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 Posted: Sat Jun 30, 2012 9:51 am
 
This is a Private RP between Uta's Atraiu and Arashi's Crisiant.
No posting otherwise, please. <3
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Posted: Sat Jun 30, 2012 9:52 am
Evening was approaching, and the mists that crept along the forest were almost eerie. As much as they hid the coal black mare, the sunlight still struck a peculiar shine off her markings and the red satin that looked tattered, held together by a gold broach. Crisiant's doe-tail was tucked firmly against herself, and her eyes rolled and shifted as she burst through the mist's edge, skirting along all kinds of brush and bramble only to practically dive back within its cool depths. The sun turned it a shade of orange, tinged with pinks and yellows in the places it touched, and the sleek Cerynei mare moved on, driven away from the place she had been attacked.
Sunlight held no protection for her, now, and even the mist scared the daylight out of her.
She shut her eyes, trying to block the images of fangs and claws and that depraved grin from her mind, even as her body protested being pushed these few short hours after the Skinwalker had destroyed the light within her. Her body held gashes, and she could feel bruises, deep and painful, developing. All she knew was that she was driven to get away from the spot she'd been left, broken and bleeding. The process was slow, and a limp was more than apparent in her stride, on more than one leg.
Crisiant felt weak: her limbs, body, and mind drained of its enduring strength.
All she was certain of was that he'd be back to finish the job, or orchestrate a repeat performance of brutality and torture on her. The gold mask with the red satin ribbon - stained darker in places by blood--her own blood - was crooked on her face, but she didn't seem to notice it, or take notice on her body's state. The sound of running water caught her ears, faint and distant, and the Cerynei mare stopped, caught between following the sound, or straying away. The night was approaching with the sun setting.
She shuddered. Nowhere was safe, especially in the dark.
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Posted: Sat Jun 30, 2012 10:25 am
Night was fast approaching, and for this, Atraiu was grateful. The heat of summer would be cooled by the shade of night, and best of all, it meant he wouldn't have to worry about running in to competition. The stallion had always lived a rugged lifestyle, independent of his family and herd, and had a keen eye for treasure. It was his life's goal after all, to bring back a slew of glittering trinkets for his sister, and his own pride. Perhaps more than gold, the stallion had always found a great appreciation for the rush and thrill of discovery; to find something others had not, to risk danger, to compete with strangers to be the first to nab some item or trinket. . . . He loved it.
Sure, some called him a thief, but Atraiu was not a moral-less soquili! Sometimes, he would admit, he borrowed things that weren't his own; but surely, if a stranger didn't realize it was missing, what was the harm? He'd always give it back if they noticed. . . . but then again. . . Atraiu rarely stuck around long enough to see if said stranger came to such a realization. Besides, it was rare for the silver eyed male to actually take something that wasn't his own -- there wasn't quite the same amount of satisfaction to take as to discover.
Tonight, the stallion was on the move. He was in the are purely thanks to the rumor that some undiscovered treasure might be within the caves of the forest; but the stallion wasn't entirely sure he believed such a rumor. Very rarely did he stumble upon caves in the middle of a forest, especially here in the flat lands of the plains! Still, there was no shame in discovery, and even if he found nothing to catch his eye, the trip would be well worth it. Deep down, Atraiu liked to explore the world. The more stories he found, the better. . . . .his sister would at least appreciate such a thing when he made a trip back to his homelands.
The scent of water was thick upon the air, and the stallion was quick to change his path. A drink would do well after all, as the dust of his travels seemed to coat him. Not that he minded; he wasn't a vain sort of creature, at least when it came to his own looks and regards. Giving his wings a great stretch, the stallion navigated his way over to the babbling brook. Quietly, moving with a stealth gained from years experience traveling the world (and getting in and out of trouble himself), the red and cream wind found the stream. Pushing his way to stand ankle deep in the water, the stallion lowered his head and drank.
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Posted: Sat Jun 30, 2012 11:37 am
A cracked branch somewhere behind her had the Cerynei mare flying into action, her choice made for her out of the fear of the small noise. To be honest, it had nothing to do with her attacker; it was simply a creature of the forest stepping on a twig by mistake, which probably scared them as much as it did her.
It didn't matter to Crisiant, however, and she was moving at a rapid clip towards the shallow, noisy brook. Not more than a minute or two after the stallion upriver bent his head to drink did the mare almost tumble from the forest's edge and slosh into the water before stopping, her legs splayed. While it wasn't visible, exactly, she could feel the limbs tremble, and she finally looked back in the direction she'd come from, the quivering of her ears rather apparent to anyone close enough to see. By her stance, she seemed younger still, than she was: an unstable filly with her legs splayed wide, spooked from some scary little sound in the forest.
It may have been true if previous circumstances weren't taken into account.
Blue eyes were wide, and she looked to make sure she hadn't been followed. The water lapped at her ankles, providing a minute relief to the warm joints, especially those she favoured. A few shuddering breaths, and she bent her head, taking a fitful sip of water before her head jerked up again as she warily looked all around herself.
She'd forgotten, before, and wouldn't make the same mistake again.
It was in this way she spotted the one up river, and the silence and stillness that immediately overcame her body was absolute and complete as her instincts took over, holding her still as she gauged whether it would be flight or fight she would use this time. By the tension in her muscles, it could be either way, but the pounding of her heart? That tempo was fear, and a need to flee.
...and yet, she didn't want to bear being alone.
Not with night closing in.
Vivid sky-blue eyes flashed, a stark contrast to her charcoal coat. For the moment, Cris held her ground, not even conscious of the sudden sting and tremble to her legs as the water began washing away some of the dirt and bits of the caked blood from her lower legs. She was too frightened and too proud to ask for help, and even part of her wasn't wanting to be seen.
'Get out of the water. Get away. Whoever it is could just as easily hurt me, too.'
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Posted: Sun Jul 29, 2012 2:01 pm
There was a sudden crackling of twigs and the movement of underbrush slightly south of where he stood. The stallions wings twitched for a moment, even as he lifted his head and turned to see what was causing the ruckous. When the cerynei mare suddenly stumbled most ungracefully out, practically throwing herself in to the water, Atraiu himself felt his eyes narrow ever so slightly.
What in the world. . . ?
Part of him was certain that something not-so-friendly was going to follow the mare. He hadn't seen many cerynei before, but from her large ears, her tufted tail, and that natural grace, the crimson stallion was quick to place her breed. In his family, knowledge meant safety. To discern enemy from foe was absolutely imperative, and while a soquili could never truly be judged by appearances alone, it was always good to know where one might need to be (more or less) cautious.
Still, with the way the mare had bolted in to the water, he honestly wouldn't be surprised at all if there was something chasing her. For a long moment, the mare did nothing; thankfully, whatever it was that had spooked her didn't appear to follow. So when his gaze was able to fully turn towards Crisiant, he . . . he realized something was really not right. From what he could see in the twilight hours, she looked . . . .a mess. Her mane was disheveled, her body language screaming worry, and . . .and whatever fabric that was wrapped loosely around her looked shredded and torn.
Now, Atraiu wasn't a knight. He was an independant sort of stallion, one who usually looked out only for himself and maybe family. (Always family.) His father could sweep damsels off their hooves, his brother could be the warrior. Atraiu was, without a doubt, the rogue of the family, and one who didn't care to get involved when he absolutely did not have to. He was young and had his own agenda, and that usually did not involve anybody else, especially a mare.
Though that was the case, there were exceptions to his rules. In fact, if he ever did need to play the role of knight, would just as easily take up the defense of another. In this particular scenario, one had to be absolutely blind to realize that the mare in the water was terrified of something, of someone, and looked like she could use some definite patching up.
His mother and father would destroy him if he turned away. Thankfully, Atraiu was not a heartless stallion, and instinct to protect was already running through his veins. Still, she looked about ready to bolt on a moments notice. What did he say? Was she all right? Was something the matter? It was obvious that she needed aid. ". . . Please, continue your drink. I won't . . . I won't hurt you." He called out, inwardly grimacing. Argh. That didn't sound right either.
She was bleeding, the scent of blood was slowly wafting downstream. That wouldn't be good. "Can I . . Can I help you at all?" The words were almost foreign to his lips. Help wasn't something he gave easily, but this appeared a serious matter. Something, or someone, had obviously wounded the mare. And while he kept his gaze primarily on her, his ears were pricked and alert, and he was quick to continue to look out towards where she had come.
Just in case.
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Posted: Sun Jul 29, 2012 3:43 pm
From her position, Crisiant couldn't tell if her fellow river-goer was male or female. Certainly, he had soft, feathery wings, and no discernible pelts or markings of a less-than-hospitable breed, but even so, her unnatural stillness lasted. And lasted. She gathered herself, getting ready to react, but otherwise held still.
It lasted a little while longer, until he - as the voice was, indeed male - spoke out. Hastily, she stepped backwards a pace or two, water sloshing against her hocks, a stinging but cool relief. With the movement, her head and neck dipped to act as a counter-balance for her sore limbs. Her ears swept back, and she slowly lowered her head for another brief snatch of water, her head and body turned so that she could keep an eye on him.
The coal mare watched, lifting her head up--but she hadn't forgotten her attacker. Much as she kept a weary and wary eye upon him, she scanned the forest. His next words, the offer of help, caused an ear to quirk in his direction, and even as she showed interest, it couldn't overcome a sense of distrust. Instinct and emotion were at war--Crisiant had already been through an ordeal earlier, and she had no intentions of letting anyone close enough for a repeat of that 'adventure'. But at the same time, the offer of help, of someone who would - maybe not to snatch the fearful shadows away and keep them at bay - give her some form of comfort was tempting.
Sorely tempting.
"I don't know if you can."
Or if she could let him near. She was trying not to be judgmental--after all, she knew several males, including a close friend of hers - Zamyr - that were nothing like what attacked her, her mind wasn't willing to take that chance. How could she place faith in a virtual stranger after that attack, even if he seemed to be awkwardly, genuinely, concerned? The mare attempted to hold back a shudder but failed to smother it. Her expressive eyes remained wide and flicking.
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Posted: Sat Aug 11, 2012 11:59 am
Atraiu watched as the mare suddenly turned toward him, and retreated. His ears almost flattened some, concerned by her behavior. Granted, he understood clearly why she acted so defensively -- she had been attacked by someone, something; in addition to physically being vulnerable to another attack, he was a stranger. In this day and age, sometimes it was difficult to know who to trust.
A small part of the stallion felt frustrated. Not because the mare was so upset, but because he had no way of fixing what had happened. Was it a kalona? A skinwalker? Just some brute who had decided to take his or her vengeance out on the cerynei? If there was one thing Atraiu loathed and despised above all else, it was a bully; and while he wasn't exactly Prince Charming come down to rescue those in distress, he wasn't the sort to sit back and let someone take abuse. Or worse, let those who were in need to suffer alone. He was a bit of a rogue, but his heart was still in the right place. It was obvious the ebony mare needed aid, needed healing, needed something. . . . but it was going to take time to get her to warm up to the idea, or warm up to him.
So it was, the wind didn't move closer. He kept himself still, and he too leaned over to take a sip of water. He was in no rush, was in no hurry, though he too was ever alert of their surroundings. "You take as long as you need in this lake here . . . . but I've got my eye on the opposite shore. Whatever hurt you, I . . . I won't let it get near." His wings flared some, proof of his inner rage. It was one thing to get battle scarred, or to be a warrior and sport wounds; but the cerynei did not look at all like she knew battle. She looked absolutely petrified.
So he wasn't a knight or warrior himself, that didn't mean he couldn't defend himself or another. He was confident in his abilities, and as a rogue who had roughed it many a night, was used to getting himself (and sometimes others) out of sticky situations.
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Posted: Fri Aug 17, 2012 12:11 pm
Why?
That seemed to be the feeling in the air, a sort of wary curiosity. Especially when he said he wouldn't let whatever it was near. She almost laughed, sputtered, something at him, right then. But she felt too weary to do much, until the implication of his words hit her. She was grateful he offered, but for him to be injured just because she had been, and couldn't flee without risk of further injury..?
It didn't sit right on her conscience.
Crisiant shivered at the sudden ruffle of his wings, but she was either too tired to start, or it didn't startle her that much to react to them.
"You don't have to."
She kept it short, simple. She didn't want to reveal the full extent of how spooked she was - though undoubtedly, he certainly had the right idea! - or how gratefully terrified she was of his offer. Her head dipped, the edges of her soft lips just skimming the cool water. It felt good on her aching joints, and she absently snatched a bit to drink. A heel cocked, but her ears swivelled to listen to the sounds around.
"I should move on."
Yes. Even if it meant she'd be alone in the dark. The fact that a stranger deemed he should help her, to fend off her potential pursuer, scared her. There had been the very real sense the skinwalker had been toying with her, and she shuddered to think of what may happen to someone in the way.
She couldn't bear that on her shoulders.
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Posted: Thu Sep 20, 2012 5:24 pm
The stallion watched the mare closely, his body ever alert as he considered her situation. There was a selfish part of Atraiu that would have happily let the mare to her own devices; if she did not wish his presence or aid, than by all means, why should he further harass? He had never been the sort of stallion to swoop damsels off their hooves, he was not a knight, he was not particularly gallant, and his lack of interest in anything other than treasure was of great distaste to his father. Yes, Atraiu could leave the mare, could let her on her way and continue on his journey unhindered.
But that would not be right.
Though he could be a selfish creature, the stallion had been raised in an incredibly loving home. His immediate family, on top of his herd, had given him a care for others that he did not easily show. He knew well the difference between right and wrong, and this mare was hurt. There was absolutely no way he could, in good conscious, let her continue on her way without him. Even if she drove him off, even if she argued, even if she did not wish his presence near. . . he could track from afar. Whether she wished his protection or not, Atraiu had already made up his mind to give it and give it wholly.
He was not the sort to do things halfway, after all, and this mare did need help. If whatever had maimed her returned, well, Atraiu might simply be a wind, but he knew how to defend on hoof and on wing.
Snorting softly, the stallion gave a small shake of his head. "I may not need to linger or keep an eye out, but I choose to do such a thing." He didn't want to tell the mare that she looked a complete mess (he was quite sure she felt as poorly as she appeared!) but if he could see how weak she looked. . .how broken. . . then other predators would too.
"I'll keep my distance." The crimson coated stallion assured, pawing lightly down at the shore of the river, his thick tail giving a small swish. A very small part of Atraiu did worry that the female might actually collapse in the river, be swept away on her thin, torn up legs. While he agreed that yes, perhaps moving on would do her well, he also was concerned about exactly where she might go, or how far.
Did she even have the strength?
"To carry on would be a good thing, but perhaps you should take a moment to rest? I do not know how long you've been on the run, and it's certainly not my place to ask, but . . . pushing yourself until collapse probably isn't the wisest choice either." He spoke nonchalantly, giving a small shrug, making sure he didn't poke, and pry, and push the mare in to an upset. Who knew how she might respond to him? Poorly, perhaps. . . he had no hesitation when it came to speaking his mind. And while fleeing might bring the mare comfort and assurance, in the end, he worried it might break her still.
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Posted: Sun Sep 23, 2012 10:27 am
Crisiant heaved a quietly ragged sigh. Yes, she should move on. And even though the stream felt good on her hot joints, she also knew she shouldn't tarry in the crisp water unless she wanted to deal with her joints going from hot to cold. Already she felt the first stings of discomfort.
Though she did hear what Atraiu told her, either she deigned not to respond, or she simply ignored him. She doubted she had the energy to argue, to properly ward him off and away from her. As it was, she was looking dubiously at the deceptive rocks beneath the surface as she snatched just a little more water.
The Cerynei shifted her weight, and took her first step to the opposite side of the stream from which she had emerged. The rocks were smooth, and normally she had no issues in crossing them, but this time, she was right to be cautious. She bobbled a little, felt a hoof slip, but didn't dare to fall. As when she first made her ungainly way into the stream, her legs splayed, and then she awkwardly hop-leaped out, ears swept back slightly as she rolled her eyes to look back.
What a mess.
But at least she hadn't fallen, even though her muscles began to cry their protest once again from the abrupt leap and landing.
It had been some time since Atraiu had spoken, but it didn't seem like very long to her. The mare's head swung gently in his direction. How long had she been running? Crisiant could honestly say she didn't truly know. Time felt distorted to her, now, but that was the shock and trauma's fault. Her visible blue eye blinked, warily, but not entirely suspicious of him.
"I don't know." It was a simple answer, and made perfect sense to her, in response to how long she'd been running. But it could also suffice for anything else he had said.
She didn't feel she could run any more. Perhaps not even tomorrow.
But she still had to survive the night.
Part of her knew and insisted she was in no shape to go anywhere - indeed, this part she had listened to on arguing with the wind that kept his distance as promised - let alone fend off or flee from anything that chose to come after her. Perhaps if she had wings, like her brother, like this stranger, she would have been safe.
It was an old jealousy, but one that tormented her right now.
If she only had wings, she could have found a spot high and out of the way that she could have been safe to attempt sleep. Cris knew she had very limited options at this point. She could attempt walking through the night, or remaining at rest by herself - though how she would get rid of this helpful stranger, she hadn't the faintest idea - but on the other path, it was to accept his help and bear guilt should anything happen, as she felt certain it would. Her fear was the loudest voice inside her head at the moment.
Added to it, aside from the water to soothe her parched throat, she had no interest in taking care of herself. Not right now. Her eyes flickered, behind and to the trees before her. For now, she unconsciously took his advice to rest. One sore leg was cocked at a time, allowing the other three to take and bear her weight for a time. She didn't allow her head to dip as she might have, normally, but it was better than nothing.
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Posted: Fri Nov 09, 2012 9:30 pm
Atraiu gave a small flick of his tail as he kept his gaze dancing between Crisiant and the opposite shore she had fled. He could only guess what sort of creature might have tore in to the mare, and none of the possibilities pleased him. Unfortunately, he knew that she couldn't just sit in the middle of the river. If whatever had attacked was still stalking her, than lingering in such a vulnerable position wouldn't do well.
There was strength in numbers, after all, and while hew as only a single stallion, he wouldn't stand to let a stranger in need go without aid. Even if a monster did stalk her and later attack, he might be distraction enough to actually let the mare flee for safety elsewhere. He wasn't afraid of a kalona, or even a skinwalker, even though he knew the dangers in both. The outcome, no matter what might hunt her, wouldn't be pretty for either of them. . . . but while potential maiming, if not death, was a possibility for Atraiu, he was certain in the stranger's state, it would be guaranteed.
Deciding there was very little he could do on this side of the water, the stallion heaved a sigh and stretched out his wings. So much for finding treasure, or continuing his own hunt. Still, there was real danger here, and the mare really needed a little help. "I've been through the area o'er yonder," he explained, flicking his head back the way he had come. "It's safe enough. Now, I'm going to glide over to the bank where you came from, all right? I'd rather be between whatever lurks in there than stand as an onlooker here." Would he react fast enough to get to her from where he stood? At least if he stood between where she was currently residing, and where she had come, he would be some line of defense. Besides, he would be better able to listen and hear movement, in case trouble really was beginning to brew.
With a practiced lunge, the stallion took to flight with a few hard downstrokes of his wings. He wasn't a fancy flier, not often, and at this point merely want ed to skim the lake's surface and land on the opposite shore. He did make sure to give Crisiant a wide girth, not wanting to scare her in to bolting back the way she came. It didn't take but a moment for the wind to land lightly upon his hooves, ignoring the mare for a moment while he pricked his ears, and stared hard in to the thicker foliage. Just because everything seemed still and quiet, didn't mean there weren't dangers.
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Posted: Fri Feb 22, 2013 10:52 pm
The flurry and flutter of his departure, even despite the fact that he told her he was going to fly, still spooked the young Cerynei mare. But she didn't flee. One ear was swept back and the other forwards. Despite the fact that she was shivering, she stretched her neck out after him and sharply retracted it upon the realization of what she was doing.
A fading thought echoed in her mind: '...don't leave me...'
Both ears pinned flat against her head. She didn't want him near her. And why? She was already starting to rely on him, which was dangerous. What sort of magic did he have that she'd just been attacked and yet she wanted his or anyone's company to stave off the tricks her mind was playing on her.
Suspicion grew. Why was he being so helpful, anyway?
She backed away from the water's edge, managing a step or two before she froze, unwilling and unable to pass into the trees. Too much and certainly too frightening for her fragile state of mind. So she remained where she was, wincing and dipping her head a little. Her entire body hurt, but though her breathing was coming down the longer she remained relatively still...her legs felt the worst for it. Her limbs were tense and seizing up slightly. Her joints hurt--hocks especially, considering they had just been given an icy bath.
She knew she should go...but she couldn't help but stay. Despite the fact she couldn't tolerate being near him, Crisiant wouldn't last the night if she was alone. She watched Atraiu's progress with dim blue eyes.
The stallion himself wouldn't readily see or hear anything, for the moment. Just a quiet forest. A few birds flit along from tree to tree. Bugs drifted. A soft wind rustled the grass nearest to the winged, unexpected protector Cris had gained. There was a niggling sensation of being watched, but whether that was just paranoia, or Crisiant, or something entirely different.
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Posted: Thu Apr 25, 2013 8:40 pm
Atraiu wasn't sure himself why he'd stopped. Granted, it was clear that this golden maned mare was in trouble, or at least had walked away from such a thing. She was a mess, she was skittish, and she was clearly wounded. No, while he was perhaps the most self-centered within his immediate family, he was not a cad, nor was he blind. He could not live with himself if he let someone in need go unaided, if he had the chance to help and walked right on by. Treasure was great. . . but his soul, and his pride for his family and his blood line were greater. His plans could --and would-- wait.
Other than being aware of the mare across the shore from him, the stallion kept his ears pricked and his golden eyes glued on the forest from whence she came. He heard, saw, and smelled nothing out of the ordinary. Granted, that didn't mean she wasn't being pursued or stalked, but it did mean that whoever it was was not directly on her tail. There was time yet. . .
Time for her to catch her breath, to get a drink, and time for him to consider where she should go. She said nothing, and while he heard movement behind him, he did not stop to turn around or stare. No, Atraiu kept his focus and attention on the woods, to protect, just in case.
Words weren't needed, and the stallion wasn't at all like his father; there was no silver tongue to be had, not at least without a little work and effort. So, he said nothing, did nothing. He didn't expect the mare to trust his intentions, but he was good for his word. He would guard this area, he would guard her, until she got back on her hooves or . . . decided to leave. He would not be over bearing, nor was he exactly known to coddle, but he would keep an eye out on her until he was certain she was safe.
Finally, slowly, he turned and glanced back at her. Atraiu wished he could say or do something to assure her that it would be well. Unfortunately, they were strangers, and all he could do was give it time. Stomping his hoof, he gave his tail a small swish before turning back to regard the woods. He would stand vigilant. It was the last he could do.
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Posted: Sun Dec 01, 2013 12:47 pm
Back and forth.
Back and forth.
Swaying on more than just her hooves, there was an itch that made her want to hunch her spine. The itch became an urge to leave. To start her slow and painful trek again. If she knew anything, it was that movement was life. To live, then, she needed to move. But she couldn't deny, still, that it was going to be..."safer" with this stallion that dutifully - maybe even balefully - regarded the forest, standing between her...and what she had been running from.
'There is,' she decided, 'Some merit to that...'
By the time Atraiu looked back, he would find her standing - shakily, but standing, still - with her head drooping. Her weariness went bone-deep. Deeper, even, than some of the injuries she had sustained. Despite the Cerynei's fear, there was a quiet sort of acceptance of him.
Not trust per se, as she still watched him very warily, but acceptance of his help, if not him as well. His presence...was a comfort. Crisiant wasn't alone.
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Posted: Wed May 14, 2014 3:10 pm
Atraiu was surprised at how quietly the mare approached, but, then again, she was of a different breed. The cerynei were known to be fleet of foot so it was no surprise they might also be extra stealthy and quiet. It was almost a shame he was not such a fair boned breed -- that extra quiet movement would serve his hunting well. But that was neither here nor there. The mare had obviously suffered at the paws or claws of another, and Atraiu wasn't going to make light of such a grave situation. This mare needed help and . . well, it wasn't like him or his family line or herd to disregard someone so in need!
For as callous and self-centered as Atraiu could appear, he was not at all a heartless stallion. He was as noble as others in his family, and would find his ears docked and his back flayed if he was anything less than a gentleman. Even if he had a penchant for finding trinkets and sticky hooves, he wasn't a bad sort, and wouldn't dream of sullying his families reputation.
So, finding Crisiant meant that the thief in him was put to the side, and the care giver could shine. "We'll follow the water, but keep ourselves tucked away. I know of some healers in the area, if . . . if you might be open to meeting one of them. I can also take you closer to where my family herd resides, where you can be safe, protected, healed, rested. Otherwise, if you . . .if you have somewhere you wish to be, let me know, and I can guide you there as well." He spoke quietly, not wishing to spook the mare. He wasn't sure where to take her, wasn't sure where she would be willing to go, or how far she wisehd to travel.
All the same, he wasn't going to leave her alone, and wasn't going to let anyone approach unless he knew them well. So it was, he slowly began to pick his way along the stream, moving away from it, but giving Crisiant time to decide if she preferred a different way. Flight was out of the option, so if they did return to his home in the hills, they would be in for a long walk.
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