Ari

Hope is but a waking dream

It had taken some time for them to reach Orion from the tunnel leading from Eridanus, the place where he had taken his first breath. It had been a month and now he was finally leaving his birthplace. He began to wonder as they walked if their entire world was all that consisted of tunnels and caverns.

However his attention quickly shifted back to the task at hand. He and James were transporting a Blue Topaz gem egg that they had found within the tunnel. If he hadn’t been feeling with his paws along the wall of the main tunnel they never would have found the egg. It was extremely heavy, even more so to the two young ones. Aristotle had his head raised as high as he could get it and his chest was thrust forward as the vines in his mouth strained and pulled at his teeth.

His gaze glanced to the egg in the net as he followed James’ directions he had given earlier. However there was quite a bit to the ruins, several places looked like they could have been a home for James.

Aristotle signalled James with his ears and tail that he was stopping, as they came to a stop Aristotle gently set his side of the net down and looked at James. So which one is yours? Aristotle looked at several of them in time as he waited for his friend to answer. I wouldn’t mind having one of my own, these are kind neat. Aristotle mused aloud, mostly to himself but also loud enough for James to hear him. Perhaps the little lion was hinting at something to his friend.

Alright let’s get Baby home. Aristotle seemed to figure he couldn’t just keep calling it an egg. There was light inside and it gave off warmth. It had to be alive didn’t it? He had inspected his own chrysalis he had come from, it had resembled the egg they were carrying now only a bit bigger. Alright on three again. Aristotle instructed as he leaned down to pick up the vine. One...Two….Three. On three Aristotle lifted his side of the net and waited for James to move towards his home.

@James

James struggled to keep his head low enough so Ari wasn't struggling, but high enough that the egg wasn't dragging on the ground. He happily set it down when Ari signaled, yawning a few times before shaking his head out to try and ease the soreness in his jaw.

"That house over there is mine," James said, pointing his nose towards a house a few meters away, "That one to the left of it is vacant, but we may have to clear out dust and debris, adn go get you some dirt and grass for a bed. Once that's done, we'll find Pride. He can show you the ropes..."

A lot more had changed than he thought. The last time he saw Ari, he could barely cast a wisp. Now he had multiple spells at his disposal, a teacher, and a home. A proper home.

"I'm a member of the Seven. Their duty is to protect those who need protecting. For now... that's us, but when I'm older, I want to help others."

James' chest puffed out and his ears flicked up, head held high with pride, "I'm a coward, but... I hope I can become something amazing one day."

He looked down at Ari and nosed him sweetly, affectionately, "Don't think I'll ever leave you behind, Ari. You're my best friend, after all."

@Aristotle

Ari

Hope is but a waking dream

A soft groan escaped the young lion as he held himself as high as he possibly could without walking on his toes. It was only when he made them pause that he felt any sort of relief, he knew James was doing his best to carry as much weight as he could still keep it so it was low enough to carry it. However, that didn’t help the fact he had to strain to keep his side from dragging. James seemed as happy for the break as he was. Aristotle lifted his forepaw and rubbed it on his jaw before rubbing the other side with his other paw.

Aristotle’s gaze followed where James indicated. It wasn’t bad, not in great condition but it was nicer than anything else he’d ever seen. Though that hadn’t been much. Just the branch and vine shack James had first made his home, and this one. He was pretty impressed. As James spoke of the house to the left, Aristotle’s gaze shifted to a domicile next to the one James lived in. A bed huh? Aristotle thought for a moment, rabbit fur was soft. If he could catch enough bunnies he could use their pelts in his bed! Finally no part of the rabbits he had been catching would go to waste.

The young lion flicked an ear as he listened to James talk. The Seven, what did that mean? They protected others, so The Seven was more than one creature then?James was a part of The Seven, how did that work? But most of all, who was Pride? Aristotle was so confused and curious right now but he knew that now was not a time for questions. They had a task to finish first. James, I’m sure you will become a magnificent creature when you’re all grown up. Just looking at you I know you’re going to be a pretty boy when you grow up. Not that he had any experience with growing up or watching someone grow.

Aristotle gave a quiet, deep, growling purr from within his chest. He gently returned the nuzzle as he let his round ears fall back. He was happy to return the show of affection stepping closer to the young horse, the wisp of mane starting to grow around his face and chest. The fur of his mane was a creamy latte color, so his ears blended with it but the rest of his tan coat did not. I’ll never leave you James. You’re my best friend. He was happy to have the colt as a friend, it had really made his life more fun.

With that Aristotle picked up his side of the net, not enough to pull the net tight but enough he had it ready. He looked at James and nodded saying ‘let’s finish this.’ He lifted when James did and slowly began to make his way towards the domicile James had indicated.

@James

James' chest puffed out at the compliments, tail flicking from side to side before he picked up the gem. Hold on...

He lifted up the egg and net in his mental grasp, straining a bit, but his mind was much stronger than his body. He pushed the egg forward, focusing on making it float rather than move, and pushed it into the hut next to his, which would soon house Ari.

"I should have thought of this earlier," James said with a sigh, "It would have been much easier than lugging the Baby all the way here."

James was smart, but he was not wise.

"But... Ari," he said, "What even is this? It's a gem I think, or an egg- I'm not sure. But why bring it here? Why not leave it where it was so secluded, and safe?

He turned his head to face the lion, ears perked up as he waited for an answer, his long, dainty eyelashed brushing his cheeks as he blinked slowly. What even was Ari's plan? Did he expect James to- what, bring it to life? Care for it? Hang it up as decoration? It was a task more suitable for a grown-up if he was honest. What were two one-month-old children to do with a newborn Gembound? Raise it?

He liked the idea of a child, or perhaps being a mentor like Pride had been for him... perhaps it wasn't a bad idea. He could educate them, whoever they were.

@Aristotle

Ari

Hope is but a waking dream

As they lifted the gem off the ground and Aristotle readied himself to move forward, the net suddenly became much lighter. Every muscle in the young lion stiffened,so many things began running through his head. Had the net broken? Did the egg slip out somehow? Aristotle dropped his side of the rope and instantly bound to stand in front of the egg, that is until he noticed the egg floating weightless in the air. But..But...But how? But it was.. Huh? The young lion seemed profoundly confused by the sudden fact that the egg, the heaviest thing he’d ever found. Was now floating!!

Aristotle watched as James guided the egg to Aristotles would be home. Aristotle not quite understanding what was going on helped guide the gem egg into the home. The house inside wasn’t too bad actually. The top floor had collapsed in, in the center so they would have to walk around that. Which wasn’t too hard.However the roof of the home had quite a few holes in it allowing for light. They passed a room that was completely collapsed in on itself and there would be no way of getting in that one. However the other two rooms on the right side of the rubble pile from the upstairs. They seemed to be in rather good shape and usable. Aristotle trotted down to the farthest room in the spot and peeked inside. It was in pretty good shape, there was a small hole near the fondation on one wall but it led into the room beside it and not to the open air. The roof seemed sturdy enough in here with only one hole leading to the ceiling of the cavern, however it wasn’t very large and let in just enough light to see.

The young lion walked in and inspected the room. This would do nicely. Coming back to the doorway Aristotle smiled sheepishly. Do you mind bringing it in here? James had brought it inside and set it down. James spoke and he listened. That really would have been helpful much sooner. But it was always better to remember half way through than not at all.

Soon James began questioning him on why he had, had James help him bring it here. Aristotle’s ears went back and his slender tail drooped. He didn’t honestly have a rational reason. It.. It feels important… Like I’m supposed to have it. I don’t know what it is either, I think it’s just a gem. But I don’t honestly know. Aristotle couldn’t look his friend in the eyes. He had made James lug that heavy thing all the way here, and he couldn’t even give him a good reason why. I’m sorry James, I can’t tell you why I need it, because I don’t even know why myself. Aristotle began to mumble his words as his rump met the dirt near the gem egg. He was ready for his friend to be mad at him for some reason.

@James

James nodded at Ari's request and set it down, looking around curiously. His hut was about the same size, though like Ari's, the upper floor had caved in. Right now? He was using the stairs to put his collectibles on. Various pretty rocks, flowers he'd uprooted and placed on the steps. He found it difficult to climb them, so he just used it as a sort of shelf.

He looked down at the egg and nosed it gently. It seemed adamantine, at least at a first glance, but who knew how delicate it could be? It was best not to find out.

The foal trotted off and got the net, and hung it up in a window, making a sort of drape over the opening. He turned to face Ari when he spoke, surprised to see the lion... cowering?

"I'm not... mad," he said, "I was just confused, Ari. I mean... something so large could possibly be valuable, I'd see why you'd want it. I collect things too, just... smaller.
For decoration. I wondered if there was a reason, is all."

James shuffled towards Ari and planted his butt down too, nosing Ari's soft mane gently, "I don't think I've ever even gotten mad yet. But I think you'll know if I do. Besides... I'll take any chance I can to train. Whether it be physically or magically. I feel stronger already!"

If there was one thing James was good at, it was reassuring.

@Aristotle

Ari

Hope is but a waking dream

Aristotle watched as James gently nudged the egg. For some reason he felt his fur along his back bristle protectively. But that feeling was quickly quelled as he assured himself that, though James could move it he would not take it. Most of all he knew James would not cause it any harm. He felt guilty for having his friend help him move his darling egg. Though the glow from within was gone, he chalked it up to the orb light that had been hanging so close to the egg when he’d found it. But he just couldn’t leave it there, what if the roof of the little cave fell in? What if someone else came and took it away? It wasn’t safe there. Aristotle tilted his wispy maned head as he watched James place the net over the window in the room. That was a neat idea! It covered it nicely and the net was woven close enough together that it blocked out residual light enough for one to sleep, and then when he wanted light he could just find a way to pin it up somehow

Aristotle still couldn’t look at his friend even though James assured him that he wasn’t mad. Rounded audits shifted forward as James mentioned it possibly being valuable.James it is valuable… to me.. He kind of lost his fire as he spoke the last two words seemed to be mumbled. It would seem the young man was not entirely sure that would be a good thing. That the boy had become obsessed with a giant gem that wasn’t cold like normal gems. It seemed to call to him. There was no chance it was alive, but he had to have it. It seemed like it could be important to him later in his life. Perhaps in his learnings he would find out why, perhaps slivers of it could be used in helping others. He didn’t know but he was going to protect it.

I have reasons I just don’t think they’re good enough to explain me asking you to lug this huge thing down here. I mean it’s really heavy. You could have hurt yourself carrying it. If that happened I could never forgive myself. The young lioned rubbed his left foreleg with his right paw as he spoke, it seemed Aristotle was gaining a mild tick of his own when he was nervous.

Aristotle watched James come and sit down beside him near the egg. The young man stiffened as he felt James nuzzle his wispy mane, a pleasurable shiver ran through him as he relaxed. The feeling of James breath in his mane was becoming a comforting thing to the young man.

I’d rather not be the first one to anger you, you are my best friend after all. Aristotle spoke gently of his fear. He would never want to be on James’ bad side. A light smile spread over his muzzle as he looked up at his friend.

You look bigger and stronger everyday. Not mention how handsome you’re becoming for someone who eats grass. I don’t really see how that green barely substantial stuff can help you grow up so big and strong. Aristotle began ramling again, that seemed to be something he was good at. You must really have to eat so much of that stuff… The young lion looked up at his friend curiously, but letting his mind wander for a moment he allowed his eyes to wander around the room they were in. It has once been a deep purple, it seemed the walls had retained some of their former staining.

Once more his gaze fell beside him on his friend. So about that bed thing you were talking about. What is it?

@James

James started to very, very gently groom Ari's mane, his small, soft tongue not really doing much aside comforting the other. He shuffled his butt over and lay down, pressing up against the other's side.

He snorted abruptly at the compliment, "For a grass-eater, huh? Well, you're pretty handsome for a rabbit eater. And I know that you'll get big and strong too. Just look at your paws, Ari! They're giant! You have to grow into them someday or you'll spend forever tripping over them."

"I graze every day, and it doesn't taste the best, it's kind of bland, actually... but I have to keep my stomach full constantly so that I have energy. Eating keeps me warm if I'm cold, too," he explained, before finally looking at the egg-gem again.

James hummed softly and stood up, shaking himself out, "Let me show you my house, then we can go get you a bed. I think it's easier to show an example rather than explain... for me, at least."

He'd leave the topic of the egg for now, for when they were both a bit happier. And so he trotted out of the house, looking around to see if anyone was coming before exiting and quickly making the short trip to his own home and entering.

@Aristotle

Ari

Hope is but a waking dream

The young lion gave a soft content sigh as he felt James begin to groom him. It felt nice, and reassuring even if it didn’t do much to help detangle any of it. Honestly though he was just happy to have his best friend by his side.

A wide smile crept over the young lion’s face as James seemed a bit insulted over being called a grass-eater. Even if it was a feign. Hey what’s wrong with eatin bunnies? Their fur makes for soft things to snuggle. And they taste really good. Aristotle licked his lips realizing he was hungry, but it was a feeling he could push away for quite awhile, especially in the presence of James. He wasn’t sure James was quite ready to actually see him eat. He really hoped his best friend didn’t walk in on him eating. James would probably never look at him the same again after that.

Aristotle laughed at the comment on his paws. I guess, I really do hope so because they are cumbersome. A bright smile spread across the young lion’s face his brilliant blue eyes glittering as he looked at his friend.Aristotle hummed thinking for a moment. I don’t have to eat everyday as long as I eat a good meal. My fur keeps me warm. The young lion stated simply.

Aristotle smiled standing up alongside his best friend, showing it was usually much easier. That had been why when Aristotle had found the gem-egg, he had taken James to see his discovery rather than tell him. He was good with explanations, but others didn’t always seem to understand them. Aristotle followed James from his own home to the one that belonged to the colt. He still wondered what a bed was.

@James

"It's not eating them that's the problem, it's great that you don't waste anything... but you also eat the guts and that's gross, he said, shaking his head, "I've found your carcasses before, aren't the guts like... squishy?"

James made a face of disgust and shivered, "I can't imagine that."

He pushed aside a curtain of vines woven together, dried after being picked long ago, but still slightly green. He walked inside and stood in the center of the main room, smiling, "Do you like it?"

There was a window opening beside the doorway, covered by a differently made set of hanging vines. A small chunk of what looked to be pink granite sat on the flat sill, washed and polished to perfection. There was a doorway into a hallway, with two smaller rooms on either side, perfectly symmetrical in shape. To the right of the doorway itself was a set of half-collapsed stairs, each step shelving various items. One of the gems that were inlaid in the veiling of Orion, shiny stones, flowers set in hollow wood 'cups' filled with dirt to keep them from wilting, and a rock dish filled with water for easy access. The main feature of the room? A massive sculpture of colorful gems in a flower-like formation hung up on one of the walls.

In the left room connected to the hallway was a bed, with rocks surrounding it to keep the dirt underneath the fresh green grass from spilling everywhere.

"Pride helped me," he said softly.

@Aristotle