Whisperpurr River - Forest Edge
The river flows by languidly as it slowly widens and becomes a bit more shallow. At this point in the river it's safe to wade in and swim along the banks. Every so often you can see a large fish jump or come close the surface in the dappled shade. Tall wispy willows line the banks and few oaks and evergreens add their touch to scenery. The far bank is higher, looking like a small version of a cliff face, with small hummocks of grass and dirt hanging over the side. Small holes in the side of the river bank, look to be home for animals. The small forest lining this river is like any other, filled with birds, deer and squirrels. The flowers growing in and along the river banks draw hummingbirds from all over. Vines cling to some of the trees, showing off their huge white flowers and giving off a sweet strong scent.

Dracos trots along right behind you, his footsteps getting less and less audible by the second as he switches to 'hunting mode'. Eventually, it gets to where his steps cannot even be heard...even by very sensitive ears. Sort of chilling...a silent hunter on the prowl. He lifts his head, continuously sniffing the air...hmmm....
Kya-Kya slows a bit, distracted as she very slightly looks back, eyes flickering amusedly. Getting used to it slightly, she turns her attention ahead, quite familiar with this area and mwrrs contentedly, tail low as she moves off slightly, weaving through the trees.
Dracos takes another slight breath...there! It smelled slightly musky...a little bit leathery...the tale-tell scent of a deer. Doe, from the smell of it. He kneels down and presses a claw to your chest, leans in very close, and whispers in your ear "Doe. Northwest....hmmm. Already alert. This will be tough." He backs away from you, and then disappears into the trees...traceless! There he is, on the other side of the clearing! Then gone again, seeming to disperse into the trees...
Kya-Kya blinks, stopping sharply short mid-step at the touch, ear curving back. Turning her head slightly, she sniffs and pauses, blinking at his speed and narrows her eyes at the last seen spot, quietly rushing after.
The raptor steps back out beside you, not saying a word. He does not even point in the direction of the prey, instead only makes small, jerking motions with his eyes...and indeed, there it is. Some 12 yards from the tree line is a lone white-tailed doe, head to the grass as it nibbles around on the tender shoots and grass found quite abundantly in the area.
However, she does seem very alert, her ears swiveling slowly back and forth...she lifts her head and snorts. It does not look like fate is working with this hunt, though...as soon as she lifts her head, the wind changes directions, coming from the south-east...and blowing both your and the raptor's scent right to her. She tenses...snorts again...and darts off in the opposite direction, heading away from your current hiding place...
Kya-Kya gives him a brief glance, then stares forward, head lifting up, torso still. She blinks once as the deer darts, green eyes flashing and instantly leaps at the nearest tree, shooting up with surprisingly speed to run out on a branch, the air seeming to envelope her as she sails from branch to branch, the trees making a 'path' for her out of sight and smell as she hurries after it.
Dracos growls in annoyance, darting from your side off after his 'prey'. He closes the distance in no time at all, though he does not seem to be able to get to her...within inches...but just not quite. He growls and LEAPS onto her hind-end...though fate is working with her. Just the second he jumped, she turned a quick left. His forepaw claws scrape over her rump; leaving a few thin, bleeding lines...he crashes to the ground behind her, rolling in a cloud of dust. The deer darts back in its new direction, right back towards you...
Kya-Kya glances down as often as she can, barely able to keep both in sight, watching the raptor in intrigue. Flying over, she lags very slightly behind them, moving to lower branches as she continues forward and intently watches, waiting to see if he reaches....and misses. As the deer changes path, the feline blinks, caught for an instant before kicking into gear and reflexively clawing her way down the tree a moment before the deer runs by, hissing and twists to the side, snapping claws out as she darts against it.
Once again, luck appears to be on the side of the doe. Your claws scrape over her flank, knocking her off-balance and to the side...however, she just so happens to just BARELY nick one of the many trees around her, the small nick being just enough to keep her balance. She darts right past you, leaps over a fallen log, and disappears into the forest in the blink of an eye.
A growl slowly wells deep in the raptor's chest as he rolls back to his feet. He is positively covered in dust, and from the looks of it in a bad mood. Another failed hunt. Was it fate conspiring against him? With a sigh, he slowly trots back towards you, looking to see if YOU had caught it...no, you didn’t. "...Damnable lucky sucker. Turned right when I had it...I never expected that. I went down like a load of stone. Deer are fast...and the wind...we could have had it!" He growls once again and takes a seat at your side, his chest heaving slowly in and out...
Kya-Kya stands catching her breath for a moment by a tree, tail resting down. Staring distantly ahead for a moment, she breathes deeply and presently shakes her fur out, sitting back on haunches and gazes over, quirking a slight grin.
Dracos growls deep in his chest once again, slowly getting to his feet. Though winded, it looks like he will recover pretty quickly...it was not a long chase, after all "Hmm...well, at least we did not make very much noise. Maybe there will be something else about, hmm? I intend to get something tonight, even if it’s a cat..." He casts a sideways glance at you, offering a playful wink "Hmm...well, all I can say is we need to get to walking. Maybe something else will turn up."
A strange scent wafts to YOUR nostrils...it smells strangely like the last one, but a little muskier, and the scent is stronger...the raptor does not seem to notice it yet, though...It looks to be coming from a roughly north-west direction, and seems to be getting stronger by the second, as if it is coming towards yourself and Dracos...
Kya-Kya gets to her feet and steps aside as he does, glancing around. At the words, she arches a brow and narrowly gazes over, snorting and swats lightly with a grin. Rumbling softly, she shakes a paw out and slips away, heading further up in the same direction as river, her steps steady although uncertainly canting her head up. Slowly slightly, she narrowing peers forward, gaze moving slightly over and breathes, green eyes unblinking.
Getting to his feet, Dracos follows after you with a quizzical expression on his face...where were you going? Then, he catches it as well...musky...strong...a buck. Where there was a doe, there is always a buck close behind. He smirks and slinks along just behind you, practically riding your tail end. He crouches low to the ground and pads along silently behind you...
There, some 20 yards in front of you...is the buck. He paces back and forth, sniffing at the air, obviously looking for the female. Though it is not anywhere near mating season for deer, he is obviously looking for her for some reason or another...the reason, who knows. He does not appear to notice either you or the raptor yet, to caught up in his quest for the female...
Kya-Kya's gaze shifts sharply, eyes flickering over the brush and tress as she sniffs. Slightly distracted by his close step, she cants her head back, dodging slightly to the side and bounds past, moving lower as she keeps to the brush, slinking through. Pausing for a moment, she glances out from the shadows, only her tail tip moving, taking one slow step then another, staring.
Dracos takes a few steps more, getting a little bit closer, then crouches down and waits. He will not be making the first move this time...he will leave that up to you. Still, the deer does not seem to notice anything is amiss. He simply follows the scent of the female, runs around in a couple of circles, and heads towards the raptor. For a moment, it appears as if he will un-cover him, but he spins about suddenly, heading in the opposite direction at a slow trot, head still held high. He passes within feet of you, then turns and heads back out into the clearing, stopping with his back to you some 10 feet, if not a little less, away.
Breathing softly, the feline's muscles twitch, almost a statue as she peers, watching the buck move slightly downriver and darts steadily after, the wind keeping her hidden. Pausing again, she lifts her head slightly, going still again as she watches its movements, staying where she is while it passes by, twitching slightly. The corner of her muzzle quirks up, eyes flashing in intent focus and amusement, slipping forward as the deer pauses to glance around.
Dracos hmms to himself...this could be pretty easy. A quick scare, right into your waiting claws...then he could help finish it off. His eyes slowly shift around behind the deer, looking for you...he spots you, offers a slight wink...and hopes you get the message. Not sure if you saw him or not, he charges anyways, hissing loudly as he darts towards the deer, quickly closing the gap...
The deer freezes in fear, snorts once, then turns and dart away from the giant lizard...straight towards your hiding place.
Kya-Kya breathes evenly, only gazing at the deer, very slowing inching forward and rises, muscles twitching. She also freezes slightly, sharply glancing over at the oncoming raptor, and consequently deer. With one blink, she rrrs and instantly darts up on hind legs, eyes flashing as she quickly judges distance and writhes up in the air slightly sideways to snap out at a softer area than horns, her feet dragging on ground as claws scrape in, rrrrrring loudly.
Your claws manage to lock right into the side of the deer’s neck. Though it gives you a few violent jerks, it does pull the deer’s feet out from under it, its hind end swinging around and crashing to the ground beside you. Within seconds, the raptor is there on it, teeth around the front-side of its neck, clamped tightly. Strangely enough, he does not use his claws, nor does he seem to be bringing very much blood from the creature's neck. It continues to struggle weakly though, fighting for all it is worth to get back to its feet. However, it is a losing battle, it looks like...Dracos motions to the creatures neck beside him, tensing his jaws a little bit. Looks like he is trying to say, "grab a-hold..."
Kya-Kya continues her tight hold against its lower neck and side, eyes flashing as Dracos joins, rrrring softly and watches. Tilting down over the deer as they land on the ground, the feline breathes strongly and nips, rumbling softly as her legs push her up to a better hold near him, claws sinking in.
Dracos clamps his jaws a little tighter around the deer's throat, cutting off all air. As you also grab a better hold of the deer's neck and side, the creature's struggles begin to weak...and eventually, they stop. He keeps his teeth tightly locked around the buck's throat for a few more seconds, then slowly releases it, making sure it will not get up and run off. But no. It is either unconscious or quite dead. Surprising even himself, the raptor leans over and gently nuzzles your 'cheek', a small smile crossing his fierce, semi-blood stained muzzle "You ok? Gave you quite a jerk there...good job. Very good job. This is perfect. Enough for both of us, and probably enough for another day..."
Kya-Kya continues staring down for a moment and rrrs softly, breathing slowing as she remains where she is, teeth and claws still holding close. At the touch, she lets go and sharply glances up, studying him a moment before quirking a grin, rumbling softly. Stretching a bit, she shifts slightly up and mrrs, nodding and touches noses back before getting a bit to her feet.
A small, wide smile spreads across the raptor's muzzle "Mmm. Well..." He also gets to his feet, takes the deer by the neck again between his jaws, and begins to slowly drag it towards the river, setting it down about seven feet from its bank. He looks it over, nodding his head. Strong, healthy...they had gotten lucky to take on like this! He motions you over with a small flick of his head "Well, are you just going to stand there, or are you gonna eat?" Without another word, he 'lays' down by the deer carcass, uses one claw to make a small rip in its flesh, and begins to feed.
Kya-Kya arches a brow and blinks, snorting at the raptor's comment as he moves, rrring softly and fluidly follows on all fours. Shaking tan fur out, her tail flicks as she joins him and makes as though to swat, staying down slightly and smirks, chuckling and mimics him, tearing a bit with her claws.
Izuriel has arrived.
Dracos sighs gently as he finally gets to settle down to a good meal. He casts a sideways glance at Kya, smirks, and returns to eating, ripping big hunks of muscle from the deer's chest as he slowly works his way down to the more tender organs. Izuriel wanders into the dark area looking around cautiously and curiously. His eyes taking in just enough light to allow for fair vision. He leans against a tree to rest up his legs; he has been walking around quite a bit today. He takes a quick look around surveying the area and doesn't notice much but the sound of a river. No idea where it is but it didn't sound too far. He closes his eyes taking in deep breaths of air.
Hmm...what was that? A small, nearly none-existent breeze blows through the forest, whipping and whirling slowly around the trees. Yes...there was something else near. Growling gently, the raptor slowly gets to his feet, taking in a deep breath....yet now the scent is gone. But he was sure he had smelled something...
Kya-Kya smirks, wryly watching the raptor and rrrs softly, pretending to try and tug the deer away for herself, just playing. Oblivious, she grins as he gets to his feet, and snatches over the best spot, tearing a bit away.
Dracos snorts gently...well, it was just a scent. Perhaps he had been imagining it? At any rate, he chuckles and flops back down beside Kya, nudging against her side "Heyheyhey! You have my spot there.." He presses gently at her side with his own, giving her a playful push.
Izuriel scratches an arm while still leaning against a tree. Not really caring if anything lurks around him currently. He moves from the tree looking for the origin of the river noise, his throat slightly parched now. He moves through the leaf-covered ground trying to be too noisy but definitely creating noise. He stops suddenly to make another sweep of the area, it sounds like the river is this way, no? He looked around before realizing which way to head towards the water.
Kya-Kya grins brightly, eyes impishly dancing as she *rrrs* at him, claws clinging at the nudge and only shifts a little, tail flicking back and forth. Her ears tilt slightly as she quickly glances at the forest beyond, then back at the raptor, eating a bit.
*Rrrr!* Now that is a surprising sound coming from an over-grown lizard....he chuckles as he mimics Kya's growling, then gives her another slight nudge, *Rrrr!*ing again. He raises an eyeridge at her, grinning broadly...she was gonna take a little bit more then a nudge to budge. With a chuckle, the raptor leans back behind himself...and snatches the tip of Kya's tail in his muzzle, 'gnawing' on it gently. He gives it a playful yank, then mutters through his mouth-full of tail "Hmph! Fine, I eat you instead!"
Izuriel moves through the woods finally spotting the water out of the corner of his eye, that’s when he noticed the noises. Coming from somewhere downwind. Ignoring his thirst he kicks into his 'stealth' mode, which doesn't change much about the way he moves through the woods. Attempting to sneak up on whoever was there he begins to peek through the bushes not seeing much but a few blurs. If only it was brighter right now.
Kya-Kya grins, green eyes flashing brightly as she rrrs back, chuckling. Crouching lower, her head tilts a bit as the feline watches him, clinging close and unmoving. Hmmphing, she grins and balances herself again at a strong nudge, watching him move and snatches another bite. At the touch on her tail, she blinks and urrks, quickly swallowing and sharply glancing behind her. Huffing, she narrowly gazes at the tail-thief and playgrowls, quirking a grin and tries to swat him off.
Dracos meeps and squirms playfully back out of reach, a wide grin crossing his muzzle. There it was again...that smell. And now, he is sure he smelled it. The grin on his face is quickly replaced by bared teeth...he growls and peers over his shoulder, yet sees nothing...hmmm. He jumps to his feet and peers around him, lifting his muzzle to sniff at the air once more...yes, there it was again! He was sure of it! His voice is gentle, just slightly above a whisper as he mutters "Kya...stay here. Don’t move. I think something is near us...and it does not smell like a harmless little animal. I will be right back..." He turns and darts silently into the surrounding trees, not saying another word. Almost instantly he melts into the shadows and all but disappears...
Izuriel notices a quick flash in the blurs ahead but pay no attention to it. He peeks through before giving up trying to see anything. He steps onto the soft riverbank and squats to take a drink. He sighs and closes his while splashing himself with some water. He falls back into a sitting position, he hasn't sat for so long. It was comfortable, even on the hard forest floor.
Kya-Kya grins brightly, shifting a bit over the deer, then blinks, chin lifting and puzzedly goes still as she hears and watches him. Her gaze follows the raptor into the enveloping shadows, ears curving a bit as she sniffs, trying to 'see' what he did and sweeps her gaze down.
Hmm...whatever it was must be around here somewhere. He could not have been imagining it...his senses are too well toned to be playing tricks on him like that. The raptor continues to pad silently through the trees, making a small perimeter around the deer carcass. *Thunk* The raptor stops, peering through the trees...he can just make out Izuriel's form as he takes a drink from the stream, then sits back. Hmm. He didn’t look to threatening...what is that? The raptor's eyes lock on the sword at Izuriel's waist, his teeth baring as he mutters quietly to himself "A sword...grrr...what is with these guys..." He crouches down into a low stance, creeping through the underbrush. If he was nearly unable to be heard earlier, it is all but impossible now. He takes careful steps, each foot-claw placed at a certain area at a certain time as he slowly picks his way towards Izuriel...
Dracos crouches down as he finally gets into 'position' behind the intruder. He tenses... takes a step forward...then leaps at his unprotected back, aiming the majority of his body to land square in the 'intruders' back. It was a pinning leap, not a killing one.
The demi-elf saw something out of the corner of his eyes. Looking in time enough to slightly prepare for the pounce, he landed sprawled on his back staring upwards at the raptor. He became pinned by the raptor face up. Instead of freaking out he just peered up at his attacker. His eyes taking in more light to see slight detail. He made out a few scales, something without fur for sure. "What was that for?!" His deep voice booms upwards. "Is your brain broken?"
Kya-Kya continues peering intently in the area where Dracos disappeared, brow furrowed uncertainly. Her ears flick a bit, catching the sound of water and gazing over the river, the shadows playing tricks on her. The cat gets up a bit, focused down and rrrs softly, thinking she sees....she blinks, seeing a shadow jump out, quite aware of where they are now thanks to the voice, lifting her head up and arches a brow.
Dracos presses a claw against the demi-elf's neck, growling threateningly "Is my brain broken? Is YOUR brain broken! Spying on a large reptile when he is trying to have a decent meal with one of his lady-friends is not exactly the smartest thing that one could do." He presses the claw in just a little harder, the sharp prickle pressing against Izuriel's neck, though never piercing flesh "Now, I suggest you tell me what exactly you were doing out here, creeping through the forest to spy on us." He keeps one clawed foot firmly planted on Izuriel's chest in an attempt to prevent any escape, and keep one of his hand claws pressed firmly against his neck...
"Spying on you?" Izuriel booms on. "SPYING?!" He grabs the raptor's claw pushing on his neck, his other hand going to his sword, well, that wouldn't work...a little hard to draw when you sprawled on your back. "I don't speak up to anyone. If you wish to know anything, get off." He squints his eyes in a slight warning glance towards the raptor.
Kya-Kya frowns, eyes flashing a bit as she clearly hears them, although only sees outlines and shadows playing. Her tail flicks, pondering going over to make a 'polite suggestion', rrring softly.
*Hisss...* As the demi-elf tries to pull his claw away, the raptor only presses it in harder...it is starting to get pretty painful at the moment. He presses his clawed foot down harder on Izuriel's chest as his hand reaches for his sword. Though he doubts he could get much leverage for a good swing, it would not be very pleasant to get a sword-point through the middle.. "I would not do that if I were you. The second you touch that hilt, I am going to slit your throat." Judging by the deep, commanding tone of voice, it does not appear like he is at all fooling... "Now, tell me...what are you doing in the forest this late at night?"
Izuriel glares at the raptor. "Like I said, I don't speak up to other people. Either let me up or just kill me." He keeps his grip firm on the raptors arm. He looks down the body of the creature, this time allowing his eyes to take in enough light to slightly make out find details. His eyes went from the creatures teeth to the claw pressed against his neck.
Green eyes glint in the shadows a few yards upriver from the pair. Tail twitching restlessly, the wild feline rumbles softly, ears pricked alertly and not liking this. Dratted shadows...can't even see.... Kya's head moves a bit, still resting her weight on all fours on top of their fallen buck. Fur ruffles at a breeze as she slinks to the ground, moving forward a bit and watches where they are, wondering whether to interrupt.
A half-smirk crosses the massive reptile's face, the corners of his muzzle curving upwards the slightest bit...it is not an amused look, but more of a slightly impressed look "Hmmm...you are not the smartest person I have met. Obviously a slow death does not bother you." The smirk seems to simply fall off the raptor's face, replaced by a bared teeth that glitter a gentle red in the pale light of the moon "But I am not one to be toying with. Especially not now! If you expect to live past the night, speak with some respect!" The raptor casts another glance down at the sword, the fearsome look on his face replaced by a slightly amused one... "I think I will let you up. Though I don’t think you will have a need for this..." Without another word, he slides the massive, scythe-like claw on his free foot into the sword-frog and makes a quick jerk upwards, cutting the material like a hot knife through butter "Yes, I really don’t..." The raptor leaps off Izuriel's chest and snatches the sword from beside him, holding it tightly in his clawed hands. It seems awkward, unwieldy...and the raptor obviously has no experience in holding such a weapon "Well, I suggest you make a quick departure, and do not return. I don’t like the idea of someone sneaking about in the forest...for all I know, you could be out hunting me. Mayhaps we will meet another day..." The creature's voice trails off...
With a mightily heave, Dracos spins around once, twice, then THROWS the sword into the forest in the opposite way of Kya. The sound of metal bouncing off one tree, and falling through limbs echoes around the still air of the forest. Offering a slight bow, the reptile snorts once, then turns and darts back into the forest... Izuriel slowly makes his way to his feet, grabbing the side of his cape and shaking the leaves off that might have decide to latch on. He looks in the direction Dracos threw the sword and then he looks in the direction he left. He takes another look where the sword landed, taking this location to memory. He then moves swiftly after Dracos.
Kya-Kya breathes in deeply, intently watching the shadowy pair. Her ears flick up at the voices and metal clinking, head tilting up and blinks. Seeing the raptor head back, she also steps back near the deer, watching him curiously, her gaze idly flickering back out at the forest.
Dracos slowly makes his way back towards Kya-Kya, and though he does not appear to be in any hurry, there is a determined and quick stride to his walk. He stops some 10 feet from her and casts a glance back over his shoulder, looking for any hint that he was being followed...surely there was more then a single person out in this forest. It would be crazy to come, at night, alone...hmm. He closes the gap between himself and Kya, then makes a quick jerk of his head, whispering gently to her "Kya, I am not sure if I feel awfully safe around here...there was someone out here with a sword. Swords I can deal with...but if there are others around here, with bows and crossbows...I CANNOT deal with those. I might suggest we get out of here. Leave the kill, it will slow us down...we can always come back later and see if there is anything left. Do you know of a safe place around here? A place to hide out for a little bit, perhaps?"
Izuriel yells after the creature. "Hey! That was my favorite sword, I'll get you back someday, somehow!" He turns and jogs to the location of his sword grabbing it up and throwing the damaged sword frog into the bushes. He looks one more time at the way the raptor fled. The thought of chasing him did cross his mind, but the way he leapt off and moved in that direction seemed to be that there was someone else that was with him. Instead of risking his life just for revenge he left the woods.
Kya-Kya blinks, standing still for a moment, sharply gazing over. Breathing softly, she listens but doesn't move, her gaze slowly straying around them as though seeing or looking, ears flicking. A sudden breeze presses at them, disappearing as soon as it came. Sniffing up, the feline nods to herself and suddenly turns, looking relaxed as she ambles back to where they had been resting and sits. Canting a glance back at him, she faintly smiles and chuckles. "I wouldn't worry."
Though you tell him not to worry, it looks like worrying is all he can do "Ahhh...Kya...I am not worrying for my safety, I am worrying for yours...wait..." He blinks and cocks his head to the side, eyeing you oddly "Wait a second...you can talk? I didn’t know you could when you were like this...you did not bother to say anything before." He casts another glance over each of his shoulders, then lets his eyes slowly survey the area "Hmmm...well, I suppose it will be ok. But, if something should happen...just stay down low, ok? I will...I will get on you, or..." He trails his eyes down your body...there would be no way to protect all of you, but the odds of them hitting what little bit were exposed, if they did begin to shower the area in arrows, would be pretty slim. He does not pick back up on his sentence as he trots towards you, flopping over on his side beside you with a slight *whump*. He casts a glance at the carcass before him, then snorts "I cant even eat now...too worked up."
Kya-Kya continues gazing at him with an expression mixed with amused interest and snorts, nonchalantly settling back down and takes a bite. She seems strangely easygoing, swallowing and licks over her muzzle. She quietly gazes up at him unblinking for several moments, licking paw again and mwrrs. Rumbling softly, she gives the forest another brief glance and shrugs. "My safety isn't a problem either."
Dracos follows your gaze to the forest, frowning the slightest bit "Well, your safety is a problem to me. I have no idea what I would do...well..." His amber, slitted eyes slowly flow back over to you, a strange expression on his face "I just don’t want anything to happen to you, ok?"
A gentle breeze begins to blow through the forest, rustling the treetops and leaves, and causing the grass and foliage to wave like the waters of the sea as they lap on to shore. Just the simple breeze seems to calm the raptor down a little bit, the worried expression on his face slowly being replaced by a tiny smile...very tiny.
Kya-Kya's amused expression vanishes, eyes flickering deeply as she stares at him for a moment. With a soft rumble, she licks her lips clean and heaves herself to her feet, slipping over the deer and past him a few feet, then turns to face. She lifts her head at the breeze, seeming more in touch with something than he can tell. She thinks to herself that words aren't enough and flicks her tail intently, determined to explain. She smiles faintly at the raptor's concern and motions up with her head. "C'mere..."
"Hmm? Ok..." With a slight grunt, Dracos rolls over onto his stomach then heaves himself to his feet, shaking the tiny grains of dust that settled on his hide from it "Ahh." He lifts his muzzle into the breeze, taking a nice, deep breath "Feels nice.... a little cool, hmm?" His words seem slightly distracted, though it is more by the scenery then from any inner thoughts. He peers downwards at the deer, then steps over it, slowly padding up behind you "Hmm? What is it?"
Kya-Kya lowers her head, strongly staring at him and rrs. Torso curving back, she pretends to get in a defensive stance, imitating the rare run-in occurrence he seems to be worried about. Tail lashing, she steps back several feet, ears flicking to side, head and tail low as she quirks a grin. "Try to catch me."
Dracos stares at you for a long moment, though he does not question your request. Instead, he takes a couple of steps towards you, crouches down, and comes towards you at a slow trot. However, as soon as he gets within a few feet of you, he quickly crouches down and leaps towards you, jaws wide!
Kya-Kya grins as he takes up the offer, eyes flashing brightly. She remains still as he moves, intently watching and lowering her head slightly. As he leaps, she rumbles loudly, a strong wind simultaneously buffeting briefly against him as she jumps back, lithely darting up, feet touching his head as she leaps off from it behind him and writhes in mid-air, turning to face him and remaining four feet up, hovering and curled slightly.
Dracos lands on the ground in a low crouch, all four claws on the ground. A slight chuckle floats back to you on the breeze, the raptor's deep, musical voice seeming to flutter in the wind "I see. Well, maybe I should worry about myself a little more then you. Though do not underestimate lady luck. She might simply be against you." He quickly hops back to his feet and turns back towards you, smirking "Now, how about letting this poor ole' raptor catch you, hmm? Makes me feel bad..." His voice is lighthearted and joking, the earlier events of the night clearly at the back of his mind. He takes another couple of steps towards you, then playfully leaps at you- 'hissing' loudly.
Kya-Kya smirks, flashing a coyly amused grin and rrrrrrs. "Feel bad? About what??" she retorts playfully, another gust flicking over him as the "air-kitty" twists strongly as he heads forward, ears flicking back as she returns the hiss and lands with a 'thump' slightly to his side. Grinning, she rrrs, taunting. "Still worried?" she smiles and darts back, jumping as he tries to leap and catch again, her feet pushing off the side of his head as she lets herself arch, jumping back and fall under.
The raptor lands just a little bit behind you again, growling gently "Feel bad about being outdone by a cat, that’s what!" He turns and peers at you, a slightly amused look in his brightly shining eyes "Now, how did you do that, hmm? When I catch you I'm gonna gnaw the information outta you!" He chuckles again and playfully leaps at you, his voice floating down to you as he is in mid-air "No, not worried!"
Kya-Kya laughs, her voice light as she grins, darting around with him, moonlight brightly shining in her eyes and flickering off tan fur. She moves with the wind, it seems, body gracefully twisting in turns and energetically leaping up as he jumps over at her.
Dracos lands right in front of you right as you leap upwards. Normally, he would have gone right under you....though he stops and waits for you to come down, getting ready to pounce on you as soon as you touch the ground...
Kya-Kya lets out a playful eep as he just misses, sitting up and comes back down....slightly. Her arms tucked in front of her and legs curved a bit, she peers brightly at him, comfortably 'sitting' in the air, tail hanging down.
Dracos peers upwards at you, a smirk on his face "Hey now! That is not fair! Grrr...fine! I’ll still get you!" He chuckles and peers at your tail for a moment...raises an eyeridge...then leaps at it, attempting to grab it in his jaws. Kya-Kya laughs, wondering what's not fair? She grins in brightly amused interest, watching him and strongly flicks her tail up at his nose.
The raptor's jaws gently snap shut mere centimeters from the tip of your tail "Ack!" He yelps in surprise, sure he had you! He lands back on the ground with a *thud* and peers back up at you, a quirky grin on his face "Why you...no teasing the raptor!" He smirks and crouches down...then leaps upwards at you again, jaws aiming for your tail.
Kya-Kya giggles helplessly, twisting a bit away, tail flicking up as she pounces back down as he leaps, landing on his neck and rars.
Dracos yelps in surprise, though does manage to wrap his forepaws around your back. His jump is thrown widely off-balance as you pounced on his, and he plummets towards the ground (carrying you with him) only to land on his back with a *THUD!* Of course, you make a nice, soft landing right on his stomach, getting another *oof* out of the poor raptor. However, he still does not let go, keeping his arms wrapped tightly around your body.
Kya-Kya writhes strongly to upright herself, mewfing and chuckles, eyes dancing as she clings to her position, shifting over him and tries to wriggle away, tail lashing and grins.
Dracos erfs and wraps his arms around you tighter, growling gently "Oh...no...you...don’t!" Though the wind appears to have been knocked outta him by the fall and the landing on his poor lil' tummy, he still manages to hold on to you and speak at the same time, if a little weakly. He chuckles gently and wraps his legs around your lower-body, pulling you tightly to him "You...cant...escape. Now...tell *cough* me what I...wanna know! How do you do that?!" He grins and proceeds to nibble lightly on your neck, making 'fearsome' growling sounds deep in his chest "Tell me, or ill gnaw you to bits!"
Kya-Kya meefgiggles, grinning and squirms over. Sitting still, she blinks brightly down at him and plaintively mews, giggling and tries to look puzzled.
The raptor pulls away for just a moment, only long enough to see your response "Oh, not telling hmm? Well, there is always ways to make you talk." He grins and resumes nibbling lightly at your neck, his tail exploring over your foot-pads in a tickling manner.
Kya-Kya shifts back and chuckles, smirking and rrrrs softly. Lightly batting, she grins and sits back, tail flicking. "What's there to say? I'm part air."
Dracos erfs gently as you sit back on him, and promptly gives you a small push, rolling out from under you. Stretching out just beside you, he watches you with an intense gaze, his interest piqued "Part air? Hmm...part air. Never thought of that. So many around these parts a special...hmm...and here I am just a normal ole' over-grown lizard trying to scrape a living out among them. Kinda strange, once you think of it."
Dracos reaches out a claw and pokes you gently in your side, his eyeridge raising "And you don’t FEEL like part air..."
Kya-Kya chuckles soft, twitching back and mmms, lying out on the ground to stretch, fur ruffled. "Born of air, at least. It's hard to explain. My mother was on the good side of a wind goddess."
Dracos raises an eyeridge, muttering to himself "The good side of a wind goddess...hmm." He returns his attention back to you, grinning broadly "Well, I think I understand to an extent, at least." He peers back at the deer carcass some few feet away from him, then snorts...he had not regained his appetite yet, though it would come back soon enough "Wind Goddess...hmm. I take it that is why you have a bit of 'magic' as it were...the ability to change to what you are now and back at will, and the ability to move decently fast and float. Magic. Would sure make my life a lot easier."
Kya-Kya chuckles softly and gently shakes her head, padding over to sit by and gently pats. "Sure, it's helpful for being in tight spots, but I wouldn't say it makes everything easier."
Dracos chuckles and stretches out on his side, propping his head up with one claw "Heh, must be nice...get in trouble and toss a couple of bolts around, fry everyone is sight, then get back to your life hmm? Nah, must not be like that...myself, I enjoy the way I live. I mean, it has its dangers...though it has its rewards. No rules. No restrictions. If I want to go play in this lake, I do it. If I want to go roll in that grass, I do it. If I don’t like the way something looks, I change it. Much less restricting then other lives, I suppose. Just the loneliness...that is what gets me. Not have any others of my kind, and oftentimes having no one...hmph." He casts a glance at you, a broad grin crossing his face "Let me tell you, these last couple of days have been unbelievable. First time I've had anyone to hunt with, talk to, play with in the past...ahh...well, who knows how many years it has been."
Kya-Kya smiles slightly and nods, mwrring a bit as she rests down, eyes flickering softly as she stares at the ground. "No...it doesn't make things like that. Although freedom -is- nice..." she murmurs softly.
Dracos turns and regards you for a moment, offering an apologetic frown "Oh, sorry...got a little off the subject there. But yes, freedom is nice. Just not when it is so lonely...after all, what is the use of going through life if you have no one to do it with, eh?" He chuckles and rolls over onto his back, staring upwards at the starred sky with brightly twinkling eyes "Hmmm...you have not been home at all tonight, have you? Your mate must be worried sick.."
Kya-Kya nods a bit in agreement as she listens to him, ears splaying a bit at the last and nods, awkwardly shifting. "Should get back upriver to the cliff, I guess." The raptor nods his head, sighing gently "Well, do you need someone to walk you? Not like I have much at all to be doing at the moment...unless you can get there quicker without me? Hmmm...then again, I’m not sure if seeing you walking up with a massive lizard in tow is the best thing..." Kya-Kya shrugs, eyes flickering distantly as she gazes somewhere else, resting on the ground. "You can if you want...no one would see, anyway,” she murmurs softly, tail twitching. "Besides...it's only right up here...I'm not going back to the beach, if that's what you thought."
Dracos raises an eyeridge, contemplating add "Unless he is outside, you mean...” Though he decides to say nothing. He nods and rolls to his feet, waving a claw at you "Ok, let’s go. I’m curious to see where you live, anyway."
Kya-Kya shrugs, looking awkward and remains resting on the ground reluctantly, breathing softly as she stares upriver for a moment then slowly gets to her feet. Dracos lifts one of his foot claws and gives you a little push in the side, his teeth flashing in the moonlight as he offers up yet another grin "Hey, don’t look so glum! Sheez!"
Kya-Kya shakes her fur out and steadily pads up, blinking and tilts a bit to the side, pausing to glance at him. Ears flicking back, she bits her lip and smiles guiltily, mwrring a bit as she glances away, moving upriver.
Dracos peers around himself, his amber eye seeming to take in all the scenery at once. He pauses when you do, peering at you...hmm...was something wrong? He sighs and decides not to ask. After all, she would say something if there was, surely "Hmmm..."
Kya-Kya's steady place slows at they reach the pools, light flickering in her eyes as she faintly smiles at the familiar, serene area. Sniffing a bit, she stretches and sits down a yard from the water, resting a moment, giving him a glance as he join, expression shifting and mrrs. Nodding with her head, she glances to the cliff, then back at him. "I live up there."
The dark night sky begins to slowly...very slowly...lighten with the rising of the sun. The bright, glowing orb has not even broken over the horizon yet, though still the night sky seems to brighten, if only a little bit. The raptor glances skyward, nodding his head. So, morning was arriving already? Well, they had hunted something twice, eaten a little, and had an encounter with some fella with a sword...guess time really does fly when your having fun? "Hmm. Right up the cliff there? Nice...very nice. I bet you can see everywhere from up there, hmm? Of course, I don’t really feel right going up, not yet...so maybe another time." He takes a seat beside you and peers into the pool of water "And a waterfall too...clear water...very nice."
Kya-Kya smiles in appreciation and nods, uncertainly gazing up at the sky. She yawns a bit and sighs, getting lost in simply watching the water rush down and mrrs softly. "Thanks" she murmurs quietly. With a soft smile back at him, she nods goodnight and trots towards the cliff path. “Until another time, then!”