Branches of the Apple Tree

[Swolfy]

Ira looked between the doe and the wolf creature, then back to Cor, still perched from his branch in the tree. Sora stood watching like him.

Ira stood, looking at all the colors float around him. Cor's voice was a light murky green, cold and refreshing, while Estelle was a smooth pinkish-blue that evaporated almost as soon as she spoke into thin air. Ira decided that Estelle could be trusted with her debatable information about Orsina, and decided that she was no threat, and relaxed slightly.

(I forgot to mention that Ira has Synesthesia. It's something that humans have that produces colors while they taste and hear certain things. I don't know if deer can have it, but I put it in anyway)

[Songdog]

"Cor, my name is Cor." He said with the twitch of his eye, perfectly annoyed by the continued application of the word 'stag'. On occasion, throughout her oh-so-clever speech, his hoof would slam against the ground. It was all that he could do to not act out from her smug behavior, that and keep his ears flat, tail flinching with every tweak.

"Words, words, words..." He muttered. "Yes, two strangers show up, use their magic words, and expect everything to go well. For all I know, this brutish thing could be in alliance with you. Yes yes, it has all the makings of a fairy tale. The wolf agrees to spare the little deer's life if it can fool its own kind into trusting them. Then, when everyone is fine and peachy, the wolf eats up all the deer. And they lived happily ever after. Well, the wolf anyway, fat and happy."

More deer were gathering, and this troublesome bother was consuming all of his time. "What was that word you used, 'friend'? I don't need 'friends', there is no place here for free-loading 'friends'. Anyone who seeks residence here must join God's Hand, or is chased off. And those who join, pledge their full loyalty. They must do whatever is asked of them. If I ask them to fight, they must do so. If they are required to kill, then that will be. Cowards are of no use here."

He said this with much emphasis, turning his head with a tilt to the two newcomers whom he was keeping on hold. "Is your 'friend' willing to do that? Don't think that because either of you join, means that you will continue to be constant companions. Those who join must protect the herd, not just their 'friends'."

[Swolfy]

Ira agreed with Cor's speech, and felt foolish at beleiving for a second that the creature was harmless. They could easily be plotting to overthrow the leader, or do something else, worse. He'd seen that happen before. He didn't want it to happen again.

Though Ira was with Cor, he was confused with Cor's own definition of the way 'friend' was used here. of course, Ira didn't need friends. he'd never had any in his life, and didn't plan to. He certainly wasn't a coward either. He just didn't understand Cor's system. He didn't see why there was a need to chase strangers fo the land. To him, no one ever owned land. The earth, the sky, belonged to all who breathed and stood upon the hard soil or in the shade at one point.

Ira kept his mouth shut, and glanced at his new companians. The coward, shivering and flinching in the corner for being told that he was wrong and should do something differently. The doe, who stood her ground firmly, with the creature looming over her threatningly. And the leader, who was doing just the same and looking pleased with himself. If these were to be his new comrades, he'd better get used to the fact.

Suddenly, a rottening apple picked it's way off the tree and fell onto Ira's head. The round, cloudy brown shapes were overwhelming, and he collapsed to the ground in pain. Why did that happen? Maybe it was the heat. Noises and sounds like that NEVER affected him that much. What was up with him?

[Kodiak]

Estelle flinched harshly at Cor's cold words. She then looked back over at Orsina, her fur bristling uncomfortably. She knew Orsina wasn't a monster, and they would soon know that too.
Orsina nodded in response, though her body was still tense she was trying to settle down. "If you allow me to join, I will follow you like any other acceptable member of a herd would, wolf or not. I will remain loyal to you and the herd, and do what is asked and expected of me." Orsina answered, her eyes and face dead serious.

Estelle then turned her head back to Cor to see what he would say. Estelle didn't really know what else to call him beforehand either than stag, and was little embarrassed for offending him. She stood there, not really knowing if she were to walk away or ask and probably piss him off more for thinking she was stupid. But, if she did not ask and just assumed, that might piss him off equally as much. Instead of asking if her and Orsina were in or not, she waited for his response to Orsina's answer.

[Songdog]

(sorry for all of the confusion)

"How quaint..." He commented, eye still twitching. This strange duo was headstrong serious about this nonsense; it took him by surprise. How was cor supposed to react to a deer in wolf's clothing, welcome them with open arms and forget the generations of hunter x hunted rivalry? Perhaps some foolish fawn might, but Cor was a clever, if not paranoid, fellow.

Others were already flocking to the scene with their own pressing matters, but he was still tied up with the wolf and the deer. "Alright then, sure, whatever. You're apart of the herd, but don't think for a minute that it means I believe your colorful story." He turned to the two stag newcomers, and with a smile presented them with their first task. "Let's see, Sora and Ira were your names, yes? You two can see that these two feel right at home. Go on now, I have some other deer to deal with. Frolic and do, whatever it is you generally spend your time doing. "

However, as he looked upon the small, angst-ridden stag, it appeared that he was having an acid trip. "Feeling ill...?" Cor commented, before directing his attention towards the pleasant doe whom he had kept waiting. "I am sorry for the inconvenience. Don't be shy now, come on forward."

(too many deer at once, brain overload)

[Swolfy]

"I'm..I'm fine," Ira stammered, grateful that Cor didn't get angry and let them into the pack. He decided that they could be of trust, and would follow Cor's will.

He walked off towards a small grove of trees and lay down while the others paced around the tree while Cor talked nervously. Though Ira felt quite content, he could tell that orsina and estelle couldn't by the way small red vibes were coming off their pelts like flies today. He wondered if this herd would get along together well.

[Kodiak]

((It's okay =) ))

Estelle nodded respectfully, while still a little embarrassed and shy. Orsina did the same, but instead she still had an irratated look about her. She clearly was not a fan of Cor at the moment, but would still obey him without any fight... just reluctantly. Orsina heaved a stressed sigh and padded out of the area to another part of the territory. Estelle followed her, but only to be given a warning glance from Orsina to tell her she wanted to be alone. Estelle, though shocked and hurt at Orsina's mood toward her, nodded back at her, and turned back around to where the others were. She lied down, tucking her legs underneath her and relaxing her muscles. She still felt awkward without Orsina however, and how her new leader did not trust either of them.

Orsina knifed her way through the forest, glaring ahead of her as she did. She wanted to be anywhere but where the others were. She was pissed and annoyed, and she now released it on her face and body language now that no one was around to see her. She could freely be pissed at the world without any else thinking she was ready to kill something and be skiddish around her.

Once she was far enough away from the others that she felt comfortable with, she was by the edge of a grassy cliff. The cliff was not that far apart from another cliff opposite of the one she stood on. It was only a small jump across. She lied down near the edge, a glare still on her face and her fur bristling. She rested her head on her paws, looking at the land opposite of her. She pondered what was on the other side, trying to distract herself from her anger.

[Songdog]

(was waiting on sSilver but, I'll post something)

The wind was soft, gently pulling on the silvery green leaves and causing a hush to form over the fields. It died slowly, and there was a deafening silence for as far as the eye could see. It was only disrupted by the fluttering of butterfly wings, or the sound of a hawk cutting through the air and diving suddenly to swoop up a field rat.

Despite the serenity, it seemed that still no one could hear him. They could not follow orders to save their lives; all the intelligence in the world was wasted on deer. They were simple minded, focused on themselves. They ate, they slept, and they breathed. Cor did not believe his orders very difficult to follow, yet none followed.

"Yes yes that is very good that you're not dying or anything, Ira." He said with a smile. "But, I did give you an order. And I'd be very happy if you could listen and follow that order. Take them, somewhere. Anywhere, just away from here. I'm preoccupied at the moment..."

It seemed not even the wolf, who just moments ago swore to behave and begged for entrance, couldn't listen either. Corvidaex was surrounded by incompetence. "You're friend wasn't paying attention..." He directed his comment at Stella. Irritated, he stamped his hoof and spoke in a falsely calm voice. "Ira, you take this doe somewhere and Sora...go find that thing she was with. Just don't let it eat you."

[sSilvers]

Still wondering if she should go or not, Rena got quite jumpy. She finally made her mind up: She would go. So slowly, she walked up to the scent, but suddenly stood still when a wolf-scent hit her nose. She sniffed loudly, and started running from it. Little mosquitos dashed away when she ran past, the leaves crackling under her hoofs. It wasn't time for this doe to make such big decisions. Wolves were a big fear for her. When she ran out of stamina, she decided to drop down her legs and rest for a while, looking at rabbits who playfully ran after each other, the wind bristling their fur. One rabbit was clearly hungry. Rena smiled and let a few berries grow on a bush nearby. The rabbit sniffed at them, and began eating.

The peace of this area contented Rena. She would stay here for a while to make up her mind.

(In other words, absence of minimal a week)

[Kodiak]

Estelle looked over at Cor, embarrassment flooding her face. She looked down in shame, not able to look Cor in the eyes. She didn't have the courage to stand up for Orsina, and Orsina knew it. Estelle stood, and quietly walked over to Ira, ears flat against her head and head down slightly. This was definetly not how she pictured being accepted into a herd at all. It was all hostility towards her and Orsina, and she knew it was because of Orsina that Cor disliked her as well. He thought she was liar. Orsina, get your ass back over here before you get us both into more trouble! Maybe if you spent less time being pissed you would have heard that you were supposed to stay and wait for Ira and Sora and we both would not look like deaf morons! Estelle thought angerily.

Orsina closed her eyes, letting a warm summer breeze sweep over her face. Rage still bubbled inside of her, making her twitch a little now and then. She snorted to herself, thinking about what her future would be like here. I bet it'll be hell. Orsina hissed in her mind.

[Swolfy]

Ira sighed and picked his way through the tree roots. Now Cor thought he was stupid and deaf, weak, and useless. He flicked his tail, motioning for Estelle to follow. He felt sorry for her, for having to deal with all the embarrasment, for Orsina, for even more, and himself, for obvious reasons.

Ira and Estelle walked for a while, until he felt he couldn't bear to see any more of the dark blue, fuzzy circles that made the noise of their hooves against grass. He sat down and turned to Estelle. "So...tell me about yourself."

[WildFire]

(I will start from a few minutes before Cor spoke to Ira and Sora, releasing them to do what they want.)

Sora stood by a short distance and watched intently what was going on. In his mindset, he though that Cor looked agitated and annoyed by how the wolf and deer were friends. Sora, himself, had thought all of this with a deer befriending a wolf was nonsense. He wondered if Corvidaex had merely been holding back more words than he truly meant. Sora had many questions, but fought himself and held back the urge to ask. Cor was clearly annoyed, and Sora figured it would be best for everyone if he just kept his mouth shut and minded his own business.

Sora's thoughts were suddenly pushed aside as Cor's words were suddenly directed at himself and Ira, dismissing them from the group. Sora obeyed the command, and without hesitation left them. He headed down to begin getting used to the herd's land. He was happy to find a new herd, and relieved that no others had looked at him in horror with his blind eye. His thoughts took over again, as he began to wonder if he had judged them too quickly. He hoped not.

[Kodiak]

Estelle followed Ira, head still down. She stopped once Ira did, and followed his lead at sitting down. She tucked her legs underneath herself again, but did not unpin her ears that were practically glued to the side of her head. She looked up slowly once Ira asked her about herself. Her shyness became clear on her face, still mixed with embarrassment from before. She was espiecally shy without Orsina by her side. She felt very vulnerable without her friend with her.
She began to speak in a very weak and soft voice. "Well, I have always been a loner. But I was never exactly the brave and rough loner most are. I kind of... ran away from everything. I met up with Orsina one time when I was grazing in a field and she was chasing a rabbit. We both weren't paying attention to each other, and she accidently ran into me while chasing the rabbit. I started to run away from her, then stupid me tripped over my own feet and the next thing I saw was grass and dirt in my face. She told me that she wasn't going to attack me, and explained how her diet does not consist of deer. I didn't believe her at first, but I wasn't about to run away and piss her off in case she really was a deer eater. So, I pretended to believe her and stuck around, but at the time was waiting for a chance to sneak off. But after a few hours of us walking and talking together... it was like I had found another part of me. Yeah I know sounds corny but it's true. So, since then we have been best friends." Estelle finally finished.

She then felt even more embarrassed for practically telling Ira her life story, which he probably didn't really care about. She decided to change the subject from her history to something else.
"Er, my power is invisibility, what's yours?" She asked, clearly showing she had felt awkward for telling him a novel about herself. Many others had said to her before that they could read her mood swings and awkwardness like a book... and she really regretted that attribute of herself at that moment.

[Swolfy]

Ira loved to hear her talk, just to see the mily pinkish-blue evaporating line that her voice made. Though he was listeneing to her, he was lost in the colors. It was amazing.

"That's interesting," he answered. "I couldn't tell whether to beleive you or go with Cor, but now I'm pretty sure that she is harmless in my mind. And you'd better not mention your magic around Cor. He get's angry about that stuff."

"I've been a loner for a year," He continued, talking about his own history now. "My father, jaden, and my brother have always abused me. My mother has always been away. One day, she never came back home."

"That's when I decided I couldn't live with them anymore. So I excaped my father's clutches and wandered around, until I found this here herd. i just had a feeling that it was the right place to be." Now he was going to tell her.

"My magic is that when I get angry, I can make cracks appear in the ground and some small trees shake. And that happens alot, I have AMP. But for some reason, when I'm around you, i don't feel angry. I don't know why, it's not that I like you or anything, I mean, I like you, but you know, not like-like and..." Great. What a moron he was. He messed up his chance to get to know her better. He blushed and turned away.

[Kodiak]

Estelle listened carefully as he spoke, and her mind felt strangely at ease more when he said that he found Orsina harmless now. At least that was one that was convinced, now it was just the rest of them that needed convincing. Her ears slowly unpinned themselves once she knew that she didn't have to be embarrassed about being friends with Orsina around him. She listened with interest about his history, feeling a little sadness for the male.

She found his power interesting, and did not find it discomforting at all that he had some anger management issues. She was used to that kind of thing from Orsina. But because of how Orsina never attacked her no matter how bad her anger got, it had made Estelle a little naive about others with anger management, subconsciously thinking that they wouldn't hurt her.

She couldn't help but grin and giggle a little as the stag fumbled over his words. It was amusing to watch.
"Calm yourself Ira, I get what you meant." She said, a few chuckles escaping her lips.