Talencia
After spending an awful lot of time together with her Sora, it finally dawned on Delphia that she might be missed. They were walking together in the grassland on the far side of the village in the morning sunshine. She gave Sora a worried look. "I just realized I have been away from Talencia and Jaden for days." She tucked her chin in a blush. "I seem to forget everything else when I'm with you."
She shook her head, making the beads braided into her mane click. "But I should check in, make sure everything's okay." She turned her muzzle for home, aiming around the village rather than through, taking them through the forest. "And you still need to meet Jaden. I wonder where he's been?" She glanced towards the sky as she said this last, but kept up her gentle trot.
The red mare had been circling the area for the last week, determined to find a single human to approach. But she had had no luck running into a solitary human. But she was near enough to the two lovebird soquili to overhear the mare's intention. The wild mare also noticed that she wasn't aiming for the main village. Could they possibly be heading for one of the dwellings set apart from the rest? Ceylona decided to follow at a very discreet distance, so she turned and began walking after the two, purposely moving slower and with less determination than they did.
Takakun
He smiled, his usual carefree attitude evident upon his face eventhough he knew his two bonded felt the same. Giving the racoon mare a gentle nuzzle on the cheek, he said, "It'll be alright Delphie..."
There was no need for long words with her, it's as if everything that should be known need not be said in words and he felt comfortable.
As he enjoyed the cool air of the forest, his thoughts soon took a slight turn....he wonder who was Jaden. Feeling sure she must have told him at one time, but the grey stallion had such a poor memory for names...ah well, they'll soon know. He followed her gentle trot along a familiar path, he has been around with his bonded. Wistfully, Sora thought of the first time he has met his Delphia, making their way through the snow. He snorted happily and increased his pace to keep up with her, oblivious to the idea that they were being followed.
Talencia
It wasn't long before they trotted out of the forest and stopped. There, atop a rise, was Sparrow Moon. It glittered palely in the morning light. Delphia neighed loudly, the peal echoing from the surrounding trees and the teepee itself before seeping away towards the river and the grassland beyond.
Talencia heard the neigh and smiled in a relieved fashion. She had been trying SO hard not to tie Delphia down, to let her roam and be however and wherever she wanted. But she had been gone for so long this time! She surged to her feet and popped out the doorflap.
There at the base of the hill was her pretty raccoon-marked mare, and standing close beside her a pale grey stallion. "Delphia!" she cried delightedly and ran swiftly down the slope to throw her arms about Delphia's neck. "I've missed you so, darling. Jaden has too. He's been sulking around here because you slipped off without him." She leaned forward on tippytoe and whispered in the mare's ear. "I think his feelings are hurt, so be gentle with him, even if he is very grumpy."
Delphia nuzzled the woman happily and listened to her words. She glanced at Sora worriedly. "I was afraid of that. He is sure to have heard me call, so perhaps he'll arrive in a bit." She then leaned into Sora and nuzzled his jaw with a significant look in Talencia's direction, knowing the human was likely to get the picture.
A distance away, still under the shadow of the forest, the red mare watched how this human treated the soquili. Ceylona frowned faintly, thinking. This two-legger had strange ways, but who wouldn't if they couldn't run on four legs? Still, it seemed she treated the other mare as if she were family, part of a herd. Perhaps they were? She snorted hard and shook her head in confusion. How could a human be part of a soquili herd? She eyed the stallion. Was he the lead stallion? Did she need his permission to approach this two-legger? She swished her tail and continued watching and observing. Better to just wait and see, for now.
Talencia heard the neigh and smiled in a relieved fashion. She had been trying SO hard not to tie Delphia down, to let her roam and be however and wherever she wanted. But she had been gone for so long this time! She surged to her feet and popped out the doorflap.
There at the base of the hill was her pretty raccoon-marked mare, and standing close beside her a pale grey stallion. "Delphia!" she cried delightedly and ran swiftly down the slope to throw her arms about Delphia's neck. "I've missed you so, darling. Jaden has too. He's been sulking around here because you slipped off without him." She leaned forward on tippytoe and whispered in the mare's ear. "I think his feelings are hurt, so be gentle with him, even if he is very grumpy."
Delphia nuzzled the woman happily and listened to her words. She glanced at Sora worriedly. "I was afraid of that. He is sure to have heard me call, so perhaps he'll arrive in a bit." She then leaned into Sora and nuzzled his jaw with a significant look in Talencia's direction, knowing the human was likely to get the picture.
A distance away, still under the shadow of the forest, the red mare watched how this human treated the soquili. Ceylona frowned faintly, thinking. This two-legger had strange ways, but who wouldn't if they couldn't run on four legs? Still, it seemed she treated the other mare as if she were family, part of a herd. Perhaps they were? She snorted hard and shook her head in confusion. How could a human be part of a soquili herd? She eyed the stallion. Was he the lead stallion? Did she need his permission to approach this two-legger? She swished her tail and continued watching and observing. Better to just wait and see, for now.
Takakun
He glanced back once briefly. The time with big brother has taught him enough to flicker his ears and he now can hear clearly a soquili, a mare following them.
But as they approached Delphia's home, he whickered softly with her, enough to announce his presence too but not to overwhelm them.
It would be some time before this become his place too, so for the moment he stood idly back, watching their reunification with glee.
He looked firmly at the two legged, even though inside he was turning into water. What if she don't like me?? he thought, slightly panicking.
Worried, he nuzzled Delphia back.
Talencia
Talencia took the hint that the stallion wasn't just a good friend. She smiled warmly at Sora and offered her hand to exchange scents in greeting. He looked a little bit tense, but his ears were pricked at her and his eyes studied her. She spoke softly but did not bother baby-talking as some people tended to do towards animals. "Hello there handsome. It seems you have made quite an impression on my Delphia. That means you must be a wonderful boy."
She stepped forward and ran her hand down his neck before quietly reaching to scratch behind his ears and on his poll, where most horses couldn't reach and loved to be rubbed. She spoke in a low voice, meant just for him alone. "Take good care of her, my boy. She is a dear and will love you forever. Even if your start is rocky." She smiled at Delphia over Sora. "But I think your beginning with her wasn't quite as difficult as mine was. And I'm glad." She continued to stroke Sora affectionately, but had caught movement out of the corner of her eye. There was possibly another soquili nearby... it was large enough to be one. She didnt' look directly at it yet. Time enough for that, if the chance came.
Ceylona saw the two-legger move to the stallion, but greeted him as a stranger. So... he wasn't the herd leader? How confusing! As the human moved to touch the grey, though, she moved out of her sight, with the soquili blocking the view. Uncertain whether to move so she could see or to stay hidden, she shifted her hooves. Finally her curiousity won out and she walked as quietly as a wild thing can. She stayed behind the first row of trees at the forest edge, but they were widespaced.
She positioned herself behind a shorter, bushier sapling and peered at the small group. Well, the human certainly seemed nice enough. Polite, for a two-legged creature, she supposed. Curiousity was driving her, and she stepped around the sapling and stretched her neck, clearly drawn but uncertain.
Generally, Delphia just stood there and beamed, leaning against Sora and looking happily at Tal, hehe!
She stepped forward and ran her hand down his neck before quietly reaching to scratch behind his ears and on his poll, where most horses couldn't reach and loved to be rubbed. She spoke in a low voice, meant just for him alone. "Take good care of her, my boy. She is a dear and will love you forever. Even if your start is rocky." She smiled at Delphia over Sora. "But I think your beginning with her wasn't quite as difficult as mine was. And I'm glad." She continued to stroke Sora affectionately, but had caught movement out of the corner of her eye. There was possibly another soquili nearby... it was large enough to be one. She didnt' look directly at it yet. Time enough for that, if the chance came.
Ceylona saw the two-legger move to the stallion, but greeted him as a stranger. So... he wasn't the herd leader? How confusing! As the human moved to touch the grey, though, she moved out of her sight, with the soquili blocking the view. Uncertain whether to move so she could see or to stay hidden, she shifted her hooves. Finally her curiousity won out and she walked as quietly as a wild thing can. She stayed behind the first row of trees at the forest edge, but they were widespaced.
She positioned herself behind a shorter, bushier sapling and peered at the small group. Well, the human certainly seemed nice enough. Polite, for a two-legged creature, she supposed. Curiousity was driving her, and she stepped around the sapling and stretched her neck, clearly drawn but uncertain.
Generally, Delphia just stood there and beamed, leaning against Sora and looking happily at Tal, hehe!
Takakun
He whinnied softly and nibbled on her hand, loving the scratch. Delphia's two legged was much softer than his bonded, having the curves and scent of the females he now know of. He listened quietly to her voice, and glanced over to the racoon marked mare, "She loves you..."
Then a noise came from behind and he lifted his head.
The grey stallion saw a dark red mare standing awkwardly and grinned, the usual playfullness came bounding back into him. "hello there!" he called out.
Talencia
Delphia bobbed her head in agreement with Sora. She knew Talencia was very devoted to her and loved her deeply, and the feeling was entirely mutual. She nickered at Tal when she smiled at the mare, then pricked her ears and turned when Sora called out.
Ceylona froze when the stallion called to her. She watched the human with wide eyes, waiting to see what she would do. When the human didn't seem to be even surprised at her presence, but merely looked up and smiled before turning back to stroke the necks of the two soquili, she hesitantly took another few steps forwards.
"Greetings grey ones. I am Ceylona" She gave a seperate nod for each of the soquili, then craned her neck again to try and peer at the two-legger. "I... uh...," she paused, searching for the words. She decided with a sigh that directness was best. "I came here because I am curious about the humans. I've never met one before, and wanted to know what they are like."
Delphia watched the red mare over Sora's warm back. She certainly was pretty to behold, though a glance out of the corner of her eye told her that Sora wasn't even thinking along those lines. Good! She wasn't the jealous type, but she did enjoy being the love of Sora's life. It made her feel special. "Greet ings Ceylona, I am Delphia, and this is Sora." She gave Sora's shoulder a playful n** and then tugged on his mane with her teeth.
At the news that this newcomer was curious about Talencia, Delphia realized with a start that this soquili was wild! She nickered softly to the mare in a gentle laugh and as a reassurance. "Humans are as different from each other as soquili are. But this one, my human Talencia, she is of the gentlest spirt and the warmest love. If you come close, she will talk to you. She'll only touch if you let her, though. She knows some of us don't like to be touched."
Ceylona froze when the stallion called to her. She watched the human with wide eyes, waiting to see what she would do. When the human didn't seem to be even surprised at her presence, but merely looked up and smiled before turning back to stroke the necks of the two soquili, she hesitantly took another few steps forwards.
"Greetings grey ones. I am Ceylona" She gave a seperate nod for each of the soquili, then craned her neck again to try and peer at the two-legger. "I... uh...," she paused, searching for the words. She decided with a sigh that directness was best. "I came here because I am curious about the humans. I've never met one before, and wanted to know what they are like."
Delphia watched the red mare over Sora's warm back. She certainly was pretty to behold, though a glance out of the corner of her eye told her that Sora wasn't even thinking along those lines. Good! She wasn't the jealous type, but she did enjoy being the love of Sora's life. It made her feel special. "Greet ings Ceylona, I am Delphia, and this is Sora." She gave Sora's shoulder a playful n** and then tugged on his mane with her teeth.
At the news that this newcomer was curious about Talencia, Delphia realized with a start that this soquili was wild! She nickered softly to the mare in a gentle laugh and as a reassurance. "Humans are as different from each other as soquili are. But this one, my human Talencia, she is of the gentlest spirt and the warmest love. If you come close, she will talk to you. She'll only touch if you let her, though. She knows some of us don't like to be touched."
Takakun
Never seen a human? That was weird....he has never met a soquili who hasn't been with a human, even the little frightening purple mare has a two legged...atleast he think.
He blew on Delphia with his nose and shuffled closer to her, rubbing against her neck. He continued to stare at the stranger mare, wondering if she would approach. Then he whispered to his raccoon mare, "Where is this....Jaden?"
Talencia
Ceylona considered this. Should she get closer? Perhaps she was meant to be marked like a cat, because curiousity decided her. She moved towards the little group, then sidestepped nervously away from beside Sora, blowing and snorting faintly at the human.
Talencia turned quietly to the dancing red mare and spoke softly, "No fear, majestic one. No fears of me, for look how much bigger you are than I am." The mare truly was very muscular. Talencia guessed that, since the mare was clearly spooked by her, she must have grown up wild. That certainly would explain why she looked so much bigger and stronger than her own Delphia. "It's alright, beautiful. Just take it easy. Noone is holding you here, you can leave when you like. But why not stay and visit a while?" She held out her hand, but kept it low and with the elbow tucked against her side, so that she did not appear to be lunging at the mare.
Delphia enjoyed Sora's affections, but was taken aback by his whisper. "Jaden? Oh, I don't know. He's wandering, I suppose... we could go look for him, if you like?" She swiveled her ears as she considered where they should look. Probably across the river, away from the busy part of the valley. Ever since that hunter had tried to snag him, he tended to steer clear of heavily populated areas.
Talencia turned quietly to the dancing red mare and spoke softly, "No fear, majestic one. No fears of me, for look how much bigger you are than I am." The mare truly was very muscular. Talencia guessed that, since the mare was clearly spooked by her, she must have grown up wild. That certainly would explain why she looked so much bigger and stronger than her own Delphia. "It's alright, beautiful. Just take it easy. Noone is holding you here, you can leave when you like. But why not stay and visit a while?" She held out her hand, but kept it low and with the elbow tucked against her side, so that she did not appear to be lunging at the mare.
Delphia enjoyed Sora's affections, but was taken aback by his whisper. "Jaden? Oh, I don't know. He's wandering, I suppose... we could go look for him, if you like?" She swiveled her ears as she considered where they should look. Probably across the river, away from the busy part of the valley. Ever since that hunter had tried to snag him, he tended to steer clear of heavily populated areas.
Takakun
He considered for a moment then shook his head. Though he was half curious to see the Jaden she kept talking about, Sora felt rather afraid for he sounded...well.....frightening. He'd rather stay here and meet the new mare. Not wanting to hurt Delphia's feelings though, he attempted a smile and nuzzled her, "perhaps we should show Ceylona it is alright to be here. After all, she and I are guests at your home."
He turned his head, the spilling silvery mane moving like a cascading waterfall across his face, "Perhaps you're tired from your trek?"
Sora whinnied softly and bumped against Talencia to push her forward.
Talencia
Delphia nodded to Sora and turned, trotting to the teepee to hunt around for the feed Talencia kept there for her. Where WAS it? She clunked around inside the teepee for a minute or two, looking.
Talencia got nudged rather hard from behind, forcing her to lunge towards the wild mare. Amused at his interference, she lightly slapped at his muzzle. "Mischief-maker," she teased him. Just then, here came Delphia, head bowed, walking funny. For a moment the human was alarmed, then she realized that the mare was bringing her something. It was the entire bucket of sweetfeed! She laughed merrily. "Ah, you thoughtful, goofy horse!" She accepted the burden and offered her a handful of the feed in thanks. She then scooped another handful and let Sora munch at it. Lastly she held another handful out to the red mare. "Come, eat! You know it is safe, for your brother and sister have eaten of it, and now it is your turn to partake of Delphia's kindness."
Ceylona watched this strange scene playing out, then snorted in surprise when she was invited to participate. Eat from this human's hand? She glanced at Sora, then Delphia. Both were watching here with interest. Her nostrils fluttered in nervousness, but she took one step... then another... then a last and set her muzzle in the human's hand.
The touch of the two-legger's hide was soft, and it smelled not unplesant beneath the delicious scent of the sweet feed. She moved her lips experimentally, but the human did not move but held still. She accepted the feed with a crunch, then experimentally tried to n** this strange creature with her strong teeth.
Talencia was ready for it, and swiftly but smoothly pulled her hand away. "None of that now, that's rude," she scolded quietly. "I am not a soquili, and your teeth would tear me as a wolf's does a deer. Be gentle, wild one!"
Delphia had meanwhile snuck up and nosed the feed bucket, so that it tipped over and spilled on the brown grass. She took a nibble and flicked at it with her lips and nose, flinging bits of it at Sora. She giggled in a horsey whicker and took another bite before Talencia discovered what she'd done. Apparently Sora's playful nature was rubbing off on her in the form of mischieviousness!
Talencia got nudged rather hard from behind, forcing her to lunge towards the wild mare. Amused at his interference, she lightly slapped at his muzzle. "Mischief-maker," she teased him. Just then, here came Delphia, head bowed, walking funny. For a moment the human was alarmed, then she realized that the mare was bringing her something. It was the entire bucket of sweetfeed! She laughed merrily. "Ah, you thoughtful, goofy horse!" She accepted the burden and offered her a handful of the feed in thanks. She then scooped another handful and let Sora munch at it. Lastly she held another handful out to the red mare. "Come, eat! You know it is safe, for your brother and sister have eaten of it, and now it is your turn to partake of Delphia's kindness."
Ceylona watched this strange scene playing out, then snorted in surprise when she was invited to participate. Eat from this human's hand? She glanced at Sora, then Delphia. Both were watching here with interest. Her nostrils fluttered in nervousness, but she took one step... then another... then a last and set her muzzle in the human's hand.
The touch of the two-legger's hide was soft, and it smelled not unplesant beneath the delicious scent of the sweet feed. She moved her lips experimentally, but the human did not move but held still. She accepted the feed with a crunch, then experimentally tried to n** this strange creature with her strong teeth.
Talencia was ready for it, and swiftly but smoothly pulled her hand away. "None of that now, that's rude," she scolded quietly. "I am not a soquili, and your teeth would tear me as a wolf's does a deer. Be gentle, wild one!"
Delphia had meanwhile snuck up and nosed the feed bucket, so that it tipped over and spilled on the brown grass. She took a nibble and flicked at it with her lips and nose, flinging bits of it at Sora. She giggled in a horsey whicker and took another bite before Talencia discovered what she'd done. Apparently Sora's playful nature was rubbing off on her in the form of mischieviousness!
Takakun
He whinnied as he was batted at, a sheepish grin on his face. He turned to see where Delphia had gone and was amused to see her drag out a bucket of what looked like crushed oats.
He greatfully crunched up some from Talencia's hand, liking the strange taste. Usually he would roam the grasslands or take fruits and tidbits from his bonded. This was crunchy and tasted of the sun.
As he munched, little bits suddenly flew at him and he looked up in surprise. Delphia! The long grey years twitched and he whickered at the raccoon mare, "What are you doing?" and he came over, taking a mouthful and blowing the whole thing onto Delphia.
Sora laughed, a loud chortle and scampered slightly away, rearing with his front legs pounding into the grass.
Talencia
Delphia squealed as she was pelted by a wet mouthful of feed. Some of it stuck to her face and in her mane. "You!" she cried and leaped after Sora, kicking up her heals in mid-leap. She landed nearly against him and shoved with her shoulder to his, heavily knocking him backwards, before pivoting on her fore and dashing to 'hide' behind Ceylona.
Ceylona had been regarding them all thoughftfully and chewing on her mouthful of oats. They tasted... interesting. She swiveled her ears forward at the other two soquili began to play like foals. She looked from them to Talencia, mulling. Did they feel that safe with her, trusting her to protect them so much that they felt free to act like babes? She turned her head to peer at Delphia when she darted behind her. Her mildly arrogant nature asserted itself in her own thoughts... did they expect her to join them in acting so silly? Not her! She gave a sniff and turned her attention back to Talencia.
About that time, Talencia realized what had been going on behind her back. "You two! Now look at this mess!" She knelt to scoop what she could back in the bucket, trying to save as much as possible.
Ceylona couldn't resist. The human was even smaller now, and not looking at her either. Despite her disdain for the others acting like foals, she herself had the heightened curiousity of a foal, and this was just too tempting! She walked quietly over and began snuffling at the human's back and blowing in her long hair. Intrigued by the long, loose hair, she took an experimental gnaw on it before snorting with a faint squeal when Tal turned.
Tal wasn't surprised the mare came over when she was occupied this way. It was a horse's nature. She sat still and let the mare explore her until she began to eat her hair. She then scooped up a handful of fallen oats and turned. The mare, of course, shied away when she turned to face her. Still on the ground, she offered the wild mare another handful of the feed.
And of course, admist this chaos was when Jaden chose to make his entreance. He screeched from a warm thermal high above, then descended like a shot. He sped towards Delphia from above, then snapped his wings out at the last possible second, swiping at her ears with his talons without touching them before swooping on, low over Sora, to land on the branch of a nearby tree. There he chittered agitatedly to himself and hunched his wings grumpily.
Ceylona had been regarding them all thoughftfully and chewing on her mouthful of oats. They tasted... interesting. She swiveled her ears forward at the other two soquili began to play like foals. She looked from them to Talencia, mulling. Did they feel that safe with her, trusting her to protect them so much that they felt free to act like babes? She turned her head to peer at Delphia when she darted behind her. Her mildly arrogant nature asserted itself in her own thoughts... did they expect her to join them in acting so silly? Not her! She gave a sniff and turned her attention back to Talencia.
About that time, Talencia realized what had been going on behind her back. "You two! Now look at this mess!" She knelt to scoop what she could back in the bucket, trying to save as much as possible.
Ceylona couldn't resist. The human was even smaller now, and not looking at her either. Despite her disdain for the others acting like foals, she herself had the heightened curiousity of a foal, and this was just too tempting! She walked quietly over and began snuffling at the human's back and blowing in her long hair. Intrigued by the long, loose hair, she took an experimental gnaw on it before snorting with a faint squeal when Tal turned.
Tal wasn't surprised the mare came over when she was occupied this way. It was a horse's nature. She sat still and let the mare explore her until she began to eat her hair. She then scooped up a handful of fallen oats and turned. The mare, of course, shied away when she turned to face her. Still on the ground, she offered the wild mare another handful of the feed.
And of course, admist this chaos was when Jaden chose to make his entreance. He screeched from a warm thermal high above, then descended like a shot. He sped towards Delphia from above, then snapped his wings out at the last possible second, swiping at her ears with his talons without touching them before swooping on, low over Sora, to land on the branch of a nearby tree. There he chittered agitatedly to himself and hunched his wings grumpily.
Takakun
The grey stallion backed a few steps, capable of holding his own against the slender frame of Delphia and playfully nipped at her as she dashed away.
He emitted a loud whinny and pranced, bouncing from side to side as he tried to catch sight of her hiding. Then all of a sudden a large hawk swooped down and made a swipe at his darling Delphia before veering from him onto the branch. Shocked, he was soon overcomed with a protective anger and reared, his forelegs clawing the air and snorting trough his nose. He crashed infront of the hawk and made a snap at it.
He emitted a loud whinny and pranced, bouncing from side to side as he tried to catch sight of her hiding. Then all of a sudden a large hawk swooped down and made a swipe at his darling Delphia before veering from him onto the branch. Shocked, he was soon overcomed with a protective anger and reared, his forelegs clawing the air and snorting trough his nose. He crashed infront of the hawk and made a snap at it.
Talencia
Jaden squawked indignance and ire and mantled his wings at the stallion he didn't know who was threatening him. "Back off, grass-breath! Don't get your tail in a twist!" He really was in a bad mood. Del had been ignoring him and had gotten in the habit of running off without him since his wing had been hurt. Instead of tagging along anyway, he'd pulled into a grumpy solitude. And he was gonna let her know about it now, and no fancy-dancey-prancy stallion was going to change that!
Delphia at first cried out in joy at seeing her dear friend again, but that cry changed to alarm as she saw Sora lunge for Jaden in anger. "Sora, no! Don't! He's a friend!" She ran over and stood between the two, facing Sora. "He wouldn't have hurt me! Honest! He's just...," she cocked an eye at the hawk with mantled wings and fluffed feathers. "He's just unhappy with me, I would think. He and I are very close, and I imagine he's missed me."
Ceylona spared a few moments to watch the unfolding drama scene, then flicked an ear dismissively, relegating it to unimportance. Now this human, and her handful of oats... THAT was of importance! She edged back forward and lipped up the oats, careful this time not to show her teeth. She wasn't being vicious before, just curious. She wanted to know how this human reacted to horse-ways. She raised her head to lock eyes with the woman as she chewed. WHen she finsihed, she blew hard, her breath stirring the hairs around the human's face. "I need more." she stated as plainly as she could. What would the human do?
Talencia watched the mare patiently as the soquili gave her a challenging stare. This one was certainly full of spunk. She easily interpreted the blown breath as a demand, but she merely smiled. "You'll have to come closer and get some yourself." She stepped to the side a bit, allowing the mare easy access to the spilled oats. The mare however, would have to walk close to her in order to get to them. She wondered if the mare would be brave enough to come that near.
Delphia at first cried out in joy at seeing her dear friend again, but that cry changed to alarm as she saw Sora lunge for Jaden in anger. "Sora, no! Don't! He's a friend!" She ran over and stood between the two, facing Sora. "He wouldn't have hurt me! Honest! He's just...," she cocked an eye at the hawk with mantled wings and fluffed feathers. "He's just unhappy with me, I would think. He and I are very close, and I imagine he's missed me."
Ceylona spared a few moments to watch the unfolding drama scene, then flicked an ear dismissively, relegating it to unimportance. Now this human, and her handful of oats... THAT was of importance! She edged back forward and lipped up the oats, careful this time not to show her teeth. She wasn't being vicious before, just curious. She wanted to know how this human reacted to horse-ways. She raised her head to lock eyes with the woman as she chewed. WHen she finsihed, she blew hard, her breath stirring the hairs around the human's face. "I need more." she stated as plainly as she could. What would the human do?
Talencia watched the mare patiently as the soquili gave her a challenging stare. This one was certainly full of spunk. She easily interpreted the blown breath as a demand, but she merely smiled. "You'll have to come closer and get some yourself." She stepped to the side a bit, allowing the mare easy access to the spilled oats. The mare however, would have to walk close to her in order to get to them. She wondered if the mare would be brave enough to come that near.
Takakun
He snorted and tried to n** at the hawk, "Don't you dare do that to her again!"
Then Delphia came in between and he reared back in surprise. A friend....?
"But...he tried to .........but...."
Now he had no idea what was going on...when did friends try to hurt each other? He blew and shook his head, then came and nuzzled her, "are you ok...?" he said softly, still glaring at the hawk, now a bundle of feathers.
Sora didn't want anyone to even remotely bruise his dear raccoon eyed mare and he felt rather angry at himself for failing to react in time. A predator of the skies, he wasn't expecting.
In silent mulling, he brushed against her, absently nudging at her cheek.
Talencia
Delphia nuzzled Sora reassuringly. "He intentionally did not touch me. He was trying to let me know how upset he is with me." She turned and looked up at the hawk, still muttering to himself and sidling along the branch with fluffed feathers.
"Jaden, I am sorry. I didn't mean to leave you out of things.... I just sort of met Sora, and... ," she trailed off in a blush. "Well, we hit it off. And so he is going to be around a lot. I would really love it if you would come down and meet him properly? Please?" Her voice had genuine pleading in it, for shs needed for Jaden to like Sora and understand that he was her mate now. If nothing else, perhaps he could like Sora for her sake?
Jaden continued to sidle as Delphia talked, eyeing the grey stallion askance. "He needs to mind his own business!" he snapped at first. But her apology molified him somewhat. "He is yours now, hmm?" The hawk settled his feathers a bit and leaned far off the branch, peering at Sora. He then opened his wings and let go of the branch, gliding the short distance so that he was on Del's withers, his wicked talons clutching her braided mane instead of her tender hide. He cocked his head almost comically to the side and stared at Sora. "Well, if I am hers, and you are hers too, I suppose we should be nice. I am Jaden." He spread both wings and pivoted them downwards in an avian bow. "Pleased to meet you, if you don't decide to bite me anyway." HIs cheekiness was a sign of his good humor returning slowly.
Ceylona, meanwhile, regarded the human with great consideration. Get it herself? She wasn't sure if she was being insulted or scolded, or neither. But they did smell wonderful... her lips moved as if seeking the feed of their own will and not hers. She knew the human was going to probably touch her... how did she feel about it? She honestly didn't know. What did it feel like to be scratched and stroked? Her hide twitched at the thought, though not uncomfortably.
Heaving a tolerant sigh, she stepped forward and passed close to the human, bending her head to lip up the oats. Her hide twitched again as she waited for the touch she was sure coming. Her whole body tensed, braced to sprint away if she was hurt or scared.
Talencia was surprised the mare chose to move to her side and eat. It was clear, however, that the mare was not comfortable with the proximity. She had been intending on stroking the mare, even if just briefly. Something about the way the mare held herself changed her mind. Instead, she slowly lowered herself to sit on the ground next to the tense mare. "There now. As you can see, I have no desire to eat you or keep you. I'm just another creature who wants to be friends."
"Jaden, I am sorry. I didn't mean to leave you out of things.... I just sort of met Sora, and... ," she trailed off in a blush. "Well, we hit it off. And so he is going to be around a lot. I would really love it if you would come down and meet him properly? Please?" Her voice had genuine pleading in it, for shs needed for Jaden to like Sora and understand that he was her mate now. If nothing else, perhaps he could like Sora for her sake?
Jaden continued to sidle as Delphia talked, eyeing the grey stallion askance. "He needs to mind his own business!" he snapped at first. But her apology molified him somewhat. "He is yours now, hmm?" The hawk settled his feathers a bit and leaned far off the branch, peering at Sora. He then opened his wings and let go of the branch, gliding the short distance so that he was on Del's withers, his wicked talons clutching her braided mane instead of her tender hide. He cocked his head almost comically to the side and stared at Sora. "Well, if I am hers, and you are hers too, I suppose we should be nice. I am Jaden." He spread both wings and pivoted them downwards in an avian bow. "Pleased to meet you, if you don't decide to bite me anyway." HIs cheekiness was a sign of his good humor returning slowly.
Ceylona, meanwhile, regarded the human with great consideration. Get it herself? She wasn't sure if she was being insulted or scolded, or neither. But they did smell wonderful... her lips moved as if seeking the feed of their own will and not hers. She knew the human was going to probably touch her... how did she feel about it? She honestly didn't know. What did it feel like to be scratched and stroked? Her hide twitched at the thought, though not uncomfortably.
Heaving a tolerant sigh, she stepped forward and passed close to the human, bending her head to lip up the oats. Her hide twitched again as she waited for the touch she was sure coming. Her whole body tensed, braced to sprint away if she was hurt or scared.
Talencia was surprised the mare chose to move to her side and eat. It was clear, however, that the mare was not comfortable with the proximity. She had been intending on stroking the mare, even if just briefly. Something about the way the mare held herself changed her mind. Instead, she slowly lowered herself to sit on the ground next to the tense mare. "There now. As you can see, I have no desire to eat you or keep you. I'm just another creature who wants to be friends."
Takakun
He blinked, quite unsure how to react. So he's a friend.....Jaden.
With a click, he realise what a mistake he did. This was Delphia's friend! The one she kept talking about. In horror, he blushed and tried to droop his head behind Delphia. How was he suppose to know Jaden was a hawk!
But alas, he cannot hide as Jaden swooped down and highlighted on Delphia's back. His large green eyes looked at the dark hawk carefully, and he dropped his head further, "I'm Sora...."
Then attempting to make amends, he playfully tried to n** at him.
With a click, he realise what a mistake he did. This was Delphia's friend! The one she kept talking about. In horror, he blushed and tried to droop his head behind Delphia. How was he suppose to know Jaden was a hawk!
But alas, he cannot hide as Jaden swooped down and highlighted on Delphia's back. His large green eyes looked at the dark hawk carefully, and he dropped his head further, "I'm Sora...."
Then attempting to make amends, he playfully tried to n** at him.
Talencia
Ceylona wasn't sure what to think when the human not only didn't touch her, but sat down next to her in a position of comfort and lack of fear or domination. Hmm... very interesting. She focused more on finding the little bits of oats that had rolled hither and thither.
Talencia sat quietly next to the mare as she managed to get up the last few morsels of the fallen oats. When it appeared there were none left and the mare was snorting and snuffling among the brown grass fruitlessly, she rose to her feet. "You are welcome to walk with me, wild one. It is time to go put these away and see what else needs to be done." Thus said, she picked up the half-full bucket and turned away, walking towards the teepee up on the swell of land before them. She didn't even glance back to see if the mare would follow. She knew horse-nature, and was sure she would.
Ceylona, of course, wasn't sure she wanted to. A corner of her heart called for her to forget this nonesense and run away, run free! She needed noone! But those oats still smelled delicious, and the woman had made no move to even bother her. Ceylona's curious nature stirred her to follow the woman. What else needed to be done? With the illusion of docility, Cey followed the woman away from the others and to the teepee.
Delphia turned to regard Sora, who seemed to be wanting to hide behind her? Was he... embarassed? This sudden change of attitude puzzled her, but she was distracted when Jaden landed on her. She held still and solid for him, particularly when he bowed. She watched Sora for his reaction and was pleased to see it seemed all his hostility had evaporated. She was secretly pleased that he had wanted to protect her, and that knowledge nestled inside her like a glowing coal, warming and brightening her from the inside out.
With Jaden settled and Sora introduced, she stretched her neck and nuzzled Sora's neck, then nipped him at his throatlatch. She actually was quite delighted when the stallion tried to play with Jaden. She knew him well enough to tell a difference between this and his aggression. It didn't occur to her Jaden might not.
Jaden clacked his beak in acknowledgement of the stallion's introduction of himself. He examined the soquili male intently. He looked sound, strong... a smart mover. His eye was clear and his nose was night and straight. He also...... snapped at the hawk! Before he could register the intent, Jaden reacted. Knowing how important Sora was to Delphia, he used neither his talons nor his beak. Instead, he raised one wing and brought the heavy wing joint down hard on top of Sora's muzzle before he had retreated from the n**.
He squawked indignance, but it lacked any of the previous anger. "Watch it, buddy! I already have one guy out for my feathers... don't tell me you want them too?" He'd had a few moments to observe how the stallion had reached for him and had decided that it was meant in play, not aggression. Thus, he played back! "Maybe I'll just collect your mane hairs for a nest!" He cawed a sort of laugh and leapt into the air, mock-diving at Sora's mane.
Talencia sat quietly next to the mare as she managed to get up the last few morsels of the fallen oats. When it appeared there were none left and the mare was snorting and snuffling among the brown grass fruitlessly, she rose to her feet. "You are welcome to walk with me, wild one. It is time to go put these away and see what else needs to be done." Thus said, she picked up the half-full bucket and turned away, walking towards the teepee up on the swell of land before them. She didn't even glance back to see if the mare would follow. She knew horse-nature, and was sure she would.
Ceylona, of course, wasn't sure she wanted to. A corner of her heart called for her to forget this nonesense and run away, run free! She needed noone! But those oats still smelled delicious, and the woman had made no move to even bother her. Ceylona's curious nature stirred her to follow the woman. What else needed to be done? With the illusion of docility, Cey followed the woman away from the others and to the teepee.
Delphia turned to regard Sora, who seemed to be wanting to hide behind her? Was he... embarassed? This sudden change of attitude puzzled her, but she was distracted when Jaden landed on her. She held still and solid for him, particularly when he bowed. She watched Sora for his reaction and was pleased to see it seemed all his hostility had evaporated. She was secretly pleased that he had wanted to protect her, and that knowledge nestled inside her like a glowing coal, warming and brightening her from the inside out.
With Jaden settled and Sora introduced, she stretched her neck and nuzzled Sora's neck, then nipped him at his throatlatch. She actually was quite delighted when the stallion tried to play with Jaden. She knew him well enough to tell a difference between this and his aggression. It didn't occur to her Jaden might not.
Jaden clacked his beak in acknowledgement of the stallion's introduction of himself. He examined the soquili male intently. He looked sound, strong... a smart mover. His eye was clear and his nose was night and straight. He also...... snapped at the hawk! Before he could register the intent, Jaden reacted. Knowing how important Sora was to Delphia, he used neither his talons nor his beak. Instead, he raised one wing and brought the heavy wing joint down hard on top of Sora's muzzle before he had retreated from the n**.
He squawked indignance, but it lacked any of the previous anger. "Watch it, buddy! I already have one guy out for my feathers... don't tell me you want them too?" He'd had a few moments to observe how the stallion had reached for him and had decided that it was meant in play, not aggression. Thus, he played back! "Maybe I'll just collect your mane hairs for a nest!" He cawed a sort of laugh and leapt into the air, mock-diving at Sora's mane.
Takakun
He balked and jerked upwards, rearing at the hawk in play. Now his mouth was open and he whinnied, calm and strong, and attempted to leap for the flying predator.
The wing coming down at him was unexpected, and he blinked, hooves landing neatly into the grass. With glee he looked to Delphia, "your flying friend has fire." and he ran behind her, using the mare as a shield while he carefully look at how to bring the hawk lower.As Jaden hovered above, he turned and nuzzled her on the flank, then twitched his tail, sending long silky trails flicking and hitting the hawk gently.
Sora chortled and winked, "Maybe your feathers would make our bed for tonight!"
Talencia
Delphia watched them cavorting together with growing delight and happiness. She had worried, as their meeting had been so full of anger and defensiveness. First impressions COULD be overcome, though. A faint sentimental smile touched her muzzle as she thought back on her own youth.
Then Sora hid behind her and Jaden was hovering overhead. She squealed as if she was insulted by his hiding behind her and spun to n** him hard on the neck. "He isn't the only one with fire!" She neighed a mocking challenge at him and danced backwards, taunting the stallion.
Jaden hovered, looking for another chance to divebomb Sora. Apparently he hovered too close, for that long, sweeping tail of the stallion's came flying out of nowhere and clobbered him! He gave a startled screech and tumbled to the ground. He hopped immediately to his feet and clacked his beak at Sora, this time in mock ire. "You fuzzy fiend! You have defeated me! I shall exact my revenge!"
He hopped over underneath Sora and, being a very large hawk, waved his wings while leaping about, thus tickling the underside of Sora's belly. He deftly avoided Sora's hooves and managed to stay underneath, despite the stallion's attempts to move away. "Fear my feathers, foolish foal!" he cawed merrily.
Delphia was overcome by the sight of Jaden TICKLING Sora. She promptly lost her 'fire' and was staggering about, gasping with laughter, her eyes sparkling with joy.
Then Sora hid behind her and Jaden was hovering overhead. She squealed as if she was insulted by his hiding behind her and spun to n** him hard on the neck. "He isn't the only one with fire!" She neighed a mocking challenge at him and danced backwards, taunting the stallion.
Jaden hovered, looking for another chance to divebomb Sora. Apparently he hovered too close, for that long, sweeping tail of the stallion's came flying out of nowhere and clobbered him! He gave a startled screech and tumbled to the ground. He hopped immediately to his feet and clacked his beak at Sora, this time in mock ire. "You fuzzy fiend! You have defeated me! I shall exact my revenge!"
He hopped over underneath Sora and, being a very large hawk, waved his wings while leaping about, thus tickling the underside of Sora's belly. He deftly avoided Sora's hooves and managed to stay underneath, despite the stallion's attempts to move away. "Fear my feathers, foolish foal!" he cawed merrily.
Delphia was overcome by the sight of Jaden TICKLING Sora. She promptly lost her 'fire' and was staggering about, gasping with laughter, her eyes sparkling with joy.
Takakun
Sora laughed at the image of Jaden hopping on the ground. A hawk was definitely not meant to be hopping for his feathers were flying everywhere!
But he was laughing too soon! For the devilish hawk leaped beneath him and started tickling. In shock, Sora jumped about, attempting to flee the wriggling feathers. His face was contorted and atlast he fell on the ground, gasping for breathe. "no more, no more...you win hawk..."
and he curled up.
Talencia
Jaden screed in triumph and strutted around in front of the fallen stallion. He then hopped up and settled beside Sora comfortably. "You are alright, Sora. I approve of Delphia's choice in a mate." He bobbed his head animatedly in his agreement. "Now, when will we see foals on the way?" He cocked a bright, inquisitive eye on Delphia and cackled a laugh.
Delphia had come and laid down beside Sora, leaning against him and laying her head across him. Her eyes were closing in contented relaxation when Jaden asked his impudent question, and they jerked open again in astonishment. FOALS? Her jaw dropped and her gaze darted to Sora to see his reaction. FOALS? She again settled her head on Sora and mulled this over as she drifted towards sleep. Foals? Would she be a mother sometime? Before she could decide how she felt about it, she had drifted into a happy sleep.
Delphia had come and laid down beside Sora, leaning against him and laying her head across him. Her eyes were closing in contented relaxation when Jaden asked his impudent question, and they jerked open again in astonishment. FOALS? Her jaw dropped and her gaze darted to Sora to see his reaction. FOALS? She again settled her head on Sora and mulled this over as she drifted towards sleep. Foals? Would she be a mother sometime? Before she could decide how she felt about it, she had drifted into a happy sleep.
Takakun
He sighed and felt Delphia leaned against him, warm and soft, so he wasn't really minding what Jaden was saying. Soon he drfited to sleep, oblivious to the shock of the raccoon mare at the contemplation of foals. In his mind he was playing around in the fields and he could see Delphia and his bonded two leggeds, and Jaden and Talencia and all their Soquili friends and he smiled.
