literature

Those Worthy Of Protection

Deviation Actions

bovidaeloony's avatar
By
Published:
512 Views

Literature Text

Year 761 of the New Age, Fall

Featuring Aedan, Aillia and Aarushi

Glenwood, Glenmore


Aarushi

The little body that danced along her own seemed to delicate and fragile. Any stags who had dared to try and court her this rut had been chased off without even a moment to speak further than such intent. Aillia was delicate, with long slender legs and a beautiful coat some princesses themselves could not match- she was her mother’s pride and joy. Healers had a job to do however, and as much as it might displease her- the silvery doe could not forgo her tasks to attend to her daughter all the time. Many times the wounded or sick were treated in thickets well sheltered, and the doe kept Aillia as far from them as possible- for the fawn’s own safety. Diseases, sicknesses- they spread. It was dangerous for one so young to be at risk for being contaminated by such. Carrying a mouthful of herbs, ignoring the season as was usual, smiling faintly as the cremello fawn pranced alongside her, looking around curiously. Aarushi had to be careful with how frequently she changed thickets- but she had many gardens to maintain and many fawnlings who wanted her help- whether she wanted their attentions or needs or not. Gently asking for the flowers in her jaws to bloom much to the child’s delight, the wide doe lowered her maw to place them in a neat pile. Glancing over the thicket, noticing the brook that babbles through it reminded her of her apprentice of sorts, the pale guard- Aedan.

He was probably busy off charming more does, as was expected of stags this time of year. Or doing his duty to protect the herd from Raiders and other threats. It wasn’t her business- the scarred new mother set about checking the well made den that her father and she had put together. Nests of soft silver pine were made neatly, and snuffling over them, they still smelled strongly of sage and mint. Smiling to herself, before looking over her shoulder as the fawn splashed in the water, “Aillia.” Aarushi called not unkindly, pleased by how well mannered her daughter had become and how well she responded to her mother. Ambling over, sleepily yawning, the filly blinked big blue eyes up at her mother before being nosed into one of the nests. Ears swivelling, tail swishing as Aarushi gave a snort, helping to nestle her daughter in among the warm pine needles, where she could rest and be away from the chill and dry off. Even though the rays of sun filtered through the clearing- there was a chill in the air that came with rut as the doe well knew. Soon enough the filly’s sides were rising and falling with the pace of sleep.

Turning back to sorting her herb bundles, the doe stood quietly, casting a glance towards her daughter every so often, ever attentive and always ready to defend the delicate thing that she loved so fiercely. A pity to any who dared try. The silver cream snorted, ears perking as she wondered if there would be any visitors today- or if she might get to nap alongside her daughter for a bit and ignore the changes in scent, the noises that accompanied rut and all the other distasteful things that accompanied this time of year. How she loathed rut. In her mind- she was still practically untouched by stags, and any sign of affection of physical contact outside of healing still was well out of her understanding. Aillia was all that Aarushi was concerned with or needed aside from those she healed and offered her help to.


Aedan

It was with a spring in his step that Aedan returned to the Glenwood from his far-flung patrols. Iliana must have had her little one by now, and he couldn’t wait to meet his fawn. But before he got there, he had one matter of business to attend to outside of the main herd.

“Sunny?” he called out as he walked. He knew she had several gardens out here, and probably several more that she hadn’t shared with him. After glancing around and making sure that no one else would overhear he amended his call. “Aarushi?”

He was still flattered that she’d designed share her name with him. She was such an odd, private doe and yet her approval meant the world to him.

While he’d been patrolling in the far-flung reaches of the kingdom, Aedan had come across an Oakfern harvesting some sort of herb he’d never seen before. The cave rat seemed harmless enough; she scattered once she saw him without trying to put up a fight. He suspected she was an herbalist, searching for herbs beyond what the cold sterile caverns of her kingdom had to offer.

Naturally, he’d thought of Sunny and brought them back for her to look at. If anyone knew what they were, she would. He’d woven the dried strands into the base of his mane for the journey. The plant had strawberry-like leaves and orange compound berries and he’d never seen it before. He suspected the Oakfern doe had gathered them high in the mountain and had been descending back down to her hidey hole when he’d come upon her.

Of course, she could just as well be a sneaky cave dwelling poisoner as a proper healing herbalist, so he had best make certain.


Aarushi

A familiar voice carried to her ears and the doe lifted her head curiously. Then her real name hit her ears and the doe found herself shouldering through the brambles and bushes that surrounded her thicket, poking her head out, bright blue eyes blinking as she caught sight of the pale guard. “Aye?” The healer cast an amused grin, eyes flickering over her shoulder as she thought of her caught before snorting to herself. “What brings you around?” Aarushi asked, the silvery sides of the doe swaying as she turned to push back into the thicket, going to stand near the den which her fawn was sleeping so peacefully in.

Nosing the herb bundles back into their rows and stacks, tail swishing as those sharp blue eyes scanned Aedan for any signs of injury, before lighting on the strands of dried berries woven into the base of the guard’s mane. The wide doe ambled forward, eyes focused on the berries, so rare and difficult to nurture, snorting as she stalked straight up to him. “Where did you find those?” Cloudberries. Those delicate, difficult swamp berries that thrived in the most unlikely conditions. A beautiful little color, really. It took restraint not to reach out and snag them, and to go tuck them away deep in her stores so that they wouldn’t be hurt by exposure- such a rare beauty.

Then a little muffled bleat caught her attention and the doe turned sharply away from the berries to lurch over to her den, completely focused on her daughter, whom was still fast asleep, gracefully tucked amongst the pine needles. Aillia- just asleep. Her beautiful creamy little fawn was fast asleep- just sleep bleating. Must be an interesting dream. Lowering her muzzle to brush her nose across her daughter’s fluffy mane, before glancing up at Aedan, ears laid back protectively, tail lashing before Sunny went back to her herb bundles. She knew he would never hurt her daughter, but she couldn’t help the desire to protect her little one.

Would Aedan like Aillia? Her fawn was her world- though she had little idea of how she’d even come to be. Aarushi loved her little one fiercely- and those she was close to enough to trust with her name? She knew he wouldn’t ask too many questions. Aedan was a good stag, and the doe wasn’t quite comfortable discussing details of too much of anything- let alone anything personal. But her daughter? The light of her life. The gods had graced her world truly.


Aedan

Greeting an old friend after nearly a year and still Sunny was brusque and busy. The familiarity of it brought a warm smile to Aedan’s face.

He was about to tell the story- perhaps with a few embellishments about the potential dangers the foreign fawnlings had posed or the strenuous hike up the mountains that had been involved- when he spotted a little golden cloud-colored fawn curled up in a nest of pine needles. Immediately story and herb were forgotten.

“Sunny! You didn’t tell me you were expecting a wee thing! Isn’t she just beautiful?” he cooed. Little fawns tugged at his heartstrings in ways he couldn't entirely control, so fragile and innocent. They were the reasons he threw his life into his guard work, to keep them safe.

Noting the protective lashings of Aarushi’s tail, he admired the little girl from a safe distance. Fast sleep, as beautiful as anything he’d ever seen. As much as Adean was dying to ask what stag had caught her eye or won her heart, he knew better than to ask his prickly friend.  If she wanted to share she would, and if she didn’t she probably had good reason.

He set the berried gently on a clean stone and quietly added, “I came to ask if you could use these, but that can wait. What is her name, if you’re willing to share it?”


Aarushi

The doe’s head lifted in bewilderment of his reaction, staring at him with wide blue eyes and clearing her throat. Her ears swivelled uncertainly, before watching the herbs speculatively, pleased by him having brought them to her, and more so by his discussion of her little one. “Aye, her name is Aillia.” Aarushi granted him, avoiding the discussion of expecting a fawn- the healer hadn’t exactly had her heart won or planned on having a fawn. It was one of those things the gods seemed to have decided on and whom was a commoner doe of such a round stature to refuse the gods she so faithfully served?

“She’s a good filly. You ought to come by and visit her when she’s awake.” Sunny found herself muttering, almost sounding- dare it to be said, kind. But the gruffness and protectiveness that were the doe quickly recovered and the heavy fawnling glanced at the guard before ambling towards the berries. Snuffling her nose across the tops of them, breathing in their scents, eyeing the texture the doe took it all into careful consideration before eyeing the guard. “How did you come by these?” She asked, curiously. Cloudberries were rare, fickle plants. They grew under their own odd circumstances, and no amount of nursing them could urge them to take in grounds they didn’t deem suitable.

However- they were highly useful. Particularly towards does. They were yummy, helped does who had difficulty conceiving, could ease labor pains, ease a fever or cough when consumed, and it was rumored they helped prevent miscarriages of the unborn fawn as well. Not to mention in the healer’s opinion how pretty the little orange colored raspberry look-a-likes were. Tail swishing the healer continued, “They’re called Cloudberries. Did you intend on keeping them..?” She asked hopefully, glancing towards her daughter. The filly seemed to be eager to learn about flowers- and berries. Still too young to eat them, but just as happy to explore them anyways.

Aarushi found the more plants she had the happier she was- and the better kept her stocks were, again the happier she was. Many does had born fawns in the past year, and many had done a simply astounding job on depleting her stores. The silver cream was always seeking an opportunity to go gathering. It was what brought her peace of mind, and it was a good way to keep her beautiful fawn away from the main herd.


Aedan

“Aillia,” he repeated quietly. He didn’t know what the name meant, but it reminded him of clouds drifting high on the breeze, untethered and beautiful.

“I shall come back to see her, I hope. I’m sure she’s even more beautiful when she’s awake. Aren’t fillies just a wonder? So fragile and so marvelously strong at the same time.”

He shot Aarushi a cocky grin. “I hope you know I’m claiming her now. As one of the fawns under my protection. I know you’d knock the snot out of anyone or anything that tried to lay a paw on her, but if by some miracle someone manages to get past you they’ll have to get past me too before they get to her.”

Aedan had discovered that he rather enjoyed being ‘Uncle Aedan’ to a small gathering of fawns who he’d either saved over the years or just befriended their mothers. And he had no intention of letting anyone get to any of them.

Sunny moved on to the herb he’d brought, and he followed her over.

“Cloudberries, eh? Makes sense, I found an Oakfern herbalist harvesting them high up the mountains near Loch Kerr. They smelled pretty good, but I wanted to check with you first to see what they were before I tried one. Some of those sneaky cave rats harvest plants for poison rather than healing, you know.”

He shook his head at her question. “I just thought if she was collecting them they might have some value. I’m happy to leave them here with you if they’ll do someone some good. In my hooves they’d just be a tasty snack,” he chuckled.

“I’d be happy to show you where they were growing some day, if the mood to travel strikes. I remembered what you said about leaving enough of the patch to regrow itself, so there are plenty left up there. If they’re as useful as you say it could be a worthwhile trip. Either way, if I find myself in that neck of the woods again I’ll bring you some more.”


Aarushi

Aarushi listened to the pale guard with a scoff of amusement, a rare grin touching her maw. “Aye? You’re gonna claim her? That means you get to babysit her then when I’m busy.” she mused, tail swishing. “And if something were to ever happen to my daughter..” She shook her head, the grumpy silver doe snorting. “Gods forbid- I pity the fool who harms her. But I’m sure she’ll look forward to another friend to make.”

Listening as he described where he’d found the rare berries, the healer’s ears perked. She was well over due for a trip to Loch Kerr. “Disgusting little dwarves.. killing innocents and using the methods of a coward. I’d appreciate you leaving them in my care, I’m sure they’ll do a doe good in the future.” Moving to glance at the sleeping form of her daughter, before returning to place the berries carefully alongside her little one, smiling softly, before turning back towards the stag.

“I’m overdue for a trip around Glenmore. Need to check all my thickets..” the doe grumbled, eyeing her current residence. She had plenty of other plants to cultivate and adore, and much to teach her little one. “If you’re offering to play escort it’d be appreciated.” she snorted, ears flicking back.

Moving to gently blow across some newly budding flowers, gently asking them into bloom with a bit of effort, feeling the strains of magic twisting from beneath her hooves into the roots of the plant all the way up to the petals,the daisies came into bloom slowly. Looking over one shoulder towards Aedan, tail swishing grumpily. “How were your patrols? Nothing too busy I’d hope?” she asked, inclining her head curiously. Perhaps her teachings had been worth something for the pale stag.


Aedan

“Well if you consider that my job description includes ‘keeping fawns safe’ I do believe I am obliged to do a bit of babysitting from time to time.” He smiled one more time at the sleeping little one. “Indeed, not just obliged but happy to. Their energy is just infectious, isn’t it?”

He was glad to hear the plants he’d brought would be put to good use. No sense letting them rot, or worse, go into the potion of some evil Oakfern when they could be doing good here in Glenmore. The gods wouldn’t have blessed Glenmore with such useful plants if they’d intended for their enemies to steal them.

The invitation was surprising- she could take care of herself and wasn’t much of one for company, so he took the offer as a highly valued compliment.

His ears perked up at the thought. “If you wouldn’t mind the company I’d love to escort you. I get to do my duty in protecting an innocent fawn, a good friend, a noteworthy herbalist and I get to stretch my legs, play with an adorable little fawn and might learn a thing or two to boot. In fact I wager I will learn more than she will.”

Sunny wielded her magic so naturally, so effortlessly. It must come with the long practice of one who worked with plants day in and day out. Aedan envied her, but knew how much work she must have put into practicing such a skill.

“Oh, nothing too exciting. I haven’t made a fool of myself by falling on my face recently. I was able to make a poultice for a little fawn with a skinned knee- all thanks to your teachings of course. It would have healed just fine on its own, but it made the little fawn feel better. His mother was appreciative too, naturally.” The encounter hadn’t ended in a new brother or sister for the young fawn, but for Aedan the warm feeling when a doe smiled at him, smiled because of him was just as gratifying.

“I hope business hasn’t been too brisk for you either. I’m sure there are only so many idiot guards you can patch up before you lose your mind.”

Aarushi

“Or exhausting depending on the day. But she’s a good fawn. She does well, and minds her manners.” the doe intoned, tail swishing before contently turning to bow her head gratefully and nose the dried berries, almost protectively snatching them to store carefully in her den alongside her daughter who gave a little snuffle and bleat, before returning to a peaceful sleep. Turning back to the guard, the doe ambled over towards him, head lowered in an almost relaxed state, ears flicked back as she glanced over the rest of her thicket, listening to the stag’s voice. Aedan had been a good pupil, and it was a good idea for her to travel for more herbs. Besides, keeping her daughter away from the foolish royals would be the best bet.

“Aye, I don’t mind. Just don’t be a hinderance and step on any plants, eh?” The doe replied, almost with a hint of humor in her voice. “My daughter would enjoy having someone so eager to play- though I warn you, she does pounce on the innocent when they’re sleeping. And if you’re willing to pay attention, you might be able to learn. That is if I can separate the two of you, you’ll like be thick as thieves.” Aarushi shook her head in amusement, the thought already seemed fitting of the kind hearted pale pair prancing and playing to learn too much.  

“Good to hear you aren’t doing anything too foolish. It’s good you were able to help the fawn. And it’s been busy, but it’s rut. Stags grow foolish and dumb during rut, some deserve a good stout kick or twenty.” she muttered, tail lashing as she returned to working at patiently asking several small wildflowers to bloom. “Does whine too much about things to help fertility and easing labor, the whole lot. Royals particularly.” Rut always brought out the grumpy in Sunny- literally. The silver cream couldn’t stand rut, it was such a pain in the tail. Lashing her tail as she nosed the newly bloomed flowers, she glanced over. “I assume as charming as you are you’ve been busy with your fawns and does for rut though.” Sometimes Aarushi forget Aedan was such a charmer, though respectful- the stag loved a pretty doe and fawns, it wasn’t surprising he was family focused.


Aedan

Sunny’s description of her daughter made Aedan wonder what she herself had been like at that age. She didn’t speak much of her upbringing, and Aedan was hardly reckless (or brave) enough to pry.

“I’m sure they deserve every scab. Sometimes I wonder if it is just the nature of stags to need to be knocked down every once in a while; otherwise their egos might inflate so much their heads will explode.”

The tidbit about does and fertility was an interesting one. Aedan hadn’t really thought about it before. He always assumed that fertility was something does were given as a gift by the gods, not something they had to worry about. And labor pains… well, that was one of the reasons Aedan secretly believed at times that does were stronger than stags.

“Oh, quite. My little son is showing quite the adventurous streak for his age; he keeps his mother’s hooves full so I try to help out when I can. He reminds me a lot of me at that age, but darker and heavier. He’ll be a real charmer some day I bet.”

He glanced up at the sun and noted that it had traveled further across the sky than he’d realized. “I’m due to report in soon, I’m afraid. My lieutenant isn’t awfully understanding of stags making a detour on their way to report for duty to drop off herbs with the herbalist. You just send word when you’re ready for your expedition and I’ll be there. I can’t wait to see little Aillia up and about.”


Aarushi

The doe chuckled, smiling faintly, before nodding. “I’ll come to you when the time is right. But get going then, don’t be late.” Aarushi murmured, tail swishing as she watched Aedan before turning to amble towards her daughter. “Good luck with your son, perhaps one day he will become a guard as you yourself did.” Turning her back on the stag before going to curl around the delicate cremello fawn, protectively wrapping her tail around the baby who snuggled up against her mother’s side with a muffled bleat, while the doe looked down at her daughter adoringly, before glancing back to Aedan, watching as the guard turned to leave. “She’ll be happy to play with you- once she’s finished with a good nap and you finish your patrols.” The doe murmured.


Year 761 of the New Age, Fall
Featuring AedanAillia and Aarushi
Glenwood, Glenmore

Stopping in to see his standoffish friend Aarushi after a year of patrolling, Aedan finds to his surprise that she has a precious young daughter.

Previous Aedan and Aarushi stories:

Injuries and LessonsAarushi and Aedan 
Early Spring, Year 760
Glenmore, Edges of the Glenwood
Aedan
There had to be an herbalist around here somewhere. For the most part Aedan didn’t miss royal society at all, but having a princess on hand for every little scrape and bruise was undeniably handy. Currently he sported a shallow but highly inconvenient cut on his chest, won in the line of duty. Sort of. He’d been training at the time and then he’d spotted a doe and then maybe it was possible that he’d stopped paying attention to what he was doing and started to show off instead…
The long and short of it was that he had a gouge in his chest that had come from falling on top of a rock, but if anyone asked it was won in a glorious battle against a raider.
He’d told his patrol that he was going to go looking for a herbalist to help it heal, and that was the truth. Only h
  Friends Never Say GoodbyeAutumn, Year 760
Glenmore, Edges of the Glenwood
Aarushi and Aedan
Aarushi
The fall had come slowly, creeping in like the shadows of sunset. Then the leaves had changed. Rut was upon the doe before she even knew what had happened, as it was every year. Hormones ran wild, and those old enough to participate suffered for it. Her own scent changed to her disgust, and to make matters worse, stags this year had already caused some trouble. An open gash across one of her cheeks and several across her shoulder nagged at her. Grumpily swishing her tail, she wondered where in the gods’ kingdoms Aedan was now. Although it pained her to admit it, the smoky cream had begun to grow accustomed to sharing her space with the pale stag- though she would never acknowledge such a thought. Too much involvement of emotions and feelings. They never turned out well for anyone. Her wounds were healing though, under her tentative care. Preferring to save her dwindling supplies for rut


Wordcount
Aarushi: 2,238
Aedan: 1,501
© 2015 - 2024 bovidaeloony
Comments6
Join the community to add your comment. Already a deviant? Log In
Jian89's avatar
Aeden, better don't snatch little aillia away from daddy Melark. Nobody is gonna touch his babies XD
( why do I have the feeling Melark is losing another doe ^^;)