darkSpyro

Since Snow wasn't startled, or fascinated to say the least, it probably meant she hasn't seen the snake just yet, and Sybil intended to keep it that way.
"Oh, well, not in this spot. The dirt here gets so muddy that it sometimes feel like quicksand." Sybil falsely warned, creating an excuse for Snow and her brother to play somewhere else for the time being so that she could continue escorting Naga to his home. She wondered why Snow hasn't noticed someone so big, but didn't looked behind her to avoid arising suspicions. Naga was very good at camouflaging, so maybe that was the reason the cub hasn't seen him up to this point...

Sybil grabbed Rose's ear, almost as if scolding her, and started to whisper.
"Now listen here Rose. I only brought him to receive Crystal's blessing. He, like the rest of us, needed it. Remember that Shadow is becoming powerful, and can you imagine the disaster it would've been if Shadow ever got the chance to possess him!?" Sybil explained, angry at the fact that she had to explain herself to Rose. Shadow has possessed Naga before, but Sybil didn't know that. She did, however, believed that Shadow could become powerful to the point of possession against somebody's will. And Naga, whether they liked it or not, was part of the Haven now, and needed protection and service like everyone else.

As Sybil escorted him-- Naga remained quiet for the most part seeming to be lost in through or perhaps conflicted. 'The tiger's kids can wait. But you... are you truly what the so-called Crystal claims you to be? An guardian, shapeshifter, and former Cheetah in a past life?," he asked the strange shadow-like entity in his mind.

"Kids-- come inside now!," Sayan called out urgently not wanting the cubs to have anything to do with Naga. "Come on sis! We better get inside.," Hunter said not wanting his sister to get in trouble again.

Sybil looked very uncomfortable and troubled, not having noticed how close she has been to Sayan's den at that moment.
"Listen please. I brought him here to receive Crystal's blessing. That is all. We're on the way to the swamp now." Sybil explained, that being her best attempt at defending Naga's presence there. She was very uneasy on how quiet Naga has been the entire time, but that wasn't her business. Her mission now was to escort the python back home before anybody else sees him...

"Not gonna happen. We'll be on our way before he can see where the cubs went." Sybil whispered to Rose, signaling the python to continue following her. As much as she wanted to trust Naga and to treat him as one of the Haven residents, he was just too dangerous to have a complete trust in, even if he didn't have Shadow's manipulation anymore. Sybil told him where she lived, so she hoped that was enough to avoid him from suspecting just how wary she still was of him. After all, he was both a reptile and a predator, and just as Crocux himself proved that morning, no matter how much you tried to befriend them, reptiles were too temperamental and deadly... or at least, that was what Crocux's threat to Sybil made her believed. She didn't want to have any prejudicial thoughts about anybody, no matter the genus or species, but that was what Crocux's treason has done to her...

"Of course. Later today." Sybil expressed, still having that in her agenda. She really wanted to spend with the siblings, but something always came up. As soon as she was done with Naga, she was going to spend some time with them and she didn't intend to have any more distractions.

At the marine bird's home, the young pelican whom Marina insulted was growing impatient and furious. He has expected Sybil to come up at the beach sooner or later now that the rain has mellowed down, but still no signs of her. Was she neglecting the beach because the orca game was postponed yet again? Whatever the reason, the pelican had enough. He was going to see Sybil himself even if it meant flying around that annoying foliage...

"Yes. Come now Naga. Time to head home." Sybil said, as kindly as possible, wanting the python out of Haven territory in fear that he may like it a little too much. There was no sign of warblers around... or so Sybil believed. Peepers, who had come to visit the cubs, was just a few feet above them, and just seconds before he could speak to Rose, he spotted Sybil with the python behind her, and has remained perfectly still ever since. He was hidden by some leaves, but knowing how keen a snake's sense of smell was, he was afraid. He hoped the smell of the wet leaves hiding him was enough to keep him out of sight, but even still, it was impossible to be unafraid of something that can devour you in a single bite, and that use to make a living out of that. The python seemed very distracted in his own thoughts though, and praying that he left already, Peepers remained in his hiding spot. He wasn't one to question Mistress Sybil, but what the heck was she thinking on bringing the deadly predator right there to their homes?

meanwhile Crocux traveled. he had gotten into a few fights along the way and they were pretty close calls but he won in the end. he had traveled quite a distance away from Haven and kept moving hoping he could find a solution to his temper.

While Crocux travelled, things at the Haven were tense with the python's presence. No warbler but Peepers knew of his presence, so that was some good news at least.

But back at Hunted island, Yodel had it made. After a feast, he suddenly fell asleep, taking a nap right there, right now. It was a good thing that he fell asleep, since that meant the ride he asked Sunflame was now postponed, giving both the serval and the wombat some time off. But as the bitter warbler slumbered, Whirlpool left to the beach to ask for an orca to take him to the Haven. Barloc was right. Yodel was taking too much advantage of his and his companion's hospitality, and it was about time Yodel left. He was flightless, and not even Whirlpool knew if there was a chance that he would fly again, but Yodel wasn't stationary. He could walk just fine, and it was time for him to leave and leave the caring to somebody else...

OOC: Spyroconvexity, remember that Shadow still has me, AJ, the little margay that he can torment. Also does anyone have any idea where Waaksian has gotten off to? He is in charge of the dingoes and the snakes that I, AJ, am so close to.

OOC: I spoke to Waaksian and I am waiting for a reply. She didn't participated in the last one because she left lost and a little left out, but now that this isa new RP, she may still be interested. If not, I'll let you have her characters if she allows it.

Unaware that Peepers was just feet above her, Sybil encouraged Naga to continue heading home while she escorted him. The snake seemed to be pondering about something, perhaps about what just happened? She never would imagine he was speaking this guardian right now, since the interactions usually occur when they're asleep...

As Rose and the kids returned inside, Sayan stood by the entrance just in case now more weary then ever.

"I see... and how does one such as yourself become-- what you are now? How does one become an guardian and what does that... what does that make the one known as Shadow?," Naga replied in his head. Meanwhile, he continued to follow seeming to pay no attention towards any curious bystanders.

Sybil continued escorting Naga, still noticing how he seemed almost in a daze. Maybe he was still processing the ritual that he just went through, or maybe he just felt funny. Nevertheless, Sybil didn't try to have a conversation along the way, deciding to leave Naga alone with his thoughts. He didn't seem like the type to like long conversations, so Sybil left it at that. But as they got near the swamp, Sybil wondered how Crocux was doing. He left just that morning, yet she was starting to miss him already. One thing was for certain; that crocodile was going to receive the scold of his life for such a humongously reckless and thoughtless decision once he came back...

While Sybil continued escorting Naga, she tried to keep her mind off Crocux, and instead focused on the relief about Shadow not having anybody that he could torment or manipulate, at least no one particularly dangerous that is. She knew fully well that there were still a few Haven residents in need of blessing, like AJ and Sholeh, but they posed no particular threat. Sybil already made the offer to Sholeh a few days ago and she declined, though not before assuring her that she wouldn't work for Shadow ever again no matter how much he annoyed her. Sybil couldn't force Sholeh to go through the ritual if she didn't want to, so she was giving her time to think about it. As for AJ, he was quite a nomadic fellow, and not even his roommate Sholeh knew where he disappeared to nearly all the time, so not much Sybil could do on that matter except waiting to encounter AJ by chance...

Peppers made sure that Sybil and the python were far away, and once they disappeared from sight, he made himself present.
"Whew. That's very good. How did you know I was there?" he asked, surprised on how Rose was able to tell he was there when neither Sybil or the python even noticed.

Peepers was relived it was just a guess, since that meant he could hide really well in times of dangerous.
"Well, yes, I still need to know them better. I just hope they treat me gently." Peepers said as he followed Rose to the den. He has seen the cubs before, but never got to meet them personally. He has seen how they liked to roughhouse each other, so he hoped he didn't meet the same treatment.
"You know, I usually don't question the Mistress, but bringing that beast here was going too far. Couldn't she just bring Crystal to the python's territory instead? I'm pretty sure that caracal can do her ritual anywhere. She did it at the beach once." Peepers expressed, having been against Sybil's decision this time. He was one of the most reasonable warblers around, but even he was against having Naga in warbler territory.

Peepers simply nodded as he entered the den, determined to forget all about Sybil's poor decision and leave it up to Rose. He then requested the cubs.
"Well then. We're are the little tykes? Uncle Peepers is eager to play." Peepers said with a playful voice, making it hard to remember that he was actually a middle aged warbler, probably about to reach his sixties in human years.

"Hey child... oh no wait, gently, gently!" Peepers said nervously as he saw how fast Snow was rushing towards him. He knew children were innocent, but could become extremely insensible and dangerous without meaning it, especially considering Peeper's size compared to the cubs. Snow seemed like the energetic one of the pair.

While there was that ray of happiness at Sayan and Rose's den, Sybil was almost done with the escort. The python seemed extremely distracted, and even though she didn't want to mind his business, it was driving her crazy not knowing why the python was in such a daze. He looked like he was daydreaming, with Sybil theorizing it was the result of having such a powerful spirit protecting him. She didn't feel that way when the ritual on her was completed, and neither of her friends, so maybe Naga's case was special?

Quote: Spyroconvexity

"one has to die first and do things that help mortals. But as for shadow he is a evil spirit that has never gotten what he wanted. He is restless and is going to presue his prey I till he gets what he wants." Ender said.

"I seeee.... and is it? ...is it only here that such things occur? This so called Haven-- it seems to attract such thing more then I have ever seen or heard off.," Naga then asked within his mind. Naga was so lost in the conversation-- he would have been embarrassed on just how open he was leaving himself and never have been so absorbed otherwise.

"Kids-- remember that Peepers isn't as ... excitable as you are. Gently... gently now!," Sayan called watching the interaction.
"Hey Snow... wait up!," Hunter called catching up to the energetic cub.

Like before, Sybil continued ignoring Naga's apparent daze. Finally, the had reached the swamp, and they were only a few yards away from where the two of them always met when needing to talk. It has all gone smoothly... until an oversight of Sybil's part made her fell through some very thick mud. It felt like quicksand, but thankfully, it wasn't. One could sink if they struggled too much nonetheless, just like the real thing, but Sybil knew it was best to keep calm. Since the python still seemed too distracted, Sybil started to pull herself out alone.
"Don't trouble yourself. I can get out." Sybil said sarcastically, not even sure if the snake even heard her. She swam towards the edge of the mud puddle and using a root, she successfully started to pull herself out. The mud was very heavy, so it was probably going to take her a few minutes to get out. Nevertheless, with the python's help or not, as soon as she got out, she was going to leave immediately, since the escort was now over.

At Sayan's den, Peepers decided that it was better to avoid the cubs for the time being, so he flew off from place to place before he could be caught. He wanted the cubs to spend some of their energy before starting to play with them.

"That is... wait...," Naga said seeming to come to attention when the civet leader started falling behind. He had suddenly realized just out of it he had been-- and quickly extended his long slithery body to almost act as a lasso around Sybil. "Hold still... otherwise you may not like the result...," he warned as he slightly squeezed himself around the civet for grip and proceeded forward. The squeeze was slightly tight, but not too tight and he soon dragged Sybil slowly out of the thick mud. He shook his head-- as if to come of the apparently daze and let go of Sybil. After ridding him of Shadow-- part of him couldn't let the civet merely drown especially so close to his own domain. And he had much to figure out now that he was apparently left to his own devices-- and something else.

"... Thanks." Sybil said forcefully, angry to have tripped into that mud puddle. The rains had made the terrain almost like quicksand, so it was no wonder she had encountered such saturated soil.
"Well, this is our stop. I'll... be on my way then." Sybil then commented, as she tried to clean herself. She needed quite the bath, since that mud was easily stuck on fur. She believed the python's rescue wasn't necessary, since she could've gotten out alone, but at least he saved her some time and energy with the pull. It felt creepy how strong that squeeze was, even in a rescue. She pity so much his chosen prey... if he bothered with the squeeze that is, considering how small his preferred food source was.

Quote: Spyroconvexity

"Oh come on Uncle Peepers! I want to play with you!" Snow said.

"Uncle Peepers is slippery today." Peepers said comically, still flying around avoiding the cubs. He was doing quite well, especially since there wasn't much space in the den for him to fly around. He was going to continue to avoid the cubs until one of them could catch him, so that when they did, they would've depleted some of their energy.

Peepers could see that his plan wasn't working, since the cubs, especially Snow, didn't seem tired at all, but he was quite old, so he was the one getting tired. After a few seconds more, he continued flying from spot to spot, but what little space he had, plus his tiresome body, there was no doubt he was going to get caught by one of the eager cubs eventually, but while it happens, he was determined to give them a challenge for a little while longer...

Peepers continued on for a little while longer, but then the time came where he perched on a rock and started to breathe loudly. He didn't have his youth anymore, so games like that tire him out. He was happy that he was able to keep it up for that long though.
"Alright children. That's enough. You caught me. Poor uncle Peepers is turning out to be an old geezer." Peepers said inhaling the air, hating the fact that he didn't have the vigor he use to have. Whatever the cubs had planned with him, he was ready to accept it, as long as they were gentle. At least he was able to avoid them all this time and he was only at their mercy because he himself gave up, so Peepers was glad that he hasn't completely lost his touch.

Peepers sighed with relief, very glad that Snow decided to be more lovable than playful. He has seen how much she and her brother love to roughhouse each other, so he has been expecting a similar treatment.
"Oh yeah. That warmth is good for these rains." Peepers commented, seeing how, despite the rain having stopped, it was still cold outside. Being so close to Snow made him appreciate her fur better, and it was quite spectacular. As fluffy and soft as her parents, but he did find it strange how she was white when her parents weren't. It couldn't be albinism, since she had spots and stripes. Maybe some of Rose's ancestors were white tigers? He knew Bengal tigers sometimes came in white, but he didn't know if Siberians did as well. Whatever the case, it truly was a thing of wonder how Sayan and Rose, being different species, could produce offspring of their own.

Near the den, the young pelican that Marina insulted, still full of anger, was roaming around the forest. He got lost many times, and was losing quite a large amount of patience.
"Mistress Sybil!? MISTRESS SYBIL!!! Darn it! That civet says she is willing to be of service, but she's never around when one needs her the most." he complained irritated, never having asked Sybil anything, but now that he needed her, she was nowhere in sight...

"Well finally somebody! I've been looking for Mistress Sybil for, like, an hour!" the pelican complained, kicking a few branches to try to speak more calmly.
"Listen! I need to speak to the Mistress! There is an urgent matter... well, two matters actually." the pelican explained, not knowing that Crocux leaving the Haven wasn't a secret anymore. But that wasn't his priority. He wanted Marina punished, but he wasn't certain that Rose could handle it. He knew she was Sybil's successor, but the civet was still the one with the most authority, so the pelican wanted her.

"Indeed it is. You won't mind if uncle Peepers does a little fur nest on your head, do you?" Peepers asked, already perching on her head before even waiting for a reply.

The pelican shook his head, not trusting Rose enough with the punishment. He believed she was too soft for the job.
"Nuh uh. I really think the Mistress should take care of this one." the pelican assured, still more interested in Marina's punishment than Crocux's departure. However, he realized the latter could be told to Rose.
"But... I'll just give you one the news. It's that mangy crocodile Crocux. I just saw him leave the Haven at near noon." the pelican informed, knowing Rose had a right to know as much as Sybil. He really didn't care that much for Crocux, especially after growing some disdain towards him thanks to Marina's threat.

Peepers proceeded to accommodate Snow's hair to his comfort, but as he proceeded, he didn't want Hunter to feel left out.
"You too Master Hunter. You can lend me your tail after I'm done." Peepers said with a smile, wanting the cubs to feel they were doing something nice, but at the same time keep himself warm from that near unforgiving cold.

The pelican nodded, looking as if he didn't care about his departure.
"I saw him cross the current a while ago. At first, I thought he was just going to hunt fish, but there aren't many fish beyond a current, and he hasn't returned, so I suppose he decided to leave the Haven. Well good riddance to him! He's an unstable beast whose... friends use him as a weapon." The pelican expressed, letting out some of his frustration. He was still unable to forgive how Marina threatened him to Crocux, and even though he ended up defending him, he heard too many negative stories about Crocux to actually care for him.

"Well, you better hold on. Uncle Peepers needs his rest." Peepers said with a laugh, almost as if he was testing the cub's patience, but especially Snow's.

"Well, friends don't take advantage of their strength to have power over somebody else." the pelican expressed, having heard so many times from gossips how Crocux took advantage of his strength, plus his famous temper. And attacking Yodel just made things worse for the pelican. Even if the warbler deserved it, it demonstrated how dangerous he truly was. And that was without even knowing yet what Crocux almost did to Sybil that morning. His view was damaging enough as it was.
"And speaking of taking advantage, when will the Mistress return? She needs to seriously punish somebody right now. My apologies Rosa, but the Mistrees will have to start to ban certain animals from entering the Haven. Many think they deserve to order and overpower everyone around, and that won't do. You and Mr. Sayan are decent carnivores at least, but too many guest are just power hungry jerks!" the pelican commented, letting loose more of his frustration. Even if he wasn't particularly caring of Rose and Sayan, he had some degree of respect for them.