*Open* Here thar be Dragons

[ladymoth]

» Addison turned red, not the girl as well. Beautiful was he? Did their cruelty know no bounds? “Don’t you fools have anything better to do with yourselves” Addison snapped snatching his bag out of Brynja’s hands and throwing it to the ground. He put his hands to his hips and made a grabbing motion only to realize that his shirt had been ripped apart when he transformed in the library. It was at this point that Niko came around the corner and Addison staggered back rolling his eyes at how very asinine this entire situation was becoming. Niko felt he had to track him down just so he could finish giving Addison a thorough mocking. But no, he came back to address the girl. Addison flinched and stepped back seeing Niko slap Bryja in the face, all of the wind went out of his sails at once and he became quite paralyzed with fear.

Then came a long tirade full of emotionally disturbing personal knowledge that Addison knew Niko didn’t really want people to know. That’s what anger did to people, it made them lose sense. By the end of the rant Addison had crouched down on the spot and pushed his hands against his ears so hard that he may well have bruised them. He seemed unable to move away from the fight, venerable to the will of human nature he needed to know what would happen in the end. It was the anger that was killing him, why did the living world have to be so cruel. “Shut up… Just Shut up…” Addison said, his voice hardly audible. The worst part was he was becoming one of them, just another stupid animal that punched and shouted and lost all empathy.

[Elloria]

Niko's left eye twitched as the woman settled into a fighting stance. He hadn't been the slightest bit phased by her punches, unexpected as they'd been. He was, however, frozen for the moment in one spot by an irrational anger. This was the first time since meeting Mchumba that he had really flown off the handle at anyone. For all that this woman seemed to think he had no outlet for anger, the fact was that he just didn't get angry. In general, he saw no need to get angry. And when he did, the situation usually defused itself fairly quickly. But this...this...he couldn't explain this. But whatever it was, it blocked out all reason for the moment. He spat at her face, unable to voice the fury sweeping through him. He leapt forward and pivoted on his left leg, bringing his right up in a swinging kick at the woman's side. The solid and very loud thud of flesh hitting flesh pleased him immeasurably and he spun around again. He swung his fist at her face, a right hook as repayment for the one she’d given him, before bending his knees slightly and jabbing rapidly at her gut to drive the breath from her. A scholar he may be, but he had trained to become a Rider and he kept himself in top fighting form by sparring daily with the Riders in the Citadel. He paid no mind to Addison for the moment. All his energy was turned towards this insufferable bounty hunter.

[kaioinazuma18]

Brynja's reaction was slower than usual, she gave him the kick, but as she saw him recoiling to throw a punch, she rolled with the kick, damage going into it. She rolled around behind him and came to her feet. She was used to taking blows in that manner, and all she could do now was get back in her stance and wait. However, this time she did not wait very long, she wanted into the fight. Since she was behind him, she brought three fingers right into the man's ribcage. She took that opportunity then, after having hit him once, to move a bit to the right and hit the other side. She smiled, turning then to walk away from him. "Thank you for that wonderful demonstration, sir, but I must be off... I've learned everything I need to know for future reference about you. Your footsteps told me everything. You have a strong kick... I'll be feeling that for a while."

[Elloria]

Niko fumed silently as the woman walked off, clutching at his side. Three fingers in his ribcage and barely missed the second attack. And she was pleased about the whole thing! He ground his teeth together, trying to calm himself. He spat again before taking several deep breaths. When he had finally calmed a bit, he leaned against a pillar and rubbed his face with his hands. He had lost his temper and made quite a fool of himself. And over something so ludicrous. Between stress over the growing number of dragon eggs to tend to, frustrations over the damage done to the library, Addison's insults, and that woman's infuriating manner, it wasn't quite so surprising that he'd lost his head. He just wasn't in the best frame of mind. That or he was an unstable prick. He preferred the first explanation, personally. He sighed deeply and dropped his hands. And to think, all he'd wanted to do today was find some materials on beors.

“Shut up… Just Shut up…” Niko's head jerked up at the barely audible words. He'd completely forgotten about Addison in the heat of his fury. The angel was crouched down, his hands pressed hard against his ears - as if he were frozen in place, but despised bearing witness to what just happened. Niko felt a twinge of guilt, like he always did after flying off the handle. He truly did hate seeing people get hurt, especially if he was the cause. That was what had been so painful about living with Josk in Ilirea - feeling that he, Niko, was personally responsible for Josk's discontent in the city of the Riders. Chewing on his lip, he briefly considered how best to approach the situation. Leaving was definitely out; that was just beyond rude, especially after how he'd just acted. Apologize from a distance? Up close? Contact, no contact?

He soon gave it up and just acted. He moved slowly over to Addison and knelt on both knees before him. He kept his hands to himself this time. Not quite looking Addison in the eye, he spoke. “I’m sorry, Addison. I never meant to mock you or insult you...or lose my temper like that. When I called your wings remarkable, I meant it as a compliment and I’m sorry you didn’t seem to take it that way.” Sincere regret softened Niko’s voice, making the deep rumble nearly inaudible as well. He hoped Addison wouldn't go off on him again. He really didn't think he could handle any more of irritation just now.

[ladymoth]

» Addison almost missed what Niko was saying, But Niko’s shadow passed over him and flinched involuntarily, the thought passing him that Niko was done with Brynja and was ready to deal with him. Addison didn’t move very much, he didn’t look up he just stared at Niko’s toes but he unclasped the hands from his ears and listened to what he had to say. Addison was disturbed at Niko’s sudden change of emotion, he sounded soft and gentle again and it unnerved him. Was Niko one of those soft spoken worm tongued villains? A shudder visibly ran up Addison’s spine, lifting a few feathers as it went up which vanished as soon as they appeared.

He wished he had the strength to push Niko away, but he was too frightened of him now “there is something wrong with you” Addison’s voice shook considerably. He put his hands behind him and pulled himself up and away from the still kneeling Niko. “How can you cause someone so much pain and then turn and apologize to someone else? Don’t just do something Niko, stand there.” Addison commanded, now standing a few feet away, his hands locked on his carrier bag, it was something of a shield, but only in his head. “You lie about my wings, and you lose your temper, to the point when you were willing to do that girl harm, then you’re next step was to apologize? No, it’s not that it was your next step it’s that you didn’t put any breath in-between that fight and your attempt at reconciliation. Why don’t you people ever stop and think about your actions?” he kept stepping away, closer and closer to the edge of the pier.

[Elloria]

Niko sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose in irritation. For an old angel, Addison was apparently very naive about mortal nature. Humans, elves, dwarves - even dragons - were fickle creatures by their very nature. That was just how things worked here. He rose slowly and faced Addison. He steadily held the angel’s gaze he answered. “Allow me to ask you this, Addison. If I’m speaking to you in the Ancient Language - as I have been from the moment we met - then how could I lie about your wings? Lie about saying my words were a compliment? It’s impossible to lie in the Ancient Language, Addison. Everyone knows that. As for not thinking about my actions, I’m just an elf. I am a flawed being, like all people who walk Alagaësia and beyond.” He shrugged. “That, too, is just our nature. There’s nothing wrong with it. That’s just how we are. And I won’t apologize for what I am.” He didn't notice that Addison was dangerously close to the edge of the walkway.

[ladymoth]

» Addison stopped an inch from the edge and stared at Niko for a few seconds, then his face cracked and he began to cry “I want to go home” He sobbed; whether he meant where he lived or back to heaven was unclear. Addison turned around, perhaps so that Niko couldn’t see him crying, or maybe he was going to get ready to take off, it doesn’t matter either way the conclusion was the same. Addison put his foot out onto thin air and promptly slipped off the end of the pier.

[Elloria]

The sudden sobbing stabbed at Niko more painfully than any knife or sword. “Addison, please-" He didn't finish his sentence because he realized just how close Addison was to the walkway's edge. And as he turned, Niko knew the angel had no clue about it either. In the span of a heartbeat, he crossed the small space separating them just as Addison slipped over the edge. Gripping the slender nearby pillar with all his might, he lurched out to grab hold of Addison's arm. He managed to snag it. He felt as if his arms were about to be pulled from their sockets as Addison stopped in mid-air - hanging above a very long drop down to the street below. And he, too, was leaning far out over the edge...uncomfortably far. Honestly, could this day get any more bothersome? He slowly planted both feet firmly on the ground and, letting go of the pillar, jerked Addison back up and into his arms. Gently, but firmly clasping the angel to him, Niko quickly stepped away from the edge before setting Addison down again. He carefully checked him over, murmuring “Waise heill," as he passed a hand over the shoulder he'd pulled on. He felt the magic flow out of him and heal whatever small injury he had caused the angel. Once he was sure no lasting physical harm was done, he looked into Addison's tear-filled eyes. He gently wiped the tears from the angel's cheeks. Pained regret shone in his expressive silvery eyes. “I’m sorry. I’ve inadvertently hurt you again, haven’t I?”

[ladymoth]

(W00t! Niko's a rider now, what does that mean for their plans?)

» Upon Addison’s face was a look of shock, confusion, and, judging by his flushing hot cheeks, growing embarrassment. He breathed out all the way; forcing the air from his lungs then drew it in and began to laugh. It wasn’t more than a chuckle at first but it snow balled into a loud cackle. He had been so scared, and how he was so relieved, he was rediscovering the lighter side of the flippant nature of human emotion, but he still didn’t like it. He was quite out of control. Every time he tried to stop laughing he would start up again. Tears of relief were pouring down his face and dripping off his chin.

Addison shook his head and got to his feet, taking hold of Niko’s arms, laughing the entire time. He pulled Niko up and let go of one arm so that he was walking along dragging him by the other, his cheeks were still radiating red. As they walked along though Addison got distracted enough to slow down until he only let out the occasional titter. Then they were walking in silence. They were at the entrance of the citadel now, on street level. Addison took in a deep breath and let go of Niko’s sleeve at last. He used the back of his arm to push the tears off his rubious face. He took several cleansing breaths then turned and looked up at Niko’s face “You have to come with me; if we’re going to be friend you have to know where it is that I live.” he informed Niko in a matter a fact sort of way. He figured sounding intelligent would be the best way to brush off how crazy that long laugh had been.

[Elloria]

Niko's expression changed from regret to bewilderment in the span of a heartbeat as crazy laughter bubbled out of Addison. Angels, he decided, had to be some of the most confusing beings he would ever meet - moreso than even the dragons. Addison was laughing and crying with a cherry-red face. It was quite a sight. And Niko had absolutely no clue where it was coming from. Thus he allowed himself to be slowly dragged from the Citadel and out into Ilirea proper. The laughter eventually died away, but he was still a bit unsettled by it. And the angel thought mortals had something wrong with them? At least mortals tended to know they were flawed beings.

Eventually, Addison relinquished his vice-grip on Niko’s sleeve and wiped the tears from his now ruby-red face. “You have to come with me; if we’re going to be friends you have to know where it is that I live.” His eyes widened in surprise. Friends? When during their entire encounter had he mentioned the possibility of friendship? He was merely curious about the angel’s history, his experiences. He wanted to know everything - to write it, actually. That made it more of an interview than the beginning of a friendship.

Niko stared at Addison for a long time, unsure of how to proceed. On the one hand, he really wanted the angel’s story. On the other, he didn’t particularly want a friendship. He just...didn’t make friends. He had no desire to. It was a most perplexing conundrum. Should he? Shouldn’t he? He vacillated between the two for a moment longer before making his decision. “...Lead the way,” he murmured. All he could think was that this had better be worth whatever trouble it would be - and he had no doubt that it would be troublesome.

[ladymoth]

» Addison nodded and did so, walking through Ilirea to the harsher side of town. There was really know bad side to ilirea, it was all beautiful, Addison’s neighborhood was just not as well maintained. It wasn’t as polished and there were several raised cobblestones bellow, and litter that no one bothered to pick up. To make a long story short it was the human side of town. Addison walked into a butcher shop and held the door open for Niko, he was well aware that Elves didn’t appreciate the idea of meat but there was hardly another way to get into his apartment. “You got your new haul in Addi” a woman from the back of the shop shouted

“Okay” Addi called back then shook his head visibly as if to ask the universe why she didn’t bother coming out to say hello to him, Living beings had no grasp of courtesy he reminded himself, then again he was only nineteen. He wrapped his fingers around a ring in the wall and pulled the wall open revealing a hidden stair case behind it, which he ran up and up again until they both got to a trap door that led into an attic. Sun poured though the holes in the sealing illuminating the dusk that swirled around the room. On one side of the room was a heavy book case that contained piles of neatly folded clothes, almost all in shades of blue and white. On the other side was a neatly made bed with a quilt and a pile of packages and letters without a pillow, and that was it. There wasn’t even enough space for Niko to stand up, but there was enough to make Addison’s living space look bare.

“I have to go deliver these now” Addison said lifting up the packages and putting them into his bag one by one. He got up and grabbed another, near identical blue shirt and put it on “I assume if I’m looking for you you’ll be in the library” Addison smirked; it hasn’t escaped his attention that Niko was the sort of person who preferred the characters in books to real people. Addison looked down at his feet and shuffled them apart then back together “Thanks.” He said finally, because it was all that came to him, then “Bye.” And he walked past Niko and started to climb back down the attic ladder.

[Elloria]

Niko wrinkled his nose as the distasteful scent of dead animals assailed him. The angel lived above a butcher shop? What an unsavory prospect. How could Addison stand it? Death was everywhere here. He was almost frozen in place by it. But Addison was already moving on through a hidden door in the wall. He glanced around once more before following the angel's example. After a few moments, he climbed through a trapdoor - and promptly bumped his head against the roof once he'd emerged into the tiny attic room. Rubbing at his head and wincing, he crouched down a bit and looked around. It was clean and organized, but small. And very spartan. There wasn't even a pillow for the angel to rest his head upon at night. This was...not a good place for anyone. Especially an angel.

A pile of packages also lay on the bed. “I have to go deliver these now.” Niko looked up to see Addison in a new shirt identical to the one he‘d been wearing earlier. “I assume if I’m looking for you, you’ll be in the library.” The smirk now gracing the angel's face drew a small smile from him. They stood there a bit awkwardly before Addison murmured his thanks and a hasty goodbye. Niko blinked. For some reason, he didn't want to say goodbye just yet. As Addison moved past him, he reached out and gently grasped his arm - just as he had in the library. He turned Addison around and looked him squarely in the eyes with open frankness. “Please don’t take this the wrong way...but if you wanted...a different place to stay...well, you’d be more than welcome to come stay with me. Think about it. And if you decide you want to...well, you’ll know where to find me.” He held Addison's gaze for a moment longer, then turned and climbed through the trapdoor and went down the stairs. A few moments later, he was out of the shop and in clean, wholesome air. He took a deep cleansing breath before setting off down the street at a jog. Today had been a most interesting and exhausting day. But maybe...maybe it hadn't been unprofitable.

[ladymoth]

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