Tree Jumping [open]

[Aria Stone]

Movement rustled through the forest, but not a single body could be found. And yet it could be heard if you listened carefully, the breaking of a twig or the falling of a leaf. All signs were there, but whatever it was remained unseen. Only if you were to look high up into the branches could you spot a figure, it leapt from one tree to the next but didn’t slow down. Aria could go unheard if she willed herself to be quiet, but that was not the point of this game. She was running, and chasing something far down beneath the trees. On land a creature darted this way and that at lightning speed.

It almost appeared as though the creature was almost floating, with its paws barely touching the ground before lifting off again. With one quick step it bounded up the tree only to land a branch ahead of her. The challenge was on, and Aria pushed herself to move even faster than before. There they were caught up in a race, Aria knew that Delmare could win. But she had a strategy already made out. You know I’m faster than you? A young almost boyish sound filled her very thoughts, bur Aria knew better. “I guess we’ll just have to see about that then wont we?” She pushed herself from the branch and leapt out at the wolf, with arms spread wide she landed squarely on his back.

Delmare ‘s speed decreased with the extra weight now added, but he managed to run on. I see you’ve thought it through this time. And jumping from final branch, the two of them sailed down towards the ground where Aria rolled off his back. The two of them were laughing now, caught up in the moment of the race. “Maybe next time I’ll let you win.” But Delmare only stuck his tongue at her, his antlers bending down with the frame of his head. Maybe I will. Then a crack sounded in the distance and Aria sat up looking around. “Did you hear that?” She asked her beast while looking far off into the distance. His eyes focused on her own. I did, it didn’t sound like it was far off, I’m going to investigate. And before she could even protest he was gone.

That wolf never did listen to her, well usually he did. It wasn’t as though she could blame him though, her curiosity was tugging at her wanting to go seek out the noise as well. For all they knew it could’ve been a rabbit or something. “Delmare where are you?” She tried to whisper, but it hardly worked. Aria began to walk around the forest, and another crack sounded in the distance. She looked around but the sound was growing closer, bouncing from every direction. Aria’s heart began to race as she spun around with her hands twitching, any moment she could pull out her bow. Then the sound stopped, and from underneath the brush Delmare sprang out.

Got you! Aria frowned, “Delmare you scared me half to death! Did you find anything?” But Delmare only shook his head. And then she heard a rustling sound yet again. She eyes Delmare suspiciously. Hey it wasn’t me… And if it wasn’t Delmare, then it could meant they weren’t alone. They stood back to back, waiting and Delmare began to bare his fangs. “Be ready.” Carefully she pulled out her bow and an arrow to fire. Pulling back the string she carefully aimed it at the spot where she’d heard the sound.

[Darion Wrathran (Killian Grey)]

“Did you hear that?” Ignis growled tilting his head towards the sky which was concealed behind the thick canopy produced by the trees. The saber-tooth tiger grew rigid as though expecting an enemy to suddenly leap from the brush with a dagger in hand. A loud crack echoed throughout the forest yet again, this time catching Darion’s attention.

“Could it be another beast?” he suggested darkly, hand flying towards the hilt of his sword. The noise reverberated once more all through the woodland, an aggravated sigh burst through Darion’s lips as his eyes narrowed in anticipation.

“No, I believe the clamor to be caused from something much more sinister,” Ignis responded in a low whisper, golden eyes glimmering with uncertainty. With a stiff wave of his hand Darion ushered Ignis over, his eyes never leaving the treetops as a feeling of unease suddenly crashed over his entire being. Birds twittered melodiously and hopped from branch to branch in an attempt to stretch their wings.

“Let us continue on amongst the trees. We should take separate paths and scout out the area, if we think we’ve come upon whatever has caused the noise….” Darion merely arched an eyebrow, his expression solemn. “Do not take the creature on alone, do you understand Ignis?”

Stretching his legs Ignis snarled lightly, “I’m not the one who should be worrying about their temper…Darion you need to keep a level-head.” The cat’s voice was strict yet concern still managed to drip from his words. For a moment silence hung in the air settling between the two like a thick fog.

Shame filled Darion’s eyes for a briefly before he shook his head to clear himself of the emotion. He knew Ignis was referring to Killian but that was a side of himself that Darion did not like to discuss. Ignis nudged his hand with his nose before emitting a fierce growl and gracefully bounding off into the woodland, his muscles rippling across his body. Darion turned in the opposite direction keeping a brisk pace as he stepped over roots and fallen branches.

For a couple more minutes Darion quietly sauntered along the rough terrain, body tense expecting the worse, and his hand never left the hilt of his sword. A faint rustling caught his attention. Cursing silently under his breath he moved through the dense vegetation, black eyes narrowed viciously as a scowl formed across his mouth. Moving back a branch he quickly spotted a woman aiming her arrow straight at his chest; Darion’s dark purple hair fell in front of his face in a thick curtain as his mouth opened in slightly shock. The muscles in his neck and upper chest strained as panic coursed through his veins, Darion could feel Killian clawing at his insides begging to be let out.

[Aria Stone]

There was someone right before, though she couldn’t see them Aria could still sense their presence. Now was not the time for play, and Aria wasn’t about to lower her bow in case the intruder decided to attack her. “I know you’re there so you may as well come out. The only question is, are you a friend…or enemy?” It was hard to tell anymore, her own people were mingling with those of her sister’s lands. Anyone could be innocent or a traitor. If it was an enemy, Aria was more than prepared to fight seeing as how the only threat was her sister. Aria knew somewhere in the back of her mind that Andarial would not be out here wandering around the forest.

The bushes that hid the mystery really started to bother Aria, if only she could see who or what was behind them. “I can send my beast in after you if I must.” Her voice was not angry or loud, but soft and commanding. Then again, she didn’t want to stand out here all day for nothing. Delmare looked up at her with a dumbfounded expression on his face. Did you just say beast? So I’m a beast now? Whatever happened to friend or companion, or most beloved wolf? No all I get is Beast. Oh yes sure send the beast in after them, he’ll claw you to death. “Delmare just be quiet you know I didn’t mean it like that.” Oh so now I’m taking orders? No please Delmare could you be quiet because you’re the greatest.

Aria was growing heavily annoyed with Delmare, she knew that the wolf was only poking fun at her. But now wasn’t the time to act so childish, after all there could be someone wanting to kill them. “Would you cut that that out already?” Delmare looked at her and turned silent once more. Highly impressed she turned her attention back to the hidden stranger. “Alright well I’m waiting right here, but I won’t shoot unless you give me reason to.” She almost had half a mind to go and jump into the bushes herself if they wouldn’t come out.

[Darion Wrathran (Killian Grey)]

Darion’s eyes settled wearily on her arrow, his lips pursed into a thin line. He ground his teeth together in a desperate attempt to rid himself of the urge to allow Killian control. Biting his lower lip in frustration, his lips barely moving Darion whispered, “I do not know how to correctly answer you…how can I tell you if I am a friend or foe when I know not your name?” His voice was low and firm though uncertainty wavered in the back of his mind as he debated whether or not to summon Ignis.

The woman before him had beautifully white hair…similar to his Queen’s and her ears were…pointed. The observation shocked Darion and he blinked rapidly in disbelief as thoughts consumed his brain. He knew his Queen had a twin sister but Darion was located in the Myth forest which was in neutral lands; why would the Light Queen be there? His breathing began to steady at the thought yet something in his gut told him to stay sharp and on his toes for there was more to this mysterious woman than what he could see.

Doing his best to stay calm, despite Killian’s angry protests within his core, Darion continued to speak in an attempt to erase all the woman’s suspicions. He bowed towards her, the gesture polite but the movement slow as he did not want to upset her. “Forgive my lack of chivalry Madame, my name is Darion Wrathran.” Taking a careful step forwards toward her he held out a large hand as a friendly motion to show that at least at the moment he intended no harm. In the back of his mind he could sense Ignis growing worried.

Darion shook his head of the thought of his concerned beast and focused directly on the woman; despite their hardened appearance his black eyes glimmered with a slight hue of warmth. He did not want to frighten the woman into attacking, based on her slim build he knew automatically that she was quite capable of handling a sword. Plus his beast, Ignis, was no where near and it would take a long while for him to arrive to Darion’s side. This woman had her beast right beside her and had ordered for it to watch Darion closely. Nodding towards the beast Darion inwardly cursed himself for having suggested that he and Ignis investigate separately. “Please…lower your weapon,” he beseeched.

[Aria Stone]

Her arms relaxed as she gently released the pull from the string, but she kept the arrow well balanced. To remove the arrow when she was among mixed company could be seen as foolish on her part, but after long seconds passed by Aria did lower her weapon. Eyes transfixed on the man before her, she looked at him with questioning eyes. No doubt he worked for her sister, otherwise she would’ve been able to recognize his face. Lately Andarial had the strangest people suddenly appearing, where she found them Aria could not say. All she could do was remain cautious of him, less he truly wanted to bring out her wrath. Whether she was on neutral grounds or not, the woods were her prime choice for fighting. She knew the feeling of the earth and trees around her.

Aria had spent far too many days jumping from tree to tree honing her skills, if one didn’t know better her element could have been confused with that of earth. But her true affinity was for water, a pure and healing element that fit the light queen. But how here she could escape from that rule, outside Aria was just a ghost. And this man before her could do nothing to ruin her day, he wouldn’t dare try to kill her unless wishing to have Andarial strike. There was no question about it, if Aria was to fall it would be at the hands Andarial herself. It was a horrible thought; after all she did love her sister. Yet at the same time she wasn’t about to lie down and die for her. “My weapon is lowered, but you have been warned. I can still strike.” It wasn’t a cold and hard threat; her words were soft and haunting.

“This is Delmare.” Her eyes looked down towards the wolf with the antlers, a thin and delicate looking fellow. Looks could be deceiving and this is what gave them all the power they needed. Her fingers clasped the bow loosely, but they tensed with each movement he made. “I am Aria the Light Queen.” Taking careful steps, Aria walked around him in a circle as if trying to figure him out. “Darion, let me ask you something. Do you know or work for my sister?” Then she walked silently back over to Delmare and knelt down. Putting her bow away she scratched Delmare’s ear. Aria why even bother asking him? He’s just going to lie anyways. I know his smell, it’s her Aria. She nodded at Delmare who did have a point, “Delmare thinks all your capable of is lying, but I challenge you to prove him wrong.”

Now standing, her eyes pierced Darion as if she was somehow looking for the truth. “I’ve put my weapon away just prove I’m not going to fight you.” Aria crossed her arms, knowing just where she stood on all this fighting. While there was a fine line between good and evil, she believed that there had to be some kind of good in everyone. Delmare walked up next to her and sat down waiting, his wide eyes looked like a sad and confused puppy.