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 Posted: Wed Nov 27, 2013 10:33 pm
 The days that followed had led them back to Laisidhiel without further incident to speak of. The faun duo had made it safely up the river to the lake with their wolf companion, then from the beach back to the Tree. Faroth had seen the princess home safely as he'd promised, and after promising to check in with her periodically, had excused himself to recover as well as leave her to reunite with her family. She certainly had plenty who would have missed her.
Faroth had been relieved to find that Ranuin had returned safely to the Tree as well. While he still had yet to hear the boy's full story, he'd heard enough to understand that the entire group had been separated in the jungle, not just he and the princess, but that as far as his son knew, all the Faun from the Tree had safely returned.
That had been a relief. The two would catch up more later, as Faroth needed a couple of days of Bronson's cooking and a lot of bedrest before he felt quite like himself again. And then, he'd been out on the trail again. Upon learning that his son had made friends with one of Celestia's nieces, he asked him to deliver a message if he got the chance: Tell Celestia that he'd be away for a couple days or so, but that he'd be back soon and would see her when he got back. He hadn't elaborated on anything personal between them at this point; they had simply returned to the Tree as survivors of that cursed jungle trek. He wasn't even sure what they were, let alone what might remain of the relationship that had started develop between them...
He wasn't even sure it was really a 'relationship', so much as their friendship that had sparked a sort of mutual attraction...
That aside for now, he'd had some personal business to attend to before he forgot completely. The seeds and herbs that he had gathered in the jungle had been nearly forgotten in all the commotion, yet they had survived at least mostly intact and made it back to Laisidhiel. In a pack, he had gathered the remaining seeds and dried herbs that had survived the trip, as well as the parchments, the ones from the crypt with the strange writings, as well as the rubbings he'd taken underground of the pictures of dancing Fae. Not the other ones.
Then, he'd set off on a trek across the isle once more.
A few days of rest made all the difference and in a couple of days, he was knocking on Takeko's door. He'd given her a much shorter, much less dramatic version of events as explanation. No need to worry the poor angel any more than necessary. She'd been unable to offer any additional explanation for the strange writings on the parchments, but she'd been thrilled with the seeds and cuttings, despite Faroth's apologies about their state. He promised to go get her more sometime if she needed them, but she shushed him repeatedly, so that he finally gave in.
When he'd said that he really needed to get going, she decided to show her gratitude in another way. Which was how he'd found himself returning to Laisidhiel with his pack, his parchments, and several tied leaf bundles containing a number of fruit scones.
Might as well share them with a friend.
After returning to Laisidhiel a couple of days later, he stopped by the fountain first for a drink before heading to his alcove and dropping off his pack. He unpacked the contents, took one of the leaf bundles, then headed towards the alcove where he'd last seen Celestia. After escorting her home, as any proper gentleman would, he'd not stopped by again, though he hadn't been avoiding her either. Just letting her have time with her family before he intruded again. Hopefully, Ranuin had delivered his message, if not to his friend, then directly to her aunt.
He paused at the archway, glancing around, then questioning why he was acting suspicious or awkward before laughing softly at himself and knocking lightly on the door.
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Posted: Wed Dec 04, 2013 8:30 am
 Celestia had been very pleased with her company as they had returned to the tree, the time seeming to pass both quickly and slowly at the same time. A bit, perhaps, like it had when they were trapped. The reasons for the two very different, of course, but with the same result. It had all ended in this result, a pair of fauns now very close, fingers intertwined.
It was strange, really, the warmth that this touch brought to her chest. It was not unlike that which she had felt near her husband (seemingly) long ago, but it felt far more intimate than that ever had. It brought her calmness, reassurance, closure, strength. It made her feel that there was at least one pae in this world without a forced bond that was so close to her. Yes, that was the difference, why this warmth felt greater than that of a soul binding; it was a bond formed by themselves, not by another. There was little greater thing than that.
When they arrived, however, she felt them the distance grow between them almost immediately. It was something that had been expected, anticipated, but it still took that warmth away from her again. The princess did not show or vocalize these thoughts because of her understanding of the situation, instead putting on a friendly face and encouraging him to do as he wished.
At least the visions had calmed greatly.She no longer had to walk through halls with her eyes averted to the ground. Yes, there were lingering moments of blood spattered faces or veins hanging loosely from torn strands of muscle, but they did not persist. It had become more of momentary flashes, rather than a constant stream.
That much, she could handle.
It had been quite nice to talk with her family again, to see Luna's son and daughters all grown up, to meet Cadance's little ones for the first time. To bake for them again and to give nostalgic tales from distant times in a distant place.
As the days passed, her thoughts of the horrors of that trip faded into her memory as well. It was as if it had been a dream, like her vision had been. If it wasn't for the antiqued doll now sitting by her bedside, she might have believed those thoughts. But with not a contact from Faroth since then, with someone whom she'd believed herself to have grown so close to, it was hard to think it so real.
But, there were so many little things in her alcove to remind her that these dreams or nightmares were real. The tea set to prove the Valentine's Dance, the rings to prove her marriage, the doll to prove the jungle trek. But, for the time alone with Faroth, there was nothing.
Nothing but memories.
Kind, sweet, warm memories, but memories all the same. It was nice to think of them as just a lovely dream, lonely to think of them as any more.
She hadn't been sure what to think of Ranuin sending her the message that his father would be away for a while. If he was going, if he was so concerned so as to leave her a message, why not do it himself? The princess was quite thankful for it, though she was left to wonder one key thing:
when?
After a few days, again, it seemed as if it was a conversation she had just imagined, a hopeful thought. The knocking on her alcove had not felt out of place with the increased visits from her family recently.
"Hello...?" the princess asked, as she moved to open the door. "Who is i-...?" her voice stopped as the door widened enough for her to see who was standing there, her eyes blinking. It... It was Faroth...? After a moment of realizing how silly she was making this, her cheeks blushed and she looked away for a moment before looking back with a warm, if awkward, smile. "H-hi Faroth..." She motioned inwards as she took a step away from the door, the smile and tone becoming more natural. "Would you care to come in?"
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Posted: Wed Dec 04, 2013 9:46 am
"I would if I may," Faroth responded with a smile and a bow of his head, crossing the threshold. He was relieved to see her confusion fade to relief...at least, he thought she was happy to see him. He'd wondered a bit, given the time that had passed and the initial blank stare, but her own smile prompted his own. He had a passing urge to greet her with a kiss on the cheek...but perhaps it'd be best if he waited for now. He didn't want to push anything; he was here as a friend first.
"I come bearing gifts," he declared proudly, looking for somewhere to set his bundle down. Crossing to a table, he took a moment to glance around Celestia's alcove, then focus back on his hands. He set the bundle down and started to untie the twine wrapped around it. "Went to see a friend of mine. She does amazing things with simple herbs and flowers; also a heck of a cook," he chuckled, fiddling with the knot. "I wanted to leave some of those seeds and cuttings with her that we'd picked up on our trek. I figure, if anyone can do some good with them, she can. She insisted on making a trade of it, so..." he finished his lead up, unfolding the large leaves to display the baked treats within. "Fruit scone, my dear?"
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Posted: Thu Dec 05, 2013 1:50 am
Celestia stood by the door, watching him come in. She looked to the outside, glancing to see if anyone was nearby before smiling, perhaps a bit slyly, to herself and shutting the door. Turning around, she walked over to him.
"Oh~?" she tilted her head, brushing past him. In the alcove, he would find it to be fairly rustic and simple in decor, but with little, extravagant details. The most notable in the room they were in would be the tea set which adorned the center table. For the moment it was empty, but the princess walked over to take the pot and bring it to the little kitchen area. Opening a drawer, she looked for a source to light her 'stove'. "Care for some tea?" She would be making some anyways. Lighting some material, she then poured some water from a large storage pot into a smaller one which she set on the 'stove'.
There was a tinge of jealousy when Faroth spoke of another girl, but the princess brushed it aside very quickly. That's right, it was not as if they were a couple or anything. Just friends. Friends that happened to particularly enjoy the other's company. Right. Of course he had other female friends.
That were amazing.
Right.
Coming back, she began to set the little table for two, setting small plates and cups out in a very precise, formal manner. "Oh?" She looked at him, her head tilted again. "Is she a botanist of some sort?" The princess grew quiet as he finished, a small smile forming on her lips and her eyes lighting up as she noticed the treats. "How lovely those look." She motioned to the stand for tea treats serving as the centerpiece of the table. "Do set them out~!" She returned to the kitchenette area. "What sort of tea do you suppose would pair well with it? Floral? Herbal? An earl grey?"
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Posted: Thu Dec 05, 2013 9:16 am
Most Faun quarters were simple, only those with families generally having expanded space for the new occupants. Celestia's quarters were nothing too fancy either, yet just a couple of items made it seem uniquely...her for some reason. The ornate tea set had captured Faroth's attention in particular as Celestia neared it. Pretty...fancy...not the sort of simple thing normally seen in the Tree. A trinket from her previous life perhaps?
As she brushed past him, he didn't resist the temptation to glance her over while her back was turned. Not for any ulterior motive, of course. Just...noting how much better she seemed than when he'd last seen her. They had decent enough luck in foraging on the way back home to start improving their condition, but there was no replacement for rest and care in one's own home. She seemed in decent spirits, moving about without the signs of weakness from before. Her fur was soft and sleek once more; she seemed to have a healthy glow about her. Or perhaps he was imagining things.
His eyes may have lingered a bit longer than necessary.
Blinking and shaking his head, he focused on her question, oblivious to her thoughts on his 'friend'. "Oh yeah! Well, I mean...I assume so," he shrugged. He was a little vague on what all a botanist did exactly...something to do with taking care of plants, right? "She's got a garden where she grows all kinds of things, anything she can't already get from the forest. And she's made a sort of trade of it. She makes potions and remedies and all sorts of natural things and trades them to Pae who need them in exchange for other things she can't get for herself anymore. Mostly baking supplies, if I remember what she said," he explained, separating the scones thoughtfully, then brushing a couple of crumbs from one. He took note of the plates and set one scone on each.
Her question gave him pause. Sure, he enjoyed a nice cup of tea from Mojo's from time to time as a nice change...but he always just took the drink expert's recommendation on what to have. He didn't know one type of tea from another, let alone what they were called or how to even describe one properly. Rather than embarrass himself with his ignorance, he answered with a smile, "I shall leave the tea choice to your expertise." He picked up one of the plates and crossed towards Celestia where she was preparing the water, holding it out to her as an invitation to take a taste. "As for these, the cherry ones are my favorites."
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Posted: Thu Dec 05, 2013 12:01 pm
Celestia nodded as he spoke, her fingers sifting through the various jars of dried tea leaves she kept in her cupboard. She was careful not to open one in the very furthest corner, the one in which a golden ring was stored. It was not as if she did not want to be rid of it, of the circumstances in which she got them, but that there had been warm, kind memories associated with them too.
The princess might have had a habit of hording trinkets and things as well, but no mind that.
"A garden sounds quite pleasant. Is it the sort with fruits, or with flowers? Perhaps herbs and spices? I imagine it must be quite nice when the weather is warm and the sun is out." The season of autumn had come so suddenly, without the transition she was used to. Or, more likely, she had just not been aware of this while she sat alone in her room.
Looking back to the tea, she shrugged before lightly trailing her fingers atop some made from rose. She wondered if he would notice what it was from the aroma, the appearance, the taste, or at all. "It shall be a surprise then!" The princess poured the (now) hot water into her pot, leaned forward to blow out the flame, and sprinkled a pinch of petals into the liquid before closing the lid. Blinking, she blushed lightly before laughing as he held the scone out to her. There was a giddiness in her tone as she shook her head and shrugged. "Well... If you insist miseur..." she leaned forward. "...it would be a pleasure to taste~"
At this, she took a bite before standing up again. Her eyes closed as she tasted it before opening with an almost cheeky grin. "Why, simply wonderful! Though..." her voice trailed off as she glanced at the tea. "I am not sure I chose the correct sort of drink for it." A sigh before she laughed lightly. "No matter, do let us have a seat."
Taking the hot pot carefully into her hands, she walked over to set it on the table before seating herself. Here eyes looked up to Faroth, almost slyly, as a single hand gestured to the seat across from her in a gently sweeping motion. "Please, join me."
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Posted: Thu Dec 05, 2013 1:50 pm
"Oh, all sorts of things. Spices and herbs in a small plot near the kitchen," he noted conversationally, "and mostly vegetables and a few fruits in the main plot. The forest in that area is good for fruit trees as well, since she's just off the river." After a pause, he added, "It really is a nice place. Maybe, someday, you could see it too...if you wanted, of course." He was fairly sure that Takeko wouldn't mind, as she seemed to welcome all into her humble home. Of course, he'd failed to note that his 'friend' was an Angel Pae'il, meaning Celestia might need some time to adjust to the idea before attempting it.
He wondered how she was faring on that front, but felt unwilling to bring it up right now amid such pleasant conversation. Maybe later. For now, he held the plate for the fauny princess as she tasted the fruit scone. He still didn't understand the odd term Celestia seemed to prefer using for him; perhaps another token from her old home. One of these days, he really should ask what it meant.
"Oh, I'm sure that whatever you chose will be just fine," he reassured her with a smile, letting her lead the way with the tea pot. After she had seated herself, he chuckled and nodded at her invitation. "Of course, milady," he grinned as he bent slightly at the waist, placing one hand on her shoulder as the other returned the plate to the table in front of her.
He hesitated only a moment before he started to withdraw, sneaking in a chaste kiss to her cheek as he pulled away. Play it cool, Faroth. He acted as if it were nothing, despite the flushed feeling of warmth that came from the simple gesture. It was taking a bit more effort than he'd thought as he took his seat, blinking at the tea cups as if seeing them for the first time. Delicate looking little things, weren't they? He started to reach for one, hesitated, then shifted towards the plate instead. He needed to turn focus away from his awkwardness.
"So uh...you seem to be doing well. Everything been going okay for you since we got back?" It could be a loaded question; or not, depending on how it was answered. Her health? Her well-being? Her mental state and condition? Heck, even vaguely, he could have been referring to whatever it was that had been developing between them before they'd returned. Not that he'd have been so forward about asking about that. Maybe, he hadn't even consciously realized the possible connection himself.
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Posted: Sun Dec 08, 2013 1:03 pm
Nodding once, the princess shrugged. "Perhaps some day." The way Faroth put it made it clear that his friend was probably not very close with the tree, and with all the traveling he had done, it would not be strange for this friend to be an angel or demon. She didn't wish to question further to affirm this, however, so she let the topic drop.
Celestia had to nearly bite her lips to keep herself from laughing from the enjoyment she was feeling at his company again. Ah, it had felt so long, and she had been so nervous when he had appeared again. It was stupid that she had. So stupid, and this proved it. She was bringing her hand back when she felt his lips against her cheek, the spot immediately flushing and filling with a soft warmth. Shifting her her seat as if she were a child, she placed her hands in her lap and glanced away. The she brought them back, nodding.
"Yes, things have been fairly pleasant. I had the chance to speak with both my dear sister and Vanya," a pause as she realized that she referred to her too casually, "Ms. Vanya. It appears that one of the foals had a similar experience upon a mountaintop with some sort of birdlike creature. Quite strange, do you agree?" The princess leaned forward, carefully taking the pot into her hand and pouring each of them a cup before setting it down. She took a scone and set it on a small plate in front of her before picking up her teacup.
"Please, try some. Take care, though; it is still quite hot."
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Posted: Wed Dec 11, 2013 12:50 pm
Faroth preoccupied himself with the scone, picking up the sweet treat with his fingers and breaking off a piece to start. He was still wary of touching the delicate teacup already, so Celestia's warning was just further encouragement to continue to leave it alone. He nodded politely to acknowledge her warning, still feeling a bit awkward about this whole formal tea thing, then focused on what she'd said. One of the foals? One of his son's friends?
Deciding to ask for clarification, he asked, "One of your sister's children?" He frowned. It had been bad enough that his own son had gotten wrapped up in an unplanned adventure with another young fauny, but even the dark princess' children had been involved? How many had been swept up in strange events of late?
As she seemed more curious than upset by the topic, he mused aloud in thought, "I suppose that means that they're okay. What's this about a birdlike creature though? They weren't attacked, were they?" He frowned again. Wait...where had he heard something about a birdlike creature...?
That was right...Takeko had mentioned something about a large bird during his visit. He hadn't been able to visit the Isle as much lately, so she'd taken the time to fill him in on recent events. The story he recalled now was one about some strange egg Kane had returned with. An egg that had apparently hatched some sort of bird, if a large one, that the tiger demon had been convinced to keep. Faroth had expressed amusement and disbelief, unable to process the idea of Kane keeping a pet bird. The angel had corrected him at this point, saying she wasn't so sure it was any normal bird. Aside from just its size, the bird had apparently soon learned to speak and behaved more like a Pae'il than a wild animal. Well, to be more precise, she behaved more like Kane than a non-Pae'il animal.
The comparison had made Faroth chuckle.
Slipping out to see Takeko was easy, as she had her home by the river, but Kane wasn't so easy. Takeko admitted that it had been a few weeks or so since she'd last seen Kane and his 'family' (as it seemed to be) herself. Faroth knew too well how hard it could be to find Kane if he wasn't wanting to be found. He didn't have the time now to try, but he'd entertained the thought on the way back that after checking in at Laisidhiel, he could try to find the demon and this new bird for amusement's sake. Now, he was only all the more curious.
Having been lost in thought for a moment, he shook his head. "Yeah, quite curious," he agreed. "Especially since I just heard of something similar...possibly. Just in passing," he admitted with a shrug. Wasn't like he'd seen this bird personally, nor did he have much to go on with the one mentioned previously. "On the mountain, huh? Haven't spent much time up that way myself."
Finally, a different curiosity won out and he reached carefully for the cup of tea. He picked up the cup with both hands, but just with his fingertips, as if afraid to handle it too roughly. It was still warm, but not enough that he might burn himself. He leaned in, sniffing at it, enjoying the floral aroma before venturing a sip. The warm tea washed over his tongue and down his throat, warming the whole way down. He couldn't help a grin as he lowered the cup to rest on the table once more.
A bit more at ease, he relaxed against the back of the chair. "I'm glad you've had the chance to speak to them both," he said honestly. He'd never had much to do directly with the Seer, but he'd heard some good things about her from others. Of course, speaking with family was always good, especially after such an ordeal. He hadn't wanted to keep his distance when they returned, not after connecting so well on their own. But, that was just the trouble. That remaining sliver of doubt that there was only a connection of necessity, of desperation, not of true attraction.
It had been unbelievably hard to stay away.
As nice as it had felt in the moment, he didn't need to remain the sole lifeline for Celestia to cling to. Maybe it wasn't his place to make decisions for her...but it was his belief that if she was really going to recover, that she do so with the help of others, not just himself. Only then, could he trust that any mutual attraction felt was truly that and not anything less. Still, she seemed to be doing well, and she hadn't pushed him away so far...
He rested his weight on his arms on the table, leaning forward and looking directly at her with a smile. "It's good to see you again. I know it hasn't been that long or anything, just...after so much time together, it was strange to be on my own again, and..." he was starting to ramble and he knew it. He chuckled at himself softly, dropping his eyes and reaching up to scratch the back of his neck awkwardly before continuing. "I just mean...I guess, I missed you, but you look well, so that's a relief and all."
Smooth.
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Posted: Tue Dec 17, 2013 5:52 am
Sighing and glancing away, the princess nodded solemnly. "Yes... Wild Moon, the one who's mane flows as hers. Her guard was originally present as well, as he had followed the child in his wanderings, but they, too, were separated." Her hands rested against the porcelain of the cup, her palms growing warm from the liquid within as her eyes seemed to study it. "I do not believe I can trust them..." she looked up into Faroth's eyes, "...these fairies of the forest or mountains. What purpose could justify placing so many in harm's way?"
Her grip softened as she lowered her eyes bashfully, her cheeks flushing lightly as she quietly added, "Though... I suppose some amount of good did come of it..." She laughed lightly. "Oh, yes, he is fine, if a bit shook up. It did gave him quite the fright though."
A hand raised up to wave in front of her in a dismissing manner. "From what I understand, this bird was a pae as we are, female, but bearing the talons and feathers of a hawk. Apparently the instinct as well." Her hand dropped to rest on the table as she brought the cup to her lips. The princess carefully pursed them together before blowing to cool the liquid and drink.
It was strange, yes, but she had heard stories of a similar sort of creature before. One of her subjects had left the tree to raise something of a likable appearance many seasons ago. That was all she had heard of it, however; she knew the girl Twinkleshine returned every so often for supplies she could not obtain herself, but had not had the chance to actually speak with her.
Perhaps she would try to sometime soon...
The princess's eyes lit up as he laughed, a bit curious about the cause but not wanting to actually ask. Instead, she reached for another scone and began to nibble on it as she noticed him finally try the tea. "Is it to your liking?" Oh did she hope it was.
Smiling warmly, she shrugged before taking another slow bite from the treat. "Oh yes, I am as well. There was so much that I had missed; can you imagine that Cadance's colts are children already?" Her voice took a more remorseful tone. "I feel as if I've missed so much..." A shrug, and a defeated sigh. "Though, that is to be expected, everything considered."
Looking back to him, Celestia couldn't help but wonder why it had taken him so long to come by. Hadn't she made it clear that her alcove was always open for tea? Or, perhaps, since returning he really had no more reason to be close to her. He seemed to enjoy placing distance between them because of titles, so had he done that again now that others were involved? It saddened her to consider the possibility, but it was one that could occur.
Faroth didn't appear to be the kind of pae to go back on his word, though, and he had promised that the titles were gone.
It was almost frustrating with how difficult the two of them made their closeness. Or lack there of. Or, rather, lack of showing the existence of.
The movement in the side of her eye made her look back at him, her eyes blinking as he moved closer. Is irises... It always surprised her just how very blue they were, like the summer sky. Resisting the urge to simply lean in and touch his cheek with her hand, perhaps to bring him closer even, the princess instead returned a very warm smile back. "I have missed you as well."
"Yes... Very much so... You really should have come paid me company sooner, you know."
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Posted: Wed Jan 01, 2014 8:42 pm
Faroth adopted a faux pout at her last comment. Difficult, when her admission at missing him as well made him want to smile. "You know, I've heard that princesses are supposed to be quite gracious and benevolent. Maybe, just maybe, I can hope for forgiveness...?" He tilted his head, leaning over the table and attempting to seem serious until he could hold it no longer and a grin started to slip through, giving away his teasing.
Honestly, he was relieved to hear that she had been spending the time with others. It gave him hope that she was opening up again, to others beside himself and even family. That she was recovering, even doing well without his help. Not that she wouldn't have had it if she'd asked for it; it'd be willingly given. Just...the more she opened up to the rest of the world again...and still welcomed his company...the more at ease he felt with acting on the urges and feelings that had been stirred up by their ordeal together.
If she had other options...and still reacted positively to his company, then perhaps the attraction they felt to each other was honest...true, not just a reaction to a sole option at the time. A response of circumstance rather than a response to each other.
Faroth would never have taken advantage of a situation like that. He could never live with himself afterwards.
But, if the princess was truly getting better, opening up to the world again...he felt better about picking up with where they'd left off before and seeing where things went. No expectations or promises, just letting things take their course, whatever that may be.
His ruse ruined, he straightened up, focusing on something she'd said about missing out on developments in her own family. His smile was tempered slightly and he pulled back from the table. Standing halfway, he scooted his chair partway around the table, closer to hers, before sitting again and reaching for her shoulder in a comforting manner. "I'm sure it's a lot to take in. And while it's sad to have missed out on some things, it's all the more reason to make up for that lost time now. Can't go back, only forwards, so that's what we have to focus on." Unwilling to see her looking sad about something she couldn't help, he scooted his chair a little closer before wrapping his arm around her in a sort of sideways, one-armed hug. "Focus on the future and on the positive," he repeated in a quieter voice.
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Posted: Wed Jan 01, 2014 9:07 pm
Lifting a finger to her chin, Celestia looked up and away, as if in deep thought. "That is true, and I do consider myself to be quite tolerable to the needs of others..." A small pause before she laughed lightly and smiled the same. "I believe such a transgression can be ignored... for now...~" There was a playfulness in her tone that he might recognize from their travels, but that most of the other faun would consider strange.
Just these little moments were all that were needed to bring such a sense of calmness and warmth to her chest. It was the only thing she needed to confirm that these feelings had remained even after the conditions that brought them forward. How wonderful it all felt.
Her smile faded slightly as his own did, a tinge of worry in her mind. Had she said something wrong, something to concern or offend him? The princess sure hoped it was not so. Against her will, she jumped slightly at his touch, her tension easing away almost immediately after. Her eyes looked away as her cheeks glowed and she mumbled. "I am sorry." Looking back, almost wantingly, as his grip left.
Her ears moved as she was brought closer to him, still not entirely familiar with such displays of affection, even if they were not so grandiose. Her eyes looked into his as her lips moved into a warm smile, and she shrugged. "The future shall be bright, I do think. If I ever have a doubt to it, I need only ask the spirits to help in our choices."
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Posted: Wed Jan 01, 2014 9:26 pm
Faroth chuckled softly at her response, stroking her shoulder with his thumb. "That's the spirit. Though, there's nothing to apologize for. I'm just glad to hear that you've been doing well." That was what was important, after the strides she had made thus far.
On that note, he hesitated before continuing. He took a moment instead to withdraw to better align their chairs beside each other before settling in again. Her wings made resting his arm around her shoulders sometimes awkward, but not impossible. It was easier, but also more intimate he felt, to wrap an arm around her waist instead...which was why he hesitated to do so initially. But with no signs of refusing his advances thus far, that's what he did in returning to her side.
Pulling her gently to his side, the tea and scones all but forgotten as he glanced down at her with a touch of concern. "You are doing alright then? No more...episodes?" he asked warily. He didn't really want to bring the mood down, yet, he was honestly curious if she'd continued to see things since returning to the Tree. He knew that she'd had concerns before despite her progress while they had been trapped alone together, that she might still have issues when returning to interactions with others in the Tree. Though, if she had been making progress and socializing again, that meant improvement of some sort, right?
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Posted: Thu Jan 02, 2014 1:35 pm
The princess tilted her head as she felt his arm pull away from her again, only to look away in a deep blush as the touch of his fingers against her waist sent chills up her spine. They weren't unpleasant, but rather exhilarating. The fact that such little contact could bring such a reaction to her body was almost frightening, but in the best way imaginable.
Glancing away, she shrugged slightly as she mumbled. "Well... No... Not that..." It felt as if she were a child caught in the act of lying and now forced to tell the truth. Looking back, she added quickly, louder. "But the severity has been reduced by a notable amount! I am able to at least speak with the regular faun again without fear of making a fool of myself." Her tone trailed as she again broke eye contact. "Or... I suppose I feel that way..." Alright, she was acting downright stupid at this point, and her nerved were shooting through the roof.
Breathing in and out lowly, Celestia focused on lowering her heart rate to its normal pace. Her body relaxed and she felt herself lean into him, her hair falling against his skin and her eyes closing. "This is quite nice, is it not...?" She laughed very lightly before adding. "Though our tea grows cold."
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Posted: Thu Jan 02, 2014 9:23 pm
The hurried way she tried to answer his inquiry brought a smile to Faroth's face, though...he hadn't meant to upset her in the process. He just never thought he'd be the one to fluster a princess...well, at least, in a way that wasn't wholly bad, he felt. His foolish behavior could be embarrassing, but instead of being embarrassed, he found Celestia's reaction to his concern...cute. Still, he could feel her tense as she tried to explain her situation and he responded by reaching to touch her chin lightly. "Hey...progress is progress. Any is good to hear about. Don't get discouraged now, okay? I know you can do this."
His smile broadened as she began to relax against him. He couldn't explain it, but seeing her happy made him happy in kind. And when she seemed to shed her concerns for peace and tranquility, a warmth grew in his chest. He'd begun to care a great deal for the daylight princess; a comforting feeling in itself...and yet, paradoxically, such foreign territory, he sometimes felt unsure of how to continue.
So, he let whatever came naturally happen. If he hadn't chased her away by now...
Stroking her hair lightly, he marveled at the way the colors seemed to shift in the light when he wasn't looking. That strand curling between his fingers...it was blue...or was it now green? Didn't matter. He was starting to think that maybe he was more fascinated with her hair than he should be, but he could only grin in amusement at himself at the passing thought.
"It is nice." He paused, then adopted a slight frown. "But...cold tea. We can't have that. We need to solve this problem, somehow." He was unwilling to relinquish the comfortable position, so he reached, stretching across the table to retrieve his tea cup. "There...now, tea AND good company," he quipped with a smile, lifting the cup in his free hand. "To..." He paused a moment in thought before continuing. "...to progress, my dear," he offered as a simple toast. Simple, and yet so important.
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