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 Posted: Sun Oct 14, 2012 7:15 pm
How long had it been?
It must had been a few nights at least since he'd ventured from home, that tropical paradise where his family and friends called home with such clarity in their hearts. Darius had known no other home, being rescued from a hard life to the kindness of Cuauhcoatl and brought into love with his usdia mate Ikinya and their budding family. It had taught him that there was hope of a better life for everyone, as long as one held a clear mind and kindness. The herd was busy with new additions, and daily hard working life which kept their community prosperous and safe for the upcoming winter months. Darius...perhaps felt a little lonely. Everyone had a job, and while he tried to help out while he could - it was his brother's continual suspicious eye which had made him nervous, and wanted to get away, even for a little while.
He knew his brother didn't mean to be so down on him, but the fellow always worried...and it was hard being a meat eater in a hard of mostly herbivores. His family told him otherwise...but he felt perhaps a little too different at times.
If a mutant like he could find love and a family he was sure there was hope for nearly anyone though - so he knew his place was with them when it dwindled down to it. Except skin walkers...yet he didn't know much about the hated beasts other than the fact one had nearly killed his dear mother and brother before. He didn't like them much.
Tearing away at a small carcass of a squirrel which had been left over from perhaps a predatory bird who didn't finish its meal, he licked and ate whatever meat was left on the creature; laying in the dark deep in the forest. The woods here left little ability to fly with its tight configuration, and thus he had been wandering. Darius had noticed many didn't approach him, for good reason...and those who did usually were pretty mean and were wanting to pick a fight.
As the wind picked up slightly, a scent drifted past his nose which caused the partial canine to raise his head and sniff the air. Blood...he knew that smell well. It smelt fresh, and it both bothered him and intrigued him. Was there someone around here which had been wounded...or something sinister which had just killed. Either way, he could not let his mind wander as he stood up and began to follow the scent.
Around twists and turns, hills and slopes till he stumbled upon a clearing, pressing out from the bush with illuminescent eyes scanning the area.
"Hello...?" Darius called out, he couldn't see anything right off the bat, and hoped he wasn't going to meet with disaster.
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Posted: Fri Nov 09, 2012 10:02 pm
Mihr flattened her ears some, her wings pulled tight against her body. Her usual well-kept appearance was sullied with blood; at first it had not been her own, having earlier hunted and fed upon a young deer. Unfortunately, though, she had been unaware that the particular deer herd had been in good standing with a neighboring soquili herd; they did not take kind to predators, especially that of an angeni.
It hadn't taken long for a fight to escalate, with her being driven out rather violently. The trees had been too thick for her to properly fly, and their knowledge of the land too great. They were successful in their attack, leaving her bruised, a wing torn, and a leg sprained. Her hair was tangled, bites visible on her flank and sides, and the blood that so often stained her coat was now mixed with her own. So it was, the mare had limped on until she had stumbled in to a small clearing, and gave up deciding to walk. Flight was out of the option, so lying down, the mare had decided to attempt to carefully tend to some of her wounds. She couldn't do much, she was no healer, had no magic like some, but at least she could try to assess the damage taken.
It wasn't easy being a carnivore, especially in the guise of the most holy of creatures. At least if she looked dangerous, others might more quickly avoid her.
Unfortunately, the approach of someone out there caused the mare to move. Whoever was out there might be part of that less-than-amicable herd. "I'm leaving, I'm leaving, okay!?" She explained hastily, deciding it was better to simply retreat than to avoid some sort of negative confrontation. Unfortuantely, though, Mihr really was in no position to do much moving at all. Struggling to her feet, she put too much pressure on her front leg, yelped in surprise and pain, and half collapsed back down. This caused her wings to flare, which only aggravated the large wound on the disheveled pinion. Sadly, Mihr wound up more a tangled mess of hair and feathers as she struggled painfully to her hooves, and looked more pathetic than graceful.
Tonight really was not the best of nights.
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Posted: Fri Nov 09, 2012 10:37 pm
Flicking his head to the side as soon as the voice arose, Darius was immediately aware that he was in fact not alone. Turning his body to the opposite end where the voice had originated from he was a little hard of sight till he got closer....and ever closer he got the more clear the picture began to pain before his eyes. His nose could pick up deer, having had a meal of one recently thanks to the help of his family. However, he could also smell the distinct metallic twinge of Soquili blood....her blood, he could only assume.
Seeing her struggle and nearly fall his body twitched as he fought off the need to rush to her side to assist, she looked rather...beat up. His mind could only wonder what had gone down in the midst of the night, but he was not one to judge, nor did it really cross his mind to do so.
"You don't have to go anywhere..." Darius spoke up, pausing only a few meters away as he folded his wings tightly against his side; the small orbs around his feet flickering in and out of sight as small specs in the night. He couldn't help but stare once he was close enough, she was an Angeni, just like his father. Some of the purples of her coat even reminded him of Cuauhcoatl. However her long hair was only ebony like the night, and her adornments were more dainty than the bold of his father. Both of them, were beautiful creatures; and maybe a bit naively, could do no wrong in his eyes.
"You should lay back down..You are hurt pretty bad...I could smell the blood from way back there." He turned his head in reference to where he came, a concerned look furrowing his brow while his head tilted to the side. His mother had always tried to teach him to respect others space...but to always lend a hoof when help was needed.
Right now, he struggled on the fact to respect boundaries, or was it more important to barge over and try and help the mare? He wasn't any kind of healer, but he was always wiling to try. Between the rips of her pretty wings, those bites on her flank and of course the leg he'd seen her try and stand on...
She was in very, rough shape.
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Posted: Mon Nov 12, 2012 9:49 am
Mihr's golden eyes turned to look upon whatever creature dared to approach. She had managed to get herself on all four hooves, though she kept the weight off her left, front leg. She wouldn't say she was lame, but she'd bee walking with a limp for awhile. Her body ached, her stomach was still hungry, and she was an absolute mess. . . . And whoever it was that approached was likely going to drive her off.
Was this his territory? Was this his land? Was he, perhaps, part of the herd that had originally (violently) driven her away?
Strangely enough, the creature that stood before her was as dark as shadow, and a little difficult to discern. While Mihr prided herself on being able to navigate in the dark, while she was no afraid of shadow, she was not a truly nocturnal creature. She strained to see who looked at her, though she could pick out some peculiar traits. Whoever he was -- and her nose confirmed it was indeed male -- there were some sort of wings; she couldn't tell if they were leather or feathered, but they were certainly adding bulk to his sides. Perhaps what was most interesting was the orbs of light that twinkled and danced by his hooves, blinking in and out of existence with some ethereal glow. Fireflies? No . . . not only was it not the season, but they did not move like some sort of insect. A peculiar thing, but not something she should concern herself with . . . .
Right now, the most important thing was finding out if this stranger was friend or foe. His words sounded kindly, but theen, they always sounded kind to Mihr at first. They always welcomed her, fussed over her, assumed the blood that stained her pelt was hers from battle. They never listened to her insistence on leaving her be, they never agreed when she told them blatantly she was a monster. . . and then when she hunted, when she killed, when she felt threatened that was the end of it. The fangs she'd show them, the fangs which they dismissed would turn on them or their kin, and fast she'd become the enemy. Their smiles would turn to horror and hate, their kindnesses revoked, and no matter how used to betrayal she was, it always hurt.
She did not mean to be evil, to lose control, it simply happened. She did not mean to hurt, to hunt, to kill but . . . she also could not live without such a thing. There was no room for her with the stereotypical good, just as there was no room for her with the truly dark and twisted. Mihr was stuck eternally somewhere in between.
"It's nothing. . . it's nothing. . . " She repeated, lowering her head for a moment as she shook it. A soft jingle could be heard, the golden beads that hung from her head-piece chiming against one another with her movement. It was just another sick joke, really. . . Pure angeni were said to be accompanied by the sound of bells and chimes. . .
"Honest, I . . . should be on my way. It isn't safe to stay." She added, glancing up from the ground for her tired gaze to peer up at the black shadow before her. It was a dual play on words, really; it wasn't safe for Mihr to linger, especially if the scent of blood was attracting strangers. But it wasn't safe for him, either, whoever he might be. . . . Lowering her head again, she took a few slow, cautious steps back. She wouldn't be going anywhere fast, but . . . . she simply could not stay. Not where she might be a threat.
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Posted: Mon Nov 12, 2012 10:16 am
Folding his ears back as a soft, saddened expression crossed his face, Darius wasn't sure why she was being so hesitant. Truthfully, the simple soul couldn't even fathom the inner turmoil which was raging in her head...and probably in her heart. For a moment in time, he looked at her, and could see himself in the way she held her body. Back during a time where he was a starving colt, cast away by the world until two kind souls took the time, and their heart to show him a better life. To care. It had been a pivitol point in his life, and even now as he was loved, cared for, educated and taught alternative means to live his life amongst a nearly herbaceous herd ....he knew it only took one moment to change everything.
Maybe, this was his full circle, right here.
"I think it's something..." He spoke, his voice low as he cast his concerned look to her once again. As she backed away he fought for a moment not to rush forward, instead taking one cautious step at a time with his wings tightly against his side. It wouldn't be hard to follow her anyways, the soft chiming of her trinkets echoing in the night.
However, the blood which covered the area did serve a problem. If it was the simple fact of the kill he had smelt would be one thing; only those aggressive enough to try and take someone else's kill plus any wild animals around could be driven off even by the likes of him. However, it was her blood which worried him. As his father had told him once, those who smell the blood of another attracted two kinds of predators; those of murderous intent or worse...the likes of skin walkers.
Neither of which he knew he would be a match for.
"It wont be safe." He concluded, agreeing with her words. "Yet it wont be safe wherever you go." Darius walked forward till he was close, very close. He wasn't going to touch her, but even if she lashed at him that was a risk he was willing to take. The desire to help, to make sure this soul would make it through the night and back on her proverbial healthy hooves engrained in his mind.
He was going to make sure of it.
Holding out his wing he looked to her, hoping she would take the invitation to lock her wing with his so he could aid her; keep the weight off that leg. "I'll make it safe, till you are feeling better. You tell me where to go and we'll go." There was no hesitation on his words, as he offered a small smile; showing as little of his toothy fangs as possible. "At least I look formidable, so no one really likes to approach me anyways thanks to my monstrous appearance. So that should ward off most of what lingers in the night..." Flicking his ears forward as he gazed to her intently with his luminescent eyes, he was aware already they weren't alone in the woods. Sounds of far off voices drifted in the breeze, "Let me help..?"
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Posted: Tue Apr 23, 2013 3:25 pm
Mihr watched, ears still folded as she anxiously studied the shadowed creature and his approach. Instinct told her to run, reminded her that this could be some sort of trap, some sort of trick. He certainly had the appearance of one who was dangerous, with those glowing eyes, and that predatorial, glowing gaze. And yet. . . Here he was, slowly approaching, slowly bridging the distance between them.
He had not simply moved on. In fact, his expression actually looked sad, and there was sincerity laced within his words: legitimate concern. It was mind-blowing for the red eyed mare, and she struggled believing that what he said was true. Her leg was hurt, and it would take time for her body to heal. . . The more she limped onward, the worst it would get unless she fond a safe place to rest or someone to aid her on her journey.
Though she had stopped retreating as the stranger approached, she kept herself on guard. Her muscles were tense, and her ears lifted once more to focus on him. He was a peculiar soul. For such a dark looking creature -- leather wings, a kalona tail, and she caught sight of fangs peeking out of his jaw, just like hers! - Mihr did not know how best to respond.
Did he have an angle?
Maybe. Then again, maybe he truly was being kind. Was that a risk she was willing to take? Her heart warred with her head, and she considered the possibilities. . . Well, ultimately, she was a strong mare. She was as much a huntress as she was searching for good and peace; if this shadowed stranger might turn on her, she was prepared to fight. That was the story of her life, after all.
When he proffered his wing, after one long moment, she finally reached out to link it with her own feathered one. She would be able to steady herself, to not need to put as much weight on it with another party to help steady her. Turning her gaze down to the earth, unable to meet the stranger in his eye, she murmured a quiet, ". . . thank you." It felt foreign to her lips, even as she spoke, though she worried that perhaps she was putting too much trust in this stranger too soon.
No.
She would be on guard.
Still, when the noise of voices drifted on the air, Mihr instantly tensed. Voices meant that there were multiple others out there, others who might drive her off. She was better taking a chance with this stranger, than to deal with a group alone. " . . . please, don't feel obligated to stay. I don't find you monstrous," she added quietly, before stating, "But I know how others are quick to judge." She was much more a monster than the one who was offering her aid.
She did not deserve such kindness.
". . . there is a river, not far. If . . . if we go there, I might clean up and. . .refresh myself." She also assumed, once they made it there, he could be relieved of his duty. He claimed to want to make things safe until she was better, but that could be days off unless they crossed paths with a unicorn. Surely, he did not mean such a thing. Thankfully, Mihr would not hold him to it.
Tentatively, shyly, she began to move again, slowly limping forward to be on their way. She used him as a support, though she tried her hardest not to. . . Mihr did not wish to be a burden any more than she had to be. ". . . I'm Mihr." She added, deciding he at least deserved to know that much.
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Posted: Sat Apr 27, 2013 2:14 pm
The relief which washed over the stallion as her reservation dropped only slightly to allow her to extend that link, which was her wing and the ultimate wordless acceptance of his help. The brute tried not to let his body language show how happy he was that she would allow him to aid her, but with his tail slowly starting to wag like that of canine blood it was little use now to hide further. While she was linking her wing he moved closer so their sides were touching, not overly so but it would allow him to catch her weight incase she stumbled or needed any assistance if her strength failed her while walking. Not to mention the closer he stayed the more he felt that he could ward off any attack which came out of no where in the night.
A simple bump to her body, or turn and he knew he'd be able to take the brunt of whatever was out there.
Even as the mare looked down to the terra below them, and muttered a thanks in a tone that he almost missed; in her adverted gaze she too missed the tender smile drawn up on his dark lips as his own luminescent eyes looked her way. "You're welcome." Was all he spoke on the matter, yet more or less he wanted to say not to worry about it...but why draw out something so basic that he would stop for anyone and do just what he was doing now.
Nodding his head slowly as the pair began their walk to the river, Darius made sure to watch her pacing and never going too slow or too fast for her to take; not to mention gently...almost slyly guiding her away from larger rocks in the path or roots a little too uprooted from its soil bedding with a small tug of his wing.
"Obligated? No...." Darius spoke softly, one because he wanted to keep the atmosphere around them calm so Mihr could relax and secondly to not give away their position any more than her blood already did. "I want to. I wouldn't be able to sit idle if i'd left you in such a state. I would go against all the kindness I was shown - to not return it to someone why could use my help." Truth rang in his words, thinking of the loving, open hearts of his parents...if he didn't help her he would not only let down himself, but them as well.
Inhaling deeply, he could smell the scents of the water linger in his nose adding its moisture to the air...the vegetation becoming a little lusher and greener the closer they became. He dwelled a little on her words, not answering her right away.
"Mihr..." The mutant tested the name on his tongue, liking its simplicity. "I'm Darius...and thank you...." He looked ahead, perhaps a little of that sadness in his heart shining through. "I don't hear that much from others outside of my family, its nice some others can see through appearance and breed..."
Perhaps it was his nativity which allowed him not to see the darkness in Mihr...but it was his wish to see the good in everyone.
Just like he wanted to not believe in the darkness inside himself.
Looking up, he could hear the waters rushing ahead; using his free wing to push aside some foliage which opened up to the clearing and the riverbank. Observing and scouting for anyone else near the waters he deemed it safe and the noises of the herd could not be heard anymore...it was safe for the time being. "Seems we have lost them for now, i'll keep watch though to make sure they haven't just gone quiet so you can bathe in peace.." Turning his head Darius gave a soft grin, all in good nature.
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Posted: Sun May 26, 2013 11:18 am
It was foreign for the mare to find herself leaning on a stranger for support. It was not like her to allow others to get close, or to have to show such weakness as a dependence of another. She was stronger than this, she could press on without dragging in some unsuspecting victim. . . And yes, though the stallion was large enough to look as if he might hold his own against her, she truly feared that she might lose control; that she might snap.
It wouldn't have been the first time, nor, she knew, would it be the last.
Sometimes things happened; sometimes a trigger was pushed and all she could see was red. How many had she hurt due to a loss in self-control? How many had she needed to attack, potentially kill in the name of self-defense? And how many out there had she hunted, purely for the need of flesh to survive? Oh, she was but a cursed monster -- to have the face of the holiest of beings, and yet possessing the nature of one so dark.
Well, she would not linger long in the others company. She was hurt, wounded, but she would heal with time. She could not allow this stranger to blindly walk in to what could be a trap; did not wish for him to suffer at her hooves and fangs. Mihr followed Darius, her pace slow as they made it closer to the stream. The red eyed mare truly was grateful for his aid, as she did need to lean upon him from time to time in their short walk; her lame leg was going to be a problem, and with a ripped wing, flight was near impossible. She'd need seek out aid from a unicorn, if she were so lucky; otherwise, she'd be grounded for some time.
". . . I see." Mihr finally spoke, considering the goodness that Darius spoke of. It appeared he was simply paying the blessings in his life forward, to strangers such as her. It was sweet, in its own way, how the stallion seemed to be so blindly set on helping, on doing what was right, what was good. His next words confirmed it -- he knew of the prejudices within the lands, the fear that could blind the hearts of others. And yet. . .
Mihr wondered if this stranger, this Darius. . . Did he know whom he was guiding? Did he know the monster that lurked beneath her skin? The darkness she tried daily to overcome? He looked a monster, but did he suffer the same temptation and torment she did? "It is not a particularly kind world out there, Darius." If there was bitterness within the words, it could not be helped. "Though it is good . . . it is good you've family who look well upon you. I would be quite the hypocrite if I didn't give you a chance." Honestly, Mihr preferred the company of those that were lost, broken, or damned; some were dangerous killers, but at least someone knew what they were getting in to when crossed by them. Others were similar to her, broken creatures, those who'd faced rejection due to looking different, or possessing different needs. It was the sweet faced regulars, those who were pure of breed, and pure of spirit that caused her anxiety. . .
One never knew what to expect behind such faces. They might smile only to loathe; they might laugh while secretly hating. For all the good they preached their children, they were the most hypocritical of them all.
By this point, they had reached the riverbank. The sweetness of the water drew her past Darius as soon as he gave the word all was safe. Limping in up to her knees, the mare dropped her head so she might drink in peace. Even with Darius on the look out, she kept her ears alert, and her body stiff and rigid; she was prepared, just in case things didn't pan out peacefully. Thankfully, as much as she hated to drench herself completely, removing the blood from both her kill and her wounds would be a good start to moving through the land unnoticed. After she slacked her thirst, she gingeraly lowered herself in to the cool waters, wincing as her wounds were cleaned by the waters current. Her wings would need be dried out, her feathers preened. . . Oh, there was much left to do this night.
As the mare bathed, she did keep her eyes on Darius. Peculiar that she might meet a creature who, for the moment, seemed so good. What was his story that had drawn him out to help her? Why should he put himself at risk for that of a stranger? Surely he had seen the blood, had seen her fangs. . . Though, he himself had great leather wings, and fangs to match her own. He was a most peculiar creature, but . . . Mihr did not trust him fully. There had to be some angle. The other shoe had to drop sometime, and Mihr would be ready for such a thing.
When the mare felt clean enough, she slowly limped out of the water and on to the shore. She felt a bit refreshed, revived from the cool, evening waters; though she was still in pain, though she now felt heavy and water logged, her spirits were a bit refreshed. So it was, Mihr turned to begin preening ever so tenderly at her disheveled and now water-logged wings. ". . . you needn't stay, you know." She spoke within the pauses of her work. "You've done more than enough for me this night. I would not wish to put you in further danger."
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Posted: Thu May 22, 2014 8:53 am
"I wouldn't have blamed you if you did..." Darius spoke softly, his ears ever diligent to their surroundings as they made their way along. He wasn't used to going so slow, so carefully before as usually his needs came with speed and his large, shield like frame. He'd always been the protector in the way, with the skirmish with Raven to shield his older but smaller brother from attack. Darius wasn't sure if someone did come attacking in numbers if he would be able to fend them off from Mihr...but he would try his best. However, there was always that trump card he held; the reason he'd gone out of his herdlands to think - that darkness which caused him to snap at the mare; the feral nature tucked deep inside.
So deep, he was hoping it would eventually disappear.
This wasn't the case though, so he chose to deny its existence, and that hopefully if it did rise it would only come out in defense of someone - and not aggression towards another. Cuauhcoatl told him he was good...he would have been kicked out or under watch if he wasn't...but the words of Adom rang in his ears of the distrust he had for him. Brothers in bonds, but not brother's in heart...it seemed. So he'd gone to clear his head, really dwell on how he could make things better...but now wasn't the time for that anymore. He had stumbled fortunately on Mihr, and now she was the one in need of his attention. Even if she didn't seem to want it that much.
"We're all fearful...for most it is merely whatever fits the mold of monster. As they should be...with walkers running rampant, and kalona of evil intent; everyone wants to live to see tomorrow." He breathed out, navigating her a bit around another uprooted root; the gentleness of her slight leaning on him brought a bit of a smile to his face. It just went to remind him that he was doing some good - even if it was but a little.
As they reached the water's edge, and Mihr went into the stream; Darius turned around in a gentlestallion's manner. Partially to give her a bit of privacy at her most vulnerable, and secondly to keep his focus on the surroundings, scanning the darkness for any possible signs of danger lurking where maybe his ears could not hear. Thankfully...it seemed no one was around for the time being.
He remained this way till he could hear her hoof falls shift the ground below her, the water dripping off of her being that he turned back around to look her way. He tried not to chuckle at how water logged she looked, as perhaps she would take offense to it but he couldn't contain his lopsided smile and eyes lit with possibly an inner chuckle. "I really don't have anywhere to be." He stated calmly, he wasn't quite ready to head home to his family and friends just yet. She needed him, he knew. He refused to see the darkness in her, for as he was taught there were levels of grey in what was good and what was evil. Light couldn't exist without its contrast - darkness. While she had been attacked, and he knew not what for...she was still a wounded mare, and he couldn't leave someone with that kind of vulnerability. "I'm not concerned with myself...this body is well adapted to damage." The male chuckled, and continued. "I'll see you through to the morning, if you're well and want me to leave I will. If whatever was chasing you continues through the night, by morning they should be tired enough to head back for sleep and then you can travel in peace."
He made a pointed look to her wings as well. "You have a lot to do tonight before you'd be fit for action...it takes the angeni in my herd a lot of time to work on their wings and they don't soak them like that." He frowned a little, before looking away. "I'll stand watch...and if you're hungry I can try and find things." He wasn't quite sure what she ate, but he was alright at getting something of any food type. Looking back at her he wore a goofy grin. "I'm not a good fisher, though, if that's your thing."
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Posted: Mon Aug 04, 2014 2:56 pm
The winged mare quietly worked at her waterlogged wings, pulling at the feathers that need to be removed, cleaning off the oil and soil in the others, all the while trying to make herself semi-presentable. If she wanted to be on the road again come morning, she would absolutely need to make sure her wings were in better shape. . . though she wasn't entirely sure flight would be possible. Her wings were rather in shoddy shape, and giving them some rest might be beneficial in the long run. Perhaps it would be best if she simply hoofed it. . . the longer she kept on the move, the better. So it was, the violet mare continued her grooming, though her gaze lingered on the figure that was Darius, considering his peculiar behavior...He was being genuinely nice, and she truly was unaccustomed to such a thing.
What was his angle? Though they had been talking, though he had seemingly understood what it was like to be dubbed some sort of beast or monster, she couldn't confide in her occasional blood lust. It wasn't that she went on a blind rampage, but when she felt cornered, or if she starved herself too long, sometimes a piece of her went a bit feral and wild, and she became a bit of a beast. She knew she was a threat, deep down. . . but she couldn't actually admit it and she certainly wasn't going to confess it to a stranger! So when the stallion spoke about food, about hunting, she couldn't help but arch a brow.
Hunting was something she needed to do. . . and she could certainly stand to eat in peace. But pride told her not to let the stallion go --- what if this were some trap to turn her in? To lure her into a sense of security? Ah, but she was not stupid, and she could hear. . .she knew his scent, and she could keep herself scarce until he proved himself. She was not so easily trusting. . . but if she sent him off, at least she might be able to relax just enough to truly get into her preening. "Fish don't suffice," she confessed, "If you... are willing to scare up something meatier, I would not object." She gave a slight dip of her head in gratitude, before resuming her preening.
So, the stallion came from a herd with angeni in it as well. . . . Mmph. Mihr wasn't sure whether that made her more or less anxious. She was no traditional angeni, despite her appearance, and that was often the source of trouble! Thankfully, the stallion's herd was no where near, and perhaps that was the best blessing of all. After a long moment, Mihr decided it was best she remember her manners--manners which she did actually possess! "Thank you. You're going far above and beyond what I would have expected a stranger to do. . . "
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Posted: Fri Nov 07, 2014 7:42 pm
"I could do that." Darius smiled more to himself than anything as his eyes transitioned back to the world around them in a sentinel gaze. His luminous eyes were met with nothing but darkness, small off patches of moonlight seeping through the canopy of leaves above. He could hear in the near distance the rustling of tiny feet in the foliage, small game must be moving around out there as would be expected from the forest.
He didn't remember catching any signs of larger game as he'd been moving through this neck of the woods before he met up with Mihr. Even so he was thankful she'd need to sit out on the hunt thanks to her injuries, not as he wished pain on her but he wasn't the most elegant of hunters. Quite the contrary he was at best an apprentice still, able to make a kill, but he'd never had to actually survive on his skills alone. Kaliska and the predatory birds of his herd had tried to teach him the best they could, and he'd come far from his first lessons...but Darius knew he was a slow study, it would take time to be able to down something on the first try; or to do so with fluid grace and the keen skills of a true hunter.
Darius had one thing though, and that was an endless perseverance. He'd try and try again till he caught something for Mihr...it was the least he could do.
He knew he should go...the sooner he could catch something the sooner he would be able to return, and she could finish with her feathers. Her words had left his soul churning in his chest, a part of him knew there wasn't an exact mirror image, but he could see his old self - that sickly, skinny little colt beside her. "Don't thank me..." He spoke, his voice taking on a slightly forlorn quality to it.
"I was where you were once upon a time, slightly different...but still. I was alone, sickly, thin...just an abandoned little child who looked like monsters from stories. It took a single act of kindness to change my life forever....maybe I can do the same for you." While Darius wasn't planning to adopt the mare like Cuauhcoatl and Ikinya had done for him, it was their compassion and the ability to see the good beyond his physical traits which allowed him to be standing before her now. Who knew where he would have ended up if alive at all.
Turning his body around, he took a few steps towards the foliage around them, planning to track down the small game nearby. "I don't believe it was chance that I ran into you tonight....so get yourself cleaned up and I wont be far in case whatever you are running gets close." Stalking indo the shadows the lights which danced around his legs became only momentary specs in the leaves; his body melting into the night as he began to hunt - determined to gift the mare with the nutrients her body probably sorely needed.
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Posted: Sat Jan 10, 2015 3:13 pm
Mihr watched as the stallion took his leave of her, sinking into the shadows, and becoming one with the night. She stared after at him for a long moment, her shoulders tense, her eyes partially narrowed with suspicion as she considered this entire happening – would he return with game? Or was he, perhaps, gone off to inform her attackers where she now rested? Had she been a fool to depend upon the stallion for aid? Had she let down her guard too soon? The mare had half a mind to flee the scene, to spread her good wings and try to make some sort of aerial escape, but that seemed unlikely. With how her wing was folded, and the pain that shot through her when she attempted to move it or stretch it, Mihr knew she was land-bound for at least a little while. “Spirits above, be kind,” she prayed quietly to herself, hoping upon hope that her wing was merely sprained and not fractured or broken. While she had three other wings, she was unaccustomed to flying with only two, and didn’t want to risk an attempt.
Thankfully, Mihr hadn’t entirely convinced herself that the black stallion was out to do her harm… No, he seemed different than the others she had met. He was. . . genuine. While she had met many sorts that were amicable to ones face, the moment they learned of her predatory nature, that she was no blessed Angeni come down, they were quick to turn ugly, mean, or cruel. She was unaccustomed to genuine kindness, and that was perhaps more alarming then any brutality she’d witnessed. Niceness for the sake of being nice. Kindness for the sake of being kind. Mihr knew she was waiting for the other hoof to drop, but a small part of her wanted to believe in Darius. There was so much darkness out there, in herself even, that this shadow knight was the brightest light she’d ever witnessed.
So it was, after a few moments of uncertainty, the mare quickly resumed her grooming. She was in quite an unpleasant state, but the less disheveled she looked, the better. Her aches and pains could be tended to without the judgment of another, and her weaknesses need not to be made public to the peculiar stallion. Hopefully he wouldn’t return too soon – she wanted to look more like herself, if only to make herself feel better. It wasn’t always easy walking a lonely road, but she didn’t dare risk depending on others. She’d made that mistake once during her own foalhood, and the results had been traumatizing and damning at best. Never again.
Darius was being kind, but she wouldn’t be a burden to him. His time was precious and she was no weak damsel in distress. She would let him linger, if he chose to, for the night but would take her leave of him as soon as it was advantageous to do so. He would be better without her.
((Want to skip along to his return? X3 Mihr would likely be less a mess, though her wing is still funny looking. She is trying to hide that/downplay it though. << ))
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Posted: Fri Feb 06, 2015 9:48 am
[ For sure! Time Skippuuuu~]
It had been nearly two hours since Darius had slipped off into the cool of the night, and oh, what a two hours it had been. Initially the stallion had tried to find medium game, it would give her more than enough nourishment to get them to a safer location and of course on her way in the morning if she chose to do so. As much as he hated to admit it, he'd decided to try and follow her for a few days to at least make sure she was truly out of harms way and give any potential infection time to make itself known before letting her be on her way alone. He had imagined she wouldn't take kindly to the fact he'd decided to follow her, so he would just have to try his best not to let his intentions known. Mihr was very injured, and as he knew well there were real monsters out there lurking for that kind of opportunity.
When he was unable to find medium game, he'd settled to try and find something smaller, since he knew at least it held an abundance in the area. However, his luck had been nothing short of a miracle; happening upon an injured deer who looked like it had slipped away from some of the natives as it had an arrow in its chest impeding its movements.
How perfect.
He's swiftly made the kill in the best of his ability to limit the suffering the deer was already in. His muzzle bloodied as he'd lunged in and quickly bit down on its airways, cutting the artery with his teeth while suffocating its airways so it quickly slipped into a slumber to which there would be no waking from. Setting the deer on the ground he bowed his head. "Darius thanks you for your food to save my friend..." He mumbled humbly, lessons imbedded deeply from Kaliska and Cuauhcoatl. However such an action wasn't without struggle, as soon as he tried to drag the fair sized deer back to Mihr a rather loud set of angry voices began to approach....with his sensitive hearing he could pick up words of a monster in the woods.
Was this what Mihr was running from?
Looking back in the direction of the mare, and then to the approaching voices he knew they would intercept soon. Darius had to do something.
It wasn't long till he knew he had to bait them away, leaving the kill and with his blood splattered body serving a greater purpose in this moment he headed towards the voices; intent to draw them away from the area.
-----------------------------------------
Thus, after successfully leading them away with but a few minor cuts and scrapes from clashing into them and of course tearing through thick foliage with such a large frame to give them the slip; He'd returned to thankfully find the deer still where he'd left it. Making quick time with his muddy and disheveled appearance back to Mihr. When walking back through the foliage to the small clearing he was a bit relieved to find she was still there; looking much better than when he'd left initially.
"Swowwy fwo whuh duhway..." He said, muffled by the neck of the deer in his mouth from dragging it all the way up to her; setting the head down at her hooves. Opening his mouth wide to stretch his jaw muscles from dragging that thing for so long, he took a step back with a silly grin. "I mean...sorry for the delay. It wasn't as easy as I hoped." His glowing eyes scanned her once more, noting her wing looked a little 'off' even for him who really didn't know too much about anatomy other than it was there. "How are you feeling..?"
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Posted: Thu Mar 05, 2015 3:35 pm
As she tended to her wounds and disheveled feathers, Mihr's anxiety ebbed and flowed like a tide; some moments she felt certain that now was the time for her to give Darius the slip, to exit his life as quietly, and quickly, as possible; in other moments, she felt anxious for the stranger's return, uncomfortable by the quiet of night and her disadvantageous state. She didn't know if it was simply his sincerity that had her guard wavering, or whether her wounded wing made her feel more vulnerable than usual. She had been through worse attacks, after all. . . . but she feared the actual state of her wing. She didn't know if it were fractured, didn't know if it were simply sore; she couldn't let herself even think of the term 'broken' for that might make her flightless! She might have three wings, but she was large, heavy, and was unsure she could fly well with only three.
. . . ngh.
No. The mare wasn't going to think of it. It would heal. It had to. If she needed to seek out a unicorn, she could do so later, far from these lands; far from where rumor of her being some killer could come back and haunt her.
So it was, Mihr tried to focus on looking more like herself, and less like some water-logged, battered damsel.
Thankfully, Darius gave her time. By the time she heard the stallions approach, she had (more or less) looked less a fright and more like an exhausted, but wary, mare. It would be some time before her mane and tail dried, but the delay had allowed her a thorough preening of her wings and coat. Any blood that was not stained onto her coat had been washed away, and within the moonlight she seemed sturdy, if aloof. "You return successful," she stated, staring at the deer and finding her mouth beginning to water. There was no hiding her fangs now, no hiding the predator that lurked within the angeni's body. It had been a deer that had caused her misfortune previously, but perhaps this one was not in good standing with any neighboring herd. Her meal had been interrupted, and she was reminded of just how hungry she truly was!
Golden eyes noticed scratches and new wounds on the strangers black coat, but she said nothing. Hunting in the woods, at night, wasn't always ideal; she had no reason to doubt, and was happy to accept his story. "It certainly seemed to give you trouble, but I . . . . Thank you, for this. Do you . . would you like some, first?" He had gone through the trouble to kill, she could wait, if he wished to eat first. The spirits had smiled down on them, and selfish as she wanted to be, there were rules; the stallion had made the kill, had dragged the deer back to her, so the least she could do was offer him some.
"I'll live. I've been through worse, and this will all heal soon enough." She didn't mention her wing, didn't want to admit to a new vulnerability, or a need to have it better looked at. It was not Darius' concern, after all; he had already been overly kind. She was alone, on her own, and though this was a generous favor from the stallion, she knew they would have no choice but to part ways come morning. There was no sense in giving him any reason to stay. He'd be better without her trouble.
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Posted: Sun Apr 12, 2015 7:43 am
"You could say that..." Darius laughed, shaking his head. "No, you eat. I may munch later but for now I'm good." Truthfully he was hungry, but he wasn't the one trying to heal from such a grim ordeal. Her body would need an abundance of energy while he was just being gluttonous. He'd be able to last until daybreak, or even the next evening and still be fit to go gather some more meat. The sooner they could distance themselves from this place and the rather angry and merciless eyes of the pack he ran into last night the better he'd feel.
Why had they been so mad at her?
He didn't understand, especially in such sheer numbers as a herd, but at the time he didn't have the capability to try and reason with them and get answers as he'd been too busy leading them away and not getting too hurt when a few fast ones managed to keep up with him.
Still, this mare was no skinwalker, and she was kind to him. He refused to see how bad she could be to warrant such barbaric treatment as a so called witch hunt.
Turning his tail to her he hunkered down a few feet away, as said tail curled around his hips and his spade of a tail tapped against the ground. His leathery but slightly translucent wings folded against his side, nearly disappearing against the black, only the claw visible on his ebony body. Of course the only lights keeping him from melding in the darkness was the small glowing entities that floated against his legs. The brought small but warm golden highlights to his body, accenting the continuous glow from his equally golden eyes. Leaning his head down he began to lick a few cuts on his forelegs, when his ears flicked back in her direction.
Worse...?
Pausing mid lick with his tongue out he glanced her way, sticking his tongue back in once he realized it was out. "Is it because of how you look...?" Well, how they looked really. He was sure there were others out there who had problems like they....but it was hard in an age where such devilish beasts like skinwalkers roamed free; increasing in numbers at an alarming rate. He knew everyone had to be on alert to survive...but some of these measures went a little too far. "Teeth, horns, and needing to hunt to survive shouldn't be a death sentence..." He grumbled, more upset at her circumstance in his mind than anything else. "You're really nice Mihr! I don't know why they can't see that like I can..."
Seemingly, open minded soquili were harder to find. - yet not in his herd!
"Wait!" He perked up, having the most brilliant of ideas. "You should come home with me, to the herd. You know...until you heal and all; you don't have to stay forever or anything..." Even if the idea of more soquili he liked being nothing but a positive in his books. Yet he wasn't about to impose on someone he just met she had to stay forever. "We have healers and you'd be protected, and i'd be there..." Well, that was obvious but he felt it needed to be said.
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