[Thread;Open]

[dragoncursed.livejournal.com]

Characters:  Reis Duelar, Kain Highwind, Mjrn and OPEN to anyone in Troia
Progress:  Complete
Summary: Reis pays a visit to Zephyr and teaches breathing attacks.
Location: Troia
Date: October 1804
Warnings: n/a
Other: Feel free to encounter Reis anywhere in the town or at the castle.

This was only the fourth time Reis had traveled on an airship and she found it no less fascinating than the first. Once when brought to the safety of Figaro, once to Guadosalam, and then the return trip after returning Zephyr. To think that such wondrous technology was commonplace here. That she stood on the deck of something rumored to have existed before the Cataclysm.

She stood at the railing watching for the first signs of land to appear instead of the vast stretch of waters. They flew a southeasterly course, and eventually land appeared, only to give way to ocean again as they passed beyond islands with ruins and settlements. At last the vessel began to descend and the Dragonkin knew they must be arriving. What lay below was a modest town and a castle not too far from it. That would be her destination. Her eagerness to see little Zephyr again was high, and in her impatience to speed the process she collected her meager travel baggage and crossed to the exit. While she waited for the ramp to be lowered, she checked her belongings one last time. A simple Croakadile Bag at her side and a dab of Chantage at her wrists. A simple pair of barrettes held back her free-flowing blond hair, exposing her slightly pointed ears. Most were too busy to pay that much mind to an ordinary maiden traveling alone.

Soon she'd left behind the transport which had so awed her and passed through the town to the castle. Her name and intent were given to the guards at the gate. They seemed quite perplexed that she inquired after a dragon and after a moment's thought, she also supplied the name of Zephyr's dragoon guardian. That provided a far more favorable response and she was escorted to where both might be found.

Comments

[dragoon-rising.livejournal.com]

Kain had been brought out to one of the balconies, since he was going insanely stir-crazy being confined to his room. Although now that he was regaining his will to fight, and finding ways to work around his new disability, he'd been getting out more in general anyway. Troia was well known for its Black Chocobos, something he's always known about it, but hadn't taken much advantage of. Until now. He trained every day with one, preparing himself for when he would ride forth in combat.

For now, though, he was taking a break from such practice. He sat watching Zephyr in her usual routine of flying and practicing her hunting.

[dragoncursed.livejournal.com]

On being led to a balcony, Reis remained quiet and did nothing more intrusive than to come to stand beside Kain and placed one hand upon his shoulder to announce herself. Her large brown eyes fixed on the young dragon in the air and she studied her movements. Grace and power mingled together. Certainly the small one made mistakes, but they were minor. Catching an air current incorrectly or turning too fast. Regardless, she was quite lovely to watch and a touch of melancholy set in for Reis; perhaps she should have taken more opportunity to fly while she yet had it.

"She truly is an impressive child."

[dragoon-rising.livejournal.com]

Kain glanced up at Reis' touch, and offered her an almost-smile. He understood her melancholy well, since at the moment the sky had been taken from him, as well. Watching Zephyr soothed him to some extent, though.

"Isn't she wonderful? She becomes stronger every day... I'm very proud of her." Kain continued to watch her for a little while more. "Shall I call her over to visit with us? I'm... I'm very glad that you were able to come. I know how much it must mean to you, to see her."

[dewdrop-pebbles.livejournal.com]

Mjrn had joined Reis on the journey, eager to see Zephyr and Kain once more. She could hold no resentment toward the dragoon regarding Penelo's death; however much Kain blamed himself, Mjrn could not. Of anyone, she knew very well the guilt that came with being possessed and harming others because of it. Thus, she was determined not to add to his burden.

After taking a moment to ask for Cecil's whereabouts, to visit him afterward, Mjrn reached the balcony. She headed over to the edge and remained silent for a moment, watching Zephyr in flight. "And rightfully so." The young Viera turned and smiled a little at Kain, nodding a greeting to him.

[dragoncursed.livejournal.com]

The sentiment that Kain's pride was well founded received a solitary nod of agreement from Reis. "Beautiful..." she murmured. It seemed selfish to end the young one's enjoyment so she could fulfill her desire to visit.

"It does, thank you. Your kindness in inviting me means a great deal." Biting her lip for a moment, she smiled from behind that gesture. "I can call her, but I hesitate to ruin her enjoyment of the sky."

Using her innate ability to speak to creatures, she addressed Zephyr with a greeting meant to be invitational if she chose. You fly well, little one. Have you time to spare?

[dragoon-rising.livejournal.com]

Kain gave Mjrn a slightly nervous glance at first; he'd had the same reaction toward everyone he'd betrayed while possessed. He still wasn't sure they'd accept him, or whether they even should... Then he glanced at Reis, curious about her ability to speak with the dragon. It was very impressive to Kain.

"I'm sure she'll let us know what she wants to do. She certainly has a mind of her own."

But of course, Zephyr answered Reis in the affirmative, with a very eager burst of happiness. Like the young child she was, she was full of enthusiasm, showing off how much more steady she'd become in the air as she soared in toward them. She then landed on the balcony and made several excited growls and noises at her visitors.

"I thought you might like a surprise visit," Kain said to the dragon, reaching a hand out to pet her affectionately before she made her way to give greetings to the women.

[dewdrop-pebbles.livejournal.com]

For her part, there was no resentment or wariness in Mjrn's gaze when she glanced at Kain. She had already explained before why she could not hold ill-will toward the incident, and would not bring it up again -especially before another- unless he did so. As she said before, the past could not be changed. It was the present that merited their attention.

As Zephyr approached and descended, Mjrn perked up. She had always been fond of the little dragon and it warmed her heart to see her once more. When she was close enough, Mjrn stroked her gently and smiled. "Greetings, young one. I am glad to see you again."

[dragoncursed.livejournal.com]

Reis smiled at Zephyr's youthful enthusiasm and attempts to show off. It was quite charming and she was more than willing to lavish praise on the little dragon. It was plain to see she'd improved just in the short time that had elapsed since leaving Figaro.

The Dragonkin reached out to caress her with gentle touches, a method which might seem unusual to anyone looking on. It was far closer to the way one would handle a Hume toddler than stroking a pet. Reis knew all too well where the best places were, such as the wing joint and the base of the ears. Her attention became so focused on the small one, it was as if the others were not there. She held no wariness or reservations with the others present and allowed her guard to drop, immersing in the moment of being reunited with her young friend.

"Thank you for coming to visit. It is good to see you once more. You have grown."

A glance was spared for Kain and she asked with a playful touch. "Have you considered placing a stone on her head?'

[dragoon-rising.livejournal.com]

Zephyr loved all the attention she was getting, evident by her happy noises and the way she fluttered her wings and waved her tail. She was surrounded by some of her favorite people right now, after all.

Kain gradually relaxed, knowing that Mjrn didn't hold anything against him. It didn't make it any easier for him, he still felt guilty toward those he'd directly attacked or hurt. Focusing the conversation upon Zephyr made him feel better, though. "She's becoming even better at her hunting, too, and taking down slightly larger prey than before. It's incredible to see her progress."

He also watched how Reis acted toward the young dragon, and for some reason that really struck him. He... admired the way she nurtured Zephyr. Curiously, he repeated her words. "A stone on her head?"

[dewdrop-pebbles.livejournal.com]

As Zephyr loved the attention, Mjrn enjoyed giving it and watching her react to the attention given by both women. The young Viera also took note of how Reis handled her, especially those favored areas of the dragon. She then strove to mimic the Dragonkin, wanting nothing more than to keep Zephyr happy.

Kain's news was met with a small smile, but Reis' comment caused her to glance away from the dragoon, following his gaze to the woman. "To what purpose do you mean?" Stones were...not Mjrn's favorite subject of late, though she could not imagine Reis could be referring to the reason why.

[dragoncursed.livejournal.com]

Softly, Reis laughed at both their confusion, as she continued her inspection of the young dragon. Making sure all the scales were whole and not disturbed, good tone in the muscles, no fraying in the wings. Not that she questioned Kain's ability to care for her, but it was something second nature to her. "When I was a child, my mother used to threaten to put a stone on my head. She said I grew too quickly, overnight even, to spite her efforts to keep me in frocks and slippers."

[dragoon-rising.livejournal.com]

Kain nodded, now understanding what she meant, and realizing it was meant lightly. He even managed something close to a smile. As close as it got for Kain, anyway, especially lately. He continued to watch Zephyr with the look of a pleased parent, glad to see her enjoying her company so much.

"She is growing very fast, isn't she? I'm proud to see her growth, but I also know what you mean. I remember when she was small enough I could carry her in one arm." He said that last part wistfully, remembering when he'd first saved her and what a tiny little one she'd been. She'd come a long way.

[dewdrop-pebbles.livejournal.com]

As Reis explained, Mjrn relaxed and nodded. She was fine with Reis' light-hearted comment, all too willing to keep the subject of the zodiac stones at bay for as long as possible. Upon hearing Kain, she smiled again as she peered down at Zephyr. "I remember, as well. It was not so long ago, and yet she thrives. Ere long, she will quite formidable."

[dragoncursed.livejournal.com]

"Would that I had known her then." Her hands ran along Zephyr's sides, one last inspection of her well-being. "If she grows too quickly, you will need to watch her for itching, especially should you catch her rubbing her skin against hard surfaces. Do not permit her to rip the scales in her zeal to be rid of what must needs shed naturally. Massage her with sweet oil, it shall ease her discomfort."

Her lecture on proper care of stretching dragon skin, she gave her full attention back to the little dragon. "Tell me, have you only concentrated on outgrowing your skin or have you practiced your breathing since I last saw you?" Her tone was light and reflected how fond she was of Zephyr, but at the same time carried a hint of authority. Laziness in a dragon was a failing.

[dragoon-rising.livejournal.com]

Kain nodded at Mjrn. "That day that she's fully grown will be here sooner than we can imagine..." He was pleased with that, since the bigger she became the better able to defend herself she was. But he also had gotten used to having her be small enough to keep indoors with him. Given a couple more months, that would no longer be possible. Good thing there were plenty of areas on the castle, balconies and rooftops that would suffice.

"I'll be sure and do that for her. Thank you for the advice," Kain replied to Reis, nodding. He would take it with the utmost seriousness, too, since he knew her word was the best to follow when it came to dragons. He glanced expectantly at Zephyr. "Show her how well you're doing with your fire."

Zephyr was very eager to demonstrate, and she moved away from the people a little and turned her head off to face the open air. As she breathed out, a steady burst of flame roared forth.

Kain gave another almost-smile. "Another skill I truly envy." Along with the power of flight, of course. But he was also clearly very proud of Zephyr's progress with fire.

[dewdrop-pebbles.livejournal.com]

Mjrn listened to Reis' advice with all due interest. Though she did not have a dragon of her own, perhaps that would change on day. Even if not, she still found dragon care an fascinating subject, and was glad to learn all that she could.

She couldn't help but not in agreement with Kain. "That she can be airborne is one I envy most, but I would see her breathing skill as well. Will you demonstrate for us?" The Viera glanced back to their dragon friend, very curious and hoping it could be done without damage to the surrounding area.

[dragoncursed.livejournal.com]

Reis watched the young dragon's demonstration intently. Good control, not too little a flame, nor too much. No signs of overexertion. She nodded her approval, then looked to the others. "I see no reason you should not be able to do the same."

Stepping forward to the edge of the balcony, she rested her hands on the parapet. A moment was stolen to concentrate, and then a breath taken. When Reis breathed out, the exhale came with crackling thunderbolts licking forward and racing through the air before her.

"I should think with practice you could learn." The ability was nothing extraordinary to her and was fairly well shrugged off. Rather, she turned her attention to her young pupil and called out to her, "Zephyr, how fares your Ice?"

[dragoon-rising.livejournal.com]

Kain stared at Reis, watching her demonstration with fascination. Now that was an impressive skill.

"...it's an ability that we could learn?" He knew that things were different here, and had found the additional skills for Dragoons useful, but breathing like that was certainly a technique he'd like to find out more about. Especially as he was right now. He was taking every opportunity to train using the skills he could do.

Then he turned to Zephyr to watch her next demonstration. The small dragon once more turned her head aside and breathed out, this time with a frigid blast of Ice.

[dewdrop-pebbles.livejournal.com]

Upon seeing Reis' demonstration, Mjrn stares at the woman with wide eyes. It was definitely a sight to behold. Even Zephyr's display of ice paled in comparison, for the moment. Mjrn was utterly fascinated.

"We may? How might this be done?" She couldn't help but wonder if it was somehow different from whatever Reis was teaching Zephyr. Or was it the same? Were dragoons that closely tied, that it might not matter?

[dragoncursed.livejournal.com]

The astonishment of the others went largely unremarked by Reis, who was far more intent on Zephyr's execution of the ice attack. There was not quite as much control with this element as there had been with fire, but it was a subtle difference and still a great achievement to accomplish in so short a time. A pleased smile settled upon the Dragonkin's face and she offered her young pupil an invitation to return should she choose. As long as she did not weary herself with practicing nor risk harming herself by excessive showing off, Reis had no objections to whichever the dragonet chose.

Turning around, she folded her hands before her and nodded. "Certainly you could, provided you have made a study of how a dragon's breath transmutes into elemental magic. That mastery must needs come first, as it is the foundation on which all other breath attacks are developed. For dragonkind it is nature. For Humes 'tis a matter of study, observation, diligence and practice."

[dragoon-rising.livejournal.com]

"Good job, Zephyr. Thank you for showing us your skills." The little dragon went over to Kain, who gave her a few well-deserved scratches and pets. He knew that Reis' approval of her progress meant a great deal.

Then he became thoughtful, because like Mjrn he was surprised that it was even possible to pick up such a skill. "I had no idea it was possible... but I intend to master this ability." Especially because right now Kain needed to explore every new possibility for fighting that he could. "Is there anything else we should be aware of? Any further advice you might have about learning?"

[dewdrop-pebbles.livejournal.com]

And for Mjrn, another matter arose. "You said 'for Humes'...I am not one. Do you believe this might affect my chances of learning this ability? I understand you have not encountered Viera ere we met, though any instances of other races learning this ability would be welcome knowledge. At the very least, I may be prepared."

She paused, intending to be silent and listen, but another question came to mind. "How long in the training process, until mastery is gained?" As curious as she was, the answer might make a difference.

[dragoncursed.livejournal.com]

Good questions all and responsible ones. Reis paused and gave each of them the consideration they were due. Looking first to Mjrn, she studied the Viera at length and then nodded. "I would not think your race would be a hindrance to learning. Observation is the best teacher. For Kain, he has a young one to watch as she learns and could well come to master it fully before she. For you, watching myself or one in the wild should provide demonstration enough. Mastery varies from pupil to pupil based on circumstances and dedication. The first is longest. Sometimes a month, sometimes six."

She stepped over to Zephyr and lavished some praise on her for her success and discussed the matter of control, exhorting her to continue practicing.

"As to advice, I caution you to moderation. Too little exhaled at one time and the body is damaged from within. Too much and it becomes uncontrollable, inviting catastrophe. Be zealous and attentive students, but do not think to rush or power through the learning."

[dragoon-rising.livejournal.com]

A month. Surely he could get it worked out in that long. Kain certainly had the stubbornness and the determination. Not only that, but he already enjoyed marveling at Zephyr and her abilities, constantly making video recordings of how she was progressing. He would focus much of his time to this new effort.

"...and you're welcome to come observe Zephyr as much as you would like, Mjrn." The least he could do was extend such an offer. "I will keep the warnings in mind, as well, and heed them. This means a great deal to me, Reis... thank you for informing us of this opportunity." Kain felt even better about the present situation, now.

[dewdrop-pebbles.livejournal.com]

A month...already Mjrn saw it as a challenge. She would do her best to master it within that time, though Reis' advice tempered her enthusiasm to safer levels. She nodded at the woman, all seriousness. "I shall heed your words, Reis. A worthy task cannot be rushed." She would still hope to have enough talent to manage it within a short time, though.

Glancing over Kain, she nodded with a small smile. "Thank you, Kain. I am certain observing Zephyr and her progress will be of great aid."

[dragoncursed.livejournal.com]

A soft smile was given to each, coupled with a nod. "You are most welcome. I am most willing to provide instruction while we remain here, although I would take some rest first. The journey here was not arduous, but I fear air travel is not something I am accustomed to." Here she glanced away with a distant expression. "Such ways and times were lost to the Cataclysm. Ships that sail through the air are little more than legend to us."

[dragoon-rising.livejournal.com]

"Thank you. I would appreciate all of the instruction you can give." Although Kain himself was bound to be less cautious the more he knew what he was doing... he would try not to push himself too hard. It was just that he was very eager to learn the technique. "...although you should take that rest for now."

[dewdrop-pebbles.livejournal.com]

Mjrn nodded, glancing to Kain, then to Reis. She tried to ignore what Reis said of her Ivalice; perhaps there would have to be a talk later, but this was not the time nor place. "Then let us seek rest. We may begin after you are recovered."