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This is a PRP between these two soquili (Fatal Irony and Pandora Talie)

Shining through treetops, caressed by a light spring wind, the mid-day sun creates dancing patterns of light on the detritus making up the forest floor. A large brown stallion grazes on isolated patches of fresh green growth, breaking though the previous season's leavings. A distant sound attracts his attention.

Branches crunch underfoot, his coat of green leaves rustle as he trots towards the laughter. A small songbird flutters down from the tree tops and takes roost on one of his velvet antlers. “My word, someone is having a jolly time.” He speaks softly to his little friend who chirps back as if answering him. “Lets go see if we can find them.”

The Cerynei stallion steps out into the field, his eyes squint from the bright light. He takes a quick glance across the vast area but sees nothing of interest. A grey rabbit bounds out of the long grass to meet him. “Why hullo there, little one.” Nostalion tips his head down and nuzzles the creature on its head. The furry animal wiggles its nose and hops away then back indicating for Nostalion to follow.

Chasing the swift little rabbit, along the treeline, the stallion finds himself in the presence of a pink mare.

With an inquisitive expression and great amount of hesitation, the leafy stallion slowly circled around the pink mare. He had to make, at least, a cursory analysis of the stranger who has unexpectedly appeared in his domain.

“I am Nostalion.” The deer-like stallion plainly stated, hooves still idly pacing in the fresh, green, and slightly damp grass. “And, I am a member of the Cerynei breed of Soquili.” The stallion explains, at length, “My ancestors arose from the trees themselves, our antlers from the very branches above.” He ceases his circling canter and throws his head back.

“Glitter, eh?” He returns her smile, “You will have to excuse me for my caution. Although it may seem inhospitable of me and wholly undue for a gentle lady such as yourself, I have had… trouble, in the past with strangers.” His mind, momentarily, spirals down to a dark place, before snapping back to the beautiful day and friendly stranger.

Nostalion takes a deep bow and a proportionate breath, “I apologize if I have made you uncomfortable. You are obviously not my enemy and I wholeheartedly welcome you here, in my home, Glitter.”

“Thank you,” Nostalion tries to suppress the rush of pride he experiences at her compliment. His kin are known for their grace.

He shakes his shaggy head and mane, “there is no need for you to apologize. It was I that acted uncouth, on account of my suspicious nature. You have every right to go where you will, in peace.”

Still looking at the mare, he inquires, “what breed are you then?” Now that his caution has waned, Nostalion looks at her with curiosity. Specifically, he admires her short, pink, spiral shaped horn.

He has never wandered very far from the Big Oak Grove and, although he has seen plenty of horns, in his time, never has he spotted a horn such as hers.

“My mate, Lihi, a Kirin, has a single, curved horn but quite different then yours”

As a young child, he had heard tales of a group of one horned Soquili with magic powers and begins to wonder if she belongs to that particular band. Fancy that, magic powers, he thinks.

“The Kirin are an interesting sort,” Nostalion grins, closing his eyes, and picturing his mate, “They also possess the ability to heal.” He gestures to her horn, “by pressing their horns against the body… acupressure, I think they call it?”

“Us Cerynei don’t manifest any powers, really.” The stallion throws his head back. “Typically, however, my breed does feature lighter muscling and smaller builds, enabling us to leap significantly higher than most soquili.”

“What about your family?” He inquires, “Are they all healers?” Nostalion finds himself thinking about his own family. He silently mourns his mother and wonders what ever happened to his father.

“I must apologize, again; am I bothering you with these personal questions?”

Glitter’s benign inquiry stings. Although family is also very important to Nostalion, much of his past is just too painful, and, as if to add insult to injury, his attempts to start a family of his own has been unsuccessful, so far.

“Not yet,” Nostalion chuckles half-heartedly. He has been brooding over this for some time, now. Is it me? Is all of this somehow my fault?

His mate has been in poor spirits lately… Suddenly, he has an idea. “Say, Glitter what do your kin typically do to raise one another’s spirits when they’re feeling down?” The stallion perks up a little, “I have been thinking about getting my partner a gift.” He actually has several ideas percolating in his mind at this point; but, he is indecisive.

Nostalion returns her smile, “that sounds like a great idea, who doesn’t like flowers?! I mean, if it isn’t any trouble for you...” The big stallion idly disturbs the earth with a forehoof. It occurs to him that he may be causing his new friend some inconvenience. He hasn’t had to rely on anyone for some time now, having enjoying a relatively isolated life in the big oak grove.

The grove has occasional visitors, most of whom seek it’s legendary apple orchards, and it’s a wonder more don’t stick around. Perhaps it’s the neighbours. The stallion’s gaze wanders as he is lost in thought.

Danger… I don’t think I’ll ever be able to joke about that, Nostalion broods. He shakes his head and replies “Rough going hasn't stopped me yet... one moment, please.”

The stallion produces a little wooden whistle from his leafy mane and presses to his mouth. A large brown bird wearing a leaf-shaped pendant flies out from the treetops to answer his call. “Iona, my good friend, could you be so kind as to tell Lihi that I'm leaving the grove for a bit. I’ll be back soon; it’s an urgent matter but not to worry. Thank you very much.”

Iona replies with her broken speech before flying off, “Nossss-taa-lee-ooon-Gro-ove Goone-baack-sooonn-Urrr-gent-Noo-Woo-reee...”

He turns back to Glitter, “lead on fair lady!”