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woe is me - Niru - Sep 09 2015
slumped upon the rocky cliffs, my fore paws hung off the cliff's edge as my chin rested upon them. jaded lenses desperately, solemnly looked down over the edge to observe the cave below. cancer still wasn't back. maybe i just kept missing him? i didn't know, but i'd wait here as long as i could to see if maybe he'd come back home. a sigh heaved, dust billowing up in a plush cloud before dissipating and ultimately making me sneeze. my head raised with the action, then slowly lowered back down again as the sound echoed away. tufted tassel swung lazily across the floor, making a shuffling noise as i waited in boredom, sadness, and vigilance. he'd turn up. he had to. right? i needed him to. did he need me as much as i needed him? or was it because i was too dependent that he'd disappeared from me? whatever the cause, whatever the outcome, just knowing he was safe was enough for me.
i think i'd been here for some time, my body way too relaxed. so much so, the gashes weren't screaming at me as much and they were healing quite nicely. that was one thing i could rejoice in, as they would soon morph into actual scars - furless scrapes rather than massive, open gashes with blood often seeping through the fresh scabs. maybe if i didn't move around as much they'd heal faster, but being still in one spot for too long wasn't something i was used to. in fact, today has been the only day i haven't actually gone out and explored. melancholy had me on lockdown.
@aleera
RE: woe is me - Aleera - Sep 09 2015
As time had passed she slowly began to realize she could not lurk in her hole forever. Not because she didn't want to, Gods only knew how bad she would like to stay there, away from everyone else...But because her current hiding place was starting to become a bit hard to get in and out of. In fact she fought with the entrance for ten minutes straight before she was able to actually squeeze her hips through. With no small amount of anxiety about what was now her new mission while in the caves, wandered off into the darkness to find a new place where she could rest without having to deal with constant ridicule about...Well, her lack of beauty. Many creatures she'd come across in within these walls were often beautiful, majestic beings, those whom did not deem her fit to dwell with. And honestly, she could not blame them. The dry, scale like skin that marred her features were horrid just to look at, let alone have to deal with the constant itching and flakes it left all over the place, peppering her black fur with white spots far to often for her liking.
So, regardless of how she felt about it all Aleera had no choice but to venture out. Perhaps fate would be kind and allow the little gem bound to avoid confrontation, maybe she was just being too pessimistic for her own good. Her search for a new hiding place led her into a new area where stone rose up in patterns, though some patterns were broken and crystals rose up from the ground like plants did. Luminous orange eyes peered up and the ceiling of the cave, admiring the way the crystals glittered in the light. Perhaps if she were lucky, she might be able to find a place for herself here. If nothing else she'd have a view at least. Forward her little paws did take her, up the cliffs where she could until finally she reached an outcropping of stone and noticed across the way a brown lump on the ground that did not match the coloring of the stone floors. For a long moment the wolf pup remained where she was, narrowing her eyes, positioning her head differently even in a vain attempt to figure out what the form was. Failing to discern the information she wanted, she approached with relatively no fear, right up until the lump moved and she realized that it wasn't a thing, but a who.
Aleera froze in her tracks, her little body trembling at the mere idea of allowing this creature to know she was there. Slowly, she attempted to back away until a certain aspect of the animal grabbed her attention. The tail of the beast was long and thin with a single puff on the end, the mark of a lion, and Aleera remembered all to clearly who had been a lion. "Ni-Niru?" She asked in a hushed tone, still certain to keep her distance if it turned out that she must run.
RE: woe is me - Niru - Sep 09 2015
"ni-niru?"
chirped forth a voice only juvenile. both ears swiveled in reverse as marred muzzle then followed suit. a small grin forced itself to my features as i gave a nod of reassurance, however i didn't rise from my position.
"forgive my rudeness aleera, i'm afraid depression has glued me to this spot. would you like to join me? the breeze is actually quite nice."
my own adolescent tones expelled toward the little wolf, who'd actually grown quite considerably since i'd seen her last in eridanus. she'd followed me a bit, but i'd soon lost her in the travel. i tried finding her, but to no avail. i was glad to see she was alive and well.. for the most part. i observed her for a second longer, surveying her deformities and felt such pain and anguish for her. and i suddenly felt ten times better about my own scars, for they were battle born and her's were just...born. i had a choice in mine and chose to sustain them, poor aleera hadn't a choice in the matter at all.
@aleera
RE: woe is me - Aleera - Sep 09 2015
A breath hitched in the wolves throat when the young lion turned around and she could see upon his face the markings of violence. Deep gashes that had not once been there now permeated his form and Aleera knew all to well what would be left behind in their wake. Although she could not possibly know what it was the lion was thinking about her, her own thoughts were opposite of his. She was pained that he would now display scars for the rest of his life, born of battle or not, Aleera knew all to well the cost they came with. When he spoke, he apologized for his 'rudeness' in not getting up as depression had forced him to this spot. Black ears fell back upon her skull and she shook her head vigorously to make it clear she did not view him as being rude toward her at all. In fact, the scrapes and cuts she'd sustained from others being really rude her were healing just the same as he deep gashes.
Hesitation did not linger in her step as she bounded up to the larger lion cub, slowing as she came up along his side and saw in full detail the pain he must be suffering. She quickly deduced for herself that it was not depression that forced the lion to remain, but pain. Citrine eyes clouded with concern for the lion who'd been there when she'd come into the world, whom she had formed an unspoken bond with. "How did you get hurt?" She asked finally, looking from his wounds to his face, though it too were covered in deep gashes from whatever battle he had sustained them in. Aleera could not imagine anyone attacking Niru, but then again, she was young and ignorant to the true evils the world could produce.
RE: woe is me - Niru - Sep 09 2015
she then asked how i'd come to acquire these ghastly scars and i looked upon the pup with a smile of contentment.
"i was defending my father's honor. someone tried to tell me he was a horrible person. i was blinded by rage and foolish. the beast was..well just that. a beast i'd never seen before. she possessed a trifecta of horns upon her skull, which had sliced me open when i arrogantly attacked from the front. a life lesson, aleera, never attack the side with the horns."
i chuckled a juvenile chortle to make light of the situation, my eyes returning to the drop of the cliff as my head rested back down upon my paws.
"they are healing very well. how are you doing?"
i asked the pup, feeling bashful for only speaking about myself and giving no words of concern toward her until just now.
@aleera
RE: woe is me - Aleera - Sep 09 2015
The lion gembound didn't move as she came closer, and Aleera allowed herself to sit back on her haunches and peer over him more carefully with her one good eye. He began to explain to her what had transpired to give him these new scars, and Aleera felt both sadness for his pain and anger for someone had dared to attack her friend. At least, she thought of Niru as a friend. She could not say if Niru felt the same way or not, but that wasn't the matter at hand here. The little black pup puffed up suddenly, the good side of her maw wrinkling to reveal her small milk teeth. "I will make them sorry they hurt you if I ever see them!" She exclaimed, clearly unaware to the danger that would put her in. At times she was a skittish little lamb, but at others bravery could be seen behind what was so hidden behind the anxiety her young life was so riddled with now.
But, as Niru went on he did use a word to describe someone she could only assume he was close to and her features mellowed out for the most part. "What is a..fa-ther?" She repeated the word as best she could, genuinely curious, as it had always seemed it was through either Niru she would gain knowledge or by hiding and eavesdropping on others. She also commented his wisdom to knowledge, and in the future she would be certain to avoid anything with horns. Then however, he decided to change the conversation to her and Aleera could not begin to hide her reluctance to begin such a story. "I've been well, enough." She lied with a shrug, but it was also clear that what ever had been bothering her she did not wish to bring up when her little wounds were nothing compared to damage he had sustained.
RE: woe is me - Niru - Sep 11 2015
she asked what a father was, and i'd almost forgotten she was but a new gem who's life wasn't filled with the opportunities mine were. she wasn't given a mentor, although i had no problems being one for the little wolf. i looked at her, heaved a heavy sigh, and looked back over the cliffs - this time with a raised head.
"a father is a male gem who acts a mentor, per say. there's a couple different definitions of father. i was born in a chrysalis, just like you, so he cannot possibly ever be an actual father. but as a mentor, and a companion that i looked up to, yes, he was my father."
a small grin stretched the obsidian lips, at both the mention of cancer and her spat about avenging my foolishness.
"ah, don't you worry dear. my attacker isn't one to be trifled with alone. i was far too foolish to realize that."
i had hoped she'd never make the same mistake i had. but of course, all the babies had to learn some how, even me.
she then responded to my last inquiry, claiming she'd been okay. the melancholy in her eyes told me differently though, but i wasn't going to pry if she didn't want to talk about it. black lips peeled into a sort of grimace, bu the action was painful so i ceased it quickly. "you know, you can stick around with me if you'd like. i'll protect you as best i can, teach you everything i know. even help you hone your magic! i live in the tower here. you're welcome to stay with me." i knew my offer wasn't much of one, however i knew how hard it could be to survive all alone and be so young. though, she wasn't so young, now was she? just right behind me, yet without the guidance i'd had. when i'd finished speaking, i looked back over the cliffside. a soft breeze caressing my face as i waited for her answer, even though i knew i couldn't expect her to always be by my side, if she wanted the comfort i'd give it to her happily.
@aleera
RE: woe is me - Aleera - Sep 11 2015
Aleera listened as the other began to explain what a father was. To qualify right away, one must be male and serve as a type of mentor to someone else. Though Niru was certain to disavow that there were many 'types' of fathers and that while who he referred to was like a father to him he could never be a 'true' father. This somewhat confused the wolf and it was clear in the way she tilted her head to the side and narrowing her eyes a fraction. "Okay so...he's like a teacher to you...But why is he not a 'real' father?" It was clear she was missing quite a bit of information regarding the world, that happened, when you spent most of your young life alone with no one to teach you. Niru was lucky in this regard she supposed. As he began to talk her out of the idea of avenging his injuries upon the one who had made them, her tail flickered in renewed aggravation. She did not speak on the subject again, because her mind was made up.
The conversation turned and Niru addressed the sadness that seemed to consume the little wolf. He told her she could stay with him, in this place for as long as she wanted and that he would protect her. Her head popped up and she peered upon the lion, one eye brighter than the other as the mere offer of such a thing took time to sink in. When it did, her form shook with the intent of keeping the wash of emotion inside, she didn't want to make things...awkward by crying or anything. Besides, she'd learned pretty early on that whining often did nothing to better any situation. "I...thank you...I'm sorry I followed you like I did when I was younger. I don't know if I will stay though, but I would like to stay friends?" She asked, her gaze jumping from the floor to the lions face as she spoke. "I've been practicing my magic on my own. I'm not real good at it yet but I'll change that soon enough." She allowed a small smile to brighten her harsh features, determination shinning through. Though she would like nothing more than to stay with Niru she didn't want to be a burden. Besides, things had been churning in her head for days now and she wasn't sure what she wanted to do.
RE: woe is me - Niru - Sep 12 2015
i gave a small chortle.
"he isn't a 'real' father because he didn't conceive me. i wasn't born from a mom and dad, a family. i was spat out by a chrysalis, just like you."
i tried to make it clearer, nodding slowly toward the pup as a gesture.
"and of course you're allowed your freedom, but if you ever need me, come to my home. remember, the tower in orion is where i reside. others come and go, be wary, for i do not know all of them. but wait, and i will return if i'm out."
i was pleased she'd like to visit me often.
"and don't you worry about following me out of eridanus with that crazy little kitten. i was glad you left when you did."
honesty riddled the juvenile, temperate tones as my gaze then cast back out over the cliffs. forelimbs collected beneath me and raised my torso, sitting my body upright. my toes still barely hung over the edge, small bits of rock and cave falling away, crumbling beneath my weight.
she mentioned practicing her magic, and i had a hard time remembering what magic she had. by the look of her gem, it would be fire or something corresponding to. but i could be wrong. my gem was green and i was neither earth nor plant based. i looked at her once again.
"what magic do you have again, aleera? i've yet to name mine. but i will show you, it's quite harmless."
i said matter-of-factly, rather disappointed in the fact that my magic was lackluster at best. i focused my energy on my gem, summoned the magic, and soon a small breeze picked up, ruffling the tawny fibers and cooling my wounds. i looked up and around the cave as the breeze flowed, but as it was short lived, dissipating with grace - i looked back to aleera.
"you see? so far i can summon winds, run a bit faster with the wind, and cause nausea with these..vibrations i can conduct. otherwise..close enough to harmless."
my lips fell in an awkward fashion to attempt to lessen the pain associated with the scars about my muzzle.
@aleera.
RE: woe is me - Aleera - Sep 14 2015
Niru chuckled at her question, but he was quick to go on and explain in a colorless way why the person he referred to wasn’t a ‘real’ father. Because the young lion had not been ‘born’ of this person and a mother he could not really call him such. The entire idea of family seemed strange to her, after all, like he’d said she too had been born a chrysalis and could not really identify with the concept. So, with a flick of her tail and the shuffling of sore paws she allowed the topic to pass with a mere nod in understanding. Shortly after he went on to address her answer to him about staying. He did not yell, he did not get angry, he merely allowed her to do what she thought was best and this was why Aleera liked him so much. He had never been unkind to her, never ridiculed her because of her deformities and made her feel any less than a person because of them like so many others would do rather than get to know her. The black pup’s ears flickered back as he spoke of being wary of others and she spoke without really thinking about it. ”I’m wary of everyone.” Her voice was tepid but held a clear undertone of sadness and anger. As the world had been so kind to teach her, trust no one with anything, anywhere, at any time. Her role was to be the creature who lurked in shadowed and skulked about in holes. To be cast out from the light because she did not fit the norm of what it was to be a ‘real’ or ‘complete’ gembound.
Her eyes came back up to him when he mentioned Blackfeather. Admittedly she did not remember much of the kitten other than her name and the one trick she’d taught her about how to take care of her irritating skin disorder. Apricot eyes popped open wide then as she suddenly she jumped to her feet with little regard for how sore they were. ”I remember her! She showed me those plants that were good for cuts and stuff. I could get some for you!” Aleera exclaimed with a wag of her tail, but it quickly died as Niru presented her with another question pertaining to her magic. The onyx pup was reminded quickly of her failings as her paws cried out in protest to her standing and her side stung with the remembrance of what Ambrus had done to her. ”It’s fire based, or so that’s what someone called it.” She replied, her tone of voice returning to it’s lethargic and uninterested originality. When he offered to show her his own magic she nodded, a bit curious in about what it was that Niru could control through his gem. He stood up and Aleera flinched for him, knowing how painful it must have been and waited silently until a breeze seemed to pick up in the cave.
The pup glanced about, unsure if that was his doing or a natural one. She soon had her answer when he turned around to her with a bit of a smile and explained that it was him followed by a few other examples of what he could do. ”You, don’t know what to call it?” She asked, furrowing her eyebrows in a questioning manner. ”I’d say it’s air magic since you control the air.” Her answer for it seemed assured though really she had no idea what she was talking about. ”But those plants, would you like me to get you some?” Her mind went right back to his pains because it pained her to see him like this. He did not deserve to be hurt as he was, not when there were far worse in these caves far more deserving.
@Niru