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 Posted: Wed Aug 22, 2007 8:42 pm
Bella listened to the small raccoon, digesting the plethora of information offered. Slowly but surely, pieces of the puzzle began fitting together - what had been a scattered array of confusion and misunderstanding began to form something of a shape. She had known that he'd had it rough - that his appearance was often the cause of hurt . . . .
But never could the gentle hearted girl understand it to be so terrible! How could a herd of soquili have done that to a foal? All right - so his father sounded to have been a bit of a . . . rough being - but the sins of the father should NOT have been passed down to the son! And to treat him so poorly because of his looks. . . . ? To call a foal ugly just because of horns or wings or . . . . or . . .
It just wasn't right!
Bella's gentle gaze drifted from Moppet, to the sleeping Azumoth, the girl trying hard keep her composure. Needless to say she was horrified - not from the stallion, of course, but because of the roads he had traveled. Bella's life had been quiet, perhaps a bit on the lonely side, but she'd managed. Life was supposed to be a beautiful thing. . . . Everyday an adventure, every day filled with sunshinee and joy. Her naive mind had known nothing else much less living an endless nightmare!
It broke her heart it did. . . . .
To be scarred and tormented so - no wonder he was as defensive and wary as he was! No wonder he was angry at her and the world.
It just wasn't fair.
"Such cruelty. . . " She whispered, voice aghast with horror.
Bella's gaze drifted over to the bear that entered. Her ears pinned back and her head drooped back to its sullen state. CLosing her eyes for a moment, the girl hardly knew what to say.
She wanted to object - to yell at the world for its cruelties. So long she was hidden and wrapped in her light . . . Too blind to see the shadows that lurked beyond her happy, innocent life. Night and day they were. . . . But would it be impossible for the stallion to get to see a sunset? To witness a light in his life anew? Was he so broken there was no hope for him . . . ?
Bella refused to believe such a fate was to be his.
"I . . . . " She what? "I . . understand." Oh, sure she knew that the rabbit hole went much, much deeper. There were things she'd never know or never truly comprehend - but that didn't mean she couldn't feel for Azumoth or understand WHY things were difficult. . . .
Honey gaze drifted up to peer questioningly at the bear and the raccoon. "I don't . . . I don't want to hurt him," she admitted, her throat tight with raw emotion. He'd been through too much as it was and though she desperately, DESPERATELY wanted to be a friend of his, to offer him what sunshine she could offer she . . . she didn't want Azumoth to fear her. "Would it. . . Would it have been better had I never returned? Is it wrong of me to want to . . . "
To want to what? To see him smile again, to try to share a little goodness within his dark world?
Oh why did this have to be so complicated!
Bella would hate herself so if she caused more trauma in his life. Turning her head away, ashamed and guilty without knowing why, the girl was at a loss. Why did her life have to be borderline perfect and his so . . . .so . . . awful! She would have gladly given up her shinies and sunsets and flowers so he might not have been so hurt.
No one deserved such a life.
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Posted: Thu Aug 23, 2007 4:14 am
Bella's thoughts were somewhat typical in the world of the Kawani. Not a day went by when a Soquili on the plains would express the same ideas. Unfortunately, life wasn't a bunch of daisies for the majority of the individuals in this world. While some were exceptionally lucky, there were others who were just unfortunate. That being said, it was what they did with their life from that point forward that made them who and what they were.
Bella may have been lonely at times but her optimism had kept her strong, approachable. Truly they were the opposite side to one another as a certain stallion had chosen to remain a recluse. What couldn't see him, what couldn't touch or know of him would never be hurt. If they were harmed it would be his fault or so went his logic. Unfortunately it had to be said that a part of him simply refused to ignore a creature in peril.
...Thus, his territorial nature was born.
True, his patrols were there to keep his land his but more often than not they were also there to direct the lost to safety. More often than not he found those in his land to have been exploring, they had just gone a little to far. It irritated him, their curious natures and lack of sense that could get them hurt but that didn't mean he wouldn't show them the way home. In certain cases (especially female) they would never even know it was him.
"It nae be wrong of ye te want te see another again," Moppet smiled encouragingly and another mound of hair towards her own paws. "It's perfectly normal te want te say hello, especially if ye be thinkin' ye got some lil connection with them," whether that be friendship, pity or any other number of emotions they all created a desire to see another individual.
"And whether me babe wantsa be learnin' or nae he has te realise that sometimes ye have te let people in te grow. I be knowin' it be hard te let yeself be vulnerable..." In fact, the concept of even being vulnerable probably instilled absolute terror in the male who had so many shields up that a bomb would be needed to shatter them.
"Dinnae be lettin' what he says upset ye lil one, jes take note of it and keep tryin' because if ye be givin' up ye may be regretting it later!" The raccoon spoke from experience. Having spent nearly all her time watching the stallion grow, she had never stopped trying to get him to try new things. She'd succeeded on a few occasions - she got him to wander out into the plains and to walk on the beach but he hadn't really enjoyed it.
...Granted, he had bumped into females each time and been left like a startled deer but he had admitted the scenary and new smells had been nice.
"Do what ye want te do, not what everyone be tellin ye...Unless of course what they be sayin' is fer yer own safety like say, 'Dinnae be jumpin' off tha' cliff' cause then ye be wantin' te follow that lil piece of advice, aye?"
"You must be aware that he is not a delicate shell, Miss," Giruvegan flicked his fuzzy ears, leaning back and placing his paws on his rather large tummy. Looking completely comfortable in his new position, he was the epitome of relaxation - he even had a rather wistful smile on his lips despite the topic at hand!
"Treating him like a shell will only encourage the behaviour..."
"Nae it won't!"
"Yes it will," Giruvegan corrected the raccoon sharply and shook his head. "He is not a child, he is even older than I am. To speak to and treat him as a child simply encourages him. Sometimes you need to get hurt to realise what you've lost and what you need to fight for."
"And all those pretty females breakin' his heart made him realise tha'?!"
"They obviously were not worth his time if he did not desire to fight for them." Giruvegan replied slowly as he flicked his gaze towards the horse nearby. Luckily, despite Moppet's shrill words he had remained asleep, only shuffling about ever so slightly as any normal dozing animal would. "If they were worth his time, he would never let them go...Just like he has never let you go."
"Well, I suppose..."
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Posted: Thu Aug 23, 2007 10:34 am
The mare listened to the conversation at hand, eating up their advice like she might a bucket of grain! Since Azumoth himself had built his walls so high and so deep the girl suspected that second-hand-information by those closest would be her only hope.
They knew him best and thusly their advice would be most useful. Pawing softly at the ground, the cogs of her mind worked quickly, piecing together what little she could to better help her sticky predicament. Azumoth wanted nothing to do with her and barely tolerated her presence. The soft hued female was much more intrigued and wanted to do what she could to share her goodness with the male. The darkness that surrounded him was thick but. . . . . there were certain points and places were the light just had to shine through!
The girl nodded at Moppet's words, giving a soft snort in vehemence. "I won't give up," she explained, a small ounce of stubbornness entering her tone. This wasn't a game to the girl - oh no - this was what she truly meant to do, to strive for. This was what the world was about - being considerate, and caring, and kind; she wanted to be there for the stallion and let him know she was genuine and true. "Because you're right. If I were to walk away or keep him as but a memory. . . . No. I don't want him to be placed in such a category, I don't want to wonder the rest of my life about the 'what if's'."
Moppet was so very correct. There would without a doubt be regret down the road and Bella wanted to avoid it at all cost.
Her eyes rested on the bear, curious as to who he was. Part of the family. . . .? Or perhaps just a friend and ally? Whatever the case it mattered little. . . he was close to Azumoth and thus his words were important.
So. . . . how to not treat him gingerly or like a shell. . . . . Encouraging his behavior was definitely not what Bella wanted to do! Oh, but it was easier said than done! Bella understood that this wasn't going to be easy, and she would wind up confused and frustrated, but. . . . but that was where hope came in to play. She had hope for the black stallion and hope for herself.
Trials faced the mare but. . . but she wouldn't let that discourage her.
"At least," she added with a gentle smile, "he has such a kind family to return to. Regardless what happens with me, at least I know that there are good hearts to look out for him." No matter what resulted at least she could take comfort in the fact that he wasn't completely an island.
There were good folk blessed in his life, good folk he cared about and needed. At the very least, even if there was no room for her, she could sleep easy knowing that there was some love and light nearby.
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Posted: Sun Aug 26, 2007 8:37 am
"You make it sound as though an attempt at friendship will result in death," Giruvegan raised a fuzzy eyebrow, prodding Horne lightly as the bird perched on his belly. He knew that Azumoth often threatened people with death but his bark was most definitely worse than his bite - well, perhaps not on his birthday when the worst of him revealed itself but at other times he was a darling.
Ah yes, unfortunately Bella was unaware of the reasons behind the wound within the male's chest or his somewhat reinforced views of solitude. For so many years the stallion had struggled to keep those of the forest safe and just as his birthday came this year, he failed. What had followed, during his complete loss of control, was a brutal attack on an unfortunate mare who had walked into his territory. She had said nothing, she had simply run and the results were dire as far as Azumoth knew.
The stallion considered the mare dead having been unable to find her when he had regained his control. Those of the forest knew otherwise, for a wind had found the mare and had given her the necessary encouragement to move to safety but the damage had been done. Had Giruvegan not appeared when he did the mare would have been dead but it was the bear's violent attack on the stallion that had chased him away.
Usually...Giru was so peaceful!
Nonetheless, this had caused a series of events which had resulted in Azumoth hiding even more than he did before. Hell, if the stallion knew of 'chains' he might very well have considered them in these circumstances. Neither Azumoth or his mother knew why he reacted so poorly on his birthday - it happened every year but the bear was all too aware.
It was common logic, if you kept your emotions and the darker sides of you bottled up, they were bound to escape eventually. The stallion had kept his kalona instincts hidden, on his birthday they simply chose to make themselves known. Thus, it had been with this in mind that Giruvegan had hatched a plan - like the soquili of the Lowlands, Giruvegan intended to have Azumoth become content with who and what he was.
Unfortunately it was turning out a little more difficult than expected...
"He will not hurt you, contrary to belief." With a small chuckle the bear drummed his belly and fixed his amber eyes on the mare. It was rather strange, given his amber eyes, black coat and the teal accessories he wore he almost seemed to match the stallion!
"Aye, he barks a lot but he nae be bitin'," Moppet gave a small giggle as the stallion shifted under his wing and gave a grunt. It was more of an incoherent mumble but neither of the mammals seemed to be particularly worried by this. One could even assume that if they listened long enough the stallion may very well talk in his sleep!
"But I be worryin' about one wee thing, what ye gonna do when he falls fer ye like he did with the others?" Moppet enquired curiously. It was a very loaded question, perhaps even a trick one at that and seemed to indicate that Azumoth made a habit of falling for anything 'pretty'. Whatever answer the mare gave would probably make very little difference and would probably put her in an awkward position but it was something she would have to consider.
...Well, it was something if Azumoth decided to follow his usual trend. It was hard to tell.
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Posted: Wed Aug 29, 2007 2:48 pm
Her ears twitched as Giru spoke, and if the mare could have, she might have flushed. She truly didn't mean to insult any of Azumoth's friends or family with her choice of words but. . . . but he made an awful loud point of discussing the doom that would befall her if she dared to attempt a friendship. Maybe it was because she often didn't stand up for confrontation - her agreeable nature often let her to be pushed around or easily persuaded in to reacting a certain way.
There were some things, of course, that didn't fly with the mare. Like Azumoth's belief of his own wretchedness. That was intolerable and completely wrong! The mare refused to agree with him on such beliefs and as it was, for once in her young life, refused to listen!
"I mean no insult, I assure you, I just. . . well. . . " She shifted her weight from one hoof to the next, shrugging her shoulders with a little smile, "I suppose he can be a bit. . . persuasive." But she had come even with threat of death. Azumoth had been far from happy about it buuut. . . . . Bella refused to dismiss him so quickly or so easily.
She had made an oath, a promise, to be there and so it was she'd be true to her word. The black male looked as if he could stand a spot of companionship. . . .
Even if she were female!
Oh, certainly, she knew it was to be no easy climb but that didn't mean she couldn't at least try.
It was then Moppet threw out the inevitable. . . what would she do if Azumoth 'fell'. . . .? Part of Bella highly doubted such a scenario would ever take place. Compared to other soquili of the land, she was far from a delicate, glamorous female. She was plain in colour, heavier in design, and the only interesting thing about her was her thick-furred hooves. Far from eye catching really. . .
. . . but . . .
. . that didn't mean that Azumoth wouldn't follow old habits. Gold eyes drifted from Moppet to Azumoth, studying the dozing, black furred male. What would she do if he were to fall. . . ? The girl had thought about it before, briefly, after the black male had escorted her from the woods. "I suppose," she softly drawled, eyes focused on the male. "I suppose it would depend on if and when it happened. . . ."
Falling quiet for a moment, the cogs of her logical mind trying to define the pieces of the heart was not an easy or simple task. "Anything can happen with a little time. . . I suppose my response would depend upon where our friendship is and . . . . and where it might be going."
That was the primary goal, wasn't it? To try to show him that not all soquili were cruel or bad, that he wasn't nearly as frightening as he imagined. Would she be able to let him down gently. . . ? Or would she. . . might she. . . . not mind?
Oh, Bella just didn't know!
He was such a difficult stallion to make sense out of! Pieces were beginning to fall together, to fit, but that still didn't make it an easier to solve the mystery. What would she do. . . .?
She'd never laugh at him, nor belittle his thoughts and beliefs. She intended to stick around, to be his friend and be there for him regardless. . . . But to define her response now?
"I'm sorry," she apologized softly, gaze drifting off the stallion to study the ground. "It's a little difficult to answer. . . ."
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Posted: Thu Aug 30, 2007 6:22 am
It seemed Bella had her own complex issues in terms of her own appearance as well. It was almost as though she didn't understand just how pretty she was and if Moppet could have read minds she would have corrected that. Truly, it would have been a surprise and may have even infuriated the mutant had he known how she felt about her own appearance. She was completely beautiful and no one would dispute that fact or they would hear from not only Azumoth but his entire family too.
...Sometimes, his family could be a damn sight worse than he was too!
Then again, this could all have been a simple case of female issues in which all female needed reassurance of her beauty. Given Bella's appearance she shouldn't have needed it though so perhaps it was something more deep and complex than that. Such a shame that none of those present could read minds, then again it was rude to pry and they probably wouldn't have asked anyway.
Nevertheless, as she gave her reply to Moppet's question she would receive a very critical glance. The blue eyes of the raccoon seemed to be completely fixed on the mare and remained as such for a number of minutes. Why this was so, wasn't hard to grasp given that the raccoon wasn't entirely satisfied but it was completely unreasonable for the raccoon to expect the mare to promise she would love him in return - she knew that, it just didn't make her feel any better.
Especially when she knew what her son was like.
"You're right, it is," the raccoon agreed at last and released a sigh, puffing up her chest briefly before exhaling. She seemed to shrink to half her size and rested her paws on her hips in defeat. She always ended up in such complicated situations, she wanted to like the mare a lot but she also didn't want to let her hurt Azumoth. It was terribly awkward being the mother of a difficult child!
That being said, the mare hadn't completely refused so that was a bonus, right? Sure she could have been trying to answer in the way the raccoon wanted to hear but she preferred to be more optimistic.
"I be sorry, I dinnae mean te put ye on the spot but I got me worries ye know!" Moppet smiled warmly and pulled another twig from Azumoth's thick tail, muttering an incoherent curse under her breath at the filth that had accumulated in the tail...she'd expected better of him, then again he probably hadn't been expecting to drag himself off into the forest during his lazy day either.
"Ye should relax a lil though and get some rest, storms up here last quite a long time and we dinnae expect te move about durin' them - they blow tiny critters like us away sometimes!" She teased gently and flashed another grin though her eyes had returned to her work.
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Posted: Thu Aug 30, 2007 11:37 am
The little raccoon's eyes burned in to her and Bella felt herself being silently judged. Of course the little furred creature had every right to 'want to know' what the future would hold. . . But that didn't mean it was particularly comfortable an experience!
A touch of guilt entered her throat as she contemplated her response - what else could she tell the raccoon? The entire scenario was hypothetical anyway, and there was no guarantee Azumoth would follow his trail of heart break. Besides. . . . matters of the heart were just as complicated a mess as the dirt caked within the stallions tail! How could she respond to an experience that hadn't happened yet. . .?
If Azumoth fell would his feelings be true or would it merely be a form of possession and admiration? Bella knew that there was such a thing of love, but there was a fine line that separated such feelings from lust or some other sensation or desire. The female didn't want to make promises and further hurt or upset the family.
So she'd wait. . . and not worry about such things until she was due an answer.
"No it's . . . It's understandable, really," she hastily assured the apologetic Moppet. "If I were ever a mother I'm sure I'd be just as concerned!" Oh it couldn't be easy to have such responsibility placed upon a creatures head. Love was one battle but to become a parent!? That was a whole other war. . . . .
Taking the mother's advice, the cream mare decided to settle. She moved a hair closer to mother and son before curling in to a spot within the peaceful grove. "I'd almost forgot the weather was so foul," she admitted with a small grin, gold eyes glancing up to cast a wary eye to the canopy above. Though the rain caused the leaves of the forest to dance and sing, Bella found it was easy to forget about the storms within the safe abode.
Heaving a small sigh, Bella felt the pull of sleep. A nap perhaps? Azumoth was certainly down and out for the count. . . And if she were asleep she needn't worry about the rolling storms above them. Still. . . politeness deemed it necessary that she stay awake. How rude would it be to doze off? No. . . she'd relax but she'd stay awake.
. . . . Or so she tried.
It was a failing battle but one she valiantly fought.
((Not sure what you want to do next but. . . unless Moppet or Giru or someone starts chattering with her, she's going to drop off in to a nap herself. ;3 ))
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Posted: Thu Aug 30, 2007 4:39 pm
[[Lol they'll not start chatting, Moppet has a mission and Giru is Buddha-bear, he never says a word most times, so I'll assume she's fallen asleep and skip ahead.]]
She was a very beautiful thing in her sleep, her face didn't contort and her mouth didn't appear to hang open (from his angle at least) as she slept. Instead, she huddled into herself, the fluffy mane and tail providing her with the delicate embrace in which he savoured from his own hair. All in all, she looked serene and disturbingly enough...content. All right, so he had no qualms with her being content but not in his grove where he slept and lived.
It was wrong.
Shaking his head and releasing a slight snort as his mother tugged at his mane, he shifted his amber eyes away from the petite mare and towards the vines. He had been stood for goodness knows how long as his mother began the long and pain staking process of rebraiding his hair. She had gotten about half way through and by now his tail was rebraided but his mane was not. It was a rather odd look to say the least but everyone looked a little odd during their 'beauty treatment'.
"Azumoth, stop moving," Moppet ordered in a warning tone as she continued to twist the thick locks into shape. Due to the fact that they were often braided they were somewhat wavy in nature which made her job even more difficult. Her words were enough to get the agitated stallion to hold still again though and this satisfied her enough. All in all, he'd been cranky since he'd woken up!
By now the storm had long cleared and as the evening approached it was to be expected that Azumoth would be awake. With his duties to attend to, the orb in his chest had already swirled into life and while darkness may have threatened to fall on the Grove it didn't. Instead, a dull teal light insisted on permitting the Grove to remain lit while the shortening evenings sucked the light from the hills.
It was getting cold again, the snow would arrive soon no doubt.
The stallion was aware of this, first the heavy rains came and caused many death through their mudslides and then the bitter climates would shift to breathe ice cold wind upon the mountain regions. There would be those that would hibernate and there would be those that would cuddle against each other for warmth...Azumoth required neither, his coat simply thickened and more often than not he used his wings as wind breakers.
"Azu -"
"I have not moved," the stallion replied sharply although his gaze did return to the slumbering mare again. Oi, why was it always the mares that managed to make things awkward? Especially this one who insisted on invading his privacy without a complete understanding on the risks she undertook. Granted, he had mellowed considerably and had thought long and hard following his attack against the unicorn but still...
He knew he wasn't allowed to fall in love. Following that attack he had contemplating his failings for many days before having the courage to return home. By that time he had come to this conclusion and accepted it accordingly. He had met many mares on his travels, had nodded in greeting but not once had be gone near them - it was a matter of principle, if he wanted to avoid his failings he had to take measures to avoid what caused them.
Mares.
She made it so hard, with her youth and her idealistic views it took every ounce of self control to remind him of where he stood. It would be less difficult when she found herself a mate (he had decided), by which time she would avoid his lands...she would be too distracted by her mate to remember them anyway.
...Either that or her mate would forbid her, in which case Azumoth would extend deep thanks to the nameless stallion's intelligence. He would ignore his own jealousy, as all he would feel was lust and desire, an obsession with her beautiful hide and again this would be easy.
She just had to get out of his bloody hair! (Figuratively speaking).
"Should I -" He began, to which Moppet shook her head fervently.
"Ye nae gonna wake the pretty thing up, she be tired ye know."
"Mmph."
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Posted: Thu Aug 30, 2007 7:03 pm
She hadn't meant to sleep so long. In fact, the female had only just remembered that her eyes had been shut for a seemingly long period of time. The darkness that occasionally offered a dream wavered and sleep slowly began to wane.
Heaving a gentle sigh, her blond ears twitched and ever so slowly did she open her eyes. Still cuddled close to herself, her thick fur snuggled lovingly around her, the softest touch of amber took in the sight of teal. The glow was unnatural and very beautiful. . . .
The sun was gone, her mind suddenly remembered. Just how long had she slept?
Untucking her head from her chest, Bella quickly remembered her strange afternoon! There was Azumoth, and the birds, and a storm, his grove, Moppet, the bear. . . . . and sleep. Oh dear - long lashed eyes tore away from the surrounding to grove and settled quickly upon a fully awake Azumoth.
She smiled a sleepy smile up at him, her semi-groggy nature forgetting all 'the rules' that came with the winged male. He really was quite the impressive figure when he stood. . . though with Moppet braiding his hair, his intimidation factor kind of . . . failed. Something about a raccoon preening such a figure was almost comical in nature. . . .
"Mmmm. . . Good morn - evening," she corrected gently, features still soft and pleased within the glow of his orb. Slowly but surely, the mare pulled herself to her hooves, stretching out the sleep that hung over her tired body. So much for a little nap. . . .
It seemed this eve she'd get to play the nocturnal role.
"Did you sleep well?" He had looked ever so peaceful with his head tucked underneath his wings. With luck his dreams had been sweet and pleasant, or so Bella would wish upon him.
It seemed her earlier guilt and remorse about 'upsetting' Azumoth passed. She still intended to befriend Azumoth, whether he was up for it or not! Just because he didn't want her to be there or have absolutely any interest in him at all didn't mean she had to listen. Moppet and Giru had offered some encouragement. . . .
And that was all she needed.
Let him fuss and make faces. If he thought of her as a plague than so be it - she'd embrace such a role and that would be that.
"I'm afraid I was more exhausted than I'd thought." She almost apologized to Moppet, softly stamping her hoof on the floor of the gentle grove. Should she apologize for overstaying her welcome. . . .? Well, now that the storm had gone and passed, Bella knew her welcome mat would soon be revoked. . . .
Best enjoy her last few moments within the hidden oasis while she could!
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Posted: Sat Sep 01, 2007 9:19 am
Technically speaking the Grove was Azumoth's and always had been. Having had the luck to locate it as a young colt he had immediately selected it as his home for one main reason - it was a damn sight warmer than anywhere else. From there his family had been born with Moppet tracking him to this very location - just like Bella intended to do, the little raccoon had blatantly ignored Azumoth's demands. Sure it had led to tears, had caused stress and rather large mood swings but eventually he had crumbled.
As a young raccoon, Moppet had discovered his bark was worse than his bite. While he had yelled to be left alone he had never once touched her. He blew out a lot of hot air, a little like an angry kettle and then if you found his one weakness it was over. He would crumble like a purring cat and that would be that - he'd sit quietly and close his eyes. A pity he never purred but Moppet didn't expect he had the vocal chords for it.
...Would have been amusing though.
That being said, it had always been Moppet's intention to show those of the forest (and the outside world) that her baby was utterly harmless. Yes! She knew just how utterly ridiculous her boy looked but at the same time it demonstrated how gentle he was and gave him an almost 'tender' quality about him. He would beg to differ but logically speaking it was bloody hard to look devilish and mean with a fluffball scuttling along your neck and braiding your hair.
Nevertheless as she spoke his eyes did shift back to the mare and for a brief moment he simply watched. Having never seen a mare 'wake up' before he was utterly fascinated. Just the way she moved in an almost sluggish manner before stretching in a rather unusual fashion...Really, had he not been on his best behaviour he would have considered it suggestive. Luckily, he had more self restraint than that!
"As well as sleep need be," he replied at last, keeping his gaze fixed upon the mare as she attempted to wake herself up. Really she was terribly sweet when she woke up, there was something about that bleary eyed look that made him want to coo in a teasing fashion. He would never live it down though so he resisted that urge too.
"Dinnae be worrying about ye sleep!" Moppet chirped merrily as she watched the exchange with mild interest before returning to Azumoth's mane, "Ye deserved a wee sleep ad Azumoth dinnae have a problem with it, do ye?"
"No, I do not." The stallion agreed in an almost begrudging manner, releasing a sigh as he once again felt the pressure of his mother and her 'it is for the best' attitude. Oh he knew those looks and he knew what her mind was up to, he could almost hear the cogs in her mind turning - it was just a matter of time.
"In fact he jes' be admirin' how pretty ye are when ye sleep!"
There it was...The mutant could do nothing more than raise his eyes towards the canopy. Now was not the time to release a sigh, his very expression said anything that was required at this exact moment in time - truly, his mother was an absolute head case.
"Indeed," he seemed almost bemused though whether or not he was agreeing was another thing entirely.
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Posted: Sat Sep 01, 2007 10:56 am
The girl swished her curled and wavy tail, ducking her head to stifle a yawn. Instinct told her that now was the time to sleep, and yet, caressed in the glow of the teal light, Bella knew there would be no such thing. Tonight she'd get to live underneath the canopy of leaves and branches, and once released from the shaded wood, she could prance beneath the glow of stars.
Eyes still placed pleasantly upon Azu and Moppet, her smile turned warm as the remorse for her nap was quickly dismissed. It was easy to see neither of them minded. . . even if Azu sounded a wee bit malcontent. Well, at least he wasn't angry at her, or fuming! Not that she expected him to throw a fit with his mother perched delicately upon his shoulders!
Perhaps he was in a better mood now that he'd had a good days sleep?
The girl gave herself a small shake, throwing her mass of curled mane over her neck and shoulders. Given, the floofy mess didn't settle - it was just a hair too short to lay easily upon either side of her neck. Instead, it stuck up and did what it pleased save for her bangs. . . whose only position in life was often in front of her eyes! Blowing the loose strands out of her face, Bella could only imagine the headache that might come with a longer mane.
. . . . Without Moppet, Bella could only imagine the horror that had to be Azumoth's hair!
Hair was forgotten as soon as Moppet spoke a second time. She tossed the raccoon a curious look, before double checking Azumoth's reaction. Admiring her in her sleep? She just had to be joking. . . . wasn't she?
Flicking an ear, Bella dropped her head coyly, feeling a bit flushed. Chuckling softly, the mare stamped her foot and rolled her eyes. "Sure you were," she grinned, amber eyes sparkling in mirth as she almost dismissed such a thought. "Though I suppose even if he were," she added as an aside to Moppet, though her gaze hardly left the black male, "It would only be fair. I had my share of admiration while he napped earlier this afternoon."
There was good humor written all over the sweet female, though - like Azumoth - one truly couldn't tell if it was jest or sincerity that caused her to speak.
The cream mare was tempted to mention just how cute he had appeared with his head tucked lovingly beneath his wing, and the small murmurs that she had heard while lost in dreams. But Bella knew it wasn't her place to make such a comment, and she highly doubted Azumoth would appreciate being dubbed cute. . . .
So she'd keep it to herself for now. Azu truly didn't have to know.
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Posted: Sat Sep 01, 2007 11:13 am
'Cute' and 'Azumoth' were a potentially laughable combination, a little like the current situation he found himself in. With his mother firmly in charge he was forced to remain in the exact same position for hours on end until she was finished. This didn't really bother him if he was honest) as he was accustomed to sentry duty - used to stalking in the woods and quite often used to perching on a vantage point, standing still was of no concern to him. However, it did become a concern when others were present and he was being watched in the most unusual of manners.
It made him feel vulnerable.
Nevertheless, he released a delicate snort as the mare jested and quickly returned Moppet's comments with light hearted banter of her own. For that the stallion commended her, his mother was attempting to lay out traps and the young mare had navigated and dodged them to perfection. Her quick wit and her humour had ensured that Moppet wouldn't be getting away with murder this time round. The raccoon would curse mentally off course and Azumoth would thank his lucky starts.
...But then she flushed.
He'd never seen a genuinely coy female before and despite his sworn oath (to himself) that he would remain stoic his brow shot up. Arching pleasantly, his bemused expression reappeared and he could do nothing more than wonder why on earth she would do such a thing. Logic told him it was simple flattery, the thought of another admiring her beauty pandering to her feminine whims - in fact most of him told him it was that but still... It transformed her entire demeanour and he could do nothing more than watch.
He wasn't speechless, on the contrary he could have replied but it was deemed inappropriate at that exact moment in time. Instead, he let it drop and turned his gaze back to the vines in a rather calculated and controlled movement. Any excuse to return his expression to that of a stoic stallion, although that coy smile would be imprinted on his mind permanently. Mayhaps this visit would bring benefits, a good memory perhaps and that would not be something he would refuse.
"As quick as your remarks may be there is nought to admire," he responded in the same non-committal tone as before, flicking his ears forward at the sounds of the nocturnal animals outside his Grove. Following the passing of the storm it seemed that various creatures were returning to their homes or scavenging for food - really something he should do too.
"Though I commend you for besting my mother," he added after a few moments, flicking a knowing glance towards his mother who was the picture of innocence.
"Pfft, nothin' te admire...ye have no idea how handsome ye are. All the girls would be dyin' te get their muzzles against those wings o' yers," Moppet pointed out, his expression pretty much confirmed that he'd heard it all before and therefore chose to ignore it. "And those muscles are te die fer!"
"Uh huh," he mused in reply as his mother finished yet another braid and moved onto the last - however this wasn't before she'd swung round (on the braid) as though she was Tarzan and glanced at Bella.
"If'fn ye wants I kin do yer hair too!"
"She does not need her hair done, it is perfect as it is." The stallion's tone was plain.
"Oho!" Was the raccoons only response.
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Posted: Sat Sep 01, 2007 12:10 pm
His change in expression hadn't been overlooked nor dismissed. The bemusement that had stained his features, even for a moment, had given the stallion a softer edge. Oh, the danger and threat of what he was and what he could do was still ever there! But. . . . in addition to the racoon braiding his hair, there was just something sweet about the scenario.
Azumoth was indeed turning out to be a wee bit softer than he could ever admit to. It pleased Bella - the girl was too innocent and naive to understand why there were certain creatures who lived off cruelty, suffering or pain but . . . but she couldn't believe that any creature was completely heartless!
She was far too firm a believer of good and right and that everyone (regardless) should be given a chance. . .or two. . . . . or more.
The fact that she had come to the woods with every intention of meeting her death and was still very much alive was a great sign! Azumoth had yet to rip her hide to pieces or bully her out of the woods. Given, his tune might change with the little raccoon absent but. . . .
She surely didn't fear for her life.
Azumoth had yet - besides his earlier threats - to give her any sort of reason to believe it.
Head still bowed, her smile stayed etched upon her features. Golden eyes danced as the black male actually commended her verbally for her actions. It was as close to a compliment as she had heard yet - it was the first and only sign that she wasn't doing something terribly wrong against him.
That to Bella was very important. Yes, she'd gone against his words but. . . . but this evening was a new start. If she could go even for a few moments without obviously upsetting him. . . . that would be a great step forward for her.
Lifting her head, she contemplated arguing with the male, but decided now was not the time. Let his mother speak of such features - it was true that he held many an admirable quality. But. . . . no. Maybe down the road she could speak up of such things, she could side with Moppet and point out his handsome features, but. . . . not this evening.
Bella truly wanted to avoid another war.
At Moppets suggestion, Bella gave another gentle laugh. Dropping her head, bangs falling over her face and golden eyes, the mare smiled brightly up at the raccoon. "Oh I . . . I couldn't request such a thing! You've worked so hard today as it is - aren't you at all ready for a break?" Azumoth's hair looked glorious, of course, but there was a lot of breading to have been done! Weren't her poor paws exhausted. . .?
"Besides," she added with a rueful grin, "I'm afraid my hair is far too short and unruly to be able to do much with it." Another shake of her head, proving her point as her curled mane flopped lifelessly upon her neck. Craning her neck, the young girl couldn't help but to make a face at what little bit of blond mess she could see.
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Posted: Sat Sep 01, 2007 12:33 pm
It took every ounce of discipline to keep his mouth shut the moment she spoke those words. His body tensed and his eyes hardened - really quite an odd response to what some would deem to be modesty. Ah how he detested that very thing, especially in one so beautiful. He had always believed (since he was a foal) that those who were beautiful should never be afraid to realise it. Granted, he didn't approve of that beauty being flaunted but they shouldn't feel so...unimportant?
It posed a difficult problem for him.
He was stuck between a rock and a hard place. He could be the 'typical' lowland stallion and blatantly ignore the plea for reassurance OR he could reveal another side to him and be gentle. Regardless of whichever choice seemed to be the most appropriate, one made him look even more of an a** than he already was and the other made him feel vulnerable. Needless to say, neither sat with him particularly well.
He grunted.
Yes, literally grunted as he mulled over the options in his mind and took each tiny fact into consideration. Anything and everything was considered, he mulled over each tiny word and what the consequences might be. Really, if anyone had any sense they would point out he thought things through just a little too much. Sometimes it helped to be spontaneous but as of yet he hadn't mastered that.
Oddly enough his mother had fallen eerily quiet as she braided the last of his hair and it seemed she had added to the problem at hand. Evidently she wasn't going to bail him out of this one. Typical; while the mare had dodged his mother's trap he had not - it was almost as though the raccoon had literally summoned up this conversation just to back him into a corner...to make him choose[/].
It turned out, he wasn't an a**.
"Your hair is neither short or unruly," his tone was soft and very calculated as he mulled over each sentence in his head before uttering a word. Not a syllable passed through his lips until it was checked and double checked. "It simply possesses a unique quality, choosing to mimic the delicate motions all that is." Again he paused, glancing briefly at the flickering shadows as the light within the orb swirled around in an enigmatic fashion.
"It is spontaneous, creative and yet is certain to provide the delicate embrace in which it was designed to do." Clearing his throat, the stallion shifted his head slightly to test his mother. Apparently she had slowed down quite deliberately so that he was still stuck to the spot. Really, he may not have chains but anchoring him to the spot really didn't take a great deal of effort sometimes.
"Never mistake such qualities and view them as negative in nature, sometimes to suppress such things will cause an individual to lose just a little part of themselves." Pursing his lips, the male fell silent and gave his head another shake. It wasn't a brutal shake but enough of one to cause his mother to squeak and to speed up once more. As 'gentle' as he may be, he could only tolerate so much.
"Nae, me paws nae be tired but if'fn ye like I can show ye a way te get tha' lil strand out o' the way!" She offered after a few moments and she could have sworn she heard the stallion groan.
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Posted: Sat Sep 01, 2007 1:10 pm
Bella wasn't fishing for a compliment, nor was it just a feminine whim. It was merely what the cream mare believed and thought, her opinion. Never would she have been presumptuous enough to think that putting herself down would force another soquili to raise her spirits and reaffirm her appearance. The female didn't work that way. . . .
She was ignorant when it came to the games some soquili played. Games of the heart, games of the mind - Bella took things at face value with an optimistic twist. She never thought herself ugly, but she didn't ever think that she was in the same category as beauty.
She called and thought herself plain because, quite frankly, she was! Her colours were very simple and melted in to one another - the white transformed in to cream and back again; her gold hooves and amber eyes matched accordingly but. . . . compared to Feena or Meshach, she was. . . homely.
Heavier than most mares, that didn't make her ugly but it didn't make her fetching in appearance either. Unlike Azumoth who believed in his 'hideous' nature thanks to the words and hate of others, Bella just . . . . didn't see herself in some sort of beauty light.
She was who she was, and the girl was mostly content.
Every now and then she wished for wings or horn, or even a fun lions tail like Meshach, but. . . . . she was who she was and that was that. Nothing stunning but. . . . beauty was in the eye of the beholder. There was absolutely no shame in being simple of design and breed.
As for her mane. . . . It was what it was. Ears focused on Azumoth, the girl tilted her head ever so questioningly as he spoke. Whaaat. . . ? It took her a moment to realize that she was, yet again, being complimented. Rather, his soft spoken words seemed more like he was correcting her views but. . . . . .
Boy oh boy was it ever unexpected!
Any momentary surprise vanished as she listened to what words he spoke of her mane. When finished, Bella stayed quiet for a moment, the cogs of her mind wrapping tight around his words. Finally, her expression shifted in to something gentle, and she gave a nod of her head. "You know I . . . I never would have thought of my hair like that," she explained, surprised at the new discovery of what her hair could be! The girl gave her head another shake, this time taking a moment to think about the blond curls in a new perspective. . . .
Creative.
She liked that.
"I guess it's true when they say that you learn something new everyday!" Never would she thought it was something to do with her mane but. . . . Azumoth was right, wasn't he?
Her hair wasn't unruly or untame - it was just expressive. Though deep down the mare still had to believe it despised her authority.
Inwardly surprised - but pleased- by how the black male stood up for her hair, Bella turned her gaze back on Moppet.
Hmmm. . . . . Chuckling softly, Bella couldn't argue forever. Besides which, the raccoons temptation was far too difficult to pass up! "If you're sure," she added, letting Moppet know full well that she could still change her mind about playing with her hair. "My bangs can be a bit of a dreadful nuisence from time to time - especially after I run!"
Oh, how the plains kept her appearance forever disheveled. She didn't mind, of course, but it took a hell of a time to finally get her bangs to settle! It was a constant battle with the mare. . .
A shame there was no such thing as hair cuts.
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