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 Posted: Sat Jul 30, 2005 3:12 pm
 mountain setting Although the path ends at the lake, when one starts to climb the base of the mountain, another appears. It is different then the first path in many, many ways. The other had been well used, and very wide, even tough the forest, and especially though the meadow, but now it was a very thin path, and very hard to climb. Small rocks littered the path, and they made climbing hard, for they often rained down in small waves of matter to the bottom of the slope. The forest had come back by this point, but it was different, less inviting, actually, not alluring at all, it was dryer for sure, perhaps because the river was gone, and rockier, and the trees seemed just more knarred and twisted, and simply creepier then the other forest. The fog gets thicker and thicker as one continues up the small path, and it seems to cling on to everything with warped and old hands, long fingernails scratching on every form in the forest. The gray fog hangs in the air, making it hard to breath, and hard to see, so that everything ahead is blanketed in white, so that only purple-hued shadows can be seen of oddly shaped trees and huge jutting rock formations. The forest is cloaked in mystery, and it is really an interesting place. Hardly any animals live here, for the forest that is on the other side of the valley is more fruitful, but a few lone frogs can be heard, and a large bird of prey swoops overhead. The crickets can still be heard though, and their music is an extra creepy sound to the forest. As one climbs the path higher, the landscape slowly changes. The trees start to thin, and the fog starts to clear, and the path gets steeper still. The rock formations get evermore frequent as large forms of gray metamorphic rock, complete with the telltale cleavage lines that make them what they are. The trees start to lead to smaller shrubs, and the fog starts to clear a bit, creating a less scary path, and a much safer climb, because one can now see what it ahead. What was ahead was not that intriguing. Bare rock was all one could see, and a few spare shrubbery, but perhaps the top was more interesting. -Kats Essence 
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Posted: Fri Mar 10, 2006 9:11 pm
Wary eyes scanned the thick atmosphere. With the dense fog shrouding everything in darkness, danger seemed to lurk through every turn and step. The two dark brown eyes narrowed and adjusted to the dim area. It wasn't a place travelled through very often... or at all. But today was different. A fresh, chilly cold breeze flew through the air. It affected all but one soquili stallion walking at quite a slow pace calmly at the mountain's base.
His mane blew and tossed turbulently in the wind, though he did not mind. His visage remained stony and contemplative while walking through the gloomy scenery. He did not care if he was alone in this trek near the mountain, for he did not wish to see or meet anyone at this moment. He had had enough time with others--his family were safe near the lake a long ways off from where he currently was. Besides, he enjoyed spending time alone with himself... ever since...
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Posted: Fri Mar 10, 2006 9:29 pm
Orchu's eyes flashed open as sound illuminated through the dense silence of the fog over the mountain's base. The thick shroud was impossible to penetrate with one's eyes and Orchu blindly scanned the mist before him. The stallion's ears strained to identify the sound; it was a heavy clopping wandering at a slow pace. Orchu frowned as he continued listening to the continual noise. It sounded as though it were the hooves of a soquili beating upon the solid rock of the mountain. Who would be out upon the mountain this late at night? He pondering curiously. For Orchu had been sleeping restlessly next to Nora's basket as well and Rami and Lux. Rami and Lux had decided earlier to attempt to give Orchu the slip and they had taken up off the mountain growling and howling playfully. Orchu had been balancing Nora's basket upon his back whist managing a slow walk; unable to check up with the rambunctious familiars Orchu had slowly followed; reprimanding them at a distance. The two creatures had traveled far up the mountain and only ceased their journey when they had became tired. The stallion had then proceeded to lead the two familiars successfully down the mountain; however nightfall came as they had reached its base. Not daring to fly through the ominous fog suspended over the mountain and the valley Orchu had deamed it best they all slept there for the night and returned to their teepee come morning light. Lux and Rami shorty fell asleep beside an uncomfortable Orchu due to their exhaustion. The stallion however was unable to sleep and now found himself still listening to the clasping of the hooves. The small group was gathered just off the main rocky path leading down the mountain slope near a large tree sprouting from the rocky terrain. Gaining his composure; Orchu rose and stood eyes intent on the path. Suddenly from the mist emerged a gray and black stallion. Orchu was shocked at first but frowned defiantly against his own cowardice thoughts upon this night and approached the stallion. He cleared his throat to gather the other's attention and inclined his head in a momentary bow. "Hello sir. You seem to be out rather late. My name is Orchu." The stallion's words errupted boldly from his mouth though he felt less than confident.
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Posted: Fri Mar 10, 2006 9:49 pm
The stallion halted. There was another in the same vicinity as him? Odd, and he thought he had the mountain all to himself, being late as it was. Slowly, he gave the other black-white stallion a customary bow as well. He couldn't quite see what the other looked like without getting very close to him--within a few inches away, he may have been able to carefully inspect other markings or colorations, but for now, he was too far away, and only made out distinct shades of black and white. He stood his ground and kept a comfortable distance between himself and the other stallion. He wasn't so sure if this would be an enemy or friend, though the other's voice seemed to falter just a bit--he could tell. Maybe it wouldn't be anything so dangerous at all.
"Hello," his voice came out coldly, "I am Couscous." He paused a bit before eyeing the two white attachments to the other soquili's flanks. It reminded him vaguely of someone he had known before... Ah, this was a winged soquili. He squinted painfully as it brought back memories that he wished to be forgotten; memories that needed to be washed away.
He continued after the brief moment of reminiscing, taking a few steps closer to Orchu, yet also starting to circle around him. "I can say the same to you--you yourself are out rather late. And... Ah, with a few friends and items that belong to you, I may also add?" He had walked close to the point where he sensed the other creatures and life slumbering--friends of the stallion, perhaps--near Orchu.
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Posted: Fri Mar 10, 2006 10:11 pm
Orchu kept his steel eyes firmly gazed upon the stallion. This stallion, Couscous rather, seemed to radiate a hostile aura. Orchu furrowed his brow as he frowned ever so slightly. For Couscous riminded Orchu of himself when he had first come out of isolation during the winter months of being stuck in the buckskin teepee with his human Polar. He had been bitter and cold to other soquili when he had first reopened to the world and those around him. However, as Orchu began getting out more and reacquainting with old friends he became that playful foal he had once been. Perhaps some tragic experience has occured recently to this stallion and he is left with bitter feelings encompassing him in which he is having trouble letting go. Upon his first few days outside his teepee Orchu had felt as if he would never be the same again as the spite consumed him. Given time however he was once again able to open up; becoming more content and less reserved. Orchu noticed the stallion begun to circle him; but cared not. Couscous could not intimidate Orchu. Orchu was positive he could match the stallion before him in brawn and brain; even if the antic seemed cocky. Orchu regarded the soquili as he spoke harshly. "I myself am out rather late I admit; but my lateness comes with a valid explanation. Oh tell me Couscous, does yours?" A breif smirk flashed over Orchu's delicate features. "Friends you could call them I suppose. With me is my daughter resting in her basket and the two familiars upon the ground are the forms of that of a wolf and a bear. What is it to you?" He asked pointly; scrutinizing the stallion.
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Posted: Fri Mar 10, 2006 10:34 pm
Couscous stopped in his tracks and his whole attention and concentration fell upon Orchu. He seemed rather cranky or boastful--did this stallion not get enough sleep or something? It was a possiblity, as Orchu seemed to be the only one out of his group who was awake. He eyed Orchu for a brief, awkward silent moment as if Orchu had been serious whilst speaking. His words just seemed too harsh and cruel, especially on a lone stallion such as himself.
"It does," he carefully said, choosing over his words cautiously. He decided to not give an immediate explanation as to why he was out so late, as Orchu technically did not ask for one. "What is your valid reasoning, then?" he asked plainly. Couscous snickered. He enjoyed playing with words like this--though he didn't mean to be hostile, perhaps the other stallion found it intriguing as well. A little exercise for the brain is good.
As Orchu took the time to explain his company nearby, Couscous glanced over once more before looking back at Orchu. That basket did seem familiar to him, having seen more of Orchu as he stepped closer... and it reminded him of someone he had already met. Before he turned back to Orchu, his eyes laid upon the wolf and bear guardedly--they were naturally predators, so by instinct, Couscous felt the need to keep a close eye on them, even though they were asleep. But as they were friends of this soquili, maybe he wouldn't have to worry so much. "Nothing," he quietly answered. "Just curious." Couscous wished to say nothing more, as the other stallion seemed to attack him in words no matter what harmless things were said.
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Posted: Sat Mar 11, 2006 11:42 am
Orchu hoped not to give a negative appearance to this new stallion; however Couscous proved to be doing this effectively. Orchu sighed and ruffled his wings a tad. "I am out this late upon the mountain due to the feral behaviors of the two familiars. As all of us were heading home they decided to take off up the mountain's slope. With my daughter's basket upon my back I could not manage a swift pace to catch them. I was not willing to leave my daughter's basket alone so I proceeded after the bear and wolf at the fatest pace I could perform while safely carrying the basket. By the time they were exhausted enough for me to catch them night fall had begun. I got the two familiars under control and we all made our way slowly down the moutain side. It was dark and fog had cascaded over the mountain by the time we reached time base. It seemed frivilous to walk home in these conditions. Alas I could not fly safely will all of them either through this mist so I made the decision to camp out but this tree." Orchu gestured to the tree the basket and familiars were peacefully resting under. "The rocky ground is rather uncomfortable though in comparision to the soft pelts lining the floor of our teepee. I found myself unable to achieve a comfortable position and have been up most of the night." He stifled a yawn and shook his mane. "Now per say do you mind giving an explanation?" He asked curiously. This stallion intrigued Orchu greatly; he seemed to enjoy twisted words and answering in a rather indirect way... As if he were avoiding something. "Curiousity killed the cat you know." He chuckled. Couscous's name suddenly felt highly familiar. Orchu had never met this stallion before; was it possible some other soquili Orchu knew had mentioned this stallion before him? It is definitely a possiblity. Who informed me of him prior to this encouter though? Orchu was left puzzling his thoughts as he waited for an explanation from Couscous.
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Posted: Sat Mar 11, 2006 12:44 pm
As Orchu proceeded onto his tale, Couscous listened on, half of his attention on him; the other half was subconsciously focused on the two familiars set on the ground, still snoozing on and quite unaware of the two conversing soquili above them. He shifted uncomfortably throughout the telling, feeling rather awkward, as this was the first time in a while that he has had such a long one-on-one conversation. As Orchu finished his explanation, Couscous gave a quick, slight nod; almost like a swift, convulsive jerk of his head. The stallion before him seemed benevolent enough and good-willed; right in his actions and decisions. Couscous curled his lips upwards slightly in a half-smile; he approved. Perhaps the other stallion wasn't as offensive as he originally thought.
"Well," he started, "I commend you for your... eh, noble efforts, then." He sighed and looked slightly away from Orchu, now confronted with the same question. "I find it... satisfying, to walk alone and without company in the presence of solely nature." He then looked down towards the ground in front of his hooves. His introverted nature would surely puzzle the other stallion, and make him think less of Couscous. "It gives time for me to think deeply of things, and to... find things," he continued, feeling obligated give a further explanation.
"But anyways... The basket. The mare must be exceptionally lucky, to bare foals to such an altruistic stallion," he wandered off to another subject, hoping that the old one wouldn't be continued any longer. He even went so far as to compliment the other stallion--something rare of Couscous to do; and it was not dishonestly said.
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Posted: Sat Mar 11, 2006 3:02 pm
Throughout telling his tale of how he, the familiars and his daughter came to rest off the rocky path under the enormous oak tree, Orchu noticed Couscous had kept some of his attention focused upon the two familiars sleeping silently upon the uncomfortable landscape below them. Orchu was unable to comprehend why the stallion seemed so distracted by the two sleeping forms; though he realized he was being rather rude suddenly. "The bear is Rami and the wolf is Lux. Rami is my familiar and Lux belongs to Auri. My human, Polar, found Rami one night during a thunderstorm and she decided to give him to me. Polar also owns Auri, whom is currently in her basket still and incapable of caring for the wolf presently. He accompanies Rami and myself. I do my best to care for them both." Orchu nodded upon finishing his explanation of the two creatures. The stallion listened intently to Couscous. "I am aware of what you mean. It is comforting to me to sometimes be on my own. I am then able to sort through thoughts and others antics. It is rather relaxing. My favorite place to be alone is under the gigantic willow tree upon the edge of the forest by the clearing." Orchu attempted to establish a connective boundary between the two of them so they would have something in common. Orchu's features contorted in a distorted sarcastic smirk as the other complimented him. "Actually I consider myself the lucky one. My mate and I produced three baskets. The one with me takes most after the radiance of her mother's coloring and her name is Nora. Her mother Kasumi truly is wonderful." Orchu sighed contentedly as he thought of Kasumi.
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Posted: Sun Mar 12, 2006 12:37 am
Ah, Orchu must have noticed him looking at the two familiars through the corner of his eyes. Couscous lowered his head apologetically and slightly smiled in embarassment--he had forgotten his manners whilst Orchu was speaking, apparently. In his mind, Couscous marveled at how much Orchu explained about things; it was quite new to him, but made him feel a bit comfortable; pleased, even. He liked it better when someone else was talking instead of himself. Couscous's previously-slightly tense body relaxed a bit when Orchu connected with him on the matter of being alone; for Couscous, it was hard to find soquili who enjoyed their own company in favor of others' company at times. The two might get along in the future, after all...
"...Kasumi!" Couscous exclaimed once Orchu mentioned the name. "So you are the one... You are Kasumi's mate. Pleasure to meet you," he bowed at once, as if Orchu had suddenly become an idol. Kasumi was an old friend of his--one he would never forget. After all, they shared the same teepee home with their two human companions. "No wonder I haven't seen her for a while. She was..." he chuckled, "she was off with you, and here you are now with children!" He smiled--a true smile, and laughed, regarding Orchu as if he were someone he had known for a very long time as well.
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Posted: Sun Mar 12, 2006 8:21 am
Orchu nodded in response to Couscous. It seemed to Orchu that the gray and black stallion was slowly becoming politer and Orchu was glad they had met. The stallion also visibly relaxed after Orchu elaborated on prior topics; lengthening the interrogations of one another into a remarkably pleasant conversation. Orchu was somewhat startled as Kasumi's name fleeting from Couscous' mouth with such exclamation. "You are familiar with the mare Kasumi?" Orchu didn't even think about his inquiry until he questioned it and realized what a daft question it was. The stallion shook his head is dissatisfaction but his eyes gazed back on Couscous as he continued. "Yes, we have been blessed with three baskets. I am rather excited as well as timid about being a father. I am dying to see them once they emerge from their baskets." Orchu trailed off and his ears pinned back once he heard an ominous howling of a wolf through the silence apart from his and Couscous' words. "Which direction were you heading in before I abrupty cut in upon your journey? If you are not in any hurry to go somewhere in particular perhaps you wouldn't mind accompanying me to my teepee? We could place Rami, Lux and my daughter safely within the teepee then continue our conversation or perhaps venture to somewhere liek the lake or something... The weather certainly is beautiful tonight dispite this shroud. I'm afraid it is rather difficult to carry a basket as well as two familiars by myself and I do not wish to disturb their slumber..." The stallion's words trailed off again hoping Couscous wouldn't mind joining him to his teepee.
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Posted: Sun Mar 12, 2006 1:55 pm
Nodding vigorously at Orchu to confirm that he had indeed known Kasumi for quite a while, Couscous's smile grew even wider, glad that he had met this stallion on his travels. Although... he may have inevitably met him anyways, him being Kasumi's mate, after all. "You'll make a great father," he remarked, nodding to the asleep forms on the ground--he seemed to be already perfect in the caring and protecting department. The abrupt sound of the wolf took over Couscous's attention for a bit, but gave him no worry. He didn't mind, and sometimes even enjoyed listening to the lonely, desolate cries of wolves howling in the presence of the moon.
"I wasn't heading in any direction, really," Couscous thoughtfully said. "I was just meandering around, and when dawn broke I would have gone back to my teepee, where my family and humans were. They know I wander off a lot on my own, so they don't mind me when I disappear for a while." He pondered for a moment. Perhaps the sudden cry of the wolf worried Orchu, making him wish to leave the vicinity at once; even more so because he had the basket and familiars with him. "Alright," he consented, "I will accompany you to your teepee. Where do you live? I myself actually live near the lake. And yes, the weather..." He eyed the surrounding fog covering the place. He had to admit, he wasn't used to the weather and climate, but it was quite comforting. "Who shall I carry?" he inquired suddenly.
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Posted: Sun Mar 12, 2006 3:44 pm
Orchu smiled genuinely. "I seriously doubt that but thank you for such an admirable comment. I have a certain feeling you would prove to be a most wonderful father as well. Do you have a mate?" The stallion recalled Kasumi mentioning the names Couscous, Rei, and Maize although Orchu had never met any of the three soquili prior to this encounter with Couscous. All he knew was that he forementioned soquili shared a teepee with Kasumi and there were two human who lived with the four soquili. "That's how I am." Orchu stated after listening intently to Cousocus. "I generally leave in the morning and wander about during the day and return to the teepee just past nightfall. Polar knows I'll be fine on my own. Ah thank you Couscous. I live in the mountains actually.... well it's...." Orchu blinked and looked up and down the path. "That way." He gestured with his muzzle in the direction the path continued winding on towards if Couscous had passed by him earlier. "We need to follow that path father along the base then take the path leading back up to the mountains; it's not a long hike up and then we should be able to spot a tributary and follow it until we reach my teepee." Orchu frowned at his own lack of proper directions. "If you don't mind doing so I'd apprecaite if you could carry Lux." The stallion turned and headed to the tree to his sleeping companions. Orchu laid down and extended one of his wings out next to the basket. Slowly he nudged it up his wings and safely onto his back; nestled securely between his feathery wings. Orchu slowly stood up once more and gently picked Rami up by the scruff of his neck. The bear growled lightly in his sleep yet stirred no more as Orchu placed the black bear in front on the basket on his back. The stallion waited for Couscous to grab Lux before they would begin walked along the rocky path.
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Posted: Tue Mar 14, 2006 8:07 pm
"Ah, no need for a gloomy outlook on the future of your kin," Couscous consoled. "And... ah, thank you..." he trailed, "I am already a father to three; two are in my care... they are called Maize and Rei... and, uh..." He looked into the distance wistfully away from Orchu, recalling the memories of his former "mate". "The other one is with his mother. I have not seen my son or the mother for a very long time, but I do know that she has been... well, unfaithful to me, and now has three children in addition to the three we bore together." He glanced back at Orchu and put on a cool visage, as if he were fine with everything--but he was not. "She was a winged soquili, and one of my daughters received the gift of her wings. The other two are not... I guess grounded soquili weren't suitable enough for the mother." He threw back his head and roared with a shaky laughter, making the pebbles underneath shake unwillingly; an echo followed in the darkness as if something were laughing at him instead. After regaining his posterity, he snorted and looked away once more, and a twisted, contorted smile spread across his muzzle. "...And she is called Stormwild," he seemed to hiss out in lamentation.
"Lux it is," he mumbled as he moped over to the wolf familiar. He instinctively paused for a moment, and then deciding that the wolf wasn't as dangerous as his innate senses screamed at it to have been, picked it up lightly in the same fashion as Orchu, placing it gently on his back. He wavered a bit in the moonlight before he walked over to Orchu's side, practicing the balance of the wolf in proportion to his back so it wouldn't fall off easily. "Lead the way," he softly said, and managed a feeble smile, trying to forget the earlier conversation about mates and Stormwild.
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Posted: Sat Apr 01, 2006 10:22 am
Orchu chuckled lightly at the thought of his 'kin'. The stallion was eager to see his children once they emerged from their baskets. Steel eyes paused momentarily upon his daughter's white basket. Nora had been within her basket a long time... Will Nora ever come out of her basket as well as her siblings? Orchu pondered tentatively. He had taken a long time to emerge from his basket, but certainily not this long. The stallion shook his head to awake himself from his reverie, causing his white mane to flip about. "Ah pardon me, I was not aware you already had children; how rude of me to make assumptions." Orchu bowed his head in an apology. "Rei and Maize are wonderful names if I may say so. You have never seen your son?" Orchu frowned and let out a cross between a exasperated sigh and a snort. "I pity your son. No offense or anything of course, but it must be upseting to have never met your father especially when he is such a fine soquili as you yourself are." He listened closely as Couscous told of Stormwild's actions. "That is outrageous, simply outrageous. If two are mates they should always remain together! That is inexcuassable rifraf running off with another! Such an undignified mare if you don't mind me saying so. It is fine of course if two are not mates and breed, but how mates can seperate is beyond me. This incident of course is most certainily not your fault. Having children with another. Inexcusable, inexcusable." Orchu shook his head in dissappointment. He did not mean to rant in such a manner and he hopefully had not offended Couscous by his notions. "If Kasumi went off with another and had children I think I would absolutely go beserk, I'm sure you know what I mean..." Orchu let his voice drift off and felt incredibly arrogant suddenly. He needed to control his composure, at this point he was exposing it so openly and only negative results would uprise in due course. The stallion watched Couscous as he wearily proceeded to pick up Lux. Orchu nodded at Couscous and began walking; his hooves clapping against the rocky ground. "Polar, Kasey and Cheryl have recently expanded the teepee upon which I dwell. It was becoming a bit crowded. Kasey and Cheryl own Auri and Lux along with Polar. And then you see Polar shares Nora with Kasey, and Cheryl shares Demon with Polar. Demon is a stallion with markings like a husky. Cheryl simply adores him and won him recently somehow..." Orchu flicked his tail. "Polar, Kasey, Cheryl, Nora, Auri, Demon, Rami, Lux and myself all share the teepee so as you can probably imagine it is rather extravagent in size... Kasey made some markings on the outside of the teepee using dye, she is quite the artist." Steel eyes focused on the ominous path ahead as they made their way along the path.
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