|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Tue Aug 14, 2007 9:29 am
It was the perfect plan, a plan that just couldn't fail. After much discussion with Moppet the bear had come up with a series of events that would drive Azumoth out of his Forest and right into the lowlands. At this precise moment in time, Giruvegan felt like a genius - padding idly through the forest trails towards the Lowlands with a renewed sense of purpose. Ah yes, the Mutant hadn't even suspected a thing when the bear had informed him he wanted to go for a swim.
...Even though the lake was miles away!
Nevertheless, Giruvegan had set out early that morning to find his way down the slopes and towards the Lowlands that contained what he needed. You see, he required a number of things and as he glanced down at his fluffy black paws he could only hope that what he needed would help him. Well, the concept of stitching up a mutant...especially with Azumoth's reputation didn't really inspire much confidence in the soquili of the Lowlands.
The bear could understand this, but he was certain he would find a few volunteers even if they happened to be ferrets, squirrels and a number of other small critters. He just had to be clever about this. As he progressed through the forest he had informed a number of the residents of his plan. They were aware (and prepared) to do as he requested and that pleased him deeply...it was just a case of getting the last few things into place.
Thus, he had slowly but surely begun to leave markings and trampled undergrowth in various locations. They looked rushed (which was perfect) as though something had been pursued and if glanced at quickly they seemed to be suspicious. Not suspicious in a 'staged' manner, more so in terms of what had created them. After all, Giruvegan was well known for not trampling through the forest like a wild moose so it had to be someone else.
OHO! He was a devious bear. He couldn't help but grin like a small cub as he barrelled out of the forests at a slow lop and moved down the slopes. Given the steepness of the hill this wasn't difficult, the poor bear soon found that the slope increased his momentum and with a small sigh he was forced to submit to something he hadn't done since he was a cub.
...He just rolled down the hill.
With a series of 'oofs' and 'oomphs' he eventually hit a rock on a more even piece of land and sat up. Mildly dazed, he canted his head to the side and observed his surroundings briefly before releasing a chuckle. Well, that had been an educational experience to say the least! It was with a small sniff that he carefully lifted a paw to fix his feather and then carefully began to pick his way down the slopes again.
So first and foremost he needed to find some volunteers and then he needed to find that fluffy cream mare again.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Aug 14, 2007 4:04 pm
 Bella had given the stallion his space, and had kept away from the woods at all cost. After leaving the mutant male's side she had returned to her beloved open plain, her thoughts doing their best to mull over Azumoth's every word.
Every way she looked at it, every time she tried to see things his way the poor female failed. She truly HAD done her best to see things his way, recalling in great detail his 'beastly form'. But no, every time she tried to see his physical abnormalities as 'grotesque' and 'freakish' Bella could only give in to the thought of their allure and interest. Azumoth wasn't as frightening as he first appeared. . . .
His stubborn thoughts and negativity were a bit upsetting, but besides that he'd been nothing but a gentleman!
Bella couldn't imagine living a life as a recluse, even though she herself wasn't the most social of mares. Just because she preferred her freedom to wander and roam didn't mean she purposely hid from the world! But the poor mare COULD understand why Azumoth kept himself secluded in the woods. . .
Soquili could judge and hurt. Not all were open minded to differences, and Azumoth was indeed right when physical beauty was held high on the list of importance. To be hurt for as long as he had. . . Just speaking to him she recalled the bitterness that laced his voice, the desperation to get her to see him what he believed he truly was.
A broken soul. . . . but it was for that very reason Bella longed to return. It would take more than one meeting for the black stallion to realize she truly did mean what she'd said. The mare would do all that she could to keep up her end of the oath.
The day looked to be glorious. Puffy clouds drifted above the mornings blue sky, sunshine dripping down along the world like honey from the comb. The breeze was warm and summertime embraced the world like a long, lost love. With the birds chirruping in the trees, and the flowers in full bloom today felt like a good day. . .
And, just as she'd promised, if she were to ever pick a day to die, today would be it. Shaking out her coat, the pale soquili hesitated as she came across the woods. What would happen if she entered? Would she really be killed, would Azumoth's threat really come true?
. . . possibly.
But, she decided, this was the path she'd chosen and there was no turning back! Besides, the optimist in her hoped for the best. If she stayed on the path and didn't take any turns, she'd have no trouble finding her way out again.
Of course Bella wouldn't dare to try find the black stallion. . . . But he was King of the Forest, wasn't he? Besides the beauty of the woods, he was her only reason for return.
Shrugging her shoulders, Bella decided that she was thinking far too much. Without a care in the world, she stepped foot in to the woods, enjoying the shade that kept the heat from her back. The woods weren't nearly as frightening in the daytime as they were at night.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Aug 14, 2007 7:13 pm
As the mare continued to walk through the forest an eerie silence fell upon her. The chirping of the birds ceased as they watched her slip by and then they seemed to exchange questioning glances. It was a curious thing, perhaps they had been ordered by Azumoth at first glance but in all truth the creatures of the forest hadn't been.
...No, they had been expecting something different.
"Is that her?" A male bird chirped from his branch, leaning forward for a better look as his apparent mate mimicked his movements. Both twittered thoughtfully before the male arched a brow and shook his head. Almost as though he had confirmed his own thoughts he continued without a care in the world - well, at least he joined the ranks of males who were as subtle as bricks.
"She's not meant to be here yet."
"You dipstick, she's not meant to be here at all!" The female whapped the male with her wing and rolled her eyes. If he had hands he probably would have rubbed his bruised ear sympathetically in the process. Unfortunately, all their chittering seemed to do was cause others to speak amongst themselves as well.
"She's not?"
"No! You heard Giruvegan...she was meant to get stuck and such," It all sounded very ominous the way the birds discussed it. Their conversation broken and vague it could have been misunderstood as a trap. It could have been interpreted as a hunter being after her skin or worse...that Azumoth was simply ensuring his promise had been exacted. Ah yes, such were the joys of small creatures.
"Then we were meant to..." The tiny female paused, waving a wing to emphasise a point that she had clearly forgotten. Her train of thought lost, she could only shrug in response to her own problem. Well, nobody was perfect and she was going to stick with that until her dying day - she had a lousy memory and no one was going to disagree with that.
Nevertheless the damage had been done. Not every creature in the forest had been alerted to 'the plan' that Giruvegan had hatched and; as silence had fallen upon that side of the forest they had done as expected. They had immediately informed a certain someone of the disturbance and the type of reaction it had caused...not that the little mare would know of it but such things were important.
That being said, it seemed Giruvegan's plan had been doomed from the start. The poor bear would be 'devastated' when he got back! Well, not really but he would get a good giggle out of it. There was a reason he preferred to just watch and be spontaneous, when he planned anything it went wrong!
"Hey missy!" Again the male spoke up and gave himself a little wiggle to ruffle his feathers, "You do know you aren't meant to be in here, right?" He enquired. Eh, maybe if he was lucky he could persuade the girl to turn round and Giruvegan would have a chance otherwise, he could talk her out - to the point she would want him squished under her hooves!
Meanwhile, it was with a small sniff and a twitch of his ears that the mutant received the news. Having opted to recline in the warm embrace of his sanctuary, such news was not greeted with a pleasant response. Rather, his amber eyes snapped open from his partial slumber and with a single glance towards his messenger he had already pulled himself to his hooves.
...If there was something in this forest that could cause creatures to shut up, then it obviously wasn't normal.
"Where ye goin'?" A voice cooed from underneath the ferns, the tiny raccoon poking her head out from underneath.
"Out." The stallion responded coolly, ducking beneath the vines as he pushed through the hidden bushes that led to his Grove. Once outside he gave himself a rough shake and a slight flex of his wings to relieve the stiffness. Then there was only one thing left to do. With a sigh he began to drift towards the immediate vicinity of the 'intruder'.
It had been reasonably quiet as of late. He had been completely undisturbed to the point that he had become almost sloth like. Some would have taken this as a bad thing, envisioned a filthy creature but he was somewhat different. While lazy he simply refrained from braiding his hair and thus, it trailed by hind him like a long train. This (while attractive to some) posed a number of issues that at present...the Mutant couldn't give a toss about.
The first was that it picked up all the loose undergrowth at his feet. Easily dealt with as it gave his mother an excuse to preen his hair but all the same it added extra weight. Second, it was easier to trip over if he tried to move too quickly...And the third. Well, you could hear him coming a mile off due to the sound of the dragging strands.
Urgh, and he thought the spirits had favoured him recently!
"This had better be good," he muttered to no one in particular.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Aug 14, 2007 8:34 pm
Bella almost paid attention the clutter and chatter of birds. Almost. She had long since learned to keep an ear out on what news the little woodland creatures sang as sometimes their silence meant lurking danger. Today was no exception, and she glanced up at the trees, slowing her walk to a standstill as she studied the chattering birds.
What on earth were they talking about. . . .?
Heaving a sigh, the mare kicked softly at the ground, dropping her head a bit as she divulged what little sense she could make from their information. Good news sure traveled fast. . . except, it appeared she was far from a welcoming sight. Even the seemingly innocent birds of the forest were against her arrival?
Was she that obnoxious a disturbance?
Feeling more than a little self-conscious, the mare shook out her coat, jangling every so slightly in the process. Hardly fifty feet in the woods and already they were staring! No wonder Azumoth stayed away. . . . Had they just made mention of a trap? To get stuck? Who was this Giru-thing anyway. . . ?
Bella's innocence could only conclude that it did have something to do with her fate. And if she stayed, it appeared that the outlook was bleak. Trapped? HER!? Trapped and then what. . .? Killed was the first thing she could fathom. . . hadn't Azumoth mentioned something about death?
Would he really do something so dark? Part of Bella couldn't believe. He had thought himself as a monster - but his personality had belied that fact. Would he really commit such a gruesome crime? . . . . Goodness knew he had the claws and body for it. But somewhere, deep in her heart she hadn't thought him to be the type. . .to be the sort. . .
If he was a killer why would he wait for her to come back when the deed could have easily been done previously.
Glancing up at the bird she offered it a gentle smile. "I'd been informed of much weeks ago," she softly explained, tail swishing behind her her. "But I fear I had thought such a desire was only from one." Never would she have guessed that Azumoth's sentiments would have been carried out throughout the entire woodlands!
When he proclaimed himself as protector of the woods, he truly was wasn't he? If the birds of the air were out against her, what else seemed to loathe her presence? Besides Azumoth, of course!
She glanced back over her shoulder, out at the beckon and call of the lowlands. She could leave as quickly as she came. No one would have to know until she was long gone and turned around. The birds could proclaim her passing and Azumoth would be right. . . . She would fail.
A glance back at the bird, amber eyes slightly troubled. Even weeks after her departure she was still deemed the trouble of the forest. Trapped at a cross roads, her oath hanging in the balance, Bella had to wonder what to do. Did she fall back and leave the woods forever, prove the 'monster' right and allow him his pride? Or did she continue onwards, at risk of her life, and suffer whatever fate might come?
Bella just couldn't believe that her presence was truly so unwanted.
She must have upset him greatly. . . . That alone meant she needed to apologize. Someday. Somehow.
"Is it true the whole of the forest wishes me away?" She questioned softly, doubt touching her heart. So much for the afterglow.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Aug 16, 2007 2:59 am
"Well..." The little birds exchanged glances again and then the male seemed to shuffle his paws almost self consciously. It wasn't that they didn't want her there, she was exceptionally pretty and brightened up the forest to no end but they did have a plan! The fact that she was in here was all wrong, she was meant to get stuck outside and then they would throw a fit and force Mr. Sunshine out to get her.
He would've done it too, they all knew him too well.
"No, to be honest we don't," The more diplomatic of the pair (the female) took charge and offered a small smile as she saw the mare's wavering expression. She supposed their chattering hadn't really helped matters, they had been more surprised than anything by the appearance of the mare. Sure they knew she'd be determined - having heard down the grape vine and all that but they hadn't expected her to move on the exact same day they hatched their planned. Talk about coincidence!
"We're just a little surprised because you see, we had a plan!" She announced, puffing up her chest with pride as she took another intake of breath. Preparing to explain it, she only released a wheeze as her mate smacked her with his wing and motioned towards the flickering light nearby. Well, it was a bit late now wasn't it?
"And what plan would that be?" The voice enquired darkly as they light slowly made it's way towards them. The sound of dragging within the undergrowth was perfect audible and it was with a small grunt of effort that the mutant came into view. At present he wasn't entirely sure of who Bella was, eyes still blurry from being woken up he was more concerned with the birds.
Their 'Mr. Sunshine' nickname had caught his attention and now it was with a raised brow that he placed a critical gaze upon each in turn. If anything, his expression appeared mildly bemused, as though he was accustomed to their little plans and ideas.
"Nothing!" The female chirped as she fluttered behind her mate and gave a tiny laugh.
"Absolutely nothing!" The male confirmed before both exchanged glances, gave small squeaks and shot off into the canopy with a rather abrupt, "Gotta go!"
...It left the stallion with an even more bemused expression on his face, until amber eyes caught sight of the cream mare and he stiffened. The amused expression on his face soon began to fall and was replaced with one that could only be described as unreadable. That being said, with such a tightened jaw he wasn't pleased.
"You." He stated simply.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Aug 16, 2007 10:05 am
A plan? Bella's ears twitched forward as the bird's twittered on, confusion tugging on her heart strings. Was she to be involved in this . . . plan . . of theirs or had she haphazardly upset some other plan and task at hand. The little ones were very vague in their conversation, and it was clear Bella was unable to fill in the gaps or read minds.
This entire afternoon was starting off on a wrong hoof!
Opening her mouth to speak, hardly paying attention to the shifting, dragging sort of sound approaching the edge of the woods, Bella's words were cut off. A new voice entered, one that was quite familiar to the blond female.
Turning her head, amber eyes rested on none other than Azumoth himself. Bella herself was surprised to see the dark stallion so quickly - the entrance to the woods was hardly a hundred feet behind her, it wasn't as if she had intended to amble much deeper within the woods embrace.
My but he must very well know everything! Her gaze was torn off the male only to watch the birds hastily retreat in a flurry of feathers . . . A shame. She would have liked to have known what was going on. . . Oh bother. Conscience began to tug upon her soul, reminding her that she was a fool to have come. . . . It wasn't as if he had encouraged a return, but then again, it wasn't as if she had meant to disturb him!
Tail swishing behind her, a word recaptured her attention, causing the mare to turn her sight back on Azumoth.
"You."
He didn't sound particularly happy. . . In fact, he hardly looked to be in a jovial mood (though Bella was uncertain whether or not Azumoth EVER had crossed such a definition). But there was something about that pronoun, that chosen definition that hurt. . . .
You. She had a name - though he could have easily forgotten - but the girl would have much preferred no acknowledgment at all compared to such a definition. He really didn't like her very much at all, did he? It wasn't as if the girl had deluded herself in to thinking he would have been pleased to see her return. . . In fact, she was prepared to be run out or killed for such an entrance!
But considering she hadn't expected to even see the shadowed figure at all, to be defined as nothing but a 'you' . . . hurt. She wasn't an enemy, she wasn't a friend, she was nothing. . . just an everyday thing to be acknowledged and quickly forgotten.
Her head lowered, guilt suddenly taking hold of the reigns. Not only had she somehow disrupted some plan in the forest, but she had apparently disrupted His Majesty the King. Oh bother. . . She dropped her gaze, staring hard at her hooves, unsure what to say or what to do.
Here she was caught red-handed, as if she had committed some unforgivable crime through kindness. Who knew? Maybe she had. . . That's what happened when one didn't listen or broke the rules. "Yes," she finally stammered softly, "It is . . . me." Apology lined her words as she admitted her crime through admittance of her existence.
"I didn't expect to see you," it was true, she hadn't. "You're doing well I hope?" Might as well greet him as kindly and gently as she could. Even if he were unhappy to see her there was no reason for her to treat him any differently. It was a pleasant surprise to see the stallion on the fringes of his territory. . . . She would have thought he might have hid deeper within its heart.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Aug 17, 2007 3:38 am
[[Lmao I didn't realise this one was so long, apologies!]]
"I was in a much better mood a few moments ago," He replied quietly, flicking his ears against the ticklish strands of hair that threatened to fall across his face. All in all, he really wasn't certain of how to approach the situation. He had made his threat and usually that kept the damn morons away but instead, he she was...back again. Not only that, but she had been received in a highly suspicious manner by generally sociable creatures. Clearly, someone wasn't telling him something.
"When I was asleep," he continued, attempting to emphasise that due to his nocturnal wanderings he wasn't the greatest person to wake up during the morning! Granted, he had always told those he protected that if there was an emergency then let him know - but this...This 'emergency' was positively laughable and he had never encountered such stupidity. Did she honestly have a death wish?
Pursing his lips, he left his thoughts to their own devices as he observed the young mare. Again, it appeared she had acted hastily and as was to be expected, someone had caught her. The more crestfallen she appeared, the more he was beginning to realise that everything she did wasn't out of malice. No, she just happened to be stubborn to a fault and had no respect for another's wishes... He blamed naivety for this one.
Now, how to deal with this little problem.
Mulling the matter over in his mind, the stallion intended only to deal with it in the most quick and simple way he could muster. Granted, the exit was right behind her so why didn't she just run? He could hardly pursue her in his groggy state and his unbound hair didn't allow for it. Urgh, women were puzzles, she was worse than his mother.
Zoom!
With a loud twitter, he wasn't granted any more time to his own thoughts as they were interrupted by the flurry of tiny wings. Not long after, he found one of his siblings (a blue tit) perched upon one of his horns. This resulted in a number of things - the first was that Azumoth raised a brow, crossed his eyes and attempted to look up at the creature. While the second was for the tiny blue tit to stare at Bella for an extended period of time before waving a tiny wing appreciatively.
"She's mighty pretty, Azu!" The bluetit announced, leaning forward until he was nearly upside down to exchange glances with his 'big brother', who wa certainly big in quite a number of ways.
"Indeed," Azumoth's reply was somewhat vague and the bluetit wasn't certain if he had simply made the simple response, or if he meant it. "What is it Nono?" The stallion enquired, temporarily ignoring the mare before him as he watched his little brother cling for dear life onto a horn that simply didn't bend in the way the bird needed it to.
...Would've just been easier to sit on his nose.
"Bad weather!" It seemed Nono always shouted, his tiny voice too quiet to be heard otherwise, "Real bad weather come up from the deserts - we gots a couple o' storm clouds and we be expectin' real heavy rain," Nono took a breath and puffed up his chest, proud that he'd been sent to deliver the news he deemed so important. "Horne be evacuatin' the immediate edges o' the forest te get the wee ones away from the wind but we cannae say ho many strays we be gettin' this evenin' -" Another breath.
"So Mama says ye gots te be on ye best behaviour! 'Cause the strays ain't gonna have nowhere else te go in this bad weather, be too dangerous and we cannae let them get hurt..." Tumbling off the Mutant's horn, the little bird whirred around his head and finally opted to perch on his nose like he should have done the second time. "Ye gots te promise! I nae be allowed te leave until ye do!"
"Promise what?" Azumoth enquired coolly.
"Not te hurt no one who comes in fer shelter - like the pretty lil one here," Nono waved his wing towards the mare and positively beamed at her presence, "Ye gots lovely hair, ye should meet our Mama," He added as he addressed the mare. Only then noticing she looked so sullen. Now, if he could have placed his wings on his hips and glared at his big brother he would have but instead, he only whapped him with his wing.
"Whatcha gone and done now, Azu?"
"Nothing," Azumoth replied darkly as he glanced towards the sullen female again and sighed, "I am simply informing her that she has to go home."
"Nuh uh, not in this weather," Nono disagreed as he began to hopped up Azumoth's face and nestled right into the centre of the silk headdress.
"The weather is fine on this side, it will hold," Azumoth argued and the bird simply rustled about in the silk for a few moments before giving another twitter of disagreement.
"Nae, ye should see 'ow fast it be movin', fits yer mood te say the least!" The bird clearly had no fear of Azumoth as he flounced about on the stallion as if he was nothing more than a tree. Similarly, Azumoth seemed completely relaxed even as the bird bickered, insulted and even made demands directly to his face!
"Haha." Was the only response the bird received, but there was a hint of a smile on the stallion's lips.
"Now promise! I gots te alert the new Mamas te what's comin'! No hurtin' anyone, no scarin' them, and be nice te the pretty cream girl, k?"
A pause followed this string of demands and the stallion seemed to consider them. Glancing between the mare and the bird flitting about his head he was beginning to get the feeling that he was severely out numbered. The orders of his 'mother' impacted greatly on his own intentions and he could do nothing more than role his shoulders and release yet another heavy sigh.
"Alright, I promise." Azumoth muttered, causing the bird to give him a delighted tug to the ear before darting off into the trees again. It wasn't long before the tiny creature could be hollering further away but clearly he would be yelling to hard to hear anything Azumoth said. The temptation to break his promise was strong in that moment but he had more honour than that.
"As I said before, these lands are mine and mine alone," his voice was still low as he began to turn back towards the direction he'd come. He really was not a morning person but he supposed he would have to endure her company until this storm subsided. "I have sworn to protect them with my life in exchange for the necessary information to do that. I have eyes and ears everywhere."
He gave a shake of his mane, the ebony strands rippling and cascading down his neck in the fashion of a dark river. All in all, at this length his hair was rather difficult to handle but he this was his lazy day...or should have been. He wasn't meant to run about on his lazy day but clearly the Spirits had something different in mind.
"I suggest you come with me, Bella." Aha, so he hadn't forgotten her name! He simply greeted her in such a fashion in yet another attempt to make her go away. He really did lack in a lot of social skills but seemed to know exactly how to use them to get rid of a person. He deemed skills of attraction to be worthless anyway but that didn't mean he didn't have them.
Nevertheless, with a small stomp of his right hoof to rid himself of the tingling in that particular limb he did begin to saunter back into the forest again and away from the borders of his territory. As tempting as the sunlight was, he was very rarely in the mood to explore what lay beyond the edges. Sure, he had gone out a few times but they had always resulted in the same thing. Better to stay inside where it was safe.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Aug 17, 2007 10:18 am
((No worry about the length! I positively adored the post! Oh, and sorry for having Bella interrupt the big plan. D: Knowing her luck, one of these days she's gonna wind up getting herself in no amounts of trouble *lol* Maybe Mr. Sunshine can be rid of her yet. ~_^ ))
Bella's inward guilt spiked as he'd mentioned he'd been asleep previously. Oh dear. . . . Yes, she had remembered clearly the threat of death and his command to never return, but Bella hadn't thought her presence would be noted so swiftly OR be so disturbing! Part of her had thought that he was warning her only to keep her away from him! He thought himself as such a gruesome creature that his warnings had fallen on partially deaf ears. . . .
The cream mare didn't often choose to break rules or defy others wishes, but she had assumed. . . Ah. And that was her folly, wasn't it? An assumption that Azumoth hadn't truly meant what he'd said! An assumption that she could keep her word regardless of his just-as-stubborn nature to keep her out and away. Damned if she did, damned if she didn't. . . .
Why was this so complicated?
Heaving a sigh, the girl felt her throat catch. Stealing a glance up at the stallion she just didn't know what to say. How could she apologize for blatantly breaking his rules? Would he even believe her. . . .? Her shoulders almost sunk as she awaited with shame her fate - would he try to kill her? Would he chase her out or rip her to pieces? Bella could run, but she could also face her punishment.
She had entered his woods with a clear understanding that there would be consequences to those actions. She had broken his word if only to keep her oath. Either way - the stallion would win. If she respected his wishes he would be assured that his 'alleged' monstrosity-self would never be bothered or witnessed; if she broke his rules then death and pain would be punishment. . . . Either way, Azumoth was made to win.
Thankfully the spirits weren't too displeased at Bella. . . yet.
A flutter of wings and a compliment caused amber eyes to turn back up at the stallion. Raising her head and neck to a more level position, the mare studied the little blue tit that brought Azumoth news. He was such a small little creature compared to the stallion he chattered with. . . . hopping around, attempting to find a steady place to sit!
Cute little thing, really. . . . A smile crossed her features, Nono lifting her spirit with his antics and disposition. The shadow of doubt and shame had been temporarily forgotten as she witnessed the display between avian and soquili. It wouldn't take much at all for the shadowed male to dispose of the chattering and chirruping bird and yet he put up with his commands with a renewed sense of patience.
Her expression brightened even more at the little birds compliment of her hair, and if she could have flushed pink she might have. Instead her grin tugged wider and she turned her head away almost coyly, pawing at the ground in a shy habit. Whoever their 'Mother' was appeared to be held in great esteem! Perhaps someday she could meet the kind soul that raised and taught so many children of the forest. . . .
Just how large was Azumoth's family?
Bella tucked the question away for a future date. . . given the stallion wound up speaking to her in the future!
As soquili and bird conversed, Bella glanced up at the sky, attempting to see through the canopy. Was there really bad weather on the way? She glanced over her shoulder, spotting the exit. The sun still shone on the ground, belying the clouds that were headed fast on the way.
She technically could leave, to face the storm elsewhere. . . . She could dismiss herself and ease the poor stallion's mind. But just how fierce a storm was on the way?
Bella almost shivered.
The girl was rather afraid of storms and would much prefer to face them under the cover of canopy. Foal hood memories tickled her thoughts, reminders of fierce winds and burning lightning. She'd been caught without shelter in one too many storms of her past, too far away from her teepee for cover, and usually too lost to know where to find shelter!
Fear subsided in to a different emotion - the reminder of guilt- at Azumoth's suggestion. Was he still upset with her. . .? Probably. On top of disturbing his slumber, she now was forced upon him by threat of the little tit and weather.
. . . at least he would let her ride out the storm, yes? ". . . thank you," she murmured, forgetting about escape and slowly trotting behind him. "You don't. . . . You don't think there's going to be much thunder or lightning, do you?" She did her best to sound as casual as possible, not wanting to admit her slight phobia of severe weather.
It was silly to be afraid of storms. . . Some could be beautiful, but some could easily turn in to a devastating wicked! Bella enjoyed the rain and the songs it sang, and even small storms were tolerable, but it was the fully monty that terrified the girl.
She could only hope that this storm was tolerable. The bird had mentioned something about a lot of rain. . . perhaps it was just a heavy shower? If she were lucky that would only be the case! Or better yet - perhaps the storm would dissipate before it appeared? Or maybe just looked intimidating? A spot of false advertisement perhaps?
Either way she focused on Azumoth before her, in particular his long, drooping tail that dragged across the forest floor. He'd be picking up quite a few sticks and stones and brambles as they walked. . . She was half-tempted to help him carry it. Sure, there was too much for her to hold within her mouth. . . but what if he draped it over her shoulder or back?
A silly thought, and one she suspected he would never, ever go for. . . . but an entertaining one at that. Such a beautiful, silken tail or mane didn't deserve to be tangled and soiled by the dirt.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Aug 18, 2007 11:28 am
"From the depths of the forest it is impossible to see the lightning," Azumoth replied quietly, continuing to dodge the low lying bushes as his mane and tail insisted on picking up every little thing. It didn't bother him (if he was honest), given that his mother would leap upon it the moment he entered his grove. Of course, she would lecture him for being so cruel to his lovely locks but he would doze as he always did and she would set to work.
...Although had he been capable of reading Bella's thoughts he would have probably been a bit at a loss for words. While the logic behind Bella's ideas were evident, the visual image it would have presented him with would have been comical. Forget a possessive wing over the lithe form of a female, why not just dump your tail over her like a huge blanket? Well, perhaps if he ever had children that could be the new use for it.
Such a shame he wasn't telepathic really.
"But if the storm is as intense as my brother claims then I expect the thunder will be rather loud," glancing back towards the mare he became aware of her somewhat sullen form. He could do nothing more than release a sigh, apparently she wasn't the greatest fan of bad weather. Words of comfort had never been his forte, his only means of comforting another had been singing and that was to a basket so it couldn't even talk back.
"Nevertheless, you will be perfectly safe within the Grove," he added after a few moments, pausing briefly so that she could catch up and then continuing on. His stride wasn't the hardest to match, apparently the combination of grogginess and additional weight were enough to make him hold off just a little. Actually, it appeared grogginess also made him more talkative as well.
"My mother will talk you to death, my brothers will bicker endlessly...you will probably end up completely unaware of the thunder above your head," he gave a slight grunt as he moved down another unseen trail towards what looked like a cliff face surrounded by vines and bushes. It was only as they drew nearer that tiny voices could be heard from somewhere nearby - or rather inside this rock. What might have appeared to be a cave at first wasn't...so much as an unusual outcropping of rock within the woods.
Almost like a huge, hollowed out boulder with it's top missing.
Using his horns to negotiate with the vines, it was with a few snorts of effort that he pushed them open and held the vines ajar to reveal what lay behind them. Inside, lay an almost circular area - large thick ferns covered the floors while vines continued to line the edges of the walls and trees that provided their cover. At one wall in particular, the faint sound of trickling water could be heard and upon closer inspection, just beside the vines on a partially raised rock lay a small pool of water...which another blue tit seemed to be using as a bird bath.
"Dinnae be ruinin' me good work, I jes' dried tha' bit off!" A tiny voice chirp from nearby. Hidden from view by the vines that Azumoth hadn't lifted away, it would take entry into the 'Grove' for Bella to realise that the female voice was actually that of a very, very fluffy raccoon. With her paws on her hips she would be lecturing the blue tit (which would come as no surprise to the stallion).
"I nae messin' it up!" Chirped the high pitched voice, a tiny head popping out of the water and looking towards the blind spot.
"That nae be what I be seein'," The female voice retorted.
The stallion could only release a soft sigh at the bickering and flicked his amber eyes towards the mare expectantly, "After you."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Aug 19, 2007 12:19 am
The fact that she might not witness the lightning first hand offered a little relief. . . . Almost. But just because she couldn't see the flash didn't mean she couldn't hear the blowing wind or the snarling thunder. At least the bright flashes gave her time to prepare herself for the large cracks that followed.
The honey touched female decided she'd do her best to not worry about it. If she couldn't see the lightening perhaps it might not be nearly as traumatizing. Maybe. Azumoth's smooth assurance of thunder didn't help put her at ease, but Bella refused to let her fear take too much hold.
She was going deeper within the woods. The canopy might protect her from the worst of the rainfall, and the harsh winds. Besides which, she wasn't necessarily alone. There was company within the woods. . . . even if he didn't like to be disturbed.
Perhaps this day wasn't panning out to be as awful as she'd earlier imagined. And, more importantly, he had yet to take a strike against her or threaten to partake in his earlier announcement of death. What a stroke of luck that he'd been told not to hurt her by his brother, though Bella still had wavering thoughts of whether or not the male would follow through with the death note.
Still, Bella would be sure to be on her best behavior and do her best not to argue so with the black stallion. He was bringing her to safety after all. . . .
As Azumoth slowed in his gait, Bella trotted forward a bit faster, careful not to trod upon his train of hair! Coming up so her head was about parallel with his hip, the girl followed silently, eyes fascinated by the shadowed world of the woods.
None of it looked familiar, of course, but then the world of the woods transformed with the touch of night. In fact, the thick forest didn't seem so intimidating with the touch of day. . . . even if storm clouds were brewing overhead! And so it was, Bella listened with a soft touch of a smile lighting her features as Azumoth explained the future scene. . . . So she'd meet this Mother of his, and his brothers as well. Did he have any sisters to speak of? Perhaps, perhaps. . . . Maybe she'd find out in due time.
Not wanting to interrupt - and proving she could very well be a silent listener - the girls ears twitched forward as she heard the muffled sounds of voices. Her walk hesitated as she stared up at the cliff face before them, curiosity transforming in to wonderment as she realized that the source of the chattering came from inside~!
Golden eyes glimmered in delight, her earlier mood forgotten as her tail swished happily behind her. Ears glued forward, she watched as the hidden grove opened up before her. A glance at Azumoth, waiting for the male to enter first, until he urged her forward.
"Thank you," she murmured as she slowly, almost coyly passed. It was thanks for his kindness yet again - even if it was commanded - for bringing her to safety and shelter of the storm despite (she assumed) his own desires. Azumoth could have allowed her to stay in the woods but left without bringing her to the sanctity of the hidden grove, or could easily have bullied her out after his brother had left!
But he hadn't. . . . And for that Bella truly was thankful.
Stepping forward cautiously, hoping she wasn't disturbing anything or anyone, the mare lowered her head as she peeked shyly about. She didn't step in far - just enough to let Azumoth enter behind her, as she waited for the stallion to appear.
Bella only too late realized that she could be an unwelcome present from the small sanctuary, and that (perhaps) she was nothing but an additional burden. Oh dear. . . .
Her small smile was still etched timidly upon her features as she discovered that there was indeed a fluffy racoon and a bird within her presence. Never had Bella felt more anxious in all her life.
Disrupting the life of a family was what she was doing it seemed! For the girl time seemed to slow to a screeching halt as she waited for Azumoth to reappear. Right now, the girl couldn't help but want to apologize or melt in to the shadows as a ghost or spook.
Where was he, anyway? Though it was hardly more than a breath, to Bella, standing within the groves entryway to a place she'd been told she didn't, and would never belong, she felt like a miserable intruder.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Aug 19, 2007 3:25 am
"Listen feather butt, and listen real good!" The raccoon shook her paw warningly and was midway through opening her mouth when she caught sight of the pretty creature out of the corner of her eye. All 'rage' was dispelled in that moment and with a gurgle of appreciation the raccoon bounced to all fours again and swung round. She wasn't very good at turning on her hind legs, so to save the hassle...
"Least I nae be a fluff butt," the bird mumbled as it clambered out of the pool and perched easily on the ledge to examine the mare.
"Shaddup ye plank!" With another glare in the direction of the tiny blue tit she lifted herself onto her hind legs again and grinned. Now that she could completely see the mare she had to say she was impressed, and that hair - oh, that could keep her occupied for days! Well, hours but sometimes it felt like days when she was really bored.
"Well hello there! Ye be a pretty one aren't ye?" Resting her paws on her hips she canted her head to the side. Ears twitching she took into account the fallen shoulders and the almost pitiful expression. To be honest, it really didn't take her long to figure out why they were there either. He'd done it again, Mr. Sunshine was playing his usual games. "Ye dinnae have te look so sad darlin'," offering a more tender smile she began to bop through the ferns towards the mare and lifted a paw up tentatively in an offer of petting.
"Azu-baby been playin' the bad boy routine again ain't he?" She grinned a little more and finally flicked her blue eyes briefly towards the entrance where the shadowed form of the stallion could be seen. "Dinnae think I cannae see ye hidden out there darlin', whatcha been scarin' the girls fer again?"
"I did not scare the girl, mother." The retort came as quickly as the accusation had and with a small snort the stallion slipped into the grove. Pausing every so often to free his horns of the vines, he could do nothing more than stand under his mother's scrutiny until (with one final snort) he managed to get himself loose and the vine 'door' closed behind him. "She simply disobeyed my orders and ignored my advice."
"So tha' would be..." The bird puffed up his chest and attempted to look as mean as he could. This turned out to be fundamentally impossible, if anything he looked far more cute than he previously had. "I be hatin' the world and all the soquili in it! Y'all are nothin' but meanies and liars - so ye can all jes' clear off or I be rippin' ye te pieces the next time ye be comin' in, ye hear?"
"ROAR!" Azumoth's mother added, waving her forelegs about to emphasise the point as she raised a brow at the stallion. To say he wasn't pleased was an understatement and he unceremoniously swung his now very weighted down tail around. The poor raccoon was crushed underneath and the only indication she was still alive was the squirming from deep inside.
"Yes, it would be," Azumoth replied coolly as he eyed the blue tit warningly. Said bird didn't even shift under his gaze and instead, stuck out a little tongue as 'mother' broke free from her hairy prison.
"Tha' be no way te be treatin' ye mother!" She chastised from the middle of his tail, sitting herself comfortable on top of the mass. It was a complete mess, would take her an age to clean but ah well...boys would be boys. "Darlin' ye should jes' ignore him, give him a big smooch now and again and tell him he's bein' stupid - my lil Azu-baby wouldn't harm a fly!" She declared confidently, although there was nothing little about the stallion other than his ego.
"Bark worse than 'is bite, really I be reckonin' ye gots a pretty smile - dinnae frown like that our ye'll get a face like Azu's!" As if to prove this, she mimicked her son's constant frown. The facial expression obviously wasn't natural to her as she gave a snort of amusement and soon smiled again. "And I be knowin' mares be likin' the strong and broody type but smilin' looks even nicer - I be known as Moppet by the way!"
"And I be Horne, my brother is called Nono but I be thinkin' he got lost," the bird offered lightly, his tone completely unconcerned for the safety of his twin brother.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Aug 19, 2007 8:44 am
Any fear or concern she had about 'interrupting' melted quickly as the raccoon bounded forth to greet her. There was something exotic about the way the small - but bickering - family spoke, the way they formed their words as they chattered. It took just a little bit of deciphering but overall it was wonderful fun to listen to!
The kindness in which she was received helped brush aside any and all fear she had. Upon Moppet's command not to sulk, Bella couldn't help but to stand a little taller, her amber eyes sparkling in good humored delight. She glanced between raccoon, tit and Azumoth, her delight as genuine as her pleasure to be here within the grove.
Thunderstorm? What thunderstorm? Azumoth had indeed been right that she probably wouldn't even remember the severity of the weather surrounding them. As the motherly racoon offered a paw, Bella dropped her nose down closer to the raccoon, her own smile returning radiantly to her features. It had been difficult to smile the last time she'd been within the woods, if only because the battle against Azumoth's negativity. And today. . .well, today things looked to not be any better for her. . . at least until now.
As brother and mother poked fun at Azumoth and his cloudy nature, Bella couldn't help but giggle at their antics. Sending an apologetic look to Azumoth, Bella just had to apologize - she didn't want any of them to think she was laughing at them! "I'm sorry," she contritely explained, "but I've never heard a raccoon roar before. . . "
It did Bella's heart and spirit good to see the fondness play out between stallion and raccoon. Given, to some it might appear more of a loathing as Azu dropped his thick tail down upon the mammal. . . but there hadn't been hostility or an intent to hurt behind the action.
He just seemed a bit. . . sullen.
As Moppet and Horne introduced herself, Bella smiled up at both respectively. They seemed like such a happy and kind lot . . . poor Azumoth must have been traumatized to be as . . sensitive about certain issues as he came off. He couldn't be so evil to have been cared and raised for with such tenderness. . . could he?
No - hadn't they told her his bark was worse than his bite?
Maybe she'd try to remember that. But as for smooching. . . ? Bella doubted the black stallion would have any of that! Though he might not be the evil killer he tried to appear, that didn't mean he wouldn't bite when push came to shove.
"I'm Bella and it's an absolute pleasure to meet you all," and wasn't that the truth! "Thank you for letting me stay I . . . I do hope I'm not interrupting anything." Oh she didn't want to be not only Azu's burden, but his family's as well! That would be completely unacceptable!
The soft-coated mare adored the fact that the family seemed . . . well. . . to be a family. Though Azumoth had trials to face and closed-minded, biggots to deal with, he still had a family. There were many out there who, like Bella, had no one to turn to or spend time with. It was just herself. . . Oh, sure, there were two-legged natives that could offer comfort or companionship, but the free spirited mare had never been much inclined toward them.
At least she could appreciate the family of others.
As Horne brought up the missing sibling, Bella glanced around the grove, mild concern written upon her face. She couldn't tell what the weather was doing outside, if the storm had approached or not, but she did hope that the little bird would be all right. "He'll be. . He'll be all right if caught out in the storm won't he?" She questioned softly, having never thought much about the little birds within the woods.
How did such a tiny creature survive the screeching winds and bullets of hail and rain?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Aug 19, 2007 10:45 am
"That would be because we dinnae roar, we dinnae need to!" Moppet grinned and very gently stroked the mare's nose. Tossing a glance towards the stallion who was watching the exchange with mild interest. "Ye see, when the creatures all be seein' us raccoons they run away - they be thinkin' we take their shinies but I dinnae need to!" Ever the enthusiastic one...
"After all I gots the best shinies in the world, me baby jes' happens te have it stuck in 'is chest. It suits him, so I nae be complainin' too much."
"Just as well, I need it," Azumoth pointed out calmly, arching a brow at the idle chatter of his mother. On the whole, he had known from the beginning that it would happen. There was a reason that Azumoth granted access to his Grove and it was only if it was absolutely necessary. If he had to endure the presence of another then he led them to his Grove where his mother talked their socks off. More often than not they left feeling happy and he didn't have to open his own mouth too much in the process.
Either way he looked at it, it worked out to his advantage...even if he was the butt of the jokes the most of the time.
"Yep, yep...I be knowin' tha' already!" Moppet stuck her tongue out to emphasise how she felt and then returned to stroking the mares muzzle gently. While she loved tending to her son, the silky feel of a mare's fur always delighted her. That, and it was novel to be able to fit so much of her paw over the mare's nose in comparison to her son's!
"As for Nono, I suspect he will be perfectly all right." Swivelling his ears round to listen to the patter of the rain upon the thick canopy overhead, he detected no signs of trouble elsewhere. The stallion's guess was that his little brother had found a place to perch until the worst was over or said brother would have managed to make his way deep into the forest and would be home shortly.
That would mean even more noise. Perfect.
"Aye, he'll be dandy," Horne agreed as he hopped along the tiny pool and came closer to inspect the mare. All in all, it had been a long time since there had last been a mare in Mr. Sunshine's home and the appearance of one now was a novelty. Like his mother and Azumoth (though the stallion refrained from confirming this), he found the mare to be exceptionally pretty.
"And you are not interrupting anything, my mother and brothers rarely do anything constructive anyway."
"I be resentin' that!" Moppet cried in protest before releasing a little giggle and offering a slight shrug. "Well, what an ye do? I be livin' a simple life with me boys...I dinnae expect te do anythin' constructive."
At that point it seemed Azumoth had definitely had his fill of the conversation and with a small grunt he slowly lay down in the ferns. Ever the anti-social one, he soon lifted his wing and lodged his head firmly underneath in a similar fashion to that of a bird. All in all, he resembled nothing more than a big black lump. Sides slowly heaving in and out it was any one's guess as to whether or not he was actually dozing again.
"Dare ye te knock his head in," Moppet nudged Bella suggestively and gave a grin, "Might give him a bit of sense."
"Or ye could bite his backside!" Horne added merrily.
"I heard that." The stallion muttered, his voice muffled from the depths of his leather wing.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Aug 21, 2007 12:18 pm
Bella was overjoyed. She found the small raccoon before her to be delightful company, and along with the small tit Horne and Azumoth (no matter how much of a burden she was to him) the honey touched girl couldn't possibly have thought of a better place to be. Who would have thought that an ugly storm would have brought her to such a small slice of paradise?
The fates sure had a funny way of doing things.
Watching the exchange between mother and stallion son, the girl knew that what little time she'd get to spend within the small sanctuary would be well worth it. She hardly remembered there was a storm outside - Azu had been quite correct when forecasting such an idea.
Spirits relieved as they assured her that the little Nono would be quite all right to face the storm alone, Bella took a moment to reacquaint herself visually with the small place. The trees that surrounded it, keeping out the worst of the rain, seemed lovely. They were well protected - and hidden - from any outsiders.
No wonder the small family resided so comfortably!
Gold eyes glanced over at the black furred form of the male. Despite his slight grumpy nature this morning, the mare still was thoroughly thankful that he hadn't completely abandoned her to the storm. A bit prickly, perhaps, but he had every right to be defensive after what little history he'd told her. She watched as he tucked his head under his wing and, did indeed, remind her of the actions of birds.
As Moppet and Horne made their suggestions, the mare couldn't help but chuckle softly. Shaking her head, the girl smiled, flicking her tail lazily behind her. "Then close your ears for a minute," Bella suggested over her shoulder at Azumoth, giving Moppet a good-humored wink. "You see, the trick is to not annoying him further than I already have. . . " A small shrug of her shoulders, as far as Bella was concerned, Azumoth was already against her gender and any idea of her. Period. To save herself from such a definition was going to be an uphill war. . . .
"I'm afraid biting may be a bit detrimental to our frien - - acquaintanceship." Hadn't he said something about not needing or . . or wanting anymore friends? Bella didn't want to upset the dozing stallion while he rested or set him off in to an even deeper mood. . . .
Though part of her was half-tempted to sit down next to him. He couldn't begrudge her resting while she waited out the storm, could he? And he couldn't yell at her or grow angry if he didn't know that she took up residence next to him, right? . . . . maybe if he fell asleep. Maybe. If she felt brave.
For now she'd just stand and wait.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Aug 22, 2007 3:38 pm
Moppet gave the young mare's nose another little pat and shook her head. Her expression unreadable, yet eyes warm, she soon bounced across the ferns and scurried up onto the dozing stallion's back. Standing atop his gently rising and falling back, the raccoon placed her paws on her hips again and examined the dismal mess that was her son's hair.
She wasn't so much uninterested in conversation as attempting how to address the situation. Here she had a potential friend for her son but also a slight threat to him. Oh, the raccoon had tried so hard to encourage him to socialise when she'd found him as a baby but given the abusive nature of his previous herd even then it had proved impossible.
So...it was an understatement when he said he was incapable of acting in a sociable manner. Due to his complex nature the stallion and his destructive fixation on his own appearance he also had an unrivalled love for all things of beauty. Quite often, Moppet argued with herself on the matter and had concluded that due to his experiences he had a rather obsessive personality.
When he saw something of beauty he became obsessed with it much like he obsessed over his appearance. Unfortunately, this rather unhealthy obsession was something he always mistook for love. While the world clearly wasn't, he always assumed it was against him.
Oh! May the spirits give her strength, sometimes a smack to the head would have been good to him!
"Ye have nae annoyed him," she began slowly as she moved towards his tail, perched herself comfortably on it and began to pick the twigs, stones and so on from inside it. Bit by bit, she untangled it as she continued to contemplate her words - it was rare when Moppet had to think before she spoke but last time she had slipped up hadn't been pretty. She didn't want to upset the mare, but she didn't want to hurt her son either.
"He's...jes' a bit afraid of ye," she felt this was the best way to express the nature of the problem and offered a smile. As the stallion's body gave a relaxed shudder the raccoon confirmed her suspicions that he was asleep and offered a light shrug. Well, what he couldn't hear wouldn't hurt him...
"He nae be havin' a nice life before he be findin' me," continuing to tend to the tail she turned her gaze to the mare and fixed her blue eyes more firmly on her. To the raccoon there were some who could be trusted and then there were others who couldn't. Given this mare's body language she had a suspicion that everything would be okay.
"It nae be nice te be born inte a world where no one be wantin' ye," she began at last, recalling the nights where she had sat by the sobbing colt's head. Now if she told anyone else that it would be beyond betrayal. Nevertheless, there were some things she could say and others she hoped that one day he would confess to himself.
"His old herd nae be likin' him much, be callin' him a demon and all sorts of names since he be a wee babe," she murmured softly, canting her head to the side as the vines gave a nudge and the black bear sauntered in. One look at his face and the raccoon knew he was already aware of who Bella was.
"He was the product of a violent attack," the bear stated this point in much the same way as Azumoth would have. It was matter-of-fact and emotionless, almost detached as if it wasn't really the soquili that they spoke of. "However like his father, from a young age he demonstrated extreme strength..." The bear was much more well spoken than the birds and raccoon, originating from the same location as Azumoth.
"They be keepin' him all locked up like the two-leggers do," Moppet continued as the bear flopped down by th pool, nudged Horne out of the way and took a sip of the water. "Remindin' him tha' he be a curse and nae be welcome, tha' he should be 'thankful' fer them lettin' him stay with them..."
"They nae be tellin' their wee babes nae te bully him, nae te tell him tha' he be ugly. See, they agreed and me wee boy was so quiet cause I be seein' him as a babe and all..." Moppet smiled fondly,tugging yet another twig from the dozing stallion's tail, one shaped like a wish bone no less.
"Then one day it be gettin' too much fer Azu-babes and he lost his temper.."
"To the point that the death of a fellow foal resulted." Giruvegan turned around, his furry back resting against the edge of the pool.
"They nae be takin' tha' all too well..." Moppet shook her head and grimaced, turning her eyes away from the pretty mare as she concentrated on a large tat in her son's tail. "The adults dinnae treat kindly, they be hurtin' him and then one days the nicer of the elders be sayin' the gotsa stop but they dinnae do tha'...so she told lil Azu te run."
"He be runnin' mighty fast, ran the whole way up here where I be findin' him but the nice Elder was killed, they said she be betrayin' them...When Azu be findin' out about it he never be forgivin' himself."
"If you do not know them, it is not your fault." Giruvegan mused with a small smile.
"So ye see when someone wants te be his friend, he gets scared..." Moppet returned her gaze to Bella and shook her head, "Cause what if tha' be happenin' te ye as well?"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
