(prp)The Princess and the Butterfly (Bailey,Laures)[Fin]

[dawns_aura]

The day had started out lovely, with a clear blue sky, a light breeze and not hint of anything else in the air. So Laures had made his way to the area of the plains, edging the forest, where he had found some of the most beautiful flowers. He traveled alone without his familiar citing a need for some peace... or in other words, a time in which he could stretch his wings, dancing among the flowers and seeing just how much he really had healed.

Solas had simply shook her head, allowing him this, but telling him he needed to be back before sunset. Laures shook his head in bemusement. A small prairie dog presuming to tell him when to be back. He knew she only did so because she cared, and he allowed, not having had anyone to care about him for a long time.

Reaching his favorite spot, he shrunk to butterfly size, his preferred one, and slowly stretched his wings, making sure there was no stiffness , refusing to do anything that could injure his wings. He had gone about half a year without flying, and he couldn't bare to go through that agony again.

Starting out slowly and carefully, he danced from flower to flower. Feeling his wings were stretched enough, he started to do a few tricks, each getting more complicated than the last until he was back to performing the loop-de-loops he had favored before the accident.

Seeing as nothing happened, he couldn't help but laugh joyously as he tried the trick again and again. He was finally fully healed.

 

[Faid Shadowlight]

Bailey lay in the grass of the meadow and sighed, she was lost.... Again... And while being lost was not a new experience to her, neither was it welcome. She was sure she hadn't come far from where she had found shelter, and the more she had looked for the path she had first taken the more lost she had become, now she couldn't even hear the river like she had before. She rested her head in the grass and sighed, sending a puff of dandelion seeds into the air.

Looking up as she watched them drift away she noticed a happy butterfly dancing and playing in the air, and despite her doldrums she smiled, it looked so happy and carefree dancing in the wind. "Oh Mr Butterfly I wish I had your wings, I bet you never get lost." sighing again and resting her head back in the grass. She was talking to butterflies now.... Probably not a good sign.

From where she was the little flutter seemed just a butterfly, but then they so often did from any distance, unless you were looking for one. As it was her mind was on the stallion and his family that had allowed her to stay with them till she found a place of her own. Well they had offered to help her find a place of her own, but then what else would kind people do when they ran across a cold wet mare that was lost.

 

[dawns_aura]

When he first heard the mare speak, it shocked Laures, pulling him from the state of pure bliss and enjoyment that came from flying. He looked around trying to see just who it was that spoke, and to who they were speaking. Eyes widened as he took in the sight of the brilliant purple mare who lay in the grass, and the bright blue curls that framed her lovely face. She was gorgeous.

Then he looked for whom she was speaking to, almost envying them, wishing it was to him she spoke. Not spotting any butterflies in the vicinity he grew confused, forgetting for the moment that he was at that time the same size as one. And after all, it had been a long time since he had been confused with the bright fluttering creatures.

Not spying any in the nearby area, it finally dawned on him that it was he to whom she spoke. An inner sense of mischief took over, goading him,convincing him it might be amusing to play along with the mare, to see what kind of reaction he might get when later revealing himself as a soquili the same as she... well not exactly the same, but that was just a small distinction.

Normally, he didn't listen to that voice, but today, just this once, what could it hurt?

He flitted a bit closer in a random way, flitting and dancing, not seeming to be anything more than an insect. But he was careful not to get too close, not wanting to end the game before it could even begin.

 

[Faid Shadowlight]

Watching the butterfly as it drew a little closer, it still seemed happy but it had definitely come towards her. Lifting her head again, she wasn't prone to being disheartened, she closed her eyes and allowed herself an imagining, they always cheered her up. After all when things were just pretend nothing could hurt you. So she smiled and opened her eyes, now for her this was a new pretend world and she could imagine anything she wanted.

Smiling at her butterfly companion. "Well Mr Butterfly this will not do at all, you forgot your map as well, what an exploring pair we are, no wonder we have been going in circles. King Aku will be very disappointed if we do not return with the prize we were seeking and soon." Yes she was glad it was jsut her an a butterfly, and if the thing could understand her it probably thought she was insane, firstly for talking to it, and secondly for going on about a quest for a fictional king. But it had cheered her up. Though she supposed the best prize she could bring home to the stallion (Akuba) who had taken her in when she needed shelter, would be news that she had found a new place to live. Standing and looking at the fluttering insect again. "Come Mr Butterfly we cannot wallow in defeat all day, map or no map we must achieve our goals! And today's prize is finding shelter!"

Yeah she knew others would find her somewhat ridiculous, and if she knew her little companion was understanding everything she said she would die of humiliation. She had been ridiculed often for her imagination and tendency to let her imagination take over and run wild. But then she had had much she wanted to escape from. Looking back to the butterfly. "Well which way shall we go Mr Butterfly? Standing still will achieve nothing."

 

[dawns_aura]

Laures tilted his head listening to the mare's chatter curiously. It was quite interesting what one could learn when others thought they were alone or speaking to something they didn't think could understand them. And this mare was no different.

She seemed to have be rambling on without much purpose. Then she mentioned a quest and a fictional king... things which at one point would have guaranteed his instant cooperation when in his normal size. He was a sucker for a good story or adventure, and this was both. How fun.It was his weakness, and had been since his foalhood, travelling with a herd of gypsy flutters.Then he recalled the last 'adventure' he'd had and shuddered.

He would continue to play along, so long as no caves were involved.

Shelter... he considered, thinking of the few places around here that he knew of.

The wind started to blow, and clouds covered the sun. The once beautiful day was starting to turn. If he wanted to keep up the charade, he would have to move fast and get out of the fields. Luckily though, they were near the edge of the forest.

He drifted towards the mare, then flitted towards the woods and hovered. Waiting, hoping she would take the hint and he could keep up with the game.

 

[Faid Shadowlight]

A delighted smile lit up her face when she saw the butterfly flutter off towards the edge of the clearing, while she knew it was unlikely that it was in response to anything she had said she allowed herself to believe. "Wonderful idea Mr Butterfly, that way it is." Smiling she trotted over to the edge of the clearing, it was only then she noticed the shift in the weather. "Come Mr Butterfly, lets get under cover before we get soaked."

Heading into the trees where the butterfly had been as it started to rain. Sighing glad that the trees provided some kind of shelter. Pausing and looking round, not sure where the butterfly had gone, the world a chorus of patters as the rain drips over the leaves of the tree canopy. Starting to walk along one of the paths as she does, looking around, she had to find somewhere to live soon. Spotting the butterfly up ahead a little she moved closer. "Well Mr Butterfly lets see if this weather brings us some luck in our quest." Pressing on past him into the woods. "What place would make a good home do you think Mr Butterfly?"

 

[dawns_aura]

Though normally rain and such didn’t bother Laures over much, he couldn’t help but curse the rain that started to fall now. He had been enjoying himself rather well, having found someone who, regardless of age, had such an imagination and playfulness. He had felt almost like a colt again, enjoying the game of make-believe. And now… the damn weather had ruin his fun.

Pouting, he knew the game was up. But what to do now? He didn’t want the mare to feel uncomfortable, and nor did he just want to leave. A dilemma of sorts. How did he manage to get into these situations? Ah well. He shrugged a shoulder at the thought when he was struck by inspiration.

He fluttered over to the mare, brushing her face with a wingtip as he flew around her and then up a tree a ways, high enough that he was out of sight, before heading to a clump of bushes that was semi-close. At least, they were close enough that when he returned to normal-size the sound of rustling underbrush would be enough to warn the mare of his presence, but would also seem like he was stumbling upon her by accident.

Hopefully she didn’t get a clear enough look to connect him with ‘Mr. Butterfly’. After all accidents happened, and coincidences did exist.

 

[Faid Shadowlight]

Bailey smiled and followed the butterfly, pausing and looking round feeling the brush of a wing on her cheek, not seeing the smudge of colour it left, looking a little sad to see the butterfly vanishing off into the trees. "Oh well Mr Butterfly, I guess you dislike rain a lot." Taking a few moment to watch the butterfly, but it vanished quickly. Sighing and walking on into the trees, not seeing where the little bug had gone but feeling sad that her adventure companion had gone, even though it was an imaginary adventure.

Stopping and looking round somewhat unsettled when not long after she herd rustling, alone in the woods in the rain and there were noises... She shouldn't be such a chicken, it was probably a small animal heading home from the rain. Nodding to herself and looking around some more before thinking of walking on, but she spotted something off the path, it might have been where the noise had come from. "Hello?" Sounding unsure, having no idea what or who it was, but it looked vaguely soquili like from the shadow.

 

[dawns_aura]

Laures hated to hear the insecurity in the mare’s voice, especially since there’d been no hint of it when she was talking to ‘Mr. Butterfly’. But then, she didn’t know it was him. And he would rather do anything than hurt or upset anyone. He could feel a few drops of rain on his wings that had managed to make their way through the trees, and he shuddered, he needed to get to shelter and soon.

Carefully stretching his wings out in a gesture of peace, he stepped out of the brush.
‘Greetings.’He smiled softly at the mare.

 

[Faid Shadowlight]

Her jaw dropped. there was no other reaction to be had when she turned around and faced the voice. The stallion was stunning, and he had the most lovely wings. She had never seen anyone like him. Going pink as she blushed, lost for words at his simple greeting, mumbling after a short time. "Hello..." Knowing she should say more but not sure what, till finally she blurts out. "Have you seen a butterfly around here?" Feeling even more silly for that question, what kind of mare was chasing after butterflies. Shuffling her front hooves a little, her curls bouncing a little as she looks down, finally mumbling. "We should get out the rain maybe?" Not really sure but thinking that it was a good idea, hoping he knew of a place near by that would provide cover till the rain passed.

 

[dawns_aura]

Laures wasn’t used to being ogled. He considered himself somewhat plain, so he was rather surpised by the mare’s reaction. Somewhat discomfited as well, but that emotion at least wasn’t anything he was unfamiliar with.

At her rather hastily blurted question, Laures was both relieved and amused. Relieved because her wording was such that he didn’t need to lie, something which he abhorred, when he answered that no he hadn’t seen himself – after all, there were no reflective surfaces in which he could have. Amused because, well, it was somewhat –cute- to watch her open, honest reactions. She was so much like a foal in her innocence, a quality that is quickly lost as one experienced life.

‘I’m afraid not. Why? Was he a friend of yours?’ The rain was getting heavier. Enough so that it was able to drip through the canopy and reach the lower levels of the forest around them. Laures unconsciously pulled his wings in, folding them as close to his body as he was able, not wanting to have to wait weeks for them to dry out completely. ‘There’s a place nearby, it should provide adequate shelter until the rain passes. Do you trust me?’


The question wasn’t one that most strangers would ask, nor that could be answered in the affirmative. Though he hoped that she did. The place he knew of nearby was a well-hidden glen. It was a place he used to escape and hide when he needed some time alone. It was special to him, a secret that he wouldn’t reveal lightly. If she didn’t trust him, well, there were certain to be other spots to weather the rain, even if it would take longer to find.

 

[Faid Shadowlight]

Still blushing, she looked up when he answered her question, somewhat relieved and amazed that he wasn't laughing at her. That was usually what happened, especially when someone stumbled into one of her daydreams. Looking up as the rain got heavier, not having answered him yet, shaking her head when a large drop slatted on her nose. Distracted by his next question she blushed but looked him in the eyes, looking deeply into him for a few moments before nodding. "Yes... I do trust you.." She wasn't sure why but there was something about him that she trusted, something in his eyes that compelled her to.

Moving closer to him and smiling a little shyly, letting him lead the way, falling into step beside him, following him, not wanting to get soaked, and besides maybe he could help her and suggest a place appropriate for setting up home.

Looking straight ahead and down to her hooves as she answers his question, the first one he asked. "The butterfly is a friend in my imagination I guess, we were off on some grand adventure before the rain came." Speaking softly her face a very pink purple where she was blushing. Admitting to her habit of pretending was never easy, it usually ended in ridicule.

 

[dawns_aura]

He hadn't realised the tension he'd felt, the anticipation, as he waited for her to answer. He hadn't realised how much it meant to him for the bubbly mare to trust him, especially since he'd given her no reason to.

He winced as he considered the way he'd misled her. Perhaps she was too trusting, even though he hadn't meant her any harm, there were others who might take advantage of such a trusting nature. He snorted. Just because it had happened to him didn't mean it would to her. He felt a surge of protectiveness, surprising in it's intensity. He had only just met her. He shouldn't care so much... he shook his head.

'It's not too far, but the way might get a little crowded and close I'm afraid.' He looked at her again, happy that she was fairly petite. 'I hope you're not claustrophobic...'

He was amused by her answer to the first question he'd asked. He'd never before had the opportunity to ask anyone what they thought of him in butterfly form, because most either knew immediately he was a flutter, or they just wouldn't answer him at all.

'There's nothing wrong with imagination, or having adventures...' he spoke softly more to himself as he remembered a bit about his life before...'Sometimes, they are needed to just get by.... No, there is nothing wrong with them.'

He stepped very carefully, lightly, upon a path he'd only traveled a few times before, and even then, he'd been shrunken, so he hoped it wasn't too much for the mare. The thick underbrush though rather close, offered shelter from the rain, even as it grew slightly uncomfortable to walk through.

Branches grew closer to the ground, and bushes and brambles grew in thick clusters, tree roots rebelled against being confined underground and popped up at random intervals, determined to trip up the unwary and those who didn't know exactly where they were going.

'Are you alright? It's not too much farther now.'

Suddenly he stopped. There seemed to be a thick wall of plantlife before him. He took a deep breath as he cautiously stretched a wing out, parting the plants.

'Just through here. You may want to duck a little.' He warned as he gestured for her to go on ahead.

 

[Faid Shadowlight]

Bailey had nodded as he spoke, not noticing his wince. "No I don't get claustrophobic." Smiling at him, as they walk, her curls starting to stretch out, the tight ringlets getting longer as they soak up water and hang lower.

Her expression going faintly adoring for what he said about imagination. "Do you really think that?" Looking at him, not having met anyone that seemed to take her oddness in such a way, she was more used to them telling her to grow up, or get her head out the clouds. It didn't seem to matter though, none seemed to understand that her imagination was where she ran to hide.

Nodding and smiling, keeping along the path only stopping when he did to pull the plants apart, something in her nervous, wanting to wince a little, but instead she nibbled at her lower lip. Worrying about the plants harming his pretty wings, they looked so delicate and frail. Nodding and deciding lingering would only increase the odd of him hurting himself. Carefully moving past him she ducked down and made her way ahead, not sure where she was going but figuring straight ahead was a good bet, he could stop her if that was wrong.

Glancing back to make sure he was not in the rain endangering his wing still, she paused waiting for him. "What's your name?" Her voice softly curious, neither of them having introduced themselves in their hurry to get out of the rain. "I'm Bailey." Smiling at him as she stands there, the greenish smudge from his wing still on her cheek, the rain having missed it, the colour vivid and striking against her purple.

 

[dawns_aura]

Laures was embarassed by the mare's regard. He didn't think what he said or more, what he believed was something great. Or something that was worth any real note. After all, most of his life he had been told he views were useless or wrong. That they didn't matter. He had held on to these few cherished beliefs. They were what helped him live through his family disowning him and kicking him out of the herd, the tragic loss of his first mate and their baskets. The one thing that he knew without a doubt from the time he suffered amnesia to the time his memory was fully recovered.

When Bailey introduced herself and asked his name, Laures blushed and ducked his head to hide slightly behind hie bangs. Really, manners were one of the things that had been drilled into his head from foalhood, and here he forgot the most basic of niceties. How mortifying. 'Laures. My name is Laures.'

The path through the underbrush was fairly straight and short, and he needed a moment to collect himself, so he let Bailey move forward on her own. 'The glen is just up ahead.' It had been a while since he had acted so. How his sister would scold him if she knew... It was with a small pang that he returned his attention to the here and now. Just in time for the small protected glen to come into view. His attention was riveted on the mare waiting to see her reaction to this place. This mini paradise was his favorite place to come, a place he had started to claim as his home when he returned to this place from his travels.

He didn't know exactly why, but he hoped that she liked it here.