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 Posted: Fri Feb 28, 2014 10:56 am
 It was early evening, right before sunset. Patricius had made the rather stupid decision to travel during the day time. Not only did his whole body feel like it was one fire from the heat, but his eye was screaming at him. Every time he tried to open it to see the eyeball would shake and shudder almost violently. The light that exuded from it in all its mutant glory became so bright that Patricius felt his actual eye sockets water and rain more blood down his cheeks. Everything burned. Everything hurt. And under the setting sun Patricius didn't know what to do but wait and do everything he could to bring his body temperature down. Plus he was more blind now than ever before. He felt his little bat friend vibrating next to his ear, trying to will him to move on. It was worried. And so was he. For all intensive purposes Patricius was stuck like the scared young stallion he was.
"B-b-b-b-batty," he called out quietly, his voice hoarse.
He couldn't remember the last time he spoke out loud to anyone. Most just avoided him and Patricius had no inclination to ask.
The bat called out and Patricius' ears swiveled towards the tiny animal, "show me sa-a-afety. Please. I b-b-b-beg you."
Another cry from the bat and Patricius stumbled to his feet, following the vibrations his batty partner as best he could. His working eye howled at him angrily and Patricius gritted his teeth in pain, resisting the urge to tear it out of his chest. Not that he could anyway, his father had made sure of that long ago. So he kept going, driven by the single need to find shelter from this heat. The bat swooped by his face multiple times squawking, indicating to him that he needed to stop moving. Patricius was still in immense pain so he didn't understand why. Where was the shelter? He felt Batty tugging on his right ear, telling him to turn and come that way, to which, Patricius complied. And soon, he felt the shade of a large willow tree caressing his whole body starting from his head. He was sure that anyone who came across him now would see the heat radiating off his form in waves.
Batty squawked a couple of times and landed between his ears. He was safe now. And so Patricius did the only thing he could do; collapse onto the ground in an undignified heap.
"T-t-thank you," he mumbled quietly, his head resting against the trunk of the tree.
Batty said nothing, but Patricius felt the bat rubbing itself against his ears. He then jumped on Patricius' rump, twisting its head around a few times as if indicating that it'll keep watch and its master should rest for a while. A sigh escaped his lips, and Patricius drifted off to sleep.
----
It was the sounds of Batty freaking out that awoke Patricius not long after he had drifted off into a dreamless sleep. It sounded distressed and to that Patricius felt his chest constrict. He wasn't alone. He could near the shuffling of someone nearby. He tried to force his eye open in order to see, but once again it screamed at him upset. Patricius growled softly and gave up trying after a few failed attempts. Whoever it was would find him in a way that was not only unbecoming of any stallion, but also a colt. It was humiliating. And if they were there to eat him, well, it would be an easy meal.
"W-w-who's out there?" he called out hesitantly.
Maybe he would get lucky?
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Posted: Fri Feb 28, 2014 11:00 pm
 The day, thus far, had been surprisingly pleasant and the large mare couldnt quell the toothy grin that crept forth and spread across her maw. It had been months since she had spent any sort of substantial time on her own during the day. After her children left she had spent so much time to herself. She had left behind her family and friends and had secluded herself, preferring the stark emptiness of being alone than accepting that the lives she had brought into the world and had cared so deeply for wished to have nothing to do with her. It had been the wrong thing to do she learned, and although she could never make it up to those she had left behind she had made it her goal to make sure that they were a part of her life and were happy. It had been a greater undertaking than she could have imagined. From the time that she woke until the last glimmering rays of the sun slipped silently beyond the horizon Brin accompanied her family members, helping them with their daily activities and listening to their woes and joys, helping them in any way that she could. Today, however, was different. Although it was setting the sun was still high enough for her to explore and take in the beauty of her surroundings in the clear and bright daylight. She had yet to shake the habit of being awake at night, and to be honest she did not think that she could nor did she even want to. The night was cooler and quieter, and despite the lack of visual clarity and vividness to colors that the daylight brought there was the unspeakable beauty of a clear night with a full moon. Brin took a moment to pause where she was and flair her wings slightly so that she may gaze on all her surroundings with all four of her eyes. Winters grasp on the world was no longer apparent and life was flourishing in the warmer climate in every place her gaze fell on - trees were no longer barren, flowers were beginning to bloom, and the soothing ambiance of the wildlife was at full volume. It was, in a single word, beautiful. Having so little time during the day to 'stop and smell the roses' honestly gave her a greater appreciation for these few moments of free time. But that was just what it was, a few moments. Brin gave a heavy sigh as she tucked her wings tightly to her sides and set out to do her own daily duties. And then... The frantic sounds of a creature grabbed the large mares attention. She paused, curious about what it may be, but at the same time unwilling to intrude. A moment later she believed she heard the sound of another being growl. She narrowed her eyes and furrowed her brow, her face twisting into it's own silent snarl. She had to close her eyes and take a deep breath to calm herself, forcing to keep herself from over reacting or jumping to conclusions. Just because there was a creature in distress and another growling did not mean that there was someone helpless being attacked. She had to force this thought through her mind as she turned and started heading towards the direction of the sounds. As the twenty-two hand mare ambled to the top of a nearby hill she could instantly see where the sounds were coming from. Nearby, beneath the branches of a willow lay some sort of being. At that moment a voice came from the being. Obviously her presence was known, she no longer had a need to fear intrusion. She made her way to the tree, slowing down the closer she came to it. The being was a soquili from what she could tell, but from the crumpled heap it seemed to be hurt. The sounds of distress she had heard could not have come from a being this large, which raised suspicion. Was it a trap? Using her tail she pushed aside the curtain of branches and peeked in to get a clearer view of the situation. Indeed the soquili, a male, seemed to be an utter wreck. Her brow furrowed out of concern but the sight was not enough to have her let her guard down just yet. "Are you alright?" she questioned, continuing to stay beyond the veil for the moment.
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Posted: Fri Jun 06, 2014 12:15 pm
That voice…
It was female….
Patricius raised his head to look towards the voice, wishing that he could see who he was talking too. He could feel Batty fluttering anxiously next to his head, squeaking indecipherably towards him. But Batty was also not attacking or squawking at the other soquili. That must mean that this mare wasn’t a threat. Or so he hoped so. Gods help if he and Batty were wrong.
‘Are you alright?’
She had asked him a question, something that he wasn’t prepped for. And here he was keeping her waiting like an idiot. So, in doing such a thing Patricius felt even more embarrassed. It wasn’t just because he was keeping her waiting, but it was also because he was actually a wreck and he was actually in pain. His chest was still on fire. But there was nothing anybody could do about it. He had learned long ago that the only way to calm his eye was to wait out the pain in the shade for as long as he could.
“I’ll be okay…” he stammered quietly, “Once my eye stops burning…”
Silence for a moment, and Patricius couldn’t tell what the mare was thinking or doing. There was not any movement in front of him or around him. The willow leaves weren’t moving any more differently than when he first sought the comforting shade and when this mare came into his safety net. Gods he wish he could see…maybe then he wouldn’t be such a mumbling, stuttering, blind mess of a stallion…
Oh who was he kidding. He was like that from day one. His father had made sure to drill that into his mind. To remind him how not to act. And yet here he was doing exactly the opposite of what he was taught… oh joy. But alas, Patricius quickly realized that the mare hadn’t left. Where were his manners?!
“I’m sorry,” he stuttered once again, “I don’t mean to ignore you. I just can’t see…”
Batty fluttered in front of his muzzle before moving forward to get a better look itself at the mare in a non-threatening manner. His little friend was just curious on who its master was talking to. So it zoomed quickly to hover in front of the massive mare and tilted its head to the side curiously. Batty wasn’t sure what to make of the soquili to be honest. It squeaked at her as if to ask who she was, that way not only itself, but its Master too, could also learn something new about their guest.
“Batty is friendly, he’s my eyes when I go through these pure bouts of blindness.” Patricius explained quietly, shifting ever so slightly as he felt his eye twitching under his skin.
It wanted to see their company too.
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Posted: Sun Jun 08, 2014 10:03 pm
Brin watched and waited. She had never, and never would be, one to judge another by their looks. She knew all too well what it was to be judged wrongly purely based on one's physical traits, and due to this she attempted her best to avoid doing the same to others. However, despite her lack of wishing to not judge, caution could not be thrown out the window entirely. As Brin took in the male figure before her she made note of the kalona heritage he seemed to posses; the spaded tail with what seemed to be shackles and chains on it, and then there was the leathery wings. But despite these traits the male didnt posses the dual horns of the average kalona - instead, from the center of his forehead, a single (and oddly sickle shaped) horn protruded giving testament to the blood of unicorns running through his veins. Despite her want for caution Brin now was even more curious as to the predicament of the stallion before her; unicorns, oddly enough, had always been the most open to accepting her for who rather than what she was and had always been willing to help her in times of need. Brin took note as the stallion turned his head in her direction of his eyes as he spoke of his eye hurting. They were closed with red splatters underneath; why did he only speak of one eye? Had he been blinded by an attack? Had he been born that way? These questions she assumed would be answered in time, but as it was she felt it no longer necessary to maintain her distance as she had been doing. Though it may have only been a few feet Brin pushed her head through the parting she had been holding with her tail, stepping forward until the loose whip like branches fell over her shoulders like a loosely woven blanket. She tilted her head slightly and eyed the small bat that was squeaking by the males head - this must have been the distressed creature that she had heard before. A frown spread across Brin's maw as she realized that the bat seemed to be perfectly fine - which meant such distress had to have been out of concern for the male. Perhaps the predicament was worse than she thought? The male spoke again, apologizing to her. Immediately Brin felt embarrassed at the situation - here she was, being cautious and taking in every aspect and characteristic that she could about the situation at hand, and she hadn't even responded to the males answer to her question yet! She pinned her ears back and lowered er head slightly, a habit she had had since foal-hood, a reaction to feeling awkward. Typically this reaction would make her feel even more embarrassed, but the male couldn't see this reaction. Before she had a chance to respond though the tiny bat fluttered it's way up in front of her. It tilted it's head, and Brin in turn tilted her head as well. As the male spoke about his small companion she looked his way, so use to facing someone when they spoke to her, and gave an understanding nod as she turned back to the curious creature. She didnt realize that the bat was curious about who she was, she didnt quite understand the actions of other creatures - she had never been around any long enough to familiarize herself with how they acted. She did, however, realize that it wanted to know something. "Hello Batty," She said with a soft toothy smile as her attention settled once more on the bat. "You must care for him quite a bit to undertake such a task..." She mumbled with a nod. A moment later she wished she hadn't - depending on the mood someone was in that statement could be taken the wrong way despite her intention of awe. "My.. My name is Zul'Brin." She quickly added, hoping to draw attention away from her previous comment. "Though most just call me Brin. Might there be anything I can do to help?"
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Posted: Fri Aug 22, 2014 10:01 pm
If Batty could smile he would have as he squeaked happily in front of her before fluttering upwards and landing on the tip of her ear, his claws very lightly keeping ahold so as to keep his balance. He squeaked again at his master, a series of squeaks actually that made Patricius quietly laugh. Batty liked her already. That was a good sign. If Batty trusted Zul’Brin, he felt that he could too. Not that he could really go anywhere without being able to see. Luckily his coat was cooling off, and he felt more at ease, much less panicked.
“Zul’Brin….” her name rolled off his lips simply and languidly, it fit her, “I am called Patricius, Patricius Draculesti. But you can call me Pat, Batty does.”
He lifted his head higher to try and look up at her despite not being able to see. As suspected she was concerned for his wellbeing, and quite frankly, so was he and Batty. Well, Batty’s concern was a lot more involved, but Brin didn’t need to know that. And Patricius wasn’t going to start in on all that long story when they just met. He father taught him better than that.
‘But you’re not your father,’ his mind reminded him and he shook his head, whisking those thoughts away.
He was on his own now, despite his handicap.
“I’ll be okay,” he responded to her inquiry quietly once more, “I just can’t see.”
He could almost feel her questions coming before she voiced them. Everyone was the same. Questioned why he couldn’t see. It was something that he couldn’t control, couldn’t control the pain every time his eye opened or otherwise. It drove a pang of guilt in his gut every time he thought about it. He was no protector, not like his more than slightly insane sister. For she too, had many mental issues. Hence why he wondered who his birth mother was.
Was she just like they were?
Mentally and physically deformed?
So many questions he wanted answers too, so many that he would most likely never get those answers for as long as he lived. That said, he realized that Zul’Brin was still wondering if he needed anything. Help or otherwise. Her hesitance was felt as he heard her come into his little grove. Not that she had any reason to be scared or nervous. He couldn’t do a damn thing. Frustrating yes, but at least he had company. He found that he liked this company.
“It’s okay,” he stammered, “I won’t hurt you. And the pain will go away; I was just out in the sun too long. Overheated. My eye will calm. It’s nothing I haven’t dealt with before. Talking to you is helping time pass.”
He smiled nervously at her.
Hopefully he hadn't spoken out of turn…
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Posted: Sat Mar 28, 2015 8:11 am
For someone who, despite not wanting to cause harm to any small creatures, had never been around any small creatures in a social manner the tiny bats actions were quite a surprise. Brin wasnt use to anything so tiny being in such a close proximity, let alone landing on her. The urge to flick her ear was quite strong, but she quelled it, willing her ear to remain upright and steady so not to frighten Batty. The tiny claws, though harmless, tickled tremendously and before Brin knew it a mirthful chuckle escaped her. "I must say, he is quite friendly!" She stated as she attempted to reign-in her composure once more.
Her attention was turned to the male before her as he spoke her name; she had thought, or more-so assumed, that he had said it to get her attention. Though her new focus was not misplaced as the male introduced himself, providing his formal name and nickname just as she had. Forgetting for a moment that Batty was perched atop her ear she bowed her head to Pat as a greeting. She quickly realized what she was doing and righted herself, unfurling and lifting a wing to gaze at batty and ensure that she had not disturbed him with her actions. "It is a pleasure, Patricius Draculesti, to make your acquaintance." She stated, hoping she hadnt butchered his name as she spoke it. She like it, it was so regal sounding and formal, unlike most of the names that ran in her family. She decided though, despite her like of the name, Pat would indeed be the better of the two names to call him by.
Brin waited patently as Pat seemed to rest. It was only when he shook his head that she began to wonder what may have been going on in his mind to cause him to have to physically move. It was not her place to ask, and though curiosity would ever be present she had to remind herself that others have their own ways and their own lives. For all she knew he had been wondering if he had left his breakfast out at home or if he had taken his supplements. There wasnt a point or reason for her to dwell on or question what she had no right knowing.
She shuffled her hooves and pondered the room about her for a moment when Pats voice broke her thoughts. As he spoke she gave a slow and understanding nod at his explanation. It was a relief that he would be okay and that he didnt need any help, but she couldnt shake the memory of Batty's distressed call. Slowly, so not to disturb batty, Brin lowered herself to the ground to rest as well. She had come to the conclusion that despite the males attempt to assure her that he was quite alright and his predicament would pass that she would wait with him and ensure that he would be able to make it on his way safely. She didnt believe her continued presence would be an issue either way; Pat had stated after all that talking to her was helping the time pass. "As summer time comes about it may be best to stick to the forests and woods. At least, there, there is always shade." She stated about overheating as she made herself comfortable. "I personally prefer to travel long distances at night," she added. "But before too long the sun will set and it will be cool enough for you to continue your journey without issue."
She chewed lightly on her lip as she pondered whether or not it would be too rude or intrusive to ask her next question; but for conversations sake and to help pass the time for Pat she decided to go ahead and say it. "If I may ask, where are you traveling to?"
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Posted: Fri Jun 26, 2015 10:03 pm
Patricius felt himself, his body, beginning to relax and rest while he listened to her speak. Her voice calm, even maternal. Not that he knew what being maternal was. He didn’t know his mother. Had never really felt that maternal figure in his life. For all intents and purposes he had on paternal figures. Not that his aunts were maternal, they were in their own way he thought, but they weren’t around as much as the others. As much as his father Vlad. He had to wonder what he was thinking at this moment in time. Was he upset, angry with him for going on this journey? And Brin’s question brought an even bigger question into his life.
What was his reason for leaving?
It wasn’t permanent, Pat had every intention of returning once he found what he was searching for. But what was it? What was he actually searching for? Now, sitting here with the mare next to him, he realized that his purpose wasn’t so clear cut. That was never a good thing….
“Now that you bring it up….”he paused and went to look at her with normal eyes he never had, “I don’t know… I don’t know where I’m traveling to. I just… I just up and left one night. Thinking I knew where I was going but really, now that you ask, I don’t know.”
He tilted his head to the side in thought, going back into his past to try and find the answer. But all of it, at least the parts where he was really young, were blurry. Not clear cut as the moon shining against the blackness of the space above. Above in the universe.
“You… you bring up a very valid question and I’m so sorry I cannot come to give you a proper response. I hope you’ll forgive me.”
Batty, meanwhile, had taken to getting quite comfortable in Brin’s hair. Pat could sense that his little friend liked her a lot. That was definitely a good sign. It meant he was in good company. Batty may be tiny, but he definitely knew a good character from a bad one. And Brin seemed to pass all the tests. The little one perked up and looked at Pat curiously, squeaking lightly, barely audible but enough that both could hear.
“Batty, her hair is not your nest.”
There was another squeak.
“Oh don’t give me that attitude; I’m sure she doesn’t need a new hairdo. No offense Miss Brin.”
That said, as the sun just dipped past the horizon, his chest pinged hard under his skin. His eye wanted out, and it wanted out now. Pat didn’t want to frighten her away, but he knew he couldn’t stop it. The sun was just out of reach now and his eye could come out and play. And with a small his between his lips, his eye peaked out just a bit, the red glow starting to show just beneath the surface, allowing him to begin seeing the ground he lay upon.
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