{Ahzenai} New Thread! (Please Lock)

[*~*BurningStars*~*]

Reserved for woo*****

[Shiko Hayashi]

Wolf sighed as he carefully shimmied down the slope and into the river. It was only knee deep towards the edges, but he still grimaced at the sheer coldness of it. He waded towards the small bank underneath the bridge and gently placed a hand on Rutoriel's head. Her body was trembling and he felt a soft wetness on her cheek as he stroked her face gently. "It's alright Rutoriel." Wolf whispered quietly to her. She took a deep, shuddering breath, and buried her face into his shoulder. She was silent for a moment, and then she stood up, backing away. "Alright. I'm good now." Rutoriel said, her voice firm and steady. Wolf stared at her for a few minutes, sensing the subtle shift in the air. She was telling the truth. She was alright. He sighed with relief and smiled. "Good. A new Ahzenai is coming. Shall we go up and look?" Wolf asked.

Rutoriel nodded her head and, allowing Wolf to grab hold of her scruff, the two climbed back up onto solid ground. Rutoriel turned her head, just in time to see the new Ahzenai leap onto a small outcropping of rock and lie down. "Shiny things? Like the rock you gave me before?" Rutoriel questioned, her eyes turning, naturally, to Wolf. Wolf nodded. "It seems so. But I only had one rock... And I gave that to you." He said, indicating the small necklace around her neck. It was true, he had. When they had arrived in Russia, she had had a kind old lady put it together for her. After chiseling away at it, and carefully wrapping silver wire around it, a necklace had been made out of the beautiful shard of crystal.

Rutoriel frowned, thinking for a moment. "Are you sure we should try and woo her? Judging from how the other humans are reacting to her, it's going to be harder this time than it was before." She said. Wolf sensed her grimacing and he smiled. "Now, remember what I said before? Don't judge him so quickly. He proved to be rather sweet at the end of the wooing." Wolf said, glancing firmly, but kindly, down at her. Rutoriel snorted and looked away, blushing slightly. "I still didn't like it... He should of just stayed true to his personality in the first place..." She grumbled. Wolf sighed, sensing that it was a hopeless battle.

As they spoke, they had slowly drifted towards the outcropping that Rusalka resided. Wolf looked up, sensing her prescence above him. He frowned slightly, recalling that a similar advent had happened when he had first woo'ed Rutoriel. It had ended up with him getting a sprained ankle. Rutoriel glanced at Wolf, as if sensing the memories rushing through him. "Are you sure you want to give it a go?" She asked, her voice quiet now. Wolf took a deep breath, and nodded. Easily, as if it was as simple as breathing for her, Rutoriel leaped up onto the outcropping with Rusalka. "Hello." She said, bowing her head slightly. She sat down and waited for Wolf, prepared to help him.

Wolf took a deep breath, and he began to climb. It was a smaller climb than the challenge Rutoriel had set for him, and he easily made it up without any hassle. He sat for a minute, getting his breath back, and he smiled at Rusalka. "Hello dear." He said, bowing a short, waist bow as well. Wolf went into his backpack, shoving around the cluttered space for the item he was looking for. When he found it, he smiled and pulled it out, letting it hang from his wrist in full view for Rusalka.

It was a small pendant, having the same black lace string hanging from it. The pendant was a small, glistening human skull. "Don't worry, it's not a real human skull." Wolf said, reassuring Rusalka. Rutoriel stared at the pendant, secrelty entranced by the sheer beauty of it. A soft layer of blue gloss had been coated over a diamond, turning it the prettiest shade of blue. At the top, where it hung by the soft, black lace, there were two beads. One was a large, silver bead and the other was a slightly smaller, black bead. On the silver bead, a rose had been carefully carved into it, giving it the appearance as if a silver rose was blooming.

Wolf smiled at the pendant fondly. A shaft of light from the entrance of Ahzen flickered over it, and colors danced before their eyes. Blue, white, silver, and a darker shade of blue danced along the stone floor in a dizzying array of colors. It was beautiful. Wolf gently placed it at Rusalka's feet. "It might be small, but it's the most precious thing I have. My twin sister gave it to me when we were smaller. It was the last gift she gave me before we were separated." Wolf whispered, a sad smile flickering across his face. He looked up, smiling at the Azhenai with blind eyes. "But, I'm willing to give it to you. As a token of my appreciation, and as an offering. Come with us. There are many places in the world that shine as brightly as this small gem, and some even brighter." Wolf whispered, laying a hand on her shoulder. Using his gossamer touch, he trailed his fingers through her fur, sensing the colors and shivering with awe at the sheer softness of it. Unlike Rutoriel's, which had been almost like a warm blanket, Rusalka's reminded him of a wolf. Coarse on the outside, but soft and smooth further down.

He marveled at the patterns, the unique stripes and the dips in her shoulders. He carefully drew his hand away, sensing that his time to speak with her was drawing to a close. "I hope that you join us, Rusalka." Wolf whispered. Rutoriel nodded, having watched in silence as he ran his fingers through her fur. She knew the feeling. A slight, pleasureful touch that sent shivers down her spine. Judging from the quietness of Wolf, he must have sensed how beautiful she was. For even in Rutoriel's eyes, she was gorgeous. It was a sort of natural beauty. Colors that you see everyday thrown into a beautiful array.

Wolf sighed and stood up, preparing for the climb down. "Until we meet again." He said, making a small bow. Then, taking a deep breath, he jumped off of the outcropping. He heard Rutoriel gasp with surprise, and the scrabbling of her paws as she quickly leaped after him, afraid that he would hurt himself. But the distance from Rusalka's perch was small, and he landed, gracefully, on his two feet. He stood up and began to slowly walk away, ignoring Rutoriel's quiet mutterings of anger beside him. He knew he had frightened her and for that he was sorry. But she didn't have to always worry about him. He may be blind, but he saw more than a seeing man did.

And beside that, the new Azhenai was running through his mind. It had been a long time since he had felt such a strong attachment to one such as her. The last time had been Rutoriel, and that had been a special, precious moment when she approached him. He couldn't help but silently wonder if such a thing would happen again?

[Africa.]

OwO I've never seen such a stunning Ahz OwO <333

After the attraction of the last Ahzenai everything was finally quiet again. As everyone started to think that it may take longer than usual for a new arival a familiar flickering pattern from the swirling vortex began to beam with a bright light.

Finite colors began to fade in, all swirling within the whirlpool-like shape of energy. Colors of green, teal, and a variety of browns were now evident.

Finally a form could be seen from behind the veil of light. Without haste a slender paw emerged forward as the uniquely striped Ahzenai reached towards her new found home.
Landing on the rock surface softly, the light behind her took to its usual brightness.

Shifting her eyes open and forward, she raised herself to a correct stance her eyes lifted in unison with her own body movement, to find those of Valcon.

In response he nodded in acknowlegement and called out her name: "Rusalka" he bellowed.

She looked at him a moment, reciting the name in her head, then gave a quick nod back and proceeded forward. In front of her were humans with other Ahzenai companions and a little far off were scattered Ahzenai throughout the cavern merrily swaggering about.
A quick decision directed her paws towards this lively bunch of energy that seemed to pull her towards them. Nearing, she stopped a few feet away and gave them all a good curious look at.

As soon as one of the two legs made an attempt to step closer she retreated up a rock high enough to be out of reach, then hunched down, licked her upper lip, winked one eye, and said "do any of you have any shiny trinkets? I love shiny things."

Designed and Written by Neara.

Judging will occur on the 20th.

I sighed, fiddling with my many-sized-hoop earings slightly as another Ahzenai came and went. Of course, it wasn't as though they weren't beautiful. On the contrary, many of them were stunning. But I couldn't bring myself to find a connection with them. It seemed that Faro and Esmay were feeling the same way, judging by their looks of discouragement. Each Ahz had their chins resting on each of my legs, after waving goodbye to Levorith with their tails.

"Afri, surely your finding the situation hopeless by now? Your not finding a connection with any of these Ahzenai, and Faro and I will never settle on liking the same Ahz. I mean, really, all she wants is a sweet little friend, when there are plenty of extremely attractive Ahzenai out there." There was a glimmer to Esmay's eye as she spoke, causing Faro and I to giggle slightly. Esmay rolled her eyes, a smirk on her lips, as she lay back down alongside Faro.

"I can't give up Esmay. I don't know... Today just feels like the day! I just feel so tingly... We just need to stay a little longer." I replied and, noticing Faro opening her mouth, continued on, "I know I need to pack for our camping trip, and I will, tonight. I promise." I smiled at Faro, finding myself so lucky to have her and Esmay. Faro kept my feet planted on the ground and reminded me to just sit back and smell the roses every once in awhile, and Esmay had a way of driving me forward, keeping me going. They were my gift in life that I wouldn't trade for the world.

"Hey, look!" Faro nosed the palm of my hand, tail pointing in the direction of the vortex. The tingling sensation within me grew stronger, along with the swirls of the vortex, as a slender figure stepped out of the bursting colors. It was her. She was what I'd been waiting for all day. I almost couldn't contain myself from bolting for her, her beauty and connection so tantalizing that it seemed to take Valcyon ages to announce her name. Rusalka. I smiled, finding the name perfect for her.

Suddenly, I frowned, knowing that even if I felt such a need to have Rusalka as a companion, it didn't mean that Faro and Esmay would. I turned to face them, surprised to find a bright smile on Faro's face. Normally, she was hesitant with new Ahzenai, because she felt as though I wouldn't love her as much. She never realized how wrong she was. I'd never forget about my first baby girl, she and Esmay were everything to me. Looking over at Esmay, I felt myself involuntarily wince. Esmay, while not looking disgusted as usual, still didn't exactly look impressed. I noticed her eyes sweeping over Rusalkas features, then over her own, and realized that Esmay seemed to feel threatened by Rusalkas looks.

Scratching Esmay behind the ear, I smiled at her. "Did I mention that you look extra beautiful today?" Esmay looked up at me, a knowing look in her eye. Clearly, she knew that I'd noticed her threatened gaze, but still, I noticed a small smile of amusement tug at the edges of her lips. "Alright, alright, I guess she doesn't seem that bad." Esmay relented, bringing a grin to my lips as all three of us walked over, my silver multi-hoop earings making jangling noises as we walked.

"Hi, Rusalka, I'm Africa." I smiled, giving a little wave. "This is Faro and Esmay, my companions." Faro dipped her head in a polite greeting, while Esmay wearily nodded.

"Do any of you have any shiny trinkets? I love shiny things." Immediately, Esmay's ears perked up, a smile forming on her lips at Rusalkas words. "I like this one." She winked at me, happy-as-a-clam now that she'd found an Ahz that she could talk to about all-things shiny.

"Shiny trinkets? Well, I picked up this shiny rock on the way here... You could have it, if you like. Actually, it's pretty lightweight. If you want, I could drill a little hole into it, maybe make it into a necklace for you? It'd look great." I told her, a smile on my lips at the thought of the shiny stone hanging from her neck. It would suit her beautifully.

I quietly set the stone down in front of her, my hand brushing the top of her head softly for a moment before pulling away. "Oh, and guess what?" I whispered, mischief in my eyes. "Theres a little jewelery shop down the street from my place, and the owner actually happens to already know about Ahzenai. She was actually the one who told me the 'legend' of Ahzenai living in the cave of Ahzen around here, and she loves Ahzenai coming into her little store. I bet she'd love to meet you-" I was cut off by Faro, who piped up enthusiastically. "You mean Mrs. Pike? Oh yes, I love going to her shop! She's such a sweet old woman." Faros eyes were bright, having formed quite a liking to the old lady.

Esmay, who'd been mostly silent the whole time, huffed. "Well, nice or not, she likes to spoil us with shiny jewelery presents every time we leave for one of our travels. You should see the stash of shiny trinkets I have from Mrs. Pike, they're quite stunning." She purred, one of her rare smiles placed on her lips. "Besides, I think she'd like you. With Faro and I, she has trouble finding things in her shop that match our pelts well, but your fur seems like it would fit nicely with a lot of stuff in her shop." Esmay shrugged, sitting back on her haunches.

Suddenly, I realized how many people were still waiting in line to try wooing the gorgeous female. "Oh, gosh, we've been talking too much, haven't we?" I fretted, giving Rusalka an apologetic look. "I'm sorry, we should go. But really, we would love to take you with us on our travels. Even Faro and Esmay, who seem to hate whatever the other one of them loves, both seem to love you just as much as I do. I'd really love for you to meet Mrs. Pike, and you'd be surprised how many shiny trinkets you could find throughout our many travels." I winked, waving goodbye as I walked away, already feeling as though part of me was missing with the absence of her at my side.

"Goodbye Rusalka!" Faro smiled, pressing her nose to Rusalkas shoulder in proper farewell before hurrying off after me. Esmay, on the other hand, hung back slightly, leaning over to whisper something to Rusalka. "Your okay." She grinned, nudging the Ahzenais shoulder with her own before waving goodbye with her tail, trotting regally behind Faro, clearly feeling uncharacteristicly giddy at finding a female other than Faro that she didn't hate.

The tingle never stopped as I watched on, begging silently that maybe, just maybe, she could be the one.

Item used: Shiny Rock
Esmay status: Impressed
Faro status: Excited
Africa. status: Tingly and overtaken by endless beauty <3

[Licorice]

After the attraction of the last Ahzenai everything was finally quiet again. As everyone started to think that it may take longer than usual for a new arival a familiar flickering pattern from the swirling vortex began to beam with a bright light.

Finite colors began to fade in, all swirling within the whirlpool-like shape of energy. Colors of green, teal, and a variety of browns were now evident.

Finally a form could be seen from behind the veil of light. Without haste a slender paw emerged forward as the uniquely striped Ahzenai reached towards her new found home.
Landing on the rock surface softly, the light behind her took to its usual brightness.

Shifting her eyes open and forward, she raised herself to a correct stance her eyes lifted in unison with her own body movement, to find those of Valcon.

In response he nodded in acknowlegement and called out her name: "Rusalka" he bellowed.

She looked at him a moment, reciting the name in her head, then gave a quick nod back and proceeded forward. In front of her were humans with other Ahzenai companions and a little far off were scattered Ahzenai throughout the cavern merrily swaggering about.
A quick decision directed her paws towards this lively bunch of energy that seemed to pull her towards them. Nearing, she stopped a few feet away and gave them all a good curious look at.

As soon as one of the two legs made an attempt to step closer she retreated up a rock high enough to be out of reach, then hunched down, licked her upper lip, winked one eye, and said "do any of you have any shiny trinkets? I love shiny things."

Designed and Written by Neara.

Judging will occur on the 20th.

-This is my first woo, I hope I'm doing it right. Please tell me if I'm not.-

I stared at the Ahzenai. I had heard of them, but never actually seen one in person. Well, I've never tried to woo an Ahz. My eyes went wide. I didn't have anything. "At least I got this far..." I whispered, to no one. I watched as the Ahz climbed up the rock. "Rusalka..." I murmered. The teal fit perfectly with her. I knew that I would try my hardest to get this Ahz. -WIP-

[nowi]

Tasu trotted slowly through Ahzen, her tail swishing gently behind her. She was a little mad, as both she and Tessa thought that Levorith's personality wasn't quite what they were looking for. Except that wasn't his personality. Tasu shook her head, frowning. She looked up at the vortex and was surprised to see it swirling. She jumped backwards, shocked. A slender paw stepped out of the vortex, followed by a lithe, striped body.
"Rusalka!" Valcyon announced.
Rusalka turned around and nodded to Valcyon, then jumped up onto a ledge to await her suitors. She winked, and said "Do any of you have any shiny trinkets? I love shiny things."
Tasu turned around to look at her tail. She was carrying one of Tessa's bracelets on it. She had stolen it from her companion because of its shine. But she was willing to give it up to the Ahzenai, if she wanted it. She began to approach Rusalka slowly.
She sat down in front of the ledge and looked up. "Hello, Rusalka," she said. "It is an honor to meet you. My name is Tasu, and I travel with two other companions, Tessa and Vimocidas." She tossed the bracelet gently onto the ledge, and it landed neatly in front of Rusalka. "This is a gift from all of us," Tasu said. "It's hopefully shiny enough for you," she said, pausing. "The three of us would love to have you travel with us. We could find many more shiny things out in the world, and I know Tessa has more with her now," she said.
"We would be most happy if you chose to come with us, and I promise you that you'll have a good time with us. Well, you'll have a good time with anyone, to be honest," Tasu said. "I know that wherever you choose to go, you'll be happy." Tasu nodded her head. "Good luck, Rusalka." She turned away and began to walk to the crowd. "Oh, and keep the bracelet," she said. "It's our gift to you, even if you don't wear it," Tasu felt a blossom of pride begin to form within her. She had just completed her first woo.
"I do hope it works," she murmured. Swishing her tail, she dodged through the crowd to find Tessa and Vimocidas, biting back the urge to tell them about the bracelet she had stolen.

[tolkien quitting]

After the attraction of the last Ahzenai everything was finally quiet again. As everyone started to think that it may take longer than usual for a new arival a familiar flickering pattern from the swirling vortex began to beam with a bright light.

Finite colors began to fade in, all swirling within the whirlpool-like shape of energy. Colors of green, teal, and a variety of browns were now evident.

Finally a form could be seen from behind the veil of light. Without haste a slender paw emerged forward as the uniquely striped Ahzenai reached towards her new found home.
Landing on the rock surface softly, the light behind her took to its usual brightness.

Shifting her eyes open and forward, she raised herself to a correct stance her eyes lifted in unison with her own body movement, to find those of Valcon.

In response he nodded in acknowlegement and called out her name: "Rusalka" he bellowed.

She looked at him a moment, reciting the name in her head, then gave a quick nod back and proceeded forward. In front of her were humans with other Ahzenai companions and a little far off were scattered Ahzenai throughout the cavern merrily swaggering about.
A quick decision directed her paws towards this lively bunch of energy that seemed to pull her towards them. Nearing, she stopped a few feet away and gave them all a good curious look at.

As soon as one of the two legs made an attempt to step closer she retreated up a rock high enough to be out of reach, then hunched down, licked her upper lip, winked one eye, and said "do any of you have any shiny trinkets? I love shiny things."

Bummed from the previous Ahzenai Dextelle moped a little. The vortex began again, Dani was sitting on a stone sharpening the dagger.
"Here it comes!" Dani said excitedly.
"Mmmm" Dextelle mumbled. The Ahzenai seemed to float out, her colours and markings resembling a tabby.
"Wow!" Dani gasped, her was mouth wide open, "She is beautiful!"
"Mmmhmmm. Close your mouth, you're gunna catch flies." Dani closed her mouth and listened at Dextelle mumbleing again. "After being turned down more than ten times, I think the odds are stacked against us." Dextelle went back to frowning.

"Do any of you have any shiny trinkets? I love shiny things." Rusalka winked.
Dextelle lightened up as she heard her say that, "I have a star trinket!" Dani watched Dextelle pull a shiny object from her bag. "Made from the finest of star iron." She grinned slightly. "And the dagger!" Dani dropped the polished dagger into her bag,
"I off again!" Dextelle said wandering towards the crowd of people. "OUT THE WAY!!!" Dextelle said to the people pushing her further back. She managed to pop herself through the crowd. "What a rush." She said relieved to be out of the crowd. People shoved their shiny objects in Rusalak's face. Ignoring them she introduced herself and Dani, "Hi! I'm Dextelle and my pal waaayy at the back there is Dani. We have a few gifts for you,"

She reached for her bag and tipped the contence out onto the stone cold ground. "That there is a rare star stone trinket." She pointed to the clover shaped, banded stone on a string. It shone bright blue then red then green but the colours were stripy shades of blue. "It took me years to find a good star and carve it. They say it has magic in it..." The colour in the glow changed constantly as they stared. "And here," She pointed to the dagger. Recently polished, the blade reflected the cave. "Dani worked on this one, made and carved from ivory, the blade by stone." The carvings looked like they were swirling on the white ivory. Dextelle marveled at her partner's work.

"Shiny enough?" she smiled and left the two at the side of a shining pile. Dextelle walked off swishing her tail from side to side as she hopped from rock to rock avoiding any traffic.

[ToastWhisperer]

After the attraction of the last Ahzenai everything was finally quiet again. As everyone started to think that it may take longer than usual for a new arival a familiar flickering pattern from the swirling vortex began to beam with a bright light.

Finite colors began to fade in, all swirling within the whirlpool-like shape of energy. Colors of green, teal, and a variety of browns were now evident.

Finally a form could be seen from behind the veil of light. Without haste a slender paw emerged forward as the uniquely striped Ahzenai reached towards her new found home.
Landing on the rock surface softly, the light behind her took to its usual brightness.

Shifting her eyes open and forward, she raised herself to a correct stance her eyes lifted in unison with her own body movement, to find those of Valcon.

In response he nodded in acknowlegement and called out her name: "Rusalka" he bellowed.

She looked at him a moment, reciting the name in her head, then gave a quick nod back and proceeded forward. In front of her were humans with other Ahzenai companions and a little far off were scattered Ahzenai throughout the cavern merrily swaggering about.
A quick decision directed her paws towards this lively bunch of energy that seemed to pull her towards them. Nearing, she stopped a few feet away and gave them all a good curious look at.

As soon as one of the two legs made an attempt to step closer she retreated up a rock high enough to be out of reach, then hunched down, licked her upper lip, winked one eye, and said "do any of you have any shiny trinkets? I love shiny things."

I watched as the vortex seemed to swirl sort of frantically, the brown mixing in with the teal and green, and then seeming to seperate itself from the other colors. It was quite interesting to watch, like nothing I'd even seen before. A reddish-brown paw appeared, streaked with a very light-in-color sort of tan. What an interesting coat! The body of the Azenai fully emerged. I couldn't help but grin at her. She looked regal. A sort of elegance drifted off of her, as she walked with that royal like swag. The red-brown that glazed her fur seemed to come alive beneath the pale tan streaks. My eyes followed her every move, and jumped up to the rock she resided on. "Do any of you have any shiny trinkets? I love shiny things." I listened intently to her words, although the sentence was short. I nodded my head. We were much alike! Both loving shiny objects, and all. I looked down at my outfit, scanning over everything that gleamed. A thin chain necklace, silver in color, which should have been polished long ago. Worn out stud earings, which wouldn't have been any interest to Rusalka. Suddenly, my gaze shifted to the bracelet on my wrist.

The Pandora bracelet on my wrist was filled with many shiny beads. I un-clasped it. I had recieved it for my birthday, along with many of the beads. I looked it over. Would the tiny cat and dog charms - the apple, skating shoe, flower, multi-colored filled beads - would they interest her? I only hoped. I'd always admired the bracelet, and was very excited when I recieved it. I practically glided up to the Ahzenai, afraid that if I spent a second longer thinking it over, I'd back out. I placed the un-clasped bracelet at her paws. "Hello, Rusalka." I said, offering her a smile. "This is all I have. I hope you like it." I said, backing away slighty so she could examine it without my blocking her light. It gleamed for a few seconds when the light caught one of the multi-colored filler beads. I waited eagerly for her to respond.

[RainbowBizkit <3]

After the attraction of the last Ahzenai everything was finally quiet again. As everyone started to think that it may take longer than usual for a new arival a familiar flickering pattern from the swirling vortex began to beam with a bright light.

Finite colors began to fade in, all swirling within the whirlpool-like shape of energy. Colors of green, teal, and a variety of browns were now evident.

Finally a form could be seen from behind the veil of light. Without haste a slender paw emerged forward as the uniquely striped Ahzenai reached towards her new found home.
Landing on the rock surface softly, the light behind her took to its usual brightness.

Shifting her eyes open and forward, she raised herself to a correct stance her eyes lifted in unison with her own body movement, to find those of Valcon.

In response he nodded in acknowlegement and called out her name: "Rusalka" he bellowed.

She looked at him a moment, reciting the name in her head, then gave a quick nod back and proceeded forward. In front of her were humans with other Ahzenai companions and a little far off were scattered Ahzenai throughout the cavern merrily swaggering about.
A quick decision directed her paws towards this lively bunch of energy that seemed to pull her towards them. Nearing, she stopped a few feet away and gave them all a good curious look at.

As soon as one of the two legs made an attempt to step closer she retreated up a rock high enough to be out of reach, then hunched down, licked her upper lip, winked one eye, and said "do any of you have any shiny trinkets? I love shiny things."

Designed and Written by Neara.

Judging will occur on the 20th.

Durstion and Miz head banged to Limp Bizkit as they awaited for the new vortex ahzenai to amerge. The Ipod ear buds were blaring almost loud enough for Durstion to not notice Rusalka, "He raised a paw to get Miz's attention waving it back and forth until she looked up. As she did he pointed his nose in the direction of Rusalka. Miz's eyes gleamed as she saw the vortex ahzenai, she turned off her ipod and stuck it back into her pocket and reached behind her snatching one of her two warm kittens.

"I don't think we will need that" Durstion said watching Miz as she grabbed its scruff and put it on her shoulder. "Why not?" She asked smiling at Durstion "Because shes interested in shiny things I think we only need your Ipod" He said smiling back. "Well Just in case we'll take the warm kitten with us" She said heading towards the high rock, Durstion happily following her.

It was a quick climb for Miz and Durstion considering there quick climbing skills and ablilty to move around easy on rocks and steep inclines. Miz nearly fell when the warm kitten began slipping off her shoulder, it mewed helplessly as it slipped unable to grip Miz with its claws.

As it began to fall Durstion managed to snatch it out of ythe air. Miz spoke nervously and repeatedly as they reached the top "Your amazing Durstion i don't know what we would do without you" She said leaning over to wrap her arms around his neck.

Miz gently removed the warm kitten from Durstions jaws and placed it in front of Rusalka, it began to frolick and play in front of her, kicking pebbles or dirts into the air with its paws. "Hello Rusalka I am Miz and this is my best companion Durstion I have placed this warm kitten in front of you as a greetings welcome and hope that you accept it" she said sitting herself about 3 feet away from Rusalka, Durstion sat beside her looking friendly towards Ruisalka. "Hey there Rusakla"Durstion smiled nodding.

"We would like to welcome you to ahzen, hopefully you find the companions or companion your looking for. We are actually a part of a small group theres me, Durstion but theres actually my other ahzenai companions which are over there" I said pointing to the waters of ahzen, where Solar, Cougalter, and Rainitus sat talking.

"There really fun ahzenais to be around, in fact since we heard you liked shiny stuff we brought my Ipod for you to see. It plays me and Durstions favorite music by Limp bizkit you can also play games and such on it" i said standing up and putting it in front of her. "Rainitus is really good at finding shiny things, some how he always manages to find them when hes walking on land or swimming under the sea.

If you do come back with us you will be able to help him" I said smiling "Alot of the things he finds are interesting or useful to us, once he found a shell necklace. And another time he found a silver water proof watch that still worked under the water." I said as Durstion stood up.

My heat was pounding just from speaking to this glorious ahzenai, she was one like no other I had attempted to woo I was so nervous because she seemed perfect for us but someone else might just get her attention more then we could. "We also have an item called a broch down by the others, If you want I can go get it" Durstion said looking at Miz. Miz nodded as Durstion raced towards the rocks and started making his way down.

"Rusalka, I have this chain as well as my Ipod you will be able to use my ipod all the time but this you can keep" i said pulling a shiny gold chain from my jean pocket. "Here, even if you dont come with me keep it, I bet you'll like it its nice and shiny. I gave all the others a speical item, like Rainitus likes to paint, Cougalter likes to climb.

I gave Cougalter a climbing rock to help her climb, and I gave Rainitus a brush and some water colors along with paper to do what he loves most. And Durstion, he prefers to go on long walks alone with me listening to limp Bizkit. Its the whole reason I bought the ipod, incase I got an ahzenai or two that would like it. But you can have this gold chain even if you dont come with us" Miz said sliding it over in front of Rusalka.

I smiled at her as Durstion came back up the rocks, the silver coin in his jaws. He placed it in front of her and then sat behind the silver coin and began talking about it "We found it at the bottom of the Frecionic river where we went diving. We ended up having Rainitus dive down and pull it out of the sand, after we were back home we cleaned it and shined it giving it its shiny coating you see here" He said pointing all around the silver coin. "Be careful, when Durstion gets the chance hes one mean story teller."

Miz chuckled as Durstion turned and gave her a funny look that made her laugh harder. "I am not I just enjoy memories they mean alot to me I like them" he smiled. "Memories are what lifes all about what would we do with out memories?" Durstion said smiling moving his neck around to look directly at Miz.

Miz smiled, "And objects help us remeber those great times like the coin Rusalka. The coin made me think of the story of how we found it, so that you might be interested in joinging us on one of those journeys to find more exotic items for you. If you do come back with us, I happen to know the perfect spot to find lost items and tresures of all kinds. If you do come with us, after you make your decision of course, I would take you and all of us to that location to find lovely jewels and objects to help us remeber the great times we had there" Miz said slowly reaching for the ipod. She picked it up in her hands and held it gently, looking at all its outter design patterns and its big shining button.

As Miz was speaking Durstion and the warm kitten had gotten into a playful brawl and were slightly growing at each other and swishing there tails back and forth. Miz giggled "Rusalka if you come with us you will have not made a mistake, for you seem perfect for exploring and we would be the perfect ones for that since we travel. Our favorite places to vist or moutain peaks, rivers, and undiscovered caves. Usually we find something amazing in any location we vist, like how we found the coin at the bottom of the river. We just really enjoyu each others company and make life worth living, were not extreme or anything but were fun and nice to be around." Miz smiled watching Durstion scare the warm kitten.

Miz patted Durstions head " Don't scare the poor thing its not your to play with its Rusalkas if she comes with us" Miz giggled watching Durstion sit straight, his eyes glued onto the kitten. "Rusalka, I hope you choose to come with us, all of these great riches and more will await you with us, even if you don't choose us. If you do we will be the best companions on the face of this planet we would love and care for you and put a roof over your head forever I promise we would" Miz smiled leaving the gold chain, warm kitten and coin. Durstion followed behind Miz as they made there way down the rocks back to the others. Miz sat next to Rainitus, un speakingly they just looked at each other and smiled as Durstion sat next to Miz's right a goofy grin on his face.

We stared back up at Rusalka for moments, until Rainitus spoke "Maybe this will be the one?" Rainitus said sighing as he began to flick his tail left and right. "I sure hope so, she'd be a great match for all of us" Miz sighed pulling the ipod out of her pocket, she untangled the ear buds and gently unplugged them from the ipod. Miz scrolled down to Autotunge by Limp Bizkit and hit Play as Durstion fell into his Bizkit world and swad left and right to the music. Rainitus nodded "She sure would" he said looking between Rusalka and Miz.

Miz stared up at Rusalka the Bizkit flow reaching her ears, her heart still pounded, this time it wasn't from talking to the ahzenai, but to await her decision. She was so nervous that her hands were wet and warm as she tried whipping them on her jeans to make them dry. She truely was nervous about the companions or companion of Rusalka, she was so perfect in every way they would love her to be apart of there group if only she wanted to be to.

[cazio]

After the attraction of the last Ahzenai everything was finally quiet again. As everyone started to think that it may take longer than usual for a new arival a familiar flickering pattern from the swirling vortex began to beam with a bright light.

Finite colors began to fade in, all swirling within the whirlpool-like shape of energy. Colors of green, teal, and a variety of browns were now evident.

Finally a form could be seen from behind the veil of light. Without haste a slender paw emerged forward as the uniquely striped Ahzenai reached towards her new found home.
Landing on the rock surface softly, the light behind her took to its usual brightness.

Shifting her eyes open and forward, she raised herself to a correct stance her eyes lifted in unison with her own body movement, to find those of Valcon.

In response he nodded in acknowlegement and called out her name: "Rusalka" he bellowed.

She looked at him a moment, reciting the name in her head, then gave a quick nod back and proceeded forward. In front of her were humans with other Ahzenai companions and a little far off were scattered Ahzenai throughout the cavern merrily swaggering about.
A quick decision directed her paws towards this lively bunch of energy that seemed to pull her towards them. Nearing, she stopped a few feet away and gave them all a good curious look at.

As soon as one of the two legs made an attempt to step closer she retreated up a rock high enough to be out of reach, then hunched down, licked her upper lip, winked one eye, and said "do any of you have any shiny trinkets? I love shiny things."

I watched the vortex activate once more, but it all seemed blurred. A moment ago I had been anxious for the newest Ahzenai to emerge, vying my way through the crowd and somehow managing to come up in front. I had been full of adrenaline and steely determination to get my own Ahz. Then, a loud whine sounded next to me, and a gust of wind blew my hair all over my face. I shook my head, tossing my hair back into a messy nest behind my ears. Lamina, A Tracker Dog I had assisted a dear friend of mine in getting, stood before me. She was a massive creature and her dark purple and black markings made her appear deadly. Not to mention her massive dragonish wings and long snake-like tongue. She flexed her wings uneasily and her "eye" was trained on my face. She was almost eye level with me, for she outweighed and outgrew a large Great Dane. She lifted a claw that had a message tied to it.

I grabbed the letter nonchalantly, for her owner, Stav, was always sending me something. Then, I turned to see a captivating Ahzenai step gracefully from the vortex. Rusalka, the name was completely in tune with the creature it had been bestowed upon. She was the warm colors of a caribou, with stripes that resembled a big cat. Her straight blackish horns arced above her ears and she walked with a dainty demeanor. She looked calmly confident, quite unlike the previous Ahzenai to emerge. She looked more cat-like than many of the other Ahzenai I'd seen and I instantly felt that she should be the one I finally woo. I always thought it was funny that it was referred to as wooing, a word I often associated with romantics. I subconsciously gripped the rolled up letter in my hand, feeling my heart pulse a bit faster. Maybe this was the letter I'd been waiting for.

I pushed the thought from my head, as it clouded it with foggy daydreams that only clouded out my current mission. "Come on Lamina," I commanded and Lamina followed. It was easy to get through the crowd with a massive dog creature following behind you. I ran through a mental list in my head of all the things I was carrying in my pack that might appeal to her love of shiny things. Before this adventure to get a new partner in crime, I'd made sure to grab anything that glimmered, smelled, sounded, felt strange or was particularly interesting. As I was thinking, I felt Lamina press her muzzle into my hand. I turned my head, and she had her ears flattened, in as close to a "puppy eyes" stance as an eyeless Aerial Tracker could get. "Sorry girl, I bet you have a mission from Stav don't you?" She barked once and twitched her tail, which I took as a yes. I got as close to the rock as I could, but I still had to find the right words and the right trinket to give to this beautiful Ahz. Well, Stav was always writing about strange things going on with his medicine business, I thought he might have something that would help make my choice. I carefully untied the silver twine around the "scroll" and chuckled. Silver eh? Fancy. With a smile on my face, I opened the letter.

Almost instantly, my smile ended. The murmurings of the people around me stopped and the cave grew silent in my ears.

"You are cordially invited..."

I felt bile rise in my throat and stinging tears rise. I swallowed, stifling both my urge to throw up, and my urge to sob.It was probably a joke...he obviously didn't know how I felt about him, so a joke about this kind of thing would be seen as funny to him, not cruel. My heart still beat irregularly as I opened it further.

"to attend the joyous ceremony and reception..."

I took a deep breath and bit my lip as hard as I could, reading further. A tiny leather bag fell out, but I let it fall to the floor with a muffled ring. I paid no notice, my eyes were glued to the rest of the invitation.

"of the wedding of Stav Rosenworth and Ashley Lindon, on--"

I stopped reading, and crumpled up the paper until I was sure the stiff points would cut my palm. My breaths were shaky now, but I reached down for the little bag that had fallen and undid the rope. My mind raced and with each heartbeat my blood was further poisoned with hurt and sadness. How had he not told me of this girl? Why did he never mention his relationship with her? A silver bell the size of a small plum tumbled out, with a red velvet ribbon attached to it. It landed in my hand with a familiar tinkle, muffled by the skin of my hand.

"You've got to see this, I promise it will be the best birthday present you ever get!" I laughed, leading him through a green pasture, the same one I'd met him in, though I doubt he knew it. He laughed as I dragged him into the barn, up to the hay loft. My whole body quivered with the rush of being near the boy I loved, and the giddiness of seeing his face as he saw his new partner. I there open the hatch into the hay loft where Lamina was sleeping, her massive wings folded over her in silent beauty. He gasped, careful to be quiet around the unexpecting Tracker. He said nothing for a moment and then suddenly he'd whipped me into the air in a hug. A friendly hug to him, but a blissful embrace for me. Lamina woke and the bell around her collar rang joyfully in the room. It made a wonderful sound and looked especially stunning hanging underneath the boisterous red bow I'd tied there. "I can't thank you enough!" I heard him say, watching fondly as he patted the Tracker's head.

Had he known her then? I thought, staring at the bell. Certainly not, I mean, he'd kept the bell all this time, so I must've meant something to him. It was a symbol of our friendship, but, as I closed my hand around it, I had a new meaning for it. This bell is now the symbol of a friendship that was returned, handed back to me by a man who no longer wanted it. I kept my composure, now becoming indifferent for the moment to the pain coursing through me. Lamina pressed the letter back into my hand, somehow she'd gotten it back to a readable state. At the bottom was statement I knew would etch itself into my brain, written in pen, not printed in ink. "Please say you'll come, I won't be able to do this without you!" I snorted, nearly laughing at his cluelessness. "You have her now, you twit." I snapped to myself, and them turned to Lamina. "No, I'm not coming. Now get out of here and go tell your master congradu-freaking-lations." I left the dog behind me as I made my way to Rusalka. I would reflect on this later, now I had a job to do.

She was watching the cave with excitement behind her marvelous teal eyes, but I noticed before my....event that she'd leapt away from the attacking crowds. She seemed observant, young and wise, three words I sometimes used to describe myself. She seemed to feed off of other's energy, but didn't quite want to get in the thick of everything, a mistake I had made and paid the price for. I rummaged through my bag and found a bright egg shaped stone I'd bought at a faire not long ago. It was indeed shiny, but also smooth and flawless. I approached her slowly and quietly, my throat still throbbing from the hurt.

"I am no expert at your species, the same way I am no expert at my own." I cast my eyes to the floor, and they softened at the memories of my old friend and I. "But I do know the value of small things. You seem observant with your eyes, but I caution you to use your ears and be equally observant with them. Sometimes what we see contradicts what we hear." I stuffed the stone in my pocket and brought the bell into my hand. "This bell was given to me by a friend who loved it very much, but no longer needed my friendship. At first glance it is silvery and delicate, but on closer inspection it is scuffed and worn. But," I lifted the bell by the velvet ribbon, shaking it to let the clear ringing sound echo into the space around me. "Its sound has always been the same. However, it is lacking the friendship it once held. So, I offer it to you to help me fill it again." I placed the bell on the rock below her with care, as if it could break if even gripped too tight. I looked at her once more and saw her reindeer-like appearance, and noted that every reindeer should have a bell, should it not?

[Kat.]

I layed there. My hands folded together of my stomach, twitching eagerly and waiting for me to do something. A small locket swung from my neck, but the heart that was once attached lay buried into the dark brown dirt I was outstretched in. Bleu was next to me, with her head on her paws.Her soft whimper echoed through my head. Failures...

My eyes flittered from tree to tree, sparkling when a ray of sunshine poked throuh some leaves. Quida's flowers lay, dead, by my hand, which was toiling with the locket's heart. Just then sprang up. Her body bounced up and down as she barked and howled at me, but I just stared at her. She pounced on me, going mad and howling at my face. Her warm breath finally got me to sit up. "What is it, girl?" I whispered. Surprisingly, she raced away, her short tail bobbing up and down crazily. "Bleu!" I said in a half-whisper. My stiff legs pulled me up, but as tired as I was, I almost fell over again. My dog was no longer in my sight, and I began lumbering after her I then had to run, because I was beginning to worry what kind of trouble she might get into without my watchful eyes keeping close track of her.

The peachy skin on my feet burned from moving barefoot, but ever since my flip-flops had broke, I really had no other shoes. There was a deafening gouge on my knee-cap, which scarlet blood was flowing out of. The silver heart was clutched in my hands firmly. I skidded to a halt, sending spritz of dirt and leaves spluttering ahead of me. Bleu was showered in the crap, and I coudn't help but giggle. She scowled at me, then turned back to watch the Ahzen Vortex swirl and spit out colours. A paw emerged, then lastley a full Ahzenai. She was mezmorizing....

"Rusalka!" I heard Valcyon announce. Rusalka? Hmm... Sounds like Russia and Sulk mixed. I hope she doesn't have a Russian accent... There somwhat hard to understand... I looked at her again, and quivered. Whatever.

I walked up to her, then she said, "Does anyone have any shiny trinkets?" Shines? Trinkets? My eyes fell to my hand, which was holding my heart locket. Would this work? No. I can't use this... It's mine! I thought, even though it was kinda selfish. If I gave this to her... I'd probably never see it again. She'd take it and follow another suitor. But what is wrong with me? I shrugged gentley and turned away. I was off...

I had certain ideas, like stopping at 'Roberto's Trinket Shop', or finding something dazzling and sparkley to fit Rusalka's needs. Yeah... I'll do both! Bleu peered at me from a rock, her head cocked. "Did you like that hunt for Quida's flowers? Well, we're going to go shopping, first of all, then find a grey rose. In the morning it'll be very dewy and sparkley, along with our trinket, we'll be to-die-for!!" I grinned.

Bleu hopped off the boulder, and padded along beside me. Her long lolling tongue hung out playfully, and she panted excitedly. I knew exactly where 'Alberto's Trinket Shop' was, and I guided Bleu there. Her soft pads quarelled with the ground, but she was quite care-free. We were walking alongside a small paved road, which was cracked and burned. Couldn't they ever fix it? Now the dirt we walked on was soft and muddy, which was soothing to my aching feet.

'Alberto's Trinket Shop' was right up ahead, and I could see its rugged, chipped, smokey pink walls clearly. Bleu picked up her pace, quickening as the stench of french fries and grease filled my nose. It made my mouth water a little, but then made me want to puke. "Hey Bleu, I wonder what Alberto is eating today..." I rolled my eyes, knowing that it was obviously always gonna be burgers or grilled cheese sandwiches or something nasty like that.

As we entered the shop, dust wafted into my face, making me cough. "Hey Al," I said, waving my hand in front of my face to swish away anything that would make me sneeze. Alberto chuckled and took a sip of his Miller Lite. "Well, hi there pumpkin! Watcha gonna buy today?" He smiled, revealing the only few teeth he had.

Well... Do you have anything that an Ahzen--" I stopped. Why would I be that stupid as to ask him about Ahzenai? "Er... That a... A dog? Yeah, what a dog would want? Like something shiney..." Alberto grinned, "Follow me!" he lumbered away from his desk, and I followed, a bit cautious. He smelled of car fuel, as well as did his whole shop. It was located only a half-mile from the Stop-N-Go gas station. Everytime I passed my that old station, the sign always made me laugh:



Alberto lead me to a couple rows of shelves, and pointed with his hands, "Take eh look!" when his hands fell back down, it made his chubby stomach jiggle. I smiled awkwardly, "Thanks..." Al stumbled off, hobbling and burping.

The shelves were pretty useless. Alberto must not have understood me or something, because all they had were leashes and doggy bowls. I scanned the four rows, poking everything that looked funny. There was a weird, slinky-looking thing, that had googly eyes and a mouth. I knocked it over, but it scrambled back up again, tipping to other side and making a TINK. TINK. TINK. noise. I backed up, and scooted off towards the other sections. One sign read OTHER, and I guess it said that because Alberto couldn't spell the word miscellaneous. I walked over to that side, Bleu hot on my heels. She had a pretty pink sequined collar in her jaws, and I figured she thought she was allowed to get it. I checked its price tag. "Forty dollars!! Bleu, if you can pay for it, you can have it!" she whimpered and turned back towards the doggy shelves.

Everywhere.... There was dust, dirt, and who-knows-what! I fingered a couple of other stuff, but none of them were shiney trinkets like Rusalka wanted. I peered over at the next aisle, where there were little snow-globes of Alaska. I walked over to them, tipping a few over to watch the snow fall. Next to one, something beamed. I picked it up, but dropped it. The thing was slimey and sticky, but was quite pretty. It was some kinda key ring, with little hearts, flowers, and birds attached. I toiled with it, then clutched it tightly. It was slick, and I carried it to the restroom. It reeked of purfume, and it made me gag. "Ooo YUCK." I said, noticed brownish stains lining the rusted sinks. Not staying in here! I ran out of the bathroom, covering my face with my free hand

Bleu padded up to me, this time with a small pink chew-bone that said 'Diva' on both sides. I checked the price tag and groaned, "That thirty bucks, Bleu. Find something cheaper!" she whined and quickly pranced off. I went up to Alberto's check-out counter and placed the key ring and trinkets on it. Al was asleep and snoring. "Albert..." I whispered. He was out cold. I looked again at the price tag, and noticed there was none. No tag...? I thought. "Bleu!" I half-whispered. She came trotting up to me, holding a sparkley lavender leash. "C'mon..." I walked out the door, with the item in my hands. Bleu looked at me, confused. "Don't ask..." I mumbled.

"Bye... Hope you... *snore* Come back soooonnn...." Alberto said, more asleep than alive. I giggled and raced away, knowing what I did was wrong, but meaningful.

We stopped by a small stream, where I washed off my 'trinket'. It was sparkley and shiney, just as promised. Now it was time for the Rose Search. I was kinda into flowers these days, and wanted to get Rusalka one. We looked around, but saw none. I had put the trinket in my small pocket, and had also attached Bleu's new collar. She was hopping around, delighted for the new gift. We walked over a small hill, and I saw it. The dew-sprinkled silver rose was waiting for me...



* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


I walked slowly up to Rusalka, my eyes dreary and hardly open. We hadn't slept for what seemed like centuries, but had really been a day and a half. I slumped down on a rock, with Bleu laying -- already dozed -- beside me.


* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

I woke with a start, "Rusalka!" I yelled, then rubbed my eyes. What was wrong with me? Bleu looked at me, now awake, as confused as I was why I had yelled that. The grey rose was beside me, tempting me to squeeze it and let the beautiful blood drizzle down my hand...

NO. I couldn't do that...

I jumped up, grabbed the rose, stuffed my hand in my pocket, grabbed the trinket, and raced over to Rusalka. "Umm... Hello..." I began shyly. I handed her the rose first, grinning happily. "I'm Razz, by the way. Bleu and I would like you to come with us as our faithful companion... Would you be interested?" I looked at the rose, "Its my favorite scent... And colour... And... Yeah. But I don't exactly know if you like them, so here it goes!" I smiled again, "But that's not all... We brought you this," I handed her my trinket.

I rocked back and forth from my heels to my toes, and back again, "Once you make your decision, please let us know. I... I hope whoever you leave with is perfect for you, Rusalka." I smiled shyly once more, then turned and headed towards the flowing pond.

______________________________________________________________________________________________


Here is a pic of both the things Bleu and I gave to Rusalka: