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 Posted: Sun Mar 25, 2007 5:03 am
It was that time of year again... The time when bleak winter skies gave way to vibrant sunlight, and dark, looming clouds. Snow crept back to whence it came, flowers bloomed behind it, and trees sprouted new leaves. Local wildlife took the fair weather as a much-needed opportunity to stretch its legs, and enjoy the biting cold's retreat.
Loki, meanwhile, couldn't help but notice he was yet again four seasons older, and realize he was only just beginning to understand 'time flies'... Regardless of whether or not he was having fun. Fortunately for him, he often was; this time just wasn't one of them. At least the day wasn't a particularly hot one; he could wear his shedding winter coat in relative comfort.
What to do with himself while wearing it was another matter entirely. His time today thus far had been spent in solitude, having woken only early enough to find Isilme gone, and been off with himself to graze. His hunger was ebbing now though, and as he lifted his muzzle from the spring grass to peer around, he became unfortunately aware now would have been a good time for company.
Company that was nowhere close to be had, it would seem. The stallion pushed himself into motion at that, his pale hooves gliding easily over the earth in a casual, but meaningful stride. He was rather in a mood to find Isilme, so he set himself to that, starting with noplace in particular. Process of elimination had always worked before!
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Posted: Sun Mar 25, 2007 5:54 am
After the cold and hard of winter, Isilme longed to see the sun and feel it's warmth. The crisp morning air was intoxicating, and she found herself waking up earlier and earlier to wander and watch the sunrise; a pleasant change from the previous month, when one could almost never feel truly warm.
The early morning mist rose in a small field not too far from where she had slept with Loki, and the dew was heavy lay heavy on the shoots of grass, the perfect treat for the mare. The sunrise permeated the mists only slightly...later on, it would erase all traces of the fog, but for now Isilme was just a gray-brown shape, more ghost than solid creature. Like any spring-mad mare, she was skittery and nervous just for the sake of bolting at any noise and kicking up her heels, and she had done so several times this morning, bucking and galloping and making a general spectacle of herself. Her sons would probably have been surprised if they had seen, she thought with an inner smile, then settled in to cropping the short grass, and waiting for Loki to awaken and find her.
The passing years had been good to both of them, seemingly: Isilme had accumulated only a minor scar or two, tribute to a mustang's rough life. But she had filled out, and lost her truly young, long-legged filly look: she was now stockier, more fit, and more laid-back. Motherhood and the last few years had been kind to her.
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Posted: Sun Mar 25, 2007 6:44 am
Loki's method had become refined and well-practiced over the seasons, and he wasted no time in applying the knowledge of habits he had stored away. As such, finding Isilme didn't take anywhere near as long as it might have a few years ago. He'd travel the length of a field, scent the lazy wind, and cast his gaze around for good measure. The stallion repeated this series only twice before his senses caught a figure he recognized despite the blanketing fog.
He didn't doubt she might start at the rustle of his hooves through the young grass, but for a moment, he simply stood at the field's edge, looking on in silence with an inward smile.
In retrospect, he really was very glad she'd gone against her rogue way of life and decided to stay what seemed like so long ago. It was the sort of sensation one had when he looked back on the years he had lived through, and wondered what could have been. What he could have been, had events unfurled in a different fashion.
Loki's didn't though, and in those few brief minutes he spent loitering in the distance, he put his whole heart into appreciating it. The feeling lingered with him even once he started into motion, and pulled slowly, cautiously toward the mare ahead. "Good morning, lady," he called softly at last, a smile stretching his maw.
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Posted: Sun Mar 25, 2007 7:13 am
The sound of someone coming closer does make her shy, skittering off a few paces and flicking up her ears, nostrils widening as she tries to negotiate through the nearby smells. The heavy scent of wet grass is the most prominent, of course, but under that is a trickle of something very familiar, and very warming to her heart.
Isilme had been surprised at the turn of events her life had given her. After her early years, being in a herd had held no taste for her; but Loki and her sons could hardly be called a herd. She had settled into this life with surprising ease, comfortable among her family and pleased to have found a niche in life. Occasionally, she did wonder what lay beyond these lands...but it was a question that was bothering her less and less these days, and she was only able to muster a kind of remote curiousity about foreign lands and places.
She still dutifully kept up her religion; that was one thing that would never change.
Alta even stayed around, but she would disappear for weeks or even months at a time. She could not be relegated to one place for long; only her bond of friendship kept her near at all. Despite loving the falcon, Isilme was glad to have equine company...the falcon's personality as a carnivore made her almost feel like a stranger at times, and she would say or do things beyond Isilme's comprehension.
"Loki," she calls out softly through the fog, her ears pricked forward. She smiled at him, ducking her head in a slightly shy fashion as he approaches. Lady. It wasn't something she had ever heard before Loki, or even knew the meaning to; but she loved it.
Isilme moves closer, to nuzzle her mate's cheek gently before pulling back, eyes bright with welcome. "Morning, sleepy."
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Posted: Sun Mar 25, 2007 7:40 am
Her reaction was one he had long ago come to expect - it was her nature, and their lifestyle. Any more, to act against it would have boggled him; it held no place here.
They had a place here, though, he was still thinking - where ever 'here' happened to be at the time - and he did love that dearly. To live a life, and feel it was right was really a remarkable sort of thing. He only hoped Isilme knew it too... And that his sons would some day find it. Though adults themselves, they were still too young for that yet, he suspected.
His thoughts didn't drift far from that, even at her approach. Loki leaned into her nuzzle, returning it briefly before he addressed the matter of verbal introductions.
He yawned before that too - a broad, exaggerated gesture that made it plenty clear he was mostly joking. The stallion had been awake for some time by then, and though it would be a while before he truly found his energy, he did feel he was awake enough to make 'sleepy' an unfair accusation. One that was familiar, and he didn't mind at all.
"I had so hoped today would be the day I received a less demeaning greeting." Loki feigned disappointment only briefly. "Though any from you is greeting enough for me. 'Sleepy' has grown a little fond, anyway."
He looked over her a moment then, weighing her posture and expression. "I trust you rested well?" Seeing as she was up bright and early, and looking sassy as ever. If it hadn't been so early, he might have voiced that too - but it was, so he didn't.
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Posted: Sun Mar 25, 2007 8:47 am
She smiled at him, but there's a bit of mischief behind that smile. "I'm only looking out for your best interests, dear. You'd probably die from shock, and I couldn't well have that on my conscience, could I?"
She clamps her muzzle immediately after around a yawn; yawns are particularly contagious in the morning, and she doesn't want him to think that she may be a bit sleepy in the morning, too. She wonders idly where the boys have run off to...although full-grown, she still had a tendancy to worry about them. Which was silly, really, when she thought of the things she'd been getting into at their age. She supposed that being a mother didn't necessarily mean that one had to be sensible. They certainly seemed like they were...both Kael and Kyer seemed to have good heads on their shoulders, and it was a bit of a relief to know that she and Loki had done a decent job in raising them.
"Mmm," she ays in the affirmative, shaking out her curly mane. "I could get used to this weather all-year round, makes me feel like a little filly again. Have you seen anything of the boys this morning?"
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Posted: Sun Mar 25, 2007 9:07 am
"So little faith." For a moment, his pride almost seemed wounded. "It'd take more than that to finish me off," he assured, nodding a little. "Don't be afraid to try it some time." It was all in jest though; Loki picked up his warm smile easily.
Her yawn made him grin triumphantly though. It was a childish sort of success he took no shame in enjoying. "Are you certain I shouldn't be calling you sleepy instead?"
At the question, the stallion shook his head, pale locks swaying. "I haven't gone looking, yet." The reply was offered in a fashion that implied he could, if she wanted though... Not that he thought he really needed to. They kept a fairly close eye on the boys as it was, and really, he was shocked they cared to check in as often as they did.
Boys would be boys, after all. He wasn't entirely sure he would have extended the same courtesy, were he in their position. It wasn't that he didn't wonder what they were up to, or even worry from time to time, but his conscience did allow him to let them to their freedom. They were grown, and he was certain they were sensible and capable enough to take care of themselves.
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Posted: Sun Mar 25, 2007 12:17 pm
The mare chuckled quietly, quivering. "I'll keep that in mind," she responds, looking bemused.
"'m not yawning, I was just taking in the nice fresh morning air," she says, with a haughty sniff. Her actions and her poise - like an offended queen - make it clear that she's just returning the tease, for she dissolved into another chuckle, shaking herself in another minute. "Surely even you would grant me that. It's a lovely morning out, anyway, and it doesn't look like it'll rain for a few days yet."
"Mm, they'll be back whenever they feel like it, the ruffians," she says in response to his answer, forcing herself to relax. Unlike Loki, though, Isilme would probably have had kittens if either Kyer or Kael was gone for long enough...she just worried. Along with motherhood, her high-strung nature seemed to have dropped away from almost everything except her children; she was placid and easy-going, having mellowed, but she still fretted about her full-grown children. It's hard, being a mother.
But they were adults, and she felt guilty if she smothered them. The balance seemed to work out most of the time...but if they were truly in trouble, it's doubtful Isilme would let them out of her sight for weeks.
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Posted: Sun Mar 25, 2007 12:34 pm
It was such a mild-mannered response... One Loki seriously doubted. 'Sleepy' wasn't going anywhere, and really, he wouldn't have wanted it any other way.
"Mhmm," he cooed, grinning mischievously. "Though even I would grant you that... even I do know better." The stallion leaned lightly against her, stretching his neck to nibble briefly - playfully at an ear. "I concede though. It is very pleasant... for a morning. We are about due for a rain though."
Loki yawned again just then, only for the sake of being ornery. "Of course they will, lady. And just in case the 'ruffians' don't, I will go and bring them back myself... Kicking, if I have to!" In the short moment he could hold his seriousness, the mustang struck a pose, puffing out his chest and pushing one foreleg forward, as if to say 'I could take them'.
The act required far too much effort though, so he didn't hold it long. "You know they will be fine. So..." Trailing faintly, Loki fixed her with bright eyes. "Why don't we revel in the knowledge our boys are grown, and enjoy the day like we should?"
What exactly there were to do was another matter entirely, but he would cross that bridge if he came to it.
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Posted: Mon Mar 26, 2007 7:48 pm
"Hmph," she responds to that, sticking out her tongue for a brief moment and feeling like a giddy young filly all over again. She leans in to the nibble, however, taking the moment to grab onto and tug a lock of his mane. "Ruffian," she tells him, fondly. "No wonder where our two get it such wild manners."
At Loki's next statement, she has to laugh; the boys are almost as large as their father now, and there are two of him to his one self. Isilme can just picture the scene...and her amusement doubles. She gives her mate a playful shove with her shoulder. "Pretty soon, if not already, they'll be able to drag you around without too much fuss! I'd be nice to them, one day they'll realize it and use it to their advantage when dealing with their poor papa."
Isilme gives another toss of her curly mane, her neck arching a little as she eyes him throw her unruly forelock of hair. "And what do you propose, sir?"
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Posted: Mon Mar 26, 2007 10:45 pm
He grinned at her still, enjoying the antics. It was the sort of thing he continued to be glad hadn't changed much over time. "Come now, you're not exactly the picture of innocence." Loki mock huffed at her, shaking his disheveled mane. "I'm sure miss runaway rogue had plenty to contribute; I'd be proud to take the blame though. And so far as problem boys are concerned? I'd say you got off pretty easy." He too was a 'problem boy', of course - or ruffian, as Isilme had phrased it. He smiled affectionately though, and brushed his nose against her cheek.
"Nonsense!" he assured, looking rather sure of himself as he braced against her. Inwardly though, he was laughing. "You must be mistaken. I am nothing but kind to them, and they couldn't 'drag around' the likes of me if they wanted to!" Mostly, anyway. He did, of course, have moments he had to be a parent, rather than a friend, but those occasions were mostly behind them. "Besides... Even If they could, that happens only to fathers who have no respect from their sons. They wouldn't dream of exploiting such an unfair advantage." Loki did hope they weren't around to prove him wrong though. Despite his jesting, he didn't doubt they could, and even though he was fairly certain they wouldn't, that was a challenge he hoped they wouldn't hear and rise to.
"I hadn't thought that far ahead just yet," Loki confessed, seeming more bashful than not this time. "I hadn't expected you'd be so agreeable." Well, he had, but thinking ahead was a little too much to ask for in the given circumstance. Decisions like that were best left to the fleeting whim. "Had you planned to stand here and worry all day, or did you have something else in mind?"
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Posted: Thu Mar 29, 2007 2:40 pm
"Of course I am," she replies, no sting in the retort. "However, I do believe you may be correct about the contribution...I think we're lucky they didn't come out any worse than they are." She's only half-joking, this time; the boys were much better-behaved than she remembers being as a youngling, with probably more sense. She blew out through her nose, then rubbed her muzzle against her side, absently, then rolled her eyes in mock amazement at his protestations. "Sure, sure. You just keep thinking that. Let me know if you ever decide to go up against them in something; I want to be there to watch." She bestows a sweet grin on him.
The next question gives her a bit of a pause. She wasn't particularly hungry...her morning foraging had taken the edge off her hunger, and she was willing to go for some hours yet without settling down to the important business of feeding that's so intricate to an equine's life. And Loki was right. She shouldn't be worrying...or, at least, if she couldn't help that, she should try to find some other distraction. She tugs a lock of his mane, then drops it.
"Trust the creative female to think of something to do," she says, suddenly looking just a touch more smug than she probably should be. But the smugness slowly dissolves as she ponders the situation. "We could always take a little trip through the mountain pass; I've never been up that way, and we're close enough that it won't be too much of a trek. If weather gets bad, we can head back here or find someplace in the mountains to hole up...there's got to be caves and overhangs along the way." The grullo paint mare cocks an ear at him. "What do you think?"
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Posted: Thu Mar 29, 2007 5:09 pm
"Perfectly masked, highly suspicious innocence then?" He was smiling fondly, as if oblivious to her protests, and his own implications. "I'd say so. I'd also say we're just lucky in general though." In most every aspect; he hadn't been teasing about that. "Personally, I couldn't ask for a much better lot than what I've got."
"Oh, I will. Would hate to disappoint my lady!" Really, that would have been a sight for anyone. And a show he hoped to never put on. Boys indeed; they were nearly as large as their father by now. "I may disappoint anyway though - you're cheering for the wrong party." He was adept at feigning confidence though.
"Mhm, I had planned to," he murmured, grinning. "Why do something yourself when there is someone else to do it better? I am terribly lazy, you know." And for the lazy, anyone did the job better than him! Loki wasn't particularly though; his jest still showed through his tone. "I think if it sounds like a good idea to you, it's good enough for me. Besides, what kind of explorers would we be if we didn't?" he questioned, pausing briefly.
"You did always say you wanted to travel the world - I haven't forgotten. If you're still up to it, that is!" That seemed like forever ago, looking back. Time flew by with every blink; he still had a hard time taking it all in every now and then. And it was starting to make him feel old, of all things!
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Posted: Thu Mar 29, 2007 7:53 pm
"No. That's something I'll agree with," she says, slipping back to the teasing at hand, but in seriousness, even though she smiles. "And of course I'd root for you, I'm rather hurt that you'd think I wouldn't." She pulls a face at him, despite the fact that she had previously made it clear that she'd quite cheerfully watch his demise.
Ears perk. "Laziness must be catching. I certainly haven't done much of anything lately..." She seems rather disgruntled after having voiced the fact aloud.
Loki's final statement seems to draw her out of herself; where she looked like an indulgent, albeit teasing mare seconds before, her gaze slips into the glossy-eyed, thrilled look of the young. It's hard to deny something so eager; she actually kicks up her heels, rearing a little off the ground and throwing her head so that her curly mane slaps against her neck. "Of course! Come on, lazy, let's get going before we both run to fat!" With a gleeful snort, quite unbecoming to someone her age, she turns neatly on a hoof and gallops up the slope of the nearest hill, inserting little bucks of pure good spring humor into her step, and pausing only at the top to look back over her shoulder.
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Posted: Fri Mar 30, 2007 11:47 am
"Highly suspicious," he repeated, eying her. "I can't complain though. It's a good thing to have a change of heart on." Even if he was quite confidant, if it came down to that, she would still enjoy watching his undoing, and it really wasn't a change of heart at all. "And I'm sorry, I didn't realize your ego had grown so fragile. Is this a recent development, or am I just oblivious these days?" Loki grinned endearingly despite his jest... Or maybe because of it. Likely both.
"There's not much of anything to be done. We've earned our laziness! And even the greatest adventurers need their rest." He nudged her shoulder lightly.
He met her final verbal prod with indignation though. "Speak for yourself! Just because I'm lazy doesn't mean I'll be fat. My physique is incapable of it," he called after her, lingering behind as she tore across the field. When Isilme stopped to look over the clearing, she would have seen him still in the distance, moving at a rather amiable canter. He was clearly in no hurry to get much of anywhere, but he did scale the hill in good time.
(was going to add more but hit a bit of a wall as far as assuming what isilme was doing, so sorry about the closed ending.)
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