((Sunstrike does need to figure out exactly how I'll behave.  Starting posts are always difficult, though.  Hmmm...))

A small, tiger patterned cat glared down from his perch upon a roof at the marketplace, his gaze scanning each passerby critically.  He still wasn't sure where the gates of this settlement were, but for the moment, Akani was sick of searching.  How was it that whenever he entered these places, he could never seem to find his way out back out?  It was as though they changed while he was inside the walls.  They might, he mused silently, hopping down from his ledge and onto the roof.  "Confictura is a strange and unpredictable realm," remember?  The shapeshifter's ears drooped as he leapt into the tree that had provided a route onto the roof, sliding a little before his claws found a foothold in the smooth bark.  He navigated downward through the branches until he was standing upon one of the lower, sturdier limbs.  After a quick glance around to check if anyone was paying attention to him, he shifted and within seconds, there was a red haired humanoid where the cat had been.

Akani dropped down from the tree, landing clumsily and wincing as pain shot up through his feet.  'Concrete' he'd been told was the material this ground was based upon.  Very inconvenient and quite a bit more painful than the soft grass he was accustomed to.  Regaining a bit of composure, he started walking away from the crowded street.  Searching for the exit wasn't getting him anywhere, but he did need to find shelter from the sun.  It might not carry back into Durcarus, but sunburn was still irritating in this world.

Nanna looked up. She had been thinking, something she did more lately than she cared to admit. She needed to pay attention. From what she had gathered since she arrived here, there seemed to be just as many monsters as there were humans here, maybe more. She wasn't sure she wanted to find out. Something caught her attention. A red-haired boy dropped out of a tree a few blocks away. It should not have been anything to worry about, but something seemed off. She wasn't sure what, but something in her told her to follow. Silently, she quickened her pace, moving among the crowd as she went, keeping him always in sight. She did feel he was a threat, but just in case she checked to be sure she had easy access to a weapon. Finding her had resting where her throwing knives were hidden, she shifted into a silent jog, then slowed as she neared. But just as she was about to return to a walk, someone bumped her. Turning to check for threats, she quickly return her eyes to where the boy had been, but he had vanished! Cursing, she looked around, unable to find him.

"Why is there even sun here? This place is stupid," Akani hissed to himself, choosing an alley to turn down. He paused and shook his head. This way looked the same as the way he'd come from. All of these roads seemed to lead to the same place. Feeling as though he were flattening his ears back towards his skull--these ears didn't swivel as easily, but the sense could still happen from time to time--he continued forward. An umbrella, an overhang, even a box would be good enough for his purposes.

With an irritated growl, the humanoid turned around and retraced his steps. The tree could have provided shade; he should have just stayed there. Where...?

((Hmm... trying to Hand of God him back to where Nanna is, but I think he's lost. Oops.))

A few minutes passed, and Nanna was about to give up. It wasn't like she knew the stranger, or was looking for him. But there was something about him... No, it didn't matter. She sighed, finally giving up. She looked around, trying to get her bearings again. She passed by a few alleys, headed back to the center of the market area. Lost in thought, she wasn't really looking where she was going. She managed to mindlessly dodge the few people who passed her, and avoid tripping over the boxes, and trash, and strays that found a way into her path. She thought she was close, but then realized, she had some how ended up on the other side of town, She quickly turned, and...Ooph! immediately smashed into someone. She backed up a few paces, and when she looked up, she realized it was the male she had been following.

"My apologies!" Akani cried out automatically, not fully aware of whether whatever he'd walked into was even a living creature, as he stumbled backwards. It took a moment for him to regain his composure, but luckily he hadn't shifted back out of reflex. The scent from this being was entirely foreign; as such, he couldn't be sure of its--her, unless the species had different terms--origin.

"Err... you seem vaguely familiar and not very figment-y," the shifter started uncomfortably, not making eye contact. Something about this being seemed more... intent. Intent on what, he had no idea, but the feeling was still there. "Can I help you? If you're lost, you'll be better off finding someone else."

((Hmm... now to find a conflict...))

She looked, stunned. He seemed human, yet...not? She didn't know what to think, but instinct quickly made her take a step back, and she landed in a loose fighting stance. He didn't seem to know what to think of her either. What have I gotten myself into? She though, guessing at least it was a good sign she wasn't dead... yet. His voice reminded her she wasn't alone and she returned her attention to him. "Uh...the same to you!" She said, relaxing enough to appear normal, yet still on alert.

"I'm not lost. Or at least I'm not headed anywhere in particular, so I don't really think I can be lost. Although I'm also not sure where we are."

She had little to no idea of where they were, or even how she got her, but being more nomadic by nature, it didn't bother her, what did was the strange things that had been happening since she arrived. She had hoped he would have some answers, or at least point her in the direction of some, but that hope was quickly fading. He seemed just as unsure of everything as she was, and she suddenly wondered if the tales of Alice were true. Perhaps this was Wonderland?

((So sorry it's so late! Always feel free to PM me on FelisFire if you are waiting for a reply and I'll be more likely to get around to it sooner ))

"Then I guess there's no sense in asking you how to leave this construct either," Akani sighed, fidgeting. Asking what another creature was never felt proper (and he didn't usually appreciate being asked either), but the question was bothering him more than it normally did. The shifter frowned and shook his head, finally risking eye contact.

"Okay, I give up. You don't seem to be magical, but you aren't--you don't look like..." He shook his head again. "Sorry. My name is Akani, I'm a student from the valley region, sort of neighboring to the forest." He could feel a voice yelling at him, claiming that something was not right with this creature, but it wasn't exactly offering alternate courses of action.

Wait, so you are stuck too? She said, partly thinking aloud. She wasn't sure what was going on, but if he was stuck too, it must be bigger than she had thought. She had assumed at first that she had been drugged and taken to some strange land. It wasn't too far fetched, she did have a lot of enemies, but then explain him? He didn't seem to be one to have the same kind of enemies. Then she realized something was bothering her. She had felt it too, that some how, something about him wasn't quite right, either he was hiding something big, or he was very different from what she was used to, Nanna was not sure which it was.

His first words came as a surprise, but when he hesitated, her mind was rolling. A what? He didn't finish, making it harder for her to keep up. What was he talking about, magic and...and a what? I'm...Nanna. Was all she could get out at first, although with some hesitation. She wasn't one for sharing her true name with strangers, more so when magic was mentioned, but somehow she didn't think he would cause trouble, not like that at least. I'm from a village in North America. She finished, realizing he probably had no clue where that was, as she wasn't sure where they were either. Or where the valley region was for that matter.

North America. He had heard or seen something of that sort before, right? America, America, America... The knowledge was there, but the look-up process was taking awhile. Certainly wasn't a neighboring realm, but this being didn't have a strange appearance and her name didn't sound too foreign. He'd need to look it up once he returned.

"Only until I wake up. Can't navigate in the real world, and here it's even worse," Akani admitted. The same little voice was still going off. He was saying too much, but still had no idea what to change. "But then again, at least here I'm not that much worse off than the next person. Confictura messes with everyone equally." He punctuated the thought with an irritated huff of air. This being had not supplied an answer for what she was and the question was still frustrating; she didn't seem aggressive, but if conflict were to start, the most viable plan would be shifting and running, with the hope that the lack of magic was not simply a clever illusion. Akani took a deep, uneasy breath. "I'm very sorry, but I can't figure out what you are. You do not have the death-scent that an undead might, but I can't picture what variety of fae you might belong to, either. Still need to work on recognizing the different sorts." Asking was a mistake, he felt certain already. This creature had hesitated to offer a name; why would she willingly give species? "I-I don't mean any harm, honestly. I-I'm a--well, a shapeshifter." He wanted to run already, even without waiting for an answer. Changing would not take long, and while his behavior might betray a smaller, meeker form, most beings were not usually prepared to strike a significantly smaller target.

((Had to reread what I'd put down for his character. No worries if we want to just kill this thread. Over a year since the last post is very bad indeed.))

Nanna looked around, still tying to figure out where they were, and how to return home. She was beginning to realize this figure before her wasn't much help there, but in a strange land, it was still nice to have someone to talk to for a bit. Her unease grew though the longer they spoke, something was off. She wasn't sure where the danger lurked though, this stranger seemed harmless enough, if a bit twitchy. She guessed he was on the verge of running at any moment, but curiosity seemed to get the better of him, for the moment at least. His words struck her as odd, but she remained silent. He spoke as if they were merely asleep, but she must have been asleep for a very long time indeed to still be here, or did time move differently here in...what did he call it...Confictura! Yes, that must be the name of this place, although if it was just a town, or if it was something more, she had no way of knowing at the time. She also wasn't sure what Akani meant about Confictura messing with everyone, but he seemed distracted, so she didn't ask.

As Akanni started to talk again, clearly dealing with what ever had been on his mind, Nanna could sense something shift in the air around them. It no longer seemed safe to speak with this stranger, yet he didn't seem intent on fighting, so she stayed still, listening to his question. She gave a confused look, but thought he must be crazy as he mentioned undead and fae...What was he playing at? Oh I'm...human the words had left her mouth before she has thought it through, the last word falling to a whisper as she realized what he had been saying. They were monsters! Monsters killed and ate humans! At her shock he spoke again, but his words didn't put her at ease, in fact they made the situation worse. She realized her hand had moved to her side where she kept a hunting knife, her hands held tightly to the handle as she moved back a pace from Akani. He seemed ready to flee, but running wasn't the sign of danger...None of this was making sense to Nanna as Akani's words repeated in her mind. Had she just made herself a target?

((It's fine if you want to keep going until we get some normal RP threads going, or we can quit here ^^ I don't mind either way, I can use the practice to get used to playing Nanna again, but I know this is really old so if you are done I don't mind ))

"Oh. Oh! That's wonderful! Maybe..." Akani's eyes finally caught on the knife. He could feel the pressure change in his ears that usually accompanied ears flattening in feline form. "So then humans are hostile. Not aggressive, but still...," He murmured sadly, watching the hand clenched around the knife handle. He considered his next words and abruptly changed his gaze back towards Nanna's eyes. "I guess that's good to know. I'd very much appreciate not getting stabbed, though, if you don't mind. That usually hurts and could cause other problems."

The words were slower, more calculated, but his thoughts were flying. He'd already revealed what he was. Had he said what he shifted into? Shifting and running might still work, even if this human--Nanna, she'd said--knew to aim for a cat.

"I guess that's to be expected. Stories do frequently pit humans against others, don't they? I suppose we do it as well.  I know a few about Changelings, but that's probably a result of similarity.  Changelings are just funny to pick on, at least for my sort."  He stumbled backwards, trying to decide upon the most likely escape route.  Running at another creature could confuse the other if it wasn't expecting an aggressive behavior.  But was this human expecting an attack or a flight?  Perhaps if Nanna spoke again... yes, he knew what he'd do.  Speech production would have to serve as sufficient distraction.  Unless the human chose not to respond.  Stop it stop it stop it, stop thinking.  Sure.  That was always easier to demand than to do.

((Definitely want to continue, then. Too out of practice and it's still fun. ^_^))

As Nanna watched Akani's reactions, she became increasingly confused. She was the one in danger...wasn't she? Yet the shifter seemed uninterested in a fight. Had all those stories been wrong? Nothing was making sense any more...What was she talking about, nothing had been making sense since she had arrived here!

Suddenly she let out a laugh, as she released her blade. His words only making her laugh grow deeper. The nervous energy that had been building now coming out in laughter as she realized that only danger was her. She kept her guard up, but relaxed now that she was fairly sure Akani was safe enough. As she was able to regain her composure, she realized just how pitiful she must look, and that was reflected in how Akani looked. He clearly wanted to flee, yet something held him in place, his internal struggle clear on his face.

To show she hadn't meant to frighten him, she raised her empty hands, and relaxed her stance. I'm sorry, I didn't m... She started to speak, keeping her voice soft and kind. But she stopped as he stumbled back. She wasn't even sure if he was still listening, as he seemed to be ready to dash at any moment.


((Sounds good ^.^))

Akani stumbled backwards again, this time nearly losing balance. The human had laughed. Was she the sort to take pleasure in causing pain? He began with the original plan and shifted as she was speaking, darting a few feet to Nanna's left before her tone registered. That was not a cruel voice, but it could be a trick. He glanced back up at the human, ears flattened. She no longer seemed to be intending to attack.

"Mroww-ra?" If she wasn't hostile after all, perhaps she could modify this location. He sat down, considering the possibility. Humans did seem to have an easier time modifying Confictura, but if this one wasn't aware of how she'd gotten here, she may not have conscious control. Had she said something--yes! 'Stuck.'

"So--" He stopped the communication abruptly, realizing the transgression. Mental speak could disturb other creatures, even those who knew it was occurring and would only act as a one-way channel; he couldn't recall reading that humans had a similar ability. Akani returned to human form. "Sorry. You aren't going to attack after all?" His eyes closed. Stuck. That word had a more permanent feeling to it. It also indicated that she did not realize how to make this construct change. "You were saying?" he asked guiltily, refocusing his gaze upon Nanna.

What just happened? Nanna had thought she was confused before...but now? Had she seen right? She had been afraid of a...a cat?! She shook her head, then looked up as a voice seemed to speak to her. She had no idea how to speak cat, and the voice had stopped before she was even sure she had heard it. She moved to face the strange creature, still unsure what to think. It clearly didn't mean her harm, not in animal form at least. It was ironic, since she had imagined a large monster at the thought of shape-shifters. Perhaps there was some truth to the human myths, but it seemed they left out some things too.

After a moment, Akani seemed to decide he was safe, ad he had stopped running. Nanna didn't move as she waited to see what he was trying to say. When he finally returned to his more human form, she was once again able to understand him. She smiled again at his cautious question. No, not as long as you don't attack me. She teased, still keeping her voice soft. He seemed to be thinking, but as long at they weren't in immediate danger, she wouldn't rush him. When he looked back at her, he seemed more focused again. I didn't mean to scare you. It's just when you asked, well...humans often tell stories of monsters, and we...are often the prey. She said, her voice dropping to a whisper again as she finished, not wanting to offend him.

Just then, there was a loud crash behind Nanna. Before she could turn, she heard shouting, and was rushed by a flock of startled birds. She ducked to avoid the birds, but readied herself to run as angry shouts moved toward where the pair were standing. Something was up, and from the heated threats, it didn't sound good!

"What?  Don't you realize--"  Akani's protest was interrupted by the commotion; the birds inspired a quick, startled cry as he returned to cat form and pressed against the ground to avoid them (though the latter was hardly necessary).  Anger, and noise.  And... magic?  There was an odd feeling to the air, not quite as it would be in Durcarus if someone were wielding a significant store of magic, but similar enough.  He bared his teeth at the sensation.

"Have--"  Again, he had to stop the communication and shift back.  This time, however, the return to humanoid form came with a sharp pain in his temples, enough to throw him off balance; shitting was eas enough, but the height difference and blood flow caused problems in too brief a span  of time.  "Sorry again."  There were plenty of questions and if humans could indeed shenanigans themselves to other places in Confictura, that ability would be very useful about now, but asking and explaining would take too much time.  "What are you waiting for?  Running would be good.  Magic is particularly terrible here," he advised.  Despite his words, the shape-shifter started towards the noise, immediately going for a wall to hide against.  What could possibly have initiated a conflict here?  And what fool would start tapping into the energy here?  Magic could be unpredictable enough in the relatively stable environment that Durcarus provided.

((Sorry to delay, wanted to have plenty to add.  And then I started a cross-stitch project.  >_>))