Crunch... Crunch... Crunch.
Every hoofstep Riesling took reminded the stallion of the changing seasons upon the great Chimera Island. While there were pockets on the island where the seasons didn't change at all, or were solely affected by the island's fickle moods, for the rest of the island winter was on its way.
The trees were all but barren of leaves, and the wind had a harshness to it that promised snow would soon blanket the land. The nights were growing longer, and the ebony buck could already tell his coat was coming in plusher. Soon, ice, sleet, and snow would cover the land. While the herd generally thrived on the land, it was during these harsh times that they sheltered in the densest part of the woods. There were small grottos and shelters among the trees to keep the most fragile comfortable during the harshest winters.
However, being settled in a spot too long made the herd susceptible to those who would prey upon them -- and certain centaur herds knew this. It was a dangerous time for the herd with game scarce. The herd had foraged well, and had plenty of dried herbs and plants and fruits to help them through the frosty worlld. Furs, blankets, and layered clothing had been passed out -- Riesling had wanted to make sure none went cold this winter. Extras were still being created by some of their crafters, as spares and extras were always needed -- but Riesling knew that they were quickly running out of time.
He'd need to talk to others within the herd to ensure that they were on schedule. Scouts and guards had been running around the borders, making sure that no unsavory centaurs, or other dangers, were lurking unexpectedly within their lands. The youth were being instructed on what to forage during the long cold months, and what to do if caught in some unexpected snowstorm -- while most of the young elaphotaurs were supervised during their travels, there were some that already had a penchant for adventure, and were caught more than once farther from the herd than Riesling would like.
There was still much to do but Riesling was certain the herd would be prepared.
As he moved through the herdlands, his thoughts drifted to Zinfandel. He had been grateful to have found the lost elaphotaur when he had -- but he hadn't expected to have lost their herd for so long! On the other hand, would their story have been different had they not gotten separated? Surely not for who else among his herd would have caught his eye? Of course, it wasn't just because Zinfandel was beautiful and elegant... His spirit was lovely too. He was king and generous and generally a sweet thing. He was perfect to be not just his mate and a fellow herd leader, but a life-long companion.
It had surprised him how quicky he'd fallen for the other, but now that they were back with the herd and re-settled, he fell more in love with him each day. In some cases, Zinfandel was a distraction--and he caught himself more prone to daydreams where he used to be focused. A touch of his hand in passing, or stealing a few moments away when the time was right, was enough to keep Riesling distracted.
He felt much like a young fawn, living each moment as if it were new now that Zinfandel was in his life. And yet... what would their future hold? Would the spirits bless them with a familly? Would they remain leaders of the herd? Would they be replaced by some upstart?
.... The thought caused the stallion to snort, and paw at the partially frozen ground. He'd make sure others knew that this herd was his -- and he would not relinquish it easily. Especially now that he had a mate to protect. The herd was his family, and he had every intention of ensuring new generations protection, just as his father had done before him.
Unlike his father, though, he would not take on multiple mates and have his offspring duel to be heir. Though Riesling had plenty of siblings and half-siblings, at the end of the day, he had been the one to champion his father's title -- and now, he was the one to guard and protect the herd.
That didn't mean some of the younger bucks didn't have their sights set on a show of weakness... But having heirs would ensure his line continued. Perhaps he'd need to pray to the spirits, and inform Zinfandel. It was not up to them when they would be so blessed -- but Riesling realized the sooner they had fawns, the less likely a buck would try to claim his title.
A snap of a twig had Riesling's daydreams shatter, and every muscle in his body tensed. His ears pricked, and he focused solely on the earth around him. Everything was still and quiet.... There were no birds tweeting, no animals moving about. In fact, everything was too quiet.
With his tail stiff, the stag took a step forward. He did not call out. Instead, he used his skills to walk delicately closer to the underbrush. He saw nothing, heard no rustling -- but he was clearly not alone.
A centaur?
The closer he approached, the more unlikely it seemed.
"Who goes there?" He asked, his voice a deep rumble. He narrowed his gaze, giving a stomp to let the being lurking out there know that he meant trouble. "Come out, I say!" And the power in his words would brook no disappointment.
Thankfully, it was no monster or centaur that appeared. Instead, it was a young fawn! "P-p-please sir! I din't mean to-- I mean, I hadn't thought I went so far---P-please don't drive me out!" The young fawn had a few nubs growing out of his hair, and he was half-covered in dirt and dead leaves. He carried a satchel that was equally mud-covered, and in it, what appeared to be winterberries. "I was huntin' rabbit, sir, and I thought--I mean, I heard there were Fauns nearby and wanted to see, you see?"
The little mud-covered fawn rambled, trying to explain himself, as if he had done something wrong. He really hadn't, though Riesling was surprised to find him so close to the borders. He didn't allow his expression to change, and instead crossed his arms, which caused the little one to all but tremble. Whoops.
"And your guardian? You seem much too young to be out alone."
At this, the little fawn dipped his head. "Well, sir, see I....uh... I mean, that is...I...."
Riesling arched a brow.
"I ran off. They told me not to go but I ditched' em -- I just wanted to see the white fauns. I heard all about 'em, sir, and I-- I just wanted an adventure." The little ones lip trembled, and Riesling could no longer stand firm.
So it was, he sighed and gave a small shake of his head. "You'll have plenty of adventures in another season. However, I do understand - I went out searching for the white fauns when I was just about your age. Likewise, I didn't find anything," he mused. "I see you at least brought winterberries back -- are they quite ripe?" He asked, deciding that distraction would be better.
"Oh yes, sir-- I hate a whole--I mean, I had some, and brought the rest back! They go real good in oats," he explained, reaching in to offer Riesling a handful.
The stallion took it, amused. "Why thank you, young Tuck. Now, I was just headed back to the heartlands -- shall you keep me company? Perhaps next time we can look for those fuans together."
And with that, the young fawn and the old stag turned and headed towards the heart of the herd. Riesling would get to hear all about the young Tuck's shenanigans -- and with much encouragement from the youth-- would have winterberry stained hands by the end of it.
[FIN]
