Welcome to Gaia! ::

The coming winter months would be cold, blisteringly so, and it put Dante in a foul mood. He stood at the edge of the field that lead to his familial herd’s territory, letting the wind whip past his dark hair and straight into his bones with a chill. Flutter wings weren’t meant to stay cold for very long and they already had a low ache to them. He wished to go somewhere warmer, somewhere the cold didn’t touch, but where would he be then? Alone. And while Dante didn’t mind being alone, he didn’t find spending his life for the rest of his days alone very promising. Let’s face it--everyone needed a companion sometimes.

He found himself back here, back with his large family who welcomed him with open wings, because he was going through a breakup. Things had been said, things he regretted now, said in a burst of anger. He’d chased Soul away with his harsh words. His love had left him alone. Dante closed his eyes and listened to the howling of the wind ripple past him. He would get over it. He wasn’t one to obsess. If she wanted her freedom, he would let her fly free.

It didn’t meant it hurt any less, but… He would shake it off. He would make it alone, if that’s what it took.

Xxx

The winter months were rather annoying. It brought so much gloom to everyone around her. She was this little ray of sunshine that shined through the dark times. But even she had those dark times. With Addiction gone, she didn't have that bright rainbow shining in her face to make it even a little better.

Alina didn't have anyone there to sit and listen to her. There was Hyachi, but she usually didn't come out too much during the winter. Hyachi was the only family she had. All she ever dreamed of was having a really huge family that she could share her foal stories with and all of the stories she'd heard over the years. It was a wish that would never happen. It seemed like when everything is all happy and going well with her relationships, something always goes wrong. She couldn't remember how many times she had been in one. They all seemed like the one. Alina was wrong.

Xxx

Unable to stand there, moping around any longer, Dante decided that the right course of action was this: Go out there and work up a sweat. For once he wished his wings were strong and feathered like his father’s were--his delicate wings weren’t mean for hardcore flying, and that’s really what he wanted to do. Besides, they’d be damn useless in this wind. With a loud snort, a puff of white escaping his muzzle, he bolted into the woods. He relished in the feel of the bitter wind scraping past, his mane tangling, ears flat as he tried to streamline into a perfect runner, a Thoroughbred meant for the run. His hooves thundered softly across hardened earth and as he ran, he felt free. A grin spread across his face slowly but surely. In that moment he felt strong, one with the wind, okay with himself and everything he’d been through.

Then a scent touched his nose, a scent that had him turning his head; sweet like sugar with a hint of maple, he slowed his pace. His back was lined with sweat that chilled him, but it felt cooling. Crimson eyes stared out from beneath black bangs as he took in another long breath; it was a mare. Uncertainty hit him hard; part of him wanted to turn back around and go home, back to the safety nest of his family, but he wasn’t a colt anymore. He had to man up and face his insecurities like a stallion. So with a quirked grin, he strode forward with purpose: To find a partner for a little conversation. Couldn’t be too hard, right?

Xxx

Her ears flicked back and forth as she heard hooves against the ground like lightening. She was enjoying the cold breeze through her long mane, but this caught her ears. Hoping it isn't what she thought it was she was awaiting the arrival of this being, if it ever did. It had the scent of a male but that didn't matter now days. The beings were both male and female, it didn't matter. The flash back came back to her mind just like it happened yesterday.

But when the male came into sight, her body relaxed. He could still be danger to her, but she wouldn't let him know that she was still kind of scared."Hello there."She smiled and wiggled her little cerynei tail. Maybe today wouldn't be so bad after all, the stroll away from Hyachi's hibernation place was a pretty good idea.

Xxx

He reached a mare only paces away--a soft creamy yellow and white marked with black, she was…damn. He stopped and stared, aware that he’d gone still, aware that she was looking at him, alarm in her eyes, like she’d been expecting someone else. Damnit, Dante, he growled inwardly, shaking himself out of his trance as she wiggled that tail… What was that even? It was…terribly cute. Gah.

“Well…hello there, ladybird,” he said, voice low and soft. He let loose a low snort before edging a little closer, alert to her discomfort. “You look like you’ve seen a ghost. Didn’t startle you, did I?” he asked, head tipped to one side, eyes locked on hers--if only to keep him from glancing at that little tail again. He had the sudden urge to laugh at himself, but kept it under wraps. His gaze softened. “I just…wasn’t really thinking. Just running. Burning off some steam. You know the drill…” He flicked his tail, flanks still a bit damp. His ruby stained wings fluttered gently behind him. Your name, idiot. Ohyeah. “I’m Dante, if you were curious.” Damnit, not even Soul had made him trip over his words so much.

Xxx

Alinas ears perked up a bit as he started speaking to her. "oh..No! You didn't." Deep down inside she was just horrified of seeing one of those things come after her. "Just thinking something else was coming was all. I didn't expect a handsome stallion in front of my eyes." She smiled. Tossing her bangs she looked at his wings, they were gorgeous. Her hair would warm those wings, but that would...possibly be awkward? "Just enjoying yourself?"She offered. Alina couldn't remember the last time she actually had a good run in.

"It’s a pleasure Dante, I'm Alina." She smiled once more and nodded her head. Her multi colored eyes gazed back into the stallions. He was such a looker. He almost made her heart flutter without even saying much. "Are your wings cold?"She asked softly. Alina wasn't used to seeing flutters. She wasn't even sure how they flew, because of course she didn't have any wings. Alina's tail wiggled fast behind her as she talked to the male.