|
|
Post by Melissa|Tristan on Apr 24, 2009 11:50:38 GMT -5
Melissa's feet pounded the thin trail that wound upwards in front of her. Her backpack bounced all over her back, making running more difficult. It was alright, she loved a challenge. She'd left home really recently, less than a week after her mother's funeral actually. The only thing that had slowed her down was gathering her possessions and shoving them into her backpack. That whole week had seemed like a whirlwind,with everything becoming one big blur.
The trail was getting steeper and as much as she hated to slow down, Melissa had to. It was frustrating to know that if she shifted she would have been able to make much better time. Human pace seemed so slow once you'd traveled at over 70km per hour. Melissa had endurance with running too, being able to go pretty fast for a while. It came in handy when you didn't want to think about anything else or when you were in danger.
The fog on the mountain wasn't much of a problem because she was wearing her raincoat and jeans. The sweater underneath served to keep her warm since the temperature was dropping the further she walked. What I wouldn't give for a grassland or two right about now. She kept mumbling to herself as she got closer and closer to the top. There was supposed to be a town somewhere on the other side, and waiting for her was a new life. Melissa was on a journey of discovering exactly who and what she had become. |
|
|
|
Post by Aras|Ofelia on Apr 24, 2009 17:11:26 GMT -5
A bird soared lazily on the updrafts, its massive wingspan keeping it airborne almost without effort. From the ground, it could easily be mistaken for an eagle, albeit a rather large one. It wasn't as if the Lammergeier even had to worry much about being spotted; the mountains, while home to a grand variety of fauna, were known for their dearth of human inhabitants, especially at greater elevations.
For the most part, Aras relinquished control to the vulture's instincts. It smoothly navigated the air currents, drifting in wide arcs several hundred meters above the ground, scanning the landscape with its sharp eyes. He did make sure to keep certain instincts in check; Aras did not want to suddenly find his vulture self feeding on carrion. When his talisman got restless, he made sure to grab something to eat before he allowed the bird to take control.
He hadn't been in the air for long before a glimpse of something - someone - through the fog caught his interest. The figure seemed to be heading towards Noatak rather than away from it--rather unusual, considering the time of day, since most hikers from the town would have just set out.
He angled lower to get a better look, not terribly concerned whether the person could see him or not. The fog blurred images, making outlines hazy and indistinct. The earthbound figure wouldn't be able to tell that this vulture had no business being in North America, if she noticed him at all.
|
|
|
|
Post by Melissa|Tristan on Apr 27, 2009 13:31:39 GMT -5
It's chilly up here. Melissa commented to herself. She'd grown up in Canada, so she knew all about the cold, but ever since she'd discovered her talisman she was much more sensitive to the cold. The trail was really steep now and she used her hands to climb forward towards the peak. Almost there. You can do this. At one point she considered turning back, but as soon as she thought it she dismissed it. There was no turning back for her if she didn't want to get into big trouble.
Her father was probably furious with her. He'd know by now that she'd left. After all, she had left a note for them. To say that she wasn't able to face moving in with them. Well, they weren't the problem. Janine was. Witch. Melissa knew that they thought she was a drama queen, but right now all that mattered was escaping the pressure. Running had helped in the beginning, but returning after every run had been terrible.
Her feet carried her upwards and suddenly there was nowhere to climb. Melissa crossed over the top and watched the land open up in front of her. After admiring the view for a minute she caught sight of a bird flying way above her. She could tell that it was a large bird even from this far below it. It was barely flapping it's wings, because it was able to glide on the air currents. I wish I could fly like you. She sighed. It was the depressing mood she was in that had made her say that.
I gotta cheer up. And what better way to cheer up than to eat? After backing a safe distance away from the edge she sat down and pulled out a bottle of water and a sandwich. The food lifted her spirits almost right away, giving her hope. Maybe she did have a chance after all. After finishing and packing up her meal Melissa tossed her hair over her shoulder and stretched out to nap on top of the mountain. It was a good day for a climb. |
|
|
|
Post by Aras|Ofelia on Apr 27, 2009 14:52:54 GMT -5
Aras continued to circle, content to simply watch the girl for now. She had come upon more rugged terrain, forcing her to use the strength in her arms to pull herself closer to the sky. Reaching the peak without incident, she stopped to appreciate the view. Ah--she'd caught sight of him, but she didn't appear to notice anything out of the ordinary. As she sat down to enjoy her meal, she barely even gave him a second glance.
Losing interest for a while (he didn't consider watching people eat his idea of fun) Aras let the winds carry him toward the town. From the air, the winding trails and roads didn't seem to traverse a great distance, but he knew the girl still had a few hours' worth of traveling before she reached the outskirts of Noatak. By the time she found a suitable place to stay for the night - which he assumed she would, since there was no way she was going back to wherever it was she came from the very same day - she would be exhausted.
One had to wonder why anyone would be traveling on foot to a middle-of-nowhere Canadian town. Unless, of course, she'd heard the rumors, and she herself was... no, it wasn't safe to jump to conclusions right now. If she did indeed have a Talisman, he'd find out sooner or later. Noatak was not a large town.
When he returned, the girl was still on the peak--taking a nap? Not exactly the best of ideas. She was entirely out in the open, never mind that it was dreadfully easy to catch a cold like that, too. Was she ignorant of the dangers, or was she just that sure of herself?
Curiosity overwhelming caution, Aras descended to land on a nearby boulder, watching her intently. The chances that she'd recognize his vulture form as a non-native species was reasonably slim, he figured; besides, he wanted to know more about this traveler.
|
|
|
|
Post by Melissa|Tristan on Apr 27, 2009 16:00:28 GMT -5
The feeling of accomplishment and peace that overcame Melissa felt amazing. When was the last time she had felt this accepting and yet unpanicked by her problems? Certainly not since the passing of her mother. It was nice to feel in charge of something in her life. Melissa sleepily opened her eyes and idly noticed that the massive bird had disappeared from the sky. She was wondering where it had gone when a rustling noise from behind, or rather above her made her jump to her feet.
There was a rumbling noise and the ground quivered beneath her feet. In a panic, Melissa leaped to the side and shifted in midair. The result wasn't pretty at all. Her body lengthened, became sleek and lean. Her knees and elbows reversed themselves and yellow fur with black patches appeared all over her body. Her skull shrank and rounded, her ears lengthening as her nose retracted. A snarl escaped her mouth through newly lengthened teeth. Her muscles flexed and became tense as she prepared to confront whatever was threatening her.
The growling became really loud now and a half second later Melissa did a double take as a grizzly bear clamboured over the opposite edge. As the bear came closer Melissa backed away, scrambling to keep her paws underneath herself. The bear advanced towards her before pausing to root at her backpack. After he'd finished eating all of the food in it and completely tore everything apart, he advanced slowly towards her. She cursed her bad luck. Maybe she could scavenge some of her clothes after he'd moved on.
Melissa growled and tried to look as big and threatening as possible, but honestly, what kind of creature could threaten a bear? Certainly not her. The stupid beast kept coming, and she kept retreating until she reached the edge of the other side. It was a steep drop, and she wasn't really built for climbing cliffs. There was nowhere to go. In an instantaneous decision, Melissa tried to race past him, but she wasn't fast enough. A massive paw reached out and swiped her shoulder, throwing her backwards. As she was shoved back towards the edge, a biting pain ran through Melissa's shoulder and blood started trickling out of her body. She froze near the edge. Now what? She was just as trapped as she'd ever been. |
|
|
|
Post by Aras|Ofelia on Apr 27, 2009 16:57:06 GMT -5
Had bearded vultures been vocal animals, Aras would have squawked in surprise at the two unexpected events that came in rapid succession. One, the traveler sprung into the air a girl and landed a cheetah; two, a grizzly appeared from out of nowhere. Aras was back in the air in an instant, well out of reach of both creatures.
The bear went straight for the food. Figured. It would probably leave after it had eaten its fill. Just a stroke of bad luck on the traveler's part, he supposed. She probably should have had the sense to change back to her human form, though - people were much better at making noise than cheetahs. Most bears were timid enough to scare away by shouting and waving.
Apparently not this one, Aras thought sullenly as it advanced toward the nervous, cornered cheetah. Her instincts were probably screaming 'fight-or-flight!' at her, not 'play dead.' It occurred to him that the bear could be a Talisman; perhaps someone thought it would be a hilarious practical joke to play on a hapless victim. Conversely, the intentions could truly be malevolent.
Wild animal or Talisman, Aras couldn't let himself observe from a distance while the traveler stood trapped and helpless--and now injured. Shifting as he landed several yards away from bear and cheetah, he took a moment to regain his balance before drawing his pistol and firing several times into the air. The earsplitting sounds would scare a normal bear away; the familiar gunshots would serve as ample warning to a Talisman who wished the girl harm.
|
|
|
|
Post by natbug on Apr 27, 2009 18:51:16 GMT -5
Erin heard the commotion she was in her couger form with teeth bared she raced towards the grizzly and snarled before leaping onto a rock and racing away then reappearing the grizzly raced towards her. Erin forgot what she was doing and trembled then sh rmembered who she was. She snarled like no other leaping into a tree waving her tail at the grizzly. It took the bait, it reached out to swipe Erin off the tree Erin turned and leaped the other direction landing wrong, the grizzly sunk his claws into Erins right shoulder she gasped before jumping up and runing the Grizzly trailed behind her. She apppeared on a cliff overhanging the spot were the battle started. The grizly lost her scent while trailing her through a creek. Erin hopped down and in couger form walked away acting like a normel couger. Then, a musucler brunette girl appeared. "hi im Erin"Erin said happily.Erin leaves quickly.
|
|
|
|
Post by Melissa|Tristan on Apr 27, 2009 19:34:05 GMT -5
Sometimes survivors of dangerous situations say that it was like everything was happening in slow motion. This wasn't the case this time because Melissa was able to see several things at once. First, the massive bird had come down out of nowhere and changed into a human, a boy. Actually, more of a man really. The guy had brown hair, a serious face, and a gun. Melissa staggered backwards, away from the gun and towards the edge. Is he going to shoot me? She really wasn't sure.
Thankfully he shot up in the air, making the bear back off, and change focus off of her. That was such a relief that Melissa felt like passing out from sheer gratefulness. She didn't let herself though, she still didn't trust him. The bear was overcoming it's shock when a cougar came out of nowhere and started baiting it. This was obviously a human too, because a cougar was more likely to try and eat her than help her. Blood continued oozing out of the claw marks on Melissa's shoulder as she shifted again, away from the new newcomer.
The cougar didn't stop to say anything though, and proceeded to lead the bear on a merry chase through the trees on the other side. Melissa's strong sense of smell foretold it approaching again, and within seconds her sense of sight brought it into focus. Melissa pulled her mouth into a snarl, sounding braver than she felt. The scent of blood became stronger and Melissa saw the claw marks on her shoulder were pretty deep. She didn't feel comfortable with these strangers, especially the girl. Erin, she said her name was. In truth, Melissa didn't trust either of them, though they'd both just saved her life. |
|
|
|
Post by Aras|Ofelia on Apr 27, 2009 20:41:17 GMT -5
The gunfire successfully took the bear's attention off of the cheetah--only to have it focus its attention on Aras. If it charged, he had two choices: shoot it between the eyes, or hightail it out of there in vulture form. He honestly preferred the second choice. Provided that the traveler could keep at least some of her wits about her, she would be able to escape quite easily.
When the cougar appeared, Aras decided that the local wildlife had gone insane. Of course, the logical explanation would be that this was also a shifter, but what were the chances that three Talismans would be at the peak of the same mountain at the same time? Absurdly low, yet it was apparently happening. The cougar did draw the bear away from them, so he couldn't complain.
He and the cheetah were left alone for a short while, during which they stared fixedly at the trees, searching for any signs of movement. Aras about to suggest that they leave - the cougar could take care of itself - when it reappeared, bounding down to them as if the scratches in her shoulder were nothing, and became a cheerful girl named Erin.
Introductions could wait. "We should get away from here," he said, inspecting both girls' injuries from a distance. The cheetah's nerves were on edge, judging by its snarl, and he didn't want to agitate her further. Still, they should at least get away from the area, in case the bear decided to return.
"Change back." Aras spoke to the cheetah, whose shoulder was dripping blood. "You won't be able to walk around on four legs for long."
|
|
|
|
Post by Melissa|Tristan on Apr 28, 2009 19:32:35 GMT -5
Everything seemed to be moving superslow. Melissa shook her head, trying to clear her mind. She needed to stay focused, and being consious could help that. Maybe it's severe bloodloss or something. Either that, or I'm going insane. Her head swam again and she swayed, almost toppling over. To prevent the fall, she splayed her legs out. All she could think about was how much it hurt. Her shoulder hurt so bad that she almost missed the cougar girl Erin's fast exit. Melissa mentally called after her to wait, so that she could thank her. I mean, that's what you're supposed to do when someone saves you from a bear, right?
For the instant that the bear had focused on the guy, Melissa had felt a flash of something . . . worry. It was a strange feeling, worrying about someone other than her. Sure, she was worried for the Erin girl too, but a bird didn't seem like the best defense to a bear. The boy didn't approach her. Maybe her snarl had actually worked for once. It sure hadn't fazed the bear one iota. She'd have to find some other way to protect herself. Maybe she could carry a weapon, like the guy.
Change back. He was probably right. She wouldn't really be able to limp far with these cuts. She hadn't yet figured out how to speak in animal form, so she gave a small nod in his direction. This small motion aggravated her shoulder wounds, and blood continued to trickle out of her body. After lying down on the ground, Melissa called to her human self and shifted back. Hair retracted from her body, but lengthened a light brown colour on her head, and she wound up lying in the fetal position, injured side down in the dirt. She should be standing up, ready for anything, but it just hurt too much. |
|
|
|
Post by Aras|Ofelia on Apr 28, 2009 20:43:13 GMT -5
From the corner of his eye, Aras saw the cougar-shifter leave, but most of his attention was focused on the cheetah. She staggered unsteadily, and he prayed she wasn't about to go into shock. There was absolutely no way he'd be able to drag her all the way to town under his own power. Especially if she stayed in her feline form.
Her weak but deliberate nod sparked a twinge of relief - at least she was still lucid enough to understand him. The relief was promptly extinguished when, after she'd turned back, the girl did nothing but lay still. Curled on her side, she looked utterly vulnerable, seemingly unable to lift a finger in defense.
Paying the earlier warning snarl no mind, Aras hurried to her side. Hoping she had been sensible enough to bring a first-aid kit and that it had not been damaged by the bear's ransacking, he grabbed the tattered remains of her backpack before kneeling at her side. Thankfully, a brief search yielded a sturdy case with the distinctive red cross.
"Hey." He reached out tentatively to touch her uninjured shoulder; he didn't want her to begin panicking at sudden physical contact. "Can you sit up? We need to stop the bleeding and get you to town as quickly as possible." Aras didn't stop to question why he was helping a complete stranger. Neither did the vulture-spirit, who kept a dignified silence and did not interfere.
|
|
|
|
Post by Melissa|Tristan on Apr 29, 2009 11:19:46 GMT -5
Melissa's shoulder felt like it was on fire as she shifted her weight. Dirt had been ground into it with some small rocks. As she lay there practically helpless, a thought rose through the turmoil. What if the bear comes back? Then what? She'd be a sitting duck, a free meal. Maybe the bear was scared off for good. He'd chased that cougar girl pretty fast, but Melissa could run faster than him. Usually. Not at the moment.
Movement from the direction of the guy made her focus. He was coming this way, and moving fast. His look of concern washed over her, making her panick again. Do I really look that bad? Probably. He didn't seem to be afraid of her at all, or of going through her things. Was he going to steal whatever was left over? But no, he pulled out the first aid kit she'd packed for any injuries that she might have. She'd had no idea how useful it would actually be.
A warm touch on her good shoulder made Melissa tremble. It felt good, it felt real and safe. She glanced up and was instantly enthralled by his sparkling hazel eyes. Sit up? Sure thing. Time to put on your game face Melissa, she told herself. She closed her eyes, gritting her teeth together and pushed herself into a sitting position. Her movements were aggravating the shoulder wound and making the pain spike and ebb. It really hurts. Melissa tried to speak calmly, but it came out as more of a whimper. God she sounded pathetic, practically mewling like a cub.
She didn't want to start crying, but she was as scared as she was in pain. Nothing had ever attacked her like that bear, for no reason at all. It had her frightened out of her mind, especially since her head was swirling confusedly. She shook her head to clear the fog. It would be too easy to let herself totally trust this guy with something as important as her life. She couldn't let that happen. She was too strong to be caught now. |
|
|
|
Post by Aras|Ofelia on Apr 29, 2009 15:32:24 GMT -5
Though she seemed to be in a lot of pain, the girl could at least sit up without assistance. She made a brave effort to maintain her composure, but she sounded terrified and drained, probably wanting nothing more than to close her eyes and rest.
Quickly taking stock of the contents of the kit - the basic stuff, but it would do - Aras examined the girl's shoulder. The wound, while it still bled freely, did not look too deep. Bits of rock and dirt and a few shreds of cloth adhered to the cuts. He needed to first cut away the surrounding cloth and wash out the debris - good, there were a couple of water bottles in her bag - then disinfect, then dress and bandage the injury. Simple enough, if she cooperated.
"You aren't from around here, are you?" he asked as he set to work, hoping that conversation would at least somewhat distract her from the pain. "I'd call for help, but..." Unable to think of a way to say 'you don't know anyone nearby you can trust' tactfully, Aras just left the sentence unfinished.
"How long have you known?" he finally asked. No need to specify about what; she knew exactly what he meant.
|
|
|
|
Post by Melissa|Tristan on Apr 29, 2009 19:47:36 GMT -5
The cuts didn't hurt as much once the pressure on them was gone. Melissa was surprised to find that her head was clearer now too. She didn't know how long it might last, but as time passed the fog didn't return. The guy was rummaging through her back. He seemed satisfied with her supplies, especially the first aid kit. Melissa though he seemed surprised that she was carrying one at all with her.
Being attacked by a bear really wore a person out. Melissa felt the need to have a good sleep, but she probably wouldn't get one anytime soon. Besides, there were more important things right now. Like disinfecting her cuts. It was going to hurt, a lot, and Melissa wasn't looking forward to it one bit. Maybe the guy would be nice and hold her hand. Even when getting her shots, Melissa had always held someones hand. It kept her grounded and prevented her from panicking.
His question surprised her, but his voice surprised her even more. It was smooth and soft like honey, and the sound reassured her. No, I'm not. That was some welcome I got. She half-smiled half-grimaced at him. Her attempt at humor was so transparent, she'd be astounded if he didn't see through her. "I'd call for help, but..." But what? Melissa wanted to ask, but he distracted her with his next question.
"How long have you known?" She thought about what he was doing for a minute before deciding that answering would take her mind off what he was doing to her. Almost two weeks. My mom told me right before . . . She didn't finish her sentance, and tears welled up in her eyes. Melissa hoped that she could pass it off as pain from her injury. After clearing her throat, she asked, What about you? You're the bird I saw earlier, right? The big one? He seemed like a nice enough person, and her heart rate had slowed back to a normal level. Hopefully she could make a fast recovery, but she'd need his help to get anywhere around here. |
|
|
|
Post by Aras|Ofelia on Apr 29, 2009 23:15:48 GMT -5
"That was some welcome I got."
Aras flashed her a smile. He respected her for being able to retain a sense of humor in spite of her situation. She had every right to complain of her misfortune, but he was glad that she chose to joke about instead of whinge.
He continued to clean her injuries to the best of his ability. Disinfecting was going to sting like crazy; she seemed to be mentally preparing for that. All he could do was work as quickly as possible, giving her a reassuring smile every so often as she gritted her teeth through the pain.
That unmistakable trailing off... She was running away, wasn't she? Without anyone left to hold her back, she had packed her bags and left. Her mother had probably mentioned Noatak before her death, which would explain why the girl was headed for a little-known, out-of-the-way town.
"What about you? You're the bird I saw earlier, right? The big one?"
Aras nodded. "I've known my entire life. My family never kept it a secret." There had been a point when he would have been visibly upset at any mention of family - just like this girl - but he had learned to deal with it, as would she in time. His current nonchalant manner indicated nothing about how he hadn't seen his parents and siblings in years.
After checking to make sure he had secured the bandages properly, he snapped shut the first-aid kit and began replacing the contents of the backpack. Though it now sported several jagged holes, it was still usable--and useful. Slinging it onto his shoulder by the one remaining strap, Aras stood and offered a hand to help the girl up.
"C'mon, let's get you to town." He suddenly realized that they didn't even know each others' names. "I'm Aras, by the way."
|
|
