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Post by Xentus on Nov 2, 2020 6:16:40 GMT -6
Imagined or not, he wasn't going to risk it. Down the right path he went, coming to a hasty decision. Yes, this seemed right.. There was the stream, it was collecting into a watery pool on the far end of a cavernous outcropping. Now, to simply follow along it. His heart started to calm, but he knew they weren't entirely safe yet. He couldn't rest easy until they were. Acidity no longer clattered out of spite for the dragon, but now in response to the frantic waves from its master. With the threat out of sight, it didn't consider the drake to be of concern anymore. But its master was still concerned! It was on guard, inner seed watching for any new threat which might come to harm its master. It was ready. The pores on its body had yet to close, on standby to strike with the burning liquid produced deep within.
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Post by Xentus on Nov 3, 2020 5:58:16 GMT -6
Xentus didn't stop sprinting until he saw the thin gap which he squeezed through from before. His footfalls caused the water from the stream to splash up and saturate his silk pants, soiling them saturated minerals and dirt. As long as he didn't hear following steps from the dragon, he didn't care.. His pointed ears were flicked backward, listening. But aside from his own labored breaths and heavy footfalls, he heard nothing. Upon reaching the bottleneck, the leopard pressed himself against the wall and slumped along it, catching his breath. He released the golem, letting it fall a short distance to the ground. His blue eyes fell to it for a moment, briefly checking to ensure it was unharmed. The bright green creature stumbled upon landing, but quickly righted itself. It seemed to be fine, if only a bit shaken from the rough handling. What a relief.. Xentus took in a deep breath, steadying himself and regaining composure.
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Post by Xentus on Nov 3, 2020 6:35:24 GMT -6
That was much more excitement than he'd bargained for. Nothing like looting the nest of a territorial sarane drake to get the blood pumping, that's for sure. He hardly realized just how massive those dragons could truly grow - and that was a first tier! Those born of more dominant blood were even larger and fiercer, from what he'd learned in researching the dragons. Part of him was feeling slightly averse to rearing the creatures now that he got to experience the ferocity of an adult male first hand. A mental note was made - be sure to befriend the drakes while young.. While being on the receiving end of that toothy maw was terrifying, the idea of having that defending him was admittedly a pleasant one. Better than having a stalker golem, though? Debatable! But this was not the place nor time for debates. Acidity began clattering its shell, risen to alert by the sound of a rumble echoing at the end of the tunnel..
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Post by Xentus on Nov 3, 2020 6:40:12 GMT -6
Just when he thought he'd caught a break. The drake was in pursuit. This was sub-optimal, but he did feel a bit safer knowing that large beast wasn't going to easily squeeze through the gap here. Now, it could most certainly break through if he'd angered it enough. But he'd do his best to leave this place soon. "Come now, Acidity. Let us not disturb this drake any longer", Xentus muttered quietly to the golem, beckoning for it to crawl through the gap. Briefly, it seemed to be defiant, more keen on defending its master at any cost. But, it couldn't resist his will for long. The walker quieted its clattering and pressed itself against the rock, poking its hard carapace through the space and letting its squishy body slide after it. Xentus made sure it got through, then waved his light at the end of the tunnel. The beast was yet to come, but he could hear its heavy footfalls stalking its way closer.
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Post by Xentus on Nov 3, 2020 6:46:44 GMT -6
Definitely time to go. With a mix of haste and care to not scrape himself again, the leopard gingerly fit himself through the tight squeeze. A groan escaped him as his arm ached, cut pressing against the solid stone wall. Behind him, he could hear the drake picking up speed, beginning to charge toward him. Not good. A heavy exhale escaped the mammalian man to help lose some volume, and with a final effort, he slid through to the other side. This time, his silk pants caught on the sharp edged stone, a rip tearing through them. But that was hardly a concern compared to the sight of the drake's head pressing against the gap. It rumbled a deep growl, angered yellow eye staring through the gap. Xentus felt his throat tighten. Acidity beside him clattered defensively, as if to warn the drake that it would strike it again if it tried anything.
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Post by Xentus on Nov 3, 2020 6:51:38 GMT -6
The intimidation factor was lacking, but the golem tried regardless. And seemed to inadvertently provoke the drake to action. A mix between a roar and a hiss escaped the beast as it reeled its head back and brought its short horns down against the stony barrier. The entire cavern seemed to shake under the dragon's strength, bits of stone crumbling from the walls. Xentus jolted back, alarmed. Alright, there was a definite chance of that gap not holding the dragon back. He grabbed the golem yet again, scooping it up as he started a light sprint back towards the way they originally came. As interesting as it was to supposedly observe the drake from a safe spot, he was not risking that thing actually busting free and mauling them. Not today. The acid golem limped in his grasp, letting itself be taken without any fuss. If it had its way though, it would've given that sarane a piece of its mind!
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Post by Xentus on Nov 3, 2020 7:25:40 GMT -6
The way out of the cave was a straight shot down the tunneling path, more or less. Xentus followed the stream to the mouth of the cave, finally relaxing again only when he saw the darkened sky above. The sun was barely peeking over the horizon, washing the land in a purple-red hue. He would've sat and enjoyed the sight, but he was much too exhausted. The leopard let himself fall to the ground, breathing in heavily. Acidity pressed its head into the nook of his arm, offering its master some form of comfort.
"This one.. Might he be too old to do this?", he asked it with a wary smile, "Hah. No matter. Such thrill will only keep him young. Or have him meet his end quicker, who is to know?" The golem had no answer of course, but still clattered to chatter back. He rubbed its stony head in appreciation.
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Post by Xentus on Nov 3, 2020 7:30:28 GMT -6
And with that, this little venture met its conclusion. The walk back home through the dark was a slow one, taken purposefully so. There was a great deal of things to reflect upon. The necklace he retrieved in particular was one such thing. It was a golden chain with a pendant featuring some sort of green gem. He'd always guess jade when seeing green gems. One of these days he'd grow more learned on the various kinds, but there was still a lot to research in that regard. The necklace itself, though, seemed to be excellently crafted. Now, he'd heard tales of some kind of workshop where visitors could forge their own jewelry with their findings in the mountains.. Perhaps this was an artifact from that place? That would certainly give it a good deal of value. The golem walking beside him held no interest in the necklace, but did seem to occasionally glance up at it, just to affirm that its master was occupied with the thing.
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Post by Xentus on Nov 3, 2020 7:37:45 GMT -6
Now, was this fancy piece of jewelry worth him nearly becoming the next meal of a sarane..? Not at all. No manner of reward would've made that ordeal worth it for him. Xentus was the kind who would never give his life for some material thing. No material object was worth dying for. Things were replaceable. He would, however, sacrifice himself if it meant saving one he loved. That.. Was a trade he nearly made, once upon a time. The broken horn adorning his forehead was a constant reminder. A hand involuntarily reached up to rub the stump. Ah.. No use dwelling. On to better thoughts. Like on raising sarane. He had the thought to occupy himself with hens until he felt trained enough in the dragon behavioral patterns. Hens weren't nearly as feisty as drakes as adults. Much more manageable. Perhaps not as terror inducing, but formidable nonetheless. Acidity here could probably take on adult hen..
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Post by Xentus on Nov 3, 2020 7:42:08 GMT -6
Not with any sort of ease, but he felt that he could trust the young golem to defend him against such a threat. That would be its limit, though. The leopard turned his attention to the walker, considering its strength briefly. It did ward away a drake for a short time. That was commendable. And.. It did let him realize just what dire situations these creatures would stand up and fight against. Facing a literal dragon was a feat unmatched by any of his other creatures thus far. Even Mira, who had actually been trained in battle. The little walker may not have held its own exactly, but it did him proud! A gentle smile plastered itself on the mammalian's muzzle. Now, if Acidity was a full grown stalker! That would be a more even contest. Still favored by the drake, but one that he could see them having a chance at winning.
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Post by Xentus on Nov 3, 2020 8:33:30 GMT -6
After winning with Mira in that tournament, he began thinking of the more.. Tactical advantages in rearing certain creatures. This project with the golems started as a thing of curiosity and research, but was evolving into one of strategic use. The glass golem in particular was one that he saw with much potential. It was something beyond elements, in his understanding. Of course, without further research into its nature, he couldn't yet be certain.. But the prospect was still extremely appealing. Acidity, while representative of a useful element, was volatile. He likened the effects of acid to that of fire - destructive if not used with great caution. But acid was worse. There was no safety in it, unlike how the heat of fire could provide warmth. No offense to Acidity in particular. A muttered apology escaped him as he glanced down at the golem once again, feeling a little bad for pinning 'acid' to be an entirely destructive thing.
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Post by Xentus on Nov 3, 2020 8:39:29 GMT -6
The golem was not disturbed by any of his thoughts of how he felt about its element. It carried on, caring only to serve him well. He thought it endearing and brave, how the golem behaved. As always, his fascination with the species only grew. Before long, the duo arrived back to the cozy little cottage with the man called home. Here, he could finally unwind a relax.. Treat his wound. Get something to eat. His pack was dumped onto the floor next to the front door, hitting the wood with a solid thump. Returning the necklace would be business attended to later. The leopard stopped in front of the body length mirror in his room to get a good look at himself. The bright green golem followed him, observing quietly. Ripped pants and what would most certainly develop into a nice scar. Great souvenirs. At least the golem was unscathed.
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Post by Xentus on Nov 3, 2020 8:49:46 GMT -6
The leopard decided on a hot bath while soup cooked. His dreadlocks were unpinned and pants removed, leaving nothing but his furred hide to cover himself. He wasn't ashamed to walk about like this in his own home before his pets. What did they care? Acidity wasn't perturbed. It hardly registered this slight alteration in its master's appearance. The only other indoor pets he had were the other golems and the ling-ling. Thinking of which.. Where was that rambunctious little noodle anyhow? He supposed it was later into the night.. It was likely fast asleep. Ah, best to not wake it anyway. Its chittering wouldn't be ideal for relaxation. Acidity was plenty company for the time being anyway. It followed after its master back to the kitchen, observing as a quick broth was made from miso paste, water, and dried mushrooms. With the pot set to simmer, the man then made off to the bathroom.
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Post by Xentus on Nov 3, 2020 8:54:12 GMT -6
Xentus looked at the knee-high walker for a moment, considering letting it in with him.. And decided it wouldn't really matter. He shrugged and started running the bath. It could probably use a quick cleaning as well. At least the shell. The strange ooze-like body seemed to keep itself clean. Xentus knelt down and examined the creature's head-shell, making note of the collected dirt and grime from the excursion today. Nothing a wet rag wouldn't take care of. Now, would it care for warmed water? He.. Hadn't really considered what kind of ambient temperatures might be the most comfortable for such a creature. They didn't seem to care anyway. One could literally spout fire from its body and seem to not feel the effects. Xentus chuckled and realized the idea silly. Ah well, he was only trying to be considerate. The golem was wiped off, returning its radiant green exterior to a brighter glow.
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Post by Xentus on Nov 3, 2020 9:23:45 GMT -6
The purple seed within watched its master, seeming to enjoy this little bonding moment. His touch, his care.. It could melt. Once the creature was cleaned up, he gave it a dismissive pat then turned to get his own hygiene taken care of. The bath steamed, inviting him in to relax. It was a bit hot, but he gave in to the heat regardless. Acidity picked up on the sudden waves of discomfort from it master, clattering with concern as it pattered toward the ceramic tub. But its concern only made the man chuckle. Silly little thing, he thought, smiling at it. He let his arm hang from the edge of the tub to stroke its head-shell. The walker calmed, nestling itself against his wet palm. It was only a matter of time until this cycle repeated. To raise a golem from seed to stalker, to fuse it. Acidity was next in line. It was bittersweet to have them give themselves up to make new life, but it felt worth it to create something new.
> Exeunt Xentus and Acidity (20)
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