin]

1.

Skyship was eating like a pig again. This had its advantages, though -- after spending the day gulping down food like he'd never eaten before in his life, the young dragon fell into a slumber so deep Dust knew he wouldn't awaken till next morning. And thus, Dust felt no guilt in leaving him at home to sleep off the meal, as he drifted down to the docks to investigate the new arrivals.

Dust wasn't yet interested in going up and asking them question, not once he saw their boisterous attitudes and general rambunctiousness. That first night he was more worried about the other Scions -- some of whom were less worldly than he was, less able to defend themselves. So the Sen-Mithrarin kept to the side and watched, and listened. Just in case someone might be getting into trouble.

2.

Dust didn't approach the Hunters personally and directly until the next day... which proved to be a mistake. Because by then, he had Skyship with him once again.

The three Hunters he'd approached were keeping some poor wench busy running ale and mead out to them where they sat on the front porch of the inn, the better to call out mockery and denigration to the soft city residents that walked by. Maybe something in Dust's attitude or demeanor convinced them not to call him spineless or yellow-tailed, but the ambling dragon at his side caught their attention.

"I've seen bigger mountain lions," one commented, nudging his fellow in the side. "It's like a lizard that held its breath too long."

"Eh, whaddya think its hide would sell for?" the second said.

Dust went very still on his approach, though Sky -- who was worrying at a melon the way a dog might gnaw on a ball, except with more nutritional content -- paid no mind to the words. "We're here for answers. Not insults."

As calmly as he said it, Dust couldn't help but sounds intense and forceful; it was his nature. Three mugs hit the table at the same time as three Hunters got to their feet, chairs scraping on the wooden planks of the porch. "How about we take have your hide made into a ladies' coat, Scion?" the third sneered, drawling out the word to make it a mocking insult.

Dust slowly drew one foot back, lifting his hands slightly as he tightened his stance. "I'm not here to fight. And so long as you apologize to my dragon and answer my questions, this is going to end peacefully."

The three Hunters rounded their table and vaulted the porch railing, landing on its far side in slight crouches of their own. Apparently... they didn't want to apologize.

3.

A heavy thud, like some huge stone being dropped, shook the courtyard in Upper Nuren, followed by a frustrated snarl that was unlike any noise Skyship had made before now. The dragon stomped in place one or twice, then spread his wings wide and flapped them furiously, head straining for the sky as if he could push so hard with his neck muscles the rest of his body would have to follow.

The helpful griffling conjured up another blast of air to lift the dragon, and feeling it, Sky kicked off the ground. But all he managed was a leap of a few feet, unable to coordinate his wings and his legs, and back down he crashed with another heavy thud.

"Sky..." Dust stepped forward to put a hand on the dragon's shoulder as Sky keened in piteous frustration. "You'll get it. I promise. Somehow..."

Shego | Kim Possible | Will match format

[thedrama]

[Beast Hunters]

The city people were alright, and Shego enjoyed the reverence her status as a Scion brought her from them. They weren't her type of people. The Beast Hunters, on the other hand, were. She felt much more at home in the Travelers Innd, full of cutthroat traders and thieves, than she did at the more reputable Dragon's Roost. Between that and the local tailors finishing her new clothes, she was actually in a good mood for the first time since her arrival.

Visitors to the tavern could find her sitting at one table or another, trading stories of adventure and combat. Though her dragon set her companions on edge, she was far from unwilling to flirt her way into their good graces...particularly as their dangerous lifestyle tended to result in the kind of strong, athletic physique she found especially attractive. In fact, especially fit and handsome adult, male Scions were just as likely to find her approaching in a pleasant mood.

She was not, however, without a temper of her own. A poor choice of words from a Beast Hunter, be it about her not looking like the fighter she claimed to be or an expression of entitlement, would lead to a heated brawl. A brawl that, with no magic allowed, and Shego willing to fight just as dirty as her opponents, her enhanced durability and strength left her at a clear advantage in.

[Scholars]

As much as she would have loved to spend her entire week in Outer Nuren, the scholars of the upper city had also caught her interest. The tales of the Lorekeepers were noteworthy, and she listened both out of curiosity and on the chance that the information would be useful later, but what really held her attention was the magic lessons. Every morning, before she made her way down the mountain, she spent some time with the scholars, trying to learn how to use her water magic. The water weapon ability proved difficult to master, as she often found her concentration on it lapsing while sparring, but she improved steadily. Some might even catch her in an open area, practicing by herself as she swung a weapon of solid water through the air, its form shifting from a staff, to a whip, to long, gouging claws.

[General]

In between magic practice and the tavern, Shego ended up spending a fair amount of time trying to keep her dragon where she could see him. The games of the Grifflings left the already energetic hatchling nearing hyperactivity, as he chased after the playfully fleeing miniature Griffins with little regard for distance, precarious objects, or people's feet. It was bad enough early in the week, but the arrival of the Griffins and Grifflings coincided with a growth spurt for the small dragon, and by Thursday he'd grown from the size of a housecat to over four feet from nose to the tip of his tail and begun testing his wings. Though they weren't yet strong enough to carry him in full flight, he found leaping from a height let him glide. As a result, he began seeking out the tallest objects he could climb, or, more easily, jump to the top of. His steering wasn't perfect, though, and crowded streets often led to a fair number of yelps and shouts as people had to duck out of the way to avoid a collision.

By the time the various groups in the city were near ready to leave, the young dragon had reached five feet in length and around two feet at the top of his head, with his horns starting to curve toward his ears. Shego was starting to discourage him from gliding around busy streets, but she could only do so much to stop him when he ran off.

Itachi Uchiha | ota, wmf

[yuruse]

a) hunters of beasts

[Itachi isn't necessarily a proficient gambler, it's just that he's better at reading people than most. His job at the inn gets him a fair allowance, but a little extra coin can't hurt - especially since he doesn't intend to remain at that job permanently. Gambling with the beast hunters also allows him to converse with them, gathering information he might need for later.

They're skeptical of him , of course, him being what he is, but his sickly condition makes him seem harmless and easy to beat. The key is to lose enough to make them amiable and win enough to make a profit. Doing nothing but beating them round after round will only make them more hostile. He needs them to feel comfortable with him, to congratulate him for his victories and laugh at his failures, while keeping enough distance that they don't start to regard him as a friend. Though given the circumstances, that last part is simple.

His purse a little heavier than it had been when he arrived, he prepares to leave. The goodbyes are short and sweet on both ends. As timing would have it, though, his illness chooses that moment to catch up with him and he's unable to repress a coughing fit, forced to lean against a wall as it doubles him over.

There are uncomfortable mutterings from the beast hunters behind him.]

Oi, is he that sick? Is it contagious?

Someone get him away from the rest of us.

I'm not touching him.

If he dies he won't need his wallet, right?

What, you want to risk catching something off it?

Just get him out of here!

[The first rock hits him square in the back as he starts to stumble his way away from the group.]

b) magical training

[Staying away from the beast hunters seems like a better idea for now, and those who've appeared to teach the scions in the ways of magic are (hopefully) less likely to run him off if he suffers a moment of weakness. So Itachi spends a lot more of his time learning about what he can do now thanks to his dragon.

Finding out his proficiency involves healing makes the whole situation seem a lot more ironic.

He doesn't want to potentially scare off patrons to the establishment he works at, so instead he practices outside the temple. The ninja sits cross-legged on the ground, his baby dragon tucked safely in a harness over his chest. He holds a hand near his throat, a bright light filling the space between.

This won't fix the underlying problem, but it might at least relieve him of some of the damage.]

Ruri Kurosaki | Open for business!

[lyrical_nightingale]

[I. Even demons refuse to do business with a monster]

[If it wasn't evident before, Ruri likes shopping. While part of it is because of the novelty of doing such a thing- something she hasn't been able to do in years- shopping and trading were impertinent to survival, and while Ruri was comfortable with the few things she did have, she was aware she lacked a lot of knowledge and was short on resources. So when she hears that some rather curious traders have come in, she packs herself the few things she's can offer to trade, along with some coins and a dagger and sets off for Outer Nuren with her dragon at hand.

The hides and meat don't interest her at all, but the common creatures, trinkets and the magical items certainly do. And every day Ruri would be glancing at the selection of goods that are laid across the table. A large number of them are a ludicrous price, but they're pleasing to the eye, and there's a couple of them that Ruri actually does consider buying, like what seemed to be some plant that continuously produced small but juicy fruit no matter how much it was picked at.]

Excuse me! Ah... no, please. Excuse me. Over here!

[Ruri's small, and she's easily ignored by the hunters, who pretend who didn't see her and went to tend to other people interested in their wares. Ruri frowns deeply and grits her teeth, trying to hold in her temper after numerous attempts to try attract attention.]

SSsscccrrrreeeeeeeekkkkkkk.

Obsidian. No... Easy boy. I don't want to start anything. [Ruri says, stroking the black lump in her arms, trying to calm him down. Those who see her dragon though may not be too surprised why she's being ignored, even if Ruri is baffled herself. In her arms, it looks like she's holding a demon potato, with red, beady eyes and way too much teeth. It looks outright evil and like it would kill someone, even despite being a newborn. Yeesh.]

------------

[II. But I will continue, swearing on my honour as a Scion.]

Ruri is surprisingly sneaky when she wants to be, and she blends in the crowd more or less when she's quiet. It's not hard to slip into a bar, even if she's underage, and she just lingers in the background. She's got no skill in gambling, nor can she drink, and she's not willing to try her luck, so Ruri spends her time mostly listening to boasting Beast Hunters telling tales of great monsters and far off lands. It's a new source of information and Ruri notes down anything she deems important, though the rampant use of profanities and the way the men talk about Nuren's locals and dragons make her sick to the bones. However, being sneaky involves being patient, and even though she's uncomfortable in the crowd, Ruri retains her composure like a proper lady.

Unfortunately for Ruri, her partner is not a fine lady, but a baby dragon that's connected to her emotions. Obsidian doesn't quite understand what's going on, nor does he understand the potential danger they're in, but he picks up on her discomfort and he climbs up on her head, in attempt to make her laugh.]

Obsidian. No. Come on, baby. You have to be quiet. [However, despite her best efforts, Ruri was unable to calm her dragon down in time to avoid being detected. A few Beast Hunters look her way and begin jeering at her dragon in particular.]

'Look at that one, he's really a monster.'

'Oh man, how can you even bare to look at him? And all that teeth. He must be a nightmare.'

He's not! He's really sweet and kind and gentle.

'I think you're not all quite there, girly.'

I think you're being quite rude. You have no right to be saying these sort of things.

'And you got no right to be raising magical beasts, foreigner. Get that purse to be out of here. And get lost. Go back to your mommy, little girl.' [Ruri purses her lips at that comment and Obsidian snarls immediately, showing three rows of baby teeth off for the Beast Hunters. Ruri balls her fists, and she looks around. She's about two seconds from taking a bottle and smashing it over the man's head (who is clearly three times her size).]

Please, I don't want any trouble. Stop.

-------

[III. Teach me how to vanquish my foes.]

[The scholars are much more tolerable for Ruri, and after that tense night at the bar, the girl is more than happy to retreat to Upper Nuren when she finds out about the people trying to educate her about the world. While the safe way to learn about things wasn't always the best, it was far more pleasant a bunch of brutes that didn't have any regards for her or her partner.

But she finds being here a whole lot more educational. Ruri finds herself in the squares at every class, 'ooing' and 'ahhhing' the many magical displays and talking to the people. Even after the classes are supposedly done, Ruri lingers back so she can engage one on one with the scholars and ask more about theory, like an excited student talking to a professor. By the end of her first day, Ruri has a little book with the list of elements and which ones interacted well with each other and which ones didn't.

Her element is wind, and when she finds that out, Ruri can't keep the smile off her face. She loved everything about the air, and her dream was to bring smiles freely, soaring through the air as the birds did. Her ability was a little tricky to find out, but Ruri found out what it is before too long, she just had to figure out how to use it. And... well, the safest ways weren't always the best.]

Excuse me. [She smiles gently as she approaches, politely bowing.] Would you... be up for some sparing? I'm still trying to learn about my magic, and I need all the practice I can get. [Her dragon next to her waddles up and gives a toothy grin, trying to get the good favour of anyone who passed by.

And regardless of how her search for a 'sparring partner' goes, Ruri will remain in the squares until late, listening to the tales about the numerous Great Beasts that made up part of their worlds. She's utterly fascinated by it, and she's happy to share or chat about what she's learned, or just the strangeness of their new world.]

-------

[IV. And open my wings. We were meant to fly. ]

[The wind, flowers, birds and the moon. Four natural beauties of the world, that sung a faint song that tied life together. Despite not knowing who she really was, Ruri's always had a special kinship to this sort of thing and hearing the music when it first echoes through the evening affects Ruri deeply, in ways she doesn't quite understand. The gentle sounds makes Ruri feel a little sad, but ultimately at peace, and whenever she heard the melody any concerns and fears she had were tided over, especially when she needed it the most.

After hearing about Renzu, Ruri naturally wanted to go and see the griffons that the locals were talking about, and quickly made the habit of getting up shockingly early each morning (before even dawn broke) and creeping out to the city to get an early morning view of the griffons. Whenever Ruri had a free moment in the day, she and Obsidian would go and search for a griffon or five around town and just spend time around them.

Obsidian was possibly more in love with the griffons than Ruri. Playmates! Playmates that had actual legs (Habuto's legs certainly did not count) and were willing to play with him despite how scary he looked. Ruri couldn't help but laugh as Obsidian bolted after Grifflings and tackled them playfully, and engaged in every game. Of course, being a friendly sort of demon potato, Obsidian often ran up to a stranger or their dragon or both, and tried to entice them into playing with him with his slasher smile.

However, it became clear very quickly that despite his size and weight, Obsidian was enamoured with flying. Ruri was astounded to find that the downy feathers around Obsidian's body wasn't just ordinary feathers, but wings that were tightly curled around his torso. He wasn't strong enough to achieve liftoff, but whenever Renzu's flock decided to make currents instead of let their young ones play, Obsidian was up with his wings open, Ruri hovering around him like a worried mother, ready to catch him at any given moment. Obsidian wasn't scared though. In fact, he was making happy little screeches as he flew.]

AWwRGRGHHHHHAAAAAKKKK!!! ARRRRRGHHHHH!

----------

[V. So come join me in flight together.]

[Ruri was a respectful woman. She was gentle and she knew her place. She wasn't sure if the Griffons wanted meat or bread or fish, so she ended up bringing a bit of everything as an offering in order to just touch one. She was more than surprised to find that she was allowed far more than just touching the soft fur of the griffons.]

This. is. AMAZING!

[She told herself that the first time she hopped on was purely to honour the privilege the griffons had given her, and the second time was so she had a better idea of what to expect when Obsidian was big enough to ride. But by the eighth time she took to the air, her rapunzel-like hair whipping behind her, Ruri was out of excuses and just there enjoying the experience. If anything was taking away the homesickness and worry, this was. She felt in her element, the wind skimming all around her as the griffon flew over Nuren. Obsidian was basically doing the same thing too, roaring at the top of his lungs as he clung onto the griffon's head, wings spread out and tongue hanging out like a dog's as they took sharp turns in the air.

Ruri was really getting used to the feeling and slowly, without realising it, she was getting used to directing the griffon which way she wanted to go. There was no sharp yanks, or digging of her heels. The griffons guided her to lean with them preemptively, so they moved together as a single unit instead of the griffon taking passengers for a ride.

If not met circling in the skies, Ruri will eventually land. She bows to the griffon as she gets off and Obsidian follows her lead, bowing his head.] Thank you so much. It was such an honour to do that again. Thank you so much.

[She turns and beams at possibly everyone and anyone else who was watching, her cheeks flushed red and her hair messy, but the smile on her face unable to be defeated.] Ah... You should try ride them too. They're amazing.

------

[VI. Wildcard Why do I have so many prompts?]

[Hit me with anything you'd like! Or find Ruri anywhere around town, building the equivalent of bird houses for the Grifflings.]

[waterfight]

[ A: A-hunting we shall go... ]

Tsunami doesn't care a whit for the Beast Hunters. To her, they are simply more scavengers to be sniffed at, looked down on, and ultimately ignored for the most part. They don't bring anything she's terribly interested in, except perhaps gold and as far as she's concerned that's the best thing about them. She tends to spend her days in Upper Nuren, sulking in the caves or talking to her friends or down at the waterfront, enjoying the ocean and occasionally going for a swim with Minnow. That's always a bit nerve-wracking, since sharks, while they aren't a problem for her, can be one for her little dragonet. It happens late in one afternoon as she suns herself in an open spot near the sea, wings spread and the dragons dozing together as they sleep off a large mid-day meal.

To the Hunters, perhaps, Tsunami is just another Beast to be tracked and killed and that is precisely what they mean to do with this apparently unsupervised dragon. Tsunami jerks fully into wakefulness only when she hears their footsteps and catches one too many unfamiliar scents closing in on her. Jerking to her feet with a roar, she just manages to avoid most of what's meant for her, though one net catches a wing, keeping from simply taking to the air as the Beast Hunters dart around her with their spears and swords and whatever else it is they carry. Standing protectively over Minnow, she roars defiantly, tail lashing as she bares her teeth.

"Get back! I'll snap you all up!"

[ B. Feathers, feathers everywhere ]

Tsunami isn't sure what to make of the gryphons. She's never seem any creature quite like them and after an abortive attempt to chase one, she's settled mainly on watching them swoop about teaching small dragons the principles of flight. Settled in Upper Nuren, Tsunami is watching them one fine morning. She huffs, peering at Minnow once in a while, then looking over to the flapping, soaring gryphons.

"You don't need a silly feathered thing to teach you how to fly," she says imperiously to Minnow. "You've got me, after all."

The small dragon squawks in reply, though whether he really understands her she isn't sure.

"Why do these dragons need them, anyway?" she asks no one in particular. Whether she'll get the answer she wants is, well, up in the air.

Bucky Barnes | OTA | Will match format!

[cryogenics]

a. Scholars of Renzu

His dragon had finally hatched just a few days ago, the size of a kitten after she'd broken out of her shell. Bucky had been relieved at first that she'd finally hatched so he didn't have to keep carrying an egg everywhere with him, no matter how soothing petting the velveteen shell had been, but it hadn't taken him long to figure out that he had his hands full.

His dragon, who he eventually named Shapka after a lot of contemplation, was as wobbly on her legs after hatching as a fawn on ice. It hadn't taken her long to get her bearings though, and she remained awkward and clumsy with her wings, but her legs worked just fine. She scampered all over, from one end of his home to the other and back again. She climbed up furniture, climbed up him. One of her favorite places seemed to be perching on his head where she could see everything around them.

Thankfully, today she was only settled on his shoulder, watching the world from beneath his hair as he in turn watched the scholars demonstrate magic and talk about the different elements. There was a lot to take in, and Bucky hadn't explored his own new abilities yet. He gave it a few tries while the scholars encouraged him, with Shapka watching curiously, but he couldn't manage to keep a fire weapon together for very long.

b.1 Griffins

He was wary of the Griffins when they first entered the city, keeping Shapka close to him in case they meant trouble. The people of the city didn't seem alarmed by them though, and after observing them for a while, he thought maybe they weren't so bad after all. They were big though and looked like they could do some damage if they wanted to. Instead, they didn't seem threatening, and eventually he approached one, reaching out a hand slowly and letting the creature get a good look at him before attempting to touch it.

The Griffin seemed just as wary of him as he'd been of them, but didn't stop him from carefully petting it. He murmured quietly to it, the way he would any skittish or potentially dangerous animal that needed soothing. After petting it for a few moments, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a bit of jerkied meat that he'd started keeping for Shapka since her hatching. He offered it to the Griffin, keeping his hand still and flat until the creature had taken the meat from him.

Bucky glanced up as he heard someone or something go by overhead, watching someone flying past on a Griffin. Shapka lifted her head, chirping a few times, and the Griffin cocked its head. There was an idea, and Bucky wondered if this Griffin would let him on its back or if it would bite him if he tried. There was only one way to find out.

b.2 Grifflings

The smaller Griffins reminded Bucky of house cats with wings. They were everywhere and seemed to be good at causing trouble or popping up where you least expected them. It was nice watching them run around and play with each other until the moment Shapka leapt down from his shoulder and dashed after a Griffling that had been bounding back and forth next to Bucky for a few minutes. Delighted, the Griffling pawed at Shapka as if it was making sure it had her full attention before leading her on a chase.

"Shapka!" His dragon didn't even turn around as she darted down the street, making playful grabs for the Griffling's tail. She was so small, it would be easy for her to get lost or hurt. She spread her wings and tried to follow the Griffling when it leapt up higher, but ended up tumbling end over end before chirping at her newfound friend.

The Griffling hopped back down into the street again and the chase resumed, this time with Bucky chasing after them and calling Shapka's name, not that she seemed to be listening.

Sam Wilson | Open, will match format

[wingedman]

[A: Nuren School of Witchcraft and Wizardry]

Sam's been, well, skeptical about this whole magic thing since he found out about it. Yeah, okay, so he's seen Wanda use magic, but that's Wanda, and it's a result of being experimented on by HYDRA. He's just a normal guy, and magic isn't really something he's used to.

But, hey, a lot of being an Avenger involves new experiences - like getting his ass kicked by a guy who's the size of an ant - so he's going to grudgingly accept the whole magic thing for now and, more importantly, learn how to use it. He's been standing around the edge of the crowd with the Scholars now for a few days. Addie's muscles have developed enough that she can balance on his shoulder, and they watch and listen together.

Eventually, it's his turn to practice. He focuses on the thought of a shield of air surrounding his arm while one of the Scholars gently throws pebbles at him. The first few hit his arm, but then something clicks and the shield solidifies. He blocks the next few, but one bounces off the shield and hits the person next to him.

"Sorry," he apologizes. "Still got a lot of learning to do."

[B: Grifflings...]
One of the younger grifflings, a tabby with tortoiseshell splotches, has befriended Addie. Though the dragon is still too young to fly - she's just starting to grow black and white pinfeathers on the edges of her wings and the tip of her tail - the two of them tumble around playing games. Sam keeps a cautious eye on them, just in case; he knows the griffling won't hurt her, but all kids get injured accidentally while playing.

At one point, the griffling bats Addie harder than she should, and the hatchling tumbles head over heels, rolling out of the cave in a ball of fluff and into another Scion's path. Sam rushes after her like a helicopter parent, but he's not quick enough to keep her from spreading fluffy wings and hissing irritably at the sudden large obstacle in her path.

"She's not mad at you, just fussy." He scoops her up and deposits her on his shoulder, where she burrows into the crook of his neck. "Behave, Addie."

[C: ...and griffins.]

Sam watches the griffins fly with an undisguised longing. He knows he wouldn't be able to use his jetpack if he was at home - if home wasn't destroyed - but that doesn't mean he can't still wish for it. It probably comes as a surprise to exactly no one who knows him when he finds himself drawn to one griffin in particular, slate grey with barred feathers. He starts by bringing the creature food; Addie always has too much, and while it's nothing more than a tidbit to the griffin, he can tell he likes it.

Eventually, the griffin lets Sam pet him, beak hanging open with pleasure when Sam scratches behind his eartufts. He kneels, letting Sam climb on his back; Sam seats himself in front of the wings, making sure Addie is carefully secured in her pouch and holding the pouch in front of him. Then they take off, Sam leaning close to the griffin's neck, and that's exactly what he's been missing, the feeling of weightlessness, the wind rushing over him. He grins broadly, not bothering to stifle a whoop of pure delight. There's an echoed happy chitter from the pouch as Addie pokes her head out.

Over the course of the next several days, Sam keeps coming back to ride his new friend, flying over Nuren in broad swoops and spirals, and occasionally even racing other griffins (and maybe even their passengers). He takes to it like he's a natural. It's not quite as good as having his own set of wings, but he sure as hell isn't complaining, not when he's happier than he's been ever since he arrived in Nuren.

Fuyuhiko Kuzuryu | will match format

[impheired]

a. Roll them Bones (11/14-11/16)

[For the first time since he arrived, Fuyuhiko is actually feeling pretty okay about the fact that his egg is taking forever to hatch. He feels right at home with the Beast Hunters, having grown up in similar company, and he's not sure he'd enjoy it as much if they disliked him because of his dragon. Or worse, tried to hurt it.]

[So for the first few days after their arrival, the former heir spends a great deal of his time in the taverns, listening to the tales of the Hunters and asking with keen interest about the world beyond Nuren's walls. Occasionally, he might even be talked into sharing a story of his own, though they're pretty mundane in comparison. It's really hard to compete with slaying magical creatures when you're a normal human from a normal human world.]

[He also spends plenty of time taking part in their dice games. For someone who doesn't even look old enough to be in a bar in the first place, he's surprisingly good. But not all of the gold he wins actually leaves with him. Some of it is occasionally spent on drinks for his gambling companions (beast hunters and other scions alike), though he never once buys a drink for himself. It's clearly some sort of gesture of sportsmanship, meant to keep moods high and tempers low. Who knows, even you might find yourself on the receiving end of this gesture, if you've found yourself losing to Fuyuhiko a few times.]

[Or, you might catch him playing the part of the dealer, instead of the player. Because you know what game should definitely be on the gambling agenda? Cho-han. If that's not a game that already existed in Osaaru, it absolutely needs to and Fuyuhiko will teach anyone who's willing to learn.]

b. A Griffin of a Tale (11/14 or 11/15)

b-1: [While Fuyuhiko held little interest in the teachings of the scholars (or magic itself, for that matter), the lorekeepers are a different story entirely. As he's making his way back home after a day spent in the company of the Beast Hunters, he can't help but notice a small knot of people in one of Upper Nuren's squares. Curious, he makes a detour and hovers awkwardly near the edge of the crowd.]

[Unfortunately, the Lorekeeper is already more than halfway through his current tale of Renzu so Fuyuhiko is more than a little bit lost. Talk about shitty timing. He nudges the nearest Scion and leans in to whisper, so as not to cause too much of a disturbance:]

Oi, mind filling me in? The hell's goin' on here?

b-2: [Early the next evening, Fuyuhiko can be found sitting on a low stone wall in that very same square. Resting in his lap, beneath both hands, is a small, balled-up jet black blanket. It's impossible to tell what's inside the blanket for sure, but if you assume he's a scion, then it's probably not too hard to guess what it is. It would seem that today he aims to catch the storytelling session from the beginning, instead of catching it halfway through. And maybe he wanted a better seat, too.]

c. About Damn Time (11/17) CLOSED to housemates

c-1. (for Natsumi & Peko) [So, normally Fuyuhiko doesn't come home until late in the evening, but today is an exception. Because a certain SOMEONE decided it would be a great idea to start a bar brawl. Thanks, Natsumi. Thanks. While those aren't exactly uncommon with the Beast Hunters, this one had gotten pretty nasty and Fuyuhiko figured it was probably best to get out of dodge for a while till tempers cooled.]

[That, and he got a little scraped up in the process of protecting his sister. Again: thank you, Natsumi. So the two are back home before noon, Fuyuhiko grumbling all the way to his bedroom.]

Hope you enjoyed that, because that's definitely the last time you're going to a tavern. I knew I shouldn't have brought you...

[How did she even talk him into taking her, an underage girl, in the first pla-- oh right, he can't resist her sisterly charms. That's how.]

c-2. [Once Fuyuhiko's newly-hatched companion has been cleaned of all egg goop, the yakuza heads into the living area with his dragon wrapped up in a towel. Once there, he sets the little bundle down gently on the ground, where it promptly falls open to reveal a the wriggling white hatchling. Help help, he's fallen and he's too uncoordinated to get back up. Luckily, his scion is at least nice enough to help him get turned the right way. The two will stay there for a while, the dragon mostly flopping around on the towel and trying to get the hang of using his legs while Fuyuhiko watches (and occasionally laughs and gives the dragon a helpful nudge.)]

[Later on in the evening, the pair can be found in the kitchen. Fuyuhiko has arranged some fruit, vegetables, and meat on the counter and is attempting to determine exactly what his dragon eats. By...lifting up said dragon and setting him down on the counter in front of the food. This is definitely the best way to find the answer to this question. Definitely.]

d. wildcard

[If you have something else in mind, hit me with it. Fuyuhiko will be out and about for most of the event, save for on the 18th when his egg hatches. He'll stick mostly to Outer Nuren before then, and strictly to Upper Nuren afterwards.]

Natsumi Kuzuryu | Will match format!

[tookforgranite]

A - Docks; 11/14 - 11/16

[For the first few days after the Beast Hunters' arrival, Natsumi can be found spending a lot of time down at the docks with them. This is definitely her kind of atmosphere, and it's almost comforting because of that. Reminds her of home with how loud and rowdy the guests are. Which is why it's no surprise that she's getting just as loud and rowdy. Maybe not joining in on any of those bar fights that are going on, but she'll definitely cheer them on. She spends a lot of time gambling with the Beast Hunters too, more than happy to increase her wealth at the expense of others. (Though some of that does go back into the pockets of the Beast Hunters in the end as she can't help picking out some of the wares they've brought to take back home with her.)

What she spends the most time doing, however, is actually chatting with the Beast Hunters. She enjoys hearing their stories a lot, and can be found primarily doing that, sometimes buying them drinks to convince them to talk though that's not always necessary. She has a certain charm to her, after all, that can be quite endearing to even the toughest of hearts. But listening isn't all she does.]

--and then he grabs the bat as that asshole swung it at me, rips it out of his hand and punches his lights out! Got him square in the nose, I don't think I've ever seen a guy cry as much as that fucker did!

[She's plenty happy to tell her own stories too. They aren't as amazing as fighting off wild beasts or slaying great monsters, but they're still tales of battles won, even if they're on the mundane side. A few of them are about herself, a handful about her family, but the overwhelming majority?]

My brother's amazing! Just give him time and he'll be out there slaying your sea monsters just as well as you can!

[They're of course about her older brother. Want to join in on story time? She'll be happy to share more, or listen to cool stories from fellow scions too.]

B - Griffins; 11/16

[She doesn't have a dragon for the little grifflings to play with just yet, and at first she was kind of wary of the bigger guys too. These kinds of animals were just myths where she's from, and while she's not exactly scared of them she does keep her distance. After playing a little with the babies though and watching them help out little hatchlings learn to fly, she comes to the conclusion that they must not be all that bad. So she finally decides to hang around in Upper Nuren, dodging the Scholars and hanging out with the animals some instead. Especially since she's pretty sure she saw a few scions get flights around the city from them and that's something she wants in on.]

What are you even...? You're like some overgrown, mutated chicken.

[Probably not the best way to win a griffin over, and when the one she's speaking to starts walking off with disinterested she follows.]

Oh come on, I meant that in a good way! Chickens are great! And you have like...cat paws. I love cats!

[Endearing herself to people? Easy! To intelligent animals? Not so much, apparently. Not that she isn't trying, bless her heart, but the "chicken eggs are tasty" comment probably isn't winning her any points.]

C - Hatchlings, finally. (Joint with Fuyuhiko; Afternoon of the 18th)

[After nearly two weeks of waiting, it seems stupid to keep their dragons cooped up any longer. So, even though Fuyuhiko's is barely a day old and Natsumi's, half that, the siblings decide that it's time for the hatchlings to go out and meet the world. On the afternoon of the 18th, the two pairs can be found a little ways outside of the Dangans' cavern home.

The siblings are off to the side, Fuyuhiko leaning against the cave while Natsumi sits on the ground beside him, keeping a watchful eye on their hatchlings as they gambol around playfully. They still aren't all that great at walking just yet, thanks to their awkwardly stumpy legs and long, noodle-y bodies. So there's a lot of face planting involved in their playing, especially on the part of the younger, black dragon. But at least whenever she falls, the white one is there to help nudge her back to her feet. And vice versa, on the occasions when he falls instead of her.

As time goes on, the two gradually become more adventurous. Why are they staying in just this one little area?? There's still so much more to explore! Taking the part of the leader, the white dragon starts taking confident, yet wobbly steps away from the cave. His sister follows after him, taking his tail in her mouth so that she can keep up. Naturally, their scions come along too. They let the dragons play their bizarre little game of follow the leader for a few moments before scooping them up and carrying them towards their destination (a nearby town square) instead. They are just a few too many people up here, sorry little guys.

Once they reach the square, the scions set their dragons down and move back to go sit on a bench together, falling into easy conversation. The dragons, however, rush forward immediately to start playing with a few of the grifflings that have claimed the square as their playground. They squeak happily, chasing awkwardly after the feathered creatures and not even coming remotely close to catching any of them.]

((OOC: You're free to go for both siblings for a joint thread or one or the other! Just let us know in the subject line which you want!))

Peko Pekoyama | ota!

[perfectstrike]

A. Feathered... friends?

[One might have the (mis)fortune of encountering an absolutely petrified griffling. Said griffling had only wanted to teach a little kitten-sized black dragon to hunt, maybe play tag across some rooftops. But it hadn't counted on the little dragon's scion, crouched nearby with her fingers extended.]

I will not hurt you...

[Is what. Peko says. However the wide smile (if it can be called a smile) hints otherwise as she wiggles her fingers, trying to attract its attention.

Help a girl out, will you?]

B1. You Must Gather Your Party Before Venturing Forth

[Peko can be found making her way through the city looking at the various goods for sale. Weapons seem to catch her eye more than anything else, though; her eyes linger on swords in particular as she pauses to contemplate a wooden sword. It's meant for children, not for killing, but it seems well made enough to suit her purposes.

She's so focused on examining the different weapons available that she completely loses sight of her dragon, a black-furred kitten-sized creature with feathered wings and clawed feet. Her dragon is more interested in passing boots and shoelaces, though. Anyone who might pause for long enough nearby is bound to have the little creature pounce toward any hanging bootlaces. Please don't kick her dragon, Peko would take extreme offense to that.]

B2. Animals Pt. 2: The Animaling

[Or, perhaps you might find Peko staring at a collection of caged common beasts. The cactus cats and jackalopes seem to particularly hold her attention.

What's more frightening about this scenario is that she's not smiling. Or rather, she seems to be making an attempt to smile. Her face contorts into a pained grimace, and she makes sounds that might be her attempting to focus her concentration, or might just be her coughing up a hairball. It's genuinely impossible to tell from noise alone. Maybe it wouldn't hurt to check on her...]

[lullabytes]

hogwarts: a history

[ unwilling to venture out of upper nuren after hearing about the not-so-friendly-to-dragons beast hunters in outer nuren, chiaki sticks to upper nuren for most of the week. she's extremely interested in the magic lessons offered by the scholars, anyway, and can be found attentding most of the lessons.

...which isn't too say she stays awake for all of the lessons. if you're sitting next to chiaki you might be in serious danger of her dozing off and slumping against your side, her hatchling dragon (now small dog sized) curled around her feet.

what do you do? ]

healing waters

[ chiaki has known her element for a while now. she was immediately interested in the magic of nuren, after all - so she's been most interested in lessons offered by those specializing in water magic. especially the healing kind.

this isn't just for her, however. after one of the lessons she and her dog-sized dragon will be sitting on either side of a bowl of water. chiaki has a needle, and gently prods her own finger, a single drop of blood welling up. ]

Okay...now, just like we practiced, right?

[ the little dragon whines at the deliberate self-injury, but nevertheless stares at the water intensely as chiaki dips her finger in, trying to make Magic Happen. ]

haphazard flight

[ the grifflings are cute and chiaki is curious about the griffins as well, so she can be found watching the creatures with landia strutting along at her side, ruffling her wings. while landia is steady on her feet now, she's yet to taken any movements towards flying...

so there's a lot of loud offended hatchling squacking when one of the flock helpfully sends a gust of controlled wind at the pair to lift them into the air. chiaki immediately tries to regain her balance hovering (she's. not going to do well, she might need help) while her partner flaps her wings and generally makes a huge ruckus. she did not want to fly yet? let her down???? this is not ok?????? ]

Landia, calm - oof! [ yeah she's gonna. hit the ground. landia, with wings, will hover a bit more, though. ]

CLOSED to kazoo of the grouchy variety

[ after the kuzuryu siblings dragons had hatched, they seemed to be avoiding outer nuren for upper nuren...which made it the perfect time to get fuyuhiko to attend a class with her. while none of the yakuza contingent seemed that interested in magic or their elements, chiaki always has been, and so she'd requested at least fuyuhiko attend a class with her that particular morning.

though when they finally got to the point of learning his element, she turned to him with a grave expression. ]

I see...so, we're fated rivals.

[ .......................he probably didn't expect that. ]

I wonder if my attacks would be two times as powerful against you...a super effective kind of thing.

[ he should have expected that. game references aside, though: ]

...I hope it doesn't make my healing any less effective.

Tsuyu Asui | OTA

[tsuyuirihero]

[IM A YEARNIN FOR SOME LEARNIN]

[Tsuyu was a fairly good student, when she had school to attend. She may not have been a genius or anything near it, but she studied hard, and got relatively good grades for her efforts; it was part of how she got into the school to begin with after all.

When the Scholars of Renzu appear then, she finds herself eagerly, if not shyly, requesting aid.

And the scholars, in turn, are more than happy to share. The classes on elemental affinity are strange however-it's unlike how 'quirks' functioned in her world, and though she listens and studies, it is difficult to tap into the power.

And when she does-] Hfffffhhhhhh-

[It's quite chilling, taking energy from the air..! Her dragon is doing much better however-darting around at top speed, potentially tangling around someone else's legs while Tsuyu recovers some warmth.]

[JUST TAKE A LOOK, IT'S IN A BOOK-]

[All the practice in mastering 'wind'-or at least being introduced to it-has Tsuyu rather chilled to the bone, which makes a pause to listen to the lorekeepers a very welcome activity. Despite the provided blankets and the relative warmth of the area, she may still be cold-]

H-

He-ch!

[...In fact, she might HAVE a cold, potentially.]

[FLYYYY LIKE A BIIIIRD]

[Where much of the evenings and early mornings are spent focusing on classwork and stories, the middle of the day soon becomes dedicated to somethign else entirely when the griffins and grifflings begin to appear.]

HMM-! W-AAAH! [And even the most unflappable can't help but be amazed when they're flying off on a Griffon. Tsuyu isn't alone in the air either. Another few creatures are giving gentle flaps of wind while Habuto 'slithers' in the air...but he looks quite different. The wrappings around him have unfurled to create almost a carpet at his sides, his actual body quite thin in the middle.]

You're doing wonderful, Habuto-try moving like this, [She encourages, drawing her finger in a 's' line as the dragon tries to keep aloft.

Care to join them in the air?

There's plenty of room in the skies!]

[It's time to CLEAN UP and MAKE SOME CASH]

[As the days of hustle and bustle come to pass, Tsuyu notices a few significant matters that could potentially lend a helping hand to things.

The first-with Habuto curled as he is about her shoulders, many of the Beast Hunters have mistaken him time and time again for a cleverly made scarf of 'snake'. She's discovered it's best not to correct them.

The second-they have a lot of good hides and tools for more 'outdoorsy' sorts of activities. Foods, magical objects, even caged animals...it's the small things she can go after. As much as she finds a pit in her stomach with each cage after all, she's not so dense as to try going on a rescue mission for animal-kind.

But the Beast Hunters like the grifflings and the griffons-which is why she's collecting their molts.

All this flying about and training has left behind various feathers in the streets-some, she chooses to keep. But especially large griffon feathers are gathered and carefully bundled with the intent of a trade.

Maybe she's got the right idea here-maybe you ought to join in before the feathers are gone.]

Raidou Kuzunoha XIV | Devil Summoner: Raidou Kuzunoha | OTA/will match format

[capital_asset]

A. Beast Hunters

In a way, the Beast Hunters remind him of the Kantou Haguro-gumi, in demeanor if not exact function. There's that same rowdiness, that same disregard for the more respectable establishment. Of course, Satake's crew were a bit more civically minded... for certain values of 'civically.' They were Yakuza, after all.

Still, that sense of familiarity is all the more reason not to let down his guard with them, especially since they really don't seem to like dragons all that much. Accordingly, it's with a certain amount of caution that Raidou checks out the taverns. Most of the Hunters avoid him, of course, but some of them are surprisingly talkative despite his status as a Scion, at least while his dragon egg remains unhatched. He knows he doesn't really look like much to them, and he's content to use that for the most part, but he's also entirely willing to lay them out on the floor if he needs to - which is also familiar, as he'd had to do that with the Kantou Haguro-gumi, too.

B. Hatching

It's a few days into the week when his dragon's egg hatches. Raidou's not really sure what he's expecting - colors more in line with the deep ruby crystal she'd hatched from? But the dragon turns out to be... not that. She's tiny, about the size of a cat, with glistening white fur and wings adorned by blue and purple feathers, and he can see the beginnings of horns on her head and on her tail. Golden eyes stare up at him, regarding him solemnly, if curiously. Raidou can't help but be entranced. He wonders if that's an effect of the bond. "Good morning, Toyotama-hime."

C. Scholars

Raidou is used to supernatural creatures. He'd spent most of his life around demons, some of them actual dragons. But that doesn't mean he knows all that much about the dragons here - especially newly hatched dragons. The dragons he remembers, like most of the demons he'd known, had already been fully grown, or at least fixed in both size and form. But that had been part of their nature as demons, a nature his own dragon doesn't share.

So when the Scholars make themselves available, Raidou takes full advantage of it. He attends their classes. He listens to their Lorekeepers. He studies their magic and looks for ways to practice his own - and how strange it is for him to have magic of his own, healing magic, when he'd always had to rely on his demons for that. He wants to learn everything he can as thoroughly as he can; he can't afford to be caught unprepared if something happens. If he's not exploring the city or observing the goings-on in one of the taverns, then chances are that he can be found with the Scholars - at least until the Griffins arrive.

D. Griffins and Grifflings

Raidou is familiar with Griffins as a concept. He hasn't actually seen one in person before though, and he can't help but stop and stare for a bit. That in turn gets him a questioning look from Toyotama-hime before she turns her attention to the Griffins and Grifflings as well.

After only a few days, the dragon has matured considerably. She's still roughly the size of a cat, if that cat happens to be a tiger; the branched horns on her head have grown out and back from her forehead, and the growths on her tail have resolved themselves into a quartet of wicked-looking spikes; horns and spikes alike are an almost crystalline sky blue. Her wings are appreciably larger as well, and she could probably fly with ease once she learns how; she might even be able to carry him in a pinch, although Raidou would rather not strain her in such a manner. Her growth seems to have plateaued a bit, which is actually something of a relief. He'd been afraid such a rapid growth spurt would hurt her, although she'd seemed, and continues to seem, none the worse for wear. He can't help but wonder how large she'll eventually grow; something tells him she's not quite done yet.

She hasn't tried any flying yet, though; she doesn't seem quite sure how. Raidou's been wondering how to teach her - it's not like he has wings with which to demonstrate - so the Griffins and Grifflings' arrival is something of a godsend. Quite possibly literally, if he has things right.

In the days ahead, he and Toyotama-hime can often be found among the Griffins as they teach the dragon how to fly. One of the Griffins even lets Raidou ride on her back to fly alongside Toyotama-hime once. It's not quite the same as riding Great Kohryu, but it's exhilarating in its own right, and Raidou is immensely grateful. Mostly, though, he stays on the ground and watches Toyotama-hime's progress, a small, almost wistful smile on his face.

E. Exploring/Caverns/Wildcard

Despite all of these new distractions, Raidou continues to explore his new home, doing his best to learn where everything is. It's something he'd had to do when he'd first moved to the Capital, and the process here is achingly familiar. Still, needs must. He is not, and has never been, all that good at talking to people (well, those who aren't demons anyway), but he does his best.

At night, he returns to the cavern he and Toyotama-hime currently call home. It's sparsely decorated as yet - and may remain so, as Raidou's never been all that prone to creating clutter - but it's a place to stay, and it's relatively comfortable. Once Toyotama-hime hatches, his explorations become shorter in duration, which makes him a lot easier to find.

James Barnes | OTA, will match format

[anotheroldsoldier]

[A1. Outer Nuren, A-Gambling We Will Go]
[With the new arrival of the Beast Hunters, Bucky gets a glimpse of another side to Osaaru. These aren't the townspeople of Upper Nuren, they aren't from Nuren at all, and that means they have a different perspective on these lands, different knowledge. He'd be a shitty spy if he wasn't going to do anything with that. As it happens, he's at ease in a rougher crowd, holding himself with the confidence of a man with a metal arm who knows how to take care of himself, and who greased some palms with an expert series of well-timed trades (who knew his hustling days from Camp Lehigh would come in handy?) to get into this group in the first place.

And he might as well take a bit of their coin while he's at it.

If you're watching the dice games going on in a certain small tavern, you'll notice a bit of upset in the gathered group of Beast Hunters - and Bucky at the center, winning yet another handful of gold from an unlucky woman with an eyepatch. Somehow, every time he tosses the dice with shiny fingers, they land on some winning combination of numbers.

He cheats.] Alright, boys and girls. Think I'm done takin' your money for the night. [He says with a smirk, rising from the table and starting to collect his winnings. A couple of men in the back look angry, and the lump in the front of his leather garment squirms a bit.] Round of drinks on me?

[A2. Outer Nuren, A-Brawling We Will Go]
[The round of drinks was not taken too well. No sooner than Bucky's newly-heavy gold pouch is tucked safely away in his shirt, one of the Beast Hunters comes through the crowd in a rage, and throws the first punch. It bloodies his lip, but he reacts on instinct, and ducks the next fist flying at his face.] Aw, c'mon! Don't tell me you're gonna be sore losers over a little game of dice!

[Another Hunter takes a swing at him, and he twists that fist away with a metal hand, making the man yelp in pain and briefly retreat. As they come at him, Bucky keeps up alright - though an onlooker might notice that he always protects his front, keeping an arm around his own middle and throwing punches with the other, or knocking someone out with a well-timed kick.

He's good, but an entire room full of Beast Hunters might be too much for him while he's got a baby dragon nested in his shirt. Help?]

[B. Upper Nuren, Who Needs Magic Anyhow]
[Contrary to how Bucky was with the Beast Hunters, he's obviously less comfortable in the classes the Scholars hold in the streets, sticking to the sidelines mostly, observing with a watchful eye as people perform various feats of magic. It's evening, and the light is dim enough for Becca to be perched on her Scion's shoulder, her long tail curled around his neck for stability and her claws anchored into the leather of his doublet. Her pitch-black eyes are bright, her head is tilted.

Bucky just looks skeptical, murmurs,] Warn me before you get the urge to start throwin' fireballs or something, Becs. [When he notices someone standing near him, he waves a hand at the displays.] You managed anything like this yet?

[C. Grifflings, Dude Where's My Dragon]
[You might notice a little gunmetal-colored dragon scampering across the street in front of you, possibly hitting your leg as she runs on her back legs and tries to flap her broad, leathery wings. She's a tiny thing, her body no bigger than a chihuahua, but she's enthusiastic - chasing after a couple of feathered little grifflings. She lets out a high trill as they buffet her with gusts of air, and she tries to flap her wings again, though she can't achieve that lift on her own.

Meanwhile, Bucky is running after her, brown eyes wide with a sort of paternal panic.] Becs! You stop right where you are! Myesto! [Is he... Is he using Russian dog commands?]

Natasha Romanov | OTA, will match format!

[redrooms]

A.

[Natasha is nothing if not a hoarder of information, so when the Beast Hunters arrive, she's quick to take to the streets, trying to ingratiate herself with them enough to find out as much as possible. She very quickly learns that they aren't too fond of her little dragon, who's still barely as big as a rabbit and permanently glued to her shoulder. Natasha doesn't want to leave him alone, so she tucks him into a bag slung across her body.

She tries her luck at one of the taverns the Beast Hunters have practically taken over, and though they're anything but nice to her at first, Natasha would be a terrible spy if she wasn't good at working a room. They're stubborn, though, and remain mostly gruff, so Natasha turns on the charm, dropping compliments and even putting on the act of a wide eyed, amazed young woman when it gets her the stories she wants.

Halfway through this effort, Koschei begins to stick his narrow black snout out of her bag. At first, Natasha gently nudges him back under the flap, with very little success. Finally, he sticks his head out completely, earning a myriad of looks from the Beast Hunters at the table, all of them negative, and Natasha excuses herself. She slips towards the back of the tavern, opening the flap of her bag and smoothing her fingers over Koschei's head, murmuring soothingly to him.]

I need you to stay put, all right, little one? We'll be done soon, I promise you.

B

[Natasha is discovering very quickly that Koschei is not a fan of griffins, to put it politely.

She's watching the griffins with obvious interest, Koschei perched on her shoulder, his long tail looped around the back of her neck. At the moment, she's not approaching, just observing as the griffins plunge and dive through the air. Koschei isn't nearly big enough to fly yet, and apart from stretching his wings every so often, he keeps them pinned close to his sides. The grifflings are showing obvious interest in him, but he's attached himself to his shoulder stubbornly, tiny head pressed against Natasha's.

Eventually, one of the grifflings gets curious enough to approach, and Natasha crouches down, resting one arm on her knee and reaching out with her hand, urging the little creature closer. Koschei shrinks back against her neck, letting out a soft, concerned trilling noise, and Natasha lets out a quiet laugh in response.]

Oh, stop that. Nothing is going to hurt you, Koschei.

Yugo | OTA

[bananaspeedrider]

A - Fur and Feathers
[On such another bright and cool day as this in Nuren, what better way is there to spend it other than outside in the city? Apparently Rin doesn’t think so, because despite wanting to stick by his side like glue all day and night, the dragon would rather nap inside the pack he wears that was once used for its egg.

Such laziness doesn’t sit well with Yugo once he spots the griffins and griffinlings roaming about, because he shouts in awe at all of them.]

Come on Rin, enough sleeping! Look at all these guys!

[Yugo crouches and one bold griffinling comes up to purr aggressively as it bumps against his leg, so one hand is dedicated to petting the wriggly creature and avoid needle sharp talons, while the other opens up the pack and tips it to let the groggy dragon spill out. Within a few moments the young hatchling is at least curious enough to sniff at the other creature before getting playfully swatted and pulls back with a snort. Still that doesn’t stop the half cat-like creature from pestering Rin into playing with it and the other griffinlings, so soon enough the dragon is sliding itself along the dirt and gravel, nipping at their feathers.

Hm. Maybe his dragon will like them later if he doesn’t find a use for all the molted feathers. As dragon and griffinling play, the scion’s dumping loose feathers into his bag.]
---

B - Once a Common...
[One might be wondering why in their right mind this teenager would walk into a seedy bar full of Beast Hunters with his still small dragon riding inside the pack on his back. Then they'll wonder just as the hunters did for a moment why he isn't "running home to his mommy and daddy" instead.

It's because there's nothing that scares away Yugo from a challenge, especially when there's a good game of something familiar going on and amazing tales of vicious beasts to hear.]

So how fast was that thing? Like the speed of light?

[Given how intrigued and excited the young teen is, his random outbursts do seem to help those that tell their stories embellish things.]

I bet with just its wings, it beat up a really gigantic whirlwind! What did you do then?

[Rin the dragon manages to sleep through the tales and Yugo's childlike encouragement to the storytellers, through bawdy songs amid swinging mugs of ale between hunters, as well as the shouts during rounds of dice and other games of chance. And it seems those feathers came in handy after all. If you don't run into Yugo among the tall tales, then you'll find him taking part in the hunters' games. He wins some gold, loses a lot of gold at the next shot, and then the dice roll of destiny swings his way on the try after that.

There must be someone watching over this scion, if he's lasted this long in such rough company.]
---

C - ...Always a Common
[Things never go well when a scion’s dragon makes itself known. In the middle of another game as the vivid scent of food passes, Rin sleepily pokes their head out of the bag, sniffing the air and curious at all the loud commotion.]

Ha! You call that tiny runt a dragon?

Eh?

My hunting dog could eat that thing for breakfast!

Oiiii…!!!! No one makes fun of Rin and gets away with it! She’s gonna be super huge and strong and-

In your dreams kid! You’ve had your fun, now get outta here!!

[Or else the hunters will make Yugo leave, apparently. It seems that the young scion’s overstayed his welcome in their eyes. A 14-year-old still doesn’t belong in a bar after all, but try telling the angry teen that.]
--

D - Not Quite Supersonic
[After that fiasco, Yugo gets himself into far nicer company with the scholars that walk the streets as well. Despite his demeanor, he’s not a terrible student as he listens to the tales about the Great Beasts and the lectures on the elements. At worst he’s bored, but slowly and steadily he takes in the information.

The wind. So that’s the element he and his dragon are aligned to.. it’s amazing and beyond perfect.

With resolve and just enough knowledge (maybe) on what to do, Yugo tries to call upon his magic to do something cool like… hm… blast a bunch of wind at people? Or maybe even fly? The dude said his dragon had the same power as whatever he’s supposed to be able to do, so the young teen looks at his still loungi-]

Riiiin...!! You’re supposed to be doing magic stuff, not napping all the time!

[The fuzzy hatching merely peers at their scion with an almost bored look on its face, showing either a lot of personality or a lack thereof, it’s hard for Yugo to tell.]

What if you grow up to be super huge and cool? Then I wouldn’t be able to carry around your lazy and slow-!

[Then in that instant with a pathetic, but furious growl, a definitely magical rush of wind flowed around the small creature before it headbutted into Yugo’s gut like a tiny torpedo.]

Hhk… o-oii…!!!

[What, did he say something wrong there? Yugo’s just lucky that all his dragon did was knock the wind out of him (no pun intended) and that those nubs on its hard aren’t grown in yet.]

The Doctor | open, will match

[thetenthstorm]

[A. Lorekeepers]
Without a hatched dragon to get flying lessons, the Doctor's focused more on learning what he can from the Scholars. He's learned—not entirely on purpose—from them that his element is Water, but when pushed to expand on that knowledge, he closed off. Most things in the Doctor's life he'll hit the ground running and keep going... but this? This requires time.

A lot of time.

That doesn't mean he won't observe the different elements at work. He can be found at the back of most classes, quiet unless engaged.

At night, he sits in with the gatherings, absorbing all the information.

"It's a lot to take in," he murmurs quietly.


[B. So you want to fly a griffin]
Money is going to become an issue, he realizes very fast. Usually he's not on any one planet for long, or he... finds methods of obtaining what he needs. He's going to have to get some form of income in the future, if he wants to be able to support a growing dragon.

But eggs don't need a lot, so the Doctor picks up a bundle of food to entice griffins with, and his first flight up is... everything he needs. Freedom. He means to map out Nuren in his mind, but he focuses on the wind, focuses on the flight, and the sheer giddiness of riding a griffin.

When he lands, he remembers what he was supposed to be doing. He coaxes the griffin for another ride. If anyone's standing about, now's the time to snag a ride with him.

Scrooge McDuck | OTA, will match format

[moneymatters]

I.
[Only here a few days, Scrooge has already used his business know-how to accumulate a few goods while also increasing his own gold supply in the process. This turned out to further work in his favor when the Beast Hunters arrived. Some of the usual citizens of Nuren have warned him against coming in contact with the vicious traders, but he scoffed at their warnings. He'd come up against much greater threats before, and even with the hatchling now in his care he wasn't afraid of doing so now.

So he traveled down to Outer Nuren to see what the situation was, and who he could trade with. Doubloon, his dragon, he kept on a relatively short leash, figuratively speaking; she rode in the hooded fabric over his tunic, the same he'd fashioned as a sling for her egg. This was because she was already intensely curious and into absolutely everything, and with the glares Scrooge was already getting from several of the Beast Hunters, he didn't want her getting into trouble. He wandered those markets and dipped into the taverns, both expanding his knowledge of the world and his stock of material goods.]

II.
[His time spent nearer to the Beast Hunters didn't necessarily mean that was the only place to find him. Once he figured out who the Scholars that'd appeared were, he could be found listening to their teachings and stories, usually around the outskirts of any gathered people. The small little dragon head peeking over his shoulder also paid rapt attention, her tail lazily curled around her Scion. The idea of magic was utterly fascinating, and Doubloon's eyes positively lit up at any and all displays of the elements. Scrooge seemed less impressed, but at least he was listening.]

III.
[Though kept under close watch by her partner, Doubloon was able to slip away quickly as little children are wont to do. The magic was intriguing enough but the grifflings. Here she could have playmates, and whenever they were in parts of town with the mythical creatures gamboling around she'd do her best to join them and engage in play.

This caused Scrooge no end of frustration, of course. Growing bigger by the day, Doubloon was getting increasingly harder to keep at his side, and it seemed like he was constantly having to save her from diving off rooftops and scurrying through legs in pursuit of another griffling. Hence the sights of him either running after her, carrying her somewhere under one arm, or leaning on a nearby wall or post to catch his breath, and variations thereof.]

IV.
[Wildcard option! Completely willing to plot something out, or you can just comment and go~]

Shun Kurosaki | OTA

[revolutionfalcon]

[A: Bar brawls, take II]

[In many situations, Shun has remarkable self-control. Going through war has made that a necessity for him, and he doesn't rise to petty insults nearly as easily as most people do.

"Petty insults", however, does not cover the situation in this bar right now.

It's been about a day since the Beast Hunters have gotten here, and Shun's been speaking with them during that time, trying to get information about life outside the city. Ultima, as tall as him by now, has been alongside him the whole time, and though the disgust and scorn towards her has been obvious, most of the Beast Hunters he's spoken to have kept their actual remarks to a minimum.

It's only this pair now who have broken the floodgates, and when one of the half-drunk hunters actually swings a bottle at her, Shun steps between them to catch it, fingers clenching on the makeshift weapon.]

Swing something at my dragon again, and I'll make sure you don't swing anything at anyone for the next few months.

[Despite his air of intimidation, Shun's figure isn't that imposing - 5'10" and wiry, with a lot of that muscle currently hidden by armour over his arms. So the response from the Beast Hunters is a short, almost bemused pause before they both break into raucous laughter, slamming the table, and one of them stands up. There's a decent distance between him and Shun, and he dusts off his beard a bit, still chortling, before he speaks.]

Now see here, boy, we're not as forgiving as those soft city folk. But if you gimme the respect I deserve and a proper apology for starting something over that filthy creature, I'll let it go.

[Shun merely watches him, a careful coldness in his eyes, and the hunter gives a long sigh like this is some boring chore for him before shrugging.]

Don't say I didn't--

[The moment he moves forward in the midst of those words, Shun darts forward and gives the guy a spinning kick to the head. As he folds, Shun skids down his back and grabs his torso, landing on his feet and hurling him towards the other hunter like he's weightless.

Unfortunately, he wasn't paying much attention to who might've been behind them, so any other bar-going scions may have two huge bodies hurtling towards them right about now.]

--

[B: Learning from scratch]

[Magic is the one thing Shun hasn't really been able to figure out since getting here, so when the scholars start offering classes and the Beast Hunters wear out what interest he had in them, he seeks out one familiar with fire magic to help him out. Having an open space to practice in is a virtue with such a dangerous element, and he knows it.

But the meditation his scholar is insisting on is really not helping him focus any with how restless he is, and he lets out a sharp, frustrated breath as he drops his arms and opens his eyes.]

I don't think this is--

[It takes him a moment to register the warmth that floods through him as he lets out that breath, and a small circle of fire has burst from him to flicker gently on the cobblestones. Not that he looks surprised for any more than a second about that.]

...There has to be a better way to control it than that.

--

[C: Feathers, feathers everywhere]

[When the griffons and grifflings begin to fill the city, Shun is wary of them at first. They're still unpredictable, even if they are meant to be messengers. But eventually, when Ultima's pining at the ones flying gets too much, he lets her go to try and work her wings with a few of them.

The initial attempts are laughable, because with six wings, Ultima's rhythm in flapping them has to be fairly precise not to accidentally cause conflicting lift. So eventually, the griffons sit down with her on the ground and rhythmically flap their wings, each instance sending a strong draft across the square they're all sitting in. Anyone passing through might get buffeted by it if they have the wrong timing, and Shun, for his part, does not look particularly sorry, barely glancing up before returning most of his focus to his dragon.]