Welcome to Gaia! ::

The stallion was contemplative, staring into a still pool that had collected after the previous night's rain. There was a stillness to the woods, a silence that was most profound to Agares. It seemed the world was hushed for some reason as if holding its breath. Even the dead, which the stallion so often found wandering about, were conspicuously absent. He blew lightly into the pond, disturbing the image of himself that he saw staring back at him. It was early fall, and though the stallion could see nothing but gray he knew the leaves were turning colors early this year. His mate had assured him the spectacle was beautiful to behold, but for all his efforts to reach into his memory he couldn't remember ever seeing the leaves change color before the accident that had left him colorblind.

It was no matter to the solemn Agares. He preferred his gray world. Things were much more simple the way he saw them, and his mate was no less beautiful for the lack of color. Nor were his two daughters, now that he thought of them. They were so grown up now, and a pang of loneliness washed through him. They'd grown up and left, bound for new adventures and he had been left behind. He sighed deeply, the image in the pool once again distorted. When the water settled he noticed something strange in the reflection - shifting shadows! He bolted upright and turned around suddenly only to come face to face with.... Nita!

He returned her affections happily, hardly believing his daughter had returned. As she released him from her embrace he saw in her some sort of inner conflict. He realized she hadn't come home for the sake of his company alone. He smiled softly at her. He knew the world was a harsh and unforgiving place. So was the world of love, he realized suddenly. Nita was a grown and lovely mare, and surely she'd had a few suitors! "What's wrong," he said softly. "I know you're not here just to humor an old stallion." He turned and gazed thoughtfully into the woods beyond the river. He could remember when Nita was young, just learning to fly. She'd tried to bridge the gap of the river in this very spot. About halfway across the dead air yielded no more support and she fell into the water with a great splash. She'd been so upset that day! But the following summer she attempted it again, and cross it she did! He knew his daughter had the strength and presence of mind to get over any obstacle. Whatever she came here to discuss, it was only part of the problem solving he knew she was doing in her mind. He would listen and give what advice he may, but Nita would come to her own conclusions.

The stallion watched his daughter thoughtfully, his gray eyes studying her. He could tell she was struggling with something, some inner turmoil that made her insecure. He nodded knowingly when she brought up the stallion, a hint of a smile tugging at his lips. She was young lady now, but she seemed ill at ease with her new feelings. The stallion sighed heavily, wishing to turn back time and to see his little girl frolicking around the forest once more. Life would always keep pushing forward though, Agares knew.

"I am familiar with the name, if not the stallion. What is his interest in you?" He voice took on a protective edge.

The stallion merely regarded his daughter thoughtfully for a moment, his mind far away. He could easily figure out the turmoil Nita was feeling, of course. He had been young once, and had had his share of crushes, flings, and rejections. He knew the heart was a difficult place to navigate, particularly when young and he was trying to think of the right things to say to her to help her on her way.

"I believe I have seen Nocturne around lately... with a lovely green mare," he said carefully, gauging her reaction. He knew he had touched a nerve on the subject. He let the silence linger a moment, turning to gaze back into the still water that now reflected the two of them together.

"You know, Nocturne is perhaps the only stallion you know, besides perhaps this Galahad fellow. A lovely mare such as yourself should have far more suitors than that. When I was younger I traveled, met many different soquili." He left the suggestion hang on the air, watching her face through the reflective pool of water.

He hated the idea of sending her away, but it would surely be good for her to get out on her own and see the world. It would also benefit her to get away from Nocturne, to distance herself from this crush and her hurt feelings. She would learn in time that crushes were nothing and maybe she would even find what true love was in her travels. He only hoped that he had taught her enough to stay safe on such a journey. The world was dangerous.

His heart ached already as he heard her deciding firmly to go. He knew it was for the best, that she would return one day better for having gone, but still this was his little girl and he would miss her terribly. A wild thought of following her crossed his mind but he dismissed it. He had to allow her to go forth alone - he wouldn't always be there to protect her. He had to let her make her own choices and mistakes. And in the meantime he would pray to the spirits to guide and protect her on her path.

He turned back to her with a sad smile. "My lovely Nita, your compassion is your strongest asset. Remember that." He nuzzled her softly. "We will be here whenever you return. You'll forever be in our thoughts." He fought the moisture rising to his eyes. He didn't want her to see him weep. He kept himself in check, appearing cool and collected outwardly but inside he was in turmoil at the thought of his daughter leaving. He wanted to take back what he said, to lie to her, chain her up - anything to keep her here! But he knew these were the panicked thoughts of a concerned father and were unreasonable to conceive. So instead he said to her "Please be safe. Be wary of others and their intentions. Use your powers wisely. And always help others, though I know you will." He nuzzled her again, fearing it would be the last time. The world was dangerous.

The stallion watcher her go, his heart aching but full of hope. He wanted nothing so much as her happiness and hoped she would find it out there is the world. He finally let his eyes mist over and he bowed his head over his pool of still water. A tear fell and sent his image into ripples and he heaved a sigh before whispering prayers to the Spirits for the safely of his beloved Nita.




(( - FIN - ))