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+--- Thread: River Runs Blue And Red (Vali) (/showthread.php?tid=80)
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River Runs Blue And Red (Vali) - Morana - 06-16-2022
The Wilds - a beautiful and untamable piece of land soaked with the blood from those seeking a better life. She can smell the faint scent of the sea, and looks in its direction wondering what else lies beyond the mountain and Sanctuary. She knew the Eastern lands well enough to travel back if she so wished, but nothing awaited her there. Sometimes, she swore she could smell the scent of burning flesh and ash.
Morana steadily climbs up the beaten path towards the Sanctuary. Not for the building itself, but rather to harvest the wild plants that have survived this harsh summer weather. If it wasn't for her supplies being low and not trusting cheap merchants selling weeds as medicinal, she wouldn't be here either. Sweat slides down her cheeks as she climbs higher and higher. There's been no sight of life - human or otherwise - since she left the city. There is simple enjoyment in solitude. Even when she was with family, she had always been alone with her thoughts and goals. George had been her only companion for the last several years, but even he got on her nerves.
Her ears twitch at the sound of running water. It would be nice to cool off, she thinks, as she changes direction towards the stream. Her dress nearly catches on branches and heels on rocks as she steadily walks on. Eventually, she makes it there. A cold mountain stream breathing the sea smell into the forest. There's no one around, and she doesn't need to overheat. Morana sets her basket down and unbuttons her dress; the fabric is light and appropriate for the season, but it's still too much. One-by-one, boots and socks with the dress are laid on top of the basket concealing the silver dagger and flasks of emergency water. Her undergarments still conceal her body from view; at least while dry.
There's a small thrill at the idea of being caught in such a state out here, but who would blame her? Perhaps some old corpse living with 18th century ideologies. Sitting at the river bank, Morana puts her feet into the river and sighs happily. It felt nice to cool off after the long walk.
RE: River Runs Blue And Red (Vali) - Vali - 06-19-2022
Large hands untangled the dead hare from the trap, using twine to drape it over Codrin’s back. Then he moved onto the next trap. There he undid his next prey caught, and went to five others to unlatch and reset for the next day’s trap. He had laid each animal across the shire’s bare back, letting them hang in a well balanced system so that the horse wouldn’t feel uncomfortable. A large hand patted Codrin’s thick neck in appreciation, and offered him half of an apple for his efforts. While most of their catch were hares, a few opossums were hanging in the mix. But, food was food as far as Vali was concerned.
"Apples next,"
He promised his comrade, to which caused the steed’s ears to swivel forward and a nicker to be heard. Another pat on his neck for reassurance.
Just as Vali turned to walk toward the orchard, the perfume of a woman danced across the wind. Oh? And what have we here? A groan could be heard from Codrin. He knew that meant detour. Vali waved his hand, gesturing for the shire to follow as he quickly shifted direction and moved toward the scent. He knew the stream well of which it was drawing him to, which made Codrin happier knowing he’d get a sweet drink before continuing on for the day’s harvest. But Vali would be a little quieter, almost creeping up as he approached the lady from behind. Dark hair, in her skivvies, the dress and boots and socks draped over a large rock. He took mental notes, and just as he was about to make his grand entrance - Codrin shoved passed for his intended drink. Vali’s hands flew into the air, an annoyed expression upon chiseled countenance, and a huff of exasperation. stallions.
Without much choice now, Vali moved to around her side opposite of where her clothes were situated, and while she sat with her feet dangling in the cooling water, he stood above her like a looming shadow. From there he assessed her beauty, dark eyes hungrily scanning over her body.
"Alone?"
Growling, deep tones inquired as he took a gander around to be sure she wasn’t a noble with a dozen guards, or a witch with a hiding coven. She didn’t smell of wolf, didn’t strike him as vampire, so what was she? Human? How interesting. But, on some deep level, Vali didn’t really care, a pretty face was a pretty face all the same.
RE: River Runs Blue And Red (Vali) - Morana - 06-19-2022
The urge to grab her needle and plunge it into the man’s neck is there, but she refrains. Who is this man thinking he can intimidate her with his abnormally tall figure? And with a stallion behind her, she couldn’t risk it not seeking to avenge its owner if she killed the man. He carries a wild scent and looks like he would devour her, given the chance. Perhaps make her his next meal; a thought that reminds her of when she embraced the thrill of watching her targets die by her hand.
“I was until you rudely invaded my privacy. A lady can’t enjoy some privacy anymore without nosey neighbors inquiring about the whereabouts of a chaperon or spouse. Truly, to be born a woman is a curse.” Morana knew if she went for her clothes, he would stop her. This wasn’t her first encounter with such a man - human, but his appearance and scent reminded her of a werewolf - and had to tiptoe to ensure she made it out in one piece. She stands up and walks further into the stream, but not far enough for the current to take her. Even if she ran, he would catch up with her quickly. “Do you seek entertainment, mountain man? I am here to retrieve plants and be on my way on this hot summer day. You would have better luck at the taverns with the bar maids seeking extra coin.”
Morana doesn’t move to cover herself up. It would prevent her from grabbing the needles in her hair or defending herself if she’s distracted by modesty. She can’t help but chuckle at the idea of being modest, as the concept doesn’t exist for an assassin using their bodies to manipulate targets. His companion seems bored with the interaction and she slowly approaches the horse. Stern and strong like its master. She sees the hares and opossums and it confirms this man isn’t one for cages - a hunter. “Your horse is beautiful. What is its name?” It would be too bold to pet it, but she offers an apple from a nearby tree to bribe its favor.
RE: River Runs Blue And Red (Vali) - Vali - 06-19-2022
The girl came at him like a freight train, her words spoken so eloquently and backed by full confidence. While Vali understood the meaning of her words, he was confused as to why she came out the gate swinging. But - he admired it. His visage didn’t shift as he watched her, listening well, and observed as she stood to wade into the water a little more. When Codrin caught her attention, her mood altered only slightly, complimenting his acquired friend and offering him an apple, the shire’s favorite, and the large equine ate it from her palm with ease, downright melting. Tsk tsk. Such an easy pushover, Vali thought.
"Codrin,"
He replied, laying a hand on the shire’s shoulder.
"Need…plants?"
Baritones asked, wondering what for and what kind? He wasn’t as skilled in this area. He knew some had certain uses and some were poisonous and what not, but he wasn’t certain on any of it. Vali plucked what he wanted from her responses, and went off of that. He wasn’t sure what about his nature offended her so, but he did have that affect on most feminine creatures. He turned them off immediately, without even flicking the switch, and while he wasn’t sure what made this happen - he knew it would never fail. So by this time, he took very little offense to her accusations. They were expected, rolled over, and for the most part ignored.
"Codrin came for drink,"
He tugged at the twin which held one of the rabbits.
"Maybe can fish too,"
No, truthfully that wasn’t why he came this way but it did fit the scene. Besides, he knew his repulsive nature, but didn’t want to scare her away so quickly. She was beautiful to look at, and maybe she could teach him a thing or two about social cues and what not.
RE: River Runs Blue And Red (Vali) - Morana - 06-19-2022
“Codrin. You’re a good boy for not wanting to pounce me like a hungry wolf to its prey.” Morana gently pets the horse’s face. “What is your name, mountain man? I’m Morana, the chemist of Vufrein. I’m here to retrieve herbs needed for medicine and poultices that my suppliers refuse to get. They claim werewolves roam these mountains, but every time I’m up here, I never see them.” Rumors and gossip circulate so fast in Vufrein it makes it difficult to know truth from fiction. She never put stock in it, but took note in case there was a hint of truth.
Morana isn’t afraid of the mountain man. Experience teaching her well to keep her guard up in case the man changed his mind. She herself using the same tactic to lure her targets into a false state of security before murdering them. Returning to her spot, she sits on the rock and cups some water to splash on her hot face. Droplets falling onto her cream chemist and showing the smooth skin beneath. It’s improper to be in such a state, especially around a man not her husband, but she didn’t care.
“You should drink some water, too. You’ll last longer without food than water. Will help you survive in this blistering heat.” Morana runs her wet hands along her neck and arms to cool her skin. Loose strands of hair sticking to her skin. She looks at him and pats the ground beside her. “I don’t bite, mountain man. More curious about how you fish. I’ve seen people use sticks, strings and hooks with worms to catch their prey. I’ve also seen men use their hands and spears.” The trees provide ample shading so they’re not in direct sunlight with a cool summer breeze to aid.
RE: River Runs Blue And Red (Vali) - Vali - 06-19-2022
The way Morana took command of the entire situation beckoned for Vali to falter and heed. He watched her in fascination as she glided across the water to sit on the rock, letting the water grace her skin. Greedy eyes watched, soaking it in, but he made very little move just yet.
"Am Vali,"
Primitive tones ushered, cupping large hands to trap some water to drink. It ran down his chin and chest, but he did as she asked.
He watched as her hand patted the ground next to her, and his body jerked in her direction but ultimately didn’t move yet. She promised she didn’t bite, but somehow he didn’t believe that. She wondered how he fished, and truthfully so did he. A thoughtful expression formed over a finely chiseled countenance. A stick and string? No. He’d be far too impatient for such a technique. Finally, he decided to go ahead and sit next to her, taking his mantle beside her and let his long legs stretch into the water.
"Use hands,"
He thought out loud, looking from his large hands to her face. Was he looking for approval? Vali often melted when it came to bossy ladies. He didn’t know why, but suddenly, he’d become putty in her hands if she’d so will it.
RE: River Runs Blue And Red (Vali) - Morana - 06-19-2022
Morana looks at Vali and smiles gently. “Will you show me how you catch fish with your hands, Vali?” She nearly purrs his name. The look he gives her is one she recognizes; a man seeking validation from another regardless of gender. She removes her feet from the water and sets them back on land to dry. No move made for her clothing or basket. If he’s compliant to her in such a state, who is she to redress? If he behaved, she will reward him with remaining in this chemise.
“How long have you lived up in the mountains, Vali?” There are so many questions, and she will get the answers in due time. What did Vali know what others did not? Perhaps he could take her to the plants she needed without wasting time searching for the rare ones. Morana gets up from the rock, but doesn’t wander too far. She gathers stray branches around the area and piles them nearby; she goes to her basket to pull out some flint and uses a stone to spark the fire to light the fire. Carefully, she breathes life into it so the wood catches and the crackling begins. “We can cook the fish on the fire for lunch. I brought bread and cheese that would go well with the fish. We’ll have a feast today, so catch us plenty of fish, okay?” When the fire is full, she returns to the rock and watches. Boldly, she touches his hair and ruffles it. Did he enjoy being touched? Spoken to? Or did he simply enjoy the company of nature and Codrin?
RE: River Runs Blue And Red (Vali) - Vali - 06-23-2022
Her smile reminded him of a goddess’s, and he was entranced. Her words held his attention, eyes rotating up to her and watching as the woman moved. He nodded when she asked if he would show her how he would catch fish, even going so far as to create a camp for them to have lunch. Her hand reached for his hair, ruffling it gingerly, and her touch sparked a raging lust, but he kept it stifled. If he had been in his wolf form, his tail would have thumped against the earth happily. He was staggered, and stood up with a hesitance he couldn’t quite understand. She was…being nice to him? She offered bread and cheese if he could catch the fish, and it lit a flame inside of him which burned the motivation to catch their lunch.
"Will catch us fish,"
He poured his heart in this promise, even if it meant him having to shift.
He waded out into the water now, and listened to her following questions. He localized an area he felt was perfect, and then stood very still. The water settled just under his knees, and the water was so clean he could see to the sandy bottom. He looked up to Morana to answer her question.
"All life,"
Then he raised a large hand, and nodded at her, his way of saying it’s going to be okay.
With a thrust of his chest and the arch of his back, flesh melted away to fur, his bones and body shape morphed, letting out a roar of pain as he shifted. He formed into his bipedal state, the large brown were standing ominously tall, but eyes still the same. Codrin’s head raised high in slight alertness, but Vali would never hurt his comrade in such a way. He remained in the water, it was much shallower now than to his human form, but it would suffice. He loomed over the glassy surface, and kept perfectly still. His maw would come to hover just above the water’s face, his large hand-like paws poised to strike, as he then waited ever so patiently for fish to accumulate.
In reality they need not wait long, they came to filter against the fur on his legs and feet, and when they did, he struck. One, two, three - soon, he had six fish, holding a couple in each hand and the remainder in his mouth. He exited that part of the water, coming to her fire, and dropped them at the edge of it. He was soaked now, breathing slightly labored, letting his dark ocean eyes lock with hers until he shifted pack into his human form.
"Fish,"
He breathed as the last bit of fur had transformed into bronzy flesh. A hand slicked back his wet hair. He waited for her approval, watching and studying her face, hoping he had pleased her.
RE: River Runs Blue And Red (Vali) - Morana - 06-23-2022
Few things truly surprised her in life, and this was one of them. She lets out a small gasp as Vali shapeshifts in front of her. The sun bright on his dark coat, and there's an urge to touch it. Danger, George whispers. He is dangerous and that is why she remains. Her curiosity had to be sated in some fashion or it would drive her crazy (arguably, more than what she already is). Sharp red eyes observe him like a specimen as he catches the fish and deposits them next to the fire. She takes note of Codrin disturbed just enough to watch its master shift form before returning to drinking from the stream. She hadn't expected the man to shift, and thought she would be bored with watching a continuous failure of catching fish with his hands or a prolong wait with a fishing rod. The afternoon was proving more entertaining than she thought it would turn out.
Morana removes herself from the rock, and walks over to him. She smiles and touches his cheek with a gentle hand. "Good boy." She praises. She retrieves her basket and clothes, but makes no move to redress. Instead, she kneels down next to the fire, and pulls out a hunter's knife; steel with a wooden handle. With surgical precision, she quickly removes the skin and deguts it; throwing the pieces into the stream so it would feed the other creatures in the water. Blood and juices drip and soak into the chemise, but she pays no heed and the smell doesn't bother her. When she's done, she debarks six sticks, and uses them to pierce through the fish and hoist them over the fire so they can cook. With everything done and complete, she wipes her hands on her chemise leaving more blood on the delicate fabric. She looks up at Vali then at his wet clothes. "You'll get sick if you stay in those. Come now, strip and let the sun dry them. You wouldn't be the first naked man I've seen. Let the sun warm you up."
She stands up and over to the river. She goes deep enough to wash the blood from her clothes and hands. ideally, she would remove the chemise to thoroughly wash and let it out in the sun to dry. However, around a werewolf and wild man, she wasn't taking any chances. She carried no silver with her, and would have to use her charms to ensure the peace. He could easily overtake her, and the consequences she wanted to avoid. With all blood and juices removed, she heads back up on the bank and squeezes the water from her clothes. The cold water causing goosebumps to form on her skin and the water making the thin fabric transparent enough to highlight her legs and curves. "I'm starving." Taking a seat next to her basket, she pulls out a cloth bag of wheat bread and a wedge of cheese. She tears each in half and holds it out to Vali.
RE: River Runs Blue And Red (Vali) - Vali - 06-23-2022
"Good boy,"
She mused to him, her voice a croon in his ears, and he felt his insides swell with pride. He’d done good, made her happy, and even though he had just met her, he felt that was such an amazing achievement. He yearned for approval, perhaps by women more than men, and basked in it when he had it. He had never done right In his life, so when she praised him, he melted. Like a bowl of mush in her hands.
She cleaned the fish with ease, prepping them for their feast, and he watched as her delicate hands moved with precision. He would have been much more harsh with it, his hands too large for small fish bodies, ripping into it just enough to frustrate him that he’d throw the entire thing on the flame and eat every last bit of it. But, such was the way when one was too hungry. As one would think, blood and guts got everywhere, and dirtied her leisure garments, barely paying any mind to her as she stood to clean up in the water.
Just before he settled in, she requested he strip to dry. He had no qualms about being naked, really, so he nodded. He removed each article of clothing and mimicked what she had done, draping them over the large rock. He then moved to settled in nicely at the camp, just in time to look up at her as she came from the water’s hold, the sun caught her thin dress just right, illuminating her figure in a sheer and shimmering way. It concealed mostly everything, but the sight alone was a tease, a beautiful image he couldn’t peel his eyes from. He watched her every move as she came closer and offered him half of her bread, and half of her cheese wedge. He took both gingerly, swallowing hard, trying to think of anything else than a sensual woman in front of him. It wasn’t easy, that was for certain.
"Th-"
He cleared his throat, trying to bypass his speech troubles.
"Thank … you,"
Primitive tones offered in low, deep tones.
"Any family?"
He asked, hoping he was doing the normal small talk shindig right. He took a small bite of his bread, wondering if she would share anything with him.