DI | Rhust | Main Quest | Twig Head

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MAIN QUEST

The buck takes a shine to you, looking up to you with soft eyes. He seems to have taken a liking to you. You ask him about his herd but he was chased out. You:

 A] Ask the young Elk buck to join your herd. 
B] Shoo him away. 

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The seemingly calm, early winter morning was adorned with joy and laughter from young ones. Flint was joyfully racing through the thin layer of freshly fallen snow, carefully followed by Marble. They both showered the valley in shrieks and giggles. With a sudden soft thud, Flint fell into the snow after tripping over his own lanky feet. Marble gasped at the sight, causing all adults to look up. But Flint would get right up, trotting away with faint blush and laughter.

Rhust stretched himself, after letting out a small, relieved sign when the colt got up. Them foals looked so fragile. He was letting their mothers take full care of them, since they must know what they're doing. But the stallion sometimes held his breath in anticipation while watching the small ones race, jump, or tumble around. He'd have to bite his tongue, if he found Flint wandering off too far. Noëllah seemed to act lackadaisical while grazing, but he'd see her keeping close watch over her colt. He presumed the dam was simply very tolerant, and let Flint be. It was quite the opposite of Daray however. She'd fuss easily, and constantly eyed her small daughter. Surely Marble was smaller and weaker then any other foal her age, but Daray might be a little too protective. Marble herself, rarely left her mothers side. It would have to take Flint quite some convincing for the small filly would join him. But one small spook, and she'd be racing back to the safety of her mother's flank.

Foals, Rhust thought with a snort. ...My Foals...
He shook his head, and lowered it to graze. Winter was slowly spilling over the land. Turning the air cold, and making their coats thick. They would have to fatten up for the winter, to make it through. But Rhust was certain, that living in this area, would help them greatly. He only wondered about small Marble...

"Papaaa? Wha-" Rhust's head shot up at the sudden word, spoken directly in his ear. Flint looked up with a start to catch the stallion's shocked gaze. But when nothing happened, the young foal obliviously tried again. "What's wrong with that horse?" He asked curious, looking at said horse up ahead. Rhust caught himself and followed his son's gaze. It was no supersize to Rhust that the unknown 'horse', was in fact the young elk buck. Oren, I believe, Rhust thought, remembering the introduction of that rainy day. The buck had followed them ever since, being careful to keep his distance. This time however, he stood tall, glaring Rhust right in the face.

"Why are there branches growing out of his head?" Flint asked, cocking his head to the side in confusion, "Is he sick?" Rhust opened his mouth, but closed it again. Feeling a little unsure about speaking to the colt. He'd kept his distance from the foals since their birth. It occurred to him he hadn't really spoken to them at all yet. That somehow struck his heart painfully. He worked his jaw before finally speaking, "Those are called antlers. Only deer and elk grow them." He replied, but the colt's expression didn't change much. "Atlars?" He repeated. "Antlers," Rhust corrected. "This is a bull elk. The females don't have them." He tried to explain, not sure what level of education he should use on a foal of this age. "So it's not a horse?" Flint asked, taking a step forward, his eyes locked on Oren.

Rhust quickly came into action, and stopped the colt. "You stay here." He rasped, making sure the catch Flint's eyes before moving to face the buck. Oren's regal pose turned more and more stiff as Rhust neared him, but he did not move. "Sir!" He spoke up as the stallion stopped before him. The elk made to bow with his head in a form of respect. Rhust raised a brow at the sight, what did he want? "Sir, I-" "My name is Rhust." The stallion cut him off, aware that the buck must already know his name. "You can cut the formal crap." He added curtly, not sounding as friendly as he might have hoped. This seemed to have thrown Oren off, as he struggled to start over. "Rhust..." He said carefully, as if trying the new, informal way. He cleared his throat however, and regained his composure before speaking once more.

"I wish to lend you my services, in return to your kindness." Oren said. Rhust cocked his neck. "Services?" "Yes, sir! I mean... Rhust... sir." Oren fumbled. "Your mares showed me great kindness during that one faithful storm. And I proceeded to followed your family ever since." He claimed, his expression serious. Rhust thought of the silly 'formal' way he and Mysha would speak when they'd mess around. "I witnessed your ability in leadership, honor and courtesy. So... I wish to lend you my services, as payment to your hospitality." The buck finally finished, once again bowing his head. Rhust waited a moment, flicking his tail. "Services?" He asked once again, still waiting for some form of elaboration. "Oh, eh," Oren fumbled again, "I can help you protect your band? I can aid in battle! Or well... my antlers will grow out larger each year, I assure you." The buck spoke, embarrassment written on his face. "Oh, and I have knowledge of the land! I can read it, I mean. I know of poisonous or healing plants, that I can share with you?" Oren seemed careful with his words now, eyeing the stallion with a sheepish grin.

Rhust simply stared at the buck, quietly consuming and evaluating this new information. He could be useful, he though. He won't steal anyone away, and he's easily dealt with if he steps out of line, even for Daray. He looked the elk over one more time, who nervously awaited an answer.

"Alright. I accept your offer." Rhust finally broke the tight silence. He could hear Oren let go a breath he had been holding. "Thank you so much, sir! I promise, won't disappoint you!" He called out with controlled joy. "Good, now your first task is too keep watch." Rhust told him, feeling like making use of this new 'aid' right away. "Yes sir!" Oren bellowed and moved to position himself on the other side of the small band with purpose, already taking the job too serious. Rhust rolled his eyes as Mysha walked over. She'd observed the exchange while holding an oh-so curious Flint back. "You let him join?" She asked with a smile. Rhust signed, and nodded. "He wants to be useful, I guess." He replied, heading back to his grazing spot. "I'll go welcome him then." She told him with a gleeful smile, and headed off, eagerly followed by Flint.

"Hi there." The young mare greeted Oren, who was pulled form his sincere observation of the valley. "Ma'am." He returned the greeting. "Oh, just call me Mysha! I'm way too young for Ma'am!" The chestnut laughed, while Oren nodded. "Mysha! He has no tail!" Flint exclaimed, wiggling between the two older animals. "Did you loose it?" He asked worriedly, his own small tail flicking happily. "I have a tail," Oren answered "It's not like yours, though." Flint trotted around the elk to witness this himself. He gasped at the sight of the small, nearly hidden bud. "It's so small! How do you swat flies with that?" He asked boldly, his voice much too loud. Mysha let out a breathy laugh, mumbling an apology at Oren, who shrugged it off.

"I wanted to welcome you to the band. Oren, was it?" "Ah, yes, and thank you." The young elk spoke gingerly. "Woah! Your hooves are weird! They are split up!" Flint suddenly blurred out, staring in shock at Oren's hind toes. "Flint, you're being rude!" Mysha quickly told him, shooting Oren an apologetic look. "Go on, go to your mother." She added, watching as the colt quickly ran for Marble with excitement. "Marble! Come look! He has such weird feet!" His young voice exclaimed across the valley.

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Words: 1347

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So, yeah. I guess this is when I get too many members in my herd, and can't (won't) include them all, to avaoid having the art/story clog up. But don't worry! I'll make sure no one is left behind c:
Introducing Oren! The elk buck! The 'soldier' of the group ^^ You can find more info about him at my herd tracker, although it's not much yet >.>

I tried some different shading in this piece... let me know what you think? I'm not sure if it's soo much D:
Also, Oren is a reincarnation of my 'never-to-be-character' Tonrar >> 
I changed his name, cause I didn't like Tonrar anymore >.> So this ^^^ Is Oren grown up, pretty much c:
Glad I could give him a second life ^^

#GiveRhustLove

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Art & Characters - Cat-Bells