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 Posted: Mon Jan 25, 2010 6:08 am
He shook his head slowly, “I have not slept, but that is not unusual.” He offered a fang filled smile. He shifted his body weight to a more relaxed position, his wings almost hanging at his sides.
“You said yesterday that you were not here for yourself. Might I inquire why you were here?” Scythe believed in being to the point. There was no reason to dance around and not be up front about things. He wanted to put the pieces together on how his daughter ended up in the company of the stallion before him. He was thankful, of course, since Haishan had saved her life…But he was still curious of the events that lead up to the previous days events.
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Posted: Mon Jan 25, 2010 6:08 am
Listening politely to each of his words he gave him an apologetic smile towards him not sleeping, in the hopes that it would show that he was sorry about the situation that had occured the day before. Tuli was his daughter after all, and although his family had abandoned him he knew that not every family did that -he wouldn't for a start!
Then the question he had been waiting for arrived, it was a relief that they where not going to attempt 'small talk' that usually involved talking more than Haishan was accustomed to. "I was here for a young family that I ran into on my journey. A mare and two young foals -her mate had been killed by a Skinwalker and she no longer felt safe." He paused, allowing the stallion a little time to digest his words while he caught his breath. "So I offered to scout out a safe place for her to bring up the foals." That was enough, if he wanted more details he would ask.
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Posted: Mon Jan 25, 2010 6:10 am
Scythe noticed the small gesture of sympathy, though he said no more about the situation. He listened carefully to Haishan as he spoke, a mare with young foals…it was a terrible situation to be left in. Apparently, this stallion was a noble soquili, going out of his way to find a safe haven for this small unlucky family. He nodded as Haishan spoke, waiting for him to finish.
“This family, they are…” he wasn’t sure exactly what words to use, “a kindred kind of spirit?” he wanted to make sure that they were honorable, good soquili, before offering his lands for their home. He would invite no one into his lands that was of questionable nature. “Why did you choose to help them?” He wanted to know Haishan’s input on the family.
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Posted: Mon Jan 25, 2010 6:11 am
He could tell that the stallion was trying to be delicate in his wording, but it was clear that he was worried about the type of stallions that lived on his land, especially after the activities of the day before. It was honorable that even now he was protecting his family, yet it was an alien concept to him. He had only ever felt the kindness of strangers for a short time, never wanting to out stay his welcome.
"Yes, very much so." This was one time he felt helpless, he wanted to get the family a home and the only want to convince the stallion would be to reveal more... it was hard to bring the words forth, but he needed to. For them. "I have met them twice before, when her mate was still alive. They offered me shelter from the snows several seasons back and on the other occasion her mate and I went hunting for the skinwalker who was killing foals from the soquili that took refuge on the birthing plains." Enough, he could bring himself to reveal no more.
Looking to the ground for a moment he fought with his mind, fighting the very code that had kept him alive for so long, but he needed to know. Would this stranger allow them to venture here? "Will..." he paused, hesitation running through his mind as he lifted his head to look the stallion squarly in the eyes. "Will you allow them stay on your lands?"
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Posted: Mon Jan 25, 2010 6:12 am
Again, he listened carefully to Haishan, paying attention to the tone of his voice and watching his facial expressions carefully, trying to read anything that might be laying in between the lines…but there seemed to be nothing. He could tell there was an unsettled feeling in the stranger as he asked permission for the family.
Scythe mulled on the request for only a moment, he knew that Vara would have his hide if he turned away a family in need…and in all honesty, he would never forgive himself for not giving them shelter.
“Bring them here,” his voice was certain. “If they wish to be part of the herd, they may. If they choose to take solice in the woods away from our herd, I can assure you they will not be bothered by our members.”
Scythe’s herd was a peaceful bunch, a family that believed in second chances above most everything else. This family deserved a chance.
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Posted: Mon Jan 25, 2010 6:13 am
At his words he smiled, and for the first time it was a true smile, his features relaxing as he found relief in the words. It was good news. "I shall let them decide when they arrive, I shall bring them here." The question was -when? He knew that they needed to get away quickly, the current 'home' was causing the mother to feel unsafe and unsettled and this was scaring the foals, he couldn't allow this to happen for too long. They deserved so much more. Sooner would be better than later. "I shall leave shortly to fetch them then." His eyes looked towards Tuli, why did he feel as if he should say good bye to her before he left? Or perhaps even ask her to join hm -but that would be unwise given that she had been through so much from the day before, unlike him she didn't appear used to this type of hardship and pain.
Again his stomach growled, he ignored it, that would have to wait until later.
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Posted: Mon Jan 25, 2010 6:17 am
He simply nodded at Haishan’s reply. The family was welcome here whenever they chose to come. He shifted his weight, looking over the stallion carefully, his whole demeanor changed with Scythe’s answer. Thoughtfully, Scythe drew in a deep breath and cast a quick glance to Maion. He had been unsure of Maion at first at well, but it had proved to be a wise choice for Sengdroma…Perhaps…Perhaps this was the fate for his Tuulikki. He turned back to Haishan, “You, as well, are welcome to return here should you wish.” He waited for no reply, with that, he turned and made his way towards his own mate to rest. He needed sleep.
-----
Tuli’s eyes fluttered a bit at the sound of steps passing by her, she opened her eyes, it was her father. Her head lifted, what has he been doing this early? She turned to look for Haishan. He was there, it seemed as though she had missed the conversation she had hoped to be a part of. She stretched out her legs, they were sore. She struggled slightly, raising to her feet and moving slowly over to Haishan. She offered a friendly smile, “You’re up early,” she nosed his shoulder and side softly, “You healed well.”
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Posted: Mon Jan 25, 2010 6:18 am
He wanted to say thank you to the stallion for his offer but decided that a simply nod would be good enough. He had no idea what was going through his mind, and he suspected he didn't want to know. For a moment he paused, lowering his head as he spread his wings once more. Perhaps if he left quickly Tuli would never notice he was missing, surely he wouldn't have made an impact after such a short time.
Yet as he was about to raise his head up and set off in flight he heard the voice of Tuli. Frozen to the spot he pulled his wings closer to his sides once more before raising his head slowly -it seemed he was too late to leave without her knowing. Drats. But she had spoken to him, he would not ignore her. "As are you Lady Tuli. Did you sleep well?" He nodded to her in greeting before allowing a warm smile to cross his lips for a moment before returning to his usual self, she had saved his life. He would not forget that. In truth he was not quite as healed as she thought but he would not make her feel bad, instead he reversed the conversation towards her. "As did you, it seems as if you will not even be left with much of a scar." That was good, she was perfect just the way she was. A delicate mist coloured beauty.
Remembering the conversation with her father he spoke once more, "I shall be leaving soon to escort the family I spoke to you about here. Your father has granted them refuge." And myself if I want.... he continued in his mind.
---------------------------
Maion woke up, something felt wrong to him, it felt as if Moon needed him, like she had just discovered something -but what? Unsure of what to think he stood up and spread his wings, taking one last look at the herd before taking to the skies. Surely Sofiel would know if anything was up?
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Posted: Mon Jan 25, 2010 6:23 am
“Ah, well, I slept, but am still sore.” Her voice soft, normal, and at ease. Her ears perked a bit as she listened to him tell her of the conversation, she was glad that her father was willing to help, she knew he would be if he heard the situation at hand. She noticed that he didn’t say anything about returning with them, so she decided to remind him of spring, just in case… “Don’t forget, come back in the Spring. We have roaming to do.” She smiled briefly, her head turning as she heard the sound of feathers ruffle. Maion had left in quite a hurry, she tilted her head wondering what was wrong.
“Have safe travels, Haishan Fai,” she lowered her head, “And thank you for saving my life.” She looked back up with him, a very appreciative look on her face.
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Posted: Mon Jan 25, 2010 6:27 am
Spring... come back. Did he dare? Nodding politely to her he spread his wings out wide as he prepared for flight once more. I shall miss you he thought, unsure if her offer was genuine or just polite? It seemed that her herd was very open -and he had never been good with emotions. "Good bye" he said, a soft smile upon his face. He should have just left but for some reason he couldn't understand -he couldn't! Instead he moved in closer to her and gave her a delicate peck on the cheek, "Look after yourself Tuli!" And with that he pushed himself off the ground and bagan to flap his wings to bring on flight. It was hard work with his tender muscles but not impossible.
As he got higher and higher into the sky he watched her, it was nice while it lasted.
----------
Haishan had done as he had promised and escorted the mare and her foals, but he had not stayed. Instead he had gone in search of the skinwalker who had attacked him and Tuli. He had no intention of attacking her alone, but he needed to know where she called 'home' so that he could bring others to aid his cause. Of course, like most things, this had been easier thought than actually done. Hours turned into days, and days turned into weeks then months before eventually it had been a whole season and the bitter cold of winter was gone. He had found nothing, not a clue so was forced to give up his 'quest'. It seemed someone did not want him to take his vengence on the beast for harming the only person who had ever risked their life for him -that and it was Tuli.
He had dreamed of her, his mist coloured beauty. Never showing or feeling such emotions for anyone else, what was so unique about her that had him captivated?
As he followed the river that travelled through three different teritories -her fathers included- he noticed a flower. Delicate and soft. Pale blue petals with pink tips. It was beautiful and seemed to cover the entire area. Pausing he spun around to look at them all and only one person came to mind. Tuli. Surely, if after all this time he could not get her out of his mind, he was meant to see her again? It was then he recalled her invite -come back in the spring. It was spring now, the flowers had taken over the forest and the world, and as she had said it was beautiful.
But if he was going to try and find her -where would he begin? Perhaps he should head to where her herd rested?
It took a moment to mull it over, but once his mind was set he took flight once more to the place he had left her months before.
It didn't take long to fly to where the herd called home, and although it had been a while since he had physically been here he had beennhere again and again in his dreams. Sometimes he would just watch Tuli as she went about her day, other times he would say hello and try o help her by collecting berries, apples or other things; and on occasion he even found himself playing with the foals he had bought to this land with her -but why he was not sure. It was not like him to play and have fun, to indulge in anything... yet here he was, flying over her home.
It seemed like a beautiful day, the sun was shining as it raced towards the highess point in the sky and it felt nice upon his wings, warm and calm. At least that was how he felt until it came to landing, that took a lot of courage... what if she didn't remember him?
After several gulps and a few considerations to turn around he finally found the strength t land, his hooves hitting the grnd with the gentlest of 'thuds', he hesitated for a moment -his mouth opening in the shape of her name but with the no sound to join it. This seemed foolish. He looked around, he could see a few familar faces -the unicorn that had helped him and the giant blue stalion that had fought of the Skinwalker but no Tuli was in sight, so he spoke her name, "Lady Tuli?" it came out more as a question than a way of addressing someone- perhaps someone ould point in the right direction? Or maybe they would just tell him to get lost. Either would be fine. He would understand the second even if he didn't like it.
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Posted: Mon Jan 25, 2010 6:27 am
The herd's ears flickered and looked up as the familiar stallion reached ground. Scythe watched closely as Haishan landed and approached, he had to laugh a little to himself at the stallion's inquisition. No doubt what was on his mind.
"Well welcome, Stranger," he greeted Haishan with a smile. "She's in the grasslands, playing."
He watched to see Haishan's reaction. He didn't exactly seem the playing type.
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Posted: Mon Jan 25, 2010 6:28 am
Haishan nodded to the stallion as he spoke, it was nice that he had not just completely ignored him or cast him aside for not returning sooner. Yet the answer that came suprised him a little -in the field playing? Who was she playing with? Foals perhaps? Did that mean she was already with someone and had foals of her own? Had he made a terrible mistake in coming here. He heart dropped, and slowly he felt the saddness of the idea creep onto his features as he lowered his head. He needed to know before went to find her, if she was taken he would simply leave her in peace, he would not be responsible for breaking up a family. Slowly he looked up at stallion once more, saddness still strong in his eyes. How would he ask her father this? Bluntly was the only way he could think of. "Is she..." he hesitated, this was much harder to say than think, "...I mean, does she..." he gulped, "...have a mate already?" He closed his eyes to wait for the reply.
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Posted: Mon Jan 25, 2010 6:29 am
Haishan seemed very uncomfortable as he stood there in front of Scythe, it was mildly amusing. Scythe couldn't help but to laugh at his reaction slightly, the stallion didn't seem to understand the concept of play. Perhaps it was just...not in his nature. Scythe smiled over to Haishan, shaking his head.
"Mate? No, no." he nodded in the direction of the grasslands. "The foals you sent, their mother is resting."
Straightening his head again, "I didn't expect to see you, believe in taking your time, yes?" he nudged the stallion's shoulder with his own. It seemed as if the events of winter never happened, the herd was once again safe and happy.
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Posted: Mon Jan 25, 2010 6:30 am
Relief spread over him as he composed himself once more, he need not worry after all then. It seemed as if she was simply enjoy herd life -something he knew nothing about due to never having anyone who actually cared. Would she care? At least it seemed he had not been completely forgotten in the months he had been gone, the stallion remembered if nothing else -had she?
"Lady Tuli asked me to come in the spring." He spoke matter-of-factly, as if it was the most natural thing in the world. To him the months he had been gone had gone quickly, and fruitless. He would have loved to have found the skinwalker who had attacked them. Perhaps one day he would?
Not sure how to take the sudden contact he simple gave an uneasy smile before speaking quickly, "Ok-I-will-go-find-her-then." Once he was done he start to trott in the direction of the field the stallion had pointed out. It didn't seem far and it wasn't long before he could see her playing. Stopping a short distance away he watched them, she seemed so happy. She made for children.
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Posted: Mon Jan 25, 2010 6:34 am
Scythe just laughed again as Haishan hurried away. Perhaps Maion had been right about him. Maybe...just maybe he was the one.
------
Tuli was romping in the fields with the foals. They were running around tagging each other in seemingly chaos. She paid no attention to Haishan, she was so wrapped up in her games. She laughed, jumped, came to sudden stops, and even nipped at the tail of one of the youngsters. She enjoyed the spring, the smell of the flowers and the sunlight made her happy.
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