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 Posted: Tue Oct 01, 2013 8:56 pm
"Days?!" No wonder she felt so stiff... Euthalia! She must be worried sick! Constance made a move to climb out of the bed, but paused as she looked at the bedside table. A flower chain, with a special kind of intricate braiding pattern. ...Euthalia had been here? Smiling, she let herself calm a bit more, quietly listening to Zura's explanation. It was like those who tore through the woods so recklessly. They didn't care about how the trees felt, and those men hadn't cared about her.
The mention of going to the market again had her shaking her head. "I don't want to go anywhere near the market again. ..Well, not anytime soon."
She relaxed visibly further when she got news of Triston's condition. Good... She'd been so scared... However, Zura's laugh and playful comment had Constance looking up sadly. "I highly doubt that," she said softly, looking down at her hands. "I caused so much trouble." She sighed and shook her head. "And trouble to you and Flora, for keeping me here while I slept. ..Thank you."
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Posted: Tue Oct 01, 2013 9:14 pm
“I don’t blame you.” Zura replied quietly before shaking her head, “But sometime we will show you the better parts of it. It’s a nice place with some really nice taur there. Those stinky ones just like to litter the shadows there.” Her nose wrinkled at the thought before she looked back towards Constance with a hint of surprise. Was she really that sad about the tease? Oh, maybe she shouldn’t have…
“No, no.” The centauress reached down and grabbed Constance’s hands, “Don’t you worry about a thing. Flora and I love being able to help others and it’s not even a busy time of year.” She smiled warmly, “So don’t you feel like you’ve been a burden at all. Rather it’s been nice meeting someone like you. Can’t we call you a friend perhaps? Friends get to help each other without charge after all and I don’t think we could ever have the heart to charge you, Constance.” She squeezed the cattaur’s hands one more time before letting go.
“As it is I’ll go get you something warm to eat so that you can start on your way towards recovery.” She paused hesitant as she approached the doorway. Should she tell her yet? The centaur’s eyes flickered down thoughtfully. No, not yet. She was honestly afraid of how Constance would take the news. Even Triston had just disappeared before giving her a hint about his feelings on the issue. Personally she was happy even if nervous. Smiling quietly to herself Zura let the door slide behind her as she made her way back towards the main tavern.
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Posted: Tue Oct 01, 2013 9:45 pm
A better part? ... Constance had to remind herself of the areas she had visited with Triston during the festival. Those had been nice places with nice taur. And Zura and Flora were here, and they were both so very nice...
She looked over to the centauress, and felt herself lighten up more. Friend? "I... I'd be glad to have you and Flora as friends." A soft purr rose, her tail flicking about as her mood perked closer to normal. Her eyes drifted to the flower chain, and then the ice flower. Would Triston still let her call him her friend? ...She hoped so. She wanted a lot of these friends she was gaining! "Thank you," she called as Zura left.
Alone again, her mind drifted back to the dark house. How that guy had been looking at her... The flashing blade... Triston's voice... Triston's comfort... Constance sighed and tried to climb out of bed again, this time being more aware of her injuries. She wanted to move around a little after lying in bed for so long. Looking down at herself, she encouraged her flowers to grow again, and her leafy covering protected her chest once more. She walked over to the window, and sat on the little bench. The trees... They were falling asleep. She looked back at the flower chain. Why wasn't Euthalia here?
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Posted: Wed Oct 02, 2013 10:23 am
Zura hummed softly beneath her breath as she waited in the kitchen and for the porridge to finish cooking. Since the dining room was so busy the centauress was actually dedicated to making it herself. “Should I throw a little bit of berries in here?” She stirred the wooden spoon thoughtfully before nodding and splashing the white grains with a bit of red and violet berries which created swirls in the mix. Oh now that was pretty! Zura smiled as she let go of the spoon in order to scour the cabinets. Now there was some sugar and butter somewhere in here. Maybe a little bit more milk too…
Triston worked at chopping the wood behind the woodhouse again. His arms had bandages wrapped around then, per to Zura’s requests that he at least try not to scar his body up completely, but other than that they felt fine. Since he wasn’t about to sit still and let worries plague him the cattaur had returned to fixing up the firewood for the guest rooms. The changing colors of the leaves and the chilled wind which danced along his skin sang of the winter months coming soon. Throwing the axe down into a tree stump the cattaur reached down and stacked pieces of firewood in his arms and began to walk back towards the guest rooms where he could place the firewood at the end of the hallway in the wood box.
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Posted: Wed Oct 02, 2013 7:37 pm
She saw him from her window... Constance ducked down as she watched Triston come toward the inn from beyond the baths. He was alright! Feeling quite like a spy, she hunkered low so that she could watch the ice feline without him noticing. He would surely flee if he did see her! She frowned at the bandages along his arms, ears pinning back. Flee? She'd be lucky if he didn't accidentally turn her into a icetaur herself just by glaring! He was sure to be mad at her. She'd been careless, thinking she could handle traveling the market by herself...
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Posted: Wed Oct 02, 2013 8:42 pm
Dropping the wood quietly in its right place Triston turned to head back towards the wood stack before pausing. He had already cut plenty of wood for the day and done everything else that Flora had requested of him. So would it really hurt just to check? It had been a couple of days and the cattaur was worried that he had done something to seriously injure Constance. If he had…the ice cattaur shook his head before silently reprimanding himself for even allowing her to end up in such a situation in the first place. If he had never taken her to that festival then she would already be on her way with that spirit following warmth, following summer. Now here she was stuck in the changing seasons which would be his, the exact opposite of hers.
He ran a hand through his hair in contemplation. It was a headache really to worry about someone so much. Triston’s nose wrinkled; a faint sign of the turmoil inside of him. He should just leave, but since it was his fault she was in this place then it was his duty to guard her until spring arrived. That was the logic he reasoned with as he stayed by her side the past two days as well. It would stick and Flora and Zura had already convinced him that it was fine for her to stay here. It would be cold soon…she would need heat. Alright that was his excuse for this time. Grabbing several pieces of wood from the firebox Triston headed back down the hallway and stopped next to Constance’s room. Ever so quietly he started to open the door and enter the room.
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Posted: Wed Oct 02, 2013 9:23 pm
Her bright copper eyes watched Triston the entire way. Because this wasn't stalkerish at all... Sighing as he went inside, she stood and limped back toward the bed. That was when she heard.. steps? Her heart jumped into her throat as the soft steps got closer. Was it Triston? Had he seen her? Was he going to yell at her? ....Scratch that. She doubted his voice got above that soft whisper of his. But, would he sit and glare at her? She didn't want to be glared at!
Despite the injured leg, she dove for the bed and yanked the covers back up. She only got the blanket over her upper half though before she saw the door start to open. Quickly, she made her body go limp and shut her eyes, pretending to be asleep. One eye stayed cracked open though, watching the room under cover.
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Posted: Wed Oct 02, 2013 9:47 pm
As he entered the room Triston paused. Something seemed different. Zura wasn’t here either which was weird. She had just been here…unless she went for fresh water? The cattaur’s gaze scanned the room and stopped when it landed on the bowl of water. No, that wasn’t it. He frowned slightly. She had promised she wouldn’t leave until Constance woke up or Flora took over her shift. He was sincerely puzzled since Zura never broke her word with him. Then could it be? Triston glanced over at Constance and tilted his head studying her. No, she appeared to be sleeping.
Placing the wood down quietly the male reached for a cloth which was lying next to the water. Was Constance burning up? He couldn’t tell, for him she was always warm. Yet Zura had been keen about keeping a cool cloth on the cattaur’s forehead. Clenching the cloth between his fingers Triston decided it wouldn’t hurt to offer a little bit of aid. Dipping it lightly in the water he made certain to keep the cool water cool and not frozen before approaching the female who was supposedly asleep. In the back of his mind there was a little bell trying to register that something was different from normal, but he was so focused on doing this and not freezing her that Triston pushed it aside. Reaching out he leaned down, only centimeters away from Constance’s face and his icy blue gaze studied her quietly. If he hadn’t gotten there in time then what would have happened to her? I’m sorry. At the thought he gently brushed her hair from her forehead and remembering a small good luck charm that Zura had taught him while they were teens he bent down and placed a light, cool kiss on her forehead. Pulling back slowly he finally placed the cloth on her forehead and he backed away a step, “Wake up soon.”
Letting go he prepared to head for the door where Zura was actually a step away on her return with the porridge for Constance.
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Posted: Wed Oct 02, 2013 10:08 pm
Through her lashes, Constance could only see Triston's form. She watched him like a hawk as he stood by the door, as though hesitant to come in. He set something down, and then.. Oh gosh! He was coming over to her! He was going to wake her up so that he could more effectively glare at her!!
...What was he doing? Her magic instinctively intercepted the coolness of his lips, her mind too shocked to do anything else. Was he..? Tears filled her eyes. He wasn't mad at her? He was.. concerned for her? Really? Forgetting that she was supposed to be asleep, she squeezed her eyes to clear them before reaching out to grab the stripped tail. "Triston... I'm sorry..."
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Posted: Wed Oct 02, 2013 10:15 pm
Electricity surged around him in surprise at the sudden touch and it was hard to suppress the urge to send out an attack against the one who had touched him. But instantly the rise went down as he remembered who it was that had reached for him. “Constance…” He glanced back at her before carefully moving the hands that had grabbed his tail so that he could loosely hold them in his hands. So she was awake then. That meant that she was going to be alright. The knot in his chest loosened at the relief the realization gave him. But then it was quickly replaced by something else that registered with him. Had she been awake that whole time? That meant that she….she….if the cattaur could flushed he would have.
Thankfully he was saved by the opening of the door and Zura chiming out, “I’m back~” Lowering the plate she blinked in surprise at seeing Triston there who quickly let go of Constance’s hands, “Oh.” She bit her bottom lip sheepishly, “I uh…I brought food for Constance since she just woke up a bit ago. I guess I don’t need to tell you that now.” She laughed quietly still feeling a bit awkward. Had she just interrupted something? But the centauress just watched as Triston nodded and took a step back before heading back outside.
“Oh my.” Zura just shook her head before placing the tray in front of Constance, “I made porridge and there’s some warm tea to go with it and pieces of bread. Don’t eat too much, but definitely feel free to eat as much as you can!” She really wanted to know what she had just missed, but the young centaur kept her mouth shut despite the curiosity that bubbled up inside. This situation…really was interesting. Her gaze lowered briefly before she looked back up at Constance with a small smile, “So I’m guessing you’re already starting to feel better now then.”
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Posted: Wed Oct 02, 2013 10:54 pm
Constance teared up even further as Triston responded to her. Said her name... Took her hand... She wanted to say more, but only gasped softly when Triston let go so suddenly. Her hand remained out though, hoping he would take it again. 'Don't be mad... please...'
She wiped at her eyes as iceman backed away and left. Dang... As Zura came into view, she gave the sweet centauress a weak smile. "Thank you. I'll try not to eat it too fast." She glanced at the doorway once before looking at the food. "Not really," she murmured softly before shaking her head quickly, bringing her smile back. "A little food and water, and I'll be fine." Scooting toward the hot meal, she caught sight of the flower chain again. "Zura... Has a pygmy cattaur been by here? She would look like a child, but speaks like an adult. Covered in flowers and probably wearing a heavy coat?"
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Posted: Sat Oct 05, 2013 1:36 pm
The centauress just looked down quietly before glancing back towards Constance, “He’s always like that. Just drifting in and out.” She smiled softly before trying to appear stern at the cattaur, “You better take it slowly. Don’t want you getting any sicker on me.” At the mention of the pygmy Zura bit her bottom lip thoughtfully. She was just going to have to get this part over with wasn’t she? After watching the cattaur reaching out towards Triston though Zura didn’t have much worries about the winter months leaving her sad. It all depended on the representation of winter itself it seemed.
“Yes. She’s also quite stubborn and very talented at making her opinion known.” Commented Zura finally with a soft laugh, but her gaze was still slightly uncertain. “She left the flowers here for you after we finally convinced her to accept our idea for you, Constance.” Her hand trailed up to play with her hair as she spoke, “She does hope you recover and there was mentioning of something if you didn’t, but you know. I have faith you’ll recover just fine!” She smiled warmly despite the nerves which kept her shyly playing with the end of her braid, “And on the bright side you get to see winter here….cause your leg won’t properly recover until a bit later…and winter will be here by then….since it’s already near the end of fall….but we assured her you would be well taken care of here. Since it’s easier to recover here rather than trying to move you south with the seasons…” She added the last part with a bit of a rush and felt her face warm as she peeked over to see the cattaur’s reaction.
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Posted: Sat Oct 05, 2013 2:16 pm
Constance sighed softly. "I know he is.." she murmured, looking down at her hands again. Always coming and going. This was the longest... She gave Zura a weak nod, but only turned her gaze to the food brought. She wasn't quite hungry anymore. She didn't have many friends, and now she'd probably scared one right off...
A tiny smirk rose as Zura described Euthalia's personality almost perfectly within one simple sentence. "She's been my guardian since I was a kid, and I've never been hurt like this before. She's probably ready to leash me to a tree so that I don't run off again." Slowly, she registered that something about Zura's tone and stance was wrong. Her eyes widened as the explanation came. Stay... here... for the whole winter?! She'd never sat through a winter before! How was she to-?!
For a few solid seconds, she stared in shocked silence at the ground. Then, slowly, a small smile rose. "I get to stay here for the winter..?" She looked over to Zura and shook her head, laughing softly. "I'm sorry. I don't think we're actually talking about the same pygmy. Euthalia would never allow me to sit through a winter. She's certain that doing so would be the end of me." She looked over at her wrapped leg and frowned. Could it really be so bad?
"Does Triston stay here during the winters usually?" She ducked her head again, pulling the bowl of porridge into her hands for something to focus on. "I'd hate to scare off your firewood fetcher." Yup. That was all. "I'm not sure how much help I could be around here when my leg heals, either. I've never done what you and Flora do.."
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Posted: Sat Oct 05, 2013 2:54 pm
Zura sighed softly. She didn’t like seeing the cattaur so down, “But hey. That’s just how he is.” She waggled a finger at Constance, “I think he just gets embarrassed really easily, but I didn’t tell you that. Okay?” She innocently stretched her arms out behind her and tried to fight down the yawn that came over her. The centauress had just been up most of the night and was already feeling slightly tired. How did Triston manage to do it for so long?
“Oh my.” Zura laughed at the idea, “Somehow I think that might be hard for her to do that to you. Though I know how that can feel.” Her gaze scanned the ceiling as if seeing her memories there, “I had a guardian Hlike that once. She hated it when I left to come down here.” She had nearly been kept up in the north amongst the icy ocean waves for the rest of her life. It was another thing she owed Triston. For helping her to come back down here where she finally felt free and safe.
Her face broke out into a true smile at Constance’s smile to the idea. “So you aren’t upset that you have to be here during winter? I was so afraid you would hate us for making you stay without permission from you! Euthalia was so certain the cold was going to kill you, but we promised her that we could take good care of you here. Trust me it took a whole day of arguing to convince her! But Willow stopped by and explained to her that if we moved you now then…” She paused to swallow before continuing, “The trip might have permanently affected your leg. Since the leg muscles were cut through in a way that not even Willow could instantly mend them. She used to magic to tie them back together so that they could heal though…but to travel so far would have hurt them again and they would have never healed properly.” She looked down at the ground. The idea of Constance not being able to walk as she pleased or to have a permanent limp that would ache made the centauress feel guilty. She should have realized that Constance was in town that day too instead of just leaving. Thank goodness Triston had stayed behind.
“Scare him off?” The idea made the centauress laugh, “I highly doubt that Constance! Most likely he’ll be lurking around even more determined to protect you.” Zura shook her head, “You’ll be the envy of many I bet.” Her hands laced in front of her, “Plus Triston stays here during the winter to help us since we host him here in the winter time. We’re like his family of sorts…he has family too, but her usually stays here while randomly going off to see them.”
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Posted: Sat Oct 05, 2013 3:27 pm
Ears twitching, Constance managed another little smile. Embarrassed? Triston? No way!
Biting her lip bashfully, she gave Zura a small shake of her head. "I don't mind at all. I've never seen winter. I've always been curious about it though." Her smile grew a little bit more. "Thank you for reassuring Euthalia. She's not used to letting me out of her sight for so long. When we last parted... she wasn't exactly happy with me." Her smile fell again. "Reassured or not, I know I'll get an earful when she returns in the spring."
She looked at the centaur suspiciously. Triston... would be more determined to keep her safe? Would he really, or was Zura just trying to make her feel better? "I'm glad he has you.." Sighing, she scooped up a spoonful of the porridge, figuring she should try to force down a few bites. Yet, the moment it touched her tongue... Her eyes widened, and she looked up at Zura. "What is this? It's delicious!"
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