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 Posted: Sat Mar 28, 2015 2:42 pm
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Posted: Sat Mar 28, 2015 3:38 pm
 If Aveshar had to choose, he would wager that Spring was one of his least favorite (if not the lease favorite) times of year. True enough, the weather was not all obnoxious sunshine like summer, and the forest was pleasing enough as it shook off the bite of winter. Still, the season itself was filled nothing but awkward, obnoxious young foals and beasts as far as the eye could see. True enough it meant that his kind could eat well and enforce the natural order of things, but mostly he found the foolish, stubborn carelessness of foals to be far too inconvenient. He was just about ready to swear to eat the next one that crossed his path.
Of course, that was when he crossed paths with that damn offspring of Kelakohr's... And the pawed filly that had apparently taken to accompanying the brat on whatever his momentary quest was. The result? A muzzle of clawmarks that were just now beginning to heal, but rankled his pride like no one's business.
He'd kill that little beast if he saw her again.
"Enough of that." The Kalona stallion snapped as he exited the den and stalked into his territory. Maybe he'd hunt... Spilling blood might take the edge off his rage.
Moderately cheered by the thought, the Kalona stallion paced out of his the immediate territory around his Den. While it would be quicker to fly, he preferred winding the way through the land he claimed as his own, ensuring there were no encroachments and no sign of unwanted guests.
As evening began to set in, Aveshar approached the outer reaches of his territory, nostrils flaring to drink in the wind. A sudden bite on the wind made him flick his ears and alter his course, attention immedately caught.
'Still fresh.. Probably still alive.' He mused as he tracked the scent of blood toward his border. 'Well now.. What have we here?'
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Posted: Sat Mar 28, 2015 4:04 pm
It had been one hell of a ride for the mare, one for which she was thankful she was still alive. Having been out on her own for but a week from the protection and sanctuary of her herdlands - her family and dear friends; who would have predicted her life....or what was left of it teetered on the wind. The nature of her research had been risky, Nenetl knew that...but she'd planned so well, had plans of escape....but the surprise of a double team had caught her completely off guard.
She'd never even heard of skinwalkers working together, it just seemed to illogical.
It happened though, and being so unskilled in any kind of combat she had weakly relied on instinct. It worked to some degree as she was still breathing, but not without cost of a large gash on her back leg; an ugly looking bite on her shoulder and her one wing soaked in blood. No longer able to feel it the mare knew it had sustained serious injury, but familiar weight on her back let her know it was still attached. She was a bloody mess, and it was evident as pools of her valuable life essence made a rather simple trail to follow.
Of course, until the mare collapsed under her own body's efforts; crashing to the ground where she still laid. For what little solace she had, the remaining sunbeams from the setting sun had warmed her body as they splashed across her pelt from the gaps in the tree's leaves. It lit up the gold on her body in a rather dazzling display; but it was lost amongst the seriousness of her own condition.
Wincing, the mare's breathing had been erratic for some time as she fought the pain coursing through her being; Nene could feel the hot tears slide down her cheek. Night would be coming shortly along with those who lurked in its depths, and it seemed her options were slowly becoming either she'd slip away from her injuries or attract predators who wouldn't think twice about finishing the job of the skinwalkers for an easy meal. The land seemed pretty quiet, from her fleeing the mare didn't keep track of where she had been heading and thus hadn't the faintest clue where she collapsed in her pathetic heap.
"Mama....Daddy...." Nene whispered; closing her eyes but a moment as the pain shot up her leg. "I'm so sorry..."
Worse being..it wouldn't even be another few weeks till her parents would even know.
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Posted: Sat Apr 04, 2015 2:17 pm
Though he regularly paced every inch of his land to ensure none had dared to intrude upon that which was his, Aveshar had little cause to do so. It seemed to be well-known that this territory was not open to intruders, and the one who claimed it was not what one would think of as hospitable. Likewise we was merciless toward those who incited his rage, and crossing into his lands unannounced was a certain way to do that.
Still, he had raised his children in much the same fashion, taught them to stake out their territory wherever they wished and to rule it without mercy. This would ensure their dens were safe, if their tempers were sharp and their actions fierce against enemies. In spite of this, it had reached his ears that a fresh kill had been found in his daughter's territory, a challenge to her claim. Such knowledge made him uneasy, made him approach his border with a fury tempered by caution and curiosity. If the thing that sought to hunt in his offspring's territory had moved on to his own, it would be here that its path would end.
Of course, when he reached his border and found what there was to find, all such thoughts left his mind. He could hear the pained breathing -gasps and low whimpers- of the fallen Soquili even before he craned his head out of the dense greenery he had chosen as his approach point. Even still, the wall of emerald leaves and shadows that kept him from sight did nothing to block the scent of fresh blood, open wounds that were fiercely damaging.
'Deadly, if left untreated.' His predatory nature noted. So then, had it come here with purpose, to die, or had it just been unable to continue any further?
Stepping out of the trees, Aveshar decided it was certainly the latter. Still, the mare was lively enough, for all that her wing and leg showed signs of serious damage. The rapidly decreasing light painted her with shade of bright orange and a bloody-red that did nothing but highlight the pools on the grass beneath her and draw his attention to the path she left behind. If she was to move, she had best do it quickly. Come nightfall, all sorts of predators would follow that trail to its end.
'Unless you saved her.' A voice he did not want to listen to pointed out. It sounded too like Kel, that ridiculously arrogant unicorn who would actually prove useful if he could be bothered to be around at the moment. 'In the den she would be safe from those who would take advantage of her weakness... Isolated with you, but safe from them...'
Strange. He'd never thought of himself as a 'Lesser Evil' before... Surely it had to be a side effect of spending time around those new foals.
With a snort and a sigh, the Kalona stallion separated himself from the shadows and approached. "Can you stand?"
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Posted: Sat Apr 04, 2015 3:01 pm
Nene's eyes grew heavy, which she noted was probably due to the loss of blood rather than her foal like tendencies to wish to sleep early and rise with the sun. However she was never as adventurous and bold like her siblings, she was a mare of habit and a mare of reserve. It did not keep her from enjoying her solitary activities like research and observation in her long walks; but she often did cast a longing eye to the truly bold like Darius and Jahzara who often would stay up all night being young and carefree. Why? Just because. They could sleep whenever, life was up in the air floating on the breeze for them; it was such a beautiful way to live life.
And now...she might never see them again.
Closing her eyes tight as she willed herself to stop sobbing as the heaving of her chest muscles were painfully pulling her wounds.
It wasn't long before she quieted down that a snort filled her small clearing; snapping her head up with wide golden eyes. The tears had made her vision slightly blurred, and upon seeing black wings and his ebony body move from the shadows her heart skipped a beat. Darius!? Her heart lept, but as she blinked rapidly to rid her eyes of the water the hope had vanished, picking up the white in this male's long black hair was not of her bother - nor the markings on his pelt. It was a Kalona alright though....was this it? She felt a tremble trail down her spine, wondering if she would head on at peace with what happened?
...but it looked like the gods were going to be kind to her; at least for now as he spoke.
Immediately fresh salty tears welled, ready to fall at any moment. "I...I th-th-think so...." She breathed out dryly, swallowing hard to remove the hoarseness from her voice. Honestly though, she had no idea. Nene wasn't a complete fool though, she had to try if this male was offering her help.
Rolling onto her stomach fully her pupils shrunk at the pain from her shoulder, bracing her nerves as she knew the pain would double once she began to work her back leg. Shooting her front leg out to brace, the mare weakly pulled her body to stand for a moment before she crumbled; luckily hitting the tree with a soft grunt which kept her on her legs. Gaining control over her shallow breaths and trembling legs, her dulling golden orbs flashed up to the stranger; ears flat against her skill. "Are you....h....her....here to help me...?" She asked in nothing more than wonder, questioning her own luck more than anything. It seemed to her if he was going to attack he wouldn't have asked her if she could stand....but she'd been wrong once today so it was very possible it could happen again.
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Posted: Mon Apr 06, 2015 1:37 pm
Listening to the muffled sobs and the weak movements, Aveshar flicked one ear. Under it all he could detect a heartbeat, a little panicked-fast thing, but stubborn enough. With some help she'd live, she'd probably even fly again one day. At the moment though she was just a mess, distraught and sorrowing, and probably not quite lucid. For all that she looked at him when he appeared, he sensed a flicker of recognition before it died beneath the awareness of her mistake. She thought she knew him, but it quickly passed.
'Blood loss.' He noted idly, largely unconcerned. It was to be expected, after all. At least she had not called him by another name or burst into tears, though he could see her recognize him as a predator and momentarily fear it.
Still, she was in no shape to run from him.... That much was clear. She had made a mess of herself, whatever she'd gone and tangled with. And with a ripe enough target, the whatever would come hunting her. 'Here's hoping whatever harmed her won't want her that badly.
And if they do?' Well, such was a thought for when she was well-settled. 'So get her too her feet and hide her away, already.'
He swallowed a growl at the fresh scent of salt-water, pinning an ear but swallowing any lecture about crying. She was injured, he supposed that was what she did when she felt pain. At least she was lucid enough to answer, even if it lacked conviction.
"Then you must do so quickly." He urged in response to her hesitant answer, glancing about. "If you wish to reach safety before dark, and have a chance at avoiding that which is likely hunting you."
It had to be her choice. If she wanted to lay at the edge of his territory and die, well perhaps he would remain to see what had taken the fight out of her so thoroughly. But since she did not, he coasted closer on soundless strides, tail snapping back and forth in a restless motion. When the mare struggled to stand and fell, he moved loser and offered her his side. Her question made him snort softly, wondering why else he would be offering a stranger such a choice as that which he had given her. And she had chosen to live, and to trust him, at least for now.
"It appears thusly, does it not? Come, and lean on me if you must. But if we are to go, it must be now. I will still have to hide your trail once you are settled, if there is time for such measures."
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Posted: Tue Apr 07, 2015 1:56 pm
"I do..." Nene breathed out, on her own she knew she wasn't going to make it. She'd accepted such a fact when the second skinwalker reared its ugly head at her and attacked before she could get her body off the ground and into the air. She wasn't sure where they'd gone to as the mare had been so busy pushing her body harder than she'd ever needed to before in order to simply live that her attention wasn't on the thudding of paws on the ground behind her - or when they'd stopped reaching her ears.
Oh, did she want to live.
Nene felt worse about the pain she'd inflict on her family with her death than her own woes about her days. The mare knew she was mortal and would someday meet her demise, but for once she'd been selfish, and just wished for a little more time. Or at least not to die the way it was leading up to be, in a morbid thought she'd realized there was no better place to meet one's end surrounded by loved ones...not alone from blood loss or torn to shreds by skinwalkers.
"Apologies..." She steadied herself off the tree, slowly leaning into him so she could keep the weight off her hind leg and also counter balance the wing so lifeless on her side. "I just truly did not believe I would see anyone kindly b-b-before...." Well, he knew.
"S-s-kinwalkers. T-two. Wolf and Feline." She glanced up his way momentarily. "I got some distance between w-where I was attacked and here, but they could s-still be looking..." Nene's tone dropped, ready to move along with his strides when ready.
Hopefully his kind act wouldn't jeapordize him as well if they returned. However that spine chilling feeling from before had yet to return...and she had a rather keen sense of these things.
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Posted: Tue May 12, 2015 11:27 am
'The girl has guts... I'll say that for her at least.' Aveshar thought with a low rumble of approval. 'An interesting thing...'
"Good, show me then." He muttered with a sort of sharp attitude that was a kind of concern. "And do not apologize. I doubt it was your attention to feed yourself to whatever harm has befallen you... And even if it was, I still very much doubt that it was your intention to live and drag yourself into my territory before you collapsed. The plan seems a foolish one, I am rather skeptical of your success in it. Therefore, you have been injured and need not apologize."
He shouldered her weight easily as she pushed away from the tree, allowing her a moment to settle against his side. As she did so he couldn't help but notice she was a little thing, compactly built but unavoidably 'delicate' when standing against his muscled bulk. She was also very bright, a riot of color sprawled against the dark-night of his pelt.
"Kindly, hmm?" He laughed softly at that. If only she knew. Then again, if he wasn't mauling her, perhaps that fit her requirements for being kind. That in itself was a sad commentary on matters. However, when she spoke of Skinwalkers his humor fled, a low snarl brewing in his chest and escaping before he could think to halt it.
"Skinwalkers." He growled, lifting and craning his had back toward the order to ensure they were not close. Two, hmm? And one of them feline? He hoped it was not Kanti, he liked to think she had long ago moved on from this land. "I detest Skinwalkers. Come then, we shall get you settled in my Den, and then I will return to deal with things."
With a low grumble at the thought of Skinwalkers coming to his lands, Aveshar picked up a slow, gentle stride and turned his nose toward the heart of his territory. He lead the mare along the faintest of trails, attempting to keep from jarring her injured leg and wing too much. There were no clear trails through his land, for he favored the wild territory and the way it prevented curious exploration. Still, with his knowledge of each twist and turn at least the trip would not be too bad for her.
"We are nearly there, now." He murmured as larger rocks and boulders began to crop up here and there. "There is a cave with fresh water and a place to rest. It will ensure you are out of sight and safe while I return to hide the trail and ensure they do not follow you."
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Posted: Fri May 15, 2015 8:05 pm
She would show him. She'd put on a humble but determined display to not let his kindness go to waste. As awful of an idea it was to go study skinwalkers, Nene did not regret doing so....if she had any feelings on the subject they were now dissipated. She'd gathered some useful information and got to meet a rather kind hearted Kalona while she was at it. Despite her body's condition, she considered herself rather fortunate.
She was alive, after all.
While they moved along the unbeaten path, Nene remained careful about her footing but mostly trusted the guidance of Aveshar. His attempts at keeping her body as fluid and eased as possible had been noticed by the mare, and when she stopped to really allow her mind to assess how her body was feeling she felt heat rise to her cheeks. Despite the pain...her mind became hyper aware of the warmth of his own body; bulked and large against her own. Her head turned away a little, trying to shield the fact she was blushing at such an inappropriate time. He was trying to help her, and she was getting flustered at their bodies meeting at her side. What was she, a juvenile? Still...she'd never been so close to anyone before outside her immediate family; she was sure it was more her shy nerves than anything else.
"N-no! Absolutely not!" She assured eagerly, although he didn't know her he'd assumed right, she was definitely not the kind of mare to pull such a dastardly stunt. Oh no. But she did catch what he'd said...and was quick to put her feelings out in the open. "You are. If you were truly evil or even waning close to it you wound not have come to my aid as you have done. Even if you have done unkind things in life, it doesn't mean you are incapable of being labeled kind. That's how I was raised though...I think every breed, skin walker excluded, has the capability of good, evil...and of course somewhere in the middle." She paused, nodding her head softly. "So...thank you. Truly...thank you." Nene realized she did not catch his name, and often found it a bit rude to ask...especially when she owed him so much already.
"My name is Nenetl....I just go by Nene most of the time..." She offered softly as the gentle ringing of her bells accompanied her voice on the breeze. She didn't let off that she was so grateful for their proximity to his home, as the only two things keeping her up and moving was his body and her determination to not collapse at every step.
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Posted: Mon May 25, 2015 8:47 pm
If Aveshar was the sort to bestow affectionate gestures, he might have leaned down and nuzzled the mare right then and there. The stubborn tilt to her chin was noticeable, and he could almost detect a frisson of something -stubbornness or determination, perhaps?- race through her as she moved along at his side. He wasn't entirely sure what had prompted the response but it was, well, rather endearing.
Trying -somewhat unsuccessfully- to muffle the low rumble of amusement that took him by surprise, he took care around a particularly tricky root system, and even curled his tail around her haunches to steady her at his side. He could easily curl a wing over her too and make her practically vanish from sight, but he preferred not to jar that injured wing anymore than they had to. She was a dainty thing, it was good that his mane hung on the far side, he rather feared she'd be tangled in it before long. If not for her bright colors, she would all but disappear beside him, lost in his darkness.
As it was, she stood out like a dainty little beacon, and for whatever reason he found himself wanting to spirit her along to safety before her attackers found them out. He kept his voice low and soft, amusement silvering rumbling tones. "There then, you have no reason to apologize to me. Watch this knot here, it is troublesome."
He had no idea how to address her assessment of his character and her affirmation that he was nice. For a moment he thought of disabusing her of the notion, of explaining how endless his hate for his brother ran, how the music of that family grated on his nerves until he wanted nothing more than to stomp it out. But no, she was sweet and soft and fragile, and curled into his side oh-so-trustingly. He did not want to lose that just yet, so he made a soft sound of amusement. "Well then, you have me figured out, it seems. I suppose I agree with you that any kind of Soquili has the potential to be good, barring the Skinwalkers of course. I am not sure there are any shades of gray, where they are concerned, and there is certainly no hint of white to be found."
Aveshar knew all to well the black hatred of Skinwalkers... Knew that even the curse had the tendency to eat up all shards of light within one's soul, destroy all sense of self. He had seen it with the mother of his foals, seen her go mad with rage and hatred and an anger so strong that it fueled her fury and sent her to hunting the baskets -her own foals- for months. Eventually he had driven her off, though he had scars from her cat form to attest to it. Since then, he had hated them, hated and hunted them. If two would come seeking this little splash of color, he would be waiting to show them the error of their ways.
Swallowing all of that back with another rumble of amusement, he took the opportunity afforded by a low-hanging branch to bow down and offer her a smile. "You are most welcome then."
The introduction caught him something by surprise, and he hesitated the barest of moments in his steps before resuming a gentle stride and leaning her around a copse of trees that marked the path. They were very nearly to his den, which meant soon she could rest and he could hunt. And just now they were getting to introductions.
"Nenetl." He echoed, crooning her name in a low velvet tone. "Well then, it is a pleasure to meet you Nene. I am Aveshar, of a long name and an even larger Clan that we will not waste time with discussing now. You may call me by something shorter if you wish, though I have never had a particular nickname."
Insults bestowed in the hissing tones of his enemies didn't count.
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Posted: Tue May 26, 2015 6:31 pm
Without warning, Nene felt her body stiffen as a steadying tail wraped around her haunches; the smallest of gasps rolled from her lips as she was just as quick to clamp her lips shut as tightly as possible. The fire on her face was something else, thankful her nose was black for what she was sure was the first time in her life. Not that she didn't like her black nose...just in this moment it was a very, very helpful thing to hide the pink that would surely be there.
His rumbling amusement caught her curiosity for the better of her, shy eyes looking up to him. He was like nothing she'd ever met, while her initial glimpse of him in such deliriousness had mistaken him for her adopted brother Darius, a black kalona in his own right...they were so different. So very different. Nene truly didn't know much about him at all, so it seemed so silly to say he was mysterious...but there was an air about him that whispered to her she needed to know more. His soft whites on his hair and horns only accentuating the pale glow of his eyes. Luckily her thought process was interrupted as he'd pointed out a knot in the unbeaten trail, and with a quick nod she focused to move her body around it following his lead. "T-thank you..."
As Aveshar spoke of those wretched walkers she found her mind painfully turning back to the moments where life had changed as she knew it. Nearly ended - in fact. "No....there is no saving them. Unless a miracle could happen but it wouldn't for beasts so far from the light..." She hoped to never see another, if such a wish could happen she'd die a happy mare. The young mare once more found herself trying to sneek a peak at her saviour; only to have her eyes widen as he'd lowered his head to her level to avoid a collison with a low hanging branch.
Ba-bump
Her breath caught as he flashed her a smile. Oh, what a smile it was. She'd never thought of anyone to be so....well, attractive. The painful thump of her heart was something strange and foreign to the mare, and as he'd finished is own introduction she took a moment to draw into herself. She clearly was romanced by the idea she'd been quite literally swept off her hooves in an act of heroism; like in the stories she'd heard as a child. While he was more of a dark knight style...it still had to be it. Her hormones as a female must just be reacting for something so basic, besides. Who'd actually felt like she had at first sight really - how obsurd such a notion, maybe other females, but Nene was pretty sure her own feelings were not so whimsical...
It was a real shame she'd wrapped herself further in her thoughts, it took but a split second despite his careful guiding...a rock which she should have been able to see and step over with the easiest of ease. Yet...she didn't, and as she stepped on the small rock it snapped forward her front leg. Nene had no time to react, no time to correct as her body jarred forward, she didn't go far though. (Un)fortunately, she was stopped by her muzzle bumping against his lowered face, lips to cheek.
She didn't even feel the swelling pain building up from such a jar, instead her eyes had gone the size of saucers and she quickly ducked her head down to cover her eyes with her bangs. "I-I-I-I-I AM SO SORRY!" She babbled at a high speed, her heart pounding a miles a minute; her mind a blurr. "Sorry...I'm so sorry Ave..."
A pleasure indeed.
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Posted: Tue May 26, 2015 8:13 pm
Even though they were well past the knotwork he worried she would trip over, Aveshar kept his tail curled around her haunches for a few strides before letting it slide away with a final, slow stroke. In spite of the fact that he had known her long, the Kalona stallion felt him warming to this little wind mare. Nenetl. An exotic name for such a brave, painted delicacy. Such an unexpected delight, this fallen bird... And she had spirit too, of that there was no doubt. There was a vein of strength in her like gold twisting in the mountain stone, it reminded him of the deepest parts of his caves, where the rich mineral could be seen glinting in the light of his markings and the odd natural phosphorescence.
That was, interesting. Something more captivating than what had drawn him to Kanti, something wilder and fiercer than what he had felt when collecting any of the Doves. He could keep this exotic beauty, quite easily he imagined. Just fold her away into the shadows of his world like a songbird kept for the beauty of its music, letting her light the dark corners of his world. But that was not a thought for now, not when she was hunted by those which he hated, and injured besides. Perhaps he would need to fetch a Healer, he would have to see.
Out of the corner of one glowing eye he could see her look up at him as his laughter slipped, the low purr of sound catching her attention. She seemed both embarrassed and curious, as though she wanted to ask what he was thinking and already worried about the answer. He couldn't even begin to reading all the thoughts flickering through her eyes, but he could see them like rapid shadows in the forest, there and then gone. She was thinking all sorts of things, but apparently they weren't for sharing. So he made no remark on them, merely insured she avoided the tangle of roots and then turns his gaze back to their quickly-ending trail. They were almost there now, a few dozen strides perhaps, and she would be able to rest.
"You are welcome, of course." He returned in a low murmur. "And we are nearly there, soon you may rest. Do you know if you have need of a Healer? There is someone I can get for you, if that is the case."
He made a low noise of agreement when she spoke again of the Skinwalkers, for it was better he spoke little of the subject or he might share a little more than he liked. Then again, perhaps it would not be so bad of a thing to tell her, for little instilled trust like shared trials. Still she seemed a trusting sort already, and he didn't want her to think he was dwelling on such things now. So long as she was not responsible for the attack on Nene, they need not speak of it now. "I do not think even a miracle could save them, not now..."
He flicked an ear at the sudden catch in her breath, and without meaning to amusement expanded his faint smile to a wider grin. She looked a bit shocked, did this little jewel, but it was in a good way so he didn't really mind. He was content to let it all lie, let it fade away into nothingness and not speak of it again until it became noticeable, but fate it seemed had other plans. One moment he was guiding her around a rock, the next she was stumbling into him just as he bowed under the low branch... and suddenly there was a silken muzzle pressed to his cheek.
Aveshar's gleaming eyes went wide, ears swiveling forward in something akin to shock. In all the scenarios he might have been prepared for, this was not one of them. It was nice, most certainly, but not at all expected.
Ave?
"No trouble," he murmured soothingly as he straightened and smiled down at her. His words were uncharacteristically warm and a gentle smile momentarily graced his expression. "A harmless accident, yes? I am flattered, but truly, it is no trouble, Nene."
He couldn't quite help a mischievous grin. "Although when you are healed, you should be wary of retaliation."
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Posted: Tue May 26, 2015 9:24 pm
Golden orbs peeked from their shadows up to Aveshar once more, coming to realize he was far too interesting to look at to keep her eyes behind the protection of her bangs. Under the darkness of her facial fur she was sure she matched more to a tomato than her proud lineage of African and Aztec descent. How could she help this though?
Truly, Nene had lived under a rock. A very warm, loving, amazing rock...but she'd regretted not heading out beyond her herd lands until this trip. Maybe she wouldn't have been the shy, reclusive mouse in this moment...perhaps bolder and more confident like her siblings? It was little she could change, hindsight was just that...a glimpse back. Ave was being so nice to her too, and here she was making nothing but trouble and...awkwardness.
An awkwardness it seemed only she was stuck in?
"Are you sure...?" She voiced quietly, hesitation to accept such kindness laced in her soft and sweet vocals. Usually it was her siblings who had such grand adventures, could capture so much attention...She was not used to someone not just glancing at her...but truly looking at her. Such things could not be helped with bold and boisterous siblings like she had and truly she did not mind to sit off to the side and watch with a warm and loving smile.
On the other hoof though....a small, miniscule voice in her actually enjoyed the bit of attention. His smile eased so many of her worried, and although she refused to let it show she was quietly hoping it would come back every time it left his face. "I think...my leg might heal properly..." She confessed, although another dark thought came flooding into her head; almost looking back at her wing but quickly drawing her head forward and down. "I don't know about my wing. I...I can't even feel it anymore. Just the weight via the muscles in my back..."
She couldn't look. Nene didn't want to lose her wing or its function...and she was sure she probably would pass out to see its mangled and blood soaked state.
Leaning a little more heavily into him as they were on the final stretch, paired with the dizziness of her whirling emotions she knew she was at her end. Her body could no longer convert her willpower into strength to continue, and it kept her utmost focus on each step to keep her in motion. Her face burned at his mischevious comment; feeling that flare up of the pounding of her heart once more.
"Retaliation...?" Nene echoed,and shook her head ever so lightly to keep her balance in check. "I don't think wallflowers are worthy of your flattery...Ave. Best to maybe save it for a more splendid rose...or orchid.."She admitted, smiling softly despite it all.
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Posted: Thu May 28, 2015 7:41 pm
Eyes once again fixed on the path ahead, for the closer they drew to his den the more obstacles they encountered, Aveshar was nonetheless aware of the mare's regard. Still, he concentrated on navigating the last of the distance to his home, a faint smile on his face.
"Sure?" He echoed, momentarily confused. Had anyone ever asked him if he was sure of something? Usually they took him at his word, or were too scared to question it aloud. Then again, he was not sure he'd ever offered someone healing or use of his Den, or made it known he would stand as defense against Skinwalkers. "But of course. I assure you, I do not say things I do not mean."
He made a low sound of understanding at her hesitant words, attempting to prompt her along while already planning to make, arrangements. She did not sound altogether confident, and he wanted more than maybes. "I see. Well that is not entirely satisfactory now, is it? So then, something must be done. Once you are settled, I shall make the necessary arrangements. It should not take long."
He could fly there, browbeat Kel into listening, or drag him back bodily if necessary. Perhaps promise him safety for his brats if he'd just get off his holier-than-thou rear end and come heal her. Then again, Kel was always an obnoxious do-gooder. As soon as Aveshar accused him of letting an innocent die due to his petty sibling rivalry, the Unicorn's back would be up enough that he'd do more than march into the heart of Aveshar's territory to save a life. He'd probably help fight off the Skinwalkers too.
He accepted her weight with little more than a shift in his attention, leading her around the final turn with a comforting curl of his wing. "Here we are then. Let us get you inside and settled, and I will see to the rest."
He did have to chuckle at her surprise, deciding that if for no other reason than that, he would get her back. "Indeed, retaliation. As for my attentions, I bestow them where I will. And if a little bird has caught my attention, it is to that bird I shall give it. I have no interest in roses, violets are much more interesting."
Leading Nene into the cave and past the first curve in the stone, Aveshar was somewhat pleased he'd made a fresh bed of pine boughs earlier in the day. The clean scent was crisp in the evening air, and would provide her with a soft place to rest within the mouth of stone. With her settled just past the curve she would not be immediately visible, but still get plenty of fresh air and be close to the natural dip in the stone that filled with water. Between that and the small glowing insects that turned the cave ceiling into a network of stars, he felt she would be comfortable.
"Welcome to my home." He rumbled with a gesture toward the thick bundle of greenery. "That should be comfortable for you to rest on while I see to getting you a healer and ensuring you were not followed."
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Posted: Fri May 29, 2015 11:04 pm
How...? How could this be...?
The burning of tears once more rose in her golden eyes as she was so overwhelmed, despite what had happened how could she be so fortunate? How could the fates decide to send her someone as kind and just truly wonderful as he? She'd done nothing but cause burden on the dark stallion since he'd laid sight on her, and even as she tried to convince him to lessen the load and not go so far out of his way for someone the likes of her...he dismissed it all. To remove her from her potential deathbed, to offer her shelter, rest and protection in his home of all places...was beyond the call.
To personally fetch her a healer on top of it all to make sure she'd be able to fly after....it was too much.
She was quiet as they rounded the last turn, just trying not to cry for the umpteenth time today it seemed...until she was lead into his cave. Nenetl wasn't sure what to expect really, she'd never seen anyone's home before aside from her own family. True, they lived quite the luxury from her father being an Angeni with the ability to become a human; buildings blessed their homeland amongst the other construction and gardens galore. However as she entered the cave and her eyes finally lifted to see around her she couldn't contain her gasp. It was like she was standing under the night sky even though she could tell they were insects.
"Ave....its beautiful..." She replied breathlessly, but the weight of his words had her head dip once more. Slowly she removed herself from his side, making the step to the wonderful smelling bedding laid down. It was painful to lower herself so slowly but she was keen not to further hurt herself with a drop as the last of her strength gave out. Her body shook as she let out a rattled sigh of relief, holding her head up to look now way up at him. It was just mind boggling, the mysteries that were Aveshar. No longer a dark knight..
But a dark Prince.
"Thank you...again. I don't know how I'm ever going to repay you and your kindness..." She couldn't make pretty things, she was not talented in the ways of gardening, she couldn't even dance like their graceful herdmates. Nene was always just...present. An extra set of hooves and a constant calm smile, as much as she wanted to present him with something grand to express her gratitude....nothing came to mind. "Violets are beautiful too." Kind of like her sister, Subira and her beautiful purple like their father. "Even birds don't pay attention to Dandelions..." You always knew one was there when you saw it, but when it was gone you'd never realize the weed was missing.
Still.....if she read into his words properly, he was as good as his word; and thus she would be expecting retaliation....although the notion made her nose painfully hot and red to think about.
"I...I-I will help you gather more material for bedding after a rest...I can't take your bed in good conscious while you sleep elsewhere..." It was almost horrifying to imagine her sleeping on the bedding and he on the ground of the cave.
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