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 Posted: Tue Jul 12, 2011 3:10 pm
 Chogan had been walking through the woods alone, his eyes darting left and right as he continued to survey the land, always keeping his ears keen to any potential danger. The sunlight trickled down upon his coat, warming him in direct contact, only to be cooled again when the branches above captured the golden rays of the sun for their own. He spooked when he heard a branch crack, only to relax when he realized it had only been his own hoof. He allowed a small smile to grace his features as he relayed the moment, how foolish, he figured.
It wasn't long before he reached a stream. He listened to the bubbling giggles coming from the rushing water for a moment before he went beside it to drink. Stretching out his long neck, he bent down to gulp up the much needed liquid. As he stood again, he looked about himself. He was alone. His heart clenched inside its cage as he wished that he could find someone that understood him. It had been a long time since Chogan had seen his mother, or siblings. He could hardly remember the taste of the apples his mom gave him in the Fall. He sucked in his lips, allowing them to roll out slowly as he lay his head to rest on a rock.
Everything had changed, since the day he had met him... His entire life was no longer safe, and Chogan spent every minute of every day making sure it was as safe as safe could be. Pushing the kelpi from his mind, he looked up at the canopy of trees, sighing heavily. He pushed his feelings aside, and tried as best he could to numb himself.
If only his best could actually succeed.
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Posted: Fri Jul 15, 2011 2:57 am
 Tavshed felt another soft barely audible sigh escape him, the silence felt so..loud. Usually the stallion enjoyed his quiet life hidden away from nearly every other stallion and, mare around. Few creatures or 'others' stayed in the lush green stretch of for4est and, if they did Tavshed had yet to see them. Even though he had purposefully separated himself from the world he longed for some type of companionship...a...friend of sorts. From the cool shadows of his moss covered cave stepped the silent stallion his head high, ears alert for any sounds.
Atop his back rode the poor males only companion..Bau, a well worn and, beloved tiger plush that very few had been allowed to touch. The plush might look silly to some but, for him it brought back memories, faded dark memories but, he couldn't let them go. Plus if he got rid of Bau who would he have? No one that's who. Surely if he lost his one companion the darkness would creep ever closer and forever consume Tavshed in a dark pit of loneliness.
Nothing would ever be right without Bau. Dusting the memories away with a soft snort he stepped ever closer to the sound of bubbling sweet water, clear pure perfection just waiting for him. Waiting to greet him with his own lonely forlorn expression. Yet when Tavshed's foot landed near the grassy edge of the clear sweet water..his eyes met something else..something new that shocked him and, made the poor male freeze in place. Nostrils flaring to take in the strange newcomers scent while purple orbs flicked to a male that had a similar body type to his own. Though his mane hung in a long cascade of unique colors, definitely not like his own short spiky mane. On any other day the shy male might have ran back to his cave with Bau or, said hello but, not today. No. Tavshed merely took a good while to look at Chogan then dipped his head for a silent drink. Even if he did speak..this male would leave like anyone who came..no one wanted to stay with him. Who wanted to stay with someone who could barely speak without feeling pain?
No one that's who.
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Posted: Fri Jul 15, 2011 11:40 am
Chogan spotted the other, his ice blue eyes locking onto the male. He analyzed each muscle, every sway of short mane, and every blink. Chogan's fight for flight suddenly whirling inside his head, screaming that this place was no longer safe, and yet he didn't move. He blinked through the golden rays of the sun as they dusted his face, making it hard to really see the other as he drank from the water.
He was completely, and utterly perplexed. There was no sound exchanged between them as they stared at each other for a long time before the other dipped his head for a drink. No exchange of words, no ear flickers, nothing. It was oddly curious to Chogan, and yet, he reasoned with himself that this was the best way to greet someone. There was no interested in either good or bad. That's what made Chogan feel utterly safe here.
He rolled over, getting moss and twigs in his long mane before standing to shake them out. He looked to the other again. The rules his mother instructed burning in his head, telling him over and over that it wasn't polite to stare, and that a gentlemen should always ask of another's name, only after introducing oneself first. So Chogan did as his mother always told him to.
He took in a deep breath, flicked his ears in curiosity and then said his first words to another living creature in almost months, "Hello, I'm Chogan." After the words flowed from his mouth, all his insecurities came rushing to him. Was that proper enough? Did he slur? What if the other was in fact evil or rude. Would Chogan cry? Would he run away or try to fight? He'd run... He mentally kicked himself for being so weak.
He felt that his brief introduction was short and nothing to go on, and thus, he opened his mouth, not really thinking about what he was beginning to say,"This is a beautiful place yeah? I wander mostly, and I haven't come across something as pretty as this in a long time. He nodded, looking around in accomplishment. "I could live here..." The words rushed out, making him instantly snap his jaw shut as he realized not only was he rambling, but he knew the code of conduct with other stallions. He learned it the hard way... Do not invade another's territory. He ducked his head, submitting himself lower than the other in a way to apologize for his hastened words, praying the other didn't have serrated teeth hiding under that blackened mouth.
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Posted: Sat Jul 16, 2011 4:42 am
When the other stallion went to move Tavshed stayed put but, cautiously lifted his head to take in the rolling male. He didn't look too tense, or frightened. Some feared him he knew, because of his pale coat, markings and, inability to speak more than a few mumbled soft words. Even then he looked in pain..which either worried those that got close or, made them think they had said/done something wrong. Only when the stallion moved closer did he tense up and, flicker his purple eyes over the now named male. Chogan. With a faint reassuring smile he locked eyes with the other a way, he hoped would show he meant no harm. After a bit of hesitation he spoke in his soft weak voice. "H-hi...ah..Tavshed." Bowing his head he turned and poked his nose very gently to tap Bau. "Bau..."
Introductions over his eyes stayed on Chogan taking in his facial features..the way he moved and, looked so..nervous. Did he fear him? Feeling kind of down Tavshed looked away with the lonely feeling coming back ten fold. Still the other talked about how pretty it was here..how he could live in the forest. That had Tavshed perking up a curious pleased expression bubbling forth. "N-nice......I..am..n-no..scary.." Every word came out with a slight grimace save the word he typically used..like no and, I etc. The other words had his throat aching which made him again bend his head to drink. The water always helped soothe any pain he might feel however, even it couldn't fully help for long. Feeling bad for..maybe scaring Chogan..and, feeling even more lonely suddenly Tavshed turned to hurriedly walk off, his head hanging dejectedly. It just couldn't be helped..he felt so down..so alone. Did everyone really fear him that much? Maybe he had just been made to stay alone. A hermit.
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Posted: Sat Jul 16, 2011 11:43 am
Chogan smiled as Tavshed introduced the stuffed toy. Already he had his mind, mostly made up about the other. He seemed to be gentle, after all, no evil soq Chogan had ever run into carried a plushie around, and believe him, he'd met his fair share.
He laughed softly, deep within his throat as the other made it crystal clear that he wasn't "scary." Maybe it was because Chogan wasn't used to social interaction anymore, but he felt certain no evil soq would go that far to say they weren't. Crystal eyes scanned over the other, paying close attention to Tavshed's throat that seemed to be causing his voice to come out in strained whispers almost. He grimaced, pity drowning out his eyes. It seemed that the other had a past, a story, and it didn't seem to be bright and shining.
Before the young stallion could speak, the other was beginning to move away already. Chogan's heart squeezed, causing him to move without thinking. "I don't know my way around here..." he ventured bravely. "Perhaps...you could show me?" The words hung in the air like lightning ready to strike the caster. Chogan felt he'd either be bit, or rewarded, but nothing in between.
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Posted: Sat Jul 16, 2011 8:46 pm
As he tried to move away Chogan seemed..to follow. So he didn't find him scary? A tiny ember of hope sparked in Tavshed but, he refused to think too much on it. Knowing he had nothing else to do that day except..sulk and, find a few over ripe apples to eat he gave a tentative, shy little nod. Lifting his head back to it's usual place the stallion went back to walking but, at a more relaxing pace. What should he show Chogan first? He rarely had anyone around so..he found it hard to focus. Especially when the loneliness threatened to swoop back in, to make him feel so very alone all over again.
With the warm sun back upon his back he let a faint smile twitch onto his lips, then he spoke again wishing it didn't sound so pained. "....Show..ah C-chogan meadow? V-very...hn....." No no he couldn't get the word out! His throat felt like it had closed up making him suddenly breathe loudly through his nostrils. No! Determination flashed in his purple orbs even as his short tail flickered and ears pressed back into his short spiky mane. "P-p....P-pretty." Well there went one of his last words for a bit..it felt as if mice had crawled down his throat and, were scratching trying to break free. Years of the same pain made Tavshed shake it off and, move onward to show Chogan the way to one of his favorite areas. The time walking there ended up being silent..but, it felt pleasing so Tavshed couldn't and didn't wish to break it..not yet. Their arrival made a large more relaxed smile warm his features. Without words he sort of nodded his head at the tall almost 'knee' high grasses that swayed at the slightest touch of a breeze. Wildflowers of many kinds were plentiful making the place alive with life..bees buzzed, birds chirped..for a bit the darkness lifted. Tavshed could spend forever in the meadow..it's the place he had first stumbled upon those many years before with Bau. The place he now lovingly called home. It might get lonely but, even then he couldn't leave. The world had too many bad things in it..too many scary hurtful things..in his slightly naive mind he thought nothing could get him here. Not in the forest, bad things would stay away here. Smiling his typical soft little smile Tavshed moved towards the far right side of the meadow, apples would be in season soon..some were early to the forest though which made him happy. A few moments of walking around and, around the few tall trees brought him to the end, to a large apple tree with wide spread branches already laden with green bits of fruit. That wasn't what Tavshed wanted..no he turned his eyes downward in a hunt for an early apple that, might have fallen to the soft grass below. "Hn....ah!" There! His eyes caught sight of a slightly bruised but, edible red apple. It had to be one of the first ones before fall finally came, with a triumphant smile he picked it up. Yes, now he could share with..well Chogan hadn't become a friend yet but, for Tavshed who had only one or two friends..he never passed up such a chance. Especially if it meant making the lonely feeling go away.
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Posted: Mon Jul 18, 2011 12:21 pm
Chogan walked behind Tavshed, wondering what caused him to sputter and wince so much. He came to two conclusions. Either Tavshed didn't speak Chogan's native language fluently, or something was causing him pain. Maybe he was sick? Chogan almost went up to look him straight in the eye and open his mouth like his mother used to, but refrained, opting to clear his throat from the impulse. That would be a little weird...
He followed Tavshed into a meadow, his eyes instantly glazing over with nostalgia. "When I was little, I grew up in a meadow, like this one. I had two siblings, a brother and a sister." A smile came to Chogan's face as he remembered his spitfire of a sister and his goofy brother.
"My brother was kidnapped by harpies and my sister ran off after that... I guess I did too, but I ran into someone not too nice and almost ended up dying. I've been alone ever since..." He instantly straightened up, fighting the feeling of bolting away. He had just...opened his mouth and just kept going.
"I mean, I...I didn't mean to dump that on you. Just...an apple tree...a meadow..." He looked away, ashamed. "I don't want to ruin your meadow with my memories."
Chogan sighed heavily, trying to find something else to say, but no words seemed appropriate., till he allowed his brain to shut up and his mouth did all the talking. "I guess I'm just...lonely."
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Posted: Mon Jul 18, 2011 7:42 pm
Hearing Chogan speak made him pause his ears pricked to attention then back when he heard..the sadness in his voice. What was a harpie? Something about it sounded dreadful..so he didn't ask. Stepping from the tree with the apple still held he managed a sigh though, it was a muffled one thanks to the piece of fruit. Everything he said..about being lonely abut, his family felt so familiar...it felt as if someone had shoved a dull blade through Tavshed's already saddened heart.
Memories of his own family..faded distant memories..assaulted his mind, his body tensed while his head lowered to drop the apple at Chogan's feet. Keeping it low he spoke in a finally more clear voice though, towards the end it tapered off with weakness. "Lonely...me too..always alone..always..bad things n-not..not get me here..no.." Snorting he shook away the thoughts his purple orbs and, head rising to meet Chogan's. They held sadness, pain but, no pity..for he felt the exact same way. "N-no...family.." Whispering the pale stallion leaned in to nuzzle and nose at the males darker body, forever mindful of his horns.
Could he really tell someone he had just met..about the dark evil lurking outside the forest? Chogan seemed to know but, it felt like a different kind of evil had ruined his life and, made him lonely. Still they were alike. Alike in the loss of family, in loss of friendship, companionship. Being alone felt so dull, so terribly awful..part of Tavshed would rather face the evil lurking outside his happy little meadow..outside the 'safe' forest than feel the loneliness. With one final reassuring gentle nuzzle he stepped back to lightly poke the apple closer to his new..friend? He hoped so. "Dark thing..d-dark..bad..k-killed them...family...gone. V-voice gone..I-i.......hn...F-from...screaming..s-so..so much..."
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Posted: Tue Jul 19, 2011 10:53 pm
Chogan's cheeks flushed red at the nuzzle from the other stallion. His heart ached as he listened to the other, his own eyes glazing with memories that were equally as painful as Tavshed's own. He felt an impulse to lean into the other, but remained where he stood, for fear of rejection or scaring him away.
They were almost twins at heart, sharing each other's memories and pain, yet each memory was different and the pain presented itself differently. Yet it was all there, as clear as glass, and as painful as a thousand needles crashing into Chogan's skin. He felt cold, as Tavshed moved away from him.
Chogan listened to that scratchy voice, trying so hard to speak, and with every breath, Chogan could see the pain in his eyes, caused by that throat. He listened, yet he wanted the other to stop, not because Chogan didn't like listening, but because he couldn't stand watching the other suffer, just so silence didn't linger in the air.
He looked down at the apple presented in front of his hooves, smiling at it warmly, his heart speeding up a bit. The idea of someone else there, was warming and for once, freeing. There was no weight of fear coming from Chogan. For once, he could look upon someone else and know they had no intention of hurting him.
The young stallion moved before thinking and pressed his head up against Tavshed's throat as the other struggled to talk. "I don't want you to force yourself to talk, if it hurts..." He was certainly left with questions that were plaguing the back of his mind, tickling his brain stem and luring him to ask, but he refrained. His heart burned with a soft fury as he thought of his own family. What would it have been like if his family had been killed? He always said he'd be there to protect his mother, and yet here he was, no where near her. Was she okay? Did she miss him?
The dark thing.... He wanted to know, for it chilled his soul to the core and made his heart sputter, but the last thing he wanted was for his first friend in months to hurt himself, just to keep a conversation going. Even if it was one that seemed to outline the both of them as stallions.
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Posted: Thu Oct 27, 2011 12:22 pm
Startling slightly from the soft feel of the other stallions head against his aching throat made a delicate, faint little smile spark to life on Tavshed's saddened face.
It felt so wonderful....to no longer be alone, even though he had done this to himself, separated himself from others for as long as he possibly could..just so they wouldn't get harmed if the dark thing found him.
Even though it hurt to talk, part of his mind battled and begged to speak..to talk until he couldn't any longer but, the other side wished only to rest..to be near the warm kind Chogan and have some sense of life..some sense of peace.
Smile brightening Tavshed let his own head fall forward a bit to nuzzle and flip at Chogan's pretty mane. Yes..company felt nice..why couldn't he face his demons? Why couldn't he fix his voice and, finally rid himself of..those dark memories.
Since his new friend had said he shouldn't' speak if it hurt, that left little for Tavshed to do except to look about, to stare worriedly into the shadows around them...it would be sunset soon, then it would be time for him to flee to the safety of his cave before something happened.
He couldn't stay out in the darkness, if he did..shaking a little the slightly panicked looking stallion mentally berated himself for all these thoughts, trying to will them away so he could spend the last bit of the peaceful day with Chogan. Would the other leave and, never return as so many others had? Would he come back to visit?
He hoped with all his heart that Chogan would not leave..for a moment he wished selfishly for the kind male to stay there in the forest with him forever.
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