Topic: Going Away... Together

Panther · Date: 2006-07-30 23:10 EST

Glancing about the room again, double checking he realized that he was pretty much done packing. He was not bringing much beyond what he would carry with him on an overnight jaunt. A few extra changes of clothes. A few extra spikes. His long bladed knife. He was not expecting to need the last two, but he was going someplace new. Even with Leni's assurances, he still was not sure just how his appearance would be taken, and best to have a means of protection other than claw and tooth.

He would grab some food from the kitchen in the morning before they left. As he tossed the small haversack over by the bedrolls all ready waiting on the window seat he wondered how much Leni was bringing. She said 'not much', but it has been quite some time since he traveled with a female.

He moved over to a small lap desk sitting on the dresser and opened in, pulling out a piece of red parchment, reading over the words he first read over a decade ago...

Panther-babe!

I'm going to be gone for awhile, I've stumbled across some things I need to check on. I'm leaving you in charge until I get this straightened out.

Toodles Kairee

So many just assumed that he was the owner of the Dragon. It became more bother than it was worth to try and explain. Kairee was probably the closest thing to an owner the Dragon would ever have, but even she.....No. He never considered himself the owner himself the owner.

The Dragon itself needed no owner. But it did need....a voice. Someone to act on its behalf. And for over a decade now it allowed him to do so, just as it had allowed her before him. Even with a few extended absences sprinkled throughout those years, each time he returned that connection was there. The Dragon was there, waiting. Impatiently it even seemed at times.

Well, it was time for her to take up back what she passed on to him, even if for just a short while. He really had not planned on this when he approached her the other evening. She had put in a brief appearance here and there over the years, but of late she seemed as if she was truly returning. So it only seemed right to ask her if she wanted to step back in.

But after they talked a bit, he had to admit that he was....tired. Weary. And he could not really say why, or of what.

Then before he knew it, he and Lenika had decided to take a trip, a trip to visit her family, her home. Though looking back now, he couldn't help but laugh to himself and wonder just who really made that decision.

So for now, he would take the trip. For the moment it was going to be a brief one. A week or so, maybe a bit more. Half that time would be spent just in the travels. When he returned, he would decide what was to be next. Maybe 'ree would make part of that decision for him, one way or the other.

But that was not a thing to dwell on. Instead, he tucked the parchment away again and turned to head downstairs, might as well make ready the food they would bring on the trip.

Panther · Date: 2006-07-31 00:02 EST

((for another prespective...))

Lenika · Date: 2006-07-31 23:05 EST

Packing was fun for her, but this time it was a chore. She was so nervous that she kept rubbing her palms against her pant-clad thighs. Another breath is taken in, then exhaled slowly as she tries to calm herself, if at least for a little bit.

"Just relax. I need to relax," she said softly to herself. She has taken so many trips home, but this time it was different because she was bringing a friend. Well, not just a friend but Panther; the man she's shared a bed with and"love.

Love"what a word to use. She never really thought she'd want to use that again, but she did and she doesn't regret it. As she thought of the past, she leaned on her pack.

"So much has changed since coming here," soft again as if someone might hear. Lenika straightened her body and threw a couple more pieces of clothes into the pack. She was nearly packed, and she had kept it light since she really didn't need too much because her family still had some of her belongings.

Once her bag was closed and ready she moved to her writing desk where a wrapped package was set, then once the delivery boy arrived and took it away she was finally ready to go. She bent to scoop up her pack, then she moved out of her room (making sure to lock the door behind her). Soon enough, she was locking up her house and on the way to the Inn to catch up with Panther. She would definitely be spending the night with him there.

Panther · Date: 2006-07-31 23:06 EST

The morning was bright and warm, the sweet smell of the morning dew drifted in as he drew back the curtain and opened the window. He turned back around and paused, taking in the site of her laying there in the bed still asleep, one of the pillows clutched in her arms occupying the space he had just moments earlier. The sliver of sunlight breaking through the trees fell nicely across her face, lending a certain glow to her features.

He could have stood there for hours, watching her sleep. She was so beautiful, seemed so peaceful. A rare thing it seemed at time. But, they had a boat to catch. It would depart with or with out them, so he crossed back to the bed and leaned over her, brusing a light kiss across her cheek, his lips breathing softly near her ear he spoke softly, "Time to get up sleepyhead", making sure his whiskers tickled lightly across her ear before leaning up again. He stepped back as her eyes fluttered open, reaching for his leggings as she yawned. Nearly missing with one foot and stumbling slightly as she sat partway up and stretched her arms overhead. Her laugh was like one of the songbirds outside the window.

"Shush you." He said, trying to sound stern about it.

Another giggle in response.

"It was your fault anyways," he followed up with. "Stretching out like that, distracting me."

He chuckled as she slipped out from under the covers, with another stretch that turned into her leaning into him to return the kiss he woke her with, "Good morning yourself." offered up before she slipped in the other room.

He paused to watch her step away before reaching for his shirt and pulling it over his head. "We've plenty of time, but I did not want to be rushing for the boat. We can stop and have a bit to eat before we leave if you want. Maybe some sweet rolls from the bakery?"

"Sounds lovely." came the reply before he heard some splashing in the wash basin.

He resisted the urge to go in the other room and help her freshen up, he knew that would make them late for sure. Instead he grabbed up their packs and the bedrolls and started towards the door.

"I'm going to take this all downstairs, grab the food and just finish up a couple things before we go. Come down when you're ready."

Lenika · Date: 2006-08-02 01:01 EST

Lenika did eventually meet Panther downstairs, where both gathered their things and started off. First they had to stop at the bakery and pick up some fresh baked goods. Lenika made sure to pick up something extra, though when Panther asked her what it was for she simply shook her head and told him he would see. Then, with a kiss and a laugh from her, they were off to meet the ship.

It was a bit strange for Lenika to come down the path to the ship because she was no longer alone and she knew Panther would have his first introduction to an old friend of the family. Her breath was held as they approached the ship, which was a good sized vessel but nothing massive like those she had seen at the RhyDin docks. She lifted her hand in a wave as she saw signs of the life on board, which consisted of an older gentleman with a weathered face and clothing that suited his sailing needs. He waved back when the couple was close enough.

"Well, I'll be! You're really here!" He shouted with gleeful surprise. "Come up, come up and see this old man."

Lenika quickly crossed up onto the ship and wrapped the man in a warm embrace. She smiled onto his shoulder as she spoke softly, "I told you I'd be back soon."

The man nodded then stepped away from Lenika to peer at the one that was left behind her. He looked Panther up and down skeptically, almost critically, before turning back to Lenika.

"So this him?" He asked as he looked back to Panther. "Well, I thought he'd be a little more furry."

Lenika shook her head as the old sailor laughed at his own comments, then motioned for Panther to join her as she outstretched her hand to him. Her words were warm, but a little stern for the sailor, "Jacaroy, don't tease and be nice to him or I won't share any of the bread I brought for you. Ashandar, I would like for you to meet Jacaroy, a sailing friend of my family. Jacaroy, this is Ashandar."

Jacaroy continued to chuckle a bit more as he amused himself far more than he did anyone else. Nonetheless, he stepped forward with his hand held out to shake with Panther as he said, "Pleased to meet"cha. Boy, I got some stories to tell you!"

Panther · Date: 2006-08-02 23:27 EST

He didn't wait too long before she came downstairs. The sun was up over the tops of the trees as they stepped off the porch of the Dragon and turned down the road leading towards the market to grab a couple last items. She had been a bit secretive when telling him about the boat they would be taking, and while he trusted her, his curiosty continued to grow as she bought something extra at the bakery. He could not help it, it was a natural trait.

They were heading down the path that would take them to where the boat was waiting for them when he paused. Lenika did as well and looked back to him. "I should change now...." he stated as he set their packs on the ground. He caught a glimpse of the look she gave him. He knew she did not care, but it was rare that his experiences outside RhyDin ended well when he appeared, well, as not quite a man.

The change did not take long....less than a minute. But it was another full minute before he actually moved again. His breathing a bit harsh and ragged as he fought off the pain. And when he opened his eyes, she was still there, waiting, offering a smile that helped wash the rest of the pain from his thoughts. After slipping on a pair of soft leather boot, really not much more than a leather sock with a thicker sole, they started off again downt he path.

It was not long before the ship came in to view, and Lenika was off. Nearly bouncing down the rest of the path as she waved to a figure on board. They were speaking, exchanging greetings and were soon making their way to the deck. The man she embraced look old and definatley sea-worn, but he could tell there was strength in his voice, along with grace and confidence in his movements.

Then he was on display as the old man looked him up and down, the look of a craftsman might give a piece of material when looking for flaws that would keep him from using that piece. And then he exchanged words with Lenika again.

"So this him?" He asked her as his gaze moved to him once again. "Well, I thought he'd be a little more furry." Followed by a laugh that seemed to show he was definately amused. With his own quip, or with his inspection one could guess either way and not be far off.

Jacaroy, that's the name she called him as she introduced the two men. He had to shift the packs to one hand in order to shake the one Jacaroy offered. His own hands were not unused to labor, but since most of it was not in this form, his skin felt posatively delicate compared to the calloused hand he shook.

"Pleased to meet"cha. Boy, I got some stories to tell you!"

He let the 'boy' comment pass....even though he doubted the man was much older than himself.

"And you as well," he replied back "and I look forward to the stories." A quick glance to Lenika, was that a blush' "She can be a bit shy when it comes to offering such stories herself." He chuckled softly looking back to Jacaroy.

Jacaroy laughed again. It was an infectious sort of laugh. "Well, time enough for stories later. Let's get your things stowed so we can be off! Come! I'll show you to a cabin." And with that the old man turned, his arm drawing around Lenika as he led them below deck all the while telling Lenika how good it was to see her again and how delighted her family will be. He did about the only thing he could, gathering up their gear and following the pair.

Lenika · Date: 2006-08-05 00:23 EST

Once they were below deck Jacaroy introduced the couple to his two young crewmen, Clarey and Sonny. Clarey was as fair as a clear sky and a shy smile that grew with comfort as he shook hands with Lenika then Panther, while Sonny was as dark as night with a wide grin that made a few suggestions for Lenika and a brief challenging gaze for the man with her. It was mere minutes for the introductions before Jacaroy gave a shout for the young men to get to work. They had a trip to make and he wanted to give the couple time to settle in before the journey began, so as soon as the "boys" were off doing their duties he ushered Lenika and Panther into their cabin.

"We'll be setting sail in a few moments, so relax and get settled before coming up," Jacaroy grinned broadly and shut the door behind the couple, then his footsteps were heard going back up to the deck. Lenika turned to look at Panther with a smile as she threw her hands up in the air.

"I really don't know why they're the ones always sailing me back and forth," she said with a quiet, almost nervous laugh.

She was nervous, in fact, that Panther would change his mind after meeting just three that associated with her family that she shuffled a little bit away from him and began to run her fingers over the wood of the cabin lightly. Every so often, she would steal a glance at him until she was finally brave enough to speak again.

"My family will like you, though I do think they'll wonder where the handsome, furry man that I described is at," her smile was warm for him as always, though she does have a bit of concern in her eyes as she still was a bundle of nerves. "What"what do you think about getting settled and relaxing like Jacaroy suggested??