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Heterosexual
✧☽ ᴅʀᴇᴀᴍᴇʀ ᴀɴᴅ ᴅᴏᴇʀ ☾✧
"You never have to prove yourself to anyone who doesn't accept you for who you are."
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Post by ✧☽ ᴅʀᴇᴀᴍᴇʀ ᴀɴᴅ ᴅᴏᴇʀ ☾✧ on Sept 15, 2021 16:43:06 GMT -5
Seth was aware that Anya didn’t need his help. Reversely, he didn't need hers. Since she cooked, it was only fair that he clean. But he didn't tell her that, since he knew she was trying to stay occupied.
Once everything was secured and away, Seth called Aidan and asked him to get ready for bed. The boy complained that it wasn't that late, to which Seth agreed, but added that they would be up and leaving early. Aidan still dragged his feet, but he did as asked.
While he was in the tent, getting changed, Seth pulled a familiar bag from a pocket. He opened it, and offered it to Anya. "Marshmallow?"
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*Nightwhisper
"And guilty I may be, but don't give up on me... We will still be thick as thieves."
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Post by *Nightwhisper on Sept 15, 2021 18:27:42 GMT -5
There was a time in Parker’s life where his family’s farm had been the only place he needed. The farm was his home, his life. The one place in the world that he knew belonged to him just as much as it belonged to his family. He knew every square inch of land, all the ins and outs of tilling the ground and raising livestock. If there was ever a place in the world he felt like he belonged, it was right there, doing his part to keep their livelihood up and running.
Then why did he feel so out of place now?
Parker was sitting on the back porch steps, watching as the moon slowly made its way into the sky. Dinner had ended an hour ago, and the rest of his family were preparing for bed. Only he remained, wide-awake and not willing to go to his empty room. Well, him and Apollo. The white Shepard was laying on the porch beside him, head on his front paws. Since leaving the Comet, the dog had yet to leave his side. Yet there was moments that Parker had noticed a few times when he knew that Apollo was missing his sister and actual master. Parker couldn’t say he blamed him. The fingers of one hand idly played with the sun pendant that he wore around his neck, the other scratched Apollo’s ears, as he stared, unfocused, at the dark scenery around him. He hadn’t taken the crew’s good-bye gift off since he left the Comet’s deck. It felt wrong to, as if taking it off would be to say he wanted nothing more to do with the friends he had made on the ship.
It had taken a long week to finally make it back to his family, and it hadn’t been a great. The first night away from the ship was the roughest. He had been able to keep his composure, carrying on light and bare minimum conversation with his guide. However, as soon as the tents were set up and both men had retired for the night, his world came crashing down. If it hadn’t been for Apollo’s comforting presence, he was sure that he would have been a worse wreck then he was. The next morning he was more withdrawn, but to no fault of his guide. After day three, however, he began to bounce back, finding it easier to return to his normal behavior, even if his heart still ached. His guide, Roidan, was nice enough, pleasant and good humored. It helped to make the traveling a little nicer. Not to mention, with every day closer to his home, the more eager he felt.
And then he was home. Walking into the town of Ashborne, it was startling to see the damage that was still on display. Repairs had been started, but it was clear that the going was slow. The sight filled him with cold dread. He stopped the nearest person they came across and asked about what had happened, and he was briefly told of the dragon attack. Most of the damage seemed to be concentrated around the center of town, but while it was contained, it was still obvious that the recovery would be a long process. Reaching a part of the town with little effects of the attack, Parker thanked Roidan for his time and offered the man a meal with his family before he headed back. Riodan politely declined, so Parker at least made sure to set him up in the best inn that was still open for business. Then he made his way back to his home.
Parker couldn’t remember a time when he felt more relieved and happy to be back in his own home with the people he loved. Sure, he was a little upset that he had missed Anya by a week, and a bit angry for what happened to force her and Seth to flee the town in such hurry. But for the most part, there was only the happiness of being reunited with his family. For the first day, he rode the high of those feelings and exchanged the tales of all that had happened both to him and to the others while he had been gone. He did most of the talking, of course, but he was just as interested in knowing how the harvest had turned out and the events of the Festival he had sadly missed out on, as well as all the events that came after. It was also wonderful to sleep in his own bed again.
By the second day, however, he found it hard to adjust back to farm life. All throughout the day, he confused the tasks of which he was to do. The day started by dressing in clothing that would protect him from the cold wind and keep him dry from sea spray, only to remember he didn’t have to worry about it here. While working in the barn, he would catch himself using ship terms, using knots used to secure the cargo in the hold, and stacking things in a way that would fit more on a ship than in the more stable setting of a barn. He’d forget himself at times, getting lost in thought as he preformed tasks that were second nature to him, only to be reminded that he was no longer on the Comet. It didn’t help that he had Apollo with him, being his constant companion. He found himself constantly looking for both Artemis and Sol, expecting to see them around every corner. However, there was no such sights to see.
But the worst of it was when he had gone to bed later that night. Up until the time he headed home, Sol had allowed him to claim a space in his bed all the way up until the day Parker left the ship. Many nights there was more going on than just sleep. Okay, most nights. There was hardly anything to stop him from doing so. The whole crew knew what they were up to, and since Parker could no longer argue and deny the rumors they spoke, he stopped trying to fight it. He didn’t flaunt it, and he had still tried to change the topic when it came up, but he no longer snuck around when entering the captain’s chamber. Now, returning to an empty bed, not even having Sol to speak to before retiring for the night, to share a lingering kiss that could have either lead to a peaceful night’s sleep or no sleep at all, was beginning to bother him.
But why? He had had a whole week to wean himself off sea life. A week away from Sol and the crew, to prepare himself for farm life once more. He shouldn’t be having this much of a difficult time. And yet…
“Aren’t you going to come on to bed?” His mother’s soft voice asked from the doorway behind him.
Parker turned to look up at her, not hearing the door open in the first place. He hadn’t even noticed that Apollo had lifted his head to look at her. “Yeah, in a bit,” he answered. “I’m not really tired at the moment.”
Maria walked oved and sat on the top step next to her youngest son on the other side of Apollo. She had changed for bed, in her normal nightgown and wrapped in a thick robe to fend off the night’s chill. For a bit, they just sat there, staring up at the star freckled sky. Then, “Something’s on your mind.”
“No, there’s not.”
“Parker, you only ever sneak out at night whenever something’s on your mind.”
This surprised him. He glanced at his mother. “What?”
Maria laughed. “You can’t possibly think your father and I haven’t heard you sneak out of the house,” she said. “We could always tell it was you because you would either have Anya with you, or you would always skip the bottom step.” The bottom step was the creakiest stair in the whole house. Parker had always hated the sound it made, so even when he wasn’t sneaking around, he would step over it, not even bothering with it altogether.
“Well, here I thought I was being sneaky,” Parker murmured, feeling a little foolish now. He had spent his whole childhood believing that no one had noticed his late night outings to star gaze, or to walk out to the barn whenever his mind was working overtime. He sighed. “Why didn’t you ever say anything?”
“Because we knew you weren’t up to anything suspicious,” Maria replied. The woman tilted her head to the side. “Granted, the first few times we watched you from the windows, but when we knew you were simply out star gazing, we knew there was nothing to worry about. Why would we stop you from doing something so harmless?”
He couldn’t answer that. Their parents had allowed a lot of freedom to all the kids as they grew up. That’s not to say there wasn’t rules and expectations, but so long as it wasn’t anything harmful or scandalous, the siblings could do whatever. Stargazing was the least of their concerns for the children.
“So what’s on your mind?” Maria asked again.
Parker hesitated. He’d always had a good relationship with his mother, able to tell her anything and count on her advice and judgment. There was only one thing that he had ever really felt awkward about discussing, even if she had assured him that she understood. This was another topic he wasn’t sure how she would handle.
“I don’t know, Mama,” he started. “I’ve been looking forward to coming home. It was hard being away, especially when there was no way to let you know that I was fine. All I wanted was to come back and return to normal.”
A pause filled the air. Then, “But?”
Parker took a breath, searching for the words to explain himself. “But then I met the Comet’s crew,” he answer, hand still playing with the pendant. “I didn’t expect to enjoy learning how to work a ship. I was the worst one on deck, but no one seemed to mind helping and teaching me. I made a lot of friends, Quill, Mason, Kip, Scarlet… Sol.” His voice threatened to crack at the mention of Sol. Of course, he had talked about the infamous captain, for he had taught him the most. It was just a lot of what he taught him were things he would much rather keep to himself. “I miss them.”
“Of course, you do,” Maria said softly. “You spent a lot of time with them. From how you talked, it sounds like you were talking about your brothers instead of random sailors who rescued you.”
“Yeah, some of them felt like it,” Parker confirmed. “They… They had wanted me to stay. To be part of the crew, even though I told them that I was a poor sailor.”
“And did you want to?”
Again, Parker hesitated. Yes, he had wanted to stay, but he had a job here at home. A part to play on the farm to keep things running smoothly. “I had to get back, to see you all,” he answered instead, but he wasn’t fooling his mother.
“And we’re all glad that you’ve come back. Overjoyed, thrilled to see you alive and well, and with news that you’ve been having the time of your life with this group of pirates,” Maria told him, smiling. “But we want you to be happy as well. You can be honest with me. Did you want to join them?”
Silence, followed by a quiet. “Yes.” “Do you want to go back?”
“Mama, I can’t just leave you. I have to be here to help with the fields, the harvest,” Parker said, shaking his head. “Even if I wanted to, I can’t just up and run. We’re already down Anya. There’s no way I can just leave everyone to do everything while I leave.”
“Parker,” Maria started, leaning over and taking hold of her son’s free hand, “look at me.”
He obeyed and turned his head so he could meet her eyes. For heartbeat, Maria just stared at her youngest boy, the only one that had taken after her, in mind and heart. While Anya was a carbon copy of herself, Parker wasn’t far behind. A man in his own right, he was never the logic driven kind like his father or brothers. He did what he always felt was right, whether it be in a peaceful or aggressive manner. If his heart wasn’t in something, she was always able to tell. Right now was one of those times. She had known for a while, since Corrik had hatched and was brought into the family, that her son longed for a chance to do more than what they could provide him. Farm life was fine, but Parker was a dreamer. Him and his sister both. The spark of adventure had flared to life, and it was only a matter of time before he would set off on his own. She just hadn’t known what that path would be that he would follow.
“You don’t have to worry about what we’ll do,” she told him. “We didn’t stop Trenton from going to become a blacksmith. We didn’t discourage Anya from going to be a Rider. Why would we discourage you from doing something you wanted to do?”
“Because Trenton was the oldest, and you had plenty of other kids to help with the work. Because there was nothing you could do to stop Anya from being a Rider,” Parker started. “Whereas I don’t have to be a sailor. There’s no obligations for me to go join the crew other than missing them and the stupidly cute captain.” His cheeks instantly reddened as he realized what he had said.
“Ah-ha,” Maria mused, laughing gently. “Now I think we’re getting to the main source of the issue.” She had had her suspicious that he had grown to like one of people on the ship, but she hadn’t been sure which one. By the way Parker had turned away to hide his face, she finally figured out who it might have been. “Would it be this stupidly cute captain that’s the main reason you wanted to stay?”
And she was two for two in picking the awkward topics for the evening. Parker wanted to deny it, to brush it off as nothing more than a joke. But his mother knew his preferences. She had been there when he was torn up over Warren’s harsh rejection. In turn, she had explained it to his father, and while neither of them showed signs of disapproval, he had never brought it up in front of them. Maria had, of course, told him that she supported him, that it really didn’t change anything, but, still, he avoided it. When he didn’t respond, his mother squeezed his hand.
“Parker, there’s nothing you can say that’s going to make me think less of you,” she said, as if reading his mind. “If you like this man, that’s a perfectly good reason for wanting to stay with him. People told me that marrying your father was a bad idea, what being kin to a Shade, but I did it anyway because I loved him. In turn, the gods had blessed me with the best man in the world and six wonderful children.”
“But what if I just ruined it?” Parker asked.
“And why would you say that?” Maria asked.
“Because, before I left I had asked him to tell me to stay,” Parker started, “and I was too stupid to figure out that he had done that by telling me to take with me. He loves his dogs more than anything, and he wouldn’t willingly separate Apollo and Artemis. I should have known right away, but I didn’t, and now I just took his dog and possibly hurt his feelings, and I don’t even know what else!”
“But he must have had fond feelings for you if he gave you Apollo in the first place,” Maria pointed out. “Otherwise, like you said, he wouldn’t have given him to you.”
“He was fond of me. He told me so, but I don’t know if he loves me,” Parker replied. He sighed, the floodgates opening and he found that he was not able to stop the words from leaving his mouth. “He said that I could call it whatever I wanted to call it, but we both knew that it was temporary. I didn’t really know what to call it. But, Mama, he was gentle and charming, confident in everything he did and in me. And he kissed me like there was no tomorrow, and I could never seem to catch my breath around him.” The tears started to fall then. “And I knew that it wouldn’t last, that it meant nothing, but the more time I spent with him, the more I didn’t want to leave. And now my heart just hurts, and I don’t know what to do.”
Maria just smiled and scooted closer to him. She drew him close in a hug, or as close as she could with Apollo between them. “Oh, honey, I know,” she cooed.
“I didn’t mean to, but I love him and I won’t be able to know if he ever felt that way towards me.”
“And why can’t you?” Maria asked. “Did you not say before that Apollo was given to you so you would be able to find them and visit?” Parker nodded, his head leaning against her shoulder. “Then what’s stopping you from going to find them again? And don’t say you’ve got responsibilities here. If you haven’t noticed, we’ve been doing just fine with both you and Anya gone. I’m sure we can make do until your brother’s kids get old enough to come help too.”
Well, that left him with nothing. At least, not any good excuse. He sniffed and reached up to wipe the tears from his face before he replied. “But what would Papa say?” he finally asked.
“Why don’t you ask me yourself?”
Parker jumped and pulled away from his mother, turning to see his father standing by the door. The sudden rise also caused Apollo to stand as well. They must have fixed the door while he was gone because he hadn’t heard the it open for a second time. He scrambled to his feet to stand before him, words failing him. Yeah, he knew his father knew his preferences, but he had always worried that his father would think him less of a son than his other brothers. So Parker had always held his tongue and worked hard to prove that he was just as much a man as the others. If nothing else, he just wanted to prove that him being gay wouldn’t affect his abilities to perform the tasks the farm demanded of them. Yet there was always a part of him that feared his father was less than happy with whom he found attractive. Now, not knowing how much he had overheard, terror chilled his blood and made him choke on any words he could have said. He didn’t want to give love as a reason to leave, fearing his father would see it as what he had been trying to tell himself: a mere delusional attraction that had no meaning. That it would fade and he would forget about Sol in time.
Marcus waited, watching as his son couldn’t even bring himself to look him in the eye. He knew the reason for it. While not necessarily a cold man, Marcus was one to not let his emotions show often. Now, that’s not to say he didn’t laugh along with his children or showed approval along with disapproval, but it was on a more kept on the inside. It was how he always was, and his family knew it. So he let the silence stretch a moment longer before walking over to stand in front of his boy. In the dim light, he saw Parker’s shoulders tense, but whatever he was expecting didn’t happen. For instead, Marcus placed his hands on his shoulders.
“Parker, I did not raise you to settle,” he told him. “I’ve always told you kids to do the best in whatever you do. That if you aren’t a hundred percent behind what you’re doing, then there’s no point in half-assing the job. You either do it, or you go find something you can put your all into. If that means leaving the farm, than you have my blessing.”
This brought Parker’s head up in surprise, but he had little chance to reply before he was brought into a tight bear hug.
“You are my son, and I am proud of you, no matter what. Do you hear me?” his father asked, his head close to his son’s. “I stand behind you in whatever you decide to do, regardless if that’s here or on the other side of the country. Regardless of who you choose to spend your time with.”
Still speechless, Parker couldn’t hold back the sob that torn from his chest. He wrapped his arms tightly around his father, the man that had been his role model and showed him the ways of life and how a father cared for his family. To hear the confirmation that he was proud of him was enough for him. It also made him feel even more guilty about wanting to leave so soon after he returned home, but at least put to rest the doubts he had been holding onto.
After a minute or two, he felt his father release him, and he took it as his cue to step back. Calloused hands reached up the dry his eyes and looked up to meet his father’s gaze. “So, what is it that you want to do?” Marcus asked him.
Parker took a steadying breath before replying. “I want to go join the Comet.”
~ ~ ~ And so, that’s how he ended up back on the road the very next morning. He made his peace with his brothers about his decision. They were all fine with it, sad to have him leave so soon, but underneath the good natured teasing, they understood why he had to go. So with plenty of supplies and money, and with Apollo on heels, they rode out towards the coast once more. He had a destination in mind, but it would take him nearly a week of more to reach it. Parker just hoped that he would be able to find The Comet in Teirm.
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Heterosexual
✧☽ ᴅʀᴇᴀᴍᴇʀ ᴀɴᴅ ᴅᴏᴇʀ ☾✧
"You never have to prove yourself to anyone who doesn't accept you for who you are."
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Post by ✧☽ ᴅʀᴇᴀᴍᴇʀ ᴀɴᴅ ᴅᴏᴇʀ ☾✧ on Sept 15, 2021 19:53:23 GMT -5
Devon Locke, the Emerald Blade of the Order, was getting sick and tired of camping out in the forest.
He stared gloomily upward, arms crossed over his chest. He was in a small forest clearing, using his pack as a pillow as he watched the sky above him brighten toward true morning. He had been awake since the hour before dawn, and after doing his usual morning workout routine, he had settled here to wait for the nearby town to awaken.
What was it called again? Carzoon? Caren? Carzon, that was it. The townsfolk there didn't appreciate having a Rider in town, so to avoid most of their attention, Devon had reluctantly decided to camp in the forest outside town rather than in a comfortable inn. He didn't want word of his presence to get back to the Order.
Devon had been "looking" for Seth for weeks now, though he was half-assing it on the best of days. He had little interest in finding Seth. Well, that wasn’t entirely true. He would love to find the infamous Dragonslayer and ask him how he resisted Genevieve's control, but it was that very control that would prevent Devon from that course. The moment he found Seth, Genevieve's order meant Devon would have to capture Seth and bring him before Genevieve, or die trying.
And Devon didn't feel like dying anytime soon. He was good at what he did, and while once he might have claimed to be better than Seth at all of it, he knew in a real life or death fight, he didn't stand a chance against the Dragonslayer. Seth hadn't earned that name a dozen times over for nothing, after all.
So instead, Devon had been traveling from town to town — mostly in the opposite direction he believed Seth had gone — and asked around just enough to prove to any spies that he was looking, and then he lied low for a few days before moving on.
In between visits to towns and cities, he and Everest had been camping out in the wilderness. Normally Devon didn't mind camping, but lately the trees had been much louder than usual, and it was starting to get on his nerves. If they were speaking coherently it would be a different matter, but the wordless language that only he heard between the trees was anything but understandable. They were worried about something, and that was all he could figure out for sure.
Someone is coming.
Unconsciously, as his thoughts wandered, Devon had reached out with his power to try and understand the trees once more. Now, his dragon’s warning snapped him back to the present. He sat up, looking in the direction Everest indicated. He didn't see anything, and at first he didn't hear anything either. Then, faintly, he picked up the sound of hoofbeats.
Devon frowned. He knew there was a path nearby, as he used it to get to and from Carzon, but he saw no reason why the traveler would notice him. Yet Everest wouldn't have issued his warning for nothing. So Devon stood slowly, stretching out the kinks.
A low growl made him freeze. Then, slowly, he turned around.
A large white dog stood there, head down and eyes on him with an unrelenting focus that was rather terrifying. It wasn't showing its teeth, but a low growl still rumbled in its chest. Slowly, carefully, Devon reached behind him for his dagger.
☆~☆~☆ Seth grinned. "Of course not. That's why I have him." He jerked his thumb back over his shoulder, indicating Aidan as the boy crawled out if the tent. After zipping it back up, he took one look at the bag in Anya's hands and his eyes brightened.
He hurried over to sit on the other side of Seth. "Anya, can I have a marshmallow, please?"
"May I," Seth corrected automatically.
"May I," Aidan repeated with a grin.
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*Nightwhisper
"And guilty I may be, but don't give up on me... We will still be thick as thieves."
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Post by *Nightwhisper on Sept 15, 2021 20:09:00 GMT -5
It had been two days since he had left, and Parker wasn't taking any chances. A sensible person would have rose into Carzon and repack supplies. He, however, was too enthusiastic about returning there. Even with Apollo with him, he just didn't want to run into the men who had jumped him in the first place. Why face them a second time? Besides, he still had plenty of food and water. He would be fine.
So he took a trial that lead around the town, keeping to th more wooded area. It was a pleasant day for a ride, even with the chill creeping into the air. Just an ever present reminder that he needed to reach the coast before the weather got too cold. He was not a fan of winter, and the less traveling he had to do in it, the better.
He had just about cleared Carzon when he noticed Apollo heading on ahead. He didn't walk with a leash because the dog never strayed too far from him. However, it was strange for him to do so now. So he gave a whistle. "Apollo, here!" He called, nudging his horse into a trot to try and catch up to him.
~•~•~
The woman gave a laugh, took a handful of the treats for herself, and then handed the bag over to Aidan. "Correction:you're going to make us both fat," she said.
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Heterosexual
✧☽ ᴅʀᴇᴀᴍᴇʀ ᴀɴᴅ ᴅᴏᴇʀ ☾✧
"You never have to prove yourself to anyone who doesn't accept you for who you are."
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Post by ✧☽ ᴅʀᴇᴀᴍᴇʀ ᴀɴᴅ ᴅᴏᴇʀ ☾✧ on Sept 15, 2021 20:17:35 GMT -5
Devon heard a distant — but not nearly distant enough — voice shout. The dog's ears twitched, the growl ceased, and then, with a snort, it turned and darted off toward the voice. Devon watched it go, one hand still on his dagger as he waited to see if dog and master continued on, or if they returned to investigate.
☆~☆~☆ Seth pointed at Aidan, who had accepted the bag gleefully and was already digging in. "Him, yes." He poked Aidan’s ribs, making him giggle. "Yep. You definitely need more fat on your bones."
"No, I don't," Aidan retorted, mouth full. Seth gave him a look, and Aidan grinned sheepishly and swallowed. "Sorry."
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Heterosexual
✧☽ ᴅʀᴇᴀᴍᴇʀ ᴀɴᴅ ᴅᴏᴇʀ ☾✧
"You never have to prove yourself to anyone who doesn't accept you for who you are."
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Post by ✧☽ ᴅʀᴇᴀᴍᴇʀ ᴀɴᴅ ᴅᴏᴇʀ ☾✧ on Sept 15, 2021 20:38:19 GMT -5
Apollo's only response was a sneeze as he walked up to the horse. He got close enough to nudge Parker’s boot, then he suddenly darted back into the bushes.
Devon was expecting his appearance that time. He still tensed, and had to fight the urge to withdraw the dagger. He didn't want to provoke the dog. "Go away," he told it. "Nothing to see here." Which was true, though the dog seemed to disagree as it continued to stare at him, one ear constantly turning to angle backward.
☆~☆~☆ Seth's automatic reaction was to lean away from the encroaching sweet treat, but be only moved a little before catching himself. Moving quickly, he captured her wrist and used it to tug her a little closer. "Yes, dear," he teased. And with a mischievous little grin, he ate the marshmallow she offered — and he maybe, possibly, nipped her fingertips while he was at it.
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*Nightwhisper
"And guilty I may be, but don't give up on me... We will still be thick as thieves."
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Post by *Nightwhisper on Sept 15, 2021 20:47:34 GMT -5
Parker watched as he disappeared into the undergrowth once more. Now that was strange. He had thought Apollo would stay with him, not run off. Did he actually find something?
Curiosity burned within him now as he stopped his horse. He hopped down from the saddle, found a spot to tie the reins, and then went off in the direction the dog went. It only occurred to him after the fact that he didn't know exactly where he went, but luckily he bad the enough tracking knowledge to find the odd footprint here and there. Before he knew it, he had found Apollo... And the man facing him with a dagger.
Parker stopped and blinked a couple of times as he took in the scene. "I'm sorry, I don't men to bother you," he replied calmly. "Apollo, here."
~•~•~
Anya flustered a bit at his actions, but it at least wasn't enough to make her make her short circuit. Instead, she wiggled her hand in his so she good poke his nose.
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Heterosexual
✧☽ ᴅʀᴇᴀᴍᴇʀ ᴀɴᴅ ᴅᴏᴇʀ ☾✧
"You never have to prove yourself to anyone who doesn't accept you for who you are."
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Post by ✧☽ ᴅʀᴇᴀᴍᴇʀ ᴀɴᴅ ᴅᴏᴇʀ ☾✧ on Sept 15, 2021 21:02:58 GMT -5
Devon came to attention when he heard the approaching footsteps and silently cursed himself. He should have just left, not stood there in a staring contest with the dog. Without conscious thought, his dagger slid free and he held it against his leg, ready to use it without it being an obvious threat.
The dog, for his part, looked up at its master with an almost wounded expression, but it did as it was bid and moved to stand in a heal at Parker’s left. His gaze returned to Devon and stayed there.
Devon looked from dog to man. He wasn't particularly impressive — a farmer, Devon guessed, with the built to match: fit, likely stronger than he looked, yet not truly muscular. Devon doubted he had any kind of training. No, the real threat here was the dog, and Devon wasn't sure if it even meant him harm or just to... keep an eye on him.
He met Parker’s gaze again, green eyes cool and expressionless, as his training dictated. "If you don't mean to be a bother, then why are you still here?" The response was automatic, almost scripted, yet it sounded genuine to an untrained observer.
☆~☆~☆ Her poke made him grin. He nipped her fingertip again, then kissed the spot before urging her closer so he could wrap his arm around her shoulders and hold her close. He pressed a kiss to her head and murmured into her hair, "I love you."
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*Nightwhisper
"And guilty I may be, but don't give up on me... We will still be thick as thieves."
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Post by *Nightwhisper on Sept 15, 2021 21:30:14 GMT -5
Parker nodded his head in acknowledgement. "I'm mainly making sure you know I didn't mean any harm, and to be sure you're not going to use that dagger on me the second I turn my back," he answered just as bluntly. He sw no reason to lie, nor any reason to be hostile outright. "I'm sorry, won't happen again. If we're all good here, we'll be leaving."
(Is Everest visible? Because if he is, that's the only reason I see him pausing to find out more about him. XD)
~•~•~
His words made her heart skip a beat, and her smile only grew. It still felt like a dream to hear that sentence from him. "I love you too," she murmured in return, laying her head against his shoulder and cuddling close.
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Heterosexual
✧☽ ᴅʀᴇᴀᴍᴇʀ ᴀɴᴅ ᴅᴏᴇʀ ☾✧
"You never have to prove yourself to anyone who doesn't accept you for who you are."
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Post by ✧☽ ᴅʀᴇᴀᴍᴇʀ ᴀɴᴅ ᴅᴏᴇʀ ☾✧ on Sept 15, 2021 21:52:35 GMT -5
( Yes and no... he's lying right behind Devon, but he's got chameleon scales and is blending in perfectly with the scenery. xD Oh, but if Parker doesn't linger, maybe Devon can, like, save him a little further down the road. Maybe from simple bandits or something? )
Devon arched one brow, surprused and a little impressed with the confident response. Maybe this simple looking farm boy did have a bit if training in him after all. Devon glanced at the dagger in his hand, then slipped it back into its sheath at the small of his back. "We're good. But do take the dog and keep it this time."
☆~☆~☆ Hearing her say those words back still came as a surprise, and caused his breath to catch. He kissed her head again and held her tight, eyes on the fire. He only moved when Aidan came to join them, and Seth wrapped his free arm around the boy.
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Heterosexual
✧☽ ᴅʀᴇᴀᴍᴇʀ ᴀɴᴅ ᴅᴏᴇʀ ☾✧
"You never have to prove yourself to anyone who doesn't accept you for who you are."
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Post by ✧☽ ᴅʀᴇᴀᴍᴇʀ ᴀɴᴅ ᴅᴏᴇʀ ☾✧ on Sept 18, 2021 15:14:08 GMT -5
Devon's expression revealed nothing, though internally he felt a flash of surprise. He wasn't wearing his full Riding leathers, just his jacket to ward off the morning chill on his sweat soaked skin. Most people wouldn't see it as anything but a leather jacket. Only Riders or those closely associated with them would recognize it for what it was.
So how did this man know?
"No, I'm not," Devon replied tersely. "But I know one, so get out of here before you get on our bad side."
Apollo growled quietly in warning at his tone, earning a glare from Devon, but stayed at Parker’s side as he'd been told.
☆~☆~☆ The next week passed in much the same way as that first day. They woke up early everyday, and on day three of their travels Seth changed things up and made Anya and Aidan workout while he cooked and supervised. There was no fight training, but that was no reason for them to fall out of shape. So Seth made them work on their strength building, balance, and endurance every morning while he made breakfast. Once it was ready, they stopped to eat, and then they packed up and headed out.
They continued traveling in a westerly direction, toward the coast, with detours to the north or south when needed. They always camped in forest clearings, often near towns but never close enough to be seen by the locals. Occasionally Seth or Anya would venture into town to get something they had run out of or needed. They kept these visits short so as to not draw attention. Seth took precautions when he made sure they could leave Ashborne without further harm coming to the town, but it was always good to be safe.
They typically only stopped once in the middle of the day for an hour or two, to stretch their legs and eat, and to give the dogs a break from flying. Aidan used the time to play with Star, and Seth as a combination train/play time with Hero.
So far, the weather had been favorable, offering nice and easy flying conditions. It was, however, getting colder, especially whenever they were in the air. The higher up they went, the colder it got. Seth and Anya stayed comfortable in their Riding leathers, and the dogs' fur was protection enough, but Aidan only had layers to protect him. More often than not, by the time they stopped for the night, Aidan was wearing Seth's flying jacket while Seth himself toughed it out.
It was the afternoon of their sixth day of travel when their good fortune ran out.
They were stopped for lunch in a large forest clearing, smack dab in the middle of nowhere. It was plenty big enough for both dragons, with lots of room to spare. Their midday meal was done, and Aidan was throwing a ball for Star and Hero once more while Seth and Anya put everything back in the saddlebags.
The Riders came out of nowhere.
They dropped out of the sky one by one: boom, boom boom. Red, yellow, blue. Surrounding them. Stel jumped to her feet with a snarl, but a sharp wait from Seth kept her from attacking. Stel could normally take on two to one odds and win, but these dragons were all bigger than her, and she was still recovering from her fight with the Feral brothers' dragons.
Seth recognized none of these Riders, which was in part good — they weren't with Genevieve — and bad — he didn't know anything about them. Going into a fight he'd be blind. He was prepared to fight anyway, though he hoped to avoid it if possible.
He put Anya behind him, back to back, and Aidan and the dogs between them. The Riders surrounded them in a triangle pattern. But a quick assessment told him the red Rider was the weak link, so he put Anya closest to him and faced off against the other two.
One man, paired with the largest dragon, the blue one, slid gracefully to the ground and faced Seth. His expression was both cold and triumphant.
"At last," he said. "Seth Accio, Dragonslayer of the Order. You are under arrest for crimes against the world."
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*Nightwhisper
"And guilty I may be, but don't give up on me... We will still be thick as thieves."
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Post by *Nightwhisper on Sept 18, 2021 17:16:34 GMT -5
Parker took the answer with a small nod. If he was friends with a Rider, than it was possible he could have borrowed the jacket. "Alright then, sorry. Have a good day. Come, Apollo," he said, turning and heading back the way they had come.
~*~*~
The next six days had passed in a comfortable manner. Yes, the traveling was long, but it wasn't too bad. Yes, the weather was turning colder, but it wasn't unbearable. However, she could hear Parker in her mind complaining about how the chill would be sinking into his bones and being dangerous for anyone to be in. The thought made her smile. She wondered how he was taking the changing of the weather wherever he was. So far, she knew he was still doing good. There was a little bit of dread and anxiousness she had been getting from him whenever she used her bracelet to check in on him. Yet it wasn't enough to really be too concerned. Especially when every now and then his moods would pick back up. The sixth day was no different. They had fallen into a habit with all the stops, and she was contently cleaning up the supplies for the noon meal when Corrik gave her the warning of the Riders. Of course, there was only time for her to look up before they had landed with them. Quickly she followed Seth's lead and took her spot on the other side of Aidan, her daggers (which she now wore during the day to get used to having them on her person again) were held in her hands at the ready. She was facing the Red dragon, watching for any signs that he would attack. However, when the Blue Rider spoke, she couldn't help but turn her head to look in his direction. "And what kind of crimes would that be?" she demanded, fully ready to jump to his defense.
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Heterosexual
✧☽ ᴅʀᴇᴀᴍᴇʀ ᴀɴᴅ ᴅᴏᴇʀ ☾✧
"You never have to prove yourself to anyone who doesn't accept you for who you are."
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Post by ✧☽ ᴅʀᴇᴀᴍᴇʀ ᴀɴᴅ ᴅᴏᴇʀ ☾✧ on Sept 18, 2021 17:30:40 GMT -5
Devon watched him go, impassive. Apollo followed obediently, but he kept one ear trained backward to listen for danger from the stranger. Devon didn't move until they were gone, and then he bent, scooped up his bag, and headed for his dragon. It was time to go.
☆~☆~☆ Seth, meanwhile, just laughed. He looked from one serious, furious face to the next and laughed again. "Wow. I've gotta say, getting arrested is a first for me. And my crime is… against the world? Hm. That seems a little harsh."
"Harsh!" The woman paired with the yellow dragon sputtered furiously. She scrambled down from her dragon and started marching toward him. "You arrogant, sick, son of a bitch!"
Seth smirked. "I feel like I should be offended, but my birth mother is a bitch, so I'm not."
That halted her in her tracks, her eyes wide. Still beyond pissed, but also shocked.
Seth gave her a slow smile that meant trouble. "What's the matter?" he purred. "Were you expecting a loyal Slayer, happy to serve the Order?"
She clenched her hands into fists. "Frankly, yes," she snarled.
Seth shrugged one careless shoulder. "Your mistake."
"That's it—!" She lunged forward but was just as quickly halted by the Rider in blue.
"Vanessa," he snapped. "Compose yourself."
She stopped. Still glaring at Seth, she slowly backed away until she was standing by her dragon.
"Thank you." The blue Rider returned his attention to Seth. "Now, Dragonslayer. Are you going to come quietly?"
Seth arched one brow at him.
Blue Rider frowned. "Resisting is ill advised. You're outnumbered, outmatched, and…" He patted his sword hilt. "Outgunned, so to speak. Surrender the girl and... the kid, and stand down." His tone, and the way he momentarily frowned down at Aidan, suggested he hadn't been expecting Seth to have a kid with him.
Seth drew back his shoulders, his expression turning flinty. "No."
The triumph was back in Blue's eyes. "I was hoping you'd say that."
And as one, the three Riders drew their swords.
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*Nightwhisper
"And guilty I may be, but don't give up on me... We will still be thick as thieves."
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Post by *Nightwhisper on Sept 18, 2021 18:03:28 GMT -5
Parker led the way back to where the horse had been left. He untied the reigns an lifted himself back into the saddle. "Stay with me, bud. Just until we get past the town," he said. There had to be a specific command for doing just that, but Parker wasn't sure what that was. Sol had used a combination of words and hand signals, and he had only learned the vocal commands.
It was another ten minutes but they finally skirted Carzon without a problem. They were coming to the end of the woods, heading for more flat land, when he told Apollo he could once more roam. Parker also relaxed a little. While he was sure nothing would have happened had he entered the town, there was still a part of him that feared being attacked again. Sure, he was a little more prepared this time around, but that didn't mean he wanted it to happen again. Now, the dangers were behind him, and they could continue on as if nothing had happened.
And that was when two men appeared on the path ahead of him. Parker halted his horse, not wanting to get too close to these men. Unsure of if they were friendly or not, he wasn't going to risk getting within grabbing distance. "Hello," he called out, trying to be polite. "Is there something I can help you with?"
"If you wouldn't mind, yes, there would be something you could do for us," the taller of the two companions said, a grin splitting his face. It wasn't the kind that offered any reassurances.
~*~*~
Anya tensed when the Rider of the yellow dragon rushed towards Seth, but she had to remind herself that Seth could hold his own. It didn't make it any easier listening to them as they spoke. And then they were drawing their weapons.
"Stop!" she called, surprised her panic hadn't seeped into her voice. "There's no need to resort to a fight. There is a child present!" Whether or not the other Riders would care much, she had to at least try. And then apologize to Aidan later about referring to him as a child.
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Heterosexual
✧☽ ᴅʀᴇᴀᴍᴇʀ ᴀɴᴅ ᴅᴏᴇʀ ☾✧
"You never have to prove yourself to anyone who doesn't accept you for who you are."
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Post by ✧☽ ᴅʀᴇᴀᴍᴇʀ ᴀɴᴅ ᴅᴏᴇʀ ☾✧ on Sept 18, 2021 18:31:14 GMT -5
Apollo trotted along beside Parker and his horse, in a heel, until he was given permission to leave. Then he picked up speed and loped along ahead, occasionally wandering to either side of the path to sniff around. Sometimes he would stop and look back, one eye on Parker and the other on the trail behind him.
Just before the men stepped out onto the path, Apollo stopped abruptly and let out a warning bark. Then he dropped to his belly where he was in the middle of the path, eyes on the men, and waited for Parker’s command.
☆~☆~☆ No one heeded Anya's cries. With a flick of his wrist, Seth summoned his own sword. He saw Vanessa's eyes widen, and sensed Red's shock behind him. It made him smile with wicked delight.
Before any of them could make a move, however, a massive shadow fell over them, and then a fourth dragon was dropping from the sky. It landed with an earth shaking BOOM between Seth, and Blue and Yellow, forcing all three to back away hastily. Stel had to whip her tail out of the way.
"Enough!" shouted the new Rider with exasperated authority. "Stand down, Roland. Honestly. One rule. You had one rule: do not aggravate him. Why is that so hard?"
The Blue Rider, Roland, didn't answer, though he did, reluctantly, stand down, and the other two followed suit.
The new Rider nodded, satisfied, and swung one leg over his dragon and slid to the ground.
Seth had gone perfectly still when the newcomer first spoke. Now, looking at him face to face, his body began trembling. With shock… and rage.
The man was Seth's height, but broader through the shoulders and chest. His short hair was windblown and dark brown, shot through with lighter strands. There was no telling how old he really was, but he looked to be in his mid to late thirties. There was a youthfulness to the way he held himself that made him appear younger, and a sense of purpose and leadership about him that made him seem older, further muddling his true age.
Seth had never seen the man in full light like this before, but he recognized him instantly anyway. Not just from his voice, or by the way the man moved. Not even through those small glimpses he had seen over the years. No, the real recognition came when their eyes met across the space.
It was like looking in a damn mirror. The man's eyes were the exact same shade of blue-green as Seth's. The only difference in that moment was:
His eyes were bright with joy.
Seth's were dark with fury.
The man stepped forward, a grin splitting his face. "Seth—"
Seth moved. He stabbed his sword down so hard it drove into the earth halfway up the blade, and then his fist was connecting with the man's face.
A ripple of shock went through the Riders around them, and it only got worse when the force of the punch knocked the man right off his feet. Roland and Vanessa started to surge forward, their intent murderous, but the man lifted one hand and they both froze. He touched his thumb to his lip; it came away red. That didn't stop him from grinning wryly up at Seth. "I guess I deserved that."
Seth seethed. "You're damn right you did, you bastard. Do you think I'm stupid? That I wouldn't figure it out?"
The man froze in the act of picking himself up, then slowly stood up the rest of the way and stared at Seth incredulously. "Wait. Are you saying you hit me because I'm your father?"
Seth took a step toward him, one finger pointed threateningly. "You are not my father. I don't care that you're the asshole Genevieve used to create me. You are no more my father than she is my mother." The man opened his mouth, no doubt to object, but Seth exploded, "FATHER'S DON'T LEAVE THEIR SONS IN THE HANDS OF A MAD WOMAN!"
The man's mouth snapped shut, and the light in his eyes went out, regret and resignation taking its place. He sighed. "Ah. Of course. That's where this anger is coming from."
"Where the hell else would it come from!" Seth snapped, before making a serious effort to rein in his temper. He wasn't very successful. "You left me there. Over and over. And when I needed you most, you vanished entirely! What, you left your son to be made into a monster, and when it actually happened you decided you couldn't face what you'd done? What you let them do to me?" Seth shoved him, hard. "You're an asshole. A right, freaking asshole!"
He stepped back then, his breathing ragged. That was the only sound in the clearing. The two men stared at each other, one furious and the other sad. After a minute, Seth backed away, his hand shaking as he rubbed his mouth, as if to keep more angry words from coming out. When he lowered it, he reached down and yanked his sword out of the ground and pointed it at him angrily. "What the hell do you want from me?"
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