Swimming Blind

Hotaru · 11-22-2011, 10:00 PM

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Hotaru Lives Hotaru TalksHotaru thinks

OOC: The ethereal eclipse, close to CdA. Mid-morning.

Word count: 621

This eternal darkness was still something Hotaru was getting used to. She was in a particularly bad mood today because her dream last night was so full of color and light that she believed for a second her eyesight had returned. When the grey wolf awoke to discover that her eyesight had not returned, she decided to take her frustration out on the ground. Hotaru hand's were now bruised and the skin was split around her knuckles. Fawkes, being a wise and intelligent bird, had decided to stay clear of his master in order to avoid her vengeful wrath. Normally, Hotaru would never dream of hurting her beloved companion, and Fawkes knew that. However, the blind women was still getting used to her disposition and she could accidentally bring harm to her avian friend.

In a fit of anger and rage, Hotaru had grabbed her walking stick and left the safety of semi-familiar surroundings to go on a very long walk. Her progress was slow, but steady. She kept her stick out in front of her and tapped the ground at the points where she intended to place her next step. By using this method, she was able to navigate the forest. Fawkes was never far behind, and easily kept pace with his blind master. The quite thud of his wings hitting the air reassured Hotaru and brought a sense of peace to her as she walked. Occasionally, Fawkes would warn the grey woman of any obstacles using his eloquent low speech and occasionally broken high speech.

After the pair traveled for for a couple hours the distinct sound of rumbling water could be heard not too far away. Under the red tailed hawk's instance, Hotaru turned towards the river to take a break and quench her thirst. Hotaru would have to be careful near the river. The temperature had dropped very low the previous night and the morning sun had not caused the temperature to rise very far. There was a strong possibility that ice had formed on the banks of the river, especially because it had rained not long ago.

The young women approached the stream apprehensively. The sound of rushing water disoriented her little. To her sensitive ears, the water sounded like a gale, and combined with the normal sounds of the forest, the sensory overload was almost too much to bear. Hotaru had not gotten used to her ears being so sensitive and would occasionally become disoriented around loud noises. In her confusion, the blind woman slipped on a patch of ice on the banks of the river. Hotaru cried out in surprise and was faced with a momentary struggle to regain her balance. Her arms flailed wildly through the air and her precious walking stick was sent flying into the forest. Hotaru could feel herself loose the battle and the world seemed to move in slow motion. Fawkes could be heard screeching from above, his worried cry sounding through the woods. As Hotaru fell into the rushing water, all she wanted to do was reach out and reassure the bird. She wanted to tell him not to fret, to quell his anxiety. But, these desired died as Hotaru hit a wall of icy water.

A battle for survival ensued as the young women struggled to keep her head above water. The river was deep and the current was strong. The red tailed hawk's mind raced as he looked for a way to help his drowning master. Fawkes began to circle the river in wide breaths, never straying too far and keeping a keen eye on Hotaru's progress. The intelligent bird was looking for someone to help, for someone he could call using his limited high speech.

Table by: Alex

Light Goldenfeather · 11-23-2011, 12:13 AM

WC: 500+

Light had been exploring the lands for the past couple days, mapping out everything in his mind. It was always best for a hunter to know their lands whether within the pack or without. It was difficult to learn the new terrain but he was happy with the plentiful bounty they offered. So many different species to chose from, herds to track, burrows to scope this place was a hunter’s dream. He had snared a few rabbits along the trail he chose to take home and was greatly excited for a meal. He sunk his teeth into one of the whitening rabbits and glanced about the horizon from his settled position by the bank.

The waters were running quick and the noise was almost soothing to the hunter, the bubbles of rushing water an entertaining show. It was a pleasant day, brisk and the scent of fallen rain still lingered in the air. He furrowed his brow at a strange object in the distance. A bird was circling up stream and the screeches became apparent. Light watched momentarily mesmerized by the odd sight as he took another mouthful of rabbit.

He paused his chewing for a moment then abruptly rose to his feet. The bird was crying out not just in his language but the common tongue as well. He stared out in the distance seeking out what the hawk was hoping to alert someone to. When he spotted the object his feet rushed instantly into a swift run. His eyes followed the bank hoping to find more stable waters to meet the current trapped creature. He glanced to the thing in the water to judge the position and from the flailing limbs he could tell it was a luperci. He looked down stream to where he had known the rocks became far more dangerous, this was a one shot deal.

He bounced on his feet waiting for the perfect moment before bounding into a desperate sprint. His long silver braid swung behind him as he leapt into a dive. His thick white fur was meant for cold so the water didn’t bite his skin until he had his arms around her waist. He beat with his strong arm desperately reaching for the vegetation and rock along the edge. His feet could touch the bottom but the slippery stone was difficult to grasp with his toes. He looked behind him knowing his time was running short and fast.

He heaved his other arm instantaneously after a claw hooked stone below and pushed the female against the bank edge. The heavy action forced the male’s feet to slip and his head went under the water. When he arose coughing and dazed from the icy water he was a great distance from the luperci but his arms were free to fight the current. He made it to the bank and dug his claws in the frosted mud pulling himself to safety as his bottom half dared to be swept into the deadly rush awaiting him. He breathed a sigh of relief and quickly arose to his feet to seek out the female hoping his desperate attempt to help her had succeeded.

Hotaru · 11-23-2011, 01:10 AM

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Hotaru Lives Hotaru TalksHotaru thinks

Word Count: 542

Am I going to die? Hotaru was scared and she could feel the icy water begin to chill her long figure. Although the grey wolf's winter coat provided her some protection from the cold, being drenched in icy water was never a good idea. She needed to get out of the stream, and fast.

It was a battle just to keep her head above water. To Hotaru, it felt like there were giant hands grasping her legs and pulling her down into the cold recesses of the stream. Before her accident, Hotaru had learned to swim, but she was never very good at it. Now, as the grey wolf fought in the dark, swimming was next to impossible. Her arms seemed to be useless in keeping her afloat and her kicks did little to help. It seemed as if every other time Hotaru tried to kick, she hit a rock or the stream bed. Hotaru could only feel the pain for a moment before the icy water numbed her injuries.

Hotaru felt like she had been in the water for hours, though in actuality it was no more than a few minutes. Her strength was waning and it was becoming harder and harder to keep her head above the water. Suddenly, a pressure could be felt around the girl's waist. Had she crashed into something? Hotaru struggled, trying to free herself from whatever was keeping her captive. After a few seconds, the blind woman realized someone was helping her. She could hear the stranger's pants as he struggled to get both of them to shore and safety. Hotaru stopped struggling and grabbed onto the unknown figure. She could feel the stranger's strength as they pushed her ashore. Hotaru stretched her searching hands out and found dry land. The blind wolf struggled ashore and sat panting. Water dripped off her coat and down her face, soaking the earth beneath her.

The sound of wings could be heard above and rested just a moment before taking off again. Fawkes wanted to make sure that his master was okay before checking on the progress of the strange male. The bird circled overhead until the white male managed to pull himself ashore. Fawkes flew down to the male but did not land on his shoulder. Rather, Fawkes muttered his thanks in low speech and repeated his gratitude in high speech. Satisfied that the message was delivered, the red bird returned to his master to await her commands.

When the familiar wingbeats could be heard overhead, Hotaru gave her simple command. Two clicks of her tongue followed by a tired, "Fawkes, staff." were all the bird needed to understand his mission. Fawkes flew out in search of the lost staff. Hotaru returned her attention to her savior. Despite the deafening roar, she could pick up on the males approach as his weight cause the ice to crunch as he walked. "Th..Thanks. You really saved me." Although, she had turned around to face the approaching stranger, the blind wolf made no attempts to look normal. Her eyes did not give away their disability, so she often tried to act as if they worked. But now, she was too tired go to such lengths just to hide her impairment.

Table by: Alex

Light Goldenfeather · 11-24-2011, 04:31 AM

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Word Count → 451 :: <3 Can seeing him liking her just cause he doesn't have to act tough XD

Light was surprised by the highly articulate hawk, even though he had to make out what he was trying to say it was still impressive. He was even so much more impressed that the animal followed a command. Predators were often so choosey when it came to companionship and he already felt a great deal of respect for the drenched female as he strode up to her. When she thanked him he let out a sigh of relief to know she was alright. He then merely waved a hand as though saying it was nothing and it had been to the hunter. He valued all life and he would have done the act for even a rabbit if it so misfortunately found its way in the river. No creature should suffer such a fate as drowning. He tilted his head slightly; his stern scarred face remained a mask to show the female no weakness. She had not responded to his gesture and that is when he noticed her vacant stare at his legs. She was blind, he was sure of it. This fascinating discovery sent a familiar warmth of curiousity that he hadn't felt in years. Sure creatures had been blinded in the hunts or in fights but he had never met a blind female especially to find her alone. It made perfect sense in that moment when it came to the hawk. Animals always gave so much to those with misfortune and his kindness to the girl was extremely respected by the pale hunter.

It was nothing. You should shake the water off before it starts to crisp in the wind. His deep voice almost ordered the female. He hadn’t meant to sound cold toward her it was just a habit of his constant leadership role that came through in his voice. I am about to shake. He announced before he started the twists of his head and pale white body. His long grey braid struck his sides as it usually did when shook water. When each limb had been rid of the loose water he started ringing out the moisture from his hair. What’s a girl like yourself doing taking a pleasant dip on a day like today? He said in a more hearty tone as a smile reached the corner of his mouth. It was almost a slight relief to the ever careful male to not have to worry what he looked like to her. Life almost seemed to grow in his stern face, it was a look only few others had been lucky enough to witness. The joke had also been an attempt to prove to her he wasn’t as bad as he sounded the moment before.

Hotaru · 11-24-2011, 08:22 PM

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Hotaru Lives Hotaru TalksHotaru thinks

Word Count: 449

It took only a minute for Fawkes to locate his master's lost staff. The carved stick had been thrown on top of a bush and was in a position to be easily retrieved. The red bird skillfully scooped up the staff and returned to his master with awkward wingbeats. The staff's weight and awkward length made it difficult for Fawkes to fly with his usual grace. The bird returned with a cheerful cry and deposited his master's all important staff in front of her.

Hotaru listened to Fawkes approaching wing beats and waited patiently for the sound of wood hitting the ground. It was difficult to hear her avian friend over the deafening sound of rushing water, but his happy cries helped her to locate the bird. When the staff landed in front of her, Hotaru bent down and grabbed the wooden tool. She felt more comfortable now with it in her possession. Fawkes had decided to perch on low hanging branch in a nearby tree and watched the stranger with a keen eye.

Although it was easier to pick out what the male was saying, Hotaru still had a tough time hearing his words. The young woman laughed a little when the male announced he was going to shake. There was no reason for the strange male to announce his every move. Rather than commenting, Hotaru simply heeded the man's advice and shook herself dry. The males humorous disposition had put her in a good mood so she replied in a cheery voice, "I was just working off some steam and decided that the river was a good way to put my fire out. Still, let us move to a more quit location, the river is loud and is making it difficult to hear. My name is Hotaru, and the bird is Fawkes. May I inquire as to the name of my savior?" Although Hotaru's last comment had a joking tone to it, she was not ungrateful.

As the blind women turned to the forest, she flashed the strange male a grateful smile. She hoped the male would follow her and talk to her. The farther away from the stream Hotaru traveled, the less disoriented she became. Eventually, the blind woman came across a soft patch of moss to rest. She swept the staff over her intended resting place to make sure that there were no obstacles in her way. Satisfied, Hotaru carefully sat down and crossed her legs. She placed the staff on the ground and held her protected arm out to give Fawkes a location to perch. Hotaru could feel the familiar weight of her companion as the bird alighted onto the leather protecting her arm.

Table by: Alex

Light Goldenfeather · 12-10-2011, 11:24 PM

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Word Count → 334 :: So sorry for the wait, if you want we can end this soon with them just going off into light conversation and we can have a more recent thread... up to you.

The hunter chuckled with a deep throaty sound when she responded to his question with a delightful humour. Light had started to follow the female when he remembered his meal moments before he noticed her in distress. Forgive me, I shall join you in a moment. The male returned to the water bank and carefully sought out his dinner. He had unwillingly crossed the waters when the pale fur of fat rabbits became clear he groaned lightly. He walked to calmer waters after the jagged stones and took careful steps along smoother stones that crossed the waters. With a sigh of relief he found his footing on the other side and fetched the meal. Returning the way he came across the flat stones he stepped into a light jog.

He returned and the sight before him was rather beautiful, a moment he wished he could capture somehow. The grey wolfess sat with such an amazing calm even after her ordeal and the bird perched upon her was fascinating. Light paused for a moment taking in the lights, shadows around her. The colors of the soft moss and tender licks of her drying fur. Later he might attempt to recreate the moment in the dirt or among some stone but for now he was intrigued to learn more about her. He settled before the female as her vacant stare was clear. He smiled softly again feeling a sense of relief at relaxing his muscles allowing his posture to become more aloof.

Care for a rabbit? The male carefully taking the girl’s hand and placing the dead creature within her grasp. He hoped she would eat, it would help increase her body temperature and give her strength to return home. I am Light by the way, meant to introduce myself earlier but hunger took the best of me. Forgive me. The male hated being rude and hoped she didn’t mind his late introduction. Where are you from? He asked before sinking his teeth into his rabbit.

Hotaru · 12-12-2011, 12:37 AM

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Hotaru Lives Hotaru TalksHotaru thinks

OOC: PM me if you want anything changed. Word Count: 436

The blind woman gave a quick nod to acknowledge Light's announcement and waited for his return. Hotaru was surprisingly calm. At this moment, all of her problems seemed to melt away. Hotaru gently stroked Fawkes and he ruffled his feathers a little in pleasure. With the roar of the river off in the distance the sounds of the forest came to life. Some sort of small animal was rustling through the bushes. Every now and again, the animal would pause. A small scraping sound could be heard as the animal moved quickly up a nearby tree. It must have been a squirrel.

Hotaru's red-grey ears twitched when she herd the sound of approaching footsteps. Hotaru smiled as she listened to the male seat himself before her. Showing an unusual amount of trust the blind woman allowed Light to place the rabbit in her paw. "Thanks." Hotaru bit into the tender rabbit and felt it's hot blood run down her snout. The rabbit warmed her body and the meat gave her new strength. After her first bite, Hotaru tore off a piece and gave it to Fawkes. Fawkes gave out a cheerful cry and quickly snatched the meat.

Before she became to tempted to eat more Hotaru placed the rabbit in her lap. She didn't want to be rude by snacking on a rabbit in front of a stranger. Although the rabbit tasted great. "There is nothing to forgive, plus you gave me a rabbit." She didn't know if it was because of the shock from nearly drowning or because he had saved her, but Hotaru felt completely at ease around Light. For the first time in months Hotaru was not on edge and she allowed her guard to drop. The grey wolf allowed one ear to swivel back and forth, while the other remained forward but relaxed.

Hotaru talked for a while and was almost completely honest with Light. She talked about how she joined Cercatori d'Arte, although she did not mention the circumstances that led her to the pack. She also spoke of her home and her family. However, the blind wolf made a point of leaving out all of the recent tragedy that had befallen her. There was no sense in allowing tragedies to spoil the mood. Anything she told Light was true, but there was no sadness or despair in her stories. Hotaru would also ask Light questions about himself. She learned he too was an artist who loved to draw. From there, their conversation traveled and changed. After several hours the two parted ways with a promise to see each other agian.

Table by: Alex

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