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 Posted: Thu Feb 11, 2010 9:55 am
Haishan Fai. A name given to a gentleman of war with experience of blood, danger and corruption- three things that can turn even the purest of souls into a fraudulent b*****d. Of course for those who can survive the harsh world that is forever changing in constant battles and violence then something within them changes, a shield is placed up for the world to see in fear of the real self ever being harmed. That goes for Haishan Fai, yet these changes happened so gradually that even he did not realised they where forming.
Standing strong in the field he smelt the air and winced at the bitterness of the cold, the autumn season was changing fast into winter and without shelter or family to protect him he would surely perish. Yet that was another story, for his current goal was not his own safety but that of another, he had heard rumours during the day that a skinwalker lurked within the forest and treated each of them as prey. Foolishly perhaps but he aimed to find and warn this creature that this would no longer be accepted on his land. And so he continued through the forest, hooves landing heavy in the ground under his tiredness and weight, it had been more than 24-hours since he had last rested and all this travelling was beginning to take its toll –yet something within him couldn’t simply rest when such a danger lurked within the darkness.
Tree after tree he laboured past. Muddy water he stumbled through. Bubbling rivers he past. Until finally the cold began to dig deep within his bones, adjusting his wings gently he placed them into a more warming position- using them as an insulator from the bitterness of the breeze. Perhaps this was too much to ask of his fragile body?
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Posted: Thu Feb 11, 2010 9:55 am
 Brioso shivered as she trotted through the forest; it was cold, and she wasn't really used to it. She was a Spring child, and it seemed like only yesterday that the summer sun was beating down on her mercilessly. Today though, she was taking a break from training; up in the mountains, especially near the peaks, it had already begun to snow. The white 'frozen water' was the only thing she liked about the upcoming winter - maybe it was because she had an early fascination with it after a friend described it to her...
The young mare stopped, raising her head to look at the peaks of the mountain she had just climbed down from. Her glance soon shifted to look at the middle where the training grounds were; a plateau that was out of sight from the ground, it was where she had spent most of her foal-hood training. It was getting colder there too, but not enough for snow to appear... Still, the temperature on sea level was even higher. Her pelt had thickened from her time up on the mountain, and it actually felt rather warm in the forests.
She continued on her exploration of the forests, sniffing around for any signs of dried grass; she had enough of the bitter and tough bark of trees! Even though its now autumn, there should be more food around than high up where vegetation is rather scarce.
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Posted: Thu Feb 11, 2010 9:57 am
Listening and apprehensive of everything Hiashan's ears twitched and wiggled as he heard the faint but distinctive sound of footsteps, they sounded too light to be a fully grown soquili but his training and experience had shown him that it was possible to train for such a thing. Nothing was what it first appeared. A saying he held close to his heart. A saying he lived by. He predicted that the Skinwalker he sought would not be trained in such ways; after all they tended to be solitary creatures who couldn’t survive in smalls groups for very long. Still curious and cautious about the source of the noise he turned his head in the direction- as he did the forest seemed to come to life in his eyes, the green leaves that clung desperately for life as the others faded to oranges and browns before falling to the ground to cover the strands of green grass. Crisp elegance, what a shame he could not procrastinate for just a moment to admire nature. Perhaps later if everything went well.
So he walked forward, deep hoof prints being embedded into the soft earth as he strode towards the sound. The breeze carried a gentle scent towards him; it smelt fresh like the mountains with a touch of winter flowers and apples, subtle yet interesting. Face held harsh he ventured forward until a dark pelted mare came into view, her dainty delicate features seemed to hold a hidden power and strength but it was clear that she was more than she would appear at first glance. Determined not to show his hunger or fatigue he made his face emotionless, even his eyes showed told no story, it was a trick that had saved his life on several occasions.
Walking towards the mare he bowed his head graciously and spoke his accent had a hint of poshness yet with an undertone of delicacy, "M’lady what are you doing in such a dangerous place at this hour?" Even though it was not late he knew the sun would be setting in a few hours and most mares tended to be home, especially when a skinwalker lurked within the darkness of the forest. "It is not safe in these parts." Raising his head he looked towards the mare once again, arranging his feathered wings softly he tucked them in tightly to preserve the heat around his chest. How his body longed for rest.
The female flicked her tail, looking up at the sky for a moment; she can't stay for too long. The days are getting shorter, and its dangerous to be out alone when its dark out... Especially after that day. Grencia had warned her to be extra careful, and even scolded her for her carelessness! It felt terrible to be reprimanded by someone she looked up to so much... He was right though; she had been careless after being praised.
Heaving a sigh, the young mare continued looking for food, eyes alert for any signs of a bush or even some grass. Her ears perked, however, at the sound of approaching hoof steps. Tense, she quickly turned around to the source of the sound, eyes alert. However, seeing that it was just a winged stallion, she relaxed, offering the stranger a small smile. Of course, she was still weary; the same trick would not work twice! Not especially after the dressing down she got. However, when the male spoke, she found herself letting down her guard for a split second - he had quite an enchanting voice! Or rather, it was the first time anyone had spoke to her like that... Calling her 'M'lady'?
"Hello," She replied after a second's daze, giving a nod to acknowledge his presence. At his next sentence, Brioso winced, "Yes, I know that it can be dangerous... I just came down from the mountains to look for some food. Vegetation is more plentiful down here, after all!" She then paused, studying the stallion in front of her before deciding that he seemed friendly enough.
"My name is Brioso... How may I address you?"
Haishan Fai waited patiently as the mare took in his form, swishing his tail gently the long feathers flowed and danced like water. He had found that such a simple movement was usually enough to calm those around him, somehow enchanting them and allowing them to see a glimpse of his pure soul- however that was the only glimpse he ever gave freely. After her explanation he softened a little, it seemed she understood too well the danger that lurked here but before he questioned her on such matters he felt it was more courteous to aid her in her current quest first. This suited him; after all he was also feeling the effect of hunger and was surprised that his stomach had not begun grumbling in protest. Smiling he remembered the small winter berry bush he had noted earlier on his journey but had avoided due to his goal to find the Skinwalker. "Are berries acceptable Lady Brioso?" It was rare for him to use another’s name so lightly, usually he found that too personal when he preferred to keep himself distanced from those around him –you never knew what form betrayal would appear. "My full name is Haishan Fai" As he spoke their was a proud tone laced within his words, he was proud of his name and just like the mountain he was named after he was just as stubborn and unmoving. "You may call me Haishan, M’lady." Despite wanting to stay separate from his current situation he knew how important it was for others to feel connected in order to trust those who they travelled with, a part of him envied them.
Despite trying to keep the mare before him calm he found his eyes constantly watching and listening for any other movement, the last thing either of them needed was to become bait for a Skinwalker. He hated them for their merciless and brutal approach- they held no honour.
"You actually found a berry bush?" The female's eyes widened in surprise and disbelief; was it pure luck or was he purposely looking for it just now? Giving several quick nods to show her agreement, she forced a laugh, "Of course it'll be fine! Nowadays, all I've been eating is bark, bark and more bark! Its so tough and bitter... Most of the leaves are no longer juicy as well, having turned color to prepare for autumn. I miss all the fruits you can find in spring and summer!" She laughed again, giving a sheepish grin.
"Please... Uh, Haishan, you can drop the lady," Brioso replied, feeling rather awkward and slightly embarrassed by the gentlemanly stallion. She was just not used to being addressed so formally and although she liked it at the start, she wasn't sure if she preferred it over the usual, casual way of greeting. Giving a small grin, the young mare continued, "Just Brioso will do! I feel more comfy that way too. "
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Posted: Fri Feb 19, 2010 7:41 am
He nodded to her question, it hadn't been a very large bush but it would be enough to satisfy two for a short while if nothing else. He usually waited until he could stand his hunger no more to eat but it had been a while since his last meal and the idea of food was more than appitising to him right now. He nodded his head towards the left to shows her the direction he had come -and the of the berry bush. "It is not far in that direction m'lady." He gave her a soft smile.
As she spoke again he found himself a little concerned about her diet, at least she had been eating but the same thing over and over again was not good. His faviourite food had always been carrots but it was not the season for them yet. He hated bark -only eating it when he had no other option. He nodded to her completely understanding the tough and bitterness to it, "I must admit that winter berries are slightly more sour than those of the summer -but at least it is now bark." He gave her a little smile again before starting back into the direction he had come.
"I will try la-" he paused mid sentence, if she did not want him to call her lady then he would try not to although it was almost habit now as well as respect. "Brioso." The word was almost painful, he really didn't like using names in vein, and since he did not know this mare as a friend it felt like he was. Perhaps he would find something else to call her that would also make her feel comfortable?
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Posted: Sat Feb 20, 2010 2:13 am
"Precisely," The female forced a smile; this was her first winter - the thought of having to eat bark and other dried up vegetation next winter as well made her sick. Besides, those foods don't provide her with the energy she needs to train... Maybe her seniors are used to it, but she needs her clovers and fruits! Its only been one winter, but if she doesn't do something soon, she'll probably have to step up training in spring... Which means less time to do more fun stuff.
"Anything is better than bark at this point in time!" Brioso laughed, trotting after the stallion. She heard his little 'slip up' but kept quiet for a little while. Then, she mused out loud, "You know, when I was a foal, I used to call my mentor by adding 'mister' to his name. When he asked me to drop it, I took some time to get used to it... For me, I first called him 'mister' because he was older than me. I then did it because I respected him. He was my teacher and I thought it was appropriate..."
She paused, giving a smile, "So if you want to address me as lady Brioso, allow me to address you as mister Haishan? Its been a while since I met someone I could call mister so naturally!"
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Posted: Sun Feb 21, 2010 6:46 am
He allowed a small smile to reach his lips for a moment as the mare joined him but it soon disappeared back into the normal 'empty' look. It was not wise to allow a weakness to be shown, people took advantage of them all too easily.
He listened polietly as she spoke and as she requested to call him 'sir' he felt himself cringe internally. "Please don't," he paused a little to look at her before continuing, he hoped that she would see in his eyes that he genuinley believed he did not deserve such honor. "...I have done nothing worthy of such a title fair la- I mean Brioso." Especially since she had once called her mentor by the same, he was still looking for his worth, a way to pay back the blood he had spilt.
Wanting to change the subject he moved his head to indicate that the berry bush was not too far. Yet he spoke not another word, he felt no need to, nothing he could say would be worth hearing.
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Posted: Tue Feb 23, 2010 9:50 am
"A title?" The female echoed, a little confused; she had always assumed that honorifics were used more as a formality rather than as a real title. When she was younger, all older stallions were like 'misters' to her. However, from his reaction, she realized that it meant much more to the stallion and she felt compelled to respect it. Besides, it was important that both of them felt comfortable. Giving a smile, she nodded, "I won't."
Delighted to be close to the promised berry bush, she smiled; she had only tasted winter berries once and although they were not the best fruits in the world, at least they were fruits. Juicy, moist fruit.
"I wonder if there would be more nearby?"
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Posted: Tue Feb 23, 2010 2:18 pm
He ignored her mentioning titles, he didn't wish to comment futher from fear of revealing his failings. He hated himself for the pain he caused, granted he had not had a choice, what true warrior ever truely picks the battles that are thrust upon them? They change and hardened you until you have a shield so thick that nothing can enter it -not even love. Or at least that is what he hoped.....
He approached the berry bush and took a small mouthful to ensure that the mare and any other creature that may venture her may also enjoy their fruity taste. He would not be greedy. As his companion spoke again he swallowed them and then looked around, he could not see any but that did not mean that there wouldn't be others. "I suppose there may." He had not entered the forest from any other direction to know for sure.
Stepping away from the fruit and then scanning in search of the skinwalker he had originally been looking for -he didn't want the beast to sneak up upon them. "Perhaps you should just enjoy this one for now and look for others later?" He took one last scan of the surroundings before glancing at her and forcing a gentle smile upon his lips.
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Posted: Sun Feb 28, 2010 8:42 am
"Well, I think some form of respite from the usual bark and more bark will do for today," Brioso mused out loud with an amused smile as she sniffed the bush, checking if the fruits are edible. After Haishan helped himself to them, she followed and picked off a few berries herself, chewing them slowly, savoring the taste thoroughly before swallowing and heaving a contented sigh. Turning to the stallion, she chuckled, "And to think the upcoming Spring will bring fruits sweeter and juicier than these!"
She bent down to get another mouthful of berries but stopped, mouth half-opened as she froze; when he stepped away to look around, she could tell that he was not looking for another winter berry bush. Although it was not very obvious, her almost year-long training had paid off - she could see that the stallion was looking out for someone or something... Straightening herself, she frowned slightly as she looked around before turning her attention back to Haishan, "Are you looking for something?"
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Posted: Wed Mar 03, 2010 12:08 am
"Just checking..." he replied, his ears twitching with each sound, "I was originally hunting a skinwalker in these woods." That was all she needed to know, at least then she could arm herself against the threat and run when she saw the beast. He hated the idea of any mare getting injured by such creatures of darkness -especially those that preyed on mares and children. The defenceless. He growled in the back of his throat as his anger flaired for a moment. They deserved to die for their crimes.
Returning the conversation back towards the 'happier' tone it had been moments before he looked back to the berries and nudged his head towards it in an effort to encourage her. "They may not be the sweetest things in the world but at least they are ediable and different." He gave her a half smile, although he was trying to be nice and polite it always just seemed to come across as arrogent. Typical.
Spring. He liked it when the weather changed, and as far as he was concerned the cold of winter had lingered too long. He always prefered the summer at the height of its heat, it felt so nice upon his pelt and as he flew he felt freer than any creature every born. The colours of summer where also so delicious to the eyes.... and the carrots! There where carrots aplenty and the mere thought of that made him want to drool.
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Posted: Thu Mar 04, 2010 11:31 pm
"A skinwalker?" Brioso echoed, sounding a little alarmed. She paused, a shiver running down her spine as she remembered the night where she nearly lost her life to one. Frowning, she continued, "Normally, they tend to stay away from these parts since part of the forest is under Islagiatt territory and its always guarded against potential threats to its members... Especially now since there was some kind of a baby boom... However, I guess there will always be a bold one."
She sighed, shaking her head; if there really was a skinwalker nearby, she would have to warn the guards when returning home... Then again, maybe the guards already knew. Taking another bite off the berry bush, Brioso trotted a short distance away, towards the direction of the mountain; the safety of Islagiatt's members is more important than her hunger and when it comes to skinwalkers, it was better safe than sorry.
"I think I better go back and warn the border guards," She started, a sense of urgency in her voice, "It would be bad if it got its hoofs on one of our foals... Or anyone for that matter."
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Posted: Sat Mar 06, 2010 12:38 pm
"Yes a skinwalker." He could hear the dread in her delicate voice and as he thought of the foals of her herd he could completely understand her distress. Something he had always hated was the senseless loss of light, especially youth.
Nodding at her statement he simply commented, "I think that would be best. I will continue to keep an eye open and hopefully the soquili that are travelling though these lands will also be safe."
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Posted: Mon Mar 08, 2010 2:39 am
"Thank you for telling me... I'll leave you now for my herd then," Brioso bowed her head at the older Soquili, offering a small smile before turning away. She was unsure how he would fare against a skinwalker all by himself; she had heard that the only breed that could ever fight a skinwalker equally and come out alive is an angeni. However, since Haishan dared to try, she hoped that he at least knows what he might be up against.
Galloping away at her full speed, Brioso didn't wish to waste any more time; with any luck, the threat would not reach the herd.
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