By The Shadow Of The Idol [OpenRP]

ApoideaBee's picture

The sun was a gift on a winter morning. It tenderly woke all around with gentle touch, warming hearts as well as pelts. The world was far from quiet by the time the sun crested the treeline. Still, it was pleasant to wake up to the warmth that signaled spring may soon grace the Forest again.

Even upon waking, the stag was happy. His contentment was the only thing that he could give to this forest. The koi-pelted deer was no fighter. He was no defender or knight. The Endless Forest stag wasn't even that large compared to most other deer and creatures in the forest nowadays. One thing he had, however, was his convival attitude. It was rare of him not to be contented with life. This morning he couldn't complain about life at all. Life was good.

Characteristic of the breed, the stag rose from sleep to stretch like a hound. Each muscle seemed to melt. After a shake of the stag's pelt there was nothing more he could think to do to feel as relaxed as he did in that moment. With closed eyes, the stag reveled in the feelings that tingled his skin in that very moment.

Snow crunched beneath hoof as Moss lumbered out from behind the tree that had sheltered him overnight. Each hoof was placed carefully on the slushy ground as the stag made his way to the edge of the river, near to the Crying Idol. This far into winter, the pond would be too ice-covered to get a proper drink. Moss would have to either eat snow or drink from the fresh tears of the ever-flowing Idol.

The deer stopped dead in his tracks for a moment at the edge of the forest. Snow sparkled in front of his eyes in a dazzling display. It covered every inch of ground in a thin layer. The sounds of each hoof fall designated the texture of the surface: thin and crisp with ice. It was safe for the stag to move out, so he did.

The roar of the Idol's lament filled Moss' ears as he drank from the eyes. Water spattered his face as his bruised tongue lapped mouthful after mouthful. In the summer, the icy water would be refreshing. Today it was just a necessity.

Moss scuffed up the snow as he stepped back from the flowing water, rubbing his face on his knee to rid it of an drops that might freeze. Only upon finishing what he needed to did the stag notice that another pair of eyes was in the area, and they looked at him.



[note: I'd love for this to be a calm RP, please. That's all I ask. If you'd like to reply, just post. No need to ask.]
OshiBoo's picture

(Hnnn would love to stick

(Hnnn would love to stick someone here when I'm not at work. But tracking for now)
Mary13's picture

Definitely tracking. Tempted

Definitely tracking. Tempted but I'll try not to be annoying this time, haha.
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Laryal's picture

You got my interest up but

You got my interest up but every time i go into a roleplay on here the players quit. So Cheveyo and i will just watch for a while and track this.Ok i thought about this i will try to get Cheveyo in.


Cheveyo had watched the smaller stag drinking as he came to the crying idols to drink as well. He watched as this other deer wiped away the droplets from his head before they froze.He then stared into the other eyes as the other noticed him.He had that effect on other deer even his friends. He nodded to the other in a friendly way as he stepped up to drink himself. "Good Morning" He said after drinking his fill.Cheveyo was a huge deer compared to this other for he was a guardian of the forest a Spirit Warrior His coat shimmered like the snow as mist flowed around him.He was almost transparent but not quit.He glanced at the other deer and chuckled "No need to be afraid of me little stag." Cheveyo said as he reasured him that no harm would come.
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SapphireSkye's picture

Definitely tracking. Looks

Definitely tracking. Looks interesting....
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ApoideaBee's picture

Cheveyo was large. He was a

Cheveyo was large. He was a spirit, it seemed. After Moss' recent encounter with Ramen, the stag had seen more spirits than he knew existed here. Overall that was fine with him. Just a new type of creature in the forest. "Good morning." Moss returned with a smile. He wasn't sure how to tell the stag that he wasn't afraid of him. Maybe others in the past feared the large spirit, but Moss was completely contented. He had no reason to fear the stag that stood nearby, since there was nothing to suggest that he was going to cause harm. "You're in good company. I am not afraid." The words came, attempting to reassure the other that he didn't have to feel awkward. Moss accepted nearly anyone, so long as they didn't harm those around him. Cheveyo didn't look like the type who would cause another pain.
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Laryal's picture

"That is good and my name is

"That is good and my name is Cheveyo what is yours may i ask?" Cheveyo said then asked.He stood more normal now and was happy that this stag did not run for most did when they saw him.He knew why they did and his friends were far between."So what wakes yo up this fine morning before the sunm has time to reach her moring point in the sky?" Cheveyo asked curious as watched Moss.Cheveyo knew that Moss may be anouther friend as they talked to each other.
Laryal pic by EmiliaYO
ApoideaBee's picture

"I am Moss. It's good to meet

"I am Moss. It's good to meet you, Cheveyo." The stag replied. He was glad that someone was at least kind. After his recent run-ins with several violent creatures, Moss was really in need of some calmer company. The spirit's inquiry as to what brought him here was met with a simple answer. "I was in need of something to drink, and also hoping that the sun would be further up in the sky than it is. This place is great to rest in the sun." It was true. As one of the only places in the forest where trees didn't block the view of the sky, the head of the river was a good place to sunbathe.
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Laryal's picture

" Glad to meet you as well

" Glad to meet you as well And i supose this is a good place for sunbathing at that." Cheveyo said as he glanced around.He never thought of this and it did look like it was a good place to rest and warm in the sun.He was always to busy to even relax some days. "L usualy do not bother sunbathing my work keeps me prettu busy protecting the forest from those who would destroy it." Chevyo said with a nod.He glanced at Moss again. "Would you like to join me in a walk?" he asked him in a calm voice.
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ApoideaBee's picture

Moss was unsure when the stag

Moss was unsure when the stag said that he did a lot of protecting the forest. As far as the deer knew, the Gods were the ones who protected this place. "Sure, a walk sounds like a nice way to begin the day." Moss smiled and accepted the offer kindly. Maybe he would learn more about this stag and why he took the Gods' job upon himself. He also might learn if spirits indeed walked. Moss' curiosity was piqued, and maybe spending more time with Cheveyo would satisfy some of his questions.
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Laryal's picture

"Lets go then" Cheveyo said

"Lets go then" Cheveyo said as he stepped towards the forest.His hooves barly touched the ground as he went. Cheveyo chuckled " Moss i know what you are thinking how in the world do i protect this forest.Well it all started when i was born It seemed that the gods wanted me to help them to protect the forest when they were not around. I do not do much just keeping the peace as well as keeping those who do not belong out." Cheveyo said as they walked along. Cheveyo stopped for a sec and lifted his head "Hear the song that the old oak sings? Yes of course you do i am still learning what it means Moss" Cheveyo said as his ears perked towards the song. Cheveyo smiled as he remembered the first time he heard it.
Laryal pic by EmiliaYO
ApoideaBee's picture

(Laryal, I feel uncomfortable

(Laryal, I feel uncomfortable with how you had your deer respond to Moss' thoughts without him getting a chance to voice them.)
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Laryal's picture

(Sorry it was my mistake i

(Sorry it was my mistake i thought Moss said that out loud.Will redo it right here.Sorry again.)

"Lets go then" Cheveyo said as he stepped towards the forest.His hooves baerly touched the ground as he went. Cheveyo stopped for a sec and lifted his head "Hear the song that the old oak sings? Yes of course you do i am still learning what it means Moss" Cheveyo said as his ears perked towards the song. Cheveyo smiled as he remembered the first time he heard it. "I am younger than two years old still there is something about that song that just calls to me. Like it wants me and everyone else to know to know what i have no idea yet." Cheveyo said with red eyes sparkling as the wind carried the song towards them even more. Cheveyo shook his head as he tried to understand the song that came to them.The song sounded like this.

I hear your voice on the wind
And I hear you call out my name

'Listen my child', you say to me
'I am the voice of your history
Be not afraid, come follow me
Answer my call and I'll set you free'

I am the voice in the wind and the pouring rain
I am the voice of your hunger and pain
I am the voice that always is calling you
I am the voice, I will remain

I am the voice in the fields when the summer's gone
The dance of the leaves when the autumn winds blow
Ne'er do I sleep throughout all the cold winter long
I am the force that in springtime will grow

I am the voice of the past that will always be
Filled with my sorrow and blood in my fields
I am the voice of the future
Bring me your peace
Bring me your peace and my wounds, they will heal

I am the voice in the wind and the pouring rain
I am the voice of your hunger and pain
I am the voice that always is calling you
I am the voice

I am the voice of the past that will always be
I am the voice of your hunger and pain
I am the voice of the future
I am the voice

I am the voice
I am the voice
I am the voice
Laryal pic by EmiliaYO
ApoideaBee's picture

(Moss only ever says anything

(Moss only ever says anything I put in bolded letters in qotations.)


The two began to move, and Moss listened to the questions and how the stag answered them before Moss had a chance to open his mouth and respond. He wondered if Cheveyo was just hyper or not. Maybe he hadn't spoken to another deer in a long time. The stag had no way of knowing. However, when the spirit said something about the song the Oak hummed, Moss wasn't sure how to react. This was the second time that the stag had heard another saying the noise from the tree had meaning and he seemed to imply it had words. The koi-pelted stag had no idea what to think, really, since all he heard was the hum of the wind blowing over the top of the oak like a glass bottle.

"In all honesty, Cheveyo, all I hear is a hum. I do not hear a song." Maybe it was different for every creature here, or maybe it had to do with age? It would be something that the stag wanted to research at a later date.

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Laryal's picture

Cheveyo looked at Moss "That

Cheveyo looked at Moss "That is strange that you can not hear it: Cheveyo said with a puzzled look on his face. Cheveyo wondered why Moss could not hear it like he could. Cheveyo was trying to think how Moss could hear the song if only he knew how he he could help Moss out with this. Cheveyo stood there a few moments more."Want to keep going?" he asked his new friend.
Laryal pic by EmiliaYO
ApoideaBee's picture

"Sounds good." The stag

"Sounds good." The stag smiled, continuing to walk with the spirit deer. It was not long at all before they crested the short hill to the ruins. The old church seemed frozen in time, half-crumbled but no longer seeming to change. Moss supposed this was from the Gods' magic saving it just in time. Now, it was a good home for birds and deer alike. Cool stone was a wonderful place to rest when it was hot out, and protected against wind in the winter months. Grave markers, something of which Moss had no knowledge of, dotted the area as well. Things rose from the graves as often as they went into them, so the stag really didn't understand the meanings behind them. Neither deer had been in the forest when the graves appeared, either. Maybe if they had, there would be more reasoning.

The ruins sparkled in the light of the morning. Pillars and towers were coated in frost. It was indeed a beautiful sight.

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Laryal's picture

Cheveyo looked at the ruins

Cheveyo looked at the ruins once they crested the hill.He looked at the old church as Moss did and wondered what had made it fall those many years ago. "I always wondered what happened here" Cheveyo said haft silent so as to not disturb the peacefulness of the place. Vines and flowers grew all around the graves and up the pillars.Cheveyo gently walked towards the ruins looking at everything still wondering. " I had always wondered if the song from the old oak did not have some sort of message about this place about what happen long ago." Cheveyo said turning to look at Moss then.
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ApoideaBee's picture

The spirit again mentioned

The spirit again mentioned the song from the oak. "I can't hear the song. I can only hear the sound of the wind blowing over the hole in the top of the tree." He reminded Cheveyo. The ruins sparkled before them, frost slowly melting from the stones in the morning sun. Moss did wonder what happened here, but he had no thoughts as to what the ruins had looked like when they were whole. He had never seen a church, or any building before. After all, before this life Moss was a fish. Fish didn't have these.

The stag gracefully hopped up on one of the long, low walls and picked his way across it. As he got closer to the origin spot, the stag grew more and more careful. He didn't want to fall into the hole just to the left of the center. Instead, he just looked down into the inky black pit. Moss imagined that it would be a great home to all manner of creatures seeking shelter, but was too deep for him. The stag shook his head and turned away, hopping down among the tall gravemarkers on the other side. To the stag, this place was little more than another playground. He peered between the stones and spotted the glimmer of the twin marble statues in the distance. "I would guess that only the Gods know what happened before."
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Laryal's picture

"I know i was just wondering

"I know i was just wondering to myself out load sorry" Cheveyo said to Moss's first statement.He then watched Moss as he wandered thru the church with him. Cheveyo looked as well in the dark hole.He shivered a bit as he looked into the darkness then looked up at Moss when he asked his question. " I think you are right Moss they are the only ones that know for sure" Cheveyo said with a nod. Cheveyo the jumped onto one of the broken pillers to look around as the song he heard began to sing again. Cheveyo's eye lit up as he stood there.He began to sing the song with the wind as it whispered to him.His voice was deep and strong and the ruins echoed with his voice then.

I hear your voice on the wind
And I hear you call out my name

"Listen, my child," you say to me
"I am the voice of your history
Be not afraid, come follow me
Answer my call, and I'll set you free"

I am the voice in the wind and the pouring rain
I am the voice of your hunger and pain
I am the voice that always is calling you
I am the voice, I will remain

I am the voice in the fields when the summer's gone
The dance of the leaves when the autumn winds blow
Ne'er do I sleep thoughout all the cold winter long
I am the force that in springtime will grow

I am the voice of the past that will always be
Filled with my sorrow and blood in my fields
I am the voice of the future, bring me your peace
Bring me your peace, and my wounds, they will heal

I am the voice in the wind and the pouring rain
I am the voice of your hunger and pain
I am the voice that always is calling you
I am the voice

I am the voice of the past that will always be
I am the voice of your hunger and pain
I am the voice of the future
I am the voice, I am the voice
I am the voice, I am the voice

Cheveyo stopped as he turned to look at Moss "I understand i understand the song a bit more Moss. I still do not understand this part though I am the voice of the past that will always be
Filled with my sorrow and blood in my fields
I am the voice of the future, bring me your peace
Bring me your peace, and my wounds, they will heal." Cheveyo said to Moss with a aw look about him.
Laryal pic by EmiliaYO
ApoideaBee's picture

The stag listened, his ears

The stag listened, his ears cockeyed in both curiosity and apprehension. The spirit had heard all of that from the droning of the Oak? Moss had a difficult time believing that at all. "And you're sure you.." he paused, finding it difficult to find words. "You are sure you didn't hear that song somewhere else and just pair the melody with the sounds coming from the Oak?" The idea was far-fetched enough, since the oak only ever emitted one note to him and it droned on.

Moss mulled over his thoughts for a moment as he hopped down onto the grass again. He stared at one of his own hooves briefly, prodding a little sprout with the pointed tip. The stag then looked at the spirit. "Maybe you're the only one that can hear it because it holds meaning only to you. I know of a fawn in this forest that hears the Oak tell stories and give motherly advice to him. You hear a song from the Oak that means something to you. Maybe it's just your personal way of connecting with them." Moss gestured in the direction of the Twin Gods' marble statues in the distance.

All maybes, no answers. That was often how the Gods seemed to work for Moss unless he asked them directly. Rarely would he ask them for anything, seeing as they provided everything anyone could ever need.
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Laryal's picture

Cheveyo smiled as he

Cheveyo smiled as he remembered the time when he was young and heard the song and voice."Moss i know i had never heard that sonmg till i came here as a fawn. " Cheveyo said looking at Moss then Let me tell you what i had heard and seen as a week old fawn" He said then told a bit about what he had saw and learned. After i heard the song for the first time i serched the forest for a week and finding no deer that would help ,e with this puzzle. I was a bit angery and upset about this, but i knew i would have to find out one way or anouther. One night i made it back to The Old Oak still pondering.When i saw what seemed like a cave open up.:What in the New Forest did that come from?" I thought as i carefuly made my way into the cave under The Old Oak. I stood there as i heard the song again. I smiled as i listened my mind full of part of the meaning of the song. My body seemed to glow with a new light as part of the song was revieled to Me. I heard the voice again it."You are still to young to know the whole trurth younge one but soon you shall once you have grown more." I nodded then left The Old Oak with a new step to my walk. I went back to hMy friends not telling what i had found out,keeping my new found knowledge to myself for a good while. Cheveyo said .Now i doknow a bit more but what i found out before has to be kept to myself Moss.In time everyone will know it." Chevey said as well.He wanted Moss to understand and wanted to tell him but kept queit about it for now till the time would come.

"It could be a way for me to conect to them but there has to be more to it than that i do believe" Cheveyo said to Moss;s other staement then.He as well turmed to look at the twins and began to wonder again about every thing once more. "Moss i don't think a life time would allow us to know everything" He said as they stood there.
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ApoideaBee's picture

The stag listened to the

The stag listened to the spirit's words, growing more confused by the second. To Moss, the stag was saying that he already knew everything he needed to. Then why did the spirit question Moss as to his thoughts on it? The koi-stag didn't tear his gaze from the direction of the statues, trying to hide the expression that screwed his face. However, he did speak: "If you're aware of all of this, then why ask my opinion? We've only just met today. How are you to know what sort of thoughts I'd give?" He had a point: Cheveyo couldn't have known anything about Moss regarding his personality or thoughts or how he spoke, not until he had done so already. And Moss had done nothing so far but ask questions and give 'maybe' answers, which to anyone with an average thought-process would seem as if he were far from all-knowing or worth asking questions of.

The stag had to work hard to keep his orange shoulder-fur from fluffing out and betraying his nervousness. He was very unsure as to what the spirit-deer wanted of him... or why he was even saying all of this.
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Laryal's picture

I done it again sorry i was

I done it again sorry i was not feeling good here is the redo.

Cheveyo smiled as he remembered the time when he was young and heard the song and voice."Moss i know i had never heard that sonmg till i came here as a fawn. " Cheveyo said looking at Moss then Let me tell you what i had heard and seen as a week old fawn" He said then told a bit about what he had saw and learned. After i heard the song for the first time i serched the forest for a week and finding no deer that would help ,e with this puzzle. I was a bit angery and upset about this, but i knew i would have to find out one way or anouther. One night i made it back to The Old Oak still pondering.When i saw what seemed like a cave open up.:What in the New Forest did that come from?" I thought as i carefuly made my way into the cave under The Old Oak. I stood there as i heard the song again. I smiled as i listened my mind full of part of the meaning of the song. My body seemed to glow with a new light as part of the song was revieled to Me. I heard the voice again it."You are still to young to know the whole trurth younge one but soon you shall once you have grown more." I nodded then left The Old Oak with a new step to my walk. I went back to hMy friends not telling what i had found out,keeping my new found knowledge to myself for a good while. Cheveyo said .Now i doknow a bit more but what i found out before has to be kept to myself Moss.In time everyone will know it." Chevey said as well.He wanted Moss to understand and wanted to tell him but kept queit about it for now till the time would come.
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ApoideaBee's picture

My reply above would still

My reply above would still fit there. Moss and I both are confused with what Cheveyo wants from Moss.
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Laryal's picture

(Oh ok then i thought i

(Oh ok then i thought i messed up.Thanks for letting me know.)

"No Moss i can not know your thoughts not at all.I guess i am just trying to figure all this out like everyone ele.It is hard when the gods say stuff in song and not reveal it all.Chevyo said a bit saddily." I just have not talked with anyone over a year is all.I know my ramblings are confusing even for me at times sorry again." Cheveyo said not looking at Moss he was a cunfusing deer at times he would addmit that to even himself.He was still looking at the statues hoping Moss would understand.
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ApoideaBee's picture

The stag turned around,

The stag turned around, facing the spirit. He sat on his rear, a position that wasn't very deerlike at all. "I am not sure what you would like of me, Cheveyo." The stag spoke plainly. His tail twitched against the crisp leaves on the ground behind him. Moss studied the spirit the best he could without hurting his eyes on the stag's unnatural glow and fog. "But maybe organizing your thoughts could help you to understand what it is you want." The stripe-faced stag smiled.

The spirit hadn't talked to another in about a year, and he had only been doing his job for two, as far as Moss knew from what he said. Apparently he needed to figure this song out to be able to do his job right, or all signs pointed at such a thought. But these signs pointed to many different outcomes as well. Moss wondered which one was the right outcome, and if there was a way to help the spirit on his way to achieving the destiny the Gods had for him. In the past there were other deer that the Gods had chosen to save the forest in many different ways. Moss had heard the tales of Quad, among other bedtime stories that fawns were told.
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Laryal's picture

Chevyo watched as Moss turned

Chevyo watched as Moss turned and looked at him while sitting down he held in a chuckle then smiled at Moss." That is good advice i should learn to control my thoughts as i speak. As for your first question i guess all i wanted from you is a friend.It is very lonely being by myself and all.: Cheveyo admitted then. He then stood there waiting for Moss to Answer hoping against hope that Moss and he would become friends.
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ApoideaBee's picture

The stag chuckled in return.

The stag chuckled in return. "I didn't mean just as you speak, Cheveyo. I mean actually organize the thoughts so that you have a better idea of what you already know." The deer had heard lots of words coming out of the spirit's mouth that seemed to contradict themselves. He was just trying to help him find the right way to express those.

"Well I can certainly do that, if nothing else." The stag agreed to what the spirit wanted. Sure, the spirit made him a bit nervous with how he spoke. But anyone who hadn't spoken with others in over a year would have a lot to say and may not have their social skills down very well.
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Laryal's picture

"I know what you ment and

"I know what you ment and thanks for being a friend. So shall we continue then?" Cheveyo said chuckling as well.He knew he must think of what to say before saying it so he could be clear on what he wanted to tell others.He keped what Moss said in his mind he would rember this from now on. Cheveyo nodded to Moss and waited for him as he turned to look around the ruins again.
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