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 Posted: Fri May 27, 2011 10:51 pm
Mordred: *Standing with his front hooves on the tree trunk, he was about his antlers to knock off apples from the tree branches.*
Alaric: *running into Mordred always cheers him up, and this time is no different as Alaric spots his friend making clever use of his antlers. with a small smile, he approaches, though avoids the apple-rain by keep a good distance* Ah, so they can be useful after all? *remembers their last walk together, what a pain it is to walk through the forest!*
Mordred: *Jerks back in surprise from Alaric's voice, causing his antlers to get more tangled in the branches.* Uagh. *Gives a hard jerk and drops to his hooves, leaves raining about him.* At times, yes. One just has to be careful. *Bows his head in greeting to his friend.* Alaric, how are you doing? Would you like an apple? They are my favorite food.
Alaric: *drops his smile and steps forward quickly in concern; totally didn't mean to startle Mordred, whoops! but the dark buck quickly regains his composure so all is obviously well. Alaric dips his head back, though his smile does not return* I am... I am well, Mordred. *doesn't sound very convincing, but he moves on, eying the apples scattered about them* Hmm... I have never tried an apple, but I trust your taste. *he finds an apple that looks tasty enough and takes a bite--and oh guardians where have these fruits even been all his life? Alaric looks up with astonishment* This is... good! *admires the tree, fluff-tail waggling* I can see why apples are your favorite food. *feeling giddy, he returns to his apple again, asking before he takes another bite* Other than well-fed, how have you keep keeping, Mordred?
Mordred: *A soft smile flickers over his stern features when Alaric too finds enjoyment in the apples. But it disappears quickly at the question.* I have been well enough, I have been thinking too much lately about the trip ahead. And my brother.. *A dark look crosses the hart's face then vanishes with the change of thought.* I have been gathering apples as a way to keep myself productive. It is a simple method to keep ill thoughts at bay.
Alaric: *disappointed that Mordred's smiles never last, and likes that dark look even less. his first thought is to ask about his brother, all too familiar with... family problems himself, but he decides not to pry, instead perking up at the mention of the trip. it has been lurking in the back of his mind since he was invited along, and Alaric feels excited all over again* I am looking forward to the trip with you, Mordred. But you should not worry so much about it. Is there any way I could help?
Mordred: No, I am afraid not. *Leans down to bite at an apple, rattling the chains on his antlers with the movement. After chewing thoughtfully for a moment he returns his gaze to Alaric.* Though I mean no disrespect. You are already helping me immensely by coming along and I do not think I can thank you enough. I am merely dreading returning to my home even though I am well aware no one remains. Old habits die hard, they say.
Alaric: Very well. *tries not to look as disappointed as he feels, eating his own apple in silence and wishing he could do something for his friend. when Mordred speaks up again, Alaric lifts his head, eyes narrowing as he frowns* You mentioned before you did not think you could make he trip alone. You even called yourself cowardly. *he remembers this so well because it shocked him. Mordred, afraid?* Why do you dread it? And if it holds such bad memories for you, why do you wish to return? *Alaric begins to feel dread creeping in on him too now, especially with the thought that no one remains... his thoughts go to dark places imagining what might have taken place to drive a herd away, and suddenly the trip sounds less like a friendly excursion and more like a mission. studying Mordred with concern, Alaric realizes he doesn't know all that much about his friend after all. damn his unobtrusive ways, it is time to pry and get some answers!*
Mordred: I only wish to return there because it is the only place I know of that high of elevation. I know I will not overheat in the mountains and I know my way there and about the area. *He looks down at his half eaten apple, the thoughts of home making it taste like sand.* I should not be afraid of a place that is uninhabited, it is an irrational fear and I understand this. But it is hard not to fear a place that has treated me so horribly. *Looks at Alaric, a mixture of anger and confusion painting his usually somber face.* Surely you have dealt with something of the same? A fear which others would scoff at but numbs you to the core. I just have to face this fear and I shall be over it, I know I can, but just thinking about going back troubles me so.
Alaric: *this only raises more questions! as Alaric studies Mordred, the chains, the scars, the broken antlers... he feels anger welling up inside, wanting to bring JUSTICE to any herla who had dared hurt him! getting fired up, that look on Mordred's face making Alaric only ache further for his friend, he opens his mouth to speak--only to snap it back shut as Mordred questions him because oh guardians he understands that feeling immediately and blanches, quickly looking away. realizing the reaction must have been telling, Alaric tries to compose himself, embarrassed. he takes a deep breath, and looking back at Mordred, speaks, though a bit more subdued* ...No, it is not irrational. If you have been hurt there, it is understandable you would fear the area. *although he speaks to Mordred, he cannot meet his gaze, suddenly quite somber himself* And I respect you for wanting to face your fear, Mordred. It is my hope that my presence will at the very least offer some comfort when we get there. Although I doubt you would need it, I would protect you. *oh boy Alaric and his compulsion to want to protect everyone and everything ever. he almost immediately regrets saying this, imagining Mordred must be offended. look at him, the buck can obviously take care of himself! why does he try so hard to... what is he trying to do with his constant offers, win his approval? Alaric shakes his head, frustrated* I mean, we could take anything together. There really is nothing to fear, between the two of us. *straightens up a bit at that, noting their physical similarities. big-horn/antler fluffy mountain tag team, yeah!*
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Posted: Mon Jul 04, 2011 12:18 am
*The signs were telling enough, Mordred wasn't alone in his pain even though Alaric didn't wish to voice it just yet. It wasn't much, but he felt some of the weight lift off his shoulders. And if he didn't think Alaric could be even more of a good friend the offer to protect him made Mordred speechless. His smile returned as the fluffy herla tried to cover up his kind words but the offer was still there.* I must say, no one has ever said that before. And I know you do not mean that I am ill suited to defend myself. You must be getting tired of me saying this but thank you, it is an honor that you think highly enough of me to offer your protection. *It was always nice to see Alaric so proud and energetic, it was one reason why he had automatically thought of the hind when he decided to return home. If anyone could lighten the dreary mood that would occupancy the mountain village, it would be Alaric.*
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Posted: Tue Jul 05, 2011 9:50 pm
A FEW DAYS LATER~ He had been waiting at the appointed spot since dawn, unable to sleep the previous night with so many thoughts in his head. Even as he double-double checked the large burlap bag over his back Mordred couldn't stop thinking of the what ifs that could happen. There would be plenty of food on the trip up the mountain, but he was worried about the village's condition. Though Alaric seemed hearty enough herla, the limited pallet of food wouldn't be tough on him. But was he hearty enough to defend off the creatures that had wiped out the village? Surely they would have moved on after such a harsh winter. Mordred and his brother had made sure to properly dispose of the dead and burn almost everything, save the structures. If anything they would merely pass through the town to settle his own fears and then camp somewhere else. Mordred could maneuver in the mountain with his eyes closed, between the two burly herla they would be fine. And more importantly they wouldn't be overheated. Yes, he had to just keep remembering that. There was a reason to going up north, he would never be able to stand the summers here, facing his fear now would just make life easier in the long run. But oh he hoped Alaric showed soon to distract him.
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Posted: Wed Jul 06, 2011 7:13 pm
Like a banner held high, the feathers hanging from his horn swayed with the pounding of bronze hooves as Alaric galloped onwards. Yes, galloped—he might have looked silly, so obviously and boyishly excited, but the mountain hart couldn't help it. Although he had been more hesitant earlier, his spirits gradually began to lift when he finally did set off, and the closer he got to the rendezvous, the freer he felt.
He wouldn't mention his restless night and doubts to Mordred, of course. It had nothing to do with him. No, Alaric only considered staying because he couldn't find more of his family to say goodbye to. It didn't feel right, just up and leaving even if he hadn't seen them in a while. He liked to think they always knew where he was, and what if the one day his mate or children came around, he was gone?
And so Alaric paced in the dark of the forest, wondering if Mordred would be annoyed if he asked for one more day. Or would he just leave without him? In the end, Alaric only managed to say goodbye to Alana and Royce. With Alana, he had just reunited with his daughter, only to tell her that he'd be off again. With that sad smile, Alaric couldn't help but feel like he was abandoning her all over again.
And Royce, well, Alaric was more concerned than usual for his son. He had braced himself before telling him, ready to be firm in his "no," fully expecting the young buck to shoot straight into babbling about yetis in the mountains and couldn't he please come please please please? So when he just smiled and wished him well, Alaric was baffled.
Apparently, Royce had found a reason to stay. That was all well and good, he always did pester his son about not wandering too far (the reason, what was the reason? maybe a hind? ...or a hart? or did Royce finally comes to terms with the fact that his monsters didn't actually exist?), but it made Alaric realize just how distant he was from his family. And with this trip, the distance would only grow. Literally. That is, save for Hollis, if Royce was right and she was indeed living in the mountains. Alaric found himself doubting it, but it's not like he had any better ideas for where his eldest had run off to. He'd just have to keep an eye out.
But all of these bittersweet thoughts flew away from Alaric as he picked up speed. The rushing wind felt good ruffling through his fur, and he knew there wouldn't be much opportunity to run about the craggy terrain of the mountain, so he savored it for now. Spotting that unmistakable figure in the distance, Alaric smiled, quickly closing the distance.
He slowed as he grew closer, though still as he finally stood before Mordred he was restless on his hooves, stumpy tail waggling and giving a breathy laugh. "Mordred! Good to see you! I am not late, am I?"
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Posted: Tue Jul 19, 2011 10:50 pm
Soooo after speaking with Quif, I had Mordred and Arius' backstory wrong so I had to go back and change some small things about my last post. XD No biggie though.
"Alaric! I am very glad to see you." The bushy herla's tail shook for once as he closed the gap between the two of them. His fears were momentarily dispelled at the sight of his ever cheerful companion. "No, you are quite on time, I believe. I do not know about you but I have been too anxious the past few days to do much of anything, let alone sleep. But we shall have a grand time, the two of us adventuring."
It was now or never. He would feel like a coward if he withheld this information until they had already reached the mountain top. Pawing at the ground, Mordred adjusted the load on his back one more time before turning a glowing red eye back to his companion. "I do not mean to begin our journey with such a rough start but I must warn you of possible oncoming danger." Of course, Alaric would give no head to any danger being such a strong and capable herla. "My herd was taken out completely by vicious creatures that lurk in the mountain sides, you could call them our form of your Talons. While I know between the two of us we could take care of a small band of them I do not wish to put your life in danger without you knowing ahead of time."
He hoped the large horned herla wouldn't be outright offended by his warning. And it was very unlikely that the creatures had taken up roost in the ruins of his home. But still Mordred worried, the last thing he wanted to happen was have one of his first and only friends be injured, or worse, because of his thoughtlessness.
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Posted: Fri Jul 22, 2011 12:19 pm
It's all good in the neighborhood. cool
It was hard for Alaric to stop smiling at the sight of his friend, but he tried to put on as serious of face as he could as he chided Mordred. "I hope you got some sleep. I doubt I could stop and wait for you if you suddenly decided it was time for a nap!"
Although he really was kidding, grin returning, Alaric was brimming with energy, feeling like he could take on the whole mountain without stopping. Ha, he felt like a yearling all over again! Fond memories of the Labyrinth Runners returning, the mountain hart wondered what they could call their team. If two herla could even be considered a team, they were more a duo really—
Before he could embarrass himself with such a juvenile topic, Alaric closed his mouth at the sight of his companion's grim look. Straightening, he regarded Mordred seriously now, a deep frown forming on his face at the mention of Talons. With the emergence of veterans from the war, all herla learned just what the Talons were capable of. The scars marring the aged warriors showed it clearly enough, and now these old enemies of the herla, only vaguely known and spoken of before, became all too real.
Alaric was ashamed to feel fear prickling up his spine at the thought of similar creatures that could take out a whole herd, and although he would not hesitate to fight... The idea filled him with dread that easily buried the good mood he held before. But he would be brave when the time came—if the time came. For Mordred.
Trying to push the fear away, the mountain hart tossed his head, his soft brown hair settling no less messily than before as he managed a small smile. "I suppose I have been treating this trip a bit too much like a leisurely hike, but rest assured, I am fully prepared to face any danger we may come across," Alaric had to catch himself from dropping a sardonic 'inevitably' in that sentence, and more seriously, added, "...But your warning is appreciated, Mordred."
He couldn't help but feel his spirits fall again as he turned to gaze towards their destination. Alaric didn't want to believe it was necessary, but he felt he should learn more about the beasts anyway. Just in case. "...These creatures must be fierce indeed if they could take out your whole herd," he turned his soft grey eyes back to Mordred now, concern written all over his face, though he said nothing more. Remembering the contempt he sensed from his friend every time he spoke of his old home, it seemed inappropriate to say 'my condolences' or some such.
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Posted: Fri Jul 29, 2011 12:44 am
Mordred shifted his weight, half worried that reminding the other hart that this indeed was not a pleasure trip would cause him to completely rethink going. But the idea of a true threat did not seem to phase Alaric and in turn his own attitude seemed to lift.
"It is not that they took us out in a single swoop. We have warred with them for many generations. I do not know how exactly they defeated my clan, but they must have been quite cunning and overwhelming to do so." It surprised him how prideful he sounded and he hoped he didn't sound too much like a young buck to his friend. Hoping to switch the conversation he checked his stash one more time. "But what meaning is it to talk about things we will not see for many days if we do not start out our journey?"
As they began walking the dark coated hart decided to ask a question that had been on his mind much the past few days. "You seemed quite ready and willing to go on this trip, I am guessing you have gone on one before?" Of course a hart like Alaric had to have gone adventuring when he was younger, fighting monsters, exploring the world. But the lightning herla seemed to know a thing or two about long expeditions to the great unknown. It was quite admiring, Mordred hoped that type of spirit would rub off on him by the time they got back.
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Posted: Fri Aug 19, 2011 12:02 pm
Cunning! Overwhelming! And to think, generations of these beasts? Mordred's further description of the monsters did little to help Alaric's worry, but he tried not to dwell on it, allowing his friend to steer the conversation away, and steer them onward now, nodding with a quiet chuckle. "Ah, our beginning should be a more momentous occasion!" Apparently still not completely sobered from his childish glee, Alaric outstretched his front leg, setting his hoof down heavily, a dramatic first step... then loped back into a normal gait at Mordred's side.
Contented, the mountain hart considered his friend's question, trying not to fall into his usual reminiscing. "I have always enjoyed exploring the world, though I try not to stray too far when on my own," his smile faltered as Alaric remembered he had basically failed this, wandering too far, too often for his family—and he paused for a moment, then decided not to mention it, instead trying to keep to cheerier memories. "I find traveling with friends," and your lover, but alas, "to be much more enjoyable. I was in a team as a fawn... Obviously, our expeditions then were not as ambitious as this one, but I have always wanted to be a part of another team again."
Alaric cast his eyes downward, maybe a bit embarrassed, though his small smile suggested he had indeed fallen into waxing nostalgic. "We called ourselves the 'Labyrinth Runners,' though we never did find a labyrinth to really run through..." He flicked his eyes upward to Mordred, then puffed up, grinning. "This is the farthest I have left home in quite some time, actually," and with a companion, no wonder he was so eager! "Perhaps we will find a labyrinth, Mordred?"
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Posted: Mon Nov 14, 2011 8:17 pm
Amused by his friend's acts of grandeur the usually somber herla gave a faint smile which grew as the tales of Alaric's childhood were told. Perhaps later on he would go into more detail of these trips, Mordred had always wondered what a regular herla did as a youth. “I guess you could call the forest we will go through a labyrinth of sorts. It is dark and very overgrown, making it hard to pass through if one does not know the way. Though we might want to think of a better name for our expedition than ‘The Labyrinth Duo.’” Was that a hint of humor in his voice? Even if not, the burly reindeer was in more relaxed state than he had ever been.
“But if you did not run labyrinths, surely you found something else of equal venture. Perhaps I can change the course which we will be taking to show you something which you have never seen before.” He had not thought of it till now but he had remembered a few things of the mountain which he enjoyed. They may not be an ancient labyrinth but sight of the valley lost in mist, a massive waterfalls, or glowing flowers after dark might still be new and wonderful to his friend.
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