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 Posted: Mon Jun 12, 2023 4:15 pm
Rubbing the back of his head, he tried to turn to smile at her. The flush to his cheeks spreading from ear to ear indicating why that was difficult. Trying to read what she was meaning and saying proved more challenging then deciding if the snow patch was ground or ice.
At least while they walked there was something to help his anxieties even if he was half a hair short of a full on bolt ahead.
But she liked spending time with him? The confession seemed to indicate the same. Trying to find something to say, he remarked. Or tried to remark, the words were something he'd heard his whole life, "When a member of the herd goes one way, follow and you are never lost." Never run alone when herd was there.
Somewhere in the crunching snow a fear hung in the air. If he lost sight of her, of the herd, he'd never find either of them again. Rather than managing to pull those emotions out, another fear pushed back.
There was a bit of awe of her response, even if he was one he expected. Speaking as much aloud as to her, Atheron mentioned, "Until recently, I don't think I had ever really been to the same place twice. Or around snow, I really like snow." He did a dramatic paw at the ground to keep things on the lighter side.
It was reflective of his old herd's nomadic nature, spending more than a few days in one place was unheard of.
He was caught between what he loved of his old life and the things he loved of his new. With the mare beside him, he wasn't stuck in a bad place.Uta If only they could spit it out XD or read from the dictionary of signals and their meanings XP
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Posted: Sun Jul 02, 2023 1:53 pm
If Ravenna noticed the flush upon his features, she didn't draw attention to it or say. Her smile in response to him was as warm as it ever had been, as they continued on their journey. "A beautiful saying," she remarked. The saying was a good one, and one she hoped they could apply themselves. However, it did bring up the thought of herd... and her thoughts went right back to his own.
Wasn't that what brought them together in the first place? Hadn't he been looking for his Band?
"Tell me, Atheron-- are you still lost?" Ravenna's words softened, anxious at what his response might be. Did he miss his band? Did he feel trapped in their little herd? He'd made himself such a pillar of the community she feared he might feel obligated or pressured to remain. "Here, in Nox Lunae? I fear perhaps we've taken up so much of your time, you've had little of it to find your Band." Was it time to let him continue searching? "Of course you're welcome to stay here, as long as you'd like but... I never meant to keep you from you original search."
While it wasn't as if she'd demanded he stay, she did feel like she'd somehow kept him against wishes. The herd had been so small when she'd met him, he'd sacrificed his own family to help hers. "If you need any aid in finding them, I'd be happy to help," she insisted, in case Atheron felt he would be in it alone. Ravenna's tail flick anxiously, and she tucked some hair behind her ears, dropping her gaze away from him.
His confession about never being in the same place, much less somewhere where it snowed.... How he must have quietly suffered, being stuck somewhere when his heart probably longed to roam. How foolish of her to have taken so long to even consider it. "I wouldn't want you to feel obligated to stay if your heart longs for something else." Well, he'd sacrificed much to help the herd stabilize, helping him get to where he wanted to be was something Ravenna would help him with in any way she could.
Who knew?
Perhaps this might be their last little journey together.
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Posted: Sun Jul 09, 2023 11:47 am
She liked his old herd's saying! The Matron would be almost happy to hear he actually remembered one of her many sayings. There wasn't just a tumbleweed between his ears! Ha!
Her question pulled his eyes back to her, half curious as her meaning started to settle. His answer was an easy one to pull up, she was walking right by his side, after all.
Before he could answer, she continued on. The more she spoke, the more he picked up on her anxiety. While he wanted to give her a jaunty answer, that felt like a betrayal of how much this seemed to bother her.
How long had he allowed that unspoken question to go unanswered? He was a bit of an idiot, the Matron was right about that one.
There were a million good ways to respond, probably fifty he might have been able to think of with enough time. Unfortunately, he had just this moment and just one answer.
Reaching out, he very lightly placed a hand on her shoulder. Grounding the conversation and enforcing that connection tactilely, "I am not lost, Ravenna. I am found, I am home." He offered her a smile, trying to hold serious.
"Well, most of home is back that way," and he had to ruin it with a jaunty remark. "My old band will manage, very difficult without me but they'll manage." Anyone deprived of his skills was sadly weakened.
He had a brother that would just have to step up. Large hooves to fill. But that was his brother's challenge, his was here.
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Posted: Fri Aug 04, 2023 7:41 pm
Ravenna had half been holding her breath as she awaited Atheron's answer. While she knew it was time to broach the topic, she found she dreaded the idea of him no longer being part of the herd. It was, admittedly, a selfish feeling -- but she was powerful to stop it. She wanted to wish him joy and happiness, she wanted him to find his Band if that was his wish--but what Ravenna truly wanted was for him to stay.
He was an important part of Nox Lunae, to be sure...
But was that the only reason she wanted him to remain? Up until now, Ravenna had never thought much about it -- but walking with trepidation by his side, knowing that his answer could take him away forever, forced her into realization.
Of course, as soon as she came to the realization, Atheron gave his reply -- and she felt herself flooded by both joy, relief, and sudden embarrassment. The latter, of course, being that she had no place to have such sudden feelings. She tried desperately to put the genie back in the bottle, but it was no use. Her cheeks were flushed and Ravenna could only hope he'd chalk it up to the exertion of their walk together. Still, she smiled at him, and her smile was ever sincere. Her delight was apparently, eyes bright as she gave a relieved laugh. "So you'll stay then? Surely, Nox Lunae would be very lost without our illustrious guardsman and path maker."
Surely, he couldn't know how it worried her. Knowing that he was home...that he looked upon it as home.... touched her heart all the more. It was exactly how she wanted the herd to be.
"We're lucky to have you. Surely, the spirits were being generous to allow our paths to meet." Much had changed in the time they'd been together, and Ravenna was certain that the herd wouldn't be nearly as strong as it was today without Atheron's good humor, strength, and spirit.
EvilSilverDragon I'm so bad, I'm so sorry I keep holding up our RP! <3 Will try to tag more regularly -- promise! I want their story to grow and I can't do that when I tag once a month, hahaha. Gonna aim to tag more regularly. Appreciate your patience!
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Posted: Sat Aug 05, 2023 6:35 am
The stallion might as well have been walking on top of the snow itself. Seeing how relieved she sounded, well it felt like he was light as air. The skip went right into his trot, hooves dancing with renewed energy. He just had to flex the arm not still gently on her shoulder with playful intent. "The paths ensure I never get lost. The Moon's Light guides me home." Oh that wasn't metaphorical, he was looking right at her especially with the word 'light'. "I am so proud to keep my herd and those in it safe." Ravenna could absolutely take care of herself, but he worked hard to make sure he could back her up.
It was natural to want to keep the Herd's leader safe. But his desire to protect her went well beyond that. The world revolved around the Moon. At least his did.
"I may have taken the long way round, but I thank the spirits for guiding my hooves to you." Belatedly, it kicked him again that he was overstepping, "I am honored to be a part of Nox Lunae." There, that was a smooth cover up. Smooth as he could manage. Uta Of course! I am happy to wait as long as it takes to see this ship sail. Those two have to be the most organically formed ship I've ever had.
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Posted: Sun Aug 06, 2023 11:34 am
Ravenna felt as if a weight had been lifted off her shoulders, at least when it came to the fact that Atheron would be staying with them permanently. It warmed her heart knowing that they would get to keep their strong pillar, and that he too looked upon the herd as home. Of course... that lightness was now mixed with a realization that her feelings weren't entirely mercenary.
Seeing the way Atheron flexed his arm, seeing how he walked so boldly. No, Ravenna felt as if she was looking upon him with new eyes, and it almost put the mare to blush. Physically, he was a very strong stallion, and quite handsome. Ah, but even thinking the words had her shying away from the thought.... not because they weren't true, but because she doubted very much that he looked upon her as anything more than just a friend.
He'd never given her any indication that he was interested, and she feared making things awkward, or uncomfortable without a clear sign. Gods above, this was new ground for the mare. Ravenna spent so much time focused on the herd, that she had little time to think of her own wants or desires. And of course, they all came slamming into her now....
Oh dear.
While she was aware that, for the sake of the herd, she would need to someday take on a mate, and hopefully have a lineage in which to keep Nox Lunae strong.... She'd never really thought about what that might entail. In the Sun Herd, as a priestess of the Sun, the process of courtship was in itself a bit of a ritual, and required plenty of approval to ensure she wasn't taking on a mate who was too high a rank, or too low of one, either.
But here, in Nox Lunae, individuals were free to choose who they desired. And Ravenna...
No. She wouldn't jeopardize their friendship--especially not on this trip. However, she was suddenly very aware of his hand upon her shoulder. Oh, but what a revelation to have, and at such a time! Well, he needn't learn of it, or know of it, and she would do what she could to keep things just as they were and hide any amount of feeling.
Tucking some hair back behind her ears, she followed his trot, keeping pace with him. "I'm quite sure we would be lost without you. You've certainly eased my mind by knowing that you'll stay with us, Atheron." And that was the truth! Even her own walk was light and eager, almost playful, and she gave a few happy bounds over the snow covered trail. "The spirits have been good to us all, and I hope continue to bless us with such fortune."
EvilSilverDragon Right? I haven't had such a natural connection in RP in a looooooong time. I love it. ;0; They're precious and I'm glad it all worked out.
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Posted: Mon Aug 07, 2023 5:46 pm
She hadn't reacted negatively to the lingering touch. That he was keenly aware. Frolicking across the terrain made it less idea to try to keep that contact. Still, he would happily take it before the bounding made him drop his hand back.
Testing the waters, or snow banks as it were, he kept that close distance. Made the run a little more challenging. He was now actively paying more attention to how close they were. More so to avoid becoming a safety hazard to more than just himself. That and just trying to gauge again what was okay and what might be too close to the comfort line.
Letting out a joyful laugh, he commented, "I hope the same. I am finally learning to listen better." The spirits hadn't lead him wrong yet. It just seemed wrong for the ages he was on his own. It wasn't his band he was meant to find. It was this fledgling herd. Probably should have trusted them more than actively working against them.
"Are we close to our goal?" Would hardly be fair to try and challenge her to a little race if they were right there. She was the only one of the two that knew where 'there' was.Uta Now for the next hard part, getting those two to realize it and be on the same page XD
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Posted: Mon Aug 07, 2023 7:52 pm
Ravenna didn't mind the touch at all, despite having been aware of it. Perhaps too aware. She didn't mind his closeness -- where he was known to be a bit of a hazard, Ravenna was at least agile and light on her hooves. Even if he took the wrong step, she was confident she might keep herself from being completely trod over. As they bound over the snow, her tail did periodically give a little swish, brushing against her companion from time to time.
"I trust that you are," she smiled, eyes bright. She felt lighter than she had in some time -- had the thought of Atheron leaving weighed upon her more than she'd been aware? Perhaps so--but at least now, she could state confidently he was both a friend and herdmate. "Sometimes the spirits can be soft spoken, or difficult to interpret, while other times, they practically shout their intentions." Getting half-trampled by Atheron all that time ago had been one of those times... but look at what good had come of it?
At his question, she shook her head. "I'm afraid we've still a ways to traverse. I don't expect us back until very late--and that's if the weather stays fair." She hoped it wouldn't put him off. It was part of the reason she'd wanted to go alone -- it was quite a journey and not one she made often. But the herd would need the supplies, and poor Qoaha was still healing. Aiolos would lead the herd in her absence, though she doubted very much anyone would actually notice her missing. The herd was well settled, with enough hands to make light work of any need or task that might come up while she was out gathering.
Hopefully Atheron wouldn't mind the longer journey.
"Did you need something?" Ravenna asked, glancing over at him with her silver eyes. She hoped he wasn't suddenly regretting his choice to follow her, or was feeling unwell.
EvilSilverDragon Ahahaha. Right? Who knows. Maybe the spirits will give them a little push in the right direction.
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Posted: Wed Aug 09, 2023 6:29 pm
Snow never looked more beautiful then this moment. That feeling of running with family settled so warmly he hardly noticed much but the horizon. He absolutely noticed his companion. Not the quickest on the uptake, he still was at least a little aware.
The bright answer to this awareness, was to very occasionally brush against her side with his own.Much in his own way, he was trying to be subtle and accidental about it. He did have to chuckle at the shouting remark, "I am happy to give them shouting practice!" Its hard to hear a whisper in a windstorm or a stampede.
While she worried he would balk at the journey, Atheron was practically a foal about it. Up until he lost his band, traveling all day was a way of life. Being unable to keep up meant the end of that life.
This was the best chance to really stretch those traveling muscles. Not that he could feel them that great with the heavy snow. Keeping moving did help a lot though.
"Glad to hear it!" he remarked jovely when she said it was a long while yet. There was more time with just the two of them and such a great outing!
Kicking up a bit more, he moved just slightly ahead of her. No more then a third further. Just enough to grin at her and see if she was up for a little bit of a race. Hardly a race when she knew where they were going and he didn't. But since when had that ever stopped him? "No, I don't need anything." He wasn't quite there to outright challenge her to a run. It was still her lead he was trying to follow. Harder to follow a path he didn't completely know.Uta The spirits are up there with popcorn watching their hard work trying to pay off.
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Posted: Sat Sep 02, 2023 3:49 pm
Ravenna was quite aware of the times Atheron would brush against her. She found she enjoyed his closeness, and it wasn't just because of the winter cold. This new revelation was something she knew she shouldn't focus on, but it was difficult when it was just the two of them. The biggest question that now sat upon her shoulders was what to do with this knowledge, this interest...
Would it disrupt their friendship?
Would it make things awkward?
Well... She didn't have to say anything about it right now. Instead, she decided to simply enjoy her time with him, as she had in the past. Never mind the sudden warmth that gripped her heart if she thought too fondly of him, or his antics. He brought joy into her life, and she would always be grateful for his sunny disposition.
"If anyone could teach them, I'm sure it would be you," she laughed, silver eyes sparkling with mirth. She noticed that he picked up speed and hurried a little ways ahead of her. He always was a runner -- in fact, every time she bumped into him, he seemed to be running somewhere. As it stood, they were headed in the direction of where they needed to be, and didn't have to make too many turns -- they had a few miles to go before they'd need to change direction.
Holding tighter to her shawl, she hurried to keep up with him. "Perhaps we speed things up a little... Think you can keep up?" She challenged, giving him a bold little wink before taking off like a shot. She had no doubt Atheron would be able to -- but the path ahead seemed clear, despite the snow. With long legged grace, more like an elaphotaur than a centaur, the lithe and petite mare bounded forward as fast as she dared among the snow and slush.
Every now and then she'd peek back over her shoulder to see if the centaur was close.
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Posted: Thu Sep 07, 2023 1:23 pm
Part of him worried she wouldn't take bait for a run. Ravenna made that part of him eat snow! Letting deep whoop of joy, he kicked up after her. Where she was elegant and graceful, Atheron was pure snowplow. Snow turned to waves in his wake.
Grinning wildly, he playfully remarked, "I think I can just manage." Just, right. He may have snorted at his own joke there. Not that he would admit it!
She knew the way and he wasn't exactly going for a race to win. Just the run, the feel of the wind in his hair and the earth shaking under their combined hooves. Moments like this were life itself.
Almost a shame that the snow did more muffled crunching then thunder of hooves.
Probably a bit unfair on his part, two centaurs running off together in his old herd was a declaration. He'd keep those rituals to himself, it wasn't like they would run into any of his former herd.
As a stallion used to running in large herd bands, he had all the confidence to run right next to her. Unlike when they were walking, any contacts between them was forward moving in nature not side pressed to side.
Since he wasn't trying to win, exactly, he was staying very close to her and only pushing half a length if she let him. Nothing was pulling him farther from her during this journey. Uta The track star is very happy right now XD
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Posted: Thu Sep 07, 2023 9:45 pm
Ravenna laughed as she heard his whoop of joy--and sure enough, the stallion kept pace with her easily. How long had it been since she'd kicked up her hooves and simply gave in to her natural instincts? Running wild over the snow covered ground, she kicked caution aside, and stretched out her legs, picking up speed to further the challenge.
It wasn't exactly a race--but Atheron did so love to run, and Ravenna was happy to let him let loose. She was, of course, ever pleased that he stayed so near. He was surprisingly sure footed, and didn't weave or push into her as others might. Having him next to her felt natural -- and she enjoyed his close company, greatly.
She didn't mind when he pushed ahead -- sometimes she let him keep the lead, while other times she bound forward to catch up to him. After some time, she did give a little laugh, and reached out to loop her arm with his. "There--can't rightfully get away from me now," she teased, giving him a playful, and perhaps even flirtatious, smile back.
Ravenna didn't often get to let her hair down and have fun but Atheron knew how to draw out that side of her. Was it wrong to enjoy herself, to forget, for just a few moments, all the stresses and worries she had about Nox Lunae? She'd been so distraught for so long she'd almost forgotten how to laugh or enjoy herself... She'd almost forgotten how she had enjoyed running with the dawn, back in the Sun Herd. Perhaps she needed to run with the moon, or like today, with Atheron.
EvilSilverDragon [I can feel the spirits going .... just a little bit more, come on you two... xD/quote]
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Posted: Fri Sep 08, 2023 1:07 am
If he could only hear one sound for the rest of his life, he would chose her laughter. Running may feel like flying, but Ravenna was the wings to make him soar. On his own, he would about launch his body into the air to jump to meet the sky. Here? All he had to do was look over to see the moon and stars laughing with him.
Thank the spirits their paths crossed. This time and all the times before.
Probably a good thing he trusted his legs so much, and the new path beneath his hooves. There was magic watching that blanket of snow yield to her unassuming power. He'd about hit a tree, distracted by the look of joy on her own face. The wind pushing her gorgeous hair back and the sheer freedom of the run calling that beautiful soul.
Would have been worth the consequences of a tree encounter. At least the wild's spirits were generous enough not to put that in his path.
It was a very good thing his legs could move on their own, she about tripped him up with her actions. While his poor brain tried to come up with something cool to say, he just smiled brightly at her and managed, "Wouldn't dream of it!"
He was trying to tell himself not to look too far into it. Rather hypocritical of a stallion encouraging what was essentially a courting behavior form his old herd. For each moment she'd give him, he'd take with gratitude.
Holding her arm against his body, he laid his hand on hers. So focused in on her, he easily began matching every step with her pace. This was second nature, the thunder of his heart beating in harmony. Uta I now have The Little Mermaid's 'Kiss the girl' playing in my head XD Spirits might empathize with Sebastian XP
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Posted: Sat Sep 09, 2023 7:56 pm
It had been bold of her to link her arm in his--but she had no regrets. It was harmless, something any centaur could do with another. However, the longer they ran, side by side, with his hand atop her own... the more she wondered at her own motives. To her, this little run with him wasn't as innocent as it appeared, and though she was trying to communicate her interest, she wasn't sure if Atheron realized it.
....and if he did, he wasn't letting on.
Either way, she wasn't sure she should continue. She didn't want to use their friendship as an excuse to get close to him. No, she was too honest a creature, and the feelings too important to brush aside. She liked running with him; she liked bumping into him, conversing with him, seeing him. She liked him, plain and simple... She wanted something more with him, and yet...
Would it be wrong of her to ask it of him? Would it make things awkward if he let her down? She was so busy she didn't know if he was seeing anybody, or had given his heart to someone else in the herd. Still, though she knew she should pull away, she didn't. Just a few more steps, a little longer, a little farther wouldn't be a problem. Would it? She kept her armed looped about his, and pretended she didn't notice its warmth, or its strength. Running so close, she was aware of how much larger he was in comparison to her.
But the ice spirits were mischievous creatures, at best, and both stallion and mare suddenly found themselves on a patch of black ice. Their forward momentum meant there was no way to slow down, eve as she felt her hooves suddenly slip out from beneath her.
"Oh!"
Ravenna tried to catch herself, not wanting to pull Atheron down with her, but it was of no avail. With a surprise yelp, Ravenna had no choice but to let Atheron go while she tumbled upon the ice, and slipped forward, legs tangled, and wound up going head over heels right into a snow bank. Of course, all she could think about was Atheron, and hoping he was all right! "Atheron?" She called out after she caught her breath, trying to wiggle herself out of the snow.
EvilSilverDragon Guess there's a reason running through snow-covered hills isn't encouraged LOL
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Posted: Sun Sep 10, 2023 2:45 pm
They spoke two different languages, both communicating the same thing. At least their joy was universal.
That was until smooth hooves met ice. He 'knew' enough to keep going, trying to power through the icy patch until he could catch his grip again on firm ground. He was used to eating snow banks. The idea that he endangered Ravenna though, that sank his heart into the ground.
He tried to catch her, but the mare slipped from his grasp. There wasn't a moment in all of his life that he ever felt so powerless. Time seemed to slow as she tumbled then landed in the snow bank. He knew from experience those weren't the worse things to fall into. Well, as long as it doesn't have rocks.
Trotting out of the slide, he managed to find enough snow to straighten up from his baby deer spread he tried to pull off to balance himself. As soon as he felt stable on his hooves, he was right at her side.
Reaching out, Atheron put one arm as high up on her waist as he could and used his full strength to help her get out of the snow bank.
As soon as he could see her face, the stallion reached for her. One palm on her cheek, he very carefully work on brushing the snow and ice from her face and hair. His eyes were glued to her, eyebrows knitted together and anxiety sending his bobbed tail spinning. "Ravenna, are you hurt?? I am so so sorry. I am so stupid." He was. encouraging a run was beyond stupid of him.
Her life was worth more than familiar rituals and bonding. The shame wore him more than a blanket of snow on a tree as he fussed over her.Uta Poor Ravenna, Atheron is a very bad influence.
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