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 Posted: Thu Nov 07, 2013 6:29 am
The sunlight shining down on them was warm and reassuring, luring the grey Faun into a distracted state, preoccupied by his own thoughts. When Celestia began to stir, he tensed, unsure how much time had passed, it seemed only a moment ago he'd been arguing with Raina. Had she heard? Oh, spirits, let her have not heard his embarrassing confession...
Raina kept her amusement hidden, answering Celestia's morning greeting with a simple nod of her head towards the Fauny. She noted Faroth visibly relaxing and she had to resist the urge to shake her head sadly. Ignorant fool.
Faroth smiled, somewhat reluctantly allowing his companion to pull away to stretch, though he made the movement as casually as possible. "Good morning, princess," he answered. His tone wasn't so much formal anymore when using the title, instead sounding more like one would address a friend with a nickname. He hadn't even noted when that had changed.
"Pleasant enough, I suppose," he answered, propping himself up on his elbows, still reclining. "And yourself?" He glanced around at their campsite, noting little that would need packed again before they could move on. "I say we make for the river today, if you feel up to it. Pick up some breakfast along the way?"
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Posted: Thu Nov 07, 2013 6:59 am
At this point, she no longer felt the need to interject about being called a princess when she was no longer one. They hadn't had time, nor the energy, for silly things like that in the cave, so the princess had just come to accept it (again) as a term for her. Strange, that it should have become so foreign at this point, but her people had been living in the tree for many seasons now. Most were fully integrated into the society, herself included.
If Faroth enjoyed calling her a princess, why not let him? Maybe she could be his princess...
No, that would be silly! He had said so himself, it was a one-sided feeling, most likely temporary, most likely going to fade soon after they returned to normal society. Couldn't have her mind going off like that in this situation. Or any situation, really. Smiling and shrugging, she glanced up at the clouds. "It was rather divine, actually. I feel far better already than I have for much too long." She pulled her legs closer so she sat in more of a crouch than anything. "I believe that would be lovely. I am rather famished this morning." Concentrating, she carefully, shakily, stood up, holding her arms out to help keep her balance. "See?" She would probably still require a good arm to lean on to walk very far, but it was at least improvement.
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Posted: Thu Nov 07, 2013 7:30 am
"Well, that's good to hear," he answered congenially, glad to hear that she was feeling better at least. He didn't expect her to stand and demonstrate, however. Lifting an eyebrow, he kicked free of the blankets, following her quickly in standing upright. At the first sign of a wobble, he reached out, taking one of her hands, his other on her waist for stability. "Woah! Careful now! What was it I was saying yesterday about not pushing things too quickly?" Despite his 'reprimand,' he smiled warmly. He wasn't sure he'd have been up to carrying her all day, but, if she could walk, at least part of the time, that would help enormously. Of course, if she asked, he could probably carry her for a while at least.
Out of sight of the two Faun, Raina rolled her eyes, smacking her paw silently to her muzzle. Oh for...
Once sure she was stable, Faroth pulled away, glancing to the bedding at their hooves. "Well, suppose the sooner we get packed, the sooner we eat then, hmm?" Chuckling, he crouched, folding the blankets and wrapping the bedrolls before returning them to the pack, which he hefted over his shoulders. A final glance around assured him that he hadn't forgotten anything and he offered Celestia his arm with a grin. Despite the way the day had started, his companion's optimism fueled his own, buoying his spirits. "Well, shall we go, my dear?"
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Posted: Thu Nov 07, 2013 7:42 am
It hadn't been too terribly long after she stood up that she faltered first, thankful that Faroth had been so near to catch her from falling. Laughing at the scolding, she couldn't help but add, "You speak as if I were a child, again." Whereas the first time she had said these words there had been bitterness about them, now it was clear that she did so to poke fun at his coddling her. "But many thanks."
Normally she might have moved to cross her arms or place them on her hips at this moment, but for stability's sake she just kept them held outward instead as he began to pack up their things. Or, perhaps she might have paced lightly in place, impatiently, as she waited. Nodding once, her own playful grin forming on her face, the princess reached up to hold onto his arm in the most natural way, the way a princess might hold her escorts. "Certainly, missuer~"
Acting in this way had become so natural at this point that, without anyone commenting to her about it, it was no longer embarrassing. Just some banter among friends.
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Posted: Thu Nov 07, 2013 8:22 am
Faroth chuckled in kind, resting his free hand on hers on his arm. It was as if they were out for a stroll and a picnic instead of a long journey home after such a horrible ordeal. In a way, perhaps the trip back was a picnic in comparison, after being trapped underground, away from the sunlight and fresh air for so long. While the Faun came from the Earth, that didn't necessarily mean that they wished to spend all their lives beneath it.
He pushed through such thoughts, focusing on the present. It looked to be a nice, temperate day. They were making progress. And as soon as they found some fruit trees or other sources of nourishment, they could have a pleasant breakfast as well.
"The river isn't far as the bird flies," he started up conversationally. Then, with a chuckle, added with a side glance at the feathered wings of his companion, "Or perhaps the Fauny. But, for those of us bound to the earth, it's going to take a little more time to get there. We'll have to find a safe way to descend the canyon wall to get to the river. I suppose if we just keep going in the right direction, we should eventually find some gradual descent before reaching the lake."
"Until then..." he shifted so that the pack moved to where he could reach in and get one of their canteens. Opening the cap, he took a drink; it was still the same earthy flavor that they'd gotten used to over the last fortnight, still just slightly cool. Still so refreshing in comparison to none at all. Wordlessly, he held the canteen out towards Celestia in case she were thirsty as well. He wondered how differently fresh water would taste at this point; only another reason to be eager to reach the river.
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Posted: Thu Nov 07, 2013 12:56 pm
Even against the lingering chill from the morning, the sun felt absolutely wonderful against the fauny's skin. Oh, how she had missed it! It was one thing to be able to create light in its image in the cave, another to be able to witness its full embrace. There was little she truly loved more. She was really happy that she could share this moment with such a wonderful friend; if she had the energy, likely she would be dancing, embracing, with such a fervor that one might not recognize her. On second thought, it was probably best she couldn't.
"Do you suppose?" she asked, her tone light and cheery. "It is a shame neither of us can change how the earth moves in some sort of way; how much simpler this would be then." Actually, she wasn't completely sure she understood his own power much at all, and they certainly hadn't spoken much about hers. Or, what she understood of hers. Clairvoyance was quite the secretive b***h when she wanted to be (which was usually). "I, certainly, cannot wait to bathe again." Lifting up a hand and holding it out in front of her. "If you have forgotten, I am supposed to be white as a mountain's top, not its foundation."
Interrupting anything else she might have said, the princess's stomach cried out, growling at the world in its demand for sustenance. Blushing lightly, she took the canteen from Faroth and held it gently to her lips, thankful for the water it held. By now, it seemed to be the only flavor she remembered water to be, even if she understood that not to be true. "Many thanks," she handed the canteen back and looked ahead, her eyes closing for a moment in her happiness as she sighed before opening again, alert and looking for any sort of fruit.
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Posted: Thu Nov 07, 2013 1:33 pm
Chuckling in response, Faroth shot back, "I'm not sure anymore...was I always so grey?" Perhaps it wasn't as obvious as marks on her pristine, fine white fur, but after nearly a fortnight of digging, his fur seemed more dusty brown than silvery grey. "Or is it brown now? Ah well. Yeah, I'm not going to be much help in moving earth unless I can put it in a cart first. Then, hey, I'll move earth all day."
He'd never completely understood his unique abilities. It wasn't that the abilities themselves were confusing: he seemed to be able to run further and longer than most Faun, and able to carry large loads, or pull heavy carts. As he had explained, strength seemed to be his specialty. The confusing part was that he had so little knowledge of the creature that had blessed him with these abilities. He'd never seen it again, or anything like it, after that day as a teenager. It had visited him like a spirit in the forest, and now, that's what he took it to have been. A strange hooved creature, much larger than any deer and without antlers. It seemed a beast of great strength, which made his gift make sense.
He was startled out of his reverie in time to take the canteen back from Celestia with a chuckle. "Breakfast seems to be our first task for the day. Keep an eye out for the animals; they know where the food is. Squirrels, birds...maybe if we're quiet, even deer," he muttered, lowering his voice to keep from startling any nearby wildlife. Raina had slipped away into the forest, though Faroth still caught a glimpse of her through the foliage from time to time.
The canyon edge stretched out before them and Faroth neared only close enough to get a look and shake his head. "No good here, too steep. Only if we had climbing equipment and the strength to use it. Let's keep going. There are some walking paths as it gets less steep." He turned, pointing to the left so they could travel along the edge. "Let's follow the river back to the lake, meaning that's this way. Canyon gets shallower along the way as well."
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Posted: Thu Nov 07, 2013 1:48 pm
Glancing over to give the male a full look, up and down, Celestia shrugged nonchalantly before teasing with a, "Who knows?" Laughing, she squeezed a bit closer for a moment. "We are both changed, then! I am almost the same colour as your skin, see?" She pointed to their arms, where it was still more than obvious who was who. "Or... closer, I suppose. It might be dreadfully boring if we were the same."
If the princess only knew how this could be taken.
From what she understood of her own powers, the princess could ask the spirits for their advice about a situation. They would not reply with words, however, but fill her instead with a... feeling... or something like that. It was all very confusing, really, and she had little understanding of how to use it 'properly,' if there was such a way to.
Nodding, she turned her focus from looking for fruit to looking for animals, letting him guide her as he willed. She might have continued walking off with how little attention she was paying if not for his arm that she held to. Looking again to him, she smiled. "I shall follow wherever it is you think it best for us to go. Blindly, or not." Laughing lightly, she added in. "I would do so even if I had a choice not to. You know the area, the way: not I"
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Posted: Thu Nov 07, 2013 2:14 pm
Faroth was fine with the comparisons of their fur colors, new and old, and even the increased close contact. What got to him, was the unrelated admission that followed: that she'd follow him wherever he led, blindly or no, even if she had a choice to do otherwise. That sort of complete trust...
He may have hesitated for a moment, wearing a strange look as it all hit home. In the beginning, they'd been little more than acquaintances, and now, she placed such complete, total trust in him. It was staggering. Not that he didn't trust her in return. It was just...he wasn't used to others trusting so completely in him. There was always that doubt lingering that he'd screw something up. That he'd prove unreliable in the end, not because he didn't try, but just because he fumbled some simple task.
Knowing that someone trusted him so completely was a lot to live up to...but a glowing warmth seemed to radiate from deep within his chest and he was unable to keep a small smile from returning to his face.
"Well, of course," he replied after a slight delay, patting her hand. "I promised to get you home safely. But, perhaps, you don't need to do so quite so blindly. You know, just in case I'm not around to show the way next time." He seemed to be doing that a lot actually...wasn't this the second time he'd led Celestia 'home'?
Pointing towards the canyon where the river rushed by far below, he noted, "The Chai'en River. The name isn't as important though, as long as you remember it flows from west to east, cutting the forest into northern and southern halves." He pointed ahead of them, the direction they were walking. 'This is west, leads to the lake if you follow the river back to its source." He pointed back over their shoulders the other way. "And that way leads to the sea if you just follow the current. This is the northern part of the forest; thick, but still more like a forest than the south. The south, where we started our trek, is wilder, more jungle than forest, as we saw." It seemed so long ago now.
They continued, Faroth pointing out little signs, landmarks, making comments about the land, the trees, even some of the wildlife who made an appearance. It was clear that, though he was from the Tree, he had spent an extensive amount of time exploring this land as well. And still, there were surprises he'd never imagined, as shown by their recent adventure.
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Posted: Thu Nov 07, 2013 2:46 pm
Laughing, Celestia brushed away the comment with a few motions of her hand. "Yes, yes missuer. Though, could I take to the skies, I am certain of my ability to find the tree." Her laughed softened into a smile "However, if it is what you insist, I shall pay more attention to the way. Whatever would I do without you here to lead me?" Pausing, she seemed to be concentrating on something rather strongly before she blinked, the realization coming. "Ah, yes! This is the second such time I have relied on your guidance to the tree, is it not? When we were but a new pae on this island... searching for a new home."
How long ago those days seemed... With each passing sun, her memories of her dear Equestria seemed to fade further into her dreams and away from her thoughts, replaced instead with new memories. Those with Vanya and Belvah, with Aquos and Skyla, and now with Faroth.
If only she could remained so blessed to continue making such memories, she might be the luckiest pae.
Her eyes followed attentively with each of his gestures, lit up from the prospect of new knowledge. Assuming she retained it, of course. Her mouth only opened to make small comments on his, but she couldn't help but be impressed with the level of familiarity he displayed. Certainly he had done much exploring on his own to know so much. "For how long did you live away from the tree?" she asked, her curiosity piqued.
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Posted: Fri Nov 08, 2013 8:39 am
Reluctant to suggest such things, Faroth was relieved when Celestia didn't protest further. A little extra knowledge never hurt, and recent events had caused the grey faun some concern. Sure, flying was an option at times, but what if something happened to her wings? What if she was grounded and alone? The thought seemed to bother him more than any normal 'what if' question would, and he attributed it to their recent troubles. Still, it made him feel better to believe that she might be more prepared.
Just in case.
At her question, he seemed to think for a moment before answering. "I suppose the Tree has always been home...even if I haven't always lived there all the time. It's always been there to go back to, you know?" He paused, stepping high over some fallen brush, then turning to offer Celestia his hand to help her follow. "I'm a bit of a wanderer at heart, I suppose," he chuckled with a smile.
Once they were clear of the brush, he continued, seemingly on a new note, "Did you know the Isle once floated in the sky?" He glanced upwards at the soft clouds drifting lazily by overhead. "Laisidhiel too, actually, though the main Isle had no idea we even existed. Now, before you start asking me for too many details, I was just a dumb kid at the time," he laughed, shaking his head. "But something happened, and one day, the Isle started dropping. Laisidhiel followed, coming to rest here in the sea where it is today. It wasn't a gentle process by any means. I've been told that river over there?" he nodded towards the chasm. "Yeah, that used to flow peacefully through the forest. No canyon, nor rapids, none of that. The land changed with the location. This was...about four years or so ago," he mused thoughtfully.
He smiled a bit at the memory. "That was the first time I ever left Laisidhiel for the main Isle. First time any Faun had for hundreds of years," he added as a note of interest. "You see, in the fall, a number of acorns had fallen and been lost on the Isle below. Dumb kid thought he could be a hero and sneak away from the Tree to get them back before anyone else noticed. Dumb kid didn't realize how massive the Isle was, or how hard it would be to find them in time."
He paused to laugh mirthfully. "I failed. Epically. Not only did I not find them before other Pae'il did, but the Chief found out as well. The worst sneaky hero ever," he snorted. "Funny thing about that? In the end, Rais decided to give the other Pae'il a chance. Let the new Faun grow up here on the Isle. Even let me stay to explore. Course, Laisidhiel was still my home...but I spent a lot of time out here with only short trips back home from time to time. I made friends...almost like family. Explored. Had adventures. You know, all that exciting stuff that dumb kids fantasize about." He smiled again. "Until recently, in fact, I didn't really spend any long periods of time back at Laisidhiel before I was off moving again. But, when the kids came along..." he shrugged, "...had to help out. So I supposed I've been around longer than normal. I still take trips out to the Isle regularly though, visiting friends and whatnot."
After a bit of a peaceful pause, he glanced at his companion again with a smirk, "Did that answer your question at all?"
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Posted: Fri Nov 08, 2013 4:36 pm
Blinking, the princess was quiet before she shook her head, speaking softly. "No, I was not informed of this... I should hope I would remember such a thing if I had been." Though, perhaps she had forgotten. Listening carefully, she took in the makeshift history lesson that was being told, a few parts hitting clearer than others. "Cheiftain Rais spoke of these lost acorns. He said we faunies came from such things originally, but that we grew with another source of life than that of the Great Tree, at least until we returned. I have also heard that this has happened some number of times? Were so many really lost?"
It made her a bit sad to think that he would probably not be in the tree very often, even though she understood it was none of her concern. Laughing instead, she commented, "Well, if you return to your traveling ways, you must come and tell me of your adventures upon returning. Over a glass of tea and cake of course." Like there was any reasonable alternative to tea and cake. "But, you cannot be away too long if I am to teach you reading and writing; it simply would hinder your learning far to greatly." At least she had that to look forward to.
Again she laughed. "I suppose, more or less." Glancing around, she noted that their furry companion had yet to return. "Is Raina nearby? I have yet to see her in quite some time."
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Posted: Mon Nov 11, 2013 6:39 am
Ears lowering sadly, Faroth shook his head. "To be honest, I'd thought it was just a few when the Isle settled. Those were found and raised by other Pae'il, and we thought that was the end of it. But more and more keep finding their way home again. It's...a little strange," he muttered, then seemed to shake off the melancholy and patted Celestia's hand on his arm, giving her a smile. "Even so, it's all the more reason to celebrate when the lost find their way home again."
He left his hand on hers as they walked, enjoying the pleasant weather and the sunshine overhead. "Oh, I may start wandering again from time to time, but...I can always be convinced to come home again for an extended stay. Especially if I have reason to," he said casually, thinking about his long stay due to the kids at first. Then, he realized how it could be taken instead. Instead of saying anything to draw attention to his blunder though, he kept quiet as if nothing odd had been implied. She was going to teach him to read, as she'd said. Nothing odd about that.
Following her gaze towards the surrounding forest, he chuckled and shook his head. "Oh, she's around. Even if we can't see her all the time, she's keeping an eye out for us. You see, we can sort of...'sense' one another when we're close. That's how she found us," he explained.
'That, and that little fit someone was throwing!' Raina barked from somewhere very nearby, amusement carrying in the sharp sound.
"Hush you!" Faroth shot back without thinking, then cringed and rolled his eyes. "Smart-mouthed familiar..." he grumbled to himself, trying to ignore her laughter in his head.
"Oh, hey...breakfast!" He pointed towards a shady apple tree, welcome for the distraction of food to cover for his flustered mock irritation.
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Posted: Tue Nov 12, 2013 10:45 am
"Indeed~" Celestia chimed back, nodding in agreement. She hadn't even noticed the presence of his hand lingering on hers until he spoke again about returning, at which time she became acutely aware of it's warmth. Her eyes averted slightly, her cheeks flushing lightly as she silently chided herself. The statement was general, it did not refer to her being a reason at all, why should she get so excited over such a thing. She shouldn't simple as that. "I hope, then, that literacy is an enticing enough reason." a small shrug followed before she added, "Or perhaps my company might be enough."
Blinking and looking up at Faroth, the princess considered the prospect of being able to sense someone's presence. Momentarily, a tinge of sadness appeared on her face as she remembered the warmth of feeling someone's soul, of knowing their presence from that, and the coldness that followed when the bond was broken.She was quick to mask it though, particularly with the surprise as his chiding.
Her head turned and she looked around, trying to find the wolf, but not making much better progress than she had previously in this aspect. Ears perking at the mention of food, she glanced at Faroth before following his gaze to the apple tree, a large grin forming on her face.
"Oh! How fortunate~!" Tugging on his arm, she half-pulled him in the direction of the food, eager to take a bite of the fruit.
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Posted: Mon Nov 18, 2013 7:40 am
Faroth had noted the last thing she'd said, a reason to visit the Tree. Though he was ready to let it go, the statement gave him pause. After a moment, he seemed to chuckle to himself and answer, "Perhaps so..." He was careful not to imply which statement he was responding to, however, he couldn't help but think to himself that he'd never been inspired to return to the Tree for reading lessons before.
Oh yeah, breakfast.
He chuckled, allowing himself to be 'pulled' towards the apple tree. As they neared, he dropped the pack at the base, making a mental note to fill the remaining space in the bag with apples before they moved on. Ignoring the apples that had already fallen to the ground in favor of those still hanging from the branches, Faroth noted with gratitude the blessing they had to even be able to be that picky with provided food. Funny how things fell into perspective.
Stretching upwards to pluck a few of the ripe fruits from the lower branches, he moved to take a seat against the tree's trunk, offering one towards Celestia in the process. "Breakfast is served, milady."
Rolling her eyes at the two Faun, Raina decided to scout ahead as an excuse not to keep watching such silliness. Not much of note on the forest level, however, when she neared the cliff and glanced down, she saw something of interest. Best to let the hooved Pae'il know.
Faroth was just getting comfortable when Raina's voice entered his mind. 'When you two are done, I've found something. Path down the cliff to the river. It's steep in places, but I think you two should be able to manage.' Faroth's ear flicked forwards with interest about the time Raina came into view, settling on her haunches just inside the clearing, opposite them. "Great work!" he praised, adding, "Thanks, Raina." He turned towards Celestia. "More good news. There's a path down to the river near here. We'll check it out after we have a bite, hmm?" Even if it was rough in places, if it was the best they could hope for at this point, they needed to at least give it a look.
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