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 Posted: Wed Jul 30, 2008 7:52 pm
For many the summer heat was unbearable, but to the bright stallion it was a rather pleasant reminder of how horrible winter truly was. Ichigo much preferred the heat, and the sun's vicious rays never bothered or distracted him from anything he needed to focus on. The heat only motivated him to be better, and every morning he awoke with a wonderful sweat under his mane. Many would have despised such a feeling, but Ichigo was naturally strange anyways. But this morning was rather different, and the sky was gray and overcast. Ichigo was expecting a sun to motivate his eyes to open but the grayness only helped to insist that he keep them shut! How on earth was he supposed to enjoy the atmosphere when it was totally depressing outside? This wasn't supposed to happen?! Once the stallion was somewhat up and ready, he moved himself into an open grove he rather liked. It was rare that he got company since he tended to venture in quiet areas most of the time. Once he found a mound of grass that was somewhat decent in terms of health, he took a large n** and soaked in as much food as he could. He instantly felt better from the overall action, but his eyes glared up towards the sky directly after. "As if my day is going to be ruined!" he then said, with a scornful tone. The clouds would just HAVE to go away, wouldn't they?! Everyone else was probably rejoicing that the sun had vanished for the time being, but he remained a grump through the entire realization!
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Posted: Wed Jul 30, 2008 8:18 pm
Looking up at the low rolling clouds and their misty threat of rain, the brightly hued stallion picked up his pace through the quiet woodland, launching into a long ground covering trot. The easy pace allowed him time to think, which he normally didn't bother with.. or at least not in great depth; and gave him ample opportunity to come to terms with his own feelings on the sticky emotional situation he found himself in. Now, while any other guy in his situation might have appreciated the matching weather scheme, Killian, who was already in a foul mood, found the dreary gray skies rather irritating. He wanted the sun! He wanted to break free of these trees and just RUN! But always his thoughts returned to the issue at hand. Bonfire had been gone a month now, and going by the general consensus of his herdmates, he probably should have reached the conclusion that he either A) hated her, or B) was obsessed with her. Yet he was neither. He loved her, sure, and he had wanted to spend the rest of his life with her... but he wasn't obsessed. Or at least he didn't think so... Didn't obsessed people follow the object of their affection around? Weren't those that were spiteful lash out angrily whenever the sore subject was broached? Was he weird for wondering if he would he feel any better if he just did any of that?Sighing, he paid a little more attention to the trail ahead of him as the trees grew thin and he appeared to be approaching one of the many secluded groves that doted this area. Amarinne, his Aunt, had come from this region.. so he had sought it out today in the hopes that maybe some of that mystical serenity she HAD to have been born with would seep into his own morose veins. Unless the sun came out.. then perhaps he'd seek out the plains for a little gallop.
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Posted: Thu Jul 31, 2008 6:27 am
As dark thoughts continued to plague Ichigo's mind, he decided to busy himself with more eating since that was the only thing he could do. He had lost his usual energy and plight, and for now he was rather gloomy and pissed. His spirits would go up again once his overall thought process was over, so the stallion hoped to space out as much as he could.
Eating more felt sort of childish, and as he swallowed yet another gulp of grass, he felt a full sensation evolve in his stomach. There really was no reason to force food down, but he was SO distracted by the sky. No matter what he did his eyes would trail upwards and his nose with instinctively snort. But luckily, distraction was to be found, and in the distance!
Something.. bright had entered the area, and Ichigo eyes went directly towards that now. The figure was far away from him, but it definitely stood out against the overcast day. Ichigo really couldn't make out if it was a stallion or mare, but at a least he could guess that it was another Soquili. Most would probably be happy for the company aspect, but Ichigo was somewhat sketched out. How had this creature FOUND such a place?
There was one thing Ichigo enjoyed about the figure, and that was that they looked nice and bright. At least his eyes could be happy for a few moments as they stared into something brighter then the sky. Finally Ichigo found the distraction he needed to keep his eyes busy and his mind calmer. But now he was focused on who that figure was and if they also proved a threat. Ichigo had a knack for running into violent creatures, so who knew what this creature was like?
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Posted: Thu Jul 31, 2008 2:32 pm
It was with a abnormal deviance from the norm that Killian almost turned tail when he realized he was not alone in the area.
Normal, for him, was to trot cheerfully forward and greet the stranger with a devil may care smile and nothing but the best things to say about the world. Normal was to have a extra bounce in his step that spoke if an inner joy, and afire in his eyes that made his bright coat almost plain.
Normal, well, he hadn't been normal for awhile... and these days the only thing bright and jubilant about him was his obnoxiously loud pelt.. the very one that had earned him both derogatory remarks from more traditional strangers.. and no small amount of trouble when it came to the required defense training Crousader insisted he undergo.
Now, though, as he did pull to a stop within speaking distance of the other soquili, he noted, with a little piece of himself that was still 'normal,' that the stranger had bright orange locks not too different from his own. The notion pleased him, and lifted the gray from his eyes a little as he abruptly decided to be social for the first time in weeks. From this distance, he couldn't discern the other soquili's temper, so he whickered as hearty a greeting as he could muster.
"Good morning!"
Wouldn't hurt, after all, to get his mind off of the present. And it wasn't as if Killian ever thought much of strangers who could hurt him. Especially since the only way he had ever been hurt before was by loving someone who didn't love him back.
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Posted: Fri Aug 01, 2008 7:55 am
At the other's cheery remark Ichigo chilled out in terms of guard since he didn't find the mysterious stallion as a threat anymore. Still, for another to be so cheery was somewhat strange for Ichigo since lately he was running into rude Soquili everywhere. In a sense HE was put off guard, since he needed to process the best way to answer such a creature. Ah well, he supposed he should give the conversation a go? What was the worst that could happen?
"Good morning to you." he then said, while finally approaching the much brighter fellow. "Though I'm not sure how good today is, seeing as the clouds have overtaken the sky in a selfish manner." He snorted lightly at his observation while glancing at the Soquili in front of him. Ichigo had no idea that other orange Soquili existed in the land, and he wondered if they were cursed like him to have such bright features.
But rather, he supposed such a trait was overlooked by most, not everyone was as obsessive as he was...
"What brings you through the area?" he then asked, in a usual blunt tone. "I only ask because I usually don't see others around here, these lands aren't as popular as the others I see Soquili flock in." And man, he HATED those crowded areas. Families were clumped together and children were loud and annoying, back and forth. "Not that I mind that you are here." he then admitted, in a much quieter tone. But it was an odd twist to his day, and Ichigo wondered if the stallion was escaping the crowd himself.
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Posted: Sat Aug 02, 2008 4:11 pm
Encouraged by the amiable reply, Killian moved a little closer so as to hear the other stallion better. Funny, that, since he had always thought he had such great hearing...
'Course, given all of his underwater excursions with the rest of the Islagiatt herd youths, he might have permanently waterlogged his eardrums by now...
"Eh? Sorry about that I was having some trouble hearing. You say the clouds are selfish?" He paused to let that outlandish but completely appropriate observation sink in, and laughed.
... And was surprised by how good it felt to laugh again.
"Ahhh, my apologies, but that was completely appropriate! I take it you dislike these dreary skies as much as I do then? " He continued, momentarily forgetting the rest of the strangers words until a few seconds later.
"Oh, well there I went again! Hah, I'm up here to catch some air and find a little peace... the lowlands were starting to get under my skin. That, and my aunt comes from this region, so she recommended it to me when she got sick of my pacing." He grinned at that, and internally reveled in the feeling Though the bit about Amarinne recommending this walk was a small white lie, it was needed lest the stranger get a little territorial, though if he were any judge of character, this one didn't seem like the type, going by the much quieter addition at the end.
Whatever the case, Killian kept on grinning, and looked up at the sky before continuing.
"I'm Killian, by the way. What's your name?"
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Posted: Sun Aug 03, 2008 2:08 pm
Well, a connection was made between the two stallions, and that definitely helped the mood and comfort zone for Ichigo! "I seriously hate these clouds." he then said, with a light head sulk. "I just wish the sun would come back, this is totally ruining my day. But obviously, there could always be worse."
As the stallion spoke of his reasoning for finding the land, Ichigo quietly listened since this stallion had a much different lifestyle then his own. He must have had a family, since he mentioned something about an aunt. Ichigo didn't know much about family, but he saw families together everywhere. "Peace? And Pacing?" he gave a concerned look, which was strange for Ichigo's personality. "Are you running from something, or someone?" That was the only question his mind could process, and he wondered if he should be prepared to protect this stallion or something.
"Nice to meet you, Killian. That's an interesting name. I'm Ichigo."
Now this stallion was more then a visitor- he was something out of curiosity for Ichigo. He was either running from something, or dealing with some kind of crisis. "Well, I hope this area can give you the rest you need." he then said, while shuffling his front leg a bit. "I come here to escape from the crowds, so you should find the quiet you need to relax."
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Posted: Tue Aug 05, 2008 10:23 am
"Not really.. running...." More like walking quickly away... he added to himself mentally, the wide grin spread across his features diminishing slightly. "You know how it is, when.. uh.. two folks don't get along after awhile and they just need a breather?" Not that he had needed the breather...
Come to think of it... maybe he did? Amarinne NEVER spoke up about a person's personal affairs unless it was glaringly obvious that they were suffering. The idea just hadn't crossed his mind since this was, to be honest, a bit of a learning experience for him. That, and he was startled to realize that he had been operating under the assumption that the rest of his herdmates were unconsciously siding with Bonfire.
"In any case, it is a pleasure to meet you Ichigo! And I'm actually rather glad I wasn't up here all by myself.. might have gotten all gloomy and depressed!" he continued, surprising himself with the statement and with the fact that it was true. He was quickly learning that when left to his own devices, he quickly rolled himself up in the sticky mud of self accusation and depression.
"Do the crowds bother you that much?" he added, suddenly worried that the conversation might be coming to an end.
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Posted: Wed Aug 06, 2008 9:08 am
Ah, so that's what it was! He felt like he understood this stallion better already! There were many things Ichigo didn't understand, but any sort of conflict came to him easily for some reason. "Heh, I know about that all too well." he then said, while added a crooked smile. "Though hm, did the conflict already happen? Or has it not been resolved yet?" Ichigo was of course curious, and a part of him wondered who the other Soquili was.
"From my perception, you seem too nice for any kind of conflict." he then said, while dragging his eyes into the distance. "Whoever is making you upset better have a good reason, a guy like you shouldn't feel gloomy especially if you may not even deserve it."
And alas came the wise comfort of Ichigo. Well, he liked to think he was helpful. But Killian WAS nice, so why was he so bothered? "I usually wander aimlessly so I am happy for the company myself." He wasn't a complete hermit, he just got in too many fights all the time! Strangely though, Ichigo was a master at having many helpful moments. Most were just unlucky to experience them for themselves. But Killian definitely deserved his attention.
"Hm well, its not the Soquili in the crowd, but the idea of a crowd bothers me." he then explained, while chuckling to himself. "Everyone feels the need to clump together since they are too afraid to take their children anywhere else. I understand that this world is full of dangers, but how can children grow if they are always restrained to one area like that? I'm not saying that all families do this, but damn, most that I've watched do." A small sigh escaped from his mouth, and he only brought his strong gaze back on the other males. "Just a small detail I notice, so I try not to get clumped into any crazy crowds. I like danger myself."
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Posted: Thu Aug 07, 2008 10:00 am
He started to open his mouth to respond, but shut it quickly, opting to choose his words carefully lest he present a different picture then what was really the case.
"Goodness! I'm glad someone does! All I've been getting is the 'it'll get better' speeches, or the 'there are more fish in the sea' speeches! And, well, you could say the situation has already happened, hasn't been resolved, and is also a work in progress." he began, smiling ruefully. "So at the risk of sounding like a spineless and sappy romantic; the long and short if it is that the love of my life ... left." He paused to gather breath, and was unaware that his tone had fallen a notch or two into a flat monotone that made it glaring obvious he was still in denial.. no matter how rational he appeared to be. "She wanted some space, so I gave it too her... but needless to say I'm regretting that now." he added, before trailing off for a moment.
"Though I have to say, it is funny that you would mention crowds and your dislike of the clustering behavior. Bonfire and I disliked it too, and she absolutely hated the notion of restraint." He had to grin, remembering a particularly thrilling adventure they had shared involving a river, some two leggers, and one very grumpy old stallion. "She also had a fondness for the .. ahh.. wild side of life. Some might call it dangerous living, but she never really was into the life-threatening aspect; not like our cousins or Uncle Crous." At the happier memories, his tone also picked up, and he grinned broadly at Ichigo.
"I'm sure she'll come back, she did promise she would, but I can't help but wonder what could have been done differently. " He finished, a little more cheerfully, though he wasn't at all sure.
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Posted: Sun Aug 10, 2008 11:07 am
Now that the problem was clear and in the open, Ichigo felt as though he could be of NO help, since he had no experience with mares. "Ah, a mare. And love I see." He felt his nose crinkle a bit, since a part of him wanted to laugh or something. He had spoken to other Soquili before who beckoned about their loves and happiness. He just didn't get it, and he supposed that was alright. Though Killian seemed as though he needed his other half there, and badly!
"What is it with mares and space.' He then beckoned, while squinting his eyes a the thought. "When I hear stallions talk about their problems with mares, I think I hear that sentence almost all too often. And, even if she did take her space, I wouldn't worry too much about it. She'll definitely come back." she was probably toying with her mate, since all mares enjoyed that sort of thing.
"She sounds like an interesting lady." he then admitted, while chuckling a bit. "Not one of those stand around, agree with you type of mares. I hate those kind the most." Ichigo liked some excitement, and it sounded like this Bonfire was giving Killian a run for his money! "Has she done these sorts of games to you before? She might be testing you ya know, just to see how you react and stuff. As long as you are tough back, she'll probably like that." WELL, from what Ichigo had heard about her at least. "But hey, I might be ranting, so I am going on the small amount of information I know." he then said, with a light laugh. Talking about someone else's problems was fun at least, and he was having a good time with the stallion.
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Posted: Sun Aug 24, 2008 12:34 pm
Killian grinned broadly and without anything other then happiness. Despite what she was currently putting him through, remembering the good times was never a thing he could frown about.
They had had a lot of fun after all.
"Oh she was very interesting, once I actually got her to have some fun." His grin grew mischevious for a moment, before he continued. "We had a lot of adventures, some were fun, like the time we went fishing... others were kind of scary... like the time she made some old wind halfbreed mad and he chased after us. As for games, to be honest I kinda played a nasty one on her once... or at least everyone else says it wasn't a very nice game.. I thought it was a good thing to do at the time." He grin faded for a moment, remembering the lectures he had received, before picking back up again. "We've got two-leggers living with us, and Bonfire wasn't particularly fond of them except for when she needed to be brushed or something... personally I never understood that... why get brushed right?" He paused again to catch his breath, unaware of how quickly he was speaking.
"Well, I knew she liked daisies, white ones to be exact, but she disliked the bees. And my Aunt had told me that the younger two-legger, who we call 'Riverfire,' liked daisies as well and often could kind of understand us without words." Again he paused, grinning again. "Well, I convinced little Riverfire to help me gather some flowers, and told Bonnie to meet me at a certain spot beause I had a surprise for her. I thought she wouldn't mind Riverfire, and would adore the daisies..."
"Well, what I didn't realize is that Riverfire had braided her mane and tail last time she had just wanted to be brushed... and Bonnie was having a hard time with it.. and that the flowers 'River had picked were not actually daisies, but a larger more fragrant bloom that made Bonnie sneeze." He couldn't help the grin, depsite feeling sorry about the events to come.
"Heh, I hate to sound so jovial about all this, but it really was funny to see the look on her face when she opened her eyes, was covered in blooms, and had had her mane and tail rebraided. She must have chased me for a whole day between sneezes..." he trailed off, still grinning, though not quite as broadly.
"Funny thing is, she kept the flowers..."
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Posted: Tue Aug 26, 2008 7:51 am
After hearing the stallion rant about his loved one, Ichigo could only conclude one thing from the mass amount of memories. "Yeah, she'll come back." he closed his eyes then, and slowly opened them with a usual smirk. "You realize that, right?" Ichigo had to admit, at first he thought the stallion was chasing a random mare. He didn't doubt Kiliian, but he just wasn't sure from what he had been told. But now, hearing how much the stallion had known the mare, and how many memories they shared together?
"Seriously, there is NO way she won't come back. You carry all sorts of good times with her, and that will always remain in her mind. Your not the only one thinking about the past you shared. She's probably off being insecure about it, and wondering how she should act when she finally takes the plunge to stay by your side. And when she DOES decide the time is right, that means she'll be back."
With a light nose-wiggle, Ichigo then made his way over to a grass clump, and gnawed on something that looked rather appealing. While he was still chomping with a lowered head, he continued reflecting. "So really, there is no reason for you to be worried." Once he had swallowed his snack, he looked up again and felt a small smile form on his face. "Like I said, I'm no expert, but I'm no idiot. And mares are easier then they look, they just need more time to think then us stallions do." Heh, and honestly in Ichigo's opinion they could take all the time they needed! Stallions didn't need to think like they did, and Killian didn't need stress like he was!
"So, am I making you feel any better? Like I said, I tend to make others feel worse most of the time." he then snorted a bit with a happy chuckle. "But I try for those that deserve it!"
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Posted: Fri Aug 29, 2008 1:21 pm
Killian was mildly surprised to find that he was feeling better, so much in fact that he frisked lightly in place, suddenly itching for a run. Any kind of run... in any direction.
"Ichigo, words cannot express how much better I'm feeling!" He replied with a wide smile. And indeed, his heart did feel lighter. All of his new friend's words rang with truth and complete sincerity. Ichigo wasn't telling him anything different from anyone else in Killian's herd, but the way he was saying it... and considering the source itself... it was heartening.
"So have you any stories to tell my friend? Lest I rant some more." He continued, grinning broadly.
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Posted: Fri Aug 29, 2008 6:15 pm
"Well damn, I didn't know my words would effect you this much." Ichigo watched as Killian rejoiced and such, and he moved himself a bit so he was now following the brighter stallion. "Sadly, I have no stories or tales about love myself." Though, he thought hard to try and think about something interesting to bring up.
"I'm much too stubborn for mares. I mean, I'll admit, I am a selfish b*****d. See all of the love you are feeling for your gal? I've never had that sort of thing.. ever." he chuckled then, and yanked at some bandages on his chest with a usual playfulness. "I'm a strange fellow, and I tend to get in A LOT of fights. Not even physical ones or anything, but arguments evvverday. That's why I was surprised as hell that you wanted me around."
It was probably because Killian was so nice or something. Lucky guy! "So this 'love' thing, is it really that worth it?" He raised a brow somewhat, only to emphasize his question of course.
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