New adventures with Alastor? These two are dumb about feelings XD
Ch 6: Never Off My Mind
Heart was awoken from her nap when she felt her side being tapped by someone. She didn't know what, so she opened her eyes and yawned before looking around. She noticed the sun was going down and that the sky was turning its shades of red and orange. Again, she felt someone tap her side and she looked over her shoulder. As her eyes adjusted, she then saw Lord Alastor looming over her.
Her ears went up in surprise as she saw the deer. "Good afternoon." She said with a still tired tone.
Alastor just smiled as he looked down at her. "Afternoon little wolf, how are you feeling? Chicka told me you had great improvement today with your flying training."
The wolf hybrid stood up and gave a stretch then shook her fur flat. "Oh, I did! It was so wonderful to fly above the trees. I've never felt so free before. The wind was going through my fur. I almost had a feeling of just wanting to go and do whatever I wanted. Go wherever I want." She explained.
The deer's smile threatened to leave for a moment, but he kept it up. "Do you still have that feeling? Do you want to dig more into that?" Part of him...was afraid she would leave.
Heart tilted her head a moment as he asked her that. She almost found it a little weird but still answered. "No, honestly I had such a hard time trying to fit in here that I feel I'd have the same problem all over again. I don't want to go through that." She perked up her head a little. "Besides, this is my home now. I've made some friends. I've never had friends before and it's a nice feeling to finally know what it's like. I'd hate to leave them behind." She softened her gaze at the deer in front of her. "I wouldn't want to leave you behind either Alastor. You welcomed me in more than anyone did. You let me stay here and I'll be forever grateful for that." Her ears got hot with a blush from saying those words to the deer.
Alastor also felt his ears get warm, he never had this feeling before and it was honestly weird. At the same time, he liked this warm feeling he had. His heart almost fluttered at her words because he felt so grateful and happy to hear that she wouldn't leave. No one has ever really talked nice about him before. "I feel very honored to hear you say those words. I will say that you have grown on me as well. Of course, I mean that in a good way." He added with a chuckle.
That made Heart chuckle as well and her tail wagged a bit behind her. Her gaze was still soft and she just looked up at him. He noticed this but he didn't mind that at all as his gaze was soft as well.
Alastor soon had an idea pop into his head. He doesn't know why he wanted this but for some reason he did. His heart started to pound in his ears as he tried to find his courage. "Usually, I'm pretty straight forward with things, but I feel I should ask first since I want you to trust me." Alastor took a pause as he tried to think of his words. "Is it ok if…. I rub my face in your neck?"
If her ears weren't hot before they definitely were now. She felt her whole pelt was on fire as he asked this. Her heart picked up a little as she looked at him. It was something she had definitely dreamed about and now he had actually asked. She thought maybe she was crazy a moment or that maybe she was dreaming again, but no... this was real. She wasn't dreaming. It was just a step…. a small step. A step she was willing to take. She would be lying to herself if she didn't say that she might have a crush on the deer, and this might just make her faint.
Heart finally swallowed the lump in her throat and answered. "Of course. I don't mind. Is... it's ok if I do it to you too?"
Alastor's smile seemed to soften into a small grin. "Sure. I won't mind." He leaned down slightly. "Can we not do it out in the open like this? I don't want any passing demons to get the wrong idea." He whispered.
Heart nodded. "Sure. Come inside my den. I should have it be big enough for you." She wouldn't admit she was working really hard to make sure the den would be big enough for the deer as well. She wanted to have the deer come visit her den more often and maybe being invited inside now and then. She wouldn't say anything out loud, but she wanted to be closer to him. Even if she couldn't understand why.
The two walked over to the entrance of the den and Heart went in first and then Alastor entered. He was surprised to see that he could pass through the entrance now without his antlers getting stuck. He managed to get into the den and stand up almost fully. The deer was surprised how big Heart had made the den and how much work she put into it. He could admire that. She did a lot of work.
They both sat down and Alastor then was at least able to lift his head and he just barely grazed the ceiling. Heart was proud of herself that she did a wonderful job on the den and making sure it would be big enough for Alastor to be comfortable. Maybe she had to do another inch or so but for now it would do.
"You did a wonderful job on the den dear. I'm impressed." Alastor said.
"Thank you. I wanted to make sure...there would be enough room." She answered, not wanting to admit she did it for him.
Alastor nodded. "Come closer." He whispered.
Heart did as soon as she went over and sat in front of him, wrapping her tail around her paws as she was so nervous now. She shifted on her front paws a moment. "Don't be nervous." She thought.
Alastor leaned down then and brought his nose to the side of her neck. Also trying to be careful of the collar she had on. Soon she felt him pressing his nose into her fur. A shock went up her spine and her fur stood on end. Soon enough she calmed and she let out a breath through her nose. She then reached up and put her muzzle into the side of his neck as well. With her nose closer to the deer, she could take in his scent better. That way she could recognize him if she ever had to find him. He smelled a little musty but that was overtaken by a strong smell of oak and leaves. There was also a small amount of blood she could smell but she was sure that always lingered around him considering what Chicka told her that day when she first came.
She wanted to bury herself more into his short red fur as she rubbed her muzzle against him. Her tail uncurled from her paws and it was wagging behind her against the dirt floor. Her wings gave a small flap of excitement that went through her from this moment as well. The feeling of his fur against hers was something she wanted to keep experiencing.
Alastor even felt his deer tail wag a little as well from this. He was surprised at how his body was reacting. She smelled of vanilla slightly with honey and he enjoyed it a lot more than he thought. Not only did he do this because something in his mind was telling him to but also because he wanted to memorize her scent as well. That way he could find her easier if he ever had to. Not everyone in the forest could be safe and he wanted to make sure he could be there for her when danger arose. He put his face more into her long fur and let out a breath he didn't realize he was holding. He didn't know what was wrong with him or why he even wanted to do this in the first place. He wanted to kick himself for asking such a crazy question but in the end, he was glad he did.
Soon enough the two pulled apart, but they knew they couldn't stay like that forever.
"Thank you, little wolf. It was nice to do that with you." Alastor admitted to her.
Her ears got hot again. "It was...nice for me to. You're welcome." She said softly.
Alastor cleared his throat and looked out of the den to see it getting dark. "We should be heading to the meeting soon darling."
Heart turned her ears backwards. "Oh...right...I forgot." She said downhearted. She didn't want this alone time with Alastor to end so soon. Even so she knew he had duties to attend to.
Alastor smiled a little at her as he heard that tone of voice. She was upset this time was ending. Maybe it didn't? "Would you care to walk with me?" He asked her.
They hybrid's ears turned back forward and she looked at him with a smile. "Yes, I would like that. Plus, I still get a little lost." She admitted.
Alastor gave a small chuckle. "Perfect reason than to walk together then. Well let's get going and head out."
The deer got back out of the den and Heart was close behind. Alastor started to walk off and Heart followed close to his side. As they walked, they stayed close together without even realizing it. Heart enjoyed the walk, and her mind went back to the event in her den and it made her heart flutter. She was just so excited and honestly being with the Deer Lord made her happy as well. Some have told her how mean he could be but all he has shown her is kindness.
Alastor was also feeling the same even though he didn't understand. His actions were confusing to him. Just then in the den. What made him do that? His actions were unclear but at the same time...he enjoyed them. Which was weird for him because he wasn't much for getting close to other demons. Heart though...she was different for some reason. He just couldn't put his hoof on it.
The two walked in silence. Just the presence of each other alone was nice. The sounds of the forest around them were all they needed as the land turned dark.
Soon there was the opening up ahead. It was where the meeting was being held. Alastor soon stopped before they got any closer. "Thank you dear for walking with me, but we must part ways. I need to appear near my cave. Do not take this the wrong way, please, but I wish to not be seen walking together with you." He informed her.
Heart's ears turned backwards at his words as her tail hung low and her heart constricted a bit but at the same time, she understood no matter how much it hurt. "Of course, Alastor. It was very nice walking with you." She said with a smile that was forced a little.
Alastor noticed her body posture plus the forced smile. He almost wanted to frown but he had to do what he thought was right. He couldn't be seen with her...not yet.
"I'll see you later darling." Alastor said and since he knew no one was around where they stood, he leaned down and rubbed his face against the side of Heart's muzzle.
Heart at least felt a little better with this gesture and her ears went forward again as her tail wagged slightly. The tips of her ears got hot from a blush and rubbed back against him.
Soon enough Alastor pulled away. "See you later little wolf." He then turned and walked off to the right to head to his cave.
Heart's tail continued to wag and she smiled big. She let out a content sigh and walked forward into the clearing. Not many demons were there yet but they were slowly starting to gather. She looked around to find Jazz but didn't see her yet. She just sat where she was in case she missed the jaguar or that they could see each other.
Heart sat there a few minutes before she spotted Jazz enter the clearing. Heart opened her wings and flapped them a moment to get the cats attention. Jazz looked over and saw her. She then padded over to the hybrid and sat down.
"Hello Heart. Long time no see." She joked with a small laugh. "How are you?"
"I feel amazing." Heart answered her with a dreamy sigh.
Jazz giggled at her response. "Something must have been fluffing up your fur in a good way. What all happened today?" She wondered.
Heart almost wanted to slip and talk about the moment she had in her den with Alastor, but she quickly knew that it would have been a very bad idea. She then tried to clear her mind of that and think of something else. "I actually got to fly today." The hybrid finally answered.
Jazz's ears went up more. "Oh, wow really!? That is amazing Heart. That is a lot of progress from when you first started."
Heart nodded, "Oh yea, I actually got to get myself off the ground today and do some basic flying. It was so fun."
"How was it up there?" Jazz asked.
The hybrid looked up into the dark sky that was filled with stars now and the moon was starting to shine through some clouds. "It was amazing. It's like a whole other world up there. So new. So... big. Also, a little scary. It's honestly great and something I never knew I could experience." She took a pause to take in a breath. "You almost feel free."
"Wow. That sounds amazing." Jazz said softly as she looked at Heart with wide eyes.
"Maybe, if I build up my strength and learn to fly better, I can take you up there." Heart said as she gave the big cat a smile.
"I don't know how I'd feel about heights, but I'll keep you to that." Jazz gave a small chuckle.
Heart laughed from that. "Ok that's fair." Soon Heart looked over Jazz's shoulder and saw Olivia enter the clearing. Her gaze went back to the jaguar. "Think we can convince Olivia to sit with us?"
Jazz looked confused a moment and then looked back behind her to see the panther sitting down by the end of the clearing. She turned back to Heart. "Honestly, I don't think so. She usually likes to sit by herself."
Heart thought for a moment as she looked from Jazz to the panther. She then stood up. "Well, I'm going to ask anyway. The worst she could say is 'no' right?"
Jazz didn't even have time to protest as Heart padded off and headed towards the black cat. Olivia wasn't looking at the moment as she was cleaning herself with her paw, but she knew the hybrid was approaching.
"You better have a good reason to be bugging me." Olivia said sternly and she didn't even look up at her.
Heart has stopped a little way away from the jaguar and just smiled while wagging her tail. "Well, I wanted to ask if you wanted to come sit with me and Jazz over there." She said as she gestured over her shoulder to where Jazz sat and was watching the encounter.
Olivia stopped and put her paw back down as she looked at the hybrid. "Sorry, but no thank you." She answered as nicely as she could.
Heart was honestly expecting that answer, so she wasn't as downhearted because of it. She still had some work to do with her it seemed. She didn't mind that at all. "Ok, I figured I'd ask anyway. Have a good night."
The hybrid bowed her head and walked back over to the jaguar. Olivia was almost confused. She was expecting more of a fight but instead she just accepted it. It was strange and she was left almost speechless.
"What did she say?" Jazz asked as Heart returned.
Heart same a small sigh but smiled anyway. "She said no, but that's ok. She'll come around when she is comfortable. I won't force her."
Jazz nodded. "Smart idea. Don't worry too much about it."
Olivia just watched from her spot as the two chatted. She was conflicted on what to do. She would admit that the wolf was nice but there was still part of her that didn't' trust her. Even just now she was completely fine with her saying no to joining them. It was weird but at least she could respect people's decisions. Eventually she gave a sigh and stood up and walked to be a little closer to the two, but they didn't notice as they were lost in conversation.
"So, did you have any trouble finding the meeting area?" Jazz wondered since she knew that Heart was still new to learning the area.
"A little, Lord Alastor helped me find my way because we bumped into each other along the way." She had to lie a little bit to make it not known that they walked here together. "Once I found my right way, he left me to head to his cave."
Jazz looked at her with a squint. She honestly didn't know if she could believe what she said but let it pass for now. "Well, that's good at least."
Heart nodded in agreement.
Soon enough it seemed like the meeting was started as the clearing got quiet and Alastor appeared from his cave. Chicka sat on the stump again that was not far off so she could help Alastor. Heart saw the deer walk to the edge of the small creek and then flung the fire up in the air as he did last time. The area then fell silent.
"Welcome creatures to the monthly meeting. It's lovely to see you all again!" He gave a small bow of his head. "Now there is nothing major to report at this meeting besides the normal stuff. As usual I will take any questions or requests you have at the end of everything." He turned back to Chicka on the stump. "Little Chickadee if you please."
"Yes, Lord Alastor." The bird flew up and landed on top of one of Alastor's antlers. "Nothing major has been reported from the borders. Again, it seems the dragons have been silent which means a more peaceful time for us. According to Veronica, who is the closest to the dragons, has not reported any sightings of the creatures which is all good for us."
Alastor then carried on. "The rains from the last few days have been very helpful for all of us. Unlike the past summer where it was dry, we have gotten more rain than last year which has made everything more alive. With that in mind, we must be careful about any storms that might come in. As well as lands that might be flooded if we get too much rain. So please keep an eye out on these things after it rains heavily."
There were some murmurs between demons before Alastor let Chicka continue. "There have been reports on the east side of the territory of a giant snake that keeps appearing and invading. Please keep an eye out for this demon as they are dangerous."
Heart got slightly concerned. She knew her den was on the east side of the territory, but she was also more north. Either way she had to keep an eye out for this snake just in case.
Chicka then added. "No one has been able to see this demon other than a flash of black and yellow. A survivor of one of his attacks says that this demon can hypnotize you so please be cautious."
Alastor looked angered by this news as he walked around. "I am aware of this demon that has come in and out of the territory. This serpent keeps slipping away from my hooves before I can get a hold of him. I do not appreciate them terrorizing those on my land. When I do catch this serpent, I intend to kill it." His eyes flashed brightly to emphasize that he was not joking around.
Heart's ears went back a moment from the action. She has never seen the deer angry like that before. Was glad she wouldn't be on the receiving end of his anger. At least not yet.
Alastor continued. "If you see this demon please try to make a call. It needs to be as loud as you can make it that way it will alert me. That way I can come to you and hopefully get rid of this serpent before he can slip away."
Heart and Jazz looked at one another. Heart also knew that Jazz lived on the east side as well and that made her worried for the jaguar.
"You make sure to be careful." Heart whispered to her.
"You as well. If you call, I'll come to help you." Jazz whispered back.
Heart nodded sternly. "Same to you as well."
They turned their attention back forward to the deer lord.
"Other than the disturbance of this giant snake there is nothing else that I can report. So, any questions you may step forward." Alastor said and then there were some demons that started to walk forward towards the stream and make a line going along it. Chicka had gotten off the deer's antlers at that point and sat on her stump.
Some asked about the snake demon and others asked about their own problems they were having as well. There were a handful of them that were there and then there was one left. The small cat-like demon walked up to Lord Alastor.
"You are the last one for tonight. What is your question or concern?" Alastor asked them.
The cat was nervous at first but then they finally spoke, "I wanted to ask about that wolf you let stay here. How much longer are they staying? I thought you would have kicked them out by now. I am very uncomfortable with them around and I would like them too not be here."
Heart's ears went back as she had heard that question. She put her head down to the ground as a small whine escaped her as well. Even though she felt at home this place would still seem to hate her. No matter where she goes, she'll never be liked. Even Olivia looked at her a moment with slight concern. Jazz saw the reaction and scooted closer to her friend to reassure her. Heart looked at the jaguar surprised but still let a small smile come through.
The deer stayed calm as the cat asked their question. He then got uneasy. His stomach seemed to turn, and his heart constricted at their words. He looked away from them a moment to figure out what he was going to say, plus to not make it seem obvious about what he was feeling. Heart wouldn't leave. She couldn't. He wouldn't allow it. The deer was too attached to her now. As for everyone else, it was all new to have a canine in the forest so he could understand their concern. Even so, they had to get over it. Get to know her. They had to see that she wasn't all bad.
Alastor cleared his throat as he put his head back up and gently tapped his front hoof against the ground. "The wolf is a permanent stay. They have not shown any signs of misbehavior. I got to visit them every day and I have eyes on them almost all the time. Nothing out of the ordinary has happened since they arrived, and all had been fine. I have had no reason to kick them out. They are part of this territory until I say they are not so. You must learn to live with them." He boomed to make sure he made his point.
The cat demon went silent and looked away from the deer. "I understand Lord Alastor." They whispered and walked off. They knew there was no point in arguing with the deer when his mind was made up.
Heart lifted her head and looked at the deer with a soft gaze. She was glad that Alastor was fine with her being here. It made her feel at ease. If he at least liked her here, then that wasn't all that bad. Alastor watched the cat go and when he looked back into the crowd his eyes met hers for a moment and his gaze went soft.
He picked his head up and stood up straight. "No more for tonight! The meeting has ended! Goodnight." Alastor finally said and turned around to head back into his cave. He stopped at Chicka still on the stump. "You may go to her if you wish." He whispered and continued walking.
The small bird took off and flew over to Heart and landed in front of her. "I'm sorry with how this meeting turned out." She apologized.
"It's not your fault Chicka. It's ok." Heart said down to her and patted her gently with a paw.
"If you say so. I just wanted to check up on you." Chicka said worried. "Please be careful going home, Heart. You want me to come with you?"
"I can come with you too. I head that way anyway." Jazz added.
Heart felt her tail wag with happiness. She was glad that she had others who cared about her and that made her feel so wonderful. "I would love you to. Thank you."
Olivia had stayed silent were she sat and just gave a sigh and went up to the small group. "I can't walk with you since I'm the other way, but I wish you safety with the snake around." She said to them.
Heart was honestly surprised that the panther came up to say that to her, but she appreciated it either way. "Thank you. I'll try."
The panther nodded and then padded off the other way back to her home. Heart turned to her friends and they all headed on their way as well. She took one last look back to Alastor who had turned to look at them. She gave him a smile and a nod before they walked out of the clearing. Chicka sat on top of Heart's head as they walked, and Jazz stayed close to her one side. The walk back was silent as they kept their ears open.
By the time they got back to Heart's den they all started to say their goodbyes. Chicka flew off and Jazz kept on going. The hybrid gave a sigh as she walked up to her den. She went and laid down in her small bed of moss and grass and looked out of the entrance of her den to see the sky.
She sighed again. "This night ended so bad. I guess there are still things I need to get used to."
Soon enough she fell asleep, and it was a calm night. Unknown to her that a certain deer had followed her as well and stayed around her den the whole night to make sure no one disturbed her as she slept.
Most of these chapter's won't be long but I am trying to get them to have some length to them. Hope you enjoyed it.