Cihiru's Teepee

[Cihiru]

06.01 Considering the Future: Loki & Isilme

Here

dustfeather

The day was a hot one, so Isilme had decided this morning to walk down to the river and cool off. She had marveled at the heat here, in these southern lands: the summers where she had lived were warm, but short-lived, and nothing compared to the lazy heat of the day here. It's all she can do to not just fall asleep, reasoning that surely predators couldn't be out hunting in this.

But she's too wiley to fall for that sort of wishful thinking, so at high noon, she's reached the banks of the river, and is snorting happily as she sends up sprays of ice cold water, which sharpens her senses and brings her more fully awake. As she idly plays, she tries to focus on the feeling of unease that has plagued her the past few weeks. She's been in one place too long: that must be it. She's never stayed in the same place for more than a fortnight. Alta has been oddly silent in the matter, when before she would have complained about the slow pace. Instead, the peregrine falcon had been off on her own, sometimes for days, and had come back only reluctantly. It was clear that the other female wanted to be off, but she oddly said nothing. It was a puzzle, and one that Isilme was reluctant to solve.

She shied from those thoughts much as she would from a fly, not wanting to follow them to their obvious conclusion. Instead, she puts all her concentration into trying to catch several of the fish that flit past her legs. Now she's waded in as far as her stomach, which the water laps at, tickling. She blows a humerous bubble in the water, chortling, and ducks her head fully under to watch the fish.

All too soon she's forced to come up again for a breath of air, her breath ragged. She enjoys swimming, something she's not often able to do, considering her home climate.

Cihiru

To say he was unaccustomed to the climate would have been reasonably far from accurate, but it didn't prevent him from being at least a touch uncomfortable. The heat had coaxed local insects from... wherever it was they disappeared to, and he found himself flicking his lengthy tail to shoo them then. Why was it they insisted on being so annoying, anyway? He never did anything to them!

But to say he didn't have more important things on his mind wouldn't have been entirely truthful either. Really, the irritated twitch of his decidedly less-scruffy hide was a nag in a forgotten corner of his mind. Other thoughts reigned decisively, causing him to pause his absent pace and declare "Today" to no one in particular. Yes, he would tell Isilme today. Sure, he hadn't quite figured out how, but... Well, that was a minor detail, and he wasn't about to let it discourage him. Act first, think later.

It was with that persuasion he set himself to locating her. Resuming the abandoned trot, Loki set off through the thicket with a more obvious air of purpose. Now, if only he knew where to find her; a tracker he was not.

He did have deductive reasoning to aid him though, and he did his best to take advantage. Besides, process of elimination didn't hurt either. While the river was not the first place he checked, it was the last, as following its winding path drew a familiar form into view, not long after wading splashes met his twitching ears.

"Afternoon, Isilme," he called as he neared, all but able to hide the amused grin stretching his velvety maw. "Having fun?" Drawn in by the coursing waters, the stallion pulled himself to the river's edge, and dipped his head to lip at them.

dustfeather

If she could start, she would have: but it's very difficult to move suddenly in deep water, and so she only succeeds in losing her hoof-grip on the bottom of the river and bobbing for a few seconds before she can calmly put them back down again, and start a search for the owner of the voice: Loki.

"Come to join me in the river?" Isilme calls back, swishing her wet tail so that it sends up a spray of water. "It's quite cool compared to this infernal heat you call summer," she jokes, but she nevertheless moves closer to him and out into shallower water. Droplets course off of her belly and down her legs, and down her face: except for one portion on her back, she's completely soaked. The grullo mare sighs in contentment as a very faint wind blows onto her wet fur, cooler her even further. "That's much better. I don't even remember more than a few times getting to go swimming in summer to get cool. I didn't know it got so warm here." She wonders if she'll even need such a shaggy winter coat come snow time.

Cihiru

In the brief moment he was unsure if she would find her footing, the stallion lifted his head and drew a step nearer, throwing his forelegs into the river's current. Though the following inquiry smoothed his initial concerns, her startled response was not quite what he had anticipated, and he gave a sincere "Sorry, I hadn't meant to surprise you."

He smiled too though, and the apologetic expression quickly gave way. "That's not a bad idea. Though," he started, wading foward "I'm not too certain what you mean by 'infernal heat.' You don't think it's pleasant?" Loki's broad, jesting grin and ever-lighthearted tone belied his intention. "And I don't remember many blizzards. I did try to warn you."

"... Even though I was uncertain you'd stay so long at the time." Giving one of his ears a twitch, the mustang shifted his weight rather deliberately. "Is it really that bad?" As though his purpose just reoccurred to him, his tone had sobered considerably, and his expression hinted at a genuineness that seemed almost out of place on his features.

 

[Cihiru]

06.02 No News is Good News: Loki & Alona


Cihiru

With the myriad of thoughts available to occupy his mind as of late, it was a wonder he had time to think of something as trivial as 'how long has it been?' How long had he holed himself up in the forest, isolating himself away from the friends he knew lived in the village?

It wasn't that he was unhappy. Far from it, really, but he couldn't help finding himself wondering how others were doing. How was the weather of life treating them? He made an attempt to check up, once... Hania's unexpected interception had cut the adventure far shorter than he anticipated, though not without giving him a taste of just how much had happened in his not-quite-absence. Even that seemed ages ago, though.

Maybe it was time he looked in again, despite a guilty conscience. Isilme and the baskets would be fine, he assured himself with an I won't be gone long resolve.

Without further contemplation, the stallion distanced himself from the cave and family he called home, drawing himself nearer to the vallies with every stride. New ponderings took up residence, too: Would there be anyone there to greet him? And would it be an old friend?

hanging gallow

Alona slowly made her way through the forest. She needed a break from everyone. Lilly was determined to keep the mare at the teepee until the foals came, where as Cyrus was not about to let her out of his sight. She sighed luckily Kanti came to the rescue and got them to take a moment sight from her. She needed a walk, her limbs where stiff from little movement, and sore from the weight she carried. She stopped for a moment to catch her breath, resting against an old oak tree.

She heard the sound of hooves of a wandering soquili through the trees. Remined motionless and soundless hoping that she wouldn't catch their attention. She was in fear that it was Cyrus, or Kanti looking for her and at the moment she still didn't want to go back. She remained frozen hoping that she would see the soquili first.

Cihiru

Circumstance seemed to have other plans. No sooner than his hooves passed the nearest clearing's border, steps other than his own met his twitching ears. The stallion paused almost halfheartedly, casting his gaze about in an attempt to glimpse something. When nothing remarkable presented itself, he heaved a distracted sigh, and lifted a foreleg to continue on.

Something else caught his attention, though - A scent that didn't quite 'belong.' Halting again, Loki turned more fully toward its source, and greeted the wilderness. "Hello?" The identity was not an unfamiliar one, but he hadn't recognized it past soquili then.

hanging gallow

Alona heard a hello echo through the woods. Out of the corner of her eyes she spotted the speaker. It was a white-grey stallion, and yet he looked very familiar to her.

"Loki..... is that you..." Alona said with a slight breath of awe. She hadn't seen him in months. She however, remained where she was hoping that it was him. There was so much she had to tell and so much had happen since the last time she had seen him.

Cihiru

The stranger's identity established itself before he really had time to ponder it. They may not have met in months, but Alona was not so easily forgotten. Pleasantly surprised, and eager to see her, the stallion pulled himself toward her partially-hidden form, brushing past foliage.

"It might be," he replied with a bowing nod, and straightened himself with a characteristic grin.

As his sky-colored gaze turned to rest on her, realization struck him more fully. It really had been a long time since their last encounter. Hania having foals had not surprised him - But Alona? That was not at all what he expected. "How've you been?"

hanging gallow

"I have been doing well Loki, how are you" she said giving him a friendly nuzzle. "It has been ages since I have seen you lat I was beginging to wonder if you had taken off on me fox" she said with a pleasant smile.

He had still looked the same, with his characteristic grin and pleasant greetings, somethings about him would never change, and for that she was glad. She liked him for who he was.

Cihiru

"Good, I'm glad," he responded, returning the gesture in kind. "So have I, but about that..." Really, he couldn't blame her, but his expression faltered for a moment. He would have loved to explain his disappearance too, but where could he begin? Summarizing a few months of misadventure did not seem so simple.

Well, never mind it. He opted not to touch the subject, lest she ask. "I trust you've been having adventures of your own?" The stallion fixed her with a knowing look and impish grin. "Really though, how much trouble can a bunny stir?"

hanging gallow

Alona gave a sweet laugh. "Yes yes I have had quite an adventure all on my own, oh where to begin. This bunny has created much of a stir here."
She said with a laugh, she had been quite a busy bunny.

"I have a mate now, as you can tell. Cyrus, though I am sure you have met him, and an adopted daughter named Kanti she is quite a handful stubborn as she is playful. And on top of all that I am a leader of a herd, with this round tummy to carry with" she said giving another laugh. Now that she thought about she did have alot of things happen. But she wouldn't trade any of that for the world.

"And what have you done fluffy fox, been up to no good, or just being sly and avoiding us" she said with a smile. She gave him a small friendly nuzzle hoping that it wouldn't bother him to talk about it. She was curious as always, and hoped nothing bad had happen to him.

Cihiru

"In that case, I think 'adventure' is a bit of an understatement. Sounds like you've been busy." That too was an understatement, he knew, but what other way was there to explain it? She had been up to more than he could have begun to expect.

"And a herd, too? How long has that been transpiring?" Loki gave her a suspicious glance, though his chuckle belied his amusement. "Who all did you take under your wing?" That impish grin overtook his jesting speculation. Surely there were some he knew, right? He hadn't exactly been gone forever.

It had been long enough to make her inquiry a loaded question though. "No good, I'd say." There was a brief pause, and then he started his thought with "Isilme's not very fond of humans, so I don't make it down to the vallies very often any more. - You should meet her sometime, if you haven't already." Loki's adoration was obvious; it beamed through even his joking expression. "She foaled recently, too." And though he did not say it outright, it was plain enough to see he was indeed a father. "We've been well," he added for good measure.

hanging gallow

"I see" Alona said giving him a sly glance. "Someone fell in love...not to mention is a father" she said giving him a small nudge, but making sure she didnt' over do it. "I wonder who...but I am glad you and your family have been well" she said giving a playful look. He apparently had been quite busy, and up to at least some good at least not pestering his sister again.

"Yes I have taken quite a few soquilis under my wings, even though I don't have any literally. There is Settia and Dyami and his family, Ayita and part of her family, Resi and her family, Celendria and Glory, Manitou, Lakota, and quite a few others, surprisingly it is very large for even me to imagine" she said with a small laugh. "And I have been with this herd oh I say about two months now, maybe longer, I can no longer keep the days straight I have been so busy" she said with a small laugh. "Yes not quite and adventure, but very very busy and I couldn't have imagined being this busy, it is quite a change since when I have first arrived here" she said with a small nod remembering the days when she lounged about having nothing to do.

Cihiru

Her teasing went far from unnoticed, but he did overlook it, if only because the word 'family' seemed to jog something in his mind... Besides his obvious fondness. "I don't suppose you've seen Kali around, have you?" It would have sounded like an abrupt change in topics, but he made an attempt at sense with "she's been living in the village, so I don't really see her either. She's bonded, actually." The latter was added as though it explained everything, but it would have been difficult to read his opinion on the matter.

"Me too, though. And I hope it stays that way, for both of us." He couldn't wish for much more than health and safety, really. "Congratulations, by the way," Loki added, mirroring her grin and planting her shoulder with a friendly nudge.

"Very impressive. Sounds like the Bunny has acquired quite the band, then." He was relieved to hear names he recognized, though the less familiar were equally refreshing. New faces were... Well, almost always a good thing. "Only two months though? Really, that's not long at all. I guess I can excuse your not telling me, then!" It was perhaps a little overly obvious he wasn't the slightest bit bothered, but he didn't seem to mind.

hanging gallow

"Hmm..no I haven't seen Kali around, I had no idea that she was bonded, which surprises me I suspected you would have before her" Alona said with a funny look on her face. Kali always seemed more unopened to other things, but than again, Alona could have been wrong.

"Oh and thank you, Cyrus is happy, and my adopted daughter well..she has taken to the habit of picking on me, but I am sure she is happy as well" Alona said with a little laugh.

"Yes we have quite a band now, and no it hasn't been for really long, but it has kept me busy, but I am happy with it. And yes new faces, it wasn't long ago I had tons of little foals running around in the herd, but even now they have grown" Alona said with distance look. She was thinking about what had happened then, remembering the foals running and playing and her just sort of watching and being happy.

"And you better excuse me for being busy" she said snapping out of her daydream and nudging him back playfully. "And I guess I will let you slide by as well, and congratz, you know I will have to eventually meet your family, hopefully sometime" she said with a smile

Cihiru

"I see..." he started, trailing off as she continued. "Really?" What did she mean by that, anyway? Honestly, he could never really see himself with the humans. Especially not since he'd met Isilme: what had started as mild curiosity had shifted to apathy. Kali had always been much more interested in the unkown, and didn't have someone else's opinion to influence her decisions.

"What is her name, anyway? I'd like to know if I ever happen to meet her." 'Adopted daughter' wasn't particularly helpful in such a circumstance. "I'm sure she's excited too."

"Well, you won't have to miss them much longer." He had noticed her change in expression, and though it was a guess, it wasn't an entirely unfounded one. "Anyway, I'm glad you're happy."

Her jest threat did catch his attention though. "What do you take me for? - Of course I'd excuse you!" he teased. "Thank you, though. And I hope you do."

 

[Cihiru]

06.03 Haphazard: Loki, Kael & Waya

Here

Shariea

The sky was bright, a deep blue that seemed to be utterly fathomless. Waya's dark tail flicked against the long sweet grasses as he sighed. He'd always enjoyed looking up at that sky, and knowing that it was the same sky that everyone else saw. That thought alone had comforted him through some long and lonely nights, more so in his childhood than now. He chuckled softly to himself, a smirk pulling at his lips. He wasnt so very much alone now was he? No Princess had made sure of that. Unwittingly he'd found himself thrust upon the role of protector for her herd. It was small yet, but...he wasnt alone.

His blue eyes scanned back down to the ground as he took in a mouthfull of the sweet grass, his mind still wandering. His life had changed drasticly since he had set hoove in this place, The food was plentyful, the soquili, in general where nice. And...as of yet he'd not seen a single peditor that had the guts to attack even a foal. It wasnt a bad thing to be sure, but having lived all his live on guard.. it was too good to be true.

Waya's ears swivled back and forth, listening to the world around him. The wind blew through the tall grass and swept over the plain towards him, toying with his long ebony tresses. He sighed and again raised his gaze to the sky, truely content in this moment of peaceful bliss.

Cihiru

Peaceful might not have been a word Loki would have used to describe the moment. Eventful, enlightening, or trying maybe, but by no means was it calm or quiet. That seemed to be the way things had been going, and one way or another, he was just along for the ride.

A ride he most certainly wasn't leading. "Kael... This way," he corrected, motioning with his head.

The response was nothing short of mournful, with a dramatic last glance that quickly shifted to the jovial, excited trot it should have been. "Where're we going?" he questioned, pulling astride his father and fixing him with a gaze full of anxiousness.

"I suppose we'll find out once we get there. We are adventuring, after all."

"But how will we know when we get there?"

"You'll know," he assured, bobbing his head a little. "Just keep an eye and an ear out, okay?" Loki nudged the colt with his muzzle, who in turn gave a fervent nod and bounded a few leaps forward before resuming his prance through the underbrush.

Shariea

The hoove beats through the underbrush reached Waya's ears like thunder. His charcoal ears flicked back behind him as he lazily lifted his head to greet the newcomers. First out of the thicket was a small colt, who's fur was like that of cream. A small smirked tugged at the corners of his lips, for the little one reminded himself of how he had been in his happier days. Striding not long behind the colt was his father, white as snow and a brillant contrats to the deep greens of spring about him.

Waya's ebony tail lashed against the ground, brushing away the grass as he swollowed his mouthful. "greetings." he said softly, his baritone voice grumbling from deep within his chest. Waya was not one for much converstation with strangers so he politely nodded his head and went back to grazing. his long mane covering his crystal blue eyes from sight. His tail flicked against the grass again as he contently returned to his meal.

Cihiru

Fully taken in by whim, it was no surprise the sudden greeting caught the colt's wavering attention unaware. For a brief moment he stopped still, wide-eyed with bewilderment. There was no time for amazement with his conscience though, so it faded almost as quickly as it had come, leaving behind an innocent grin and curiously wagging tail.

"Heya," he called, before Loki had opportunity to stop him.

"Mister," he added at a whisper. And "afternoon" was the accompanying introduction, with a polite bow well-suited to its friendly tone. He did pull alongside the foal though, and stood protectively with Kael's young form.

Bobbing his head not unlike his father had, and scarcely bothered by the correction, he dared to take another step forward. "Hello mister."

He didn't seem too concerned with the other's disinterest either. The prospect of meeting someone - a stranger - for the first time far outweighed any concerns with decency; not that he had much notion for them to begin with. Kael just fixed the stallion with his pale-hued gaze, and stayed his itch to inch closer.

"I'm sorry if we've interrupted you." Loki gave the other a sideways glance, thinking for a moment maybe they should just move along and let him alone. His son's expression was convincing persuasion though, so instead he took a stab at striking conversation. "You're a good deal harder to spot, and hear than we are, I'm afraid. I hope you'll pardon the intrusion."

Shariea

"No worries." he replied to the white stallion before him. "plenty of grass to go around, and no one should have to halt their fun on my account." he added as a small after thought. His blue eyes gazed through his thick mop of hair as he looked over at the colt. A smile once again pulled at the corners of his lips. He tossed his head and for a moment the hair from in front of his eyes left his line of sight clear. "Im Waya." He said, addressing them both. "Its a pleasure to meet you." he added at length, his baritone voice nearly a soft whisper.

The Stallion pawed at the ground in front of him, and turned his gaze towards the heavens. "I suppose I would be. Your coloration stands out against the green of the grasses. But you look strong and able enough should anything come after you." he commented, noting the strong physical apperance of the white male before him. "A fine day for a walk...." he remarked finally dropping his gaze back to the two before him.

Cihiru

'No worries' was one of the more pleasant responses he could have received, and his smile broadened at the sound of it. "I'm glad you think so," he said earnestly, giving his tail an idle lash.

There was a tint to the stallion's expression hinting he might have continued too, but the colt interjected before he had opportunity. "My name's Kael. Nice to meet you too!" Though he introduced only himself, he did manage that much, at least.

He did seem vaguely disapproving, but no reprimands were made. They could cover the finer points of politeness some other time. "I'm Loki. Well met, Waya," he finished with a nod. The following comment caught him slightly off-guard though; for a moment he was almost bashful.

And despite his father's inner embarrassment, Kael practically swelled with pride. "Really?" he exclaimed, giving the stallion rapt attention. How come Loki had never mentioned anything like that? It sounded exciting.

"Thank you," he replied simply. He did like to think so, and certainly hoped so, for his family's sake. The thought of harm coming to any of them was an unbearable one. "Can't argue with that." It was an undoubtedly temperate day.

"Can we?" the foal murmured, and peered over his shoulder at Loki, then back at Waya (whom he'd taken an obvious intrigue in).

Shariea

A deep chuckled escaped the magestic black stallion as the little colt tossed his two cents into the converstaion. "Its a pleasure to meet you Kael." he said, still lightly laughing. "As well as you Loki. You have a very bright colt on your hands. Very much like his father in ways, Im sure." he said, a smirk pulling at the sides of his mouth. This colt did after all remind him of himself, back when life had been happy and the world was new. Everything was full of wonder and excitment then.

"If you would like to go for a walk, I wouldnt mind. One can use company now and then." he said, the truth of that stament pulled from his heart. For one who had spent most of his life alone, to come to this place of thick green grass and warm sun was truely amazing. At times he did long for that still silence that he had come to love, but the laughter of friends was quickly over taking his heart and dusting off the hard shell that he'd put up around himself. The warm rays of light caressed his charcoal fur as he lightly snorted, ebony tresses flicking against the ground as he shook his past from his mind. "That is of corse.. up to you Loki." he added at length.

Cihiru

A softer smile washed over Loki's features; less amused and more sincere. "Thank you, but I do think he takes after his mother..." Eying the colt's painted coat in combination with his cleverness, he finished "in more ways than one." He would not have wished it any other way though, and his proud contentment lit his expression.

At least the foal didn't seem to mind his fatherly notions. Kael accepted a fond n** at his mane with toleration, though it pulled his attention from Waya only briefly. "Can we?" he repeated, butting his nose against one of Loki's thick forelegs.

"I heard you, I heard you." Loki huffed a snort in response, but his gentle smile never faded, and it echoed in his tone. "Well," he paused, eying the two of them with a suddenly jovial expression. "Sounds to me like Waya's calling us passable company, Kael. Who're we to say no to that? Let's go." The mustang gave his son a gentle nudge; encouragement he scarcely needed.

He was practically in motion already, but he met the allowance with a broadened grin, and took an energetic bound forward as if to lead the way. Never mind he hadn't the slightest idea where he was headed; someone would correct him if he got too far off track, right?

Shariea

The dark stallion chuckled softly and shook his head at the exsited colt. "well now, he certainly has spirit and im willing to bet that comes from both his parents." he said with a chuckle eying loki with a knowing look. He sighed softly and started off after the dashing Kael, whom at a word had darted off ahead. "Seems he gathered too much engery just standing and listening to us talk." he observed watching the young one.

Chuckling he followed after through the tall downy grasses. His tail lashed behind him and the suns rays warmed his charcoal back. Waya's blue eyes watched ahead of him in an attempt to keep an eye on Kael but he knew his father had that well undercontroll. He took this time to speak to Loki on a more level term now that the colt was happily springing about. "How long have you lived in these lush lands? Would this be considered a good year or is food always this plentyful?" he asked, pausing to take a mouthful of the sweet grass.

Cihiru

"It's possible," Loki replied noncommittally, a grin curling his muzzle. In truth, he would never have thought himself a particularly spirited individual, but perhaps that too was in the eye of the beholder. And he supposed he had his moments. Isilme, on the other hand... She had enough spirit for three. "He had plenty beforehand, I assure you." The stallion didn't sound particularly bothered though. In fact, Kael's youthful energy was fairly refreshing. It was a far sight different from the impatience he sensed in some adults, and had a curious way of renewing his perspective.

Giving Waya a final nod of sorts, he turned his gaze to the foal trotting ahead and pushed himself into motion behind him. "I grew up here." The stallion seemed to take a moment for thought, figuring mentally just how long he'd really been in the area. "Three seasons or so, I suppose? Not long, really." Though he was grown, Loki was still young, and even his lifespan didn't seem like much at all in the greater picture. "You shouldn't have trouble finding food, though it does get sparse when the snow covers the ground."

He paused briefly at that, craning his neck over his shoulder to peer at the adults. "What's snow?" Kael interrupted suddenly, reminding his father he really had been paying attention. And not only was he listening, but he had not lost track of his thirsting curiosity. It shined still in his eyes, accompanying a soft innocence held there.

Shariea

Waya nodded softly. "Sounds like any other place... Yet.. Is it me or is these something timeless...something that clings to the soul and sucks one in? I already feel like I never want to leave.." Waya surprised himself with how much he opened up in that simple statment. Normally he would keep such things to himself. Perhaps this place with all the friendly faces was cracking the hard outer shell he had worn for many years. Yet, deep down her feared the friendships and close contact to others, it seemed that when he got close to others, when he felt happy..they went away. He'd learned that leson only on. When he was young a colt barely older than Kael was now, he'd been taken care of by a two legger. One day, one harsh winter day the two legger started coughing. That night was very bitter cold..and the next morning.. and every morning after the two legger was never seen.

Waya snorted softly and shook his head from his day dream, two often had he dwelt on the past. His braided tail flicked against the ground, braids he'd worn since he was a colt. Braids that reminded him of his past. He chuckled as Kael's question bit into his mind. "Whats snow? My that you are young Yet." with a coy smile he dodged around the question. "You'll see what it is this winter im sure. "

Cihiru

Waya's response was a far deeper one than he had anticipated. The stallion took a moment to absorb it, merely flicking an ear and swishing his tail at first. "It is like most, I expect. Fortunately, I don't think you'll find much - if any - reason to leave." It might have sounded like an offhanded comment on the surface, but Loki hoped it would comfort without imposing awkwardness (for his sake, and the other's). And perhaps he was not the most adept at handling more personal matters; lightheartedness was his way, but at least he tried.

"I don't want you to leave either," he said simply, pausing suddenly to give one of his little hooves a stamp for finality. His intention might have been vague at first, but he added "then I couldn't meet you again... And Dad says good company is hard to find." He gave his short tail a flick.

"And worth treasuring," Loki finished, nudging Kael with a soft smile.

The colt distanced himself in jovial indignation, but he was not indifferent to the subtle praise, and received it with earnest appreciation and another grin. Waya's answer to his question did cause his ears to wilt though. That was not as conclusive as he had hoped. "Winter's so far though. And how will I know when I see it?" Yes, that was a problem indeed. "I would want to recognize it, at least."

"Well," the stallion interrupted. "Snow is cold, and white. It melts when you touch it, and falls in flakes, like frozen rain drops drifting from the sky." He renewed his smile, and dipped his head to Kael's eye level. "You'll know when you see it, I promise. And I think you'll like it."

Shariea

The dark stallion smirked softly and nodded his head. His blue eyes glanced over the valley, the thick waving grasses, grains and the green leafy trees in the forest. The stream a little behind him full of crystal clear water, No.. this place was paradice and he was stay here as long as he felt it was home. Home, now that in itself was an interesting consept.. He tilted his head softly and chuckled. He'd never really had a Home. The little colts words broke into his thoughts and he smiled, leaning down to look the little one in the eyes.

"True enough..." he was deeply honored that he would consider him good company, normally he kept to himself and was distant and quiet. Yet something about this pair had brought him out of his shell for a time. "and If I left I wouldnt be able to meet you or your father again. So I suppose I shall have to stick around." he said at length with a chuckle.

The colt seemed lightly put off at his offhanded remark about the snow, he wanted to know more about it, yet deep down, although he could admire its beauty... he hated snow. He hated the cold as well, So it was a sore subject to discribe to eager minds. He was glad when Loki stepped up to the plate and descibed it to his son. "Yes, You'll know it when you see it. After all... there is nothing quite like it. "

Cihiru

The painted foal met Waya's gaze with pure delight, a broad grin stretching his velvety maw. "Good! I'm glad," he replied earnestly. It may have been a simple comment, but it was clear he revered the acknowledgment. To know the stallion really wouldn't leave... That was a wonderful certainty.

"Nothing at all?" It was a rhetorical question, made clear enough by the way he peeled his gaze away from his elders and restarted his aimless trek. The prospect was exciting though; something he had a hard time wrapping his mind around. Most everything he knew had something almost like it. The trees, birds, rodents... Even grasses varied only slightly from eachother. Just how different was this snow?

While he did prefer the warmer seasons, Loki wasn't particularly bothered by winter either. His coat grew plenty thick to compensate, and despite how little he appreciated the 'scruffy' exterior, it did come in handy. "We've a while yet before we have to worry about it, anyway. Might as well enjoy the warmth while it's here," he commented, nodding briefly.

"Oops," was the awkward response. Admittedly, Kael hadn't been paying much attention... The voice (familiar though it was) startled him and interrupted his train of thought, and by the time the foal found himself stumbling, it was too late. "Ow," he grunted as his form connected with the ground, and he shook his head a little. "... That was kinda clumsy." Stealing a glance over his shoulder, Kael snorted in annoyance at the twiggy offender.

Oops? Loki blinked deliberately, then pulled himself toward the laying foal once the circumstance sank in. "Only a little." He hoped that's all it was - A little oops. "Are you alright?" he asked, and lowered his head to Kael's eye level.

"Yeah..." he murmured, trailing off. Something in the corner of his eye had snagged his attention, and he stole a quick glance about them. "Is this where we were going?" Loki had intentionally neglected to enlighten him, so he wasn't sure. It seemed a neat place though, even if he did lack the vaguest idea as to where they might be.

Shariea

Waya chuckled softly and nodded his head. The others where right after all, Winter had left these lands and wouldnt return for a few more months at lest. Summer was now in high bloom and brought with it the long warm days. His tail flicked against the ground as he turned his head to the location that the colt had been.

Loki wandered over to his son at the word 'Oops' and he did hope that the little one was alright. He smirked softly as he too slowly approched the clumbsy foal. "Perhaps a Little, But we all have our clumsy moments." he commented with a smirk.

The Stallion raised his gaze to look around them, a waterfall cut through the canyon around them, and the lush green grasses hugged the edges of the water. Shade was abundant and the cool breeze coming from over the water was indeed welcome. "Yes, I think so." He said at length.

 

[Cihiru]

06.04 Mountainside Misadventures: Kael & Kyer


dustfeather

Dawn is breaking over the little foothills beneath the mountains' shadow, clinging to the grass and bathing the world in vibrant shades of gold and pink. Shadows start to dissipate, breaking up as light permeates through the grasses and sparse trees that litter the landscape.

The start of the day brings with it the chill of the night; it won't start getting warm until mid-morning, when the sun has had time to seep through to the world below. It's a cold time, and little puffs of breath can be seen in the frigid air coming from a sleeping colt, nestled in the shadows of a lone hill with a singular, rather dead-looking tree atop it. The foal shakes again as a soft wind blows across his tiny form, sending little convulsive shivers down his spine. He tries to dig his muzzle deeper into his flank, like a wolf does in the bitter cold.

The colt is stockily built, like his mustang father; he's likewise inherited the famous claybank coloration so rare and valued. Of his grullo mother, little can be seen; but perhaps he favors her in temperment. He's a large boy, and his lower withers suggest that he will probably end up fairly tall, too.

Isilme left the child out here while she went off in search of water. She's been gone since moonset, but that's hardly any time at all. The foal looks like he's settled in for the long-term, if need be, although he's vulnerable to any predators that may be about...but such is life.

Cihiru

At a glance, the foal may have seemed more alone than he was. Closer observation would have revealed another nestled not far off, tucked away in what grasses were to be had. His form was slighter than the first, but mutual dun markings and mustang heritage made visible their relation.

He seemed content with the arrangements at first, stirring little even when the chilled wind swept over his fuzz-coated form. Tides changed quickly though, and before long he was shifting uncomfortably in his previously quiet sleep. Little legs flexed with the motions of an animal running in its sleep, disturbing a puff or two of dust with his hooves until they stopped abruptly and he shot awake.

The colt clambered to right his weight and curled his limbs beneath him before frantically glancing around, ears folded. Morning landscape greeted him, as ordinary and uninhabited as he remembered - Not at all the bramble thickets the dream might have led him to believe. There were no scary monsters either; nothing with sharp teeth nipping at his heels. Soon, his panicked breaths slowed, and the way the morning light just barely peeked over the horizon even coaxed a drowsy yawn.

He looked around again then, far more level-headed this time. Neither adult was back yet, he noticed, though that neither surprised nor worried him. It was still very early; they musn't have been gone long at all, and he was assured they were exceptionally safe here.

With little to distract him, the soft rustling of his sole companion drew his attention. He seemed to be sleeping lightly, and there was a moment the colt puzzled over whether or not to wake him for the sake of company. It did sound tempting, given his current isolation, but he decided against it. Kael settled down next to the other instead, sharing what little heat they could offer between them. The contact might have roused him, but it wasn't a concern then.

dustfeather

The sudden warmth brushing past his form startled the other, and he jerks himself awake, his eyelids half rising, as if they just couldn't expend the full effort of opening. A familiar scent tickles his nose as he spots his sibling settling down next to him, and overly-large ears twitch back as his muzzle splits into a yawn that seems somehow too large for the rest of his face.

"G'morning Kael." Kyer half-heartedly tries to steal his brother's ear as a chewtoy, but misses completely, snapping down on air. Drowsily, he shakes himself, squinting around in the dim morning light, before yawning again. Clearly, he's not much of the morning sort. "Mmfgh," is all he can really manage, and it's uncertain what he really means by it. The undercurrent, however, appears a bit grumpy. The claybank foal is rather hungry, but getting up and finding mother would be far too much of a chore at this point. He has no qualms in going against his mother's wishes, if he were slightly more awake.

He flops his head down atop Kael's back, staring blearily up the hill.

Cihiru

Half-starting his brother into alertness hadn't really been the effect he was going for, but he didn't seem too overly upset, so the colt didn't spend long worrying over it. "Mornin'," he replied softly, sobered by lingering grogginess and the nightmare that had haunted his sleep.

He flicked an ear absently; the same one Kyer had tried to capture. "Mmfgh to you, too." Their father had never been one for mornings either. Kael seemed to be in a bit of a rut though. He was awake enough to want to move, but too tired and too lazy to bother. So he didn't. Not right then, at least. The weight across his back made him even less inclined, despite the hunger gnawing lightly at his stomach.

"What should we do?" It was a rhetorical question, for the most part, but his absent state of mind didn't require he kept thoughts to himself. He did want to do something... at some point. His hunger wouldn't stay passive forever, and boredom was sure to rear its ugly head soon. They couldn't very well just go back to sleep at this point. At least, he couldn't. Kyer probably could have.

dustfeather

Kyer rolls his head back to take a better look at his brother's face.

Doing something was not really on the colt's list of things he wanted to accomplish today...at least at the moment. He was lively enough once he got going, but dragging him out of bed was a chore and a half.

"I dunno," he says, sounding most unenthusiastic. Realizing this is probably an inappropriate answer, he lets out a dramatic sigh and lifts his head, shaking out his little frizz of a mane that he's so proud of. "I guess we could always explore the mountains," he suggests, and he brightens up a little at the thought, glancing over to the terrain with a more alert eye. "Bet there are some interesting things up there." And it'd keep his brain off of his stomach...unless they can find something edible up there. He's not a big one for eating grass yet, he's still young enough to need his mother's milk.

Cihiru

Kyer's curious peering was met with a surprisingly bland expression, tinged with drowsiness, but not unhappy. A corner of his muzzle even curled in a grin at his brother's halfhearted antics.

"We could." He seemed far less intrigued at first. "Looks like a bunch of rocks to me," Kael replied, resistant, unsure of trekking all the way 'up there'. Had their parents mentioned anything against wandering off into the wild unknown? He couldn't remember. "Okay." He was bored already, and they'd never been to the mountains before. Maybe it would turn out interesting after all.

With the obstacle of decision out of the way, the colt set himself to the last (and most difficult) immediate task. Actually standing up. Kael gave his brother's shoulder a nudge, then gathered his limbs beneath him and waited for the other to stand, or at least lift his weight so he could move without disturbing him.

dustfeather

His sibling gives him the snort he felt that the response deserved. "They're more than rocks," he says, sounding a little indignant. "How do you know there aren't any monsters or soquili up there?" Seems like Kyer rather relishes the idea, for he considers this a moment before continuing. "Something other than rocks, anyway." He's perfectly aware that their parents would probably not be keen on them heading off, which is one reason why he wants to. Forbidding him not to do something naturally assures that he will, in fact, be doing it somewhere along the line.

He sticks a foreleg out, heaving himself awkwardly to all fours. He wobbles a little once he's up, but stays upright, his tail whisking behind him. He reaches out a hoof to nudge Kael, then grins sweetly. "Up you get, fuzzy."

Cihiru

"Says you," Kael responded, in typical juvenile fashion. "I don't want to see any monsters today." He generally had a healthy sense of adventure, but this morning, reality was still fresh on his mind. He couldn't simply wake up here. "Don't see why a soquili would want to live up there. It looks nicer down here." He was obviously just arguing for the sake of it at that point; his tone was halfhearted.

The colt inhaled deeply once his brother lifted off him. Even though he hadn't been particularly restricted before, the freedom was welcome. "Fuzzy?" He peered obstinately at the other, unappreciative of the teasing sweet expression. It took him a moment to decide he didn't want to retort just then, but when he did, he pulled himself up and steadied on his hooves.

"Lead away, sleepy." He gazed along the invisible path set ahead of them, leading to the mountains. It seemed so long to his comparatively small size, but an audacious corner of his consciousness couldn't wait to get started. Who knew what awaited them along the craggy surface?

dustfeather

"Monsters would be fun," the claybank colt remarks, head tilting to the side. "And maybe really tough soquili live up there...or there's a magical place up there that's more beautiful than anything down there." He's listened to his mother's stories with awe, and he believes - at least, for the moment - all the stories she's told. They fascinate him, and he hopes to one day meet some of the major characters mentioned.

"Fuzzy," he agrees, his little tail whisking as he trots away from the flatlands and further into the foothills, making his way around the hill whose shadow they were sheltered under.

The mountains may look close, towering over them, but distance is deceptive, and pretty soon Kyer's lgs start to ache. He looks at them, a little mournfully. Do heroes have to work up to this sort of thing, too? He hopes they do, otherwise he feels a bit of a wimp.

Cihiru

"You have a weird idea of fun," he admitted, eying Kyer with a most skeptical gaze. Monsters were big, scary, and vicious. That didn't sound like fun to him. Magical places, on the other hand, made his ears roll forward with a hopeful perk. "You think?" The pinto eyed the peaks in the distance. They seemed impossibly tall next to the hill that overshadowed them; a good shelter for a place like the settings in stories he'd heard so much of.

His brother's reiteration made his stubborn pout resurface as he turned to face him. "I am not." Rabbits and squirrels were fuzzy. He just had a short coat. It was dense though, guarding well against the still-chilly breeze. "Besides, that'd make you fuzzy too." He seemed content to leave it at that, and plodded off after Kyer in silence for a while, occupying his mind instead with what-ifs and promises of the not-so-far-off mountains.

Kyer's endurance didn't last as long as he might have expected though, and the colt found his attention on his sibling's struggles. "Can't stop yet. We'll never get there," he encouraged with a glance at their destination in the distance. But as it were, Kael wasn't any better off, and not long after, he could feel the numb pain of strain biting at his limbs.

Not good, he mused, still focused on the peaks they had yet to arrive at. Fortunately, they were nowhere near as distant than they had been, and he wagered they could reach them (without breaking a limb or two in the process) if they held out. "Almost!," the colt called, and sprung forward to the first signs of rocky surface with his last spurt of energy.

dustfeather

The foal looks momentarily disgruntled at the first comment, but he almost immediately perks back up. "No, not really," he says, looking at his sibling with a rather cool gaze. "If you have monsters, that means you can be heroes. Otherwise life'd just be really boring and dull and you'd die of that, wouldn't you?" In Kyer's mind, monsters and evil creatures were just the ticket.

"I never said I wasn't," He says, with that wicked little boy's grin again. "But you're fuzzier." His spirit lifts, and his dragging walk turns into a brisk, eager trot to cover the distance. His legs ache, and even at this young age he knows he'll regret this tomorrow, but he doesn't care at the moment. "Who's stopping?" He calls out behind him, throwing himself into a gangly, long-legged canter.

It doesn't take too long before he is forced to walk again, though, and take the terrain more slowly and seriously. Rocks litter the landscape, and if he puts one hoof wrong, he could easily break a leg. For a wild mustang, a broken leg is a ticket for death, and it's the one thing he does take seriously from his mother's warnings. He pauses in the shadow of the mountain, looking up as the slope starts to get more drastic.

Cihiru

"You're nothing like the heroes in the stories," he retorted, eying Kyer as he made a mental comparison. "I might, but..." The colt paused to weigh his opinion on the matter. It had potential to be as exciting as it was dangerous, he had to admit that much. And that was most of what made it fun. No matter how hard he tried though, he could not convince himself it was a good activity today. "Ask again tomorrow." Everything would be different tomorrow... Except maybe Kyer's penchant for mischief.

"I am not," Kael defended, but his ears wilted. While his brother took off ahead, the pinto lagged behind, dragging his hooves in somewhat downhearted defeat. The call made him detach his gaze from the ground though, and his expression stretched to form an understanding smile. "Not me!" The colt had followed eagerly at that, pushing himself into a juvenile gait of his own.

The landscape beneath them shifted quickly though, from gently rolling, grassy plains, to a rocky dirt mix carpeted with pebbles. It caused him to slow as they came to it, lest he step on something he'd regret later.

"It's kind of steep," he stated obviously, inspired by his aching legs that burned in protest. There was no plan b though. Tall and perilous-looking though it was, there was nowhere else to go, and no turning back. "Let's go, then." Kael gave his short tail a little flick and placed a fore-hoof forward to begin his trudge up the mountainside. "But what if we don't find anything but rocks?"

dustfeather

The claybank foal gives the other a very chilly glare. "How would you know? You've never met one!" He rather fancies himself a hero, and being told that he doesn't resemble one is a bit of a blow to his ego. He whips his head up and around, prancing in a haughty, dignified fashion further up the slope, even though it wastes precious energy stores to do so.

As he looks up the slope, Kyer was actually thinking the same thing, but his sense of pride compels him to argue the point. "Peh, it's not that bad. Come on, Kael, be tough like dad." He starts up, his hooves scrambling for purchase on the smooth rock.

"And we will find something," he says in a convinced tone, carefully inspecting a nearby prickly bush. "Heroes always do, usually right when they think they're not going to find anything." He's so busy talking that he almost misses it; fortunately, he slips at that point, his knees jarring painfully against rock and dirt. He manages to catch himself on his shoulder, hard enough to bruise later. As he gathers himself up again, he spots the dense copse of trees part of the way up, not that far away. "C'mon, let's head that way!"

Cihiru

"Neither have you," he defended far more indifferently, blind to his sibling's insistent venom. Kyer made his ideals plain enough they were difficult to miss, and the colt was plenty aware of them... He just couldn't be bothered to care much. They felt intangible; a little silly, to him. Heroes were born of legend, and though he could swallow the concept of being exceptional - a legend he was not (and neither was Kyer, he was almost positive). Their everyday seemed much too ordinary for that.

His sibling's retort struck a chord though, and it was Kael's turn to be indignant. "I am," he said assuredly. "He'd say it is, too." The colt wasn't certain on that note, but he was sure of one thing. Their father wouldn't be happy, and all the adventure in the world couldn't have comforted his conscience when it came to disappointing his parents. He'd just have to hope they got back first.

We're not heroes, his thoughts protested, but he figured he'd argued it enough by then. Besides, maybe... Maybe they were. Kyer was right; he didn't know anything for certain. He'd never met a hero. Kael had enough doubt to make room for that, and had enough curiosity to propel himself into pursuit of his brother.

The colt was so distracted with securing his footing and carefully inspecting whatever oddity crossed him before each step, it genuinely took him by surprise when he the crumble of sliding rock met his ears. His head shot up quickly, but by the time he spotted Kyer, he was righting himself and had already set his attention on something further off. "Alright," he conceded, and carefully set himself in that direction.

The cluster hadn't looked to be anything exceptional, but he didn't have any better ideas. Surprisingly (to him, at least), first impressions weren't always solid impressions. "What's that?" he questioned warily, peering at something nestled between the treetrunks.

dustfeather

"Humfph," Kyer sniffs, ears flattening, but he seems unable to find an appropriate retort to the comment. He'd like to think that he has more expertise in these matters (even when he doesn't), and to lose a point to his brother is a bit of a setback. But he'll make it up later, somehow...he'll do something terribly heroic. Maybe slay a monster, save a pretty filly from some horrific fate, that sort of thing. Of the two siblings, he was the dreamer. And, unlike Kael, he didn't seem to care about worrying their parents...he didn't mean to make them worry, but he never bothered to think much about what they thought. He was vaguely aware that what he was doing was against their wishes, but that only added to the element of anticipation and adventure.

When he picks himself up, he's dusty and dirty, and it'll be hard to hide that he wandered off...but he's not thinking about that right now. Eagerly, ignoring the throb of his shoulder and the tiny trickle of blood that runs down his leg, he moves forward, a little more carefully this time.

At his brother's sudden query, his head goes up, and he pauses, for the first time unsure. His eyes narrow, and a rather fiendish little boy's grin slips onto his muzzle. "Let's go check it out," he says, making his way forward and peering into the darkness.

Cihiru

The disgruntled noise for a response was met with slight satisfaction, though he didn't particularly enjoy nor want to stifle his brother's ambitions. He just grew tired of defending himself sometimes, always trying to protect his sense of pride. It was nice to best Kyer every now and then, and he was confidant it would hardly phase the claybank anyway. Not much of anything could, it would have seemed.

With negative recollections of nightmares and monsters fading to excited anticipation at the opportunity, Kael bobbed his head in agreement this time. "What are you going to do if it tries to eat you?" he remarked as he crept onward, ears twitching nervously all the while.

The sight that greeted him was not quite what he might have expected originally though. That 'thing' he'd spotted was more a lack thereof than anything - A hole, cut jaggedly into the side of the mountain crags, and tucked away behind a few treetrunks. It was smaller than what he'd come to recognize as caves in the plains and forests below, but still large enough he was sure something amazing could live inside. He had always been advised to stay near the mouths, traveling no further than the light when it crept inside the opening, but... He knew Kyer didn't care, and he was too intrigued to protest.

Mila Farrell

The young colt gave the question a snort that was heavy with the contempt he thought it deserved, but it was nevertheless a quiet snort, as if Kyer were reluctant to disturb what lie ahead...at least, unless it was on his own terms. In an equally soft voice, as if unaware that he were whispering, he retorts: "I'd take it on, of course. Or maybe lead it into a trap someplace. I bet I could outrun whatever it is." But the confident tone he tries to muster falls a little short of what he had hoped as he warily eyes the wood. The young foal's ears are erect, his flight muscles terse and quivering. He can't undo thousands of years of instinct: the horse was meant to be a flight animal, not a fighting one, and his body is ready to react naturally to any danger that should present itself. If something comes out of that wood right now, Kyer would bolt, despite his boasts.

But nothing comes out of the opening...at least, not yet. As the two children make their way toward the odd shape, the foal's eyes soon sort out shadow from darker shadow, and the form of a cave takes shape before his eyes. Feeling more self-assured, the claybank's gait becomes more fluid and sure as he pops his head right into the natrual cave.

"Halloooo!" He calls out on whim, and cocks his head, smiling in delight as his shout is echoed back to him: "HELLOOO-HELLooo-HElloooo-Hellloooo-helllooooo...."

With a chortle and a smirk, Kyer pushes his way through, pausing to let his eyes adjust to the dark. "What do you think lives in here?" He asks his brother, clearly excited at the possible answers the question will get. Maybe pumas...or wolves...or a tribe of cave soquili that need help that only he and Kael can give. Foiling a deadly plot to take over some throne would make a nice ending to the day.

Cihiru

Kael blatantly rolled his eyes in response. "Right." He could feel the tension around them, and though he wasn't about to contest it, it was there nontheless. A tribute to their mutual lack of hero-in-the-making (and just plain cowardice, instinctive though it was). The only thing they'd be taking on if something went awry was the terrain on the way down the mountainside, he could count on that. "Maybe you could scare it off if you pretended hard enough," he teased as he crept forward, swishing his tail to and fro.

But his brother's shouting interrupted his tentative peering, and admittantly, he shuffled backward, ears folded. "Kyer," he chided warily, his childish features obviously disapproving... But it didn't really turn out all that scolding in his apprehension. "Whatever it is, I'm sure it's awake now." He sounded a little grudging at first, but Kael did grow over it quickly, and before long he found it in himself to poke his head into the opening.

"Probably..." Realizing he started to answer before giving it any thought at all, the foal had to take a moment to consider. He didn't have Kyer's gift for creativity, so he struggled to rattle off a list off the top of his head. What lived in caves, anyway? "A bear, or a wolf, or maybe a soquili." He seemed much more content with the latter, and even gave his head a little nod in confirmation (mostly to assure himself it was indeed a possibility). His hopeful anticipations didn't particularly coincide with Kyer's though. A riveting exchange in stories and a new acquaintance would have been more his speed.

dustfeather

Kyer throws a filthy little look at his sibling, as though the blow to his 'make believe' habits was something he was not going to bear. But the lure of the unknown is too great, and so he turns reluctantly away from what might have promised to be a good sibling scuffle, and he glances around the cavern in curiousity. There's a rank scent here that he can't place...but it's thin near the entrance. His nostrils widen as he tries to catch the smell, his ears doing a nervous little dance atop his head. To cover it, the claybank colt restlessly moves forward. His voice comes out in a bit of a squeak until he manages to master it.

"I think - I mean, I think there is something in here, Kae. And...and I don't think it's a soquili." As the colt moves further back into the cavern, the smell grows stronger.

But Kyer's not stupid; well, not that stupid, anyway. There comes a point where he's having trouble seeing much, as the slanted light from the opening only covers half the floor. Beyond, everything is in shadow; and, as a horse, the colt has a difficult time seeing in the dark compared to a cat or dog.

Quivering now and too preoccupied to hide it, the little boy edges forward, head down, his shoulders hunched.

 

[Cihiru]

06.05 The Next Generation: Kael & Aruna


PhoenixGuardianMikazuki

Aruna trotted into a clear field, where she noticed many different markings of Soquili hoofprints. Obviously, a place where many of her kind gathered. She assumed it was either a herd, or a grouping of friends together chatting and/or playing. Not really feelin anything in particular, her thoughts took a turn to how and why she was named "Aruna", meaning dawn. She knew that Miakoda, her bonded human, had named her while she was still in a basket, but she also knew her father loved the morning. Was that the reason? Maybe she should ask. Hmmm, this alone time felt nice. She hadn't had much "alone" time in a while.

Cihiru

A calm day was a good day, as far as Kael was concerned, so he didn't find himself with much to be concerned about on this one. It had been average, with a somewhat absent-minded morning jog, a snack, and some idle wandering, bringing him to what he was doing then - running through the thickets. The stallion's powerful stride was not one of urgency, but a purpose of a different kind. His enjoyment was clear; it radiated off his contently determined expression, and the way he carried his flagging tail.

It felt like he could have gone on that way forever... And perhaps he could have, if not for stubborn physical limitations. Energy draining with each extended stride, the mustang finally consented to slow when the brush gave way to shorter, waving grasses. He snorted heavily as his pace pulled to a close, and when his hooves came to rest at a stop, shook out a gradiant mane (as unruly as his father's) at last. Bright blue eyes took in the field about him as he cast his gaze around, looking for nothing in particular until they finally settled on a figure in the distance. Kael twitched an ear at it, and scented the wind once or twice, but he stayed a greeting to catch his breath.

PhoenixGuardianMikazuki

She walked around a bit more, feeling calm and decidedly emotionless, for there wasn't really a particular emotion that had a name for what she was currently feeling. Her ears flicked back and forth, thoughts bouncing here and there in her mind as she shifted from subject to subject.

Okay, that was fine, but now, she was bored. She could use a little company now (one or two other Soquili were fine by her; after all, she only liked her alone time when she wasn't feeling up to dealing with others) and she needed to do something.

A random thought entered her head, and slowly, softly, but surely, she began to sing. It wasn't particularly a good song, but it had been something she had made up when she was helping a particularly close friend in need. And so, she sung, quietly, about the dawn, about friends, about family, and the night, about anything, really, but she sang.

Cihiru

It surprised him when the figure continued on as it had been, leaving him unnoticed and free to catch his breath. It surprised him even more when something sounding decidedly like singing met his tender ears. That was a song, wasn't it? At this distance he couldn't be certain, and there was only one way to solve that problem.

The robust stallion pushed himself into motion again, his quick strides drawing him nearer to the other. Once he hit comfortable earshot, he slowed again, stopping almost soundlessly. Rather than interrupting though, he listened, and waited for her to finish... or stop, he thought more likely.

PhoenixGuardianMikazuki

She stopped singing abruptly as a random thought entered her mind. She was thinking back to how her "family" had gotten so big. Hania had told her that most of the first few Soquili he met he considered family--especially the three Soquili named Loki, a white-gray stallion, Alona, a light brown mare, and Mahiri, her fox-colored mother. That meant she had already met Cynara...

...And Hania had met Moki, her other cousin whom she had yet to meet. Cynara had another sister, but she hadn't met her yet, either. Aruna had to laugh, however; she had such a big family. Hania knew so many; how he ever managed to ring in so many Soquili together and make them all family (well, at least in his mind) was beyond her. Oh well. She closed her eyes, suddenly feeling the beginnings of boredom.

Cihiru

He had been expecting the sudden silence, but the Soquili's continued obliviousness was another story entirely. It was fortunate he hadn't any ill intentions; a predator would have seen an opportune moment. It was curious though... How could she (as he'd realized it was indeed a mare) not notice? He was right there. Whatever she was thinking about must have been involving.

"Excuse me." The stallion's tone was kind, much like his father's, and he lowered his head in a polite bow. "I'm sorry if I'm intruding. My name's Kael. Might I ask who this enchanting song has lead me to?" He observed her with a genuine, albeit soft smile, and gave his curled tail an idle flick.

PhoenixGuardianMikazuki

Aruna flinched with surprise as a soft male voice spoke, and she blinked, as if she just now realized she was still in reality. Turned, she tilted her head slightly, then flushed at his words. "Oh... I'm sorry, I guess I was so deep in thought I didn't notice you," she said, hoping he got her silent apology.

"A pleasure to meet you, Kael," she continued, "I'm Aruna." The only thing she held similar to her father was probably a small part of her personality. "You're not intruding, but you did surprise me." She offered him her usual half-smile, the expression usually in reserve for those she newly met. Kael looked oddly familiar, but she was sure had never met him before. Oh well.

Cihiru

Her surprise was more standard. Though he had hoped not to startle her, he had half known he would, and it was easy to overlook. "No need to apologize, there's no shame in that. I only wish I had something so engrossing to think about." It was plain to see he went unoffended.

"Pleasure's mine, Aruna." And he paused briefly, an apology washing over his features in addition to his words. "I'm sorry for that though. I'm not sure if the feeling is mutual, but I could use some company. Besides," he said, a new grin stretching his maw. "Your song deserved compliment, and I couldn't leave without at least doing that."

PhoenixGuardianMikazuki

"Ah," She made a sound, "Well, thank you for the compliment." She shifted uneasily. This stallion reminded her of someone, and it was annoying her to no end. "Kael, who is your father? For some reason, I feel as if I should know you."

She had this same feeling with Cynara and Jazz, too. Strange. Was Kael a part of her "family"? Could be. Or maybe not. He reminded her strongly (if a little) of father, but only slightly with his coloring. "And you don't have to apologize, either." She chuckled dryly.

She herself had noticed that she was apologizing a lot more than she usually would have, but that was all right. "My father's name is Hania. Does that ring a bell anywhere?" She returned to the topic of the fathers, since she had asked him about his earlier.

Cihiru

To say he was not expecting the topic of family to come up would have been an understatement. That it was entirely random was more appropriate, and for a moment he regarded her with a raised brow. "Loki," he said at last, a proud smile overtaking the faint confusion. "And my mother's name is Isilme." He was very fond of them both; mentioning just one felt awkward in his mind.

Perhaps that was why he so strongly resembled them both. Kael was a 'when I grow up, I want to be just like you!' foal through and through. It reflected in his mannerisms as much as his appearance. "Well, then I'm sorry for that too." The jest was something Loki might have said, but it suited him too.

The stallion shuffled his weight then, leaning from one hoof to another. His pinto coat rippled as muscles shifted beneath it with the movement. "Should it? I'm afraid it's not a name I recognize." Surely that wasn't some brand of trick question, though it did puzzle him. He wasn't aware Loki rarely spoke of anything outside their home and family; keeping to themselves was all he'd known.

PhoenixGuardianMikazuki

"Ah, so 'tis true," she murmured, more to herself than to Kael. "Nevermind. But that's nice." She smiled, seeing that he was proud of his parents. She loved her own parents dearly, as well, but she wasn't a foal who actually had the 'When I grow up, I want to be just like you!' idea. No, she was completely different.

"I'm sorry for the random topic change," she added, a wry smile on her facial features. "It's okay if you don't recognize the name. My own father tells many stories, and I've heard a few about your father, Loki." She couldn't recall much more than that, but that was okay. She should just enjoy talking with Kael.

Pushing the weird feeling she had earlier to the deepest part of her mind, she flicked her tail. The awkwardness of the conversation was something she hadn't meant to do, but that was okay, she guessed. "Do you always seek out company?" she inquired, wondering if he did. She didn't usually do so unless she was feeling particularly wanting of companionship.

Cihiru

Aruna was quickly establishing the idea that she was in fact a little stranger than he had first anticipated, but that was an opinion to remain buried beneath his good nature and earnest intentions. "It's true?" he asked quizzically, honestly confused this time around.

He had no desire to press a different standard though. It might have made him a 'daddy's boy', should someone care to bring it up, but a good role model never hurt anyone, did it? And he rather respected his parents.

"I'm not one to question the flow of conversation," he replied nonchalantly. "Hania, you said?" The stallion seemed to be reconsidering, much like one checking for something he might have overlooked in the shadows. After reevaluation though, he was most certain he'd never heard the name. "Loki must hold him in high regard; he doesn't associate with many he'd call friend." It was a noncommittal response, but he doubted she would press.

Kael shrugged idly instead, then shook out his silky mane. "I wouldn't say 'seek', but I do think company is most always welcome." The stallion hadn't encountered much reason to feel otherwise. His limited encounters had always been positive, and though poor moods were scarce, solitude was available when he wanted it.

PhoenixGuardianMikazuki

"You're quite charming, aren't you?" Aruna said dryly, fighting the urge to roll her eyes. Kael was proving to be stranger than her, and yes, she knew she appeared quite strange to him. "Yes, it's true. Your parents like to keep things to themselves, my father says. I doubt he's met Isilme, but that's okay; he knows Loki well enough to know."

Kael was driving her insane with the way he was acting, but she fought hard not to make a remark on that, as he probably would be quite offended. He seemed the kind to really respect his parents, even to the point of clearly acting as they did. However, she could tell he was still different from his creators.

"I myself usually prefer only one or two others for company, but I like solitude from time to time," she commented. "And your father was the very first stallion my father ever met. Loki's in high regards with my father, even though they haven't seen each other in a while." She shifted from hoof to hoof. Damn, this conversation was a bit dull.

She needed to think of something interesting. But what? She mentally frowned in displeasure at the lull in the air. It nearly made her yawn. Nearly.

Cihiru

"I think 'annoying' is the word you're looking for." Her tone was anything but pleased; the voice of one who honestly thought him an interesting (or 'charming' as she put it) character. He seemed rather undisturbed though; almost pleased to aid. And though it might have sounded dim, his knowing expression told otherwise.

It did disappoint him he was wrong on the following note... He had wished she wouldn't have pressed. It didn't bother him as much as one might have expected though. He didn't need to know his father's every acquaintance; it struck him more as practicality than secrecy. It wasn't his place to speculate why Hania shared such things, but he didn't envy it. "Hania feels quite differently, I take it."

He may not have told her he'd gladly follow in someone else's footsteps if it meant he wasn't arrogant or irritable, had he known what she was thinking, but it certainly would have entered his mind. Fortunately (for both of them), he didn't; it was far easier to swallow unproven negativity.

Part of him wanted to ask if the reference to 'one or two' was actual individuals, rather than numbers... But that part was buried somewhere in the back of his mind, and he didn't voice it. "I expect everyone likes solitude from time to time." It was natural, as far as he was concerned. "I'm sure he'd be glad to hear that. He might even go find Hania some time."

PhoenixGuardianMikazuki

"Is it? Well, I wouldn't say that," Aruna said, though she secretly agreed. She was raised to be polite, yes, but she didn't have to be all the time. If she felt bad for someone (never pitied. She knew no one like to be pitied.), she was more kind and polite, even comforting. She didn't want anyone to confide in her unless they felt ready to, and even then, she had no business in it, unless she was curious.

"Yes." She smiled wryly at the thought of her father. "He's very different. Quite talkitive, but I suppose that's the way he is. He's very spirited." She winked at him, finally relaxing into the comfortable lull of the conversation. "Yes, all of us do, but my father absolutely hates it." She frowned, but she understood why her father hated being alone. "Well, anyway, with a change of topic, is there a mare out there that has caught your eye?"

She hid a grin. She had to tease Kael, mostly because he seemed to be unfazable, like nothing could touch him or his feelings. He was emotionless. She could hide her emotions behind an indifferent expression, but she had emotions just like any other. She was sure Kael did too, but he seemed to like to hide it a little. That was okay, because she was hoping to catch him off guard with her earlier question.

Cihiru

That was an unexpected response. The stallion quirked a brow at Aruna, doubting her sincerity. Her notion to cover it did not discourage his soft smile though, and he shrugged off the tangent with a slight nod. If she did not care to seize the opportunity, he didn't either. Coming to some form of silent truce was hardly a bad thing.

"Sounds familiar," Kael murmured, alluding to nothing in particular, and he didn't bother clarifying. "No shame in that." Her shift in expression did come to his attention, but he thought it best not to question. Personal matters were exactly that - Personal matters, and he didn't care to pry.

And though her chipper (almost uncharacteristic) change in subjects did catch him off guard, he took it in stride, much like a graceful leap over a fallen log, as if it really wasn't so unexpected after all. It was a welcome change in pace, in any case. He had nothing to hide.

"Most everything catches my eye, but somehow I think that's not quite what you meant." The stallion gave his tail an idle flick, brushing it along the grasses at his feet. "No, I can't say there has, and that suits me just fine." It would take a tolerant, secure mare to accept his pleasing nature... For with it came a tendency for unreserved compliments.

"And what about yourself?" How could he resist turning her question back on her? "Surely a lovely mare such as yourself has quite the entourage to choose from." Kael fixed her with a surprisingly earnest expression, only the corner of his maw curled in the faintest of grins.

PhoenixGuardianMikazuki

"I see," she said, musing slightly. "Ah... so my question is turned against me, is it?" She smiled, though it was fairly dour; maybe more grim. "I'd rather not think or talk about it. If you want, and if you're quite curious, I'll relay the story. I'm quite over it, but I still despise having to think what I went through.

"But yes, I do have quite an entourage, if you could call it that," she said with dry humor, golden eyes twinkling mischeviously. He might not have had any mare so far to have caught his interest, but that was fine. If he hadn't, then he hadn't. She wasn't one to try and dig through another Soquili's personal life, though sometimes she found it amusing to do so.

She had watched him closely to see if he had had any change in expression, but she could just barely catch a glimpse of even a gentle smile, which seemed to flare on his face for a split second before vanishing altogether. He looked like he had a grin on his face, but not really. She shrugged. "If I had to choose, I would choose to never come to know such an emotion anymore.

"But I would..." Love to have children. That, and Father's wanting to be a grandfather. I've also heard that Nora's gotten pregnant. Who's the father, I wonder? At any rate... She was to be aunt, at least, and she was satisfied with that, for now. She loved children (she probably got that from her father as well, hmmm...) though she did get tired of their constant movements.

Ah, well. Life was life. Things like that would eventually happen to her. She hoped. And whoever the "lucky" father was... she didn't want to think about that.

Cihiru

Wasn't it generally best not to inquire about topics you were uncomfortable with yourself? Reversal was only inevitable; the flow of conversation, even. It struck him as a little peculiar Aruna avoided it, but he merely granted her a nod. "That's unfortunate, I'm sorry to hear it." Kael's ears tilted briefly, flicking back in a faint display of displeasure. "Wouldn't ask you to retell it, 'over it' or not." He wasn't that curious, and it wasn't his business anyway.

"Undoubtedly... Would you call it something else?" he asked randomly, curiously raising a brow. Aruna may not have sounded annoyed by this 'entourage', but he found it difficult to read her vague expression. Maybe she had a different take on it.

He didn't pay any heed to his mutual lack of emotion though; it wasn't that he was stoic intentionally. The stallion really didn't even think of himself as 'stoic' per say... Just subdued and not overly excitable. It suited him, and he wouldn't have had it any other way. He didn't have much to cover anyway, as his social interactions didn't extend far past family.

"Why would you deny yourself that?" Kael had guesses, of course. She sounded pained; her feelings were probably severed unwillingly. Clinging to a memory seemed foolish though, even if it was understandable. Buck up and move on, he reasoned. And from what he understood, mutual love far outweighed the pitfalls of disappointment. I'm certain deserving love will find you if only you'll open your heart to it., he mused.

"But you would...?" The stallion tilted his head quizzically, somewhat lost as she drifted to tangents of thoughts. He couldn't even begin to puzzle out what she was thinking; families and foals were all but at the front of his mind. He was more of a 'take things as they come' individual, reveling in the moment, though he did suppose he'd settle down one day. And he did want to love and be loved.

PhoenixGuardianMikazuki

"I would like to go with the flow," Aruna said, deciding to add something different instead of saying her thoughts. "I'm sorry, Kael, I didn't realize I had trailed off." She wondered what he thought about if for a minute, then realized that he was a stallion. A male. She almost laughed, though her mouth did twitch a big with amusement.

He looked like the kind of male to do things as they came; she would love to do that, but she held herself back. She didn't know why, really; she just did. Ah, well. She was a swing of moods; or so she'd heard, but whatever happened, it was all she really could do. Not that she was helping herself to understand herself.

Damn, she was confusing herself. Okay, take a silent deep breath, Aruna, she thought, and did so. She also realized she had skipped over an earlier questioned Kael had asked. "Oh, I don't know why I would deny myself. I guess you can say I'm waiting and doing what I can right now, really."

Cihiru

The mare's snap back to reality crossed him unnaturally, like a hastily tacked-on comment not exactly related to its origin... It was an outright contradiction, and mentally he accepted the former. The 'I would choose never to know such an emotion' statement sounded more genuine. "Nothing to apologize for. I hope they were pleasant thoughts," he added somewhat absently.

And what was she so amused over? That tucked away grin was her first real crack in expression, and was difficult not to notice. It was also difficult not to feel a what did I miss? sensation, as he hadn't the faintest idea what could have struck her as funny. "Do I have something stuck on me that shouldn't be?" he jested, making a brief act of checking himself over and swishing his tail. It was a short-lived facade though, and he settled quickly into his previous posture.

His thoughts settled almost as simply, dropping the faint discomfort with ease appropriate to its unimportance. He found himself pondering again instead... About how he'd earlier figured Aruna one to dwell. Kael resolved then not to let himself fall into that, no matter what. He would grow and move on, accepting the past as a cherished experience, regardless how bitter or bittersweet. Granted, he couldn't help but hope life was all spring and roses, but he did brace himself for difficulty.

"Waiting for what?" It was a more personal question than he usually ventured, but somehow seemed appropriate. Maybe it was because Aruna sounded as though she almost wasn't sure herself.

PhoenixGuardianMikazuki

"Pleasant thoughts, indeed," she murmured. Aruna's amusement rose at his odd question, for Kael had nothing on him. She assumed he was joking as he asked, however, and let it pass. Now that she thought of it, it was as if she was throwing pebbles into a lake with him.

His emotions were as ripples on the water created by the pebbles that were her words, appearing as fast as he liked it before settling down to what he was before. He was an interesting character to talk with, though she doubted the flow of conversation would stay on topic, since she herself often changed subjects.

"Waiting for what, you ask? I'm not sure how I would explain it to you," she answered in turn, but as she answered, she sounded still unsure; probably more doubtful. She couldn't really think of anything that would give her a stable, sure answer. Tsk. She was turning into her brother; they were both quite unstable in the mind now, weren't they?

Cihiru

Indeed? That was a rather offhanded way of brushing off a fairly harmless comment. He sighed inwardly at her sudden reservations, but shrugged off the disappointment and set his sights instead on the continued conversation (or lack thereof). She wasn't going to make it easy on him, was she? Aruna wouldn't even give him the satisfaction of feigning relief to hear he had nothing to worry about.

"Same as you'd explain it to yourself, I expect," he replied before really thinking. "No matter though, don't worry about it. I was only wondering, I'd hate to bother you." His voice remained even and calm, with a gentle overtone that should have made it easy to accept he really didn't mind either way. Granted, he would have preferred she explained herself (for her sake as much as his), but he wasn't inclined to badger her.

"That's all anyone has, anyway. The ability to do the best we can with what we've got. It sounds like a good plan to me." Perfection was, after all, an unrealistically tall order, even if it was something worth shooting for. He would have liked to offer more appropriate assistance too, but Aruna was anything but open, and he found it difficult to interpret her notions at times. She probably wouldn't have appreciated it anyway.

Giving his tail another flick, he started again. "Speaking of plans, do you happen to have any for this fine day?" The stallion figured the answer was no before he even asked, but it seemed a good time to interrupt a potentially uncomfortable circumstance with smalltalk. She could dismiss it if she'd rather not bother, or take it as an opportunity to change subjects without initiating it herself... Whichever suited her, he didn't particularly care.

 

[Cihiru]

06.06 Lost and Found: Ti'ran & Inali

Here

Teh_Sil

Inali was once more enjoying leaving the plains, today going towards the dark forest of the soquili lands. Well, maybe not so dark, but it was different. The mountains loomed above her, casting shadows on all the trees. Suddenly apprehensive of her little adventure, Inali nearly gave up on herself right at the start. No, she was no coward! She would take on this dark forest.

Rearing up onto her hind legs, Inali plunged into the darkness, feeling branches grab at her. Eck, this was awful! Well, no one was perfect- we all have moments of pure idiocy, and plunging into a forest was Inali's.

Finally pausing in her long run to defeat her own demons, Inali looked about herself. Dark forest, dark trees- why, she could hardly see the sky at all! This was unsettling, to say the least. Snorting, Inali opened her silver eyes as wide as possible, as if that could help her any. The only light here seemed to come from her own mane and tail, causing her to shudder. It was like she couldn't breathe here.

"Calm down. You aren't lost. You're just disoriented. You don't get lost. You're Inali." Talking out loud to herself, the red mare straightened her spine, trying to appear noble and indifferent to her own situation.

Cihiru

"I'm bored," was the sound that split the silence, though it would have been too far for the mare to hear.

"You're always bored." There was a halfhearted sigh, perhaps more exasperated than irritated.

"- I am not!" the companion insisted, and though it was difficult to see through the shadows, his expression was obstinate.

"Find something to do then. It's not my fault you have no appreciation for a casual stroll."

"Maybe if that wasn't all you ever did..." Ai'er paused briefly, calculating his options. It wasn't a bad offer, really. "Alright then, I will. Are you coming?," he questioned as he started off, glancing over his shoulder.

The unicorn sighed again, softer this time. "I suppose." He hadn't much better to do, after all. What harm was there?

At that, they were off, heedless of Ai'er's penchant for mischief. It wasn't like there was opportunity for trouble here. The forest was most always a deserted one, save for the stray chirps of wildlife and their drifting conversation. What even kept them there was a mystery; the area was nothing short of dull.

Except for those occasional wanderers, often misguided or disoriented.

The wolf's ears perked at the voice, and a grin tugged at his maw as he started toward it. He did enjoy the wanderers. "Don't get lost, you say?" A'ier had arrived just in time to hear the end. "Are you sure?" he queried, pulling himself into a beam of light cast through the canopy.

"Don't mind him," the soquili interrupted, trailing not far behind. "He doesn't have much chance for company." The voice might have been difficult to place at first, with his dark form blending so well in the shadows. Those curious runes though... They glowed a bit in the darkness, just barely casting a pale blue light. "Anyway, were you needing assistance...?"

Teh_Sil

Too preoccupied in her own present state of confusion to notice the two intruders, Inali almost missed the wolf speaking to her. Finally she looked down, and nearly bolted. "WOLF! WOLF! OH GODS IT'S GOING TO EAT ME!" She shied and whinnied, looking completely idiotic as her front hooves pawed the air, black and white markings alternating in a frenzy of frightened emotions.

It was then she saw the soquili, and realized her mistake. She had heard that some took on 'familiars', as they were called, but she had no idea that something that would potentially eat a soquili foal would be one such creature.

"Er... I'm sorry for that horrible display of... er...." Inali's voice trialed off. What could she call that? "Foalish behavior." Yes, that would do. Of course it would.

"And I don't get lost. I get temporarily misguided." Trying to regain composure, the mare failed utterly. Instead, she seemed to collapse in on herself, looking rather pathetic. "Yes... I'm sure." But it was a weak statement, not truly meant.

Inali's eyes then refocused upon the soquili himself, and the horn growing from his brow. "Doesn't that get in the way? Your horn, I mean." She was always meaning to ask someone, and now she had the oppurtunity. Nearly forgetting she was lost, Inali offered a small grin. "It's like having a branch on your head, only more pretty. I've never seen one of your kind before. What if you get tangled in a bush?" Ah, how talkative this mare could be!

Still glancing warily at the wolf, Inali inclined her head. "How rude of me not to introduce myself earlier. I'm Inali, and any assistance granted would be quite kind of you, much as I hate to admit it. I apologize once more for my earlier behavior... I suppose one can't get rid of their instincts as easily as one thinks!" Though the soquili laughed, it was a weak one, without much humor held in it. Failure, of any sort, was not something Inali admitted to happily, or with much regularity.

Cihiru

If only one could hear him roll his eyes, she might take a moment to reprimand his rudeness. As it were though, no one was the wiser, and A'ier had a moment to straighten his composure (lest Ti'ran take notice and remind him how). "I'm not hungry. And even if I was, I think he'd have a thing or two to say about it," the wolf rebuked, motioning to the soquili over his shoulder.

"I have no idea what you're talking about." It was, perhaps, not the most graceful approach to his intentions, but it was his way of saying not to worry.

"You looked pretty lost to me," he scoffed, but the wolf dropped the topic quickly.

What a sudden, and odd question. "Not really." It wasn't like he could just take it off if it did happen to be troublesome. "I don't get tangled in bushes." Of course he didn't; he had more sense than that. How clumsy would one have to be? "Ti'ran," he replied simply. "And that's A'ier."

In a moment of uncharacteristic consideration, the wolf turned to Inali and offered what he thought was common courtesy. "You're welcome to call us whatever you can think of - provided it's nothing too outlandish, of course. I know our names can be a mouthful."

"Speak for yourself." Ti'ran snorted his displeasure, but offered no further objection. "What sort of assistance did you have in mind?"

Teh_Sil

Realizing that this unicorn stallion must have thought her an absolute idiot, Inali felt at once ashamed at herself. Was she a silly filly, to say whatever came to her mind? Of course not! "No, no, I didn't need any assistance. Thank you for your time."

With those words, she crashed off into the bushes, making loud tromping noises for a good five minutes. She was perfectly lost, of course, but she thought as long as she kept in the same general direction... Five minutes later, she stood before Ti'ran and his wolf familiar again, blinking her eyes. "Wasn't I... just here?"

Damn, she was lost. But to admit to it was failure. Simple failure. "Er... maybe you could show me... the general direction on how to leave here. And not abandon me. That would be nice." It would be just like a stallion, Inali thought, to lead her to a random place and just meld back into the bushes. Not that she could lose his blue markings. Taking a full moment, she eyed the stallion secretely, though perhaps it was a bit more obvious than she would have liked. He was handsome though, in a strange sort of way. He seemed like an ancient drawing, though he looked young.

"I like your coat," she blurted out, before ducking her head again in shame.

Cihiru

To say he thought her an idiot would have been an unfair statement. She did seem a bit odd, but... Who was he to pass judgment so carelessly? Surely she was at least a little lost and confused, and didn't everyone have their moments of weakness? "Inali..." he started, dumbstruck by her sudden departure. "... are you sure?" The conclusion was whispered to no one in particular, and it faded quickly in the forest's murmur.

"You're such an idiot," A'ier chided shamelessly. His tone was surprisingly flat; he would have sounded almost serious, had the unicorn not known better. "Now what are you going to do?" Flicking his tail, he turned to set his gaze on the soquili.

"No worse than you." Ti'ran scuffed a hoof against the ground, kicking a fallen leaf or two at his companion (who shook them off as the settled on his coat). "We're going to wait."

"What for?"

"No sense chasing after her. She wouldn't have our help anyway." Leave it to him to sour virtually any encounter. What was worse, she seemed honestly lost. It didn't matter though. Even if they found her, she would surely chase them off. And he wasn't one to force unwanted assistance, anyway. "She might be back."

... And sure enough, there she was. "Maybe," the wolf replied with a grin.

Abandon her? Ti'ran seemed quite taken back at that, and for a moment, his expressionless visage cracked. "I'd be glad to." The unicorn was certain to recompose himself before responding, though that was easier said than done. Ignoring her stare wasn't particularly simple.

"Thank you." The stallion flicked his tail uncertainly, and took a moment to decide on a proper response. Wasn't he supposed to return the favor with that sort of thing?... But he couldn't find it in himself to compliment. "Nothing wrong with saying you like something; don't worry about it," he said instead, trying to soothe her shame.

"Should we find our way out of here... Or would you rather sight-see first?" After all, she had wandered here for a reason, right?

Teh_Sil

"It's just... er..." Well, he had saved her face, it seemed. Inali was at once grateful towards the unicorn stallion, letting the feeling wash over her. What humiliation would she face in front of these two though? It was only two... but still. Inali snorted once, pawing her hoof sheepishly in the dirt.

"I came here to see what sort of soquili live here... you apparently." Inali grinned weakly, though she was still upset at having made a fool out herself. So much for first impressions. Maybe her second or third would be better. If there was a chance for such, of course.

"I think I've sightseen enough... But if you'd like to show me around, I would not say no." Trying not to sound coy or flirty, Inali felt once more like sinking in on herself. Nothing out her mouth today had come out right. It was so frustrating! "Please forgive me for my earlier behavior... I feel I cannot make apologies profuse enough."

Somehow Inali doubted the wolf would forgive her so easily, but perhaps the unicorn would. Maybe....

Cihiru

Humiliation was self-perceived. It wasn't some impression they forced on her, or even a feeling they harbored secretly. If only she could convince herself, maybe she would realize they weren't against her, nor searching for her faults. "It's nothing," Ti'ran assured, his tone soft and almost gentle.

"Pretty much." A'ier was happy to interject. "It's rare to see others pass through here... Can't imagine why. It's a charming place, don't you think?" It was difficult to tell if he was being honest or sarcastic, but the latter was probably a safer guess.

The stallion wasn't one to read into things. In fact, at times, he failed at even reading between the lines; he thought nothing of the comment. "Nothing to apologize for." Shuffling his weight between his hooves, he flicked his tail again. There was nothing to forgive, either.

"Are you sure you don't want to take a look around? It's not as bad as it looks!" It was perhaps the first sign of it, but A'ier didn't always present himself with bitterness. In fact, he sounded almost... cheerful? Not so much his tail wagged, though. It idly brushed the ground.

Ti'ran considered calling him out; telling him not to push her to something she obviously wasn't keen on. On second thought though, maybe a look around wasn't such a bad idea. It was a beautiful area, albeit forboding in places. "Your call. It's no matter either way."

Teh_Sil

Not knowing whether the wolf was being sarcastic or serious, Inali kept her face serious. Charming... well, that was one word for it. Dark, dangerous, unpleasant... just three more that fell off the top of her head. Charming... if you liked unseen plants snagging at you until you thought they were a predator on your back.

Looking around... well, maybe there was something to this forest, something beyond this harsh appearance. After all, many spoke of the forest's charms, and though Inali had yet to see them, they still could exist. "Well all right. I'll go see the rest of your forest." Watching the wolf's tail sort of give a half-wave, Inali grinned. "As long as you don't eat me," she said playfully.

"I'll go. I'd be more than happy to look around. After all, I feel a bit safer knowing I'm looking around with a wolf and a soquili with a sharp thing on his forehead." Inali wasn't sure whether Ti'ran could use his horn as a weapon, and preferred not to find out.

"Well, show me this forest isn't all fear and forboding." More comfortable now, Inali smiled softly, her silver eyes softening for the first time, looking much like moonlight.

Cihiru

"Sounds like you're not quite sold," Ai'er replied. "But you will be, I'm sure. They always are." These 'they' were left undescribed though, as he carried on. "I'm still not planning on eating you. You don't even look very tasty." The wolf eyed her briefly, one brow arched.

Ti'ran gave his companion an unappreciative glance, to which he dropped his play and disappeared into the shadows. "A horn, not a sharp thing."

"Actually, it is a sharp thing. You just call it a horn 'cause you think it sounds better. After all, you are a unicorn. It's only becoming of your race; we know you can't help it." A'ier didn't hesitate to remind them he was still hanging around. "Don't you mean 'a wolf that might eat me' though?"

"Does it look as ridiculous as it sounds?" the stallion asked suddenly, dropping his detached nature for a moment. There was a brief pause before he continued. "I find it's better for healing." No, horns were not his choice in self defense. The thought of blood dripping down it, pooling and running off his face was not easily forgotten, and the smell was almost as repulsive.

"'Ran," the wolf called, knowing all too well the sudden silence. He could see the other's detached expression without actually seeing it. "Let's go." Hopefully the mare wouldn't notice.

"Right. We'll try." Though Ti'ran did not return the eased expression, he was glad to see her relax. Where would they go, though? 'The forest', as it were, wasn't just a small clearing with a spot of interest or two. It's expanse was massive, with places surely even they hadn't seen.

What better place to start than the beginning? With that thought, Ai'ier took the lead, knowing without checking the soquilis would follow.

"What brought you here, anyway?" When they first saw her, she didn't particularly seem to be enjoying the scenery.

Teh_Sil

The way that A'ier and Ti'ran talked made Inali laugh quitely, though she tried to stifle it. Their easy companionship, and apparent knowledge of each other, made her a bit envious. To know someone that well must have been fantastic. A bond... she couldn't even contemplate it, and found it best not to.

"No, your horn does not look ridiculous at all." Inali grinned, a soft smile that reached her eyes. "When I first heard of horned ones, I thought they would look silly, but they don't. It looks perfectly natural." Inali was curious about the horn, about what it was made of. It could heal?!

"Is your horn magic then? It can heal?" Inali was almost tempted to cause some small injury to herself to see this healing magic, but decided that all though she was a silly mare, she was not that silly.

Jolted about her own reverie by Ti'ran's question, Inali thought for a moment. "If there's a creek, or some sort of water, I would like to stop there, and get a drink. I enjoy the sound of running water as well." Inali was a curious creature- certain noises calmed her or excited her.

Following A'ier in the few moments of silence, Inali turned to regard Ti'ran again as he spoke to her. "I wanted to see the forest..." It was rather embarrassing. "It frightened me, so I thought to conquer my fear by plunging into it without looking. It was a horrid mistake, obviously. But maybe the forest isn't too bad... at least it's inhabitants aren't."

Cihiru

"You don't have to be courteous. 'Ran knows how to appreciate brutal honesty." He was being sarcastic, of course, but the diversion was a relief (for Ti'ran, at least).

"Something like that." The unicorn was unwilling to elaborate though. In truth, it had been so long since he tried, he wasn't certain he still could. Healing seemed something of a lost art among his kin, and perhaps he was no exception.

A'ier picked up where the stallion left off. "I thought as much. Almost there," he offered cheerfully. Before long, the sound of water running over stones babbled not far off, and the wolf's path headed in that general direction. "How about a river?"

And a waterfall, Ti'ran noted to himself. It was further off though, out of earshot. He'd have to show her later; it was a welcome break in the forest's shadows. "Willingness to face you fears is noteworthy." He turned his pale gaze to her. "Overcoming them is admirable."

"Some of us aren't too bad!... Others are," the familiar drawled. One could tell he was jabbing Ti'ran, even without a proper address, but the stallion paid him no heed. "Anyway, here we are." As they broke through the dense foliage, 'here' quickly presented itself as a not-so-modest river, its width at least the length of a grown soquili.

Teh_Sil

A comfortable silence descended over Inali as she listened to the two friends argue and chatter while they walked. It was like bird song... well, not really, but it was the best comparison that Inali could think of.

"This forest does not seem quite as forboding with company." Inali was still ashamed to admit her fear, but she was quickly getting over that.

"A river sounds fantastic." Actually, it sounded a bit large, but that could be an adventure in and of itself.

Hearing Ti'ran speak, Inali swiveled her head again, and inclined her head in embarrassment. "Thank you..." She found herself somewhat uncomfortable in his gaze, in a strange way she did not know what to call.

"Well, both of you are fine." Inali gazed gratefully at Ti'ran, knowing that his familiar was teasing him. Then there was the river-rather large, flowing rapidly, though it seemed merry. Inali could almost see the sky and the sun, and felt grateful for it. Bending her graceful neck to take a sip of water, she felt the breeze lift and tease her mane so that it blew like silver cobwebs.

Cihiru

"I'd say that depends on your company," the familiar commented absently. It was clear by then he was far more a conversationalist than his companion. And perhaps that he enjoyed playing the devil's advocate.

"I nearly forgot your mastery of the obvious." Ti'ran sighed and shook his head briefly. He turned his gaze from the mare though, in light of what seemed like discomfort. "You should thank yourself. I'm not the one that did it." The stallion never was graceful with compliments. Dismissing them was the best he knew how to manage, even when they were of his own creation.

A'ier glanced over his shoulder as he pulled ahead. "Thanks!" Though it was tempting, he overlooked the opportunity to take another stab at Ti'ran and pulled himself to the water's edge instead.

The unicorn eyed him warily, but didn't take long to follow suit. He too dipped his head as he neared the banks, and lipped placidly at the water. He would have been content continuing too, but the wolf invited himself into the river's flow, and seemed to make a game of splash-the-unicorn. "Don't get swept away," he snorted as he backed away.

"I won't," A'ier assured with utmost confidence (and threw in another splash for good measure).

Teh_Sil

Seeing that Ti'ran looked somewhat uncomfortable, Inali lapsed once more into silence. It was so difficult to understand stallions sometimes. Mares were easier to read, it seemed, than stallions who hid within themselves under layers of facade like a blanket.

Watching A'ier jump into the water and splash Ti'ran, Inali laughed. "I think Ai'er wants something. A good soaking." With her front hoof, she gave the water a mighty splash in the wolf's general direction. This was fun!

Of course, she couldn't leave Ti'ran dry and boring, now could she? Turning to face the black and blue unicorn quickly, she gave a kick of the water, enough to soak him if he didn't move fast enough. Knowing that retiliation would soon come from at least one of the pair, Inali swiftly danced away.

Oh, she was defintely having fun!

Cihiru

It wasn't a conscious effort; something he was aware of and made a point of hiding. That was simply his character. His emotions flirted with apathy, and he wore them like an expressionless mask; it was his method and his person.

But then, it was always easier to interpret something one could relate to. Something she could empathize and identify with. Ti'ran was likely a bit different than that.

"I want nothing of the sort!" the wolf defended, a hint of laughter in his tone. Not that it mattered; he was already so far in, the water swept freely over his back. Another wave or two didn't make much difference (though his ears did droop a bit with his newly-weighted fur).

Ti'ran saw her move. He had been waiting for just such an occasion, muscles coiled and eager to react. As the opportunity presented itself though... He lost interest, and merely stood there as the splash fell over him, soaking his coat through and through. "Why did you go and drag me into this?"

The unicorn lashed his tail suddenly, droplets flinging to and fro. He wasn't one to 'play', but if it was a game she wanted, he'd oblige - and A'ier was more than happy to join in.

"Where are you off to?" the wolf called, dragging himself from the waters as Ti'ran lunged after the mare.

Teh_Sil

Though Inali saw Ti'ran's tail move, she did not do much to get out of the way, laughing as the water darkened her already quite dark coat. Then she bolted, knowing that she was going to be chased, laughing merrily. This was fun! She had not thought Ti'ran the type to indulge in games, but he seemed willing to enjoy himself, at least. Inali laughed again, weaving to and fro, clambering over rocks.

Finally she reached a dead end, silver eyes widening in mock fear. "Oh no, please don't eat me!" That was directed to A'ier, if he had decided to follow her. Of course, Inali had another ace up her sleeve-- the gentle pool behind her. Suddenly, accompanied by a loud neigh, she plunged into the water, sending up cascades of it everywhere, while getting herself soaked too. "There, now I think we're all wet." She just had to see if she had marked Ti'ran and A'ier.

Cihiru

It wasn't every day he coerced his limbs into games of tag (nor did he often have opportunity). The unicorn's pliability did depend heavily on whim, but as it were, he was feeling good-natured enough right then. At least, enough to be somewhat amiable.

Just not agreeable enough to laugh. From the way he was moving, it might have looked more like a race than a chase; his expression was as serious as ever. Ti'ran obviously wasn't irritated though, for what that was worth. He just moved easily over the landscape, taking obstacles as they came. Another fallen branch or trunk was but one of many, and he hardly paid them mind.

The course was less agreeable to the wolf's small form, but dodging under logs the Soquilis leapt over, he managed well enough. "Oh, come on," he drawled between pants as she slowed. Keeping up had been no small task. "'Don't eat me' sort of loses its draw after a while. Don't you have something else to say?"

It would have seemed she did. As Inali heralded her intentions with a triumphant neigh, the stallion watched A'ier stand near the water's edge with quiet amusement. "Hold on!..." was all the wolf could manage before another wave washed over him. And though he tried to wear a displeased expression, his amusement was obvious.

"It looks that way," Ti'ran commented dryly. Literally, he noted with a vague sense of satisfaction. The ground was dark where her wake had landed near his hooves, but he was no more waterlogged than he'd been originally. "But that doesn't mean we're even." The unicorn threw his weight forward again, lunging into the shallow waters. His fore-hooves fell with the force of it, splashing water as he returned to all fours. He stamped the bank twice more, spattering liquid with each.

And then he returned to dry land, just as quickly as he'd left it. Water coursed off his sleek coat in streams, but he helped it along with as dignified a shake as he could manage, tossing his mane into disarray. "That's enough," he murmured, as though his disinterest wasn't already apparent.

Teh_Sil

Inali laughed, still dripping wet, at A'ier. He was a rather funny little fellow. "All right... what if I try to eat you?" Not that Inali could actually eat a wolf, but the idea seemed terribly amusing to her. How strange that the familiar should be more agreeable than the soquili itself!

"Or... I don't know." Inali shrugged her red shoulders, losing interest in teasing A'ier quick. It just lost its flavour, after a while, she supposed. Well, it was hard to keep an educated girl occupied. She flicked her mane, internally laughing at herself.

Watching A'ier get soaked once more, Inali laughed again. He looked more and more like a drowning rat as he got more wet. Pretty soon all his fur would be plastered down all the way, and he would look rather silly indeed.

Glancing up at Ti'ran, and his nearly dry coat, Inali did a small fake pout, though it was ruined by her laughter. "Ack!" Inali was suddenly more soaked than before at Ti'ran's splash. He had gotten her, fair and square.

As Ti'ran scrambled out and spoke, Inali trudged out from the water, shaking her coat in the most graceful manner she could manage. "All right, what do you suggest?" It appeared that Ti'ran did not have as much of a sense of humor as she would like... but he was handsome. And he seemed intelligent.

"Do you live with a two legger, or on your own?" She was curious as to his living situations, and himself in general. "Tell me about yourself Ti'ran." After play, then came serious behavior.

Cihiru

A'ier was simply taken aback; he couldn't hide it (nor did he really care enough to bother). "Eat me? I dunno, you don't look like much of a carnivore to me." He didn't press though; shedding the water that soaked his coat was more of a priority. Like the others, he gave an unceremonious shake, spraying the ground with droplets. "Hey, I don't laugh at you because you look like an idiot." The wolf folded his ears only briefly and gave his best impression of a stern expression... Though he was painfully aware of the way his damp coat laid in comic disarray.

"Chivalry loses its charm if you have to make note of it for others to take notice." Ti'ran snorted at his companion, offhandedly dismissing his crack at humor. "I don't suggest anything." He really didn't care much one way or the other, though it did cross his mind he should probably follow through on his offer. "Are you hungry?" It might have been an overly typical question, but he meant it in earnest. Besides, he would have been hard-pressed to think of something else to do.

Inali's following question inspired an untimely pause though. In his time, the stallion had done much and seen more, but he hadn't the slightest idea what a 'two legger' was. Luckily for him, maintaining his lack of expression was effortless, and his confusion hardly scratched his look of apathy. "We live alone," if staying together could be called such. There were certainly no two leggers either way.

The mystery quickly became one of his lesser concerns, as questions like that one (even indirect, as hers was) were beasts he tended to avoid like the plague. "There's nothing to tell." Inaudibly, Ti'ran sighed and shifted his weight uncomfortably as he racked his thoughts for a conversational distraction.

A'ier had been observing quietly until then, but the direction things were headed swayed him to intervene. "He is pretty boring, at conversation and otherwise." The wolf glanced between them briefly in an attempt to gauge their reactions. "Say a bit about yourself?" he questioned. "You're likely much more interesting. And prettier, too." Ti'ran shot him a glare at that, but it fell on blind eyes.

Teh_Sil

Inali decided right then and there that she liked Ti'ran and A'ier. A strange pair they may be, but somehow they provided the balance for each other. Silly Ai'er, happy Ai'er, and the strong and silent Ti'ran. They were the yin and the yang of each other. Somehow, Inali could not imagine them seperate.

Laughing at A'ier's messy coat, Inali gently smoothed part of it with her muzzle, only to have it spring back up again in her face. "Well... I suppose your fur will just have to be groomed when it's dry. And I could to eat you." Inali grinned, showing off teeth that quite clearly were NOT meant to tear apart and rend flesh.

"Am I hungry?" Contemplating that, Inali's stomach answered for it. It made a loud, surprising noise, causing her the upmost embarrassment. "ERm... I guess I am. My stomach strongly suggests that I am." That was awful. How impolite! But she could tell that neither soquili nor companion would really care- A'ier would likely be amused, and Ti'ran didn't seem to care much for the ideals of a true lady and gentleman.

Inali missed Ti'rans confusion- he had such a bland face. Did he ever show emotions? She was curious, and wanted to see what she could get out of him. Not anger though... maybe he would respond to flirting? Maybe later. "You look so well groomed and well kept after though Ti'ran. No one combs your mane and tail?" Not that he had much of either, but they both appeared relatively silky and smooth. "And your markings shine so!" Ah, borth flirting and honesty was in the mare's tone.

Laughing as A'ier called her prettier, Inali inclined her head. "Fair enough, though I don't think I would agree with the prettier remark. Ti'ran's coat is far more interesting, though that isn't the point. For now, I live with one two legger, and two other mares with their two leggers. It is an arrangement made most recently, but it is to the benefit and pleasure of all those in attendance. I have not much to say for myself- I don't have much memory of how I came to be here, nor do I have many friends. There's still so much I could learn about each species of soquili, though I'd rather avoid the kalona." Unpleasant memories haunted her.

Cihiru

Ti'ran remembered all too well what life was like before A'ier - It was by no means a partnership he had grown up with, though they were both quite accustomed. It might have been difficult to tell otherwise, and Ti'ran seemed particularly intent on hiding (or forgetting) it.

"Groomed?" he spat in mock horror. "We obviously have some things to set straight. This coat does not get groomed, ever." He shook himself again, more to fluff and straighten his coat than anything. "The perfection you saw earlier is natural." The wolf grinned a grin that could all but be taken seriously. "And in that case, I think I'd have to eat you first." Matching her show, he flashed a sharp incisor.

"It would seem that way," Ti'ran responded, ignoring her apparent embarrassment. "This way then." He motioned eastward with a tilt of his head, then turned and headed in that direction. It was opposite their final goal, but the grazing would have been difficult to match - and there were apples.

Apples sounded pretty nice right about then. He'd even go for a nice walk through a shallow stream - like the one they'd just departed. Anything at all to distract him from the discomfort roused by Inali's prying comments would have been welcome. "No one," he said simply, glancing away for a moment.

"Unicorns are most all like that," A'ier added gracefully, much to Ti'rans appreciation. He stepped out quickly though, disappearing once more in the underbrush. "You should find more sometime."

"Six of you?" That was... Well, what was the word he was looking for? "Sounds busy." He had no desire to live with that many again; relative solitude suited him. If she was happy though, who was he to criticize? "I find it hard to believe you don't have many friends. Do you spend all day hiding in your hole?" No, that didn't seem like her, and it was certainly no way to live. That was the voice of experience.

The unicorn paused a moment then, halting his pace and glancing to the sky as he seemed to drift in thought. "Most soquilis are more or less alike. It's wiser to judge them as individuals rather than a race." Kalonas though... He understood the desire to lump them together. Perhaps a little too well; his eyes flashed briefly with rage. "Kalonas are an odd breed, but... They are not all that way." Just most. And the way he clenched his jaw might imply he was trying to convince himself more than anything.

"No need to worry about the 'used to be'," A'ier added. "It doesn't matter how you got here, so long as you're enjoying your stay and making the best of it." Optimism was an odd trait on him, though it seemed genuine enough. "As for friends - You've got us? Well, you have me at least."

 

[Cihiru]

06.07 Simple greetings: Loki & Hidaya


Vashtya

Hidaya made her way through the tallish grasses that blanketed the meadow floor, pale eyes taking in a pair of squirrels playing what appeared to be a rather raucous game of tag around the trunk of a large oak tree, their shrill cries piercing the otherwise quiet afternoon.

Cihiru

Things never really did change, did they? Here he was, at least four seasons behind him and with a family of his own... And yet, this day felt like it could have been etched into the past, nestled comfortably in weeks that passed years ago.

He was torn between comfortable familiarity and just plain boredom. That wasn't to say he didn't adore his family - He did. Isilme made him whole, and he cared for his sons more than anything. But without them, there were times he felt at a bit of a loss, unsure what to do with himself.

This was one of those times. He was wandering aimlessly again, dragging his pale hooves through the thick plain grasses and soaking up what few sights and sounds were to be had. He had met many a good friend here, and he would have been lying to himself if he tried to convince he wasn't hoping for it to happen again.

Vashtya

Hidaya raised her head sharply, ears pricked forward as she could have sworn she'd heard the distinct rasp of unshod hoof upon rock. One wavy strand of silver mane floated idly on the faint breeze, as though it had a mind of its own.

Cocking her head to teh side, she wondered if perhaps she was simply hearing things, and stomped one of her forehooves sharply, listening intently to hear if there was, indeed, someone else about.

The squirrels, after she stomped her hoof, darted farther up the tree and proceeded to chitter at her with due irritation at interrupting their private game.

Cihiru

Loki was, by nature, a light footed creature. Raising ones self in the untamed wilderness tended to have that effect; he was certainly a product of his habitat. He was distracted though, and now and then, the nearly inaudible rustle of his weight sifting through the underbrush was accompanied by a scuff of his hoof against stone, or the snap of dry grasses. Each interruption would cause one of his ears to give a lazy flick, but for the most part, he ignored them.

That was, until one was followed by what sounded like a deliberate stomp - And it wasn't his doing. The mustang pulled himself to a halfhearted stop and swung his head around, taking in the gently rolling landscape. When nothing extraordinary met his scrutinizing gaze, he tilted his muzzle to the wind and tested it. "Hello," he called amiably, almost certain there was someone there.

Vashtya

Hidaya's gaze flew in the direction of the voice, although she could not yet see its owner. "Greetings." she replied, after allowing the silence to stretch for a few heartbeats. She was naturally wary, although not to the degree that she treated new acquaintances with outright suspicion.

Taking a step in the direction of the unfamiliar voice, she kept hear ears directed where it had seemed to come from.

Cihiru

For a moment, he had nearly held his breath, taking air in short bursts for fear it had all been part of his imagination. His greeting was soon returned though, and, relieved, he inhaled deeply. At least he wasn't going crazy after all. Not yet, anyway.

Or maybe he was. The return seemed to come out of nowhere, as its owner was still out of sight, and with only one possible place she might be hiding. The stallion eyed the place the land dipped off, panning into the horizon, then stepped toward it.

"There you are," he started cheerfully, peering down at the figure on the land below. He gave her a welcoming bow of his head, then invited himself down the small hill, and gave his tail a lazy flick once he'd reached the bottom. "Hope I haven't interrupted anything. I'm Loki."

Vashtya

Hidaya laughed, her voice low and melodious. "Not at all, unless you consider my observation of those squirrels playing tag around the tree trunk to be utterly captivating." she replied, bowing her own head slightly. "I'm Hidaya. It's a pleasure to meet you." she continued, bobbing her head once, enjoying the way it made her curly mane dance in the breeze.

 

[Cihiru]

06.08 Not-So-Aimless Wandering: Kael & Manovia

Here

TormentedAngie

Manovia was slowly getting used to the land that was to be her new home. The ship had long sailed off into the sunset, leaving James and herself here to fend for themselves. Thankfully, the duo had a pair of friends in Wambli and Anpo, and had been able to adjust better to the shock of the situation through them.

Right now, the grulla mare was plodding along the edge of the river, close to where it fed into the nearby lake. Her amber eyes soaked in the sights, having never been quite this far before, alone at least. The ground here was squashy in places, covering her hooves in a thin layer of ground. Her tail swished along behind her, brushing through the bushes and undergrowth. It wasn't often that she went off on her own, but she'd wanted to get away and see some things on her own for a change. There'd been so many strange sights here, she almost couldn't believe what she'd encountered lately. A winged horse who was now a good friend of hers topped the cake. What more would she see here in this new land?

Cihiru

Kael was, perhaps, not the most exotic scenery the wondrous Kawani lands had to offer. In fact, he was rather dull in comparison, with his horned and fairy-winged kin calling this place their home. He was content though, and not without his fair share of character. His brother might have had size and and a lofty, day-dreamer personality, but he was honorable, and likable enough to be memorable in his own right.

That wasn't on his mind as he trekked through the wilderness though. His pale blue gaze was waving rather intently over the landscape, while his ears twitched with attentiveness one would expect from a wild mustang. The object of his attention was difficult to discern at first... But maybe it was because he didn't particularly have one at all.

If he didn't, he made a pretty decent job of looking purposeful. His stride was an aimful one, and as he made his way along a lonely stream, he stopped only once something demanded his attention. At one point, it was an angry squirrel that gave him pause, and he had eyed it questioningly as it skittered across the trodden path, giving him an upset shake of its balled little fist. For the most part though, it was uneventful.

So much so, he abandoned the slow regularity of his going-nowhere walk and pushed himself into an easy canter, taking the muddy terrain in great strides. It carried him easily along the rest of the bank's length, until it met with a lake and pooled into its rippling waters.

TormentedAngie

Manovia, tired of wading through the muck, and determining that the river didn't have a strong current at all, (mostly due to watching a fox skip through from one side of the bank to the other without missing a step), decided to wander through the water. Her previously shod hooves felt perfectly at ease in the cool liquid, sloshing through it and allowing the spray to dampen her legs, darkening her body where it hit.

The grulla mare was by no means quiet in her trek, but she wasn't aware of all the of the dangers around, yet. If she happened upon something like a blood thirsty kalona, who knows what'd happen. Her head bobbed slightly with her stride, her mind drifted off into nothingness. So caught up in the sound of her hooves sloshing through the river, she didn't hear that someone else was nearby.

Cihiru

The mustang slowed to a lazy amble here, where the river opened into a lake, and the patches of trees faded into fields. On clear afternoons such as this one, there was nothing blocking the horizon, and he could see what felt like ages in a clear area such as this one. Green grasses mixed inconspicuously with gold, blanketing the earth all the way to the place where it met the sky. He let his gaze trace the line for a moment, squinting as it passed over the sun. A fair distance off, he could make out the river continuing on again, spilling from the lake's pool like it never slowed.

Just as he was about to conclude his curious sightseeing, something out of the ordinary caught the corner of his eye. Kael's head swiveled toward it, and after a moment, he turned fully to face it.

This would be a rare occasion; it wasn't every day he happened across random someones. This one was different though... He could tell that much even from his distant vantage point, now that he'd had opportunity to observe. She carried herself in a different fashion - a way that suggested maybe she wasn't all that wary.

The stallion arched a brow at the thought, but he pressed forward anyway. He did enjoy making new acquaintances, and who knew; maybe she'd prove to be the most enjoyable company yet. "Afternoon," he offered politely - almost quietly, as not to startle her. "Lovely day, isn't it?" It might have sounded hollow from someone else, but Kael had a way of making himself sound genuine and conversational.

TormentedAngie

Manovia's tail was held high as she trotted along, streaming behind her like a banner. This day, she wasn't wearing her trademark saddle and bridle, but if one looked close, lines from where the bridle rested at her head could still be seen. Her gait was a little on the flashy side, but that was normal for her. She was a showy horse, after all, but not one who had her nose stuck so far up in the air that she felt herself better than all others.

The grulla mare shied though, at the male voice, looking about her in confusion. He'd been careful to be quiet to avoid just that, but she'd not expected to come upon anyone out here. So lost in the beauty around her that she hadn't stopped to think for a moment that she'd stumble on someone else.

Once she got over her initial shock, however, she shyly stepped forward to greet him. "It is indeed. I don't think I've seen anything this beautiful before." Turning her head she glanced into the same direction he had moments before, her eyes wide in awe, as if she'd never seen the view from that spot before, and indeed she hadn't.

Cihiru

That unsuspecting reaction confirmed his suspicions; she hadn't really been paying any attention at all. Either she was sorely distracted, or she was new to the area, and unaware of the perils lurking in every nook. And if he were to judge by appearances, he might have placed his wager on the latter... She didn't look like a fish out of water, per say, but this did not seem her element either.

The mare saved him the risk of assumptions though, and as she approached, he cracked a wider smile. "It's definitely one of the better places to be, I'd say." By then, he was almost certain she was largely unfamiliar with her surroundings, but he opted not to tackle that obstacle just yet.

The pinto did allow her a moment to take in the sight he could tell she was rather enjoying, but eventually he spoke up again. "My name's Kael, by the way. May I ask what I might call this lovely lady?" His gaze had drifted to the horizon at some point, but he dragged it back then, and looked curiously to her.

TormentedAngie

"Forgive my manners, I seem to have lost them somewhere back there," she gestured behind her, "my name is Manovia." She took no heed of the 'lovely lady' comment, it wasn't that she felt it her due, or expected such a comment, more so than she had simply passed over it in haste to give him her name. Manners were more important to her than most things, a first impression was always a lasting one, in her eyes.

"Very nice to meet you, Kael." Bowing her head in greeting, the grulla mare glanced back to the horizon for a moment before giving him her full attention again. "Would it be rude of me to ask where you are from, Kael?"

She swished her tail along her sides, taking another moment to glance over the horizon again. Too pretty for her to forget, she'd have to remember this spot, to show Wambli later. Then too, Wambli probably already knew about it, but no harm in taking her friend on a walk with her, right?

Cihiru

As far as he was concerned, there was nothing to forgive. "I'm just relieved to know I'm not the only one that still stops to enjoy the scenery." He was exaggerating a bit, of course, but sometimes it did feel that way. "Pleasure's mine, Manovia." The stallion bowed his head politely as he tested the name on his tongue.

"Not in the least," he assured, giving her a nod. "My family and I traveled some, but I'm more or less from here." Kael let his gaze wander out across the landscape, and he couldn't help but smile again at its splendor. "The place I call home is further upstream though."

Turning back toward her, he started again as she continued to take in the scenery. "And where do you hail from, if you don't mind my asking?" That was the question he had been itching to persue since he first saw her, and he awaited an explanation with rapt attention.

TormentedAngie

Shifting slightly, the mare thought on her answer. Indeed she wasn't from around there, but how could she explain to him where she DID come from? Would he believe her? He wasn't one she'd seen around the village at any point in time, so it was likely her tale would be stranger than fiction to him. But, all happiness lies in truth, for the truth shall set you free. Or so they said.

"I'm not from around here, to be quite honest. Another land, far away, across a body of water larger than this lake, is where I used to call home. We rode a... ship across the water to get here, and now this is where I reside." Turning her head away, she waited to see whether he would believe her, or laugh at her for such a story. He didn't seem the type, but there were horses back home who'd laughed at her for the slightest of things. That was part of the reason why she was glad to be starting off fresh, with horses she didn't know.

A flush crept across her face, and if she had realized it, she would've been glad for the dark fur that covered her nose, for it kept the flush from being seen.

Cihiru

It was a shame the mare knew nothing of his mother. Isilme would have given her a whole new insight to his perspective, and perhaps might have opened a door to understanding of his acceptance. He had to be, because Isilme had a tale for every occasion, and she was more than convinced every one of them was true. It was only natural he did too (though not to the same passionate extent as Kyer), and he had little difficulty wrapping his world around new impossibilities.

"You must have a hundred stories." It was clear from his tone he rather admired her already; he could only try to fathom the things she must have seen and done. The land here was beautiful; that was plain enough already. To experience something completely different though... Entirely free from the binds of this reality was really something to behold.

But one word snagged the limits of his imagination, and briefly, his brow furrowed with a hint of confusion. "Pardon my ignorance, but would you mind telling me a bit about this ship?" he queried with genuine curiosity. How grand would sometihng so powerful have to be? And how did it travel across water? Was it some foreign variety of fish, or a creature he'd met only in lore?

TormentedAngie

Blushing, Manovia sidestepped slightly. "Maybe not a hundred stories, but I do have some interesting tales of things that've happened in my lifetime." Nodding, the grulla mare chuckled softly, thinking on a particularly amusing time with James.

"A ship... well, a ship..." How could she describe it in a way that he could understand? Most soquilis couldn't believe it when they SAW it, hell even she didn't understand what it was, fully. But an idea formed in her head, and she motioned him over to a clear patch of sand and silt at the edge of the water, perfect for 'drawing' in. "I'm not good at explaining, nor am I good at showing what I mean, but I'll try to do both, okay?"

With the front edge of her left hoof (a left handed soquili?), Manovia drew a kind of halfmoon shape in the sand. at the top of it, she drew a flat line to form the boat itself, then a line going up from it. From there, she let her hoof drift off from the line going up, working on what would be the sails of the ship.

"This," she pointed to the halfmoon shape" is the ship. We rode on it, and it kept us floating on top of the water." Pointing to the sails, she continued. "These were like...animal skins the tribal two-leggers use. They caught the wind, much like the wings of a soquili would when they take flight..." It never occured to her that this one might not've met a wind soquili. "The wind pushes the ship across the water. It's how we got here..." She hoped that that was a good explaination. She really didn't know how else to explain it, which embarrassed her slightly.

Cihiru

The stallion watched her shift with an inwardly amused smile and held where he was, allowing her uncomfortably embarrassed space. "I'd love to hear a few some time, if you're willing," he commented, his tone suggesting gentle, almost child-like curiosity and reverence.

If there was one thing he enjoyed hearing above all else, it was a good story. Even Kyer's ambitiously fabricated expectations were entertaining from time to time, and Kael was certain her tales would be no exception. Not even her explanation would be a disappointment. How could it be, with such an... an unbelievable foundation?

Unbelievable was always a good thing. Except when the description was so far removed from what he was familiar with, he had difficult wrapping his imagination around it. And this was bordering on far-fetched - Kael blinked a few subconscious times as he tried to take in the crudely-drawn picture.

"It's not alive?" was the first thing he thought of, and he hadn't the mind not to pose it. It didn't occur to him until after it probably sounded foolish, and probably could have been left unsaid... but that was probably to be expected, all things considered. And then he realized something less jovial: "You live in the village, then?"

TormentedAngie

Manovia perked her ears up as Kael spoke of wanting to hear some of her stories sometime. If she was willing, no less. "I'd love to tell you of my life back there." The young mare pranced a bit in place, whipping her tail softly against her sides. "They're not much, but to me the stories mean a lot because I've experienced each and every one of them." She smiled earnestly and looked back to her somewhat poor drawing of the ship. "No, it's not alive. I don't think there could be anything that large, alive in the world." Chuckling softly, 'Via didn't know how wrong she was. It was quite possible that some of the largest sea creatures she and her shipmates had sailed across, dwarfed the ship by many fold. What she didn't say though, was how she herself had thought the ship was alive, with it's billowing sails before they left the European port at the start of their journey.

The grulla mare nodded in answer to the question of whether she lived in the village. "Yes I do. They're all so pleasant there, everyone's been so kind to us since we arrived. Do you live in the village as well?" Obviously, she was oblivious to whatever his mindset on the village was, but her association with the village was apparent if one looked closely. At her nose, a worn spot where her bridle rubbed against the fur there, barely apparent, but there for one who truly looked. Likewise, a patch of fur was rubbed shorter than the rest at her belly and chest, where the girth and breast collar of her saddle rested. Had she not thrown her shoes soon after the race with Wambli, her feet would've told the story a thousand more words than she could ever say.

Kindly, the mare smiled at Kael, changing the subject as swiftly as if she'd meant to, despite the fact that she really hadn't. "Surely living around here, you've got quite the story to tell, right Kael?" Dual toned eyes settled upon her conversation-mate, eagerly stamping the ground as if to emphasize her inquisitive nature. She wanted to learn more about her new home, and with each new friend she encountered, she was able to gain a bit more understanding for it all.

Cihiru

Her demeanor was unusual in his limited encounters; the enthusiasm and earnestness was a refreshing contrast to some of his more controlled, even distant acquaintances. And it made Kael grin brightly, appreciative of the acceptance. "In that case, I'm honored you'd be willing to share them with me." One didn't just extend their most heart-felt treasures to anyone. To him, that was meaningful.

"I don't know if I'm ready to let go of that just yet-" briefly, his thoughts shifted from the immediate conversation to the unreality he'd been considering earlier. The world where the mosnters and giants of his childhood were still a distant possibility, even if he was never to lay eyes on them. "- but I'll take your word for it." The pinto's expression had faded some, but his lighthearted tone renewed it. "That really is amazing though. How does it stay on top of the water?..." It was a hypothetical question though; he didn't expect Manovia to have an answer any more than he needed one.

"No, I don't." Kael took a sidelong glance at his untamed coat. It wasn't ragged by any means, but it certainly wasn't sleek or glossy. And then he turned fully back to her, grinning still. "My aunt lives there, with a human. I haven't really visited, to be honest, but I figure it must have plenty going for it, or she wouldn't stay around." Part of him was plenty curious about the establishment, but with Isilme and Loki traveling anywhere but, his youth hadn't led to any exploration. Now that he was older, it seemed to have slipped his mind, only just rekindled.

The mustang took a moment to think on that, and looked on in brief silence as he flicked his tail over his hocks. "Yes, and no. It's a wonder my parents managed to tolerate raising my bother and I, I can tell you that much." He flashed a mischevious grin, but it vanished as quickly as it had come - perhaps because Kyer had always been the instigator in the duo, with Kael trailing uncertainly after.

TormentedAngie

Quite opposite to Kael's thinking, Manovia was more the type to share her memories and stories with anyone whom would listen, than to keep them to herself till she found someone worthy to tell them to.

She pondered upon his question, having to think for a moment on how the ship would stay afloat. "I... I'm not sure. It floated, and didn't take on water, so maybe despite how big it was, it was like a leaf? The shape of a leaf, if placed correctly in the water, will float, despite having weight within it." As if to explain her thinking, Manovia looked around for a suitable leaf to demonstrate. Her treasure was found right above her head, and she stretched out her neck to latch teeth delicately upon the veined object. Plucking it from the tree, she tossed her head slightly as a small 'follow me' gesture. Slightly dirty hooves trotted to the edge of the riverbank she'd been following, and she lowered her graceful head to set the leaf gently upon the water. Shielding the leaf with her feet, so the current couldn't take it, the grulla mare found some small pebbles and gently, carefully placed them within the scoop shape of the leaf, then proudly raised her head, ears pricked happily, to see if her companion was viewing her triumph. The leaf, laden with pebbles, remained afloat despite the weight.

Her ears lowered slightly, hearing that he didn't live in the village, but perked up immediately afterward. She'd hoped to be able to drop in on him from time to time in the village, but if his aunt lived there, that meant he'd be visiting at some point, right? She caught sight of his mischevious grin and flicked her tail in amusement. He certainly was a character, someone who would be sure to make a quiet walk a more enjoyable and exciting one, for sure.

Cihiru

A ship like a leaf? Kael blinked deliberately, one brow furrowed as he considered the possibility. "Maybe," he admitted at last, trailing along behind her as she made her way to the stream. "I'd still like to see a ship though, some day." How big was it, exactly? "It's bound to be more interesting than a leaf," the stallion added jokingly, following it with a soft smile.

It was a good point though; easier to wrap his mind around than an obscure concept and a possibility that seemed unlikely. "What makes you so sure you're no good at explaining?" Giant leafs may not have been much better, but they were better. "How many other pebbles were with you? - Do they live in the village too?" Lighthearted teasing aside, Kael paused then, lest he overrun her with questions.

"Is something the matter?" he asked offhandedly a few moments later, as he noted the flicker of disappointment in her expression. He did try not to seem pressing; Kael made it sound a casual inquiry, almost like it could go unnoticed under the tails of his former questions... But he was almost surely worrying far too much.

TormentedAngie

"It was huge. Wider than this river, by at least 3 or 4 times. The trees that the skins hung from were nearly taller than the trees here, but that was to the top of the ship. The ship itself was larger down below." She was bad at explaining things, and probably sounded really confusing and weird by now.

Blushing, though hardly noticable behind her ashen grey fur, Manovia chuckled at his good-natured teasing. "There were several others like me. I think of them, four others chose to settle here instead of going home with the ship. I'm not sure how many two-leggers stayed behind with us though. Mine did." She smiled brightly, thinking of her companion back at the village.

As he noticed her little ear laid back moment, she shuffled slightly. "No, nothing's wrong, just thought of something for a moment there." Deftly changing the subject, the mare stepped out of the river, her feet streaming with cool water as she allowed the pebble filled 'boat' to float away down the river, where, unnoticed to her, it capsized rather quickly. Not a comforting thought, if one paused to think of it. "What's it like, to live here on your own, without a two-legger to care for you?" It was then, perhaps that she might've overstepped her boundaries. She should've known that, being as he'd never lived in the village, he wouldn't understand what it meant to have a two-legger take care of him. It wasn't that she wasn't able to do so herself, just that James had always been there to take care of her and she always assumed that was the way it should be. She was naive, to say the least, on such matters.

Without hesitation though, Manovia went on. "What are the winter's like here? And do you guys really get snow?" Emphasis was put on the single word, as if she'd never seen true snow before in her life. She honestly was no better than him, letting questions overrun him in turn.

Cihiru

Three or four times? The stallion tried to form a mental image, lining up river copies side-by-side in his mind's eye. It worked out better than she might have realized... Taller than the trees was simple enough, and he could almost imagine massive hides towering over the treetops.

"Four, really?" Kael could not have pinpointed why, but that surprised him. It sounded almost like an unusually large number when he stopped and thought about the modest herds of Soquilis he'd spotted around the village. "Is it a relief to have someone to relate with?" he queried unabashedly, only coming to realize how inappropriate it might have been a moment later. "If you still associate, that is. I can't imagine what it must be like to make a home in a strange new place." That was sufficient explanation, he hoped. And then he added "You seem fond of him." That expression was almost impossible to mistake.

Her question caused him to pause thoughtfully though, and tilt his head in a faint, but foal-like gesture. "Well... Imagine the things your two-legger does for you, and think of doing them on your own." The explanation was broken as he bent to scratch at an itch on his muzzle with his knee. "And if you aren't able to do them by yourself, they probably don't get done at all." There was probably something to be said for the freedom too - the lack of accountability and restrictions - but born and raised wild, the mustang had no concept of that. He knew nothing else.

"Cold," he answered simply, missing not even a beat. "And yes, it snows... The green turns brown and food turns scarce, and white blankets the ground and trees alike." Kael tipped his nose to the sky as he tried to envision the cool grey that dominated the skies in the winter.

TormentedAngie

Perking ears up, the tamed mare lifted her head in the direction of down-river. Her eyes grew large and wide, and she quickly skipped towards Kael, pawing at the ground beside him. "What was that? Was it a... WILD animal?" Without hesitating, she took off towards the sound, waving her tail slightly behind her as an invitation to follow her. If he wanted to keep her out of trouble, with her not quite knowing all the dangers around, chances were he'd probably want to follow her.

The mare crashed through the brush, unshod feet both more, and slightly less stable than they would've been had she had those on, slipping in various situations. At this rate, she'd break a leg, or a nose, if she slid into a tree.

Reddish golden eyes watched the mare from a branch high above. Greyish blue feathers fluttered in the slight breeze, and the hawk flapped his wings for a moment before settling once more. She was worth watching, that she was....

Cihiru

"Err..." Kael trailed a little absently as he dragged his gaze from the sky just in time to see her turn and take off down the river. "Well... probably," he responded halfheartedly, and pulled himself in pursuit (only coming to the realization he wasn't certain what 'wild' was until later). Tamed was a foreign concept; all soquilis were wild! - And there was obviously still much he had to learn.

That'd have to wait for another day though, as right then, there was much Manovia had to learn. And she seemed intent on experiencing it first hand; he only hoped nothing poor came of it.

"What are we following, exactly?" He entertained asking why for a moment too, but thought better of it when he considered not all actions needed motives more sound than 'I wanted to' or 'because'. So long as there was no danger involved (and there didn't seem to be at that point, seeing as they were chasing rather than fleeing, and nothing had jumped them yet), the stallion figured it was safe enough for now.

 

[Cihiru]

06.09 I Said You Could Touch It: Ti'ran, Yei Umeko & Flame


Celeanor

Shocked into silence by her expression, he felt yet another pin dig it's way into his ego.

"My.. apologies then..." he replied softly, uncertain of where to go from there. Arrogant he often was, but he was not above being apologetic for the density it often caused.

And as was the usual case, Flame's ever absent wingman chose that particular moment to stroll upon the scene.

"Well helloooooo! Flame where have you been! I've been over at that cool looking berry bush.. mhmm they were delicious!!! Did you want one? I can alwayss go back.-" the high voice rang cheerfully through the brush, amplified by the proximity to the water.

. paramekia .

"It's fine." Yei replied. It was an automatic response that seemed to be programmed into her after many encounters like this and as a result she didn't actually seem to be hurt her pained by what had just happened - at least he had been nice enough to provide her with a genuine apology instead of simply shrugging it off and pretending that it had never happened.

Nevertheless, before she could open her mouth to make another comment she was interrupted by the rather high pitched voice which seemed to be drawing closer to them with each word - it wasn't someone she recognised so the only thing she could do was gaze at Flame inquisitively.

"Friend of yours?"

Cihiru

"'Ran, you should be more social," a soft voice murmured over the natural ambiance, indicating a presence other than the heavy hoof-falls that presently crunched through the underbrush. The source would have been invisible at first, as he was tucked away in the shrubbery and grasses, but before long a wolfen form emerged from the shadows. He gave an unceremonious shake mid-stride, dislodging any bramble that might have taken residence in his fur, and then pulled alongside the other accompanying him.

The unicorn turned his head to looked at him then, his gaze incredulous and his expression full of exasperation. "I wonder where I've heard that before," he commented rhetorically, as though he thought it a droll observation, but couldn't quite be bothered to contest it. The way he lazily flicked an ear and looked away only strengthened the image, and the wolf didn't seem to take it with any appreciation.

"I'm serious. I mean, it's not like you've got any excuse. I'm perfectly charming - hardly an embarrassment! - and you... Well, what's not to like?" He flashed an impish grin that made Ti'ran shake his head and snort in disapproval.

"Did it ever occur to you it was of my own accord, rather than some defect on either party?"

"Hardly!" he chirped, brutally ignoring the direction the unicorn had been trying to turn the conversation. He'd have none of that, and Ti'ran gave him a frown in response. "You keep me around, don't you?" And before his companion had chance to object, he continued. "It's something you could stand to learn to like."

Ti'ran was fully prepared to mutter an offish response; he had one for every occasion in his repertoire... But he didn't have opportunity. He'd been so distracted by the drivel, he had subconsciously followed A'ier all the while... And it didn't occur to him he was doing it 'til the sound of voices cut over the background babble of a stream. By then it was too late; the wolf was already trotting delightedly toward them, and Ti'ran was left ambling behind, mentally chiding himself for his absentmindedness.

"Greetings," the wolf called warmly (from a comfortable distance), and gave his tail a purposeful wag to further accentuate his intention. If the soquili grudgingly bringing up the rear wasn't obvious enough, surely that was.

Celeanor

Wincing at the high pitch, Flame half turned to level a baleful glare at his traveling companion. "Gully... now is not the ti-"

But he cut himself off when it was apparent the bear wasn't paying attention.

'Well well well! A lady friend! Flame I'm PROUD of you!!!" the white bear paused to look at Yei up and down, then nodded in satisfaction. "Pretty too, when's the wedding?"

Flustered, the stallion was about to lecture the bear on what was and was not appropriate when another voice interrupted him.

. paramekia .

"Wedding?" Yei felt the heat rise n her body as the white bear began to chatter away to Flame, she was rather surprised by how quickly the bear jumped to conclusions and was even more surprised that she moved even faster than the mare did - it was really quite refreshing and in a way, she found it quite funny.

"Oh, I doubt we would get along but I suppose we can find him a pretty mare, don't you think?" She enquired silkily before pausing, her thought process briefly interrupted as the wolf crept out of the forest and greeted them in a surprisingly polite manner.

She gawked. She couldn't help herself.

...Automatic reaction!

Her jaw dropped rather rudely when she saw the stallion behind him and became aware of the fact that he had a horn on his head - unicorn. Ack! She hadn't even put all her feathers on this morning or brushed her mane and tail, she was not as presentable as she should have been!

Wincing, the mare forced a somewhat uncomfortable smile onto her equine lips and offered a nervous chuckle, fighting to regain her composure as she spoke, "Afternoon!" She replied in a rather chirpy voice, "And who might you be?" She enquired to the wolf before glancing at Gully and tilting her head to the side.

...She wanted a pet bear. They were cute and fluffy, ideal for a girl like her.

Cihiru

The conversation they stumbled so rudely into caught even A'ier by surprise, and he had been the one so looking forward to it. The wolf had to consciously prevent himself from gaping, and chuckling in amusement... It might not have been the best way to start a first impression.

Ti'ran, on the other hand, couldn't find it in himself to bother, so it was probably a good thing his expressions were so diluted. The most it coaxed out of him was a furrowed brow, though one might have been able to spot traces of a smirk, was he to pay close enough attention.

"It is a lovely one," he started with a pleasant grin. "I'm A'ier." The wolf then turned and peered pointedly at his traveling companion, who nearly ignored him.

The unicorn was so distracted, he almost didn't notice A'ier's insistence. What was she doing?... Or rather, why did they always do that? "Ti'ran," he managed at last, and peeled his gaze from the bright one to exchange it between them.

Two soquilis, and a charmingly forward bear. This should be fun, the wolf mused to himself. Ti'ran knew that look; he met it with trained disapproval, and made an attempt to halt the interaction before the wolf tied them hopelessly involved. "Sorry, we were just passing through..."

Celeanor

Grinning broadly, Gully twisted lightly on his feet and walked over towards the wolf, completely unabashed.

"Greetings A'ier! Would you like a berry? There's a rather nice bush a little further that way.. I thought about bringing some but I was distracted by Flame and his fiancee-"

"GULLY!"

. paramekia .

Fiancee?!

Yei's eyes bulged as the bear suggested that she and Flame were in such a relationship before she began to laugh somewhat uncomfortably again. Admittedly he was a charming stallion but she was friend's with his pupil and if she were to become anything more than a friend then that would make her like Tai's mother...and that was just a very, very strange thought.

It justwouldn't happen, but she still found the fat and very fuzzy furball to be unbelievably cute.

"I - uh..." Having recovered from her shock she shook her head and gave a snort of disapproval at her own actions. Now why was she going to act even remotely interested in a sanctimonious prat like that unicorn, he was just as aloof and up his own backside as the rest of them. With that in mind she puffed up her chest and drew herself to her full height.

"I am Yei Umeko, of the Mountain slopes, it's a pleasure to meet you." She replied at last, addressing the wolf who appeared to be suitably more approachable than the recluse in the corner. Even Flame seemed to have lapsed into silence, was this a male pride thing perchance?

Cihiru

The bear (Gully, he soon learned) certainly was a character. Ai'er flashed an amused, toothy grin that just happened to show off his pointed incisors, obviously not designed for plant-gnashing. "Thanks for the offer, but uh... I think I'll pass." Berries didn't do much for his particular tastes.

Meanwhile, Ti'ran gave a soft sigh that almost belied his stoic composure. Sure, he wasn't keen on being stared at or fawned over, and he probably would have rather be somewhere else, but being outright ignored was still a blow to his ego. He wasn't that intolerable, was he?

Sensing his companion's discomfort, the wolf glanced questioningly to him before looking back at Yei. "Pleasure's ours," he assured, carefully choosing his words. This really wasn't going the way he might have hoped; the last thing he wanted to do was make it even worse.

Painfully aware the mare hadn't even addressed him, Ti'ran finally spoke up in earnest. "Yei Umeko is a beautiful name." He glanced curiously to the stallion too, though he thought better of prying for a title.

It was probably too late to salvage his presentability; he feared any attempts he made at this point would have been accounted as hollow, and written off as pompous. He did resolve to try though, if only because his awkwardness bothered A'ier. And like it or not - he cared.

Celeanor

Silenced in the face of Gully's overpowering charisma, Flame merely watched the exchange tiredly after his initial outburst. The wolf, A'ier, seemed to operate along the same lines as Gully. Forward, decisive, and completely certain of themselves.

Drawing a long breath, he met the curious glance of the shadowed unicorn and sighed in a long suffering manner. "Apologies, m'lord, but it seems we have similar impediments." He said, turning his glance to the bear and the wolf.

"Well, as you wish Mister. " Gully retorted, his own toothy grin matching the wolf's. Minus the berry juice of course.

"So, who's your friend? And why does he have a spike on his head? Did an indian stab him? How is he still alive? Can I touch it?" The rapid questions were fired off in quick succession, but the last was directed squarely at Ti'ran immediately after Flame had spoken.

. paramekia .

Yei began to laugh warmly as the volley of questions assaulted the poor wolf and his otherwise stoic companion, the pair truly were lively creatures and she was bemused to find that they seemed to speak for their stallions as though the pair were quite incapable of socialising in large groups.

Did that mean that if she got a fat bear then they would be really quiet? Oh! If she poked it's tummy would it squeak?

Nevertheless, allowing her laughter to trail away, she was pleased to realise that the smile still lingered on her equine lips and her eyes still maintained that sparkle as she turned her attentions towards both males. She was in a considerably brighter mood purely through the entertainment provided by both familiars.

...It was only after a few minutes in which she recounted what had been said that she realised that the unicorn had actually complimented her. For that reason she could only gaze at him suspiciously for a few moments before coming to the conclusion that despite his otherwise appalling social skills he had been genuine.

"Thank you." She replied softly and gave a slight bow of her head as her head as her left ear flopped in a rather uncanny fashion (she had always used the excuse that it was lazy), "My mother gave to to me." She explained before flashing another smile - well she hadn't met many unicorns and she was just as curious as Gully in relation to that horn.

"Oh! Can I touch it to?" She hazarded finally.

Cihiru

Ti'ran would have nodded in quiet agreement, if not for the knowledge that A'ier was watching, waiting for just such an occurrence. When none transpired (the unicorn merely exchanged a knowing glance, and shook his head at 'm'lord'), he took it upon himself to set things straight anyway. In the most comedic fashion he could mange, of course. "Impediment nothing. We're charming additions to your everyday interactions - And Ti'ran, at least, would be lost without me," he huffed jokingly, and gave his tail a mock-agitated swish.

"Just Ti'ran is fine..." ("I call him 'Ran," the wolf interrupted). "As much as I hate to admit it, he is right, I would be lost without him."

As if on cue, Gully's barrage of questions broad-sided them both. A'ier found himself blinking as he tried to absorb it all, while Ti'ran stood and waited for the inevitable. This time, he had been glad it was directed at someone else.

"Who is he? - His name is Ti'ran. He's a unicorn," the wolf added hastily, assuming that's probably what he meant anyway. "All unicorns have horns, it's just the way they are... A what? No, nothing stabbed him. Not recently, anyway," he murmured, and turned innocently away when Ti'ran shot him a glare.

A glare that melted quickly under the weight of his blatantly disconcerted expression. Touch it? he confirmed with himself, almost horrified. And Yei, too... They were enjoying this, weren't they? "Uh..." What a positively awkward situation; his eloquence had left him. "It honestly isn't all that interesting." Ti'ran was so desperate to fidget, his wispy tail gave a forced swish. "But, if you really must..." It didn't hurt or anything, and it certainly wouldn't have killed him to let them...

Celeanor

Wincing again at the bear and Yei's audacity, Flame shot the unicorn a pitying glance before he even bothered to acknowledge the wolf.

"Charming... indeed." he muttered, shaking his head.

Gully, on the other hand, was delighted. "Really, a unicorn? Flame, didn't you say they were fake? Wow thats cool!" Again the bear's words came out streamlined and lightning fast, and if the fiery stallion was any judge, Gully was reveling in the attention. But that addition in the middle...

"Gully don't you start causing trouble! You know very well that I would not account for what I had never seen." he chided half-heartedly, beyond trying to save face in the present company.

. paramekia .

Yei gave a delighted and very girlish squeal despite his discomfort. She'd never been allowed to touch a Wind Soquili's wings before so the opportunity to touch something so shiny had put her in a very good mood and regardless of how much he didn't want to be touched, she couldn't help but draw nearer to examine the shiny horn - quite a nice weapon she had to say but it was missing something.

"Raccoons, gimme a hand here!" She chirped as a passing raccoon scuttled across a branch above her head and stared at her enquiringly, "Sit on my head." She ordered as she slipped towards Flame and gave him a very wide grin.

"I hope you don't mind." She murmured, providing no excuse as she lifted her head slightly and nipped some of the feathers from his ear. That done she then tossed them up into the paws of the raccoon (who sniffed and then gave a chew at them).

"Ready?" The raccoon gave a nod as she slipped towards Ran once more and unceremoniously pressed her muzzle ever so slightly against his cheek so the raccoon could reach, "Now tie the feathers to it." She explained carefully, "Don't wreck them though, it'll ruin the look." She added, flicking her gaze towards the somewhat excited Gully.

"Do you need a boost as well?" She enquired as the Raccoon stretched out to tie the feathers around the poor unicorn's horn...Personally, the mare thought the added colour would look good against his dark coat.

Cihiru

"Yes, charming," A'ier repeated automatically, and somewhat absently. What he was really listening for was that key word, lost somewhere in the middle: fake. "Anything but." The wolf was obviously enjoying Gully's exuberance, even though tormenting Ti'ran probably wasn't beneficial in his aim to make the unicorn more sociable.

"Wait, raccoons?-" He made a move to shuffle backward, but as the process transpired, he found himself rather dumbstruck. She was serious. That was the only thought his mind seemed able to process; he couldn't even coax his legs to move as he watched Yei actually hoist the creature and instruct it with her expectations. And worst of all, he let her. He let her tie some feathers - feathers that weren't even his - to his horn.

A'ier seemed positively delighted, and acted toward Ti'ran's discomfort with deliberate ignorance. "You really should have had someone do that sooner, Ran. That could be a good look for you!" His devilish grin stretched ear to ear.

This was a far cry from his reluctant agreement! "I said you could touch it..." was all he could manage, once he finally found his voice. Now what was he supposed to do? Ti'ran's inner conscience was absolutely mortified, and cringed away from the thought of being seen like... Like this. The rest of him was profoundly embarrassed, and he was certain he was flushing beneath his ebony coat, despite his obstinacy.

. paramekia .

"And I did touch it." Yei responded silkily, flashing an almosr devillish smile as she bolstered her hind legs and reared, slipping her head into the trees so that the raccoon could easily find it's place amongst the branches again. It was only when he had sure footing that she lowered herself with a slight 'bump' and flicked her ears, the elft drooping lazily once more.

"A'ier is right, the look suits you." She added softly, flicking her tail against her hindquarters briefly as she admired the feathers upon his horn, it really did brighten up his dark pelt and now he could almost fit in, now if she had brought her own feathers she would have slipped one on to A'ier to make him match too.

Too say the very least, Flame looked positively embarassed and seemed to have been shocked into silence but the hyper-active bear was in what appeared to be a state of delight. In fact, he gazed upwards expectantly at the feathers upon the unicorn's horn and then towards Yei.

"Well, aren't you going to give me a boost?" He enquired as he scooted over to the fiery mares leg and gave it a nudge with his paw until she at last lowered herself to the ground and he climbed onto her back, balancing as best he could despite hi lack of apposable thumbs.

"Red is really your colour." He cooed as Yei stood up once more and kept relatively close to the unicorn so that the bear could reach out without falling over, "Really goes with your eyes!" He added merrily as he extended a paw to prod curiously at the horn.

...Granted, Yei was aware that she was invading his personal space but he would have to get used to it, there were hundreds more females who were MUCH more forward than she was and they may even try to steal a kiss.

Hey, maybe she should try that too.

She couldn't help it as an mischevious glint flashed across her eyes and quickly disappeared.

Cihiru

That wasn't what he meant. She knew that wasn't what he meant, and that seemed to distress him all the more (but it surfaced only as a deep frown and uneasy shift in his eyes). "They're red," he commented finally, at a loss of anything else to say. And the tone he managed it with was strongly belligerent, as though it was obvious red wasn't his color, and that it was almost as profane of them to suggest it was as it was for her to attach the feathers in the first place.

"That they are," A'ier chirped in confirmation, his grin never faltering. Gully's intrusion might have been a bit much at that point, but, well... It was all in good fun, right? Ti'ran would get over it sooner or later.

Probably later. He was still silently glowering, sheerly for the loss of his dignity, even as Gully resounded their sentiments in further compliments. It would have been much more flattering under different circumstances.

"Think we could scrounge up some more of those somewhere?" A'ier interjected thoughtfully.

At last, Ti'ran conceded. "If you say so..." Even as he realized he was fighting a battle he couldn't possibly win, it hurt to admit defeat. His pride was sorely damaged, and he didn't have it in himself to laugh at his own circumstance.

And he saw that fleeting expression. She was plotting. The unicorn shifted nervously, and fought to keep reign of his composure, despite how badly he wanted to ask... No, tell them, to stop.

Meanwhile, A'ier waited for events to unfold. He was certain the situation had yet to reach its climax. In fact, he would have been happy to help it along, but Gully and Yei seemed to have a pretty good handle on exploiting Ti'ran's embarrassment already, so he was content to watch.

Celeanor

Embarrassed to the point of speechlessness, Flame stood frozen as Yei's plan unraveled and spun out of control. Thoroughly denting his ego (once again) and appearing to mar poor Ti'ran's.

Gully, however, was all but purring in delight and had taken up a new position pressed against Yei's forelegs. The wolf, Ti'ran's familiar, was near them... and Flame had a sudden image of a very troublesome trio.

Following that image was the urge to stalk up to Gully and send him into the river.

!!!

Eye's suddenly alight, he turned to try and catch Ti'ran's eye. It wasn't often the fiery stallion took it upon himself to deliver such childish punishments.. but at the moment he felt that a good submersion in the chilly water sounded appopriate for little Gully. Perhaps a wolf and a certain red mare would join him?

. paramekia .

Yei was completely unaware of his attempts to gain the attention of the stallion who seemed thoroughly umcomfortable by now. Apparently neither of the males appreciated losing control of a situation to this point but she supposed it would be a very educational experience for them. After all, if they happened to find fairly tolerant females they would find that their entire live's would be orchestrated by the mare - whether or not they were completely conscious of it.

Flicking her tail against her hind quarters once more she gave a soft whicker and simply allowed Gully to indulge his desire of stroking the horn which she may have decorated but hadn't actually touched properly...she wouldn't try now though for fear of dislodging the bear on her back, it would seem inappropriate.

"What does it feel like?" She asked curiously.

Cihiru

To say Ti'ran was focused on... other things would have been an understatement. He was as engrossed with their continued persistence as Yei was with the boundaries of their personal comforts, and glancing to Flame or pondering over his openness to manipulation were more or less last on the list of things on his mind.

It wasn't until he realized he was in desperate need of a distraction it occurred to him to glance to the other stallion, who had been quiet as a mouse til then (at least he didn't chime in).

Once he locked gazes with him, Yei's questioning 'what does it feel like?' was merely a murmur in the background. That was the look of mischief; he recognized it too. Except this time, it was on his side, and that was a glimmer of hope in his discomfort.

And then it clicked. Once the light of realization was on, he felt rather foolish it hadn't occurred to him sooner, but Flame's wordless permission to turn their antics was all the cue he needed. He'd worry about how improper it was later; this meant war.

Without further ado, the unicorn set Flame's plan into motion, and went to dislodge Gully himself with a sudden, forceful press of his muzzle. It wasn't like he had far to go, with the bear so close and all.

Celeanor

Releasing a sharp whinny to further distract Gully, Flame darted towards Yei and swung his hindquarters around to push her and his erstwhile familiar into the chilly river.

Caught mid-word, Gully squeaked in surprise when the ebony unicorn pushed him back and he lost his balance. And when he made to grab at something to right himself, a sharp whinny distracted him yet again, causing him to release any hold he had since he thought the whinny came from Yei.

. paramekia .

She didn't stand a chance, usually she was the one with the pranks and yet she had now been outsmarted by two stallions who she had considered to be too quiet and otherwise aloof to perform such an action and so, even as she fought to regain her balance she lost her footing and began to trip on her own long limbs.

In a flurry of red, orange and black, the tall mare soon found herself stumbling left, losing all hope of retrieving any balance as Gully (the added weight on her back) simply vanished. Had she been observing this she would have made some bemused comment but instead she could only release a squeal and, as she finally tripped over one of the rocks upon the bank of the river a rather odd confession.

"...I can't swim!" She cried, tumbling back-first with flailing legs into the water with an unceremonious crash and a rather huge splash which sent quite a few ripples across the surface.

The truth was, she could actually swim but she wasn't about to show them that and instead, before she had actually impacted she'd taken a very deep breath...choosing to sit on the riverbed and to wait until they started to panick, maybe she would even swim down river a bit and circle round behind them so they would feel even worse when they couldn't find her!

...Ah, so many opportunities to get her revenge and so little time.

 

[Cihiru]

06.10 I Said You Could Touch It Part 2: Ti'ran, Yei Umeko & Flame

Cihiru

That unfolded beautifully, Ti'ran noted with some satisfaction. Each piece had fallen into place like it was made to, starting first with Gully teetering, and finishing with the bear and Yei toppling into the river beside them with a suitably large splash.

He was more concerned with finding A'ier than rescuing the mare though, and that was the first thing he set himself to once he'd observed the success.

And, cunning as he was (or predictable as Ti'ran was), the wolf was nowhere to be found, having sought shelter in the ample brush nearby. Ti'ran grumped with an audible 'bah', but it didn't take long for him to realize Yei was still gone.

Had she been serious about not being able to swim?

"Hey, beautiful." Ti'ran's ears folded, and his head snapped 'round to glare at A'ier (who had been addressing him), despite the urgency rising within him. The wolf, in turn, sauntered up to the riverbed and peered into the flowing waters. "Do something useful. She did fall in here, you know."

He was blatantly unappreciative, and considered sulking for a moment, but he was right, and Ti'ran couldn't contest it. So he nodded grudgingly, and quickly turned to thrust his forelegs into the water, so that he might take a better look around.

And he made it a point to look past the surface, lest he accidentally spot his reflection glaring back at him. "She can't be serious," he mumbled absently as he scanned for her would-be-drowning form.

Celeanor

Hiding a grin, Flame watched in fasicination as both Gully and Yei toppled into the water. But that grin quickly faded with the mare's shouts died away in a spurt of bubbles. For a moment he watched the place she had vanished beneath the surface, taking Gully with her.

Silently he followed Ti'ran's movement and stepped closer to the water.

"I hope she's not serious..."

. paramekia .

She wasn't serious, but she would certainly make it seem as though she was as she carefully shimmied along the river's floor and towards the closest point in which it meandered. While on her way here she had taken note of how the river meandered and how there were quite a few blind spots - it wasn't because she had intended to play pranks on anyone but it was purely in case any foals popped out of nowhere...she would have been prepared.

Now that observation was proving invaluable as she continued on her way towards one of these particular points and very quietly began to draw herself up near the bank. She was running out of air rather quickly but as she eventually, when she was sure she had gone far enough she pulled herself out of the water and allowed herself to steal a few deep breaths.

...Just a little more, then she would enter the forest and circle round.

A few moments later when she was able to breathe again she very calmly crept back into the forest and in a similar fashion to A'ire, she began to circle behindthe stallions, curious as to how they would react.

...Thatwould teach them for hurling her into a river!

Cihiru

The response he came up with was the one he had been dreading the most: "she was serious." He still couldn't spot her. All at once, he felt his amusement abandon him, leaving him with the cold fingers of alarm creeping through his veins. This wasn't supposed to be happening.

Ti'ran glanced to Flame in fleeting desperation, then turned his sights back to the empty waters, as though he hoped checking twice would cause her to miraculously appear. She wasn't there; his moral sank even lower.

"Remind me not to bring you along next time I feel a need to drown." At least one of them maintained sensibility. A'ier hadn't bought into her little charade though, so he didn't have much to panic about. Especially not once she circled back around; he could smell her presence on what breeze there was to be had.

The wolf was exceptional at pushing Ti'ran's buttons; guilt washed over him on cue. "You wouldn't drown," he retorted halfheartedly, but at that point, he had already carried himself further downstream. The way he pulled himself into the waters chest-deep and waded every few feet made his concern obvious, and even though he wasn't outwardly panicking, his motions were decidedly hurried, and his tail lashed in agitation.

.paramekia .

Oh my...

Yei's eyes widened as she caught sight of the unicorn now wading up to his shoulders in the river. Admittedly she would have found it rather satisfying to see them panic for a little moment but both stallions seemed genuinely guilty and unsettled, particularly the unicorn as he was the one that had waded in after her.

This wasn't going to go down well was it?

Clearing her throat, the young mare very quietly navigated her way through the shadows and towards the river's edge relatively close to the distance in which he had waded down stream and there she stood, one ear perked and the other drooped lazily as though nothing had changed - bar the fact that she was now drenched head to hoof and her mane and tail now clung to her fiery pelt...hardly the vision of beauty she'd have gone for if she had anything to say about it.

"You can get out now...?" She offered almost tentatively for fear the stallion would explode with rage.

Cihiru

Each pass he went further downstream, each one making him more frantic than the last, until it heightened to a point he was almost certain he was going to lose his head (as though he'd been all that sane in the first place). Once he hit that breaking point, he fell to grasping at straws, and did the first thing he could think of: he turned to ask for more help. "A'ier, why aren't you-"

That voice made him stop dead in his tracks, mid-sentence, mid-stream, and all. For what felt like ages (and what was really only a moment), he just stood there, letting the river wash over his still frame as he tried to regain his composure and assure himself that was what he thought it had been.

To confirm, he turned, wading through the water, and craned his neck around. Then his pale eyes fell on her - soaking wet and surprisingly timid, but safe - and he sighed heavily, filled with relief.

"Good," he said softly, at last. She wouldn't have even had to look at him to tell he wasn't angry. If anything, he seemed tired, and genuinely thankful. "Are you alright?" He still hadn't mustered the effort to pull himself from the river though.

A'ier wasn't all that far off; he'd been standing and observing quietly, waiting for an opportunity to reintroduce his presence. "That's why."

. paramekia .

He wasn't angry? She was mildly confused by his reaction due to the fact that she had anticipated that he would be less than happy but much to her surprise, he seemed genuinely relieved. He was incredibly confusing and quite unlike many of the stallions she had met before but apparently there was something beneath that stoic front otherwise he wouldn't have even remotely cared or would have snapped at her...depending on how pompous he was feeling at the time.

Nevertheless, she very nearly missed his enquiry as to her well being and it was only when her mind had caught up with her that she simply stared at him like a startled deer. First he was relieved and now he was asking about her well being.

Where had the mean one's gone? Where had his aloof front gone? ...Maybe it would come back when he was dry?

"Oh, yes - I'm alright, it isn't the first time I've been tossed in a river." She responded, offering a wry smile as she rather unceremoniously dropped herself into the river once more and waded towards him. Now that she was drenched to the skin she no longer cared and had decided that rather than playing any more pranks on him, she would give him a break for the next little while until he had recovered.

Although that wasn't to say she wouldn't prank him another time, but in hindsight this one had almost seemed a little tasteless in the aftermath.

Nevertheless, as she finally reached his side she nudged gently at his neck with her nose in an attempt to coax him out of the river. For a start, if he stayed in here he would get a chill and he'd become even more tired from resisting the flow of the water and secondly...it was a bit odd talking to a stallion when he only came up to your hocks on the river bank...

Cihiru

He was far too tired to be angry - And too sensible, anyway. Ti'ran was by no means a young stallion, and experience did afford him some wisdom. Like the knowledge that shouting rarely resulted in anything but bruised egos and flared tempers, and that anger clouded reason. He may have been cranky, and a social doofus, but he wasn't stupid.

And besides, it was natural enough to be glad to see someone you thought very well could have been dead, or so he figured. So what if it was at the cost of his dignity?... He hadn't much left anyway.

"I doubt it will be the last, either," he replied coolly, as his wits finally decided to start meandering back to him. It was about time, too. He didn't particularly enjoy floundering with every response (and Yei seemed to have her fill for the moment).

"Glad to hear it," his companion added, flashing an innocent grin. The unicorn had almost forgotten A'ier was there; he had a way of reminding him at times like that.

Or maybe he just enjoyed Ti'ran's discomfort at times like this (and surely, knowing he had a personal peanut gallery just waiting for an opportune moment did make him dually uncomfortable).

It took him a moment to catch what she was getting at. Wouldn't it have been easier to just ask? Once he caught on though, he gave a slight, almost absent nod, and dragged himself onto the banks, where he stood and let the water stream off his silky pelt. "Do you greet everyone that way?" He meant, of course, the way he'd been so thoroughly put through the ringer.

. paramekia .

She had asked him to get out, in fact she distinctly remembered telling him that he should and he had chosen to gawk. It wasn't her fault if he had selective hearing or whatever it might have been referred to. Still, she was pleased to see that his wits were returning to him and as he made his way out of the river she followed.

It was only when she was safely on the bank once more that she gave an almighty shake, her long mane sending 'shockwaves' as opposed to simple sprays of water with each movement of her head. Well, the plants never complained, the unicorn was already wet and Flame had tossed her in so he deserved to be wet.

"With a thorough battle of wits and test of social skills?" She enquired curiously as she fixed her grey eyes upon the stallion briefly before tending to her mane which had become thoroughly tangled by now. Oh well, no one could accuse her of being boring, now could they?

"Not always, with those who excel in social situations I don't have to." She continued at last and released a chuckle, glancing at him through her long mane as she used her hoof (as an achor) and her nose (as a brush) to somehow make it presentable once more.

"But for those who are particularly quiet - then yes but usually they just walk away." She added as an after thought.

Cihiru

If Ti'ran had selective hearing, Yei had a decidedly active imagination, because he hadn't gone so far as to forget (or not hear) a direct request. Nonetheless, they were both on the bank by then, and about as dry as they were going to get.

Or at least, Yei was. The unicorn was still dripping wet; he didn't seem inclined to help the water along, as she had. He didn't seem to mind the splattering either though, and instead let it pour off with the rest.

"No, that is not exactly what I'd meant," Ti'ran admitted. A test in patience, calmness, and concern was more what he had in mind. That's certainly what it had felt like to him.

Her explanation moved him to arch a brow. "Good to know I fall short of your social expectations." The stallion's tone was very noncommittal, but if anything was clear, it was that he wasn't insulted. In fact, it was hardly news. He knew he lacked social grace. Perhaps it was because he was so unpracticed at it... Or maybe that was why he disliked interacting in the first place.

The last note was unsurprising. In fact, walking away probably would have been the wiser course of action all-in-all; he could have saved himself a lot of torment. But he hadn't, and here he was... And that hinted suspiciously of a compliment. "I see. I take it that is a bad thing?"

. paramekia .

"A bad thing that they walk away or a bad thing that you're still here?" Yei enquired, deceasing her antisocial behaviour as she turned her attention away from her mane and instead, towards the stallion. It seemed her line of thought was not one that travelled in the same direction as his and thus, she found it somewhat difficult to know precisely what he was talking about. Perhaps if he learned to be a little less vague she might actually understand as opposed to continually responding with questions of her own.

Shaking her had, the female simply placed a smile on her equine lips as if bemused by her own inability to understand. She was forever lecturing stallions when they didn't understand her and yet, here she was, bowingto the same pressures. Shame on her.

"What exactly did you mean anyway?" She added, a hint of curiousity in her voice as she attempted to gain a better grasp on his thought process. Still, there was a part of her that seemed a little guilty regardless of whether or not he was insulted or not, what mattered was that her immediate assumptions.

"And..." She hesitated a little before releasing a soft sigh, "You don't fall short of anything."

Cihiru

That was a good thing; he would not have wished a mare to share his thought process. He was, after all, a stallion. And an antisocial, sometimes inept one, at that. By all means, a completely different direction was probably a good thing, even if it meant missing his intentionally vague implications from time to time.

It was more interesting to see the way individuals interpreted them; he couldn't draw that from an encounter if he provided everything cut and dry. There was a time and a place for it, of course - like when he had an important, exact point to make - but this hadn't been one of those times.

"Both," he clarified, per request. He was a little surprised to see she wanted to know his exact intention though. "Do you greet everyone by testing his threshold for embarrassment, and his tolerance for alarm." The unicorn glanced upward then, at the feathers he could just barely see. "That is what I meant."

And even more so than the prior, her last comment caught him unaware. It even managed to fracture his expression, as he looked to her with an uncertain gaze. Did he thank her? Offer a mutual compliment (not likely)? He wanted to comment offhandedly and move on, but that seemed somehow inappropriate. "Surely you jest, but I am grateful anyway."

. paramekia .

"Yes I do." She finally understood where he was coming from and would therefore answer him more directly. It somehow felt much more satisfying to give a straight answer as opposed to another question and her smile softened a little out of appreciation. Well, she might have been an oddball but at least the stallion was at least tolerant, and patient enough, to humour her.

"Afterall, during certain social occasions there may be times when I would embarass them much more. If they cannot cope with the challenges I pose in private, then how can they survive in public?" She shook the hair from her eyes and paused briefly to recollcet her thoughts which, as per usual, were a bit of a muddle.

"Consider it to be an educational experience, I suppose." She mused before allowing her eyes to drift to his, her gaze level as he seemed to reject her claims that he did have potential to be a social butterfly if he allowed himself to be.

"I don't jest about things that I consider to be serious, to jest about something such as this woul be to batter a stallion's pride to the point of no return." She continued softly, and gave a whicker as she took note of the feathers still clasped to his horn.

...You know, if he asked, she would take them off but she supposed his male pride might get the better of him in that respect.

Cihiru

Well, at least he wasn't alone in his torment. She had a fair point, too. How would one manage in public, were he not able to tolerate the antics in privacy?... How would he survive in public? He had been gravely embarrassed as it was. "I sorely hope I am never present to test that occasion." That likely would have been the day he crawled into a hole and never crawled out again; at this point, anyway.

Educational was an understatement. 'An insight into the potentially dangerous antics of impish mares' would have been more appropriate, in Ti'ran's opinion. And he was anything but an unwilling 'social butterfly' - he would have opposed that point more starkly, had she mentioned it.

She didn't though, and offered a more earnest response instead. It was a fairly astute observation, but the unicorn had a thing or two to say about it too. "It will not shatter if he hasn't any pride on the note to begin with." Though disagreeing with him probably would have been more tactful in the end, he mused.

And asking for assistance likely would have been as difficult as removing them himself. If he really wanted them gone, they would have been by then. He was humoring her, in his mind, regardless of whether or not she chose to recognize it.

. paramekia .

She hadn't recognised it. In her mind, Ti'ran was one of those tall, dark and handsome characters who had such thick skin that they simply didn't care. It wasn't that she meant to be so stereotypical but she couldn't help herself, if she was honest she would have taken a much more severe approach to him had he not demonstrated he was much more pleasant than she had anticipated.

"Such a pity." She mused in reference to his almost sworn oath to never place himself in the public eye while she was present. Surely she wasn't that bad? It wasn't as if she had declared her undying love for him and was now insistant on having his children - although if that had gotten a reaction from him she might very well have tried it. There was always next time she supposed.

"As for having no pride in relation to your social standings." She once again paused for a few seconds, allowing herself to steal a galance both at his fine physique and then at the expression on his noble face... There was no way he had no pride regardless of how antisocial he may have been.

"Everyone cares about their own social standings, even though they may cringe in the company of others." She clucked her tongue against the side of her cheek and flicked her lazy, left ear to fend away a fly. "We can't help ourselves and correct me if I am wrong but I sincerely doubt you would have appreciated it if I had belittled you." She finished, returning her gaze to his face, her brow arching in an almost challenging fashion.

Cihiru

He wouldn't have blamed her for being stereotypical; it was only natural, and he did rather look the part. But just because he chose not to show emotion hardly meant he didn't possess any... Even if they were diluted in comparison (and he probably wouldn't have appreciated the lump association, even if he didn't blame her).

"You seem to enjoy it enough without the audience to spare me." And that was precisely the reason he hoped to avoid it. Letting Yei publicly humiliate him was definitely on his list of things (to try) not to do, regardless of whether or not she thought it a pity.

Of course he had pride. One could even go so far as to call him pompous in some regards (and Yei had certainly ventured so far already). He just wasn't one to delude himself into thinking he was actually gifted in the art of conversation and diplomacy. From his perspective, he was anything but.

"To be prideful," he started, catching her gaze with his pale, steeled eyes, "does not necessarily mean faultless confidence in all regards." Ti'ran gave his tail a lazy twitch as he considered. "No, feel free to belittle that until you bore of it." But only that; he may not have been so tolerant in other aspects. His morals, for example, were rather precious.

. paramekia .

Stubborn a**. He should be the one with the lazy ear! And yet, she could only release a sigh at his reply and swiftly came to the conclusion that regardless of any response she gave, he would always find a way to turn it back on her (compliment or not)...Was he really a glutton for punishment? He certainly gave her the impression that he was, considering how open he was to her offer to belittle him.

Urgh, males truly were an odd species. A puzzle or a riddle that she simply couldn't decipher and sometimes it infuriated her to the brink of silence, but not quite. Actually, it would take something momentous to silence the fiery mare and those type of occasions were very hard to come by. For example, had he broke into song and dance then that would have silenced her, but that just wasn't going to happen.

...More was the pity.

"You're right, I do enjoy teasing those I meet." She admitted as she coaxed her lazy ear into perking, her eyes shifting upwards briefly. "But I would only ever do it in public if I knew that they were prepared to take it in their stride and to laugh alongside me." She cleared her throat and released a bemused sigh as her ear flopped down again in a rebellious fashion.

"After all, humiliating someone in public is a cruel game unless they are in on the joke." A faint smile appeared across her lips again and she promptly shifted her weight to make herself more comfortable. The stiffness in her hind legs was not exactly pleasant and exchanging weight between one hoof to the other eased it.

"Or unless they have the ability to tease you as well." She conceded as the thought crept into her head and she at last, gave him a surprisingly critical glare.

"Why are you so prepared to have me belittle you in relation to your status? It seems terribly unhealthy!"

Cihiru

Believe it or not, Ti'ran didn't make a habit of twisting commentary to suit his personal needs. Two things were at fault here (aside from his willingness to go along with them). First off, Yei all but worded it for him. And secondly... Well, he only did it on occasions he happened to disagree. The mare was just hitting a stroke of poor luck, as it were. Or maybe the unicorn had too many opinions for their mutual benefit.

"I noticed." And then she promptly put down his assumption. Pleasantly surprised, Ti'ran once again arched a brow. "In that case, I will admit to be less wary of your company... in public." That was a subtle, dry attempt at humor, but he didn't even crack a grin. "As I obviously lack the ability to laugh, take a joke, or 'tease'." Ti'ran made it a point to make the last word sound as unfamiliar to him as possible.

"As for my willingness to take criticism..." The stallion tilted his head ever so slightly. "It's because I would agree with you, of course." How could it possibly be damaging to his ego if it was an opinion he held already? "It's not the same as telling me I am inept as a slug when I consider myself among the most skilled conversationalists... Because I don't."

It hadn't occurred to him til then that his perspective might actually be a less than popular one, as it seemed only logical in his mind. "You would not take it kindly, were you in my position, I gather?"

. paramekia .

"If you lacked the ability to tease me you should not have promised to be wary of me in public." She smiled widely as she made his observation, satisfied with how quickly she had picked up on it when he apparently, had not. It wasn't that she went out of her way to continuously pick holes in what everyone said, but she just couldn't help it when it came to this stallion because deep down, deep, deep down he was hiding a much lighter side (or so she thought).

"Criticism which is not constructive is of no use," She finally found herself back on topic and shook her head, almost as though she couldn't quite believe her ears. She was almost dumbstruck by his apparent inability to see his own qualities!

"That is why I will not belittle you. You already possess the skills necessary for social interaction you just never seem to use them." She turned her gaze up towards the feathers still attached to his horn and that bemused smile returned to her lips. "It is a shame as you have quite a charming front, Ti'ran." She pointed out wistfully as she drew her gaze away and found herself focusing upon the reddening sky.

The spirits hated her. Bad luck was her middle name and it seemed that today was no exception. Dusk was approaching and as much as she desired to stay...

"Although it seems I have the misfortune of being reminded that time travels swiftly during these months and I -" She hesitated and looked down briefly. She guaranteed that if she left now there was a very slim chance of ever seeing the intriguing stallion again but well, that was life she supposed. "Have to go." She finished in a rather flat tone, casting a glance towards A'ier for a few moments.

"It's been a pleasure Ti'ran, likewise with you A'ier." She gave both a nod before fixing her gaze on the wolf thoughtfully, "Make sure he keeps practicing and developing his social skills. I know I can trust you to ensure that will happen, no?" She finished and released a delicate chuckle as she backed away ever so slightly to give both room. Eventually she would head northwest and back up the slopes to locate her two-legger but she felt that at least saying goodbye was an appropriate way to end the chance encounter.

"And...I'm sorry about the feathers." She added tentatively.

Cihiru

It was entirely possible the mare knew something he did not, but his ability to tease wasn't one of them. Ti'ran did grin inwardly at her satisfaction though; he might have to try that more often. It was... charming, in a way, and if nothing else, it seemed to amuse him.

"Suit yourself," he said simply, though he was rather taken aback by the mild, honest outburst. So, what was that 'not falling short on anything' about? It certainly didn't agree with what he was hearing now. She sounded disappointed, actually, and he was left in contemplative silence.

No, that was confused silence. A confusion it didn't sound like he'd be able to sort out then, as he could tell Yei was taking her leave even before she actually said it.

"It has," Ti'ran agreed at last, mirroring her polite nod with a slight bow.

The wolf had situated himself comfortably on the ground at some point, but he was still there, and gave Yei a certain nod when she addressed him. "Without a doubt. Well, I'll give it my best anyway. You can tell he's stubborn - Don't blame me if there's no noticeable improvement by our next encounter." He sounded so sure of himself, it was obvious he was doubtless there would be a next time. He'd go and find her, if he had to - He was rather fond of her spirit, and Ti'ran could definitely use a dose.

"These?" The unicorn peered upward again, but he was absent this time. "I had forgotten they were there... It's nothing to apologize for," he added, apparently having grown over it already. "Take care, Yei Umeko."

. paramekia .

And so, hesitating only briefly the mare gave a soft whicker and slipped passed the pair towards the forests in which they had come from. Admittedly, when she had immersed herselves within the shadows she did steal a glance at the stallion and his companion before giving a small nod - they were nice, if anything a little proper, but nice.

"Don't worry, I will." She murmured to no one in particular although she was clearly replying to his words. Even so, that double take had taken up enough of her time and with a sigh she turned her attentions to the pathway ahead. First she had to locate her rather troublesome two-legger and then she had to navigate her way back to her teepee. In the dark.

...Well, it could be fun.

 

[Cihiru]

06.11 It Takes Only a Moment: Ti'ran & K'jatu


Syrynx

tiny rooster tails of sand kicked up from speeding hooves, the damp granules flinging out behind the running mare as she dashes across the beach. Wet hoofprints were washed away by the tide, and after running a fair distance, she turned around, only torun over the samehoof prints again, this time kicking up water as she went. It seemed to goon forno particular reason other than the mare was either having fun, suffering from her brain being addled, or possibly enjoying her addled state depnding on how one looked at it. After a fewminutes more of this,sheslowed to a trot and pranced up further away from the tide, sides heaving, thoughshe seemed rather content. She stamped her feet andwalked in little circles before finally finding a place that suited her, and lay down in the sand, watching the water rise.

Cihiru

If the mismatched soquili-wolf duo was straying far from their regular haunts of the isolated forests, it was a certain bet the smaller of the two was causing mischief somewhere. - Typically at the unicorn's loss, and this was no exception.

Likewise, it would have been safe to assume A'ier, the canid, was aching to push his companion outside his zone of comfort. This typically came in the form of awkward interactions with complete strangers, or conversations so far removed from things Ti'ran cared to talk about, he could only sigh in exasperation.

And again, this was not an exception.

A'ier was trotting contently across the rolling plains, the unicorn ambling absently in-tow. He'd stop when he crested a hill every now and then, and drag his gaze across the horizon in an attempt to spot something interesting. When nothing remarkable presented itself, he'd pick up his pace and carry on again, and Ti'ran would follow in silence, for lack of something better to do with his time.

They went on in this manner for a good portion of the morning, until the fields on the horizon faded to sand and water, and stretched as far as the eye could see. Excellent, the wolf mused. "Hey Ti'ran, wake up."

"I'm not asleep," he retorted hopelessly.

Water typically meant soquilis, and soquilis meant acquaintances. They were sorely in need of more of those. This would be excellent, indeed. A'ier took off at a trot with that thought, carrying them both to the water's edge, where they pathed alongside it.

Syrynx

K'jatu contemplated silently, as usual.She was a mare of few words, and the words she used were usually succinct and to the point. And so when the wolf and unicorn came into view it was not perhaps much of a suprise when she didnt say anything at all. In fact, she may as well have been part of the sand, for her coat blended with the swirling granules and bits of driftwood that surrounded her, However she did watch the pair curiously, and contemplated joining them. The wolf at least looked as though he might be keen upon her favorite sport.

Cihiru

Ti'ran would have been content to carry on in this fashion for the rest of the day, just walking quietly with his contemplations as company, and letting the gentle waves wash over his ebony hooves. The sound of the water crashing in the distance, and flowing over the beach further added to the serenity, and it would have been a good way to spend an afternoon, if he did say so himself.

But alas, it wasn't meant to be. A'ier's keen senses picked out a form in the distance, and he was able to discern the sent from the salty mists. Perfect! A soquili - He hoped she would be open to introductions, and pulled himself toward her with optimism.

"Good afternoon!" he greeted, and pulled to a stop a ways off, allowing her space (particularly because he noticed she had been laying, and didn't wish to intrude).

Ti'ran pulled short behind him, far enough to separate his association, but near enough to be within earshot. He did not call out like the wolf, however, and instead stood back in silence; his large form still as a statue, except for a polite bow of his head.

Syrynx

As the wof approached, K'jatu's ears flicked forward curiously.The Dark colored Unicorn he was with seemed reserved and she almost seemed to smile before she pushed herselfto her hooves andshook, sending sand outwards as she flicked her tail and mane. eying the wolf she gave a solitary nod and replied with a slightly bemused tone,"It is."

Cihiru

Her response wasn't quite as outgoing as A'ier might have wished, and it dampened his hopes a little, even though he didn't dare let it tinge his warm expression. Rather than letting it dash his optimism, he inched a few steps closer. After all, she still seemed friendly enough. "Hope you don't mind sharing it a bit... My name's A'ier." The wolf gave his tail an almost subconscious, friendly wag, as though he was oblivious to her unceremonious shake.

"Ti'ran," his companion echoed, rolling his ears forward (A'ier was glad he didn't have to goad for it this time). He didn't approach any closer just yet though, and instead observed from where he stood. Things seemed to be headed in their typical direction, anyway, so he doubted the mare would mind. She'd just converse with the far more outgoing A'ier, and the wolf would make not-so-subtle attempts to pull him into a conversation he wanted to be involved in only for the sake of his familiar and his pride.

Syrynx

"I don'tmind." She managed to string the sentence together with little hesitation,and her expression warmed slightly. She pawed at the sand almost nervously andlooked at the ground beforeoffering, "K'jatu, or Kaja, or Tu, makes no differencewhat you call me really." Goodness! She babbled for a moment before looking back to the sand, flicking her eyes back up between the two, then back to the sand, and then,once more, tothe wolf andhis companion.

Seemed that she struggled for something to say, but any social grace she might have had at one point and time was obviously not present. Her gift of gab was non existent sometimes, and it seemed that she was rather disposed tobeing silent and just watching the visitors with rapt attention.

Cihiru

"Glad to hear it," the wolf responded automatically, as it went a great deal toward soothing any doubts he may have had. It was interesting though; she seemed rather shy. Maybe she was unaccustomed to conversation? It was possible she was just an introvert like Ti'ran, he supposed... But it seemed unlikely. "K'jatu it is - Pleased to meet you."

Her name was of particular interest to the unicorn; it bribed him to step a bit closer, and eye her with hidden curiosity. "I take it you are not from here?" he asked at last, his tone soft, and rather smooth... Despite his disinclination toward politeness. He could have worded that more tactfully, he realized, but mentally shrugged. It was no matter.

Syrynx

K'jatu blinked at the unicorn's question andnodded,"Quite right." She seemed to loosen up a bit and expounded upon the idea set forth,"I am from the land far west of us. There is sand, in abundance there, and great salty waters from where I have wandered. The sand is red, and the ground has loops and terraces of stone that sprout from it." She smiled, "I passed through tall peaks and great plain to reach this shore."

Cihiru

The stallion nodded absently as he wrote the description to memory, should it ever come in handy. He was actually somewhat familiar with the land she spoke of already though, as the place he left behind himself stood in the mountains, between here and there.

It was A'ier who spoke however, perhaps not to anyone's surprise. "Hope you don't think it rude to ask, but what brought you to travel so far?" It didn't occur to him until after the inquiry might open uncomfortable doors for Ti'ran... but it wouldn't have been a first, so he shrugged to himself, and took a seat in the damp sand.

Syrynx

The mare smiled at the wolf, "One day, I Began to run. and I ran farther than I had ever run before. I ran so long that my feet ached and my muscles were throbbing, and night came down. I slept, and the next morning I was still sore, but I ran anyways. Again, I ran and ran until I could run no more, just to see what there was beyond home." She shrugged, there was no great tradgedy, no exile, merely the desire to see what else there was.There had to be more than red sand.

Cihiru

"You never desired to go back?" It was Ti'ran who inquired this time, sounding all but timid next to the wolf.

That really made no sense to him. Had she no family or friends to leave behind? He hardly had either, and still, he would have gone back if he could have. So how was it she simply left on her own accord... and stayed here? Certainly, it was a wonderful land, but it wasn't worth that to him.

"Well," A'ier spoke up, shifting his weight slightly. "Was it worth it?"

Syrynx

She smiled at the wolf and spoke,"Yes, it was worth the journey." She cast her clanceupon the unicorn though and gave him a sad sort of smile, and seemed to shrug, "I haveseen that land, I know it in my heart,and I keepit with me. I have no desire to return because I haven't left. When the sun sets, these sands are red, and the water is just as salty. It just takes a moment, and I am on the sands I was born to." She shakes her head, "My herd was small, and I was the last child among them, I would forever be a child, forever stepping over boundaries. I miss them, but I feel no shame in not returning to them."

Cihiru

A'ier nodded his agreement, though he didn't seem to feel it necessary to add much more than that. He observed instead, content to take the silent route for once.

That was an intangible way of looking at it. The stallion was more of a logical individual in that sense, perhaps, and wasn't quite satisfied with sheer philosophy. In his mind's eye was all well and good, but it couldn't sate his desires. But then, it had been a long time since he'd played the child. So long, he could hardly relate...

"Fair enough," he said at last, unsure how else to approach it. He couldn't very well invalidate something he barely understood. So, he left it at that, and resigned to say nothing more.

Syrynx

She nodded mutely,"And you? Are you from here? Both of you?" She nodded toeach in turn not wishing to leave eitherout of the question or conversation. She siddled sideways, needing the movement, for as she watched her sudden companions and the waves behind them, she had the oddest sense of vertigo. The waves were hard to watch, they made her dizzy.

Cihiru

That was a bit of a loaded question; they were both woefully aware. "Neither of us are." It was A'ier who answered it though, and he gave the stallion a sideways glance. It would have been safer for him to explain; A'ier had a knack for saying too much with too little conscience.

"I'm from the mountains," he started, inclining his head a little toward them. "I picked up that," Ti'ran motioned a hoof at A'ier, "somewhere between there and here."

In truth, there was much more to it, but he wasn't inclined to share. As though it wasn't already apparent, it cemented he was, in fact, much more reserved and secretive. He had an interesting way of making it sound unoffensive though, like he was an individual of few words, and it was nothing personal. Perhaps because that was the way it was.

"I'm not a that," A'ier protested, though he too left further details to the imagination.

Syrynx

The mare smiled,"Perhaps someday you and I may have the time to to go moreinto depthon the details ofour home and travels, foryouhave piqued my intrest, both of you. However Imust humbly beg your forgiveness, for I must get going."

Cihiru

"Maybe some day," the wolf agreed, though they were both inwardly hoping it never came to that. "No begging necessary; farewell, K'jatu." And that was that. Ti'ran declined his head in a small bow, and without further exchange, they continued off along the beach.

 

[Cihiru]

06.12 After All This Time... Hello Brother: Ti'ran & Ris'hin

Here

TormentedAngie

It had been a long journey for him by hoof. Ris wasn't the type to complain though. Pretty scenery, a few pretty faces to woo along the way, certain hadn't been a wasted trip, that's for sure. Even if his brother wasn't anywhere to be found, though it was likely Ran was more than just around, the trip hadn't been the worst. Black tipped muzzle reached for the skies in a challenge, the noise bursting past his lips even more of one. Rearing up on his hind legs, the stallion pawed at the air, rather enjoying the crisp air in this new place he stood in. When he came back down to earth, his blackened hooves shook the ground around him ever so slightly, a small vibration, nothing more. His braids tumbled around his neck, dropping every which way. Icy eyes scanned the area around him, looking for any signs of life. Now would be a fairly decent time to find Ran. Now or never, right?

Cihiru

Never would have been too soon for Ti'ran, had he a say in the matter. To say there was no love lost in the brothers' separation would have been an understatement to the third degree... But as life would have it, it didn't stop and ask for his opinion. It rarely did.

And for the most part, he was content with that. Though young by a unicorn's standards, the stallion was old enough to know his lot in life, and jaded enough he had long grown past rejecting it. That didn't mean he wasn't willing to reject everything it managed to throw at him though.

Including his dear, lost brother, if only he had seen him coming. Or heard him, for that matter. But he didn't. Or he wouldn't have, if not for the piercing neigh. Ran tipped his ears at it, velvety lobes flattening against his skull. What foolishness was this, to cry out to the unknown and beg for all its misfortune?

Ignorant creature. Ti'ran snorted his dismay, the breath leaving his muzzle in a near-silent puff. Were he less of a cultured stallion, he might have had half a mind to run the stranger off himself. He refrained though, thinking it part uncalled for, and part inappropriate. It was, after all, perfectly within the individual's right to be a fool. He'd met more than one or two in his day.

It was also in his right to tell him so, and today, the unicorn was feeling at least a little confrontational. It wasn't every day he got to stretch his legs - metaphorically speaking. With no A'ier about to tell him otherwise, the stallion pushed himself toward the challenger with a self-assured stride.

TormentedAngie

Ris'hin reared up again, pawing the air once more before coming down and whirled around in a circle before heading off, coincidentally in the same direction as his brother was coming from.

While his brother may have hoped that he would never have to lay eyes upon his pristine white hide ever again, Ris had been plotting and planning, hoping for just such a thing to happen. Who wouldn't want to keep in touch with their literal other half? Especially if it was almost guarenteed to cause as much havoc as possible in the other's life?

While his brother's pace was likely more reserved than his own, Ris'hin ran without abandon, running full tilt until his eyes met a darken figure nearing. Could he possibly get even more lucky than he already was? Careening towards the other figure, the lighter stallion ran halfway towards the figure before sliding to a flashy stop, his hindquarters shifting under him to help the braking processes. He snorted and tossed his head, eyeing the darkened figure up before raising his voice. If his eyes didn't decieve him, he was sure in who this was, and addressed him accordingly.

"Well well well, have the mountains ice caps finally melted? I do believe they're close to it, if that is truly my beloved brother coming out to meet me after such a long and tedious journey." With an amused snort, Ris pawed the ground before calmly advancing towards Ti'ran. "After all this time. Hello my Brother." If he knew Ran, this was likely not to be a tear-jerking reunion, that much was certain. How he would receive Ris, was questionable, although Ris very much doubted it was going to be with much pleasantry.

Cihiru

Who wouldn't? Ti'ran wouldn't have. Especially knowing Ris'hin. No good could come from him, he was sure. It was with that knowledge he had left his brother (and his herd) years ago, never bothering to spare him in particular a second thought or glance.

As fate - or Ris - would have it though, he'd have to spare him audience. A most unfortunate occasion.

The flash of ivory did little more than p***k an ear at first, but as it drew into plainer sight, expression fell from his features. If there was one thing the unicorn could manage without fail, it was stoicism. That, he could do well, and this would be a good time for it, if history was anything to judge by.

And history was likely a pretty accurate guide, considering circumstance. Ris'hin... Here? Why? No, he knew why. The tensing of his shoulders was an instinctual reaction, conditioned by years of agitation. The other had no business here besides him.

As he slid to a stop, Ran shook his head dismissively, and pulled himself to a steadfast pause. "Wasted no time with learning wisdom or decency, I see." He fixed his brother with a pointed stare. "Spare your pleasantries. To what do I owe this occasion?" His distaste was blatant, despite his deep, smooth tone and even expression.

Tear-jerking, likely not.

TormentedAngie

Ran was right on one thing. No good could come from Ris. Only trouble, torture, flared tempers.... among all else. In the eyes of Ris, this couldn't be a more perfect setting. Rolling hills, trees in the distance, himself framed by the mountains behind him, Ran framed by the... well there wasn't much behind him that Ris cared about.

While Ran was able to remain stoic, Ris couldn't help but let a bit of a smirk control his own features. He knew just how to push Ti'ran's buttons and would be sure to push them as far as he possibly could.

Tossing his head a couple of times, Ris'hin chuckled. "Wisdom and decency. I have them both, I just choose not to show it the way you do, dear brother. I prefer to have a bit more life to my personality than being a stump waiting to fall over and rot." Amusement flashed within the lighter stallion's eyes, knowing this could be quite the interesting encounter.

"Do I really need a reason to come visit my brother? We are siblings you know, ir you haven't forgotten and all with your new friends and all." That, he knew, was likely to elict an interesting response. As long as Ti'ran hadn't changed, it was likely no one truly considered the darker of the two a friend.

Tears of joy? Perhaps not. Tears of frustration and irritation? That could be negotiated.

Cihiru

With any luck, and a hint of adeptness, none of those would be his. Ran's skin was thicker than that, and his patience more resolved. His brother had his work cut out for him, that much was sure.

"What good are possessions you make no use of?" What an outrageous claim. If Ris'hin was decent and wise, Ti'ran was outgoing and imprudent. One thing was certain: he was not a stump. "I wasn't aware lecherousness and deceitfulness were required personality traits, lest someone confuse us for 'stumps'." The stallion snorted and idly shifted his weight. "Nor was I aware you are unable to make the discernment. I suppose I should have had lower expectations."

Where was he going with that, exactly? Ran wasn't about to deny it, and he was secure enough in his voluntary isolation not to be bothered. If he wanted to annoy, he'd have to find a different facet. "I only wish I could forget you." His frown deepened a little. "You may not need one, but I am certain you didn't drag yourself all the way out here - seasons after - for greetings. Nor did aimlessness tell you where to find me. I don't think fate favors you so fondly."

TormentedAngie

As luck would have it... Ran's words gave Ris a clear shot for fun. Oh yes, he'd enjoy this, but he'd draw it out, confuse the poor boy in front of him a bit, run him around in circles before it came down to the true matter.

"Dear Brother, Fate favors me more than you'd dream." With a wink the stallion bent to nudge at an itch on his foreleg. "Besides, you're like an old stick in the mud. Didn't it ever occur to you that I'm comparing you to the likeness of a stump, and not actually calling you the stump? Or would you rather I just shrug it off and call you the stump since you act so much like one? Besides nothing with being a bit lascivious from time to time. We're STALLIONS for crying out loud. Even you must have a bit of a drive to go after a mare from time to time." Pawing the ground, Ris rolled his eyes at the thought of his brother NOT wanting to tag after a mare. Hmm, he wondered what kind of rep Ran had around here, especially after that one night...

"Besides, I had a few ideas which direction I'd find you in. And followed my nose from there. Met a few pretty faces along the way, enjoyed the scenery. Quite the place you've got around here Big brother. Not bad at all." Bobbing his head, the ligher stallion stepped past Ti'ran, checking out what lay behind the darker stallion. "I don't suppose you're going to escort me around, so I'll do that myself later. How have you been doing? I can tell your personality still lacks, though that's not a surprise, to be honest."

Cihiru

The unicorn was content to let him overestimate his fortune; it was no concern of his. He didn't even see fit to dignify it with a response. "You do realize the difference is negligible." Ran's frown creased. "Calling yourself a stallion is no excuse for philandering, but foolishness and disloyalty are your prerogative. I won't argue that." He shook his head, disturbing wavy locks.

Luckily for him, Kali kept mostly to herself, and she and her children dwelled in the village, away from the herds and gossip on its outskirts. As such, Ris would have found his reputation near spotless, were he to ask around - if only due to a lack of one.

"Your nose. A scent hound now, are you?" His ears folded at the allusion, tipping backward slightly. "If escorting you also involves dropping you off somewhere, never to be heard from again, I might consider obliging. Your opinion aside, I was doing just fine until you invited yourself for a visit. I don't believe you have any more interest in my affairs than I do in enlightening you though, so spare your facade."

TormentedAngie

Ris tossed his head, chuckling a bit. "You always did make things harder than they needed to be, Ti'ran. Where on earth you get disloyalty out of being a bit of a female admirer? Perhaps that's why you couldn't get a mare if you tried. Or maybe that's exactly it. You don't try. And why would that be, hmm?" Gleaming eyes glanced his brother up and down. The stallion had potential, if he ever removed the burrs lining the underside of his tail long enough to loosen up a bit.

"Yup, scent hound. Better than an old unmoving, lifeless stump, now isn't it?" Teasing, always with the teasing tone. He kept an eye on Ran's ears, always a sure sign of the other's mood, regardless of how stony his face looked. "Aww, you don't want to show me around your home? Don't worry, I won't be going anywhere for a while, so get used to it. You, better than most, should know that you can't get rid of me that easily. Come now brother. Have you really forgotten all that?"

A bit of a well aimed, though half-heartedly executed kick was launched from Ris's hind end as he circled himself to Ran's side, a bit of a shoulder nudge of sorts, certainly nothing to actually land unless Ti'ran was dense enough to move completely into it. "What's around here that keeps you here, anyway?" A moment of hesitation, before Ris added "besides the fact that I'm not here, or wasn't until now, of course." Had he not added that last comment, it was highly likely Ran would've said it almost verbatim.

Cihiru

He was making things difficult? Surely Ris'hin knew what a disturbance simply his presence was. There was no doubt of that. "I fail to see how you consider 'loving and leaving' anything but." He kept his stance firm, head lifted ever so slightly. "Have you only just realized?" And then he canted it faintly to one side. "And why does there have to be a reason? Does 'I don't care to' not suffice?" Rhetorically, of course. Ran didn't really care if his brother thought it did or didn't.

"Have you already forgotten I'd forget you if I could? I reminded you only a moment ago." The unicorn dreaded to hear it though. He had more than an inkling all along, but hearing him say it... Confirming he was here for the long-haul; that shattered even the dimmest rays of hope he might have sheltered.

It was a shame. He had actually begun to enjoy it here. But then, that had always been Ris'hin's way. Find what his brother enjoyed, and try to take it. He had always been that way, and Ti'ran was anything but surprised to see he hadn't changed.

He snapped around, side-stepping the blow smoothly and giving his tail a flick. "You deceitfully drive me from my own home, destroy all possibility of return, then barge in what solitude I finally manage to make for myself, and have the nerve to ask what it is that keeps me here?" Ran's patience was wearing thin. It was almost unfortunate A'ier was nowhere to be found - soon, there would be little to keep his temper in check.

"I still find it would be more appropriate to ask what it is to cause you to travel all the way here with seemingly so little motive. Have you run out of mares? That was, perhaps, the only activity you seemed to enjoy more than being a nuisance. Still, I'm certain there's something more than that." Lowering his head a bit, the stallion stayed his annoyance.

TormentedAngie

"Oh come now 'Ran. You know I don't always love and leave. I can admire from afar too you know." He chuckled, throughly amused. Ti'ran certainly had no clue about any of it, did he? Well, he could wait to find it out later. It was too good to pass up, leading the older one on like this.

"Please. Do you really still blame me solely for that incident? How was I to know that they were going to fully blame you, and forbid you ever to return? Not like I demanded it of them or anything. If you will remember, I did try and stick up for you in that situation." Just like Ran to hold a grudge. Ris, however, didn't bother with them. They led to petty emotions that the lighter colored stallion couldn't be bothered with. Why waste your life as a sour puss about something, when much better, happier things could happen?

Ris'hin chuckled, swishing his tail against his brother's flank as he stepped towards him again. "Run out of mares? My dear, DEAR brother. There haven't been enough mares born in the world for me to 'run out of' as you so delicately put it. Like I said, I came for a visit. We are family, whether you like it or not. And there's times whe someone has to check in on you, to make sure you haven't gone and jumped off a cliff to bring about your own demise..." With a gleam in his eye, Ris snickered before adding, "though I'm sure that's one thought that's crossed your mind in the past few minutes, if I know anything about you at all."

Cihiru

"Just because you can doesn't mean you do. Nor does 'not always' mean you don't often." Ris'hin's laugh fell on still-folded ears.

"What, do you propose I blame myself? I had no part in it - and don't think your so-called defending redeems you." It wasn't so much a grudge as it was a persistently strong dislike. But then, it wasn't Ran's fault his brother delighted in trampling nerves. He was sure Ris'hin didn't understand though. How could he, when he was always the instigator?

And the stallion sidestepped, again drawing himself away from the attempts at contact. That had always annoyed him. "Restating your intentions doesn't sway me to believe it's so simple. It never is with you - I don't care how many times you want to repeat it." He narrowed his eyes at the suggestion though, expression steeling further still. "And you never did know anything about me."

Nothing at all. Ti'ran was far too honorable - and prideful - to throw a life away so wastefully. His own was no exception, and jesting made it no less disgraceful. It was, perhaps, the tone that gouged him more than the words though.

"Did you know, Ris'hin," he was squared off, facing the other. "That I am actually trying to decide if I care enough about your motives to entertain this meaningless banter?" Ran had been holding his tongue, and reigning the irritated adrenaline that tensed his limbs.

TormentedAngie

"No, blaming yourself wouldn't be the course of action I'd take, however, your attitude didn't help, I'm sure." Pawing the ground, Ris stood still for a moment, regarding his brother carefully with an icy eye. "Half your 'problems' wouldn't be so bad if you weren't such a sour puss, you know. Lightened up a bit, it might help your whole disposition."

Still, while Ris had turned a bit serious, he hadn't lost the goodnatured wit about him. "Oh, you're entertaining? Glad to hear it Brother. Although your idea of entertaining, and mine, are completely different in idea." Ris knew he had to be close to pushing Ran's final button, and though he wasn't too worried about the outcome, he couldn't quite help but wonder how much longer it'd take the old boy to get there. 'Course, he wouldn't say that out loud. Might hurt Ti'ran's feelings, calling him old and all.

"Speaking of entertainment," he began, knowing this one particular comment was sure to annoy Ran. "Think I can find a pretty little female escort for the duration of my visit?" Visibly, Ris tensed up, almost grinning as he waited to see if the straw broke the soquili's back. He was gonna be ready for it, if Ran decided to lunge at him.

Cihiru

That was Ris'hin's answer to everything. Lighten up; if it annoys you less, it will go away. If only ignoring problems solved them. "You didn't help." He never helped; the unicorn could have sworn it was an antonym to his very name.

"My 'problems' wouldn't exist if not for you." He should have known that; it should have been obvious. Isolationists didn't get themselves into trouble. Others dragged it to them. And it was not amusing. Was peace and quiet too much to ask for?

Ris'hin portraying himself a fool wasn't amusing either. What enjoyment did he find in that? "Haven't a clue. Why don't you see if you can find one?" No, he didn't expect the other to take him up on the suggestion, but he had nothing to lose from trying. Anything was worth a shot.

Well, almost anything. He wasn't ready to resign himself to violence just yet, and Ris'hin's blatant expectation made him cant his head to one side. Either his patience had grown longer, or Ris'hin had underestimated it. Either way, the unicorn wouldn't be assaulting him just yet... Though he waited for the remark that would make him change his mind.

TormentedAngie

"I tried but it's not like you bothered to accept." Ris'hin shrugged, an action that was achieved by lowering his head and rolling his shoulders back a bit. When you looked at it, didn't quite look like a shrug, but the effect was the same, regardless.

"You mean to tell me you don't have a herd of mares of your own around here? Oh come now. That certainly can't be right." Ris's eyes flashed mischievously. Ohhohoho he didn't know at all did he? This was great.

Oh yes, Ris would enjoy explaining to his brother about his little 'misshap' but when it would come out was questionable. All about timing, it was. He had to wait for the right moment. The time when Ran was in the perfect position, mentally, to hear it. Right now he wasn't even truly in the moment, ready to kill him yet. No, Ris would wait a bit longer to give him his news.

Cihiru

Bothered to accept? Bothered was certainly a choice word for it. In his opinion, it didn't quite work that way. One didn't bother to accept help, he either did or he didn't. In Ti'ran's case, he wouldn't have touched his brother's help with a ten foot pole - not until Ris'hin changed his tune, that is. That would have been the day, wouldn't it?

No, he supposed not. "One two-faced notion does not inspire me to reconsider condemning your help. Letting me be would be more help than anything else you could muster." He knew that already though, he just delighted in the opposite.

"That is exactly what I mean to tell you," Ti'ran replied, tone deadpan and obviously unamused.

His temper didn't flare though... He just steeled his jaw and began to turn away. There was a brief moment Ti'ran considered giving some sort of dismissive farewell, but it was short lived. Instead, he sighed inwardly, lashed his tufted tail, and braced himself for some sort of parting objection.

TormentedAngie

Again, Ris rolled his shoulders back in a shrug. "And that, dear brother is why you have problems on a social level. You're too proud to accept help from others, yet blame them fully on your problems. Same old Ran, I see." Ris'hin snapped ever so slightly. His brother was far too stubborn on that aspect.

"Oh come on, you have to have at least ONE mare in your sights. Even you can't go forever unloved!" Oh hoho, it was incredibly tempting to slip out minor details of that willing little mare from a while back. Indeed, it was quite tempting, and now would be the time to let it slip, wouldn't it?

"No winged beauties that fancy your company?" That was more than enough of a hint, surely.

Cihiru

He paused abruptly, only just sparing Ris'hin a glance over his shoulder. "If I want you to analyze the intricacies of my personality and my social status, I will let you know. Until then, don't." Not only was it none of his business, but arguing with him about why he was wrong was about as counterproductive as trying to convince A'ier he really didn't need to embarrass him at every possible opportunity. He had better things to do.

"None," he insisted, though he had turned back to the path ahead of him, and had taken a step or two forward. The unicorn's tail lashed once, deliberately, but he did not turn to look behind him. "Unloved is such a base way of phrasing it. Need I remind you, not all of us desire the company of others."

And that was putting it simply - nicely, even. He didn't just not desire the company of others; there were times he loathed it. This was one of those times. "Should there be?" Ti'ran asked suddenly, in a rather pointed fashion. His ears pinned in his irritation; this game had gone on long enough. He was not some sort of plaything for Ris'hin's amusement, and if he would continue refusing directness, Ti'ran would deny him the pleasure.

TormentedAngie

If a plaything wasn't what Ran was, he sure was a bundle of entertainment either way. But even Ris knew when to quit. His brother was quite obviously smouldering, and getting ready to ignite an entire forest fire by now. Better to let the older one walk it off for now. It wasn't as if Ris was going anywhere anytime soon. There was too much havoc to be caused in Ran's life before he was through and bored and ready to wander off once again.

"Perhaps, brother. Perhaps." Ris's ears perked up in complete opposite fashion of Ti'ran's, feeling rather pleased with himself. It wasn't every conversation that he managed to get his brother this worked up. A little excitement now and then did the body wonders, even if his darker brother was less inclined to believe such nonsense.

"I can see you're too preoccupied with other things, so I believe I shall bide my leave, brother. But realize this. I'm not leaving. I quite rather like it around here, so do get used to me being around for a while, won't you?" With that, Ris'hin gave his brother a wink and wheeled around, the opposite direction as Ran had been heading. "I'll be seeing you around, Ti'ran, you can count on it." It wasn't just a promise, but more of a chilling threat laced with amusement, if only for Ris himself.

 

[Cihiru]

06.13 A Sullen Sunrise: Ti'ran & Sanuye

Here

Lauryn de Vampyre

Once again another sleepless night. Sanuye had been awake for over 24 hours this time around, and it was wearing on her nerves. Something was keepng her agitated and blast it all, if she didn't know what it was! She had been feeling restless these past few days, although it might have something to do with the fact that she hadn't seen another intelligent being for the same amount of days.

This night she had been watching the slow progression of the moon as she thought about the bleak lonliness slowly enwrapping her conciousness. Never before had being alone bothered her. Never before had she actively sought out company. She wasn't antisocial, but she'd always been comfortable just being in nature on her own. These past few nights were different.

Now the dark mare strolled along the edge of the forest, gazing at the moon that had nearly sunk below the horizon, and the sun that was getting ready to rise not too far off. Sanuye loved to watch the sky turn the beautiful colors of blue, purple, pink and orange...though today it held no wonder for her.

"I canna understand it!" she shouted into the waning night.

Cihiru

Unfortunately, most nights were sleepless these days... But this one didn't seem to be the sort Ti'ran regretted to be out in. Fireflies were drifting lazily in the faint breeze, and the billowing clouds seemed content to give the limelight to the moon, letting its rays illuminate them in the darkness.

A'ier, who was nocturnal by nature, strolled contently beneath them, weaving a sort of haphazard path through the forest's undergrowth, as he often did.

Unsurprisingly, the unicorn was trailing alongside him, as silent as always.

"You know, Ran..." A'ier started.

"I don't," the unicorn interjected. "And I doubt I care."

"So cold," his companion pouted, ears wilting. "I was only going to suggest we head to the plains. It's an awfully pleasant night, and I'll bet the view is a lot better there."

Traditionally, they stayed near the forest for hunting grounds and isolation, but A'ier's hunger was satiated, and the hour didn't lend itself well to unexpected company. It was reasoning he couldn't really argue with, and Ti'ran showed his agreement with a hesitant nod.

The wolf grinned in satisfaction, and adjusted his route accordingly. He carried on in that fashion until the thick of the threes tapered off, and the forest faded into the plains beyond it. Widely lit by the moon hanging overhead, the earth was much brighter here. It was the sort of environment A'ier had been hoping for, and he picked up his pace a little once he laid eyes on it.

Ti'ran halted though, and folded his ears at the yell that broke the relative silence.

"She sounds personable," A'ier chirped, already turning toward its source.

Lauryn de Vampyre

Sanuye huffed and trotted along the stand of trees that separated this side of the forest from the grassy and pleantiful plains. She let herself be wooed into a shallow calm simply by listening to the myriad of insects surrounding her. The dark mare breathed deeply of the crisp wind and tossed her mane behind her defiantly.

Whatever was making her feel so restless, she would not let it control her. With that mental decision in place, Sanuye found herself leaving her skulking haunting grounds of the trees for the more open and spacious plains. She whinnied softly in pleasure.

Without a seconds thought Sanuye raced ahead, her braided mane and tail wipping behind her as she distanced herself from the forest. She galloped hard and fast, knowing that if anything dangerous were in the vicinity that it would be easy to spot. With that in mind, safety enveloped her like a warm blanket and she felt her muscles relaxing one by one. The restless feeling hadn't completely dissipated, but it was forgotten for now.

Forgetting what time of night it was, Sanuye let out a great and loud whiny to let the night know she was free...for now.

Cihiru

Ti'ran had turned to take after his companion, but only very grudgingly; it showed in the way his dished ears folded, and his cloven hooves dragged through the grass in a precariously balanced mix of listlessness and gracefulness. A'ier didn't let it get to him though - his step was a polar opposite, almost as though he had far too much energy for the otherwise quiet night.

Well, quiet aside from the other, who seemed quite intent on making her presence known. As though the initial call hadn't been obvious enough. The wolf wasn't one to complain though; it made his job a lot easier... If it could be called a job at all. Following the equine shouts hardly qualified as work, really.

The ease of the search (even if he was a capable tracker) was enough to put him in even higher spirits by the time the mare drew into sight, and he was grinning rather broadly for it. "Excuse me," he called, a little softly, but not so soft as not to be heard.

The mood was certainly not infectious though. Ti'ran did not go out of his way to greet at first, and instead lingered typically at the rear. He would have been rather regal looking though, with the way he drew up his head to look out across the fields - if not a little antisocial. More surprisingly, it didn't last long. The unicorn did pull himself closer after a while, and even went so far as to speak (a bit of a rarity, for him).

"Excuse him," he interjected, tone deep and surprisingly even as he stared rather pointedly at the wolf alongside him. The unicorn looked back to the mare though, and offered a brief, polite bow of his head. "I am sorry to intrude."

"I'm not," A'ier replied, all but grinning ear-to-ear by then. "Sunrises so beautiful as this one are meant to be shared, wouldn't you agree?" he offered conversationally, betting a little heavily on the mare's hopefully social tendencies. Everyone had to be more social than Ran though.

 

[Cihiru]

06.14 Spring Again: Loki & Isilme

Here

Cihiru

It was that time of year again... The time when bleak winter skies gave way to vibrant sunlight, and dark, looming clouds. Snow crept back to whence it came, flowers bloomed behind it, and trees sprouted new leaves. Local wildlife took the fair weather as a much-needed opportunity to stretch its legs, and enjoy the biting cold's retreat.

Loki, meanwhile, couldn't help but notice he was yet again four seasons older, and realize he was only just beginning to understand 'time flies'... Regardless of whether or not he was having fun. Fortunately for him, he often was; this time just wasn't one of them. At least the day wasn't a particularly hot one; he could wear his shedding winter coat in relative comfort.

What to do with himself while wearing it was another matter entirely. His time today thus far had been spent in solitude, having woken only early enough to find Isilme gone, and been off with himself to graze. His hunger was ebbing now though, and as he lifted his muzzle from the spring grass to peer around, he became unfortunately aware now would have been a good time for company.

Company that was nowhere close to be had, it would seem. The stallion pushed himself into motion at that, his pale hooves gliding easily over the earth in a casual, but meaningful stride. He was rather in a mood to find Isilme, so he set himself to that, starting with noplace in particular. Process of elimination had always worked before!

dustfeather

After the cold and hard of winter, Isilme longed to see the sun and feel it's warmth. The crisp morning air was intoxicating, and she found herself waking up earlier and earlier to wander and watch the sunrise; a pleasant change from the previous month, when one could almost never feel truly warm.

The early morning mist rose in a small field not too far from where she had slept with Loki, and the dew was heavy lay heavy on the shoots of grass, the perfect treat for the mare. The sunrise permeated the mists only slightly...later on, it would erase all traces of the fog, but for now Isilme was just a gray-brown shape, more ghost than solid creature. Like any spring-mad mare, she was skittery and nervous just for the sake of bolting at any noise and kicking up her heels, and she had done so several times this morning, bucking and galloping and making a general spectacle of herself. Her sons would probably have been surprised if they had seen, she thought with an inner smile, then settled in to cropping the short grass, and waiting for Loki to awaken and find her.

The passing years had been good to both of them, seemingly: Isilme had accumulated only a minor scar or two, tribute to a mustang's rough life. But she had filled out, and lost her truly young, long-legged filly look: she was now stockier, more fit, and more laid-back. Motherhood and the last few years had been kind to her.

Cihiru

Loki's method had become refined and well-practiced over the seasons, and he wasted no time in applying the knowledge of habits he had stored away. As such, finding Isilme didn't take anywhere near as long as it might have a few years ago. He'd travel the length of a field, scent the lazy wind, and cast his gaze around for good measure. The stallion repeated this series only twice before his senses caught a figure he recognized despite the blanketing fog.

He didn't doubt she might start at the rustle of his hooves through the young grass, but for a moment, he simply stood at the field's edge, looking on in silence with an inward smile.

In retrospect, he really was very glad she'd gone against her rogue way of life and decided to stay what seemed like so long ago. It was the sort of sensation one had when he looked back on the years he had lived through, and wondered what could have been. What he could have been, had events unfurled in a different fashion.

Loki's didn't though, and in those few brief minutes he spent loitering in the distance, he put his whole heart into appreciating it. The feeling lingered with him even once he started into motion, and pulled slowly, cautiously toward the mare ahead. "Good morning, lady," he called softly at last, a smile stretching his maw.

dustfeather

The sound of someone coming closer does make her shy, skittering off a few paces and flicking up her ears, nostrils widening as she tries to negotiate through the nearby smells. The heavy scent of wet grass is the most prominent, of course, but under that is a trickle of something very familiar, and very warming to her heart.

Isilme had been surprised at the turn of events her life had given her. After her early years, being in a herd had held no taste for her; but Loki and her sons could hardly be called a herd. She had settled into this life with surprising ease, comfortable among her family and pleased to have found a niche in life. Occasionally, she did wonder what lay beyond these lands...but it was a question that was bothering her less and less these days, and she was only able to muster a kind of remote curiousity about foreign lands and places.

She still dutifully kept up her religion; that was one thing that would never change.

Alta even stayed around, but she would disappear for weeks or even months at a time. She could not be relegated to one place for long; only her bond of friendship kept her near at all. Despite loving the falcon, Isilme was glad to have equine company...the falcon's personality as a carnivore made her almost feel like a stranger at times, and she would say or do things beyond Isilme's comprehension.

"Loki," she calls out softly through the fog, her ears pricked forward. She smiled at him, ducking her head in a slightly shy fashion as he approaches. Lady. It wasn't something she had ever heard before Loki, or even knew the meaning to; but she loved it.

Isilme moves closer, to nuzzle her mate's cheek gently before pulling back, eyes bright with welcome. "Morning, sleepy."

Cihiru

Her reaction was one he had long ago come to expect - it was her nature, and their lifestyle. Any more, to act against it would have boggled him; it held no place here.

They had a place here, though, he was still thinking - where ever 'here' happened to be at the time - and he did love that dearly. To live a life, and feel it was right was really a remarkable sort of thing. He only hoped Isilme knew it too... And that his sons would some day find it. Though adults themselves, they were still too young for that yet, he suspected.

His thoughts didn't drift far from that, even at her approach. Loki leaned into her nuzzle, returning it briefly before he addressed the matter of verbal introductions.

He yawned before that too - a broad, exaggerated gesture that made it plenty clear he was mostly joking. The stallion had been awake for some time by then, and though it would be a while before he truly found his energy, he did feel he was awake enough to make 'sleepy' an unfair accusation. One that was familiar, and he didn't mind at all.

"I had so hoped today would be the day I received a less demeaning greeting." Loki feigned disappointment only briefly. "Though any from you is greeting enough for me. 'Sleepy' has grown a little fond, anyway."

He looked over her a moment then, weighing her posture and expression. "I trust you rested well?" Seeing as she was up bright and early, and looking sassy as ever. If it hadn't been so early, he might have voiced that too - but it was, so he didn't.

dustfeather

She smiled at him, but there's a bit of mischief behind that smile. "I'm only looking out for your best interests, dear. You'd probably die from shock, and I couldn't well have that on my conscience, could I?"

She clamps her muzzle immediately after around a yawn; yawns are particularly contagious in the morning, and she doesn't want him to think that she may be a bit sleepy in the morning, too. She wonders idly where the boys have run off to...although full-grown, she still had a tendancy to worry about them. Which was silly, really, when she thought of the things she'd been getting into at their age. She supposed that being a mother didn't necessarily mean that one had to be sensible. They certainly seemed like they were...both Kael and Kyer seemed to have good heads on their shoulders, and it was a bit of a relief to know that she and Loki had done a decent job in raising them.

"Mmm," she ays in the affirmative, shaking out her curly mane. "I could get used to this weather all-year round, makes me feel like a little filly again. Have you seen anything of the boys this morning?"

Cihiru

"So little faith." For a moment, his pride almost seemed wounded. "It'd take more than that to finish me off," he assured, nodding a little. "Don't be afraid to try it some time." It was all in jest though; Loki picked up his warm smile easily.

Her yawn made him grin triumphantly though. It was a childish sort of success he took no shame in enjoying. "Are you certain I shouldn't be calling you sleepy instead?"

At the question, the stallion shook his head, pale locks swaying. "I haven't gone looking, yet." The reply was offered in a fashion that implied he could, if she wanted though... Not that he thought he really needed to. They kept a fairly close eye on the boys as it was, and really, he was shocked they cared to check in as often as they did.

Boys would be boys, after all. He wasn't entirely sure he would have extended the same courtesy, were he in their position. It wasn't that he didn't wonder what they were up to, or even worry from time to time, but his conscience did allow him to let them to their freedom. They were grown, and he was certain they were sensible and capable enough to take care of themselves.

dustfeather

The mare chuckled quietly, quivering. "I'll keep that in mind," she responds, looking bemused.

"'m not yawning, I was just taking in the nice fresh morning air," she says, with a haughty sniff. Her actions and her poise - like an offended queen - make it clear that she's just returning the tease, for she dissolved into another chuckle, shaking herself in another minute. "Surely even you would grant me that. It's a lovely morning out, anyway, and it doesn't look like it'll rain for a few days yet."

"Mm, they'll be back whenever they feel like it, the ruffians," she says in response to his answer, forcing herself to relax. Unlike Loki, though, Isilme would probably have had kittens if either Kyer or Kael was gone for long enough...she just worried. Along with motherhood, her high-strung nature seemed to have dropped away from almost everything except her children; she was placid and easy-going, having mellowed, but she still fretted about her full-grown children. It's hard, being a mother.

But they were adults, and she felt guilty if she smothered them. The balance seemed to work out most of the time...but if they were truly in trouble, it's doubtful Isilme would let them out of her sight for weeks.

Cihiru

It was such a mild-mannered response... One Loki seriously doubted. 'Sleepy' wasn't going anywhere, and really, he wouldn't have wanted it any other way.

"Mhmm," he cooed, grinning mischievously. "Though even I would grant you that... even I do know better." The stallion leaned lightly against her, stretching his neck to nibble briefly - playfully at an ear. "I concede though. It is very pleasant... for a morning. We are about due for a rain though."

Loki yawned again just then, only for the sake of being ornery. "Of course they will, lady. And just in case the 'ruffians' don't, I will go and bring them back myself... Kicking, if I have to!" In the short moment he could hold his seriousness, the mustang struck a pose, puffing out his chest and pushing one foreleg forward, as if to say 'I could take them'.

The act required far too much effort though, so he didn't hold it long. "You know they will be fine. So..." Trailing faintly, Loki fixed her with bright eyes. "Why don't we revel in the knowledge our boys are grown, and enjoy the day like we should?"

What exactly there were to do was another matter entirely, but he would cross that bridge if he came to it.

dustfeather

"Hmph," she responds to that, sticking out her tongue for a brief moment and feeling like a giddy young filly all over again. She leans in to the nibble, however, taking the moment to grab onto and tug a lock of his mane. "Ruffian," she tells him, fondly. "No wonder where our two get it such wild manners."

At Loki's next statement, she has to laugh; the boys are almost as large as their father now, and there are two of them to his one self. Isilme can just picture the scene...and her amusement doubles. She gives her mate a playful shove with her shoulder. "Pretty soon, if not already, they'll be able to drag you around without too much fuss! I'd be nice to them, one day they'll realize it and use it to their advantage when dealing with their poor papa."

Isilme gives another toss of her curly mane, her neck arching a little as she eyes him throw her unruly forelock of hair. "And what do you propose, sir?"

Cihiru

He grinned at her still, enjoying the antics. It was the sort of thing he continued to be glad hadn't changed much over time. "Come now, you're not exactly the picture of innocence." Loki mock huffed at her, shaking his disheveled mane. "I'm sure miss runaway rogue had plenty to contribute; I'd be proud to take the blame though. And so far as problem boys are concerned? I'd say you got off pretty easy." He too was a 'problem boy', of course - or ruffian, as Isilme had phrased it. He smiled affectionately though, and brushed his nose against her cheek.

"Nonsense!" he assured, looking rather sure of himself as he braced against her. Inwardly though, he was laughing. "You must be mistaken. I am nothing but kind to them, and they couldn't 'drag around' the likes of me if they wanted to!" Mostly, anyway. He did, of course, have moments he had to be a parent, rather than a friend, but those occasions were mostly behind them. "Besides... Even If they could, that happens only to fathers who have no respect from their sons. They wouldn't dream of exploiting such an unfair advantage." Loki did hope they weren't around to prove him wrong though. Despite his jesting, he didn't doubt they could, and even though he was fairly certain they wouldn't, that was a challenge he hoped they wouldn't hear and rise to.

"I hadn't thought that far ahead just yet," Loki confessed, seeming more bashful than not this time. "I hadn't expected you'd be so agreeable." Well, he had, but thinking ahead was a little too much to ask for in the given circumstance. Decisions like that were best left to the fleeting whim. "Had you planned to stand here and worry all day, or did you have something else in mind?"

dustfeather

"Of course I am," she replies, no sting in the retort. "However, I do believe you may be correct about the contribution...I think we're lucky they didn't come out any worse than they are." She's only half-joking, this time; the boys were much better-behaved than she remembers being as a youngling, with probably more sense. She blew out through her nose, then rubbed her muzzle against her side, absently, then rolled her eyes in mock amazement at his protestations. "Sure, sure. You just keep thinking that. Let me know if you ever decide to go up against them in something; I want to be there to watch." She bestows a sweet grin on him.

The next question gives her a bit of a pause. She wasn't particularly hungry...her morning foraging had taken the edge off her hunger, and she was willing to go for some hours yet without settling down to the important business of feeding that's so intricate to an equine's life. And Loki was right. She shouldn't be worrying...or, at least, if she couldn't help that, she should try to find some other distraction. She tugs a lock of his mane, then drops it.

"Trust the creative female to think of something to do," she says, suddenly looking just a touch more smug than she probably should be. But the smugness slowly dissolves as she ponders the situation. "We could always take a little trip through the mountain pass; I've never been up that way, and we're close enough that it won't be too much of a trek. If weather gets bad, we can head back here or find someplace in the mountains to hole up...there's got to be caves and overhangs along the way." The grullo paint mare cocks an ear at him. "What do you think?"

Cihiru

"Perfectly masked, highly suspicious innocence then?" He was smiling fondly, as if oblivious to her protests, and his own implications. "I'd say so. I'd also say we're just lucky in general though." In most every aspect; he hadn't been teasing about that. "Personally, I couldn't ask for a much better lot than what I've got."

"Oh, I will. Would hate to disappoint my lady!" Really, that would have been a sight for anyone. And a show he hoped to never put on. Boys indeed; they were nearly as large as their father by now. "I may disappoint anyway though - you're cheering for the wrong party." He was adept at feigning confidence though.

"Mhm, I had planned to," he murmured, grinning. "Why do something yourself when there is someone else to do it better? I am terribly lazy, you know." And for the lazy, anyone did the job better than him! Loki wasn't particularly though; his jest still showed through his tone. "I think if it sounds like a good idea to you, it's good enough for me. Besides, what kind of explorers would we be if we didn't?" he questioned, pausing briefly.

"You did always say you wanted to travel the world - I haven't forgotten. If you're still up to it, that is!" That seemed like forever ago, looking back. Time flew by with every blink; he still had a hard time taking it all in every now and then. And it was starting to make him feel old, of all things!

dustfeather

"No. That's something I'll agree with," she says, slipping back to the teasing at hand, but in seriousness, even though she smiles. "And of course I'd root for you, I'm rather hurt that you'd think I wouldn't." She pulls a face at him, despite the fact that she had previously made it clear that she'd quite cheerfully watch his demise.

Ears perk. "Laziness must be catching. I certainly haven't done much of anything lately..." She seems rather disgruntled after having voiced the fact aloud.

Loki's final statement seems to draw her out of herself; where she looked like an indulgent, albeit teasing mare seconds before, her gaze slips into the glossy-eyed, thrilled look of the young. It's hard to deny something so eager; she actually kicks up her heels, rearing a little off the ground and throwing her head so that her curly mane slaps against her neck. "Of course! Come on, lazy, let's get going before we both run to fat!" With a gleeful snort, quite unbecoming to someone her age, she turns neatly on a hoof and gallops up the slope of the nearest hill, inserting little bucks of pure good spring humor into her step, and pausing only at the top to look back over her shoulder.

Cihiru

"Highly suspicious," he repeated, eying her. "I can't complain though. It's a good thing to have a change of heart on." Even if he was quite confidant, if it came down to that, she would still enjoy watching his undoing, and it really wasn't a change of heart at all. "And I'm sorry, I didn't realize your ego had grown so fragile. Is this a recent development, or am I just oblivious these days?" Loki grinned endearingly despite his jest... Or maybe because of it. Likely both.

"There's not much of anything to be done. We've earned our laziness! And even the greatest adventurers need their rest." He nudged her shoulder lightly.

He met her final verbal prod with indignation though. "Speak for yourself! Just because I'm lazy doesn't mean I'll be fat. My physique is incapable of it," he called after her, lingering behind as she tore across the field. When Isilme stopped to look over the clearing, she would have seen him still in the distance, moving at a rather amiable canter. He was clearly in no hurry to get much of anywhere, but he did scale the hill in good time.

dustfeather

She only laughs back at him for the statement, calling: "Oblivious, of course, my poor Loki." She watches him eat up the ground with his stride; not as gleeful as her, clearly, but willing to tolerate her excitement. It's part of the reason she loves him so much; another male might not be so willing to put up with her. She dances on the ridge, fidgeting and ready to be off again...which appears to be at least partially for show, for she does still wait for him as he comes closer. She noses him.

"Fair enough, you're the very perfection of soquili," she says, in a slight tease. "As am I, and now we're off to discover something more about the world. C'mon, Loki." She curves her neck, eyeing him, then trots off down the slope, further onward into the foothills.

Hours later, they're still in the foothills; but now moving into the mountain pass, the massive structures looming over them.The sun has already begun to set, and, thanks to the peaks, darkness is already settling over the land. Here, day is almost shorter: the mountain blocks out the sun longer in both the morning and in the evening.

Isilme's able to keep up a good pace (they are mustangs, after all) but it's getting evening, and the barking of coyotes not far off makes her halt in her tracks, her grullo body darker against the colorful, sunset-strewn sky. Her ears twitch nervously, and she darts a look to the stallion. "Perhaps we'd best look for some shelter," she murmurs. She's not unduly worried about a coyote pack...they were small creatures, after all. But where coyotes roamed, wolves could be. It meant there was enough prey around here to support a coyote pack, and possibly a wolf pack as well. The mare doesn't particularly want one or both of them to be on the menu. She glances about, squinting into the hills. It's fairly bare...the hills are grassy, and further above the ground becomes rocky; the treeline is several hundred yards up. "Have any suggestions?"

Cihiru

Loki feigned hurt, his ego obviously bruised. So obvious, he could hardly keep himself from laughing as he scaled the face of the hill. It was an expression he dropped easily though, in part because he wanted to, and in part because her teasing withdrawal coaxed a self-satisfied grin across his maw. "Of course you are," he admitted, willing to share. It was the least he could offer, with her willingness to not only tolerate him, but humor him too. "And I'm getting to it!" The stallion did laugh that time, scarcely bothering to hide it as he ambled off behind her.

Despite his 'reluctance' to get started, the stallion settled into the journey easily enough, without so little as an off-handed, complaining remark. And the prospect was actually an exciting one, really. The pair hadn't gone off just for the sake of it for some time by then, and perhaps unsurprisingly, his high spirits stayed with him for the remainder of the day.

He grew increasingly edgy as the day pressed on though, and by the time dusk had started to settle upon them, his step was a light-footed one, his hooves only just touching the ground before they sprang up again. It wasn't that he was nervous persay, but darkness in unfamiliar territory did put his senses on edge. So, when the canid barks cut through the relative silence, he had expected, and met Isilme's glance.

"Perhaps," he offered, still teasingly, but he had already turned to glance around the immediate area. Inhospitable was the initial impression, but he craned his neck to further investigate. Pressing into the forested peaks would have proved more risky than not... No room to maneuver, unfamiliar terrain, additional cover for predators. And there was no guarantee of shelter overheard; a simple canopy would not have sufficed, given the circumstance.

"No, but we could ask the dogs if they have any." Loki's tone was a little darker than usual, but only briefly - he still looked off into the distance. "We could follow this around - see if there's an overhang or a cave of some sort we can reach. Or, if you're feeling particularly daring, we could check the trees for some sort of shelter to hole up in. There's got to be something inhabitable up there," he added, grinning faintly. "I'd wager we'd have better chances with the rocks, myself... There's no telling though." He wasn't as concerned with finding protection from the elements as he was finding a secure place to rest though. Even if it was decidedly colder up here, above ground level, it was still a modest spring evening, and they were hardy creatures.

"Does the creative female have any ideas?"

 

[Cihiru]

06.15 Revelations: Kalani & Ris'hin

Here

Cihiru

Kalani's days of youth were long over, it seemed. He was reflecting on it, presently - thinking about the way he had grown at his mother's side, and how his family had flourished near the man Elan's residence. He bore no particular attachment to humans, mind, but the village was quite normal to him.

Perhaps that was the notion behind his wandering... Behind his current desire to drift aimlessly through the country skies, over open fields and vast forests. A land he had seen only in brief before. He had been traveling in this way for what could have been ages, yet felt hardly long enough at all - likely a week, at most. In that time, he had passed over the broad prairies around the Kawani village, and found himself over a thick of trees stretching as far as he could see.

Even the most stalwart traveler needed rations though, and the alicorn was perhaps not the most endurant. Harboring no shame in it, Kalani had hunkered down for the afternoon, hiding himself away beneath an oak's expansive branches to graze in a clearing.