Submission (#20) Approved

Written binding ritual Carn and Chlo - Hraukævi and Perdita

Setting the scene Hraukævi-

It had been an unremarkable foray, the borders of Berkir breached in search of wealth or fame. Yet nothing had been recovered, going alone into that land was not for the fainthearted, so of course Hraukævi tried, but neither was it the most sensible of decisions... something that had sometimes been remarked upon for him. He had no interest in joining a group or company of adventurers, but *maybe* a partner.

After the unsuccessful trip Hraukævi was in need of replacing his supplies, and to do that he needed work. Mercenary work, which was never in short supply in Nenian at least, and maybe when he was there he could find a potentially like minded partner, one who would fill the gaps in his life. And so he set off for the floating islands that dominated it skies, a run, pushing off and beat of sizable wings, armour plating catching in the air as he sped towards his future.


Setting the scene Perdita -

Perdita was absolutely nervous. Her breath was shaky, hands sweaty, ears dropped low. Today was the day; she would be going to the floating islands to find her potential partner. She felt she was of age, and mature enough to handle the semi-binding ritual. Her mother had prepared her for this moment for ages, but she had passed only a few months ago. Perdita wished her mother would be there to witness this moment, but the smokey dragoness knew that she would be watched from above.

Her eyes shut closed for a brief moment, taking another small shaky breath before opening her eyes, staring at herself in the mirror. Her head tilted slightly to the right, letting her seeing eye get a better view. She adorned a white dress, one strap that clung to her shoulder and forming a sort of A-line. It hugged her curves, before gently flowing out with a floral lace that reached around her ankles. Her hair was semi messy, but she didn’t mind, she thought she looked presentable enough.

She threw on a large black coat atop of her dress, not wanting to dirty it whilst she would fly to the floating islands. One more deep breath before she nodded to herself, semi fluffy wings spreading on either side of her before taking flight to her destination.


Semi binding ritual opening Hraukævi -

He entered like he owned the room, towering over most, wings twice as wide as he is high furled against his back, forming a nigh impenetrable wall of armour. The perfect compliment to the attire he chose to wear to this warriors ball, burnished breastplate with matching greaves and vambrace, cuisses clinking lightly, muffled only by the freshly sewn loin tabart commissioned for this very occasion. Hraukævi had never been interested in these balls, and attendant rituals before, but truth was he was realising a rising need to be part of something more, that together with another maybe greater success and satisfaction could be achieved.

As he strode through the attendees Hraukævi looked around the throng, a cacophony of colours and garish tones to flood the senses, assaulting his eyes and almost making him about turn and depart. Tradition had its place, but such brightness had little place in a warriors life he felt, darker tones and shades a much more befitting place within the life they chose. A moment of self doubt entered his mind, maybe he **would** be better in a larger adventurer company...

But then his eyes caught sight of her, almost as if smoke flowed across her fur, she was stunning, a single shock of colour from her hair drawing the focus to her face. Eyes bright, an attractive depth to them evident from across the dance floor, the scar splitting across the right lending a fierce aspect, one of capability and strength, first impressions... she was perfect.

One tradition that was immutable, she had to approach and choose *him*. A confident smile spread across his face, a slight roll of his shoulders flexing his chest and sending his wings almost ready to spread wide and strong. Eyes fixed with a deep intensity upon her, such that even his tail curled around to follow his gaze. A surety in his mind, that should she being looking similarly, and notice him, she would have to approach and thus begin a dance to the exclusion of all others.


Continuation Perdita -

Upon arrival, Perdita removed her coat and passed it on to another Opexo, who would put it away for the time being. She thanked him with a small smile, before stepping into the grand ballroom. Music was playing rather loudly, potential couples were already dancing while others watched in total awe. The smokey dragoness tucked her wings in, not wanting to take much space as she slowly walked through the crowd, head tilted slightly to the right for a better view. She felt eyes on her, probably because of the strange way she’d tilt her head, her dress, or perhaps it was something else.

Her eye scanned the room, looking for any potential males that could catch her attention. A small frown plastered onto her face; they all looked like they only wanted a good time. Some were flirting with others, smirks on their faces and merely licking their lips at the sight of the man or woman before them. She sighed as if she felt defeated.

Her simplified tail, Pongo, was also scanning the room, tongue merely sticking out in curiosity as it watched the men. Once it eyed a tall, armoured Opexo, it nudged at Perdita’s shoulder and she turned her head, eye landing on the man her tail had found. Tall, muscular, armoured… he was a warrior. And that alone was immensely attractive to her.

All she had to do now was approach him, because for the Eastern community, women had to do the first move.

She took a small breath, eyeing that large confident smile in the male that had also been eyeing her before she too returned a smile. Her ear flickered gently, listening to the music playing as she began to approach the taller male. Once close enough, she merely nodded her head towards him before she began to walk around him in a circle, eyeing his every feature up close; from his tail to the armoured wings, to the muscles that his body adorned, to his facial features.


**Continuation Hraukævi**

Interest grew as he noted her tail, appearing simple yet it was instantly clear that it was awakened unto itself, perception and instinct causing it to notice him before the monochrome beauty his eyes were fixed upon. It bringing her attention to himself, his smile widened fractionally, she may be relatively small, as most were in comparison, but hidden talents seemed to lie within. Watching her approach, the sway of her body causing her simple pristine white gown to sashay around her adding emphasis to her curves, drawing his eyes to the fact that much of what lay hidden was her darker shades, the dress a true compliment to her natural beauty.

A slight tilt of his head in return to her own, it seemed almost as if the music quietened and the lights dimmed as she took his sole focus. *This* was where his training and ability was most lacking, he was no dancer, and whilst he had an agility that would seem out of place to one of his size and bulk, any of the classic dances of his people were beyond him, steps unknown. Give him instead the dance with an enemy and he felt few could match him, the beat of blood and clash of weapons giving rise to a deadly dance that was his life.

As she slowly begin to circle him he waited, trusting himself to attempt to match her movements with his own, knowing the first step would be hers, should she agree he was worth her time. When she reached around behind his back, the fur on his neck pricked up, his own instincts kicking in as he felt as if the target of a hunt, prey being watched, a prize being stalked. Without thought his body shifted, taloned feet spreading apart to ready for movement at an instants notice, knees taking on a slight bend, his own natural tail rising at attention to mirror his own thoughts. The stance of a warrior so ingrained within him that he naturally slipped into it without intent. It may not be traditional, but maybe it *was* suited...


**Perdita continuation**

Nerves began to lurk within Perdita’s veins as she had approached the taller male, and proceeding to circle around him to get a better view. Her left hand rested on her hip, wanting to show off a little more curves as she walked, ear perked up as her good eye took in the view before her. Pongo, her tail, was also eyeing the potential mate carefully, tongue still sticking out in a little blep, and even eyeing the other’s tail in curiosity.

She could feel eyes on them now as they began the ritual, but she tried so hard to ignore them. She inhaled through her nose and exhaled through her mouth, feet beginning to accelerate into a slow trot, almost as if performing an ancient dance. Her gaze watched as he began to move, shifting into a position that looked like he was ready for a fight. Her grin widened, growing confident in her find. Perdita’s wings flickered, almost ready to spread open wide, albeit they weren’t as large as his. It was just a natural instinct of hers when ready to use her conjuring magic.

Perhaps this was a good way to test him during this dance… an idea had clicked in her mind at the thought of her magic. When she finally reached in front of him after a few other rounds of circling the bigger male, her right hand rose, a greenish-blue glow appeared, forming into a ball about the size of baseball. The crowd gasped in surprise, but she didn’t pay no mind to them. Instead, she spun, her dress flowing around her before tossing the ball towards the male, wanting to see how he would react. What he would do.


**Continuation Hraukævi**

From a first impression of appreciation for standing different in avoiding garish garb, to an acknowledgement of hidden ability, the truth was alongside this was a growing enjoyment for the physical. The scar lending her a fierce aspect, an enjoyable contrast to the sensual curves she was now showing off as she moved around him. But not only did he need to impress her, it seemed her tail was taking a keen interest in proceedings too, that was a new one to him...

The room *had* seemed to settle and quieten, a multitude of eyes watching on in interest at the ritual that had begun. Many times before had Hraukævi trained, sparred or fought before an audience, so there was nothing new there to phase him, even if he wished for more space... a child of the sky he preferred the options to spread his vast wings more easily. The tempo picking up led to the smile growing wider and wider on his face, teeth prominently on show in a fierce look of his own. Momentarily he caught her look as if she was also eager to take flight, soft wings twitching as if to spread and soar. The thought of similarity to him in such instinctive behaviours was pleasing and definitely one which he would be delighted to have in his partner.

The wait seemed to be coming to an end as she raised her hand towards him, the first instinct to step towards her and join in a more personal dance, together. But something, a large part uncertainty in dancing with a partner in truth, held him back. And as the orb formed above her palm, it seemed his instincts were correct, surprise furrowing his brow as suddenly it was airborne towards him. He may have been surprised but that did not slow him, feet firmly planted he twisted from the hips, turning to the side and leaning back to let the ball soar past infront of him. Or at least it would have had a hand not lashed out to contemptuously backhand it away, grinning as it sped towards the onlooking throng.

So is that how it was going to go? This kind of dance Hraukævi *could* do, eagerly so. Slowly rotating to look towards the surprising smokey beauty, he slipped back into a combat stance. His left hand raised as if to becon her on, whilst his right reached over his shoulder to grasp his treasured spear that never left his side... apart from to balls at which no weapons were allowed it seemed. A low growling chuckle rose deep within his chest, no matter, it looked like he would have to continue with her using only his hands.


**Perdita continuation**

The smokey dragoness seemed to be enjoying herself during this ritual dance. Not only had she, or well… *Pongo* had found a potential mate, but there was many bonuses to him. He was a large male, clearly a warrior, and seemed to adorn an interest in her, too. Though Perdita shouldn’t think too much on it just yet… they would have to enjoy a sort of dinner later on after their dance. There was still much to learn about him.

Even Pongo was still intently staring at the male and his tail, having taken a keen interest in both. Having a simplified tail had its perks and disadvantages, but Perdita loved him and thus why she named him. Even if it had a mind of its own, it still becomes very aware of its surroundings.

Her good eye never left his sight as she watched him; his smile growing wider every second and his large wings finally spreading wide open. They were absolutely gorgeous and as tall as he was, just perfect to her. Her grin widened slightly at the sight, it was magnificent.

Watching the large red male moving so swiftly as the ball of light was swung towards him, but he was quick to backhand it away. Good reflexes… that was good. Now to see if he could handle multiple at once; this singular ball was only a test after all.

Perdita began to conjure another ball, this time only slightly bigger than a baseball, before swinging it towards her potential mate. Then another, and another… multiple balls had begun to swing his way, coming in from almost all directions as she continued to circle him, wings slowly spreading open. She was nearly ready to take this to the air, not wanting to disturb the audience too much with her conjuring magic.


**Continuation Hraukævi**

Eyes focused on her, body at the ready, taught with tension as he waited for her next move. A slight widening as she used her magic to form another orb, this one a magnitude bigger, it bodes well she feels bigger is better but if that was the onl... and another and another. OK maybe this will be slightly more challenging than first glimpse. But a challenge is to be relished and Hraukævi definitely loved one, especially with a magic wielder, a fascinating talent he had no direct knowledge of but who knows what can happen with the blessings of the Originarus... but first focus, each moment brought out more confidence that she could be the partner he sought.

As the first of the orbs flew towards him he would effect a simple sidestep, spinning away with great celerity of movement from the next, wings casting a buffet of air outward, sure to disturb at least one of the peacocks hair. Each step and moment keeping her in his eyeline now, not allowing her from his sight, that would spell missteps.

The last orb that flew his way was too central to dodge with just a step, instead carrying his momentum he leapt high, pirouette carrying him over and safely out of reach. To land legs braced, left hand upon the floor with wings spread low, looking up at her. Head cocked askew in inquiry as to what was to happen next. If he knew these balls could be so fun, maybe he would have attended one before now.

**Perdita continuation**

She watched as the male before her would dodge every glowing orb that was thrown his way, his body performing such swift movements as if he too were dancing. Perdita had tossed him about a dozen orbs, from any direction possible, but it was amazing at how well he managed to dodge them all. Perhaps being on the ground was just far too say for the bigger male. She would have loved to see how he’d manage in the air…

…that is, until she saw him leap so high into the air, she merely stopped in her tracks as she watched him. Her mouth slightly gaped open, eyes semi wide at the sight, but she soon couldn’t help the soft chuckle that escaped her own lips. Even Pongo was looking upwards, eyes wide and tongue still sticking out like the silly tail it is.

Once he had landed on the ground again, she adorned yet another grin on her face, clearly impressed by his performance. Her head angled up towards the skies, wings fully spread and gently flapping, before returning her eye towards his own, indicating to take this ritual to the next level.

And so she took to the skies, both hands releasing beams of her turquoise magic below her.


**Continuation Hraukævi**

Looking upon his smokey assailant he was glad to see she was enjoying herself, seemingly as much as he, if her grin and chuckle were anything to go by. Her tail? Who knew what it was thinking, if it seemed to think much of anything... having a partner who was appreciative of life and its myriad of pleasures was something important to Hraukævi.

This warriors dance seemed to be building to a crescendo, and so far it seemed she was impressed with him, as he was impressed with her. Beauty and capability in a single package? She looked to be exactly what he could have hoped to find. Now if only he could figure out the best way to bring this to a successful conclusion...

As he thought, it seemed so did she, and of escalation instead, testing him further. He watched her wings spread, dark hidden inside a shroud of white, and beat in preparation for flight. Suddenly finding himself looking up at her from his braced position, hands raised towards him. Beams of magic would be much harder to dodge than the orbs of moments before. But he had shown his agility and dexterous capabilities, maybe she needed him to show strength too. To show his body was strong enough for whatever was required.

She, clearly, had her blessings but so to had Unmei blessed him, plated armour upon his wings capable of deflecting the strongest blow. Before the turquoise beams connected, his wings wrapped around infront of him, shielding him from sight, and from harm. Angled to take the 'hit' and deflect them aside like light from a mirror. He *had* seen those orb scatter into the crowd harmlessly, so he had no concerns there, they were not his concern anyway, only the smokey beauty who was the focus of his attention.

As the 'attack' was cast aside Hraukævi would ready to spring towards her, powered by muscular legs, wings still shielding. Only to spread wide at the last moment, allowing him to take hold of her wrists, palms turned up to end the *onslaught*. If she equally chose him as meeting her hopes and expectations as he did her, he would successfully reach her and take hold. To spin and descend together. If not, or if requiring further convincing, he expected her to pull back from him.

But there was nothing left to do, soaring towards her his dice were cast, moves done and impressions made.


**Perdita continuation**

Perdita couldn’t remember the last time where she’s had this much fun. Especially with another Opexo, let alone a male… the smokey dragoness was enjoying herself and the company of the larger male, who looked like he reciprocated those feelings. It was a good sign; perhaps it was just meant to be. Two warriors against the world.

Her eyes couldn’t stop scanning her potential partner’s body as she would circle around him, much before she took flight. Such muscle mass he carried, the armoured wings looking absolutely gorgeous and even his face. Those expressions… she couldn’t get over them. He was overall a beautiful male to her.

When Perdita took the air, she tilted her head downwards to take a look at what he would do with the beams. She was testing him even further now, wanting to see how he would take attacks from above, and how he would dodge this conjuring magic up into the skies. A big test of strength and agility it was.

Using his armoured wings as protection… that was clever. Something she hadn’t seen before. She grinned to herself, impressed with the defence. She barely expected him to jump into the skies so fast and so high, especially with his size. He was still hidden by his wings… it was an astonishing view.

That is… until his wings spread open quickly. She nearly squealed from utter surprise as her wrists were taken into his large hands, eye staring into the male’s. Her breath had caught in her throat, frozen. She felt a tingle rush down her spine and through her veins at the contact. Not long after she caught her breath, chest heaving up and down. Even Pongo was frozen, staring at the male and his tail as well. Of course, his stupid little blep could still be seen.

This was it… their dance was done. He was the one.


**Continuation Hraukævi**

Catching hold of her wrists sealed their connection, a thril of excitement still coursed through him at their dance. A most unexpected one, but one which felt perfectly suited to the warriors they clearly were. The nerves at the ritual dancing all cast aside as he looked upon her, surprise writ on her face as her chest heaved with excitement he hoped matched his own. She looked like she was the ideal partner for him and Hraukævi looked forward to learning more of her, firstly he should know her name, but such would wait till they departed, seeking food together.

Momentum carried them round, slowly spinning together in the air and they descended. His hands slide gently to take hers, now that the the deflection was achieved and 'testing' over, it felt right, definitely more in tune with a partner than an opponent. Smiling down at her, admiring her up close, soft fur, gentle curves and even the subtle confidence he could now detect in her mismatched eyes. Everything seemed to have gone better than hoped, and there was a growing excitement for the future brewing within his chest.

Touching back down onto the dance floor, it became evident just how much of a size difference there was between the pair. It was not that she was small, but in truth just that he was large, a differential he was used to but hoped she was as keen to handle as himself. Releasing her hands, an oversized hand moved to her hip, to pull her gently towards him, whilst using the other to gesture towards the open doors. It was time for them to leave, seeking a meal and learning one another. Under the open sky, where it seemed they belonged, together.