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+---- Thread: [Training] fractals all around (/showthread.php?tid=11853)
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fractals all around - Nova - 08-06-2025
Last time she was in Halo, Nova had managed to find the Barracks, waltzing in to have an impromptu sparring match with one of the men in there - Deimos. He'd been an interesting fellow and she'd had to work extra hard to get any sort of praise from him, so when her air magic finally started looking as strong as his hand, Nova might have made the impulse decision to come out here and find him, to prove that she's just as strong as he is.
But as she bounces down the street in her puffy turquoise jacket and rainbow tie-dye leggings, she realizes that she might have taken a wrong turn at some point. She's not lost - banish the thought - but she's just taking a detour on her way, enjoying the thickening snow and crisp breezes that come with Leafchange in Halo. In fact, she decides to pause - quite suddenly - in the street to lift her head towards the gentle flurry that falls around her, a giggle on her lips as she lets the flakes melt on her tongue. Unfortunately, she hadn't made her intentions very clear, and her revelry is interrupted by a crashing body against her.
[say]"Hey!"[/say] Her blonde and orange hair flares from beneath her neon pink beanie, a pouting scowl on her face. [say]"Watch where you're going!"[/say]
RE: fractals all around - Damien - 08-08-2025
This wasn’t his usual kind of job. But he owed a favor or two to the man who’d begged him to make the delivery today, and now Damien knew why the urgency. The moment the pups had slipped free of their leashes, he’d realized the truth: someone had been desperate to be rid of these little hellions.
One was a rich, coppery red with floppy ears, the other gray and white with sharp, wolfish features. Neither seemed to care about the scowl chasing them down the street. Snow sprayed in their wake as they rounded a corner like a miniature stampede, and Damien followed with a sinking heart, boots thudding over packed snow.
A woman’s voice cut through the cold air — “Hey!” — just as the pups collided with her legs. The sight of her nearly stopped him in his tracks: turquoise jacket, rainbow tie-dye leggings, a burst of color so out of place in Halo it was almost an assault on the senses.
The gray pup immediately rolled onto its back in what might have been an apology, tail thumping the snow, while the red one launched an assault on her shoelace. Damien reached them seconds later, looking as though he’d been wrangling trouble all morning; hair mussed from the wind, gloves dusted with snow, coat disheveled, eyes holding the wary edge of a man who had already lost this battle twice today.
[say]“Sorry,”[/say] he said quickly, voice low and rough if a little flustered. His gloved hand snagged the red one’s leather collar, but the pup planted its rear in the snow and dug in, issuing a sharp whine of protest. The other ducked behind the woman’s legs and barked indignantly, as if warning him off.
[say]“They’re just big puppies,”[/say] Damien added, straightening enough to meet her eye. [say]“Haven’t learned any manners yet.”[/say] A beat, and he regarded her again with a more attentive look. [say]“Are you alright?”[/say]
RE: fractals all around - Nova - 08-08-2025
Her indignation quickly shifted to excitement when she saw the culprits: two puppies! [say]"Oh hi!"[/say] When the gray one flopped onto its back in response, Nova let out a charmed giggle, crouching to rub a hand against the exposed belly. It was soft, wriggling beneath her touch while the red one went for her laces. [say]"Hey! No need to be upset! I have two hands!"[/say] She gave a small shove of her hand to dislodge the teeth from her clothes, giving it scratches and attention to keep it from finding entertainment at the expense of her outfit.
With her hands occupied by the canines, she didn't notice the man until he was tugging on the dog's collar. Nova rose to greet him, a beaming smile on her features that rivaled the glittering of the snow in the Leafchange sun. Her hand lingered over the grey dog's head, still stealing the occasional touch of its soft fur. [say]"That's okay! They don't need manners when they're this cute!"[/say]
His question earned barely a thought as she chimed [say]"Yep!"[/say] then moved on with a tilt of her head and a bounce of her toes. [say]"What are their names?!"[/say]
RE: fractals all around - Damien - 08-11-2025
Damien finally wrangled the red pup back onto its leash. He let out a low, tired breath that carried more exasperation than frustration. [say]“Don’t think they’ve got names yet. I’m just babysitting for a while until their new home is ready.”[/say] His voice was rough from the cold and from chasing after two creatures that clearly had more energy than he did this morning.
The gray one, apparently sensing a softer target, flopped dramatically onto its back against Nova’s legs, belly exposed in complete surrender. The little howl it let out the moment her hand pulled away was almost theatrical, like a plea for more attention, and Damien couldn’t help but note the contrast to the usual roughness of life here. He hesitated, unwilling to reach around her and risk interrupting what looked like a rare moment of joy.
[say]“If you don’t mind,”[/say] he said, holding another leash out to her, [say]“would you put this on him? He’s likely to run off if I try.”[/say] His tone was dry, but there was an unspoken hope that she’d take the reins—literally and figuratively—for this brief moment of chaos.
As he watched her interact with the pup, Damien’s gaze drifted upward, catching again on the shock of her jacket and the wild splash of rainbow that was her leggings. It was a jarring contrast to the pale, muted tones of Snowcloak; the subdued browns and grays of fur and timber, the pale hue of the cold sky. He wondered, not without a hint of guarded curiosity, what brought someone so vividly out of place to this edge of the wilds.
[say]“Not often we get folks dressed like you around here,”[/say] he said quietly, voice steady but carrying the weight of someone who’s seen too many strangers come and go. [say]“What brings you to Snowcloak?”[/say]
He paused, then added with the barest hint of formality, [say]“I’m Damien, by the way..”[/say]
The words hung in the cold air, more an offering than a question, as the gray pup nudged the woman's hand again, demanding the affection that seemed to have immediately won it over. Damien shifted his weight, his wild-eyed, half-exhausted look softening just enough to show he was willing to see where this unexpected meeting might lead.
RE: fractals all around - Nova - 08-11-2025
Under the belief that everyone should have a name (resident wine spiders and puppies included), Nova gave a small pout of her lips, inspecting the two with a careful eye. [say]"Awww. Well, I'll call you Silk and Lace!"[/say] She pointed to the red then gray pups in turn, the grin on her face showing her satisfaction with the names as she gave a decisive nod of her head.
That's when she spotted the leash, eyes blinking as she processed his request. [say]"Hm? Okay!"[/say] Taking the collar and leash in her hand, she turned to the gray puppy, an excited gleam in her blue eyes. She didn't give the pup much of a chance before she was already reaching for it. [say]"Come here, Lace, I think this will look great against your fur!"[/say] And sure enough, as the red leather came around his neck, Nova clapped her hands with delight. [say]"See?! You look so handsome!"[/say] Giggling, she trapped him in a quick hug around the neck, glancing up as the man spoke.
[say]"Oh! I came to look for Deimos. I wanted to show him that my magic is just as strong as his now!"[/say] She leaned back just enough to let the puppy breathe, burying her fingers into its fur as she continued to give it all the scratches and affection, tilting her head to consider the area. [say]"But I haven't been able to find him..."[/say]
Her smile was so bright it was nearly blinding, stretching the white star-shaped freckles on her cheeks. [say]"I like to meet you, Damien! I'm Nova!"[/say]
RE: fractals all around - Damien - 08-12-2025
Damien tended to think most people named their pets after things they liked, or things the animals resembled. Food was a common one. Cheese, Noodle, things like that. Silk and Lace were a far cry from that. He wasn’t sure what that said about her, only that it was… different. The names felt a bit delicate for two rough-and-tumble hellions like these, but when she declared them with such certainty, he just let out a low, rumbly chuckle and didn’t bother to argue.
Silk and Lace it was.
He shifted his grip on Silk’s leash as she bent to fit the collar onto the other pup. The little beast leaned into her hands as though she’d been his handler all his life, tail swishing through the powder. Damien shook his head once at how easily she’d charmed him—the dog, that is—and kept his attention on the street beyond.
When she mentioned Deimos, his brow furrowed slightly, and he glanced down the nearest thoroughfare in quiet thought. Deimos wasn’t easy to pin down at times, and the snow was filling the streets faster than it had an hour ago. But it wasn’t just Deimos’ whereabouts he was considering. It was her easy claim about magic, spoken like she was discussing the weather.
[say]“Er… likewise,”[/say] he rumbled when she chirped her introduction, her phrasing catching him just enough to knock him out of his thoughts. [say]“Nova,”[/say] he echoed her name, and for a moment his eyes lingered, catching on the scatter of pale stars across her cheeks. They shifted when she smiled, bright and unguarded, and for an instant it made her seem even further from the gray, wind-scoured streets of Halo.
[say]“I don’t think Deimos is around here today,”[/say] he added after a moment, a faint lift of his brows making it sound more like a cautious heads-up than a flat fact. Still, curiosity tugged at him. People who could bend the elements to their will had always struck him as… dangerous, yes, but fascinating. His gaze returned to her, sharp with interest.
[say]“But I’d—we’d—love a demonstration.”[/say] His tone stayed even, but there was no missing the way his eyes caught a bit of light at the thought. The red pup at his side let out a long, bellowing howl toward something down the street, jerking against the lead as if in agreement.
RE: fractals all around - Nova - 08-12-2025
Unaware of any reluctance or confusion about her incorrect phrasing, Nova beamed at hearing her name. She gave a small bounce that sent the orange strands springing up towards her face as she gave Lace another scratch behind the ears.
The excited smile on her face melted from her feature, settling into an adorable pout of disappointment that pulled at her lips. [say]"Hmm. That's a bum."[/say] Although the expression didn't linger long, the offer piquing her attention and sending her jumping to her feet. [say]"Okay!"[/say] Her voice chimed through the street like clinking icicles, Lace giving a bark of agreement along with Silk.
Nova gave the pup a pat on the head, giggling as she turned to Damien. [say]"But you have to act as the bad guy, okay?"[/say] There was no arguing with the glint in her eyes, the determined set to her sparkling grin, or the buzzing energy that hums beneath her skin. Obviously she wouldn't hurt him, but what fun was a demonstration without something to use it on?
RE: fractals all around - Damien - 08-14-2025
Damien gave a short, considering glance down the street, scanning for a spot that would keep the pups safe and out of trouble. A small alcove formed by a low stack of crates and a lamp post looked solid enough. He led Silk over first, looping the leash carefully around the post and giving it a firm tug to ensure it was secure. Lace was next, still fidgeting with excitement, and he did the same, muttering under his breath as the gray pup flexed against the restraint.
Satisfied that the two were safely contained, Damien took a step back, rubbing his gloved hands together as he studied Nova. Her energy was all over the place, a hum that seemed to push against the quiet rhythm of the town. She grinned, eyes sparkling, completely unbothered by the snow or the chaos of the pups. He tilted his head, noting the way her freckles caught the light again as she moved. Unusual, yes, but also distracting if he wasn’t careful.
He weighed his options for preparing himself. He wasn’t about to dive in blindly. His gaze fell on a thick, snow-dusted branch leaning against one of the crates. It wouldn’t stop a fully aimed spell, but it would give him some measure of control if things went sideways. Picking it up, he flexed his fingers around the wood, testing its weight, and adjusted his stance so he could pivot quickly.
[say]“Alright,”[/say] he said, voice low, cautious, but carrying just enough firmness to mark the start of this exercise. [say]“I’ll play the bad guy. Don’t get carried away.”[/say] Not that he didn’t believe she would try—he was curious, and wary, in equal measure. His eyes flicked over her posture, the subtle wind in her hair, the energy coiling at her fingertips. He didn’t know exactly what to expect, but he could at least brace himself.
The red pup let out a small yelp, tugging slightly at its leash, and Damien gave a small, half-amused grunt. [say]“Try not to get them hurt while you’re at it,”[/say] he added, just enough to keep the pups in the periphery of her mind without seeming overbearing. Then he crouched slightly, branch in hand, ready for whatever this 'demonstration' might bring.
RE: fractals all around - Nova - 08-14-2025
When he didn't say anything again, she became curious, holding Lace's leash as she trotted behind him through the fluffy white patches of snow. The puppy hopped between piles, making her giggle and copy the movement like a frog between lily pads. Her fun was only interrupted when Damien came to a stop, tying Silk to a lamp post. Tilting her head, she reluctantly relinquished her hold on the second leash, letting him secure Lace despite the pup's obvious displeasure.
She bounced forward to give them each a glittering smile and a parting pat on the head that said she'd be back before long. Nova couldn't compel yet, but her reassuring touch and the sense that they had something in common encouraged the pups to calm. Their tails still wagged - wiggling their butts when the small appendage wasn't enough - but they sat, tongues dangling as they watched her skip away to face Damien in the center of the alcove he'd found.
Her marshmallow teal arms flew out as she spun, taking in the space like it was a vast ballroom full of shimmering light and dancing people rather than a dim alleyway cast in shadows and trodden snow. Giggling, she gave a nod of her head and clasped her hands behind her. [say]"Yep! This'll do it!"[/say]
Then she was drawn by Damien's movements, watching with a bemused expression as he moved to pick up a stick. She didn't know what he planned to do with the branch, but who was she to tell him he'd have to face her unarmed? Whatever helped him get into the 'bad guy' character.
Nova was about to launch her attack - her magic was brimming on the tips of her fingers - when the warning came, her hand reaching to her chest as she gasped in indignation. [say]"I would never hurt them! They're too cute!"[/say] Her shock turned into a blinding grin as she put her palms out like she was getting ready to push him. [say]"But get ready! This one's for you, 'Bad Guy!'"[/say] And then she released her air magic, the powerful gust whipping up snow as it barreled towards his chest, threatening to shove him off his feet.
1/4
RE: fractals all around - Damien - 08-15-2025
The warning in her voice had barely faded before the wind hit. It slammed into the branch with a force that rattled his shoulders, the wood groaning against the pressure. He’d angled it to break the gust across his side rather than take it full in the chest, but even then, the sheer push of it sent his boots skidding over packed snow. A lesser stance and he’d have been flat on his back.
He gritted his teeth and used the momentum, letting the wind carry him a half-step sideways before planting his lead foot and driving forward. The branch acted like a plow, part shield, part balance point, the bristles of snow swirling off its bark as he pushed into the gale. His eyes narrowed against the sting of ice in the air, his breath puffing in short bursts.
He shifted his weight, aiming for a feint to the left before cutting in to the right, the branch still angled in front of him. His movement wasn’t quick—his bulk simply didn’t allow for it—but it was controlled, deliberate, each stride meant to eat up distance without giving her the room to spin up another full-force strike.
The snow underfoot betrayed him once, boot slipping just enough to throw off his rhythm. He caught himself on the branch, using it to lever his weight back upright before circling to keep her in view. [say]“That all you’ve got?”[/say] he called, his voice more grit than taunt, the kind of challenge meant to see if she’d push harder.
He could already feel the strain in his calves from keeping steady against her first blow, but that was its own point for him—learning to move under pressure without toppling. And if he could corner her, even briefly, maybe he’d find the gap in her offense before the next blast came.
(Training 1/4)
RE: fractals all around - Nova - 08-16-2025
Nova was proud of the effect her air had, watching as he struggling to keep his balance. She giggled as the snowflakes caught in his hair, watching his feet scramble. It made the process easier as she danced away from his approach, light as a stream of light catching a snow pile.
With another bubbling laugh, she leaned forward. [Say]"Not even close!"[/say] And then she gave a twirl that sent glitter scattering around her, slicing her hand through the air to guide the wind at her fingertips. Like a blunted scythe, it stretched forward to hook his legs, determined to send him sprawling.
2/4
RE: fractals all around - Damien - 08-18-2025
The glittering air cut toward him, the sharp sweep of it aimed straight at his legs. Damien’s eyes tracked the movement, reading the arc before it fully formed, and he reacted on instinct. Instead of planting the branch as a barrier, he crouched low, sliding his weight back and twisting to the side. The scythe of wind whipped past his shins, scattering a flurry of snow in its wake.
He rolled forward over the compacted snow, using the slide to reposition, letting the momentum carry him just past her reach. The branch, still in hand, became a guiding tool rather than a shield, tapping the icy ground to stabilize each uneven step. A quick pivot planted him at a new angle, forcing him to circle around her instead of closing directly.
[say]“You're fast,”[/say] he admitted, voice low, half to himself, half to her. His eyes didn’t leave her, watching how she balanced on her toes, how her arms traced the air like a conductor. Each movement was a lesson in predicting timing, in learning to compensate for what he lacked in speed with patience and positioning.
He spotted the tiniest shift in her balance, a flicker of overextension as she reached for another arc of wind (or whatever other magic or tricks she may have up her sleeve). Damien lunged, branch outstretched—not to strike, but to try and tap her shoulder, a “tag” in this game of cat and mouse.
(Training 2/4)
RE: fractals all around - Nova - 08-18-2025
Her air magic didn't work quite how she'd wanted it to as he'd somehow dodged the thirty-foot sweep of air. A small pout formed on her lips, but Nova didn't stop her assault as she spun and whirled through the snow like a cyclone. Through her movements, she heard his words, a grin forming through prideful giggles. [say]"I know!"[/say]
In her preening, Nova overstepped on her next pirouette, leaving a small enough opening that Damien slipped past her notice and into her proximity. He lunged into her blind spot to tap her gently on the shoulder, surprising her with the contact. She spun to face him as her magic rose up to respond, a flash of annoyance making the power sharper.
A shield of ice appeared to trap the stick in place, thick and clear so that his face was only partially distorted. She tilted her head, a small smirk on her lips as she stepped back. [say]"That wasn't very nice, Bad Guy."[/say] Her voice was still bright in its playful scolding, mischief gleaming in her blue eyes. Then she let the ice creep down the weapon and out towards his feet, threatening to trap him if he wasn't careful.
3/4
RE: fractals all around - Damien - 08-19-2025
The stick gave a muted crack as he tried to wrench it back, but the ice had it pinned tight. Damien’s grip tightened, jaw flexing as he gave it one last sharp tug. Nothing. The weapon was already more hers than his, frost creeping steadily toward his boots.
With a low grunt, he abandoned it. A smart fighter knew when to let go. He shifted his weight back a step, then another, watching the tendrils of ice snake toward him with hungry patience. [say]“Hnh. Not bad,”[/say] he muttered, voice rough but tinged with a grudging note of approval.
Snow scattered as he pulled away from the growing frost, boots crunching a retreat to the edge of the alcove. The pups gave a pair of eager yaps from their post, tails wagging as if they found this whole affair wildly entertaining. Damien swung around behind a stack of crates, hoping the shadowed corner would offer enough cover for him to draw a breath and reassess.
He crouched low, fingers brushing the snow-crusted wood, scanning for anything else he could use to fend off her next strike. A loose board. A chunk of broken pallet. Hell, even a handful of snow would do in a pinch. His pulse drummed, not from fear but from the sharp edge of anticipation.
(Training 3/4)