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Now Corsant was just confused, because he had thought that she had said that HE was anti-sharing because he hadn't been sure if he wanted to give up all his apples at the end of a bet. Now she was saying that he was backwards in his definitions, because she meant SHE would be sharing them with him once she won the bet? Apparently they'd crossed a few more wire then he realized!

For a few moments, he stood and simply scrutinized the filly, trying to figure out if it was possible for him to get to the point in the conversation she had reached without him getting too confused. After pondering, though, he shook his head with a slight face, quite sure that the conversation was lost to him forever. But oh well!

"Those humans sounds really funny! I'd like to see one some time, just to see how they stay upright without falling over. It'd be kinda neat to learn that trick, don'cha think? It wouldn't be fast, but it would be DIFF'RENT, and diff'rent is good. Cause it makes you look at something or do something you didn't do before, and then you are all WOW! Or maybe you didn't like the diff'rent thing, but at least you tried." He was very proud of that particular philosophy, truth be told, though the sad truth was that he didn't quite understand what it meant. His parents had said something along those lines to him in the past, and it seemed to bear repeating! "Learning a secret language would be a diff'rent thing, too. It might be hard, but if you made UP the language with the other people that are planning to speak it, it might be easier." Because everyone involved would be involved in the creation process, there would be no need to teach it to anyone else. Simplicity itself! Though that would mean that you'd have to get together your secret language speakers in advance, and depending on how many of them there were the creation process could be quite complex. What if you wanted one thing to mean a word, and someone else wanted the word to be meant by something else?

They'd have to work out the kinks first, regardless. There probably wasn't enough time to create a secret language AND explore today, so it wasn't like there was a super-hurry, anyway.

It was far more pressing to defend his honor, honor that got skewered with her frank assessment of his baddie-fighting skills. It was a bit deflating, if truth be told, but she didn't have any way of knowing that his parent would like pop out and save him if a baddie came by. Though he supposed that were such to actually happen, it would be more than his parents saved BOTH of them, rather than him saving Mari...that was the problem with being little. It was hard to be safe from big baddies. But that didn't mean he couldn't try!

Patiently (for him), he tried to clarify things a bit and scrape back at least part of his perceived reputation. "Well, it 'pends on the baddie, don'cha think? Some baddies are small, and I bet I could manage a small baddie without getting hurt. I'm NATURALLY strong, you know." This statement was accompanied by a grand wing-spreading gesture, the better for Mari to observe the tough leathery hide that held them together and the large spikes that adorned the shoulder joints. "See, if he tried to bite me, he might get SPEARED! And then his mouth would hurt, and he'd have to go away. It's all 'fensive, my spikes and horns and stuff. So that people don't want to hurt me much." Not quite, but it was an explanation that worked for now. Why did a foal need to know the his spikes were actually intended to pierce tackled prey?

"I don't think that a rabbit would attack, would it?" Her lines of questioning might make some sense, but Corsant was hung up on the literal and feeling very persecuted at the moment. When you said you would protect someone, they were just supposed to be glad, not try and figure out every possible way you could fail! Especially not fail to a rabbit. He could beat a rabbit, and besides; rabbits didn't have sharp teeth!

But it appeared that he was never going to convince her otherwise, and at her request that he run away he let out a dramatically gusty sigh. "Fine, if you REALLY want that, then I can run away too. But you have to run away first, so that I'm between you and the baddie. Even if he's a foal hunter, you're more vul'nerable. Because you're littler and don't have spikes or nothing." It was a beautiful compromise, if he did say so himself; he would still be protecting her, but they'd both be running away! Not that he planned on getting caught or eaten in anyway regardless of whether her stood and fought or ran...

"But when I'm big, THEN I'm going to stand and fight, 'cause by then I'll know how to fly and stuff, so I can fight baddies even if they're BIG. But I won't go out and find them, I'll only fight them if they want to be mean. Because it's wrong to start fights." Feeling very proud of himself for that bit of reasoning, he was able to return the pointed look with one of his own, feeling that there was no reasonable way she could find fault with his argument now. But he would prefer not to argue, anyway; it wasted time.

"So maybe if we made a secret language, it should be a very SELECT secret language, for only a couple people. It'll be more secret that way, anyway, and less chance of other people figuring it out!" That seemed to make more sense than opening it up to the world anyway, otherwise it would only be a language, instead of a SECRET language.

The idea of an attack rabbit was so ludicrous that Corsant decided that on that topic she was just teasing him; probably wanting to see what he'd say, or how he'd argue against it. Well, he was starting to learn better than to do something that silly; Mari might be a little filly, but she was really good at arguing things! So rather than open up that can of worms, he decided it was best to just stick to the argument he was doing well at. No, not argument; discussion. That was what his Papa and Mama always called it when they were having an argument, which they always said wasn't an argument because they weren't arguing, they were discussing. His conversation with Mariasha was sounding like those, so it must be a discussion, too.

"You shouldn't look backwards while you're running, 'specially if you're in a place with lots of trees or roots or holes, cause then you might be looking backwards 'stead of forwards and trip and fall and then I might fall into you and we'll BOTH be caught! Otherwise I'll have to stop and protect you anyway, if I don't trip, and so you'll have caused it 'cause you didn't believe me. Seems like you'd be safer just running, and maybe listening to hear me running behind you!" Being almost clichedly competitive, he was quick to pounce on what he viewed as the weakest part of her argu-discussionment and run with it. She had been one-upping him so much that he wanted to hold firmly onto a victory; not just a compromise, but a victory.

Though he might be able to get another victory, if he wanted to pursue her other point. He knew that in theory, when you were grown up no one could tell you what to do. But he also had seen his parents, and his Papa liked to say that the kids needed to ask their mother about certain things, because Mama got to have the decision over some things, and even over what Papa would so. And sometimes Papa got to decide what Mam would do. So just because you were grown up didn't mean that you got to be the boss of yourself! It probably depended on if you had a lifemate or not, if his own parents were any indication.

Best to stick with the topic at hand and worry about logistics like that later. Much later, like when he was grown up himself! Maybe then it'd be easier to understand.

"Well...we might have to figure that part out. Secret languages need time to be made up properly, I think."

Corsant might not be the most observant and on-the-ball child, but he was shrewd enough to know when he'd won. He had sisters, after all, and the signs of defeat were universal to all girls of his acquaintance. His firsthand knowledge of females, extending from his sisters to include in particular his mother, also meant that he could firmly believe what Mariasha was saying about girls getting super-strong when mad. Wasn't his Mama the toughest Soquili in the whole world when she was upset, and even his very large Papa afraid of her? Wasn't his sister Lessia the most vicious fighter for miles around when provoked? Mariasha might not have horns or fangs, but she was female, and that was enough.

With a very solemn nod, he accepted her caveat with no argument. "That's fair, as long as you're making sure that it's an actual safe place before stopping and not a safe place that only looks like a safe place. Like, maybe if it was a cave that was exactly the right size for a foal to get in, but too small for a big bad guy to get in, THAT would be a safe place where it'd be ok to look around. But make sure that you give me time to get there before you come out, otherwise it won't be safe at all!" He would agree to her terms, but he wasn't going to let her off without limitations. Though he'd only known Mari for a short time, he'd already come to realize that she was a crafty one, and if he wasn't super specific she'd try and wiggle around things.

There would be no dangerous facing-of-bad-guys while HE was around, thanks much!

But he was willing to abandon that subject for now; he'd won! The secret language was a less combative and just as interesting, albeit a challenge to create. "Well, that's a neat idea, but don't you think it'll be hard to learn all the language in the world? I bet the world has a lot of languages, it could take a long time before we know them all. And I don't think I know anybody that speaks all the languages in the world, do you?" That fact troubled him more than anything else about the problem, which would probably amuse an adult to no end. Never mind the time issues, if was not knowing a single Soquili that could speak all languages that was the problem! "We might have to think this out more. Do you know anyone that knows any other languages?"

If the future held a quick wit and acerbic tongue with a somewhat weak physique for Mariasha, almost the opposite would one day be able to be said of Corsant. A strong body in both wing and leg and a great deal of physical stamina would be paired with a mouth that was forever getting him into trouble, saying things that really were better off thought than spoken. Even now as a foal he was showing a somewhat distressing tendency towards that tactless habit, but what was an occasional annoyance in a foal could have catastrophically insulting results in an adult.

Fortunately, the future was a long way away at this point, and such concerns were far beyond anything that he had currently to worry about. Right now, today, he was free to make the most of his time with a new friend, the height of his concerns and worries being limited to winning this 'discussion' and trying to cram as much fun into the afternoon as he could before he had to go home. Caught up in the meeting as he was, Corsant was keeping a strict watch on the sun as well; if he wasn't home when he was supposed to be, then his papa would come and get him! And as that would be both embarrassing to have witnessed AND likely result in him not being allowed to go out and play by himself anymore, he was very much on his guard!

At the moment, though, he was able to bask in his rare moment of victory. Well, that, and try to keep her from stealing it right back!

She posed a valid point at the possible consequences of him not reaching the safe spot, he had to admit, and he was willing to be somewhat magnanimous. "Well, if I haven't gotten there after a REASON'BLE amount of time, then you can go see about getting help. But you have to go a diff'rent way than you came, 'cause the baddie might still be on the way after you. But you better use good judgment before going, 'cause it'll be no good if you go just to go and end up caught and eaten or something." The dangers of baddies, summed up in one sentence! But least she get any ideas from his concession on that point, he shook his head dramatically and announced, "But I think we've got that all fig'ured out now; we can just hope that we don't meet any baddies, but be ready if we do. It's important to be prepared, my mama always says!"

Which was why he and his brother and sister had already learned the importance of how and when to flee from a situation and how to get help. As they got older and their wings and bodies strengthened, they would also learn how to fight...for either defensive or dietary needs only, though. Woe betide any member of the family who turned to aggression if their parents ever found out!

On the subject of the secret language, he was forced to admit that he didn't really have much of a plan at all, and that her suggestion sounded the most practical. It might take a long time, but at least they would have an opportunity to learn! "Well, that sounds smart. We can take what you learn from their language and use it to make our own, slow and steady. It'll be like building with blocks!" Not that he was good at slow and steady, by any means, but right now the idea had novelty to sustain it.

For now.

Grinning, he announced right on the heels of that acquiescence a grand pronouncement: "I'm glad I found you, Mari! You're really fun and diff'rent." Because what girl WOULDN'T want to be told she was different?

She might have been a bit tricky, but Mari was fun. Sensible too, kinda, if a bit silly when it came to her sense of self-preservation! Corsant heartily approved of her, though, and didn't doubt that they would have grand adventures as they grew up, narrated in their own secret language. And who knew, maybe they were just the beginning of an epic band of adventurers that would have the most successful and epic escape plan from danger EVER, all because he'd run into Mari in the woods. Though those excited ruminations were cut a bit short as Mari once again brought up the what-if-things-didn't work out side of things, and he had to think about that scenario once again. "Huh...I s'pose that you would; if you're the only one who knows where or how I went missing, then it would prob'ly be good for you to tell someone bigger. Or if I died, so that they don't have to worry about where I am, 'cause I'll be dead."

Hopefully that particular scenario didn't come to pass, though; he liked being alive, and besides that his family would miss him terribly if he were to be dead. That's why his parents were so adamant about teaching them all how to NOT die! But he supposed it was best to be prepared for the worst...

However, her frank confession at not wanting to be eaten managed to break the tension of the moment and the depression that those thoughts had brought on; to Corsant, the idea of anyone being afraid of his parents was ludicrous! Looking like them as he did and having a very affectionate family unit, it had never once occurred to him that his parents were something to be feared (other than the usual fears a wayward foal might have of their parents once in a while), and the idea that Mari found them so was laughable! "Eat you? My Mama and Papa would never eat you; my Papa can't eat meat at all, and my Mama never would eat a Soquili, 'specially not my friend. They'd be sad, but that's all." Pausing, he reconsidered, then added as a postscript, "Well, maybe angry at whoever killed me, too. But not you!"

Her return of the 'different' compliment made him grin, albeit a bit sheepishly at the comment about his klutziness. "Not all the time, but I'm having problems getting my growing parts and my not growing parts to all work together the way they're s'posed to. I just need to practice more!"

~~~~

It was a bit earlier than he had told his son to turn up, but Antony, erring on the side of caution, was making his way back to the clearing where he had left his son. While he trusted the little colt to stick to his word, he had also once been a colt himself and knew very well how easy it was to get distracted and lose track of time. It was a far more prudent idea for he himself to turn up and collect the boy rather than require Corsant to remember on his own; besides, that way Tony himself wouldn't have to turn up late and explain to his mate that he'd let Corsant run off on his own at such a relatively young age! While he adored his mate and found her extremely protective mothering cute, he also liked to let their children run a little wilder than their mother would prefer. It was an understanding between himself and his children: they got a little free time as long as they followed the rules, and NOBODY told Loveless!

For his own part, Corsant was blissfully unaware that he had caused any confusion. What he had meant was that parts of his body were growing at different speeds and paces; right now, he was almost all leg, and his wings were not even close to being developed enough for flight. It wasn't that he wasn't all growing, it was merely that he wasn't growing at a conveniently uniform pace. Were that the case, he was sure that he'd be less clumsy. What DIDN'T occur to him was that he'd likely be even worse off, as he'd have to learn to manage wings and legs simultaneously; probably not a good idea when he was already...well, gracefully challenged.

Oh well. Hopefully in time, not only would he be able to grow into his body, but grow into a more articulate method of expressing himself. For now, he and those around him would just have to get used to clumsiness and incoherence!

But at least Mari understood the important thing: that his parents wouldn't eat her! "Yeah, my parents wouldn't ever hurt a Soquili. And my mama only eats meat 'cause she has to; her tummy can't eat grass, I guess. Some of my brothers an' sisters are the same way, so my Mama showed them all how to hunt. Well, showed or is showing; my brother Lanzo? He's the same age as me, and he's gonna learn how when he's bigger. Cause he's like that, too. But I don't know if they eat bunnies; maybe? I've never asked, on account of I don't need to. So don't worry, I won't have to tell anyone," he finished with a self-important nod.

~~~

Having returned to the meeting clearing without seeing his son, Antony had started a methodical outward spiral from the area, confident that he would encounter the boy before long. And indeed, not much time had passed before he heard the familiar voice, raised up in conversation. That surprised Antony; one day out on his own, and the foal had already found someone to talk to? Well, that was encouraging from a socialization standpoint, if less so on a personal safety standpoint.

Smiling, Antony lightened his step and crept towards the voices, curious as to what sort of friend Corsant had found and, more importantly, not wanting to spook them, whoever they were. One only had to look at Cor to see that he was a kalona-offshoot, but it was one thing to see a colt and another to see a full grown kalona-looking stallion. And while Antony was no epically muscled bodybuilder, he was still muscular...and very tall.

When the foals came into view, he was glad for his caution; Cor's little friend proved to be a regular filly, small even next to his son. Next to him, she's barely pass a knee! So he stayed where he was, hidden from sight, when he cleared his throat and said, "I see that you've had a busy morning, Corsant!"

At the sound of his father's voice, Cor started and looked around, then reflexively looked upwards. "Papa! I'm not late, right?" Having his father around could very well mean that he had missed the rendezvous, and that could have bad repercussions. But his anxiety was soothed when he noticed that the sun hadn't yet reached its high point, and he let out a sigh of relief. "No, I'm not late, YOU'RE early! So it's ok." Grinning, he turned to Mari and offered, "See? Papa is early, so I'm not in trouble!"

Chuckling to himself, Antony had to admire the colt's logic. "No, you're not in trouble...unless you've done something naughty while I've been gone. Should I ask your friend what you've been doing, Corsant?"

That made Corsant remember his manners, and he laughed himself in reply. "You can ask her, Papa, but I've been good, I promise! I even used my manners. Her name is Mari!" Giving Mari a nudge, he pointed out in the general direction of Antony's voice, finishing with, "That's my papa...somewhere out there. His name is Tony!"

Deciding that his presence was sufficiently known now, Antony stepped out of the concealing greenery, reflexively shaking off the clinging leaves and branches and giving the foals a smile. "It's nice to meet you, Mari; I hope Corsant is telling the truth and has behaved himself, and I also hope you'd tell me if he wasn't!" This was accompanied by a playful smile and a wink, gestures that would hopefully offset the massive size, fangs, and spiked wings at least a trifle.

The time had long since passed when Antony felt a twinge or any upset at being found fearsome; time and repetition had desensitized him to the point where he was downright philosophical, accepting that in spite of his obvious half-breed traits (hair tail, solid hooves, lack of horns...), he still looked very much like a kalona at first and even second glance. Fortunately, common sense had never been lacking for the stallion, and he wasn't about to start begrudging something as small and innocent as a foal her concern!

To be sure, he was very amused at his son's little friend. Her obvious surprise and fear in shaking and backing away were at such odds with her solicitous reply that if he'd had less self-control he was very much in danger of bursting out laughing. Raising six children had taught him the importance of personal feelings, though, so he kept any hints of laughter tightly contained.

Well, facial expressions aside!

Still smiling, he shook his head in response to the filly's query. "No, I'm not going to eat you, you or anyone else. These fangs are purely for show; I can't any meat at all, or I'll get a nasty tummy-ache and be sick for a while." Which was indeed the case, which had been much to his mother's disgust when he was a foal! More than once he had been offered meat, and each time had served to reinforce the fact that his digestive tract was 100% wind! "I only eat grass and fruits, the same as you, probably! But you are a smart girl to listen to what you're told about kalonas, some of them do unfortunately try to eat Soquili and it's better to be aware of the danger."

Having made his way out of the trees, Antony folded down his wings, realizing belatedly that they probably weren't helping the impression he was giving the filly, and finished up with, "Well, I'm glad to hear he's been behaving himself. Less work for me to do in watching him!" Grinning, Antony reached out and snagged the colt as he spoke, pulling him close in a snuggle with one of his wings. "I guess that means you can go off on your own again some other time, Corry!"

Corsant, being younger and less circumspect than his father, had found the whole scene ridiculous and wasn't afraid to laugh heartily; even without Mari's retreating, the mere sight of her next to his massive father was something to be laughed at. She was so tiny, it was like a bug! More than being eaten, being squished seemed like a great danger at the moment, and thinking about her reaction if he mentioned that he dissolved into giggles. "You're so silly, Mar-"

Being distracted by his humor, he was unprepared for being snagged, and eeped as he was pulled over to his father. Had it not been for Antony's bracing wing, Cor would have fallen over completely; as it was, there was still a bit of wavering. So much for his dignity! "You're so silly, Mari...and really, Papa? That is so cool! Did you hear that, Mari? I get to be by myself more!" Ducking out from under Antony's wing, Corsant indulged himself in a few energetic skips, pivoting around and crowing proudly, "I get to be by myself, I get to be by myself!"