The Horse and the Hound (Kazira)

[Faerydae Moriarty]

Picking a place out for a camp ground, one would think it would be easy, but the reality of it, is that it isn’t. She could be very picky about where she felt what was safe for both her and her horse within the woods. After all, it had to be deep within the forest so that she would not run into any other humans, but not so deep in which dangerous critters might be lurking. The footing had to be soft and not covered in knobby roots, but still have large trees to offer a sure protection and cover. In other words, finding the perfect place to stay for a day or two came down to a lot of work and on top of that, it had to house both her and the needs of her companion, a horse. It was funny how her life had come down to this, when she had been little and in her family’s court, this would have never occurred to her, living in the wild like an animal.

Although, the young maiden supposed that it probably could have been the best outcome that happened in her life. Exile was never fun, people always stared and tried to take advantage of her, or even hurt her because of the ‘reputation’ that she supposedly had spread by lies, no doubt by the people who had watched her lover and child burn up in flames. Although, now was not the time to dwell on the past, it was never time to dwell on the past for Faerydae Moriarty. That life was gone and all but forgotten and she avoided ghosts of the past easily nowadays and discovered that she took her pleasure in picking companions that did not talk like humans did. Her eyes glanced over towards the large white horse that stood under the protection of a large tree, inspecting it for them. That horse was her savior, and if anything, had saved her broken life and heart.

For her, socializing was only with the horse now, and with pheasants in taverns to do trading with. She did not need to socialize with other people, not while she had her horse. It’s not to say that she lost all her faith in men, because that would be a little extreme, but Faerydae found herself bitter around them and categorized them all the same as if they had been part of Balor, even though that was not the case. Trusting in somebody other than an animal was just hard nowadays, “What do you think?” she called out to the white horse now. He turned his head and glanced back at her with amber eyes and finally just dipped his head in a nod, arching his powerful neck. A smile appeared on the maiden’s lips now, after looking, it seemed that they had finally found the spot, and thank goodness, because she was getting awfully tired of carrying around the three dead rabbits that she had.

Moving forward now, she jumped over tree roots to get to her horse now and saw why he had chosen it. It was well out of site from civilization, but also because of the circular tree protection with the flat ground. Their roots must have grown deep underground rather than in waves like most of the other trees. Sliding her pack off her shoulder now, she allowed it to hit the ground before she settled the rabbits down next to it and quickly collected twigs and fallen branches for fire for later that night, but she never did leave the camp ground now, only moving a few feet outwards before retracting back in. After what seemed like forever, Faerydae was certain that she had enough for the day and night. Quickly, taking a piece of flint and a rock, she quickly set up a bundle of wood before setting it alite with fire and watched the smoke begin to rise.

As soon as that was done, she grabbed one of the rabbits and herself up at the base of the tree as she pulled out her dagger now. Her ice blue eyes stared at the dead animal for a moment before turning it to its back and she slid the cool steel down its stomach. The blade made cuts down the stomach, but also across the chest and the lower legs before she started to peel away at the fur. Ripping the fur and skin from the body always made an odd sound, almost like cloth tearing to her ears. A few feet away stood the white horse now; Silver, as he had been affectingly dubbed by Faerydae. His amber eyes watched the young maiden for a moment before he turned his head away, the scent of the dead rabbit being ripped of its fur hitting his nostrils. Silver’s ears twitched at the silence in the woods and he stared out, as if waiting for something to happen.

Setting: I honestly don't know XD
Time: Late afternoon
Tags: Kazira
Notes: It's not the best, I'm sorry! The television had been distracting me. I will make it up in my reply XD after all, I'm sure maddness will ensue soon.

[†Kazira Astras†]

Kazira lounged against a tree taking in the silence of the area she had chosen to make camp. She wasn’t too picky when it came to picking camps. They were usually far enough from a road that they wouldn’t be seen by passer-bys and close enough to a water source should they need something to drink. She was prepared with a flask of water but with Moros and the occasional person she helped she didn’t want to be without a water source.

Moros looked up from his spot on the ground. His stomach was growling. “Kazira.” He called out to her sounding more like an angry growl. She cracked an eye open and looked at her friend. She knew that tone. The glutton was hungry again. “Moros you at the last of the dried meat earlier. I haven’t went hunting yet. You shouldn’t even be hungry again.”
Moros rolled his eyes at her. Yes he was hungry but that wasn’t why he was getting her attention. “That’s not it! I’m bored.”

Kazira sat up and gave him a blank look. “Moros are you kidding me? You decided to get me up because you were bored?” At his nod she sighed. “I’m not moving we just settled here.” She paused and looked around. “If you’re so bored. Go hunting or scout the area. But if you find something come and get me don’t do anything stupid.” She warned him her tone firm. She didn’t forget the last time he went off. He had a wild boar chasing him because he was sniffing around her piglets. “I’m still sporting bruises from the last time you didn’t do as you were asked.”

Moros nodded his head. “I know, I know. I swear I will come and find you as soon as I find something.” He rose to his feet and stretched popping his beck in the process and loped off into the forest. Kazira sighed and shook her head. “I have a bad feeling that he is going to get into a bigger mess than last time.” She laid back down and rubbed her eyes. All she could do now was wait.

Moros sunk low as he spotted a rabbit a few yards away and leaped only to have it dart away. He sighed. He was still bored. There was nothing amiss in the area…There never was. Wait a minute. He scented blood. Coming from the east? That was the one area he hadn’t checked. Now his intrest was perked. So he followed his nose towards the scent of blood. He traveled to the edge of a camp it seemed. He stayed low. His golden eyes blinked. The woman was strange…and that was something since he traveled with Kazira. His golden gaze traveled over the camp and saw a large white horse. ‘Odd. For a human and a horse to be of the same color.’ Moros thought. The scent of rabbit was clearer now and was making him mouth water. His stomach was making a soft rumbling noise. Kazira usually hunted bigger game. A deer or a Buck was usually their meal she would dry the meat out and it would last them a while but he had been hungry and ate the last of it. Moros made up his mind and forgot Kazira’s orders to return should he find something. His hunger had taken control.

He shrunk low to the ground and stayed hidden amongst the foliage. His dark coloring shrouding him in shadows. He crept close keeping a watchful eye on the horse before darting forward and stealing one of the rabbits. Despite his size he was fast. He stopped at the edge and growled a warning at the two and took off back towards camp…Not realizing that if they followed he was taking them right to his friend. Oh she was not going to be very happy.

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[Sorry that this took so long^^;]

[Faerydae Moriarty]

Her hands slowly pulled at the fur and allowed it to glide off the body for now, the smell of dead rabbit filling up the air. But it did not bother her, not any more. She was used to the smells of the dead animals; the only problem was that it sometimes blocked Silver from sensing other things. For a moment, the young maiden stopped what she was doing and her ice blue eyes glanced up from the dead rabbit. Something did not seem right to her and her gaze moved over towards the trees around her, ensnaring her within their cage like a prisoner. Soon, her gaze moved from the trees though towards Silver, who was standing patiently and on guard, although, nothing seemed to be fazing him at the moment. If something was out there, the white horse would sense it…wouldn’t he? Faerydae studied the horse for a moment, how he stood still and continued to gaze around, his ears twitching ever so slightly but not enough to appear alert over something, “It’s just your imagination,” she murmured to herself now as she freed the last of the rabbit fur.

The white horse stood still, as always, looking almost as if he were as statue and not alive. His amber gaze rested on his companion for a moment that had stopped in her skinning process. It made him curious in a way, and his ears twitched slightly as Faerydae glanced around. Of course, it could not be that he had over looked something. Turning his head now, Silver looked through the trees now, a faint scent rising up within their part of the wood, but it was hard to make out. A snort escaped him and he shook his great head, but the scent did not change. It was masked too easily by the woods as well as the dead rabbits that sat there staring at the heavens with their dead eyes. His ears perked a little now, and the white horse raised his head up a little higher, straining himself as a human would do to hear better now as there was the faintest of sounds of something gliding over the wood’s grounds. It was not loud enough to be horse and rider though, perhaps just a deer? Although, no deer would come towards the scent of blood and it had been then when a whinny escaped Silver, catching sight of something.

She had just finished with the rabbit when her companion let loose a shrill whinny. Out of the corner of her eyes, she saw something large come bounding towards her. Within a flash, Faerydae was up on her feet, brandishing the dagger as she turned to face whatever it was even though fear crept into her very being. Ice blue eyes came face to face with nothing but the golden eyes of a dog though, and a rather fast dog it was at that. It stopped short of her now and she watched as its jaws clamped down on one of the dead rabbits before quickly spinning on its haunches and headed towards the edge now. For the young maiden, it was almost shocking to see an animal that looked so lumbering prove to be as quick as lighting. As the dog stood on the edge now of their small little camp, Faerydae thought it looked like one of the dogs she would have seen in a royal court, but it was certainly not a purebred. But it was black as night with a faint splash of white that settled like an apron over his chest. It had been a noble looking dog in its own way until it let out defying growl and took off yet again.

Ice blue eyes moved over towards the white horse now. If he had been human, the look on his face probably would have been of shock or outrage by what had just happened. His ears were flattened against his skull as the dog ran by him and he pranced slightly and took a slight kick at the animal. Silver was not pleased by what had happen, no more in the actions of the dog but also the fact that it had so easily slipped by him and Silver had reacted too slowly. Thankfully, it had only grabbed the rabbit instead of Faerydae, but the stallion would not settle for it. Seeing this, she quickly rose to her feet now and ran towards his side before coming to a stop, “Are you going to go after him?” Although, it was a silly question to ask. One because the horse did not talk, and two, he had a look of utter rage in his amber eyes that she did not wish to trifle with. An ugly snort escaped Silver as he pawed the ground and without a second though, leaped into the woods now after the dog and leaving behind his companion. A frown rested on her lips as she glanced back at her camp for a moment before she ran into the wood after him.

Brambles pulled at Silver as he ran hard through the woods, and branches clawed at him like little hands trying to keep him from going any further. The woods seemed to almost groan in his rampage and broke down anything that stood in his path. Catching sight of the dog now, the white horse lengthened his strides considerable and he quickly gained his speed, weaving out and around any trees that stood in his way. As the dog broke into a tiny camp much like Faerydae and his own, Silver slowed down for a half a second, thinking for a moment before he barreled right into it and straight into the path of a human who seemed to be lounging about. Silver managed to pop himself right over her legs and took a defying lunge towards the dog now, his hooves missing it by a foot as the white horse lowered his head now to take a nip. Father behind, but not entirely loss, the young maiden managed to finally catch up and pause on the edge of the encampment now, hugging a tree as she lingered by it and watched the scene before it. Ice blue eyes narrowed as she caught spot of another girl now and while she looked like a warrior with her wild mane of hair and interesting leather outfit, Faerydae still called out sourly, “Your dog took my rabbit.”

Notes: haha, it's okay =] No worries at all & I love your post heading! It's absolutely beautiful, did you make it yourself?

[†Kazira Astras†]

Moros darted through the foliage his nostrils flaring as he leaped over logs and larger areas to cover more ground. That was a bad idea. Probably the worst idea he has ever had and Kazira was never going to let him live this down. But he had been so hungry he just hadn’t thought about the conciquences of stealing from the horse woman. Now here he was running towards camp with a rabbit in his mouth and an angry horse and master after him. Yeah this was one not his best laid out plans.

He faltered slightly and winced. He felt bad for the girl. Moros hadn’t meant to scare her. In all actuality he was hoping she wouldn’t notice him but the horse had and let loose that annoying whinny that almost made his ears bleed. He didn’t dare look back towards them as he weaved around some more of the trees. That would have caused him to trip and having a horse jump on him was not on the list of things he had to do that day. Neither was dieing! But the absolute terror that was etched onto her face made his heart clench. He’d never cause that sort of reaction before not even when he snuck up on some of the kids back in Camelot. He’d hoped that his growl had warded the two of them off but obviously that was not the case. Since he could still here the two of the following them.

“Kazira!” He howled as he barreled into camp running past her before turning and growling at the white horse. He tossed the rabbit under him. Moros barked and growled threateningly at the horse. He was not happy that he was standing over his friend at all. "Help!"

Kazira had woken up from her doze when Moros had broken through camp. She went to sit up only to see an infuriated horse standing over her nipping at Moros and Moros growling unflattering things. Her icy eyes narrowed as she heard what the two were saying before she heard a cold feminine voice, “Your dog took my rabbit.” She looked over and saw a woman with long platinum hair and ice blue eyes similar to her own hiding behind a tree. From what she could see Kazira assumed that she was wearing furs. “No I hadn’t realized that from the oh to nice conversation the two of them are having at the moment.” She stated sarcastically as she pulled her leg up and stood up brushing dirt from her clothing.

Not minding the woman for a moment she walked right in between the two angry animals. “Now you two quit that right now; I will not have fighting within my camp.” She hissed. She looked at the two amber eyed animals. They didn’t seem to have heard a word she’d said. Growling loudly and animalistic she swatted both animals on the shoulder, “I said enough!”

She reached under Moros and grabbed the rabbit. “What did I tell you before you left?”
Moros shrunk back slightly. “To come back if I found anything.”
She crossed her arms,”…and what else?”
“To not do anything stupid?”
“Exactly?! And what do you do?! The exact opposite of what you are told! I tell you to do one thing not do something stupid! And you do steal from another camp!? I was going hunting soon! For a buck!” Kazira continued to rant pretty much forgetting about the guests that were not spectaturs to the scolding of Moros. Much to his humiliation. One of them could understand what he was saying.

Kazira could not believe that he had done this. The day had started off like any other day. They set off from a job, ate, traded, and traveled some more. Not once had there been any trouble. Sure she had run out of dried meet but that was to be expected the last deer had been small. Sure she was expecting Moros to be hungry and bored they were supposed to be meeting a contact in the area. Something about killing some merchant for cheating them out of something. She had frequent meetings to see if the jobs were really worth taking. Kazira had been expecting many things but for Moros to actually get into this much trouble was not it!

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Haha thank you very much! Yes I did. It’s pretty simple but I like it 

[Faerydae Moriarty]

Even though he was a few feet behind, Silver could still hear the dog howling to somebody at his camp, calling her name: Kazira. Why, that was quite an interesting name, but for the moment, the white horse had no patience to try and figure out where such a region that would hold the name ‘Kazira’. As he thundered into the camp grounds now, the black dog finally turned around to meet him now with ferocious growls and barks as he tossed the rabbit under his feet. The white horse arched his neck in a kingly way, but his ears still laid flat against his skull as he trotted right up and stopped, with only a few feet keeping them from at each other’s throats, “Cowardly dog, is all the game too fast for you to catch? Is that why you chose to steal a girl’s dead rabbit because the work was already done for you?” Silver did the tiniest of half rears, letting his front legs leave the ground before they came back down with a thundering sound and the world almost seemed but to quiver under his weight as he stared with annoyance at the dog.

It would probably be hard for somebody to think with all of the racket going on, from horse whinnies to the dog’s growls and barks. If people had thought the woods tranquil and silent, they certainly would not be thinking that now. The fair haired woman did not dare leave the tree now as the girl awoke from her slumber and stood up now, staring at the ongoing argument between the horse and the dog, before glancing over towards Faerydae’s way at the mentioning of the rabbit, “No, I hadn’t realized that from the oh so nice conversation the two of them are having at the moment.” Those were odd words to hear coming from the other woman’s mouth now and already, she felt her eyebrows arch. Conversation? Animals didn’t talk like humans at all, but she supposed one could call all of that racket a conversation perhaps, but there was no way that girl could have any idea as to what they had been saying to each other, well, not entirely. She watched now as the girl got up and brushed the dirt off her before walking in between the animals and already, her ice blue eyes went wide.
That girl was either very brave, or very stupid.

Amber eyes glanced over towards this odd girl standing in between him and the dog now. There was something about her, as if there were magic that plused through her veins and he could sense it, but he paid her no heed as she spoke to them now. He took another step forward and dared to side step around her as his head came down to nip at the dog again, “I said enough!” Her voice broke through their fight, and she let loose quite the sound, as if she were an animal herself. Out of the corner of his eyes now, the white stallion caught sight of her making for his shoulder now. Before the palm of the girl’s hand could even tough him, he quickly yielded away from her, taking a great leap and through an buck in her direction even though he was hardly near her now. An ugly face passed over Silver as he glowered at the girl, “Don’t lay a hand on me, human,” he snapped, annoyed that she thought that she could when only Faerydae was who he allowed to handle him.

Speaking of Silver’s human now, she took the tinniest of steps now out from the safety of the tree as she watched the girl take a swat at the white stallion who retaliated back in show. But she had also swatted the dog, so it was uncertain of what side she stood on at the moment. Although, that was not the thing that pulled her out from her hiding spot a little more. After all, Silver could take care of himself against this girl, or so Faerydae though, but now she was uncertain for the girl was having a conversation with her dog. She yelled at him, but he responded back with his backs, and she seemed to be responding back as if she were lecturing him and he was trying to get out of such a thing, “Exactly?! And what do you do?! The exact opposite of what you are told! I tell you to do one thing not do something stupid! And you do steal from another camp!? I was going hunting soon! For a buck!” Her ice blue eyes grew wide when Faerydae came to a startling conclusion that this wild looking girl could talk with beasts. But that simply was not possible, animals could not talk to humans…unless, there was magic evolved. Oh, what a mess she might have gotten herself into, they should have just allowed the dog to keep the rabbit.

During this whole belittling of the dog though, it seemed that the girl had forgotten that both Faerydae and her steed were there. Her ice blue eyes glanced around the camp area for a moment, taking in what she could see. The pair was obviousally nomadic, but at the same time, seemed far more equipped to handle the wilderness much more than the fair haired maiden ever was. Why were they this far out in the woods of Albion anyways? Were they hunters or rangers? Or something else that should instill fear into her heart at the very moment. Unlike his companion though, Silver was not afraid, and he was taking in the verbal beating very well as the dog appeared to be hanging his pride low towards the girl. A gleeful whinny that sounded much like laughter escaped the white stallion now, “My my, what an interesting relationship you two have,” he commented lightly before glancing back towards his own companion, who looked uncertain of whether she should try and claim her rabbit or flee back into the woods.

A gentle whicker escaped the white stallion as he nodded his head slightly; trying to show Faerydae that everything was alright. Her ice blue eyes rested on her companion for a moment before her gaze moved back towards the wild girl, “Who…Who are you?” she called out, uncertain of whether she would actually get an answer or not. Either way, this girl seemed very different from all of the other people Faerydae had encountered before, and if she was right, she was also the first magic user that she had even encountered as well.

Notes: Simplicity is sometimes the most prettiest things =] Did you make it on photoshop?

[†Kazira Astras†]

Ha! If i was so slow you would have been able to catch me you lame brained oaf! Moros wasnt about to explain himself to that lumbering white tower! Not if Kazira were the one to be yelling at him to do so. He still had his pride and it wasnt something he did. He didnt particularly like horses. There were a few that were not to bad but those were few and far between. and usually Kazira was the one to talk to them and on the travels they would be alright. He stood over the rabbit his hackles still raised and what reason do you have to be annoyed? you are but a grazer. One rabbit isnt going to make much of a difference and the others would have lasted the girl a while." Moros wasn't thinking that the girl might not be a true hunter like him or how he taught his human. Most wouldnt think to dry their meat.

If Kazira had been irritated before she was possitively livid now. The horses tone had set off her temper. She didnt much care if he had moved away she would have done the same. Plus she had been around animals long enough to pick up and understand bonds. Moros wouldnt really let anyone but her touch him unless he deemed them worthy and unless it was a dire emergenecy. But for a horse to have that annoyed tone with her her after bargining in on her camp. No matter what her friend had done that didnt mean anything. he had no right! That was disrepectful! Her icy eyes flashed a hot glacier white with her lividity. Dont you dare take that tone with me Horse she warned her tone cool and laced with warning. This is my camp and I make the rules here. Your breed should know that much. She had calmed slightly after her warning enough for her eyes to change back but her authoritative tone didnt die. She made the rules within her camp and whe wasnt about to let a horse talk to her in that manner. Whether he meant to be rude or not; she didnt care.

Moros had cowed down at her anger. He wasnt frightened per say it was just the fact that her powers were rather unpredictable when she was angry and usually something would burst into flames or there would be a horrible flood. But much to his relief she didnt seem to be angry enough for that to happen. He had felt the prickle of her powers and he wasnt sure how anything was going to go. Hell they all could have been fried beings when she had finished talking and she wouldnt remember a thing! He held back a snicker though. That would have been a sight to see. Two animals fighting and then everything just bursts into flames! How would they explain that to the girl. Hell how are they going to explain Kazira talking animals?

Kazira tapped her foot in irritation still holding the rabbit. She could feel a headache coming on and honestly this was not how she wanted to spend her afternood. She just wanted to rest, then go hunting, dry out the meat and then sleep. Was that too much to ask? She looked at the guilty Moros and sighed. Apparently so. Others always had other plans that just didnt seem to work with hers. Are you going to give me anytype of explanation for this? she asked holding up the rabbit. Though she could guess what had happened she wanted to hear him say it and she would give the apology. She waited a few seconds before sighing and rubbing between his ears. What am I going to do with you?"

“My my, what an interesting relationship you two have,”

Moros slid his own liquid amber eyes towards the horse and glareed. It was getting a proverbial kick out of his humiliation! But at least Kazira wasnt to mad at him for it anymore. He knew that he was still going to get an ear full later but at least she wasnt going to draw this out anymore...at least he hoped not! He sighed. she probably didnt even know that she was humilating him either. She just goes off and forgets everyone else is there. He let his eyes drift around only to catch sight of the woman again. He sat up straighter and tilted his head. She seemed offly skittish for someone who was chasing him down for a rabbit not to long ago.

Kazira sighed they she would continue this later. She had humilatied him enough. It was better to do it now then later. But she would still go after him for what he did. He knew that she was going to go hunting. "Yes we do have an odd sort of pack dont we." She stated answering the horse as she relaxed her stance somewhat. She took a good look at the steed before her and she had to say that for what little she knew about horses she was impressed. She had to guess he was around 16-17 hand tall and he had a beautilful coat. He looked extemely helathy from where she stood but again she was not horse expert and she never tried to be. She honestly felt bad for calling him 'horse.' She preferred to call animals by their names.

Hearing the hesitant question she turned and looked towards the woman. She seemed every bit as nervous as a newborn pup. Or colt in this instance. Kazira relaxed trying to ease the woman's anxiety. "My name is Kazira. Kazira Astras." Moros moved over and sat next to Kazira and she placed her hand on his head, "and the unfortunate thief here is Moros." He dipped his head in greeting. "And who mighty you two be? Other than the victims of this gluttonous animal? Kazira shifted her weight and leaned on her right leg waiting curiously for the womans reply.

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(Sorry I took so long!-- Yeah I did make it on photoshop I havent edited her eyes on this one like i did on some of my others but oh well haha. )

[Faerydae Moriarty]

There had been silence in the air, and for a moment, the white horse almost thought he had stumped the dog into silence, but not for long it seemed, “Ha! If I was so slow you would have been able to catch me you lame brained oaf!” he called out now. Silver’s ears flattened considerably now against his skull as he made an ugly face and struck at the ground with a powerful hoof. How dare that dog think he could get away with saying something like that? He had always hated dogs; they always charmed themselves to be man’s best friend and thought that they were the most lovable and cleverest things in the world when they really weren’t, “I was saving my energy, why should I waste time keeping up with you when you’ll stop eventually,” and of course, he did. Silver didn’t bother mentioning how he had called out his owner’s name the whole entire time either, not a clever thing to do at all. The dog growled yet again, his hackles raised in defiance, “and what reason do you have to be annoyed? You are but a grazer. One rabbit isn’t going to make much of a difference and the others would have lasted the girl a while."

Silver replied with a simple snort as he gestured his head over towards his own human now for a moment, but his amber eyes never left the other animal, “You mean to say that when you look at that girl, you think hunter?” If that was the case, this dog really was clueless. Faerydae was anything but that, she had a hard enough time catching rabbits, let alone getting a stag or a doe, so for her, rabbits did go a long way. Although, before he could even lash out at the dog again, another human came into the picture and Silver was quick to yield away from her and let out some ugly words in her direction. While he might have not have been paying full attention to her, Silver’s amber eyes still caught sight of the young woman’s ice blue eyes flash a hot white now which nearly stole his full attention now. Whatever she was, it certainly was not human, ”Don’t you dare take that tone with me, Horse,” she snapped at him now, putting emphasis on the animal term, “This is my camp and I make the rules here. Your breed should know that much.”

Her words were heavy with threat and a cool tone, but it would take more than that to truly put the stallion into his place, “You know nothing of my breed, magic user,” he snapped back at her, “And do not tell me of rules, for it was your dog that brought this down upon your camp.” Never in a million years would have he come here on his own accord, Silver knew better than to go into areas were unfamiliar smells heavily scented the air, for it could be a danger not only for him, but also for his human. However though, he was not going to continue to stand around and deal with this girl and her loud mouthed dog, especially now when he sensed that his own human was close by now, probably watching the whole scene in confusion and maybe fear. Magic was often a sticky situation for her, and Silver could hardly blame her. While magic is suppose to be something used for it, all what the users ever seemed to be using it for now was evil, but perhaps this girl here might be different. After all, if she had been like the others in Albion, they probably would have been dead now.

Faerydae herself still watched from afar at the strange site as she hung close by the tree as if it were a towering protector. Her concern shot up when the wild looking girl shot an ugly glare at Silver now, and while she had been too far away to hear the exact words, it was easy to tell that they were not kind words. As if he was replying to her words though, the white stallion shot back an ugly whinny as if they were conversing. For all the young maiden knew though, that could very well be the case though, but she thought against it. After all, humans could not talk with animals, sure, they could have an understanding of one another like what she did with her horse, or clearly how this girl did with her dog, but to have a whole conversation as if they were completely human, well, that was impossible…wasn’t it? Of course, now the former queen could not be so sure of everything now. Her ice blue eyes watched as her horse finally moved away from them now, but a gleeful whinny still seemed to escape him, laughing at the dog as it took its verbal beating as it glowered dangerously at the white stallion now, who merely tossed his head pridefully. The action alone caused her to roll her eyes slightly, Silver was being quite the embarrassment at the moment and that was all what she needed.

“Yes, we do have an odd sort of pack, don’t we?” the wild girl started now and Silver glanced back for a moment, “And a very small one as well,” he replied before walking over towards his human now and rubbed his large head up against her side. As she felt the stallion against her now, her small hands merely pushed her horse a way gently, her attention remaining on the others at the moment. It did not take long though before the girl’s attention turned to her now at her meek question. Ice blue eyes remained on her, studying her for a moment. She was certainly beautiful and of course, taller than Faerydae herself, a girl of the wild, untamed by anybody it would seem. Although, the young maiden could not help but to wonder what made this girl wish to chose a life out in the woods with a dog, although, it certainly would not be a question she would dare to ask out loud. While this girl still almost seemed to be tense by all of the events that had just happened to her, the wild looking girl seemed to relax now, although, whether that was actually the case or trying to make the other feel more at ease, it was hard to tell.

Ice blue eyes continued to stare at the other for a moment, they almost seemed to have the same color eyes, but there was something different about hers that Faerydae could not place her finger on at the moment. Of course though, it only made her wary and she was uncertain about leaving the side of the tree yet, even though it did not harbor any real way of protection. Oh, what a sight she must be for the girl and her dog now, probably nothing more than a intimidated girl, nervous as a flighty animal that might had stumbled across a predator, “My name is Kariza. Kazira Astras,” she stated now. Kazira…it was an interesting name, but nothing that she had heard before prior to their meetings, not even during her rule in Balor. Of course though, hardly anybody seemed to travel to her old kingdom. Her gaze wandered towards the large, black dog now who came to sit down beside its companion now, loyal as ever as a hand was placed upon its head, “And this unfortunate thief here is Moros,” she said now as the dog dipped it’s head in a greeting, “And who might you two be? Other than the victims of this gluttonous animal?”

The pair seemed curious to see if they would reply or not. Faerydae’s own eyes glanced towards the white stallion that stood beside her. Ice blue eyes met with amber eyes as the horse dipped his head slightly and let out a gentle whicker. The young maiden continued to stare at Silver for a moment before her gaze moved back towards Kazira and Moros now. After a moment of hesitancy though, she finally spoke, “I am Faerydae Moritary, but you may call me Dae,” she nodded towards the white stallion now, “And I call him Silver, but I do not know his true name.” A gleeful whinny escaped the horse now in greeting, his ears twitching at his adoptive name as he nudged her again, which she complied this time and allowed her hand to graze over his muzzle, “You do not fear the woods?”

Notes: It's okay! We all have lives off line, now down we? Ah, envious. I wish I had photoshop skills...or photoshop at all. Well, regardless of whether you edited her eyes or not, it still looks beautiful! I like your one of Kazira and Lancelot also. Oh yeah, I creep that much on other boards XD

[†Kazira Astras†]

Moros narrowed his eyes even more. Saving energy? Ha. Probably for his human. He probably should have backed down he thought as reason began to come back to him. But he was just as stubborn as any other. And to say the least he was proud. He could put a feline to shame as much as he loathed admitting it. He held back a laugh at the horses face though…it was rather humorous to see one so riled up to make such a…unrefined face. They made themselves out as perfectly calm beings. Seeing ones face twisted in such a fashion was rather funny. He snorted at the dust the flew up from the dust the came up from the horses hoof. That was rather un-needed. You don’t see him throwing up dirt because he’s angry now do you?

“I mean to say that when I see human I think hunter.
” Moros grunted, “Doesn’t matter if they’re good at it or not. When they have companions that are able to help; no matter if they’re grazer or not they’ll still be able to get the food they need.”
Moros snorted to get out some of the dirt that managed to get into his nose. “Besides I think I did you a favor.” And he left it at that not saying anymore as Kazira stepped in giving both of them glares. Moros blinked but he wasn’t shocked that the horse knew that she was a magic user. Especially since she was able to understand them. Not many witches or wizards could talk to “normal” or magical animals unless they were naturally able to speak like the powerful dragons.

Kazira wasn’t phased in the least by the horses comeback. “You’re right,”
She stated naturally before lowering her tone. “I know what he has done and he knows what he has to do to make up for it. But you know what I am and had I wanted you dead you would have been the second you stepped into my camp. I don’t like hurting innocents but I don’t take well to threats or rudeness not matter what the cause is.”
Kazira honestly felt like the bad guy for threatening the horse and she knew she was not the victim but it was now in her camp. And she was not going to have a brawl take place in it. She pinched the bridge of her nose and sighed. Why did everything have to happen all because they ran out of dried meat?

Kazira smiled at the stated and chuckled softly. Yes their pack was small. “Yes it is but only now. When we meet new people that we trust and care for they become part of it without knowing.”
She watched him rub his head agaist the girl and for her to push him away and she only shook her head. “They are the family I always wanted.”
She finished rubbing Moro’s head when he came up and sat next to her. It felt like ages after she had introduced herself to the timid girl. Kazira tilted her head and wondered what had happened to make her this way so untrusting but she could only speculate. She want going to ask the girl was to timid for that. Moros looked up at his friend and sighed. She still didn’t know that the colors in her eyes would move subtly. It was rather pretty. Like an illusion but to other like ‘mouse girl’ as he has taken to calling her. It might intimidate them, or frighten them. You’d only see it if you were close to her like he was but it was there. Kazira felt bad for the girl. She really did and it wasn’t pity but she didn’t know how to make the situation anymore relaxing.


“I am Faerydae Moritary, but you may call me Dae,” she nodded towards the white stallion now, “And I call him Silver, but I do not know his true name.”


“Faerydae, that’s a very beautiful name.’
Kazira stated with an honest smile. It truly was and it wasn’t as odd as some of the names that she had come upon on some of her travels. It was relatively normal. Half the names she couldn’t even pronounce so she made up nicknames for them. “Silver is a strong name and it does suit him.”
She stated throwing a playful wink the horses way cause Moros to roll his eyes. But her brow furrowed at the following question, fear the woods? Why…?

Kazira shook her head. “No I have nothing to fear from the woods. Woods like these have been my home since I’ve been old enough to crawl,”
She started. “That doesn’t mean that I’m not cautious, though, there are things that can hurt me. I am only human.”
She giggled at the last bit. Some though would say otherwise because of what she could do. Just because she was a witch and just because she had some natural magic. They would say that she was a monster…at least those who sided with Uther did and if they ever found out what she was. She looked straight to the other woman; “Do you fear the woods Dae?”

[Faerydae Moriarty]

[center[/center]

Silver’s ears flatten as the dog’s eyes narrowed. They did not trust each other, nor did either of them really take a liking to each other. It was built within their instincts though; dogs were a predator as much as a horse was a danger to them. Each of them waited for the other to make a move of attack, but it never happened. However, their words flew as if they were human daggers, tough and ridged with insult and defense. The white stallion continued to kick and paw up dirt, both in impatience and annoyance as well as a way to get back at the dog without even having to do anything. Everything was a mind game almost, and they had yet to have their human companions dictate otherwise to them. A snort escaped the dog now from the dirt before he finally answered, “I mean to say, when I see human, I think hunter,” he grunted now in objection, “Doesn’t matter if they’re good at it or not. When they have companions that are able to help; no matter if they’re grazer or not they’ll still be able to get the food they need.”

A snort escaped Silver, “Are you saying this is my fault?” the horse asked now, a challenging edge in his voice as his amber eyes glared at the dog, his ears pinned back. The dog snorted again, trying to get rid of the dust that had invaded his nasal cavities, “Besides, I think I did you a favor.” That last statement infuriated the white stallion to know end. A squeal escaped him, and he was light on his feet and took a step forward, ready to take a bite at the beast, but he caught movement out of the corner of his eye and backed off just slightly. The wild looking girl were giving the two of them glares, but Silver hardly thought he was deserving of such a look when it was her own companion who had started the mess. When she spoke some words, Silver would hear nothing of it. He was a stubborn horse, and of his breed, they did not take well to humans talking down upon them, magic user or not. There were only selected humans, and this girl, certainly was not one of them. He shot back an ugly statement and jumped away from her, putting distance between the two of them as he kept his ears pinned and watched her.

Even with his display of antics, they hardly seemed to phase the witch girl who continued to stare at him now,“You’re right,” she stated, although Silver was quite certain that more was coming. Her voice lowered, it was almost a dangerous growl “I know what he has done, and he knows what he has to do to make up for it. But you know what I am and had I wanted you dead, you would have been the second you stepped into my camp. I don’t like hurting innocents but I don’t take well to your threats or rudeness, no matter what the cause is.” He rolled his eyes at her threats, and magic users always wonder why people fear them. Either way, Silver did not say anything back, he merely kicked up some dirt and with a flick of his flowing tail, moved back over towards Faerydae now, giving the witch girl and her dog some space. Standing besides the fair haired woman, he rubbed his head up against her now as the witch girl smiled and laughed lightly at the small pack statement, “Yes it is, but only now. When we meet new people that we trust and care for, they become part of it without knowing.”

Ice blue eyes merely questioned, she did not entirely understand. How could they trust people? Surely not blindly, it was an odd concept to the young woman, something that had died long ago in her personality. Trust was too hard; people always hurt you in the end. It was better to trust nobody and be on your own rather than to put your fate in somebody else, at least another human. She had learned that lesson long ago and forever carried the burden heavy in her heart. As Silver rubbed his head up against her, the force almost enough to knock her over, she pushed his head away lightly. Rubbing was a bad habit to have in any horse, whether it was wild or tame, “They are the family I’ve always wanted,” concluded Kariza now. Did that mean that she did not have a family? It made Faerydae question her history almost, for after all, every story had a history behind it, and every being, whether human or animal, had a story. Although, she knew better than to ask, for if it had been her, the young woman knew that she would never offer up her history to anybody, too ashamed to admit it.

Kariza was so different from her, and she could easily see it. The girl who stood before her was completely different from the exiled Queen. She practically radiated confidence, independence, and even power. It was unknown to her for how long she had been wandering through the woods of Albion, or even what she did with her life, but it was clear to Faerydae as bright and day that she was independent (aside from her traveling companion) and anybody would be a fool to mess with her or to cross her path. They were so different from each other, and as she thought about this girl, Kazira, it made her wonder what the other saw in her. No doubt a timid girl, meek and full of fear, which was true. There were times where the young woman felt as if she were a paranoid doe, standing out in a field waiting to hear the snap of a bow. She relied on Silver so much as a defense, it was almost depressing. She ran rather than fight and being constantly on edge took its toll. Her mind might had continued on this thought process if it were not for Kazira’s words.

“Faerydae, that’s a very beautiful name,” she commented lightly now. Beautiful…she would almost argue, but she did not say a word, her gaze merely dropped to the forest floor now as she held Silver close by her, “As is yours. I’ve never heard anything like it before,” Faerydae replied now. Although, everything became animated quickly, “Silver is a strong name, and it does suit him.” It wasn’t so much as an opinion, so much as a statement. Ice blue eyes flickered up just in time as Kazira shot a playful wink towards the white stallion. A gleeful whinny escaped Silver, both in agreement with her words as well as laughter at the dog rolling his eyes. It was the first one since they had met this pair. Nodding his head, his wild mane flew into his amber eyes, but his ears remained perked forward now, showing that he and the magic user were finally on friendly terms now. The action only caused a small smile to crack across her lips now, Silver’s humanoid actions always brought a smile to her lips.

When she asked of the woods though, it became clear that the question was either quite surprising or silly. She watched as Kariza’ brow furrowed for a moment, as if questioning the question as well as trying to put it together in her head, “No, I have nothing to fear from the woods. Woods like these have been my home since I’ve been old enough to crawl,” she stated now before continuing on, “That doesn’t mean that I’m not cautious though, there are things that can hurt me. I am only human,” Kariza concluded with a small giggle. It was odd to hear on so serious a matter, but it could have something to do with being a magic user, after all, she would not think that they have a lot to fear, other than getting caught and her surviving this far meant something. Although, that came to a halt and her gaze was cutting through the woods now and straight at Faerydae now, to which it was almost a little unnerving, “Do you fear the woods, Dae?” Her eyes dropped for a moment before turning towards the dense trees, staring into the deep woods now for a moment, “I don’t fear the trees,” she murmured now, the trees were nothing more than a comforting cage, something that actually made her feel safe, “I fear the groups of men that cut through the woods…”

Notes: Hey Kazira, silly question, but what color do you use for Moros? I've just been justing Kazira's color, but I feel like that's cheating XD