(no subject)

[dragoon_pride]

WHO: Kain Highwind and OPEN
WHAT: Catch-all! Dracolisk bonding and brooding about the Fade-stuff
WHEN: Early half of June/Justinian (before Anders ritual 5)
WHERE: Around Skyhold, various places
NOTES: N/A, though there’s swearing if the parrot shows up

Stables

Kain heads into the stables toward the one where his dracolisk is currently waiting. Finding her off in the Western Approach had been no easy task, nor had winning her approval. But he’s managed to bring the creature back. She’s still a bit wild and stubborn, but he figures that actually means they’ll make a good pair. They've already started to bond... he doubts the dracolisk would have accompanied him back to Skyhold otherwise.

Today as he approaches to stroke her scaly neck, he catches the dracolisk’s eye. “Zephyr… that’s a good name for you. It’s about time you had one. Here. I brought you a treat...”

Outside Skyhold

Getting used to a new mount means he's got to spend plenty of time riding her. Kain takes off at a fast pace, getting a feel for how the dracolisk likes to move. He’s improved with his riding of four-legged creatures, looking confident as he rides around the surrounding area. Of course, there are some times when the dracolisk veers completely off paths… she’s got quite the mind of her own.

“Not this way!” Kain shouts in frustration, trying to bring them back to the nearest trail. Looks like he might be in for a bit of an exploration. He keeps his eyes out for signs of trouble, always wary of bears or other threats.

Tavern

Drowning his sorrows seems as good an idea as any. Many of his worst issues were shoved in his face in the Fade, and it’s all hitting him hard. He’d tried to ignore most of it as much as he could. Unfortunately, it’s getting to him.

So Kain takes a spot at the bar and orders a drink… well, two drinks. One for him, and a small one for his feathered friend. His parrot is with him, swearing cheerfully to anyone who approaches. Kain is so wrapped up in his thoughts that he doesn’t even try to silence the bird. He has a book on dragons with him, though even reading about his favorite creatures isn't doing much for him at the moment, so it's sitting there unopened.

Tower/Battlements

Up on one of his favorite high locations, Kain paces back and forth a little, before settling down. Then he takes out a map, which he starts looking over carefully. It’s a decent one, detailing both Ferelden and Orlais. He’s not sure if he really wants to leave, but he’s seriously thinking about it after the Fade. He’s too much of a danger. If he gets controlled again…

Well. It’s at least worth planning where he might go to if a need arises for him to spend some time away. He studies the map intently, occasionally pausing to just stare off into the distance.

Comments

Stables

[gatheringstorm]

Spotting Kain heading to the stables, Korrin decides to follow along because why not? It seemed to be the place to hang out, lately. Though the Vashoth woman doesn't consider any particular mount 'hers' or have any real interest in changing that, there are still worse places to be.

Watching Kain with his dracolisk for a moment, Korrin leans against the doorway with a smile. "Found yourself a friend, I see. You have good taste, Kain." In mounts, at least, not clothing.

[dragoon_pride]

Kain feeds the dracolisk the treats he'd brought, petting her affectionately as he turns to look at Korrin. "She's beautiful, isn't she?" Only Kain could find these hideous lizard-horses to be pretty, but he absolutely does. "I found her out in the Western Approach. I'd been considering getting one of my own for a while, and I'm glad I did..."

The dracolisk snorts in response, pawing at the ground with a front leg.

[gatheringstorm]

'Beautiful' might be a stretch, but Korrin won't rush to judgment there. She finds dracolisks fascinating, despite not having any real urge to own one. "At least something good came out of that mess. I find them more agreeable than horses, though their thin legs make me worry that I'll crush them with my weight whenever I mount them." It hasn't happened yet, but still.

[dragoon_pride]

"They tend to like me better than horses, as well... and vice versa. Though it's probably not surprising." After all, they resemble his favorite creatures enough that there's got to be some kind of ancestry there, some tie to dragons. It wouldn't surprise him. It would explain how he gets along with them so well too. He looks at Zephyr, toward her legs. "Believe it or not, they're far sturdier than they look. They're incredibly strong. At least, she is."

[gatheringstorm]

"Not surprising at all, no." Not that she thinks Kain would do badly with horses, but it's no shock to her that he'd choose something more in tune to his affinity. She nods, glancing to the legs. "Oh, I know. I've ridden them before. That worry tends to vanish when I've ridden for a while, but it's always there at first. Will you go hunting as a duo, then? I don't mind, if that's what you want."

[dragoon_pride]

A draconic creature, something intimidating and fierce... these are definitely things that caught Kain's attention the first time he'd seen one of them. "I do need to strike fear into my enemies' hearts, after all..." Charging in on Zephyr, he knows he'll inspire fear in others. "They're fast, too, along with strong... I'm looking forward to more traveling with her. And of course, I'll want to bring her along for hunting eventually too. I've a feeling she may even help." He'd love to see what she's capable of.

Tavern

[blessedmaiden]

It's not like Rydia was expecting Kain to run in the library, hug her and yell 'I'm home!' like kids in Mist often do (That would probably make her totally uncomfortable, to be honest), but a 'hey, I'm back' would have been something between old comrades.

"Welcome home, honey."

Being in Skyhold definitely improved her overall mood: no one looks at her knowing she's the last summoner and expecting her to pop out a baby with a certain ninja just to continue her bloodline, most of the people are strangersin a strane land like her, no one bothers her in the library to ask anything and even if she misses Cuore and her eidolon parents she hasn't been free like that in a long, long while... and it's with a wide grin that she sits in front of Kain, grabbing a stool and taking place at his table, blatantly ignoring his loud feathered companion.

"So, how has-" And she would try to throw in a jok or two, because things have always been somehow tense and formal between them and the summoner would love to... bond a little, perhaps (He still looks so young and this keeps reminding her that she shouldn't consider this dragoon the man she knows but- Leviathan's nostrils, they saved the world twice together in her world!), maybe talk about the great choice for the book but his expression tells Rydia that isn't not the case.

"Uhn... everything okay?"

[dragoon_pride]

Remembering to alert others to his coming and going is definitely not something Kain does very well. He'd never been good at it even for his closest friends. So it had definitely slipped his mind to seek out Rydia, especially with so much weighing him down. He's been trying to keep to himself as much as possible.

Bastard squawks, shouting repeatedly about Andraste's perky tits!... Kain rolls his eyes, but offers the bird some nuts to go with the drink. That ought to keep him occupied. He sighs, then, looking at Rydia, then down once more, unable to meet her eyes for a moment. Though there is something slightly different about her, he can't quite place it.

"...I'm fine. It's fine. It was just... a more difficult trip than I'd expected."

Stables

[justice_is_blond]

He's heading out, done checking on the barn cats for the evening, when he catches sight of Kain and comes over.

"Have you gotten a ho--" Anders cuts off, looking at the thing. It's most definitely not a horse. "Have you contemplated the possibility that that might enjoy eating your arm?"

[dragoon_pride]

For a brief moment, Kain even looks a little bit amused. That's the kind of reaction he likes to see, a little bit of intimidation. He hands over the treats to the dracolisk, reaching out to pat her side fondly.

"Not this dracolisk. We've been... bonding. Believe it or not, I seem to get along better with them than horses." Which kind of... just figures when it comes to Kain's preferences.

[justice_is_blond]

"Bonding." He wants to believe Kain, he does, but so many teeth... Anders looks back at the dracolisk. "If you wind up seriously bitten, you'd better show up at the healer's tent and not try to tough it out. Infection will get you drugged and forced to rest more than you're going to like."

Bonding with a dracolisk.

[dragoon_pride]

"Yes, bonding. Is it so hard to believe such a creature would have an affinity for someone like myself?" His helmet with its draconic shape must at least count for some points in his favor, he figures. It could explain why the creature took to him so readily, anyway. He pouts a little afterward, because man does Anders know the right threats to dangle over Kain's head. "I've got this under control, don't worry. She hasn't bitten me yet, after all."

Though Zephyr starts pushing her head toward him, sniffing loudly. "...she's only looking for more treats." Yes, see, be assured of this, Anders.

[justice_is_blond]

"For anyone in general, not you specifically. I'm not truly... acquainted with any dracolisks." And this one is trying to get close to Kain, which gets Anders raising an eyebrow at the explanation.

"I'm trusting you here. Don't make me regret not tossing a barrier over you or yanking you back, please."

[dragoon_pride]

"They're worth getting to know. They make for fine mounts, in my opinion. It's not quite having a dragon but... it's the next best thing." Kain looks with amusement at Zephyr, patting her head and giving a big sigh before giving in to her demands. Another treat it is!

"You see? There's nothing to worry about, other than her becoming spoiled and fat. We've bonded enough by now that she's grown used to me."

stables

[universal_charm]

Kirk had been coming here more often as of late, not only because Sam was studying the hart, but because he liked the smell of hay and the horses and other animals. It was oddly soothing, and he planned to learn to ride soon. It seemed like a good idea to ingratiate himself to some of the animals he might potentially be learning on. You never knew, right? And considering his luck, hedging his bets was the safest option possible.

He had noticed the dracolisk in the stables before, wondering whom had brought her back as she did not look like the one Bruce had trailing him on the Western Approach. Today his question was answered, overhearing Kain with the creature, bestowing upon her a name.

"What does Zephyr mean in your language?" Kirk inquired of Kain, coming up to join him. "We have a similar word in my world - it relates to the wind."

[dragoon_pride]

Kain is giving the creature her treats, patting her side and looking at her, pleased with what he sees. He's looking forward to the next mission that brings him away just so he can spend some more time bonding with her. He glances over when he hears Kirk's voice, as the other approaches.

"Much the same, it's to do with the wind... I thought it seemed fitting, considering she rides like the wind. It's always been my favorite element, too." He looks at Zephyr for a moment, then back to Kirk. "Have you seen much of the dracolisks yet? They're remarkable creatures..."

[universal_charm]

"I'll have to take your word for it on that one," he smiled at her, holding out his hand to the creature in way of greeting, to let her decide if she wanted much to do with him. Bruce's dracolisk had seemed to do well enough with him, though he knew enough not to push his luck with anything with teeth and claws.

He shook his head to Kain's question. "I saw one hanging around a surgeon - Bruce - during our little jaunt into the dessert. But other than that one and this lady here? No, not much. I only just learned what a Hart was." He snorted as if at his own ignorance. "I agree they are quite remarkable. Though no offense to your lady, but the dragon out on the sands was the more impressive creature I saw with scales."

[dragoon_pride]

Fortunately, the dracolisk is in a good mood thanks to Kain spoiling her. Well, and she has an expectation for more potential treats too. So Zephyr sniffs Kirk's hand and then starts to lick it. Sorry, Kirk, she wants to see if it tastes any good.

Kain watches, but decides there's no real danger, she's not on the verge of biting anyway. He nods. "Actually, it was Bruce's dracolisk that reminded me how interested I've been in having one, myself. I'd forgotten how impressive they were. And getting her from the wild was all the better..." He smirks a little. "Nothing could ever compare to a dragon. They're truly the most magnificent creatures to exist."

[universal_charm]

Kirk liked to think he had a good connection with most animals he met, at least enough not to get himself bit or killed, and he was glad to see that keep going with the dracolisk. They were such interesting creatures he would be sad to lose the chance to get to be near one. He laughed softly at the licking, letting her do that for a moment before moving his fingers beneath her jaw.

"You went and found her yourself?" he asked, looking at the creature. "Was she alone?" he inquired, not liking the idea of taking an animal from their herd and natural home, though she seemed pleasant enough with people. "I saw the one in the desert. It was kind of like one of the childhood fantasy stories we have in my world. I wish I had been able to see it a bit better, actually."

[dragoon_pride]

"She was alone, and I saw no others in the following days in the area. She'd just been in a battle, one that she'd won, fortunately. I wasn't sure if I'd actually find any dracolisks to bond with on this trip, but well... it worked out. It didn't take very long for us to bond, either. Well, it helped that I came offering food of course. But I allowed her to make the choice whether or not she wanted to follow me... I'd never force such a matter.." Kain watches closely, but Zephyr has the right idea, anyway, to not attack anyone who Kain approves of. She seems to even approve of Kirk at the moment, stretching her head back for him. "They really are a magnificent sight, especially in the wild like you saw."

Outside

[aintwejust]

"You know, Kain- we gotta quit meet'n like this." Mal and Sasha pull on up alongside him and his...scaley mount, wry and amused. "Guess what I told ya 'bout handling a horse ain't all that helpful now that you've gone and swapped over for one of these skinny bits."

All bones and teeth and strange noises, these things. Whoever saw one of them and thought 'sure, I'll slap a saddle on it and ride it around' musta been outside their damn minds.

[dragoon_pride]

"We really do."

It really is starting to become a little trend by now, isn't it? Kain nods in greeting to Mal, slowing down Zephyr's pace. He's gotten a better hang of things after practicing on horses. Though there are subtle differences in the dracolisk.

"Your help still means a lot, even now... the experience with horses made it easy to adapt to her, as another four-legged mount. Besides, I didn't own the horse I was riding at the time... this dracolisk is all mine, however."

[aintwejust]

"Well I'm mighty glad t'hear that see'n as I can't rightly make heads or tails of rid'n a Drakolisk. I've shipped 'em before plenty- they're bitey little bastards when they're young. Made a big ass mess outta the hold when thunderstorm got 'em spooked, but never really rode one." Give him a solid horse any day. Drakolisks are nightmares on four legs.

But.

If it works? it works. "You name it?"

Telling gender at a glance: Not something he knows how to do with this particular beastie.

[dragoon_pride]

"I can imagine... they can have very aggressive natures." That's probably exactly why Kain gets along so well with this dracolisk that he's found. They have a similar nature, they're the same sort of creatures, in a way. He pats Zephyr's scaly side, appreciatively.

"Her name's Zephyr. I figured she ought to have a name that has to do with the wind... she's certainly capable of running that fast. At the moment, though, I'm mostly helping her adapt to non-desert terrain."

[aintwejust]

"Help'n a mount adjust to new foot'n is a bitch. But I seen 'em run on the dunes- they're quick when they got incentive. Not gett'n et by a dragon is usually plenty."

More than enough for- well- everyone what's not crazy enough to try to kill 'em. "She's a mighty fine look'n girl, though. Seems to be pretty well settled.