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Previous: Chanced Meetings

Please fling all the bacon at templarknight94 for being a lovely (and patient, oh so patient) RP partner!
I'm so happy to finally be using Elo again <333 I've missed my (not so baby anymore) boy ;u;

Cookies and love to anybody that manages to slog through all of these words, haha

Late Winter, Year 765 of the New Age
Glenmore, in the Glenwood
Featuring Elodi and Kaiser
Kaiser
The forest was peaceful; Kaiser’s harsh breathing was a stark contrast to the relative silence. It was a deceiving calm, for not all that long ago the Blackwood stag had been running for his life, Glenmore guards on his tail. Speed was never a skill in his repertoire and eventually the guards had caught up to him. On weary legs, Kai had faced them and fought. One had been little more than a youth; Kai had managed to stun him. But the older guard was experienced. It had been a tough fight, one that had ultimately ended with Kai on top. Battered, bleeding and bruised, but on top. While the two guards were temporarily incapacitated, he had fled.
He was lucky to have escaped at all. A long, jagged wound traced the outline of his shoulder and another ran along his neck. Blood dripped from both lacerations in a steady rhythm, the droplets falling to paint the snow red. If he were still in Blackwood he’d likely have been wolf-bait by now.
Despite his wounds, there was only one thing on his mind as he stumbled through the forest. Elo. Where was he? Guilt twisted his stomach. This was Kaiser’s fault; he was the Blackwood, he was the trespasser. Elo was a native who had been sucked into this mess because he had been kind enough to make friends with a stranger. Had he not bothered, he would still be safe. Kai groaned softly, frustration evident. A combination of pain, worry, guilt and blood loss was wreaking havoc with his body...sick and dizzy, Kai forced himself to keep moving. He had to make sure Elo was okay. The pale buck was lithe and no doubt quick on his hooves, which gave Kai a glimmer of hope that he might have fared better than he had himself. But he had prayed to the Mother for his new friend’s sake all the same.

So intent was he on making it back to Elo’s side, that he focused on scanning the distant forest instead of his close surroundings. It was hardly surprising, then, that he caught a hoof on a snow-covered root. Any other day he’d have merely stumbled slightly before regaining his footing. But not today...not when he was as weak as he was. Kaiser, tall and heavy, was felled by the combination of a still tree and his own carelessness. He couldn't hold back a hiss of pain as his shoulder hit the floor - half curse, half sob. This was useless; he’d never find Elo in this state! Growling in frustration, Kaiser let his head drop backwards to land with a gentle thud against the tree behind.
“Elo!” He called as loudly as he dared. “Are you there? Please be near…”

Elodi
A pale shape darted through the forest, its slight size and nimbleness resulting in barely more than a whisper of moving leaves as it raced by.
Elodi had gotten off quite lucky. The moment Kaiser had told him to run, Elodi had paused only long enough to see the dark stag go charging off before he darted off too. Two of the guards had gone chasing after Kaiser but one had stubbornly stuck to Elo himself, chasing the pale buck through the woods. Luckily, Elodi was nothing if not slippery in a chase and so, with a burst of speed and a small flash of bright light, he was off safely into the trees, leaving a slightly stunned and disoriented guard behind him.
Unwanted tail taken care of, Elodi still had one problem; Kaiser was somewhere in the forest, probably getting further away with every second, and Elodi had no way of knowing where he was or even if he needed help. Cursing under his breath, Elodi slowed his steps and began to look around a bit helplessly, unsure of where to begin looking for a large dark stag. After all, such a thing was hardly unusual in the Glenwood and, with how his luck seemed to be shaping up today, he would likely run into another guard patrol before finding his friend.
The pale buck’s eyes narrowed into a grim look of concentration. Well. Nothing for it. He would not leave Kaiser to fend for himself against an unknown number of guards. He’d simply have to comb the forest and find him. Decided, he was just about to go leaping off into the treeline when he heard a startling crashing noise from somewhere off to the side. Freezing, Elodi turned and stared off towards where the sound had been with wide eyes, ears held aloft as he strained to hear more.
Was that Kaiser? Or had that guard that was following him managed to catch up? Elodi stood tensed and ready to bolt, undecided as to the direction to go in, when the decision was taken from him by the undeniable sound of his name being called.
Turning, Elodi went sprinting off in the direction of the hollering stag, worry thrumming in his thin chest at the sound of barely-concealed pain in his friend’s voice. “Kaiser!”

Kaiser
The cold tree offered little comfort to the stag resting against its rough bark. Regardless, it was the best respite he’d get and he gladly took it, closing his eyes and relaxing as much as he could. But he couldn’t stay here to bleed out. Wallowing in despair wouldn’t get him anywhere. In fact, it’d probably get him caught once again - and next time, he wouldn’t be so “lucky”. Kaiser gritted his teeth and hauled himself up determinedly, intent on continuing to search for the pale buck.
But no sooner then he stepped forward, he heard a light voice echo through the trees. Elo. He froze. Sure enough, his friend darted through the trees towards him.
“Fancy meeting you again,” Kai called with a grin, though it probably appeared as a grimace. Humor quickly faded into concern and he was quick to ask “Are you okay?” Though he couldn’t see any injuries marring Elo’s pelt. Satisfied with no visual evidence of harm Kai gave him a sheepish grin. “Sorry I didn’t manage to find you...I was kinda waylaid?”
That was probably clear enough; the evidence of his scuffle with the guards was hardly invisible, though his dark coat probably helped hide the extent of his wounds. But the ground was still stained with his blood. A wry expression crossed his face as he glanced down. If he were in Blackwood now, he’d be considered wolfbait - and the last thing he’d have wanted is for Elo to have come to his aid.
With a barely audible huff, he dismissed that thought and instead gave Elo a weak smile. Now he was here, Kai found himself irrationally unwilling to admit the full extent of his injuries...not for fear of being branded weak, but because he suddenly felt that Elo shouldn’t have to worry about him. Without considering the potential risk of further harm to himself through neglecting wounds that really demanded quick attention, the Blackwood stepped forwards, trying to mask his pronounced limp as he did so.
“I do believe the beach is calling. Shall we continue? I can, er, find some herbs for my wounds along the way.”

Elodi
Breaking through the treeline, Elodi was momentarily pleased to see the familiar dark face of his friend, but his relief quickly turned into a squeak of horror as he slammed to a stop, gaping incredulously at the state the other male was in. “What did you do?” He asked, wide-eyed as he slowly walked closer, watching with a slack jaw as he watched the Blackwood stag sway precariously and lean against the tree behind him. “How am I?” He stared as Kaiser smiled bloodily and began to talk about the beach.
The beach. The BEACH?
Elodi’s face set into an uncharacteristically hard expression, his eyes narrowing into slits as he gritted his teeth. Pinning his ears as he went stomping up to the larger stag, the pale buck glared with all the strength of an army and none-too-gently pushed Kaiser back into sitting. “The beach?! Are you mad?” He growled, looking both frantic and furious. “We were separated for half an hour, at MOST. That’s IT. Did you go running into the guard barracks??” He demanded, fussing around the various cuts and bloodied slicks of fur he could see, tutting under his breath.
“Honestly, how have you not been eaten yet.” The buck grumbled, glaring at Kaiser again before he huffed and turned his glare back to the sorry state of his friend’s coat and leg. No mountain of herbs could do anything for this mess, not quick enough to help anyway. “Any minute now and y’ could’ve had HODGEHEGS on you, Earran below…”
There was nothing for it.
Elodi grimaced before looking at Kaiser with a hard, quelling look. “You lie still, shield your eyes and don’t move. This will be difficult enough as it is,” he bit out, tensed and angry. Turning back to the wounds, Elodi blew out a slow breath and tried to calm himself, knowing his magic was finicky and tended to work better or worse depending on his moods. It was always easiest to perform his magic when he was happy or worried, but while he was definitely the latter, he couldn’t quite chase away the overlaying frustration at how stupid Kaiser was being, refusing to acknowledge his state, Oganach’s royal BALLS how had the Blackwooder survived so long without a shred of common sense…
Deep breaths. Calm. Elodi inhaled slowly and held it, eyes shut, before he leaned in and, with a slow gust of breath, began to glow brightly, the glow slowly intensifying until the little buck was gleaming almost as bright as the sun reflecting off of water.
For a moment, nothing seemed to happen beyond the light show. Then the dark stag’s skin began to knit back together, flesh binding and closing over and leg losing the swelling it had begun to develop until there was no hint of any injury beyond the substantial remnants of blood lingering in gory splashes over both the Blackwooder and, in cast-off splotches, over Elodi’s forelegs.
Letting out a tired sigh and slumping slightly -- that had definitely been a difficult feat to manage, what with his frazzled state of mind -- Elodi took a moment to gather himself before he looked at Kaiser with an unreadable expression, ear flicking. There was no telling how his friend -- was he still a friend? -- would react to Elodi’s magic, but there was no time to waste now. Elodi knew his magic wasn’t exactly subtle, and while there would be no princesses this far out to have felt the thrum of his magic, there was no guarantee that no guards would have noticed the impromptu light show.
“Come on, we can’t stay here, it’s dangerous,” he murmured, casting a last searching gaze over Kaiser’s prone form to make sure he had not missed anything before he turned and bounded off, knowing the dark stag would now be able to catch up if he wanted to.

Kaiser
Oh.
Kaiser did a double take, momentarily stunned by Elo’s uncharacteristic scolding. What did he do? He saved his own life, that’s what! But of course, the pale buck was a sensitive soul; naturally he’d be concerned. And he was hardly stupid enough to not notice Kai’s wounds, no matter how dark the Blackwood’s coat was. With a sheepish smile, he lowered his head to the younger stag.
“I...I’m sorry,” he stuttered, “I didn’t mean to be stupid. I thought I -” but he broke off, broke off before he could make the mistake of admitting that he was trying to protect Elo from his own worry. But before he could say anything else, Elo began to fuss over his wounds with a worried scowl that darkened his face. And he was probably right...how hadn’t he been eaten yet? Kai hadn’t fared this badly in a fight, well, ever. But hodgehegs? He mouthed with a bemused frown - what in the world was a hodgeheg? He hadn’t thought Glenmore had any truly terrifying predators, but maybe he was wrong.
When Elo told him to lie down, stay still and shield his eyes Kaiser frowned. What was going on...why did he need to cover his eyes? But he folded his legs underneath himself obediently, wincing as his wounds were disturbed once again, and lay down. Once settled the dark stag watched as Elo turned away and took a deep breath as if to calm himself. His ears slid back slightly in confusion. What was he going to do? But Kai didn’t want to ask, not now Elo seemed to be concentrating. And he was supposed to be covering his eyes, not watching with curious fascination. With a twinge of regret, Kai tore his eyes away and buried his nose between the tree trunk and his own ruff. And he waited.
He didn’t have to wait long.
A strange bright light shone through his eyelids as it intensified. Fear raced through his veins. Kai clenched his eyes and shoved his head even further into its hiding place. His heart thrummed wildly in his chest. He’d never seen anything remotely like this before, not ever. His skin began to crawl as though it possessed a life of its own; Kai possessed the urge to scratch his wounds. Pain became discomfort, and discomfort faded into nothing. What in Uir’s name was happening to him?! Yet he trusted Elo. He had only known the pale buck a short while, but he trusted him enough to stay put and breathe deeply in an attempt to keep calm. Let Elo do his thing...he could explain after.
Eventually the light vanished. Kai held his position though, doing exactly as Elo had asked; he’d never said when to open his eyes once again. There was a short pause before the pale buck spoke. Now safe, the dark stag uncovered his head - only to see Elo disappearing into the forest. Kai frowned in confusion before checking himself over and…
They were gone. His wounds. The gashes marring his flanks had been replaced with smooth skin, perfectly formed. The crawling sensation had been his flesh knitting back together. No wonder his pain had disappeared. The Blackwood’s jaw dropped in shocked amazement.
Elo had healed him. But only Princesses were capable of that...weren’t they?
Scrambling to his hooves, Kai bounded after Elo, matching his speed to the other’s stags when he drew up alongside. He kept pace for a few strides in silence while trying to figure out exactly how to ask about Elo’s abilities. As he did so, he side-eyed the pale buck with open curiosity and awe that he hoped was at least a little concealed. The magic had taken its toll, he was almost certain; Elo seemed tired. He also seemed to be studiously ignoring the dark stag somewhat, as though steeling himself for whatever Kai might say. The Blackwood wondered why, whether others had reacted negatively in the past. He certainly wouldn’t; there was nothing to be negative about. He remembered how Elo had accepted his heritage with nought but a soft touch and a kind word. He remembered that even though the guards of his own herd had chased them both because of Kaiser, Elo had come back to find him...and heal him. The pale buck was a good soul with an amazing talent. Kai could do nothing but admire him.
Eventually he bounded forwards suddenly, only to slam on the brakes and swing his body around. Now facing Elo, Kai did nothing but smile at him openly. His even expression was one that held no judgement, only a silent respect.
“Thank you,” he said sincerely. “I don’t know how you did it, how you even came to be able to do it, or why you chose to heal me, and I’d really like to know but I also understand that it’s your decision whether to tell me or not...just, thank you.” The words tumbled out in a rush. Having said his piece, Kai took a deep breath and waited.

Elodi
The pale ex-duke continued steadfastly along the path he had chosen at random, though his focus was less on where his feet were leading him and more on the internal turmoil he was experiencing at his forced revelation. It was no secret that Light magic was perhaps the ultimate foil and repulsor of Black magic and, assumedly, of anything and anyone Blackwood in nature. Elodi was finding it hard not to internally panic at the thought of his new friend turning on him or chasing him away -- now that Elodi had found himself a companion again, he found himself loathe to return to his days of wandering in solitude.
Lost in his thoughts, he was caught off-guard when the dark stag that had been trailing at his heels sped up and whirled around to face him, the sudden appearance of his dark bulk startling the paler of the pair. Flinching instinctively, Elodi swayed back and splayed his ears, but the attack he was expecting never came. Instead, he was treated to an expression of open-faced kindness and perhaps even some measure of awe, something Elodi didn’t often see -- especially not when it came to his magic. Even his family didn’t see it as anything particularly to be proud about -- Vita had taken it as yet another secret to be overprotective over and his father and the rest of his extended family seemed to look on his magic with something approaching weary acceptance -- a strange occurrence but hardly anything to think twice on, what with the overwhelming oddness of Dru’s kids, and nothing worthwhile in a herd full of princesses with far better control over their magic.
Even Ralin had been more stressed than anything about his charge’s magic, though the guard atleast had seen fit to assure Elodi of his acceptance and pride.
To see someone so awed by his magic was… pleasing. Elodi flushed with embarassed pleasure at Kaiser’s easy acceptance, a small smile of restrained pride turning his lips up as his ears pricked hesitantly. He was rather at a loss for words himself, overwhelmed with the largeness of his Blackwood friend’s heart, but he tried to search for words anyway.
“I… no, thank you,” he murmured, looking shy and hesitant and somewhat bittersweet, his teal eyes shuttering under his heavy pale lashes, hiding away in muted embarassment. After a pause, Elodi looked up once more with a still shy but notably more animated smile, flicking an ear hesitantly. “Maybe… it’s a bit of a strange tale, but I wouldn’t mind telling you about it...someday. Perhaps the beach first though?” He prompted hopefully, shuffling about on his lanky legs.

Kaiser
The almost embarrassed look on Elo’s pale face brought a shy smile to Kai’s own dark features. He dipped his head a little, suddenly unsure of himself. But the pale buck glanced at him once again, and Kai met his gaze hesitantly. Surely he was used to such a reaction by now? But then the Blackwood remembered that this was the magic of Princesses...and pale as he was, Elo didn’t exactly match the description. Perhaps he was as much of an outcast in his own herd as Kai was in his. The idea made him extremely sad. A unique ability like Elo’s should be applauded, not hidden for fear of a negative reaction.
Though, Kai’s awe could probably wait. He didn’t want to embarrass the poor buck any further….or himself, for that matter.
“The beach, yes!” He exclaimed a little too loudly, smile brightening to a radiant beam as he stepped back onto familiar ground. Kai didn’t deal particularly well with emotions - a byproduct of his fawnhood way of life. Elo shifted from one hoof to the other impatiently, the cute action prompting the dark stag to grin.
“Shall we?” He said, with a grand gesture in the direction of the coast. He waited for Elo to begin before assuming a position beside the younger stag. Their pace was neither brisk or sedate, and comfortable enough for Kai to relax once again and enjoy his surroundings. After the day’s drama he was more than ready to chill and enjoy his journey.
“Perhaps we’ll be lucky, and it won’t be too far away. I can’t wait to feel that sea breeze once again.” At that Kai closed his eyes wistfully, lost in the memories of his last visit to the ocean. “Not that I mind travelling,” he continued with a sigh, throwing Elo a glance and a grin. “I mean, you don’t get to see anywhere different unless you do. Take here, for example...it’s so beautiful compared to my home.” It was true; though there were areas of Blackwood that he thought charming in their own way, the place was generally sparse and rather rough-looking - much like its inhabitants, though they certainly weren’t all as bad as other herds seemed to think. At least they didn’t kill fawns or mistreat does! But Glenmore was different. Despite it being in the grips of winter, it was clear that the area was full of life and soul. And though he hadn’t exactly had a warm welcome from the guards, meeting Elo had certainly been worth venturing across the mountains.

Elodi
The pale buck smiled gratefully as the older stag tactfully allowed the awkwardness to slip away, filling in the silence with his own cheerful chatter. Elodi allowed himself a momentary moment of bemusement once again, marvelling at the sheer good cheer of the Blackwood stag. For a race of dark Fawnlings that Elodi and every Glenmorian heard so many fearsome tales about, his first encounter with one was turning out to be remarkably… ordinary.

Running for their lives aside.
Laughing softly, Elodi tuned back into what the larger male was saying, smiling as he heard Kaiser waxing lyrical about the beauty of the surrounding land and his excitement about the beach. Unconsciously, Elodi smiled and let the tension from earlier slip away, carefully avoiding looking at the smears of red that remained on his friend’s coat.
Nothing the seawater couldn’t take care of, after all -- he’d already done the hard part.

Cheered by the bright sunlight dappling through the leaves and the brighter grin of his companion, Elodi allowed himself to be swept away into the conversation, basking in the joy of company again after so long in what felt like an extended stasis.
Next stop, the ocean. And then… who knew?

Description

Previous: Chanced Meetings

Please fling all the bacon at templarknight94 for being a lovely (and patient, oh so patient) RP partner!
I'm so happy to finally be using Elo again <333 I've missed my (not so baby anymore) boy ;u;

Cookies and love to anybody that manages to slog through all of these words, haha

Late Winter, Year 765 of the New Age
Glenmore, in the Glenwood
Featuring Elodi and Kaiser
Kaiser
The forest was peaceful; Kaiser’s harsh breathing was a stark contrast to the relative silence. It was a deceiving calm, for not all that long ago the Blackwood stag had been running for his life, Glenmore guards on his tail. Speed was never a skill in his repertoire and eventually the guards had caught up to him. On weary legs, Kai had faced them and fought. One had been little more than a youth; Kai had managed to stun him. But the older guard was experienced. It had been a tough fight, one that had ultimately ended with Kai on top. Battered, bleeding and bruised, but on top. While the two guards were temporarily incapacitated, he had fled.
He was lucky to have escaped at all. A long, jagged wound traced the outline of his shoulder and another ran along his neck. Blood dripped from both lacerations in a steady rhythm, the droplets falling to paint the snow red. If he were still in Blackwood he’d likely have been wolf-bait by now.
Despite his wounds, there was only one thing on his mind as he stumbled through the forest. Elo. Where was he? Guilt twisted his stomach. This was Kaiser’s fault; he was the Blackwood, he was the trespasser. Elo was a native who had been sucked into this mess because he had been kind enough to make friends with a stranger. Had he not bothered, he would still be safe. Kai groaned softly, frustration evident. A combination of pain, worry, guilt and blood loss was wreaking havoc with his body...sick and dizzy, Kai forced himself to keep moving. He had to make sure Elo was okay. The pale buck was lithe and no doubt quick on his hooves, which gave Kai a glimmer of hope that he might have fared better than he had himself. But he had prayed to the Mother for his new friend’s sake all the same.

So intent was he on making it back to Elo’s side, that he focused on scanning the distant forest instead of his close surroundings. It was hardly surprising, then, that he caught a hoof on a snow-covered root. Any other day he’d have merely stumbled slightly before regaining his footing. But not today...not when he was as weak as he was. Kaiser, tall and heavy, was felled by the combination of a still tree and his own carelessness. He couldn't hold back a hiss of pain as his shoulder hit the floor - half curse, half sob. This was useless; he’d never find Elo in this state! Growling in frustration, Kaiser let his head drop backwards to land with a gentle thud against the tree behind.
“Elo!” He called as loudly as he dared. “Are you there? Please be near…”

Elodi
A pale shape darted through the forest, its slight size and nimbleness resulting in barely more than a whisper of moving leaves as it raced by.
Elodi had gotten off quite lucky. The moment Kaiser had told him to run, Elodi had paused only long enough to see the dark stag go charging off before he darted off too. Two of the guards had gone chasing after Kaiser but one had stubbornly stuck to Elo himself, chasing the pale buck through the woods. Luckily, Elodi was nothing if not slippery in a chase and so, with a burst of speed and a small flash of bright light, he was off safely into the trees, leaving a slightly stunned and disoriented guard behind him.
Unwanted tail taken care of, Elodi still had one problem; Kaiser was somewhere in the forest, probably getting further away with every second, and Elodi had no way of knowing where he was or even if he needed help. Cursing under his breath, Elodi slowed his steps and began to look around a bit helplessly, unsure of where to begin looking for a large dark stag. After all, such a thing was hardly unusual in the Glenwood and, with how his luck seemed to be shaping up today, he would likely run into another guard patrol before finding his friend.
The pale buck’s eyes narrowed into a grim look of concentration. Well. Nothing for it. He would not leave Kaiser to fend for himself against an unknown number of guards. He’d simply have to comb the forest and find him. Decided, he was just about to go leaping off into the treeline when he heard a startling crashing noise from somewhere off to the side. Freezing, Elodi turned and stared off towards where the sound had been with wide eyes, ears held aloft as he strained to hear more.
Was that Kaiser? Or had that guard that was following him managed to catch up? Elodi stood tensed and ready to bolt, undecided as to the direction to go in, when the decision was taken from him by the undeniable sound of his name being called.
Turning, Elodi went sprinting off in the direction of the hollering stag, worry thrumming in his thin chest at the sound of barely-concealed pain in his friend’s voice. “Kaiser!”

Kaiser
The cold tree offered little comfort to the stag resting against its rough bark. Regardless, it was the best respite he’d get and he gladly took it, closing his eyes and relaxing as much as he could. But he couldn’t stay here to bleed out. Wallowing in despair wouldn’t get him anywhere. In fact, it’d probably get him caught once again - and next time, he wouldn’t be so “lucky”. Kaiser gritted his teeth and hauled himself up determinedly, intent on continuing to search for the pale buck.
But no sooner then he stepped forward, he heard a light voice echo through the trees. Elo. He froze. Sure enough, his friend darted through the trees towards him.
“Fancy meeting you again,” Kai called with a grin, though it probably appeared as a grimace. Humor quickly faded into concern and he was quick to ask “Are you okay?” Though he couldn’t see any injuries marring Elo’s pelt. Satisfied with no visual evidence of harm Kai gave him a sheepish grin. “Sorry I didn’t manage to find you...I was kinda waylaid?”
That was probably clear enough; the evidence of his scuffle with the guards was hardly invisible, though his dark coat probably helped hide the extent of his wounds. But the ground was still stained with his blood. A wry expression crossed his face as he glanced down. If he were in Blackwood now, he’d be considered wolfbait - and the last thing he’d have wanted is for Elo to have come to his aid.
With a barely audible huff, he dismissed that thought and instead gave Elo a weak smile. Now he was here, Kai found himself irrationally unwilling to admit the full extent of his injuries...not for fear of being branded weak, but because he suddenly felt that Elo shouldn’t have to worry about him. Without considering the potential risk of further harm to himself through neglecting wounds that really demanded quick attention, the Blackwood stepped forwards, trying to mask his pronounced limp as he did so.
“I do believe the beach is calling. Shall we continue? I can, er, find some herbs for my wounds along the way.”

Elodi
Breaking through the treeline, Elodi was momentarily pleased to see the familiar dark face of his friend, but his relief quickly turned into a squeak of horror as he slammed to a stop, gaping incredulously at the state the other male was in. “What did you do?” He asked, wide-eyed as he slowly walked closer, watching with a slack jaw as he watched the Blackwood stag sway precariously and lean against the tree behind him. “How am I?” He stared as Kaiser smiled bloodily and began to talk about the beach.
The beach. The BEACH?
Elodi’s face set into an uncharacteristically hard expression, his eyes narrowing into slits as he gritted his teeth. Pinning his ears as he went stomping up to the larger stag, the pale buck glared with all the strength of an army and none-too-gently pushed Kaiser back into sitting. “The beach?! Are you mad?” He growled, looking both frantic and furious. “We were separated for half an hour, at MOST. That’s IT. Did you go running into the guard barracks??” He demanded, fussing around the various cuts and bloodied slicks of fur he could see, tutting under his breath.
“Honestly, how have you not been eaten yet.” The buck grumbled, glaring at Kaiser again before he huffed and turned his glare back to the sorry state of his friend’s coat and leg. No mountain of herbs could do anything for this mess, not quick enough to help anyway. “Any minute now and y’ could’ve had HODGEHEGS on you, Earran below…”
There was nothing for it.
Elodi grimaced before looking at Kaiser with a hard, quelling look. “You lie still, shield your eyes and don’t move. This will be difficult enough as it is,” he bit out, tensed and angry. Turning back to the wounds, Elodi blew out a slow breath and tried to calm himself, knowing his magic was finicky and tended to work better or worse depending on his moods. It was always easiest to perform his magic when he was happy or worried, but while he was definitely the latter, he couldn’t quite chase away the overlaying frustration at how stupid Kaiser was being, refusing to acknowledge his state, Oganach’s royal BALLS how had the Blackwooder survived so long without a shred of common sense…
Deep breaths. Calm. Elodi inhaled slowly and held it, eyes shut, before he leaned in and, with a slow gust of breath, began to glow brightly, the glow slowly intensifying until the little buck was gleaming almost as bright as the sun reflecting off of water.
For a moment, nothing seemed to happen beyond the light show. Then the dark stag’s skin began to knit back together, flesh binding and closing over and leg losing the swelling it had begun to develop until there was no hint of any injury beyond the substantial remnants of blood lingering in gory splashes over both the Blackwooder and, in cast-off splotches, over Elodi’s forelegs.
Letting out a tired sigh and slumping slightly -- that had definitely been a difficult feat to manage, what with his frazzled state of mind -- Elodi took a moment to gather himself before he looked at Kaiser with an unreadable expression, ear flicking. There was no telling how his friend -- was he still a friend? -- would react to Elodi’s magic, but there was no time to waste now. Elodi knew his magic wasn’t exactly subtle, and while there would be no princesses this far out to have felt the thrum of his magic, there was no guarantee that no guards would have noticed the impromptu light show.
“Come on, we can’t stay here, it’s dangerous,” he murmured, casting a last searching gaze over Kaiser’s prone form to make sure he had not missed anything before he turned and bounded off, knowing the dark stag would now be able to catch up if he wanted to.

Kaiser
Oh.
Kaiser did a double take, momentarily stunned by Elo’s uncharacteristic scolding. What did he do? He saved his own life, that’s what! But of course, the pale buck was a sensitive soul; naturally he’d be concerned. And he was hardly stupid enough to not notice Kai’s wounds, no matter how dark the Blackwood’s coat was. With a sheepish smile, he lowered his head to the younger stag.
“I...I’m sorry,” he stuttered, “I didn’t mean to be stupid. I thought I -” but he broke off, broke off before he could make the mistake of admitting that he was trying to protect Elo from his own worry. But before he could say anything else, Elo began to fuss over his wounds with a worried scowl that darkened his face. And he was probably right...how hadn’t he been eaten yet? Kai hadn’t fared this badly in a fight, well, ever. But hodgehegs? He mouthed with a bemused frown - what in the world was a hodgeheg? He hadn’t thought Glenmore had any truly terrifying predators, but maybe he was wrong.
When Elo told him to lie down, stay still and shield his eyes Kaiser frowned. What was going on...why did he need to cover his eyes? But he folded his legs underneath himself obediently, wincing as his wounds were disturbed once again, and lay down. Once settled the dark stag watched as Elo turned away and took a deep breath as if to calm himself. His ears slid back slightly in confusion. What was he going to do? But Kai didn’t want to ask, not now Elo seemed to be concentrating. And he was supposed to be covering his eyes, not watching with curious fascination. With a twinge of regret, Kai tore his eyes away and buried his nose between the tree trunk and his own ruff. And he waited.
He didn’t have to wait long.
A strange bright light shone through his eyelids as it intensified. Fear raced through his veins. Kai clenched his eyes and shoved his head even further into its hiding place. His heart thrummed wildly in his chest. He’d never seen anything remotely like this before, not ever. His skin began to crawl as though it possessed a life of its own; Kai possessed the urge to scratch his wounds. Pain became discomfort, and discomfort faded into nothing. What in Uir’s name was happening to him?! Yet he trusted Elo. He had only known the pale buck a short while, but he trusted him enough to stay put and breathe deeply in an attempt to keep calm. Let Elo do his thing...he could explain after.
Eventually the light vanished. Kai held his position though, doing exactly as Elo had asked; he’d never said when to open his eyes once again. There was a short pause before the pale buck spoke. Now safe, the dark stag uncovered his head - only to see Elo disappearing into the forest. Kai frowned in confusion before checking himself over and…
They were gone. His wounds. The gashes marring his flanks had been replaced with smooth skin, perfectly formed. The crawling sensation had been his flesh knitting back together. No wonder his pain had disappeared. The Blackwood’s jaw dropped in shocked amazement.
Elo had healed him. But only Princesses were capable of that...weren’t they?
Scrambling to his hooves, Kai bounded after Elo, matching his speed to the other’s stags when he drew up alongside. He kept pace for a few strides in silence while trying to figure out exactly how to ask about Elo’s abilities. As he did so, he side-eyed the pale buck with open curiosity and awe that he hoped was at least a little concealed. The magic had taken its toll, he was almost certain; Elo seemed tired. He also seemed to be studiously ignoring the dark stag somewhat, as though steeling himself for whatever Kai might say. The Blackwood wondered why, whether others had reacted negatively in the past. He certainly wouldn’t; there was nothing to be negative about. He remembered how Elo had accepted his heritage with nought but a soft touch and a kind word. He remembered that even though the guards of his own herd had chased them both because of Kaiser, Elo had come back to find him...and heal him. The pale buck was a good soul with an amazing talent. Kai could do nothing but admire him.
Eventually he bounded forwards suddenly, only to slam on the brakes and swing his body around. Now facing Elo, Kai did nothing but smile at him openly. His even expression was one that held no judgement, only a silent respect.
“Thank you,” he said sincerely. “I don’t know how you did it, how you even came to be able to do it, or why you chose to heal me, and I’d really like to know but I also understand that it’s your decision whether to tell me or not...just, thank you.” The words tumbled out in a rush. Having said his piece, Kai took a deep breath and waited.

Elodi
The pale ex-duke continued steadfastly along the path he had chosen at random, though his focus was less on where his feet were leading him and more on the internal turmoil he was experiencing at his forced revelation. It was no secret that Light magic was perhaps the ultimate foil and repulsor of Black magic and, assumedly, of anything and anyone Blackwood in nature. Elodi was finding it hard not to internally panic at the thought of his new friend turning on him or chasing him away -- now that Elodi had found himself a companion again, he found himself loathe to return to his days of wandering in solitude.
Lost in his thoughts, he was caught off-guard when the dark stag that had been trailing at his heels sped up and whirled around to face him, the sudden appearance of his dark bulk startling the paler of the pair. Flinching instinctively, Elodi swayed back and splayed his ears, but the attack he was expecting never came. Instead, he was treated to an expression of open-faced kindness and perhaps even some measure of awe, something Elodi didn’t often see -- especially not when it came to his magic. Even his family didn’t see it as anything particularly to be proud about -- Vita had taken it as yet another secret to be overprotective over and his father and the rest of his extended family seemed to look on his magic with something approaching weary acceptance -- a strange occurrence but hardly anything to think twice on, what with the overwhelming oddness of Dru’s kids, and nothing worthwhile in a herd full of princesses with far better control over their magic.
Even Ralin had been more stressed than anything about his charge’s magic, though the guard atleast had seen fit to assure Elodi of his acceptance and pride.
To see someone so awed by his magic was… pleasing. Elodi flushed with embarassed pleasure at Kaiser’s easy acceptance, a small smile of restrained pride turning his lips up as his ears pricked hesitantly. He was rather at a loss for words himself, overwhelmed with the largeness of his Blackwood friend’s heart, but he tried to search for words anyway.
“I… no, thank you,” he murmured, looking shy and hesitant and somewhat bittersweet, his teal eyes shuttering under his heavy pale lashes, hiding away in muted embarassment. After a pause, Elodi looked up once more with a still shy but notably more animated smile, flicking an ear hesitantly. “Maybe… it’s a bit of a strange tale, but I wouldn’t mind telling you about it...someday. Perhaps the beach first though?” He prompted hopefully, shuffling about on his lanky legs.

Kaiser
The almost embarrassed look on Elo’s pale face brought a shy smile to Kai’s own dark features. He dipped his head a little, suddenly unsure of himself. But the pale buck glanced at him once again, and Kai met his gaze hesitantly. Surely he was used to such a reaction by now? But then the Blackwood remembered that this was the magic of Princesses...and pale as he was, Elo didn’t exactly match the description. Perhaps he was as much of an outcast in his own herd as Kai was in his. The idea made him extremely sad. A unique ability like Elo’s should be applauded, not hidden for fear of a negative reaction.
Though, Kai’s awe could probably wait. He didn’t want to embarrass the poor buck any further….or himself, for that matter.
“The beach, yes!” He exclaimed a little too loudly, smile brightening to a radiant beam as he stepped back onto familiar ground. Kai didn’t deal particularly well with emotions - a byproduct of his fawnhood way of life. Elo shifted from one hoof to the other impatiently, the cute action prompting the dark stag to grin.
“Shall we?” He said, with a grand gesture in the direction of the coast. He waited for Elo to begin before assuming a position beside the younger stag. Their pace was neither brisk or sedate, and comfortable enough for Kai to relax once again and enjoy his surroundings. After the day’s drama he was more than ready to chill and enjoy his journey.
“Perhaps we’ll be lucky, and it won’t be too far away. I can’t wait to feel that sea breeze once again.” At that Kai closed his eyes wistfully, lost in the memories of his last visit to the ocean. “Not that I mind travelling,” he continued with a sigh, throwing Elo a glance and a grin. “I mean, you don’t get to see anywhere different unless you do. Take here, for example...it’s so beautiful compared to my home.” It was true; though there were areas of Blackwood that he thought charming in their own way, the place was generally sparse and rather rough-looking - much like its inhabitants, though they certainly weren’t all as bad as other herds seemed to think. At least they didn’t kill fawns or mistreat does! But Glenmore was different. Despite it being in the grips of winter, it was clear that the area was full of life and soul. And though he hadn’t exactly had a warm welcome from the guards, meeting Elo had certainly been worth venturing across the mountains.

Elodi
The pale buck smiled gratefully as the older stag tactfully allowed the awkwardness to slip away, filling in the silence with his own cheerful chatter. Elodi allowed himself a momentary moment of bemusement once again, marvelling at the sheer good cheer of the Blackwood stag. For a race of dark Fawnlings that Elodi and every Glenmorian heard so many fearsome tales about, his first encounter with one was turning out to be remarkably… ordinary.

Running for their lives aside.
Laughing softly, Elodi tuned back into what the larger male was saying, smiling as he heard Kaiser waxing lyrical about the beauty of the surrounding land and his excitement about the beach. Unconsciously, Elodi smiled and let the tension from earlier slip away, carefully avoiding looking at the smears of red that remained on his friend’s coat.
Nothing the seawater couldn’t take care of, after all -- he’d already done the hard part.

Cheered by the bright sunlight dappling through the leaves and the brighter grin of his companion, Elodi allowed himself to be swept away into the conversation, basking in the joy of company again after so long in what felt like an extended stasis.
Next stop, the ocean. And then… who knew?