Oaken is Name.

My name Oaken. Live in forest safe from what live out where we do not know. Is quiet here. You quiet too. Who you...?

[fastwindsandfreedom-blog]

Hello

[fastwindsandfreedom-blog]

No, Wander wouldn’t persist. Arguing wasn’t something he was good at, and Oaken seemed firm on his decision. He didn’t take it harshly though, especially since the other had been smiling. The poor blue centaur couldn’t wrap his head around how nice Oaken was. It was literally the only kindness he’d known since being separated from his herd as a young foal. He wasn’t sure how to react to it, other than constantly saying thanks. Which he did again, before slowly laying down once more, smiling gratefully, “Oaken much nice.”

Wander didn’t know what to say beyond that. It didn’t help that he was so rusty at his own native tongue, and that he had practically no social skills. And now his mind was starting to wander as he fell asleep. Here he found this nice centaur, finally one of his kind, but he had to leave him in the morning. Would he ever see Oaken again? How would he repay his kindness if he didn’t? He even briefly wondered if he would ever find another centaur again, let alone his herd. But he shook the thought from his mind. He had to find his herd. He had to.

Still… Leaving the first potential friend he ever had suddenly seemed harder than he expected.

[wildunderchaoticoaks]

By the time the mumur left Wander, the bulkier centaur's breathing was already slowing. The only sign that he caught the gist of what was said being the soft hint of a smile as he fell into a deep slumber. It had been a long day that involved the stresses of socialization, something Oaken wasn't terribly used to after being alone for so long. But that would not mean he hadn't enjoyed it nor wish it away. The only thing he had to feel worrisome about now was whether or not he'd ever see this new friend again.

He knew better than to try and insist that the other stay, knowing he could probably come up with quite a few reasons. That would be rude of him. Not to mention, this centaur's life would be with a herd. Oaken had already made the decision long ago to separate from his herd and he'd stay that way. Especially if Mai was coming back. He wouldn't want to miss her.

Waking was difficult, feeling sluggish as he shifted against the wall he had leaned his upper body against. He allowed a soft grunt to leave him as he willed himself to depart from his support, blinking away the haze. That was good, Wander was still there, noting the blue smudge in his den. The thought had him glancing behind him, remembering the blanket the other had used to dry themselves. Oaken did his best to stand without making too much of a ruckus, scooping up the damp blanket and wandering outside to go and hang it out.

[fastwindsandfreedom-blog]

Hello

[fastwindsandfreedom-blog]

Well, that was true. Oaken’s coat looked a lot thicker than his own. But it didn’t remove his concern entirely. Especially since he knew Oaken would be sleeping on the hard ground. Although he supposed it would be alright, after all Wander slept on the hard ground all the time and he was fine. He just couldn’t help feeling guilty for taking this nice centaur’s bed. 

His ears lowered and he chuffed quietly as the other centaur plopped down. With a grunt he pushed himself up with his front legs until he was sitting. “Wander sleep on ground always. Not mind. Oaken nice…should have bed.” He hated to argue at all, but he couldn’t help it. He at least had to try and convince Oaken to trade spots. If it weren’t for the fact that he did need his space, this situation might be easier.

[wildunderchaoticoaks]

Once on the ground he began to adjust his position, attempting to find a good place where he'd feel comfortable enough to drift to sleep.Though before he could do much his ears caught the sound of movement, gaze shifting over to his new friend. One that was now seated upright which earned him a concerned frown from the larger centaur. Was the other not comfortable? He was about ready to push himself up to see if he could perhaps find another blanket but was instead met with reluctance.

Yes, Wander may have been acquainted with the ground but that did not mean he should continue to sleep on it. After a while it would give one bad knees, at least that was what Mai had said, suggesting a bed instead. Thus Oaken would shake his head, adopting a sleepy smile, "Wander have journey. Need more. Oaken have bed daily. Sleep." And with that the centaur leaned up against the wall and closed his eyes, hoping the other wouldn't persist.

[fastwindsandfreedom-blog]

Hello

[fastwindsandfreedom-blog]

Wander’s ears perked forward as Oaken showed him the injured hand, and he lifted his head to sniff at it a little. He could still smell blood faintly, but it looked clean, which was good! He smiled again, briefly, before tilting his head at the other blanket. Oh! Oaken wanted to trade- it was only then that Wander noticed the blanket he already had was wet- so he handed it to Oaken, and took the fresh one with a grateful smile. “Thank.”

He paused for a moment, looking the other over. “Oaken need one too.” The other centaur was being so unbelievably kind, Wander was starting to worry he was going too far out of his way for him. He even gave him his bed. Which Wander glanced at before looking at Oaken again. “If Wander here where Oaken sleep?”

[wildunderchaoticoaks]

The centaur laid out before him would receive a nod and a smile before Oaken turned to put the damper blanket aside. Tomorrow he'd have to hang it out on a branch, where the sun could reach it. He had been busy readjusting some things in his den when his friend spoke up once more. It had him glancing over his shoulder with a soft gaze, "Oaken have thick coat. Not worry." Wander had no need to worry, a night of possibly having restless sleep wouldn't hurt him in the least bit. The other would benefit more from resting the night in a comfortable bed.

Thus Wander would be greeted with a warm look, appreciating the concern. "Oaken sleep here," and where he stood which was a bit closer to the entrance, he plopped down, hoping this would give his friend the space he needed.

[sixpenceee]

All four seasons

Source: Funnyjunk

[fastwindsandfreedom-blog]

Hello

[fastwindsandfreedom-blog]

“Good!” Wander commented on the cloth, fascinated that an object could do that. Of course, he was taking it a bit too literally, and thinking that the cloth somehow magically healed the wound faster. That aside, he turned his attention back to the bed. It did look inviting with all those soft leaves and grass. Why hadn’t he ever thought of this? Carefully, he stepped into the nest, and lowered himself down, including his upper half, until he was laying on his side.

“Soft,” was mumbled as he cast Oaken a little smile, “Wander always sleep on ground. This better.” His eyes traveled to the other centaur’s hand again, before looking back to his face. “Oaken hand feel okay?” Magic cloth or not, he was still worried about that, and still felt guilty.

[wildunderchaoticoaks]

His grin could not be contained as the other sprawled out onto his bed, pleased to hear that Wander thought it comfortable. Though, the smile would falter when the other mentioned where he'd usually sleep. On the ground, with nothing there to soften it? He had to remind himself that the taller centaur was most likely traveling around to find his herd. There was nothing he could probably do about his sleeping situation if he was constantly moving. A frown had formed while he was submerged in his thoughts, only realizing when Wander had addressed him.

Perhaps he could give him one of his blankets for his travels, for now, he'd try his best to make certain he was prepared to continue his journey.

Oaken grunted and nodded his head before carefully stepping closer and extending his injured hand. The blood hadn't soaked through yet, but he'd most likely have to change it in the morning. For now, it was white and tightly wrapped around his palm, hiding the wounds. He hung his hand out for a long moment so Wander could examine it, only withdrawing when he turned to grab another blanket. A new one, considering the one his friend had was now dampened and would do no good in keeping the other warm. He offered a fresh blanket while also gesturing for the used one.

[wildunderchaoticoaks]

Sorry

[Oh gosh it’s okay! You do whatever you’re comfortable with. And if you are the one sending those interactions with Oaken, I am holding them because I want to draw for them. >v< But it will have to wait since my tablet is back in CA. ; v ; But ahh, it is fine friend you do you booboo ]

[wildunderchaoticoaks]

Too nervous too for some reason even tho we've talked before.

[ We’ve spoken before? :c Well I’m sorry that your nervous to the point you are unable to come off anon. But I can’t do much if you don’t. ; ~ ; ]

[wildunderchaoticoaks]

*tickles oaken*

To Oaken, the tickles seemed more like nice rubs than anything startling. This grey face would earn a loud rumble of approval and a soft smile.

[wildunderchaoticoaks]

*PICKS UP OAKEN*

A very loud strangled horse noise echoes through the forest.

[fastwindsandfreedom-blog]

Hello

[fastwindsandfreedom-blog]

Despite Oaken’s reassurance, Wander still felt guilty. Even if it was an accident, harming the first centaur he’d met since he was an infant was the last thing he wanted to do. Oaken hiding his hand didn’t really help, and Wander even leaned to the side a little to try and keep his vision on it. He wanted to know how bad it was, but there was nothing he could do about it. He knew nothing of treating wounds.

Which was why it was encouraging to hear that at least Oaken did. Wander was about to ask how one goes about healing wounds, but- dark? He looked around, a bit alarmed that the light had faded with out him noticing. Darkness was no friend to him, so he followed Oaken closely. Though he hesitated at the entrance- it was dark in there too, but at least it wasn’t open space. It was safe. Well, safer at least, right?

Wander stepped in slowly, and caught sight of Oaken wrapping his hand. “What that?” he asked curiously, looking at the wrapping. Then his attention was turned to the…the what? “…Bed?” The blue centaur walked over to, and sniffed, the pile of grass and leaves, pawing at it once with a hoof. It smelled a lot like Oaken. “Oaken…sleep here?”

[wildunderchaoticoaks]

The den was admittedly rather dark but at least when the moon rose overhead, its light would filter in and make it easier to see. For now however, it would be a bit dark, but not terribly to the point neither of them would be unable to see. At least, he hoped, Oaken was more accustomed to his den than his new friend would be. Though, the other seemed to be doing fine as he curiously looked over him bandaging his wound. Naturally, a comforting smile formed, "Cloth, stop bleeding. Let wound heal."

His smile would only grow from there as Wander examined his bed. Oaken flexed his fixed hand, testing its durability before stepping over and beside the other centaur, "Yes. Good for sleep. Lay down." He gently gestured for the other to try out his bed, hoping Wander might find it comfortable. Though, considering how unfamiliar the other was with his bed, it made him wonder where his friend would sleep usually.

[fastwindsandfreedom-blog]

Hello

[fastwindsandfreedom-blog]

Wander shook his head, before lowering his hands from his face to fidget with them. “Not Oaken fault,” he told the other, looking at the ground. He desperately wanted to explain himself, but even he didn’t know why he reacted that way. So silence passed, until the larger centaur stood up and went into his den. Wander assumed he’d upset the other, and let out a heavy sigh. He was totally ruining his first meeting with another centaur wasn’t he?

Naturally, the sound of Oaken returning had his ears perking, and he looked up to see him carrying something. Something vaguely familiar, though he couldn’t remember what it was called. Wander took it carefully, once again shaking his head at Oaken. “Wander fault. Not Oaken…” he trailed off as he felt the fabric between his fingers, and stared at it. Though he didn’t exactly remember it, it gave him a comforting feeling. He wrapped it around his upper half, and looked to the other again.

“Thank…Ah-?” Now he noticed the blood trickling from Oaken’s hand, and furrowed his eye-ridges with a frown. “Oaken hurt? How-” As he spoke he stood up, keeping his eyes on the other’s hand, and quickly realized what happened. “No- Wander hurt Oaken! No no, Wander sorry! Not mean hurt!” He almost reached out to grab his friend’s arm and look at this hand, but stopped himself, and instead could only stand there, visibly upset and very concerned.

[wildunderchaoticoaks]

It was curious how the other centaur reacted to the offered blanket, looking it over as if he wasn't sure what it was. That was understandable, unable to recall his herd having the skill to make such a cloth. In fact, he'd been given many of the things he had, if not taught how to make them. This blanket had been given to him by Mai, it was one of his favorites and it did its job in keeping one warm. The thought had him glancing up, catching the pink and purple hues of sunset. It would be getting dark soon. Hopefully by then he'd dry. Having a wet coat at night wasn't something he enjoyed.

The question brought his attention back, watching Wander's expression morph into one of concern. He frowned, taking an uneasy step back as the other stood, exclaiming his apologies as he seemed to have realized what had happened. Oaken tried for a comforting smile, withdrawing his hand from sight in hopes of lessening the taller centaur's worries. "Oaken fine. Know Wander no ill intent," he took a moment to think about the word he wanted to translate, "accident." The larger centaur peered back up at the sky before gesturing for his friend to follow.

"Oaken will heal wound. Come, it is dark," with the scent of blood in the air, he did not want to attract any unwelcome visitors.

Once he entered his den, hoping Wander had followed, he tore off a piece of a thinner cloth and began wrapping his hand. Oh, he left his bowl of nuts out there, it would have to wait till morning. "Bed there," he nods his head in the direction of the nest of grass and leaves, the spot rather big but not quiet enough to fit two centaurs.

[fastwindsandfreedom-blog]

Hello

[fastwindsandfreedom-blog]

Wander was trying really hard to relax, but his breathing was only quickening the closer Oaken got. Why was he like this? These feelings were the last thing he thought he would feel when finally reuniting with his own kind. He had longed for any kind of physical contact for so long, but now…

Oaken’s hand barley grazed over an old scar on Wander’s back, and suddenly he panicked. Flashbacks of claws and teeth ran through his mind, and even though he tried not to, he lurched and raised his quills, neighing loudly as he scrambled away. Immediately he was aware that there was no reason for him to be flipping out, but he couldn’t stop, until he had run completely out of the water. He stood on the shore, breathing in heavily, and upper half leaned down, supporting himself on the knees of his front legs.

After a moment he simply laid down, calmer, but feeling more embarrassed than he could ever remember. Wander ran his hands over his face, ears lowered, and mumbling, “Wander sorry..sorry…sorry…”

[wildunderchaoticoaks]

He should have known not to put his hand down when he caught how quickly the other was breathing, sensing his growing panic. Yet he had hoped that by resting his hand there he could perhaps calm him. Sadly, that would not be the case as Wander jerked away and launched himself through the water till he reached shore, leaving Oaken with a stinging in his palm. Ears laid flat on his head as he glanced at the source of the pain. Cuts, most likely from the small spines on the other's back. Though, his seemed notably sharper than his own.

Oaken's spines were smaller and more likely to prickle and stick than to cut. With a grunt he balled his hand, blood beginning to slip past his fingers and mix with the water. He'd have to wrap it up, but for now pressure would have to do. Only when Wander laid himself down did he dare make his way out of the lake, gently shaking the water out from his hooves. The apologies were met with a sad smile, Oaken hesitantly approaching the other before laying himself down a few feet away. "Wander fine. Oaken not mean to scare," his frown deepened, feeling responsible for the taller centaur's reaction.

Oaken let a moment of silence pass between them before he stood up and made his way over to the den, soon returning with a blanket in the hand that wasn't occupied. He held it out to the other centaur, "Oaken sorry."

[fastwindsandfreedom-blog]

Hello

[fastwindsandfreedom-blog]

The nod made Wander smile, glad he could at least stay the night, and have more time to enjoy this centaur’s company before continuing his search. Speaking of which, he suddenly wondered why Oaken was alone. Did he lose his heard too? He thought about asking, but his train of thought was interrupted.

“Hm?” Wander subconsciously turned his head to look at his back as best he could, and looked nervous again. “Um…” No one had really ever…touched him. Not since he escaped that awful place. He felt his heart rate increase slightly as he turned his head to Oaken again, though his eyes remained off to the side.  As anxious as he was about it, his back did itch pretty bad. Maybe it was worth trusting Oaken enough to at least try? So he simply nodded, and slowly moved a little closer, so that the other would be able to reach his back.

[wildunderchaoticoaks]

It was immediately noted how nervous the other became at the simple prospect of being touched. The reaction had Oaken's ears lowering, a frown forming. These weren't exactly natural responses to touch. At least not to the larger centaur, eyes searching and full of concern. Something must have happened to Wander that had such an awful effect on him, to perhaps contribute to this constant display of fright. Then again, he hadn't met a lot of nervous fellows before, besides that one bright blue hedgehog who had the faintest glow. But even then, he too seemed to have become that way through experiences not by nature.

Seeing Wander reluctantly accept made him uneasy, wondering if he should tell the other not to worry about it. He brought his hands together and dipped them into the water before hovering over the spot he intended on touching. His gaze was focused on the taller centaurs expression as he lowered his hand.

[wildunderchaoticoaks]

[ Just a small sketch of a ‘human’ Oaken. Trying to get a feel for male facial structure and smiles as well as work on my shading and the sculpting of a human face. Hopefully this will make up for skipping class )XD;; ]

[fastwindsandfreedom-blog]

Hello

[fastwindsandfreedom-blog]

Watching Oaken’s expression change so suddenly had Wander worried for a moment, and he tilted his head at the other a little. Oh. Now he appeared a little uneasy, tilting his ears back as he moved some of his mane out of his face. He hadn’t really been thinking much about that. “Um…Not know? Wander try find…herd…” he tried to explain, it was a bit hard with how rusty he was at their native tongue, “Stay…night?” It would be nice to at least have a place to sleep for the night. Somewhere warmer than camping out under a tree like he usually did. But at the same time… Wander wasn’t eager to leave the only centaur he’d found after all those years.

[wildunderchaoticoaks]

Seeing as to how nervous Wander became after his question had Oaken's shoulder's sagging, ashamed that he'd asked such a question. By doing so, he was probably making the other feel pressured into staying and that was something he did not want. He knew that people would always come and go, just like the seasons. But it had been so long since he had last seen Mai, having gone through many seasons alone with little interaction. Meeting the taller centaur had him hopeful, that perhaps he wouldn't have to continue this lonely path.

Oaken would nod, features calm and accepting. It had been his choice to leave his herd and he did not entirely know of the other's circumstances. It sounded as if he'd just lost track of his herd, unlike him who had decided to wait for Mai's return. Though, at least the other centaur would be taking advantage of what he could provide. Traveling this late was dangerous, especially since winter was coming. He'd at least be able to spend a little more time with him before Wander left and for that he should be thankful.

"Wander need help?" The larger centaur would gesture to the other's backline, knowing full well that it was rather difficult to get everything cleaned. Most of the time he'd let the water do what it could to wash the grime off his back. But at times it wasn't enough, using to grass to roll around and hopefully get the itching to subside.

[fastwindsandfreedom-blog]

Hello

[fastwindsandfreedom-blog]

Oh if only Wander had any idea that Oaken thought he was pretty, that blue fur would turn red. He smiled as the other reassured him yet again, but he was not expecting what happened next. Suddenly the larger centaur was flying toward him, and then there was lots of water in his face. He threw his hands up to guard his face, whining as he reared up a little, but laughed immediately after. So this centaur was the playful type? Okay!

Wander swung his arms into the water, trying to splash Oaken back. He hadn’t played with anyone in…years. But he still had the child like instinct, even if he only splashed back once. It felt really good to laugh like that, with his own kind no less. Suddenly all the excitement he’d had to find another of his kind came rushing back, and his grin showed it. “So happy find Oaken!” was exclaimed before he could really think about it.

[wildunderchaoticoaks]

It was certainly a daring move on Oaken's part, having jumped in without warning. And for a moment he'd thought he had made a mistake. His intention was to continue to ease Wander, letting him know that a little water wasn't unwanted. That and perhaps enact some harmless 'revenge'. Had he scared the other by being so forward? Though what he heard after the whinny made him think otherwise, letting loose his own laugh. He had received a laugh, one that sounded so smooth and natural. His smile grew, shutting his eyes as a splash was sent his way.

The large centaur wouldn’t bother to splash back, instead walking in deeper so that he was standing at the same level as the other. Oaken would still find himself shorter than Wander which would be a bit hard to get used too. Never the less he smiled brightly, catching the exclaim. His ears would lower in a bashful fashion, "Oaken happy meet too." He'd stand beside Wander, tail gently swaying side to side as he looked up at him. Yes, it was so nice to have met another centaur. Maybe one that may stay?

Now he'd look uncertain and slightly nervous as he felt over the tuffs of fluff on his wrists, lowering his gaze. "Wander, stay?" It was too soon to ask and possibly rude. He felt himself become smaller, actually reconsidering his decision to ask. Goodness, he couldn't remember the last time he had worried so much.

[fastwindsandfreedom-blog]

Hello

[fastwindsandfreedom-blog]

The blue-ish gray centaur handed back the bowl, and watched a bit curiously as Oaken went back inside the den, though he stayed where he stood. Now that he took a moment to think about it, Oaken’s den was very nice. Under a tree, at the top of a hill, it seemed pretty safe. His thoughts were cut short as the other re-emerged from the den, and gestured toward a near by pond, which Wander hadn’t even noticed. So Oaken had noticed how dirty he was. Wander felt a little embarrassed, but the idea of getting to fully submerge himself in water again and get nice and clean excited him.

The nod of encouragement was all Wander needed to trot right down the hill and straight into the water, splashing quite a bit as he did so. He couldn’t help letting out a little whinny at how chilly the water was, but it felt good at the same time. He trudged his way through the water until his entire lower half was submerged and then quickly dunked his upper half in, pulling back up and shaking his head, water droplets scattering everywhere. It was only now he realized his behavior may have been careless, and he turned to face Oaken at the shore with an embarrassed grin, “Sorry if splash.” Sometimes his wild nature just got the better of him, no matter how nervous he was.

[wildunderchaoticoaks]

The splashes would earn some  small twitches of the centaur's coat as droplets lightly sprinkling over him. He didn't mind at all, in fact he enjoyed how cooling the sensation was. But what he enjoyed the most was how smooth and natural Wander was acting. His new friend would usually hesitate and seem nervous. It made Oaken wary, afraid he might scare him away. Just to see him let go of his fears was one of the most rewarding feelings he's had in a long time. And he wanted more, he wanted to make the other more at ease. A chuckle left him a the whinny, relaxing his position more as he continued to eat.

Another splash brought his attention back, right in time to see those quills shake out what water was absorbed during his dunk. Oaken couldn't help but stare for a long moment, unable to glance away as his eyes began to trace where the water hugged his lower body. What was that word? Beautiful? Yes, Wander was a very pretty centaur. One of the prettiest he'd ever seen. Then again, he hadn't really seen many and it had been too long to consider his old herd. That didn't stop him from blinking, dazed as faintly familiar words rang in his ears. "Do not worry," his smile was kind as he placed the bowl down and stood up. "Oaken join," he stepped back a little before leaping in a few feet away from his friend, making a big splash.