{This is just something I wanted to do to re-introduce Atiq into the forest and maybe set the baseline for some plot involved with him.
Because unlike before where I kept flip flopping through half-baked vague backstory, Atiq did a lot of growing and some things...changed.
This guy is now going places. So yes, this is sort of just an introduction, but I'm very much open to this becoming an interaction hub}
The morning light dawned bright and warm, filtering softly through the trees and driving back the chill of night into the shadows of the wood. The trees were still fairly silent as most of the forest had yet to rise, however a solitary soul was still awake, and had probably not found sleep in the retreating night.
The deer stepped through a patch of sun, highlighting the dark, lithe, strong form of a youthful stag. He picked his steps carefully, delicate golden hooves avoiding as much leaf litter and twigs as possible, afraid to break the reverent silence of the early dawn. Atiq was unsure of his destination, allowing his feet to instinctively guide him, he'd haunted the many paths of the Forest long enough to have memorized everything from the trees down to the stones on the ground. Which was a good thing, for his eyes, though they were open and aimed on the paths ahead, looked beyond the trees and morning mist, and inward, to the memory held in the wood and the stones. Almost unbidden, Atiq's memory of past walks through the wood rose to the front of his mind, bringing a warm fondness edged with a bittersweet sting. He roamed these trees with many friends who had long faded into the trees and the deepest parts of the wood, and could now only call on the vivid memory of frolicking across the sun-patched floor, darting through the shadows of trees, dancing under green canopies. He wished he'd never taken the seemingly endless summer for granted.
Atiq sighed, his breath fogging slightly in the morning air, and shook some of the dew collecting on his antlers, shaking loose a few purple flowers that were twined through them, and jangling the golden hoops attached to his ears. He dearly missed his friends, and those who were closer, he'd never expected to wake one day to find everyone had suddenly gone, to find himself alone. It was as if he'd fallen asleep and years had passed in his slumber, causing all he'd known, everything he was, everything he'd done, all the things his friends had been, to fade into a past few remembered. For the Forest was endless in more than just being a physical endless loop, the residents were seemingly endless as well. For as one faded into the deeper woods, more would appear to fill their place, a cycle flowing from an unknown source and into a hidden end. Now he stood here, on the edge of this stream of fading memory, a spectator to a future he was for once, completely unsure of.
For Atiq, there was nothing but the Forest, it was always there, and as far as his memory knew, it always had been. There was nothing before this place, at least, that was what he had believed. In an almost child-like form of naivety, Atiq had just assumed his life in the Forest would be like it always had, the same places and the same faces, never changing. But he found himself seemingly alone, pushed to the shadows, and skirting the edges of the deeper woods himself. He'd been spending sleepless nights trying to make sense of the new things he'd discovered. There was more to this Forest, and his memory, Atiq was sure of it.
His reverie was suddenly broken as he crashed back to reality, ears pricked and eyes scanning the trees. He froze on the spot, slowly turning his head, straining his ears, the weight of the silence almost deafening. Atiq was sure he had felt something, like he was being followed. This feeling had begun to doggedly cling to him since shortly after he first awoke to this new Forest. He'd dismissed it as unease at finding everything changed around him, but it had become more persistent as the days passed. Sometimes he even swore he saw a blur of movement, or heard a faint whisper on the air.
After failing to find any sound in the dawn silence, Atiq narrowed his eyes and snorted, stamping his hoof in irritation. This nonsense was costing him some much needed rest, and depriving him of the peace he'd always known. He suddenly decided to turn, changing his course towards the Playground, it was open and harder for someone, or something, unsavory to catch one unawares. Besides, he was more likely to run into some friendly souls as the day pressed on, and help him reintegrate back into the Forest rhythm.
Atiq stood on the threshold of the Birch Forest, his favorite haunt, taking one last wary glance behind him,
towards the deeper woods, before turning and stepping into the dawn light...
Ooh, seems interesting! }
Veeery nice. Tracking this
Tracking. May throw a Mermeyì
Beautiful writing.
*waves at the trackers*
and thanks for the praise, I am so very very timid about my writing and it takes a lot to make me share it |D ~<3
S w i s h she goes through
S w i s h she goes through the wood. Legs, strong and stretched through the air. Thumping on the earth beneath her. The magic wind letting her sail through the crisp morning air, effortlessly swirling through like a leaf tousled by the wind. No control, or rather, letting the wind control her. The sun, bright and light on her back. It feeds her spirit, and the spirit of all the plants she brings life to.
As she galloped and glided over the ground, she breathed and sighed. Her misty breath gave the plants life, and so they bloomed and blossomed at her touch. The stretched at the feel of her breath, blushing with jubilation and rejuvenation. All around the forest, the dark red doe flew. Spinning and jostling about, a carousel of beautiful flowers. The plants adorn her.
A guardian, unknown to many. Recognized by the plants and flowers she loves so much.
The doe hummed, her tune lost in the wind by which she was pulled through. Until, that is, she finally landed on ground at the edge of the Birch, the gusts of wind dispersing around her.
It was suddenly silent, she thought. The forest was still waking, and she had already finished her duty-- at least for now.
The doe bounded through the tall, dry grass. The auburn ground almost seemed to blend with hers. However, her crown of flowers that framed her face made her stand out among the Birch trees.
But she could feel, in her hooves, in her legs. There was another, awake, in the Birch.
Who was this stranger? A visitor? Newcomer? Returnee?
The guardian strode forward, head low in the grass as she sniffed him out. It wasn't long before she saw a distant silhouette of a stag. Her ears raised forward in curiosity. She inhaled deeply, then exhaled, watching her breath turn to clouds in the brisk morning air.
She spoke, raising her voice just loud enough for him to hear. Her voice was cool, breathy, but strong and even sultry.
Or is it -
anticipation?
What brings you, newcomer, to this wood? Perhaps, it is that you've been here before, and therefore are reluctant in your steps? That you know the ground, but are afraid to step onto its soil- a new soul?
Does it welcome you?
Atiq languished in the rising
Atiq chuckled in spite of himself, everything was indeed a lot brighter in the light of day.
He could see the Playground materialize in the distance through the haze, when he noticed the brush around him react a little...oddly. It felt like a very slight pulse, so small Atiq would not have noticed it had he not already immersed himself in his surroundings during his meditation. It was like the plants reacted to a sudden surge of life, of energy, of impulse.
"Huh...odd..." Atiq mused. Before he could do anything else, a sudden voice addressed the stag. Already slightly on edge again, Atiq started a little and turned, maybe a little too quickly, towards the source. He looked around before his ears directed him downward, where he spotted a little red doe, adorned in a halo of beautiful flowers.
It took him a moment to allow his brain, and with it, his capacity for speech to catch up with the turn of events and properly greet this guest.
"OH! Oh! ah-..." Atiq stammered before clearing his throat. "Apologies, I wasn't aware anyone else was up yet. I uh..." he paused as his mind reminded him of the question she had posed to him. "errm, no, no I, I've been here for a very long time. I just...just haven't been in this part of the Forest for, quite awhile. I apologize again if I have disturbed you." Atiq respectfully inclined his head before flicking his eyes back up to meet the little doe's.
Aha, mmm... Her chuckle was
Aha, mmm...
Her chuckle was hearty, a purr deep in her throat. The doe smiled a bit, raising her head slightly above the tall grass that came to her shoulders. It graze her underside, almost irritatingly. It made her want to itch the irritation, but she ignored it. The iris of her eyes were a dark gold, her pupils a lighter gold. They looked melty and glossy like honey.
The flowers puffed out and around her, strands of wisteria cascading past her shoulders, poppies and dandelions crowned around her face, roses and lavender embellishing her scent. They swayed with the slightest movement of her head, as if sentient in themselves.
The light of the sun gently rained upon them. It was delightful, as if telling them it was happy they were there, all with its golden rays. It was a nice contrast to the oddly chilly breeze. The red doe looked warm and welcoming under its light. She bowed her head to him, her eyes unblinking and wide with curiosity.
It seems I have disturbed you. Sorry for the surprise. Anyway, I'm glad you have made your way back to this forest. Hopefully you won't be such a stranger anymore... Do you have a name?
Atiq flashed a charming smile
"No worries, miss." he grinned. Then he bent into a deeper, more formal bow, tucking his leg under with a cavalier flourish. "Salâm, my name is Atiq." He rose back to his full height and turned his head inquisitively to the side, "And may I ask for your name in return?"
Atiq... she echoed his name,
"may I ask for your name in return?"
The doe momentarily ignored his question, as she turned slightly past him and moved slowly through the grass. She sniffed it away from her muzzle, as it tickled her nose.
'A rose by any other name would smell as sweet...' the red doe quoted, standing upon a grey granite rock a some feet away and facing Atiq.
I have no name. I wasn't given one when I was created. the guardian confessed, glancing away at the sky, then turning back to him. I made myself an abbreviation - Tog - which simply stands for 'the oak guardian.' But everyone calls me something different. Whatever they like.
Atiq pondered the little doe.
Atiq advanced forward so he was level to the now elevated doe, "Well, I feel deprived not to have met you until now, Sura-jan." He continued past her before looking back, indicating that she was invited to follow if she wished.
The small doe sprang up at
The small doe sprang up at his signal to follow. Sura-jan... Is that what you will call me?
The guardian hopped down from the rock, looking up at him. Without a word, she scurried over to him and stopped in front of Atiq. She stretched her neck as much as she could and sniffed his muzzle. The doe doesn't care much for personal space, to her the thought of a personal bubble was never a very attractive idea. Why put others in individual bubbles? She was always comfortable with being intimate with others, treating them as if they were already dear friends.
The guardian breathed over his forehead, her exhale giving life to his light blue flowers that adorned his antlers. The flowers grew brighter, and even small buds began to sprout from their stems, ready to bloom within the next few days.
The guardian gave a nod of approval, satisfied with her work.
Now they're happy, she cooed, taking a step back from him so she was no longer in his path.
And, well, you can always find me among the flowers; should you ever find yourself wanting some company. I find solace in them, myself.
Atiq smiled warmly as the
"Thank you," he breathed. " I enjoy flowers as well, there's something quite comforting about them, it's quite calming." He looked out to the woods in front of them. "I find the same peace, here amongst the birch trees..."
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OOC note: just in case you were curious, "Sura" is a Persian name for "face of a flower" implying loveliness, and "jan" is a term of endearment in that language ouo/
{awww, thanks for telling me!
The red doe blushed, though no one could tell beneath her dark pelt. Ah, what a lovely word she pondered aloud. I take it as a compliment, thank you.
Then, she followed his gaze to the Birch and gave a happy sigh. She stared out, almost hypnotized by the Birch's beauty, she took a few steps forward, speaking. Mmm, yes I do find these woods to be especially inviting somehow. I think the light makes the Birch seem like you're standing on top of the sun; ground swirling with warm colors, trees bright and stretching to infinity, grass high enough to sink in. It's good that this is it's own little haven in the forest. If the Birch expanded further, I might just lose myself in it...
The guardian looked back at Atiq. Her voice turned soft and gentle with an innocent curiosity. I don't mean to be crude, but, I wonder if this place be so wondrous, why would you leave?
The blue stag had paused to
Atiq considered it for a long moment, as if searching hard for the answer. "Hmm, you know, I am not sure I can fully answer that. It is a very strange thing." He flicked his tail and began to walk forward at a slow pace, the movement helping to fuel the cogs of his mind as it worked on the answer. "I can say for certain that I was gone, but at the same time, I never left the Forest. I guess I became quite saddened by the sudden loss of old friends, and...and my..." he let his sentence hang, and lightly shook his head. "I was grieving, in a way. And I just started wandering, further and further into the Forest, and looking back, I think I found something. There's an even deeper part of the Forest you can wander into, like another layer, a shadow of this one, you exist in the Forest, yet not alongside everyone else," Atiq scrunched up his nose as if dissatisfied by his own answer. " It's...it's a very weird anomaly deep in the Forest, I didn't mean to end up there, but I did, and I must have been there a long while. Then one day, it was as if everything was reset, I woke up back in my den to an almost completely different Forest. Everything was the same and yet...it wasn't. It is a very strange thing, something I can't seem to fully explain...yet." His gaze shifted forward again, they'd wandered into the center of the Playground.
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|D I am not very fluent with it, I can manage to incorporate a few basic phrases to add in for flair but I wouldn't want to attempt anything else at butcher it lol I am trying to learn some new languages in my spare time though, as soon as I decide on one haha
The guardian followed him
Mmm, I understand the doe responded at last, hopping up onto one of the large mossy stones.
The Forest is quite the conundrum. Some time ago, I found myself transported into a different forest after falling asleep within The Oak. I was gone for a week, or so I thought, until I awoke back into this forest finding only an evening had passed. Strange, indeed.
She wondered why the Forest had so many curious and mysterious qualities about it. Over the years she had heard many odd things occur, and most of the time without reason. She often wondered why that is. Wouldn't the Gods have told her, or anyone, how such things came to happen? Every time the guardian tried to contact the Gods, it was unsuccessful. They seldom answered her prayers. Still, the red doe attempts to make sense of it all.
{Aha, I see. Well I wish I knew more about it, it seems very rad. I only took 3 years of French, and am currently studying ASL. My friend is of German descent, so we've kind of explored that language from the very old fairytale books she has in German. I think that's as far of experience with languages I have, though I'd love to be multilingual if my brain can handle it. *sigh* someday}
Atiq followed her up onto the
"I have just began to is as strange as it is endless, and nothing should really surprise me anymore," he smirked. Standing tall on the largest stone, Atiq gave a quick listen around the surrounding woods, his ever sharp eyes subtly glancing around as well.
Seemingly satisfied, he settled himself on the rock and decided to change the subject, "But enough of these metaphysical musings, I'd like to hear more about you," Atiq smiled almost playfully at her. "As I've been gone quite awhile, no one's been there to share their adventures with me, so I'm a bit out of the loop. Have any stories to share?"
The small doe stood at the
The doe inhaled deeply, the musk and moss of the air, and let out a sigh with a chuckle.
Ahm, well, my stories are the flower's stories, she explained, turning her gaze to Atiq. I care for the flowers, they talk to me and I to them. They tell me the things they see. Meeting others... is something I wish happened more often.. That being said the stories I have are solo adventures. To most I know, that is less appealing.."
The doe glanced back to the Birch forest. It was true, she found herself alone much of the time. Not intentionally. As a matter of fact, she had been working on meeting new deer in the forest and establishing some strong connections. That was the downside to having existed for so long, everyone she meets moved on or drifted away somehow... But it was also because she had the entire forest to take care of-- literally. Therefore, few know of her; of her talents, and what she does.
Atiq frowned slightly at the
Atiq's smile was warm and genuine, voice low and calm, "I think the work you do is absolutely amazing. You breathe life and color into dull places, bringing out their true vibrancy...I mean, just look at what you did earlier, my antlers have never been more colorful!" he chuckled.
"And you can do the same for other living things besides flowers, show them the same warmth and kindness you have shown me, and with time, you'll have met as many deer as there are flowers on your head," he joked, before his tone turned a little somber once more.
"I can empathize with how you feel, Sura-jan. I understand the loss, and how hard it is to lose the bonds you've forged, and make new ones in their stead. But do not let that discourage you, you're very much worth knowing." Atiq turned his gaze out to the birch woods as well, before continuing. "You are not unknown in this forest. Everyone here sees the beauty you breathe into the woods, and I'd imagine many of them deeply appreciate the work you do. You are known through what you leave to others; for you it's leaving your vibrance and joy in your flowers for others to experience and pass on. Taking the next step to meet them like you've done with me is not that much harder a task, if you're willing to take the leap."
Atiq turned back to meet her eyes once more, a wry smile playing across his face again "And I don't believe I specified the stories I prefer" he said rather coyly.
The guardian was touched by
The guardian was touched by his words, for a second it made her eyes water up. Her heart felt so warm and happy that she could cry tears of joy.
'I understand the loss, and how hard it is to lose the bonds you've forged'
This made the doe remember one of her dear friends, a mother figure, that she had grown close to. Atiq reminded the guardian of her sage friend; they shared similar pelts. It was the one person she could speak to and confide in, all her worries and doubts, without feeling guilted or judged. These days, the red doe seldom sees her. But, she was an old doe, older than the guardian. The little doe prayed she was still in good health and made a mental note to search the forest for her. But the stag was right. To make bonds, a leap of faith must be taken.
The red doe pressed her forehead gently to Atiq's shoulder. Thank you.. It means so much to me.
She looked back up at him and said, It is not my duty to be seen, only to do. But, it does make me happy to be recognized some of the time.
'And I don't believe I specified the stories I prefer'
At this, her mood shifted a bit. Her long curly tail swished in excitement and a courageous, but goofy smile slid across her face. She began to prance, with mock pride, off the rock which they stood and kept afloat by soft gusts of wind. The dark red doe turned around as she hovered, through the air in front of them.
She smirked and said in a teasing, yet devious voice, In that case, I have a tale of violence and woe! From the distant, dark forest of beasts and demons.. Oh yes, that was an adventure.
Atiq could feel the change
He quirked one brow up at her declaration, "Ooh? Well then, please proceed, Sura-jan." The call of adventure sparked another familiar feeling deep within him, and at its mere mention he felt his pulse quicken in anticipation. Even though he was fairly sure he'd never been out of this forest, somewhere a memory summoned the feelings of adventure and discovery, and he was eager to sate it.
Well, the doe began, gently
The red doe lifted her head back and let out her attempt at a howl, so bad that she almost started laughing at herself.
Alright, well, it sounded a lot prettier than that, but-- A wolf! And not far off! I was absolutely enticed. I had never heard a wolf before, and the call was so lovely to me. I should have fled, but where to? I could only go further into the darkness around me, and so I stood still. Frozen in fear, but still ever-so curious to this being that began to make it's way toward me.
The doe suddenly landed on the ground and hid behind the rock. She lowered to a stalking position.
And then I saw him, she continued with a playful smirk, as she stepped onto the rock and pretended to stalk Atiq. A strange wolf, almost demonic, with long locks and a purple colored pelt..
The guardian stood upright again. But this poor soul, didn't try to kill me at all! Well, he sure sounded threatening and even lascivious, though he did not try to eat me as I suspected. His name was Mortum, and he was a vampire-- errr..
The doe hesitated, wondering if he knew what it such a thing was. Like this.
She nibbled some loose hairs off his shoulderblade. See? Vampire. They survive off of blood... Euh, where did I leave off again..?
Atiq settled onto the rock,
He was a very good listener, making sure she knew he was listening and taking in every word. He laughed, deep and warm and rich as she animatedly acted out her tale, eyes sparkling with mirth at her antics. Atiq was enjoying himself and so very glad to have boosted her confidence enough to share her tales.
Atiq laughed softly once again as her nibble at his shoulder tickled just a bit.
"Your first night, ay joon, you were recounting your first night." He smiled at her, encouraging her to continue.
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Sorry about the late reply, I got super distracted yesterday @-@
it's all good! no worries,
Ahh, right right, she remembered, nodding and then shuffled back, preparing to reenact the rest of her events.
Anyways, I learned what a tragic soul he was. The doe turned somber a moment, recalling how pitiful this wolf was. He felt undoubtedly doomed for being a demon, even though it was not by choice. So I kept the lonely wolf company. For the next day or two, I hunted for him in his forest. Small critters like squirrels. Until... he licked my cheek. It doesn't sound bad. At least, I think it was supposed to be affectionate. But his lust for blood quickly ensued.
The doe pranced around the rock. So, I fled, terrified I had stirred the beast in him. But where could I go? What could I do? This was his forest and he would find and maybe kill me. I ran and ran as fast as my shaky legs could take me. Until, I stumbled upon dead land. The trees withered around me and the grass shriveled up until there was no greenery left. In front of me, dead and dry land that seemed endless..
Suddenly the red doe swirved around, so quickly that her hooves scraped across the rock, as if startled by something. Then I saw it! This large, horrible mass of darkness. It was erupting with black, hot flames, its bright orange eyes seeping into mine. I saw its soul, and it was vile and hideous.
She then puffed out her chest and lowered her brows, propping her front leg up in a majestic pose. This is how the bucks do it, yes...? Anyway-- I stood fast in the face of peril! Aha, I laugh in death's face! I would not let this demon defeat me, or reek its havoc onto the rest of the forest. So I charged, straight at the demon-- she rears in place, slamming her hooves on the boulder-- ready to fight for me life..
{going to end my post her just because I don't want to type too much ehe}