Wow, here we go. THE thing about everyone knew would happen, one way or another. I'm not sure if you are surprised about Aurora's fate (no, she is not dead), or if you kind of had a bad feeling all the time – but we all knew they'd meet, and they'd not play poker together. ;D
This blog would not exist were it not for a few people, though.
My special thanks go to Nishi, who was my main cataclyst by providing me super cool sketched of fighting deer. Seriously, after seeing these I kind of... knew, I would be able to do this. Thank you so much, Nishi. <3 Also for holding my hand whenever I was bitching about this again. You're too kind <3
Further thanks go to JackStrauss. She did some more sketches in the places I found I couldn't really do well, especially when it came to expressions. I hope I did your lines justice! (: Also, she gave me a lesson on splatter brushes, which is used here (as you can see LOL). Very handy to know for further works! Thanks c:
Last but not least, Hraeth. Not only did she help me out when it came to pictures, but also with coloring, and general advice on the blog itself. I find myself honored, because her works have always been amazing to me. Thank you for taking the time, I will not forget it!
One last person I would like to mention is Apeldille. The texture used in coloring was made by her, and shared with me after I noticed its amazing effects in the last blog part. So, here I overused it myself. Thanks again for that, it was a major boost for me!
Fun facts!
Antler continuity is for losers.
Aurora's feathers are indestructable it seems.
Yes, everything the villian can do expression-wise is grin in a most stupid way.
The bigger the hooves, the more badass.
That Aurora charging picture was done roughly four months ago, be me, in Uni, while listening to my anatomy professor yap. |D
Appearantly Aurora's antlers are razor sharp, judging by the amount of blood spilled by a single slash. That, or the bad guy is a bag of blood.
In case you are wondering, he DOES have a name. Hopefully it will be revealed some day. I:
Aurora DID consider seeing Noelle could be a trick, but damn, she was too amazed by her stunning new looks. :j
This is awesome. Love those pictures so much. All the feeeels, poor Aurora. ;__;
Can't wait for more of this. Been loving it all so far! <3
---
Blood. He could smell it, so much blood. Curiosity got the better of the wolf and he set out to see where it was coming from. He most certainly wasn't expecting to see the source of the scent was Aurora. Momentarily, he froze in place when the piebald came into view. The smell and sight was nearly enough to make him almost fall to his knees. However, he managed to remain standing as he held his breath, quickly approaching the doe. "AURORA! Aurora, what the fuck?" Eyes were widened as he looked down at her bloody form. In desperation, he gave her a shove, not too hard but enough to wake someone who was perhaps asleep. No good. "AUR!" Another yell that went unanswered. Pupils darted around in his eyes, observing the damage, the wounds, the blood...she was breathing. "Oh my god..." a choked sob. "Who? No...no it wasn't him. NO! I said I'd be with you. Fuck!" A stray tear fell from his face, landing on the doe's now crimson fur. Taking a few steps back, he lifted his head, eyes closing while a sorrowful howl echoed in the forest. "I'm so sorry. I'm so, so sorry," he whispered, collapsing beside her head. Gently, he wrapped his tail around her, curling himself in on her and holding her tight. "I should have been there...I'm so sorry." Glossy eyes gazed at her, another tear falling free, before he began gently licking the doe's fur. He had to get rid of the blood. She should never have been covered in blood. Small whines escaped his throat every now and then. How could he have let this happen when he said it'd be all okay? That he would be with her to take him down? This wasn't meant to happen.
---
(just gonna post it here too even though it's kinda crappily and quickly written ;; )
So here I come, after days of being in an... uneasy kind of down due to some university happenings (to put it softly) and see this.
This, Cal, is hands down one of the best things you ever made, it looks awesome, inspiring and mesmerizing.
Be assured, that I do not deserve the amount of thanks and credits you give me here, since it still was mainly your work and that of the other people included. (Who did btw an amazing job, too. You are awesome, guys!!)
And though this is such a dark chapter in Rory's story, it is an uplifting and inspiring thing for me to see. something that may lure my muse back and my bravery to tackle what lays ahead of me, because this is truly a kind of monument that symbolizes that you can manage all if you just keep going and stick to what you want to do and what you imagined.
Absolutely breath taking. I will try bringing Trees into this as soon as I can.
This turned out AWESOME, though. While the blood might be a bit much in one way, I think it has a beautiful symbolism. It actually goes really well with the theme. Very well put together, good job~ 8}
Omg ;__; CAL this blog was SO intense and so amazing, the music with the story and the art, oh my gfjkhAAA MY FEELS ARE FLYING EVERYWHERE. Yeah dat asshole's gonna pay BC GONGETCHA YOU SHEEEIITT.
Thank you all for your kind words! It's extremely flattering to hear you enjoyed it. Especially the compliments about the art – you guys are so sweet <3
Agreed though, MrsM, the blood is over the top. But, as you said, it majorly serves the purpose of sparing Cal from doing more fight art symbolism.
No worries though, I have no intention of killing Aurora.
I assure you though, the time to fight the meanie is coming closer, very close already even. Stay tuned c:
Nishi, I am so glad you enjoyed it. Thank you so much, I hope whatever hardship you have to face you will overcome. Thank you again for helping me with all of this. <3
And Starr, I already told you how much I love that response ;; I'M SORRY KODY
Something wasn't right with the air.
The hyena lifted her aching head higher to catch the scent and, quickly enough, she identified it. Aurora blood. A lot of it. Her eyes widened and she shot upright with a start, lunging forward. The movement caused a great deal of pain to her broken and mangled body, though she barely noticed it.
Shuffling and hobbling on three legs, Rhea slowly made her way in the direction of the scent, shoving past and dodging the friends trying to stop her.
Aurora was in trouble. She had to help.
Upon seeing the piebald's wounded body though, she knew she was too late.
Stumbling the last few feet, the hyena crashed into the ground before her nose. For a moment she just laid there, thinking back to yesterday when Aurora had apologized for not being their when hyena herself had been in a brawl. Rhea hadn't thought the apology was necessary then, but now, she understood in a way.
The hyena felt an overwhelming amount of guilt flood over her. She should have been there. If she hadn't been so needlessly worried over her friends yesterday, Aurora might not have felt the need to go looking for Rajih. She could have stayed and remained safe.
Rhea smelt the attacker on the piebald; it was the same smell as the stone formerly embedded in her chest. Her devil's smell.. If she hadn't so idiotically fought against Nikodim, she could have been there for her, could have stole one of her devil's legs. Just like she'd promised.
All kinds of 'could have been's and 'should have been's ran through Rhea's head during the few moments she remained before the caribou.
Rhea's heavy head hung low, nose nearly touching the ground directly in front of Aurora. Her own, tired eyes watched her dear friend, wishing vainly her blue eyes would open still with their steely determination.
She took a breath, pain in her words, in her tone. "I'm so sorry, Aurora.."
A growl rose from her throat, a feral sound. "We'll get him for this. Kill him for this."
A promise.
With a grunt, the hyena hauled herself upright. More than anything, she wished to hear the doe's voice, telling her something wise, something rational. She knew no noise would come...
Rhea bent down and spoke instead, her muzzle hovering near the Aurora's ear. "You're strong. You'll get better soon. No need to fret, just rest for now."
The words where probably more for comforting herself.
Rhea pressed her forehead against an uninjured spot on the doe's neck for just a moment before lifting her head. After one more look of regard, the hyena turned her battered body to limp away. She'd be no help here, just another body to worry about.
And a lingering thought plagued her mind as she was helped away from the place by her friends. We'll kill the bastard.
(Insert all of the flabbergasted and amazed words here because this plot and everything is too awesome ;A; Well done to everyone involved <3)
His empty reaction upon seeing her broken body is not born of apathy. The chimera does not show emotions as many would - his life has dealt him hardship after hardship, many his own doing, but they have all left him steely and focused. Nearing Aurora's form, he regards those already with her with a faint nod of greeting before eyeing her wounds. They are given a cursory once over before the dog-stag settles at the caribou's side to offer warmth and comfort. Throughout the day, he is silent and his only task is to guard her. For many hours, he hardly moves a muscle.
When all is quiet, North leaves his post. For all the forest's abundant remedies, the shepherd can acquire better and apply it skillfully.
In the dead of the night when the other guards have fallen to slumber, the shepherd returns with a rugged satchel full of goods. It is set on the ground and as soon as the male is settled, he gets to work.
Hours later, the doe's wounds have been tended to. Where possible and best, the work done by Umay and Kody is left untouched or simply bolstered. Where necessary, the effort is undone and replaced with something else. Old blood and dead flesh is cleaned away. Lacerations are packed or sealed. Cuts are cooled by antiseptic creme. Warmth comes not only in the form of body heat, but a smooth blanket as well. When all is finished and he has done as much as he can, North comes to rest beside Aurora, offers his side as a softness to contrast the harshness of pain and all else.
"Your body is strong and will mend," he says softly, his voice unwavering and powerful in its quiet - poise in sound. "Your mind is, too. The forest knows it. You know it best of all."
"Come back soon so we can end this."
- - - -
Ahhhh, Cal. You already know what I think of this. You did a wonderful job; Nishi and Jack as well!
I really love how this was composed and put together. It's not too much to take in and yet it's plentiful with detail and inflection - easy and smooth in getting all the points across. Really well done. Looking forward to what comes next. :'D
Your RP responses are giving me AAAAAALL the feels ;_; Thank you so much for writing these, I enjoyed reading them a lot. <333
Also, I am very glad you enjoyed watching this! Hrae, I am glad you helped me with it nontheless - it wouldn't be the same otherwise. c:
Dag -
KFHFSHF I cannot wait to read how Dag is gonna reply, thoughholyshitangrydagisawsum U:
Das rite, there cannot be enough blood I: Stay tuned! I hope to update very soonish. c:
It must have been a change in the wind direction that woke him so suddenly in the birch forest. The incredibly strong smell of blood had him on his feet and hurtling towards where it was coming from, and when she came into view he near fell to the ground mid-run with the sinking of his heart.
He stopped, frightened by the sight of her. She was so caked in blood Dag couldn't discern her black and white markings anymore. He drew closer, head low and his face exerting itself trying to fight back the overwhelming urge to let a tear fall. After a moment he choked out a few words,
"Please open your eyes."
He nudged her with the bridge of his nose. After no response, he nudged a little harder and dragged his hoof across the ground near her face to at least make her ears flinch at the sound, but nothing. The giant walked around her, trying again to get something from her by a nuzzle to a space on her back not covered in blood.
She is still warm and breathing, but that isn't good enough.
He lay beside her, doing his best to cradle her head up off the ground with one of his forelegs and resting her against his chest. A touch to her skull helm was a last attempt of getting perhaps just a twitch from her eyelids, but he knew any more attempts would be fruitless at this point. Instead he began to clean some of her wounds as gently as he could, but as he encroached further down her neck he flinched having remembered the gem embedded there before - he did not want a repeat of what happened previously. However on closer inspection noticed that the gem that shocked him into a stupor before was now gone.
Dag's mood suddenly changed to that of his namesake. To something he was renowned for; counted on to provide.
The Fortress lay his chin across his dear friend and let his very frontal tines rest in the earth; it was something he did when he felt the need to symbolize a pledge of protection over someone. His gargantuan antlers stretched out and engulfed the view of the forest in a deadly embrace in front of Aurora, shielding her from the world beyond where she lay.
"I am not a vengeful stag."
He whispered, perhaps to himself to reassure the hatred he felt. The anger. The anguish of seeing his friends battered and broken.
"But I promise you this, Rory: that the coward who did this to you will suffer if he dares tread the forest in my presence."
Dammit Dag, giving me AAAALL the feels here. I enjoyed reading that post so much, thank you a lot for writing it. Dag is just so... amazing. How he reacted, what he said... whoa.
she arrived slowly, quietly. She was hoping many wouldn't be around at this hour, didn't want to dodge around a crowd. Maybe only a few guardians would be here.
So much blood. It clenched her stomach, clenched her heart and yet she had seen it so many times. She could see the caribou was greviously injured. Was it alright for her to even be here?
They hadn't spoken for a long time, she wasn't truly sure what had even happened. But she still cared, and this was certainly not something she had ever wanted to happen to the doe.
"Aurora.. oh, what happened... "
She looked at the doe's throat and cringed. It was mostly cleaned now, but the evidence was clear- she'd been mauled.
"I"m not sure who did this to you.. but I'm sure that you'll be avenged. This won't go unpaid. And this isn't the end of your story, do you understand? You'll come back. There are many here that care about you."
When the caribou was well, she would attempt to seek her out again, to talk. Until then, she would let the others take care of her. In the meantime, however, she tore out some of her blue fur, tucking it nearby in a tree. Perhaps when Aurora awoke and was feeling a bit better, she could find it, and know Kaoori had been there, if it hadn't been blown or trampled away.
The little shika stayed for a silent moment, then bounded off.
Though you already know how much I love this reply. I am very sure Aurora will get back to it in time, especially with the hint left for her. Thank you <33
If there was something that Trees has learned during her stay in the wilderness of the outside world, it was this: The unexpected was always lurking around the next corner and surprises were always on the agenda. Long story short, the only thing that was certain was that nothing was certain in this world.
That uncertainty also applied to the doe, that had left the place of the rut and listened to the bad feeling in her guts. She had not been to the endless forest for a while and looked if everyone was alright, despite the fact that the rut reached out to that place, too.
Somewhere inside her she longed to stay with her mate and son for a bit longer, but the taunting thought, this nagging feeling, they didn’t stop and so Trees went out to visit the forest she used to live in.
Trees was someone who was familiar with surprises due to her circumstances and way of life. But no one, absolutely no one could have prepared her for what she was about to see there:
Aurora, one of her best and oldest friends, was lying there, wounded and weak. Blood scattered around her.
The shock let Kabuki – colored freeze in her place, but with a surge of adrenaline only a few seconds later pushed the hind down the hill in a rapid dash. Three feet in front of the black -and-white bundle Trees came to a halt and approached her friend with slow steps.
By the looks of it , she was already being taken care of by friends and family. Good. At least something positive.
But the silence disturbed the Storyteller none the less.
In an elegant and yet cramped act Trees turned to bring her body in a line with Aurora’s line and laid down next to the other female.
With a touch so gentle, one that only Trees’ newborns had known and felt until now, the doe made physical contact with the caribou. The heat emerging from Aurora’s body revealed that she was indeed still alive – to Trees greatest relief. Still there was no response to the touches coming from the piebald.
„What .... What happened? ""
Aurora seemed to sleep ... maybe she was in a coma, who knows. At least Trees knew that she couldn’t expect any response from her friend. Not in this situation. And yet, she had to ask, even if it was equally useless.
As expected as there was no reaction obviously, so the female Storyteller started to lick Rory's head gently.
Maybe someone knew what happened and could tell her at some point.
Listen to me, Aurora. I don’t know what happened and who did it. But they will be held responsible for this. Until then, my friend, be strong and hold on. I know you can get through this. And remember that we are all here for you. ""
After the last word had faded into the darkness of the soft and cold night, Trees continued her cleaning. She would try to find the creature responsible for this, but right now, in this very moment, she wanted to stay with the piebald and keep a guarding eye on her family member.
And when the silence eventually became too loud to ignore, the Storyteller started to hum. Probably without realizing it, but she did, slow and silent. Of course she didn’t think much about the tone she was humming there because of this, but had the Kabuki realized it, she would recognize a familiar sound to this melody: It was a song she had heard Aurora humming before.
Wow, Nishi... that was so beautiful. Thank you so much for writing it down, it was a very good read. Especialy Trees humming something Aurora did once... aeerghhh ALL OF THE FEELS. So sweet and tender.
Wow, here we go. THE thing
This blog would not exist were it not for a few people, though.
My special thanks go to Nishi, who was my main cataclyst by providing me super cool sketched of fighting deer. Seriously, after seeing these I kind of... knew, I would be able to do this. Thank you so much, Nishi. <3 Also for holding my hand whenever I was bitching about this again. You're too kind <3
Further thanks go to JackStrauss. She did some more sketches in the places I found I couldn't really do well, especially when it came to expressions. I hope I did your lines justice! (: Also, she gave me a lesson on splatter brushes, which is used here (as you can see LOL). Very handy to know for further works! Thanks c:
Last but not least, Hraeth. Not only did she help me out when it came to pictures, but also with coloring, and general advice on the blog itself. I find myself honored, because her works have always been amazing to me. Thank you for taking the time, I will not forget it!
One last person I would like to mention is Apeldille. The texture used in coloring was made by her, and shared with me after I noticed its amazing effects in the last blog part. So, here I
overused it myself. Thanks again for that, it was a major boost for me!Fun facts!
Antler continuity is for losers.
Aurora's feathers are indestructable it seems.
Yes, everything the villian can do expression-wise is grin in a most stupid way.
The bigger the hooves, the more badass.
That Aurora charging picture was done roughly four months ago, be me, in Uni, while listening to my anatomy professor yap. |D
Appearantly Aurora's antlers are razor sharp, judging by the amount of blood spilled by a single slash. That, or the bad guy is a bag of blood.
In case you are wondering, he DOES have a name. Hopefully it will be revealed some day. I:
Aurora DID consider seeing Noelle could be a trick, but damn, she was too amazed by her stunning new looks. :j
Beautifully done, soo much
Poor Aurora
This is awesome. Love those
Can't wait for more of this. Been loving it all so far! <3
---
Blood. He could smell it, so much blood. Curiosity got the better of the wolf and he set out to see where it was coming from. He most certainly wasn't expecting to see the source of the scent was Aurora. Momentarily, he froze in place when the piebald came into view. The smell and sight was nearly enough to make him almost fall to his knees. However, he managed to remain standing as he held his breath, quickly approaching the doe. "AURORA! Aurora, what the fuck?" Eyes were widened as he looked down at her bloody form. In desperation, he gave her a shove, not too hard but enough to wake someone who was perhaps asleep. No good. "AUR!" Another yell that went unanswered. Pupils darted around in his eyes, observing the damage, the wounds, the blood...she was breathing. "Oh my god..." a choked sob. "Who? No...no it wasn't him. NO! I said I'd be with you. Fuck!" A stray tear fell from his face, landing on the doe's now crimson fur. Taking a few steps back, he lifted his head, eyes closing while a sorrowful howl echoed in the forest.
"I'm so sorry. I'm so, so sorry," he whispered, collapsing beside her head. Gently, he wrapped his tail around her, curling himself in on her and holding her tight. "I should have been there...I'm so sorry." Glossy eyes gazed at her, another tear falling free, before he began gently licking the doe's fur. He had to get rid of the blood. She should never have been covered in blood. Small whines escaped his throat every now and then. How could he have let this happen when he said it'd be all okay? That he would be with her to take him down? This wasn't meant to happen.
---
(just gonna post it here too even though it's kinda crappily and quickly written ;; )
So here I come, after days of
This, Cal, is hands down one of the best things you ever made, it looks awesome, inspiring and mesmerizing.
Be assured, that I do not deserve the amount of thanks and credits you give me here, since it still was mainly your work and that of the other people included. (Who did btw an amazing job, too. You are awesome, guys!!)
And though this is such a dark chapter in Rory's story, it is an uplifting and inspiring thing for me to see. something that may lure my muse back and my bravery to tackle what lays ahead of me, because this is truly a kind of monument that symbolizes that you can manage all if you just keep going and stick to what you want to do and what you imagined.
Absolutely breath taking. I will try bringing Trees into this as soon as I can.
What nature divides, the spirit unites.
Nooooooo! Poor Aurora.
This turned out AWESOME, though. While the blood might be a bit much in one way, I think it has a beautiful symbolism. It actually goes really well with the theme. Very well put together, good job~ 8}
Oh no, poor Aurora! 8C Is she
But seriously, the art in this part just...blew me away. Especially the fighting sequences. Bad evil guy is bad >8C
Profile picture by ahimsa ♥
Pixel Wis by squeegie~
Aww! ;; Poor Aurora! This bad
Omg ;__; CAL this blog was SO
Thank you all for your kind
Thank you all for your kind words! It's extremely flattering to hear you enjoyed it. Especially the compliments about the art – you guys are so sweet <3
Agreed though, MrsM, the blood is over the top. But, as you said, it majorly serves the purpose of
sparing Cal from doing more fight artsymbolism.No worries though, I have no intention of killing Aurora.
I assure you though, the time to fight the meanie is coming closer, very close already even. Stay tuned c:
Nishi, I am so glad you enjoyed it. Thank you so much, I hope whatever hardship you have to face you will overcome. Thank you again for helping me with all of this. <3
And Starr, I already told you how much I love that response ;; I'M SORRY KODY
Something wasn't right with
The hyena lifted her aching head higher to catch the scent and, quickly enough, she identified it. Aurora blood. A lot of it. Her eyes widened and she shot upright with a start, lunging forward. The movement caused a great deal of pain to her broken and mangled body, though she barely noticed it.
Shuffling and hobbling on three legs, Rhea slowly made her way in the direction of the scent, shoving past and dodging the friends trying to stop her.
Aurora was in trouble. She had to help.
Upon seeing the piebald's wounded body though, she knew she was too late.
Stumbling the last few feet, the hyena crashed into the ground before her nose. For a moment she just laid there, thinking back to yesterday when Aurora had apologized for not being their when hyena herself had been in a brawl. Rhea hadn't thought the apology was necessary then, but now, she understood in a way.
The hyena felt an overwhelming amount of guilt flood over her. She should have been there. If she hadn't been so needlessly worried over her friends yesterday, Aurora might not have felt the need to go looking for Rajih. She could have stayed and remained safe.
Rhea smelt the attacker on the piebald; it was the same smell as the stone formerly embedded in her chest. Her devil's smell.. If she hadn't so idiotically fought against Nikodim, she could have been there for her, could have stole one of her devil's legs. Just like she'd promised.
All kinds of 'could have been's and 'should have been's ran through Rhea's head during the few moments she remained before the caribou.
Rhea's heavy head hung low, nose nearly touching the ground directly in front of Aurora. Her own, tired eyes watched her dear friend, wishing vainly her blue eyes would open still with their steely determination.
She took a breath, pain in her words, in her tone.
"I'm so sorry, Aurora.."
A growl rose from her throat, a feral sound.
"We'll get him for this. Kill him for this."
A promise.
With a grunt, the hyena hauled herself upright. More than anything, she wished to hear the doe's voice, telling her something wise, something rational. She knew no noise would come...
Rhea bent down and spoke instead, her muzzle hovering near the Aurora's ear.
"You're strong. You'll get better soon. No need to fret, just rest for now."
The words where probably more for comforting herself.
Rhea pressed her forehead against an uninjured spot on the doe's neck for just a moment before lifting her head. After one more look of regard, the hyena turned her battered body to limp away. She'd be no help here, just another body to worry about.
And a lingering thought plagued her mind as she was helped away from the place by her friends.
We'll kill the bastard.
(Insert all of the flabbergasted and amazed words here because this plot and everything is too awesome ;A; Well done to everyone involved <3)
His empty reaction upon
When all is quiet, North leaves his post. For all the forest's abundant remedies, the shepherd can acquire better and apply it skillfully.
In the dead of the night when the other guards have fallen to slumber, the shepherd returns with a rugged satchel full of goods. It is set on the ground and as soon as the male is settled, he gets to work.
Hours later, the doe's wounds have been tended to. Where possible and best, the work done by Umay and Kody is left untouched or simply bolstered. Where necessary, the effort is undone and replaced with something else. Old blood and dead flesh is cleaned away. Lacerations are packed or sealed. Cuts are cooled by antiseptic creme. Warmth comes not only in the form of body heat, but a smooth blanket as well. When all is finished and he has done as much as he can, North comes to rest beside Aurora, offers his side as a softness to contrast the harshness of pain and all else.
"Your body is strong and will mend," he says softly, his voice unwavering and powerful in its quiet - poise in sound. "Your mind is, too. The forest knows it. You know it best of all."
"Come back soon so we can end this."
- - - -
Ahhhh, Cal. You already know what I think of this. You did a wonderful job; Nishi and Jack as well!
I really love how this was composed and put together. It's not too much to take in and yet it's plentiful with detail and inflection - easy and smooth in getting all the points across. Really well done. Looking forward to what comes next. :'D
Ah. AHHHH. Rora ;;
I'm going to reply to this ICly when I have more time next week. Dag is ready to kick his ass yesyes >8c
This is epic, who doesn't love copious amounts of blood splatter? Can't wait to see how this plot turns out (:
Hrae & riddle - Your RP
Your RP responses are giving me AAAAAALL the feels ;_; Thank you so much for writing these, I enjoyed reading them a lot. <333
Also, I am very glad you enjoyed watching this! Hrae, I am glad you helped me with it nontheless - it wouldn't be the same otherwise. c:
Dag -
KFHFSHF I cannot wait to read how Dag is gonna reply, thoughholyshitangrydagisawsum U:
Das rite, there cannot be enough blood I: Stay tuned! I hope to update very soonish. c:
It must have been a change in
He stopped, frightened by the sight of her. She was so caked in blood Dag couldn't discern her black and white markings anymore. He drew closer, head low and his face exerting itself trying to fight back the overwhelming urge to let a tear fall. After a moment he choked out a few words,
"Please open your eyes."
He nudged her with the bridge of his nose. After no response, he nudged a little harder and dragged his hoof across the ground near her face to at least make her ears flinch at the sound, but nothing. The giant walked around her, trying again to get something from her by a nuzzle to a space on her back not covered in blood.
She is still warm and breathing, but that isn't good enough.
He lay beside her, doing his best to cradle her head up off the ground with one of his forelegs and resting her against his chest. A touch to her skull helm was a last attempt of getting perhaps just a twitch from her eyelids, but he knew any more attempts would be fruitless at this point. Instead he began to clean some of her wounds as gently as he could, but as he encroached further down her neck he flinched having remembered the gem embedded there before - he did not want a repeat of what happened previously. However on closer inspection noticed that the gem that shocked him into a stupor before was now gone.
Dag's mood suddenly changed to that of his namesake. To something he was renowned for; counted on to provide.
The Fortress lay his chin across his dear friend and let his very frontal tines rest in the earth; it was something he did when he felt the need to symbolize a pledge of protection over someone. His gargantuan antlers stretched out and engulfed the view of the forest in a deadly embrace in front of Aurora, shielding her from the world beyond where she lay.
"I am not a vengeful stag."
He whispered, perhaps to himself to reassure the hatred he felt. The anger. The anguish of seeing his friends battered and broken.
"But I promise you this, Rory: that the coward who did this to you will suffer if he dares tread the forest in my presence."
^ whoa
Profile picture by ahimsa ♥
Pixel Wis by squeegie~
Dammit Dag, giving me AAAALL
Thanks again. <3
she arrived slowly, quietly.
So much blood. It clenched her stomach, clenched her heart and yet she had seen it so many times. She could see the caribou was greviously injured. Was it alright for her to even be here?
They hadn't spoken for a long time, she wasn't truly sure what had even happened. But she still cared, and this was certainly not something she had ever wanted to happen to the doe.
"Aurora.. oh, what happened... "
She looked at the doe's throat and cringed. It was mostly cleaned now, but the evidence was clear- she'd been mauled.
"I"m not sure who did this to you.. but I'm sure that you'll be avenged. This won't go unpaid. And this isn't the end of your story, do you understand? You'll come back. There are many here that care about you."
When the caribou was well, she would attempt to seek her out again, to talk. Until then, she would let the others take care of her. In the meantime, however, she tore out some of her blue fur, tucking it nearby in a tree. Perhaps when Aurora awoke and was feeling a bit better, she could find it, and know Kaoori had been there, if it hadn't been blown or trampled away.
The little shika stayed for a silent moment, then bounded off.
Aaaand I completely forgot to
Though you already know how much I love this reply. I am very sure Aurora will get back to it in time, especially with the hint left for her. Thank you <33
If there was something that
That uncertainty also applied to the doe, that had left the place of the rut and listened to the bad feeling in her guts. She had not been to the endless forest for a while and looked if everyone was alright, despite the fact that the rut reached out to that place, too.
Somewhere inside her she longed to stay with her mate and son for a bit longer, but the taunting thought, this nagging feeling, they didn’t stop and so Trees went out to visit the forest she used to live in.
Trees was someone who was familiar with surprises due to her circumstances and way of life. But no one, absolutely no one could have prepared her for what she was about to see there:
Aurora, one of her best and oldest friends, was lying there, wounded and weak. Blood scattered around her.
The shock let Kabuki – colored freeze in her place, but with a surge of adrenaline only a few seconds later pushed the hind down the hill in a rapid dash. Three feet in front of the black -and-white bundle Trees came to a halt and approached her friend with slow steps.
By the looks of it , she was already being taken care of by friends and family. Good. At least something positive.
But the silence disturbed the Storyteller none the less.
In an elegant and yet cramped act Trees turned to bring her body in a line with Aurora’s line and laid down next to the other female.
With a touch so gentle, one that only Trees’ newborns had known and felt until now, the doe made physical contact with the caribou. The heat emerging from Aurora’s body revealed that she was indeed still alive – to Trees greatest relief. Still there was no response to the touches coming from the piebald.
„What .... What happened? ""
Aurora seemed to sleep ... maybe she was in a coma, who knows. At least Trees knew that she couldn’t expect any response from her friend. Not in this situation. And yet, she had to ask, even if it was equally useless.
As expected as there was no reaction obviously, so the female Storyteller started to lick Rory's head gently.
Maybe someone knew what happened and could tell her at some point.
Listen to me, Aurora. I don’t know what happened and who did it. But they will be held responsible for this. Until then, my friend, be strong and hold on. I know you can get through this. And remember that we are all here for you. ""
After the last word had faded into the darkness of the soft and cold night, Trees continued her cleaning. She would try to find the creature responsible for this, but right now, in this very moment, she wanted to stay with the piebald and keep a guarding eye on her family member.
And when the silence eventually became too loud to ignore, the Storyteller started to hum. Probably without realizing it, but she did, slow and silent. Of course she didn’t think much about the tone she was humming there because of this, but had the Kabuki realized it, she would recognize a familiar sound to this melody: It was a song she had heard Aurora humming before.
What nature divides, the spirit unites.
Wow, Nishi... that was so
Thank you <3