[PRP] [title tbd?] Adder x Moon's Kiss

[Owlsomniac]

As the morning gives way to the oppressive warmth of afternoon, Adder is only grateful that the mare she's escorting is one of the elders she actually likes. She tries her best to respect the elder kin in the tribe, and in general, but sometimes they have a habit of droning on about things she really has no interest in, or has heard so many times that another re-telling makes her want to chew off her own hooves. But Granny, as everyone calls her, doesn't really seem to mind if Adder's attention isn't on her. She does actually have a duty to get them there safe, after all - not that the swamp is really all that dangerous, but it can be, especially for elderly kin who aren't as quick to jump away from the snapping jaws of an opportunistic caiman.

Granny is going on about some crossbreed of herb she's experimenting on, something about a better taste? and Adder's attention is only half on her, and half on the way the light is playing through the trees, and the buzz of fat, happy, humble bees as they drift along from flower to flower.

At least, until she spots movement in the distance and stops. Granny stops as well, and whispers in what she likely only thinks is a quiet level. "What is it, dear?"

Adder squints, her sharp gaze trained for the shape of danger - a rogue hog, a caiman, a hungry cheetah even. Then she relaxes with an amused puff of breath at herself for getting excited. It's only another kin. The trip has been so boring. Which is good, of course. Her father keeps hoping she'll grow out of her thrill seeking phase.

Not likely.

She continues on, and it soon becomes apparent that the kin in question is, in fact, a very lovely doe traveling all alone - and while they're not terribly far from the nearest marketplace, where kin like to meet, and trade, and exchange gossip and stories and all sorts of goods, it's not exactly close, either. She draws herself up a little as they get closer, and smiles charmingly,

"Well - hello, there." Adder pauses to smile at the pretty doe; charming and just a touch rakish. "If you're on your way someplace, perhaps I could offer my assistance as a trained escort and guard? The swamp can be a bit treacherous for the unwary traveler."

[Beejoux]

almost alone, there was a small, long bodies animal bounding along at her hooves and weaving between her feet as she walked. Moon Kiss wasn't paying it much mind, it Night knew better than to be truely under hoof least he actually get stepped on.

Moon herself was watching the path ahead impassively. The market had been rather dull that day, and she was eager to get back to her family, but lacked the energy to hurry herself along. It was nice enough out, ateast. Sun shining high above the trees, and dappled warmth rained down through the leaves on the backs of passing kin. And there were a lot of passing kin.

So many, in fact, she hardly glanced at the young doe escorting a much older one. Moon was content to keep to herself, and would have done just that, except the young doe in question had turned to speak with her. Offering protection and assistance. Moon blinked at her a moment, then gave an amused sniff. "You think I need protecting? How cute."

Short tail flicking, she kept walking. "I'm more than capable of escorting myself home." Gold eyes glanced back, lips tugging in a proud smile before she carried on her way.

[Owlsomniac]

Adder blinks, and catches Granny's attempt to hide an amused smile, before she rallies. The confidence, the pride - that cute little tail flick, that enchanting little dismissive smile..

Adder thinks she's in love. Or at least smitten with infatuation.

"Oh- well, of course you are." Beautiful and capable. Adder smiles winsomely. "Still... a journey shared in good company is always more pleasant. Perhaps I could accompany you?"

Adder ignores Granny's slightly misgiving tone when she says quietly, "But she's going the other way, dear..."

[Beejoux]

The dainty doe never faultered in her sure stride onward, so she had to raise her voice a little to be sure she was heard as the distance between them began to stretch.

"Perhaps you could, but it looks to me you're already escorting someone." This came with a note of amused laughter. It wasnt quite an invitation, but more of a challenge, really. A test to see what the other doe might do when presented with options

To Moon herself it mattered very little aside from passing amusement. She was fine walking alone in peace.

[Owlsomniac]

Duty or love? Adder sighs quietly. She'd never hear the end of it if she doesn't see Granny to the market and back safely. Plus, she likes the old goat and she'd genuinely feel awful if anything happened to her.

The other doe hasn't even slowed her step, and finally Adder shouts back, "Perhaps another time..!"

Still, she stands there lingering for some moments before turning back to her charge. Granny smiles at her, an understanding twinkle in her eyes. Adder shrugs helplessly.

"Ah well. Can't blame a girl for trying."

Granny laughs. "You're a good girl, Adder."

Adder feels her ears burn a little, and starts forward toward the market once more. "Whatever..." she grumbles, but there's a smile playing around her eyes. "Just don't go giving away all my secrets. Can't have everyone thinking I'm a soft touch."

"Course not, dear."

Adder thinks she detects a hint of playful sarcasm and squints at the old mare from over her shoulder, but Granny's expression is as placid and serene as ever.

Well, at least she's no longer bored.

[Beejoux]

It hadn't appeared as thought the dainty doe has responded to Adder's last call, not beyond a little flick of that fluffy tail.

As luck would have it, that wouldn't be the only time Moon Kiss would head into the market. She made the lengthy walk there and back numerous times over the course of a month, so running into her again would not be unlikely.

And as with before, when they did cross paths again, the doe was being escorted by the slinky form of dark ferret scurrying along the ground with her. Deftly weaving in and out of her legs, it seemed to be playing a game while the doe herself simply ignored its antics.