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 Posted: Thu Sep 25, 2008 3:32 pm
Honestly, what more could a blue eyed boy ask for?
Still, it wasn't healthy for him to keep such a narrow view of the world. There was more than home, there were other mountains to climb, valleys to investigate, and oceans to study. Sure, Azuell had no real desire to visit such places, nor did he have any hankering of wanderlust whatsoever but he would appease his mother and allow himself to get lost. . . even for just a few days. There was an entire world to see, and though his interest wasn't entirely there, at least he could appease himself by testing out new foods.
Thus far the cuisine on his journey had been interesting at best. . . . the fall grasses that grew on the plains had been a bit dry and tasteless. There had been a sweet array of flowers, though the pickings had been slim, and of course one could only tolerate the bitter and chewey taste of bark for so long. No, the stallion craved something with different flavor. . .
If the plains offered nothing but dry and tasteless plants (how could his mother have lived there so many years on such a menu?) than he needed to find a source of water. The mountains were gifted with melting snowfall, and while an oasis was scarce on the plains, Azuell did know where water was plentiful. . . .
The sea.
And so it was the heart of his journey. The land had slowly transformed from dry grasses and flatlands to hills and sand dunes. Grasses had changed to hardier and shorter, more sparse beach grasses, and drift wood had littered his walk. The call of the ocean sang out its hypnotic melody, and though he felt entirely exposed without the surrounding foliage of his woodland home around him, there was something pleasant about the sea.
It was simpler. . . Open. . honest. And the horizon and sea seemed to stretch out forever and ever. This was no lake, this was the edge of the world. . . This was some place new. Strolling lazily forward, the stallion made sure to step right up to the waters edge. Well. . . . here he was. . . . . .
Now what?
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Posted: Fri Sep 26, 2008 12:51 pm
Mothers seemed to have the inate ability to make their children do exactly what they wanted. Coercion was often mistaken for gentle nagging and as such, one foal after another would reach out into the world to explore its secrets. The Islagiatt herd were particularly notorious for such things - Yei Umeko and Tai being renowned for their gentle coaxing and prodding. The result of such nagging was that the majority of the Islagiatt herd could safely say they had explored enough of the land outside their homes to know where they belonged - the general concensus was that most preferred to stay at home (or close to it).
However there were a select few who remained farther afield, some did so by choice while others did not. Honeycomb was one of these Soquili, given the nature of her disability life on the slopes had posed such difficulties that the mare found it virtually impossible to make it home without considerable planning. A trip that should have taken days often took weeks and as such, she remained in the Lowlands. This wasn't to say she had immersed herself completely in lowland society though and more often than not she could be found alone.
She was no hermit (rest assured), on the contrary she was one of the most hospitable individuals around. More than happy to accept the interruptions of another who sought polite conversation, she received occasional visitors but not countless. She preferred it this way, her days were filled with tranquility and her evening with the stars. On certain afternoons the rare mare or stallion would stumble upon the coasts and there they would meet her. In a manner of speaking conversation was often enjoyable given their naivity about such a location and it's treasures, but they never stayed.
...Everyone liked their grasses and the shelter of the forests.
Thus, Honeycomb was usually left to her own devices and drifted in and out of her various dream worlds. Her imagination was often fileld with tales of Kelpi and Mersoquili, adventures beneath the sea and far out of sight. This afternoon was of no exception and for the most part the mare remained unaware of her visitor. Her gaze remained fixed on the horizon, the soft smile planted upon her lips in a serene fashion. To say the mare was more than happy to lie on the shore with the waves lapping gently against her legs was an understatement - she was completely in her element.
Alas the instincts of a typical hostess soon caught up with her and after she had released a soft sigh and lost the weight from her shoulders she did lift her gaze. Flexing each limb, she inspected each in turn and it was only as she twitched her hind legs that she caught sight of the pale stallion in her peripheral vision - argh, but how long had he be standing there! The poor mare couldn't have shrieked any louder as she tried to scramble to her feet - in a flurry of long limbs and a mass of hair she made quick work of failing miserably to stand up. Instead she barrelled head first into the water and resurfaced not far from shore, her eyes wide in 'horror' at her own lack of manners.
"How long have you been there?" she gasped softly, perfectly happy to remain shoulder deep in salt water for the time being as she inspected her visitor. Usually they said something at the very least...
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Posted: Sun Sep 28, 2008 4:07 pm
If he hadn't noticed the pale mare that had rested by the shore, her cry of surprise and wild flailing did draw his attention to Honey more fully. By the time he realized that the soquili seemed to be strugglign to move, it was too late to move to her side and offer her aid. So with a small amount of horror, the young, blue eyed boy could only stare as she splashed head first in to the water.
. . . .how had that even happened?
Azuell had never met a soquili that was clumsy. Oh, sure, as a very young colt he hadn't been Mr. Finesse himself, but at least he'd managed the basics of walking and rising. Somehow he wondered if all her hair had been a source of her stumble, having captured a glimpse of the warm, golden locks moments before she sunk in to the sea. Ah, but Azuell also wasn't one to just stand and so obviously stare - after a double take one could blame upon his young age, he started forward and bridged the distance between himself and the fair maiden.
"Please accept my humblest apologies, miss," he voiced, dipping his head cordially even as the ocean waters stained his his legs and sides. He wasn't a very big soquili, so it didn't take much water for the waves to thoroughly soak the stallion. "I hadn't meant to startle or sneak up upon, much less disturb your rest." Oh bother, this wasn't how he'd hoped such a meeting would transpire; he had thought, should he be blessed enough to actually stumble across another, that easy conversation would be in order of the day. . . . not a swim! Furthermore, the sandy-blond stallion regretted that his silence had caused the mare such a start. . . .
A shame he couldn't start everything over.
"Please though, are you quite all right?" She didn't seem in any rush, but perhaps her stumble had caused her some sort of harm. Azuell's first response to a soquili in need (be it true need or his own idea of it) was to want to fuss and protect. It was a nature he inherited from both his father (the protectiveness) and his mother (the fussing). Typically composed, though he had yet to lose his cool, his brows had knit ever so slightly in concern as he waited for Honey to respond.
Just because he was small didn't mean he was weak. He would assist the mare in whatever she wished and needed.
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Posted: Mon Sep 29, 2008 10:44 am
She couldn't fault him for his manners. His politeness seemed to radiate from his form, brushing up against her soggy form in much the same manner as the waves. It had been a long time since she had ever encountered an individual who addressed others in such a manner. Generally speaking simple greetings and common courtesy were hard to find in this day an age, thus it should have come at no surprise that the petitie mare was just a little taken aback by his approach. This wasn't to say she was appalled or deterred by such unusual behaviour but it certainly caught her off guard. How long had it been since she had heard someone strike up an albeit forced conversation in that manner?
A long time...
Nevertheless it wasn't long at all before realisation dawned on her face and her eyes widened even more. Embarassment soon seemed to crush her chest and she gasped. Oh by the gods she had plunged head first into the ocean. More to the point she had screamed at him, then yelled at him in some semblance of a greeting. The Islagiatt would have found her greeting to be typical by her standards given her clumsy behaviour but she was humiliated. Oh! If only she had been paying more attention, she would have never been surprised and as a result she wouldn't have been sent flying into the ocean by her own rebellious legs. It was only after she began to feel the heat rising in her cheeks that she turned her gaze away from the stallion for a few moments.
However delayed responses were never something she had approved of and she had kept him waiting long enough. Shortly after she had averted her gaze she placed a small smile on her lips and returned her gaze to his. A small bout of nervous laughter and she shook her head in response to his worry. An attempt to dismiss and alleviate any fear he might have had for her health. Given her clumsiness it seemed her tiny body had long since adapted to accomodate the numerous bumps and bruises she received on a regular basis. A stumble into the ocean was nothing and the fall had been cushioned by the water for the most part.
She chose to ignore the water as it continued to lap against her neck and instead opted to provide him with an ample response (and an apology). She had her manners too, granted they weren't quite as polished as his but she knew how an individual was meant to act in a variety of situations.
"You uh...You have nothing to apologise for," she croaked out at last, encouraging her voice little by little. "It was my mistake, I should have been paying greater attention to what was around me - I should apologise for giving you such a shock!" She giggled again and as if to prove that she was fine, the mare very tentatively pulled herself to her hooves. With the support of the ocean against her limbs, she found that her balance improved considerably. Alas it was a shame that she now resembled a drowned rat but she could recover some composure at the very least.
It was with a toss of her soggy mane and another, warmer smile that she permitted herself to observe him after her initial apologise. He was most certainly not a traditional Soquili. In terms of appearance he gave the illusion of normality but the horns on his head told a different story. At some point or another his mother or father had come into contact with a Soquili that possessed additional features. She didn't consider this a bad thing but the clashing ebony of his horns combined with his pale coat was certainly intriguing.
"Um... I'm Honeycomb, by the way - but you can call me Honey if you like?" she offered, choosing now to introduce herself. He may have bridged the gap but the clumsy mare was determined to beat him to the introductions. It was the least that she could do!
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Posted: Mon Oct 06, 2008 10:13 am
The stallion didn't find the scenario awkward, but he certainly hadn't been prepared for an ocean swim. Furthermore, he would have never guessed or suspected that his quiet approach would have sent the mare head first in to the water. . . for that Azuell couldn't help but feel guilty. It was only proper, after all, seeing as a respectable stallion should never cause such severe alarm. . .
Especially when it wasn't necessary.
Thankfully, the pale stranger before him didn't seem to object to his presence and Azuell was grateful for such a thing. How embarrassing would it be to fudge up his first acquaintance on his first day out of the grove? No, Azuell would not allow the order of the day to be ruined because of her scare; he would make sure by the end of their meeting she was happy, content and thoroughly dry.
"Strange as an introduction this may be, so long as you are well and unwounded there has been some goodness to this meeting. First and foremost there is a great deal you have taught me, a wonderful first lesson to be learned and remembered while I journey upon the lowlands," Azuell commended with a boyish grin. Good humor laced his blue eyes as he studied the soggy mare, not entirely ready to begin his retreat to short. Yet. "I shall but have to walk louder." So she hadn't been paying attention, the pale stallion certainly didn't blame her - the view of the endless and vast sea was alluring and the hypnotic rhythm of the foamy waters and the heady scent of sea salt could overwhelm the senses. It was his fault for not introducing or making himself known. . . .
But Azuell wasn't one to disrupt and she had looked so peaceful resting upon the beach. Poor boy, he just couldn't seem to win no matter how he looked at it. But, such was the way of things, and at least he could attempt to save the rest of their time together. "Secondly, all lessons and dampness aside, this is one meeting and one face I shall not so easily forget." Like it or not, a memory had been made (at least for Azuell) and a new story he could take with him even after his time with the mare had passed.
It wasn't everyday you accidentally threw someone in to the ocean while standing a hundred feet away.
That, on some skewed level, took talent. . . . Take that Penance!
Still standing within the water, enjoying the feeling of the current against his legs, Azuell finally got a good look of his company. Waterlogged she might be, but her coat was the most pure shade of ivory while her hair seemed to cascade down her back, neck and shoulders seemingly forever. It was almost as long as his fathers or Cyn's, though perhaps not quite as thick, and was absolutely beautiful.
Truly she was lovely. . . . but manners quickly reminded him that it was most ungentlemanly to stare! Furthermore, he might indeed creep her out. . . . .
"Tis a pleasure to meet you, Honey," he allowed her name to roll of his tongue, a fitting name for such a pretty mare. Dipping in a bow, the blond stallion offered her a pleasant grin, following suit and offering her his own. "I'm Azuell, though now and then am referred to as Azu or plank, depending on which of my family you're speaking to."
Oh yes, as a colt he had indeed picked up a wide variety of nicknames. . . namely from his twin!
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Posted: Tue Oct 07, 2008 3:50 am
"You have a brother, don't you?" Honey replied almost instantly as he introduced himself. No individual on earth introduced themselves as 'plank' unless they had been at the centre of some humouress banter between siblings. Even she could recognise that, recalling days from her childhood when she could vaguely remember siblings making little jibes towards one another. Admittedly she had long since discovered that between siblings this habit was fine, but should a stranger refer to them in such a manner then it had a very different affect. Thus it should have come at no surprise that she smiled pleasantly shortly after and shook her head.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Azuell..." She had at last selected her own way of addressing him, wading her way towards the shore in a somewhat unsteady manner. Which each sweep of her legs beneath the surface, she thrust herself forward and the hair that had once clung to her neck now drifted out and followed her more in the fashion of a wedding train than that of obedient strands of hair. If she was honest this didn't really concern her, such things were natural and to be expected. She might look ridiculous but it was unavoidable and eventually her hair would dry and 'puff' up to it's original appearance.
Eventually her hooves did touch firm ground though and initially she was wobbly. Tentatively distancing herself from the deepest regions of the sea, she crept towards her original spot. One hoof after the other, there were times when she resembled a new born foal in terms of how she walked. However by the time she had reached her original spot it appeared that the young mare had gathered her composure and with it, some of her balance. She was now completely comfortable to remain standing, sandy mane draped this way and that over her ivory coat.
Once she was certain that she could safely maintain her balance she lifted her head and snorted once to blow away the long forelock that had covered her eyes. Blinking a few times, she then smiled and regarded the stallion more closely. He really was much smaller than she was accustomed to, small but well built. Muscles could be sighted easily, rippling beneath his pale coat - no doubt balance was no issue for him! Oho, no way.
"I assure you, I'm perfectly healthy," she chose to address his concerns now that she was comfortable and safe. Basking in the sun's rays, it wouldn't be very long before she dried off. However she did have to note that there was a greater chill to the wind and as such, it probably wouldn't be advisable to have anymore baths anytime soon. Actually, one might say that at some point she would have to move in land to the lakes again so that she could remain warm when winter at last swept across the Kawani.
"I'm made of much stronger stuff," she reassured, flashing a grin and striking a tentative pose. It was a pose she had received from her father, a simple one that highlighted her form but was so subtle that she wouldn't lose her balance. An arch of her neck, a puffing out of her chest and a slight step forward with one leg. All in all, it could be performed in a split second and she didn't fall on her rump in the process - she really couldn't ask for more.
"It comes with the territory," she continued and returned to her original stance, her tail swishing side to side. Oddly enough she had chosen to dismiss his stares, not out of rudeness or embarassment and more so because she wasn't accustomed to them. Appreciative glances were lost on a mare who rarely received them, for all she knew he could simply have been assessing her!
"Ahaha...That being said, I don't think you should walk any louder to show soquili that you're there, I'm just clumsy," she confessed, her smile turning sheepish. "And perhaps you can remember this meeting for other reasons than me falling head first into the ocean," she mused after a few moments, embrassment bubbling in her chest again. "Maybe recall it fondly for my undeniable hospitality!" she announced. Somewhere she had located her lost enthuasiasm and she soon gave a giggle.
"Allow me to begin by welcoming you to the Northern Coast, how about that?"
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Posted: Sun Oct 26, 2008 9:29 pm
Azuell made his way slowly out of the cool waters, not at all concerned by the gusting breezes. Living high within the slopes, the blond stallion was more than acclimated to the cold and found it preferable to the raging heat of summer. One could always find a way to keep warm should they object to the cold; cooling off if one were too warm, on the other hand, was a different matter entirely.
A shame for Azuell that weather was the very last thing on his young mind.
The stallion's gait was easy, slow, and one could almost consider his movements lethargic. He was rarely in a rush and often gave the impression of a lazy nature. If one were to assume Azuell were as apathetic as he appeared, they would be thoroughly mistaken. He was always on the alert, always aware of his surroundings and was continuously thinking ahead. Though he had lived a great life with his mother and grand-mothers coddling, one couldn't be the offspring of Azumoth without understanding the basics of caution and the art of war. What had once been foal hood games had transformed in to mock-battles and strategy. Yes, Penance and Azuell had been trained well. . . Though he hadn't the 'fierce' appearance of his brother or father, the small stallion made up for it in strength and quiet strategy.
Despite his composed appearance, once again, it seemed as if all of his training was starting to slowly come to pieces. Always one to be in control, the blue eyed male was finding himself easily distracted by the pale siren before him. Water-logged and walking with a train of hair behind her, Azuell found his concentration was fast becoming a train wreck! He kept reminding himself he shouldn't stare, he was looking at her far too much than was gentlemanly, and he was fast losing all sense! But why!?
She was pretty. . . very pretty. . . appallingly pretty! So pretty he had forgot to respond to her question about family and could only watch as she posed for him! Stronger stuff? Oh, he was more than certain she was made of 'stronger stuff' considering without a word she had left him breathless!
BAH!
Remembering himself, the stallion gave himself a great shake to rid his pelt of the salty water (and the strange fascination she was holding over him!). Good thing Penance wasn't here. . . Though she might be oblivious to his nature, his brother would see right through his guise and all hell would break loose. "Mph," he grunted softly in response, giving a little nod and smile. "I do have a brother," he finally responded, turning to remove some stale sea weed from his long tail. "Though I can't see we look very much alike. His name is Penance and I do believe he's been more adventurous than I." Blue eyes returned to study the pale mare, curious as to whether or not she might have crossed paths with the golden eyed soul. "This is, to be perfectly frank, my first real trip from my homelands. And," he added with a reassuring grin, "Perhaps the real reason why meeting you might be so memorable. I've not been to the ocean before and to be greeted by a warm smile and a kind greeting, all in the form of a beautiful mare, well, I dare say one couldn't ask for much more than that."
He wasn't really flirting outside of being honest, at least that was the logic his brain attempted to justify. Of course, there would always be the memory of her falling in to the sea. . . not because of the guilt he felt for startling her, but because she had to walk out of the sea. . . And Azuell had been the only witness.
Oh, it was a crass thought, but Azuell was young. To put him in front of a extraordinarily lovely mare was torture on a level he'd never imagined. A shame he assumed such attraction was but a normal thing and something he'd just have to deal with around every mare he met.
A tactician he might have been. . . but he hadn't received the nickname "plank" without due cause.
"Rest assured," he added with another easy grin, "there is more to remember than an unprompted swim." Dipping his head in a most formal manner, offering a bow to the sea mistress before him, Azuell couldn't help but wonder if his entire trip was going to be one of unusual circumstance. All he wanted now was to pull himself together. . . . a task easier thought than done.
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Posted: Tue Nov 18, 2008 4:32 pm
Honeycomb was not a terrible flirt, the actions she made were intended to be the most harmless in the world. Unfortunately she had never been informed, nor had she noticed that she had her father's inate ability to be instinctively flirtacious. Her movements were subtle, her genuine smiles could otherwise cause others to crumble and did she notice? Well, if one were to be incredibly honest about these qualities one would have to say that the mare remained completely and utterly oblivious to any signals she might emit in the process of a random social encounter.
Her father had always encouraged her to be sociable, to embrace company and to entertain as best she could. While she was clumsy, this should never deter her and with a constant smile on her lips it was her duty to encourage others to be the same. This was how it worked in theory, in practice Honeycomb rarely had the opportunity to meet others when so many remained in the forests or plains. Nevertheless when she did have visitors she rarely received complaints based on her behaviour, most were content to be in her company for she didn't impose.
Alas when she heard the name 'Penance' she seemed thoughtful, her brow furrowing slightly in mild recognition of the name. As mentioned before the petite and rather clumsy mare rarely had company and the chances of encountering the same individual again and again were slim. She remembered names, though not very well (unless told multiple times) and thus it only registered slightly. It seemed familiar but she couldn't place it...
"Oh, I met someone by that name before," she cooed at last, completely unaware of the internal battle that the stallion was having in order to secure his integrity. "He came to taste seaweed I think, most soquili do..." that was the best guess she could make without further description. If he was a travelling soquili as most of her visitors were then they were here to sample the food and see the view. "He sounds like one of my sisters, my sister is a really deep brown colour but no less pretty!"
Shaking her head the mare soon dismissed such thoughts from her head and raised a brow as she observed his almost sluggish movements. He had quite the saunter, but it was an illusion - she may have fallen for it herself if she couldn't see the muscles rippling beneath that coat of his. He exercised whether few chose to recognise this order not, and he did so often...
Alas as he mentioned her beauty she couldn't help but flush with embarassment and released a good natured chuckle in return. Modesty was important to her and to be referred to as memorable for her beauty weas flattering but inaccurate - she was clumsy and as such was often referred to as 'the clumsy one' in passing. She didn't mind it given it was a factual observation but it was generallly the accepted reference.
"Thank you for the compliment, though I suspect beauty is vastly outweighed by the instance in which one tumbles into the ocean with such vigor - no?" she teased with a smile.
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Posted: Fri Nov 21, 2008 11:19 pm
Azuell listened to the petite mare speak, pleased to be in her company and near the oceans side. He had to admit to himself he most certainly was enjoying the view, and for once it had little to do with nature or the possibility of a snack; Honey was indeed a beauty of a mare, and seeing her half-soaked hardly lessened the picture. In fact, with her hair tangled around her and clinging to her body in such a fashion it ... it really was a bit of a distraction.
And he had far too many good manners to allow himself to think too mcuh about her than what she was saying. Yes, he was a gentleman, thankyouverymuch, and his mother would kill him if he were anything less. Besides, she was a mare, and it wasn't as if he'd never dealt with the female persuasion before. . . So what on earth was the problem now?
Once again, his brother would probably be lawling at him from a distance if he understood the internal war plaguing him. No, he was better than his silly, twitter pated brother at least when it came to being unaffected by mares. Penance was the swooning heart, not him. Nope, no way. . . besides, logic tried to argue, he wasn't really swooning as being a touch inappropriate. Which. . . come to think about it. . . was probably worse.
Clearing his heads of his thoughts, or at least giving a valiant attempt at the matter, Azuell turned his gaze momentarily back to the oceans edge while keeping his ears suited on Honey's words. "So he tested the local cuisine, has he?" The blue eyed stallion drawled, eyes gleaming in good humor. "Seaweed is a popular dish when it comes to my family though I myself have yet to try it." It was his father's most cherished meal, though exactly why he loved it so Azuell was oblivious. The cream stallion wasn't exactly picky when it came to food, so long as food was involved.
Turning back to look upon Honey, Azuell offered her another lazy, lop-sided smirk. "First you wish that I remember this afternoon fondly without thinking of our swim, and now when I admit to your mesmerizing beauty, I am told I shall think of nothing but the water; would it be so terrible a sin if I admit to thinking fondly of both?" Perhaps then she might allow him justification if he merely chose both instead of one over the other. . . otherwise he'd be forced to stay until a proper 'memory' was discovered.
If not her beauty or her charm or her clumsy spill, Azuell was fast running out of options.
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Posted: Tue Nov 25, 2008 8:17 am
There was really no arguing with some people and as he spoke again and inferred to her appearance she opted instead to leave it be. She wasn't one for any form of conflict and it was so much easier to leave him be. If he chose to consider her to be memorable for more than her clumsy nature then who was she to complain or correct him? It was rude and could result in a headache and a rather sorry state of affairs in regards to the current encounter. Ah yes, it was much better for the mare to enjoy his company and ensure he was comfortable than to get into a dispute - so, instead of correcting him she smiled in acceptance.
"So he is your brother?" she continued at last, her smile depeening somewhat as she recalled the peculiar dark stallion. She distinctly remembered wings, a 'twinkle' in the eyes but the precise details remained unclear. He'd spoken of a brother but the time she had met him... She thought back, carefully recalling what she could about the dark stallion and his antics. It was true to say he had found the seaweed to be decent though it wasn't his favourite food but he'd been after something else...
A necklace!
"Oh, well he didn't find it to be his favourite I think but he enjoyed it - he was distracted," she rocked slightly on her hooves and pursed her lips. "Looking for a necklace - he must have someone special," she pointed out. It wasn't an attempt to pry into Azuell's private life, a mere observation in regards to his potential brother more than anything else. It really wasn't any of her business if Azuell had another, for all she knew he could be courting another and could be seeking a trinket too! Oh, but if he was maybe she should show him some shells?
...It was a puzzle to her.
"If you would like to try some of the cuisine then I can get you some though, I'd be more than happy to let you sample some - it's always a good idea to try everything at least once, you know?"
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Posted: Sat Dec 20, 2008 6:47 pm
"He is indeed my brother," Azuell drawled, taking a moment to think upon his twin and exactly what he might have been up to. Though they had grown and stayed close, unlike their life as foals, the two now frequently traveled their separate ways. While Penance harbored a more adventurous air about him, Azuell himself was much more of a homebody.
Oh, he didn't mind travel, but considering Honey was the first 'outsider' he had met (and he was still snuggled happily within the confines of Islagiatt) there was something to be said about his desire to travel. Yes, he harbored little need of wandering, and unlike may felt absolutely no draw to discover what lay outside his home.
Yes, Azuell was more than content to be with his family. Whatever else did he need?
Grinning lightly, bemused by the notion of his brother looking for a trinket, the blue eyed stallion gave a nod. "Oh, he does indeed have someone special," he chuckled. "Though I don't know if either of them realize it or not. You see, he has a friend that he's been hopelessly devoted to since we were colts, and ever since that fateful day there isn't anything he wouldn't do for her." Ah, how frustrated Penance would get when Azuell would bring up questions about Numielle! Furthermore, Azuell enjoyed watching his brother flail helplessly while the angeni mare was around. . . .
"She's since grown in to a lovely mare, and lights up like a firefly every time he's around. But I guess that's the point of falling in love," he added with a small shrug, smile still bemused. He himself didn't have a clue about those sorts of things, but if he looked at his parents during the right moment, or stared at the way Numielle and Penance acted, there was something suspiciously eager about their attitudes.
Such eagerness just had to be that little l-o-v-e word, though Azu much preferred to let everyone else dabble in such an affair. But while his parents and his brother tested out the goodies of the heart, the blond stallions eyes lit at the mention of goodies for the tummy - food!
"Well, m'lady, you speak words that are well and true. And as this is my first escape from the grove, I would be more grateful if you could show me the best eats of the shore." What was the fuss of this seaweed bit anyway? And what other delectables might he be able to discover? "I've never turned away a meal," he added with a grin, and tossing Honey a wink.
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Posted: Wed Dec 24, 2008 7:18 am
"Oh how nice," Honey murmured gently, a faint smile lingering on her lips at the mention of such romantic escapades. She'd only heard stories of such things from her father, often as warnings as to the extent certain stallions would go to in order to fulfill their desires. In regards to his brother though, the black stallion had seemed genuine about his gift - something to remember him by or some such. Had she known of its true importance she would have tried even harder to find more shells to his liking but alas, it was all in the past. All the mare could hope for was that he was able to deliver his gift and that his 'friend' appreciated it.
"I can't say I've ever experienced such an extravagant gesture but it seems unlikely that one would do that out of mere friendship," she mused after a few moments. Given she was a mare of Islagiatt there was a small part of her that did enjoy gossip. Gossip, intrigue - any possibility to question whether or not something was as it appeared. As an onlooker she for one didn't believe that anyone would go to such lengths just to present a gift to a friend they hadn't seen in a while, it had to be love! Ooooh, she would squee if she wasn't vertically challenged. Goodness knew she had already lost enough dignity this afternoon.
...Oh but if only someone would do that for her!
Some soquili got all the luck and while a small part of her envied them, the other part of her was quick to note that she could make small gestures herself. Now was one of those times, she may not have known the stout stallion for very long but he was her guest and as a result, she had the perfect opportunity to spoil him rotten. Better yet, he was a guest who was fully prepared to sample all the foods she had available, adventurous in his own right even if he didn't drift far from home. Ah, the times when she had met soquili who were less than adventurous and merely turned their noses up at the very thought of tasting something that looked slimey.
Okay so it could be slimey - but it could be dried too.
Clearing her throat, the mare tossed her hair from her eyes and peered at the stallion more closely. Considering his words carefully, she mused over which foods would be best to start off with. The grasses were simply too sharp during this season to provide as a food source and so she was left with a variety of mosses and seaweed.
"Well, do you prefer things a little damp or dry?"
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Posted: Sat Jan 03, 2009 3:37 pm
Azuell wasn't the sort of of stallion who could easily be dubbed a romantic. Oh, he knew the stories and could appreciate grand gestures to sweet a mare off her hooves, but he had never felt an inclination to do any of that. He was respectful, mind, and was certainly loyal to a fault but. . . . unlike many young stallions his age he had no mare to spoil. What was even worse, up until meeting Honey, any mares he might have spotted in the distance were simply looked upon as that . . . a mare. He felt no attraction, felt no need to impress, and otherwise happily played ignorant to any flirtations that fell his way.
Let Penance play the games of romance and seduction. . . .
Azuell would just as well prefer to take a nap.
Ah, but here he was, out and about with a new face. Though he wasn't nearly as adventurous as his brother, and though he preferred to live a very quiet and uncomplicated life full of good eats and long naps, Azuell was enjoying himself. The ocean was indeed a beautiful get away, but even better was the company! The long haired mare had been nothing short of pleasant and she certainly knew how to make a fabulous hostess. Furthermore, she truly was appealing to the eyes and he happily found himself coming up with all sorts of excuses on why he should look at her. . . . Yes, he had to keep her talking so he could keep catching her eye as was appropriate to do when listening. It wouldn't be all that gentlemanly of him to gape with her back turned, after all. . . . even if he had stolen a look or two at her rump.
By the spirits, it had to be Penny's fault. . . .DEFINITELY had to be. She was just a mare, a new acquaintance after all. . . . but why did she have to be so damn pretty? It was a good thing his brother was far, far away... Should his brother catch wind of his thoughts or actions he'd never, ever be able to live it down.
Nope. . . she was still just an acquaintance, if he were lucky and fortunate a friend. But for now he'd be on his best behavior and focus on the foods she had to offer. But just because he had nothing much to say about extravagant gestures didn't mean he didn't tuck it away for future use later. "Pardon me for saying, miss, but just because you haven't been properly spoiled by a stallion lately doesn't mean it won't ever happen. You just never will know what tomorrow will bring," he added with lazy, lop-sided grin. And wasn't that the truth. . . .
Bridging the distance between Honey and himself, the stallion glanced around at the beach before turning back to his hostess. Damp or dry. . . hrm. Well that didnt take much thought, at least not with Azuell. Tossing his mane over his shoulder, the horned male gave a snort before admitting, "I prefer anything that's mostly edible, how about that? I've certainly nothing against slime or dust." And he wasn't kidding either. What wouldn't Azuell eat was the big question. . .
The world had yet to find out. But to be fair, he added, "But please, what do you suggest? Surely you could recommend your favorites."
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Posted: Tue Jan 06, 2009 7:55 am
"This is true," Honey conceded as he pointed out that no one truly knew what tomorrow held. Honey had never expected terribly much though, having lived such a quiet life by the lakes and coats. She was rarely disturbed and was generally left to her own devices. Now and again her father would bumble in, bringing tales of song, dance and adventures but for the most part visits remained sporadic and she was content in her own little piece of heaven. That being said it had already been touched upon that she wasn't adverse to company and did take the opportunity to spoil all those she met as best she could. It wasn't every day that a stallion dawdled idly into her home and as such, she had gone out of her way to make sure it was presentable - initial greetings not included of course.
Nevertheless, this life of quiet and solitude had left her with a reasonable level of innocence regarding any type of romance. Courtship and flirtation weren't really things she noticed or understood. They were complicated and she preferred to simply watch from the sidelines. Body language was one thing to watch, but when another was attempting to make you act in the way you had observed others do...it was a little different. For a start you actually had to be receptive towards the compliments and accept them with more than just modesty and typical good grace!
Evidently, despite her father's enjoyment of females he had made sure that his daughter was a testament to Islagiatt. She had never strayed, remained one of the delicate debutantes and was a fine hostess. No one could be prouder and she couldn't be happier. Mundane as her life might have been she embraced it willingly. She was so well protected from outside forces as well, that she had never once in her life questioned her security or feared for her health. So while the spirits may have been apologetic to her lack of recognition for Azuell's apparent struggles with her physique, it wasn't that she had deliberately chosen to remain unaware of his stares or appreciation.
...If she had known, she would probably have been terribly flattered and promptly fallen into the ocean again anyway. Some might argue it was better for her health to not know!
That being said as she touched upon the various foods that were available to him, she couldn't help but release a giggle when he pointed out that he was content to eat just about anything. He was certainly an amiable creature, apparently happy with his lot in life as much as she was. His relaxed manner (while irritating for some) only served to encourage Honey though and she took the opportunity to muse over which of the foods was her favourite dish. On a personal level she preferred mosses as they were softer and easier to eat. However, there were occasions when she enjoyed the shapr and tangy taste of seaweed.
"Why don't we just...find both?" she enquired gently and snorted her hair from her eyes again. "If you can pick the seaweed up from the rock pools (it's the stringy stuff) then I can dive for the mosses?"
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Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2009 1:38 pm
Azuell was quite content with his position. Though he hadn't been entirely keen on leaving his grove, the young stallion was pleased with his first taste at company. The mare was hospitable and without vanity or airs; she seemed to genuinely want to assist him and her good humored nature was contagious. He'd been lucky to meet such a mare and wasn't about to so swiftly rid himself of her company.
Especially when food was involved.
Quietly relaxed, his tail swishing lightly behind him, the stallion grinned at her idea. "I think that's a most excellent idea, m'lady," he chuckled, trotting lazily after. He didn't know exactly what seaweed was, but it was stringy, in rock pools, and probably tasted like something. Recollection caused his memory to point out it was salty, but such a flavor looked to be a prominent taste when it came to ocean edibles.
Stepping up to the closest pool, the stallion peered down in to the cool waters. Without much of a thought, the pale male pushed his muzzle down in to the pools, mixing up the muck and quite prepared to pull up anything he might find. Of course he found some stringy arrangements, and he couldn't help but nibble on a few bites while he was down there. But, as if the fates were scolding him for stealing a few premature bites, a sharp pain caused him to snort and snap up his head.
Dangling from his nose appeared to be a spider-like clawed creature. It had a shell and beady eyes . . . and quite the pinch. Snorting, the stallion shook his head and tried to get the little thing to let go (especially before Honey saw!). Pawing at his nose, the pinch just seemed to snap harder and the stallion couldn't help but give a little temperamental nicker.
". . . . the food bites back, how quaint."
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