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 Posted: Mon Aug 02, 2010 7:33 am
"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always preserves." -- 1 Corinthians 13:4-7  
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Posted: Mon Aug 02, 2010 7:52 am
Deusdedit smiled as he yawned, blinking as his eyes adjusted to the bright light. He then turned his head to his left, where a cranberry mare was laying. She was stirring from her sleep, twitching once in a while; he chuckled softly at the sight and leaned towards her, nuzzling his half-awake mate on her cheek as the sun filtered through the tree top and into their home - an abandoned cave that had became their little family's sanctuary. Of course, while it used to be lively and filled with the sound of children's voices and laughter, their two sons had since grown up and "left the nest", so to speak.
The first - Darius - had decided to pursue his own path, away from the God Deusdedit had always loved. The second - Zuriel - while faithful to God, is always away to explore the world with his best friend, the mare who had been his babysitter when he was a foal.
As they were growing up, it often worried him how different the two brothers. Darius was inquisitive, curious about everything and anything - he would often ask questions that would sometimes leave both Grace and himself stumped. Zuriel, on the other hand, was more of a sponge - he would just accept most of the things told to him, questioning very little. However, when the two seem to get along well, Desudedit forgot about his concern... Until recently.
Zuriel didn't seem to appreciate the fact that his brother did not share his beliefs; while he hardly show it outwardly, he could see that his younger son was suffering inside. Turning to Grace, he frowned slightly; his Kawani had improved significantly from his prolong stay in the land, and he was able to get his message across without too much effort despite the strong foreign accent behind each word, "I worry for Zuriel."
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Posted: Mon Aug 02, 2010 8:44 am
"Mor-" She smiled and spoke, but was interrupted by an incoming yawn. Blushing slightly, she returned her mate's nuzzle before continuing, "Morning..."
While she had often heard some mares gripping about their lifemated life, about how boring it was to wake up to the same stallion every day and how much of a routine life had became after settling down, Grace found it to be wonderful. Wonderful to be able to be with the one she loves, wonderful to be part of a loving family, and wonderful to have a set routine as a mate and mother! Rather than boring, these routines just prove that her days as a lonely mare are long gone - in fact, nothing could ever make her want her old life back.
She blinked, concerned at Deusdedit's sudden frown. At his comment, she nodded, her own frown now mirroring the stallion's as she replied, "Yes... Darius had found his own path in life and is pursuing it, but Zuriel... He doesn't seem to accept his brother's choice."
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Posted: Mon Aug 02, 2010 9:19 am
"Yes..." He sighed, flicking his tail as his frown deepened, "I do not know how to get Zuriel to move on, like Darius did..." It saddens him, how he could not help his sons when they probably needed it; he could not provide Darius with the answers he wanted before he left, and now, he could not provide Zuriel with the words to get him moving... While they had a good chat the other day regarding Zuriel's God-given gifts, Deus found himself avoiding the topic of Darius on purpose.
"Grace, what should I do?" He nuzzled his mate gently, seeking comfort in the mare's touch.
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Posted: Mon Aug 02, 2010 9:31 am
"Do what you did with me, Deus," She answered softly, giving the stallion an encouraging smile as she looked into his eyes, "Teach him to overcome it with love."
Although it happened so many months ago, she could still remember how he had touched her with his words and gestures. Although he was unable to speak fluent Kawani at that time, he still prayed so much for her; his love for her had helped her through so much past hurts - including hurts she did not even know existed in her. She used to fear abandonment, scarred by what she went through as a foal when she was left behind by her parents... It used to stop her from making close friends and forging bonds, preferring to make "transiting" friends. However, whatever Deus did... Well, that experience was what made her believe in Deus' God; although she did not dedicate herself to Him as much as Deus did, she still loves Him.
"Talk to him about love," She nodded, a soft expression on her features, "I'm sure he'll respond to that, Deus. He is upset at Darius because he loves him, after all..."
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Posted: Mon Aug 02, 2010 10:04 am
The young usdia stallion yawned, eyes barely opened as he stumbled towards the all too familiar cave, obviously still sleepy. After meeting up with Miyako and going on one of their adventures, he had accidentally stayed out again; by the end of the day, he was so tired that he laid down to take a nap on the way home... And ended up sleeping till the next morning. It had been happening more frequently even if he wasn't meeting his friend from his childhood days; his dreams often lead him on long trips away to discover the subject of his dreams. Just the other day, he helped the "butterfly" in his dreams to get away from an angry "tiger".
"Mum, dad... I'm home!" He declared with a sheepish grin as he peeked into the cave. Sensing the rather tense atmosphere, however, Zuriel tilted his head slightly, looking at his parents with a questioning look. He then straightened himself before he trotted towards them, a concerned frown on his lips, "Is something the matter?"
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Posted: Tue Aug 03, 2010 6:50 am
“With love, Grace? How do I do that?” Deusdedit blinked, looking confused at his mate’s suggestion; he had always taught his sons the importance of love since they were foals, so it should not be a foreign concept to them... He raised an eye brow, opening his mouth. However, Just as he was about to ask her what she meant, an all too familiar voice rang out, causing him to sit up; Zuriel was home. Turning his head towards the mouth of the cave, he smiled and nodded at the younger stallion, “Welcome home, Zuriel… Fell asleep outside again?”
At his son’s question, however, Deusdedit’s smile faded and he turned to look at Grace worryingly, as if expecting her to come up with something to tell Zuriel; how is he supposed to tell him that they were discussing about him? Then again, he didn’t wish to lie to his own family…
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Posted: Tue Aug 03, 2010 6:50 am
“Welcome home, Zuriel!” Grace beamed at the sight of her son, a sort of motherly pride swelling in her chest as she greeted him. Noticing Deusdedit’s rather distressed glance, she couldn’t help letting out a chuckle; when it came to their children, it seems like he was always relying on her advice… However, she didn’t have much to work on most of the time – her family had abandoned her as a basket, after all, and she grew up without any parents or parental-figures. Perhaps it’s just a female thing? She had carried them for months in her womb, after all… The bond between mother and child is something that no words can describe!
Flicking her tail, she stood up and shook her head at Zuriel, “Ah, nothing is the matter, although you did come home at the right time!” She chuckled, gesturing towards her mate with a nod, “Your dad wishes to speak to you regarding something… I’ll excuse myself then! I’m sure you’re all hungry – I’ll get us some breakfast!”
Then, she nuzzled Deusdedit on his ear, whispering “May the Holy Spirit guide you, Dues” before exiting the cave, leaving her mate and son behind.
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Posted: Tue Aug 03, 2010 6:51 am
When his father avoided his gaze, he became worried; was it something he did? He didn’t mean to stay out so often… Although it is not really a valid reason, he didn’t mean to! Its just that he always feels so worn out after going on his (mis)adventures. When his mother assured him that there was nothing wrong though, he relaxed, giving the cranberry mare a broad grin. Then, he turned to Deusdedit with a puzzled expression at her next comment, “Something you wish to speak to me about, dad? What is it?”
He nodded at his mother; he was feeling hungry… He hadn’t had anything to eat since last night! Grinning, his mouth watered as he thought of the delicious summer berries his mother introduced him to, “Breakfast would be great, mum! See you!” He then bowed his head a little as she left.
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Posted: Tue Aug 03, 2010 6:52 am
“Um… Have a seat, Zuriel,” Deusdedit said, although it came out a little awkwardly; he had not been expecting Grace to leave the two of them to be alone. She thought that since she was the one to come up with the suggestion to speak to their son about love, she would be staying behind as well… Perhaps she thought that this is something only he would be able to convey to the younger stallion? But how? Deusdedit frowned slightly – he doesn’t even fully understand what Grace was trying to say!
Switching to his native tongue, English, he begun, a little hesitantly, “Well, you see… Its about Darius…” He then paused, looking to see how Zuriel would react.
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Posted: Tue Aug 03, 2010 6:53 am
“Oh? What about Darius?” Zuriel immediately replied in English, trying to act like he wasn’t curious about his older brother’s business; ever since he left the family to so-call ‘seek his own path’, Zuriel had lost contact with him. Or rather, he chose not to go seek him out. After all, they grew up in the same family and were taught the same principals and morals! How could he, as the older brother, fall away from God? He swallowed a lump that had formed in his throat, frowning inwardly; did Darius ever wonder how dad or mum would feel about him leaving? And what about him – his younger brother; did he ever stop to wonder how his leaving would affect him?
“Did he realize his mistake in backsliding, and wish to come home?” He asked, his pronunciation of some of the words a little off as he continued, obviously a little riled up, “Or did he find the ‘path’ he was searching for?”
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Posted: Tue Aug 03, 2010 6:58 am
Deusdedit shook his head, frowning slightly at Zuriel’s answer; it was highly unexpected… Zuriel had always been the cheerful optimist, looking for the good in everyone and everything. This only proved how Darius’ leaving had negatively affected him – it probably cut him rather deeply, for him to have reacted in that manner.
“No, Zuriel,” He replied, able to speak clearer now that he was speaking in a language he was more comfortable with, “Rather than Darius, I was going to speak to you about you… Or rather, your recent attitude towards your brother.” He paused, his tone serious as he continued speaking - or rather, he was speaking, but he did not need to think about what he had to say; the words just flowed freely from his mouth... Perhaps the Holy Spirit really is aiding him.
"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always preserves." The stallion frowned slightly as he offered his son a gentle smile, "Love never fails... You love your brother. Do not be angry with him. Let go of the anger and resentment you hold in your soul, Zuriel... Perhaps Darius will turn back someday, but even if he doesn't, the two of you are still brothers."
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Posted: Tue Aug 03, 2010 7:06 am
He could feel his chest tighten as his father spoke, like something - or Someone - was tugging on his heartstrings. There was so much truth to Deusdedit's words that it both scared and convicted the younger stallion. By the time Deusdedit was done speaking, Zuriel had tears streaming down his face. There was guilt on his face as he wept, his head bowed and his eyes closed. He does love his brother - but everything he had been doing recently seems to contradict what he had been taught on 'love' since young.
He had been impatient, unkind, rude, angry, petty, untrusting and destructive towards Darius... When was the last time they spoke?
"Wow... I... I..." He stumbled over his words, unable to find the correct words to express himself. In the end, he decided to settle on one very simple word, "Dad... I'm so sorry... I guess... I never saw... It that way..."
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Posted: Tue Aug 03, 2010 7:48 am
"Say sorry to Darius, not me," The stallion suggested gently, nudging Zuriel on his shoulder with his nose, "I'm sure you boys have a lot to catch up on, after all... Its been quite a while since I saw the two of you together."
Now that everything that was to be said had been said, Deusdedit felt at ease; what happens after is up to his sons to figure out. He had already tried his best to get Zuriel to forgive Darius and more importantly, himself. His tears show that he was repentant at least, and the stallion took it as a good sign; there should not be enmity between family members... Blood is thicker than water, after all.
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Posted: Tue Aug 03, 2010 7:59 am
"I will, I will..." His voice was soft, and his words were uttered inbetween sobs; if his father hadn't spoken to him about it, would he have grown even more distant from his brother? Now that he had let go of his misgivings towards Darius, he felt like a huge weight had been taken off his shoulders. For the first time in months, he felt truly free of earthly burden. Lifting his head at the nudge, he grins before climbing up onto all fours; it is time to pay his brother a visit... For now though, he would wait for his mother to return - he's sure that she would be delighted at the good news!
"I will wait for mum outside," He nodded; despite his puffy red eyes, Zuriel looks excited as he sniffled, "This time, I promise to be back at night." Without waiting for an answer - for it was pretty obvious what Deusdedit would say - the stallion bowed his head briefly before trotting out of the cave, humming a soft tune as he did.
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