01-05-2017, 06:55 PM
Ruan
She startled at his voice and immediately spun around to face him. It only took her a moment to spot him, and he held her gaze without expression. Waiting. How deep did her fear run? Would it corrupt her ability to trust him, or anyone but herself?
She stepped towards him, but hesitated. Still, he stood steady, letting her work it out for herself. Allowing her to come to her own decisions. Dare to trust, or flee? She was so much like the creatures she resembled, a cautious little fawn. But she was a horse beneath those antlers, and had probably been chased out of whatever family unit she may have had before now.
More careful inching and her nose stretched towards him. He didn't push closer, but didn't retreat. A warm breath swept his scent to her instead, his face softening at her courage. It must have taken a lot for her to take those steps. He would reward her with a touch, but thought better of it for now in case it startled her. He was a stranger, an unknown. It wouldn't do to push her further than she was ready.
"Tree," she said simply. He smiled kindly and edged the tiniest bit closer, but stopped.
Yes, he confirmed needlessly, Many trees.
He paused, bright eyes studying her quietly for a few moments. Then, he pulled back, and did something he'd never done before. Ice pooled at two matching points on his skull, then lengthened and formed into his own rack of antlers. Large and curving forward, they had five points each, and then were frosted over to a soft white. He shook his head a little, testing the new weight and balance of them. There, see? Not so different, are we?
Do you want to see my forest? he asked gently. I will bring you back, if you like. Or you can stay.
I will keep you safe.
She stepped towards him, but hesitated. Still, he stood steady, letting her work it out for herself. Allowing her to come to her own decisions. Dare to trust, or flee? She was so much like the creatures she resembled, a cautious little fawn. But she was a horse beneath those antlers, and had probably been chased out of whatever family unit she may have had before now.
More careful inching and her nose stretched towards him. He didn't push closer, but didn't retreat. A warm breath swept his scent to her instead, his face softening at her courage. It must have taken a lot for her to take those steps. He would reward her with a touch, but thought better of it for now in case it startled her. He was a stranger, an unknown. It wouldn't do to push her further than she was ready.
"Tree," she said simply. He smiled kindly and edged the tiniest bit closer, but stopped.
Yes, he confirmed needlessly, Many trees.
He paused, bright eyes studying her quietly for a few moments. Then, he pulled back, and did something he'd never done before. Ice pooled at two matching points on his skull, then lengthened and formed into his own rack of antlers. Large and curving forward, they had five points each, and then were frosted over to a soft white. He shook his head a little, testing the new weight and balance of them. There, see? Not so different, are we?
Do you want to see my forest? he asked gently. I will bring you back, if you like. Or you can stay.
I will keep you safe.
