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 Posted: Sun Dec 28, 2008 1:46 am
Until now, the watchful mare has observed from beneath the billowing clouds, wings tucked firmly against her sides. It's not that she thinks herself a land-bound sort, forever forsaking the blessing of flight, but... Circumstances of late have been beyond her mortal control, and she's only just regained the ability to utilize it.
Experimentally, she extends a pinion, stretching and testing it with short, brisk flaps. A moment later, the other joins it, outstretched, and then she takes wing, ignoring for now the storm she knows is brewing in the distance. It's a ways off yet, and she has much to appreciate here, in the present.
She flies, and flies, and flies, over plains and forests, hills and valleys, reveling in the simple joy of the wind coursing through her mane. Windy would never say it, but flight is truly a tragic blessing to miss out on. She'd share it with every soul, if only she were able. Alas, she's not.
And now, the environment seems set on making certain she's not able to enjoy it either. She can hear thunder rolling in the distance, ever-nearer, and the cotton clouds are darkening on the horizon, so near she can smell their dampness. A crack of lightning splits the air, and then, she decides it's no longer time to ride the skies. The mare tucks her wings, setting down, elegantly, into a rippling plain.
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Posted: Sat Mar 13, 2010 1:07 pm
The dark coated stallion wasn't often found amidst the plains, but he had decided to take it upon himself to 'get out there', as his grandmother put it. Unfortunately for Nocturne, the few he met gazed upon him with mistrust or judgment, and so the shadowed stallion had decided to stick off to one side of the plains. He avoided the most populated areas, and after grazing for an afternoon, the stallion had found himself mostly secluded.
It was good. . .
Even the ominous storm that darkened the skies and painted the world in shadow wasn't enough to draw him to the shelter of a small woods nearby. No, the woods would be the first place almost any creature would travel to seek out shelter. Some might fear the storm but he didn't want to add terror on the plain dwellers. . . .he knew what he looked like and, while he could understand their fear, he didn't want to add to it.
So he continued his grazing, ignoring the gusting winds and the cracks of lightning overhead. The two orbs he wore flickered in mild curiosity when a figure dropped from the skies not far. A wind - - no, alicorn - - from the looks of it. He didn't blame her for landing . . . not even a large soquili like he wished to battle the rough weather ahead.
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Posted: Sun Mar 14, 2010 7:08 am
Ever-vigilant, the mare notices quickly she is not alone. Not only is her company Soquli, and seemingly male (assuming its size is anything to judge by), but he has great, leathery wings too. And, if her eyes don't deceive her in the receding light, a horn. A horn?... Unikalona? She has encountered few in her time, but has known them often to be unstable, and sometimes volatile creatures. Only newly recovered from injury, she's not yet sure she's ready to risk another run-in. Especially not with a storm looming nearer, promising raging winds the alicorn is almost certain she'd be unable to conquer. She needs more time to heal. More time to strengthen disused muscles.
Still. Passing judgment on appearance alone ill-suits her; the paint chides herself for the fleeting consideration. She expects, and demands better of herself, and he deserves it, as all creatures do. Lifting her head, her ears pricked forward, Wind studies her company more closely.
This stranger... she sees no warning or aggression in his posture. Granted, he doesn't seem to welcome her either, but were she always to leave it upon others to initiate acquaintances, she'd have made half as many as she has. For now, his passiveness is welcome enough for her.
Resolved, and determined to bury her prior apprehension, Wind Gypsy sets herself into motion, one graceful step after the other. Clearly, she's in no hurry, unconcerned about the foreboding clouds now that all four feet are planted firmly on the ground. The mare is, however, seasoned, obvious in the way she moves with the confidence and crisp efficiency of a warrior, while maintaining the elegance of a lady refined. She nickers as she nears, low and soft; just loud enough to serve as an inoffensively audible alert of her approach - though she's quite certain he's noticed already. It's only polite.
"Greetings," she says at last, close enough now to be within comfortable conversational earshot.
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Posted: Sun Mar 14, 2010 8:17 am
The stallion didn't expect the female to approach. In fact, while he had acknowledged her descent from the dark and blustering clouds above, he had made sure he stayed firmly put. Approaching strangers, especially of the plains-dwelling kind, often threw them in to some sort of defensive posture or fit. Long ago had the winged stallion given up approaching first. . . unless, of course, it was absolutely necessary!
Thankfully, such times were few and far between.
So it was with great surprise his crimson gaze looked up to find the wind-blown alicorn stepping forward. In fact, unless his ears deceived him, she was actually speaking to him in greeting! Strange really. . . was she not frightened? Was she not judging him based solely on his 'frightening' appearance?
. . . what a breath of fresh air!
Nocturne's stance relaxes some, giving his wings a good stretch before snapping them back in to position. He wasn't shy, but sometimes he secretly felt a little anxious when it came to socializing with strangers. He'd experienced many reactions to his appearance, and while he didn't like to assume they would all respond the same way, he was in foreign territory and was unclear how welcome mutants were. Still, giving Wind Gypsy a better look, it occurred to him that she seemed calm and composed. She wasn't nervous or skiddish and the fact that she actually greeted him was rather amazing.
His tail tip wagged lightly in his inward pleasure, and he allowed himself to smile at the mare. It was a slightly foreign expression to Nocturne, not because he wasn't friendly, but he was so often serious that grins were reserved for rare and special occasions.
Like now.
He was on vacation (technically) . . . why shouldn't he try to enjoy himself?
Dipping his head in a bit of a gentleman's bow, the stallion remembered his manners. It wasn't polite to stare, nor was it to keep a lady waiting. "Salutations," he responded, voice naturally quiet but not at all unkind or hostile. A gust of wind caused the orbs he wore to dance lightly on the loose strips of fabric they hung to, and his hair was quick to tangle in objection to such gusty treatment.
Thankfully Nocturne wasn't a vain creature so he hardly took notice. Attempting to toss his mane over one side of his neck, hoping it might stay there for a few minutes, he regarded the mare before him. . . .
Unfortunately, he wasn't the best at conversation, at least until he better warmed up to another. Still, he kept his expression light and with a glance above, stated, "Nice weather we're having." Sarcasm, certainly, but Nocturne possessed such a dry sense of humor that sometimes it was difficult to tell.
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Posted: Sun Mar 14, 2010 9:40 am
She too is taken by surprise, albeit for an entirely different reason. He had seemed so serious before. Contemplative. Stoic, even. And now... Now he is smiling. Actually smiling! And she's hardly had opportunity to say a word. That... Well, that never happens. She's typically lucky to break stern facades before her company tires of her. Or worse, her companions smile because they enjoy teasing her, poking and prodding at her seemingly imperturbable demeanor. Not that she can't enjoy a playful, teasing verbal joust. And it isn't that she minds the more aggressive, one-sided exchange of blows. On the contrary, she's more than happy to bring smiles and happiness to anyone she can reach... even if it does sometimes come at her expense.
It's just that, as she now finds things may not pan out that way, she finds herself... relieved? Yes, relieved, allowing her an easy, natural, and relaxed calmness she's been unable to find in the company of others for longer than she'd care to realize. She appreciates it deeply, though she is quite adept at maintaining her placid visage regardless of her actual sentiments. Wind Gypsy is grateful for the times it comes more easily than others; she is a creature of her word, always, and occasionally it strains her to walk that precarious line between politeness, lightheartedness and truth.
Hopefully - and circumstance seems promising - this will be one of her less trying encounters.
She smiles genuinely; a warm, but only slight and mysterious expression. "Very," the mare says, with sincerity, her tone smooth and characteristically genial, despite what she knows is a sarcastic instigator. "What's not to love, knowing the crispness and life it leaves behind?" Ah, but there's teasing in her eyes, barely discernible, even to the particularly observant.
As if to punctuate the list of what there is not to love, a flash of lightning tears across the sky, followed closely by a loud, reverberating crack of thunder. And then, on cue, the rain starts, pouring right out of the gate. It falls in heavy sheets, slanted by the increasing winds.
Her skin twitching at the sudden boom, Wind flicks an ear at the storm. "Though I confess, I had hoped we'd have a dry moment at least long enough to make introductions." She pauses purposefully, but doesn't sound regretful. "May I ask what to call you by? I am Wind Gypsy." And as though it's only just occurred to her, "And I am sorry if I've interrupted. Would you care to take shelter?" Perhaps because she's assumed if he had wanted to find refuge, he would have done so before now.
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Posted: Thu Mar 18, 2010 6:32 pm
Win'ds reply had been a bit surprising to Nocturne whom slowly lifted a brow in consideration to her words. "Crispness isn't often a word I hear associated with storms," he mused, though a faint smile painted on his expression proved his good humor. "But I suppose you are right. Even after the worst of bad weather, there is always life renewed that follows." Where would they be without the rains to water away drought or dry times? To cool the world from summers heat, to refill ponds and lakes and create puddles from which to drink.
Even the most dire of stoms helped cleanse the world; weak limbs were ripped away from strong winds and dead grasses and weeds washed away from flash floods. After the storm passed and sun shone once more, everything really did look alive.
Nocturne's ears twitched at the crack of lightening and the boom of thunder. As the heaven's opened and the rain fell, the stallion hardly regarded the change in conditions; personally, he found it refreshing and much warmer than the rains found up in the mountains of his home. Still, he wasn't so thoughtless as to completely disregard the mare before him. She might not care to get soaked.
But first things first, right? Introductions had to be passed and shelter found if the lady wished it. "A pleasure to meet you, Miss Gypsy, even amidst this weather. I'm Nocturne." Shaking his head, the stallion gave another small smile, this time more reassuring. "You've no reason to apologize as you've interrupted nothing. I had no intention of seeking shelter at this time, but if you'd prefer to find somewhere dry and away from the weather, I would be happy to accompany you or at least point you in the right direction." Though he could be incredibly formal, Nocturne had been ingrained with manners. He treated all with respect but those of the female persuasion often saw his softer and more amicable side.
Wind Gypsy was no exception. Though he didn't expect her to take him up on the offer of escorting her (she certainly seemed quite capable of finding shelter on her own) it wouldn't have been right NOT to offer. Just in case.
Still, with the frequent flashes of light and the gusts of wind, Nocturne himself knew if the storm grew any worse he might be forced to retreat. He was as strong stallion, but mother nature was not someone you disregarded.
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Posted: Fri Mar 19, 2010 2:47 am
"Not many take time to appreciate it, I think." Though it's difficult to tell, she sounds almost quietly remorseful. "You might hear it more if they did." He might hear a lot more, were others to take the time and realize there's more to life than their immediate interests. Few do, though, and most who do seem to seldom.
Wind's happy to be the exception. The one who can always see the bright side. The one with the fresh perspective, able to help enlighten others to things they may not have realized before... Though her company is not always so accepting of it. His easygoing demeanor coaxes a slightly more open smile, even as the rain starts pouring down.
Almost immediately, it falls thick and heavy, so loud she must raise her voice to answer him over its drumming in the fields. "And you, Nocturne," she says - a rarity, for she grants such pleasantries only if they're profoundly true. Few exchanges deserve them so soon. She's pleasantly surprised, though, and so too does she give credit where credit is due. "I'm relieved, then. And I take no exception to the weather."
Still, her mane plasters to her face, and that she does mind. Attempting to dislodge it (and only partially succeeding; it's thick and more than a little disobedient), she continues. But not before another crack of thunder assails her ears. "Though I sometimes wonder if it takes exception to us. There's no need for shelter."
Not yet, anyway; the alicorn would swear she can feel the wind picking up, pressing against her like a spoiled child wailing for its way. And if push comes to shove, she will reconsider. "For now, at least," she adds, glancing momentarily skyward.
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Posted: Thu Mar 25, 2010 9:49 am
The stallion listened to the alicorn quietly as she spoke. He gave a slight nod in agreement to her words, noting full well that many were so self-absorbed they could hardly see past the ends of their noses. What often came with foul weather were complaints of various degrees and how inconvenient nature was making their lives. Honestly, to take on a slightly more cynical view, Nocturne couldn't help but figure the majority within the Kawani were whiners and complainers. . . .
The fact that Windy was not all that obsessed with her looks or comfort was amazing to the stallion. Not to stereotype, but outside of Kaliska and Nita, many mares took great pains to look 'gorgeous' and would have been appalled at the idea that they were getting drenched in the storm.
Kudos to the mare before him, most certainly. Especially because she was rather pretty, and from what he'd come to discover the prettier the mare the more lousy or ridiculous a personality. (His mother, sister and grandma excluded, of course.) Overall, Nocturne was pleased to have met such friendly company and he couldn't help but wonder what the spirits were up to.
They had a fancy way of meddling, or so his family often told him. . . Though Nocturne had been immune to such affairs (or so he believed) he had to wonder what the 'catch' was with meeting a pleasant stranger. Either he'd come down violently ill after they parted ways or something strange would happen. . . . But until she transformed in to something regrettable, Nocturne was more than content to bide his time. Besides, who knew, she might continue to surprise him in which case he'd be in for a treat!
"The weather is its own entity. . . It does what it pleases with little regard to the inconveniences it might bring. Who are we to argue with nature, after all?" He stated, giving his tail a hypnotic wag behind him as lightning lit up the sky once more. Grinning he gave a little shake of his head, the orbs around him flickering in response as he glanced at the heavens. "I know I certainly wouldn't want to argue with that."
Ignoring the weather for now, his crimson gaze focused on the mare before him, Nocturne gave another small nod. He was more than content to ride out the storm but should hail become an issue, especially large hail, he would have to give in to nature's fury. Some storms could be deadly after all. Especially to the foolish.
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Posted: Fri Mar 26, 2010 8:59 am
While Nocturne busies himself with spirits and thoughts of what-might-be, Wind finds her mind rests with more... mundane, and terrestrial fares. Things like the wind, ever-growing, taking on a fierce relentlessness that sends her heavy mane and tail whipping against her neck and legs. Experimentally, she stretches one wing, trying to get a better sense of its strength. Then, folding it again, she regards him.
"No one," the mare answers, evenly, not missing a beat. Her small, mysterious smile and gentle tone lend surprisingly little to certainty; it's unclear if she's teasing. "But I find 'inconvenience' is often a matter of perspective." After all, how inconvenient would it be if it didn't rain?! She has seen those dry, desolate northern deserts, and the brown-tinged fauna of less fortunate regions in the summer. "They could do worse."
Worse than a generous rain, that is. As yet another flash of lightning, booming thunder, and what sounds suspiciously like a thud assail her, the alicorn decides this storm is becoming a little too generous for the likes of her. She has a suspicion she knows what that heralds, and doesn't want to be out when it decides to come in force.
"We are in agreement, then?" she asks suddenly, lifting her head ever-so-slightly. "You mentioned you are familiar with shelter in the area?" This is perhaps more a statement than a question, but is posed with the tone of asking for verification. Her posture nevertheless holds a readiness now, poised and waiting to move. "Would you lead the way? Admittedly, I do not know this area."
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Posted: Thu Apr 08, 2010 4:10 am
Nocturne listened to the mare, his small smile unwavering as she speaks her mind. "What you speak is true," he agrees with a small nod. Inconvenience was indeed fully a matter of perspective. . . but there were also individuals whom could never be pleased. If it rained they wished for sun; if it were warm they wanted it to be cooler; if it snowed, it was too cold and why couldn't it warm up? Rinse and repeat. Thankfully Nocturne wasn't much for or against the weather of the world that surrounded him. He took it all in stride with little complaint or compliment either way.
His crimson gaze did take note of her test of wind versus wing. He caught sight of the tough pull upon feathers, as well as how quick she was to return her wing tucked against her side. The way his own hair whipped his face and the way he had to coil his tail around his back leg was proof enough this storm was only going to get worse before it got better. Windy, it seemed, came to such a conclusion herself as she finally agreed to seek shelter.
"I know of a place, yes," he agreed. "It's not terribly far." Though it would make them walk against the wind, unfortunately. Still, with luck his good size might make it a touch easier for the mare as he could be used a slight wind block. At least it meant he was good for something, right? "I am not from these parts myself but have visited a time or two. . . Come along then, Miss. This way." Bracing himself, the stallion turned and began to push onward away from the open plains and closer to the security of a small nearby woodland and hills.
Pushing and fighting against he wind, Nocturne stayed silent for a small while. There wasn't much to say at least until he got her to the woodlands. Though the trees and whipping foliage wasn't much protection, it helped keep the worst of the wind and rain away. All they had to be careful from was snapping branches as he continued to draw her further in. "Are you far from your homelands then?"
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Posted: Thu Apr 08, 2010 5:01 am
Were she a less modest creature, she might have made some 'of course it is!' jest. She isn't, though, and his confirmation goes with only a small nod as acknowledgment. Wind is relieved to hear it; she'd so hate to see such sensibility ruined with an impractical, fickle view of circumstance. Things will be as they need to be, and she finds no sense in objecting.
Except, that is, when matters involve life and death. To the end, she will defend her kin. Perhaps that is where the irony lies...
But that is a rumination for another time. Now, she has more important things to attend - good company not the least among them. The mare gives him another nod; more definite, and resolute. "As you see fit," she agrees, putting her faith in his judgment, while making note of his comment about calling elsewhere home. Later, she may ask where, if only as a point of curiosity.
For now, though, she turns with him, wordlessly pulling alongside his larger form. Her chin tucked, and thick tail whipping in the wind, the alicorn forges forward, braced against the storm. If she notices the times the wind changes direction, clipping around Nocturne's obstruction and hitting her full-force, she fails to remark on them, and travels as a silent companion, even as they transition into forest.
She seems reasonably at ease here; not the twitchy, nervous figure of an equine disused to the woods. It's with the same calm, even tone she answers him. "It... is hard to say." Briefly, she pauses, perhaps searching for the right words. "I move often. I'm not entirely certain I have a place to call home, these days." Still, she doesn't sound regretful. Her ever-moving lifestyle affords her the opportunity to reach many, and she's glad for that. "What of you?"
She's less glad for the lightning that strikes above her, ending in a loud crack from something other than thunder. The mare dances backward, narrowly avoiding a branch to come crashing down beside her. Wind's ears flick back in surprise and fleeting uneasiness, but she leaps over it and presses on with only brief hesitation.
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Posted: Thu Apr 08, 2010 5:33 am
Part of Nocturne is incredibly relieved by the fact that Wind isn't some damsel easily distressed. Though he could never turn away from someone in need, some mares he found could be overly dramatic in their need for aid. He tried hard not to judge, but even Nocturne could get exasperated by the overly dramatic. Wind Gypsy, he noticed, was holding up incredibly well and for this he is pleased. Like his mother and grandmother, she seemed to be a solid female, and Nocturne couldn't help but wish more were of such stock.
The spirits favored him this afternoon and for that he was thankful.
At the sound of a snap and crack, Nocturne himself starts, wings flaring automatically in his surprise. Unfortunately there was nothing to be done with a falling branch, and he was pleased Wind made no complaint or judgment on his course. War with the local foliage wouldn't be a long battle and he had every faith they'd make it just fine. Clearing his throat lightly, the stallion gives a soft snort at the branch, as if it had purposely insulted Miss Wind, before carrying on. "There is something to be said in roaming, and while I haven't roamed for long myself, other members of my herd and family have delighted in such a lifestyle." Perhaps if he didn't feel a sense of duty to both Islagiatt as well as his immediate family. Though the Grove was well protected thanks to his baby brother Sylph and his 'army', other Islagiatt warriors, and of course his grandfather Azumoth himself (of whom Nocturne could never compare), the spike-tailed stallion refused to retire his dilligant territory guarding. Oh, now and then he took flight and roamed. . .but he always returned.
The nearby woodlands had taken on a more hilly approach. There were smaller valleys and wooded dunes to cross, but Nocturne followed a particular path while the storm continued to strengthen. "I'm from the high peaks of the mountains myself," he replied coolly. "I reside in a small family within the herd called Islagiatt." He doubted anyone knew of them outside of their immediate neighbors, but was proud enough to give them name. "It's a few day flight north of here." And, while he enjoyed the quiet, they didn't often get visitors. Not that he minded, of course, but every now and then other company outside of his immediate family and herd was a blessing.
Like now. Wind Gypsy was a seemingly gem amidst some of the rubble he'd run into on previous trips away from home. Good company was something to be cherished and wasn't something he was going to so swiftly deny. "Here we go," Nocturne finally instructs. Pausing in his walk, he looks down a small drop off from the side of the hill in which they walked. The small, almost hidden path takes itself further down the base of the earthy hill they currently walk, and juts inward in a sort of wallow. It isn't large enough to be called a cave, persay, but erosion, time, and other creatures have dug it out enough for them to settle comfortably. It would at least keep the worst of the wind and rain away, as well as offer protection from whipping or fallen foliage.
"This should suffice." He adds with a nod, continuing forth and taking the small drop to lead her to the wallow. He didn't doubt the leap would bother Wind. . . she could fly, after all, and while more grounded soquili might spook slightly, he somehow doubted that was a concern she'd have. Perhaps he assumed too much, but until she objected or made voice to such a thing, Nocturne could only assume not.
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Posted: Thu Apr 08, 2010 7:34 am
The mare would confess it had given her a start, but she has been through worse than a brief assault with a falling branch. Her posture seems to say as much, despite her still recovering, and she returns to conversation with relative ease.
"It does have its benefits... and, as with most things, its drawbacks too." Including ever-changing faces, as well as scenery. There are times that is her one regret. While she is not a creature to crave constant companionship, she does enjoy the company of others, and sometimes it pains her to have no lasting kinship. Only fresh faces on an endless journey. A short, if genuine bond cannot quench her thirst for true friendship. Wind would change that, if she could... But she's not ready to give up her wandering lifestyle. Not yet, if only for a lack of proper motivation.
He says he's from the mountains, though? "I seldom head that way." But she does know of the harsher northern weather. "Do you mind the warmer seasons you find down here?" Ironic question though it may be, storming as fiercely as it is. Another crack of thunder seems intent on reminding her it is still there. As though she's forgotten. The mare finds herself glancing cautiously skyward, lest it decide to drop another tree bit on her for emphasis. "And if you'll forgive my asking, roughly what does Islagiatt number?" Living a largely solitary lifestyle, she harbors a small curiosity toward herds; particularly large ones. What would it be like, living near so many others?
A few days flight... Fleetingly, her whims entertain the thought of visiting. But she swiftly wills it away. That is a consideration for a later time, and only if he would allow it. Curiosity can wait.
Fortunately, circumstance provides her ample distraction. It's as she's thinking it Nocturne draws their trek to a halt. The alicorn pulls her eyes downward, following his gaze, then nods her agreement. Under different conditions, she would probably simply glide down the minor drop, but raging winds discourage the notion. She steps after him instead, mindful of the incline and muddy landing, and careful to keep her footing. Familiar though she is with injury, she would prefer to have her less graceful moments privately.
Fate is kind to her, though - she lands soundly, finding her balance in the soft earth without much difficulty. Wind then turns her head to regard him, offering a final nod. "It will." She does not press ahead to enter, though, lending the impression she would prefer to move forward as equals. The mare suspects he may be a 'ladies first' sort, and would rather n** it before it arises.
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Posted: Wed May 05, 2010 9:25 pm
Nocturne thought about Windy's situation as they walked, contemplative even amidst the present chaos of the storm. He didn't respond to her first comments, having little to add and what curiosity about her travels he did mull over . . .well. . . . he wasn't acquainted well enough with her to voice. Besides which, Nocturne wasn't naturally one to poke and pry in to someones personal affairs. Some took his quiet nature as some sort of ego, as if he only thought of himself or was too proud to converse with others. Unfortunately both accounts were wrong. . . A touch of social awkwardness, with a sprinkling of shyness, but predominantly just natural contemplation was what kept his tongue in check. Perhaps he'd inquire about the length of her travels and her journey's but for now he'd take her views and comments of the lifestyle in stride.
Of course, he wasn't so inconsiderate as to ignore her question. Smiling, a brief change of emotion from his typically stoic features, the stallion cast a sideways look at the well-traveled mare before adding, "Not many often get past the foothills, and my grandfather in particular prefers it that way. I guess you could say we like to keep things quiet." And Nocturne himself had absolutely no problem with that. He liked how close his family (with the exception of Esper) could be, and enjoyed the relaxed attitude of Islagiatt in general. There was protection amongst the borders and very few who couldn't take care of themselves if push came to shove. No. . .let the plain dwellers mingle amongst one another. Only those brave of heart, foolish or terribly misguided stumbled across Islagiatt. . . . reasons his grandmother often encouraged her boys to spread their wings and see the world.
Nocturne was no exception.
Still, even the ebony stallion was no stranger to curiosity or drive. He wasn't entirely a homebody and often took out to explore for sometimes weeks at a time. He came and went on a whim and when the social-life grew dull and lackluster, he returned to settle once more with his duties. "My grandmother was a plain-dweller herself and often enjoys visiting during the warm seasons. I tolerate the heat, though I do prefer the cooler weather myself. A mostly ebony coat only encourages such habits," he added, voice solemn but amusement at such a truth keeping a tiny smile upon his features.
Stern features and solemn tones were a staple for Azumoth's lineage.
"I shall not forgive for there is nothing to forgive. Feel free to ask about my herd, I have nothing to hide." He encouraged with a very slight swish of his tail. "Islagiatt is about sixty strong, give or take. But we cover a vast territory and in most cases are separated in to various camps and groups so it can seem much smaller. Furthermore, some come and go as they please and don't stay within the herd itself." Honestly, unless she pressed there wasn't much more to say.
Windy was a lucky mare, really. It wasn't often one could hold and keep the stallion speaking and the conversation, to him at least, didn't feel particularly awkward. Neither did the silences. He could appreciate the quiet just as he could conversing, though he was much more skilled at the former. The storm continued to blow on over head, and Nocturne was pleased Windy had no trouble getting herself down the decline. She seemed a capable sort, which was a rarity around the stallion - as of late he'd had the most peculiar run in's with the meek, mild and slight. It was odd to find a mare who seemed entirely capable!
Upon reaching the entrance to the shallow cave, Nocturne pushed his way inside even as the wind continued to howl and the thunder crash and boom. The dryness was almost a shock, and while the roof did drip some dirty water from the soil above them, for the most part it was cozy and offered protection from the elements. "I think we made it just in time," he murmured, ducking his head as his wings spread ever so slightly. The dripping water tickeled his sides, but he wasn't about to shake himself in such small quarters. Besides which, it was likely they wouldn't stay completely dry. The gusting wind could kick up puddles or spray them depending upon the direction.
"So what of your origins. . .? You're a traveler, I know, but where did you originally hail from? Had you always suffered from wanderlust or did it merely arrive with age?" Might as well ask seeing as they were likely to be stuck here for awhile. At least until the worst of the storm passed.
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Posted: Mon Jun 14, 2010 2:07 am
His grandfather prefers it that way, does he? What must he be like, to so resolutely favor solitude? She can't imagine... But he does have his herd, and she must assume his family too, and that isn't really solitude. To live in one place, seldom faced with new acquaintances, and never venturing into new scenery... Wind can't imagine that either, being so different from all she's known. But "there is much to be said for keeping things quiet," she adds, with a subtle little nod. That she can appreciate.
It is, after all, what she strives for. What she puts her life on the line for.
"Quite a diverse family you seem to have." Her own is too, she supposes, but she tends to regard it as more a splintered collection of acquaintances than not. With a fey mother, and a gypsy father, it probably tends to work that way... Still, she can't begrudge her family; they are hers. "And one can hardly be blamed for preferring to be comfortable," she replies, smiling faintly. So long as one doesn't blame the world for tending its needs. "I also tend to avoid the worst of the heat, when I'm able." Unfortunately, heat often proves more pervasive than rain, and there's typically little she can do about it. She's not a mare to complain, though, and the thought goes without further remark.
Wind would rather hear of his herd, anyway; the subject still piques her curiosity. Especially on hearing its numbers near sixty. That's larger than she would have guessed. And he describes it almost like clusters of smaller herds more than one central group. How does it function, she wonders? And do they still commune, despite great numbers and distance between them? The mare doesn't pry, though, not wanting to bog him down with her curiosities. It's none of her business anyway.
"It sounds comfortable," she says instead, tone soft and almost admiring, if barely audible over the raging wind and rain. While some could interpret her to mean comfort makes them lazy and complacent, her intention is anything but. What is there to want in life but safety and happiness? If they have that there, she has no right to criticize. "Hopefully the change in scenery treats you well too. Is it herd business that finds you beyond the mountains?"
... Not that that's any of her business, either. Shamefully, she dips her head, wet forelock flopping over one eye. "Though I don't mean to pry."
But she settles back into silence easily enough, enjoying the relative shelter the small dugout provides. It's not much, no, but she's grateful to at least be saved from the buffeting wind, and whatever it might choose to throw at them. And the hail; Wind is very glad not to be out in that, even if it does mean a soggy roof, and close quarters with a relative stranger. He seems kind enough.
"I... don't come from one place in particular" Truthfully, she's been on the move for as long as she can remember, and she's not sure she could say where she started if she had to. "And I don't suffer anything," Wind emphasizes, smiling placidly. "I feel it is the right thing to do."
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