The pale stranger

Year 764 of the New Age

Autumn

Somewhere in Blackwood

Featuring: Lisa, Giblit, Dakrya, and Aasha

Lisa

A few months had passed since her arrival in Blackwood, and Lisa was starting to get used to the harsher environment she now had to live in. It sure was quite the change from living in the safety of Glenmore, but with Giblit as her guide, she didn’t have much to worry.

Lisa had learned that the murder of crows Giblit had with him at all times actually had a proper use, other than being very loud and annoying at all times, they scouted the surrounding area for anything and everything they deemed interesting, and would send out a signal if they found something, a signal that Giblit understood the meaning of. She had tried to learn what each and every signal meant, but Giblit wasn’t much of a teacher, and the cawing of the crows was too diverse for her to be able to decipher them, so she left it up to the Blackwood who had grown up with only the black birds as company.

Lisa hadn’t spent much time training herself for her upcoming trials she would have to complete to become a full member of the herd, mostly because Giblit didn’t want to train with her. She had tried to tease him into sparring against her once, and she had learned NOT to get on Giblit’s nerves, as he had relentlessly smacked her down, before making very clear that he didn’t want to fight.

But that didn’t mean she hadn’t been doing anything in the meantime, instead of sparring, she had been focusing on teaching Giblit more manners, and she was making a fair amount of progress, considering it had only been a few months, and Giblit wasn’t even trying particularly hard to learn, but he was making progress for sure.

Being a Glenmore in Blackwood had its benefits, Lisa had soon learned, after she figured how scarce food tended to be. Being able to grow a meal wherever they rested was quite useful. The soil was acidic though, meaning that growing plants required a fair bit more effort than it would in Glenmore. As a result, she wasn’t able to grow enough food for both herself and Giblit to live off of, meaning that they still had to scavenge for food.

Today was one of those days, and as per usual, Lisa followed Giblit closely, making sure not to lose sight of him, as he could be quite hard to track down once he faded from view, as he was awkwardly good at disappearing.

Giblit

Ears set to alert, switching back and forth with barely a moment's rest, and a razor sharp, pronged horn on his head, Giblit walked ahead of Lisa, aiming to head to a small, hidden Glade where they could get some food.

He wasn’t quite sure why, but he was quite proud of the bundle of spikes on his head, with the forward facing horn as the biggest spike of them all. He knew it wasn’t particularly big compared to the racks of other, older stags, but he had speculated that it perhaps had to do with the fact that his main horn was larger than the simple, single horn Lisa had. Either way, he was planning to continue sharpening it with his crows after getting enough food to last both him and Lisa for the rest of the day.

Despite all the trouble Lisa had caused him upon arrival in Blackwood, her ability to grow food proved to be extremely useful. It wasn’t particularly good tasting food that she grew, as it tasted more like the sour soil she grew it from than it tasted like actual grass, but he didn’t complain, free daily food was very much welcome, especially because he was used to lasting several days without any proper food at times in earlier years. Sure, he then had pine bark to chew on, but he didn’t count that as actual food.

One thing he had noticed, was that his rack was significantly larger than the year before, comparing the size difference from the year before that, that is. He wasn’t absolutely sure about it, but his best guess was that it had to do with the daily food Lisa provided for him, if not that, it was most certainly the reason for him not looking like a walking skeleton like most Blackwoods, though he had never looked particularly skinny, as his crows made finding food easier, this was most certainly a big difference to the years before.

While walking at a firm pace, Giblit once again caught a familiar signal from one of his crows, and he turned his head in the direction the sound had come from.

“Someone’s there.” He said to Lisa, so she knew what was going on. Under normal circumstances, he would’ve just gone straight there, not letting Lisa know that he was on to someone, but Lisa had taught him to let her know if his crows found something of interest, he didn’t really see the point of it, but because gender was in her favor, Giblit did as she said. Though once could be certain that if a buck or stag had tried to teach him this, he would have flat out refused to do it.

Lisa

Hearing Giblit say that one of his crows had found another Fawnling, Lisa perked up and made a small hop in excitement.

“Well, what are we waiting for? C’mon, let’s introduce ourselves!” She happily replied, hinting with her head that he should take the lead, as he knew where the stranger was.

Surely enough, after not too long, another person came into view between the trees, but not so much because they were close, but because his brightly colored pelt stood out quite vividly in the near-black forest.

Unable to hold in her excitement, Lisa took a small sprint past Giblit, and trotted ahead towards the stranger.

“Hello there!” She called out once she got within hearing range, still trotting forward, so the other wouldn’t have to shout back.

What Lisa didn’t realise, was that Giblit had decided to take a different angle of approach towards the stranger, as he had noticed something else he wanted to investigate before revealing himself. His inborn stealthiness ensuring that he remained unheard and unseen for as long as the buck liked.

Dákrya

Finally, he was alone. After spending most of the day before pretending to be social with the herd and trying to make “friends” and gain somewhat of a name, he was glad to be alone again. He really didn’t mind that they didn’t want him hanging near them all that long because of his coat, it gave him an excuse to relax and rest. He could only take just so much socialization after all. Talking with all of those lesser-minded fawnlings was a bore, and frankly quite tiring. It wasn’t like he needed their protection after all, he could take care of himself just fine. Who would expect any less from the future king?

Well… he was alone… mostly. His gaze shifted just enough to make sure the dark little fawn was still sleeping before he walked a few strides more away from it to keep attention away from the baby. As much as he hated being held back by the little child, he couldn’t leave the blind colt alone for long. It only barely understood the command to hide and stay, though luckily it blended in well with the woods around, so it was safe to leave it for a time now and then. He didn’t trust any of the other herd to actually take care of it, even if he could convince them to watch over a blind fawn. Besides, he would rather the rest of the herd not know of how their witch had taken in a weak little fawn who was unlikely to even survive another year in Blackwood. He certainly didn’t want to explain how he planned to leave his home in order to take it somewhere safe.

This inconvenience is going to slow you down. There she went scolding him again. His mother’s voice rang clear in his ears, whispering in the wind as it brushed the back of his neck where his mane once had hung long and beautiful. He could just feel his mother’s disappointment in the fact he’d rubbed it all off… he always could. Every time she spoke to him it was like she tried to make him feel guilty for such an act.

“You expect me to leave it to die?” He hissed back at the voice that nagged in the back of his mind. He tried to keep his gaze off the sleeping bundle so not to draw attention toward it, but kept his seeing side toward him so he could make sure he was safe. It was odd, this fatherly instinct, it wasn’t something he was accustomed to. He couldn’t make himself fight it though. “The throne can wait. It isn’t going anywhere. I’ll be back within a year.” He mused out loud. “Besides, a true king lives for his people, even those who are weak.”

The wind was quiet for a moment after that. He was frightened he had angered her and made her run off, but when she spoke her voice was soft and soothing, just how he remembered it as a fawn. My son, you are right. You truly are meant to be king. Her acceptance and pride meant more to Dakrya than anything else could. Even were the rest of the herd to accept him despite his coloring and size, it would be nothing in comparison to the acceptance of his mother. It was so meaningful to him that it even managed to pull a slight grin onto his narrow face.

That smile vanished immediately when he heard the voice of a doe, one not belonging to his mother. His head shot up, the front hook of his rack snagging in the brush and tearing it up from the rout and sending it flying behind him. His large ears flew forward as he stood tall on long, narrow legs. He refrained from glancing toward the fawn to make sure he was still sleeping… knowing how exceptional the child’s hearing was, he doubted it. He could only hope it was smart enough to remain where it was, still and silent, until he told it that things were safe. Thankfully for him, the fawn’s mother had taught him this lesson very well.

Dakrya did not recognize this doe, and something about her cheerfulness made him wonder if she truly belonged her. Who would run up to a stranger like that anyways? He snorted, his eyes scanning the brush behind her to see if she was alone, only one doing it’s job, the other one rendered useless by his father long ago. Seeing nothing he let his skeptical gaze fall back on the doe who continued to trot his way.

“Hello, miss.” He greeted politely when she finally was close enough for him not to have need to yell back. He offered her a kind smile and nodded his head in greeting. He may have been weary by her sudden appearance, but that didn’t change the fact she was a doe and therefore deserving of his respect. He now took a few long-strided steps toward her to finish eating the space between them. “Is there something I can do for you?” He asked kindly, his voice smooth, like honey flowing over his tongue. “I do not believe I’ve seen you around before.”

Lisa

“Hey there.” Lisa greeted again with a smile once she was close enough that she didn’t need to shout anymore.

“Uhm… no, i don’t need anything.” She said with a chuckle. “I’m just happy to meet a new face for a change over the usual one.” She continued, still unaware that Giblit wasn’t behind her.

Lisa let out a short laugh as the other mentioned not seeing her before. “Well, that would make sense, i haven’t been in Blackwood for too long you see, i’m from Glenmore, and Giblit here is the one who-...” She cut off her sentence as she looked over her shoulder, to notice that no one was there.

“Hang on… where did he go now..?” Lisa asked as she turned around, scouting between the trees for a hint of her tall, Blackwood guide. But after not finding a single trace of him, she turned back to the stranger, rolling her eyes and letting out a sigh.

“It appears he’s playing hide and seek again, he’s very good at-” The sound of a distressed bleat cut her off, making her fur stand on end. As she looked past the stranger, she saw the tall figure of Giblit backing away from a bush that the bleat had come from.

“What was that..? Giblit! What are you doing now?!” She exclaimed, not entirely sure what was going on that required him to sneak around.

Giblit

While Lisa went straight in to meet the stranger, Giblit snuck around to find something else. There was no particular reason that he had to do so, but he felt it necessary.

As he sneaked about, he caught the scent of another Fawnling, and decided to check it out. As he stepped out of cover, and in front of the place the second stranger was hiding at, he found it to be a young Fawn. Immediately losing interest in it, he started backing away from it, but not before it let out an alarming bleat of distress. Blind as the little one might be, this didn’t mean it wasn’t able to notice the large Blackwood in front of it.

Hearing the dark hind shouting at him, Giblit looked over and casually said; “Fawn here.” Before he turned round and started walking away from the little thing. Giblit didn’t like fawns, they were too noisy, and worst of all, very touchy.

Aasha

The young fawn had been sleeping peacefully, feeling safe and secure knowing that his guardian was nearby. He didn’t know much about the stag that had come into his life. He only knew that, as cold as his voice tended to be, he was gentle to him and he protected him. He still missed his mother, and the stag was hardly a replacement for her kindness and love, but he was safety, and when he was around he knew he could sleep comfortably.

His slumber did not last very long though before he heard a loud call from a female voice. He started awake, freezing as he pulled himself into a small bundle in the ground, letting his ears lay along his neck so they didn’t stick out and draw attention to himself. His mother had taught him very early on to keep low, still, and quiet until she assured him it was safe when someone or something else was near. He realized the world he lived in was a dangerous one, the healing wound on his leg made sure he remembered that too. He wouldn’t move until his guardian told him it was safe… Well, that was the plan.

He could hear the faint sound of hooves slowly approaching him. They were soft, they were careful. Whoever it was, they were obviously very skilled at keeping their location hidden. They hardly made a sound, but as they neared he could make out the slight rustle of brush and pines crushing under hooves. He pulled himself closer to the ground in hopes that he would not be found by this intruder, but they continued to come closer and closer. He felt the sudden fear that he would be walked on when they got too close. Suddenly he gave in to his fear, letting out a shrill bleat as he shifted quickly to the side, trying to pull himself farther under the bush where he could be safe. His little tail curled around his body as he shivered slightly, staring up with bright, foggy blue eyes in the direction of the creature that had almost stepped on him (in his mind at least).

Dákrya

The stag masked his irritation with her over-friendliness quite well, smiling softly as he nodded his head to her reply. If she didn't need something, then why did she bother talking to him? Just because he was a new face? So she's one of those. He thought with disdain. He couldn't understand why anyone would actually seek interaction with others. He held back a long sigh as she continued to blab on about nonsense. Glenmore… it would make sense. He knew she wasn't from around here. She was too friendly. She was another softy, raised in a perfect world where there were few dangers to worry about. Where the grass kept your bellies fat and you could sleep peacefully at night… disgusting.

His ears perked when she began to speak of another who was supposed to be with her. So she wasn't alone. He should have known. Suddenly a sharp cry sounded out from behind him and his ears fell back immediately. That fatherly instinct which he had no control of kicked in and he spun around to send a threatening glare at the one who dared disturb the sleeping child he had taken responsibility for. Thankfully the other stag showed little interest in further bothering the child and backed away after announcing the fawns presence with a tone of boredom in his voice.

“Yes, there is a fawn there,” Dakrya grumbled, sounding quite displeased, but not specifically angry at least. He walked over to the shivering fawn and lowered his muzzle to touch it softly atop his head. It was hardly a loving gesture, but it was enough to assure him that it was safe. “And I would appreciate it if you don't frighten it.”

Once he had given the fawn the needed attention, he let his judgemental gaze shift back to the stag who had given away its location. His eye shifted over him, evaluating him, observing every little detail from his stance to the way his mane was kept, all being pulled together to solve the puzzle of this new fawnling, to create a picture of who he was before he even took the time to actually figure out.

After a long pause he looked back to the doe who was at least polite enough to make her presence known instead of sneaking around him. “And I take it he is yours?” He inquired, an ear flicking toward the stag in an almost pointing motion.

Lisa

Hearing the mention of a fawn instantly got Lisa excited, and she couldn’t help herself from following the stranger to the fawn, just to have a look at it.

“Awww, he’s cute.” She said with a hushed voice, as to not upset the fawn more than it already was. “But what’s wrong with his eyes? Is he blind? Poor thing, is he yours? He looks hungry, i'll grow something for him.”

And with that, Lisa closed her eyes and focused on her magic, to grow a little tuft of grass for the little fawn.

“I know it’s not much, but it beats having nothing. Oh, and Giblit? He’s my guide. Nothing more than that though!” She said with a nervous smile.

Giblit

Giblit didn’t get what people liked in fawns, they were annoying, and nothing more than that.

He just watched as the two others kept themselves busy with the fawn, he didn’t want to be a part of it, though he did find it weird to see such a tiny paleface in Blackwood.

Dákrya

She certainly did talk a lot didn't she? The small stag watched the doe approach. He felt less protective around her, less need to be. He was quite easily certain she wasn't a threat to the small fawn. She flung question after question at him as she evaluated the little fawn. He stood back some, deciding to let her have her fill. He had noticed does tended to react pleasantly at the sight of a baby. Must be instinct.

“He is not mine.” Dakrya answered quite quickly. He certainly didn't want anyone thinking such a thing. He didn't have time to raise a fawn, let alone a blind one. “He is an orphan. And yes, he is unable to see… from birth I assume by the looks of his eyes.”

His gaze moved to the other stag who seemed about as board about this situation as Dakrya felt. He himself was a lot better at pretending otherwise though. A guide. Made sense. She would need one if she wanted to survive this place.

When the small tuft of grass grew before the fawn the stag tapped the baby's nose with the tip of his tail and then lowered it to the grass as a way of showing him where food was.

Aasha

Large ears twitched about to listen to the voices that spoke over him. One an unfamiliar doe, the other his guardian. He looked up toward them, his big blue eyes open wide. They stared past them though, and it gave the almost creepy sensation that he was looking into them, somewhere deep in the depths of their soul.

A soft touch tickled his nose in a familiar way. Willingly he followed the end of the tail with his nose until he felt the soft blades on his maw. He wasn't used to such soft food, but it enticed him and he greedily ate the bit of grass that had been offered to him.

Lisa

“I see... “ Lisa replied to the explanation of the stranger, but was too captivated by the fawn to look up at him. Seeing the blind fawn eagerly eat the grass simply melted her heart and she couldn’t withhold an endearing; “awww.” Before gently nuzzling the fawn once.

Giblit

Giblit was starting to get bored, nothing was going on, and he still had the same question lingering in his head, so, not knowing any better, he straight up asked; “Why is a small paleface like you here?” He asked the stranger, though from the way he said it, along with the serious look on his face, it was easy enough to tell that Giblit was being dead serious, and that he wasn’t trying to mock the small, pale stranger.

Lisa

Hearing Giblit ask one of his rude questions, Lisa instantly wanted to shout at him for how wrong it was to ask something like that, but she was standing next to a little, innocent fawn, and she didn’t want to startle it, so instead she sent the rude buck a death glare.

Remembering the fact that Giblit hardly ever made eye contact, and even if he did, it would have been because she had told him to, alsong with the fact that he wouldn’t even have understood the glare, even if he had been paying attention to her, Lisa instead turned to the stranger.

“Please excuse his rudeness, sir, though it may sound like a weak excuse, he literally doesn’t have any manners, both his parents passed away before they had the chance to teach him any…” She explained to the stranger. “And i hope you don’t mind me asking, sir, but what might your name be? So i don’t need to keep calling you ‘sir’.”

Aasha

The little fawn joyously licked his lips after eating every last blade of grass that had been offered to him. A small, strange sound came from the doe’s voice and shortly after he felt a gentle nuzzle. He didn’t recognize the scent of this doe, but he enjoyed her presence. She wasn’t just gentle, as his guardian, but she was kind too. He could hear it in her voice, there was no coldness or disinterest. He could feel it in the way she touched him. She reminded him of the way his mother would touch him.

A small bleat squeaked from his throat as he rocked forward and pulled himself to his unsteady hooves. His legs were sprawled out like a newborn as he waited for his body to regain his bearings and remember how standing worked. It was like learning to walk all over again when you were blind. The world spun every time he stood. Carefully he stretched out his muzzle in the direction he remembered the doe to be, his head swaying side to side as he tried to feel for her. He took one slow step after another until his nose bumped her leg. He sniffed at hit, grinning as he moved himself closer to her until he was pretty much leaning against her leg. His large blue eyes turned to gaze up in her direction as he let out another joyous bleet, begging for more attention.

Dákrya

The small stag watched the doe and the fawn skeptically, keeping a close eye on her every movement like a protective bear. It seemed the fawn had come to like the doe rather quickly… not that he was surprised very much. She was a doe after all, fawns tended to like them better, even blind ones it seemed. A little voice in his head told him to ditch the fawn with this female. She obviously enjoyed its presence more than he did, not to mention she was better equipped to feed it. That thought hardly lasted more than a few seconds though. No, she didn’t know the wood well enough to protect the fawn. Even with a guide, he doubted he would give much mind to protecting the fawn if it were in danger. No, he would keep the fawn until he had taken it to safety and there was no question about it.

His ears twitched toward the sudden words of the stag and he craned his neck to better look at him with his chocolate eye. He could see on his almost blank face that he meant nothing in offense (though he also had a feeling he cared little if he did offend). Dakrya was slightly amused by his curious confusion. He found that so many Blackwoods had trouble understanding how someone so small and so light could survive the wood. They didn’t seem to realize that size and color had nothing to do with strength. It did however demand that those who did survive be far stronger than the others even, in their own way.

He smiled when the doe apologized for the stag, shaking his head. “Don’t fret,” he assured her. “I have received far worse treatment than your strange friend.” He created a false expression of regret on his face when she asked his name. “Oh, excuse my rudeness.” He said quickly, bowing his head in yet another greeting so that he could more formally introduce himself. “My name is Dákrya Theoú,” his tongue formed the unique words with practiced perfection to the point that he had a sort of accent in the utterance of his name. “But you may call me Dákrya.”

He rose his head again so that he could look to the stag. “As for your question,” he said kindly, making it obvious that he was not upset by such a rash request. “I was born here. Blackwood is my home, as it is yours.” His explanation was simple enough, said in leisure, as if there was nothing more to his presence then there was to anyone else. Certainly he had greater aspirations than any of the other simpler minded fawnlings that claimed this land theirs, but all the same this was his home.

Lisa

Unable to resist the cute little fawn, Lisa laid her fluffy tail over the small thing and gently brushed her head past the fawn, giving it the attention it was asking for. She only lifted her head to reply to the pale stag with a nod, before turning it back to the fawn; “it’s a pleasure meeting you, Dákrya.”

Giblit

As easily satisfied as Giblit could be, he simply replied with; “Okay.” as the small stag explained his reason for being in Blackwood, and with that, Giblit was done with his questions and lost interest, not believing the small stag would have or know anything that would interest him.

The big, masked crow, seated on Giblit’s head wasn’t so easily swayed however, it noticed certain… ‘things’ in the way the pale one spoke, and so did the other crows, but it wasn’t until the large crow sounded a single caw that the others dared to open their beaks to sound their opinions. It made them nervous, and caused them to hop from tree to tree, but they wouldn’t try anything until specifically instructed. In the meantime, the masked crow kept its gaze locked on the pale one, watching him closely.

Dákrya

The pale stag nodded his head in reply to her kind greeting. “As it is to meet you.” He replied softly… even if all the while he was wondering how long these two were going to have around. He really was hoping for some alone time. At least she was entertaining the fawn. He could be rather annoying when he wasn't sleeping. “He seems to be fond of you.” He observed with a faked smile.

At the sudden cry of the crow, followed by that of the others he looked from one to the other with feigned disinterest. “Quite noisy creatures.” He mumbled, his gaze turning to the one that had started the annoyance as it eyed him with those beady eyes. It seemed the winged creature was at unease in his presence. He smirked lightly at the thought. Good, at least something recognized his potential.

Aasha

The small colt was enjoying the attention from the female. He was a very physical baby because of his blindness, always seeking touch and gentle, reassuring contact. Sadly he got little of that from the cold stag. He would soak every bit of affection he could get from this doe.

The sudden cry from the crow startled him, and the following calls from the others frightened him all the more. He flinched at the initial cry and when they continued he quickly skittered underneath the doe for protection, poking his head between her front legs as his foggy eyes staired in horror into the trees.

Lisa

Seeing the fawn seek cover between her legs from the noisy crows, Lisa huffed in annoyance and gently nuzzled the fawn to calm it down, before turning to Giblit.

“Is there a reason-” She cut herself off, as she decided to pick her words more carefully, as she knew the answer she would get from the black buck otherwise; “What is the reason your crows are acting up, Giblit? Could you please tell them to shut up, it scares the fawn.”

Giblit

Giblit casually looked around at his crows before answering Lisa; “There is something they don’t like.”

Casting a glance at the small, pale stag, and the little fawn between Lisa’s legs, Giblit decided they had spent enough time mucking about, and that it was time to move on.

“We should go.” He simply said, before turning around, and he started walking.

Lisa

”Something the crows don’t like? Well no shit! Of course there’s something they don’t like! Otherwise they wouldn’t act up!”</i> Lisa thought to herself, rolling her eyes.

Hearing Giblit say that they should move on made Lisa sputter some unclear sounds in protest, before letting out a sigh. “Yea, i guess…”

Turning to Dákrya, Lisa nodded her head once, before bidding her farewell, as she carefully stepped away from the fawn; “It was nice meeting you and-... uhm, your fawn..? But i have to go now, best of luck to you!” She said, as she quickly trotted after Giblit, as to prevent losing sight of him, again.

Dákrya

Something the crows didn't like… well anyone could tell that much. He wondered what it was they didn't like though. What nearly undetectable sign had they picked up on that noone else could? It interested him very much. Sadly it seemed though that he would not get the pleasure to figure out as suddenly the stag turned to leave. So soon? Usually he didn't like company but this creature was not like the the others of his kind. Like himself, he was different, HE thought differently, he didn't play by the same rules as the others. He felt a sudden yearning to learn more about him… but he was gone.

Dakrya looked to the doe when she bid him farewell, putting on a well-painted expression of confusion and disappointment. “Oh so soon?” He said softly, letting one ear fall to the side as she turned to bound off. “But I was enjoying the company…” he whispered, looking down at the confused fawn who stared toward where his new friend had run off, longingly looking into the darkness as he awaited her return.

Suddenly the blind child gave him an idea. “Wait!” He called out into the dark of the woods. Even if he couldn't see them he was certain they had not run far enough that they couldn't hear him, or so that was his hope. “Your crows… do they sense danger?” He called, feigning the voice of concern. “I… must protect the child.” He explained, hoping that the idea of the baby in danger would at least catch the interest of the doe, and therefore prevent her companion from leaving too… not just yet. He had more to learn. So much more.

Lisa

“C’mon Giblit, can’t we stay just a bit longer?” Lisa asked as she trotted after her guide.

Hearing the cry from Dákrya, asking whether the crows had found danger, did cause Lisa to worry. “Giblit, is there da-”

“Nope!” The black buck shouted back, interrupting Lisa as he did.

Stopping in her place, Lisa frowned and cocked her head. “But if it’s not danger they sensed, then what made your crows act up? Giblit?”

Giblit

Letting out an annoyed huff, Giblit also stopped and turned to Lisa. “They don’t like the paleface, i don’t know why. I want food, so let’s keep going.” He said, before turning back to continue on.

Lisa

“Alright, so maybe your crows don’t like Dákrya, fair enough, but i want to stay there a bit longer. C’mon Giblit! Please? Just a bit longer…” The dark hind almost begged.

Giblit

Rolling his eyes, Giblit turned round. “Fine!” He snapped back at the dark hind, before he started walking back to where the paleface was. When they arrived, Giblit said, with a highly annoyed tone, with his ears folded flat against his neck; “Lisa wanted to stay longer.”

Lisa

Making a small jump for joy, Lisa eagerly followed Giblit back to where Dákrya and the fawn were. Upon arrival, she eagerly trotted back to the fawn, to give it a gently nuzzle.

Dákrya

Quietly he waited. He really wasn’t concerned about any danger for the fawn. He was more than confident in himself and his ability to protect the child. He was, however, wanting to learn more about this strange stag, and was not ready to let him up and leave on him, not before he had more of a chance to dig deeper. The doe hardly interested him at all, but she was his only way of reaching the stag, and so he would have to put up with her.

HIs large ears perked forward when he suddenly heard hooves approaching again and soon the two came back into sight. He smiled softly, looking relieved that he had company again. “That is lovely that you can stay a little longer.” He said quietly, glancing down at the little fawn who seemed oh so delighted that the doe was back. Dakrya decided she would entertain herself with the child and so he moved his way toward the stag, glancing at the crow who sat upon his head like some faithful pet. “I am curios.” He began, letting his gaze turn back to the dark stag. “What is it that alarmed your crows?” He spun his head around to look at the fawn and then back at the stag again. “Is there something I should be aware of… for his safety?”

Aasha

The tiny fawn perked his ears when he heard something moving very quickly toward him. He leaned on the front legs of his guardian, bracing himself… only to feel the gentle nuzzle of a soft muzzle. He grinned, leaping for joy as he moved away from the stag and back to the doe who had so kindly returned to him. He was happy to have her back. She was much better company that the stag, he was so very boring.

Giblit

The black buck merely let out an annoyed huff as the small paleface said he was glad that Giblit and Lisa could stay longer, Giblit didn’t want to stay, he wanted to move on and get food.

When the stag asked what the cause of the ruckus was, that the crows had made earlier, it was the masked crow, sat on Giblit’s head, that was first to answer with a loud caw.

“You.” Giblit snapped. “They don’t like you! You’re doing something bad.” He then proceeded, to clarify what he meant. Unlike normal, Giblit actually stared straight into the eyes of the paleface, his eyes were cold and hard as steel, though not filled with anger or fear.

The response from Giblit made the crows uneasy again, causing them to flutter about once again, making a lot of noise.

Lisa

Hearing Giblit speak at such a harsh tone made Lisa look up from the fawn, she had never heard speak Giblit like this, it made her nervous.

“Uhm… Giblit..? What’s going on..?” She almost whispered, switching her eyes between Dákrya and Giblit. Growing a bit suspicious of the pale stag.

Aasha

Shortly after he had been greeted by the doe, the loud noises of the birds returned. He was beginning to wonder if they were somehow connected to her. It seemed they came and went as she did. As much as he enjoyed her presence, he really hated the noisy creatures, especially considering he lived mostly off of sound, not having sight like the others. His large ears fell to the side in attempt to help block the sound and he moved back under the female again. His long little tail wrapped itself around one of his hind legs, almost like he was giving himself a reassuring hug. Softly he cried out a questioning bleat, one of concern and curiosity all at the same. Was all this noise something he should be concerned about? Or was it just an annoying sound he would have to allow himself to be accustomed to if he wanted her near?

Then she spoke though, and his alert ears easily recognized the sound of concern in her voice. Suddenly frightened he peered around as if trying desperately to see whatever was going on, all the while his ears stayed peeled, waiting for the voice of his guardian. When it did reach him, it was strangely calm, so different from the doe’s. It confused the fawn and he was unsure if he should be confident that he was safe, or afraid of trouble. Not wanting to risk it he sunk down right where he was between the doe’s hooves, lying in the dirt and flattening his ears down to keep out of sight the best he could, just as his mother had taught him.

Dákrya

“Me?” The small stag asked all so innocently, his tone still soft and smooth as honey, never faltering even with the harsh stare from the darker stag. He tilted his head just a little to the side, as if he were considering the meaning of his words. All the while his expression and body language seemed so relaxed and innocent though, a dark glint glistened in his brown eye, like a flicker of the dark fire that burned within him, especially as the crows picked up yet again. His dark gaze turned to the bird on the head of his dark friend, grinning at it kindly… though it was almost like a challenge was hidden in his eye.

A single ear turled outward toward the doe when she spoke up, sounding oh so concerned. Obviously this wasn’t a usual reaction from her companion. It amused him that he could draw out something so out of the ordinary. It made him feel special. I’m flattered. He thought to himself with a grin. You should be careful, my son. Don’t risk being harmed when not necessary. You can’t afford anything else to slow you down. Her voice was soft, but stern all the same, typical of a protective mother.

“I’m not sure what it is they think I’m doing…” He finally spoke, not turning his attention to the doe. She could continue entertaining herself with the fawn, he wanted little to do with her at the moment. He was truly interested though. As far as he knew, he was doing nothing wrong now, nor did he plan to… not anywhere in the near future at least. He let his eye shift back to the crow again, thinking quietly before speaking again. “In all honesty though,” and as he spoke his tone had changed, that firey glint dying down just a little… though always present. “I have no ill intent toward anyone here.” He allowed his gaze to fall back on the stag, meeting his steely glare calmly. “Perhaps I am a bit… selfish in desiring to learn more about you… but you can’t blame me for such. It is the natural desire of an inquisitive mind like my own to want to uncover everything they can about the unknown.” He grinned, glancing at the crow, curios if his more honest reply was good enough for it.

Giblit

Both the gaze of the black buck, and that of the masked crow remained uninterrupted as the small paleface pretended to be unaware of what he was doing wrong. Though for once, it wasn’t just the crow who noticed it, albeit for different reasons.

When the paleface finally admitted his intentions, the masked crow let out a low rumble, and immediately, the surrounding crows calmed down a significant amount, along with Giblit, who suddenly changed his hostile stance, to being relaxed and uncaring, breaking eye contact as he did. Only to give a simple “Hmpf.” as answer.

Lisa

The moment Dákrya stated his little act of innocence, Lisa folded her ears back. Coming from Glenmore, such behavior wasn’t uncommon. Only someone that was hiding something acted like that, and Lisa knew it.

She let the pale stag finish, before inputting her own opinion; “If you want to know more about Giblit, i would recommend you to be clear with your questions and intentions, sir. If you try to use lies or deception, i’m afraid you may end up being frustrated to no end, while not getting anything of value out of him. He may be clever, but he’s also a bit… simple.” She tilted her head, narrowing her eyes, with an amused smile on her face. “As for the crows… My mother used to tell me that you can’t lie to an animal, no matter how hard you try, they will see you for who you are, try to act like something or someone you are not, and they can tell. And i believe that Gnarf doesn’t like it when people try to be someone they are not.”

As she thought back, Lisa remembered how Dákrya had introduced himself, she remembered how he had tried to make his name sound all fancy, it reminded her of how Glenmore royals liked to pretend how glorious their names were, while they were just spoiled idiots. She figured that it was behavior like that, that ticked the crows off, and as she thought about it, she wasn’t quite so sure she liked it herself.

Dákrya

Well it seemed that he had at least satisfied the crows, the noisy animals finally quieting down. The stag was hardly interested, though Dak had a feeling he never had been in the first place. He turned when the doe spoke up, smiling softly. It seemed he had lost her trust. Oh well, he was certain he could regain it again if he tried hard enough. She seemed naive after all.

“It seems I have been misunderstood.” He said softly, shaking his head as he smiled back at her. “I never intended to use lies nor deception for any gain. Rather I only hoped to observe and learn.” He let one ear twist so it could keep the stag in his attention but he kept his eye on the doe. “I apologize if I offended you. I have merely found that many tend to hide their true selves when they know they are being evaluated.”

She then spoke of the crows, and he found himself agreeing with her. Animals seemed to have a sixth sense when it came to knowing the intent of those around him. Very well then, he could be more honest, tell them his true intentions. It wasn't like they endangered any of the two strangers anyways. They had no reason to care. And besides, maybe then he could gain the trust of a few others, get that closer to achieving the loyalty of the herd.

Lisa

She slowly nodded her head as the pale stag explained himself, casing a glance at Giblit, whom already seemed to have lost all interest in the matter.

“You haven’t offended me, but if people hide who they are during your ‘evaluation process’ then perhaps you need to change how you evaluate people, hmmm?” She said with a very light mocking undertone.

“Giblit won’t hide who he is, there is no reason for him to, so he won’t, he’s simple like that. For what i know, he doesn’t have enemies, and even if he did, well… I have already learned what he does to people he particularly dislikes. As for myself…” She lifted her head and smiled. “Ever since i got here, i haven’t been needing to hide who i am anymore, i used to, but no more.”

She tilted her head and narrowed her eyes. “So why would you..?”

Dákrya

He grinned softly, quite impressed with himself for regaining her trust so quickly, or the majority of it at least. Good, that hadn’t been so bad. “Oh, but that is why I have changed my tactics. Where before, as a naive child I might have outrightly asked others their secrets, instead I simply observe from afar in hopes they will not notice.” He smiled, glancing toward the dark stag who seemed plenty disinterested now. “Your friend here… or rather, his crow, is the first to ever realize my intentions.”

The doe went on then to speak of how neither of them had nor needed anything to hide. He admired them for that… to some extent. Even so he also found them foolish to think such things. It was that or they were just too simple to have anything worth hiding. “Me?” He asked, taken by surprise when she turned the table around. It was not a question he had expected, but even so he’d committed himself to be honest to the doe and her companion. They were no threat to him, of this he was certain. In fact they would probably be less of a threat if they did feel they knew everything about him - if they felt he was being honest. It was a strange way to look at things for him… but an eye-opener all the same.

“Hmmm… why would I hide who I am?” He asked the question again, not so much to reassure himself of her inquiry, but to ask himself, as if he didn’t even know. “I suppose it is because if most knew who I truly am they would despise me… fear me even.”

Lisa

The dark hind merely lifted an eyebrow and huffed. “You know what you remind me of? You remind me of exactly that which i fled from; the honorless, traitorous backstabbers that call themselves ‘royals’ back in Glenmore. You talk like them, and you certainly seem to think like them.”

She lifted one of her hind legs, while resting on the other, laying her tail over the scared fawn under her after casting a quick glance at it. “I learned that only those who prove themselves to be strong in one way or another gain respect here. Back in Glenmore, all they care about is what familyline you are born in, and how good you are at blackmailing people, the latter you seem to be quite good at, and if not, you aspire to be. So tell me; What is it you’re trying to achieve with this? And why do you travel with a blind Glenmore fawn?” She looked back at the fawn below her when she mentioned it, making sure she wasn’t mistaken, but she could tell by the build and size of the fawn that it was Glenmore, and not Blackwood.

Dákrya

He had to admit, he was quite surprised by her sudden change of attitude. He had thought he was doing well until now. He really was not good at being honest, and he was wondering if it was a waist of his time. With these crows around though he doubted he could get away with going back to his usual secretive self.

His expression remained soft, but his eye sparked with hatred for being compared to those inbred, stuck up, mindless brutes. He shook his head. “On the contrary miss, I have never betrayed anyone who did not first betrayed me; never stabbed the back of one who didn't threaten to stab my own if I was not first.” He allowed himself to drop his head from its usual proud position. “I only act so because it is the sole way for one of my color and size to survive.” He then let his gaze return to the fawn who still remained under the doe. “As for the fawn, like I said before, he is an orphan. I have no reason to lie about such. I intend to take him to safety, somewhere that he will not have to fear death every waking moment of his life.”

Lisa

Lisa watched the paleface skeptically, and listened closely to his words, though before she could speak up again, Giblit suddenly broke her focus, by blatantly asking; “Can we go now..?”

The interruption made her realise she was picking on someone, just because he reminded her of those she had silently started to hate over the years, while never being able to do anything about it. She was quite surprised by her own vicious words, she hadn’t known she had that inside of her.

Focusing her attention back to Dákrya, she nodded once, to confirm she heard what he had said. “If that is how it is, then fair enough. I do hope you find a safe place for the fawn. But here’s a warning; be more careful with your words around those from Glenmore, Like me, they have most likely spent their whole lives dealing with people worse than yourself, but unlike me, they might catch wind of it right away, and i’m sure you could imagine the consequences.”

She gave a nod towards Giblit, before continuing; “seeing you apparently want to know more about him, here’s another warning; if you ever meet someone like him again, be sure to keep them on your good side. I don’t know what causes it, but because he’s different, he doesn’t seem to care about others, and this one right here,” She gave another nod towards Giblit. “I watched him murder two boys because he didn’t like what they were doing, and he didn’t even bat an eye. And i’m certain he would do it again, if the need arises.”

She cast another glance at Giblit and saw that he was getting impatient. “It was good meeting you, Dákrya. But i have to go now.” She gave a respectful nod, before carefully stepping away from the fawn, and walking towards her guide, who seemed awfully eager to leave.

Giblit

Giblit was getting bored, Lisa and the paleface were talking way too much about boring things.

When a short silence fell, he took his chance, and asked; “Can we go now..?”

It annoyed him that the dark hind just kept on talking for a while, but she did eventually come, at which he turned around, and started walking off.

Dákrya

The pale stag turned his head to the sound of the larger’s voice as he half begged, half demanded that they be on their way. This time he wasn’t the slightest bit objective to the idea. Where he had hoped to learn more about the interesting stag, he had instead been patronized by this alien doe, picked away little by little as she threatened to reveal the true him. He was relieved they would leave. He didn’t want to let leak that part of him that was hidden so deeply that he himself hardly knew. He didn’t dare figure out what lurked inside.

He turned his attention back to the doe again. She seemed calmer now at least. Perhaps he’d said the right things, or perhaps it hadn’t even been him at all. Either way, instead of trying to dig further she simply let him off with a few warnings. They were nothing new, nothing his own mother had not whispered to him before, but even so it was rare for him to hear them uttered from the mouth of someone else. Such warnings usually inclined some sort of concern for him, and no one dared to bother caring even the slightest for the pale little stag who hid in the woods.

“Thank you,” he finally said, his tone one of respect, as was the usual for him when speaking with a doe. “I will keep your warnings in mind.” He watched her turn to join her companion. “Farewell, Lisa. It was a pleasure meeting with you.” As the two of them departed he moved to the young fawn, touching him on the head so that he would know he was there and then moving his tail in front of him, waiting for him to take hold of the hairs. His gaze remained on the two strange fawnlings until they were gone and then he finally turned to go the other way, putting their memories behind him, but holding the doe’s words within.

Total word count: 9097

Giblit: 1326

Lisa: 2511 - collab lit - +4 magic

Dákrya: 4082

Aasha: 1178