Lotus: -brightens upon seeing the other male, ears perking up- Arius. -flicks water off his tail and steps forward out of the water- It’s been a while. -chuckles and dips his head to recognize his friends most regal air-
Arius: *grins fondly* It's been a long time, Lotus. I thought you would have gone off on your travels by now.. *gains a serious tone as he stares at Lotus expectantly as if to ask him why he's still here*
Lotus: I thought about it, and I did travel a few days away… however… I decided to stay. I wanted to watch my new siblings and family grow up first. -makes a thoughtful little sound- I suppose now that is done, there’s no reason for me to stay anymore.
Arius: Ah... I see... *pauses* I guess there isn't any reason, then.. *disguises his thoughts with another awkward pause as he strains to think of a reason for him to stay*... That six-legged beast might come after you, though. Then who'd save you? :I
Lotus: Giratina? -gives a soft chuckle, tail flicking up in amusement- Yes, I suppose she could. Now that her own brood is grown; she may get bored. But in that case, I suppose I’ll have to save myself. I wouldn’t want to get anyone else in trouble. -pretty sure he’d have more chances of being beaten up hanging around here, but doesn’t say so, instead nibbling on a tasty looking leaf on the nearby bush-
Arius: *omgthankgoodness so much relief* Oh right, her spawn... I'll have to protect you from them too. :I it's too bad they weren't destroyed while they were still infants.
Lotus: Oh, will you? -soft laughter- Well, that makes me feel much safer. Thankyou Arius. -while he can’t quite agree with killing infants, they were hardly a wholesome lot, so he couldn’t disagree either- I’m beginning to miss the mountains, but I suppose I can hang around for a little while longer. As long as you promise to hang around some to keep me from getting bored.
Arius: *doesn't enjoy the idea of being Lotus's source of entertainment, and shows it with a huff and a scowl* I'm a busy buck, you know. neutral I can save your wimpy a** from monsters, but as far as entertainment goes, your on your own. *sticks his nose in the air defiantly*
Lotus: -only laughs at Arius’s little display- >3> Oh I was only playing Arius… -wrinkles his nose teasingly- <3 I’m not actually going to follow you around and demand conversation, and I’ll have you know I am growing quite adept at the fairy art of running away from trouble very, very fast. Saves me some bruises and should save you the trouble of having to help me.
Arius: ... ;///; *totally humiliated now* Well, fine. If that's the case, you can just do a fairy sprint up to the mountains all by yourself. No need to stay here. *flicks his tail and spins around, casually stomping away*
Lotus: -blinks at Arius sudden anger; not entirely sure what he said wrong, but rather cursing his lack of interaction with well… anyone; since that must have left him a little rusty- … ah wait, Arius! Oh, darn… I didn’t mean… -starts after; wings giving a quick, unhappy flutter- … I’m sorry! -calls after, but stops following, really not wanting to anger him further- :< -sighs and turns away from to the river. Well, that went well… current friend list: 0. The mountains were definitely calling now-
Arius: *stomps away until he's a good distance away, sighing heavily and plopping under a tree... wishing his brother was here so he could beat up on him*
~LATER~
Arius: *notices Lotus and lightens a little, but remembers their last encounter and grumbles again* >:I I thought you were leaving.
Lotus: -was not paying attention and the sudden familiar voice nearly makes him choke on his food- …! -coughs and swallows, ears perking up- Arius! -turns back to the bush, trying not to look to happy to see him, oh dear- I guess I decided otherwise.
Arius: Yeah, it looks like it... *narrows his eyes and wrinkles his nose* I'm surprised you've managed to live this long around here... (without me *wibblewibble*)
Lotus: –actually a little annoyed at that and gives a snort, turning to face Arius- I’ll have you know that I’m quite competent at taking care of myself. Darn it I’ve crossed mountains. I might be small but… -sighs- You make it sound like I’m constantly getting my butt kicked.
Arius: *was totally not expecting that, and recoils from his friend, looking a little hurt but quickly recovers with a face of rage even though that's the farthest emotion from his head right now* *he stomps a hoof in Lotus's direction, snorts and impulsively blurts the first thing that comes to his mind* Is that so? Shocking. You're such a sack of ... stupid... pathetic... fairy dust.
Lotus: -really not sure where his own words came from, and was too busy regretting it already to see the hurt on Arius’s face… instead only sees the rage- … oh. -starts to take a step back, but stops himself and stands firm, lifting his head up- Fine. I’d rather be a sack of pathetic fairy dust than an arrogant fool… -totally didn’t mean that and closes his eyes, head dipping slightly as if he expects to be hit… and sort of hopes he will be-
Arius: *shocked at yet another snappy reply, and can no longer hide his distress and it practically explodes out of him as he turns and stomps away in a rush - desperately trying to mask his sadness with rage*
Lotus: –when no pain occurs… he opens his eyes to find Arius stomping away. Oh no, what had he done? He’d had a chance to fix his earlier stupidity, but he’s ruined it again- No! -darts after him, really having no idea what he’s doing and ends up attempting to headbutt Arius in the behind-
Arius: *spewing tears, desperately looking for a place to hide and sob, but realizes the buck is after him and leaps into a sprint - he'd almost rather die than let Lotus see him like this*
]Lotus: –ah no, he was going too fast!- DDDD: -makes his smaller legs move faster but is swiftly falling behind… -stumbles and manages to right himself before he tumbles head over heels, but now there’s no way he can catch up- Damn it! –stamps the ground in frustration. Well, he would just have to track him down and… and what? Apologize profusely maybe-
Arius: *keeps running and running 'till his legs get tired and he collapses in a pile of pathetic waterfall tears and boogies*
Lotus: –keeps following the trail; though he has no hope I finding him anytime soon- 8<
~LATER~
Arius: *hiding in a bush and might actually be well hidden if it wasn't for his enormous rack*
Odette: -Walking along her merry way, calmy taking her time to sniff at the strange sorts of plants and things they had in their fields. Then she passes a rather strange bush that looked like it possessed a rather impressive set of antlers. Her ears perked forward curiously as she cautiously leaned forward to sniff them lightly.-
Lotus: –staring at those antlers from a little further away; working up the courage to go over and hoping Arius wouldn’t run off as soon as he approaches-… Edit: -spots Odette approach the bush and continues to watch, slipping backwards to hopefully hide himself a little-
Arius: *peeks through the branches as he hears Odette come closer with the very subtle movement of his head, which isn't so subtle for his antlers* ... >:I *grunts at the female and turns away like a grumpy toddler*
Odette: -At the snort she takes a few steps back, ears perking forward.-Oh....Are you alright in there? -She asked softly.-
Arius: Lemme 'lone. = w= *avoids looking at Odette so what's left of his intelligence doesn't get sucked away by the gorgeous hind*
Lotus: -decides on a plan and approaches slowly, smiling politely at Odette and pretending he has no idea Arius is inside the bush- … hello there. Would you do me a favor?
Odette: -About to say something to Arius, she is caught a bit off guard when Lotus approaches. She blinks at him, perking her ears.- Oh? -She inquires softly.-
Arius: *ohffffff... super stealthy statue mode*
Lotus: If you wouldn’t mind, there is somebody I want to say sorry to, but I’m not sure with he’ll listen to me… if you will let me, I’d like to practice what I’m going to say on you… -ears flick forward hopefully and makes sure not to look directly at the bush-
Odette: -She blinks, confused for a moment until she watches Lotus's gaze dart towards the bush. Then she understood. Her wings ruffled in her back and she gave him a nod of her head.- Sure thing.
Arius: *who knew holding so still would take so much effort and energy* x_x *listens carefully to the duo, desperately resisting the temptation to flick his ears in their direction*
Lotus: –utterly relieved- Thankyou very much! -clears his throat and begins-I need to apologise to you… what I said, I didn’t mean it at all. I’m the fool. I took out my own silly frustrations on you and I am ashamed at myself for it. It’s clear that I still have some growing up to do… -pauses for a moment, gaze flicking momentarily towards the bush before moving back to Odette- Arius, I think you’re wonderful… and you don’t need to worry, I won’t bother you again. But I just wanted you to know I was sorry. -pauses for a moment and nods a thankyou at the female- Well, that’s all… thankyou for your time.
Odette: -Gives him a small reassuring smile before looking back towards the bush. So were they a couple? It seems they certainly fought like one.-
Arius: *a smile wiggles on his face as he listens, but getting some srs mixed feelings at the "wonderful" comment* ... *tries to peek at Lotus without moving his head, watching him to leave so he can move out of this bush before he starts cramping up*
Lotus: –has said his bit and feels much better for it-Well, bye… -smiles again at Odette and then moves off to plan his next trip; this one to hopefully be an epic trek of personal growth or something-
Arius: *gets out of the bush and stretches, and begins preparing his response for when Lotus really comes to apologize to him*
~LATER~
Lotus: -has curled himself up and is napping in a patch of sunlight-
Arius: *notices a sleeping Lotus and stands there, watching him... debating whether or not he should wake him up*
Lotus: -tail twitches in his sleep as he dreams of standing on a mountaintop with the wind around him- … -lets out a soft sigh and tucks his head in further amongst his legs-
Arius: *lifts a glowy hoof and pokes Lotus on the nose* :I Hey.
Lotus: -snuffles and shifts, mumbling- … not now Zuli… -slowly opens his eyes and stares sleepily at Arius’s glowy hooves- … Oh. –peeks up-
Arius: Yeah, uh... Hey. *stiffens awkwardly and clears his throat* I heard what you said. :I Y'know, about... Being sorry and stuff..
Lotus: … oh… -is taking some time to gather his wits-… oh… -blinks and then clambers a little awkwardly to his feet- Ah, that’s good… -watches him uncertainly- I hope you can forgive me…
Arius: Yeah... *sniffs and rolls his eyes like a douche* Maybe... But uh... *scuffs a hoof nervously* If you wanna leave... *pauses and decides to start over* I'd like it if you stayed. :I ... Here. Instead of leaving.
Lotus: -ears flick forward and his expression brightens, though he dips his head down as if to make it not so noticeable- I had thought perhaps that it would be better to leave, to travel until I couldn’t travel any further… so I would come back and be a better hart. -pauses- But… if you would like me to stay around, it would be rude of me to go away. -doesn’t want to scare Arius off with any overt forms of affection so he simply nods- … thankyou for maybe forgiving me. <3
Arius: *snorts and shakes his head like that idea is rediculous* How can you get any better than y- ...
*suddenly super flustered but tries to cover it up with some random rage* Just don't pester me, okay?! D:<Lotus: -pretty sure he can finish that sentence and is so glad nobody can tell when he’s blushing- … of course. -answers quietly with a small smile- I’ll make sure not to bother you too much. -almost surprised at how light his heart feels now that he’s repaired his friendship with Arius-
Arius: Good. >:[ Well... See you later. *turns around and struts in the opposite direction rather hastily*
Lotus: Goodbye. -watches him go with an odd smile- … -curls back up in the sun to ponder things- <3
~LATER~
Arius: *feels bad about himself so he's looking to pick a fight with a tough dude* >:I
Kuronue: Pacing back and forth he sharpens his blades against the trees. Feeling a bit restless the violet eyes flicker and he moves through patches of shadow and sunlight his markings making him seem to break up and be hard to focus on.
Arius: *notices a worthy-looking opponent, disregarding the fact that Kuronue looks super irritated, and approaches him with his head held high* Excuse me, sir. Fancy a skirmish? *looking really smug as if he's already won*
Kuronue: Turns about, The curved blade mounted on his skull gleams slightly. His eyes narrow a touch as he looks his potential foe over. The self assured sneer on his face making Kuros white and plum patterned fur stand on end. He flexes slightly, the retractable back hooves blades itching for battle, and kuro is more than prepared wanting to slice that look right off his face. For if there's anything he hates, it's smugness. (pot calling Kettle black wut?)) "Sure." he says shortly.
Arius: *oh crap what* ... Excellent. *he thought the foe would take one look at his massive antlers and flee, but now he actually has to fight the dude with the sword for a head* ... Prepare to taste defeat! *he rears up and lowers his antlers to slam into Kuronue*
Kuronue: Not one to simply stay stalk still, he counters by dashing to the side. Arius was strong, more so then Kuro, and those antlers were heavy looking and would leave a crushing blow.
But Kuronue had years of training with speed and the stealth tactics of his herd. When Arius came to strike again, he would get in close and slash and dart out of close range once more. For the length of the antlers was great, but if Kuro was too close for him to get them into play, Arius greater strength would not help, though his thick fur would lessen the damage of some wounds.
He would have to balance his attacks with tiring Arius out, to compensate for his own slight build.
Kuronue could be cruel and go for the joints, but for now he would see how this played out.
Arius: *surprised when he misses his target, lifting his head again and blinking to figure out where his opponent went. Briefly figures he's won, but then he gets him in his sights again and charges at him with a frustrated huff*
Kuronue: Dodges, once more before slashing with his back hooves narrowly avoiding getting snagged by Arius's antlers. His eyes narrow as he taunts. "Did you expect this to be easy?"
Arius: *unknowingly gets a deep gash in his shoulder as he snorts and glares at Kuronue* I expected a fight, not a dance. *feeling a faint sting, he looks down at his wound and sees blood trickling from the cut. Having never bled before he starts to panic, eyes widening as he freezes and just stares at his wound* eek
Kuronue: "A fight is a dance of skill and in some cases death...if you think I'm going to just stand motionless and be struck you have no idea what a true fight is." He snorts irritated, but takes note of the gash as well, and announces "First Blood is mine." quite proud that Elios s watching. He goes to take his stance again until he realizes Arius has frozen at the sight of the wound.
"Have you never been struck before?" he says with a tone of amused mockery.
Arius: *seems dazed for a minute and looks up at Kuronue, eyes wide with fear as he whispers* I dun wanna die D:
Kuronue: In his ever blunt manner, "Don't pick a fight with someone unless you have a chance of wining. An empty bluff is just that....empty." He steps forward with simple. "We're done here....good are antlers that large if you can't use them?" Cleaning his blade on the nearest tree, and Turning at Arius's words he smiles smugly. "I don't kill those who can't fight back."
Arius: *still rather shocked that he's hurt, too shocked to respond to the other buck, instead he stumbles away, watching the wound on his shoulder leak*
~LATER~
Arius: *is a pile of sad under a tree* 3:
Lotus: -drifting about quite pleased today; searching for some nice berries and totally not keeping an eye out for Arius, nope, he promised not to…-
Arius: *notices the not-hard-to-spot delta and feels super conflicted again, but decides to ignore it 'cause he's in desperate need of company* Lotus.. *sounds like a sad puppy and makes sure his wound is against the tree so he doesn't see it*
Lotus: –pleased to hear his name called and turns towards the voice- Arius… -smiles and trots over, though his expression quickly changes to worry- Are you alright?
Arius: *hesitantly rolls his eyes and snorts* Of course, why wouldn't I be? *coughchokebadliar* ... Well. *motions for him to rest at the tree opposite of him*
Lotus: Ah… -knows better than to openly pry and simply nods- It was silly of me to ask. -smiles and settles down under the opposite tree- … -runs his gaze quickly around Arius, searching for some sort of sign, and then quickly affects a bland, easygoing look- How has your day been Arius?
Arius: *lets out a deep sigh, trying to get rid of all the anxiety he's feeling* Fine... *eyes droop to the earth, obviously a little melancholy* I think I'm feeling homesick, though...
Lotus: -ears flicker thoughtfully. Despite his travelling he had never felt homesick, perhaps because he’d never really felt like he had a home- Where do you come from? Tell me what it’s like.
Arius: It was always white... Everyone was always so kind... *smiles faintly at the memories but his frown quickly returns* It's so different here. I'm beginning to wonder if my home was even... real. It was so perfect, maybe it was all just a dream. <:T
Lotus: It sounds… nice. -small smile- Sometimes life feels like a dream; especially times of happiness. Perhaps we… you can travel back there one day. You don’t have to stay anywhere you’re not happy.
Arius: *watches Lotus fondly as he speaks and takes a long pause before he replies* I can't go back... And there'll never be another place just like it... v_v
Lotus: I’m sorry you can’t return. But at least you can remember a time of happiness and even if it feels like a dream, you were once there. It’s a good thing there won’t be another place like it; because that makes it all the more special. -nose wrinkles as he gives a silly sort of smile before dropping his head down softly to the ground with a sigh- That will give you strength.
Arius: *face remains blank as he watches Lotus spew wise-sounding stuff, finding comfort in it, but even a little frustrated that Lotus can't magically see what's really bothering him* Mm.. *nods gently as Lotus rests his head on the ground* Are you tired?
Lotus: -chuckles softly- A little. But I mostly just wanted to be comfortable. -intends on staying here for a while… until of course Arius told him to leave- … -waits patiently; pretty sure Arius won’t be able to keep silent on anything else that may be bothering him-
Arius: Oh. :I *getting comfortable sounds like a good idea and he shifts a bit to get his weight off his legs* So. *awkwardly clears his throat and hesitates* Remember... when you called me an arrogant fool... *struggles to continue*
Lotus: -stares at Arius for a second before answering- I would rather not to, but yes I remember. -tail gives an uncertain sort of flick, though his expression remains unchanged- … go on.
Arius: *frowns and looks away, as if he's ashamed of himself* Never mind, it doesn't matter. *sneers and struggles with the temptation to flee from his anxiety AGAIN* I'll be quiet if you need a nap.
Lotus: -lifts his head up off the ground- No Arius. You started, now you have to finish. Whatever it is; it does matter. -trying to figure out where this might be leading- … if you want to, say bad things about me, please do. If that will make you feel better. –reassuring smile- It’s okay. <3
Arius: *surprised and irritated when Lotus doesn't comply* ... What makes you think I would even want to do that? neutral
Lotus: Just in case you were still upset. I’ve heard it good to get things off your chest. -getting a little bit irritated himself- Arius, I can’t read minds. -plops his head back down- But if you really don’t want to talk about it… I will be silent. -closes his eyes- Perhaps I will take a nap.
Arius: *shakes his head and rolls his eyes* I don't think-... whatever. *gets to his hooves, starting to turn around but suddenly remembering he was hiding a wound and straightens again* Sleep well, fairy princess. *stiffly starts off*
Lotus: … -head comes up and eyes open as soon as Arius starts to move- …. You’re leaving? -looks disappointed. If he wasn’t tired before, he is now... Arius is hard work- … I’d really rather you didn’t. Please come back.
Arius: *yes he is a lot of work* What? *snaps his head back towards Lotus* And do what? Sit here and let the anxiety and tension gnaw at me until I explode? >:I
Lotus: -rolls sideways and onto his feet- Well, if you would simply tell me what the matter is, you wouldn’t have to be anxious about it anymore. Or if you don’t want to tell me; find somebody else to confide in.
Arius: It's more complicated than that... I don't want you to think any less of me. 3: I think I'll go find my brother...
Lotus: … oh Arius… -fond smile- I would never think less of you. I’m your friend. -nods- But if you would rather talk to your brother, you should go find him… -recalls that Mordred’s had not seemed overly fond of Arius and wonders what Arius thinks of the relationship. Oh, maybe they patched things up? That would be wonderful-
Arius: *sighs and moves in to give Lotus an affectionate prod, but stops awkwardly mid-prod and pulls away like he was about to commit a crime* ... I hope that's the case. *nods and gains a bit of his regal posture as he starts off again* Sleep well then..
Lotus: -moves to lean into the prod but steps back when Arius does; an almost sad look flickering through his eyes before its gone... thankyou. Give him my regards when you find him. -turns away as Arius leaves; moving back over to the trees were they had lain- … -spots a small splatter of blood and stands staring at it for a while-
~LATER~
Mordred: *Stands beside the lake as still as a rock, watching something on the other shore.*
Arius: *frustrated and almost ready to give up looking for his brother until he catches the familiar scent and follows it to the lake* .... *peeks out from the foliage at his brother nervously, shuffling his hooves and having second thoughts about this meeting* >w<
Mordred: *Still looking like a fool lost in thought as he gazes, his mind completely elsewhere.*
Arius: *surprised Mordred hasn't budged and emerges from the bushes, trying to look as regal as ever, but his heart isn't in it anymore* Hey bro. It's not like you to let your guard down. *makes no attempt to hide the gash on his shoulder - hoping Mordred will be the one to bring it up*
Mordred: *Turns his head at the sound of his name, his gaze still a tad foggy until his mind registers this herla.* Brother. You can not speak of my guard looking like that. What did you do this time, walk into a tree? >|
Arius: I'm a lot of things, Mordred, but I'm not a klutz. >:I *sighs and shakes his head* I ... was in a fight. A friendly skirmish.. <:/ Or that's what I thought it was. *sad puppy face*
Mordred: *Stares at his brother with a skeptical gaze* Friendly, yes that gash looks very friendly, brother. It looks strikingly similar to one you gave me in a not so friendly bout on our way here. *No sympathy what so ever.* >: Who would have thought being in this environment would have turned you so soft and weak.
Arius: *looks down, ears flat, the slightest sign of relief present on his face at his brother's words* ...So that's what it is? *scuffs a hoof bashfully as he speaks in a quiet tone* This environment made me weak..?
Mordred: *Scoffs at his brother.* Or perhaps all the females around here are making your brain mush. But yes, I am sure it is this relaxing environment that is getting to you. It is nearly the opposite of our home after all.
Arius: *breathes a big sigh of relief* Okay... So how do I fix it? :I That was the first time I lost a duel... *shoots Mordred a short glare as if to say "don't you dare deny that you know it's true"* I can't be happy if I can't win. :I
Mordred: *Rolls his eyes* Go back to being a pompous know it all? Restrain yourself to the rules of our home? Though I don't know how well that will go, even then you fell apart around a doe. There is no structure or class in this land like there was back home and that was the only reason why you were so 'powerful'. You had status and no one wanted to mess with you and get in trouble. *Still has plenty of contempt for his brother, oh yes.* I highly doubt you will be able to go back to your old glory days if you don't change the way you are living now.
Arius: *would be very hurt by those words if they weren't coming from his brother, yet still looks distressed and droops his ears and head* It's the only way I know how to live... *furrows his brow in frustration and stares into the lake blankly*
Mordred: Then you could at least start acting like the noble you were titled as instead of this withering fool you have become. Our parents, our entire clan would be ashamed of how you are acting. Even the most weak and foolish of our kind were strong willed and noble. Even the lowest of class like me. *Snorts, pawing at the dirt in agitation. Maybe he should just headbutt his brother back into his senses.*
Arius: *stares at his brother and takes a long pause before sneering and straightening his posture* You're right. *he growls, leering down at Mordred best he can for being the same height* I shouldn't disappoint our clan. *gives his brother a half-playful half-angry shove before turning around and strutting a short distance before pausing* We're what's left, after all.. And I obviously have more potential than you. :I
Mordred: *As much as he hates his brother he's happier to have this jerk back than the sniffling coward he was before.* Indeed, we must carry on our family's traditi-... >| *Charges at his brother, rearing up at the last second to bring his antlers down full force.*
Arius: *lowers his head, locking antlers with Mordred as they collide with a loud crash* >:] Awwww, what's the matter, bro? Still a little bitter that you can't even compare to me? Even without the royal titles... *thrusts his antlers upwards, intending to toss his brother off guard*
Mordred: *Stumbles with the thrust but holds his ground steady.* I shall always be bitter to you, brother. I shall hate you with every fiber of my being but just remember I'm the one you turned to when you were ever so pathetic. You need me. *Jerks his head back, pulling their antlers apart in a painful way. Gives his brother a silent glare before carefully turning to leave.*
Arius: *shakes himself free of Mordred's antlers as he pulls away, giving him a smug glare and a snort as he is victorious once again~*... *his grin falters as his brother begins to leave, but he shakes his head and whips around, strutting off into the forest with all the regalness ever in the world forever*
