[B] Grownups [Travels in Circles x Rainbow Catcher]

[fluo]

Rainbow Catcher knew how to count to five. Anymore was  a little dicey unless he used his ears to go with legs and tail. He also had eyes if things got really hairy and he needed to count more than five. He hoped he didn't have to, but he was prepared. Just as he was prepared to embark on this journey. if he was really hard pressed, he could use his tongue but he was currently preoccupied.

"Bring a present. And if you see two Mares bickering, run far far away from the oncoming destruction they leave in their wake."

That was the only advice he got before he was shooed away.

And so there he was with a branch of late summer peaches heavy on the twigs.

He tried to whistle but could not. Walking around in circles without singing or whistling was hard. He couldn't even run with these fruit and he loved eating up the distance with his powerful hooves. He sighed.

@anemosagkelos

[anemosagkelos]

Travels was used to the feeling now, or had been for awhile yet, as the swamp told him exactly which direction to go. It was strange how it did not chafe his natural need to be aimless in his movements but he was not given to terribly much to thought. At least not in the general way of most kin. He imagined there were reasons for things but he did not need to know what those reasons were or why such reasons existed. He needed only to know that the sun rose and the moon set and the world turned, really. And the Motherfather would take care of the rest, naturally.

Today, however, was apparently for a blessing and he, in stag form, did not meander (mostly because he could not) in his path. If the Motherfather had so kindly set it out for him, it was his duty to follow it and that he did.

"Hello, there," he greeted the awaiting buck with a smile.

@fluo

[fluo]

WHOA. Did that kin just appear out of thin air? Unnerved, the less than elegant kiokote dropped the branch of peaches.

"OH NO. They will bruise. Now I'll never find a stag."

Forlorn, but not completely without manners, he looked up and his mouth opened in a silent exhalation. That was a lot of glow. And for good measure, he looked around. There was a male kimeti standing in front of him. Not two females. But, the eyes were glowing with the secrets of the swamp. This just might be his lucky day.

"Hello. Would you like some peaches?"

@anemosagkelos

[anemosagkelos]

"A bruised peach never hurt," the stag replied kindly as he took another step forward. "I don't think many stag would mind them," he added, forgetting that he was himself a stag for a moment. His mouth popped open briefly; yes, that was right, he was a stag now.

He approached the peaches and buck carefully before a soft laugh escaped him, "I believe that you have found exactly who you need. Except I forgot for a moment that I was a stag." He grinned, amused, as his tail swayed back and forth behind him. "I don't mind bruised peaches. What is it you want in your children?"

[fluo]

He counted his lucky stars and stared at the sky. The sun was out and it was too bright, but he was sure they were there. As certain as ever that tomorrow would come and that the sky would not fall down. He hoped his children had that surety to life in them. He pondered the Stag's question. Admittedly he didn't know what to answer. He thought most of the journey, if he were even lucky, would be to find a legendary. He didn't know he had an option and choice in the matter. This was a beautiful gift and not one he would squander. He was very lucky indeed and were he the superstitious type, he'd name a star after each of his child. Or starfish. Starfish were easier and he actually had a chance of catching them.

"I..." he faltered. He only had one chance and he had to do it right.

"We are both kiokote. I wish for them to be the fastest runners, their speed matched only by their endurance and stamina. I hope that they find no trouble that they cannot run away from." Yes. That would do.

And "Please. By the way, these are all for you." He was really hoping they weren't too bruised.

[anemosagkelos]

To run. Travels did not do much of that but he could imagine it well enough. The wind through their manes. The pounding rhythm of their hooves that matched their heartbeats. He could see the dust kick up from the swamp earth. He could taste the sweat as the sun beat down. And it was all much too much work! He would stick with walking himself. Kiokotes were far more suited for speed than he was anyway.

"Your children shall never tire of running through the swampland, for their hearts will be strong and their endurance as constant as the rhythm of the seasons. They were never quell in fear for their hooves will have the power to carry them away should ever they need to flee," he said in a deep voice that seemed to clear as soon as he was done speaking. That would do.

"I hope that shall ease some of your anxiety, friend?" he grinned, much more childlike and less thoughtful again. He preferred it and yet he was growing up. He had come such a long way and, still, he knew he could go even farther. "I shall enjoy the peaches, no matter the bruises, for none of us are immune to danger." He winked; that sounded like a nice adventure actually. It had been awhile since he had experienced any danger and he could do to befriend a few more crocodiles in his lifetime.

[fluo]

He got what he came for but was stunned speechless. Squeaking out a bye, he left with a spring in his step. He sped up and ran with the plains in his heart. He had great news to tell especially to one particular doe.