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 Posted: Fri Nov 29, 2013 8:53 am
Fatal Irony Sorry for the delay! o_o; Feel free to have them reach the brook in your post.
"We were both caught unawares, I'm afraid. This attack was random, though that kalona had not been out to kill." He explained quietly, almost shamefully. Would Nita even trust him if he hadn't been able to truly keep her from harm? "He was young, perhaps even brash. I don't know what offense we caused him, or if he was simply deranged, but it's just as likely there was no reason for his actions." He heaved a small sigh, and gave a shake of his head.
"Often, no, the attacks of others aren't so sudden and meaningless. From my travels with Kaiya, we often entered territory and stirred the figurative beehive with our teachings. . . We purposefully sought out the deranged, the dark, and those that needed redemption most. But sometimes the spirits would send us a surprise, just as they did now."
He wasn't sure what purpose the spirits had in granting them a run in with such a beast, but here they were. The brook water could be heart, and Galahad was glad it would provide refreshment and respite. He would be on guard, just in case the kalona returned with friends, but he had hope the beast would leave them be.
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Posted: Sat Nov 30, 2013 5:24 am
Uta No worries dear! Alooot went on there for a bit XD Plus life and whatnot. <3
The mare nuzzled into him more, though strength was returning to her legs. The shock and awe from the encounter was rapidly leaving her as her heart rate slowed and her mind calmed. She heard the gentle trickle of the brook and focused on the calming sound. Before she knew it they were there, staring down at the water as it ran by. She lingered by Galahad, not out of fear but out of comfort. She enjoyed his warmth near her and his proximity. But thirst hit her hard so she moved away to take a drink from the brook, glancing back at him with a weak smile. Perhaps they could laugh about this one day - someday when she was stronger and these little skirmishes became nothing to her.
She dipped her head and drank in the cool water gratefully. Such a simple act and yet it brought her so much peace. Her heart had slowed to its normal pace, her breath had found her. She lifted her head up to the sky to take it in, too. It all looked the same as before the attack, and yet it was somehow different. After a few moments she looked back to Galahad. The light was fading fast as the sun began to dip below the horizon. Galahad stood out among the growing shadows, like a beacon of hope. She couldn't help but smile. "Perhaps you should teach me some fighting techniques so that when this happens again, we both can be ready?"
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Posted: Mon Mar 03, 2014 4:22 pm
Galahad was glad they made it to the brook without incident. Still, he let Nita drink her fill first, ears pricked, body tense, ever alert as time continued on. He didn't expect the kalona to return, but he'd been caught off guard once already, he didn't wish to be caught in the same situation again.
While he didn't understand the reasoning of the attack, he had long ago learned that sometimes, the purpose could not be so easily seen. What might be a lesson learned for the kalona could result in the death of others; what might be a small, offhand comment, could inspire another herd later. They were but singular threads, woven together into a tapestry, and at this point, Galahad was too close to see the full picture. Still, he had to trust the spirits that they had allowed the two of them attack for a reason. . .
At least none of them had been slain.
Green eyes drifted back to the mare as she spoke, glad that she seemed to be taking the attack well enough. Still, the stallion did wish to look over her wounds and bruises, to reassure himself that she was well. "I can teach you some basic tactics and maneuvers as we travel," he agreed with a little nod. "And we can build on it from there." Yes, it certainly wouldn't be a bad idea, given they were without protection of a herd. Additionally, Galahad had made some enemies during his stint with the angeni, and he had to wonder if any might make good their threats.
"But first, might I look at your wounds?" He himself was still bleeding, but it was of little concern. "This horn could use some gentler work, as opposed to defense."
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Posted: Sun Mar 09, 2014 9:36 am
Uta Perhaps their next RP can be him teaching her some moves? Just a thought smile Also watch me remember she's colorblind! YAY ME. Someday I'll stop forgetting like an idiot XD
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Posted: Wed May 14, 2014 2:31 pm
Galahad was still tense and alert, but he gave a gentle smile as the mare spoke of her desire to heal. It was strange, really, given it was his mother whom was the great healer of the family -- Crousader had desired his sons to follow the path of the hardened warrior, but neither his brother or he had taken such a path. Seresei had tried to please their father as a great protector, but he knew her gender seemed to cause complications. . . No, Galahad had known that his father never approved of his desire to heal the body and spirit as opposed to break the bones of those that needed breaking. It was shameful, in his father's mind, he was sure, but it was Galahad's path and a path he fully embraced.
"There are many ways to heal, even without a horn," he encouraged even as he focused his power into her wounds. The magic he tapped into wasn't as pure as his mother's, but it was enough, and he was well practiced -- how many years had he aided Kaiya in healing? "Herbs, poultices, setting bones, cleaning wounds. . . Have you ever thought to study such practices? You also fought well enough, and used your size to our advantage," he complimented, sincere in his gratitude. While perhaps she hadn't broken any bones, and her small size had also given her a higher risk of damage had she been hit, it was enough of a distraction to help Galahad drive off the beast.
Galahad wouldn't worry about his own wounds until hew as certain Nita was well. She was, and likely always would be, his first concern, no matter how strong a fighter or how safe she might be. She was his friend, after all, and one of the most important mares in his life. He would do whatever he could to keep her safe, to make sure she found happiness.
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Posted: Sat Sep 27, 2014 4:04 pm
Nita was a dark mare, but her cheeks became darker still at the praise Galahad gave her. She couldn't help but swell with a bit of pride. She was unaccustomed to compliments, and for some reason coming from Galahad they were all the more potent, causing her to flush deeply. "There are other ways to heal? I have never seen these ways." She was reminded how worldly he was - and how sheltered she had always been. She knew nothing of fighting, had never heard of these healing ways he spoke of. She felt more resolute than ever that this trip was a good idea for her. "I would like to learn how to heal, and maybe a bit of fighting as well." She refused to be a burden. She wanted to be as helpful as possible, and in this dangerous land she needed to know how to defend herself and heal wounds that would sure to come their way. "I think I'm ok now." Her limp was eased and she wasn't in nearly as much pain. She looked over Galahad's wounds with concern. "Who taught you the healing arts," she asked softly, avoiding his eyes shyly. In examining his wounds she couldn't help but notice his muscular body and it brought a new flush to her dark cheeks. She hoped her dark mane would hide her face so he wouldn't see her blushing at him like some naive filly.
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Posted: Thu Oct 23, 2014 2:40 pm
Galahad did not see the color rise up into the mares face, though even if he had, he would not have said a word about it. All he knew was concern for his friend, especially given the attack that had just happened. Kalona were predators and, while there were some that were as kind and gentle as any regular, there were others that were less savory of heart and mind. While the beast that attacked them had eventually been driven back, or at least let them away, the experience had startled them both. He did not like to see Nita hurt or wounded, and the thought of what could have happened unnerved him. “There are indeed other ways to heal, not with horn or magic. While I do rely primarily on the ability granted to me by my mother, the world itself provides remedies if one simply knows where to look.” He offered his friend a small smile, trying to ease back into conversation, trying to calm down now that they were (seemingly) safe. “Herbs, flowers, native flora. . . Some of them have amazing properties to heal the body and mind. Poultices can be made for wounds to encourage recovery and fight infection, plants can be ingested for aches, pains, fevers; if a unicorn isn’t around, than the earth might very well provide.” Perhaps, he mused, he could help teach Nita the basics. He wasn’t a master of earth remedies, but perhaps, if she truly did feel a desire to learn, they could find others from which to learn.
“I learned the basics from my beloved mother, Amarinne,” he explained, taking a moment as he spoke to glance over his own wounds. They would sting, but he didn't find any of them particularly serious. A little tender care and cleaning would suffice on the wounds he could not reach. Still, the stallion had worse, and they were damn lucky in the outcome. He'd seen the bites a kalona could leave, and how deadly the were in air. “But I learned much from Kaiya. She had no healer of her own, and I was hardly more than a colt when I followed her away from the hills. She made do with earth remedies when her own limited healing wasn’t enough. As we worked together, I learned more about them, which were especially useful when I was out of commission myself and she was in need to tend me or others we met.” Ah, but the places he traveled, and the faces he’d seen. There were many whom he had helped, and he found a mix of horn and herbal remedies seemed to work best. “I miss travel, sometimes,” he confessed, “. . . but I miss having family with me. I don’t regret my choices, but . . . I regret it had to be one or the other, not both.”
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Posted: Fri Nov 28, 2014 5:54 pm
She couldn't help a wistful smile as he spoke about not only his family but Kaiya as well. She seemed almost family to him now as well. And Nita... she thought back to her family and felt only loneliness. She loved her father but he was distant, always talking about the spirits he claimed to see. He was lost in darkness she feared. Her mother she hadn't seen in so long she could scarcely remember her face. Her sister Nona inherited the healing powers of their mother, but she had left as well. Nita was alone - and small. She looked up at the darkening sky thoughtfully. Shadows... she thought, This is what I am, shadows and darkness....
"My mother had a horn and some healing ability," she said softly. "But she taught me nothing I could use." She turned back to Galahad and offered him a smile, as if it didn't matter to her. "I would love to learn anything you could teach me," she said brightly, "But first I think maybe we should find shelter. It's getting dark, fast."
She didn't want to think about what could be out there in the darkness while they stood there talking. She didn't want to think about the kalona.
"It doesn't always have to be one or the other, you know. Traveling or family, I mean. Your family will always be there; you'll always have a place to go home to no matter how far you travel." And maybe he could find some to travel with him... someone who would also give him a family.
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Posted: Wed Mar 04, 2015 6:01 pm
Galahad gave a nod in agreement when his friend suggested getting out of the dark and into some shelter. Night was falling fast, and he didn't trust that the kalona wouldn't come back to seek revenge. While the other stallion hadn't seemed intent on killing them, Galahad didn't know if he were alone, or whether or not he had a herd nearby -- the sooner they moved on, the better. "I'm sure we'll be able to find some shelter; the woods are thick, and if we detour away from the river, we'll be less likely to run into anyone in need of a drink." Especially as the night wore on. Sometimes the night drew out the most peculiar creatures, and not all of them were amicable. "Think you can walk for a bit, Nits? We might yet find a place to comfortably and quietly retire." They wouldn't need much -- a large willow tree, an outcropping, a small grove -- just some place partially protected. While he wasn't usually so particular, after their attack, and given he was with Nita, he wanted to be extra cautious.
"I can certainly teach you what I know. You're not a helpless mare, after all; you're creative, intelligent, observant, and far stronger than I think you give yourself credit for." His compliments were true, sincere, genuine. He thought very highly of the mare, and hoped she might see it in herself. Giving his tail a swish, the stallion made sure his companion was ready, before picking away from the waters edge. He considered her words, how it wasn't one or the other, how he always had a home to return to. It was true, and yet. . . It still felt a burden. "You are quite true, and I carry my family and loved one in my heart at all times. But. . . It's not quite the same, I fear. To leave them is to lose valuable time and companionship for adventure, or anothers sake; if I had my way, I might bring them all with me, so we might travel together, rest together, be together. . . But perhaps I sound overly fond, or attached." He grinned a bit, giving a small shrug of his shoulders. "Maybe that's what I get for leaving when I was barely grown. I've been gone so long, Nita, missed so much. . . I'm not sure all the stories and memories I made with Kaiya can make up for missing time with my brother, my parents, my sister. . . you."
It was the truth. He'd missed out on much over the years. "Maybe I just want it all." And that was a foolish thing to desire -- he would never wind up happy if that were the case.
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Posted: Mon Apr 06, 2015 7:19 pm
She felt frozen in place, unable to process what he was saying to her, about her. Had she lived so long in darkness that she had never been appreciated or valued? She couldn't name a single other who had complimented her so. She tried to hide her surprise, feeling foolish once again. She felt so naive, so inexperienced in the world. She wanted to discount everything he said to her, but somehow she couldn't bring herself to find them false. Whether it was because she trusted him not to lie to her or feed her false flattery or because she truly believed his assertions, she had no idea. She hoped she'd have time to find out.
She shook herself out of her state of frozen shock and simply moved alongside Galahad, close enough to feel his warmth and support him if he needed. She listened thoughtfully to his words about his family, nodding, thinking about what it must have been like to live such a nomadic life. As she caught the sadness in his voice about missing time with her she actually tripped on something on the ground and almost fell.
It was so absurd. She had never been clumsy before, never skipped a beat in running or flying through the woods. Galahad had her so off guard that she was as unsteady as a filly fresh from the basket. The ridiculousness of it was too much and she couldn't help it - she busted out laughing. It was soft, no more than a chuckle really, but she couldn't remember the last time she thought anything funny enough to laugh out loud this way.
"I'm sorry, I don't know what's gotten into me," she wanted to feel embarrassed, but somehow she felt ok letting the stallion see this side of her.
"It's ok, you know," she said softly after she had recovered. "To want it all, I mean. I think there's a way to have everything you want. You just haven't found it yet."
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Posted: Sun May 24, 2015 9:55 am
Galahad was quick to bridge the distance between himself and the more petite flutter. He wanted to be there for her to lean against, particularly if she felt unsteady upon her hooves. He made no reservations about letting his shoulder or flank touch upon her own -- hey could support one another, if need be, particularly after such a harrowing ordeal!
"No need to apologize," he assured, offering her a warm smile, wanting to make sure she knew it to be true. "I would suspect we're both a bit unsettled, if not hysterical, now that we've time to process our earlier dealings." Maybe that was why his stomach felt suddenly anxious, or his shoulder seemed to burn when it did touch against the mare.
Strange for him to feel such a thing . . . but. . . then again. . . maybe not. He always had admired and cared for Nita, even while he had been gone training to be a better warrior. Maybe now, while they were together, he could find a clue on how she might think of him. Surely they were friends. . . this was in no doubt. Galahad possessed a secret that he had not let anyone, himself included. . . but it was beginning to stir and come to light.
He'd have to think on it.
"Perhaps what you say is true. If the spirits are willing, they'll grant me wisdom, so I might see what I need to do and where I need to go to achieve such a thing. Maybe I'm just blind to what I need." How interesting a discussion they were having while they sought out shelter from the night, and the returning kalona.
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Posted: Tue Apr 05, 2016 9:34 am
She enjoyed the warmth of his shoulder against hers, though it gave her knees a renewed unsteady feeling. He smiled at her and she felt a fluttering in her chest akin to several butterflies flying around inside her - and she would know a little something about that feeling, being a flutter herself! She found it strange to have these sensations for Galahad. He was her friend, and she had often thought of him while he was gone on his travels. She had worried for his safety and wished him well while he was away, but hadn't explored deeper into her thoughts about him. Was that the only reason she has thought her feelings for Nocturne had been more than they were? She felt foolish thinking of him now. He had been around, close to home and convenient and perhaps the mere proximity made her think about him more than she should have.
And yet, she began to realize, her thoughts always had lingered on Galahad. He had never been far from her thoughts, or far from her heart. And now, in the midst of danger and adventure she felt things she had never experience before. It frightened her, but she didn't pull away. She would have to explore these feelings in more depth - but perhaps not tonight. She was also drained by the day's events.
"I think maybe we all are a little blind to what we need." She smiled up at him, hoping he couldn't see the blush that was undoubtedly on her face. She leaned a little closer to him, and nodded in the direction of an outcropping of rock. "I think I see a cave over there."
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