|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Fri Feb 25, 2011 4:04 am
He was certainly going to have to get creative to get his point across! Blind she may not have been, but unsuspecting, most definitely. His little gifts would be considered just that, gifts between friends that they could enjoy together and share. If they were to be regarded as anything else he was going to have to be far more direct about it. Even if he were to start doing more bizarre things, it wasn't clear as to how the mare would respond to them - she may even consider it a prank!
Nevertheless it would be a matter for another day, if he chose to wine and dine her then he would have to be creative and direct about it. Fortunately for the male in question she was reasonably receptive to such things once she was fully aware of the intention. She may have accepted that courtship was unlikely on a personal level but she didn't at any point, regard it as impossible. In a manner of speaking; nothing was 'impossible'.
She settled in to her little grove, finding a comfortable spot to rest and support her limbs as he spoke. She lifted a brow at the initial explanation and had to confess that she was a touch disappointed that he hadn't been an apple thief. In her mind, she would have loved to meet an apple thief, as it stood it seemed they only existed in little stories as opposed to being a genuine criminal. This aside, the truth behind his younger years quickly became much more interesting than the concept of a reformed apple thief and the mare's eyes widened a little.
"Was fairly evil?" she enquired softly, "Does that mean that he's now dead?" she continued. She had never been privvy to the full details, the only times she'd really met Penance was when he had been in search of a trinket or two for Numi. Consequently, she'd never heard the full story or had the opportunity to ask about it - however, the time had now come and he was giving her at least little bits and pieces of information...enough to paint a different picture at least.
"That's quite the coming of age story," she murmured, "Though I suspect the consequences weren't all that pleasant..." she mused before hazarding a small smile. "I don't mind the details, it helps to paint a much more accurate picture and gives me the opportunity to appreciate things for how they really are rather than what the imagination can produce."
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Jun 17, 2011 7:17 am
((Ok. I'm gonna be kind of vague in the telling of the story, since my goldfish memory doesn't allow for a lot of details. xD It was long ago, and I might mess some stuff up. So feel free to ignore any glaring errors and put in the proper story as follows. ))
Azuell appreciated Honey's desire to know more about him, and his past, but he couldn't help but feel a little worried. The story was something he liked to try to forget, as at the time it had been a great source of stress, aggravation, and even borderline hate. It also might not look good that they had tried, in all purposes, to kill his own grandfather! Not only did that speak of insanity running somewhere in the family, but it what did it say when kin turned against kin?
It had been a completely jacked up affair, but at least it was over and long in the past. At least it was something while, he would never forget, was something he didn't have to focus on any longer. That was more than enough adventuring, especially for a quiet soquili like Azuell!
"Well, I would say Kiyoshi wasn't fairly evil. He was very evil, no doubt about that!" The young stallion gave a small snort of irritation, proving then and there what he thought of such dark-hearted individuals. "From what I recall, as I've done a lot to paint over this dark time, was that he had tried to turn my brother and I over to his side. I have heard he was a possessed creature, but there is no doubt that had an unsavory sort of personality. He liked power. He even had found allies and did his best to raise his own little army.
"While Kiyoshi had always been a threat, after my father did his best to dispose of him before we had been born, he came back to get us. He wasn't easy to kill. We may not have gone to such extremes, but he wound up kidnapping a handful of mares, my brothers intended one of them!" Given, Numielle wasn't terribly difficult to snatch given her lucid state of mind, but it had driven Penance mad. Especially when they stumbled upon her pregnant, and the lies Kiyoshi wove!
"Long story short, my brother and myself had to confront him. It wasn't an easy battle, nor was the outcome particularly pleasant, but it had to be done. He was a threat to my brother and and I, as well as our family. Blood relation or not, his presence couldn't be tolerated any longer and we had to do what we did." His blue eyes had hardened as he spoke, considering everything that had happened. It was that battle where he had picked up his necklace, the orb dim and and lifeless, but proof of a victory. It wasn't something Azuell wanted to repeat.
Glancing up at Honey, he heaved a small sigh and added. "You see, Kiyoshi is, biologically, my grandfather, to add a convoluted twist to the story. Not that I would ever grant him the honor of such a title, but it is true that there is some blood between us. He isn't a threat any longer though, and if I had to do it all again. Well. I would. Evil like that shouldn't be allowed to fester and grow and corrupt." And that was that. So he had a sensitive spot in regard to the evil of the world. He was just as prejudiced as his father, even if he was willing to give a creature one shot at proving their intentions. The moment darkness entered or they were caught being wicked was the moment Azuell drove them from his life, and if necessary, from theirs as well.
He just had no tolerance for the wicked, twisted or corrupt. Though he was small in stature, and often construed as lazy or lackadaisical, there were some moments where he was anything but. He was strong, he had trained well under strict guidance, and he was not afraid to get his hooves dirty when push came to shove. It wasn't a side he was proud of, but it was there, and he knew the buttons that had to be pushed to get him to such a state.
Glancing back at Honey, his visage softened again and he gave a small shake of his head. "Thankfully though, all of that is in the past, and isn't something I'd want to repeat again anytime soon. It made for a colorful beginning, but I much prefer the peace and quiet myself." Well, at least she knew the truth, and he was glad she had been interested. But he was worried about her response. Was it too much? Some mares might be put off that a suitor has some shady ones in the family. . . but. .then again. . .she didn't even know he was here to court her so . . . uh. . .well. . . .
Maybe it was all right. But that would bring up the fact that his courting was turning more in to a snack and conversation! But that was an all right way to start, right? He didn't want to push himself on her, and DID want to get to know her. So this was a good start.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Jul 05, 2011 1:44 pm
[[xD We don't need essays, I think it's safe to say we both know the jist of it and can assume Azuell gives as much info as he's comfortable with. If he elects to be selective I really wouldn't blame him for that!]]
Honeycomb had lived a sheltered enough life and while this might have seemed peculiar in her given circumstances, violence and drama hadn't never really been a part of her. It was certainly true that her father often wandered off to explore the wider world and as a result, generally left her unattended at a young age, but she had always been well cared for (and he'd made certain of this) even if she hadn't realised. Suffice to say that the family unit she had come from protected their own very well.
Consequently, she listened to his story with interest but struggled to empathise with him on any great level. It was a fairytale in her eyes, something so bizarre that she had trouble fathoming how it could exist. As a child she might have raised this question directly, however, age had wisened her and there was something in his eyes that indicated that this was no fairytale. The pale mare may not have understood what he had been forced to endure and it was doubtful she ever would, but it was a key part of what had shaped him.
...She'd leave the 'white knight' parallels out of it.
Especially since it was the primary colour he possessed!
Nevertheless there was a considerable pause after he had finished his tale, a moment in which she gave herself time to digest the details and ponder over what they meant. More importantly, it gave her a chance to figure out how she should react, which in itself seemed to be far more critical than digesting the immediate details! She didn't want to come across as too blase, it would indicate she hadn't considered the weight of the tale, but at the same time she wasn't horrified or full of pity either. As her father had always said, 'somethings in life just happened. There was a reason behind them but there was no guarantee any mortal would ever understand them.'
"I'm assuming that your brother and his chosen are in good health as well," she observed at last, taking a moment to look him up and down. Despite what he had been through, he had coped well and it showed - he wasn't battle hardened by any means but he had the inner strength and resolve. "It's unfortunate that you had to go through something so severe, it seems the spirits pursue unusual methods when shaping some mortals who enter their sights," she smiled wrily and shook her head.
"So - that in mind," she paused for good measure. "Did your love of food come before or after this? One might assume that after such a dramatic state of affairs you elected to pursue a more languid lifestyle."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Jul 08, 2011 9:53 am
Azuell didn't hold back much of the original tale. There was no reason for him to hide anything about the incident, though he made sure he was tasteful when it came to explaining some more edgy details. Ultimately though, Honey was left with a rather vivid tale of his youthful adventures, even if it were an adventure he hoped to never repeat. It was what it was, after all, and it certainly did help shape the sort of stallion he had become!
"Ah, yes, Numielle and Penance have been well together. They've three foals their own, all long since grown, and are just as smitten with one another as when they first met." He had remembered meeting Numielle as a filly, though she had been strange and more than a little quirky. He also understood her family life had been a bit of a train wreck, but she seemed sweet and innocent enough. That was something naturally ingrained in her . . . and she certainly adored his brother!
Azuell wouldn't bring up the matter of Esper, though. That was a private affair and was something even he couldn't entirely understand. Numielle and Penance's family life was far from perfect, the same with the stress and tension between their sons, but . . . . that was neither here nor there. Esper and Nocturne would eventually work out their differences, or so the pale stallion hoped.
"For the most part, life in our family has been quiet and well. I've always had a great fondness for food, though I must admit, I think my appetite has grown exponentially since the great battle of my youth. My father seems to be touched by sloth during most days, and I inherited a bit of gluttony." Azuell' blue eyes were bright with good humor as he spoke, not at all ashamed by admitting his weakness. "Mother always said there was no shame in a healthy appetite. . and I dare say it has yet to ruin my figure!" This was true enough. While he was small in stature, he was well built with muscle and continued to keep himself healthy and trained. He was no soft or pudgy stallion and those who took his petite stature as a sign of weakness were fools.
"Ah, but I'm focusing far too much on me this day. In reality, I came here so I might get to know more about you." This was indeed the truth, for the pale mare had been on his mind ever since meeting her near the shore. He wasn't entirely sure why she resonated so well with his soul but the reasons didn't matter. He was here, and he had a mission and desire to learn as much about the mare as possible . . .provided she didn't object to his company. "What was your life like as a filly?"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Jul 14, 2011 1:58 pm
Her life as a filly?
Azuell posed a tough question for the mare who had lived a life that didn't have anything of immediate note. She'd experienced very little drama in her time and while her family had been subject to some, her father had shielded it from her. She'd experienced no malice and despite her own vulnerabilities and quirks, nothing terrible had ever really befallen her. All things considered, she had very little to speak of when it came to her childhood and all that she had experienced. Suffice to say that it was in striking contrast to what the stallion had experienced.
Consequently, the mare opened her mouth and then promptly shut it again as she attempted to discern the best response. It was questions like these that always had a way of making her stumble. It was no wonder that so many individuals hated any line that even remotely related to 'so, tell me about yourself?'
She could sympathise.
"You know what?" she began at last with a wry smile, her expression becoming sheepish. She shook her head a little and fixed her gaze on the stallion before continuing. "I'm not even going to bother with trying to paint a dramatic or exciting picture of my childhood, I'm just going to be honest and the first thing I can say is that there's...no way that I could ever compete with a past like yours..."
"I experienced a fairly average childhood, it wasn't very exciting and nor was it boring. My father liked to travel and always brought home trinkets or foreign foods for me to try, but for the most part I never really got into any trouble or harm," she took a breath and chuckled. "I think the only time that something exciting happened was when my father was teaching me to swim and a Kelpi thought I was drowning," she grinned a little, remembering the owlish expression on the water stallion's face.
"At most my father separated from his lifemate and when I reached adulthood he found happiness with my step-mother, with the exception of that I don't really have anything of note," she cleared her throat and rolled her shoulders in a lose shrug. "I apologise if you were expecting something mroe interesting?"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Jul 15, 2011 11:58 am
Azuell watched as the mare considered his words. He was somewhat surprised by the struggle she appeared to have, and part of him wondered if he had been in the wrong to ask. Surely he hadn't committed some social faux pas in inquiring of her life. . . .they had talked about his, and while he could have continued to chatter about his unusual but beloved family, it wouldn't have been fair. Besides, he truly did want to know more of Honeycomb's life, history included, and the only way to know was to ask.
Hmm. Perhaps he should have started with a different topic, perhaps?
Thankfully, Honeycomb finally admitted what the problem and struggle seemed to be. Honestly, the stallion couldn't believe that she seemed concerned that her stories didn't add up to his own. Honestly, outside of his family quirks, and the battle he had experienced as a youth, his life was terribly dull. . . .
Honey hadn't a thing to worry about if she was concerned that her life might be dubbed mundane or simple. "First off, you need never apologize over your history. I promise, I didn't expect you to weave some sort of tapestry of drama, much less a story compared to my own. Your history is just as important as mine, and comparing the two would be like comparing fir trees to birch. The important thing about your history isn't how exciting or adventurous it had been . . .what's important is that it helped shape you in to the mare you are today." He wasn't trying to be patronizing, not at all, he just couldn't believe she was apologizing to him about her story.
"Secondly, there is certainly nothing wrong with a solid and quiet upbringing," he added with a warm smile, blue eyes bright. "If you think my life was full of stories, you'd be sadly mistaken; outside of the upset with Kiyoshi, there is very little more to note.
"Besides which," he added with a flick of his tail. "I had asked. I wanted to know your story, regardless how simple or quiet you may consider it. It sounds to me as if it were an ideal sort of foal hood, though I am sorry to hear of your father and mothers separation." That was something Azuell had never needed to worry about. While his father still could sport a temper, and his mother seemed to know how to push all the right buttons to start a fight, he also was well aware how much the two adored one another. He couldn't imagine either one leaving for any reason . . . .much less as a permanent solution.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Jul 23, 2011 1:53 pm
He had come off a touch patronising and her eyebrows had lifted in response to the brief lecture she had just received. If he had anticipated that she was guilty over her quiet upbringing, he was mistaken in this but it was an amusing turn of events. It was certainly an opporunity for him to show off his philosophical side, and the older mare did have to admit that his attempts to reassure her were adorable. Perhaps other, younger mares, might have regarded this as a wonderful speech, they certainly would have if they'd been seeking approval!
It should have come at no surprise that a smile began to tease across her lips, and while the mare made no attempts to interrupt, it would have been evident that he'd bitten off the wrong end of the stick. She certainly wasn't offended and her amusement should have made this apparent, or at least she hoped it made this obvious. However, rather than promote any misunderstandings she did feel that she was at least obligated to clear up one or two points...
"While I'm glad you are not so naive as to assume that everyone has as dramatic a history as your own, I must profess that I feel no guilt at having a quiet and uneventful one," she reassured him, her eyes squinting a little as her smile reached them. "Rest assured I'm well aware that it helped shape me into who I am today, if it hadn't then I would never have lived on a beach," she pointed out wrily. It was at this point that she paused, pursing her lips at little. A mild readjustment of her stance and she seemed satisfied to continue, apparently her pause had merely been for comfort reasons rather than affect.
"Additionally you have no need to apologise for my father's separation from my mother - they were not happy together," she continued and shook her head. She seemed neither upset or happy about the issue, her tone was too the point and otherwise neutral, suffice to say that if she'd had an opinion on it then it had dulled by now, the separation had happened such a long time ago. "Now I am under the impression that both are much happier in the company of new partners; I would sooner they were separated and on good terms, than that they were at each other's throats day in and day out."
Practical, but it worked.
"Alas you know my story to at least some degrees in this respect, if you wanted finer details then you would have to be more direct," she murmured, her voice taking on an encouraging element to it. "I do not excel at the 'tell me about yourself' questions, I prefer people were nosey and simply asked whatever it was that they desired - if I am not comfortable answering then I can simply decline... You know?" With that in mind, she fell silent again and fixed her gaze on him. Perhaps he would ask something else, if he preferred not to, then he was always welcome to change the subject!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reply
