Just to make clear before anyone assumes otherwise, this character is not intended to just fight everyone he sees. I am experimenting with having deer with different personalities and behaviors, and although Sorog is aggressive he will not start a fight unless provoked. I am still piecing together his backstory, which I will provide very soon; I intend for him to be an interesting character, and perhaps sympathetic.
Also, I couldn't pass up the idea of a "hit-deer". ;P
By the way, please let me know if my fighter's chart or strategy is unfair, and I will make the necessary changes. I don't expect for Sorog to get into a lot of serious fights, but nevertheless please let me know if I am doing something wrong. I don't want anyone to be mad at me, eep~
Hey there! I am very sorry if I caused any confusion; I was pretty nervous about making a bio for this guy because I was afraid of how people would react to him. Hopefully, people will be curious enough about him! c8
Haha, I'm sure! Sorog is very weird, indeed; he rubs on trees both as a territorial and obsessive thing. He gets very upset if others get too close or mark the trees that he just rubbed on. In the case of Sianna, well, she got too close and then proceeded to mark his trees and then follow him. Despite being an aggressive fellow, he would never lay a hoof on an antlerless doe, but he felt pretty conflicted.
I do hope that no offense is taken; this is all purely IC, after all. I would not have Sorog engage in a fight without reason; your Sianna is safe from harm around him. c8
Thank you very much! I am glad that you're interested in him; I do hope that others will be curious as well! <3
Thank you for understanding~ And, please let me know if he does anything that bothers you. Again, I don't want to make anyone uncomfortable; playing a violent character is a new thing for me, and so I'd like to be able to play Sorog with others' concerns in mind. <3
So glad to hear this a character (and such a well thought out and played one, at that!). I'll feel more comfortable having Ravus take it past teasing if it ever comes to it. xD Definite track!
Thank you so much, hon; that certainly means a lot! ;-; Lol, I am glad you are curious of him! Do with him what you will; I am still experimenting with him reacting to certain situations. Having a doe challenge him would definitely be different! XD
I apologize for any confusion or discomfort Sorog may have given Ravus; before he had a bio I was test-driving him, but the reactions are pretty positive so far. So, yay, official bio and character! c8
Hehe, do as you wish! Just a warning, though: Sorog is definitely not the playful type. He may soften up around certain deer, but we shall see. I thought it would be interesting to make a character who is a tough nut to crack, so to speak. The interactions may be interesting! c8
(Haha, no worries! I quite liked that little skirmish; I thought it was funny how Darcy was bowing randomly. It was really ticking Sorog off, lol XD)
The stag snorted and turned sharply on his hooves in a tight circle, trying to clear his head of his frustration. Finally, he faced the monarch-pelted deer and shook his fanned antlers, pawing at the ground with a blazing look in his eye. "You are lucky I do not care to kill you...not yet, anyway. You dare mock me? You know not of what I am," Sorog spat, the fur on his nape standing on end. The nerve of some deer!
(Oh the bowing while fighting was just part of his fighting, not actual bowing XD' If that's what you mean. Otherwise...he's just polite like that :3 )
His eyes moved away from the small gauge at his shoulder to stare the other male down steadily. Despite the blood trickling down his leg and the slight laboring in his breath he grinned, completely undaunted by the other's rage. He seemed genuinely pleased about the spar. "Not mocking, merely testing. You seemed a worthy sparring partner, and I was right."
Shaking his head, he backed up a step and bowed his head in a show of respect. "The name's Darcy. Harbor whatever ill feeling you wish of me, but if you're ever itching for another fight...you know where to find me."
(Ohh, I see! Welp, now I know; that's interesting! c8)
Sorog narrowed his piercing eyes and snorted again at Darcy's words, and he moved to a nearby tree and rubbed his shoulder furiously against the bark, never once breaking eye contact. "You fight me, and then you treat me with respect? You are an odd one...but skilled, nevertheless," he murmured thoughtfully, ignoring the ache in his side where Darcy's prongs had made contact . He stood for a moment in silence, and then took a small step forward and straightened his posture to look down on the stag. "I am Sorog. Do not think of me as a friend, for you shall not receive affection from me. However, I accept your challenge. I look forward to our next encounter," he spoke in a low voice, bowing his head slightly but not his body. There was only one that he bowed to...
"You...you son of a bitch! You cheated me, you... Sianna was with you all along, wasn't she? Do you wish for Gustiro to kill me, too? I will take on both of you, I don't care. You know I was wounded...I would hardly call this a victory for you. Our paths shall cross again, and I will not yield! Keep her away from me... Goddamnit..."
Herla cautiously approached the red striped stag. She’d seen him fighting earlier with several other stags. While most stags spared, this one seemed to have been fighting for his life. She’d been frightened by how aggressive he had been and had kept her distance. But when she saw him limping across the meadow alone, struggling as he went, she came closer, feeling a twinge of sympathy. He avoided her and went to rest against a tree. She could smell the blood on him and hear his slightly labored breathing. Very carefully she came a little closer and gave a doe bow, ready to flee if he should act aggressively towards her. “Are…are you okay? Do…do you need some help?” she asked tentatively, her legs trembling slightly.
(( time for me to head off to bed now! Good night ))
D'aww, thanks Dina! I look forward to finally meeting her! <3
---
Sorog frowned to himself as he struggled toward the borderline of trees lining the pond beside the Crying Idol. His bleeding had not stopped; his wounds kept reopening as he moved, and fresh rivulets ran down his legs and neck. He had noticed the small, black doe out of the corner of his eye as he moved, but he paid her no mind. He didn't pay anyone mind, even Ravus or the nameless that taunted him from a distance. He was too weak to fight again...he just wanted to rest.
A small sigh of relief escaped him when he sat down heavily against the trunk of an oak tree, not bothering to mark it. Closing his eyes, he concentrated on breathing despite the sharp twinge of pain in his ribs where he had been jabbed an uncountable number of times. The voice... It was soft and sweet, surreal in its gentle tone. It also startled him, and with a grunt his eyes snapped open to see the same black doe peering at him from a distance. Her question caught him offguard, and he simply stared at her for a moment. There was genuine concern in that voice...but why? Had she not seen what he had done earlier? He knew she was there, watching, cowering. The poor thing looked as if she could flee any moment. He did not blame her.
Another sigh, this time heavy and of defeat. There was simply no more energy left in him; there was no point to move, not with his wounds open and bleeding. Casting his eyes toward the pond, Sorog answered in a low and dull voice, "No...I do not need help. What does it matter to you? I've seen the way you react to me, and yet here you are actually speaking to me. Why do you care for my well-being?" he interrogated, not caring for how rough and accusing his tone was. He did not care; this doe was probably playing up to him, but he would let it ride. No energy...
Herla’s whole frame shook with fear and the tension of holding her feet planted instead of bolting far away at the stag’s gruff words. “I’ll leave if you like. I know…I know stags don’t like anyone to see them when they…when they are hurt. But I could stay…and sit with you.” Herla took a hesitant step backwards despite trying so hard not to move. “I am called Herla.” she added, barely keeping the quaver from her voice. She kept her face averted, letting the feathers of her fan partially cover her face, not in a flirtatious manner like she normally did, but to hide.
((Okay really going to bed now! We can pick this up later if you like! ))
For a fleeting moment, Sorog's eyes softened. The tone of Herla's voice...it was genuine, and heart-wrenching. He did not know why, but at that moment he felt...calmer. Soothed, even. The voice reminded him of someone dear to him... Blinking, Sorog turned his head to face Herla again, and frowned when he saw her take a step back. It was expected, but still disappointing. Her feathers...the way they covered her face made him chuckle softly. She looked almost comical, like a bird tucking its head beneath a wing. This little doe was charming, and so very naive.
"No, it's...I wouldn't some mind company, I suppose," he admitted with a defeated sigh, although keeping a wary eye on her. He didn't want her to get too close, but deep down he did wish for some friendly company. He wasn't going to get such courtesy from anyone else, anyway. Sorog inclined his head slightly when Herla spoke again. "Herla..." he echoed, "That is an interesting name. I am...Sorog." The name was almost forced from his throat; for some reason, he dreaded to announce it in front of her. It was not his true name...he knew it. But he could not remember anything else. Still...such a harsh word it was. He wondered what it meant.
(That would be great! Sorog had quite a breakthrough today when he sniffed Herla...briefly, but he sniffed nevertheless! I would love to continue this~ Have a good night! c8)
Herla relaxed by a degree as the injured stag seemed to allow her company and invited her to stay. She approached slowly and eased herself down, ready to bolt if he should show any aggressiveness. He had seemed strangely disgusted when telling her his own name, she wondered why. “It is a pleasure to meet you, Sorog.” She dared to lean ever so lightly closer to peer at some of his wounds. They were still bleeding, she frowned in concern. She had cleaned wounds for stags before, grooming out the hair and mud would exhilarate healing. “If you would allow, I would groom your wounds, they could use tending.” she said softly, peering up at him with her scarlet eyes.
The stag grunted softly in response, again casting his eyes to the point. He scanned the area for Ravus and managed to catch her gaze from across the bridge. She was watching him like a wolf. Damn you... He did not notice Herla lean in, but at her polite suggestion his demeanor broke instantly. In a small panic, he sat up quickly and backed up a step, the jerking moving opening a couple of his smaller wounds that had begun to close up. Shaking his head, he lowered his antlers slightly in a "back off" gesture and took a couple more stumbling steps back. "No! I...please," Sorog gasped before finally collapsing beside the trunk of another tree a few feet away from Herla. He stared at her with wide and seemingly frightened eyes, his sides expanding and deflating rapidly as he breathed.
"I can tend to my own wounds. I don't need your help," he continued lowly when he got his breathing under control. With a strained grunt, he craned his neck to clumsily lick at his shoulder and belly to make a point, although it'd be more difficult to tend to his haunch. He did not care...he didn't need others' sympathy. Not even this sweet doe's.
When the stag abruptly stood up and lowered his antlers, Herla scrambled to her feet and shot off like a rabbit into a nearby tree, huddling into the ferns at its base. She trembled hard, her heart thudding in fear. Looking back at him she saw a similar expression of fear in his face. Despite her terror, she felt another twinge of sympathy for him. When he unsuccessfully tried to tend to his own wounds she felt even more sad for him. Her scarlet eyes peering from beneath fern fronds, she tried to speak. I little mouse squeak was all she could manage at first. Stealing her nerves and calming her breathing she tried again, “Why are you afraid of me? I can’t hurt you.” she said, making no effort to come near him again.
When Herla raced off in fear and huddled against the nearby tree, Sorog couldn't help but snort in amusement. Why would she be afraid of him hurting her? Harming a creature as tiny and defenseless as herself would just be a waste of his time and energy. He felt a flicker of satisfaction seeing her cower like that, however, and as usual his dominating nature prevailed. That feeling of power...it was so thirst-quenching. It fulfilled him.
At Herla's inquiry, Sorog suddenly laughed. It was not out of friendliness, but rather cruel amusement and mockery. "Afraid of you? Are you daft? You are the frailest creature I've seen!" he chuckled, wincing at the sharp pain in his ribs. He glowered at her for a moment, and then let out a heavy huff under his breath. Why was he bothering to talk to her, anyway? And why did she care so much? It was not touching to him, just confusing and a little annoying.
(Sorog, quite being a jerk! D< He's a tough nut to crack, especially considering he has very little to no empathy due to his soul being possessed. =/)
Herla started at the stag’s cruel laugh and at his starkly cruel words, she shrunk further into herself. She began to question her earlier sympathy towards him. He had been razed and attacked by the other stags. She had felt bad that he had been so overwhelmed and had no one to look after him. “We cannot all be fierce,” she heard herself saying before she could stop herself. Her voice bore a sad lilt. But she shouldn’t be talking to him at all. Now was the time to run. She was being foolish. And it was going to get her hurt again. This was a dangerous stag that did not care to know her. Real fear was setting in. He was very close, one mistep could get her killed.
Sorog blinked, and inexplicably his eyes and expression softened. He had met a revelation: she was right. Not everyone could be as brutal and merciless as him. Many chose not to be that way. Instead, they treaded the path of the righteous, a path that Sorog was foreign to. She truly meant no harm...he had no reason to fear her. He then saw the emotions in her eyes, so many of them: terror, uncertainty, sympathy, sadness. The stag felt a small pang in his chest, but it was not from his wounds. He wondered what it meant.
He gazed at Herla for a long moment, and briefly closed his eyes as he let out a heavy sigh. Opening his eyes again, he gently tilted his head in indication. "Do as you must...but please be quick." His tone was that of defeat; he was too exhausted from losing so much blood to care anymore.
Herla stared at him. Was he asking her to tend his wounds? She would not refuse that but her fear was great. She got to her feet and took a tentative step towards him. He looked weaker. Tired. “It will hurt.” she told him, “The wounds, they are deep. The hair and dirt has been pushed inside where it can fester. It must be cleaned out.” she said, staying where she stood. If he truly wanted her help she would not withhold it. But she was ready to run now if need be. She took a few more steps towards him, then, keeping an eye to his antlers, gently nosed at one of the wounds to his chest.
Sorog regarded the petite doe monotonously, watching her step carefully and fearfully toward him. For some reason, he didn't feel so powerful and haughty now, even as she continued to cower before him. His tiredness was quickly setting in, and his heart rate had begun to slow down. A frown crossed his weathered features when Herla spoke again; he knew that the process would be unpleasant, even if he decided to take care of his wounds himself. Grunting quietly, he bowed his head slightly in understanding, watching her intently as she tentatively moved closer still.
She was like a newborn fawn, shivering on thin legs and so small in stature. He wanted to find her annoying and aggravating, but instead he could only find her to be charming. If anything, she was amusing to watch. Sorog frowned and closed his eyes at the thought...and then gasped loudly when she unexpectedly nosed one of his wounds. Thankfully, he had bucked his head back rather than dip it forward, causing his antlers to clack loudly against the thick tree trunk. "Easy, damnit!" he growled, and then sighed and cast his gaze away from hers. That was stupid... He certainly didn't want to frighten her off. Although he would never outright say it, he did need her help.
Herla cringed when he jerked at her touch but noticed how he tried to avoid striking with his antlers when he did it. And he seemed somewhat ashamed at his outburst. So he did have some control, she thought. “I am sorry. But it’s going to hurt a lot more than that before I am finished. Lean against the tree if you must. Or sit down.” she said, ordering him without meaning too. “We can take breaks if it is too much.” she said, then stepped back up to him and gently began to nuzzle near one of the deep chest wounds, grooming lightly at the fur, then pushing a little more firmly into one of the wounds, licking fur matted with blood and debris from the area. She’d seen stags die from wounds like these. Horrible, sick deaths full of suffering as they slowly died from blood poisoning. She pushed away the horrible memories as she worked.
The command prompted a snort from him, but he did as he was asked. He leaned against the trunk and tried to get as comfortable as possible, exposing the left side of his body which bore the worst of the wounds. Silently regarding her, he inclined his head again in understanding, grateful and impressed that she had not fled from his outburst. The stag produced a sharp intake of breath when Herla continued to nuzzle around the more serious wounds in his chest, his body tensing up at the pain. And yet, there was such gentleness to the doe's actions that he eventually found himself relaxing a little. He shifted his front legs slightly to expose his chest a little more, and then leaned his head back against the trunk and closed his eyes.
Sorog sighed softly, the pain beginning to fade out of his consciousness. It was then he realized that he had a lump in his throat, and he swallowed hard. His eyes burned. She was so...gentle. So caring. She reminded him of... The stag let out a breath and bit his lip hard, praying that Herla believed that he was acting out of discomfort. An eternity of silence seemed to settle between then, until finally he spoke. The question was simple, straight-forward and soft-spoken. "Why do you care?"
The stag held still stoically for her as she worked, she tried to be as careful as she could to not cause undue pain. He even adjusted his position to allow her better access to his wounds. She could feel him actually starting to relax under her touch. At his question she paused and looked at his face. He appeared so…vulnerable at that moment. “I couldn’t just let you suffer,” she said simply. “I have known stags who have died from uncared for wounds.” she said, a slight lump developing in her throat. “They suffered…horribly.” her eyes misted. She turned back to one of his wounds and gently began to groom around it. There was a lot of blood in the grass. It worried her.
Sorog had never heard so much sincerity spoken in quite a while. The response was not unexpected, but still a surprise. Herla was a righteous being: she chose to help others while expecting nothing in return. And yet, despite her kindness and best efforts, others had died from their wounds. It was not fair... It was why Sorog could not take the righteous path. He found no logic in it, no reason, but Herla continued to help despite the losses. It was confounding, confusing...Sorog simply could not relate to such selflessness. And yet, he found himself admiring it.
Seeing her eyes mist brought back the strange pang in his heart. She was clearly distressed...he wondered if she had been close to any of the deer that had passed while in her care. He looked down on her as she worked, his expression softened. "I am sorry," the stag said sincerely in a low voice as he settled further against the trunk. His eyelids and body in general felt heavy. He could barely move, but he wanted to stay alert. Who knows when someone like Gustiro would come back for him? Herla would be put in harm's way. Oh, why do you care so much all of a sudden? Enough of this nonsense; you're being swayed by a charming doe. Do not forget why you are here...
Herla blinked at the stag’s unexpected apology. She hadn’t expected that. She looked at him and nodded. The she noticed he was starting to sag. He had continued to bleed. A lot. He looked like he was weakening. “You should lay down now, it will help slow the bleeding. Please… she said, getting more concerned. “I’ll watch over you while you rest, I can warn you if there is danger.” she hoped he would not refuse from stubbornness. Stags could be so pointlessly willful sometimes. Her brow was knitted with concern. And then she asked against better judgment, “Why are you so angry Sorog?”
((oops, I think one of your tags is leaking? Silly leaky tags! ))
(Gahh, oh no! DX Are you able to see what's off on your end? I guess my CSS should look fine on Chrome since that's what I use, but I have no idea how it looks on Firefox or IE. :<)
(Aaaand, Sorog has traumatized Herla. Smooth move, Sor! Him and his emotional outbursts, psh. DX)
Before she could even finish her sentence Sorog had suddenly collapsed heavily against the tree, miraculously not crushing the doe. His legs suddenly felt like they were no longer there; everything was slowly going numb. Groaning, he struggled to keep his eyes open and looked up at Herla's concerned face. He didn't have the strength to scoff at her offer; if he were stronger, he would've laughed off the premise of a doe playing sentinel while he slept. But now...it did not matter. His eyelids were beginning to feel like lead, and with a defeated groan he shut them.
Herla's question sounded far away, as if she were in a different part of the Forest. Suddenly, everything felt far away. A strange floating sensation overcame him, his mind buzzing dully. He tried to focus on what she had said. Subconsciously, he replied with a deep sigh, "Because I have nothing..." Nothing... Black nothingness surrounded him. His body demanded rest...but even in his restful state, he could feel Herla's presence beside him, comforting and warm.
((Don’t think it’s your CSS, but I’m not sure. Everything seems to be stuck on bold and large letters, lol))
Herla exclaimed in surprise when the large stag began to sway than collapsed at her feet. “Oh, no, no, no, no….” she cried. His eyes had rolled back up into his head and he didn’t seem conscious of anything around him. She fell down beside him and nuzzled at his face. But he was breathing. Slow and labored. But breathing. She held back tears that threatened to overwhelm her. He had lost so much blood. She looked nervously around. She prayed that no stag would come to attack him now. She worked on some of the wounds she had missed. Then having done all she could with them she sat by his head and gently groomed and nuzzled his face, as silent tears rolled down her cheeks. “Please no more deaths,” she murmured, “Please, no more.”
(Gahh...I dunno which tag fixes the leak. I wish I were a CSS wiz... :<)
He did not dream as he slept. Rather, he felt. He could feel Herla beside him, and she was...crying? No, no...don't cry. It's alright, I... I suppose I am frightening, but I will not hurt you... If he could have roused himself to console her he would, but he could not. Can't move... Somewhere in the back of the mind, a voice told him to breathe. And so he did, slow and steady. Everything hurt, everything was on fire...but she was beside him. He felt...safe, warm. He had almost forgotten how such sensations felt. Pleasant numbness, darkness... His body was already beginning to heal thanks to Herla's kindness. For now, he would try to regain some of his strength. He needed to be able to protect himself...and, if necessary, Herla as well.
I claim this page!!!!!!
*Rolls in the glory of the first to comment*
Ooooo looks like Phobos's
*waits for stuffs*
That is an awesome screencap by the way!
Thanks so much, guys!
Gah...I'm trying to figure out this tabs thing. Man, CSS hates me. x_x
Lol. CSS confuses me like
Ugh, tell me about it! It can
-facedragsacrosspage-
*lavs all over Sel* OKAY YOU
OKAY YOU GUYS CAN LOOK NOW...UM, STILL WORKING ON THIS BUT YEAH. /runsintodoor
Ooh! Looking pretty so far!
Thanks, Lady!
Just to make clear before
Also, I couldn't pass up the idea of a "hit-deer". ;P
By the way, please let me know if my fighter's chart or strategy is unfair, and I will make the necessary changes. I don't expect for Sorog to get into a lot of serious fights, but nevertheless please let me know if I am doing something wrong. I don't want anyone to be mad at me, eep~
I was wondering if a bio
Sianna loves your deer, unfortunately she is unaware that Sorog dislikes her. - Doing weird things ='s a good way to get her attention, lol.
Honestly, a very cool character. Nice to see something a bit new.
Hey there! I am very sorry if
Haha, I'm sure! Sorog is very weird, indeed; he rubs on trees both as a territorial and obsessive thing. He gets very upset if others get too close or mark the trees that he just rubbed on. In the case of Sianna, well, she got too close and then proceeded to mark his trees and then follow him. Despite being an aggressive fellow, he would never lay a hoof on an antlerless doe, but he felt pretty conflicted.
I do hope that no offense is taken; this is all purely IC, after all. I would not have Sorog engage in a fight without reason; your Sianna is safe from harm around him. c8
Thank you very much! I am glad that you're interested in him; I do hope that others will be curious as well! <3
No reason to worry. Have
Thank you for understanding~
So glad to hear this a
dfhkkbfvnlhxsfv Thank you so
Thank you so much, hon; that certainly means a lot! ;-; Lol, I am glad you are curious of him! Do with him what you will; I am still experimenting with him reacting to certain situations. Having a doe challenge him would definitely be different! XD
I apologize for any confusion or discomfort Sorog may have given Ravus; before he had a bio I was test-driving him, but the reactions are pretty positive so far. So, yay, official bio and character! c8
Thank you for the track! <3
Track!
Thank you, estme! ♥
Finished his basics and
Guess what. I'm tracking
I'm tracking this. And some of my deer may/may not decide to play with him. :]
Woot, thanks Ryff!
Hehe, do as you wish! Just a warning, though: Sorog is definitely not the playful type. He may soften up around certain deer, but we shall see. I thought it would be interesting to make a character who is a tough nut to crack, so to speak. The interactions may be interesting! c8
-Smirk- "Not bad. You
[-cough- Sorry about the running away and sitting down...bad timing on my part, I had to go bring in groceries XD']
(Haha, no worries! I quite
The stag snorted and turned sharply on his hooves in a tight circle, trying to clear his head of his frustration. Finally, he faced the monarch-pelted deer and shook his fanned antlers, pawing at the ground with a blazing look in his eye. "You are lucky I do not care to kill you...not yet, anyway. You dare mock me? You know not of what I am," Sorog spat, the fur on his nape standing on end. The nerve of some deer!
(Oh the bowing while fighting
His eyes moved away from the small gauge at his shoulder to stare the other male down steadily. Despite the blood trickling down his leg and the slight laboring in his breath he grinned, completely undaunted by the other's rage. He seemed genuinely pleased about the spar.
"Not mocking, merely testing. You seemed a worthy sparring partner, and I was right."
Shaking his head, he backed up a step and bowed his head in a show of respect.
"The name's Darcy. Harbor whatever ill feeling you wish of me, but if you're ever itching for another fight...you know where to find me."
(Ohh, I see! Welp, now I
Sorog narrowed his piercing eyes and snorted again at Darcy's words, and he moved to a nearby tree and rubbed his shoulder furiously against the bark, never once breaking eye contact. "You fight me, and then you treat me with respect? You are an odd one...but skilled, nevertheless," he murmured thoughtfully, ignoring the ache in his side where Darcy's prongs had made contact . He stood for a moment in silence, and then took a small step forward and straightened his posture to look down on the stag. "I am Sorog. Do not think of me as a friend, for you shall not receive affection from me. However, I accept your challenge. I look forward to our next encounter," he spoke in a low voice, bowing his head slightly but not his body. There was only one that he bowed to...
Sorog is the kind of stag
I love him!!
OOOOOOOO. >8D Right before I
@ ickydog ~ Rofl! And I
@ Dinamo ~ SJFJSDGHSJDG NOOO DON'T LEAVE <33333 *clings*
(after fight with
"You...you son of a bitch! You cheated me, you... Sianna was with you all along, wasn't she? Do you wish for Gustiro to kill me, too? I will take on both of you, I don't care. You know I was wounded...I would hardly call this a victory for you. Our paths shall cross again, and I will not yield! Keep her away from me... Goddamnit..."
8DDD
dglskdg
SHE WILL BE HERE TO TEND ON MONDAY. >8DDD
Herla cautiously approached
“Are…are you okay? Do…do you need some help?” she asked tentatively, her legs trembling slightly.
(( time for me to head off to bed now! Good night
D'aww, thanks Dina! I look
---
Sorog frowned to himself as he struggled toward the borderline of trees lining the pond beside the Crying Idol. His bleeding had not stopped; his wounds kept reopening as he moved, and fresh rivulets ran down his legs and neck. He had noticed the small, black doe out of the corner of his eye as he moved, but he paid her no mind. He didn't pay anyone mind, even Ravus or the nameless that taunted him from a distance. He was too weak to fight again...he just wanted to rest.
A small sigh of relief escaped him when he sat down heavily against the trunk of an oak tree, not bothering to mark it. Closing his eyes, he concentrated on breathing despite the sharp twinge of pain in his ribs where he had been jabbed an uncountable number of times. The voice... It was soft and sweet, surreal in its gentle tone. It also startled him, and with a grunt his eyes snapped open to see the same black doe peering at him from a distance. Her question caught him offguard, and he simply stared at her for a moment. There was genuine concern in that voice...but why? Had she not seen what he had done earlier? He knew she was there, watching, cowering. The poor thing looked as if she could flee any moment. He did not blame her.
Another sigh, this time heavy and of defeat. There was simply no more energy left in him; there was no point to move, not with his wounds open and bleeding. Casting his eyes toward the pond, Sorog answered in a low and dull voice, "No...I do not need help. What does it matter to you? I've seen the way you react to me, and yet here you are actually speaking to me. Why do you care for my well-being?" he interrogated, not caring for how rough and accusing his tone was. He did not care; this doe was probably playing up to him, but he would let it ride. No energy...
Herla’s whole frame shook
((Okay really going to bed now! We can pick this up later if you like! ))
For a fleeting moment,
"No, it's...I wouldn't some mind company, I suppose," he admitted with a defeated sigh, although keeping a wary eye on her. He didn't want her to get too close, but deep down he did wish for some friendly company. He wasn't going to get such courtesy from anyone else, anyway. Sorog inclined his head slightly when Herla spoke again. "Herla..." he echoed, "That is an interesting name. I am...Sorog." The name was almost forced from his throat; for some reason, he dreaded to announce it in front of her. It was not his true name...he knew it. But he could not remember anything else. Still...such a harsh word it was. He wondered what it meant.
(That would be great! Sorog had quite a breakthrough today when he sniffed Herla...briefly, but he sniffed nevertheless! I would love to continue this~ Have a good night! c8)
Herla relaxed by a degree as
The stag grunted softly in
"I can tend to my own wounds. I don't need your help," he continued lowly when he got his breathing under control. With a strained grunt, he craned his neck to clumsily lick at his shoulder and belly to make a point, although it'd be more difficult to tend to his haunch. He did not care...he didn't need others' sympathy. Not even this sweet doe's.
When the stag abruptly stood
When Herla raced off in fear
At Herla's inquiry, Sorog suddenly laughed. It was not out of friendliness, but rather cruel amusement and mockery. "Afraid of you? Are you daft? You are the frailest creature I've seen!" he chuckled, wincing at the sharp pain in his ribs. He glowered at her for a moment, and then let out a heavy huff under his breath. Why was he bothering to talk to her, anyway? And why did she care so much? It was not touching to him, just confusing and a little annoying.
(Sorog, quite being a jerk! D< He's a tough nut to crack, especially considering he has very little to no empathy due to his soul being possessed. =/)
Herla started at the stag’s
"We cannot all be
Sorog blinked, and inexplicably his eyes and expression softened. He had met a revelation: she was right. Not everyone could be as brutal and merciless as him. Many chose not to be that way. Instead, they treaded the path of the righteous, a path that Sorog was foreign to. She truly meant no harm...he had no reason to fear her. He then saw the emotions in her eyes, so many of them: terror, uncertainty, sympathy, sadness. The stag felt a small pang in his chest, but it was not from his wounds. He wondered what it meant.
He gazed at Herla for a long moment, and briefly closed his eyes as he let out a heavy sigh. Opening his eyes again, he gently tilted his head in indication. "Do as you must...but please be quick." His tone was that of defeat; he was too exhausted from losing so much blood to care anymore.
Herla stared at him. Was he
Sorog regarded the petite doe
She was like a newborn fawn, shivering on thin legs and so small in stature. He wanted to find her annoying and aggravating, but instead he could only find her to be charming. If anything, she was amusing to watch. Sorog frowned and closed his eyes at the thought...and then gasped loudly when she unexpectedly nosed one of his wounds. Thankfully, he had bucked his head back rather than dip it forward, causing his antlers to clack loudly against the thick tree trunk. "Easy, damnit!" he growled, and then sighed and cast his gaze away from hers. That was stupid... He certainly didn't want to frighten her off. Although he would never outright say it, he did need her help.
Herla cringed when he jerked
The command prompted a snort
Sorog sighed softly, the pain beginning to fade out of his consciousness. It was then he realized that he had a lump in his throat, and he swallowed hard. His eyes burned. She was so...gentle. So caring. She reminded him of... The stag let out a breath and bit his lip hard, praying that Herla believed that he was acting out of discomfort. An eternity of silence seemed to settle between then, until finally he spoke. The question was simple, straight-forward and soft-spoken. "Why do you care?"
The stag held still stoically
Sorog had never heard so much
Seeing her eyes mist brought back the strange pang in his heart. She was clearly distressed...he wondered if she had been close to any of the deer that had passed while in her care. He looked down on her as she worked, his expression softened. "I am sorry," the stag said sincerely in a low voice as he settled further against the trunk. His eyelids and body in general felt heavy. He could barely move, but he wanted to stay alert. Who knows when someone like Gustiro would come back for him? Herla would be put in harm's way. Oh, why do you care so much all of a sudden? Enough of this nonsense; you're being swayed by a charming doe. Do not forget why you are here...
Herla blinked at the stag’s
((oops, I think one of your tags is leaking? Silly leaky tags! ))
(Gahh, oh no! DX Are you able
(Aaaand, Sorog has traumatized Herla. Smooth move, Sor! Him and his emotional outbursts, psh. DX)
Before she could even finish her sentence Sorog had suddenly collapsed heavily against the tree, miraculously not crushing the doe. His legs suddenly felt like they were no longer there; everything was slowly going numb. Groaning, he struggled to keep his eyes open and looked up at Herla's concerned face. He didn't have the strength to scoff at her offer; if he were stronger, he would've laughed off the premise of a doe playing sentinel while he slept. But now...it did not matter. His eyelids were beginning to feel like lead, and with a defeated groan he shut them.
Herla's question sounded far away, as if she were in a different part of the Forest. Suddenly, everything felt far away. A strange floating sensation overcame him, his mind buzzing dully. He tried to focus on what she had said. Subconsciously, he replied with a deep sigh, "Because I have nothing..." Nothing... Black nothingness surrounded him. His body demanded rest...but even in his restful state, he could feel Herla's presence beside him, comforting and warm.
((Don’t think it’s your CSS,
Herla exclaimed in surprise when the large stag began to sway than collapsed at her feet. “Oh, no, no, no, no….” she cried. His eyes had rolled back up into his head and he didn’t seem conscious of anything around him. She fell down beside him and nuzzled at his face. But he was breathing. Slow and labored. But breathing. She held back tears that threatened to overwhelm her. He had lost so much blood. She looked nervously around. She prayed that no stag would come to attack him now. She worked on some of the wounds she had missed. Then having done all she could with them she sat by his head and gently groomed and nuzzled his face, as silent tears rolled down her cheeks. “Please no more deaths,” she murmured, “Please, no more.”
(Gahh...I dunno which tag
He did not dream as he slept. Rather, he felt. He could feel Herla beside him, and she was...crying? No, no...don't cry. It's alright, I... I suppose I am frightening, but I will not hurt you... If he could have roused himself to console her he would, but he could not. Can't move... Somewhere in the back of the mind, a voice told him to breathe. And so he did, slow and steady. Everything hurt, everything was on fire...but she was beside him. He felt...safe, warm. He had almost forgotten how such sensations felt. Pleasant numbness, darkness... His body was already beginning to heal thanks to Herla's kindness. For now, he would try to regain some of his strength. He needed to be able to protect himself...and, if necessary, Herla as well.