a ghost in your presence. )) [Open]

[tou]

He was somewhat jealous of the way Seraph could so easily maneuver about the woods, likely rarely having to worry about getting clothes lined or whipped in the mask by a thin branch. The leviathan caught the arched movement of a single one of the gal's brows, and desperately tried to ignore it. His brain was frantically trying to decipher each ounce of body language, decode each meaning behind every tone of voice, and oh so much more. It was going into overdrive, painstakingly trying to help the poor virile interact with one akin to his subspecies, though to no avail. He stifled a heavy sigh of defeat, nodding simply to acknowledge that he was listening to her - sorta - when she agreed to assist in such a hunt. The fine tendons within his stoma grew taut over so slightly, grinding his teeth into one another as he pushed the complicated inner workings of his fried brain out of focus, for now.

His mordant eyesight just hardly caught the algid quivers of his strolling acquaintance, urging the male to increase his pace when it came to finding a place to hunker down, away from the weather. He felt somewhat ragged as he carefully admired her sleek, yet chill susceptible pelt. His, on the other hand, had simply begun to grow ever thicker ever since the seasonal change his body had anticipated. He wasn't entirely sure which was better; gorgeous yet freezing, or frayed and warm. It was only a moment or two before he decided he'd much prefer warmth, based on his strong dislike for winter weather. He was moved along to the next subject when he asked about his age. A funny thing age was. For though it told of how many years one had physically existed, it could never tell how many years one had truly aged, so to speak. Brows furrowed ever so slightly, the Shire's skull cocking to one side as he tried to recall. Three? Maybe four? He said, tones filled with uncertainty. Well, he certainly hadn't been counting. It would be like counting down seconds til one go to the front of a line, or watching water boil; if one actually paid attention, it would simply seem to take much longer than it truly was. Yeah, somewhere around there. he confirmed as he dipped into the nostalgic portion of his brain. Why do you ask? he questioned, for such certainly seemed to be quite a strange answer, here in the middle of nowhere.

Despite a thin film of blinding whiteness blanketing the area, he managed to pick out a touch of gray amongst it. A cave, perhaps? Nostrils flared the equine hesitating before making his way over there. He wanted to be sure that no other animal had stumbled upon in, such as a hibernating bear, or wolf of some sort. Any remaining scent that he could pick up was nearly ancient, any such creatures likely long gone from here. He pivoted to change his trajectory, aiming straight for it. As he approached, he found that it was not quite a cave, but multiple fallen trees that had landed just about right upon an outcropping of rock. It formed an opening that was relatively large, though he still pondered if he'd fit height wise. Muzzle pointed towards it, a thrust of oxygen through his nares causing a gentle snort, intended to direct one's attention to it, if not for just a brief second.

[twi]

Glancing anxiously at Tou, Seraph wasn't sure what to make of his condition. He seemed so unsettled. But why? She wondered what she had done to set him off so, for she was sure his disquiet had to do with her. It must be, for the way he kept glancing at her in a worried manner, whenever he thought she wasn't looking, confirmed her suspicions.
"Three? Maybe four? Why do you ask?"
Oh yes, she had asked about his age. She still was unsure as to why she had done it. Some whim of the moment urge. But only three or four? So young? Without knowing quite why, Seraph was disappointed. She liked stallions to be older than herself and this one was half her age. She whisked a tail in some annoyance, cutting a wide swathe through the sleet.
"Sorry, it's something of a prying question. I guess I just wondered, " she replied.
The winter storm was bitterly cold. Noticing Tou's attention trained on something in the distance, Seraph's head swiveled to follow his gaze. Was that a cave she saw? Tou obviously thought so, for he began to head straight for it. She followed silently.

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[tou]

Stop. Thinking. So. Much. He scolded himself, putting his raging thoughts to rest for the time being. He looked to the little cove - it looked like it would hold warmth in, and would surely keep the snow out. Single hood rose and fell heavily upon the ground, a small spray of snowy material flying up from beneath his dag. Shall this do? He spoke, his tones drifting with the snow upon the zephyrs. The Shire turned to face the girl, his large dome cocked comically to the side in question. The gentle rush of air that had drifted lightly near his flanks moments ago had indicated that her banner had lashed, and as soon as his brain recognized this, only now, Tou shoved it out of his head. No, dammit. He internally spat, not wanting to worry himself over whatever she was being bothered with. He was just a traveler. To leave without having any ties to anyone, anywhere. So why should he care what pissed her off, what saddened her, whether she got shelter or not.It's because you have manners, twit. Ugh, why did he have to actually care for etiquette, of all things in this world?

[twi]

Seraph was growing more and more curious as to Tou's internal conflict. Only moments ago he had glanced at her questioningly, probably in response to her thoughtless tail-lash, but then he jerked his head back, as though fighting against himself. Why?
"Yes of course, anything to get us out of this horrid weather," she replied to his question.
They made their way towards cave, carved into a bank of earth. How dry and cozy it looked. She lifted one delicate hoof after another to step over the slight drift of snow that had already formed at the base of the cave's entrance.
"Coming, Tou?" She asked, glancing behind her, allowing a bit of lilt into her tone.
The cave, though a bit musty and cramped, was warmer than she had expected and dry too. Its floor was still untouched by the snow, so she carefully lay down atop it.

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[tou]

He waited patiently as she situated herself within the cove, noting that it was smaller than he had been hoping for. As she called to him, the lyrical tone of her voice danced lightly upon his harks. Such frequencies seemed to practically grasp the Shire's will, steering the creature in the direction of the outlet. He took a single stride forward, initially giving way to his breaking volition. The mighty equine stopped himself before stepping foot within the dry, untouched surface within. He swallowed lightly, dome lowering, as if defeated. What was wrong with him? Why was he worrying himself so much? He cleared his throat, single hind leg extending behind him, as if he were some deer about to bolt. Perhaps I should .... get going. He murmured, his pale brow furrowing ever so slightly. I wouldn't want to crowd you. he spoke. His pulse was increasing, massive heart beating on his ribs, its personal prison cell. He couldn't allow himself to grow too attached, and who knew how long this storm could last. The more time he remained within her presence, the more difficult it would be to break such ties when it was his time to continue on his trek. He seemed to be fighting himself, half of his brain telling him to flee while he could, the other half scolding him for being a fool, and to simply accompany her through this wintery burst. His muscles were locked as he tried to decide with little voice to listen to, trying to determine which words were those of the devilish ways, and which were simply innocent.

[twi]

Staring at him in disbelief, Seraph could feel tears starting to her eyes. What had she done? She knew it was her fault that he was leaving, it must be. Why else would he choose to leave her so abruptly like this? Reasons flashed through her head, tumbling over each other in her confusion. One, showing aside all the others surfaced, and she was convinced it was the right one. Hadn't Tou seemed reluctant to stop and seek shelter? But no, she had chosen to inconvenience him, all so that she would not have to endure the discomfort of the snow and wind. Now he was leaving her.
She stood back up, slipping momentarily in her distraction, but eventually gaining her feet so that she could stand face to face with the Shire. She opened her mouth to speak, but found she couldn’t force the words out. They just wouldn't come. She was trying to bid him farewell, trying to wish him on his way, but she could not seem to push any sounds past the lump in her throat. She knew that she could not, would not, ask him to stay. That would be stupid. Oh, why wouldn't the words come? If only they had simply been parting ways as their roads of life branched and they were forced to leave each other. This was different, though. Of course Seraph saw past his excuse of crowding her in the cave. Who wouldn't? She just couldn't understand why he was leaving. If only she hadn't been so selfish as to insist they stop.
"Okay...alright...goodbye then. Go already."
Seraph didn't realize that the words came from her own mouth until they were out in the open for all to hear. How mean they sounded! She had not meant them at all, but it was too late now. It was too late.

[tou]

The behemoth felt horrible, even just thinking about leaving her out here in such conditions. He wished he could just take it back, say he didn't mean it, that he just wanted to be by her side to wait out this weather. Though, how would that make him look? His stomach was wrenching, turning on itself as he struggled to pull himself away from this lass. His throat had grown tight, restricting his breathing as he moved his structure backwards a little, desperately attempting to drag himself off into the storm. It'd be so easy, to simply melt into the background, disappear into the snow white lands with such pale pelt. To forget. That would be his goal. To try and rid her from his memory, to cleanse his mind of this entire experience. The male's frame shuddered slightly, the shiver racing along his spinal column, though not from the chill. He grit his teeth together, forcing himself from shaking any more. Her words swept across his eardrums, the boy's ears swiveling to pin to his skull. Perhaps he had been wrong. Perhaps everything he had noted was simply him being stupid - it certainly wouldn't surprise him, the poor fool. He coughed lightly, trying to clear his throat in an attempt to actually talk. Will ... will you be okay out here? He asked lightly, his tones soft, gentle as the snowflakes that fell like kisses upon his hide. Such words were accompanied by the lowering of the boy's head, bringing it to the girl's level as his blue eyes met hers, his brow furrowed, fearing for the girl's health in such frigid climate.

[twi]

Seraph saw his ears, so white and furry, suddenly pin back against his skull in response to her angry words. A pang of guilt struck and she looked away. Why, oh why had she said them? Because he had hurt her, that was why. Abruptly leaving her like this stung her more than she would admit, even to herself, and she wanted to lash out at him.
"Will ... will you be okay out here?"
While his body language had indicated defensiveness and even anger at what she had said, his tone was controlled, showing no sign that he had even heard her. She regretted her words even more. How could she reply? Indignation began to well up inside, but she pushed it back down. Now was not the time. If he planned to leave her, she would never forgive herself if they parted badly.
"I've lived through seven winters, Tou. That's three or four more than you have. I'll be fine."
The warm feeling inside of her at the knowledge that Tou cared for her welfare was negated by her still simmering anger. She had chosen to reply in a way that hinted at being his superior in survival, as much as she desired Tou to be her superior. She liked the thought of being cared for, defended. Not that it mattered anymore. He was leaving, just like all the others she had even encountered in life. Whether sooner or later, they all eventually left her.

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[tou]

He was unable to tell if her words were simply stating a fact, or if she was trying to look down upon him, make him feel stupid for being as foolish to think she wouldn't be. Her words caused a coldness to spread about him, one unlike that of the winter. He shifted uncomfortably, his tail lashing at his flanks. He'd look so stupid if he stood there, having already spoken his farewells. He swallowed, forcing back what he so wished to say. Well, he supposed this was where they parted, for him to continue his ways. Ever so slowly, his lowered skull drew closer to her. His muzzle hesitantly brushed against her defined cheek bone, nuzzling her ever so lightly. He knew not if she'd pull away, disgusted by his actions. Even he didn't know why he had done such. Keep safe. He murmured, tones quiet due to his maw being relatively closer to her ear. He drew back, an apologetic look settling upon his mask; he knew not if it was so due to him leaving, or for his actions. He turned slowly, having to force himself to move. His dome was held low, the beast having no will to carry it high as he often did. He trudged forward lightly through the untouched snow, cool eyes being forced to look ahead.

[twi]

Up until she was left staring at his massive, cone-shaped hoof prints in the snow, Seraph had not been sure whether he would really go through with it, whether he would actually just leave her, abruptly and without explanation. It just went to show how easily you could misjudge another.
Before he left, he stood staring silently down at her. She stared back mutely, afraid to speak, as though if she opened her mouth, a precarious balance would be tipped. It was as though time slowed. She saw his muzzle descend, touch her on the cheek and almost in the same moment, turn away. He said a couple inconsequential words as he left, but they were only words, falling dead upon they air. Seraph hardly heard them. Then he was gone, vanishing silently into the trees. All throughout she had been unable to move. She had become spectator, nothing more. It was only when she could no longer see him that her limbs unfroze and she could stir again. She chose not to however, but stared unblinkingly at the trail he had left. Already, a light dusting of snow was beginning to cover it, filling his hoof prints as though they had never been formed, as if their whole encounter had never happened at all. It was only when she could no longer see his indentations in the snow that Seraph moved, slowly, methodically, turning back towards the cave. It was filled with snow now, gusts of tempestuous wind blowing little drifts into her abode. She scarcely noticed the blanketing of white powder on the floor of the cave as she lay down once more, resting her head upon her curled forelegs. He was really gone. She realized that she had never replied to his parting words and regretted the fact. What had they been, anyway? She could not even remember. Not that it mattered anymore.
A single tear made its way out of a dusky blue eye to settle upon her cheek for a moment before sliding down her face and onto the cold ground, a liquid diamond absorbed into the snow.

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