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 Posted: Sat Oct 05, 2013 3:49 pm
Zura felt a wave of relief come over her, “Thank goodness. I really was worried for a bit. But you’ll love winter! We can build snowmen, have a snow fight, drink hot tea and cocoa, then decorate for winter holidays!” She smiled brightly, “Oh you’ll love it!” Zura beamed, “You’re welcome. It was definitely hard to do let me tell you! But the thanks goes to Willow. I don’t know how we could have convinced your friend without her help. Though that reminds me...if you want to test it out you could try keeping the garden during winter months. I'll keep Triston from touching the flowers, but Flora would love it. We've never had much of another cattaur's touch here save for the icy one.”
The centauress shook her head lightly, “We just keep each other going.” While he was here that was…her gaze shifted towards the ground sadly. But lately he seemed to be opening up more so that was a relief. Her attention though was stolen back by Constance’s exclamation, “Eh?” Zura blushed vividly, “It’s porridge with berries.” She tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear, “I’m glad you like it…I made certain to take extra care with it since you’re recovering and I wanted you to get better soon.”
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Posted: Sat Oct 05, 2013 4:11 pm
Porridge... Only slightly noticing Zura's bashful surprise, Constance took another bite and purred. "I've never had porridge before."
And her smile kept on growing again. "I'll have to ask the plants! I don't know if they'd like me keeping them awake when they're usually asleep. It wouldn't hurt to try though!" Her tail twitched happily. Get to see the winter, porridge, keeping the flower garden, get closer to Zura... This injured leg was the best thing to ever happen to her! Now, if she could only figure out how to make Triston more comfortable with her presence...
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Posted: Sat Oct 05, 2013 7:52 pm
Zura looked surprised at Constance’s statement. She never had before? “Oh my. There’s probably a lot of things you’ll get to do here that’s new for you. Especially food! We have so much that comes and goes through our dining room.” Her eyes crinkled up with her smile. This was definitely going to be an interesting winter. Usually it was so quiet here with just occasional guests who rested for a night then continued on their way in the cold weather. Only around the holidays and the new years did excitement come to the tavern. Even then Zura was excited at the thought of showing that part to Constance.
“Alright, but don’t get too hasty.” Zura commented, “We’ll have to wait til your leg is doing better. Though in a couple of days I’m certain we can get you walking around more!” Her nose wrinkled at the thought of being contained in a room and she felt a bit sorry for the cattaur. Though it seemed the excitement of being here balanced it out. That was good. “To pass the time until then though….I can tell stories if you want.” The centauress nodded, “I’ve got a full load of them. Romantic ones, adventure ones, or just the ones from the taur that live here and have passed through our tavern.” She smiled and prepared herself for a good long night of storytelling. At least until Constance was so tired she fell asleep again.
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Posted: Sat Oct 05, 2013 8:19 pm
That first conscious night, knowing she would be staying there, was the easiest thanks to Zura's wonderful storytelling abilities. Constance was enchanted by the tales that the centaur had accumulated over her time there, and she was able to drift to sleep with a dozen tales now flowing through her dreams.
A week later, Constance was starting to feel the anxiety that comes with the new. The air was cooler, and everyone was running around in sweaters and jackets. Meanwhile, she dressed as always; unaffected by the chill. But the leaves that had been changing were now falling, starting to pile on the ground. Shedding their delicate coat for their more stable bark skin. Her own thick cast was reduced a little, so that she could limp around and still have her muscles supported.
She was sitting in the garden that she would be taking care of, getting to know the flowers there. From time to time, she would lessen her magic to get a hint of the cold air. So unused to the chill, it felt freezing to her already. Then, she would giggle, put her barrier back up, and resume talking to the plants. She was taking lots of time to assure them that she would care for them while they remained awake for the winter.
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Posted: Wed Oct 09, 2013 9:47 pm
“I love how the forest leaves are like this during fall.” Commented Zura with faint amusement as she stood next to Flora who was making a wreath of the vines and colored leaves. Up north everything just stayed. Bitter cold with frost along their branches the dark colored evergreens of their forests stood tall and menacing during the winter months with ice hanging there like daggers. It had been years since the centaur had been there during the colder months, but the memory would always linger there. Still there was beauty up there as well as the ocean waters could really shine with the ice decorating the crest of their waves. Gleaming ice amongst the snow…the image in her head made the centauress excited for winter.
Talking of which she peeked out of the main dining room windows towards the garden where Constance worked. “She was so happy to hear your request, Flora.” Smiling she glanced back over at the curly haired centauress who just nodded as she wove the pieces together even more, “So what do you have planned today that’s got a smile constantly on your face?”
“Nothing really. I’m just amusemed from the thought that someone had an errand or two to run for me earlier and is still gone.”
“You…did you really?” Zura laughed, “You should have told me so I could have went with him to help.”
“Oh no. Akiye is back in town as it is. She wanted to go so she could get paints as well. He left early to pick her up so they should be back soon.”
Zura just shook her head, “I just hope by the spirits he didn’t pick something ridiculous.” Especially with Akiye tagging along with him. Zura smiled with amusement at the thought. Their artist would definitely help him alright. Outside in the gardens a little white bat with splatters of paint swirled around lazily in the sky before landing next to the female cattaur who was working with the magic. Tilting its head it just watched her, its eyes squinting as it hopped into shadows to keep away from the bright sunlight.
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Posted: Thu Oct 10, 2013 2:46 pm
The plants were flourishing despite the chill in the air. Each was as full and colorful as at their peak. Even the cool breeze making the delicate petals and hardy leaves dance didn't hurt them. So far, she hadn't gotten any complaints. Playing with the long, graceful leaves of the ferns, Constance was surprised by the little bat that settled next to her. "Oh! Hello there~" she purred, smiling as it ducked into the shade of the plants. Had it been... covered in paint? She leaned over for a closer look. "How did paint get all over you?" Her lips pursed slightly. Did bats like getting painted? What if it had been a joke? How cruel!
This bat didn't seem to be distressed by anything more than the sunlight though. Cocking her head, she looked to the plant and asked it to spread its leaves out wider to cover the little pale creature. "Why aren't you sleeping in your home right now?" It was such a pale little thing... It made her wonder what Triston was up to, with his white fur and cool skin. She hadn't seen much more than glimpses of him since... Constance sighed and held her hand out to the bat encouragingly. "Can I see you better?"
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Posted: Wed Oct 16, 2013 8:16 pm
Squeaking the bat jumped around as the plant moved above it. Wide eyed it tilted its head at the cattaur before hopping a few steps towards her and then taking another one backwards. Its ears twitched towards her one more time as it looked around curiously. Hesitating another time the bat peered up at her before teasingly taking another hop back and then – wham! Squeaking the purple and silver painted bat barreled forward as another tumbled into it. With a slight hiss it pushed itself away from the gold painted bat and hopped towards Constance.
Laughter came from behind the cattaur as a centauress with blond hair came up from behind with an armful of bags, “Oh my. Spirit stop being so mean to Ghost. He can’t help that he’s klutzy.” She giggled some more as the bags dropped to the ground and her hands were free to catch the white and gold blur which flew towards her. Spirit though in protest stayed by Constance and crossed its wings in protest, “Alright. If you want to stay there then that’s fine too.” The centauress looked over at the cattaur as the little gold painted bat climbed onto her shoulder and leaned against her neck where there was shade from her ponytail, “I guess Spirit likes you.” Akiye smiled warmly, “Usually she’s too reserved to approach strangers.” Turning around Akiye seemed to be peering into the shadows. Now he had just been there…oh. She looked back at the cattaur and finally seemed to take her in with a grin, “You’re like a muse of the spring. Like a painting of something that I would only imagine from a story, so I’m guessing you’re Constance then.”
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Posted: Wed Oct 16, 2013 9:53 pm
Constance giggled at the squeaking bat. What a cute sound! And watching it hop about, teasing her extended hand! Adorable! She gasped with concern as the little bat was tackled, eyes widening at the appearance of the second bat. This one was also painted! What in the name of summer...?
She jumped a little at the sudden laughter, having been so focused on the bats to be oblivious to the other woman's arrival. Another centaur! Another worker? Blinking, her brow rose. Oh! These bats belonged to this woman! How interesting. Bats as pets, who tolerated being painted. Very interesting. While Akiye looked back into the empty shadows, Constance looked at the little bat next to her. "Hello, Spirit," she cooed, reaching out to stroke the bat's head with a finger.
Her ears perked at the description, and looked up to find the centauress talking to her. A soft blush rose along her cheeks and she shook her head. "A painting? A muse? Zura sure enjoys exaggerating her descriptions." Who else could think up such a fanciful way of pointing her out? "All she had to do was say the cattaur with the cast on her leg." Her hand lifted to tug bashfully on the curl of her hair. "You have the advantage though... No one described you to me."
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Posted: Fri Oct 18, 2013 12:46 pm
Watching Spirit enjoying Constance’s attention made the centauress look at the white bat resting on her own shoulder. Reaching up to tickle a finger beneath the white bat’s chin, Akiye laughed softly as Ghost’s eyes closed at the feel of being petted. It was obvious the bats really loved their owner despite the painted designs which changed constantly on their fur. As it was it was actually pretty rare that the centauress didn’t have her own skin covered in splatters of paint or that there was no paintbrush for once hidden in her hair behind her ear. Grinning at the blush the centauress nodded, “And there’s a rose hue I would have to add in. But nope the description didn’t come from Zura for once. I still have yet to see that romantic around.”
Admittedly in her own way she had taken the description herself, but the soft words that she had heard from her cattaur companion had been enough to let her imagination wander, “Winter and Summer…such opposites.” She shook her head before laughing at the cast description, “I see that! No wonder he was so worried about you, poor thing getting attacked like that.” Her nose wrinkled in distaste, “I can’t believe they would attack someone like you…but that’s alright. I’ll make that cast into something pretty for you if you want.” She shook her head; she was glad that got a good lashing for once. If they even survived…the idea made her head tilt thoughtfully. Now that would be an interesting painting…crimson ice everywhere. Blinking she looked down as Spirit squeaked at her, “I’m sorry I sometimes zone out while thinking of ideas.” The centauress tucked one of the many stray strands of hair behind an ear, “Really? No one mentioned the wonderful traveling artist to you?”
She just shook her head, “I’m disappointed in them then. Especially my mother if she didn’t mention me. I guess that’s my punishment for being gone so much lately.” Turning around she looked over her shoulder, “Oh really? Come on now I know you weren’t that far behind me sir!” Rolling her eyes Akiye reached over and gently tugged at Constance’s hand, “We need to track down that guy since he has your things. I swear I spent the whole morning helping him…well more dictating him…on what to get too - such a male never being able to see the artistic beauty of some things.” Pausing she looked back over at Constance, “I’m Akiye by the way.”
As they moved along Spirit hopped up into the air and landed gently on Constance’s shoulder to hide beneath her hair in similar fashion to how Ghost was clinging to Akiye.
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Posted: Fri Oct 18, 2013 4:33 pm
She hadn't seen Zura yet? Constance blinked curiously. "You came up with the description then? Without having seen me at all first?" The blush remained in place. She wasn't that special. She'd seen so many taur during her stay who had much more going on with their fur and hair. She considered herself quite plain compared to others.
Her ears perked at the mention of winter and summer. Yes, they were opposites. What did that have to do with anything? Of course, that got her thinking about Triston... "He? Who's he?" She thought back to Triston in the room when he'd thought she'd been asleep. Oh, she still felt so bad about tricking him like that.... but it had been heart-warming to hear he was worried for her. Was this centauress talking about Triston being worried for her? No. Triston surely wouldn't voice such a thing to anyone else.
Constance looked at Akiye with a bright smile and pulled herself up with the centaur's help. "An artist! So you're the one to paint the bats." She looked at Spirit on her shoulder and cooed softly to him. "Akiye, you're as talented with words as you are paints. I'd be grateful if you did give this thing a little color." She frowned though, and looked to Akiye again. "My... things? But I don't own anything." She looked back over her shoulder to where Akiye had been calling to someone. A helper, probably.
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Posted: Fri Oct 18, 2013 9:27 pm
Akiye nodded, “Stuff like that. It’s what I do~” She bounced on her hooves in slight amusement at the comment. Oh, this cattaur was definitely new here! Giggling softly she rubbed the head of the bat riding on her shoulder before looking towards Constance. Did she really just ask that? “Well he could be him or him. Or maybe another male that I know, but I’m certain you already have him in mind considering that look which just crossed your face.”
The centauress beamed at the compliment, “Why thanks! I hope to leave that impression with others as much as possible.” She looked at the caste thoughtfully, “Surely I have some colors to brighten that up for you.” At the question Akiye laughed, “Well you will soon!” She suddenly paused and stared towards a corner, “Alright. Should I be your presenter or should you just hand them to her?” Not getting a response the centauress just shook her head before reaching out and boldly tugging a cold cattaur behind her.
“This guy had to pick me up this morning so while we were in town on our way back he had been instructed to stop by the market for a bit.” She gestured to the packages that Triston held in his arms, “Flora felt like it was a good idea to get you introduced to what most taur wear during the colder months. She didn’t want ya freezing after all.” She tucked another stray piece of blond hair back, “Not that I could see that happening magic and all. Still it’ll help you fit right in.”
“Akiye…” The ice cattaur motioned with his head towards the artist, “Picked these.”
“Nah, don’t lie. You helped greatly! I just stopped you from picking up some.” She giggled before stealing the packages, “Now are you going to stay right here while I help her to change or-?”
Already Triston was shaking his head and turning around, away from the two.
“Good deal.” Akiye laughed, “But you stay here so that you can see her wearing them.” Finally she looked back towards Constance, “I’ll help you put them on if you want so let’s head towards your room. It’ll be like a fashion show!” Handing over the packages the centauress started back through the garden. Peering back she smiled at Triston before commenting to Constance, “You can go ahead and browse through them if you want.”
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Posted: Fri Oct 18, 2013 10:31 pm
Constance pursed her lips slightly at how elusive Akiye was being until her expression was commented on. She ducked her head bashfully. Triston had really been concerned for her... How sweet!
When that very cattaur was yanked from around the corner, Constance caught her breath, torn between wanting to hide more and wanting to giggle. Her gaze flicked consistently between Triston and the packages he held. "You... got me clothes?" Her brow knit slightly and she looked down at herself. The leaves around her upper half fluttered slightly; questioningly. Was this really not enough? She hadn't really thought about what everyone else was wearing. If it would help her fit in though... maybe it would keep those bad guys from attacking her again? Perhaps she did stand out a little too much... "Thank you, Akiye."
Taking some of the packages, she glanced over to Triston and gave him a tiny smile. "Thank you, Triston." She turned and quickly hobbled after Akiye, almost afraid to look back at the male. He clearly didn't want to be here...
In her room, she opened one of the packages and pulled out a soft green sweater. Holding it away from herself, she turned it every which way before looking to Akiye in defeat. She had no idea how to put one of these on...
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Posted: Fri Oct 18, 2013 11:14 pm
Triston nodded quietly, “Flora wanted it.” Watching as the two females left the ice cattaur just sighed before leaning against the outside wall. Really though…he wondered what the purpose was. Constance had magic just like him. Still he hoped she liked what they ended up getting for her.
Laughing Akiye just shook her head, “Oh my. This is what I worried about.” Stealing the sweater the centauress showed Constance the way it was supposed to be held up, “This is where you pull it on over your head and your arms go in here like this…” She motioned towards the cattaur, “If you need help I can help you wiggle it on.” She grinned playfully, “I know it’s tough, but I have faith in you.” Both of her bats squeaked as Akiye moved to look through the rest of the packages, “It’s just something my mother does by the way-“ She peered back up towards Constance, “She loves entertaining guests and taking care of others. So just consider these to be presents for staying at the tavern with us. Knowing her so you can feel more wintery~ Like a portrait with snow it would be odd to have a random flower garden there. Not that I would mind of course. I’ve painted some things like that before, a rare flower peeking up from beneath the frozen ground.”
Spreading out more of the packages Akiye laid out a couple more sweaters, “Triston didn’t understand himself.” She commented with a laugh, “But he did want you to have some scarves at least.” She laid out several soft looking scarves two colored like spring and summer while there was also a longer one, more like a shawl that was burgundy with stitches of white and silver vines with flowers running along the edges of it. Picking up one of them Akiye swung it around her neck and posed dramatically for Constance, “Scarves go on like this so that your neck doesn’t get cold.” She explained before laying it back down on the floor. Looking up at Constance the centauress smiled, “So whatcha think?”
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Posted: Fri Oct 18, 2013 11:40 pm
Constance wrinkled her nose. Clothing was complicated. Still, she didn't want to make Flora feel bad... She carefully pulled the sweater on, and immediately disliked it. It hugged every curve, and seemed to squeeze around her neck. Trying to give the thing a chance, she tugged at the high neckline a few times to loosen its grip on her. "I should be the one getting things for your mother, for letting me stay for so long..." she murmured, her face heated bashfully and from her discomfort. It was odd to tone her magic back so much. It was a very warm sweater...
She looked over when mention of Triston came up. He thought she would like a scarf? ..Well, they did look better than this sweater thing she was wearing. She could practically feel the material tightening around her chest, trying to squeeze the very breath from her lungs... Heart racing, she tried to pull the sweater back off as calmly but quickly as she could. "I think... something looser... would be better..." she said stiffly, working to keep the fear out of her voice. The sweater was off now... She was fine... It was fine...
Slowly, she reached for the shawl. With a tiny smile, relaxing again, she wrapped it around her shoulders as loosely as she could without it slipping right off. She could control how tightly this held to her... This, she could do. Looking along the dark fabric, she extended the real vines from her usual cover to loop through the shawl, and hold it in place to keep her hands free. "Did Triston really pick these out?"
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Posted: Tue Oct 22, 2013 7:40 pm
Holding a hand up to her mouth to hide the smile Akiye just shook her head at the cattaur’s obvious dislike of the sweater, “Don’t worry. You won’t have to wear that one…the others actually have open necks and flow better. Even then you shouldn’t have to wear them except maybe when the snow comes or whenever my mother is holding one of her parties.” Akiye picked up the green sweater and tucked it beneath an arm, “They’ll never know what happened~” She teased quietly before watching the reaction to the shawl.
Akiye laughed, “Yes, yes he did.” Leaning forward she rested an elbow on the dresser and propped her head up in amusement, “Are you going to treasure them forever now?” Her grin was foxlike as she blinked slowly before pulling back with a hum, “But you should probably go thank Icy. He knew you well since it seems he won with that shawl.” Akiye’s gaze gleamed with amusement as she motioned towards both of the bats which hopped on her shoulders. “I’ll come back later with paints for your cast if you want, and also! Zura mentioned something about dinner tonight as well~” Turning she opened the door and made her way outside.
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