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 Posted: Sat Aug 06, 2011 5:59 pm
Mornings were a favorite time of day for the petite quilin. When the world was at rest, seemingly motionless. The chaos and calamity of the world, the movement, the way others tried so desperately to fill in the voids of their heart, and unknowingly, their souls. But emptiness was a path toward enlightenment, toward spiritual growth. Too frequently the world distracted itself from the spiritual path. . .. foraging from food, roaming, exploring, courting mares or stallions. . . . no. . . Yu Lian didn't need such things. All he required was a minimal amount of food for sustenance, an ability to help others, and meditation.
With his belly full of his single meal for the day, the teal quilin was oblivious to the fact he was edging closer and closer to the territory of another. All he needed was to find a quiet spot to rest upon, before he would begin his morning meditation. Where his hooves might take him, he knew not, but here or there mattered little. Rain, snow, warmth, cold. . . . too many soquili were caught up solely in their environment, and rarely thought about their heart or their soul. What did their surrounding environment matter, when obtaining peace of spirit was what really mattered?
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Posted: Sun Aug 07, 2011 11:12 am
Bao was awake though, always stirring within the first hours of dawn. She didn't believe in sleeping away the day, and there was much to be done around the grand old shrine they called their home. Specially now that the maiden had gone and left it all to the sires. They had still not come to terms with the responsibility, but in time Bao had faith they would flourish. For now at least, with the wounds if separation still so fresh, she could understand their lethargy. She would take on the burden of upkeep, it was the least she could do to repay the family that had taken her in when she had nowhere else, no one else, to turn to.
Dainty hooves made soft little clicks as she slipped from the main chamber of the shrine and out into the courtyard. Lingering there a bit as she swept away the dirt and leaves that had gathered in the night so it was once again the spotless haven it was meant to be. Long tail jerking this way and that to free up anything the clung before moving off into the surrounding lands.
She had an idea, a brilliantly sweet idea by her own mind. Something that would surely cheer the twins, if only a little. Flowers, wild orchids and blossoms gathered from the surrounding area and arranged ever so carefully within the shrine for the pair to find. It was a perfect plan, and the diminutive little halfbreed hurried through the brush in search of the most eye catching blooms. The delicate chime of her bells playing like music around her.
She didn't hear the soft falls of small hooves near, nor the occasional snap of twig or rustle of leaves. She didn't notice the presence of another until at all, concentration so loyally focused on the search for flowers. A small bundle of lovely foliage already held in her mouth.
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Posted: Sun Aug 28, 2011 6:14 pm
Yu Lian was considering a particularly green patch of grass when he heard the strangest sound upon the wind. His ears pricked and turned as he attempted to identify the source, but it was of no avail. It was the strangest noise really, a twinkling . . . of bells? While part of the quilin knew he should focus solely on his morning meditation, and not allow the physical world to distract his spirit, it was difficult to resist.
Picking quietly through the long grasses and nearby foliage, the long haired usdia quietly followed the sound. As he drew closer, the soft twinkle of bells was mixed with movement; whatever could it be? Step by step, Yu Lian drew himself closer until a darker coated figured could be found. Strangely enough, it was a mare! And not just any sort of mare, but an usdia similiar in make and design.
One look told him much; she possessed a quilin tail similar to his own, a small horn, but strange ears and did not have the small wisps around her hooves as he did. Most peculiar really, but to top off everything, she was carrying a few flowers. Not wanting to be shamed to be caught staring, the little stallion stepped quietly out and in to the open. She was, without a doubt, the cause of the soft twinkling. "The spirits bless me this day; it isn't so often that I am greeted with such music." Certain she would hear, he dipped his head in cordial bow of greeting. "I hope you might forgive my intrusion."
So long as his thoughts didn't linger long on the mare, there was no harm in his diversion. Meditation would come, and the spirits would bless him with an open heart and open mind. If he were more strict, he might not converse at all, but there could be little harm in conversation. What if the spirits had sent her there out of need? What if there was a reason in her bells drawing him near?
Only time would tell.
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Posted: Tue Nov 22, 2011 10:01 pm
The voice was unexpected, and it made the dainty mare jump, flowers falling from her mouth as she gasped and turned in her place to face the speaker with wide, nervous features. Her first assumption was danger. She was small, and it was a logical conclusion to jump to, but upon seeing the short stature of the stallion across from her the nerves were quick to fade. It was a sheepish smile that replaced the shock, and she pawed the ground with the tip of a hoof to gather the blossoms that now littered the grass at her feet.
"I wasn't seeking to entertain with my bells, but it's nice to know the sound was appreciated." Her voice was shy, almost bashful as she looked the stallion over. Gaze lingering on the oh so familiar tail and wash of scales along his belly. He was similar to her, that much was apparent, but the ears didn't quite match, and he had curious wisps gathering about his ankles.
The smile she wore brightened, lips twitching upward for a second before reclaiming the sweet curl they'd settled in. "Forgiven, of course." Least so long as he was as peaceful as he seemed. There was no place within the sacred grounds of the shrine for any that dare threaten the herd, but there would always been room for those that came in peace. She mirrored his bow, then took a moment to nudge her flowers back in order before raising, dainty hoofs pawing the ground habitually.
She'd never seen another usdia, least not that she could remember. From her earliest memories there had only been the twins and great maiden of the shrine. Tall, beautiful, and elegant. Bao looked upon her adoptive family with adoration and respect, but she had to admit she had always wondered about her her own tiny frame in comparison to their own. "You look like me." She took a step closer, careful of the flowers. "What are you?" Or would that be 'we'? It was a little confusing.
She blinked, standing a little straighter. "Oh dear. Forgive my poor manners," how could she have possibly forgotten? "I am Bao, caretaker of these lands and this herd."
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Posted: Mon Dec 26, 2011 8:40 am
Though his voice has been gentle, the small usida realized with regret that he had indeed startled her. She had jumped, had lost the flowers she had so delicately picked, and now lay at a mess upon her hooves. "It seems my presence has disturbed not only you and your elegant song, but your flowers as well; like a stone skipped upon a still lake." His words were mournful, apologetic, and he felt as if he had indeed ruined a most picturesque moment. 'Apologies once more, for disturbing the peace. I do hope your flowers aren't bruised or badly damaged." They were a delicate species, after all, needing gentle care after being plucked from the earth. Yu Lian, it seemed, wasn't aiding that in the least!
Thankfully for him, the dark coated usdia appeared to have a good nature and temperament. Though her words were coy, almost shy, there was a gentle air about her. Soft and pleasant, like an early spring breeze, warm and holding a promise of nicer days ahead. The teal coated male wasn't so young as to not notice her lingering gaze; she was looking him over, curious, as if she had never seen one of his kind before. There was, of course, a possibility of such a thing - while she looked reminiscent of a quilin, she also possessed a different set of years, as well as no wisps around her ankles. Yu Lian did his best to never make assumptions, though he was far from perfect. Perhaps the reason he met her today was to teach her something new!
So when Bao questioned what he was, the little stallion gave a warm and patient smile. "What I am is a quilin. An ancient breed, though rare enough in these lands. The herd I came from is far from these hills, though I keep their teachings close to my heart." He wouldn't be so rude as to question why she asked of his breed. Who knew, she could be a spirit meant to test him. Honestly, it mattered little why she asked - she had her reasons, and they were her own. Some individuals lost their path by asking too many questions, weaving webs and tangling words by endless curiosity and a need to know others affairs. "You look as if you hail from a similar breed, though I do spot a few features unique perhaps to only you."
The stallion noticed a small flower, missed by the mare, lying neglected just to the side. Stepping forward as she introduced herself, the quilin took note that she came from some sort of herd. The lands he was meditating upon were 'hers', so it was only customary he request a leave of stay. "Blessed morning, Bao. I am Yu Lian. I have intruded upon your lands only to enjoy its sunlight and green grasses while I tend to my soul. Might I linger in the coming days, or should I carry on so as to not be the way?" Dipping his head, he picked up the lost and almost forgotten flower, offering it to her so she too might continue upon her way.
He'd likely held her up (and startled her) enough for a day.
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