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 Posted: Sun Feb 17, 2008 7:34 am
His father had passed a few days ago and there was no further reason to stay up in the high mountains alone. He would have to hunt for a new home. Though he had no real experience, his father did tell him how to survive and hunt off the mountain as well as on it.
The first thing he had noticed as he was nearing the bottom was that it was much warmer. Everything looked and smelled different as well. He was curious about the world, almost as if he was a foal again. His father might have told him some details, but he did not tell him how beautiful it was down below.
When he did reach the bottom, he paused to take a better look around. Which direction should he set out in? What would he do if he chanced upon one of these other 'soquili'? Those that looked similar to him but were not.. like him? His father's voice rang out in his head. They are worthless, son. Better off dead. Saber did not know what to believe.
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Posted: Mon Feb 18, 2008 9:22 am
After a short rest, Saber took off again. He wasn't sure which direction lead to what but he planned to explore as much of the land as possible, so it really didn't matter. He decided to avoid the woods nearby for now, preferring to stay out in the open where he could see everything quite well.
Several minutes into the walk, he caught the scent of a water source. He was hungry and his thirst could use some quenching as well. He wondered if there were different kinds of fish down here or if they were the same. It wasn't much longer before he came by a stream. Some parts were deeper than others and he was sure it would lead to a river with how quickly the water was moving.
The beast waded into the water and stood still. Now he would play the waiting game. He waited until the fish in the water was not put off by his intrusion. Finally, one came close enough that Saber stomped it down with a back paw, digging the large claw into the little body and then kicking it back on the land nearby.
He lowered his head and drank greedily turning back to the meal that was awaiting him.
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Posted: Tue Feb 19, 2008 8:02 am
 ((Since no one has responded, hope you don't mind! x3 ))
The mare was without Raphe this day; the young, white unicorn had taken off to explore and adventure on his own. Leaving her small woodland embrace, the mare had thought about visiting Azu and telling him the news. . . And yet, no, she couldn't. Recent events - that nasty beast of a soquili - were still fresh in her mind. He had been no kalona but whatever he'd been, aside from crazy, had been worse.
Her wounds had healed nicely, though new scars now littered her frame and emotional hurts had yet to truly heal. Raphe had been there to help, her focus and energy going solely to her son, but that didn't mean those hidden chain had yet to release her. There was a reason as of late she'd stayed so close to the familiarity of her home on the plains; to stay tucked beneath the long branches of the willows gave her comfort, and thus far none had disturbed her.
But the sunshine was too much. Making her way towards a familiar watering hole, the young, blond mare trotted happily towards lake. She did catch sight of another soquili, but as it wasn't stained that sickening red of Malice, nor that ebony of the crazy male Amaroq, the fear she felt was quickly watched aside. For a moment, she hardly realized he was different, but as she approached the lakebed she did catch sight of horns and a few dangerous looking claws.
Intriguing, to say the least, but it didn't put her off. Part of her was on guard, but she wasn't afraid. There was still a greater distance between them that should she need to run, she would. But his hind legs reminded her of Azumoth, though he wore armor and she was unsure whether or not such talons had been real or not; and his spikes were reminiscent of a small colt she'd met many a moon ago, with an angry temperament and a dark regard.
It was strange, but Bella didn't often associate with the more 'normal' of her kind, and today looked to bring a new experience in her life. Though the beast was working on what seemed to be a fish, she said nothing. Dipping her head, her focus moved back to the water and she drank. Reminders of the black one warned her that even the most normal could be deadly. . . . ah, but one couldn't judge a book by its cover. If he said and did nothing, she wouldn't press him and would leave him to his meal. Her wounds ached as her thoughts churned over recent events, but she did her best to quell them.
She couldn't stay in hiding forever.
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Posted: Tue Feb 19, 2008 1:58 pm
((Not at all!))
His ears caught the sound of the intrusion and he raised his head, gulping down the last bit of flesh that was left to the fish. So the time had come, sooner than he had expected. His father had said there were many. Of course, this one didn't look intimidating at all. He couldn't see one such as herself or many like her being able to send his father into hiding, afraid that he would be killed for what he was. No, nothing alarming came from that mare. Perhaps his father had exaggerated? Or perhaps things had changed quite a bit since he had been a foal.
He watched her drink and his eyes lowered into slits as if trying to understand or study her. She didn't seem that different from any other creature he had seen.
Still.. his father had shown genuine fear when he was forced to follow him. Something about them being unnatural. That they would be killed if they stayed. He was just a foal and he couldn't understand anyone wanting to kill him or his father. He wasn't sure if he should attack the mare to bring honor back to his father or if he should take time to figure things out for himself.
She certainly didn't seem afraid of him and surely if she had thought him to be a monster, she'd have reacted in some way? Maybe his father had been wrong?
"Are you not afraid of me?," he finally asked the mare, taking a step closer.
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Posted: Tue Feb 19, 2008 8:18 pm
Bella blinked, glancing up from her drink to study the fanged male. She braced herself as he approached, but canted her head inquisitively as his question reached her ears. For a moment she said nothing, amber eyes tracing over his figure as she reminded herself of his horns, his deadly hind legs, and the overall power that the soquili before her possessed. A small part of her remembered her run in with the kalona, with the beast from the woods. . . .
So far, this meeting was already going better than her past encounters with others. A small, almost rueful smile crossed her features and she dipped her head, giving it a small shake. "I am not." She admitted gently, before turning her amber gaze back up at the male. "But many might say it is foolish of me." Many being the black coated male, Azumoth, whom often reminded her of her naivety and her ignorance upon the world.
Blond curls swished behind her, and Bella heaved a small sigh. "Part of me wants to be, but I must admit it has nothing to do with your looks; such things are often deceiving...." She didn't have to explain her reasoning, the scars, both old and new, littering her neck, chest, back and legs. Wounds that would never quite heal properly, that were made from tooth and horn and hoof and claw; wounds that were made not just of Kalona, but of some other kind, some of a most vicious normal looking breed!
Amaroq had proven that no soquili, no matter how normal they looked, could be deadly or fierce. And though she doubted the shadow stallion had been anything but kind, he had looked nothing like Malice; in fact, he had been. . . .well. . . . .normal and caught her entirely off guard. There were very few who could be trusted, but the young mare was resilient to the pessimism and negativity that often surrounded social outcasts. She could have become bitter and angry and defiant at the world over her wounds, over the hate against her; but she wasn't.
Azumoth had taught her that her belief of the good of any, no matter how fierce, no matter how bitter, no matter how hateful could be found. She was too optimistic to give up such beliefs even though not once, but twice, her kindness and trusting nature had gotten her in to life threatening trouble.
Three's a charm, or so the saying went. Pawing at the ground before her, she averted her gaze. "But if you'd feel better if I were to cower, if I were to quake, or run. . . . I will do my best my oblige." She offered the fanged one what was almost a playful grin, though her body was tense. Should he take another step her way, she might very well have to begin a retreat.
. . . . no one could be trusted as of late. Amaroq had been friendly and kind, engaging. . . . But look at how that had ended?
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Posted: Wed Feb 20, 2008 7:07 am
Saber found her response curious indeed. She did not fear him? Did not judge him by his looks? His eyes ran over her body, taking in the hint of the scars. Such things are often deceiving. Her words echoed through her head. Perhaps things had changed since he was a foal? Or perhaps this mare was just an exception. Her words could apply to this situation as well. Even if she did not fall into the stereotype he had learned existed from his father, that did not mean that others did.
He did not know how to react to her teasing. Was that what it was? It was very rare that he had ever experienced such from his father so emotions, while they did exist, did not feel comfortable to the mutant. "I think it is best you do not," he stated quite honestly. "Then I would have to hurt you on principle and I don't think you deserve that." Perplexing mare. So different than what his father had said.
His eyes ran over her scars. They had to have come from something. If she had such experiences and still did not flee at the sight of him, or wish him dead for being the monster he was, then she was not like his father said. No, she was quite the opposite. "I do not harm unless it's called for," he offered. He felt he owed the mare some kind of explanation. "I do not harm for pleasure."
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Posted: Wed Feb 20, 2008 9:17 am
The mare listened to the saber fanged creature before her, expression gentle as ever. She truly did dance to the beat of a different drum; perhaps had she not had the positive experiences with Azumoth, or perhaps the deception of the black 'normal' stallion, Amaroq, she might have been more wary. Then again, perhaps not; when she had first layed eyes upon Azu within his woods, though he had caused her alarm, she did not flee. In fact, her innocence and stubborn idea of good in all had caused her hooves to stay planted firmly upon the ground. . . On top of it, she hadn't a clue where to go and therefor had no reason to run and loose herself further within the darkness. She was, indeed, a bit skewed; but that didn't mean she was stupid.
The large, razor fangs that gleamed in the afternoon light were deadly indeed; and the claws, just as sharp, could easily rip through her thick coat. No, the creature before her was not indeed one to mess with, but she refused to run or fight unless given reason. Though lately, such reasons only came too late.
Still. . . . .
A sliver of her knew she had to tread lightly, to be cautious, and to not let herself be decieved. She was treading again on dangerous territory, and there was no reason that his casual conversation couldn't turn in to something bloody. She was already a target thanks to her array of wounds, both old and new; battle scars, in a sense, that could mean one of two things - she easily slipped in to trouble (which seemed to be the case) or she was a fighter. In all honestly, she was not a very good one regardless of everything Azu had taught but a complete stranger might not realize that. . . . . Not until, of course, they got to know her.
Ears pricked as the stranger continued to speak, and she couldn't help but offer a shadow of a grin at his words. Yes, Bella understood that the male was being serious - there was no jest or play within his stance or his expression - but the fact he was so very blunt with everything that he reminded her vaguely of her dearest friend Azumoth. Certainly though, this one seemed a hair more approachable, but she had yet to truly get to know him. The guardian of the woods had seemed kind enough, albeit reserved, until she upset him by telling him her views. But, she had been right, and had thus far proved her oath right. . . . . She hadn't abandoned him yet.
So what of this new mutant before her? He surely was quite unlike anything she'd ever seen! The paws intrigued her, as well as the large horns and spikes that jutted from his limbs. Unique, that's what he was; completely, and utterly unique. She almost - almost - felt a spot of jealousy. Azumoth had his horns, his armor, his demonic like wings; Ezriel, that small colt she'd met many a moon ago had spiked tails and cloven feet (and an odd personality to match!), her foalhood friend, Feena, had been blessed with a glorious set of wings. . . . What did she have? Nothing much but a curly mane and a heavier weight and stance than other mares. She wasn't delicate, she wasn't petite, and had far too much fur and hair to know what to do with.
A shame those who looked different seemed to go through hell because of it. What wouldn't she give to harbor such a unique shape and beauty? Yes, there was something beautiful in it. . . . Or so Bella could often see.
"Well I appreciate your honesty, truly, and thus shall keep my hooves firmly planted." She stamped her foot, as if to seal the deal, and swished her tail. Though she stayed cautious, she couldn't help but fall back to her typical good-humored and playful self. He looked as if he could use a smile. . . .Though like it had been and frequently was with Azumoth, it might very well be hard to do.
Bella nodded as the male explained, though her expression suddenly transformed in to something pleased. "Thank you, Sir. It is soquili like you that may very well help change the world." Her features brightened and she flashed him what was a typical, almost radiant smile; it was as if his words had caused her a great joy. . . . and in reality, they did! It didn't concern her that he did harm and probably kill; it didn't bother her that he might easily take life and spill blood upon the land. But he had amitted he had some censure of morality, of truth; he was no blood thirsty beast meant to destroy all that came his way! Intelligent, and she dare think potentially kind, it was such thoughts that might help wash away the current stereotypes of her own, 'simply-designed' kin.
Not all those that looked 'evil' or 'cruel' or 'mean' were that way. Given, there were still many, MANY that were but as Amaroq had helped teach her in the worst of ways, and how Azumoth and pehraps even this long-fanged stranger would help remind, that no one could assume the actions of another based on their appearance.
Just because one ate meat didn't mean they looked to torment and kill.
Her joy was short lived though, as it suddenly occurred to her that she was being most rude! Her face changed to one of surprise, and ner nose darkened in what might have been a blush. Dipping her head, allowing her cream bangs to fall in to her face, she gave an apologetic chuckle and shake of her head. "Forgive me, Sir, but I've been quite rude. I'm Bella, and it has thus far been quite the pleasure to meet you." She gave a bit of a bow, nose almost touching the ground before her gaze captured his own once again.
There. Whether or not he gave her his meant little - she at least had done her part and not left the stranger wondering who exactly it was he was speaking to.
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Posted: Fri Feb 22, 2008 4:57 pm
Soquili like him? He knew he should not take the comment literally as his father had made aware the fact that they were unique. Still, the idea that others could be like him in other ways intrigued him. He wouldn't lie. He had lived such a lonely life that it brought nothing short of wonder at the idea that there could be others similar to him in any way.
He did not know what to make of her smiles. He had not seen many in his lifetime. No, outside of his father, this was the first soquili he had really ever come across. His father had been stern. Angry at the world. It seemed like he had forgot what it was like to enjoy life.
Saber nearly had. If not for the moments he had stolen as a foal to play with the animals of the mountain, he might have turned out just like his father. He wanted to believe his father. He wanted to show honor to him, but a part of him never quite believed everything he had heard. Perhaps his father had believed it so long that it had become reality for him, or as previously thought, perhaps this world had changed. Though this was the first soquili he had come across since his journey, she was already proving him right and his father wrong. She was still only one but she had said there were others like him, right?
He would like to meet some of them. He was never meant to be like his father. It didn't seem fair for him to live his life for his father's pleasure even after his death.
If he ever found a creature that was worthy of killing on behalf of his father, one that judged him harshly for his looks, or that of another similar creature, then perhaps he could do something about it. That would appease his father's spirit and bring back the honor he felt he lost. However, he was not his father and he was not ashamed to admit it. He would not kill for pleasure. The idea did not bring him anything but disgust. He would kill only for meals, self defense or any other situation that may call for such action.
Had the mare been rude? If she had, he certainly failed to notice. It wasn't like his father taught him social etiquette. Bella. The name was repeated a few times in his head. It was a short name, much like his own, and he rather liked it. Her movement struck him completely odd, however. He wasn't sure if he should return the action with one of his own but after a moment thinking about it, he decided against it. It had looked rather silly. "I was always called Saber. I was never quite sure if it was an official name or not, but I guess it's as close as I have to one. I.. do not know your customs," he started a bit awkwardly referring to her bow, "as you are the first outside of my father that I have met. So if I do something inappropriate, please know there's no disrespect intended."
His father had taught him to speak. Taught him to survive. Taught him everything that he felt his son needed to know.. which certainly left out a lot. Of course, if his father saw him now, he'd probably roll in his grave.
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Posted: Thu Mar 27, 2008 2:12 pm
((Sooooo sorry for the uber long wait. ; ; I forgot.))
Bella watched the male before her, completely unaware of his history or beginnings. She was inwardly amused by her ability to discover the most intriguing of soquili - Azumoth had been the first, Meshach the unicorn, Ezriel the broken, spike-tailed colt, the wretched kalona, the dark stallion Amaroq, and now this one, Saber. Amazingly enough, only two of the encounters had ended with regret and fear. . .and thus far, this blond coated male before her didn't seem as harmful as one might first assume. This pleased her. . . .Greatly.
Evil lurked the land and no face could be trusted she'd discovered; but just because he harbored fangs and talons that could kill didn't mean he used them to purposely hurt. Just as evil could lurk behind the most gentlest of faces, good could be the heart of the darkest.
Bella committed Saber's name to memory as she chuckled lightly. Giving a little shake of her head, the curled maned mare flashed him another radiant smile. "I assure you you're just fine and well. There aren't many customs or rituals that are imperative for one to perform; many are by choice alone and little necessary." Like bowing and dipping before another. The young mare knew what it was like not to understand various rituals and customs - she had been born an orphan with no one to guide her in much of her life.
Friends hadn't come easy and only recently had she begun to branch out. Still, she hoped that this Saber might be blessed by good companionship in the future! "There are many good hearted soquili out on the world, I assure you. But I will say I am quite glad that our paths crossed. Not," she quickly added with a chuckle and dip of her head, "that I'm so vain and my companionship is meant for much but I know some are . . . . more intimidated than others about differences. And others still are dark of heart and spirit." At least by meeting her, perhaps she'd have a more positive influence upon him, and should he meet any unsavory characters he might remember that not all were cruel, or dumb, or wicked and judgemental.
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