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Posted: Tue Feb 20, 2024 9:01 pm
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Posted: Tue Feb 20, 2024 9:02 pm
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Posted: Tue Feb 20, 2024 9:03 pm
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The sun's rays might have been peeking through the trees and dancing upon the ground in between the shadows, but Ello did not feel the same sentiment today. His dark purple gaze idly blinked as he watched the dark and light play with each other, his maw stretched in an unamused frown. He should be putting his paws to the ground and finding some sort of nourishment. At the most, he should be lapping up some water to quench his dry lips. But for the life of him, he couldn't get up from where he lay.
The usidia sighed, resting his long head on his front legs. It wasn't worth the trouble. It really wasn't. He would only get ridiculed again for his short stature and soft voice. Ello didn't have the energy for that.
It wasn't as if he was afraid of the other mare. Quite honestly, he was pretty sure that she meant no harm. Her views were very stereotypical compared to him, and she likely had the confidence to voice it. That didn't mean that he wanted to deal with the snide remarks and subtle jabs. Today was a day to conserve energy, and he didn't quite have the sticks to deal with the nonsense that she had to offer. Nor did he want to feel like he was walking on thin ice as he sought out some nourishment. He wasn't that thirsty, nor was he that hungry.
But perhaps he could get a morsel today. The usidia's ears perked up as they heard their friends voice. Zenith. Relief washed over his bones, as he slowly got up from his little spot on the ground. "I'm here." He peered around the tree that he was hiding under, shooting the larger soquili an easygoing grin. "What brings you around here, stranger?"
WC: 303
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Posted: Tue Feb 20, 2024 9:04 pm
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Posted: Tue Feb 20, 2024 9:05 pm
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Usually Ello was a bit hesitant about others touching him. And when he had first met Zenith, he had been. The first time the stallion had touched his mane, the usidia nearly jumped out of his skin. He was pretty sure that Zenith felt the jolt that went through his body. He had felt so bad. But weirdly enough, the smaller male didn't mind the touch. It was odd the way friendships could build tolerance. Now Ello wouldn't have their friendship any other way. Zenith's touch was a comfort instead of something to shy way from.
The lavender mare shifted his mane to the other side of his neck. Came to see him? For someone so sweet, Zenith seemed to not have other obligations whenever they crossed paths. It was odd, but Ello wasn't going to take a deep dive into why. He would rather enjoy the company of his friend. Life would be empty without him. "I...." He hesitated. He wished he could match the stallion's sweet demeanor. However; Ello could not. He was an usidia who wore his heart on his leg. "exhausted, honestly." He let out a sigh, his eyes going to the ground. "I feel like that mare is constantly watching over my shoulder." Ello laughed, his smile not meeting the nervous look in his eyes. "I haven't been able to sleep well for the past couple of days." He shrugged. "So I didn't have anything planned. Besides avoiding her at all costs." Fortunately, with Zenith there, that might not be an issue. Zenith would try to avoid her as well right? Oh, Ello could only hope.
The sight of the berries made the lavender usidia's stomach growl. Carefully, he took a few to nibble, contemplating the idea of going into a cave. She was bound to not be there. Ello smiled up at Zenith, his head moving up to meet Zeniths head. "The cave sounds like a pleasant time." He could add more to his rock collection. What wasn't to love?
WC: 336/639
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Posted: Tue Feb 20, 2024 9:06 pm
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Posted: Tue Feb 20, 2024 9:07 pm
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The tartness of the berry that hit Ello's tastebuds might have been sour and tangy, but he couldn't help but smile through the zing from the acidity. It has hard not to when he was with Zenith. Although he had his worries, they melted away when he was focused on the other stallion. The larger male gave him a sense of security that he couldn't quite explain. Napping sounded like the perfect idea after a muddled sleep from the worries he had the prior night. The usidia's gaze roved over towards his companion. "Yeah, that would be nice." His eyes crinkled as his smile widened. "I'd like that a lot." With Zenith there, he wouldn't have to worry. He would be able to actually sleep. Relief seeped into his bones. Had they always been that heavy today?
A small body filled up fast. Soon enough, Ello's jaw slowed in it's chewing. His grazing became more lackadaisical. A familiar looming shadow made the male pause, his gaze going from the berry bush that he was picking from to the larger horse in front of him. "Yes." Ello nodded, his tail flicking as he stepped away from the bush. "Lead the way?"
Ello naturally fell into pace with Zenith, his tiny feet moving twice as fast as Zeniths to keep up. Although his strides were shorter, it was still a relaxing walk. He was at a comfortable trot next to Zenith. He couldn't help the prep to his step. Gems? Ones that shined and shimmered in the light? The mental image had his eyes lighting up in hope. "That sounds fantastic." He tried to keep his voice light. Truth was, he didn't have a home. Ello was quite alone. All of his residences had been temporary as he moved around from place to place. Much like how he wasn't going to stay in this area for long. Ello wasn't about to let that slip out right now. It would be a travesty to ruin the moment.
While Zenith went in with confidence, Ello hesitated. Took his time. Caves were notorious for danger. And he was pretty sure he smelt the mare nearby. Her scent was lingering, reminding him of her presence every now and again, bringing him back to reality. Were they being followed? He wasn't sure. Although Zenith's presence was like a warm blanket wrapped around him, the cave was dark, chilling, and the stale air creeped doubts into his mind. Ello took a deep breath. This would be fine. Right?
The stallion's call zapped him out of his muddled mind. "Where?" He took a hesitant step, peering in. A glint caught his gaze, making his eyes widen. "Oh!" He shuffled towards the gem, nosing the rock. "It's beautiful!"
WC: 458/1097
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Posted: Tue Feb 20, 2024 9:08 pm
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Posted: Tue Feb 20, 2024 9:09 pm
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Ello was not expecting that growl. The rumble that reverberated up Zenith's chest made Ello's blood drain from his face. His eyes widened. For a moment, it felt like the world stopped as fear creeped down his spine. They were alone. In a dark cave. With no one around. Was there someone, or something out there? Ello took a hesitant step back and tried to force a smile that didn't reach his eyes. "With you here, what's there to be frightened about?" A hollow laugh escaped his lips. Honestly, he could care less about the mare. His focus was more on the surly stallion that was close enough to grab at his neck.
He wouldn't, would he? No, of course not. This was Zenith. He was always so sweet.
"I---don't wish harm on her." He started slowly, carefully. Wanting death was far from what he wanted. All he wanted was for the mare to leave him alone. He wasn't sure why her smell was so prominent right now. It wasn't like her to follow or stalk. Usually they happened to randomly cross paths. It was unnerving, for sure.
Ello was startled out of his thoughts as the stallion picked up the gem and placed it on his back. The usidia jumped, ears flat on his head, as the hard stone clattered loudly back to the ground.
Oh.
Oh
It clicked. The puzzle pieces were being put in place. Zenith had done something. "What did you do?" Ello worried his lip, his brows furrowing. This was starting to feel incredibly unsafe. "Zenith, what did you do?" He was afraid of the answer. With a growl that deep, and legs that thick the stallion could do damage to any creature.
At least he hadn't killed the mare. Right? There was a will in his statement.
His ears twitched. Yes, it was true that he was nervous, frightened. Guilt also seeped into his bones, muddling his thoughts. This was Zenith after all. It wasn't like he had hurt him. He was trying to protect him...in a very harsh way, yes. But there was a heart of gold underneath that fur. "I'm not frightened." He answered slowly, his eyes ducking up to the male. "Just took me by surprise. A shock." Ello bit the inside of his cheek. "I'd still like to know what you did." Curiosity may kill him, but it was better to know, than always walk on eggshells.
WC: 407/1504
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Posted: Tue Feb 20, 2024 9:10 pm
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Posted: Tue Feb 20, 2024 9:11 pm
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Ello wasn't feeling stifled. Yet, as Zenith moved away from him, he couldn't help but feel relief. The air around them was tense. And Ello still wasn't sure about his feelings towards Zenith's new demeanor. This was completely new. Was their time beforehand, that friendliness, all a lie?
It couldn't be, right?
Ello worried his lip. What had he meant by "hunted". Did the stallion put his nose to the ground and scent her out? Follow her footprints? Had the mare warranted that intensity? Sure, she made jabs at him, and there were some passive aggressive remarks, but she didn't hurt him in any way. They were two different soquili with two different values. Apparently Zenith had a different view on the matter too.
Ello took a deep breath, closing his eyes. The image of Zenith placing his maw around someone else's neck flashed through his mind. It made his blood run cold. He didn't think that the mare should perish, or anyone for that matter. No one deserved to die, no matter how evil they may be. They had their own lives, and others that depended on them.
How was he to respond?! Ello opened his mouth--no words came out. He quickly closed it. What was there to say? Zenith was adamant about it not being the last. The idea sent a shudder through his spine. Did the stallion receive some sort of pleasure from the hunt? Some sort of satisfaction of threatening and killing others? The questions threatened to spill out of his mouth. Quickly, he swallowed them down.
Now was not the time. And honestly, Ello was afraid of the answers that he would receive. He watched the other male warily, rooted in his spot as the stallion ducked his head down. "Well, I wouldn't ask you to kill anyone." Ello clenched his jaw. That was too soon. He should be careful with his words in this moment in time. It wasn't like they were in a relationship. Zenith's life was his own. The usidia took a calming breath. This was fine. Everything was fine.
Until it wasn't. The stallion had turned his head and started walking out of the cave. In response, Ello took a hesitant step forward. Should he follow him? Did Zenith have enough of him? Surely, if that were the case, Zenith would tell him wouldn't he?
Ello opened his mouth to say something, but Zenith spoke again. A thanks. Ello frowned, surging forward. No way was he going to let him leave like that! "Wait a minute!" Ello trotted up to him, stomping a paw. "You weren't just going to leave me like that, were you?!" He snorted. "We're friends aren't we?!" WC: 450/1954
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Posted: Tue Feb 20, 2024 9:12 pm
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