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 Posted: Mon Jul 26, 2010 8:57 pm
First there was the sounds of a laborious, steady pounding across the earthen floor. Pieces of grass and mud flew up behind the quadruped's rapid movement. His nostril's flared as forced air found it's why out of his lungs, due to panting caused by his fast-paced actions. Not far behind Helberd were hungry snarls that seemed to be threatening his life under their breath, if he even dared to slow in his actions. He knew he shouldn't even challenge himself to look back to see how close they were getting, but his was a brazen young lad.
In a single moment - in a single, fluid, action, Helberd whipped his whole form around to face the wolves. Four of them; There were four. Each was the picture for hunger and anger, mixed together to create snarls and growls tearing at Helberd's fear. Their teeth showed, the jagged - pointy mess would rip him apart if he dared to make a wrong move. Their eyes seemed to glow red in the sunlight, frightening and malicious. No matter how blue the sky was or what a beautiful day it had promised to be, it had soon turned dark after meeting up with these vicious predators.
While Helberd's stance was most certainly defensive, his body language and expression proved to be cocky. He supposed that this would be a chance to prove his strength to his parents and himself; or he would die. The latter wouldn't be too bad, as it seemed his dream of watching over and protecting his very own herd might not come true.
But; Before he could move a muscle, the main wolf, the leader he guessed, a black one with a white face, lunged at him with a snarl of angry pleasure. The wolf latched on to his snout, tearing away at it with her sharpened claws. The other three wolves had taken that as the signal to attack, lunging toward him as well. Eventually he wrangled the black wolf off of him by bucking and quickly butting it with his antlers. While his antlers weren't the sharpest, they were thick and sturdy enough to cause damage to the wolf's face.
One of the browner wolves latched on to his hind legs and no amount of kicking would buck it off. Another wolf began to propel towards him, but Helberd grabbed it by it's scruff with his teeth and flung it across the meadow. Now there were only two left, yet he still couldn't fling the one gnawing on his hind quarters and the other was perched on his back. The golden buck tried to n** and buck at it, but no amount of force was working.
If something didn't happen soon - then he was done for.
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Posted: Thu Jul 29, 2010 8:59 pm
Ah, the tranquil mountainside... It was comforting, and calming for the ancient Hart. The chilled and occasional harsh nips of wind were pleasing to the bird-deer hybrid, proving to be useful against the tender skin that held a constantly elevated temperature. Of course, he was plenty used to it, but the comfort aspect of the cooling breeze could not be overlooked. Thus causing him to take advantage of the serene perch. Not many Herla traveled this high up, nor many other creatures of the like. Though it didn't bother Apollo one bit. He was certainly used to the hermitage that he'd adopted over the eons of living. His presence wasn't always a positive thing... as it easily drew attention, mostly unwanted, to him like a Hind in heat.
No, these mountains were just fine. He could overlook the going-on's below, and feel the throb of life in this area from this roost. If there was a life form leaving or entering this world, he would know. Each sound was piqued, and echoed freely to him, their life force pressing to his own existence. The soft whispers of what was to come, and what once was etched along his mind, leaving a stoic expression on his face more times than not, while those blood stained eyes remained closed the majority of his time atop the craven rock.
And on just such a day, his placement was superb for the event he locked onto that went on below the canopy of towering conifers. There... something was rushing through the usually calm vegetation that lay beneath the branches. The hushing of grass could be heard, as well as a soft rhythmic thumping accompanied by a tearing of claws into the rich earth.
Focusing on the pursued, he could pin point the life source with out a problem. Helberd... Head lifting, body shimmering brilliantly like a gold coin against the proud sun, Apollo let his senses guide him to where exactly the buck was heading towards. The snarls and growls of the savage wolves were only slightly distracting as the elder focused onto the exact placement of all the participants in the squabble. It certainly was unfairly outnumbered… and the ill-intention was enough to make his fire within burn stronger. With a quick motion, his mighty and glorious wing flipped out to their furthest extent, sending sparkles to fling in all directions. Stepping to the edge of his pier, Apollo gave a powerful beat of his wings, and shot upwards to become airborne. Diving down, just as quickly, his feathered appendages folding along his side to make his body pierce through the resisting air, he locked on straight towards the meadow, flaring his wings at the very last second to cause a rush of wind to billow at the scene before him. The large bucks towering build stood before the scrap, and jerked his head back, flames beginning to light at the tips of his wings, and around his eyes. Rearing onto his back hooves, he slashed the gnawing wolf, and tossed him clear behind him; body pummeled to the ground until it slammed against a tree. Following soon after, his head hammered down onto the wolf mounted atop the elegant Helberd, hard beak gripping onto its scruff to throw it clear upwards into the sky with a howl. Those usually emotionless red eyes were ablaze with a firey glow, strips of fire spiraling around his entire being like a serpent. Feathers ruffled, and puffed to cause an even grander appearance, he took a defensive stance over Helberd, eyes glaring to the canines for even having such intentions.
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Posted: Thu Jul 29, 2010 10:14 pm
His chest was already heaving in exertion from the battle, but now his heart beat faster than any cheetah could run, as his blue eyes darted from the furious beast which had saved him, to the limp brown figures which were strewn across the grassy floor. At first, he hadn't even recognized the fire-covered birdla, and instead he was extremely frightened when his protector towered in front of him. The glow around him seemed to have turned to a blaze, but once he felt the heat and recognized the glorious golden glow - he was sure of who it was. Surprisingly though, the thought didn't comfort him as it should have, but in turn made him even more anxious.
While limping slightly, the alpha wolf rose from her position on the ground - still growling. It seemed this wolf was not finished off just yet. Instead, it began to rush towards Apollo even in it's injured state. It pushed off with its powerful hind legs, preparing to lung at the great bird, seeming to slow in mid air with it's claws reared and its teeth gleaming in the sun. At that moment Helberd felt the insane need to move in front Apollo and knock the wolf back just as it was inches away from Apollo. He knew that the God-like hart was well able to take care of himself as he had just seen, but it was a compulse that he was unable to control.
With a resounding thud the creature hit the ground, after having Helberd's antlers knocked into it's ribs with full force, a tiny crackling sound could be heard. His chest heaved even more and but his eyes were ablaze with fury. Slowly, the hart raised his head from the dead form of the wolf, to examine Apollo. He looked over the strong build, obviously fit for any type of danger, and he knew somewhere in there lie a furious, powerful magic that had just been displayed in the downfall of two wolves. He could feel himself getting riled up. He was supposed to be the one to act brave! He was supposed to prove his worthiness, not get rescued like some defenseless doe in distress! Helberd had worked for years to gather knowledge, build his strength, and now to build a herd - but this...this god-like creature came in a tossed that all away in one fell swoop! How could he be expected to build a family, build his place in herd, if he couldn't even protect himself? He narrowed his eyes, feeling an irrational anger at his friend come out of nowhere, "Why couldn't you just let me die?" Words that he knew he would regret later.
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Posted: Thu Jul 29, 2010 10:37 pm
Plenty ready to take on the foolish pack leader, Apollo's fire snake streamed in a circle around him, dancing like a whip. But before he could even react, the smaller Hart had already acted.
That ancient instinct within him had been tapped, making his body act on it's own, rather than allowing him to reconcile with his mind first.
As the pack seemed defeated, Apollo's blazing figure turned it's attention to the beautiful stag, the fire serpent slowly winding to nothingness. The flames began to widdle down, as did the glow in his eyes. Body finally calming, his internal fire settling, the Ho-Oh relaxed his wings, and carefully rested them along his back. Looking along Helberd, plenty of scars and nicks were apparent, making the nurturing side of the golden hybrid flourish. But it was well kept in check, and withheld, knowingly aware that Helberd's pride, any male's pride in fact, could easily be wounded along with one's body...
If the old buck had seen, or felt, that Helberd would have been able to handle the past situation, intervening would not have been an option. Hard red eyes easing to a half-lidded fashion, the elder Hart paused before replying, "It is not your time to..." he responded calmly, eyes looking along the souvenirs from the attack.
The young's pride was always blinding... as he'd experienced it for himself in his own youth... but of course, as age came along so did experience and tempered wisdom. He would not let this one die... not today...
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Posted: Thu Jul 29, 2010 11:01 pm
A deep sigh slithered it's way from his lungs as he released the pent up frustration, hurt, and anger. If he could, he'd probably be rubbing his temples. As all of the mental ailments drained out of him, he began to feel the physical ones. He felt out of breath and weak on his feet. His simmering back had bits of fur ripped out of it, making it less beautiful than it had been, and he felt sore on one side - like perhaps he had a broken rib, or something was badly bruised. There was also a scratch above his eye that he knew would take a while to heal. Besides that, all else were just minor things. Pale yellow fur shivered as he wobbled on his legs, suddenly feeling exhausted. He looked up at Apollo, instantly regretting his harsh attitude just moments ago, "Im sorry, that was a stupid thing to say to my savior." He chuckled, a bit strained, "I thank you. I should just be glad I am alive, instead of complaining"
He chuckled and wobbled over to Apollo, weakly pressing his flank against the bird in appreciation. "Sometimes I feel so young and insolent next to you. I haven't felt that way in years, and I can't say I like that feeling. You sometimes remind me of my mother - even being as weak as she was, she was still always so wise" He looked up at the hart and winced, "Oh, um, don't take that the wrong way" Helberd sucked in some air and slide gracefully to the ground, finally collapsing in exhuastion, almost laying completely on his uninjured side, though still awake - just too tired to stand.
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Posted: Thu Jul 29, 2010 11:22 pm
Eyes closing to slits, finally easing closed, the grand bird let his beak tip to the ground slightly. Indeed he hadn't wanted to steal his companions thunder... but he couldn't simply standby as he was ripped apart. Of course he was a strong buck, one of the strongest the elder had seen in quite sometime. But not simply in body, but heart, and soul. An undying fire of sorts, that easily compared to the literal one blazing inside Apollo's core. Since he'd begun learning of this buck, he hadn't wanted to exercise his own power, to avoid this very thing.
Though Helberd certainly shouldn't have felt any docking of pride, as Apollo was much stronger than most Herla that existed. It would be quite impressive if any could defeat him that were not of his own caliber.
Red reappeared once again in a tight line, dilated pupils staring down at the elegant male... that lovely pelt had been torn... and that lovely face cut... If only he had been given the gifts to heal, as he'd seen his comrades do many a times...
His heated body cooled just slightly as the weak Helberd pressed against him. Of course Apollo was understanding... the younger buck's spirit was becoming more familiar and he'd grown to expect it. As he did from most of the youth he would encounter.
Listening intently, the bird turned his head away slightly, not surprised by the comparison. Perhaps he had a bit of a 'feminine' touch to him, with his nurturing and 'maternal' instincts... though it could not be helped, as it was what was built into him. In his peripheral vision, Apollo watched Helberd ease to the ground, wanting to lie at his side for comfort.. but his body was much too hot right now, and heat was not something that an flesh baring victim would want. Cool and gentle sensations were. Water.. those open sores would need to be washed out to prevent infection, and to help the fur regrown. Finally speaking, he closed his eyes, keeping stationary as he spoke gently, "I do not apologize, Helberd... but I am quite aware of the frustration that I have brought you... please see that it was only for your own well-being.. I should not want to make you feel any less of a male.."
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Posted: Tue Aug 10, 2010 5:46 pm
Wishing there was some kind of chill to the air, but wasn't, he breathed deeply waiting to regain some of the strength he'd lost to the wolves. "Just..push it into the back of your mind, Apollo" He raised his eyes to the older male. "I am not, any less of a male - " Helberd forced himself not to put any bitterness into the word and continued into a softer, kinder tone, eyes soft - mimicking his smile "...And I know this" Heaving a sigh, he stood up. "I was just overreacting"
After a long stretch, a few unsettling pops, and one rueful groan Helberd glided over to Apollo. "The was certainly impressive - what you did back there" His eyes twinkled with a peculiar mixture of respect, awe, and a hint of jealousy. "I guess I always felt that you could do something like that..." The pale yellow hart walked one circle around the golden Birdla, still sore but happy to have grass beneath his hooves. He pressed his side against the other, as he always did when he was happy. "Now, do you know anything about treating a wound?"
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Posted: Sun Aug 29, 2010 9:52 am
It was times like these that the ancient Hart felt his years of presence weigh heavy on his shoulders. Indeed he would have avoided intervening, but he refused to allow such a promising Herla to lose their life in such a petty battle. Eyes keeping distant, and head held high it in its proud manner, he said nothing, and simply listened. The sharp, attentive red glowers shut off slowly as his body began to resume its normal warm glow. The embers had died down and the smell of burnt fur and flesh tainted the air, wafting under one's nose ever so often. In truth it had felt nice to unleash the 'fire within', if you will, seeing as it'd been eons since Apollo had demonstrated a taste of his concealed powers.
Eventually, he gave the most subtle of nods of acknowledgement to the headstrong buck, and left the conversation at that.
Of course, he had been concerned for the cuts and gashes to the beautiful coat of his comrade, allowing the smallest slit to cut along his eyes. The elder inspected Helberd's status, acrid blood eyes trailing along the slim figure. He seemed well... though the cuts could easily become infected from how deep they were. That poor lovely pelt... torn... Watching warily as he was circled, the bird didn't budge until the much cooler body was pressed to his own. Remaining silent, he lowered his head gracefully to place a caring nuzzle at the base of one of Helberd's ears, before he let the rounded edge of his beak smooth down the elegant neck and gingerly touch an opening, "That I do... I know of a few herbs and plant life that may prove useful as well in quelling the pain..." perhaps his old friend Sil was around. The Hart who was 'frozen in time' so to speak, and forever cursed to be a yearling for the rest of his life, possessed quite a lot of knowledge of the vegetation that grew along the land. Certainly a useful ally to have in times like these.
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