Welcome to Gaia! ::

Fantome narrowed his eyes at the mare. She was definitely an aggravating individual. He gave a heavy sigh as he watched her cautiously. No names had been exchanged between the two of them. Perhaps rectifying that would improve the mare's attitude? Fantome grimaced - maybe it wouldn't make a difference. Fantome lifted his wings and spread them out to their full extent before addressing the mare.

"Yes I came to your lands searching for my granddaughter as you stated. I did not know that the lands had been claimed so trespassing might be too strong of a word to use. I've yet to meet my granddaughter but I do love her just the same. You say my plight has softened your heart, is that a good thing?"

Fantome winced as the question passed his lips. He didn't mean for it to sound the way it had but it was too late to take the question back. He softened the harshness by issuing one more inquiry.

"Who are you?"

Well, obviously it hadn't been the right question to ask. Fantome watched the mare's level of aggression flare after he spoke his piece with a little uncertainty. Someone around here was definitely confused and it wasn't him. This Flock mare seemed to be easily agitated. Was it a good idea he had come this way? Could he even believe that the mare had seen Tsunami? A lot of questions circled in Fantome's mind as the mare spoke about him insulting her and her people. That got a reaction ... and not a good one at that.

"Excuse me, but when have I insulted your people? How is not knowing that you are indeed a true race and believing that you are just a rumor casting insults? I might have accidentally insulted you with my last comment but believe me, I haven't cast any slurs yet on your people."

Fantome wasn't one to anger quickly but his companions sensed that the stallion was quickly becoming enraged. They took to the air in a flurry of movement. "I'm beginning to think that perhaps you have not even come across my granddaughter. Thus this whole meeting has been a waste of time."

Fantome's ears went back. He had had enough of this crazy mare and her antics. She was trying to bait him it seemed. He would not play into her claws. He just wouldn't. He almost stuck to this resolve until the mare uttered what seemed to be her parting words. Fantome grimaced at the thought of 'walkers in the area. Stormfall had mentioned to him Tsunami's relentless behavior. How she had seemed eager to explore. It was in his belief that it was a recipe for disaster.

Why was he even thinking of following this mare? Fantome groaned softly before closing his eyes. Hopefully he did not live to regret his next move.

"Wait ... please!"

Fantome lowered his wings and watched the mare with a hooded expression. He was still confused about her earlier words. He had of course given this stranger a description of Tsunami so why did it seem like she was guessing at something?

Fantome groaned silently. Why had he had to run into such an aggravating mare? What was it about her that continued to set him off into a dizzying spiral of confusion? First he wanted to know about her and then he wanted nothing to do with her. Fantome dipped his head to hide the conflict raging in his eyes. He was silent for a while longer before a change came over him. He raised his head and gazed at the blue mare. She had offered at first to help after the initial confrontation and even now she lingered. Fantome sighed deeply as he considered his words. When he spoke the words were gentled. He didn't want the mare to leave with the wrong impression.

"I believe we've gotten off to a bad start. You mentioned that you might have seen my granddaughter in the area. If I am to search in your territory it would be unwise to cause further conflict between us. So I apologize for my actions and the distress that I might have caused you."

Perhaps Fantome was using too many words to apologize but the words were heartfelt.

"I guess that what I ask of you by staying is that I need your help."

This was getting more confusing. It took Fantome a moment longer after the mare had finished talking to realize that he had ultimately been played. Whom indeed was the better actor had been answered. However it seemed as if the mare was just as conflicted as he had been. She was "releasing" him? Since when had he become property? Fantome swept his wings out in a grand fashion before lowering them. He could see the glisten of tears that she was trying so hard to hide.

"You tell me to go and I see that it hurts you to do so. Whatever it was I did that has upset you so much once again I apologize. Maybe perhaps we will meet again after I find what it is I seek."

Although Fantome did not know if the mare was watching he executed a well-performed bow towards her direction before he swept his wings out and launched himself into the air. He'd continue the search for his granddaughter. After that ... who knew what the future held.