Cast: Cabaletto (Iron) and Himaya (Sky)
TLDR: After trying to learn songs but failing, Himaya runs off. After finding him sad leaning against the wall of a boat, Cabaletto finds him and cheers him up with encouragement and continued practice. After more failed attempts, Himaya finally strikes gold and discovers a new Heron song that works! He doesn't know what to call it yet, but he's eager to try it in the next battle.
Support Points Earned: 4 (I'm treating this as 2 rps back to back because there was a timeskip. A 1 pointer and a 3 pointer.)
His tail was wagging and his ears flapped ever-so-slightly in the wind. Today was a good day! He felt it was a matter of time before they would find Desmond's trail of bread crumbs so to speak. And he felt good about today and it's practice with Cabaletto.
"Awoo!!" Himaya howled, "Today's the day I make the breakthrough in song, I just feel it!" He said excitedly as he scanned the scenery looking for the Heron in question. In the distance on the hill with a tree he saw a glint of light upon snow-white wings with his golden eyes.
"Heh, gott'em!" He exclaimed with a sneaky smile. He had something planned up his sleeve.
Himaya went the long way around the hill and crept up it gently, like a predator among it's prey. He snuck behind the tree and made his pounce and leapt from behind.
"BOO!" Himaya exclaimed with his hands outstretched like claws and a growl. He tried his best to sound scary.
"Little soldiers of the earth, the trumpet sounds for you.
Come hither in a wandering line, for a battle has begun anew.
Your help is needed little soldiers, so dally not along the way.
Heed my call and come forth, this I prayyyyy"
As Himaya sang, the ants began to congregate together off from Cabaletto's boot. They formed into a ring of ants in front of Himaya in a chaotic fashion, walking to and fro without much reason, as if... angry.
When Himaya finished, he smiled, pleased and proud. But as he sang the final note a little flat, that sent the ants into a frenzy as they began to engulf Himaya's bare feet and ankles, all biting him gently.
"Ah! Ah! Caba, Caba, CABA!! THEY'RE EATIN' ME, THEY'RE EATIN' ME!! GET YER BLADE! WAIT NO, DON'T! THAT'D HURT WORSE! AHHH WHAT'LL THEY DO T' ME?! WHAT DO I DO?!" Himaya screamed frantically as he tried to furiously shake his legs and free himself from the ants. He was lucky they were just the little black ants and not the red ones. He remembered how much those hurt, but he was still freaking out nonetheless. After trying to shake them off, he tried to swipe at his legs with his hands to scrape them off too, but they just crawled back onto him. Nothing he was doing was really helping the situation.
"Do ya remember th' name of that song by chance? It's been such a long time since I heard my Dad sing it in passin'. He never taught it t' me or nuthin', but I remember him singing it. Almost like he was tryin' t' cheer someone up, y'know? So I have a habit of whistlin' it when I'm feelin' down myself. I remember it always started out with sad notes, but he changed th' pitch n' tempo while keepin' the same notes t' make it feel more happy-like..." Himaya explained, trying to start conversation and not make things awkward between the two of them. He felt bad that he had ran away at their last lesson, but it was a sore topic that frustrated him.
"
"Divineee something something flying in the skyyy
Soaring like something and when something about an eyeee
Despite rocky roads something something somethinggg
I know that something something uh loveee
Take from me something something about the stars aboveee"
Himaya finished the last note with his hands spread towards the night sky filled with the pretty light of the Moons and stars. This epiphany brought him great joy, and brought about a caring, soft pink glow from him, especially eminating from his chest.
Himaya looked down at what he'd done and was overwhelmed with joy. Tears ran down his face but he couldn't help but smile and wag that tail of his. He could feel the muscles wagging it beginning to feel tired and sore, as if from wagging too much, but that wouldn't stop him.
"C-caba, Caba! What is this? Look!" He managed to exclaim after a moment of taking it all in, finally noticing what was slowly building up during his little performance.
TLDR: After trying to learn songs but failing, Himaya runs off. After finding him sad leaning against the wall of a boat, Cabaletto finds him and cheers him up with encouragement and continued practice. After more failed attempts, Himaya finally strikes gold and discovers a new Heron song that works! He doesn't know what to call it yet, but he's eager to try it in the next battle.
Support Points Earned: 4 (I'm treating this as 2 rps back to back because there was a timeskip. A 1 pointer and a 3 pointer.)
IronSpider:
The afternoon was mild as Cabaletto made his way out of town towards the Wizard's Point. The time had come to make good on his promise to teach Himaya how to sing. Their fearless leader had finally taken the initiative to enthusiastically insist upon today's meeting. He had held some fleeting hope that the man would simply forget, but no such luck. The gentle, winding path up to the hill was an easy walk and allowed the Heron's mind to wander to the book grasped in his left hand. It was a keepsake from his homeland, the Isle of White, and one that he held particularly dear. Hopefully the knowledge it held would be of some use in today's lessons. At the hill's crest, he planted himself beneath a tree to wait. There were some mages and magicians milling about, practicing incantations, but none so near that Heron song would cause a disturbance. At least, he hoped that was the case. Himaya should be along soon, I think.Best 🍪 Pupper | Sky:
Himaya was at a gentle jogging pace, whistling a happy tune he had once heard from his heron-branded Dad.
His tail was wagging and his ears flapped ever-so-slightly in the wind. Today was a good day! He felt it was a matter of time before they would find Desmond's trail of bread crumbs so to speak. And he felt good about today and it's practice with Cabaletto.
"Awoo!!" Himaya howled, "Today's the day I make the breakthrough in song, I just feel it!" He said excitedly as he scanned the scenery looking for the Heron in question. In the distance on the hill with a tree he saw a glint of light upon snow-white wings with his golden eyes.
"Heh, gott'em!" He exclaimed with a sneaky smile. He had something planned up his sleeve.
Himaya went the long way around the hill and crept up it gently, like a predator among it's prey. He snuck behind the tree and made his pounce and leapt from behind.
"BOO!" Himaya exclaimed with his hands outstretched like claws and a growl. He tried his best to sound scary.
July 22, 2018
IronSpider:
The Heron, who had been enjoying the quiet incantations of the nearby spellcasters, was not expecting a sneak attack from the rear. He emitted a very inelegant cry and clawed for the hilt of his sword, though his hands were so unsteady that he could not get a proper grip on it. "Himaya! 'Twould it harm thee to be a mite more courteous?" he exclaimed crossly. "We art in a place of study, which means thou hast to be quiet." The excuse was only an attempt to mask his own ire at allowing himself to be snuck up on, but it was still a valid one. Several of the people milling about the hilltop had glanced in their direction curiously and Cabaletto felt his cheeks warm under their looks. That was undignified.Best 🍪 Pupper | Sky:
Himaya loosened from his frightening pose, one hand as his hip and another across his mouth hiding his wide smile, tears beginning to form from the funny scene. His ears laid back and his tail went crazy back and forth. He eventually had to lean against the tree and plop down to the ground below due to the hardy laughter he was having. The scolding reminded him of Zain, so he reverted to his broken Pallo without thinking twice. "(I am doing the to apologize, my Heron brother, to apologize is of me!)" he squeaked out, still laughing and tail wagging from it all, "(You must have to do to admit, the action was of hilarity)," he explained as he wiped his eyes from the tears of laughter and joy as his laughing fit died down a bit. "Promise, I won't do it again," Himaya said, now switching back to Millo, still smiling, a tad mischievous. "at least I won't today," the Branded added in his thoughts.
July 23, 2018
IronSpider:
Cabaletto did not look at all appeased by Himaya's apology. Could the words of someone on the ground in laughter really be trusted? With a hand to his temple, he responded in kind, "(I certainly hope you intend to keep that promise.)" "Now that thou art here, I suppose we can start." The man pulled up the book he had brought with him. It was small by most standards: barely as tall as a hand is long and only slightly wider. Still, it contained a surprising multitude of cream-colored parchment pages, far more than one would expect from a book its size. The yellowed cover was supple, woven from flattened lengths of reeds as a floor mat might be. "Dost thou know what this is?"
July 25, 2018
Best 🍪 Pupper | Sky:
"It's a book of songs, ain't it, Caba?" Himaya asked excitedly with ears perked and eyebrows raised with the curiosity of a pup. "I know we've tried some of the other more common songs that the Herons sing so nice, but maybe that there is the more... uncommon ones? Yeah, Dad knew a whole bunch of songs by heart. It wasn't until trial and error and luck until we found the only song I know works like it's supposed ta. Unless I didn't remember it right, I think Dad called it the 'Prelude of Secrets,'" Himaya began as he thought with the tap of a finger on his chin, with a suddenly more serious look on his face. "Yeah, yeah, I think that's it. It's a miracle I got it t' work. But if there's anyone that could help me find another song to sing right, it'd be you, Caba. You've been a great help so far, even if we've not found anythin' quite like it yet, y'know? Or maybe I've just been singing some of the other songs right. Maybe they work with practice. I dunno. I don't got a inklin' of a clue... Oh oops, was that supposed t' be one o' those questions I didn't have t' answer? One that you were gonna answer anyway, y'know? Wassit called? Well, sorry, stole yer thunder, sorry 'bout that. Go on and tell me what that book is," Himaya said with a wide smile, now seeming more patient. He might've gotten a bit carried away, but at least he caught himself this time by himself. He was an eager student with Heron songs, that's for sure.IronSpider:
The black-haired man arched an eyebrow. "I didst not expect thee to recognize it so readily." Really, he hadn't expected the Branded to recognize it at all. The existence of such books was hardly a secret, but Himaya didn't strike him as well-versed in Heron culture. He pulled open the covers and flipped past the first few pages. Printed on the page he opened to, in shaky handwritten letters, were the lyrics to a Heron song, a simple one at that. There were a few blotches in between the lines where the author had allowed his ink pen to drip. "This book is mine song primer from when I wast just a hatchling," he explained. "When learning how to sing, thou must first learn the words. Mine mother wouldst dictate the words to me and I would write them down here." He tapped the page with a finger emphatically. "Most Herons hast made a book like this at one point in their lives." "I am not familiar with where thine skill level lies. Dost thou recognize these songs?" Though the letters were hard to make out, the titles on that page and the next read Hymn of Knitting and Floral Awakening.Best 🍪 Pupper | Sky:
"I only know it cuz my Dad had got one like it. He learned and can use plenty o' Heron songs. Not nearly as much as a full-blood, but more than just th' one I got," Himaya explained as he gripped his ancestor's feather, still white and pristine as ever somehow or another. But his more saddened look turned to determination as his ears perked up and his tail had a gentle wag as he looked at the book Cabaletto showed him. "Yeah, o' course I do!" Himaya exclaimed with a smile of a pup as he whistled the tune to the two songs almost perfectly. Almost. Himaya smiled proudly because only the words were on the page, so it wasn't like anyone not acquainted with them would know them. However, he was a bit off key and mistook a few notes. Likely because he hadn't been exposed to those songs for the majority of his life. It was honestly impressive he remembered as much as did. "My Dad drilled as much as he could into me before he had t' leave, so I know a lot of the simple, common ones. They just... Don't got th' same effect as a Heron would if they sang it, y'know? Anyone can sing along, but a Heron brings new life t' th' songs, usin' some kinda magic n' stuff," Himaya attempted to explain. "The Hymn of Knittin' helps thread a needle n' the Floral Awakenin' helps plants be happy t' grow better, all the hatchlin's know that. At least...that's what my Dad used to teach me. It ain't that much, but any little bit helps somehow. But only if yer Heron blood has th' magic to do it. Full-bloods like you can do 'em all, y'see, but mixed-bloods like me are lucky t' do just one. Gets worse n' worse chances the less blood ya got. I'm just tryin' ta learn as much as I can. My Dad never taught me all the ones he knew, n' yer th' only Heron I've met in the past -- 30 years? Yeah, something like that -- that could even teach me at all, y'see,"
July 26, 2018
IronSpider:
Perhaps I misjudged him; he knows more than he lets on. Still, he won't be weaving any magic if he can't carry a proper tune for even the most basic song. "It seems that thou art well-verse in the basics," Cabaletto observed, "but thine form is not doing thee any favors." There was a ruffle of paper as he skimmed for the particular page he had in mind. This one differed greatly from the last; the song on it was skillfully printed in even block lettering rather than childish scrawl. His explanation was simple: "Mine mother wrote this one." The elegantly written title pronounced the song as Insect's March. It too was a simple piece with a simple purpose, but the Heron thought its tune might be an easier one for Himaya to warm up with. "We shalt practice with this one," he stated and cleared his throat to sing. "Little soldiers of the earth, the trumpet sounds for you. Come hither in a wandering line, for a battle has begun anew. Your help is needed little soldiers, so dally not along the way. Heed my call and come forth, this I pray." As he sang, his clear, crisp words carried the typical magical weight of Heron-song. A line of tiny black ants began to form at the men's feet and marched over the toe of Cabaletto's boot. "Focus on thine vocal tone this time," he instructed, looking expectantly at Himaya.Best 🍪 Pupper | Sky:
Himaya's face pouted a little when he heard the Heron's truth about his singing. But he knew it was true, so he didn't argue. "Yeah, yer right," the Branded nodded with furrowed brows, "But that's the whole point of practice, ain't it? Can't say it'd be quite as fun singin' with ya if we were both great! The practice is half the fun, y'know?" Himaya said with a more determined look on his face as he fist-pumped the air as his tail wagged excitedly again. "Heh, a challenge ain't it?" Himaya asked about the song. He gently took the paper into his grasp and cleared his throat. Ahem "This should be easy, not many Heron songs are in Millo, those are the easy ones," Himaya boasted. "Little soldiers of the earth, the trumpet sounds for you.
Come hither in a wandering line, for a battle has begun anew.
Your help is needed little soldiers, so dally not along the way.
Heed my call and come forth, this I prayyyyy"
As Himaya sang, the ants began to congregate together off from Cabaletto's boot. They formed into a ring of ants in front of Himaya in a chaotic fashion, walking to and fro without much reason, as if... angry.
When Himaya finished, he smiled, pleased and proud. But as he sang the final note a little flat, that sent the ants into a frenzy as they began to engulf Himaya's bare feet and ankles, all biting him gently.
"Ah! Ah! Caba, Caba, CABA!! THEY'RE EATIN' ME, THEY'RE EATIN' ME!! GET YER BLADE! WAIT NO, DON'T! THAT'D HURT WORSE! AHHH WHAT'LL THEY DO T' ME?! WHAT DO I DO?!" Himaya screamed frantically as he tried to furiously shake his legs and free himself from the ants. He was lucky they were just the little black ants and not the red ones. He remembered how much those hurt, but he was still freaking out nonetheless. After trying to shake them off, he tried to swipe at his legs with his hands to scrape them off too, but they just crawled back onto him. Nothing he was doing was really helping the situation.
July 29, 2018
IronSpider:
He's certainly made a mess of things, hasn't he? Cabaletto had been watching impassively as Himaya tried to sing. The Branded had actually done a better job of it than he'd expected - the ants had indeed lined up and begun marching - but the end result was certainly less than desirable. Instead of reaching for his sword like the the frantic man was suggesting, the Heron simply began to sing Insect's March again. The soothing magical words had almost an instant impact on the annoyed ants. They ceased biting and retreated from Himaya's legs to reform a line by Cabaletto's boots, where they remained until the last note left his lips. There was a moment where they remained in an orderly fashion, then the line broke apart and the insects dispersed back into the grass from whence they came. He looked over at his companion, who was still looking noticeably upset about the whole ordeal. "Art thou alright?"
July 30, 2018
Best 🍪 Pupper | Sky:
Himaya was breathing heavily, still recovering from this ant ordeal. "Yeah, I'm alright, I think. I got bites all over, but I think I'll survive," Himaya said nervously as he tried to stay positive. "Whew, y'know, if just one ant bites ya, it's not so bad, but when a whole bunch at chompin' on yer legs, it sure doesn't feel nice," Himaya said rubbing his legs. He hummed the tune to a Heron's Rhapsody frantically, hoping it'd dull the pain and irritation.
August 2, 2018
IronSpider:
Like Insect's March before, Himaya's off-tune singing was seriously hindering the effectiveness of the music. The Heron sighed internally and offered his own quick rendition of the song to alleviate his friend's discomfort fully. This lesson is off to a fantastic start. Am I really meant to teach such a hopeless case how to sing? "Perhaps thee wouldst like to pick the next song?" he offered, holding the book gingerly between them as he was loathe to relinquish it from his grasp entirely. "Mayhap something less . . . risky this time."
August 6, 2018
Best 🍪 Pupper | Sky:
"I... I'm sorry, I'm just ain't no good at this. Can't even get a simple Heron's Rhapsody right..." Himaya said solemnly with tears in his eyes as his ears slicked back in embarrassment., "not one o' th' most basic of songs..." Himaya saw Cabaletto's careful and cautious posture with the book of songs. He had lost all energy and motivation. "Risky? Is that all I am? A risk? Well... Sorry t' bother you, I think I'll just stick t' usin' my 'fangs" and playin' with knives. I knew it was useless t' work on my Heron side... I'll just stick t' what I'm good at. Attacking like a Wolf. If I can even do that right without shiftin'," Himaya explained as he packed up his things and began to walk away down the hill. He was usually quite the optimist, but this had him all worked up. He felt guilty for having wasted so much time with Cabaletto training on his heron skills. He threw his 'fang' in the air and caught it by its hilt several times, as he was accustomed to doing. As he was walking down the slight decline of the hill, he stumbled upon a rock, and fumbled at catching the knife. He caught it by the blade rather the handle, and his hand began to bleed. "(Damn-darn,)" He sighed in his broken Pallo and took it from his hand's grip with his other hand before sheathing it and running away in tears.
August 8, 2018
IronSpider:
Cabaletto felt a small pang of guilt for his internal criticism. Himaya might have the most ineffective Heron voice in existence, but you couldn't deny him credit for giving his best effort to harness it. He wasn't sure if it was pity or respect he felt for the man's struggles again such a hopeless plight. Still, conflicted feelings weren't going to stop him from defending himself against the Branded's upset words. "Thou art taking mine words far too harshly, Himaya. 'Twas not what I meant when I said risky!" His protests fell on deaf ears, however, because the man swiftly packed his bag and began to shamble away regardless. The Heron watched with a sigh as he fell, apparently injuring himself, and sprinted back to the distant town. Cabaletto did not move from his place on the Wizard's Point for a long while afterwards, instead choosing to thumb through the songbook absentmindedly. Surely there was a song in there that even the most tone-deaf Heron could sing.IronSpider:
== TIMESKIP TO POST CHAPTER 6 ==Best 🍪 Pupper | Sky:
Himaya sat on the boat that was on course for the Dragon's Domain. He wanted to feel excited and happy for finally visiting the home of the Dragons. But he felt guilt for laughing at Zain for his current shifted state, and for not being able to help his friend more than he did. He wished there were some Heron songs that could reverse what happened, but he was doubtful they existed. He doubted even more that if they did exist, that he could sing the song well enough to have effect. Himaya was bummed out that he couldn't connect with the Heron side of him as much as he wanted to. He missed his Dad and his Mama so very much... But he knew plenty about Wolf culture and fighting styles, and all sorts of stuff. He grew up surrounded by Wolves. But Herons? Cabaletto was the first one Himaya had ever met besides his own Dad. He knew nothing about their culture other than the tidbits his Dad told him and the songs he was taught over 30 years ago... It pained him that there was such an important part of his legacy that he didn't understand or know much about at all. And the only Heron song he could get right -- the Prelude of Secrets -- was the song that stripped him of his physical identity of being mostly Laguz at all. It was such a painful irony. Himaya sat on the floor with his back to the inner edge of the outside of the boat, along the front. He watched aimlessly as he looked upon the moons and their reflection on the sea. He woefully whistled a Heron tune he had long forgotten the name of. His tail wrapped around his feet as he sat bundled together in an upright fetal position, his ears swooping back and low. He clutched the tip of the Heron feather passed down to him from his father, and wished that he could see him again.
August 13, 2018
IronSpider:
The Heron in question was still awake himself, seated at the stern of the ship with a parchment and quill in hand. He had devoted his evening to finding the perfect words to describe the way the ocean rolled beneath the ship's hull, the slapping waves, the salty wind gusting through the sails. He'd read many a description of it in the past, but none had quite done the experience justice. The ocean was a difficult thing to capture on paper, he admitted. He paused midscrawl as Himaya's faint whistling was carried back on the breeze. He had been able to see a figure silhouetted in the moonlight for some time, but hadn't thought much of it. There was no mistaking the mysterious person's identity now. We haven't talked since his failed tutoring session; it would seem that he's still not over it. Instead of responding with words, Cabaletto merely whistled alongside Himaya's forlorn song to announce his presence. He wasn't sure if the Branded wanted to talk, but ignoring him just seemed rude.
August 14, 2018
Best 🍪 Pupper | Sky:
Himaya's eyebrows raised almost excitedly as he heard Cabaletto's presence. Part of him felt bad because he knew Cabaletto would sound better than he would if they were singing the song. But the majority of him didn't feel bad. He felt happy that they could whistle together. Himaya took it upon himself to whistle a tad up in pitch so they could whistle in a harmony. He thought they sounded beautiful together. And the second whistle gave the song more life, life that he needed in the song so he didn't sound so lonely this late at night. It was a nice change of pace, and the end of his tail twitched, like a mini-wag almost. Himaya felt like he could stand on equal ground with whistling rather than singing, and that made him feel better than before when they were just singing. They continued the song, whistling in harmony and basking in the moonlight and it's reflection upon the dark, calm waters of the night. "...that was a lovely whistle-duet," Himaya remarked once they finished the song as he sat, still in the fetal-like position, now fiddling with the Heron feather of a vague ancestor of his."Do ya remember th' name of that song by chance? It's been such a long time since I heard my Dad sing it in passin'. He never taught it t' me or nuthin', but I remember him singing it. Almost like he was tryin' t' cheer someone up, y'know? So I have a habit of whistlin' it when I'm feelin' down myself. I remember it always started out with sad notes, but he changed th' pitch n' tempo while keepin' the same notes t' make it feel more happy-like..." Himaya explained, trying to start conversation and not make things awkward between the two of them. He felt bad that he had ran away at their last lesson, but it was a sore topic that frustrated him.
August 16, 2018
IronSpider:
That certainly perked his mood right up. A conversation seemed unavoidable now, so the Heron unfolded himself and strode over to where Himaya was perched. He was twisting a white feather around in his hands nervously. "Thine impression 'tis a perceptive one; the song is called Invigoration. Unlike most Heron compositions, it hast no magical properties. The tune is enough to cheer the singer on its own," he explained, accommodating the Branded's attempts at conversation. "'Tis a bit of an oddity, really. There art not many songs like it since most nonmagical works art poems or prose."
August 17, 2018
Best 🍪 Pupper | Sky:
"Heh, great," Himaya started with a half-smile as he looked again towards the ocean that held within it's reflection shaky moons, "'nother song I can do but don't got any actual use," he remarked jokingly, implying that performing it with Cabaletto cheered him up a little. Himaya gazed at the moon again in silence, still sitting in the same position, twiddling the Heron feather. After a few moments, he spoke again, but didn't look away from the moons. "So what brings ya out on a late night like this? Every else is prolly sleepin' by now," the Branded asked the Heron, "But for me, it's my time t' think n' sing or whistle. Usually during a walk or jog, but that'd be too loud on the ship. I always gotta clear my mind around midnight before I can sleep for the night. It's a habit I've got since I was just a pup. Old habits die hard, y'know? N' this one puts up a fight, no matter how much I try to stop it. So after a while, I just play along with it. It's actually nice..." Himaya trailed off as he let out a sigh. He patted a spot on the wood beside him, offering a place for Caba to sit down close to him. "C'mon, Caba, th' view is great tonight. She's pretty as always, but it's always better by water," Himaya said, talking about the moon, "cuz ya get to see her twice."
August 23, 2018
IronSpider:
"When Lady Inspiration strikes , I must write no matter the hour," he explained. "The rhythm of the sea demanded to be captured by mine quill." It was a passable excuse and not an entirely untrue one. However, it was not Lady Inspiration who had driven him to the deck originally, but instead a rather queasy stomach in need of fresh air. The Heron took the seat that Himaya offered him so that the pair faced out towards the water together. "Indeed 'tis quite the lovely sight," he agreed softly. "Nary a star in the sky can match the majesty of the moon's glow. Mayhap I shalt compose my next work in her praise." "Still, I do not believe that thou art up here thinking about just the moon?"
August 25, 2018
Best 🍪 Pupper | Sky:
"Heh, I'd love t' meet her," Himaya joked about the Lady in question, "She's must be a friend of yours -- for all Herons for certain. All th' magic songs hafta be made somehow." Himaya stared at one of the mysterious moons in the distance, as pretty as ever. It made him wonder. "Do ya think th' Moon ever truly rests? She's gotta be strong and courageous. Always here at the same time every night, always lookin' pretty like that. Do ya think she gets all dolled up for a reason? Is there a reason at all?" Himaya questioned out loud, about as philosophical he could ever get. Something definitely seemed to be bothering him. "I just... I'm sure she deserves a rest. We all do... I just wish I could be as strong as she is. She's such a constant inspiration, and she always helps me feel better, y'know?" Himaya twiddled the feather between his fingers before dropping it and fumbling to pick it up. He carefully inspected it to make sure it's purity wasn't tainted by any dust or dirt before having a slight sigh of relief before going back to twiddling it nervously. "Maybe if I was stronger, Zain would still be normal n' no one coulda got hurt. Maybe if I was like you, I could help other more, sing those wonderful, magical songs... I just wish I could have my Dad here for some Heron advice. He'd always know how t' help... N-nothing against you or anything Caba, it's just... Maybe I'm not a good enough student to learn from ya, y'know? I just..." Himaya said before he let out a sigh and trailed off into silence. He was anxious that he wouldn't be good enough going forward, and guilty that he already wasn't.
August 27, 2018
IronSpider:
Cabaletto was no stranger to metaphorical speech, but the effort that Himaya was going to left him wondering if the Branded was trying to impress him. He certainly wasn't this fanciful on a normal basis; it was quite out of place. "I think thou art being too hard on thyself. Our lesson lasted not an hour, yet you say that you art incapable of learning." The Heron frowned. "Thou didst not give thyself a chance to try. Success is born from hard work and determination, not self pity and wallowing. Nary a hero ever reached acclaim by sitting around at home; thou hast to wake up, get up, and get out there!" Though his tone was slightly chastising, the words flowed with passion. "Speak not of defeat until thou hast exhausted every breath in thy body - and mayhap not even then."
August 29, 2018
Best 🍪 Pupper | Sky:
"But how are ya so certain?" Himaya asked as he took his attention away from the moons, to look at Cabaletto with a bothered face, despite a half-smile. "What drives ya? What makes you so certain that all I need t' do is keep tryin'? I'm not sayin' I'm a quitter or nuthin', but I just... Need some coachin' on it, y'know? What makes ya so motivated? What makes such a Heron a Hero?" Himaya asked out of desperation. But perhaps that wasn't the correct word. "I have an idea... Couldja sing me your favorite Heron song? Yer absolute favorite. Maybe hearin' ya sing yer favorite song with such passion.." Himaya wondered out loud.
September 6, 2018
IronSpider:
"What compels me? Why, a pure hero's heart!" He thumped his breast with a closed fist. "I art filled with passion for the unknown and hunger for danger! Not everyone is born so fortunate as I." "If t'would motivate thee, I suppose I couldst sing a song." Cabaletto's brow knotted as he pondered his options. Most of his favorite works were Beorc in origin - naturally - but Himaya had specifically requested something Heron-made. It was turning out to be a difficult choice, but despite that it did not take more than a minute or two to pick. His selection was not a fancy one by any stretch of the imagination, and perhaps not his absolute favorite, but the soothing melody evoked the pleasant echoes of his mother's voice in his memories. "(Come weary traveler, rest your wings round my warm hearth this night, For the wind and the waves are unkind to those who tread without light.)" The song went on for several long minutes, weaving the tale of an innkeeper tending to a fire for those who wandered in. A warm glow settled over the pair as Cabaletto sang; anyone standing nearby would have sworn they could hear the crackling of a low flame. Hearth's Light's primary purpose was a sensation of comfort and wellbeing, though it also had heating properties as well. Any chill from the sea breeze was banished by the magic in its words.
September 10, 2018
Best 🍪 Pupper | Sky:
"Heh heh," Himaya laughed. What other answer could such a heroic Laguz utter? "I'd love t' hear it." Himaya felt a bit of pain as he saw the way the Heron before him would weave some magic, but this feeling was short-lived, as he soon after felt too comforted to worry about his insecurities. It felt like one of the best hugs that he had had in a long while -- no, it was more like a cozy blanket made of a thousand hugs. Hearing such a soothing tune warmed his heart and soul as he soon closed his eyes and listened to this song with attentive ears. He listened to the intricacies of the Heron's melodies with an ear free from jealousy or guilt. He heard Cabaletto's passion in the way he sang the lyrics almost divinely.Best 🍪 Pupper | Sky:
But that was when a thought occurred to him. Why was he trying to mimic a Heron's song perfectly? Hadn't he realized that he had some Heron's blood in his veins? It was only some, but it was far more than most half-bloods alone could train to have. He couldn't go about this the same way as he would his wolf-blood. He had learned from wolves, from the people which shared the most blood with him. But he had the least blood in his Heron roots. He had a different idea now. He listened to the rest of the song as the warmth faded away to be replaced by the gentle sea breeze and calm crashes of the waves against the boat rather than the faint crackling of a fire. "Thanks, Caba, I needed that," Himaya said as he stood and nodded with a proud smile, "I got an idea. Y'know, I learned how t' fight from wolves, cuz I'm half wolf. My Mama was a wolf, so it was easy fer me. But I had realized. Maybe I just gotta stop tryin' t' sing like a Heron. My Dad wasn't a full-blooded Heron and yet he had th' singing strength almost like one. But I had realized that you're stronger than him. And that's t' be expected since you are what he isn't," Himaya attempted to explain but he waved his hands as to dismiss it and start over, "point is, maybe instead of trying t' be what I'm not, I should just sing like th' Heron Branded I am. B-but with a hero's heart!" he exclaimed at the end with an excited pump of his fist, using the phrasing Cabaletto had done earlier.
September 13, 2018
IronSpider:
Cabaletto basked in the pleasant feelings the song had evoked as the last notes faded away into the night. It was one he remembered well from his childhood, sung whenever he was afraid or upset, and it never failed to soothe his nerves. He could tell that it was having a similar effect on his compatriot; Himaya's face had relaxed into a pleasant smile, all tension lost. It hadn't quite been his intent when he selected the piece, but in retrospect it had been the perfect spell for the occasion. The Branded beside him rose to his feet with new purpose and bold statements. Cab wasn't entirely sure what to make of his plan, but at least motivation had been restored. "I see thou understand mine earlier advice now: a Heron's heart drives the magic in his music," he responded with a hint of amusement. "It remains to find a song that resonates with thine soul."
September 14, 2018
Best 🍪 Pupper | Sky:
Himaya wagged his tail and had a smirk on his face with his ears now perked. He was up to something, and you could tell it by the glittery shine in his eyes. Cabaletto's song had worked wonders on him for the moment. "I think you've inspired me, Caba. Maybe I oughta... try t' remember a song that nags me. Something my Dad tried t' teach me but I forget th' words, yknow? Think you could give it a listen or somethin'?" Himaya asked excitedly. Himaya sang the tune to the song, almost like a mix between a hum and a howl, "ooooOOOoooooOOOoooooooooOOOooooOoooOooOoooOOOOooo "
September 15, 2018
IronSpider:
The Heron cocked his head to the side as he listened intently to Himaya's song. The tune his companion sang was not a familiar one; in fact, he wasn't sure if he'd ever heard it before at all. "Art thou sure thee dost not remember any of the words?" he inquired. "'Tis not a song I recognize just from the melody, but maybe the lyrics shalt jog my memory properly."
September 18, 2018
Best 🍪 Pupper | Sky:
Himaya's eyes are wide with excitement, his tail wagging even harder now. "Yeah, singin' it jogged a bit o' 'em I think! Don't r'member all o' 'em though... Le'see!" He said as he cleared his throat again.
"Divineee something something flying in the skyyy
Soaring like something and when something about an eyeee
Despite rocky roads something something somethinggg
I know that something something uh loveee
Take from me something something about the stars aboveee"
Himaya finished the last note with his hands spread towards the night sky filled with the pretty light of the Moons and stars. This epiphany brought him great joy, and brought about a caring, soft pink glow from him, especially eminating from his chest.
Himaya looked down at what he'd done and was overwhelmed with joy. Tears ran down his face but he couldn't help but smile and wag that tail of his. He could feel the muscles wagging it beginning to feel tired and sore, as if from wagging too much, but that wouldn't stop him.
"C-caba, Caba! What is this? Look!" He managed to exclaim after a moment of taking it all in, finally noticing what was slowly building up during his little performance.
September 20, 2018
IronSpider:
Something something? It was painfully obvious that the Branded had no clue what he was singing and probably making up lyrics on the fly. However, despite his adlibbing and somewhat grating voice, Cabaletto supposed that it was the finest performance Himaya had given to date. "T'was an inspiring perfor..." the Heron trailed off as a rose-colored hue washed over him. "Heavens above." Himaya was glowing, quite literally, in the wake of his song. Tears streaked down his cheeks, leaving watery trails that shimmered in the magical light. "What exactly was that song supposed to do?"
October 3, 2018
Best 🍪 Pupper | Sky:
"I-I-I dunno!" Himaya exclaimed happily, "I just can only r'member bits n' pieces o' th' words, but it had some sorta effect alright! It almost reminds me o' that one Heron's Ballad... or was it th' Heron's Rhapsody? Perhaps... some... other... Damn, I can't r'member what it's called. Are ya sure ya don't r'member? Not even th' littlest o' licks?" Himaya said, trying to ponder upon it. "Oh, what's it matter for, I got me another song that does... something! I'll just have t' keep practicin' n' practicin' n' see if I can r'member anythin' else. But just wow, I just can't believe I done found another Heron song... I'm sure I'm just beamin'," the Branded said with an excitedly wide smile and a blur of a wagging tail, "What's it make ya feel like? Anythin' special like, Cabaletto?" he now questioned, the pink aura still filling the air around him from his chest, almost glittery-like.
October 8, 2018
IronSpider:
Cabaletto shook his head. "I fear any recollections of thine song escape me." If the lyrics hadn't been so butchered, perhaps that would be different. he thought wryly. "Still, thee should be proud! 'Tis a great success thou hast achieved this evening." The Heron was still uncertain exactly what Himaya's song had done, besides making him glow like a ridiculous pink star, but as he rolled his shoulders he could tell that the aches and bruises there from their latest altercation were gone. "I think mayhap your song is a healing one?" he suggested. "Mine ailments hast been lessened after hearing it."
October 10, 2018
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