|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Thu May 31, 2012 6:51 pm
Posted: Sat Oct 20, 2007 8:39 pm An Unfortunate MeetingMaelstrom, Cataclysm, & Sirius Twin silhouettes spirialed over the grassy slopes of the mountain. This face of the cliffs was still verdant, the succulent grasses out of the reach of all but the most determined ground soquili. However, to the twins Cataclysm and Maelstrom, the crisp verdant blades were an inviting, and accessable treat.
They landed in unison, the first pawing approvingly at the grass. "Untouched!" She declared triumphantly. I knew that no one else would have come by here yet. The second, the paler of the two sisters flicked her ears back as she sniffed the winds. "Untouched maybe.... but there's a stench in the air. Like something died." She bared her teeth, wary of perhaps a predator nearby.Cataclysm flipped her mane and shared with her a sly grin, "Stench? You think there's a land-lover nearby?" She whinnied a derisive chuckle. Sirius lifted his head from his sleep, the sound of nearby voices waking him from his light sleep. His ears pressed back against his head and he curled his lip in a growl. He made it to his feet, billowing up a foal cloud of stench. His pelt perpetually smelt of that of a wet cur, but his little alcove on the mountainside had become littered with the corpses of rabbits and squirrels. The voices were coming from several yards away, and he flicked his tail in agitation.
He followed the sound, a deep grumble already in his throat as he saw the figures. Two silly mares were grazing, and he would make sure they regretted it. He help his head high, approaching the with the body language and the glare of a dominant stallion looking for a fight.Both of them turned quickly to the stallion that stalked more than walked towards them, a cloud of decay and malice. Ears pressed back and one of them, the darker, raised her wings, at once showing that she could leave at any point, as well as increasing her apparent size. The second, the lighter snorted and made a good show of not showing fear.
"What do we have here..?" She sneered. "Some disease-ridden ground-bound horse?" However, the certainty behind her voice ebbed as the skinwalker became more visable - the mangy pelt that seemed to be growing into his skin.Covering quickly after her sister, Cataclysm tossed her head. "Worse than that..." She continued. "It reeks. Covered in dead thinks like some two-legger. Inferior!" A hunger ripped through Sirius stomach, and other places, as he let his gaze linger disturbingly over the two mares. “Inferior?” he growled, continuing to stalk towards them. “Don't make me laugh. I haven't had my breakfast yet.” There was a definite gleam of insanity behind his eyes, and his gaze bored into them, flickering back and forth between the twins.
“Its been too long since my last meal,” he said with a lick of his lips. His teeth exposed for a moment, broken and jagged, horribly stained by blood and misshapen from their unnatural use of tearing flesh and gnawing bones. “And my last mating. Who wants to be which?”  "He would try to eat us?" The dark one laughed. "Worthier predators have tried.""And Worthier predators have failed." The lighter one finished, speaking more to her sister than to the mad stallion."We are daughters of the wind, daughters of the fire! Unbound by the fetters of the earth. And certainly superior to some half-rotten, fetid corpse-eater."
"And he's rotten in more than body, his mind must be rotted away as well if he thinks he could mate with us!"
"If he takes another step towards us, we'll be in the skies! And where would that leave him?""Hungry and horny!" The other laughed. "But I suppose there's no difference between then and now." She jeered.Sirius's eye burned with fury at the mare's bantering, his temper stretched to the limit. He bristled, several stands of putrid black mane slipping up from under his pelt and around his face; the fur on his pelt almost looking as it was standing up on end. He roared at them, a surprising convincing, bestial growl. “You may be regretting those words, little girls,” he seethed.
"How eloquent!" Cataclysm chuckled.
"And how sophisticated!" Maelstrom chimed. "They say that these soquili are cursed. I've heard horror stories. Perhaps these are things that the ground-bound should fear."
"The weaklings." She assented. "Scared by snarling like a beast. Scared of the stench! This is nothing to be scared of. It's something to be pitied!"
"Well of course it is! Given fangs, given the ferocity. He's STILL a groundbound!"
Sirius launched himself towards the light one, hooves first. He was surprisingly agile and quick, moving more like a wolf than a horse. His sharp hooves connected with her haunches before she barely had a chance to react, his teeth gnashing disturbingly close to her throat. The light one, Maelstrom, cried out in shock, anger, and pain as she reared, striking at the skinwalker with her hooves. The other one responded simultaneously to aide her sister, kicking furiously until Maelstrom could shake him and take to the safety of the skies. Sirius roared, catching a mouthful of mane from the darker one, ripping it roughly from her skin before she managed to flee from his grasp. The kicks came roughly about his head, jerking his face painfully towards the ground. “Damned half-breeds,” he snared, ducking from their hooves. “Your ancestors mated with the buzzards! You are lucky your wretched wings can save you.,.. for now.”
He tried to shake the pain away, slipping quickly down the mountainside and back into the direction of his territory. Both of them took to the skies, although if they knew their foolishness in staying on the ground as long as they did, pride kept them from admitting it - even to each other. The same pride that had kept them on the ground.
One was gashed, the other, large chunks of mane painfully ripped from her. Both of them, angry, feeding off of eachother's pain. "You damn flea-ridden monstrosity! We are the PURE race! You mate with DOGS! And you will regret your actions! We can rain misery down on you from above - our sire is Balrog - our dam Stormwild - and you will not live to regret your actions!" They circled higher, retreating to safer pastures.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu May 31, 2012 6:56 pm
Posted: Mon Nov 05, 2007 6:14 am The Birth of Mahi Stormwild folded her eagle-like wings over her back as she landed near her nest, her muscles aching from carrying the large pitcher of water from the ocean. Finally she was back home, and she trotted over to her water-basket. But as she peered into the depths, something was different. The surface rippled from movement beneath, distorting the image of the shell below.
The mare was excited, but nervous, too, for she had no idea what she was supposed to be doing. With a normal basket, it was unwise to help the foal along too much, for that initial struggle out of the basket can have lasting impressions. But she had certain never been the caretaker for a shell before… she wasn’t even quite sure what to expect was inside.
After several tense moments, the shell finally opened with a thud, its top lifting out of the water, exposing the creature underneath. It resembled a fish at first glance – shiny scales and splayed fins, but as soon as the light it the creature, it unfolded itself, revealing full-length horse legs and a graceful, equine neck. It opened its mouth and took a deep drink of the water in its basket before opening its amber eyes. The little baby looked up at the surface of the water, confused, before lifting its head above the surface, coming nose-to-nose with her new mother.
The baby squealed in delight and blew a series of little bubbles out of her nose.
Stormwild was admittedly taken aback by the very alien appearance of the critter. She was shiny and scaly like a fish, but yet had the shape of a Soquili, including for legs that looked perfectly strong to her. But instead of a mane, she had fins! And no tail like she had ever seen, just a long limb that curled around her, tipped with a tail of a fish! Barlog would definitely not like this…
… but that as irrelevant, Stormwild thought, she was still her ward. And, well, it was kind of cute… in a way. The little fishy horse (which Stormwild had been calling Mahi in the egg), wiggled and flailed, finally toppling herself out of the basket and onto the ground with a wet plop. Storm was immediately at her side, nuzzling her face encouragingly. The little filly smiled and made a happy foaly noise as her mother comforted her, and started the long, daunting task of trying to stand. Her slippery hooves and heavy, awkward tail made the task even more tiring than that of a normal foal. But Storm was there for her every step of the way, until finally she got up on all four, wobbly, finned legs and even managed to take a few plodding, wet steps before toppling over again and breaking out into a fury of wails and sobs.
 Storm finally managed to get her back into her waterbasket, which seemed to calm her down. She settled happily in the water and splashed around until she found a comfortable position and then fell into a contented sleep.
Already worn out, and only a few hours old, Stormwild settled down next to the basket, curling her neck around it protectively and tried to rest herself. The baby would no doubtedly awake hungry soon, and she had to figure out exactly what she was going to do for a more permanent home.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu May 31, 2012 7:01 pm
Fri Nov 09, 2007 3:28 pm Fates Intertwined...Anju inadvertantly alters the lives of many...Sabin Duvert The storm had been a blessing. Howling rains, fat drops of rain, and massive thunderheads that choked any moonlight before it could reach the earth below, to Anju, had been the perfect conditions. He had been checking on her nightly, keeping his distance, and watching in anticipation as day by day her belly bulged larger. He never would have surmised that his own anticipation for the birth would rival the mare's, nor the surging emotions that fluttered through his chest - anxiety?? pride?? The young that grew in the mare were his - his progeny, his blood. However, at the same time, it was wholly alien and almost disturbing that the foals that would undoubtedly be produced from their union would be his children. The previous night, he knew that the time was almost near. The mare had not moved from her place the day before. She had been breathing hard and her stomach was so large. However, when the rays of the sun approached and she still had not given birth, Anju drifted away to avoid being seen. She had been wary these last few days - almost as if she sensed his presence, or remembered the cause of her condition and feared for just such a re-appearance. So, the next night, as the shadow drifted close to the mare, the rain had, indeed, been a blessing. While normally stealthy, the mare, despite her exhaustion, had been on high alert: standing proudly and defensively over the three new baskets beneath her. There was a moment when Anju almost paused, surprised at how motherly and protective the mare was being over offspring that she had obviously not asked for. Part of the rationale in the moral corner of his mind had been persuaded that she had not asked for children, and it was almost as cruel as giving them to her to leave her to raise them on her own. But that voice was now silenced as the storm had given the shadow the opportunity to slide close to the mare - closer than he had dared approach since the first night. The baskets were fresh - and despite the rain he could smell the newness of the foals inside. The baskets had not even yet been imprinted by the lives inside of them as he had seen while observing other new mothers. But there was no matter. They were his. He deserved them. He ebbed closer, summoning his reserves to frighten the mare, and made ready to grab the baskets, ensnaring them in his dark shadows. * * *   It... had not gone as planned. The storm had allowed him even more stealth than the shadow even normally possessed. But when he was upon them, the mare did not need the poorly timed crash of lightning to notice as her young were being taken from her. Anju had hoped to avoid a confrontation. Not that he thought that she could actually succeed in damaging him..... but he did not want her to discover where he would take them to raise them himself. And even more so, he did not want exactly what had happened. As Anju fleetly slipped through the trees, his shadowy hooves leaving no trace even in the muddy soil, he only clung to two baskets... and one of them had been damaged. He had seen enough to know that that was bad. Very bad. These baskets protected the weak younglings, born too premature to survive without them. Perhaps because most equines almost never gave birth to more than one offspring. Perhaps it had something to do with their intelligence - but regardless, the baskets were necessary, and one had been damaged. He had to do something about it and quickly. And as he ran, one option blazed in his mind - Kamiki was a medicine woman, and she wove these baskets. She watched over mothers-to-be and helped them foal. She would have more. And so Anju continued past his home - where he would care for the baskets ... his baskets... and instead headed up the mountain towards the lone tepee.... Kamiki Kamiki Ahawi looked up into the darkened sky with a frown. It was always a bad omen for a mother Soquili to foal on such a grisly day. It had been raining on and off, the thunder rolling ominously in the distance. The mare, ironically called Kamiki herself, had been in labor for almost at hour now. Her belly was huge, swollen heavy with foals, and by the looks of it at least three. Quite a feat for a first-time mother. Her mate, a nervous flutter name Azure, refused to leave her side. Noble, but often got in the way.
Kamiki Ahawi had done the best she could to erect a small cover of animal skins over the mare who was laying on woven blankets. Regardless, the ground had become wet and the expectant mother was forced to lay partially in the mud. Kamiki made Azure constantly fetch clean rain water collecting in a clay pitcher to keep her face and regions clean for the birth.
Just as night began to fall, the foals came. Twins, it seemed - both of which Kamiki quickly wrapped and placed them securely in their waiting enchanted baskets. However, there was still something wrong. The new mother was still bleeding... much more than she should be. The inside of her ears were pale and Azure was already stomping in impatience – he knew that wasn't right either.
 Kamiki gathered the two baskets, heavy with new life, into her arms and brought them into her teepee. She tucked them into the corner next to a pile of empty, incomplete baskets, grabbed a few medicinal supplies, and hurried back out to the mare in peril. Sabin Duvert The rain didn't bother the shadow as it slowly encroached on the large tepee, testing the air and fighting between the caution that his secrecy required and the impatience to save the life that he knew was ebbing away inside the damaged basket. He carefully secreted the first, undamaged basket into a nearby hollowed-out log. Now, time was even more pressing. He didn't want to leave it alone for long. Then, clutching the other, he slid closer to the tepee, skirted the perimeter, and darted a glance inside. Luck was with him for the second time this night - the tepee was unusually vacant. He had expected to see her sleeping now that it was past sunset, but he was not about to look a gift horse in the mouth. He slipped inside and reverently set down his basket. Just as he had hoped, the tepee was full of baskets - some not completely finished, but there were likewise plenty that were. He selected one quickly that seemed strong, secure, and worthy to hold his offspring. He lifted the lid of the new basket, and then, as he was just opening the damaged basket - which by now almost didn't need him to remove the lid - he heard a noise. He flattened his ears and snarled. The woman was coming back. He needed to hurry. He opened the damaged basket and barely got a glimpse of the bundle inside before he carefully transferred it to the new basket... and closed the lid. The noise was closer than he anticipated. He didn't have time for this. But there was no way that he could slip out unnoticed with the bulky, brown basket. He'd come back. Soon. He tucked the basket among a cluster of other empty baskets, and then used his natural shadowy stealth to slip out the door, just in time. Kamiki  Kamiki Ahawi rushed back into the teepee, both relieved and nervous. Just like she had originally projected by her size, the mare was having three foals, not two... but the third was having a bit of trouble, and the mare was still bleeding more than she should. The native woman quickly grabbed another blanket and quickly selected the best looking basket in the pile, which was unfortunately near the bottom. A quick tug made the whole pile collapse in a harmless pile on the floor, but she had way more important things to worry about right now.
New empty basket in hand, she rushed back outside to continue with her care of the new mother.Sabin Duvert Anju waited in the shadows of the copse of trees near the teepee as the medicine woman rushed into the teepee, and rushed out only a few moments later. She was in a hurry. This was a very fortuotous night. She had only been inside the tepee for a minute - perhaps two. If she had discovered his basket, then she would have taken longer. She would have said something. He waited only moments after she had departed from his sight and he whispered back into her home. Baskets scattered all over the floor, however, he had NOT expected. He growled in frustration as he began nudging baskets. They were everywhere. And he had barely paid attention to the appearence of the basket he had chosen in his haste. But, it was only a matter of a process of elimin- *thunk* Heavy. This one had something inside. Something warm. Something that smelled equine and vaguely of blood and newness. Success! He gave it a quick glance-over. It was sealed, and it was safe. A rumble of success and pleasure echoed through the shadow and he carefully plucked the basket from the tepee floor and, once again, slipped out into the night. He found the other basket - safe and sound where he had left it. Anju paused, momentarily, savoring the sweet taste of success. The baskets - both of them - were safe. He had them, and he had not been followed - he was certain of it. Perhaps he had not succeeded in rescuing all three of the baskets - but he had two. And two out of three wasn't bad. Now, more carefully, and no longer racing time, Anju slowly, confidently, lifted the two baskets and made for home....
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu May 31, 2012 7:04 pm
Posted: Sun Nov 11, 2007 9:30 am  Azure flit around the thicket, a wicker basket fastened to his small frame, filling it with all sorts of edibles. He went around the mountainside for every piece of a winter fruit, frost berry, or nut he could find. Food was scarce in the winter, but certainly not impossible, and he was determined to stockpile as much of the early winter bounty his little flutter-wings could carry. Ah, more nuts! He flit up the large tree and began shaking the little brown treasures off their branch. He had it all planned, see. Kamiki would each the fruits first, since they went bad the quickest, then the berries when they were gone as she prepared for the coming of their foals. Then when they were born and started nursing on her, she would eat nuts. Lots of nuts... they were good for milk. He heard that, once, though he couldn't recall where. No where in his plan, however, was their fresh grass or a vigorous swim in the river. Kamiki was nestled in the thicket, laying down, her neck arched around her three treasures. She was already going a bit stir crazy, especially under Azure surprisingly parental watchful eye. She had tried to convince him to watch the baskets and go swimming, but he was concerned it would make her body too cold to warm the baskets upon her return. She didn't think so, but she didn't argue. She knew deep down a lot of his concern stemmed from his lack of confidence. She she had bore them, the baskets were normal-sized, not flutter-sized. What could one tiny little flutter really do to protect three over-sized baskets in the face of a coyote. She saw the fear in his eyes, so she complied with all his requests. He demanded to wait on her every need...something she was finding herself getting used to, even though she lost a bit of freedom.
She looked over the baskets herself and felt a swell of pride. All three looked so... different. This wasn't really a bad thing, but it did plant a bit of uneasiness in the back of her mind. One was deep violet and black - obviously the child of the two parents... you could pick it out if a line-up. But the other two...
The smallest one, the one that had given her problems, was a ghostly ice-blue. Not what one might think would result from her and Azure's pairing, but she had heard of babies that come out looking more like a sister or a grandmother than the parents themselves. After all, her mother had been almost solid white... and that could easily have mixed with Azure's blue.
 But the heaviest one... that was a puzzle. The white she could write off as from her grandmother, but the rest? The little gem pulsed and glowed dimly, a trait no one in her family possessed. Nor red in general. It must be from Azure's side, right? So why was she worrying?
Of course the mystery could have easily been solved by simply asking the father when he returned. But she never did. Perhaps it was because she knew the answer was irrelevant. They were all hers, all beautiful, and there was no need to question mother nature. Or, perhaps it was because she had already seen the way Azure looked at the basket, and deep down she knew she already knew the answer.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu May 31, 2012 7:13 pm
Posted: Mon Nov 19, 2007 6:44 pm The Babies Arrive!
Kamiki rolled over on her side in the grass with a sigh. She was bored. She felt so guilty thinking it, but it was true. Azure waited on her hand and foot, which she appreciated, but the baskets were wholly non-interactive. She knew it was the calm before the storm, but in the last weeks before her life changed forever, she found herself thinking about all the things she could have done before tying herself down to motherhood.
She curled her neck around the icy blue basket and smiled at the warmth. Perhaps she was so restless because of sheer anticipation. She felt so hopeless just waiting here waiting for them to come. She knew she shouldn't just open them up.. but the weaves on the basket almost taunted her. The baskets were full, brimming, pulsing at the seems and ready to come at any moment...
... that was the thought that kept running through her head every two or three minutes. But eventually it happened. Early in the evening, the icy and purple basket began to shake and splinter. Kamiki called his name and Azure was there in an instant, trotting about the thicket like a colt himself.
It happened almost spontaneously. Two silver horns slid from between the top slats of the basket, pressing and breaking the wicker. Their back legs kicks from the other side, eventually making the baskets topple over and spill their contents onto the ground.
Kamiki thought they had to be the most beautiful things the Gods had ever created. Two little colts, one deep black with purple wings, the other so light she thought he surely must be made of glass. The two brother blinked and cried out as they flailed their little legs as they tried to take in their new world. Azure and Kamiki huddled around them immediately, nosing them, whinnying their love. In a few minutes, the brothers were standing on their own four legs and Kamiki swore she saw Azure hide a tear. A few minutes later Kamiki was leaning lovingly against her friend as they began their first nursing.
As Azure and Kamiki stood, letting their sons drink, they watched the other basket with increasing worry. Their fears were quelled about an hour or two later, however, when the basket finally began to move. The two first borns were cuddled next to Kamiki on the ground taking a nap. She loathed to move and wake them, but the basket was close and Azure stood diligent guard over it. It took longer, due to a lack of a horn, before the baby inside finally slipped his head out. Another son, this was gazed up in the twilight at his parents with four ominously glowing eyes.
Kamiki and Azure were stunned. They exchanged nervous looks to each other as the little colt shakily made his way out of his basket and stood before them. Azure shook his head perplexed, looking to Kamiki. Kamiki pursed her lips and lowered her ears. How could this have happened? What did it mean?
But then the little colt stumbled forward, pressed his muzzle against the side of Kamiki's face and made a small whinny. It was like a wall at been shattered. Kamiki's expression softened and she lifted a wing to give him a place among her babies he could rest and get nursed. "Come here my son," she murmured as she nuzzled him.
Azure didn't look quite so convinced yet, but he smiled and gave the strange little colt his own nuzzle as the baby happily settled in, waking both his older brothers in the process.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu May 31, 2012 7:20 pm
Posted: Fri Nov 23, 2007 6:28 am Sabin Duvert I Need a Favor...Once again, the more arduous tasks of parentage fell on Sabin's shoulders. Anju had 'nominated' him to be the one to approach the medicine-woman Kamiki for assistance with feeding the new foals. And what fascinating foals they were! Sabin still couldn't shake the heebie-jeebies when he was around them, knowing full well what their parentage was, but he couldn't help but warm to them. And they were so new and helpless - and they desperately needed nourishment. Anju's only 'attempt' had certainly not been sufficient, killing a small rabbit, tearing it to pieces and dropping it before the foals. Taraxippus had sniffed at it a little bit and mouthed a bit of it - but even if the little foal would take after his father's carnivorous tendencies, he was still a newborn - and didn't have the teeth to do so. And after that, Anju had pushed Sabin forward to Kamiki's teepee. Sabin certainly hoped that she had the means to feed two motherless foals... Usually, foals were nursed within minutes of emerging from their baskets, so Sabin traveled quickly, taking Nodin to ride to the teepee further up the mountain. When he arrived, he stroked Nodin's nose in thanks and left him to mingle and graze and tapped on the side of Kamiki's home. Kamiki Kamiki Awahi put the basket she was weaving carefully down on the blanket in front of her. She was wrapped only in a blanket, the thick hide of her home keepings the newborn winter winds at bay. Fall was quickly succumbing to winter, but that didn’t seem to phase the Soquili around. She had not seen so many pregnant or recently foaled mares in many years. Foaling baskets were in high demand.
For modesty’s sake, when she heard the tapping at her door, she slipped on a loose covering of deer-hide before opening the flap to teepee. “Hello, Sabin,” she said with a pleasant smile, motioning for him to come in. She put her slender hand on his shoulder as he passed, making sure the flap was secure behind him. “Its been a few weeks. There is something you need?” She learned a bit closer towards him as she asked, her voice low and undertoned with seduction. Sabin Duvert Sabin's anxiety was quickly pushed aside at the comforting sight of the beautiful woman. He ran a hand through his wind-blown hair and drew up his best smile for the lady as he ducked into the teepee. "It is wonderful to see you, Kamiki" He replied with a hand on hers. However, as much as Sabin would have wanted to make this a more pleasant visit, there were matters that needed to be seen to without delay. "Yes, unfortunately, I've been kept away recently assisting one of the soquili who.. ah.. frequents my home with new arrivals... unfortunately there is a bit of a complication to the story. Namely, he's a lone stallion with two newly emerged foals and nothing to feed them..." Sabin trailed off with what he hoped was an endearing smile. Kamiki “What was a lone stallion doing with foals?” she asked, concerned. “What happened to the mother? Was she injured, did she reject the babies?”
She was already going through her small space, looking in storage baskets for materials. “Have you tried mashing up grass with some berries, sometimes they were take to that until you can procure milk. Though you may have to chew the grass first yourself, to make sure their tummies can digest it.” Sabin Duvert "Uhm..." Sabin stalled with brilliant eloquence. "Well... I think... uhm... he wanted to raise some of them himself. I don't think that he and the mare were... well.. mates per se.." Sabin gesticulated awkwardly. "But yes, that's besides the point - he has them now and doesn't know how to feed them. Ah.. no, I hadn't thought about grass and berries..." Sabin sighed depreciatingly, "I'm afraid I'm not very good at this." Kamiki “Well, for whatever reason, you are lucky there are so many other mare that have milk right now. One of the mares that lives in the Mountain herd dropped three foals just about a week ago. She is heavy with milk, I can get some from her. You are feeding two mouths you say? You will have to ration carefully to be fair to the mare, as her three will come first in her eyes you understand.”
She found several leather water skeins and slung them over her shoulder. “I should have at least a bit for you by this evening, but in the meantime make sure they drink water and eat a bit.” She motioned to her lips. “Chew grass until its soft, put it in a bowl and mix with berries. You can chew nuts, too, but longer even than the grass. A little bit of deer’s blood can be mixed in if they are looking thin. But not too much.” Sabin Duvert Sabin nodded at the instructions, making careful mental note. There was a bit of a fleeting wince on his face when she instructed him to chew grass, but at least he wasn't going to be eating it... And it was for the young ones... "Thank you... I don't know what I'd do without you, Kamiki." He smiled warmly. "And judging on the father, I think some deer's blood added to the mixture might do the foals well." It was certainly going to be a busy couple of weeks, but hopefully rewarding. Sabin had come here for a change, and a change was precisely what this was. And even working closely with Anju for the same goal. It was... well, it was almost nice. "So I'll come back here this evening then to pick up the milk?" Fortunately the frost hadn't killed the grass yet, and he had seen some ripe berries around his teepee. Kamiki She pursed her lips at the mention of the father and deers blood. “Well, deers blood is good for putting meat on bones, but I wouldn’t encourage that behavior much. They will learn well enough on their own if they truly have those… instincts.” She waved her hand. “Soquili are wonderful creatures. They will be up and eating on their own before you know it.”
She put her arm on his shoulder again. “Yes, please come back this evening. Perhaps if you foals eat well on grass, you will not be in such a hurry.” She let her touch linger on his arm as she looked directly into his eyes. Sabin Duvert Sabin rolled his shoulders noncommittally. "Well... we'll see what happens. I'll see if I can get them to take to the mash as it is. And I think that they could use some good nourishment since they haven't done much more than drink water yet. But thank you. It is wonderful to have your expert advise in this matter. Thank you for the encouragement." He smiled. Her encouragement was quite welcome to the nervous ward of the foals. He had grown up on a very small farm, but it was nothing like this. And they had only had one mare that was grown by the time Sabin was old enough to start to learn about the intricacies of animal care. A wide smile slid across Sabin's face at the innuendo. "Well... I certainly hope you're right." He winked and traced a finger over her jawline before heading back to the door-flap. Kamiki The Indian woman got two skeins of milk from a reluctant Kamiki. Ahawi did her best to reassure her that she would be fine, that as long as the foals were sucking her body would make enough to milk to feed them. She made up a special mash of her own for Kamiki to help her replenish her supplies. The mare said it tasted horrible, but she did as she was asked and let the two-legger and let Kamiki harvest the milk.
It was closing in on evening by the time Ahawi had made it back to her teepee. She set the skeins outside to keep them cool, and waited for Sabin to come collect. Sabin Duvert Sabin thanked Nodin again before climbing back up on his back and riding back home, mind buzzing with the instructions and hoping that the foals were still alright back at the teepee. He checked on them, asleep near the fire and curled up next to eachother - just as he had left him. But it had been many hours since their birth, nearly a day, and they looked weak. Sabin immediately set out to gather the supplies, carrying a bowl that he mashed berries into while chewing on grass and spitting it in to add to it. It was a slow process, and Sabin wondered if he would ever get the foul taste of the grass out of his mouth once this was over. But within an hour or so, Sabin had most of the bowl filled. Then, heading back to the teepee, he added some deer's blood from a recent kill and stirred it all together. Nudging the foals gently, they pricked up and sniffed at the bowl with their velvety muzzles. Sabin wished he had some sort of bottle, but the concern was short lived as subsequently each of them began to mouth the food. They were slow at first, but before long they were licking the bowl clean, and Sabin felt his nerves settling. They were such a strange pair... The dark one looked so much like Anju - a shadowy perversion of the pristine white unicorn that he had bred with - And certainly a fascinating foal. nealy transparent, especially at his extremities - although as he ate he seemed to gain more substance. Sabin had almost wondered if the little foal would eat at all. The other one, it was beautiful - like something from a child's fairy story - and Sabin idly wondered how it could have come from Anju - perhaps it was the result of some blod that was not usually expressed in the shadowy creature, or likewise from the mother. He stroked its soft neckfur as it ate, and it whickered contentedly. And Sabin couldn't help but smile. They were young, but as Kamiki said, surprisingly healthy even for newly emerged - there really must be some magic in the baskets that incubated them. And they would be growing fast - so Sabin would need to make frequent batches of the mash. It would keep him busy, but it was a welcome change of pace. Caring for something. Not having to worry about them. Later that evening, after a second feeding, the foals were even up and wandering about the clearing by his teepee. He made another ride out to Kamiki's teepee and thankfully retreived the milk that she had procured for him. Sabin was even sporting a genuine, smile. And seeing Kamiki only lifted his heart more. Things were looking up. This would be his routine for the next few weeks, helping Anju care for the foals, and it was very fulfilling. The foals grew stronger, and larger and Sabin found himself looking forward to his daily visits to Kamiki's teepee.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu May 31, 2012 7:25 pm
Posted: Wed Nov 28, 2007 7:28 pm Usdia Foal-Puppies! And Basket Borrowing
Sabin pays a visit to Kamiki to ask for baskets for Brigitte and finds two bundles of cuteness Taraxippus and Arcana were growing like weeds, thank the spirits. Sabin had been so worried about them when they were small and not having a source of proper milk. But besides Taraxippus's translucency - which he had obviously inherited, they were both healthy and had already put on weight, and fully capable of being mobile. Arcana was even grazing on her own, and Taraxippus had managed to kill a rabbit all by himself - he was so proud of them. And so, upon seeing Brigitte pregnant, Sabin wasted no time in hopping on Nodin's back and heading back again to Kamiki's teepee. After all, she was sure to be interested in hearing how well the foals were doing as well. Not to mention needing baskets - and quickly - before Brigitte had her foals. * * * Sabin hopped down with an enthusiastic smile as he trotted up to the door flap of her teepee. "Kamiiki?" His voice sailed in clearly and with obvious exuberance. "Are you about?" A few moments later the flap of the teepee opened with a flourish and exuberence that matched his own. "Sabin!" she exclaimed with a happy smile. The Indian woman motioned him to come in with her hip, as her hands were quite full. Nestled in the crook of each arm was a pint-sized pony, feet hanging down and two sets of big shining eyes looking pitifully up at Sabin.  Sabin's eyes caught the pint-sized ponies, but had to come back for seconds to really process exactly what they were. "Oh my!" Sabin explained, brimming with bemusement as he followed her inside, leaving Nodin to wander and graze. "What are those? Are they... premature? Or.... dwarves or something?" He asked peering at the dog-colored foals, his reason for coming momentarily forgotten. "They are Usdia," she said, setting down on her fur rug and setting the ponies down. They huddled together, the dark one behind his lighter colored sister. "They are ophans, or lost. But its too cold to let them wander without a herd. Winter would take them for sure.""Aww..." Sabin found his heart warming to the adorable dish-sized eyes as he knelt in front of them. He had to admit, since taking the plunge and moving out here, things had been going so much better. After a moment's hesitation, he held his hand out to one of the little ponies. "It sounds like it is a good thing that they found their way to you at the very least." The light colored pony sniffed at Sabin's hand, looking at him suspiciously before finally deeming him 'okay.' She rubbed her head under his hand, encouraging him to pet. After his sister seemed to think it was safe, the dark boy trotted over and rolled, dog like, onto his back.
"He does that, he likes it rubbed." Kamiki Ahawi leaned over and scratched the belly of the fawning pony. "I was thinking..." she said after a moment, "they need to learn a bit of independence. But they can't live too far away either."
She looked up in Sabin's direction. "I was thinking... maybe you should take one?" A wide, genuine smile spread across the man's face. Almost hesitant at first, as if it were a long time that it had come out of hiding before making its home across his face. "I used to have a dog back home. I don't mean any offense or anything, but they almost remind me of him." He scratched at the little male's belly, chuckling pleasantly. "Independence...?" He echoed, distracted by their antics, until his brain caught up with what she was saying. "What? Really? You want me to take care of one?" He stood up, surprised and honored, a hand finding its way to Kamiki's waist. "You... trust me? I mean... the two foals - well, they're barely foals any more, they've been doing great! I have to thank you for that recipe for the mash... and of couse the mare's milk!" "I've seen glances of them playing," she said, draping her arms around his neck. "They are active, it looks like you did a great job." She looked down at the ponies at her feet, already sniffing and rubbing affectionately against both their legs. "But yes, I think it would be good for them to live so close, able to see each other and all. They do not need milk, just fresh food in winter." Sabin smiled proudly. "Thanks. They certainly are active. But they fight like... well... brother and sister. I'm just glad that they're healthy." He nodded to himself as he watched them cavort around on the fur rug. "And that would be wonderful. You know... they'd have to visit with each other a lot, right?" He glanced sidelong at the lovely woman. "If course... almost daily. Would only be fair to them." She returned his pointed look. "Which do you want?" Sabin looked down at the two foals. "How could I choose?" He responded with a smile, then shook his head and took a more discerning look. "Well.... it might be appropriate that I take the boy... you the girl?" He smiled and shrugged. The woman smiled and nodded, leaning down to pick up the little girl. She nuzzled the pony with her nose, looking sweet back at Sabin. "Sounds like a plan."
She put the pony down after a moment and turned her attention back to Sabin. "Was there something else I could help you with?" Sabin plucked the little boy from the mat, smiling as the little pony wiggled in his arms. Cradling it, he opened his mouth wide for a yawn, and proceeded to make himself comfortable. "Oh!" Sabin said with a clearing shake of his head. "Yes!" Of course! I was going to ask a favor... You see, I was out collecting food for the foals, and I saw Brigitte. I think, well, she's pregnant. And... well... Honestly I don't think that she has the coherence to do the proper things to deal with the coming foals...." His eyes lingered on the piles of baskets. "Another one? You must have a magic about you, Sabin," She went over to her pile of baskets and began to pick through them, feeling each one for strength, size, and patterns.
"Wait?" she said after a moment. "Which one is Bridgette?"  Sabin chuckled, a bit nervously at Kamiki's compliment. "Yes... well.... Brigitte is... unique. She almost never leaves that old burial site and doesn't really let anyone else close. She's mostly ... well... shadowy, it's like shadows covering bones, but her skull is always expoed.." His eyes took a rather eccentric excitement to them, "And her eyes, like glowing embers. But she speaks nonsense, even the other Soquili avoid her. I don't think she's... mentally sound enough to care for her foals." Kamiki creased her brow. "Is she Kalona? Or just mutant Soquili? Will she let you near her foals?" "I do not think she is Kalona. But she might as well be if you catch my drift. Mutant I presume, from what I have been observing from the soquili herds that roam these lands. I feel priviledged that she has chosen to live as close to me as she has. And... I think that perhaps if I were to lure her away from her gravesite after she drops the foals than I could liberate them from her, get them safely into baskets." Sabin smiled to himself. "Besides... I am sure that properly raised, her young could be marvelous soquili..." Kamiki picked out three baskets and hefted them, feeling their sturdiness in her arms. She seemed satisfied and handed them over to Sabin. "Be careful. Are you certain she will not want them for herself? You'd be surprised how motherhood can change a mare." Sabin took them with a thankful smile. "These will be wonderful, thank you so much, Kamiki. And.... if I sense a surprising atmosphere from the mare, then I will let her rear them. But honestly, from spending time observing her I doubt she'll be capable. I don't even know if she can produce milk. But then, I would have never guessed that she could have mothered foals. THese soquili still manage to surprise me." He stacked the baskets carefully, and set the now sleeping Usdia in one of them, preparing to ride back home. "I'll keep you notified on the progress... and how this little fellow is doing." Kamiki nodded, and gave the sleeping boy a little scritch behind his ears. "Well, use your best judgement, return any baskets you don't use, and be careful." She gave him an ecouraging smile. "You seem to have done well with them all so far.: Sabin beamed with the compliment. "Thank you. I couldn't have done any of this without your help. YOu certainly earn your reputation as a skilled medicine woman. And... thank you again... for the little friend here. I will be sure to take good care of the little fellow. Gavin, I think." He added with a smile as an afterthought.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu May 31, 2012 7:44 pm
Posted: Fri Nov 30, 2007 7:34 am Surprise! 8D  It was less than two days later when once again, the now familiar white-haired man showed up again at Kamiki's teepee. Before the man had even knocked, a little usdia colt scampered into the teepee with an excitable squeal as he went to greet his sister and bring her the news. A moment later, a familiar face peered in between the flaps. Kamiki looked up in surprise as the little bundle of energy rushed in a pounced on the little filly that was sleeping curled up at Kamiki’s side. Piggy awoke and immediately responded with equal enthusiasm, pouncing back at Gavin, her miniature tail wiggling happily.
Kamiki peeked out of the flap, eagerly looking for Gavin’s caretaker. Sabin was not far behind the little foal, bearing a face-stretching grin.... and a rather ominous looking firey basket as he met Kamiki by the entrance. "Good afternoon!" Sabin chimed as he hefted the basket with a sparkle in his eyes. "Brigitte had her foals!" “I see!” Kamiki responded, looking down at the basket in hand, wondering why he brought it all the way down here. “Did it go without incident?” She put on a worried expression and placed her hand gingerly on the warm container. “She only dropped one foal?” she asked, anticipatory sympathy filling her voice. Sabin must have been heartbroken, he had looked positively excited about the prospect of Brigette’s babies. "It went about as well as could be expected." Sabin began. "Taraxippus helped me keep her distracted after she dropped the foals to let me get them to the baskets. I was right - she hadn't exactly made any preparations for them, and about as soon as I left, she seemed to forget anything out of the ordinary had happened." He smiled for a moment as he watched her touch the top of the basket. "And no - actually - she dropped three! More than I would have presumed for such a... strange mare. They were very small, however, although I've never watched another mare drop foals before. So tiny and helpless - and you couldn't eve really make out features on them that little. But I dried them and got them into the baskets and kept them near my fire. And then, over about a day or so, the colors emerged - it is such a fascinating process! But..." He smiled again at this, proferring the basket to Kamiki. "I don't see how I can take care of three more foals while I'm still helping Taraxippus and Arcana and Gavin. And you've been so generous... I would like for you to have this one." “That’s unfortunate…” she said as Sabin described Brigette. “I can’t imagine… forgetting you just gave birth. What kind of a stallion coupled with her I wonder…do you know?”
Her eyes widened a bit at the ‘gift’ Sabin was giving her. “You want me to have it?” Ordinarily, the act of a human giving the gift of a Soquili basket to another human was considered a huge honor. Unlike their wild cousins, Soquili raised by humans could be extremely dedicated, fiercely loyal, and a definite asset. Kamik had no Soquili she considered “her own” besides little Piggy. She had a close friendship with Stormwild, but she did not raise her.
But… she was definitely unsure if Brigette’s offspring could be tamed, even from infancy. Sabin shrugged with a regretful shake of his head. "I know what you mean.... something must have happened to her at one point, I can only guess, that addled her as badly as she is. But at least she seems to be.... surviving... I suppose." Sabin scratched the back of his head dubiously. Maybe she hadn't survived whatever it was. maybe that was the problem. Who knew. "I never saw the stallion... but given the apparent... well.. fire of the baskets, well, that didn't come from their mother." He shrugged. "And yes! I know that whatever foals come from them will be strong, fierce soquili. Especially if raised with kindness and more guidance than their real mother could grant them. I am quite enthused to see what foals come from them all. And of course, another reason for us to visit with each other." He said with a wink.  Despite her reservations, Sabin’s optimistic enthusiasm was contagious. She carefully lifted the basket out of Sabin’s hands and held it close to her face. She pressed her cheeks against the wicker and breathed in deep. The basket was warm, faintly pulsing with life, which meant the foal inside was alive and apparently thriving. The basket had the right amount of heft to it for its age, which means it was growing inside and gaining weight. It smelled strangely, however, a faint whiff of old death, like bones, and the sulfury aftersmell of something burned.
“I like your visits,” she said with a coy smile, finally setting the basket down on her fur rug and bowing a sincere thank you to Sabin. Piggy narrowed her eyes at the ‘intruder’ on her space and attention, sniffing the basket suspiciously. Sabin looked proud of himself as she appraised the basket. And either he didn't notice any sinister hint about the basket, or it didn't phase him or strike him in any way as inappropriate. "And I like to visit." He responded as he sidled up to her side. Gavin, meanwhile, was not done playing with his sister, and not about to let the funny-smelling basket that already had been monopolizing Sabin's attention fort he past day or so take Piggy's attention away from him. Piggy finally let the basket alone for now, turning her full attention back to her ‘long lost’ brother, chasing and playing with each other throughout the small enclosure of the teepee.
“I enjoy your visits, too,” she said, sitting down and pulling a blanket around her. Winter was here in full force now, and not even the thick walls of the teepee could completely shield the cold. “Perhaps, since you made it all the way here you should stay a while?” "Well..." Sabin drew the word out tantalizingly. "It is quite cold out there... and the sun is setting. I am certain that the 'foals' are old enough now that they should be fine without me for a time and can probably keep an eye on the fire and the baskets in my absence." He took a seat by Kamiki's side and wrapped an arm around her shoulders. "Perhaps I can help you keep the cold away this night..."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu May 31, 2012 7:49 pm
Posted: Mon Dec 03, 2007 9:23 am Kamiki Ahawi slept peacefully on the large fur rug that lined the floor of her teepee. Winter had come, and the thick walls of the enclosure blocked the biting winds and a small fire in the middle of the teepee kept the interior surprisingly cozy. Piggy curled up next to her, happily cozied up to the inside of her knees. The firey basket sat near the fire, keeping warm, and pulsed intensely with life.
Piggy’s sensitive nose began to twitch that evening. Something smelled different. Smokey, but not like the logs that smoldered on the dying fire. Something different. Something more like meat that laid on the fire so long it left only the chewy bone. Her eyes opened and she looked around the dimly-lit enclosure. Smoke tendrils leaked out from the basket, dissipating quickly into the cool air. A dull glow, like dying embers, peeked from between the slats of wicker.
Piggy was up on her hooves now, ears perked up in alertness. Something was happening. She whinnied at the basket nervously, circling around it several times over before nosing at Kamiki’s cheek.
The Indian woman eventually yawned awake at Piggy’s prying, but before she could even ask what the matter was her keen eyes caught sight of the dimly glowing basket. A wave of apprehension and excitement rushed through Kamiki as she pulled a blanket around herself and huddled near it. It was only a matter of minutes before the basket was kicked asunder. Laying in the remains of wicker lay a striking, if not outright disturbing, filly. She has a coat that resembled a smoldering fire, jet back hair, and feet that faded into nothing but flaming skeleton. Half-formed kalona-wings flapped uselessly, shaking off the remaining pieces of basket. The tired foal lifted her head and blinked her fiery eyes at Kamiki.
The apprehension grew as Kamiki saw the obvious kalona influences in the foal. She did not trust kalonas, and Brigette was already such a disturbing Soquili in her own right – it certainly worried Kamiki that she had produced offspring with a kalona. But Brigette, while mentally unstable and very vulgar, didn’t seem to be outright malicious. Kamiki reached out a hand to the foal, who at the time didn’t seem opposed to the attention.
Maybe she would give Sabin the benefit of the doubt and see if she could tame this filly.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu May 31, 2012 8:11 pm
Posted: Tue Jan 22, 2008 4:09 am Sabin Duvert I'm WHAT?!
Soquili Involved: Megaera and Tisiphone  Megaera hadn't gone father from home than Kamiki's teepee since her encounter with Azure. She had been feeling strange since then. Moodier than normal, hungry, and generally feeling off. He had been a strange stallion, and she still felt strange when she thought about him since then. But that wasn't the end of it. As the days stretched into weeks, she began to gain weight. It became more difficult to fly for long periods of time, and she felt even more strangely.
Today, she had made a trip to visit her sister Tisiphone. She always enjoyed being around her sisters, and was always in a better mood for it. Things made more sense. She didn't need to think about as much on her own.
She landed heavily as she arrived, grumbling to herself. "Tisiphone? Tisiphone, where are you?" She whined, nosing around the teepee.
Tisi peered from around Kamiki's teepee, eyes narrowing at her sister. There was definately something off about her, she could tell already. "What?" she asked, coming out and flipping her tail behind her. "What's the matter with you, you look awful?"
She looked her over more closely, her buldging belly and generally haggard appearance.
"I feel awful." Megaera snorted. "I feel bloated. Sick. But hungry all the same time. And it's not like I have been eating anything unusual. Rabbits, the occasional deer." She flicked her firey tail and shook her head. "You look well at least. Or at least as well as you ever do." She tried to make a joke, but it kind of fell flat.
Tisiphone let the joke slide, a concerned look coming over her face. She came near and nuzzled Megeara's cheek in a sisterly way, taking a deep inquisitive breath. "You smell strange," she said, pulling back a bit and circling her. "When did this start?"
Megaera scowled, an expression that had found its way to her face quite frequently recently. "A couple weeks ago, I guess. It's just been getting worse, though." She grunted.
"... why?" She asked with narrowed eyes.
Tisi opened her mouth to say something, but stopped. She shook her mane out and looked back over her. She thought to herself... I'm just thinking this because I'm around it so much... its all Kamiki talks about....
But she couldn't shake the thought. "You been around any stallions recently, sis?" she asked cautiously.
"Stallions..?" Megaera asked warily. A frown pulled at her mouth and her expression darkened. "Sort of. I... I got turned around during a flight once. I needed to get out. I hadn't gone exploring much past our home range. There was this little.... bug stallion. He was weird." Her ear flicked back.
Tisi shifted her weight on her fiery hooves. "A Bug?" She shook her again, that was also something not to dwell on at the moment. "Were you two... close, ya know?"
"Close?" She asked quickly, defensively. "I.... I don't know what you mean. I didn't like him if that's what you're asking. He was weird. Said strange things. He was... touchy."
Now Tisi's ears pressed hard back against her skull. "How 'touchy'?" She gave Meg her best 'i'm-serious-so-don't-beat-around-the-bush' look.
Megaera shrugged. She didn't like talking about this. She didn't even particularly like thinkin about it, really. It had felt so weird. Not bad.... but.... not really good either. "Real touchy." She paused for a moment. "Why??"
Tisiphone's expression softened a bit, but stayed just as worried. Now, it was worried a bit sympathetic. "I think... I mean..."
She paused. She had to be sure. "Did he like... get real close? Like..." she winced, the thought of what she was implying not something she had ever personally seen the appeal in, much less something she wanted to picture her sister doing, "inside close?"
Both ears lay back against her head now. How did she know that?? "Why?!" She demanded, a bit of fear slipping into her voice. "What makes you ask that? What does that have to do with me being sick now? Was he sick or something?"
She snorted a bit defensively... couldn't she tell she was trying to help? "Well... maybe," she said honestly, taking a step back. "But more likely... I think you might be pregnant."
Megaera froze. She blinked. She opened her mouth. Nothing came out. She started the process again then. Finally, the words came. "Wh.... WHAT?! No.... that isn't funny, Tis. Not funny at all. Pregnant?! I can't be pregnant!" She shook her head then, movement suddenly coming back to her limbs in spades. She began to pace, tail lashing behind her, cutting into the snow drifts collected near the teepee.
"Not if you didn't mate with him you can't be..." Tisiphone watched her sister pace, giving a heavy sigh. "But if you did/i] you've got all the systoms. You're balooning like a overripe melon, you're tired, your ... " she tilted her head, "hair is looking shinier and fiery than ever. Been having mood swings? Have been physically ill"
Megaera swallowed. "Yes... yes, yes YES!" She wheeled, upset, and apparently perfectly characteristic of the mood swings that Tisiphone had just described. Her eyes shone brightly - whether with brimming tears, anger.... or both - wasn't readily apparent. Even when she screamed, "I'm going to KILL him!"
Tisiphone shook her head. "With a Bug Soquili? really Meg...." She made a little gasp at a realization. "You're going to have to tell Father..." The expression on her face clearly indicated that she was happy she was not in Megeara's hooves right now.
Megaera snarled at her sister. Even bad situations had never caused her to snap at one of her two sisters before, but she did not appreciate the scandal in her sister's voice. "I'm going to take care of it." She seethed as her wings spread, not looking forward to that impending conversation.
Wherever that flighty little bug-soquili was, she was going to find him. And she was going to make him pay.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu May 31, 2012 8:25 pm
Posted: Wed Jun 18, 2008 6:12 pm Kamiki  There she was again. The mysterious, strange looking unicorn that hovered around the valley. Sequoyah had seen her many times before in this area, quiet, timid... but full of grace. Every move she made was full of control and beauty. It stirred and old and lingering desire in him, one that he tried to suppress. After all, he had much more important thing he should be focusing on... his daughter just had foals - grandchildren of his own - and his small herd was becoming so tight-knit and close.
But of course, seeing Dahlia with her children also drove in his own desire for a blood line. He loved his adoptive daughter more than life itself, but he also was proud of his blood and a primal desire in him to pass that one was starting to get more and more hard to ignore. Could he really call himself a stallion, much less a potential alpha, if he's never even had a mare before? Even Xandir had an experience with a mare, and though he didn't care for it, at least he, well, tried. There was nothing wrong with feeling this... it was a call of nature.... right?
He would talk to Xandir later. For now... he should introduce himself.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Jun 01, 2012 5:46 am
Posted: Wed Jan 27, 2010 7:15 pm
Cataclysm was in a dark place.
There was something growing inside her - a venomous, toxic unhappiness that was polluting deep within her soul.
You see, when Cataclysm was a young filly - her and her sister were inseparable. Two peas in a pod, and the apple of their father's eye... the world was their oyster. Every cliche in the book, that was them. They flitted about the Kawani lands like they owned it. They were perfect, and nothing gave them more pleasure that giggling and gossiping about the other Soquili they encountered. Whispering, taunting.. no one was good enough for them.
No one.
Until he came along.
His name was Wild Wind. He was everything their father had said they should look for in a mate. He was strong. Clean. Large. He sported a long, healthy mane. Lean muscles. And of course... a pair of able wings.
Cataclysm wasn't convinced. No, as much as he was perfect... and as much as Cataclysm thought he was easy in the eyes, they wouldn't be swayed so easy.
Or so she thought.
Though Wild Wind had caught both their eyes, Cataclysm wasn't ready to grow up, nor was she ready to leave her best friend. They were still young! They were still.... sisters!!.
But Maelstrom...she fell victim. She fell in love.
Now they were mates... and Cataclysm was left behind. She tried to be strong - she didn't need her sister. Or a mate. Or anyone!! She was strong!
But t wasn't the same. Without her best friend by her side Cataclysm began to retreat. First came Firestorm, and not only was she bereft without her sister, now this little b*****d alicorn comes along and takes her place of Balrog's favorite. Now that was another basket that Storm and Balrog were doting over.
It was too much. Her cousins were now of age and looking for mates of their own. She had to get out here.
And she wouldn't return until she had something to impress Balrog with.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Jun 01, 2012 5:48 am
Posted: Sun Jan 31, 2010 4:24 pm There she was again.
Sequoyah stood at the end of the chilly mountain stream, eating some choice pieces of grass and trying to flimsily hide the fact that he was staring at the sparkling vision on the other side of the meadow. She rarely ever came out of the forest, just peaked out between the treeline by a few dozen feet at best, usually at dawn. The rising sun glinted off her scales and caught the light – like sparkling pearls at the bottom of a lagoon. He was hypnotized.
A heavy huff behind him broke him from his stare. He looked up to see Xandir grazing nearby, frowning heavily at him and making it clear he had caught the other stallion staring.
Sequoyah couldn’t help but feel a bit ashamed and guilty. He turned his back to the far away mare. For now.
Sequoyah’s long-distance crush was no secret to the quiet Kirin Amitorlin. She saw him almost every day now… watching her. He seemed nice and handsome enough – from what she had gleaned from their light, silent flirtation… he was an older stallion now – though he was well kept and hardy. He seemed to be the alpha of a small herd of Soquili that lived at the base of the mountain, and he was close with a pink-and-spotted stallion who was jealous of her.
Her world was a quiet one… perhaps even lonely. But being painfully shy, she had no nerve to approach them.
Dahlia was a grown mare now – twice over having reared foals of her own. Her foals were grown! And courting mares… could it be?
Sequoyah snorted in disbelief, unable to sleep. He was a grandfather – probably about to be a great-grandfather by the next few seasons. He was no longer a foal – he was alpha of his own herd. And though he did consider Dahlia his child… a nagging part of him wouldn’t let him ever forget that he did not sire her.
(in progress)
Posted: Mon Aug 09, 2010 3:28 pm Amitorlin & Sequoyah Dahlia was a grown mare now – twice over having reared foals of her own. Her foals were grown! And courting mares… could it be?
Sequoyah snorted in disbelief, unable to sleep. He was a grandfather – probably about to be a great-grandfather by the next few seasons. He was no longer a foal – he was alpha of his own herd. And though he did consider Dahlia his child… a nagging part of him wouldn’t let him ever forget that he did not sire her. He rolled over onto his side in the grass, rustling up a cloud of dust as he sighed and looked up into the starry sky. Xandir shifted his weight as he slumbered nearby, but he was a deep and content sleeper and did not wake despite Sequoyah’s constant tossing and turning.
It was a full moon that night and Seqouyah could see the whole valley bathed in a shimmering, dream-like glow. He got to his hooves and tossed out his mane, looking over to his family nestled among a small thicket of trees. Only Sumi-e, ever diligent, was awake, standing on the outskirts of the trees, his eerily glowing red quartet of eyes glancing over to Sequoyah as he stood. Sequoyah nodded to him, silently assuring him nothing was afoot. The protector nodded back, but the corners of his moth creased in concern.
Sequoyah headed down to the stream, hoping a cool drink of water might still his mind. Despite the blistering heat of summer, the night was pleasant. The ground of was still warm from the glow of the sun, but the air had cooled and s small breeze coming off the mountains made it extremely enjoyable in the valley. The night was alive with the symphony of insects and frogs and the happy burbling of the creek as made his way to the water’s edge. He learned down and took several heavy pulls of water when he got the feeling that he wasn’t alone. He looked up, surprised to see the beautiful kirin mare standing on his side of the creek… just breaths away from him. He opened his mouth to speak, but nothing came out.
 The mare gave a small, shy smile. It had no doubt taken her a lot of courage to come over this close to their territory. Did she come over in the evening for grazing? Did she know he would be out walking this night? There were a thousand questions in his head but no words he could articulate. “My name’s Amitorlin,” came the small chime like voice from the mare.
This seemed to help. “I’m Sequoyah,” he said after a moment. Her eyes lit up pleasantly as he spoke and she nodded at him. Months of long stares and silent wonderings and he finally had a name.
The kirin dipped her head and began to drink, her tail swaying in the wind, lighting brushing up against his quarters. He only smiled and joined her. And so went the rest of the evening. They wandered around the valley in relative silence, continuing their shy courtship of hidden glances and friendly smiles. They walked close together, thoroughly enjoying each others company.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Jun 01, 2012 6:11 am
Posted: Fri Aug 20, 2010 8:06 pm ((ongoing) The silence was driving Sequoyah mad. It was like all his senses her heightening. Out in the grazing land in the valley the whole herd was lingering about, labouringly chewing on mouthfuls of dry, sun-singed grass in the blistering sun. All except Sequoyah who just stood around, shifting his weight from leg to another (and Sumi-e, who would discretely excuse himself to rustle him up something a bit more “hearty” than grass…). He glanced over to Xandir was who grazing close to him, his pink tail swishing in the hot air, keeping various insects at bay. The grey and pink stallion looked up at Sequoyah and a concern look crossed his face. It was obvious his mate had something on this mind. He swallowed the mouthful he was working on and pulled his head up. “Something wrong,” he asked. Sequoyah sighed, worried how this conversation was going to go. There was no point in stalling… he just had to say the words. “I think we should invite Amitorlin to the herd.” The shimmery gray stallion mentally steeled himself for the backlash. Xandir had never heard the mares name… and he didn’t have to. He knew exactly what his mate was talking about. A flash of anger crossed his face, but shook his head as if to clear those thoughts away. “Why?” The question was voiced with a twinge of betrayal. “Well… why not?” Sequoyah countered. “She lives alone out there past the river. She’s all alone, she needs a family. A place to belong. Like everybody.” This was true, of course, but he knew as well as Xandir that he was skirting the real issues about why he wanted her closer. “We haven’t turned anyone away before,” he added, softening his voice. Xandir couldn’t meet his eyes right now. He pawed at the ground with his front hoof instead. “I just wish… I was enough.” Sequoyah’s heart hurt as he said that, a broken expression crossing his long face. “It’s… it’s not completely just about that,” he insisted. “I mean, we’re very lucky here. We have a great grazing land. The stream from the mountain keeps the water cool and clean. Most of the skinwalkers and cougars have been driven away….” “So… you’re bored,” Xandir accused, tilting his head. “No! But we have so much… we should share it. With anyone in need.” Xandir couldn’t argue. He just stood there, looking rebuffed. Sequoyah shifted his weight, trying to best figure out how to drive the conversation from there. “Don’t you think it would be best to share this wealth with… future generations? Foals?” Xandir blinked, not quite grasping the depth of what Sequoyah was trying to segue to. “I mean,” Sequoyah continued, “Dahlia is grown. She has grown children of her own now. So are the twins. It’s been years since we’ve had any foals around these lands. It’s such a waste.” “Of course,” Xandir said. “But it’s not like you can just stumble across an abandoned basket whenever you want.” The silver shimmery stallion rolled his shoulders in a shrug. “Of course. But, and don’t get me wrong I love Dahlia and the twins to death… but don’t you ever wonder, you know…what it would be like to have some of your own?” Xandir opened his mouth to counter about knowing how basic biology works- but then it all hit him. The conversation about Amitorlin and exactly where this conversation was going. “You mean… you and her? Having foals?” Despite his best efforts to keep his tone even, the high pitch of surprise gave away his initial reaction of hurt and surprise. “You can’t tell me the thought has never crossed your mind,” Sequoyah said quickly. “Honestly, can you?” Xandir shrugged incredulously. Sequoyah sighed in exasperation. “I’m a grown stallion.. I’m sorry but I do.. I do want foals. Of my own. My own flesh and blood. I owe to my mother. And to myself. I think I could be a wonderful father and Amitorlin, well, she’s really a great mare. She’s make a great mother… ya know.. uh, strictly speaking of inheritance and all.” Xandir expression didn’t change to much. He was trying to process it all. His mate seemed to have more to say right now than he did. Frustrated with his silence, the fumbling Sequoyah kept on. “Anyway… you know. Haven’t you ever been curious? At all. About, you know… with a mare?” “No!” Xandir shot back quickly, but shook his head. That wasn’t exactly true. “I mean… yes. I have. But it’s not all its cracked up to be.” His voice dropped quietly. “Trust me.” The older stallion tilted his head. “Eh? Are you saying…?” Xandir gave a sheepish shrug. “It was a long time ago! I was so young.. I didn’t know.. I mean… ugh,” he turned his back and paced back and forth. “She was pretty, ya know? And I thought… I thought I knew what I wanted. She was so sweet… I just. I don’t know. It just wasn’t what I thought it was going to be.” Honovi’s sweet face materialized in his mind and he gave a small, guilty smile. “I haven’t seen her since. I feel bad.. I didn’t want to just leave her like that. But I didn’t know what else to do.” Sequoyah was flabbergasted. “I had no idea…” Xandir frowned. “It never really came up. It’s not something I’m proud of.” Seqouyah came close to Xandir, letting his shoulder rub against his own and he nuzzled the side of his face gently, comfortingly. “It’s nothing to be ashamed over. I’m not angry. Anyway, it’s in the past.” Xandir gave a small nod, leaning into Sequoyah’s touch.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Jun 01, 2012 6:13 am
Posted: Tue Aug 24, 2010 7:47 pm 
He tried opening his eyes again, blinking into the light and wincing as his vision adjusted to the hard light of day.
Now what happened?
He tried to clear his head and remember. There was a festival going on… some kind of grand event. Silly little Wolpertingers like himself were hopeless drawn to large drunken crowds. There was always so much to eat drink. Festivals were the best. Tons of discarded faire food everywhere. And more… yes… he had stumbled across a stash of pet biscuits. Beautiful, wonderful, starchy heaven… left unguarded and just there for the taking.
The things was… despite how small and fluffy they were, Wolpertingers were notoriously bad at controlling themselves. There was no need for vonCoren to eat virtually the whole barrel of biscuits. He wasn’t starving. He didn’t have a little Wolpertinger family to take care of. He wasn’t even that hungry. But there he sat, for who knew how long, just eating. Of course once he had finished nearly the whole barrel – quite a feat for something his size – he had meant to scurry away before being caught…
…but something had happened. He felt sick and dizzy. Perhaps not too surprising considering he just ate over ten times his body weight in biscuits, but he couldn’t hardly sit up straight, much less hop away. He saw stars in his vision and then… blackness.
That left him here… the empty barrel was discarded off to the side – but why did it look so small?
He rolled over, trying to get to his feet. Looking down, vonCoren was shocked to see hooves instead of his adorable little bunny paws. He jerked back, instinctively moving onto all fours, wobbly steadying himself at the sudden change in height. He was a dizzy – he had never been this high up before – what was happening? He looked back down at the heavy hooves that now replaced his feet. He took a tentative step. His whole body felt so alien and strange – heavy and uncoordinated. Like he was on stilts. Why was he like this? Like a horse?! He shook his head in disbelief and felt the light slap of his long Wolpertinger ears against his face. His ears! Oh thanks the heavens he still had his ears! He looked back. Wings, too. So he wasn’t just changed into a horse… he was some kind of a horse like Wolpertinger… creature.
Perhaps festival food wasn’t all it was cracked up to be after all. He certainly didn’t want to get caught like this – they might try to put a saddle on him or something! No… no for now he would just find a quiet a cool place to rest, and wait until this silly spell wore off.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
