ORIGIN

"But if you all can gather he's upset by something, asks you to get away from him and leave, what are you still doing here?"

Oliver peered blinking at Senka as she hissed, as the shadows whirled, and he answered softly and matter-of-factly. "Um. Talking to you? To let you know something's wrong before we... leave." He'd thought it obvious enough, but perhaps not.

To Pippy, concerned at his side, he offered merely a reassuring, warm glance and a murmured "Yeah, I'm fine? Don't worry about me. Thanks, though." He was still backing up, still putting polite space in between himself and the fearful cat, but it struck him that the others were leaving, anyway. The white lion bolted, rather abruptly; the white snake, too--and for a moment, Oliver bristled defensively as it almost seemed Senka might go for her. He was ready to protect, in that instant, a reflection of his mastiff father--but then the snake was gone, and this "guardian" had at once faded. Oliver was left still backing up, and watching Bartos with concern.

"If you--need help at all, I can help, maybe. I can help with magic." The offer was blurted, abrupt--a kind impulse that had the words bubbling out before he could think it over. It didn't matter; it was true. He'd help, if only they asked.

To Pippy, he spoke more softly, turning, preparing to leave. "I'm gonna wait around for awhile, over by the water," he offered very, very quietly. "If you want to come with me you can or--find me later in Polaris, if you want to catch up?"

With a last kindly glance he offered Pippy a little, gentle nudge of his nose, then turned, pacing off toward the water, to give the poor, matted cat Bartos his space.

{Table code credit to Madison, altered a bit!}

//exit Oliver

@Bartos

He had begun to block out their voices. It was the only reprieve he could really find - ignoring, neglecting, pretending none of them existed. And it was easy to do that when he was shielded by the shadows. Sure, their voices came anyway, but he focused on the resonating of his thoughts inside his head instead. He closed his eyes and tried not to listen as they spoke among themselves, he tried to shut out Oliver's offering to help, and he tried to shake away the white lion's promise. To wait. To keep waiting.

It meant he wouldn't leave. It meant that he would cling to this meeting, perhaps intent on finding Bartos again. No, rather, reuniting with him. He spoke a clear request: to meet him in the cave of stars, where they had first met, but could Bartos remember that?

Fear turned his mind to fire. As much as he tried to push it away, the lion's request persisted.

Bartos said nothing. He held his breath, realizing how tight his throat had become, and buried his face beneath his paws, silently willing Senka to get rid of the intruders once and for all. And one by one, they did leave. He listened to their fading footfalls. But even in the newfound silence, it was hard for him to find peace.

He had finally woken, and now, he was no longer sure he could go back to sleep.

exit Bartos

@Pippy

Concerned Pippy is, she is worried Oliver got hurt during his discussion there but the giant hybrid was giving her such a joyful and friendly glance to her indicating they're OK. Pippy felt some relief as it does appear all is well for him which was terrific for the tiny bat for she is glad her giant friend is OK and not hurt. She beamed at Oliver when he answered her on not to worry even though she can't help but worry, Pippy titled her head and hummed in question and confusion at him when he thanked her though; what was he thanking her for what was the reason?

Pippy slowly backed away herself now, Oliver was done talking to this large cat and backing up to leave himself. Pippy is concerned for this smaller cat, yes, but they want to be left alone, so now there was no longer a reason for her to remain, especially since Oliver is going too, so it'll be best for Pippy to trail alongside the giant Gembound. But when a hissing sound came which did not sound like a hiss from this big cat, and soon everyone else dashes away so quickly like they were afraid Pippy promptly bolted to hide behind Oliver, hugging a leg a little with her wings, head peeking out for what is going on. Pippy craned her head up at Oliver and gave a concerned and pleading expression to him; no please don't fight she doesn't want him or anyone getting hurt...

Pippy relaxed again in relief when Oliver seemed to back away again from this big-scary shadowy Gembound threatening all here who appears to have only scared everyone off and thankfully didn't hurt anyone. So now Pippy too was giving a sad longing expression to Bartos, wishing she could do something for them.

Her eyes were on Oliver again when he gave one last attempt at offering to help Bartos if they do wish for any help, which makes her turn her head back at Bartos with a nodded at them to agree with Oliver, she would try and possibly help somehow if they do want help later on perhaps. Giving them an apologetic look with a sheepish smile; at least an invitation will be available for them.

Finally coming out from hiding behind Oliver she gave him a fond, beaming smile when he spoke up to speak to her. Appreciating how quiet he is still is with his voice, which was perfect for her little ears, yet his offer made her place a wing on her chin in thought on what to do on what will be good for her.

"Mhm! Y-Yeah! S-Sounds good Oliver! See y-you l-later m-maybe!" She may go and find him later here as she won't get lost finding water in here, and this 'Polaris' doesn't ring a bell for her. Hmm... what to do...

Still, she gave a small giggle and practically melted when Oliver nudged her again, happy to be given affection from her friend for a second time. She waves with her wing as he goes and soon with one final glance at Bartos who now appeared to be covering their face with their paws similar to how she occasionally did when she was terrified herself which makes her heart go out for them. She shortly after crawls away herself to allow Bartos their space, Pippy herself wishing to find perhaps somewhere warmer.

She hopes things will look up for Bartos soon though... She truly does...


-Exit Pippy-