Edge of Night [That One Guy & Wistful Dream]
<h1 id="title">Elliquiy Role Playing Forums</h1>
		<h2 id="linktree">Play-By-Post: Bondage, D/s, S&amp;M =&gt; Bondage: Exotic Solos =&gt; Topic started by: Wistful Dream on 05-02-2012, 08:34:21</h2>
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				Title: <strong>Edge of Night [That One Guy &amp; Wistful Dream]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>05-02-2012, 08:34:21</strong>
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				<div class="floatright">(http://elliquiy.com/elluiki/images/7/7c/Du%C5%A1ana_Kajet%C3%A1n.PNG)<br>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; <span style="font-family: Ravi;" class="bbc_font"><em>Dušana Kajetán</em></span></div><br>A cold wind was howling through the back allies of London, unlit largely, and seemed to pierce through her clothing and make her yearn for less windy climates. Or at least to be snug in her own flat sipping a cup of tea and going over the newest acquisitions for the gallery. Surely it was no ones ideal night to go traipsing around London town in the dead of night when a normal working woman should be asleep, add in the fact that her only companion was her deceased father in incorporeal form and it was just delightful. Waves of concern and frustration radiated off Tomas Kajetán, and that was more then enough to soften the majority of Dušana's ire. There was also the helpful fact that they were only five minutes away from her flat also helped as she urged herself to keep walking with the thought of hot tea foremost in her mind. <br><br>"Are you sure this will work?" Shockingly her teeth didn't chatter when she voiced the question, distracting her father from his thoughts that had his brow furrowed. Gazing at him she thought again how like a unfinished water color he looked, washed out, faded really. But he still seemed solid and she had discovered they could still hug and he had made her breakfast this morning. Apparently that was just because of what she was. Who. Legacy and all that. <br><br>Which was part of the reason for her being out in London after two am freezing her arse off and talking to her ghost. A Legacy her father had never felt the need to share with her before his death. <br><br>"Of course, there are stories of your grandmother learning much the same way until she found safety in the arms of my father." When he squeezed her hand she found it impossible to be mad at him even though she had never wanted this. Clearly it wasn't really a choice. It was part of their blood, blood that had lived through the Holocaust and many other things, blood that was her birthright, something to be proud of. And she and her father had always been close. So she squeezed his hand back and hastened the last block to her flat, flying up the stairs to let herself into the building. It was odd to watch him just walk through the physical door but after the past week not heart wrenching. Much. <br><br>Up two flights of stairs she was safely in her home, doors locked and she placed the herbs they had plucked, or stolen depending how one looked at it, from a particular park at just the hour of midnight as it would have been measured centuries ago under a full moon. Ritual apparently was important, though she had found herself levitating, boiling water and making things move when she was angry without any lead up. Which meant working around priceless works of art suddenly became a lot more dangerous. It was a good thing she had a handle on her temper. <br><br>Dušana shrugged out of her trenchcoat and kicked off her boots, setting them just so near the door, her living room welcoming and neat. A cup of tea floated on what seemed midair until she focused and brought Tomas back into focus. She accepted it even as she sank down into front of her coffee table turned makeshift altar. Draining half of it she set the thing aside, catching up her long dark hair in a messy bun, her silver moon earrings dangling and catching the light of the candles that were scattered all over the room that Tomas had lit the moment he entered the place. No artificial lighting allowed. With a mutter to herself about old fashion things, which in truth she loved, clearly as a manager of a art gallery and a woman seeking her doctorate in art history, she picked up the pestle and started to ground the herbs up chanting the ritual words her father had supplied to her a few days ago when they had first discussed this insanity. She obeyed all of his instructions though, grounding them finely, shifting the resulting particles into the silver basin that had special infused oil waiting already along with a lock of her hair, her essence and a silver casting circle pendant resting in it. <br><br>She took a moment to pause then, her green eyes thoughtful before she reached for the match and struck it against the side of the box from where the objects had been laid out simply awaiting her attention. It flared up and she stared at the flame for only a second before dropping it into the basin and jerking back as smoke flared up and the scent of the odd herbs and the candles intensified. She had thought, perhaps hoped, that this wouldn't work. That all the dire warnings her father had given her were just him being paranoid. That she wasn't that powerful, that this spell wouldn't work. Clearly that was wrong. <br><br>All she could do now was hope that whatever answered the summons and offer for binding wasn't something out of a nightmare. It felt far too much like she had walked into a horror movie or at the very least that American show <em>Charmed</em> that had been so popular in her undergraduate days. <br><br>"It starts." Her father sounded almost excited. She wished she could be as well but Dušana settled for not fidgeting, simply waiting, smoothing down her favorite pair of jeans and the loose dark purple grey sweater she had chosen for warmth. Surely it wouldn't matter that she was dressed more casually for her first meeting with whatever was coming. Hopefully. 
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				Title: <strong>Re: Edge of Night [That One Guy &amp; Wistful Dream]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>That One Guy</strong> on <strong>14-02-2012, 01:10:04</strong>
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				An odd voice rose above the usual din that he tended to ignore as of late. But this one, this one found his attention. First the voice was new and female and powerful. He made it his business to know all the powerful females; be them from Earth or any other planes. Second, her words had come in a language dear to his heart. What the few learned people of Earth called the ‘Old Tongue’ of the Slavic languages. This of course had terribly little in common with what ‘scholars’ of the planet called proto-slavic.<br><br>So he listened, and drew his attention to the new woman. He could taste her power, and her naivety. He also felt many, many others take notice of her summons. He drew closer, inspecting the mortal that was bold enough to cast such a spell, and clearly with so little knowledge. Another young human pup, unknowingly offering itself up for the slaughter? Another angry youth playing with magic to rebel at their parents? No, this was far more delicious. One of the blood. The fourteenth descendant in fact!<br><br>The blood line was not his, but he knew who this mortal’s ancestor was. A friendly rival. Making this all the sweeter. He took a very close inspection of his find, and smiled. A beautiful women by the name of Dušana. He sense another with her, that held a powerful bond. Odd, given that she was asking for just such a strong bond. On closer inspection he found her father; which explained things nicely. This was his idea to keep his little girl from harm. A dangerous, but bold plan. He could respect that....but did he really want to be part of this bargain? He could feel the others pressing in on her. Beings of every sort - most far more vile than he.&nbsp; Not that he was one to interject demons from devouring the souls of the foolish; in fact he did not like to get involved.<br><br>Helping this woman would most certainly make him involved.<br><br>A wisp of smoke gathered above the odd flames of shifting colors spouting from her basin. The smoke grew and took on the color of black ink. There was no definite shape, but how it coiled would remind someone of a serpent. It continued to grow, until the coil surrounded her and took up most of her living room. His voice, whispered in her ear like a lover; and while int he old tongue, he knew she could understand him clearly in her mind. “What an interesting mortal...I’ve not been tempted this much in ages.”<br><br>He could feel the protective worry from her father, but ignored the man. Between her power and her naivety...her innocence, he could not resist. He’d laid dormant far too long and could simply not pass this up. Again his voice whispered both in her head and in her flat, “Yes, little one, I can help you. I can ward off the others who are drawn to you...others who have been drawn by your call. Shall I show you?”<br><br>Without further the flame danced, and within it she was show all manner of demons, spirits, ghosts, and other beings that reached for her. Tomas tried to protect his little girl, but found himself being slapped away, as if by a huge hand, or tail; as his ghost form vanished behind the far wall. “your father is wise, but this bargain does not involve him. He knew he was too weak to protect you from all that will seek to use, possess, or destroy you. Many wish to claim your soul. My offer is far less...demanding.” The smoke hugged her, and ran invisible fingers through her long hair.<br><br>“I too have my uses for you, my requirements. But none will risk your soul or your mind. I wish, very much, for you to retain control over all your assets young Dušana.” The fire shifted to an image again, this time a reflection of herself...only the reflection began to moan, and move as if in a moment of sexual passion. “You see? My price is not so high, nor unenjoyable. I will teach you and protect you; you will run some minor errands for me, and...entertain me.”<br><br>With a sudden snap, the smoke and the fire disappeared. Only the voice, more distant, lingers a moment longer. “You have three days Dušana. If you wish complete this; to bind yourself to me as you’ve asked...you will summon me again in three days. You will be...inspired...as to how.”<br><br>Her apartment was suddenly empty. The sound of the compressor in her refrigerator the only noise. The fire was out, the bowl completely empty. Even the heat of the room had been stolen until the heater kicked on with a mechanical clunk.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Edge of Night [That One Guy &amp; Wistful Dream]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>17-02-2012, 23:06:09</strong>
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				It worked. It really worked. She watched with wide eyes as the smoke started to change colors and the flames did as well, though when the smoke turned inky black she felt her stomach sink and she bit her lower lip hoping that she hadn't just summoned the Devil. The fear grew as the smoke did, coiling in a manner that was clearly serpentine. Dušana made herself stay kneeling and not try to break the summoning spell, to do so would only reveal that she was freaking out, upset her father and botch the whole attempt. And then the voice came, deep, rasping, containing power and speaking to her in her mind, because there was no way she actually understood the sounds the smoke was making; the woman shuddered a bit. <br><br>She almost opened her lips to tell it, whatever it was, that she wasn't little and that she didn't need his help. Accepting help from this being didn't seem all that great of an idea really. But then the flames danced up higher and the color drained from her face as she saw all the the 'other' creatures beyond them, apparently called by her summoning. <br><br>The aura of her father vanished suddenly from the room and she jumped to her feet, whirling to look around her but only seeing the coiling black smoke. Her breath caught at the sensation of fingers running through her hair and of the smoke coiling around her to hug her, almost possessively. Okay, she was starting to believe and starting to want to be able to stick her head in the sand like most humans. She had never asked for this and there were plenty of people who wanted their lives to have demons and ghosts and lord knew what else. Dušana was not one of them.&nbsp; <br><br>Still she found herself unable to speak as the thing laid out its deal. Her cheeks heated with a blush at the illustration of his 'use' for her that came to be in the flames, her hands shifting to make certain she was still clothed. Thankfully her garments were still in place. When the fire vanished she let out a shaky breath only to stiffen when the voice returned one last time. Three days. That wasn't enough time to make a decision like this! But the thing was gone then, at least she thought so, left completely alone save for her own self in her flat and the silence ate at her. Moving quickly she nearly ran to the light switch and flicked it on, seeing her normal apartment, mundane, every day. Still agitated she moved to the stereo system and turned on some music to cover the silence. <br><br>Three days.<br><br>Not going to think about it. That was her answer for the moment. She cleaned off her coffee table, putting the signs of pagan worship firmly out of sight and then let herself be taken over by an obsessive need to clean, and reorder, nearly her whole flat. Tomas still hadn't reappeared by the time she had worn herself out, stripped down to nothing and put on her favorite oversized shirt to sleep in before collapsing into her bed and let exhaustion take to her to sleep. It was a good thing she had tomorrow off after tonight...
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				Title: <strong>Re: Edge of Night [That One Guy &amp; Wistful Dream]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>That One Guy</strong> on <strong>18-02-2012, 22:52:20</strong>
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				The woman, Dušana, had been delightfully easy to provoke. She was just what he needed after this long slumber. The mortal world had moved on, no longer paying much heed to the the worlds beyond their limited perception. A few were still bound to it, and Dušana more so than others.<br><br>And she was beautiful.<br><br>Beautiful and innocent to the world she was being forced into. She’d be his to mold, to shape, and to enjoy. All he had to do was protect his new toy. Given her power and lineage, that would be no small effort. Even now he continued to fight off others. The bond was incomplete, but he’d had the advantage...and every so often he’d let something through, just to remind her what she was getting in this deal.<br><br>He had access to her mind, and enjoyed himself while she slept; twisting her dreams to display what he wished her to see. To see herself in the throws of passion with an unseen lover. To see herself offered up to this mere idea, and enjoying herself physically for it. However, he’d also show her what others would do...<br><br>The next morning, he let a minor demon harass her in the kitchen. Some young thing eager to collect souls and thinking itself most ferocious. It’s appearance was frightful enough he supposed; what with the wide mouth that looked little more like a toothed gash in it’s ugly head, horns and spines pushing through it’s slick red flesh, and grabbing at her with intimidating claws. He never let it touch her, of course. The thing was held at bay inches from her then banished once his point was made. His voice informed her she’d see more, as they yearned to reach her...but she’d also see things for what they really were. He’d remove any disguise other beings had - opening her eyes to the world around her.<br><br>And he taunted. Any open flame she encountered would show a dancing image of her taken by an orgasm. Any pool of water displayed a smoky apparition behind her, holding her possessively.<br><br>She of course needed to discover his true nature, before she could complete the ritual. So he left hints to that a well. Drawing her attention to any image of a dragon, or even putting such images in her mind throughout the day. But aside from these things, and protecting her from the blatant attacks, he left her be. Left her to converse with her dead father, or whoever she wished. He did not hinder her days in anyway. He left her to think...to decide. The ritual must be done willingly, with open eyes and a clear mind.<br><br>So he remained, observing, and eager to see her reactions to the new world she had entered. Eager to see how she took to the images he left for her. And if he were honest, amused to see how well her father took it. He should be thankful, and rejoice that a being such as himself had taken interest in his daughter. However, history had told him that fathers were not often so logical when it came to beings that had carnal desires for their little girl. 
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				Title: <strong>Re: Edge of Night [That One Guy &amp; Wistful Dream]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>24-02-2012, 01:54:21</strong>
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				When she woke from a rather flustered nights sleep she found herself no more composed then the night before. She almost wished she had to go into work simply for something to do, and with the visions of sexual pleasure gifted from an unseen lover lingering she yanked her brush perhaps too earnestly through her hair, braided it back tightly and dressed in baggy jeans, layers of a shirt and a very loose, dumpy sweater that hung off her and house slippers. She wasn't a sexual person so dreams like that were not normal for her, was it a lingering after effect of the night before? <br><br>She should have never done the summoning. <br><br>Determined to get on with her day as normally as possible she brewed a pot for tea and was about to cook something when a..<em>creature</em> of some sort appeared and roared at her, trying to swipe at her with claws. Fumbling she had lifted a lid of a pan and a spatula to protect herself as if they would have done much good when the horrid red thing vanished. And that voice, that deep dark voice came again and she whirled in her kitchen, almost as if she thought to see her faceless 'friend' there behind her. He wasn't of course. Jittery she managed to make it through cooking an egg in a basket and then went to her living room and turned on the telly to flick through channels while she ate. Mundane normal stuff. Only it wasn't. <br><br>Her eyes kept being drawn to the coffee table, remember the smoke, the voice, the thing in the kitchen, even her dreams. <br><br>Tomas did not reappear until mid afternoon after she had had a teasing flash of something taking her to orgasm in the flame of a candle she had lit. "Papa..." she spilled out of the miserable huddle she was sitting in on the couch and threw herself into her father's arms, hugging him tightly. The world seemed to spin oddly around her in that moment and she felt him press her back to the couch with a sigh. <br><br>"Ah my sweet...I fear we have the best and worst of outcomes at once." Something in his words unsettled her and she bit her lower lip, watching him pace and eye the altar. After several long moments she finally broke the tense silence. <br><br>"I..don't understand. Please explain, this all makes no sense. And what was that thing!?" <br><br>"Dušana calm yourself." She blushed as she fell silent, she wasn't one who normally had very verbal outbursts and so she contended herself with toying with her sweater as her father settled down into an arm chair with a sigh. "You are the seventh daughter of the seven daughter of the woman who was bound to a being of the Otherworld, like the one you met last night."<br><br>The brunette frowned, shaking her head, "But there was only you and Mother and I. I have no siblings."<br><br>"You actually do, I fear. Your mother as you knew her, rest her soul, my sweet Anne Marie, she was not...not your birth mother. Rachel died giving birth to you and I was her second husband." It felt like the world was shifting oddly around her, like things that she had always taken for granted as solid suddenly no longer were. Anne Marie hadn't been her mother? No, no, she had, she had been the woman who had soothed her after a nightmare, who had taught her how to cook and bake, who had made her fancy dresses, taken her on picnics, helped her study for uni, the woman who had always been there. This Rachel...she was something else. "Rachel came from that line, she was the seventh daughter, she knew how hard it would be on you. Your half sisters, they were all born into a very proper marriage, with a pleasant man for their father who understood magic and it purposes but it was...arranged. And she wanted you to have something more I guess. Or maybe I was just lucky. Ah my sweet, Rachel was like a dream, fire and ice at once, magic come to life."<br><br>Awkwardly Dušana shifted, wondering how to respond to her father's musings. At least he was still her father. "Anne Marie, she...was the balm on my soul, the thing that got me through your mother's death. She was Rachel's best friend you know." Her stomach felt like it dropped out, so both her parents had known, had known all along. <br><br>"But...I thought...I thought it was your death that triggered the powers." <br><br>"So it was. It was a spell I convinced your mother to put on me before she died, a way to seal you off from the world that had nearly consumed her life until you were older. The Kajetán line does have magic, old and rich its true but not quiet the same as your other blood. I was to serve as your safe guard sweet, the spell was fueled by my rather innate magic, its why I can't teach you or protect you. You are far far more powerful then I am." <br><br>"You said it was the best and worst we could hope for, what did you mean by that?" <br><br>She felt his eyes on her, almost sadly, as if he knew how much this was hurting, what it was costing them both. But he answered rather then speak of it. "Best because you attracted something that is seriously powerful, more then I hoped and he can very well protect you from any issue that might arise. Worst because...well I don't think its the same creature that sired the bloodline you hold its similar. Its rather like a dragon, but Slavic, called zmey or a smok." <br><br>"A dragon." Her voice was so tight she thought it might squeak. "You want me to bind myself to a fire blasting, human flesh devouring scaly beast?!"<br><br>That earned her a look of reprimand so well done she fell silent and actually blushed. "A smok or a zmey is not like the lore you are thinking of. You've prided yourself on art history sweet, well think of other history. It is not a creature that is good or bad, they are neutral, other. Wise, cunning, with strength and magic far beyond what you can imagine." <br><br>"Who apparently wants me to have sex with him." She snapped, not wanting to think of this thing as a good thing. Scales, dragons always had scales. Maybe that was why no physical visual had been taunted with her, just smoke. Smok. Ironic. <br><br>Tomas' expression darkened, torn. He was still her father and likely didn't like that part of it any better then she did. "Yes...well better sex then your soul or eyes or anything else that another creature might demand. Or try to just take. But you must bargain closely, set limits as much as you can and make an agreement, force one if you must, that he will not impregnate you." <br><br>"That's what happens to Rachel's mother wasn't it? The grandmother you spoke of was her mother, not yours." Glumly Tomas nodded. More lies, more hidden truths within the facts of her life. She was really starting to hate it. But if this thing...mated with her then her children would face the same dangers. <br><br>"I will, I'm certainly not planning to have seven children." Ah her life, what had happened to it. She was a modern woman, she ran an art gallery, had her masters, she was comfortable and liked the twenty first century. It felt almost like she had been yanked back into the third. "You want me to do it though...to make this bargain?"<br><br>Silence lingered for a long moment before with a heavy sigh he nodded. "Yes. I...worry but such as this creature will be the best shield you can have. And I don't want to drain you much longer."<br><br>"Drain me?"<br><br>"My being here...the fact that you can touch me? That I can make tea, I'm feeding off your magic sweet, bound by blood and spirit as we are it can't be helped, not till I move on to the next world and I can't do that till you are safe. And my being here will only attract more attention over time. I want you safe. And I'm sorry, so sorry for all this." He came to her then, wrapping her up in his familiar arms, if they were cooler then memory then so what. She burrowed into the comfort she had always known, closing her eyes to try and wish away her new reality. For at least an hour they lingered there, just curled up together. <br><br>When she finally did move again it was to eat and then sit down and do some research on this smok. There was also work to do for her actual job the next day. Flame and water taunted her, visions of sexual encounters that made her blush and move away. Her dreams that night had her flustered again and before work she took a long cold shower. Arriving at the gallery Dušana threw herself into her work and stayed after closing looking over a few restoration pieces, cataloguing, anything to keep busy. The night she spent with her father, asking him questions, realizing just how little he knew of magic outside of how to guard it, how to protect her. He had never wanted to be some great figure, just to protect her. It made her wonder about his death, a car accident. Was it truly an accident though? And Anne Marie's, the deadly spider bite that had killed all too quick. Disturbing thoughts. <br><br>Another long day at work and she trudged home only to pause when she stepped into the living room and saw the altar set up again, saw her father lingering with a sad expression. "You have to finish it tonight sweet, there is not much time left."<br><br>Numbly she nodded and removed her heels, stripping off her trench coat and then the suit jacket underneath it to just wear her pale violet blouse with her grey a line skirt and her thigh high stockings. The candles were lit, just from her looking at one of them and she tried to make her hands stiffen to not shake as she moved to the basin and then accepted a pair of scissors to cut a lock of her hair and drop it into the flat bottom. A match in her hand she struck it, not looking at the flame and she wished, for one long moment, that this was all a bad dream before she dropped it as well, watching it fall down and down until it hit the bottom and caught the silky shorn hair on fire. 
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				Title: <strong>Re: Edge of Night [That One Guy &amp; Wistful Dream]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>That One Guy</strong> on <strong>14-03-2012, 22:46:45</strong>
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				His new toy-to-be was quite entertaining. From her pitiful defenses against the creatures he let surprise her, to the way she attempted to hide her body in loose clothing. Her naivety of this entire situation was a source of constant amusement...and curiosity. How had someone as reluctant, as ignorant to the ways of magic as she drawn him from his slumber? How did she survive this long with such power and no concept of how to wield it. The last time he’d allowed a bond between himself and a human, the maiden had come quite willing and prepared.<br><br>She survived his casual taunting and testing her easily enough, and even made it through her first day back at work. Humans had developed ever stranger habits over there years; working five days then taking two off for ‘recreation’ - though he observed many seeing to the tasks about their homes that stood neglected the other five days. However, they did manage to improve their fashion sense, and had invented quite a few new contraptions he found amusing. He was really beginning to note just how much he had ignored the mortal world over the past few hundred years. It took Dušana to make him take note once again.<br><br>Tasty, tempting, Dušana....<br><br>He had chosen to give her some privacy in her choice, but felt, through the weak and incomplete bond, her fears, confusion, and pain when her father spoke to her of her past. He’d watched that, called to observe by her anguish, and even he felt sympathy for her plight. A terrible thing to be deceived all your life by those that love you. He decided that would be within their arrangement...he would show her how never to be deceived again.<br><br>The next night she came home and began the ritual. He and her father had an interesting exchange. Not quite a conversation, but the already dead man made certain threats about various intentions toward his daughter. his response to this outburst by the ghost was mere laughter...which did not seem to sit well with the man as he went about setting up for the ritual.<br><br>When she entered, discarded various clothing items and trimmed another lock of her hair to begin, he grew anxious. Soon she would be his...and he her protector and teacher. As the match hit her hair, the natural fire grew to a blue flame that burned without heat and filled the bowl. Once again smoke filled the room in a coil that wrapped around the area of the alter. His deep, disembodied voice filled the room “The father is not needed for this...you may say your farewells tomorrow.” With that the ghost was banished from the room.<br><br>The voice grew deeper, yet more calm...intimate. “You’d not like him to be here for this anyway...” he hinted, as the coils of smoke moved closer, wrapping about her in an ethereal embrace. The voice now whispering in her ear, “You’ve not heeded my hints young one. You’ve tried avoid the visions I’ve given you. Are you unwilling to meet my terms? did you summon me now to inform me you are no longer interested in our arrangement?” His voice teased, as ghostly touched danced over her body...suggestive, but not violating in any way.<br><br>“Perhaps you doubt my ability young Dušana? That I cannot teach, or protect? Or do you worry you’ll not enjoy my attentions?” The voice was clearly teasing her now. “I can, of course, provide a demonstration...”<br><br>A moment later and the smoke had retreated from her, now only circling her and her alter in a slow, sensual moving cyclone in her apartment. “You shall display your offer or there shall be no bargain,” the voice again filled the room, and took its more expectantly demanding tone. 
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				Title: <strong>Re: Edge of Night [That One Guy &amp; Wistful Dream]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>26-03-2012, 02:28:33</strong>
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				As the smoke coiled through the room she found she couldn't look away from it, that her skin prickled with a desire to run away or curl up very small and tight; regardless of what her father said about this <em>smok</em> protecting her the thing was still a predator. Better this then something else though, better to retain some sense of herself, some semblance of the life she had worked to make for herself. In and out she made herself breath only to end up with her heart skipping a beat when her father suddenly disappeared and her hands clenched at her sides, nails biting into the tender flesh of her palms. "You could have been more polite." <br><br>Silly to protest, to try and scold a ancient powerful being. Silly to think that she would want to do anything other then what that deep, crooning voice desired of her. Dušana blinked and shook her head, trying to clear it because that last thought was not her. Was it? It was likely true that it was best Tomas wasn't present with the way the smoke was coiling around her, the tone of the creature's voice in her ear. Her chin came up in defiance at the accusation of not heeding hints. It had been made very clear what he demanded, just because she might have to give into the beast's desires didn't mean they would be her own desires. Sex was a stupid silly distraction that she didn't need in her life and she would grudgingly accept it for her own safety. <br><br>But only that.<br><br>"I do not doubt your ability, not after what my father said and the research. Sex is simply not..." her voice trailed off when the deep voice came again only this time with a demand in the inflection, in the words. Her cheeks stung with color at the implication even as her lips compressed and she took a few steps back from before the altar . "You...can't be seriously ordering me to strip off my clothing. Business is not done nude in this world." <br><br>
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Edge of Night [That One Guy &amp; Wistful Dream]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>That One Guy</strong> on <strong>03-04-2012, 03:07:19</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Instead of being put off by her refusal, there was laughter. Deep, rolling laughter that filled the room and was felt as much as heard. The smoke thickened, and images played out on the airy canvas. Scenes of forests, or magical places here on earth and those of other plane of existence. Scenes with all manner of exotic creatures played out; a smokey display of what most would call myth and legend and fantasy.<br><br>The laughter died down, though the images continued. “What, my dear Dušana, makes you think we are doing business in your world?” The deep voice still maintained an edge of humor, as the scenes displayed various forms of rituals and prayer - the only constant was every being was nude. “In my world, there is nothing to serve as a barrier. Only pertinent symbols and items of focus adorn the body while one communes with the forces of magic.”<br><br>That, of course, while true, was only an excuse. The dragon wished to begin nudging his soon to be human in the desired direction. “...and this is not business like in your world. You are not negotiating the price of a painting. You are not selling one of your motorized vehicles. You are engaging in a partnership.” The smoke vanished.<br><br>Instead of smoke, there was a man lounging on her couch, completely nude, and seemingly quite comfortable. He grinned mischievously at her. “Perhaps I’ve gone about this all wrong. Big flashy displays worked so well in times past, but you are a practical, modern woman.” He looked down at his own nude form with amusement before returning his gaze to her. Is this not more to your liking? A physical form pulled from your mind that you find pleasing?”<br><br>The man vanished into smoke, but appeared again and instant later behind her. “Come now Dušana. It is time for us to join.” He purposefully left that statement vague. “Prepare yourself, accept and embrace our arrangement. I promise you will find joy in it.” Real, tangible, human hand ran up her arms suggestively. “I’ve taught many their powers - and you’d not be the first I’ve had to reveal the very real power of feminine charm to either. Sex. Lust. Seduction. All can be used, and enjoyed, as much as any other spell cast.” 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Edge of Night [That One Guy &amp; Wistful Dream]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>03-04-2012, 19:50:44</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Laughter could not be creepy and sexy at the same time.<br><br>It just couldn't.<br><br>Apparently tonight was a night for paradoxical gaps in existence though because the smok's laughter was just that. It felt like it played against her skin, caressing and intimate even as it was amused. Her eyes widened as visions played out in the smoke, places like something out of a fantasy novel or movie. <em>Toto we aren't in Kansas anymore</em> she thought inanely to herself, wondering if she was having a psychotic break down. But he made it sound so very logical, even if he was <em>still</em> laughing at her. It wasn't her world, it was the world she was being forced to live in as much as she didn't want to. <br><br>She sighed, gazing down at her smartly pressed business attire from her day at the gallery only to freeze when she realized the smoke had vanished and across from her, on the couch lounged a man devoid of any clothing. And any decency. Her cheeks colored with a blush at his grin and she focused on keeping her eyes solely on his face, not an inch lower. It wasn't fair that it seemed he was right that he pulled what she liked from her mind. Rugged features that made him truly handsome and masculine, eyes of a smokey blue gray color and tousled dark hair with bronzed skin. <br><br>His voice seemed to much for the physical form he had taken. <br><br>When he vanished she jumped back a little only to feel him pressing there behind her an she trembled a little, feeling the heat and power of him in a way that the smoke hadn't conveyed. The dark haired woman bit her lower lip, not wanting to admit that he was winning, that the way his hands moved up her arms aroused her. This was business. It didn't feel a damn thing like business. Yet there wasn't a choice. There were worse fates then him, whoever he was and they wouldn't give a damn about what she wanted. <br><br>Dušana extracted herself from his arms and started unbuttoning her blouse without looking directly at him at first. Then she paused and narrowed her eyes as she glanced at him. "I want your name first, before I get with the naked thing."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Edge of Night [That One Guy &amp; Wistful Dream]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>That One Guy</strong> on <strong>04-04-2012, 02:55:27</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He laughed again at her demand. Of course she had to learn his name! That would be part of this ritual. But her rational behind it was amusing. The nude man vanished into smoke once more, and the omnipresent laughter resumed. “Oh but you shall be fun Dušana!”<br><br>After a few more deep, resounding chuckles, smoke formed into the shape of a rather large dragon’s head, filling most of the room. The apparition seemed to look at her, large enough to consume her, should it be made of something more firm than smoke. “Your home will not accommodate my true form on this plane, else you would learn my name, and my nature, all at once.... However, given the limitations....”<br><br>The large dragon’s head dissipated as well, and from the cloud emerged a small black dragon, flying slowly toward her - no larger than a cat. The small beast flew to her shoulder and its long neck reached toward her ear, whispering, “Celtore Tiatanolth Mosomolth Skelaughuith Tonaughoth Osbanath Inalereyth.”&nbsp; Flapping its leathery wings back, withdrawing, this too disappeared, and once again the naked man was standing beside her. With a grin, “But you may call me Celtore”<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Edge of Night [That One Guy &amp; Wistful Dream]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>04-04-2012, 03:18:46</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Again with the laughter, deep rich, not quiet mocking and skirting along her senses, her skin and hearing both. Doing odd things to her heart, to the heat of her skin. "Lets just hope you are half so fun then." She muttered under her breath as he kept laughing only to catch her breath when a dragon head began to form.<br><br>It was large. No, really, it was <em>massive</em>. Just the head of him was taller then she was, and she had no doubt he could eat her if he wanted. She fought to withhold the instinct to shrink away and found herself very very happy that she had a small intimate cozy little flat. Far too small for a dragon to appear. Thank whatever gods there were above. When the little dragon came out of the smoke she wasn't sure that was all that much better then the massive one. It looked nearly feline in some things, and in size and cats were forever getting into mischief and doing their own thing. <br><br>He would likely be worse then any stray tomcat she could have brought home. And he certainly seemed to think he was afforded liberties about personal space, draping himself around her shoulder and speaking to her in a voice that again seemed much too intense for the form that held it. Smoke didn't have that issue. Smoke didn't contain anything...unless it was his black smoke. <br><br>When he reappeared in human form before her she took a shaky step backward, noting a more feral cast to his features then before, something that hinted at not quiet human. But it was gone as quickly as she thought she saw it. This man, smok, creature..thing was going to give her headaches. "Celtore, rather a mouthful of names there, why so many?" The question came even as she resumed working at the buttons of her blouse, she had said she would strip once he gave her his name and it gave her something to do other then just standing there staring at him.<br><br>The blouse slipped off her arms quickly enough, baring pale skin and a simple bra beneath it, nearly a matching hue to the shirt she had discarded. Her skirt was next and all that had was a zipper. Her cheeks felt progressively warmer but she kept at her task until bra and panties were also discarded, shoes and stockings as well. Standing there nude she felt...naked, in more ways then one, while the 'man' next to her didn't seem naked in the least. <br><br>"What now?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Edge of Night [That One Guy &amp; Wistful Dream]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>That One Guy</strong> on <strong>04-04-2012, 05:00:43</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He inclined his head in a silent question as to why she might ask such an absurd question as to how long his name was. Were it not for her resumption of removing her clothing, he might have even had time to be offended! “Your people live less than one hundred years, yet tend to need three names. You would begrudge me four more?”<br><br>But the comment merely passed the time as she very simply disrobed. He enjoyed the side of her body becoming ever more revealed, yet found her methods lacking. Finally she stood nude and asked what was next. He had to laugh again. “My dear Dušana, you have a beautiful body, but we shall have to work on your presentation of it..” A now common wisp of smoke later and the nude man was behind her, pulling her hair back, gentling coaxing her shoulders back, sliding his hand down her side and then leg, urging her to place one ankle in front of the other. Another vanishing and reappearing trick later, and he was again in front of her.<br><br>“Mmmm, much better. What happens now is that we are formally bound in our agreement.” He snapped his fingers and the chalice that was sitting on her alter appeared in his hand. He walked around her, chanting in a language very few humans had ever heard. After having made three orbits around the young woman, he stopped in front of her again. Taking a sip with a knowing smile he passed the chalice over to Dušana. “Say, in your own words, that you accept my offer, and drink, and the deal is done.”<br><br>It had been a long time since he stood in human form and looked eagerly at prospective new mate and pupil. Dušana would provide quite the challenge, and quite the entertainment. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Edge of Night [That One Guy &amp; Wistful Dream]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>09-04-2012, 18:35:39</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Surprisingly the answer the smok gave her made sense, but she only paused for a moment and then nodded to show that she understood. Yet then again came that laughter and she felt the urge to slap him. A man should never laugh at a woman when she was nude, it skirted too close to memories she had ignored for the past few years. The reasons she avoided sex and dating. Now it seemed she didn't have a choice. She settled for a simple haughty glare at the hint of suggesting she flaunt herself like a porn star, that simply wasn't her style. <br><br>Her lips fell open in a protest when he was behind her, rearranging her hair, touching her shoulders, positioning her legs, all with hands that felt very intimately confident of themselves and her. But she kept the position he had coaxed her into even if it bared her breasts and she thankfully didn't blush over it. He wanted nudity fine, she would think of the countless nude models she had seen during her schooling, think of the classical statues and paintings and wear her nudity regally. Or at least hope she did. Dušana was proud of herself that she didn't jump out of her skin when he moved her chalice without actually touching it and then started chanting in a strangely fluid, soothing language. <br><br>Now if only she could see his circling her three times as anything other then predator stalking prey.<br><br>Stiffly her hands accepted the silver chalice from Celtore's larger hands, her eyes flashing thoughtfully. This was the last step, once she spoke he would protect her but she would owe him. Surely they could figure out a way to co inhabit. "I accept your offer to teach, protect and guide me, until there is no further need for it." Because she wasn't sure she wanted to spend the rest of her life with this man. "I agree to accommodate you in return when in reason." Hopefully smok's, dragons weren't constantly in the mood because she did have work after all. Before she could second guess herself more she lifted the chalice and drank deeply of the water. It tasted cold, sweet and clear, like a wild stream from her homeland; she took heart from it, a good sign that it was so. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Edge of Night [That One Guy &amp; Wistful Dream]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>That One Guy</strong> on <strong>10-04-2012, 02:52:30</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The man before her vanished back into smoke that again quickly encircled her. It grew to a column that totally surrounded her, and then, suddenly everything was dark. All lights, all electrical things were silent and completely void of power. Slowly light spilling in from behind curtains was permitted as the smoke faded.<br><br>The again detached voice spoke, “It is done Dušana Kajetán. We are joined in this arrangement. Your lessons begin now.”<br><br>With an ominous pause, he then re-lit one candle on her altar. The flame vanished again. Again it was lit, and then again out. “Now you try. Light the candle with your power. It is a trivial thing - something one with your gift should have been doing as a child. We have much lost time to recover. You must learn to wield your powers as soon as possible. Only then can we really begin any real work.”<br><br>The nude man form of this dragon reappeared, again lounging on her couch, the candle lit once more. “Oh dear...you’ve probably not yet aspired to any great magical scheme yet either...You may wish to think on that. All great wielders of power have some magical plan. Without it things might get boring....though I suppose that would free up time for other, more casual pursuits...” His eyes and tone of voice said exactly what he meant by that, as he scanned her body from head to toe in anticipation. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Edge of Night [That One Guy &amp; Wistful Dream]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>10-04-2012, 03:06:25</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The poofing thing would hopefully become something she was use to. Because clearly he enjoyed it, confusing the hell out of her, leaving her uncertain of where to look to expect him. Dragons must have something in common with felines, with cats, it was reminded her of her kitten Shadow when she was a little girl far too much. The sudden intense darkness had her breath catching almost painfully for a moment but she forced herself to breathe, in and out, to push away the fear and simply wait. He had sealed the pact with her, he was meant to protect her now so surely there was nothing to fear from him. <br><br>"Show off...." she muttered under her breath when he lit and blew out and then repeated the flame on the candle thing. The almost mocking about her lack of control over powers had her wanted to snarl. Temper held in check was important though, she had learned that when she was little, likely because she had said powers and her father hadn't wanted temper to rule them. <br><br>Real work, it wasn't like she had ever wanted any of this. Of course that wouldn't matter to him.<br><br>Dušana breathed in and out slowly to control the instinct to snap at him when he spoke as if she had no purpose in her life and the expression on his features was easy enough to read even by one lone candle flame. She glared at the candles on the altar and four of them leaped up in flames before she turned her disdainful regard onto him. "You with the eyes, cut it out." She hadn't meant to say it but once the first words were out more just kept coming as the brunette let herself feel all the hurt, fear, grief and rage the past few days had built up. And he provided an outlet, unintentional or not.<br><br>"I didn't agree to let you look at me that way and now that its done can I have my clothing back? As for a plan, well I had a plan you see, a career plan, in the real world, magic just sort of happened, it wasn't part of any plan for my life. So fooorgive me for being twenty some and not having a whit of idea what to do about the hocus pocus you come from, clearly its powerful but I just learned about it, at the same time that my father died so I've been more worried about...oh I don't know, grief? And then fear because he was afraid and....are smok's heartless? Because you seem to be, with a one track mind and I don't see how that makes you any better then a modern day man."<br><br>She ran out of steam then and realized just how much she had said but she didn't blush or pull away, simply stood there, nude and furious and conflicted. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Edge of Night [That One Guy &amp; Wistful Dream]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>That One Guy</strong> on <strong>10-04-2012, 04:44:41</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He did not stop admiring her form when told to. In fact he admired it more. She was one of those females that were quite cute when angry. However, her words did affect him, and soon he melted back into smoke and instead left the form of a rather large dragon draped over her couch instead of a man. Not the cat sized appearance, but a good eight feet, not counting the constantly slithering tail.<br><br>His eyes had not left hers. “There will be more pain to come young Dušana. But joy as well. You will grow, and learn, and find purpose within that. I am not without a heart, simply more pragmatic than humans. We do not dwell on what cannot be. I am sorry your life plan has been foiled.” The dragon looked rather annoyed, looking off toward something or someone not in the room with them. “Your father, misguided as his good intentions were, did you a great disservice. One of your power should never have been planning for anything but this life. I find it cruel to have delayed your discovery of this for so long....but what do I know of human views of parenting?”<br><br>He gestured with his front claw in what might have been a shrug for a human. “But no, you may not get dressed...despite how impressive your candle lighting skills are. We must continue. We must test your abilities, and learn your limits. Only then can you grow.”<br><br>He gestured to her nudity with one claw, pointing it out for her, in case she’d forgotten. “You need to grow more accustomed to this. Not just for my enjoyment, but for your studies. You will meet many other beings in this work and others in your studies. Very few of them think much of attire. This must become your self image. Not a person of business in these suits, bartering over art. But a woman, first and foremost, and sure in herself and her power that needs nothing else.” Statues of ancient times started appearing out of smoke in her living room. “Lady Justice, Athena, Venus, Isis....” He showed her powerful goddess, all nude. All in classical works of art she had only ever read about; pristine as the day they were carved. “The beings you shall meet. That you shall deal with, learn from, and bargain with, will not be shy, or timid. You must not be either.”<br><br>His voice grew softer, and his large head nodded back toward her alter. “So you can light flames, lets see what you can do with the other elements, shall we? I’ll leave these little trinkets here for you to enjoy awhile....if they are not too distracting.” He hoped he’d provided an interesting ‘carrot’ for her learning's. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Edge of Night [That One Guy &amp; Wistful Dream]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>14-04-2012, 00:59:46</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Okay she preferred man form, man form made it easier to be angry at him, to scold him. When it was a night black dragon draped over her furniture looking at her with dark knowing eyes she was far too unnerved to really think straight in some moments. Of course there would be more pain, pain was life, or so was generally the accepted view. It just had never hurt this much before, he had no sympathy in his heart, if he even had one. The annoyed look on his 'other' features had her taking a step backward only to pause as a flash of temper crossed her face when the woman realized he was annoyed with her father. Tomas had only been meaning to protect her, that was what father's did after all. <br><br>Perhaps the smok was right, but she couldn't hate her father for doing what he thought best, what her mother had begged him to do. She had had a normal life after all. <br><br>Nudity during magic, awesome, and testing abilities, how delightful. It felt like she was back in her freshman year again only she had a immortal magical thing as her professor rather then some middle aged leacher. Maybe it was a bit of a improvement. <br><br>Still, males all oggled in one way or another she supposed. <br><br>Damn Celtore for making sense about it though, if others that she would have to interact with would think clothing some sign of weakness she knew that was to be avoided and she had enough temper in her to rise to the challenge. Not that she thought of herself as a Venus, as beautiful as all the statues were. The quality of the statue's he appeared though had her lips parting in shock and the art historian in her itching to go over every inch of them, to appraise their value. What finds they would be if they ever went into a museum, gallery or on the market. Doubtful he would let her do anything like that with his 'examples' for her. "I am not timid." She snapped at him, eyes gleaming angrily. "Simply modest, which isn't a character flaw in a woman, at least I'm not strutting around flaunting myself like some strumpet."<br><br>In her frustration her Slavic accent leaked through more, changing the sound of the words some but surely he would know the meaning of her words. Other elements? Oh, right, water, earth and...air or maybe wind? It all depended on which belief you were working with. Knowing the basics of pagan beliefs sort of went with her job. "Distracting not at all, I am surrounded by priceless works of art everyday after all. So what element do you want next? and what system of belief are we working off? Four elements or five? There are so many variations after all."<br><br>Just act like she was dressed, just focus on those utterly non human eyes and she would get through this. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Edge of Night [That One Guy &amp; Wistful Dream]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>That One Guy</strong> on <strong>22-04-2012, 17:19:34</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The dragon seemed amused and nodded his head at her comment of not being a ‘strumpet’. He was aware such terms were no longer in use these days, and found her antiquated vocabulary as amusing as her values on the matter.<br><br>But what really got him going was her discussion of a system. His booming laughter filled her apartment more than ever before. When he finally stopped, he looked at her with clear, amused (if totally inhuman) eyes. His tail still danced behind; sweeping across much of her floor, displaying his enjoyment of this. “There are so many ‘systems’ as you put it my dear Dušana, because there are so many confused humans. Magic is not a system. It is a force. A force applied to objects by your will. Any system ever devised was merely crafted to help express that will. You’ve been born with the ability to channel that force better than any other human in hundreds of years. This should be, and with my help will become, as easy for you as breathing.”<br><br>The large dragon crawled off the couch, and made its way toward her. His back came up to her chest, his long neck put his head easily in front of her face. “But the Elements, those specific concepts, can also be a gateway. They are more powerful because they are basic, and pure. There are four, and you will meet beings from each of their realms. The fifth is mere romanticising about the will involved to affect them. Beyond this and ‘system’ is either one you create to control your own mind and express your will - or mere human science that has long since hindered your race’s access to magic. Do you think it any coincidence that the more of physics you discover the less magic there is in your world? As a race you seem incapable of embracing the duality of the universe. So forget any system. Build your own if you must, but do not rely on others crutches to suit your needs.”<br><br>He backed off, giving her some space once more, as he paced about her home, sliding between the priceless statues. “I’ve met many of these women before. Your artists do not do them justices. But then their beauty here is only what the eye can see. They cannot capture the power, the gace, the aura of each. Much as men of your world have failed to see you properly Dušana. You are very pleasing to the eye, of which you are aware but try to hide. You know of how men look at you, have always looked at you. But you resent that they do not see more then your fine features and perfect skin. You resent being another statue.”<br><br>A large puff of smoke and the dragon was gone. His voice remained though. “I do wonder though, my dear, if you’ll come to resent me more for not being human, though I can see all that you are and can become - or men for failing to do so?” He let the question linger longer than the smoke in the room. As it dissipated so did his presence with her. A final whisper, as if from right behind her into her ear, “Goodnight Beautiful. I’ve given you much to think on. I look forward to working with you now that we are properly bonded.” The very last of the smoked ran over her, like a lover's caress, before disappearing completely. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Edge of Night [That One Guy &amp; Wistful Dream]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>27-04-2012, 02:27:33</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Her dark eyes flashed with temper at his laughter, though she did flinch a little when it first boomed through the air; that was just for a moment and then she was simply indignation and annoyance glaring at him. She wasn't meaning to be so damn amusing. And she quickly moved back when his tail swept across the floor only to pause as he 'lectured' her about how things worked. A force, fine, but she was use to systems, to ways of organizing and knowing how things worked. Perhaps it wasn't a science at all but science and fact was what her world had run on until everything had been turned upside down with her father's passing and the intrusion of a dragon in her life. And he would be with her for a long, long time yet. Still Celtore's comment about her having more ability then any other in hundreds of years had her blinking in shock. <br><br>Never once in her life had she wanted to be that damn special. Not that she had any choice. <br><br>There had been a quote she had liked, about how magic was simply science they couldn't explain yet, but perhaps he was right. The more they understood things the less magic there was in the world. No cartographers now put '<em>Here be dragons</em>' on maps anymore. Well she could tell them where one dragon currently was, talking up her couch, no strike that, all around her, and invading her personal space. Four elements, she could do that. No system, he really knew how to make a girl feel comfortable didn't he. She was grateful when he moved away from her and she could breath again though wary eyes watched him move among the statues as she backed away to gain further space. Not that it mattered, he did whatever the hell he wanted. Major points in the negative for his sense of common courtesy. Though by his standards he was probably being prince charming. Not a reassuring thought.<br><br>But his words caught her, imagining how the women might have been. The artist in her couldn't help but be drawn to it, to think of what each goddess, each figure of feminine mystic that history had softened into comfortable positions she supposed. To think of herself as powerful wasn't what society taught, she was normal, or at least she had thought she was. Now, she was anything but. How could the dragon know so much about her? She frowned, puzzled and then felt her heart give a little jump when he vanished into smoke and his voice still spoke, feeling like it sounded against her skin. <br><br>To be fair it was a good question. Not being fair she thought she'd come to just resent <em>males</em> in general. That sounded the best to her. But wisely she decided not to voice that aloud to the powerful male being that was all around her. <br><br>Dušana gasped when his smoke ran along her skin, caressing her in a very sensual way and then took a deep breath as she realized she was alone again. Her knees gave out and she just sat, legs sprawled to either side of her, on the floor for some time, almost in a daze. It felt like an eternity had passed since the dragon had come to reach a bond wit her but a glance at the clock showed it wasn't that late. Her boss was probably still at work. She got to her feet, stumbling slightly and reached for her purse and phone, calling in to take the next day off claiming she was under the weather. Something like that; she needed time to say goodbye to her father and try to come to terms with the dragon spirit that now would be a part of her life. <br><br>Hardly paying attention to what she was doing, still gazing at those statues every so often Dušana gathered up her clothing and carried it to her bedroom, slipping into a simple silk nightgown as she made some tea and prepared for when her father would return. He did, finally, and they talked long into the night, those final goodbyes and if she cried well there was only him to see it before he left her, the final time and she sat alone, as dawn came, finishing a cup of tea before sighing and heading to bed. As she lay down she thought it wouldn't be so bad to be held by a man in that moment, to feel strength around her, to know she wasn't alone. But she doubted the dragon would think much of such a human desire. Instead she simply said "I am going to sleep and we can talk more tomorrow. Don't wake me up, I need coffee before dealing with the supernatural again." <br><br>With those words in parting to a spirit she was sure was listening she curled up and tried to get some sleep. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Edge of Night [That One Guy &amp; Wistful Dream]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>That One Guy</strong> on <strong>01-05-2012, 05:26:12</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He watched...he was bound to her now, he could not help but watch. To be aware, to be apart of her existence. And things that affected her, he felt. It could be no other way. In time, she'd’ grow used to the bond as well, and feel his strength and confidence. Tonight, however, she had more pressing matters.<br><br>Her father.<br><br>It was moving to see the interaction. Try as he might to not listen in, he still felt the emotions course through her. She distracted him from other things. Here he was a being capable of being many places at once, doing many things, and all he could do was try to lend his strength to the odd little woman he’d been bound to.<br><br>When Dušana called to him, informing him of her sleeping plans he smiled, and admired her strength. Not that it seemed to aid her much in the actually getting to sleep. And so, against her stated wishes, he once again appeared - this time in his human form. Still nude.<br><br>“I don’t think you’ve fully grasped how this works my dear Dušana. I’m not merely a teacher, a mentor and a bodyguard. We are bound. I feel your hurt. So even were I as cold as you imagine...from a purely self serving stance, I’d like that to be minimized. However, I like to think of myself as a good deal more...humane as you people put it.”<br><br>He walked over to her bed, and sat down on the floor beside her. Reaching up he took her hand. “You feel alone, because he is gone now. But he served you longer than any normal man could. He did so with magic Dušana. And he did so out of love. Now, in our little arrangement, you’ll find you are never alone. That may cause its own issues later, but tonight, know that he recommended this bond, and he knew you’d never again be alone.”<br><br>He smiled up at her. “I too know loss. I’ve felt it. Both in companions of my own kind...and those of yours. I did not make this bond lightly. We shall become close Dušana...and in the end, I shall outlive you as well. As other before you. This was why I slept so long. I grew tired of facing the loss.” He smiled up at her, “Shall I bore you to sleep with tales of those who came before you? Of those women I found worthy of my time? Does it comfort you to know you’re the most powerful of them all? That you made it worth while to wake?”<br><br>He chuckled and began telling her stories, but weaving into the harmless fun tales, was a sleep spell. She direly needed the rest. Only after she was good and asleep did he shift back to his more natural dragon form (if not his size) and join her in bed. He would watch over his charge quite closely as she slept...and any misgivings she might have about waking up beside a black scaly dragon, he hoped would be mitigated by the fact she’d been worth his direct physical presence. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Edge of Night [That One Guy &amp; Wistful Dream]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>09-05-2012, 18:28:03</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				<span style="font-family: Ravi;" class="bbc_font"><span style="font-size: 10pt;" class="bbc_size">For all that she was trying to sleep that did not mean sleep had come to her; so she was aware when he reappeared, nude and human again, when he spoke to her of being bound together and wanting to help her. Being humane. Could he be? She lay still, not shifting and trying to act like she was asleep because she did not feel like she had the energy to speak, to tangle words with him and come out without losing something in the encounter. In short, after loosing her father, she was a coward. For now at least. <br><br>But she let him take her hand. <br><br>And she started to cry again, soft tears as the dragon spoke of her father and his protection, his love. Her father was the last of the family that she herself knew so she was alone. She had never clicked overly well with other people in London, a few causal friends here and there but nothing to fight back being alone. Yet now she was bound to a dragon, to this man with six names and who knew how much power. Perhaps he was right though, that it was a gift from her father to have encouraged a bond where she would never be completely alone in life again. He had known her so well. <br><br>She didn't do the lie of closing her eyes when he looked at her, though her expression was troubled and confused when he spoke of feeling loss. Yet it made sense, she was mortal and he was right, he would outlive her. Why then make the bond? Her cheeks burned when he mentioned the other women, for she was curious and perhaps...afraid to be the newest in what was surely a long list. Nothing special. Only, he spoke of her being the most powerful, a power she hadn't wanted. was it her power alone that made it worth his time? If it was then they were doomed to a relationship that would be at crosshairs. She avoided relationships that sought out her wealth or beauty and didn't desire her heart, her emotions and power was just another thing that clearly attracted but didn't mean they could be anything more then stuck together. <br><br>Maybe friends, one day. Or maybe not at all. Still she listened to his stories, her eyes slowly fluttering shut until she rifted off into a exhausted sleep limb in her bed. And then there was this lovely warmth all around her, soothing her deeper into slumber. She wasn't alone. Wasn't cold. So for the first time since her father's ghost had appeared&nbsp; Dušana slept herself out, well into the afternoon when she finally roused, yawning as she snuggled in bed and felt her stomach protest the lack of food. <br><br>Shifting to sit up her hand brushed scales, hot and smooth and she sat bolt up right, jerking away from it with wide eyes as she realized Celtore had slept beside her, the warmth she had felt. Instead of screaming or protesting she just sighed and ran a hand through her loose dark hair. "I suppose there are no such things as boundaries that you would respect are there?" Her voice was a bit hoarse, husky from sleep and she cleared it before speaking again. "Th...thank you for the stories, till I slept."</span></span>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Edge of Night [That One Guy &amp; Wistful Dream]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>That One Guy</strong> on <strong>13-05-2012, 02:17:36</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Celtore opened one reptilian eye as she woke and mentioned boundaries. He had watched over her! Spent time with her when he could have spent that time soaring over that various planes of existence as he’d not done in hundreds of years. Before he could chastise her for this slight, she did thank him for the stories. His long neck raised so he could look her in the face at the same level, and nodded in understanding.<br><br>However...he still had a point to make. The dragon vanished into smoke and when it cleared a few seconds later a coal black puppy was sitting in her bed staring at her...with a stern expression not often seen on young canines. “Would this have been better?” he inquired dryly from his puppy form. “You human seem to enjoy bringing various animals into your life, and even sharing your bed with them. I thought you might be comforted in a similar manner....” The puppy managed to shrug and then turned to jump off the bed and pad off out of the room, looking over its shoulder expectantly for her to follow. “Come now Dušana, if your gut rumbles and louder the neighbors may ask questions.” He disappeared from view.<br><br>By the time she exited the bedroom, pans and utensils were working hard at her breakfast, without the benefit of any visible being controlling them. On the kitchen counter a black cat sat there overseeing the magical creation of breakfast. “Or are you more a cat person? I may keep this form just so interact with others in this world. Fitting a witch having a black cat, is it not? Isn’t that the modern cliche?” As the cat walked to the edge and jumped down, only smoke hit the floor and slid behind her.<br><br>Materializing a breath away, he whispered in her ear, “Secretly I think we both know what form you like best...” hinting at the very human, very male, very nude aspect he was in now.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Edge of Night [That One Guy &amp; Wistful Dream]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>14-05-2012, 04:13:53</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<span style="font-family: Ravi;" class="bbc_font"><span style="font-size: 10pt;" class="bbc_size">Unnerving. <br><br>Yes, that was the perfect word for her unlikely companion. The way he lifted his neck to look at her was just so...reptilian that it made her want to shudder because whether or not it was fitting for a witch she had always been more then a little wary of snakes. And then he turned into a puppy. A scolding puppy. No doubt about it she needed caffeine before even attempting to make sense of him. And that dry mocking voice coming from a cuddly puppy was flat out spooky. "I..that is...I said thank you..." she grumbled as the dragon-puppy beast man thing jumped off her bed and made a almost insulting comment about her stomach's noises. She was not a morning person. Even though it wasn't technically morning, she had still just woken up and some understanding would have been welcome. <br><br>Not that she was likely to get any from the dragon-puppy beast man thing that was her mentor. She still pushed herself out of bed, snagged a robe to wrap around herself and pulled her hair back away from her face in a messy bun that highlighted the bone structure of her face as she left her bedroom only to find her kitchen making breakfast. By itself. <br><br>Dušana just sank down into her favored chair at her table, rubbing her temples and sent a prayer to whatever higher beings were out there for patience and serenity. And a steady flow of either coffee or wine. <br><br>Of course he had chosen the form of a cat. It was on the tip of her tongue to say she was more of a cat person because they were silent creatures but somehow she doubted that would go over well and simply shrugged her shoulders, pushing up to her feet to go toward her coffee pot and pour herself a mug. But then he was behind her, hot and male and nude. Nude. Her shoulders tensed and she made herself walk forward, ignoring the fact that he shadowed her and poured herself a hearty cup of coffee before turning to face him, only he was right there, so close to her she found it hard to breath. "I need coffee before we start all....this...your games. I am not a morning person. Don't want to get bit by the dra...." she laughed, realizing the old saying could be quiet hilarious in this setting, "by the dragon then don't test it before its hunger is sated."<br><br>"Now please? I promise to be more civil once I've woken up fully." Well...mostly. </span></span>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Edge of Night [That One Guy &amp; Wistful Dream]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>That One Guy</strong> on <strong>15-05-2012, 04:14:39</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				He grinned, though even in the form of a man it was a feral look. “Dragon indeed my Dušana...sound advice...” He stepped back and swept his arm wide, ushering her toward her couch and comfort. “Today there are no lesson. Not of the magical variety anyway. Today we become more acquainted. Clearly that is required.”<br><br>The moment she passed him his vanished again into smoke, this time appearing as the small, cat sized dragon, flying about her apartment. “I suppose I could invent a new form. Something both draconic and furry....but I won’t. I do have standards. And if I must adjust to a pupil that did not seek this life, then the least my pupil can do is adjust to the regal status of enjoying a dragon in her home.” Soon he’d have to show her his real power, not mere visual tricks and simple conjurings...but real power.<br><br>He turned to supervise the completion of her meal and the self cleaning of her kitchen as a plate of food hovered over to meet her on the couch. “You will need your strength. Even if today is a loss for lessons, the coming weeks will be quite taxing.” Celtore flew over to perch on the back of the couch, his neck craning over to rest on her shoulder. There he was quiet, for a change. He had several comments ready - such as how enjoyable it was to watch a beautiful woman eat. This time however, he kept it to himself and let her be, only demanding so much as his close presence to her. That...she must learn.<br><br>And really the physical presence was not so critical a thing, but it would serve to teach. She had not lived in a world with magic, and so the other layers of their bond were but mere words to her still. She would need to grow comfortable with him being much, much closer. In her very thoughts.<br><br>But he had to win her over as well, show her some enjoyment, other than the variety he sought from her. She needed to see magic as a positive force in her life as well. “When you are finished...we shall take a trip. It is time you spread your wings a bit....and far past time for me to do the same...”
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Edge of Night [That One Guy &amp; Wistful Dream]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>19-05-2012, 05:33:09</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				<span style="font-family: Ravi;" class="bbc_font"><span style="font-size: 10pt;" class="bbc_size">Sound advice. Great she had just given more fuel to the man beast thing. Still she moved toward the couch he indicated wanting some space and wondering if she should be grateful for the lack of lessons. While she was still working on her master's, the end of it at that, she wasn't use to lecturing tones from people. Part of her wanted to bristle, the larger, saner part just wanted to sip her coffee. So she settled onto the couch and sipped at it trying to ignore the flying mini dragon and praying her head would stop spinning and she would soon feel like she wasn't trapped in some odd reality that was a mix between <em>Charmed</em> and <em>The Twilight Zone</em>. <br><br>"Standards are good." She muttered noncommittally, just to try and feel like he wasn't dominating the conversation. Which of course he was. <br><br>No, no, she was <em>not</em> going to be in a foul mood all day. The only thing, very clearly, she had any control over was herself, her mood and her thoughts and she would be damned if she spent the whole day sour. Though some time to grieve would have been appreciated. "Regal, so lucky I am." The comment was buried in a sip of coffee, likely not even heard which was probably for the better. Pissing off a dragon would be a bad idea. <br><br>A glance back at the kitchen had her breakfast coming to her over the air but then she caught sight of the dishes doing themselves and gulped down a mouthful faster then she meant to. "Oh...that...that could be handy." she mused aloud, less time on chores. But she accepted the plate, putting down her mug to better balance the dish in her lap. The fact that Celtore was once again way into her personal space had her lips compressing but she gulped down that upset and just focused and trying the toast and jam first to make certain her stomach could handle it. Aware of his eyes on her she ate slowly and almost nervously. <br><br>Dušana glanced at him, tilting her head to look into a face that seemed much too small for his presence that now loomed larger then life over her own life. "A trip? Wings? Why do I suddenly have the picture of me clad in nothing but a robe astride you flying over London?" She sighed and took another sip of her coffee. "Just...promise me you aren't planning to freak out the airforce or bring the police down on me, I can only handle so much and I..." she trailed off, her sense of humor, more in force then normal, a cover for the fact that she was trying to avoid the knowledge her father was now truly gone. Her features closed down a bit and she dropped her gaze back to her plate, eating almost mechanically until the food was gone, hardly even tasting it though the part of that did admitted he wasn't a bad cook. "I'll need to dress..." she muttered without enthusiasm.</span></span><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Edge of Night [That One Guy &amp; Wistful Dream]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>That One Guy</strong> on <strong>19-05-2012, 18:17:14</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				He only smiled at the thought of the air force or police having anything at all to do with him. Modern answers to ancient problems...but ultimately no more threatening to him than any king with his knights and swords. Contrary to many myths, dragon slayings were not a common occurrence. It had happened only once in Celtore’s life time and that had been at the hands of a rather powerful witch.<br><br>He watched her finish eating, and rather enjoyed being close to his chosen human...though that enjoyment might have stemmed from how uncomfortable she was about him in her personal space. It wasn’t until she finished and decided she needed to dress that he spoke up again...and launched himself from her shoulder to fly in front of her. “Oh, I quite disagree. I’ll not have your baggy clothing flapping about in the wind. In fact you are currently overdressed for the occasion.” A grin from him and her robe disappeared into smoke. “Much better...shall we?”<br><br>He flapped his leather wings and drew closer to her door. “Oh, don’t worry, you and I are quite invisible right now. I will be the only one appreciating your naked form today...and as you said, best not to involve that Air Force of yours...though one day I may have to play with some of those jets I’ve read about.” That brought a very large grin to the dragon’s currently small face.<br><br>“Come along Dušana...I have a world to show you...” He led her through her apartment to the roof, passing others in the hall with a grin, knowing they could not see nor hear him or his charge. Up the last stairs and out onto the roof he was pleased to find no one else here, and flew around the building watching the people below. “They scurry about, absorbed in their unimpressive lives. The people today never even knew magic...which I find more sad than those who had forgotten it.” He turned to face her, and was enveloped in a rapidly growing cloud of smoke that engulfed the entire roof. When it cleared a massive dragon occupied the space.<br><br>He flapped his wings, and issues a loud roar as he stretched. Only one satisfied did he lower his head, now the size of a large car, toward her. “Much better! Now climb on up...I hope you shall enjoy this...”
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Edge of Night [That One Guy &amp; Wistful Dream]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>23-05-2012, 01:04:56</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				<span style="font-family: Ravi;" class="bbc_font"><span style="font-size: 10pt;" class="bbc_size">Perhaps she was getting use to him, because she didn't scream when he had her robe vanish into smoke. She did however blush and mutter under her breath about his lack of boundaries once more, her hands clenching at her side. "No, not much better, rather much <em>worse</em> in my mind but clearly you don't care what's in my mind. And my clothing is tailored thank you!" All the same she let him pull her from the couch by his sheer will and closer to the door not quiet believing they were truly invisible. She was going to get arrested, loose her job and be thrown out of her graduate program. Just perfect. <br><br>Only one appreciating....oh yes, he was a smok and clearly that part of the deal would have to be got over sooner rather then later. Though it was doubtful once would be enough. Not with her luck. <br><br>He got a strangled whimper out of her over the idea of him 'playing' with the jets. One thing for damn sure was that she would not be on his back when he did that visibly because while he might not be in the computers and listings she was. She was human. Dušana sulked in his wake through the building, blushing furiously when they passed her neighbors and ended up on the roof. At least there was no one out here, she could almost breath. Celtore's words didn't seem very impressed at all by humans but then how could she express that science was their magic now? It was rather cold and hard facts, not like the surreal feeling of him. It was rather the exact opposite. <br><br>So perhaps he had a point. Perhaps. But she still scrambled backward awkwardly when the smoke cleared to reveal a massive dragon who's head was the length of her own height ir not a little more. That strangled whimper welled again, her eyes wide in shock and she couldn't seemed to form words as she gaped up at him. "But...I...you....is this....." she trailed off, unsure what she had meant to say. But clearly he wasn't going to budge and perhaps she was dreaming. yes, dreaming, that would make so much sense. Flying on a dragon while dreaming couldn't hurt. Almost cheerful with her delusion she clambered up onto his back, marveling as the silken heat of his scales, not scratching her as she feared might and settled on his neck. <br><br>"Um....there's no....no way to stay still what if I fall?" Granted dream logic said she wouldn't but she would feel better for hearing the answer all the same.</span></span>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Edge of Night [That One Guy &amp; Wistful Dream]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>That One Guy</strong> on <strong>29-05-2012, 22:00:44</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He laughed, a laugh loud, and deeper suitable to his size, as she asked how she might remain seated. His head lifted and craned back to face her. “Simple my dear Dušana...magic!” He smiled wide and chuckled some more. A quick nod of his head and the warmth of his body extended around her.<br><br>“All you need do Dušana, is want to remain in place. Our bond will not prevent you from jumping off, or moving about, but so long as you wish to remain, you shall. That said, I recommended remaining seated this first outing, and not trying to do cartwheels down my back. You shall also have no need to worry over the chill nor lack of air. You should feel quite safe.” He smiled again, then moved his head up to scan the skies. His massive body crouched back, then leapt into the air; vast wings popping out and sweeping down in a quick but almost lazy seeming rhythm. The spell that held her to him would keep her warm against the chill air, and supply her all the oxygen she needed, no matter what attitude they rose too.<br><br>Within a moment they were gliding above the city, when Celtore banked around so she could see her apartment building that they had left, several thousand feet down. With a few more flaps of his wings, they flew even higher, and he looked back at her with a feral grin, “Ah, good to be out in the sky again!”<br><br>He returned his attention to the flying, exploring her world from a vantage no human had experienced in modern times. Oh sure they had aircraft...machines that insulated them from the real experience...it was not at all the same in his mind. He hoped the same would be true for Dušana as he sped over Buckingham Palace. In fact, more than spreading his wings, this was about her...and opening her eyes to the world of magic in a manner that might be enjoyable.<br><br>With a chuckle, he dove down into a cloud, and his smoke engulf them both....they emerged from the cloud over his homeland in south-central Europe. He recalled a few of the mountain peaks and the sea, but the land itself was just as changed as England had while he had slept.<br><br>Maybe this was a learning experience for him too...
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Edge of Night [That One Guy &amp; Wistful Dream]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>10-06-2012, 01:46:15</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<span style="font-family: Ravi;" class="bbc_font"><span style="font-size: 10pt;" class="bbc_size">Simple, he made it sound so simple, and he laughed, a sound so deep and loud that it seemed to shake through her and she muttered under her breath about know it all dragons. But then he leapt up into the air, wings flaring around her. She felt warmth, like a blanket almost, wrap around her, his presence, his power, cloaking her as his wings gained them altitude faster then any plane could and London grew smaller and smaller beneath them. Want to remain in place.. well that was easy as she spotted her apartment building and fear sparked through her for a moment, sharp and piercing, removing grief and forcing her into the present moment. She certainly <em>did not</em> want to fall. <br><br>His grin though, when he looked back at her summoned one to her own lips and it was then that she realized that jolt of fear had cleared her head for other things. For the present. For the way that the air streamed around her, her hair falling out of its bun to flare behind her, the way the world seemed so bright and yet insignificant beneath them. <br><br>She was flying. On a dragon. <br><br>Dušana felt her soul soar with his wings, felt it open up to all the things her father had tried to talk to her over the past few days. Digging for herbs, summoning rituals, those felt occult, almost wrong, this, this just was, thrilling, impossible. Magic. Perhaps magic wasn't a totally bad thing. She did gasp when they went into a cloud and suddenly they were not over England anymore and her lips parted, trying to figure out where they were. Her hands rubbed up and down his neck in front of her, admiring the ebon scales as they slid silken smooth against her touch, giving off heat and a delicious scent that seemed so utterly masculine and a cross between man and animal. "Where are we?" She called out, unsure of if he could hear her. </span></span>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Edge of Night [That One Guy &amp; Wistful Dream]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>That One Guy</strong> on <strong>13-06-2012, 04:21:45</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He could practically taste her moods, and rather enjoyed it when she grew more accepting. She was enjoying the wonder of the moment. Just knowing that made him feel so much better. He continued to soar over the mountains, descending to race past peaks and glide over valleys.<br><br>He spoke to her, but verbally and in her mind, reminding her that he could always hear him when she wished. “We are over what might be considered my home...at least on earth. I was born near here, long, long ago. It is very different now.” He’d hatched on a mountaintop that had long since eroded away...before people ever graced the Earth. “We dragons, we are very much a nostalgic sort; returning to our birthplace to mate. It's an instinct even we powerful beings find hard to avoid”<br><br>Celtore took them to the highest peak in the area, a place near where he had been born, overlooking a lake, a river, and in the distance, out to sea. He landed safely, and crouched low in case she wished to slide down off him to walk around.&nbsp; “Much has changed. This area is no longer a meeting place for my kind. Once it was the site of great gatherings. Not just dragons, but all manner of creatures that were enchanted by the beauty and possibility of your world. We worked with men, taught them of the powers in their world and others. There were dangers, of course, but with so many practicing the arts, those that would do harm had far more to fight.” his voice, still deep, had taken a reflective, almost sad tone. “It is still beautiful, however. No matter how many forgot just how much so.”<br><br>He turned his head toward her, smiling, “A sight that would terrify you no doubt? A dozen dragon whelps, screeching, learning to fly, mostly falling over each other and crashing into mountain tops. Or a circle of human drummers around a bonfire, performing rituals while a score of dragons circled overhead. Your people used to be so expressive in the arts. So open. I would like to bring a small part of that back to this world...in you Dušana.”
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Edge of Night [That One Guy &amp; Wistful Dream]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>16-06-2012, 23:05:56</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				<span style="font-family: Ravi;" class="bbc_font"><span style="font-size: 10pt;" class="bbc_size">Home. <br><br>The word played through her thoughts, wrapped around her heart and seemed to squeeze it. Home was gone now, unless she wanted to give up living in London and move back to Prague. And yet even if she retained the physical residence of her family it would never quite be the same for home was where the heart was and in her heart she yearned for her parents. How much worse it must seem to a immortal timeless in years who would see the earth change, even mountains vanish, oceans grow or shrink and people.. people would die. As he had shared last night. He hadn't seemed to grieve for those deaths though, nostalgic but not attached in heart? She bit her lip against the idea of 'mating' as he had made clear he expected to some degree the night before. <br><br>"All things need something to hold them to purpose, existence?" The words wavered between statement and question, as if she weren't sure of speaking them. If she had spoken them aloud, it could have remained only in her head for all she knew. <br><br>But he landed then and she threw her leg over his neck to slid down to the ground, blushing over her nudity absently though not quite so unsettled as she had been when the dragon first enforced his preference of wardrobe. Which would mean none. Her hands were quickly preoccupied with trying to comb back her wind tossed hair from her face to look around the peak of the mountain, down at the lake and the sea, feeling how much thinner the air was around her now. So different from Prague or London. "I suppose that would be where the ancient stories of your kind came from then, when you worked with them." <br><br>Dušana felt odd, trying to have a conversation with him, trying to act like normal while her heart wavered between the joy found in dragon flight and the pain of losing her entire family. Such a small family. Celtore was smiling at her now, speaking of dragons trying to fly and she shrugged her shoulders, wandering over to perch on a rock, an unmoving solid thing to cling to. "I have seen that in the arts but I don't know if I have that in me. If I want it to be in me... its all so much. Everything in my life has changed with no warning, no time to think. I just lost my father and I don't even feel like I have time to properly grieve." her eyes flashed over at him, a slight frown clouding her expression. "Can <em>smok</em>'s mourn?"</span></span>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Edge of Night [That One Guy &amp; Wistful Dream]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>That One Guy</strong> on <strong>17-06-2012, 22:44:15</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Her comments, he understood, even felt some of in their bond. A bond he knew he must nurture, so she could benefit from it as well. Her question though, struck out more like an accusation. The barely restrained venom of the remark forced him to choose between options. To frighten her into her place....or show compassion for her situation.<br><br>In days long past, the first of the options would have been the easy choice. There were humans fighting over such a chance as Dušana now had. But for her, the situation was forced. He and his world had not been invited into her life, but came crashing into it. The great dragon looked at her, and sighed.<br><br>With that sign the mountaintop was engulfed in his signature smoke, and when it cleared she wore a thick hooded cloak, and as did he - in human form. Left open the cloak did little to hide their nudity, but was a way to keep warm now that his body was no longer large enough to heat their location. Enchanted cloaks...so much more helpful and would let her claim a bit of her self imposed modesty.<br><br>Celtore walked toward her, and rested against the same rock as she, yet left her a bit of space. “Yes, we mourn. We grieve. Perhaps not in the same way as humans...but we do. In fact, that was the reason for my slumber. I was avoiding more of it. The world was changing, my latest companion had passed. I was done with that cycle for awhile. So I slept, and listened as the world went by, and the magic disappeared.” He looked over at her, and smiled. “But it is what lies ahead that encourages me to move on. I’ve never sought a human companion for the sake of having one, nor to replace a previous. Each was always unique, and enticing in their own right. Thus each was a unique loss.”<br><br>He was trying to comfort her, but knew that his situation was far different than hers - and he must be honest about that. “I’ve no idea if my parents live. Or what plane of existence they might be on. We do not form those bonds as humans do. Even my mates have gone. I do recall the terrible pain of one of them being killed. When some humans feared us, they devised ways to murder things not like themselves.... So the tales of dragon hunts are true - as are those of a dragon’s vengeance.” Fire lit in his eyes, as he recalled that day. How he did mourn even after he’d had his hollow revenge.<br><br>Shaking it off, he returned to the point of his tale. “So in many ways, Dušana, I can sympathize with you. But in others, I can help in another way. You will grieve, as you must, as is true to your nature. But you can also take strength from me. If you seek our bond, if you wish it to grow in strength, it will. And how I can feel your pain now through it...you shall be able draw from me as well. Gain a perspective few humans ever have. Gain power few have ever known....and with that power mitigate your own wounds.”<br><br>He pointed down to a village in the valley, and nodded at the people there, “A village full of faithful people, who are all certain of their way of life, and what comes after it. But always they will have doubts, for they do not experience that which they have placed their faith in. You’ve spoken with your father, after his passing. he used your powers to do that...so you know, for certain, it is within your power to speak to him again. You know, have witnessed, that the man you love exists still. When someone departs that village down there...there is no such certainty. No guarantee to mitigate the pain. You are already on the path to the perspective of life that I speak of Dušana. Your new, unexpected life offers more rewards than it does unwelcome disruptions. Let it help heal the wounds it being thrust upon you has caused.”
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Edge of Night [That One Guy &amp; Wistful Dream]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>23-06-2012, 03:48:27</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<span style="font-family: Ravi;" class="bbc_font"><span style="font-size: 10pt;" class="bbc_size">When she found herself suddenly in a cloak she was not quiet as startled as she would have been before, no more then a leap of her heart, then a slight tremble but then she drew it tighter around her shoulders; eyes averted as Celtore strode toward her so unashamed of his nudity. Not that he had a reason to be, he had a body like a god and she, well she supposed she wasn't too badly off but the society she had grown up with attacked vanity, forced women to feel every waking moment as if they weren't enough. Even raised in love and support as she had been some of it had seeped into her being. <br><br>Dušana was grateful that he had chosen to come closer but not invade her personal space as he seemed so wont to do without a second thought. Small little mercies. <br><br>And his voice, rich and deep, aged in inflection and diction in a way that made her think of a ancient wine, velvety with age and power drew her eyes to him even though she wished to keep looking away. Mourn, grieve. Until he spoke of it she had doubted he could and not wondered if her words seemed cruel, self centered to him. He who had lived for countless centuries, who had watched his ancient ways die out, the people forget him largely and she found herself drawn to the warmth in his smile. He could be soothing, when he wanted to be, this dragon of hers. Never to replace... she reached out softly, touching his arm with just her fingertips, a light graze that tried to convey she was apologetic for bringing up something that might be painful. <br><br>Her hand dropped away quickly though. Planes of existences, magic, bonds, mates. His world wasn't hers, only now it had to be. It was one she couldn't fight because Tomas had made it clear that worse then him could be out there, not more powerful, no, but worse. The <em>smok</em> was her protection, her mentor, her guide. And if her father could have heard their conversations he likely would have scolded her for being ungrateful, for being childish. Well she had been childish, she just wanted her father back, wanted life to be as it was. Not to be grappling with a whole new world, feeling disoriented and so very alone. Yet Celtore <em>was</em> there. If she opened up to him. <br><br>The human witch couldn't hide the slight shiver that went through her at the fire in his eyes, the mention of vengeance and yet that fury, that protective instinct was now bound to her. Her father had spoken of that as well. "Perspective? Would it mean that I cared less for humanity? You seem to view everything as a game... perhaps it is but I just..." she trailed off, sighing. He did have a point that she had a way to communicate with her father should she want him, that she had physical proof of something <em>Other</em> in the world. But it rubbed at her temper at the same time. "I never wanted this though, I was never warned... I have no idea what I'm doing or how I am suppose to be myself and this great witch you and Father spoke of... How can it heal? How could anything heal and sooth over that? Perhaps its weak, human so, but I need proof, something to help serve as an anchor because I feel lost in the grief and fear and uncertainty. I don't know how to act or think..." She shook her head, tears gathering in her eyes again and she let out a short bitter laugh. <br><br>"I am not this emotionally unbalanced person, I have my work, my degree to finish. I like my work. And all I've heard of is danger and how I must trust you and how my life will never be the same... I feel frozen inside, caught in terror for one misstep could make everything fall apart or worse..."</span></span><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Edge of Night [That One Guy &amp; Wistful Dream]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>That One Guy</strong> on <strong>28-06-2012, 02:44:00</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Celtore strolled away, keeping his anger in check. She did not mean to be so insulting...she just couldn't see past her own grief to realise what she’d accused. Or so he kept telling himself. Not that she did not have reason...he had played it like a game. Had approached her as if everything were fun.<br><br>It should be.<br><br>Learning magic should be the most thrilling thing a mortal being would ever know. Yet for her, it was not. She wanted to study books about what artists had done in the past. A past he could literally show her - and she pined after recognition of those who could never be even her peer. It grated on him.<br><br>Finally he spun around, the cloak spinning away from him, again hiding nothing. Not even the fire in his eyes. “Dušana Kajetán, you are frozen in your own fear. Fear of the unknown that has been thrust upon you. Fear can give you the energy required to overcome, or it can doom you. You are choosing doom before you’ve yet tried.” He slowly, methodically, stepped back toward her. “You may fear me, or hate my prior attempts at joviality. I can see that was misplaced...that it was not suited to your temperament. However, you may not accuse me of caring less for your people, your world, than you do. My perspective is different...not lesser than yours.”<br><br>He had closed the distance, standing less than a hand’s width away but not touching her. He looked directly into her dark eyes - peering into her soul. “My interest in you, my bond to you is proof I care for your people. Since waking, since meeting you, that concern has grown. Your world lacks its old charm, its spirit. I would see that we work together to restore it.” His voice took a softer edge, and he gave the hint of a smile. “Dušana, you had dedicated your life to learning of artists, spirited people and their works from times long past - yet you deny what can be yours. You could see that past, experience it first hand. You could speak with those artists and ask their thoughts as no one else could. Your danger lies not in a misstep, but only in the reluctance to begin your journey at all.”<br><br>He brought his hand up, within a breath of touching her, cupping her face, yet not yet actually making contact. “You are a beautiful woman, with the most potential this world has seen in ages. The fact that you were not raised with this knowledge, with this expectation, while tragic, also shaped you. Your father knew this day would come - knew that you would eventually be thrust into this life. Perhaps you should trust that his hiding it from you gave you a perspective he’d rather you have when you were to meet this challenge. Perhaps you will be able to bridge the gap between my world and yours, because of your life thus far.”<br><br>He stood there, on the verge of touching her, of providing comfort. he had reached out, literally to soothe her...but she must make the next move. Literally almost any move would put her in contact with him. In contact of a warm, strong presence that could be felt and embraced. His passions could be a terrible thing to witness when driven to violence. But in protecting his bond in other ways, they could be equally powerful in another way.<br><br>All she need do, is not step back away from him. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Edge of Night [That One Guy &amp; Wistful Dream]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>30-06-2012, 19:31:23</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<span style="font-family: Ravi;" class="bbc_font"><span style="font-size: 10pt;" class="bbc_size">Watching Celtore stride away from her she sensed his anger at her and wondered if she would ever be in danger from him because of that; he had more power then she could ever imagine and here she was pissing him off. Just brilliant. But she was being honest and she was trying to understand him. <br><br>He spun back toward her, the cloak only emphasizing the motion and she blushed to see his nude body so displayed. She did have to admit it was perfection, like a statue of a Roman god of old. The smok's eyes though unnerved her but she stayed there, against the boulder and watched as he prowled back toward her, reminding herself that he had taken a vow to protect her, to guard her. Did that apply to himself? She wanted to protest that she did have a sense of humor but a lot of it had wavered upon discovering her father was dead, that she was a witch and having to bond herself to a immortal being. It was all just too much. "I just didn't understa...." she trailed off, because he was angry, he wouldn't want t listen to her words. <br><br>Perhaps she had been insulting but she had not meant to be, she had only wanted to understand more. He was so different from her. <br><br>The brunette's throat worked when he came to a stop before her and his eyes seemed to pierce into her with their enigmatic stare; her heart picked up the beat, racing and she bit the inside of her cheek as she listened to him. At least his voice was softer, at least his expression had that subtle hint of a smile on his lips. The thought of seeing the artists she admired in person, to speak with them had her eyes going wide, her head spinning. She could speak to da Vinci? Or Titian? And Mucha... what a gift that could be. To bring spirit and joy back into the world... it seemed like it had all been stamped out during the Industrial Revolution sometimes, the modern sensibilities distancing humans from the earth and the magic of it. And she had always believed in the magic of the earth, surely that wasn't so different from what she had now? Maybe. <br><br>Dušana didn't pull away when his hand rose, though she did blink in surprise that he didn't just touch her. His compliment to her beauty had a blush on her cheeks and she wanted to protest she didn't have that much potential, only he would know. Great epic destiny, handed to her right there, to bridge the worlds, to bring back spirit to the people, oh yeah, head spinning was going on. She had never wanted that, the woman had been happy with just living out her life in a normal way. But she could never be normal again, whether she wanted this or not it was her life now and fighting against it would only make things worse, put her in more danger according to her father. She had to trust the dragon. <br><br>And so she sighed and leaned into that hand, letting it touch her cheek, her lashes fluttering shut as tears spiked them, a few escaping to trail down her cheeks. "I didn't mean to anger you." Her eyes opened again, gazing up at him. "I just don't know how to do this, I always felt.. focused I guess, on work, always a little outside of everyone else. My family was all I had and its gone and now... I apologize Celtore, I'll try not to be so thoughtless."</span></span><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Edge of Night [That One Guy &amp; Wistful Dream]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>That One Guy</strong> on <strong>03-07-2012, 19:16:28</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He leaned in, and contact was made. Celtore let his warm flow to her, letting his passion for her and their potential together be felt by the human girl in a tangible way. He took leaned in closer, whispering in her ear though they were the only beings on the remote hilltop, “You’re family is not gone...merely further away than you are used to. In time, with practice, you can visit them. I will show you. Until then, you are not alone...you have me.” He leaned back to look her in the eye.<br><br>“Dušana, you may not have wanted me, but your father was both overjoyed and worried that you found me - and rightfully so. But he misunderstood my purpose. You should have nothing to fear from me, nothing to worry about other than how best we proceed for you.” Once again the dragon, in the form of the ideal man plucked right from her head, leaned in, and kissed his new mortal charge - conveying just how not alone she would ever be.<br><br>When their lips parted his intense blue, yet subtly inhuman eyes looked at at her pretty face. “I will teach you, I will keep you safe. I will comfort you, and I will bring you pleasure. These are all hard to understand and accept right now, but all I require is that you keep an open mind to it. Allow for these things and they will be yours.” His thumb slid across her cheek tenderly, “Do not fear the change. You would not be less human for the experiences you shall have but more human than anyone else living today. More in touch with this world, and others. I can feel that desire in you Dušana...I can sense how you know the world you’ve lived in was missing something. Let me show you the missing pieces...”
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Edge of Night [That One Guy &amp; Wistful Dream]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>04-07-2012, 21:51:20</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				<span style="font-family: Ravi;" class="bbc_font"><span style="font-size: 10pt;" class="bbc_size">He was so very warm, and strong, she felt that first, felt his passion and power brush against her, surround her until it formed a barrier between her and the rest of the world. She shuddered at first, unnerved but then realized that this meant he was protecting her, supporting her while she felt so fragile. The human girl swayed into him further, into his compelling voice, desperately wanting to believe him. The promise of her family, being able to see them again would be worth learning magic for that alone. And he was right, she had bound them together for the rest of her life through magic, or rather he had, and as she met his eyes that finally fully sank in and left her speechless. <br><br>"Misunderstood?..." she echoed the world, uncertain how to take that. Shouldn't she fear a immortal and limitless dragon who was bound to her? It seemed logical to be afraid. At least until his lips set against hers, heat and passion flaring in her, burning away her numbness leading to her lips falling open in startled acceptance. Dušana had never felt so intimately connected to someone else before in her life. <br><br>Her breath was shaky when he pulled away, her hazel eyes dark as she gazed up at him, at those shimmering sapphire eyes that were focused so intently upon her. Celtore gave her promises then, words that she believed. It was shocking almost to see this intense, focused male before her and compare it to the laughing taunting creature she had met and grown to resent for seeming to not understand her pain. Maybe it was that he understood it too well. The witch's gaze softened when he caressed her cheek, his advice now falling on ears willing to listen and so slowly she nodded, biting her lower lip nervously. <br><br>"I will try, not to fear it... I can't promise I won't." She was honest, very much so and took in a deep breath before parting the robe she had clutched to her, letting it reveal her nudity. A sign she would try to take a step into that change he presented. "With your help. Yes, I want to see the pieces."</span></span><br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Edge of Night [That One Guy &amp; Wistful Dream]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>That One Guy</strong> on <strong>04-07-2012, 22:42:20</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				His hand caressed her face, and neck, threatening to slip further down now that she let go of some of her modesty. But he only smiled back. “I know you do. Deep inside, your goals will not have changed...just the manner in which you can reach for them. And do not fear me, as your father did. I know he warned you. He warned you not let yourself become impregnated by me. A valid concern, but unneeded. Your world does not need more of my blood in it, but more of its own magic. So relax in knowing that is not my purpose for you.”<br><br>He leaned in, and kissed her again. His lips pressing to hers, parting with them as they grew more entwined. His arms snaking around her, pulling her close. Their skin pressed together the full length of their bodies. He may not have designs on her birthing his children, but he still desired her...and wanted her to feel that desire. To feel how she impacted another, even one as ancient and powerful as him.<br><br>When their lips parted once again, he slowly kissed her neck until he whispered in her ear. “I will show you the world Dušana, all of it and more. But first, we must work on how you see yourself.” He backed away slightly, smiling at her, as the smoke of his magic swirled around their feet, inching ever higher until they were surrounded and the world hidden from them.<br><br>When it cleared, they stood in her apartment; though it was not as they had left it this morning. Several large bowls were positioned around her home; on the counters, on tables, on pedestals that were not there before. From each bowl a constant flame rose, burning fierce and bright, yet giving off no heat or smoke. Images flickered in each - each of them Dušana in various activities. Shopping, cooking, having sex, nurturing a child, preparing her altar, weaving magic, studying her books...all various aspects of the one woman and should she was and what she could be. The images changed, rotated, and were meant to provoke thoughts about specific roles in her life.<br><br>he swept his arm gesturing to all his latest tricks. “For you to see what I have to show you, for you to grow as you must, you shall have to first see yourself more like I do.” In the dissipating smoke the image of a woman with a powerful confidence knelt down, letting a robe fall from her shoulders as she began to prepare some sort of ritual. The woman was obviously Dušana, if one looked close enough. “You are all these things, and more. I want you to think about yourself, in these roles and tasks. To internalize them, accept them, and make them not only a part of you, but a tool you may call on. A perspective that you may use at any time of your choosing. Once you’ve started to embrace your true nature, then you will be free to embrace me and the magic you seek.”<br><br>His lips met hers once again, though more tender, and briefly. “I look forward to the time we truly embrace Dušana...very much. I shall return to you this evening. Until then, enjoy exploring yourself, and know that even now, you are never actually alone.”<br><br>As the rest of the smoke faded, so did Celtore, leaving his beautiful human bond alone with many versions of herself to consider. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Edge of Night [That One Guy &amp; Wistful Dream]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>06-07-2012, 22:15:51</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<span style="font-family: Ravi;" class="bbc_font"><span style="font-size: 10pt;" class="bbc_size">Her eyes darkened slightly when he spoke of her goals not changing, she wasn't sure she had any goals outside of her artistic work, hadn't focused inward but rather focused on moving forward, steadily, one step at a time in life. Perhaps it was time to change that. She wasn't sure if she coud work around fearing him at least a little, he was so very different but she might, might, be able to like him. The fact that he didn't mean to impregnate her was reassuring, at least she was far more then a womb to him. And yet for all her still uncertain moments she returned his kiss, her lips parting in welcome and trembling only slightly when he pulled their nude forms to press against one another. It felt... wonderful, powerful, that press of flesh to flesh and she wasn't sure how to take it, how to think as he kissed down her neck and whispered into her ear. <br><br>The promise to see the world didn't matter as much as the fact that she was so confused by his kiss, wanting more of his warmth, of the distracting pleasure his touches have given her. But was that truly she herself or more his effect on her? She didn't know and by the time she glanced around her to see the smoke it was too late to protest the moving. No dragon flight this time, she found herself in her apartment again, though still clad in the robe Celtore had summoned. <br><br>Hazel eyes darted around the flat, surprised at the sight of the bowls on pedestals scattered everywhere but in a manner in which implied some sort of design to their placement. The flames caught her attention, her eyes widening to see herself in so many different places, so many roles. But one was many things, that was true. She had just let her life slid into obsession over school, work and her thesis. Now she had a dragon who seemed rather intent on shaking that up and making her look at the world in a new way. She could only pray she would stay sane through the journey. <br><br>Slightly her lips compressed when he gestured to the flames, a sound of surprise coming when she spied a woman who looked a good deal like her moving about nude, invoking some magic. She looked so confident and at ease, with all the flair that the long ago courtesans must have had. What he was saying now did make a certain amount of sense and certainly it couldn't be a bad thing to endeavor to be more fully balanced in life. "I never sought magic thank you very much..." she muttered just before he kissed her, surprised at the tender slant of his lips, at how he spoke of wishing to embrace her. <br><br>And then he vanished. <br><br>Dušana shook her head, sinking down onto the couch and fighting the urge to put on more clothing. That was something she could work on, being comfortable in her own skin as she stared at the flames. She nibbled her lower lip and then focused, making the curtains draw across her windows with out too much struggle. His flames lit the place up plenty. And so she stared at the different versions of herself, wondering at her 'new' life. Once thing for sure was that it was time to perhaps look for a more remote location to hide... certain activities. Maybe a house outside of London.. with a garden? A garden would make sense, her eyes lingered on the sight of herself gardening in one of those flames, a smile curving on her lips.</span></span>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Edge of Night [That One Guy &amp; Wistful Dream]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>That One Guy</strong> on <strong>07-07-2012, 22:36:21</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Celtore gave her several hours to herself. Not that either of them was ever truly alone anymore, by small measures the bond as growing, and he could always sense her. however, if he did not draw his attention to it, than he was not overly intrusive into her thoughts and feelings.<br><br>However, once he’d decided, through feeling her, that she’d processed all she would this day, and also knew it was past the time for her evening meal, it was time to return to her. Instead of his grand, surprising entrances, this time he chose to be subtle; speaking directly into her mind. Like a soft whisper, that literally only she could hear, <em>‘Hello my beautiful Dušana. Have you missed me?’</em> The one, and question, of course was playful - though one day he hoped she might actually feel such things. Today it was just his way of announcing himself, even if he did not show up in a physical form.<br><br>Smoke rose from her floor, coalescing into a small table full of food and drink. A feast for the one woman, provided by a caring and attentive dragon. ‘<em>You must eat. You’ve considered your task for several hours, and I have seen how you’ve taken some of my words to heart. I am proud of you Dušana.’</em> His voice in her head was no less deep or powerful just because it did not fill the room. Nor need it be loud. His whispers could sooth, disturb, or frighten as easily as if he was manifest in some body for her to view. Tonight he wanted her to learn of this method of interaction. To grow a measure of comfort with being able to communicate with him without anyone else needing to know. Celtore suspected it would be a critical skill in her life in this modern world.<br><br><em>‘You have considered a new home and a garden. A new start. More progress than I could have hoped for. You truly are amazing my little one, when you stop doubting yourself.’ </em>While no physical body was there, he made she she felt comforted...much like a warm hug. A magical embrace that lingered, and hinted at more.<br><br><em>‘Tell me what you’ve learned of yourself today. Practice speaking to me like this. And not just of this afternoon here, but our entire day together. Tell me, have I eased your burden any? Have we drawn to a closer understanding? Speak with me about where we stand, and how you feel best to proceed.'</em> For the past days he’d been hauling her about, directing her, exposing her to his thoughts and activities. Now that he felt she’d grown to some initial form of acceptance of her life, and found something within it to call a goal, Celtore very much wanted her to be an active partner in this change. He did value her thoughts.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Edge of Night [That One Guy &amp; Wistful Dream]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>08-07-2012, 02:59:55</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<span style="font-family: Ravi;" class="bbc_font"><span style="font-size: 10pt;" class="bbc_size">The first sound of his voice startled her, she had almost gotten at peace with the silence and simply meditating though her mind provided her with plenty of other things she should be doing. She happily didn't jerk too much though, but glance quickly around, looking for him only to realize she was still alone. Physically. Because the dragon was there in her thoughts, his 'voice' playful, not pushing but accepting of what response she might give. "Celtore?" She breathed his name out, her eyes still trying to find him. As he put food before her and spoke again she realized he was giving her physical space at least for now and that had been something she wanted; she decided to not answer the question she wasn't sure she knew the answer to. <br><br>Still, dragon treating her to a gourmet dinner she didn't have to cook, clean or pay for was nice. The brunette sank down to sit in front of the table, bowing to his guidance because she knew she should eat. It just hadn't occurred to her while she was thinking. And even though all she had done was thinking she was starving and a little light headed. So food, food was her friend. <br><br>But she was distracted by his voice, by his presence and only absently paid attention to the wonderful food she ate, the wine she drank. When he told her he was proud of her she felt her cheeks flushing with happiness that she had finally done something right. The past few days had been fumbling in the dark, emotionally unstable, wavering between furious and drowning in sorrow. Progress forward was good, however it came. Apparently it had just needed a dragon ride to star. <br><br>It did unnerve her to know he had sensed her thoughts about moving, about everything really, sharing her mind would be something that took some getting use to and she sighed, biting into a Spanish cheese as she felt him around her, almost hugging her. It was so easy to doubt herself though, and him, and magic. It was all so damn new. But forward, move forward. With some frowning and struggle she managed to speak back to him with her mind, faulty at first but his starting the conversation seemed to help her mind make the right connections to his. `<em>I.. have learned that I've gotten really caught up in school, in moving forward in a rather linear fashion as is common here. I feel sort of silly over it because I study in particular the Renaissance and the Fin de siècle both being periods where artists did so much more then just one discipline. Its rather.. straight and narrow, so removed from nature. I'm really... grateful that you showed me that.</em>`<br><br>She paused, nibbling on a bit of meat, considering what to say next, fighting the growing headache she had. `<em>You did, you gave me something else to think about, a new way to see the world. One I use to see when i was younger but somehow forgot. As for an understanding, well, I don't hate you anymore and that kiss earlier was rather... nice.</em>` she went quiet again, this time with a blush in her cheeks. Was she really flirting with a dragon? `<em>Suggestions for a new place to live? I would like to live close to London still.</em>`</span></span>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Edge of Night [That One Guy &amp; Wistful Dream]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>That One Guy</strong> on <strong>08-07-2012, 16:59:13</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				His joy over her declaring their kiss ‘nice’ was easily felt through their bond...conveying his raw emotion and pleasure over her statement directly to her. Even if she skipped past that to then discuss a new home, Celtore just relaxed and basked in the sensation of having gotten to her finally. ‘Let me worry about the home. I shall find you a suitable place, and ensure you’ve the needed resources to acquire it.’<br><br>As he told her to put it from her mind, he did as well, now entirely focused on something he’d been craving far more than he even let on. ‘You’ve done well Dušana, so the rest of the night is time for more enjoyable things. Your days have been hard, you require a suitable distraction.’ He chair morphed into a chaise lounge, easing her back into a far more relaxing pose. Ethereal, smoky hands, little more than wisps, carried cheese or bits of fruit to her lips, as well as the wine glass. Unseen ghostly fingers caressed her skin, up and down her body; all the while his voice in her head whispering soothing compliments.<br><br>‘I want you to feel as radiant and beautiful as I see you. I want you to see just how ‘rather nice’ I can be. I need not even be manifest in the room to please you Dušana...but only if you allow it. I can appease each of your senses in ways you’d never even thought of. If you relax, and share your mind, I will satisfy every desire you’ve ever dreamed of.’ Smoke wrapped around her body, but formed into the smoothest silk robe that hid nothing, yet caressed her skin. The sensation of hot breath ran along her neck, followed by that of a tender kiss below her ear. There were hands, kisses, hugs, and other ghostly pleasures on her that no three men could have supplied - yet Celtore had hardly started. ‘Relax Dušana, enjoy what I can do for you. Give yourself a moment to just be that beautiful woman that deserves such indulgences.’<br><br>The dragon, while not in any physical form, enjoyed the perspective both from their bond, and so within her mind, if only at the outside edges; as well as seeing her in this room, laying back and being tempted by him. He very much hoped she’d give in to the moment he offered. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Edge of Night [That One Guy &amp; Wistful Dream]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>08-07-2012, 17:28:08</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<span style="font-family: Ravi;" class="bbc_font"><span style="font-size: 10pt;" class="bbc_size">Somehow she had not been surprised when he seemed to well.. preen in her head over her comment on the kiss. Nor when he spoke of finding her&nbsp; a place and paying for it but Dušana shook her head then, putting her foot down. Celtore wasn't all bad, no but he had to realize she was a modern woman and she was not going to be content just being dragged here and there. She did have her own opinions. `<em>I'll let you give me a few choices but I want to chose the home myself, I want to tour it and get a feel for it. I'm suppose to be learning to trust my instincts too no? And well... no woman wants to simply accept a home with no say in it, however good you are at reading my mind and picking out just what I want. Give me the choice and I'll... give you another kiss.</em>` Great, now she was bartering with a dragon using her lips as currency. This was so not how she had imagined her life going even a week ago. <br><br>Her soul stirred though at the thought of more enjoyable things, curious what they might be and she was proud she only let out a little squeak when the chair beneath her changed shape and she found herself reclining backward. The sensation of ghostly hands caressing her skin, massaging her really took a moment to get use to, as did the bits of food that were carried to her lips. Part of her wanted to sit bolt upright, demand he stop this and let her take care of herself. Too uptight, too focused on proving she was equal instead of being. Balance. Right. It was a struggle but she managed to accept the food and wine, slowly relaxing into her newly changed furniture. <br><br>The woman's cheeks colored at the thought of being beautiful. She doubted he was being 'rather nice' just because but then pleasure was a part of the human experience, and if she was honest one she had neglected since her pre college days. There had simply always been so much to do, to handle. She shivered when the hot breath teased along her neck, her eyes fluttering shut as her skin flushed with a lazy rousing to desire, relaxing in a way she hadn't since she had become an 'adult'. Maybe she did deserve indulging and if she was going to do it why not have a dragon handle it all? Still...<br><br>"Its... very nice but um... I did the talking in the head thing, can we simply talk now? Can you be -here- now? Even if I can feel the touches not having someone else physically here, well... just the company of another body can be nice." She hoped she wasn't rambling, or sounding idiotic, but it was true. Since that kiss her body had craved other things, simpler touches like being held, hands intertwined. Her thoughts turned to how nice it might be if he was behind her on the chaise, even if his power was still bringing food and drink he could hold her, perhaps feed her. She wasn't sure if that would make her laugh or not, being fed as if she were a child but perhaps it wouldn't have that feel to it. 'Never know until you try' and all that. </span></span>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Edge of Night [That One Guy &amp; Wistful Dream]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>That One Guy</strong> on <strong>08-07-2012, 18:09:39</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Her reaction was amusing to him, and the laugh that started in just her head traveled until it came from all around her in the room. Just a pleasant, amused chuckle as his smoke seemed to gather from around the room to slide over her, and forming into his human shape behind her, his arm already around her waist, his head propped up on the other so he could kiss her neck in person.<br><br>“Bribe me&nbsp; with kisses then invite me here anyway? You modern women are so confused.” His tone was playful, though he resumed by kissing down her shoulder, his free hand lightly gliding along her side, hip, and leg. “Fear not on your new home. You shall pick everything, you shall provide for yourself. I will merely help narrow the selection and ensure your offers are accepted. Trust me Dušana, that is all I ask of you.”<br><br>Spooning her from behind, Celtore continued to caress and kiss whatever was within striking distance. The other sensations had faded away, leaving just what he could provide with his physical body - though he had every confidence that would be enough. “I do so enjoy the human form. So much more sensitive, expressive, and flexible than my birth form.” He grinned as he leaned over, his eyes looking up at her, then gently licked her exposed nipple before sucking it into his mouth. This was crossing a line, one he hoped she would encourage.<br><br>When his lips released her dark bud he looked to face her, “It’s been too long since you’ve let someone show you what effect you have on them. Too long since you’ve let yourself be pleased.” He moved slightly so he could kiss her lips once again, this time holding back none of the passion he felt for her, let that message come through in both his action and their bond.<br><br>When their lips parted, he remained above her, looking down with lust pride, and joy in his eyes. “You can feel our bond...you know I cannot lie to you. This form was chosen for you, but your effect on it is genuine. Just as you effect the mind of a great dragon, distracting him from all else but you.” Leaning in this time his lips returned to her neck, traveling up to whisper into her ear, “Let me show you what your beauty and spirit inspires. Let me give you your night of joy.” 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Edge of Night [That One Guy &amp; Wistful Dream]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>08-07-2012, 18:29:59</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<span style="font-family: Ravi;" class="bbc_font"><span style="font-size: 10pt;" class="bbc_size">The dragon's laugh was a rich husky sound that had her shivering a little, surprised at her body's response to it by heating further. Had it really been so long since she had felt sexual desire that she felt it was strange? Apparently the dragon was right about being neglectful to herself. And he really could read her thoughts for he appeared behind her, holding her just as she had imagined only the actual man kissed her neck, his lips and tongue teasing with heat that had her breath catching. Desire was building, passion, but it was a struggle to accept it, to not just box it away into a neat box. <br><br>It was his kiss that had thawed the worst of her numbness over her father's death. It was his touch that she craved to feel life around her, so surely she could allow him a few liberties. <br><br>"Well its not the... same... I offered you a kiss, from me, rather then you just taking one." Her protest sounded a bit convoluted even to her own ears, the reasoning weak but she didn't recant her words. For one she was too distracted to as his wicked lips trailed down her shoulder, as his hand caressed her naked flesh. His touch felt like fire, or rather, roused one within her that had her head spinning, struggling to focus on his promise that she would have final say in the house, that he was only going to give her aid. The human witch was far too busy trying to understand her body's responses to him, trying to fit it into her world as it had existed, and the new self she was trying to accept at the same time. <br><br>"Enjoying... form... that's um, good...!" The dark haired girl's words had come out a bit breathy as she felt his muscled body behind her, as he grinned at her and her heart twisted over but the last word had come out in a gasping whimper of surprise when his tongue lapped around her nipple, the heat of his mouth surrounding it. The sound turned into a moan even as her nipple, and its counterpart, both hardened with desire and her toes curled at the way lust flared through her. <br><br>More, she wanted more, but.. could she? It crossed a boundary, one she had meant to keep; offering a kiss was one thing, offering her body completely up to him was another. <br><br>Ana trembled when his lips released her nipple, the mauve hued skin erotically dark against her pale skin, a sight she couldn't look away from, seeing how the pebbled skin glistened from his mouth. "It didn't... seem... important..." she commented in way of explaining why she had neglected pleasure, had turned down dates and only had a few kisses here and there since her sophomore year in university. Of course then he was kissing her again. But this kiss, it was so different from before. His tongue invaded her mouth, claiming her and she moaned again, that sound startling her even as she softened into the kiss, returning it shyly. She was kissing a dragon... and she couldn't bring herself to care. <br><br>Or maybe she did care, this man who was more powerful, clever and teasing then any other was the first to drag her away from her orderly life. He didn't care what she thought the world was, he made her think, feel, even when she hadn't wanted to. Before she had resented him. Now she wasn't quite sure. <br><br>After their lips parted, her lashes fluttered open to gaze up at him, into those bright eyes and the emotions that were there, that were in the bond she could feel, could almost <em>read</em> not stunned her. Lust and pride, and joy. Joy so bright it burned away everything else. This fierce dragon desired her, had chosen to teach her but also wanted more then that. She probed the bond carefully, considering what her father had said but she felt nothing that made her think there was any subtle plan to this. Simple, fierce, burning. <br><br>As his lips trailed up the satin skin of her neck to her ear she shivered, heart racing and then, at his words she managed a nod, pressing her legs together nervously for a moment before her lips parted in a simple, "Yes." of assent to him. <br><br>But she did raise a hand, placing it on his chest to hold him back a moment, to gaze up at him with a bit of awe in her eyes. "I don't know how it can be so simple but somehow... it is. So... yes, Celtore, at least for tonight. I'll take it one day at a time for now, that's all I can give."</span></span>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Edge of Night [That One Guy &amp; Wistful Dream]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>That One Guy</strong> on <strong>08-07-2012, 20:56:10</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He was amused at how she could put such things off as ‘not important’. To do so was denying her nature as a person. People needed touched, held. They needed to feel alive. he would make her feel very, very alive indeed.<br><br>And finally, after she fought with herself, a struggle he could feel, but not ‘hear’ in its entirety, he felt something even more wonderful. She pushed herself into their bond. She explored him. What she found was only the thrill and pride of that moment, followed by a lust of how best to celebrate it. not only would they enjoy their bodies tonight, but perhaps also something deeper...their minds.<br><br>She finally said yes, as he knew she must once she had sought him in the bond. She had looked for reason to doubt him, and found none. but her acceptance came conditionally, as she paused him from continuing; explaining that she could only take things a day at a time. He smiled, warm praise flowing over to her. “Of course. And you shall learn to cherish each day, one at a time as well. To get the most from each.” his hand slid along her cheek, caressing her face, until his finger drug across her lips to silence any response.<br><br>“When you agreed to this, under some duress, you agreed to sex as a payment. As if your body was currency to which to pay for my services in protection and teaching. I very much hope that is no longer the case. We are partners...and i wish to teach my partner something very new, and very magical. Relax, and follow the bond as you did before. No need to push, just let yourself flow into it, and I to you...”<br><br>With that he took her hand from his chest, kissed her palm and set it away where she would not block him. His kissed his way down her body, focusing on each inch as he went...letting that focus be easily accessed for her to view...and his seeking her reaction. A feedback loop of each other as he admired every bit of her, working lower and lower. Celtore teased her belly button, and then moving down to the ridge of her hip and lower still, with a feral grin flashed back up at her.<br><br>Yet the ancient being avoided the obvious, instead caressed her legs from thigh to her toes and back up...each in turn. He could not wait for the thrill of tasting her, and her reading his enjoyment of the act...to be mixed with her own pleasure. Smiling he leaned in to do just that. To ignite a fire of carnal bliss that would consume them both.<br><br>And he was just getting warmed up. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Edge of Night [That One Guy &amp; Wistful Dream]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>08-07-2012, 21:17:20</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				<span style="font-family: Ravi;" class="bbc_font"><span style="font-size: 10pt;" class="bbc_size">Ana was starting to doubt she could say anything that would ruffle him, he simply smiled at her, praised her view of 'taking it one day' at a time. She flushed with pleasure at the positive reinforcement but really the pleasure had a lot more to do with the very naked, muscled, man pressed flush against her. His finger across her lip summoned the irrational urge to part her lips and lick at it, which left her in turn further unsettled, her hazel eyes flashing at the memory of the promise. Was this payment? No, no it didn't feel like that at all. It felt like want and need, passion. <br><br>Partners. <br><br>Slowly the human girl nodded, liking that word and assenting to his direction. Tentative at first she touched the bond again, drawing his emotions into her, awed by the purity of the desire he felt for her. So uncomplicated. It was intoxicating, adding to her own desire, her nipples tingling with awareness and want, her legs pressing together instinctively as her sex dampened. She didn't fight him on placing her hand out of the way, rather lifted both of her hands to grasp at the top of the chaise and bare her body for him. It gave her hands something to cling to, to clench and gave him her skin to kiss and touch. And clench she did as he kissed steadily lower on her stomach, down past the apex of her legs, along the length of her thigh and calf, all the way down to her toes. <br><br>It wasn't simple kissing either, no, slight scraps of teeth, bits of tongue lapping, teasing suction, his lips blazing a trail of fire through her body until she was quaking, whimpering for him and focused only on the moment. Feeling it from his side as well, the pleasure he had at her skin beneath his lips, how beautiful he found her made it so that there was not a rational thought in her mind. Simply want. His. For now she was his utterly and she reveled in it. <br><br>When he smiled at her, almost predatorily her heart jumped, beating faster but her legs fell open in welcome to him with a husky moan on her lips, her eyes glazed off and gleaming in the light of the flames that danced around them, "Celtore... please..." Dušana hardly recognized her own voice, breathless, husky with lust as it left her lips to caress at his ears, her heart laying open to him, her being consumed with the fire he had built in her.</span></span>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Edge of Night [That One Guy &amp; Wistful Dream]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>That One Guy</strong> on <strong>08-07-2012, 22:52:15</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The more she relaxed into it, the more he felt from her, and of himself in her mind...the circle of emotions and sensations flowing. She let it happen, and Celtore was very much about to happen to her.<br><br>His mouth attacked her sex in sudden movement, perhaps like a cobra strike. But it was his tongue that was the most dangers, not any fangs. He was quick to feast on her, and in turn let the bond feed their mutual lust. That fact he could feel how mutual it was maybe it more powerful than anything else that had yet passed between them.<br><br>He was tempted to employ magic at this, yet restrained himself. No...she asked for him to be here...as a man. So it would be as a man that he’d please her. He could literally taste that pleasure, and her own desires. She started simply allowing things to progress, but now he could her own urgency, how she wanted it. And he would provide it exactly as she wished, perhaps even before she was aware she’d wished it.<br><br>Celtore cut his ravishment of her pretty pussy short, so that he could stand and gaze down at her; gathering up her long legs and pulling her to the edge. He placed one knee on the chaise with her, the other foot firmly on the floor. He wrapped one of her tone limbs around him, while the other delicate stem he caressed as it was forced up into the air; pressing against the front of him as his slid his ready cock into her hot entrance. The heat of her around him reflected in the shared heat between them. He could feel how she enjoyed being filled, while she was show what joy her body caused.<br><br>It only got more intense from there. The lines blurred as he casually thrust into her, both allowed to revel in the shared experience. Their bodies moved as one, linked almost as thoroughly as their minds. The slow, easy introduction to this level of intimacy would continue until their needs demanded more, only to naturally and easily flow to that new pace. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Edge of Night [That One Guy &amp; Wistful Dream]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>11-07-2012, 04:05:55</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<span style="font-family: Ravi;" class="bbc_font"><span style="font-size: 10pt;" class="bbc_size">It was... glorious. <br><br>There was simply no other word that could attempt to capture the splendor of the bond that welled between them, the pleasure his touches gave her. The moment his mouth set upon her sex, so quick, unexpected after his teasing, her spine bowed off the chaise with a ragged cry of delighted shock parting her lips, a shudder convulsing through her as her toes curled once again. The dragon's tongue seemed to know just where to stroke, how to lap at the slick folds that had dampened for him. One of her hands rose, burying in her hair, fingers clenching as she moaned and rocked her hips shamelessly. How could she fret about modest or decorum when she could hardly breathe, the pleasure so intense she struggled to understand it. <br><br>It wasn't magic he played against her, no, he was giving her just what she wanted, man and woman, touches, the physical. But the bond, the sensing of his enjoyment of giving her pleasure bleeding into her own pleasure, it was.. earth shattering, mind numbing. She couldn't believe she had denied herself such pleasure for years and yet, it wouldn't have been like <em>this</em> with anyone else. <br><br>Maybe it was just as well that she had waited, that he could blow her mind with rockstar sex like no other living man.. er being. <br><br>His lips pulled away though, leaving her whimpering in protest, her eyes dazed, confused as she glanced up at him only to realize he was moving her. Dušana didn't fight him though, letting him guide her, hazel eyes widening as he guided himself to the entrance of her body. He was very well endowed, not ridiculously but perfectly almost, and his form was from her mind... she shivered, only to gasp as he pressed into her, writhing beneath him. Her body, neglected for so long, was tight and slick around him and she felt him fill her just as she felt herself, from him, tight around his cock. Lost to her pleasure she arched her hips up into him, urging him on faster with her breathless moans, with the spasming of her body as her climax neared, the intensity of their bond making the ecstasy build and build into a raging fire in such short time. "Cel...Celtore... oh... fuck..."</span></span>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Edge of Night [That One Guy &amp; Wistful Dream]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>That One Guy</strong> on <strong>11-07-2012, 23:51:20</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Just as delicious as the sensations, feelings, and emotional swirl playing over their bond, ere the moans, heavy breaths, cries and whimpers that were produced audibly. How her body moved with him, or due to him, on the chaise. How nothing else at all seemed to reach her.<br><br>The faster they went, the brighter the flames in the room burned, all with the image of the two of them together - not that either noticed the images or the lighting level in the room. They were literally too entangled with each other; physically and mentally.<br><br>Celtore was pounding into her, the wet slapping of flesh on flesh he drove them both to the edge of mutual oblivion. There would be no stopping this time. No holding back to prolong the moment. Both were committed, urging, coaxing each other on in their silent communication. His moans, almost growls complimented the sweet sounds he elicited from her as they fucked, until both were near out of air and their minds.<br><br>As he felt her topple over, the tightening of her body around his, he too gave in and relished the sensations provided by this mortal body. Humans might not have wings to fly, but they reached other heights of their own. Together they worked, pulling every last morsel of bliss from their bodies, the bond little more than a light show of pure joy as the rode each wave until both were utterly spent.<br><br>Letting her other leg slip from his shoulder, Celtore leaned over her, breathing heavily as he kissed her and smiled. “My dear Dušana, I think we finally understand each other. And you will never feel alone again...” His kiss lingered this time, sealing his promise to her in a way she could feel on so many levels. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Edge of Night [That One Guy &amp; Wistful Dream]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>31-08-2012, 04:08:15</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<span style="font-family: Ravi;" class="bbc_font"><span style="font-size: 10pt;" class="bbc_size">"...ah.... gods...." the words slipped past her lips before she could catch them, panting making her breasts trembling slightly as she laid beneath him upon the couch and tried to remember her own name. Fire still seemed to burn through her blood, to lick along her skin and she shuddered, aware that he could do far far more to her if he wished it. She had asked him to couple with her as a man could, not as a dragon with powers older then her bloodline. When her leg slipped down his arm she let out a little whimper of sound, kissing him back even as her lungs dragged in air and she recalled how to breathe once more. <br><br>His voice had her lashes fluttering, unaware as she had been that she had ever closed them, and she gazed up at him with surprise on her still pleasure softened features. Understand each other? How could they not after that.. it felt almost like he had gotten inside her with more then just his perfect cock. Getting under someone's skin took a whole new meaning when one could share thoughts with another. <br><br>Never feel alone again... <br><br>Tears welled in her hazel eyes for a moment, remembering her lost family, recalling all the time she had spent walling herself off away from others. Perhaps it was because she had always known she was something different, something other. Something that didn't fit into the lives of those around her. She returned his last kiss, trying to express her gratitude when she felt like there were no words, trying to share that she would try not to balk at his intrusion into her life. Solitude had become a lifestyle for her and this dragon was shaking everything up. She broke the tender kiss though, letting her head recline on the pillows beneath her as the witch drew in a deep breath of air. "I.. will trust you, as much as I can Celtore." A soft promise, a nervous one but something all the same, a olive branch proffered in hope rather then fear. </span></span>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Edge of Night [That One Guy &amp; Wistful Dream]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>That One Guy</strong> on <strong>08-09-2012, 20:46:32</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The dragon in a man’s form smiled at her comment. Progress was made, and enjoyment of each other was clearly found. The wall had been breached...her admitting it was only a matter of time. Celtore had plenty of time.<br><br>He realised his cock was still held in her warm pussy, and he was loath to drag it out so he could move to a better position; but did so anyway. He stood up and smiled down at Dušana before wrapping her up in his arms. A puff of his black smoke and they were rearranged, with her laying back on him, who was no on the chase she’d just occupied; his hands caressing her flushed skin sensually.<br><br>“Trust is important, and you’ll find it easier now. You’ll know my intent, if not my specific thoughts. Lying is not longer even a theoretical option for either of us my dear Dušana. With further understanding, the rest of our entanglement will be easier as well.” He returned to the food he’d summoned earlier, but not with ethereal hands this time. This time he reached out with his own hands, bringing a grape to her lips in a quiet offering of the night to come. She needed to feel connected to someone again, to not feel alone. To have someone there for her, with her, and he understood all of that.<br><br>He also understood how parts of her fought this still. Fought giving in to the indulgences he could provide her. That spoke rather well of her. The fact she had her own sense of self, own morals guiding her down the path of this new life pleased him. Troublesome as they might be to getting on with teaching her how to wield her powers, at least she was not one to see such power at her fingertips and become corrupted by the thought. Celtore had seen that before.<br><br>But he had no need to worry about that from Dušana. His concerns lay in how well she might learn, and what toll it would take on her to embrace her new life. A life she should have known about, but was dropped on her suddenly. He smiled, kissed her neck, and offered her more fruit, whispering in her ear, “But tonight you relax. You trust and explore where that trust will lead. Let yourself feel what I do for you...let our thoughts continue to merge and find some peace.”<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Edge of Night [That One Guy &amp; Wistful Dream]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>09-09-2012, 06:10:15</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<span style="font-family: Ravi;" class="bbc_font"><span style="font-size: 10pt;" class="bbc_size">Before she could think of it her body protested him withdrawing from her body, a whimper catching in her throat only to alter into a gasp of surprise when he stood and picked her up, smoke wrapping around them. The ebon shadows seemed to caress along her skin as if another touch, only this she did not think was from him on purpose; rather part of his power learning her, accepting her and that held her still as it tightened and then the world was suddenly around her again, her laying cradled in his arms with his hands trailing down the heated skin still tender from the intensity of their coupling. <br><br>It was enough to make her shiver a touch but she didn't try to pull away from him. No, much as before she had been loath to admit to needing anything she found that she did, she needed his warmth and the acceptance of parts of herself she balked at. This immortal creature knew her now more thoroughly then even she herself did, then her father ever had and in less time she would have ever thought possible. It should have terrified her, truly, and some part of her it did, a slim far corner of her soul that was blessedly quiet as she lay in his arms and she let herself relax. To so close to another person was a blessing, regardless of the fact that he wasn't exactly a person. <br><br>Pushing away her conflicting, twisting thoughts she focused on his voice, that voice like warm amber and sunlight poured through the air, caressing her as much as his hands were. "Oh... you you truly can't lie to me either? I feared it would simply be allowing you in my mind and not me having the same." She blushed, realizing how suspicious that sounded. <br><br>To make up for it she parted her lips and accepted the grap Celtore offered to her, even going so far as to softly suckle on one of the fingers that had held it for her. The dragon had given her such a gift, pleasure beyond anything she had ever dreamed of and she didn't want him to find her cold or a brat. Dušana wondered if it was ever possible for such a creature to love a human or for a human to love him; such different thought processes made her doubt it was possible but this wasn't about love. This was about a bargain and friendship perhaps, and magic. Always the magic, though he fed her by his own hand rather then his magic. Sweet juice from the fruit filled her mouth, somehow a brighter taste then ever before and she savored it. <br><br>Her body shifted into him when he kissed her neck, cherishing the spark of heat that passed from him to her even as she accepted a berry from his fingers again, nodding at his instructions. "I think... I can try. Normally I'm just focused on work. But I guess that's part of the modern sensibility. We don't play very much, there's too much to do I suppose." Considering,&nbsp; she eyed him and then offered a slow smile as she turned to face him a bit more and make her offer, her thoughts still held open in trust in their connection. "Would you like to come to work with me perhaps? You'd have to wear actual clothes," her voice was shyly teasing, a quirk of a smile on her lips, "But perhaps it would help you understand me and my time better.&nbsp; We could say you are a collector or something of the like, flash enough money and posh manners and galleries will let you do whatever you want."</span></span>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Edge of Night [That One Guy &amp; Wistful Dream]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>That One Guy</strong> on <strong>09-09-2012, 21:48:00</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He let a silent admonishment flow into his mind at her thinking he could still lie to her. “Why would I wish to lie to my student...my partner on this world? No, you felt what I did for you moments ago. Just as easily you can feel the emotional core of anything I am thinking as well. It will simply take time to grow comfortable with.”<br><br>He smiled and fed her more, slowly, sensually, and she seemed to respond well to the mood. At her suggestion of work, he nodded, and nibbled on her ear before whispering in it. ‘I will go with you to your work. I will see what life circumstances have...interrupted. But I also must warn you...that life must be pushed back, a second place to the priorities you now have. Still, I will go, and learn of you form it, and where we might perhaps work your studies into your more familiar habits.”<br><br>His hands still roamed freely over her, when not feeding her another bit of fruit or cheese, or holding the goblet of wine to her lips. Celtore whispered again to her, “This too can be yours as often as you wish Dušana. Pleasure, security, excitement..all wrapped into one. Pleasures you’d long ignored can be as common as meals.” He kissed her neck again to complete his statement. “In fact, I can teach you much of your magic just as we are now...or were moments before.”<br><br>He decided it was worth a try, and placed his hand on top of hers. His mind full of excitement, of wonder and the success he’d achieved with her. “Repeat after me, and trust me...put your will into the words and know that they will have an impact,” he said softly to her, and began drawing shapes in the air with her finger. Old words, long forgotten by men were whispered in her ear, as the tangible energy in the room rose. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Edge of Night [That One Guy &amp; Wistful Dream]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>10-09-2012, 23:53:27</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<span style="font-family: Ravi;" class="bbc_font"><span style="font-size: 10pt;" class="bbc_size">Shame touched at her heart slightly, that she could be so wary, so certain of others being distrustful and in response to his admonishment she tried to share a sense of apology, trying to convey what she wasn't sure words could express. It was enough that Ana shifted in his arms, gazing at him with a wealth of memories of warnings, of women being used and manipulated by others around them; it was the way of the world now. But he wasn't of her world. Which she was coming to realize was a good thing rather then the negative she had first assumed. <br><br>"There's no reason... but people do now. Its almost impossible to know the truth of another person I think. Even my father.." her voice caught, the sting of that betrayal suddenly more then the grief of the loss. "I am grateful that you won't." <br><br>And that was the truth. <br><br>Celtore's smile warmed through her and she gave back a gentle one of her own, shivering when he nibbled at her ear, the hazel of her eyes darkening in response even as she got nervous at the thought of him at her work. It was a happy nervous though. To share something with him, it would finally be a moment when she was the more experienced. It wasn't going to happen often but it would be pleasant to see the world through his eyes. the mention of her work being pushed back earned a sigh and a nod, her master's thesis likely going to be neglected while they figured out their new life. Including that new house. "I know..." <br><br>The girl was grateful for the distraction of his hands on her skin, for his heated voice telling her pleasure was hers, security, thrill and she pushed away the last bit of wine he offered her, focusing on him rather then the intoxicating drink. Her dragon was far more beguiling then any liquid. Hers. As often as she wanted, to use her magic in those moments.. she shivered at the thought, tempted and knowing he could read that within her. "Yes.." came the soft breath of assent at his instruction, her hand willingly letting him guide it as she softly echoed each word he spoke, feeling the ancient power tang across her skin, grow within her until she thought it would burst from her like some heady fountain. </span></span>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Edge of Night [That One Guy &amp; Wistful Dream]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>That One Guy</strong> on <strong>13-09-2012, 02:54:33</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Celtore led her hand, whispered the words, and guided her confidence through the link they still shared...that was still open enough for him to push that sense of certainty through to her. The power she wielded, as it was truly hers, not his at all - only his method - sprung out as if it were a caged beast. He could feel it fill the room, fill her body, and its taste was sweeter than any he’d known before.<br><br>His Dušana was certainly going to be worth the effort.<br><br>The continued, and the quiet words he gave her came out strong, and melodic in her voice. The patterns they drew together in the air more certain, his hand hardly needed to guide hers. Across the room, in front of them where they drew these runes, sat her planted orchid - the target of this spell. It twitched. It shuttered. It began to grow.<br><br>They continued, practically chanting together now, moving as one, but still he lent none of his power into the task at all. This was entirely her, and through their bond, she would know that. The orchid grew, more buds appeared, and blossomed right there before their eyes. It grew until it threatened to topple the pot it was planted in - so many perfect, stark white flowers with the sharp contrast of their deep rose centers. It was the worlds most perfect orchid...and completely real, right there in her living room.<br><br>Slowly, he brought her hand back down, and instead of ancient words lost to time, he whispered, “That was beautiful Dušana....and just the beginning.” He kissed her neck and continued to hold her close, caress her body, and praise her silently, and honestly, via their mental bond. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Edge of Night [That One Guy &amp; Wistful Dream]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>13-09-2012, 22:51:34</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<span style="font-family: Ravi;" class="bbc_font"><span style="font-size: 10pt;" class="bbc_size">There was a welling of sentiment that at first she could not understand, though it was warm, almost contended as it washed through her from the link she and the dragon now shared. It was more then enough to ensure that she stayed relaxed in his arms, her fingers shaping the forms with almost innate understanding of them now that she was relaxed and she drank in the feeling of magic spilling through her. It wasn't like when she had focused herself earlier to light candles, or anything she had done before. Then she had always felt the power and struggled with it, but this.. it was like dancing, sliding into the perfect position, or like a flower blossoming in the sun and she felt as if her own skin shimmered with a glow of the power moving through her. <br><br>Some sense of what was happening drew her eyes toward the other side of the room, toward the orchid she had been trying to nurture into blooming for months now. Eagerness washed through her at the first moment of it, and then delight, giddiness as it grew, watching the blossoms unfurl before her eyes with their voices in perfect sync to one another. It felt right to lay in his arms and feel the magic that was her birth right. <br><br>The heady scent of the orchid's blossoms filled the air and she found she could not stop smiling even as their chant trailed off and his praise and promise echoed faintly in her ears. Three days ago she had feared magic, resented its intrusion into her life and even the first night he had appeared, magic had been viewed as an issue, a problem she wanted to deal with and then box away from the light of day. But having surrendered herself to his touch, having shared the passion of their bodies and now felt magic as it should be, wild and gentle, a living thing that made her feel almost as gloriously alive as she had when he sent her into a climax she doubted she could ever reject it. She had ridden on dragon back, made flames with her thoughts, made love with a dragon and caused a plant to blossom. It was beautiful, and such a gift. <br><br>Almost shyly Dušana shared her realizations with him, her mind laid open without barriers thrown up out of fear and ignorance and she shifted in his arms, turning to press her breasts to his chest and lay her lips against his with a smile on her lips. "I have never felt more alive..."</span></span>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Edge of Night [That One Guy &amp; Wistful Dream]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>That One Guy</strong> on <strong>18-09-2012, 23:11:52</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Were he a human teacher, actually one of her kind, the moment might have been described as romantic. As it was...it was something different, and perhaps far more special. they were not alike, and with their bond, there was no way she could be unaware of how different he was, no matter what form he took. The fact none of that mattered as she slid in his arms to face him - to kiss him again - made this a very unique and tender moment that went beyond any simple description.<br><br>Celtore returned her kiss, and hugged her close. Her freely admitting what he also felt through her - putting words to her enjoyment of this moment endeared young Dušana to him further. What also was exciting to him what how well they did fit together for mutual, physical pleasure...she had just cast a powerful spell while still in the high of her orgasm. Not every witch could do that. The promise of what they could do together - their magic combined just as their bodies did...well their not been such a powerful team in eons. He let the excitement for her, and of working with her in such a way spill over to her, as he caressed her skin and kissed her neck.<br><br>“We are a team...companions now. Strong and the closer we are, the more we trust, and learn each others mind, the more powerful we will be. Play with that power Dušana. Touch it, feel it inside you and around you. You need not know what to do with it, or even do anything - but explore it and know it it yours to command. To enjoy. That power is the very fabric of all creation. Taste it. Immerse yourself in it.”<br><br>Celtore slid down on the chase slightly, and raised her up as he did so. In an effortless motion, they were again joined; his cock slipping into her warm pussy as his hands sought hers. fingers entwined as she mentally urged to explore the energies around her. Magical flames, orchids bursting with pure life, and a dragon all in this one room - there was much to explore right here. All she needed was to be open to it...and she was more open when being pleased by him.<br><br>Their movements were slow, enticing, and completely without any urgency at all. While it was sex, it was not about racing to a climax...but simply sharing all you could with your magical partner. Celtore very much hoped she would take to this form of instruction and magical work. Never before had he met a human so apt at it. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Edge of Night [That One Guy &amp; Wistful Dream]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>19-09-2012, 03:29:43</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<span style="font-family: Ravi;" class="bbc_font"><span style="font-size: 10pt;" class="bbc_size">Lip to lip she felt the connection deeper then, though perhaps that was simply because there was something physical for her mind to latch onto, to say there was a reason for. But it was enough, enough for her to feel close to him, to feel the truth that she would never walk through life alone again. And in that knowledge there was no denying that the brunette blossomed, the anger and fear that had proved such strong barriers falling asunder and destructing until there was simply left the fragile bud of hope and a endless sea of desire. Against him she relaxed, savoring the line of Celtore's body as it became more familiar to her, as she felt his eagerness, or mayhap excitement the better word for it, and in it shared her own nervous sense of anticipation of the road they were about to embark on. <br><br>"A team, I like that." Ana smiled softly at the thought, nodding as he spoke of the stronger trust was the stronger they were. For now it was all in a vacum for she had seen none of the threats her father was so sure would surface, nor interacted with anyone that had magic. At least not that she knew of. But there was no doubt that would likely change and change quickly; since her powers full awakening she hadn't much left her apartment. <br><br>Obedient to his orders Dušana let her senses sink into the well of power within herself, and then into him, astonished at the breadth of his knowledge, the endless years he had that were now joined to her short span upon the earth. It felt like she was aglow from the inside out, as if the sun were caught within her body so warm and content. His touches affected that though, going from drowsy sense of power to it flaring around her, making her cry out even as he thrust his cock up into her body and she arched upon his lap. Power washed over her, the blending of them together and she clung to him as his fingers entwined with her own and explored the way her magic had made the orchid blossom, the construct of his flames of visions, even the magic he had spun to give him the form he now had. <br><br>"Oh..." awe touched the single word, though it turned to breathless moan readily as he moved himself slowly in and out of her, the magic and desire mingling together until they seemed as one and the intricacies of his work unraveled to her minds eyes. Instinct guided her to create a vision flame of her own, showing them coupling but this time in a circle of candles out beneath a moon, marking the land of their new home. Her eyes widened when it leapt into being before she blushed and laughed softly, glancing at him almost shyly.</span></span>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Edge of Night [That One Guy &amp; Wistful Dream]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>That One Guy</strong> on <strong>26-09-2012, 00:06:01</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She accepted the team, both in word and deed. She joined him, sharing with him and moving with with him. Celtore could feel the the power she drew from the energies around her. Power that drew the attention or many other beings. Power they craved. But it was easy to brush aside all attempts at disturbing them - they were bonded, linked, and his spells around her home withstood many a barrage as they casually and sensually enjoyed each other.<br><br>Her moans delighted him in ways he’d never be able to express in any language. The acceptance and joy she took from her new found power encouraged him...but her spell surprised him yet again. Not only could she cast a spell post coitus - Dušana could discover and learn a new one while sliding gracefully up and down his cock. Indeed he’d chosen well - he’d never met her equal in all his eons of dealing with humans.<br><br>That amazed thrill washed over him, and to her, as he looked into her vision flame and smiled. “Well, guess we don’t have to go looking anymore,” he teased, knowing full well what she’d conjured. He adjusted all his flames to mimic hers for a moment - and then they shifted to various homes and activities taking place on her chosen site. Together they made a vision for the future. Together they worked, wordlessly, to shape the perfect home for them.<br><br>Together...they made magic.<br><br>As the finished, the final image of her new home to be completed, Celtore drove into her harder...faster. He urged her on, now focusing on the pleasure. But it was the thrill, joy and pleasure of working together that fueled their mating. One form of joy enhancing the other...working both ways. He wondered, actually thrilled by the unknown, what might happen when Dušana reached her peak. If she were still weaving her magic she might well summon that house into existence. She might conjure a home as easily as she had her flowers to bloom. Or she might let go by then. He honestly wasn’t sure which he preferred..and so did not advise her, did not disturb her on the matter. Should she summon the house, the mundane people of her city might be highly confused. On the other hand...it would prove to her her own power.<br><br>Such an interesting time. Celtore smiled up at her with encouragement for whatever she did as he thrust up into her perfect body, eager to see her peak. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Edge of Night [That One Guy &amp; Wistful Dream]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>27-09-2012, 21:29:00</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<span style="font-family: Ravi;" class="bbc_font"><span style="font-size: 10pt;" class="bbc_size">Celtore's words drew a astonished laugh to her lips, a smile spreading on her lips as she gazed up at him, "Mayhap..." she acknowledged even as she felt his powers shift, surged to merge the vision with his somehow. It made sense, a vision for they two shared just as they shared their bodies and it had the oddest affect of further arousing her mind until it was just as wanting as her body. <br><br>Her lover seemed to sense that very fact, his body driving up into hers faster and she all but bounced on his lap, gasping, writhing in rapture with her dark hair wild around her while they communed. "Cel...tore.....oh..." she cried out for him, spine bowing even as she shattered in the moment of bliss and convulsed upon him. Pleasure seemed to take every inch of her body over and over and she felt the magic roar through her, strengthening her pleasure even as it took power from it, spinning out into the world away from them. Ana gasped, shocked as her 'inner' sight followed the glowing gold and red power, red of his, and gold of her magic, out past the city boundaries to a little hamlet. <br><br>It felt as if the very world itself stretched, altered, creating a little place that was not quiet of this world nor exactly of the next, a blending of the two just as she and Celtore were when they merged to become one. Red and gold fireworks exploded in her mind, flame giving birth to the house and garden she had imagined, and she watched only to fall back within her own body with a scream as she climaxed anew and that power too seemed to swirl up and away from them, out into the night for a purpose she had not realized she had crafted it for. <br><br>Swaying on his lap, dazed she panted for air before finally turning wide eyes upon the dragon, "Did... did that really just happen?"</span></span> 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Edge of Night [That One Guy &amp; Wistful Dream]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>That One Guy</strong> on <strong>05-10-2012, 05:36:10</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She was urging him on, her body moving perfectly with his as they mated, yet she hadn’t let go of the magic. Perhaps she didn’t know how. She’d grasped it, held and explored it as he’d told her...but he’d never said anything about letting it go. So as he drove himself up into her, he knew where this was going. He knew what she would do.<br><br>Even though that thought excited him beyond words or expression, witnessing it happen, feeling it through her, was even more intense. Celtore sent his energies right along with hers, just as he joined her in the bliss of release as she did. Their mixed power roared through their bodies and out into the world. He’d never been able to do such a thing with a human before. Never. His shock, awe, and excitement easily traversed their bond - confirmation of the deed she asked about.<br><br>His hips continued to rock beneath her, keeping them both sexually charged though sated for the moment. “Indeed my dear Dušana. You just summoned and entire house while in the moment of ecstasy. A feat so few humans have done their was hardly any lore of it - even your studious mages of old had seldom heard of anything more than rumor or whispered legends.”<br><br>His hands reached up, cupping her face and gentling bring her lips toward his. A lingering, slow, passionate kiss that encouraged their minds to remain as entwined as their bodies. When she required breath again, Celtore smiled up at her. “You are a legend of your own now. You’ve power beyond the hopes or fears either of your parents could have guessed. In one night you’ve established yourself as the most powerful witch you’re people have known...and we’re just getting started.”<br><br>He chuckled, and stirred beneath her. “Mmmm, my beautiful witch finding her true self tonight...venturing out to see her job tomorrow. Then real estate shopping for a home that shall surely puzzle many people.” Through the bond his pride in her, his excitement for their life together, 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Edge of Night [That One Guy &amp; Wistful Dream]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>12-10-2012, 03:12:40</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<span style="font-family: Ravi;" class="bbc_font"><span style="font-size: 10pt;" class="bbc_size">Ruined. She was utterly ruined for intimacy with anyone save him now, she realized that when his pleasure and excitement flooded through her. There was a connection that deepened between them with each sharing of emotions and it was nearly as erotic as the touches he gave her, nearly as arousing, coupled with them and she thought she could lose herself in the rapture of yet another climax simply feeling those positive emotions swamp through her and raise her heart up in giddy delight. It made her lips part wider in panting breaths, breasts heaving as he held her and his hips rocked into the depths of her inner walls making her quiver in response. <br><br>"I... I summoned a house?" The disbelief was first, transforming to laughter and joy, to think that she had truly done something like that. A legend, the very though to it made her blush and she instead clung to the kiss, to him wishing to abandon all other thought. "I didn't... mean, well mean to do that..." The confession fell from her lips as if she feared the fact that it was simply instinct wed to passion that created this momentous occasion somehow made its achievement lesser. But his lips, his touches, they spoke of only delight in her. Celtore truly meant to celebrate her life just as she was and that drew her deeper to him, that unwavering belief that she was something precious and special seducing her as surely as his hands and mouth had. <br><br>A little whimper fled her lips when he stirred under her again and she rocked herself back into his thrusts in eager abandon. It was all too easy to surrender to how they were together for nothing before in her life had ever felt this blessedly right. <br><br>"And my dragon teaches me more of passion... I am glad, glad for our bond, for you. I apologize, Celtore, for my mistrust and near rejection. Forgive me my ignorance."</span></span>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Edge of Night [That One Guy &amp; Wistful Dream]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>That One Guy</strong> on <strong>14-10-2012, 20:14:16</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				“Indeed you did” he smiled, still stirring beneath her. Still beaming praise directly into her mind. He simply caressed her body as she worked through her revelations and feelings. They had made so much progress tonight that anything else he could certainly wait and let her take her time.<br><br><br>She played along, her body still moving with him slightly, keeping the pleasure, the dull thrill - the fire stoked but not yet roaring. Their kiss was as intimate as any other act now, thanks to their bond. Any touch could convey the feelings each had - be them happy, sad, lustful...<br><br>Yet her words, even though he could literally feel their deeper mean,g it was that she chose to state them warmed him. The man shaped dragon reached up to caress her beautiful face. “And my witch has had to make leaps in learning no other has been forced to endure. I think if you can forgive my pushing, and occasionally waking next to a scaled beast, then I think we can move on and have no further need of apologies.” His smile was wide, bright and honest.<br><br>“Besides my my beautiful, powerful witch, so long as we can share this,” his magical cock twitched inside her, as his hand roamed over her bare flesh, “then I think I can forgive you for anything.” He coaxed her to lean back down for another lingering kiss; an embrace he’d never tire of. One that found no equal in all his long years.<br><br>Finally parting, his smiled warmly up at her. “You should rest Dušana. You will be very hungry come morning, and will need a lot of sleep. And it seemed we’ve a very big day.” His arms wrapped around her protectively. He didn’t know if she'd want him to join her in bed again, if she needed him there physically through the night. So for now he just held her where they were, closer than any two beings could be.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Edge of Night [That One Guy &amp; Wistful Dream]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>22-10-2012, 01:40:39</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<span style="font-family: Ravi;" class="bbc_font"><span style="font-size: 10pt;" class="bbc_size">Like a desert land parched by the sun she drank in his praise, beaming back up at him and letting out low sounds of pleasure as his hands moved over her body. His link into her mind let Celtore know just where to touch her, how to urge her desire to deepen though he did not send her to a place of being mindless yet. No, not yet. Never before had she thought of herself as a sex kitten, or a person who very much enjoyed sex and yet Dušana found herself giddy in the sensuality of their shared moment together. Instinct had her nuzzling the caress along her cheeks, her dark eyes glowing with delight of her own at his words. <br><br>Endure. Perhaps she had, and perhaps he had pushed too hard but they seemed both able to tender apology, to accept blame and move forward. And wasn't that what she had had always wanted in a relationship, a partnership. It had come to them almost naturally and so she accepted it, laughing and inclining her head to show that she would accept it, forgive him everything so long as they were like this to each other. "I believe I can." Came the soft murmur, the fact that she was so attached and attracted to what was in his natural form scaled and massive something she pushed aside to deal with later. Too much at a time. <br><br>When his cock twitched, flexed within her body she moaned for him, giving her lips into his kiss as her breath quickened and she whimpered shamelessly when he pulled away. She did not want this to end yet, did not want to give over to sleep. His arms were strong around her, holding her to him and so she bucked her hips slightly, her eyes darkening with her desire and need. "Not yet... soon you can carry me to bed but my body aches yet for you and that I want to cherish. I never... never thought to feel this way, so alive so dont end it, not yet. If you must take me to bed then carry me there and let us keep going until I pass out from pleasure. Please, Celtore, this is too.. magical to simply pull away and try to sleep."</span></span>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Edge of Night [That One Guy &amp; Wistful Dream]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>That One Guy</strong> on <strong>05-11-2012, 05:28:51</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He laughed joyfully, a sound that filled the room in a warm manner. All the fires, all the magical things conjured here with them vanished in smoke, leaving only the two of them on the chase. He sat up, taking her with him, and scooping her into his arms. “Then let us enjoy this magic in your bed.” He leaned closer to her as he led her easily in his arms, “I think I’ll rather enjoy bringing magic to that room in particular...”<br><br>Through the apartment they went, naked, giggling, and full of life. Celtore finally deposited his Dušana gently on her bed, and looked around the room. He was tempted to wave his hand and make the walls and ceiling invisible to them, placing them right under the moon and stars - but decided not to. This was her room, how she liked it, and now he was her guest. He was here at her request to keep this blissful feeling going, and that’s all he intended to do.<br><br>He slid onto the bed with her, placing himself between her long legs. The ancient dragon in human form took on foot into his hands and kissed her ankle, and up her leg, then wrapped her limb around his back, before repeating the gesture. Only then, did he lean over and kiss her, and allow his cock to slowly, perfectly, ease back into her tight grip. They were still kissing when their bodies began to move as one; thrusting, pulling, and colliding in harmony.<br><br>Celtore’s lips parted from Dušana’s finally, allowing the woman to breath as he began to feast on her neck and relish both the physical and mental bliss encompassing them both. They knew how to please each other, and she would easily know how beautiful he found her at the height of physical pleasure - and that beauty had nothing to do with her power to wield magic while she came. That fact, while thrilling in its own right, was entirely separate from the pure aesthetic appreciation of her as a woman. The most beautiful woman. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Edge of Night [That One Guy &amp; Wistful Dream]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>19-11-2012, 06:06:50</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<span style="font-family: Ravi;" class="bbc_font"><span style="font-size: 10pt;" class="bbc_size">The sudden vanishing of the fires, the dancing flames left her blinking, lost in abrupt darkness yet she did not fear. Not held in her dragon's arms, not with the knowledge of their connection washing her with delight and confidence. There would have to be great power to pose a true threat to her as she was now, held in his arms. Safety, yes, she had that. But so much more then mere guarding against the ills her father had feared, for he had feared this too, this mating with the ebon dragon and yet in it Dušana had found a depth of connection she had never had with anyone else. Was she so truly 'Other' then? <br><br>Pushing that question away for another time she focused on Celtore's delight, on the fierceness of the emotion as it was unclouded by others. It was perhaps the most attractive quality to him, that whatever he was, he simply <em>was</em> in that moment. No doubt. Perhaps one day she could reach the same. His words, his delight were infectious and she found herself laughing as he carried her to her bedroom and she wondered how he would 'bring' magic to the four walls that before now had only been for sleeping. <br><br>In him she sensed his desire to give her more of the wonder that he knew, yet he responded to her want for the mundane tonight, to let her work herself slowly into the awe inspiring parts of her life now. They had years after all, who knew how long really, there was no need to rush it. And someone it felt right to wed the known quality of her old life to this new energy, to let him claim her here first. For them to fully work together they had to accept each other as they were, and he was proving he could do that, however little he understood some of her urges. What a patient dragon she had attracted as guardian. Thoughts blurred though when he kissed along her skin, and then shattered when he slid back into her and she arched into him, crying out in pleasure. <br><br>Pleasure that crested and rose countless more times that night. She writhed beneath him, bucked like a wild thing and eventually rolled them so she could ride his body, taking her pleasure and feeling as a goddess of old. For hours they tangled with each other upon the confines of her small, once solitary bed and yet she cherished those moments, the knowledge that this was a threshold for her. Nothing would ever be the same, and yet parting with her old life in such a way seemed far less painful then being shoved. No, this was a departure given distance with every kiss, every touch, every whimper, every climax he brought her until at least, slicked with sweat and limp in ecstasy she did faint away in his arms, magic sparkling around her golden skin even as her eyes fluttered shut as she went weak in his arms taken in by the sweet abyss of slumber.</span></span>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Edge of Night [That One Guy &amp; Wistful Dream]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>That One Guy</strong> on <strong>27-11-2012, 05:44:46</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The night continued in a whirlwind of erotic deeds. His witch proved she was able to maintain their link, to use it, to let it fuel the physical acts, and let those in turn fuel the swirl of feelings they shared mentally. It was simply a thing of beauty and wonder that so few human beings had ever experienced...and Celtore was thrilled beyond measure he’d woken up for her. Dušana Kajetán was quite worth it.<br><br>When his lovely human finally cried out for the last time; when she came once again, and her body surrendered to unconsciousness, Celtore lowered her down to rest. With magic, he was able to leave her subtly, not disturbing her sensitive, spent body. Fading out to whips of smoke he cleaned up everything they’d done and seen together this day...even so much as the perfect sweat on her glistening skin. All was a perfect as it could be for her slumber.<br><br>The dragon faded back into existence, once again in the form of a man, and as he did he held her close and let her sleep against him; reassured both by his presence in her bed, as well as the soothing warmth in her mind. Even in her sleep they could communicate on some level.<br><br>With all well, he let his body sleep as well. Elsewhere Celtore had many other things in play - all to keep them safe. He knew more attacks would come, but after tonight, after her display of magic, few would be rushing headlong into them. It would be clear to all now that the dragon and the witch had bonded, and she was formidable. Together they would be stronger than most beings wished to tangle with. The opportunity for the lesser demons and spirits to try to claim her was over.<br><br>When morning came, his eyes opened seconds before hers, and he greeted her to the new day with a smile. “Good morning Dušana. I trust you slept well. It seems we’ve a big day, what with your work and viewing a certain house and all...” 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Edge of Night [That One Guy &amp; Wistful Dream]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>13-12-2012, 01:11:53</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<span style="font-family: Ravi;" class="bbc_font"><span style="font-size: 10pt;" class="bbc_size">Sunlight was yet to spill over the city when she woke, but it was instinct that had her body rousing from slumber. She had been working the same schedule for over a year now after all and humans often were creatures of habit. So she stirred, nestling her body closer to the male form against her before a momentary shock spilled through her that she was in fact sharing her bed. Yet the moment alarm was birthed in response to that unexpected reality the memories of the days past, particularly the night before came to her and she opened her eyes to gaze up into the smiling, handsome face of her dragon. <br><br>Wonder sparkled in her dark green eyes for a moment, that slender thread of a maiden faced with fantasy, with all her dreams come true and that was a magic all its own. A smile curved on her lips, one that was utterly feminine mingled with a flush that came to her cheeks recalling some of what they had done the evening before. Her gaze moved over his face, drinking in the features that were not quiet fully human. The high cheekbones, the slanted eyes, that sensual mouth, the planes of his face hinting at the predator that lurked within him. Just looking at him summoned a tightening to her body, her legs shifting to press together as she bit her lower lip and blinked, trying to push away the sudden burst of wanting. <br><br>"Good... good morning Celtore." Her voice was husky with sleep, roughened by her screams of pleasure the night before. Eagerness lay in her to introduce him to her work and also to find the house their magic together had built. <br><br>But he was there, against her now and she felt a urging to honor the gift of that. So she snuggled her body closer to his, laying her lips against his cheek and then trailing downward, to his mouth, nipping at his lower lip with a soft laugh, that awe still lingering to her. "Thank you. For staying like this, for staying with me as I asked. I hope you don't find my work too boring but I confess I'm eager to share it with you." Her smile was almost shy as she pulled back from him, pushing her dark hair over her shoulders, letting the sheet slide down to reveal her breasts with nipples tightening for the fact that they were bared to him now. "Would you... want anything before we get ready for the day? I can show you what clothing would be best for the day if you like." Another slight blush, that feeling of awkwardness but countered by laughter. "What a conversation to have upon waking.."</span></span>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Edge of Night [That One Guy &amp; Wistful Dream]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>That One Guy</strong> on <strong>24-12-2012, 20:16:20</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(http://therogueairmen.com/images/ideas/pics/celtore.jpg)</div>The man shaped dragon grinned with amusement as his human’s emotions played throughout her mind. It was still impressive how scatterbrained humans were; and yet looking at her now, he found it somehow endearing. Of course Dragons too could be...distracted. She very nearly had him wanting to give into those passions that were now not quite so hidden. Instead, however, he decided to tease and play with her a bit.<br><br>He stretched and yawned, ensuring she got a good look at the body he’d constructed just for her that had been assembled from images in her mind. As their bond had solidified last night, subtle changes to this form had been made to make it essentially perfect for her. He grinned with that knowledge.<br><br>In a puff of smoke the man was gone, and a large dragon, black scales glistening almost with a hint of purple and other colors, wrapped around her bed, his head resting on the bed beside her. “What, this won’t do? Afraid people might talk?” he chuckled, the sound filling the room, and he vanished again into his signature cloud. When the smoke cleared the custom crafted man was standing in a suit, two days stubble, and leaning casually against the wall looking at her. “Yes, you’re right, I think suits are somewhat striking. how interesting.” he looked down at his own body, in clothes he’d plucked from her mind, and nodded in approval.<br><br>“Now, lesson one my lovely Dušana. You should dress as I have...though perhaps you can skip the turning into a dragon bit.” He teased. “Look into my mind, see how I envision you, and&nbsp; will it to happen.” He stopped and chuckled....”but of course you can have your coffee first.” At any rate, these little things will be all I require of you...today is your day, and you are to show me your world - but we should use opportunities as they arise, should we not?” His knowing wink promised more than mere <br>opportunities for magical lessons. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Edge of Night [That One Guy &amp; Wistful Dream]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>07-01-2013, 19:31:07</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<span style="font-family: Ravi;" class="bbc_font"><span style="font-size: 10pt;" class="bbc_size">There was no thought of modesty to her dragon, not as he stretched out his body along her own and made her shiver, teeth digging into her lower lip as she realized he truly had built this form for her from the desires in her mind. Yet... it was also different from the first form he had taken with her as a male, his facial features were more striking, less classical handsome and more like they held some aspect of his true form. She found him devastatingly attractive regardless, enough so that she made a soft sound of protest when he vanished. A little squeak of shock followed it though when he made himself a dragon again, the darkness of him like a evening jewel all around her and she shook her head at his query of going out like that. He was joking, she was almost certain. <br><br>The cloud appeared again, the smoke almost seeming to caress against her and then there he was, leaning up against her wall and watching her with dark eyes that were far too knowing dressed in a suit to the nines. She moved, sitting up with her eyes frankly admiring, holding that same heat of want she had had the night before. She wanted him, in her bed, not going outside, and the knowledge of that, the intimate knowledge of how he would feel against her had the woman pressing her legs together to try and ease the ache that had grown. <br><br>Magic. Right, he wanted her to dress from his thoughts. She still found herself laughing, "What a turn around, you encouraging me to get dressed when all I want is you out of those clothes." Dušana gave him a bright smile before breathing in and out, eyes closing as she sought the connection to his mind. Coffee would come once she had this. <br><br>It was surprisingly easy to slip into his mind, to find herself in his thoughts and see his vision of her wearing a dark jade silky dress. Ana was almost startled at how professional and perfect his choice was, the dress a vintage style, hugging her hips, a black patent leather belt around her waist to draw attention to its smallness, heels to match, her hair styled in a elegant upsweep. She loved it, his taste falling in line with her own and drew the vision deeper into her, believing that was what she was wearing, that it was against her skin. For a moment there was a struggle, as if though becoming matter hit a barrier but then she felt a blossom of heat from within her that she was beginning to associate with magic flaring to life and she found herself dressed, perfumed and more ready then she normally was for work. Leaving the bed she laughed, standing in those heels and gave Celtore a smile. <br><br>"I think I like this... now what about that coffee?"</span></span>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Edge of Night [That One Guy &amp; Wistful Dream]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>That One Guy</strong> on <strong>21-01-2013, 18:31:15</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He grinned at her with a conspiratorial gaze with her comment, though remained silent himself. Over their bond of course, silence was never complete, and the notion of having to wait might make things even better was clear. He stood there, both as a distraction to her task and as support for her work, watching as the lovely woman probed his mind and found what they both liked.<br><br>A moment later she was dressed, arranged, and ready for her day...though still asking about the coffee. He smiled and led the way to the kitchen. “A perfect opportunity for another lesson...” He shot her a glance as he picked up the canister of beans and the grinder on the counter, filling a tea pot with water and setting it on the lit stove. “This is actually something I learned from human wizards. though the principle is the same. You cannot summon sustenance for yourself.” He shrugged, “OK, while that’s not exactly true, you certainly can...it just does no good. You expend your energy, both magical and physical to create something. For food and drink, often this is more, but at least as much as you might get back from taking it back in - thus, pointless.”<br><br>“Now, given that, we dragons could not simply summon a herd of cattle to snack on...and we make poor ranchers. Early on sacrifices would be made to the gods/demons/monster in the mountains, in the form of tasty treats. They would even try to feed us their own people - which led to some of our first students. Well, for those of us that didn’t view early humanity much the same as the cattle.”<br><br>“Creating inanimate things, non living things is easy by comparison, and drains you far less. Dressing yourself for example. But just as you made flowers bloom, you can affect living things before you feast on them. This is what the wizards taught us...turns out you humans have been sensualists since before you bothered recording your history.”&nbsp; He paused his speech, snapped his fingers, and a puff of smoke appeared and drifted away from the coffee beans. “Easier to do when still living, but it will suit my demonstration here. You can make food live up to its potential. To improve it subtlety, with minimal drain, and at times, even for a positive relative gain. That sounds all boring and clinical, I believe the word you might use is...but the result is much more hedonistic, I assure you.” He placed the beans, which were already smelling so much stronger and richer than a moment before, and ground them a bit, then adding them to the french press. the scent of coffee was now saturating the air.<br><br>Adding the hot water, Celtore leaned back against the counter to watch her as they waited the few minutes for her drink to finish. Smiling at her until the beverage was ready, he grabbed a cup, and poured her her coffee, standing back to observe her reactions. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Edge of Night [That One Guy &amp; Wistful Dream]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>23-01-2013, 06:13:56</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<span style="font-family: Ravi;" class="bbc_font"><span style="font-size: 10pt;" class="bbc_size">Trailing after her Dragon into the kitchen a smile lingered on Ana's lips, an almost laugh as he started to lecture her. But she let him, learning against one of the counters because there wasn't a ton of space and let her dark green eyes admire the way he moved. It wasn't really human, not quite, that sinuous quality from his natural form there to eyes that knew to look for it. Lesson, right, not ogling the teacher. Dušana blinked in surprise at the admission that he had learned something from human wizards; from his talk the other day she hadn't thought he much admired the humans of old, or really any humans unless they were useful. Only, those age old wizards had been useful. <br><br>"You can't? Summon sustenance that is? Because you called wine and fruit and the like last night. Or.. is that dragon level magic only?" The questions bubbled up before she could halt them, her inquisitive nature, normally turned upon art and it's history, now given new direction. <br><br>A furrow marked her brow, perplexed over how he had kept himself fed over the centuries then, as well as how he had performed the trck the night before. It didn't make her feel exactly at ease to know some of his brethren had been happy to consume humans as cattle. But then she thought of another form of 'eating' someone and giggled, flashing him a grin, "That or they simply had the good taste to know were pleasure could be found..." Her voice grew a touch husky, alluding to their hours spent entwined together. And his particularly talented tongue. <br><br>Of course he kept going on his lecture and she did pay attention, realizing that the idea of reviving something wasn't all that far away from some of what she already did at work at times. Restoration work. It was simply a matter of fact that everything had it's 'peak' moment and from their decayed, either in slow degrading of substance or actual decomposing. "Wait so... if you can revitalize something growing, or even the coffee could the same thing apply to a human body? Is that how healing works?" Could it be a way in which he planned to keep her longer then the mortal lifespan? Or would her magic do it naturally? There were it seemed an endless amount of questions teeming in her head, though she was happily distracted by the smell of the coffee, all but purring in response. <br><br>"Oh..." Dušana moved toward the offered cup, accepting it eagerly to take a sip and then moan in pleasure. "I'll take the term hedonistic happily if you can make coffee taste <em>that</em> good so easily. It's almost orgasmic..." She recalled some of the pleasure from the night before and colored before laughing, correcting herself with a grin at him, "But not quite."</span></span><br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Edge of Night [That One Guy &amp; Wistful Dream]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>That One Guy</strong> on <strong>04-02-2013, 20:58:04</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Her questions, her bright playful mood suited Celtore quite well. She was a new woman, opening up to the possibilities. He was certain there would still be rough times ahead, and she was still going to morn her father and her old life. But today was exploration, and her attitude reflected that.<br><br>“You are correct, i should specify. Creating food for yourself is a drain without the benefits. You can create for another - just so long you understand you’re energy is now tied up in feeding them. Last night I did so out of convenience. But doing that was more draining than all the fire shows.”<br><br>He stood back, enjoying her reaction to the coffee, agreed it was not quite as good as their time last night. Not even close. He smiled and let his thoughts on the matter drift to her via their link instead of words.<br><br>The well dressed man moved away from the kitchen and toward the door. “Since you’ve decided against arriving at work on the back of a dragon, I suppose we should get going by your usual methods of transportation?’ He snapped his fingers and a long black coat appeared in a wisp of smoke, and he held it out for her to slip into before they left. “I must confess, these....cars....of yours. They are somewhat interesting. You can explain them to me as we travel?” he asked inquisitively.<br><br>The dragon understood the new vehicles had a mechanical nature, with a great many parts, but he also saw people with various emotions toward these conveyances. Pride, hated, even love...all the ranges of feelings people once had for horses and other such beasts. Only ‘cars’ were not alive, and so he did not understand this bond.<br><br>“Come my pretty witch, show me your world.”<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Edge of Night [That One Guy &amp; Wistful Dream]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>22-02-2013, 05:44:02</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<span style="font-family: Ravi;" class="bbc_font"><span style="font-size: 10pt;" class="bbc_size">Fascination sparked in her eyes, a new lease for life perhaps granted to her in the wake of her father's death and the revelation of her family's legacy. Some part of the intensity with which she had abandoned herself to this new world had to do with the fact that she wasn't fully ready to face her grieving again. This was escapist, and the price would be called, eventually. For now though she had a whole new world to learn about, a lover who seemed to be a friend as well as teacher, and so the dark haired witch chose to focus on the new, rather then that which she had no control over. <br><br>And there was the delightful coffee in her hands, which she drank slow mouthful by mouthful, savoring the way it rolled over her tongue, filled her senses and slid down her throat. It truly was sensual now, hedonistic, yet not anything near their time together last night. And the fact that he had sustained her out his own energy... was surprisingly touching and erotic. All at the same time. <br><br>The dragon was rather confounding. <br><br>Dušana finished off her coffee and rinsed the mug out in the sink, though her eyes stayed on Celtore and how he prowled through her small flat in that perfect suit. No one could possibly believe he was human, he didn't move like one, not even in the slightest. And yet she didn't care. In fact she was almost curious how other's minds would try to explain it away. Though her imaginings on said devilry dissipated into a laugh when he made a wrap for her and she moved toward him, letting him help her into it. Thoughtful, protective, a hint possessive and with a sense of humor. All in all not a bad sort of man... er, male to spend her time with. <br><br>When he mentioned cars as they moved out the door she laughed again, the sound amused and eager. It would be interesting to introduce him to such things, and her own little car had been a passion for her father more then her. It was some sort of vintage Italian make, though she was always grateful of how it handled like a dream and had such a gorgeous black sheen to the body paint. Down the stairs she led him, toward the backyard and the pathway to the carriage house were her car was parked. The keys she dangled in one hand, though the moment she did she paused, unsure of just how she had gotten them. Simply desiring them? For she had rolled out of bed in nothing but what his mind had dressed her in. Yet her work bag and purse were already there, on the back seat of the car. She stood, staring at the objects in bemusement. <br><br>"I'm not sure I'm ready for my mind to be doing magic without me even being aware of it... but I'll take you for a bit of a ride. I'd be happy to teach you eventually, if you like. Though I suppose you'd likely pick it up faster than a human, wouldn't you?"</span></span>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Edge of Night [That One Guy &amp; Wistful Dream]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>That One Guy</strong> on <strong>09-03-2013, 18:43:57</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She noticed herself procuring things as needed without giving it much thought. He was proud of her for that, but also understood her trepidation over the matter. Doing so at the wrong time might rather...inconvenient in her modern world. He tried to reassure her empathically, and got into the car after he’d held the door for her to do so.<br><br>“I’m not certain. It turns out I was never much good at riding horses;I tried to learn that once. This seems...easier to be a passenger in than to control. Perhaps the fact it does not have a mind of it’s own is beneficial?” He shrugged and let her drive as he looked at her world from, quite literally, a new perspective.<br><br>The buildings, the people, the other vehicles - they all looks so strange, even quite large from this angle, vs. soaring high above. The buildings, in particular, were most impressive. The largest castle ever dreamt by man the last time he was awake would pale by comparison. Granted, many lost any aesthetic touch. Impressive as constructs as they were, as full of humans they might be, they all felt cold, and empty to him.<br><br>For the first time, perhaps ever, Celtore wondered if his world of magical beings might not contain the most danger. In this time, Earth was so devoid of magic that it was truly alien to him. He did not belong here. It took a look back to his witch that gave him some small comfort. He did not belong, yet she was a product of this world...perhaps the Earth yearned for her magic to return? In inwardly shrugged, there were things that even a dragon could not know - and the will of the planet was one of those mysteries.<br><br>He watched the world go by in the window, and grew interested in many thing, filing them away to ask about later. He did not wish to interrupt her concentration, moving at this speed, around so many other obstacles at ground level! Finally they arrived at her place of work, and he again aided her out of the car. He’d ‘read up’ on what a gentleman was, and rather liked the idea. It was fun to play at, at any rate.<br><br>The dragon, formed as a man, offered his arm as her escort, though she had to lead the way to their destination. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Edge of Night [That One Guy &amp; Wistful Dream]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>04-04-2013, 00:07:00</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<span style="font-family: Ravi;" class="bbc_font"><span style="font-size: 10pt;" class="bbc_size">Neatly tucked into the car by his hand in she found herself laughing softly at the thought of him riding a horse. No, that likely wouldn’t have worked, he would have spooked the poor beast no doubt. She wondered if he found the small size of her car further disconcerting. It was likely no bigger than one of his great paws when he was in full draconian size after all. But Europe was not known for large cars, that was fully an American thing and as a single woman on her lonesome she had bought a economic Fait. “I suppose it is, though people say cars, machines and the like still have their own personalities. They are often named even.” <br><br>It was the last she spoke while navigating the busy London streets in the morning, though she did feel his emotions just there, beyond her own. He was marveling over the size and scope, though saddened. It was easy to see how things might not be as utterly picturesque as they had been the last time he had viewed the world, but to her today it was even more lovely. Sure, the modern day had countless issues, one of which was clearly it’s abandonment of magic and the earth, but there was also the fact that humanity had reached far greater heights then ever dreamed of before. <br><br>Dušana pulled into her parking spot in the underground garage for employees at the Dobston Gallery, offering him a smile as she turned off the car and gathered her purse to her. Celtore had wasted no time in leaving the car himself, and offering his arm to help her out which had a pretty blush to her cheeks. She was grateful for him, for the little acts of thoughtfulness that seemed to just build. <br><br>There was still grief to work through, and personal boundaries to be established but in a world that was changing completely all around her he had become an anchor. And a helpmate, even more than a teacher. So she smiled at him, closing the door with a light nudge and then started to walk, guiding them both toward the elevator, yet another modern marvel for him to experience for the first time. Realizing that her dark green eyes danced, a laugh coming to her lips as she pressed the button and glanced up at her impeccably dressed dragon. “I wonder what you’ll think of elevators.. now remember, you are a client I met through… hmm, my father perhaps, you have a Slavic look to you with those cheekbones. We actually have a few Mucha pieces, you likely slept through him but he is one of my favorite artists, from Prague in fact, and quite famous now. I’ll tell her you wish me to show you those. And… “ the elevator dinged, metallic doors sliding open to invite them in. She took the step for both of them, drawing him after and pressing the button for the second floor. “I suppose we’ll just play it by ear from there.”</span></span><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Edge of Night [That One Guy &amp; Wistful Dream]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>That One Guy</strong> on <strong>11-04-2013, 03:21:36</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Celtore nodded as they exited the small box that moved somehow beneath them, yet they could not see where they went. His senses told him they had indeed gone ‘up’, though how far he could not tell.<br><br>She tried to explain this Mucha...which he gathered from her mind was a name. Of a person. An artist. He sought specifics from her over the link, but only came away with her feelings for his art. Celtore nodded and let himself be led away. Inside were many paintings. All framed in overly elaborate wood or metal. All displayed like an idol to some god or goddess. Revered.<br><br>Many of the image he found moving, or pleasant others he did not care for. The entire facility disturbed him. It seemed cold and unapproachable - yet the purpose seemed to be to pay some sort of homage to these artworks. It was very confusing. More so than the tall buildings and the fabricated, soulless stone in use everywhere.<br><br>Finally they came to some of the image she spoke of and he could feel her sense of appreciation. He looked at the paintings and found he agreed. “This Mucha. He framed his subjects well. The borders add to the feeling of the image. And he captures the concept of that which he paints, not merely an external representation of it, but almost captures the entire idea itself. I like this. More should have followed his example. Why did they not do so?” He figured that might be simple enough. More simple than many other questions he had of this time, and her awe of humanities accomplishments. Without magi, he it seemed they had indeed built much - but he failed to see how that accomplished anything other than to house the growing population. Still, it was his first day, he’d hold judgement until she could explain things better to him.<br><br>At least the floor was marble. A real stone, with real history and a feeling of the ages that had past. the stuff he’d seen in grey and black on the roads and building made him shudder. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Edge of Night [That One Guy &amp; Wistful Dream]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>04-05-2013, 00:35:14</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<span style="font-family: Ravi;" class="bbc_font"><span style="font-size: 10pt;" class="bbc_size">The confusion that reached down their shared line puzzled her at first, because to her the modern manner of preserving art and honoring it made sense. It was what she had grown up with. Yet through his eyes she saw her work from a different angle, saw the way it made it all so sterile, clinical even. It stole some of the soul from the glory of the artwork. With that melding of confusion and alarm at her own world view being opened even here she lead him through the gallery, using her softly pitched professional voice that said 'with a client' to others who were listening as she talked about each piece in passing explanation. In truth she also let him view all that she knew about the various pieces and artists through thier connection, finding that mental path more and more useful. <br><br>Reaching the coveted four Mucha pieces her gallery had, originals all, she felt a touch of glowing pride to have anything to do with them, to be from the same country as the artist. And his pleasure at the work deepened her own, a bright smile breaking across her lips as she inclined her head in agreement. "Yes... and to be fair some have, though it is more a modern revival of his style that comes now. His work was thought of to be only useful during that time period, when the avante garde swung away from such classical art styles into something more 'modern' and vogue, such as the German pieces we just passed. I am happy to see that his work captures you so much." <br><br>And she was, happy that he was drawn to Mucha just as she was. With her awakened perceptions of the world she had to wonder if the artist had ever meant for his work to seem like living celebrations of magic. Because the way the women's hair flowed wild, the blossoming of the flowers... it brought back memories of the night before, entangled in Celtore's arms, their bodys straining together and the blossom of pleasure blooming within her. <br><br>That thought was enough to bring a blush into Dušana's cheeks, and for her eyes to lower shyly. Of course looking away from him made her aware of her boss lingering. Softly she touched his jacket arm, smiling brightly again, this time as a sales person, "If you will excuse me for only a moment Mr. Smok, I believe my Director needs me for a moment. Please, continue to enjoy the art and I will rejoin you as soon as possible." <br><br>With a inner brush of her thoughts against his she glided away, leaving him to the artwork while trying to sort through all the conflicting whirling thoughts in her head. How to play this off? How to walk away from the work she had poured her life into, that now seemed so empty compared to the promise of what else lay out there? It might be easy, to explain Celtore as a lover, to say that he had offered to take care of her and she was redirecting her focus to him. Only that didn't feel right to her, because she wasn't just abandoning her work and life for a man, no, it was for a legacy, a promise of skills and deeds no one else could do. </span></span>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Edge of Night [That One Guy &amp; Wistful Dream]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>That One Guy</strong> on <strong>12-05-2013, 18:36:18</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Celtore tasted her thoughts as she moved away to speak to her employer. He could feel her trepidation over the matter, and decided that perhaps he’d been too quick to insist on such a life change on Dušana. So much had happened, and while yes, it was logical that she focus on her new abilities...well logic and the heart seldom had similar viewpoints.<br><br>He had seen her eyes light up at the images, paintings, as she explained them. Felt her pride, her awe, her...before last night, this was what was ‘magical’ to her. Restoring these lost works. While new to him, these bits of art were rather old, and from times past for these humans. Preserving that past was important...in a way, wasn’t that what he was here to do as well? Why he’d woken now?<br><br>He sauntered over to her and her director, and smiled confidently. “I apologize for the intrusion, but I thought I might be of some service in explaining things. You see, I’ve become aware of Miss Kajetán’s talents and approached her to work on a private, and very important project. I’ve asked her not to mention this, but I do not wish for her work here to be in jeopardy. If you can excuse her for awhile to see to my project, then I will ensure certain, anonymous, donations are made to the museum.” He could have easily intruded on the mortal’s mind to ensure the proper response, but he did not. He simply stood there confident, radiating a bit of his power that the other man would take as the ability to deliver on such a promise.<br><br>His smile never wavered, and eventually the other man shook his offered hand. “Excellent. Well I shall leave you two alone. Again sorry for the intrusion, I just didn’t want her to give you the wrong impression while keeping her word to me about the secrecy of this project. Thank you again Sir.” He turned, offered Dušana a smile and walked away. In their bond he soothed her, ‘I felt what you were about to do. I feel you should not have to completely give up everything just now. I wish this to be here for you if you need it. I’ve enjoyed how your work makes you feel’.<br><br>He returned to the paintings he liked best, and sought out the details of her work on each. Those careful, meticulous efforts made by her that gave it new life. He sought the earlier products of her will. Not magical in the sense most thought of it, but there was power in such labors. Power that defined a person. Celtore wished to know a bit of her before he came into her life, and these paintings seemed the best portal to view that.&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Edge of Night [That One Guy &amp; Wistful Dream]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>17-05-2013, 02:17:19</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<span style="font-family: Ravi;" class="bbc_font"><span style="font-size: 10pt;" class="bbc_size">Aware of the dragon lingering just there in the back of her thoughts she had managed a smile for her Director, and fought down the urge to nervously tuck her hair back when it didn't need it. In truth she had never looked better, groomed by her lover's mind and dressed in high end, one of a kind clothing that would vanish if she just willed it to. Gods above didn't that seem dangerous, as if thinking about it in being nervous could make her clothing vanish and then... no no, better to just <em>not</em> go down that avenue of thought at all. <br><br>"Your friend seems very interested in the Mucha pieces we have restored." Ah, yes, that was her lead in, to say he might buy something, to glow about how wonderful Celtore was. <br><br>"Yes, they are his particular favorite of the modern art movement." Not exactly the truth but true as far as everything the dragon shaped as a man had yet seen. What a tangle, everything had second meanings, or even third meanings inside her head. And then suddenly Celtore was there, smiling at them both and speaking. For a moment all she could do was stare at him, lips slightly parted in shock as he wove a perfect reason for her to take a sabbatical from her grad work. After all grad school didn't need to follow the same linear course that undergrad did, and she could wait to get her degree for years yet. But why would he do this when he wanted her to focus on... and that was when she realized what he was doing. He was making sure that she could return to this dream of hers, later, if she wanted to. <br><br>He was making it so she didn't have to completely abandon who she was to become who she might be with the magic burning in her blood. And it was the most thoughtful, sweet, loving thing anyone had ever done for her. <br><br>Her Director seemed a bit surprised as well, but agreeable to it, charmed by the dragon's presence. And she... his words filled her thoughts through their bond and her heart twisted over inside her breast. Love. Yes. She knew in that moment that she loved him, as impossible and improbable as it was. It wasn't an undying love, not a epic love, at least not yet. But she was falling, for this dragon that coaxed her, taught her, pleasured her and safe guarded not only her body and magic, but also some parts of the life she would have to leave behind for a time. All she could manage in return was. `<em>.Thank you.</em>`<br><br>It seemed utterly inadequate. <br><br>"Mr. Alfred I... " <br><br>The man at her side laughed, blue eyes twinkling, "I shouldn't be surprised you are being stolen away with your talents and passion. But do not fear, there will always be a place for you here while I work, and the Board will be pleased by the donation he's promised. I wish you both the best of luck on whatever venture it is. Enjoy the gallery and we can consider this your last day if you have the time to talk to Sally about your current projects and keycodes so she can pick them up. Perfect timing that, actually, she's ready for more responsibility and I was afraid we might lose her to another gallery, her or you. Not enough work for you all you know." She did know, art masters programs were highly competitive and scant on paying positions. She gave him a bright smile of thanks and impulsively hugged the British man, who amused returned the embrace. <br><br>"I will of course, right away. Thank you." She excused herself, seeking out Sally Barnes to begin the hand over process, her thoughts bright with joy and that first blossom of love, still undefined as it took root within her for Celtore. </span></span>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Edge of Night [That One Guy &amp; Wistful Dream]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>That One Guy</strong> on <strong>18-05-2013, 05:24:31</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				With Dušana off to see to the arrangements, he felt her happiness via their link. He felt the joy, the excitement, and something more between them. Interesting how that was shielded somehow, as if a shy girl turning away to hide a smile. Celtore only mentally smiled back and walked about her gallery.<br><br>He felt the pull of some artists, and decided that he wished to see more for himself. However, he was reminded that he should not be popping in and out of smoke in public. Especially as he felt some sort of observation on him. So be it.<br><br>He stood, his body anyway, considering a particular painting, and then left the body there to drift his consciousness elsewhere, invisibly. In the back rooms, where he assumed his pretty Dušana must have worked, he found worked being restored. he found more artists that were not on display. He found one of a wheat field with crows flying overhead that made him recall his days of soaring over such fields. It drew him in.<br><br>He felt connected to this artist, or at least his works. There was a connection between them all. A true sense of the place that was represented in odd swirls of paint. The portraits and other works by this man did not interest him near as much. Just as much work, just as much power was in them, clearly - however they did not focus Celtore as the landscapes did. They did not call to the places he had seen long ago. Places he knew by the sense of it, not the inaccurate blots of paint on a canvas.<br><br>Celtore bounced himself through several other artists works, their link to their creator much the same, though not always as strong. When he returned, fully, to his corporeal body, which had moved along at an easy pace at his command, then waited for Dušana to return.<br><br>When she did, he smiled. “Amazing. Last I saw your people’s works they were little more than representations of life on cave walls, or carvings in wood or stone. Crude, but powerful. I have explored much today, thank you. Particularly, this man of great sadness. I feel I know him well, or at least his view of the places he painted. I have seen many of them and he’s done an oddly adequate job of capturing their essence.”
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Edge of Night [That One Guy &amp; Wistful Dream]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>18-05-2013, 07:13:47</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<span style="font-family: Ravi;" class="bbc_font"><span style="font-size: 10pt;" class="bbc_size">In the midst of her talk with Sally she felt him, all around her, like a fleeting presence in the air that led to her trailing off mid-sentence with a little skip of the heart and a dazed look in her dark eyes. The blond lightly touched her hand, drawing her back to the moment and Dušana blushed, her cheeks coloring with slight embarrassment that she was so highly distracted. Thankfully the other woman didn't seem to think it was worth commenting on, and so they returned to talking about the chemical composition of the paints for a particular piece in mid restoration. Whatever her.. the dragon, was doing didn't involve her at the present moment and she did have work to do, the last bit of work that would be without him at her side. <br><br>Was he her dragon though? What a question. <br><br>The brunette used years of honed will power to study to concentrate on the task at hand, finishing up the conversation with a smile, hugs exchanged. Sally was honestly wishing her well, and eager to step into the shoes she'd leave empty for a time. As much as she loved her work, and she truly had, there was something about magic that lured her, beyond just the pleasure aspect. It was the fact that she had infact ridden dragonback through the city and that sort of thing changed a person. <br><br>And Celtore, well he was certainly changing her. She signed a few papers, handed over her keycard and ensured that her email address was up to date, though left a note to contact her through her cellphone rather then house phone as she would be 'traveling' for part of this assignment. There was no escaping the curiosity that all this was stirring, but she kept quiet, the smok had given her an out and she didn't want to complicate it with embellishments she likely wouldn't be able to recall when she returned her down the line. Besides, being an enigma was never a bad thing. <br><br>With that intriguing smile lingering on her lips she left the back area to seek out Celtore, now among 16th century French pantings and looking considerably more at ease than with the more modern pieces. His greeting, that warm smile that seemed to stroke a flame through her made her own smile deepen, though she didn't reach for him, didn't put her arm on his or act too overly familiar. His words though, they made her laugh, shaking her head. "We have progressed far beyond that now as you can see. And I'm glad that you enjoy him so though... you'll have to explain exactly what you did back there, I was so focused on talking to Sally I couldn't understand." She glanced back toward the over seers desk before turning her attention to the door. "Though, for now perhaps we should leave first. I.. am very grateful that I can leave here feeling happy, rather than full of regrets. Thank you for that."</span></span>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Edge of Night [That One Guy &amp; Wistful Dream]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>That One Guy</strong> on <strong>25-05-2013, 17:50:39</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Celtore just nodded and smiled at her; outwardly a calm, somewhat distant man. Via their link his smile beamed on a whole new level. She was happy, and thanked him for it. She was eager to learn about magic. She wanted to know what exactly he’d done to explore the paintings and artists. So he nodded and let her lead him away from their building.<br><br>Or course leaving his body to go do something else was hardly a new trick for him. Really, it was more about where the bulks of his consciousness was at any given moment that was considered ‘where’ he was at. Right now it was with her, approaching her car. Always there were other parts of his mind off battling the things that sought to have her. Once in the car, he explained that a bit, “As I can be with you, while protecting you as well, I can move the focus of my consciousness to other places. You can&nbsp; as well. Part of you was no longer in the room last night when you brought the house into being. Granted, it was a very short moment that your mind was in two places here on earth, and then you snapped back in surprise. But you were at the house last night. You saw it. What I did was little different, though as a dragon, on slightly wider scale.’ He chuckled at the pun.<br><br>Celtore put his hand on her leg, in a soothing gesture, “I want you to have your life, in any way you can, once you’re able to control it. We had no less than three attacks this morning. Minor, petty ones; easily brushed off. But the more who recognize you, the more they will come. Your work could have been in danger. When you return, you’ll not need my help to keep your history and art safe. You will be fully capable of it as well.”<br><br>He again craned his head, looking up at the tall buildings, the strange soulless rock - but saw it again in a new light. Many of these too were art. Imbued with the labor of many, and the vision of one to achieve. He let his wonder of it drift over their link, ensuring she knew he appreciated her, and her world, more and more. “I believe you’ve had to create your own giant and idols. With magic all but gone, human’s seemed to have built impressive things to inspire as the craft once did. I would never have seen that by soaring above it, looking down on strange blocks glass and...concrete.” He looked over at her, catching her gaze, “Thank you. Not every millennia a dragon finds a new perspective.” He smiled and nodded toward the road.<br><br>“Shall we go find your new home?” 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Edge of Night [That One Guy &amp; Wistful Dream]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>02-06-2013, 01:53:25</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<span style="font-family: Ravi;" class="bbc_font"><span style="font-size: 10pt;" class="bbc_size">How wonderfully intimate, this bond that tangled between the two of them, following her through every moment even when she did not stand at his side. The awareness of him grew within her, his smile predicating one of her own as they departed the gallery for the elevator and traveled down, back to the garage. In her father's death she had feared to find that she would have been entirely alone for the rest of her life, outcasted and trapped in solitude of her work and grief. Now Celtore was there, ever present and his warmth touched her even as they reached the car, him assisting her in before taking his own seat. <br><br>As she started the car Ana wondered if she should perhaps feel guilt for having released her grief over her father so swiftly. Only it was not gone, not fully, merely hidden amid the distraction of magic and wonder, of companionship and the newness of it all. The grief would linger with her, she realized, through most of her life, easier on some days than upon others. And she could accept that, did, for today was a kind day, a day full of joy and wonder and the realization that her dragon tempted her in ways she had never thought possible. <br><br>Green eyes glanced at him as she carefully backed them out of the parking space, hands at ease on the wheel though tension rode her shoulders at the mention of the attacks, the realization that he had sheltered her, allowed her to bid farewell to a part of her life for a time. It truly was a gift, he had given her, and a selfless one she would not have thought possible upon first meeting the ancient being. Her gratitude was profound, and she shared it with him, as well as her concern over the things that sought to find her, use her. Celtore felt no great concern though, seemingly confident that they could meet any who rose to reach them, and perhaps they could. He was a dragon after all. <br><br>Dušana smiled slightly at the way he looked up at the buildings around them, feeling his wonder and shared her own delight that he could find something to admire in her time. "Every generation impacts the next, perhaps we lack in magic as you knew it but I am glad to know you can see the sort of magic we can create. I think perhaps we can learn much, from each other on what our times have to offer." Her words spoke of the want of a partnership, an offering of herself she had flat out refused a few days ago. But he had softened, had accepted her grief and in that allowed her to accept his joy. And he had shown himself thoughtful, attentive and she was willingly to follow where he lead, trusting him. <br><br>"Yes... though how would I even begin?"</span></span>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Edge of Night [That One Guy &amp; Wistful Dream]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>That One Guy</strong> on <strong>10-06-2013, 01:59:46</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He smiled at her question and snapped his fingers. A puff of smoke danced around her purse and drifted away. “Ah, but I too am learning.” He smiled at her mischievously. “It seems bits of paper, official records and the like have taken over your world. As such, I believe you will find in your purse the deed to the house that you crafted last night, and a copy of a will that grants it to you. It claims that you inherited it from your mother, via your father. Not entirely untrue, I would say. You never knew about it...a simple truth as well, and prevents you from having to answer any further questions on the matter. Humans seem to have more faith in their documents than in their eyes any more. The correct copies of those are filed, as i believe you call it, in the correct places as well.”<br><br>He returned to looking out the window, but kept speaking. “It is odd. humanity is no more or less obsessed with the possession of things, yet now it seems to be defended by men who talk, and have papers and laws than by swords and force of arms. No less petty, but I find the past to be more honest.” He chuckled, “Listen to me, a Dragon speaking of the pettiness of material things. I believe it is I who should be hoarding piles of gold and gems, is it not?” He laughed at that. Dragons did live in caves and other secluded places...and often those places were close to veins of precious metals and rocks. Dragons liked them for their energies, for being nearer the heart of the earth. The truth of those tales changed somewhat over time.<br><br>Celtore looked on, as they drove, until they finally arrived at the house she crafted with her mind. He exited the car and got out to open the door for her. “Your new home my dear. It seems to have plenty of space around it as well...to keep folks clear while you practice.” He winked at her and whispered, “I saw to that little detail. A perfect natural as you may be, I’ve never seen a fireball go right the first time...not even from fellow dragons.” 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Edge of Night [That One Guy &amp; Wistful Dream]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>15-06-2013, 16:05:25</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatright">(http://24.media.tumblr.com/0089e2f7f8db1df9c0ab788384d8f663/tumblr_mqi2bzdpLV1qlxrhvo1_500.jpg)</div><span style="font-family: Ravi;" class="bbc_font"><span style="font-size: 10pt;" class="bbc_size">The smoke was what made her laugh, realizing that however corporal he was at the moment her mentor preferred the ether of smoke, the trueness of his nature perhaps. A physical body seemed far more a human concept than a dragonic one, from what she had picked up within his mind. He was learning, swiftly, and she found herself laughing harder for the way he smiled at her so rakishly. Through their bond she let him feel how impressed she was with him and his thoughtfulness, he truly was catching onto the twenty first century with amazing speed. "That is incredibly clever." Was all she bothered to vocalize as she shifted gears, finding they were going out of the city centre and more to the outskirts, and then a bit further. <br><br>They were what, twenty minutes from London now? Maybe as much as thirty. Not so far that it was uncomfortable to make drives back if she wanted to, but certainly more secluded, more space provided. Curious green eyes glanced over the land she was driving through, inclining her head when he mentioned her people being obsessed with possessions. It was true, especially of this century, they were incredibly materialistic but there was a growing movements of people who weren't. <br><br>"Ah, so no great liar with hoards of lost treasure and a special maiden or two?" She found she liked daring to tease him, hearing the richness of his laugh. <br><br>Instinct prompted her to turn off the road, along a beautiful little drive lined with trees that eventually fell away to reveal the house waiting at the end of the lane. She parked, staring up at the sprawling home that was now her's, almost numbly letting Celtore hand her out of the car. Dušana's hand tightened in his slightly, nervously at the thought of owning such a huge place. She was use to her little flat, one bedroom, kitchen, living room, simple and neat. This... this was a whole country estate. It was made up of gray brick, two stories tall in most places, in some surely at least three with what looked like almost towers in a few places. There was massive lawn space, and trees thick enough to seem like forest on all the boundaries. The steps leading up even looked impressive. "I dreamed this up?" <br><br>Only, as she asked that she could see that was true. The lines were exactly what she would have picked, and once she got over the sheer size she realized that it was beautiful. Perhaps the size was partly because she was going to be sharing her home with a dragon. And maybe it had been part of her hope to fill up the space with life. Giving him a uncertain smile she gestured for the stairs, "Shall we? Though... is there a dragon thing about towers? In the fairytales the princess always ends up in a tower guarded by a dragon. I'm a witch, though, not a princess. So where does that put me, the basement?"</span></span>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Edge of Night [That One Guy &amp; Wistful Dream]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>That One Guy</strong> on <strong>13-07-2013, 00:27:29</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Celtore smiled at her banter as they walked toward the great house. “There was a time when princess and priestess were one in the same among some of your people. And they commanded the very best of accommodations. Granted, that generally meant their tent was upwind of the tribe, perhaps on a hill.” he shrugged and walked on, escorting her inside like a gentleman.<br><br>It wasn’t so much that they would explore the place - they both knew it. They had seen it when she crafted it. Their walk around the various rooms inside were more of a confirmation in her skill. “I will reside where I am needed, or where I am comfortable.” With a puff of smoke lingering where he was only an instant before, his disembodied voice filled the room - and the whole house. “I can spread out, be with you in every room. Or even the bounds of the property.”<br><br>A moment later a black dragon, the size of a tiger casually stalked down the stairs to walk beside her again. “Not as much room as the courtyards of old castles, or so I am told. I tried to sleep through much of the dark ages. But comfortable enough. He walked by her, his tails sliding along her leg, the thoughts in their link confirming it was rather suggestive, and the dragon once more melted into the form of a man standing beside her, and walking on into the next room. Only this man was as nude as the dragon had been.<br><br>He looked over his shoulder with a wry smile, “coming along my dear Dušana?” Ghostly brushed against her nudged her forward to join him; proving he could in fact be both waiting for her, and already with her. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Edge of Night [That One Guy &amp; Wistful Dream]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>16-07-2013, 05:02:54</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Really? I... huh, I guess that makes sense." She marveled more over him than the house for that moment, aware of just how much knowledge the male at her side had inside him. To have lived that long, experienced so much. He was really rather remarkable. His smile summoned one of her own onto the Slavic girl's lips, her dark green eyes shinning in contentment as he opened the door and let her enter first. "Does that mean you want me to be your princess, oh great dragon?" <br><br>Maybe it wasn't the <em>best</em> of ideas to go about teasing a dragon but then a lot of what had passed between them wasn't wise if you thought about a typical dragon. Celtore was something special. <br><br>Dušana was readily distracted as they explored the new house, not only the house itself, but the furnishings, furniture that was one of a kind, a blend between Victorian and modern, slim yet elegant, opulent, clean lines. Solid colors, everything exactly to her taste. It really felt like walking through a dream, which in some ways she supposed it was. It was in a parlor that overlooked the front garden that he vanished from her side, leaving her blinking in startlement for she had only just become use to have him there. The smoke teased around her, his powerful voice echoing through the house, becoming it. She shivered a bit at the thought of him in every room, stretched completely over her. Yet it also made her feel incredibly safe. <br><br>When the dragon appeared she found herself biting her lower lip, caught between fright at the still slightly unusual sight, and admiration for the beauty of him. He was sleek darkness, moving like liquid sin. Her fingers itched to paint, not to restore someone else's art, but to create her own. Maybe she could talk him into posing for her... But he was talking about courtyards and she refocused her thoughts, laughing at the thought of him handling the dark ages. The caress of his tail garnered another laugh, the sound bright and slightly husky as she realized he was flirting. <br><br>A gasp did come when he reformed, this time nude and utterly glorious. The man was stark perfection in any form, she was coming to find, shaking her head at herself even as she followed after him, accepting the phantom touches on her shoulder. "Always, though where are you leading me my fierce dragon?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Edge of Night [That One Guy &amp; Wistful Dream]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>That One Guy</strong> on <strong>20-07-2013, 06:00:35</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The house, all of it, laughed again with him. “You’ve yet to see fierce my dear Dušana,” the laugh was totally fun and jovial, even if the words were true. She’d had no reason to see a dragon in all it’s terror inducing might - only her foes need ever worry about that. Still, her playful banter was amusing.<br><br>When she crossed into the large living room that he waited in, he lounged easily on a chase...exactly like the one from the previous night. “I thought I might add something.” He laughed, and shrugged, rising up from the opulent bit of furniture he’d been resting on and walked over to the couch. “Not nearly as...practical, for some purposes.” he remarked and smiled at her.<br><br>Celtore looked her up and down, and smiled. “Your shoes are completely impractical, and I find them odd. However, they do make your legs look ever more amazing, so I will again give the nod to some sense of aesthetics to your era here.” With a snap of his fingers, all of her clothes, except those shoes, vanished in a wisp of smoke. Those wisps lingered however, to caress and tease her flesh as they slowly departed.<br><br>“Dušana, you are beautiful, and I shall seek every reason I can to encourage you display that beauty as often as possible.” He stretched out, lazily, on the couch, one arm over the back, one leg stretched out, the other with a foot resting on the floor. “Do you find your new home satisfactory my young witch? Is the work I am so impressed with meeting your own standards?” He grinned at her, the playful tone travelling between them easily now. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Edge of Night [That One Guy &amp; Wistful Dream]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>26-07-2013, 19:51:41</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				There lay a promise in those words, one born of a being ancient and jaded, that meant to protect and guide her. She could sense the undercurrent of violence in him, not often, not with her, but he was a dragon and in a way didn’t that make him an apex predator? Yet he guarded her, taught her, made her laugh. It left her a little awe struck all over again, a feeling that becoming almost familiar since her father’s death. For a moment she paused, touching the threshold of the living room and thought of how Tomas might have liked this house. But she let that go, with a loving heart that put aside her grief and focused on her present. <br><br>Celtore was waiting for her, lounging like some fearless king of old with no second thought for his nudity. But then was it nudity for a dragon to wear human flesh? Now that was a metaphysical twist right there. Her dark green eyes finally focused on the chaise, realizing it’s lines weren’t much at all like the rest of the house but she laughed softly, shaking her head at his explanation. “It’s your home too now, isn’t it?”<br><br>Though maybe it was a good thing her father wasn’t around necessarily directly anymore, after all she was sure he would have choice words at her cohabitating with a dragon. Her companion’s apparent fixation on practical had her laughing, her attention coming back to him just in time to realize what he was doing when her clothes vanished, the smoke caressing her and leaving the witch shivering where she stood in her high heels.&nbsp; A blush colored Dušana’s cheeks at his compliment, teeth biting her lower lip as she gave him a wry smile while he repositioned himself. <br><br>Ancient god, that was what the pose was saying. <br><br>“It seems your version of displaying beauty involves nudity, but I find beauty in the art of clothing as well. That was a lovely suit you had on earlier.” With slow steps that made the sway in her hip more obvious she moved toward him, standing just out of reach without attempting to cover herself. It wasn’t natural, not yet, but she was trying for the confidence he had. Her dark eyes glowed with happiness at the question. “I love it… it’s bigger than I ever thought I’d live in but it feels… like home, somehow. What is your home like?” Because the more time she spent with him the more she wanted to know, to make him less of an enigma. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Edge of Night [That One Guy &amp; Wistful Dream]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>That One Guy</strong> on <strong>28-08-2013, 21:58:13</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Staring up at the nude beauty who hovered just out of reach he smiled. “Ah, but you have already seen my home.” He gestured up to the heavens, “A dragon is only truly at home in the air. The wind rushing over your wings, the ground far below racing by. You can see so much, and take in sights that would boggle the mind.” His head cocked to one side, their link leading him to a different conclusion. “Well, it would have boggled the minds of humans from when I was last awake. Now it seems you have flying machines that can deliver a similar view, if not the whole experience.”<br><br>He remained casually perched on her couch, staring up at her without a hint of shame as he enjoyed the conversation as well as the sight of her. “I shall take you with me many times, as we soar through the skies my lovely Dušana. As for specific locations of dwelling...well your folklore was not too far off. We tend to slumber in caves, or high up on mountains. Some in deep marshes. Basically anywhere that some overly ambitious fool would not disturb us easily.” He left out the fact that some humans had decided to hunt dragons for their power.<br><br>Glancing up at her, his eyebrow arched, “Do you wish to see your home from such a perspective now? To soar above it and see the grounds and your home as the clouds, and birds might see it?” His hand was offered up to her, inviting her down into his lap, “We need not even leave, you can make the journey here, comfortably, just as you created the house, you can explore it with your will and your power. Come, I will help you.” 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Edge of Night [That One Guy &amp; Wistful Dream]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>23-09-2013, 03:33:29</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				A hint of sorrow flashed through her eyes that he would never think of this place as home, as partly his. But then he wasn't human and perhaps it was human to want such connections, to share a physical space with another person. Another being. She couldn't imagine feeling at home constantly in the air, and yet she welcomed the sensations and emotions he shared with her through their link, savoring the differences that he experienced compared to her own life. "It's not the same..." her words came almost instantly, because she had flown before, many times back and forth from London to Prague, and to other cities as well. <br><br>It was nothing like riding dragon-back. <br><br>His eyes remained on her, with the same ravenous hunger dragons were often attributed to having yet she found herself less unsettled by it then she would have been. Something last night had marked a turning point for her and for now Dušana was accepting that. Too much change, too quickly but she knew that it was easier to accept it than to fight it. And he was keeping her safe. He was teaching her. And the thought of him showing her deep vast caves or impossibly high mountain tops had a spark of yearning in her eyes for that adventure. It would come with time, no doubt. For now they were here, together. <br><br>The offer had the dark haired witch thoughtful, gaze moving to that proffered hand. Another lesson, and yet what a thrilling one. With a flash of a smile she crossed the last little bit of space between them, fitting her hand into his and sinking down to kneel beside the chaise he lounged on, face uplifted to gaze up at him. "I would like to learn more, yes. I do not want to be helpless or dependent on you. We will be partners, won't we Celtore? That's what you seek in the bond?" For through their connection she could sense that he had been just as lonely as she had been most of her life. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Edge of Night [That One Guy &amp; Wistful Dream]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>That One Guy</strong> on <strong>03-10-2013, 20:56:50</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He smiled at her, the grin wide, and his intense eyes softening a bit. “Yes Dušana. Partners.” With one hand holding her, the other reached over to gently close her eyes. He leaned forward, whispering in her ear, “Relax my pretty witch. Relax and feel me through our bond. Imagine that you are the smoke, that you can rise up and drift up through your house and out of it.”<br><br>He slid down off the couch, resting his back on, it and pulled her back to his chest so she could rest on him. His legs bent to either side of her, his arms wrapping about her body, his hands seeking hers, his fingers entwining with hers. “Rise, float, be completely free and comfortable just drifting through the air, or anything else. There are no obstacles. No barriers. Totally free.<br><br>He smiled, his eyes closed as well, but he more than saw her through their link. More than felt her. “Feel the wind through you, the scents on the breeze. You have no limits...” When he felt she had envisioned the proper place, when he could feel such with his mind, “Now, feel me under you, as we flew before. In your mind, look down, see it, feel the wind through your hair, the warm scales of my back, the pop of my wings holding us in a glide. Look over, see your house, and the land around it...tell me about it. Tell me what you see and feel.”<br><br>He knew it was working, he could feel it shared between them. their bodies were here, in her living room, or at least a portion of their physical presence. But they were also soaring above her home, and that was just as real, just as tangible to them. Thankfully, no one else could see such things. What many humans called astral projection, Celtore merely knew it was possible to be many places at once. Where your mind and focus was had far more bearing than where your flesh and bones rested. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Edge of Night [That One Guy &amp; Wistful Dream]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>26-10-2013, 13:51:23</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				If she thought about it too closely there was no good reason for him to do this, to bind himself to a mortal who would live only a breath span to his ageless years. But then as she was discovering dragonic mentality was not that of a human, so perhaps to him it did make sense. She certainly spied no reservation or concern in the wide grin he gave her, and there was that softening of his dark eyes as he confirmed her posed question. The witch hoped he was being honest, not just soothing her because he needed to, yet she sensed only candor in their connection.<br><br>At his touch Dušana let her lashes flutter shut, casting away the world and focusing on his voice instead. It had became an anchor of sorts, that rich, husky sound that didn't quite belong in a human's body. Celtore's voice was as powerful as him, yet she savored the knowledge that he was there with her. Relax...<br><br>For a moment the witch frowned, her lips about to part to say she couldn't but instead of speaking she inhaled deeper and exhaled, breathing back in the scent of him and her new home. Focusing on her breath, on the way it felt to pull air into her lungs and how it spread through her body helped her visualize the smoke. His was storm grey and ink black, but her's seemed more like golden sunlight and emerald fire, the colors bright behind her eye lids as she departed her own physical body at his coaxing. It was exhilarating and terrifying all at once, and for a moment she almost fled right back into herself. <br><br>But the dragon was there then, pulling her body into his arms and she felt him all around her, felt the security of him like a living wall of flames. So she squeezed his fingers lightly and let go, rising, floating through the house and then up and beyond, as radiant as a star shooting through the sky. Her teacher's words triggered the memory for the witch and she recreated it with all the attention to detail she brought to her job.<br><br>She remembered the wild, metallic scent of him, the banked heat, the sleekness of his scales like living rough silk textured beneath her hands. The wind danced wildly around her, carrying with it the redolent scents of the wooded land around her new home, the harsher, man made scents from the far off city and the fierce cold of the higher atmosphere. Giddy with her success, with the world around her Dušana laughed brightly for all that no one say Celtore would probably ever hear her in this half world they were in. Obediently she directed her attention down toward the house, seeing it's size, the rolling land around it and realized it was home. She had expected to be resistant to that idea for some time, it was new, it was created by magic but it was created by her heart and it linked her to this place. "It's... home. It's lovely and strong, with the tall trees and the gardens, with the glinting windows and the way it's nestled in among the landscape." Her words were perhaps not incredibly eloquent but she didn't have to speak to share with him the myriad of emotional reaction going on inside her. <br><br>Fearlessly now the young witch opened herself to him further, nothing held in reserve as she let her energy dance through the air and gloried in being alive. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Edge of Night [That One Guy &amp; Wistful Dream]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>That One Guy</strong> on <strong>31-10-2013, 19:59:17</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She amazed him. He knew she’d succeed in the exercise, of that he had no doubt, but she found her own form as well. He was smoke, and often the student imitated the teacher. Much like singers did before they found their own voice. Dušana found her form without effort, or him even telling her to do so. A moment of hesitation at the first sensation of being apart from her body, and then relaxed and burst forth in her own beautiful way.<br><br>Her magical form was as beautiful to behold as she was, and he marveled at it while they traveled up. Dancing green flame with pure gold like the light of the sun streaming from within. Celtore was reminded now, just how amazing humans could be when they truly embraced magic. Dušana might be the most glorious of them he’d ever met. Just seeing her would have been worth waking for, but to be her guide, her partner...he knew they had many things to do together.<br><br>They materialized, together, only hints of smoke and flame as they sored above her home and she expressed herself, verbally and through their bond. He grinned wide, and banked lower to race over the tree tops, and then shoot back up into the air. She was in no danger of falling, because there were no physical bodies involved. Ones mind could not fall off of another, especially linked as they were. What they saw as themselves was merely for their own minds to give a point of reference to the experience. Here, they really were one.<br><br>He flew, playfully with aerobatics to show her his home. Here, still above her new home, this was a home too. Not just the ground or the house. But the sky as well. She could feel the freedom, the comfort of soaring through clouds and over the hills. His range increased, circling over a wider area, until he felt things were just right. A several mile radius established from the house and he claimed his ‘home’ - and let her feel that as well. The protective, possessive, and instantly comfortable feeling of having staked such a claim. Something he’d not done in eons. The entire area was magically warded, marked, simply by his claiming it. Other beings would know, and would know to stay clear unless invited. Beings that lived within his territory instantly knew, and they would soon have visitors to introduce themselves. That too would be good for her training - but for now he just soared in delight, enjoying his new domain.<br><br>Eventually he glided down to a hilltop, overlooking the area, and came to rest. “Now, let us return. Just as we left, as you envisioned where you wish to go, picture again your body. Your beautiful form wrapped in my arms behind you...” After another thrilling sight of her magical form, Celtore opened his eyes and grinned, kissing her neck from behind. “Dušana, you are an amazing little human, and perhaps the most pure hearted I’ve ever met. Perhaps your father knew what he was doing; giving you such an untainted start to magic. I’ve not seen radiance like that in children born and raised to it. Amazing.” He hugged her tight and kissed her shoulder, his pride and awe clear over their bond. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Edge of Night [That One Guy &amp; Wistful Dream]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>15-11-2013, 01:52:53</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Dušana found herself laughing, the sound a phantom melody that echoed through the valley at his grin, at how he raced above the tree tops and shot up into the air again. Gone was her fear from before, now she trusted him, blindly, she kept her energy bound to his but there were no arms or legs to cling, just their power twining together and she danced for joy with him. Her mind followed how he flew, the way his wings beat and the manner of his muscles moving, or what would be his muscles if he had any. She realized he was almost dancing, claiming the air, showing her that this was home as much as the physical home down below and she let out another surge of bright joy for it, the freedom of them together. Wider he took her, and wider still before she realized he was staking his claim over the whole of the area, a kingdom. <br><br>He <em>was</em> a dragon after all. <br><br>And she laughed for that as well, realizing each time she laughed her spirit felt lighter, brighter, that her grief was honored but lightened, that her shock was given up in place for wonder. She made the choice, with him all around her, to be happy and she gave of that happiness to him without self consciousness that might have come a few days before. As he took them back up high into the air she realized that he had made this his home, truly, in a way that he had no other place in the mortal world for centuries and she was astounded by his commitment, suddenly understanding what the bond he was offering to her meant. Her thinking self, her mind, was terrified at the thought of so profound and intimate a bond but her heart was full of pleasure. So she focused on that, on the sense of safety and freedom. <br><br>When he glided down she stayed with him, frowning in reluctance at the very thought of going back to her body. She wanted to be free here, wild in the night with him. She wanted to try and fly on her own. She had studied him, she could do it... but he coaxed her back, and his lips touched her physical neck, their connection drawing her back. So the witch let go, her energy whirling until she was suddenly inside her own body again with a slight gasp and jerk, the world suddenly too small and cramped from within her body. His praise soothed some of her disgruntled sentiment as she shifted, trying to adjust to being back in her own form again. <br><br>When Celtore mentioned her father she glanced back at him, dark green eyes shadowed for a moment by regret for not sharing any of this with her father. "Perhaps, but I still... I wish he could be here, that I didn't have to lose him to gain this." She expressed her grief, and found herself feeling better for it as the man-form of the dragon hugged her tightly and shared his pride with her. When the brunette tried to move she found her body felt heavy and awkward, frowning. "I... does it always feel so disquieting to return to your physical form after that? I feel... trapped, almost."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Edge of Night [That One Guy &amp; Wistful Dream]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>That One Guy</strong> on <strong>11-01-2014, 23:03:51</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Celtore smiled at her question, and spoke softly into her ear as he responded. “At first, or so I am told. Your body will always be your connection to the earth, to your power, but your mind is capable of far more than the vessel is. You’ve tasted that now, and as you grow you might find that your body cannot hold everything. Every bit of magic you send out is part of you. The initial trouble humans tend to have, is they seldom experience multiple perspectives, much less at the same time.”<br><br>His signature smoke popped into existence, filling the space around them, and eventually fading to reveal his dragon form; sized to fit in the room, and drape his neck in her lap, looking up at her. The man was still behind her, holding her and smiling. <br><br>“Which is the ‘real’ me? The man, the dragon, or neither? Does it matter? I can see you just we well with four eyes, or none, as with two. Better even. Allowing your mind to grow to process what it is capable of is what takes the most time. Learning to accept multiple perspectives. Once you do, returning to your body will not feel so limiting, for parts of you will remain elsewhere too.” <br><br>“Something to practice...and you will find useful. Try to feel your home. It too is part of you. Feel how I observe all I have claimed, through our bond. You’ll establish and share a bond with your home as well. You’ll know who and what is near, be aware of things as you never were before.” The dragon had good reason to have her try this now. After their their claiming of the area, the first visitors of their domain were about to arrive. <br><br>How better to meet the fey than discovering them for yourself, before they knocked on the proverbial door? Not that the wee folk were ever quite that simple about things. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Edge of Night [That One Guy &amp; Wistful Dream]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>17-01-2014, 04:04:56</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Their connection helped her believe what he said, to draw it in as truth instead of lies shared to make her feel better. Her body as a vessel, that was a different concept for her, for her body had been the sum whole of her for so long. But her mind had always been wider, vaster, hadn't it? And not it hungered for the freedom it had experienced soaring through the sky with a Dragon all around her. It was daunting and a little scary to think about a time when her body wouldn't be able to actually contain everything that she was, but then her magic was a part of her to... didn't that make the whole so very intimate then? "Do humans ever naturally experience multiple perspectives?" Curiosity was clearly going to lead to a lot of very interesting conversations. <br><br>Catching sight of his smoke the witch glanced around herself curiously only to start when she realized his dragon form was there with her. At the same time as a man shaped Celtore held her in his arms. It took the human's mind a moment to understand how that was possible, and it was impossible for her to keep a shiver completely repressed. "Neither and both?" Dušana ventured, because his smoke was always wide ranging and the dragon shape he had taken earlier that day had showed her just how vast he could be. So clearly he was far too vast to actually fit into one body. Or even two. <br><br>"I think this might take some time...." she commented weakly, feeling overwhelmed by something that was so far outside of her experience up to this point. Though it did make her wonder about those phantom hands that had helped him pleasure her the night before. And if he could make multiple figures of his human form and they could.... her cheeks flushed scarlet as she caught her wondering thoughts and refocused on his voice and the exercise he was guiding her into. Seriously, witches couldn't have that much of a sex drive. She couldn't. She hadn't given a damn about sex before the dragon. Get a grip girl. <br><br>With a deep breath taken out and release the witch obeyed him, spreading her awareness through her house and feeling his claim all around her at the same time. And that awareness spread outside the walls, into the gardens before she started and gazed at him round eyed. "There's fauns in the garden! And.... I think a phoenix coming down the fire grate....."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Edge of Night [That One Guy &amp; Wistful Dream]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>That One Guy</strong> on <strong>22-02-2014, 18:52:10</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He chuckled. Both of him. The air did too. “Yes, fauns, and so many other things. And the Phoenix. That surprised me as well. It seems not all magical beings drifted off to slumber, many have lingered here in your world, yet remain hidden from those not able to see. Even still, a phoenix is rare indeed. Perhaps a fitting first guest for you.” <br><br>Celtore moved; the dragon form slipping from her lap to curl up in the corner, watching the fireplace, while the man shaped version stood and helped Dušana to her feet, and led her over toward the fireplace to await the arrival of a magical bird. <br><br>When the creature appeared, and began looking around, it stopped to inspect Celtore. One did not need a great deal of experience with magical creatures, or any animals really to know that the phoenix was highly suspicious of him. Celtore just grinned and nodded in a slight bow. The bird’s brightly colored head gave an answering gesture and then turned to the nude witch. It seemed to inspect her; to be looking into her very soul and judging her worth. Celtore chuckled, “They are excellent judges of character, and have no time to waste in analysing you, and deciding if you are worth their time. I clearly did not pass, but phoenix and dragons seldom get along really.” <br><br>The bird flew into the room, right at her feet, and proceeded to walk around her, still inspecting, still investigating this new magical being that had come into the area. Celtore merely shrugged. “I wish I could teach you all about these majestic birds, but truth is the only ones who have ever come to know them is the witches and wizards and shamen and such that the birds themselves chose to associate with. it’s rumored that they lend their magical energies and power to their chosen human - and always a human, never another sort of being it seems.” <br><br>Over their bond he shared his joy at other good beings being drawn to her. For all the foul creatures trying to get their claws on her, there were also others who seemed may wish to help. Beings more noble and pure of heart than a dragon. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Edge of Night [That One Guy &amp; Wistful Dream]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>03-03-2014, 01:33:20</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				It was slightly disconcerting to hear the same laughter, same pitch and level of sound coming from two different directions, but then she realized it was actually coming from all around her as if Celtore were filling up the air rather than the physical bodies that were simply his wills manifestations of him. Eventually she'd get use to it. She hoped. So many other things... she wondered what those other things would be, but was distracted by his pleasure and almost it seemed joy over the Phoenix she had sense. Perhaps they had drifted off to sleep but the dragon rousing had woken other beings? Or was it her own magic that had started all of this? <br><br>Contemplating that question she let the dragon help her to her feet, though her legs felt odd and at once too tall and too short under her for the first footstep. Dušana was grateful that her lover and mentor supported her until she could get her feet back under her, though her equilibrium seemed restored after the first few footsteps across soft carpets and then hardwood floor to stop before the fireplace. <br><br>Golden light, and then it was orange as autumn leaves, and then the red of rubies, garnets, of blood, and golden again, like the summer sun. It was living flame that she saw first, before realizing the form of the bird within that flame. Perhaps it's flames settled more, for it appeared more birdlike the longer she gazed at it, or was it only her mind changing what she saw to what she <em>expected</em> to see? While the creature looked over Celtore she focused on removing her expectation, and ended up seeing the mythical being as it was meant to be seen, a form similar to that of other birds, but wreathed in a magical flame that radiated an aura of shifting hues, and the wings, the eyes, those were wholly dancing fire. She felt the moment it's attention switched to her, and bowed her head politely, silently welcoming the gorgeous thing to her home. <br><br>"I suppose too much fire involved?" The witch ventured as a guess, only to gasp in surprise when the bird settled at her feet and she realized it came up past her knees. A very large, very magical bird. But she did not shrink from it's inspection, finding that the lack of clothing helped her face the examination with no fear. Perhaps she was finally becoming more comfortable in her own skin. Hopefully. Drawn to .... humans, like her. <br><br>She felt Celtore's joy, and her own awe echoing back at her. And in gratitude for the show of magic that meant wonder, that meant she was good, she sank to her knees and offered her hand out to the bird. Some instinct guided her as she breathed in and then out magic, magic motes forming around her hand before she held in her hand the carved wooden phoenix her father had given her as a little girl, something she had almost forgotten about until that moment. The bird paused, she sensed amusement and approval. "My father use to tell me, when I was little, that phoenix's were creatures that heralded great change and opportunity, that there was challenge, for one did not deal with flames lightly but that the power of transmuting was worth it. And when I was fearful of the monsters under my bed he told me to be brave and face them down, that a phoenix would see that courage and become my guardian. He surprised me with this a week later, and I do not know where it came from but it is yours, if you want it, along with my thanks for all the children you have guarded if his stories were true."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Edge of Night [That One Guy &amp; Wistful Dream]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>That One Guy</strong> on <strong>03-04-2014, 20:17:26</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Celtore watched it all. the inspection, his witch kneeling down to the bird, and her conjuring a figuring of it’s likeness. That surprised him slightly; for he saw what the figure was. A totem - a means to call out to the creature it represented. Her father had been chosen by such a creature before. What an interesting family line she had...<br><br>The phoenix even looked somewhat surprised, but then nodded and touched its beak to the wood carving. Glorious multicolored flame danced around it and burnt off in a flash - leaving the small totem colored and more lifelike than it once was. it nodded in reverse, indicating she should keep it. That’s when he had to laugh again. “A creature near as old as I and you birds still refuse to speak. It’s not like it’s beyond you. Just tell the poor girl.” He chuckled even as the magical beast rotated its head to glare at him. <br><br>“Fine, I’ll tell her. With words instead of your little dancing and interpretation. I swear humans came up with charades just to practice talking to you birds.” He looked at Dušana (both of his forms did), “You are chosen by this Phoenix. It seems you have more than one guardian and protector. It is the same one your mother knew. That’s how your father got the totem. It belonged to her. And her mother before that. He has been with your family for a long, long time. Something like this is unheard of, but with you it hardly surprises me.” He smiled, and shrugged, a slightly more menacing gesture from the dragon form of him, “Dragons, Phoenix, mystery family history. You certainly will never be bored for some time. Call upon that totem if you ever had need, and burnt feathers here will come to you.” <br><br>The phoenix seemed not at all pleased with Celtore’s description of things, but did agree to the end bit - nodding at her, and standing between her and both of his present forms. Cletore chuckled again, waved his hand in dismissal, and flopped down on the couch. “Oh yes, you’re a mighty protector of her virtues too I am sure. Dušana, pet the thing and send it off before I find out if phoenix tastes like never-ending, self cooking chicken.” over their bond she would know he was joking, but also know that creatures bonding to her and trying to protect her would always suspect him, and annoy him greatly. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Edge of Night [That One Guy &amp; Wistful Dream]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>13-04-2014, 22:46:42</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				With her connection to Celtore still utterly unfiltered she could sense through him the surprise he had at the sight of her offering to the phoenix, and a touch of the elemental being's own shock. Within herself the witch only felt puzzlement that it should surprise either of them, she had simply acted on instinct. But then the phoenix leaned in to touch the wooden carving, the flames that leapt into life around it's surface not burning Dušana's hands, though she held the figure and she gasped in delighted awe at the new color and vibrancy to it. Marveling she turned it over in her hands, only&nbsp; glancing up at her mentor when his human form began to laugh. <br><br>Blinking in surprise, the green eyed witch glanced between her teacher, her lover, her dragon, and the phoenix that glared at the black dragon with frustration. She felt the gaze of both his human eyes and his dragonic ones as she knelt there, her own gaze moving between the two as he explained what the phoenix was offering, that this was another family secret unearthed, this time wholly by accident. <br><br>Her mother. <br><br>Her grandmother.<br><br>Stretching who knew how far back, this graceful, fiery creature had safeguarded her family and she frowned at the menace that came off his dragon form in direction to the magical bird at her side. "Why doesn't it surprise you? I mean... if this is unheard of why is it happening to me?" She glanced at the phoenix, that frown lingering, "Should I have drawn the phoenix to myself instead of you when I performed the casting? I... I wouldn't want to lose you." Even as she said the words she noticed the phoenix moved to place itself between her and her lover and she bit her lower lip, worried about the tensions in the room. Celtore seemed unworried, even jesting but she had no wish to make either the phoenix or him uncomfortable. <br><br>So she took a breath and shook her head, "No. No, I welcome you lovely phoenix, but he is my teacher, my guardian and my lover. I chose him, made the offer of myself to him willingly. I welcome you here, and want your presence but only if both of you can sort out how to play nicely. If Celtore is right there are nasty things out there that will take advantage of any discord. We can't have that weakness, can we?" She directed the question at both them, sensing resignation and pride from the phoenix, as if it disliked what she said but approved of it, saw the worth of it all the same. She eyed Celtore, wondering what her near demand would rouse from him.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Edge of Night [That One Guy &amp; Wistful Dream]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>That One Guy</strong> on <strong>24-04-2014, 04:34:44</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				“See, she is wise beyond her years. And naive. Like the two of us will ever get along...” Celtore laughed yet again, and sent some images down their link to his witch. Images of dragons, fey, and all other magical creatures gathering peacefully in magical works to be done - including a phoenix. they might never be buddies, and certainly never socialize naturally - but that was the gift humans lent to magic - diplomacy. Not until humans vision and cooperation were joint works ever done involving more than one species. <br><br>“I am sure our feathered friend and I can get along well enough my dear. I appreciate their knack for being wherever you need them most. This shall be a new lesson as well - you are the broker of deals. The focal point. Ultimately, the leader. some may even rival you in power - some may exceed it - but you must keep the peace, for they are drawn to you, and it is with you they much negotiate. As more come, the more power you represent - and thus ever more will come. This is your counter to the threats that would do things a very different way. But this is also why you will triumph over them. Those that would merely take are not great at sharing and making deals. They might have some alliance here and there to try something bigger, but in the end they turn on each other, where you will unite many. <br><br>The creature between them still seemed rather defensive, and Celtore had to admit - dragons did not have the best record of sharing. Something he also shared with Dušana via their bond. A time when dragons took, which generally involved the roasting and consumption of those with rival powers. But that was long, long ago, before mankind had yet discovered their power. One might say it was humans that convinced the dragons there was another way. <br><br>Celtore slid into smoke, both forms combining, this time emerging in the human form, but once again in a the suit she seemed to enjoy; grinning from ear to ear. With a snap of his fingers, a bottle of champagne appeared in a dark wisp, and three glasses in the other hand. He popped the top, poured and handed one first to his witch, then the bird, setting it on the ground, and one for himself. “To your first alliance!” <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Edge of Night [That One Guy &amp; Wistful Dream]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>08-06-2014, 16:03:24</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Wise beyond her years... naive.<br><br>The paradox of the two had Dušana frowning at her mentor, shaking her head at his assertions all the while feeling strongly that they would work together, that was the only solution. He seemed to sense the direction of her thoughts, sending her visions of just that, of her kind bringing together other magical creatures to work to create something together. So it was possible, and it was simply his humor that insisted on being played out first. Her lips twitched with a wry smile, realizing that he would always live by his own code and think by it as well. Could one ever really know a dragon, or understand them? <br><br>She wasn't entirely sure, but it seemed like she had set herself on a path to find that answer. <br><br>"Broker?" She echoed the word, tilting her head as she followed the train of his words. Keeping the peace between so many disparate creatures seemed a touch daunting but some part of her found the challenge fascinating, and a true excitement lay within her at the chance to meet with and converse with all the creatures she had seen in the memories he shared so freely to her. Not being the most powerful was just fine with Ana, particularly when faced with the knowledge of just how powerful she was, or how powerful Celtore was. She stiffened slightly at the memories of him taking what he wanted, and yet beneath those realized when the time had changed. When humans had found their own magic and begun to be the meditators between the others. <br><br>It lay in her blood, not just because of her mother's line, but because of her race and she took some reassurance that it was not merely her bloodline that granted her that ability but rather that humans were blessed with the ability to hold the others in accord. Perhaps it was because they were the shortest lived, the most able to understand the impact of what they did to the earth and to others, to see things in a different way. <br><br>He caught her out of her thoughts when he vanished into smoke, reappearing in that suit and she laughed then, the sound light as she realized he had truly made her comfortable nude in his presence. Focusing she ran a hand down her body, eyes closed as her magic shimmered to her desires and a lovely flowing green dress appeared, simple with an empire waistline and a sweetheart neckline, though she did not chose for any other garments beneath it, nor shoes on her feet. She accepted the champagne flute with a smile, twirling a bit in her gown as the phoenix trilled and Celtore toasted their alliance. <br><br>"To home and haven." The witch replied, clinking her glass to his before drinking of the fine vintage.&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Edge of Night [That One Guy &amp; Wistful Dream]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>That One Guy</strong> on <strong>24-06-2014, 23:23:48</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The dragon in a man’s form smiled at her gown, handed over the flute and nodded at her toast, tapping his glass to hers and drinking. The smile he shot over the glass however spoke of pride, and more. Via their link, he was more direct - pride in her and lust for her went hand in hand. <br><br>But for the moment, he was the gentleman, and enjoyed their drink before dropping even more on her shoulders. “So first day in your new home and you’ve already got a dragon and an phoenix to drink together peacefully - I do wonder how you will deal with the fae. Specifically the flight of pixies headed this way. They tend to be far more...impulsive than my new ‘friend’ and I hear. They are however, amazing allies to have within your domain. Befriend them, and they become guards and early warning, for all practical purposes. Irk them, and you have the most devious jokesters on most any plane. They can be quite the handful.”<br><br>Celtore nodded toward the door, sharing over their link that it might be best to greet them outside - with grass underfoot and fewer corners for them to hide in. He opened the door, again acting the gentleman, and even held it long enough for the pesky bird to fly out. Celtore noticed that the damned phoenix had not gone far - perching on the roof to watch the gathering pixies and Dušana in their first meeting. <br><br>He held her hand, escorting her out to greet the tiny, flying, fae. “There must be some mound or otherwise sacred site near here - at least to them. This is quite the group you've managed to draw the attention of.” He counted no less than ten, but with their darting and weaving flight, how could one really keep count?<br><br>He left gove of his apprentices’ hand as the swarm of wee beings flew up, a spokesman for the group flying right two within three feet of her, at eye level. Celtore merely took a step back and admired Dušana from behind - on both a magical and a very physical level. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Edge of Night [That One Guy &amp; Wistful Dream]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>06-07-2014, 04:19:26</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Pixies. They were really true, and she had gone outside, following him into the open air as she walked with bare feet on the damp grass with the evening dew setting to it. The newly awakened witch felt as if she were in a dream, gliding at the side of a dragon in human form, her long hair loose and crashing around her shoulders, not a stitch on under that flowing green gown. <br><br>The pixies had been delightful, indeed having a mound not far from here, as well as a set of standing stones, small and unnoticed by humans. She had carefully negotiated protection ensured by her own magic and Celtore’s in return for their loyalty and scouting of the boundary her dragon had set for their domain. Then had come the fauns, and the dryads, frolicking around in joy over the rebirth of magic in a human strong enough to bring together a staked domain, and one who would not demand them to alter themselves to fit her notions. <br><br>Some instinct tugged her down the path toward the pond, and the pixies, fauns and dryad followed, happily chattering and humming among themselves with the phoenix flying overhead. The ‘pond’ really seemed like a inadequate word for the body of water, with mock waterfalls and the space of a lake almost. The water rippled then, before a sloe eyed woman wrapped in a sealcoat appeared, a Selkie having traveled swift and far inland to see this new power for herself, for she was undoubtedly one of the sea. Undines danced about her, creatures who did live in the pond, and otters came to play with them as well. <br><br>The human woman’s head was spinning with the different ways she instinctively communed with each being, as her mind link with Celtore provided knowledge and instinct gave her words life. The moon rose high into the sky by the time she glanced at her lover, her mentor, her eyes betraying her weariness. That was when the others began to bid goodnight, promising to come again, in smaller numbers, one on a time to fully cement the pacts and to show her their own individual areas of what they had claimed. Celtore escorted her back into the house, and she glanced back, one last time even as the phoenix swept into the house before them. <br><br>“It is almost as if… you weren’t the only one waiting for someone like me. Do all magic users attempt to bend the wild ones to their will?”&nbsp; <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Edge of Night [That One Guy &amp; Wistful Dream]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>That One Guy</strong> on <strong>25-07-2014, 01:32:07</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Celtore silently rejoiced in the attention she had drawn, and was obviously taking to with impossible ease. He could feel her excitement, her sense of being overwhelmed, and he could share that and sooth her all the while - letting her remain center stage and communicate with the various beings that showed up to greet her. <br><br>The Selkie was a surprise, as they were certainly not native to the area...but it seemed Dušana had made news on several planes already. More would come...and it made him glad. She would have allies other than him, and she would be part of a bigger community of magic. Considering the beings that would seek to own her to harm her, and to use her...well a community to help defend her, and be worthy of her defending would be nothing but a boon. <br><br>Leading her back inside, he glared at the phoenix that flew in ahead of them. He was about to admonish the bird and indicate that it was not needed tonight, but Dušana asked him about others binding the wild ones. “Not all, but many did. Human mages and witches were not without their own faults.&nbsp; Their limited life spans made them rush to accomplish things. they could bring unlike beings together like no other...but not always was that a willing association in the later years. Still, that sort was never more than about half of human practitioners - and likely they were influenced by other beings...the ones I am here to defend you from. That is their way, to use and possess a thing like a resource instead of a partner.” <br><br>Celtore led her to the large ornate couch her mind had created and eased her down, sitting with her, his arm wrapped about her shoulders. “How would my witch like to celebrate? Today was a big day...huge really. Not only did you claim your space, but you drew in the wildlings, and dealt with them on your terms in peace. What more could I do for you this night to make it perfect?” <br>
			</dd>
		</dl>
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