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The sun hung in the midday sky, bathing the lands in its vibrant yellow rays and giving life to the flora and fauna. Gone was the bleakness of the winter with its cold and snow. Spring was well and truly here, bringing its warmth and sunshine, with the occasional rainshower of course. Those who might’ve been secreted away from the harshness of winter, hunkering down until more favorable conditions arose, were now emerging from their abodes and slumbers. With the arrival of spring came the opportunities to travel anew, to stretch the legs that might’ve become a bit…shaky or achy during such a long rest. It was for this very reason that Ra’Avyn had decided to wander about. The winter never really bothered him in the way it might others, but he had learned long ago that it was best not to travel too much during those months. This had especially been true this year since he had a new mate to protect.
Once the pair had found the place they’d call home, they took the time to settle in and make the area chosen more comfortable. As tended to happen with him, however, Ra’Avyn found that he became restless awaiting the warmer months’ arrival. True, it was less than it had been in the past, thanks in large part to having a mate to dote on and speak with and keep the tormenting voices at bay. Still though, he needed to at least have the option of wandering about. He couldn’t withstand the thought of being stuck in a single place. Movement meant freedom, and that knowledge was important…even if only for his own psyche. So, the moment he was able, he told his now pregnant mate that he was going to wander about for a while. He stressed to his bonded familiar to keep an eye on things while he was away and to come find him if needed. Then he had headed out for his jaunt.
If someone had told the stallion the day would go as it did, then he probably would’ve reconsidered embarking on his journey. As it stood, he was currently in a situation that had him feeling many ways and none of them pleasant. For, not too far from him, stood a being who appeared to be a horse like himself except for the fact he was distinctly bunny-like, and who seemed to be a tad bit confused and lost. Helping another would normally not be an issue for Ra’Avyn. He’s not prone to being judgemental or a bigot; HOWEVER, it hadn’t been all that long ago- perhaps a year at most- that he’d encountered another bunny-like creature who’d appeared all innocent until she wasn’t.
The ever-present voices stirred in the back of his mind. Their screams, jeers and jabs were now intermingled with taunts about that day. They whispered uncertainty and fear to him as well. “Do not trust,” one whispered. “Bunnies mean pain and death,” said another. “Go to him and see how easily you die,” came a third. Ra’Avyn did his best to shove their words away. One Soquili’s actions shouldn’t be held against another. Should they? The nightmare of a creature had been the first bunny-like being he’d ever encountered aside from actual bunnies. Could he really allow the one encounter to dictate how he perceived this new being and interacted with him? “Yes,” yet another voice answered, "One is like the other. Tricks and traps to pull us in.” He hesitated, contemplating this. The she-demon had indeed set a trap, acting innocent to lure her prey. Was it possible this stallion was doing something similar in hopes of finding his next victim? I don’t want to believe it. It isn’t fair to judge him based on that creature’s actions. But… He stared at the other, listening to him babble about how he’d found himself lost and in need of assistance. How can I know he speaks the truth? “You don’t…You won’t…” Ra’Avyn frowned. Part of him wanted to help while the other part wanted to flee. What if this is a trap though? I could already be in it, and he’s simply biding his time…
It was as he started to spiral, to feed into his paranoia and fear, that yet another voice broke into his thoughts. Except, it was so unlike the others. Instead of the abuse usually hurled out, this voice was soft and gentle, kind and warm. It was like the first rays of the sun in spring after winter had gone. The voice of his mate. And she was telling him to take a closer look. Observe the stallion and notice the fear in his own features, of how genuinely lost he is in a strange new place. Ra’Avyn did as his beloved’s voice suggested, eyeing him intently. I see now. The blue and white stallion drew in a deep breath to steady himself. I was being unkind and letting fear run me. That is not my way. With a new clarity and a renewed sense of peace, he took a step closer to the stallion and offered his assistance. He apologized for being so standoffish at first, explaining in short detail what had happened previously, before getting the other’s story and asking of his needs. Fortunately, the bunny-like stallion was easy-going and quickly forgave the issue while also thanking Ra’Avyn for coming to his aid.
The issue, as it turned out, was more easily resolved than even Ra’Avyn anticipated. The stallion merely needed to find the path leading east so he could find the traveling faire he’d heard about. Two minutes later, he was on his way, and Ra’Avyn was feeling amused and perhaps a little ashamed. He’d spent more time agonizing about helping than actually doing the helping! The poor guy could’ve been well on his way if Ra’Avyn hadn’t let past trauma color his views. Lesson learned though. This would be the first and only time he did such a thing. He’d remain cautious, yes, but he would never let paranoia reign in his heart and mind again.
FIN
WC: 1,017
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