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 Posted: Fri Jan 02, 2009 10:40 am
Ooooh, so he had been in competition with hsi best friend? It seemed that every male developed such bonds through common interests. Admittedly she was only accustomed hearing of subjects relating to 'strength' as opposed to beauty but... She squinted her pale eyes, inspecting him closely as he spoke in detail about his relationships. He was certainly a handsome stallion, with lucious locks and a strong physique she could fully understand how he would be capable of competing in a battle of appearance. That being said, to find an even match was even more fascinating to her. Her Grandmother had told her there were beautiful creatures in the lowlands but she'd never suspected they were that beautiful!
He had painted a number of unusual pictures in her head, images of stallions as tall as him with hair that fluttered in the wind. Deep, considerate smiles on their lips and twinkling eyes. Alright, so it was certainly the mind of a young and naive girl. She was harmless though and as were her assumptions of how Guilian looked. What mattered most was her willingness to accept his explanations both of his family and his friend - more to the point it sounded just like a...
"Oh it's like a fairy tale!" She gasped softly, ruffling her wings against her sides as he unveiled that his best friend's son had fallen for his own daughter. It was as though the fates had very gently drawn them together to provide them with a lovely and happy ending. Granted she had no idea of the disputes both children may have had with one another but alas... It made her smile, she was satisfied with the outcome of that story and could only hope she'd be just as lucky!
"How did you test each other's beauty and strength then?" she enquired curiously, "Races, contents...what?"
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Posted: Fri Jan 02, 2009 1:39 pm
When she compared it to a fairy tale, Ariston could only laugh for many wonderful moments. "Don't worry, I'm not laughing at you but at the sheer beauty of your sentence. If Loveless and Antony were to hear THAT remark, they may fall over!" But, when he considered it as a possibility, their relationship could certainly be fairy tale like. "The two of them may never admit it, but they've been through so many struggles and dilemmas that to find love and overcome all odds may very well be like a fairy tale. I suppose for those that believe in love and fairy tales it really is a nice story to tell!" And hey, his daughter was happy. That was all that mattered, since love didn't really matter in his point of view.
"As for Guilian and I, we used to just boast about our looks and go and bother mares together. Looking back now, I feel awful for all of the mares we'd pester about who was prettier and whatnot. But as you could imagine, most of the mares enjoyed the competition since it meant giving them attention, so I guess everyone won. But eventually Guilian and I realized we were both allowed to be astoundingly good looking, so yeah!" It had been awhile since he'd talked so openly about his looks, but it wasn't hard for him to boast. And he was sure the mare didn't mind too badly.
"As for competition, I'm sure what I've done is much different then what the males in your own herd participate in." Most boys were fighting each other in bouts of strength and intelligence. But Ariston and Guilian were clearly an exception. "I guess it depends on the stallion and his preferences. As for you, what kind of competitions do you participate in? Or rather, are there any you fancy just for fun?" Did girls participate in competitive activities? He really had no idea!
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Posted: Sat Jan 03, 2009 7:45 am
Puchi was an avid believer in true love and fairy tales. She had been brought up in a herd that could tell so many to her, each different in their own ways. From rakes being tamed, to lovers reunited after many years in solitude. Oooh, if she had hands she would've written so many novels by now but alas, the most she could do was carry the tales with her and recount them. She'd never met anyone who had no understanding or failed to believe in something so valuable as love before and so, when he made his remarks she did tilt her head to the side through curiosity alone. How was it possible for one not to find such a warm connection between themselves and another individual - wouldn't it be lonely?
Choosing to push the thoughts to one side for a little moment, she addressed his other remarks and listened with avid interest to his explanations of his competitions. She couldn't say she'd ever found herself the centre of attention before, nor had she ever experienced such competitions. Nevertheless the idea of judging who was prettier was a little uncomfortable to her, she would have rather not upset anyone! She would never have been able to give a sufficient answer and would've spent most of her time trying to make them see they were equal in beauty. Alas, this was perhaps why she remained so innocent and untainted by the touches of a male - she just didn't get it...
"I don't really do competitions," she mused softly and ruffled her wings, gently caressing her sides as she spoke. "I don't like for there to be winners and losers, so long as others smile that's all that matters!" She pointed out merrily and rolled her shoulders. Lulling into silence for a brief moment, she thought back to a few of the games she had played though. Her brothers had been competitive (in their own ways) about these games but she'd simply taken part for the fun of it. "Although when we were little my Grandma used to send us on treasure hunts and ghost hunts - one of my brothers always used to want to get their first to win but I just liked playing the game you know?"
It seemed like a reasonable answer to her!
Nevertheless no sooner had she lulled into silence again than her previous thoughts returned and she lifted her pale gaze to give him a very pointed look. Closing the gap between herself and the large Kalona, she lifted her nose up slightly in an attempt to be 'eye to eye' with him and furrowed her brow ever so slightly.
"But...Don't you believe in love?"
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Posted: Sun Jan 04, 2009 9:24 am
He sort of wondered what her siblings were like, but he imagined they were as calm and collected as she was. Or maybe they had their own urges for competitiveness like other boys had! That was the fun thing about siblings, one never knew what personalities they could find on a daily basis! "Well, competitions aren't for everybody. But games, I'd say we all can enjoy and have fun with those." Even if the games were different for each individual, they were still games!
He did an internal chuckle towards her grand question, and he was expecting some sort of retaliation on the subject he so openly brought out. Although Ariston was many things, he wasn't a liar. He could never lie about the fantasies that others mused over, and about love existing in his heart and stuff. And, as much as he felt bad bringing up his own topic of the issue, it was probably alright for the mare to see that everyone was different in their concepts of love and happiness. "I know that love exists between my close friends and my children. But I don't rely on some of the romances that others enjoy having in their lives." There, that was a very mild way of explaining it, since there was no reason to break the mare's spirit. "I think the nice thing about this land is that we all can be different and have our own sorts of ideals. And I guess in my case I am an idealist for other kinds of things. I dunno, I just move along in my own fashion!"
Ariston was getting used to always explaining himself. And in truth he didn't mind it. He wanted others to be more open as he was, and to always understand just how many personalities existed in the land!
"And, just because I don't fancy love, doesn't mean you shouldn't! I think love comes and goes for all of us, but some individuals enjoy taking a shot with it and just seeing what will come of it!" And for him, he just went about focusing on other things and qualities!
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Posted: Sun Jan 04, 2009 10:51 am
Nothing was going to deterr the young mare from seeking out her fairy tale in some form or another. She wasn't ready for it yet, believed her family when they told her it would come her way eventually and so lived her life the way she enjoyed it most. She embraced every opportunity she received, marvelled at every new sight and developed a love and admiration for a variety of things. However, the concept of one turning their back on love in favour of other things was certainly a concept the mare struggled with - it wasn't 'normal' for her and for a brief while her brow furrowed.
By the sounds of it he could appreciate love, he understood that it existed between individuals but... Popping her lips she took a step back. No sooner had she got him into her full view that she chewed on her lower lip and seemed to drift into her own thoughts. By the sounds of things, it wasn't that he didn't know what was - he just simply refused to embrace it. In a manner of speaking she couldn't help but wonder if he chose to act in such a way because he didn't want to become embroiled in the drama, angst and pain that some affairs brought.
...Then again, wasn't that what life was abaout? Someone had told her that a while ago.
"Are you afraid of it...?" She asked at last, her words weren't meant to be deliberately deep or probing. However the mare wasn't one who had grasped such things as of yet and as such, remained honest in her queries and in her curiosity. He may not have fancied it but she felt that he was missing about and more to the point...how could he have had children without love in the first place?!
"I know some people are a little afraid of it, but you shouldn't hide from it or ignore it - you know?"
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Posted: Sun Jan 04, 2009 11:13 am
Ariston chuckled openly this time and glanced into the mare's eyes. Still so young and innocent, she had so much to discover through the world and for herself. He supposed fear could have been a good excuse, but that was far away from why he did what he did. "I'm afraid I don't deserve love, and I've always managed just fine without it." He lowered his head then to nose at the ground in thought. "A sin shouldn't and could never love, and I respect that philosophy."
Ah, the sins. With all of the horrible Soquili that now roamed through the land, Ariston and his kin were rather outdated and hardly scary. And in Ariston's eyes, that was fine. He could do what he wanted, but he would always remember what he was in destiny. "I think one of the greatest gifts I could have asked for was my daughter finding her own kind of love. Here she carries my blood and someone else's who has sinned, and she was still able to overcome it all. Now that's strength, you know?"
Loveless was a good example of destiny not really mattering. But Ariston still considered Loveless' destiny to be as crazy as it really seemed! "I feel awful for the Soquili that do fear love, but at least the ones who do tend to overcome their fears eventually. But I know what I must do in my own destiny and I am ok with this all." he smiled at Puchi and knew it was probably complicating for her to hear this all.
"I really didn't want to smother your mind with all of my own nonsense. But at least if you run into another sin you'll know what the heck they are talking about."
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Posted: Sun Jan 04, 2009 12:41 pm
"Well that's just wrong," Puchi announced with a snort. She wasn't often so abrupt, but the moment the words escaped his lips she released a tut and flexed her wings in such a way, that had she been human, she would have promptly placed her hands on her hips. She'd heard a lot of wierd things since she'd left home to explore and while she'd promised to be careful, to respect others and their opinions...there were simply times when she couldn't agree. She didn't like confrontation, but he seemed like he was open minded enough and wouldn't take things too poorly. It was just unfortunate for her that he saw her as innocent and naive, when some of the observations she made were really quite true.
"Everybody is allowed to be loved, that's the way the world is. It doesn't have to make sense at all, but you can't be refused such an emotion simply because of 'destiny'." She fluffed up her wings again and stretched both out to lightly cup hhis nose. Her lips pursed and for a time she merely observed him before offering a warm smile, he was a silly one, to believe such things. Yes he was!
"Fate always provides an individual with options and you aren't the only one who has sinned," she pointed out wisely. She was surprisingly astute for one who didn't truly understand what it was to be in love, nor the relationships that came of it. It was testament to her childhood and to those who had raised her - they had ensured she had much to learn, but there were moments of true clarity when she needed them most. "You don't always have to walk down one path, everybody makes mistakes...everybody 'sins," she shook her head again and drew her wings away from him. Personal space was another concept she hadn't quite grasped yet.
"We're not gods, it's impossible to not be bad sometimes and that's okay!" She gave a nod of encouragement and released a wistful sigh. "You shouldn't think you don't deserve it when you do and you shouldn't miss out on the opportunity or you could regret it in the long run!" She finished, puffing out her cheeks as she ended her mini speel. She truly believed what she had said and she'd been told before that love came in many forms - destiny or not, he shouldn't have been forbidden an emotion so important as that.
Innocent she may have been, but she could be an observant one sometimes...even when she herself could barely grasp the weight of her words.
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Posted: Sun Jan 04, 2009 1:03 pm
Puchi was entirely right- but such an explanation was still hard for Ariston to fathom. He couldn't imagine being stuck with one individual for the rest of his life- the thought seemed ridiculous for his own tastes! But even still, whether he liked it or not he didn't have to follow 'the rules' as strictly as he did. The reason he always hated the thought of true commitment was because it was never an option. But alas, times were a changing. He wasn't sure if he himself could follow such freedoms and changes if for years he was so committed to his sin-hood.
Even so, Ariston lifted his own wing and patted Puchi's head ever so gently. "Thank you." he first said, with a light tone. "You words are encouraging and even awe inspiring. And you know, I'll mull this all over. I can't say that I can just change myself in an instant. But I'll try and look at love differently then what I have before." Hm, it would be weird, but Ariston had all of the time in the world to figure his life out how he wanted it.
"I guess I've always atoned for my sins this way. But I guess everybody does their own sort of sinning and atoning differently." He wondered why Puchi was believing in him so much, she knew nothing of some of the horrible pasts he carried. Sometimes he'd try and forget them, while other times he'd be reminded of why he chose to never change himself into a good stallion. He was what he was. And the thought of one mare was absolutely terrifying. But alas, he wouldn't become a negative no-no especially since Puchi had devoted her time to helping him!
"May your heart go to someone who deserves it one day." he then added, with a wink of fun. "If I won't let you down in my self adventures and discoveries, then you don't let me down too ok?"
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Posted: Sun Jan 04, 2009 1:24 pm
Puchi smiled sheepishly as he claimed her outburst had been awe inspiring, but the more he spoke the more she smiled. Her wings ruffled against her sides and as he brushed his wing against her head she raised her nose to nuzzle at it encouragingly. Old habits died hard, routines were hard to change and patience became a valuable quality to possess when in the process of one who wished to find themselves...or an alternative to the way they currently lived. Puchi, through her travels had been told this and had seen it first hand to the point that she didn't expect miracles overnight but she was happy the stallion would consider her words and hopefully he wouldn't turn his back on such connections and relationships.
He may have been a soquili of sin, in possession of a terrible past and he may have strived to atone for it in some form or another. However, one couldn't wander forever in purgatory when they were still alive. Forgiveness and redemption could be sought in time, but they came when the Soquili was ready and were not gauged on how much he wandered or forbade himself. It was fine to be sorry about the bad things you had done, but to show that... you had to live your life in a way that had proved that. To Puchi, he could have been bad in the past but the fact he was so nice, so considerate and so patient now...proved that he had changed for the better.
...And he could change again, just a little - if he saw fit.
Perhaps he would never settle with just one mare, but so long as he was capable of developing those relationships and savouring the deeper emotions that came from them, then that was all that mattered. Afterall, not everyone's fairy tale endings were the same - some had their Prince Charmings, where others simply found wealth or survived a dazzling adventure, right?
"My heart is for everyone," she replied at last and gave a giggle. "I promised to make others smile, and to do that you share a little piece of you each time," she gave an astute not and furled her wings to her sides. Her head tilted to the side though, and as he made his offer she seemed to consider this - though the answer was obvious. "I'll keep sharing my heart, because everyone deserves a smile," she promised gently.
"Just so long as you promise to try hard too!"
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Posted: Sun Jan 04, 2009 8:41 pm
"Well, you are quite generous aren't you? Though, one day you'll find someone who will soak up you're entire heart. Do you think that will be ok?" he chuckled then and imagined it all in his mind. He could see Puchi traveling all over and bringing happiness to the saddest of personalities since it came so naturally for her. It was sort of like a gift! "Hehe, but knowing your personality, I'm sure you'll find a way to still spread smiles as best as you can without flaw. That's pretty amazing if you think about it." He had no doubts that Puchi would go far and meet so many soquili. And, if something terrible like heartbreak were to arrive, Puchi would survive easily from all of the bits and pieces of her heart around her.
"I suppose I should thank you for allowing me to chatter away as we have. Always remember how knowledgeable you are so you can help others without worry." Puchi probably helped others without even knowing or thinking about it! "I admit, I have a lot to think about, and its been awhile since I've thought like this. But I only wish you could walk away with that same sort of feeling from my own words." he paused then, and tried to backtrack from his previous sentences.
"Oh, you have romantic adventures to look in to. That was probably the only new and exciting thing I brought about in your mind." A more hearty laugh developed in his face, and he shook the thoughts out before glancing at her carefully again. "And always watch out for competitive males since you never can pinpoint exactly what they are competing for! But I'm sure your siblings have already taught you that sort of thing."
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Posted: Mon Jan 05, 2009 3:01 pm
Puchi wasn't ready for love, she wasn't one to doubt or worry over what the future held or the likelihood of her own fairytale ending. She wasn't like other mares, she didn't obssess over settling down or finding a mate from the moment she had left her home. On the contrary she had sought out more friends and had explored regions beyond her home that hadn't previously been available to her. While she was curious as to what 'romantic adventures' might have been, she knew in her heart of hearts that she just couldn't give away her soul to someone just yet. She had so much to see, so much to do and frankly...Well, she hadn't any idea what love was.
To her, that emotion only went so far as to embrace her friends and family and while she was terribly fond of each, not once had she felt such a pull that she needed to be with them at all times. She had yet to experience that draw, that temptation and no doubt her father and uncles remained content regarding this knowledge. Infuriating as it might have been to whatever admirers she made have gathered as she explored, she simply wasn't receptive to their courtship or the pressures they might apply because she simply didn't understand.
...Maybe someday someone would explain, but not now.
For the time being she was happy to remain oblivious to their charms and to continue to spread her love throughout the Kawani without a true grasp on how much it was appreciated or the affects it had.
"I told you before that everyone deserved to be loved," she pointed out with a tiny giggle, tilting her head to the side as she absorbed his words and gave a smooth reply. "It isn't generous at all, it's something that everybody should try to do - smiles are infectious you know, as is laughter and it's good to laugh," flicking her tail against her flank, the poofy and petite mare pursed her lips and released a soft sigh. Unfortunately she knew what his words meant though, they were the same as every other she had heard before relating to the subject. When conversation waned and the other creature's tone 'drooped', it usually meant that they were going to leave her.
Oh well, his company had been nice at the very least!
"You're leaving...aren't you?"
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Posted: Mon Jan 05, 2009 8:25 pm
Oh my. Apparently his take on the situation was much different than the mare's own. They had just discussed some very relevant and important matters, and had also made promises to each other to work hard in their own ways. By Ariston's own senses, he guessed that meant they would part and think about what had been said. But, maybe the mare thought otherwise? If this was the case, he suddenly felt sort of silly. He was already tense from the truths that had been brought out, so to hear more doubt in the conversation was icky for his brain! He didn't want to keep messing up, but that seemed like a good momentary pattern in his life.
"I wouldn't consider it leaving." he then said, while pushing a smile out on his stale-feeling face. "There's just a lot to think about about on my end, and I thought it may have been for the best." As much as Ariston was a socializer about himself, his life was going in a direction he wasn't sure of. And now he could determine what was best for himself since he had the time and ability.
He didn't know what he wanted. Sure, it was easy to just push the mares words away and laugh. But he didn't feel like doing that right away. He wanted to consider his emotions for a moment, and figure out what the hell he wanted! That was easier said then done in most scenarios, but today was different. He just needed to think it all out, even if he hated thinking as a prospect.
"I'm sorry if it seems sudden, but I'm sure you understand." It wasn't like him to put words into other soquili's mouths, but he felt it necessary. "I am still incredibly thankful for all you've done, so thanks again for lending me your time and kindness." he bowed his head down smoothly and surely, and raised his purple eyes to take a look at Puchi once again. "Your smile is indeed infectious, and I will walk away with a smile just from meeting yours. So good luck on your own adventures, m'lady, until we meet again!" Until then indeed... what ever was he feeling at this moment? He couldn't figure it out. But it was sort of nice, he was in a state he hadn't been at in awhile. So he endured it and made it somehow satisfying...
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Posted: Tue Jan 06, 2009 5:33 am
He wouldn't consider it leaving and yet he was going away, really the logic of some soquili baffled her. Nevertheless as he continued to explain what he meant, his expression softening with each word, she finally began to see it. Whatever she had said had left him with a rather big impression, had lulled him into deep thought and as a consequence he needed his space. She couldn't really say she'd ever done that to anyone before, or if she had, they must have hidden it well until she had heard the call of the wilds and had continued on her journey of discovery. In a manner of speaking it was refreshing to hear another speak so plainly, but at the same time maintain their dignity and manners - sin or not, he was a very special soquili in her opinion.
"I guess you're right," she agreed at last, her smile arming more still as she watched the changing expressions on his face. He may have been decidedly more mature than her, but even she could see the youth that remained in his eyes. While he'd forbidden himself certain things in life, he'd still lived well enough up until this point to ensure he stayed handsome - no aging from stress present here. "Sometimes it helps to have time your own, so..." she gave her rump a wiggle and bopped his nose lightly with her wing as he bowed again.
"If the spirits will it hopefully I'll see you again soon, but until then," she tilted her head to the side, the smile on her lips growing just enough for her to giggle. "You're already a daddy, so you already love very, very deeply. That means your babies love you too - don't deny yourself that anymore, okay?" Having said that, she unfurled her other wing to inspect it closely before gathering her composure and placing a distance between herself and the stallion. Her pace wasn't particular quick as she returned to her musing and poking about for creatures and plants of interest but when she had finally reached the 'wall' of trees again she did lift her head and glance over her shoulder.
"Good luck!" She called and with that, seemed content to wiggle her way through the smallest gap in the tree (though it wasn't terribly convenient) and then continued on her way...
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