[ Wren allows himself to be held close, to be clung to. It must have been frightening, being hunted and almost caught, on top of all that pain he was put through. So he just holds on in return.
When they do break apart, he lets his hand move over Aeryn's cheek. ]
It's okay, you're safe now.
[ Safe with Wren. He leans his forehead in to rest against Aeryn's for a moment. ]
Be back in a moment. [ Then Wren will leave him there to break down camp. It really is a quick process since he's done this so many times, done in just a few minutes. Magni has trained him how to move fast on this.
Only once they're on the road, does Wren look in on Aeryn. ] How are you doing?
[ He relaxes into the touches, closing his eyes as he nods. He whispers. ]
I'd almost forgotten what that feels like.
[ Being safe, being held onto. There's a small smile as he watches Wren leave, idly running a hand over the blankets once the dragon's gone. Then, with a heavy breath, he lets himself curl up. He has a small smile once he's relaxed into the bedding, eyes closed. In spite of the lingering pain, exhaustion has this feeling particularly nice. He could almost fall asleep...
When he hears the question, he opens his eyes and gives a tiny smile. ]
The best I've done in a while. Normally, I'd be finding a cave or some trees to hide in for several days.
[ He slowly and carefully moves to sit up. ]
My kind has decreased by over half, since the last time I saw you. Although... I'm the last healthy unicorn standing. So, I'll need to check on my family as soon as it's safe to go that way.
[ It's not a fun feeling, knowing that this is the first time Aeryn has felt safe. Though, Wren is determined to make it the first of many, for however long they're together. Which he kind of hopes is a long time. ]
We have a few places like this, set up all over.
[ He nods, knowing that it's important to check on his family. ]
We can send a message to them, too. Until we can go check on them.
[ There's a look of open appreciation as he nods. ]
I can't say I'm surprised you do... Although, I'm not sure on the 'we' part. Did you... find more dragons to travel with, or...?
[ Well, it's clear he's hoping that it's a case of other dragons, for Wren. He, of course, won't push for Wren to reveal someone else's identity, without consent, which is why the question trailed off the way it did. He offers a sheepish look before continuing. ]
You don't have to tell me that, if they wouldn't like it. And... a message to my family would be greatly appreciated. I do want them to secure the home and be prepared, just in case.
[ There's a soft blink as he looks in the direction Wren's motioning. With a couple of nods, he makes his way over and picks out one of the scrolls. Then, carefully, he semi-hops his way over to where Wren is, so he can sit next to him. Delicately, he rests the scroll in his lap. ]
Amazing... I bet these cost quite a bit. Are you sure I can use this?
[ He doesn't finish that sentence, but he likely doesn't need to. Wren watches Aeryn scoot across the wagon for the scroll and then makes his way over to him. Then reaches up to lightly tug on those purple strands. ]
I'm sure. This is what they're for, after all. Magni would be okay with it, if it meant others were safe too.
[ Wren certainly doesn't need to elaborate on the first part. And... Aeryn decides to not draw attention to it, for now. Instead, he grins up at the dragon over the next thing, a soft chuckle escaping as his hair is tugged. He shifts ever-so-slightly closer, letting out a soft sound of consideration. ]
... All right. But you two have to let me do something to pay you back.
[ It'd make him feel better, really. With that, he will shift so that he can sit with his back against the side of Wren's seat (or against Wren, if there's no back to the seat). After digging something to write with from his pocket, he gets right to it. The message is short and sweet, simply going into exactly what he told Wren it would.
He doesn't even bother signing it, given... who else would it be from? Besides, they know his handwriting by now. Once it's done, he leans his head back, looking up at Wren with a small smile. ]
[ Eventually, he will need to talk about it. Aeryn is a good person to do that with. He's never minded if Magni told people he trusted, knowing that his adopted brother wouldn't tell just anyone. ]
We can probably work something out.
[ Chances were Magni wouldn't ask for anything much, just enough for Aeryn to feel he paid it back. No matter what the payment was. The other can lean directly against Wren's side, though the dragon isn't paying attention to what is being written - leaving that private.
When Aeryn announces that he's done, that's when Wren looks back. Nodding. ]
Fold it up and tie it with this.
[ He pulls some string out of his pocket, holding it out. ]
We aren't too far from the town. You should stay in the cart when we get there.
[ Their cart already has all of the supplies it needs to survive a long trip. Wren can also send Magni a message there, too. ]
[ There's a smile when no protest comes, which lingers as he leans against Wren's side. When offered the string, Aeryn accepts it without hesitation, doing just as the dragon instructs. Then, when the next words are said, he pauses... then nods. ]
Okay. I'll stay in the cart.
[ It's clear he isn't the type to like having to stay behind, but the trust in Wren's judgment on this outweighs that. He holds out the scroll. ]
[ He understands wanting to repay someone, even if neither him nor Magni would have complained about it otherwise. There is a reason they have such things, after all. ]
Good. I'll be quick there.
[ Not that he intended to park the cart that far away from the messenger bird aviary. Wren takes the scroll. ]
No, this is fine. [ The dragon pulls out a small stone, blue in color and blows on it. That seems to be some sort of activation, as the stone turns into a large blue bird. Wren holds the scroll out and the bird takes the string in a talon, with that it sets off into the sky. ]
It will find the recipient, then track down Magni for me to let him know I moved.
[ Wren keeps that stone on him at all times, many wouldn't look twice at just a stone being held. ]
[ He watches with open intrigue, soft purple eyes widening at the appearance of a blue-colored bird. ]
Oh...
[ Aeryn gives a delighted smile to Wren, nodding with a hint of excitement. ]
That was amazing!
[ Granted, being a unicorn, it'd make more sense for him to be kind of used to magic. He definitely seems more surprised and awe-filled, than used to it. ]
Magic is always so fun to watch. This, however, might be my new favorite... Such a clever way of keeping in touch.
[ The magical bird flies high enough to not be seen easily by normal human eyes. Keeping itself safe until it gets to its destinations. ]
Magni decided we needed a way of contacting each other in times of emergency. They will act differently depending on the situation on the other end. If it were a desperate situation, it would flap wings and whistle until the other follows.
[ But since it's just him having to change locations... ]
With our current state, it'll sing a song. Then he'll wait for me to contact him.
[ He gives a look of understanding to the first part, and then chuckles at the next thing said. ]
I thought it might be something like that. That's very clever.
[ Aeryn looks up at the sky for a moment. ]
My mother used music to communicate, as well. She had over thirty songs, each with a unique meaning. We'd know just how long to stay away, where to meet her afterward, and what to be prepared for when we got there. All done with humming...
[ With his eyes closed, he trails off. It could be easy to assume he's dozed off, but his breathing patterns imply it's more like he's remembering. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem to be an especially happy memory. ]
[ Wren nods at the first part. It was all Magni's idea for how the birds were used, the various warnings it would be able to give.
Even if Wren has telepathy, it'd do him no good if he was unconscious or unable to communicate that way.
He listens quietly to what is said about Aeryn's mother, frowning at the silence that follows. It causes him to look over and see that slightly-off expression. After a moment, Wren lifts a finger to trail it gently down the other's nose - attempting to soothe his companion. ]
[ He blinks, but it's clear he isn't unpleasantly surprised, or anything. In fact, his gaze moves to rest on Wren's face, a fond smile tugging at his lips. ]
Being sad... It just means that there are happy times to be missed. And the only way to heal emotions is to let them "speak" to you.
[ There's a soft, sad laugh as he looks down at his own hands. ]
My mother always had a unique way of putting things.
[ Seems like that sort of touch isn't unwanted, which means he can do that in the future too. Though, Wren just simply likes touching Aeryn... that is unusual all on its own. He also prefers the smile to a sad expression. ]
That is a unique way of seeing things, but doesn't sound so bad.
[ His gaze goes down to Aeryn's hands too, then reaches out to hold one. ]
[ He lets out another laugh, but this time it's a little lighter. Aeryn nods. ]
I think so, too.
[ There's a softening in his gaze as he watches Wren reach for a hand. With a fond expression, he shyly turns his hand so that their palms will be touching. ]
She would have insisted nobody calls her a lady... but I agree. I used to embarrass her, actually. [ there's a sheepish laugh as his eyes sparkle a bit ] When I was very young, I would always loudly insist that she's the absolute smartest woman in the world. I'd be standing in the middle of a crowded area, and so many people would turn to see this grinning child pointing right at his very red-faced and very apologetic mother. I thought it was the funniest thing.
[ In fact, he's laughing with absolutely no shame. ]
[ Wren watches their hands coming together for a moment, then turns his gaze back to the road. It isn't that he's not giving Aeryn his attention, just that he doesn't need a visual to listen.
Yet he can't help but look back at the other when the first laugh comes. ]
Sounds like you were a bit of a brat.
[ Though the use of the word "brat" doesn't feel bad at all. There's actually a hint of amusement in his voice. ]
[ There's a hint of playfulness as he grins up at Wren. ]
Only a little.
[ Wren might get a feeling that, were they in a completely relaxed and casual setting, he might have punctuated those words with a wink. But... now they're close to the town, and he's being asked the question. Ah, yeah... it's time for the note. There's a moment of consideration before he gives a small nod. ]
Yes.
[ It's only fitting, he thinks. After a moment of thought, he takes a piece of paper and begins writing. He keeps it very polite and succinct. Basically, he aims to be considerate, while also ensuring that nothing is dragged out unpleasantly. Once it's done, he folds it and holds it out for Wren. ]
That should be enough, I believe. They will... understand that a terrible accident took place.
[ And hopefully have no reason to seek out justice, or worse. ]
[ Maybe he got to see some of that side when they were younger, something he can remember in time.
While Aeryn writes the note, Wren grabs a piece of clothing that has a hood. Pulling it on so that it covers his head and face from view. If they are to send a note about someone's death, he doesn't want it being traced back to either of them at any point.
Even if Aeryn writes it to make it appear like an accident. He takes the note and nods. ]
They might look into it, but we'll be long-gone by the time they get to that point.
[ Since first they will have to find the hunter's body. Even if they come to the aviary, Wren doesn't intend to stick around.
He shifts to make sure that Aeryn isn't very visible from an outside view, guiding the cart into town and to the nearest aviary. Stopping just inside, he looks over at the other. ]
Be right back. [ Unless Aeryn has anything else to say, the dragon will hop down and make his way inside the building to get the message taken care of. Really not stopping to do anything else but that, so he can return to the cart as quickly as possible. ]
[ He watches Wren pull the hood over his head, and then reaches up without thinking, gently helping adjust it. With a shy and sad smile, he nods. ]
We will be.
[ It's clear there is still quite a bit of guilt. That it's bothering him to do things this way... Not that it's stopping him, of course. He settles into a comfortable spot, nodding and reaching over to gently squeeze the dragon's upper arm. ]
See you soon.
[ Those words again, this time with a warm smile. He will quietly sit and wait, drawing his knees to his chest and resting his head against them. He maybe... dozes off, actually, as he waits. ]
[ Oh. There's a faint smile at Aeryn's action, giving a nod in return. He does wonder why those same words are said, and might ask about it later.
When he returns to the cart, Wren instantly checks on Aeryn and sees him dozing. The dragon doesn't wake him, though will lightly touch his hair while taking a seat. Time to get out of here.
Wren drives the cart quietly, well... as quietly as possible. Heading to the closest safe house. It isn't marked on any map except the ones in their head. ]
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When they do break apart, he lets his hand move over Aeryn's cheek. ]
It's okay, you're safe now.
[ Safe with Wren. He leans his forehead in to rest against Aeryn's for a moment. ]
Be back in a moment. [ Then Wren will leave him there to break down camp. It really is a quick process since he's done this so many times, done in just a few minutes. Magni has trained him how to move fast on this.
Only once they're on the road, does Wren look in on Aeryn. ] How are you doing?
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I'd almost forgotten what that feels like.
[ Being safe, being held onto. There's a small smile as he watches Wren leave, idly running a hand over the blankets once the dragon's gone. Then, with a heavy breath, he lets himself curl up. He has a small smile once he's relaxed into the bedding, eyes closed. In spite of the lingering pain, exhaustion has this feeling particularly nice. He could almost fall asleep...
When he hears the question, he opens his eyes and gives a tiny smile. ]
The best I've done in a while. Normally, I'd be finding a cave or some trees to hide in for several days.
[ He slowly and carefully moves to sit up. ]
My kind has decreased by over half, since the last time I saw you. Although... I'm the last healthy unicorn standing. So, I'll need to check on my family as soon as it's safe to go that way.
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We have a few places like this, set up all over.
[ He nods, knowing that it's important to check on his family. ]
We can send a message to them, too. Until we can go check on them.
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I can't say I'm surprised you do... Although, I'm not sure on the 'we' part. Did you... find more dragons to travel with, or...?
[ Well, it's clear he's hoping that it's a case of other dragons, for Wren. He, of course, won't push for Wren to reveal someone else's identity, without consent, which is why the question trailed off the way it did. He offers a sheepish look before continuing. ]
You don't have to tell me that, if they wouldn't like it. And... a message to my family would be greatly appreciated. I do want them to secure the home and be prepared, just in case.
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Magni. He took me in after what happened. Kept us safe.
[ There's no clarification on what Magni is. Not because Wren doesn't trust Aeryn, but because that is technically his adopted brother's business.
With one hand, Wren motions to a cabinet off to the side inside the wagon. ]
Look in there. We should have some emergency scrolls that you can use to send to your family. It's enchanted to only reveal itself to the recipient.
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I'm really glad he did.
[ There's a soft blink as he looks in the direction Wren's motioning. With a couple of nods, he makes his way over and picks out one of the scrolls. Then, carefully, he semi-hops his way over to where Wren is, so he can sit next to him. Delicately, he rests the scroll in his lap. ]
Amazing... I bet these cost quite a bit. Are you sure I can use this?
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If not for him, I probably...
[ He doesn't finish that sentence, but he likely doesn't need to. Wren watches Aeryn scoot across the wagon for the scroll and then makes his way over to him. Then reaches up to lightly tug on those purple strands. ]
I'm sure. This is what they're for, after all. Magni would be okay with it, if it meant others were safe too.
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... All right. But you two have to let me do something to pay you back.
[ It'd make him feel better, really. With that, he will shift so that he can sit with his back against the side of Wren's seat (or against Wren, if there's no back to the seat). After digging something to write with from his pocket, he gets right to it. The message is short and sweet, simply going into exactly what he told Wren it would.
He doesn't even bother signing it, given... who else would it be from? Besides, they know his handwriting by now. Once it's done, he leans his head back, looking up at Wren with a small smile. ]
Done.
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We can probably work something out.
[ Chances were Magni wouldn't ask for anything much, just enough for Aeryn to feel he paid it back. No matter what the payment was. The other can lean directly against Wren's side, though the dragon isn't paying attention to what is being written - leaving that private.
When Aeryn announces that he's done, that's when Wren looks back. Nodding. ]
Fold it up and tie it with this.
[ He pulls some string out of his pocket, holding it out. ]
We aren't too far from the town. You should stay in the cart when we get there.
[ Their cart already has all of the supplies it needs to survive a long trip. Wren can also send Magni a message there, too. ]
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Okay. I'll stay in the cart.
[ It's clear he isn't the type to like having to stay behind, but the trust in Wren's judgment on this outweighs that. He holds out the scroll. ]
Do I need to do anything else with it?
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Good. I'll be quick there.
[ Not that he intended to park the cart that far away from the messenger bird aviary. Wren takes the scroll. ]
No, this is fine. [ The dragon pulls out a small stone, blue in color and blows on it. That seems to be some sort of activation, as the stone turns into a large blue bird. Wren holds the scroll out and the bird takes the string in a talon, with that it sets off into the sky. ]
It will find the recipient, then track down Magni for me to let him know I moved.
[ Wren keeps that stone on him at all times, many wouldn't look twice at just a stone being held. ]
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Oh...
[ Aeryn gives a delighted smile to Wren, nodding with a hint of excitement. ]
That was amazing!
[ Granted, being a unicorn, it'd make more sense for him to be kind of used to magic. He definitely seems more surprised and awe-filled, than used to it. ]
Magic is always so fun to watch. This, however, might be my new favorite... Such a clever way of keeping in touch.
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Magni decided we needed a way of contacting each other in times of emergency. They will act differently depending on the situation on the other end. If it were a desperate situation, it would flap wings and whistle until the other follows.
[ But since it's just him having to change locations... ]
With our current state, it'll sing a song. Then he'll wait for me to contact him.
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Magni sounds like a very smart and reliable man.
[ There's a hum of curiosity as he considers something. ]
Why a song?
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He's been alive a long time. Made a lot of friends who will help him make useful things.
[ The bird stones and the scroll, along with a few other things. ]
Male birds sing to keep other males off their turf. This way we know not to go back to the last location we saw each other.
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I thought it might be something like that. That's very clever.
[ Aeryn looks up at the sky for a moment. ]
My mother used music to communicate, as well. She had over thirty songs, each with a unique meaning. We'd know just how long to stay away, where to meet her afterward, and what to be prepared for when we got there. All done with humming...
[ With his eyes closed, he trails off. It could be easy to assume he's dozed off, but his breathing patterns imply it's more like he's remembering. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem to be an especially happy memory. ]
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Even if Wren has telepathy, it'd do him no good if he was unconscious or unable to communicate that way.
He listens quietly to what is said about Aeryn's mother, frowning at the silence that follows. It causes him to look over and see that slightly-off expression. After a moment, Wren lifts a finger to trail it gently down the other's nose - attempting to soothe his companion. ]
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Being sad... It just means that there are happy times to be missed. And the only way to heal emotions is to let them "speak" to you.
[ There's a soft, sad laugh as he looks down at his own hands. ]
My mother always had a unique way of putting things.
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That is a unique way of seeing things, but doesn't sound so bad.
[ His gaze goes down to Aeryn's hands too, then reaches out to hold one. ]
Seems like a smart lady.
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I think so, too.
[ There's a softening in his gaze as he watches Wren reach for a hand. With a fond expression, he shyly turns his hand so that their palms will be touching. ]
She would have insisted nobody calls her a lady... but I agree. I used to embarrass her, actually. [ there's a sheepish laugh as his eyes sparkle a bit ] When I was very young, I would always loudly insist that she's the absolute smartest woman in the world. I'd be standing in the middle of a crowded area, and so many people would turn to see this grinning child pointing right at his very red-faced and very apologetic mother. I thought it was the funniest thing.
[ In fact, he's laughing with absolutely no shame. ]
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Yet he can't help but look back at the other when the first laugh comes. ]
Sounds like you were a bit of a brat.
[ Though the use of the word "brat" doesn't feel bad at all. There's actually a hint of amusement in his voice. ]
Okay, almost to town. Want to write up the note?
[ He nods his head at some regular paper. ]
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Only a little.
[ Wren might get a feeling that, were they in a completely relaxed and casual setting, he might have punctuated those words with a wink. But... now they're close to the town, and he's being asked the question. Ah, yeah... it's time for the note. There's a moment of consideration before he gives a small nod. ]
Yes.
[ It's only fitting, he thinks. After a moment of thought, he takes a piece of paper and begins writing. He keeps it very polite and succinct. Basically, he aims to be considerate, while also ensuring that nothing is dragged out unpleasantly. Once it's done, he folds it and holds it out for Wren. ]
That should be enough, I believe. They will... understand that a terrible accident took place.
[ And hopefully have no reason to seek out justice, or worse. ]
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Sure, just a little.
[ Maybe he got to see some of that side when they were younger, something he can remember in time.
While Aeryn writes the note, Wren grabs a piece of clothing that has a hood. Pulling it on so that it covers his head and face from view. If they are to send a note about someone's death, he doesn't want it being traced back to either of them at any point.
Even if Aeryn writes it to make it appear like an accident. He takes the note and nods. ]
They might look into it, but we'll be long-gone by the time they get to that point.
[ Since first they will have to find the hunter's body. Even if they come to the aviary, Wren doesn't intend to stick around.
He shifts to make sure that Aeryn isn't very visible from an outside view, guiding the cart into town and to the nearest aviary. Stopping just inside, he looks over at the other. ]
Be right back. [ Unless Aeryn has anything else to say, the dragon will hop down and make his way inside the building to get the message taken care of. Really not stopping to do anything else but that, so he can return to the cart as quickly as possible. ]
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We will be.
[ It's clear there is still quite a bit of guilt. That it's bothering him to do things this way... Not that it's stopping him, of course. He settles into a comfortable spot, nodding and reaching over to gently squeeze the dragon's upper arm. ]
See you soon.
[ Those words again, this time with a warm smile. He will quietly sit and wait, drawing his knees to his chest and resting his head against them. He maybe... dozes off, actually, as he waits. ]
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When he returns to the cart, Wren instantly checks on Aeryn and sees him dozing. The dragon doesn't wake him, though will lightly touch his hair while taking a seat. Time to get out of here.
Wren drives the cart quietly, well... as quietly as possible. Heading to the closest safe house. It isn't marked on any map except the ones in their head. ]
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