Round Stone Crest What you mean

6/9/2015
Weather:
69° F, 21° C
Light fog/haze
7:38 AM

OOC: Backdated to 6/9/15 – for @Astraeus

It was the one thing that had been on her mind since the day before. Since speaking with Minka about the incident, the only thing the woman wanted to do was to see Aeus. His patrols were to begin this very morning. Raela made sure to rise as early as she could, but late enough that their leader would have had his chance to speak with the guardian-in-training first. She supposed it would be better to help him on his patrol than to try and pull him away from the work Gent had assigned, so that was what they were going to do. Hey, maybe a visit from her was just what he wanted during the morning shift. It took some time to trace the man's scent in the wet morning air. From the sides of the mountain she could see how the fog had settled into all the valleys around them in reaction to the cooler night air. Aeus was down in one of these valleys, down on the border line.  Raela made her way through the woods, slipping swiftly but carefully down the slopes and occasional rocky areas. Gent's scent passed her by much earlier on the trail, so he had come and gone already, just as she'd hoped. Nervousness twisted itself around her stomach, drying the woman's mouth. Does he even want to repair the damage? Or does he really want to give up? The way the man had so quickly submitted to being cast out did not sit well with her at all. Among other things, it was something she simply had to know. Still, the sad, promising gaze he'd given her was hope. It was the only thing carrying her so swiftly to his post. Knowing full well that the man was on guard, and not wanting to startle him, she forced a soft bark into the cloudy air before the man was fully in view. He would recognize her voice. As the towering muddy form of Astraeus Taranath appeared in the fog, she felt that same nervousness again.  Swallowing the apprehension, the subordinate managed a small but playful grin. Oh how she wanted this to go well. “Hey there Sir Guardian,” she jeered, swishing her billowy tail to and fro. It was good to see him, but she still refrained from any physical contact. They were still up in the air. “I thought I'd come with you on your patrol.” Her voice was gentle; somber but hopeful. Looking away, Raela added, “so, how's it going out here?” She didn't feel like catapulting them headlong into the problems circling them like hungry vultures. Not yet. She just needed to talk to him, to know what he was thinking before they tried to fix it.  Image © Chris Smith Photography Manipulation © Jenandra

(This post was last modified: Jun 25, 2015, 07:25 PM by Raela.)

            

Super tired and didn't spell check, excuse thy shittyness ;)

Aeus felt at peace once Gent left, shoulders rolling back into a more comfortable state with an exhausted sigh. He didn't like having to stand on his toes all the time, it was beginning to affect the way his mind worked. Dew dripped from the canopy above him, plopping down on his traveling body. The morning was just naturally slow today and it was taking a toll on his body. All he wanted to do was lay down and close his eyes forever. In fact, he was so tired, he didn't even hear Raela. She piped out to him from across the fern covered floor. Aeus twitched an ear, pulling his skull back to face her. It pained him to see her nervous around him; she was concerned about the previous argument. "Its well, just uh, exhausted y'know." He offered, feeling the tension build. "How's it at the den?" He asked, curious about the little balls of fur rolling around recently. He let the chirping birds fill the silence between them, not feeling completely comfortable about addressing the core problem. ”Speech”

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ITS NOT LIKE I WANTED US TO HAPPEN

There is a deer that was killed by a lynx nearby. +10 Health

Her ears tipped forward with some concern at how down the man sounded. His response was lackluster at best; Aeus seemed so completely defeated over what had happened. Her face sobered into something of a pout in response to his rhetorical. Fear crept down her spine. Had he really given up? Had he already renounced her and accepted that they couldn't work? Thankfully his next utterance gave the woman something pleasant to relay. One could not think of the little Crestlings with sadness. Her face softened into a warmer smile, eyes wandering off as she remembered their playful antics. “Oh, everyone seems alright. The little ones are up early as usual and playing.” The words reminded her of the all to dangerous world they were playing in. In an effort to brighten his mood, the woman continued. “You know, I'm sure they'd thank you for keeping them safe if they could.” Her bright pools searched the dark strands of hair on the man's face for his eyes. “I thank you,” her tone softened, growing lighter with each syllable and insinuating that the girl hoped for a reaction of some kind.  By now they'd been walking a ways, with her scenting the air and working her ears overtime. If something dared bother the two or threaten the peace she would be the first to know.  Her eyes lingered between the trees in the distance as they padded along. She needed to say something. The worry bubbled in her throat, itching at her tongue and making her heart beat fast. He could reject her, end it. But he promised not to hurt her... Swallowing, the agouti woman lowered her head. “Did you really want to leave?” The once sweet voice had fallen; fluttered helplessly before it was dragged down to the depths of her fearful mind. She spoke low and quietly, as if a single word could break her into tears. It wasn't untrue of course. A simple 'yes' could shatter. Her eyes fixated ahead, refusing to look at him and let the tears roll.  Image © Chris Smith Photography Manipulation © Jenandra

            

SORRY FOR THE WAIRT

As his companion spoke, he nodded and cleared his throat. He always had something to say, but the cinnamon woman had him at a loss for words. She slyly complimented his new work, as if it was a difficult job pacing the border to achieve what was known as "safety". In reality, nobody was visiting the Crest. He hadn't met any strangers from the time they had traveled North. Perhaps it was distance that kept visitors away, but this was both a pro and a con. He hoped to not lose the pack, if their loyalties were true. Aeus gave her a sideways glance, not sure if he wanted to smile or remain stony faced. Instead, his upper lip twitched, searching her hopeful face. "No. No.." He said, the first word firm and the second slinked into an exasperated sigh.  "I don't want you to be alone.. I don't want to be alone." Aeus sorted out, slouching his back into a less assertive position. "I didn't mean to hurt your feelings Raela, I hope you can forgive me for my inexcusable behavior." The words stung as they crawled out of his mouth. He stomach churned at the thought of Raela walking off with Gent. It hurt his pride to see the one woman he loved turn her back on him. But- yet again, he had nearly done the same thing. "Raela, I don't expect you to understand what I do." He breathed, pushing his nose forward to meet hers, hoping it would signal a white flag. "I've been like this for a long time and I cannot tell you it won't continue.." The ruddy man's paws were ablaze. "It's always like a race that I have to win." ”Speech”

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ITS NOT LIKE I WANTED US TO HAPPEN

A single ear hovered delicately in his direction; prepared to handle any news at all. It was, perhaps, the only part of her that was. ”No.” Immediately her gaze found him, though her head did not follow. Not yet. Both autumn-furred ears lifted; now concerned as his tone began deflating. She said nothing; made no move to betray her mind as he continued, though her face was far from stoic. The slow apology pulled her cranium inward. It sounded rehearsed; like he'd been thinking about saying it for quite some time. It was a good sign, at least. She wanted to reassure him, but her lips parted just as he filled the silence once again. Now she was completely fixated on him. ”...I don't expect you to understand what I do.” Confusion turned her ever expressive ears away as he drew nearer. The woman's momentarily open mouth slowly closed at the contact; her stare longing, searching for the answer to the questions he was already putting in her mind. What are you saying? She pulled away. She had to say something. “But Aeus I need to understand.” The way he spoke was starting to twist her gut. The familiar chill of worry slid down her spine as she searched his face. What kind of mates would they be if she couldn't even understand him? “What are you talking about? Like what?” Her tone was far from accusatory. She was lost. “You can't do that again; he'll exile you!” The air hung thick as her thoughts coalesced. “You really want the position that bad? Fine, I don't care. What I don't understand is why you hate Gent so much. Even if you want his title you don't have to treat him like an enemy. You shouldn't. What's he done to you besides take your rank?” She really, truly didn't understand. A rivalry, sure, but Gent and Aeus were downright hostile that day. “Do you really think I'd be close to him if he wasn't a good person?” Exasperated, her brilliant eyes only swam with questions. It was obvious that she was utterly confused by the whole situation. Perhaps Aeus, not Gent, was the power-hungry monster after all. Image © Chris Smith Photography Manipulation © Jenandra

            

*cheers aeus on*

She reacted the way he had expected, filled with hurt and anger. She wanted to understand, and thats more than anything he could ever ask for. It showed that she cared, but it was a difficult caring that she was showing. He was beginning to fear, and that trickled into fury. Does she think I am stupid? He lifted a lip, furrowing his brows and reclining his neck. "Raela. You would be wrong to think I am that vacuous." He stated, changing tone from heartfelt to stern. "I would never put our relationship in danger for my personal needs. Do not forget this." He began lowering his voice reasonably. "And I don't hate Gent, he is not my enemy- but only a opponent." It was true, he didn't hate Gent for wanting what he wanted. It was but only a game. A very serious game. "I take ownership of being wrong that day and many other times. And to be honest Raela, I don't know. You have this way with people, making the worst seem like the best." The sable man got up and began pacing, biting his lower lip and examining the facts. At this point he was rambling, but it was time to get to the meaning of this conversation. He was about to say it, balancing on the edge of fate or glory. "Rae," He began, clearing his throat from anything that could block his passage. "I know it hasn't been said, in this chaos and I understand if you don't feel the same way- I wouldn't." He never really had the guts to really divulge in "feelings". "I have never been so afraid in my life of loosing someone... and I guess that means, I think I'm in love with you..?" It was out, he said it. Aeus stopped pacing, facing directly at the topaz eyes. Would she decline? ”Speech”

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(This post was last modified: Jul 14, 2015, 02:26 AM by Astraeus.)

ITS NOT LIKE I WANTED US TO HAPPEN

Unexpectedly, the man before her changed. It was as if her doubt and confusion, which was perfectly reasonable in her mind, had hurt him. His change in posture was met with defensively flattened ears. Goldfinch yellow eyes peered up at him, now slightly hardened by the response. Never put their relationship in danger? You just did! Just yesterday! Confusion again swept her mind. Perhaps the more accurate words were “never again.” It was hard to take his words seriously at this point. What was he so irritated at her for? She hadn't trampled on their relationship out of petty rivalry. And apparently he didn't hate the ebony mammoth. Well color her shocked. It wasn't like everything the mahogany-eyed man had done the day before was utterly hostile, or anything. Even if he didn't, in her mind he'd sure acted like it. His apology felt hollow after the words from before. She couldn't stop herself. “You take ownership for being wrong and yet you tell me that you can't promise it won't happen again.” Her tone snapped down hard; backed by the new sharpness in her stare. That simply wouldn't do. His next sentence practically bristled the fur on her neck. Wrinkles wove their way onto her muzzle; lips rising to just barely reveal her teeth in the heat of the moment. “I have known the worst. Gent is not one of them.” The woman's voice hit a rare pitch; both solid and angry in sound. Oh, her allegiant, dark-pelted friend was nothing compared to them. “If you knew the wolves I did– ” Something caught inside her, softening her expression visibly. The subordinate's gold eyes widened, suddenly looking away from her companion. She didn't need to dig this up now. That was enough. He would get the message.  Resolve brought her back to him. In a much more measured tone, she delivered further. “I am not pretending Aeus.” No, Gent was very real, and very kind to her. There was no need to pretend he was anything else; no part of him to hide from now that he trusted her – protected her. To her surprise, Aeus was pacing now. The Crest woman's face softened with curiosity. Clearly something was bothering him enough to bypass what she'd said, for now. When he spoke, all traces of irritation were gone. The low notes rumbled on, dragging her further and further toward what felt like an abyss. She knew what he was getting at. A feeling of powerlessness washed over her. Time moved as it pleased, speeding toward the exit before crashing to a halt before his admission. Suddenly she was beneath his stare; her stomach turning. Love? There must have been hesitation on her part, but for how long she had no idea. It felt like forever.  But why did you give up when you realized you were wrong? You would have let him send you away without a fight... what... It was too much. You didn't look afraid to loose me at all! “Aeus...” It came out before she could conjure any following words. She was so damn confused! Surely she cared about him right? “I– I do too but,” it didn't quite feel as sincere as it should have been, but she couldn't say “no.” “No” was even more incorrect. Her eyes were dancing between him and the nearest way out. “I don't understand. I don't understand you yet.” The agouti girl's posture slumped submissively, until her quiet, fragile voice slithered out. “But I want to.” Her heart was fluttering, terrified of what was going on. If they were in love it wasn't the deep understanding and support of mates – not yet. Rae was beginning to wonder if it would even get that far. Certainly not if he didn't put more effort into explaining himself, and not if he let something like that just “happen” again. He didn't understand her either, it seemed.  Image © Chris Smith Photography Manipulation © Jenandra

(This post was last modified: Jul 15, 2015, 05:06 PM by Raela.)

            

His stomach churned, what was he to do? She was furious and he was lost somewhere stranded. He wanted to explain himself solidly but the right words weren't coming out. He was turning back on things he had said previously, trying to make sense of himself and make it easy for them both. He wanted to be with her but it was almost like something was forcing them apart. A long pause drew out, she had brought something up, something painful. Worry drew in his eyes, nagging him back to reality. I am not pretending. It caught him off guard, even halting his steps. "No. No you wouldn't be." He breathed quietly, the crease in his brow only growing. She seemed as lost as he was, thoughts running through her mind visibly. He knew she was thinking about what happened with Gent, she thought he was going to leave her. "Never" He would always say, never would he leave her. It was all crashing down on them in a haik storm of fire. Raela answered halfheartedly, but it was more than he expected. I don't understand you. She lit something inside him, firing thoughts he hadn't had in years. "Nobody does Raela! Not even I know why I say the things I do!" He strained his words, yet it was sturdy and even. His claws kept digging deeper into the earth. "I am always in these situations where I can't feel my heart- always afraid of being left alone." Astraeus searched her eyes for any strand of calmness. His breath was ragged, torn with each word. He felt bad for his sudden outbreak- its not like he raised his voice or was aggressive in anyway. It was just different than he would normally act. "I'm sorry.. I didn't mean to say that." ”Speech”

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ITS NOT LIKE I WANTED US TO HAPPEN

Immediately the man started backpedaling. His hint of worry did not slip by her unnoticed, but his growing confusion only served to confound the girl further. At least he understood that she was serious. That was a relief. What came as a surprise though, was Aeus' emotional reaction. Nobody does? Her ears fell with disbelief. She knew why she did things. She was actually pretty good at figuring out why others did things too – or at least she liked to think so. Why didn't he know? The woman came close to voicing these thoughts, but the chocolate male was still running. Then, he let slip something much more akin to what she was looking for. Slowly her posture perked forward; face softening as she processed exactly what this meant. The larger wolf was practically shaking. It was a state she'd yet to see him in at all.  Her eyes met his own as they stood there; the border patrol now forgotten. The first half of his sentence struggled to reconcile with the second in her mind, but the tone had the fire of her increasing irritation reduced to mere flickering embers. He was afraid? The message hit Raela's trigger dead on, leaving only empathy on her tongue. Her lips creased in preparation for some comforting statement, but it seemed Aeus was uncomfortable with what had just occurred. His sudden apology had her face melting with concern. Another long, tattered moment passed before her quiet, articulated voice pattered into the air like raindrops. “Why are you sorry?” The words came slowly, fluttering toward him in a lighter tone. She let them float there a bit longer. “Why are you sorry that you don't want to be alone?” Without waiting for much of an answer, the girl laid more speech at his feet.  “I don't think anyone really wants to be alone.” She paused for a moment, studying the forest floor and recalling his words. “Aeus, if we're going to succeed I have to understand you.” Her sunny eyes left the dirt; searching for mahogany. Once she was sure he was paying attention, she continued. “What you just said- I understand that.” The woman's face hardened. “If you don't leave me, I won't leave you, but I need to believe you never will, so long as we are together. I need to believe everything. I need to believe you right now.” Her voice was strained – this was the only thing holding her away from him.  “And I need you to tell me more things like that.” Image © Chris Smith Photography Manipulation © Jenandra