April 5, 2015 - 5:09am — Bearwatch
As the winter rooted it’s self into the quite forest, many where keeping safe in there homes, keeping close to there families and friends. Many deer lay sleeping together, sharing the warmth together – but on this afternoon a lone fawn was walking in the cold snow. Mystic didn’t mind the snow to much, he had grown familiar to the freezing cold, plus his hoofs proved to be durable to the snow. Causing him to wonder if one of his parents came from a land where snow was a familiarity all year. Wondering if his coat would grow thicker to protect from the winter, if this as the case.
He had gained a few, new marks since his first meeting with others – it seemed as he learned about other people and the world he gained a new one. One on the top of his ear and on the side of his neck, both following the odd pattern of dots and arches, sooty in color. He had grown a bit as well, having to get stronger to carry branches to put over his home. He even had some hair growing on his head, the color of chestnut; he might have antlers later in his growth. He might have antlers later in his growth. Knowing he still had a long way to go to get to maturity, A year at the least.
Now , as the snow was drifting by, he took a walk to stretch his legs, having not much to do for the winter – occasionally some fawns would come up to the playground where he lived and play in the snow with him and share some warmth but they leaved quickly due to curiosity and families calling them to there sides. And when he was alone he had found that the suns rays kept him warm as well as the memories of his many new friends. Smiling to himself, he was better for having meet them all – then suddenly a familiar smell filled his nostrils one of mint leaves and the smell of grass after rain. Turning as he recognized that smell, he never forgot a friend and not one that had been his first either.
Sitting on one of the giant
The stag was reminded of his daughters, most of whom he had met during this winter. They had been alone, left by their parents to survive on their own. What would have happened to them if the orange stag hadn't found them in time? Obviously, he wasn't that fond of thinking of it. The fact was that they were as healthy as could be, and they were all fine people, even with all of their flaws that made them unique. Manda was proud of all of them, and would do anything for them, should they still need his help today.
But, right now, the orange stag didn't want any of them to see his face. He wasn't sure why the company of those he loved had begun to stress him so much recently, but he didn't feel as if he could trust himself. He had promised himself that he wouldn't bother his family with his troubles or his feelings, and did his best to conceal his worries from them. They had their own troubles to worry about, and the stag adding to them wouldn't help much. He couldn't bear the thought of showing them how weak he truly was right now - just what would they think of him? Would they still look up at him and smile? Most likely they wouldn't. Manda'd get back to them eventually, he just needed some time alone to properly organize his thoughts on his own. After all, he had suffered many changes this winter, and it'd take some time to properly adapt to those changes. It was quite understandable that he was stressed, but the reason behind it was still unknown. To be honest, he didn't want to dig much deeper. He needed a distraction, someone to speak casually with in order to keep the stress at bay. Any stranger would do.
Surprisingly, his silent prayers were answered, in the most unexpected of ways. The wind was carrying a familiar scent, evoking distant memories from way before the first snowflake had landed on the Forest's floor. A scent of someone, one of soot and soil, a smell made from the earth itself. The stag knew he recognized that - it was someone he had met here in this same spot so long ago. No doubt that it was... "Mystic? Is that you?" The question escaped his lips right after the scent had registered in his mind, even before the stag had the change to turn around and look at the woods behind him. Turning around to look, the sight was a little different from what the orange stag had expected. The oddly-coloured fawn had grown quite a bit from their last encounter, and in all honesty, it made the orange stag uncomfortable. Time passed so fast; Mystic would most likely be joining the rut this autumn. He was on his way to adulthood, and all the issues that came along with it.
He hoped that the buckling would recognize him, even after he had changed so much. Right now, Manda had small nubs for antlers, and his scarred face was there for everyone to see. In more ways than one, Manda was a different man now - hopefully still one worthy of the fawn's attention.
As he turned to look at the
After having looked him over, he couldn't hide his big smile and glee in his eyes. It was Manda! Though he took another breath and refrained from leaping straight up there and walking over there easily getting up the large rocks in a leap or two - unlike the last time he had when Manda was here, remembering how he managed to scrambled up here. Know, he wasn't but a feet or two away from the stag, facing him - greens eyes meeting blue ones. Bowing in greeting - before sitting beside him. Not touching his flank - not sure if that Manda would mind or not. For a moment, he sat there unable to beak his gaze. Did Manda see something different? What was he thinking? Once again he yearned for answers, but he just smiled wider. Then he talked "Yes, I'm Mystic, Manda. Its been to long hasn't it?" Smiling that smile of his, his eyes still just as big and curious as in his younger days - but he had gained new shades and hues. It reflected how he started to gain more knowledge and wisdom of the world. Not only that, but that he learned more about himself.
Pixel made by Draak
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Pixel made by Draak
Sorry for late reply, wasn't
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The orange stag stood silent as the buckling seemed to inspect him - Manda couldn't really blame him, he had changed drastically, probably even more than the fawn had grown since they last met. Naturally, it'd take time for the youngster to adapt to him being so different, both inside and out. The orange stag truly hoped that Mystic would see positive change in him, how he carried himself more confidently than the last time their paths had crossed. The stag had no shame in changing who he was, when that change had definitely been for the better. While Manda still loved the Gods with all his heart, them putting his candles out had been a sign that he had finally become more independent, able to stand on his own four legs. The orange stag felt pride of it, and now he didn't even need to hide his face from the fawn as he had done last time. All of his scars were a part of him, and he didn't need to hide them from anyone.
He was a little disappointed to see that the fawn sat down a little farther from where he was, but quickly cursed himself for thinking that the fawn was scared of him - no, the youngster seemed delighted more than anything. Perhaps him deciding to sit a little further was just a sign of being shy or considerate of the stag's feelings. Manda smiled gently, allowing the young fawn to make his own decisions. The spot right next to him was always free, but that was for the fawn to decide. He just tapped the ground next to him with his tail, showing Mystic that it was alright to sit closer. No use facing the cold on your own, especially with that thin fur. Manda didn't even feel the cold anymore at all - his fur kept him as warm as ever, and he had already become used to the fact that his legs would just have to adapt to the cold breeze. He'd be more than glad to share the warmth that radiated from his large body.
"Too long." Manda replied, showing the fawn an amused smile. "It seems like you have become a mighty stag when I wasn't looking." He inspected the fawn's build carefully, comparing the image to that puny buck he had seen last autumn. It was crazy how visible the changes were, but they weren't unwelcome. Though the wanderer always felt sadness seeing fawns grow and step into the world of maturity on their own, he couldn't help but feel pride. He had always liked this wise fawn, and was surprised he had gotten so far without starving or freezing to death. "How are you holding up? The last winter must have been tough for you to face on your own." His voice was careful, as he wasn't sure of how the fawn would react to his question - some deer didn't like their survival capabilities being questioned, and the stag didn't intend it that way. His fatherly nature always made him worry about the young, and sometimes he reverted back to treat them like they were his own children.