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Nkemdilim “Dylan” Uzoma (wishgranted) wrote in nosuchplace,
@ 2008-09-13 17:54:00

Entry tags:

dylan uzoma, leon saunders

Sunday: September 30, 2007
WHO: Dylan and Leon
WHEN: Early Afternoon
WHERE: Helicharis
WHAT: A meeting between like-minded men.

Dylan walked with his hands in pockets, surveying the landscape around him. A group of children were playing nearby, and it brought a smile to Dylan’s face. They were playing a ball game, and some of them had wings and were attempting to fly above the others to win. A fairly tall child, presumably a giant, grabbed one of the fae children by the feet and told him to come down. Dylan shook his head and laughed, turning his attention back to his walk and the road ahead of himself.

However, their play resulted in loss of the ball. It fell from the fae’s hands and bounced across the grass, finally rolling at last and stopping at Dylan’s feet. He halted in his walk and, instead of bending over to pick up the ball, Dylan held out his hand towards it and began to levitate the light object. It floated into the air as the little kids all ran towards him. “Can we have our ball back?” one of them called, a chorus of voices echoing their agreement.

“Yeah, can we have our ball back, please?” another said.

Dylan smiled and shook his head, causing the ball to dart away from the boy with wings who had immediately flown to try and retrieve the floating ball. “Hey!” the little boy exclaimed, his wings buzzing in the air like a dragonfly’s wings.

“Play nice with each other, and I will return the ball,” Dylan said with a gentle grin, causing the ball to dance through the air. The kids started to laugh and jump up and down. The fae boy landed on the grass and took up beside his friends. They all began to promise in a loud chorus of voices how they would behave and play properly if he returned the ball to them. “Do you promise?” Dylan inquired, lifting an eyebrow.

“Yeeessss,” they all said. Dylan chuckled and released the ball, sending it soaring over the crowd of heads. They all squealed and began running towards the ball. “LAST ONE THERE IS A CHICKEN EGG!” one called, and Dylan’s nose wrinkled at the suggestion. He hoped the girl was not a witch, otherwise she might actually try to attempt the feat. He shook his head and walked once more, planning on heading somewhere for a rest today. Often, he worked long hours and did not do much for himself. Today, that would be different.

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lionsden
2008-09-13 11:04 pm UTC (link)

Leon was somewhat ignorant to the noises around him as he walked down the road. He was kicking a stone that caught his attention a few paces back. Perhaps he was focusing a little too hard on trying to keep the stone on a straight path not too far ahead of him.

He finally shot the stone to the side and noises of children came to his ears. He smiled, setting his hands in his pockets and picked up pace to see where the voices were coming from. Today was a good day for children to go out and play. Soon the weather would be chilly and finding days to go outside without coats would be a little more difficult. Though a fan of autumn, he wasn’t a fan of knowing the next season was winter.

When Leon saw an unfamiliar man talking with the children, he was tempted to turn away to give them privacy. He didn’t want to seem like he was listening in. But when he saw the man throw the ball an impressive distance, he found himself speaking naturally.

“Good shot.” He said softly regarding the ball the children were going after.

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wishgranted
2008-09-15 12:23 am UTC (link)

Dylan turned toward the sound of the voice, interested to know who had spoken to him. A kind smile was etched on his features as he spotted the other man nearby. He hadn't often talked casually to the residents of Elysium. It was something he wished he had done more often, but work too often got in the way and prevented him from making friends. People also seemed to grow somewhat tongue-tied in his presence. For whatever specific reasons caused that, Dylan wasn't entirely sure. However, he did know being one of the Head Council members had to have had an impact on the residents when it came to speaking openly with him.

"Is it really such a good shot when I have not used my real hand?" Dylan inquired, his lips quirked at the corner to form a slight smirk. He lifted his hand briefly to indicate it, but dropped it back to his side and tucked it into one of his pockets. "I cannot throw so far without the aid of the unseen," Dylan said, watching the kids as they ran after the ball. He turned to the other man again. "But I can kick like it is nobody's business," he added with a grin. It was not given away whether he meant it seriously or as a light joke, and Dylan extended his hand for a handshake.

"My name is Nkemdilim," he introduced himself, "but you may call me Dylan. Everybody does." His eyes gazed off at the crowd of children once more. "A child gave me the name when I first volunteered here. I told him my name was Nkemdilim, and he said, 'Dylan?' I smiled and told him, 'Yes, you may call me Dylan.' I've come to rather like the name." He paused for a moment to recall something he once heard. "They say Dylan was the name of a god of the sea," he enlightened, "and I am a Marid. It is fitting, I think, to be connected to water even by accident. Then again, Fate decides many strange things for us."

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lionsden
2008-09-15 12:51 am UTC (link)

Leon looked down as he laughed, rubbing the back of his neck. “Kick like no one’s business, huh?” He still had to laugh at that for a little bit. For some reason it seemed more amusing coming from a man like him then from some teenager or anyone else. “Well, I might be inclined to challenge you to a soccer match.” He teased, knowing the man would probably beat him easily. Wouldn’t matter, how often was it that grown men were seeing kicking around a ball? That was truly relaxing. Something he often ignored.

He gave the man a firm handshake and his tongue felt twisted as he first tried to pronounce Dylan’s real name. Eventually he gave up and went for Dylan. “Both names are quite nice. Dylan is much less of a tongue twister.” He mused. He gave an impressed hum towards Dylan’s name. “God of the sea, huh? You beat me there. My name is Leon. It’s a form of Leo so it technically means lion.” He looked over to his acquaintance. “So I guess we’re both tough guys, huh?”

Leon felt ignorant asking but he coughed a little and shifted his weight unto his left side. He had tried greatly to try and get to know all sorts of species that resided in Elysium but a Marid sounded foreign, not to mention fascinating. “Forgive me. But what is a Marid?” He rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. “I’m guessing you have some sort of influence to the sea?” He made the guess carefully. “Or do you just know a hell of a lot more than most people? Not to mention can play out in the field?”

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wishgranted
2008-09-16 09:02 pm UTC (link)

"A soccer match," Dylan repeated with a smile marking his features. He knew of the game of soccer, had participated in it only a number of times countable on one hand, but had a basic understanding of the game. It was very similar to a game of another name played in his own communities over the centuries, but the modern day rules were very different from rules of any 'football' game Dylan was familiar with from his past. "I am only vaguely familiar with soccer, but it is similar to another game I have more knowledge of. I am sure playing it would be an entertaining pastime, however," Dylan said. He turned a grin towards the other man. "You will probably win if you know more of its rules than I." Dylan was apt to be quite truthful at times. Even if he had talents with kicking, an understanding of the rules worked more to one's advantage than a physical movement many people could attain with simple practice.

Dylan returned the firm handshake. They were both men of gentle personality, but each obtained a measure of strength beneath the surface not to be underestimated because of demeanor. The djinni chuckled lowly at Leon's comment on his name. It was sometimes that people forgot the exact pronunciation they had just heard, and Dylan did not mind substituting it for something more easily pronounced by those of a different native tongue than him. He laughed once more, though this time it was more heartily than the last. "I guess we are," he agreed. A lion and a god of the sea. They had interesting meanings behind their names, especially if Leon was a fitting form for the other man.

It did not bother the djinni to explain Marids to Leon. He rarely saw people as ignorant, only prepared to learn more about the world around them. "Ah, a Marid is a djinni with sway over water. They are often considered the higher of the two djinn clans in terms of class, at least by other Marids, but I have never believed that myself. Prejudice, however, is sometimes abundant where we wish it was not." Dylan recalled the arrogance of fellow djinn in the past, but resolved not to dwell on negative thoughts in new company. Ifrits had often been seen as the troublesome djinn or even dangerous by some Marids and humans, and perhaps with sway over fire it was easy to see where the assumptions came from — water was a giver of life, and fire was a destroyer. Dylan knew those things were not true, though; even water could be used as a form of destruction in excess.

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lionsden
2008-09-18 05:29 pm UTC (link)

Leon thought about soccer and the rules held. “Well, not much is to soccer. I think of the basics. Kick the ball and try to score points in its reasonably large area called the goal post. Well.. Except it’s hard because there is someone protecting it. They can’t make the sport too easy now can they? Of course if it’s just two people then the sport is more than a challenge since you have to defend your own post. It’s fun, trust me. The kids I’m sure play something similar to it. I used to have to play it in school. I tried to skip out on it but my gym teachers eventually grew clever to my tactics.” He chuckled lightly. “I guess after awhile even if people only know you a little they become familiar with your evading methods.”

He listened intently as Dylan explained what a Marid was and was highly impressed. “That’s incredible. You know, to have a connection with the earth?” It was easy to picture djinn’s having a high place in the world. Not that it’s about ranks or anything of the sorts.

Leon gave off an amused face when he thought about his contributions to the earth. “I thought I was pretty cool for recycling and driving a hybrid, guess not.” He joked lamely. He tried to bite his tongue in asking too many questions. Dylan was perhaps just trying to enjoy a peaceful walk. “Is it ever overwhelming at times? Are there different kids of djinns? Do you all get along?” He waved a hand. “I have an autopilot for asking too many questions. Don’t mind me.”

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wishgranted
2008-09-20 12:13 pm UTC (link)

Leon's explanation of soccer drew in Dylan's attention. It wasn't very often when others explained things to him that he knew little of to begin with, but Dylan was an open ear at all times for new things beyond his experiences. He found himself terribly interested in the game and grinning as Leo continued to talk of the sport. He chuckled lowly in the back of his throat. "You would most certainly win in a game of soccer," Dylan told him lightly, the amusement in his voice as clear as the bright sunlight in the sky today and alive in his eyes.

Dylan bowed his head with a small smile on his face at Leon's enthusiasm over what he spoke of Marids. Though they were powerful, they had many weaknesses to make up for the high peaks in their abilities. It seemed to always be the fate of the strong: to be able to fall under the spell of thing beyond their control, as was clear with djinn and the witches and sorcerers of the human race.

"Thank you," he said, touched by the other man's words. However, a confused expression took over Dylan's face at the strange words that came out of Leon's mouth. "Recycling and driving a hybrid?" he asked aloud, clearly unsure about what that meant. "A hybrid of what? I did not know there was something which could be both recycled and driven at the same time. That is . . . very strange," Dylan commented, his words retaining a childlike quality to them.

He understood the next thing Leon asked, though. "It can be overwhelming at times. There are only the Ifrits and the Marids. There used to be others, but I am not sure what became of them. They passed from existence a long time ago." Dylan found himself chuckling quietly and shaking his head. "We do not always get along. Before the unification, there was much dislike. Things have gotten better, though. Djinn were not always unified, but we are most separated from others who are not djinn themselves." Dylan gestured at his own chest. "I am an anomaly for my radical ideas of unity among all. Many djinn of my homeland refused to come to Elysium, but I could not ignore the call of those in need. I came, but I am one of very few."

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so sorry for the delay *headdesk* dylan's too awesome for the wait

lionsden
2008-09-24 01:24 am UTC (link)

Leon laughed when he spoke of his hybrid. “Oh.Nothing.” He stated with a wave of a hand. “You see, though I am originally from Africa, I was raised in New Jersey. There it is polluted with the smell of garbage..well in my opinion and smells of oil. It’s crammed with a lot of cars both on the highway and in the streets and you see hybrid cars cause less pollution in the air. I mean, now it doesn’t matter of course since cars don’t operate here.” He looked around at the land around them. It somewhat reminded him of the undisturbed properties of his homeland. “I like it though in a way. Everything was so over populated. You felt like you were trapped in this gigantic box, lost in the shuffle you know? Though the circumstances aren’t wonderful the nature of this place is nice.”

When Leon thought of Ifrits he thought of this teenager who always came into his office talking about Final Fantasy. So he figured they were of fire and pretty cool and hot headed. He could imagine Marids and Ifrits clashing heads then. The therianthrope then frowned when the knowledge came to him that Dylan’s kind was scarce in Elysium. “I’m sorry not many have decided to make the wise choice. Well, I would think this was the wise choice. Are you a rare species in general? Can your people survive the virus?”

He glanced at Dylan in high curiosity before he referred to himself. “I myself believe people back at my home of origin are being stubborn. In my case, I don’t want my family here. We’re nothing fascinating but I am a lion.” He said like he was telling a joke, trying to lighten the air.

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No problem! xD

wishgranted
2008-09-25 12:00 pm UTC (link)

Dylan heard of vehicles, though he had not ever operated or used any himself. He nodded his head, understanding now what Leon meant by what he said. "Many machines, we have heard, are the causes of planetary problems. It is good you tried your part to minimize those. Of course, at this point," Dylan added, a sure quirk of irony in his voice as he raised an eyebrow, "it is a non-issue." He spoke the words in a honest and positive way, the only hint of irony aimed towards their current world situation. With the state of the world, pollution was occurring outside of the haven, but it wasn't occurring inside of it. Dylan did not know what it was like to live in an overpopulated place, though he understood many trials of the human countries before the virus and the war. It had been a large problem, and many people believed it was fate what had happened to the world. Dylan himself could not say what it was. However, he did not often meet another person who knew of Africa and once lived there, so it brightened his spirits to have met another who had spent some of their life there.

"Africa is my home country," Dylan said. "I have lived there all of my life, but I have not met many in Elysium who are also from Africa as myself. Where are you from?"

A small smile was Dylan's first answer to Leon's next words. "I think it was a wise choice for me to come," he said, "but perhaps it was not part of their destiny to travel here as well." Dylan believed largely in destiny. It was not a predestined fate, but it was part of a natural course each person created for themselves. "Djinn are not very populous. I do not think we are rare, but we are small in numbers. Djinn live very long lives. It is best for there to not be too many of us," he added with a low chuckle at the bottom of his throat.

"A lion?" Dylan inquired. "You are an animal shape-shifter? That is very impressive. I cannot change shape," he joked lightly.

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SO sorry again! *bear hugs* :(

lionsden
2008-10-03 05:35 pm UTC (link)

Sometimes the world just happened to be small. Though he was certain they didn't cross paths before, Leon couldn't help but smile when he heard Dylan speak of being from Africa. He guessed so, but he wasn't a man of being sure of his guesses. "I'm from Zimbabwe. Harare exactly. Did you travel a lot through Africa, or were you somewhat a fan of staying in one place?" He somewhat gave it thought before he spoke. "I think if I could, I would have been a bit of a nomad." Africa was such a beautiful country not to mention underrated. Many people had to watch television shows on the history channel to see it's true beauty. "Just to see be able to see all the wonderful landscapes and animals. Of course, the people too."

Leon didn't know what he would do if he lived a long life. Probably would have traveled mostly. He smirked towards the djinn. "Well, if it is any comfort, whatever age you are..you hold it well. Not to mention, despite you having to see how the world has changed it must be great to be able to tell the stories."

He thought about his ability for a moment and gave off an amused chuckle. "I rarely use it. I doubt I ever will. Besides, who wants to run around in their birthday suit after each shift?" He joked lamely. "Not a good look for me."

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I'm sorry, too. >.> *hugs!*

wishgranted
2008-10-07 10:04 pm UTC (link)

"I traveled quite a bit," Dylan admitted, glancing over at Leon as he tilted his head forward some. There was a small smile on his face as he recalled many of his travels across the continent. "I was an ambassador before I became part of the council. It required a lot of traveling," he added with a laugh. Some people might have grown tired of it after a time, but Dylan had the mind, body, and spirit for it. Every person had a calling, and at that time in his life, that had been Dylan's calling. "The life of a nomad is an everlasting journey, as admirable as any settled man. I have enjoyed it, for the most part. Knowing both, I think a man needs a little of each to really know what life is about."

Dylan politely bowed his head at Leon's compliment. "Why, thank you," he said. He thought about it for a moment, about the things he had seen the and stories they were to tell. "Not much changes throughout time. History has not taught us much. We forget what led us into trouble, and never look for new ways out of them. Most people," Dylan said, waving his hand in front of himself, "bicker amongst each other and blame, never taking action where it is needed." It was a bit bleak at times to remember how things had never really changed, no matter how much time had passed.

The djinn laughed heartily. "No, I imagine that is not very comfortable. If I may ask, though, do you feel it was your destiny to be a lion underneath it all?" Dylan often liked to hear of how people viewed themselves, especially if they were not just human. Normal human beings controlled the world, requiring the hidden lives and silence of everyone else. Some saw it as a curse; others, a gift. Personally, Dylan could not imagine being anything other than what he was, and he did not hold ill will towards human beings. Even if many of his fellows did.

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now I owe you *triple hugs your hugs* xD

lionsden
2008-10-18 10:57 pm UTC (link)

Leon thought it sounded kind of ‘cool’ to view it as a destiny sort of matter when it came to him being a lion. “It depends on what you believe in.” He stated slowly. “If you believe that the universe has a plan for you, then I would say yes.” He thought about his life, his past. He would be dead back home if he weren’t among the gifted in the family. He would be dead if he didn’t shift into a tiger to defend himself when a patient of his attacked him. “I have dealt with events in my life where turning into a lion has saved my life. It was kind of a moment where I realized if I didn’t have the gift, I would have died.” He stated somewhat sadly, but he knew time could not change.

“As far as if it was right for me.” He chuckled. “Well I’m not sure if I am like a lion. It might have been better to have bestowed the gift on someone more..heroic…more ambitions. I assure you I am boring, subtle. I am a Psychologist so if anything I would tame a lion, not become one. I’m actually afraid that since I have coached myself to be so professional..I might not do justice to my gift at all.” He glanced fully at Dylan. “Talk about putting something to waste, hmm? I mean, maybe something will change, maybe I will have a reason to start wanting to shape-shift. But so far I feel like the ability is sort of dormant, you know?” He gave a sheepish laugh. “I guess I kind of talked more than I meant to.”

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wishgranted
2008-10-20 02:21 pm UTC (link)

Dylan believed the universe had a plan for everything, and everyone was affected by it. Each individual had his or her own destiny or quest to follow in life, and Dylan's was that of a servant to the people. He served the greater good through sound leadership and productive discourse to lead the people of any community into a progressive future. "I do believe the universe has a plan for us all," Dylan admitted amicably, "though not everyone agrees with my point of view." His mouth curled upward at the corner. "Every man follows his own way." Dylan raised his hand to point his finger up. "That is the way of destiny," he added, clearly amused by how it all came together, even from his own point of view that seemed so strict to follow guidelines.

Dylan nodded his head as he listened to Leon. "If it saved your life, I would say it was there for a reason." However, the djinn disagreed with Leon's take on lions. It was easy to think of them as aggressive brutes, but Dylan himself did not think that of them. "I think you do it great justice and underestimate the cautiousness and preciseness of a lion. They are great hunters and protectors not because of their physical strength and seemingly ferocious behavior, but because of their ability to tame. A human cannot tame a lion," Dylan said, shaking his head. "The lion tames the human, my friend. Through their eyes, we understand the world better in a way only they can see it as."

Coming to a stop on the road, Dylan turned to give Leon a smile. "I wish you luck with your ability, and hope we may meet again. For now, I do believe I have some things to finish back at my office." He thought for a moment, and extended an offer to the other man. "Have you ever come by the temple in Helicharis? I often spend my time there, and it is a lovely building. You are more than welcome to join me there some evening."

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It is amazing that you come up with these things *_* ~FIN

lionsden
2008-10-23 03:17 pm UTC (link)

Leon thought about what Dylan had said and he felt like he was staring rather dumbly towards the road when he repeated the mans very useful words of advice. "The lion tames the human." It made perfect sense. If he was facing a lion and it came towards him who would win? Claws out and teet bared Leon would be cat nip for the creature. So it was best to give in to the beast. Even if he felt like now wasn't the right time. It was something he could prepare for in the future. "Thank you for that. Even my family didn't give me that useful piece of advice."

When they reached the stop in the road, Leon nodded in thanks. "It was a pleasure to meet you." He could only imagine that the responsibilities of the council must be pretty time consuming. It must have been a relief for Dylan to be able to get out and have a moment of fresh air. "I have never been to the temple, but if I catch you there I will be sure to perhaps offer you some advice in return." He teased lightly. "I owe you for your advice. I usually am the one doing the favor." He tucked his hands in his pocket and motioned towards the direction he was heading. "I look forward to seeing you soon, Dylan."

He gave him a friendly wave goodbye before he headed down his own path hoping he would see Dylan again.

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