Welcome to Gaia! ::

Akos had been traveling off and on for years. Occasionally returning to his adopted family, but still unsettled as he searched for a place to call home.

He had long since found others that looked like him. But knowing what he was didn't impart the sense of belonging he craved. So he kept searching. Always going back to visit his adopted family when he was near but knowing his place wasn't with them.

This fall day had started with a misting of rain, just enough to leave an uncomfortable damp that seemed to make the chill air colder. But while the precipitation had stopped, it was still overcast and dreary. The leaves underhoof didn't even rustle as he walked through them.

Surrounded by naked birch trees, Akos realized he blended in remarkably well with his surroundings. Only his little pixie companions will their red glow showed any real color to the surroundings.

He had long learned that startling others often lead to violent misunderstandings so he started softly singing as he walked.

"The wind was a torrent of darkness among the gusty trees
The moon was a ghostly galleon tossed upon the cloudy seas
The road was a ribbon of moonlight over the purple moor . . ."

Akos was a little startled by the voice, not its quality, but its presence. Turning, it took him a moment to see the mare in through the distortion of rain amongst the trees. Blinking a few times to clear his eyes, he saw her speckled feathers and clawed feet and realized she blended just as well as he did.

A smile, "hello. Not the loveliest of weather to meet, but well met all the same." He gives a nod that isn't quite a bow. "I'm Akos. I do hope I'm not intruding, I'm just on a bit of a wander."

The winds shift, sending wet leaves scattering. He looks to the windblown leaves, then the sky. "Though I admit, I have chosen a poor day for it. It looks like the weather is about to shift. But be that to clear up or rain harder, I do not know."

He falls silent, not sure if he should ask her about local areas of shelter or invite her to join him in looking for one. It seems a bit forward after no more than a hello.

He stands still as she approaches, blinking when she extends her wing. Between her voice, her words, and the awkward way she's trying to help with the rain, it's clear to Akos that she doesn't have much interaction with others.

He ducks a little so she can reach better. It's odd, feeling like an intrusion on his personal space. But it's so obviously done with a good heart and intent to help that he's careful not to move away.

"Thank you, Ravage. That's kind of you. But it's. . . " He pauses as the red blur of the sprite that follows him buzzes up under the wing with the slightest sound of bells. A small sigh, "Ah, yes. It's the sprites that have difficulty in the weather. I don't care for wet feathers, but it doesn't really bother me. But they are so small and their wings so delicate that water can cause them some distress."

A shrug, "I don't spend much time in the herd I was raised in, though I'm welcome and visit when I'm in the area. And I don't want to be part of the flocks I've met. I don't belong with either of them. So I wander, and am judged for it and my appearance and claws. But those who judge are ignorant or afraid and both can be countered with conversation usually. Though I am lucky to have been adopted and raised in a herd where I could learn to both accept my differences and explain them to others. "

He smiles, "If you would like companionship in your wandering for a ways, I would be happy to join you. Though I do not want to make you uncomfortable if you prefer solitude. I know sometimes it's nice being around others and sometimes it's overwhelming. So please let me know when you need to move on and I will understand."

She was a bit of a puzzle and Akos couldn't help but think she wasn't used to being in a social setting for long so he wanted to be sure she felt comfortable and able to leave when she needed.

And standing still under her wing, though the sprite was enjoying it, was getting awkward for him. His instincts wanted him to either snuggle in or move out of her personal space and holding still was a struggle. If they started traveling she would likely lower the wing and he wouldn't say or do something stupid that made her feel bad about the kind gesture.