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 Posted: Wed Nov 15, 2006 7:49 am
Why did seasons come?
As a foal she had asked herself the same thing, she had asked her parents and the elders of her herd but given the events that had forced her change in circumstances she could never remember what was said, in fact, she could never remember what happened in the early years of her life and nor could she recall faces from the past.
"They come because..." She pulled a face, releasing a sigh as she searched through the depths of her mind for the answer that seemed to be on the tip of her tongue. Outwardly, it seemed like she didn't know and then, a scarily familiar male voice crept into her head...the tone teasing as though her question had been an amusing one.
"The spirits need to rest as well..."
"Even the spirits need to rest once in a while." She explained at last, a small smile creeping on to her equine lips as she nudged the leaves away from her hooves gently. "They work all spring, summer and autumn to give us food, it's only fair they should be allowed to sleep for a little while...you know?"
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Posted: Wed Nov 15, 2006 2:12 pm
Tilting her head to one side to take a little bit of time to think about this. After a while of repeating the words this mare had said, she realised by what it meant. "Oh..." nodding with a face that looked a little confused.
The wind blew a bit harder and clouds had covered the sun's rays. It was a dark day, and a leaf got lose from a branch. It floated down like a fetaher and landed on Zeda's back. She shook her own body to get the leaf to slide off. Perhaps another questions will get come more conversations going. Zeda thought and thought...were there any more unanswered things she wanted to know.
Her eys flashed towards a baby plant, it was just growing, but winter was soon coming. Which obviously meant this baby plant may die. Hmmmm...she herself is kinda still considered a baby. Since not too long she had just popped out of her basket. Zeda stood still and waited, waiting for a question to come up. It was easy to understand how babies die, they just...die. But..."Where do babies come from?" she shotted the question out at the wanderer. Her eyes full of excitement wanting to know.
"Do we just fall from the sky come in little packages like the baskets? Are we from a teepee where they make the babies and put them into baskets? Do we just randomly appear? How do you get babies?" Zeda was trotting around in circles around the baby plant. After circulating the plant, she stood and waited for an answer.
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Posted: Thu Nov 16, 2006 3:15 am
Oh! She hated this question, especially from young and inquisitive creatures because no matter how much she tried to talk her way out of it she was always forced to explain more and more of the terms she used. Even so, she supposed it was good practice for when she wanted a child of her own...Although hopefully they would wait at little until they asked that question.
Twitching her ears, she gave a small snort as the wind caressed her cheeks and for a brief time she simply stood in one spot. She allowed the wind its opportunity to wash over her body and to ultimately fail in sending a chill down her spine and then, she was ready to speak.
"Foals come from a very special place." She explained, she knew that the white lies would ultimately be replaced by the truth when the filly was older but for now, she would stretch the truth, "They come from a meadow far, far away from here which is taken care of by the spirits." Offering a smile she motioned in the rough direction of the mountain slopes, "Far over those hills."
"Then, when a pair of soquili who love each other very, very much come along...They ask the spirits if they can have a foal. The spirits have to be very careful about how much the foals are loved by these adults but, if they are satisfied they send the baskets to the adults while they sleep...and when they wake up in the morning they find them!"
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Posted: Thu Nov 16, 2006 2:12 pm
"That's it?" her eyelids covering half her eyes, showing that was definetly not what she had suspected. It was lame. When this mare began, it started off like she was going to tell a story, a legend or something. But no, it just ended in about twenty-five seconds or less. Zeda was bummed about this, she wanted to hear some awesome tale.
Although why should she care, wasn't like she was going to find a mate and spend her whole life with him or something. Tilting her head, this filly always thought love was yuck! It was a subject that caused her to feel uncomfortable. You'd have to do so much to get one love, or at least Zeda had thought. "Hmph...well doesn't matter, not like I'm going to find love anyways..." she turned around and faced the opposite direction of the other.
Speaking of other, she still didn't know her name. Opening her mouth to ask again, she then thought during the action and figured that she probably wouldn't tell her. Pushing her jaw back up, she had closed her mouth and not said one word. Silence came and stayed, like waves covering a tiny island in the middle of the ocean.
"Hmmmm...I should give you a nickname, since you refuse to tell me your actual name!" Zeda smiled and giggled. She started putting on her thinking cap and thought over and over. Attaching letters together to form different and new names. "Layla...no...Yoko...no....I know! Wait...no..." she glanced up at the female to see which name she had in her mind would fit this adult.
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Posted: Fri Nov 17, 2006 7:06 pm
"It is Yei Umeko, however, those who consider me a friend or aquaintance know me as Yei." Yei offered a smile as the foal sought out a way to identify her. It was only now that the mare was satisfied that she allowed her guard down and at last introduced herself, it had been her goal all along to stimulate the mind of the young filly so that she would develop a more creative and constructive way of thinking as opposed to simply snapping at or criticising everything she saw.
"And you would be surprised at how many individuals would claim they will never find love." Pausing, she canting her head to the side and released a sigh as she recalled the stallion in question, "In fact, I know of a stallion who said the very same thing and found love himself." She pointed out, turning her steely-grey eyes back to the young filly.
"Would you like to hear it?"
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Posted: Sat Nov 18, 2006 7:51 am
Pretty name... Zeda thought to herself. The name 'Yei Umeko' sound gorgeous to her, but she didn't want to turn all nice now. Although, Zeda promised try not to be rude again. She didn't care if she was her friend yet or not, she'll call her Yei anyways. It was shorter and easier to remember.
Lifting her head as Yei asked her a question. Zeda wanted adventure out of this story. "Yea! This one better have adventure!!" she paused, "...please..." Remember not to be rude, not to be rude. Gently resting herself by a tree trunk, the filly sat down on her bottom and got comfortable.
This was just like story telling. Maybe one day Grandma NightShade will tell her stories about killing and hunting and much more. The sound of screams was like music to Zeda's ears.
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Posted: Sat Nov 18, 2006 8:19 am
Yei's smile grew as the young filly made herself comfortable. It had been a long time since she had last told astory to willing ears and moreso to one so young, the majority of those she spoke to were often adults and rarely had as vivid an imagination as was required when these stories were told. Nevertheless, Yei would at least attempt to give the young foal what she asked for.
"Far away, within the lands that lie beyond the Kawani mountains there lived an emperor. He ruled the lands and te herds within them to the extent that hundreds of soquili were at his beck and call. If he told them to jump they would ask how high or face a very brutal death." Clearing her throat, the fiery mare thought back to the tale she had been told by a very begrudging stallion at her teepee, one who refused to come down from his vantage point in the hills.
"Things were not always wonderful for this Imperial stallion though, when he was younger he lived in the shadows of an older brother who lacked in intelligence and relied solely on strength. It was also found, that his mother was not the favoured mare of his father and thus he was considered to be unimportant...
For years, he was left alone, tutored by elders and loved only by his mother while his older brother thrived on the rich treatment that was lavished upon him...And although he wasn't content, the younger brother lived under his father and complained little.
But, it was during one night as he walked passed a hidden grove that he heard something that would change his life. He heard elders and other soquili alike as they spoke of their distrust and dislike of the Imperial Stallion's father - the ruler never listened and was more concerned with gathering mares for his harem than he was with protecting them.
They called for a new leader, and they called for the youngest to be that very male...."
Pausing, she made herself more comfortable as she took a sip from the stream and flicked her gaze up once more, fixing it on the mountain slopes as she continued to remember the tale told to her. It was long and her voice would crakc by the end of it but perhaps it would enstill the young filly with some form of hope.
"He had never been the underhand type before, but the idea of having the support of so many soquili spurred him on. The Imperial stallion began to research various strategies that could unseat his father but every time he encountered the same problem, his brother. He was not violent, in fact at this time he was harmless and would have never considered harming his brother and thus he left his idea to rot in the ditches.
However, it was one event that would cause things to change completely. His father chose to 'marry' off his daughter...This Imperial Stallion was particularly close to the female who had always been his confidante and the 'fun' side to him. When she was forced to leave the Imperial herd, that carefree and loving part of him went with her.
You know, if I think about it, it was this one thing that caused a deep sense of revenge to grow in him..."
Yei gave a small sigh and returned her gaze to the filly, approaching the tree where she lay down upon the fallen leaves and observed the young filly for a while. To Yei, this filly was so naive and so innocent that there were so many things that could herd and mislead her - ultimately she could make some of the greatest mistakes of her life and not even understand how.
Yei considered this; the prospect of the young filly already being so certain that she would never find love was unhealthy. She had barely even lived, had barely even seen the world or met some of the wonderful stallions within it that well...All this mare knew was that she had to point out that there was hope for even the most unlikely of creatures.
"Eventually, this sense of revenge compelled him to retry for the royal mantle but this time, death and torture were not something that he was unwilling to try. Initially he sought to unseat both by marring their names but this proved impossible, despite the marring they refused to budge and became increasingly worse...
It came to the point where they began to become more decadent, would claim more females and would disregard the lives of the guardian steeds that protected even the central, Imperial herd. Well, let us just say that this Imperial stallion took these lessons to heart and in an act that would be worthy of even them, he performed one of the most brutal and callous murders known to those lands.
He struck a deal with the rogue mountain lions upon the mountainsides nearby the herd and using the excuse of an exotic female as bait, he lured both his brother and his father into the ambush that would ultimately lead to their deaths..."
Allowing the beginning of the tale to sink in, she fell silent and allowed the young filly to begin to picture the events in her head. The extravagant Soquili, the harems, the lions and the plotting rebels within the very herd itself - when she was finished with that, the mare would continue.
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Posted: Sat Nov 18, 2006 9:34 am
Zeda's eyes grew wider at each sentence. A movie was formed in her head as Yei spoke each word. Some words she did not get but most she got and had the picture in her head. Everything felt so real, like if she was a tiny bug at the very same place as this character in the story and was following him. She was watching every step and move. Her heart pounded as she heard more and more. The filly wanted to know more about this stallion's life and the relationship between this one main character and the female who had been given away.
Sudden buzzing sounds were near her ears, she could hear them so loud. Zeda thought it was part of the movie in her head, part of the sound effects her mind was making. Ignoring the sound, it was then when she realised it was reality. A bee was so close to her ear, that it almost went in. Zeda jumped up and the bee had been frightened and quickly flew away. Snorting, she looked at Yei, and sat back down. Still not saying a word. The images were still very clear marked in her tiny head. Where were they?
Oh yes, the one male has trapped, or plan to, his own father and sibling. Zeda imagined screams and blood splatters everywhere, the thught of dead bodies lying around made Zeda want to hunt something now. She liked the idea of killing, but of course she was too young. One day, Zeda must remember to go to Shade and ask how to hunt. For now, it was back to listening to the story. She shifted a bit and leaned against the enormous tree. Nodding her head, that was a signal meaning 'Go on...'
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Posted: Sat Nov 18, 2006 9:50 am
"The lions ambushed the pair of Imperial stallions as planned." Yei continued with her tale as soon as she was satisfied that the filly was following her train of thought. Much to her approval, the young creature was exceptionally quick even if a little careless.
"Their sheer numbers were enough to take down the stallions, they were first tortured and goaded as the youngest stallion watched and then pinned to the ground beneath a mass of lions. Despite the screams and pleas of both his brother and father, the youngest stallion simply rellished in their demise...and walked away as the lions began to feast on the still living and breathing soquili.
He would never know this, but a guardian of another herd on the slopes witnessed the murder and would later recount to me, that by the time the lions were finished the bodies were so warped and mutilated that none would have realised they were soquili...
Even so, when this Imperial stallion returned with news that his father and brother had perished in foul weather on the slopes few questioned him. Initially, it was belief that they had died in the foul weather but as his reign progressed the soquili realised that those that spoke out against him mysteriously vanished and their bodies were never recovered." Taking a few moments to allow her voice a rest, she took another sip of water and readjusted her position on the ground, her ear flicking a fly away from her face as she did so. It was such a long story, but it was the only one she could remember considering how recently she had been told the news...
"Over the years, the peaceful and approachable side of the new ruler began to wither and die. Instead, it was replaced by a cold, callous and alculating persona that was perfectly capable of killing any soquili that so much as disagreed with him. Still, he still held a place in his heart for his mother and his sister.
Even so, in time his mother began to worry and mourn for the loss of the son she had raised. His arrogance and brutal nature had long since alienated the herd and as a result, she pleaded for his sister to send him a gift, a gift to remind him that although a soquili didn't always get their way...they didn't have to be so mean.
In reply, he was sent a small, baby bear cub which he accepted but could never quite understand its meaning.
It was later on, months after he received this gift and the rebellious tendencies of the herd grew worse that his mother at last advised him that he should go on a journey. The time away would give him the opportunity to mature, to see the sights and to more importantly, remember who and what he was before he had allowed revenge to fester in his heart."
A large grin formed on her lips and she gave a gentle whicker, motioning towards the forests nearby. Within it, it was said that many soquili lived, both rare and normal...each with their own individual stories to tell and by the twinkle in her eyes, it was as though she was pointing out that this Imperial stallion lived in it!
"He did so...and he came to the Kawani lands..." She added softly, allowing an opening for any questions the young foal may have had before continuing.
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Posted: Sat Nov 18, 2006 10:06 am
Here? Her bottom began to ache from sitting too long on the twigs and leaves plus tiny little rocks. She stood up and walked to Yei and looked up, ready for more of the story. It went on and on, Zeda didn't get some parts of it. Her mind was still like a theatre. Each part of this tale made another scene appear. So far her favourite part was the killing and the sounds and screams.
When the time came where she got the message, it was time for questions. "I thought this was about a stallion who will find love..." her eyes showed interest and excitement in the story, but her expression was fairly confused looking. "Not about a stallion who turns mean and goes on joureys..." tilting her head to one side. Even though the story wasn't what Zeda had expected, she loved the adventure and words this mare had used. It gave her imgaination and images to help her understand it more.
Like reading a book and forming your own picture movie in your mind, created however you wanted it to be. Zeda's movie was all dark and full of killing or at least what she had suspected now. This doesn't seem to be a love story, seemed more like a horror movie. Once again, Zeda liked it. Maybe throughout the story telling, her ears will pick up some tips on how to hunt and kill. It was the killing part that had interested this filly into continuign to listen, besides that she would've been changing the subject right now.
All these thoughts made her thing of her grandma again. NightShade was her role model and she wanted to be just like her. Her movie had been changed from the story Yei was telling to seeing herself with wings and horns on her head all grown up. How frightful she looked with them, shaking her head viciously. Zeda smiled weakly and tried to focuss back on what was happening right now.
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Posted: Sat Nov 18, 2006 10:20 am
"It is, but one must understand the reasons behind his choice to embark on such a journey." She offered a small nod and motioned to the softer ground beside her as though she was aware of the young filly's discomfort. She had to admit that she didn't recall a great deal of her own child hood but she recalled enough to know that all foals were reasonably delicate at such a young age.
"Eventually he ran in to me and discomfort that in the Kawani lands he was not able to demand the respect and power he had beyond the mountains. He began to learn rather slowly that in order to gain respect he would have to work for it and use methods and means that he would not have had to use at home." She gave a chuckle, picturing the stallion's expression as she had blatantly insulted him not so long ago.
"Even so, as he continued through the Kawani lands...making more enemies than friends he began to realise that his persona was not one that was desired by many...in fact, it was only when he met his beloved that he realised that he would have to change in part, to make her love him." Releasing a sigh she once again motioned to the forests and closed her eyes, whickering softly as the wind carressed her soft ears and ruffled her long mane, it was turning out to be a cold but pleasant day.
"He met her not so long ago, in the forests...He thought she was a nymph, a little spirit playing games with him but when he saw her, he fell in love with her. I must confess, she has no wings, no horns...she is simply like you and I. She is beautiful, demure and most of all, unique." She gave a whicker and admired the swirls on her own coat for a short while.
"Either way, he discovered that his methods of courting would not whoo her, in fact, she as so shy and demure that she kept running away from him! He began to believe that perhaps she didn't want him and htis was the first time he had ever been rejected..."
"So, for months he pursued her, trying his best to reassure her that she was his love and that she was far more beautiful than those who had wings, that her delicate coat was far more appealing and then at last...he succeeded." She whispered, her eyes beginning to twinkle again as she began to draw her own conclusions.
"I admit, the stallion I speak of still has dark and manipulative tendencies but his mate has softened him. I very rarely see him anymore as he spends more time jesting with his lover than he does socialising with myself but it just goes to prove that even the most arrogant of stallions can find their counterpart..."
"...They did say opposites attract though."
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Posted: Sat Nov 18, 2006 10:34 am
The story finished quite quickly. No adventure was really in the last part. Although Zeda didn't mind, she at least got the point of it. She thought about the last sentence Yei had said. "So does that mean we all will fall in love with someone who is opposite of us?" blinking wondering if she really did get the idea of the story that she had just heard.
Many questions were rushign to her mouth, but only one at a time. "What is name of this stallion? What is the name of the female?" Zeda wanted her questions answered. She didn't realise maybe that she was being rude again. Trotting around Yei, perhaps her life will be the same. Her father will send her sister off to some place. Then she will lead her daddy into a trap. Of course she knew her father wouldn't ever do that to his love ones. Maybe my life won't be like the story...
Now she rested her self down and sat looking down at the dried up grass and her mind slowly went back to her careless own self. Who cares about the future anyways. I certainly do not. Just chill now and worry about things when they actually do come. Little did she know that maybe when they did come, it'd already be too late.
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Posted: Sat Nov 18, 2006 10:39 am
"No, it is merely a saying..." Yei chuckled softly at the question and gave an approving nod as the young filly made herself comfortable once more. There was no point over exerting yourself, especially at such a young age and in such cold conditions when illness could definately cause a few prolems, "It is usually a case of..." She pursed her lips and took a moment to find an example.
"Well take the Imperial Stallion for example, he is arrogant, self-centred and very vain. THen have a look at his mate, she is demure, beautiful and yet very modest to the point htat she denies many compliments - because they are so different they complete one another. The Imperial stallion feels he does not need to compete and the mare feels she is protected by his arrogance." She explained before canting her head to the side and raising a brow, in a way she truly did wish that this foal would bump in to Paramekia, perhaps that arrogance that he possessed would demonstrate who lacking in appeal it could be sometimes.
"For the record, the mare's name is Ailurinae and the stallion is knwn as Paramekia...although you tend to hear him before you see him, he makes music as he walks."
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Posted: Sat Nov 18, 2006 10:54 am
What was Yei saying. More words she had not understand. She just nodded and went straight to the last thing this mare had spoken. "Make music? Does he hum while he walks? Does he sing while he walks?" this was confusing her more. Oh boy, Zeda had her head all messed up, now she didn't even know where she was anymore.
Her stomache growled and her body felt weak. She needed food. What shall she eat then, was there anything? Grass did not interest her. Standing up, Zeda walked towards some trees and examined them, nothing on them she could take a bite out of. Maybe the birds' eggs but they were too high up to reach. Ack...so hungry... Clearing her throat she tried to make it seem like she was just walkign around looking at things rather than being hungry.
Zeda expected that Yei would probably show her how to much on some grass. I don't want grass though, maybe something sweet, or the taste of meat...I've never tasted that before..
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Posted: Sat Nov 18, 2006 11:20 am
"No, he has strange gold rings on his horns." She explained as she pulled herself to her hooves and calmly nudged the leaves away from her winter coat, which proved quite difficult when some of them were much damper than the others but she had no place to complain. "They bump together and make a chiming sound as they do, which is how he makes his music." She finished, pausing only briefly as she heard the faint rumble.
Feigning ignorance, she cleared her throat and after taking another sip of water glanced around for something to eat. She thought that perhaps, in the given circumstances, it was best not to push the young foal too quickly, one step at a time.
"Well I don't know about you, but I'm starving!" She announced merrily, glancing around for any sign of decent food. The grass tasted horrible this time of year and as a result, she was forced to sniff around for a little bit until she had last found a berry tree - there, she proceeded to nibble on the occasional berries as well as nipping at the top three leaves.
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