phantasmalrift | travel light, let the sun eclipse you

travel light, let the sun eclipse you

Who: Robin+Akira for the closed portion, Robin+whoever'd like to bother him otherwise! Featuring his lovely wyvern Melady.
What: Robin's got his wyvern back and he is taking full advantage of that
When: IC Date 5/30 for the closed bit, 5/31-6/4 for the rest
Where: Stables + the beach
Warnings: I think we should be good

Closed
[It starts with a quick message over the network, shortly after Izunia's notice about adult party games goes up: "Hey, come meet me down by the stables."

When Akira does make his way down there, Robin's just coming out, leading... what appears to be a dragon. His eyes light up upon seeing Akira and he waves the teenager over.]

Look what the androids managed to find in one of the Fissures!

Open!
[Just about any time during the following week, Robin is, surprisingly, going to be found outside more than inside like he usually is. He's up early to head to the stables to feed and just generally spend a little time with his wyvern before taking her out for a flight.

... And boy, does Robin spend a long while in flight. Though, sometimes he can be caught closer to the ground, swinging around an axe with practiced ease. Sometimes the pair will land for a rest... which is probably the best time to bother Robin, at least.]

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[ He doesn't take long to respond that he'll be there ASAP!

And once he arrives, he just... blinks in surprise. ]

Whoa...

[ Then a small grin appears as he makes his way over. ]

Got a name?

Edited 2018-06-18 12:09 (UTC)

[He nods eagerly as the wyvern lumbers over.]

Akira, this is Melady. She's one of my dearest friends from back home.

[Melady turns her head slightly, turning a scrutinizing eye towards Akira.]

[ The mention of her being one of Robin's dearest friends gets a brighter smile out of Akira. ]

Nice to meet you, Melady. [ nodding his head a bit ] My name's Akira Kurusu. I hope we can become friends, as well.

[There's a few more moments of Melady's... somewhat judgmental stare, before she lets out... thankfully just a snort before bending her head down slightly, within Akira's reach.]

Ah, she's taken to you already, it looks like.

[ And that has him smiling! He reaches out to gently touch her, a look of wonder immediately spreading over his face. Even after everything, this... somehow feels completely surreal? He's petting one of the most beautiful creatures he's ever seen! This is awesome!!!

... Yeah, that might be a hint of a giddy smile surfacing for just a split second; don't mind him. ]

[Robin can't help a faint chuckle at the sight. The wyvern gently nudges into Akira's hand as Robin strokes the side of her neck.

... Hmm... since Melady's taken to Akira in but a fraction of the time it took her to to get used to him...]

[ He grins softly as she nudges into his hand. With that, he's bringing up his other hand and petting her like he means it~ ]

So how did you two meet?

A few months ago, after helping one of my friends with a... situation she was having with her own wyvern, I'd asked her if there was any chance she'd show me the ropes of fighting from wyvern-back. Melady was the wyvern that stuck out to me most, though we've had our... differences, shall we say?

[Melady lets out a remarkably well-timed snort, as if in response.]

For two months, I couldn't approach without her snapping at me. It's kind of incredible she's taken to you so quickly.

[ He gives a soft blink at that story, and looks from Robin, right back over to Melady. He tilts his head to the side a little, trying to imagine her being the type to just... snap at someone?

Was it fear? Wariness? A learned lack of trust in humans...? ]

I'd be willing to bet that's thanks to you...

[ Is he blushing just a little...?

... maaaaybe. ]

Haha, it's possible, I suppose. Still, she didn't even warm up to Wren this quickly.

[A beat.]

Would you like to learn to ride her?

[ He's trying not to get super flustered here! ...but damn if that blush isn't a little darker? He's genuinely flattered... ]

--Whoa, really!?

[ Annnnnd he didn't mean to ask that in the way a much younger person might ask their parents if they're seriously about to take them to their favorite amusement park?? WHOOPS... ]

[... That's cute? That's cute. He chuckles a little and nods.]

Absolutely. The androids found an appropriate saddle and reins for her, too.

[... Not that you really need the reins in battle, but they're nice to have.]

[ He looks from Robin to Melady, back to Robin, and then back to Melady. ]

What do you say, Melady? Care to have me along?

[After a long look at Akira, Melady shrieks her assent.

... It's a little loud, but, thankfully, not nearly as loud as Minerva's noises tend to get.]

Looks like she approves.

[The saddle's actually already on, so Robin turns to start fiddling with the wyvern's reins.]

We'll get you used to riding around on her back first on the ground before we start having her take to the air with you.

[ He grins and happily pets her, nodding at Robin's words. ]

All right, sounds good!

[ With that, he moves back to watch what Robin's doing. ]

[He moves aside to let Akira see what he's doing as he fixes the reins in place, then checks the saddle one last time--never hurts to be certain it's secure.]

Alright, we're ready to get started.

[Robin gestures to Melady, who lowers her body in response, enough to allow Akira to climb on.]

[ After everything is secure, he reaches out to brush his fingers along the material. When he hears the confirmation, he gives a small grin and a brief nod. ]

Okay.

[ He rests a hand against Melady's side for a moment, and then climbs up... with just a tad bit of awkwardness. After all, he's a little distracted by excitement, on top of the fact that he's never so much as ridden a horse. ]

... I suppose I should've offered a bit more guidance, but that was good for a first time.

[He coughs, looking almost sheepish before circling the wyvern to make sure Akira's situated correctly.]

Melady's pretty responsive to cues--ah, I guess I should probably explain those first, shouldn't I?

[ He gives a small, sheepish grin. ]

I could have asked.

[ To the last part, he nods. ]

All right.

[Robin takes a bit to explain the various riding aids which the player is totally guessing are close enough to the ones used for horses, just. You know. On a goddamn dragon.]

Like I said, Melady's pretty responsive, so it shouldn't be too hard to get the hang of.

[ He listens closely, gently and vaguely mimicking everything he's taught as he's taught it. ]

Right. I should be able to handle it.

[ There's a smile and a nod, and he reaches out to pet the side of her neck. ]

All right... Ready when you are.

[ insert him initiating them setting off here :v just... sticking to the ground still ]

[Moving along the ground is probably not the smoothest ride, if we're being perfectly honest, but Melady manages well enough and, as promised, responds to even the slightest cues that Akira gives.

Robin follows along behind to keep an eye on the two of them.]

[ Yeeeeah, it's not the most comfortable ride he's ever been on, but! He's still enjoying himself a lot. He grins every time she responds to him. Eventually, he pats the side of her neck and gives her the cue to stop. ]

Gotta admit... Kid me would be so jealous, right now...

And to think, you're not even at the really amazing part yet.

[Robin wanders over to pat Melady's neck himself, grinning.]

[ That has him grinning softly and he tilts his head at Robin. ]

True~ [ there are no signs of this grin fading ] Hypothetically... would you say I'm ready for that yet?

[Robin's grin fades a little as he gives that some serious thought. Well, it shouldn't be too bad, considering how quick Akira got the hang of things...]

Yeah, I'd say you're ready. What do you think, Melady?

[The wyvern simply shrieks in response, though the way she stretches out her wings as she does is probably a bit telling.]

[ He grins excitedly as he nods. ]

Guess that's an affirmative.

[ With the grin softening into a smile, he pats her neck again. ]

Then... ready whenever you are, Melady.

[ Just like before, he'll be giving the cue once they're good to go. ]

[Robin grins and runs back a bit before Melady takes off!

... She's probably going to stay pretty low for the time being for the sake of Akira's safety, but she'll definitely be flying high enough for a Real Flying Experience (tm).]

[With his own steed needing exercise and both of them needing to be in the air, Astolfo's also spending some time on the beach in the interest of flying. He catches sight of Robin landing, and his attention immediately focuses on the wyvern.]

Hey-! [He waves to Robin, but speaks to the wyvern.] Who might you be?

[His hippogriff keeps its distance, but shows an interest all the same.]

Hey! [Robin waves back, then he grins, dismounting. Melady turns to look at Astolfo, giving him a bit of a scrutinizing look.]

Remember how I told you about my wyvern a while back? The androids found her in one of the Fissures. This is Melady.

[The wyvern lets out a screech that... well, at least it doesn't seem hostile, so it's most likely in greeting.

Probably.]

Oh! Nice to meet you, Melady.

[He gives a small bow to her, not at all put off by the screech.]

I'm glad you two are reunited, I've been wanting to meet her ever since you mentioned it.

[In the background, his hippogriff tilts his head with interest.]

I'm glad too. It feels good to be able to take to the skies again.

[Melady looks up, past Astolfo, to get a look at the hippogriff. She lets out a curious noise and Robin pats her neck with a smile.]

Isn't it? There's nothing like the first flight after being grounded for a while.

[He gives his hippogriff a knowing grin, only to find it far more focused on the wyvern, pupils flashing with interest.]

Do you think Melady would mind if they were introduced?

[He nods in agreement, grinning. He then glances between the hippogriff and the wyvern.]

I don't think so. If anything, I think she's curious.

Then let's keep them apart no longer.

[He gives an encouraging pat on his hippogriff's side, which anxiously chirps in response. Go on, don't be shy.]

[He smiles and nods, patting Melady's neck. The wyvern lets out a low rumble as she slowly approaches, tilting her head as she looks the hippogriff over curiously.]

[Astolfo gestures for his steed to walk up to her, to which it eventually responds to, trotting a little closer, pupils flashing in interest.]

[Once the hippogriff's close enough, Melady leans forward to start sniffing at the creature.

So far, so good...]

[The hippogriff follows suit, sniffing and making the occasional click of its tongue, tail flicking with anticipation.]

[After what seems like a small eternity, Melady finally pulls back and lets out a snort of approval, her own tail swaying happily.

She likes this one. Yes.]

[The hippogriff lets out a delighted cry, and nods its head, trotting backwards slightly.

At the sight, Astolfo gives a single clap, beaming.]

Looks like they'll be friends, doesn't it?

[Robin grins, nodding, as he walks over to pat Melady's side.]

Yeah... looks like we'll have nothing to worry about.

What a relief, too. Can you imagine the two of them fighting?

[A black shadow sweeps by Robin and Melady, close enough for the sudden rush of wind to be felt. Robin can probably guess at its identity, but should he focus his gaze forward for confirmation, he will, indeed, see his sister atop her pegasus, craning her neck back to flash him an easy grin.

My, that sure does seem like a challenge, doesn't it?]

[Oh, yes, Robin can already tell the identity of the shadow and the rush of wind. Melady lets out a shriek of delight and Robin grins. He urges the wyvern onward and she responds eagerly.]

You're on!

[Wren merely laughs in response. She likewise continues to drive Catria forward; ever the competitive sort, she's happy to oblige. It's a race!]

[Robin continues to drive Melady forward, laughing as well. It's been such a long time since they've done this--and to be perfectly honest, he's missed it.

Melady's just as competitive as Catria, and it's clear that the wyvern missed doing races too.]

[There sure are a lot of flying critters out here, huh? A pegasus, a hippogriff, a wyvern..... Morgana watches Robin's graceful training while lounging in the shadow of the stable, rolled onto his back and with his paws curled against his chest to enjoy the show. It's only once Robin lands for a break that he speaks up.]

Do you really manage to connect with an axe that often while you're flying like that?

[Sure, he could understand it with a spear, or scythe, or halberd, or some other sort of polearm, but an axe? That doesn't have much reach. You might as well just be divebombing someone empty-handed and letting the wyvern do all the work, right?]

[Robin dismounts as soon as he comes in for a landing, wandering over to sit near Morgana-- to make conversation a bit easier. Melady follows, laying down behind her rider.]

To tell you the truth, it took a fair bit of practice before I could. It's a bit easier when what you're using has a longer handle... I could probably connect a few with this one here-- [He indicates the axe he's been using.] --but it's definitely trickier to pull off, since this one was definitely designed to be used by foot soldiers. The difficulty in having axes connect is why Wyvern Lords tend to take up lances as well--they're far easier to attack with, if a bit less powerful.

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travel light, let the sun eclipse you

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6/2

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