Loch Ness Monster [Khoraz x Dashou]
<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: Dashou on 14-11-2015, 22:26:43</h2>
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				Title: <strong>Loch Ness Monster [Khoraz x Dashou]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dashou</strong> on <strong>14-11-2015, 22:26:43</strong>
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				“You’ve lost your mind. I’m telling you, whatever you do, do not approach or enter that lake. There is a monster in those waters, a vicious one, out to kill all mankind with its razor teeth and insatiable appetite. We’ve lost so many already to this great beast and all we can to hope to appease the beast is to offer sacrifices we can’t afford to lose. Every day we are losing more and more livestock, yet the monster never seems to be happy. So I warn you, if you venture to close to its shores, the monster might very well have you as its next meal. Better to call it safe than sorry and avoid the lake altogether, just leave this cursed village while you can and live! Or else he’ll get you and gobble, gobble, gobble... tear the flesh from your bones and just gobble, gobble, gobble…”<br><br>Those were the parting words given to the rather adventurous young traveler who had just been passing through when he had heard of the rumors of something close to that of a loch ness monster. Something people claimed to have live in its local waters, seen yet never any proof to back up their claims about the “vicious beast”. There were skeptics, of course, those who believed that none of this was true and the people had just lost their mind some time ago. Then there were the villagers so sure of the beasts existence they went so far as to tell their children of the tale of the beast, and warn them the very same to never draw too near the water. So much so that most of these villagers long forgotten to swim, and even the poor soul who is selected to offer sacrifices to the lake is too afraid to come to close to the waters. However, this adventurer was in between the two, a need to appease his curious appetite brought him here, and brought him asking around to get as much of the folklore as possible. Yet, since there was never actual proof of the beast upon being asked, he had his doubts of whether or not such a beast could exist. All he knew was that it lived deep within the waters of the lake, only surfacing to take whatever poor soul, or sacrifice was brought to it and that it was always hungry. <br><br>With all the information he could gather out of the less senile folk in hand, the young adventurer had prepared for his expedition.&nbsp; He had his leather messenger bag strapped over his shoulder, a couple tools such as a drawing pad and some pencils ready to sketch the beast if he was lucky enough to catch a glance, and some food, of course were inside this bag. The man was well dressed man in his mid-twenties, a prime age for adventurers such as himself. He wore fitted, black dress pants with shoes to match almost too nice for traveling down dirt roads, and a white button up shirt and dark brown corduroy vest. Atop his auburn locks, his favorite pony style country cap that was, too, a dark shade of brown. Then of course he couldn’t go anywhere without those specs on his face. With everything on hand, the adventurer was left to head down the dirt road leading back to the lake. He didn’t even need the aid of directions because once he entered the village; it became all too clear where the lake was. With warning signs almost everywhere, he was practically guided to the lake, rather than deterred from it. <br><br>It didn’t take too long to reach the lake, about a couple of minutes and he could already see a break in the trees and the sight of water. The lake itself was huge, certainly big enough for a loch ness monster if there even was on in these waters. It seemed almost too peaceful with the quiet banks and beautiful shrubbery encircling the lake like a photo frame. It was picture perfect, something that, if the adventurer lived another day despite his warnings, might stick around longer to draw the natural beauty of the blue waters. How could a beast live in such peaceful waters? Ashton had no idea, but he was starting to become skeptical the closer and closer he got. Eventually he made it over to the docks where the villagers tossed the sacrifices from. Tied to the dock was a wooden rowboat that had been neglected, probably because of said monster. <br><br>The dock wasn’t going to be good enough for Ashton though. He wanted to get the full experience, to see if there really was something that would be so dangerous as to be able to kill a man. He did have a gun tucked away in his bag just to be safe, but he never really had the intention to kill it. Honestly, he wasn’t sure if he had it in him to kill anything that was from nature. Anyways, approaching the boat, Ashton would peer inside to see all the oars were still inside and since it was still afloat, he assumed it was safe enough to use even just for a little while. Climbing inside very carefully, he’d settle himself down and tried to untie the boat from the dock. Now he was starting to feel the nerves reach him as those blue eyes glanced back towards the water once before pushing himself away from the dock. The boat drifted to the side, awaiting Ashton to take the oars and position them so he could paddle himself out towards the center-most point of the lake. <br><br>Ashton wasn’t at all boat savvy so it took him a moment or two before he reached a spot he was comfortable with. Completely surrounded by waters, land a good distance away. Was this really safe? Did he make the right choice to come out on the waters rather than just stay safe on the dock? Ashton swallowed hard and peered over the edge of the boat into the water. There couldn’t really be a monster down there? Could there? Ashton leaned in closer, hoping to get some sort of view beneath the surface, but honestly it was hard to see anything at all no matter how close he seemed to lean in to see the wa--- <em>SPLASH!</em><br><br>Consequently, Ashton leaned too far, sending him toppling over the edge of the flimsy rowboat and into the water. He was comfortable being over the water, but in it? Now Ashton had to admit even if there wasn’t a monster, the idea of there being something in the water with him now in it frightened him a bit. He swam back up to the surface as best as he could trying to quickly figure out how to push the capsized rowboat over so he could climb back to safety, all while trying to keep his head over the water. He could swim, but not well enough to swim all the way back to the dock, especially with all the gear tied to him. <br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Loch Ness Monster [Khoraz x Dashou]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Suiko</strong> on <strong>14-11-2015, 22:51:54</strong>
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				Legends were funny things. The more outlandish they seemed, the more people told them; and the more people told them, the more outlandish they became. A never ending cycle of suspicion that would cling to generations if not questioned and that was precisely what had happened to the small town in the middle of the countryside. No one in the village was old enough to recall how the stories of the great creature that resided in the loch started, and no one ever thought to ask - why bother asking something so unimportant? <br><br>Perhaps there was something in the lake. It was true that whenever sacrifices of meat were deposited on the shore or in the water, only a pile of bones would be left in the next day.<br><br>Or perhaps it was only the fanciful legends of a time when people knew next to nothing about the world around them. Suspicion formed from nothing and never questioned.<br><br>Whatever the case and however it started, stories of the monster were more than enough to keep the locals away with great respect. The young so-called adventurer wasn't the first outsider to come looking for the beast, and he certainly wouldn't be the last. Many men had come before: some with guns and other weapons, others with paper and ink, and some came with nothing but a fool's hope. Ashton was definitely one of the latter.<br><br>The villagers gave their usual warning, and tutted when they were ignored. Usually nothing would be found, or else some vague vision from the depths would frighten off whoever dared to go into the lake... whatever happened, things tended to return to their usual quiet state once the visitors left.<br><br>On the day that Ashton set out, the sky was clear and bright. Dots of grey cloud hinted at a possible change to the weather, but at that moment the sun was shining to cast the lake in a pleasant light. Looking at the scene, it seemed silly to think that some man-eating monster lived in the depths. Nonetheless, Ashton ventured forth, only to disturb the peaceful calm with a loud <em>SPLASH!</em> that rippled through the water.<br><br>And nothing happened. Why would it? Had he <em>really</em> expected something to live in such a place? Had he believed the villagers' warnings?<br><br>The boat was capsized; useless and almost impossible to turn over alone. After a few moments of likely increasing panic and jostling of the boat, Ashton would feel something from beneath. A rush of bubbles as if something had been disturbed; they burst around him, and then again a few feet away, and then a third time beside the boat.<br><br>But fish could cause bubbles. There was nothing odd there... was there?
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				Title: <strong>Re: Loch Ness Monster [Khoraz x Dashou]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dashou</strong> on <strong>14-11-2015, 23:31:19</strong>
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				Upon hitting that freezing water, there was a moment of shock, and then quickly followed by terror when the realization hit him. Not only was he already in territory of some beast, but he was <em>inside</em> the very waters he was told to stay out of. He had never had any intention of going into the water, but now it was too late. He was in there, and now he had to struggle to figure out how to get back into the boat. He pushed himself back to the surface, looking at the capsized boat with dread and a momentary fit of panic. Now what? He tried giving it a shove, but that would only send Ashton dipping back into the cold water and did not help much. He couldn’t push it over, no matter how hard he tried to shove it. If he continued like this, Ashton knew he might just end up hurting himself, or worse, knocking himself out if the boat slipped from his hand and onto his head. Teeth chattering, Ashton held himself away from the boat and tried to think of a different angle to approach this. <br><br>Perhaps he could push the boat back to the dock? Glancing over to the dock, Ashton tried to contemplate how long it’d take him to swim back over there. Too long for his liking. Considering he had yet to see any signs of a monster, though, settled Ashton’s nerves only a little. What if it heard his splashing around? Surely the monster could’ve been very close, or even right beneath him! That thought caused Ashton to hold his breath and look around the lake once more. It seemed too peaceful now, which was strange seeing as how uncomfortable he was. He never quite enjoyed water, or rather, water he couldn’t see to a certain extent below. The waters were a scary place because the expanse of it was so great, yet people knew so little! So what did these villagers see that prompted them to believe that a <em>beast</em> lived in them? Ashton really didn’t want to find out by being its next meal… <br><br>As the scanned the waters which were beginning to calm again after his initial splashing around, Ashton didn’t think that he had anything to hopefully worry about. At least not until he spotted a couple bubbles break the surface. Ashton pulled himself closer to the boat, eyes growing wide. <em>Wait, wait, wait! It could just be a turtle or something! Right? They blew bubbles, right?</em> Ashton forgot about pushing the boat as he couldn’t tear his eyes away from the bubbles which hadn’t resurfaced until they were closer. <em>No no no no!</em> Ashton looked back to the boat and tried to push it back over with the same rate of success—none. He considered even risking his butt just trying to swim to the dock in the very second he had before the bubbles were right beside him and the boat. <br><br>A sharp yelp escaped from Ashton’s quivering lips and he immediately started to frantically dig his nails into the wood of the boat, trying to desperately pull himself up like a cat that had fallen into a tub full of water. Luckily, this attempt was a little more successful, but not to push the boat back over. Instead, he managed to pull himself up onto the underside of the capsized boat. Once he pulled himself out of the water and atop the boat, he’d look back down at the water again, this time not daring to lean for a closer look now that he knew something was indeed inside of it, but unable to do anything as he was stuck without oars to paddle him to the safety of land. “Aye, aye, aye, Maria, what have I gotten myself into?” He groaned, trembling as the cool air brushed against his soaking wet clothes. <br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Loch Ness Monster [Khoraz x Dashou]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Suiko</strong> on <strong>14-11-2015, 23:49:20</strong>
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				The young man's frantic splashing on the surface of the water only served to draw more attention to his plight. The boat wobbled against his futile efforts, and only drifted further from the shore as Ashton tried to climb on top of the slippery surface. All the while bubbles continued to come up towards the surface at different points around the man's position; whatever was causing them was certainly interested in the disturbance&nbsp; of the peaceful scene. <br><br>The water didn't make Ashton's climb any easier. His clothes would feel much heavier than usual, the wood of the boat was slick with damp and difficult to climb, and the focus needed not to fall off ensured that he failed to see the flicker of movement just beneath him. Eventually he made it only the boat, which might have been progress... but what good was progress when he couldn't move? One oar had vanished from sight entirely, and the other drifted uselessly far out of reach - tauting Ashton with its presence.<br><br>There was no more movement on the surface. This was confusing - surely the man couldn't simply vanish from the water since the boat was still there.<br><br>Confusion lead to curiosity, and curiosity lead to increased risk.<br><br>As Ashton looked around in search of some way out of his predicament, the water would ripple around the oar that was just out of reach. It shifted on the surface, as if something had nudged it - twice, three times - then it was still. <br><br>Another ripple of water, a flash of movement just beneath the oar before it was gone in the blink of an eye. There was nothing else but the quiet sound of water and distant birds in the sky. For several moments everything was normal again, until a sound came from under the capsized boat where Ashton was seated; a deliberate noise that couldn't be ignored.<br><br><em>Knock-knock-knock</em>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Loch Ness Monster [Khoraz x Dashou]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dashou</strong> on <strong>15-11-2015, 00:54:09</strong>
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				Well now Ashton was stranded on top of a capsized boat that just barely managed to keep him above the surface. He contemplated yelling for help in hopes that someone would come, but considering the villagers reaction to simply being asked about the lake, he doubted that anyone would come to save him. He was merely just a blind tourist that passed through, simply shrugging them off as someone who they wouldn’t miss anyways. Ashton let out a heavy sigh, looking around the water rather helplessly. There was only one oar he could see, and it was well out of his reach unless he wanted to risk his life swimming for it. With whatever it was that had caused those bubbles being near him, he wasn’t sure if he wanted to jump in and promptly be eaten---if the monster even did eat people. It certainly ate meat according to what the villagers said and he was positive that is what he was made out of. However, his taste? That was left to uncertain and he’d like to keep it that way. <br><br>Just then as he looked out at the oar, he noticed it moved ever so slightly. At first he just excused it as the movement he was creating from wiggling around on top of the boat in attempt to keep it still, but then it moved again and Ashton tried to squint, but the water had fogged up his glasses which luckily stayed on for the whole ordeal. Then poof! The oar was gone and Ashton let out a soft gasp. It had been wood so he’d expected it to stay afloat, so seeing it go from being visible to vanishing just like that made Ashton sure that there was something in the water, something that was indeed not a turtle because if it could drag down an oar and keep it under the water, it had to be pretty strong. “Definitely not a turtle or a fish. It has to be massive, whatever it is!” <br><br>But now what? Everything returned to its peace and quiet, and Ashton was still stranded there. Had whatever it was gone away? He doubted it. He wasn’t about to risk it. Perhaps he could start trying to paddle with his hands back to the dock? That was what Ashton decided on doing but he was interrupted by a distinctive knocking sound coming from…. Ashton looked down at the boat beneath him. It was <em>under</em> him? <em>Wait wait wait!</em> Ashton sat straight up, shaking his head in disbelief. That couldn’t be the case. It sounded like someone was <em>knocking</em> on the wood… something that as far as Ashton knew, only <em>humans</em> did. Now Ashton was angry, was this all some prank of the villagers to scare some tourists away? If so, Ashton wasn’t exactly enjoying this prank.<br><br>&nbsp;Deciding to take matters into his own hands, Ashton would carefully brace himself on the boat, trying to get a good grip on the wet wood as he’d lower himself down closer to the waters again. Who could be playing a prank on him? Who could be so cruel? Well, Ashton was about to find out, one way or another. So with a deep breath, Ashton plunged his head into the water. One second, two seconds, three seconds…. Ashton slowly peeled open his eyes, struggling to adjust to the new underwater scene since he could see too far, but at least he could see things up close, which is all he needed right now to try to catch a glance at whatever it could be knocking away on the boat, wholly expecting to see a human laughing his ass off under the boat. <br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Loch Ness Monster [Khoraz x Dashou]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Suiko</strong> on <strong>17-11-2015, 12:25:28</strong>
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				Ashton expected to see a person beneath the upturned boat, but the reality was something quite different. When he ducked beneath the water, a sudden burst of movement would send a small wave through the foam, bumping against him as something moved very quickly and suddenly away from the scene. Certainly no human could move so easily through water, and neither could they seemingly vanish in the blink of an eye.<br><br>The water was darker beneath the boat as it blocked out the sun, the air pocket giving Ashton room to catch his breath if he so desired. For several long moments there was silence. The water was still, save for the occasional ripple from passing fish and Ashton's kicking legs. Enough time passed for anyone to think that they had been hearing things - after all, who could have possibly knocked on the wood? The boat was in the middle of the lake! There was no way anyone could reach it without been seen.<br><br>But then there was another movement from deep below; a flicker of white that shimmered through the gloom and came into clearer focus as whatever it was came steadily closer. For several minutes it looked like it might have been a large fish or some passing seeweed; long streaks of white that glimmered against the darkness, but then came a voice. It was at a peculiar pitch that seemed to fluctuate with the rippling water; strong and somehow curious.<br><br>"You are the first person to enter the lake in many years... did the village not spin you stories of a monster?"<br><br>The voice seemed to originate from the vague silver shape below the surface, and it moved in a lazy circle around Aston's position as if studying him from a comfortable distance.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Loch Ness Monster [Khoraz x Dashou]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dashou</strong> on <strong>17-11-2015, 17:20:04</strong>
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				Upon sticking his head in the water, he would hear the sound of movement, and the gentle lull of water hit his face. He was just in time to see a flicker of something swim away at an incredible speed leaving no signs of life beneath the boat, no human trying to play pranks on him. Well that meant he was one less reasonable reason behind the knocking. What had caused it if not a human? Was Ashton just going crazy? Or did the villager’s stories of a monster really get to his head and caused him to see and hear things that really weren’t there? Ashton closed his eyes, taking a moment to catch a breath in the air pocket and attempt to calm down. Then once he calmed down, he looked back into the dark waters, confused and slightly terrified, of the unknown that rest within.<br><br>A faint glimmer caught his eyes. Ashton looked beneath him, directly at the darkness, brows furrowing. Then the glimmer came again and Ashton did his best to focus on what he was seeing, but with the water and his already piss poor vision behind those frames barely managing to stay on his face, he couldn’t quite make out what it was. It looked like some sort of large fish. Maybe it was a manatee? He heard of those swimming around some lonely waters before, but he never thought he might see one in person… and it wasn’t something that was particularly abnormal to Ashton…. Until it spoke. <br><br>A voice came to him with impossible clarity from beneath the surface of water. That had been the last thing Ashton expected to hear and he responded with a loud gasp which consequently ended up with him swallowing and choking on a full mouth of dirty lake water. Ashton ripped his head from the water, coughing up what had invaded his wind pipes. “What the hell?” He gasped between coughs, looking at the water with fearful eyes. There was no way a manatee could talk! What in the world was that? What in the world was going on? Instead of his question being answered, more questions just began to flood Ashton’s mind as he looked back at the water, intending to peek back beneath the surface, but instead his hand slipped, causing him to fall completely into the water again. <br><br>A monster? No, if it was a monster, wouldn’t it have eaten Ashton now? He had been dilly-dallying in the water long enough for it to have attacked, right? Ashton swam up into the air pocket created by the boat, grabbing hold of the seats to keep him held up above the surface, his feet lazily kicking beneath him. “W-what was that? W-who is that?” Ashton asked breathlessly, looking back at the surface. “Who are you? Are you the ‘monster’?” He asked the water, not quite expecting a response, but he couldn’t very well speak under the water without it sounding garbled unlike whatever had just spoken to him. <br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Loch Ness Monster [Khoraz x Dashou]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Suiko</strong> on <strong>17-11-2015, 20:28:48</strong>
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				The water mustn't taste very good. Ashton's reaction to the sudden voice rising up from the gloom was to be expected, but it was still a surprise to a 'monster' that hadn't had contact with a person in years. The exclamation of surprise reached a pair of ears, and a sound that might have been laughter bubbled up from the strange silver shape, though it ended abruptly as the young man suddenly fell back into the water again.<br><br>Movement brought the silver shape closer - concern - people couldn't swim very well, and neither could they breathe underwater. Ashton really ought to get himself out if he didn't want to become sick, but then curiosity killed cat.<br><br>Thankfully the man managed to right himself rather quickly, and held his upper body in the small alcove that had formed beneath the rowing boat. It wasn't ideal, but it was better than nothing. "'That' was my voice. 'Who' is me... and I suppose I am the monster, if it pleases you to think of me that way." The voice continued in that gentle and strong tone. It was difficult to hear the man's voice through the surface of the water, but it was manageable.<br><br>"You should leave the water, human. It isn't good for you." The silver shape shifted slightly closer, coming a little more into focus. It was too slender to be a manatee; too mobile to be anything natural. The long shape of a tail was just about visible, though most of the figure was obscured by long silver streaks in the water... could it be hair?<br><br>"Do you believe in monsters? It seems strange for you to venture into the loch if you share the village's superstition... perhaps you are a stranger?" Closer still the shape moved, almost gliding through the water as though it were air, and more detail became clear. Blue, fin-like appendages waved gently either side of the creature, the long tail swaying almost lazily to and fro to keep it in motion. There was no doubt that the long wisps of silver were indeed hair, but its main body was still obscured from view.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Loch Ness Monster [Khoraz x Dashou]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dashou</strong> on <strong>18-11-2015, 19:50:30</strong>
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				Damn, the water was <em>freezing</em>. Ashton was thankful it hadn’t been winter yet, but still the water had him chilled to the bone and as he held himself up under the boat, he trembled, teeth chattering. He looked back to the dark waters reluctantly after listing his questions off, and slowly dunked his head back under the cold water. He wasn’t sure if it had even heard him from above the surface or whether or not he would be able to hear the voice again from above the surface. Not long after submerging himself again, he found himself hearing the voice again, this time introducing himself, or at least he assumed it was a boy, as the monster of the lake. He certainly didn’t sound like what Ashton would assume a monster would sound like, then again all he could make was assumptions. He did feel almost guilty for calling whoever it was a monster because it seemed almost as if he didn’t like the term. Maybe it was the villagers all along that were the monsters, which would’ve been a twist to this crazy adventure.<br><br>Nervous blue eyes looked around some more, spotting the silvery glimmer beneath him. Perhaps his panic had gotten the better of him, but upon a second glance, it certainly was no manatee. Whatever it was had hair and a tail and was swimming lazily beneath him. Then it swam closer, posing questions of its own, and then it clicked. Seeing the fins, the tail, the hair… He could’ve guessed a mutation of some sort, but after hearing the voice and going through his list of mythological monsters that it could’ve been, there was one in particular that stood out in his head—mermaid. Except… this didn’t sound like a woman. Slowly, Ashton pulled himself back into the air pocket, catching his breath for a moment. Could it have really been a mermaid—mer<em>man</em>? He didn’t want to ask just yet, considering he had yet to be eaten the least he could’ve done for the accused ‘monster’ was answer his questions, right?<br><br>“I was passing through, I’m a traveler. I heard rumors about this town and talked with the villagers. Their stories of a monster of some sort are what led my curiosities here, and caused me to fall into the water,” he said, voice stuttering from the cold. He looked back down to the water, shifting his tired arms. “But I have yet to witness a monster as when I think of a monster I would’ve assumed they were dangerous. I’m still alive despite not being able to swim. So do I believe in monsters? Well, I’ve seen many, mostly that of men, but never of mythology. So it is hard to say, but…” he paused, licking those numbing lips with a quick flick of his tongue. “You are not a monster, are you? Otherwise you surely would’ve attacked me by now. If not a monster, than what are you? Who are you?” He asked in return, curious of the answer he may receive. Maybe he just lost his mind and here he was talking to fish. That was a possibility. He just hoped that he still held a strong grip on his sanity and that he indeed was talking to a someone and not a something. <br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Loch Ness Monster [Khoraz x Dashou]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Suiko</strong> on <strong>18-11-2015, 20:50:34</strong>
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				"A traveller... so a stranger, as I suspected." It wasn't the first time curiosity had brought humans to the loch, though none had come with the... eagerness of this young man. None had gone quite so far as to fling themselves into the water, intentional or otherwise. Others had come with weaponry: guns and nets and sharp spikes that sought to capture the monster for fame and glory. While it wasn't clear yet whether Ashton's intentions were good or not, thus far he had proven to be a source of interest for the solitary creature, which was more than most could claim.<br><br>It listened intently as Ashton spoke of his private beliefs and thoughts, noting the way that the young man's voice chattered and shivered with the cold. It wouldn't do for him to die; the corpse of a human on the bank of the loch would only encourage more dangerous gossip and fear. And besides, the monster wasn't a cruel thing. "I could be dangerous, had I the mind to be. They must have told you how they leave cattle floating on the surface - only to see bone left the next day... I could eat you. Does that not frighten you?"<br><br>Genuine curiosity was in the elegant words that filtered through the gloom, then a delicate chuckle rippled across the water. "Monsters of men... you have a way with words, youngling. To describe what I am would take far longer than you have time, so to you I make a proposition." The water flickered as a particularly firm swipe of the silver tail caused the figure to move closer, still partially obscured.<br><br>"You are growing cold; I hear the chatter in your voice and so you must exit the water... I will right your vessel for you, but in return you must not scream or do anything foolish when I reveal myself. Humans can be... unpredictable." It waited for a response, hopeful that Ashton would be willing to remain calm.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Loch Ness Monster [Khoraz x Dashou]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dashou</strong> on <strong>18-11-2015, 23:19:19</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Ashton had carried a weapon with him in case of an emergency, but this wasn’t the emergency he had in mind. Not that the gun would work now that it was waterlogged. All his food, his sketchbooks, all of that was now ruined by the water he so foolishly fell into from getting too curious. However, he hardly regretted it because he got what he came for, he found the supposed ‘monster’, and it was turning out to be a lot better than he could imagine. He was alive, and that was more than what the villagers had promised him. All the monster was really doing was talking to him, as if it was just an ordinary human being. Of course, what he said next was a little shocking to Ashton and he felt every inch of himself stiffen with a nervous chuckles. <br><br>“You c-could eat me, but I’d much rather you not. It frightens me a little to think of a whole carcass being stripped down to the bone, that takes some effort, so you must have quite the ap-p-p-petite,” Ashton admitted, a chill running down his spine at the thought of his corpse washing amongst the shoreline nothing but bones left. He would’ve gotten no sympathy from the villagers; instead they probably expected him dead already.&nbsp; “But you haven’t, which is why I doubt whether or not you truly are a monster. If so, you are convincingly kind,” he said with a nervous chuckle, reaching up to brush out his wet locks from his face. <br><br>The ‘monster’ spoke of propositions which caught Ashton off guard and he glanced down at the silvery cloud beneath. “A p-p-proposition?” He gasped, feeling himself beginning to feel a tad out of it. He listened to him intently, listening to the means of his proposition and what was in it for him. His safety just for him not to scream or attack the being? Well, he had been having such kind hospitality thus far. Could he trust him? Looking around the underside of the capsized boat a bit more, he knew there was no other way around it. He couldn’t push it himself, and he certainly couldn’t swim to shore. If the being was really being truthful than what could be the harm if what he said was the truth. <em>Am I really doing this?</em> Ashton sighed, reaching to get a good grip on his glassed, keeping them pushed at the bridge of his nose. <br><br>“S-sounds fair. Couldn’t be much of a fight anyways, I can hardly feel my legs anymore. I’ll accept, let me get out of your way,” Ashton took a deep breath and let himself sink back into the water so he wouldn’t be holding the boat down. He let himself sink, trying to remain as calm as he could in this situation, blue eyes watching the surface of the water for a moment as it grew farther. Then he glanced around to see if he could see this monster for himself. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Loch Ness Monster [Khoraz x Dashou]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Suiko</strong> on <strong>19-11-2015, 00:16:49</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				It was very brave to admit when one was frightened, and the monster appreciated such honesty when he expected only violence and silly superstition. Perhaps this human was unique among his kind; a rare example of thoughtfulness and kindness that would be and shame to lose. "You think me kind? I've not done anything yet." There was a teasing lilt to the creature's voice that was almost lyrical and playful. It was enjoying conversation that it hadn't had in years beyond couting; surprisingly fish weren't too good for company. "Still... your words are appreciated, if a little naive."<br><br>It hoped that Ashton would make a decision soon. Through the water's gloom it could easily see the thermal hues of his body slowly fading from their usual vibrant reds and oranges; it wouldn't be long before he became too cold, possibly falling unconscious and suffering some sickness. It didn't want that for the young man. It waited patiently until Ashton finally spoke, a somewhat relieved sigh drifting through the waves as it moved slightly closer. "I am glad to hear that."<br><br>Once Ashton had moved away from the underside of the boat, the silvery shape changed direction, swimming at a steady pace towards the surface. Higher and higher, until the full features of the supposed monster could come into view. He -for he certainly was male- was an unearthly sight of silver hair and scales. Long blue fins emerged from either side of his head, possibly in the place of ears,&nbsp; and his skin seemed to shimmer against the dim light from the surface. The smooth line of flesh met scales in a seamless transition; silver dotted with blues and greens to cast dancing shadows through the water.<br><br><div align="center">(https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/5f/bd/be/5fbdbee1bbd7390d430a87c3040d900a.jpg)</div><br>He paused to blink across at Ashton with shockingly blue eyes, two small slits either side of his neck -gills?- wavering gently as he looked at this stranger in the loch. A small smile briefly touched at pale lips before the powerful tail flexed and strong hands gripped one edge of the boat. He pulled, then pushed, using the momentum to force the boat to turn the right way up. It was a feat that must have taken a great deal of strength, and he breathed heavily once it was done.<br><br>"Come, out of the water with you." Without so much a pause, slender arms wrapped firmly around Ashton's hips and lifted him as high as was possible - helping him reach the boat and camper inside. Once it was done, the merman lingered at the surface, only his head bobbing above the waterline.<br><br>"You must take care to dry off. It would not do for you to become sick..."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Loch Ness Monster [Khoraz x Dashou]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dashou</strong> on <strong>21-11-2015, 00:50:34</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Honestly Ashton wasn’t sure what to expect when he agreed to the man’s terms. Part of him thought of it possibly being all one clever ruse to get him to let go of the boat, to get him to trust him just to fall into some bizarre trap. Yet the hopeful part of him took comfort in the way he spoke, the way he seemed to be just like any other human being and he hoped that even if he was a little naïve, his words were true and he was alright to trust the beast in letting go. Either way, he was within the hands of the monster by the time he let go, letting himself sink. The cold temperatures hitting him like a rock now as he slowly began to sink. Not to mention how the shivering made it so difficult to keep from breathing in a lungful of water. <br><br>It was an odd sensation to say in the least, to be completely submerged. It was even odder when he finally saw the silver streak move before him, pausing ever so shortly to glance back at him. Was that… a merman? Ashton felt a sense of relief to know that his thought had been right, but what he was left unsure of was the appetite of the creature. Had it really the ability to strip a corpse raw? He didn’t want to find out, but if he was in this water any longer he might as well become fish food. It seemed that the man knew this though, because not long after using it’s impressive tail to hoist the boat right side up, it came back to Ashton to carry him up to the surface. Upon closer inspection of this merman, this mythical being, and that one word was <em>breathtaking</em>. <br><br>Soon he found himself being pushed out of the frigid water and into the now equally into the freezing air. The moment he felt the cold air though he finally opened his lips with a loud intake of breath. Then a soft thud as he landed in the boat. He stayed there for a moment, in complete disbelief of all that was happening. Seriously, he couldn’t comprehend what was going on. Had he not gotten enough sleep? Either way, his brain was jumbled from all the adrenaline that was starting to rush through him. After a moment, he finally sat up in the boat, looking back to the creature that had essentially rescued him (rather than a potential foreseen outcome of becoming his dinner). <br><br>“I can’t g-get to the shore without the oars,” he said quietly, looking around for any sight of them while making a gesture as if he was paddling a boat with them to give him a clue of what he meant. “Did you take one of them earlier? I saw it on the surface and then in the blink of an eye it was gone,” he said, eyebrows furrowing in confusion. "Unless you can push me to the shore, then that is alright too... I just... It's so cold. How do you live in that water?" He asked, rubbing his arms in a pathetic attempt to get himself warm, teeth chattering loudly. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Loch Ness Monster [Khoraz x Dashou]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Suiko</strong> on <strong>22-11-2015, 17:24:40</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				There wasn't much else the merman could do as he lingered at the water's surface. His eyes were continuously shifting about the shoreline in case of any unwelcome visitors as he heard Ashton shuffling about on the boat. It was difficult for him to trust anyone, and he was still somewhat suspicious of his 'guest'. Long silver hair hung across pale features to partially obscure his face, the long strands drifting through the water like a glittering halo, casting an otherworldly image to the shivering young man when he eventually peered over the edge of the boat.<br><br>"... oars?" He repeated the word curiously, tilting his head to one side. A glitter of sharp teeth could be seen behind his lips; subtle proof that he was at least partially carnivorous. Not that he seemed in any rush to gobble Ashton up as he watched the strange action to mimic the rowing. He didn't understand until the man clarified further, comprehension dawning on his face as he finally nodded. "The long wooden pole... I thought it to be some kind of weapons. My apologies for taking it..."<br><br>He glanced down towards the water, then back towards the young man. "I could ask how do you live outside the water. I can only stand it for a few minutes before I struggle to breathe. I also don't get cold as you do..." He swam closer to the boat, peering at the vessel for some form of handhold with which to grip it. There was nothing really for him to hold onto, and he furrowed his brow in concern.<br><br>"I will try to push your boat to shore. It will likely be uncomfortable, but you must dry yourself soon - you are getting far too cold for your constitution." The merman ducked down under the water, and Ashton would see the glittering scales of his silver-green tail flicker above the surface for a moment, before they vanished. A pressure would be felt on the opposite side of the boat, before it began to make fairly quick progress towards the shore. <br><br>A look over the edge would see the merman pushing with some force, his eyes narrowed in concentration to ensure that he didn't accidentally tip it once again. Soon enough, the boat touched the shore and the merman released it, moving to lay his upper half against the grassy bank and watch Ashton leave. It would give the man a much clearer view of his slender frame, the long tail lazily swaying from side to side in the tide that washed back and forth.<br><br>A hand lifted to brush silver hair out of his eyes before he spoke. "Hurry back, now. Please do not speak of me to the villagers - their suspicion is enough to keep them away, and I would like it to remain that way..."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Loch Ness Monster [Khoraz x Dashou]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dashou</strong> on <strong>26-11-2015, 08:43:27</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Oh? So he thought they were weapons? Ashton felt a little bad to see just how paranoid and distrustful the merman really was around humans or things pertaining to humans. He had to wonder just how badly did these townspeople treat this breathtaking creature to make it so? He felt himself get a little bit angry at the thought and he quickly shook his head, giving the creature a reassuring smile. “It is alright then, I was just curious as to what happened to them,” he said, giving a slight nod. He looked around, wondering if the man would help him get to shore if he couldn’t get the oars back. He turned his attention back to the man, listening to what he had to tell him and could feel his face go red with embarrassment. Well he certainly felt stupid for asking his question now. Of course, this man was part fish so why wouldn’t he be able to withstand cold temperatures? It all made sense to him now that he thought of it. Though now Ashton was even more curious about the merman thanks to the question he threw right back at him. Did this guy not have lungs despite having half a human’s body? What did the inside of a merman even look like? He felt bad for thinking about how interesting it would be to slice one up to study it… but he wasn’t going to bring that up, especially not in front of possibly the only merman he’d ever see. <br><br>“Thank you,” he said, giving him a little bow of his head in gratefulness for his offer to push the boat. He prepared himself, holding on to the edges of the boat as best as he could while the merman swam under the waves, making his way around to get a hold of the boat and then… With a gasp, Ashton jerked back slightly as he felt the boat push forward. Closer and closer they made their way over to the shore and over to safety. It was safe to say that after this, Ashton probably wasn’t going to get back into the water any time soon… not until it was warmer weather. As soon as the boat hit the bank, Ashton climbed out, shaking even worse than before. It was hard to keep his legs from giving out from underneath him as he made his way up the bank and away from the water. He didn’t immediately leave though, he stopped to get another look at the merman who had rested himself on the bank and gave him yet another soft smile. Man, he was really a beautiful specimen—a rarity. <br><br>“Thank you so much, for helping me… I promise I will not speak a word of you to the townspeople,” he said, crossing his finger over his chest and then giving him a bow. “I h-hope you have a good day,” he said, excusing himself before he just collapsed there on the bank from hypothermia. The walk back home was quite long, but once he reached the outskirts of the town he was hardly questioned for his soaking wet attire. It was nice because it made his getaway to a warm little inn all that much easier and he felt only relief as he peeled away his cold, wet clothes and hung them up to dry as he took a long while to soak in a tub of hot water. Of course he spent the rest of the day thinking about the creature, he had met in the lake, still a little bit in shock and disbelief that he had actually seen the creature. Maybe he had been delusional due to the cold? It was a possibility… but there was only one way to find out for sure, wasn’t there?<br><br>The next day, when it was just a little bit warmer than the previous day, Ashton had properly prepared himself for his expenditure. Instead of bringing along his useless bag and knick-knacks that had unfortunately got enough water-damage to be useless, he just brought the clothes on his back. Of course he made a special pit-stop by the local butchers to try to bring something short of a peace offering to the creature rather than show up empty handed. What did it like? That was the problem; he wasn’t exactly rich enough to afford a whole cow. Deciding to scrap that idea, Ashton left and started for the lake only to stop by a bakery to pick up something for himself—a couple of raspberry tarts which he carried along with him to the lake. <br><br>It looks just as peaceful as it had yesterday before his interruption. The blue waters, the clear skies… All the things that Ashton enjoyed without the annoyance of the cold wind. Was the creature still going to be there? Ashton didn’t know. He wasn’t sure how to get his attention if it was but he figured the closer he was to the water, the more of a chance he would of seeing him. So he walked back over to the deck and went straight for the farthest end. Then he carefully sat himself down on the edge and looked at his reflection in the water for a moment. Was he going to find him? If he was it would make him feel a little less crazy for spending all night thinking of old timey fantasies. He gently dragged the tip of his shoe across the surface of the water, creating a wave of ripples in hopes to stir up something. “Hello? Are you there?” He’d asked the lake, quietly lifting one of the tarts to his mouth in the meantime to steal a bite. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Loch Ness Monster [Khoraz x Dashou]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Suiko</strong> on <strong>26-11-2015, 09:22:37</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				It was with a slightly heavy heart that the merman watched Ashton leave. Of course the young man couldn't linger in the water for long, but he found himself enjoying the brief company more than was wise; it was refreshing to meet another being who didn't want to either kill him or capture him. He was a good deal lore intelligent than the fish that lived in the lake, which left him bored and restless for much of the time. Perhaps Ashton would return in the future? He certainly seemed curious enough...<br><br>The merman waited until Ashton's figure vanished through the undergrowth before he retreated back into the dark waters. He aimlessly drifted through the waves for a few moments, before diving deeper in order to retrieve the oars that he'd taken preciously; he could leave them on the shore for Ashton to pick up. It was the right thing to do, and it wouldn't do to foster distrust between the only person to talk to him in years. <br><br>... He did hope that the human would come back...<br><br>The next day was warmer than the one before. Sunlight bathed the loch in a glittering shine, and the merman took to swimming closer to the surface in order to bask in the warmth. His eyes closed, long tail effortlessly cutting through the water as he drifted through the water. It was blissful and quiet, with only the sound of fish swimming and birds chirping to break the stillness of the scene - until the toe of a shoe broke the water's surface.<br><br>The disturbance made the merman's fin-ears twitch, and he poked the very top of his head out of the water to peer towards the shore. It was a figure he recognised, and a small smile came to his features as he swam closer to the curious young man, emerging just beside the dipping toe. "Good morning, youngling." He tipped his head lightly, glancing towards the shore where he'd placed the oars.<br><br>"Did you see the 'oars'? I left them for you..." 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Loch Ness Monster [Khoraz x Dashou]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dashou</strong> on <strong>26-11-2015, 17:54:46</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				It wasn’t long after Ashton’s foot dipped in the water did he see that familiar face pop out of the water. He looked a bit different when he wasn’t in full panic or numb from the cold. Either way, he was happy to see that he hadn’t gone crazy, hadn’t created the creature up in his hopefulness. So he greeted him with a kind smile and a small wave as he made his way over to the dock. He looked down at the creature, giving him a nod of acknowledgement at his greeting before he redirected his attention back to the shore, back to where he had docked the boat yesterday. Indeed there were the oars, resting right beside the boat. He couldn’t help but chuckle at the thought that the creature set aside his fear of them being weapons to return them to Ashton (even though they weren’t his, but it made him feel better that he didn’t cause some poor soul’s oars to go missing). “So you did,” he exclaimed, grinning from ear to ear. “Thank you, and good morning to yourself, kind soul,” he returned his greeting with a small bow of his head. <br><br>He’d take another bite of the raspberry tart, admiring the creature in the water before… “Oh!” Ashton looked down at the other tart he’d left sitting against a napkin in his lap. “I know you eat meat, but I wasn’t sure what kind… Would’ve brought some but because I didn’t know… have you eaten anything else? Like experience other human food such as fruit or bread or soups?” He’d asked, sure that the creature probably never even heard of them. Even still, he’d take the extra tart from his lap and hold it out for the creature to take if he’d like to try. “This is one of my favorite things to it. It is made of bread and something called a custard… it is hard to describe what it is made out of, but it tastes as sweet as the raspberries on top. It’s really good… perhaps you’d like to try?” He’d asked, cocking his head to the side, curious if he would enjoy it or not. “Be careful it is a bit of a mess to eat, haha. I’m sure the fishes wouldn’t mind eating the crumbs!”<br><br>He didn't know why but he was incredibly curious to learn more about this creature... but would he allow for him to ask questions? To what extent did he trust humans? In fact, what had these townspeople did to believe this creature to be a monster...or what did <em>he</em> do to convince them? All these questions were piling up in his head and he didn't even realize until now that he had forgotten to ask the most important question of all! With a gasp of surprise and a mental slap to his forehead he'd give the creature a bashful grin. "How rude of me! I forgot to ask yesterday.... but what is your name? Do you have one? My name is Ashton, but some people just call me Ash for short." 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Loch Ness Monster [Khoraz x Dashou]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Suiko</strong> on <strong>29-11-2015, 19:47:24</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Perhaps he was too eager to trust. An unconscious desire for company had taken root in the merman's chest as he had lived for so long in isolation; his kind were usually sociable, but a cruel twist of fate many years ago had him separated from he wider lakes that his people called home. It was difficult to live alone and surrounded by superstitious people who wouldn't dare venture near. Maybe that was why he had returned the oars so soon - he wanted to believe that Ashton was different.<br><br>"You are welcome, of course." His gaze had fallen to the curious thing that the human was eating. It smelled like nothing the merman had tried before, and while it had the same red colour as meat the consistency was nothing of the sort; and what was the brown casing? He blinked and quickly averted his eyes, embarrassment drawing a faint flush to his cheeks as he cleared his throat. The gills flexed slightly with the movement, and he tilted his head to one side in obvious curiosity. "I... have never heard of such things. All I have eaten is meat and fish - sometimes seaweed..."<br><br>He hesitated as the tart was offered, looking between it and Ashton's face as he debated taking it. "... Thank you..." EVentually he swam a little closer - close enough to reach up with a pale blue arm to gently accept the gift. His fingers brushed over Ashton's, feeling cool but not unpleasantly so, and incredibly smooth. He bobbed on the surface and sniffed at the tart for a moment, before parting his lips and taking a small bite with sharp teeth.&nbsp; "It... is very good!" He exclaimed, a pleasured smile coming to his features as he continued to nibble at the sweet treat until it was gone. Crumbs had indeed dropped into the water, but he paid them no mind.<br><br>"Thank you very much, youngling. I have never experienced anything like it. Delicious." The merman paused, seemingly just as surprised as Ashton that he had entirely neglected to introduce himself. A small chuckle passed between his lips and he shook his head, long white hair clinging to his features. "Ah... I neglected proper introductions as well. Ash... my name is Darthan."<br><br>He bowed his head. "It is good to meet you properly, Ash."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Loch Ness Monster [Khoraz x Dashou]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dashou</strong> on <strong>02-12-2015, 22:09:46</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				It seemed this creature was a righteous carnivore… but at least he seemed willing to try something new. He couldn’t fathom living a life of just meat. He loved pastries and fruit so much he couldn’t think what it must’ve been like to be stuck in the waters. Not to mention treated so poorly. Treated like a monster when this man seemed anything but. Sure, there were a few differences to name between their species but he seemed to act in the same manner as anyone else would’ve had they been neglected. He was more human than he appeared. Cautious, talkative, polite, not to mention curious. As he took the tart from his hands, Ashton smirked, wondering how the creature would take to something that was indeed different from the meat he had grown up on. It wasn’t probably as satisfying as a whole cow might’ve been, but at least he was going to give it a shot. <br><br>Taking another bite of his own tart, he’d watch as the creature took the tart to his nose before taking a bite. My, what teeth that creature had! Definitely a carnivore. He felt a little worried about how he’d like it, but when he saw the surprised look that crossed the man’s face, Ashton couldn’t help but almost choke on his tart from laughter. “I’m glad!” Ashton responded, cheeks flushing at just how damn cute that reaction had been. Like a child trying candy for the first time. Maybe he converted him to an omnivore with that tart, or he seriously hoped so. He was definitely already thinking of bringing different things for him to taste if he took the tart that well. Along with him, Ashton finished his tart, and then licked his fingers clean before turning his attention back to the stranger to introduce himself. <br><br>“I’ll try to bring some more things for sure. That probably wasn’t as much food as you are used to getting, but there are so many wonderful things for you to try,” Ashton mused, grinning from ear to ear. Then came his name. <em>Darthan. </em>So this creature had a name. Just a another reason this man seemed more of a human than a monster. Why else would it have a name? Ashton was feeling a lot less anxious around Darthan with that in mind, giving him a bow of his head in response. “The same to you, Darthan.”<br><br>He looked at the water for a moment, watching some tinier fish swim up to suck up the crumbs left behind from the tart and then around at the lake, questions just flooding into his head. “I’m sorry if it is a bit rude of me to ask, but I can’t help but be curious as I never met someone like you, Darthan. How did you come to be known as a monster to these townspeople? Is it just because you eat meat? I can’t see that as a good enough reason when you have been anything but a monster towards me. You’ve been exceedingly kind and even saved me when you didn’t need to. I’ve been told other stories, you might’ve guessed. Some a little cruel, but when I look at you, I find that hard to believe. You’re fascinating, Darthan,” Ashton complimented, leaning over the dock to continue to silently admire this merman. <br><br>“If you’d like, we can consider it an exchange. If there is anything you want to know about me, feel free and I’ll do my best to answer,” he offered with a nod, folding his hands into his lap. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Loch Ness Monster [Khoraz x Dashou]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Suiko</strong> on <strong>02-12-2015, 22:52:47</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Truly, humans were interesting creatures to have created such a delicious thing. Darthan had never thought about food outside of his supply of meat and seaweed, but his taste buds almost cried out in joy at the fruity taste. The prospect of more to come made the merman visibly perk up slightly, a small smile coming to his features as his tail gave an excitable flick against the water. "I, ah... I hope my reaction wasn't inappropriate. I simply have never tasted anything quite like it; sweet and crumbling." He liked his lips to taste what else he could on his pale skin.<br><br>"Please, you do not need to worry about feeding me - I assure you I am quite capable." He chuckled, then paused and tilted his head. "Though... if you were to happen on more of these 'tarts'..." Darthan trailed off, an expression somewhere between eagerness and embarrassment upon his elegant face. He wasn't used to asking for things simple because he liked them... hopefully he wasn't behaving too childishly.<br><br>"Hmm?" He frowned slightly at the question as to his monstrous origins. It was a fair one, and Darthan looked off to one side with a small grimace. "I do not mind your asking; it is natural for you to be curious... but it is a sad tale..." He flicked his tail, swimming closer until he was leant against one of the pillars keeping the dock held high.<br><br>"It was... many years ago, now... I was hunting in the depths of this loch, when I felt a disturbance on the surface. I investigated and... a human youngling - like you, but much smaller - had fallen in. I hesitated in helping, and waited until the humans on the shore had fled; I assume to fetch help..." He paused, shaking his head. "The youngling had struck his head on a rock as he fell. I could feel no pulse, but I pulled him to shore. The humans returned - saw me with him and assumed the worst... and ever since then, they have told stories about me."<br><br>Darthan remained silent for a long time after, a cloud falling over before he cleared his throat and swiftly moved on. <br><br>"... Well, regardless, now it is my turn for a question..." He paused, then peered up closely towards Ashton as he spoke again. "Why did you come to the water? You knew the fearful stories of a monster in the loch - and yet you braved it alone... I am curious about you, Ashton."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Loch Ness Monster [Khoraz x Dashou]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dashou</strong> on <strong>15-12-2015, 22:21:59</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Ashton couldn’t help at the innocence that radiated from Darthan, almost like a child when he apologized for his reaction upon eating the tart. It had been unspeakably adorable, in a way, and it made Ashton almost wish he had brought more to give him. He couldn’t help but he curious what other foods he may or may not like… “It wasn’t inappropriate. You just liked it a lot, I’m glad! They are my favorite,” Ashton said with a nod, grinning from ear to ear. He was taking up to liking this creature pretty quickly at this rate. He was so human, yet so far from human at the same time. It was hard to put him in any sort of category. Not that he needed to be in one because he was probably the only of his kind on the Earth, or was he? That would be an interesting thing to know. It already had him wondering what other mythological creatures were in existence, right under their noses.&nbsp; He wouldn’t disclose Darthan’s location, however, because he knew the cruelity of humans often led to the death of such strange and exquisite beauties. <br><br>After he had asked his question, it looked like it struck something within Darthan and Ashton did feel a little guilty. He didn’t need to answer if he didn’t like, he would’ve understood why it would be a sensitive topic to talk about. He was just curious about his beginnings in this little town. There was a little relief when he told him not to worry, that it was just a sad tale. “Oh?” Ashton’s voice peaked with curiosity, cocking his head to the side. He kept his lips sealed as he listened to the man’s story, the sad tale of an unfortunate death of a child that lead to people believing that it had been Darthan that killed the poor thing. He frowned at the idea of him being falsely accused… supposed it was only human for humans to come up with the most bizarre reasons to help them explain the inexplicable events such that of death—especially of a child with so many years ahead of them. Those blue eyes examined Darthan’s face as he told his tale, feeling very bad for the creature. How bad he must’ve felt having that burden on his shoulder. If only the humans knew the truth… but it had been probably too late to fix that now. How different would his life have been if it never happened? Or if he left the kid to drown and sink to the bottom of the lake?<br><br>“I’m very sorry to hear about that. That is a very sad tale indeed. Death is always hard on people, especially so young,” he apologized, bowing his head down in a moment of respect. He didn’t push the subject further as it seemed to cause some discomfort and just let Darthan speak when he was ready to. When he mentioned it was his turn to ask a question, Ashton smiled, giving him a nod in agreement. “That it is, indeed.” He chuckled, waiting to hear what kind of question the creature had for him. Why did he come to the loch? That was a very good question. Ashton had to think about just <em>why</em> he had gone. “Hmm,” Ashton leaned back against the dock, letting himself lay on it so he could watch the clouds roll on by in the sky. “I guess it was all just sheer curiosity. That’s the reason why I go anywhere. I’m a traveler, so I don’t usually stay in one town too long. I go from one to the other, learning about the locals, learning about the culture, and so forth. Simply because I haven’t been there and I want to be able to visit as many places as I can before I die. This town hadn’t been all that interesting until I had heard of rumors about your tale.”<br><br>Ashton looked over to Darthan with a smile. “I was curious to know if they were true. I guess they partly were but you are definitely not the ‘dreaded beast from below’ as I expected,” he laughed, brushing some of his amber hair from his face and returning his gaze to the clouds. “I’m not really afraid of anything, but I hadn’t intended on falling into the water, of course. That had scared me a little because that feeling of being unsure is so unsettling. I’m a lot more relieved to know that this ‘beast’ is something rather kindhearted that saved my life. Plus, who doesn’t like to think that there might be something that no one has ever seen before lurking in some little local loch? Humans are just curious little things, if not a bit naïve.”<br><br>Turning his gaze back to Darthan, he’d roll onto his side, propping his head into his hand. “I hope that was a good enough explanation. I guess it’s my turn then if it was,” he said, trying to think of a question, “Are there more of you? If not in this water, than in others? Do you know?” He asked, figuring the question that had been itching at him earlier was good enough. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Loch Ness Monster [Khoraz x Dashou]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Suiko</strong> on <strong>20-12-2015, 21:15:10</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Ashton's easy dismissal of any awkwardness seemed to do the trick; Darthan breathed out a soft sigh of relief that his reaction hadn't been taken poorly and touched a finger to his lips, wishing that there were a few more morsels of the delicious treat. Still, he wouldn't ask for more. His nature was usually quiet and reserved, brought on by years of solitude and hiding away; strange that this young human could draw out such peculiar emotions in the merman. Maybe he'd been lonely for too long. The company was certainly welcome.<br><br>It hadn't been his intention to sour Ashton's mood by telling his tale, but it was a rather forlorn one to share. Darthan tried to remain positive once his story had concluded, feeling rather like a host to the curious young man at the pier; it wouldn't do to upset his guest. "Please, you have nothing to apologize for..." The merman shook his head, lifting a hand to gently silence any further efforts on Ashton's part. "It was... an expected reaction, and as you say, the loss of a youngling is difficult on any species..." He trailed off, inwardly thankful that the human didn't linger for long on the difficult subject. Truth be told, he was rather curious himself about the young man. No one had ever shown such courage to talk to him, and the prospect of some real conversation was to be relished.<br><br>He waited patiently once his own question had been posed, watching with his head slightly tilted to one side as Ashton leaned back to lay on the wooden pier. He already seemed comfortable with him, which was good. He didn't want the man to think that he would end up a snack, but that didn't seem to be on Ashton's mind as the answer was pondered. "Ahh, humans and their curiosity..." Darthan chuckled softly with a small smile, nodding his head. "I understand. Perhaps it would have been more interesting for you if I was some terrible abomination after all?" He lifted a slender eyebrow, his long tail casually lifting out of the water to bask in the warm sunlight.<br><br>"If it is any consolation, I was rather shocked by the sudden splash you made. I wasn't sure what to do... thankfully I made the right decision." He bowed his head lightly. "But yes, I am satisfied. Please ask your question."<br><br>It was a somewhat obvious one that Ashton made, and Darthan smiled faintly, looking off to one side with a somewhat faraway expression. "I... unfortunately cannot answer that question, because I do not know. When I was born I was alone, but one must assume that I came from somewhere. I have never met another of my kind, however." Perhaps it was sad to think about, but the merman tried not to let his mind linger on such lonely thoughts. If anything, there was no way for him to get out of the loch, so such fancies of others like him seemed pointless and painful.<br><br>"I am sorry to give a disappointing answer. Would you like to ask something else? Hopefully I can satisfy that curiosity of yours..."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Loch Ness Monster [Khoraz x Dashou]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dashou</strong> on <strong>04-01-2016, 22:17:08</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				There were just so many questions that Ashton had for Darthan, but not all of them probably were going to have answers. Not to mention, he’d just met him and he was already talking the poor creature’s ears off. Perhaps that was Ashton’s downfall to being a traveler, he was too nosey and that often got him in to trouble. Just look where it had gotten him yesterday! Though now he wouldn’t say he had been in any trouble at all… or had he been? Would have one slip up in his words been the death of him yesterday? Ashton hadn’t really thought about it but Darthan looked like he could’ve been a powerful being. Being as humans were rather slow in the waters, Darthan could move with such speed and grace it made humans easy targets. Ashton looked around the lake again, curious to know where exactly Darthan settled for the night, or if he just kept swimming day and night. It was also kind of sad, to live a life like Darthan’s—to never know the amazing things that were on land, that not everything on land was as bad as a lot of humans were. Did this lake lead out to somewhere else? Was there a river? If so, it might’ve meant that there was more possibility of Darthan having more space to explore because otherwise Ashton could see living ones entire life in a lake rather dull. <br><br>But hearing Darthan’s answer just caused him wonder once more. There would’ve been no way to not ever meet someone like him if there was no way out of the lake… unless some of them got out of the water than that would’ve been an interesting concept. It must have been sad though, and rather lonesome to not have anyone to talk to which made him curious…. <em>how did he know their language?</em> Looking back to Darthan, he’d frown just a little. “That isn’t a disappointing answer. You can’t help how you were raised… but that does make me have a couple of other questions which I hope I’m not bugging you with all of them,” Ashton said with a chuckle, trying to lighten up the dampening mood a bit. “So if you haven’t met any other people of your kind, it makes you pretty special eh? But that also means you must be rather lonesome…. Is there no way out of this loch? A river perhaps? I’m just curious as to why you stick around, and how you know our language,” Ashton asked, pushing himself back up to a sit. “Cause you are very fluent for someone who spends all their time in the water, but seeing as you have been talking to me, that means you can breathe both like a fish and a human right? Or do you have to come up for air?” <br><br>“There are so many questions I want to know, but…. I probably shouldn’t pester you so much as we have just met. I should just take enjoyment with your company, which I already am. You may not really think so, but just in the little bit of knowing you, I can say you are rather stellar. Truly one-of-a-kind,” he grinned, blue eyes looking over the silvery scales. “You probably know much more about the waters than any human could ever learn and that is just fascinating. I’m really glad to have met you, Darthan.”<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Loch Ness Monster [Khoraz x Dashou]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Suiko</strong> on <strong>11-01-2016, 01:09:36</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Honestly Darthan could have sat for days to listen to the humans curious questions. Time ram differently when you lived for hundreds of years, and the merman had no desire for their relationship to come to an end - hopefully he was interesting enough that Ashton would stay for a long time. While he waited for the young man to speak again, he glanced back to the water again nd flicked his tail to splash the cooling spray over his body, the thin gills along his neck flexing slightly at the contact. A small sigh of pleasure passed between his lips, and then his focus returned to his curious little companion.<br><br>"Please do not apologise..." He lifted a hand, smiling softly and shaking his head in a calming gesture. "If your company was irritating then I would not indulge it. As it happens I enjoy talking with you - if anything I can't help but worry my answer will fall short of your fantasies." He chuckled. "Humans have remarkable imaginations, and from the glimmer in your eyes you are no exception." For just a moment Darthan lifted his brilliant gaze to Ashton's. The intense stare lasted only a second, but the clarity of the merman's gaze would be shocking nonetheless. Almost intimate.<br><br>"I will answer as best I can. There is a way out of this loch - a small tunnel makes its way from the opposite side and to the ocean... but I confess to being a coward. My experience with humans, save yourself, has not been pleasant. I have no desire to find myself in one of your nets or hooks." He grimaced slightly, but didn't dwell on the negatives. "Perhaps one day I will meet others of my kind, but that remains to be seen... I can speak your tongue simply because of exposure. I have quite a long life compared to humans, and so I've had a long time to observe and listen. Though today is the first time I heard the word 'tart'. I shall certainly remember it." He smiled gently, then continued.<br><br>"As for my breathing, I have gills which allow me to exist underwater. I can stay on the surface for a time, but I must remain wet... and after fifteen minutes or so I need to take in more water."<br><br>Darthan blinked then, surprised by the sudden compliment. He cleared his throat quietly and shook his head. "But to me you are fascinating. You can walk on land, climb trees and do not require water to breathe... and you show and open-mindedness that I hadn't exprcted in humans. So... I am glad to have met you too, Ashton." He inclined his head, reaching up to offer the young man a gentle pat on the head. He'd seen people use that as a show of affection, and it seemed appropriate. 
			</dd>
		</dl>
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