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Post by Xentus on Sept 12, 2021 17:10:06 GMT -6
Magic left untamed could be extremely dangerous. Akinai knew this. It was concerning to think that a mere beast could call magic on a whim, destructive magic at that! Thankfully Xentus knew of its power; that was a good step toward taming it. Though, he didn't even know what he could do with his node. Funny. The difference between a natural gift and an earned one. It was good that he had some idea of what he wished to procure with his node, though. Fire.. It directly clashed with what she knew, but this actually worked in their favor. Should things go awry, she could quell misguided fire herself, probably. And well. They were at the river. The leopard could dunk himself should he light himself ablaze. The bird, on the other hand.. That one was more unpredictable. Sure, Xentus claimed he could command the beast as he needed, but she was still skeptical. They could avoid the winds beneath the water, but the thought of electricity being added to the mix was one she was very wary of. If she couldn't quell a misfire, they'd be in a bit of trouble. Xentus felt like he could read the concerned thoughts scrawled on the draconic's face.
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Post by Xentus on Sept 12, 2021 17:27:53 GMT -6
Finally, the dragoness sighed. "Well, at least you've chosen to do this in the safest way you could think of", she started while staring at him, "This will take time. Let's begin with you, Xen" As far as she understood, magic through nodes wasn't too different from natural borne magic in that it needed time to recharge. They wouldn't be able to perform much at once before exhausting for the day. So far, Xentus only knew that he could channel power from the node he had.. And that he wanted to make a fireball. He held out his node for Akinai to see; a fiercely glowing marble which burned like the flames within it. "So, for me.. I feel the magic within - like the ebb and flow of waves. I let it churn, and then release it into the shape I desire", the draconic explained cryptically, "Feel it and release with the shape of your intent. Worry not, I won't let it harm you" Xentus looked between the node, the dragon, and the shimmering owl. Even Mashiik seemed to be intently watching what was going on here. "Alright..", he said with an exhale, then began. A wave of nausea staggered his mind as he clutched the fire node, drawing in its power.
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Post by Xentus on Sept 12, 2021 17:44:12 GMT -6
Akinai watched from her spot in the shallows of the river, concerned as the leopard seemed to falter. It was obvious he hadn't much practice with this. Trying too hard, maybe? Or not hard enough. Magic could overwhelm the user should they be unable to remain steadfast. The mammalian tried to push through, and flames began licking at his extended hand. It wasn't looking good. She was no expert on fire, but any magic should be focused and precise. This wasn't. He was going to hurt himself.
"Stop!", her voice rang out, immediately causing the man to stiffen and withdraw. The rejected surge of magic flowed back into the node, stinging as it left his core. Even from that, he faltered and sat down, winded from the attempt. "It gets easier as you learn", the dragoness's soothing words came, "Take a break, you'll be able to try again. Let's try with the bird now"
Xentus nodded and looked to Mashiik. (Mashi was watching, yes? Show Xentus your power to call forth lightning), he communed to the alurook, (He know you are able. Feel the elements within.. Fire and wind. And cast them forth as a shock.) The alurook blinked slowly, considering her keeper's words. She'd never really thought to do it, it just.. Happened.
Mashiik; Magic:Lightning Bolt - 1 4
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Post by Xentus on Sept 12, 2021 17:58:03 GMT -6
The bird passed that notion back to the man, uncertain about how to go about this exercise. She was willing to try for him, but actively doing this was.. Strange. (Xentus may have faltered, but he is learning too), he tried to assure the creature, (Mashiik is far more able than Xentus. And Akinai is here to help. Go on, feel it within and cast it out.) Mashiik shuffled her feet as she tried to recount calling lightning from 'within' as the man put it. She had been excited.. Hunting for enrichment under the man's watchful eye. Closing in on prey. And striking it down with the electric surge from her beak. Xentus could almost see the flashes of thought as they passed through the alurook's mind. Mashiik's wings spread slightly, magic starting to churn as the hunt was replayed in her mind. Fire and air. A feral instinct swayed her mind, eyes scanning for a target. The dragon. Strike down the dragon! A rasping shriek sounded from the alurook as it channeled magic into form, sparks dancing from her beak. The power was to be unleashed in a powerful surge taking no longer than the blink of an eye.. But was stopped.
Using Pellets (4 remaining) Mashiik; Magic:Lightning Bolt - 2 5
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Post by Xentus on Sept 12, 2021 18:45:14 GMT -6
Akinai had shot quickly to her feet, eyes glowing with a mix of terror and alarm. She went from watching the alurook to staring hard at it, seeing that the bird was going to force its magic upon her. Not happening! The dragoness summoned her own innate magic to counter the bird's, resulting an a rather uneventful glimmer of light. "Xentus!", the dragoness growled, calling upon her warden with eyes still locked on the golden owl. The creature flared its wings and shrieked, seeming furious to have its powers quashed. The leopard was still fairly winded, but he'd scrambled to the owl's side, clutching her golden plumage. (Mashiik! Stop! You're okay, Mashi, calm down!), he pleaded mentally to the owl. Under his touch, the creature seemed to snap out of her trance, quieting.
"That's it, Mashi. Easy now", the man spoke soothingly, then looked to the draconic, "Akinai, are you alright? She did not harm you, did she?" "Just startled.. I'm alright, Xen", the dragoness responded, letting out the breath she'd been holding this entire time, "Give that beast a moment to settle and we'll try again.." She needed time for her own heart to calm too. Deflecting that surge was frightening.. But it didn't dissuade her from continuing these lessons. In fact, making sure that bird's magics were under control felt even more pressing now.
Mashiik; Magic:Lightning Bolt - 3 6
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Post by Xentus on Sept 12, 2021 19:03:09 GMT -6
Even if Xentus was confident in being able to keep his pets in line, that only really exempted himself from their enmity. Akinai was susceptible; a stranger and a potential threat. Or potential prey. While she wanted to think the alurook foolish to believe it could hunt her.. The two of them were likely on equal footing. The owl could overwhelm her if she let her guard down. Just as she could it. It was lucky it was her warden's pet, otherwise she'd not tolerate its presence so well.
(Mashi.. This one doesn't know what overtook you, but it is not what he wants to see), the leopard scolded his companion. Mashiik's head hung down low, looking between her keeper and the dragon. {Very well.. Sorry}, the dejected words flowed into his mind. With that, they took the time to settle down before trying this exercise again.
Xentus had arranged a pile of rocks to serve as a target for the owl's outburst. Not ideal prey, but it would hopefully do. (Ready to try again, Mashi?), the man asked, looking at the golden owl, (Try again with the thrill of that hunt. Focus on the rocks there. Channel the fire and wind within..) While he could only regurgitate what the dragoness told him for his own lessons, he hoped it would be enough to guide the alurook.
Mashiik; Magic:Lightning Bolt - 4 7
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Post by Xentus on Sept 12, 2021 22:11:56 GMT -6
(And do not let the surge overtake you), the man's last warning hummed in the owl's mind as the magic began to flow once again. He'd suspected that channeling magic was only a thing that an animal might do as a triggered response. Excitement. Fear. Anger. Just as emotion calls magic, magic calls emotion. It seemed to fit. Reflecting back on his own attempt, perhaps he needed to anticipate something other than fire.. Xentus waved the thought away for now and carefully observed as Mashiik's beak began to emit sparks, warning of the oncoming bolt. His eyes nervously looked to Akinai for a moment, but she seemed content with what she saw. The bird was more focused this time. Not erratically looking for prey. The thrill of the hunt had a target, and the magic flow came to a climax. With a screech, a lightning bolt ripped forward and cracked against the rocks, impacting with a force strong enough to break pieces of stone into rubble. Mashiik huffed and let out another raspy screech, letting the energy and thrill radiate through her body. (Easy there, Mashi!), the leopard cooed, stepping in to bring her excitement down, (You did well, Mashi, good lightning)
Mashiik; Magic:Lightning Bolt - 5 8
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Post by Xentus on Sept 12, 2021 23:04:23 GMT -6
The bird's screeching hushed into garbled churring in her throat as the man's words soothed her mind. Her eyes were locked on the pile of rocks for a short while longer, some instinct urging her to move in and maim with her talons. But the leopard was holding her back, keeping her grounded. An act which she didn't come to fully appreciate until the energy died down. Akinai watched curiously as the leopard practically babied the giant owl that towered over him. She wanted to scoff, but she was a little jealous of the sight admittedly. He'd always been such a caring person with a gentle hand. The dragoness settled down in the shallow water, letting out a relieved sigh. "Forewarning, it is quite taxing on the body to expend so much on energy on magic", the dragoness spoke up after seeing the alurook settle down, "That is enough for the bird today, but you ought to try again, Xen" Xentus perked up, nodding. Learning to use his magic alongside the owl was interesting. He exhaled slowly and focused his sights on the pile of rubble. Channel the fire, picture it in the form he wanted.. And feel the fury.
Mashiik; Magic:Lightning Bolt - 6 9
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Post by Xentus on Sept 13, 2021 0:06:39 GMT -6
Emotion didn't take hold too strongly, but there was some primal sense that summoned a low growl to bubble in his throat. Flames formed at his palm, churning into a sphere.. But this much was already taking a lot out of him. He choked. The fireball threatened to explode right in his palm, but thankfully Akinai wasn't going to let that happen. The dragonic's eyes glowed a hazy blue as the fiery sphere fizzled out. Well, at least he got further this time. The leopard slumped to the ground, winded by the experience. That.. Was enough magic for now. The trio camped out at the riverside overnight, passing the time fishing and chatting. -- The next morning, the magic lessons were back in session. "Xen, it seemed like you were getting the hang of it. Pass that on to the bird. I'll keep watch over you two", the dragoness assured, taking her spot in the shallows again. Xentus nodded, then looked into the alurook's eyes. (Alright, Mashi. New day, we try this again, okay? Remember the lightning you created yesterday. The efforts it took.. And try to remain calm) A gentle cooing sounded from the giant bird's throat in acknowledgement.
Using Pellets (3 remaining) Mashiik; Magic:Lightning Bolt - 7 10
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Post by Jack on Sept 13, 2021 12:19:28 GMT -6
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Post by Xentus on Sept 15, 2021 16:19:07 GMT -6
The target was better prepared today, consisting of wayward logs that had drifted down the river, bottom-dwelling aquatic weeds, and a few hefty stones to give the abomination a sturdy base. Akinai was fairly proud of her creation, thinking it worthy of a good beating. Her eyes occasionally strayed to the target while the owl was preparing so that she could take a mental snapshot of it to compare to the aftermath. Once the crackle of static began sounding from the tip of the bird's beak, she focused up and watched the creature carefully. (Stay calm, Mashi. Let the energy flow, build, and once it reaches its peak, this one will command you..), the leopard guided the alurook through their link. Mashiik said nothing in return, fully concentrating on the magic and not letting herself lose control. When it seemed the electricity was bundled at her beak, Xentus gave the word, urging the alurook to action - "Kveyk!" In an instant, a powerful bolt of lightning rocketed forward, cracking the very air as it struck against the driftwood target. Mashiik croaked a raspy screech as follow-up and her wings flared out in an act to release the emotional tension that came with the magic.
Mashiik; Magic:Lightning Bolt - 8 11
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Post by Xentus on Sept 15, 2021 16:33:19 GMT -6
(That's it, Mashi, easy there. You do well, it's okay. Breathe), her keeper cooed in her mind, helping calm the buzzing that was rocking through her body. The alurook stared at the now smoldering target for a moment longer, then turned to look at the leopard. He approached her with a certain wariness, seeming unsure about coming to comfort the beast. Mashiik lowered her head and softened her gaze, inviting him in properly for affection and praise. "Good girl, Mashi. Good kveyk. Rest for now", the man softly whispered into the side of her face while rubbing her beak. He could feel the static build-up on her feathers and the slight shocks they gave when he stroked her plumage. It tingled.
Akinai watched them with a hint of jealousy, waiting her turn for some attention. She'd never gotten such intimate treatment before.. But it would be kind of weird to do that to a friend, she supposed.. Not that she would've minded. It wasn't until the mammalian coaxed the bird down into a roosting rest that he turned to the dragoness finally. "That was amazing, wasn't it, Akinai!", Xentus beamed quietly, but excitedly. He took a seat beside the draconic on the rocky riverside.
Mashiik; Magic:Lightning Bolt - 9 12
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Post by Xentus on Sept 15, 2021 16:52:23 GMT -6
"Impressive yes", Akinai hummed, nodding, "But do tell, Xen. What is 'kveyk'?" She'd heard him just blurt that word aloud, seemingly at random. There was some telepathy going on with the ribbons, she knew that much, so the missing context left her baffled. Oddly enough, the leopard seemed to avert his gaze now. Sheepishly he responded, "It's ah.. An ancient word for lightning.. From a book." "I see.. So then why do you seem so ashamed of it?", the dragoness asked with a chuckle, "That is interesting, not embarrassing. Which ancient language? It is not rooted in Draconic, it seems." The man sighed then looked at her shyly, "Ah.. It is no real language, dear Akinai. It is from a work of fiction. A rather inspiring read, however." -- A little hour an hour passed, letting the owl rest while the leopard and dragon did some fishing. The haul thus far was measly, but the conversation was bountiful - the leopard recounting tales from the book. Now their attentions were returned to the magic lessons. (Ready to try again, Mashi?), the man asked, rousing the bird. Mashiik cooed gently, then squared up against the target while her keeper guided her mind. (Let the energy build. Remain calm. Stay in control)
Mashiik; Magic:Lightning Bolt - 10 13
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Post by Xentus on Sept 15, 2021 17:35:12 GMT -6
As they practiced, this would grow easier. Hopefully. The part Mashiik struggled with the most was remaining calm when the magic called her to action. Channeling electricity in particular was exceptionally taxing - the energy spurred her irrationally and violently. That was the nature of lightning. It came naturally at times of excitement, like when hunting. It ached for that thrill. But with the keeper gently guiding her mind and emotion, she felt she could better stay in control. The energy flowed from her core, building at her beak. Screaming to break free in a surge untamed. The creature's eyes seemed to glow while sparks danced at her mouth. "Kveyk!", the leopard commanded, signaling for release. And immediately, the lightning cracked through the air struck the target, making the construction fold and crumble from the surge. Smoke began to rise as it gently smoldered. Mashiik herself was smoldering too, but she was doing her best to tame the overstimulation. A low croak simmered in her throat while she huffed in quivering breaths. (Very good Mashi. Good kveyk), her keeper praised calmly, (Easy now, relax now..) "The bird does well, Xen", Akinai softly commented from her post, "Amazing to see how well it responds to you" The dragoness only needed to intervene once, much to her surprise and relief.
Mashiik; Magic:Lightning Bolt - 11 14
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Post by Xentus on Sept 15, 2021 17:51:22 GMT -6
Her words were heard, but the man's attention was solely on the alurook. Hushing it, quieting its excited mind, giving praise and affection. It was a tender sight to see. After all of that magical expenditure, the beast was tapped out for the day. The exhaustion didn't kick in as hard as it did for the leopard, but Mashiik would need some time to recharge her innate magical energies. Xentus helped her settle into a quaint roosting spot in the rocks nearby and left her to rest for the day. "Now its your turn, Xen", Akinai told him as he made her way back over to her, "If you're feeling up to it, that is" Her last comment was taunting. But if he was being honest, he wasn't looking forward to spending the time after the lessons all tired out - he'd rather sleep that off. "Perhaps under the cover of night, dear Akinai", he replied sheepishly, "There is still so much of the day ahead of us" The dragoness didn't take much convincing to wait until later. This kind of thing could not be rushed, it was dangerous to do so. "Very well. So.. Until then, tell me more about that book of yours."
Using Pellets (2 remaining) 15
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