Withering Bonds

Plat
Years backwards into time, a peaceful afternoon surrounds a golden field, a common occurrence in these plains isolated from the rest of the world. The air around is quiet and still, producing a calming feeling to all it touched. Lying idly in a tree near the edge of the plains is a young red knochen, his mind idle and much simpler in nature than time would prove to tell.
Esredes: >Days like this have become common for him-- lying around with nothing to do. He didn't dare try to find the other tribemates yet. The tension wasn't gone. They were most likely still mad at him for getting them all in trouble. He's trying to be patient, hoping this is going to eventually blow over, but he has a bad feeling. He sighs, unable to shake off the underlying glum feeling in his mind. He's half tempted to fly over the barrier again, but he'd rather not risk the wrath of the adults this close to the incident. Ugh, this place sucks. How can they blame me for wanting to do something fun for a change?< >All he does is stare at a random patch of grass, watching it ruffle slightly in the wind. Yes. Grass. So interesting. This entire place is so very interesting, there's absolutely nothing in it and the adults treat it like it's the most amazing thing.< >I wish I was old enough to leave...<
Momo
Rowan: >She approaches, crouching low in the grass. She's still small enough that she won't be spotted.<> The red knochen that she has admired from afar is now alone. His mischief and acts have brought some excitement into their all too peaceful world.< >She slowly pokes her head out from the grass behind him, her nubs of horns poking up first.<
Plat
Esredes: >He doesn't see you, but with the silence, he does hear something as you approach, and slowly raises his head. Was that the wind?? He looks around at the grass in front of him, but nothing's there, not for as far as he can see from his slightly elevated position. Huh... am I just imagining things will happen now?<
Momo
Rowan: >She finally pokes her head up a bit further.< Psst!
Plat
Esredes: >He catches that in his peripheral vision, and turns his head-- OH. There it is.< What are you doing down there? >Nobody comes out this far, especially not one of the younglings... He vaguely recognizes you, but he doesn't remember your name. He doesn't really pay much attention to any of the younglings.<
Momo
Rowan: How come you're all the way out here? >She slowly approaches him, stumbling a bit but regaining her balance.<
Plat
Esredes: >He raises his body on the branch a bit more.< 'Cause nobody else comes here, and I like this tree. I could ask you the same thing. I'm pretty sure the adults don't like the young ones being here.
Momo
Rowan: >She pouts and sits underneath the tree.< The adults are stupid.
Plat
Esredes: >I like you already. He smiles a bit.< They really are.
Momo
Rowan: >She smiles a bit back< I see you... get in trouble with them a lot... but- I want you to know that a lot of us look up to you cause of it! Well... I- I mostly look up to you.
Plat
Esredes: >He lowers his head down, looking down at her.< ....Really? >this is not something he expected to hear from anyone, and he's not sure how to react to this.< I was starting to think everyone in this place was crazy.
Momo
Rowan: >she shakes her head< No way! Well- not everyone. I've been watching you from afar and... I've been too nervous to come up and talk til now.... I'm Rowan.
Plat
Esredes: >Usually he'd rather steer clear of the younglings, but this one is... adorable. Oh my god.< Rowan, that's cute. Do you know mine?
Momo
Rowan: Es.... raydy? Esralday. Es...esrem. ... I don't know it too well...
Plat
Esredes: >Well, okay, you failed miserably. But that's all right, you tried.< Es-re-des. If that's too hard, just go with Esrey. Most of the tribe just uses that.
Momo
Rowan: Esrey... okay! >She smiles brightly.< You can call me Row if you want. A lot of the others do.
Plat
Esredes: So you've got a nickname too and your name isn't even half as weird to say. Row is cute too.
Momo
Rowan: Thank you! >She starts to wag her tail. So far, this youngling has developed a pale pink skin tone with just a glimmer of gold in the sunlight. Her horns have barely begun to form and her wings hardly look big enough to lift her off the ground.< Would it be alright if I could hang out with you sometime?
Plat
Esredes: Why not right now? I'm already bored.
Momo
Rowan: Really?? You really mean it?
Plat
Esredes: You already came all the way over here, so sure. Nobody else wants to talk to me right now.
Momo
Rowan: How come? I always see you with some other young ones like me. Or a bit older.
Plat
Esredes: They're all mad at me. They think I'll just get them in trouble again. It's not my fault we got caught. >YES IT IS<
Momo
Rowan: I don't see them getting lectured as much... how lame you got the blame.
Plat
Esredes: They all wanted to come with me. And we actually enjoyed it. They act like I don't know they enjoyed it.
Momo
Rowan: >she pouts and wags her tail in frustration< They're a bunch of cowards and liars.
Plat
Esredes: Oh, they totally are. They can stay mad at me for as long as they want. I don't care.
Momo
Rowan: Not even a little?
Plat
Esredes: Either way, I'll wait it out. They know I'm right.
Momo
Rowan: whoa.... >she wags her tail excitedly< You're so cool!
Plat
Esredes: >he grins< I'm glad you understand that. You're pretty cool yourself.
Momo
Rowan: Me?? No way, I'm the runt of the younglings. Everyone's already developing their powers and I haven't been able to do anything....
Plat
Esredes: But you'll get there. Maybe it'll just be late.
Momo
Rowan: you think so? I wanna be strong... so that I can leave and be strong enough to survive outside!
Plat
Esredes: Totally! You'll be able to fight anyone who wants to mess with you. I want to be like that too.
Momo
Rowan: wha, but you're already like that!
Plat
Esredes: I haven't really fought anyone... Not yet. But one day I really want to. It's my dream.
Momo
Rowan: Whoa... we have the same dream!!! That's so cool!!!
Plat
Esredes: Really? You want to fight for knochen too?
Momo
Rowan: Ah... kinda! I mostly want to leave here and travel the world!
Plat
Esredes: Not entirely, then. But I want to see the world too. We've been told so many stories about it.
Momo
Rowan: Right?! Like- I wanna be strong enough to fly across the sea!
Plat
Esredes: Oh, that'd be fun! Maybe see a big sea knochen while you're at it...
Momo
Rowan: I hear they're two times bigger than us!
Plat
Esredes: I want to see it for myself.
Momo
Rowan: Me too! And- And- I wanna see the desert! And the villages so big they're called "cities!" And I wanna try ALL OF THE FOOD!
Plat
Esredes: Yeah, I wonder what other places' vegetation and wildlife taste like.
Momo
Rowan: I hear the humans have done incredible things with food... And everyone is too afraid to try it!
Plat
Esredes: Who told you that? I mean, it's probably poisonous to us or something.
Momo
Rowan: One of the older elders before he was cast out for blasphemy... but... the way he put it made it sound amazing.
Plat
Esredes: I bet it made him crazy.
Momo
Rowan: Crazy SMART! >She pouts< I wanna try it for myself...
Plat
Esredes: I don't think I'm that ambitious. I don't want to go near a human unless it's to fight them off.
Momo
Rowan: Is it true? That they're all bad?
Plat
Esredes: They must be. Why else would the adults keep us in here so adamantly?
Momo
Rowan: >she takes some time to think.< ... Cause they're cowards!
Plat
Esredes: >he laughs a bit at that< They sure are.
Momo
Rowan: >She smiles and wags her tail.< Right? We're gonna be better elders than they ever will!
Plat
Esredes: Totally. I'm not going to be sitting here when I'm older.
Momo
Rowan: YEAH! >She hops up and down.< It's a promise then! You and I are gonna be better adults!
Plat
Esredes: Let's touch hands on it. >He holds up his hand with the palm open< To being way cooler adults.
Momo
Rowan: >She lifts up her small palm and places it on his.< Be better adults!
Plat
Esredes: >He holds his there a moment, then pulls it away back to the ground.< It's official now.
Momo
Rowan: >She nods, her tail wagging rapidly.< Can we... Can we hang out everyday?
Plat
Esredes: I don't see why not, let's do it. I like you.
Momo
Rowan: UWAH!!! REALLY?! >She gets a dumbstruck expression across her face.<
Plat
Esredes: >Stop being so cute.< I mean it. You're definitely cool.
Momo
Rowan: Y-YOU'RE COOL TOO! Well, you already know that!
Plat
Esredes: Doesn't hurt to be reminded. We'll be cool together.
Momo
Rowan: We'll be SO COOL! Cooler than ice!
Plat
Esredes: Ice will be jealous of us.
Momo
Rowan: What's cooler than ice? I'll tell you. US!
Plat
Esredes: For sure.

Plat
Years after that, after pressure from the adults, one of them eventually stopped holding up their end of the promise, and blended in with the rest of the children. It's now a special day for him, one he's both excited and nervous about.
Esredes: >He's already talked to most of the other tribe members, but he has yet to see Rowan and tell her the news. If he's to take a guess, she's probably not near anyone else at the moment, so he's looking out in the quieter part of the plains.<
Momo
>He spots her near the area where they first met. Rowan is a lot bigger now, but she's still small in size compared to him. Her scales are a dull pink in the Shadows. In the sunlight, however, they show off a golden glimmer. She huffs as she swings her tail back and forth, the tail long enough to touch the ground with ease.<
Plat
Esredes: >There she is. He approaches her, somewhat nervous to speak up. But he knows he has to.< Rowan.
Momo
Rowan: >She lets out a small huff and looks over her shoulder< You're still here? I thought you'd have forgotten about me already.
Plat
Esredes: ...So you've already heard. Why would I have forgotten to see you?
Momo
Rowan: For one thing, you're not even bringing me along?! >She flies down from the tree and huffs again.< You know how much I hate it here, Esrey.
Plat
Esredes: I know. I wish I could, Rowan. But you're just too young. The adults will never let me.
Momo
Rowan: Right, because now you care about following their rules. What happened to being better that them??
Plat
Esredes: >he flinches at that< You really think I'd forgive myself for bringing a child into a group of human fighters? I can't. You'll get hurt. I'm sure they all think I'm going to get myself killed already.
Momo
Rowan: You won't get killed. ... I just wish you thought I was strong enough too... >She tilts her head down.< I thought we would be leaving together...
Plat
Esredes: Roe... look. It's not about that. It's not about physical strength.
Momo
Rowan: Then what is it? You don't think I can handle it? I'll handle anything other than this place.
Plat
Esredes: I'm not letting you get hurt.
Momo
Rowan: I'm already hurt! >She replies, huffing and puffing out her chest to look intimidating. However, she looks more on the brink of tears than anger.<
Plat
Esredes: >he sighs< Look. Someday you will be ready. I don't doubt that you will be. You're more than strong enough for it. And when you are, I'll come and get you. But in the meantime, I'll visit frequently. I'll tell you everything I see. I'm not going to let you be alone here.
Momo Rowan: .... promise?
Plat
Esredes: >He stares into her eyes for a moment.< Promise. >his voice seems a bit somber in tone.< It's the least I can do for you after all you've done for me.
Momo
Rowan: >Her eyes widen a bit and she chuckles< Pshhhh. I'm not that great... ... okay, I am that great. >She giggles brightly<
Plat Esredes: >he smiles at that. He loves to hear her laugh. It's precious.< Of course you are. Never stop being great.
Momo Rowan: ... you promise to visit. Right? And bring me gifts cause I'm so awesome? Plat
Esredes: Definitely. I can bring you vegetation from other places so you can try it. Or if I find something else interesting, I'll save it for you.
Momo
Rowan: I wanna try something sweet!!
Plat
Esredes: Something sweet, got it. I'm sure I can find something sweet for you.
Momo
Rowan: and tell me about the other lands. And the oceans. AND THE HUMANS! AND ALL THAT FOOD!
Plat Esredes: I'll tell you about everywhere I visit. Hopefully I'll go to the ocean at some point soon.
Momo
Rowan: Get back here soon, alright? And convince everyone how great I am that they have to take me.
Plat
Esredes: I'll be back soon. I don't know if I'll be out of training yet when I do. But I should have something to tell you either way.
Momo
Rowan: GOOD! >She holds her paw up to him.< Promise!
Plat
Esredes: >He touches his hand to hers, then smiles. He curls his fingers around her hand.< Promise.

Plat
More time passes on the plains. Years turn into a decade, and continue to tick by. Many more changes take place. Perhaps too many for everything to stay the same.
Esredes: >It's been too long since his last visit to home. Things have been busy in the faction, and he's relieved to get a break to come home to the peace of the plains. Oh, how he misses it. After having checked in with the tribe, he's gone to find Rowan. Oh how he misses his dear little tribemate. How is she doing?<
Momo
>He finds her once more in a tree, sulking. However, she keeps her head hidden within the leaves. Her tail twitches back and forth irritably. She seems to be in a foul mood.<
Plat
Esredes: Rowan? >Is everything okay up there?<
Momo
Rowan: >She flinches as her name is called.< E-Esrey?? You're home?
Plat
Esredes: Indeed I am, for a couple days. I've missed you.
Momo
Rowan: Eheheh... I've missed you took... h... have you spoken to anyone else yet?
Plat
Esredes: Yes, I've already talked to most of the others. What about it?
Momo
Rowan: Ggg... I guess they haven't told you...
Plat
Esredes: Told me what...? >What's going on?<
Momo
Rowan: I... uh... got into some trouble the other day.
Plat
Esredes: Trouble? What happened?
Momo
Rowan: >She slowly pokes her head down from the tree. He can see that one of her elegant horns are now missing from her head.< I... tried to leave. Heheh...
Plat
Esredes: >his eyes widen< What happened to your horn?!
Momo
Rowan: it's not that bad! It'll grow back... maybe. Probably! I just bumped it taking a tumble.
Plat
Esredes: Bumped it?! You bumped it and it just came off?! >that seems unlikely<
Momo
Rowan: I bumped it... against a sword!
Plat
Esredes: A sword? >oh god no< Roe, what happened?
Momo
Rowan: I tried to leave. And I flew into a human village. And I kinda freaked em out so- one guy swung at me with a really big sword... ... it was embarrassing to have the elders have to save me.
Plat
Esredes: Oh my god... Was it only the horn?! Did they hurt you in any other way?!
Momo
Rowan: Only my pride! I'm fine! >She flies down to the ground.< I wish I knew the layout better. I would have definitely tried to land somewhere else.
Plat
Esredes: Thank god they didn't manage to kill you. >I would not have wanted to come home to that news< You have to be more careful than that. Humans are no small deal. Especially not a village of them.
Momo
Rowan: I wouldn't be risking this danger if you'd just come home more often!! Or better yet- take me with you?! Remember your promise??
Plat
Esredes: You're bringing that up again? Rowan, I've told you you're still not ready. I don't know if I want you to be ready. The faction isn't... a very nice place if you want to have fun. >that's the simple way of putting it<
Momo
Rowan: you PROMISED! It's been decades!! I'm just sitting here and rotting!
Plat
Esredes: That's because you still haven't grown up.
Momo
Rowan: How can you expect me to grow in a place like this?!
Plat
Esredes: If I can do it, you certainly can. Listen, I know you don't like what the other adults say, but... they really are right about some things. And being in the nochmal requires maturity, or else you'll get killed. It won't just be your horn.
Momo
Rowan: You're SIDING with them now?! What about us becoming better adults?!
Plat
Esredes: Roe, come on. It's been ages since we talked like that. There is no better adult. You have to grow up sometime.
Momo
Rowan: >She looks practically appalled< ... you used to be cool...
Plat
Esredes: >he sighs< The real world isn't about being cool. Momo
Rowan: It has to be more than just this place! I thought we were gonna travel together!
Plat
Esredes: >he looks at the ground< I wish I had time to take you places. My position keeps me busy.
Momo
Rowan: Then let me come with you! I won't hold you back!
Plat
Esredes: Yes you will. You'll be reckless. You're not mentally prepared to see the things I have to deal with.
Momo
Rowan: and I never will be prepared if I stay here!
Plat
Esredes: That's not worth scarring you for life.
Esredes: Roe... Look. You can't go through life being reckless. I know it's fun to be a rebel when you're young... but reality doesn't take well to them. There are more important things to do than try to be 'cool'. You have to think and act carefully out there, or the punishment won't just be laboring with the others.
Momo
Rowan: ... you've changed... >She looks down bitterly< Must be nice... out there...
Plat
Esredes: There certainly are nice things out there. But there's a lot more cruel things too. Every day involves dealing with them. And I don't think you could do that right now.
Momo
Rowan: ... you don't get it.. >She huffs and flies back up into the tree.<
Plat
Esredes: Roe... >he pauses, trying to figure out what to say< I don't know what else I can tell you. You can't act like this forever.
Momo
Rowan: >She simply curls up in her branch and turns away.< If you don't like how I'm acting, you don't have to stick around me....
Plat
Esredes: What? No, I would never want to do that.
Momo
Rowan: You've done nothing but leave so far.... >That was too far....<>She tilts her head down.< I'm sorry, I didn't mean that....
Plat
Esredes: >...I wouldn't have been surprised if you didn't take that back.< I don't have much of a choice nowadays.
Momo
Rowan: ... I wish you did... It's lonely here. And boring. Nothing happens. Nothing changes. Nothing at all...
Plat
Esredes: Admittedly not. That's why the adults like it. The rest of the world is a stressful place.
Momo
Rowan: The rest of the world sounds interesting.
Plat
Esredes: You'd enjoy it if you were just ready to handle it.
Momo
Rowan: I am ready. I just wish you thought so too.
Plat
Esredes: You literally almost got yourself killed the other day.
Momo
Rowan: I can only get better.
Plat
Esredes: Listen Roe, I don't want to come back here one day and learn you died for real. You have to learn to be more careful.
Momo
Rowan: And I don't want to BE here the next time you come back!
Plat
Esredes: Then you have to show everyone you can think through your actions.
Momo
Rowan: ... Just let me sulk a while....
Plat
Esredes: ...All right. Just please try to think about the things I'm telling you. I really don't want anything to happen to you.
Momo
Rowan: Thanks, Esrey... I'll think about it...
Plat
Esredes: >He stands there quietly a moment longer. He really does worry about her sometimes.... but she's bound to come an understanding soon. She has to. But for this moment in time, there's nothing else he can do.<
Esredes: >After taking one last look at her, he slinks away without another word.<