Alaric: *STAAAARES at a very pretty bird perched high in a tree, very much wanting those feathers for his collection* *o*
Mordred: *Stalks up behind Alaric quietly.*
Alaric: *disappointed to see the bird take off, and not a fallen feather in sight! after a moment of wistfully watching it fly across the sky, Alaric finally turns away--OHSWEET GUARDIANS only to find himself face-to-face with Mordred. he jerks back a bit in surprise, then, recognizing his friend, smiles sheepishly* A-ah, hello there, Mordred. ...How long have you been standing there?
Mordred: *Manages to keep his face blank even though he's rather amused.* Just a moment or so. You looked deep in concentration so I did not wish to disturb you.
Alaric: *berates himself a bit for allowing himself to be snuck up on- how could he ever hope to be a defender of the weak if potential enemies could get the jump on him like that? not that that was ever a thing that happened, stealthy assassin herla... or that Mordred was a potential enemy, really. in fact, despite the other hart's intimidating appearance, Alaric was pleased the learn that the red-eyed buck was quite calm, if not a bit grave. pleased that Mordred had actually approached him again, Alaric's sheepish smile turns into a warmer, more genuine one* Oh, no, I was merely bird-watching. It is nice to see you again, Mordred. Was there something you wanted? *always proud to serve, he puffs up a bit... though he is still nowhere near as tall as Mordred with those huge antlers of his boohoo*
Mordred: I see. Bird watching. *How curious of a hobby, are birds really that fun to watch?* No, I need of nothing. I was mearly enjoying a walk when I spotted you and decided to come say hello. I apologize for interrupting you and will let you get back to your watching. *Tilts his head in a bow.*
Alaric: *feels a bit silly for admitting that now, wondering what Mordred thinks because he certainly can't tell from his tone, but ah well. his slight embarrassment is replaced with further delight when Mordred admits he just wanted to say hello... like friends! THRILLED!* You did not interrupt me at all. *glances back* The bird is gone; I was just about to go on a walk of my own. *nervous as he asks, though he tries not to show it--why should he be nervous?* Perhaps I could join you...? If you do not mind, of course. *avoids meeting Mordred's gaze, instead sweeping the trees with his grey eyes* Who knows, I may find the same bird~
Mordred: You... wish to join me? *How odd.* But of course. That would be quite wonderful, actually. I am not truly used to having company so it will be a good thing for me. *Begins to leisurely walk towards more trees and instantly finds it hard to look for birds while avoiding branches.* >| Would you be as so kind to tell me if you see a bird? *Must look like quite the fool.*
Alaric: *somehow not surprised that Mordred is not used to company, though he chides himself for such a rude thought... not like Alaric is super popular either, and he would be frowning right now if not for the fact that Mordred has accepted him on this little meander aww yeah* I am often on my own, too. *also would sound bitter, but in too much of a good mood, lumbering beside the darker hart. he finds himself able to speak more freely, usually shy to speak his mind* I am glad I have found a friend in you, Mordred. Thank you for allowing me to...*trails off, guiltily amused by Mordred's struggle, his own horn raking branches and sending a flurry of leaves raining down on them, any birds they might have spotted fleeing. he smiles up at his companion's antlers with a mixture of awe and pity* ...Perhaps we should make our way to the clearing. I can see you are also having difficulty. *doesn't mean to embarrass Mordred, but this just so funny to him. he'd always found his own horn so annoying, he never thought he'd meet another who had the same, in fact even more trouble than him*
Mordred: *Sighs and with a sharp tug managed to get his antlers free of the low branches.* Your idea seems to be more sound than mine. Sometimes I do not fully think through in my plans, for I'm so used to much taller trees than this. *Keeps his head low until they are clear of branches, at least Alaric shares his annoyance with low lying branches.* Do you believe we will be able to watch birds from out here?
Alaric: *offers Mordred a sorry smile as they leave* Yes, these trees are quite the bother... Where was it that you lived? The mountains? *Alaric eyes Mordred's fur and sighs--it gets too warm here, sometimes he would like to live in the mountains himself. but of course he couldn't, his family... well OK his family was scattered everywhere, Alaric didn't even know where his children lived most of the time, but he quickly pushed away that line of thinking, not wanting his good mood ruined... though, there was now obviously a melancholy air about him as they left the trees, eyes once again scanning the sky even though he wasn't at all interested in birds anymore* ...You do not have to indulge my silly hobby, Mordred. It is a pleasure simply sharing your company. *although he is genuine about this, Alaric sounds distant, lost in thought*
Mordred: Yes, my brother and I hail from the high mountains where the air is thin and the climate is cold. I find myself missing it more every day, but I am enjoying the spring here. I may make a return there when it gets too hot here for me to stand, to where I have no idea. My home, if that is what it can even be called, is no more. *Shakes his head to remove these thoughts, the chains about him rattling more than usual.* I apologize for the somber mood. I am enjoying this walk, even if there are no birds. To be in the company of others is something I usually do not enjoy, so this is quite a change for the better. *Gives the slightest of smiles* I thank you, Alaric.
Alaric: *at the mention of Arius, Alaric finally manages a smile again, remembering that meeting. he totally won. looks back at Mordred, interested in learning more about him. just frowns and tips his head when his home is mentioned, though by the hart's tone, he's unsure what to think* I am... sorry to hear that. *wants to ask more, but decides not to pry, not wanting to annoy his companion. instead, at Mordred's apology, he frowns further, feeling guilty for his own morose thoughts. studies the rattling chains as he speaks* No need to apologize. *hesitates, hoping he doesn't seem to forward and assuming, and although Alaric himself would be much too reserved to ever take the offer himself, it seems right to say:* ...Please know that you can speak to me about anything that troubles you, and I will do anything I can to help. *quickly adds, playing the host now:* I would like to make your stay here, however long it may be, *referring to Mordred mentioning he might like to go back home and thinks he wouldn't mind joining him on that excursion, too* as pleasant as possible. *Alaric catches that smile and feels a swell of... pride, perhaps, at being able to make his grave friend smile* It is my pleasure, Mordred.
Mordred: Ah. My stay here has been more wonderful than I could have ever imagined. But again I thank you for your eagerness in making my experience here all the better. And I do not really wish to leave, but I fear I will not do so well if it gets hotter than it already is. *Stops and lets out a low chuckle.* How different my two homes are. For example, even in the middle of summer there is still snow up on the mountain. *Picks up the pace again.* But I do not think I could go up there alone, in all honesty I believe I'd be too much of a coward to return to the area. *Gives a deep sigh then perks his ears.* Alaric. Would you go on the adventure with me? At least up there, you would not have to stay. I do not have many relations here yet and you are the best of those few who could cope with the mountain terrain.
Alaric: *feels such love and pride right now for the Hartlands and knowing his friend has enjoyed him home and fff this is the happiest Alaric has been in a while, he almost wants to nudge Mordred in excited affection but uh, he's not quite sure what the buck's stance is on being touched so he just shows his joy through his wiggling stump-fluff tail.* Yes, I can understand that. I would love to see snow more often... My fur just weighs me down otherwise. *his smile subsides to concern as he perks his ears up--did he hear that right? Mordred, afraid? judging by his many scars, Alaric figured Mordred to be the brave, powerful type, what could possibly drive him to call himself cowardly? however, Alaric's spirits immediately lift again at being invited along, and even being called the best ok yeah he can't really restrain himself any longer; Alaric bumps Mordred with a large smile, pupiless grey eyes sparkling with wonder and excitement and it's like Al is back to his boyish, spirited Labyrinth-Runner self!* Of course, Mordred! It would be an honor!
Mordred: *Almost begins to fear that his words have taken a turn for the worse as Alaric's mood drops but then suddenly he's back to, no, even more enthusiastic than before. He kind of stiffens at the physical contact but gives a smile to Alaric's frenzy.* You really would? Good. That is a great relief. It has been nagging at the back of my mind since the weather grew warm. I promise you will enjoy the adventure, plenty of things to fight and great sights to see.
