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 Posted: Wed Sep 24, 2008 4:21 pm
This "Islagiatt' place really sounded like one of the storybook homes that the old Kawani squaws liked to talk about, a place where hardship meant nothing compared to the strength of the bonds between home and inhabitants. Or maybe that was just Elizabeth once again spinning gold out of straw, making something out of nothing because she had nothing better to do with her time.
Either way, it was obvious that Ambroise felt a great deal of pride in both home and herd; he wasn't overly demonstrative, didn't punctuate every word with a big grin, dramatic gestures, didn't make every SEEM exciting. Yet at the same time, the directness of his answers and the strength of his tone lead Liz to believe that in the case of this stallion, home truly was where the heart was. Definitely something to be commended.
"Well, it sounds like a very intriguing place; perhaps sometime you or your brother could give me a tour!" That was about as close as she came to teasing, knowing full well that a brief meeting hardly granted personal access favors. Besides, what would she do by herself on a mountain? Fall to her death, most likely, and that would hardly be worth pursuing.
Those thoughts were interrupted at Ambroise's sudden interjection, causing Liz to pause and flush uncomfortably. If he was commenting on her speech, then he might just be another one that found her pretensious. "I'm sorry, I just wasn't raised to...well, to 'be blunt', especially not around strangers. I really appreciate your kindness in the offer, but being blunt would honestly be more difficult for me, to say nothing of more awkward."
And that was the truth; nothing she said could be uttered without passing a rigorous 'testing' process as the mare tried to determine if any part of a given sentence were offensive, demeaning, cruel, or beneath contempt. It made speaking harder, but helped avoid wounded feelings and unnecessary prejudices. If it also made her seem bland and lacking in opinions, that was her cross to bear.
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Posted: Thu Sep 25, 2008 4:37 am
When it came to showmanship and great gestures that was most definitely not Ambroise's department. His younger brothers specialised in such things while Ambroise's prowess revolved around combat and (surprisingly) diplomacy. The mere thought of Ambroise being anymore expressive than he already was would have sent his entire family into a stream of giggles and laughter. Ah yes, he was renowned for being overly serious against a backdrop of light heartedness. As a result he was the 'black sheep' of his family but his behaviour was deemed his unique quirk and he was loved for it by all his family - in their own special way.
Nevertheless he did have a way with words when he was granted the opportunity to speak for longer than thirty seconds. As of late, any location outside the Islagiatt territory had torn him up and spat him out before he had even opened his mouth. It was no wonder the stallion was so adverse to residing in such areas for long, given that the majority of Soquili in said areas were more than happy to make up their own 'stories' regarding a complete stranger. Especially mares - and his mother wondered why he chose to remain single.
That being said he didn't paint pretty pictures and nor did he lie, Ambroise was very proud of his home and his family. To know that he had gotten such a thing across in a genuine manner would satisfy him enough. She might think of it as a 'storybook' but that was her decision, perhaps it was an unrealistic picture for a mare who was forced to live in such dismal lands as these...
"You may visit Islagiatt lands, no doubt you would be a very welcome guest amongst the herd," he responded as she changed the subject, flicking his tail against his flank as he mused over the possibilities of another visitor. Provided she was well behaved (something he could almost guarantee) then he had little reason to reject her even teasing request and goodness only knew that a fresh face would breathe some excitement into certain individuals lives again. They may have liked the mundane but they loved gossip - especially his mother.
"Provided you do not mind wild goose chases I am sure Fenghuang would also be more than happy to show you the various regions of Islagiatt - though I may warn you now that you will be introduced to everything that moves along the way," he mused. Admittedly he had no interest in being a tour guide. The Wind stallion simply didn't have the time to be showing a guest around the slopes when he had duties elsewhere. He by no means sought to cause insult to anyone but that was just how things were - he was not adverse to her presence on the slopes but he could not guide her personally.
...Really he had so many responsibilities that he couldn't do much on a 'personal' level and frequently had to send representatives in his place.
However, it wasn't long before he had chosen to change the subject and apparently his offer of 'blunt words' was not something she appreciated. In a manner of speaking she appreciated his directness and the offer but apparently she wasn't comfortable with anything else. She explained it further (though it was unnecessary) and he understood her preferences. Old habits died hard if it this was her upbringing then who was he to chastise her for it?
"Very well, I did not mean to cause offence," he assured quietly and dropped the subject to avoid further discomfort on her behalf.
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Posted: Thu Sep 25, 2008 11:09 am
"Well, I'm sure that your brother would prove an enlightening and entertaining, and exceedingly thorough guide, given what I've seen of him so far." That much was easy for Liz to say without having to stop and think; there was no doubting that Feng would bring energy and excitement to something as banal as a strand of creepers! At the same time, she couldn't help but wonder if having him as a guide wouldn't result in guide and guidee tumbling over the edge of a mountain somewhere...but no; he seemed to have managed to make through life this far without tumbling to his death, and if he WERE to fall, she could always heal him. As long as he hadn't manaed to kill himself right out of the gate.
But listen to her now, her and her whimsical ideas. One recent journey, and already planning a second! If she kept this up, she might just have to reclassify her 'homebody' status!
Still, the idea had merit. Hadn't she resolved after her last visit to Zaphiro to make something more out of her life than being an isolated, unchanging rock? She loved Cajji, loved the Soquili that formed her 'herd', but they were all always off doing so many things; Zaphiro had his family and his home and his treks to the far north for swimming, Safi had his children, neice, nehphew, greats, and his prowling adventures, Kildegard had his...well, he had his mental issues, actually, and she was afraid that one of these days he'd just fall off of a waterfall or something, but at least he was enjoying the parts he remembered! Really, it defied logic why she hadn't tried doing something new herself sooner.
Actually, no; she knew exactly why she hadn't done anything like that. It just wasn't like her to up and do something zany like go on an aimless, wandering journey; she needed some sort of plotted end point, some sort of goal. Maybe, just maybe, this meeting had happened to provide that goal.
Really, it might be nice to see the mountains.
However, such thoughts were currently irrelevant. "And here we are." As they had drawn closer to the grass patch, the sound of rushing water had begun to gradually increase in volume. Now that they were actually there, the river itself could be seen, rushing merrily over and around the large rocks and boulders of the ford. It was a place both active and serene, the bustling river at odds with the otherwise total silence and solitude of the clearing, and one that she found delightful. "At the risk of sounding boastful, I have to say that this is some of the best grass I have ever tasted in my life." Having said that, she gave Ambroise a smile and gestured to the ground, then paused, glancing around before asking, "Is Fengyang going to take the time to eat?"
Even more to the point, was he going to RETURN to eat??
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Posted: Fri Sep 26, 2008 2:31 pm
It was very easy for an individual to fall into habit, humans were particularly suseptible to the concept of routines. Provided it was comfortable, most creatures were perfectly content to live a mundane lifestyle. Ambroise was one of those individuals to extent. He enjoyed his duties, took them seriously and when not disturbed he was more than content to live a very predictable lifestyle. He was a creature of simple pleasures and it took very little to satisfy him for the most part. Provided he could complete his duties, could meditate and could train then this stallion never had any complaints. He really was the blacksheep of his family given that all seven of the others were destined to be struck by wanderlust.
They were never satisfied with the mundane - not until they fell in love at least.
Nevertheless if he had been instilled with the same wanderlust and love for adventure as his siblings then he suspected he would have been more than happy to encourage the unicorn to visit. By the spirits he knew that nearly every creature in Islagiatt would welcome a new face. Granted if it was his mother she would attempt to marry him off but for the most part, new blood and the opportunity to find out the latest gossip were never spurned from the lands. Even the stallions were interested in the gossip for goodness sake! Ambroise couldn't help but roll his eyes at the thought of his brothers and his uncle mulling over who was coupled with who... It was fairly obvious such a trait ran in the family though.
"Given that Fenghuang becomes excited at the sight of a falling leaf I would be inclined to agree with you," Ambroise admitted after a few moments, a rare smile creeping onto his lips. He could condone appreciation for such pretty things though he sometimes worried at just how reckless his youngest brother truly was. The eldest could only hope he would mature and quietened down just a little - if only so that he didn't petrify the Lowlands with his excitable and boisterous behaviour. Ambroise had certainly had quite enough of protecting the family name down here...he didn't need another damn stalker.
Nevertheless as the mare finally came to a halt at the ford and presented him the rather tranquil grass patch the stallion did have to nod in appreciation. He half listened to her 'boasting', surveying the surroundings closely. On careful inspection he noticed that the colour of the grass was certainly much more potent here than it was in other places. Perhaps it was the presence of the stream and the lack of trampling that ensured such tenderness. Alas, her question was to be answered itself.
No sooner had she spoken such words than the wind stallion had unfurled his wings and with an almighty beat, thrust himself into the air. It resembled more of a very high bounce and it's purpose was unclear for a split second longer until at last the red streak bolted out of the long grasses and shot through the spot the stallion had been standing upon. A shriek of delight seemed to trailed after it... It didn't take a genius to note who it belonged to as well.
"Once he has had a swim," Ambroise offered softly, landing gently upon the grass once he was satisfied his brother would not be returning back the way he had come. Instead the foal had circled round and was wading back and forth through the shallow ford while he inspected his own reflection in the clear water. "You have my assurances that he eats a lot..." he was a growing boy after all and certainly energetic enough to devour many, many pieces of foliage.
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Posted: Fri Sep 26, 2008 7:02 pm
Really, it was amazing what effect a smile could have on a person's countenance. When he smiled, Ambroise's whole face seemed to light up; that in turn made Elizabeth smile herself, contented by the knowledge that both brothers had had at least one pleasant moment in the Lowlands. Besides that, smiling made the stallion seem a lot more at ease and accessible than when he was being stoic.
Still, it had taken less time than this to give the mare the distinct impression that smiling wasn't really Ambroise's thing, at least not around strangers. Besides, Fenguang more than made up for Ambroise's stoicism, him and his youthful exhuberance.
And he had energy to spare, if his mad dash was any indication. Liz didn't know which surprised her more, Ambroise' sudden upward leap or Fenguang's cross-clearing dash. It was two streaks of color moving in perpendicular directions at a comparable speed at the same time..really, it was enough to give a mare a headache!
She felt that she managed to keep her composure reasonably well, though; beyond a rapid flaring of her eyes, she stood as she was, upright and (mostly) composed. "Well...that's...well. I suppose that we'll just leave him to his amusements, then." The grass wasn't going to go anywhere in the next few minutes. With that, Liz leaned over and took up a mouthful of grass, breaking it off and chewing on it with great daintiness.
Fenguang might be an energetic, enthusiastic, and fun tour guide, but if one wasn't careful he could run them right over a ledge!
Mulling on that fact, she looked from one brother to the other, wondering idly what sort of parents they had to produce sons with such different personalities. Ambroise was so mannerly and proper, serious and responsible (at least in his care of his brother). Fenguang, on the other hand, was like a jolt of pure adrenaline; perky, lively, cheerful, and impulseive. They had to have quite the parents...and quite the siblings, for that matter.
How many siblings did they have, even? She knew that Soquili rarely had single births, so it was likely that there was at least one or two more siblings; the dramatic difference in the ages of the two brothers suggested at least two sets of siblings, maybe even more. She'd heard of large Soquili families, and from the sound of their herd it was one that was suitably embracing of familes. What had Ambroise said earlier, that it grew with matings and children?
It was due to those thoughts that she found herself asking, more out of curiousity than anything else, "Do you have any children, Ambroise?"
She wasn't exactly sure what prompted her to ask such a personal question; short acquaintanceship meant nothing when it came to learning intimate life details. However, even as she blushed at her audacity she had to admit she was curious. After all, he might not be the 'warmest' or 'fuzziest' guardian, but he acted as one used to authority over foals and seemed to a very family oriented herd life. Really, it made complete sense for him to have children of his own, quite possibly many!
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Posted: Sat Sep 27, 2008 9:16 am
Yei's offspring were most unlike the majority of Soquili, save for two sets of twins the rest of her children had been born within a year of one another. The mare had simply been too old to carry more than that at a time and as such, she had been blessed with many pregnancies one after the other. As a result her children were firmly stepped in age with Ambroise being the eldest and Fenghuang the youngest. It was true that many Soquili rarely had single children but then again...Islagiatt had rarely conformed to the beliefs and opinions of the rest of the Kawani. Thus Yei Umeko had endured six bouts of pregnancy and she wouldn't have changed it for the world. The knowledge that she had carried that many children and still had energy to play would have explained a lot about Fenghuang.
Nevertheless the striking differences in personality between eldest and youngest were not a direct result of the parents. Instead it had been through the process of careful conditioning and many lessons that Ambroise had become what he was. Raised as the heir to his herd (alongside Seresai) he had been educated in a number of fields - his siblings had played, sparred and explored while he had been prepared. The end result was that he was overly serious and failed miserably at grasping the concept of 'fun', while his siblings completely understood the definition of fun but lacked any significant levels of discipline. Alas Ambroise was so extreme in his routines that their lack of discipline was easily balanced out by his boundless levels of self control.
...Unfortunately this was not really a matter to be discussed with strangers.
However, the stallion did find her sudden question to be somewhat amusing. Had he been Althalus he mind have congratulated her (teasingly) on finding a very 'strategic' way of discovering if he was attached or had baggage. The fates favoured her this day though, given that the individual in question was Ambroise and as such he hadn't the gall to enquire. Instead his features morphed back into the familiar stoic expression and he shook his head. Children - Him? Somehow the two things didn't really coincide in his mind.
"No, I have no children," he replied after a few moments, ensuring his peripheral vision remained on the colt who was now weaving back and forth. His movements were albeit erratic, but Ambroise was well enough aware of the colt's habit of making spotaneous and abrupt decisions. It was always a good idea to be prepared before he launched an unexpected assault on your leg...
"However I am the eldest of eight children in my family, include an extensive number of cousins, neices, nephews and grandchildren... And one might say it is safe to assume I have ample experience in dealing with the young," he explained. He felt it was at least wise to explain how he had developed such 'paternal' instincts. Admittedly he related them moreso to brotherly instincts but the fact still remained - one day he would certainly make a good father. He may not be the most affectionate of sorts but he possessed other qualities that a creature required.
"Why do you ask?"
Well...he could always chance some curiosity. That and he had come to the conclusion that such a question was a 'safe bet'. The assumption was that she would simply become flustered as opposed to responding, but while he was not one for conversation he did understand the concept of idle chit-chat... Sort of.
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Posted: Sat Sep 27, 2008 10:15 am
Having no knowledge of the inner workings of the Islagiatt herd or the various personalities therein, Elizabeth had no idea how close she might have been to a very personal and undoubtably embarassing direction of questions, had she been talking to one brother instead of another. Granted, if she had been talking to a different brother then this conversation probably would have followed a different path, or maybe crashed and burned early on. Really, it was difficult to say how things might have been, knowing only what things were.
And what they were at the moment was both enlightening and embarrassing; enlightening, because she'd never heard of a family that large before, and embarrassing because it was a personal question that had prompted an equally 'direct' response from Ambroise. Why HAD she asked that question, anyway? The phrasing had been unobjectionable in and of itself, it was just far more direct than the situation had warranted. Really, it was downright considerate of Ambroise to have answered at all!
And what an answer that had been. Eight children in one family! It must be quite chaotic when all of them were around at the same time, nevermind the extra indirect relations. No wonder Ambroise seemed a dab hand at the child watching, he had had a lot of foals to practice with!
However, she still found herself blushing at the question. "My apologies, Ambroise, that was rude of me. Watching you with your brother, you just seem to be very...comfortable with paternal authority. It seemed logical to me that that level of comfort was the result of firsthand experience...though I suppose that with seven younger siblings it really is the result of firsthand experience."
Idle chit-chat or not, this conversation was getting distinctly personal again. Time to change the subject again! "How are you finding the weather in the mountains this time of year? I imagine that the wind must be starting to pick up, if its anything like down here in the early autumn." Ah, the weather; the ultimate change-of-subject for when you didn't know how to recover from an awkward conversation moment.
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Posted: Tue Sep 30, 2008 6:05 am
Ambroise was an individual who was rarely phased by much, if it was not a direct insult upon his character then he treated every conversation in much the same manner. If a topic was not protected through a necessity for it to remain private then he would address it. There were few questions that the stallion couldn't answer, what made things more interesting was that he didn't even flinch. A mare could enquire about his herd, or she could declare her love and the response would be along the same line. The tone was always the same and generally speaking, the answer was predictable...
Nevertheless, she had certainly been direct in her approach. His mother would have been proud at the angle that had been used though. Enquiring about children was the best way to discover is a male was unattached. However, Elizabeth was fortunate in the sense that Ambroise doubted that had been her intention. She had merely used logic to make an assumption based on him - perhaps if he had been more sociable he could have had children!
That being said the stallion wasn't adverse to siring miniature versions of himself. He understood that it was a part of life, but given his upbringing he was also well aware of his firm belief in a functioning and healthy family. This is where things became complicated for him, he could raise a foal with ease but dealing with a mare was another matter. They constantly demanding some form of attention and he couldn't provide it - his preference was to carry out his duties and to meditate in peace. As a result of such things (and his experience in the Kawani Lowlands) he was more than happy to remain a bachelor while his brothers continued the family line.
However as the mare made reference to the weather he did arch a brow. He was accustomed to subject changes but really that was very blunt. She had been enquiring about his family and then had reverted back to the weather? Such topics generally came at the start of a conversation as opposed to in the middle - wasn't that how this idle chitchat thing worked?
Mares were a mystery.
"The temperature is certainly decreasing with each passing day," Ambroise agreed after a few moments, choosing to merely accept the mares urge for a conversational shift. He would let her lead such things, it was easier to respond than to offer up alternatives. "And the wind has a renewed bite to it as it drifts down from the northern regions - but we have been prepared for a number of wings so the impact of such things is low." He nodded towards his brother who's coat hadn't quite puffed out just yet. With a lack of much of a winter coat, Fenghuang would probably one of the creatures who would feel it most.
"Ask me again in a few weeks when winter has set in and then I will be able to offer a sufficient answer. Winter is decidedly more awkward than Autumn."
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Posted: Tue Sep 30, 2008 9:04 pm
If Elizabeth had been aware of Ambroise's viewpoint of what was and wasn't personal conversation, she likely would have saved herself some embarassment and marekind as a whole the stigma of another insipid stereotype. She didn't know any of that, though, and consequently continued on as she was, primly polite and gracious while talking on about something as mundane as the weather.
And for a few minutes, she felt that they actually managed. "Well, it's fortunate that you all have time to transition. I've heard that there are some Soquili that prefer the winter and the cold; indeed, my oldest friend absolutely loves the briskness and blood-rushing that comes with cold weather. I myself feel he's a bit excessive in his opinions, but I'm sure you can agree that the winter is not without its positives, awkward as it might be as a whole."
Having reached that point, though, Liz trailed off once again, filling the silence with another mouthful of grass. Outwardly, she was the picture of placidity, chewing with ladylike daintiness; inwardly, she was wondering if there was anything else that could really be spoken of at the moment. After that woeful faux pas regarding his personal life, she didn't feel justified in asking anything more regarding himself or his herd; by accompanying her on her little detour into the weather without comment, Ambroise had shown himself to be even more of a gentleman than before but most likely felt she'd taken leave of her senses.
Best to take a breather for a bit. For all she knew, she might have talked the stallion to the near-edge of his patience; after all, hadn't Fenguang mentioned that he didn't talk much? Maybe he'd been waiting for a chance to have some peace and just been dealing with the incessant questions because he was polite. That might very well be it.
Well, the least she could do was honor that wish, she mused. If he wished for silence, then she couldn't certainly respect that!
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Posted: Wed Oct 01, 2008 1:10 pm
Ambroise was capable of dealing with many questions not through constant social contact but moreso through constant badgering from his family. One might say that the patience of a saint was required to deal with certain aspects of his herd. Thus, her questions were not something that bothered him overly much given that they were tame in comparison to some he received. However, had he known of her discomfort he would have been very quick to apologise for any misdemeanours. He had always had such a problem, overly concerned with ensuring his family's name remained intact and that their behaviour in public was admirable.
He had to set an example of this.
Nevertheless he could do nothing more than not slowly in agreement to her comment. As a winter foal he had been thrown into the deep end from the get go. Snow was something he had learnt to walk and run in, cuddling up to his parents for warmth until his coat thickened was something he had accepted. However he was more than happy to admit that he loved such a season, there were many miracles hidden within the depths of the slopes and while some slumbered during this season there were other, rarer treasures to be had when the passages became almost inpassible.
Winter was his love.
Alas she soon fell silent and set about grazing and he chose to lull in to silence himself. A respite from constant conversation was always something the stallion would embrace. He wasn't particularly hungry himself and as a result he refrained from dining. That and he wasn't particularly fond of the idea of eating in public - it didn't have to make sense but it was just the way he was. Instead he set about observing his younger brother who had finally calmed himself and was wandering back to the grass patch.
A bounce, a leap and a hop; and the colt was soon back with his brother and the mare. It was then that he inspected his meal before 'diving' in, nipping at the grasses with manners that left much to be desired. Really if any semblance of manners could be found in his behaviour then Ambroise would be getting married today. The colt was loud, smacking his lips and the gods knew well enough that he would talk with his mouth full if someone spoke to him.
Ambroise could do nothing more than roll his eyes.
"Fenghuang, chew with your mouth closed," he ordered.
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Posted: Wed Oct 01, 2008 9:32 pm
Watching Fenguang was nothing if not amusing, Elizabeth had come to realize. Between his goofiness, chattiness, and his general enthusiasm, he could no doubt make even the stodgiest of Soquili laugh and forget their worries; he was definitely good at distracting her!
After the conversation between herself and Ambroise had petered out, she had spent a few moments mulling over ways she could have worded things better or topics that would have been more appropriate. Obviously she needed to brush up on her conversational skills...that, or find more strangers to talk to. Both would be a good step in the right direction, but she had to smile as she acknowledged (even to herself) that having both was downright implausible. She was such a kidder...
But those thoughts had fluttered off as Fenguang burst onto the scene, and she soon found herself smiling and shaking her head at what were undeniably terrible table manners but equally undeniable satisfaction. She knew that she didn't have anything to prove, but she DID like knowing that she had been able to provide satisfaction, small and simple as it was, to at least one of the guests in her charge. Ambroise was a bit of an enigma; he had been polite and well-mannered, but Feng had mentioned earlier how reserved and detached his brother was and she didn't doubt that she had been a bit of a trial with her incessant stream of questions. Fenguang, on the other hand, had been nothing if not happy and enthusiastic in his conversation, his capering, and now even his eating. It was rather endearing.
Even when Ambroise broke in with his correction, Elizabeth maintained her soft smile of amusement. He was so cute...THEY were so cute together, in fact. Family was a delightful, wonderful, magical thing; different personalities or not, they still 'fit' as a unit.
However, she kept such musings internal; after all, it was her 'overstepping' that had almost got them upset with each other before they'd even met! The last thing that she wanted to do was end on a sour note, not when this had, for the most part, been an otherwise (mostly) enjoyable interlude.
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Posted: Sat Oct 04, 2008 11:49 am
Fenghuang was very much like his mother in that regard, though she had manners. His enthuasiasm and sociable behaviour was thanks to the continued encouragement of parents, siblings and herdmates alike. Such personalities and quirks were cultivated where he came from. No personality was spurned unless it jeopardised the standing of the herd - if one was upset they would find sanctuary, if one desired company they would find a party. The only time such a place became hostile was when violence and unrest were afoot - then, one might say the most brutal aspects of the herd were revealed...one of which was Ambroise's ruthlessness in regards to such issues.
Really, the herd needed such enthuasiasm for times of extreme danger. Optimism and the power of positive thinking were very important to them and outweighed the dark intentions and strategies used to protect every member. It was a matter of balance (or so some would argue) but most liked to assume that it simply made the more approachable. A happy soquili was much more entertaining to be around. As a result, Fenghuang was usually happy to varying degrees. Currently, one might assume he was on some form of sugar rush.
Alas if one were to look at both brothers together they would truly see both sides of the herd. The enigmatic behaviour of Ambroise could be interpreted as the more guarded and protected aspect, while Fenghuang's openess and love for life demonstrated the outwards appearance and behaviour. They fit so well because they cancelled one another out, Ambroise's strict behaviour was often cast aside by Fenghuang (albeit gently) in favour of fun... though he did take certain advice into consideration. He would be a diplomat when he was older, that was for sure.
That being said it was a shame that Elizabeth had opted not to pursue any other topics. Ambroise was an individual who relied on others to lead the conversation. Her decision to fall silent had ended it abruptly - no doubt he would understand her choice and desire to maintain her manners but it had perhaps been one of the rare opportunities to find out more. If all else failed, perhaps one day she could grill Fenghuang - the gossip.
Nevertheless, as the stallion made certain that his brother was comfortable and eating, he did lower his head and snapped at a number of the grass tips himself. It was more out of the need to remain polite than anything else but even he had to admit it tasted good. His expression of mild surprise should have been enough to indicate this, though he said nothing in relation to it.
"Ooooh, this is real nice - tastes real different from what we have at home," Fenghuang announced. Admittedly his words were a little jarred and unclear as he continued to eat. "You know a lot of neat stuff, I bet - like the best apple orchards and everything, right?" the colt continued with a grin. It was with a look from his brother that he made a very loud swallow so that he no longer had to talk with his mouth full.
"What other things has this place got other than -"
"As pleasant as Miss Elizabeth's company is, we have no more time to explore. You will return home after you have eaten."
"Awwww..."
"And I suggest you find an appropriate way to apologise on the way, no ifs or buts," Ambroise added. He raised a brow as Fenghuang pulled a face but it was clear that the child wasn't going to argue.
"Bet she knows about some really cool stuff though," he mumbled.
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Posted: Sat Oct 04, 2008 12:51 pm
It was true what they said; no two Soquilis were alike. What was regarded as nosy and offensive to one might be embraced and encouraged by another, might even be regarded as the highest compliment! For the sake of Elizabeth's 'cultural understanding,' Ambroise might very well have been a gold mine. A willing gold mine, even, if only she had wished to take advantage of that fact...
Yet she couldn't regret this meeting; she had learned more than enough to satisfy her curiousity and provide a new perspective on mountain life; besides that, she had met a Soquili whose sense of propriety was even more impeccable than hers and a foal whose enthusiasm was enough to make her feel like a young thing herself. She would miss these two when they left, short as the meeting had been.
And if Ambroise's words were any indication, it was coming to a close even now. Still, it wasn't in her nature to try and delay the inevitable, so she merely gave the pouting foal a smile. "Well, perhaps some other time I can give you the full tour, Fenguang, the next time you are here WITH permission. We can consider it a fair exchange for the tour you'll someday give to me, if I manage to make it up to your lands." With that, she walked up to Fenguang and gently rumpled his mane, touching her horn against the top of his head. "In the meantime, remember that you are hoping to develop into a true Stallion of the Islagiatt, so do your best to listen to those that already are."
Having said that, she stepped back and gave the foal another fond look, then smiled at Ambroise as well. "I hope that this excursion into the Lowlands has managed to leave at least a passably decent impression on you, Ambroise; though the reason for this meeting was perhaps a little atypical, it has been a sincere pleasure to meet both of you. Hopefully your northward journey is peaceful and timely, and your return ends the anxiety of all your family."
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Posted: Sat Oct 04, 2008 1:16 pm
Elizabeth certainly had a way with words and had made quite the impression on the little colt. She had humoured, encouraged and very gently 'chastised' him for his behaviour to a degree. However she had addressed him in such a manner that it didn't feel quite the same as when his brother did it. He was able to accept this mild critique much better from her, simply because she was subtle about it. In the short space they had known one another, she had been firmly imprinted on the colt's mind and wouldn't be forgotten easily - she was both pretty and nice...just like the mares of Islagiatt.
As if to show this, he puffed out his tiny chest and tried his best to mimick his brother's smirk. Really, a serious and combative [removed](or any form of posturing for that matter) looked very peculiar. Few would be able to take such an expression serious, in fact the only ones capable of such a thing would probably be another foal! Ah but even so, she had planted a little dream in his head and encouraged him to pursue it, she'd simply confirmed his want to be as strong as 'Anuie'...though maybe not as serious. "Right!" he agreed with an enthuastic nod, making a mental note of her promise to show him around the region at another date. Admittedly this would probably be when he was an adult and wouldn't that make for an interesting surprise!
"Don't ever change Miss Lizzy," Fenghuang declared, lifting his nose up to nudge her's lightly. The typical boyish smile was back on his lips and the twinkle had returned to his eye. "You're a real special sort, real nice - you know?" With that he shifted his gaze to his brother, swooping down he then picked up another mouthful of grass and trotted towards Ambroise, chewing as he went.
It wasn't the most approved of farewell.
That being said the spotlight had been cast upon Ambroise at that moment and after a few moments of silence as he watched the exchange he finally cleared his throat. Having been adressed in such a manner, he had to be entirely honest with the mare. She was the only mare of considerable note he had met in the lowlands and suffice to say, a single meeting with her had not cause his impression of the lands to change.
"I cannot say my opinion of the land has changed but you have certainly instilled some hope within me," he offered quietly. It was perhaps the closest he would come to a compliment. He may not have enjoyed where he was but the company was something he would have again. "It was a great honour to encounter you, Miss Elizabeth and I wish you well in your endeavours," he chuckled at this and tilted his head to the side, glancing towards his younger brother.
"Islagiatt would be honoured to guide you through the slopes should you ever grow curious," with that in mind, he gave his brother a slight nudge and pushed the foal ahead of him. A bow of his head towards the mare and he soon followed. He had no complaints about this encounter, though she was perhaps one in a million given the nature of those that did exist in the lowlands....
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Posted: Sat Oct 04, 2008 1:32 pm
A slight bow of her own was Elizabeth's response to Ambroise's, a laugh her response to Fenguang's. "I'll do my best, Fenguang, but we'll have to see what happens. Farewell!"
With that, she stepped back and watched as the two started off, smiling slightly before she resumed her grazing. With any luck, she would see them again someday; otherwise, though, she would have some very pleasant memories to fall back on.
This had been a pleasant day, indeed.
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