WEll helo there folks! Welcome to another of my crack stories! I'm writting this in break from another of my fics Fairy Tale Twist. It's getting a little heavy and thick now and i'm finding it harder to write, well to the standard that i expect of myself and that you all want i'm sure. I could push though and whip out some crap just to meat my selfimposed deadlines, but that wouldn't be fair to anyone. so here's this little idea of mine! Hope you like it!
ENJOY!
Levy broke from the heard and totted to the streams edge. She was growing tired of the constant bickering of the two stallions that were like brothers to her. Each was trying to outperform the other to gain her attention and ultimately affections come every spring. With their most recent attempts at flattery and wooing falling much short the two stallions hadn't taken her hints that she simply wanted to remain friendly and with sisterly affections to the two boys, rather than lose one friendship to gain a relationship with the other. Levy couldn't fathom that thinking, not one way or the other. So it was that she left Jet and Droy to bicker amongst themselves. Every spring it was the same, since she and the boys had joined the Fairy Tail heard; every spring they would duke it out to see which one of them would get the chance to be her stallion for the season, and every spring she would turn them both down. This was the first year that they had been so persistent so late in the season, and she'd had enough, thus it was now that she found herself on a short splash in the creak to explore a little farther from the heard in their grazing's than she would have usually dared alone.
It wasn't long before she became not alone. For just around the bend of the stream and just down a small falls she stumbled upon a lone stallion. He was much larger than she, as most centaurs were, a dark brown with half braded flaxen tail and shaved mane. He appeared to be a great warrior by the many battle scars that adorn his body and flanks, the most remarkable of which being the half-moon shaped scar over his left eye. His eyes were dark and sharp and they regarded her with a crystal scrutiny. She paused in her advances down the falls and the two took the other centaur in for a moment. Once realizing she was no more a threat to him than the late summer fly's his gaze softened and his dark skinned face warmed with a friendly smile. Shyly Levy returned the smile and proceeded down the falls to a few lengths from the old stallion.
Even with the friendly and more relaxed demeanor of the stallion she was cautious. She had been told many a time that she was a little too trusting of strangers. So while she welcomed the newcomer, she remained alert,
"Hello." She spoke warmly in greeting, "Hello," his reply was deeper than she expected and matched his darker appearance well.
"I've not seen you before, are you new to the area?" she questioned taking a step farther towards him, ears perked.
"Yes, just a traveler passing through." His voice reminded her of a father talking to his child. Warm and soft but deep and strong, welcoming and nice.
"I see and where is it from which you hale?"
"Far from here, the Blue Mountains of the far north."
Levy was impressed, the Blue Mountains were a month's hard travel, and that time would take one only to the base of the foot hills before one reached the mountains themselves, "That is quite a ways, the Blue Mountains are a rough place for us folk." Her eyes darted to the scar over his eye and the patches of fur missing on his flank and loins. He had been in many a fight and not won all the battles it seemed.
"Aye miss." By the subtle change in his deep voice she understood that he had been watching her wandering eyes and was able to calculate her thoughts. Flushing slightly at being caught staring she changed the subject, "Are you alone?"
"No. There is another, much my younger, who accompanies me. He is off scouting a place for us for the night."
"I see. Have you a heard or is it just the two of you?"
"Just us two I dare say." This caught her attention, and while he had been nothing but civil, it also made the hairs on the back of her neck stand up. For centaurs, the heard was everything. Life in its most basic form. Protection, love and affection, companionship, socialization, happiness, it was the way of life for their kind. It was normal for a stallion to go rouge for some time before making a heard of his own, but that was clearly not the case with this stallion. It was something to be wary of; for what reason were the two of them on their own? Were they kicked out of their last heard? For what reason if so? Did something happen to their old heard? What could have occurred so that an entire heard would be taken out? Maybe a disbandment? But for what reason? So many questions popped up in her mind at the stallion's words and they must have showed on her face for he gave her a reassuring smile and a wave of his hand to indicate that things were in the past.
Still, she proceeded with caution, "How long have you been on your own?"
"A few winters now." He stated it in such a mater-of-fact way that she was once again caught off guard.
"A few winters!" she exclaimed, "That is quite a time for us folk to be on our own."
"I assure you miss we are capable." There was that fatherly tone again.
"And I can see sir, I meant no offence…"
"None taken miss."
They exchanged smiles and kind looks before an idea wiggled its way through all the questions in her brain, but there would have to be a few more questions asked first before that might play out, "Even still, it must be hard." Again her eyes flitted to the flank of the stallion, "Aye, I am not as a young stallion like my companion, though I am still able to hold my own I assure you." His smile reached his eyes this time and she was vaguely aware he was being playful. She flushed at the realization.
"I don't doubt you sir. Um, might I ask your name?"
"Oh, where are my manors, my name is PantherLilly, please call me Lilly tis much easier."
"Lilly! Oh my. Ah, My name is Levy, it's a pleasure to meet you Lilly!"
He bowed to her in a grand fashion, one arm bending behind his back, being playful again she noted, "The pleasure is all mine Miss Levy."
"If I my be so bold, why are you on your own?"
"I would like to remind you that I do have a companion, he is not here at the moment so it is easy to forget about him."
"Oh yes of course" she blushed again.
"I met my companion by chance. I have been on my own for a much longer time than he. His last heard was disbanded, I'm not entirely sure of the reason, I'm not the type to pry." She nodded understandingly and he continued, "Myself, I was in a small heard for a long while. But fate did not see to it that we would remain together. A series of longer than normal winters in the Mountain's thinned our numbers and a sickness after that took the remaining members leaving me on my own. I was the sole survivor you see." His voice had dropped an octave when he talked about his heard being all but destroyed and Levy felt her heart reach out to him. It must have been a terrible thing to endure, watching one's family die off slowly. Her hear throbbed for the stallion and in that moment he mind was made up. They could not be left alone for another winter!
"I'm so sorry to hear that Lilly. You really have had a time of things… If possible, might you be interested in joining my heard, for the winter that is. I am not able to speak so boldly as to outright offer a position for two more stallions but I am able to put in a word or two to our leader."
Lilly looked take a back and surprised at the sudden and bold offer. He seemed to fumble for a moment before stuttering on, "Ah, a heard for the winter would be a lovely thing indeed." He bowed his head low with respect in a humble manor, "Your offer is much appreciated miss, and a good word is more than I might ask for. I am not a young stallion like my companion, and the years are starting to catch up to this old body."
Returning the stallions bow with an inclination of her head she responded warmly. "Think nothing of it, you will find that I come from a very welcoming and understanding heard. If you'd like I can go and fetch our leader?"
"I would be much obliged." He gave her another warm smile.
"Then please wait here, were are but just around the bend." With his nod of agreement she turned tail and trotted back up the falls and round the bend, breaking into a lope when the heard came into earshot then sight.
Her two brotherly companions were the first to see her approach and they nickered their welcome, "Levy! Where have you been?" the chestnut stallion Jet asked, trotting forward to meet her, "Oh just around the river bend, but never mind that, where is Makarov?"
"Makarov? Why do you need him?" The smoky black pudgy stallion Droy questioned her this time, "I've found someone who would like to join the heard and I want Makarov to meet him for the formal invitation."
"Oh Levy! You can't just go around asking random centaurs if they want to join our heard! We're plenty big as it is!"
"Oh please Droy, there's always room for a few more! Besides, he seems very nice and has been on his own for quite a while! You know us folk don't do well on our own. These two in particular have had their fair share of hardships! We, need a heard to stay healthy. What's the worst that happens? Makarov says no? So be it then." With her short explanation over she offered a small wave, having spotted the old white pony not too far away, playing with the filly Asuka, and trotted off to him.
Jet and Droy exchanged looks, "Them? I thought it was AN individual, not them."
"Oh well, that's Levy for ya', knowing here there's 'prolly a small group of them that she took pitty on. Gotta love that big heart of hers!"
"Yeah well I love it more than you Jet!"
"Nu-uh! I do!"
"No I do!"
Ignoring the two stallions who had fallen back into their bickering, Levy called out to the leader as she approached him, "Master! I have some news!"
Seeing her approach the white stallion offered her a smile. Being a pony, he was just smaller than she, something she was secretly proud of – that she was larger than one member of the adult heard, not counting Romeo or Wendy, as both were foals still.
"Ah, Levy my child! What is it?"
"There is someone I would like to introduce to the heard. He and his companion have been alone for quite some time and are looking for a heard for the winter months. He seems nice enough and very wise. I thought we might offer them a place with us?" she bit her lip as she asked the question, realizing how much of a foal she sounded like.
Makarov raised his eye brows and stood, waving down Lucy to take the filly from him, "My dear, I'm sure someone must have told you that you are much too trusting. Any stallion could whip up a sob story and woo you. You must be careful. Though I am glad you came to me alone and not with them in hoof. Alas, what am I to do. Bring me to them and I will judge for myself. I suppose I could always have Erza or Natsu chase them off if things were to go sour."
"Sir! There will be no need for that! I don't think these are that sort of folk." But her words only seemed like a filly trying to scold an elder, much that they were.
"To be safe I'll have Erza and a few others come along."
"Okay, shall I get them?"
"Please, we'll meet just over there then."
"Right."
After gathering Erza, Gray, and Juvia, since she was always attached to Gray's hip it mattered not if she had been invited nor not, she met with the Master who had the white mare Mira at his side. Together the small party followed Levy to the falls where Lilly was waiting patiently still. Upon reaching the bottom of the falls, Levy was aware that Lilly's companion had joined him. She was instantly taken aback and rethinking her decision of offering the two a place in the heard when she laid eyes on the other stallion.
He was a bit larger than Lilly, a well-muscled centaur with coat as black as night with mane and tail to match. His tail drug on the ground just slightly even with part of it braided similarly to Lilly's. His mane was longer than any she had seen before and thrown over his shoulders behind him. It touched his withers and just beyond. But it was more than his size, darkness of coat or impressive mane that caught her; for his face and forearms were adorn with thick metal studs. Four in each arm and three above the eyes. His thick ears carried five a piece and there were more on his nose and lower lip. But still the piercings were not what totally caught her attention. It was his eye. Never before had she seen such a color. Like the brightest rose or flower, dare she say even the color of fresh spilled blood. They were such a vibrant red that she couldn't help herself from staring. And he stared right back. His gaze as intense as the piercing on his face.
Levy was only vaguely aware of herself introducing Lilly to Makarov and the others, too caught up by the second stallion's appearance and appearance of himself. She was caught off guard suddenly as she was pushed out of the way by a squealing Juvia, who literally galloped past Levy and threw herself at the large black stallion. Everyone seemed caught off guard by the mare's reaction, seeing as the only time she reacted such was around her beloved Gray.
"Gajeel!" Juvia exclaimed as she wrapped the stallion in a hug. He was an intimidating fellow, but Juvia was no pansy, and she seemed to crush him in her embrace, "It's been so long! How are you!?"
"Gah! Get off me woman!" the stallion, Gajeel as Juvia had called him, struggled against her grip and was able to break free after a moments struggle, holding her at arms-length.
Everyone watched the two interacting before Juvia turned to Levy, tears in her eyes as she beamed at the smaller mare, "Levy! Oh where did you find him!? Juvia has been looking for Gajeel the day their old heard was disbanded! Juvia is so happy to have found him again! Of course there was nothing between us Gray darling! We're just friends! I swear!" she suddenly looked worriedly from the two stallions now sizing the other up. Gray simply frowned and crossed his arms over his chest in an uncaring manner and the black stallion did the same.
"I guess you know this stallion Juvia. Tell me do you know the other?" Makarov looked amusedly from Juvia to Gajeel, then Lilly, "No, Juvia has not seen him before, but she can vouch for Gajeel! He is a strong stallion and a good man!" Gajeel seemed taken aback by that and almost a little hurt. Strange… Levy wondered, but pushed the thought to the back of her mind, focusing on the interactions taking place with her kick to get the ball rolling.
Lilly took a step forward regaining Makarov's attention, "As Miss Levy said, my name is PantherLilly, but please, Lilly is fine. My Companion here is Gajeel. We have been traveling together for a few seasons now. I met Miss Levy just a few moments ago here on the falls and she was kind enough to bring you all here to meet with us, for which I am grateful. I am not as young as Gajeel and the time spent without a heard has left me tired and feeling older than my years. We are in need of a heard and all that one offers. I would be happy to answer any questions that you might have of me, and Gajeel will answer any as well."
The stallion Gajeel threw Lilly a nasty look but said nothing as he was still trying to keep Juvia at arms-length. Makarov regarded Lilly for a moment before turning to Erza and the two shared a look.
"Where is it you come from?" The red mare asked boldly, stepping forward, "I've not seen coats as dark as yours in many years."
"We come from the Blue Mountains of the North."
"I see that would explain it. Why are you traveling alone? What about a heard? Juvia said that you, Gajeel, were in the same heard as she and that they were disbanded after your leader disappeared, but what about you Lilly?"
"I am the sole survivor of a series of bad winters and a great illness that whipped out my heard and family."
"I'm sorry to hear that." Erza's voice dropped to a sympathetic tone and she offered Lilly a somber smile, to which he nodded his thanks.
Makarov stepped forward and placed a hand on Lilly's arm, as that was the farthest up on the stallion that he was able to reach without rearing, "I'm am symphonic to your situation, and understand your reasoning. Being on one's own for such a time is hard on our folk. I suppose, there is always room for a few more in our heard. You are welcome to join with us. But please know, we are not one's to be pushed around and have many strong stallions… and mares, and are able to stand on our own hooves. If there were to be any serious problems you two wouldn't stand a chance against our heard. I don't foresee too much of a problem, we like to have our fun don't misread me, but understand there are some things we will not tolerate."
Lilly bowed politely to the little stallion, "That is very understandable and generous of you thank you. We greatly appreciate your offer. We will not cause you trouble and hope that you will find us valuable members of your heard once we get to know each other a little more."
"It works in your favor that one of our own knows you and can vouch for you as well. I'm sure you two will fit right in with our heard in time!" Makarov grinned at the two new comers, "Come, let us introduce you to the rest of the heard! You've met Erza, our lead mare and Gray and obviously you know Juvia and Levy."
"It's a pleasure to meet you all." Lilly smiled warmly at them all, with a wink to Levy and a nudge to Gajeel who mumbled something under his breath before offering a quick jerk of his head to show is reluctant gratitude.
Levy smiled and clasped her hands before her, glad to have helped the two stallions out. She looked form Lilly to Gajeel and found him staring at her. He regarded her like a wolf looking down his snout at a rabbit cowering at his paws. Like she was something to eat. Again she wondered about her decision to ask Makarov if they might join their heard, but what was done was done and they were new members now. She shook out her coat as the group started off back towards the heard. He must feel a little awkward and out of place, Lilly having done all of the talking. So of course he would be a little hostile and nervous maybe. She wondered what he was going to be like to have in the heard. Both he and Lilly seemed capable stallions in many ways. They appeared to be good hunters by the looks of those muscles and strong fighters by the scars that adorn each. Lost in her musing she only became aware that she was walking next to the black stallion Gajeel when he hip checked her with his flank.
"Hey!"
"Watch it Shrimp, didn't yer' momma every tell you its not polite to stare?" Was she staring? She must have been based on his comment. She flushed and looked away, "Where's yer' momma anyway? Yer' barely bigger than a foal and should be at her sides still no? Gihe!" She gaped at him. How rude! She thought. Now her flush was out of anger rather than embarrassment. She opened her mouth to retort but was cut off by Juvia who punched Gajeel in the arm and spoke for Levy.
"Gajeel! Be nice to Levy! She's a sweet mare. Her two stallions wouldn't take to kindly to you teasing her either."
"Two stallions huh? Over this little thing? I'd be surprised."
Again Levy gaped at the stallion. Could he be any more blunt and crude? Juvia pouted at him as he gave off that unique giggle and pushed her shoulder playfully. To which Juvia responded by latching onto his muscled arm and holding it tightly. He growled at her and tried to shake her off but to no avail. Maybe it was just an act of airs he was putting off levy thought. While his words were cut throat and sharp it appeared that once one got to know him he was a loyal centaur. It was clear that Juvia had missed his gruff company and Lilly didn't seem to mind him either. Then again, she gathered that Lilly had the patients of a saint.
It was soon after that the group had returned to the rest of the heard. Introductions started immediately as Mira noticed the group first and trotted up with a wave and smile to the new comers. Her brother Elfman was soon to follow and the rest of the heard fell into line behind them to surrounding the two new comers.
Levy smiled as the two were overwhelmed by the heard to greet them. They would fit in fine in no time. She spotted Jet and Droy on the outskirts of the group and went to their flanks.
"So these were the stallions you were talking about huh Lev?" Jet asked with some reservation in his voice, "I'm not a fan of the looks of them."
"What do you mean?"
"Well the one's covered in scars and the other looks like he got in a fight with a metal porcupine and lost." She giggled at that one, it was true though, "They look like trouble to me too." Droy interjected taking a stand between Levy and the two new stallions.
"Oh come on guys. Give them a chance. Juvia knows Gajeel. They were in a heard together before Fairy Tail and she can vouch for him. And the other, Lilly seems nice enough. He's very wise. I think they'll be good additions."
"You're too generous Lev. Usually when you come across stallions like them you turn and run the other way. I'd protect you for sure!"
"Yeah but I would better, your too skinny Jet."
"You? You've had more than your fair share of grazing for the year you fat lard. What would Levy do? Hide behind your fat ass?"
"You thank that back! I'm a growing boy still!"
"Yeah you're goring wider by the day!"
"Gahh Jet!"
"Droy!"
Levy rolled her eyes. It was their third fight that day and it was still before noon. She was just about to slink past the two to find Lucy when an approaching centaur had her turning round.
"So I take it these are the two stallions Juvia was talking about huh?" Jet and Droy stopped in their bickering and pointing in each others' chests to take Gajeel in. He was a stockier build than either of them, Jet being a lean running machine and Droy having a Jets extra pounds, and was taller at the wither too. No matter how she looked at him he was an impressive stallion. All metal arms and scars, with that long glorious mane to boot. She'd have to watch herself, it was almost like she was overly admiring the new comer.
Her two boys turned to face Gajeel with ready stances, almost as if the three were going to duke it out. Gajeel noticed their positions and took a defensive stance as well. Causing Droy to paw the ground and Jet to toss his mane.
"What's it to ya' eh tough guy?"
"Yeah, what'dya want anway?"
Gajeel tossed his mane in response and struck the ground hard before him, causing the other two stallions to become even more uneasy. What is he doing posturing like that? It's like he's going to fight them for me? Why would he do that? We just met! Maybe he just likes fighting. I wonder if that's how he got those scars… Levy was distracted from her musing as Jet reared slightly striking out at Gajeel accepting the black stallions supposed challenge.
Surprised Levy barked at him, "Jet! Knock it off!" But she was ignored by the chestnut. Gajeel simply laughed his unique laugh and shook his head slowly, almost pityingly, taking a glance at Levy from the corner of his ruby stare, "Ya' should listed ta' the Shrimp, ya' wouldn't stand a chance even if ya' both came at me at the same time."
"Our mares aren't for the taking stranger!" Droy was pissed off too and he wasn't afraid to show it.
"Oi! I wasn't talking to ya' an' I ain't insinuating nothing. Yer' the ones taking a stance ta' me"
"Ooo, big word there, don't hurt yourself."
"Watch it porky!"
"Watch who you're calling names there macho man!"
"That's right I am, more macho than either of you combined. Gihehe!"
Jet and Droy growled and flicked their tails in agitation. They were ready for a fight and the tension among the three of them was high. They're gonna fight! Levy thought as the three squared up. Taking the cue she backed up a ways. Looking around she saw Lilly, but he was too engrossed with Mira and some others to have noticed the fight taking place just a few lengths from him. Are they crazy! Someone's gonna get hurt! It was no sooner when a particular red roan centaur cantered up that her words would ring true.
"Whoa! You looking for a fight there big guy?"
"Natsu! Not you too!" But again she was ignored, "You wanna go there strawberry?"
"Strawberry? Who are you to call names metal head!?" Natsu pawed the ground and tossed his short mane. It was nothing compared to the impressive one on Gajeel's back, but it worked for Lucy. Oh great! Levy thought, now we're in for it!
"I'll do what I want thank you." Gjaeel sneered and Natsu popped up on his hind end clenching his fists, "Well ya' aint welcome!" Gajeel didn't seem impressed just as he had with Jet's little challenge. He simply waved his hand at the roan stallion, brushing him off with a dismissive tone, "Unless you got claims here, scram."
Levy flushed bright red. So he was staking a claim against Jet and Droy. Was that his plan all along?
"Claims? Ain't ya' a little new t'a be making claims?"
"Ya' deaf? I said I do what I want! Don't like it, tough." Natsu growled at the abrasive tone Gajeel took and he faked a rush at the black stallion. Gajeel didn't take too kindly at this and in and instant was on his back feet striking out at the roan. If Levy thought he couldn't get any more intimidating she was wrong. When he reared up he was a scary sight to behold.
The two stallions suddenly reared and struck out at each other, front hooves pounding at the others sides as they locked fists in a power struggle to knock the other to the dirt. Natsu somehow got a fistful of Gajeels mane and yanked hard causing the larger stallion to stumble so that he wasn't thrown off balance too much. It freed his one hand however and he threw a punch that landed square in Natsu's jaw snapping his head to the side.
Levy didn't see what happened next as Droy plopped in front of her as Jet circled around to her flank, both taking protective stances around her. The group that had come to greet the new stallions had turned their attention to the fight now taking place and Levy was aware of Lilly fighting his way through the group of centaurs to get to Gajeel. It appeared that Natsu made an attempt to return fire but was grabbed by strong arms and yanked backwards just at Lilly grabbed Gajeel and carelessly tossed him to the ground. Gajeel made to respond to the treatment but Lilly reared and struck the ground hard on either side of Gajeel's head where he lay so that Lilly's front legs were equal to Gajeels face. Levy covered her mouth with her hands as the fighting seceded. Lilly snorted strongly once and Gajeel looked away. Lilly had made his point. Natsu struggled against his captor and kicked out at the centaur at his back before he realized who it was.
Laxus pushed Natsu aside with a strong push and stomped forward, his golden body and tail flashing in the morning light. He stood face to face with Lilly, who had now turned to the struggling Natsu, and seemed to tower over the already large stallion.
"What the hell do you think you're doing?" Lilly opened his mouth to respond but Laxus continued over top him, "You're not part of this heard for five minutes and you're picking fights with people? Have you no respect?"
Lilly made to respond to the angry palomino but turned instead to Makarov who had walked up on the scene, "Laxus, that's enough."
"You're just going to let these two do as they please and fight with anyone they want? You're getting complacent old man."
"I said that's enough Laxus. I'll handle this."
"Oh I'm sure you will, you let these aggravates into our heard and look what happens with in the first few minutes! Your judgement is lacking and you're going senile in your old age. I think it's time for a new lead stallion."
"LAXUS!" but the palomino paid no mind and turned back to Lilly, "You better watch yourselves. Because I will. At the very lease until your true characters are known. You may be able to play nice with the old man but I can see through your facade." With that he turned on his hocks and stalked off, golden tail twitching angrily.
There was a moment of silence and stretching tension before Makarov let out a sigh and turned to Lilly and Gajeel who was no picking himself up from the ground, "I apologize for that. He's a bit of a handful."
"No, no please, it is I that should be apologizing for the behavior of my youngster. He was right, we've not been here a few moments and are already causing trouble for you. I most certainly understand if you do not want us here, that is all well, we may take our leave."
"Please friend Lilly, stay. We welcome you though these few bone heads may not have been the most polite." The pony shot Natsu, Jet and Droy withering glares. Natsu looked as if he was about to respond angrily but Erza whacked him on the back of the head forcefully to shut him up. Turning back to Lilly Makarov offered a small smile, "I really do apologize for this little outburst. You will find that we have some hot heads in our bunch and they are a bit unruly. I knew something of this measure would come to pass, and I have no doubt it will again, though not quite so soon."
Lilly bowed politely to the little stallion, "You are to kind sir."
"Well I think this is all bullshit. It was just a joke, no need to get so defensive and nasty 'bout it." Gajeel pipped up, sounding like a hurt colt.
Lilly turned a nasty glare on him and Gajeel looked away throwing his hands up in the air, "I mean, I was just teasing the Shrimp."
Levy puffed up, annoyed that this whole thing was being put on her shoulders and that her name was now being drug through the mud. But it was Droy who stepped forward, "He was trying to take Levy from us!"
"Oh come off it!" Gajeel turned round over his flank to glare at Droy, "I was just teasing. I wouldn't be interested in a little Filly anyway." Jet jumped forward then, "Don't you think you've insulted enough people with your arrogance!? Why you gotta pick on her anyway! She's done nothing wrong. In fact you should be thanking her! She's he only reason you have heard in the first place!"
"Yeah, well I didn't ask for this shit!" and with that he turned round and took off at a steady canter. Lilly sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. He was obviously fed up with his companion. Makarov noticed this and patted the brown stallion on the arm. Lilly looked up and the two exchanged almost fatherly understanding looks. There was some privet communication that passed between them in those few seconds that Levy didn't or couldn't understand for Lilly smiled and let out a bark of a laugh after a moment. Makarov chuckled patting the other centaurs arm before venturing off.
Noticing her looking at him, Lilly made his way over to Levy as the crowed departed and returned to their grazing and morning routines. Jet and Droy stiffened at Lilly's approach and the old centaur stopped in his tracks, raising his hands with palms facing the two wary stallions.
"Easy boys. I mean you no harm. I simply wish to apologize for Gajeel's actions. He's a bit of a… a handful. I hope we can move forward from this and get to know each other the proper way. I can assure you Gajeel meant nothing by his advances and was specifically looking for exactly what he got." Lilly spoke slowly and clearly, obviously trying to repair the bridge Gajeel had burned
Levy felt something pull at her heart. So Gajeel was just being a donkey? It hurt a little that he would tease her in such a way. Not that she liked having stallions fighting over her, Jet and Droy were bad enough and it was the last thing she needed. But there was something nice about someone other than her brothers thinking she was attractive. It was short lived she guessed. Looking around while Lilly, Jet and Droy talked, she noticed that Gajeel was nowhere to be found. I wonder where he went off to. Probably somewhere to clear that thick head of his. She smile at herself. He was thick headed. But he seemed passionate about the things he felt important. Her heart skipped a beat, thinking that he had possibly thought her important. But that was but a fleeting memory at this point. He had said it himself. He could never like a Filly such as her. OH! Why does he have to be such a jerk! Why does it matter? It's not like I like him or anything. I've only just met him and he's not been the nicest centaur to me. Come one heart, you can do better than that! She shook her mane in irritation.
"Is something the matter Miss Levy?"
"Hmm? Oh, no Lilly nothing I was just thinking about how reckless these two knuckle heads are!" She gave Jet a playful swat to the loin, and a smile. Lilly returned her look with one of amusement but said nothing more on the topic, instead explaining that Mira was going to show him around and that it would be best not to keep her waiting much longer. Levy offered him a smile and a little wave as he bowed and proceeded to find Mira.
It was nearly dark when the lookout, Alzack, reported that Gajeel had returned and was apparently injured. Levy, after over hearing him telling his mare Bisca, wondered around the heard a bit. Jet and Droy having bedded down for the night were thankfully leaving her alone for the time being and she was enjoying the peace and quiet. It wasn't long before she found Lilly and Gajeel on the outskirts of the heard, settled around their own little fire a distance from the others. She noticed that Lilly was rather close to Gajeel's flank and wondered what was going on. Deciding to take a closer look she made her way to the two stallions.
"Hold still you big baby."
"Lilly that stings, be careful!"
"Oh hush you. if you hadn't gone off in a huff this wouldn't have happened."
"What wouldn't have happened?"
The two stallions looked up and Lilly turned round to look at Levy as she approached the light of their fire. It was only then that she could see the nasty gashes on Gajeels flank. She gasped and her hand flew to her mouth.
"Oh goodness! What happened?" she asked with concern. Gajeel turned away from her with his arm folded over his chest. Lilly looked from the pouting stallion to the worried mare and let out a sigh, "He was attacked by a mountain cat out on his little adventure this morning." She could tell there was hint of a smile in the stallion's words as he cleaned the wounds with a bowl of water and some large clean leaves.
"A mountain cat? So far south? That's strange. Are you ok Gajeel?" But he didn't respond and just turned his face to the shadows more. Levy leaned around to get a look at his face, her hands clasped behind her back as she tried to get a good look at him but the shadows covered his expression too well. Lilly chuckled at Gajeel's actions and swatted the stallion on the shoulder.
"He'll be fine, just his pride's a little hurt."
"Are you sure Lilly? Those look pretty deep." Levy commented making her way to Lilly's other side to have a better look at the marks, "Oh I know!" and with that she turned tail and trotted off again both stallions watching her in confusion. It wasn't long before she returned with her arms full of things. Both Lilly and Gajeel watched her as she set her load of things down on the far side of the fire. Among the things gathered there were several different plants, a few wooden bowls and several large leaves. She set to work in a short moment after gathering some more
water from the stream that was close to their camp site. She set a bowl of water to warm by the fire and began tearing up some of the plants she had brought with her. In a few moments she had a slave mixed up and moved to stand next to Lilly. She was so much smaller than either stallion that she could dress the cuts without having to settle down like Lilly. Gently she scooped some of the green goop into her small hands and lightly applied some to the open wounds. Gajeel barked out a cry and whipped around to her startling her making her almost drop the bowl in her hands. Lilly put his hand of Gajeel's whither and gave him a look. Gajeel just growled and watched Levy's hands as she carefully started to reapply the salve to the cuts.
Levy could see the grimace on the stallions face from the corner of her eye but remained calm and steady working patiently. It was not long before the salve was used and the cuts covered. Setting the bowl down and she grabbed several of the large leaves and covered the now green wounds with them.
Taking a look at her work she clasped her dirty hands together before her and smiled warmly, "There that should help!"
"Um, just what was that? I've never seen nor smelled those plants before." Lilly seemed impressed and wondering at the same time, "Oh it's a mixture of Yarrow and Gotu Kola plants. They are usually used for minor wounds but they are effective for larger ones. The leaves are just to protect the wound and keep it from getting dirty."*
"I see, I've not heard of them before. Thank you."
"Of course! Mira taught me about them. She's something like our healer around here. I've added a little Marigold too to help with the scaring. You should heal just fine Gajeel." She turned to look at the stallion, but he wasn't looking at her instead he just shrugged. Lilly rolled his eyes and gave Levy a smile, "It really is appreciated." He said with a wink. Levy smiled back and giggled watching a shiver make its way down Gajeel's back. I wonder what his problem is. It's not like I was just helping him or anything. A thank you would be nice. I doubt I'll get that though.
She was pulled form her thoughts with Lilly rising to his hooves and gathering the used bowls from around them, "Oh Lilly let me do that! I can wash up its not a problem!"
"No, no Levy you've been very kind to us, it's the least I can do." And with that he made his way to the stream side to clean up leaving the mare and stallion alone. Gajeel and Levy looked at each other, Gajeel having turned around to watch Lilly go. He had a look of confusion on his face and shot Levy a look. Their eyes met and for a moment before he turned away again. She giggled, he was being a little shy and it was kind of cute she thought. He glanced over his shoulder at her like a colt not wanting to be caught, he caught her eye before looking away again.
Smiling she settled down next to the grumpy stallion and rubed some dirt into her fingers to rid herself of the left over salve, "What's the matter Gajeel, shy?"
"I ain't shy."
"Could have fooled me."
"Yeah well that ain't hard now is it Shrimp?"
"Hey now, you should be more polite to someone who just helped you out."
"Yeah well I didn't ask for it. Lilly had it fine."
"Sure…" She rolled her eyes. She didn't have a doubt that Lilly would have handled it fine, but she was just helping out so that it healed faster and didn't scar as badly, "Why do you call me shrimp anyway? Is it because I'm short?"
"Gihehe, duh. Ya' aint bigger than a foal I said."
"Ugh, Jerk! You're so rude" and she wacked him on the shoulder. He looked surprised and regarded her for a moment. Before folding his arms and looking away again. She decided to change subjects.
"So what was a mountain cat doing so far south?"
"Hell if I know."
"Well you're very lucky these weren't worse."
"Eh, I've dealt with worse."
"That's not the point…"
"Nah but it's the truth. The worlds a scary place Shrimp. Yer Lucky ya' got this heard. Ya' wouldn't last three days without 'em." He scoffed and glanced her over once. She looked a little offended at his comment and fiddled with her hands for a moment, gathering her thoughts before answering him.
"Fairy Tail wasn't my only heard. Like you I've come from another. I was on my own for a while too, before Jet and Droy found me. My family was attacked by Dogbears** and killed when I was still a filly. Jet and Droy found me about a year later and took me into Fairy Tail. I am lucky to have them as a part of my family now, and they can be your family too if you'd let them. The Fairy Tail heard is just one big family. That's what it means to be a heard. We look out for each other."
He was watching her with somber eyes. He looked a little ashamed after hearing her story, but he said nothing about it. Instead he changed subjects after a few moments of awkward silence.
"So… What's that Palomino's problem?"
"Laxus? Oh, he wants to be lead stallion. Makarov is his grandfather."
"The master is old."
"Yes but still kicking well! He has the heart of a Lion and the strength of one as well."
"That so."
"Well he let you join didn't he?" She stuck her tongue out at him and offered him a playful wink. She was surprised to see the faintest signs of a flush on his cheeks as he turned to face the fire. Cute she thought. Maybe he wasn't so bad. A Little rough around the edges, but not too terrible. Now that she took the time to look at him properly, he was rather handsome too. Even the piercings on his face made him look good. They complimented his sharp features well and reflected the firelight in a way that warmed his face, even if his frown didn't. He had a sharp chin and straight jaw. Something that was not reflected in his bent nose. It was strong but looked as though it had been broken a few times and reset shoddily. He had two studs in his nose that looked almost as if they were the reason for its bentness. They matched the three rods above each eye in place of where his eyebrows should have been. He had a strong brow and thick forehead before his mane started. Her eyes drifted to his ears and the five studs that adorn each to their very tips. Overall he was a rather handsome centaur. She became aware that she was staring at him when her eyes met his and then flicked to his smirk.
"Careful there Missy, or someone might think ya' got a crush. Gihehe!"
She flushed bright red and looked away, noticing that Lilly was returning. She stood hastily and greeted him with a quick smile, "Oh, thank you Lilly! That was very nice of you."
She shot Gajeel a look and he grinned at her. Lilly looked from the mare to the stallion then back and shook his head. Taking the bowls from Lilly she thanked him again and quickly said goodnight, stating that she would be back in the morning to check the progress of the wounds. Gajeel simply gave her a wave of dismissal and Lilly offered a kind goodnight. With that she made her way back to where Jet and Droy were bedded down for the night and made herself comfortable before bedding down herself. It wasn't long that she was sleeping herself, her mind filled with thoughts of blue mountains and strangers becoming friends, if not more, of great cats and Dogbears and all the events of that day. It was going to be an interesting next few days she was sure.
Fun facts:
*these are real plants I did not make them up. They are used in the Native American culture to heal minor wounds and cuts. I'm not sure about the salve part but it worked for the story!
**Dogbears are also not a figment of my imagination! They were real prehistoric creatures that lived with the Saber-tooth cats!
Let me know what you all think! I have a bit of a plan for this but nothing set in stone. R&R PLEASE AND THANK YOU!
UNTIL NEXT TIME! :)