UUU: "Things That Go Bump In The Night"

Cast: Sally (Nerf) and Cabaletto (Iron)

TLDR:

Support Points Earned: 1

[6:50 PM] Nerf: Sally threw another log into the fire, grinning in satisfaction as she saw the small flame start to grow bigger. In the dead of the night, that bonfire was the only company she had, and she knew very well the next person in turn would not be happy if she allowed it to die. Because of this, she had been carefully feeding the flames with the logs that were piled not very far from it every time it seemed they were going to extinguish. As she took a seat once again, she had to make a conscious effort not to close her eyes. Allowing the fire to die would have already been a bad thing, but falling asleep while on watch duty would simply have been unnacceptable. Determined not to allow such a thing to happen, the criminal extended her arm towards a nearby bucket and used the cold water on it to wash her face, bringing her back to the realm of the awake, at least for the time being. Fixing her eyes on the horizon, Sally looked for any signs of an approaching enemy, and waited.

[11:04 PM] IronPegasus | Stormbird: Birds are, by nature, light sleepers. It is an instinctual thing, born from ages of being hunted in the dead of night. Much to one Pack member's chargrin, Heron Laguz were no exception to this rule. As Sally tossed another log onto the dying flames of the fire, sending sparks into the sky and the crackling of shifting coals, Cabaletto flailed to wakefulness in a rather undignified fashion. "Gah! What?" he slurred. The interior of his tent was dim, but the light of the nearby fire provided a pale amber glow that was enough to see by. Was that just the fire? His head told him that yes, it was, but his gizzard wasn't so agreeable. He felt unsettled, but surely there was nothing to worry about? The flames flickered eerily on the canvas walls. Well, a quick look around couldn't hurt. Then it's back to sleep. The Heron rolled himself out of his blankets and pulled back the tent flap. In the dim lighting, he looked a bit like a ghost as he emerged wearing a long white nightshirt that came below his knees. There was no sign of his wings; they were tucked snuggly beneath the gown to retain body heat. He squinted in the direction of the campfire as his eyes adjusted. Who's on watch right now?

[11:20 PM] Nerf: Completely unaware of what her actions had just caused, Sally turned around in surprise as soon as she heard a noise behind her. In the faint light of the bonfire, she had a hard time recognizing the figure that had just emerged from one of the tents, the hidden wings only making that task harder. Squinting her eye as she cursed her poor night vision, she then spoke in a soft voice, careful not to wake anyone up: "Who's there? Having trouble sleeping?" As she said this she placed one hand over her eyes, still trying to discern the identity of her unexpected company Who slept on that tent? And what is he doing awake at this hour? She then dropped the hand deciding it was better to just wait for a reply. It's not a big deal. Probably just someone going to the bathroom at night...

[11:36 PM] IronPegasus | Stormbird: He shuffled closer to the fire, rubbing sleep from one eye with the back of his hand. "Tis only I, Cabaletto. Fret not, Sally." The Heron was in the ring of light now and easy to see. Sally's fire was delighfully warm despite its diminutive size and warded off the chill that crept amongst the tents. He held his hands up to the flames, sighing lightly in contentment, and scanned the surrounding darkness for anything unusual. "I fear that I was sleeping pleasantly until a moment ago. Was the sound I heard only the fire?"

[11:53 PM] Nerf: Uh? The fire? Did I just wake him up then? Somewhat ashamed for disturbing her own comrade's sleep, the branded woman quickly uttered an apology: "I'm afraid it must have been. I just threw a log on it so it wouldn't die out, I didn't mean to wake you up. I guess maybe taking watch so close from the tents isn't such a great idea." Pressing the blanket that was covering her against her night gown, Sally then turned around the rest of her body to face the Heron. "Still, I'm surprised you woke up from that. You must have a pretty good hearing if you did."

December 15, 2017

[12:25 AM] IronPegasus | Stormbird: The Heron's cheeks tinted red, but the flickering firelight covered them up. "I certainly do. I don't think your proximity to my tent had much to do with it, really. I'm just a bit . . . jumpy at night." Memories of nights when he was a hatchling passed through his head: of flashing shadows and scratching branches outside his window sending him in fits of panic, of how his mother would come in with her crooning voice to calm his racing heart, of falling asleep with a candle burning at his bedside because the dark scared him. "Do thou mind if I stay out here for a bit? The fire is most pleasant." Truth be told, Cabaletto still had an unsteady feeling in his gizzard. The fire was a source of safety and comfort; he could afford a few moments by it until he had settled enough to sleep again.

[12:46 AM] Nerf: In response, the criminal moved herself a couple centimeters to the left, making space for Cabaletto to sit down next to the fire. "Not at all, please make yourself comfortable." She couldn't help but let out a small yawn. "If I'm being completely honest, I was starting to get bored standing out here all alone. Your company is very much appreciated." A faint, tired smile followed her statement, though how much of it was noticeable under the dim light of the fire was at the very least, up to question. "So, how have you been holding up? With all this pointless conflict we've gotten ourselves caught into, I mean." Sally absentmindedly passed her fingers through her hair, it's bluish tint becoming apparent in contrast with the dark of the night. "I can't imagine it would be easy for anyone, to become a public enemy from one day to another. Are you doing alright?"

[10:57 PM] IronPegasus | Stormbird: The man plopped himself down in the open spot beside Sally and watched the flames dance. The light brought out colors in his hair as well, but it was a muted brown rather than blue. "I hast been doing just fine!" he announced with quiet enthusiasm as not to wake the others. "Verily our intentions were misjudged, but nay, I shalt not call it pointless. We art on a quest to save Laqueos; we cannot waver in our purpose, no matter who dares oppose us." His voice was rising slowly in volume, so he choked off his words for a moment. "If protecting our home costs a few squirmishes, then mine blade shalt pen history in blood. But, uh, mayhap we should avoid angering the locals whenever possible." He gave a bashful grin. What a lily-livered liar I am. My guts churn at the sight of blood every time I step out onto that battlefield.

[11:46 PM] Nerf: "You seem to be pretty confident despite all what has happened," she pointed out a little surprised. "I almost envy your optimism in the face of adversity, but...", Sally paused for a second, as if carefully picking her next words, "...I don't think wavering a bit is always a bad thing. There is a fine line between bravery and recklessness after all. To pretend we have no reason to worry would be foolish." Suddenly realizing how her words could be seen as insulting, the branded woman quickly corrected herself: "Err, my apologies, that was rude of me. I did not mean to imply you were foolish for remaining optimist," she interjected before the Heron could take offense from her words. "What I mean is, well...honor and courage are great and all, but sometimes listening to your more primal instincts is important too. There is no shame on wanting to run away in the face of danger." Her hand finally stopped moving through her hair and stopped at the top of her neck. "If we had chosen to fight everyone that dared oppose us, we would have probably been slaughtered by the retatesse army. Courage won't help us if we are dead."

December 16, 2017

[1:45 AM] IronPegasus | Stormbird: Confident is one way to put it. "I didst not intend to suggest we take ill-thought action. I merely think conflict is an unavoidable part of our quest and we must accept that reality. How we act tis an entirely different matter; even the mighty heroes of lore couldst fight with their brain likewise as their blade! Verily, tis a fool who runs to battle with his fists and leaves his mind at the hearth." He chuckled good-naturedly. "Thee remind me of a couplet I once read: 'The man who fights and runs away, shalt live to fight another day.' Retreat may not be the most honorable - as thee pointed out - but truth doth ring in its wisdom. Still, when we find the villians that threatened the Arbor Aurelius, I shalt not turn tail and run, no matter the odds! They will face justice at the end of mine blade!" The Heron mimed striking with his sword into the fire.(edited)

[12:27 PM] Nerf: A lighthearted laugh followed Cabaletto's statement, as Sally decided to drop the issue. "I understand. Seems like I was worrying about nothing then." She teasingly poked the Heron with her elbow. "Still...you want to bring the villains that did this to justice by yourself? That is a bold statement to make..." Suddenly, Sally's expression froze, as the sound of someone stepping over a branch interrumped her words. Immediatly after, a nearby bush could be seen moving, unmistakably signaling the presence of an uninvited guest. "...I would have to see it happen before I believe it, I'm afraid," she finished, regaining her composure in a matter of seconds. "After all, I still haven't seen you using that sword of yours." As she spoke, her hand quickly went to where her pocket would have been, had she been wearing a different attire. Realizing her mistake, she switched her target to the inside of her boot, from where she drawed a small knife, signaling Cabaletto to play along as she stood up. "Hmm, seems like we are running out of wood. I'll go bring a couple logs more," she stated loudly as she approached the bush.

December 17, 2017

[7:01 PM] IronPegasus | Stormbird: Wait, that's not exactly what I meant! The Laguz's brain scrabbled for a way to recover his statement gracefully, but before he could string the words together, the snap of a branch froze his thoughts. The expression on Sally's face indicated that she had heard the sound as well. "What dost thou mean? I have felled many foes in battle so far; thou hast not noticed?" Cabaletto's tone remained light, but his heart was shuddering in his chest. Is someone trying to sneak up on us? What if we're about to be ambushed? Should we call for help? He stood at the woman's signal, grateful that his long nightgown covered any shaking in his knees. It's easier to be brave when there are more people around. "Indeed. We can't let our fire die down. I shalt help you carry them," he responded, inching forward slowly on silent toes. Blast. Why did I leave my sword in my tent? I need something, anything! What am I going to do?(edited)

[7:21 PM] Nerf: Once she was standing about a meter away from the bush, Sally stopped moving and tried to look at what was hiding behind it, to no avail. The dense foliage prevented the dim light of the fire from reaching behind the plant, making it impossible to see who it was hiding without getting closer. Crap? Should I wake up the others? What if it's just a false alarm? Hesitant about what to do, Sally stood frozen in place for a few seconds that felt like hours. If an enemy was truly hiding there, getting closer would only give him the perfect chance to strike first, something the criminal was not willing to risk. Finally, she decided surrounding the bush instead of walking straight onto it was the better option. Reaching towards her other boot, she pulled a second, smaller knife, hardly suited to be used as a weapon and quietly offered it to the Heron, as she signaled him to surround the bush from the opposite direction she was taking. "Can you get the pile that's next to that tree?" she asked as she motioned where did she intend him to go.

[7:53 PM] IronPegasus | Stormbird: The Heron gingerly took the proffered object, which glinted dull amber in the firelight. She's handing me . . . a knife? His heartbeat skipped. She means to fight, doesn't she? What can I do though? I can't refuse to follow her plan. Whoever's in the bush will know that we're onto him and worse! She'll know I'm a coward! "Of course," he said agreeably. A few steps carried him to the other side of the bush. He kept the knife grasped tightly in a clenched fist, the hilt already becoming sticky with sweat. His heartbeat felt so loud that he was certain that the person in the bush could hear it as plain as day.

[8:35 PM] Nerf: The moment Cabaletto arrived to the other side of the bush, a loud squeal could be heard coming from behind it, drowning the sound of the Heron's heartbeat and probably waking up those unfortunate enough to have set up their tents close to the fire. Immediatly after, a wild boar decided to abandon his hiding place, looking even more panicked than both of his pursuers. Unfortunately for the Laguz, after a brief moment of hesitation, the large beast decided the his best escape route was just through where he was standing. Still squealing in fear, the boar charged at the Heron, in a desperate attempt to run away. "Watch out!" From her position, the only thing Sally managed to do was scream a warning hoping her comrade would be able to step aside in time.

[11:54 PM] IronPegasus | Stormbird: Cabaletto had barely any time to react as a very loud, very panicked black shape flew out of the depths of the bush and headed straight for him. His feet felt as rooted as a Florkana's while the beast bore down on him. Sally's deperate warning registered just as the boar ran headlong into his shins. The Heron fell prone on his back with a whump and a loud exclamation of pain as his wings were crushed. The boar, disoriented but no worse for the wear, went squealing off into darkness. "Ow, ow, ow!"(edited)

December 18, 2017

[12:10 PM] Nerf: "Are you ok!?" Worried for the well-being of the Laguz, Sally ran towards her comrade and kneeled next to him, trying to check if he had been injured in any way. "Did you break anything?" She asked this time in a more quiet tone, remembering there could still be someone that hadn't already been woken up by all the screams. "Should I call a healer?" This is bad, aren't Herons supposed to have fragile bones? What if he got seriously hurt?

December 19, 2017

[12:45 AM] IronPegasus | Stormbird: "Ughhhhh..." the Heron moaned. "What was that thing? It was so loud." He put a palm to his forehead and rubbed firmly to clear the stars from his vision. "I'm fine, just let me get up." Gingerly, the lanky man rolled himself upright and began to get to his feet. "OW! Okay, maybe not so fine after all." With a bit of prodding, the source of the pain was quickly identified: a long gash across his right calf where the boar's tusk had caught the flesh. The wound was not deep, but it was wide and ragged. Blood was very quickly soaking into Cabaletto's nightgown, staining the fabric black in the dim light. His stomach turned at the sight. "That's not good," he said flatly. "Worry not, though; I can fix it." The Heron cleared his throat one, two, three times before filling his lungs with a shakey inhale. His voice was clear, but not as crisp as usual: there was a little warble to his words. "Mend what hast been broken, Turn back the hands of time. Wounds, Be healed by this song of mine." As he sang, the broken flesh writhed and began to knit back together. By the time the last word past his lips, the only sign that it had existed at all was the blood that stained his clothing. "There. Much better."

[3:54 PM] Nerf: The instant the Heron began singing, Sally's worry was replaced by awe. Unsure if she should be helping or waiting for him to finish, she could only manage to watch as the Laguz's wounds started to close, as if they had never existed. Only once Cabaletto was finished she finally regained her senses. "That's...impressive. I've heard of the curative powers of a Heron's song before, but it's the first time I see it in action. It's as if you hadn't even been wounded." Extending her open hand to the Heron, she attempted to help him get back on his feet. "In any case, I think I can leave the flattery for later. For now we should get back to the fire. Can you walk? It doesn't seem like you are hurt anymore, but I can't really tell."

December 20, 2017

[1:03 AM] IronPegasus | Stormbird: He paused to admire his handiwork. "It's a rather simple tune, but I appreciate your praise. The songs sung by master healers - those are truly a sight to behold. They can lift a man up from his death bed!" He'd never seen such a thing in person, but tales of such occurences were not unheard of. The healers on the Isle of White were far more preoccupied with minor ailments in their peaceful society: broken wings of overeager fledglings, sprained ankles of a careless runner, coughs and fever of all ages in the rainy season. His song was capable of healing all of those, but not much more. Cabaletto accepted Sally's hand gratefully and pulled himself gently to his feet. There were a few pins and needles around the wound site, but those would go away soon enough. Skin was always irritated after being nit back together so quickly. "I can walk. Mine leg is as good as new, although it shalt be a bit tender for the next little while." He walked back over to the campfire with long, even strides. "T'was more excitement than I was expecting tonight," he chuckled cathartically. Now that the mysterious enemy in the bush had proven more afraid than malicious, his nerves were beginning to settle.

[8:33 PM] Nerf: "From his death bed?" She looked at the Heron with interest. "That sounds like something I would like to see, I'll admit. Even the most skilled of healers would have a hard time matching such a bold claim...not that I don't believe you, of course," she quickly added. And he makes it look so easy...I think I'm starting to understand why he was hired. The criminal let out a sigh of relief upon hearing Cabaletto was still able to walk, though she made sure to do so in a way he wouldn't listen to it. As the Heron headed towards the campfire, she carefully watched his steps, ready to catch him should he lose his footing at any point, only to find her worries were unwarranted. Once she made it back to her original guarding spot, she took a seat next to the fire, taking the chance to turn the small hourglass that told her how long had she been fullfilling her duties around. "That makes two of us then," she replied as she returned the laugh. "Out of all the things I could be worried about, being attacked by a wild boar was certainly not one of them," she added sarcastically before she stopped laughing. "Still, I'm surprised no one woke up from all that. Probably for the best. I was not looking forward to having to explain how I was worried because of a wild animal. Is it ok if we keep this a secret?"

December 21, 2017

[12:00 AM] IronPegasus | Stormbird: "Verily," he agreed. "After all, I would be asked to explain why I was out here as well. T'would be a stain upon mine reputation to be awoken by a mere campfire." He scuffed a foot in the dirt awkwardly. "I ought to be returning to mine tent now. The danger hath passed; there is no reason to remain awake. Besides, we Herons art not creatures of the night. I need mine sleep." He stood, spun to face Sally - his now-soiled white nightgown swirling dramatically with the movement - and bowed. "T'was a pleasure to sit with thee, fair lady. I await the chance to do so again, but mayhap not in the dead of night next time?"

[12:16 AM] Nerf: "I would enjoy that," she nodded as she returned the bow in a less dramatic, but still elegant fashion. "Preferably in some place where I can offer you a more comfortable seat than the ground, and better entertainment than being attacked by a wild animal. I wouldn't want you believing this is how I usually treat my company," she added jokingly. As the Heron appronted to leave, Sally had to resist the urge not to yawn. Just half an hour more and I can get some rest, she thought as she glanced at the hourglass once again. "Have a good sleep," she added as her final words, before returning her attention to her watch duty.

[12:19 AM] IronPegasus | Stormbird: Cabaletto said nothing more, but waved sleepily as he disappeared into his tent. Soon, only soft breathing could be heard from within; he was fast asleep once more.

[12:19 AM] IronPegasus | Stormbird: ==END RP==