{se} flying on borrowed wings
Harper Quinn
the Stalwart
Teacher

Age: 33 | Height: 5'10 | Race: Attuned | Nationality: Outlander | Citizenship: Nomadic
Level: 5 - Strg: 15 - Dext: 15 - Endr: 27 - Luck: 19 - Int:
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Posts: 1,036 | Total: 6,168
MP: 9427
#1
HARPER
The wonderful thing about jungles is that there are vines.

And what can you do with vines? Swing.

As soon as the monsoons had passed he'd vowed to explore the Oerwoud, but giant chickens and buildings being set on fire had postponed those plans a little bit. Not forever though. Nothing could keep him away from the closest thing to a trapeze this world has. Dangerous it may be with no proper rigging and no tested weight limits, Harper doesn't even hesitate to head for the tree with the most vines the moment he is within the jungle proper.

Even without wings to carry him should he fall, Harper would have done this regardless. Trapeze lives in his blood. It was the first taste of flying he'd ever known. Danger had always meant something different to him, long before he ever lost his parents and was abducted. Leaping off of towering platforms before he was double-digits had bred a certain disregard for his own safety at a young age.

It takes some time to set up a proper trapeze system - tying vines together, finding a suitably straight and weight-bearing branch for both the bar and the connection for the vines - but then it's time. Standing in the trees, he closes his eyes, and pretends he can smell the popcorn, feel the heat of the spotlights and the murmurs and cheers of the crowd. Then he leaps, the vines pull taut, and he soars.
some things take insane bravery
but after that, you'll be free
Aurelia Murlow
the Fireheart


Age: 29 | Height: 5'7" | Race: Abandoned | Nationality: Outlander | Citizenship: Torchline
Level: 4 - Strg: 18 - Dext: 20 - Endr: 27 - Luck: 21 - Int:
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#2
we belong wherever we want to be
It's been a process, getting used to this new piece of her that feels much larger than it really is. It appreciates the jungles just as much as she does, though. So when her paws lead her here, there's no sense of opposition. The urge to climb is so strong and the curiosity that lies therein wants only to be sated. What lies at the very top of the trees? She's never been able to climb so high before, not with the restrictions of her human form.

Her shift has an unexpected adeptness among the branches, able to traverse the thickest of vines. She wouldn't have thought it just looking at an animal like this. But since she can feel its nimble strength personally, she understands its limits are much greater than she might've given it credit for.

There's a small adventure taking place in the canopies above Harper, a testing of these limits. Though she hadn't noticed the young man's presence until the startling sound of snapping vines draws her attention. She patters across a lengthy branch, leaves stirring and rustling in her wake. Her fuzzy brownish-red face pops out from a cluster of thick leaves, and what she sees is not typical.

Across from her, she sees him performing some kind of acrobatics. Though she doesn't know exactly what Trapeze is... well, nevermind what it is, it looks fun! Eagerly, she clambers down from the tip-tops of the trees and pounces onto a thicker branch. It's the one he's swinging so gracefully toward.

She rights herself up, leaning on her back haunches, and lifts her forepaws to the sky in a small cheer! Go! Go! However, when she tries to find her voice, all that comes out is a happy-sounding squeal.

Well, that's a weird sound, she thinks vacantly.
Aurelia
Harper Quinn
the Stalwart
Teacher

Age: 33 | Height: 5'10 | Race: Attuned | Nationality: Outlander | Citizenship: Nomadic
Level: 5 - Strg: 15 - Dext: 15 - Endr: 27 - Luck: 19 - Int:
Played by: Brit Offline
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Posts: 1,036 | Total: 6,168
MP: 9427
#3
HARPER
The shuffling in the branches overhead is admittedly ignored. So long as it’s not some giant cat (or giant chicken) looking for their next Harper-shaped meal, he’s content to leave the wildlife well enough alone if they’re willing to do the same. Even when the little creature joins the imaginary crowd in his head, his eyes are half-closed, feeling the wind tugging at his curls as his body falls into the motions like it hasn’t been a few years since he last stepped off the landing of a trapeze tower.

The swing returns in a long arc, and with a pull of his arms he crests over the bar to hang from his knees, arms already outstretched for a partner that isn’t there. His heart cracks in his chest, as it always does, but then there’s a voice cheering inside his head that snaps his blue eyes open in surprise. There’s little time to think as the swing arcs, but there’s a happy furry body on the branch across from him, and Harper gleefully plucks it from its perch to cuddle to his chest at the longest reach of the vines. “Care to join me?” And his smile is bright and boyish, all ghosts forgotten. It may not be the partner he remembered, but he is not alone now. The question may be delayed considering how he has already plucked them from the security of their branch, but his bright-hearted glee is undeniable.

All thoughts of propriety and personal space are thrown to the wind (if he ever had them at all). Whoever it is is clearly Attuned if he could hear them, but his grip is strong and sure as he swings back, keeping the momentum with a pump of his calves as he carries the Attuned in his arms, flying freely.
some things take insane bravery
but after that, you'll be free
Aurelia Murlow
the Fireheart


Age: 29 | Height: 5'7" | Race: Abandoned | Nationality: Outlander | Citizenship: Torchline
Level: 4 - Strg: 18 - Dext: 20 - Endr: 27 - Luck: 21 - Int:
Played by: Catalysta Away
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Posts: 1,182 | Total: 1,724
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#4
we belong wherever we want to be
Brilliantly dark blue eyes pop open in response to her cheer, and in that moment, she realizes there is a connection tugging between them. Oh, you're Attuned too? She chirps across to him, though her words might soon be lost to the fact that now there's a more physical connection plucking her up and along with him.

With her paws spread and her body relaxed - and weighing no more than thirteen pounds - Aurelia is a very easy thing to just.. pick up! She startles with a prickle of surprise that she doesn't manage to hide, but soon that turns to a stark sense of glee. His question turns her head as they swing mightily through the air. Her ears perk up toward him and she examines him for a moment, suspended there, wondering Who is this guy?. She's not aware if her thoughts remain separate from him, or if they can, and for that- they don't.

As they continue to swing, she spreads out her paws once more to 'hug' the air. Her little eyes close tightly shut and she dives through. The feel of the wind through her fur is marvelous, and she peeks her gaze open to watch the jungle floor spin around them. Bit dizzying, that, but the feeling roused in her stomach feels more like butterflies than bile. Is this what flying feels like? She asks curiously.

Suddenly, an idea occurs to her and she taps his arm with her paw, If you throw me up in the air, do you think you can catch me? She blurts out, surprised by herself and the amount she apparently trusts in this stranger's ability. But he seems like he knows what he's doing, and she's daring enough to try it out.
Aurelia
Harper Quinn
the Stalwart
Teacher

Age: 33 | Height: 5'10 | Race: Attuned | Nationality: Outlander | Citizenship: Nomadic
Level: 5 - Strg: 15 - Dext: 15 - Endr: 27 - Luck: 19 - Int:
Played by: Brit Offline
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Posts: 1,036 | Total: 6,168
MP: 9427
#5
HARPER
Her surprise is like poprocks in his brain, a sensation Harper doubts he’ll ever tire of. But why respond when the wind is stealing his laughter? When the panda’s fur is warm and soft against his skin, and he is not alone for once? Sharing this moment, this action, that means so very much to him. There is only room for pure-hearted delight and playful mischief. Mischief that only intensifies at her communicated bewilderment, sparking another laugh that is snatched away as they swing to and fro. He keeps the momentum going with his legs easily. “I’m Harper!” he clarifies, elevating his voice so she can hear it over the rush of air in her sensitive ears.

Harper watches as little paws reach out like a tiny flying Superman, fur in a veritable vortex that seemingly does nothing to dampen her joy. He is belatedly grateful that she isn’t afraid of heights or this could have been a very bad first impression. Instead they seem to be basking in the moment, and though she is not in human form Harper finds the company is still deeply meaningful by virtue of the Attuned bond allowing them to communicate.

“It’s as close to flying as you can get without wings,” and his voice is soft and fond, closing his own eyes to feel the caress of air through his curls like a playful hand. Even with his own Attuned form being a large bird that can experience flight in far more dynamic ways, this is a sensation he’ll never tire of.

Opening his eyes as her paw taps his arm, Harper’s chest nearly cracks beneath the ballooning expansion of his glee. “Absolutely! That’s how we used to train!” Throwing various items back and forth between partners to get used to the motions before ever reaching for another person’s hands. Readjusting his hands on her furry middle, Harper pumps his legs to make their swings faster. “Don’t flail too much okay? And stay belly down!” And then right at the top of the arc of a swing, he throws her into the air as high as he can. Swings back, and forth again, and catches her soundly around the middle as she falls back into range. His laughter trails behind him, eagerly seeking her reaction.
some things take insane bravery
but after that, you'll be free
Aurelia Murlow
the Fireheart


Age: 29 | Height: 5'7" | Race: Abandoned | Nationality: Outlander | Citizenship: Torchline
Level: 4 - Strg: 18 - Dext: 20 - Endr: 27 - Luck: 21 - Int:
Played by: Catalysta Away
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Posts: 1,182 | Total: 1,724
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#6
we belong wherever we want to be
Aurelia’s ears twitch as the air flows through them. My name’s Aurelia! She pipes up to him, raising her voice even though she doesn’t need to. She offers a light-hearted chuckle across the bond as she presumes a superhero-esque pose, in the form of a red panda no less.

For a few important moments, Aurelia and Harper will find that they both enjoy the sensation of almost-flying in much the same manner. Perhaps she doesn’t have his history with trapeze that would feed into a sense of nostalgia and longing but, she’s never felt anything quite like this before. And suddenly she understands why in the world he’d be doing this in the middle of the jungle to begin with! It’s thrilling in ways that prickle her pelt and send tingles down to the tips of her claws. It’s… addicting, makes her want more, makes her want to test the limits.

So when Harper agrees without a fraction of hesitation to her idea, she smiles broadly. Well, she smiles - the panda form of hers simply appears very excited, its expression softening and ringed tail wriggling around. But maybe he can feel the smile with her bond. She wonders absently what a smile feels like, when it’s felt in such a way.

But then he’s instructing her and her mind has to race to catch up to meet the moment with open arms. Or paws. Open paws!

She’s thrown into the air, and she comes so close to the canopy that leaves tickle against her back. For a few brief seconds, the sky is the limit, gravity couldn’t possibly hold her, and an excited chirp warbles through her lungs. The moment ends just as soon as it begins and, as the pull of gravity tips her back down towards the ground, she feels an instinctual panic alight every fiber of her being. Her fur bristles and she becomes a dark red bush descending through the air with flailing paws.

That is, she would, except for the fact that Harper is back and almost immediately catching her.

Woaahhh! She says amidst the rush of it all, feeling her gut drop and rise again. For a moment, she’s getting her bearings again, and suddenly her words tear across their connection, That was incredible! You’re amazing, Harper! Where did you learn how to do this?
Aurelia
Harper Quinn
the Stalwart
Teacher

Age: 33 | Height: 5'10 | Race: Attuned | Nationality: Outlander | Citizenship: Nomadic
Level: 5 - Strg: 15 - Dext: 15 - Endr: 27 - Luck: 19 - Int:
Played by: Brit Offline
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Posts: 1,036 | Total: 6,168
MP: 9427
#7
HARPER
Aurelia. Harper tucks her name away in his mind, the ring of familiarity something to consider when they are not both so consumed with the delight of the current moment. Even the brief moment of panic he can see in her as she begins to descend seems to do nothing to dissuade her, and Harper's laughter drowns in the whistle of air past his cheeks at the technicolor emotions he can feel through the bond. It says everything, long before her words are gathered to slip into his mind.

One arm holding her secure, Harper flips over the makeshift bar to have his back facing the ground instead, making it easier to hold Aurelia in a bear hug against his chest as they swing in a more leisurely fashion. "Thank you," he beams, pride glowing like an ember, a match struck against coal that had gone dark but never dissipated. A crowd of one, perhaps, but her praise brings recollections of cheering crowds and the wide smiles on his parents' faces. "I learned to do this as soon as I could walk. My parents were trapeze artists, and I grew up in a traveling circus, performing with them as a family act." If she isn't familiar with the words, it wouldn't be the first time. His world has so far been the most modern of other Outlanders he's spoken with, but most could easily grasp the idea when explained to them.
some things take insane bravery
but after that, you'll be free
Aurelia Murlow
the Fireheart


Age: 29 | Height: 5'7" | Race: Abandoned | Nationality: Outlander | Citizenship: Torchline
Level: 4 - Strg: 18 - Dext: 20 - Endr: 27 - Luck: 21 - Int:
Played by: Catalysta Away
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Posts: 1,182 | Total: 1,724
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#8
we belong wherever we want to be
Aurelia tucks herself deeper into the nook of Harper's arm as he hoists himself up onto the bar. While the adrenaline rush had been great, she doesn't want to actually fall, so the movement sends a spike of fear through her. It settles the moment they're stable again, and she looks up at him as they swing at a leisurely pace. Her triangular ears fold down and up again as he talks, shifting more or less with each word he says.

Trapeze artists? She repeats, sounding puzzled. What is that? And what's a circus? I don't think we had those in my world.

Her world never had any such thing. There was entertainment, sure, but none of that sort. It came often playing on the wants and desires of people; it was often shallow. No more than fleeting moments of bliss granted by drink and sex. That sort of thing. Sometimes, entertainment came at the expense of another human being. Perhaps this is closer to a circus than she realizes, but... still, she is unfamiliar and expectantly awaits his explanation.
Aurelia
Harper Quinn
the Stalwart
Teacher

Age: 33 | Height: 5'10 | Race: Attuned | Nationality: Outlander | Citizenship: Nomadic
Level: 5 - Strg: 15 - Dext: 15 - Endr: 27 - Luck: 19 - Int:
Played by: Brit Offline
Change author:
Posts: 1,036 | Total: 6,168
MP: 9427
#9
HARPER
Aurelia is a warm, solid weight in the crook of his arm as they swing leisurely - or, well, leisurely to Harper, who even before wings had felt more comfortable in the sky than with both feet firmly on the ground. In fact it's easy to smooth her fur down with the flat of his palm, refraining from truly petting despite the instinctual desire to. He is only freshly Attuned himself, not quite sure if it's a faux pas to pet an animal that's really a human.

"There is a version of this swing we're on - bars and ropes, really. But much, much higher. Dizzyingly tall." He begins to paint the picture for her, having done this for many others in Caido before, and still Harper had yet to tire of it. "Usually there are two, a distance from each other. And to get to them, you have to climb very tall ladders to a platform. There are no nets to catch you if you fall. And then you jump, and catch the bar, and you swing out into empty air." He places proper inflection to try and inspire the heart-stopping awe seeing such feats in real life would normally inspire naturally.

"You can perform solo, and let go of the bar and do flips mid-air before catching the other bar. But you can also perform in pairs, and instead you would catch the arms of your partner - or perhaps they catch you is the better wording. It is a very dangerous art, and requires a lot of muscle and trust in your partner, but it's...it's as close to flying as you can get without harnesses, structures, and safety nets. Though there are nets when you learn and practice of course." As for what a circus is, that's an entirely different answer.

"My particular circus was a caravan of sorts, with a collection of people with odd talents to put on show wherever we stopped. We had exotic animals for people to view and interact with that they'd normally never otherwise meet. We had acrobats, sword-swallowers, fire-breathers, clowns that would dress up to entertain children. Others would dance in long silk drapes, and do rolls and drops with only the silks to catch them. Some would ride horses and do stunts on their backs. We all lived as a family on the road between." They taught him so many things, and those few golden years of childhood are precious to him, especially with how the following years of torture and murder had contrasted with the rosy hues of those formative memories.
some things take insane bravery
but after that, you'll be free
Aurelia Murlow
the Fireheart


Age: 29 | Height: 5'7" | Race: Abandoned | Nationality: Outlander | Citizenship: Torchline
Level: 4 - Strg: 18 - Dext: 20 - Endr: 27 - Luck: 21 - Int:
Played by: Catalysta Away
Change author:
Posts: 1,182 | Total: 1,724
MP: 630
#10
we belong wherever we want to be
Perhaps if she were still in her human form, she wouldn't appreciate being petted very much. Especially not by someone she's only just met. However, seeing that she's in her animal form, she shares its animalistic urges, pleasures, instincts. And petting feels... well, it feels nice. So nice, in fact, that she leans her head up into his hand as she listens to him talk - a small, encouraging gesture.

The feelings of awe bleed across their attuned bonds and she closes her eyes as they swing, letting the feeling of suspension and wind in her fur take her to the place he's describing. The description of trapeze with a partner sounds eerily similar to the fun they've been having and, as he goes on to describe caravans and circus acts, Aurelia entertains a strangely exhilarating idea.

Would you want to teach me sometime? I could be your trapeze partner, huh? She laughs into the bond but, genuinely, she'd be interested in learning it - if he wanted to, that is.

More seriously, she takes a few moments to let all of this sink in. A meeker, almost sadder question is piped up after a few moments: How did you end up here, in Caido? I mean.. what happened right before you... came through the portal?
Aurelia


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