When Ancients Fall (Rhotic & OddTeaKettle)
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		<h2 id="linktree">Play-By-Post: Bondage, D/s, S&amp;M =&gt; Bondage: Exotic Solos =&gt; Topic started by: OddTeaKettle on 05-02-2016, 04:22:35</h2>
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				Title: <strong>When Ancients Fall (Rhotic &amp; OddTeaKettle)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>OddTeaKettle</strong> on <strong>05-02-2016, 04:22:35</strong>
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				In the silence of space uncharted there are seldom objects which could indicate an advanced civilization -the fact was, life is a rare phenomenon and rarer still were advanced beings- but one could never be too cautious and Skaul was no foolish Youngblood who thought himself to be invincible. <br><br>It was always best to listen closely to the incoming static from the radio wave receiver and to keep your ears attuned to pick up any evidence of other races amid the stars. Often there was nothing to hear besides the hum of burning suns or the mournful cry of a quasar, violently expelling plasma and frequencies that the ship's ear overheard even at great distance. Still, Skaul listened ever carefully as he worked.<br><br>On this artificial morning aboard his ship the yautja sat at his control and drafting array rendering a three dimensional map of the system he and his vessel now coasted through lazily. This work was his profession and his duty to the clan. He constructed maps and discovered hunting grounds for his brethren warriors to test their strength against and he quite enjoyed many aspects of his occupation. This path paid well in the monetary sense, as well as gave him the opportunity to meet interesting species and hunt them, but it served him very little when it came to a social life. Sure, he had -through his work- achieved a fair status among the ranks and he had the respect of his peers, but he spent more time alone than anyone could enjoy regardless of how socially aloof they might be. <br><br>Despite the isolation which could eat at a hunter's soul, he would always be called back to the cold, black heart of the unknown. It was as if there existed an inborn imperative in his very genome which could not abate the desire to search, to know, and to be the first on the ground in new territory. A part of him may also have been searching for himself, or who he was supposed to be. <br><br>With a rattle of his tusks and a long sigh he leaned back into the seat which served not only as a pilot's chair but his bed as well. This vessel was small, so much so that there were only three rooms in the cabin space. The cockpit doubled as the sleeping chamber, there was a small stall off of this room to cleanse and relieve one's self, and last there was a modestly sized kehrite where he could perform daily self training. In that training space he also cleaned and stored any trophy he took on these ventures into the inky blackness. <br><br>As thrilling as this life style could be, he could feel the boredom wearing on him, this had been a long season in a set of systems that he had not chosen for himself to explore. He'd accepted the task from an honoured warrior who had claimed this hand full of stars as his own personal hunting grounds. Those with the status could do such things and often they hired those like Skaul to search out the prime locations within those zones to collect heads. While his employer would probably be more than satisfied with what creatures existed on these worlds, Skaul himself was just a little disappointed.&nbsp; He'd seen and hunted so many dangerous and arguably intelligent things that if it did not shoot back at him, his blood did not flow fast with any level of true excitement. <br><br>He filled his chest with the thoroughly filtered air that surrounded him on his vessel, forcing it out of his lungs with a frustrated huff. The air in here tasted dead, lifeless, much too sterile. He longed for the scent of prey, his own spilt thwei and the damp air of an alien jungle. This system was simply too tame for his liking. <br><br>With his arms folding behind his skull, he tried to pinpoint the finest places here that he could highlight when he returned to his client with the charts.<br><br>"All animals. Plenty of them dangerous but none too bright... perhaps I could suggest seeding these worlds with ooman prey." He reasoned with himself almost playfully, mocking himself for feeling so jaded. He was only bored and tired of this damn place. This misson had even prevented him from having the time to return home for the breeding season, not that he'd had much luck before however in convincing a female to bare him young, but he'd take a pity fuck where he could get one. A pointless mating thanks to contraceptive devices was better than none at all. <br><br>He was so deep in his thoughts that he almost did not hear the ping of the computer alerting to him that someone was hailing his ship. <br><br>Immediately he knew that this was a transmission from an old friend, he knew the voice well, even if it were garbled with the static. "Hold one moment. I must adjust my equipment to better hear you."<br><br>A moment later, as his words became easier for Skaul to understand was clear that the old man he owed his life to wished to engage in a video transmission. "I want to see your face pup. It's has been too long and I've become concerned with what has become of you since the last time you graced us with your presence."<br><br>Skaul trilled with amusement at the gruff voice that boomed from the communications console. "I can assure you that I am in good health honoured elder.&nbsp; But if it reassures you."<br><br>"It is certainly not your health that I need to be reassured of." The old one retorted as Skaul pressed the correct keys for which to summon a warm, laser light representation of his old friend's face. <br><br>The moment the old one could in turn see the face of the young hunter he growled with disappointment. "Youngblood, you look like the cunt of a brood mother. When was the last time you saw one our own boy?"<br><br>Skaul tried to suppress an expression that might reveal the way he found it entertaining when the ancient and well meaning old bastard would bitch about this old subject they often debated. "You still disapprove of the profession I have chosen, Guan?"<br><br>"No. Not the work you do, but the stretches of time you lose in between these quests. Perhaps what you seek is far closer to the home land than you realize." Guan, the old one, said softly. <br><br>"Are you a mystic now old friend?" Skaul said, letting his amusement show with a flexing of his tusks this time. <br><br>The much older male snorted at the young warrior's snark. "No. But I'm <em>old</em> damn it. I shall not be getting any faster, nor stronger, nor wiser."<br><br>Skaul leaned forward in his seat at that. Gut clenching with concern now. "What do you mean by such talk elder Guan? You cannot be suggesting that-"<br><br>He saw the old one lift a claw to put a halt to his questioning. "I'm suggesting that I'm well beyond the age one begins to consider putting his affairs in order. Any hunt could be my last now. I have things to discuss with you regarding this matter my Halkrath."<br><br>Skaul's brow furrowed with the news that Guan was anticipating his final hunt, then looked down to the floor between his feet when he heard that childhood nickname for the first time in many, many seasons. <br><br>A deep breath, a soft clicking of his tusks as he let the information be absorbed. "Give me your coordinates. I'll leave this place to join you as soon as I have it."<br><br>The conversation soon came to a close, Skaul leaning back into his seat once more and letting himself have a moment to clear his head before turning his rig around to make the journey toward where Guan would be waiting. <br><br>*** <br><br>Countless distances across the fabric of space, the far older yautja thumbed at his lower right tusk as he thought on the boy. "Stubborn man-child. I wonder if he will regret this tireless search of his when he finds what he didn't even realize he was looking for." <br><br>He groaned and rattled deep in his throat as he hauled himself up out of his seat, knees cracking and elbows crunching.<br><br>&nbsp;"Oh Paya, I wonder on some days if the black warrior has forgotten about me. I'm much too old you surely know." He rumbled his alien laughter at the very idea that the death god could forget any warrior, woman, child or animal. Death is inevitable. <br><br>Knowing that it was near was not so terrible, he no longer had to be particularly tactful when he spoke, not a soul questions his habits or hobbies, and he was joyfully retired from his life's work enforcing the sacred laws. <br><br>The only things left were the innocent comforts and to demonstrate his mastery in the hunt. But first came comforts these days. <br><br>Guan began down the long corridor toward the living space, knowing that he'd find what he was looking for in the library however calling out for her anyway. "Desiree. Are you reading child?"
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				Title: <strong>Re: When Ancients Fall (Rhotic &amp; OddTeaKettle)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rhotic</strong> on <strong>07-02-2016, 01:24:37</strong>
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				Eight years.<br><br>That's how long she'd been off Earth, how long she'd seen another of her kind alive. It wasn't as hard as she thought it would have been. Albeit the first time she'd met these creatures she'd been taken as sort of a living trophy. The Youngblood, as she later learned, knew little in caring for another creature. Though thankfully for her it wasn't long until Guan took notice of this lack of commitment and through a bit of <em>incentive</em> the aging alien took on her care.<br><br>The first months, or as far as she could tell, the Ancient allowed her venture on her own. To explore the parts of his ship he'd deemed safe for her, which was practically everywhere besides the ship's navigation center, trophy room, and his bed chamber. He allowed her the time to ease into this life and it wasn't long for the young teen to realize this Yautja planned to keep her alive as a sort of pet. At first she'd rejected the idea, fighting him tooth and nail, refusing gifts and exotic foods...<br><br>That didn't last too long when she found he'd locked her out of the pantry, meaning the only way she'd get to eat was through him. Weeks following Desiree found that him to be both knowledgeable and pampering. She got to experience foods and worlds she never imagined, with time Guan won her over.<br><br>She was actually enjoying her place on his ship.<br><br>Even now Desiree was lounging rather happily, curling around her notebook. Pen in hand as she jotted down the Yautja alphabet, translating the book in front of her into English so she could understand it better. While the young human could read the dashes, some of the meanings were lost on her until she translated it properly for herself or asked Guan. Similar to any other dialect each had their own slang and jargon, which could differ from tribe to tribe as well - making it that more difficult to know what one book or scroll was referring to without writing it out in English. Yet that was part of the fun. Having been tutored under the giant hunter for a good six and a half Earth years, she understood and could speak it fair enough and her mastery of the calligraphy and stories could rival a budding scribe.<br><br>Her head raised as she heard him pacing down the hall towards the room, his long nails and heavy footfalls a dead sign and she closed the book before he spoke.<br><br>"Yes," Desiree replied, she wasn't a master of speaking it but she could give basic answers and form small sentences. Without the tusks she couldn't properly form every single word but with the right pronunciation she could get her points across.<br><br>Now 24 and fully matured, she had mellowed out which was better for both of them. The years had been kind to her, where she had bloomed and become tall and muscular - her companion had aged. His body had a small bow to it, not that anyone dared to mention as Guan was still capable enough to knock another Yautja or two flat on their asses for even insinuating his age.<br><br>His dreads and bristles were now gray, skin had dulled with age but his eyes still held the nice golden hue. She stood to great him since more of the items in this room had been designed for her, meaning if he sat in or on any of them it would just be uncomfortable (and comical) for him. Desiree was the one to reach out, carefully moving to touch his arm. Even in his old age and she was just at 5'8" he dwarfed her easily.<br><br>"Did you need me?" She asked, giving him a closed mouth smile. Knowing full well a toothy grin was an invitation for a fight in this culture and although they spared from time to time it was never more than friendly demonstrations, she wasn't feeling up for one.<br><br>Guan returned the smile, at least to the best of his facial capacity. His lower tusks grew out, eyes scrunched shut and then he moved to scoop her up. As old as he was, his strength would still be greater enough to lift her dainty frame. "In a way, child." He rumbled, slowing his words so she could catch them better. He was proud of how quickly and eager she picked up on things, though the discussion today was going to be difficult. As much as he welcomed the idea of resting forever, to face the black warrior, and take his place were all great warriors go - he was worried about her. Pets and living trophies had little rights in their society, they were simply luxury items used to show a hunter's prowess and standing.<br><br>Lesser hunters who either died young or generally didn't prepare for their passing had their worldly possessions fought over or sold by their hunt brothers and pups. Oomans fell under that category as well and while Guan didn't quiet agree with that now - he had no choice but to make sure Desiree would be well looked after.<br><br>"I have company coming soon..." He paused, allowing her the moment before continuing. "I would like it if you could prepare for him." After she nodded he started up again. "The guest room needs some cleaning, you know what to do." Guan said, slowly moving to set her down. Desiree gave him a quick hug before bounding off down the hall.
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				Title: <strong>Re: When Ancients Fall (Rhotic &amp; OddTeaKettle)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>OddTeaKettle</strong> on <strong>10-02-2016, 07:45:07</strong>
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				For Skaul, the time it took to reach Guan seemed fleeting, just a short journey respective to other great distances he had traveled over the course of his life but he understood that it would be different to the old man. <br><br>When you travel at speeds like this, time is stolen. What felt like a day to him would be weeks to an individual upon a stationery vessel and that was an estimate that does not even account for gravitational anomalies that could twist time even more severely. Racing at the speed of light has consequences because you are actually traveling forward in time. <br><br>He was well aware that his career, the sheer distances he was willing to go to make a name for himself, that had wrenched time far ahead of him. Guan had aged faster from Skaul's perspective, and from Guan's point of view it was the opposite. <br><br>Everyone grows old, but the path of the Hunter and particularly the path of the map maker demands that one understood that those they know on the colonized worlds would outgrow them in age much more rapidly. It helps if you don't hold many attachments, for attachment is suffering. After the female that had been his surrogate mother departed to the afterlife there weren't many others to make the trip home for or to restrict the distances he was willing to go. Guan was the only one, however being that the elder was often traveling himself, the risk of losing time for his sake seemed to become a moot point. <br><br>Now Skaul felt that perhaps this thinking had been a mistake. Guan was something like a sire to the young warrior, or as close as a foundling like him could hope to know. <br><br><em>Paya,</em> he could still remember living on the arbitrator's ship for the few weeks it took to reach the world Skaul now called his homeland. He'd been a child then, not even tall enough to see over the work bench where Guan had fashioned him a tunic to wear over his frail and malnourished body. <br><br>What Skaul was both grateful for and disturbed by was that Guan's was the first kind hand he could remember. Anything before him was a blur of infantile half recollections and twisted alien faces which paled even his most senseless nightmares.<br><br>He had been told by his surrogate mother -Guan's youngest sister who had never been able to bare children of her own- that he'd been the sole survivor of a terrible injustice that Guan had righted long ago. He was never told more than that, she refused to speak of it and he believed that he had to let it go to accept his life as it was. <br><br>He had been raised properly, learned the way of the warrior, had an honoured adoptive relative to emulate in Guan and how could any male ask for more than that? But, now that he was old enough to have questions... never mind it. <br><br>He'd thought on it all far too deeply as he made his way to the place that they would meet. It was time to honor the aging warrior's wishes and see him, fulfill anything that may be asked of him and Skaul would do <em>anything</em> for the adjudicator who took him away from that place he could now only visit in cruel dreams. He owed more than he could possibly begin to repay. <br><br>The hours passed, the vessel could pilot itself with little manual adjustment so long as it knew where it was to go, but despite this Skaul slept very little. Part of it was an eagerness to see his old friend and to have a short leave of his work, the other part was worry that he would not dare mention once he arrived. How far had the old man aged? Was he beginning to deteriorate? Surely his words had merely been a symptom of that dramatic flair Guan had always displayed. He hoped so, going as far as to mutter a short prayer as the law man's vessel became detectable by the sensors. <br><br>The young warrior sent signal of greeting. To make certain that his presence was known before the elder's ship alerted him with a proximity warning. <br><br>***<br><br>Guan was a generally patient individual -for a male anyway- but old age had lessened his ability to wait on the younger orders. He had to tame his frustration by reasoning that the boy had some serious distance to travel in order to arrive at the location they had designated for their meeting. <br><br>It had been a few cycles since he'd spoken to Skaul and all he could do was wait for the youngster to make his way there. <br><br>Still the wait was a thing which tried his nerves so he submitted some time to his favorite seat by the only large window upon the vessel where he could look out over the vast emptiness of space dotted with the heat of distant stars.<br><br>With him was his charge, his little companion, whose exotic head of long fur was soft between his fingers as he twirled it around with his claw and stroked her smooth, round head. <br><br>He sighed, tusks clattering together as he let the middle talon of his left hand trace the length of her fragile little spine as she lay across his lap. Both of them should be very near a nap by now, but the seasoned old warrior's mind was busy. He could trust Skaul not to sell the ooman or the ship and he could also trust him not to abuse her. But would they be able to co exist well? His hope was that Desiree would remain safe and well cared for throughout her fleeting human life, and that the boy would have a companion to ward off the isolation. He knew how hard it would be for either of his wayward foundlings in this society on their own. He'd known it from the beginning. Each would struggle in very different ways. Skaul was blood to no known clan, a mere adoptee with no family record for females to match against their own records. Desiree was a human, an alien that few would give a second glance and those who would care to look upon her might only see a potential slave.<br><br>If Skaul could agree to this -and Guan was fairly certain that he would- at least then neither of his odd young ones would have to walk their respective paths alone. Desiree would remain protected from the harsh reality for most captive oomans and Skaul protected from the maddening loneliness of the profession he had chosen to do during this phase of his life. <br><br>Guan glanced down at the nearly sleeping creature in his lap, emitting an&nbsp; affectionate rumble from deep in his chest. Such a pretty thing for an ooman. She'd have been the envy of every female he'd ever known if only she'd been born of yautja.<br><br>"Desiree. I wonder if you remember Skaul, he is the one that will be arriving soon to stay with us. You met him once. It was not long after you came into my care that you would have seen him for the first time." He said, mostly thinking outloud but watching her face and her hands expectantly for her response.
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				Title: <strong>Re: When Ancients Fall (Rhotic &amp; OddTeaKettle)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rhotic</strong> on <strong>12-02-2016, 23:09:12</strong>
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				While time did pass slower for them, Desiree wasn't as anxious to see their guest. Not saying that she had no wish to meet them - she just had no reason to converse with other Yautja.<br><br>Generally, the young woman wasn't allowed in conference room when a plethora of his aging hunt brothers came to either seek his guidance or to simply visit. Being around one of the gigantic predatory species was dangerous enough if they weren't at least a little sweet on you but a whole room of grumpy Ancients who saw her as nothing more than easy pickings - that would be like asking to have her spine forcibly removed from her body... Not something she was fond of. So the idea of another one of them visiting long enough to need the guest room prepared was putting her a bit on edge.<br><br>Guan had sensed it, he could tell she was uncomfortable without his heightened sense of smell and that was the reason for their rather intimate placement at the moment. She fit him like a glove and was nearing sleep as his clawed fingers ever so gently make it through her long, messy locks. Normally they were carefully braided or tugged into a bun so they wouldn't fall over her face while she cleaned or relaxed. Still she didn't mind letting her hair down so he could play with it. This was actually one of the most relaxing things the pair did together, save for sleeping.<br><br>The alien's voice rouse her some, just enough to blink and key into his words. She couldn't quite understand since he didn't pause long enough for her to absorb it but there was a name. Or at least she thought it was a name, there was a trill which generally implied a question was being asking but she was sure it was merely rhetorical. She yawned and stretched out like a cat, her leg slipping off his lap and stuck out somewhat amusingly as it dangled there limply. His back popped a few time but she didn't want to move off just yet.<br><br>Skaul... It sounded familiar but as she reached back she found herself only falling deeper and deeper asleep. That was until his ship was pinged, while they weren't in the control room the alarm system still alerted him when anything got too close. It wasn't a harsh, blaring notice just a simple chime that a friendly ship was in range and wishing to dock. Her seat moved and she had to as well, sliding off his lap before he stood on his own. Pops and cracks echoed and Desire came to his side. It wasn't like she could physically hoist him from his plush, coveted chair - not that he'd let her - but she did hold onto his arm.<br><br>"I'm fine, I'm fine." Guan grumbled, he hated the idea of depending on people even if she meant well. That was an inbred notion between his people and another reason why he was setting this up. "Now, little one, please go get the refreshments." He spoke slowly, running his talons through her locks slowly and affectionately.<br><br>Desiree nodded and left, rubbing her eyes to beat the sleep from them. He watched her with some uncertainty at first, hoping this agreement would work out best for his young ones. As many he had sired, he could only image trusting their safety with each other - that was if everything went well.<br><br>Guan moved to the cockpit, tusks twitching slowly before the lower pair pulled into a little grin before he opened up contact with Skaul's ship. Weeks upon weeks of waiting and he was actually finding himself somewhat giddy. As silly as that was, he'd missed the pup - not that he'd ever make mention of it. Though an idea or two began to patter about his skull, a hunter and loyal arbitrator he was, the old boy was still a bit of a jokester. Opening the docking area for the others smaller ship as he continued to contemplate his plans for his future as much as hers. He rose from the less than comfortable chair, coughing with the effort before straightening to stand tall before he paced to meet the boy. He wondered what the pup would think when he would first get a whiff of Desiree, the ooman was beginning to ovulate after all.
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				Title: <strong>Re: When Ancients Fall (Rhotic &amp; OddTeaKettle)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>OddTeaKettle</strong> on <strong>17-02-2016, 00:51:53</strong>
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				In the hours before arriving at his destination, Skaul had cleansed himself, rinsed his tusks and mouth with an antiseptic, and then properly filed his claws to neat points. Guan would need little reason to chastise him about self care and hygiene. Two things that were easy to let go unattended to when you often work long periods alone. <br><br>He'd dressed himself modestly. This was not a hunt nor an attempt to impress anyone so any armor worn was simple and considered to be casual dress any time one was in the company of those he trusted. He wore the breech cloths and codpiece typically worn by males for the sake of concealing their nudity, the most basic of shin braces and plate armor held onto his legs with tied thongs of leather. <br><br>Skaul left his chest bare, but wore a neck guard which was more ornamental than anything else for adult men who were skilled enough to properly protect their throats in a struggle. The final preparation made was to tie back his tress. He'd allowed it to grow long and heavy on his head since embarking on his most recent business venture, which had proven to be the longest and most tiresome trip thus far in Skaul's lifetime.<br><br>The other object he had chosen wear because it seldom ever left his body and he hadn't thought to remove it. It was the wrist device he'd commissioned a skilled armor smith to custom build a few seasons ago so that he could bring the maps he'd created wherever he went. Though he hadn't thought of it this device was likely good to have on his person in case Guan became interested in seeing what he'd been occupying himself with this season and much of the previous one. <br><br>The two yautja had no need to engage in any verbal communication before Skaul docked. They'd soon be speaking in person. <br><br>Maneuvering into place was simple, but even in this mundane task Skaul found a little humility in Guan's great shadow. Skaul's craft was so small that it could sit within the elder's docking bay with enough room to fit two more vessels like this model on either side. <br><br>Once his tiny home was secured in place and the engines powered down it was time to adjust the air pressure and emerge. These tasks could be performed from the control panel adjacent to the exit hatch so, Skaul rose from his seat by the controls and drafting table to take the very short walk to the exit.<br><br>The air hissed through the impervious seal of the doors as the air lock disengaged. Skaul regretted his decision to wear nothing over his upper torso and no thermal mesh. The elder must have kept the air temperature of his vessel a bit cooler than what was comfortable for their kind because of the ooman he kept as a pet. Ooman kind thrive in much cooler environments than the yautja do. Skaul had completely forgotten about existence of the prey pet named Desiree until that moment. The only time he'd ever seen the little creature it had been a young, angry thing whose very odor said everything about its discontent. That had been some time ago, only a few night cycles after Guan had obtained the ooman. He hadn't seen Guan or his tiny pet since then, but could remember being somewhat confused by the ordeal. Back then the old man had been struggling to gain the miniscule alien's trust and Skaul could hardly fathom why. Old men are by nature difficult to understand, perhaps when he attained a great age he'd be capable of making sense of Guan, who had taken in an unrelated orphan and kept a female ooman alive on his ship. <br><br>As the hatch opened and the ramp extended Skaul could hear the older warrior's talons clacking against the mosaic of floor panels which lined the docking bay but he could not yet be seen. The difference in temperature and humidity upon their respective vessels created rolling plumes of confusing&nbsp; temperature variations as the air mingled together.<br><br>The moment he could see the older warrior's heat signature the younger proceeded down the ramp and bowed his head in respect before reaching out to&nbsp; give the proper greeting, each grasping the left shoulder of the other and giving it a good shake. <br><br>Guan's tusks twitched as if he were expecting some other reaction, then it seemed that he was purposefully concealing a great deal of amusement when Skaul's expression changed.<br><br>His eyes had widened momentarily and then glazed. What was that smell? Was there a female on this ship? Skaul was fairly certain that couldn't be possible, the breeding season was long over and it would be almost impossible to convince a female to stay on a male's ship for any significant length of time even if she wanted to ride him until his body gave out.<br><br>Guan reeked of a female in estrus as if he'd just had one on top of him a few minutes ago. It was rather... impossible not to notice it. <br><br>"Honoured Guan. I'm-" The odor was incredibly distracting. It took a great deal of self control not to become a mumbling idiot.&nbsp; "I am humbled in your presence." <br><br>To Skaul, Guan seemed overly pleased and the young one was quite right. To the elder male, Skaul's reaction to the scent of Desiree still clinging to him after a long lounge together was all quite entertaining. It was especially fun to observe how heat had bloomed upon the warrior's brows and down his bare arms in reaction. He'd just have to get used to this now wouldn't he? <br><br>"Come." The old one said with a tone that nearly betrayed how much he would rather be laughing instead of rumbling out solemn words. "We have plenty to discuss. However also plenty of time to do so... That is if you are willing put your work away long enough to humor the elderly." <br><br>With his last statement he could let a few good gusts of his laughter loose as Skaul followed and tried to reason that Guan was not yet old. <br><br>"Flattery and lies you spit. I'm ancient and decrepit. That is a plain truth but only I can say so myself. If one such as you were to say it I'd have to prove how much might and prowess I still possess. Do not lie to me, I'll only tolerate it for so long... It is pleasing to see you pup, and to be reminded how far you've come from the mute child who used to follow me around, room to room on this very ship. Although... You still don't talk enough, how long did you intend to let me to go on rambling?"<br><br>Skaul had hidden several varying expressions as&nbsp; he listened to the retired arbitrator. Eyes drifting across the floor when Guan mentioned what had transpired long ago, before he could remember anything with much clarity. But the conversation found a new direction as they entered the chambers where one would do his living on such a ship. <br><br>"You told me long ago that warriors at my age talk too much." Skaul mentioned, recalling conversations they'd shared the last time they had met like this. <br><br>Guan growled a low rattle of agreement as they entered the meeting chamber with ten seats positioned around a round table.&nbsp; "They <em>do</em> brag too much. Sit. Desiree will arrive soon with something for old men and weary travelers to drink."
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				Title: <strong>Re: When Ancients Fall (Rhotic &amp; OddTeaKettle)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rhotic</strong> on <strong>18-02-2016, 04:49:55</strong>
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				Desiree was none the wiser of Skaul's docking and could barely recall the younger Yautja that she'd met years and years ago. She'd barely been 17 at the time and was still anger with everything, though who could really blame her? The Youngblood that had kept her before had been incompetent with care and had no right to an ooman.<br><br>Youngbloods generally didn't care much about oomans life, they were simply sporting game to them. That was until the young Yautja came in contact with Guan, he may have been retired but at the time he was an elite and still considered a grand hunter. While nothing more than a fine ass beating and a square talking to happened it was obvious the damage was done to her, even now she still bared a long scar across her left arm from when the youngblood had tried to wretch her back to him. Aliens and oomans that found themselves in the same boat as Desiree were either killed to end their suffering or were sorted out to higher ranking Yautjas.<br><br>Ooman pets, while generally extremely rare, were a sign of status. The ability to take a dangerous prey animal and keep them like a living trophy was one of the many ways a Yautja could showcase their prowess.<br><br>But that was her past. Now Desiree had warmed to the aged giant, she couldn't see herself anywhere else. While she missed her family on Earth and pondered how they all were it had just been too long to go back. They probably thought she was dead and she was actually all right with that. At least they didn't have to worry too much.<br><br>She kept busy anyway and these thoughts rarely came to her. Nimble fingers placing the giant goblets on the tray with a nice bottle of alcohol, this wasn't an occasion to break out the c'nlip - Guan had already told her that, just a drink similar to wine would do. She had only tried both of them once but they had an amount of liquor that make her sick for days, so she had no wish to try again this time.<br><br>Her flat feet made soft thumps against the metal floor, more than enough to announce her arrival to the two males. The dress she wore was loose that wrapped around her healthy frame and cut off around her thighs, leaving something to the imagination. It had a simple pattern and to her eyes it was the color of seafoam, it was actually one of her better pieces of clothing. General attire on the ship was similar to the dress, though never as fancy so whoever Guan was meeting with was important.<br><br>Though as she laid her eyes on him she saw he was young, his dreads showing no sign of age and while he had many scars they looked more clinical. Like they were from a surgery but that just seemed strange given how hardy the species was. From one look she knew his rank, clan, and job that was something she liked about Yautja, they were proud of their status and showed it - which in turn made it easier to understand who did what. Desiree didn't look at Skaul for too long as she set the tray onto the table by Guan. She could barely look over the table but she'd grow accustomed to that. Once Guan settled into his chair he opened his arms for her, "Come here, child." He rumbled softly and soon enough she'd crawled into his lap. The human laid back against his chest, barely moving when he leaned forward to pour out their drinks.<br><br>"Now then," Guan spoke quickly, giving Desiree little chance to understand him. This was a problem that needed to be sorted out and while he wanted her approval of Skaul, there were few else he trusted. Even his own heirs would be ill suited to care for the girl and his massive ship - his own oldest still had rowdy hunt brothers and he didn't like the idea of trusting any of them with an ooman. For many reasons. "We have much to discuss." He clicked before handing off a full goblet to the other.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: When Ancients Fall (Rhotic &amp; OddTeaKettle)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>OddTeaKettle</strong> on <strong>20-02-2016, 00:24:53</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<br><br>Skaul sat as instructed, having just become comfortably seated as the ooman padded into the room carrying a tray and a pitcher of what was probably a naxa brew.<br><br>Well, what little he remembered of the creature held up for the most part. Desiree was incredibly short which was a fact that made up about seven tenths of the impression the young hunter had left with from his last visit with Guan. The other percentage of the memory was the fiercely bitter scent of her young fury and anguish but that was no longer a presence hanging in the air around her. He scented no evidence of discontent as of yet, only that fertile aroma that was now becoming troublesomely <em>strong</em>.<br><br>He ignored the fact that her eyes drifted over his surgical scarring. Everyone looked there first and he wasn't unaccustomed to it by this point in his life. What he chose to focus his attention on was the novelty of viewing an adult female of her species from so close. She was physically similar to their own females from the neck down but very, very miniature. The fleeting visual inspection revealed how much had changed for the ooman during her time with the old fighter as well. She was a healthier weight, the injury inflicted upon her left arm during the scuffle that had won her from one master to another had healed and she seemed to have let go of that anger long ago. It also was evident that Guan had won the tiny creature's trust and more when she clambered up onto the old male as if such a place as his lap was a normal perch for her. <br><br>Skaul's brows rose without him realizing it, tusks still until a filled goblet entering his line of sight broke the more than curious stare. <br><br>He took his goblet, ducking his head once in formal thanks as he realized that he'd been gawking at them, which then caused him to shift uncomfortably as a result of his own rudeness. <br><br>Guan was simply sipping his beverage and enjoying Desiree's high mammalian skin temperature warming his stiff and aged body while Skaul's eyes nearly fell out of his skull. He quickly became tired of that expression on the pup's face and initiated further conversation, careful to speak slowly enough for Desiree to understand him. “Skaul, I won't live to see the last burning suns fade from their places in the endless expanse, neither shall you however your time is at its beginning and my path nearing its end. What use could this vessel be to me after I have had my final hunt and embarked upon the eternal one? None. <br><br>I have never lied to you and I shall not begin now, the thing you fly is absurd and what's worse is that you sleep in the cockpit. I'm leaving my vessel to you. When I am gone, this place will belong to you.”<br><br>After the slightly defensive expression for his plenty big enough little ship passed Skaul leaned forward a bit, brow furrowing in confusion. “Haven't you sired enough sons to choose <em>one</em> who would be suited to inherit it?”<br><br>“You object to my offer?!” Guan grunted, body jerking a bit with the force with which he barked the accusation. He was slightly annoyed by the question. He'd thought this through very carefully and had no desire to listen to the beneficiaries argue the details of this business.<br><br>“No!” The younger warrior corrected his mistake hastily, a moment later trying to smooth out his perplexed initial reaction with a more useful set of questions. “No. I am honored. I must ask if none of your blood heirs would be unsettled or angered by your choice? Why choose me?”<br><br>“I served my purpose in contributing to the acts which gave those pups life and they have all already possess what I intended to give to them.” The elder hunter confirmed that the others already had what they were supposed to receive. Once that was said Guan leaned back into his seat and drew in a long breath before releasing it slowly. His hand rose to stroke Desiree from her hairline down to her shoulder, were he let his massive hand grasp her bicep affectionately. The conversation may have sped ahead of her ability to understand every word clearly, but he was certain that she would have caught enough to understand the reasons behind this meeting. <br><br>“This ship comes with other responsibilities. I am certain, my Desiree will outlive me as well. Inheriting my home away from the world of origin is conditional on her continued care. If you accept my offer, you must accept her as your charge. You have the ability to follow this wish where my boisterous sons may not.”<br><br>Skaul did not answer immediately. His gaze fell on the ooman, head inclining to look down at her properly; the beads on his tresses clinked with the movement. He looked concerned, because somewhere amidst the words exchanged be became suddenly aware of how each of the old one's breaths blew the tiny alien's scent at him, and that the very alluring odor he'd noticed upon stepping foot on this vessel was almost certainly <em>her</em>. Deep down he felt a little ashamed that he mistook it for a yautja woman, but with the length of time he'd been without the company of a mate could he really be at all shocked that it had affected him so?<br><br>He looked at her from head to her absolutely miniscule feet once more. Could he live with something that reeked like a ready lover so often as these creatures were rumored to?<br><br>In his mind he reasoned that it was Guan's wish, that he wanted to intrust him with something he very clearly cared about and deeply. How could Skaul refuse? <br><br>“I will do as you have asked of me. My honor cannot allow me to refuse you, to whom I owe my existence as if you <em>had</em> sired me into this world.” With that he looked into his goblet, still held in his right hand. By now it was piss warm but it didn't matter, he took his first, long sip from it. What had he just agreed to? He knew he should just trust the old one's judgment on the matter, particularly after the old one began to cackle at him.<br><br>“Why do you look so worried over this matter pup? It is not as if I will be turning over my spirit to the black warrior tomorrow. Be at ease boy, so that you may become acquainted with this idea, and her acquainted with you.”<br><br>Guan looked down to his cherished pet and trilled a soft growl, not at all a threatening sound although it did resemble the deep hiss of a crocodile. <br><br>“Small one, join our guest.” Guan said slowly, stretching forth an arm to motion at Skaul who stiffened as he lowered his goblet from his second gulp. <br><br>&nbsp;The younger warrior's mandibles twitched and clacked but did not yet flex in any form of aggression as his eyes darted from his mentor down to the human as she slid off his knees. As if he were an unsettled cat he only seemed to watch with extreme uncertainty from his frozen position. What in paya was the purpose in this? The old man had proven a bit of a sadist after all.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: When Ancients Fall (Rhotic &amp; OddTeaKettle)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rhotic</strong> on <strong>22-02-2016, 00:52:45</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The ooman could only pick up words here and there. Skaul didn't speak slow like Guan but she could tell he was growing more and more upset as their conversation drew on. From what she understood the younger Yautja before her was going to take control of the ship when Guan passed, Desiree glanced between the two as their conversation went on. She knew her host was old but she hadn't expected him to be <em>that</em> near the Black Warrior, their version of the Grim Reaper only you had to fight him to pass on to the afterlife. Living so long in his presence she'd learned a thing or two of their myths.<br><br>But the thought that the two of them are so idly discussing his will made Desiree feel more like an outsider than anything. She knew she would really have no say in her future, she understood that in their culture she was practically no more than a cat or a dog, though part of her had always seen herself living out her days under Guan's attentive care. Perhaps that was a silly and mistaken thought but she was quite happy with how their lives were now and didn't like the idea of change. What she hadn't caught yet was what with the ship Skaul would also be inheriting her as well.<br><br>She was pulled from her worrying thoughts when the aging Yautja stroked her hair and she leaned into his touch so eagerly. In the end Skaul agreed, though it seemed he only did so to please the ancient. She'd watched Guan for most of the conversation and part of her wished she could understand just by watching them speak but the quick, rhythmic dance their tusks made as they clicked or drew out a trill did little to help the young woman.<br><br>Still as the ancient moved his attention back to her, his words making their guest bristle some. Desiree had never climbed into another Yautja's lap, generally because she tried to avoid all others but Guan. Though she couldn't, rather wouldn't do anything to upset him. After letting out a slow breath she clambered off his lap, giving the aging Yautja a pensive and uncertain look before turning to Skaul. She made no move to touch him just yet as she stood in front of the towering giant, fingers flexing by her side. Briefly making eye contact before dropping her gaze - more for her own comfort than any cultural necessity. She had no memorable experience with the male and little to no reason to give him a second look if Guan hadn't asked her.<br><br>Desiree wasn't sure if she should ask him for permission, given the fact she'd been instructed to do so but it just seemed rude to at least not ask. She could feel her face heat a little with embarrassment before she reached out to touch his knee, it wasn't intimate as the next step would be but it was good enough by her standards. "May I?" She asked after finding her voice, the phrase came out surprisingly smooth - it was one of the first she'd learned and had been perfected over those years.
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		</dl>
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