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 Posted: Tue Jun 10, 2014 10:00 pm
A private RP of a meeting between Me (~Latonia de la Courtel~) and Uta, featuring my Masque and her Dasharathi. This way to Lat's Teepee.
(The song is "The Parting Glass" which has been covered by several artists including Celtic Women and The High Kings).
Masque bid her sister farewell for the morning, amused at another joyous romp in the woods. It was nice that they were such good friends, with several friends in common... It inspired them to have small get-togethers here and there where they sang and danced. It helped her to relax a little, though she was still somewhat shy of performing in front of an audience. Shara loved it, but then she was very much like their father.
Considering that, Masque often wondered exactly where she got her quieter nature from... Perhaps that, like the feather markings down her back, was another legacy of her grandmother... A mare she would never meet, so she supposed she'd never know. Still, it didn't much matter at the moment. Though she hadn't found her Happily Ever After, she was hardly a Damsel in Distress... Well, there had been that one time with a forest fire, but still!
"Don't go thinking about that." She scolded herself, glancing around the forest. No flames in sight. "No reason to dwell on the bad things... Think about something else... What about that new song Shara tried to teach this morning? How did it go?"
She paced along in thoughtful silence for a few moments, humming the melody to herself. "That's it!"
With a quick glance around to make sure she was alone, the wine-coated mare cleared her throat and began to sing:
"Of all the money that e'er I had
I spent it in good company
And all the harm I've ever done
Alas it was to none but me
And all I've done for want of wit
To mem'ry now I can't recall
So fill to me the parting glass
Good night and joy be to you all
So fill to me the parting glass
And drink a health whate’er befalls
And gently rise and softly call
Good night and joy be to you all. "
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Posted: Sat Jun 14, 2014 11:07 am
So, it ad been that the young, often brash stallion, had finally told his family of his decision to take a little time away. He hadn't wanted to disappoint his mother or his father, and he certainly didn't wish to be a liability -- he knew that an attack could happen anytime, even if there were ears and eyes that looked out for one another in the most unusual and unlikely of places. He didn't want to return to a herd that had suffered another attack, he didn't want to be the weak link in a chain of security. But he also wanted to spread his wings, just a little, and see what might be out there. He was devoted to his herd and had absolutely no intention of leaving them, but . . . another part of Dash did want to see a little of the world.
So, he had promised to return swiftly, and took his leave on a small holiday. Just a week or two, just enough to get his curiosity sated, and with promise to return stronger and wiser than ever. Surely his parents might understand, as well as his herd? He would be all right, and he would bring them what news he could. He'd continue his training, continue his duties, and be back to work as soon as his hooves returned to their herdland.
So it was, the stallion had found himself a few days away, roaming through an unfamiliar wood. One thing the stallion hadn't counted on was the overwhelming loneliness that came with roaming. He was so accustomed to being part of such an established herd, with family and close friends surrounding him, that this solo traversing was less than ideal. Still, there were soquili that he crossed paths with, from time to time, ad of course other animals and creatures of the land. A bit of amicable conversation and company would be quite nice, so when he heard a faint song rise up not far from where he walked, the stallion couldn't help but be intrigued.
Who was it?
Giving his feathered tail a little swish, the large stallion picked his way through the trees, navigating his way closer to the source. It was a quiet song, but it meant someone had to be singing it, and it didn't sound like any songbird he'd ever heard! It didn't take long for the stallion to quietly make his approach; for as large he was, he could be stealthy or light on his hooves when necessary. "What a pretty melody," he complimented when the song faded and he was of no risk for interruption. "I couldn't help but give pause in my journey to listen," he explained, moving out of the foliage so she might better see whom he was.
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Posted: Tue Jun 17, 2014 3:48 pm
Masque didn't consider herself part of a herd, not in any official sense. True enough she had her family band, which one could say her father lead... Though Papa wasn't really all that keen on directing his daughters to do much of anything, he was still their Papa. Still, their family band spent more time with the SilverShadow band too... Which she imagined, when considered in force, they were something like a herd? But when their meet and greets were done, they scattered again, content to separate and spend time with their mates or families. She enjoyed the quiet chaos of the two families mingling, but was rather grateful when they split apart.
It was nice to settle back into the quiet. Still, all the positive reinforcement, the nearly palpable love, was reassuring to her. And she was glad it was never far away. Besides, how could she resist the tales of a land across the sea, or high up in the mountains? Some sights she rarely saw and others she would never see... But she could dream of them, and the stories always helped.
As did the songs. This new one lent itself to a steady lope, her feet picking up the cadence of the words as she half-danced through the forest.
Of all the comrades that e'er I had
They're sorry for my going away
And all the sweethearts that e'er I had
They'd wish me one more day to stay
But since it fell unto my lot
That I should rise and you should not
I gently rise and softly call
Good night and joy be to you all
Fill to me the parting glass
And drink a health whate’er befalls
And gently rise and softly call
Good night and joy be to you all
The sudden presence of another was announced by a gentle compliment, and at the words Masque stopped in sudden surprise, wide golden eyes frantically searching the trees. The words, and the praise in them was unexpected, but to an extent it soothed her... After all, she hardly expected a Skinwalker to tell her how lovely she sang before eating her. So it was a reasonable assumption the listener was friendly, was it not?
Relaxing at the thought, she even smiled as she noticed the greenery rustling. "I.. Thank you. I am sorry if it disturbed you, I thought I was alone and have just learned it.. I could not pass up the opportunity to practice."
It was a little flattering to think he had halted his journey to listen to her, and she ducked her head slightly. "I am glad to afford you a moments entertainment on your journey. I am Masque, may I have your name, kind stranger?"
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Posted: Wed Aug 13, 2014 8:33 pm
The kalona-tailed stallion hadn’t meant to startle the mare, though he supposed it was wise to be cautious in these woods – he knew damn well just how dark the shadows of the world could be. If it wasn’t some blood-crazed kalona looking to bully another, or kill, it could very easily be a Skinwalker. Those slimy bastards had terrorized his family and his herd! They had killed many of his herd, traumatized his family, and generally left everyone on constant guard and vigilance. One never knew when Samsara, or one of her lackeys, might decide to pay them a visit.
It was that not knowing that drove Dash crazy. He had never liked to be still as a foal, and he hated it even more as an adult. He was a stallion of action – large, smart, and strong! His weakness was not waiting, was rushing too quickly into a situation and not thinking it through. But waiting, planning, that could be left to others. . .Dash? He was a stallion of action, and not knowing what Samsara was up to, not knowing what tomorrow would bring, was something he absolutely hated. If ever a stallion lived for the moment, Dasharathi was it!
Thankfully, he didn’t have to wait. . . Not really. Stepping out of the foliage, the winged stallion gave a little wag of his peculiar, feather-tipped tail. He was large, but didn’t want to appear too imposing. It had been a long while since he’d actually run across anyone that wasn’t a member of his herd. . . to meet Masque, some sort of singer, was a real treat! He wasn’t about to spurn this opportunity if he could help it, and hoped the mare might not be in some sort of rush. “You didn’t disturb me, not at all. I was just passing through when I heard the song, and was curious as to its source. We don’t often get strangers this way, though . . . I don’t often travel so far from the borders, either.” He gave a little shrug of his wings, before offering the mare a very lop-sided smile. This mare was polite, and certainly seemed to know her manners. Compared to her, Dash was sure he sounded like some uncultured cad! She was so . . formal. . . that wasn’t his way, not at all. “I should be the one apologizing—I’m fair sure I interrupted your song. Anyway, the pleasure is all mine, Miss!” And with that, he gave her a little bow, the motion strange and foreign on him. There were gallant knights and culture artisans. . and Dash was neither. He was a brute, nothing more, nothing less, and while he knew how to take a hit, he didn’t know the first thing about formal etiquette. He was a warrior, one trained to defend and drive off those that might do him or his family harm. Ah, but that didn’t mean he couldn’t try to be polite. “I’m Dasharathi, of the Padmahadi herd. Most just call me Dash though. . . That’s quite some voice! I’m glad you did practice when you did, lest I miss an opportunity to meet such a singer.” His words were complimentary, but quite sincere. He liked music, for all that he had no talent in such fine arts.
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Posted: Sun Aug 24, 2014 8:29 am
Masque couldn't quite help the cursory glance around the glade, ears swiveling to catch the slightest sound. The trees cast shadows that could be welcoming or oppressive, a place to hide in or the haven of an enemy. She had heard all manner of horror stories regarding the dark actions of Kalona and Skinwalker, and it made the young mare somewhat cautious of traveling on her own. Still, there seemed no lethal presence waiting there for her... For which Masque was deeply thankful. While she had not been hunted or harmed by them herself, she certainly was in no rush to correct that issue.
First hand knowledge was not something she was eager to obtain. Not in this matter. Still, the stranger seemed quite pleasant, and wise or not the dark-wine mare found herself relaxing. She was a strong believer in fate, and while the world occasionally took a turn for the unexpected, she liked to think it was part of some larger plan. Fate was kind to send a charming stranger her way, and perhaps when all was said and done she'd have a new friend. She was content to let fate make such decisions as this... Knowing that if the world ever took a turn for the undesired, she'd fight back with everything in her.
Until then, she would enjoy the happy little surprises. And though the stranger clearly had Kalona blood, he seemed to have a kind heart too. So for the moment, all appeared well.
"I am glad to hear it." She smiled. "There are times when the music all but runs away from me. I would hate to find I had disturbed someone, overrun by my enthusiasm."
The Phantomess laughed softly at herself. "I confess I've never wandered so far this way. I live much more northward, and somewhat to the west."
She gave a little giggle at his smile, charmed by the casual kindness of it all, and found herself relaxing further. "Oh no, not at all. No apology necessary, Dasharathi. I find myself charmed to make your acquaintance, and am most thankful of fate's hand in having our paths cross. I am Masque, of no true herd but part of the Phantom Clan."
She hoped that wasn't an issue, her not being part of a herd. But his compliments made her duck her head for a moment. "I thank you very much for your kind words, Dash, I am glad I was of entertainment. The whole of my Clan are singers and dancers. And those of us with wings perform quite spectacular aerial displays, when the mood strikes."
She grinned, her mind abruptly filled with images of her father and sister and their glorious dances on the wind. She was not so fortunate as they, but it made her practice to strengthen her song. Quite fortunate for her, since it seemed to have gained her a new companion, at least for the moment.
"I hope I haven't unwittingly wandered into your herdlands, while I was distracted." She offered with a half-smile.
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Posted: Sun Apr 12, 2015 11:37 am
Dasharathi listened to the mare speak, and was glad that she didn't seem overly formal or overly brutish. She seemed comfortable enough, and that was enough to put him at ease. It wasn't that he didn't know or didn't have manners, he simply hadn't often need for colorful speech or decorative formality. He was a guard, above all else, and a warrior when he had to be. Honestly, Dash wanted nothing more than to go out into the world and strike down all the evils of the world -- skinwalkers in particular! While he would never be so foolish to put his herd at risk, or even his own life, it was true that he wanted to do something great, to be something great. His mother was a brilliant fighter and tactician, and his father was the protector of the herd! Not only that, but an elder. . .. it made Dash feel very small indeed.
Still, the purple winged stallion was young yet. He was still learning his place in the world, and at present, that was to be the best guard he could be. He was meant to protect those he found, and keep his family safe and sound. He would never betray those he loved, and that aloe kep this hooves firmly planted near the borders. As much as he wanted to hunt the walkers that terrorized the land, to put them down like the monsters they were, he knew better than to go off on a suicide mission. His parents would be devastated if he were killed, and worse, getting involved with skinwalkers might mean he would be put them at immediate risk.
No. He would bide his time, hone his skills, and wait until he was older, stronger, and could safely and effectively go out and hunt. Until then, it was nothing but a pipe dream, and something he had yet to confess to his family. But that was neither here nor there. . . Here he was and a polite purple mare was his focus.
"Ah, well welcome then! We don't often get strangers in these parts, but a friendly and kind face is always welcome." Ah, but that wasn't entirely true, was it? Samsara and her goons had been strangers, and oh, what a massacre that had been. . . or so the stories said. Still, that was before he'd been born, and wasn't something he was going to bring up. If she hadn't heard of that battle then all the better. "The Phantom Clan, eh? I'm afraid I've not heard of it until now, but I don't often roam. Sounds like a family full of exceptional talent though!" What an interesting notion. There had been some singers and songbirds in his own family and herd, but Dash was too serious to get overly involved. His hobbies were less light-hearted than that of the mare before him, but it was an enchanting story all the same. "Much of my herd is made up of guards, warriors, and fighters. . . Though a few can sing."
Ah, but the mare was concerned she was trespassing. Hardly. "No worries though, about wandering through -- I'm a bit further out from the borders than I usually roam. You'd have to travel a few miles east before you started getting into our territory." Additionally, with how guarded the herd lands were, and how connected, they were likely already aware of the mare's presence. His family were innovative, if nothing else. . . but a blood bath and massacre was bound to do it.
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Posted: Sat May 23, 2015 11:22 am
Masque had the faint feeling she was being assessed, but since she couldn't quite avoid her own inspection of the stallion, she didn't hold it against him either. He was taller than she was, which was not exactly hard, and built like a warrior or a protector. He seemed safe, or at least he made her feel safe, which was a peculiar thing to find with a stranger... But there it was.
"I'm sorry if I have intruded at all." She murmured with a faint duck of her head. "Wandering hooves, they get me in trouble often enough. I should be showing signs of improvement, but I'm still just as bad as my Papa... So I blame him when I can. There are a few things that applies to, actually."
There was a playful mischief in her golden eyes as she gazed up at him, inviting him to share in the joke. "Oh, no? Well that is interesting indeed, and somewhat refreshing. I guess my father's wings have not carried him here before. Usually once he shares a song, we are abruptly known. Still, he is one of three and his sire the originator of many legends. So you must not have crossed paths with any of them either. And I think they are wondrous indeed, though my opinion is somewhat biased."
She gave a soft laugh. "Ah, no great warriors in my Clan, or at least the parts known to me. We are a small band, split off from the others... Largely my father and sisters and I. I know some others that are wandering knights, but not many warriors or guards. Your herd must be vast and secure, with so many brave hearts to serve in its defense."
She was a little envious that, of the feeling of security that would come from a well-defended home. Largely she relied on speed and stealth and luck to get away from Kalona, there were no warriors to save her. "I am glad to hear I have not mistakenly encountered your herd lands, and it is lovely indeed to have crossed paths with you."
Masque glanced around for a moment, then looked back up at Dasharanthi. "Is there a place to drink nearby, perhaps? I confess my throat feels covered in road dust and I would appreciate a drink before I am on my way again. But I would rather find one outside of your herdlands, so that I do not cause any inconvenience to you and yours."
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Posted: Thu Sep 03, 2015 8:29 am
"I wil confess that travelling bards or song-sorts are a bit unfamiliar here. We've a few in our herd that are good entertainers, but I don't think I've heard an of them speak of such a rogue stallion. . . or such legends."
Dash gave a little curl of his feather touched-spaded tail, and another smile. The mare sounded humble enough, and certainly didn't look the sort to cause trouble. She was polite, and had confessed to coming form a smaller family. Dash couldn't really fathom what a smaller family might be like -- all he knew was his herd, his three sibling, all of his herd mates and the legends of those no longer with them. Then again, Dash couldn't really fathom what having a normal family was like -- all he knew was that his father and mother were of great importance, and as such, Dash had lived a life knowing not to get under their hooves.
So it was, the stallion had focused on keeping out of their way, and doing what he could to please them, and the herd. To become something strong, something great, something . . . important. He wanted to do something memorable, to be someone of great legend. . . but until he was able to get out of his protectors caste, he was stuck. Unfortunately for Dash, the greatness he wished to achieve would come at keeping primarily away from his family. . . at least if he went the route of hunter.
Maybe, one day, he'd actually talk to his father about it.
. . . maybe. If he didn't think he'd get thoroughly destroyed in the process.
But that was neither here nor there! Right now, he had a job to do . . . and guiding this mare to water seemed to be top of the list. "I know of a few watering holes in either direction -- and a few more on our lands. I assure you, you'd be welcome even if you did mistakenly cross the borders. . . We're not monsters, after all." His grin was genuine, but it didn't entirely reach his gaze. Monsters indeed . . . Samsara was a monster, and that was his older half-sister. Ah, but this mare needn't know about that. . . or the history of bloodshed and tears.
"Well then, Ms Songbird . . . would you prefer a picturesque pond or a quiet stream?"
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