Post by Fablie on Jun 17, 2015 1:40:52 GMT -5
[[Oh, I totally understand! I'm still replying a lot slower than you sometimes, anyway. xD There are so many threads to reply to. ;_; Your post was beautiful, and that matters a lot more than length, imho! c:]]
A long, frosty silver tail stirred the air for a moment, the she-cat staring expectantly at Aether and the rogue taking a flicker of time to collect himself again as he held back a grimace. She couldn't have guessed what he was thinking about; it was simply chance that she happened to suggest that. Nevertheless, a twinge of unease weighed in on him as it always did when his expectations were proven false or his thoughts seemed vulnerable. He twitched his whiskers playfully and put on an expression of surprise, simultaneously directing his own thoughts to the positive side of the situation; he had been wishing he could find some way to accompany her, after all.
"As a matter of fact, I am!" chirped the tabby, breaking the brief silence. Lilycloud had gone a little ways ahead before thinking to ask the question; Aether hesitated deliberately this time -- so as not to seem overeager -- but soon quickened his pace to fall into step with her. She was a bit smaller than him, and her fur was very thin and fine, seeming to sway like grass whenever the breeze picked up. There was a reason Aether preferred sheltered places to fields like this one, at least when searching for a place to sleep; beyond the obvious ease with which potential adversaries could catch sight of him, there also seemed to Aether a distinct lack of ways to go about gaining a strategic advantage should any conflict ensue. Conflict was, if at all possible, to be avoided, but it was always best to be cautious -- especially for one such as himself, who never was all that good when it came down to tests of physical nature. Besides, the ability to sneak around unnoticed had proven itself useful for other reasons in the past.
The obvious remedy for the situation of being out in the open was to arrive near the less-exposed areas around the Clans before nightfall. For now, he contented himself with allowing his gaze to dart around at the sloping horizon and keeping his nose tuned to any new smells entering the fray. Lilycloud's scent was the one that stood out among those of river and meadow, with the occasional aroma of prey puncturing the tapestry as well. He'd long since adjusted to it while they were talking, but now he was trying to keep aware of his surroundings, it was becoming a slight obstruction. I'm probably imagining that, he noted to himself after a moment of debating. In reality, the presence of another cat ought not cause too much harm so long as he doesn't linger on it.
The Clan cat had seemed absorbed in her own thoughts for a moment before asking Aether if he was heading her way, and he wasn't quite hurried enough to interrupt with any of the questions that had crowded in on his mind only moments ago. The silence was perfect for the rogue, and he waited for Lilycloud to rekindle their conversation. It's fine, he thought, perfectly fine that I'm not heading towards any one goal with this action.
Sometimes, you need to let others warm up to you first. Sure, he was going overboard with it for a cat he only wanted information from, and with whom he probably wouldn't ever meet again after this, but it wasn't like they were lacking time anymore. All these thoughts flitted idly through his mind, but he did not let himself turn completely inwards this time; Aether's ears and eyes remained peeled, and his gaze flitted to the cream she-cat just as often as they did the rest of the world.
A long, frosty silver tail stirred the air for a moment, the she-cat staring expectantly at Aether and the rogue taking a flicker of time to collect himself again as he held back a grimace. She couldn't have guessed what he was thinking about; it was simply chance that she happened to suggest that. Nevertheless, a twinge of unease weighed in on him as it always did when his expectations were proven false or his thoughts seemed vulnerable. He twitched his whiskers playfully and put on an expression of surprise, simultaneously directing his own thoughts to the positive side of the situation; he had been wishing he could find some way to accompany her, after all.
"As a matter of fact, I am!" chirped the tabby, breaking the brief silence. Lilycloud had gone a little ways ahead before thinking to ask the question; Aether hesitated deliberately this time -- so as not to seem overeager -- but soon quickened his pace to fall into step with her. She was a bit smaller than him, and her fur was very thin and fine, seeming to sway like grass whenever the breeze picked up. There was a reason Aether preferred sheltered places to fields like this one, at least when searching for a place to sleep; beyond the obvious ease with which potential adversaries could catch sight of him, there also seemed to Aether a distinct lack of ways to go about gaining a strategic advantage should any conflict ensue. Conflict was, if at all possible, to be avoided, but it was always best to be cautious -- especially for one such as himself, who never was all that good when it came down to tests of physical nature. Besides, the ability to sneak around unnoticed had proven itself useful for other reasons in the past.
The obvious remedy for the situation of being out in the open was to arrive near the less-exposed areas around the Clans before nightfall. For now, he contented himself with allowing his gaze to dart around at the sloping horizon and keeping his nose tuned to any new smells entering the fray. Lilycloud's scent was the one that stood out among those of river and meadow, with the occasional aroma of prey puncturing the tapestry as well. He'd long since adjusted to it while they were talking, but now he was trying to keep aware of his surroundings, it was becoming a slight obstruction. I'm probably imagining that, he noted to himself after a moment of debating. In reality, the presence of another cat ought not cause too much harm so long as he doesn't linger on it.
The Clan cat had seemed absorbed in her own thoughts for a moment before asking Aether if he was heading her way, and he wasn't quite hurried enough to interrupt with any of the questions that had crowded in on his mind only moments ago. The silence was perfect for the rogue, and he waited for Lilycloud to rekindle their conversation. It's fine, he thought, perfectly fine that I'm not heading towards any one goal with this action.
Sometimes, you need to let others warm up to you first. Sure, he was going overboard with it for a cat he only wanted information from, and with whom he probably wouldn't ever meet again after this, but it wasn't like they were lacking time anymore. All these thoughts flitted idly through his mind, but he did not let himself turn completely inwards this time; Aether's ears and eyes remained peeled, and his gaze flitted to the cream she-cat just as often as they did the rest of the world.