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 Posted: Thu Nov 29, 2007 1:53 am
"Ooooh, she be 'avin' a real pretty smile!" Nono announced with a delighted trill. Fluffing up his wings, he gave himself a little shake and peered at the mare with beady eyes as she shuffled coyly under the terrible twins' remarks and then decided to take their words in a more graceful manner. Ah, but it simply couldn't be helped...usually their brother had always been entranced by mares with a little bit of an attitude but now...
Well, they were going to be frank. As Moppet had said when their big brother was absent, she was the best one he had 'found' yet. The difference being that he hadn't really found her so much as circumstances had thrust the pair together. No spellbinding songs, no giggles...nothing had drawn him like had been the case in the past. Instead, she had simply been there and very lost - then through a series of events had nudged her way into his life in a way the stallion couldn't deny.
To say Bella was approved of was an understatement - to have even the reawakened Cyn approve of her without even laying eyes upon her was something different entirely! The moment he had been informed of all that had occurred and had listened to the opinions of Moppet he had been swift in his decision to send Azumoth out of the grove and into the big bad world. Besides, as Cyn had related to Moppet when his 'son' had done as he was told - a good change always got the blood boiling.
Truly, Azumoth's family were more sneaky than an entire family of kalona sometimes.
"Nono, your ability to state the obvious has never ceased to amaze me," Azumoth stated bluntly, flicking his ears lightly as tiny feathers tickled their tips. With each ruffle his brothers appeared to be moulting a little and it was most uncomfortable for him. Not only did they tickle his ears, but they didn't seem to understand how hard it was to get feathers off his fur, mane and clothes!
"Yeah, but ye never be tellin' her tha' personally have ye?" Horne chirped up in support for his twin, arching a brow as he bounced up and down the horn he had selected for his perch. Rarely ones to sit still unless they were sleeping, the pair were constantly on the move and were more often than not...about as subtle as a brick.
"Well -"
"No." Nono pointed out before Azumoth had even had a chance of speaking up, "Ye never be tellin' her she the prettiest mare te walk the earth or the most delightful te grace yer forests!"
"Ye jist be whinin', cursin' an' makin' a sorry scene o' yerself instead!"
"Moppet really was in a foul mood this morning, wasn't she?" Azumoth released a sigh as he recognised those lines and shook his head. The reaction one to relieve tension but in doing so, it also caused the pair of birds to take flight. They settled again within a few moments but neither appreciated the abrupt movement and deliberately whapped him with their wing as they landed once more.
"Terrible mood, she be screamin' bloody murder an' all tha'..." Horne released a weary sigh before grinning again and ruffling his feathers. Fixing his beady gaze on the mare once more it wasn't hard to see the cogs of his mind turning. Evidently up to 'no good', it seemed that having Bella as the focus of his gaze probably wasn't the best of news.
"So ye know, Bella..." Nono seemed to have developed the same expression as the pair of birds exchanged glances. Azumoth's expression suddenly went very grave, almost as though they'd done something similar to this before.
"Ye been makin' our big brother sulk an awful lot,"
"Aye."
"And it be takin' an act o' the gods to get his big backside out 'ere te come see yer after he left ye home - 'as he told ye what he was meant te tell ye yet?"
"No, I have not." Azumoth snapped, an obvious attempt to close the subject which was largely unsuccessful.
"Why not!" Nono practically howled in protest.
"Ye cannae jes' do this it be rude." Horne piped up to, waving his wing angrily.
"I will choose when the time is right, it is not rude to keep my silence."
"'Ow 'ard is it te say ye be likin' someone an awful lot?" Nono demanded at last before releasing a rather audible gasp. Exchanging glances with his brother he was very quick about vacating his perch and opted instead to jump ship and hide inside Bella's mane - Horne soon followed suit.
Luckily for the pair of twins it seemed that the poor stallion had been shocked into silence or paralysis - either could have been accurate at that particular moment in time!
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Posted: Thu Nov 29, 2007 2:00 pm
If Bella weren't a soquili she would have flushed pink at the two little bird's chatter. In reality she wasn't accustomed to such compliments and therefor she wasn't entirely sure how to take them. As far as she could figure, she was nothing but a plain-jane with too much hair. Still, perhaps she just wasn't seeing her reflection right in the pool because it seemed anytime she mentioned her homeliness, someone argued with her that it was untrue! So Bella had learned her lesson not to argue the fact, especially since Horne and Nono seemed rather partial to the idea that she was pretty. . .
Heaven forbid she try to argue.
Bella's ears pricked as the two birds continued their chatter. Though the stallion probably was unaware, to see how patient he was with his 'brothers' was rather endearing a quality. No matter how fierce he could look, no matter how gruff and cold he could come off, there was a sense of calm throughout the male - he was always in control. In a sense, it seemed strange. How often had he gone from quiet to enraged within a moments notice? How angry could he get when she crossed some unseen line, when she said the wrong thing or acted too foolish before him. . . .
Despite the rage that could lurk beneath his skin, Bella didn't doubt for an instance that his family couldn't be more loved.
"Ye been makin' our big brother sulk an awful lot,"
Say what? Her ears twitched and her smile dropped for a moment, eyes widening. Sulk?
Oh dear. Did this mean she was in trouble? Were the two birds upset for her causing the black stallion 'harm'. . .? If they were, they surely had an odd way of chastising. Bella hadn't wanted to upset the male, but it seemed no matter where she turned that was the ultimate goal of her existence. Would Azu never happy or proud of her. . . .? Was she really so terrible to keep him in grief even when away?
Of course, leave it to the naive mare to assume the worst. It never occurred to her that he might be sulking for different reasons other than a permanent sort of annoyance. . . .
Bella wanted to speak, to apologize, but hardly had the chance. The two little birds didn't make it easy for anyone to stay a word, in far too much of a rush to allow for silence. Still, Bella had patience to wait for an opening - but by the time it came, it seemed everyone was rendered speechless.
It took her mind a moment to register what Nono admitted, and by that point the two little birds were cowering within her curly locks of mane. Wait, wait, wait. . . . Hold up a minute - that was what he had come to tell her? It wasn't just an apology, it was . . . . it was that she was. . . . liked?
Her stomach felt as if butterflies had been once again released, and her heart had to have skipped a few beats. But wait. . . her logic screamed at her, attempting to dissuade her more emotional side to stop. It could mean anything - don't make a bigger deal out of it than it might be!
Yes, yes. . . . . Liking someone, even a lot, didn't necessarily mean that it was more than the appreciation of ones companionship and friendship. But even so, she mulled, even if it was strictly that - a platonic interest of friendship - that was more than she ever would have imagined! He had done so well to dissuade her company and gruff and grouse when she was near that she could hardly believe he could stand her company, much less feel any sort of emotion beside annoyance.
But did he really like her. . . .? Was what Nono said true?
Even if that was it, even if their relationship moved no further than this platform of 'like', Eponine could be content. Sort of. This alone was a step the mare could have never imagined, this was about as breaking and wonderful a moment as Azu's purpose walk with her outside the protection of her grove.
The fact that he liked her brought a light renewed in her eyes, a spark of something radiant. He had done well in snuffing that fire within her, and yet, just a simple mention of kindness, a simple admittance and assurance of something besides 'aggravation' made it reappear with out another word spoken.
Swallowing, gold eyes gazing out at the black male, Bella finally found her voice. "Is that true?" She questioned softly, wanting - no NEEDING - to hear it from Azumoth himself. Though Nono and Horne's reactions was enough proof that it was no jest or lie, for her own sake, she needed to know that was indeed how Azumoth felt.
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Posted: Mon Dec 03, 2007 2:21 pm
Paralysis was the most accurate of assumptions - incapable of movement or speech the stallion simply stared at the mare in an unfocused manner. His expression largely unreadable and eyes glazed over, it would have been nearly impossible to decipher his emotions or the thoughts running through his head. It was true that he loved his family to the death but to have them place him in a corner absolutely terrified him.
It took everything in his power not to quiver.
And then she spoke, those amber eyes turning up to him in questioning and in what appeared to be hope. That light which he craved to see had reappeared and it was all through the words of his brothers - it was true that they had spoken the words he couldn't, but he possessed no vocabulary to express how he felt in terms of this revelation. That light he had wanted more than anything to return had flickered into her eyes with such simple words. Yet it was that hope that tore the heart from his chest placed him in a very difficult position.
His father had been right in calling him a coward...
Could he say it?
His mouth twisted in an almost cruel fashion as he wrestled with the emotions deep within. The voices in his head bickering amongst themselves, undecided in how they should address the current situation. While one side cried to be heard, others were fearful - he remembered what happened last time, those few seconds when the mare had absolutely destroyed him. He had been so young and as such, it had left a lasting impression on him - a childhood scar...and one his family had struggled to overcome.
To say he loved something was torture, to say he liked someone wasn't quite as severe but as with all scars it was difficult to get the words out of his mouth. If he was entirely honest like didn't quite cover how he felt and as such, the conflicting emotions were made worse by his definition of 'honesty'. In all his life he had never said one thing and meant another, if he was going to say he liked her he was going to be more specific, vague wasn't something he was good at.
Christ, there was a guarantee she would misinterpret anyway. Then he would have to battle the urge to mentally chastise himself for upsetting her again!
Just say it!
He shook his head, a childish expression appearing on his granite features. He couldn't say it but then again if he didn't say it the light would go away again and he would be placed back in the dark. As much as he appreciated the embrace of the shadows, he wasn't sure he liked them quite as much as that.
Say it!
"I..." Grinding his teeth, the male flattened his ears against his head piece and struggled to meet the gaze of the mare. His muscles tense, limbs already aching from the rising stress it was a wonder he hadn't collapsed under the renewed weight upon his shoulders. "It's..."
He wasn't a coward! He was out of his Grove wasn't he?!
It's not hard to say 'yes' you plank!
"Yes," he responded, slumping ever so slightly as he failed in one form but succeeded in another. He had answered her question but he hand't be honest or particularly articulate at it at all. "Yes it is."
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Posted: Mon Dec 03, 2007 2:41 pm
Bella stared up at him, hope renewed as she watched him struggle to answer the question. At first she couldn't tell if he'd heard her, so still and taught he'd become, but then things began to happen. He tensed and his mouth twisted, working as if he wanted to speak and yet could not find the words. Part of Bella wondered if perhaps he was figuring out the easiest way to deny the words, knowing him he would but. . . . no. The two little birds quivering in her hair couldn't have pulled such a plot and couldn't have been so cruel.
Whether or not he said it, the words HAD to be true!
But the mare wanted to hear it from him. It didn't surprise her as he seemed to be rendered speechless and couldn't seem to spit out exactly what he wanted to say. Was it that difficult to announce the fact that he liked her. . . ?
Even so, it could be as simple as a friendship sort of like. But either way, regardless how true or deep the emotion ran, it was something. Something she had told herself she'd never have, some sense of approval that she never seemed to receive. If he could tolerate her enough to actually like her, even a little, that was more than the cream mare could ask for.
And finally, FINALLY with his ears pinned back, he said it.
"Yes. Yes it is."
If Azumoth had searched for her light to be renewed, at this tiny admittance of approval Bella absolutely, positively beamed with joy. The smile that cracked her features was broad and wide, her amber eyes sparkling with warmth renewed. . .and then some. He might not feel any more than mildly for her, but Bella couldn't help but keep the affection from her gaze. Oh how it delighted her to have heard such words - and she required him not to explain or discuss the matter further.
All the anxiety and agony she'd felt, be it from her own guilt or his disapproval and teases, quickly was sent down the drain. It was forgotten, the past was the past, and today was a clean slate. Practically prancing where she stood, the mare hardly knew what to do.
HE LIKED HER! He liked her, he liked her, he liked her!
But just a little bit, her mind scolded. No need to take things out of perspective.
"You do?" She finally whispered, rendered speechless if only because her joy was taking a choke hold on the mare. If she were any more emotional she'd cry, but no . . . now was not a time for tears.
". . . . I'm. . . I'm very glad for it. Especially because I like you too."
As if he didn't know that already. Still, let him take her words at whatever value, if any, he may.
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Posted: Wed Dec 05, 2007 1:54 am
The poor stallion seemed to be completely flabberghasted. It was unclear as to whether or not he was surprised by himself or surprised by the response he had received. Once again, he found himself in a position where he wasn't entirely sure how to react. It was becoming a much more frequent occurance, each time he encountered the mare he was backed into a river and he floundered against the raging waters - figuratively speaking at least. It wasn't even despair as he was so accustomed to but mere confusion and uncertainty.
Ah, if only she knew just how much he 'liked' her. He wasn't quite so sure she would beam in the same manner but for now the expression upon her delicate features was mesmerising. She seemed absolutely delighted and he hadn't even said anything amazing. All he had done was agree with his meddling brothers and that had been enough to set her off - he could do nothing more than stare blankly at her as she bubbled with a renewed life.
And then she said it...
It was so unlike how others would have said it, the way she had emphasised that 'like' had caused a tiny part of him to jump. His stomach churned somewhat and he fought hard to dismiss it. He was not a colt with a childish crush, he didn't need butterflies in the stomach to distract him! Besides, she didn't mean it in that way, he was certain of that...everything that had happened in that pool had simply been her childish curiosity, yet unexplored territory that any young mare couldn't resist when the right techniques were employed.
Unfortunately, Azumoth just couldn't leave it at that - to say he was afflicted with a loose tongue wasn't quite accurate but when in a position of discomfort he had a powerful urge to 'correct' himself. Or rather, it wasn't to correct as to elaborate on and to explain his words. What he had said previously would be developed into something that generally left others either groaning or offended.
Sigh. He really was a lost cause!
"You are the most naive soquili I have ever met, an eternal optimist and you never seem to do as you are told," he appeared flustered, puffing out his cheeks as he fixed a stern gaze upon the mare. It was almost laughable, the way in which he moved from confused to disgruntled but Azumoth never could resist a lecture. "Even when it is for your own benefit you seem to ignore it and push on. You have absolutely no idea how infuriating that is!"
Argh! Shut up, shut up!
"To know you will never listen to a word that comes out of another's mouth because of your ideals. It is almost as if you deliberately dig your own grave and lie in it!" A deep breath and the stallion shook his head, closing his eyes as he attempted to regain control of his mouth. It seemed that something disputed this idea though as he frowned before continuing. "To say it is exasperating would be an understatement, you are exhausting to be around!"
Alright, now can you be quiet?
At least something was talking logically in him.
"However that is who you are, it is what makes you so appealing to all those you meet..." It was why he was inclined towards her, the optimism was positively addictive, combine that with her beauty and he had the perfect package to admire. "It simply means there are those of us who will have to stay more alert to ensure you safety, even if it runs us into the ground." Shaking his head, his expression seemed to lighten somewhat and he arched a brow, his features softening significantly as he fixed his amber eyes on the mare in an unreadable manner.
"But I doubt I would be the only one to confess that I prefer it that way."
Ah, Azumoth always did have his redeeming features even if it took him hours upon hours to reveal them.
Shut mouth. Now. Logic ordered, but it seemed that his heart had already done that for him...and he felt better for it.
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Posted: Wed Dec 05, 2007 10:28 am
Bella was still enthralled by the fact that the black stallion before her liked her! Though she argued with her own sense of logic, realizing that he couldn't mean any more than a partial acceptance of her spirit, even that was more than she could have imagined. How often had she been left to believe in his rage and his rants and his upsets over her flaws. Since day one it seemed that she did nothing but frustrate and anger the black male. . . .
And if she didn't anger him, she wound up doing something that caused him point out her flaws and 'stupidity'. The guilt that she harbored was great, and only seemed to grow. The harder she tried to get to the black stallion, the farther, and farther he pushed her away.
But today, with or without Azu's approval, words had slipped and her spirit been renewed.
He liked her. . . .
Oh how that pleased her.
So it was, Bella stood with a great smile upon her features, watching the stallion as he turned quickly back in to his scolding, grumping fellow. The words he spoke caused her to quirk a delicate brow, listening to him cover up this trail of like by throwing sharp words and accusations at her. He wasn't being particularly nice, but one had to wonder if the cream touched mare even heard him. She didn't flinch, her light didn't burn out, and she almost seemed to chuckle as he spoke.
Azumoth had always been a hard one to crack, and she was fast beginning to grow accustomed to his complaints and dark sense of logic. Yes, he was cutting her and her naivety down but so what? It wasn't like that was new. And even though she scolded and picked like a squabbling old hen, there was no malice in his words. . .
He didn't agree with her on a million different angles - but where he accepted her as she was, so Bella could only return such a favor with him. He would always scold and pick, but maybe it wasn't out of hate or intense disfavor.
Asi t was, Bella patiently waited for him to finish, still smiling up at him, her light never wavering. And then it happened - his expression changed and even the words he spoke softened. . . .
Damn him for being so appealing. Though he could rave about how frustrating she was, Bella understood that he was just the same. They truly were different as night and day, dark and light. But perhaps someday they could meet on the middle ground, where dawn and dusk lay. He needed her optimism just as she needed his common sense and wisdom.
An odd pair, truly, but Bella was so blessed to have met him. Thank the spirits she had turned herself around in the forest. . . .
Dipping her head, allowing a small chuckle to escape her lips, she looked back up at the ebony stallion and captured his gaze. Amber eyes gentle and bright, she stomped the ground with her hoof. "I apologize for being so frustrating," she spoke, though there was good humor and play written all over her. She wasn't sorry to be who she was, but she didn't mean to cause the male such distemper. It couldn't be easy on him. . . .
But had he just admitted he preferred it? "Lucky for you then, sir," she began, "I have no intentions of changing."
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Posted: Thu Dec 06, 2007 5:10 am
Well that was comforting at least, in a way he had interpreted that as a promise never to lose the light in her eyes again too. Alright, so she hadn't exactly mentioned that but the fact still remained that it was a part of who she was and to lose it would be for her to change. Her thought processes were truly bizzarre but in a way, if one sat down and deliberately over thought nearly everything someone said then they would just about touch on how the black male felt.
That being said, as she listened to him rant and rave he wasn't entirely sure if he was being mocked. That perfectly calm expression, almost serene in quality and that smile... If he didn't swear any better she was teasing him, completely unaffected by his words even though he had a very valid point (in his opinion) and now was not a time to be smiling about it.
Argh, he should have never agreed with his brothers!
He almost felt as though he had completely lost all the power and authority that he had once held. That silly little smile completely undermined him and he could almost guarantee that the moment he so much as tried to be serious anywhere near Bella she would completely ruin the moment. Ah yes, he could see it now - confronting a very brash stallion and while he snapped at the poor male Bella would be there smiling wistfully to the point that Azumoth was one again cast aside as the cuddly teddy bear.
He was not a teddy bear!
Sometimes he really could be so terribly self absorbed but that thought caused more alarm for another reason than for a loss of his so called 'dignity'. Not once had he envisioned the mare at his side, not once had he related her to a permanent attachment and now that he had it was a little disconcerting. It wasn't as if she had even said it, she had simply agreed that she 'liked' him - now he had interpreted this rather poorly too but all the same...
Unsurprisingly, his expression clouded at these thoughts and the baby thundercloud above his ears cracked with lightning. He was not amused, he was not besotted and he wouldn't let himself reach that point again. She may have liked him but that wasn't the same as love - he knew that now. Admittedly he hadn't known this as a colt but years had taught him this and he accepted it as such...he'd lost a lot of friends that way and because of that he had deliberately started to push them away to avoid the pain it caused.
"I think we already came to that conclusion a while ago," he pointed out after a few moments, referring to a previous conversation when he had referred to her 'friends', which now that he thought about it...Where were they? He had expected her to have company if he should have been 'unlucky' enough to find her...he had sort of hoped it was that unicorn too...just to see if he was pathetic enough to mouth off to him as well.
"But I am glad you have chosen that path."
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Posted: Thu Dec 06, 2007 1:27 pm
Oh, Azumoth still held a tight reign over the young mare, but as of this moment the glow-factor had yet to wear off. His reprimand and 'advice' to her came too soon as she wallowed in the afterglow of this discovery of 'like'. So thrilled was the mare that there was a good chance she'd be wallowing in the thought for days. . . .
In fact, it was as if everything that had happened to cause her smile to fauilter, her light to radiate around her had been wiped clean. She started anew and could now fall back on the thought that his words didn't come from hate and loathing. . . . They came with a different effect in mind. He didn't do i because he despised her, he said such things first and foremost because he was Azumoth and that was just what he did, but secondly, because he was trying to warn and teach her.
Exactly what, Bella knew not. Sometimes it was more obvious than others - as when they first met and he argued with her over his 'bestial' self and she had fought to prove and learn him otherwise. She had known damn well what he was saying and arguing with her about, and she had put up a good front on her own right (if she did think so herself). But sometimes, some days he confused her. . .
As just recently, when a simple question of who did it turned in to the stallion storming off in a rage. Sometimes Bella crossed lines she never knew existed and as such grew confused and uncertain. For now though, Bella was happy. . . .
She was happy and overjoyed Azumoth had pushed his way out of his grove, and was even more excited and happy that they had bumped in to one another. Any awkward and strangeness that had been felt was burned away by the admittance of two little birds.
Dipping her head, allowing her curled mane to fall over her gaze, she chuckled softly. "Aye, I'm glad of it too." Eyes still bright she tossed the stallion a wink, her smile still punch drunk with giddiness. "No regrets." Oh, who would have thought getting lost in the woods would have yielded such complicated and beautiful results?
Who knew what the future held - and even if her hopes never came to reality, at least she could say she had a dear friend in the black stallion of the woods. Whether or not he agreed to such a label mattered little. . . . He meant the world to Bella and that was all that she needed to know and feel.
Amber eyes dropped to her mane, hoping that the two little quivering birds were quite all right. "Comfortable in there?" She teased, tail swishing happily behind her.
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Posted: Mon Dec 10, 2007 6:02 am
"Oh aye, we're mighty comfortable," one of the muffled voices could be heard within her mane. A wiggle followed, then a squirm and one of the brother poked their head out over the 'parapet' to inspect what damage may have been done. Much to his surprise there was none, and instead he only saw a now delighted mare and a rather uncomfortable stallion. Ah, well some might call that damage but Horne preferred to call that an improvement.
However, his 'comfort' was short lived as the stallion at last began to move towards him and leaned down to place his muzzle against the tiny blue tit's beak. Amber eyes fixed solely of the bird, Azumoth seemed to have completely disregarded the close proximity of his own form to that of Bella's. Mere inches away - he would have normally been embarassed or more to the point...it never would have happened but so determined was he to deal with his brothers that he seemed oblivious to it at this moment in time.
"You are dismissed," he stated in a somewhat low tone, his brow reason as his brother contested his words by commencing in a staring contest. It was short lived, Azumoth's ability to pull unusual faces soon at the bird blinking and the heirarchy of the family was once again reinforced. Azumoth didn't mind teasing but on certain occasions his word was law and he would be obeyed. He didn't need to scream and shout to achieve this either, he just needed to ensure he was calm and gave off that aura of intimidation he seemed to enjoy having.
That being said, his brothers rarely disobeyed when it came to this sort of thing. Who were they to say 'no' to giving him a little alone time! They had worked damn hard to get to this point if they were honest...
"Now, Horne." The birds didn't take long to wriggle their way out of the mare's mane and to take flight after that...cheery goodbyes fully audible over the wind.
...Then it hit him, that close proximity to the mare and that sweet scent that he otherwise considered to be intoxicating. Ahahaha, uncomfortable didn't quite cover it as his stomach twisted into knots and he swallowed rather loudly. Inhaling deeply (for a variety of reasons), he pulled himself away from the mare and cleared his throat, only thankful that his composure was relatively intact at this moment in time. Power to his logical mind and all that discipline, now was really not an appropriate time for him to go 'ga ga' - then again, the world would end before he allowed that to happen.
"I suppose that now I am here, you might be so kind as to show me around?" He offered at last, turning his gaze back towards the mare with a mild smile upon his lips. Well, no one could say he wasn't trying to be reasonably approachable - for all his faults he had a good heart and did as his mother told him (sort of). It wasn't that he was unfamiliar with the lowlands, he knew various parts of it but to see it through the eyes of another may very well make it more pleasant.
...And besides, it was the perfect excuse for him to observe the mare and to become accustomed to her in her natural habitat. She wouldn't realise it, such was her naivity but this was his way of getting to know her!
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Posted: Mon Dec 10, 2007 12:39 pm
If Azumoth had noticed their close proximity, Bella had too. Though he wasn't walking close to her because he wanted to be close, merely to glare at his little siblings tucked within her mane, it didn't matter. He was right there. . . . Her own stomach twisted and churned, butterflies causing it to tickle as his own scent enveloped her senses. It was something musky and rich, like the woodlands that he hailed from and oh. . . . it almost made her weak in the knees.
GAH! Her own logic reminded her that just because he had said he had liked her didn't mean she could swoon over him. He wasn't hers, in fact it almost seemed as if he didn't want to like her, but had succumbed to the emotion anyway. Be that as it may, Bella craned her neck just a wee bit, as if to glance and see what on earth the stallion was doing to his poor, quivering brothers.
To think all she had to do was step just a little to her right, to turn her head just a little more and they'd be literally nose to nose. . . .
NO! No no, she remembered that glorious and horrible moment in the pond. Where she had fallen prey to the black stallions games and had stolen a moment to cuddle close. Oh, she could still feel him against her chest, to feel the rise and fall of his chest as her breathed, to feel the warmth that radiated from his body and against her own. For a fraction of a moment she wished to relive the memory and maybe, just maybe, ignored his teasing and his taunts. . . .
Had she not been crippled with embarrassment, what might have transpired ?
All too quickly, after Horne and Nono fluttered away, Azumoth quickly retreated.
Pity. . . .
She had rather enjoyed such a moment of close proximity.
Still, the light within her eyes had yet to wane. Her heart fluttered some when he said he was going to stay, even for a wee bit, and Bella gave a nod. She shook a few of her locks out of her face, mind racing as she tried to think of exactly what and where she could show him. The plains were great, but they were vast and simple. There were hills, even a small pond now and then, but otherwise were open and barren. There were a few spots that were near and dear to her heart . . . Like a small woodland to the west that harbored a beautiful meadow full of flowers in the spring - or the willow trees to the east, that provided such a gentle and lovely array of comfort during the peak of summer. Oh, and the lagoons and the lakes. . . . and even the cliffs that had harbored such an evil sort! Even they couldn't be blamed for Malice's actions. . . .
But where to start? Chuckling, she tossed Azu a grin and decided to pick a direction. She'd not keep him out for long, but would introduce him to a few of her local favored spots. The pond, the hills that she raced up and down so many times as a colt, the meadow where she and Feena had looked for treasures, and then the willowy grove she often could be found in during the height of summer. "I'm afraid there isn't much deviation from what you see now," she warned with a laugh, "A lot of wide open spaces. But, there are a few places I find most favorable. . . These hills are one of them!" Rearing up, she laughed and threw Azumoth a breezy smile. "But there is a trick to conquering them," she smiled, "You have run! Come on - let's race!"
And no, she wasn't going to give the stallion an option, thankyouverymuch. If he wanted to see the sights, than he'd follow. And if he didn't, than she wouldn't twist his arm about it. But the plains were meant for running, thank you, and the hills were a great place to begin. Wild and free spirited as ever, she began up that same hill she had first appeared beyond. Mane and curled locks flowing behind her like a streamer in the wind, the cream mare closed her eyes for a but a moment, to enjoy the freedom such an open environment gave her. This truly was the good life. . . . but she could give it up, oh yes. With maturity and time, there was a certain class about the woodlands that was just a beautiful.
But sometimes, now and again, one needed the wide open spaces to truly be set free.
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Posted: Wed Dec 12, 2007 2:53 pm
Run?
She wanted him to run?
Surely she wasn't being serious in the assumption that he would accept this sort of challenge. As one who spent his days walking, his endurance at top speed was low. It wasn't that he was unfit, simply that his limbs were unaccustomed to moving at any great speed and the thought of attempting to catch up to her was not one that instilled him with a great deal of confidence. Oh hell, it wasn't that he couldn't catch up with her but he wasn't going to run to do it either.
No, instead he was going to 'cheat' or in his own eyes he was going to get 'creative' with the challenge. She hadn't been specific with any rules, she hadn't said that he had to 'run', she had only said 'race' - he could do that and he would have won had he known where he was going. The fact that he didn't know where he was going made that little victory impossible...and he didn't much like losing.
She had placed him in a difficult position.
With a small snort he continued to watch the mare pelt across the plains, arching a brow at the view. Ah, it would be wrong of him to say he didn't enjoy what he saw but at the same time he had to chastise himself for being less of a gentleman. That being said the manner in which she moved did emphasise much of her form...
He was a very bad stallion.
Shaking his head, he at last gave himself a stretch and very calmly released his wings. Within seconds they had dropped against the floor, twisted up in a large semi-circle and with tiny clicks a variety of joints found themselves in place. While that may have been painful to some, it was as though tension had vanished from his wings and with a quick beat to ensure they were functioning the stallion burst forward at a gallop and thrust himself into the air.
Given his weight and close proximity to the ground his wings needed to beat much more frequently but in doing so generated more wing beneath him and pushed the grass down - that alone granted him more leg space and it was with little difficulty that he soon caught up with the mare. Neck partially extended to make himself more aerodynamic, he flicked his gaze to the left and smirked just a little.
Clearly he had accepted the challenge.
"You are not as fast as I imagined," he teased softly, though his voice was somewhat lifted to defy the wind against his lips. Ah, why was it that he was required to talk ever so loud - he much preferred to whisper in hushed tones to save is poor throat! Nevertheless, it wasn't long before he was once again concentrating on flight. Those who could fly were not supposed to remain so close to the ground where the air currents couldn't reach them.
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Posted: Wed Dec 12, 2007 4:17 pm
Bella glanced over her shoulder, hoping he really would follow. She didn't want to plead with the stallion or try to coerce him in to letting go - that would take the fun and spontaneity out of the action. Thankfully though, he wasn't so much behind her as coming up fast to her right! It wasn't that she forgot that the stallion knew how to fly, she just didn't often think he'd so readily break in to flight.
But there he was, and wasn't he magnificent to behold? She didn't get a good look, considering she was focused on where her hooves fell, but as he flew parallel to her, she did toss him a radiant smile. Any soquili in flight was beautiful, even the blasted kalona sort! But there was something about Azu that just seemed . . . . prettier. No, handsomer? Mmm . . . Sexier?
That had to be it.
There was something alluring to see such a stoic creature in flight, with his beautiful leather wings unfurled and his braids wisping like a proud banner behind him. Ah - and to think he not only tolerated her some but was actually giving chase!
Bliss.
It truly, had to be bliss.
Quirking a brow at his tease, Bella gave a soft chuckle as she ran. No, she wasn't the fastest soquili in the land - her heavier weight didn't allow for speed some mares possessed. But that was just as well for her - though she wasn't quick, she had endurance to keep her running long and hard for some time to come. "I'm just going easy on ya," she teased in kind, pointedly picking up her pace as she stormed up the first hill.
"Think you can keep up?"
By that point the peak of the hill had been reached, and Bella couldn't help but giggle as she plummeted like a rocket down the other side. Gravity assisted with her weight made sure she came to as close to flight as a wingless soquili could come, her strides long and easy as she raced down the other side, the long, dead grasses and other hills greeting her in their familiar, nonchalant way.
One trip and bones would snap or worse. . . But Bella was sure footed. It was the fall and speed that made her feel most alive. Though perhaps it seemed little to Azu, the hills were any soquili's playground, and were especially beautiful when touched by spring.
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Posted: Mon Dec 17, 2007 4:55 am
Ah, in flight he had no problems with keeping up with the mare but he had no intentions of demonstrating this either. Rarely one to exert much of his energy, others may have referred to him as sloth like. The only time he really reacted to anything was when in pursuit or attempting to beat it to a bloody pulp. Fun and games were not something he had ever grown accustomed to, even as a child he had decided he was too 'mature' and had too much responsibility to play them.
He'd missed out a bit!
Nevertheless, as she plunged out of his sight for a split second he just arch a brow and swooped over the hillock himself. A few moments later and he understood why she had vanished. Sliding down the hill in her own controlled manner, it was lucky that she did know where she was going given how dangerous that could have been to anything without wings. Still, even from up here he had a good view - a fleeting one as he gave a beat of his wings and thrust himself down after her, or dive bombed...depending on how it was looked at.
It was only as he reached the bottom that he very briefly clipped his hooves against the ground, using them as a spring to push himself back into the air where he was free to move at a much more relaxing pace. Let her do the running, he was more than content to follow unless she decided to run into dangerous territory in which case he would enter dork mode and smack himself right in front of her so that she couldn't move any further!
That being said, had he known of her thoughts and perhaps allowed himself a little freedom there could have been a great deal of fun to be had. Not from malicious games but Azumoth was aware that such things were part of the courting process. Well - to birds at least. It had always confused him as a babe to stare up and watch them chase each other in the sky until his mother had informed him that this flying was actually an intricate dance...to say he had looked at it differently from that point on was an understatement.
"How long do you intend to run for, I am familiar with how the plains look!" He assured her, again lifting his voice against the wind that threatened to drown out his voice entirely. It was true though, he had flown across them many times and while he had rarely brushed his hooves against the tips of the tall grass strands this didn't mean he wasn't familiar with them. A part of him was beginning to wonder if she simply ran to see whether he simply followed her or not...
Curiouser, curiouser...
Or maybe it was that she wanted to show him she wasn't as weak as he accused her of being...
He wasn't sure but at his current height his wings were beginning to feel heavy. Soquili of his type were meant to soar on air currents, not hover like tiny birds and the strain placed upon his large span was becoming a little too much. He would either be forced to take flight to higher altitudes or much to his horror...run for an extended period of time. His expression contorted in mild horror at this for a few moments before it quickly vanished from his features.
Shaking his head, he at last opted to land. He would maintain his dignity by trotting after her, so long as she stayed within his sight he would be fine. Thus, with a muffled thump he found his hooves clap against the soft, dusty ground beneath him and he furled his wings. Giving his body a shake, he readjusted the 'robes' upon his form to a more suitable position and only then did he break into a trot to follow after the mare...tail swishing behind him in an almost subconscious manner.
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Posted: Sat Dec 22, 2007 1:46 pm
For a few moments as she ran, Bella felt as free as a bird. As she slid down the slopes, using both gravity and her weight to help increase her speed, the pale mare had memories of her foal hood and youth - without any in her life beside her shadow and imagination, the hills had been her friends. Not only had they possessed beauty but they soon became a companion to her lonely soul. They offered shade and grasses to eat, as well as flowers to roll and rest in. The hills were but one part of the plains that she enjoyed. . . .
They gave her memories she could never replace, regardless of how boring to many they might appear.
It didn't take long for the land to once again even out and Bella glanced over her shoulder at Azu. He hadn't raced in a typical fashion, but it was good enough to keep her from complaint. How proud was she that he had actually sought her out and allowed himself to be so exposed to thew world around him? On top of it all, how lucky was she that he had admitted, in a strained sort of way, that he liked her! Oh, what an absolutely glorious day it was to be!
Of course, Azumoth soon changed his glide in to that of a halt. He had disappeared behind her, and for a few moments the mare didn't bother to check up on him. Her curls were wind blown and her run slowed to a trot itself. Chest heaving, breathless but exhilarated, she finally turned around to face him. Golden eyes sparkling, she bridged the distance and ducked her head. She paused, giving her own self a little shake as she tossed her mane out of her gaze and grinned. How much of a mess she must look, in such a disheveled state! Oh well - with luck he wouldn't hold it against her. "Well it's one thing to see, Azumoth, it's quite another thing to discover. I'm familiar with how they look - but let's see if you can find something pleasurable about the afternoon." Chuckling, she dipped her head before turning back in to a trot.
Not after, in a very Bella manner, she smacked him gently with her tail.
"We can pause for a drink just ahead!" She assured, tail swishing playfully behind her.
The trot wasn't long as she lead him towards a few sparse trees. Three weeping willows, their long limbs draping down in a somewhat pathetic display. The canopy that was so lush during the warmer seasons left much to be desired come fall and winter. Still, they were a lovely and welcoming sight as Bella guided the black stallion to a small pool. It was littered with dead leaves, but was clean and reflective. The small abode was cozy in a sense, with the breeze encouraging the long tendrils surrounding them to reach out now and again to touch.
Without a word, she dipped her head to drink.
((Ack! Very rushed ending, but I have to get going. D: Sorry for the cliche moment - s'all I could think of! xD ))
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Posted: Mon Dec 31, 2007 5:59 am
A drink? Well truth be told he wasn't terribly thirsty but he was considerate enough to follow after her at an extended walk. Neck arching to stretch out the muscles that had stiffened during flight, he took this opportunity to regain his composure and to right himself. A slight shift here and there, a creak and crack of his wings - it wasn't long at all before the warmth began to flow through him again and he was suitably more comfortable with his lot. Ah, it wasn't that he didn't enjoy flying but flying at such a low altitude was not healthy or fun for something of his weight...he wasn't quite so uncouth to say this though.
...And truth be told, he could have run.
Nevertheless, as she gave her response to his question he was rather taken aback by what he heard and consequently, tilted his head to one side as she dipped her head to take a sip of the cool liquid. It was yet another rare opportunity to admire what lay before him but at the same time he stilled mulled over her retort. Why had she assumed he had not yet discovered the plains, that he hadn't run through them on rare occasions himself? She was partially right for he had very rarely darted through such an area and the only time he had been here was by trickery but still...
How did she know?
Drawing to a halt, the stallion kept his head lifted an away from the water as he observed his surroundings. While not as quaint as his own forest, his own 'despairing' grove as some might call he had to admit that this area possessed some qualities. It held its own unique beauty, a lighter and more wistful sort than that of his own and as if to support this fact the plants and trees that resided here seemed to mimic this mood. He had seen a willow tree before, had seen their weeping forms but it was only now that he took heed of how relaxed they seemed to be. It wasn't an overwhelming revelation but his lips did purse upon its discovery.
"So this is where you reside during your spare time?" He was aware that she often travelled around but given she had chosen to lead him here first he could only assume it was a place close to her heart. Perhaps he was jumping to conclusions but the very fact that she had chosen a quaint forest made his tummy flutter just a little. Mayhaps it was not the closest to her heart but it was one location she liked.
"It is very quaint," he mused, continuing to glance at the various features that presented themselves - whether they be plant or animal he took heed of each as they flitted in an out of view.
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