|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Mon Mar 16, 2015 2:56 pm
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Mar 16, 2015 3:19 pm
Anabis *shoves Berry out for some randomness* Berry: o.o Hello. ~Latonia de la Courtel~ Sahaena: *wanders over to Berry and gives her a friendly nod* Hiya. I know you didn't ask for advice, but that one? *tosses her head at the stallion, Aveshar* Steer clear of 'im, alright? Anabis Berry: O_O *stares at Sahaena* Great Spirits, what kind of Soquili are you? You got fish fins! Is that a fish tail? *circles the mare* I've never seen anything like you before. o-o I mean I've seen fish but... your not a fish. surprised ~Latonia de la Courtel~ Sahaena: *watches her in amusement* Well that's a proper hello for you, I suppose. *tsks* I'm a Kelpi, if it helps. Ocean born, spend quite a bit of time with fish. But now and again I like a good walk on land, same as you I expect. *laughs* Something of a fish, at least more than you or the ones that fly are. Anabis Berry: Oh! I'm sorry ^^; It's just... where I come from there are none of these others... the Winged ones, the scaled ones... the horned or... ones like you either o.o it's all new to me. So you're a Kelpi? What's it like underwater? Is it very different? I've only seen fish in the rivers and streams and none of them seem deep enough for a Soquili like yourself to swim in very well. ~Latonia de la Courtel~ Sahaena: *gives a faint shrug, her fins rippling with the movement* No harm done, really. I suppose it's a perfectly natural reaction to seeing one of us for the first time. Though it's been awhile since I've seen one of us, so I guess I can't be all that sure. *tilts her head* None of them, hmm? I can't say I've been to such a land. Most of the coasts I have visited on my trips through the sea have a mix of all kinds that walk on land, but I don't often get close enough to ask them and be sure. *grins* That indeed I am. And it is lovely in the ocean, cool, with deep dark places and high bright ones. And there are corals that grow in every color and fish with joyous patterns, and seals and dolphins that like to play. But there are dangers too, just like your land. They often have sharp teeth, and are not too hard to spot. *tilts her head at the mention of the rivers* I understand there may be something like myself -a cousin if you will- that dwells in the waters inland. I am a child of the Great Bitter Water, though. I prefer the deep places and the wild waves. Anabis Berry: *ears p***k* Great Bitter Water...? Oh! Can you tell me about them? They sounds like one of the great Spirits! Are they? Are they like Wind Brother? surprised
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Mar 16, 2015 3:32 pm
 The Kelpi mare shifted slightly on her hooves, considering this stranger in silence for a moment. In spite of her reservations, she couldn't help but smile at the mare's curiosity, the expression carrying right up to her golden eyes, which crinkled in mirth. For all that they had been talking for a few moments now, no real introduction had occurred, and here she was explaining, well, all sorts of things.
"There are many in this land that refer to the sea as the Great Bitter Water. I am not sure if I would consider it exactly the same as the Great Spirits. For the most part, we of the Ocean refer to it as our home.. And perhaps think of it as a mother of sorts. I believe it depends on how and where once is raised."
She gave an elegant shrug that led to a rippling of all her fins, then shook her head. "But we have discussed all of this and still not yet had a proper introduction. I assume they do those in this land, yes? My name is Sahaena.. And whom am I conversing with?"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Mar 16, 2015 7:03 pm
"Oh!" Berry replied, "Sorry, yes. My name is Berry." Berry introduced herself, shifting a bit nervously. "It's just so exciting to see something new, like your fins. They're very pretty, by the way." she said, smiling a bit. "Truely, your the first I've seen with fins. I come fro ma herd of wild horses well beyond the lands where others like you and I roam, so I'm not used to seeing... well.. anything really." She laughed a little. "First time I talked to a Winged one I'm sure I did much the same to them as I did to you just now. I'm sorry for my rudeness."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Mar 16, 2015 7:41 pm
'Oh indeed.' Sahaena smiled at the mare's soft exclamation, nodding her head understandingly as Berry properly introduced herself. She couldn't help but feel a bit fond of the mare, there was something inherently gentle about her. She seemed sweet, and bubbly, and curious rather than fearful. That was nice, considering a fully-finned Kelpi could be a bit daunting, it was nice to meet someone who was curious rather than afraid.
"No trouble at all, and lovely to meet you Berry." She smiled and inclined her head in a faint nod. "Oh, I see... I understand I must seem quite strange to you, if your herd does not ever visit the sea they would not have much experience with my kind. Still, thank you very much for the compliment."
Shifting lightly on her hooves, she curled her tail around her side. "I confess that I do not tread too-far inland, and therefore do not have much interaction with the wild herds. But I am familiar with some of the winged ones, they tend to fly over the sea, and some visit the beaches where I like to walk."
Sahaena gave a soft laugh at the thought of this mare trying to talk to some of her friends. "That's fine, it is no trouble at all. I am happy to answer any questions I can... I don't know if that will help or not."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Mar 16, 2015 8:07 pm
Berry smiled at the mare. "Could you tell me more about the sea?" she asked, "My old herd told me many stories about Wind Brother, and Grandfather Earth, and Grandmother Mountain and many others, but you are right, they never went to this thin called the Sea. The closest we got to water was the flooding Sister River in the spring when the snows melted and the waters of Sister River flooded her banks. it never got very deep if you didn't go to the middle of her bed though. It must be completely different from the sea though if Soquili like you can swim in the sea and have need of tails like that." Berry said, looking curiously at the mare's tail.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Mar 18, 2015 7:38 pm
Sahaena tilted her head, considering the mare in thoughtful silence. The fact that the ground-walker easily returned her smile made her flick her tail in a small gesture of happiness. It was nice to meet someone pleasant, someone so curious about her kind. "If you wish to learn more of the sea, I would be happy to tell you. I am afraid I do not know much of the tales like those you mention. It is not in my kind's tradition to pass such tales along."
Which is not to say that her fellows did not share stories, they were just not those which included the personification of natural elements. Then again, that makes her curious to hear these tales, perhaps they can arrange for some sort of trade.
"They sound like very interesting stories?" Sahaena offered with a half-hopeful look. "I would like to hear of them, should you wish to share. Regarding the Bitter Water, it is and has always been my home. I think it would be strange to think of it as a sister, considering that. The depths are filled fish, all colors and sizes and a great many shapes. There are coral beds, with rock formations in all shades and dancing plant-like structures in colors like your wildflowers."
She tilted her head, thinking. "There are Kelpi, like me, and Mer which have great tails without rear legs. They too are in all colors, with all sorts of fins and spines, with streaming manes..."
She smiled and flicked her tail, craning her head to consider her fins. "I imagine our worlds are not so different, mirror images with variations due to the fact that one is water and one is air. There are those who almost fly through the water and those who dance on the sea bed. If you would like, at low tide I could show you the sandbars and you could see some of what it is like?"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Mar 20, 2015 5:25 am
Berry pranced about a bit, like an excited foal. "Oh, could you please?!" She asked. "It would be wonderful to see even a little of what the sea is like!" She said happily.
"I could tell you some of the stories my old herd told me if you like," She added. "They're all about the Great Spirits, though I have a few of Brother Wind that he decided to add to my personal collection, cause of this circlet on my head. He blows it off and carries it away from time to time." she laughed a bit. "Brother Wind's stories are my favorites, he seems much more likeable then some of the other Great Spirits. Grandmother Mountian, for example. When you climb her you always got to be careful of where you put your hoof." Berry said, acting it out, setting one hoof carefully, testing her weight on it, before moving the next.
"If she gets angry at you, she'll pull the rocks right out from under you and send you tunbling back down the trail again. Sometimes she gets mad at one of the other Great Spirits though, and many large rocks will come falling down for no apparant reason! When that happens Grandmother shakes and rumbles all over.Then there's Grandfather Earth," Berry said trotting a circle around the other mare, indicating all the land around them.
"He provides us with sweet grasses and oats and places for the apple trees to grow, but if he gets upset he'll open a hole and swallow everything up that was there. Sometimes it's fast and there's little warning. Othertimes, what looks like normal mud is much more sticky and much darker, or not, if it's covered in leaf litter, and the more you try to free yourself, the further you sink. I've seen deer caught in those. it's not very pleasent and hardly anyone gets out. I think only the incects are safe on that part of Grandfather Earth, seeing as they're so small they have no weight and so don't sink, but I think they might still get stuck quite easily. I pushed a stick into that stuff once, just the tip of it, and couldn't pull it out again. If I'd kept trying I would have had to set hoof in it myself and then I'd be stuck. It might still be there, a random stick poking up out of the sticky black mud in my old herd's roaming area." she tossed her head a bit, not sure if the stick would still be there or if it'd been swallowed up by now.
"The herd always warned the foals never ever to go playing around the black sticky mud. But then there are the other Great Spirits. Father Sun, who warms our backs and starts each new day, Mother Moon who lights the night, or her Daughters, the stars, when Mother leaves the sky to do something. Grandfather Winter visits some areas more then others, and Grandfather Earth's Sons and Daughters, the trees, all turn color to warn of Grandfather Winter's approach, he can be quite angry without reason sometimes. I think there was a story where Brother Crow stole Grandfather Winter's eyes and that is why he is so angry a lot of the time. but he is an old Spirit, like the Earth, and he gets tired, that is when it is safe to play in the snow . Sometimes Brother Wind gets in on the fun but it's hard to see when he's blowing the snowflakes down off the tree branches and up off the ground again." She laughed a bit. "There are many many more stories of course, it would take a very long time to tell them all though, probably more then one lifetime. The Great Spirits were here far before any of us, Wolves, Horses, Bears, Squirrels and all the other creatures of the world I bet. I'm sure there are stories about the Sea as well, maybe some of the land-dwelling herds near the sea would know them?" Berry suggested.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Mar 24, 2015 2:50 pm
Sahaena gave a wide smile as she watched the excited prance, nodding. "I would be happy to. I have a Mer friend who may be about too, though he usually swims out with the tide. Still, if you stick around until tide returns or decide to visit again, perhaps he and I can find you some shells to take home with you as a reminder of sorts. We collect the empty ones that are no longer the homes of other creatures, and they make lovey little treasures. Some wear them as ornaments as well, like your circlet... And they certainly would not blow away. But if you could hang them, they would serve as something your Brother Wind could play with, and make music for you all at once! Wouldn't that be interesting?"
Perhaps she would try and suggest it to some of the creatures with clever hands, the squirrels or racoons...
She laughed at the story of Berry chasing the circlet, ducking her head shyly. "He sounds mischievous but rather fun! Reminds me of a friend of mine, actually. I know a young stallion with wings that is quite, impish... He likes to play little tricks, and is always flying off here or there. Maybe those that dance on the breeze absorb a bit of the Brother Wind's spirit? I shall have to ask, I am not entirely sure how that works..."
Sahaena's ears swiveled at the mention of Grandmother Mountain, as she had certainly never gone inland enough to see the high peaks up close. But there were places at sea or on the coast where you could see the white-capped shadows in the distance. She knew of them, but the stories of the rocks tumbling way and the strange dancing steps that Berry acted out were all new. "Does she really? How scary. I am not sure I would ever go there, then... But I am better swimming than climbing anyway."
The story of the black mud was scary, but not unfamiliar. Sahaena was fairly sure she had seen something similar underwater... Though she had never poked it with a stick or seen anyone sink, but she didn't want to either!
"Oh, I hope all the foals listen and stay away. I know there are times when you tell Kelpi foals not to go near the sharks and they refuse to listen... Some get bitten and others... Well, I think your black mud would do more than take a bite." She winced at the idea, then flicked her ears curiously at the mention of winter.
Hae had always stayed where it was warm, and even though she had been around the land for winter, she hadn't been northward enough to experience a true bite of winter or see snow. "I think I would like to see snow. And I will certainly ask more of my kind for stories.. If I find one I think you do not know, maybe we can trade again?"
She laughed softly. "Well there is a cove not far from here with a lovely high reef. If you would like to walk and talk with me, I am happy to show you the way."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Mar 25, 2015 5:27 pm
Berry gave a toss of her mane, to shift it, and nodded enthusiastically. "Oh yes please! I would love to see some of your underwater world if I can." She replied with a bright smile. "Can you tell me more about what it's like underwater?" she asked, still very curious. She'd never get to see the underwater worlds for herself. She could swim but not as well as the finned mare Sahaena could most likely, and not for as long or as deep. Shallow pools was about as close as Berry herself would get to the underwater worlds, but it was better then never seeing it at all.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Mar 30, 2015 1:38 pm
"Lovely, we'll head this way then." Sahaena smiled, and turned toward the coast to lead Berry in the proper direction. As the mare asked what it was like, the Kelpi considered her words for a moment.
"Well, I am not sure you've ever glimpsed a tide pool, or even know what they are." She began after a moment of silent walking. "If not, I will be happy to show you one. When the tide rushes back out to the sea, sometimes there are creatures that forget they must go with her... And they are left in these pockets in the rock until the tide returns. There is usually sufficient depth in these pools to submerge even a full-grown Soquili, so I do not think the time spent there is harmful to any of them. At any rate, tide pools are perhaps one of my favorite things, and there is a particular one I adore visiting, located near where I dwell."
She smiled at the thought of it. "So in this tide pool is what I like to think of as a tiny ocean. Sure enough there is sand at the bottom, and plenty of water. But there is coral growing on the floor and the rock walls, and frequently I find all manner of starfish. And small fish are of often hiding in the holes in the rock until the tide returns and they can swim to the ocean, so you can see them darting in the depths as well. There are also occasionally larger fish or something like an octopus, and you can usually find crabs there or scuttling along the beach. The fun thing about tide pools is that they are all different, from each other and from tide to tide. It is always a surprise what you will see in one."
She gave a soft laugh. "The ocean is like that, but on a much, much grander scale. I adore racing or playing with the dolphins, they jump so high and swim so fast! And we all like surfing on the waves. They also know many silly jokes and will sometimes tell them to me. The turtles are a little less silly, but they know where the best currents to ride are. The jellyfish are lovely to watch floating and swimming along, but I stay out of reach because they really can sting! And the fish are so many colors, I love watching how they school and dance. It is like a rippling wave of color in the ocean, watching them move in a group like that."
The Kelpi mare thought for a moment, and then made a soft 'aha' sort of sound. "And the floor of the ocean is different at each beach, or cove, or what have you. There is some that is almost all-over rock, covered in coral like wildflowers. Sea anemone are particularly lovely, and they hide and act like homes for these cheerful little fish! And then there are the sand bottoms where you find the rays hiding as they hunt for food. They are always interesting to watch. And then the smooth rocks are where the dolphins go when they want a massage, they swim along the bottom and rub on the stones. It's sort of silly, but feels very nice!"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Mar 31, 2015 7:14 am
Berry followed the Kelpi mare, listening to her describe the ocean. She was trying to imagine what the tide pools would show as Sahaena spoke, what the larger ocean would be like, but failing. "It all sounds so incredible! Like a whole other world!" she said with a grin. "You're so lucky you can see it up close. I'm okay with swimming in rivers but I don't think I'd last very long in the ocean." she laughed a bit. "But it sounds wonderful. I can't wait to see what the tide pools hold."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Apr 06, 2015 2:23 pm
As she had never experienced it before, Sahaena was struck by how pleasant it was to travel and talk with a companion. She hoped Berry didn't mind the sudden onslaught of information, but she wanted to make sure her friend had some idea of what she spoke of and couldn't help but give all the details she could think of. It still didn't even begin to cover the wonder of tide pools for her, but she imagined that was like a wind Soquili trying to explain what the world looked like from the air, to one who would only ever see it from the ground.
'Then again, if there are high enough mountains to climb, I suppose one can see just like a wind would... So I guess that is what I am trying to provide, the appropriate viewpoint to one who cannot see as I do.' Sahaena thought to herself. 'Hmmm, I guess... I am a mountain?'
The thought made her laugh softly. She would have to try and explain the whole matter to Irridian, to see what he thought of things. His view was different from hers, but it usually happened to be helpful as well.
"It is very beautiful, and I love it dearly." She agreed with Berry, giving a faint nod. "And it is hard to describe, but there are so many different colors of water. I have swam in different seas and looked at them from many different beaches. And the colors of blue and green and gray, of seafoam white and thundercloud... Under the high sun and blue, cloudless skies, or cloudy skies, or in the midst of a great storm when all the sky is black and filled with thunderheads and the waves roar and crash... All of those colors, that light and dark and energy, all of that and more can be absorbed by the waves, and that too makes things different."
There was nothing she loved like the sea, with its ever-changing self, it was the truest thing she knew. Still, the thought of seeing her new friend swimming in rivers made Sahaena smile. "I should like to see that, perhaps next time we can go swimming where you like to go. And, well, we can take you wading in the ocean and see how you like that. It will keep you safe from the current and let you see a bit of what things are like. Besides, if my friend can be found, it is easier for him to talk of we are at least chest-deep in the tide. And you may get to experience the fish, they get curious and can swim around your legs."
She gave Berry a gentle brush with her shoulder. "I am glad you are excited to see the tide-pools. Since they change so often, if you like it... You'll have to visit more. Hopefully we can get you introduced to Irridian in short order. If you have more reasons to visit, that means more visits, right?"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Apr 07, 2015 7:32 pm
Berry listened closely to the description of the Sea's many colors and moods. It did sound like it might have a Great Spirit in it, Like the Earth, or the Mountains, or maybe a Lesser Great spirit, like the Wind. It sounded strange and wonderful. And then Sahaena had brushed her with a shoulder, and Berry was a bit surprised by it. Not because the contact was unwelcome, but it brought Berry's attention to how close their colors were, well, at least the 'red' parts of their pelts.
The kelpi mare's pelt was much brighter then her own fur, plus, Sahaena had a nice bright, pure white, and wonderful black markings as well. Not to mention the fins. It mad her a little sad, This mare was so close, but she lived in the sea, she had fins and markings Berry didn't. there was no way they could be related, not as Berry was at least. She shook her head a bit, brought out of her thoughts by Sahanea's next comment. "Irridian? Who's that?" she asked, curious if this other was another sea-dweller like the kelpi, or maybe some other kind of sea-dweller, like the fish in the rivers.~Latonia de la Courtel~ Adding this cause once again I only saw you'd posted when I went to check the thread to see if I'd already replied or not. x.x and I dunno if you get the notices when I post or not but Just in case, here ya go! Guarenteed (hopefully) notice of reply. *eyes Gaia Notices* You'd best not mess this up as well, Gaia. =.=
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat May 02, 2015 8:41 pm
Sahaena gave her new friend a smile and a nod, joy brightening her bold golden eyes. She was pleased to have someone to chatter with about the sea, and the prospect of sharing the tide pools almost made her want to gallop to the ocean so they could begin things all the faster. Still, they weren't that far out at this point. The ground land around them already giving away to thinner trees and more scrub-like growth before it would give up and become the tall grass that reigned supreme amongst the dunes.
Turning her head away from Berry the Kelpi mare examined the fading trees and increasing grasses with keen interest and delight. The wind picked up, scenting strongly of salt, and she drew a deep breath as though she could drink in the taste where she stood. It wouldn't be long before the beach was in sight. They were getting closer!
The mention of the Mer stallion's name dragged her out of her ocean-ward galloping thoughts, making Sahaena glance at her companion.
Hmmm?" She hummed the question before the words sank in, and then she laughed even as she shook her head. "Oh, of course. How silly of me. Ah, Irridian is the friend of mine, the Mer I mentioned earlier. I am hoping that he will be about, he is good for deep-sea stories and treasures. We trade and talk each chance we get. I think he might think to tell you things that I wouldn't even know if, he's been around these waters longer and explored more thoroughly than I."
She thought for a moment, and then decided it would be best to make sure Berry knew about Mers. "Mers are somewhat like Kelpi, in that they live in the Ocean, being horses of the sea. But where I have front and hind legs and a strong tail, Irridian has front legs. His body tapers from muscular shoulders into a powerful tail that propels him through the water at far faster speeds. In that he is very like a fish. But his front legs end in hooves and he sometimes likes sunning on the smooth rocks, if the mood strikes him. I am not sure you have any such Soquili, living in your rivers?"
She rather doubted the Mer-types would be happy in a lake, even if something peculiar happened to enable them to end up there. There were probably lake-dwelling Kelpi, since they could always stand up and walk to a different body of water if there came a drought or the population was too dense to be supported in their home... But Mers would be trapped, unable to trek overland. No, it was far more likely that Mers were exclusive to the oceans, perhaps exploring the rivers or lagoons when they wished it. Still, no harm in asking.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
