Rainy Day In The Grove, [AW]

[Saren]

A light rain misted down over the Gemstone Grove. Even though it was the middle of the day, the sky was dark and foreboding, and the distant sound of thunder told of the storm that was on its way. Saren Amberdawn had perched herself upon a small ledge overlooking the grove. It was a land not known for its physical beauty or landmarks, but instead for the vast trove of gemstones it held. One such stone, a bright sapphire, was crudely fastened to the leather strap she had bound around her neck. It was her most precious treasure. It had been a gift from her late brother and, while she no longer grieved for her lost sibling, she always kept it with her in memory of him. He's the one who had always called her Kris...

She let out a long sigh and raised herself to her feet. Though not as large as many of the Stella Dracos race, she was still an impressive sight. She was thin, yes, but she was anything but frail and could certainly hold her own in a fight if it came to that. And while she certainly didn't enjoy it she had been in her fair share of scuffles over the years.
She shook herself off, ridding herself of the moisture that had built up over her coat due to the rain. Even with the apparent storm coming she had expected to see at least a few others here. It wasn't often that the Grove was completely vacant. And with all the newcomers to the land lately she was a little surprised that she had none of them.

She did not know what it had been that brought the droves of gryphon immigrants to this land, but they had come by the hundreds and had already mingled and adapted to the prides already in place in these lands. Many of the outsiders though, much to her dismay, joined forces with the northern prides. No small wonder, the way many of the southern prides acted nowadays would turn even her away if she had not been a part of them for so long and known what they had been like. But now they acted as though they thought it appropriate to terrorize anyone outside their own prides. Of course, she couldn't pin that on every gryphon, but it did seem to be the general conception. The younger generation seemed to be most of the problem it seemed.

She had made sure to this point that her pride in the Orchard didn't end up acting in such a way. It was disgraceful, and she would have none of it in her pride. She had a certain talent in getting others to listen to her, one she had put to good use in gaining the trust of her people.

She pinned the blame of the situation entirely on the northerners of course. It was certainly their fault after all. She hated everything they stood for, those self-righteous, self proclaimed 'light' prides who thought it their right to go where they pleased, to claim land already claimed by her own people, and to drive them even further into the wastes of the south. She gritted her beak. She understood the anger of the Dark prides. But she could never let herself sink to the level of the Lights. Not while she still had her dignity.

You're thinking about it too much, silly bird. She couldn't solve anything by just mulling about all day. She shook herself once more and alighted from her perch, to make another check of the surrounding area for any of her comrades, or others...

This post has been edited by Kris on Jul 21 2008, 02:49 PM

[Oscuro]

With his head low and his feathers sopping, Oscuro trudged through the forest, a little dispirited. He had come looking for a black obsidian, through which he could focus his magic, but in the rain it was fruitless. All the gemstones littering the floor looked the same, he couoldnt tell garnet from ruby in this downpour.

Growling a little, the big male turned around, planning to go home. He would return some other time, once the forest was dry. But before he went very far, he caught a scent over the bitter smell of wet leaf mold. A gryphon was in the forest. He turned, following the smell, until he saw her. A small, pretty gryphoness, on a ledge. He sat, fascinated, as she flew down, appearing to look around for something. On her neck he saw the glittering blue of a sapphire-no use to him, but valuble all the same.

Standing straighter, Oscuro shook the excess water from his pelt and preened his feathers a little to make himself more presentable, then walked forward towards the other. He was not intending to attack her, he did have some morals. Very few, granted, but some.

"Greetings," he called silkily when he was some feet away, "And how are you, m'lady, on this disgusting excuse for a day?"

[Sparra]

Once again Sparra found herself looking for something, but never quite finding it. She had wandered far from her home in the desert after hearing about Gemstone Grove and all the stones that could be found there. Now that she was here, Sparra was sure she could find what it was she was looking for... If she could ever figure out what it was. Of course, finding pretty gemstones in the rain was amusing as well. The rain didn't bother her at all, really. Back in the desert when it rained, it poured, and this to her was nothing more then a sprinkle. While she was looking, she would pick up gemstones at random and hold up towards the sky, so that she could see what color they were. If she liked it, she kept it, carrying it with her as she looked. If she found a gemstone that she more then the one she was carrying, she swapped them out. But she only carried one.

After wandering the area and finding only gemstones, but not what she was looking for, she sat down and sighed. "Well, this is wonderful. I come out all this way only to find pretty rocks... Not what I intended." Looking over at a nearby tree, she asked it "Well, you have any ideas? I'm looking for something, but I can't find it..." Of course the tree did not respond. But Sparra waited, and eventually a large droplet smacked her right in the middle of her head. Looking up, she saw another large drop fall and splash into the wet ground. Looking at where it landed, she suddenly had an idea...

If whatever she was looking for was not on the ground, perhaps it was below the soil! It was wet, so digging would be just as easy as digging through sand! "Thanks for the idea!" she said, digging where the drop had landed. It was not long before Sparra's claws scraped against something smooth... Pausing, she pushed away some of the earth in the hole to get a better view. Whatever it was, it was smooth... And fairly big. Grinning to herself, Sparra went back to digging with renewed vigor.

Digging around the object, and widening the hole she had made, Sparra eventually unearthed a large gemstone, much larger then any of the others she had seen. It was about half her size, and shaped almost exactly like an egg. Wondering why the tree told her to dig here, she looked at the gemstone as she thought. Maybe... maybe this isn't an ordinary gemstone! Maybe it's an egg! It certainly looks like one! Maybe whatever's inside of it will know what -or where- to find what I'm looking for! So big, so pretty... But this is no place to hatch an egg, that much I know... My home is much warmer, and the sand would certainly help keep it warm in the night, and while I'm away...

Grunting as Sparra struggled to get the large gem out of the hole, she slowly rolled it up the sharp incline, careful to keep her footing. It's heavy! When she got it up on solid ground she took a moment to rest, then started rolling it roughly north, back where she came from. It was slow work, having to push it up hills and stop it from rolling out of control down them, but Sparra managed somehow.

What she did not know, however, was that the path she was taking was drawing her rather close to the two other gryphons in the area... But she did not know that. Humming an erratic tune as she slowly made her way through the grove, Sparra was happy as can be... Finally she can find out what or where the thing she's looking for is!

...Or at least, so she thinks...

[Saren]

"Greetings. And how are you, m'lady, on this disgusting excuse for a day?"

Kris started at the sound of the stranger's voice, but she quickly regained her composure. Jumping at such things as a child would was no way for her to act. She had her image to keep after all.
She turned to the owner of the voice and found herself face to face with a rather handsome, dark-coloured male. Wet and disheveled yes, but handsome nonetheless. There was something about his eyes though that bothered her. She shifted her gaze and replied to his query, "I've been worse. Who might you be?"

Before he had a chance to answer, a flash of lightning shot across the sky, causing the gem-littered earth to light up for a brief moment. As if that was their cue, the clouds opened up and unleashed their torrent on the land. What had been a light drizzle was now a downpour. Both she and her new acquaintance were immediately drenched.

Introductions could wait. For now she wanted shelter. The falling rain made so much noise that she had to shout her next words. "Perhaps now would be a good time to find some cover. Follow me." She knew of a small cavern nearby. She started up the hill, hoping she would remember where it was exactly. The rain was getting in her eyes so much that she barely saw the other gryphoness as she ran past. "There's shelter this way!" She shouted to the stranger. She didn't know who she was or what she was doing and she didn't care. But she could follow if she liked.

The cave wasn't far. She used to come here with her brother to explore when she was younger. The entrance seemed smaller than she remembered and she had to crouch down the enter it. The cave itself was also smaller than she remembered, but it could accommodate a few gryphons. She entered and shook herself off. The cave was still how it was years ago, with gems in the walls and ceiling that created a dim glow with all their reflections. She thought it was pretty when she was younger. Now she was just glad to have some light.

The rain outside was still loud, but it was bearable when muffled by the cave walls. She began to dry herself more thoroughly as she awaited the entrance of the others.

[Oscuro]

As the heavens opened and the rain coursed down, Oscuro cursed bitterly and followed the girl as she tore through the forest. Passing the other gryphoness, he stopped for a moment, astonished at what she was holding-but if she was following the first, he could question her about it soon enough. Oscuro saw the first gryphoness dive into a small cave, and followed immediately, glad to get out of the rain.

"Bit close in here" he muttered, not daring to shake his feathers out in case he flooded to cave. Instead he muttered a short charm and his coat dried instantly. "Useful spell, that" he grinned at the other.

Looking round, Oscuro saw that the cave was stunning-gems all over the walls, celing, even the floor. The light danced prettily round the cave, illuminating his black feathers and making them appear multicoloured. But none of these gems were of interest to him.

"My name is Oscuro," he said, introducing himself to the girl. "I expect you have a pretty name to match your pretty face?" he was resorting to flattery to win her trust. He didnt even know why he wanted to win her trust. Fate would guide him, however, and he shrugged off the thought. "Would you like some assisstance? That spell can be used on other gryphons too..."

[Sparra]

When the downpour started, Sparra squawked at the sudden deluge of rain. Looking up at the sky, she shouted "Oh come on! That's not funny!" Grumbling, Sparra looked around to find some sort of shelter to wait the rain out. She had a long way to go with her "egg," and there was no sense getting sick and making the trip miserable... Spotting a fairly bushy tree not to far away, the gryphoness rolled the egg under it. While it was not enough cover to stop all the rain, it was certainly better then being out in the open. Figuring a few hours of rain would not hurt the egg, since it was buried for who knows how long, she set out to find a more suitable shelter.

It was not long before she had found the cave the other two were holed up in. Stepping up to it, she quickly spotted the two gryphons in it. A male and a female. I wonder... Shaking the excess water off her fur and plumage and quickly hopping into the cave, she said "Sparra, of the Clymetur Range pride. And no, I don't need help." She Grinned mischievously at Oscuro. "I have a rather good sense of hearing..." Looking around, she commented "This is a nice cave... Lots of interesting stuff around here, aren't there? First the egg, and now this... I should of came here a while ago."

[Saren]

I wasn't long after Kris had entered the cavern that the male followed her in. She ignored his attempts to flatter her. He was charming yes, but he also gave her a feeling of unease. Especially now, being stuck with him in such close quarters. Nevertheless, she returned his introduction. "Saren." She looked him directly in the eyes. "Saren Amberdawn. Remnet Orchard Pride."

Oscuro. She'd heard the name before somewhere. Unfortunately, she didn't remember who mentioned it or what they were referring to him about. It probably wasn't important either way but-

Before she could finish her thoughts, another gryphon entered the cave. Kris had just run by her before so she didn't get a very good look at the stranger. It didn't take her long before she introduced herself as Sparra, and then she continued to babble about who knows what. Kris's eyes narrowed as she mentioned her pride. Clymeter. A northerner.

The Grove wasn't a Southern territory anymore, so this stranger couldn't be accused for trespassing. In truth, she had as much right to be here as Kris herself. She audibly gritted her beak; a bad habit of hers. "I can't say I'm happy about being stuck in here with a northerner." she understated in a rather hostile tone. "But I'll do my best to cope until the rain stops. And what the hell are you babbling about?"

This post has been edited by Kris on Aug 12 2008, 03:52 PM

[Oscuro]

((Haha, Saren, thats great...nearly identiacl to my real name... ))


"Nice to meet you, Lady Amberdawn," Oscuro replied, returning the eye contact coolly. "I am Oscuro Aula, of the Sundown Woodland pride." He was almsot glad that they were from the same area, he wouldnt have to dirty his claws. But before there was time for further niceties, the other gryphoness arrived, and introduced herself.

Clymetur Range. Oscuro immediately bristled, his eyes blazing red, especially when Sparra rudely assumed that Oscuro might help her.

"I was not offering help to you, he snarled, dragging his claws along the floor of the cave. "I do not help northeners. Especially babbling twits like you!" And he lunged forward, ready to drag his sharp talons right down Sparra's shoulder.

[Sparra]

Quickly ducking out of the cave, avoiding Oscuro, Sparra laughed. "Well, it seems like you're one of those stereotypical Dark pride members, Oscuro... Quick tempered, aggressive... And not to bright. No offense Saren. I tend to judge people based on who they are, not who they happen to affiliate with... Of course, it seems gryphons like Oscuro are what gives all the Dark pride members a bad name. Shame really, but there's nothing I can do about it. Hate me if you want... I don't care either way."

Granted, Sparra was not too keen on sitting out on the rain, but time would tell if she had to put up with it or not... Besides, these Dark pride members seem to be rather interesting... They already don't like her and she has yet to really do anything to deserve that hatred! Quite an interesting little duo, those two were... However, she kept a keen on on Oscuro. He seemed to be... interesting to her. Sure, annoyance she somewhat expected out of the Dark prides, but to be attacked on sight in neutral territory, that was something else! Perhaps she could play with him a bit... Someone that aggressive would be quite interesting to manipulate.

It could even be fun!

[Saren]

((Sorry for the wait.))

Despite their shared dislike of the Northern prides, it still surprised Saren that Oscuro would suddenly attack as he did. Fortunately for her, the other gryphoness was fast enough to avoid his claws by quickly darting out of the mouth of the cavern.
Recovering from her surprise, Saren placed a paw on the edge of his wing to hold him back. Not physically of course, he could have easily pulled away from her, but she hoped that having some contact would help to restrain him.

She listened to Sparra as she rebuked Oscuro. Her hackles bristled at her words of the Southern prides, but she couldn't deny their validity. Was she not thinking the same thing just earlier? She couldn't have stated it better than Sparra had either: judge people based on who they are, not who they happen to affiliate with.

She didn't like it, but she had no reason to hold any hatred against Sparra. Although she threw her lot in with the Northerners, it didn't mean she had wronged the South in any way. She still used biased stereotypes apparently, but Saren herself was guilty of that as well.

She had never been in this sort of a situation before. It made her uncomfortable, and that made her angry. Any and all Northerners she had ever encountered before had been hostile to her, simply because of what pride she belonged to. They had no reason to speak with each other because they automatically judged each other by their affiliation. It was easier that way, when you only had to think in absolutes. Black or white. North or South. Right or Wrong.
She knew it wasn't the right way to look at it. She knew that. She just didn't want to see it that way for fear of what she might become. It made things difficult.

She let out an exasperated sigh. "Right now we are all just gryphons caught together in a a storm. We can settle out our differences later. Now get back in here before you get soaked to the bone." she gestured for Sparra to re-enter the shelter. Then lowering her voice to a whisper she spoke in Oscuro's ear, "Try to be nice. Please."

She hoped that wasn't too much to ask of him. She knew that there were those who would rather fight a Northerner that to speak a single word to them. She figured that some from the North would act the same as well. She sincerely hoped that Oscuro was not one like them.

[Oscuro]

At the touch from Saren, Oscuro turned swiftly around, his eyes glinting furiously with something that could have been madness, but his facial expression cold. He did not like to be touched, and he said so in a quiet voice that would have chilled the scales off of a salamander. But after he shook his wing loose, he took the incident no further. He did not wish to harm one on his own side.

As though through earmuffs, Oscuro heard Sarens speech, but none of the words seemed to sink in until she whispered "Try to be nice. Please." With a growl he lowered his head and turned his back to Sparra, a sign that he would tolerate her for the time being. At least, until she annoyed him again. Then there was no telling what he would do...

[Sparra]

When Oscuro turned his back to Sparra, she grinned. He must not be bright at all! Why would someone turn their back on someone they don't like? I don't know about him, but I'd like to keep an eye on those I don't like... Keep track of them, know where they are, what they're doing, predict what they're about to do... "Soaked to the bone you say? No, I doubt this rain will do that. I may catch something unpleasant though..." Stepping back into the cave, Sparra grinned at Oscuro's rear and said "Nice tail there," and then she seemed to ignore him, per personality almost jumping ahead energetically, despite the gryphoness being dripping wet. "So what brings you two here then? Shiny things? I like shiny things. Find anything interesting yet? I found something interesting. Found a BIG shiny thing! It's big and round and shiny... And big! I think it's an egg, but it could be seen as a shiny thing too... One of those shiny rocks some gryphons like to collect. It's too heavy to lift though, I'll have to roll it home... I wonder how long that'd take, rolling the big shiny thing I found all the way back north to the desert. Perhaps I'd run into such a large hill that I can't roll it up it, nor could I go around. But I like shiny things, did you know that? Oh, I found a BIG shiny thing, too. Oh, and are you food by any chance? I like food..."

She abruptly stopped her one-sided rant, cocking her head to the side as she considered the two other gryphons she was holed up with, as if expecting an answer...

[Saren]

Saren was a bit put off by Oscuro's reaction to her touch. As if she had done anything wrong! And that's what sort of thanks she gets for trying to help? It made her mad. Very mad. It just went to show that revealing any sort of compassion to strangers wasn't worth the effort.
She didn't have time to harbour her anger on it before Sparra re-entered the shelter - still dripping wet - and began rambling once again with a new resolve. She spoke excitedly, and Saren could only guess where she got her energy.

She listened to Sparra's rant with beak open and head cocked, trying to decipher as much of her banter as possible. She's not sane. She can't be. No sane person speaks like this. She likes shiny things? Shiny eggs? What the hell?

Her speech stopped abruptly and Saren stilled stared at her with mouth agape. Was she expecting a reply? How could there be anything in that mess to reply to? "Well, I don't like shinies. And I haven't a clue about what sort of egg your speaking of. Maybe if you spoke a little slower, or actually let me know what you're trying to tell me, this conversation just might go somewhere. You're not giving me anything to work with here."

This post has been edited by Kris on Sep 26 2008, 03:09 PM

[Oscuro]

"She found a large gemstone in the forest, its egg shaped," growled Oscuro with his back to the two girls. "Its probably an opal of some kind, perhaps jasper. It looks like it..." but he faded out quickly, very annoyed at Sparra. If not for Saren, he would have shredded Sparra, leaving her in little pieces by now. But a small part of his sane mind was taking control for the moment, telling him to respect the Remnets wishes. Why, though, he could not say. For if he and Sparra did not come to blows at this meeting, Oscuro would make it his business to track her down, even to her homelands, and challenge her there...

[Sparra]

Sparra grinned. "Oscuro's got it! I found whatever he was talking about... A big gem that looks like an egg! I still think it could be an egg of some sort, but I'm not one to know such things... Even if it was, I hate kids so that would not end well..." Thinking about it for a moment, she shook her head as if disregarding that line of thought. "What's gotten into you? You don't like rain? I don't mind the rain, although where I live it rains a lot then washes away quickly... Not a lot of lakes, you see. Just rivers and the occasional oasis," she commented, eying Oscuro.

Turning back to Saren, she looked rather surprised and interested in her. "You don't like shiny things? I thought most gryphons like shiny things... They certainly make me feel better! In fact, once I found rock that glowed in the dark! I still have that rock back in my nest, all the way back in the desert... I wish I still had it, it's interesting to look at and fun to play with... So what do you like then?" she asked, again cocking her head to the side, ears perked up.

This post has been edited by Sparra on Oct 3 2008, 03:38 AM