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 Posted: Sat Jun 28, 2014 9:34 pm
Ballad concentrated on picking his way through the tangled roots of the forest, ducking the occasional branch while trying to have a care and not unseat his chastising passenger. For the most part he was successful, though now and again he could feel Minstrel shift or take a better hold of his mane.
"So what you're saying..." Ballad mused, amusement building in his tone. "Is you're really worried about my lovely Lady chastising you for not following me to an early grave?"
He teasingly shook his head, just enough to jostle the hummingbird. "I should have known the only thing you were really worried about, was you!"
"Here now, Ballad!' Mistrel scolded when the stallion shook his head, the tiny hummingbird hooking his claws tighter in to the black and silver strands he gripped, and wings fluttering frantically. The movement only lasted a moment, but it was still unsettling. "That is enough of that out of you!"
When the shaking stopped, he resettled, fluffing his feathers and muttering to himself for a moment before resuming the conversation.
"Not true at all, my friend." Mistrel argued, a touch grumpily. "What I was trying to say before I was so rudely jostled was that I am worried about the only thing either of two gentleman should worry about! Upsetting a lady."
The stallion considered his words in silence for a moment, and then nodded. "You know, Minstrel? I will give you that, you have me there."
Upsetting a Lady, indeed.
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Posted: Thu Jul 03, 2014 7:09 pm
***
"I can't wait to see their faces when they realize." Whistle smiled as she picked her way through the woods, excitement speeding her steps back to her mate. She missed Ballad when they were apart, fiercely no matter how short the separation lasted. It was a legacy of their struggle to be reunited again in this land, a lingering wound on her heart. But today it eased slightly, now that she was on her way back to him.
Not only had she enjoyed a lovely visit with her son and his new Lady, but the day had ended with a rather miraculous little surprise as well. Wandering through the glades had paid off, as she had encountered some of the wild songbirds on her journey. As Whistle was prone to humming as she traveled, she had attracted the attention of the youngest, who also appeared to be a sort of refugee from Whistle's own homeland. They were friends within moments.
As such, Whistle now moved back toward Ballad with a new companion perched between her ears. Her steps were light and dancing as she moved through the woods, a legacy of a joyous heart.
"I'm sure you'll adore them when you meet them." She murmured to her new companion, taking care with her steps but maintaining speed.
"Are you sure they will not mind that I am with you?" Aria trilled, worry in her tone as she fluffed her wings and tucked herself closer to one of Whistle's ears.
"They will be very glad to meet you, I promise." Whistle soothed. "Just as glad as I was."
"Good." Aria murmured, and relaxed, allowing herself to bask in the joy of finding her own Soquili companion. "Because I am very glad to have found you too!"
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Posted: Wed Jul 30, 2014 1:58 pm
Ballad turned at the sound of rustling in the brush, ears perked forward hopefully. When his mate did not materialize out of the woods he relaxed, shifting restlessly on his hooves for a moment before progressing forward again. He would most likely make it back to the glade before she arrived, so she would not yet suspect he'd been out wandering as she visited their son. It was would be best if she did not find out yet, so the surprise he was trying to arrange was not spoiled.
"We are going to get caught." Minstrel sighed, sounding somewhat mournful. He rolled his bright eyes upward, staring at the sky in mute appeal. "We will be caught and in oh so very much trouble... And I shall once again say that this is all your fault and I disapprove strongly."
"No we won't." Ballad argued. "She was excited to go see Kel, she will not suspect anything. So try not to look guilty, and all will be well."
"How did you even know where to find the daughter she adopted when she first came to this land?" Mistrel muttered. "And arranging a-"
"Don't say another word." Ballad muttered. "I'm not sure where she is, and if you spoil this, we may not be friends anymore."
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Posted: Mon Aug 04, 2014 2:50 pm
Minstrel sighed, shaking his head and fluffing his feathers. The hummingbird was usually of a serious nature, which he maintained even has he teased the Soquili. His tone pitched to be appropriately mournful, he considered Ballad with as much disapproval as he could muster. "I warn you, if Whistle get's mad at us, we may not be friends... I shall take her side the first chance I get."
Despite the serious tone and expression, the stallion could tell his familiar was joking with him. Though Ballad did believe that Minstrel would take his Lady's side, he couldn't blame his friend for that.
With a shake of his head, Ballad laughed, giving a rueful sigh. "I am not sure I blame you at all there, Minstrel. Because the way you see it, her side would be the winning side. Correct?"
"Among other things, yes." The hummingbird agreed with a flip of his tail and a poke to the stallion's ear. "Ladies do tend to be the winners in most arguments with us, which I am sure is part of the reason they engage in such an exercise. As for you, I am not sure why I go along with you in any of this nonsense.
"Friendship is a curious thing." Ballad gave a smile and a light shrug. "I am so glad you agreed to it... It keeps life interesting."
"I have no idea why I did." The bird countered. "I like you not at all."
***
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Posted: Mon Aug 04, 2014 5:08 pm
((For Ballad & Whistle visiting Dyani please see: Post Within Social Fayths ))
~:Author's Note:~
A Year has passed.
The baskets mentioned in the RP following are "nonexistent" for all intents and purposes. As is the Skinwalker mentioned as the "villain".
While Ballad & Whistle have been in Soquili for 5 and 6 years (respectively) they have not yet won a breeding slot. No Soquili foals were harmed in the traumatizing of this couple. This is partially for the character growth aspect, and partially to explain why they have been so long 'here' without any foals to show for it.
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Posted: Mon Aug 04, 2014 5:13 pm
If she were honest with herself -and honest was one of Whistle's strong points, so that at least was unavoidable- the indigo mare would admit that she never expected to find a new home. While she was always aware -even with her lost memories- that she was searching for something... There had been something in her heart that didn't believe she'd have the good fortune to find a place that she would feel welcome in, feel safe in.. Safe enough to assemble her family and settle with her mate and raise children once again.
But they had, in this new place. This strange land with all matter of Soquili, both gloriously kind and terrifyingly evil. And now she had her mate by her side, and two of her sons in sight... And while she waited for the rest of her children to appear, she would concentrate on building a solid foundation for a life here.
***
Whistle smiled as she settled closer to her mate, taking comfort in his presence as she drifted off to sleep. At least she had Ballad, as Kel was wandering at the moment, content to follow his restless hooves. (She loved her son, but his habit of ranging far and wide over their homeland was exhausting at a time like this... With so few of her children within reach, it was saddening to know that those she did have were "away" or hated her.) At any rate, Kelakohr was away. Which left her, and her mate to their own devices, which was well enough.
'I love my sons, but I am ready for my family to be whole and at peace... And it appears that they are not yet ready to let go of the hate that divides them.'
Aria noticed when Whistle stirred, canting her head to glance around and ensure all was well. The glade was quiet and still with sleep, soothing the abrupt panic that had flared in the familiar's chest. Still, Whistle was awake and seemed to be thinking too deeply, so Aria lifted her head and gave a soothing trill of song. Not loud enough to wake anyone, but enough to show the mare she was not alone, to show she was concerned.
A softly inquisitive trill of music made the mare glance up, nodding affectionately when she noted the curious gaze of her familiar upon them. Nested beside Aria, Whistle could see that Minstrel was already deeply asleep, his bright aqua eyes hidden from view. She smiled fondly at the sight of the hummingbird, and the softly trilling murmurs he gave in his sleep. Aria seemed content, the trailing feathers of her tail swirled around her and her mate's different plumage pressed closed to her side.
Sensing her bonded companion's gaze, Aria stirred and shifted. The songbird fluffed her feathers and resettled with a faint nod to Whistle. Her mate was deeply asleep in their nest, pressing closer to her side at the trill of music she released. But the mare gave her a fond look, and she nodded in return. Knowing all was well, Aria gave a soothing warble, relaxing back into sleep as well.
Whistle sighed in content and tucked her chin toward her belly, settling as the foals with in her stilled. She was looking forward to expanding their family within the land, and was content in the knowledge that they were safe here. They were building a life here, and while not all of their relatives were found yet, Whistle was content that sooner or later they would be. Until then, she would live her life.
'Rest well, my dearlings... You will be here with us soon.'
***
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Posted: Mon Aug 04, 2014 5:17 pm
In spite of what others might have believed, it was easy for Ballad to leave his warrior past behind. He did not miss being a Prince or Envoy for the Herd, did not miss obeying his father's wishes and contending with his siblings for a place, for peace, for assignments or territory. The strength and the renown of the herd had been the highest priority, and the safety or peace of it was often left on the wayside in favor of that.
There had been too much orchestrated contention, too much tension and in-fighting when something didn't go a certain way. The Patriarch had thrived on fights, on his sons proving themselves as an extension of his own greatness. Ballad didn't miss that, didn't miss the familial war that waged behind the scenes.
In truth, he missed his siblings... And he missed the security of a complete herd, a strong family unit established in their territory. Granted, there had been elements that didn't get along, but overall the power of the herd had prevailed. And he missed that, as he waited for the arrival of his own foals.
***
Ballad smiled to himself as he peered back into the grove they had picked as their home, rumbling in amusement at the sight of his mate still deeply asleep. The indigo-coated mare lay in a peaceful arc, her mane and tail a dark spill of black and silver against the emerald grass. While they had both had a stressful day, he was sure Whistle's had been worse. Still, there were two small baskets currently housing tiny foals to show for it, so all in all the pair of them agreed it was worth the effort.
'Sleep well, Lady Fair. I will keep watch. And you two also, my lovely children...'
***
Perched on a tree just a little bit above the nest that still held a sleeping Aria, Mistrel kept watch in silence. His softly glowing eyes flitted from where the baskets rested in the curl of Whistle's body below, to the similarly peaceful view of his mate with her head tucked beneath her wing. All seemed quiet, restful in the night. In the distance was the chirp of evening birds and the buzz of insects. Beyond the grove he was fairly sure he could hear rabbits in the underbrush getting spooked by a predator. A fox or coyote perhaps? Not anything large enough to harm his charge, or the family.
Nothing to be concerned about, yet his senses buzzed... "Just prickly feeling."
He kept the words a low murmur, only for his own hearing. Ballad was stressed enough, restless and dwelling on the past. A past Minstrel knew enough of, though even he had not yet had all the story. Probably not as much as Whistle, then again perhaps so. Ballad shared his story in fragments, in moments when he felt peaceful enough to divulge the old stories. With younglings on the way he'd probably step up to be a warrior again, and less likely the peaceful storyteller.
'Oh well, my friend. One day you'll tell us the rest of the tale... And until then, I'll gladly watch your back for you.'
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Posted: Mon Aug 04, 2014 5:24 pm
Whistle smiled at the sight of her mate settled beside the two baskets, no-doubt whispering the stories he had once told Kelakohr and her other children. Her mate had shared most of them with her, but there were some that he had yet to share. He always joked certain tales were secret, and he could only tell her when all their foals had grown and had shared them with their grand-kids. She let him share or keep his secrets as he wished, she had one or two of her own.
But at the moment, her most treasured possessions were settled safely in that glade, listening to their father tell them bed-time stories. "Fayth and Angels, keep them safe."
***
The young Fayths settled within their baskets, drifting to sleep at the sound of their father's songs and stories... Stories about the great herd he descended from, about the family he was gathering to keep them safe and strong in this new land... Stories about the land in which he was born, with lights in the trees and magic floating on the breeze.
He spun them tales and encouraged them to dream, and promised to show them this land, their new world when they were ready.
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Posted: Mon Aug 04, 2014 5:32 pm
((Currently Nonexistent Skinwalker))
He had been hunting for quite some time, searching for something that would fill his belly and sate his need to hunt. The smaller prey of this land lacked challenge, bored him with their feeble attempts at escape. Even cornering a large buck lacked thrill, though the rake of antlers on his foreleg had left narrow furrows in his pelt and spilled sluggish blood down his paw. He had hoped there would be more fight in the creature, but the rest of the blows had been glancing and he had dispatched it without any great effort. Leaving him with a carcass to feed on and then abandon, once again searching for prey.
***
The scent of foals, tucked into a nearby grove of trees, attracted his attention. He ignored the scent of adult -faded and a little old- and licked his lips at the idea of soft, fresh meat. There were often two or three foals born to a pair, plenty for him to chase and feast on. The scuffle nearby would surely attract the adult's attention, which gave him enough time for a quick hunt. He would retreat and leave them heartbroken, but remember the glade so he could hunt them down later if he needed to feed. A grieving stallion might prove a challenge to fight and kill.
Entering the grove on silent paws, he huffed an amused laugh at the sight of two quietly sitting baskets, doubtlessly holding helpless foals inside. 'Oh, even better...'
***
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Posted: Mon Aug 04, 2014 5:38 pm
Try as she might, the indigo mare could not shake the rising sense of dread. The trip had promised to be a quick one, an investigation of the nearby territory with word of attack. More a patrol than anything, to ensure that no one unwanted had entered their territory. It was a precaution, necessary and with minimal risk.
But the whole way there and back Whistle's heart fretted. Seeing streaks of old blood on grass and trees, and the remains of a dead stag, she had not been sure what to think. Whatever it was was large, hungry and too close for comfort... But it had left this kill behind and she had no way to know which direction it had gone in.
Evidence of danger gained, she practically flew back to the safe glade where she had left her children as soon as she could.
'Stay safe, my dearlings.. I am on my way.'
***
Whistle stared at the blood-streaked glade, making a soft sound of despair in her throat as she noticed a scrap of fiber from one of the baskets. There were paw-prints that indicated a Skinwalker was the cause of the damage, with great raking furrows in the earth that appeared to be from claws. In the quiet glade the fresh drench of blood and a faint scent of terror were the strongest smells.
The purple mare when to her knees, collapsing weakly into the grass where she had rested safely with her foals only half a day ago. And now they were gone, eaten by a ravening beast but terrorized and tortured first.
"No... My babies... No."
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Posted: Mon Aug 04, 2014 5:52 pm
'Grief makes a heart heavy... And a heavy heart makes for heavy steps.' Someone Ballad knew had once told him that, and he had to admit the stallion had the right of it. Still, rage was a stronger fire in his blood, so he moved through the land on strides fueled by fury. A streaking blue comet, markings trailing light like a faint tail, in search of his stolen children.
Fearing he was far too late to save them.
A wordless indigo shadow, Kelakohr galloped at his father's back. This was a task for family, and Ballad had refused to allow his mate to attend, he was far too worried what they would find. Besides, it made sense for Kel to go, honestly. If they were found.. If they were still alive, it would be best to have a healer right there to save them, if they could be found.
Kel had not argued, loyalty and love making him eager to aid his sire any way he might. There was no real reason to refuse, Amiera was safely tucked away so he need not worry about her. Strangely enough, with her forthright ways his lady had managed to earn his brother's grudging respect. Between that and Aveshar's weird affection for anything that dared challenge him, Kel rather doubted his Kalona brother would let anything happen to his little wind mate.
'Such times make allies of stranger souls than we.' He sighed.
Knowing she at least was well, Kel continued on in his father's wake, his strides sped by worry and anger, his heart a knot in his chest. Was his family forever doomed to suffer sadness? Forever to be hunted, to be broken apart like a fragile figure dashed upon rocks.
Just when they were beginning to feel safe here, to build a life here, to welcome joy here... Once again he was forced to watch his parents lose children... Watch the chance for a new brother or sister be ripped away, this time at the paws of a monster. A shadow hunting for the sake of the kill... And of course, it had found its way to his family.
***
Ballad returned to his mate's side bereft, shadowed by their son Kelakohr. The two of them had tried to follow the SkinWalker's trail and the faint hints of the foals, but eventually lost sight of what route the predator had taken. Chances were the foals were dead, and the SkinWalker had moved on to better hunting.
"Whistle, we should go... This place is not safe."
Alighting on a branch with a low, mourning trill, Minstrel glanced around the area nervously. "Wherever they have gone, they are not in sight now. But the woods are more friend than foe, with a hunter like this. Aria is watching the trail for us to exit, but we should go... Before they come back."
The hummingbird fluffed his wings, anxious to be away. "My friends, my family, come now... We must leave. Let us get you to safety and we may all mourn together... But I would rather not lose any of you to these monsters claws. Come."
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Posted: Mon Aug 04, 2014 6:05 pm
It took significant urging from her mate to inspire Whistle to move. For several moment she just lay there and cried softly, agony a living thing in her chest where her heart used to be. Her babies, the first in such a long time, lost in a moment to a predator. They had been distracted for only a moment, drawn away to attend to the needs of a mare who lived nearby. But a moment was all it had taken for her to lose everything in her old life too.
Whistle eventually found her feet at her mate's urging, staring around the grove one last time. She was not sure she would ever feel at home here again, but for now Ballad was right... They couldn't stay.
"If there is any chance you escaped, my darlings... We will find you one day."
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Posted: Mon Aug 04, 2014 6:11 pm
"Come on, Beloved." Ballad murmured, nudging Whistle gently before turning away from the grove. He mourned more quietly than his mate, striving to remain strong for her sake.
But there was something like fury brewing deep in his soul, so he was almost hopeful he and the Skinwalker would cross paths again one day. Not too soon, since he rather hoped to move from a place of strength.... But eventually.
"We should go. Minstrel will show us the way, won't you my friend?"
"As ever, it is my pleasure to aid and to guide you." The hummingbird offered with a dipping bow before the Soquili pair. He tried to flash a bright eye as he spun, darting through the trees. "Quickly now, friends... A new home, a safer home, is waiting. Once we have settled, we can talk of plans."
Ballad glanced at the little bird that was something of herald and confidant and messenger and best friend, all rolled into one.
"You are so sure there will be a plan, Minstrel?"
"I believe there is a saying, good sir... Something along the lines of 'I know you'?" Minstrel gave the reply in his most serious tone, though in a way it almost verged on joking. Not quite, falling flat, but as close as he cold manage considering the recent blow that had been struck.
"If I know nothing else, I know you."
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Posted: Mon Aug 04, 2014 6:13 pm
((This Chapter is now Closed!
For a continuation of the Faythren Couple Storyline, please see below!))
The Bonds Of Family
((Elapsed Time: 1 Year))
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