[PRP] Sisters of a Different World { Vanwyn x Azshara }

[techabyte]

"What..?"

Vanwyn shook her head lightly, causing her mane of hair and feathers to shift along her neck and back, cascading down around her clawed feet. She was informed that the hunting party for the day had already left. And while she wanted to ensure that she did not let her beauty get hindered by waking up a little later this morning, she had wanted to go on this hunt. But, all was all, and she had been too late. Letting her sharp eyes flicker, and lock on something in the distance, the harpy did her best not to pout. At the very least, she would get out of the territory and take a walk, just to ensure she knew the surrounding area, as well as to get her legs well stretched.

The lovely mare moved quietly out of the border, nodding toward one of the guards as she did so. They seemed to make note that she was leaving, letting out chirps of greeting. She responded easily, before she was off. At first, she just wandered the ground, letting the feel of earth and leaves scrape along her claws and heels. Her eyes lingered every now and then, locking on some interesting things, and then flicking away from others. There was a noise to her side, and she looked over quickly, ears perking up. When the small hummingbird with long tail feathers flew over, Vanwyn greeted her with a soft chirp, and let the bird land on her nose for a moment, before flying around, singing a soft song in response.

Deciding to leave Linnod, the hummingbird, behind, Vanwyn jumped to the trees. She moved from one to the other, letting her talons scrap the bard every now and then, marking up the places she was. She enjoyed this, the feeling of freedom easily felt within her heart. Vanwyn let out happy chirps and noises that she learned from birds. She didn't know how long she was up within the trees, but by the time she landed, she was panting some from the exertion of energy; the thrill. Her eyes closed for a moment, and she let out a soft laugh, airy and happy.  

[Uta]

It had taken some convincing, but he ebony coated mare had finally convinced her lifemate that she be allowed to roam. It wasn't that she didn't enjoy her life up high in the mountains, nestled in to a herd that consisted of various soquili, genders, and ranks; it wasn't that she found Sylph to be overbearing or overprotective, of course not, she absolutely adored the ebony stallion. It was just that, a very small part of Azshara, missed the lands she had once called home. She missed the soft grasses of the plains, the thick and lush woodlands that she had happily romped with in with her fellow sisters. Granted, she remembered very little about their original homelands, but the plains and foothills of the Kawani had served the Flock well.

Azshara did not regret leaving. It had been a difficult choice, it had hurt her pride when her elders suggested that she find a new place to call home, but deep down she knew the decision to be right. She had never been one of them, though she had tried. She had grown up to love her sisters, her siblings, her family . . . but her spirit was just too different. At the height of their arrival in to the new lands, Azshara had been hardly more than a grown filly herself. . . . but that had been years ago. It was doubtful any of them remembered the forgotten face of their 'lost' sister.

So it was, the harpy mare had taken leave of the mountains for a temporary reprieve. A vacation, of sorts, a small visit to the plains. Not only was it refreshingly warmer further south, but there was so very much she could bring back with her! New shiny rocks to create beeeds; non-mountainous plants and roots that would serve purpose; flowers to dry, as well as crush in to paints and dyes. The plush land was a refreshing change from the harsher mountainous peeks, and the female relished it. She did miss Sylph, of course, but she had no intention to be away for long.

Absence made the heart grow founder, after all. . . . though in his case, it was likely 'more irritable'.

Lost in a daydream, the mare picked her way through the woods, completely oblivious at how close she was to the Flocks territory. She had no intention or memory of where their exact location was, but subconsciously her clawed feet had slowly taken her back, right on path to her old homelands. So it was, when she heard the ever familiar (but strangely exotic) coos and chirps from something distinctly not birdlike, she froze. Her ears twisted and strained, and while perhaps the chirps may have sounded like any other bird, to the trained ear of a pure harpy like Azshara, there was an easy difference.

Harpy?

She had met none since she had left her Flock and family, so the thought of perhaps stumbling across one thrilled her. A voice rang out, somewhere, some sort of laughter. It wasn't terribly far ahead. Still . . . Azshara knew to be cautious. She had left, after all, and she worried what the repercussions of her approach might be. Still, there was a deep pang in her heart, one that couldn't ever quite be fulfilled by anyone but her sisters. Chirruping a greeting, the ebony mare held her breath as she waited to see if she'd get a response.
 

[techabyte]

This was just too perfect. Though she loved the thrill of the hunt, the feel of the sun, the relaxation that she got wandering around, was far too overwhelming at times. She was even letting her guard down. Her fail gave a slight flick, before she reared up on her back claws, and placed her front ones on a tree. Her nose lifted in the air, and she breathed in the smell of a few of the flowers. Her sister would love to obtain one of them. Maybe more. Smiling, she plucked a few of them free with her teeth, before dropping back down on the ground. Vanmoriel loved flowers, and used them so much, that Vanwyn knew that this would be a treat for her sister. She picked up them all, tucking them in the small pouch she always carried with her when out traveling the lands around the territory.

Linnod hovered near her, letting out small noises, before landing lightly on one of Vanwyn's feathers. The little hummingbird looked down, her head cocking to the side, before lifting up again. Vanwyn smiled, walking forward some, sniffing a couple berries. She would have to remember this location, bring her sisters and mother. They would love it. A little slice of paradise, Vanwyn could swear. She nibbled the berries, her eyes closing as she let out a small groan at the taste. It was so good! Her ears perked up, flicking about before she trotted slowly off to the side, letting her eyes flicker. She did so much love this. There was so much to see, so much to do.

But then something caught her ears. Her head snapped to the side, bright eyes locked, looking in between each individual tree. And being she had the eyes of a falcon, of a Harpy, her eyesight was amazing. From a young age, she had learned the noises of each and every Harpy, even some of the males that she was around more, like her father. And this noise was not one she recognized. There was very few other creatures that could make a noise that a Harpy could, and this was definitely Harpy-esq. Letting her guard shoot up, her walls once more stable, Vanwyn shifted to face the way the noise came from, her ear flicking a bit. She tried to peer through, and finally caught the sight of something black against the dark wood and bright leaves. Was that the person that made the noise.

Lifting her nose slightly, Vanwyn breathed in, trying to pick up the smell. When a bird like smell hit her nose, she knew it was another Harpy. Linnod let out a noise, before flying away, heading for the Flock grounds. Vanwyn flicked her gaze to watch her for a second, before looking back at the black mare. There was rumors of Harpies that got separated during the earthquakes, perhaps this was one of them. The lovely mare let out another chirp, this time one of greeting and curiosity, before taking a couple steps forward, still keeping a safe distance from the mare. She let her eyes flicker, before frowning slightly, waiting. If she had to run, she would, if she had to fight, she would. But hopefully this Harpy was a sister, and not someone trying to harm her. Tapping a claw almost nervously, the mare waited, her eyes locked on the black form.  

[Uta]

x blame it on the --- x

((Sorry for the delay!))

Azshara had picked her way closer to the source of her intrigue. Her heart was half-fluttering in delight and excitement, and she yearned dearly that she might not be wrong in her deduction. Surely, no other bird or creature could sound just like one of her sisters. . . Pausing as she caught sight of a slight clearing, Azshara's tail fluttered in delight as her warble had been returned in kind. That was definitely a harpy call.

Blue, pupilless eyes were quick to pick out the source of the call now that she had better bridged the distance between herself and Vanwyn. The shadows still hid her, to be cautious, but she was able to actually see a bit of the pale coated mare. Whoever she was had a strikingly long mane and tail, but with jewels and bells that glittered along her back and shoulders. But perhaps the most telling sign of being of harpy origin were the feathers that sprouted from her head, as well as the tail, and (obviously) the fact that she had no hooves. No . . . she was clawed, just like her~!

It had to be another harpy. Had to, had to, had to.

Her own crest of feathers pricked happily, and though still defensive, the ebony and blue touched mare carefully, slowly, moved out of the shadows. She gave another inquisitive chirrup, more to let the other mare know she was curious about her, but not hostile. Her blue eyes sparkled with her delight, even as she paused near the clearing. She wasn't going to crowd the other, or scare her, but this way she wasn't hidden in so much shadow.

"Salutations, sister," she cooed softly, even if they were but strangers. She didn't recognize this other stranger at all, and was surprised to see her mix of hair and feather mane and tail. Obviously, this was one who was younger than she, but of harpy heritage. A small amount of her missed her sisters and family, but . . . it was better this way. She had found a different path to walk, and though it meant she need separate herself from her origins, she knew it was better for them all.

Even though she found joy in the mountains with Sylph and among the rest of his herd, there was a small part of her that would always belong with her sisters. The black mare couldn't help but feel a bit nervous, possibly even guilty, that she was meeting another. Would she be driven away? Would this stranger drive her off once she found she was not a part of them anymore? Only time could tell. . . .
 

[techabyte]

Vanwyn's eyes flickered for a moment. When the black form exited the shadows, she locked her eyes on it. Her body went a bit stiff, and her mind tried to keep calm. What was this? She was definitely a Harpy; easily tell-able by the feathered mane and tail, and the claws that graced her feet. The jewels and arm guards were also very clear to her to be Harpy welding. She was used to seeing such ornimates on other females. It was almost a trademark. Shaking out her mane, mostly to get some of the hair from her face, Vanwyn stared, waiting patiently.

Vanwyn chirruped back, her voice as sweet as newly made honey. She always had one of the most lovely voices in all the Flock. Her mother and father told her so, and any stallion that tried to woo her informed her of it as well. Letting her claws tap against the ground once more, her body seemed tight. She was nervous, to a point. She knew that this female was not of the Flock, or at least, not of this current flock. It was obvious, due to the fact she had memorized every last member of the Flock to date. Unless someone brought home a stallion today, there wasn't a member she didn't know. Her eyes lingered for a few moments, before she glanced around, to ensure it was just the two of them.

The words caught her ears, and Vanwyn's perked up instantly. She blinked, staring toward the female for a moment. Curiosity seemed to get the better of her, and Vanwyn breathed in the female's scent, wanting to have it memorized so that she would know of it. She already had the others noises starting to be etched into her mind. Tilting her head, Vanwyn inclined her head a bit, her tail giving a slight shift, flicking some. "Greetings, sister.." Vanwyn said, her voice softening some. What was this female doing so far away from Flock grounds? Was she lost? Lost in the earthquakes? Waiting for a few moments, Vanwyn took a small step forward, her caution starting to be thrown to the wind.

"You're not of the Flock... I know all of our members. Are you perhaps one that was lost during the great earthquakes?" Vanwyn asked, trying to be polite, but still confused and bold to ask.

Uta

 

[Uta]

x blame it on the --- x

((Sorry for the delay m'dear! ))

Azshara didn't mind that they were having a bit of a staring contest. It was very difficult for the blue eyed, puiless mare to not admire the younger female in front of her. She was terribly beautiful, with her pale coat, and a mix of mane-and-feathers. The ebony mare couldn't help but feel homely in comparison, with her short feathered mane and tail. Granted, the black female had always been humble when it came to her appearance, but there was a grace about this stranger that Azshara felt she lacked. Was it because she had left her sisters and now lived among a different herd? Was it because she trolloped among the mountain peaks and had her mate groom her feathers? He was getting better at such a thing. . . but Sylph did lack the finesse and practice of her sisters.

When Vanwyn spoke, Azshara couldn't help but twitch her tail in delight. It seemed as if she was being welcomed, albeit cautiously. Did the stranger know who she was? Was she warned to keep away from the sister who had left them so many years ago? Maybe. Still, Azshara genuinely couldn't help stop her radiant delight at meeting another. Especially one who seemed to inquire about her.

Oh, she hoped, hoped, hoped that Vanwyn wouldn't look upon her as a traitor, as a great betrayer. She so wanted to know what her sisters were up to, and what sort of life they might be leading. Dipping her head, the mare gave a small shake of her head. "I was not lost. I was once part of the Flock. I was but a filly during the great earthquake, and moved in to this lands when I was a touch younger than yourself." She had been there when Cabriole had been one of the first, captive, males; when everything about the Kawani was new and different. "As I aged I . . It was encouraged by Aviana that I . . that I find my own place. That is why you do not know me. That is why I am new."

That was the short of it, at any rate. The ebony female had been so torn when she had realized that her views and beliefs were not necessarily in line with what the Flock -- at the time -- had expressed. She was not a warrior. She condemned violence on any level. She loved her sisters, but she had fallen in love with ideas and ideals that weren't supported by the rest of her family. It wasn't out of hate she had been . . released from the Flock . . . it had been for their benefit, and her own.

As happy as she had been with her sisters, she would never have been truly joyous or at ease. It was for the best that she had left, but that didn't mean she had forgotten them. That didn't mean that they were not missed.
 

[techabyte]

Vanwyn’s eyes locked on the ebony mare for a moment. She tilted her head, the feathers and mane shifting to follow gravity, giving her a somewhat interesting look, but still held the grace that any mare of the Flock would hold. She shifted her claws slightly against the grass and dirt, feeling it graze against the soft material. She was curious about this harpy. She looked like those of the older generation; short mane and tail, and wings that came from her anklets ( whether they were real or not, Vanwyn did not know ). But her markings were lovely, the mix of a blue tint and white. And the adornments on her body made Vanwyn think of back when just the Harpies did the decorations. Of course, Vanwyn wasn’t alive then, and had only heard rumors and stories from a few of the older females of the Flock when they spoke of it.

Her mind was taken from admiring the female. When she spoke, Vanwyn’s face pulled into a look of confusion. She shifted slightly, her claws digging into the dirt. At least she wasn’t a betrayer of the Flock, from what it appeared. She was just not really… of Flock value or moral? Vanwyn wasn’t sure fully, and she didn’t feel like being rude and asking the mare. It seemed that she was already slightly distressed by the concept of leaving the Flock, and Vanwyn didn’t want to upset her more. In all honesty, the younger mare liked to ensure people were happy. If every member of the Flock was well, and in good spirits, it meant they were stronger. If they were upset, or in pain, then the Flock was weaker, even by just a small amount.

Shifting forward some, Vanwyn tilted her head. She let a small smile grace upon her features. What was this? Her feathers looked a little worn, and ill groomed. It was obvious that she wasn’t able to groom them herself; even Vanwyn asked for help with her mother and sisters. A mare couldn’t reach her own feathers that graced her head very easily. The tail was a bit easier to do, but the head… It was near impossible unless the feathers were so long that they could reach the bottom. Vanwyn shook out her head a bit, letting the mane and feathers shift with it. She moved forward slowly, still cautiously, her claws shifting against the dirt once more, but this time, they cleaned at the same time. She had become an expert at cleaning her claws on the blades of grass.

”You look like you haven’t had a good feather preen in ages… Would you mind if I aided you some? I promise it won’t take long, if you’re on a time schedule.” She said, smiling lightly, before pausing in her steps to admire the female once more. ”My name is Vanwyn, by the way. I feel as if I should properly introduce myself.” She gave a small laugh, before waiting for the answer so she could proceed or step away.

Uta