[FIN] To You I Give My All (Bella x Azu)

[Epine de Rose]

He would have flinched. He could have flinched. He was likely to flinch. But he didn't flinch... Perhaps if it had been any other mare he would have recoiled and flashed his fangs in immediate response to such behaviour. However, the gentle nudging had come and instead he had remained unmoving. It was a reaction that could have been received poorly by the mare but he had experienced this type of attention before and he was all too aware of what had happened last time.

It had led to much upset.

Pausing, his ears merely flicked towards her as she spoke softly in his ear. It was at times like these when it was best for him to remain quiet and for once he did as he was told. Gathering his composure he dismissed the tingling on his back and moved forward once more. All the same, the memories of that night weren't far from his mind and led to quite a headache given the already large amount of thoughts being processed by his mind. To say he was being dragged over the coals was an understatement by now.

Incredible timing had never been his forte either and sure enough within a short walk the faint crashing of water against the boulders off shore could be heard. Granted they had yet to catch sight of the coastline but the tell tale signs of it's close proximity were there and shortly after a further headache would be endured as he was forced to once again tear himself away from his little mare. He had never been a fan of leaving things up to the spirits and now that her safety was in question this was no exception!

His expression darkened considerably as he sent a silent warning to all those playful and meddling spirits that may have been shifting the path beneath his hooves. They had given him his treasure but should they take it away from him then he had nothing against reverting to the same path his father walked. He had been bred a killer and could easily embrace that if they played anymore of their accursed games - they had hurt his mare enough.

...And really with his birthday vast approaching a bloody rampage was overdue. All he had to do was hone his skills and recall which particular soquili he had a vendetta against.

Nevertheles he did shake his head and push onwards as he dismissed those immediate threats from his mind and worked on dismissing other such thoughts too. There were some things he did need to right and some things he did need to apologise for but he wasn't entirely sure how to do that - it was somewhat uncouth to randomly apologise for seducing a mare in a pool and then storming off on her.

Actually, there was something cruel about that too.

He could do nothing more than release a sigh and roll his shoulders ever so slightly. Mayhaps dealing with her endless chattered and declarations of being 'blessed' were the best way of doing that. Humouring her...that was how Cyn had put it when Azumoth had asked him how he put up with Moppet. The dark stallion had done nothing short of humouring her, while zoning out the entire time she was talking. Had she been a soquili he was sure they would have made an incredibly entertaining couple.

"We are nearly there," he spoke up at last as he caught sight of the darker blue upon the horizon. Sometimes even he cursed his height...

"Any last words?" he offered in a dull and almost feeble attempt at a jest.  

[Uta]

Bella heard the soft sound of waves lapping upon the shore and hesitated in her steps. Ears pricked, the mare felt her heart lurch in an almost painful manner as she realized their trip was fast coming to a great end. Involuntarily, her steps slowed, and she found herself resuming her place a bit behind her shadowed guardian. Very soon she would be deposited somewhere by the shore, and he would once again flit out of her life for another length of time. . . .

And though a small part of Bella realized that there was a good chance he'd come back from whatever it was that was happening, she honestly didn't want to have to go through yet another goodbye. Not that, if it was anything like their last farewell, it would be a drawn out affair; but she worried. . . A lot.

Before the young mare had thought he had gone off to find some soul searching, to do . . .whatever it was he had to do. She hadn't completely understood the risks involved with him leaving; she hadn't completely understood exactly what he was up against and exactly what he was doing when he'd gone away so her fear for him had been minimal at best. But now, after seeing scars and the exhaustion that plagued him, she felt a new fear entering her heart. . . . He was strong, but he wasn't invincible.

What if something happened?

Furthermore, the mare felt a new regret creeping upon her. His earlier words, his declaration of love had surprised and startled her; and though she wanted to believe he wouldn't change his mind, Bella could hardly fathom that the words he spoke were true! For such a long time she had been under the impression he hated her . . . and now for him to say he loved her?

Yes, he said it. But he would soon leave and she would have to wonder day by day if he still meant it, if he still felt it, and if he hadn't changed his mind since he'd said such a thing. Bella couldn't help but be a bit insecure . . . Azumoth wasn't the easiest stallion to read much less understand; and the fact she had misread his love for hate and general annoyance was a big sign that something wasn't entirely in place.

Oh, Bella adored Azumoth dearly. She had crushed upon the male for such a long time, had fallen so hard for him that it had surprised and startled her. She had thought that he would never feel the same way, or look upon her as he earlier admitted. . . . and now, to find out he did, he would soon leave again.

When things had finally been said, albeit in a manner she never would have chosen, he soon would be gone. . . . For how long, she just didn't know. And furthermore, she'd be alone. . . But it wasn't the loneliness that awaited her that caused her throat to clench; it was the idea that she would be separated once again from her most treasured companion.

It wasn't fair.

But he had to go, logic reasoned. Would it have been any easier if he had said nothing at all? Maybe . . . but she still would have had to deal with his long absence once again. Absence made the heart grow fonder, or so the saying went. . . but never had she suspected to have continued falling harder and harder for the stallion. But her weakness was being proven as they made their way to the shore. . . . .

And even though she kept herself as emotionless as possible, she knew he'd read her like a book. She wasn't a happy mare. . .oh no, she was quite sad and fragile indeed.

Ears pricked as he spoke, and she gave her curled mane a little shake. The young mare honestly hadn't a clue what to say to such a thing. . . last words. . . . What would her last words be? She could fret, she could worry, she could . . . .

She could find nothing to say. Rendered speechless, throat clenched and proving it difficult to speak, the young mare said nothing for (perhaps) the first time. Her ears pinned a bit and she distracted herself by craning her head away from him, trying to focus on the scenery surrounding them and not the knowledge that he was going away again. And after only a short time back. . . . There was so much she did want to say, but he didn't like prattling and she didn't want to upset him; furthermore she didn't want to come off as a complete ninny. . .which she was.

He was coming back. . . he'd be safe, he'd be fine.

So why did her eyes sting so? Hell, she couldn't cry. . she had no reason to! And it would only make him made! "Mph," she grunted slightly, mimicking one of his many frequent grunts. "Not . . . not yet," she tried to chuckle, fighting back a few tears.

What an emotional roller coast the day had been. . . first sadness at his disappearance, than joy at his return, confusion at her leaving, guilt at his annoyance and yet rapture at his admittance, and now grief at having him leave. Again.

It was too much for her little heart to handle. . . . Too much for her to properly take in. "Nothing you haven't heard already," she added, forcing herself to speak as lightly as possible. "Let's at least wait to get where we're going before I say my parting." Her voice almost cracked and she cleared it softly. . .

He'd get mad soon. He didn't do well around tears. Though she'd hope he wouldn't notice, very little escaped the stallion. She was caught before she even had a fighting chance.



 

[Epine de Rose]

He hadn't noticed immediately, it often took him at least a little bit of time to catch on. However the moment she opened her mouth to speak he heard the struggling in her tone. The battle was one that she simply wouldn't win - she wore her heart on her sleeve (metaphorically speaking) and as a result she wasn't built to hide beneath a mask of stoism and indifference. If she had been capable of such a thing he sincerely doubted she would ever have claimed his heart. After all, it had been her optimism and her genuinity that had wrangled him and slowly but surely chipped away at the barriers that he had raised against the world.

To find out it had all been a game would have shattered him.

Alas, he was in luck given that the mare that had finally been chosen for him was not his worst nightmare. The spirits had presented him with wave upon wave of awkward 'consorts'. Some had pitied him, some had tried to change him and some had toyed with him. At one point he might have been an optimist but for some obscure reason the spirits had decided that this was not the role for him to play and as such...they had shattered his soul so that they could make their plans come into fruition. It was a bizarre concept to grasp and he had no doubt that the Unicorn he had harmed would have explained it more thoroughly but he would not longer argue.

Clearly something was nudging him in the right directions.

There was an issue that troubled him though, a point that plagued him on most nights as he thought of the young mare. Yes he loved her without a doubt and would slaughter any worthless whelp that touched her, but he knew barely anything about her. Of course he was aware of her personality but where had she come from, what was her life like...and why in the name of goodness had she been so naive? Why had she been lonely enough and frightened enough to make that horrid journey onto the highest slopes to seek solace with him?

He shook his head as these thoughts once again entered his mind and was further reminded that he had more than just his foul behaviour to make up for. She had worked so hard to enter his life and had met his family - she had endured that antics and she almost seemed to love them. But what had he done other than shout?

Not much.

Clearing his throat he finally found the strength to disgard the thoughts for the time being and came to a halt, turning round fully at this point to observe the mare. She had already hidden her face by the time he had adjusted his stance but she continued to speak and her voice continued to crack. With every little sentence she was losing her composure and oddly it seemed to crack something in him too.

ARGH! He hated when anything cried, let alone her!

"Bella," he murmured softly and tilted his head to the side ever so slightly as if trying to see her hidden expresison. It was a rather pointless attempt given that she was looking in the entirely different direction to him, but at least he had tried. "Are you crying?" Ever one to state the obvious and forever renowned for being blunt, he was never one to be subtle in his questions either. Admittedly he didn't have a disgruntled tone, more one of curiosity but that probably wasn't the best tone to have either.

He shifted his weight at this point and cleared his throat somewhat uncomfortably. Not quite able to comprehend the reason behind her tears, he had yet to recall that there was such a thing as 'worry'. She had informed him that she loved him and thus she would worry. As a haggard warrior, scratches and bruises were of little concern to him. Hell, even his weariness was something that could be dealt with and endured but it was not something to cry about. He had much to learn when it came to relationships but for the time being his immediate concern was that of his petite little...mate.

Well technically she wasn't a mate yet, he hadn't done anything.

But still.

He simply couldn't leave her in tears as he took off to deal with his father. Not only did it go against his morals but he was well aware that something would curse his name and make his life hell for many months to come if he were to be so cruel. If it wasn't the spirits then it would be his own guilt that would wrench him apart due to his uncouth behaviour. Thus, he could do nothing more than continue to observe the mare, flicking his tail against his flank every now and again. Eventually she would turn to gaze at hime (he hoped) and perhaps then she would be brutally honest.

On occasions he would have preferred that she was honest, brutally honest as he was...then he would have no room for misunderstanding. Unfortunately it seemed she was still of the mindset that she had to hide - was he really that imposing? He often came off as abrasive but surely not so terrible as for her to hold back!  

[Uta]

Bella almost shuddered as Azumoth stopped and whirled around. The young mare feared his reaction, his response to her tears and did her best to strengthen her resolve not to cry. Keep the tears back, keep up the fight. Her throat hurt from its clenched strain, and her ears pinned back ever so slightly. . . .

But no snarl ever erupted.

In fact, his soft, almost curious question only further broke the young mares heart. It endeared him to her even more, and the regret and worry and concern she felt over everything was too much to bear. When she thought he'd snap he was quiet, almost inquisitive and gentle. . . When she suspected a lick of emotion or something tender she found herself face to face with his back. The day had been a whirlwind of emotions and Bella couldn't hold her composure any longer.

His proclamation of love almost felt like a daydream, almost felt as if she'd just imagined such words. . . And such ideas only spurned her fears in to something more tangible and apparent. Sure, it was silly for her to think such uncertainty, but if history repeated itself Bella didn't often accurately understand what and when and how Azumoth felt.

Was she crying? Was she crying!?

Well. . not quite. . . the tears weren't- - - Wait. Biting back her response, and trying to further bury her face in her curls the mare almost wanted to catch her breath and deny it. But she couldn't. . .and wouldn't. . . It would be a blatant lie and Azumoth didn't deserve that, even when the truth was obvious. Opening her mouth to respond, the mare found that words once again refused to come. . .and instead, she half took a shuddering breath and broke down completely.

Tears sprang freely from her golden gaze as she hesitantly turned her eyes up to see him. No . . . she just couldn't deal with it right now. Closing her eyes instead, she offered a small nod to his question and dropped her nose closer to her hooves. Allowing a few more delicate tears to run down her nose, Bella tried her hardest to come up with something to say. . . .

"I'm . . . I'm sorry," she managed to choke, her words thick with unshed emotion. Her ears pinned back completely and she turned her head away once more, eyes still shut. "It's just . . . . " Just was what? That he came back? That he was going away again? That he might get killed in the process? That she might never see him again? That she very well imagined his declaration of love? There were many reasons for tears, but Bella couldn't properly explain where this hurt and pain was coming from. . . .

"I just get you back and . . . very soon you'll be gone!" She finally admitted, picking a reason and running with it. There were other reasons for her tears, other fears, but Azumoth was the only family she had outside of Raphe. To lose one or the other would break her heart beyond repair; she wasn't strong like Azumoth, she wasn't one who could be so indifferent to the world. . . But though the stallion had armor and protection, he was also going up against something Bella didn't know or understand.

Mistakes happened. . . . . Life happened. . . . and what if something went wrong? "What if you leave and . . . and . . . " She couldn't even say it much less properly process it. Oh, but he'd get mad that she worried so much and the thought of upsetting him once again this afternoon only made her shudder a bit more.

Now she was crying AND prattling. . . .

Ooooh, he was going to hate her! "What if you leave and never know how bad I need you in my life? What happens if these moments are, god forbid, our very, very last??" Tear stained gold eyes finally turned back towards him, and there was no need for Azumoth to try to figure out what she was feeling. It was there, written in big bold letters; her fear for him, the pain of him leaving, and a desire to want nothing more than to selfishly keep him with her. She had learned in the past months that Azu was a staple in her life. . .one she couldn't, wouldn't, refused to shed.

If that was how she had felt while under the impression he still mostly hated her. . . to know that he felt something in return was going to make it all the more unbearable. And on top of it, there was a new knowledge that he was gone off to battle, to something that caused him harm. . . . Exactly who, exactly what, she knew not, but most creatures weren't up for fighting Azumoth.

She could only imagine what creatures were and such a thought didn't ease her nerves.

 

[Epine de Rose]

"What if you leave and never know how badly I need you in my life?"

It made him stop, granted he had already stopped on the outside but everything inside his head came to a crashing halt. The spirits would only know how much the insurance claim would be for the damage, but her words had been enough to grind everything to a complete stand still. He had never heard those words before and nor had he ever expected to. Those were the words only uttered to stallions who serenaded their chosen, showered them with affection and who brought home flowers each day.

Flowers!

The very thought of Azumoth ever choosing to gather flowers and to bring them 'home' would be anything short of laughable. Most would find the concept utterly ridiculous (including himself) given that his taste in such things was lacking. He wasn't colour blind but then again he hadn't the slightest idea what another would deem pretty, did they want pink flowers, yellow flowers or rainbow coloured flowers? Did they like the big fat ones or the long thin ones? There were simply too many options! Given he was completely incapable of sorting through all the available options he simply couldn't fathom how such a declaration could be made.

What had he ever done to warrant it? Admittedly he had provided protection on occasions, he had walked her home to ensure her security...but how did this equate to being a permanent feature of her life. He had yet to understand that when it came to love not everything was logical and there wasn't always a definite reason for such things - they just happened and they just felt right. Regardless, the shock was enough to render him speechless for more than an ample amount of time.

Shifting his weight, he fixed his gaze on the weeping mare and released a soft sigh. It was at times like these when the petite female seemed even more vulnerable and delicate than she normally was. As she wept she seemed to have shrank beneath him and practically cowered as she choked out the reasons for her tears. Really he had never taken the time to consider how others might view the trials he endured, to him they were part of his directive...to Bella they were something entirely different.

"Bella," he murmured softly, his voice surprisingly tender as he shook the shock from his system and took the few small steps to bridge the gap between the pair. It was perhaps the first time that he had done such a thing and furthermore, it was probably the only female he had done it for as well. "Whatever happened to the eternal optimist who gave me those headaches, hm?" He raised a brow in a teasing manner and provided the mare with a gentle nudge before allowing his mouth to halt by her ear.

...Really she was so small.

Part of her charm.

"You know as well as I do that it will take quite a beating to subdue me, I am more than capable," he didn't intend to blow his own trumpet but sometimes he had to state the obvious. If his father intended to kill him then both stallions would be in for a very, very long fight. It truly would be a battle of wills until exhaustion overcame both and one got lucky - unfortunately for his father Azumoth had absolutely no intention of entering combat for that long. He had his ideas and his theories...Kiyoshi was just a guinea pig for them.

"And while I am gone, you will still be in my thoughts..." He sighed again and lowered his head to glance down at the teary eyed mare. A faint smile lined his lips that oddly enough, lightened up his often stoic expression considerably. "You always have been, why else would I come to you and be obssessed with your well being, hm?"

"I will be back," he promised gently. This time he did cant his head to the side and turned his gaze towards the horizon. Eventually he would have to push her further on but it seemed that something always seemed to stand in the way. There was some unspoken issue that needed to be heard, something she needed to say. It was only now that the stallion was beginning to realise that it would not be as simple as to move the mare from one location to another.

...Especially if she had just broken down into tears!

"But I do need to know one thing," he raised his brow again and glanced around briefly for signs of interruption. Thankfully given the time of day there were none - apparently he was the only early bird this morning. "Why are you so afraid to let me see you cry?" He had seen her in worse states after all, he had seen her when she was wounded and petrified. He had seen her when she was emotionalyl battered (though it was his fault) but he had never seen her cry.

Until now.

Admittedly crying with the ultimate sign of vulnerability, to break down in front of another indicated you trusted them sompletely. So clearly he was missing a link somewhere...  

[Uta]

Bella couldn't shake the anxiety that gripped her soul; couldn't shake the fear that the great unknown would indeed separate Azumoth and herself for good. The spirits (from her perspective) didn't seem all that excited about their partnership. Hell, until a few months ago she thought he hated her; until ten minutes ago she firmly believed she was looked upon as more a burdan than anything worth while. So the mare couldn't help but be concerned that the minute he walked away from her, he'd walk away for good. . . .

Be it by his choice or otherwise.

Before she never realized that he might come to harm. But now that her ignorance had been wiped away and a cloud of the Great Unknown settled upon her shoulders, the young mare just found it too much to bear. There was too much she had to say with an ending so close at end. . .too much she couldn't find the words for, and too much heart-break to allow her to say calm and collected.

The dark stallion had approached her, even as she tried to fight her sobs, and the tone in which he spoke her name only seemed to set her off further. But the mare continued to hide her face, unable to look at him through the tears, unable to do much of anything until her unspoken emotion was washed clear.

Any confusion on his love was quietly being washed clear of concern. The gentleness in his voice was like none she'd ever heard, much less directed at her. And his admittance to her being in his thoughts practically stunned her - it shouldn't have surprised her that she crossed his mind, and yet to hear him say such a thing did. She never realized her worth. . . . .

Oh, how very lucky she was!

It was a miracle. . . . a dream come true. And this mare had never been one for believing in her own dreams. She much preferred to dream for everyone else, to hope for them, to feel for them and to root them on; but to sit back and dream for herself?

Oh no. She had others to worry about, like Azumoth.

Slowly, slowly, her quiet and practically pained tears began to subdue; her eyes burned, and she kept her head turned and hidden in her hair. She tried to come up with a voice, but it failed on multiple accounts, so the cream and tan kissed mare stayed quiet. A few choked breaths passed, and she heaved a shuddered breath.

Embarrassment was starting to creep upon her soul, but she refused to let it render her speechless. "Just be c-careful," she gasped softly, almost desperately, knowing that he was no silly amateur colt. He was full grown, he wasn't so easily going to fail or be ripped and rendered to shreds. He was Azumoth after all. . . .

But that didn't mean he were invincible.

Though her lashes were laced with fragile tears, and a few still continued to roll down her face, the mare felt she was slowly grasping on to a strand of calmness. It was hard to feel so broken with a great warrior of a stallion standing so near. . . And his eternal calm was soothing. She kept her head lowered nonetheless, submissive and slight, though golden eyes slowly, slowly turned back up to capture his own.

He had asked her a question amidst her sobs. . . . why had she been afraid to let him see her tears?

Lowering her gaze to look upon her fluffy feet, the mare mare finally answered. ". . . .Because when you look at me. . .I . . " She couldn't say it, could she? He'd laugh. No, wait, he didn't often laugh so he'd probably just snort and roll his eyes. Or get mad. It wouldn't be Azumoth if she didn't exasperate him with her foolishness. "I d-don't. . . I don't want you to look and s-s-see anything but. . . Anything but love in my eyes." Her ears pinned back so hard she almost took a step back.

It sounded ridiculous but she meant it. Every last word. He'd been through so much paint and hurt and yet he was a statue. And she was always weak. . .forever weak. So to see her cry over someting he did, or a way he acted, or just sadness and grief in general. . no. . the mare couldn't feel justified to be so weak. And furthermore, she DIDN'T want him to see her in tears. . . .

He was her joy, whether he liked it or not an whether or not he fully understood it. She wanted him to see it and know it. . . A small, very forced chuckle as she glanced away, a few more tears slipping past her gaze. "One can't rightfully express joy when their eyes glittered with tears, you know. . . " She added, trying to lighten the mood and rip herself back on to her happily optimistic self.

"I'm sorry to hold you up, to be such a mess." She added, her voice practically a whisper. Oh, she didn't do well with goodbyes. . . Though may since she cried now she wouldn't loose it when he did part
ways.

 

[Epine de Rose]

Her words were beyond cliche and were completely and utterly ridiculous to the logical mind. Already tiny parts of him picked at her words, correcting them mentally and yet he had enough strength to hold them in. Even he knew that love could be expressed in any form, even if she cried he would know simply by the comfort she sought or the reasons she wept - to have a false smile on one's face would be walking the same path as he had done for years. They would be an empty shell, utterly hollow and incapable of connecting with society - this was not something he would ever permit this particular female to become. Admittedly he found her tears to be uncomfortable but he had no doubt that any male would feel the exact same way, particularly if they were the reason for the tears.

He wasn't trained for this...

"Do not ever be afraid to let me see you cry," he replied at last, liftng his head so that she could raise her's fully. Ensuring his gaze remained locked on hers, he lifted a brow in a rather uncharacteristic expression. It was a mix between so many that one would find it hard to fully understand, but the glint in his otherwise steely eyes did infer that he was trying to reassure her - perhaps lifting a brow made his stoic features softer. "It is a part of who and what you are..."

Drifting away from the mare he began to walk towards the shoreline once again. His movements were made begrudgingly given the current state of the mare but necessary. While she desired to cling to him for further hours he simply couldn't permit such a thing. While his comrades could hold his father off for a time it was impossible for them to completely ground him without Azumoth's assistant. As irritating as it might have been, the outcome of the fight ultimately relied on Azumoth's intervention...provided his assumptions regarding the soul orbs were correct.

"Know that I love you for you, even if your eyes are lined with tears," his tone was shifting back to its usual gruffness. He simply didn't excel at connecting on such an emotional level and as he struggled to connect, he found himself retreating further into his shell. He was more comfortable speaking such 'sweet' words when his usual tone was present - to him it felt more real and therefore it was slightly easier to express... But only slightly easier.

"Though it would be my preference you did not weep," he added after a few moments, flicking his gaze skywards with a heavy sigh. While the light had yet to fade he could detect the sun's rapid journey across the skies and was all too aware of the time he had at his disposal. He could no longer afford to dawdle and thus he quickened his pace. There was little he could do to guarantee or promise that he would come back safely was there?

All words would sound hollow.

He had no flowers.

Grand gestures were not his specialty and yet he was aware that he needed to give substantial proof of his intentions. Moppet had always said that actions spoke louder than words. It was a complete puzzle to him and he dwelled further on the issue as he drew closer to the coastline, admiring the rolling waves as they lapped against the rocks in his vision. It would be another few minutes before the pair would reach the cave he knew all too well - he still had time.

All he knew, was that he couldn't say he 'promised'.

It was too empty.  

[Uta]

Bella cherished his words. Even though she fought down the fear and terror that had quite suddenly reared its ugly head, the mare hadn't gone deaf. He told her not to be afraid to cry in front of him . . . Well, with any luck she wouldn't have to fear many tears in the future. The young mare didn't often succumb to tears; she had cried enough as a lonely foal, there was no reason for such things as a grown adult and with more in her life than she had ever hoped for. . .

Tears would be minimal. . . Or so she could hope.

Strange though how she broke so easily now. She hadn't wept after he'd left the first time; in fact, she hadn't even wept or sobbed so even after Amaroq and Malice! So what was happening now that caused her to shatter in front of him?

"Know that I love you for you, even if your eyes are lined with tears."

Golden eyes studied him, such words still an incredible surprise. For all his gruffness and sharp tones and easy irritability the fact he once again spoke of love caused her heart to skip. It was a difficult concept for the mare to wrap her mind around. . . sure, she had fallen hard for the stallion, but only in her craziest and wildest of dreams did she ever think that maybe he would have felt such a thing in return!

And amazingly he did!

If she needed any comfort such a phrase was like a blanket, allowing her spirit to cuddle within it and get cozy and warm with the joy it produced. Giving her head a small shake, blinking away the last the of her tears, Bella couldn't help but chuckle at his 'preference' for her lack of tears. . . . A genuine laugh, mind, and one whose typical warmth was fast returning.

Perhaps a good cry was all she needed. Even though she felt a bit weary from such a thing, the petite mare also felt no embarrassment or fear. He hadn't bitten her head off or sneered. . . If anything he had provided some comfort, albeit a bit strained. With ears cleared from tears, the young mare felt surprisingly better. . . . Though it still pained her to know he was leaving, her optimism was also beginning to return. . . .

Things would work out, wouldn't they?

This wasn't just a dream, this wasn't just a tease. . . . The L word wasn't something the black stallion used lightly (or so she assumed) and therefor every time he said it she could only feel a little more special, and a lot more joy.

As he walked, Bella had no words, but she quietly followed. There was beauty in the ocean, peace near the water. . . . In a way it was almost like a vacation. Time away from what she was used to, time to try not to worry. . .
 

[Epine de Rose]

He would have sneered a long time ago... would have chuckled at the demonstration of weakness. However in recent months he had been forced to endure quite a lot, all under the disdainful and often sneering creature that was his father. To sneer down for any sign of weakness in relation to those who simply couldn't help it would therefore be hypocritical. Thus even if she had burst into tears and he hadn't known her he simply would have waited patiently (albeit unwillingly) for the crying to cease - this particular mare was simply lucky.

...He was trying far harder to take care of her than anything else.

All the same as they approached the shoreline and his hooves touched upon the sands, his ears did p***k. The faint smell of both the ocean and seaweed caught his attention and though he was loathe to admit it, his mouth did water slightly. It had been a long time since he had permitted himself to sample his favourite food. He simply hadn't had the time or opportunity to make his way to the coast. It was such a shame that he had only come for another visit in what he considered 'dire' circumstances or he would have stayed longer...seaweed was a powerful pull to him.

Alas, he shook his head somewhat and attempted to ignore the faint smell of the ocean and his own cravings. His stomach proved to be offering him no favours at it rumbled in a somewhat disgruntled fashion. Admittedly he hadn't actually had anything to eat recently and his body was well within its rights to rebel but he had enough on his plate. While he was already beginning to question his decision to bring Bella to his chosen cave...it didn't help that it was so very close to rock pools that practically spawned his favourite food. In hindsight he probably hadn't thought this one through very well in relation to his own cravings and weaknesses.

...But he was fairly certain his father wouldn't find her here.

Pressing onwards he glanced down briefly at the hoof prints made upon the sand and pricked his ears forward. He had always been highly entertained by this since he had discovered the shoreline. Granted he had really only ever explored and frolicked about during the night but the moonlit skies were enough for him to see his own prints. On his initial discovery he had spent hours simply toying with them...now it would be relatively obvious that he would sooner have died than be seen doing that sort of thing again. Much like he would swear anyone who saw him dance or sing to absolute secrecy.

Nevertheless it wasn't long before he had returned to completing his 'directive' and navigating his way through the various dunes and outcroppings of rock, he located his cave. Completely hidden by dunes and rocks it was the ideal place to hide from the world. With the rocks containing little pools of wildlife one could entertain themselves by watching their activities or...they could simply stare at the scenary. Azumoth tended to opt for the latter, alas...it was unfortunate that the lingering smell of seaweed (and the pools) caught his attention...

"It is not the most well decorated of caves," he observed, ignoring his stomach as he spoke. "But it is warm and safe, no one will find you here unless they are directed to the location...."  

[Uta]

Bella had never been to the coast. She had seen many a large lake before, but now that she had slowly begun to feel a bit better, and now that her eyes weren't stained with tears she could actually get a good look at the ocean before her.

It was . . . . it was beautiful! There were constant waves crashing against the floor, washing its bubbly seafoam up and staining the beaches. For a moment Bella paused, ears pricked as she stared out upon the endless horizon. Was this the end of all land? Was the world really wrapped up in water. . . ? How far did the coast stretch and how far did the ocean reach. . . Bella was naive to the coastal life and found the sky touching the sea ever so glorious.

Even the sun seemed to melt in to the vast waters and would soon sink in to the ocean. It was amazing, really, that that was where the sun hid itself. . . She had always wondered where it fell once it reached the horizon. And now she knew. . . . It didn't just disappear behind the slopes, it tucked itself away in to the ocean.

As they trudged over the sands, the mare also turned her gaze down upon the hoof prints she left. The sand was smooth and soft. . .but also littered with shells! She paused now and then, reaching down to nose away a treasure or two, a new delight beginning to dawn upon her. For these few moments she didn't have to worry about him leaving and fret about him never returning. . . It was Azumoth, after all, and taking him down was no small feat. Furthermore, perhaps in this newly discovered coast land she'd find herself distracted by the waters, and the pools, and the seashells and sunshine. . . .

It was brilliant!

Pausing as she followed Azumoth, the young mare's mood increased tenfold. Her curiousity of the world surrounding them was apparent, and she even jerked and giggled in surprise as a shell she paused to investigate moved! The shell had LEGS and was not a shell at all! It was a little stop and go for the mare, but she made sure to not dawdle and keep up with the stallion.

She'd have all the time in the world to investigate the coast soon as they parted ways.

"I've never been to the coast," she explained meekly, though it went without saying. Still, despite her fascination with their surroundings, the mare wasn't completely enraptured so as to take her focus off of Azumoth. Her ears had heard his tummy rumble multiple times, and there was no way she was going to let him leave without at least satisfying his hunger!

"So what shall I be dining upon while out here?" She asked, glancing over her shoulder at the waters and a few loose sea grasses. They looked a bit tougher than the grass she ate in hte woods and in the plains, but they also looked a little scarce. Mostly she saw shells and driftwood but nothing that looked superbly edible. It was an innocent question, considering she hadn't ever been to the sea much less try the weed!

But it also would be a perfect segue and demand that he feast before he left. . . She didn't know what was good this way, but she remember and understood that Azumoth surely did!

"I don't mind a simple abode," she stated softly, glancing around at the place she would temporarily reside. Stepping up beside him, looking around at a place he too once lurked within, the young mare allowed her tail to swish a bit more happily. They would soon be parted . . . very soon. . . but it was merely the way it had to be.

He'd be back eventually. She'd just sit by the sea and wait.

"Thank you," she added even more quietly. "For. . . for everything." And oh how she meant it! A new warmth warmed her words and even though she wouldn't be entirely happy with him gone and her not knowing how he faired, she couldn't let distance get her down. It wasn't as if they were attached by the hip, at any rate; she spent the majority of her life away from him. . . .

But he truly was everything to the mare. She had no one else, was close to no one else, and those that she did know and still kept in contact with were all related to him in some manner. Without him, Bella had no idea where she might have gone or what might have happened to her. . . .

Azumoth was the only family she had.

 

[Epine de Rose]

"I find that hard to believe," he replied as he turned round to watch the mare. Her childish behaviour was entertaining to watch but for one who lived in the lowlands, it was bizarre that she had never seen it. It seemed that the majority of Lowland soquili simply avoided the ocean in favour of the plains and he really found the entire concept to be rather disappointing. While he wasn't about to inform them of the beauty that existed in this region the fact that they hadn't ever seen it was such a waste! The longer he thought about it, the more he began to wonder if the 'younger' generations were simply wasting their lives away with idle chit chat.

It made him glad that he had opened her eyes to something new. Something less violent and something much prettier than what he had introduced her to before. There was no combat or violence involved in this, simply dramatic scenary and bizarre creatures for her to explore and ejoy the company of. Admittedly very few of them talked, many were shy and the occasional crap appeared to be incredibly territorial but other than that the coastline was a palce of complete tranquility. The Grove and Moppet (though he loved her) could eat their hearts out in comparison to the solace he found here.

There was no responsiblity here.

Nevertheless as she continued to speak and at last enquired about food a tiny part of him let out a groan. He had been ignoring his own stomach but it appeared she had not. Either that or it was a completely harmless question, she seemed to be aware of how important it was for her to stay out of sight so... Alas she wasn't a meat eater so fish were not an option, which meant that he would direct her to one thing. Is bane...his weakness.

"Uhm..." he cleared his throat after a few moments and then slowly made his way towards a rock pool to inspect it. While cockles clung to the rocks, the thick and stringy seaweed lined the interior. Still damp and therefore still perserving most of its taste it was the most viable option outside seaweed. Given she had never swam against a tide before though, he was more than just a little unhappy about the prospect of showing her where the moss lay. Oh the spirits did this on purpose, he just knew it!

"There are a number of things you can eat," he offered after a few moments and motioned to the grass upon the dunes. It was drier and somewhat sharper than plains grass but contained quite a lot of water. One had to hold on to some water in such harsh conditions after all. "There are dune grasses for the most part or..."

Seaweed.

His stomach gave another rumble and he released a sigh.

"Or there is my personal favourite -" He hesitated again and raised his eyes heavenwards in an attempt to regain his composure. Ah seaweed, his lovely salty and chewy grass. A plant from the depths of the ocean that set his heart on fire - he loved the taste but some would have argued it was an acquired one. "Seaweed, although I must warn you that it is incredibly salty." Returning his gaze to the mare he could do nothing more as she then sought to thank him, though he wasn't entirely aware of what her gratitude was for.

Had he missed something?

"You are welcome," he murmured at last, opting to perhaps question her at another time. However at this precise moment in time it wasn't the most appropriate topic to bring up. It was better to ensure she was comfortable and settled before he dismissed himself - but now that she'd brought up the seaweed he could already feel his mouth watering up.

Maybe he should have found another hiding spot...  

[Uta]

Bella gave a little shake of her curls, resisting the desire to continue to play and romp in the sands. She had to be serious, after all, there were some serious times up ahead. But the coast was very lovely, and part of the mare wish she'd discovered such a thing when she was younger. "I was born in the plains," she admitted, turning to follow the dark stallion to the tide pools. "I never left them because they were all I had known. . . . I never realized that the land came to an end so abruptly, and when I did learn of the ocean, I never knew where to find it." She smiled lightly, giving her shoulders a bit of a shrug before continuing forward.

This land was incredible. . . . Bella couldn't stop glancing over to the ocean, attempting to strain her gaze to see if she couldn't spot the other side. It was like a desert made up only of water. . . . it was so large even the sun melted within it! How amazing the world worked, Bella had to muse, and how large the world had to be for her to have never crossed the coasts path.

Ah, but the mare was easily distracted it seemed, and she had to remind herself to focus on her new, albeit temporary, home. The cave would keep any foul weather off her shoulders and allow her to stay hidden from the world. She had the beach to admire and the coast to swim in should she feel so inclined; there were grasses to eat and water to drink. . . what more could she ask for?

. . . . . well. . . . Azumoth for one. Followed by Raphe and Moppet. Ah, but that wasn't going to happen now, was it? Not today at least, and in all probability not anytime soon. But one could dream, couldn't they? Azumot couldn't return to her until he took care of things, but at least she understood something great. . . .

At least she could remind herself that he loved her. . . .

And that alone would give her comfort. She had lived the majority of her life without him, and without ever giving herself hope that he could feel for her in such a manner. But today she'd been proved wrong, and she could now wrap herself in the knowledge of his affections. . . . even if he was far from where she resided.

That alone was comfort. That alone was all she needed if the black stallion couldn't be near.

"Seaweed, you say?" The dry grasses were obvious but she was curious of this favored treat. Golden eyes lit with curiosity as she trotted closer to where Azumoth stood, glancing within the pool. There were some strange shells, or were they stones, clinging to the edges of interior of the pool, but there was also something else within it. It was green and covered in small bubbles, some sort of water plant, which had to be his seaweed.

Salty did he say? Bella's rump wriggled a bit with excitement, wanting to try this water plant as she herself had worked up an appetite. Salt was no problem, of course; unlike many more tamed soquili and horses, there were no salty treats she was gifted with by two-leggers. "May I try?" She asked, not wanting to eat before he himself had taken a bite. And he was going to eat, regardless of how rushed he felt. . . . .

Delicately she dipped her muzzle in the water, surprising herself at the saltiness of the ocean. She had forgot that such a thing was possible, accostomed to the streams and rivers of her beloved plains. Clamping down on some of the stringy bits, she lifted her head and was surprised at the length of the weed. It was indeed quite salty, but the taste wasn't unpleasant. . . It took a little chewing but Bella found the flavor incredibly different!

It was a unique flavor compared to the leaves and grasses she was used to; the salt was positively delicious upon her palette, if a bit strong, and it was more than a little refreshing. Finishing the strand, slurping the last of it up, Bella gave a little chuckle as she shook out her curls.

"Oh Azu, it's positively divine!" The sincerity of her bliss was obvious, and her thick tail swished a bit happily behind her. "I don't know if all seaweed tastes the same but whatever this kind was, I do believe I like it!" She beamed up at him, golden eyes bright before she jerked her nose down at the tide pool. "Surely you must be hungry - have a taste and see what you think!"

 

[Epine de Rose]

Azumoth simply watched as the mare became accustomed to the new environment. Everything was foreign and new to her, what those with wings had seen from birth...she only saw now. In a manner of speaking, he could see why there were those with wings who looked down upon those without. From birth, the grounded were always destined to wander the lands on foot while the wind soquili were granted the priviledged of travelling far and wide from the start. Perhaps it was the view that the grounded were 'naive' - the winds had very little grasp upon otherwise but Azumoth would have to disagree with such a mindset.

Flicking his ears back, a small smile lined his lips as she began to explore little nooks and crannies. Every now and again she would locate a shellfish that would skitter away at the touch of her warm breath. No, those with wings were inaccurate in their assumptions that they had it better - as foals they couldn't appreciate their discoveries and such miracles would be lost. Bella demonstrated this now, blessed with age and knowledge of the plains...the lack of familiarity came as both pleasurable and entertaining. Everything was a exciting and memorable. Little things that a winged foal would forget, would be remembered by the mare.

That was what made the Grounded so special. They wandered the realms on hoof, and yet they didn't miss any tiny little detail. If anything they were more special and more blessed than many... Even him. After all he had seen the land far beyond the Kawani but circumstances had prevented him from savouring the unique beauty each location possessed. If Bella had been granted that opportunity he was certain things would have been very different.

His gaze lowered slightly as she turned her attention to the rock pools at last and made another discovery. Very little time had passed between her question and his response before she had caught sight of it. The almost slimey grass that lay in the rock pools. Rocking back idly in the shallow pools as the breeze touched the surface of the water. Arguably it was one of the most unusual tastes he had encountered as a foal...but the tranquility of this place and that unique taste had always brought him back.

Was it so strange that he felt more than a little happy that she appreciated it too?

He had never shared anything with another, not properly. He had never opened up his heart or mind, never permitted another to find something he treasured. He kept his secrets tightly packed away at the back of his soul... And yet, when he had brought her to his favourite hiding place (without informing her of what it truly was) she had embraced it completely. He suspected she would always be one of the plains at heart, but at least she could appreciate what he had shown her.

Most...just scoffed.

"You are one of the few who enjoy the taste then," he smiled a little more, his fangs poking out just a little as his expression softened. Perhaps it was the atmosphere, the calming sound of the waves against the wrongs and the company of the one he loved that made it this way; but his weary soul was at least beginning to find solace and some rest - even without the sleep he craved so dearly. He could have argued at this point that he had come home. This in mind he seemed to have forgotten the importance of his mission and her offer seemed ever more tempting.

He was starving.

Flicking his ears back briefly he seemed to consider her words for a little while before stretching his head forward. Much more versed in the art of dining on such oddities, he didn't need to slurp as he through his head back and chewed without even the slightest hint of the 'slimey' grass lurking between his lips. Ah but to have that sharp and zesty taste touch his tongue again was beyond refreshing. In a manner of speaking it gave him a renewed burst of energy but there was one tiny thing he had forgotten.

Seaweed had an affect on him, like a drug it had calming properties and enabled him to reflect without logic entering his mind. Things became more serene, less clear but at the same time more relaxing. He became aware of other things, while logic had often dominated him and he had taken heed of potential threats he was granted the opportunity to observe the beauty in others, unique and exotic smells and also...

His ears seemed to droop slightly and he shook his head to clear his vision, his tummy had ceased in its growling and he was satisfied by that to say the least. However, once he had received a taste he wasn't satisfied until he received a little more. Lifting his gaze he flicked it towards Bella and raised a brow, his head tilted to the side and he very slowly moved closer to her ear (positive he wasn't hallucinating at what he saw)...

"You have some in your mane," he murmured softly.  

[Uta]

The seaweed was delicious and Bella couldn't help but savor the taste against her tongue. She had never feasted upon such a salty dish and a part of the mare feared she would continue to indulge in the plant. It certainly wasn't going to do well for her waistline. . . . But its cool taste and salty flavor was absolutely to die for; no wonder Azumoth cherished the taste!

Golden eyes watched as Azumoth dipped his nose and picked up some of the savory treat. She watched how he so expertly tossed back his head and so neatly feasted. It almost seemed to be an art but, then again, Bella understood that he did have much more experience when it came to life by the sea. This was her first time stepping upon the sand and watching the endless waters rise and fall from the shore. . . No wonder he could eat like a champ!

Golden eyes bright, she was about to lean down and try another taste when Azumoth bridged the distance between them. Unfortunately for Bella, the mare was oblivious to the effects of seaweed upon himself and little did she realize that such a food could stimulate the senses. The fact that he had his muzzle so close to her ear though, with his whisper so deep tickling her ear, the mare failed at supressing a shiver. Ooooh, he made her spine tickle and caused her belly to flip-flop all over again! But his voice. . . . .

Why did he always have to unnerve her so? He often caused her to flail in frustration with his anger but now she was silently flailing because his voice caused her to melt. . . . Oh, how infatuated she was with him and what she wouldn't do for him. But what was he saying?

She had seaweed. . . . in her hair!?

Her cream nose flushed pink as her golden gaze dropped. Glancing around her she tried to locate the stray weed and found she was unable to spot it. A small smile crossed her features as she glanced up to capture his golden gaze within her own, coy but unwilling to move away from his proximity. "How clumsy for me," she murmured, "perhaps you could be a dear and get it out for me?"

She certainly couldn't find it and she doubted giving herself a good shake would rid herself of the treat. Therefor it only made sense that since he could locate the stray treat he might be kind enough to actually remove it.

It wasn't as if she had cooties, afterall. And a little bit of touch, even against her mane, would be ever so benficial for the mare.

 

[Epine de Rose]

[[xD Closing this RP after this post for obvious reasons. *Cough*]]

She's cottoned on in some form or another. Her coy expression was enough for him and now granted permission to invade her personal space further, he wouldn't pass up the opportunity. That being said, the stallion wouldn't be leaving it again any time soon. The fates had indeed been 'cruel' to him in the sense that they wanted to play with him just a little more. No doubt Grencia and Ambroise would have the necessary strength to hold out for a while longer.

Pricking his ears forward the stallion leaned in and very gently placed his nose against her mane. A spark existed in his eyes that hadn't originally been present, he wasn't so quick to dismiss it either. Instead he merely closed them and hid their golden hue from view as he savoured both the warmth and the fragrance of his newfound mate's mane. He had known it was soft given their fleeting 'misunderstanding' in the pools so many years ago but now that he actually paid attention to it... Seaweed really couldn't compare to this. While seaweed still caused him to grow hungry and to salviate, there was something a little more intoxicating about this.

He'd felt this a number of times and been rejected every single time. It had been these feelings he had surpressed to ensure he remained strong and unwounded. Attraction and lust had been dismissed so easily up until she had entered his life. They had always been deemed a risk and too 'frightening' to listen to. Up until this point he had always been terrified that he could sire unwanted children (like him) and furthermore...children with quirks that would alienate them as they did him. He had never afforded himself such a close bond because he abhorred the thought of being so vulnerable.

Nevertheless through the course of the years and through Bella's unlikely persistence there were barriers tumbling down. Demolished by her optimism and her nearly permanent presence, he had soon found that his opinions and views were beginning to change. Slowly but surely he was beginning to accept his quirks and strengths, skills he possessed over everyone else. They were not features to be hated an abhorred so much as appreciated for their use in battle and their uniqueness. Thus, the vulnerbaility he had once felt in relation to close contact was beginning to subside.

...Combine this with the otherwise intoxicating affect his favourite food had on him and the fragrance of his mate's hair and he really had very little choice. The stallion who had always been so guarded quickly crumbled. His own desires recalled from many years ago - he had received this opportunity once before and had spurned it. He had hurt her through his rejections but now he could make up for it, right?

He hadn't meant to reject her after all, it had been an instinctual reaction.

Nestling into her mane a little more he released a small sigh and nibbled lightly at her neck. Careful to ensure that his fangs didn't scratch or tear at the flesh, he wouldn't ignore those primal urges any more. It wasn't something he was going to have to submit to and maybe deal with the consequences later...