drinkuntilidie | 05 [Audio//Commentlog]

[Talia hadn't known what to do with the large reptilian creatures once they had appeared in the stable. She had, however, done her absolute best to see that they were properly fed and exercised as best as she could manage.

She noticed one of them was missing when she'd come through for the daily exercising. So, she saddled up the ornery stallion she'd taken a fondness to and headed out. Clucking her tongue at the beast he snorts, but obliges by picking up his pace, trotting her toward the green. She spies two very familiar forms as she approaches the Green: the missing raptor and Kevas.

A smile curls her lips as she gently urges her stallion to a halt several yards away, folding her arms across the pommel of her saddle as she lets the reins of his bit-less bridle hang loose. There is no denying the happiness that practically radiates from Kevas and Talia's voice is light and mirrored in happiness as she finally speaks.]

You know her, Kevas?

[Kevas turns his head towards Talia and grins, keeping a hand tight around the raptor's reins. He doesn't think that she'll go running after Talia's horse, but it's been almost a year since he's seen her and she may have forgotten some of her manners.]

I be knowin' her. I be knowin' her real well. Raised her since she hatched from her egg. Ain't dat be right girl?

[He pets the raptor's snout and she chirps in response.]

Talia, meet Shaka.

[The stallion beneath her quivers slightly, the whites of his eyes showing as his ears flick forward and back again, never straying from the raptor before him. Talia's hand strokes gently down his neck and she leans in, whispering something that seems to at least settle him for the moment. She smiles and pats his neck again, dismounting and leading him behind her.

She remains ever vigilant of the dinosaur, but before drawing the stallion too close she gives his shoulder a pat and secures his reins where he won't trip himself. With a final pat to the rump the stallion snorts and turns, trotting a goodly distance away before stopping with one glance back at the trio. He snorts softly before beginning to graze.

Talia, pleased, turns her attention back to the thrilled troll and his raptor mount. There is no denying the absolute pleasure flooding the trolls thoughts. He is practically glowing! She dips her head in respectful greeting to the raptor.]

It is a pleasure to meet you, Shaka. I am sorry if my lack of knowledge has led you to even the slightest of discomforts.

[His grin grows brighter and Kevas watches them both with interest. Shaka tilts her head back and forth, examining Talia with a cold intelligence that every raptor has. Finally she gives what sounds like a an approving chirp. No doubt she can smell Kevas all over Talia.

But a immediate realization wipes the smile off of his face and it feels like an iron weight drops into his stomach. Talia has been caring for Shaka? There's a sudden sense of dread, not for Shaka but for Talia.]

Joo've been handlin' her?

[Kevas let's go of Shaka's reins and moves to Talia, checking her pulse, her temperature, her color, and whatever else to make sure she's not sick.]

How joo be feelin'? Are joo alright?

[There is no denying the bright intelligence behind Shaka's gaze, cold as they might be. Talia's nose crinkles slightly in amusement at the approving chirp, chuckling softly.]

Well .. it appears that she likes me, so that is go-

[The thought trails off midway through as she finds her mate staring at her in what can only be horrified concern. Her own eyes widen as he moves in and presses his cool hands to her, clearly worried.]

Yes, but only so much as I can .. I had not had a chance to speak with Coen yet about any special needs she might have, so I have only been making certain that she is fed and her pen is kept clean.

[Her own brows knit slightly in puzzlement and she nods, confused and becoming concerned herself.]

I am fine, love .. What is wrong?

[So she hasn't actually had much contact with Shaka then. Good. There's a swell of relief when he hears that. After just getting his raptor back he doesn't want her getting people killed, especially Talia. Still, Kevas doesn't let go of her quite yet as he wants to make absolutely sure she's okay.]

Shaka be a Venomhide. Her spit, her blood, her claws, her teeth, and even her skin to some degree be poisonous. If joo ain't be careful she'll kill jah wheddah she be meanin' to or not.

[Once he's satisfied that she's alright Kevas let's her go and his smile returns.]

Only reason dat I can touch her be dat I made myself immune to it. Dat be why I got her out here. Don't want her killin' everytin' in stables on accident.

[Talia listens to the reason for his concern with slowly widening eyes, looking to the raptor with no small amount of renewed respect. Certainly there is a degree of fear, as she had stroked the beast a few times during their interactions. Still, she did not seem to suffer ill for it as of yet; and though this bein the case..]

I had no idea .. I shall treat her with the utmost care in any moments of handling. I will not fear her simply because she has a most ingenious manner of self defense. [A wry grin up at him before he finally releases her.] No more than I already did, anyway. There is nothing wrong with a healthy blend of respect and fear, in my mind.

[Her expression sobers a touch and she studies Shaka before speaking again.]

I do not think she can remain from her stall, Kevas.. No longer than six hours time, at any rate.. I am uncertain what will happen specifically, but Dos says that no mount may be outside the stable for longer than that without disappearing..

[She loos to the raptor and back to Kevas again, looking terribly sorry.]

I believe this would include setting her with temporary stabling..

Maybe I should be da one handlin' her from now on. Aftah all, I do know her best.

[As if upset by no longer being the center of attention, Shaka stomps up behind Kevas and plops her head on his shoulder. Kevas chuckles happily and wraps an arm around her, scratching the top of her head with his claws. Shaka chirps happily now that someone is paying attention to her again.

He listens to Talia and frowns slightly. He doesn't have a problem with setting her up in the stables but he doesn't want her to get into any trouble while she's there.]

Guess I gonna be spendin' a lot more time in da stables den.

[Talia's lips quirk into a smile and she inclines her head in acquiesce.]

You are, without question, the most informed of she and her pen mate.

[She watches in quiet fascination as the raptor presses for attention and gains it in spades. The was no doubting Kevas' affection for the dinosaur. She chuckles softly at the last, but nods.]

I cannot say that you would not be most welcome, beloved. The elephants are a sure source of my time spent, and i am certain Shaka would enjoy the continued attention.

[A beat and then.]

Is her pen mate also a venomhide?

[He continues to scratch Shaka absentmindedly and she is pleased to no end by this.]

Elephants? I t'ought dey be elekks.

[This is the first time Kevas has even heard the name.]

Well I can give jah a hand wid dem too. May not know nearly as much 'bout dem but I can't sit 'round all day while joo be workin'

[Even if by "sitting around all day" he means training till he nearly collapses. He may as well do something useful, maybe not to the keep but to her.]

Nah, it ain't be nearly as big as her and da coluhin' ain't be right.

[He smiles softly at Talia before looking back to Shaka.]

Wish joo could ride her. She be sometin' special.

[Her smile is soft and she must refrain from patting Shaka's neck lightly. She gives a slight nod, lips pursed thoughtfully.]

It seems they are known by several names, depending on whom you speak to. There seems to be a similar creature on several worlds we have come from.

[She smiles a bit brighter at his words.]

Well if I cannot ride her, at least I can accompany you on one of her pen mates. I think one of they might be less tempting as prey than one of the horses, mmm?

[Kevas grins happily at the idea.]

Dat I would like.

[He throws a look at the grumpy horse he watched Talia ride in on. It hasn't come anywhere near Shaka, not that he blames it.]

She won't eat what I be tellin' her not, and if she tries den I'll remind her of her mannahs. Right Shaka?

[She lifts her head away and chirps obediently.},?i>

She earned herself plenty of lovetaps when she was youngah.

[Talia returns his grin, gaze moving to settle on the stallion as well. As if feeling their gazes, he lifts his head from the grass and looks their way with a snort. Talia speaks while still looking at the tall horse, tone amused and teasing.]

Well, so long as I do not find the number of my charges lessening with every meal time. It was hard enough keeping an eye on the 'oversized chickens'..

[She glances sidelong at her mate and the raptor, nose wrinkling in mirth. With that she lifts a hand to her lips, settling a pair of fingers to them before releasing a short, sharp whistle. The stallion snorts and whinnies, stamping a hoof, but after a moment he begins trotting back over toward the trio. He stops several yards away and snorts, eying the predator warily, but Talia pays this concern no mind and moves forward to pat his neck affectionately.

After a moment of soothing murmuring and gentle laying of hands he falls still, settling with only a flick of the ears in Kevas and Shaka's direction.]

How fast can she run?

[There is a canting of brow as Talia's lips quirk curiously.]

[Kevas's tone is just as teasing.]

Hey now, I behaved myself around dem. None of dem evah went missin'. Sure one or two had a few bite marks on dem but dey nevah went missin'.

[As the stallion moves closer Shaka watches it with unblinking eyes. She looks down at Kevas like she's seeking his permission. The troll knows that look though and gives a sharp tug on her reins. Shaka snaps her jaws and her head sags.]

Quit joor poutin'.

[Kevas turns his head and smirks playfully at Talia.]

Fast as any horse.

[Talia laughs in delight, lighting up even more if at all possible.]

Well, so long as they were not missing, how could I complain?

[She watches Shaka as the raptor exhibits interest in her mount and then quickly sets aside the idea at Kevas' sharp correction. Gaze flitting back to Kevas, she grins smoothly, head tilting to one side.]

Mmm .. shall we then? I believe a good run would be good for the lot of us.

[I CHALLENGE THEE, GOOD SIR TROLL!!]

[Oh he never gets tired of hearing her laugh. His chest warms with joy every time.]

Exactly! Besides a bite or two be good fuh dem. It be helpin' dem build charactuh, and dey needed all da help dey could get wid dat.

[Kevas answers her smile with his own loving grin.]

How could I say no?

[CHALLENGE ACCEPTED MY GOOD LADYMON!

With one graceful action Kevas pulls himself onto Shaka's back. Her head perks as she's no doubt excited to go for a run with her master again.]

[Talia rounds and hooks a foot in her stallion's stirrup, pulling herself easily up into his saddle. She settles in place, watching how easily Kevas finds his own and there is no question that the raptor is instantly more alert. Her own mount begins to shift from hoof to hoof, nearly prancing in place as she adjusts his reins in her hands.]

I would not imagine you could, my love. Hyah!

[With only the barest of nudges, the stallion springs forward and Talia lets out a whoop of delight, repositioning in her saddle with a glance over her shoulder.]

[Of course he couldn't. Talia has him whipped pretty good, not that Kevas would complain much.]

How 'bout we share her what we can do eh?

[Shaka screeches in excitement and Kevas whips the reins. She takes off int pursuit of Talia, easily catching up to her. Kevas winks wryly at his mate before spurring Shaka to go even faster.]

[Talia can hear him catching up with her, a wide grin on her face as she glances sidelong and finds Shaka pacing her stallion. She laughs as he winks and passes her, feeling the stallion tense as he's passed. Only he's not tensing because Shaka is a raptor, but simply because he's an ornery bastard and doesn't like losing.

It's a man thing, she guesses. ;)

She leans forward and over his neck, adjusting her position just a bit as she runs a hand up his neck.]

You would run, then? Then run, my friend!

[That's the only prodding the stallion needs, hooves digging into the turf as he snorts and picks up the speed to catch and pace Shaka. Talia remains properly perched over his neck, akin to a jockey, he laughter stolen by the whip of wind and horse mane.]

[Don't worry big guy, there's no shame in losing to a girl.

Kevas chances a glance and catches Talia pacing beside him and Shaka. The raptor screeches again. It's hard to tell who's having the most fun right now. He wonders just how long it's been since Shaka last stretched her legs like this. She's got plenty of energy that she needs to burn off.

He smiles and loosens his grip on the reins. For now he'll let Shaka have control, trusting her only as one who truly knows their mount can.]

[No shame at all, and she'd not rub your nose in it anyway, cause she wuvvums you heap big times! :D

She hears Shaka before she sees her, the raptor zipping past her with a delighted sounding screech. Talia laughs, her own mount seeming infuriated at being bested. She allows the full out run for only a few more moments before gently reining him in.

He protests at first, fighting against the bitless bridle. Talia, whle loving to see the stallion so pleased in motion, is firm and reins in again a bit heavier and with a snort, the stallion breaks his stride and begins to slow from a gallop, to a trot and finally down to a easy gaited walk.

To say that Talia appears a bit windswept is understating the matter entirely. Still, she is beaming brightly, heaving out a shaky and delighted exhale.]

[Aw, that just makes him feel all warm and fuzzy.

When Kevas see Talia slow down he pulls back on his reins as well. Shaka screeches in protest, not wanting to slow down but another tug and she complies. He feels a little bad for ending her fun but there will be other times when she can run to her heart's content.

He turns Shaka around and trots her back over to Talia. If the grin on Kevas' face grows any wider his face will be in danger of splitting.]

I t'ink dey enjoyed demselves.

[Talia makes a weak attempt at smoothly her unruly hair, but gives up a moment later, her own cheeks aching from grinning so much. She laughs softly at his assessment and she nods.]

I should say so! Haven knows, I would let this one run all day if not for the threat of foundering him. The stubborn mule would run himself to the ground if given the chance.

Maybe he just be wantin' to impress da ladymons here.

[The troll's smile lessens but is no less fond. Truly she's a magnificent sight perched atop her mount like this. Everyday he counts himself lucky for just being with her.

He reaches a hand out and gently removes a few strands of her from her face.]

I know I would.

Mmmm, perhaps.

[How did this silly Herald ever get so lucky, hmm? As he brushes hair from her eyes, her wide grin softens and she turns her head enough to brush her lips along his wrist. Is that a happy flush across her cheeks? M'yep!]

Oh, you have nothing to fear in that regard, Kevas.

[Why because she saw something more to him than a giant ball of crazy.]

Don't mean I still ain't gonna try.

[The troll winks before leaning in to steal a kiss from her.]

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