Winter's Silence

[saundra]

Saundra walked slowly through the night. The click of her heels hushed by the thin sheet of snow that had just recently fallen over the mountainous area. The vampiress looked up to the ledge above her and jumped up, landing in a crouching position atop a snow-covered plateau. She looked back down to where she had came, the jump was barely seven feet.

Her emerald gaze swept over the rocky terrain from which she had just come. It was bleak and barren to but it simply, quite boring. Saundra stood straight and looked out to wards the moon which shown beautifully through the falling snow. The moon reflected off of her green eyes as she heaved a sigh, her breath a small puff of smoke as it drifted upward.

Saundra had traveled through the water region just recently and decided to come back to her home region for at least some of the winter. She now stood at the foot of a small cliff. Below a stream had just begun to freeze over, it's flow barely audible. She looked behind her to the forest that lined the ledge of the cliff and spread out wards to wards the various villages and towns scattered throughout the fire nation. She listened for the sounds of the animals lurking through the forest, scavenging for food, but head little more than a small rabbit hopping into it's burrow for the winter.

This was Saundra's least favorite season. Everything seemed to come to a halt or at least slow down as the winter went on. Humans just waiting it out inside there cozy homes rather than going outside like they would every other season of the year. Saundra really couldn't blame them. The winter's were truly harsh times, but the fact that humans spent most of their time indoors made it harder for her to get a decent meal too often. She was lucky if she would be able to feed once a week in some conditions.

Currently, Saundra had gone for about two days without feeding, she would be fine for another few days at least, but was slowly beginning to feel the fatigue of the lack of proper feeding. Her skin was paler than usual and she was beginning to develop dark rings under her eyes.

The wind whispered through the trees, ruffling her crimson hair into her eyes and obscuring her vision. She brushed the hair from her eyes and allowed the wind to wash over her. She closed her eyes and took in a deep breath. Her eyes jutted open, the scent brought upon the breeze was of no animal, or at least not one familiar to these forests. Saundra stood tensed, her fingers reaching down to wards her blades, ready to strike if necessary.

[xstonecoldx]

Trees swayed in the night breeze as winter settled over the Feuer-Bohrung area. The light frost on the ground caused the blades of foliage to have a metallic gleam to them underneath the moonlight. The water of the small lake gleamed with heavenly light and sat undisturbed amongst the forest even with a running river pouring into it, but edges were crisped with ice. However, it changed as small ripples swelled from their pinpoint origin and spread across the lake eventually fading along the edges. Delicate feet slowly made their way across the lake as the gorgon woman made her way.

Kagami’s feminine form was outlined by the natural, night glow as she made her way to the middle of the lake. Her long cascading hair gently caressed the surface of the water as she walked due to its long lengths, but it only made small creases against the surface. The blindfold that hid the woman’s monstrous eyes was still tight against her head as she used her other senses to guide her along the water’s carapace. Kagami’s long slender fingers wrapped tightly around her blades as the long chain began to slip from her grasp.

The heavy metal broke the surface of the water with a heavy force as it sank below the surface. Plummeting down, only to stop when it ran out of slack. Ripples ceased to exist once leather boots no longer treaded across the surface of the aqua. Kagami’s slender feminine fingers opened over her palm to reveal 10 small leaves. She pulled her flat palm up, level with her lips. Taking in a deep breath and exhaling sharply the leaves began to scatter and spread out from Kagami’s warm breath and the wind that blew over the water.

Waiting a few seconds, Kagami pulled the chain up with rapid speed by the dagger that was still in her hand. Fast movements were barely readable as she swung the deathly weapon about. The whip like motion of the chain only lasted a few moments before she stopped. Kagami’s right arm was bent up at the elbow and the chain was slung over her shoulder sinking back into the dark liquid beneath her feet. Her left arm was bent so that she could hold her right elbow in her left palm. Shattered pieces of the plucked foliage began to settle back on the water. 10 leaves were now 40 floating pieces, each whole was cut into quarters.

Kagami smiled as her keen hearing could place the position of each piece as it settled on the water. Kagami quickly pulled the chain and dagger attached to the other end over her shoulder and pulled in her chained weapon and settled it on her shoulder. She seemed to gaze around, but with each head turn Kagami was listening. Was someone near? Was someone watching her? Keen ears listened closely as she turned her head ignoring the whipping of her purple hair in the wind.

[saundra]

Saundra closed her eyes, listening to her surroundings, paying attention to even the soft rustle of the leaves against the ghost of a breeze that was barely there. Her sensitive ears faintly picked up the sound of metal slicing quickly through the air, most likely a blade or sword of some kind. Her eyes snapped open and she slowly wandered over to the edge of the plateau, crossing over at an angle so that the stream was now diagonal from her.

She hid behind a tree, one of her blades now clamped firmly in her grasp as she peered over the ledge of the cliff to see what had caused such a disturbance in the winds. Her gaze fell upon a woman, her bulid was slender and feminine but not fragile, this woman was definintly a wariorr. This intrigued Saundra, most of the women she incountered were fussing over men or materialistic things in which she found little intrest.

The woman had striking purple hair and a black attire that normally would have acted as a good cover in the darkness, but the freshly fallen snow made her stand out quite a bit, as did Saundra for she too wore mostly all black. She continued to observe the woman and noted that she carried a weapon almost just like her own. The blades were similar in design but Saundra's did not have the chain to connect them and her blades were larger by at least three inches.

Saundra noted that the woman also had on some sort of blindfold, although she doubted that she was blind the was she manuvered herself with such ease and control. She was very in tune with her sence, Saundra was sure of that.

Saundra found a small ledge and carefully climbed down onto it, she was now somewhat visible as she crouched behind a fairly large rock. She weighed her options, she could either try and introduce herself. That would either end in the two fighting, one of them dead or Saundra in the water. She gave a shiver at the thought, Saundra hated water, it burned her skin like fire would a mortal.

Her other choice was to go back up to the plateau and pretend that she had never seen the woman. If the woman was hostile than the would probably go after her anf that could also end in a nasty confrontation, Or they would both end up ignoring eachother and acted as if it never happened.

Saundra pondered on the subject, staying fully alert until her curiousity got the best of her. She figured that her prescence has probably already been noticed by the woman, and both of Saundra's choices seemed to end in a conflict of some sort. So she just decided to throw her caution somewhat to the wind as she aproached the woman.

Saundra's steps were even and graceful as she advanced closer to the woman. She stopped about five feet away from the woman incase confrontation did arise. Her green eyes held a calm but curioius gaze as she looked over to the woman, "I am Saundra, may I ask your name?"

Her fingeres twitched at her sides, ready to take up her blades if she needed to.

[saundra]

Okay, I edited it so that we no longer have the same weapon, I changed the post slightly, but you don't have to read it over, it's practically the same.

[kaos]

hey if yall don't mind, I'd like to join you once I get my character, Kaos, accepted -- though I still need to finish his sample *shrug*

Anyways, just thought I'd let you know, so that you wouldn't be totally surprised if/when Kaos dropped in ;D

[kaos]

The large black bodice of a great dragon lay tensely on the verge of a high cliff. His jaws were clean and absent of blood, and this was a problem. Hunger had filled his girth and was slowly spilling into the other crevices of his body and mind. He could feel the beast inside him rumble with primitive instincts that hungered and yearned for prey. However, those primal thoughts had no regard for the type of prey, making everything fair game and forcing Kaos to fight his draconic impulses.

As a half-breed, he was slightly partial to humanoids and the idea of killing one to feast upon did not appeal to him and was unnecessary for his survival. Humans, on the other hand…well, he could survive without them. Though he still would never consider them as plausible prey, he certainly did not find their greedy, selfish, and foolish antics and ways amusing. In some manners he saw many of them as stupid and ignorant—a bias he could not help or understand. True enough, there were few he had come across and even “befriended” in some aspects. They were the remote and short numbered individuals who actually held some perpetual grace and dignity, and for that, they deserved some of his respect—he willingly gave it to those who earned it.
Still, the majority of his experiences left him with little more than frustration, irate opinions, and negative memories. As cynical as it may sound, the world in present is not a wonderful and beautiful place as it once was. In fact, it never was. The land has always known war, since in the beginning when time was put into revolution, and it is a good prediction that war is the only thing the people of Algaësia will ever know. To learn to love and care without the doubt of suspicion and distrust lying in the shadows is a strenuous task and faraway goal of the people in the present day.

…not to be a slayer of hope… but the truth is sharper than some like to admit.

No matter, Kaos had larger problems than trying to understand or explain the truth of the world. Though the biting reminder of the cold winter winds did bring out a harder edge to his thoughts and a cynical tongue to graze his scaly lips.
His mouth was dry, parched by the harsh sundry winds of the mountain frost, and his gums were pale and chapped. The bitter lack of taste was uncomfortable and remained as a reminder to his current position.

He needed to eat.

His vulnerability was growing as his strength waned, and he did not have the reserves to convert back into his human form. In all honesty, he probably should not have transformed in the first place without the urges of necessity, but his desire to feel the freedom of the skies and the wind across his skin had been too hard a temptation to resist.

So now, he had to act… he could wait no more.

A dry cracked sigh escaped his throat, as his great weight was lifted from the snowcapped ground that now lay moist from where his body heat had melted the snow. A few wet flakes clung to the ridges of his eyes, and the outer expanses of his wings were numb with cold. Silently he cursed the winter as he stretched the tiredness from his bones. Yet, it did little to quell the achy strain he felt deep within his limbs—the fatigue.
Standing tall, neck stretched out, defiant against the wind. His great jaws separated, and a low growl grew deep inside his cavernous chest. His wings—gallant and magnificent in their span—stretched wide at their full thirty feet; even as his neck rose high and proud into the air.
The growl grew, evolving into a throaty roar that shattered the silence of the night. It’s dark ominous cry rang out against the hills and across the valleys—filling the gorge and sliding along the ridge. The blood-curdling cry was meant to be heard, and hung upon the wintry winds like a weary traveler clinging to life. His vibrant and lurid roar demanded attention and there was purpose behind the bellow. The night was when the probably prey fled into their holes and hunkered down till the coming of the sun. Such a chilling and unsettling sound was meant to surprise and coax them from their beds to safer ground.

He hoped to dislodge a deer, but he doubted he would find many creatures who were willing to step out into the cold night, even with the sound of his dangerous threat.

Nonetheless, with doubt in his mind, he took to the skies. His giant wings pulsing against the breeze and gliding upon the winds. Snow covered the rocks in thin sheets, and the moon was undaunted—shining bright and illuminating much to the eyes of the nocturnal drygonite. Unnatural silence seemed to surround him in the air, and only the few gentle snaps of his leather canvassed wings made any noise within the starlit boundaries.

Pale green eyes scanned the topography, but found little movement in the deep still of passive night. However, off in the distance, nestled in the nook and recesses of a descending slope, a glint of silver caught his eye. Swiveling his great horned head, the black beast circled back, to get a better look—lowering himself further in the skies.

Cramps were beginning to grow in his shoulders, and neck, and it seemed as though the effort to keep himself airborne was more than usual. Thus, fearing his diminishing strength would fail him; he landed a few good yards off. Using the land to slip and slide closer in both curiosity and necessity. He was still hunting, so his movements were stalk-ish, cat-like and slow in progress.

Most movement caught his attention as he moved closer to what he could now see as a pair of two humanoid… women—it appeared. Intrigued, he continued to encroach upon them. A few natural impulses of survival flashed into his muscles and mind, and his body tensed ready to spring… only to be forced into relaxation by a righteous sense of self.

IT was only when he stood a good seven yards or so from them that he stopped to observe their situation. Curiosity held him bound, but apprehension repelled him. He was fully in view now, they could see and hear him as he could them… but he didn’t care. His hunger was in full force, and though he had no intention of eating THEM, he was not beyond scavenging and taking whatever they had to sustain his own strength and life.

[xstonecoldx]

Chilled fingers cracked slightly as the slender appendages wrapped around the chilled chain of her deadly weapon. The gorgon maiden’s back was turned towards the new stranger. Thin strands of hair danced upon the earth’s breath as it ran through the small crevices of the fire nation. A sadistic smile crossed the cool lips of the woman as she slowly slid down the chain off her arm.

Water shifted beneath her feet as she turned towards the voice. Kagami’s slender, yet muscular right arm was outstretched to the side. Her fingers held her chain tightly to her palm as her left hand reached over grabbing a dagger that connected to a chain. Her right palm’s fingers loosened upon the cool metal as she flung the one dagger with lightning speed. The sharp blade embedded itself along an earth wall behind the unknown Saundra. The blade cut it close to the woman, but it intentionally missed the woman that stood upon the surface of the earth.

“I think the one who sneaks, should tell first....”

Kagami quickly tugged the chain and released the dagger from the earthen wall. With enough momentum from the pull, the sharp blade landed right back in it’s owners left palm. Kagami pulled the dagger back against her chest, the point pointed towards the ground. The blinded gaze was heated and could be felt through the blindfold the haunted woman wore.

Leather boot covered feet shifted upon the surface of the clear lake’s liquid. Thoughts began to run through the assassins head. This woman, she must not be of water. Kagami began calculating the distance of her, she was avoiding the water. The warrior maiden gently pulled her chain tight between her fingers as she calculated the distance precisely. She walked towards the unknown woman, but froze, someone else was here.

Kagami’s head turned about on her shoulders as she tried to pinpoint this creature’s position. This thing.....it wasn’t human. Kagami’s attention turned to the new acquaintance. The woman turned her head towards the opposing female.

“It seems someone else has joined us....”

Muscles began to tense and become rigid as she gazed over towards dragon/humanoid. She grabbed one dagger and the chain, watching, waiting for a move to be made.

[saundra]

Saundra tilted her head to the side, unphased by the weapon coming so close to her, it could do little to no damage to her dead body. She shifted so she stood somewhat straight and looked at the woman with a sober expression, "I am, as I have stated before, Saundra. Or more formally known as Lady Saundra Lockhart, but who cares about formalities?"

Saundra heard a frightening roar erupt for the peaks of the nearby mountains. The volume of the noise had little effect on the apathetic vampiress, but the sound made her skin crawl with an unpleasant shudder, her breath coming out in a staggering cloud as her face remain void of all emotion.

She kept her senses on high alert after that, although still looking tentatively at the woman standing in front of her. Various small woodland animals such as rabbits and possums scurried out from their burrows to find another shelter. A smirk crossed the vampiress' crimson lips, they were doing just what they predator had wanted. She really wasn't all too familiar with the sounds larger animals made in this region. Usually spending most of her time in villages and in the forest when the more dangerous creatures dwelled in the mountains. Lurking through the murky shadows and waiting for an unsuspecting animal or traveler to become their next victim.

A gentle breeze blew through the trees, carrying an unfamiliar scent and the sound of flapping wings. What ever it was it was coming closer. Saundra shifted her position slightly as her feet began to sink into the snow making her current position uncomfortable. She rested her right hand on her hip and gazed out at the land in front of them, mountainous and slowly becoming covered in snow. In some places the snow was sliding off of the peaks that were too steep of had been weathered smooth by the unrelenting gusts that blew at the higher summits among this mountain system. Other more rocky and textured mountains clung to the snow as it gathered, soon the entire summit would look like a smooth hill.

Saundra heard the wings closer now, far closer than it had been before she had gone off into her daydream. And then, it stopped. Saundra mentally cursed herself for becoming so vulnerable, the woman standing next to her could have attacked her while in her absent state of mind and finished her quickly.

Cautiously, Saundra looked over to the left, emerald eyes cold with caution and weary with fatigue and the gnawing hunger in the pit of her stomach. She quickly shook any visible weakness from her eyes before gazing upon the creature that had made itself fully visible to the two warriors.

Saundra's breath caught in her throat, no wonder the creature had come out into the open so boldly, it had every right to. It was a massive dragon, beautiful to look at with a magnificent wingspan. It was truly and amazing creature. It held it's head with the proud and dignified grace of most dragons. She fully turned to face it, drawing her weapons from beneath her cloak and raising them to a defensive position level with her chest. She had no intention to fight the creature unless he was to start. Her eyes gazed at it with curiosity but also distrust. Dragons usually only come down from the mountains when their food supply is scarce and they are on the hunt, she wanted to take no chances.

Saundra stood rigidly in her place, not moving at all. The moon cast an eerie shadow over her blades as the wind played with her hair, blowing it into her face. She flicked her head to the side with an irritated grunt as she swept her hair out of her face. What was this dragon doing? Was it going to eat her, or at least attempt to do so? She shifted her head towards the woman standing beside her, "Indeed, we are no longer alone."

[kaos]

His perceptive insight and keen eyesight—guided and improved by the moonlight—picked up the projectile’s path as soon as the weapon left its master’s hand. However, he was not worried. From the observed length of the chain that remained in the weapon’s master’s hand, Kaos was out of range even if he was desired as a target. Yet, only there to add to his confidence, was his armored plating that protected the soft under-flesh of leather hide. True, he was not invincible, but he was not an easy kill, not that he wished for a fight… but still… he felt he needed to remind himself of his advantages in order to re-establish his confidence.

With an undivided attention, he observed as the woman who had attacked spoke a few words and withdrew her weapon. Although, they were not directed towards him, he soaked them in, and remembered the tone… remembered the words. The face… she had no eyes—at least none that he could see, but he knew they were there. He could feel them, dark and ominous, hiding behind that veil in with which she covered them. There was a reason behind it, he knew… there had to be. But he could not tell from sight nor intuition.

Yet, one thing he could be sure, from her words, her smirk, and her stance… she was confident and seemingly fearless—or at least that was the front she portrayed. Whether she truly was as unafraid as she seemed, was something he could not reveal—her mind was her own, and he could not warrant searching it, even if he had such a power. So cautious and curious, with a wise touch of reserve, he warned himself to place his steps carefully… It was be an overconfident mistake to underestimate either of the two characters.

…Speaking of which.

He turned his head; a look of passive content expressed itself in a calm and unconcerned manner within his striking pale eyes. His gaze fell upon the other woman. Her eyes were open to him, and he took in her face, her appearance and her own look of calm. She was unmoved by the first’s attack, and her reply to the longhaired one gave him a name.

Saundra.

It was a simple name with a simple sound, almost gentle, but hidden. The syllables of the sound—as they replayed over in his mind—were fluid but tempered, lively but still suppressed. It was a strong name… and it was after this consideration that he placed the name to the face and put them to the back of his mind—never to be forgotten.

He now went about the task of another consideration: now that he was here, what was he to do?
A simple option flashed into his mind but he pounded it down and, cursing himself, suppressing the impulse that was so logical to the dragon instinct within him: hungry? Then eat.
He was not to that point yet. He would not kill another intelligence unless it was absolutely necessary for his survival, and it was a widely misconceived idea that ALL dragons fed upon humans and human sacrifice. The only reason his nature had such primal responses, was because the dragon that had bred the first drygonite was of a more primitive stature—forged from the fire’s of war. Back then, it was completely acceptable to kill of maim an enemy of the state. However, now… such an act would destroy whatever balance of peace there was, and Kaos did not wish to be responsible for such a break.

But he was here to find sustenance, and he was dismayed to find that they had no packs visibly with them—nothing that promised food. Nonetheless, their movements had led him in and he was unwilling to just leave… lucky this was a wise decision.

Movement sparkled in the brush beyond the two women, and the giant drake’s head snapped keenly in its direction. Luminescent eyes reflected briefly in the moonlight, and that was more than enough to set the killer instincts of the hunter into motion.

Poise kicked back, springing from the terrace of the stone surface and launching across the treacherous array of layered rocks, his wings were tucked tightly against his body, to provide a more arrow release. The gaunt animal was caught off-balance and in its surprise could not manage to flee in time to escape the descending jaws of the monstrous black hulk. The animal in question was a young mountain wolf—disturbed from his rest by the drake’s fierce call, and drawn by his own curiosity to the activity of the two women. His starving eyes had seen the two humanoids as possible prey, just as Kaos had. But the canine had not been expecting to meet the hunger of a dragon either.

Unfortunately, Kaos’s own hunger had gotten him into a possible predicament as well. It had blinded him with the appearance of the animal and the urges of survival, and he’d not taken much care in where he placed his footing. His sudden ferocity and reaction had driven his reptilian bulk between the pair—logically it was the shortest route to attack the new, unfortunate arrival. However, it could have made it seem as though he was seeking them in the first few moments of his sudden stir. It was fully plausible that they might have attacked in their own defensive.

Still, whether they did or did not was not in his mind or head. He had long ago relinquished his humanity for the more experienced pleasures and skills of the draconic hunter that was a part of his blood—it was this sense that eagerly drove it’s jaws into the soft muscle and tissue of the dying predatory dog—while his senses remained blissfully unaware of any wounds or weapons, or of the pair at all. Soon he would come back to realize his mistake and notice the repercussions, but probably not until the adrenaline and thrill of the sustaining meal refilled the fuel that had drained so low within his body.

Already he could feel the raw power rejuvenate his muscles and joints, as the blood filled his mouth and slid down his throat… as he waited for the canine to die.

[saundra]

Saundra heard the bushes behind her give a rustle, the oncoming breeze bringing thr familiar scent of a wolf to her nose. The wolf was young and was most likely still training to learn how to hunt properly due to the fact that the beast had it's prescence hidden poorly. Tension was radiating from the pushed where the wolf was hiding, thick and dangerous. Clearly this wolf was hungry and saw the two women as an easy catch for himself and possibly his clan.

Saundra turned her head and glared to the bushes, emerald eyes blazing with unrelenting furry and hatred, as if willing the wolf to try and test her already thin patientce.

After that all movement seemed to come to a complete stand-still until she saw the dragon move. She quickly snapped her head towards the massive creature to make sure that he wasn't preparing to attck but to her displeasure he looked quite eager to charge. His head was raised and his muscels could be sceen becoming visiblely more taught at it raised itself onto it's back legs, ready to strike.

Saundra readied her weapons and looked closer at the dragon, noticing that it's pale eyes were not on her or the woman standing next to her. Instead it's gaze was souly on the bushes that rested behind her in the shadows where the young wolf lay watching and waiting, the scent of fear coming from the bushes telling her that wolf had finally noticed the dragon and was preparing to retreat into the saftety of his den and be with his clanmates.

Quick as lightning that dragon began to speed forward, the distant and fierce look in it's eyes telling Saundra that it wasn't thinking clearly and acting on ancestorial instinces entirely. She nimbly jumped out of the way before the dragon could plow her over with it's massive claws and perched herself on the plateau where she had previously been standing. She crouched low to the ground and narrowed her eyes, she was now in high perception of her surroundings. She watched at the dragon easily tore at the tender flesh of the young wolf, barely able to be considered an adult by his clan. She was now using her vampiric sences to take in everything around her. She did not want to be caught unprepared if the dragon was to still be under hostile influence and try to attck one of them. Her muscels tightened with anticipation as she watched the dragon, her instincs telling her to make a run for it but her curiousity as to what the creature would do next getting the better of her like it always seems to do, much to her dipleasure."

[xstonecoldx]

The scent of blood...

Kagami’s hand quivered as she held onto her blades and chain. The scent of blood, the sound of flesh tearing from the dagger sharp teeth digging into the canine’s fur and flesh. It was a drug and it was extremely addicting to the gorgon maiden. Kagami’s mind went into overdrive as she envisioned the scene from the noises. With her explicit mind, the gore and gruesomeness of the scene was more to Kagami’s preference.

Blood splattered against the grain of the soil. The velvet red liquid leaked into the water, causing the deep blue water to have a purple hue from the nighttime glow of the moon. Bones grinded, crunched, before finally shattering under the tremendous pressure from the large reptile’s jaws. The last dying whimpers of the canine filtered into Kagami’s keen ears as her dramatized scene in her head eased the hunger pangs for blood that had risen in her stomach.

Kagami’s head turned to the disturbance the dragon made as he finished his meal. The dragon had saved Kagami time from slaying the inexperience wolf, but would the dragon’s hunger be satisfied with the young wolf. She highly doubted it. Holding on to the blades in her hands with an iron grip, she thought to herself. What a fight that would be, a dragon against a gorgon woman....Kagami smiled, she would win all it would take would be a glance from underneath her blindfold. Purple hair swayed in the winter breeze as her eyes shifted beneath her blindfold.

“Kagami, my name is Kagami, Saundra....”

Kagami’s attention turned back to the dragon, wondering if this large lizard would come after the two women now. She wasn’t use to allying herself with someone else. Working alone was always better, because you didn’t need to worry about anyone holding you down or taking away your glory of slaying an opponent. Kagami’s eyes closed beneath the purple blindfold, for this time alone, if need be, she would need help. The dragon wouldn’t go down easy and two people would have more of a chance. They sure as hell would have more of a chance than the craven wolf that the dragon had now ingested.

Kagami’s brilliant mind began to recall facts as she thought long and hard. The dragon was large, she could recall how much ruckus it made through the trees along the lake edge and the beat of wing’s on the wind from when he flew in. Fire was the most likely of elements that he belonged to. The heat rose off the body of massive scales. This meant Kagami’s best defense would be on the water where she was. Wind gusted over the tense scene, but the warrior maiden took this lightly. She would not become food for some overgrown lizard. Blood dripped into the water as slender, feminine fingers grasped the blades of her trusting weapon.

[kaos]

Reasonable processes of thought began to come back as the life and struggle faded quickly from the canines throat. Bload seeped through the cracks of the stone and the little vegetation that surrounded the odd accumulation of water that had apparently settled in this small valley. The mountains were not known for lush green cover, and to find a body of water was odd as well... yet here it was, and it was almost like Kaos was seeing it for the first time.

Keen eyes looked skyward as jaws released the limp body of the wolf--which Kaos had not yet begun to eat. True enough he had sunk his powerful jaws into it and felt the blood pour upon his tongue, but he had not yet begun to pick apart the tender muscle and meat that lined the thin animal's bones.

The sky was fogged by a mist of clouds and the rays of the moonlight still managed to penetrate the thin film. Flakes descended in gentle swirls and were beginning to accumulate on the back of his spine. The trees around him were spread towards the heaven's, desperately reaching for the sun, as deep roots searched in vain for nourishment in non-existant soils. Already he could see them drooping with regret, at the position in which their seeds had fallen, and the sparse soil beneath the stone that had once produce nutrients to sustain them was nolonger plentiful. The land was used up, and the trees and brush were beginning to tilt and dry--the water was there only foundation now, yet it kept them living.

With a firm shake of his head he cleared his mind and focused back on the dead wolf at his feet. His hunger had abided slightly with the taste of blood, and the rejuvinating effects of the first bite--which he now indulged himself with--slid down his gullet.

Fire filtered back into his bones, and life reentered the hollow shells of his eyes, until finally the meal was gone and there was little left but the decapitated head, and mangled carnage of useless fat and grisle. Like most dragon's he did not eat just "anything." Some people didn't realize that most intelligent dragon figures were not mindless carnivores of pure appetite.

So as he lifted his head, blood caked to the flesh around his muzzle, he swiveled the giant serpentine dome around to face the two other individuals realizing that he had paid them little mind in his strife to secure his meal. He would apologize if he could, but he could not. Speach was not a strength of his while in dragon form, and unlike most naturally bred dragons he could not speak by way of mind. Many would consider his draconic form primitive, and in many aspects it was compared to the higher level of the dragon species. Nonetheless he was formidable enough and with the combined intelligence of his humanoid mind, and the hunter's strength, intuition, instincts, and experience of the dragon... Kaos was more than a match for many a foe.

He did no that the two women, who now regarded him with alert and wary eyes, were probably already drawing conclusions that Kaos was perhaps a mindless killer, a hungry dragon willing to eat even the wearing traveller. Yet he was not, but there was no easy way to prove that. He could certainly revert back to his human self, but he much prefered the confidence of his dragon body. The strength it lent him would serve well against any aggression the two might wish to unleash upon him. So he quickly came up with a passive action that could perhaps convince them that he was not out to kill them. They had drawn out his curiousity, yes... but they were not his prey.

His eyes regarded each one, and saw a different personality stare back at him. One was reserved, but still aprehensive, calm... quiet. Stone, seemed to come to mind, and it was Saundra's face that reminded him of his own. Now the other one, was different. Her stance was proud, her posture confident, and the smile... the remnants of one were slowly fading from her face as whatever thought that caused it faded away--replaced by new mind processes.

Kaos wondered what the one, now known as Kagami was thinking. She seemed devious--not to be trusted. Just, something about her unnerved him--something about that violet haired woman was not right. He would regard her cautiously, but he knew as well that the other one could be given no such trust either. They were both strange to him, and unfamiliar aquantances were unpredictable. But he was determined to express his content and intentions.

So with a soft, gentle sigh, he let out an unconcerned snort and shake of his head that showed his comfort and confidence in the scene, then quite passively, lowered his mass to the earth once more. Settling his weight comfortably before lifting a taloned claw to begin the unaggressive process of cleaning. Like a cat, he slowly began the process of removing the blood from his jawline.

When he grew tired of the grooming, he regarded the pair once more, a cautiousness lurking inside his eyes, while the majority of his expression remained calm and placid--satisfied by the brief meal that he had just devoured. He probably would have found wisdom in a descision to move along, and leave the pair... but something held him--mostly his own curiousity. What would cause a pair such as these two to meet happenstance in the deep regions of the fire nation?

He belonged here, he knew this... but did they? He would think so, since it was not everyday that you found one of another nation lurking within the bowels of a rival. And surely they were rivals... whether neutrality be at peace or not... there was always a certain tension lurking in the air when two persons of divided lands met.

So, he would sit and observe... even taken some amusement in the fact that his large ominous presence was perhaps causing them some discomfort. If only he knew how little Kagami thought of him...

[saundra]

The wind whispered it's sweet lullaby into the chilled night air as Saundra watched the dragon with careful eyes. In some aspects she felt embarrassed that she had to keep such a close eye on a creature that seemingly was paying no mind to her. But that oh so troublesome voice inside of her head was saying it was better to be safe and alive rather than sorry and dead.

Saundra detected movement from the dragon and quickly brought her focous upon him. His head was raised to the night, blood glistening from his jaws as it fell to the ear, the small 'split' 'splat' sounds that a mortal could not hear bouncing off of her eardrums and resonating through her mind. Even though the blood fell behind the bushes Saundra could tell just by sound weather it fell onto a rock, onto the young wolves pelt or into the snow.

Saundra found herself staring into the paled eyes of the black dragon and couldn;t help but wonder what he was thinking. She could now tell by his gate and the way he presented himself in such a proud manner that he was no mindless killer. It was true that he was a predator, as were most creatures that lurked throughout this mountainious region, including herself.

Saundra's gaze became less intense as the dragon resumed it's meal. Her shoulders began to relax and her grip on her blades loosened, if only a little. She became more at ease and tried to read what was going on in the dragon's mind but while he was feeding his eyes carried little emotion other than hunger. Once the dragon had fully devoured his meal he stood tall and walked over to where she and Kagami were standing.

What he did next caught her somewhat off guard; the large reptile lowered it's body onto the ground, powdery snow flying up around his sides from impact. His gaze was completely calm as he began to wash his face clean of any blood left by the wolf. Saundra found his eyes more readable now as she gazed toward him with curiosity. His black body shimmered and reflected it's surroundings with blurry images as he soon ceased to wash himself.

Her emerald eyes stared directly into his and she saw what lies beneath the dragon. He was not primitive monster. In his eyes held intelect and wisdom far beyond just any mere creature. Since the dragon seemed to be showing signs that he was of no threat to them, even if only for a moment, Saundra slowly began to loosen up. She let her arms fall limply to her sides and she moved her position so that she now sat on the edge of the plateau she had hidden on. One leg dangled over the edge while the other was brought up to her chest where she rested her arm, her other arm held up her back as she gazed down at the dragon. Although she had relaxed her blades remained close by just incase the dragon was misleading them into thinking that he wasn't hostile only so that he would be able to eat them.

[xstonecoldx]

The warrior gorgon maiden stood her ground firmly as she heard the heavy footsteps of the reptilian creature come forward. Heels of her boots dug into the thin ice that covered the lake’s water. She could hear the cracking of the thin surface as her weight was too much for the cracking crystal. What caught her hearing next confused her slightly.

She heard the snow shift about from the dragon’s shifting body. Some of the soft flakes were forced into the air, but they settled back around the scaly body. A soft exhale escaped her dry lips as she listened, what was this beast doing? She listened as another limb laid against the thin layer of snow. The delicate snowflakes snapped under pressure and caused soft crunching to enter Kagami’s ears. This other limb was the closest to her, she could tell from how quickly the sound entered her ears. A tinge of warmth was added to the wind as it blew across the lizard’s scaly hide and the woman could tell that warmth was the hot breath of the dragon as he breathed in and out of his large nostrils.

Fingers gently tapped down the sharp bladed weapon to the iced chain. The light scent of blood entered into Kagami’s own nose as she placed her palm up towards her. The scent became stronger as she brought the palm to her lips. Her tongue protrude her mouth and began to lick to wound clean of excess blood. She had to rid the blood somehow, the scent would drive her into a frenzy if left, not to mention it would draw other animals that had a keen sense of smell.

She pulled her palm away from her mouth and licked her lips clean of any extra blood. Her attention became solid on her dagger, the one she clutch so tightly that it broke the flesh of her palm. She allowed the chain to slip through her fingers, break what ice had covered the water and become cleansed with the water. She pulled the dagger out and began to wrap the chain in a large circle, like a lasso and the tossed it over her shoulder diagonally. Dripping with icy cold water, one dagger landed her back and swayed dripping on the ice. The other dagger was settled in the front from how her chain settled against her body.

Wounded, her hand graced her hip and sat in the curve of her body as she stood proudly. This night bored her, she was met with two denizens of fire and didn’t get any excitement out of it. A small frown of anger curved her lips only to disappear with a straight poker face again. She had become dissatisfied with herself. The perfect fight could have been tonight and she ruined by thinking this reptilian creature would have attacked her and teaming up with the other woman for the time being. A sneer escaped her lips as both of her slender hands sat on the curves of her hips.

“What a useless night....”

[saundra]

Saundra's sensitive ears easily picked up the displeasure in the other woman's voice. This caused her to smirk. She swung both her legs off the edge of the small cilff from which she sat and crossed them and the knee. She leaned back on both hands, eye looking up at the moon which made her pale skin look even more deathly, "You seem to forget, the night is young. You need not hurry on your path of destruction for I know what you seek, for it is-in some aspect what I seek. You seek the bloodshed of humans just for enjoyment while I kill for food."

She flashed the warrior a malicious grin, baring her white fangs. Eyes narrowed in excitement. She jumped off of the cliff, grabbing her swords and hiding them deep within the drak folds of her cloak in their sheaths at her thighs. She walked over to the warrior, posture eased and lazy. It would almost seem that she had forgotten about the dragon but she was ever watchful. She crossed her arms and placed them under her chest. Her body leaned to the left slightly, her right foot sticking further out to the side. She looked at the woman closely, "You are not from the fire region, you scent is different..."

She rolled her head back, snapping her neck in the process and gave a bored yawn, once again flashing her fangs. She straightened her poster and looked to the woman with a void expression played upon the vampiress's pale features, "If bloodshed is what you seek then I know of a place where you will be able to spread havoc and blood. There is a small village filled with humans not too far off, I could show you where it is if you like. Then I suppose your night might not be a total waste.

[kaos]

Kaos looked placidly at each of them, first Saundra, then Kagami. He saw that Saundra was beginning to relax, and he was glad that she was getting the picture. Though something about her still unsettled him, she did not seem aggressive, pompous, or openly malignant. Of course, her visage could be as his--he kept his emotions, feelings, and expressions locked away behind iron doors, where none could venture to see them. If this was the case with her, he'd need to be cautious.
However, for the moment she seemed to relax into contentment on the ledge opposite him. The ground he rested upon was lower than her own perch, but with the height of his shoulder, and the added length of his neck, he easily reached her level and towered a couple inches above it. Afterall, the diffence between his ground level and hers was not that bad.

Meanwhile, Kagami seemed dissapointed...? He was confused for a moment as his eyes looked her over and saw a angry frown part her stony visage for a mere moment before it was covered again. Had she meant for the expression to leak out? Whether or not she had intended it to, it did, and Kaos's keen eye spotted the change. He quickly tried to contemplate what would have upset her whilst his stony, unexpressive face observed her, undaunted.
It hadn't really crossed his mind that she might be blood-thirsty or beastly, therefore, the notion that she had come here LOOKING for a fight did not waver across his strain of thought.
However, as he watched... her vacous face evolved once again, but not with a frown. This time it held a sneer, malignant and forboding. The words that graced her tongue was also a touch unsettling and the great dragon looked down upon her dissaprovingly as her words soaked into his contemplative thoughts. His peircing pale-hued eyes narrowed sharply, as if demanding an explanation as to why the night was so useless--as she had said. Doubt seeded itself into his conscious, and suspiscion and distrust grew within his heart.

He would have responded sharply with a voice filled with dry sarcasm, and insistant seriousness... However, he was incapable of communication at the moment, and a reaction from Saundra did not permit him to. His serpentine head, snapped to her with an innate quickness. His narrowed optics glared sharply now at her, some of his distrust carrying over as her own words cut the air. He seemed to dissapear from the picture now, and he accepted the fact gratefully. He was much more comfortable to sit and watch, picking up the puzzling peices and fixing them together slowly and carefully. He did not want to make unwarrented assumptions, but the direction of Saundra and Kagami's interaction was heading down a road that Kaos did not really care for.
Some of his respect for these humanoids began to dwindle, and his draconic expression nolonger held such a calm and docile concoction. For Saundra spoke of a human village is if it were a pond filled with unsignificant fish--plump and waiting to be caught, killed, and absorbed by some hungering mouth--an image that both satisfied Kaos bias towards humankind, and dissapointed his humanity.

She also accused Kagami of another lineage and alliance--Kaos believed it. Afterall, Kagami's presence was slightly awkward and unfitting to the mountain air and scene. But the true, dependable explanation could only come from Kagami, herself. True, Saundra had made an assumption and spoken it aloud for the world to hear, but Kagami had yet to affirm Saundra's accusations.



Kaos didn't know how much longer he could wait before he took some form of action. If she was from another nation she risked war. And Saundra... her caution had fled upon the winds, and now a new personality that Kaos had yet to see emerged. It was a proud personality, overly confident, and even a touch prideful. The way she grinned and barred her teeth--flashing the odd sharp canines attached to her upper jaw--indicated she was relatively comfortable and confident and that there was no need for her to keep her weapon's drawn. Kaos didn't like her boldness, and thought it unwise to taunt Kagami without a weapon in swift, easy access--meaning drawn.

He shifted grouchily, and raised his shoulders up from the ground--sitting back with his weight in his haunches, whilst his chest stood, supported by two strong, powerful, forelegs. He watched the pair intently, mostly Kagami--awaiting her reaction to Saundra's insistances.


ooc: done.

[xstonecoldx]

Boots scraped against the thin ice as Kagami’s weight shifted to her right leg. Keen hearing filed in Saundra’s words and a small smirk curved her lips so much so that it showed her teeth as she released a giggle. She had just realized that she wasn’t not of their lands, whereas keen senses had given the gorgon maiden clues to her origin. Slender fingers reached to her blindfold shifting it a little on her face as she spoke in gentle words.

“I thought that was obvious that I was not of fire when I revealed that I could walk on the surface of water, let alone be able to do this...”

The hand that was fixed her blindfold was extended out, her palm facing up. In a rigid and slow motion all her fingers bent in towards her palm, but only rested on the flesh not forming a fist. As her fingers curved, water rose from the cracks in the ice and rose into the air. Droplets hovered in the air for a few moments. Once again, she slowly manipulated the water by turning her hand. She turned her palm under and allowed her fingers to flow out. The water followed her fingers as it was sent through the air to hit their dragon acquaintance against the forehead.

She pulled her arm against her body once more as she turned back to the vampiress in front of her.

“Though I am not of your nation, is it wise to attack one that can cause you to melt? As for the meaningless slaughter, it is true I have quite a taste for bloodshed, but I only slaughter those who go after me first.”

She flicked her hair over her shoulder as she shook her head to rustle her hair down over her shoulder and down her back. She glanced at the dragon that was watching her every action with her stone cold expression. The gorgon eyes could melt the blindfold as she watched the dragon, her lips curled only slightly as she spoke to the lizard.

“As for you, it would not be wise to attack someone, who could strike you down without even striking....”

[saundra]

Saundra's brow furrowed in slight distaste at the hostile and rude manner of the woman standing before her. She shifted her weight onto her other foot and bared her fangs threateningly, "I kill for my own reasons, I do not go to kill meaninglessly. I happen to have some loose ends to clear up with some people in that village but so many may be difficult and a little assistance would have been appreciated. Not to mention it would have been interesting to see what your potential is..."

Saundra let out a dry laugh, her eyes as uncaring and unfased as her voice at the woman's empty threat, "Melt? What am I a witch? I wouldn't melt nor am I afraid of death. Once you experience death it's not so scary the second time. I would burn yes but unless I am completely submerged in water for a prolonged period of time then I may very well parish. As for your threat I have done nothing to earn such hostile words from someone who is not even in her own region. I do not take kindly to women but I thought you may be different, I guess I was wrong, you are just as arrogant and cocky as all of the rest. Oh and you think that you're little water trick is good? Check this out-"

Saundra threw her hands from across her chest to her sides, bringing them out alittle. Her emerald eyes flashed a furious shade of crimson as flames rose around her, twirling around her body in a wild inferno. Her fiery hair tangling itself into the mess of flames as she was completely engulfed, her body taking on the form of flames. She walked a few steps closer to the woman, her steps melting the surrounding snow like ice on a frying pan. The snow rose up into smoke as it was carried away on the breeze.

She crossed her arms over her chest, forming an 'X'. The flames ceased abruptly, the fiery glows cast around the vicinity disappeared almost as if it was never there. The only proof was the fact that almost all of the snow within a eight foot radius was completely melted and the grass underneath yellow and dried out from the intense heat.

Saundra took a few steps back and drew her weapons, alighting them with fire and taking on a defensive stance. She looked to wards Kagami with a harsh and threatening gaze, her vampirc anger finally rising to the point where she was almost in a berserk state, just barely able to control herself, "I will not have you disrespecting this land. How dare you mistreat us like this? I don't take kindly to people like you and I suggest that you either leave or get ready to be ripped asunder!"

[kaos]

Does one think it wise to taunt a dragon. Their sheer size and innate strength should be enough to give the beast some respect by default. Besides, who knows the dragon well enough to feel comfortable to challange their pride. Beasts do not take kindly to mockery, and though Kaos would not be so easily swayed by such primordial emotions... the prideful beast within him was. Anger began to bubble up from the recesses of his soul as he felt the drops of water land cerimoniously upon his forehead. They did not sting nor hurt. Perhaps water was a weakness to fire, but Kaos was not pure fire. He would not flinch beneath the cold shallows of seas.

For a moment, the droplets did not fase him. He did not flinch, did not blink. He merely continued to stare as he had been before. But it took only seconds after... as the few drops drizzled down the side of his scaly face.... before he stood.

His aura had changed audibly. His face was still vacant and unriled, but the way he stood warned of danger. His easing grace and purposeful rise promised action. But the danger was sealed and sure when the low rumble growled warningly within his chest. It was barely audible, but its resonance, its deepness, showed signs of inner fury. Beast within was hurt--his pride damaged by Kagami's mockery.

Atleast, mockery is what Kaos saw, and it was obvious that her control of the water determined its path... it was no happenstance that it had landed on the dragon.

However, Kaos cool mind was able to muffle the fury of the dragon blood that was a part of him, the dragon wanted retribution... it demanded punishment. The will of a dragon, and the mind of one... is often unforgiving. It was amazing how different Kaos and the dragon were, but that is what happens when brain is mixed with brawn--rarely to the two get along in harmony.
So, the growl was the only thing really present to show possible drygonite anger. His stature was tense, but not overly so, and now that he stood... he seemed to tower above them.
But he did not attack or move any further.

He listened to her words to Saundra dulling, and did not really care to listen. He was watching her intently, however... not her face. In war and fight, Kaos never looked at a face. A face was deceiving, a visage manipulating, and a grimace, of cry of pain was never to be trusted. A face could lie, the body could not. Thus, he focused on her hips and waist--all movement originates from the waist, the pivotal point of the spine. Besides, Kagami had no face to look at. She covered her eyes with the blindfold, and therefore gave nothing for Kaos to study there.

However, she did grab his attention as her monologue finally gave to its last dying strokes.... “As for you, it would not be wise to attack someone, who could strike you down without even striking....”

What the hell did she mean with that. Even Kaos was a little peeved at that expression of words, and it showed through the dragon's obvious break in composure. His eyes narrowed, and his lip flickered dangerously across his teeach. His wings flinched, desiring to spread impressively spanned. Kaos was growing tired of her arrogance, and decided enough was enough. He was tired of her arrogance and false sense of security.

He released the dragon.

In a moment breath after her words, the cool, placid demeenor of the reptile dissintigrated in a flash of movement. Serpentine neck snapped quickly, and violently in Kagami's direction. Wings spread out, snapped once up, and once down... creating an unbalanced downdraft that spreapt across the proximity. Powerful haunches released his momentum and sprung him forward, neck reaching out, eyes on her waist... ready for her to counter, ready for her to dodge. He did not seek to bring death upon her, but she needed to realize that he would not allways stand to the stand. Kaos was not incapable.

His mighty snarl erupted behind barred jaws, but he did not open them to bite on flesh. Instead, he curled his neck, and whipped his head up and out--a harsh and possibly devestated blunt attack with the hard bone of his snout. It was not meant to be painless, but neither was it meant to kill.

AS to Saundra's movements and responses... he wasn't aware. For now, Kaos was permitting the bestial instincts to defend the honor of the drygonite and was not terribly aware of the other woman. Unwise? Quite possibly.

[xstonecoldx]

Skin crawled feeling attacks from both sides. Boots tapped against the ice as the gorgon woman backed up from the heat of Saundra’s attack. The ice cracked underneath her weight as she walked out even more onto the thin surface. Her determination wasn’t weakening as she backed away, but it was simple common sense. It took less energy to back away than to manipulate the water into the air. She reached up to her shoulder and grasped the chain that sat on her feminine arm, but only to make sure it didn’t slide off. Her weapon would not be needed or would it?

She quickly turned her attention to the blazing dragon as he swung violently at her with brute force. Placing massive force on her right leg, she was able to kick off from the thin iced surface and flip in the air. She landed with her legs spread and bent at the waist so that her fingertips scraped the cool surface. She slowed her pace as she stood a good distance away from the fiery lizard.

Lips curved into smile, she knew how to get these two to realize what power she had without killing them. In order for her glance to work on someone, she must meet them in the eyes and nothing could be between them, nothing but the surrounding air. However, they would still feel the dreadful sensation of insides turning cold. The feeling of being frozen inside out and losing all senses in your body. The sensation resembled falling into icy cold water and swallowing the water, instead keeping it out of your systems. The sting of a thousand knives as your body becomes numb and your mind focuses on one thing and one thing alone: Your death was approaching.

Joints popped as muscles forced her body into a straight position. Her plan needed accurate and precise motions, but it would be an easy plan, just as long as they played their part. She extended her arm and slid her chained weapon off her slender arm. Placing force again in her right leg, she bounded up into the air and began to set her plan into motion. Quickly moving, she alternated flinging her daggers as they embedded into the ice. The ice began to look like swiss cheese and water surfaced running out of the holes. Her plan: weaken the surface. She landed on her feet in front of the dragon, pulling one of the daggers out of the ice.

In it’s weakened state, it could no longer stay above and broke off. The water on top weighed it down and the chunks of ice began to sink below the water’s surface. She glanced over at Saundra and then to the dragon and began to laugh.

“You really think you can beat me, with such pitiful attempts?”

She stepped back and slide right into the small pool of water. Water gurgled as the it rushed to consume the falling maiden’s body. She slowly began to think and Kagami decided to place her plan into full action. Her actions were slower in the water if she didn’t manipulated it and holding her breath, she could remain under the water longer than most humans. Reaching under her hair she untied the fabric of her blindfold and slid it off her face. Blinking a few times, her eyes adjusted to the water and to actually seeing for once. Light purple irises glanced at the opening of the water, her small pupils were barely visible. This was the true curse she was given.

She stared directly at the breaking surface. Surely, she had hit a cord with both of them and they would at least look down. Once they looked down, a single glance would cause them to grow cold. All she had to do was wait a few moments. All she needed to do, was prove that she was no weakling water servant.

[saundra]

Saundra carefully watched Kagami as a cynical smile spread across her lips. What ever she was about to so would either be dangerous or crazy, possibly even both. She kept her blades infront of her chest in a defensive position. She carefully walked slightly to the left to get better angling if she was to attack the woman. She was also avoiding the head of the dragon, she would not want to suffer a head from such a massive and well-armored skull.

She knew that she was not the one the dragon was after, their for she payed little attention to him in the case of him attacking her. Instead she kept her gaze on Kagami and her surroundings.

Her boots crunched into the snow as she walked a few steps to the left again, packing down the previously untouched snow with each step. She stopped and carefully analyzed the woman as she plummeted below the surface of the water. Saundra's emerald eyes narrowed, surely anyone who was caught under the frozen ice would die, if not immeadiatly then slowly and painfully as they inhaled large amounts of water. The frozen water filling into her lungs wouls feel like daggers ripping through her chest as well as the rest of her body as it would slowly begin to turn blue as the life drained from her body and turned her into a corpse. Saundra smirked at the thought of the woman dying in such a painful and yet fitting way.

Saundra took a slow step to wards the water's edge and peered over. Her breath caught in her throat as she stared at the woman in the water. Her bosy was not excessively pale or even the slightest shade of blue, in fact it seemed as though the water's icy wrath had no effect on her. Saundra's eyes narrowed until they caught into Kagami's. Her eyes were a haunting purple and had an evil glint to them. Saundra stumbled back and fell to her knees, clutching at her throat that was now beinging to feel icy. Her breath refused to come to her lungs as she tryed to inhale. Though Saundra was in immense pain she stayed calm and showed no sign of what the icy feeling was doing to her. Her face remained void as she stared into the river.

[kaos]

The draconic impulses within this form rebelled against the cool placid temperment of the intellectual Kaos, and The dragon raised its head with a mighty roar, and spread its gallant wings. Furrowed appendages--leathery and dark as night--spanned their full length and beat the ground mercilessly. Within two or three strokes, Kaos had moved to a hover, and with only a few more... he was in flight. Propelling himself skyward, Kaos kept his reason in touch, and the beast in rein, but he too felt the silent urge to allert this "Kagami" that her confidence in herself, and her arrogance were ignorantly placed. Indeed, there were strong figures in the world, but to openly remain cocky, and exclaim ones indefeatabilty to the world was foolish and invited the misgivings of others. Those who knew her name, and her arrogance would surely look to usurp her, and melevolant power-mungerers would look to make names for themselves. Not to mention the fact that her tone encouraged the assumption within Kaos's mind that she had indeed come to fire with some malignant plot in mind, and in such a case Kaos could not sit idle.


True, he did not feel terribly bonded or loyal to the Fire nation, but it was still his home, and to see an entity of water enter uninvited was slightly irritated to him--molded on top of the fact, that he just didn't care much for this Kagami. Her words held superiority, and though he knew she probably did not see him as anything more than a bestial dragon as his appearance betrayed... she was gravely mistaken, and that mistake was wounding both the dragon's pride and the little bit that the man, Kaos did possess.


:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:


Now, to give Kagami credit, if Kaos knew the curse behind the mask, he certainly would have found her confidence well placed, and his respect for her ability to do harm would have deepened remarkably.
Yet Kaos was not aware of her stony gaze, nor was he really paying much attention to her in the moment. He had heard her fall beneath the ice, but his face was driven towards the sky as was his body; he had not a clue what her intent was, nor did he feel the full effects of her plan.

Nonetheless, as he swept upwards, into the heaven's a chill did sweep across his skin as he left the vacinity below. Though he did not linger on the insaciable cold, and feeling of dread... it still did not go unnoticed. Eventually... he would make the correlation when he had time to pause and think.


:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:


Rising to a substantial height, her gathered the frigid cold air into his lungs. Fire burned within them as he contained the trapped oxygen, and gathering the climax of his ascent, he locked his wings, and ballooned his chest--spaded head reaching for the stars.
His jaws curled, opening a hair's width... and slowly released the air within his lungs.

The low note, started softly and quickly gathered speed. It's shrill beckoning call, reached out across the stars and clung to the heaven's and all that transcended beneath the cieling. The note only increase in its velocity and vibrance and soon the high-pitched whining call, became a clear throated, malignant, and dangerous beckoning roar. It rattled the mountains and shook the air, echoing long after the cry had ceased. And no, the vocal was not pointless... it had meaning and purpose... though didn't know if it would be relevant or if anyone would heed it.

By now his momentum had ceased, and as his weight began to draw him backwards towards the earth again, he clamped his lungs, breathed deep through his nares, and sharply tilted his wings to the stone, pinching them tightly to his sides... he slowly started down--gaining speed as his weight, velocity, and airodynamics dragged him down--his every intention to strike from the air, with impending jaws, talons and sheer weight. The tactical mind of Kaos intelligence was only beginning. He had not intent to fully kill her if it could be avoided.

Unfortunately, now it was his turn to be slightly overconfident. As he neared the ground--mere seconds away from brutal impact, he noticed the cold once more, but this time it did not leave him. His eyes, found her form in the water, and it was then the chaos began. A shivering cold swept though his body, knocking away his wind, and numbing the sensitive nerves of his system. Unable, to think to pull from his dive, his large form continued to fall, but it was less coriographed, and there was no stopping. Already his wings had begun to unfurl, but were offcenter, and off balanced. His spine had begun to curl and by now, he was little more than falling. He was aimed directly for Kagami's submerged form and he was going to hit that ice, and he was going to hit it hard.

A second's breath before impact, he cursed himself and braced as best he could.

[xstonecoldx]

Lavender hued eyes gleamed with the gorgon’s boldness, her temerity of knowing that she had hit their cords to their fears. She had watched Saundra stumble backwards and Kaos begin to tumble toward the thin ice. A cruel smile crossed her lips as she repositioned herself in the water. Legs sank a little and her upper body floated above her lower half. Violently, Kagami kicked causing the water to bubble and fizz around her feet, but it gave her movement to work towards the surface.

To think that she could move, even though she had been sitting in water below freezing, but how could her cold heart get any colder. Little could kill the creature she was, and the bitter cold wasn’t one of them. Tendons became taut only to release to create the kicking motion of her legs. Hands grazed her face as her blindfold was slid over her eyes once again. There was no need for a true stone cold gaze from her.

Feminine, yet strong, Kagami made it to the ice surface a couple yards away from the hole she had created before. The ice was still thin, so curling her fingers into a fist and hitting the ice caused it to crack enough to break and allow her an entry through to the surface. She pulled her upper body up on the ice, elbows braced and dug in to keep her above the water. Her breathing consisted of sharp intakes and deep outakes of air as she balanced out her breathing and eased her light headiness from holding her breath. Her fingers dug into the ice as she pulled her body up on to the thin ice. Crawling on her hands and knees for a few inches before bringing herself to her feet.

She stood proud on the ice, gazing at the two fire denizens. Chapped lips curved into a smile, once more. With grace, she glided over to them a little closer, but kept a couple yards difference. Dulled eyes remained hidden beneath the blindfold to show the maiden’s true appearance. The night had crawled along, but the sun would probably rise soon. From water to fire, Kagami had slept little while traveling about Algaësia and from exerting too much energy during this fight.

Muscles pulled taut as she tried harder to stand straight. No warrior would dare show weakness, this thought rang out in her mind. Her head turned as she glowered at the two denizens.

“So have I proved my worth?”

(Sorry, I've been really busy lately. This post isn't the best, but this way you wont have to wait for me))

[kaos]

ooc: I'm abandoning ship, sorry guys. So this is my farewell post and the departure of my character.




BIC:

Koas kit the watery tomb with enormous force, and the ice cracked and shattered with very little resistance. The shallows didn't not absorb the momentum, well... and thus a burning sensation filled his body breifly before all went numb. He lay their a moment, as water oozed and fell upon the near banks around his impression--the underwater current daming before his imbedded body. It gurgled in disgruntled dissaproval, but it's power was minimal and its opposition went unheard.

It took several moments, for his breath to return to him, and with it came a horrendous howl that gripped the night and turned sourly about. Serpentine neck turning about to face the one called Kagamiw with careful interest. Feeling the unrelenting pain of the fall still... the beast within subsided a moment, to allow Kaos to ponder thoughtfully and efficiently. Her comment went unheard, and he paid no mind to attempt to rehear the open thoughts.

She'd don't nothing but gaze at him... he remembed the eyes--befuddled by the water but still there. He remembered the cold... the dangerously solid impact, and the feeling of loss that had filled the cores and essences of his body--as if he'd no will left to live.

Shuddering, he forced his beaten hulk to a stand and glared forcefully in her direction. His inability to communicate left him with an option--but he refused to take it. He'd had enough. She was not his business, and it was not his right to reak punishment upon her. If it was anyone's it was Kaji's.
Kaos knew her name, knew her appearance... and had an inkling of many possible assumptions as to perhaps one of her skills. He would relay such information to a messanger of Kaji--for he felt no alliance strong enough to evoke a personal appearance.
Normally, he would not have opposed an intruder of another nature... for he was not terribly bias... yet... her threats and desires to attain murdering status among fire's nation and her simple and reletively malicious demeenor, and blood-spitting tone... Kaos aggreed that she was dangerous. Looking breifly towards Saundra... he argued with himself... certainly she seemed a woman of repute--though he'd not seen her in battle. Besides he felt no sturdy alliance, and thus... he gathered his stiff, lead-laden wings and pulled himself shakingly up into the air. His battered appendages beating futively at the still night breezes.

Managing a shallow liftoff, he surged with a touch of his remaining strength and pulled himself off into a slant rise that gradually abandoned the clearing and headed towards the open sky. His direction pointed slightly west of the Main mountain citidel--towards a small town of falconers, whom he'd at one point met during his travels. They could relay the message better than he--and such a messanger would be better trusted than a stranger such as himself.

________________________________


Upon reaching his destination, Kaos did what he set off to do, remorphing back into his humanoid form... yet... after that, he dissapeared... returning to the wildnerness of the mountains. None have seen or heard of him since, nor will they ever again--for he is now destined to fade away into the oblivion of lost memory, leaving only a scant trail in the form of a letter--riding valiant on falcon's wings... towards Kaji in the east.

[saundra]

((OOC Sorry this took so long Stone, I was/am very busy. I hope that this will make up for it.)

Saundra watched as the giant reptile hit the ice on the lake, a sickening snaping sound erputing from underneath him as the ice gave way to his massive body weight. She carefully walked over to where he had fallen, glancing into the depths of the river to see if he had survived. She doubted that he would drown in such a shallow river, even she would have trouble with such a feat. But if there was a chance that he was drowning then there would be little that she could do for him anyways. He was too big to haul out of the river and the amount of time it would take her to even begin to help him would be sucide for her.

She heard the ice crack once again, this time the dragons head burst through the sheet of ice as if it was nothing more than a sheet of paper, taking of to the sky valiantly. He turned and glared venomously at Kagami, a look so full of distaste that it set a wave of discomfort over Saundra. She wandered what the dragon thought of her. Though she really didn't care wether he would come back with avangence or not she really thought it troublesome to earn the grudge of a dragon. Someday he could turn and have her head, though she thought the odds were highly unlikely.

Saundra quickly lept back at the dragon began to rise higher into the air, causing a spray of water to come her way. Using her trench coat as a shield she avoided the mist and turned back towards the dragon, watching his massive form receed into the black of the night. Gazing up at the stars briefly, Saundra noticed that the night was still young, little time was wasted during the small encounter with the dragon and the woman now known as Kagami. Turning towards the warrior woman she nodded her head shortly, "I never asked for you to show your worth, that's not really how I judge people. But I must say that you put up one hell of a fight. What race are you? I don't believe I've seen others with your ability and I've been to most places, including the lands of water."

[xstonecoldx]

A cruel smile curved the water maiden’s lips into a sadistic smile. The sickening crack of bones hitting the frozen water, the brute force of the fall, the identical sound of bones snapping under pressure. Kagami listened as she heard the dragon’s rough scales scuff against the ice and leather wings beat against the wind. He was taking off and left with a burst of wind brushing against her iced skin. Her head turned as if she watching the dragon as he left. Another smile curved her lips as she released a soft, wicked chuckle.

“Are you telling on me? Go ahead, not even Lord Kaji will be able to capture me without some evidence of a brawl. I wouldn’t mind a little bit of fun....”

She brought her hand to her lips and licked the blood that stained her hands from grasping the blades of her knives. She pulled her hand away, she had her fun for the night. She turned back to Saundra as she listened to her questions. Kagami knew she wasn’t a normal species of demon, but that was what made her so deadly. No one could really match her skill, because if there were any other of her, there were few. Meaning, she was unopposed in these lands.

“I believe it is none of your business. You already know my name, I’ve given out too much information already...”

Her voice seethed underneath her harsh breath as she turned away from Saundra. Boots tapped against the icy floor as she began to walk away from Saundra. She hated the fact that it was winter already. The cold, the snow, a growl emitted from deep within her throat, how she despised the cold. Though, the summer heat wasn’t much better, but it was better than the blasted cold.

Purple hair swirled about her as she cocked her head a little to the side, as if she was glancing back at Saundra before she continued on her way.

“I hate company. So I’ll leave you to freeze out here in this damn cold.”

[saundra]

"Temper, temper."

Saundra shook her head smirking before she turned in the opposite direction, "I wouldn't freeze out here even if you took my coat, just so you know. I'm long since dead love."

She sheathed her switchblades, slightly disapointed that the night had been wasted mainly on idle chatter with very few exciting moments. A frown tugged at her features, such a beautiful night, almost completly wasted. A small frown tugged at her crimson lips, emerald eyes narrowing slightly before she smirked, bringing a delicate hand to her mouth as if to hide it, there was always tomarrow night. She looked over to the horizon, she could see the sliver lining that meant dawn was near.

She began to walk along the ledge, looking for an opening to a cave, this place was littered with hidden caves and caves that were in plain sight. She stepped over tree roots that had begun to grow outwards from the cliff's ledge, eyes darting around the area until she found a small opening, hidden away by vines of ivy, forming a sort of curtain over the cave. Pulling away at the ivy she stepped inside and looked around, it was fairly large, though not so big that it would draw attention at a first glance. She walked to the farthest part of the cave and sat down. She would wait here until the sun went down again in the evening.