[OOC: No problem and I can post first : D Hmm, if other people wish to join, I don't see any harm. Well, Deiyoru may not agree with me but he can live with it.]
Finally, it was night time and that meant Deiyoru could venture out into the forest without interruption. Crickets chirped in the grass while he passed by while the moon shone through the holes of the canopy of the tall trees that made up of the forest. Grass crunched underneath his sharp, almost hook-like hooves while he bent down to pull up a few grass to eat along the way to one of his favorite spots: The Old Oak but to get there was to walk around the dreaded pond. Snorting with a swallow, Deiyoru almost shivered to thought of falling once more into the blasted water.
He hated getting wet. It slowed him down - even while walking! His steps became heavy in dread and in small anger while his slightly long tail brushed against his legs softly. Another reason why he hated the pond was because of all the pests of insects there. Dragonflies, flies, anything with wings, it always seemed to bother him. Many deer wouldn't take notice to them but he did.
Letting out a long sigh, he started up a fast trot in a hurry so that he could get to the pond and on his way to the Old Oak Tree. However, he wasn't really careful as usual to make sure he wasn't heard by other deer since they could very well hear any sounds he would make.
The mass of the red stag rested rather peacefully atop a hill over looking the lake. The drooping leaves of the weeping willow draped over his back and spill over his sides nearly appearing as if a makeshift blanket. His chin rested upon the ground, his head slightly tilted so one antler touched the dirt offering relief from the heavy burden. Though he moved not the bull was not asleep. His dark eyes stared out along the still waters focused upon the silver glow that was the reflection of the face of the moon above.
A single ear flicks to an approaching sound and Gustiro lifted his head turning his skull masked features in the direction he heard the hoof steps. And yet whatever it was had not come close enough to wander into his sights. With a slow but strong heave the bull pulls himself to his hooves. His curved antlers tangle themselves in the low strings of leaves as he does so. A slight grunt catches in his throat as he attempts to shake them out ending up merely tearing the foliage from their tree.
With another annoyed, low sound he steps away from the warmed resting spot and scans the darkness for whatever creature was attempting to pass by.
Deiyoru kept trotting quickly, some bugs jumping out from his sharp hooves so not to be crushed. Wouldn't be long, almost to his destination unless some other deer were there. He hope not since he liked to be alone, far from prying eyes seeing his massive and mutated form. With a snort, he carried himself on. He heard something snap a distance away and froze, bending his head down in instinct. It could be anything: Small animal, a tree giving away, or another deer. He hoped it wasn't the latter.
Most of the deer that had heard him in the past had tried to find out who made the noise but Deiyoru had soon ran off to safety. It was ironic that he was part dragon since he acted like he was being preyed upon. His father would've lectured him like he did many times before he mysterious vanished. Most likely because of the twin Gods that protected this forest. He wondered many times how his sire had gotten here but all it did was made his head hurt. He pawed the ground with his sharp hoof as his head ached before shaking his head to clear his thoughts yet that made it worse.
In pain, and irritation, he let out a little roar before shutting his mutated mouth shut. His roar echoed, one that says "not deer" in every sense. His ears laid back against his skull while he started to trot again. Deiyoru told himself to calm down. Perhaps no one heard it? Perhaps they would think they only thought of it? Maybe this, maybe that ran through his head before he jumped to a canter before rearing up when a tree limb brushed against his coat. His hind legs kicked on instinct to hit the tree of trunk hard, causing a medium sized hole to appear. Deiyoru jumped away before turning around to study whatever frightened him before calming down.
This was becoming a pathetic night for him and he was very glad no one saw him.
((Sorry for the wait. I am in a rather sluggish mood right now so I think I will wait to post here so I can give you a better reply when my brain is actually working. <3 ))
Sokonei lifted his head quickly and felt the tips of his antlers hit against the rock he'd been sleeping under. A beastly roar like the strongest clap of thunder had broken his sleep. One that was clearly not a deers call. He stood up slowly, careful not to raise his head to the low stone again... but then the end of his mask dug into the soft ground.
Cicadas and crickets sang into the night and a lightning bug or two flew past him. Moonlight washed over his dark fur and painted it black, and danced off his gold stripes and made them silver. He looked up at the great circle in the sky that was beaming down on him. His ivory and gold mask was the same color as he was now, and he wondered how well his normal camouflage would look in the night time.
...But then came the sound of hoof against wood. This he could make out clearly from every noise in the night. Something was prowling through the forest... And as uncomfortable as he was in the dark the young stag walked out of his place of safety and listened with as much care as a predator. He heard movement again and trotted toward the sound slowly, taking care that he was not heard.
Gustiro’s ears thrust forward as he heard the unusual sound of Deiyoru’s roar, his thick rusty red hide quivering with agitation in response to the cry. Nostrils flare to take in the moist night air that first circulated in the hollow skull intensifying the scents collected before reaching the sensory organ. He was not sure what kind of creature could make such a sound but it had the vocal bite of a predator in his mind and the scent that was carried upon the wind was somehow familiar. Familiar and unpleasant from past experiances.
The red bull was suddenly on the move, closing in on the draconic creature’s location. Searching. He heard the sudden thunk and crack of hoof connecting with wood and caught the movement of the figure that had assaulted the tree out of fright. He slows to a trot before coming to a complete stop. Dark studious eyes and a single cautious ear lock onto the nightly outline. Again he draws in a deep breath capturing and locking away the scents that creep from this strange draconic creature. And with the taste of it the bull’s eyes narrow behind the holes of his gruesome mask. One creature’s pictogram flashed in the red stag’s minds eye. Not this dragon-deer’s name but that of one that Gustiro is far more familiar with. One that sent shockwaves of anger coursing through his thick frame.
There was only a split second of hesitation as his other ear turns in the direction of another approaching deer. It was the only acknowledgment offered Sokonei before Gustiro charged at Deiyoru. Deiyoru would not be left completely caught off guard for even the brute’s thunderous, heavy hoof beats were not the only sound of on coming threat. But a horrid bellowed challenge echoed raucously through the jaws of the bull’s skull mask and filled the night air.
((If Gustiro was not supposed to see Deiyoru just let me know and I will revamp my post. : )
And that is good, Kittyo8. Sorry Gustiro is not responding more actively to Sokonei just yet. He has his mind set on the draconic one. Haha. ))
Deiyoru dragged his hind leg that had struck at the tree against the grass to calm himself down as well as rubbing away the tingling. A tree had scared him. What a laugh! Even a predator would roll on the ground laughing at the sheer stupidity of it all. It was then that Deiyoru's ears picked up something coming near him and that something being a deer charging at him! If that wasn't enough to scare him, the challenging roar that came from the stag's jaws did the trick! In fright, he let out a large roar, much louder than the first, that echoed throughout the forest before rearing up and backing up on his tall hind legs. Why did the stag charge at him and why could he see him?! He thought he couldn't be seen!
He finally jumped to the left, hopefully not getting hurt by other stag in the process, and galloped around trees so that he could try and get away from the stag. If not, he would have to face the stag, a feat he didn't like, and would have to get the stag to leave him alone. Then again, Deiyoru couldn't blame any deer fending off whoever made his chilling, predatory roar and he had done it twice now!
Deiyoru grumbled at himself before turning his head quickly to see if the stag was following him.
[He can see Deiyoru, my deer dragon just thinks others can't. Also, sorry for my grammar fail on my other post up there. I sometimes mix up words or forget one |D]
The young stag came to a sudden halt, and lifted his head over the grass to peer into the trees before him. There were two deer now; two stags, both far larger than he. The first stag, he spotted his pictogram in the darkness, Deiyoru, he could see no name yet for the latter, only the red of his fur. Deiyoru looked massive, and he sensed something reptilian in him. But he was acting strangely now, dragging his leg and looking about as if frightened. By a tree? Soko was about to laugh when the red stag charged at Deiyoru and forced him to jump and gallop away.
Such anger... He tilted his head and then decided not to join the fight unless brought in.
With a caution rare to him, Sokonei walked forward, keeping his head low in the grass. He did not know why the stag had suddenly attacked...but was curious. The red stag he was closing in on looked around mightily and he stopped, half-sitting in the grass, to watch what was going to happen.
As Deiyoru reared Gustiro had dug his hooves into the ground in preparation for impact. He swung his broad rack at the draconic deer yet never actually made contact as the more nimble creature leapt off to the side. At first the red stag was confused. He had expected a fight. Yet as his dark eyes caught sight of the fleeing deer a single word leapt into his head.
Run.
Gustiro’s mood had drastically shifted. As Deiyoru fled the brute’s behavior had transformed from a defensive, angry prey animal to… well… whatever it was that captured Gustiro’s mind in times like this. In an instant he was on Deiyoru’ heels. The bull was surprisingly swift for his burly size yet still not quite as quick when weaving through the trees. Often would his oversized antlers strike a low branch or drag at vines slowing him significantly down. Yet he pushed on with a new determined look in his eyes. As his muscles worked and burned in the chase, as his chest inflated and collapsed with the effort his eyes had widened with excitement, his attention hyper focused on the odd creature leading him on.
Run!
Suddenly the stag veered off, still running at a fast pace. Taking a less tree and debris clustered path giving him that extra space and time to catch up to the other deer. Though he could not see Deiyoru through the foliage and dark of night he could hear his pounding hooves and smell his nervous scent. Gustiro pushed himself harder, his muscles protesting against the strain he was putting them in yet the thick headed bull ignored it and ran on. He attempted to get on a level pace with the other deer.
Eyes jumped from one night darkened patch of forest to the next. Searching. Until he spotted the opening he had been hoping for. He turned to it and leapt through the break in trees and plant growth and landed with a loud thump of hoof hitting ground.
He would take off again, side by side with the draconic stag if he had timed it right. A playful, mischievous look shining in his eyes.
(( Not sure if I wrote it clearly enough. But basically he attempted to catch up to Deiyoru by taking another path then jumping back to Deiyoru’s side. It is actually up to you Camy where exactly Gustiro landed. Rather it was at Deiyoru‘s side, in front of him, or right behind him. I will let you decide. Or if you rather you can have Deiyoru catch on to what Gustiro was attempting and have him pull his own trick? Just a thought. : ) ))
The stag was definitely following him for he could hear the noises of branches and vine being pulled behind him. Looking forward again, Deiyoru moved around another tree quickly for it was coming up to close from not looking ahead. Large sharp hooves cut into the grass while he ate up the distance with his long legs while trees flew by behind him almost like a blur. It was a good thing his horns weren't like antlers of deer for they would get caught in the low branches of the path he randomly took to flee from the stag. His lungs breathed in out strongly while he kept running.
Suddenly, out of no where, the stag jumped to his side with a loud thud of his hooves and had caught up to Deiyoru like a piece of cake. Surprised, Deiyoru flinched, causing him to slow a little bit before looking at the stag with a turn of his head. Those antlers were enormous! Deiyoru had made a good judgment not to fight for he would get no where with those massive defenses. His horns weren't designed to fight which was why his figure was made to run and yet, here was this stag easily running alongside of him!
Deiyoru looked back ahead of him once more yet kept running. A thought form into his mind before he peered at the stag at the corner of his feral eyes of unusual color. He wondered how long the stag could keep up with him. With a flick of his mutated tail, Deiyoru put his head down lower to gain more momentum and started a real run that his figure could handle yet would also take a toll on him later.
[You did write it clear and it was a lovely surprise for Deiyoru! xD]
Sokonei flicked his ears around and listened to the sound of pounding hooves on the ground. A chase... He stood up and after a quick shake, took off after the two deer. Running, he knew it was not his best ability, but perhaps he could sprint up ahead the two and surprise them. With a deep breath the young one took off, leaping into the air out of sheer excitement. At the moment he was too far behind to be seen but he could faintly make out the silhouettes up ahead.
Perhaps, he thought to himself as he ran and jumped over things that didn't require jumping. I might scare them both, and send them running from me.
Their hooves had beat paths into the tall grass as if a herd had run in a thin line. Soko laid his ears back and lowered his head as he worked his muscles into the run, and charged after the two as best as he could. They both seemed born for the chase. The hoof-prints in his path were shallow--their hooves had barely kissed the ground. Amazed, he looked straight ahead and tried with little success to catch up to them. It wasn't often that he was out-run so badly; it made him slow down just a little, and try to think of a way to catch up.
The rocks.
Both were running parallel to the Playground, full of dangerous rocks that would force them to slow down. He, however was well suited to the area with his rubbery hooves. If only he could herd them over to it. Then, with a sudden inspiration he curved his path until he ran parallel to the two, opposite of the place where he wanted to bring them. There he didn't run too hard but made his best at trying to get them to change direction. He jumped onto logs and made sure he heard them crack under his weight, he ran over twigs and piles of dried leaves along his way. Along with all the noise he stopped every once on his way and called, quite loudly, and reared against a tree to send roosting birds flying and squirrels chattering.
Even if this didn't cause any change in their coarse, it'd make them wonder...perhaps even distract them from their fight or chase or whatever it was exactly that was going on.
[{Sorry to all the sleeping deer, lol. And I'm sorry if it makes little sense :\}]
Countless times had the red stag chased another deer in this manner. Countless times had he used his surprisingly superior speed and stamina in spite of his large size to catch, to outwit, to stun into wonderment and fear. And yet even in a world full of magic such as The Endless Forest even the large bull had his limit. As Deiyoru continued to run, as they burst into the more open spaces and long grass’ of the birch forest giving the lighter bulked, less antler burdened Deiyoru space to run, the strain on Gustiro’s muscles and joints began to take it’s toll. Even the stubborn headed red stag felt the escalating burn of their protest and had to adhere to their pained cries.
Gustiro slowed gradually from the full out run to a steady trot. His chest and sides heaving to fill lungs that attempted to catch up with a pounding heart. His thick head swam from the excitement. Still he continued to pursue the fleeing Deiyoru but less by sight and more by scent and sound. Such a stubborn beast.
Sokonei’s efforts would not go unnoticed yet they may not have given the desired effect. With a suddenness that nearly made the stag trip over himself he halted mid step. Oval ears thrust forward to catch the ruckus the new stag made. Dark eyes scanning the area frantically to try and catch sight of what was making such a noise.
((Sorry it took me so long to respond.
Kittyo8, It makes perfect sense.
And speaking of sleeping deer… This would be a good time for them to wake up and get curious of all the ruckus. lol ))
Deiyoru continued to gallop with his long, powerful legs that ate up the ground easily, even when he noticed the fast transition to the Birch Forest area. The ground was an autumn color while long grass brushed against his legs and tickled his underbelly a bit while he ran through them. Deiyoru noticed that the other stag was slowing down to a trot, which made Deiyoru slightly disappointed. With a shake of his weird thought, Deiyoru too slowed down but only to a canter gait since he too was feeling the pain slowly coming up in his legs and lungs.
His ears twitched to something cracking, logs he guessed, before hearing other sorts of sounds of snapping and crackling while animals seemed to act like something pounced on them. Deiyoru would've started to gallop once more if he wasn't already a bit tired and his lungs, as well as legs, weren't shouting in pain. It wasn't excruciating, but it did the trick to not have him flee like a deer hearing a snap a hunter made. Or any predator for that matter. Deiyoru turned his head to look to the direction that he came before feeling a rock pushing against his hoof to make him stumble before regaining his stride.
No one saw that, he said mentally while he continued to trot and hop over rocks.
[Shame on you! Lulz, jk. I figured you were busy with real life or something else. Yes, it did make sense Kittyo8 xD
It's rocky near the end of my post |D Pun not intended. Honest.]
Soko stopped and lifted his head up, trying in vain to spot even a small change in direction. He kicked in one last log and then started trotting, tired out. He hoped that both the Stags realized that they were being followed followed. All the noise hadn't made either of them flinch in fear as he'd hoped but he could tell that it broke their focus. He tried keeping his distance still, if they couldn't see him they would have to think that there was something big coming...or maybe they noticed the young stag and were planning to lead him into a trap.
That thought made him raise his head above the grass and flatten his mask against his neck protectively. He could see the great red ones name in the stars now...Gustiro. He looked at the stags massive antlers and then half-reared in the grass and called out a challenge. That got the stags attention and he ducked down when he realized that Gustiro had seen him.
I hope he doesn't kill me, He thought as he reared up again.
But then he remembered the birch forest so close-by and bounded through the grass toward it. He heard the noise of the second stag's hooves as it made its own way through the rocky place. Not far behind he heard Gustiro make some sort of sound. It could've been anything, but Soko hoped that he hadn't been taken seriously on his little show. He could feel blood pulsing through the velvet covering his growing antlers and almost stumbled on a couple of rocks.
The stag ahead wasn't having too much trouble but Sokonei saw him stumble at least once, and raised his head to listen behind, and lengthened his stride, his muscles tired from his antics. He wanted to slow but remembered that there was Gustiro behind and instead focused on the stag ahead. Deiyoru was hopping, and it was quite the sight in the moonlight. Soko galloped and leapt through the rocks until he was parallel to the other stag, and sneezed; mushroom pollen had gathered behind his mask.
The red stag was on high alert, dark eyes that reflect the moon’s silver light were wide to search the nightly landscape, ears twisting and turning this way and that to pinpoint where the ruckus had originated from. He was not afraid but he was a cautious, high strung beast always ready to fight or flee given the proper situation. Such noise could be anything and he needed to know what it was.
Then he caught the sight of Sokonei rearing and heard the bellow of a challenge. Eyes and ears locked onto the young stag as Gustiro’s body came alive with renewed agitation and excitement. The fur along his spine bristled, his ears flew back to tightly hug his skull. He slammed one fore hoof then the other into the ground. His nostrils flared as he gave a hefty snort and then his own rumbling bellow. If the young stag wanted a fight Gustiro would undoubtedly oblige him. However the red bull would find himself bewildered as Sokonei suddenly fled. Had his little display frighten off his challenger so quickly? Dumbfounded he hesitated a moment more to consider before coming to the conclusion that perhaps it was an invitation for a chase.
Giving himself a quick shake the stag started again into a steady trot after the two. He seemed in no hurry now. When they would escape his visual rang he would follow their sounds and scent. When they would begin to slow he would pick up speed to catch up to them, when they would speed up he would fall back into a leisurely trot. He took his time, reserving his energy while keeping the other two on their hooves and running.
[OOC: No problem and I can
Finally, it was night time and that meant Deiyoru could venture out into the forest without interruption. Crickets chirped in the grass while he passed by while the moon shone through the holes of the canopy of the tall trees that made up of the forest. Grass crunched underneath his sharp, almost hook-like hooves while he bent down to pull up a few grass to eat along the way to one of his favorite spots: The Old Oak but to get there was to walk around the dreaded pond. Snorting with a swallow, Deiyoru almost shivered to thought of falling once more into the blasted water.
He hated getting wet. It slowed him down - even while walking! His steps became heavy in dread and in small anger while his slightly long tail brushed against his legs softly. Another reason why he hated the pond was because of all the pests of insects there. Dragonflies, flies, anything with wings, it always seemed to bother him. Many deer wouldn't take notice to them but he did.
Letting out a long sigh, he started up a fast trot in a hurry so that he could get to the pond and on his way to the Old Oak Tree. However, he wasn't really careful as usual to make sure he wasn't heard by other deer since they could very well hear any sounds he would make.
The mass of the red stag
A single ear flicks to an approaching sound and Gustiro lifted his head turning his skull masked features in the direction he heard the hoof steps. And yet whatever it was had not come close enough to wander into his sights. With a slow but strong heave the bull pulls himself to his hooves. His curved antlers tangle themselves in the low strings of leaves as he does so. A slight grunt catches in his throat as he attempts to shake them out ending up merely tearing the foliage from their tree.
With another annoyed, low sound he steps away from the warmed resting spot and scans the darkness for whatever creature was attempting to pass by.
Deiyoru kept trotting
Most of the deer that had heard him in the past had tried to find out who made the noise but Deiyoru had soon ran off to safety. It was ironic that he was part dragon since he acted like he was being preyed upon. His father would've lectured him like he did many times before he mysterious vanished. Most likely because of the twin Gods that protected this forest. He wondered many times how his sire had gotten here but all it did was made his head hurt. He pawed the ground with his sharp hoof as his head ached before shaking his head to clear his thoughts yet that made it worse.
In pain, and irritation, he let out a little roar before shutting his mutated mouth shut. His roar echoed, one that says "not deer" in every sense. His ears laid back against his skull while he started to trot again. Deiyoru told himself to calm down. Perhaps no one heard it? Perhaps they would think they only thought of it? Maybe this, maybe that ran through his head before he jumped to a canter before rearing up when a tree limb brushed against his coat. His hind legs kicked on instinct to hit the tree of trunk hard, causing a medium sized hole to appear. Deiyoru jumped away before turning around to study whatever frightened him before calming down.
This was becoming a pathetic night for him and he was very glad no one saw him.
((Sorry for the wait. I am in
[No problem ^^]
[{could I join in?}]
((Kittyo8, sure you can.))
[{Here goes nothing
Sokonei lifted his head quickly and felt the tips of his antlers hit against the rock he'd been sleeping under. A beastly roar like the strongest clap of thunder had broken his sleep. One that was clearly not a deers call. He stood up slowly, careful not to raise his head to the low stone again... but then the end of his mask dug into the soft ground.
Cicadas and crickets sang into the night and a lightning bug or two flew past him. Moonlight washed over his dark fur and painted it black, and danced off his gold stripes and made them silver. He looked up at the great circle in the sky that was beaming down on him. His ivory and gold mask was the same color as he was now, and he wondered how well his normal camouflage would look in the night time.
...But then came the sound of hoof against wood. This he could make out clearly from every noise in the night. Something was prowling through the forest... And as uncomfortable as he was in the dark the young stag walked out of his place of safety and listened with as much care as a predator. He heard movement again and trotted toward the sound slowly, taking care that he was not heard.
Gustiro’s ears thrust forward
The red bull was suddenly on the move, closing in on the draconic creature’s location. Searching. He heard the sudden thunk and crack of hoof connecting with wood and caught the movement of the figure that had assaulted the tree out of fright. He slows to a trot before coming to a complete stop. Dark studious eyes and a single cautious ear lock onto the nightly outline. Again he draws in a deep breath capturing and locking away the scents that creep from this strange draconic creature. And with the taste of it the bull’s eyes narrow behind the holes of his gruesome mask. One creature’s pictogram flashed in the red stag’s minds eye. Not this dragon-deer’s name but that of one that Gustiro is far more familiar with. One that sent shockwaves of anger coursing through his thick frame.
There was only a split second of hesitation as his other ear turns in the direction of another approaching deer. It was the only acknowledgment offered Sokonei before Gustiro charged at Deiyoru. Deiyoru would not be left completely caught off guard for even the brute’s thunderous, heavy hoof beats were not the only sound of on coming threat. But a horrid bellowed challenge echoed raucously through the jaws of the bull’s skull mask and filled the night air.
((If Gustiro was not supposed to see Deiyoru just let me know and I will revamp my post. : )
And that is good, Kittyo8. Sorry Gustiro is not responding more actively to Sokonei just yet. He has his mind set on the draconic one. Haha. ))
Deiyoru dragged his hind leg
He finally jumped to the left, hopefully not getting hurt by other stag in the process, and galloped around trees so that he could try and get away from the stag. If not, he would have to face the stag, a feat he didn't like, and would have to get the stag to leave him alone. Then again, Deiyoru couldn't blame any deer fending off whoever made his chilling, predatory roar and he had done it twice now!
Deiyoru grumbled at himself before turning his head quickly to see if the stag was following him.
[He can see Deiyoru, my deer dragon just thinks others can't. Also, sorry for my grammar fail on my other post up there. I sometimes mix up words or forget one |D]
(( Oh, do not worry about it.
And I will wait for Kittyo8 to post before I post next. : ) ))
[{give me a minute
Edit: [{Thanks ^-^}]
The young stag came to a sudden halt, and lifted his head over the grass to peer into the trees before him. There were two deer now; two stags, both far larger than he. The first stag, he spotted his pictogram in the darkness, Deiyoru, he could see no name yet for the latter, only the red of his fur. Deiyoru looked massive, and he sensed something reptilian in him. But he was acting strangely now, dragging his leg and looking about as if frightened. By a tree? Soko was about to laugh when the red stag charged at Deiyoru and forced him to jump and gallop away.
Such anger... He tilted his head and then decided not to join the fight unless brought in.
With a caution rare to him, Sokonei walked forward, keeping his head low in the grass. He did not know why the stag had suddenly attacked...but was curious. The red stag he was closing in on looked around mightily and he stopped, half-sitting in the grass, to watch what was going to happen.
As Deiyoru reared Gustiro had
Run.
Gustiro’s mood had drastically shifted. As Deiyoru fled the brute’s behavior had transformed from a defensive, angry prey animal to… well… whatever it was that captured Gustiro’s mind in times like this. In an instant he was on Deiyoru’ heels. The bull was surprisingly swift for his burly size yet still not quite as quick when weaving through the trees. Often would his oversized antlers strike a low branch or drag at vines slowing him significantly down. Yet he pushed on with a new determined look in his eyes. As his muscles worked and burned in the chase, as his chest inflated and collapsed with the effort his eyes had widened with excitement, his attention hyper focused on the odd creature leading him on.
Run!
Suddenly the stag veered off, still running at a fast pace. Taking a less tree and debris clustered path giving him that extra space and time to catch up to the other deer. Though he could not see Deiyoru through the foliage and dark of night he could hear his pounding hooves and smell his nervous scent. Gustiro pushed himself harder, his muscles protesting against the strain he was putting them in yet the thick headed bull ignored it and ran on. He attempted to get on a level pace with the other deer.
Eyes jumped from one night darkened patch of forest to the next. Searching. Until he spotted the opening he had been hoping for. He turned to it and leapt through the break in trees and plant growth and landed with a loud thump of hoof hitting ground.
He would take off again, side by side with the draconic stag if he had timed it right. A playful, mischievous look shining in his eyes.
(( Not sure if I wrote it clearly enough. But basically he attempted to catch up to Deiyoru by taking another path then jumping back to Deiyoru’s side. It is actually up to you Camy where exactly Gustiro landed. Rather it was at Deiyoru‘s side, in front of him, or right behind him. I will let you decide. Or if you rather you can have Deiyoru catch on to what Gustiro was attempting and have him pull his own trick? Just a thought. : ) ))
Tracking.
The stag was definitely
Suddenly, out of no where, the stag jumped to his side with a loud thud of his hooves and had caught up to Deiyoru like a piece of cake. Surprised, Deiyoru flinched, causing him to slow a little bit before looking at the stag with a turn of his head. Those antlers were enormous! Deiyoru had made a good judgment not to fight for he would get no where with those massive defenses. His horns weren't designed to fight which was why his figure was made to run and yet, here was this stag easily running alongside of him!
Deiyoru looked back ahead of him once more yet kept running. A thought form into his mind before he peered at the stag at the corner of his feral eyes of unusual color. He wondered how long the stag could keep up with him. With a flick of his mutated tail, Deiyoru put his head down lower to gain more momentum and started a real run that his figure could handle yet would also take a toll on him later.
[You did write it clear and it was a lovely surprise for Deiyoru! xD]
Sokonei flicked his ears
Perhaps, he thought to himself as he ran and jumped over things that didn't require jumping. I might scare them both, and send them running from me.
Their hooves had beat paths into the tall grass as if a herd had run in a thin line. Soko laid his ears back and lowered his head as he worked his muscles into the run, and charged after the two as best as he could. They both seemed born for the chase. The hoof-prints in his path were shallow--their hooves had barely kissed the ground. Amazed, he looked straight ahead and tried with little success to catch up to them. It wasn't often that he was out-run so badly; it made him slow down just a little, and try to think of a way to catch up.
The rocks.
Both were running parallel to the Playground, full of dangerous rocks that would force them to slow down. He, however was well suited to the area with his rubbery hooves. If only he could herd them over to it. Then, with a sudden inspiration he curved his path until he ran parallel to the two, opposite of the place where he wanted to bring them. There he didn't run too hard but made his best at trying to get them to change direction. He jumped onto logs and made sure he heard them crack under his weight, he ran over twigs and piles of dried leaves along his way. Along with all the noise he stopped every once on his way and called, quite loudly, and reared against a tree to send roosting birds flying and squirrels chattering.
Even if this didn't cause any change in their coarse, it'd make them wonder...perhaps even distract them from their fight or chase or whatever it was exactly that was going on.
[{Sorry to all the sleeping deer, lol. And I'm sorry if it makes little sense :\}]
Countless times had the red
Gustiro slowed gradually from the full out run to a steady trot. His chest and sides heaving to fill lungs that attempted to catch up with a pounding heart. His thick head swam from the excitement. Still he continued to pursue the fleeing Deiyoru but less by sight and more by scent and sound. Such a stubborn beast.
Sokonei’s efforts would not go unnoticed yet they may not have given the desired effect. With a suddenness that nearly made the stag trip over himself he halted mid step. Oval ears thrust forward to catch the ruckus the new stag made. Dark eyes scanning the area frantically to try and catch sight of what was making such a noise.
((Sorry it took me so long to respond.
Kittyo8, It makes perfect sense.
And speaking of sleeping deer… This would be a good time for them to wake up and get curious of all the ruckus. lol ))
Deiyoru continued to gallop
His ears twitched to something cracking, logs he guessed, before hearing other sorts of sounds of snapping and crackling while animals seemed to act like something pounced on them. Deiyoru would've started to gallop once more if he wasn't already a bit tired and his lungs, as well as legs, weren't shouting in pain. It wasn't excruciating, but it did the trick to not have him flee like a deer hearing a snap a hunter made. Or any predator for that matter. Deiyoru turned his head to look to the direction that he came before feeling a rock pushing against his hoof to make him stumble before regaining his stride.
No one saw that, he said mentally while he continued to trot and hop over rocks.
[Shame on you! Lulz, jk. I figured you were busy with real life or something else. Yes, it did make sense Kittyo8 xD
It's rocky near the end of my post |D Pun not intended. Honest.]
[{Oh good :)}] Soko stopped
Soko stopped and lifted his head up, trying in vain to spot even a small change in direction. He kicked in one last log and then started trotting, tired out. He hoped that both the Stags realized that they were being followed followed. All the noise hadn't made either of them flinch in fear as he'd hoped but he could tell that it broke their focus. He tried keeping his distance still, if they couldn't see him they would have to think that there was something big coming...or maybe they noticed the young stag and were planning to lead him into a trap.
That thought made him raise his head above the grass and flatten his mask against his neck protectively. He could see the great red ones name in the stars now...Gustiro. He looked at the stags massive antlers and then half-reared in the grass and called out a challenge. That got the stags attention and he ducked down when he realized that Gustiro had seen him.
I hope he doesn't kill me, He thought as he reared up again.
But then he remembered the birch forest so close-by and bounded through the grass toward it. He heard the noise of the second stag's hooves as it made its own way through the rocky place. Not far behind he heard Gustiro make some sort of sound. It could've been anything, but Soko hoped that he hadn't been taken seriously on his little show. He could feel blood pulsing through the velvet covering his growing antlers and almost stumbled on a couple of rocks.
The stag ahead wasn't having too much trouble but Sokonei saw him stumble at least once, and raised his head to listen behind, and lengthened his stride, his muscles tired from his antics. He wanted to slow but remembered that there was Gustiro behind and instead focused on the stag ahead. Deiyoru was hopping, and it was quite the sight in the moonlight. Soko galloped and leapt through the rocks until he was parallel to the other stag, and sneezed; mushroom pollen had gathered behind his mask.
The red stag was on high
Then he caught the sight of Sokonei rearing and heard the bellow of a challenge. Eyes and ears locked onto the young stag as Gustiro’s body came alive with renewed agitation and excitement. The fur along his spine bristled, his ears flew back to tightly hug his skull. He slammed one fore hoof then the other into the ground. His nostrils flared as he gave a hefty snort and then his own rumbling bellow. If the young stag wanted a fight Gustiro would undoubtedly oblige him. However the red bull would find himself bewildered as Sokonei suddenly fled. Had his little display frighten off his challenger so quickly? Dumbfounded he hesitated a moment more to consider before coming to the conclusion that perhaps it was an invitation for a chase.
Giving himself a quick shake the stag started again into a steady trot after the two. He seemed in no hurry now. When they would escape his visual rang he would follow their sounds and scent. When they would begin to slow he would pick up speed to catch up to them, when they would speed up he would fall back into a leisurely trot. He took his time, reserving his energy while keeping the other two on their hooves and running.