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 Posted: Sat Oct 09, 2010 7:27 pm
It was early evening in the gloomy swamps. The tall mangrove trees and knobby hardwoods created a canopy over the sloppy mess that suited as a ground, blocking out what remained of the setting sun. Even shadows had shadows, and the soft grey light created an almost mist-like haze.
It was in this that Ominos stalked, his sensitive nose sniffing out signs of prey as his empty stomach urged him forward. He had promised to find something filling for his mate, whom he lived to please and to possess. But the sun had been bright in the day, and he had searched the mountain slopes in vain, gaining a painful stomach cramp and a headache from his sensitive eyes. His attitude had also worsened--he felt like he could tear anything to shreds that dared to step in his path. He usually got like this when his head pained him--all sense of self left him, and what remained was raw, predatory instincts.
His tail twitched as a sweet smell hit his nose--ah, tender meat. Perhaps he had finally found a meal, and one that would be easy to acquire at that. He headed in the general direction of the smell, his teeth gnashing in hunger.
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Erasto had just finished reading another chapter of one of his magic books, learning how to identify an Eastern hog-bellied salamander from a western one of the same name. The strange little critters were highly useful in potions and elixirs having to deal with beauty issues... strange it was, but true. Their liver produced a toxin that apparently had the ability to reverse the effects of aging, but only when mixed with proper other ingredients. Too bad he didn't have anyone to test that certain potion on... he would have so loved to experiment.
Being as it was, his stores of wormroot were getting low, and he preferred to have a high quantity always available. Wormroot was like seasoning... you could always use it for something.
Thus, he arranged his tomes back on their makeshift shelves, grabbed his bright lantern, and headed outside into the cool night. The sound of frogs chirping and nesting birds calling met his ears; to him, they were like lullabies. He loved the sounds of the swamp.
He headed north, towards a small dry area known for important roots, herbs, and tubers. He was sure he'd find what he needed there.
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Posted: Sat Oct 09, 2010 8:52 pm
 The air felt clean and damp as the glowing mare walked forward. Whatever had led her toward these wetlands she was unsure, but she was quite enjoying it.The song of the night birds and the whispering sounds of the animals that were awakening from the evening slumbers fell upon her ears. And it was a pleasant noise, easing the anxiety that was growing from being in such a strange environment. Her father would be displeased with her for leaving his side. But she was a budding young lady now, and did not need to be beneath his wings 24/7. Her whispery movements were even less discerned as she stepped upon the wet grass and boggy mud, but she was all but not invisible. The scales that adorned her glowed different colors of the rainbow, as did the edges of her wings and the sweeping single horn that was upon her brow. She loved her glowing physique, because it had it's benefits. Around her, night had began to sap the light from the world, yet in her small space, the grass was colored blues and greens and pink. She smiled, her nose dipping to touch the rainbow grass, before she flapped her wings and settled to chewing complacently.
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Posted: Sun Oct 10, 2010 6:32 am
It was unusual for Ominos to walk without too much noise, for his bad eyesight usually caused him to bump into tree branches and such. But on this certain night, his instincts and cold empty stomach lent a sort of adrenaline to his body, helping him to walk quietly through the mushy puddles of mud and soaked grass. What was left of the dull light of sunset fell through the canopy above to glint on his golden horns and reflect in his pale yellow eyes, yet left his dark body to blend into the shadows.
A few minutes into his search, all the while with the smell becoming stronger and stronger, he came upon a very strange sight indeed: a small mare, young at the look, with long, slender wings and various body parts that glowed like colored fire. At first, Ominos had to glance away in fear of feeling pain in his eyes, but he soon realized that her light was softer and nonthreatening to him. He looked back up, his eyes narrowing and tail snaking behind him, like a cat about to pounce. This mare seemed small and insignificant--she would never hold a chance against him. And no matter how strange she looked on the outside, he doubted that she would taste any different on the inside. Thus, he had found his dinner.
He growled then, heavy, guttural, and instinctive, and leapt from the concealment of the trees onto the little patch of drier grassy ground, his wings unfurled to their full length to strengthen his menacing appearance. He didn't think about talking, or smiling, or trying to enjoy the kill. No, he was simply hungry, and wanted dinner... NOW.
He reared up and dove forward, looking for a target to latch onto with his razor sharp teeth. Ah... the wings! To prevent her from escaping!
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Erasto's head popped upward very quickly at the loud sound of a distinct Kalona growl, coming from the very general direction of his special herb patch. What in the world would a Kalona want in this dreary swamp? Unless it was here to hunt the small deer, whom did provide quite an easy target. Still, he was uncomfortable with such an aggressive sounding creature being so near to his habitation--being one of Kalona blood, he knew how dangerous the instinctive urges could be. However, he was the only one that he permitted to lash out in HIS swamp. No other... which was why his pace quickened from a lazy walk to a strong-gaited gallop.
His lantern beat painfully upon his chin, but he refused to release it. It was a part of him, the part that helped him lure in his prey. It was almost like his heart--how could he get rid of that? But as he neared the little meadow, he set the lantern gently on the ground, realizing that he'd need his Kalona-derived teeth for a fight if need be. He hurried forward, thinking of his poor trampled wormroot, when a rather different sight met his eyes: The Kalona, a great dark beast with shining golden horns, was attacking a smaller mare, who appeared to be half Kirin. She seemed to have a very unfair disadvantage, being so small. But her coloration seemed to draw Erasto's eyes to it like a bug to fire--he wondered what strange enchantment made her glow so. Too bad he'd never find out.
He started to turn away, thinking that the Kalona would leave after it got the food it was looking for, but something kept him from leaving completely. The mare was so small... so beautiful... did she really deserve to die? But it was only natural order... but still...
He shook his head, knowing he would regret this choice later. Then he charged out from the trees, lowering his head and butting his rock-hard mask into the Kalona's ribs.
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Posted: Sun Oct 10, 2010 4:49 pm
Aurora had been so calmly in her own little world that she had barely noticed the large Kalona as he bore down upon her, a hunger in his eyes. She let out a despairing neigh of alarm and reared backward. But she was no fighter, no... All she could do was try and run. She let out another screeching neigh, feeling her flailing hoof connect with a snout. But to the Kalona, it would have been the barest touch, almost like a moth's wingbeat.
Her noise increased in volume as she felt razor rip into one of her soft wings. Several iridescent feathers fell to the muddy ground. The eyes that stared through the mask at the figure who angrily gripped her wing were full of confusion, and growing slowly, pain.
Her hooves fell to the ground as the pain grew, and she found herself wanting to stand very still, as it meant the pain would not continue. End it! End it... The tips of her wings lifted outward and she tried with all her might to rip it away from the Kalona. Her whole body was quivering, so confused. Though her father had spoke of the dangers of the outside world, for a Kalona to attack her, and yet her view of Kalonas were rather shadowy, for her father was also partly one. Were they... all like this?
When all her hope was beginning to dwindle, she heard a crash in the trees and a large figure came rushing out, a bright light making her eyes close. Was this the end? Then there was a loud bone-numbing thud of bone meeting flesh, and she found the teeth holding her wrenched from her wing. Aurora fell to the ground, her heart beating like a hummingbird's.
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Posted: Mon Oct 11, 2010 5:57 am
Ominos gave a roar of anger as a dull but great pain hit his middle. Even though he was big and strong, he was wrenched off balance and his hold was lost, his teeth ripping off a mouthful of feathers. He stumbled to the side, his vision a blur, and spat the fuzzy matter from his mouth. A few seconds later he had gained his balance back, and whipped around, tail lashing angrily and teeth bared in a feral snarl. His opponent stood before him.
The strange creature took him by surprise at first: It seemed to be a mix of Kalona and Kirin traits, with bright coloring and a rather fearsome mask. It's tail was longer than his, and covered with a thick tuft of wavy hair. The eyes were dark beneath the mask, and the teeth seemed to be pure Kalona as they glinted from within a half-crazed smile.
"Fool!" Ominos spat, his ears flicking back. "Now I shall kill both of you!" He sprang forward, aiming his mouth towards the other's neck.
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Erasto let a flashy grin of satisfaction cross his face--yes, he admitted that one usually did not smile during battle. But it was an occasion to stretch his muscles, and perhaps judge how in shape he was. Besides, if he was to confront his old rival one day, he would have to be able to at least beat a Kalona.
The Kalona's threat did nothing to frighten him, and only egged him on further. This one was in his territory, attacking a mare that even Erasto would respect. He deserved retribution.
He grunted as the Kalona sprung for his neck, dodging the blow just in time. Be as it was, the razor sharp teeth snagged a small portion of his braid, even further mussing up the scraggly hair. Erasto didn't care much about his appearance, so the mishap didn't affect him.
As the Kalona twisted around, preparing for another blow, Erasto lowered his head again and dodged forward, feeling his sharp Kirin horn connect with the Kalona's shoulder. He jerked his head, digging the horn in deep, then wrenched it away and smiled when he heard the exclamation of pain. But as he backed away, raising his head, he didn't react fast enough to the third strike from the Kalona's teeth. Daggers of pain dug into his neck, and he roared angrily as he felt the flesh rip away. Something warm ran down his shoulders and front leg, feeling strangely like a small snake that had been basking in the sun too long. He snarled, feeling all sort of corrupt satisfaction leave him, and felt his Kalona instincts take its place. It was time to kill...
He spun, ignoring the pain in his neck, and grabbed out with sharp teeth of his own. They connected with fur, then with muscle, and finally with bone. He wrenched his head away, staring blankly at the large gash he had just made on the Kalona's flank. Next time, it would be the neck...
He charged, mouth wide and eyes ablaze with hatred.
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Ominos screamed in pain as the chunk of flesh left his hindquarters. At once he could feel the warm blood trickle down his leg, and his confidence took a great blow. Pain struck him from all places: the bruise in his ribs, the puncture in his shoulder, the gash on his hindquarters... and the other stupid stallion only had a busted neck! Why couldn't he get a good blow in? Was he really that slow? He had never had problems before...
Both stallions stood stock still for what seemed like hours, simply glaring at eachother, flanks heaving and nostrils flaring. Only a few seconds had passed, but Ominos made his decision: the stallion wasn't worth the fight. But maybe he could finish off the mare... she seemed weak enough. And he didn't want to leave with nothing but wounds and beaten pride...
He spun then, away from the Kiri-Kalona and towards the mare. He reared, hooves aimed for her head, simply to kill her and nothing more...
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Erasto saw the look in his opponent's eyes, the slight backwards glance towards the wounded mare... he frowned, realizing that he was no longer the target. But he would not let the mare die!
He charged, just as the Kalona charged, and threw all of his strength into one last blow. His head connected strongly with the Kalona's side, bowling the both of them over just in front of the mare. Erasto quickly and awkwardly untangled himself, then stood over the Kalona with a feral grimace on his face, barely visible beneath the fierce mask.
"LEAVE! Leave or I will end this!" he roared, stamping his hooves on the ground. The Kalona didn't hesitate--he struggled to his feet, and with a slight limp and strong flap of his wings, he lifted himself into the air, leaving without a word.
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Ominos didn't need to be told twice. His anger smoldered darkly in his chest, and the face of the other stallion would stand strong in his mind until the day he could get revenge... but for now, he needed to heal. No use trying to continue a fight that was already lost.
But he would be back!
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Posted: Mon Oct 11, 2010 4:30 pm
Aurora had stared rather hazily as both stallions waged war upon one another. Never had she seen nor felt such a heavy feeling of anger exude from a sentient species before! She watched blood fly every which way, only able to watch with little idea what could encourage such a behavior. The strange masked stallion that had come bursting through the trees spoke of this area being his territory. Oh, by the Gods, had she really stumbled unto another territory without realizing it? She shuddered anxiously, both with fear and pain as she gazed momentarily at her injured wing. No flying would come to her for a long while, she knew.
Suddenly, the tides of battle were turning. She watched as they bit and snarled at each other like rabid beasts, but was shocked when the gold-horned Kalona turned his attention back to her. A weak whinny of shock left her mouth, but was soon stilled when the masked stallion bowled him over and went sprawling himself. And then was on his feet once more, bellowing like a thunderclap at the downed foe, who took no moment's hesitation to run. She found herself struggling to her feet, to quickly be off on her way before that strong voice was turned to her.
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Posted: Mon Oct 11, 2010 7:04 pm
Erasto watched quietly as the Kalona flew off, his sides heaving with exhaustion, surprise, and satisfaction. That foe had been strong... there was a short moment where he almost doubted that he could win the battle. But he was thankful for his large size and Kalona blood, which helped him in his efforts. He also believed that all of his tinkering with certain spells and potions could have lent him some luck too--who knew? At least he had won... and saved the mare!
The image of the wounded mare came to his mind, and he at last became aware of his surroundings. The small meadow was trampled and muddied, a large patch of grass beaten into the earth. Patches of blood stood out here and there, but whose it was remained a mystery. A soft glow stood out in the edge of the meadow, where he had left his lantern. At least it hadn't been damaged...
Then a soft rustling came from behind him, and he turned to find that the mare had already lifted herself from the ground, and was attempting to leave in silence. His first thought was to let her leave, and save her any further trouble. But then he saw the large wound on her brightly glowing wing, and knew that she'd be in deep trouble if he didn't aid her.
He whipped around, quickly placing himself between her and the edge of the meadow. He easily stood two heads above her, she was so small... but she was unlike anything he had ever seen. Was it a spell that made her glow? Was she an enchantress, did she know magic like him? And that mask she wore... it reminded him of his own. How strange!
"Where do you think you're going?" He asked, his voice back to the combination of interest, strangeness, and masculinity. Then he noticed the distress and fear in eyes, and realized that he had to soften his image a bit if he didn't want to give her a heart attack. But he wasn't used to being... compassionate.
"I mean... wait. Just wait. I won't hurt you... but you can't just go off with that wing of yours. You'll get an infection, if some predator doesn't finish you off first." He squinted his eyes, trying to further assess her condition, yet staying far enough away to be less threatening. "I can heal you, if you wish. Free of price... if you agree to tell me how you glow like that." He just couldn't help it. That question had been on his mind since the moment he had spotted her.
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Posted: Mon Oct 11, 2010 7:34 pm
Aurora ears flattened against her head for a moment, before perking up in a mixture of shock, and deep within and unnoticed, amusement. The creature who stood before felt gigantic in comparison to her small frame. Oh! How she hated being so small! He was clearly male, and the voice which came from behind the mask clearly always got his way. Yet... it seemed he was trying to be gentle, like a lion coaxing the mouse from it's hole. She was wary of tricks that could be pulled to further her dilemma.
His questions puzzled her. Why did she glow? Well... That was a good question. It had been something to perplex and cause fascination since she was a small foal.
"I... You... Want to help me?" Her voice was soft, but had an air of wonderment about it. She wanted to know who he was, why he saved her, where they were... The eyes that watched the stallion glowed all the different colors of the rainbow, and they were like a flame behind the eyeholes of her multi-colored mask. She was burning, hurting, confused, defensive, and so many other emotions.
She looked away back toward her wing, which lay limp by her side, throbbing painfully, but manageable enough to not hinder her. But the thought of infection, or other predators taking her down, she had given it very little thought.
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Posted: Wed Oct 13, 2010 8:40 am
Erasto half-frowned, half-grimaced behind his mask. Well, he had just offered to help her, hadn't he? Usually, his clients did not proceed to question him further about his antics--he had laid them down straightforward. Did she really need verification?
But he quickly shook his annoyance away. She was hurt, most likely confused, and probably scared of him. Honestly, he admitted, he'd probably be scared of himself if he crossed paths with an identical twin. He wasn't exactly the most normal of Soquili, not to mention that he thought living in a swamp was the most sensible thing in the world, so he figured that he could try to understand her hesitation.
"Yes. Yes, I want to help you. In exchange for that tidbit of information. I would so love to learn a spell that created such vivid displays of light." He grinned, half to himself, not realizing that the mare was truly not a magic-maker of any sort. He was so caught up in his pursuit of knowledge that he had straightforwardly accused her of knowing magic, though he was completely wrong.
"If you wish for my help, then you must follow me back to my lodging. I have herbs and poultices there that will heal you," he explained, then realized that the sharp pain in his neck was still there. He would also have to heal himself, unfortunately. And perhaps take a bath to rid himself of the drying blood. My, what a mess he had to look.
"What do you say?"
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Posted: Sat Oct 16, 2010 8:20 am
A light smile touched the mare's lips, meager in all regard, emotion and otherwise. She looked at him carefully, listened to his words, hoping that her ears could judge for any falsities that could possibly be buried beneath his rather comforting words. But she could not hear any sign of harm-to-come. She stepped forward, her ears flicking as she calmed herself from the hummingbird's flight to the soft gait her heart was meant to walk.
"You're very kind to offer such services to me..." She murmured, her eyes prismatic. She felt definitely indebted to the creature before her, whether he had plans of merriment or malice.Her golden and aqua hooves glowed against the dark floor of the forest, casting a rather eerie light on the damage the earlier melee had wreaked upon the quiet glade. It was a war zone of blood, mud, and broken branches and torn grass.
The sooner she was gone from the permanent memory, the better off she knew she would be.
Setting her eyes on the strangely large eyes behind the eye holes which were pinning her in her place, she calmly let her wings fall, her whole frame relaxing, body taking on a serene (albeit wounded) air. "Please, sire, lead me to my solace, and your humble home."
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Posted: Sat Oct 23, 2010 2:44 pm
Erasto chuckled to himself at her words. "Kind?" "Sire?" This mare obviously led a much more fanciful life than he, for he wasted no time on falsities for the sake of respect. But still, the way that she thanked him and let herself relax made him feel a little warmer inside. He now had a burden, a duty, that he was determined to fulfill for this beautiful mare who had so suddenly dropped into his life. And, perhaps, for the enchantment that she held.
"Very well. Follow me this way, if you can," he murmured, turning towards the spot where he had left his lantern. He moved forward slowly, glancing back every few steps to make sure that she was able to walk comfortably, and moved in between the spindly trees. He was amazed at the soft glow that her colors seemed to cast on everything, and wondered if the light from his lantern would even make a difference in the gloomy darkness. Nonetheless, he would not abandon it, and scooped it up in one smooth motion.
The way back to his hut seemed longer than usual. The going was slow, and the night seemed to have a heavier air about it than most nights. But it soon emerged out of the blackness, illuminated by fireflies and the light of a lone candle lit within. It was a rough looking place, made of saplings staked upon each other and covered in mud and branches. But it worked well enough for his purpose, and he loved it so.
He turned to make sure that the mare was still behind him, then motioned for her to enter after him. He ducked through the low doorway and sat the lantern on the floor, softly illuminating the small space. In the hut were a few makeshift shelves, covered with jars and containers and baskets of strange things. A pallet made of thatched grass and animal skins rested against the back wall, and a fire pit surrounded by stones adorned the middle. A small basket of clean water sat on the other side of the doorway.
He sighed, then moved forward and began rummaging through the mess for some useful healing herbs.
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Posted: Mon Oct 25, 2010 3:58 pm
The mare followed in silence, her head slightly down, but her bright eyes alert to every movement of shadow around her. Her flanks quivered at even the small noise of bird, beetle, or tree. Her eyes briefly looked up to stare at the outline of the strange creature who was leading her. Where had he come from, and how had he found her just in the knick of time to save her life from being a feast for a Kalona? She was a feather on the breeze within, yet her outside only spoke of the shameless wonder.
As they entered a small clearing, she felt her eyes widen, and her ears go forward at the sight before her. A hut? It was crudely built, but a hut nonetheless. A home. That's what it was. His home.
As she followed him to within the confines of the dark hut, and the glow of light illuminated it, she was taken by wonder. Jars upon the wall, and strange things hung from the roof. It took much effort to keep from nosing toward things to investigate. And were those frogs? By the Moon! What a strange creature this male was.
When he had moved off to rummage among the dried things, she moved toward the clean water that lay within the basket. She stared downward at the surface, her face glowing upon the surface in iridescent colors. What a mess she was. Her mask askew, she dipped her head away from the water and allowed her mask to fall off with a soft thud.
"I have to thank you again, for duty calls me to do so. You saved my life, and that is more than a just act." Her voice was soft, calmer then it was before, a smile laced within it.
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Posted: Wed Oct 27, 2010 10:10 am
Erasto almost forgot the second presence in his hut as he searched for useful herbs, for he fell into a second state of mind when he worked with his magics. But he soon found what he was looking for, a bundle of crispy leaves that smelled faintly like the autumn wind. They had a terrible taste, but would not need to be used for a draught. Instead, they would be used for a sort of ointment, after he crushed them up and mixed them with a few other lesser things. If all worked out well, then they would significantly speed up the healing process and prevent infection.
He heard a soft thud, almost like a faint whisper, behind him, and turned with the bundle of herbs in his mouth. His eyes widened slightly at the sight; she had discarded her mask on the floor, exposing a delicate face with heavy lashes framing bright eyes. Not a blemish or scar was to be found--if Erasto had ever had the mind to call something beautiful, he would most likely use that word now.
He shook his numbness off, turning, a bit awkwardly, to lay the herbs in an empty bowl. He grabbed a smooth stone pestle and quickly smashed the herbs, then poured that mixture into another bowl with things already ground up. To top it off, he added a bit of water from a jug, then brought the mixture to rest on top of a small grate of sticks above the fire. Muttering a simple word, perhaps the first spell he had dwadled with, he set fire to the half-charred logs. A small flame leapt to life, and the gooey mixture began to heat.
He turned to the mare then, realizing that she was watching him the whole time, with a mixture of awe and curiosity. Still, she was not like the rest of those he had served. There was no fear in her eyes, nor no disbelief. Simply... graceful acceptance. And the wont to learn.
He returned her smile, once again in an awkward manner, and replied, "Be it an act or not, it was required. Even if I could not save my wormroot, at least I could save a beautiful creature such as yourself." He gave a toothy smile, exposing one of his Kalona qualities. It was not often that his speech was sober and eloquent, but he found it easier to do so in this mare's presence.
He actually felt quite comfortable in her presence, and had the sudden urge to also remove his mask. It was rare that he did so... but she had removed hers. Perhaps he should oblige her by doing the same? He made his mind up quickly, and let his head droop so that the heavy bone slid off cleanly, resting next to the base of the shelves. He shook his hair free, and his dark eyes fell on the mare.
"I must let the herbs heat so that the mixture can be complete. Then, after it cools, I will apply it to your wound. First, though, I shall like to examine it more closely." He moved closer, slowly, and looked down at her wing. The cut was jagged, and feathers were missing... but it did not seem to be broken in any way. "Can you still move it? Or do you think that it is broken?" His voice was gentle, but had the air of an experienced healer, which he knew himself to be.
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Posted: Wed Oct 27, 2010 7:06 pm
Aurora watched him with an alert, yet soft gaze, and was shocked when the mask fell away to reveal the rather... handsome creature beneath. Her ears flicked forward at her own inward shock, and she smiled. She was unsure what she had expected to find behind the bone mask, but perhaps it was a monster or something unearthly. And though it was true that the eyes that looked at her seemed so strange and intelligent, and if a bit maniacal deep within, they held a gentle knowing, as if he would scare her with a false movement.
As he came closer, she felt stunned at his size next to her's, dwarfed like a mouse to the lion. But yet... she was unafraid.
At his words, she slowly extended her wing, flinching ever-so-slightly at the pain that was to be expected. Bending it inward, she felt every sinew and bone shift, but no bout of crippling pain that would speak of a broken bone. She shook her head, flexing her wing back out for him to look at. "No. It's not broken. Just stinging." She said, with a heated smile.
Turning her attention from her red-stained wing, she looked up to inspect the face that so deeply inspected her wing. He was definitely handsome, and the air she breathed in held strength and an undercurrent of something mystical. His long hair was mussed up, and a long trail of caked blood covered his neck. She gasped, shocked. "You're hurt..." She murmured, blinking, her soft eyes regretful. He had been hurt by that Kalona because of her... What a gallant creature. "I-I... You protected me, yet you do not know me.... I don't even know your name," She whispered. "And you do so much, for a stranger, without tending to your own injuries first."
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Posted: Fri Oct 29, 2010 8:50 am
Erasto nodded at her confirmation, glad that the bone was indeed whole. That would make his job much easier, even if there were still muscles and tendons that needed mending. A simple dressing, held tight with a clean bandage, would start the wound off easily in the process of healing. She wouldn't have to stay long... if she didn't want to. Though he found himself wishing that she would want to stay...
His ears perked at her exclamation of his own injuries. His neck bent as he swiveled to look at his own wound, and he once again felt the sting of pain. But it worried him not--he had suffered from worse.
He turned back to her, a crooked smile on his face. "Yes, I have not told you my name, have I? But neither do I know yours... we are at moot point, eh?" Then he chuckled, walking back over to the fire. "I am called Erasto, though the name was not given to me by my parents. It was the deviation of an old friend... or enemy, shall I say." His voice held an air of hatred, but he left it at that. No need to delve too deep into his past just yet.
His features softened when he saw her concern, and to appease her he murmured, "Worry not about me. I have withstood worse that a simple bite. I'll tend to myself when I have finished with your hurts." He grinned, then turned back to the small bowl heating above the fire. The herbs should be well mixed by now, and ready to cool. However, because the bowl was hot, he slowly scooted the grate away from the fire, where the air itself could cool the contents.
He turned back to the mare. "Now that you know my name, perhaps I can know yours? One as mystifying as you should have a fitting name." He waited for her response as he mixed the contents of the bowl once again, then retrieved a clean cloth from a nearby shelf.
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