|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Tue Apr 01, 2008 1:14 pm
Nivriti canted her head to one side, curious as to what her friend was thinking before her spoke.
'You didn't, not more than I might have done..' she teased gently, her eyes holding a look of mischief. It was almost as if she wanted to subconsciously convey what she hadn't worked out in her conscious mind. Strange thoughts..coming back to the moment she grinned at his words.
'And I am very happy to see you again,' she bowed, a leg bending at the knee, her mane slipping forwards and when she stood, she had to shake the fine black hairs from her face.
'So sir, would you like to walk? I can show you the Village, my place of birth. Or we can take a wander through the woods around this part, everything green is sprouting new life and they look pretty once again.'
Nivriti didn't mind where they went, the company was the important thing.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Apr 01, 2008 6:05 pm
Althalus watched as Nivriti dipped before him, and he almost protested. She was too lovely to bow before one like him, though a sliver of the stallion couldn't help but to appreciate her grace and movement. With her ebony mane framing her features, Althalus was reminded once again of the precious friend he had before him.
But enough!
His stray thoughts would lead him to trouble if he weren't careful, no matter how odd and unsure he felt. Why should she be more precious than his other friends? Why was it that this lovely wind before him was so . . . so . . . . bewitching?? Ah, but though he had no answer yet, he knew the mystery would be solved someday. Or at least he hoped. No need to make a fool of himself in front of her now.
Expression gentle, the stallion gave a little chuckle and nod. "I think it would be most appropriate if you might do me the honor of leading me to your Village. This way I might know the beginnings of my fairest friend, and might know where as a foal you once ran. Truly, my dear, where you walk I shall follow." He tossed her a good humored wink, but deep down, the stallion knew there was truth to such words.
((Sorry for the shortness. ;; *is sooooo exhausted from her plane ride and travels* It's sleep time methinks. ))
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Apr 03, 2008 6:53 am
(( That's ok =))
'I am at your command,' Nivriti grinned, rustling her wings before letting them fall still. She turned, walking a way before pausing to see if he was following. When they were going at a steady pace, just strolling in the general direction of the Kawani Village, she spoke to Althalus again.
'Have you met anyone else new since I last saw you?' she asked, keeping her tone casual. After all, if he made more friends - mare or stallion - it wasn't really her business. She was asking out of..idle curiosity that was it. After all, she'd made a - well that stallion would never be called a friend but she had met her first Kalona, and managed to walk away from it, but she knew their reputation was deserved.
Her ears flicked as she walked, alert as always, even though she knew that the area was relatively safe. The air carried the lingering scent of her mother, and a faint smell of smoke from the distant campfires.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Apr 04, 2008 9:46 pm
The young stallion was more than happy to walk side by side with the lovely mare. Though he was pleased to have met the mother of such a dear one, he personally enjoyed soliciting her company for himself. A bit selfish, perhaps, but it couldn't be helped - even Althalus wasn't as perfect as he wanted to be. Ah, but Nivriti was just a friend. . . .
Just a friend. Just like Aiolos and Caely and Porsche, right? Just like her sister, Nituna? Maybe? Possibly? Even though he wanted to believe it, the young sunset male was unsure it was true. No mare in his journeys, no matter how beautiful and kind, had managed to keep him from roaming. Some had requested his sole companionship for a lingering stay, and yet his hooves couldn't be held back. Not mother, not friend, not fear could keep him in one place. . . .
And yet here he was, wanting no more than to spend more time with the brown and cream lady. She was bewitching him, somehow, and what was most strange was he liked it. Somehow with but a chance meeting and a few words, he'd refused to leave the sanctuary of the plains; somehow, she had piqued his interest and he wanted nothing more than to better get to know her.
A bit lost in thought, his ears twitched as Nivriti spoke, his silver gaze turning over to her. Chuckling lightly, Althalus gave a small shake of his head before responding. "I have not, I'm afraid. I have caught wind of a few others, but have no been so fortunate to have made any others acquaintance." Tail swishing lightly behind him, the stallion gave the brown mare a little smile. "Might I inquire of your past few days? Perhaps you've been more social than I?"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Apr 05, 2008 10:28 am
If Nivriti had one slight inclination as to what thoughts were going through Althalus's head right now she probably would have been giddy - it pretty much reflected what she was thinking when she got lost in her own musings.
Maybe it was something they would have to talk about, but how did you bring something like that up? They'd not long known each other after all, maybe it was just the euphoria of someone new in her life that had made her believe that there was something strange about how much she thought of the stallion. She couldn't keep tying herself up in knots about the dilemma, and so she resolved not to think on it anymore during their time together.
The tops of the teepees were just visible on the horizon when she replied to his question;
'Oh? I find that a little unusual, there is quite a large population in this area.'
There was that happy feeling again. He'd not met any mares. She smiled to herself.
'I stumbled across a stallion yes.' she nodded as they wandered along.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Apr 05, 2008 1:44 pm
Althalus' heart skipped a beat - a stallion? His content nature suddenly spiked as a snap of jealousy clouded his thoughts. Orange ears pricked forward, and the sunset male had to swiftly guard his expression. Jealousy wasn't an emotion he often felt, and yet here he was, automatically wondering who this other stallion was. Why was some stranger a threat? It wasn't as if Nivriti couldn't meet others or discover other friends; how many mares had he met in his lifetime?
Still, a sudden panic brushed his thoughts - what if this other took her away? Logic finally broke through passion and Althalus shook clear his thoughts. He wasn't controlling, he wasn't jealous, and he wasn't one to be concerned on what sort of creature his friends socialized with but. . . . what if this other stallion took her out of his life forever?
Was he devilishly handsome? Did he have wings too? Was his bold and strong or meek and obliging? Images of this unknown stranger flashed through his mind, though a small smile was glued to his features. It was perhaps a little forced, but Althalus refused to play any role outside of a gentleman. "Ah, but my lady, I suppose I was far too keen on keeping my eyes out for you and might have paid my surroundings little heed." It was close to the truth, aside from bad timing.
Silver eyes lingering upon Nivriti, the young stallion canted his head to the side. "I am pleased to hear you've found a spot of company where I have lacked. Was he dashing and full of charm, a future friend to you as well? I should hope he might have been of the most pleasant company." He meant it. . . . sort of. So long as she was safe and well and happy, Althalus couldn't object to any sort of companionship she chose.
Even if it pained him to say so.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Apr 06, 2008 6:16 am
If Nivriti noticed anything it was a slight stiffness in his answering. Hers had come without thinking; if she had have done, she would scolded herself for just saying that it was a stallion, when what it actually had been was a rather stuck-up Kalona stallion.
She got feelings of jealously at the mere thought that Althalus might have met with another mare down here, would he have the same kind of feelings? She thought maybe not, he seemed to enjoy being with her, but he was such a gregarious stallion that he might act that way with all his friends. And now she was doing exactly what she resolved not to. Maybe she would have to say something.
She heard his words and her nose went warm.
'Goodness..well I thank you for the compliment, but I am not so very special that you should ignore your surroundings. That might be dangerous after all!' she smiled.
His latter words pulled her up, she stopped, turning to look fully at the stallion.
'Althalus, I have not found you lacking. At all.' she said.
'And I won't be seeking out his company again, I can assure you most definately on that score. He was a Kalona..'
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Apr 10, 2008 10:23 pm
The sunset male chuckled lightly, though he couldn't quite shake the minute of envy within his soul. It was truly odd behavior for the male, and he wasn't sure he liked it . . . he had absolutely no right to be jealous, none at all! So why did he feel a bit panicked by her admittance? If Caely met another stallion, would he be so jealous? Not at all! If Aiolos made new friends and acquaintances, would he suffer so? Hardly!
So why Nivriti?
As usual, his thoughts didn't have time to linger upon their inward frustration and confusion. She spoke, and he caught the slight flush of her nose. Ooooh - his own smile grew and he couldn't help but chuckle, doing his best to forget about said stallion. She wasn't with him now, right, so he could at least rest assured in that. They were together now and all was well. Very well. "Ah, my lovely, do not underestimate your charm; you might not see yourself so alluring, but I fear you have me quite bewitched." He tossed her a good humored wink, though a sliver of truth rang through his words. More truth than he fully understood.
"Still, you do speak truth. As it is, m'lady, I vow to be more aware of my surroundings, though I'm quite sure you'll be dear to my thoughts." She couldn't scold him for doing that, could she? He'd be more aware, but that didn't mean he couldn't keep her in mind.
As Nivriti turned to stare at him, Althalus canted his head to the side ever so lightly. "That pleases me more than you can know." He spoke softly, almost seriously, silver eyes focused only on the mare before him. He didn't mean to gaze, but it was difficult. . . .
Mares. It was wretched enough they had such an allure on him, it was even worse that Nivriti had somehow managed to overwhelm him! How? They'd only just met, were all but strangers, and yet here he was . . . probably acting a fool. He had to be careful on how he responded and reacted - if he spoke too much, he might come off as over-bearing and frighten her away, or worse, be pegged with insincerity!
No, that most certainly wouldn't do. Still, sometimes things had to be said, admitted to. . .
But anything else he wished to say suddenly died at the mention of the word kalona. His brows knit with concern, and his tail swished in aggravation. A kalona? "A Kalona!?" His thoughts slipped out, surprise and concern mixed in. "Nivriti, my god, are you quite all right?" The concern for her well being was obnoxiously overwhelming for the sunset male, and he couldn't help but give her a look over just to be double sure.
Logic told him she was all right - there were no wounds, no scars, no hurts upon the lady. She'd been wit her mother and had been quite well . . . so now, to find out so late about her meeting, it was a bit ridiculous for him to double check.
But still!
He knew a handful of mutants and crossbreeds. They weren't all bad, but Althalus understood that they could and would kill without a second thought or feeling of remorse. So the fact she met up with one, face to face . . well . . . if such a being but disturbed a hair on her mane Althalus was quite ready to start a one-stallion war!
Giving a small shake of his head, nostrils flaring slightly, he captured her golden gaze with his own. "Forgive my over-bearing concern, I just . . . ." He let the phrase die and gave a shrug. "Dare I ask how you managed to get away?"
She was all right. He didn't have to worry as she'd never seek out such company again. But that didn't mean the kalona might not try to hunt her. Ears flicking, the silver eyed male took a look around the area, as if darkness and danger might be lurking nearby.
Yes, Althalus was extremely protective of his friends and those dear to his heart, and Nivriti was no exception!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Apr 12, 2008 6:59 am
(( *makes cute face* 4laugh ))
Bewitched? He winked after he said it, but her breath was caught in her throat at the words. So much so that she merely gaped at him for a while, unsure what to say. He was joking? Right? Sure, he was. Wasn't he?
Ask him! her inner self said in a forceful way. But she couldn't, could she? How was he doing this? Nivriti had always felt herself to be level-headed, a trait she'd gotten from her mother. Her head was, well she felt all a kilter around the stallion. As though she were on sloping ground, or falling and not knowing where she would land.
'You must,' she managed, the words soft.
'If something happened, and I was the cause of it. I wouldn't. Well I wouldn't want you to be hurt is all.'
She returned his gaze steadily, didn't blink as she looked at him.
'Pleased..' she mouthed, feeling herself edge closer, her head tilted as her nose came within inches of brushing against Althalus's. But his exclamation broke the moment and she stepped away again, her wings rustling in her confusion.
'A Kalona yes.' she nodded, grateful for his concern. It was. She was touched that he cared that much.
'As you see, I am very well.' her ears flicked a little at his question.
'I walked? He'd..well he had just eaten. I could smell - I could smell the blood.' her nose wrinkled at the thought.
'He was more pleased with himself, arrogant. And I am not adverse to protecting myself if I had to. Well..not adverse to taking as quickly to the sky as my wings can take me!' she laughed. It was easy to do so, the Kalona was probably long gone, and she felt safe in her surroundings once more.
'Well..' she said, a tad awkwardly, feeling that she'd given away too much of her feelings.
'We're almost at my birthplace.'
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Apr 20, 2008 11:29 am
There was a moment where time seemed to slow, seemed to stop, and his heart fluttered madly in his chest. Why was it hard to breathe? Why did his silver gaze only see her? She had moved close, the beautiful lady that she was, and was speaking to him. . . . words that were soft, almost desperate. His mind sluggishly tried to make sense of them, though his senses were being dazzled and overwhelmed by the wind before him; something about fear, about concern over his own health and well being. . . .
Ah, but didn't she know she had but to say the word? Didn't she know he would never compromise his life if only because it would mean no more time to spend with her? Silver eyes captured gold, hanging on tight as if he never wanted to release the stare.
There was a moment, just a moment, when everything shifted and began to click.
But as soon as it had happened, it fell quickly apart. His exclamation, her retreat back - whatever might have happened, whatever assurances he might have given were now long since passed. There had been a moment, a time when something epic might have happened.
But such a time was gone.
Snorting softly, giving his own head a little shake as he tossed his red mane over the opposite side of his neck, Althalus peeked back up at the mare. His earlier display of concern had passed, at least the vehemence of it; for now he listened and couldn't help but give a relieved sigh as she explained the situation. A cocky stallion, was it? A part of the stallion gave a silent thanks to the spirits for allowing her to stumble across one that had been well fed. "Ah, I wouldn't believe for a moment you were the helpless damsal sort," he offered gently, a small smile crossing his features. "But I shall hope that more pleasant soquili cross your path in the future. If something were to happen. . . ." He gave a small grunt, taking a moment to glance away. There were no words to explain what he might feel with the knowledge of her pain or . . or worse, her death.
No. . . .
He wouldn't allow such a thing to happen. He would fight it tooth and nail and protect her from any that tried to cause her harm. She deserved to live, to smile, to fly freely and he'd allow nothing to hinder such brightness, such life. Such was his silent oath. . . his silent desire. Impetuous as ever, glancing back at her as he allowed such negative thoughts and conversation to pass, he reached over to nose her neck ever so slightly. "But enough talk of worries and concern - you're here now, my lovely lady, and that's all that matters."
At Nivriti's words, the silver eyed male pricked his ears and began to study his surroundings. It might be but the place she was born, but it was piece of his friends history he wanted to cherish and remember. This was her home, her lands, her stomping grounds as a foal. This land helped mold her, however slight, in to the mare she was today and Althalus couldn't help but want to absorb it, to remember, to know.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Apr 21, 2008 7:41 am
Had her moment been shared by Althalus? She had been dazed at their closeness so she hadn't exactly been in a position to notice. She hoped, fervently hoped that he had felt something at her proximity.
'If they are all as wonderful as you, I shall consider myself blessed.' she looked sharply at him, her expression searching as the end of his sentence tailed away.
'If something were to happen to me? You would be upset?' she pressed, despite him talking of a subject change. It was the first proper indication she'd had from the stallion that there was maybe more than just warm, friendly feelings for her.
By now they'd wandered close to the clearing at the edge of the Village where Kaliska's teepee and the shelter where Nivriti had come into the world were located. The fire was out, and as she scented the air whilst waiting for an answer from Althalus, something that would stop the roar of her heart in her ears, she realised that the two-legged one was not in the immediate area.
She was glad of that, not knowing exactly how much contact the stallion had with the Villagers, and whether he would be uneasy around them.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Apr 22, 2008 1:20 pm
The stallion's orange ears pricked as Nivriti turned to question him. He had been flattered that she, in a round about way, called him wonderful. . . but why such a strong reaction to his comment? His silver regard studied her, looking hard in to her own golden gaze. Why press such a subject, why question him on such a simple matter?
"Nivriti," he began, his words soft. Though they were close to the village of her birth, his surroundings were the least of his concern. Right now, the cream and brown beauty before him ranked higher than any teepee or two-legged one ever would. "Of course I would be upset. I don't think you quite understand the depth of my . . . feelings toward you." It occurred to him that he might scare her away should he admit anything more - even he wasn't entirely sure why she was so different. She was his friend, and though they were quite new acquaintances, that didn't make his feelings any less valid. "I mean," he added quickly, glancing away, "You're my friend, and therefor mean the world to me." Ok, so she wasn't just a friend; she was special, wonderful, beautiful, alluring. And yet. . . . No. She might not understand and he refused to sacrifice such companionship and friendship just because he found himself smitten.
He almost said more, but dipped his head instead. Distracting himself, playing off nonchalance, the sunset male gazed around at the village surrounding him. He wasn't coy or uneasy around the two-legged ones; in his youth he often teased them but had quickly learned they proved useful - braiding his hair, offering treats and endless hours of amusement.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Apr 22, 2008 3:43 pm
A slight breeze tugged at Nivriti's wings as she stood there, her head canted to one side, just looking at Althalus as he finally spoke. Her heart swooped as she did when she was winging across the skies..and plummeted just as fast.
Friend huh? She felt a fool standing there. She'd read far more into his words than he had meant, and wished she'd not sounded so intense when questioning the reasoning behind his expressed concerns. But for moments she had been so sure...
'You're my friend too,' she finally managed when she found her voice again.
'Well, anyway, this is where I was born.'
She found her words coming out strained. Silly, silly mare. Her inner voice was scolding her now.
Should have said something!
No, she couldn't do that. They were just friends after all. Wasn't that was how it should be after a short acquiantance?
No. Not when you feel this way. Tell him.
But if I told him. Nivriti looked at the stallion. What was the worst that could happen? She had a feeling he would not be cruel about her feelings. That if he really did feel that they were just going to be good friends that it was something they could bring up as a funny anecdote. Well, at some point later in their life at any rate.
'Althalus.' she began, then stopped, letting out the breath that she had been holding. She had to say something, and she thought swiftly before he wondered why she had fallen silent after saying his name, trying to work out how to say what she felt she had to.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Apr 22, 2008 7:35 pm
Something wasn't right.
The sunset male glanced around Nivriti's homeland, though he hardly saw a thing. The wheels of his mind were churning, turning, attempting to sort through everything that was happening. What was in it her words that . . . that hurt. What was it that seemed out of place? Althalus couldn't place it, though he tried; something seemed off, seemed out of step and out of place and the young stallion just couldn't figure it. Thus far the day had been glorious - he had been reunited with his friend, had met her mother, and was overall enjoying their time together.
But now, as she spoke of friendsdhip, though he was pleased she thought the same, something seemed off kilter. He couldn't place it but . . why did her voice seemed strained?
Althalus took a few steps forward, trying to clear his thoughts enough to appreciate the home before him. It was here, in this quiet little village, that Nivriti had been born. The grasses on the ground, somewhere she took her first steps. It was here where the beginning of a beautiful life had spent her first moments, and that alone was something to cherish. And yet. . .
Head lowered, his red tail swishing behind him, Nivriti called his name. Turning, he faced her, unsure what to say. He wanted to speak, to say something that might make the world right, but what could he say? He hardly even understood what had changed. . . if anything! "Yes, m'lady?" He questioned, voice soft as he gazed upon her.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Apr 23, 2008 8:46 am
It was a good thing they were in familiar surroundings, given how lightheaded the mare felt at the mere thought of actually voicing her proper feelings to the stallion before her.
'I don't really know how, where to start with this.' Nivriti said, a nervous smile on her face, her feathers moving not from the wind this time, tremors running through her wings shook them right to the very tip. She coughed, her throat feeling a little dry. She let out another long breath.
'This feels, I don't know, maybe it's too early for me to even think it. But it doesn't feel that way in my heart.'
Make sense! she scolded herself.
'My feelings for you. There are more than just that of a friend and I want to speak plainly so that there is no mistake.' she paused again for a mere moment.
'Althalus, when I met you it was almost as though I'd found the missing piece of myself. And I hadn't even realised there was something missing. I didn't see myself saying this so soon.' she said with a gentle flick of her tail, lowering her gaze from him for just a moment. Nivriti looked back at Althalus.
'My nerves got the better of me. If we parted..and you thought I was just your friend and some other mare swept you away. I know I would regret not saying anything, for always.' she let out another breath, trying to will her fluttering heart to calm.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reply
