IC: The blood moon rises

[Sapphira]

With her attention still on the group of men that stood in the center of town Sapphira didn't notice Keira rounding the corner. To be honest she hadn't noticed anything but them. They were different than the humans. So when Keira skidded to a halt in front of her, her reaction was much like the night they first met.

Her fur standing on end, her back arched as s hiss slipped thru clinched teeth. No sooner than the sound faded into the night did she hear Keira's voice. Her voice was soothing to Sapphira, she knew with her there she didn't have to worry. She gently nudged Keira with her muzzle. "Yes I am fine, sorry about me being so skiddish."The panic was slowly starting to fade from her voice. "I guess that's something I'll have to work on if were going to be around humans."

She glanced around trying to get a sense of where she was. "I think I can find the cave from here." She slowly started down the street, her tail flicking back and forth grazing Keira's side to make sure she was close. Sapphira carefully peering around each corner making sure she didn't run into any more unexpected surprises. It took her a little longer to find her way out of the city.

But once she was free of the city her body relaxed, along with her mood. It was clear that she felt more at ease with nature rather than a crowded city. Her step quickened but she was also becoming more playful. Playfully swatting at Keira before darting ahead, laughing. She knew she couldn't out run her companion. Sapphira couldn't help herself, she found herself from time to time staring at Keira. Admiring her beauty and grace in both her wolven and human form. Quickly looking away, her cheek growing when she would get caught.

They were heading in the right direction, but Sapphira was to occupied with playing and other thoughts to notice how close they were. She turned to look where she was going and stopped just in time before she went flying into the cold spring water that rushed over the cliff face.

[A Venomous Kiss]

A softened smile formed on her muzzle when she saw Sapphira's reaction. "Don't worry about it."  Giggling quietly to herself as her kitten meandered off to the alleyway. Turning to follow her with her own figure creeping low to the ground, the pads on her paws adding traction and silence to her every step.

It wasn't before long that hard gravel and stone turned into soft dirt, grassy terrain and flourishing tree's. A certain hearth was growing deep inside of her with each passing moment she spent with Sapphira.

A playful swat broke her concentration of admiration and she leapt forth with an extra bounce in her step. Carefully trailing behind her, she always seemed to let her get ahead before bursting forward with an renewed energy.

Flying through a bush, she came hauling in a dead run. This time, she wasn't going to get away! Laughter elevated from her as she rushed towards her, only to find herself flying head first into the crystal-clear surface of the lake.

Water engulfed her completely and her breath was taken from her. The change was instaneous and almost instinctive as she broke the surface. Her soaked silver strands clung to her face before she threw them back and freed her visage. Her bare hands brushed the rippled water and her toned legs kept kicking to keep her a float. Platinum pools then looked around to lock onto Sapphira..a smile being brought to her rosy lips. "Looks like we found the waterfall.." She grinned before leisurely drifting back to the bank where her dear beauty stood. Rising from the water, the lake still hugging her hips..she lifted her right hand out before her, offering it to Sapphira. "Care to join me?"

[Lord Validrir]

Validrir moved swiftly through the town's streets as he followed the odd power. Soon he was at the edge of the forest and the end of the town. With out so much as a moment's hesitation he continued, the trees bending back out of his way. as he entered the forest Validrir's form began to change. He began to shine very brightly untill he could no longer be seen at all from with in the light. Soon though, the light faded and there in his place trotted a large griffin. His feathers were the most brilliant white and his fur a wonderful, rich gold. In fact the only thing the same about him, were his deep blue eyes.
With a leap and a bound, Validrir took to the sky and soared over the forest below. he followed the scent of the power until he saw a great waterfall which poured into a beautiful lake. There in he saw two beings, women it seemed. Yet he knew they were more. He flew over head and circled down into the trees near by. Landing softly he watched to gain an idea of who they were.

[Sapphira]

Sapphira chuckled a bit as Keira went flying over her, water splashing on her as she broke the surface of the water. Cocking her head slightly , she thought for a moment before jumping in. She sailed gracefully over Keira's head, her paws stretched out in front of her. Changing as she disappeared into the water.

The only break from the creeping darkness was the stars that dotted the sky and the fireflies flitting about. Sapphira glided thru the water finally resurfacing, rings rippling outwards from her as she broke the surface. Her long blond hair framed her face and down around her shoulders. Her arms pulling herself towards Keira, her feet making contact with the soft sand.

The simple white sun dress that she wore now plastered to her slender frame. She smiled as she stepped right behind her, so that when she turned they would be nose to nose. Sapphira's entire body shaking not only from the cold.

[A Venomous Kiss]

The autumn chill on the water caused goosebumps to adorn her pallid flesh. However, whatever temperature of the lake may have been..all of that seemed to be forgotten as she turned to face Sapphira. Even the faint Gryphon that was observing the duo wasn't even noticed..in her mind, it was just the two of them and that is how she wanted it to remain.

With their noses almost touching, it could have been an awkward moment for her..but for some reason, that strange feeling never truly set in. She noticed the youthful beauty before her shivering and instinctively, she brought her soaked hands to Sapphira's cloth covered shoulders and rubbed them caringly in attemp to warm her..despite how helpless the attempt was.

Her weight shifted into the lake bed, her toes sinking into the sand. Their figures were so close to one another, was this appropriate? Was it right? "Sapphira.." Her voice trailed off as she pulled her moonlit gaze away and towards the rippling water..her cheeks flushing with color. For once she didn't know what to say or what to do..but she did know one thing.

Even when she was all wet, Sapphira managed to put even the most lusted after woman to shame. Her beauty was so fair, her mystical hues glistened like the night sky..and her skin was so soft..

So soft..

[Sapphira]

Sapphira smiled again when Keira blushed for a second time. It was a pleasant change not to be the one blushing. Keira's hands rested on her shoulders trying to warm her body, to stop her from trembling. Thou the thought of the chilled water that consumed almost half of her body seemed unimportant at the moment. A single silver lock fell down caressing Keira's lips. She raised a hand brushing it from Keira's face, her finger tips lightly grazing her cheek. She took a step closer bridging the distance between their bodies.

Her heart began to race, which seem to be a regular occurrence these days. But this time it was good, she felt like she was floating. Their bodies pressed against each other as she stared into Keira's captiving silver hues. She leaned in close but hesitated for a moment wondering if Keira wanted the same ting. Seconds later her feelings overrided her brain and their lips touched. Her heart fluttered, skipping a few beats. The kiss was only brief before Sapphira pulled back her eyes still closed and her cheeks now matching Keira's.

She dropped her head for a moment not wanting to met Keira's gaze, she hoped that she hadn't stepped out of line. She had never had these feelings for anyone before let alone another women. It went against everything she was ever taught, but it felt right to her. But did Keira feel the same way? Had she just lost the only friend she had? She looked back up at Keira her eyes bright as she stared as the beauty in front of her, hoping.

[A Venomous Kiss]

Seconds passed before their eyes and their bodies were drawn closer together. She stood there in the water, possessed by a captivating beauty that was her feline friend. She couldn't move, her body was frozen in time. Not out of fear or nervousness, but a complete devotion to her shy nature.

A brush of her face from Sapphira's gently gliding fingertips caused a smile to breach her pink lips. She couldn't find any words to say, she had never been in this kind of position before.

Then it happened..

Sapphira came so close, that right before their lips touched..she took a deep breath and tensed up her body. Closing her eyes, she intercepted the kiss..her hands resting so tenderly on her shoulders. It was her first kiss ever in her life..and her companions lips tasted incredibly sweet and felt temptingly soft. It seemed to last a lifetime and it was a dissapointment that it had to end so soon. Once their lips parted ways, it took a moment before Keira's silver hues met the cascading moonlight once before gazing  down to Sapphira.

She could interpret the casual fear in those gorgoues eyes..but to her dismay, she found herseld speechless. She didn't know what to say to reassure Sapphira of her enjoyment of what they had just shared.

[Sapphira]

Her feet shifted slightly the sand rising up covering her feet. Her eyes were locked with Keira's. Someone could have been dancing around them and she wold have paid them no mind. Keira had her undivided attention. And even thou her lips retreated her body did not. The warmth of Keira's body had taken the chill away but she still trembled.

She stood there not knowing what to do, all she could do was stare into Keira's silver hues. She had acted on her feelings and she hoped that in doing so she hadn't lost her only friend. The silence was to much at that moment for her to take. Softly she cleared her throat. "I'm sorry if stepped out of line."

Her eyes fell watching the ripples in the water. She expected the worse taking a deep breath she looked back to Keira her hands sliding along her arms resting on Keira's hands. "There's just something about you that stirs something inside me and..." Her voice trailed off. She didn't know how to explain how she felt or let alone where to go from there.

Pulling her bottom lip in between her teeth searching to find a way to explain. A sigh slipping from her soft lips. One hand gently squeezing Keiras she brought the other to her cheek, running the back of her fingertips down her cheek. "Please say something." She whispered. Her breathing was slow and stead but her heart still raced. Depending on the words that crossed those soft pink lips would determine if it would explode or simple stop.

[A Venomous Kiss]

A certain nervousness washed over her, her lower lip quivered as her crystalline hues stared into Sapphira’s eyes. Her weight shifted from foot to foot in an unsteady balance. She still didn’t know what to say or do. She was a virgin to the art of kissing and still being caught up in the moment, she maintained her shy demeanor.

The tone of Sapphira's voice was that of an angel, yet when a sorrowful apology laced her sentence, it brought a new light into her eyes. Did she truly think she crossed that line of discomfort? Did this lone wolf actually give her that kind of ill-willed signal? Shaking her head kindly, “No, no..please..” Her own voice trailed off again before bringing the palms of her hands to cup Sapphira’s jaw line.

“Sapphira..” She stumbled over what to say. “Please, you don’t need to apologize. You have not brought any discomfort to me at all. I rather enjoyed what just took place..and I am very much looking forward to being wrapped up in your embrace once again.”  Squeezing her hands, she offered a genuine smile.

[Lord Validrir]

Validrir grew tired of what he saw. it seemed that these two were not going to reviel any of their hidden power on their own. He would have to force their hand. Stretching his great legs, he got down into a readied stance and, quick as a wink, bounded out of the trees and landed with a thundering crash on the shore. A piercing screech emitted from his beak as he stood there in in his magestic Griffin's form. He would see who these two were.... One way, or another.

[Sapphira]

A soft smile tugged at the corners of her lips, Keira's words comforting her. Another sigh slipped past her lips but it was a sigh of relief. Her hands framing Keira's, she started to lean in but a thunderous crash came from behind them. Sapphiras first reaction was to run but this time she stood her ground. Her arms wrapping around Keira's slender form.

Even thou she had never fought she felt like she had to protect Keira. Knowing that Keira shared the same feelings she wasn't about to let anyone or anything take that from her. Sapphira knew that she had other forms beside her human and feline but never had a use for them, until now.

Sapphira took a deep breath as quickly pushed Keira behind her. Lowering herself into a crouching position she growled softly at the large beast that stood before them. Within a matter of seconds her form exploded as she launched herself into the air. Landing between her companion and the griffin.

Slowly she rose up to her full height which had doubled. Her body covered in a thick white fur which resembled an over grown human. Her strength along with her body had also doubled. She stared at the creature in front of her, her voice much deeper than before. "Leave us be." Her fist were clenched tightly ready for that fight she feared would come.

Her clawed feet dug into the soft ground below, anchoring herself. She meant this beast no harm but she wasn't going to run this time.

[A Venomous Kiss]

The tranquility of this meeting was quite perfect, she had never thought anything like this could ever happen to her. Yet as she continue to stand on cloud nine, the reality of their situation came crashing down on them in a horrid, high-pitched scream.

The siren of the griffin pierced her ears and instantly made her jump in surprise. Firmly holding onto Sapphira, she turned her head only to see an odd looking creature running at them in a huge bolt of fury. Even though she had become momentarily warped in fear, she felt a certain curiosity building up inside of her..but all that dissapeared when she was shoved deeper into the water by her dearest companion.

Watching Sapphira place herself inbetween she and the apparent danger, she didn't know what to do. They each had their own means to protect eachother, so instead of letting Sapphira stand in the spotlight alone..Keira forced herself out of the water in her human form and join her by her side.

Unintimidated but intrigued by Sapphira's new form, she took a glance at her before turning her gaze towards the winged creature. Despite being soaked from head to toe, she firmly gripped the handle of her small dagger and unsheathed it from it's holster. Holding it boldly in her right hand, she didn't have anything to say to the griffin.. but then again, what would you say to an overgrown, manipulated bird? (That is what he looks like to her anyway.)

[Lord Validrir]

The massive griffin's head cocked to the side as he looked at the two in front of him. One now a mixture of human and wolf, the other still just a young woman. Changelings perhaps? His large round eyes lost their fiersome quality and became kind and warm once again. His deep resounding voice echoed across their minds as he addressed them.
"What are your names young ones?"

[Sapphira]

There she stood ready to fight her nerves shot. The creatures entire demeanor seem to change and along with it so did hers. His eye warm and his voice as kind as Keira's when she first heard it. She slowly began to take a couple steps towards him, her massive feline form melting away. And although he didn't seem to want to hurt them she was still careful.

She stopped a few feet back from the griffin but within arms reach of him. Her head slightly cocked and her arm beginning to reach out for him. "My name is Sapphira and this is my companion Keira." Her eyes glancing back briefly as she said her name. Her fingertips brushed lightly against his feathers before recoiling back to her body.

She had never seen anything like this before and her mother had never spoke of it either. Now that they weren't in any danger her curiosity to full hold of her. "What are you? Slipped from her soft pink lips as she took another step forward. One hand rested on her chest debating whether or not to touch the creature again. Her other stretched behind her searching for Keira's hand.

[Lord Validrir]

Validrir watched as the being before him melted back into a human form. She said her name was Sapphira and her companion was named Keira. She asked what he was and a deep chuckle eminated from within his chest, sounding not unlike rolling thunder.

"Well, that question could have several answers. Do you wish to know what I am, or what I appear to be?" He looked from one t the other as he spoke through his mind. "The form I have taken is that of a griffin, a mighty creature of the air and land. My actual identity is... well, perhaps I should show you." Validrir's form began to shine with light that intensified until he could not be looked at directly. Soon though the light faded and there he stood as he had before, in the shape of a man. "My name is Tiberius Validrir, and I am..." He stopped short, unsure of whether to reveil his actual identity. Making up his mind in an instant he smiled. "Well, I'm a wizard from the capital of Vertalin'thral."