OOC: Reserved for just between me and a friend for now, sorry.

IC
Another day long gone, another lonely night full of fresh kills awaiting me. The silver dragon lifted his head lazily off his paws, resisting a yawn that played at the back of his throat. He gazed out of the small cave embedded in the side of the mountain that he resided in, eying the snow covered ground and foliage as the suns setting light illuminated them in a warm glow. It was a heart-warming, tear jerking picturesque setting with the birds chirping as they found their ways home and other small, furry creatures began burrowing into the ground for a safe nights sleep. It made him sick to his four stomachs.
He turned is head away, slowly coming to a stand as he unraveled his long serpent like body from the ball he slept in and stretched his back. The large shield like plate that was perched at the end of his tail scraped against the back wall of the cave as his head almost reached the mouth of it. He needed to find a new place to sleep before the night was over. . this cave in particular was just too small. If he tried to stretch his wings, he'd probably break them.
With a deep sigh, he jumped from the mouth of the cave, into the open air, and let his long, bat like wings unfurl to catch him before he hit the tree tops. He glided, not bothering to flap. There was no need. The cave he slept in last night looked over a large hill that sloped downward abruptly to a much lower part of the mountain where there was no snow. And he knew at the bottom was plenty of meat readying themselves for a good nights sleep.
With only one graceful flap, he glided downwards, circled once, and finally found a clearing with tall grass where a herd of deer were settling down. With one swift movement, he pulled in his wings, let himself fall silently upon the clearing, and sunk his talons into two unsuspecting deers as he hit the ground, the rest scattering as their instincts told them, too. He waited for any movement before he feasted on the two, eating them each in two swift bites. After that, he simply lied down in the clearing, rolled onto his back, and took in a deep breath of fresh air.
And then the next thing he knew, he was a fifteen year old boy, lying on his back in the large clearing where a large portion of the grass was flattened. His expression was neutral, his eyes were cold, and he was bare chested, wearing nothing but a pair of white shorts reaching to his knees and revealing how unhealthily pale his skin seemed. He let his star-filled ebony eyes close and he rested his hands on his stomach. A single thought drifted into mind, as the same usually did about this time and multiple times more before he would retreat into a cave before dawn.
What's the point?

His eyes snapped open but the neutral expression didn't leave his face. He simply stared up at the sky a moment after he'd heard the voice, his mind racing of all the possible outcomes of this single action as it always did. Eventually, he silently sad up, not moving other wise, and stayed there, with his back to the man.
He spoke hesitantly, as if saying the wrong the would earn him reprimand while still trying to sound nonchalant. Though for someone who never shows emotion, that's hard.
"No. . no dragons around here. You might wanna try one of the other mountains. . ." He didn't dare look at the other male, despite the slight annoyance he felt for being called 'sonny'. He didn't know why that irked him. His voice was quiet, calm. ". . or if not that, another clearing." Glancing around him from the corners of his eyes, he realized the shape he had left before shape shifting into his human form. He hoped the other male didn't notice. .

He gritted his teeth, closing his eyes again when the male announced the depression. He cursed to himself mentally and began to stand, not bothering to brush himself off before heading in the opposite direction the male was standing.
"You must have just missed him then. Sorry about your luck. Fare well."
He waved, as he knew most people did when saying goodbye, but didn't turn around. He couldn't risk talking to any body. It was simply too dangerous for someone like him. .

He stopped abruptly as the male rounded to stand in front of him. He stared down at the other, about two or three inches shorter than him, and had to try and force himself to relax. When the other held out his hand and introduced himself as Laiel, he sort of looked at his hand strangely. He in all honesty had no idea what the other expected him to do. So he ignored Laiel's hand and abruptly turned the other way, starting to walk as he spoke.
"And I'm leaving. .have a nice night." He had a really bad feeling about this. . he wasn't sure if he was going to be able to shake the other male.

He complied. He had no choice but to agree. The male was right, the least he could do was tell him his name. But speaking his name was of more risk than he liked. . this. . Laiel truly had no idea what he was getting himself into. And what the heck was up with him anyway? He was definitely a strange one. Not that he, himself, had any room to talk. .
He slowed to a stop, but didn't turn around just yet. He was still hesitant, not sure why he even bothered to pretend he cared. But what the hell as he supposed to do? It was the first human contact he'd had in months. He looked over his shoulder slightly before turning half way and gazing at the male calmly. Strangely enough, his eyes didn't look as cold as they normally did. And the white speckles that lied randomly within in his ebony eyes glinted as he spoke.
"My name is Ese."

Ese straightened himself, brow furrowing as he eyed the other male confusingly. He may not have been around people much of his life, but he sure felt like Laiel was a bit of a nut job. Usually people caught hints. . right? He shook his head slightly, turning away from the male. If he followed him, so be it. But he wanted out of and away from the clearing. Maybe he'd find some carnivore to hopefully eat him before he found another cave for the night. Or maybe he could miraculously get rid of him if he fell down a big hole. .
His thoughts were suddenly interrupted when a more important one rained down upon him and almost made him stop in his tracks. Until he got rid of the male, he had to be sure to stay out of the moonlight, now that the sun had set and nightfall had taken over. If he saw his scales, the outline of wings against his back, or any of that, he'd be realized for sure.
He acted natural, or, as natural as one could being him, and kept walking away from the male, despite answering him.
"I rolled around in it. . who knows."

"I don't look like anything. I'm just here. I don't know." That made him think, though. Why was he here, of all places? "I like the cold. ." He murmured quietly, after a moment of thought. It was simple as that, really. It was the only reason he was here, other than, "And to be alone." He said, matter-of-factly.
Eventually, they came across a small ledge - or at least it was small to him, being about fifteen feet high - and he didn't hesitate to place his hand on the edge of the rock and swing himself over it onto the ground below. He landed in a crouch, but sprung up with an out gracefulness to him. And on top of that, he was completely silent, not making a single sound as he walked or when he had landed.
Whether the ledge stopped the other male or not, Ese was starting not to care. Though, deep down, he couldn't help but admit that his company was a little refreshing. Just. . a little. He knew, just knew, he was going to regret asking, though. "Why are you here?"

At that, Ese had to stop walking. Usually, words passed right through him, just as basically everything else did, as if he were a ghost. He never felt sincere or never felt he cared enough to do such a thing. He never felt anything. Ever.
He didn't turn around, but stood there, gazing at the ground momentarily as he spoke.
"I don't see anything." He hesitated, but looked over his shoulder and turned half way again. His gaze was hard, but calm. "I don't see anything except for the colorless snow, the ice that layers and kills the foliage, and the never ending black tunnel that seems to be my future here on this forsaken earth. I don't see anything. Because I don't see the point."
Even after he said this though, he didn't turn around and start walking again. He stayed there, letting his gaze fall to the ground, his brow furrowed. He didn't like this. . this guy was starting to make him think.

Ese stared at Laiel as if he was insane. What in heavens name could possibly make this guy see the beauty in everything and nothing negative. Ese could start to feel his stomach churn. All the happiness and what not. It was bringing back familiar. . feelings. And he didn't like it, at all.
When Laiel ran past him onto the ice, Ese just stared, lifting his arms and crossing them over his thin chest. At the point of asking him to join, Ese almost fell over just thinking about it. His balance, agility, and speed were impeccable. Ice was not a problem for him, at all. He didn't understand what Laiel was getting at. Or why he was so happy about sliding across the ice.
Ese simply took a few steps forward, arms still crossing, until he was standing over the ice. But other than that he didn't move.
"I don't get it. . ."

Ese was hesitant. He wanted to look, but he wasn't sure of the true reason. Half of him wanted to make sure the male would finally leave him be. The other half wanted to make sure he was all right.
He lifted a hand to pinch the bridge of his nose, taking in a deep breath before sighing irritably. Why. . why?!!
He gave in to himself and took a few steps closer, getting only close enough so that he could look over the edge. His voice was full of question, but he tried to keep it as monotone as possible.
". . . Laiel?"

Ese raised a brow, before shaking his head and sighing again before he looked across the ledge. But there was a problem. . there was no way in hell he was sliding down that frozen waterfall and ending up in the same predicament as Laiel because he couldn't use his wings. But there was no other way down. he thought for a moment, before saluting to the other male with two fingers.
"Yes, I think I'll pass. Fare well, Laiel." And with that, he turned and walked off. But he didn't leave Laiel behind. He couldn't, for some regrettably annoying unknown reason. He sighed, shaking head at what he was about to do. He knew he was going to regret, he just knew it. Why couldn't he just leave well enough alone? He stopped walking, once he knew for a fact he was out of site of the other male, and brought his hand up to place against his forehead for a moment. This was so utterly stupid, Ese couldn't even began to fathom why he was even considering.
But he suc-ked it up. He let his hand fall and in the next moment, he was his silver scaled dragon self. His body stretched out as he rolled his head, roared, and clawed at the ice beneath him with his thick talons. He unfurled his wings and turned, leaping off the cliff and gliding in a tight circle down until he was at level with the ground almost. He passed over the large gaping hole, reaching down to grab a hold of Laiel. If he didn't have a good enough hold of his sword, that was his problem. He flew just a little longer, hovering over the ice, before letting Laiel fall with a slide a few feet below. The dragon didn't even hesitate. He suddenly jerked upwards and began spiraled upward into the sky, his serpent-like body trailing behind him almost lazily.
But something stopped him suddenly and he was momentarily suspended in midair. A thought occurred to him and changed his mind. He wasn't going to fly away. He felt safer in this form anyway, being around any body or anything.
He turned himself around and began, once again, gliding downwards. He came to a rough stop, sliding a little as he hit the ice. Trying to stop on the frozen lake wasn't as easy as he would've liked. But when he did stop, he turned himself so he was facing the other male, head leaning to the side as he tucked in his wings. He huffed, sending a cold blast of wind Laiel's way, but not cold enough to freeze him like his breath would allow.

The dragons head jerked slightly, but his mental voice was calm and even sounded slightly different as he spoke.
Eteo. . He sounded hesitant, taking a step forward and moving his head closer to the other male as if to smell him, but stopped short as he continued. My name is Eteo. .
He turned his head to the side, looking either which way before turning his pearl gaze upon the male once more. The whites of his eyes were actually black, his irises pure white with black star-like speckles that gleaned in the moonlight from high above. They were the exact opposite of Ese's.

When Eteo saw how un-enthusiastic Laiel was to see the village, he let out a deep sigh of irritation and flopped down onto his stomach, causing the entire cliff side to tremble momentarily. When Laiel tapped him to look, he swung his head around but found as much interest in it as the village had Laiel. He lied his head down upon his paws, watching out over the valley, but said nothing for a few moments. but when he did, his voice sounded weary.
"So why are you here? In these mountains. Surely, there are other places just as beautiful that would capture your attention."

Ese yawned, tiredly, despite being wide awake, and stretched his arms up. His bones popped in his shoulder. As he made his way barefoot down the mountain, he picked up a familiar scent and stopped in his tracks, looking directly in the direction Laiel was in. He hesitated a moment, shifting oddly where he stood, before lifting a hand and pinching his nose.
Why. .Ese. .why are you doing this to yourself?! He sighed deeply, huffing, before making his way down towards the other male. When he was within hearing distance, he spoke quietly.
"Laiel. .? I see you made it out of the hole all right. ."

Ese considered a moment, but decided to pass as he rounded the fire Laiel had going and sat himself down silently.
"No, I think I'm all right for now. . I only eat once a day and I've all ready eatin'." He was hesitant, watching Laiel with curiosity out of the corner of his eye as he turned his head the other way. He wasn't sure why he bothered to come down, or what he was expecting, but now he felt a little awkward. He kept his expression neutral, though. He murmured quietly. "So what're your plans today, Laiel?"

Ese eyed Laiel curiously and full of confusion. He noticed how he was basically trying to ignore him. He listened to his plans, but when asked, didn't answer him. Instead, he changed the subject. He didn't care, at least he didn't think he did, but he was curious to know why he was cocking the cold shoulder attitude at him.
"Are you sore about yesterday? About me leaving you in the hole. .?"

"No reason." He said irritably, jaw tensing. "You just seem a little put off. . like you wish not to speak to me. I thought maybe you were sore that I didn't help." He paused a moment and was about to continue, if it hadn't been for the thundering roar that emitted throughout the mountains, seemingly coming from all directions. Ese's head snapped up. And though his face was calm, he didn't like the sound of that. It sounded like a really big dragon. An angry one. .

He stayed silent a moment longer, as if waiting for another roar, but spoke quietly when he finally found there wasn't going to be another. He stood quickly, nonchalantly backing up.
"No idea. . but. . I have some things I need to do. . I'll. .see you later?"
And before the other male could object, he was gone, bounding into the trees and disappearing from sight.

The red dragon roared when he felt the blades pierce each of his eyes and he veered back, shaking his head every which way in pain as his roar slowly dwindled to a weak, pain filled cry. He planted his front feet on the ground and went to attack Laiel again, but he growled, low and roared once more, directly at Laiel, before turning and bounding away as fast as he could, still crying in pain and shaking his head.
Ese waved a hand in front of his face, which was still expressionless. The smell of the dragons breath had stank. His didn't have a smell. He gazed upward to Laiel, gaze hardening slightly.
"Fine. . . thank you." He didn't stand. Instead, he sat where he was, leaning his back against the tree and raising a hand to touch his face where the blood was seeping from the four long gashed that trailed from his ear to his jaw. It didn't hurt, he didn't even feel it, but it was annoying.

"No pain. Doesn't hurt." He thought a moment, gazing towards Laiel with the same hard, expressionless look. He let his hand fall and leaned his head to the side slightly, looking curiously, but speaking quietly. "I'm not irritated at you, Laiel. . I'm irritated at myself. And no, I don't have any healing qualities. . . would you mind. .?" It seemed like he had a hard time look at Laiel as he spoke the last part, looking away, to him, and then away again.

"Gror. A pathetic monster of a beast." Ese prodded at the newly healed skin with his fingers, amazed at Laiel's handy work. But still, he was expressionless and calm. "He's an imbecile, if there ever was one. He's been trying to claim the mountain territory from me for a very long time." He paused, examining the back of his wrist where the tiniest of a scar resided, barely noticeable. Then he abruptly looked away, slowly coming to a stand before continuing."But I won't let him, because he won't take care of it the way I do. He's a monster who cares of nothing but destroying. I am a monster, but I still think beauty has it's places. This is one. One where the likes of him are not allowed to roam. And now, thanks to you, he most likely won't return." He attempted a small smile towards the other male, taking a few steps forward.

Ese finally let a little emotion show and grimaced slightly as Laiel walked away, announcing his knowledge of his transformation ability. He made a little noise that said he wasn't particularly pleased with him knowing, but made no fuss over it. He spoke quietly, beginning to follow.
"I prefer Eteo, but that's because I'm rarely ever in my human form. Do as you have been, switching between the names. At least if we're around other people. If you called me Eteo and I was in my human form, the people of the villages below will connect the two and then I'd be done for. I don't want that. Because they know about the ' great white killer dragon of the snowy mountains'." He rolled his eyes, as if it was all a load of bull. "The only thing I've killed in my day are deer and anything else with four legs and half a brain."

Ese nodded in agreement at Laiel's words, following closely behind him. Once they came across the field and he spoke of training, Ese tilted his head to the side, contemplating at Laiel's offer. When he disappeared, it made him lose his train of thought and he lifted his head, eyes hardening, but more so in curiosity. "I still wish to know how you do that."
He said quietly, a smile actually playing at his lips as he made his way out to the field. He stopped, a few feet away from Laiel, and crossed his arms over his chest. "But I will take you up on that offer. I agree one-hundred percent. Practicing alone is boring."

A smile played at the corner of his lips as Laiel told him to prepare himself and moved into his position. He waited a moment, letting the silence drift over them, before he raised his hands and spoke quietly.
"I'm ready when you are, Laiel. I have no weapon but myself."

With lightning fast speed, though not quite as fast as Laiel, he swung around when the other disappeared, knowing exactly what he'd planned to do. When he appeared behind him, he was all ready facing him, and brought his arms up in a cross so the blade would be deflected. It did absolutely no harm, connecting with his skin, because on his forearms were large patches of scales that were just as tough as the one's on his dragon hide. The smile was playing at his lips again as he spoke.
"Come now, Laiel. I don't need pity. Going easy on me might make me accidentally kill you. . I don't want that."

When the smoke and dust in the air cleared, Ese was stricken to find himself trapped in a pyramid of some sort. He moved over to one of the walls and slammed his fist into it as hard as he could, but it didn't do anything but cause a small cracking noise to emit from his hand. He brought it back and shook it slightly, making sure it still worked before he lifted his gaze to find Laiel. The smile was still playing at his lips as he yelled out the the other male.
"Smart move. But here's a smarter one." He crossed his arms over his chest and suddenly he disappeared, leaving no trace of him behind.

The second the triangles disappeared and Laiel had his back turned to him, Ese reappeared and tackled Laiel to the ground from behind, wrestling with him until he was on top of Laiel with a talon-ed finger resting teasingly against his throat. His face had been expressionless until now, when he grinned.
"Mirrored scales." He said simply, before standing off the other male and holding out a hand.

The grin was wiped clean from his face as he felt Laiel pull his foot out from under him and let out a grunt when he connected with the ground. Now on his back, he stared up at Laiel with slightly wide eyes. He spoke in a strangled voice, as if trying to keep the blade from touching his neck.
"Nice trick. ." Then he moved his arms so he could grab onto Laiel's side and toss him off onto the ground beside him, which wasn't hard with his strength. He sat up as he smiled and glanced over to the other male.

Laiel was right, partially. When he flashed and appeared behind Ese, he did turn around, but he end up ducking down low into a crouch, so that even when Laiel finished the swing with his sword, it still went over his head. And because of this, it gave Ese the advantage the moment he realized. He lashed out with his elbow, ramming Laiel in the stomach, but not using his full strength, in fear of maybe crushing a rib or two. And afterward, he, himself, disappeared this time, just like when he had been in the pyramid.
Funny. . I thought the same thing. His voice was inside Laiel's head, but also all around, echoing everywhere.

I wouldn't fret about that, Laiel. Ese's voice echoed all over again, seemingly vibrating the air within the area. You can't physically hurt something that inside your head. And then suddenly, with a small jolt, Laiel would feel as if his bones were turning to ice as Ese entered his mind and began swimming through it in search of something. No doubt Laiel would feel the presence of another deep within his subconscious.
His voice rang out quietly, mockingly. Mirror, Mirror, on the wall. What is Laiel's biggest fear of all?

A deep growl emitted from inside Eteo's chest as he stood completely still, eying the area of darkness around them. It was true, he couldn't use any of his five senses at all, and it irritated him so, because he also couldn't use the reflection of the sun to fade away from sight either. His growl continued as he spoke out.
I suppose this is your plan to render me basically helpless. The only thing I can really do, now, is to defend myself and hope for the best. He spoke solemnly, as if this actually worried him. It didn't. He sighed deeply from his nose, causing small gusts of frozen wind to emit from them. He wouldn't attack. He'd have to wait for Laiel to move and trust his own instincts. He would have to try and feel where the other was, by waiting it out.

Eteo's growling ceased when Laiel began speaking, so he could listen clearly. When he felt something touch the tip of his tail he roared and spun around, taking a few steps back as he useless whipped his head around and tried seeing through the darkness. He was having a hard time coming up with a plan, especially when practically all of his abilities were useless. Now, the darkness was soothing, but the affects it caused on him weren't - A.K.A. the losing his senses part.
He tried stalling. Well, then. . I guess, in a sense, I'm, for lack of a better word, screwed, then. Is that it Laiel?

He felt like he was starting to suffocate because of the thick air. It was causing him to continuously lose his thoughts and his concentration. After Laiel spoke again, he growled and took a wild guess. If you're referring to me breathing fire, which is the only light I can think of possibly coming from in here, I can't breathe fire. Ice is all I have.

I have no way to make a spark, Laiel. Butt here's no need for me to. No more games. Your time is up. Eteo roared so loudly, it shook the area around them both, even outside the dome. And instantly afterward, Laiel would feel like his bones were turning to ice again. Eteo was inside his mind, but at the same time, he seemed to shimmer into appearance directly in front of him, outside of the dome. His eyes were angry and he looked furious.
"I don't take playing games well, Laiel. ."

A treacherous growl escaped the mirrored dragon and he lurched at Laiel with speed that even Laiel couldn't match. The next moment, he had Laiel pinned down with one giant foot, crushing him, but not putting any more pressure than there all ready was. At least, not yet. No exceptions! It was a bold, but foolish move on your part, twoleg. And you will pay the price.