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 Posted: Tue Sep 18, 2007 4:47 pm
Sibalto snorted in mock displeasure at the thought of flowers decorating his fine form, and then whinnied when she took a sharp turn. He skidded around it after her and leapt the sudden obstacle - a fallen tree- stride somewhat shortened as he landed awkwardly.
Moments later he nearly fell to his own knees.
His exquisite mate! Firefly knelt some paces beyond, obviously having fallen and slid shortly after her jump. But she was the epitome of grace and poise, she did not trip over her own hooves! She fairly floated!
"Firefly!" He whinnied, playful tone abandoned as panic filled him, and pranced around to her side, nosing her frantically.
"My dearest, dearest mate." He murmured, paniced to the core. "What ails thee?"
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Posted: Tue Sep 18, 2007 4:54 pm
The mare's breathing had gotten shorter and more exaggerated as she lay there on the ground on her knees. Her eyebrows furrowed slightly as she tried to get that feeling to go away. But it wasn't letting up all that well.
Her eyes drifted to Sib as he flew into a panic. "I don't know. One moment I was feeling fine and the next...I just felt like my stomach had traveled into my throat." She gave a subtle flick of her tail before trying to stand up again. But she felt that rush of sickness again and settled for laying down to take a breather. "I should be ok in a minute. I think I just need to rest."
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Posted: Thu Sep 20, 2007 6:02 am
He nosed her gently, sweeping his silken muzzle along the length of her graceful neck, nuzzling her cheek. Why was she unwell? She had been perfect, racing before him, and now! Now he didn't know what to do! When she tried to stand he pressed his nose to her shoulder, gently stroking it when she decided laying there would be better.
"Would you have me fetch your two-legger?" He asked softly. "One of your herdmates? I confess my love, I know not what to do... I worry for you..."
Would rest really help? One moment she was well, then sick... Would another moment prove to be enough to return her to her vibrant self? Would it at least give them enough time to return to Tashika, to even Firefly's home? Somewhere she could be safe...
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Posted: Thu Sep 20, 2007 9:37 am
"Perhaps we should try getting to Atsila. At least if she is no there I believe Chu'mana has been hanging around the teepee for a few days. She might be able to help figure out whats wrong." Her eyebrows furrowed as she once again tried to stand. This time being a bit more successful, she teetered for only a moment before regaining her balance. "Lets go before I don't think I can go again..." Firefly's voice was merely a whisper as she started to take careful steps in the direction of Atsila's home. Her eyes locked on the ground in front of her as she concentrated hard on walking and not the aching feeling in her belly.
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Posted: Fri Sep 21, 2007 12:35 pm
Bolstered by her courage, he paced at her side, neck arched with tension. He had yet to meet the lovely Chu'mana, but he had heard of her... Wasn't she the one who claimed Ho'kee's heart as her own? They way Firefly commanded his? Yes... If ever there was a mare who could help them, it would be her...
"Lean against me, my love.." He rumbled gently, voice coaxing as he nosed her neck. "We shall be there soon..."
He hoped it was true... Soon.. Two more steps.. He could think those words for the rest of the day... Just two more steps... As long as Firefly was well, he would walk forever... If she fell again, he would fetch Chu'mana and Atsila himself...
Even if he had to drag them back...
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Posted: Fri Sep 21, 2007 2:51 pm
Letting out a sigh, she leaned against him a bit. Letting him carry a bit of her weight for a moment. Her legs were a bit shaking, but she could still walk. And she would. Firefly wasn't going to let a little sickness get the best of her.
Glancing about, she spotted the path that lead to Atsila's teepee and headed that way. Moving as fast as she could as she wasn't too sure how long she could keep that gnawing in her stomach away.
Not too far ahead on the path, an equally dark mare had been strolling along. Curly hair bouncing along as she cantered a few times and gave a little prance here and there. There wasn't much to be happy about, that she knew about anyway. But today just felt different. Chu had been spending a few days at Atsila's teepee to get her mind of off things for the moment.
The sound of hoof beats behind her caught her attention. Was someone following her? Stopping for a second, she turned her head briefly. Bright green eyes landing on Firefly and...a stallion? Hmmm. Who was he? But then the look on Firefly's face and the fact that she was leaning up against him sent up a red flag. Nickering softly, she turned around and trotted back down the path towards them.
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Posted: Sat Sep 22, 2007 9:05 pm
Sibalto took a half-stride forward, curling his face over Firefly's, eyeing the strange mare. He didn't know her... And wasn't about to take any chances. "Please halt stranger."
He spoke curteously, but the words were firm. "Are you the Lady, Chu'mana?"
He dearly hoped she was, for he needed someone who could help his beloved right now... And if Chu couldn't, she could at least get Atsila, or stay with Firefly while he went to get Tashika.
He would probably have to fetch her anyway... Since she was being trained by the Shaman Foalen, and learning from his Elder mare Ayita, Tashika had gained much knowledge.
Knowledge of healing... He nuzzled Firefly lovingly.
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Posted: Sat Sep 22, 2007 9:23 pm
Chu'mana stopped a few feet away from the pair. Cocking her head to the side as her curious eyes washed over them. "Mmmm yes. I am Chu'mana." Her gaze quickly shifted to Firefly, curious as to what was ailing her friend. She didn't want to raise any alarms for the stallion accompaning her, so she took very light and careful steps towards the other dark mare.
"Hmmm, you don't look so good." Tossing her head lightly to get the curls out of her eyes, she smiled. "Well, I guess we should get you home. Its not that far and I'm surprised you've gotten all the way here in your condition. Think you can make it?" Turning her body slightly, she waited for a moment before walking slowly back up the path. "Come on. We'll take care of you once we get there, not far at all."
Firefly nuzzled Sib appreciatively and also to settle him down. "Don't worry. She can be a bit strange but she's no harm." Giving a slight flick of her long tail, she started moving again. At least when she concentrated on walking did the sick feeling go away. And hopefully Chu's words were true. It wasn't that far away and then she could rest.
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Posted: Sun Sep 23, 2007 1:28 pm
Sibalto relaxed as the mare spoke, giving her a small welcoming smile. He was glad to know she was the one to help his lovely lady... For if they had to go hunting for aid, he worried Firefly's condition would worsen.
"She seems nice enough." He conceeded as he began walking noce more, nosing the silk of her mane. "I only hope she and your Atsila can help you... And soon."
He eyed the trees and woods around them as they strode on, trying to commit the paths and surroundings to memory... Anything to keep his mind occupied.
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Posted: Sun Sep 23, 2007 1:40 pm
Humming a happy little tune to herself, Chu continued along the path until the trees started to part ways. Revealing the little clearing in which Atsila made her home. She had been correct, it really wasn't that far away. Though she was still amazed at the will of the other dark mare to get this far. If it were her, well, she might of just stayed in one spot.
"We're here!" She called back to them. Even if they were right behind her. Trotting into the camp, she nosed around a bit, pulling a few animal skins that were laying about together and laying them down on the ground. Once done with that, she carefully walked over to the teepee, sticking her nose between the flaps and giving a small nicker before peeking her head all the way inside.
What was minutes seemed like hours almost to Firefly. She let out a small sigh of relief as the camp came into view as well as the soft animal skins that were lain about. Giving Sibalto another nuzzle, she nibbled on his cheek lightly before making her way over to the skins and slowly lowering herself to the ground. Laying her head down onto the furs and closing her eyes for a moment.
At the sound of the nicker, Atsila looked up from the work she was currently doing. The curious face of her Chu cause her to get her own look of curiosity. As the mare stepped away from the entrance to her teepee, she scrambled out of it only to be faced with that silvery stallion again.
Her eyes swept across the camp before they locked upon Firefly who was laying down. A slight look of worry washed over her face as she walked cautiously up to Sib and pat his neck. "Don't worry. Let me take a look at her." Moving past him, she knelt quietly next to the resting mare. Laying a gentle hand on her side before putting an ear to her stomach. Listening quietly for a moment before grinning just a bit and throwing a glance at Chu then back to Sib. "Congratulations. Looks like you have some little ones on the way." Standing up and stepping away, Atsila turned to Chu and put her hand against her muzzle, nudging her to come with her. "Lets leave them be for a bit hmm?"
Chu nickered in disapproval for a moment before finally giving in. She wanted to nose around a bit more but she then remembered when she was with foal. She really didn't like the attention. Flashing a grin at Sib then at Firefly she turned a bit before looking over her shoulder. "Congrats. Your going to have yourselves a handful I'm sure. Just take care of her. The sickness will be gone soon enough and she'll be ok. Nothing to worry about, promise." Giving a quick flick of her curly tail, she followed Atsila into the forest. Pondering on just where they were going and what they were to do today.
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Posted: Wed Sep 26, 2007 5:49 pm
Sibalto sighed in relief as they entered the camp, watching his mate relax some of his own tension eased. When she was settled he paced closer, standing as sentry, watching Chu peek into the teepee. She made a soft sound and then withdrew, drawing Atsila into the open.
Her kind greeting compelled him to nuzzle her, happy to see the sweet female again. The last time he had seen her, she had gifted him with a woven ornament that matched one for his beloved Firefly... He still kept it, hidden back at Tashika's teepee.
It was not all that far, cosidering...
Little One's? He jumped, quivering all over as first Atsila, and then Chu congratulated him and Firefly on finally creating foals. Foals? Children of his, and Firefly's? They had longed for them for so long, was it really happening?
"My love." He rumbled in his deep, sweet voice. "You are... I... I fear my words fail me... A family after so long? Are you well? Is there anything I can get you? I would fetch Tashika if you have need of her, she is an Apprentice Shaman to Foalen... She could help."
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Posted: Wed Sep 26, 2007 6:03 pm
((I'm gonna jump ahead a few days in my next post, just so ya know. x3 ))
Smiling wearily, the mare kept her head down at her two legger came closer and examined her. Not paying all that much attention to her green eyed friend who also stood watch at that moment.
Firefly's ears twitched as she heard Atsila speak then Chu'mana. And before she could muster up any words they were gone. Lifting her head a bit, small tears started to well up in the corners of her eyes as her smile grew. It was true. They had been hoping for this for so long and now their dream had become reality.
She would have her family with Sibalto and that was all she had ever dreamt about for many months and yet nothing. But now, it felt almost as if her heart were to burst. "Finally our dreams have come true..." Giving a small shake of her head she glanced up at him. "No, right now I just want to be with you in this moment. And I'm not feeling all that sick anymore. Just stay with me."
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Posted: Wed Sep 26, 2007 6:31 pm
He smiled, knowing his own silver eyes were glinting with tears. With a whicker of assent he dropped to his knees and then lay beside her. Carefully curling around her side, he nuzzled at her belly and neck, murmuring gentle words to the foals he feared he would never meet.
And now! Now they were here! So close...
"My beautiful, beautiful one.." He said softly, nosing her ear. "I will be by your side for as long as you want me... You are my life... You, and our foals..."
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Posted: Wed Sep 26, 2007 11:08 pm
As he lay next to her and curled his body around her's. Firefly leaned against him, letting her head rest against his neck. Her ears perked as she listened to her mate whisper to the foals within her belly who seemed fairly rambunctious. The mare's eyes lidded until they were closed. The energy of the day draining from her body as she drifted into slumber. "Our foals..." Were the last words she mumbled under baited breath before she finally feel under sleeps spell.
*skipping ahead a few days*
Firefly had grown quite round over the next few days. Her belly swollen as the new life inside her grew. And during this time she had consumed quite a bit of food in which her mate brought to her upon request. She had watched from her resting spot, in which she rarely moved, as Atsila brought baskets from some unknown place. The two legger had some weaving skills but probably had taken a trip to the village as her skills were not all that perfected yet.
Though after a bit, Atsila had moved them out of the teepee clearing and off into the woods a little way. Possibly so that the mare could have some privacy during birthing. Having eyes watching during this moment was not the most comfortable of ideas.
But then it happened. A that extreme sick feeling again came and somehow she knew it was time. They were coming and coming fast. Mustering what she could, the dark mare climbed to her hooves and wandered quietly in the direction the baskets were taken. As she came to a little grow, there they sat. Perfect and clean of any debris. She had not alerted anyone to her leaving the clearing to the baskets. And truly this was an experience that possibly Sib should have been there to watch. But it was more of a privacy issue she had. Not to mention the fact that it was also an awkward moment.
And there in the grove she lay. Her breathing labored as she herself brought new life into the world. After each foal had been given freedom, she tilted the baskets over with the lids open and nudged the newborns inside before tilting them back and closing the lids. There they would stay until the time they were strong enough to be let loose into the world. She nuzzled each precious basket with a small wicker to the foals inside before curling her body around them to keep them safe as she rested.
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Posted: Thu Sep 27, 2007 9:46 am
Sibalto, knowing his mate would want privacy, had done the only helpful thing he could think to do. And he had to do SOMETHING! Thoughts were galloping around in his head like rambunctious colts, and he could hardly stand just waiting.
So he had gone for help. The next best kind.
Tashika.
Perched on her silver stallion's back, Tashika clung to him as he galloped back to Atsila's home... Where she knew.. She just knew! Firefly was foaling... That was why her handsome stallion had not been home in these last few days.
And Tashika had to admit, she had scarcely had the time to even consider going in search of him. A basket had been given into her care, and when it opened to reveal a leggy, wild wind colt, Tashika had had her work cut out for her.
Even now Aureate cantered behind Sibalto's bannering tail, trying gamely to keep up with the big grey. He wouldn't be in the way, but he couldn't be left alone either.
"Atsila!" Tashika called as they entered the clearing and she slung herself out of the saddle. "Atsila?"
She would need to check, just to be sure Firefly was alright.. That the foals were well.. Her pouch was weighted with herbs and salves, a tribute to her new calling.
Apprentice Shaman.
Sibalto pranced and snorted, keeping one eye on his two-legger and the other on his adopted nephew... Aureate was wise enough to plop himself at the base of a tree, and remain unmoving.
Good, one less thing to worry about.
Still.. His beloved mate was in the next grove, and though he longed to go to her.. Not until they had heard the news from Atsila, until Tashika had cheked on his beloved mare... And then he would stand sentry over her until the world stopped spinning.
His worried whinny rang through the air.
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