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 Posted: Fri Sep 19, 2008 12:44 pm
"...And then I said to her, you have a problem with communication! And within seconds, the mare ran off!" The stallion paused then, and shook his head in a distasteful manner. "Mares today are becoming so impractical, and they all have some nerve! They're not very fun to court around anymore since they are full of problems, and most will even lie and use you for company, only to then pull a quick one and admit that they have a mate or something." Ariston then paused his ramble, since he needed to allow for a breath of air to make it down his throat. "Things have changed, Loveless. Maybe I should go on a vacation or something. I'm sure exotic mares are different and more polite. All I ask for is some damn manners, and yet everyone is too stupid to learn any." Exotic mares sounded very appealing, since that meant more opportunities! Plus, it also meant a change, and that was something Ariston needed terribly.
Having spent most of the day with her father, Loveless listened carefully as he blabbered on about something irrelevant, though she found herself smiling in utter enjoyment from the overall concept of being with her father. It had been a long time since they spent some quality time together, so the morning was a comfortable one indeed. She was able to learn what he had been up to, and also ensure him that all of the children had been fine and safe. They had lots of catching up to do, but there was someone else who was needed in this sort-of trio.
What her father didn't know, was that she did arrange for Antony to meet up with them whenever he saw them. She was the one leading her father, and she specifically was leading him down a well known trail. Antony was sure to be around at some point, and she hoped that she and her father were easy to spot. "I am sorry to hear your stresses." She then said, while glancing forward in a distracted method. "Maybe a vacation would be good for you.. but wouldn't you get lost?" Yeah, that was a huuuge possibility.
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Posted: Fri Sep 19, 2008 1:00 pm
Antony had no idea why he felt nervous. From a logical, rational standpoint, the hardest part of this whole...process was over. He and Loveless had come to terms with their wishes and hearts and decided to lifemate; they'd even sealed the deal with children (nevermind that said children pre-dated the lifemating, they existed all the same!). Lessy was the most important factor in all of this; she was a grown mare, and whether or not her father approved was moot.
Except that it WASN'T moot. Antony had respected and admired Ariston ever since he was a young stallion, appreciating his insight with regards to being an 'atypical' kalona, his advice, his friendship. Aside of his father, Ariston was probably the stallion whose opinions mattered the most to Antony, ESPECIALLY when it was in regards to something this important.
Though really, he had no reason to worry. After all, Ariston liked him, right? He also liked Lessy, and theoretically would want her to be happy. And why wouldn't he be happy? Just because he was a lothario was no reason he couldn't rejoice in his daughter's happiness with regards to monogamous blessedness.
All good, sound points, but points that did nothing to expel Antony's nerves or calm his somewhat frenzied pacing up and down a short portion of the trail. This was a bad idea, doing the meeting this way; Less should have sent HIM to find her father and waited for them herself. She was the sensible one, after all!
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Posted: Fri Sep 19, 2008 8:02 pm
Now, Ariston might have been babbling to himself, but it was clear to him that his daughter was acting funny. Her eyes kept shifting back and forth and on to the trail, and her body was shifty in its movement. Was she being followed? She wasn't the type to act nervous or intimidated by anything! Putting all of that aside, Ariston tried to think of the best way to handle this scenario. "Well, maybe getting lost is something I need." he then said, while tipping his nose into the air. "I always seem to find my way home anyways, so getting lost might not be so bad. Though at the moment.." he sped forever then, and halted his daughter's movements. "Are we running from something, my dear?" he then asked, while narrowing his gaze a bit. "As I keep talking, you keep walking faster and faster. Where are we going, anyways?" He blinked suddenly, and realized he had no idea to where they were! "Your not trying to get me lost... are you?!" If she was.. Bon Voyage!
Loveless was, more or less, shocked to see her father stopping her so quickly. Damn, she really was easy to read. She had a tendency to display her emotions a little too much, and this time it really bit her in the a**. It wasn't that she was hiding anything, but she would have rather explained when Antony was actually there! "No, we aren't running. As IF that would ever happen." she flicked her bangs in an irritated manner, before returning to the point at hand. "We have an appointment, that's all. So no worries, I am just trying to get us there, and quickly." Her voice was interrupted by her father's last comment, in which she could only laugh quite loudly. "I'm not getting rid of you that easily, jeez. Come on, I'm sure our appointment is up ahead." She felt a bit better now, since she didn't have to move around as creepily. But still, the sooner they found Antony, the better! Her father was rather bad at keeping his attention for too long..
Ariston remained silent after his daughter's proposal, though he did nod his head to show that he would comply with her 'appointment'. Wait, appointment? Wasn't appointment another term for date?! Maybe Loveless was setting him up, since he had been complaining all morning! He suddenly became rather chipper for this 'appointment', and he followed his daughter's stride with a comfortable confidence. Loveless was such a good listener.. and she even followed through with helping to fix his stresses! "Whatever you say, my dear! I hope the appointment goes well."
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Posted: Sat Sep 20, 2008 10:19 pm
Antony had meant to only take a few minutes to sort himself out and figure out how he was going to approach addressing the situation with Ariston. He had still intended to go out and actually meet up with them, not have them actually get to him, but damned if that wasn't what seemed to have actually happened!
He had been in the same spot, musing, when the sound of Ariston's loud voice carried through the trees, shortly followed by Lessy's calmer, lighter tone. The sound would have thrown him into a panic, if it weren't for the fact that he had nothing to be worried about and did not panic. Ever. Panicking was beneath him, beneath his family, etc. etc. etc. It DID provoke a moment of swift self-assessment, however, before he drew himself up. He was Antony, he was a grown stallion with a wonderful lifemate and great news to impart and he was THRILLED.
That in mind and head held high, he started down the path towards the voices, rounding a bend and coming into full view of father and daughter. "Well, good afternoon! I was hoping you two would show up sooner or later, waiting all by my lonesome seems to provoke nothing but negative things." Grinning at both Ariston and Loveless, Antony was the picture of composure and good humor...for the moment. "Ariston, you're looking well!"
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Posted: Tue Sep 23, 2008 1:59 pm
With the appearance of Antony, Loveless instinctively moved herself forward so that she was now happily next to him. She instantly felt better, since she was hoping to see Antony soon. "Well hello there." she then said, while nuzzling him gently against the neck. "Sorry if you have been waiting long, my father and I needed some catching up." Her eyes then zipped on her father, who's reaction was pretty much priceless. But that was only because Loveless knew the context, of course. Her father honestly thought Loveless was setting him up with a mare? Good lord.
Ariston wasn't upset to see Antony. He loved Antony, loved that family, and loved Guilian! BUT. Loveless was dragging him along the wrong tangent, and he seriously thought she meant something else. So much for a father-daughter connection..But alas, Antony was here! "Ah, good to see you Antony, and the same should be said about you. It must be that fatherly glow I see coming off your wings, and I suppose fatherhood and family life has been treating you well?" Well, seeing how comfortable his daughter was next to him, he assumed that family life was going well for the both of them. And that was a wonderful relief!
"Thank you for constantly taking care of Loveless for me, it makes me thrilled to know that she has been safe under your care." And, she was happy, and that was all that mattered really. "So.. what's up you two?" He quirked a brow then, and wondered why his daughter would call this meeting an appointment, instead of just seeing Antony?! "...Hopefully I haven't missed another batch of children?" Or worse.. something had happened somewhere, somehow?! Good or bad, Ariston was somewhat concerned now. Well, that was only because he hated not knowing everything!
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Posted: Tue Sep 23, 2008 9:45 pm
There now, this wasn't so bad! Mountains out of molehills, that was what he had been doing; if either of his daughters had been around right then, Tony didn't doubt that they'd be giggling hysterically at seeing Daddy's discomfiture so roundly trounced by Ariston's geniality. That, and having his Lessy close at hand, where she belonged. As Loveless nuzzled at his side, Antony automatically draped a wing over her, the better to snuggle her close as he grinned at Ariston, oblivious to the dreams he'd managed to squelch by not being an amoral mare.
"Well, I like to think so, Ariston; thus far, it's managed to suit well enough to understand why my father has invested in so many kids; they really are rather likeable, wriggly and shrill as they tend to start out. And no, you haven't missed any more kids...or if you have, that makes two of us!" At that, Antony made a great show of checking out Loveless' stomach, knowing full well that there was nothing new there, and not just because he asked his mate every day! "And I can honestly say that it's been my pleasure to spend time with Lessy, Ariston," and hopefully hers as well! "Much as I know it pains your sensitive fatherly heart to think of your daughter as anything other than an innocent filly, I can cheerfully say that as a companion to me and a mother to the kids, she's exceptional. And actually on that note, we do have something we wanted to tell you."
Antony honestly doubted that Ariston was clueless as to the nature of their announcement after that little speech, but that didn't change the fact that it was still something that was meant to be announced! Giving Loveless a nuzzle, he whispered, "I yield the floor to Daughter Dear to break the news." Much as he liked to speak of 'his lifemate', it was even sweeter to hear Loveless refer to him as such. And when the target audience was her father, well...really, what could be better than that?
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Posted: Fri Sep 26, 2008 8:06 am
Well, Ariston was somewhat glad more children weren't on the way. Not that he didn't want that, but he hated being the last one to hear news, so if more were to arrive he'd make sure to be around as he always did! He was the type who loved being prepared for those situations and he couldn't help his selfishness! "I'm glad you two have been so happy together." he then said in response, while turning his attention to Loveless for whatever news they spoke of. "Go on, dear." he then said, with a happy nod.
Loveless blinked a bit after Antony's words, only because she wasn't expecting him to hand her the chance to continue on. She wasn't upset or anything, but she wasn't prepared entirely. With a deep breath in, she thought of the best way to tackle out what they both wanted to tell her father. Ugh, she really was horrible at speaking. Antony was much more smooth then her and he probably knew it!
"Ah yes, news!" she then started, while glancing at her father with a smile. "Antony and I have grown tremendously together, and just a bit ago we talked about bringing our relationship to the next level since we are both happy like this." She paused then, but only for briefly. "We both came to a decision, and that was that we wanted to be lifemates. And he and I are now happy lifemates, and we couldn't be better." She felt some relief drain out of her mind, since she was hoping she could recite everything smoothly. She wasn't afraid of her father's response, but she was still getting used to saying the word. It had such a nice ring to it, and she never wanted to come off as not excited.
Though a part of her wondered if her father even knew what a lifemate was...
Ariston had heard of this commitment thing before. It was something he'd seen many Soquili do with their mates, and it was a bond of seriousness and love that he could never truly understand. But still, if it was something Loveless and Antony wanted to do, then hell, that was great! "Wow, that is amazing." he then said, while glancing at both with wide eyes. "You two have been through just about everything together, and to see your relationship fall into a wonderful place has been a pleasure to watch om my part." Ariston would admit, he was much too ADD with mares. But to see two youngsters so completely in love? Plus, they looked wonderful together, so no complaints from him!
"That really is exciting, congratulations!" he finally said, while bowing his head a bit. "Where do you two plan to go from here? Any big plans?" Well, Ariston didn't know if plans came after this sort of thing, but hell they should have!
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Posted: Sat Sep 27, 2008 9:25 am
Yeah, he definitely liked the sound of those words, especially coming from his LIFEMATE. And Ariston's reaction, warm and genuine as it was, was all that Antony needed to know that he had been making a far bigger deal out of this than he'd needed to.
Or rather, he'd made a far more NEGATIVE deal out of it than he needed to. They were happy, of course their fathers would be happy on their behalf! Besides, this was a chance to really communicate with their families on a serious level; it was one thing to joke about the latest gossip, another to talk about life planning with one's in-laws.
Only problem with that was that they didn't really HAVE any life plans. Were they supposed to?
Acknowledging that fact made Antony grin sheepishly, squeezing Loveless as he admitted, "Well, I don't know if we really know. I mean, the traditional thing is to start a family, but we already did that part, so...short of making said family larger, I'm not really sure. I think that the general consensus is that now that we're lifemates we'll spend more time together, save all amorous interactions for each other and maybe think about staking a claim to some sort of home base. Or something." Huh. Cocking his head to one side, he glanced at his mate, querying facetiously, "Can you think of any newly-thought of lifemate plans, Lessy?"
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Posted: Fri Oct 03, 2008 7:58 am
She figured her father would love the idea, but it felt better hearing it finally. Loveless always loved praise and support from her father, and it meant everything to her. She always tried to make him happy, even if that meant making some sacrifices and what not. But today none of that was needed, and Ariston was supporting them one hundred percent. But at his question, she only quirked a brow and looked at her mate and her father.
Huh. Loveless really didn't know either! "What Antony has said is pretty much what I think.." Or really, maybe she wasn't thinking about the situation enough? "It would be nice to establish a 'home' front, and maybe expand the family some more. I would probably like to discuss it all with the children, and make sure they feel the same way with expanding the family. I guess whatever comes with time? Antony and I have always been sort of chill on the subject, so I suppose will take the experiences as they come! Its more fun that way." she looked at Antony, and shrugged happily.
Ariston liked watching the connection Antony and Loveless had. It was like they were on the same wave-link, and understood each other through it all. He wasn't worried after hearing their plans, since plans didn't always need to be established! Ariston was the king of not having plans, so he understood their spontaneous thoughts. "Well no matter what you two decide, I'm sure it will be great for yourselves and for the family." He just wanted everyone safe, happy, and healthy.
"I wish I had some plans of my own, but I suppose its better giving you two the spotlight today." he chuckled slightly, and waved his mane out of his eyes. "Have you told your other children yet? I'm sure they will be thrilled to hear. You two have always had a strong relationship anyways, so I doubt they've ever questioned anything about the family." And that really was amazing. Ariston wished he had that for Loveless and his other children. But seeing Loveless today made him glad everything worked out in her life, since that was something she and Antony both deserved.
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Posted: Fri Oct 03, 2008 7:46 pm
As he listened to his mate and his father, Antony's brow had furrowed thoughtfully as he internally processed and internalized each comment. For someone who'd never gone through this before, Ariston seemed to have a lot of ideas regarding things to do when newly lifemated. It was almost like he had a checklist, in fact!
They were really right, though. The two of them hadn't talked to their kids yet (mostly because said kids were transients), but that was definitely a priority. And it was probably best that they talk to their kids about new kids...or was it? He hadn't been approached by his parents before he'd had new siblings, but he hadn't had lifemated parents, either. It probably made sense when there were lifemated parents involved to talk to the kids about new kids, though, not that they were planning on new kids right now, but even so-
Shaking his head rather abruptly to dismiss such overwhelming thoughts, Antony straightened up and gave both his mate and his father-in-law a smile. "Well, since neither of us really has any basis of comparison, I think that we'll come up with our own version of mated life. It's a challenge, but I can't think of anyone I'd rather struggle along with than Lessy. I mean, we started out our relationship with bitchiness and hostility and managed to overcome it, so I think that we can manage whatever else comes our way. I mean, we're pretty AND fierce!"
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Posted: Thu Oct 09, 2008 5:22 pm
"I think you should keep that confidence nice and close, Antony. It suits you well." Ariston had to admit, it was a thrill watching Antony grow. It wasn't long ago when Antony had come to Ariston for advice, and just as Ariston had predicted, it all turned out for the better. The stallion he saw so long ago was just a tad different then the Antony in front of him today. He had grown into the finest of stallions. And if Ariston's daughter was to be with anyone it would be the finest. "The fact that you two have overcome everything proves that you will continue to act in that same way. But now things won't be as problematic like they were. You have children who will allow you to experience a new side to life, one that I can't even explain. And a life with children is the most wonderful of all. I'm sure your father would agree as well Antony." Yes.. even if Loveless was grown and on her own now, he'd never forget the times he had with all three of his beautiful kidlets. The good and the bad, they were all worth it!
Loveless grinned at her father's words, knowing she wasn't the only one who had grown up. Her mate had been through a lot, and the both of them had overcome some terrible times. But now, times were good! Even amazing if she were to put a word on it! "So far I know a life with children is perfect. Now that Antony and I have decided our relationship and future, I suppose its best we spend the rest of our energy completely on our children. They may be adults now, but I'll admit, it took me ages to fully mature myself. We can be there for them like our parents were for us. Right, Antony?" She grinned at the taller stallion and knew he'd most definitely agree. She wanted to be a better mother for many reasons as well, since both she and Antony had had some strange motherly experiences. They both were blessed with strong father figures at least, and already Antony was fulfilling that role perfectly. She wouldn't let him or the children down, and most especially, let herself down anymore!
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Posted: Fri Oct 10, 2008 9:29 am
Well, THAT was unexpected. One moment, Antony was standing there and grinning at his father-in-law and snuggling his mate, the next he was listening as mate and father-in-law alike were suddenly consigning the two of them to the role of devoted caregiver...and nothing else.
It wasn't that he disliked the idea of being there for the kids. On the contrary, he'd discovered early on that being a parent really agreed with him, for all the fact that children took things a bit more literally and seriously than adults (seriously, who would have thought that his own kids wouldn't have known when he was joking? Truly a traumatic experience at first, but that too had been overcome in time). He loved his kids, loved spending time with them, loved watching them grow up, loved being there for them. Having had the example of an involved father in his life from an early age, Antony knew how important that bond was for a child's developement. Beyond that, he had advantages that Guilian hadn't had: an equally involved and committed mare at his side. It was the best possible set-up.
But to spend the rest of his energy on the kids? What on earth did that mean? Antony suddenly had a vision of himself and Loveless trying to keep all their children in one place and live like some kind of Soquili hive, spending all their time together and having no life outside of the kids. What a scary thought.
He knew that Loveless didn't mean that literally. She couldn't mean it literally. Knowing Loveless as he did, he KNEW she couldn't mean it literally. Yet it still made his hair stand on end just thinking about it, so after agonizing in silent for a few moments, he was quick to interject, "Of course we'll be there for them, Lessy; obviously our own parents haven't turned their backs entirely on US yet, and we're older than the kids. But I think that we can give them at least a little bit of space and spend a bit of of our energy on ourselves. Leave a bit of room for innovation and spontanaity on our part, keep the kids on their toes...you know what that's like, Ariston."
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Posted: Sun Oct 12, 2008 9:47 am
All confusion aside, Loveless only nodded towards Antony as he stated what was obvious in her mind as well. She didn't mean to confuse him in any way, but her words might have come off as such. "The only reason my father kept us on our toes was because we never knew what was going on with him." With slanty eyes, she suddenly looked at the suspect at hand and grinned. "Then again, I turned out just fine so his spontaneity was probably a good asset don't you think?" She giggled then and shook her head at the two stallions around her. Even though they were taller then her she never felt small in her presence. That was also a nice feeling to take in.
Despite the announcement for the day, it was nice to know that nothing had changed. Everyone was still comfortable and happy, and her father was still as random as ever. Who would have thought he'd have great insight on the idea of mating? "Father maybe you should try and settle down with a mare. Although I find the idea impossible as well, maybe you'd like it?" Another grin rested on her face as she imagined her father tied down at all. "But I will always commend you for settling down with one gal from your past. If you hadn't of raised me well and given me that time, who knows where I would be." And in truth, that was why Ariston was indeed a wonderful father. He would at least tie himself down with family. Loveless liked to keep that as a lesson, and never betray her family in that way. "Heh our father's are good teachers it seems." she then commented, while wiggling her tail from side to side.
Ariston wasn't frazzled at all from his daughter's ridiculous words, and he only laughed as elegantly as he always did. "Me with one mare just doesn't fit my dear, I know you are aware of that by now! I'll always have friends and family to keep me happy and comfortable, but a roamer I am, and a roamer I will always be." There was no shame to that fact, since he found life to have many ways for pleasing everybody. "I'll admit, I am happy to see that the both of you are completely grown up now. I don't think I could handle Loveless following me around anymore." He made a silly face towards his daughter and knew his life was MUCH better in that way. His daughter had a tendency to cling to him for support, but now she was over that mountain at least. Antony definitely helped with that.
"I have no worries that you will remain as spontaneous as they get, Antony. That has always been an aspect of you and your father's character. I can't help but commend your family for that fun filled trait." With a sharp nod, he knew that Guilian always had a knack for proving himself in that way. "You both have your own balances and spices, and as you watch your children continue to grow in life you'll see those traits come out at all times." Hell, Loveless constantly had Ariston's attitude and confidence. But Loveless was born being a part of Ariston that even he couldn't find or let out sometimes. Ah well, genes were silly like that.
"Keep your kids happy, but most of all keep yourself happier. That is the truth to it all." That was Ariston logic for you, and he gleamed as he finished his last bit of advice.
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Posted: Sun Oct 19, 2008 11:55 am
A monogamous Ariston. THERE was scary thought, and one that Antony couldn't entirely suppress a wince at the thought of. The world was simply not ready for a monogamous Ariston any more than they were ready for a monogamous Guilian. "Yeah...let's get away from the scary place and get back to what passes for normalcy in this family."
With that he glanced down at Loveless, giving her a grin and snugging her against his side. She was so the right mare for him, right in attitude, right in size, right in opinion. She might have been glued to Ariston at the hip in the past, but now she didn't need to rely solely on her father for companionship if HE had anything to say about it!
Smiling, he gave Ariston a nod, in total agreement with his mate. "Really, you have been a wonderful part of our lives, Ariston; you've been so good to Lessy, and to me. Without saying that we've followed the pattern exactly, I know that we pulled a lot from our own upbringings into how we raised our own kids." What TO do as well as what NOT to do. "It's been a learning experience for us and the kids alike; maybe by the time the next ones come along, we'll have the whole process figured out!"
Although that got him thinking, with a thoughtful look at his mate. "We really ought to try and track down the kids and tell them. Do you have any idea where they might be, on that note?" And, glancing at Ariston. "Have you run into any of them recently, by chance?"
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Posted: Mon Oct 20, 2008 5:03 pm
The children? Well goodness. She hadn't seen them in quite some time. How horrible did that feel and sound! "I don't know where my babies are..." she made a rather sad face, and she quickly shook the thoughts out and decided to figure the situation out. "They all are probably finding themselves and living on their own. I remember going through that myself, and its a wonderful time in life. I wanted to check on them all soon since the seasons are changing, and I wanted to make sure they were all prepared for winter." A worried expression then met her face, and she realized she seriously needed a family meeting! "Maybe I waited too long? Now I am totally worried." She frowned then and looked at her father, and was of course wondering if he'd seen them himself! If he did, he was much better then her.
It HAD been awhile since Ariston had seen the children, and it was far too long in his opinion. He spaced out a bit, and tried to remember if recently he'd found any of them, and with a hmph, he only chuckled. "It really has been some time since I've seen them. Your children obviously travel around even more then I do. And sadly, I have not run into any of them myself. I truly wish I did." Though in short, it was pretty hilarious that both Loveless and Antony were asking him of all people! Did they really lack any information on it? "And I was just about to wonder if you both were aware of your offspring's locations! But like I said, I'll never judge." He was laughing lightly, and with a comfortable sway to the side he realized that the lovebirds now had three important tasks at hand.
"My my, it sounds as though the two of you need to get the gang together. You might want to do that before they travel even further away." He was back to smiling now, and he nodded quite generously to the two of them. "I think my work here is done, you know, giving amazing advice and whatnot. But now it is your turn to tell your kiddos what's been going on. And I have no doubt that they'll be pleased." Since well, he was pleased, and he had a good judge of situations! "I'm glad you made this little arrangement, its been so much fun." Loveless and Antony were sneaky in their own ways, but that was why Ariston loved them!
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