Avant was not the type to flat-out brag about a job well done.. Not when he could merely show evidence of it and silently preen. As such, Keshani was not much surprised when her brother merely smiled at her like he knew exactly what she was asking without asking. In a way, he was answering without answering. A great deal of their conversations could be held in such a manner, a method of communication that outsiders could witness but would be furiously inadequate to translate or take part thing. Some things were a family matter.
At the soft sound of approaching paws the mare craned her head, ears swiveling toward the sound. She knew whatever creature approached did so at Avant's sufferance, if not his explicit order. Nothing lived within his territory without his knowing, and nothing moved within there without his approval. And those that even thought to keep living would not be so foolish as to approach his den without his blessing. Which meant there was some sort of game afoot and she was about to witness at least part of it. No doubt as was carefully orchestrated by her brother.
'Sometimes you are far more like father than either of you would want to believe.' She pointed out silently, giving her brother a speaking look.
The presence of the ferret gave her pause, an arch look flickering over her face. She listened to his report in silence, wondering. So then, Avant was sending gifts to a Singer, and gifts that had a bloody side even if they themselves were presented cleanly. Probably a female he was courting for one of his games. So then, it was likely he was up to something quite special indeed... And if she knew creatures had died to make whatever token it was (and likely she would not, and would wear it, therefore amusing Avant further) she would refuse it. But because it would arrive without bloodshed, she would know now better. A bit naive? Gentle hearted, to say the least. How sweet.
Not that it was important, for now the ferret was speaking to her. Though he knew how she was related and doubtlessly knew her name, he stuck only to titles. To tracing familial allegiance. She wondered why. "Indeed we have not, though it appears my brother has gained clever hands indeed and not saw fit to tell me."
She knew that ferrets could accomplish all kinds of tasks with their nimble paws, perhaps he had aided in the crafting of the gift? "Raveri, was it? Well met."
She flicked her eyes to her brother, and then back to the ferret. "I wonder, did my brother seek your aid in crafting the gift as well as delivering it? It appears he has found a way to while away some hours then. I wonder, what is your assessment of the one he is courting with such lavish presents? I have never known Avant to show interest in anyone to the extent that a gift would be presented. I find myself shocked at the thought of it."
The Kalona-cross mare laughed and eyed her brother. "What are you up to, hmmm? Not that there is any point in my asking, you are unlikely to tell me until it suits your purpose. I must tell you, brother dearest, sometimes the grandstanding can get old... Sometimes."
It was easier to focus on his games rather than her loss, though his comfort was accepted without comment. She rather missed curling up around a small, trusting body.. Missed sleeping with her child by her side. Perhaps she would go out and find another, or perhaps she would merely join Avant in his games. Entertaining herself without the risk of heartbreak. Perhaps she would leave, wander far from this place for a time, and see what games and amusements could be found elsewhere.
"I too am sorry you did not have the chance to meet her. She would have made quite an impression, I think. Still, her death was foolish and unnecessary and once I have mourned it I will avenge it. The accident was the cause of it, whatever I would otherwise believe." She admitted, a bitter sorrow in her tone. "Though once she was mortally wounded, a rogue Skinwalker finished her off. I suppose, one day, when we are more sufficiently numbered, we could seek revenge for that... I have never cared for their kind, after what our Mother delighted in doing to us as foals."
She gave her bother an appraising look, something like her old self filling her mist-glowing eyes. "I trust you would be interested, in hunting the hunters?"
At his mention of new sport she stood gracefully, shaking herself from nose to spaded tail. "Yes, I think that sounds delightful indeed, but perhaps we shall save it for another time? I recall I have some business that needs tending. So then, I shall go and do what must be done, and you can court your singer. Once I return, we may head out to give these neighbors of yours a, thrill, and you can tell me what other games you are setting up with the help of your clever friend."
She inclined her head at Raveri once more. "Until then, I shall see myself out. Be well Avant, until the next time we meet."
With a nose to his cheek and a flick of one glowing wing she retreated, retracing her steps out of the cave and finding her way to the open air. Free of the cave and clear of enough greenery, the black and twilight mare reared and launched herself skyward, winging toward the West. Being away from here for a time sounded good. 'Forgive me, Avant, Father, for I will not say goodbye...'
At the soft sound of approaching paws the mare craned her head, ears swiveling toward the sound. She knew whatever creature approached did so at Avant's sufferance, if not his explicit order. Nothing lived within his territory without his knowing, and nothing moved within there without his approval. And those that even thought to keep living would not be so foolish as to approach his den without his blessing. Which meant there was some sort of game afoot and she was about to witness at least part of it. No doubt as was carefully orchestrated by her brother.
'Sometimes you are far more like father than either of you would want to believe.' She pointed out silently, giving her brother a speaking look.
The presence of the ferret gave her pause, an arch look flickering over her face. She listened to his report in silence, wondering. So then, Avant was sending gifts to a Singer, and gifts that had a bloody side even if they themselves were presented cleanly. Probably a female he was courting for one of his games. So then, it was likely he was up to something quite special indeed... And if she knew creatures had died to make whatever token it was (and likely she would not, and would wear it, therefore amusing Avant further) she would refuse it. But because it would arrive without bloodshed, she would know now better. A bit naive? Gentle hearted, to say the least. How sweet.
Not that it was important, for now the ferret was speaking to her. Though he knew how she was related and doubtlessly knew her name, he stuck only to titles. To tracing familial allegiance. She wondered why. "Indeed we have not, though it appears my brother has gained clever hands indeed and not saw fit to tell me."
She knew that ferrets could accomplish all kinds of tasks with their nimble paws, perhaps he had aided in the crafting of the gift? "Raveri, was it? Well met."
She flicked her eyes to her brother, and then back to the ferret. "I wonder, did my brother seek your aid in crafting the gift as well as delivering it? It appears he has found a way to while away some hours then. I wonder, what is your assessment of the one he is courting with such lavish presents? I have never known Avant to show interest in anyone to the extent that a gift would be presented. I find myself shocked at the thought of it."
The Kalona-cross mare laughed and eyed her brother. "What are you up to, hmmm? Not that there is any point in my asking, you are unlikely to tell me until it suits your purpose. I must tell you, brother dearest, sometimes the grandstanding can get old... Sometimes."
It was easier to focus on his games rather than her loss, though his comfort was accepted without comment. She rather missed curling up around a small, trusting body.. Missed sleeping with her child by her side. Perhaps she would go out and find another, or perhaps she would merely join Avant in his games. Entertaining herself without the risk of heartbreak. Perhaps she would leave, wander far from this place for a time, and see what games and amusements could be found elsewhere.
"I too am sorry you did not have the chance to meet her. She would have made quite an impression, I think. Still, her death was foolish and unnecessary and once I have mourned it I will avenge it. The accident was the cause of it, whatever I would otherwise believe." She admitted, a bitter sorrow in her tone. "Though once she was mortally wounded, a rogue Skinwalker finished her off. I suppose, one day, when we are more sufficiently numbered, we could seek revenge for that... I have never cared for their kind, after what our Mother delighted in doing to us as foals."
She gave her bother an appraising look, something like her old self filling her mist-glowing eyes. "I trust you would be interested, in hunting the hunters?"
At his mention of new sport she stood gracefully, shaking herself from nose to spaded tail. "Yes, I think that sounds delightful indeed, but perhaps we shall save it for another time? I recall I have some business that needs tending. So then, I shall go and do what must be done, and you can court your singer. Once I return, we may head out to give these neighbors of yours a, thrill, and you can tell me what other games you are setting up with the help of your clever friend."
She inclined her head at Raveri once more. "Until then, I shall see myself out. Be well Avant, until the next time we meet."
With a nose to his cheek and a flick of one glowing wing she retreated, retracing her steps out of the cave and finding her way to the open air. Free of the cave and clear of enough greenery, the black and twilight mare reared and launched herself skyward, winging toward the West. Being away from here for a time sounded good. 'Forgive me, Avant, Father, for I will not say goodbye...'
