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The night went by, mostly, normally; Tavros slept soundly, dreamt vividly, and he occasionally mumbled or wiggled in his sleep. But, unfortunately, the troll also had a tendency to commune in his sleep.
Many trolls, at least, in his world, had a mentor to gently coach them through their mental abilities if they had any to begin with; powers dealing with the mind were often unstable without proper cultivation and upbringing. The bronzeblooded troll did not have a mentor and relied on his own perseverance and discipline to teach himself how to do deal with his special connections with animals. Without a teacher of any kind, he never learned how to shut down his thinkpan during sleep - his unconscious mind ran wild and attracted animals of all varieties. Rabbits, birds, raccoons, and even a deer or two curled up against Tavros while he slept, unsure as to why they were called by sitting by loyally. He was not yet advanced enough to earn the attention of something larger or more ferocious, but the woodland creatures, did not mind, as they grazed or played whilst awaiting the troll to wake.
2014-06-03 00:16:10 -
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Gamzee slept soundly, hardly moving at all. He woke blearily with the first light of dawn, and was going to roll onto his back but felt something on his side. He flinched away, thinking it was Tavros, but when he looked back it was one, now quite disgruntled looking, rabbit that had cuddled up next to Tavros.
He sat up quickly, taking in all the animals huddled around. Picking up the bag, he checked that they still had food when he noticed to raccoons. He watched the wildlife silently, a little weirded out. They seemed to like Tav well enough though so he wasn't really worried. Maybe he had some sort of magic? He recalled the white rabbit Tavros mentioned a couple times and looked around for one that matched his description, letting Tavros sleep for now.
2014-06-03 22:31:00 -
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The array of animals shifted as Tavros did as he slept, as the boy seemed to talk and squirm some as he was unconscious. The wildlife settled against him once he was calm, but they did not suddenly ignore Gamzee. On the contrary, they kept their gaze trained of him, suspicious and cautious.
Tavros woke shortly after Gamzee, his brown eyes fluttering open as he yawned and stretched his arms over his head. He felt snug and warm, a little warmer than he would have expected, but he noticed that he was not on the bare ground like he was last night. Gradually, he moved into an upright position, but looked more confused at the fact that he was in a sleeping bag than the animals curled up around him.
His lethargic thinkpan came to the conclusion that not every troll in the world, much less one very different from his own, would understand unconscious communing, and he sheepishly explained. "Oh, um. I may have accidentally communed with all these animals, while I slept," He began, smiling as a doe nudged her head against his shoulder, "It is not on purpose, I can assure you. I just, uh. Never really figured out how to stop it."
2014-06-12 18:52:49 -
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"Oh, ...that's pretty cool. I figured you had some sorta magic, 'cause they all seemed to like you," Gamzee spoke quietly, not wanting to disturb things too much. He stayed still; sure these critters liked Tavros, but they didn't feel that way about Gamzee, so the purple eyed troll figured he'd chill. He didn't feel like getting bitten, clawed, or kicked, which he figured might happen if he pissed them off--Tavros communing or not.
2014-06-14 16:58:23 -
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Gamzee remembered something, and retrieved the book slowly, opening it in his lap to find a certain section. "Maybe this is part of you being Alice, Tavbro. Look at these," he moved the book so the shorter troll could see. He flipped through a couple of the illustrations, all of them had Alice with some sort of animal, talking to it or being friendly in some way. Most of them were gentler creatures like those that surrounded them now, but there were a couple more fearsome beasts as well. "See? She had this sorta animal thing, kind of like your communing, maybe?" He offered Tavros the book so he could look closer and read the passages if he wanted, glancing over.
2014-06-14 17:08:43 -
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The talk about 'Alice' made him nervous; Tavros, in all honesty, had little to no desire to being an Alice of any kind. All he wanted was to find some semblance of normalcy in the topsy turvy world that was now his temporary home. Or so he assumed. But the further evidence that pointed to him being some sort of cliched chosen one sparked his anxiety and made him fiddle with her fingers in worry. What did being an Alice entail, anyway? And if he truly was this Alice with all these responsibilities, when would he go home, if ever?
Looking at the book, Tavros swallowed thickly and trailed his eyes over the illustrations and the text, a quiet sigh leaving him after only a couple paragraphs. "Yeah." He mumbled, taking the book and looking it over one last time with minimal enthusiasm. "I don't know, Gamzee," He cast his gaze to the ground, "I am not entirely certain how I feel about this, Alice stuff."
2014-06-21 23:31:29 -
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Gamzee saw his new friend was somewhat distressed, and wanted to offer comfort, but because of his minimal experience with others wasn't sure how best to approach offering such a thing. He felt like maybe a hug was in order but wasn't sure if Tavros would respond well. He decided on something he could pass off as an accident if need be. Gamzee took the book back from Tavros, brushing his fingers tenderly as he did so, then closed the tome and set it to the side.
"Well," he said as he took it, continuing after he had set it down, "I don't think you should have to do anything you don't want to. I sure as fuck wouldn't wanna be Alice, and I won't tell anyone about your note or anything; that's your business," the purple eyed troll said seriously. "You can cover up your dress with the sweater and coat so nobody recognizes it, and we can get you some other things to wear, no problem."
2014-06-22 00:56:18 -
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The touching to his fingers was not lost on him, and the intention of comfort was there, albeit with a twinge of embarrassment. It was awfully sweet of Gamzee to be so accommodating to him and put his emotions and motives as a priority. Tavros was unsure if he could be so upstanding if he were in Gamzee's place. With a quiet huff of partial sadness, Tavros plucked up a rabbit and hugged the furry animal against his chest glumly, and the rabbit squeaked comfortingly and pawed at his arms.
"Really?" He questioned softly, glancing up at Gamzee as if he were a savior. It was obvious that Tavros was apprehensive about all that Alice business, but he still had a feeling that no amount of hiding and dodging would get him to completely avoid what felt like fate. "I really am grateful for all you have done for me, Gamzee. I cannot, uh, thank you enough." With a weak smile, he released the rabbit and the rest of the animals, watching as they all stood and wandered away, trotting off to complete whatever instinctive business they had.
2014-06-25 14:21:38 -
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Gamzee turned his face away, trying not to blush nearly as hard as he currently was. Nobody had looked at him like that before, as if they actually liked him; Gamzee figured Tavros was just much too nice.
"You don't have to thank me, what are friends for, after all," he said. He was quite thankful for the other's companionship. It was a nice change from being alone all the time.
After watching the animals depart, he got off the platform and started rolling up the blankets he'd been sleeping in, packing things up so they could be on their way. As he tied them together he glanced through his lashes at Tavros. "If you want, we can eat breakfast here, or we can eat as we walk," he said, looking down again to concentrate on attaching the blankets to the pack.
2014-06-25 15:02:00 -
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Shimmying out of the sleeping bag, Tavros stood and straightened the dress he wore, though he wasn't particularly fond of it because of the feelings and responsibilities it was attributed with. He tugged up his socks, fixed his shoes, then plucked the hairband from his hair and shuffled his fingers through the tresses, "We can eat as we walk; we may as well, get going."
He'd be lying if he said he wasn't in a hurry to get to the Bibliosaurus. Surely she would have some answers concerning his newfound title, and how to get home if it was at all possible. "Is that okay with you?"
2014-06-25 16:09:20 -
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"Of course," Gamzee gave a snake smile, "soon as I wrap this up and put my face on we can get going."
After rolling and attaching the sleeping bag, Gamzee stood and stretched, wandering over to the stream to find a calm reflective patch. He pulled his hair back while he applied his face paint, using the water as a mirror. Finished, he stood, combing his fingers through wild hair as he retrieved the bag, glancing around to make sure they had everything before heading towards the path.
For breakfast there was a small loaf of bread, some cheese, and a couple apples, half of everything handed to Tavros as they continued on their way.
2014-06-25 16:56:05 -
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The copperblood thanked him for the food and started on the bread and cheese, nibbling it as he mindlessly followed Gamzee along. He wasn't sure how long it would take to get to the Bibliosaurus, -and if he was told, he didn't remember- and he hoped that he would not be met with disheartening news upon speaking to her.
"How long will it take, to reach the Bibliosaurus?" Tavros questioned, trying to ignore the buzzing of some particularly menacing looking insects, "You may have told me already, but I have forgotten, heh..."
2014-06-25 17:11:15 -
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"We'll get there before noon," the taller troll replied. "Depending on the crowds it won't take long from the edge of the city. Do you mind if I drop these off first?" Gamzee asked, indicating the bags of enchanted fungi, "we'll be passing by, and'll need the money eventually," he glanced back.
The purpleblood was getting annoyed at the insects, too, and pulled out a small ceramic jar from his pocket. He turned and walked backwards to face Tavros, offering it to him after taking some of the sweet herbal-smelling balm on a couple fingers and rubbing it behind his ears. "Keeps the bugs away," he explained, "they don't like the smell or somethin'." Indeed, the insects did seem to give him more space as soon as the pleasant aroma spread more from his body heat.
2014-06-25 17:37:08 -
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The bugs were just as annoying as they were frightening; some were such odd colors that Tavros thought for a few seconds that his eyes must have been playing tricks on him. Then, others had horrifying components to them - glowing eyes, long legs, impossibly huge mandibles or, scarily enough, what looked like actual teeth! A bug nearly tangled itself in his hair, rustling and buzzing too loudly for comfort by Tavros's sensitive ears, and he whimpered in fright before grabbing the jar from Gamzee and hastily slapping some of the balm behind them.
Much to his relief, the bugs did seem to stay away from him, and Tavros sighed in quiet joy, finally finding it much easier to focus on the topic at hand. "I don't mind," He answered, handing the jar back to him, "Do not let my own priorities, conflict with yours. I am just a guest, after all."
2014-06-25 19:35:45 -
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Gamzee turned forward again but slowed to walk next to Tavros. "Na, I don't have any priorities really, kind of just along for the ride," he said. "I like chillin with you, Tavbro," he continued a moment later, thinking that his previous statement might have come off as rude or uninterested, "we're friends, yea?"
They were making good time, and the trees were thinning out slightly as they traveled further. While there were less trees the ones that remained were larger, and the whole area seemed more well maintained. Soon they came to a small hill and from the crest they could see the forest's edge sloping down and a large city beyond it. The city had a centrally located castle towering over the perimeter areas, and even from this distance it was clear that the center was richer and less crowded. Gamzee paused at the top for a short break and to let Tavros take in the scenery.
2014-06-25 20:07:17 -
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Before Tavros had a chance to question what Gamzee meant by him being 'just along for the ride', the other male was speaking again. Except, this time, the words were more comforting and reassuring, like Tavros wasn't imposing on a foundation that he honestly could not control. With a smile that scrunched his eyes, he nodded over at Gamzee in affirmation to his question, "Yeah."
At the top of the hill, his eyes scanned the humongous city splayed out before him, his gaze drinking in the sight of castle and how it made him feel lightly nostalgic. If he were in his own world, he would probably be working still, trimming hedges and creating safe havens for beautiful flowers.Structurally, the city reminded him of home, but the varied hues and colors were vastly different; the fashion was bright and wild, the buildings were all unique in their own ways with tinted windows or oddly shaped doors. Flexing his aching feet in his shoes, -Mary Janes did not make for good traveling foot wear- Tavros stretched his arms over his head, full from their breakfast and feeling a tad more hopeful now.
2014-06-25 20:24:27 -
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Gamzee grinned broadly at the affirmation, pointed teeth displayed in joy.
He was perfectly fine spending as much time on the top of the hill as Tavros needed. The taller male actually appeared a little tense as he stood close by. He was getting worried about how ought was going to be in the city. Normally he quickly did what he needed and left as soon as possible, but with Tavros...well, things were going to be different. He had no idea what the best course of action was--the best being the least likely to get him in trouble.
"Tavros?" he ventured hesitantly, "can you maybe not be quite so nice to me when we're in town?"
2014-06-25 21:20:09 -
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For the time being, Tavros just let his mind wander. He did not think of anything in particular or dwell on any one topic; instead, his thoughts flowed, like water, from one point of interest to the next with little to no expectation about what the next topic would be. Snapping from his thoughts, he glanced up at Gamzee's question and his brows furrowed instinctively.
He was so accustomed to being the lesser troll in situations that Gamzee's question came off as confusing. Added to their time out of actual society, the inquiry was puzzling, "I do not know what you mean, by that, Gamzee..."
2014-06-25 21:27:03 -
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"Um, well," the other troll looked uncomfortable, trying to figure out what to say. "I don't know how it is in your Alternia, but here I'm almost as low as it gets, besides for the sea dwellers, but they never come on land anyway... and you're like a prince or duke or something level, so if you're all nice to me people will think some screwy shit is going on, so..." He trailed off, staring at his feet.
Gamzee really didn't know what else to do; he loved Tavros's companionship, but being friends would attract too much attention. He was almost tempted to ask if Tavros would be willing to act as if Gamzee was his servant, which he figured would be the least weird given the disparity between them on the hemospectrum.
2014-06-25 21:56:24 -
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"Oh...uh." Tavros was not entirely sure if he could carry out something like that; to him, he and Gamzee were equals. When they were alone, neither of them acted as if they were superior to the other based on something as silly as blood color. Despite that, he could understand Gamzee's hesitance to be as friendly as always in public, and Tavros nodded solemnly. "I understand. I do not want to, at all, but I will try to be less, uh. Kind, I guess?"
He was uncertain as to how to begin doing that, though. Should he pretend that they were not friends and that they were in some kind of strictly business transaction? Like Gamzee was his servant or assistant or something...Just the thought made him scowl. "I am afraid that I would not even, uh, know how to start."
2014-06-25 22:36:53 -
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"Well," Gamzee ran a hand through his hair in thought, "you don't know your way around, so maybe you've hired me as a guide? I'm kind of, known? in town..." Gamzee paused, then clarified quickly, "nothing bad or anything, well, there just aren't any of my blood color around much anymore. So I don't go unnoticed," he tried smiling to lighten the mood a little.
"And you could have me fetch things, and carry stuff for you; at least that's what it'll look like to others. Really I just want to be polite because this is your first time around! I'll just be a good host, and no one will know the difference," Gamzee grinned, figuring that was a pretty good idea. "I'll probably have to call you 'sir' around other people, though. Might think I'm all up and being disrespectful if I don't. Hope that's not too strange for you, Tavbro." May
2014-06-25 23:07:04 -
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Immediately, his brows furrowed at Gamzee's idea, and his lips pursed some at the term 'unnoticed' but, as before, Gamzee quickly clarified and the expression was starting to lighten.
"Well...if you are alright with it, then, I suppose I had better do it." Otherwise, they would appear very suspicious in public, but it all felt so weird. It was one thing to be on an equal playing field outside the scope of society, and it was something else entirely when he was expected to be the superior to Gamzee in the eyes of everyone else. The people in his homeworld would have had aneurysms if they saw what was proposed between the two trolls! His pointed ears fluttered twice, and he kicked stray rocks around gloomily, "I feel guilty already!"
2014-06-25 23:10:50 -
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"Nah, don't feel bad, it'll be almost like a kid game, playing pretend or whatever they call it," Gamzee shrugged, smiling a little. "You won't have to when we're alone with the Bibliosaurus, she's cool. But unless you want to explore a little we can make it a quick trip besides for whatever you find out from her. Then we can go from there I suppose."
Maybe the trip into town wouldn't be that bad, Gamzee thought. There didn't tend to be too many highbloods, the only ones who would really care, in the lower parts of town, and they'd only have to go in half way between the castle and the walls at the furthest point. The library archives where the Bibliosaurus worked was there, and the seamstress Gamzee knew was just across the street so they wouldn't have to go too far to get anything Tavros needed.
2014-06-25 23:30:20 -
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"Ready to go, Tavbro?" Gamzee asked, tilting his head toward the path, "or "sir" I should say," he gave the other a cheeky smile. Gamzee was still nervous, but Tavros seemed just as uncomfortable with the idea, which made him feel a little better.
2014-06-26 01:10:10 -
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"I suppose so," He replied, making a face when Gamzee added the last comment, then he playfully smacked his arm, "Cut it out! I do not want to have to adopt that role, any longer than I must."
He smoothed out his dress somewhat, then pulled the sweater her was wearing down a little more; he could not completely conceal his dress, it seemed, but if he rolled his apron up in to the sweater, he could hide one of the more defining parts to his outfit. Pausing, Tavros considered something, but doubted that taking off the tall socks would make much of a difference at this point. Not wasting any more time, he headed off in the direction of the city, then looked over at Gamzee, "Okay, in the city, I am going to ask for my coat, and I am going to be rather gruff, uh, and stern about it, but I promise that I do not mean anything by my tone, honest."
2014-06-26 01:27:32