|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Mon Jan 29, 2018 5:06 pm
 There was a touch of aimlessness brought him to the bar area of the tree this evening. Morning and early afternoon went well. Just thinking of the boys and their mother brought back the smile form earlier as he reached the bar top. A void somewhere in his being, one that existed but never tormented, seemed soothed with them around. Being an uncle or whatever he was to them was peaceful. Fullfilling.
Following that came the hard days flying, any free moment spent in the air getting faster and stronger. Learning the air currents around the trees and avoiding getting hit by reckless rainbows, storm clouds and lighting provided its own sort of excitement. No threats to find saw him back in the tree to get cleaned up hense the still wet mane and tail, stand in ‘tender didn’t seem to notice or care. Was nice there was no dress code here.“Bring this one to the Seer, have a fruit juice as well. It’s the light stuff.” O-okay? That landed amount the odder events of the night. Took him a few seconds and the very annoyed look of the other faun to finally get him to clear his throat and do as he was told. Glancing down at what was actually in his hands, it certainly smelled lovely. Orange liquid mango with oranges maybe? Coconut ‘cups’ as they were certainly felt tropical enough to fit the scent. Handy how he didn’t know what he might want and now he was waitress with the added benefit of a drink.
New experiences weren’t bad. It helped that he knew who she was. There wasn’t a faun around that didn’t know the Seer, he’d met her himself when he visited the Chief upon reaching the tree. No other faun, to his knowledge, even compared to her coat, mane and just aura for lack of a better word. Seeing her now, he took another moment to clear his throat again before stepping forward towards her. Several steps back he announcement himself, “Lady Vanya? I have a drink for you. Would you mind company?” He had its match only seemed right to sit and share it if the ‘tender went through the trouble.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Jan 29, 2018 5:38 pm
 The wood grain of the table top seemed particularly enrapturing tonight, if one were to judge by the Seer's expression and focus on her fingertips' journey over the wooden surface. An unfamiliar voice pulled her from her thoughts and she tilted her head slightly towards the newcomer. No, not altogether unfamiliar; just not expected in this location or at this time.
"Well, you're not my waiter," she quipped lightly; she said it as if it were simply matter-of-fact, no teasing in her tone. She lifted one eyebrow curiously, following up after a moment's thought with, "Everfree...wasn't it?" She did try to pay particular care with names. It meant a lot to the individuals, she found, though there were a lot of faun to keep up with these days. Granted, fewer seemed inclined to approach her these days, either for help for simple interaction. She didn't blame them. She wasn't sure she'd want to approach herself either.
Normally, she'd have been put on guard by someone approaching her, but...she couldn't imagine a lecture coming from this source. Perhaps she didn't know him well enough to predict, but that was exactly it. Mojo or another Circle member, perhaps, but few others knew the mysterious Seer well enough to judge her personal habits, she felt.
Besides, wasn't it her job to allow people to talk to her? Perhaps he had some personal concern he needed help with. At some point, you've got to get back to doing your job, a little voice in her head reprimanded. Hmmph.
After a moment of consideration and a slight shrug, she gestured vaguely to the table, assuming there was an empty stool or chair opposite, as if saying 'nah go ahead.' She did, however, hold out her other hand for the drink she'd ordered.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Jan 29, 2018 5:56 pm
Looking between the cups, the answer came with an resounding laugh, "No, no I am not. Learning a new trade apparently." Nothing spilled yet, good sign. Was there much call for a flying waiter besides in the branches? Might engrossed in the all together odd change of events, he some time to notice her hand out to remember what even started all of this.
"Probably not my calling, I suspect." Trying to laugh off the poor skill in the second most important skill of waiting, actually giving the customer what they ordered. Novelty there, having the drink in front of you. Placing in her hand what he assumed to be her cup, there didn't appear to be any difference between the offerings, he took his own seat.
"That is right, I am honored you remember me, m'lady. How are you doing?" Several seconds had to pass before the courage to try this strange concoction pulled enough to sample whatever it was she had deemed worthy of drinking.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Jan 30, 2018 4:38 pm
How was she doing? Heh, one of those questions no one really wanted an honest answer for. So, instead she was evasive as usual. "Fair enough," was her answer as she closed her hand around the cup. She drew the wooden cup to her face, inhaling the sweet scent curiously. Something new. She was, however, trying to take it easier tonight than usual, and so had opted for something rather sweet instead of strong. With only a brief taste, she returned the cup to the tabletop.
"And yourself? Have you had much luck in finding your place in the Tree?" It had been a while since she'd spoken to the male fauny last. Back when he'd first found his way to the Tree, likely. Hmm...felt like ages ago now; another life. "Or, still trying out new trades as it were?"
She could do this. Just casual conversation. Just like the old days. Old days that seemed but a distant memory. She'd gotten better at keeping the mask up, keeping her tone light and the topic of conversation at a distance. Easier to focus on the other, get them to talk about themselves. Afterall that was what she did once, wasn't it?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Jan 30, 2018 4:53 pm
Head tilted just slightly, one ear flicking at her answer.She couldn't see it and he wasn't going to push it. However, the stallion had been around the Tree a time or two, there are always other paths.Once upon a life time ago, the burdens of being important came with the chains of distance.
Opting for a drink to mask the furrowed brow, he jerked his head back at the first sip looking at the drink again, "You have fine taste in orders!" Voice was jovial enough but this was just a might too sweet for his tastes. All the same company mellowed it out enough to be worth it.
Picturing the two little boys brought a deep chuckle, mane brushing his shoulder as his head shook. "I've found I am fond of foal sitting now! The new trades have become half the fun." At once being of no 'use' would be a burden but there are so many ways to be useful.
"Have you had much time to relax, Lady? I imagine everyfaun must keep you quite busy." Rest was important just as much as work, something certain Princesses some times seemed to forget.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Feb 03, 2018 10:25 am
Taking another tiny sip of the drink, Vanya pondered it for a bit before commenting quietly, "Perhaps a bit sweet for my tastes, at least this evening. Ah well, that's what I get for trying something new." As if to dissuade any thoughts of letting it go to waste, she took another sip before lowering the cup to the tabletop.
"Foal sitting?" The idea gave the Seer pause. It wasn't unheard of, of course, just that she'd last been lead to believe that the male was more interested in patrolling outside perhaps, protecting their home. However, there were many ways to protect Laisidhiel's future. As the thought continued, Vanya realized she was a bit more out of touch than she should have been. Who had little ones right now? Shouldn't she know these things? Trying to be subtle, she kept her expression calm and asked, "I suppose there are enough little ones about to keep you busy then?"
The next question was a bit harder to answer. Another sip of her drink was used to buy a bit of time to think on how to reply. She hadn't done much relaxing in a long time, unless her increased drinking habits counted for that. Of course, that wasn't because she'd been doing much counseling of other faun either. Mostly herself. And alcohol was a form of counseling, right?
After a moment, she attempted to answer the question asked with evasive honesty. "There's always a lot of work to do. Especially given recent circumstances. However, I have been able to focus on myself lately, yes."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Feb 03, 2018 11:49 am
Heedless of her ability to see the actions, the green stallion shook his head in response. Said action sent a little bit of the damp main to hit against a sensitive part of his back causing a shiver hard enough to curve his poor back. Physical reaction caused a delay in answering, but he found himself again to pick back up. "Nothing ventured, nothing gained. New things make life more interesting." As with her movement, he followed the chuckle with another sip himself. Sweet but all the same nothing should be put to waste.
Thinking of the two colts, warmth washed through him as it might if he'd drank a hot beverage. Great affection chased his response, "Oh those two colts are certainly that." Tipping his drink towards her before taking one more sip of it, he finished, "I am fortunate their mother allows me to help her out. Foals have remarkable abilities to teach one how to enjoy the little things, humble and inspire. They think they are learning from us, I find its an even trade." Briefly he considered the question of if the Tree knew about the colts. No fauny tried to hide them, but he was never quite able to shake the memories of Fluttershy after that night. Her fears were very real but so far seemed to be unfounded.
"Down sides of being so important." Musing directed to her said down to his drink. Attempting to be careful, she certainly didn't need him to tell her anything, he offered one more bit, "Thats good, Its easy to miss ourselves when we look outward at others instead of inward at our own hearts." Philosophical poet he was not, there was a point in that haystack of words.
Offering a different approach to avoid that awkward dead air, he mentioned, "The evening is exceptional, almost a shame so many faun and fauny are inside instead of enjoying the air. Makes it easier to hear the birds singing, I suppose." There was more to enjoy out there then just what the eye can perceive.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Feb 05, 2018 3:50 pm
Even without actively trying to use her abilities, Vanya couldn't help but notice the rush of happiness that flooded Everfree's aura as he talked about the two little ones. It was hard to miss. That much happiness and warmth practically radiated from the other's form and the withdrawn Seer felt it comparable to one who has been been inside, sheltered from the storm, finally emerging into the sunlight again.
Not that she was about to take to singing to the distant hills or anything so dramatic as that. Still, it was nice to have someone talking to her for once that wasn't just speaking to her to bring their problems or troubles to her in the hope that she would fix them. She still had plenty of issues of her own, but the thought did allow her to relax somewhat, imagining that this could really be nothing more than a casual conversation. Who knew she was capable of such things any more?
It did puzzle her somewhat, however. The sort of pride and happiness in his tone, she would have guessed that Everfree was bragging about his own children. However, one didn't usually refer to it as babysitting if the children were their own. So...not his then? He talked about being fortunate that the mother allowed him to help her out. Did that imply that a relationship with the mother had gone sour and that he was pleased just to be allowed to spend time with the children? Or was she getting the wrong idea entirely here? Perhaps it wasn't anything so dramatic as that and he really was just so enraptured with the simple pleasure of watching little ones grow up?
Vanya used to complain that the Spirits seemed to want her involved in everyone else's private lives; and now it was driving her nuts not to know what was going on. She had no idea how to tactfully broach the subject either. Curse this curiosity! The irony of it all wasn't lost upon her either. Perhaps the spirits knew...she could ask later...
Returning to the earlier subject at hand, namely herself and her state, Vanya had fallen quiet. The comment about the evening and the tendency of faun to gather inside at this time of day, did not go without serious thought. After a quiet moment and more contemplation over her drink, Vanya murmured, "I suppose that should be no particular surprise these days though. Not with the assumption that all dangers lie outside these walls of safety." Sometimes though, the worst dangers could be found in one's own mind. She knew that all too well.
Without thinking on why, she mused aloud, "It has been some time since I've been outside Laisidhiel myself." She didn't delve on why, just said it as a simple statement while seeming to consider something. She wasn't eager to go outside the massive gates, but to hear the birds sing again? Technically, even if she only went to the lower branches, she could be outside, yet still within Laisidhiel's safe embrace. Could she do that? She felt like she could do that. "Perhaps...an early evening stroll among Her lower branches. Listen to the birds sing farewell to another day. I don't usually dare go up there alone. Just...playing it safe, however, if--" She caught herself. Had she just been about to imply that this individual, a practical stranger, escort her up there so she could take a walk? Would he have done so, assuming she was using her position in the Tree to order him to do so?
"I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to imply-- I'm sure you have much better things to do, other plans for the evening. I was just talking to myself; please ignore me." She hastily covered up for her near stumble. Great spirits, had she really grown so selfish lately? She'd been so focused on herself for so long, rather than on others' problems. It had been such a strange occurrence too to find an individual willing to talk to her without asking for help with their own problems, she'd nearly slipped and started making selfish requests.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Feb 05, 2018 5:06 pm
Wisdom road her words as they briefly brought him back to that day. Every faun and fauny alive at the time knew exactly what that day was. Even bringing it to his mind brought back aches in his wing along with a dull memory. At the same time, eyes hit where the Tree had been hurt and the Menders did their best. Scars heal and served as reminders both good and bad about just who they were.
Echoing an unintentionally shared sentiment he remarked, “The dangers are real, we’ve felt that. Though, to stay hidden away, turning home into a sort of self-imposed prison only seems to serve as a victory to those that would ground us.” Pause followed, the awkwardness of being one of wings in a society of nearly all ground based crept up in a sincere conversation. Rudeness on his part was not lost. “Excuse the phrase, if you will, I just mean letting fear limit us serves as a way to control.” The translation was not perfect. Its hard to explain never being able to fly again to one that cannot fly and would probably appreciate her hooves staying on that ground.
Smiling at her, the stallion waited until it seemed she was done speaking before adding his own words. “It is a lovely evening, all I have left to do is an evening stroll myself.” Holding the pause for a few moments, Everfree continued, “It would be a great honor if you would extend your wonderful company for a walk. I find admiring nature more relaxing with another to enjoy the time.” It was fine to make it his request; though he hoped he was reading her words right and not imposing himself.
Evening air, nature singing and preforming their own rituals regardless of those around them soothed the part of him that felt a little cooped up when inside too long. If his instincts weren’t too far off, that flustered backpaddling spoke volumes of how welcomed it might be for his companion.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Feb 05, 2018 8:06 pm
Considering Everfree's odd (to her) analogy, it did paint a clearer picture of a different sort for Vanya. She had been told by others that many of their lost brethren had come to them from foreign lands with wings of their own. Of course, unless told so, or she somehow came in contact with them, there was little way for the Seer to know who possessed these extra appendages. In her mind, she wondered if she would have behaved differently if she could see them? Knowing they had them was one thing, but seeing them, with her experiences with the past and the Blood Pae and the atrocities...
They were still her brethren though. To her mind's eye, they appeared like any other faun. And she trusted that sense far above any other.
She let the turn of phrase slip with that new knowledge about Everfree, seeming thoughtful yet. "Perhaps it does," she spoke at last, "but, I offer a counter point. What of those who still need somewhere safe to hide while they gather the courage to face that fear?" After a moment, in a quieter voice, she added, "And that's suggesting that all the danger remains outside..."
Brushing past those thoughts, she fixated instead on the offered invitation. "I...only if you're sure it's not an inconvenience." She still sounded unsure. "I really don't want to trouble you or be a hindrance. I just...I haven't been up to the branches in a long time. Not alone. I mean, I suppose Laisidhiel wouldn't wish me to fall," she chuckled somewhat nervously, "But, I wonder about the Spirits sometimes." Mischievous Spirits...
The temptation was strong and after a moment, she seemed to resign, saying, "Well, if you promise you were going anyway and not just because I said something..." The Seer swiftly finished her drink and set the empty cup on the table. Her head never turned, nor did her gaze shift, but she reached behind her to where her staff leaned against the wall. Her fingers trailed lightly over the wall before coming in contact with a different grain of carved wood and her fingers closed around the walking aid, pulling it to her side.
"Whenever you're ready," she said, trying not to sound too eager to go.
Watching curiously from across the bar, the bartender noted the Seer's apparent readiness to leave. Hmm...far less tonight than she usually had.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Feb 06, 2018 3:07 pm
Her point was a fair one, his inclined head acknowledging it. “Fair assessment, finest thing about home is it is whatever you need it to be. I find that courage isn’t easy to gather in one place doing the same thing, but I would never want to take way from those that find peace in it.” Doing the same as has always been done yields the same results.
Her next remark caught him off guard causing several moments to pass as decisions were made. Natural reaction would to be ask what she is afraid of, there were families in the Tree he wanted to keep safe. Pressing the matter rather than waiting battled back and forth, an observer could almost follow the action by his ears moving this way and that. Finely a slight side step was chosen, “They greatest cruelty an adversary can offer is the illusion of dangers within, rotting from the inside out. I concede wisdom in caution, however.” They were in trouble if the fauns turned on each other. Only, the strongest feeling led him to think that’s not exactly what she meant. Encouraging correction seemed the smartest strategy.
Following her lead, he finished his own drink, shaking his head once as the taste hit him anew. “You have my word, milady.” Ever present bow occurred wings flaring and one hand laying on his heart. The organic reaction didn’t need observers to exist. “I take a walk every evening, it is a joy to share it with lovely company.” Moving slightly, he stood near her but attempted the respectful distance. There was no doubt in her abilities more like doubt he wouldn’t make a nuisance of himself.
“Happily, I’ll be by your side.” Should theses spirits try to trip her, what better companion then one with wings? There was a ceremonial step forward to encourage the starting of the journey. Only before moving anymore he waited to see what was comfortable for her.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Mar 21, 2018 4:06 pm
And if what one fears is inside their own head?
Vanya didn't voice the question aloud, instead letting the matter drop. She didn't need to confirm any possible rumors going around about her mental state. She was sure there was enough gossip without her feeding the fires. Her restless nights full of nightmares were her business and hers alone.
Instead, she tried to focus on keeping the tone light, centered on the casual, normal plan of taking a walk among the branches at dusk. When was the last time she had done that? How long had it been? Had she done so since becoming the Seer? It was a saddening thought, but she couldn't remember. Had it been before that? Before she'd left the Tree in self-imposed exile? No, the thought, the memory was still there. The feeling of the cool evening breeze, ruffling her fur and hair; the scent of flowers and evening dew...
"Well, if you insist, kind sir." Rising to her hooves with a quick tap of the end of her staff on the floor, Vanya vacated the barstool and took a step forward. Due to Laisidhiel's blessing, she could keep her bearings reasonably well while inside the Great Tree. At least, in regards to navigating the grand structure as well as the living, mobile residents within. It was only one of several reasons she rarely left the Tree these days, but it served as a believable excuse if any dared pry. Better to remain self-sufficient than to rely on others to help her around, she reasoned. With the exceptional stumble or stubbed hoof on a stray piece of furniture, she felt she functioned fairly well these days. It seemed that some even forgot her blindness from time to time unless some detail stood to remind them.
She started to reach out towards Everfree, then hesitated. Long ago, she'd never been comfortable with physical contact with others, but since losing her sight, it had become an integral part of how she worked and connected with others. However, that wasn't always plain to others at first, and since it hadn't been addressed, she wasn't sure how the fauny would react. While she could walk without assistance, it helped her keep pace with someone while being allowed to concentrate on other things. However, it wasn't as if she couldn't manage. still smiling, she calmly moved to place both hands on her staff at her right side. "Please, lead on," she nodded towards the bar's exit, focused on navigating her way between the shifting auras that represented the facility's other customers.
EvilSilverDragon Happy (belated) birthday! <3
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Mar 23, 2018 5:23 pm
For several moments he stood still watching her get up and prepare to leave. With the left side of his lip contained between his teeth, the stallion's ears wavered in several directions. There was a polite way to address this, his arm was there for her after all. Only, how to do so without insinuating anything. Vanya is a remarkable mare, to suggest anything less seemed sacrilegious and she wasn't even one of his Princesses.
He kept his arm slightly out, there for her whenever she might want to to grasp it. One foot forward, but conscious of where she is, he asked, "Do you have a favorite branch? I am partial to the ones midway up but all of the Tree is wonderful." Soothing walk in the evening did wonders to calm the soul. Whatever place meant the most to her, that would be where they would go.
There was another step forward, calmly leading them out of the bar area. He waved to the bartender who didn't seem to do a good job pretending not to pay attention to the two of them. Or maybe to Vanya? Hard to tell mostly due to lack of familiarity despite the seasons he spent in the Tree. This right here, might need to be a more common occurrence, her company was welcomed and she seemed to tolerate him fairly well.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
