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 Posted: Sat Dec 27, 2008 12:48 pm
That made sense, that the worn paths would mark commonly used trails. Likely sticking with those would be her best bet if she WERE to go off on her own, that way she would have the best chance of meeting someone if she were to encounter trouble. A sensible plan. "I assure you that I shall be the most attentive Soquili ever seen wandering about up here, or at least the best imitation of one; I'll do my best to avoid running into anyone or otherwise making a nuisance of myself."
Though she hadn't said anything, the sting of the wind had finally started to register with Elizabeth as they crested the hill and got out of the more sheltering embrace of the mountainside. It was a rather uncomfortable wind, but the anticipated warmth of the fire was enough to keep her moving and, she felt, eliminated the need to mention the cold to her companion. There as no point in complaining about something with an obvious cure-all in sight, and she didn't doubt that Ambroise would concede her to be taking care of herself even if she didn't mention it to him. Still, her step as she followed him towards the camp was rapid, checked only by the veritable mountains of dishes that surrounded the camp. "My goodness..."
Pausing, she turned to Ambroise to enquire, "We aren't interrupting any sort of cleaning ritual, are we? Is there something that I can assist with, if so? I wouldn't want to be underfoot and useless." Indeed, it wasn't in her nature to observe if she could be of assistance, and already brightened at the thought of being able to do some small task for the herd that had already shown her such kindness.
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Posted: Mon Dec 29, 2008 10:50 am
Ambroise was completely unphased by the rather untidy camp. He had grown up here, more to the point he had been raised alongside such loud and excitable siblings that 'mess' had entered his vocabulary at a young age. Accepting that mess had come shortly after and it was now something he was accustomed to. The human was notorious for his piles of pots and jars, some were full and others were not...according to his mother it had been that way from the days when she was young, so who was he to question it? It was just a fact of life, his mother's human was terribly messy and that was that.
"I believe that is how it usually looks," Ambroise reassured the mare with a half smile, approaching the dishes to knock one over with his muzzle. It toppled to the ground, chinked and then revealed that it was empty. He safely assumed the rest of the pile would be much the same, though even as he inspected the second pile out of curiosity a hand did emerge from the teepee and planted itself firmly on his snout.
"No." A gruff and decidedly human voice spoke. While Ambroise had never mastered the art of conversing with his two legger he did know what that meant and gave a small snort as he withdrew from the human's hand. No sooner had he done so than the hand disappeared back into the leather bound home. Ambroise could do nothing more at this point other than to ruffle his wings and turn his gaze back towards the mare.
"Fire," he pointed out, motioning to it with a small nod. "Concern yourself not with the -"
"AMBY BABY!" He hadn't had the opportunity to finish his sentence as the female shriek erupted from nearby. The tone was one of delight, typically exhuberant and made his ears droop (unsurprisingly) as he waited for the inevitable. No sooner had the words been spoken than the firey red mare barrelled over the horizon and collided with the stallion in what appeared to be a snuggle. "Why's my baby boy home so early?" The mare queried, withdrawing his inspect his legs and head...evidently unaware that she had company.
"Mother," Ambroise cleared his throat, looking rather dishevelled as the attentive mother began to ruffle his mane curiously. It was a wonder he could even keep any semblance of his composure as he was treated in much the same fashion as a newborn. "I am fine, we are merely in the company of a guest."
"Guest?" the mare gasped, her ears perking. It was then that she slowly turned round and fixed her gaze on Elizabeth. A pause and the delighted smile transformed into the typically warm smile that was customary of all willing hostesses. "Oh my lordie it's a real guest! Ooooh, isn't she a pretty one too?" Bustling towards Elizabeth, Yei began to nudge her towards the fire and giggled. "And who might you be, since my son never introduced you?"
Although in Ambroise's defence he never had the chance to get a word in edge ways.
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Posted: Mon Dec 29, 2008 11:38 am
It all happened so fast that Liz scarely had time to react to it all. Watching with a somewhat fascinated curiousity, she followed Ambroise's explorations through the ppots, only to be caught up short by the very normal, very pale, but very HUMAN hand that poked out of the teepee. Having lived with a female human herself, the deepness of the grunted 'no' took her aback at first, but not so much that she didn't at least try to peek into the teepee from where she stood. After all, she'd never seen a male two-legger before, and that hand! It had been so very very pale compared to the almost chocolate skin of Cajji, and while she'd never really thought about it before, she was now wondering if humans came in coat varieties, just like Soquili!
That was the thought originally on her mind anyway, before the arrival of the red mare and the resulting scene swept every thought or emotion other than shocked amazement from her mind.
The mare was like an equine whirlwind, sweeping through the camp with an amazing energy that left Liz breathless. And her words! Unless Liz was strongly mistaken, she had just called Ambroise 'Amby baby', two words that seemed no more appropriate a nickname for the regal stallion than "Ickle Widddle Vemmy" applied to that creature from the borders. Elizabeth didn't know what to think, but then the mare was turning to her and she suddenly had to speak.
For a moment, she simply stood staring wide-eyed at Yei, trying with all her might to figure out what she was supposed to do. There was no way she could hope to respond with similar enthusiasm; indeed, she strongly doubted she was capable of feeling such enthusiasm! Manners were probably her best refuge, so after a mere moment she gave the mare a smile of her own and swept her a bow, challenging as it was to do that while being 'bustled'. "You're very kind, Ma'am; I'm Elizabeth, and let me say what a pleasure it's been to see your herdlands thus far! Your son has been very kind, and your camp is so welcoming!" And really it was; untidy, perhaps, but it had a very homey vibe. Then again, with a mother like Yei around...
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Posted: Mon Dec 29, 2008 11:56 am
There was no soquili quite like his mother, or this was what Ambroise would have claimed if he had been provided with the opportunity to speak. Instead it was more beneficial for him to move out from under his mother's hooves. Considerably ruffled and more than a little dishevelled, he flexed his wings and buried them against his sides as he watched both mares converse. He soon came to rest nearby the piles of pots and exchanged glances with the human that peered out of the teepee inquisitively at the sound of his bonded Soquili coming into the area - aha, Achak...if it hadn't been for him then there wouldn't have been a Yei Umeko.
"....?" The human arched a brow at the display, hazel eyes flicking over Yei for signs of injury before he began to inspect the unicorn. Unsurprisingly the human was in much the same state as his home. Dishevelled in every way, the long strands of black hair fell across his pale skin. That being said there was still a twinkle to his eyes and a strength in his limbs that indicated he was far from frail - then again frailty on the slopes was a rather dire thing to be. Nevertheless the glance between both male human and stallion appeared to be that of universal understanding. No words needed to be expressed as both came to the conclusion that it was a 'woman' thing.
With a whicker, Ambroise opened his wing to hold the flap of the teepee open while the human proceeded to gather up some of his pots for use inside though given the rarity of visitors, even the human was intrigued by the unicorn that had landed on his 'doorstep.
"Pfft, there aren't any ma'ams here!" Yei informed Elizabeth, continuing to bustle the mare towards the fire. She afforded a typical whicker of greeting to her human before returning her attention to the mare before her. She'd only ever met a few unicorns and even then these meetings had been fleeting - the only 'unicorn' that existed on these slopes nearby her home was Farsiris while the rest chose to remain closer to the lowlands. "My name is Yei, darling!" She introduced herself with a little flourish, though she wasn't one for bows.
"And if you're referring to Amby that's rather surprising," she gave a giggle and leant in conspiratually to whisper, though the whisper remained rather loud as though designed for a stage. "He's terribly troublesome, personality of a plank you know!"
"Mother..." Ambroise murmured softly.
"Oho but I love him so! My boys have so many quirks, although I suspect he got all of that reserved discipline from his father - spirits know it doesn't come from me!" She announced. Tilting her head to the side she then pursed her lips and examined Elizabeth more closely, her eyes widening as she became aware of where the mare came from - the coat was certainly a giveaway. "Oh my, you have come a long way..." she cooed gently.
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Posted: Mon Dec 29, 2008 12:27 pm
If nothing else, Elizabbeth was filled with an entirely new respect for visitors everywhere. Unused to being in such a role herself, the sensation of being looked at by many pairs of eyes at once was rather...unnerving. Moreso when one of those pairs belonged to Yei, who was a force unlike anything she'd ever met before...and she lived with Safi, for goodness sake!
Still, she felt that she had a good understanding of where Fenghuang's energetic nature had come from, and it was always good to understand the origins of temperaments. That was what she told herself as she stood amidst the stares, doing her best to return all smiles with one of her own and NOT show the discomfort and nervousness that she was feeling.
It was a pleasant surprise when the two-legger emerged, and for a moment she allowed herself to stare as he himself did the same. He had long dark hair like Cajji, but otherwise? He was rather straight of body, unlike her curved and rounded friend, and his whole body was the same uniformly pale color. Perhaps it was an adaptation to the north, so that he could blend in with the snow? Either way, he seemed a very agreeable sort, if the warm looks he exchanged with both Yei and Ambroise, as well as herself, were any indication. It was always nice to see humans who truly cherished their Sowuili companions, and just as nice to see Soquili who obviously returned the bond.
That moment past, though, she returned her attention to Yei and her bustling conversation. Really, she didn't know where to begin! "Alright then, Yei; it is an honest pleasure to meet you, though I'll have to disagree on the subject of Ambroise." Having been on her own from a young age, Liz had a certain naievity when it came to parent/child relationships, particularly when it came to interactions between Soquilis and their adult children. The idea that Yei would joke about something as serious as her own son's behavior and personality, especially with a stranger, was completely inconceiveable, so Liz was very earnest when she responded. "He has been nothing but pleasant, enjoyable company, and as I've already told him it has been a great delight for me to have his company on this tour."
Having done her part to (as she thought) clear Ambroise's good name, she gave Yei a smile and another slight nod as she acknowledged the length of her journey. "It has been a bit of a walk, but for the most part I've found it to be enjoyable. Your sons were so kind in their invitation, it's been a delight to see your herdlands!" Pausing, she felt that this was a good moment to offer an explanation. "Ambroise, Fenghaung and I met one another near my home a few months ago, and they offered me a chance to see your lands as a sort of exchange."
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Posted: Mon Dec 29, 2008 12:48 pm
Yei was somewhat taken aback as the mare made a point of correcting her. As a mother of eight and a surrogate to another child, she was often renowned for teasing her 'babies'. Admittedly it would have been inconceivable for anyone else to insult her children, but everything she said was in jest and out of love. Ambroise knew as much as she did that he was lacking in social graces and preferred to grunt in response to most questions than to talk at length. Alas, once Elizabeth had ceased in her explanation the red mare gave a giggle and cuddled her son briefly.
"Ooooh hunny," she murmured gently as she came round to bask in the warmth of the fire herself. "I know all about the qualities my most serious and disciplined of sons possesses," she gave a sage nod, mimicking Ambroise's tone of voice. However her expression soon relaxed and the soft smile returned to her lips, "But a little tender jesting every now and again is good for him - he knows as well as I do that he's lacking in certain areas!"
"Of course, mother." Ambroise responded automatically, rolling his eyes though a bemused smiled seemed to be lingering faintly on his lips. Content to aid the human as he scurried about in his teepee, Ambroise had left Elizabeth in the care of his mother, though even he had been startled by her rather passionate remarks. Really - first she turned into a giggling mare at the mention of waterfalls and now she was singing his praises, this was something he was not accustomed to at all.
"Aha but at least he's agreeable," she stuck out her tongue towards her son before returning her attentions to the mare, her brow raising slowly as Elizabeth explained the reasoning behind her existence on the slopes. Ah how the mare remembered that day, the day Fenghuang had gone to find Mersoquili and had left her in fits with all older siblings sent out to locate the wayward son. Ambroise had come back in a fantastic mood a few days later accompanied by a very shamefaced colt...At the very sight Yei had started to laugh and had cuddled them both.
She didn't need to know what lectures her youngest had been given.
"So you're the Princess by the lake then," she cooed thoughtfully as though recounted a tale she had been told. "Ooooh I heard quite a bit about you - how are you finding the slopes? Little chilly this time of year but ooooh you should see the flowers bloom in the meadows during summer," she cooed fondly.
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Posted: Mon Dec 29, 2008 1:24 pm
Elizabeth would have strongly disagreed with any description of herself 'singing' any one's praises; as she saw things, she was no more than giving Ambroise his due, and had she known that she was thought to be doing any more...well, it would have been a great deal harder for her to maintain her composure, that much was certain.
As it was, now that she had had a chance to get used to Yei's exuberant ways, she was finding the older mare to be extremely pleasant. While more energetic than Liz was used to, she had a warm, friendly aspect of her personality that made Liz feel right at home and at ease conversing with her...though not quite comfortable enough to drop her more formal speech habits.
It was a bit of a revelation to learn that teasing and taunting transcended age, that even though her children were full grown Yei still chose to torment them...in public, too! Obviously she was a very warm-hearted mare, one with far less reserve than Liz herself or some of the other 'mother' types of her acquaintance. Watching Yei and Ambroise' exchange, she thought it was remarkable, really, the bond that could exist between parent and child if nurtured properly...
She had been snapped out of that particularly pleasant strain of musing by Yei's 'Princess' comment, one that she could hardly have been expected to answer, but did anyway. "Well, I don't think that I quite qualify as a princess, but I did meet them by the lake. I'm sure that Fenghuang had a great to say about the meeting, he seemed to be most animated by the adventure he was having."
It was rather easy to peg Feng as the 'storyteller', as the foal's energy and delight at pretty much everything had been obvious; indeed, though she wasn't a mersoq he'd seemed almost as delighted at her horn as he possibly could have been at fish!
But fun as that meeting had been, she wasn't one to neglect the present to reflect on the past. "It's been wonderful so far; the scenery is breathtaking, and if the windd is a bit chilly its nothing too terrible yet. Ambroise was telling me of the lovely waterfalls you have up here, and we were going to be taking a look at some of them soon, if I'm not mistaken." Glancing briefly at Ambroise for confirmation, she continued, "Though I'll have to imagine the flowers for now, perhaps I'll be able to see them in the warmer times, you all and the elements willing." That last bit she pegged on quickly, realizing that it sounded too much like she was fishing for an invitation. Just because she enjoyed their hospitality now didn't mean that she would again, and it was rude to assume as much!
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Posted: Wed Dec 31, 2008 4:14 am
Yei Umeko had never been the 'reserved' type, to have her pegged as anything of the sort would have caused the majority (if not all) of her family to gawk. She was renowned for her exhuberance and the days that she was quiet or musing over something often brought bad tidings. The slopes were a happy place when the mother was in her usual mood - they were not so good when she was quietly musing in a corner. In fact, when those musings began the majority of her children fled. Granted it tended to be her bachelor sons who ran for the hills given that she often teased them and prodded them within inquiries regarding the likelihood of grandchildren any time soon. As fate would have it, Ambroise was currently at the centre of her attention regarding that topic and while she had been considerably tame because of the new additions to her family, that didn't make him any less aware of it.
...Or the plotting in her head.
"Oh I'm not so sure," Yei disagreed after a few moments, rolling her shoulders. She quivered lightly as the warmth of the fire caressed her coat and offered another smile. "You hold yourself like a princess, conduct yourself with the manners of a princess and have all the social graces required of one," she pointed out patiently. Yei wasn't one to flatter an individual to death but she was one to lightly tease another to the point that they began to realise that such fronts generally didn't work with her in the immediate vicinity.
Nevertheless her continued prodding ceased at the mention of the waterfalls and the subject that Ambroise had been inclined to avoid seemed to creep to the forefront of her mind. She released a pleasant chuckle and permitted her pale gaze to slide towards her son inquisitively, though at his raised brow she released a snort and mumbled something along the lines of, 'oh you are no fun'...
"Well now, I hadn't pegged him for the sociable type, he usually pegs off visitors on his brothers!" She giggled again and shook her head, adjusting her weight from one hoof to the other she then took the opportunity to observe the mare more closely. Perhaps she was missing something, a quirk or feature that had caught her son's attention to the point that he was humouring the pretty creature. Was it that Princess-esque behaviour maybe? There weren't many in the slopes who carried themselves in such a regal and refined manner. "They are very beautiful," she agreed softly, aware of her staring and therefore turning her gaze elsewhere.
"Though you must be warned that the mists they cast out around them is very cold this time of year..." she warned, nodding her head pointily. Well, she may want to see the waterfalls but she could least to a little more subtle meddling to the point that a certain male felt inclined to provide his wing as a coat. Nothing more romantic than that - nyeah? Oh she would have been so smart if her son hadn't always been able to see through her plans. At the very least he seemed to be feigning ignorance though.
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Posted: Thu Jan 01, 2009 2:47 pm
It was difficult to say whether or not the mechanations of a mother were a good thing or a bad thing in this situation, but whatever Yei was thinking or plotting was going right over Elizabeth's head. Having never been around any mothers other than her own (and that not for many years), she was almost blissfully ignorant with regards to the matchmaking tendencies of that breed. Indeed, had she the slightest guess what thoughts were going on in Yei's mind, she would likely have turned even redder than Yei herself!
Instead, she was able to simply smile and bow in her head in modest acceptance of Yei's compliments. A bit over-the-top, perhaps, but no less kind in their origins! "You are a very kind mare, Yei, both in your compliments and your warnings. Believe me, the last thing that I want to do is catch cold myself, so I shall be very attentive to the mists and the winds."
As she had already touched on the subject of Ambroise's company when it was just the two of them, she saw no reason to comment any further on that subject with his mother. Still, Yei's thoughtful comment in conjecture with Venom's earlier remarks on Ambroise's busy schedule simply made her even more grateful for the stallion's company; there weren't many stallions around who would be so gentlemanly to another, especially not on the grounds of such a meager acquaintance! For all her energy, Yei certainly knew how to raise children to be mannerly! Not to suggest that energetic Soquili COULDN'T be mannerly, of course, they just often weren't, in her own sphere of acquaintances.
It was rather enjoyable to talk to Yei, actually, once she'd gotten over the whole 'bundle of energy/Amby Baby thing', even; it was definitely obvious where Fenghuang's personality had come from!
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Posted: Sat Jan 03, 2009 6:33 am
Where Yei was the 'crazy' aspect of the family, one could safely say that her absent mate was the sensibility that balanced her out. The children had been brought up in an almost idealistic family and had it not been for occasional mishaps would have rivalled that of a fairy tale. That being said, life without it's hiccups was not life at all and one would have turned out very fake if they had lived in such a perfect manner. Yei's family certainly had their moments of drama and while there was pain the optimism that was stressed and the strong bonds that were encourage often prevailed. Teasing simply came as part of that package and even the begruding, stoic and overly serious creatures could accept such things...even when others did chuckle at the ridiculous interaction as it occured.
They were a happy family and this was all that a budding mother such as Yei could ever aspire for them to be. Thus, in her eyes Elizabeth presented another rare opportunity for her to ensure that another bachelor within her famiyl became happy. She was aware of her eldest son and his nature, knew all too well that he was a difficult stallion and one might say she had leapt at the slightest opportunity to set him up with someone so agreeable. While Elizabeth was certainly more reserved than the other mares who had swooped up her younger sons, there was something in there that just seemed to...fit?
Well, she hadn't grated on his nerves yet.
Yei gave a soft murmur of consideration at her own thoughts before glancing skywards. As bright as it may have been, the light faded incredibly quickly upon the slopes and as such, there was often no time to waste in the winter. This was a very practical outlook on the situation (if she did say so herself) even if her intentions were not ultimately to be quite so innocent.
"Oh I suspect you shall, you seem like the sensible sort," she smiled pleasantly and flicked her gaze towards her son. "But given how short the days are, should you not be showing her at least one waterfall before the light fades?" She enquired. Pushing herself to her hooves, she approached herh uman's teepee and proceeded to hold the 'door' open with her hoof so that Ambroise was now free. "As hardened as you may be to the slopes Amby, the chill of night would be a bit much for your companion..."
"Mmm," Ambroise pursed his lips just a little at this but no sooner had he done so than he moved away from his mother and turned his gaze towards Elizabeth. He knew what his mother was up to but he couldn't fault her logic either! "Would you care to see some now...?"
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Posted: Sat Jan 03, 2009 10:24 am
Had Elizabeth been privy to Yei's thoughts, she would have been taken aback, embarrassed...but quite possibly flattered as well. Much as she loved children and much as she ascribed to the concept of a happy home life, by this point in her life she had regretfully come to the conclusion that such things were just not to be hers. For whatever reason, she had never met 'the right stallion', or had never by met by 'the right stallion', and without such a stallion, well...
She thought that she took things well enough in stride; after all, it wasn't in her nature to regret the inevitable. Still, there wasn't a part of her that didn't look wistfully after any happy couple, or sigh with longing at the sight of an energetic young foal.
On that note, it was probably for the best that she didn't know Yei's thoughts; such knowledge would undoubtedly set the modest mare into such a flutter of confusion that she'd miss out on what promised to be a lovely sight.
Unburdened by such worries, though, she was more than willing to take up mother and son on their suggestion. Looking over the fire to the others, she nodded her acquiesence to the plan, offering them both a pleased smile. "That would be delightful, thank you! I'm sure that they're beautiful by evening, too, but I wouldn't trust myself not to fall off of something walking around edges at night."
After all, it was nothing if not practical to accept one's own shortcomings, and being a stranger in a somewhat more hostile environment than she was used to could prove quite unhealthy! "Anyway, I'm ready whenever you are, Ambroise." Trotting around to where he stood, she gestured for him to lead the way, then smiled at Yei. "It was a great pleasure to meet you, Yei!"
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Posted: Sun Jan 04, 2009 2:25 pm
"Oho, the pleasure was all mine!" Yei called after the mare as Ambroise once again began to distance himself from the camp. That being said, having noted the rising winds he made sure to remain close to the cliff face to ensure that it provided ample shelter for his guest. He had grown accustomed to the rather hostile weather as a child, his coat had grown in swiftly as a winter baby and the fact that it still made his ears tingle simply reminded him of how much discomfort could be caused by it. That being said, a Soquili with ear-muffs was perfectly plausible (as his mother had suggested) but would have done nothing to assist him in maintaining his dignity or composure. There were many things Ambroise could endure - days of training, teasing from his family and so on. However the very concept of wearing earmuffs on his head was more than a little humiliating.
...It wasn't exactly on his christmas list anyway.
Clearing his throat the stallion continued with considerable ease across the terrain that bordered on the cliff face. While rocky, the majority of the bumps and jerks caused on the surface were from rumble as opposed to hidden dips and potholes. Thus, while a careful step was encouraged, a creature could progress at a reasonable pace without fear of plunging to their doom into some hidden tunnel. His mother's warnings regarding the approaching dusk remained at the forefront of his mind though, and instead of wandering to one of the larger waterfalls he had opted to approach a closer one. It was smaller, but there was method to his madness which the mare would only begin to understand when she saw it for herself. Rest assured she would have her waterfall, her rainbows and her mist - but even Ambroise could combat his mother's meddling with logic and wit of his own.
Oh spirits he wouldn't infer that Elizabeth wasn't attractive! However he was unlike his brothers in the sense that he would not be quite so forward unless invited to. Needless to say, her continued attempts to hide the softer centre that lurked beneath such good manners spoke volumes to him and he was not about to show any amount of disrespect. He would provide her with ample personal space and he would do it with style - this was one of those moments when his mother could kiss his rump and admit that she was impressed by his creativity!
That being said...
"As my mother said earlier, days on the slopes are significantly shorter than those within the lowlands," he glanced towards the mare and popped his lips thoughtfully. "It is impossible to return you to the lowlands before dusk, so I must enquire as to your sleeping requirements and preferences for this evening."
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Posted: Sun Jan 04, 2009 3:18 pm
With almost exaggerated care, Liz made her way along the path alongside Ambroise, watching out for the rocks and rough patches. No lady liked to stumble, not even the most modest; on top of that, Liz felt no desire to turn her ankle or otherwise damage herself when she could be spending her time more productively. Unlike some mares, the type who loved being injured as a means to gain sympathy, Liz had no patience for illness or injury in herself. Wounded ankles had the advantage of being within reach of her horn, if nothing else.
For a little while she was content to move along in silence, enjoying the serenity and focusing on her feet. By the time Ambroise spoke again, she felt reasonably confident in her abilities to walk properly and looked up, the better to consider his question. And all things considered, it was a doozy of a question, raising concerns that she hadn't considered before. In her travels thus far, she had simply sought out a sheltered nook, an overhang, a hollow in the ground and slept there.
However, prior to now she hadn't been in any specific 'herdlands'. Ambroise's question raised the very valid concern that she might not be able to just bed down here, that there might be specific places where they preferred guests to stay. Very fortunate for her that Ambroise had breached the subject now, it helped avoid confusion later.
Halting her stride, she gave her companion a thoughtful look. "To be honest, I hadn't considered that. In the nights since I left the lake, I've just been sleeping in whatever sheltered place I've found. Are there any places you would recommend, where I wouldn't be intruding or in the way?"
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Posted: Sun Jan 04, 2009 3:33 pm
It wasn't that they had any particular areas that guests were encouraged to stay... However it was just as well that Ambroise had asked given that she had absolutely no idea where to go. It was almost as though she was prepared to wander dumbly around until she found an appropriate location, though this in itself would prove impossible in fastly fading lights and on dangerous terrain. He could do nothing more than raise his eyes heavenwards and murmur a quiet reference to the moments when all females were alike. She'd spent so much of her time attempting to remain polite and considerate towards his hospitality that she really hadn't thought this through!
...And people said he needed to lighten up.
Lowering his head he once again turned towards the mare and provided her with a very pointed look before continuing on his way again. Opting to remain silent for the time being as though he was in deep thought regarding an appropriate setting down point. She would of course require substantially more in terms of shelter given her coat. Where a soquili like he could bed down easily in an alcove and their hides would protect them, her tender coat would be ruined and penetrated rather swiftly at this height. Really, for all intents and purposes the waterfall was a good place to be going, given that it was right beside the location in which he intended to offer her.
He moved swiftly across the cliff's side, slid into the gorge and as they wandered deeper into the labyrinth of granite the sound of water could be heard. It wasn't thunderous, but it was certainly present and it was soon apparent that he had selected one of the closest to guide her too. Weaving in and out of various pathways, it wasn't long before he breached the mists that were...oddly warm.
His wings ruffled and he bowed his head somewhat as the warm mists touched his muzzle. Ah yes, there were many hidden treasures on the slopes and one of these were the hot springs - granted the waterfall nearby wasn't terribly big, but it still cast rainbows across it's surface and it's song was often accompanied by the soft bubbles that popped across the pools. It was well sheltered and perhaps one of the best hidden spots - something tourists would have quite a problem locating without assistance.
"I would say here would do nicely," he replied smoothly.
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Posted: Sun Jan 04, 2009 4:05 pm
If she were to really think about it, Elizabeth would undoubtedly have been embarrassed at her lack of forethought. It wasn't like her to run off half-cocked and not think things through, and common sense should have reminded her that the slopes weren't like home where anyone could be safe and comfortable wherever they chose to sleep. Today had just been such a crazy day, from the moment she first ran into that...creature to seeing the northern camp; she was like a foal in an apple orchard, and so caught up in her own sense of wonderment that she was apparently forgetting to be practical.
All those thoughts flooded back to her at Ambroise's single pointed look, causing her face to crimson to an uncomfortable level. Immediately she started forward again, intently focused on keeping her footing as she followed Ambroise, taking his silence as disapproval for her careless behavior; that was certainly where her OWN thoughts lay!
Or did, until they entered into the warmth of the underground caverns. At first unsure about her footing, she followed the stallion down until the low murmur became discernible as moving water and the warmth of the mists enveloped them. It was a delicious feeling, being warm, and she closed her eyes and lifted her nose up, standing tall and breathing in the vapors. "Ahhh...."
Opening her eyes, she gave Ambroise a grateful smile; this was a better place than she could have hoped for! "This will be wonderful, Ambroise, thank you. Is this a hotspring, then?" Having heard of such things from her friend Zaphiro, she was naturally curious; she was also delighted, because such would afford an opportunity to bathe without freezing to death. "And is that rumble," Pausing, she gave him a look that didn't totally hide her interest in the subject, "a waterfall?"
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