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 Posted: Wed Jun 02, 2010 4:26 pm
She listened, but she couldn't say anything he said really stuck. It wasn't that she didn't care, but so close to the flock her attention was more on their surroundings and less on the stallion. She was straining her senses, listening for the approach of her sisters. They were bound to show up sooner or later, and she didn't want to be surprised by their appearance.
The thought crossed her mind that one or more of her herd might show interest in the paler stallion, and she would have to be prepared to defend her catch. She'd made up her mind to keep him, and she did not share well.
"I would imagine young ones would take rather quickly to you. If you sang lullabies to them, that is."
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Posted: Wed Jun 02, 2010 8:57 pm
What an odd sound. . . Most peculiar, really. Lifting her head, the shadow female felt the feathers of her head lift in curiosity. She canted her head this way and that, tring very hard to figure out what exactly was making such a noise. . . Now and then trinkets clattered, some of her chosen treasures made fun sounds as well. . . . but bells were a rarity. Some of the entertainers used them, but Azshara herself had yet to find one in the wild or obtain one all her own.
With the ease of practice, her earlier nap was forgotten as she swiftly clambered down her chosen perch, bounding softly but swiftly toward the source. Voices could be heard amidst the soft jingle, and Azshara caught two scents; one of Zahraa herself, and the other . . . male. . . and not at all like any of the slaves she'd met!
Azshara gave a soft chirp. While it sounded like any other bird of the woodlands, she knew her fellow sister would easily recognize it. . . . This way, in case Zahraa wanted to be alone or continue uninterrupted. Young, Azshara was still intimidated by the commanders of their Flock. . . the leaders. . . Even some of her guardian and more aggressive sisters caused the young harpy to hesitate.
She had a soft heart and everyone knew it. But as far as she could tell, there was nothing wrong with it so long as she could defend her sisters and herself. Clambering back up in to the trees, Azshara perched softly and waited . . . She caught sight of something very bright amidst the foliage and hoped upon hope Zahraa might allow her to join them.
Curiosity and a desire to learn and know would always be her downfall.
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Posted: Wed Jun 02, 2010 9:35 pm
"Y-young ones?" Was that the reason the mare was leading him away? To entertain her children until it was meal time.. Or perhaps as a captive baby sitter until they tired of his tales. If they were in baskets it would be fairly easy for her to go hunting, but once they emerged if she was to get them food she would have to leave them behind.
He smiled somewhat nervously, chuckling, "I'm sure I sing them Lullabies.. And I could tell them stories from all over the world... Tell them of art and plays. Shakespearean prose. Songs and dances.. Though I'm still practicing those.. But I know some simpler ones they could learn...."
Be more useful alive then dead. That's the best way to survive till you can escape. Even if it takes a few days, she'll drop her guard... He trotted in place slightly with a snort in a nervous little dance of sorts, uncomfortable in his own skin, just waiting to see where she was taking him and knowing they weren't there yet.
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Posted: Wed Jun 02, 2010 10:05 pm
White eyes turned back to the male as she spoke, but the pristine points of her ears continued to swivel, paying close attention to the sounds of the forest around them. "Well that would be useful if there was currently any young to entertain." The nests of the nannies were all currently empty, and not one of her sisters was pregnant. It was odd, though with the dying off of most of their males in the journey from their previous home it wasn't all that surprising. There had simply been no time as of late to think of such things. But now that they we settled in a new home...
The familiar sound of an unassuming chirp made the commander look up, keen gaze scanning the surrounding trees with great interest. She knew that call, knew exactly who it was, and knew she wouldn't have any trouble from this particular sister. From the corner of her vision see watched the stallion shuffling his feet nervously and it pulled a cool grin along her lips.
The answering chirp she sent back was different. Longer, with a soft trill, surprisingly soft for someone so hard. She moved to step beside the male, pale gaze shifting around to the many openings between trees, and even heavenward, for one of her sisters could easily come from the canopy. It there were any others around they'd make theirselves known now that she'd called.
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Posted: Thu Jun 03, 2010 5:09 pm
Azshara found a broad smile crossing her features as her commander sang her response. It was one of affirmation, an allowance for her to approach if she so wished. One last final chirrup in reply and the young female deftly bridged the distance between Zahraa and herself. The young harpy purposefully allowed herself to make a bit of noise in her approach, allowing her feathers and tail to stir up some foliage in the trees above. She had no need to use the ground, not with the trees so close . . .
Allowing the 'captive' to notice her arrival, Azshara clung to the limbs of a tree above the pair. Her dark coat helped her blend in to the shadow, but the white of her feathers was a stark contrast. Ever so slowly she stuck her head out of the tree, white feathers ruffling lightly as her blue gaze danced between Zahraa and the stranger.
A male stallion. . . and such a bright colour too! Strange bells were laced around his body, bells that caught her eye due to their shiny nature. What an exotic pet to be found! Still, she quickly averted her gaze in deferment - not to him, but towards Zahraa. She wasn't going to presume this slave was free for all. . . and she certainly didn't want to get on the commander's bad side by her curiosity of him to be thought of favor or desire.
No. She'd just as happily gaze upon Zahraa, certainly. But curiosity was transformed to starry-eyed awe and, most importantly, respect. She knew the way of her herd and those stronger, tougher and in control both feared and wowed Azshara. "Greetings, commander," she spoke reverently, her voice soft but still a bit young. While Zahraa might be tough, hardened by belief and training, Azshara was quite her opposite. Still, her smile never waned and she began to remove herself slowly from her perch. "Welcome home."
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Posted: Thu Jun 03, 2010 6:24 pm
As the two communicated from a distance with Chirps, Cabriole's mind was racing rapidly.
Wait.. No young ones, but she had said... If there are no young ones, but she's expecting some for me to entertain, but she doesn't appear to be pregnant, that would mean..
...Oh....
... Oooh. Well, this is... This is Awkward. And an understatement. But wait.. Then who was the We she wa-...
His eyes widened as he spotted Azshara in the tree's, his heart sinking to the bottoms of his hooves, .....oh. Well- At which point his mind went on a spree of swearwords as the blood started to run from his brain and pounded instead in his legs.
Too afraid to run, knowing it would be death, he danced place again, needing to move, I'm not going to be going home... I'm trapped. I'm truly trapped. Oh spirits.. I need to warn others...But.. I.. How...
After a few more moments, he slowed to a tremor, lowing her head as he began to sing -- not because of his usual nerves ,or because he wanted to sing, but because it carried through the distance further.
It was in Latin and to the tune of greensleeves. If Cappela, his father well trained Raven friend, was around, he could hear the song, and translate it for his father. He thanked the sun and the stars for Cuauhcoatl's lessons, and simply hoped they wouldn't kill him for the sad sounding tune.
At least before the encoded message got out.
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Posted: Thu Jun 03, 2010 6:53 pm
The swivel of a pale ear caught the final chirrup and followed the faint sounds of Azshara as she moved above them through the branches. Aware of her location up until the moment she stuck her head down from the foliage. Pale eyes watched the younger mare's attention snap to the male, and it traced a covetous grin along Raa's lips. If she'd had any doubts before as to whether or not she intended to keep the male as her own, they were cast aside now.
The interest Azshara showed in her prize pleased her, but the respect that followed pleased her more. She liked the younger mare. If she were perhaps a tad too curious for her own good, it was countered by her respect and general easy nature. "Greetings to you as well, Azshara, and thank you."
The increase in volume and intensity of bells drew her attention back to Cabriole, a single pale brow arching curiously at his fidgety dance. The thought accord then that perhaps he'd assumed she was the only one, and she couldn't help but laugh softly. "Your presence has made my new pet very nervous, Azshara." She kept her eye on the male, but moved to the darker mare's side. Watching quizzically as he began to sing again. Another prayer maybe? Considering his current situation, it made sense, and she couldn't exactly blame him for seeking the help of the divine. Of course..
"If you behave yourself, Stallion, you will have nothing to worry about." Raising her voice, she cut off the song. Lowering her head as she stepped forward to look him in the face. "I do not like my possessions marred or unkempt. I cannot say the same for my sisters. You would do well to remember that."
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Posted: Thu Jun 03, 2010 7:25 pm
Was that . . . a song? Music!? The smile that suddenly painted Azshara's features caused her blue gaze to glow in delight and rapture. What a prized pet indeed. . . not only did he come with the softest sounding bell, but he sang! His voice, for being a male, was quite pleasing to the ear and Azshara felt her tail twitch a bit with excitement.
Oooooh . . . . if only all stallions were so talented! Ah, but those that were would (of course) be reserved for the Queen and her officers. Not that Azshara really wanted a pet at this age in her life, nor was she even inclined to desire having some stallion . . . she had her sisters, who else did she need? Still, that didn't mean that someone who had musical attributes wasn't appealing, even for a man.
How lucky was Zahraa' . . . How lucky indeed.
"Wow," she murmured, obviously quite impressed. "You certainly reaped the rewards of a good hunt!" She grinned, smiling easily up at Zahraa before twisting her ears and focusing on the melody. It was soft, sad, and he kept moving about. . . . Perhaps she did indeed make him nervous! "Oooh . . perhaps he's shy?" She giggled softly - it wasn't in mockery or humor at his pain, just the poor situation. If he wasn't happy with women and if he were shy, he certainly wasn't going to be shy for long. "Unfortunately if he' nervous now with jut me, wait til the other see."
Still, she fell quiet as his melodious and upset melody was interrupted. Pity really. . . it was quite pretty.
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Posted: Thu Jun 03, 2010 11:11 pm
The song ended in a bit of a yelp, The golden stallions eyes refocusing on Zahraa', and he promptly sat down firmly on his rump as his mind raced, trying to remember how much of the song he had gotten out. He hummed softly in agreement with the pale mare, nodding rapidly to show he understood while finally landing on the last part he had sung.
He got a good part out. And he knew it was loud and low, being able to travel through the woods and across the open water of the river beside them.
Cabriole only had to hope someone could hear and translate his words that would be able to keep others, especially his father, from being preyed upon.
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Posted: Fri Jun 04, 2010 10:17 am
Satisfied that he understood the current situation and was wiser then to cross her or run, Zahraa' stepped back with a nod, returning her attention to Azshara. "That's the second time he's sung. I imagine it will be something of a regular occurrence." Rose and turquoise fluttered at her rear as she spread and resettled tail feathers, laying them down neatly once more. They'd been mussed by the chase, and she'd been more focused on their surroundings then in fixing them, but now that Azshara was there she was relaxed enough to worry over vanity once again.
Grinning proudly at the other harpy, she chuckled softly, glancing over her shoulder at the poor stallion. "He is something of a catch, isn't he? It is quite fortunate that he stumbled within ear shot." She needn't have mentioned that his bells had been what had drawn her. She was sure both Cabriole and Azshara knew as much.
She couldn't help but laugh at the darker mare's observations. She was right. If he was freaking out now with only one of the gentlest of the Flock, how would he far in front of the queen or the other more callous sisters? It was an amusing thought, to say the least. Of course she wasn't willing to share him, not for amusements sake. None shall be permitted to touch her new pet but the queen herself. Speaking of the queen..
"Should we get moving again? I'm eager to show of my conquest." She made a step in the direction of home, and the vine that still bound the stallion to her grew taunt. Hopefully he'd get the hint to get back to his feet and follow.
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Posted: Sun Jun 06, 2010 12:36 pm
Azshara continued to look between Cabriole and Zahraa'. It was quite fascinating how some of the older females found slaves and pets to call their own. The variety within the herd, while currently small, was always quite diverse. Part of her wondered if it was pure taste, or if the females selected only those that came too close. She'd never really asked. . . And were other herds the same? There was much about the world Azshara didn't understand. . . . but she'd learn, someday.
"Thankfully he has a pleasant voice," Azshara quipped happily, pleased that Zahraa' didn't seem to grow upset or angry at her earlier observations. Azshara was young yet an still wasn't very good at filtering her thoughts and ideas. "I don't think he'd last long if he continuously chirrped off-key!" Heck, some of their sisters who were less blessed in the art of song had it difficult enough! A slave would probably be eaten alive, especially one that refused to keep quiet.
Cabriole wouldn't have such a question. "Do you have a name for him, or is he just your Songbird for now?" She questioned, giving the peach stallion a curios look even as she questioned the Commander. "If you weren't already the envy of many, I'd say with this new pet you might very well be!" It was a compliment to Zahraa's good looks and her position. . .
Thankfully Azshara wasn't sucking up. She was just stating the obvious. She had no desire to rise in rank and she certainly had no interest in Cabriole outside of his songs and history. Still, she knew no other, and hoped that she too might find a slave just as worthy someday. . . .
Maybe. For some reason finding slaves just didn't seem to interest her. Her sister assured her in time it would but until then she'd be happy to continue her studies of the world and her sisters.
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Posted: Mon Jun 07, 2010 4:09 pm
Cabriole's heart dropped into his stomach, ears drooping back further at Azshara's stating they might hurt him if he sings off key.
If they tried to make him sing on cue, he wouldn't be able to. He'd learned as time went on if he thinks about things, he couldn't do it. At least when it came to song and dance. While he had managed to train his voice over time to not be as off key or sour as it was a foal, he was no where near the rich tones of his father. And his feet kept getting tangled when he attempted to dance as his mother and father taught him.
Hefting himself up to his feet, he attempted to bow politely despite the tightening of his neck and the awkward tangle around one of his front legs, "...My name, m'ladys, if you so desire to call me by it, is Cabriole Amachi, from the fledgling herd of Yectenehua... H-h-however, you are free, of course, to call me Songbird if you wish."
He then pulled himself upright from the bow, fighting off the instinct to shake the vine from his leg to instead take a step to follow Zahraa', giving momentary glance with sad, heartbroken eyes, limping slightly since the vines prevented him from walking properly.
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Posted: Mon Jun 07, 2010 4:38 pm
The crest of her mane fluffed at Azshara's words, and she slowed, turning slightly to grin at the younger harpy. Zahraa' had an ego, and she certainly enjoyed a good stroking. Some in the Flock had learned over time that some silver tongued flattery was a nice way to soothe the commander's vicious temper. Vanity, thy name is Raa'.
"Is there any wonder why I've taken a liking to you, Azshara? I can't wait to see the look on Celaeno's face." Features twisted up into the satisfied curve of smirk. She and the other commander had always been rivals. Friends as well, but they competed in all things.
She made to turn back to towards the path home when her new pet spoke, drawing her pale gave back to him. The white peaks of her ears twitched forward at the mention if his name and herd, or rather former herd. She could care less where he came from, but she had wondered his name, and he'd just saved her from having to ask it later.
"Cabriole then, move along." She kept her gave on him as he rose from the bow(a very appreciated gesture), brows narrowing slightly at the sorrow in his eyes. She wasn't completely heartless, she recognized the emotion and took no joy from it, but she wasn't going to release him either. The most she was willing to do was make the remain walk back to the nesting ground comfortable. Circling back, she dropped her head to snap at the vine tangling his front foot. His neck was still bound, impending his movement served no real purpose.
Exhaling sharply, she passed a gaze to Azshara, twitching her head in the direction of home, indicating they should move on. "Let's go see the queen. I'm eager to be home and settled again."
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Posted: Sun Jun 13, 2010 10:26 am
Azshara said little, though her head feathers did fluff out a bit in pleasure at Zahraa's words. To know that the commander had taken a liking to her pleased her greatly. . . . Even if it were a surprise. As far as the young harpy could understand, she was mostly a nobody at this point, and the aggressive commanders and Queen, though they knew her by name and sight and sound, didn't give her much thought.
So to be told she was liked. . . well. . . . Azshara could only hope she stayed on such good terms with the leading Commander (and perhaps someday future Queen).
So . . .the songbird taken in to slavery was known as Cabriole. He was a herd stallion, which caused concern for her. What if his herd came to seek him out? They were unlikely to give him up and Azshara was certain violence would ensue. Still . . . Weren't these things the Commander and Queen knew and understood? It was up to them to work out those details, and it wasn't as if they were the first herd animal to enslave.
Still. . . . The curiosity within Azshara burned. She wanted to know why he had such a flowery name, what his herd was like, and if he had a family or offspring to call his own. There was so much about the outside world and this new territory she didn't understand . . . perhaps the songbird would know?
"To the queen!" She chirrupped, though Azshara was uncertain if she'd be allowed to stay. She really just came to help escort her sister and Commander, to see what new shiny she had brought, and to sedate her curiosity. Still, she would leave until another came to take her place, or perhaps, until she was quietly dismissed. Having never caught a slave of her own (and secretly having no interest to do such a thing) Azshara wasn't entirely sure on the process. . .
She'd learned about it, yes, but had never gone through it on her own.
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Posted: Mon Jun 14, 2010 9:43 am
The fact they had a queen made Cabriole's heart sink further into his stomach, giving him a case of heartburn in the process.
The walk into the territory was fairly uneventful, Cabriole humming softly to try and calm his nerves. Then he started to notice the signs of nests. He hesitated for a moment before the noose on his neck tightened and he continued his move forwards.
He had to have hope. This was the southern most part of a fairly large herd, according to his father. He'd simply have to try and survive long enough for them to discover the harpies and the fact he was there against his will, and he'll have a chance to escape. For Rescue.
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