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 Posted: Fri Mar 25, 2011 10:10 am
In the center of the the main gathering clearing for the festival, a makeshift stage has been put together: boughs bound and bent inward, heavily adorned with flowers and dripping vines that will entirely obscure those that enter from view, the grass and reeds before it stomped flat. An old tradition, all the Kimeti know the meaning behind this stage -- an opportunity for shy bucks and does to shout their love anonymously, to potentially win hearts unseen, able later to step forward and lay claim for their words. Five Kimeti have stepped forward to express their interest in a love that is true, one they can choose without ever setting eyes on them. They gather before the stage and humbly request that admirers take anonymous turns expressing their love -- and, at the end of the event, they will each select one possible lover, without ever having set eyes on them. Quote:  If Salt were a person in our world she would smoke clove cigarettes between bright red lips and she would drawl snarkily. It is difficult to rattle Salt and even harder to read her emotions -- if any are there besides dull amusement at your expense. Quote:  Haven is a very tidy, organized buck. He's serene, and just a little bit shy: prone to nerves when he's the center of attention, but very comfortable in one-on-one interactions. Quote:  Quiet, Dust to Dust has an 'old and dusty' kind of personality with a morbid sense of humor. Quote:  Decay enjoys watching bugs, and is rather socially awkward--although he'll talk your ear off if you can win the position of "friend." Quote:  Sea of Shadows is a mysterious kimeti who would rather watch from afar for a while, and then approach if something interest her. She has a kind heart, but is sometimes too shy to show it. Do you admire any of them? Rules: If you're interested in winning a breeding with one of these five Staff kimeti, send a PM to the account Matope Love Letters with a short [250-500 word] RP of your character loudly [and anonymously!] declaring their love. Title your PM with "[your kimeti's name] courting [staff kimeti's name]". At the end of the event, each staff member will read the entries without knowing who's come courting and choose the one that best speaks to their preferences. Appearance will have no factor here, only personality and writing. How will this be anonymous? A middleman will be collecting all the entries from the Matope Love Letters account and posting them in the thread without identifying the authors. At the end, this same middleman will inform us who each of the winners is.
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Posted: Fri Mar 25, 2011 10:16 am
This ThreadThis thread is open for any other Kimeti to shout their love to the stars. All posts in here should be in character, and any professed love that is longer than 400 words can count as your 'rp' for an extra baby sack for any future breeding between those two Kimeti. As such, if you want this to count as your RP for breeding, you must post both the name of the speaking Kimeti and of the Kimeti they're speaking to in clear bold font: Quote: Willows-Breath stepped up onto the stage in a flighty way, all but bouncing up the ramp, her eyes lighting across the crowd. " Wild Cry! Are you out there?" She looked hopeful, skitting sideways until she spotted him in the crowd. "WILD CRY! I miss you! Let's have at it again and make more beautiful love-muffins!" Each Kimeti can also only do this once to have it count toward a breeding slot. This thread will be open until the end of the event, so have at!
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Posted: Fri Mar 25, 2011 11:13 am
Anonymous SubmissionsSmells like Fish The young doe watched with fascination as the 5 bucks and does were introduced on the stage at the festival. She herself was still new to this, yet constantly hearing chatter about how often it was that a lone buck or doe often found themselves a partner after this festival had piqued her interest. She wasn’t exactly looking for a mate, per se, but it didn’t hurt meeting a few new faces here or there. She rarely did leave the part of the swamp she always seemed to stay in. Ears perked as the does had been introduced, and they moved onto the bucks. There was a nice pink buck that seemed to carry pretty butterfly markings, and a dark one that glowed with golden bones, but neither of them really caught her attention. She prepared to leave when she heard the last buck being announced, and turned her head to take a glance, eyes widening and jaw dropping as she did so. His name echoed in her head as he was introduced, and her eyes were glued to him as he turned his head about casually, seeming to watch the hidden crowd. Decay... The name sounded so sad… so sinister. Yet there was a quiet and mysterious air about him. She continued to watch him, and as requests for displays of affection were announced, she froze, wondering what she should do. She wanted to meet him, she truly did, but… did she really have to shout out her displays of affection? He was… interesting, but, was she really sure that she wanted more than friendship? Did she want to know what he thought, what went through his mind? Those eyes, seeming to long for something, searching for something… she wanted to him to let her in… let him tell her what he was thinking… A booming voice caught her off guard, as it was about to finish off the declarations and wrap up the event. Panicking, she turned her attention back towards the stage as Decay looked like he was about to leave. No! Not yet! “W-wait… wait…” she squeaked, trying to bring her voice above a bare whisper. “Wait… wait… DECAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!” She gasped as she shouted, and quickly hid her face from the embarrassment. She… hadn’t meant to call out so loud. But… she didn’t want him to leave yet… not until she could tell him how she felt. “Ah..u-um… D-decay!” she stammered. “ Decay! Please let me into your world. I… I know this sounds selfish of me, but I want to know you more! The moment I saw you… I knew there was something special about you. Something mysterious, something exciting. Please, won’t you tell me all about you? I… I want to be your friend! A-and… maybe… something more?” Eyes squeezed shut, heart racing, the doe panted as she finished off what she needed to say. Hopefully… he had heard her. Child of the Corn “Too much”, the doe grumbled as she stumbled ever so slightly to the crowd surrounding the stage. Most bucks just didn’t understand her, and so she had thought maybe she would not even bother coming again this year. It always ended so horribly – she found a buck she liked, only to see him walk away with another. But did she let that keep her down? No. She would move on and return to her precious ducks and her best friend in all the world! This year, she tried something new, since her friend could not attend. Typically, she was rather shy - afraid that no one wanted to hear what she had to say. Her friend could get her going, and then it was an issue of getting her to stop. But she found this rather tasty drink that was said to help those like her to get out there and really say what they mean. The doe had even sworn she would not make a fool of herself again this year and profess her undying love for a buck – but once she caught sight of him through the fog in her mind, well, her hooves had a mind of their own. She was up on that stage before she even knew she had taken a step. “ Decay,” she started, her words surprisingly not slurred. “I know you don’t know me, but I have seen you so often. I admit, I did not know your name before it was announced, but that was because we never spoke. Not that I have stalked you before or not, it is just that your passion and mine sometimes meet.” She was starting to talk too much, she knew, but the doe just could not stop. “You see, I really like ducks, and they are all over the place. I wish I had wings so I could glide over the water and sink my webbed claws into the glistening water – I actually tried something like that once, but it didn’t work out well. Let’s just say my joints ached for many days after. Anyways, I have seen you a few times watching the bugs. While I am not the biggest fan of some of them, their bites itch too much, I can relate to the enjoyment of their flickering wings and their twitching antennae. Granted, they are a little small, and I have seen some of the ducks chase after them, but when they dance it is positively magical.” “I wonder if ducks dance like that. I have seen them fly in strange shapes but they don’t really dance around each other quite the same, do they? I won-“ there was a sharp clearing of the throat from her side telling her to wrap it up. The doe blushed but did as told, “I wonder if you might pick me tonight, Decay, and we can maybe admire and discuss on this some more over a tasty drink.” Big Bird It was funny, the things that caught her eye. At first, she had watched him because of the way his cream fur lay, sleek and bright. But the more her eyes had followed him, the more she saw, and what she saw most was a likeness. They watched, he and she. Silent and still, they each watched, focused on the object of their interest. It was in the interest that their likeness faded away. But in the festival, lost amidst who knew how many other kimeti, she stood silent, inwardly flailing as she searched for a way to tell him what she saw and how she felt. As other kimeti cried out their hopes, made safe by the curtain of vines and flowers that hid them from the view of the one they called for, she remained still, pondering and discarding a number of speeches before settling on one. She drew in a deep breath, gathering her hopes, and then she yelled out. " Decay! We would be good together, as beautiful as a dragonfly's wing in a shaft of sunlight! I will listen if you will talk! And... I will wait for you to choose!" Her words expended, she stepped back, breathless with nerves and anticipation. Tiny tremors within her felt like a hundred songbirds tickling their tailfeathers through her middle. Delicately, she made her way to the back of the crowd, no longer angling to get close enough to be heard. She watched the others still clamoring, and wondered if her words had been noted at all. But she would know soon enough, when this part of the festival was finally over and each of those standing beyond that curtain had chosen. Now... it was time simply to wait. Pizza Rolls Cockily, she strutted up towards the gathering of Kimeti. The grape vine had said the stage for the Spring Festival had been built again, and this lady was eager to please. The stage was set for shy kimeti, and even though she was anything but shy, there had been troubles in her love life. Her idiot brother seemed to think he was the only buck for her. "Why do you need romance, Sister?" he purred, "When we have the whole swamp to explore?" It was a blessing of the Motherfather that she hadn't strangled him yet. The stage had been set, and as usual, she'd arrived late. The Kimeti up for grabs had already been introduced, so she'd have to ask around. Demurely, she nudged the buck next to her. Looking at him underneath her long lashes, she asked, "So who's up this year, love?" It might have been a little to much, but it was spring and she wouldn't be young forever. The buck was young, probably barely a yearling, and responded rather exuberantly. "Well," he said, pointing in order, "there is Salt, Haven, Dust to Dust, Decay, and Sea of Shadows. I don't think they've picked yet, but there hasn't been a lot of offers." Batting her eyes once again, she thanked they young buck and moved to the front. She hadn't expected it, but one of the Kimeti on display had caught her eye. He was tan, with dark stripes, and looked like he could at least keep up with her. She only hoped she'd heard his name correctly. Well, here goes, then. This is the time of love, she thought. Deep breath. Here goes. Deep breath. This time for sure. Deep breath. Make up your mind!" Decay, I hope you can accept my proposal! We are both strong, able-bodied Kimeti, blessed by the Motherfather! Together we could explore the swamp, and see things no others have seen! But before that, I would like only to speak to you, and to know what there is to know about you! So how about it? "I'll wait for you, if you'll come looking!" Well, that wasn't so bad. Hopefully he heard it over the din of the other Kimeti. Vanilla Ice News of goings-on did not often reach her cave. The cave wasn't especially hidden, or hard to get to; it was perhaps just the fact that rumors tended to fly far and wide about the small hoard of skulls and bones inside of the cave: foxbun thighs, fragile wingbones of cranes, the thighbone and several teeth from a lynx, and her pride and joy – two kimeti skulls, full-grown, who sat like sentinels at the mouth of her den, hollow eyes watching. Those two skulls tended to ward off most people, but apparently one brave soul had decided to spread the news even this far, and so she had made her slow way to the festival. Standing behind the woven curtain of reeds she peered through a gap in the leaves at the assembled kimeti. One immediately caught her eye, and she shook her head to make sure she hadn't been seeing things; in the bright glare of the afternoon sun she was a bit dazzled. He remained after her vision cleared, so she licked her lips, fidgeting in place for a moment until the stage was clear. He was perfect – perfect. His black and cream coat gleamed in the sun and his dark eyes appeared wise. His bones were long and strong, perfectly formed. He would do. For the first time ever (or at least among the living) she felt butterflies flitter around in her stomach as his name was announced. Dust to Dust. Perfection! She slipped up unobtrusively onto the stage during a lull in the goings-on, looking around at the crowd and nearly losing her nerve. Her eyes slipped shut for a moment and she stood perfectly still before she opened them again. A fly buzzing around her ear made her shake her head, and she sneezed; wincing, she began, nearly shouting to be heard even over the brief dip in conversation among the gathered. She felt ridiculous, but she was there, and there was no turning back; she sucked in a deep breath. “ Dust to Dust!” Her voice was a bit hoarse from shouting, “We are a match! You have caught my eye and my heart, and I have much to speak of with you! Your bones match my own, both inside and out. I would enjoy spending time beside you! Please accept my humble request and allow me to show you … interesting things.” The last part was surprising, even to her. It made her eyes widen before she bounded off the stage, with a last flip of her tail in Dust to Dust's direction. Moonshine Sweet poison. That’s what love was. She was convinced. She was a simple creature. She enjoyed the finer things in life like hunting, eating, napping, gambling and most recently, stalking a particular buck. Life was good. But here she was, flocking to the gathering. Insanity was the flavor of her day. Her lovesick contemporaries taught her one thing: Bait and switch is not a foreign concept. And so she primped and washed until she looked delicate and soft. She was perfect along the way and just as she arrived at the discreet destination, a miasma of foul pain penetrated her golden haze. Mother f*cker, she had stepped on a thorn. Foxbuns are useful friends not entertainment she reminded herself regretfully. She veered off course for damage control. Sprightly on her feet, befitting of youth, she tossed her head back, stared into the mirrored waters and tried again. Ah, no. Let’s scale back on the creepy. No, baring of teeth equates to menacing. One more time. No. Again she practiced her smile, it running the gamut from a grimace, sneer, smirk to an outright s**t-eating grin. She wasn’t done yet. She had a maverick smile in her yet. Pain be damned! “Dust to Dust, you are a study of brilliant contradictions that make my heart aflutter. If I had to share mushrooms, I’d share them only with you…” Her practice speech became her mantra. Sharp shrills punctuated the air announcing a change of the lineup. Ears pricked up and flattened when a specific name was announced. Show time. A headache bloomed magnificently with quiet rage. Pain lashed the body in step with her bouncing hair. Persistence translated into tunnel vision. Keep your eye on the prey. Finally she saw him staring onward. Irrationally she cursed him for her pain. Yep, that thorn was definitely laced with something. Eyes lit up with fierce glee, she prepared to deliver her flawless enticement of a declaration. Pain blurred her vision but she dug her hooves into the brown ground and fought on for clarity. She got this. She had practiced far too long to be sideswept by a puny emotion. If she didn’t do this properly, she would go back to her cave hungry. She shook her head. No, alone! Even worse. Where the hell did that thought come from? She would declare her love even if her teeth rotted off from the excessive sweetness of her words. She opened her mouth “ Dust to Dust, your a** is mine!” she blurted out. FFFFFFFUUUUU*KKKK. Faster than a horny foxbun, all the blood rushed to the surface of her body. She sprinted out, the embedded thorn all forgotten. The Swamp really liked to kick a kimeti when she was down. Maybe this was payback for all the times she hosted the gambling parties. Watersnake and foxbun races were popular. Cream Pie She wound and slunk her way to the back of the staging area so many other does and bucks were scrambling to make fools of themselves on. It wasn't often the doe got to watch so many other kimeti humiliating themselves in the name of love, and it was even less often that she herself felt the urge to join in. Still- Among all those parading about a dark buck had got her eye. He looked different from the others in that the same quiet smirk that had stuck itself on her face was sitting nicely on his. He held himself with a strong confidence and his eyes(the eyes are the windows to the soul, aren't they) were old and knowing. Not that he was old himself, she couldn't know that, but something about the buck made her feel as though they were kindred spirits. Old kimeti in young bodies, wiser beyond their years; like he'd lived. It was something she could respect. It was something that quite frankly ... Aroused her. So there she stood. A single bright eye staring out from behind a curtain of leaves to watch the object of her new affections. For the first time in her life this was a doe that was about to purposely set herself up for possible humiliation, and as far as she could tell it would be worth it. Looking around she darted a foot out and beamed a passing snake on the head to knock it unconscious. "This should make a nice gift," she mused to herself. Praying to the Fathermother that she hadn't just accidentally killed the creature, she nudged it onto the stage with a delicate shove of her hoof. " Dust to Dust!" Shouting to be heard over the surrounding throng was a strain on vocal chords that weren't used to more than a soft word or two, but she continued. "You have recently caught to my attention and it is with a hopeful heart that you will understand when I say that you would do me a great honor in accepting that ..." Oh she was rambling. How unlike her! Feeling the irritated and embarrassed flush of blood on her cheeks the doe shook her head to clear it. "What I mean to say is that I find you immensely attractive, would like to come together with you, and if you will accept it and me- I have left you a quite lovely snake on the stage." There! That was better. "Please don't be alarmed- I do not think it is dead!" It was going to have to be sufficient as the doe was done and already sauntering away from backstage to wait and watch. Crayola Crayons Brilliant eyes scanned the stage before her. This was her chance, a chance at something real! Long ago, there was a young buck who stole her heart, but when she ran off with him… well, the usual story ensued. They had an adventure, but she was not destined for a fairy tale ending with him. He saw some other young doe with maybe just a bit more fire in her eyes – and he dropped her as fast as she had dropped her family for him. Bucks: would she ever find one that could make her whole again? …at least for a little while. It may not have lasted long, but what a rush they had. She didn’t know, but that was her reasoning for her current predicament. There were bucks in the past that caught her glowing gaze, but they all could not keep her rooted in this swamp. Her heart belonged in the swamp but her soul cried for something more. This petite doe was still on that search – praying to the Mother that she could find it here. She was certain a buck was involved in her fate. Maybe she could find him here. Now, the curtain was down, and those that wanted anonymous love waited patiently behind the obscuring vegetation. The doe waited, allowing those who got the bravery to step out and profess their undying affections. She would have her chance, her logical mind told her, and she could wait her turn. There was one buck that happened to be a part of this excitement. He was the perfect shade of blush, as if the butterflies his coloring resembled had kissed his fur. Oh, if only she could make him hers, even if just for the night. She waited for her opportunity. Finally, a shy buck’s hooves clipped as he walked off the wooden stage. The doe stepped forward and gave him a comforting smile, he needed it. But all he did was duck his head as his own cheeks became redder. “Even if a bouquet of butterflies was brought before me, it would not compare to beauty I see when you walk by. You remind me of the glories of the sunrise on the wings of morning. I have been searching far and wide for the journey of my soul, and in your eyes I see the unbound depths of everlasting freedom.” She took a breath to compose her fluttering breath. “ Haven, say you will take me in to the bounty of your embrace and make me the happiest doe alive.” Nutella Her front hooves paw at the ground in front of her anxiously as she listened to the buck in front of her confess his feelings. She'd been urged to go through with this. What could it hurt, they'd told her, they'll never know it was you. She didn't doubt that. Even through the vines obscured the kimeti who were confessing their feelings, the blush that covered her nose to tail would cover her markings and coloring anyway. The buck in front of her finished and stepped away. Alright, this was it, her turn. She stepped up to the vines, her heart pounding, and poked only her muzzle through. "I..I've seen you through the trees and around and I think that you are so handsome..." Her voice trails off as her nerves catch up to her. The crowd sees her muzzle drop, her mouth moving but barely any voice audible. The crowd clamors for her to speak louder. She takes a deep breath, grits her teeth and calls out the name. "H.. Haven! I..uh...I..I've seen you a..around. It is always o..out of the corner of my eye. The flash of color, like a butterfly flitting by between kimeti or trees. I. .I...uh..." Her head dropped and her mumbling returned. The crowd began to murmur loudly, calling for her to speak up again. Behind her, the doe waiting to confess her feelings jabbed her in the flank with with her hoof, telling her to finish and go or just GO. " HAVEN!" She yelped the name loudly at being jabbed. "I..I don't think you would like me..if you saw me. I'm not..not as pretty as some of the other doe here. But..but...you make my heart flutter and my breath catch. I..I..I feel so..light and warm when I see you! I don't think that there is any buck more..more..ANYTHING..then you. You're the kindest, most handsome, the most..most..EVERYTHING!" She was shaking so hard, and her brain has turned to mush. The brightness of her blush was almost as bright as the moon and she was suddenly terrified that everyone, including Haven could see her glowing like a firefly behind the camouflage of vines. "ihopeintheendyouwillchoosemeithinkwecanbegoodtogether ILOVEYOUHAVEN!!" She blurted out the last bit of her speech in a single breath and swiftly pulled her nose back and moved out of the way of the doe behind her who had a look in her eye that would kill if it could. She walked 5 steps away from the others and sank to the ground, her legs unable to hold her up anymore from the shaking. Now came the hardest part of the festival. The waiting. King Kong The petite cheeping of Springtime birds was drowned out by the chattering Kimeti. Gossip and giggling surrounded the young doe-- it was rather overwhelming. She turned every which way, semi-following groups that looked like they knew what they were doing. This seemed to only confuse her more and lead her astray. She ended up off and alone in her own tiny clearing. Maybe this could be a moment to get herself together. The purpose of this whole mess was to confess her love... if you could call it love. It was an infatuation and admiration. She wanted this buck. And now she was getting distracted! The doe snorted and shook her head. She was going to find where she needed to go and do it! Storming out from the clearing (dramatically), the doe made her way to the biggest crowd. There she saw it; the walkway to the stage. Taking her place in the makeshift line, the doe's determination was slowly slipping away into nerves. What was she even supposed to say? No, she remembered. (She had done so much practicing). Her declaration was going to be perfect and nothing could stop her. A buck behind her nudged her forward. She hadn't even realized she was at the front of the line. The doe trotted forward, nearly stumbling over her own hooves before coming to the vine curtain. Now was her chance. "I have seen you stuttering through the trees and passing sunbeams," she began confidently. A pause. "Fluttering! I meant fluttering!" The doe stammered and shouted. "Haven," she whimpered. "Y-you are the perfect image of e-elegance! Grace!" A deep breath. She was perfectly capable of saying these things. She had to be! This was not the time to screw up and stutter, no. "You're more beautiful than the giant moths flying about under the light of a full moon." The doe said this as if it were fact. No turning back now. "You illuminate yourself! You have no need for the moon. A light, a signal... You reach out to me without speaking. You do not have to." She tossed her head back. "I wish for us to be together! I know that there is a buck for me-- that buck is you, Haven!" Ending on a triumphant note, she thought. Time to watch and wait. The doe began to slink away from the stage trying to be sneaky. It did not pan out too well. She tripped on a root and tumbled forward with vigor. An "oof!" could be heard and then silence. Lake Titicaca She steps onto the stage, taking extra care to remain unseen. For several minutes she paces in the confined space, looking for the best spot to shout out her love. Finally she stops, able to peek between the vines and greenery at Haven. She watches him, smiling, a few minutes longer. Still she does not speak, her mind going back to the festival's start. She'd watched each of the Kimeti as they were introduced. She gave each her undivided attention, even the does. Bucks. Bucks she loved the most, but does would do as well. At least until Haven was introduced. From then on he had her full attention. Haven is the one she had seen, time and time again. She does not remember when she had first seen him, just that his manner and pattern had drawn her in. Since then she has watched him. Not creepy stalker, she had never gone looking for him or followed him. But any time she saw him she never gave up the chance to watch Haven. Not that she ever got up the courage to talk to him. Which is why she is here today. And as luck would have it, Haven was not only here but he was looking for suitors as well. " Haven! Your comrades are handsome, true. But you are gorgeous!" She almost falters on the last word, wondering if this was the right thing to say. Doubt gnaws at her mind. Had she blown it already? No, she thinks, I won't stop now. Taking a step forward, pressing her eye closer to a gap in the foliage, she watches him. "I have seen you, but it was not until today that I knew your name." Now why had she said that? It is not as though she has been following him around. She is in love, not crazy. She clears her throat and starts over. "You are charming-" What was she supposed to say now? In your shyness. In your serenity. They didn't seem to fit. Maybe she need not say anything else. "I have watched you, loved you, from afar!" Great now she really did sound like a crazy stalker. Nothing to do for it now, so she continues. "Will you meet me?" She asks, a touch of hope in her voice. This will have to be enough, more so because she has no idea what else to say. Giving one more look between the vines at Haven, she turns and sneaks out the back. Office Depot He was the very last to make his way up onto the stage. Kimeti of all shapes and sizes, in all hues, had made their way up before the curtain of vines to confess their love. All of them had swallowed down pride, or nerves, or -- well, whatever made them look around and fumble and dither about -- and all of them, to a one, had succeeded. It meant that the buck who remained after everyone else had gone was still caught in an agony of indecision. He had quite literally worn a rut in the earth behind the stage. What once had been covered in pretty flowers, reeds and vines was now trampled down and smashed -- which made things unimaginably worse for the poor buck (as he was now sorry to have done it). He knew all of their names by heart: he'd heard them shouted enough, or whispered, or even murmured with clear intention. Two does: Salt and Sea of Shadows. Salt was pretty -- as pretty as does came. From what he'd heard of her ... she would also eat him alive. Would it even be worth it? It might be... or else he'd be stripped down to nothing and left out in the middle of the swamp as helpless as a foal. He sputtered in indecision, ears flat against his skull. A pretty doe -- but one with a less than friendly disposition. At least the curtain of vines was there if she decided to laugh in his face. He'd never see. It was definitely time to choose; he made his way gracefully up the stairs, and those gathered just in front of the stage would hear him groan, muffled, before he began to speak. The voice from behind the curtain was deep, a rich baritone. " Salt," it started, "I've admired you from afar. The way you speak, and move; I'd like to dance with you sometime, to show you how to move like the birds. Or even just to talk." There came the sense of a shrug; maybe a lopsided, crooked smile. "If you've got time, of course." Was it mocking? It was hard to tell. Free Auto Insurance They cannot see him on the stage, his exact features are obscured by dripping vines and greenery, his colors disguised by shadow and darkness. Somehow, however, the impression of movement he gives is clear, quiet, and distinctive, oozing up to take his place on the stage, tail swishing and sending leaves fluttering sideways, movements easy and comfortable. "Oh, Salt..." There isn't any lightness to his words, no mindless adoration. Instead he turns her name almost to a grumble, the 's' slithering between his teeth at length, and she can almost hear the flash of his grin. He flirts, even as he's supposed to be declaring his love, and laughs inwardly at the spectacle. "Salt. I hear you're daring." Oh, yes, he is laughing at her as much as he's laughing at the crowd that has gathered to watch and listen, he is a teasing buck who enjoys the attention all too much and only wishes that they all knew who he was. "I hear you're cruel, too." Except his tone seems to say the opposite, like that is intriguing instead of off-putting, a merit instead of a flaw, and oh yes he is still smiling through the words like he just can't help himself. "If it's true..." But he's already heading back off the stage, with a last winding twist of his tail as he goes, not quick snickering at her. "Well, if it's true, I dare you to come find me." Ferrero Rocher The buck smiled as he made his way to the stage. As his hooves touched the hardened stage, he fixed his gaze on the shimmering vines. A breeze had picked up ever so slightly and they rustled carefully. They were too stubborn to expose him to a particular doe, of which his face was hidden. The buck could not get rid of the grin resting gently on his face. Everything leading up to this moment felt right, and he was soaking up every moment. There was no rush, the night was young, and he wanted to take this time to revel in the unique nature of the situation he found himself in. As the soft whispering wind died down, the buck took in a deep breath to begin his words. “You are perhaps the last I would expect to participate in such a spectacle, but I cannot say that your decision has gone unnoticed. Salt, you are difficult to miss as you stride around and admirable given your lack of regard towards how others might think of your actions. It seems you care only for the pleasures of your presence and what the world has to offer you. I may not be exactly what you are looking for – but I can promise you in that if you were to pick me this night you will not be disappointed. We could take on all to your heart’s content.” He did wince a bit there, wondering if this enchanting doe had a heart – if he were to believe what others have said, not that he cared. There was a long pause, with only the light chirping of the crickets to keep the night company. And just when the crowd thought he was done, he chuckled deep in his throat and said one more word, " Salt..." But the buck only turned his back to the vines and walked away. [Carrot Cake] Ah, young love. The air filled with the scent of fresh blooming flowers as petals scattered in the wind, and the chatter of young does and bucks in love filled the buck’s ears. He took in a deep breath, inhaling the scents and taking in all the voices around him. He never did like staying still in one place as his wanderlust often got the better of him, but… this was the festival of abundance. THE festival abundance he had heard so much about, and it was rare that a single doe or buck would leave without meeting a few new faces here and there. There were ALWAYS new faces every year, seemingly more and more each time. No doubt that a good portion of them were the offspring of kimetis who had met at the festival in previous years. He watched the stage with curiosity and fascination, waiting to see if he would meet the ‘meti of his dreams here. He wasn’t the type to truly settle down with a doe and start a family, but… there was nothing wrong with one night stands. Still young, the buck had a rather twisted outlook on romance and flings, but who could blame him? One would easily be tempted by several gorgeous does. Why just settle with one, he thought, as he eyed a rather pretty doe pass his path. Noticing movement on the stage, he turned his attention back towards it and eyed the two does presented. The butterfly meti was cute and all, but he wasn’t much of a fan of quiet does, but here… oh, what do we have here…The buck licked his lips as he watched the green doe look about, a somewhat scornful look in her eye. Not only a looker, but with personality to boot. She would do… he thought to himself as he prepared to address her. “Heyyyyyyyyyyy, hey, Salttttttttt…” he called out, letting the ending of her name stretch out. “I here ya like to mess with others,” he smirked. “You’re not the only one capable of that. How ‘bout you and I have a go at it, eh? Let’s see who can make the other crack.” He licked his lips once more, taunting her with his words. “Or… do you think you have what it takes? Show me what you got,” he laughed. “I’ll be waiting.” Squirtle When the older buck informed his young compatriot of his intentions to court the lovely doe anonymously alongside the shy greenhorns, the reaction was predictable - an incredulous, slightly worried stare, and a single word saturated with all the reluctant feeling of the younger - " Really?" The elder chided, " Yes," as he stood carefully - " do not doubt that I've some passion left in me yet." His traveling companion pulled a face behind his back as he trotted off to the stage. The elder buck was indignantly warming up as he walked, thinking to himself in eloquent sentences. Professing one's love (or at least admiration) on the veiled stage is one of the swamp's most beloved archetypal romantic gestures! I can't count on the leaves of the largest tree how many stories this confession plays a role in. Shows how much the boy has learned, to scoff at it! At last at the stage's entrance, he gave one last indignant huff and thought, some day, he shall learn to appreciate these things.
Now... onto more pressing matters. It was his turn to enter the safety of the screening vines and confess his intentions to the world. He tread heavily onto center-stage, the tromp, tromp, tromp of his hooves serving to announce his presence to the audience, which quietened in response. The elder buck cleared his throat, and addressed his doe of choice - " Salt?" The crowd muttered in response. So weary a voice after her scathing tongue? The buck pressed on. " I have heard that you are hard to please, miss," he said and then paused a moment, as though in thought, before continuing, " or, in the least, hard to please while keeping one's confidence and pride intact." A small flurry of laughter followed this comment, which was by all popular accounts true. " I believe," he continued, loud and clear over the audience's dying amusement, " that you may prove to be as tender and kind as any flower of the swamp, given the correct genteel treatment..." After a poignant pause, he concluded quite simply, " It would still be quite fun to be proven wrong, I think." He tried to raise his voice, then, to tell her what name to ask after, but the crowd now was too loud even for his practiced voice. He turned and left, sighing. Now, it was a matter of waiting. Anticipation was a very important part of any story. Coconut Custard The springtime was much too warm for him, and he frowned with disapproval as he pawed at the ground, making soft hoof marks in the dirt. But, he didn’t come here to complain. He had heard that there were some beautiful kimeti seeking mates, and while he wasn’t usually the type to believe in “love at first sight”, he was intrigued. Eyeing the intricate stage adorned with flora, he stepped closer to see the kimeti in question, sneezing as a flower rubbed against his nose, depositing the pollen into his sensitive nostrils. He noticed a pair of ears perk and a head turn toward his direction, and he instinctively flinched as he gritted his teeth for allowing his position to be known. But thankfully, the vines surrounding the stage effectively shielded him from sight, and he breathed a sigh of relief as he slowly stepped back to recollect himself. However, as soon as he caught sight of the kimeti that had looked his way, he instantly froze. Such… such… beauty and grace. Luscious black fur with vibrant blue markings. Despite disliking spring, there were some things he did appreciate, which were the flora and fauna that the season brought. He silently watched the doe seemed to tilt her head softly side to side, giving off the illusion of a butterfly softly fluttering its wings, lovely ruby eyes seeming to search for something. Remembering what he came to do, he swallowed nervously – a strange feeling for him, and took a deep breath. “Sea of Shadows!” he cried out, flustering at calling out so loud when she was within speaking distance, but he was so caught up with emotion, he just couldn’t help himself. Love… was a strange thing to him. “Sea of Shadows! m’lady, my light!” he continued to shout. “I hope you may be able to look upon me, but a lowly buck, and find favour in me! Your beauty and grace has seized my heart, and I am unable to turn my eyes away from you. If you give me a chance, I promise you shan’t regret it!” With everything needed to be said said, he released a heavy breath and awaited her decision. Dragon Breath After doing what he did best, the buck made his way around the swamp. A smile etched on his face, when he remembers the event going on. Now you couldn't be late, without doing something spectacular upon arriving. He heard that there were some does and bucks looking for love. Being who he was, the young buck wanted to see who was trying to get lucky this beautiful spring season. He arrived at the festival after a few declared their love. One was in the middle of theirs as he greeted his friends, with a similar grin, when the sight of a doe caused him to trip and act like a foal. The black and blue running up her legs and the mask around her eyes made her a mystery that he wanted to solve. He asked about her, finding her name from one of the bucks along the way. “You talk of Sea of Shadows. She is one of that said to find love without setting eyes upon the other.” A small grin spread along his face, as his tail swished along the ground. Shy he is not, but he could not pass the opportunity to express how she made him feel, with just a walk by. Entering the stage, unseen to those that mattered at the moment, he took a deep breath and in a deep voice stated what was on his heart. “ Sea of Shadows you mysterious doe. All it took was one look and you had this buck feeling like a fool… I mean foal. I want to find out what that mystery is.” He took another breath and quickly said. “The blue wings along your back elegantly match the mask around your eyes they remind me of the sky at dawn and dusk. From this day on, I am sure to see you in everything blue. I shall wait for you, my dear Sea of Shadows.” He turned and walked back down, his head held high and his heart felt lighter the moment he declared his feelings.
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Posted: Tue Apr 05, 2011 3:22 pm
((SOMEBODY's GOT TO TAKE THE PLUNGE))
She was having a fantabulous time, weaving through fallen Kimeti and stumbling over their legs to the feast and the flowers and everything was edible and everything was wonderful - did she drink too much fermented fruit nectar? "Aw, impossible sweetie," she declared to her sister Weep, "I haven't gotten enough of it yet, haha," so by her esteemed opinion she was far too low on the scale of 'too much'.
Maybe it was fortunate (for both parties) that she'd wandered out of Weep's jurisdiction because Weep could be such a fuddy duddy, honestly. It was a festival and it was wonderful and everybody was happy! Including this massive bunch of people gathered here in front of a pretty-looking stage. She was a bit out of it so she cheerily asked "what's happening then," to the nearest Kimeti who would listen. "Oooh, lovely lovely I do love the gossip even if I can't remember who's who about now." She blinked at the stage. "Maybe I'll remember later."
She gaily swayed in place and watched. "Heard anything fun then," she asked the poor creature she had no clue the identity of, nor could she see very clearly, to be honest. It was in one ear out the other, and after asking the same question several times over, she was told to hush because no one nearby could hear any heartfelt confessions anymore. This, of course, quickly got her incredibly bored. "The clichés are coming out," her running commentary started, "my goodness that is so staid do you really think a doe would like that?"
"They should be shown how it's done," she said, "they should be shown how it's done." There was a retort and a shove, telling her to go up on stage and call for someone if she wasn't going to keep quiet downstairs. She stood and racked her muddled grey cells.
"Hellbender," she crooned. "Oooh she's a beauty. But I can't breed with her…" Ironically, she fell silent now, in thought. She's got a son doesn't she…Brad - Branch-Borne…that's it…Branch-Borne. "OKAY!" She said to no one in particular. "Okay I know!"
Summer Fades trampled her way backstage and possibly cut the queue of shy bucks and does, but it was a haze. "HI THERE!" Her voice piped up from behind the curtain and she trotted out. "HEY THERE, UH, BRANCH-BORNE! BRANCH-BORNE!"
"I LOVE YOUR MUM, BRANCH-BORNE!" she elucidated. "BUT UM I CAN'T BREED WITH HER AND YOU'LL MAKE A WONDERFUL SUBSTITUTE AND I'M SURE YOU'RE A LOVELY PERSON SO THAT'S FINE WITH ME! Oh good swamp mother, what else now? Oh! AND UM, I'M SURE I LOVE YOU OR SOMETHING.
AND BY THE WAY JUST SO YOU KNOW JUST IN CASE I'M SUMMER FADES. OKAY NOW."
And she stumbled off.
((THERE! OVER 400 WORDS!))
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Posted: Tue Apr 05, 2011 4:02 pm
Nudge made his way deliberately to the center of the vine-curtained stage, and posed--he had perfected it, and he knew he looked broad-shouldered and handsome--and raised his voice so it carried over the large crowd.
“Meets-the-Sea!” He cried. The doe’s name crested over the crowd like a wave, splashing against coats and scales and rolling into the ears of one pretty doe.
“I enjoyed so much our meeting and the meal we shared on the shores of the pond. Never have I met a doe such as you, lovely Meets, who is so kind and gentle. I enjoyed the conversation we had.
“I loved the way you looked at me, and the way you made me feel! I long for your company when you are not near, and though I am not the most spontaneous buck, you make me feel impulsive and coltish, and I love you for it! Please, listen to my song!”
He cleared his throat, nervous as only a first-time performer is, and opened his mouth again:
“The little doe cool-colored
Ran between Swamp and Sea
To find a home
One of her own
She ventured bravely.
As she wandered from the sea that day
An angered buck came nigh
Bushes blind
Trap in mind
And saw the doe, said ‘Hi’.
He stared at her in wonder
For often he had been
Told one like she
He’d never meet
The lovely Meets-the-Sea.”
Under his pale teal cheeks the blood rushed in response to his declaration and first songwriting trial. Hopefully the shy doe he had met no so long ago would like it--and not laugh at his rhyme. He liked the soft roll of the song, like the sea Meets was named for. He’d heard about the sound, but hadn’t experienced it yet. But he thought the sound of waves made by Kimeti in the pond might sound similar.
“So, Meets! Will you look upon me favorably, fair doe?” The buck stood tall and proud and slightly embarrassed at center stage for another moment, searching out the female he was now officially courting. After all, one doesn’t just shed one’s pride and sing in public for a mere passing fancy, is that not correct?
“I humbly ask your favor, Meets, and hope that together we shall create new life to protect and love the Swamp and the Sea as much as we do now.” And with that final proclamation, Nudge leaped gracefully down from his position and moved to the side, hoping the response from his little doe was the one he yearned for.
((Had to edit--forgot to bold. My bad! Also, over 400 words, yay!))
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Posted: Wed Apr 06, 2011 1:21 am
It was hard to miss the fact there was something going on. The hullaboo had been spooking the prey even before he'd gotten to them, which was distracting from his activities. Only the third carcass of the day and the noise was already grating on him - he glanced up, somewhat affronted, and carelessly finished the gutting and disposal. It'd developed to the point of rather personal annoyance (to the point of ridiculous personal offence) so he gave up, straightened and stomped towards the clearing for a look.
Right. The festival. Frolicking, lolling Kimeti, reeling back and forth, eating and drinking and hitting on each other. Charming, he noted, with a slight, lopsided smile as a buck stumbled past him to a doe. He steadily made his way to the center, with a structure hard to miss. The love stage not only stoked the fires of the heart and the loin, but also attracted hordes of Kimeti eager on gossip and public shame, hanging onto every soppy word that emerged from the curtains. Soppy words added to the potential of a midnight tryst was spectacular. At once there was a crowd so attentive, so hushed but with a undercurrent of giggles and quiet innuendos.
Break was satisfied to hang slightly away from the throng of ungulates, stoically allowing himself to be entertained by the mess of romance plaguing the stage. He turned and swept his eyes across the audience, picking out those so eager to be called out to, those here for the wreckage and those fo -
- those standing there, placidly, blinking her eyelashes shyly and out of place yet strangely comfortable in the mess. So it was her; he'd seen her during his quick travels weaving between the mainland and the outskirts, noted her sweet eyes framed by her dark locks, her light genteel movement...and what most caught his eye, the crimson: neatly placed in her hair, and splattered across her chest. A slight timid tilt of her head - he lowered his thoughtfully, and studied his own burnished red limbs as the confessions went on, floating over the receptive crowd.
Time to act like a lovelorn buck then, he chuckled to himself, and made a path to the stage that would pass by her. He heard "Heart Shatter" whispered past in conversation, yes...that seemed right (a prior mental apology to another doe called Heart Shatter if it wasn't who he had in mind) considering her markings. Alright then, Heart Shatter... He gave a look to others gathered behind the stage, an unwritten contract of don't look don't ask don't tell and waited his turn.
When Break You Down stepped onto the stage, his heavy hooves paced across it, introducing a long moment of silence that gave the audience pause, with wondering "what's going on" murmurs rising. At the most opportune moment, before the rumble gave way to cacaphony, he spoke.
His voice was low and rich, tone refined and purposeful. "Heart Shatter," he said, "I've seen you, glimpsed your beautiful visage, your love-torn breast," (he'd better have gotten her right...) "and I would so treasure the chance to speak to you and perhaps help to mend old wounds...and perhaps," he'd gotten cheeky, "to open new ones. Shall we start with a shot through the heart?" and gotten terribly corny.
Enough! He left the stage quickly now, clattering down the ramp. That was terrible, Break - he chided, don't ever do public speaking again.
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Posted: Thu Apr 07, 2011 9:31 pm
If Meets-the-Sea had remembered it beforehand, the spring abundance festival would have been something she would have avoided at all costs. To the solitary doe, a gathering of that many kimeti and kiokote in one place generally served as a huge flashing sign that screamed “GET AWAY”, and usually she obeyed, and quickly. This time, however, Meets was so caught up in her own thoughts (which tended, strangely, toward the memory of a buck she had met recently) that when she finally noticed the sounds of the celebration she was in fact nearly upon it. I suppose… she thought nervously to herself as she looked around at the laughter and happiness of her peers, I…I suppose I could just see what it’s like…for a little while. She swallowed her nerves and attempted to restrain her anxious twitching to an occasional flick of her ears, refusing to let her thoughts stray back to the buck, Nudge, that she had met only a few weeks before. He wouldn’t come to something like this anyway, she chastised herself, the inner monologue helping her fight the panic building up in her chest as she wove her way between the ever-increasing amount of kimeti. The grumpy old thing, she smiled to herself, he’s probably back at his pond, grumbling to himself about intruders, or fox buns eating his berries, or --
“Meets-the-Sea!” came the cry of her name, rolling across the heads of the crowd of kimeti in the newly familiar tones of the very buck she had been thinking of. Meets froze in place and searched the crowd for Nudge, her ever-observant eyes spotting him almost instantly, standing proudly up upon a stage of branches and vines. A blush rose in the pale circles of her cheeks and her heartbeat pattered against her chest like the wings of a restless songbird as the buck continued his address.
The push and shove of the crowd and the anxiety that flitted, ever-present, in the back of her mind whenever she found herself in such close quarters with other kimeti slowly began to fade away as she listened to Nudge’s song. His voice was, perhaps, imperfect, and unused to singing, but the words themselves were beautiful and the effort it must have taken the gruff and begrudging buck to not only compose such a thing but then to perform it in front of all of these kimeti was something that was not lost on Meets.
As Nudge finished his song and leapt off the stage in a flowing bound -- He moves like a wave, Meets found herself thinking -- the doe caught his eye and struggled for a way to express her thanks for and appreciation of the amazing thing he had just done. He is so brave, to bear the company of other kimeti -- which I know he finds tedious -- to come here and do this…to shed all of his pride and bare himself thus. It is not an easy task, I know. And so…
Almost without thinking, Meets-the-Sea found herself running up to the stage, gaining it with a gentle leap and landing softly on her hooves, sliding to face the audience with a swish of her dark tail. Panic struck her then, for a moment, at the sight of all of those faces staring up at her, but then she found the face of her gruff and grumpy buck -- still flushed from his speech -- and the feeling fled.
“Nudge,” she replied, smiling down at him. “I…I cannot describe how much I appreciate the beautiful song you have sung, nor express my shock that you would do such a thing for me. I may not be the…the bravest of does, nor the most companionable, and there is an aching in my heart that prevents me from remaining in one place for too long. But I…I enjoy your company, dear Nudge, and I feel that I would be quite…quite content to stay a while with you.”
It was, Meets felt, a rather feeble reply to the beautiful song he had sung for her, but she could feel the panic rising up in her again as her words began to fail her and she knew she could not go on. The doe’s ears twitched a few times nervously, and she leapt suddenly from the stage, as if burning from the heat of all the eyes pressed upon her. Almost instinctively she found her way to Nudge and retreated into his shadow. The little doe’s fur brushed up against the buck’s as she curled next to him, surprised in finding herself feeling safe at his side.
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Posted: Sun Apr 10, 2011 3:56 pm
Colored Spring stepped up to the stage with not even a hint of trepidation, wuffling a little at the flowers that obscured his view of the most beautiful Kimeti alive. The nerve of some plant material, he thought, chewing absentmindedly on one of the flowers until some nervous tittering behind him reminded him why he was there.
"Havemercy!" Spring bellowed out in the general direction of the crowd. He hoped she was out there somewhere. It had taken him a damn long time to find out her name. Spring paused while the echoes died down to reminisce on how hard it had been. He had asked at least five Kimeti, none of whom had any idea who "that blazing hot red doe" was. Finally, as he slumped in despair, weary from his search, he heard a confused spring peeper squeak something that may have been construed (by tired delusion) as "Havemercy!" Yes! That is clearly what her name is! Spring thought to himself as an agitated stamping behind him brought him back to his senses.
"I know you have probably never seen me before, and I don't expect you to even have any idea who I am. But I must confess, I have been watching you—from afar—for months. The first time I saw you, strolling in the forest, with what I guess was probably a pair of rats—I wasn't looking at them at all, because I was awestruck by your beauty! Your coat, redder than the most vivid sunset! A scarlet hue so sublime that I found myself instantly enthralled and enamored! On that day, I knew I would have to make you mine!
"From that day on, whenever I found you again, I watched you for hours, entranced by your beauty and charm. Our coincidental meetings, of which you were unaware, made my life worth living! My heart is aflame with passion! All I ask is that you indulge me for just one night, and I will be satisfied. Seek out Colored Spring if you would grant this request." With that, Spring strode smugly off the stage, flashing a grin at the next buck shuffling awkwardly in line. Spring anticipated only that he would be successful, and the thought of failure had at no point occurred to him. Now that those darned flowers were out of the way, he would have a perfect view of the reaction of the most beautiful Kimeti alive to his stirring declaration.
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Posted: Sun Apr 10, 2011 9:29 pm
(SO HARD TO FOLLOW UP ON OMG *dodges creeper vibes*)
Spring Peeper bounces up to the stage. Lately, he has no other step, for his love is sure and true, despite the fact that his love has never said a word in return.
Frankly, his love probably never will. But that's okay with Peeper; he'll proclaim it far and wide until every kimeti knows, and then it won't matter, because they'll all know that Nettle is his. Mostly. Kind of.
Well, when it suits Nettle, anyway.
The flowers and vines rustle for a moment while he takes a big breath. He would have to be very very loud for Nettle to hear him; he doubts that Nettle would come to something like this.
"LOVE IS LOVE NO MATTER WHAT AND EVEN WHEN YOU'RE MEAN TO ME, YOU'RE LESS MEAN TO ME THAN ANYONE ELSE SO I GUESS THAT MEANS YOU DON'T HATE ME SO I HAD TO TELL YOU THAT I REALLY REALLY REALLY--" oh Swamp, he can't say love aloud like that, Nettle will skin him-- "REALLY REALLY LIKE YOU NETTLE AND I HOPE YOU ALREADY KNOW THAT SO THIS IS JUST FOR ANYONE ELSE WHO'S EVER HAD THEIR EYE ON YOU SO THEY KNOW THERE'S TOTALLY COMPETITION FOR YOUR LOVE.
IF YOU HAVE ANY. OR MAYBE JUST FOR YOUR LIKE. I DON'T CARE I'LL TOTALLY TAKE WHAT I CAN GET."
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Posted: Sat Apr 16, 2011 8:53 pm
It had been so long. It felt like lifetimes ago. Wild Cry thought often of Willows-Breath, and no matter how hard he tried, he could not dispel the dreams he had of her willow and artwork. Among his travels, the buck would stop by her willow to admire her new creations. Alas, this was not a regular occasion. The buck travelled far too much, and the rare opportunities he had to stop by only resulted in his appreciation of her sketches before moving on. He had yet to see her again. But where his heart sank from every visit because she could not brighten his day with her presence, it also soared to see her art and imagine her own enjoyment in them.
As the time of the festival drew nearer, Wild Cry made sure he arrived early. He was there as kimeti set up for the stage and he felt his heart beat faster when the night was finally before him.
When it began, the buck made sure he was one of the first to step up to the stage. His head held high, he scanned the crowd for the chance that she might be there. It never occurred to him that she might not be present – that his confession of undying love and faith would only fall on the ears of the bitter and hopeless.
“Willows-Breath!” he cried out with a voice only an entertainer and storyteller might have. “My dear Willows-Breath, if only you could step forward so I may gaze upon you graceful figure once more. At times, I feel I may regret my lifestyle for it keeps me from your company. I travel all around, and yet I feel that my heart always returns to you. Your art gives me joy and light every time I see it. Every time I stop by, I imagine that you are there with me. I bask in the hoofprints you leave on the Swamp, and look forward to our next meeting.”
Wild Cry reared up in order to look deeper into the crowd. He still did not see her by the time he fell back on all fours. “Find me, my dear! I will be waiting for you to fold me in your light and song.”
The buck walked off the stage, his deep voice humming a tune from a land far away. He did not know its meaning, but he heard it first in his dreams – and in one of those dreams Willows-Breath returned to him, if only for a night. Wild Cry cherished that dream and held on tightly so it kept his days bright – even the days in which the sun was hidden by leaf and cloud.
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Posted: Wed Apr 20, 2011 11:57 am
All I See usually knew better than to attend the festivals - with her habits, it was hardly wise to flaunt her face where so many future marks could remember it. But it was the Festival of Abundance, where the special drink flowed like water; few were likely to remember the names of their bed-partners the night before, much less a quiet doe, weaving round the fringes of the debaucheries. And besides…he was here.
She had watched him for weeks - to make sure, and she couldn't deny that there was something about this buck that stayed her eye longer than most. The crisp white of his coat, the exotic trails of blue and cream, the classic curls that rippled softly as he moved - one of these, or all of this, or the discreet glitter of his pale eyes like fine gold. She had not heard him speak - she had not ventured so near as for that, but he turned to his companions with confidence, and seemed to function well enough. Perhaps that would do - he was rather beautiful, and she liked beautiful things; it behoved a doe who would eventually melt into the wind one dark morning before dawn to be shallow.
Right now, he was in the sprawling crowd gathered around the main event, the calling, jostling, laughing, jeering crowd. What manner of kimeti would let loose their love (or lust) upon such an open stage, that others might tear their hearts apart? Out of the corner of her eye, still fixed mainly on her prize, she noted the brazen bucks, the nervous bucks, a couple of weirdos the shy, sweet does - the shy, sweet does seemed a hit, earning waves of sympathetic titters, and their affections hardly bloomed in vain; more than one blushing buck had cleaved the crowd to nose up to their newfound loves. Indeed… Overhead, the sun had turned sluggish and golden, her favourite time of the day, for she knew her flaxen locks were burnished to good effect. Very well then, she decided - she would give his friends, if they were his friends, something to jest about; one way or another, her hunt would end tonight. She clipped her way to the stage with intent, and took her place behind the curtain when her turn had come.
"I…I know you know nothing of me," she started, clear enough to carry through the throng, but soft enough that they had to quiet their murmurings to hear the honeyed, hesitant tones floating forth from behind the flowery veil, "you would not, one such as you, know of a doe like I. You have not seen me, but I have seen you, often; you have not noticed me, but I…" a little waver in her voice, as she 'could not finish that thought'. A weighted moment to compose herself - then bravely pushing on, "I have seen you, thought of you…I have tried to quell these childish feelings - but I could not!" Timidity slowly but surely consumed by the pure flame of earnest emotion, "so I hope - can only hope - that you will hear me out…that even if you can't return my affection, you will be kind. For in my heart," and here, finally, she pushed through the vines, into the golden rays that she knew painted rich fingers of light across the ardent blush burning her pale cheeks, radiant, in love, "there is No Other."
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Posted: Sun Apr 24, 2011 4:49 am
"I love you." It was simple. It was tired. "I love the green of you, and the way you're always there even when I'm a pain. I love the way your mask is mine-- I love the way we're always together. I love the way you didn't go off with that lovely huntress to make lovely hunter babies, and the way you share your frogs with me."
She scuffed a hoof through the bright flowers, head hanging. This was not a confession that was easy, or simple. The words tasted too true in her mouth, and made a mockery of her name. "I love you." Too true. Too sad. "And I'm horrendously, viciously jealous of every doe you look at and speak to. I wish I could-- I wish we were-- Well. Nevermind. I love you."
Love is a Labor wrinkled her nose and left the careful screen of vines and flowers, head and tail drooping. She had thought it was something she could ignore until she'd felt compelled to confess her love from behind the screen.
At least Lizardskin would never know.
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Posted: Sun Apr 24, 2011 10:31 am
The trouble with drinking - the trouble with drinking was - you couldn't just take one sip, that would be unbalanced, somehow, you've got to take two. But two isn't right either, not when you can't have one to go and one spare to keep - no, you've got to drink it so - so - three. Three is - three is good, but then someone pushed you into a fourth, and four just won't do. What kind of number is four? That's neither here nor there - so, five; five is half of ten, that's not too bad…but it's also halfway there, isn't it? Not six, six wouldn't sit comfortably - seven is a much better number. And then, well, you might as well make it an even ten, because…because…ten. Ten is a set. And…and…no - no! Did you - did you take eleven? Was that eleven sips? That won't do - that…that… But you couldn't really remember, was it eleven? Or did you just think you did that twice? That's an important question because…if you took another and it had been eleven, that would make it twelve. And twelve. That was no good at all. Oh - but you've gone and taken it anyway. That was twelve. So - so it has to be thirteen. There you go. Thirteen, the unluckiest number. But it was a number alright, the sort of number you could count on to be a number, so it was alright to stop at thirteen, because it was a number with authority. And luck - luck's overrated anyway. It's not too bad to be unlucky - some of the loveliest people you knew were the unluckiest…unluckiest…yeah, he's pretty lovely, not that you've thought much about it, no - no, you didn't really know him. Stage? Why would you want to go up on the stage for - oh. Oh, you see, but no - you don't really - but…yes…yes. He's lovely.
And then there was a curtain of vines. How - how many? That's how you figure out the centre, you count and then divide…or count from either side and meet up in the middle…but the vines won't stay still - you've lost count again - thirty-six, thirty-seven… Someone behind you is prodding you in the back, telling you to hurry up - don't they know how important it is to be exactly in the centre? It would be awful - awful - if you were off by a vine, but they won't stop - they won't - oh! You've got it, the number, yes, that must be right - it must. Alright, alright, you're sorry for the trouble you've caused, you can't help it, but it's alright now, you can talk: "Um, Carrot Flower? Are you out there? You don't know me, and I don't really know you, but I've seen you, and I've heard about you. And…well, you must be the unluckiest kimeti in the world! Everything that's terrible that could happen has probably happened to you, and that makes me feel better about my life. So I really like you, thank you."
My Trouble was reasonably sure that didn't actually come out the way she'd intended, but she stumbled off the stage anyway - the fermented-juice buzz was definitely wearing off now, and she needed to find somewhere dark and quiet in a hurry.
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Posted: Tue Apr 26, 2011 12:47 pm
She was not part of his routine. She was new, unexpected, an interruption, an intrusion, unwelcome. He had to hide among the mangrove treets in the safe places he’d found for himself, and wait for her to leave. But as he skulked among the twisted, gnarled roots, following along in a disjointed version of his usual routine, he watched her.
Ten steps along the usual path, the borders marked unobtrusively with dabs of plant dye on the tree trunks, became twenty. Fifteen minutes feeding at the berry bush became twenty, hiding among the leaves. Then her path turned away from his, but he lingered at the bend, watching as the white doe vanished into the trees.
He could have forgotten it -- would have forgotten it, consigning it to mere memory, a half-remembered interruption to his lovely, perfect routine -- had she not shown up again. And again.
Still, he haunted her steps for as long as her path crossed that of his routine, and as time passed, he even entertained the idea of stepping out to meet her. But every time he shifted, every time he lifted a hoof to do it, his courage failed him, and he slipped back into safe spaces.
A group of traveling kimeti had passed through one night, well out of his way; he listened to them chattering, talking about the confessions that they would make and the kimeti they hoped to see. He lingered among the roots that day, instead of going out and walking on his usual paths; for hours and hours he deliberated and shifted and worked up courage.
It was almost the end of the day when he finally stirred, pushing upright to make the long trek to the stage. He dithered at the edges of the crowd, searching for her in the crowd; he didn’t know whether seeing her would give him more courage, or sap his will entirely. The sips of fermented fruit juice he took, however, were definitely helpful.
She didn’t even know he existed, and that was a perverse comfort. If she never showed up in his corner of the Swamp again, she would never know it. And maybe, if he hit a chord, she would come and find him.
He didn’t give himself time to regret it -- not even room for a deep breath before he stepped up onto the stage, staying mostly hidden behind the screen. “I’ve seen you on your hunting trips, making your way through the roots like a pale shadow. I’ve seen the feathers of rare birds around your head, and I’ve heard the flutter of wings as they fall. You're lovely and graceful and free, and I’m not. I'm not -- that is, I don’t -- not usually--”
When Lost Time finally stepped out from behind the screen, his courage and his words faltered, “I’d like it if we could meet sometime andIthinkIloveyou, My Trouble,” he rushed out, and slipped away just as fast.
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Posted: Tue Apr 26, 2011 3:51 pm
Darkness with a flash of green, that was all that could be seen as Xenophobe made his way up to the stage. He smiled brightly with glaring white teeth. The buck’s gaze almost matched that of his teeth. He was not one to boldly announce his intentions, but he was feeling gracious – and it was the whole point of this tradition.
She was beautiful, and he watched her for quite a while. When others were around, he hoped she would be impressed with his bountiful knowledge and growing wit. However, things tended to backfire. She would either smirk at his antics or walk away; sometimes it would appear that she did not see them – how unfortunate. All of his attempts, all of his hard work, were for naught. If he didn’t know any better, Xenophobe might be afraid that he was smitten.
“Dark is a Way!” Xenophobe craned his head over the crowd as best he could, hoping to catch a glimpse of her enchanting façade. He heard no response, and so he strode up to the stage confidently despite his fluttering heart. Oh, if she rejected him he did not know how he would cope. No, he probably did – with a half grin and saddened contemplation. The stage seemed so far away, couldn’t it be any closer?
Finally, he was there. Xenophobe’s hoofsteps clopped on the stage. The hollow tone echoed through the hushed gathering – it seemed the others wanted to see him shout his brave words, or foolish intentions.
“Dark is a Way, how I dream of you night and day.
Your shimmering lights give me flight.
And when I gaze upon you,
All I know is that I do.”
The buck glanced around slightly, the others seemed to be stunned by his horribly spoken rhymes. Oh well, he grinned even more broadly. Sometimes a doe enjoyed seeing a buck make a total fool of himself – and if that were true: well, then, he should win extra points for that display.
“Don’t say you will not take me; especially not with this spirit of love clinging in the air. Just come to claim me and I will willing be yours.” Xenophobe could not help but flourish with a deep bow before the crowd. As much as he would like Dark is a Way, maybe another, more sympathetic doe might be interested in a brightly-veined buck willing to go the extra length for love; even if just for one night.
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