|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Thu Feb 07, 2013 4:29 pm
 Change was on the air.
Giolladhe could feel the change, not that it was truly physical. More, it had to do with feelings and the growth both he and Lumriel were going through. He was no longer the broken wreck he had been when Liliah had rejected him. He was getting stronger, more prepared to face the world again on his own. And Lumriel… though she never said it in so many words, she was ready to go back to the stallion she had been heartbroken over.
He had gone for a walk, needing to get away and to think. Ears alert, he was careful to count the steps he took and noted the feel of the ground, trying to imprint it on his memory so he could find his way back. This wasn't his home, merely a place he was settling for a while, to get his emotional equilibrium back. And it seemed maybe a bit more than that.
This was not how he had envisioned his life, but if this was what he had to endure, he would. And he would do so with grace. After this thing with Lumriel, he would find his sister, Liliah, and bring her home. They would return to the herd and everything would be right again. He had to believe that. They would be home and family once again.
The breeze blew gently, ruffling his mane. It was warm and gentle. A hopeful sign. A sign that perhaps things would start to get better for him.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Feb 08, 2013 9:08 am
 Ves'tacha was tired, so very tired. And it had nothing to with having been walking since shortly after dawn. All her life had been spent on the road, wandering from place to place. It was who she was.
She had occasionally stilled for a time, stayed with some friend or family or love here or there. But always the road had called to her. Always she had answered with a goodbye and farewell and until we meet again. Always she had moved on.
Ves'tacha told herself it was her Roma heritage that kept her from staying still, from settling. And it was true, the Rom wandered. But not all, and not always. Her heritage was also a closeness of family, of living a life filled with joy and companionship. But her life was one of solitude, touched with moments of love followed by heartache and isolation.
And she was tired. Her heart was in tatters behind her and Ves'tacha knew there was none and nothing to blame but herself. She had chosen to retreat from a closeness that threatened to engulf her, to flee to the road and the life of a nomad.
Roma were not nomads, but Ves'tacha had lived her life as one. She should have gathered her family and traveled with them. They should have carried songs and life with them where ever they went. But she had let the itch of her hooves dictate her life. She had left her first love. The father of her first foals. She had warned him, but they had fallen for each other anyway. And when she left him, somehow she had left her children as well.
It had made sense. He had a stability, a herd and a home. And he was more suited to help care for them. For her son's sensitivity to light which would cause problems traveling. For her daughter's odd visions that would bring hatred upon her when she met strangers. It made sense to leave her children. But still, they had manage to follow her ways to an extent. But without truly understanding the strength of the Roma.
For family is the strength of the Roma.
And Ves'tacha had left her second mate. She wouldn't call him her love. Though she cared for him, she hadn't allowed herself the deep connection she had had before. And he was . . . obsessed. More than she could get through. She was not a treasure to be horded, protected and confined. So she slipped away. She made sure her foals from that joining were well cared for, but still she left them behind.
She had barely even seen her grandchildren. They were beautiful and strange and she loved them. But she couldn't stay with them. She couldn't see her daughter and not know that she had done wrong by her children.
Ves'tacha was tired. And her heart was tattered and littered the road behind her. But still she walked. She didn't deserve the love she had so long ago lost. She was happy her first mate had found love, true and lasting. But it left a hollowness in her.
So she walked. As she always had. But her heart was heavy. Her only companion the mouse sleeping in a nest of her mane.
Ves'tacha was tired and she almost didn't notice the stallion walking down the path towards her. The trees allowed for little room on either side of the path. They could avoid each other without a word. But . . . yes, his eyes were covered and there were scars. He must be blind.
So, though she would have passed in silence, holding her alone-ness about her like a cloak, for that was the mood Ves'tacha was in, she slowed, moving to the side of the road. "Sastimos." As a greeting it was shorter than was her want, yet it would do. Enough to warn him of her presence and avoid a more physical run-in.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Feb 25, 2013 1:02 pm
While Giolladhe was starting to realise and understand a few truths that were unpleasant and he might prefer to be working through them on his own- understanding his own personality and how perhaps while he might long for a relationship of love like the one Lumriel had with the stallion she was leaving him for, he felt he was too broken and not capable of such a relationship. He had never held much stock or faith in that fleeting emotion... love was nothing more than a chemical reaction that didn't last, with the exception of family, and so it wasn't for him. He was raised to duty and responsibility, which was all he knew and understood. At best, he might eventually find someone who could understand and stand by his side as an equal, But not today and probably not any time soon. Not until he managed to fix the pieces of his broken heart. - he would not turn down company if he should come upon some. Perhaps company might be a good thing to keep him from giving in to the melancholy which threatened to overtake him.
Caught up in his musings and thoughts, Giolladhe wouldn't have noticed the other unless he literally stumbled over them. There were times when his disablity was a good thing and others, like now when he might wish he could see. BUt no, he chose this when he accepted his place so long ago. Just because his herd and family was mostly no more, if he were to get his eyes healed it would dishonor their memory. The quiet greeting was unusual, he had never heard the like before, and his ears perked in interest, the first real interest he had had in anything since the incident with his sister. Not even the fact that he was going to be a father was as interesting to him as this.
'Sastimos?' he repeated softly to himself, not sure what it meant or even if he was pronouncing it correctly.
'Good day,' he ventured softly, turning this way and that trying to locate the other.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Feb 27, 2013 8:55 am
Ves'tacha stifled a sigh. Another day she would have been happy for a pause and a chat. For companionship. But today she was wallowing.
On the heels of that thought . . . she was wallowing. That would just not do. Roma do not wallow. Ves'tach, especially, did not wallow. She was stronger than that. She had made her decisions and lived her life. And she would accept what came from those choices. And in this moment, what came, was a stranger on a road.
A stranger with a gentle voice. Ves'tacha took a moment to look at him again. She saw the scars, but beyond that, she could see his quiet beauty. And that he walked the path alone, in his own darkness, she could see his strength. And despite herself, she was intrigued.
With a slight smile, "Sastimos sass-TEE-mose. But you were close. Good day to you as well."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Mar 04, 2013 10:31 am
Ears pricked, he was able to locate roughly where the voice had come from and turned to face the other. He would have taken a few steps forward, but did not wish to make a fool of himself if he walked too far, or bumped into her. Blind he may be, but he still had his pride. A pride that would not allow him to make a fool of himself if there was any way he might avoid it. He had made a fool of himself too often lately as it was. With his herd after the disaster, with the little sister he had adored but failed so badly, and most recently with Luriel. Though, he smiled wryly, perhaps it was best said they both made fools of themselves before each other. He was more than he currently showed himself as. He wasn't a weak -in his opinion- broken stallion. He was a leader of sorts. Or he would be -again- one day. He would regain his pride starting today.
He could hear the slight smile in the mare's voice and wondered if she was just happy or if perhaps she might be mocking or whatever. Damn but he hated being blind. The thought that he could easily be healed and get his sight back flit across his brain again before he quashed it ruthlessly. Even if he wanted to, he would not have his sight restored until he made up for the devastation he brought on his home and family, not until he found those skinwalkers and made them pay.
'Sass tee mose.' He tried again.'What does that mean anyway? It is obviously not Kawani... it does sound quite interesting though...My name is Gio. What may I call you?' He might sound rather abrupt and tactless, but truthfully, that was how he felt at the moment. Blunt, abrupt... but even so, he could never fully ignore the manners that had been drilled into him since he was a small foal.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Mar 04, 2013 10:46 am
Ves'tacha's smile broadens. Somehow talking to a stranger always pulled out a bit of the imp in her nature. "Sastimos, it is a blessing of good health. A greeting and a wish. And it is one I give with hope to those I meet."
She contemplates for a moment the rest of her answer. But Ves'tacha needed this, she knew that. She needed the play of words that would take her outside of the melancholy she had been carrying with her. She hoped she wouldn't offend the stallion, he was a bit precise, almost blunt. Maybe he would take her manner badly. But it was who she was, and she needed to be herself in this moment.
"It is always good to make new acquaintances, noble Gio. And you gift your name with so little thought to its weight or value. Generous to a stranger. Yet my name I hold close, for it is dear to me. I would not share it with those who have not earned it. But you seem an honest stallion, perhaps it will not be long err you have earned its whisper." Ves'tacha smiles as she speaks, allowing herself to fall into the mood of meeting someone new. She always loved the playful interplay. And if this stallion was a willing sport, she would try and return the favor he had already done her just in his presence to pull her from her depression.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Mar 06, 2013 1:10 pm
'A blessing, huh.'He mused quietly more intrigued. It was not common to offer blessing and good hope to strangers- at least no that he knew of. The idea was different and foreign. But he could see a benefit to such thinking and action. Perhaps if his own herd had been more friendly and genuinely kind they wouldn't be gone now. 'Why would you bless and offer good wishes to those you don't know?'
Giolladhe had been raised to be distant and proper, as was only proper for the second in command of a herd and one who bore many difficult responsibilities. But that was not who he was. He was still a fairly young stallion and he was naturally playful and friendly though he had often needed to ignore that part of himself, but not now, now he could indulge that part of himself if he so chose. He smiled at the playful tone in her voice and decided to respond in kind.
He had heard of others who beleived that words, and even more particularly names, but, 'Well, one should always have something to call ones they meet.' He shrugged a shoulder ever so slightly. 'I don't really see any danger from one knowing my short name, so I can gift it freely to those who I can trust will not do me harm. In a way, it is my own version of your Sass tee mose.'
He was often embarassed by others complimenting him, or making any mention of good about him, and he lowered his head to hide behind his bangs, even if they weren't much cover, it was a habit that comforted him.' I beg your pardon. Truly, names should not be given so freely. I was wrong to ask so brazenly for yours. Is there anything I might call you without causing offense until I have earned the honor of your name?'
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Mar 06, 2013 1:54 pm
Ves'tacha shrugs, not remembering for a moment that the stallion can't see it. "Everyone needs blessings. Everyone needs kindness. Even those who do not believe they want or are worthy of such. If a kind word spoken in potential friendship is enough to make another's burden lighter, world brighter, or even just brings a smile, how could I not share such a thing. And in sharing, I bring a brighter light to my own life. Blessings are something that can not be given without touching the giver."
She smiled as she watched Gio hide behind his bangs, recognizing the gesture as one she used herself. "Few gaje understand the value of a name. But, if you wish me to give something you may call me . . . you could try chavi or Drabarni, Chivani or joovi, Kralisi, lubni, Phuri, or Misto, Shesti, Kon, Soske, drom, tatcho . . . there are many things I could be called, things I might be called. You may even choose something you would like to call me. My mother called me beloved, but we only just met, I doubt you would be comfortable calling me such."
Ves'tacha was enjoying herself. It had been a while since she had had a conversation for the fun and interest of it. Something with no expectations or holds. It was nice.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Mar 11, 2013 12:17 pm
His head spun as he listened to her list off what he might call her. The words were difficult, foreign, and he did not think he could say them properly. And more importantly, he did not know their meaning. He did not like to speak words he did not understand or be able to know what they meant. Kon, Misto, chavi they sounded about the easiest to say, but even so hesitance made him hold silent on that. Perhaps he might call her words from her own tongue, if he knew their meaning.
Until then, if he could just come up with something. Dear one, dear heart, darling ... all of these were too intimate to call a virtual stranger. Friend was alright, a little generic, but it could do. He disliked such an impersonal nickname though. With lack of sight, he was unable to see if she had any distinguishing characteristics by which he might call her. Sound and scent weren't much help either.
Beloved. The word said so lightly, even as a jest, caused him to break from his thoughts. Not once in his life had he been called beloved, nor had he had occasion to use it. Not even with the sister he adored, or his familiar, nor the children from his relationship with Lumriel. To him, the word was more powerful than even a name. It was not something to toss around lightly and to just anyone.
' You're right abou that. I'm afraid that I don't know you quite well enough to call you beloved,' His lips quirked up in a quick, wry smile, ' and I'm afraid I can't exactly call you any of the words you have given me -not without knowing what they mean, call me overly cautious if you will, it's just me.'He shrugged a shoulder. ' But I could call you friend, if that's alright with you.'
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Mar 11, 2013 12:50 pm
Ves'tacha smiles, "Interesting choice, wise Gio. How could I deny the choice of 'friend' from one who would extend such an honor."
"The words spoken have meanings, but so do the words which make names. Surely your own name has a meaning. One I use unknowing in calling you Gio without understanding. Even if a name is nothing but a sound which had no meaning before it was given, its meaning becomes the person, defined by the one to whom it was attached."
Shaking her head, Ves'tacha takes herself from that train of thought. "But I have delayed my friend in his travels. Perhaps I could walk with you a ways as we explored this new friendship." Moving to stand beside him, facing the direction he had been traveling, even though it was back the way she had come, she gives a moment of silent thanks to the spirits for sending her this distraction from her melancholy thoughts.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Mar 19, 2013 9:55 pm
Giolladhe listened with a small slight smile playing about his lips. It was pleasant and intriguing to listen to her ideas which were so different and new. He enjoyed a good mental challenge and trying to keep up with her was definately a challenge.
'I would hate to delay your travels and any plans that you might have had.'He was curious, but would not pry. It was none of his business, unless she chose to tell him.'If it your wish, I would be honored to accompany you. It is not often that one meets such delightful strangers as you, friend. I would be the poorer if I did not take advantage of your company.'
He flickered his ears this way and that as he tried to locate where she was and in which direction they would be traveling. He was surprised when he felt her presence at his side, but was grateful that he wouldn't be forced to have to rely on his senses to know where to go. 'I am afraid you will have to be my eyes as we go.' He shifted his weight as he put into words what should be apparent, but he could take no chances.'I am blind, and likely to get lost otherwise.'
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Mar 20, 2013 11:23 am
Ves'tacha grins, "Have you no destination? Perhaps we are more kindred spirits than I had first presumed. I travel, for the road beneath my hooves calls to me. Each destination only a way point, the experience and travel of more import than any location."
"I enjoy spending a journey with another. For that is a worthy goal. While there are those for whom I care and enjoy seeing, most also travel. It makes the meetings more sweet when they are unexpected. And the others have no expectations of arrival. I wander, into lives and back out again. Each individual a point of light along the road."
Taking a moment to lightly brush his side with her own, Ves'tacha tries to let him know where she is without being too familiar. "I will admit having noticed your scars and assumed as much. I am heartened at your courage. I have not been a guide before, would you instruct me in a method that would be most useful?"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu May 02, 2013 2:11 pm
'I have no real destination in mind nor any purpose, other than to wander and enjoy the day. Travel or no, I just…' His voice trailed off as he could not find the words to describe what he meant. But he knew that she ought to understand. After all, there was something in her that called to him. Something that said they were kindred spirits.
Giolladhe shrugged gracefully. The disability wasn't that much of a hardship, at least not now. Once he'd gotten used to it, it made next to no difference to the way he lived his life.'I can do almost everything that those with sight can do. It's not generally a big deal. Just point me in the direction we're to travel, and let me know ahead of time if there are any obstacles or turns.'
As always, the first brush of another by his side was more than startling, but he was able to suppress the almost involuntary shudder. He had expected her to do so at some time, once he had voiced his disability and the request for assistance. 'So just where are we headed?'
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri May 03, 2013 11:12 am
Ves'tacha smiles, "Over the next hill. Then the one beyond it. Traveling under trees and over streams. To try and find ourselves in the process. That is where I am headed. And I welcome friends in the journey."
She was good at reading people, it was something she had to do so very often, to tell in a moment how to approach another, who to avoid and who to accept. She had seen the tightness of his mouth that came with her touch. Ves'tacha thought for a moment.
If she avoided touching him, he might be more comfortable, initially. But if they were going to travel together for long, it would make the occasional brush worse for him. And if they ever needed to run, she would have to keep in contact with him. Not to mention that she tended to enjoy a closeness with her traveling companions that was a comforting familiarity. To have to worry constantly about not touching . . .
So she carefully moved to bump his shoulder with her own. Thoughtlessly, she lipped at his forelock as she did so. It wasn't intended as anything more than a friendly gesture, one she was so accustomed to it didn't occur to her that it might be more familiar than he was comfortable with. She had decided to treat him as a friend, and friends touch and are close. Ves'tacha thought enough to take care in the direction and force of her touch, knowing he could not expect them. But she didn't know how to walk with another without brushing them in the journey. After all, that was why one traveled with another, to have that closeness, that feeling of family.
"Let us wander and enjoy the day. For every day calls to us in its own way and some call us more deeply than others. Let us see where this day would lead as the sun warms our backs and the road lifts itself to our hooves."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Jul 22, 2013 12:31 pm
''That sounds … like a good plan.' He was hesitant, but really, it did sound like fun. 'Then I think I'll accompany you for a while, until some other road speaks to me.'
Touch was more than a little disconcerting, but he knew he would be glad for it later on. Desensitization worked. He knew this having had to use the method more than once since his disability… Unfortunately for him, he didn't have enough contact with others for it to really stick. Perhaps he ought to spend less time alone, and more with those of his own kind. He missed that feeling of friendship and closeness that he'd once had. He had almost forgotten what it was like… Maybe he should talk to Vale again and see what her thoughts on the subject were….
He tossed his mane and set the idea in the back of his mind for pondering at another time. The idea was a good one, but not worth considering at the expense of the moment. And by dammit he would enjoy the moment without thinking of the future. He may have started to flinch at the touch at first, but he knew the touch would not hurt, and would be for the best in the long run. He even tentatively reached out to nuzzle Ves'tacha briefly before withdrawing, not wanting to be too forward or to give the mare any wrong ideas.
'I stand at the ready, awaiting your will.'
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
