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 Posted: Thu Jul 04, 2013 8:29 pm
They were friends.
To Iki'ryo, Ashriel was his best friend, and yet. . . . That was all. That was all they'd ever be, and he could say and do nothing to change that. The spirits would not grant him joy returned, he was certain, if the chain around his neck and leg told him anything; if the pain he suffered constantly wasn't reminder of his father's folly. No, it was hopeless, and all he could do was cling on to his friend and hope upon hope that. . . maybe, just maybe, the world would pay Ashriel little heed. Maybe, just maybe, he would find no other friends, find no others of interest, and Iki'ryo could always be a pillar in his life.
It was horrible, really, for the ebony stallion to think such selfish and cruel thoughts. Horrible for him to, perhaps, wish to deny his friend happiness simply out of fear of losing his own, but they were there all the same. It was, perhaps, Iki'ryo's own form of crazy -- he had always been ridiculously protective of most of his family, had always hated to see them go away, had always hated that he needed always keep a distance due to his fire mane. But. . . they had left.
They had all grown up, had all moved on with their lives, and Iki'ryo loathed them for it. They were his family, just as Ashriel was his best-friend. And yet. . . He couldn't keep them. Couldn't hold on to them. He was never wanted back, not as much as his extreme feelings demanded and desired of others. He was not the favored son, just as he was nothing more to Ashriel.
Oh, how it angered the stallion, but, his feelings were his own. He couldn't change them, even when he tried. And so it was, the black stallion pushed his way through the foliage. He was hoping to track his friend, hoping to trail him, hoping to find him returning to where they had last met. . . At the very least, he could keep an eye on him from afar. At the very least, he could . . .make an excuse for showing up.
Stalker much? . . . . . no. They were friends. He was allowed to hunt down his friend, wasn't he? He just wanted to make sure that Ashriel was safe, and that was exactly what he intended to do. So long as he could find him.
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Posted: Thu Jul 04, 2013 11:24 pm
Ashriel was having an absolutely marvelous time. He had successfully rescued a foal from the clutches of a devious tumbleweed. ... That it had involved more playing with the foal than actual rescuing wasn't the important part. They'd had a nice conversation, and he sensed that they had developed a deep rapport. One day, the foal would be a warrior, too. It was his sworn and solemn duty to be a warrior on the side of light, and to right wrongs, and turn back the darkness. His blindness rendered it a somewhat meandering path, but he was certainly capable of great things. He knew that.
It was a great honor to be a warrior, and he meant to do his father proud. Unfortunately, due to his current lack of company, he would have to do so in a rather less expeditious manner. His was an epic quest, a destiny of great magnitude, and if he was somewhat less equal to the task at hoof, it was not for lack of trying. So he ambled amiably down that path, bumbling a bit at times, and bumping into things every now and again (oh, he was so sorry, he hadn't heard you there). Cheerfully, he wandered into the clearing where he had last encountered his dear, dear companion, and awaited his return. While he waited, he began to sing a song of battle.
"The Minstrel Boy to the war is gone
In the ranks of death you will find him;
His father's sword he hath girded on,
And his wild harp slung behind him;
"Land of Song!" said the warrior bard,
"Tho' all the world betrays thee,
One sword, at least, thy rights shall guard,
One faithful harp shall praise thee!"
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Posted: Thu Jul 04, 2013 11:41 pm
Thankfully for the stallion, he did not have to track his companion far. While he had not been witness to Ashriel's great feats against the tumbleweed, nor his bonding with the young foal, he was on his trail and had little realization of where his companion would head. Thank the spirits he had stuck to a nearby area, and hadn't roamed somewhere completely far~! To think of his friend out there all alone, and very much so blind, with no amount of beasts and monsters ready to make the kill, was maddening for the stallion.
It was a dangerous world, and while he believed in his fellow warrior 100%, he also feared for him and his safety. Iki'ryo knew of all the crazed monsters out there, being that his own father was one. Spirits forbid Ashriel ever have to cross paths with Shyam. Thankfully, as far as Iki'ryo were aware, all was well . . and would continue to be well. He would keep his best friend safe, no matter the cost. . .
At least. . .At least that was what he'd liked to do! The stallion hadn't officially said as much to Ashriel, nor was it likely he would, but. . . the longer he worried and fretted and grew frustrated with his friend being apart, the more he yearned to simply devote himself to his cause. That way Ashriel wouldn't have to be alone, and Iki'ryo could keep him all to himself. Forever. No new friends. No new loved ones.
Only Iki'ryo.
Ah, how pretty such thoughts were to the stallion. They brightened all the more when he caught a familiar voice on the wind, and the scent of his companion grew stronger. Ashriel wasn't far at all! Hastening his pace, the ebony creature was relieved to find his companion lingering in a familiar clearing. This was where they had last parted ways, so to find him back was something akin to joyous. A relieved smile crossed the black eyed stallions features, and he allowed the tension and irritation to instantly be swept away. Bridging the distance between himself and his friend, he waited for the song to finish before speaking up. "I didn't know you were a bard as well as warrior. I suppose it is true that you learn something new everyday."
How adorable he was, singing to himself like that. How absolutely, utterly, adorable. That was his friend. . HIS friend. His best friend, singing like a natural songbird! Take that, world.
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Posted: Thu Jul 04, 2013 11:53 pm
Oh! How delightful to no longer be so alone! "Ah! Yes, I do sing. I had not mentioned it, I suppose, because I did not think it was important. It's something to bide the time as I make my journeys." Something to keep him company when there was no other voice to hear. Ashriel smiled brightly, pleased by that familiar and oh so fond voice. He knew that voice very, very well. Iki'ryo's walk, too, was particular to him, and he listened to the hoof beats of his dear friend, delighting in them. Iki'ryo always smelled a little bit like fire, but given that the stallion's mane was literally made of flame, that was no surprise.
Ashriel was, as always, a little a-shambles. His feathers were ruffled and out of place, and his sleek mane was a bit tousled. But he had been out saving the world once again! He had triumphed today, and he was ever so proud of it. "I will have you know, flameheart, that I defeated a vile tumbleweed, intent upon holding a foal captive. It wasn't aware of its own nature, of course, but it did have the foal in its grasp..." And that was the sneaky thing about it. It hadn't known what it had been doing.
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Posted: Fri Jul 05, 2013 2:43 am
Iki'ryo did indeed notice the newly tousled look of his companion. His tail swished in both irritation and concern, his black gaze sweeping over his companion critically -- what was out of place, what was not as it should be? He was not ashamed to admit that he knew every curve of his body, every muscle shape, every hair on his head, and he wanted to make sure that he was fine. Scratches, cuts, bruises, wounds. . . ? Where any present? Did he have to go out and destroy something or someone whom might have harmed his Ashriel!?
Thankfully, it did not entirely seem the case. All of this came from tumbleweed, and Iki'ryo had to resist bridging the distance completely between them. No, as much as he wanted to preen those ruffled feathers, or settle his hair back in to place, he refrained . . . for the moment. He would not be so demanding of his friends company, even if he yearned for it. "Of course it's important," he countered with a small snort, nose crinkling in horror. It was important because it was simply another facet of knowledge concerning Ashriel . . . and anyone who stated it was not important, was in for a sound beating. "At least I think as much. Perhaps I'll simply have to start calling you Songbird?" He questioned, keeping the wistfulness out of his voice as best he could manage.
If only Ashriel knew. If only he could tell him. . . But. That would be catastrophic. They were friends. . . only friends. And that was torment enough.
When his red-maned companion called him by his nickname, flameheart, Iki'ryo's heart soared. No one had ever called him by such a name, and if they had, he likely would have callously laughed at them. But this was Ashriel, and the bitter, angry stallion often gave him allowances that he did no other. His friend was a balm to his usual snarky soul, and hearing him call him by such a name. . . . it. . . It felt good. If only. . . If only he meant it to be more. To be his true heart, to be his in return. Ah, but that is where the truth pulled him down to the reality of the situation -- it was just a name, only a name, no more, no less.
He was but Iki'ryo, the friend. . . . "Aware of its own nature or not, you did good rescuing that foal. Was the chap grateful, or did he simply turn tail and run?" Ah, to even be jealous of a foal -- it was ridiculous, but it was one more creature out there that took Ashriel from him; one more moment that Iki'ryo could not share. He wanted every second, every minute, every breath of his friends time. . . . and that was something he would never, ever have.
"I can see why you look, perhaps, a bit mussed, though I'm glad you don't seem hurt anywhere." Black eyes danced back over his companion, though he . . . perhaps. . . might have been more interested in admiring than focusing on possible wounds.
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Posted: Fri Jul 05, 2013 11:43 am
"You may call me whatever you wish, flameheart," Ashriel said gaily, shaking out his mane. It slipped down his back and to the ground once more, but he didn't care. Ashriel wasn't particularly stuck on the appearance he presented, in part due to the fact that he had no way of knowing what that was, visually, and in part due to the fact that he was not the least bit concerned about whatever it might be. Iki'ryo would still be his dear, dear friend if he was rumpled. "And I thank you. I do like to sing." Mostly battle songs, however. He didn't sing just anything. He was, after all, a fierce and mighty warrior, and sometimes warriors required music in their questing.
He had beaten back dark creatures a number of times, even the likes which other Soquili might consider to be legitimate threats. It was only that he didn't stop there. Wherever there was trouble, he tried to intervene. "Oh, yes. He was quite grateful. Do you know, I think he'll come to be a warrior himself, someday?" Of which he was terribly proud. "We spoke of the war against evil, and he seemed very moved." And not at all afraid! Excellent, truly excellent. "I'm not at all hurt, as you can surely tell."
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Posted: Fri Jul 05, 2013 12:30 pm
If only his friend knew how his words tore him up. If only his friend knew how such innocent rhetoric struck his heart and ripped it to pieces. Oh, of all the things he could call Ashriel, of all the names he could give his very best-friend in the entire world. . . . Ah, but if he ever did give in to his desire, if he ever did speak what was on his heart and mind, well. . . .
Then Ashriel would be his friend, no longer.
Then, his winged companion, would be . . . would be what? Probably more than a little alarmed, and very much so driven away. No, there were some things that were better kept a secret, so it was the black stallion kept his lips sealed. He would not ruin what little he had, not over . . . not over some wanton hope. They were friends, and that was all they were ever going to be. For Iki'ryo, that was enough, because it had to be enough.
"Well, then. I shall look forward to hearing more songs, as I know none myself." It was . . mostly true. Some of the lullaby's his father had crooned to them while foals were far too twisted for him to even think about, much less admit to. No, songs did not come easy for the serious stallion, though it was certainly good to hear Ashriel sing. He'd need encourage such a thing.
"You may not be hurt, but your wings could look a little less disheveled. Do you mind if I help?" He finally questioned, taking another step closer. There was no sense in letting his friend look so disheveled, and though Ashriel didn't fly, it didn't mean his wings needed to look molten or unkempt. Surely he could be of some aid. . . .and if preening him happened to only be an excuse to touch, well. . . . Iki'ryo would behave.
He wouldn't ever hurt or alarm his friend. His friend. His best friend, forever, and ever. He was allowed to worry, was allowed to touch, was allowed to fret and care for the stallion. Regardless how Iki'ryo felt, they were, above all else, friends, and that's what friends were for. "Mmph. Recruiting pages already, I see. Perhaps someday you'll meet him again, and you'll see what an inspiration to the world you truly are." If he bared his fangs while he spoke, if he glowered even as he spit out the words that burned, Ashriel could not see.
The jealousy of this foal, of this future warrior, dug deep. He hated himself for feeling that way, and yet. . . It was just a future threat. A future someone that the spirits could pit back upon Ashriel one day, either as threat to his life, or a threat to Iki'ryo's friendship. It wasn't that he didn't want his friend to follow his dreams and succeed; he just didn't want him to go so far as to upset what they had.
They were friends, and Iki'ryo did not wish to share. Not even for a moment.
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Posted: Fri Jul 05, 2013 12:50 pm
There were, of course, reasons for Iki'ryo to fear confessing his feelings to Ashriel. After all, on one dark day, Iki'ryo's own father had changed Ashriel's life forever, and some of his innocence had forever been lost. There were dark, dark things in the world, and no matter how hard Ashriel tried to combat that, at his core, he would do anything to save the life of an innocence... even if it was at the cost of his own safety and happiness. He had been a martyr to his own cause that day, that night, and that had forever changed him on a fundamental level. Still, he was a good stallion, and one who believed in protecting those who could not protect themselves, as well as stamping out the evil in the land.
And so, there were indeed reasons to fear such a confession. But Iki'ryo's fears would not be substantiated. Even had Ashriel rejected him, which was no guarantee, he would not have cut him off. They would still have been as close as always. To Ashriel, there was no more loyal companion, and having a companion like Iki'ryo enriched his life. "And I shall sing you more songs, flameheart," he said with a faint smile. "For now, perhaps, you might trouble yourself to make good on your offer. I'm afraid I probably look a fright."
Probably, if Iki'ryo was responding as he was. "Mm, perhaps. Perhaps I will live to know of his valor." It was a nice dream, certainly. To be inspiring on that level... was certainly something Ashriel desired. "But you are troubled, my flameheart. Why is that?" What was wrong? Why was his best friend so distraught? Iki'ryo was trying hard to conceal his distress, but Ashriel was quite familiar with the tones that others used. After all, that was how he experienced the world-- through sound, through touch, through smell.
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Posted: Sat Jul 06, 2013 12:43 am
Iki'ryo stepped forward as his friend gave his consent, moving over to his side and taking a close look at Ashriel's dual set of wings. His sister and father sported a similar pair, being of angeni blood. Well, at least his father looked to be one -- Iki'ryo knew how much of a beast he was, how much of a wretched creature he could become. It angered the stallion that his beloved and sweet mother allowed and tolerated such behavior from Shyam. . .
How on earth could she love him?
How on earth could she tolerate him, could she defend him? He loved his mother, just as he loved his sisters, but his father. . . Oh, that monster was one he could not help but loathe. No good came of Shyam, and it would have been better for them all had he been slaughtered long before this day. Even if it meant that he, Iki'ryo, would not have ever been born, such a fate would have been worth it had Shym never met Ashriel.
His friend. His friend. His most absolute, best, and wonderful friend, whom had been deceived by his father's manipulations. Oh, how he regretted such a thing, and oh, what he would give to change that day. But he could not, and all he could hope was that Ashriel continued to stay safe, and that Shyam would stay far, far away. If his father dared approach, Iki'ryo would not hesitate to attack, to drive his father away, to slaughter him in cold blood.
Ah, but that. . . that was neither here, nor there.
Focusing on the task at hand, the black stallion reached out and ever so tenderly began to preen the stallions wings. He started with the top set, doing his best to smooth down the upset feathers, and occasionally dig through to pick out a particularly broken, bent, or loose one. He made sure to be careful, not wanting to pull feathers that weren't ready to come out, and he certainly didn't wish to hurt him. So, he was gentle with his ministrations, and was grateful he had much practice with his own.
"You look just fine. Never a fright." He commented through a mouthful of feathers. It was the truth -- even if it were perhaps quite the biased truth. Even if his mane was tangled, his feathers ratty, and he rolled around in mud for a week, he would still look the most perfect angel. The most perfect temptation.
Flameheart. Oh, if only Ashriel truly knew the flame within his heart. . . His painful, shameful secret. Ah, but there he was, discussing his new apprentice, his new prodigy, his new knight. His replacement. So what if the young foal was but a colt, that dind't matter. . . . What mattered was that he was one small ripple, one small change that could one day be the end of their friendship. Could one day be the one which Iki'ryo lost Ashriel forever to. . . . Someday, Iki'ryo would be replaced, by a lover, by a new friend, by an apprentice. . .by a foal. . . and oh how it terrified him to think of such a day. Unfortunately, such a fate was inevitable.
When his companion suddenly questioned his troubles, Iki'ryo almost froze. He discarded the feathers he had collected, taking but a moment to consider his words. Grunting, the stallion gave a small snort and a swift dismissal. ". . . what? I'm fine, Ash. Just. . .just fine." He assured, or at least did his best to do so. "Trouble hangs heavy over many hearts, but it's nothing new. I'm fine, honest." As fine as he could be. . .
As fine as he tried to be, as fine as he pretended to be. No, Iki'ryo was not fine, but this was a conversation he was not ready to have. Maybe it was a conversation he'd never be ready to face, but for now, he wanted nothing more than to make sure Ashriel was well. "This might tickle." He warned, before nosing his way underneath the others top most wing, and working on some of the secondary and tertiary feathers below. It would be harder to talk with a mouthful of his friends wing. . .
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Posted: Sat Jul 06, 2013 10:06 pm
Ashriel hummed pleasantly as Iki'ryo began to preen him, settling comfortably to enjoy the attention. Had he known Iki'ryo's thoughts, he might have been ashamed. That night... was not the proudest moment of his life. It was, in fact, quite the opposite. He was deeply, deeply ashamed for how weak he had been, so easily manipulated! But he had been trying to protect the innocent from a darkness which they never could have fought. Instead, he had... he had... been devoured himself. In so many ways. The shame of it was a blot on his pride, and an unforgettable lesson. Ash had known for sometime that Iki'ryo was Shyam's son. It was impossible to mistake the scent of that dark stallion for anything else.
And Ashriel was so attuned to scents. While he had known of Iki'ryo's parentage, or at least his relation, he had not let it stop him. No, Iki'ryo was too good, too sweet, to be judged by the actions of his father. Iki'ryo was not, and never would be his father. He was a wonderful stallion whose support meant the world to Ashriel. It was also probably the difference between success and failure, and while Ash did not let it slip, he knew that. "You are too fond, flame-of-mine."
His flame. His friend. The most troubled hero that he had ever known. "I know very well how I must look. I felt the tug of the tumbleweed when I wrestled with it. I can smell the dirt." He was surely a mess, and he was not worried about it. It simply was. Cheerfully, he leaned into that grooming mouth, thinking of the deeds the foal might one day accomplish. He was terribly proud of the choice he'd made, just... terribly.
Though Ashriel was unaware of Iki'ryo's feelings, he certainly was fond of his companion. Still, he would never have exchanged him for another, and would fight to the bitter end not to give him up. No one, no one in the world could replace him. The only Soquili in the world that Ashriel felt so strongly about aside from his friend were his family members, and the bond they shared, though just as deep, was quite different. Different in ways that were undefinable, but certainly profound.
"Mmm, that doesn't sound terribly convincing, flameheart." No, it did not sound at all convincing. "I think something is bothering you, but if you'd rather not tell me, I understand." He would simply have to work it out on his own-- all for Iki'ryo's own good, of course!-- in due course. "It might tick-- ahaha!" ... Yes. Yes, it did. Oh it did. Oh dear, what was Iki'ryo doing? Ashriel tried to turn his head around to nose at Iki'ryo, but the stallion was juuuust out of his reach. "What are you doi-- ooh!" That tickled. That most definitely tickled.
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Posted: Sun Jul 07, 2013 1:57 am
"You are too fond, flame-of-mine."
Once again, the stallion felt his insides twist, and the dagger cut his heart just a little deeper. Such names, such silliness, such . . . . hopelessness. Unfortunately, an edge of white panic cut through his affections, even as he considered his companions words. Too fond. . . Oh, wasn't that the understatement of the century, of the world. There was no way his friend could possibly know his true feelings, though the black eyed stallion feared (for even a moment) Ashriel might suspect. Was that perhaps an unspoken hint? A request to . . . reign in his behavior? As far as Iki'ryo were concerned, he acted no different than he had before, but . . Too fond. He was too fond and maybe that was exactly the problem.
Tucking the little nugget of advice in the back of his mind, something to ponder later, the stallion continued with his dutiful grooming. He didn't comment further on his friends appearance, in part because he did worry that his words might belie the reality of the situation; also, because it could get tricky speaking when dealing with a mouthful of feathers No, it was better to bite his tongue, to reign in his praises and compliments, and simply admire from afar.
Sometimes he was a bad judge of distance, especially when it came to the narrow path he walked between friend and wannabe-lover. They were of a similar root, and Iki'ryo already felt lost somewhere within their web.
"I think," he started carefully, trying to navigate their conversation away from his issues, from his pain, from his so painfully-obvious crush, "that if it gets any worse, I'll let you know. But until then, it's nothing I can't handle." He assured in his usual stoic way. Thankfully, though, Ashriel was indeed ticklish, and the way the stallion responded to his grooming was more than he could ask for. His own, leonine tail wagged despite himself, and a fond smile crept beneath his silver mask. "I'm grooming you, that's what. Now do try to hold still. . . you'll only make it worse!" He teased, this time blatantly burying his nose within those sensitive feathers, just trying to give his friend a bit of a rough time. A little tickling was innocent enough, especially because it had happened while grooming.
Still, he was careful where his companion reached out to touch; his head was safe, but his mane was still hot. It burned Iki'ryo constantly, left blisters, scars, and cracked and seared flesh that never quite healed; he didn't wish to involuntarily hurt his blind companion.
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Posted: Tue Jul 09, 2013 7:16 pm
It was so strange, so peculiar, that his dear friend was always so sad. He had never been able to figure out what to do to make him happy. "See that you do tell me, flameheart, for your sadness pains me dearly." There was something profoundly sad, something deeply tragic, about Iki'ryo. Ashriel had tried before to understand it, but he hadn't quite been able to put his hoof on what, precisely, was wrong. Unfortunately, focusing on anything but the tickling he was receiving was all but impossible. "Iki'ryo!" Ashriel protested, unable to keep from laughing helplessly as his companion continued to groom him. It was plain to him that Iki'ryo was tickling him on purpose.
"Fiend!" He couldn't hold still, try though he might. That tickled far too much, and he attempted to veer out of reach of that devious mouth, more laughter escaping him. "Ikiiii'ryoooo!" That was unfair, and they both knew it. Had Ashriel been the glaring kind, he would have done so, but as it was, he stamped a protesting hoof. "Flameheart, please."
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Posted: Fri Jul 12, 2013 9:52 pm
The stallion heard his friends inquiry, and a small part of him absolutely bemoaned the tragedy of their situation. For how kind and sweet Ashriel was to him, to call him flameheart. . . He . . . He wanted there to be more behind those words. He wanted there to be some spark of affection, some love that went beyond their close friendship. Ah, but that wasn't the case, nor would it ever be. Surely, the spirits wouldn't be so kind.
So, the stallion opted not to respond, too busy burying his muzzle in his friends wings. He was honestly trying to groom him, or at least, it had been his intention. Now that he was making Ashriel squirm and wriggle and writhe, now that he was causing his friend a little laughter, he decided grooming could wait. It was a good excuse to get close to him, or at least stay close to him, just for a few moments longer. Unfortunately, Ashriel did attempt to veer away, and Iki'ryo allowed him such an endeavor. There was no use in dragging the game on, no use in turning his friends laughter to annoyance. Dark eyes gazed out sadly at his blind friend, and the wantoness within them was devastatingly prominent.
". . . All right, all right. I promise, I'll be more dutiful to my tasks. I suppose those sensitive wing feathers weren't looking too poorly." He admitted, stepping after his friend. "That was only one wing, you realize. I've three more yet to fuss over, if you'll allow it. Promise, I'll behave. "
Oh, he'd behave. He'd have to. . . It wasn't fair to his friend to let his deeper feelings get in the way of their friendship. Bad behavior only made the ache worse, after all, and he didn't want to risk it. Ashriel was no fool.
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Posted: Sun Jan 05, 2014 8:31 pm
Iki'ryo at last ceased his teasing ministrations, and Ashriel could once more breathe. He pouted slightly, for the fiery stallion had tormented him without mercy. Ashriel pranced in placed, shifting uneasily, putting a hoof down with more firmness than he felt. "Do you promise, fireheart, not to tickle?" He ruffled his feathers. "If I have three more wings to fuss over, you must behave very well." The blind angeni raised his head, tossing it anxiously. As much as he enjoyed his friend's attentions, he was quite sensitive to tickling, and that was simply too much.
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Posted: Wed Jan 08, 2014 8:44 pm
Black eyes watched as his long maned companion pouted and gave every sign of alarm and anxiety. Black ears folded, briefly, against his head in momentary distress -- if his companion was so anxious over tickling, then he could only imagine what sort of unfortunate rift would happen if he let his feelings freely flow.
No, he could not bother his companion with the burden of his heart. He could not let his secret be revealed, and he would have to be ever vigilant in keeping his love to himself. Oh, but he was certain the rest of the world could see it. Iki'ryo's affection and fondness for his angeni friend were as obvious as the glow of his fire mane which burned his neck and singed his ears. At least, if his secret must be kept -- and it must! -- he could do what he must to keep Ashriel all to himself.
Just let someone else try to intervene. Hmph!
"No, I promise. I'll behave." He finally admitted, dropping his head some in remorse, though he knew Ashriel might not see. His tail flicked some at being so chastised, and he fell quiet in his repentance. So it was, he stepped forward once more and quietly began his work on the second wing. There was no tickling, and he was cautious about where he picked and gently tugged and lipped at the various feathers. He did not wish to make his friend more uncomfortable, and lose this momentary excuse to touch.
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