October 13, 2014 - 1:39pm — ApoideaBee
So yeah... this is RP? Feel free to join. I'd appreciate, like with 'Awakening', that it be 1 big RP. Like... if there's an RP started that you think you can join, then do it because I don't want 6 different RPs going on at once. Join in whenever you want.
Also, as is my personal rule and has been for years, please know how to write. I really would appreciate that there be an actual, non-marysue story that goes on, since everything is usually recorded in War's biography after it happens. I'm trying to develop a character here. I want to be excited to continue the RP. No, that doesn't mean that we always have to go on some crazy adventure. Talks are exciting too, even if they are just playful. I just don't want to be bored by overused stories, you know? Thanks.
Summary: This is 1 big RP, not a ton of little ones. Join in as you please. Please use real sentences and unique stories. Please do not skim the intro, or I won't be replying to you. Thanks.
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OK, the RP
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With the Rut in full swing, the fawn had been watching fights daily. The thrill of the event seemed to have taken over, and War sought out combatants mid-brawl at any chance he got. Today's match seemed to draw a few does, which meant that the warriors were new to all this. These young bulls, called 'Challengers' among the does, seemed to be engaging in small, mock-battles. Each bore only a couple of points, marking them as being in their last years of pre-adulthood. Each crack of bone on bone seemed to drain away the last of each buck's childhood. Next rut, it was whispered that they would be difficult contenders to beat.
The fawn watched. One of his large, soft ears was trained on the battle, the other on the gossiping does that came to officiate as 'Judges.' The babe's brown eyes were enraptured by the way the two bucks seemed to dance. Each crack of antlers quickened the babe's heart a little bit more. The fawn's knees locked to keep him upright, though his tail was stiffly upright in a startling white display.
The judges tittered in the background. They seemed to see a clear winner from this bout. War actually began to watch the competitors at this moment, instead of the battle as a whole. One buck, the lighter of the pair in build and coat, seemed to be close to backing down to his heavier and darker opponent. Each press of his tines was becoming a quivering strain. Both gleamed with sweat, ripe musk mixing at key points on their chins and between their dust-caked hooves. As bucks just getting used to their hormones... there was a possibility that this battle would end with exhaustion.
It did, but it was the darker who dropped first. He was too hot to continue. Soon after, the other fell down among the does. It was a surefire way to keep the younger stags from passing on their genes too early, it seemed. One bold female commented that they might not even survive the winter due to lack of energy because of the rut. War's battle-high immediately dropped to his little hooves. Really, would this Winter season be that harsh? What did Winter entail that would kill others?
Instead of walking away exhilarated, the whitetail buckling seemed to be in a daze. Spotting an unused flower patch, the fawn pushed himself deeper into the foliage for comfort. Like the seasons of plenty, the babe would be spending his first winter alone. There was no female to keep him. War sighed in defeat and focused on the trees, falling to his back to watch them sway above. Every once in awhile a leaf would fall down. What would bare trees even look like? Maybe like antlers. The forest seemed to be preparing for battle, too. Winter sure sounded like one.
OOC: Tossing my Nika in.
The saint had been one of the does watching the two stag spar with each other to try to impress the does that eagerly watched. Though, she was merely more interested in watching. It was also she that commented that they might not survive due to being so exhausted during Rut. They fight so hard for that hope that they can pass on their genes, or perhaps to boost their pride. Foolish. The saint had figured that most beings here were more human-minded like she, but some were still primal in that they were dictated by their rutting hormones.
"This is no way to produce children."
She had seen it all; mothers raising children all on their own because of one night of lust. And she saw this feral way of mating as lust.
"Children should be conceived by love."
And this was one way the forest disappointed her. That beings who had came from the human realm or other intelligent realms were slaves to their primal lust. She had recently encountered a stag she knew, a rather mild-tempered stag who was now angry and bitter that he had lost a spar. And when the knight asked him why he fought like this, he merely said he didn't know.
A sigh left her. She was leaving the scene now, the fallen stags napping in their spots. She now wished to see the child that was enraptured by the spar. He reminded her of herself as a child, staring wide-eyed at the knights who sparred in the courtyard, or jousted on magnificent steeds of fine breeding.
Her hoof steps became softer as she entered the flower patch, not wanting to crush the delicate plants.
"Was that fascinating to you, young one?" Nika asked as she settled herself near him.
"Fascinating? A little." The
As if to punctuate the point, the fawn almost stumbled over questions without introducing himself. Hesitantly, he bowed his head and flicked his ears back in apology. "My name is War. I'm sorry for all of the questions."
The saint smiled at the fawn.
War. It seemed fitting for a fawn born around this time. "It is a pleasure to meet you, War. My name is Nika."
War waited, listening to all
The more battles he watched, the wiser to the world the fawn grew. However, even knowledge has its limits. Logic still wasn't completely his to master, and likely wouldn't be until after his first rut next year. By then, he would be an adult worth practicing with, at least. The buckling traced the braid of her raven locks with his gaze, awaiting a response.
"Because they want to show a
The stags had now left leaving nothing but a few blood stains on the soil. "The darker stag had a scar on his knee, and when he placed weight on it, it shook. Now, if the lighter stag was more observant, he could have struck the bad knee, thus ending the battle much sooner. He may have won, but look at the cost of only using brute strength." The knight looked at the young fawn, "Hopefully, you will use your mind to your advantage." And she smiled at him.
"Why be so hard on those who
"I heard that the stags don't even have a choice but to fight right now." War looked to Nika as he spoke, his little muzzle wrinkling a bit.
“I am flattered by it,” she
The butterfly fluttered of her back when she laughed and watched the fawn’s thin legs wiggle in the air. One of her limbs outstretched to tickle the little one’s stomach.
“Your heart is another.” She looked to the forest for a moment, hearing a sound, but found it to be a bird, and looked back at the child. “There is always a choice, War.”
((/throws words at you)) The
The grass rusteled softly under the newcomers' hooves, the sound of crunching antlers still ringing in her ears. She had been keeping a safe distance from all the rut-shenanigians so far, but sometimes the urge to observe the battles was just to great, pulling her into the action. This time, however, the doe was to late; the winner had been decided already, and only the quiet murmuring of the judges remained.
Before she had a chance to bolt though, her attention was re-captured by a pair of strange looking beings to say the least. The female took a few steps forward, watching, pondering the appearance of both characters, silent. Slowly, courage started to built up in the does' chest. After all, they didn't sem to look like someone who wouldn't enjoy company. But better safe than sorry. More or less confident waddeling towards the two and bowing her head, the doe gave both of them a friendly, but polite nod. Perhaps she was too far to be noticed yet, but she didn't want to crash into their conversation either.
The fawn squealed, writhing
The buckling watched the world upside-down. As he peered around, he listened to the next words. Always readily, he replied with something that the judges had said: "Harts are driven by instinct this season. They can't help but fight. They've got no choice." He paused, ruminating. "I am a hart, like you said. I won't have a choice. That's why I am learning. Then, when I don't have a choice... I won't lose." Proudly, the fawn peered up over his chest at Nika. After judging her reaction, War went back to exploring the world in his new upside-down view as if it didn't sway him. It was then that he noticed a doe far away that appeared to be cautiously approaching. It was interesting, since War couldn't tell her smell from the forest in any way. Maybe the flowers were getting in the way of his nose. None too carefully, he nipped the one in the way and was able to see her better. Chewing on the nectar-filled blossom, the curiosity inside War grew.
Nika chuckled as the little
Nika's fierce hazel eyes flickered up to look at the approaching doe and gave her a polite smile before looking down at the fawn again. "You are a hart, but the deer here are not like the deer where I am from. In my home, they are dictated by primal desire and urges because they are animals. You, on the other hand, have a mind like a human. You can control your thoughts and body better than a deer in my home. And besides," she gave his stomach another tickle and leaned in closer, "I would rather you find someone you love, that you feel in your heart, rather than a doe who only wishes you for a moment. It is better that way. You will be happier."
When the other doe stepped closer, the saint bowed her head politely at her. "Would you like to join us?" she asked.
-Tosses Manda at you- (
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The stag was more worried about the Forest than he had ever been before, after seeing the intensity of this year's rut. The competitors didn't even seem to care who they were testing their strength on, as long as it had a pair of antlers and trotters. The big stag remembered the heated situation he had been in the other day, where he almost got attacked by a friend who he no longer recognized. The look had been so full of menace and hunger, that Manda had been trying to avoid other stags ever since.
The does were none the better - they seemed to evaluate him only based on how strong he looked and mostly ignored him as he didn't want to get involved in the antler-crackling and doe-impressing. It was a difficult situation, as the remaining does, who weren't involved with all the rutting erh.. "festivities", thought he was one of the challengers as ready to boast and be arrogant as the next stag.
The stag let his ears twitch in slight pain as the cold wind entered his damaged ankles. They had always been so sensitive to cold, and he knew he would have to stop by somewhere soon to stretch his tired legs. He huffed irritated, as his sharp ears spotted the noises nearby. No doubt about it - the rut fighting was going strong. However, this one sounded as though the participants where cheering on someone - was the other stag losing? Manda got slightly curious, deciding to approach the noises. He followed the noise to a small meadow nearby. The group ahead was quite large, and judging from the amount of blood sprayed on the ground and the exhausting huffs of the stags, it seemed that this battle was nearing its end. No matter - the winner would always be ready for another challenger. The stag feared that this hunger for more and more would eventually cost somebody's life. Much to his surprise, the stag noticed a strange pair lying amongst the flowers, not too far from him. A human-faced doe with dark hair, and a young buckling who seemed to pay close attention to what she was saying to him. The stag couldn't smell if the fawn was one of her own, but they seemed to be in the middle of an important lesson.
The stag noticed another doe approaching the group, smelling rather strange. This one didn't look strong, but the stag could tell that she had done her share of the fighting. Manda quickly hid behind a thick bush to hide his presence, but he feared that he had already been noticed. Anxiously, he awaited signs of any reaction at all. Would the group think that he was a part of the rutting stags and judge him before he could say anything? They seemed to be talking in a calm fashion and greeted the newcoming doe with respect, but the stag's intimidating appearance usually caused him trouble when meeting new deer, especially in this time of the year. He sharpened his hearing to notice the slightest signs that could be directed to him.
The does' ears twitched
"She's right.", the female said, the feathers on her neck bristeling and unfolding slightly like a cobras' hood. Pressing them against her neck all the time was, with hindsight, not the best idea. "I might not be very experienced with love yet, but I can assure you, one-night-stands are never a good thing." However, she added silently, not many compeditors seemed to be interested in kids, at least the ones she met running arround in the forest.
War listened, soaking in each
When the newcomer spoke up, War listened. Apparently his assumption that Nika was right was right. Then she mentioned one-night stands in reference to the rut. So... what the stags did to the does after... was that what you called that? And it wasn't a good thing, because the does didn't stay after. Okay, so you had to keep your judges. That made sense. Instead of asking another question, though, War too sharpened his hearing to see what the females had to say. In the background, the bush did rustle, but the fawn was too enthralled by the conversation to look. His ear twitched in that direction, though, just in case it wasn't a quick-moving forest creature.
The stag noted that the young
Building up the strength to make the first step was hard on him, though - he wanted to make a good first impression and not come off as arrogant. The does especially were quite untrusting of strangers during the rut, so he would have to choose his way of approach carefully. He wasn't sure about the fawn, though - did he still have the innocent eyes of a child, or had he had taken in the views of his friends? Nevertheless, it all depended on the group and their personal values to judge him, either by his appearance or the first words he would say. He was wary as he stepped out of the trees' shadows, awaiting for their reactions cautiously. His trotters touched the grass softly, almost resembling the sound of a rabbit's paws on fresh snow. Obviously, he didn't try to be too quiet as he wanted his presence to be noticed. The newcomer doe had now joined the group with rather clumsy movements, but it reassured the stag a little. At least he wasn't the only one being nervous.
He finally stopped, staying just a few metres away from the does and the buckling. He stood absolutely still, every muscle in his body tensed up. The usual moment of truth awaited. He had to greet the group and then stay as alert as possible to notice their true thoughts. He wanted to make it perfectly clear he wasn't here to join the competitors or challengers in their heated battle, but he couldn't form the correct words to explain himself. What would he even say to them? He had overheard something about love and relationships, so he assumed they were discussing the rut as they observed the stags with interest. Manda couldn't just go lay beside them and start blabbering about that he was here because he was curious to see the outcome of the match, that would surely arouse suspicion.
The stag decided to stay completely silent, and just bow his head with slow, calm movements so he wouldn't arouse any tensity in the group. He had done what he could to show his intentions, and now it was time to witness the results. Cautiously, the stag waited for anyone to make a move.
Nika’s lips pursed slightly
The saint had scented the curious stag when he first sat himself in the bushes, keeping him in mind as she spoke to the child and now this new doe. She was always observant and cautious; some beings meant no harm, while others stalked their prey, and Rut was a good time to pick out exhausted stags and resting groups. Her eyes moved to him when he approached, his steps nervous, and his body tense. Was he scared? Maybe, but his indecisiveness annoyed the saint slightly. She’d rather have him politely approach rather than hide and watch them for a while like he did. To her, it didn’t help with trust.
“Come and sit, stag,” she said loudly and clearly enough for him to hear.
Putting on the best innocent
The does' ears twitched once more, but this time she turned her head. Her dark eyes focused on the stags antlers, her eyes shimmering slightly at the sight of the candles, planted over the deers' head. They were flickering in the wind, never quiet dying down. A gift from the gods.
"..And who would you be?" She blurted, now starring at his orange pelt, nose twitching to catch his scent. She shuffeled her feet, carefully adjusting them so that she could get up quickly if needed.
As soon as the buck made
The babe seemed to sense something about the new deer, and on top of that was fairly eager to interact with a stag. He hadn't done so before in more than just passing. Curiosity seemed to be the motive of the day. War tapped his hoof on the ground in the customary forest-signal for invitation to come or follow, watching the orange stag for any sign of either upset or willingness. Quickly, he glanced at the doe he had yet to learn the name of, a quick flash of smile to reassure her that everything was going to be fine. After all, the male hadn't done anything to suggest otherwise.
The black-pelted doe was the
The black-pelted doe's thoughts became quite clear for him after she gave the buck a quick glance. He had made the first mistake. He put his ears back and scratched the ground slightly, annoyed with himself. The doe had every right to be wary of him now - he shouldn't have eavesdropped on their conversation. The stag was almost ready to take a step back apologetic and trot away, when the doe spoke, inviting him to sit with them. Her voice was clear and loud, but she didn't seem angry. The stag felt like she'd just given him chance to prove that first impressions weren't always everything.
The stag was still a little tense after seeing how the other doe had reacted. She seemed to stare intlently at his head, where his big, slightly damaged antlers scratched a branch behind him. The candles gave off their usual light at the deers' faces, illuminating every detail from their forehead down to their chin. The doe with the big ears and a strange scent of winter stared the flames intently, as if she was seeing something in their fiery depths. However, whatever she saw in him made her a little tense, as she looked like she was ready to stand up any minute. The stag didn't understand if it was caution, fear or just curiosity, but he chose to be very careful of making any sudden movements to scare her, or the other doe. The fawn didn't look like he was the least bit scared of his appearance, which the stag found greatly relieving. His muscles relaxed a little, and his breathing got easier. Maybe this wouldn't be as bad as he had thought.
The big-eared doe asked for his name. Before the stag could answer, the little buckling happily invited him to join them, eyes full of wonder as the candles' light illuminated his cheerful, yet so curious expression. The stag smiled back at the buckling with trustful eyes - this fawn's mind hadn't been corrupted by the grownups, who only judged others by their appearances. He was very eager to get to know this young fawn, as well as the does - if they'd only let him.
Not wanting to be too straightforward and cause more suspicion for the does, the stag decided to lay down a little farther from the others, but close enough to hear their conversation clearly and speak if he was allowed to, or if he got questioned. He was still too shy to stay as close as the group of three did to each other, but nevertheless, he was ready to join them. He grunted slightly as the wounds in his ankles hurt while he was sitting down close to the fawn, but when he found a good position to be in, he forgot about the pain. It was time to get acquianted, but not be too pushy when asking their names. He coughed to clear his throat, before he answered with a deep tone: " Thank you. I go by the name of Manda, and you need not to worry. I'm not here to join the fight."
Taking a slight break, he scratched his itching right shoulder before asking politely and calmly: " By what names should I call you?" He awaited the reactions of the group, now more relaxed than before, but he didn't want to risk making any mistakes with them. The first impression had failed, but the stag believed there was still time to prove himself.
Slowly, the roe stood up,
Carefully stepping back into the flowery field, the roe doe inhaled, her fur bristeling softly before she spook again. "You can call me Jasmine. Or Jas. Whatever floats your lilypad." As she glanced back at the fawn, she begun to smile aswell. It had been a while since she had this many deer arround her, so perhaps it was really the best to be calm and friendly right now.
"I'm War." The buckling
"So... if mothers and fathers don't have to be there to teach love, then I can learn it myself?" The fawn asked the knight, his brow furrowed as he looked to her to continue the conversation. War had always worried that there was something that only the mother and father beings could teach him. Since he had neither, it would be something he'd never learn. The babe still had no clue what a mother and father were, other than that mother gave something called 'milk.' He didn't know what milk was, either.
OOC: Sorry I haven't been
OOC: Sorry! I forgot to
Nika looked the stag over, "It is a pleasure to meet you, Manda. I am Nika." She looked down at the little fawn, stroking the fur on his head back. She wondered why so many fawns were parentless. Yes, The Twin Gods cared for them, but there were so many predators. It made her worry about them.
"No, you do not need parents to teach you love. Everyone is born with the ability to love. Some beings choose not to, but most do," the saint explained, "And I hope you choose the latter." She smiled at him.
War relaxed a bit in his
"Fawns are innocent. Young
"..Maybe they're scared being judged, looked down upon. They don't want to be unpolite, they don't want to cause any trouble, but while they try so hard not to be judged, they actually are being judged." Slowly Jasmine lowered her head into the ground, eyes unfocused, her mind elsewhere. Hopefully the others understood at leas a small bit of what she said, because she sure didn't.
The stag listened closely as
What curious names these beings had, and how different they were from the everyday folk. The doe was wise, though, and it seems as though War looked up to her as a reliable information source. There was nothing wrong with that obviously as the doe knew what she was talking about - but still, the stag hoped that the fawn would understand that Nika's view of the world wasn't the only right one to adapt to. There were deer in this world who'd enjoy nothing better but hurting one another, and when it would be the fawn's turn to experience that, how would he react? Slight worry clouded the stag's face as he listened, but in his heart he knew that the doe was right about love. It always existed - there just was the choice to not listen to it. He nodded in agreement as the two of them conversed, enjoying the sun's rays on his back. While the sun was warm, however, he felt a little cold breeze in his heart as he listened. Did this fawn have no parents? He felt as though asking about it would be rude, so he just glanced sadly at his legs for a brief moment.
War seemed to frown slightly as he asked his question, searching intently for answers. The orange stag admired his honesty - he wasn't afraid to ask things that puzzled him even if he knew the questions were silly. However, the stag didn't find the question strange at all. He tried to think of a simple way of putting it. He was not the best example in this as he was way too nervous to be called 'normal', but who knew what this young buckling thought to be normal in the first place? The other doe answered War's questions, but it seemed like she hardly understood what she was talking about. Poor thing, but there was truth to her words. The stag took a deep breath before speaking out : " Do you believe in innocence, War? " He stopped for a brief moment to smile at the fawn before continuing: " I do, at least in your case. You see, we adults have seen more of the world than you have, and we have seen the good and bad in it. Even if we had more good memories in our heads than the bad, the bad ones tend to be what we remember upon meeting someone new. That's because those memories still hurt us and make us wary. However, you and your fellow youngsters are different - you want to BELIEVE in the good in this world, while most adults only see the bad side. "
He took a moment to breathe, moving his gaze to the battlefield ahead. " Those stags have lost their innocence. They want to hurt each other, trample over the other one to gain victory. Adults wouldn't even dare to go there right now, they would attack us. As you are young, you don't have to worry about such dangers. We adults believe that in the young, a better future for everyone exists. You are kind and stronger than the adults in your unique way." He finished with a smile: " Back there, you didn't judge me. I'm sure the ladies evaluated me in their mind, wondering how I'd be. You welcomed me without fear."
Nika did not speak yet,
OOC: I'm so sorry for responding late. I completely forgot! ;;
The fawn seemed to soak up
"I don't want to think like that when I grow up." The fawn tried to hide the disappointment in his voice. He didn't want to say things that would cause them to not answer any further questions.
Adults seemed cruel.
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OOC: sorry this is so short.
" You are wise to be wary of
The fawn's silence and clear lack in spirit made him gloomy. He wondered if it were his words that had caused this, and he stood up, giving War a sad glance. " The choice is yours, War. Do not think all bad in this world is born purposely. We all make bad choices - but depending on how you act, bad mistakes can turn into something good, maybe even the start of a new friendship. Whatever you do, you stay true to what you believe in and who you are. Most of us made the mistake not to. "
He looked at them, saying he was sorry with his expression, hoping they'd understand what he meant. " If it is I who have brought this misfortune with me, just say the word and I am gone. I didn't mean to cause you any more stress than you already have to go through.
"As the old saying goes, We
"However, once we learned that, me might as well try new things. Otherwise we won't move forward with our lives and just always ramble on and on about the past, forgetting that we still have a future", the doe stated proudly, her head now back up in the fresh air, "and that is bad. I mean, why live in the past? You can't change anything anyway. But you can make up for it in the present!"
A small smile flashed over her face as she turned her head towards the other doe, nodding. "Right?"
At the does glance however, Jasmine went silent, lowering her gaze. Yes, it had probably not been the best idea to play this tune around a fawn, but she really couldn't blame herself fully. She wasn't used to talking to fawns, or just younger audience at all. But perhaps it was time to get used to it.