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ASTRID ALVA ABRAHAMSSON
DURMSTRANG ALUM MAGIZOOLOGIST CRYOMANCER
143 posts
played by ana
all your dreams are made when you're chained to the mirror and the razor blade
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last online Oct 16, 2023 13:05:02 GMT -7
STUDYING ABROAD
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Mar 18, 2021 6:26:13 GMT -7
Post by ASTRID ALVA ABRAHAMSSON on Mar 18, 2021 6:26:13 GMT -7
16 February 2026 Location: Somewhere on the Eastern coast of Kenya
The sun beat powerfully on Astrid's exposed neck as she crouched over a mysterious dirt pile. She prodded at the soft earth, chewing on the inside of her cheek. After a moment, Astrid straightened, stretching out a crick in her neck. She padded back to the camp she'd drawn up, pushing her glasses up her nose.
Astrid had been tracking a West African Redclaw dragon for the past ten days. Ordinarily, she focused on Northern European breeds, but when she'd been requested to investigate this personally by the Snowdonia Dragon Reserve, Astrid hadn't been in a position to say no. After all, she was one of the foremost experts on dragon migration and breeding patterns. The West African Redclaw had been spotted out of its normal habitat, all the way on the coast of Eastern Africa. The Redclaw was known for making a habitat in the arid, flat expanse of the desert that covered much of its home. Why it had found itself in this heavily forested region of Kenya was beyond Astrid. And it was her job to find out.
Astrid had thought she was going to make serious headway in the case. She'd followed the tracks made by a large beast, with claw marks matching the description of the West African Redclaw. She did notice that the shape of the claw was slightly different than would usually be expected from a dragon. But then again, Astrid wasn't entirely famailiar with the Redclaw. She stalked the beast through the morning and into the afternoon, following the trail left and keeping her ears perked. She heard nothing, not even the rustling of wings.
It was a stroke of bad luck when Astrid discovered that she'd not been tracking a Redclaw at all, but a Nundu. Thankfully, the beast was resting, it's ordinarily yellow glare hidden beneath closed lids. Astrid retreated silently, cursing and praying at the same time. She hadn't expected to come across such a beast, even though it was native to this part of the country.
As soon as she'd gotten back to camp, Astrid had messaged Kal, trying to outline the urgency of her needing him here. They'd spent almost every night together, except for when one of them was required elsewhere. This was rare however, and Astrid revelled in the joy that Kal's company brought her. She was absolutely certain that being with him was the pinnacle of her already successful life. Her heart fluttered at the thought of him joining her, as this past week had been the longest they'd been apart since the consummation of their relationship. It leadened and plummeted when she remembered the reason why she urged him to join her. Astrid had no intention of capturing or killing the beast - it wasn't in her nature. But Kal would be better positioned to catalogue the beast.
There was also the simple matter that she missed his company.
@kalju
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last online Apr 25, 2024 13:05:32 GMT -7
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Mar 25, 2021 1:36:37 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Mar 25, 2021 1:36:37 GMT -7
16 February 2026
The days had literally flown by when he was with Astrid, which turned weeks and then a month. Yet apart the days just seemed to drag on. It wasn’t exactly like they could be together every moment of every day. As much as they wanted to be, they were still different people with different duties. She still had her role, researching dragons and their many habits. While Kal still worked at the Magizoo, learning his own new things about various creatures while also teaching the visitors. With what other free time Kal had he enjoyed helping out with the rehabilitation of the new creatures as well. He took up just about any chance to learn more of the amazing animal life this planet had to offer. What really made his days slow was this past week Astrid had been called out to Africa to study a particular dragon and its migration and mating habits. Which was Astrid’s expertise.
He had gone from spending his days and nights with her. Waking up typically in the same bed to being alone all too quickly. In fact all of this had happened so quickly but he wasn’t about to complain. He tried to not say he was in love, at least openly. They had only really been together a month or so. As much as it felt like and deep down he knew he was. It just didn’t want to say it yet. For as serious as they had gotten he felt that was a something someone didn’t blurt out after just a month. Yet how could he not have felt that way if he was being honest with himself. Everything about Astrid had captured him so completely. Body and soul, in a way no one else ever had. Even when she was gone most of his thoughts gravitated toward her.
It had been ten days in Astrid's trip when Kal got a particular message from Astrid. He had a phone now, so they had been contact when she wasn’t busy out in the field. It was still odd how he went from never needing a cellphone to wanting it near him most of the time just to talk to Astrid. Their usual texts of what was going on while they were apart and causally talking was broken today. Astrid asked if he could make it to Africa to help her. It would appear she ran into an Nundu of all things while researching the Redclaw dragons. He was immediately worried. He had never seen one up close but had read enough about them to know how dangerous one could be.
Kal explained the situation to the manager of the Zoo and he was quickly gone. Taking a few days off from work to help Astrid. They were also interested on any information on the Nundu he could bring back. Which was a passing thought as he left. He was more worried about Astrid but learning more of the rare animal species wouldn’t hurt either. That and the thought of being close to Astrid once more was just added motivation to get their quicker. A portkey and some apperation later and with in less than a day he was at Astrid’s campsite. It didn’t help it was hard enough to find. He looked around but didn’t see her at the moment. “Astrid?” He called out for her before trying the tent. “Hello?”
ASTRID ALVA ABRAHAMSSON
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ASTRID ALVA ABRAHAMSSON
DURMSTRANG ALUM MAGIZOOLOGIST CRYOMANCER
143 posts
played by ana
all your dreams are made when you're chained to the mirror and the razor blade
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last online Oct 16, 2023 13:05:02 GMT -7
STUDYING ABROAD
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Mar 26, 2021 3:41:48 GMT -7
Post by ASTRID ALVA ABRAHAMSSON on Mar 26, 2021 3:41:48 GMT -7
There was no denying the fact that Astrid had changed since meeting Kal. For so long, she had been such an independent young woman, shutting away her feelings and refusing entry to any who had tried. After some time, fewer and fewer tried to break down her walls, and Astrid found herself solitary and alone. It had never been an issue. She worked well alone. She still did. But Astrid preferred Kal’s company greatly to the solitude she’d become so accustomed to. Every night, sharing stories of their days, giggling at nonsense, tangles of limbs and tongues and words. If Astrid hadn’t really believed in magic before, she certainly did now.
It was a stark awakening when Astrid was called off to the eastern coast of Kenya. Since the inception of their relationship, Kal and Astrid had barely spent a day apart. But the distance here meant that they would have to spend nearly two weeks apart, perhaps even longer. Astrid had balked at the news, but it was an opportunity she couldn’t turn down.
Tracking the West African Redclaw was easier said than done. Astrid wasn’t entirely familiar with the species, but had collected the research she could in order to do her best work. She also based many of her assumptions on similar breeds, though the Redclaw was rumoured to be violent at best.
Astrid spent most of her days taking note of the markings of the beast, finally picking up a trail deep into the forest. Rather unluckily, it was not the right beast she’d ended up tracking, though it was no less dangerous. The stealthy nundu rested, and thankfully didn’t notice Astrid as she silently picked her way away from the creature. Her heart raced, thudding loudly against her rib cage, and it was a miracle that she managed to get away undetected.
The first thing she did when she got back to her camp was to write to Kal. He had a broader range of experience with creatures, and his natural animal affinity could help her here. She also missed him and lamented at their time apart. Secondly, she reinforced the wards around her camp, ensuring that should the nundu come hunting, it would not find her.
Astrid was cleaning her muddied boots at a nearby stream when she finally heard the voice she craved most. She sprung to her feet and raced back to the campsite, beaming. Without thought, she launched herself into Kal’s arms, reminiscent of her childhood self. ”You came,” she breathed, beaming up at him. ”And I’m not dead yet! Though I have enhanced the wards around here. I’m glad you were able to find it. Must be because you’ve got a piece of me,” she mused mindlessly. ”Come,” said Astrid, leading Kal by the hand into her tent.
The tent was magically enhanced to resemble a cosy, one roomed flat. There was a sizable bed tucked away in the corner, a sink, stove top and shower in another, with a rustic table in the centre and a few mismatched chairs. It was thankfully large enough to incorporate Kal’s enormous frame. Astrid folded herself into one of the chairs and peered expectantly up at Kal. ”I did not expect to come across a nundu,” was all she said.
@kalju
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last online Apr 25, 2024 13:05:32 GMT -7
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Mar 26, 2021 12:26:03 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Mar 26, 2021 12:26:03 GMT -7
For a moment Kal was beginning to get concerned. Astrid had messaged him for his help but once he arrived she was no where to be found. He knew she could handle herself but he just started to question it. With how long it was taking to actually find her. Especially with the creature she was dealing with. All those worries were heightened by the sound of rushed footsteps coming closer. Once he saw the blonde familiar locks of hair and Astrid’s face not in one of panic but instead a smile all his worries were washed away. He just smiled in return as she ran and jumped toward him. Kal caught her in a hug. The time and distance had caused a need to touch her once more. The need always being there but now that he had her in his arms he realized just how much he had missed it. The first thing Astrid said was that he had indeed come to her camp on Africa. “Obviously. If you need help, I’ll be there as soon as I can. Totally didn’t have anything to do with me missing you like crazy.” Kal replied with a soft chuckle and small smirk afterward. Teasing slightly as he had missed her just that much.
Astrid explained she wasn’t dead yet, which was obvious and a much needed relief to his nerves. He had known and kept telling himself that Astrid could handle herself. Yet, the idea that anything could happen out in the field did cross his mind. That and especially after the news of the Nundu sighting. She remarked that she had strengthened the wards around the camp while saying she was glad he could find the camp. Saying it probably was because he had a piece of her. With that he smiled and blushed ever so slightly. Missing her sweet words and in general just her voice in person. “The directions helped too.” Kal teased for a moment with yet another laugh. Leaning down to kiss the top of her head. Knowing now how much he had really missed being near Astrid.
Taking him by the hand Astrid told him to come, leading him into her tent. Thankfully it was the magically expanded style so he fit rather well. It was much like a one room flat. Considerably better than any muggle tent out there. It was roomy and had much of what one would need from just a standard flat. Chairs, a kitchen with stove, and so much more. Astrid sat down and looked toward him, explaining that she never imagined she’d run a crossed a Nundu. Which was a sound thought. Sure, these parts of Africa were its natural habitat but they were also a very rare sight. Some people actually looking for a Nundu never found one but here Astrid did by accident. “Same, if I didn’t know you better I’d have assumed this was just an excuse to get me down to Africa.” Kal teased for a second before sitting down in a chair near her. It wasn’t exactly his size but it was comfortable enough. “Has it done anything yet? Or you just noticed it while you were surveying dragons? Kal asked naturally curious of the creature, something he could finally be now that he was no longer worried about Astrid’s safety.
ASTRID ALVA ABRAHAMSSON
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ASTRID ALVA ABRAHAMSSON
DURMSTRANG ALUM MAGIZOOLOGIST CRYOMANCER
143 posts
played by ana
all your dreams are made when you're chained to the mirror and the razor blade
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last online Oct 16, 2023 13:05:02 GMT -7
STUDYING ABROAD
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Mar 28, 2021 7:42:02 GMT -7
Post by ASTRID ALVA ABRAHAMSSON on Mar 28, 2021 7:42:02 GMT -7
Astrid threw herself into Kal's waiting arms, and she was home. He embraced her, and she clung to him as if he was the only thing keeping this world together. She realised in that moment just how much she had missed him. A piece of her clicked back into place and all the fear and doubt she'd been feeling, the mistrust of her own instincts, was wiped away. He teased her in that way that lit Astrid on fire, warranting a predatory smirk. "Oh no, nothing at all to do with missing me or missing you," she said easily, biting her lip as she appraised the man who completed her. He kissed the top of her head and a sprinkle of sparks trailed down her body.
Quipping that it must have been easy to find the camp based on the piece of her heart Kal held, Astrid led him into the tent. It was magically enhanced so thankfully, Kal only had to stoop a tiny bit to get in the flap. She turned to him, her eyes resting on those delicious lips of his. She craved the feeling of them on her own, of his tongue and teeth and hot breath trailing along her electrified skin... she blinked, and flushed. As much as Kal awoke her, Astrid knew there was work to be done and danger a foot. She folded herself into a chair and peered expectantly at Kal, before explaining exactly what had made her summon him. Well, besides the obvious.
Astrid explained how she had come across the nundu in the forest not far from here. She flushed at his teasing. "Well, obviously I have my ulterior motives. I thought sheer size would be more intimidating than some snowmen," she chided, grinning at him. He folded himself in a chair beside her, and Astrid had to bite her tongue to stop from giggling. It was a bit comical, watching him try to fit his oversized frame. However, he managed, without any magical reinforcement or growth. He shifted, and looked comfortable enough, so Astrid simply nodded. She listened intently as he questioned the activity of the beast. "No, not that I know of. There's definitely no disease or pestilence, but I suppose there aren't many villages around to attack," said Astrid, musing over the activity of this particular beast.
"I was tracking it. It has similar claw markings to a Redclaw, which is somewhat... weird, considering reptilian versus mammal. But fine. It was resting in a clearing when I saw it, and thankfully it didn't notice. Or it did and is just playing a game with me," she added, frowning. "But that would be worrying. To know a nundu is capable of such conscious decision making skills. I do wonder if all those things written about it are true though. About the breath. And the silent stalking. But I didn't stick around quite long enough to find out," she added, her eyes meeting Kal's questioning.
@kalju
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last online Apr 25, 2024 13:05:32 GMT -7
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Apr 2, 2021 23:41:52 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Apr 2, 2021 23:41:52 GMT -7
16 February 2026
There was that lovely smile once more as they joked back and forth about how Kal being asked to help had nothing to do with either of them missing the other. Part of his need to hurry was the urge to be near Astrid once more. Granted it was only a small part on this rare occasion as the rest of him was more worried about her safety. The real reason he had rushed to Africa so fast. He didn’t want to imagine the things that could have happened if the Nundu had actually noticed her or worse. Had attacked. “I just happened to be in the area.” Kal mused for a moment.
Astrid grinned as she claimed her ulterior motives were to use his size for intimidating the Nundu. Which would work better than a snowman. Referencing her own abilities for ice and snow. “Story of my life. Reach this for me Kal, hang this up for me Kal. Oh, scare away this Nundu for me Kal.” Kal replied, obviously joking about all of them. At least coming from Astrid and especially the last part. “I’ve heard them all a million times.”
She explained how the creature hadn’t done much yet. At least from reports from the few villages in the area. Astrid went into further detail of how she came upon the creature. While all important details, Kal found his eyes wandering upon the rest of this beautiful woman’s form. It was hard not to as she relaxed in her chair. He had relived such memories every night she wasn’t with him and now she was here. Or rather he was here, in Africa. He still hung on every word she said while as his eyes wandered away from her face. Looking back toward her lovely blue eyes once more as she was done speaking. “As much as I’d love to see one. I almost hope it’s moved on. At least from the stories I’ve heard about them.” If it was just Kal he wouldn’t have been as worried. His natural curiosity for creatures would have won and battle of any worry and doubt. Yet, this time he was with Astrid and was more concerned with her safety than anything else.
Creatures both magical and normal loved druids, it was just a gift. Now, if the same applies to a Nundu was something else entirely. “Do you have any ideas? Or should we return to where you first saw it? That or we could follow the markings. Best case we find your dragons and worse case we can run into the Nundu once more.”
ASTRID ALVA ABRAHAMSSON
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ASTRID ALVA ABRAHAMSSON
DURMSTRANG ALUM MAGIZOOLOGIST CRYOMANCER
143 posts
played by ana
all your dreams are made when you're chained to the mirror and the razor blade
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last online Oct 16, 2023 13:05:02 GMT -7
STUDYING ABROAD
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Apr 7, 2021 15:08:24 GMT -7
Post by ASTRID ALVA ABRAHAMSSON on Apr 7, 2021 15:08:24 GMT -7
As their banter flowed so easily, Astrid felt the stress and tension release from her body. Something about Kal soothed her, completing her like a puzzle. She still marvelled at this simple fact that another human could make her feel so much, even with all the time they had spent together lately. She had reached out for his support not only because of his unique set of skills and knowledge, but because having been without him for the past week or so had physically pained her. She giggled at his jibes, and rose from her seat, sauntering over to her boyfriend. With a pout, Astrid placed her hands firmly on her hips and levelled a glare at Kal. "Excuse me, I did not ask you to scare the nundu off," she said. "I asked you for your help in studying it and what to do with it. Completely different things," she clarified with a wolfish grin. A moment later, she rose onto her toes and pressed a fleeting kiss to Kal's lips - even seated, he was still taller than her.
Crossing her arms, Astrid explained the situation - how she had been tracking the Red Claw and yet she'd come across the Nundu. Wringing her hands and pacing back and forth, she revealed that mammalian creatures were not her speciality, though Kal was already aware of that. She knew the dangers of the beast, and the threat it posed to the village. It was somewhat unlikely that just the two of them would even be capable of taking on such a task as subduing the Nundu. But she knew that informing the ministry would lead to further danger - for the beast and for herself, as they would surely take a long time to arrive. Astrid's instincts had pushed her to this point, and Kal's intense gaze confirmed that she'd done the right thing. She finally collapsed into the chair across from Kal, a pleading look upon her face. She was glad that the Nundu hadn't attacked yet, but wondered why it was biding its time. "I worry that it's not just some mindless beast. Why hasn't it done anything yet?" Astrid mused around, toying with the idea that the beast was playing a game and she was the bait. She huffed out a breath, folding her arms on the table before her and leaning her forehead on them.
"It would be fascinating to study. I don't want to hurt the Nundu. But I also don't want it to hurt anyone else," said Astrid into the wood of the table. She lifted her head, placing her chin on the table and meeting Kal's eyes. "I honestly have no idea. I was so petrified I can barely believe I made it back here unscathed. I put up extra wards too. I think I can track it again, now I'm more familiar with the markings," said Astrid. She took a deep breath before rising from her chair once more. In a few steps, she stood before her oversized boyfriend, the man who made her feel right. She slipped her arms around him, pressing her cheek against his chest. "So rarely do I admit I am afraid. But with you, I am not afraid to be... afraid."
@kalju
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last online Apr 25, 2024 13:05:32 GMT -7
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Apr 18, 2021 22:17:44 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Apr 18, 2021 22:17:44 GMT -7
16 February 2026
Kal watched as Astrid rose from her chair. His eyes following her beautiful form and curves as she got closer to him. How he had missed such a sight. Going from spending pretty much every day together to the ten days alone that had passed. How quickly he went from not even knowing Astrid to needing her in such ways was surprising but not at all unwelcome. She gave him a pout with her hands on her hips. Explaining how she didn’t want him to scare it away. She wanted to study the creature and figure out what to do with it after. Something he would normally be fine with. He would always welcome studying any creature. Yet, a Nundu was something even scores of wizards were rumored to have a hard time dealing with. “I get that and you know I’d be the first to sign up for studying it. Your safety is just my first concern and from the limited stories people tell. This thing is a handful even for large numbers of wizards.” He said as Astrid moved even closer, rose to her tip toes and kissed him. Which he returned with just as much passion. “Yet, if you’re going to bribe me with kisses, I’ll defend you from just about anything.” Which he already would have but being paid in her tender kisses wasn’t an offer he’d turn down anyway.
Astrid returned to her chair once more with a concerned look on her face as she spoke of the Nundu. How she felt about how it was currently acting, which did make complete sense. “It’s hard to say that anything is exactly mindless. It could be just behaving as it normally would in nature. Not much is known about them in the wild. They are a rare sight even for people out trying to find one.” Which was way the information on them was so spotty. One claimed it took over a hundred wizards to put a Nundu to sleep. Other stories claimed one man was able to do it every day till he forgot to one night and it ate him. “It might not have been hungry so it hasn’t felt like attacking anything or felt threatened in it territory. That’s usually what provokes creatures into being hostile.”
Speaking of their shared conflicted interested, Kal nodded. It was hard to decide what to exactly do. Finding and tracking a Nundu was a rare occurrence. Yet, having a Nundu wandering around between villages and Astrid’s camp wasn’t exactly a very settling thought. Studying it would be amazing but people remaining safe would always be far more important. Astrid approached him once more this time putting her arms around him and resting her head on his chest. She offered that it was rare she admitting to having such fears but she was fine with doing such things with him. Kal’s arms wrapped around Astrid pulling her closer til they were both pretty much on the same chair. It creaked but seemed to accepted both their weights. “There’s nothing wrong with being frightened of such a creature. I was worried just hearing about it in your message. Worried for your safety too.” Kal explained, leaving a kiss on the top of Astrid blonde head. “I believe together we can at least attempt to study it from a distance. If it makes any attempts to be aggressive we can message the ministry or the local magical authorities. As much as studying it would be great, your safety is my first priority.”
ASTRID ALVA ABRAHAMSSON
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ASTRID ALVA ABRAHAMSSON
DURMSTRANG ALUM MAGIZOOLOGIST CRYOMANCER
143 posts
played by ana
all your dreams are made when you're chained to the mirror and the razor blade
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last online Oct 16, 2023 13:05:02 GMT -7
STUDYING ABROAD
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Apr 22, 2021 6:44:12 GMT -7
Post by ASTRID ALVA ABRAHAMSSON on Apr 22, 2021 6:44:12 GMT -7
There was a predatory glint in Astrid’s eyes as she sashayed across the tent, watching as Kal’s eyes followed her every movement. Merlin, she had missed him. Missed his kindness, his warmth, and especially his electrifying touches. However, the glint faded as Kal explained that her safety was his first concern. That even a hundred wizards could not handle a nundu. Astrid had been reluctant to believe everything she had read, especially with seeing the nundu up close and not registering any sort of toxic air around it. ”Yes,” she started as she slowly made her way back to Kal, pressing a lingering kiss to his lips. He returned the pressure eagerly, and it took much strength for Astrid to pull away and continue.
”But those wizards weren’t me,” said Astrid, holding out her hand, palm down. Thick spikes of ice, their points sharp as daggers erupted from the ground below her hand. ”I can take care of myself,” she added, as she had done so many times before. Always pushing people away, always defending only herself, keeping people at arms length. It didn’t matter how different Kal made her - Astrid was a powerful witch with unique gifts blessed upon a daughter of non-magical folk. With a wave of her hand, the icicles melted, leaving no trace.
With a small smile, Astrid wrapped her arms around Kal. ”I don’t mind being protected by you, but I might have to do some fighting myself,” said Astrid, gazing up at him fondly. Her heart stuttered out a quick, uneven dance as she drank in his beautifully hewn features, his crinkled eyes that saw right through the ice into her soul.
Withdrawing once more, Astrid folded herself back into her chair, speaking to her concern of the nundu’s actions. She noted that it was likely smarter than initially suggested, that it was planning and playing a game with her. In reality, she knew that she ought to cancel her research and flee back to the UK. But she was stubborn, and Astrid wanted to learn more. She hummed her agreement with Kal. ”You’re right. I can’t actually believe I’ve come across one, and I haven’t keeled over with fright.” she said.
Kal’s comment about not being hungry or feeling hostile was astute. ”Hmm, yes, you’re not wrong. And some beasts feel threatened by tinier things. Or are driven by hunger. I am lucky, in more ways than just one,” she supplied. Astrid admitted that she was less afraid of facing her fear, be it the nundu or her own misunderstood powers, when she was with Kal. He offered her a compromise, suggesting they glean what they could from a distance but if anything happened, they’d contact the ministry. ”I suppose we should contact the ministry anyways,” she said, puffing out a breath of air.
Astrid took her mobile phone from her pocket, often forgetting its existence, and sent an email to her contact at the ministry for cases such as this. ”Right. Shall I show you now?” asked Astrid, fear of the beast creeping up her spine like a creature in its own right. She offered Kal both of her hands, a soft smile gracing her lips as she surveyed him with nothing short of adoration.
@kalju
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last online Apr 25, 2024 13:05:32 GMT -7
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May 6, 2021 22:51:02 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on May 6, 2021 22:51:02 GMT -7
16 February 2026
Astrid protested slightly as Kal expressed his concerns about the Nundu and how to handle it. Explaining that those wizards weren’t like her and how she could handle herself. Using her powers over ice to create sharp spikes of ice from the ground before allow of them to melt away. It was always an awe inspiring thing to see Astrid use her gifts. Still knowing she could do such things didn’t exactly ease his mind when he was thousands of miles away in a different country just hearing about the Nundu. “I don’t doubt that you can and I’m sure that would be a sight for even the nundu.” Kal replied watching the ice disappear from the ground. Leaving not much of a trace it was ever there to begin with. “It was just hard to not worry from thousands of miles away.”
Kal followed suit wrapped his arms around Astrid as she did to him. Saying she wouldn’t mind him defending her but she might have to fight as well. He kissed her forehead once more and smiled. “I don’t like the idea of fighting a creature sadly but if I have to do it I wouldn’t want to do it for anyone or with anyone else but you.” Kal said while smiling looking back into the striking blue eyes of Astrid. Eyes that made it hard to look away and most times he never did want to look away from her in general anyway. Still he did dislike the idea of having to hurt a creature but if it meant protecting people and especially the woman he loved. He would accept it.
“I doubt you would have ever keeled over in fright. If that was possible you wouldn’t be willing to track it down now.” Kal explained as Astrid talking of finding the Nundu. eventually going back to her own chair. A little sad by that as he had missed her touch since she had left, he wasn’t exactly ready for it to stop just yet. “You’re a strong woman. I’m just glad I can be here to help.”
After speaking of the creatures intentions, Astrid agreed to contact the ministry. It was the best option. At least people should know the situation other than the two of them and the people back at magizoo island. She took out her phone and messaged someone before asking if he was ready to go. For Astrid to show him where she found the Nundu first. She offered him her hands which after getting up he gladly took. “Obviously if the ministry tells us to not go near it we can always say we just didn’t get that message.” Kal said with a laugh, trying to ease both her feelings on the creature and his own. He was genuinely curious about the beast. Just not how Astrid had stumbled on it out of no where. “Lead the way and I’ll try to keep an eye out for the creature and not just my eyes on you.” Kal said letting go of one hand and leading them out the tent.
ASTRID ALVA ABRAHAMSSON
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ASTRID ALVA ABRAHAMSSON
DURMSTRANG ALUM MAGIZOOLOGIST CRYOMANCER
143 posts
played by ana
all your dreams are made when you're chained to the mirror and the razor blade
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last online Oct 16, 2023 13:05:02 GMT -7
STUDYING ABROAD
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May 19, 2021 13:14:51 GMT -7
Post by ASTRID ALVA ABRAHAMSSON on May 19, 2021 13:14:51 GMT -7
Deep down, Astrid knew that Kal's vocal dissent was out of protection and affection for her. It didn't change the fact that she was a gifted witch, and capable of taking care of herself. She pouted, but then remembered that she had in fact called Kal here to help her sort out this mess. After all, he was more reliable than the authorities, and he would be far less likely to shoot spells first, and ask questions later. Astrid's main goal was to protect the magical beast, despite the threat to the local area. Like dragons, Astrid was fairly certain that nundus were wildly misunderstood - or perhaps they weren't and she was making a giant mistake.
"I'm glad you're here with me," she murmured, tracing her fingers lightly along Kal's arm. The same magic thrummed through her as every time they saw one another, almost like the first time. Her gaze fixed on him, drinking in the very essence of him, the calm, collected, and kind man she'd so swiftly fallen in love with. Astrid tilted her head, chewing on the inside of her cheek. She hadn't explicitly told Kal how much she loved him, but he must already know. Words wouldn't do the feeling justice. With a sigh, Astrid agreed to inform the officials, and tapped out a quick email on her mobile before offering her hands to her other half, the man who had so quickly wormed his way into her cold heart and melted her from the inside out.
Astrid let out a tinkling laugh at his comment. "You're so distracting!" she said, her voice a half octave higher than usual. That spark between them hadn't dimmed despite their time away from one another. She glanced up at Kal. "Hate to see me go, but love to see me walk away?" she asked, arching a brow. She paused for a moment, mastering herself. They would have time to play later. For now... Astrid closed her eyes for a moment, letting her other senses take over. The low thrum of insects faded away as she focused on the very movement of the air. The rustling through the palms. The distant scent of a long off sea. Astrid centred herself, then opened her eyes. "This way," she said in a low voice, drawing her wand with her free hand. She held it aloft, her senses on edge as they picked their way through the brush deeper into the forest.
At last, the pair silently approached where Astrid had spotted the nundu resting. Unsurprisingly, the clearing was deserted. Astrid swore under her breath, casting around to see if it had slunk off into the nearby brush. "Do you see any tracks?" she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper, her bright blue eyes wide as she tried to take in all her surroundings at once. She clutched at Kal's hand like a lifeline, her heart hammering in her chest as panic rose through her at the prospect of the nundu finding them, rather than the other way around.
@kalju
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last online Apr 25, 2024 13:05:32 GMT -7
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May 27, 2021 0:51:14 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on May 27, 2021 0:51:14 GMT -7
16 February 2026
Kal could only smile as Astrid told him how she was glad he was there with her. “Likewise, I’d be willing to call this our first vacation together if it wasn’t for the nundu.” Kal joked for a moment. Yet, he did imagine any vacation with Astrid would have involved creatures in some shape or form. Both of them were so heavily involved in magizoology. Her, more so, in the field of dragons while he was interested in almost any creature. He was just happy to have Astrid near him once more. The past few days had been such a change even with only knowing her for such a short time. He got used to being around Astrid very easily.
With her comment he just laughed, he hadn’t meant to be distracting but he didn’t exactly have a problem with it. “Sorry, I have over a week of pent up flattering comments I have to get out of my system.” Kal joked once more. It was a nice diversion from the task they had before them. He took the time to glance once more at her beautiful figure as she commented about walking away. “Well if we didn’t have more pressing matters at hand I doubt I’d be able to let you walk away.” He said almost teasing her for a moment. “That can wait for later though.” Was added as he let Astrid focus on where to go first. Whichever way the Nundu was. In a hushed tone she told him which way to go. Pulling out her wand, Kal did the same.
They reached a clearing and Astrid swore for a moment. He could only assume this was the place she had seen it but it had obviously moved on by now. Which made things all the more unsettling. She asked if he saw any tracks moments before reaching for his hand. With a squeeze of his hand on hers to reassure her, Kal looked around from where they were. Beginning to inch closer to a spot where something had been resting. The grass was flattened down. From there a set of tracks trailed off. He had never seen anything like it so he could only assume it was the Nundu. “Looks like it headed this way.” With his free hand that still held is wand he pointed to a trail of animal tracks. “It’s the only thing I see around here.” Slowly he began to follow the tracks attempting to make as little noise as possible. Sneaking wasn’t the greatest skill for a half giant but he had learned to be as light as he could as to not spook any creature he was tending too.
ASTRID ALVA ABRAHAMSSON
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ASTRID ALVA ABRAHAMSSON
DURMSTRANG ALUM MAGIZOOLOGIST CRYOMANCER
143 posts
played by ana
all your dreams are made when you're chained to the mirror and the razor blade
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last online Oct 16, 2023 13:05:02 GMT -7
STUDYING ABROAD
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Jun 17, 2021 1:46:00 GMT -7
Post by ASTRID ALVA ABRAHAMSSON on Jun 17, 2021 1:46:00 GMT -7
Astrid chuckled, running her fingers through her hair. "Well, after we deal with this I reckon we'd deserve a little holiday, don't you?" she said with a half smile. She had always been a hard worker, and rarely had taken time off in the past. In fact, she loved her job so much that she even sometimes spent holidays doing research on her own. Before Kal, Ana had been the only person she'd really been able to tolerate for more than an hour or so. Dragons, though deadly, were preferable as the majestic beasts didn't judge her simply for her ability to perform magic. She couldn't say the same for many others.
"Anything else to get out of your system?" asked Astrid flirtatiously, tilting her head coyly as she looked up at Kal. He was so tall. How had she forgotten that in the past week? Their light and playful conversation was at odds with the monumental task before them. To subdue a nundu was something almost unheard of, especially by two wizards. But she trusted Kal implicitly, and she knew they were some of the most talented magizoologists the world had ever seen.
The pair trekked through the undergrowth, Astrid leading the way and keeping as quiet as possible. Unfortunately, the nundu was nowhere to be seen, and for the first time Astrid considered the very real possibility that the nundu would track them rather than the other way around. She murmured a comment to Kal, clutching at him like a lifeline. Luckily, he spotted some tracks and indicated they should follow. Wand held aloft, Astrid crept after Kal, growing ever more grateful that she had called for his aid. She was no longer the solitary being she had forced herself to become. They were a pair - two of a kind. They were stronger together than apart.
Kal was surprisingly light footed despite his size. Astrid thought it likely had to do with his extensive experience tending for creatures. Her eyes scanned the trees, the underbrush, and all the spaces in between for any sign of danger. After some time creeping along, she spotted it. She tugged Kal's hand to halt him, and pointed. Ten metres away, crouched and ready to pounce, was the magnificent form of the deadly beast. Its attention, however was on a tribe of monkeys, chattering in a nearby tree. Her instinct to fight or flight filled her, and she gripped her wand more tightly. She looked from the beast to Kal, allowing him to take the lead on this one.
@kalju
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last online Apr 25, 2024 13:05:32 GMT -7
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Aug 14, 2021 10:04:11 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Aug 14, 2021 10:04:11 GMT -7
Kal laughed for a moment as Astrid suggested they deserved a holiday after they had dealt with the current situation. “I get the feeling our holidays might just be more of this.” Kal teased for a moment with another healthily laugh. “I’ve never been the type to just sit around somewhere for a week and not go looking for some creature. It just normally isn’t a creature this intense.” He explained, his vacations were typically his own trips into searching for new creatures or learning more about existing ones. “Still a nice beach doesn’t sound bad, mostly for you in a bathing suit but it could be relaxing too.” Astrid asked if he had anything else he needed to get out his system while looking up toward him. That beautifully flirtatious tone in her voice. “A few things but they are better left for after we take care of the Nundu.” Kal replied with a small smirk. He didn’t want to imagine the situation with the Nundu going wrong. It made making such comments about after dealing with it easier to say. Trying not to worry Astrid or himself more on the issue. Finding a set of tracks at the last place Astrid saw the Nundu they began to follow them at his suggestion. Walking through the trees Kal walked as gently as he could. Which had been hard for someone as big as him when he first started watching creatures. Eventually he learned to be quiet for size, it was a necessity in his field. As they crept along he felt a tug from Astrid as she held his hand. There was a jolt of panic for a moment in his heart. Stopping in his tracks, looking toward her she was pointing in a direction. Something that had her full attention. Looking over Kal found the Nundu, a striking creature. He had only ever seen it in books or from other peoples descriptions. He was in awe for a moment before snapping back into the reality of the situation. The Nundu was stalking as well but it had been stalking a tribe of monkeys. He was torn, on the one hand they couldn’t let the creature just wander so close to human villages but it was also just living its life. Hunting in its own forests. And jungles. There was a moment he wondered if his Druid nature would be enough to calm such a creature. It worked on just about every creature but Kal wasn’t exactly willing to test it out here. Not with just Astrid around. What if the creature was still aggressive and attacked Astrid. He would never be able to live with himself. The best course of action was to still stun the creature and relocate it to somewhere further away from other humans. It was a sad act as this was its home but they couldn’t allow such a creature hunt so close. Looking toward Astrid he raised he’s wand slightly and nodded toward her. If only he had been alone or had a whole team, he would have risked trying to ease the creature as a Druid. ASTRID ALVA ABRAHAMSSON
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ASTRID ALVA ABRAHAMSSON
DURMSTRANG ALUM MAGIZOOLOGIST CRYOMANCER
143 posts
played by ana
all your dreams are made when you're chained to the mirror and the razor blade
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last online Oct 16, 2023 13:05:02 GMT -7
STUDYING ABROAD
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Sept 13, 2021 5:07:30 GMT -7
Post by ASTRID ALVA ABRAHAMSSON on Sept 13, 2021 5:07:30 GMT -7
Astrid returned Kal's laugh easily, feeling the distress melt away from her even despite the daunting task ahead of them. "I'm much the same. Though with you, I think we could find other things to distract us," said Astrid with a cheeky grin. "Swimsuit non-withstanding, just a bit of a change of scenery would be amazing. And, I'd get to be with you. Double the benefits," said Astrid. Though they hadn't moved in together, the couple often spent their nights in the others company. But even as Astrid had been intolerant of so many before Kal, she found that she craved his company more than anything.
As the pair walked on in relative silence, Astrid focused her concentration on the task at hand and not the stunningly perfect half giant in her company. He moved silently, barely making a sound as they picked their way through the underbrush. She spotted the Nundu at long last, and tugged at Kal's hand to gain his attention. He followed her gaze and the pair silently appraised the Nundu from afar. It's attention was trained not on them, but on a tribe of monkeys chittering away in a nearby tree. The beast was coiled, ready to spring and attack the monkeys. Though she was a very experienced and very talented magizoologist, Astrid felt a thrill of fear shoot through her. She glanced over at Kal, knowing that his size and expertise would be incredibly helpful in this situation. Astrid was infinitely grateful for having met him, having connected with him in her heart, soul and body. This wasn't a matter of being saved - it was a matter of having a partner that she could trust fully.
The silence and stillness stretched from seconds to minutes. Kal glanced at her, raising his wand and Astrid nodded in silent understanding. The power of their two stunners - of course, they would only seek to stun and not injure or kill - would hopefully be enough to move the beast to a safer environment for the villages. She mirrored his movements, raising her wand. The trees went silent, even as if the monkeys were holding their breath. Astrid knew the beast was about to strike - but the combined force of two jets of red light emitting from Kal and Astrid's wands hit the Nundu, and it collapsed on the ground. The monkeys screeched, the volume on the forest turned up again as they scattered, swinging through the trees at top speed.
Astrid's immediate instinct was to run over to the Nundu to ensure that it hadn't been grievously injured, but she hung back, leaning into Kal. "That was... I dunno," she managed after another stretch of silence. "Let's check on it," said Astrid, taking a step forward, her wand still raised and pointed at the beast just in case it began to stir.
@kalju
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