Ryuukishin wrote:[imgright]https://matope.pixel-blueberry.com/images/blue/stone_uncert.png[/imgright]There seemed to be a rodent problem among the booths of the Winter Market, and the longer the festival went on, the more the population grew. In the territory she called her own, she might have taken a more proactive approach to diminishing their numbers—but with the knowledge that they might be someone's pets, she merely shook her head and corralled some to a corner where she'd be able to grab them.
Resound heard of the rodent issue at the market and figured it was his time to assist in the wrangling, though his efforts didn't seem fruitful.
He'd taken an approach his father might have - befriending the small creatures. He managed to do so with one but it seemed as if the mouse was teasing him as the first time a friend seemed to materialize out of nowhere and scampered off only to have the same mouse visit once more and dance out of reach. Odd little vindictive creatures.
He looked around at the others attempts near by and he quickly glanced at a particular doe again. With what was no doubt a long mane piled high on her head with aide of some creature or other, and a mottled coat that would have perfectly blended her into the swamp would it not have been high winter, he found her to one of the more beautiful creatures he'd had the blessing to see. He stared maybe too long without realizing before blinking and offering a conversation, "Your tactics seem to be a bit more effective than mine."
"Some appear to be tamed, and docile enough to corral," she offered, by way of explanation. "But," –the buck's efforts had not escaped her; she was not quite certain if she had seen him trying to converse with the mice, or if that had merely been her imagination— "not enough to approach willingly, I think."
Her words might have come off as censure if they'd been delivered sharply; however, her tone had little in the way of inflection, and her gaze seemed more clinical than critical. Though her eyes stayed on the buck, she planted a hoof on her mouse's tail as it tried to escape.
Muffinsbaby wrote:[imgleft]http://matope.pixel-blueberry.com/image ... uncert.png[/imgleft] Resound winced as the doe's hoof came down on the poor creature, though a second glance would reveal it wasnt a malicious blow. Sure of his father's teachings he tried once more to travel the path he'd already started travelling. To his delight - and admitted surprise - the original mouse he'd attempted befriending returned with a friend...only to titter and scamper away when he bent down towards them. Heaving a sigh, he let his head lower and shoulders relax, thoroughly defeated.
"It seems you may be right," he conceded, not able to look toward the doe lest he see pity or judgment there - though not sure why he particularly cared as he'd never met her before, the feeling confusing him further, "They seem more interested in games than cooperation."
"Here; take mine." In his dejected state she could easily reach his head, and she deposited the mouse in one smooth motion. "They may be bolder if they see you’ve already befriended one. Shall we see if it works?" It was imperative they catch as many mice as they could, before the infestation grew worse.
Muffinsbaby wrote:Resound blinked his surprise when he felt the tiny weight of the mouse from the doe. Hadn't she already expressed her lack of faith in his method? Why now was she aiding him? He lifted his head and peered at her with a curious expression.
"Yes," He started haltingly, "Lets see if that gets us any closer to our goal."
Muffinsbaby wrote:Failure.
It had indeed attracted a few little ones that got close enough to reach but when attempting the grab they still evaded the ever-more-frustrated buck. He wouldn't blame the doe for abandoning him, or even laughing at him, though the thought of the latter left a bit of a sting. At least he hadn't lost hers, the little thing nestling in the longer tuft atop his head.
"It would seem that I am not good at this," He finally admit out loud, growing ever more ashamed and disappointed, "I don't think I can be of very much help.
Stone did not abandon him, or laugh at him, but she was quiet; she was as silent as she had been when she watched him try to lure the mice, and when she watched then run away. After a moment, with a voice still kept neutral, she asked, "Have you... ever captured mice before?"
Resound ducked his head like a foal getting caught by his mother. It was, in fact, his first time encountering the creatures, though having this pointed out filled him with a little shame and his repeated failures continued to remove hope of impressing the composed doe.
"It is true. I have not had the opportunity to learn such a task until now. I was not expecting their expert elusiveness," he admitted sheepishly and dejectedly. "It seems I may follow after my father in that regard, among others."
