wake up from your reverie a light year from reality As grand as it was to take down his first prey, he could not help but be guilt-ridden every time he glanced at the lifeless rabbit. He had a lot to get use to no matter how down he was about the whole thing. Expression lightened up when company found him, painting on a small smile and wagging curly tail. At least some praise pulled his spirit up—mind needing approval for what was done. Little warm wave crossed him when nudged at, shaking himself to off the fuzzy feeling. "Apart from a few kicks, I wouldn't say it was too much trouble," he told while smile turned crooked, head dropping soon after. The rabbit's kicks were not that bad but did leave him with the sense of being beat up. Turning his gaze away for a moment, he scanned the area for a particular thing, knowing it would provide better than this. With hearing the word "hungry" pop up, he immediately declined guess, grabbing one of the rabbit's arms and pulling it along with as he got close to the dragon. He then placed it by the dragon's claw, backing away slightly while viewing up at them. "Nope! It's for you! I hadn't a want for any of it," he offered and stated. The pup knew he would waste it from what hung at the back of his mind so, he gave it to company in hopes they would take it. If not, well, hunt did not hold much of a purpose in the aspect of gaining what nature has gave. Running to a line of bushes, he stuck his head in and shuffled through the entirety of them. Not long was it for maw to grip around something, pulling himself and the object he got from out of the plant. A limb was seemingly being stretched out and upon it were some dark berries (blackberries). Giving it a forceful tug, part of the limb snapped and left him with some little fruits to snack on. With that, he took his "meal" over to where friend was, seating self right next to them. This could be considered a small lunch/dinner on his part. Mouth dropped berries in front of his paws, giving Baratheon a content look. "While I was looking for the rabbit, these mixed in with its smell when coming close to it. Have you had any of these before? They're really good!" he explained, picking one off and setting it by their nail. However, with how big they were, a lot more would probably be needed to achieve a taste he would think. "Kyo Speaks"

@Baratheon

The dragon chuckled, "Good." He knew getting kicked wasn't fun but it was all a learning experience. Perhaps next time he hunted for rabbits he would have the knowledge not to be kicked and would be able to take it down a bit easier. When Kyorai told him that the meal wasn't for himself but for the dragon instead he looked surprised. If he knew the pup wasn't going to eat it then he wouldn't have told him to attack it but regardless, he wouldn't let the rabbit go to waste. "Well, thank-you, Kyorai." Thinking about eating the rabbit, it brought up again in his mind the attack from several days before and he felt the resolve within him to tell his young friend. He knew the rabbit was too small to set him off, especially if he ate it in one gulp --which wasn't a difficult task with such a huge mouth-- and didn't bite into it. "Kyorai? I need to tell you something... If... If you ever see me and my eyes are red... I want you to run and, if you can, hide where I can't get you. Don't try to talk to me, don't try to fight me, don't look back, just run. Promise me you'll do that if it ever happens." He looked intensely at the canine, hoping he would understand and listen to the warning. Hopefully Kyorai would never have to see him bloodlusting but it would be good to warn him if it ever did happen.

With that over and out of the way he looked down at the meager offering of berries and rabbit, it wasn't even a mouthful for him but he appreciated it nonetheless, even if he wasn't really hungry. He lowered his head down to snuffle at the berries, finding that he had indeed smelled the fruit before. "Blackberries. Never had them but I have had friends who have." He was surprised that a canine was eating them, he thought they were pure carnivores. Perhaps the fellow just had a sweet tooth. In either case Baratheon licked out his blue tongue and wrapped the rabbit and berries in his mouth in one go. The sweetness of the berries and the saltiness of the flesh mingled on his tongue to create a new flavor he'd never had before... how interesting.

---

390
@Kyorai
---
5/10

"Talking looks like this!"
Thinking looks like this...

wake up from your reverie a light year from reality He grinned and nodded when they thanked him for the rabbit. The pit that gradually drew into his stomach had vanished and left the pup a bit better than initial taking of this new experience. Carefully picking off a berry from each of their stems to pile some up for company, hearing his name made him drop the last one slightly off from the small stack. Eyes were fully on the dragon with face showing a partial smile. Though it settled in neutrality while being warned of viewing a certain appearance of the dragon. Of course, he would question the base behind this; but keep note of it even if it would likely get buried away. "W-what if I don't? If...I choose not to. Is there really no way I can help it? Though I'll try to keep promise," he murmured the last part, not wanting to immediately take the promise. Being a friend, if anything were wrong he could not just bolt off and hide. However, such a mindset would certainly have its ups and downs in the long run. Staring at the rabbit and berries awaiting their take away, he hummed while flipping his own berries around. "Is that how you got that scar of yours?" he inquired, moving to the side it was on and seating self right next. It was still unbelievable, but he would paint it normal soon enough. The pup emitted an "oh" when told what these particular berries were. "Blackberries, hmm..." he uttered, picking a few more off from small branch until he had enough to fill mouth. Before downing them, he waited for company to have their part, then gave his a quick chew. A light laugh escaped him in watching to see what the dragon thought of the combo they put together. They did not seem disgusted so, he guessed it was somewhat good. Belly met the ground and body against Baratheon as he decided to rest with limbs splayed out. Unconsciously wagging tail, small melody fell from his maw, enjoying break. "It's weird having the feeling of wanting to go somewhere yet not needing to actually do it," he simply said, mixing a sigh and snicker. "Kyo Speaks"

@Baratheon

The dragon shook his head. There was no way around it unless one wanted to risk their very life which he didn't want the pup to do. He was far too young, far too inexperienced in fighting to even think about going up against him. He wasn't sure if he'd be able to function properly if anything were to happen to the first friend he'd made in cycles. "There is nothing you can do except run and save yourself." He confirmed, not wanting Kyorai to get any ideas in his head. He knew the canine wasn't happy about it but that couldn't be helped, not without a great risk. Then, another question came and it was about his injuries. Baratheon nodded his head. "It is." That was as far as he went, not wanting to expound on how he'd nearly killed one of his friends.

He shook his head, long ears flopping against it as he shook those thoughts from his mind and focused on the now. With the pup properly warned he decided that perhaps it was time to relax and to further let his injuries heal. With Kyorai propped against him he too laid down and, cat-like, he splayed his rear legs to the side while his forelegs crossed over one another. His head he laid on the ground while his long neck snaked around so he could still look at the canine lying next to him. He exhaled a content sigh deep from within his gut which allowed pink smoke to curl from his nostrils and up to the dark ceiling. "Oh?" He asked, amused at the pup's musings. "Many wants can be weird. For example, I have the want to fly to the top of the Monarch and scare the birds that nest there. It would be fun but not really something beneficial to anyone or needed." He gave a crooked grin. "Especially not to the birds."

---

321
@Kyorai
---
5/10

"Talking looks like this!"
Thinking looks like this...

wake up from your reverie a light year from reality Unsurprisingly, the canine let out a pout when still told to run whenever such a thing would occur. How conflicted was he to stay obedient or to overturn friend's wish. The issue of a dog wanting to protect those he cared for and to also obey their words. It was a hard thing to work with as it already came programmed. Shaking his head in displeasure, he licked their scar again once his little question was confirmed. Kyorai watched intently as smoke escaped the dragon's nostrils, having never seen it come from them with what all he could recall. Allowing body to do as it wanted, he ambled over to company's head, looking to play with the smoke a little bit. Blowing at it, pawing at it, self paused his playing when they spoke. Hearing what they wanted to do, a snort came aloud and a snicker following after. "Whaaa? Not my brothers!" he joked, tilting head side to side to display his own feathers. Hm, perhaps he could relate to feathered creatures since he had one thing that makes them. Although that was besides the point. "That does sound fun! A lot more fun than walking and walking," he added, whimsical in appearance. Face seemed to hold intrigue, raising a brow and putting on his own crooked grin as the loquacious pup looked the dragon into their eye. "Oh, oh! I never imagined that someone large like you can actually fly! That's a lot to carry. Does your magic help with that?" he inquired and patted them to make sure of their attention, trying to understand how flying works for this large beast. "Kyo Speaks"

@Baratheon

He hadn't guessed but should have known his little friend would find amusement in the smoke he billowed from his nostrils. He could feel a little rumbling chuckle in his throat at Kyorai's antics, one that expanded to a laugh when he made the little joke. "Don't worry. I won't harm them." His teeth showed then in a little toothy grin. "Too small and feathery... like you." He joked right back. At the pup's words he nodded his head, it was far more fun than the normal activities. It was easier as well, flying let him get places twice as quickly as walking did.

He focused his eyes, or rather one eye that Ky was in front of, on the canine at his persistent patting. "My magick? Not that I know of..." He mused softly to himself. He knew what it felt like to cast spells but when he flew he felt it was all physical with the strength of his wings. If there was any magick involved it wasn't a conscious thing that he knew of. "It's all me and my own power." A sound much like a growling purr, a noise of contentment, rumbled in his throat then and when he spoke he sounded almost dreamy. "Ah, but flying... It is magnificent. I used to take flight patrols around here all the time, I used to go above the trees and zoom down to scare the deer herds and make sure that all was well around Eridanus." He should really get back on those.

---

256
@Kyorai
---
6/10

"Talking looks like this!"
Thinking looks like this...

wake up from your reverie a light year from reality Brow rose when told certain that it was power and not magic. Mind was trying to evaluate this entire thing; how someone of great proportions could hit the sky. He got off hind legs and ambled over to the dragon's wings in looking to examine and hide under them. There was no clear reason why he felt the need to lick/kiss everything during this but wing was no exception. He tried to climb side to reach the base of this appendage so he could snug against it fully. It was taking a lot of work, but he would find his way up sooner or later. Short jumps after another, he paused when they spoke about flying, secretly wallowing in jealousy. "If only I could," he said. It did sound fantastic from what he was getting, imagining it to the best of his ability. Even so, he pressed skull against their form before returning eyes to where their head lie. "Patrols? How do those work? Oho, the poor deer and birds, they can only take so much!" he spoke with humor, humming along. It was nice to hear what they did besides terrify the creatures of this room. Self wondered if he could do the same. Puffing out chest, he waddled back to the dragon's head with a look of forced confidence. "You think I could make things well also? Got the right looks, yes?" he asked in a less pitched tone which was likely created or puberty was hinting itself at the perfect time. "Kyo Speaks"

@Baratheon

He could see the small pup trying to climb onto his back. For a moment he watched, waiting to see how long it would take the young fellow to get aboard but finally he extended his neck and tilted his head near the pup, offering himself as a step-stool if it was needed. He wouldn't push but if Kyorai wanted to get aboard then he would help the young one out. "Well, it wouldn't be the same as flying yourself but perhaps I could take you up for a short flight myself. If you would like." Not exactly a long flight because they were purged in darkness but perhaps something short or maybe even up to the Monarch would work if the pup just wanted to get a feel.

Baratheon chuckled. "Patrols... you just take a walk, or in my case flight, around the perimeter of the territory and keep your eyes and ears open for any disturbances. They're good for exercise and meeting new gembounds too" Although lately not much had been happening at all so he doubted a patrol would yield much, no matter how much fun it would be to go around and do one. "Of course you could! You look like you could be a guardian canine to me." "Guardian Canine", a term he'd just thought up when looking at Kyorai. He knew a wolf once that used to patrol Eridanus as well, he hadn't seen or smelled her for a while but he was certain she was still around somewhere... watching over the place with him. "All you have to do is take it upon yourself to work in your own patrols and practice your magick and you can make sure those less powerful than yourself are safe." He always liked to consider himself a guardian, it was what he was always good at... when he wasn't bloodlusting, and what he liked to do.

---

319
@Kyorai
---
5/10

"Talking looks like this!"
Thinking looks like this...

wake up from your reverie a light year from reality Excitement overfilled him for when the dragon offered to take him on a flight. Short or not, form could not help but bounce up in knowing this was a rare opportunity to come across. Despite pure joy, he tried to keep it down to his minimum with just a roughly shaking tail. "Y-yeah! Yes! That would be awesome!" he exclaimed, beaming at Baratheon. He hung about their head for a bit in pondering a way up without being careless of his stepping. Although not a second after did he pounce onto the dragon's face, crawling his way up onto the top of head—shuffling within the hair upon it. He snickered as rump would be the first thing anyone would see if facing company forward which was not something he could help entirely. Perhaps not the best way to be situated for a flight, but the puppy seemed to be prepared in another way. Tail continued to sway with his head over shoulder and cheek on their horn. Knowing what one does on a patrol, it did not sound short of something he could easily do! Exercise was great for the bundle of energy and new faces to keep his thoughts open-ended. Mind seem to stretch for the next mile when hearing such a task could work for the elkhound. He stored the idea deep and without question, bringing out a melody to go along with. A "Guardian Canine"! That sounded right to him even if he had yet to listen to any other. It was the matter of knowing something was meant for one just by the way heart ached for it. Kyorai turned to have body curled but squished between the dragon's two horns. "Oo, I will be sure of it then. To keep everything safe!" he lightly vowed, stretching and aligning onto their forehead with a bop of his paw. Self was fired up now, imagination listing all the possibilities he could think of. "Kyo Speaks"

@Baratheon

It seemed the answer to his offer was an enthusiastic "yes"! Baratheon grinned, eyes twinkling as he watched the excited pup made his way onto his face. He kept still, making it as easy as he could for the tiny one to make his way onto a comfortable spot without falling off. He could feel the pup shuffling around, getting situated, he supposed, in the ubiquitous darkness. He didn't move until the canine stilled at which point he slowly began to rise to his paws, giving Kyorai time to adjust to his movements as he stood and looked upwards towards the distant Monarch. It might take a bit to reach on foot but in the air that time would be halved. "Good! I'm glad to hear it. Too many bad characters have roamed the caves in the past, it's good to have some now that want to help rather than hurt." He could think of a few off the top of his head that wanted to wreak terror on everyone and bring about an age of fear, he was glad that all seemed peaceful as of late.

Now with that said he focused his attention towards the dark sky, wings spread and claws gripped the ground as he focused on flying. "Are you ready?" He didn't want to suddenly take off without the pup being prepared, it would be a disaster if he fell off in the powerful thrust he would need to get into the air.

---

247
@Kyorai
---
5/10

"Talking looks like this!"
Thinking looks like this...