Author: Aspect, Posted: Sun Jul 31, 2016 6:33 PM, Post Subject: If the trees could speak

Aspect froze as she watched the dragoness reach over and snatch the bottle of the counter top. She dropped her hand heavily on the table and cast a momentary glare in direction before she realized the she was bringing forth a better drink. She nodded a polite thank you to her as she handed her a glass of the stronger liquid. She tipped it into her mouth and drank the small shot glass in one swallow. The liquor burned and tingled in her mouth, the flavor better than most she'd ever had. She felt it snake down her throat like a warm snake and settle in her belly.

She gave a sideways smirk at Helanaii and set the glass down gently. She would have liked more, but she'd prefer to keep her head for the time being. She didn't really have any desire to anger her in her own den. "It's very nice to meet you too," she replied. "I have no intention of breaking or stealing any of your belongings. Normally, I wouldn't be so careful about it, but these are unusual circumstances for me, and I don't want to irritate my host, especially not after showing me so much hospitality."

She watched the dragon take a glass of wine for herself and walk around the bar. She glanced at the elegantly carved doors behind her and was unable to see inside the large room. She asked if she would like to eat and Aspect smiled. "Yes please," she said quietly. "It's been awhile since I've had something cooked off the hoof." She looked up at the woman's eyes, her dragon heritage betrayed in the way they sparkled like polished gems. 

Author: Helanaii, Posted: Mon Jun 20, 2016 8:31 PM, Post Subject: If the trees could speak

(I'll make a thread in General Discussion for this topic later then, one of my friends are one this site and they love to talk about dinosaurs and things as well c:)

Helanaii noticed her reaching for one of the bottles of whiskey, and she quietly pulled it away. She moved behind the counter and ducked down behind the counter for a split second to remove a much more expensive, stronger alcohol. Similar to what the shifter was reaching for, but a little more on the line of liquid gold. 
   She poured the drink out for her and handed it to the taller woman, then pressed her elbows against the counter top while she listened intently. 

"So, you're saying I should probably want to keep the whiskey on the lighter side for you…" Her throat cleared before continuing. "Well, Aspect, it is a true pleasure to meet you. You are more than welcome to stay for the night if you need a place to crash. As long as you don't break anything, we should be fine."

Helan turned to the counter and retrieved a drink for herself, though her drink was a sweet red wine, one of her favorites.
"You know, dragons are extremely possessive. I'm fine with sharing, as long as what I'm sharing doesn't get damaged. I suppose we both have our flaws. But, who's perfect?" 

She twirled out from behind the counter, now standing in front of a pair of swinging doors that led to a dark, unseen room that expanded beneath the banister and behind the liquor shelves.

"I believe my species are great cooks as well as hostess's, would you like something to eat?" Her espresso darkened hair tilted along with her head while she peered at Aspect. She hunted very often, and stored her meats in a cooling room below the kitchen area. It had taken her quite a long time to restore this building back to its former glory, and then some. She took pride in her home, though this was just one of many. Her main homeland rested in the crevice of a mountain. 

Author: Aspect, Posted: Sun Jun 19, 2016 2:45 PM, Post Subject: If the trees could speak

(A common problem for me as well.)

Aspect followed the dragoness inside the building, ducking her head slightly to avoid hitting the door frame. She listened intently as the dragon explained about the history of race. The bond with the humans and the level of loyalty she spoke of was alien to the shapeshifter. The shapeshifters had never had any close alliances with anyone but themselves, and even then, those ties were compromising and flexible. The breeding that must have gone into the dragon breed was astounding and their transformation over time was even more so.

She stepped into a large room, with flawless furniture and decoration. She stared upward, intrigued with the shimmering chandelier on the ceiling that cast flecks of light around the room. She dropped her gaze to the counter and eyed the line of various bottles that were stacked neatly on the shelves behind the bar. Near the edge of the bar was a very fancy banister and stairwell that led to an upper floor. The place was a very well created mirage from the outside.

She still continued to listen to the dragon and she stated that her name was Helanaii. A unique name, but exotic in its own right. She walked over and sat on of the stools at the bar. "My name is Aspect," she said, taking one of the shot glasses and twirling it in her fingers. "I am from a line of true shapeshifters and am able to turn into any mortal, native beast of the Earth. As you've seen, I am able to overcome an extinction of a species and am able to shift into that form as well. I can not change into any future species, only ones that exist or existed naturally, without any magical means. That is how we differ from normal shapeshifters, like your sort, creatures that can change into a limited number of forms. We are only limited by the natural world."

"My parents were also both true shifters. Generally, my kind do not interact or depend heavily on other species. We are considered inconsistent and generally untrustworthy, due to our constantly changing nature. A few rare varieties of our sort will also change their personality with each form. I stay relatively consistent with each shift, only losing control when I'm heavily intoxicated or something of the sort. I don't know really where my race is from, or even how it was created, I just know that we are generally heavily misjudged and disliked by most other creatures, human, elf, or animal alike. We don't really have a home or native land. We mostly wander and change places a lot, like many other aspects of ourselves." She cast a sideways smirk at the dragon, before reaching for a whiskey bottle.

Author: Helanaii, Posted: Thu Jun 9, 2016 9:42 PM, Post Subject: If the trees could speak

(Holy cow you're the best. T-T I can never find anyone to discuss such topics. My friends are… too girly.)

While Helanaii placed her steps, she created soft foot-falls in the debris. An elegant being, clad in shredded and humble clothes. She pursed her lips while continuing in thought, attempting to place her terms into something the skinchanger following behind her could understand much more easily.

"Well, it is a long history I suppose. Mother said that many centuries ago, our kind were smaller than we are today. About the size of the common horse. Maybe a little larger for males. Short, stocky bodies on chubby little legs. They were, ugly, to say the least. Their bodies were so dense, they could barely glide. So, obviously they were easy to catch. The old, originals of my kind lived only in the uppermost mountains in the Northern regions, the Highlands. The humans there used my kind to pull carts in their kingdoms and villages. They acted more like horses than dragons. Absolutely nothing Royal about them. They got along well with the humans, and as time passed, the Humans began to notice the undying loyalty of such beasts. More so than dogs,"

Helanaii swung the rotting oaken door aside to reveal a secretive, beautifully furnished building. It was immaculate, an old golden chandelier hung from the ceiling and lit the large open area with rows of glowing candles. The wood seemed brand new, even a bar leaned itself against one of the backs, like a typical inn. It was well-stocked. A long staircase with a carved banister led to the upstairs in which contained rooming, and even a bath. 
She continued on with her story, and stepped aside to allow the taller figure to pass through first.

"so they decided to try and domesticate them further. Kind of like how they bred wolves and wild dogs to get their domesticated cousin you see more often today. They picked the qualities they liked the best, and after a few generations came a larger line of dragons. As the King grew old, he changed the name of my kind to Guardians. The quality breeding continued, even as the villages and kingdoms declined. Eventually, some genius created the ultimately desired beasts, we call those the Newer Breeds. That's what I am. Or partially anyways. Granted, the whole four wing thing is extremely rare. I'm sort of a mix, 1/4 original breed and 3/4 newer. Mother had raised too many children under the hand of a heavy village leader, so she escaped. Hence, why I'm even here. … Ohyes. And my name is Helanaii."

She closed the door tightly behind them.

"Well… now after that extremely long, boring discourse; what about you and your own kind?"

The espresso haired woman approached the bar-like counter and pulled out sparkling fluids for refreshments, though her attention was still obviously displayed towards the skinchanger.

Author: Aspect, Posted: Thu Jun 9, 2016 1:52 PM, Post Subject: If the trees could speak

(If you would ever like to have a dinosaur/extinct animal discussion, let me know. I always enjoy learning new things.)

Aspect watched as the dragon changed back into her human form, causing her draconic features to disappear. She laughed at her and the rat flicked her tail back and forth. She was rather annoyed and disappointed with this change of events. Yes, the dragon could best her in almost any of her forms, but if she had managed to get into her throat, or even just her mouth, she could have easily conquered the creature. Any of her forms could cause enough damage internally that would swiftly lead to the dragon's demise and then her escape out of her body cavity. Until next time…she thought to herself.

"You were bred?" She asked her. She realized she wasn't going to be eaten like she had originally planned and proceeded to change into a large cat. The jaguar rippled her muscles and glanced at her red tinted, spotted hide. She sat quietly while she watched the dragon. "You were domesticated? By humans? The kings and queens of the skies were tamed and controlled by mortals. I find that hard to believe." She curled her long tail around the base of her forelegs. 

She cocked an ear as she listened to her speak. Her voice was similar to that of a true human, but her sharp ears could pick up the faint roar that echoed from her throat. It was true, her kind had never been the sort that was well populated. Shape shifters were naturally few and far between. They were not trusted by a lot of species, human, elf, dwarf, or animal, due to their ability to turn into something else and potentially threatening.  Shape shifters, like the dragon before her, that could turn into one or two different forms were very common, prominent examples included were creatures and half breeds. However, true shape-shifters with the ability to turn into any creature with only earthly restrictions, like her kind, were rare.

The dragon mentioned her human form and Aspect studied her. She didn't believe that she was being tricked or deceived by the dragoness and she trusted in her abilities to shift faster than she could if she needed to escape. Slowly, she allowed herself to revert back to her human form. She stood up from her crouched position and brushed her long, dark red hair out of her face. She was taller than the dragoness and followed behind her as she led the way towards the structure. 

Author: Helanaii, Posted: Thu Jun 9, 2016 7:40 AM, Post Subject: If the trees could speak

(It's fine, I probably wasn't clear enough ^^')
(Phew, good! XD I have a set of spinosaurus teeth evem, when people ask me what that is I'm like, T-T "That thing from jurassic park. That killed the trex." "…OHHH COOL! Why aren't they white if they're teeth? How did you get its teeth. It was fake?" I almost cry. Not too many people know much about them. You give me hope. XD. )

Helanaii watched the beast change form, tilting her skull to the side while she did such. The large body also melted as well, and where the giant stood, now replaced by an average looking woman. No wings; claws, teeth, or tail. She croutched in front of the rat, and released a small giggle.

"Well, for starters we were selectively bred and domesticated for centuries. Oddly though, mother says we're practically extinct now!"

She flopped down next to the rodent and brushed the hair from her face before continuing.

"Hehe, I'm not going to eat you! I don't think your kind is wretched one bit. I admire you skinchangers, did you know that? I love all the forms that are taken, without effort even. And it's been quite some time since I've bumped into one of your kind anyways."

She rose to her feet after that short course and lifted her eyes up to the rotten wood before dropping them to the small furry creature again.  Now she stood, and then brushed the pine needles from her tattered dress. An invitation was not something she did often, especially in her own hidden away caches. Especially for a stranger, but she saw good even within the beady eyes, and decided to open up a bit.

"You must have a human form in there somewhere? Come in, drink and eat, and tell me of your travels. Along with your name, dear."

Helanaii took a few strides to the door of the seemingly rotting building, and beckoned the way with a sweep of her arms.

Author: Aspect, Posted: Thu Jun 9, 2016 7:11 AM, Post Subject: If the trees could speak

(My apologies, it was hard for me to tell in the previous post.)
(I am very aware of the inaccuracies in Jurassic Park and the actual knowledge behind Spinosaurus. I was going mainly for shock value as occasionally I enjoy drawing certain scenes from role play.)

Aspect glanced at her and a smile flickered across her face. "Very true," she replied. "I take this form while knowing all of its faults. And yes sometimes, we take larger forms when a more average size would be better suited for a circumstance. You would certainly best me in my present condition, and I agree with your preference for a more feline appearance." She changed back into a large cat. "However, your spines and jaws, and crooked claws would still likely win. You are a very well created creature, though from what land I have never heard. You a strong and powerful for your size, strong enough to take on others of a much vaster build."

"Naturally, a form does not occur like that in nature, or even something vaguely similar or so absolute. So I would have no chance fighting you in any of my forms." Rat. She folded into herself and scrunched herself into a small ball of fur. She stood in front of the dragon in her rodent form. "I surrender to you, mighty dragon. Eat me as prize for your victory. Help wipe my wretched race from this earth so that your kind might dominate in its place." She curled up and closed her eyes. "Please be fast."

Author: Helanaii, Posted: Thu Jun 9, 2016 1:56 AM, Post Subject: If the trees could speak

(Helan was a human, she was never a dragon. .-. )
(…. not the jurassic park spino. JP is so Inaccurate with their dinosaurs it's a laughing stock. I'm sorry, I've studied these beasts for 17 years, so I am very uptight and critical for anything dinosaur related. Time for an educational lesson. C: ) 

Helanaii only partially cocked an eyebrow as the skinchanger took form of a mistake. With a sigh, she only returned the favor, but in her true, battle-bred form. Her change was almost unnatural it was so quick, obviously she wanted to get this over with.

Thick pine green hide stretched over an enormous mass of a frame, her body was longer than the spinosaurus by a good ten feet, enormous dark espresso plates armored her spine. Spiked derma thorns connected deep within her tissue and sprouted across the entire length of her torso acting as a natural barrier to stop any mouths trying to get to her skin. Her skull was a beauty, the bone plating itself was ridiculous, similarily built to a mountain ram. Enormous black curving battering horns looped down past her strong, crushing jaw. Tipped at the end of her longer snout was a bone-crushing beak. Her arms muscular, but her hinds doubled the length of her front fores. Four enormous wings with large talon-jointed hands folded above and to the side of her body. Overall, she looked immense. Of course the female stood shorter than her opponent, but only by a short stretch, and she was on all fours. Her longer, thickly muscled hind appendages could only mean that yes, Helanaii could also become bipedal and stand on two legs. She appeared to have a ton of mass in her chest which would of have made things uneven, but the length and thickness of her tail would evenly distributed the weight contained in her body. Her bones were not fragile and hollow, like a number of larger bones found within dinosaurs, but they were thick and cement solid. Meaning her muscle mass had to be doubled, if not tripled, and like the strongest of metals to carry her body around. 

She gave the skinchanger the benefit of the doubt, and stayed grounded on all fours. Infact, Helanaii even took a number of steps back and actually reclined herself, choosing to sit atop a larger brush pile. Lions would immitate such a lazy posture to prove to those standing against them that they did not fear their opponents. It was usually directed towards Heyenas, the Lions were showing the lesser canines that they had the power to kill, but chose not to do so.

"That is exactly what irritates me of you changers. You can take all of these forms, so naturally you choose the 'biggest.' Keep in mind however, the biggest, are not always the baddest. Like me for example, I'm among the shortest of dragons, a chihuahua mind you. But I can take on fire breathers twice, and then some beyond my size."

She shook her massive neck before continuing on.

"You do realize that your teeth are conical. They are for catching fish and holding onto their slippery prey, not for slicing flesh. The long, narrow snout? That does not deliver the bone-crushing blow you think it does. You can probably feel the breeze right now even though I can't, your snout is sensitive to fish passing it in the water. In fact, you can go ahead and bite me if you don't believe me. If you can stomach the needle pain of my spikes in the upper roof of your mouth, you will find yourself barely able to penetrate my rough hide. Sure you could do damage with your arms, but that is about as far as it goes. That enormous sail on your spine? That's connected to your vertebrates. You even slip up once, and fall onto your side, your good as dead. Those big bones in the sail help regulate temperature just fine, even attracting a mate, but the long narrow bone is your actual spine, break it and…. fatal. Sweety, I will most certainly not spar you. Your chance of death is very high in that form. I have been around for quite some time to know that, just by looking you over. You were better off as a lion. Take this as a learning experience. I'm not mocking you, only lending the wisdom of a dragon. If I were human. I'd be terrified. But I am not." 

A large exhale of oxygen bellowed out of her nostrils.

"Anywho, that old rackity Inn behind you is why I am here. It's currently where I am staying. Please don't back into it. May I offer a truce and perhaps fine wine instead of bloodshed?"

Author: Aspect, Posted: Wed Jun 8, 2016 5:08 PM, Post Subject: If the trees could speak

Aspect closed her mouth and growled at the dragon when she landed. She watched her fold her wings and begin to circle her. She flicked her lip up slightly as she stared at the sharp curved beak. She paid no attention to the sounds of her claws hitting the earth, they were only dulling themselves. She heard her hiss through her teeth. She mocked her and her race and she felt her hackles flare up along her back.

Spinosaurus.  She reared upward onto her hind legs and felt her spine snap into a different alignment. The vertebrae extended upwards, connected by a thick sail of skin. Her fur was reabsorbed into dense gray scales with a tinge of red. Her limbs stretched and shifted, her arms becoming slightly shorter than her muscular legs. Her neck became lean and her long skull narrowed. She grinned at her through her snaggly teeth and jagged jawline. 

She took a quick step forward as she adjusted to her new bulk and size. She flexed her large clawed hands and snapped her jaws. She hissed, long and low from the depths of her chest. "I could ask you the same thing," she said glaring at her. She looked the dragon in the eye, showing no fear or intimidation. "I don't have any desire to spar with you. But if it is a fight you are looking for, you will be up against one of the most adaptable creatures in the universe." 

Author: Helanaii, Posted: Sat Jun 4, 2016 10:55 PM, Post Subject: If the trees could speak

Slyly seeing how the creature took form, Helanaii took a step back when the debris calmed from her landing. She neatly tucked her four wings behind her, and her height grew slightly while she began to circle the feline. Thinner human feet seemed to melt and mold into large green reptilian hinds, weaponed with two enormous sickle claws that ticked against the ground with each step she took. Her movements were graceful, almost carefree. 

"Ahhh~" Her voice smoothly flowed out, "a sskin changer. How quaint."

The soft, dark hair bounced around her face while she stepped, the added joint in her legs left her with a bouncier walk.

"What is a sweet, submissive species of your sort doing out in this rough of the woods?" Helan's green eyes finally took themselves off of the massive lion, showing her complete and utter lack of fear.

The longer wings dragged on the debris every now and again. If it was a fight the mammal sought, it would be a quick one. If it decided to turn and run, it would be a short chase. It would be better off not attempting anything tricky.

Author: Aspect, Posted: Thu Jun 2, 2016 2:22 PM, Post Subject: If the trees could speak

Aspect walked slowly through the field and back towards the woods. Her small, sturdy hooves made no sound as she stepped lightly over the tall grasses. She flicked her tail and caught the scent of a few mice scurrying across the ground in front of her. She perked her ears forward curiously as she listened to their loud chatter. She smirked and stopped for a moment when she caught sight of them. It was a few young ones wrestling in the dead leaves. There mother was likely close by and Aspect was careful not to get too close, she didn't want to scare them off.

She stood still and let them carry out their banter without interference. She heard a muffled rustle and cautiously flicked an ear back. The mice in front of her stopped in their play and froze. They cast their eyes upward and stared past her towards the sky. With a loud rustling the pair took off towards a dead tree lying on its side. All she saw was their tails for the briefest of moments before they disappeared into the depths of the log.

Her eyes widened as she heard the rustling again, louder this time. It sounded like thin cloth flapping in the breeze, or wet clothing, or wings…She jumped upright and urged the transformation on. American Lion. Her deer body lengthened and she felt her weight increase dramatically. Her skin stretched as the muscles underneath grew. Her fur grew and thickened, faint stripes rippled across her body. Her neck and shoulders broadened and her height increased. Her limbs became sturdy and wide, her fine hooves were now massive, clawed paws. Her stub of a tail changed and stretched. It's girth was comparable to a heavy rope.

She flipped her head up rapidly towards the clouds, catching sight of a large, green and tan creature descending. She opened her mouth, revealing giant white fangs. Her body was as large as a horse, and her teeth were proportionally sized. She flicked her ears back and glared up at the creature. Her hackles rippled along her spine, making a stiff ridge of fur. She watched the woman come closer and rolled out of the way when she landed. She jumped upright as soon as she was out of range and roared. Her loud call echoed deafeningly through the trees.

Author: Helanaii, Posted: Thu May 26, 2016 8:35 PM, Post Subject: If the trees could speak

((Sorry! I just came home from vacation!))

Being the lithe beast she was, the young woman raised her relaxed body to stand upon the roof of the three storied inn as the deer came into view. It explained where the hoof sound had come from. She watched intently as two scattered off in a different direction, but the remaining one had slowed and seemed a bit drawn to the clearing. Perhaps they had been running from the Doe? It did appear a little different.

Interest perked inside of her, and now she began to silently edge her way to the end of the rotting rooftop. Helanaii waited patiently until the doe drew closer. She slowed her breaths and crouched low, quieting her heartbeat and thus silencing her existence. Sometimes boredom could usually lead to unpredictable behaviors from the woman; she wasn't interested in hunting at the time. Being a dragon wasn't always a serious task. Occasionally she enjoyed spooking unsuspecting animals. She really enjoyed startling them and watching them scamper away, or stand there not knowing what to do next. It proved that each animal had a different personality by how they react.

The muscles in her limber body tightened and waited in her feline pose, they anticipated her every move. The dark haired woman waited until the doe turned her back towards the corner of the roof before shifting her weight forwards.

Within a split fraction of a second, she dove like an Olympic diver and fell past the first floor. Two sets of wings unfolded from beneath her shoulder blades and shot out at the last second to catch the woman from the fall, by now the noise probably would of froze animals as it was still too quick for any immediate reaction.

She landed effortlessly in front of the pretty animal and spread her wings apart like a bird of prey, her feet had transformed into something reptilian with dangerous sickle claws on two toes which had aided in the softer landing.
With a child-like manner the woman called out to the animal, her hands apart and held slightly higher.

"BOO!"

Author: Aspect, Posted: Mon May 16, 2016 5:02 PM, Post Subject: If the trees could speak

Aspect was in no rush, she didn't have anything going on, except enjoying the view of course. She walked slowly down the road, her boots kicking up a small cloud of dust around her ankles. She went slowly, her hands tucked into the pockets of her jacket as she looked around her. The trees were thick and lush with the summer's sun and water. She smiled, she always loved watching everything come back to life after a long cold winter. She looked up at the sun and allowed it to warm her.

It felt very nice to be out of the city. So much quieter and not nearly as many people. She was easily able to avoid the few people she did see on this road. She could hear them from a ways away and have adequate time to get out of their sight. She spotted a small clump of plants by the side of the road and bent down next to it. She picked up a spring of mint and put it in her mouth. She chewed it thoughtfully as she walked along. 

After a short while, she stopped and caught the scent of animals in the brush near the road. She glanced around her before shrugging her shoulders and slipping into the form of a small fox. She scampered quickly off the trail and walked silently over the leaves as she sought out the scent. She trotted over to a small log and leaped over it. She looked up and caught sight of a pair of deer looking at her. She froze, her ears perked forward and her tail held still.

She saw them flick their ears forward and snort loudly. She watched them flick their tails and take a few steps forward. Within moments, the pair had picked up speed and were galloping off into the brush. She bent forward and felt her body elongate and her legs lengthen as she ran after them. The red tinted doe ran with the pair for a short while before they burst into a clearing and separated into different directions. She huffed, slightly disappointed and shook her head. Slowly, she turned and walked towards the edge of the clearing.

Author: Helanaii, Posted: Sat May 14, 2016 9:38 PM, Post Subject: If the trees could speak

Something buzzed through the air, disturbing the canopy of a great oak and created an uprising within a larger flock of birds which then scattered in all directions. The sound of their warning calls shrieked out through the thick leaved that clumped together to block out most of the sun's dying rays.

From on the littered floor spooked a deer with its fawn, both taking off with their tails fluffed and in the air to wave as a warning flag. Their nimble bodies and hooved feet easily made way over smaller logs until the grassier ground disappeared. The pair paused momentarily on a worn-down dirt road that seemed to be heavily traveled by larger carriages and company. 

It wasn't long before again the deer felt uncomfortable standing there. Immediately the mother perked her ears to tune in to the sound of another presence, flipping them around like a satellite dish. Again the two lifted their tails and bolted into the foliage, then darted down a beaten trail that led shortly off the road between the trees.

~~~

Helanaii was partially sprawled out atop a roof of an older, almost abandoned, cabin. It was slightly larger of size with a short clearing around it which may of have been used as an inn long ago for travelers to rest at. Occasionally such travelers would still find this a refuge from the beasts that lurk within the night.

Today it's purpose had served a single creature in a nice place to rest and lazily watch the wildlife. 

She had been resting on her side, drawing pictures by carving into the wooden shingles but now the sound of clicking hooves every now and then from bits of the slowly vanishing road caught her attention. 

Quietly Helan pushed herself up to sit cross-legged and watched as a few deer darted around the building.

What could of have spooked them?

She strained her perceptions forwards to listen further.