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 Posted: Thu May 08, 2008 7:54 pm
A new day! New sights just over the horizon, new dust stirring up in the breeze (and getting into fur), and an old hunger to see what else the World can throw at him. Zuru, paws happily churning the dirt beneath him, held his head high and took a heady breath of the morning air. The sun had not yet come up, but the world was still filled with light.
Zuru loped easily along the borderline of a large forest, admiring the contrast between the two places. Scrub and expansive savanna on one side, towering trees and deepening shadows on the other. He hadn't quite yet decided if he'd venture further into either. So, he kept to the border, letting his paws move while he worked his mind.
Several days ago, still wandering the Savanna, he'd been able to see the mountains, a majestic, forested border along the horizon. He'd been far enough to see how the ground seemed to take small steps towards becoming mountains. Now, all he could see was forest, but he knew that, some where in there, the hills started.
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Posted: Thu May 08, 2008 8:37 pm
 Not far away was another god who spent his life in journey, rarely staying in any one place for long, wings carrying him to each corner of the earth. Though their motives certainly differed, it was a trait they shared in common, perhaps they also shared an appreciation of the beauty that others often missed.
His tail twitched, a glint of sunlight catching the ring on his tail. An ear flicked at a harmless insect, eyes turned downward, focusing on the grass beneath his paws, nose inhaling the scent of the earth. It was often here, at the edge of forest and grassland, that he had stumbled across a new life, a small purple flower that had never grown here before.
In a world that often seemed more plagued by death than life, it seemed his task never ended, every land seemingly tainted by poachers. And yet here was new life beneath his paws, beautiful in its simplicity, a simple treasure that brought a smile to his maw, and brilliance to his green eyes. A beautiful beginning to a new day.
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Posted: Thu May 08, 2008 8:56 pm
Zuru halted quite quickly when he rounded a curve in the forest wall. The trees and smell of loam had apparently hidden the presence of another creature from him, for, though obscured by bushes, he could make out the head of a bear. However, something was, well, off. Zuru had never before seen a Bear with antlers, but this fella seemed to be sporting two of them.
Instantly eaten up by curiosity, Zuru nevertheless acted with caution, assuming the guise of a hedgehog before proceeding any further.
The small, brown beast snuffled through the bushes, brazen as only a creature with a back full of spines could afford. Proximity, however, brought clarity, and Hedgehog-Zuru was taken aback that he had failed yet again to notice when there was another God nearby.
However, astonishment soon gave way to an inkling for mischief. Hedgehog-Zuru crept bravely forward until he was almost directly beneath the large God's nose.
"Howdy!" Zuru greeted cheerfully, in passing, and made as if to continue on.
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Posted: Thu May 08, 2008 11:12 pm
Ears flicked, his gaze shifting to catch the movement within the grass, the gentle rustle of small footsteps. A soft smile on his maw, he watched the creature for a moment, his head bowed in a silent greeting.
He might have simply left it at that, a simple greeting between passing strangers. And yet, there was something odd, a presence that touched his senses, unlikely born by any mortal creature. Though the appearance seemed meek, that was no ordinary hedgehog, a suspicion confirmed by the creature's greeting, no hedgehog he had ever known spoke as such.
"It is a beautiful morning, the perfect time for a peaceful stroll."
His smile had broadened, a hint a knowing in his eyes. Were he a mortal he would have simply let it pass without a second though, or perhaps batted at it out of curiosity, but as an immortal Corellon knew better.
"That's a clever disguise, though you might want to watch out for the hawks."
As he spoke he looked up, as if to indicate the presence of a lurking bird of prey.
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Posted: Fri May 09, 2008 3:49 pm
The hedgehog stopped and sat down, diminutive nose wiggling as it ran a small paw over one ear in a quick grooming gesture. However, the observant would have noticed that the hedgehog had taken a quick peek at the sky in doing so.
Decidedly unconcerned, the hedgehog drawled back at the God.
"Ah think you'd best watch out yerself, pardner. Looks like a big ol' hawk just tried to land on yor back." It pointed a paw at God's large wings. "If'n you don't shake it off right quick, I reckon it'll try to carry you off!"
Mildly curious, Hedgehog Zuru trundled over to the small flower the God had been looking at earlier. It was rather large at this level, but it had a lovely scent nonetheless. He wiggled his tiny nose at it appreciatively.
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Posted: Fri May 09, 2008 8:33 pm
Feathers rustled as his wings stirred, though he made not other movement in response to the creature's words. His response was a simple smile, a kind yet knowing look it his eyes. Certain the hedgehog was more than it appeared to be, he chose to respect its wishes to continue with the game.
"Perhaps, but if it does then I shall find the gift of seeing the world through another's eyes."
Tail twitching lightly at his paws, he watched the small creature with interest, wondering about its true appearance. He might have nudged it with a paw, but he was certain even the illusion of a hedgehog could sink its quills into a soft paw.
"It's beautiful isn't it, have you ever seen one like it?"
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Posted: Fri May 09, 2008 9:32 pm
Hedgehog Zuru paused, paw to muzzle as he pondered the God's words. Anothers' eyes, eh? That was certainly something Zuru, filled as always with his domain, would welcome. He momentarily wondered what it would be like to be a hawk, and not just the illusion of one. The whole kit an' kaboodle, so to speak. He could figure it out logically, of course, but the actual experience was probably something else entirely.
Mind buzzing about the idea, Zuru rejoiced in his domain, for there was nothing more satisfying than having new thoughts and questions to find answers for. However, there was still the matter of a conversation going on, and, while Zuru suspected the God had figured out somethin' was up long ago, he wished to continue the game.
Hedgehog Zuru made a great show of hemming and hawing over the flower, shuffling about it, asking the God if he'd "kindly scooch yerself a bit so Ah have a bit more light", touching the leaves delicately, and peeking into the cup of the flower for a look at the stamen. Diagnosis complete, Hedgehog Zuru looked up at the God, sagely.
"Never seen it before in mah life."
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Posted: Fri May 09, 2008 10:57 pm
The god watched in silent amusement, shifting a few steps when requested, eyes never leaving the small creature or the flower it investigated. An unusual soul perhaps, surely by now he must have realized the god had seen through his disguise, and yet he chose to remain as he was, to continue the game. Not that the god of nature minded, it was simply a difference they shared. For his own part, Corellon has never been one to use disguises, preferring to appear to each creature as they chose, taking the form of nature through their eyes.
"I see."
I touch of disappointment perhaps, though he was not surprised. Had the flower been seen before, it meant the life had grown strong, its roots less likely to be disturbed as it spread across the earth. Yet on its own, the struggle had just begun, fragile to the forces that would rise against it. And yet he smiled at the frail blossom, a blessing and hope silently wished in emerald eyes, a joy in his heart at the witness of new life.
"A very intriguing creature you are, do you intend to remain in that disguise all day?"
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Posted: Fri May 09, 2008 11:08 pm
Hedgehog Zuru was a bit startled by the sudden sadness in the God's voice. Apparently, the flower meant more to him than a simple game. Respecting the other Gods' unvoiced wishes, Zuru shuffled away from the flower. Perhaps he'd try to be a bit more observant of the types of flowers he ran across from now on.
At the Gods' question, Hedgehog Zuru looked slyly up at him, and drawled mischievously,
"Why? Do you think a snake'd suit me better?"
Chuckling at his own joke, Zuru released the illusion, thoughtfully checked that the flower wasn't in danger of being smushed, and grinned at the God.
"This a bit more to yor likin'? Beg yor pardon, ifn's Ah riled you. T'were jus' a bit o' fun."
The fringe of growing mane bobbed as Zuru nodded to the God in greeting.
"The name's Zururuka. Folks usually jus' call me Zuru, though. God o' Wanderlust at yor service."
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Posted: Fri May 09, 2008 11:48 pm
"Or perhaps a hare."
He did not begrudge the game as he too was prone to his own playful nature, a side most often brought out by the young companion who often shared his journeys. Whatever illusion Zuru had taken would have been welcome, for it was his chose to appear at he saw fit. And yet he did not like for any creature to feel the need to hide from him, immortal or otherwise, he was the protector of all life.
"Of course not, though it is much easier to speak at eye level."
A faint huff of laughter, his head bowed in acknowledgment and respect, a thanks of appreciation in his eyes at the other's care for the small flower. Such a delicate life, it would have been a great tragedy to see it fall so soon, if only others were so respectful.
"I am called Corellon, I am god of nature. A pleasure to meet you, Zuru."
His voice was kind and light, his thanks clearing spoken in the gentle tone.
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Posted: Sat May 10, 2008 12:53 pm
"That it is, that it is." Zuru laughed his agreement, settling down onto his haunches for a brief rest. For whatever reason, it seemed that when ever he met another God, his own insatiable urge was dampened. Zuru just figured that it was his proximity to the other God's power that was doing it. He wasn't sure, but it was convenient when he wanted to stay and talk awhile.
"Darn tootin'. It's mighty nice tah meet you as well!" Zuru replied, thinking that Corellon fit his domain rather well, what with the antlers and bear skin. It was also nice to know that Corellon was a God whose domain Zuru found quite fascinating. Part of the joy of Wandering is seeing the sights after all, and nature was nothing if not impressive.
"Maybe you can help a body out, Corellon? You know any good sights 'round here? Ah was thinkin' 'bout givin' the woods a try, but the savanna is also lookin' might purdy these days, too." Zuru asked, turning his head to the right and left to the respective landscapes. It could be rather hard to make up his mind when both paths looked interesting.
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Posted: Sat May 10, 2008 2:09 pm
He was silent for a moment, tail flicking with his thoughts. It was indeed a difficult decision, for each held their own beauty, their own life, and their own danger. He could not have said which was superior, for neither was. The shaded forest, a sea of green touched by the roar of rushing water, filled with the chatter of life, littered with the brilliance of flowers; the endless savanna, grasslands reaching as far as the eye could see, brilliant sky looking down on magnificent herds and hardy shrub.
"Perhaps the forest, it is especially beautiful this time of year, there might even be more of these flowers there. I would not forget the savanna though, it could make for a wonderful return trip."
Perhaps not the answer the other had sought, an answer that favored both locations. However to an immortal, time was not an issue, there was no reason not to explore both lands, and surely a god who's life was always spent in wandering would cross this way again.
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Posted: Sat May 10, 2008 3:10 pm
Zuru had another look at the flower when Corellon mentioned it. It looked much more fragile from this perspective, and it really had been odd that he'd never noticed another of its kind before in his wanderings. The rest of the Nature God's advice seemed sound to Zuru, though. He could already feel his toes itching to walk through the cool loam. There would always be savanna, after all, and Zuru also wanted to see what the world looked like from on top of a mountain.
"Sage advice, pardner." Zuru said gratefully, and waved a paw in the direction of the flower. "Now, it's not mah nature tah go searchin' fo' somethin', (Get it? Mah nature?) but If'ns Ah happens to come across more of this here flower in mah wanderin', Ah'll be sure to let you know next time we cross cattle-trails."
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Posted: Sat May 10, 2008 3:55 pm
"I would appreciate that greatly."
Laughter fell from his jaws, perhaps more amused by the god himself than his attempts at humor, a seemingly cheerful soul who's company he would have never begrudged. He might have invited the other to join him, were their paths not so different despite the traits they shared.
"I wish you well on your journey, my friend, I am sure we will meet again."
His eyes had turned to the forest, ears twitching as if he could hear the chatter of birds hidden among the foliage. It was perhaps fortunate Zuru had only asked him of the forest and savanna, for the world was full of beautiful places, each one as magnificent as the other, each open to the willing explorer.
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Posted: Sat May 10, 2008 4:49 pm
Zuru nodded his promise, and while it certainly wasn't intentional, he also thought it would've been fun to have Corellon around on a Wanderin'. The older God had a good sense of humor, and a real appreciation for the beauty the world could offer. It suddenly occurred to Zuru that perhaps Corellon was responsible for the natural splendor. But in that case, couldn't he just make more of those little, purple flowers grow? While he was mighty curious, Zuru also felt it might be rude to be making any assumptions about another God's domain. So, he left it for later.
"Well, it's been a right pleasure talkin' to ya, Corellon. However, mah feet are jus' 'bout ready to go run off by themselves! So, Ah'll jus' be absquatulatin'." Zuru said, getting to his feet, and detouring around the little flower before entering the beginnings of the Forest. Before he was completely out of sight, however, he turned and called back to the Nature God.
"If'ns you eva' feel like wanderin' around fer a while, jus' give me a holler!"
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