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 Posted: Thu Nov 11, 2010 11:19 am
Fran's bluntness was reassuring, though it surprised him that she didn't mind his company. But then, she was brilliant, so maybe she was able to see past his superficial appearance and odd mannerisms.
Nodding, Biddulphia steps over to where Fran was eating. "I thank you for the consideration. The do indeed look quite enticing."
Was she warmer than a normal Usdia? Somehow, closing that little bit of space seemed to make Dulph warmer. In and of itself, this was something odd. A peculiarity of his physiology included a much slower internal temperature adjustment than most other Soquili. But he was defiantly feeling a slow spread of warmth being near her. Well, so for most, for him, it was rather surprising in it's quickness.
Not wanting to offend her as he processed this new sensation, Biddulphia selected a pine cone and started munching while he thought about this new feeling. Because as he explored the sensation, that did seem to be what it truly was, not an actual temperature change, but an emotion.
This was certainly odd, two emotions so close together, though he didn't recognize this new one. Was he truly as detached as he had thought? Was this mare something special or was it just her willingness to be around him. Not only was she intelligent, but she didn't mind his presence and was even eager to have conversations with him. There must be something special about her. But would he have the same emotional reaction to anyone who showed the same care or was there more to it? And what was this odd warmth that being near her engendered?
With so many questions chasing themselves in his head, Dulph quickly finished the pine cone and in his preoccupation, neglected to select another, instead, standing there bemused by his thoughts.
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Posted: Fri Nov 12, 2010 2:43 am
He was a bit of an odd one, or this was the conclusion she drew as she observed him. It wasn't that he looked unsual, that part was obvious, it was more so that he had the most bizarre mannerisms. Perhaps she was just accustomed to the more bubbly Usdia, the more vocal and excitable - it was rare to encounter one who seemed to become so distracted so quickly. She could even recognise that he wasn't distracted by something simple either, he didn't turn his gaze to admire something shiny and instead he seemed to get lost in his own mind - it was times like these when she wish she was telepathic. The phrase 'penny for your thoughts' didn't seem to quite cover it.
Still, whatever had come over him appeared to be of great importance as it was the second time in two short moments that he had become lost to the world. Rather than prod him for a reaction, she instead left him to his own devices for the time being and began to snuffle through the pine cones in search of another she might consider to be of a good standard.
She gave little care for the unladylike snorts that escaped her nostrils as she burrowed her nose into the various clumps of cones; in her books survival and her own satisfaction were more important. That and manners didn't seem to be an absolute necessity around this usdia stallion, from what she'd gathered he didn't weight them quite so heavily as others. It was only when she'd found another cone to her liking that she gave a small chirr of contentment and unceremoniously crunched it beneath her hoof to gain access to the softer nuts inside.
"So..." she finished off one of her nuts, swallowing it and returning her attention to Dulph. "Immediate opinions on the pine cones or do you need more time to draw conclusions?"
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Posted: Sat Nov 13, 2010 8:08 am
Startled from his contemplation, Biddulphia looks over at Fran for a moment before processing her question. "The pine cones are quite filling, fresh and healthy. I still prefer a ripe berry, but they are quite satisfactory. Thank you for asking. Do they fulfill your requirements?"
Putting the sensation of warmth aside for the moment seemed the most prudent thing to do for now. Later he would delve in more depth upon the emotions he was feeling now.
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Posted: Mon Nov 15, 2010 2:36 am
Mmm, it seemed that sweet tooth was more common in these parts than an appreciation for the slightly more savoury foods. She'd noticed this very quickly as she travelled with Sol - the creatures in various parts of the world had differing tastes depending on where they lived. Those of the jungles in the south were more inclined towards sweet tasting fruits, foliage and flowers that were promoted in their climates - whereas those of the harsher climates in the north greatly favoured nuts and bark. The roughage was more durable against the unforgiving wrath of the winds but also much more bitter.
"Perfectly," she replied with an easy smile. She had settled by now, content to stand amongst the pine cones as she crushed one here, nibbled on the nuts and then smooshed another nearby. She had slipped into a rhythm by now and one might even have been able to put music to it as she paused, crushed, crunched and then cycled through the motions again. By this point he could have gotten away with pondering the more intricate aspects of his own personality and she wouldn't have noticed!
"Just the right amount of bitterness, combined with the smoothness in texture of the centre of the nut. The ideal time to harvest them, I'm glad I came home from my travels when I did!" she announced merrily and peered down at the pinecones by her hooves. "I was getting tired of all the sweet foods," she confessed with a woeful sigh. "There's only so many you can take before you need a change," she finished.
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Posted: Mon Nov 15, 2010 12:58 pm
Biddulphia nods slightly, "A variety in one's food is good for continued health. I have noted that partaking of only one type of sustenance quickly leads to lethargy or illness. Yet I have noticed many have a preference for a particular food or variety of food. For myself, I have found that if I eat different thing, yet end my grazing with something I find to have a preferable taste, I remain physically satiated longer and generally in better health."
His point spoken, Biddulphia eats another pine cone. Though, unlike Fran, Dulph literally eats the pine cone, not just the seeds. Crunching it between his teeth, he watches her more delicate eating. There wasn't much nutrition in the actual cone, but it was edible and a great source of fiber. And, as the inside of his mouth was nearly as thick as his hide, Biddulphia wasn't bothered by the harder texture of the cone as he crunched it. Though he did muse, in passing, if he would prefer the pine cones more if he ate only the seeds as did Fran.
Once he had finished masticating, "I have not traveled far from the mountains and was unaware of areas in which a variety of foods was more difficult to obtain. I would think that should variety be lacking, I too would enjoy a return of staples which I currently take for granted. Were you long without pine cones?"
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Posted: Thu Nov 18, 2010 2:54 am
Well that was one way to eat them.
Fran observed the stallion as he ate the entire thing whole and found it easy to admit that she would probably break her teeth or cut her mouth if she attempted the same. He really was a peculiar sort, definitely foreign and built in a manner that didn't necessarily conform to the more sheltered Usdia of the Kawani. It was interesting to say the least, though he didn't seem terribly comfortable with elaborating on his past or his homeland. She could appreciate this in a manner of speaking; some creatures had things they just didn't wish to relive.
"About nine months," Fran confessed woefully after he had posed the question. She furrowed her brow and gave a small snort, she'd been away from all her favourite foods for that long and had had quite enough fruits to last her a lifetime! Give her the bitter, the savoury and the roughage and she'd be content. "Been in the south for as long as that, deep in the jungle. Damn sight warmer there too but the food was very sweet and you do miss home grown food after a while," she explained.
It was with this that she gave a small smile and ceased her interest in pinecones for the time being. She could nibble here and there, but they weren't the most exciting thing to discuss. "As they say, everyone has a little bit of a sweet tooth or a savoury tooth. You should definitely gun for the staples but they may not necessarily be what you want to eat," she pulled a face and remembered (with fondness) the stubborness and awkwardness of both she and her siblings when it came to dinner time.
"...Foals are the worst for that," she pointed out impishly.
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Posted: Thu Nov 18, 2010 11:37 am
His head turns slightly sideways, "Are they? I confess I have had virtually no contact with foals. I did once see one in the forest who seemed to be alone, but he ran from me before I was able to converse with him."
Biddulphia seems somewhat curious, but doesn't seem to have been surprised or hurt by that interaction. Instead mentioning it as if in passing to elaborate upon his lack of experience. If he had a youth, Dulph doesn't recall it.
"Nine months is quite some time to be away. Were you researching something in the jungle that kept you in the South?" Realizing a moment too late that the question might be intrusive, "If you are willing to speak on it. I will find no offense if you do not choose to converse on the matter." Even though Biddulphia wasn't comfortable with conversation like this, it was at least a topic he was somewhat familiar with. The topic of foals was outside his scope.
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Posted: Thu Nov 25, 2010 4:45 am
"Eh, it probably ran off because parents like to tell their children to stay away from strangers," she explained with an easy smile. She hadn't grown up in a family where looks were to be judged and as a consequence, she wasn't liable to be frightened by him. Admittedly, she was afraid of a few things but they generally came with sharp teeth and a variety of weapons; not to mention the angry roars they often released when pursuing their target. Given that Dulph had none of these qualities she had no reason to regard him with any sort of apprehension, then again she was a mare who was confident and firm in her own being which certainly helped.
Regardless of the reason for the foal's retreat, the topic was soon changed to one she was rather fond of and her eyes brightened considerably. She may have liked foals, but she wasn't the broody type and an adventure was far more interesting than the patter of tiny hooves! Prying or intrusive his question may have been to some but she was to be the exception; she was more than happy to provide him with the details - or rather, she'd provide him with as many as he cared to listen to.
The mare talked a lot.
"My friend was researching bits and pieces - he didn't tell me exactly what though," she mused. She could hazard a guess that his research was more on a general scope on their initial visit, but on occasions he did have something specific in mind. "Truth be told, I just wanted a bit of adventure and a change of scenary. Can get quite boring here when you've grown up in the same spot for years," she explained.
"Makes getting chased around by barbarians and crazy humans significantly more interesting - they're very grumpy in the south, just in case you were wondering."
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Posted: Thu Nov 25, 2010 7:17 pm
"I have not met humans yet, at least not to my recollection. Thus, I am unsure I would recognize a human's personality quirks. Though I do believe I would ill enjoy being chased by humans regardless of their sanity or disposition." Biddulphia mused on what he knew of humans and was fairly certain he was missing nothing of import by not having interacted with them.
"I should think your friend would appreciate your assistance in his research. You have shown yourself to be quite intelligent and intuitive, qualities helpful in research." It didn't seem that Dulph was trying to flatter Fran, just stating matters as he saw them. "I, personally, have had no cause to wander. Though I can suppose that doing so would indeed induce adventure and remove lethargy of thought that comes with boredom. However, I am still discovering this area. My memories from before my recent hibernatory period have been corrupted and lost. Only sparse recollection remains. I am as yet uncertain what triggered my extended sleep. Perhaps I will journey forth in the coming spring. With winter forthcoming I hesitate to wander far from my cave and the preparations I have made for harsh weather there."
Biddulphia looks at the pine cones near him, contemplating if he really wanted another. His words had been given in a matter of fact manner and seemed to hold no emotional ties for him.
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Posted: Sat Nov 27, 2010 2:22 am
He certainly seemed prepared for the bad weather - apparently he didn't have to suffer the cold in all its glory. She was envious of this, he wasn't subjected to the wind's bite and she long more and more for the chance to return to warmer climates. She hadn't realised that when it was summer in the southern reaches it was winter up here, the revelation had been of great interest to both Solstice and herself. Admittedly, neither of them had been terribly impressed by the fact that they had to endure the cold but the seasonal difference had been intriguing.
However, the longer she thought of it the more she realised that Dulph had unknowingly raised a valid point. Winter could have been harsh and Fran hadn't prepared at all. She doubted her family expected her home so there was a good chance that they hadn't gathered enough resources for her. It was a touch worrying but she had endured worse and would get by even if it wasn't necessarily comfortable. Either that or she would launch a preemptive strike on her travelling companion and announce that she wanted to started exploring again.
...Like, immediately.
Preferrably in the south.
Nevertheless she dismissed these thoughts for the time being and shook her head. Returning to the topic at hand, she mused over his remarks carefully before hazarding a smile. "Oh I wouldn't say that my assistance is always appreciated," she confessed and allowed a chuckle to escape her lips. "I attract a great deal of trouble, it usually causes him to tell me off while we run for our lives," she explained. She would have pointed out that Solstice occasionally caused problems for her but she felt no urge to make excuses around this particular Usdia. Whatever it was about him, he didn't seem to judge - an odd quirk to be sure.
"I'm sure you realise you're quite peculiar," she said at last. "No offence intended of course, but you certainly have a unique take on life," she couldn't help voicing her thoughts sometimes. "I've never heard of amnesia and it's similar afflictions ever being described as a 'hibernatory period' although I can see where the corrupted and lost bit might come in..." she mused.
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Posted: Sat Nov 27, 2010 8:06 am
Biddulphia stops perusing the pine cones when Fran calls him peculiar and looks over at her. For a moment he has an odd sensation, his stomach seems hollow and a sensation of cold creeps down his shoulders, along his back, over his rump and down his legs. The feeling was gone almost as soon as it was qualified. When Fran's petered out sentence doesn't pick back up, Dulph looks down at the pine cones again for a moment as he pulls his thoughts together.
"Perhaps I am peculiar, I have little to compare my behavior against to be certain. Though I do believe I am different, and thus may fit such a description. I process life as I am able, attempting to understand it. It is the only method I have for 'taking on life'."
Biddulphia nudges a pine cone with his hoof to roll it over and see the earthward side as he thinks on how to continue. "I am not certain amnesia is indeed my affliction. Though by its definition, it may fit. I know only that I woke after a long sleep. I do not know what induced the sleep, but from the dust, detritus and small insects and creatures living on and around me, I determined the sleep had lasted at least a period of weeks, possibly much longer. I do not know if my memories were lost during the sleep or from the same cause as my apparent hibernation. I retain some memories, but they are vague or short or seem to only involve one or two senses, some without vision, some without hearing, others a confused jumble that I can not unravel. Thus my description, given as best I am able."
Deciding the pine cone was a worthy specimen Dulph munched on it. He was not sure what caused the earlier feeling, but surely another pine cone in his stomach would help keep it from feeling hollow again.
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Posted: Wed Dec 01, 2010 2:23 am
She puzzled over this for a while, lulling into silence as she strung his words together and attempted to figure out what had befallen him. Unfortunately this was not where her talents lay, there was simply too much rhetoric involved and far too much theorycrafting for her to make a completely sound judgement. In situations like this she would have looked to her travelling companion who was just as intelligent (if not moreso) than she. He would have had a rough idea, or she could have assumed as much based on his usual antics and insightful remarks as they explored. Unfortunately she wasn't privvy to his knowledge at this moment in time given the circumstances.
A shame really, maybe he could have offered help?
Nevertheless she was made aware by his hesitance that she may have caused offence and she did have the decency to look mildly abashed. She never intended to upset folks, but on occasions her nature did cause misunderstandings. Her analysis of an individual was usually sound but it could leave much to be desired!
"Oh I didn't mean to upset you," she offered quickly and shook her head. "When I mean 'peculiar' it's not a bad thing or anything, you just choose to live in a way that people would consider as normal or routine," she explained. She winced at this, aware that this probably didn't make anything better - slightly problematic. She sighed and opted not to dig herself a bigger hole. "I know a soquili who would love to meet you," she mused softly and tilted her head to the side. "He loves a good mystery, definitely someone who would relish the opportunity to uncover the reason for your prolonged sleep!"
She paused.
"So you really don't know where you came from, at all?"
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Posted: Wed Dec 01, 2010 12:50 pm
Biddulphia contemplated her words for a moment. Had she upset him? Was that what upset felt like? He didn't think it was, but then again, he wasn't sure he could judge. Besides, it had passed quickly and in his mind he could find no reason to be upset or disturbed by her words.
Dulph shook his head, "I am not upset. I am not sure what I am feeling, but your words were not ill spoke or hurtfully intended." Of course Biddulphia was having a hard time understanding, he hadn't ever had friends, let alone been attracted to anyone before and the wash of emotions most Soq find normal in that circumstance was foreign to him. He knew that her words shouldn't bother him, in his mind. His heart, however underused, had taken a downward turn when it seemed Fran saw something negative about him, however ridiculous such thoughts were in the face of logic.
But Dulph didn't understand. If he knew his heart, he would know that it felt something positive for this mare, not 'love' - not yet anyway, but possibly friendship, with the option to grow into something more. But Biddulphia had always lived in his head, surrounded by logic, and these emotions were confusing.
With the change of subject, Dulph found himself relieved that he didn't have to ruminate on these emotions. That another Soquili would actually want to meet him was something of a pleasant surprise. Biddulphia wasn't sure why his thoughts focused for a moment on the fact that the one who would want to meet him was male, but it seemed to be part of another emotion and he pushed it to the back of his thoughts.
At Fran's question, Dulph shook his head again. "I remember an open field with green grass and small yellow flowers that smelled like fresh rain. It is only a very brief image, and I have no sounds associated with that memory, but often the memory is followed by one of a large roan stallion charging at me. I have memory of birds singing and the taste of maple leaves, but I don't have any visual stimuli attached to that memory. Other things I remember, I can not put to words, they are so tangled and make no sense. I do not know if that field is my place of origin, or maybe a forest of maple trees, or some other place I do not recall.
"I know only that I woke in a cave near here a few months ago. My memories since that time proceed normally, intact and clear. And that I understood the world and what I would need to do to survive."
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Posted: Wed Dec 15, 2010 1:54 am
Ah to have the power of telepathy! It would have made for a rather interesting twist in proceedings, however, the risks entailed in possessing such a gift were immense and while she would have been able to hear his thoughts how would she respond if they were directed at her? More importantly, how would she react if they were negative! Alas, she was not blessed with such a unique skill and given the otherwise stoic behaviour of his facial features she couldn't read him in a way that would guarantee she was accurate in her assumptions. Dulph should have been proud, he was giving Fran the opportunity to master the art of patience.
...Any other individual would have been pressed for details.
She fidgeted just a touch, her legs shifting as they grew stiff against the cold. Once again she cast a disapproving thought towards mother nature and then quickly conceded (lest she be punished by the spirits) that it had been her own fault for picking the wrong date - nevertheless, this didn't stop her from sincerely hoping that her travelling companion was struggling against the bitter weather as well. If she was going to suffer, she'd rather not do it alone - suffice to say, the little mare wasn't completely selfless!
Her gaze did lift as he spoke again, explaining what memories he did possess prior to his slumber. They were definitely puzzling and she canted her head to the side as he continued to recount each. Whatever had occured had certainly caused some damage, but the damage was largely isolated to that particular series of events. Had it been so traumatic that he needed to completely forget it, or had he been subject to an injury that resulted in this affliction? Her curiosity was piqued but even she could recognise when questions were inappropriate, she could torture him at a later date.
...Maybe.
"Have you ever thought of finding the roan stallion, maybe he'd be able to clarify what happened," she mused.
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Posted: Wed Dec 15, 2010 7:03 am
Biddalphia was somewhat surprised by the question. "I had not. Though in theory such a course could yield results, I was more concerned with assuring I was prepared for the winter. And as I do not know from whence I come, I have no thought as to which direction that stallion may be, should he even still remain where I encountered him."
Now that he was looking at Fran again, Dulph noticed the slight quiver in her flank. There was no insect activity at this time to explain it, the wind was too strong and the air too cold for most to remain active. Perhaps she was cold. Biddulphia was aware of the cold, but his skin was thick and the sensation was remote. However, he did not like the thought of her suffering from the weather because of his interest in conversation.
"You appear cold. I have detained you from your travels and it begins to grow late. I apologize for my rude behavior in this regard. If you need to continue in your journey, I understand and thank you for your conversation. Should you no longer have the time to reach your destination or should you have no need to do so at this time, you are welcome to stay in my cave this night. It is not only sheltered from the wind but has a hot spring in the rear that radiates warmth. Dulph waited patiently for her response.
He admitted to himself that he would like for her to join him, but tried not to show that in his voice or expression. He did not wish to sway her decision, knowing that at the very least she had a traveling companion somewhere out there who was expecting her and not wishing to cause her friend concern if she did not appear. But if it did not concern her to be delayed, Biddulphia would be happy to have further conversation with this fascinating mare.
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