|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Sat Jun 03, 2006 5:58 pm
Aruna couldn't stop herself this time--she giggled. "I said not to apologize! And you apologized for apologizing and... oh, nevermind. I accept your apology, then." She laughed again; that was a little confusing, but she supposed it made sense. Sort of. "My family calls me 'dear Aruna', or at least, my brother does. The stallion I used to be in love with called me that, too, but no longer." She closed her eyes, breathing slowly, and deeply. "Now, the only one who calls me that is my brother. And you, now, I suppose, Sceadu-faex." She tried not to laugh at the name, but he was right--it was quite hard to pronouce. "Did I pronouce that right? Elegant your bottom? Well, okay, your tail and your mane are both elegant, then, Sir Shadowfax," she said, wanting to just laugh and laugh and laugh some more.
She blushed when he winked at her, especially when he emphasized the 'dear' before her name. "Yes, a mountain! What's higher than the mountain but the sky? Unless..." Aruna paused as she tried to understand the underlying meaning of Shadowfax's words. "Well... I guess I... sort of... understand your meaning." She smiled at him, something she found herself doing quite often with him. She blinked at him, completely clueless as to why he blushed--okay, she had a small clue, but it wasn't because of her, probably--and anyway, after Rahu, she felt sort of worthless. Shadowfax helped improve her spirit, though. "You said something, all right." She cocked her head at him. "I thought I heard you say something like the pleasure is all yours... or something. Now, if that doesn't prove you to be called Sir Shadowfax, I don't know what would."
She turned to the moon. "Higher places... Well, one day, if I ever come to love another stallion like I did Rahu, I'd like to show him my precious keeper, my friend who is always there. After all, she brought me someone." She turned to smile at Shadowfax, golden eyes twinkling. "Someone who helped me to feel better about myself." She wondered if she should say friend, but she wasn't sure if he could be considered that. She had an inkling in her mind about him, something that was telling her about him, but she couldn't put a hoof on it. She brushed away the thought then, and decided to just smirk at him. That fox-like grin of his reminded her of her mother's mischevious grin whenever the fox-colored mare was up to something--usually something silly, but something--and well, she wondered what Shadowfax was planning.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Jun 13, 2006 12:14 am
A loud grin displayed itself onto Shadowfax's face, pleased of the reactions he got from Aruna. The grin lasted until she said those words--"stallion I used to be in love with"... He threw her a concerned look, and then quickly turned his attention to the moon a moment sooner. She seemed to throw that phrase so... so unrestrainedly. He didn't know why it bothered him, but it did, somewhat. He caught himself, shaking his head, allowing for her to finish her last words. He nodded as she pronounced his other name, used many times in his past. A small wave of embarassment came as he felt Aruna's need to contain her laughter. His name wasn't that funny, now was it?
"Now," he said, sighing and feigning exasperation, "Elegant would be something... I would use in association with one such as yourself." He gave a cheesy smile. "For instance... When you were running at me from the depths of the forest, for who knows what reason?! I mean--that is elegance, right there." Unable to hold himself any longer, he let out a guffaw and, moments later, self-consciously stopped--though a cheerful smile still remained on his face.
He brushed Aruna's neck reassuringly with his own in affable silence while she seemed to wash away all literal thoughts of his message. He let the moment linger on for quite a bit more, until the quietness was edging upon the border of awkwardness. "Trust me," he said, looking deep into the eyes of Aruna, "The title would simply not fit... A stallion such as I. Perhaps you will see otherwise, in the future." He paused, putting a little thought into what he would say next. "I do... hope to see you after we part tonight, dear Aruna." His gaze turned to the stars once more as he stared somewhat longingly, almost as if he wanted to be one with the stars themselves.
"Your precious keeper?" he slowly asked, unfocusing his eyes from the sky, "...is your friend here now, too?" He was puzzled, and an uneasy furrow formed, but that easily gave away to Aruna's grin. He grinned himself, too, her grin contaminating him--it just seemed so... charming.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Jun 13, 2006 8:20 am
Aruna managed to control her laughter, though it was hard to not laugh. "I'm sorry for laughing," she said, a small giggle escaping without her meaning to, "But your name for that pronouciation is so... stange." She noticed his concerned look, and smiled at him reassuringly. It was all said and done with; she had nothing more to say about it. She hoped with her all her heart that Shadowfax never met Rahu; it was bad enough that Calamity had met the dark, blood-painted stallion.
"Elegant? With myself?" Aruna said, looking quite stunned. "Now, Shadowfax!" She began, stumbling on her words. "Ah.. about the running, I apologize! It's, um, hard to see at night sometimes..." she said, a bit loftily. Actually, it wasn't hard at all to see at night, but she had also been crying a little... she hoped Shadowfax would never see her like that. If he had, she felt the tingling of embarrassment begin to ride over her, but only for a moment. She twitched her ears at his smile (a horse's version of a raised brow), and then chuckled as he laughed.
"Don't worry over my account if you feel you need to laugh," she assured him. He was a free stallion; she liked it better when he looked happy like that. She flushed a little when he brushed her neck, and nodded when they looked deep into each other's eyes at what he said. She smirked a little. "Well, with the way you spoke just now, it'd be hard to not believe that title didn't fit you, Shadow." She had subconsciously shortened his name, so she didn't realize she had done so.
"Come now, Shadow!" She said, eyes shining, along with her grin becoming a soft smile. "You know her, too!" She turned to stare at the moon, whom she had been referring to. "Lady Moon, our precious friend who brought us together." She winked at him, hoping he understood her meaning. "My friend is here, all right... both of them in fact. You and the moon, two of my most precious friends." She didn't mind that she had only known Shadowfax for a short while, but in a way, she felt she had known him a long time, too.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Jun 14, 2006 8:19 pm
"Do not worry, it is all in good spirit, after all." Shadowfax snorted lightly. "I was not the one to name myself; why be ashamed of something you cannot change? But then again... I do sometimes wonder why I am named Shadowfax. Does it fit me?" he joked, letting the thought go. If the ones that had brought him up named him that, then it was simply meant to be. His name in the strange pronunciation also didn't disturb him; he was brought up to know many different dialects, different tongues. All were unique and welcoming in their own way.
An amused chuckle managed its way out of him as she began to apologize and stumble. "No, Aruna," he breathed out in the middle of her words, "I am glad you did that--I mean, I am glad we met that way. First impressions are not everything... and you looked a bit... enchanting, if I may say so, while you were running. I just hope I did not injure you or anything as I stopped you." He shyly smiled and unconsciously whipped his tail back and forth. What a way to run into someone... literally. Was Aruna to play an important role in his life, in the future? Perhaps so, perhaps not. One cannot tell these things, but the moment Shadowfax was in... Everything just seemed to perfectly planned out. He sighed wistfully, turning his gaze off of Aruna. Maybe the moon was toying with his mind tonight.
Shadow? He thought to himself. Shadow. It seemed like such a dark and obscure name for a stallion such as himself. But the nickname brought a warm feeling to his heart. For as long as he could remember, his name had never been shortened... He had been called no other name except for his full name. "Ah, then," he stalled, pondering how his speech made him fit the title, "So perhaps you would be able to fit the title 'Lady' Aruna." He simpered. "How eloquent. Lady Aruna... of the Moon. Huh. Just like Lady Moon. Now, you can't find fault with that now, can you? Two of a kind." He had begun to understand the relationship between Aruna and the moon. Aruna held the moon so dear to her heart; but why?
"Oh, yes! How could I have wondered--I must be not in the right mind tonight." He thought he was the only one who regarded those types of things as his friends from past experience, but here... The moon was both of their friends! He chuckled comfortably to himself, taking one small peek at the moon, just like Aruna, and then turning back to her when she mentioned himself being one of her precious friends. But... They had only met a few moments ago! And already... precious friends? He smiled weakly, excessively flattered and speechless. In the past, he had never really called anyone his friend. Or, well, no one had been so close to him so that he'd call them his true friend. Now, everything seemed so... different. "I'd--I... I," he stumbled, lost at what to say next, "I... You are... precious to me, too, Aruna..." He laughed softly at himself. His words were pure, and even though the two had known each other for mere minutes, it did feel like they spent a lifetime together.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Jun 23, 2006 10:31 am
"Nor was I the one to name myself," said Aruna, still smiling softly. "Of course it fits you, Shadow. Once named, the name fits that person forever. Why wouldn't it? If I had been named Artemis and my sister named Aruna, Artemis would have fit me, rather than my name now." She smiled wider, wondering if that had made sense. "After all, it's probably just meant to be."
"Enchanting?" Aruna flushed, eyes widened a bit. She wasn't really used to compliments. "And no, Shadow, you didn't injure me at all. I hardly think you would; at least, not on purpose. If it was accidental, more than likely, it would have been my fault." She found it amusing, really. It was quite a new way to run into someone new... literally! After all, the two of them had been running just as they met.
She was in debt to Shadowfax, because he had stopped her from running straight off a cliff. She had been thinking irrationally; but thanks to him, she was here. She could tell he would be an important figure in her life, now, and possibly in the future, but she decided she'd let the moon decide. It was the moon who brought them both here, after all. The moon was so very close to her and her heart. She never wanted to let it go.
She smiled at him when he said that she was precious to him too. "Thank you..." she whispered. It felt as if she had known him for years and years, a lifetime, nearly. That was good. If they parted, they would always know each other in their hearts. The moon would watch over them both. She felt happy now, a burden lifted off her back. How long had it been since she had met a kind stallion? Not since Safi, surely. Well, it had been that long. She was very thankful for Shadowfax and the Lady Moon.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Dec 30, 2006 3:24 am
A tilt of the head indicated Shadowfax's slight confusion at what Aruna said. "A sister you have, you say?" He hesitated before commenting again, a shadow of a desire to be isolated urging him to hold back his tongue. "...I'd like to meet this sister of yours, as well as your family. Another day, perhaps. It must be nice sharing something in common with others. I have forgotten who my parents were, and I have forgotten whether I myself have brothers or sisters. What a nice notion..." Wistful waves ran through Shadowfax's heart with his guard let down. Aruna, it seemed, was penetrating his inner sanctum... his desire to be without obligation to anyone. Indeed, a deep bond of friendship bloomed tonight.
"I am glad that I did not cause injury to you, Aruna... However, I have a question to ask." He paused. His glance wavered between the moon and the mare in front of him. He wondered whether he would be too intrusive in asking his question. Then again, all truths, he believed, were revealed best when under the comforting, embracing light of the moon.
And perhaps he would not be too harshly rejected of his answer since the two seemed so close now. Whether or not it was simply the essence of the night playing tricks on him due to the full moon--well, he would find that out next time he and Aruna met. Shadowfax began capturing this moment, in case it be the only time he felt this way. Retained memories are, of course, pleasant to have in the future.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Dec 30, 2006 7:17 pm
She flinched as Shadowfax mentioned wanting to meet her family, she closed her eyes, turning away for a moment. She then returned eye contact, a semi-happy smile on her face. "Sure. Whenever you feel like it, Shadow." Aruna's face became really sad as she listened to his words about how he didn't have any memories of any family members. Although she knew her family was close, they weren't exactly... close. They lived apart from each other, and as a result, rarely saw either side of the family. Not only that, Artemis didn't even live with their father or their mother.
She felt Shadowfax to definitely be her best, close friend. Moon friends. Truly, the moon watched over them both tonight. "What question is it you'd like to ask, Shadow?" Aruna asked, tilting her head. She trusted him deeply; whoever her mate was to be, if she ever saw Shadow under the light of the moon, she would tell him. She appreciated his opinions and everything he had told her tonight, though the night was beginning to wane. "Ask away. We're best friends under the moon now," she assured him, golden eyes sparkling with her true, pure humor.
Shadowfax was probably the only Soquili to really know her; not even her siblings really knew her that well (though she was close to her brother) and her parents were slightly distant as well. She hid her inner self often, and although she knew she would love whomever her future mate to be dearly, not even whoever he was would probably know Aruna inside out like Shadowfax did, although they had only met one night and now talked the hours away like they were old, dear friends. She could've said he was an aquaintance, but he couldn't be; he never would be. He would always, in her thoughts and heart and soul, always be a true, dear friend indeed.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Dec 31, 2006 2:22 am
The flinch was obvious, and the one second Aruna turned away, Shadowfax felt embarassed and regretful for mentioning family. Perhaps she was not as close to her family as he had thought? But she did mention a name, which should have indicated that she was somewhat still in contact with them. He realized the look of deceit on her when she turned back, and could not help but lower his head unnoticeably in shame. "Apologies if I have disheartened you, Aruna, with my own position. I am used to being alone, without family, and it does not cause ill to my heart in knowing so. Please, do not allow me to cause sadness in your heart." With that, he moved his head over to Aruna's, brushing against her cheek warmly for comfort.
"And my question to you is... Do you believe in fate? I must ask, albeit you mentioned something about 'Lady Fate' before. I have been wondering if the moon drew us two together this one night--I had wondered if it was fate. I am not positive of the notion... But it is quite possible. Then if so, I wonder for what purpose... For what purpose. An answer you nor I could grasp." He smiled, amused at both himself and Aruna. "My apologies for the rambling. And oh, we are only friends under the moon? I must catch you on a day the moon shines again, then," said, winking to his last statement.
Shadowfax had a tinge of feeling that although he and Aruna, from an outsider's perspective, would seem to be strangers--acquaintances at the most--they were, in fact, more than soul mates. He couldn't quite put his tongue on what exactly, but the moon did do strange things to him, as well as destiny.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Nov 26, 2007 7:26 pm
Her golden eyes brightened again as she nodded, accepting his apology. "It's not a problem, Shadow." She lifted her head higher, trying to retain some semblence of confidence, but faltered. Sighing, she took comfort in Shadow's warm affection, and slowly calmed down.
His sudden question about fate caught her off guard, surprising her. As he continud on about it, she had to smile wider. "I believe in fate, Shadowfax." A small statement, but simply put, it spoke pure truth. "What purpose does it need? Fate brings together those who need to simply be brought together, be it friends, foes, lovers, or family." She laughed softly. "You can catch me anytime the moon is full. If I ever change, the only thing that will never change is the full moon... and my nightly visits."
Looking around, she realized the night had but only a few hours left, and she had kept Shadowfax out. She glanced back at him, unsure. Would fate bring them together once more? She turned her golden gaze on the moon, seeing that her pale light was slowly beginning to fade as the sun peeked upon the horizon. A small smile lit her face. "As the dawn breaks over the world, so I should return home," she said softly, and then looked back at Shadowfax.
"Forgive me, Shadow. I have to return home... my untimely and rough introduction... shouldn't have interrupted your night as it was. However, I'm thankful." She was now light of heart, a small, happy smile playing on her lips. "I'm thankful my nasty encounter with you brought us together. We are friends... no, more than friends." Unsure how to describe it, but perhaps he understood. Words didn't need to be spoken; they were needless in the description of the Soquilis' feelings. "Till another bright moon, Shadowfax," she said, refusing to say 'goodbye'.
With those final words, Aruna turned tail, heading into a destiny that was sure to be filled with happiness and sorrow, joy and fear. One day, she would return to this cliffhanger, hoping to find Shadowfax, and tell him of her adventures. Someday, in the far future, she would once again see her friend who was more than a friend, under the light of the full moon.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Nov 27, 2007 3:05 am
Time waned, and neither soquili were oblivious to it. Daybreak was reaching, and he sensed it too, but Shadowfax did nothing to interrupt Aruna. He had simply nodded to her words, keeping the embrace while basking in the pure splendor of the moment.
And as for the answer surrounding fate, and the proposition of possible change taking place in the future? Fair enough, fair enough, he replied back quietly in his mind.
As she looked at him with a doubtful look, he returned it with a reassuring one. He let her consult with the moon, if not only momentarily, for Aruna had once more turned to him, and he attempted to distill her apologies with blunt shakes of the head. He was thankful as well for the sudden interruption, and it did not need to be said.
"Until another," Shadowfax repeated softy, watching Aruna's long tail flow so freely, until her figure finally disappeared. He had an interesting notion that she was quite unlike others, and from what knowledge of Aruna that she bestowed on him... she seemed like the youth of the world that had yet to fulfill all their youthful duties until early adulthood. Yes, something spoke to him that he had much more experience in life, and all the problems that she seemed to have on her mind was all a blurred, indistinct memory for Shadowfax, and that was all he had grasped from the encounter. Intuition was absent for the moment, for he could not tell whether he would be seeing Aruna again or not, but if fate willed it, then so be it.
He then turned to the sky in which the moon seemed to contain less dominance over, and stood there for quite a while, contemplating. At last, he gave a rough snort, and not before long, Shadowfax found his way far from the cliff side.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reply
