[PRP] Rude Awakening (Diphe x Basequin)

[Mika_Yumi]

Diphe was, frankly, terrified. She was not new to fading off into sleep in the middle of the day -- taking naps was sometimes necessary for her, whether she wanted to or not. What was new to her was waking from such naps in the middle of completely new and unfamiliar spaces, surrounded by completely unfamiliar and boisterous centaurs. She was not a fan of the situation. Her senses were overwhelmed.

She didn't even have something familiar to hold onto for comfort since she had noticed the nap coming on and put her embroidery aside so as to avoid pricking herself (an occurrence that she didn't always manage to avoid), so instead of being able to run her fingers over her delicate work, her hands searched beside her to feel the ground beneath her, grass and fabric adding texture -- which, unfortunately, felt very real and not at all dream-like. As an added test, one hand reached up to tug at a strand of hair, causing her to wince, which again was not a dream-like feeling. Against all of her last hopes, it did appear that she was in completely unfamiliar and uncomfortable territory.

Further adding to her discomfort was the fact that the spirits hadn't thought to keep her arrival subtle, oh no, she couldn't possibly have been snoozing on the very edges of the enormous party, secluded and relatively safe beneath a tree; instead, she was reclined atop a blanket and against some pillows that some other 'taur had apparently set up for a rest stop at the event. Diphe was full-on trespassing. The blanket was deep oranges and bright turquoise in geometrical shapes -- beautiful in its own right, but certainly not a blanket that Diphe had ever seen before. The only lucky thing about this situation was that the owner of the blanket and pillows seemed to be... elsewhere, or at least distracted -- it was hard to tell with so many people nearby and in good spirits. Diphe just had to make her getaway without anyone noticing. If she could get up fairly quietly, and maybe even pull off a casual air, she might be able to make it happen...

A few minutes and some stifled grunting later, Diphe was trying to casually and swiftly leave the vicinity of the blanket without drawing too much attention. She did hear a bit of laughter behind her in her retreat, but she was too shy to look back and find out if it was about her, as she vaguely suspected. But it turned out she didn't even need to turn back to find out, as she heard someone call after her, "All done resting then, dear?" She winced and hurried her pace even more, ducking and weaving behind others to put as much distance and as many bodies as possible between herself and her horrible awakening.

Once she felt confident enough in her escape to slow the pace of her hooves (if not her heart or breathing), she tried to look for an exit, or a familiar face, or anything that would make her feel better. Unfortunately, it appeared she'd been dropped directly into the middle of a huge convergence that had no escape at all. Everywhere she looked, every group that parted, there were only more centaurs beyond, more tents, more blankets, more laughter and voices and drinking and frivolity. Diphe looked like a scared animal amongst the throngs, arms crossed over her chest, brows knit in concern. She stopped, closed her eyes, and took a deep breath, trying to center herself. Why was she here? Why did this have to happen to her? How in the world was she going to get home?  

[Uta]

Basequin had been enjoying the festivities of the festival, and had high hopes that he would find a new calling among the throng. He was a stallion ready to do his old herd proud, and to truly make a name of himself. What better opportunity than here, at the festival? So it was, the dark-skinned stallion spent much of his time simply listening -- amid the laughter and gossip, there were rumors running rampant through the streets. Stories that might not be taken seriously by others, or chalked up to too much wine. There were representatives from herds all over the isles, and he was certain that he would find his place. Perhaps someone needed a great foe vanquished? Or an escort through the magical wilds of the island? While not every story had notes of truth, Basequin was certain this festival would change his world.

It was as he turned away from one of the stalls, his eyes caught sight of a grey and dark haired centauress, stopped still among the throng. She was difficult to miss amid all the activity -- where centaurs of all sizes and shapes and colors were in near constant motion, she was still, seemingly frozen in place. Her eyes were closed, and it was almost as if she'd been turned to statue. Her body language was easy enough to read, and in a moment, he knew he had to help. Pushing his way over, he didn't wish to frighten her further--assuming, as one could only do so, that she was perhaps in need.

"Milady," he spoke softly, gently, "Might I be of some help? I fear you look quite unwell." Perhaps he was mistaken, and if so he would promptly apologize -- but he would rather not risk it. He positioned himself so any centaurs in the walkway might need to go around his frame -- and while he was not, perhaps, as bulky and huge as some of the drafts walking around, he did like to think he possessed some sort of presence. At minimum, he would keep the largest of crowds from getting too near.

Mika_Yumi

 

[Mika_Yumi]

A voice broke through Diphe's frenzied thoughts, and her eyes snapped open. It was a soft voice, but still a surprise. It belonged to a soft face clad in cold armor. She blinked, wondering once again if this was some sort of dream, but it couldn't be. He was there, waiting for her answer, and she was still finding it hard to push through a barrier to speech.

"I--" her voice cracked, and she stopped to clear her throat. Blue eyes darted around the crowd as she tried to find words. "I don't know where I am." She finally settled her gaze back on the centaur in front of her, fear scrawled along her face in wrinkles of worry and concerning pallor. She was still finding it hard to breathe if she wasn't focused on trying to not take shallow, terrified breaths. Diphe bit her bottom lip and found that she couldn't say any more about the situation. There were so many other bodies, she could feel them on all sides even without fitfully glancing about herself for the hundredth time.

Uta

 

[Uta]

Now that he was closer to the centauress, it was clear to tell she was in duress. The way her eyes darted around them, wide with fear, and the way she breathed all pointed towards her terror. During his time during the festivities, Basequin had heard stories from the mouths of others; while some had wandered willingly into the fray, others had been spirited from their homes. The gods certainly played fast and loose, it seemed, with little care about the feelings of those who may have come unwillingly to the party.

Regardless of her story, and whether or not she was one of those spirited here, or if she simply was lost among the throng -- Basequin could not leave her in such a state, nor would he! However, it was a delicate task, for he did not wish to cause her further alarm. "Don't worry about the crowds," he spoke, as reassuringly as he could. "Focus on me. My name's Basequin, and I'm here to help. If you are willing, I can take you to a quieter spot, so we might figure out how best to get you home." He offered his arm, in case she might feel unsteady.

"Deep, slow breaths now -- I promise, you'll be okay. We'll get you out of here," he assured, hoping that it would be enough. He'd find some way to get her back o where she belonged. But first, she needed to calm down, and needed a quiet place to rest her senses.

Mika_Yumi