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 Posted: Sun Jul 07, 2013 11:46 pm
Friendship was yet another idea he had yet to explore. It seemed a simple title, especially if the depth of the bond he felt tugging securely at his heart even now was commonplace among friends. He didn't have anything to compare what he now felt to, not even the camaraderie of siblings... but, then, Meridah was unique. He didn't need to try to compare her or what went on between them to anything else, because she had a whole new category all her own: Meridah. She was, and always will be, Meridah... his friend.
If he had ever heard the phrase, he would have gone so far as to call her a best friend, but then when someSoquili only has one friend to speak of... that friend is simultaneously the best and the worst, and yet adjectives such as those have no meaning when comparing that one to themselves.
As she apologized for her behavior and sought to explain it, he fixed her with a puzzled frown. She had been through a near-death experience (not too near though, he reassured himself as his heart rate began to speed up anxiously), and still she apologized? He shook his head slightly in amazement.
Meridah.
If her family was anything like her, he was glad that the world had Soquili like them around.
He blinked at her comment, finally looking around at the sky. His golden eyes widened in surprise to see the golden disc setting out across the sea, and he wondered in amazement how he had not noticed the fading light before. Her next statement drew him back, and he drew his shoulders up as his head lowered in sorrow.
He didn't really have a schedule, or someplace to be, just like he... didn't really have a family. His parents had made it clear when they chased him off; you're not wanted, don't come back, we spawned you so be grateful but you can survive on your own so don't bother us. He hadn't done anything to deserve it, and he might never understand their stance, but he respected their claims (backed up by the ferocious stares of his father, who had come by only to see that the spawn were sent off, and the distant apathy of his mother).... and he hadn't tried to return. Some part of him was glad of their confidence, but he had learned too of a breeding strategy that was common in the sea... produce as many children as possible, and send them off with the currents; some will survive, some will not, but the duty is fulfilled and the species lives on. That kind of thinking helped him greatly, but only when he was capable of settling his emotions down enough to think logically about the situation... he was just a foal, just a colt trying his best to survive in a world he barely understood, perhaps a little wise beyond his years in some areas but so terribly naive in others. And he didn't have a family.... not like hers, anyway.
"No..." he said, his voice seeming tired as his shoulders seemed to slump further in defeat, "... I'm. I wasn't.... doing anything... important." He had nowhere to be, other than where he ended up. He looked after his body's needs and sought new spectacular sights to keep a steady trickle of joy alive, and he listened to stories sometimes and remembered certain places he shouldn't go again and other places he wanted to return to, someday. But none of it was.... expected of him. The only requirement he had was 'don't return'. Don't return to that vast underwater cove, just one among many that existed on distant shores.
He knew that he should explain himself, because although he wouldn't dwell on things like that when he was on his own, he also didn't want his friend to feel like he was keeping something from her after all she had shared.
His parents weren't worried about him, if anything they might be slightly disturbed that he might someday return... if he remembered the way, and if he survived as they had simply stated that he would.
"My... parents..." he took a steadying breath, punching down the irrational fear that if his new friend found out that his parents didn't want him maybe she wouldn't want to be around him either. "... they didn't want me around." He had once taken some comfort from the fact that any of their children would have been chased off just as he had been, but he couldn't say 'us' because he couldn't remember his siblings... though his parent's faces and warning were ingrained firmly in his mind, he supposed he hadn't really spent enough time with any of his 'family' to build memories with.
If her family of knights was really as wonderful as he imagined, she might not understand just from what he had said the depth of his... situation. "Ever. Anymore." he stated flatly, driving the point home vocally for the first time to her and for himself.
Not wanting to start to cry from self-pity while his friend was being so brave, gathering herself together after nearly.... you know... Voda drew himself up and pushed his little shoulders back straight.
"If, if you need to go though, it's okay." his tail flopped once, then began to curl around her legs even as he said she could leave if she wanted to- he stopped the movement stubbornly, scolding himself inwardly for the subconscious movement. He looked back at her, his golden eyes large and earnest. "Really. But... if..." now that he needed to express himself, he seemed to struggle to find the words. "... Friends are forever, right?" he didn't really need her confirmation of that, that much he knew about friendship- true friendship anyway- but he was more gathering his courage again after returning to distant times and sharing deeply buried memories that still lacked solid explanation. "So... if you do go, now, I mean, or if you can stay a little longer too... can we see each other again?"
He didn't want to ask for too much, or take too much time away from her training, but maybe.... oh! "I could teach you to swim, if you like?" Maybe instead of taking away from her lesson time, he could add to it! If it really wasn't part of the normal repertoire, and if her family wasn't up to the task.
He knew that he probably didn't need that little extra incentive for her to say yes, but he found that in the wake of those old-but-still-raw memories he was rather insecure. He shuffled slightly, closing the teensy distance that had grown between them as she withdrew to wipe away her tears, needing the comfort of the contact and firmly remembering their agreement.
Friends are forever... right?
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Posted: Mon Jul 08, 2013 12:34 am
Tearing her own eyes from the sun and all its glory in its descent into the sea, cascading the colors out onto the water. Ever attentive in her peripherals she noticed his draw back and turned her head back quickly to see what was the matter....and it just seemed that the air had become thicker despite the ever salty breeze. To see his head lower rather uncharacteristically in her mind, an unsettling feeling found its way into her chest and she found it hard to breathe.
Yet she was polite, and listened as he spoke up in a weak voice, shoulder dropping to emphasize everything she was seeing before her.
As each word of his passed through his lips on a hard subject, her breathing had lightened considerably; hindered by how tightly her small heart clenched in her chest. She could only stare, doe eyes wide with a sense of not only sadness, but horror. How....how could what he said be truth? On the same note, she knew he could not be lying to her which made his words sting all the more. Meridah couldn't believe it, coming from the family she did; love was the foundation of everything...they lived and fought for one another. When everything crumbled around you....family always was the rock you could hold onto amidst the storm. Parents loved their children...how could it be anything but unless you came from skin walkers? It drew the words from her mouth, as her heart began to beat furiously with the passing moments. How could they? How could they toss him away like that? Looking at the colt before her with more intensity in her eyes, she was blown away by him. How can one even cope when something of that caliber was taken away from him? Love, affection, nurturing....all of which so fundamental, all of which just as important that only a parent can give. How was he so strong, when he had been given so little in his life. If Meridah had been chased off, she would be a very different filly than the one standing right here, she would have been crushed - destroyed.
She's almost not heard him when he spoke of if she had to leave, eyes snapping to life from the daze she'd been in before. "I don't!" She retorted, she wasn't going anywhere. Not now. She'd deal with any trouble she'd be in for being out obnoxiously late for someone her age. They'd understand. This was important.
"I mean....I'm not going anywhere." She breathed. "How could they..." Her quiet words came out, a daze of shock still overriding her system. "How could someone not be wanted.....especially someone like you." She had been so scared for a moment seconds ago if there was ever the possibility to not see him again. Forever was a long time, and a dire thing to say when it meant to never see another again. Meridah tried desperately not to cry again, but such a revelation that cruelty could exist in the position she felt was most sacred in one's life....was simply horrifying. How could family....blood....betray you like that? Gazing up again as she stared into his eyes, she tried to focus past the shock.
She barely even noticed he'd moved closer, chest to chest as it was not only comforting to him....but she as well. Swallowing hard she lowered her head behind his head in the only hug she knew how to give; her face pressing against him firmly. "They are forever....and they'll never ask you to leave, ever." Resolve in her tone she closed her eyes tightly. "I can't be what they should have been in your life....but now you are part of mine. I'll come here, every day, no matter what. I promise. When we're older, we'll help others....you don't have to be a knight, but if you want I'll train you!" She rambled, clearly her nerves catching up to her as she wanted to hit home....she wasn't going anywhere and didn't want him to either. "So please...don't go away. Not from me. I want you around Voda...." Realizing she may have been hugging a little too tightly with how hard her neck was pressing against his, she leaned off a little; before giving a gentle chuckle.
"I might not be able to share your world down there completely, but i'd love to learn to swim. You can come a little into mine, and I can a little into yours then.....I like the sounds of that."
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Posted: Mon Jul 08, 2013 12:59 am
As the sun set, an eternal bond dawned in the hearts and minds of two young foals.
He flinched slightly at her harsh retort, relaxing against her as she qualified her exclamation with a more gentle answer. She wasn't going anywhere, and she... she seemed very upset. He wondered first if he shouldn't have sounded so uncertain when he asked her to stay, to come again, and then blinked slowly as he realized that her anger was directed at his parents- not him. Too quick to accept the blame for any ills, he nonetheless arrived at the truth after some careful (or frantic) thought.
The How of the matter was rather clear. They had rejected their son, sending him off with little to no ceremony and continued on living without him. The Why, he may never know, and he would not try to explain their actions... he didn't understand it, and all the thinking he did and all the contemplation he actively avoided would not change that simple fact: his parents didn't want him, and they had made that quite clear.
As their chests met, he could almost feel her heartbeat on his sensitive skin- or was it his own?
Her confirmation and contact made everything seem okay again. His earlier insecurity faded away, replaced by the feel of her neck pressing against his own. It was... nice... even if the long series of fins that rode the crest of his neck almost hindered the equine embrace. He hadn't realized how much he needed to hear forever and neverever until she spoke.
It was a long time, longer than he could even comprehend- but he knew what those words signified, and he knew that she would never have said that if she hadn't meant it. "Thank you." he said, a watery smile wobbling onto his young features. His vision blurred slightly, then returned to normal- if he had ever known such a concept, he would have called them happy tears.
"Okay." he wouldn't go, and he'd be here, every day. There were lots of other places they could go, so much they could see and share, but perhaps this place was nearer to her home or more convenient for her to find. He wondered who she had been playing with, and whether they were worried about her too... Her chuckle was met with a dazzling smile of his own, that faded quickly but left a blissful warmth in his golden eyes.
He knew they'd have to part sometimes, so she could train and do... whatever families did when they were together..., but they had promised; they'd always return, and share a portion of their lives together.
"I'd like that."
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Posted: Mon Jul 08, 2013 1:18 am
"You're welcome, Voda..." Meridah breathed, smiling warmly although he couldn't see behind him. If only there was more she could do...the chances were slim to none she would ever find his parents, demand explination and give them a good piece of her mind of their actions....but that wouldn't have made any difference to the life he had already begun to life without him. In a more selfish thought...would she have even met him if his parents were around to keep him from wandering to places like this? To save stupid little fillies who underestimated the sea? While she wished life could have held both....it probably didn't. Yet past was merely prologue - the future held brighter and grander things; she was sure of it.
For once, she dreaded to go back home; if she could she would have demanded he come with her; live amongst the knights she called family. Yet they lived near no water; and his safety would be jeopardized if she made him do such a thing. Leaving would be something she would have to face when the time came, but for right now as her legs began to shake from sheer exhaustion of the days events, now was a time to rest before the inevitable trip home. "Its settled then..." She confirmed happily, drawing her head back before slowly settling herself onto the wet sand below her. Emotionally drained, and physically strained from everything she knew she'd need to lay for some time.
"I think i'll have to stay a while...I don't think I can move anymore..." She admitted, looking up into his eyes. Her legs cried out with the bliss that laying with no weight brought. Perhaps a small snooze was in order, as the sun's last rays cast over the sea's horizon; and soon the stars would be out in abundance and the daylight around them would disappear till the morning.
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Posted: Mon Jul 08, 2013 1:39 am
While she thought of the future, he was content with the present. He was secure in the knowledge that they would meet again- many times, as many to fill forever- and he blinked sleepily as the last of his strength slowly gave way to the gently demanding pull of sleep.
Perhaps it was seeing her settle down amidst the wet sand that so sapped the last of his energy reserves, or perhaps the consequences of his strenuous impromptu rescue had finally caught up with him. Important matters now settled (Voda's lips twitched but didn't quite curve enough to form a smile as she confirmed that, too,) the pair could now settle down and replenish themselves- enough to fill those many days to come.
Though the night air could still dry out his water-loving skin, they were close enough to the water that he faced little danger if stayed at her side. The sun's rays were diminished in power, reflecting off the moon, and the chill of night would prevent atmospheric evaporation of the precious moisture. But... they were close to the sea, and though the tides would get no larger this night, he did not want to risk awakening to find her being washed out with the waves.
With a silent nod, he moved between her and the ocean, angling his body so that he could lay close by. His weary muscles protested as he collapsed beside her, his massive tail arching carefully in a semi-circle in the sand below her hind end as he stretched out his neck to rest his head near hers. He blinked again, slower this time, and golden eyes met brown once more. He gathered his energy and flashed her his last quick smile of the night, grinning inwardly too as his even his cheek muscles spasmed in protest- they had received much more exercise than they were used to today, too! The foals could rest together, and deal with things in the morning... she probably could move if their lives depended on it, just as he could burst into action if absolutely required, but there was no need... it was peaceful, here on the beach, with the gentle sounds of the waves breaking upon the silent shore.
"It's okay... i'm here."
Friends, together... he slowly began to drift off to sleep, not at all surprised that his body so quickly lunged at the chance to rest after their shared ordeal, but trying to remain conscious enough to respond if she had anything else to say....
... Meridah...
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Posted: Mon Jul 08, 2013 1:55 am
Blinking on more of a que than usual she could feel her heavy eyes drop occasionally, the onslaught of salt had been enough to make then sore as could be if it was not for the cleansing tears which had swept across the surface earlier. It didn't make it any less difficult to keep them open, but she was happy it wasn't a stinging sensation by any means. Keeping trained on his movements, she was curious why he was moving to her other side, but when observation of the water he now shielded her from it was clear his intentions - and it made her smile. He needed the water, true...but she assumed it was more than that. It simply was what friends were for...support and protection.
Meridah was a little surprised when his tail had come to a rest behind her hind and tail; while his head moved to rest close to her own. With half lidded eyes she let out a content breath and lowered her own onto the sand. While he may have kept distance she didn't, resting her cheek against his as eyes closed - that smile still stretched so naturally on her lips. It was a strange sensation going to sleep on a beach, against someone other than her parents or brothers...but this was a friend....her friend. It was just as good. It was a pleasant experience though, the sound of the gentle waves were intoxicating to her ears; a silently lullaby that she wasn't graced with back in the forest home of her herdland. Where crickets sounded the night with their strange serenade....but the ocean was of a whole different category....so alluring to slumber.
The filly found she could open her eyes no longer as she nestled her cheek against his; sleep clawing at her consciousness. "I'm glad...you are." She admitted tiredly, a yawn escaping her jowls; as her body slowly relaxed to the point of no return.
Whatever was to happen would be solved tomorrow, not to mention the explanation to her parents on why she was out all night. Yet for now, her place was here - and there was no where else she'd rather have been. Surrendering to sleep, she dreamed of what the adventures of tomorrow would bring to she...and her new found friend.
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Posted: Mon Jul 08, 2013 11:43 am
The night passed relatively uneventfully, as though Nature herself wished to give the foals a respite.
The few crustaceans and creatures of the sea that made their way to the sandy shore scuttled around the slumbering foals, seeking an easier and appropriately-sized meal.
As the tides began to recede, the morning sun rose, casting its warm rays on the sleeping pair and coaxing them gently from their dreams...
Voda blinked wearily, his return to consciousness slow and accompanied by a tumult of information from his body that his just-awakened mind could barely process.
As he lay there, taking in information from his weary little body, he noticed that although one leg had moved a little... he was in exactly the same position that he had settled into the night before. His tail arching protectively around the filly, his face still in the little grove of now-dry sand. His body had been a successful barrier between her and the sea, and though the tides had carried away the waves that had licked upon his back throughout the night his skin still retained just-enough moisture.
He knew why he hadn't moved: his muscles were far to exhausted to allow him the tossing and turning, the twitches and wiggles, of a dreaming foal. He didn't even remember what he had dreamed about, as though his mind had simply shut off once he allowed himself to sleep.
He moved one shoulder experimentally, and winced when a sharp pain shot down his spine. Apparently his tender joints did not appreciate bearing the weight of another, though as he continued to press and stretch his back he figured the soreness would fade in time. The water had helped to bear some of her weight, and his great tail... ohhh, ow! ... was very sore too. His mind filed away the location of particularly tender spots and bruises, so that he would be a little extra careful today.
But a little stiffness and soreness was nothing compared to the safety of his new friend.
He breathed gently, golden eyes flickering over to where Meridah had settled down to sleep.
His stomach protested indignantly, disgruntled at being passed over in his self-inspection and grumbling about it loudly. His golden eyes widened as he drew in a sharp breath, peeking at his friend and hoping that he hadn't disturbed her.
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Posted: Mon Jul 08, 2013 12:34 pm
The suns rays in the morning light had felt like a warm blanket, her darker pelt making sure the heat retained against her once sopping skin - now perfectly dry albeit a little sand crusted where she had once laid in wet sand; now dry from the receding tide. Warm breezes from the ocean swayed her hair from side to side, back to its usual voluminous state as she'd not moved in some time...the mere fast like her companion she'd exhausted all of her strength trying to get onto that rock had taken everything from her. While she had been so tired she didn't believe she dreamed, her world of slumber set in a calming darkness....that was alright. She was used to pushing her limits to the extreme...but never past the point of dire she'd had done yesterday.
Noises began to filter in her ears, rousing her subconscious to wake. The filly was generally a light sleeper to begin with, often awoken by startling sounds amongst the backdrop of night's soothing melody. This was no different, as her ears gave a little flick before her eyes opened slowly to greet the day. A sharp inhale alerted her to wonder if something had happened and turned her head a little to the side where she was once cheek to cheek with the colt; seeing his golden eyes already upon her. It seemed fine, as she glanced to him; before her lips curled in a sleep grogged smile. "Good Morning.." She breathed quietly, glad that in the morning he was still around - not that she had the doubt but such a pleasant feeling she didn't want to disregard.
Lifting her head up as she felt her neck crack at a few spots, she wiggled her nose as the feeling of sand sticking to her chin and neck was a little strange. Musing with a small chuckle she brushed the sandy fur against her leg to try and get most of it off. Once finished, she found her gaze settling back to him; watching him for movements of discomfort. "How are you feeling...Voda?" Was he too dry? Did he sleep well? Attentive like she would be to her brothers - her new found friend was no exception to her doting...even if perhaps he didn't need it from being so independent but she didn't care...she'd do it anyways.
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Posted: Mon Jul 08, 2013 12:54 pm
As the filly began to move, he carefully lifted his own head as well, moving slowly despite his joy at waking up with her still so near. He returned her smile, uncertain when he heard a tiny pop of a joint as she lifted her neck. "Good morning." he echoed, liking to feel of greeting someone else instead of just watching the land awaken around him without anything to say- or anyone to say it to. He was sure that it would be a good morning, despite the repercussions of yesterday.
Now that his own body had it's say and he was almost-fully awake, his golden eyes began to flicker over her as he sought out any external signs of distress. He worried about how sore she might be, what with her struggle to get back onto the rock and the salt water that had ravished her lungs. "I'm..." he briefly considered simply stating that he was alright, but he let out a tentative laugh- the first one to grace his throat in memory- as she wiped the sand from her coat. He was used to being salt-crisped or sand-covered. "... sore, and hungry!" he continued bluntly, speaking the simple truth without the careful courtesies of more socialized folk. "And... and you?" he waited anxiously, concerned, nonetheless admiring her red locks anew... as his little stomach grumbled louder still.
Though they were focused so carefully on each others' plight, perhaps even shrugging off their own pains in order to tend each other's needs, that's just what friends... do.
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Posted: Mon Jul 08, 2013 8:55 pm
Sore was a bit of an understatement as she assumed was a similar scenario with him as well. She could feel the ache of her muscles from the struggles of yesterday, as well as the few very minor injuries she had gotten; mostly a scratch here and there from her frantically jarring at the rock with her hooves and legs. They were long past the point of pain, just a small throb which she was sure was more of the pain of her muscles than anything serious. When Voda spoke she flicked her ears in his direction, his pause catching her interest as she was concerned that something was wrong, perhaps something he didn't tell her before. Yet when he had elaborated she felt a curt laugh escape her lips, beaming as she shook her head in amusement. "Well I'm sure thats good as long as you have your appetite!" Hungry....she felt her own stomach twist in what would have been a call to eat, but it was ignored briefly.
"I'm good too. I think a little banged up..." She lifted her leg, looking closer at the shallow and thin cuts from what she imagined could have been the barnacles on the otherwise smooth rock. "...but nothing serious." She giggled once more as even she heard his stomach this time, leaning down to push her nose against his belly. "That seems a little seriously though, it might start to eat itself!" She laughed, wondering but a moment if he needed to leave to the sea to eat.....what did kelpie eat down there anyways?
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Posted: Mon Jul 08, 2013 9:30 pm
She was right; though his body's demands were somewhat annoying at times, it was much better than having a body that didn't know what it needed to survive. He wasn't sure he could have figured it out, all on his own, without impulse and instinct.
He sighed as she lifted her knee, wishing he had healing powers to take away the marks of her struggle. He hoped that they didn't hurt, reassured by her claim that it was nothing serious.
He tried to wiggle his tail excitedly at her giggle, utterly pleased by the sound.
Watching as she nudged his vocal belly, he wrinkled his nose a little at her comment but joined in her laughter. Their voices blended and rose to the sky, and he realized that sounds could be beautiful too- like scenes for the ears. (Or something.)
He found that, when he got hungry, it was harder to think. Sometimes he got a last burst of energy that allowed him to travel to the nearest food source, but his thoughts were usually silent on the way. This time, he wondered if she was hungry too, and what she liked to eat.
His tummy wasn't very picky, aside from vehemently refusing things that smelled icky. Beneath the waves, he relied more on sight and careful cautious sampling to direct him to good things to eat, but on the surface there were so many smells that could waft through the air with mouth-watering intensity! Sweet smells, juicy smells, and crisp clean grass smells... and, oh, sun-dried kelp! He'd discovered that one by accident one day when he'd flopped onto a sunny rock to enjoy his snack and fell asleep before he could finish, but his stomach growled again just thinking about the treat.
He licked his little lips, and his front legs popped out in front of him. Bopping his neck once for momentum, he rose to his hooves, swaying slightly as the blood rushed to his head at the sudden movement. His knees locked and he held his position, peeking down at her and hoping that her scuffed knees wouldn't hurt when she got up. His own body had made peace with its aches, fretfully determined to allow him the range of movement he needed to seek out food.
"I don't want my stomach to eat itself, and I don't want yours to get any ideas either, so... d'you want to get something to eat with me?" He could go off and find something and bring her back something tasty, but he didn't want to part ways just yet. He only hoped that her family wouldn't be too cross with him for taking up some more of her time... he'd never been on land here before, and he didn't know his way around, but if she played hide and seek here then maybe she knew a spot. Or they could try underwater, but he wasn't sure she'd like the salty sustenance of the sea... and he wasn't sure she was ready to go back in the water just yet.
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Posted: Wed Jul 10, 2013 11:41 pm
"I would love to get something to eat!" Looking up as he arose from the sand she pushed her legs from under her and hoisted her body up. A little wobbly from the soreness of her muscles but nothing too drastic the filly stretched her legs out, trying to relieve some of the stiffness.
When she was satisfied she would not fall over or collapse back down she could feel her own stomach rumble from the loss of nutrients, and being so long since her meal from yesterday. Like he, she did not wish to leave the comfort of his side just yet, not till it was truly necessary....so she did the only thing she could think of; come up with a plan.
Lifting her nose to the air she began to inhale, although the smell of the sea was strong she could get a whiff of something more delightful and juicy.
"I think I can smell some raspberries! Would you like to come and see?" Meridah's tail swayed side to side in glee, it had been some time since she had the delicious berries but she was sure that was what she smelt. They simply had their own distinct aroma that was no mistaking, and it also lead her to wonder if he'd ever had anything like them before. "Have you eaten a lot of land food?" She asked curiously, looking over to the treeline just past the shore. By the breeze she could tell they were coming from that general direction. Perhaps out of a newly acquired habit she found herself taking a step or two towards him till she was back at his side, pressing against his side as a means to remind herself he was around - even when he was right in front of her eyes. He wasn't leaving yet, she reminded herself, and found herself looking back to his golden eyes; thinking how much they looked like the sun itself....if one could look at it for a long time.
She didn't want her eyes to burn - and was glad they were not the sun. Blindness wasn't in the stars for this filly with a grand world of adventure ahead of her!
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Posted: Thu Jul 11, 2013 7:43 pm
Watching carefully as she rose to her hooves, he was pleased (but not surprised) when she managed to stand on her own. He was more than pleased at her response.
His head tilted as she began to sniff the air, and he sniffed in the same direction. The smells made his mouth water.
He looked back at her when she asked her question, his head tilting the other way as he thought about his response. He had probably eaten many more different types of things beneath the waves, but he had sampled quite a few land-only delicacies as well. He didn't know how many options there to try, so he didn't really know if he'd tried a lot or only a little of them.
The smell reminded him of one thing he'd tried in particular, but it was... a little different. A fuller smell, not like that crisp sweet smell of the other food but somehow more robust. The memory of that day was strong: the yearling, rearing up to grasp the sweet fruit from the tallest branches, and passing out the treats to the foals who had gathered eagerly around the tree. He had hung back, drawn in by the exclamations of pleasure and the scent of something tasty, but uncertain of his welcome and a little too shy to stand in the semi-circle and wait his turn. But, before long, the yearling spotted him, and reared up to grab a particularly large reddish fruit in his teeth. The yearling made his way through the crowd, and offered the object to the Kelpi colt, who blinked in astonishment and then accepted with a squeaky thank you. The yearling watched as he crunched into the fruit, and had chuckled a little when an unintentional expression of enjoyment had come from the little colt, turning away to pass out more fruit to the eager foals. What had he called it? .... Voda thought hard.... Oh! An Ahh-pull.
His nose had been right; 'raspberries' sounded nothing like 'ahhpull', so whatever the new sweet smell had to be this new thing called raspberries.
"I've tried some foods on-land, but I don't think i've had raspberries before." He felt her come closer, and peeked down into her warm brown eyes. He enjoyed her contact, the feel of her so close, and he especially enjoyed that she seemed to enjoy it too.
He arched his spine, partially to stretch again and partially to feel her more pressed more firmly against his slightly-bulging shoulder. He relaxed again, excited to go and eat with Meridah...
... but something felt... a little weird.
He wrinkled his nose and peeked down at his skin, sighing when he saw that it was starting to lose its moisture too fast. He might not make it to the raspberries!... He glanced back at the ocean, and then started deep into her eyes. "I'm not leaving." He reassured her, lamenting having to break their contact but knowing that no distance could ever damage the bond they shared. "Just... wait for me for a second, okay?" Without waiting for an answer, he pressed his forehead against hers lightly and then moved slowly away. Glancing back to make sure that his little hooves wouldn't kick sand at her when he took off, he took off towards the waterline with a resounding grumble of protest from his belly. Splashing into the water, he stopped when he was barely ankle-deep, not wanting to give Meridah the idea that he was racing off for good.
He lowered himself to his knees, and then flopped over onto his side, enjoying the feel of the cool ocean against his thirsty skin. He started to roll over onto his back, and then thought better of it when the delicate spines of his wing-fins protested the movement, instead raising to his hooves again and then flopping down on the other side. He lay there for a few moments, and then his tail started flopping about, sending droplets spraying over his back and head and coating itself in the process. He got up one more time, and then thunked his head firmly into the shallow water, rubbing his cheeks against the surface to make sure every inch got wet. Nodding, satisfied, he turned back to his friend waiting on the shore and started to move back towards her.
He'd always return.
And she'd be there. They'd promised.
Moving slowly so as not to dislodge too many water droplets, his dark mane was once more plastered against his neck. When he got close, he stopped barely less than a meter away, suddenly uncertain again. Would she want such close contact with him, now that he was all cold and wet again?
Golden eyes wide, his head lowered slightly, he waited there for her, wondering whether she might approach again or if she's stay at a distance until he was almost-dry. Yesterday, she'd been wet too, and everything had been so scary... she didn't care, yesterday. But what about now?
He waited, ignoring the coaxing prods from his stomach to follow the sweet scent on the air, his gaze fixed firmly upon the firm of his first- and only- friend. The sun sparkled playfully in the droplets that now sparkled his mane and fins, casting a shimmering hue atop his wet skin.
He waited, certain that he would have his answer before very long.
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Posted: Fri Jul 12, 2013 8:52 pm
When she listened to him speak, she smiled even brighter, perhaps a little too excited to show him some of the wonders of the surface he'd never tried before. Berries in general were some of her favorite foods, so sweet and juicy and often in abundance! (Not to mention easy to get, unlike the delicious apple) Often excited to try new things and put all the wealth of knowledge in her building plethora, what made her even more joyous was to share her knowledge with others; see the same surprise and joy she had when trying things first. It was a small and perhaps a bit of a pointless circle....but it was a full swing none the less for the little filly.
"You'll like them! They're small, but they grow in such big numbers on a bush....and are just the prettiest red you've ever seen!" Already she could feel her mouth water, having even memorized the taste.
With her eye contact never breaking contact with his face she was surprised when he'd looked to the ocean before drawing his gaze back to hers rather intently. Blinking twice she wondered what was happening when he'd confessed he wasn't leaving. Where did that come from? Perhaps with a negating effect she felt a small well of panic rise - had something happened, did he see something? Meridah felt like she should have been calmed in the sense that their promise overrode anything....and she felt he was a colt of his word. A promise was as good as life itself, and she was a filly of her word down to her very breath. Before she knew it her forehead was warming against his own, as once again she felt herself blink once or twice, then turned to trace him as he made his way back to the sea.
What?
Oh. That's right. He needed to be wet.
Immediately a somber look overcame her features as she watched diligently while he flopped around in the waves. It really was bothersome that he needed the water, and she was on land. In a way...sadness crept up in her soul as she wished she too could swim in the depths where he wouldn't need to ever worry about getting too dry and possibly sick with the heat the sun could bring to the land. Yet she couldn't share his underwater world even if she tried, her eyes were not made to see in the salt waters - and what little she could was blurred heavily. Breathing was a large obstacle....one impossible to overcome. Letting the breath she'd been holding while in thought out through her nose she forced a small smile...thankful he was willing to remain up here with her. She imagined it wasn't easy, she knew...since she had a hell of a time yesterday in his world. Before she even knew it though he was on his way back, noting that he was being careful to keep as much water as he could on his body - possibly prolonging the time he could spend up on shore till he needed moisture once again. Stopping prematurely just a touch away from her, Meridah found her head tilting a tad to the side curiously. What was he doing? Why did he not approach and assume where they had been before?
Yet....she couldn't help but be mesmerized by his water droplet covered body. It seemed like he'd just rolled around in magical sparkles and not the sea. Although not one for truly girly things like pretty and shinies and rainbows like other filly's....she did adore his near magic appearance...
Shaking her head to get a hold of herself she boldly closed the distance between them and placed her forehead back against his in a faint headbutt motion; grinning. "Well, what are we waiting for? You gotta tell me if you get dry though next time....i'll make sure to find you some water." Excitement in her voice she pulled back; having a wet spot on her forehead from his damp hair and a few trails of droplets which had fallen down her maw. Noble Knights had no business being scared of getting wet! Cautious about Oceans.....well that was a whole other story.
Nudging his neck with her nose she turned and began to walk towards the tantalizing smell of berries; looking back to make sure he was coming.
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Posted: Sat Jul 13, 2013 6:18 pm
Watching as she stared, and then shook her head, the kelpi colt was just starting to tilt his head in concern when she closed the distance and thunked her forehead against his. He breathed gently- not quite a sigh, more a small expression of appreciation at her action. He would have been content to stand like that with her for the rest of the day... if it hadn't been for his rather vocal stomach.
Red raspberries? Even the name sounded juicy.
He nodded absently, his mind completely distracted by thoughts of food. His ears twitched as she nudged his neck and pulled away, and only then did he process what she had said. He'd been listening, of course, he valued what she had to say and would never ignore her... but, well, his body had it's own plans, and he didn't always get a say in what was the current Priority.
"Alright." he said, vowing silently to be more explicit and express himself better. He'd sure made a lot of vows and promises the past little while, but he hadn't made any that he didn't know he could keep.
He blinked, watching her move away, and his hind legs automatically bunched under him- preparing for a spring into action. He took off at a canter, his little heart beating frantically, and then after only a few steps threw his entire weight back on his haunches and flipped his tail straight up to stop his momentum. He pulled up right alongside the filly, casting her a sheepish smile and beginning to move at a more subdued pace.
He trusted her not to really leave without him, of course, but that didn't mean he enjoyed being behind!
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