royalguardraidyn

[royalguardraidyn]

Raidyn eyed Stella with apprehension, the healing process was always something that irritated him. It was something he was all too familiar with. He never knew why but the magic used from these always had a chance to irritate him further, maybe it was an allergy... He didn't know exactly how that worked. Recalling back, she also had trouble with it too. Suppose it runs in the family...

He squeezed his eyes shut in anticipation. Turning his head away he waited for her to be done. It didn't sting that bad this time. He let out a heavy sigh, thankful for at least an ounce of luck today.

He grumbled to himself in reply to her for a few moments before actually speaking up.

Oh... I uh. I guess?

He kept his eyes averted, his heart still swelled with nothing but regret.

I mean... It's not like there's much else I really got going on honestly.

Coughing into his wing he tilted his head and his expression grew ever more dejected.

Decent academics, straight into the guard pretty young, not really much else..

He mumbled and trailed off again.

Uhm.. is there something you want to know? I dunno- I'm not really uh. Good at this.

His head pounded with stinging pain again, inhaling sharply he rubbed his forehead. His brow furrowed, he was struggling to even find the words to say given the constant aches. The cold wind stung even more, like tiny pinpricks on his open wounds.

Lurching forward a bit, Raidyn adjusted his wings and drew up his injured leg closer to himself.

He turned and gave a clearly strained smile, it was... awkward.

[Stella continued to lead the two monsters through the tunnels. Based on the markings she left on the wall, she could tell they were getting closer to where she came down from. There were smiley faces left on the wall with little speech bubbles saying hello or letting her know this is the way she came from. She couldn't help but chuckle at her own work.]

[She was... genuinely surprised for a moment that the guard was FINE with her rambling. Could it be that- ...No. No, he said so himself. He likes the talking just so it's not quiet. Not because... Well, that doesn't matter! Anything to make him more comfortable. It at least gives her an excuse to talk more.]

That's super fair, haha. I've never been a fan of silence myself. Usually talk to myself in places like these just to fill the gap. Is that weird? That might be weird.

[She continued to chat on until they made it back to where she experienced today's first problem: The Hole.]

Oh! That's right. Um... So, this is the way we need to go to get to the exit. Up there. I may have fallen. Whoops! It's obviously not too high up but I can't exactly reach. I'm not SHORT but I'm not as tall. So I'm not quite sure how to get back through...

[She glanced at Flo.]

I mean, we could throw the little guy up and you could pull us up!

[Not how that would work.]

#Royal Guard Raidyn #underblog💛 #underblog💙 #[wuh huh! I'm back!] #[this is like super out of timeline order now but who cares]

[royalguardraidyn]

Raidyn stayed silent, keeping his eyes trained on the exit. He held a scowl out of view, profound sorrow crept into his expression unwillingly. His eyes twitched, the weight on his shoulders made his arms droop uncomfortably. Like a heavy, weak, pointless thing. His face burned with harsh yet now dulled pain, it felt warm despite how cold the rest of his body was. He swallowed his choked up frustrations.

She knew, and that meant she was involved now.

Raidyn despised it, guilt kept churning in his gut. He felt lightheaded, the fatigue was catching up to him. The repugnant thoughts of responsibility kept coiling in his mind, it danced brilliant loops with his doubt and hatred. Another failure, this was only getting worse and worse.

Out of view he lifted his wing to his face and bit down on his feathers, tugging at them slightly. Using the pain to snap him out of his spiral and to keep him alert.

He stared into the vague distance, hazy eyed with heart flutters from pain and lightheadedness. He grabbed his face with his wing again, shaking off the fatigue. He clattered his beak slightly. He tuned his attention in again towards the kind soul carrying him.

She was distressed, worried over him...

He nodded his head.

Mhm... Awake. Yeah.

I don't.. Plan on falling asleep.

Don't worry...

He shook his head again to stave off his drowsiness. The warmth from being held was almost intoxicating, beckoning him into slumber. He refused it.

He squinted, the light finally pouring back into his sight, it was harsh on his eyes. He kept his eyes closed for a few moments, breathing in the non-stagnant air. His lungs thanked him, a sudden shiver ran down his spine. He forgot that part, the blistering cold, the freezing air hit his entire body and made him tremble. Everything was so much colder than usual...

He tensed up as he was set down, only breathing in sharply as a response. He stretched out his legs uncomfortably, fluttering his wings.

As she draped the coat over him, he turned up again to look at her. Slight shock melted into a small smile. He spoke softly, with a bit of struggle.

T-thanks...

His smile faded quickly and he averted his gaze.

His mind wrestled with appreciation and guilt. He squeezed his arm from anticipation, he would need to leave and get back on his feet as soon as possible. Hopefully this will be all he needs.

He has a job he desperately needs to return to. It pained him to be sitting idly by while the human he just had in his grasp got away. He coughed into his wing, flicking off debris again. Pain shot up from his torso, cruelly reminding him why he was stuck like this. He had been beyond foolish, it shouldn't have gone this way. He tilted his head all the way back, slightly brushing against the back wall with his beak. Reeling forward again he propped his head up with a wing and watched Stella silently. The cold was enough to keep him alert, though his body felt ever so heavy still.

[Stella continued to lead the two monsters through the tunnels. Based on the markings she left on the wall, she could tell they were getting closer to where she came down from. There were smiley faces left on the wall with little speech bubbles saying hello or letting her know this is the way she came from. She couldn't help but chuckle at her own work.]

[She was... genuinely surprised for a moment that the guard was FINE with her rambling. Could it be that- ...No. No, he said so himself. He likes the talking just so it's not quiet. Not because... Well, that doesn't matter! Anything to make him more comfortable. It at least gives her an excuse to talk more.]

That's super fair, haha. I've never been a fan of silence myself. Usually talk to myself in places like these just to fill the gap. Is that weird? That might be weird.

[She continued to chat on until they made it back to where she experienced today's first problem: The Hole.]

Oh! That's right. Um... So, this is the way we need to go to get to the exit. Up there. I may have fallen. Whoops! It's obviously not too high up but I can't exactly reach. I'm not SHORT but I'm not as tall. So I'm not quite sure how to get back through...

[She glanced at Flo.]

I mean, we could throw the little guy up and you could pull us up!

[Not how that would work.]

#underblog💛 #underblog💙 #royal guard raidyn #[finally. lol sorry]

[royalguardraidyn]

Raidyn chuckled slightly, struggling a bit, choking out a small cough afterwards.

Th-thanks...

He felt warmth bubble up in his chest, his expression had eased. Something sweet like honey swirled in his head, he was hazy but it wasn't all bad. He couldn't decipher what it all meant, he'd need time to rest.

The silent pause made his heart sink. The warmth was sapped out instantly, it hurt.

The following question made him feel like he would crumble out of her arms. He didn't want to do this. He physically tensed up, his non-dislocated foot curled, feathers shook and stood on end. Let go let go let go.... He had hoped he could avoid this. He swore under his breath, resisting the urge to struggle out of her hold.

I can't. Tell you that.

It was a nothing excuse, a nothing way to get out of the situation. It didn't help at all, he couldn't just lie but he felt frustration brewing. He couldn't say anything else to avoid the truth, his words proved her theory right anyways. It didn't matter.

Tired and irritated he tossed his head to watch the path forward, light creeping up on the horizon. She kept talking and he listened silently.

Didn't hold back? That wasn't true, he knew that. However he stayed quiet.

And then his foot, it would be fine relatively...

I think I'll be alright. With a bit of patching up that is... it shouldn't be that bad...

My house is also pretty close by I believe, if we're at where I think we are.... It's here and there I can't tell...

If I could. Y'know focus and stuff I could check the uhm... walls....

Some markings are pretty familiar.... I'm......

His eyes felt heavy, he shook his head.

Doesn't matter really, just... want to get out of this cave...

He seemed to be getting a bit drowsy. Biting down he tried to get that feeling to subside... it was persisting.

[Stella continued to lead the two monsters through the tunnels. Based on the markings she left on the wall, she could tell they were getting closer to where she came down from. There were smiley faces left on the wall with little speech bubbles saying hello or letting her know this is the way she came from. She couldn't help but chuckle at her own work.]

[She was... genuinely surprised for a moment that the guard was FINE with her rambling. Could it be that- ...No. No, he said so himself. He likes the talking just so it's not quiet. Not because... Well, that doesn't matter! Anything to make him more comfortable. It at least gives her an excuse to talk more.]

That's super fair, haha. I've never been a fan of silence myself. Usually talk to myself in places like these just to fill the gap. Is that weird? That might be weird.

[She continued to chat on until they made it back to where she experienced today's first problem: The Hole.]

Oh! That's right. Um... So, this is the way we need to go to get to the exit. Up there. I may have fallen. Whoops! It's obviously not too high up but I can't exactly reach. I'm not SHORT but I'm not as tall. So I'm not quite sure how to get back through...

[She glanced at Flo.]

I mean, we could throw the little guy up and you could pull us up!

[Not how that would work.]

#underblog💛 #underblog💙 #royal guard raidyn #[oh buddy...]

[royalguardraidyn]

While she repeated his name he squeezed his arm tighter, his head spun. Some kind of warm fuzziness rippled across his body. It felt strange. He might have smiled if it weren't for the ache and exhaustion. He stuttered out a thank you before anxiously trailing off, muttering to himself again.

Ah... Stella.

That's.. a lovely name.

He seemed to be suddenly deep in thought.

It suits you well.

He rested his hand on his chest and the other drooped to the side. He rolled her name in his mind a bit. He swore that it was familiar. He wondered why.

I-It's- nice. To properly meet you.

He glanced back and forced a smile, his face hurt... But he still should act friendly. It's what's to be expected... He felt he might also want to regardless of what's expected, his heart bubbled with emotion... He hoped it didn't come off as insincere.

The mention of Flo made him wince, his expression soured. He still needs to find them. Yet here he was. He sighed heavily.

Moving onto the other frustrating topic, the injuries. With a clack of his beak and a disappointed hiss he spoke.

It's.... complicated.

He closed his eyes and furrowed his brow, the movement of them walking jostled him a bit. He hissed again and shivered from the pain. It was unavoidable, but it was really distracting. Holding a wing up he coughed slightly, traces of soft debris were left on his feathers. He shook it off, clearing his throat a bit before speaking again.

I was in a fight. It wasn't one sided.

Took on more damage than I anticipated...

He held off on the rest. It made his stomach turn just recalling that 'fight'. It burned in the back of his mind, the smell and sight branded in his memory. His emotions caught up with him, forcing all of his thoughts to a halt. Overridden with ease. He felt tears held back by a thread. He rubbed his face, he wouldn't let himself do that right now. He was far too exhausted for it regardless.

He stayed uncomfortably quiet, left with a sorrowful bitter expression.

[Stella continued to lead the two monsters through the tunnels. Based on the markings she left on the wall, she could tell they were getting closer to where she came down from. There were smiley faces left on the wall with little speech bubbles saying hello or letting her know this is the way she came from. She couldn't help but chuckle at her own work.]

[She was... genuinely surprised for a moment that the guard was FINE with her rambling. Could it be that- ...No. No, he said so himself. He likes the talking just so it's not quiet. Not because... Well, that doesn't matter! Anything to make him more comfortable. It at least gives her an excuse to talk more.]

That's super fair, haha. I've never been a fan of silence myself. Usually talk to myself in places like these just to fill the gap. Is that weird? That might be weird.

[She continued to chat on until they made it back to where she experienced today's first problem: The Hole.]

Oh! That's right. Um... So, this is the way we need to go to get to the exit. Up there. I may have fallen. Whoops! It's obviously not too high up but I can't exactly reach. I'm not SHORT but I'm not as tall. So I'm not quite sure how to get back through...

[She glanced at Flo.]

I mean, we could throw the little guy up and you could pull us up!

[Not how that would work.]

#underblog💛 #underblog💙 #royal guard raidyn #[familiarity... hmmmm?]

[royalguardraidyn]

Raidyn grumbled, he listened to her talk quietly. It was all so frustrating. He signed, bringing a wing up to the bridge of his beak.

His body ached, he felt lightheaded, he couldn't argue anymore really. This wasn't even close to ideal, she seemed very insistent on this... Not much to lose at this point he supposed. He's already been beyond humiliated. He would just have to play along for- Wait what?

Wonderful? His eyes widened... what? what??? What does that- ?!

Before he could process what else she said, he was suddenly scooped up.

He let out a surprised squawk.

Wh- Hh ah! Y-you, woahh...

He stumbled over his words, thoughts rolling at a million miles an hour. She... picked him up... he felt small and meek. He drew his wings up and covered his face, head turned, he tried to speak but the words held steady on his tongue. The pain from being lifted made him wince as he tried to adjust his positioning, he breathed sharply.

That-that's...

Uhm...

He pulled a wing down and rubbed his arm, he was still shaking, maybe even worse now. He tried his best to stabilize his breath and jumbled mind.

He held his breath for a moment, right she didn't know his name.

Sorry- uhm... It's Raidyn- let's

let's get to that I- Getting out I mean...

He lost most of his ability to form coherent sentences it would seem. Shivering, his feathers fluffed. He kept mumbling to himself things that were far to quiet, not that what he was saying was even anything comprehensible.

[Stella continued to lead the two monsters through the tunnels. Based on the markings she left on the wall, she could tell they were getting closer to where she came down from. There were smiley faces left on the wall with little speech bubbles saying hello or letting her know this is the way she came from. She couldn't help but chuckle at her own work.]

[She was... genuinely surprised for a moment that the guard was FINE with her rambling. Could it be that- ...No. No, he said so himself. He likes the talking just so it's not quiet. Not because... Well, that doesn't matter! Anything to make him more comfortable. It at least gives her an excuse to talk more.]

That's super fair, haha. I've never been a fan of silence myself. Usually talk to myself in places like these just to fill the gap. Is that weird? That might be weird.

[She continued to chat on until they made it back to where she experienced today's first problem: The Hole.]

Oh! That's right. Um... So, this is the way we need to go to get to the exit. Up there. I may have fallen. Whoops! It's obviously not too high up but I can't exactly reach. I'm not SHORT but I'm not as tall. So I'm not quite sure how to get back through...

[She glanced at Flo.]

I mean, we could throw the little guy up and you could pull us up!

[Not how that would work.]

#underblog💛 #underblog💙 #royal guard raidyn #[“girl strong... strong girl pick me up... oh golly gee” <- bird boy or something prolly]

[royalguardraidyn]

A whirlpool of emotions flooded and crashed about his pounding skull. Sickly sweet ash filled his senses as he tried to gasp for air. This hurt. More than anything. Yet here someone sat wanting to help him.

Burning confusion outweighed his gratitude, it was impossible for him to accept it. How could he? With a swift yet shaky motion he forced himself upright. Eyes held averted, breath stuttering.

He stayed quiet. Contemplating each word. He still held a wing to his face, the dust clung to his feathers as he drew it away. He stared at his hands, as he sat bent over and shivering, the heat from pain smothered how freezing he was. This wasn't usual for him. That wasn't a good sign.

They certainly did need to get out of those caves quickly. A pit formed in his stomach, he gritted his beak tightly. He didn't want to burden someone again... literally...

I'll be... fine enough.

He finally managed to struggle out a few words.

I can walk. You don't need to carry me....

He wrung his wings with intense discomfort. He hated this. Something about it just.... he felt sick.

But... I don't think I can walk on my own....

Obviously.

....He looked around nervously, anywhere but in the direction of the other monster. He remembered briefly they also mentioned not even knowing his name. That made it infinitely worse. He hung his head, mumbling to himself.

Sorry....

[Stella continued to lead the two monsters through the tunnels. Based on the markings she left on the wall, she could tell they were getting closer to where she came down from. There were smiley faces left on the wall with little speech bubbles saying hello or letting her know this is the way she came from. She couldn't help but chuckle at her own work.]

[She was... genuinely surprised for a moment that the guard was FINE with her rambling. Could it be that- ...No. No, he said so himself. He likes the talking just so it's not quiet. Not because... Well, that doesn't matter! Anything to make him more comfortable. It at least gives her an excuse to talk more.]

That's super fair, haha. I've never been a fan of silence myself. Usually talk to myself in places like these just to fill the gap. Is that weird? That might be weird.

[She continued to chat on until they made it back to where she experienced today's first problem: The Hole.]

Oh! That's right. Um... So, this is the way we need to go to get to the exit. Up there. I may have fallen. Whoops! It's obviously not too high up but I can't exactly reach. I'm not SHORT but I'm not as tall. So I'm not quite sure how to get back through...

[She glanced at Flo.]

I mean, we could throw the little guy up and you could pull us up!

[Not how that would work.]

#underblog💛 #underblog💙 #royal guard raidyn

[royalguardraidyn]

(Damn it... DAMN IT ALL. I let them get away? And for what...)

His mind was spinning with a million thoughts and boundless regrets. Disappointment and dread seeped into every feather. He was shaking, overwhelmed by it all.

Raidyn turned to his now injured foot, it was twisted sickeningly out of place. His brow furrowed and he clattered his beak again. The pain rippled through his leg and burned agonizingly.

Holding himself up with his wings he attempted to stand, crumpling quickly... tears started welling up in his eyes but he forced them down. He lay fallen, a pathetic mess of scorched feathers, scraped skin, and twisted joints.

All the worse this monster here had to witness his weakness. It was too much.

He knew this was going to end badly... he should have expected it.

Failure after failure.

Getting hurt by that monster.... collapsing before the target...... crying before them.... getting lost..... and now this?

With a strangled breath and painful tension he tossed himself over onto his back... that way he wasn't just face down on the cold hard floor. Lightheadedness made him feel nauseous. Powdery residue coated his mouth. It had been a very long time since.... he ignored the memory.

He couldn't stand that this kind soul had to witness them like this. He stared back up at them for only a brief moment before turning away. His face scrunched with anger, disappointment, sadness... He threw his head to the side to avoid looking at them... covering the burned half of his face with a wing.

He had a million thoughts stirring. But nothing to say. Not like speaking was even possible at this given moment. With a tongue too dry and throat too choked up with all of everything happening.

The armor bestowed to him. All his hard work. His dedication. The countless sleepless nights and painful drills. Yet.

In this moment... he felt nothing but unworthy of it.

He held his strained breath, maybe it would have been better if he had-

....

He squeezed his eyes shut. No. No I wouldn't have...

The thought shook him to his core.

[Stella continued to lead the two monsters through the tunnels. Based on the markings she left on the wall, she could tell they were getting closer to where she came down from. There were smiley faces left on the wall with little speech bubbles saying hello or letting her know this is the way she came from. She couldn't help but chuckle at her own work.]

[She was... genuinely surprised for a moment that the guard was FINE with her rambling. Could it be that- ...No. No, he said so himself. He likes the talking just so it's not quiet. Not because... Well, that doesn't matter! Anything to make him more comfortable. It at least gives her an excuse to talk more.]

That's super fair, haha. I've never been a fan of silence myself. Usually talk to myself in places like these just to fill the gap. Is that weird? That might be weird.

[She continued to chat on until they made it back to where she experienced today's first problem: The Hole.]

Oh! That's right. Um... So, this is the way we need to go to get to the exit. Up there. I may have fallen. Whoops! It's obviously not too high up but I can't exactly reach. I'm not SHORT but I'm not as tall. So I'm not quite sure how to get back through...

[She glanced at Flo.]

I mean, we could throw the little guy up and you could pull us up!

[Not how that would work.]

#underblog💛 #underblog💙 #royal guard raidyn

[royalguardraidyn]

Raidyn had just finished pulling up their other 'cave companion' when Flo started rambling and dashed off. He awkwardly hoisted the monster up very quickly to their feet and held them steady for a moment before instantly heel turning to face the direction Flo ran off to. No... NO NO NO..

He should have expected this. No... NO

His voice caught on his tongue, he couldn't speak...

He let out an exasperated gasp before clumsily tilting on his feet and attempting to rush forward.

It was a pitiful attempt to say the least.

He stumbled and clambered as he lunged forward... trying so hard to keep up, the best he possibly could... to get them to stop. With feet flailing he tripped forward, still managing to hold momentum upright. He twisted and and threw himself about as if he had forgotten how to run properly.

He couldn't manage to speak anything other than a shriek as he called out their name with strangled success.

Yet it was met with the cold hard jagged floor.

His claw had caught, twisting painfully.

He was far too hasty.

His head hit the ground, burns scraping against the unwelcoming surface. He yelped in shock and agony, his armor kept his knees and chest from scraping the stone at least. Feathers scattered wildly.

No no no.... not again.... If they run away this time he wouldn't be able to keep up... there's no telling how far they'll go. He didn't believe a word they said. He sincerely had no reason to. Struggling painfully to bring himself upright again.... he swore and clacked his beak in horrified desperation.

[Stella continued to lead the two monsters through the tunnels. Based on the markings she left on the wall, she could tell they were getting closer to where she came down from. There were smiley faces left on the wall with little speech bubbles saying hello or letting her know this is the way she came from. She couldn't help but chuckle at her own work.]

[She was... genuinely surprised for a moment that the guard was FINE with her rambling. Could it be that- ...No. No, he said so himself. He likes the talking just so it's not quiet. Not because... Well, that doesn't matter! Anything to make him more comfortable. It at least gives her an excuse to talk more.]

That's super fair, haha. I've never been a fan of silence myself. Usually talk to myself in places like these just to fill the gap. Is that weird? That might be weird.

[She continued to chat on until they made it back to where she experienced today's first problem: The Hole.]

Oh! That's right. Um... So, this is the way we need to go to get to the exit. Up there. I may have fallen. Whoops! It's obviously not too high up but I can't exactly reach. I'm not SHORT but I'm not as tall. So I'm not quite sure how to get back through...

[She glanced at Flo.]

I mean, we could throw the little guy up and you could pull us up!

[Not how that would work.]

#underblog💛 #royal guard raidyn #underblog💙 #[ooouchies that's certainly not good buddy]

[royalguardraidyn]

Raidyn wrapped his wings firmly around Flo's arms and hoisted them up with an awkward yet quick and harsh motion. Repositioning his other leg he pulled them all the way up to the top of the ledge, wobbling a bit. He grabbed onto the bident conveniently placed to get them away from the hole's edge, yanking on it with a significant amount of force. A bit of electricity crackled, but in safe distance.

He let go quickly and ruffled his feathers, dropping down again and reaching out for the other monster. No time to wait.

He felt a sense of tension and discomfort being in a position like this. With such a dangerous individual beside him... but he didn't have a choice. He silenced his fears as he outstretched his wings.

One down one to go.

Al-alright!

He was significantly out of breath. Pain radiated from his torso, his mouth felt dry with some kind of ashy aftertaste... Gross.... Need get this over with fast.

You next! Grab on!

We're almost outta here...

He strained his wings as far as he could yet again, talon clasped sturdily against the bident.

[Stella continued to lead the two monsters through the tunnels. Based on the markings she left on the wall, she could tell they were getting closer to where she came down from. There were smiley faces left on the wall with little speech bubbles saying hello or letting her know this is the way she came from. She couldn't help but chuckle at her own work.]

[She was... genuinely surprised for a moment that the guard was FINE with her rambling. Could it be that- ...No. No, he said so himself. He likes the talking just so it's not quiet. Not because... Well, that doesn't matter! Anything to make him more comfortable. It at least gives her an excuse to talk more.]

That's super fair, haha. I've never been a fan of silence myself. Usually talk to myself in places like these just to fill the gap. Is that weird? That might be weird.

[She continued to chat on until they made it back to where she experienced today's first problem: The Hole.]

Oh! That's right. Um... So, this is the way we need to go to get to the exit. Up there. I may have fallen. Whoops! It's obviously not too high up but I can't exactly reach. I'm not SHORT but I'm not as tall. So I'm not quite sure how to get back through...

[She glanced at Flo.]

I mean, we could throw the little guy up and you could pull us up!

[Not how that would work.]

#underblog💛 #underblog💙 #royal guard raidyn

[royalguardraidyn]

The compliments from the other monster were at least a bit comforting to his current mood. Despite that he felt a tinge of disingenuous nature to it... he couldn't tell if it was all in his head though... He shook it off. Not important right now.

Ah- uhm thanks...

He mumbled something under his breath...

After gathering his breath and steading himself he assessed the situation now. Have to get those two up now.

For safe measure Raidyn summoned his bident, with a heavy slam he jabbed it into the ground. Sparks flew wildly. He tugged it slightly, making sure it was secure.

He carefully lowered himself to the ground, thankfully his armor was thick enough so that his fresh wound wouldn't scrape the stone... it still stung from the movement...

He took a free talon and gripped the bident behind him, so that if anything were to happen, he would be dragged down. He reached both his wings out to grab the two and haul them up. Fortunately his arms were plenty long enough to reach.

We may need to go one at a time... I don't know how I'd grab both of you at once. It's a bit- Too far for that.

He reached his wings out as far as he could. Clearly straining a bit.

One of you just- grab on or something.

[Stella continued to lead the two monsters through the tunnels. Based on the markings she left on the wall, she could tell they were getting closer to where she came down from. There were smiley faces left on the wall with little speech bubbles saying hello or letting her know this is the way she came from. She couldn't help but chuckle at her own work.]

[She was... genuinely surprised for a moment that the guard was FINE with her rambling. Could it be that- ...No. No, he said so himself. He likes the talking just so it's not quiet. Not because... Well, that doesn't matter! Anything to make him more comfortable. It at least gives her an excuse to talk more.]

That's super fair, haha. I've never been a fan of silence myself. Usually talk to myself in places like these just to fill the gap. Is that weird? That might be weird.

[She continued to chat on until they made it back to where she experienced today's first problem: The Hole.]

Oh! That's right. Um... So, this is the way we need to go to get to the exit. Up there. I may have fallen. Whoops! It's obviously not too high up but I can't exactly reach. I'm not SHORT but I'm not as tall. So I'm not quite sure how to get back through...

[She glanced at Flo.]

I mean, we could throw the little guy up and you could pull us up!

[Not how that would work.]

#underblog💛 #royal guard raidyn #underblog💙 #[golly he's trying his best!]

[royalguardraidyn]

Raidyn huffed, she wasn't exactly wrong but he still didn't like it. No, just because he wasn't in the best of shape didn't mean he wasn't fully capable of scaling the wall. He had a plan and he was sticking to it.

He winced, "no help for any of us"........ He felt bitter. The feathers on his neck bristled, something about that really struck a cord.

You're right, this is the easiest option.

With all due respect I highly doubt you'd be able to pull me up. That or I'd have to take my armor off. I certainly will not be doing that.

His feathers ruffled from tension. He shook his head slightly.

I do appreciate the concern. But still.

He abruptly heel-turned to face the wall again. Took a few step back. Dropped low the ground.

With a deep breath and a few bounces on his feet, he lunged forward.

He didn't wait for the other's to speak, and ignored when they did.

Digging his claws deep into the wall helped him leverage upwards. With a heavy and strangled thrash of his wings he propelled himself up, kicking off of the wall and curling in his legs and talons as far as he could.

With just barely enough clearance, he outstretched his claws again and stumbled onto the ledge. Wobbling awkwardly for a few moments but sticking the landing.

He turned towards the others below him, he had sort of a looming presence that seemed less than pleased.

There....

Simple enough.

He was waiting a few moments before moving onto the next step. Had to catch his breath. Panting heavily... lurching over a bit... but he seemed to be steeling back his nerves enough at least... for now.

[Stella continued to lead the two monsters through the tunnels. Based on the markings she left on the wall, she could tell they were getting closer to where she came down from. There were smiley faces left on the wall with little speech bubbles saying hello or letting her know this is the way she came from. She couldn't help but chuckle at her own work.]

[She was... genuinely surprised for a moment that the guard was FINE with her rambling. Could it be that- ...No. No, he said so himself. He likes the talking just so it's not quiet. Not because... Well, that doesn't matter! Anything to make him more comfortable. It at least gives her an excuse to talk more.]

That's super fair, haha. I've never been a fan of silence myself. Usually talk to myself in places like these just to fill the gap. Is that weird? That might be weird.

[She continued to chat on until they made it back to where she experienced today's first problem: The Hole.]

Oh! That's right. Um... So, this is the way we need to go to get to the exit. Up there. I may have fallen. Whoops! It's obviously not too high up but I can't exactly reach. I'm not SHORT but I'm not as tall. So I'm not quite sure how to get back through...

[She glanced at Flo.]

I mean, we could throw the little guy up and you could pull us up!

[Not how that would work.]

#royal guard raidyn #underblog💛 #underblog💙 #[BOY YOU ARE SO HASTY]

[royalguardraidyn]

Raidyn let his mind ease while listening to the other monster talk, relief from his racing thoughts. He smiled faintly with sincere appreciation. He closed his eyes a few seconds at a time, enjoying himself, nodding and piping in with some brief words to acknowledge them talking. Letting her know that he was still very much intently listening. It certainly was a nice break from everything else going on.

And then they stopped. Raidyn ruffled his feathers, surprised, he regained his composure to asses the situation.

His calm expression was swiftly replaced by a disappointed grimace.

He ignored the other two for a few moments, ruffling his wings. He stepped to the side, approaching the wall that blocked his path, he peered upwards trying to estimated the distance.

Not too far. But far enough to be annoying.

He let out a deep and heavy sigh...

He started fluttering his wings to warm them up. Hoping to have enough strength for this, there's a chance he wouldn't... but it's not like he has much of a choice.

We aren't gonna throw anyone anywhere.

He turned back to the others. One wing planted on his hip and the other gesturing to where they needed to be.

I'll lift us out of here, it's a short enough distance.

It'll be tricky, but if I do this quickly I can fly to the top.

It'll be much easier.

From there I'll pull you two up.

He winced at the thought of that kind of effort, it's gonna hurt a ton. No matter though, gotta do something to fix this. As usual, it's up to him to solve it....

[Stella continued to lead the two monsters through the tunnels. Based on the markings she left on the wall, she could tell they were getting closer to where she came down from. There were smiley faces left on the wall with little speech bubbles saying hello or letting her know this is the way she came from. She couldn't help but chuckle at her own work.]

[She was... genuinely surprised for a moment that the guard was FINE with her rambling. Could it be that- ...No. No, he said so himself. He likes the talking just so it's not quiet. Not because... Well, that doesn't matter! Anything to make him more comfortable. It at least gives her an excuse to talk more.]

That's super fair, haha. I've never been a fan of silence myself. Usually talk to myself in places like these just to fill the gap. Is that weird? That might be weird.

[She continued to chat on until they made it back to where she experienced today's first problem: The Hole.]

Oh! That's right. Um... So, this is the way we need to go to get to the exit. Up there. I may have fallen. Whoops! It's obviously not too high up but I can't exactly reach. I'm not SHORT but I'm not as tall. So I'm not quite sure how to get back through...

[She glanced at Flo.]

I mean, we could throw the little guy up and you could pull us up!

[Not how that would work.]

#royal guard raidyn #underblog💛 #underblog💙 #[ahhh ever the responsible one tsk tsk...]

[royalguardraidyn]

Raidyn kept moving forward, his eyes were trained on the ground. He couldn't quite place the right words for a few moments so he just nodded along with their new acquaintances' story. It was hard to pay attention to anything other than the burning sensation from his injuries and worn out limbs, he tried his best nonetheless.

He turned his head up again once she started to trail off...

Oh- N-no that's fine I don't mind really. Talking is preferred to the dead air.... Never liked how quiet it is in here....

Good for passing the time anyways....

He shivered, his body ached, he returned his gaze to the floor again...

He really didn't like how quiet everything was in the depths... one of many reasons he hated the place. There were other not so fond memories associated with it.... he did his best to force those thoughts down again as usual. The past kept trying to resurface at the most inconvenient times, this whole situation wasn't ideal. He squeezed his arm and shook his head, he'll figure that out later. Not now. Now is what's important.

They were going to get out soon, that was the important thing here. Nothing else really. Or was it?

Despite his attempts, he felt himself slipping into overthinking the situation again... He started getting lost in thought...

His eyes narrowed, tail swishing back and forth, he nervously rubbed his arm. Worries whirled through his head.

He hoped that if she kept talking, he could drown his thoughts again....

[Alexander walked out of the house, calling out for Marth as he looked around.]

MARTH??? WHERE ARE YOU?? I hope he's okay.. he can't be dead.. come on..

#underblog💛 #royal guard raidyn #underblog💙 #[traumatic situations bring up old memories... who woulda thought!]

[royalguardraidyn]

Raidyn tilted his head slightly, she certainly was an interesting character... seemed rather sweet. He smiled faintly only to be taken aback instantly by a bright light right in his eyes. Doubling back slightly, he almost tripped over his own feet. He pulled his head back and used his wing to cover his face. Jeez this lady sure is something else...

AH-!

Uhm...

He squinted and blinked a few times trying to readjust his eyesight. So she had noticed the injury. Great.

He turned his head uncomfortably and averted his gaze out of shame. He wrung his wings together for a moment before realizing what she had said. An offer to help? To help him specifically? It felt strange to him, it really was sticking in his head. She seemed genuine. Something about the way she spoke felt comforting, her intentions are extremely transparent. That alone made Raidyn only slightly, but at least a bit, less wary.

That... I would... really appreciate that.

Th-thank you.

He still kept his gaze down, but the tension from the initial encounter was starting to wear off.

Maybe this won't be all too bad.

He started pacing forward, hobbling for a few moments, quickly regaining footing after awkwardly wobbling. His clumsy pathetic display was starting to really make him upset. He tugged slightly at his own arm, biting down his profound frustration. He hung his head as he started moving forward along their marked path.

It's clear he didn't have much to say, at least for now.

[Alexander walked out of the house, calling out for Marth as he looked around.]

MARTH??? WHERE ARE YOU?? I hope he's okay.. he can't be dead.. come on..

#underblog💛 #royal guard raidyn #underblog💙

[royalguardraidyn]

Raidyn scowled and shot a disappointed glance towards Flo. Should of known better than to think they would go along with what he said... Not a smart idea but fine... he had to deal with the cards he was handed now. Unfortunately.

He rubbed his scarred face with a wing, he winced from the pressure but tried to not show his pain too obviously. It wasn't very successful considering the very visible flinch from when he made contact, he wasn't doing too great. Despite the pain he kept his wing up to his face, he spun his bident and planted it on the ground.

He cleared his throat and tilted his head up.

I mean, it's not like we were all that lost right? If... uh, this fine monster here came from the way we were heading that must mean we were on the right path all along.

So quick to doubt a guard's navigational skills. Tsk.

He seemed too exhausted to refute the other claims...

But...

I suppose It wouldn't hurt to have some definite guidance...

He winced.

If you don't mind that is....

He seemed extremely anxious, trying to awkwardly position himself between the two as he stepped forward...

We would certainly appreciate it...

There was nothing he despised more than asking someone, especially a random civilian, for assistance. Desperate times however call for painful choices.

[Alexander walked out of the house, calling out for Marth as he looked around.]

MARTH??? WHERE ARE YOU?? I hope he's okay.. he can't be dead.. come on..

#royal guard raidyn #underblog💛 #underblog💙

[royalguardraidyn]

Raidyn tensed up, there was someone here? That wasn't good. The only people he knew of being down here was a group that wasn't to be messed with. A suspicious bunch to say the least. He stuck a wing out to guard Flo behind him, listening intently for the footsteps and humming in the distance.

When they revealed themselves however he sighed heavily, they were the most harmless monster that could have shown up. He dropped his wing and lowered his weapon into a much softer glow. Raidyn tilted his head trying to display at least a bit of a friendly demeaner despite the.... circumstances.

Ah- no don't.. worry about it. Not like either of us could of predicted this- uhm...

He stalled for a moment, rubbing the back of his neck with a shaky wing.

His voice was still raspy and worn out, his exhaustion seeped through into his speech.

I suppose I could ask you the same.... you know citizens shouldn't be down here.

That doesn't.. really matter right now though- I guess...

He was obviously discomforted by the idea that anyone had ran into them while they were stuck down here... How was he going to admit as a guard that he was lost. He tilted his head so that his burns were facing away from the other monster, he didn't need them asking any questions... things could get- complicated.

We were just traveling out of the caverns now....

This one got lost and I'm just trying to help them out... y'know... guard things....

His unease was absurdly obvious. He seemed to be a bit too tired to come up with a better excuse. His jaw clenched at the thought of involving a random citizen in this... his averted gaze was an obvious tell. Hopefully they wouldn't ask too many questions... or notice that the kid he was guiding was in fact a Human. Some monsters don't respond very well to that.... he suspected they weren't that kind of monster but you couldn't be too sure.

He squinted his eyes and gave a sideways glance towards the newcomer.

[Alexander walked out of the house, calling out for Marth as he looked around.]

MARTH??? WHERE ARE YOU?? I hope he's okay.. he can't be dead.. come on..

#royal guard raidyn #underblog💛 #underblog💙 #[THE STELLA IS HERE.... HIIII STELLLLLLAAAAA]

[royalguardraidyn]

I uhm... I'm not sure...

But! Not to worry, we just need to find something... like a scratch mark... I was marking up the caverns on my way- should be able to maybe find something to guide us through?

Something that I'll recognize... hopefully... With that I'm sure we can get out.

Before them stood several split paths, none of them hinted at any sort of familiarity. The pressure of the darkness made Raidyn shiver... he wasn't one to believe in ghosts or hauntings but one thing did terrify him- Getting fully and completely lost. There was a reason why he was so good at memorizing maps.

He still had a faint sense of confidence in his surroundings however. It wasn't the first time he had gotten lost like this, it's all a matter of making sure you are staying on a specific path and don't start turning in circles. In the underground, if you follow one straight path, you are set to find some sort of exit eventually. Raidyn was at least a bit thankful for the fact that their running path happened to be mostly in one direction, there were plenty of turns but they mostly led straight forward.

He clacked his beak and drew up his bident again, shooting electricity at an intense voltage towards the prongs. They glowed brightly, illuminating a large potion of the caves and each of the possible winding pathways.

Raidyn turned towards Flo. A strange sense of confidence still held him straight and balanced despite how tired he was at this point, at least the sort of calmness of the situation was giving him time to rest his lungs and loosen the tension in his aching body.

Things had worked out relatively fine, things were going to be alright. For some unknown reason he was overwhelmed with a strong sense of responsibility again. He was going to lead them out of there.

He nodded towards them and tilted the bident slightly, gesturing towards the path directly in front of them.

We should get going now, staying put won't do us much good even if we are lost.

He turned back around and started uncomfortably pacing forward, his tail flicking back and forth rhythmically. He rose one wing up and signaled their now ward to follow along. He didn't turn back to see if they would follow, he hoped they would do so, it's the only reasonable choice there anyways.

[Alexander walked out of the house, calling out for Marth as he looked around.]

MARTH??? WHERE ARE YOU?? I hope he's okay.. he can't be dead.. come on..

#royal guard raidyn #underblog💛 #underblog💙