A picture worth a thousand words [Karou]

[rii]

Make it stop, hers. Konstask growled up at the corner of the room where Mirage perched far out of her reach. The white salamandyr frilled, though it was hardly noticed with the translucent quality to the thin span of skin. Be quiet nightwalker, the story was not over and interrupting was rude. Konstask tail lashed across the floor as she barked at the tiny addition to their lives.

And so..

The stream of images pick back up, regaling Kostya with a silent movie of their dear green wher, Konstask, wandering about on her own and finding a bloated carcass on which to feed! Konstask again barked in protest, sending waves of disapproving thoughts to her handler. The little white one was lying! Small mouth parting in a green, Mirage continued shamelessly to create images of Konstask bloating much like the meal she had gorged herself upon. It then took two of the blues, Marsask and Ximsk to be exact, to roll her away.

Not true, not true! Konstask stomped her feet against the stone floor. Hers believed her, right? Mirage purred through the bond – yes who was telling the truth. The images were hard to deny, no? Amused, Kostya chuckled at the spat going back and forth via means of him. His laughter delighted Mirage, who snapped between to reappear in front of him. As he made a move to rise from his bed, the little white perched herself gecko style against the side of his face. Her tiny body curled around his left eye much like a tattoo. Having nearly no weight to her allowed the white to just linger there without using anything more than pressure and tension to keep herself in place.

"You two need to find someone else to annoy aside from each other," He mused, lips stretch in a faint smile as he ventured out into the hallway in hopes of finding one of the other handlers. Although he had his personal preferences about who he shared his time with, he would be glad for anyone to break his boredom – and the feuding of his two mindmates. Konstask trotted along beside him, rubbing against his leg to seek reassurance.. that she wasn't fat, like Mirage's stories had shown. The wherling dipped to run his hand along her muzzle. Growing larger, yes, but she was still the sleek beauty she had been at her hatching.

Mirage's eyes danced with amused colors. Silly, silly wher. It was just a story.

[raii]

Karou found herself in the wherhandlers' apartments. She'd been wandering aimlessly, avoiding chores (again), only to find herself back here. She'd only been here a few times before, all to Hatchings she hadn't Impressed at. Of course, this place made her rather moody. The lucky little children who had Impressed filled her with disdain. She hadn't Impressed in years. Why couldn't this be first come, first serve? That would suit her needs much better.

Of course the first salamandyr hatching she had attended she'd Impressed.

Why did she Impress what she didn't want anything to do with? Why was she left on the sands when she yearned to Impress? Sharding karma, no doubt. It was a vicious circle. Events made Karou a bitch. Being a bitch made her not Impress. Not Impressing made her even more bitchy. Bitter, too. She grimaced as she noted a green wherling. He'd Impressed at the Hatching she hadn't, yes? Lucky little creep.

The only way Karou could not be lonely was if she Impressed. No one in their right mind wanted a friend who, right off the bat, insulted them constantly. Not that she wanted any of those annoying kiddies to be her buddies. Still, Karou couldn't tear her eyes away. Jealousy, perhaps? How did he do it? What was the secret to Impressing?

Normally, Karou had no qualms about being rude. She would have happily passed him right by, even after staring/glaring in his direction. The wher, however, intrigued her. She found herself standing in front of Konstask, observing her for a moment. She didn't quite have anything to say, as she wasn't much of a conversationalist, but she wanted to continue envying his wher. "She's pretty," Karou said simply, never looking up to Kostya.

[rii]

The first person to enter his sights – some girl. Didn't know her name off the top of his head. Had seen her somewhere before, but she definitely wasn't one of the handlers he saw during lessons. Not that it mattered to him to know her name. She was, after all, pretty enough to be entertaining company.

No.

Kostya's brows lifted, only slightly, and the wherling let his gaze shift down to his wher. No? Not pretty enough. Mirage shifted slightly from her position, throwing in her agreement – the white didn't care much for other females. The other green handler was much — Konstask gave a harsh whuff, snout nearly brushing the floor as she sharply shook her head. The wher refused to be on the same side as the salamandyr. No. This was one was prettier than that one. Which one are we talking about again..?[/color] Both mindmates supplied images of his latest pet project, Tekivix. Ah, right.

Blinking, Kostya came to a smooth halt next to his wher.. who in turn had come to a pause when Karou didn't move from their path. A smile graced his lips – a friendly enough gesture. Regardless that it came out because Karou didn't hear anything of his little peanut gallery discussing her worth. In terms a beauty, no less. So, when she blurted out the compliment Kostya couldn't help himself – he burst into laughter.

What was so funny, Konstask demanded of hers while curiously regarding Karou. True to a green's typical short memory (and the lack of remembrance from hers) the jade green didn't recall the girl being at the hatching.. or one of the people she had clawed in passing. But. If the girl was going to admit her beauty, she was worthy having around. Konstask pivoted, presenting her elegant length for Karou to admire. Her long tail curling invitingly through the air and head tilted up in arrogant pride.

Mirage shifted down to Kostya's jawline, quickly interrupting the moment to share with Karou the story of the bloated Konstask being rolled around the wher apartments by the other whers. "She is, isn't she. So much so I had to get a second mirror just for her because my room mate complained about her hogging the other one." His pale blue eyes intently watched Karou's downcast features. "If you continue to flatter her, I'm sure Konstask won't mind having you for company. Perhaps she can stay with your and I can have a bit of peace."

[raii]

He was laughing at her.

The nerve. She complimented his wher and he started laughing at her. Of course, she had no idea of the irony of her comment. She had granted him her approval, and he had laughed at her. The ultimate insult. Her eyes narrowed slightly. The wher, however, seemed to appreciate her admiration. She posed herself for Karou's further admiration. She didn't have a high opinion of the young man, but the wher certainly was something else. A strange worm landed on his shoulder, sending her an image of a bloated green wher.

Okay?

She had gotten used to--barely--Deadglow's chatter. Did some of those pesky salamandyrs actually not speak? Lucky bastard. Deadglow, of course, took that moment to pop into the room. He startled her, latching onto her shirt. Hi, had fun. You now. She ignored him as he cuddled into her shirt. Of course she'd Impressed the insane one who disappeared in search of inanimate objects to pledge his affection to and return in hopes of love. Right. Love. Not her style.

At Kostya's last comment, she looked up at him. If whers wanted to stay with her then why, exactly, hadn't she Impressed? Scratch that--why hadn't she Impressed a wher, not this useless creature who had crawled up onto her shirt. He was now tugging at the ribbon in her hair. Now, unfortunately, he let his thoughts be heard by all. Hi, pretty-love! Pretty, smooth is. Here to come, please, he crooned to the ribbon. Sighing, Karou pulled it free and gave it to him, still (somewhat) ignoring him. He did make it hard.

"Right. Sorry to burst your bubble, but it's a one compliment limit." Per day? Per week? Per month? She wasn't sure, but the compliment was reserved for dragons and whers. Fire lizards? Too obnoxious and loud. Salamandyrs? Often loud, always ugly. Humans? Never. Unless she was determined to get something, however. No one really seemed to have anything she wanted. Well, not that they could really give her anyways. Deadglow continued to flirt with Karou's necklace.

Karou continued to ignore him.

[rii]

Kostya smiled in response to the rather frank look Karou gave him. Either she was deaf, or truly that unsocial of a person. It raised the question of why she continued to stand in the middle of the hallway – barring their path – and staring down at his wher if she didn't care for conversation.

Mirage was a touch more perturbed than himself, the little white salamandyr squirming up into his hair when Karou showed no reaction to her wonderful story. The tiny creature perched at his hair line, effecting a disapproving glare on Karou. Although it could hardly been noticed that her eyes were narrowed given the translucent quality to her skin. A story, then, if the first one didn't stir Karou's interest..

Kostya watched with detached interest as Karou gifted the hair ribbon to the salamandyr. As a general rule of living at the weyr the green wherling was deaf to their constant ramblings. His roommate's brown only went off ranting in circles about stupids and idiots. To tell the truth, his own mind was often busy with the silent chatter between his own two mindmates to really pay much mind to others. "How honored we are then," He mused playfully to Karou with the faintest touch of mockery behind the words. "To be gifted that one compliment of yours."

One? Konstask tail dropped, the trip thumping the floor in a clear show of her disapproving agitation. If this girl wanted to flatter her, she would haven't to much more than voice the fact that she was pretty. Mirage chose this moment to interject with a new tale for them all – one of images of a swollen, bloated Karou filling the hallway and trapping them. A flash of Konstask claws and a vibrant burst of rainbow colors popped the giant Karou ball to leave only a chittering deadglow behind with the ribbon tied securely around his neck in a neat bow.

Kostya snorted at the images, winter blue eyes narrowing on the candidate. "She says.. you're in the way."

[raii]

Karou gave the wherling a partially amused glare. What an idiot. "Oh, terribly sorry. I'll make a note to keep my compliments to myself, rather than give them to ingrates like you. Last time I checked, when people flatter a person or their mindmate, said person should be somewhat grateful, no matter how many compliments are given." This young man certainly knew nothing whatsoever about respect. Karou didn't either, of course, but that meant nothing. She didn't enjoy being treated so rudely.

The story only irritated Karou even more. What was with that stupid white critter and bloated people? Deadglow chose this moment to be of some use. Stupid. Mine nice, choose no listen dumb like white mean. Karou chose to ignore all salamandyrs, including her own, but this did not affect Deadglow in any way. Still, she heard his defending words, surprising from the laid-back salamandyr. Well, someone might earn his keep if he adjusted to Karou. Might.

Kostya narrowed his eyes at her, obviously sharing the salamandyr's sentiments. "Well, I'm only one girl. Feel free to continue on your merry way. I am so sorry to have upset you three with my horrible act of what I considered kindness." She narrowed her eyes back at him, sweeping to the side and holding out her hands to let him pass. She did not like even the green anymore. The wher had dropped her tail and looked upset with the lack of compliment.

Karou seemed to make enemies with everyone. Especially bronze dragons, but this was not her problem right now. This Weyr seemed full of contemptible idiots. The dragons were stuck up and rude. The whers were vain and ungrateful. The salamandyrs were annoying and evil. The humans were even worse. They seemed to hold all of the worst traits.

[rii]

Kostya gifted Karou with a pleasant smile. As she spoke, sarcasm dripping off her words, Kostya turned his gaze to search the empty hallway. A mental prodding at Konstask affirmed that no one else was nearby – what a useful wher, his lovely girl. Then there was this poor no-name girl that had the misfortune of wandering down the wrong dark hallway. It had been a while since he had a little fun..

"Yes," Voice smooth a silk. Kostya stepped forward as Karou swept aside – gladly helping her along. He seized the wrist of her extended arm. His other hand went to the shoulder of her other arm, thumb digging into the pressure point as he shoved her back against the stone wall. His own body followed the motion, pushing his weight flush against her to avoid letting her get a pesky knee up in defense. "Only one girl – with quite the mouth."

His face loomed over hers, smiling down at her in that decidedly mocking fashion he had perfected turns ago. Kostya began to wedge his foot and knee between hers, working to ease her legs apart. She was suitable easy to stir up, given her reactions to his playful comments (he had only been acting off of the attitude she gave him. Golden rule at it's finest). He was so dreadfully bored too, perhaps she could provide further entertainment for him. "How 'bout it lovely, have some fight behind those words of yours?" His voice dipped low into a purring whisper. "Or is it all just bluster. Talk tough and maybe they won't notice how weak you are on the inside."

Konstask yawned – yawned at the two humans. She didn't know what Hers was trying to do (nor did she really care) but it certainly didn't involve her. To this the wher felt slighted, sending the annoyance to her bonded. Ahem. She did not approve of Hers giving attention to other females – especially when they were not nearly as beautiful as herself! Konstask let out a whine, nudging Kostya's leg in a clear demand for him to remove himself from the girl.

[raii]

He grabbed her arm. Her eyes narrowed. He slammed her against the wall, his other hand digging into her shoulder and his body preventing her from taking a cheap shot between his legs. Which, of course, Karou was never above. She felt his foot trying to wedge between hers, and instinctively slid her foot to block his. One foot was now slightly in front of the other, turned sideways to block him. Her face was oddly expressionless, considering she had been so angry moments ago. She was strong for a girl, in fact; mostly from years of carrying Enia around. Still, he had her outmatched in strength.

"I'm sorry to disappoint you, but I'm not a little weakling like you hoped." She looked up at him, her pale eyes holding traces of amusement. "And how is physical strength 'on the inside?' Last time I checked, you don't need a strong stomach or kidney to get out of a moron's grasp."

For a moment, she closed her eyes. Karou was acutely aware of his fingers on her arm and shoulder. The foot against hers. The mocking grin. She wasn't exactly a helpless girl, and was a good fighter. Relatively, at least. She flexed her free hand for a moment, considering her options. From this position, she couldn't get a good shot at him. Her hand snapped up, grabbing his arm with a practiced speed. Her grasp was strong, her sharp nails digging into his skin. Following his technique of using his thumb to manipulate the body, she pressed her thumb directly between his two arm bones.

She applied as much pressure as she could, and used it to twist his arm upward. Deadglow hopped off of her shoulder, desperate to avoid any flying limbs. He did not want this. He grasped the ribbon in his mouth, gliding down to rest besides Konstask. Hi! Ignore silly ones. Mine mean none bad. All end soon. Make friend? Deadglow had stopped caring. His could protect herself. The pale salamandyr watched his with detached amusement.

"Get off, mister. Your wher wants you." Karou did not like being pinned against the wall. Especially not by morons. She had to learn not to try to be nice. It did not suit her well.

[rii]

Kostya almost laughed in her face – again. Her lack of reaction made him believe she wasn't taking him seriously. That, or she was use to being knocked around. Quite possible considering the lip on the girl – but her southern accent explained that all too well. What, then – just tended to shell up like a clam under a little stress? Hmm, maybe simply broken..

"Mm, you're wrong. I was hoping for a little fight. Where would the fun be if you didn't have a bite to that bark?" In response to her push on his forearm, Kostya viciously dug his thumb into the sensitive area where chest met the shoulder. No-name wasn't the first girl he had antagonized and certainly wouldn't be the last. Pressing in more firmly against her body – so the loss of hand didn't matter – Kostya brought his face in close to hers. "Ah, a literal twist on my words. How clever you are.."

His lips brushed over her ear, "I find it cute you're not concerned."

A more instant nudge at the side of his thigh. Hers. STOP ignoring her. She did NOT like it. At all. She would tear apart the girl if he didn't (No, she wouldn't maim hers, he had to remain beautiful). Kostya chuckled – the recognition clicking in his head where he had seen Karou's face. "She's offering to maul you. I don't doubt she'll do it. I believe she did at the hatching – you remember that, right? You being left after being rejected by the entire clutch."

When Kostya didn't heed her words, Konstasks gave forth an angry whuff. Her head swinging to the salamandyr. She sniffed at the ceature – if it was as annoying as Mirage she was going to eat it.

[raii]

He did the unspeakable.

He reminded her she hadn't Impressed. She recognized the green immediately, an angry frown growing on her face. The frown vanished, replaced by a false smile, a mock sweetness. "Tell me how cute this is, will you?" Her free hand grabbed his neck, using the grip to shove him away from her. She'd noticed that people were more likely to let her move them when they lacked air. It was instinctive, in fact. A body focused on trying to free itself from the inhibiting factor could not focus its energy into resisting her.

She took this chance to free her other arm, sending a powerful punch at his gut. She expanded her senses, adrenaline kicking in with her anger. She did not feel the weight of her throwing knives on her side. Damn. She shoved him away from her, releasing him and dancing away. She was quick, that was for sure. Quick and calculating.

The one punch she did throw was to a sensitive area. Even with the strongest abs, a strong jab could cause a surprising amount of pain, and knock the breath out of someone.

Her eyes narrowed. Left standing, left standing. She would not be left standing at any more hatching. Yet she would be left standing if this fight continued. Determined and precise, Karou didn't give up and didn't waste energy. She stretched her wrist, drawing her focus into her strong hand, ready to greet him with a punch if he came her way. Of course, as a backup, her left leg was ready, as most of her weight was subtly on the other, ready to swing a kick at his side.

She could take care of herself. Protection she had no use for, no desire for. Her face became determined. She was ready for him, so much so that her stomach churned with a familiar excitement. She'd gotten in her share of fights back home. Especially to those who had scorned her sister. She did not want to be protected. She wanted to protect. As the only one she had cared to protect was gone, she wanted to protect herself. What better way to protect herself than to not back down? True, it could be seen as risky. Let yourself give in, however, and you were seen as weak. That in itself was a horrible thing, but it also kept you open to manipulation and such. Not Karou, never Karou.

[rii]

Kostya took it back – the thought that Karou was use to being pushed around. The grab for his throat spoke of her inexperience. Her push only succeeding in making him slightly arch his upper back as he brought his own free hand up to lay over hers. A mocking, soft caress trailed over the back of her hand before he gripped her hand, practiced fingers finding the pressure point between thumb and index finger as he twisted the hand away from his throat.

"Actually," He mused playfully, keeping a firm hold on her twisted hand and releasing the wrist of the other, struggling arm. Knew she wasn't armed (assuming she knew the consequences of killing someone just as much as he did) so what did she seek to do? Ah, a useless blow to his flank, considering it was about all she could hit with the majority of his weight still pressing her into the wall. The angle too awkward to pack any devastating power. For her efforts she earned a small grunt, followed with a charming smile. "Hn, in truth I find it adorable. Your attempts would have more luck if you had a knife, love."

Of course, then he wouldn't be playing as nicely. Again, Kostya wouldn't have started this particular type of conflict if he didn't have the experience, and skill, to back up the implied threats. As a mental note, Kostya cheerfully thought, her little fiery reaction let him know he had struck a nerve with his comment. It had been a stab in the dark and, luckily enough, struck something worthy of an entertaining reaction.

Kostya still held her hand, palm twisted away from the body at a painful angle (arms were not meant to be torqued that far), so her one arm push to distant them didn't have the success she anticipated. "Careful love," He purred, fingers curling around the bicep of her free arm. "You start throwing punches I might feel the need to return the favor."

Held no inner qualms with breaking her pretty little face when it came right down too it. Her hand was further turned, moving away and down in the unnatural motion. A silent threat he'd break her arm each time she struggled. "So what is it, hate being rejected?" The wherling mused, pausing just long enough to assess her reaction before adding. "Or just hate being alone. Impressing would be ever so convenient, wouldn't it? Being bonded to a creature that gives you unconditional love, never judges you, never leaves you."

Konstask snorted. Oh watch her leave! Right now! The green wher turned, flicking her tail out behind her as she started to amble away down the hall. She only made it a few yards before it became clear Kostya was calling her bluff and not going to follow her. It was so.. so.. unfair. The green plopped down on her haunches and began to loudly wail. Kostya shot her a glare. Bother, the noise would likely draw attention.