|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Wed Oct 03, 2007 8:09 am
Bella watched the stallion carefully, contemplating his every move. This grand figure before her wasn't the grumpy, sensitive Azumoth that she was accustomed to - this was something else. No, not someone else, but a different facet she had yet to uncover.
There was a new edge to him, one that wasn't so obvious and gruff as his 'typical' self. There was a new silken softness to his words and sociability, a softness that she could still see held spikes. Azumoth would never be a playful puppy, never be one that could be easily coddled. He wasn't easy to handle and even her gentle spirit sometimes felt frustrated by his moods. But had all the hard work paid off. . .?
Well, possibly. A little bit. This certainly wasn't a side she had expected to see.
As Azumoth stepped forward the mare found herself rather taken aback. He was a large stallion period but it was rare she had an opportunity to stand so close in a good frame of mind. Last night he had helped assist her broken form to his grove but she had been to frightened to pay much attention to his physical form. But now, within the gentle pool, she was able to see him as he was. . .
And ooooh what a sight!
Despite her naive nature and ignorance, the cream mare was still a mare and she still had the roar and pull of instinct within her. She wasn't completely oblivious to the pull between male and female though she herself had thought little of it during her life. There had been other males in her life, certainly, but Meshach was more of a sibling than anything. And Kajika and Jean-Claude, nothing more than acquaintances and friends! But Azumoth. . . . ?
Oh she tried so very hard to be his friend, to show him that she wasn't going to disappear and run from him. In a strange sense she was devoted and refused to let him believe in his brooding and negative thoughts. She wasn't going anywhere no matter how much he kicked and screamed and snarled at her.
A pair of stubborn fools were what they were. . . . But now the mare couldn't help but look at him with a new idea in mind. Slowly it began to dawn on the mare that Azumoth's suggestions and words were really suggestive. Only too late did she begin to understand reasons why he may have kept away, and why his gaze might have been averted. Perhaps it wasn't out of anger and annoyance. . .? But. . but how and why and when?
Her heart beat skipped as he dropped his head and ran his muzzle against her ear and neck. Even the lightest touch from the male caused the area to tingle and burn, her stomach churning as a new anxiety set in. Where Azumoths logic and instinct had distinctive sides, Bella's began to turn in to a muddle of ideas and emotion. She'd never been put placed in such a delicate scenario, had never found herself desired or desirable. And that was very obvious what he was hinting at. . . . wasn't it?
She doubted Azumoth was the snuggly sort unless there was another motive behind it. So what on earth did she do? Oh gods. . . Did she disengage and disincline the invitation? She figured it would have to be a pretty strong NO. . . . . but. . . . but another part of her found that she didn't really mind. Was this what she had been after all a long? No, not completely. She wanted the black stallion to warm up to her but. . . . but. . . . the girl had never understood exactly how warm.
Was this Azumoth or was this nothing but lust. . .? But instinct?
Though it was a new awakening for the mare she found herself flattered by such an interest. Even if it wasn't necessarily in her as a person and more as her as a female. . . . Well. . . . it was still a start. And where any other male might have found himself kicked, Bella really had no urge to do so to Azu. It was a first, this side of him, and she knew that it would be a last.
Ironic that her own thoughts were somewhat parallel to his own. This poolside adventure would both be a learning experience and the chance of a lifetime. If she gave this up, if she backed away from the stallions desires the girl absolutely, 100% knew that she would regret it. She wasn't easy, oh hell no, but she could make exceptions to such a rule.
She liked the stallion. A lot. But only today was she beginning to realize that there were more than one facet to such friendships and likes.
The mare flicked her ear as he removed his muzzle from her ear and cheek. It was a good thing she was in water else she might have found her knees weak. Azumoth didn't have to be so silken and sultry to make her swoon. Had he walked up and snarled and hissed at her she very well might have found it alluring. . . . Given, this way was just a tad easier to digest. And boy oh boy was she taking it, hook, line and sinker.
At his question she glanced down at her body. Part of her was clean, the other half in need of a better soaking. In such a state. . .? Hmm. "But I didn't invite any stallion," she responded softly, "I invited you."
Ahhh! Where had those words sprung from? Oh, sure, she wouldn't take them back and knew them to be true but. . . . what. . . where. . . . Was it instinct? It had to be! It was the mare part of her screaming and demanding that other sides be seen. But, on the other hand, her feminine wiles and ways weren't in control. Oh, sure, they were enough to cause her heart to race and let loose the butterflies in her stomach, but they were never strong enough to transform the gentle mare in to something else.
It was all her really. . . .
Every word, every movement, every suggestion of her own.
"I. . . I may not have expected this," she admitted softly, eyeing the large male before her. "But - " Two could play this game, couldn't they? It was the only opportunity she had! "the clouds in my eyes are beginning to lift and I feel no regret." Why should she? Though she was stepping in to a GREAT unknown, beyond her typical naive fancies, there was something curious, something potentially wonderful there.
Ignorance was bliss but sometimes. . . sometimes there was so many better things beyond it.
As if to prove a point, ever so carefully - she hoped he wouldn't be mad - she mimicked his own touch with one of her own. Softly she brushed her own muzzle against him, gingerly nuzzling the black stallions cheek, chin and neck.
Part of her expected him to lash out or pull away but until he did she kept herself rested right up against him. She wasn't afraid. . . oh no. And every second he allowed it she made sure she cherished. He'd never want this again, or do this again she knew, so she was going to run with it for as long as she could.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Oct 03, 2007 8:48 am
That didn't really go liked you planned, did it? Logic mused in an off handed comment from its place on the sidelines. Had it arms, it would have folded them as it continued to watch the little scene unfold before it. At points, Azumoth could have laughed at her stupidity - she was injured, she had suffered pain and yet she aimed to experience more of it? Why was she such a bloody dare devil...
No, it did not. The Kalona side confessed, It turned out better!
On the outside the facial expression hadn't changed in the slightest, oddly enough the male hadn't even tensed as the petite creature attempted to mimic each of his movements. She was definitely green in this area, her touch uncertain and somewhat tentative as though she wasn't quite sure what to do...and yet it did enough for the smile to deep just a little more.
Well he could certainly teach her that!
Back on track. Azumoth's will power warned his rebellious blood, the mental voice steely and cold as it clung to the reins of control.
Oh but she was so close!
Well, he supposed he could deal with this in the most appropriate manner and after a few moments of her nuzzling he released a bemused chuckle and gently nudged her away. While his expression held no warmth, it didn't really hold any malice either - actually, he looked like he normally did for the briefest of instances.
So, so young.
So easy!
"It is not a question of regret, Little One..." he purred softly, flicking his tail rather abruptly against her flank as if to subconsciously remind her of what he was. With so much water in it, the weight was something he had underestimated just a little but it did its job - even a slight flick would land quite a heavy blow.
"But I do not believe you want what I offer enough," apparently he was giving her a way out - either that or his Kalona side was toying with her. The latter was the most likely, always one to enjoy manipulating and twisting another...that hidden side of Azumoth enjoyed making a creature beg before it deemed them worthy to accommodate.
In a way, Azumoth approved of this on the whole, she was given a chance to back out after all and if she didn't then she would just have to learn the hard way. He had no intention of going that far but he would be certain to leave a lasting impression. In this circumstance the darker side of him was right - make her beg, make her plead and then...dismiss her.
It was so simple, but she would see.
"The stutter and words give it away, you want something more," he began to grin and canted his head to the side, a strange glint appearing in his eyes as he kept his gaze planted on her petite form.
"So tell me, what is it you want most?" he enquired darkly, shifting his weight onto his other hind leg. All in all he was completely fixated on her but hadn't completely lost the end goal, ah no that would be most unlike him if he forgot. He had been given an objective and regardless of which side of him was to complete it, it would be completed and it would be completed in a good time. Granted, this darker side of him would make certain it received something in the process, there was nothing 'honourable' about this deed at all - that was why it was so well suited.
Azumoth rarely had it in him to be brutal, yes he could be ruthless against males but to deliberately harm a female was against his morals for the most part. Consequently, he was grateful at this moment in time that he had such a divided personality - a warzone. In this warzone, this conflicting world there were times when each side shone - they knew their places and knew their strengths...so did he.
The heart couldn't touch her, logic wouldn't permit it but the Kalona would gladly knock her off her pedestal and find pleasure in doing so.
"As I most certainly, am not it, am I?"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Oct 03, 2007 10:18 am
Everything was suddenly very new and different. A little on the sideways side, perhaps, a little skewed and stretched. Though she understood completely that the stallion before her was a threat to her very being, she still couldn't help but be smitten. Logic reminded her to watch her step, to tread carefully and beware the consequences. . . .but another side of her told her that she was still the one in control. If she walked away now would there be regret?
. . . maybe.
But would there be regret down the road as well?
Though there was something attractive about the 'beast' before her, Bella understood that this was nothing more than . . . than what? A momentary change in personality? A momentary trip up in the way of things? He was no more than a stallion feeling his oats, a new wild spark entering his persona. He was an adult after all, it wasn't as if he couldn't think or feel or touch or taste. . . . .
And she was but a mare. Given, she was a bit on the broken side, but. . . . what did it matter? She wasn't that incapable of movement.
Bella jumped a bit as he flicked her with his tail, glancing up from him before attempting to look behind her. Her neck protested, so she didn't get to see, but it did knock some sense back in to her. Bella was naive and young and didn't understand the games of lust and desire. Where Azumoth saw some things in black and white, the little mare on occasion saw things the same way. Either advances were wanted and appreciated or they weren't. . . .
So what did he want?
Naivety confused this as a chance for something more. . . and yet. . . . who was she really kidding? It wasn't that he was a monster, it wasn't that he was undesirable - oh no, far from it! - but . . . . it seemed as if his interest in her was beginning to wane, as if he was attempting to call her out on her sudden moment of foolishness.
CRAP!
Though her stomach still churned and her heart was woozy in its fluttering, the mare remembered herself and her place. He had already said that there was something more behind her words, there was something else, something different. It wasn't as if he hadn't seen it or heard it. . . . So did she run with it and take the fall or did she slowly back away from the edge of a certain sense of doom? The mare hesitated. . . her uncertainty growing.
This was new territory for her and the girl hardly understood the ropes. What notch and lever did she pull to get such a reaction? What buttons did she have to press in order to see results? It was a mystery to her, and though she desperately wanted to have light shone on this new path it . . . it scared her to do so. His response confused her and cast doubt, and she was little aware that there was such a thing as begging.
Who on earth was she to cuddle up to him anyway? It wasn't as if he'd been particularly receptive to the response. He'd laughed and pushed her back and away. . . . and then he'd smacked her with his tail. Oh, she knew his strength and power, she knew he was untameable and had never sought to 'tame' him. But exactly what sort of response she was seeking she didn't know. . . .
Oh gods was she confused!
Had she stepped wrong somewhere? Amber eyes looked up at him, her gentle expression unwavering as her own battle of confusion and lust and hidden desires waged. A failing war, mind you, but a war nonetheless. "I wouldn't be so swift to dismiss it," she admitted softly, remembering her legs and taking a small step back.
"But what is it you want, monsieur, for part of me doubts your intentions. . . " Or that it was she that he found interest in. And it was true. Oh how she could have ran with it, gotten lost in her senses and seen just where this black stallion might have lead her. But Bella hated being played the fool. That's all he saw her as anyway, wasn't it. . . ? Reality began to remind her of her place in his Grove and it was nothing more than a charity case. . . . And a very small one at that. All she was good at was humiliating herself with her stupidity or outraging him with it. So why should today be any different?
Oh, surely she was already being a fool. It wasn't as if she could take back her actions or swallow back her words.
Too late for that. . . . . but his response spoke of rejection. His swat with his tail had been less than gentle, his laughter had seemed more directed at her than amusement anywhere else. No. . . . . she couldn't deal with that. Not right now.
He obviously was merely shedding light on her foolishness and it was . . . a little humiliating. Better stop it now before she really wound up hurt. It never occurred to her that there was such a thing called begging or submission. . . . . Those were games unknown to her. As far as Bella was concerned either they wanted her or they didn't and it seemed as if the black stallion had chosen the latter.
Typical and a turn off in its own right.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Oct 04, 2007 4:49 am
"You disappoint me," he mused as she began to withdraw. His instincts had been right, while he enjoyed toying with the desires of the uncertain he had always known that she had no intention of staying. Like every other female she had withdrawn when she had realised that he was not prepared to run after her or to pander to her whims. In a way, he could have chosen now to point out she had broken her promise (in a roundabout way).
Luckily he wasn't that way inclined this morning and instead of uttering another word he simply gave a small snort and turned his back on the mare. He knew all too well what he wanted, it was something he always craved and yet resisted on a regular basis. He had chosen to remain a hermit because it made his life easier and thus, having her enter his life had thrown a spanner in the works.
A very big spanner at that.
Wading his way out of the pool, he gave a toss of his head and glanced back only briefly at the tattered cloth that remained in the water. While he may have been able to remove the cloth, the metal armour along his legs remained firmly in place...And as for the orb, well it had no intention of going anywhere fast given that it remained firmly lodged in his chest.
Unprepared to retrieve the clothes he opted instead to leave them and to allow his pelt to breathe for the time being. The chill of the air would prove refreshing and would ensure that his skin remained in good condition. He would send Giruvegan to retrieve the rags at a later date and with his aid, they would be slipped back onto the stallion's form. There was no rush...he had all the time in the world.
Nevertheless, flicking his gaze over his shoulder towards the mare he couldn't help but offer a bemused smile. She really didn't know how predictable she was, so easy to play with and had he been any other stallion he wouldn't have stopped. Actually, had it not been for logic pulling hard on the reins he would have kept going and she would have been left less green than she had been before!
"Do not mistake a stoic face for indifference and a lack of interest," he pointed out darkly, his eyes hardening. The kalona side still firmly in charge, the tone of voice didn't shift from its sultry manner and thus the hiss was even more brutal. Gruff was all well and good but his true voice could cut like a knife. "That is the most dangerous mistake you can make - those who demonstrate indifference must not be provoked."
Turning away he released a sigh and knocked the foliage from his damp hooves, disgruntled by how his armour spikes seemed happy enough to catch any wandering leaf. Even his Kalona side had to admit that sometimes logic had a point, oddly enough it was one of those rare occasions when all sides of the battlefield were in agreement...She had learnt something valuable and yet she had gone against her own words.
At least now he knew where he stood.
"If they crack, you will never be able to stop them..." If he could have waved over his shoulder he would have but instead he flicked his tail and began to walk away, "Speaking from experience." He pointed out, referring obviously to the manner in which he had been created. He was a beast created through a violent union, while his mother had been naive (and his father not entirely indifferent) she had still provoked him just a little...the results had been catastrophic.
"And when they crack, 'No' has little meaning...it does not exist in their vocabulary." In a way he was almost accusing her of being a tease and yet another way he was acting as a gentleman. She was naive and unaware of her own charms, he was simply pointing out just how powerful they could be especially when she was so innocent!
"Finish your bath," he ordered darkly as he disappeared back into the undergrowth to continue patrolling. He was somewhat put out that he hadn't received anymore than he already had but on the other hand logic was applauding him for showing some restraint. Evidently he was maturing, all thanks to the intervention of the Spirits - all aspects of him were changing and yet neither was prepared to work as one.
...A shame really, he was almost curious to know what he would be like 'whole'.
Alas, shaking the water from his pelt he glanced briefly at the scars in the bark of the tree. They looked painful and yet the tree didn't appear to mind. He really did get away with 'murder' here, the creatures of this forest appreciated his company and accepted his moodswings but they hasd always pandered to his whims. It was in this that he had in ways chosen to ignroe the outside world but lately things had been moving, the hair on his neck often bristled and his thoughts became clouded.
More and more he was beginning to feel like he was missing something but in order to find this, it was often said he had to lose it first. Was it her? Perhaps he had done enough to make her dislike him, either way she assumed he was indifferent while she herself had been perfectly clear that she wouldn't go near him in that way - not unless he chased her and that was something he would never do again.
So, are we returning to the original plan? Logic at last interrupted his musings, comfortable to allow his darker side to wander around the forest. In ways such a dark character suited his mood and general demeanor at this given time...that and logic still haad a firm hold on such an aspect. The kalona may be walking but it wasn't attacking was it? On the contrary, it seemed relatively content and seemed to be enjoying its walk.
"Yes," Azumoth replied audibly, aware that he was conversing to himself. Now that he had dealt with that 'desire' and completely quelled her teasing he could return to his immediate concerns and that was her immediate defence. She still needed her lessons!
...Didn't stop him feeling any less guilty though. He hadn't meant to hurt her and she seemed beyond insulted but she needed to see how dangerous her naivity could be. If he had his way he would have been there to guard her but she was her own mare and she was not his.
More's the pity... The heart mumbled, kicking its hooves in a somewhat sullen fashion.
Ah well, he could only hope that she would take her lessons and bloody well learn from them but if he heard of anything harming her in that manner again then he would come for them. Even if it meant leaving his forest for a brief time he would come for them and he would absolutely destroy them.
That is a promise. The Kalona agreed coolly, even if it wasn't inclined towards her in that way. Yes, logic appreciated her wit and the heart loved her beauty but the kalona saw things on a much more phsyical level. That being said, this side of him was also renowned for holding the possessive qualities of his personality and if he couldn't have her then this part of him wouldn't let anyone else have her either. Right?
It was here that a minor disagreement popped into his head and a rather small and hushed dispute began between all parties, leaving the 'Will' to walk alone while the discussion was held. Protecting some one was all well and good but logic was not about to permit him to revert to his old ways again! It was just too destructive.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Oct 04, 2007 8:02 am
And ultimately that was it. She'd stepped yet again the wrong step and there it was, there it went, and she was more than sure never again would it return. And on top of it all he had totally disregarded her question. All he saw was her slight retreat, her inexperience and confusion having taken form, and though she didn't expect him to chase her he could have at least answered her question. Instead he became disappointed by her response and walked away.
For a stallion that didn't like to play chase he certainly expected another to jump through all sorts of hoops! It never would have occurred to Bella that she had broken her word and in a sense she hadn't - she would have been quite willing to explore such darker things but like anything green and inexperienced she needed just a touch of assurance. It wasn't her fault her confidence often wavered around the black stallion - he seemed to do all in his power to do that.
It was as if she was nothing but a toy. A stupid, naive toy, a game to amuse and entertain Azumoth on his most receptive and a something he wanted nothing to do with on his worst. Up and down, through every twist and turn and hoop no matter what she did things just didn't go as planned.
DAMNIT ALL!!!!!!!!!!
Her ears twitched as she listened to the stallion and part of the easy-going mare wanted to scream. He was just so damn difficult sometimes, and on occasion he pushed and pressed just a little to hard. But, that was the black stallion she had found herself charmed by. . . .and she couldn't ever expect him to change. He never would if he had his way so her only options were to deal with it and learn to toughen up or to leave and not look back. The latter was surely no option so that left but one choice.
She had done her best to stay happy and optimistic, had done her best to treat the stallion the best she could. And to what. . .? Where had that gotten her? Absolutely no where.
As far as she could tell he saw her no better than some sort of scum on the tips of his hooves. After today she could say she was almost a little useful, if he felt ever so inclined, but even then her use was minimal and she failed at it. FAILED. Where he had such experience she had none. . . . And whatever test he had put her up against confused her. She had misread the lines and there he went, pulling himself out of the water.
She might have disappointed him, but he had done her no favor. Not really.
So now she knew too little, too late of the intentions of the male. APPARENTLY even a look of disinterest didn't mean it was true, but no . . .. No that was unacceptable. Well, at least right now. Was it so hard for him to have been just a hair more accommodating? Why did she have to throw herself down kicking and screaming for everything? She had been the one who had to fight him on his appearance, she had been the one who had returned to his grove (and almost been thrown out again!), she had been the one to rum to him in her time of need, and now. . . yet again. . she had been the one to admit there was more to her feelings.
Just because he actually walked out of the grove and in to the pool only to become disappointed for the billionth time didn't give him to the right to be so put off by a little bit of shyness.
It just wasn't fair and her poor spirits were broken enough as it was. This really was too much. . .
Silent the mare felt her throat tighten and twist, as if attempting to suffocate her. There was a strange sting in her eyes and her soul felt like throwing up a 'I QUIT' sign. She really, truly, honestly couldn't do a damn thing right. If she were to walk away and never return it wouldn't phase him she knew. If that kalona had ripped her throat out and that had been it the black male wouldn't have felt anything. Nothing. No, wait, he may very well have realized that his stress levels had decreased because a particularly obnoxious femme wasn't around ******** stared down at the water, silently, unable to speak and unsure what to say or do now. She had to finish her bath, certainly, but drowning herself in the cold waters felt ever so tempting. She was already suffocating in guilt and shame. . . . . Rejection sucked.
Especially when the one you pined for was an idiot and seemed to expect so much! He never gave her any clue or any signs. . . and he'd laughed at he.r Okay, maybe it wasn't at her but . . . well. . .he just hadn't budged an inch! Had he been mocking her or not. . . ? Had he been interested or hadn't he? He looked one way and then reacted another. . . .
Oh she wanted to kick him . . . and then kick herself!
Was she not good enough?
Or was it that she was too green? Did he WANT her to go out and get experience, was that it? He obviously didn't like it that she knew nothing of the world.
Bella couldn't help it. Unmoving in the water, tears finally sprang from her eyes and she watched as they began to fall silently in to the water. In short the mare was horrified by . . .by just everything.
She was angry at herself, angry at Azumoth, and confused beyond belief. He was right, she was wrong, she was the fool and he was far too good and experienced and beyond her reach. He was untouchable and she should be enjoy the fact he reached so low actually made move to touch her.
For a stallion with self-worth issues all Bella could see was even at his lowest he was far beyond and above her. Her spirit was strong but occasionally needed a break or reprieve. She knew deep in her heart she couldn't expect that from the stallion but . . . . . but perhaps what made it worse was the knowledge that it COULD. He had daughters, and a loving family. There were softer spots somewhere on him, within him, but apparently it just wasn't meant to be.
At least not with her.
No, she wasn't turning in her contract or going against her word. But she needed a moment to recompose herself. What did she say? How did she act and face him again? A shame she didn't know her way out else she might have just said a hasty good'bye and ran. But, on that same note, how would she have ever been able to face him again?
Forcing herself to move the mare had absolutely nothing to say. She was rendered speechless and doubted he wanted to hear her thoughts or reason or logic anyway. Slipping deep within the pool, the mare took a breath and slipped completely under the water. At least this way she could cry without being further humiliated. . . . No one had to see or tell within the frigid pool.
And cry she did.
Only occasionally did her nose peek up to fetch another gasping breath.
Who was she kidding, she only had herself to blame.
After a long while the girl forced herself to choke back her emotions. She had chosen this battle and understood full well the casualties that came with it. It was her own fault for putting her own expectations up in the air. . . . Somehow he expectations for nothing had transformed in to a hope for something.
That was where she was failing.
Despite being cold thanks to the chill in the air and the chill in the pool, the mare had no choice. It killed her to do so but she pulled her waterlogged self out of the water. Her legs felt weak and that churning in her stomach had changed from a sense of butterflies and excitement in to nothing but twisted anxiety and fear. Her eyes still stung but she refused to let any more emotion out.
She didn't want to be corrected or shown her place again so soon. Though she was clean, her coat gleaming it's pale cream, Azumoth could find pleasure in the fact she looked whittled down to nothing. He had shown her and reminded her of her place, of her failures and the disappointment she caused him. . . .
No more lessons needed to be learned.
Self-defense? Psh. Who needed it. What point was there in saving some one who was nothing but a fool and a failure? It was called survival of the fittest for a reason, and Bella had been taught she was constantly unfit for the likes of the world. All right, maybe it was just Azumoth's world, but to Bella there really wasn't any other world beside that.
Swallowing, the mare attempted to find her voice and failed. She didn't dare look up tot the treelines, didn't dare catch sight of black. She'd keep her head lowered and eyes glued to the ground, her mouth glued shut, and maybe. . .just maybe. . . . she'd do something right for a change.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Oct 04, 2007 8:56 am
[[Lmao this is like a soap opera!]]
"You have been crying," it was a statement, not a question as the stallion turned his gaze towards the mare. She wouldn't meet his eye but he was no fool and he knew that face all too well, he had seen sullen children look that way when they had been scolded. In a way, he knew he was responsible and he felt like he had been mauled on the spot. She hadn't even looked at him yet and he already felt that way - eye contact would just be soul destroying.
He couldn't allow himself to feel remorse though, in a way it was better for her to be upset with him as it would make things so much easier. To have her optimistic around him would make him lose control, he would lose his senses again and the war zone (which had now been settled) would rise up from the depths again. Granted, he had allowed his heart its freedom for a brief time but now it had to stop.
She deserved someone better, someone who wouldn't turn heads for all the wrong reasons.
As much as that pained him to realise it had been after much consideration that he had come to such a decision. She was witty, beautiful and carried herself in what could only be described as a perfect way. By now she would be aware of her own feminine wiles and could use them to gain someone truly deserving. This was the conclusion he came to after consulting the many facets of his mind - he was simply too broken to take on the concerns of another. His heart had often declared itself to be 'sure' and had been wrong and so the logical mind had offered up a solution that even the Kalona agreed with.
So long as she was happy, he would be content. However, should anyone harm her he would rip them to tiny pieces and ensure that they remained alive until he had torn every limb off and then finally he would spear them through the heart. Really, the graphic imagery in which his darker side came up with sometimes was truly appalling.
Mmph, as much as it hurt he would accept it and so would she. Now she would know that her teasing could attract attention but indifference was nothing something to be relied upon. Alas, it was just lust...the moment she returned to her plains he would be left to his own devices and things would return to how they were.
He only craved her when she was here after all. Absence made the heart grow fonder in love, thus he could only assume he was once again in lust.
That made it easier.
Shaking his head, the stallion steeled himself and sauntered towards the mare. Lowering his head slightly he came to eye level and continued to watch the mare carefully. Her eyes were painfully raw and she appeared to be cold but a little exercise wouldn't hurt. While the idea of offering his own form as a source of warmth had crossed his mind he was quick to dismiss it. It was best to be practical...
"Shake the water from your pelt, if you are still cold then roll in the undergrowth for a while," he advised, moving away once again to avoid sending what could only be described as 'mixed' signals. That being said, he was incredibly proud of himself for being so relaxed, with the darker side still firmly in charge of his physical body he didn't so much as tense despite how he felt. In this circumstance, the somewhat dry tone and the indifferent body language would prove useful.
...That being said, this was the perfect time to train her. No doubt she would be angry and provided he pushed the right buttons, she wouldn't hold back at all.
"When you are ready, we will start." Once again he chose now to walk away, keeping his back turned to the mare. In a manner of speaking, one might assume that the darker side of him was being deliberate in its actions (a good assumptions) and that this was purely an act to make her desire him further but from a more practical point of view it would serve only to peeve her off even further. As pretty as she was even his darker side was practically (ridiculously so) and having someone truly angry face off against him, even while sparring was a much easier student to teach.
Lessons aside though, Azumoth was somewhat perturbed by the current course of events...more so from a personal perspective.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Oct 04, 2007 1:15 pm
((OMG they are such a dramatic pair! xD *gets out the popcorn to better enjoy the show*))
Bella just couldn't bring herself to look at him. Her shame and embarrassment was too much to bear and she feared to recapture the stallions gaze. She feared that behind those golden orbs of his she'd find nothing but his typical, cool expression or worse! Laughter. Though the stallion didn't often smile or chuckle a part of the girl realized that despite the emotionless exterior there were many layers of motion underneath. But to understand that the male could feel lust, it also meant he could feel amusement and disgust and pride and every other emotion under the sun. Despite his cold exterior there could be an emotion called mockery. . . . .
And Bella feared that was what she would see. He might not laugh at her out loud, or roll his eyes in bemusement, but it was there. . . somewhere. She'd just made herself even more the fool, had almost opened up a new side of her herself. . . . .
But instead she'd been rejected. One trip over her hoof and that was it, he was done, and she was dismissed. There was no second chances, not in this sort of war. . . . And by gods did that hurt!
The more she thought about what had happened, what might have happened, and how things actually happened caused the mare's heart to break. If only she knew now what she might have known then. . . . but the world didn't work that way and there was nothing she could do but move on. Besides, it wasn't as if he was really interested in her. . . . . just her gender and the things it provided. She was a convenience really, like some sort of second place, consolation prize. Though others mares he scared away she wasn't so easy to sway. . . . And now, after her admittance, he could very easily use that to his advantage.
How smooth he'd approached, changing what had been a amicable invitation to swim and transformed it into something more. . . . How cool he was, teasing her all the while knowing full well that he could just turn tail and walk away. It upset her that he thought so little of her, and even more so that he let himself be so careless with her. On the one hand wouldn't it be so convenient to him if she stormed off and never appeared again? On the other hand, what did it matter whether she came and went. . . it wasn't as if he actually liked her.
He'd proven it time and time again. Yes, he'd helped her, but that didn't mean he had to be glad in his heart about it.
The thoughts continued to wage even as he spoke. Her ears flattened against her head briefly and she shut her eyes, inwardly cursing their appearance. She hadn't wanted him to know. . . . but. . ah, yes, this was the great and powerful Azumoth who knew everything. Truly the mare couldn't seem to catch a break. . . . Flinching at his statement she kept her eyes averted and stared even harder at the dirt beneath her.
She refused to look at him.
Even when he brought his head closer to her own. A gesture that might have moved to summon hope in her heart only caused her to turn her head the other way, regardless of the burn and pain in her neck. Let it hurt or reopen. . . who cared? She surely didn't. . . at least not today.
The mare listened dumbly as he suggested ways to keep herself warm. She'd shaken her coat out once, but gave another half-hearted effort as he turned to walk away. Bella was still speechless. . . . She had nothing to say to the male, nothing to tell him, no words to form upon her lips. Part of her wanted to hiss and screech and yell at him, to give him a taste of his own rage the night before. . . . but even if she could, what good would it do?
It wouldn't bother him none because he just didn't care.
Why he had even bothered to help her the night before Bella just didn't know. Probably out of a sense of obligation. He hadn't wanted to, she could have guessed, but it would have been ungentlemanly to let her leave there to rot in his woods.
The pieces were scattered, the entire playing field erased. The puzzle wasn't adding up and it wasn't helping her mood. She wasn't angry so much as embarrassed and ashamed. God help her if she ever bite the hook cast by a lustful male again! Oh no. She wouldn't fall for such trickery again. . . ESPECIALLY from Azumoth.
Ironic how the black male was content so long as she was happy, yet was himself the source of her turmoil and agony. Her happiness just couldn't be achieved until the issues between them were sorted out. . . . He was a source of her happiness and yet he kept himself unattainable and far out of her reach.
Life really wasn't very fair.
Finally, FINALLY the mare tore her gaze off the ground and stared at the stallion. He walked away in his sultry manner, garments still discarded while he silken coat was damp. Damn him for being so attractive and damn him again for having to be such a complicated stallion! The way he carried himself as if he was suddenly holier than thou caused her anger to flare. She had humiliated herself, he had wound up disappointed for the billionth time, and Bella was sick of it.
"Let's just get it over with," she finally heard herself speak, voice strained, hardly above a whisper while her tail flicking irritably behind her. She stared hard at him, her golden eyes dim and without light. Though she hadn't given up her war against him she had indeed lost the battle today. The sooner she fudged up in her training and, yet again, humiliated herself the sooner he could be done with her. Though the thought of going back to her plains so quickly caused her fear, she feared her heart would be permanently damaged if she stayed too long with him.
It wasn't that she wanted to be away from him. . . . but it would probably make him happiest the sooner she was gone.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Oct 06, 2007 7:06 am
[[They're dancing around each other. @_@ But at least this sets it up well for the Ez/Bella RP later. ^^]]
Azumoth was well aware of one small fact, a fact in which his mother had taught him throughout his life. Those of the lowlands, those such as Bella with all their youth and beauty would heal quickly. Yes, he had hurt her and while this irritated him to no end it was a necessary evil. It put his mind at ease to know that when she returned to her real home, she would soon recover despite his rather Rakish ways. For this reason and this reason alone, Azumoth resisted the urge to apologise for all he had done - in the long term she would thank him.
...If she ever decided to visit at least.
Thus, it was with an arch of his brow that he dismissed her blunt and disheartened words. He had created them after all, he would bear the grudge (as he usually did) and move on himself when the time came...although a part of him wasn't so sure that it could muster the strength to do that. Really, life was becoming more and more complicated as of late and the change upon the winds was worrisome. It wasn't that he was afraid of change, it was good in small doses but this one appeared to be momentous.
Unfortunately he didn't know what this was, but it bloody terrified him.
"For a start, you need to stop slumping," he informed her, his tone becoming sharp despite him making no ever to raise his voice. Taking on the role of mentor, his body language shifted from that of a sultry stallion to that of a disciplined and well practised individual. Muscles rippling beneath his pelt, the occasional one seemed to quiver in anticipation or perhaps preparation for the 'abuse' he might endure should she take the lessons seriously.
"Self defence, in fact any form of physical combat whether it be land, sea or air based relies on a number of things. First and foremost, confidence is something you must have..." This would be one of those rare occasions in which Azumoth would quite simply, keep talking until he ran out of air. Often one to prefer silence, when he needed to explain something he made certain it was thorough so he didn't have to go over it twice.
"If you do not give off such an air then you will not be taken seriously and nor will you have the self belief to make a successful attempt at saving your own skin," he had a point, those who quivered began to doubt their own abilities even if they were tall and muscular. It was something he had noticed through experience and something he had abused while younger - manipulate the mind and the body came crashing right after it.
"Even if you are afraid you never show it, ever." Shaking his mane, he allowed the braids to clap loudly against his neck and considered his next choice of words. He knew how everything worked in practice but expressing such things became a struggle. "Thus it is important to stand tall...even if you are not."
Yes, he'd even had back chat from his daughters as neither of the pair were particularly tall themselves. He quickly forbade himself to smile at the memory of each mare and opted to maintain a serious expression. Should he smile it would look like mockery and while he had hurt her, he wasn't about to twist the knife in further - he had done his duty, he wasn't so cruel as to keep going.
Nevertheless, unaware of her conflicting emotions (or her admiration) the stallion began to pace back and forward before flicking his amber gaze towards her expectantly. Apparently her first lesson was to practice standing...of all the things!
"Do not take it personally when I say that your body language is too open and vulnerable. You are an easy target," he pointed out bluntly before releasing a snort.
"Prove me wrong," he ordered at last.
Admittedly, he knew that 'acting' weak had it's benefits on occasions but such tactics were too advanced and too low brow for him to even consider teaching the mare. 'Acting' was for those who thrived on combat and lived for it (such as him), it was their for guardians and murderers alike to use in order to protect or skill. She was neither of these things, she just needed to know how to make herself appear to be stronger than she really was.
That being said, she could have a nasty kick on her - he'd just have to push her far enough to see it. All in all, he would have to push her to her limits to see exactly how strong she was, for one so gentle it was hard to picture any form physical strength but looks were deceiving, he'd made certain his daughters could prove that point with ease.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Oct 06, 2007 2:13 pm
Bella couldn't seem to shake her irritation, guilt and embarrassment. It helped that the stallion had shifted his disposition in to such a mocking, alluring gait in to one filled with purpose, but she still was mad. She couldn't help but replay the scene within her mind, looking at it from an outsiders view. How silly she must have looked attempting to cuddle and touch the black male - what had he thought at the time? He surely hadn't much appreciated the touch. . . or. . . or had he? Had he thought it quaint and then mocked or or had it been in jest all along?
The more she tried to grasp on to her logic and sanity, the more she tried to force the pieces together in an attempt to make SOME sort of sense, she failed. Azumoth was far too complicated to understand his wants, his desires, and what he approved of. But oh how the mare tried. She had thought she understood some of him . . . .
but. . . maybe she never understood at all.
Today was one of those days.
As he spoke, Bella's ears twitched as she listened. Her stomach was twisting and she felt nauseous but there was no backing out now. The sooner she learned (or tried learning) some of this self-defense the sooner the stallion would be rid of her. No, this didn't mean she'd never visit him again. . . . But. . . well. . . she needed time to recuperate the cracks in her spirit. The sooner she could play pretend and dismiss her irritation for some positive outlook the better.
Like Azumoth, she refused to beg. Whether or not his indifferent nature had been interested well. . . .it didn't matter. He'd sent his message quite learn on his hasty retreat and the girl refused to fall in to the same trap again. Maybe it would be better for them all.
So he wanted confidence then, did he? Fine. She'd be confidence. Oh how Bella seethed, still finding a strong desire to kick the stallion. Why did she have to feel such hurt and humiliation? Why did she always have to be in the wrong and cut down? If she couldn't make him happy or smile then maybe she could at least cause him to wince or . . . or show some sign that he actually could feel!
No, Bella didn't really want to hurt him. . . . but she wasn't so sweet as to not feel a little justified if she did. Just one flinch just one. . .anything besides anger.
What a fool she was and had been. . . . But, deep within her heart of hearts, Bella understood that was something she'd probably always be.
Nostrils flaring slightly, ears back against her head the mare gave her damp coat one last shake. Ignoring the pain in her neck, she flipped her curled mane over the less damaged side of her neck and glared. Well. . . almost. Her dull gaze was still a but on the sullen side, but she heaved a breath and puffed out of her chest.
He wanted her confident? All that took was a little imagination.
Straightening herself out, she pretended she was something besides his little failure. She could. . . she could be someone or something else. Optimism sunk in and she thought that maybe she ought to do her best and try to impress him through their fighting. Let him see that she could heal just as quickly, that she could be just as uncaring and unfeeling. Let him see not the hurt but that she could be just as emotionless and expressionless too.
Pawing at the ground, tail flicking behind her the mare decided to focus her frustration and pain (both emotional and physical) in to something productive. He wanted to teach her to fight than fine, just fine, she was ready to learn. There were plenty of other stallions on the world. . . .
. . . . a shame she wasn't drawn to any save one.
"Confidence," she repeated softly to herself. She could indeed be a formidable apponants - her heavier build and weight could land a just as heavy kick. And she could bite. . . . And, perhaps her greatest strength was her stamina. She wasn't fast or stealthy but she found that it took a lot to truly wear her out.
Maybe that would come in handy during battle?
Heaving a breath, Bella tried to transform herself in to something fearless. Thankfully, she had been in the company of Azumoth long enough to use him and his body language as a visual aid. Just pretend to be him and maybe she wouldn't fail.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Oct 08, 2007 8:17 am
The stallion had a lot of wants and desires, too many to list and of course he was only male. Some of his wants should have been obvious, they were stereotypical and yet he reigned over these urges with an iron fist. Under no circumstances would he satiate them completely - violence he could permit when he was alone but anything that could result in the birth of something just as warped as he could never be permitted.
He couldn't let children suffer the same fate he did and on the whole, he wasn't the most fantastic of parents either! With Ignacia he had struggled to come to terms with the fact that she had grown up with few friends (despite sending her to the plains) and Muriel had endured the same fate if only because he had kept her in the forest! Had he been a stronger individual, perhaps he would have had the courage to raise Ignacia and in turn both siblings would have had play mates.
But they hadn't...that had been another failing on his part.
No, he had failed with two perfect and beautiful girls - his little girls and if he failed with them then there was no way in hell that he could have the strength to support something that had his blood coursing through his veins.
Nuh uh...No way.
Nevertheless, as he dragged himself back to the presence he was at least pleased to see that his stand-offish nature had paid off. His hermit like ways and reclusive personality had led Bella to mimic at least a little of his ways. Granted, she had her own unique 'twist' on the entire thing and he probably would have laughed at it had the atmosphere been somewhat better...but he resisted the urge to do so. She looked utterly adorable, more like a pouting child (to him at least) but he was sure that to others she would look more intimidating.
No - all that mattered was that she was angry and he could see that in her hardened gaze. She had a much deeper resolve from what he could see and with a little bit more provocation she would probably lunge. She was in luck too, given he couldn't attack her from the air he could be considered to be more 'vulnerable' than he usually was.
...But hey, now that her fur was drying and puffing out she looked a little like Giruvegan - fluffy and huggable. This in itself made it exceptionally difficult for him not to crack a half-smile.
Let her pout, hopefully she would surprise him and give him a kick that was hard enough to knock him out of his stupor. Looks could be deceiving after all, he couldn't let his guard down for fear of getting 'mauled' - but by what? A puffball, that was what.
Behave, He warned himself.
"Very good, you learn quickly," he continued keeping his tone monotone and his expression carefully guarded. Ultimately he had been forced to think of something unfunny to avoid smirking and consequently, the tiny thundercloud had reappeared over his ears again. 'Unfunny' usually meant he was thinking about something personal after all, ah some might call him self centred - he always seemed to be thinking about himself.
In some warped way he usually was.
Too wrapped up in his own problems, in a way he could never see when there was something of value in front of him. It would probably be like the old saying - he'd only realise what he had lost when it was gone. Well, at least he could beat himself up a bit more about his stupidity and feed his own complexities in the process, eh?
"Now then, kick me."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Oct 09, 2007 8:04 pm
Kick him? He was commanding her to do so? Part of the mare hesitated, feeling a little sour that he was actually directing her to cause him harm. Not that, doubt reminded her, her kick was going to do much harm on him. He was huge compared to her and though she was stockier than some mares that didn't mean her kick would be powerful enough to jar him.
And she wanted to!
Bella had finally reached the point where (had she hands) she would be happiest if they were around his neck! And not in a loving embrace, oh hell no - she wanted to strangle the male and be happy in doing so. Everything he did was calculating and precise - he seemed to find pleasure in causing her pain and if he wound up being stuck around her than he made her jump through hoops!
She wanted to be his friend. . Hell, she had just admitted she had wanted to be something more of all things . . . . but he wouldn't allow it. And instead of doing or saying anything in response to her curiosities, he had turned up his nose and laughed. And when she drew back and hesitated he had told her of his disappointment and walked away.
The blond and cream mare just couldn't handle it. . . . So, if he wanted to be kicked than by god she'd do it! It was probably (again) her only chance of a lifetime. How often would the stallion stand there and let himself be mauled?
The girl's eyes darkened a bit (only adding further to her pout) and she contemplated the best approach. If she bridged the distance he'd be waiting for it and would probably try to push her over or parry the attack. It would be yet another lesson to be learned. . . so was there a way to surprise him? Maybe. . . .
Ah to hell with it.
Chest still puffed out, hanging on to her confidence as best she could, the mare didn't bridge the distance between them with a trot. Oh no - she lunged. Partially rearing, the pale mare leaped over, quite prepared to strike. . .
and stopped. Catching herself, a murmer of guilt broke through and extinguished the fire she had felt burning within her. Oh she wanted to kick him, to make him feel something underneath her hooves. . . .
But, now face to face with him, Bella couldn't get herself to pull through. She didn't expect to very well hurt him, or even get a shot at touching him. . . . but the mare just couldn't see herself beating on him. Yes, this was training but just because she was angry at him didn't mean that she had a right to kick him.
Malice she could kick. That was a physical attack and her struggle had been in response to defending her life and Meshach's! But Azumoth hadn't done anything to her. . . He wasn't threatening her (even if he was being a bit of a jerk) and she just couldn't see herself plowing in to him.
It couldn't be helped, old habits died far too hard. No matter the anger within her, no matter how much she truly, TRULY wanted to kick him. . . . she just didn't have it in her. "Are you sure?" The whisper hardly left her throat, and she knew in that moment she had failed.
But it wasn't in her heart to want to fight or be aggressive. No matter how hurt she felt she just had to be sure he wouldn't be slighted by a kick. Oh, logic told her that she knew him better than that - he was expecting it, he had commanded it, and therefor it must be so.
Alas, the poor girl just couldn't find it in her to fight. The scenario just wasn't real enough to get her pumped, even though getting the chance to smack the black stallion around some was a wee-bit appealing.
((Sorry for the choppy post. I kept getting pulled away from the computer. D:< ))
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Oct 10, 2007 1:52 am
Don't laugh - don't you dare laugh. I swear to god if you laugh I will allow your heart to blurt out all your most embarassing moments. Logic was adamant as Azumoth struggled to maintain his composure. Really he had always found angry mares to be laughable (unless they were Kalona) as they tended to become more flustered than dangerous. They spouted threats, stomped about and yet they never had the guts to touch him. Thus, as Bella did her best to look threatening it was somewhat lost on the stallion who had always struggled to take any grumpy mare seriously. However in Bella's case it was slightly different, it wasn't that he was laughing at her inability to do anything...But ha!
That pout was so hard to ignore. She was trying so hard, he had angered her to the point that most mares would have smacked him senseless (or tried to). Her fluffiness and appeal simply grew the more irritated she became and when she finally did crack he was almost grateful...or would have been if she had decided to hit him. Instead, she had come to an incredibly swift halt and looked ashamed (yet again). Evidently his mother was right when she said that there were just some creatures that weren't born to fight.
...Most of those in the woods weren't, that's why he was here. Or at least that was what they had all told him when he was a babe. He was strong even then but they had told him he would grow upt to be a great warrior who would protect them and so he had. He'd never taught any of them to fight and had simply accepted his role so why was he so determined to teach Bella?
Well, she didn't live in his forest did she? He had no ability to protect her the moment she left his protective embrace and that was why he was so adamant that she needed to learn. He couldn't fight her demons for her - he would like to as it would allow him to exercise his darker side but he couldn't. In truth he would maul anything that so much as looked at her in the wrong way but he would never leave his forest, he was needed here and he could never demand she stayed here.
He wouldn't make the same mistake twice. He loved his daughter to pieces but he had forced her to stay in the forest and now she wasn't as socially capable as those of the plains. For one so delicate as Bella, he couldn't allow the same fate.
"I would not have ordered you to do it, if I was not sure," he replied though his tone had softened slightly as though he was surrendering to the fact that being so brutal just wasn't going to get his point across. He had always been a practical soquili, he never liked to dither and to scuttle round the issue at hand. If he needed to teach someone he was usually concise and blunt - reassurance generally wasn't something he did.
He definitely wasn't a master of that to be sure.
"There will be times in life when you may be forced to take on your friends and acquaintences," he placed himself firmly in the second category though he was unaware he had already been slotted into the first, "if you hesitate and give them an opening they will not consider why..." Time for the diplomatic approach! It looked as though this would probably be the only way to handle it.
Mr. Evil wasn't working.
"They may even strike you in that moment of uncertainty..." It wasn't the most pleasant of ideas but he had seen it happen, stallion versus stallion in a fragile love triangle while mares had betrayed one another so they could have the stud. Really, watching the world go by taught so many lessons in itself, some very brutal ones at that. "For this reason you must learn that a swift kick can be the end of an argument, further blood shed isn't needed all the time."
"If you can wind an individual with an accurate kick, one solid attack then that is all that is required," his tone was no longer gruff as he considered his own words and admitted that even his darker side had a point (again). "But if you miss that chance to finish the fight in one shot you may be forced to defend yourself to greater lengths, your opponent may not be as well trained as you thus their methods will be messy." He offered a wry smile, recalling his face off with Sparkles. She had no previous combat expression and she had landed a very painful stab to his chest but ultimately her lack of experience nearly killed her.
"In turn your methods will also have to become just as brutal, hesitation isn't an option which is why you should have no qualms about slamming your hoof into another." Granted, she would have to hit them in the right place but that wasn't hard to teach - it was just like a well practiced left hook from a human after all!
"Besides, if you wind them you have a greater chance to run. If you would prefer to avoid combat kicking your opponent is both a form of self defence and an ideal method of stunning the individual in question," he wasn't trying to be patronising and he most certainly wasn't laughing as he knocked her muzzle with his own, flicking his tail against his flank and circled round her so that he was once again at a distance. If she wanted to lunge at him again there was plenty of space to do so.
"Now, try that again."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Oct 10, 2007 8:46 pm
((Shorty, sorry! D: ))
Bella's frustration began to wane as Azumoth continued to teach and explain. As much as she wanted to hang on to the fire she felt in the pit of her stomach, as much as she desired to use her force and pound a little bit of pain in to the black male before her. . . . she just didn't have the heart for it. Violence (to Bella) was rarely the answer. . .
Though it wasn't as if civility had gotten her far with Malice. The girl hid a shudder as she thought of the nasty kalona and her attacks. Her neck, the wounds still rather raw, seemed to throb even more as reminder. He was right, deep in her heart of hearts she knew that sometimes putting up a fight was the only thing to do.
But friends? Acquaintances she could see- those were soquili not well known to one. But her friends? No. The mare didn't have many but she couldn't see any of them turning upon with such savagery! Given, she understood that there was a very slim chance that things might go wrong. . . that circumstance could cause feelings of ill will towards one or another But. . . . . a true friend?
Never.
She just couldn't believe it.
Still, besides the misconception she agreed. A solid kick would be her best bet to avoid any further aggression. If she could let them know she wasn't defenseless, that she would stand her ground and fight maybe that was the difference between life and death. Maybe that was the advantage she needed to keep her life and body healthy.
The mare blinked as he nudged her and shouldered past, mind working as it digested the information. Maybe violence wasn't the key to everything but perhaps. . . PERHAPS on slim occasion it was a necessary action. Perhaps it could be allowed from time to time, when desperation called. It wasn't an easy concept for the mare to follow, but she knew this next time around she'd have to kick him.
Giving her curled mane and tail one last shake, the mare tried to find her original resolve. Huffing softly, Bella decided she'd do something to push him back to . . .to show force and dominance. Ears pinned again (though it was obvious her anger was already ebbing in to more of a sulking pout) she whirled around. Without hesitation, she lunged a second time, rearing up before him and giving him the hardest kick she could muster. She threw her weight in to it, hoping to knock him back a little bit. . . .though really, Bella expected to hit a wall instead.
She almost winced as contact was made, and the girl held her breath, waiting for the blow that would surely come. Her ankle throbbed, and her neck burned, but her wounds could be forgotten. Just as Azu had pointed out - if she could forget them for her womanly wiles than she could surely forget them during a fight.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Oct 11, 2007 1:09 am
He owed his mother a biscuit - it was decided in that moment as her calming and soothing tones (the ones he had borrowed) had coaxed the young mare into attacking. Anger hadn't been the answer in this case and instead he had required a more diplomatic approach to make the girl see clearly. Granted, he suspected she was still disputing some (if not the majority) of his words but she had taken a few into account and was using them.
She still hadn't gotten rid of that pout though!
Argh, flicking his ears forward, the stallion braced himself as the mare lunged towards him. She might have been tiny and she wasn't particularly fast but apparently her instincts were good. Instead of using 'speed' to be as forceful as possible she was using her weight. She wasn't fat, hell no, she was just built in a more heavy manner and for that reason she had an advantage over lighter mares...used in the right way that stocky build could even snap a wing...a concept that made a certain male flinch mentally at the thought.
Nevertheless, his muscles tensed and he held his ground as she threw herself at him. Some stallions would have shifted so that she slammed back into the ground but he deemed this to be foolish - she needed to perfect her talents before he should start dodging. If other teachers thought that their pupils could master a skill any other way he would gladly demonstrate that they could not.
Even so, casting his thoughts aside he released a grunt as the full force of the mares kick landed on his shoulder. The armour plating that lines his legs was just enough to reflect most of the blow but even his orb flashed ever so slightly in response to the assault - for all intents and purposes that hurt just a little more than he'd anticipated! She'd hit the wrong area to floor him but it still smarted and as her weight slid away again he gave a little shudder to regain feeling on his left side.
"Not far off," he mused, flicking his ears forward as he glanced down at the imprint left. She had hit him hard and whether she liked it or not he would come out with cuts and bruises, the hair had been dislodged from around the area and if he looked closely he really could see a hoof print - ha! Call it a mark of dedication?
"Even so, your kick may be strong but it is in the wrong place," clearing his throat he shifted his gaze away from his shoulder and sauntered as best he could (with a smarting muscle) away from the mare to distance himself again. Evidently Bella enjoyed having a little run up, he was just looking forward to the point when he started dodging and showing how much concentration and skill were needed to hit an opponent!
"You need to hit the chest, use the light as a way to pin point the location..." So his odd sphere like object happened to have developed a new purpose, that wasn't his true purpose but it suited the cause. "Aim slightly to the left of it on approach and kick hard, that way you are hitting a much more sensitive place than the shoulder," he explained dutifully, flicking his ears back lightly as the braids tickled against their tips.
Really, she wasn't that bad a pupil when he really thought about it, she learnt fast even if she liked to argue. However, in this circumstance the gruff 'old' stallion knew a damn sight better than she did.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Oct 12, 2007 12:40 am
The girl heard the grunt and felt the force of her weight against his side. Eyes opening wide she felt a bubble of guilt as she noticed the tear in his ebony pelt. Instant maternal instinct and care bubbled within her, causing her to want to question and fuss a wee bit. Oh, Bella was a helpless case (she knew) but the fact that she'd physically harmed him caused her a wee-bit of distress.
She bit back an apology, though her expression clearly spoke of concern. Be it just a little flesh wound it still was a wound. . . and this time it came from her! Any satisfaction she had hoped she would feel by 'beating' on the black stallion failed. All she felt was guilty and a little sick.
A fighter by nature she was not. Even when it came to 'just pretend' and teachings.
Turning her head away from his wound, the mare wondered if perhaps she should have eased up on her kick? Though she was training to understand the art of self-defense couldn't she just take note of the right spots and strength? Did she really have to use him as her enemy?
Oh, the girl understood that he didn't care and the wound wouldn't phase him in the least. But Bella still thought of him as a dear friend and regardless of the . . . strangeness. . that had overcome them (or maybe just her?) within the pool it just didn't feel right to want to hurt him. He might have made her frustrated, he might have made a fool out of her but. . . . . well. . . this was Azumoth.
Did she really expect anything more?
She couldn't. Not with him.
"The chest?" She repeated softly as he walked away, glancing dubiously over her shoulder at him. Aim to the left of his orb? Oh dear. She didn't want to hit him there, in fact, in all reality Bella didn't want to hit him at all! What if she actually did knock the breath out of him? what if she did actually hurt him just a wee bit or . . . or what if she missed and hit his orb instead!?! Oh bother. The stress was on.
If ever she needn't to make her mark now was it.
But he had told her again to hit him hard. It just was difficult because he said it was a much more sensitive area. So that meant it might do a little more damage than upon the shoulder.
Bella sighed, blowing a few of her frazzled and curling mane out of her face. Her bangs could be a problem in a fight. . . especially if they continuously deterred from her sight! But hadn't Moppet told her of a cure. . .? Ah yes. . . Honey!* That was it. Bees made honey and the sticky stuff would surely keep her hair out of her eyes. Perhaps she should try such a remedy and cure. . . . it wasn't so cold yet within the woods that all the bees had turned to hibernation. Not yet at least.
Well, she mused, she had better get on with it lest he lose his temper. Lowering her head, the girl pawed at the ground in hopes to again rile her spirits (any intimidation she thought she had was still . . . failing) and she gave a loud whinny as if it were a battle cry. Lunging forward, the mare eyed her mark only to rear up before the stallion. Again, using her weight to her advantage, she clocked him in the chest left of his orb hard as she could. . . .
He *HAD* asked her to do it after all. . . .
Knowing full well that the area might be more sensitive, Bella couldn't help but choke out, "I'm sorry!" soon as her hooves landed back on the ground. Oh dear. . . . that hadn't hurt him at all, had it?
* Haha - I know it's supposed to be Bees Wax but. . . I always wanted to RP her confusing Moppets words and running proudly in to Azu and Moppet with a tangled mess of hair. *lol* Or maybe not so much proudly as "OMFG BEES ARE TRYING TO EAT ME! D: WTF."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reply
