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 Posted: Sat Sep 08, 2007 8:32 am
  It had been several months since his monumental 'hatching out of the basket' day, one that Brannon won't ever quite clear away from his mind. The foal had been so small back then, a stunning combination of both his sire and dam, eyes wide open to drink in the new world that now lay before him to explore at his whims. When he had finally mustered the energy, they travelled to reunite him with his parents and newly 'hatched' sister; it had been a joyous occasion, and everything seemed to be going into a brighter direction. Maybe this foal would be something that could fullfill some meaning into his life.
However, the bright light flickered as the colt took onto a personality trait that was far from what his family, and even Brannon himself carried proudly. He was brash, rogueish, constantly getting into trouble and picking on his sister [as well as anything else he deemed should be]. It was as though he revels on rebelling against those he knew to make a more unique image of himself, to be someone that stood out from his well-mannered family and charge. It was no longer an easy task to keep an eye on the lively boy, as he had a penchant for running off as soon as the stallion's eyes were adverted elsewhere.
It was on one of these incidents in which Brannon was currently looking around in that same wooded area that he had met the questing mare for the mischivious foal. Where in the world did he go this time!?
Meanwhile, deeper in the forest was a not-so-much foal, not-so-much adult stallion. Requiem had grown enough to be larger than the new batch of foals for the month, but was not quite old enough to be free from the restraints that Brannon created around him, and to saunter around as he pleased. His fluffy spoof of a tail had grown to hang mid-lower leg, his mane became wild and untame, and no longer was he completely covered in baby fuzz. Yes, he was definitely in a more frustratingly awkward time of his life, and he certainly showed it. He was displeased that the old stallion still had to follow him around...it's not like he was going to die without him or anything.
Snorting at this thought, he stopped to observe his new surroundings. He hadn't ever been this deep in the forest before, and it thrilled him. What kind of adventures could he find here? Rotating his neck, he looked back in the direction he had come from. No doubt, Brannon was currently looking for him and tracking his trail. What a fuddy duddy.
Well, he better give him a good chase then! Flicking his ears forward, eyes wide and gleaming with excitement, he stepped deeper into the heart of a very large and dark forest, happily welcoming the unknown.
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Posted: Sat Sep 08, 2007 8:50 am
Why was it always foals that caused the problems? It always seemed to be the stallions too, not a day went by when one colt didn't recklessly launch himself into the unknown. Really, it made the mare rather grateful that she wasn't with child given the apparent insanity of every last one of them. Given her rather logical mindset she was more than certain that they would make her burst into tears and really...she couldn't handle the stress.
Her mother had the patience of a saint for kids, unfortunately Ash found herself easily irritated (though she may not show it).
Thus, it was with only a slight interest that she listened to the racket created by the colt. Lifting her head she only just caught the fluffy tail as it vanished into the depths. That made her raise a brow, in fact it made a brow rather high given just how reckless he was. Didn't he have any idea how dangerous it was in there? Particularly at this time of the year when the weather changed and made the ground rather slippery.
Of course he didn't. He was a colt!
She sighed, shaking her head gently as she continued to watch the now empty spot for a brief moment in time before glancing towards the direction in which he had come from. Here, a problem was posed as she was presented with two choices. Did she want to go and find the parent, did she want to pursue the child...or did she want to just stand here and advise the parent whenever they were lucky enough to come this way?
...Decisions, decisions.
Lowering her brow she opted instead to stay put and released a sigh as she lowered her head again to gaze. Any adult would be perfectly able to see her honey dappled coat as they passed.
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Posted: Sat Sep 08, 2007 7:14 pm
Leaves crunched under the weight of the now semi-frazzled painted stallion. It normally didn't take long for him to catch up to four-legged bird...no, usually, he's out of sight for about ten minutes before Brannon spies him, cuts him off, and gives him a good talk-to on the subject of danger and how young and vulnurable he still was, as much as he'd like to deny it. However, today, he hadn't so much as spot the colt in the distance.
Ears swivelled around each way as his eyes grazed every tree, bush, and thicket of the forest for any sign of that small flash of red or the flicker of white legs. No, not there...not here either....
Vili is going to kill him if she finds out he lost her son in the forest. He would never be able to forgive himself if something happened to hi-
And then a familiar figure crosses his line of vision, and he couldn't help but stop to stare. He hadn't expected to see her again, let alone so soon after the previous meeting. Granted, it had been months since he spoke with the mare, but for one whose life is engulfed in travels, a matter of months is merely moments, or a wink of an eye. He knew this from his own experiences, and is baffled by this apparation before him.
It certainly couldn't be..? But after closer inspection and several strides towards her reveals it to be true. It couldn't be anyone else under that honeyed coat, those turquoise tips and searching amber eyes...perhaps she had found her brother after all?
Thoughts of Requiem still firmly in his mind, he manages to push past them for a simple, questioning greeting. "Ash..?"
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Posted: Sun Sep 09, 2007 5:07 am
Oh she'd definitely found him alright, the entire encounter had been a memorable one both for herself and him. While he had been staggered to find he even had siblings, she had been stunned at how he looked. Those 'searching' eyes had widened in surprise and yet, after the immediate shock was over and the surprise subsided she was able to see things clearly. He definitely had looked like a 'beast' but there was something in his eyes that completely defied that stereotype.
Unfortunately, the shock had been to much for him and while he hadn't attacked her he had simply informed her (in a rather blunt way) that he was definitely not ready to deal with her. Apparently, Ashura had stumbled upon her brother but in doing so she had opened up a whole new can of worms... It seemed that her mother's 'failings' had caused him to develop a complex. It was a little upsetting but at last Ashura could understand why her mother seemed so ashamed.
...Her mother had never loved him, or rather she'd never given herself the chance to following his birth. If the herd disliked him, then she would too - as Ashura had left she had always suspected that her mother regretted that decision but she'd been young.
Nevertheless, Ashura had provided her brother with the space he desired and had retreated back to the lowlands in search of warmth and food. She had found both and savoured the rare moments of peace that came into her life. At present she had no intention of going home but with her brother now found she had no intention of leaving this area either.
Besides, it seemed her guide had found someone to hold her attention for the time being.
"Ash...?"
She knew that voice! Lifting her head up rather slowly, the mare canted it to one side and took a few moments to find the owner of the voice. It didn't take a particularly long time before her eyes settled on Brandon who she hadn't seen in how long?
She honestly couldn't remember, a few months but he'd had that peculiar basket with him.
"Small world," she observed with a small smile, confirming his suspicions about who she was just by replying in a more sociable manner. Anyone else may have simply stared at him - nevertheless she was quick to swallow the grass in her mouth to keep her manners. "Aren't you missing something?" she mused softly, obviously referring to his basket. Had he left it at home then?
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Posted: Sun Sep 09, 2007 7:22 pm
"Indeed," he replied, "what brings you back here? I thought you were looking for your brother?" He closed the distance between them [just outskirting the perimeters of comfort bubble zone] with slow, wide steps, tilting his head to the right questioningly. As far as his opinions were concerned, he had been under the impression that questing took more than just several months' time...she had to have either run into an incredible amount of luck to find him so quickly, or perhaps she had to start back from the beginning? Either seemed like good explanations as to why he was standing here, talking to the mare he was so certain he wouldn't see again, as tended to be with most soquili.
At her question, he visibly winces and wonders where that 'missing something' could be. He couldn't understand where such defiance and anger came from to nestle inside the colt, but it was certainly there and ragingly active. There hadn't been a single time that he can remember where Requiem had actually listened to his advice...it seemed the only one his ears would not turn away from were from his own mother, and even then, it was evident that it wasn't preferred.
"Unfortunately," he starts. "Perhaps you have seen him? He isn't very large, about yey -" at this he lifts his front left hoof and marks the area of description, "-high at the withers. He hasn't any color aside from a red streak in his mane, and he's awfully rude. Haven't a clue where he's taken that attitude from, as both his parents, and myself if I may add so boldly, are...more polite than he can ever grasp the concept of."
Indeed, he was. One of his largest faults was an "act now, think later" sort of motto, and this was definitely the kind of thought from a whim he was following right now. Curving his way around tree trunks, Requiem couldn't help but notice that the density of foliage was getting thicker, and because of this, the light had filtered to few and widespread streams trickling from parted branches in the canopy. To say he was becoming afraid was an understatement, but he would never admit to it.
Not even to himself.
He had carefully [or was it luck?] avoided slipping on the moist ground below him, but his biggest problem to face was simply this: it had become so dark, that he could no longer look behind to find his trail. There was no way back from here.
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Posted: Mon Sep 10, 2007 10:40 am
Brandon seemed to have forgotten just how long it had been. However, the spirits had been gracious and had blessed her with a great deal of luck in response to her pleas. While they hadn't directed her personally they had presented her with encounters with soquili and animals who were aware of who she sought. Unfortunately some had been inaccurate and she'd had a number of mistaken encounters but eventually she had found him...
"I found him," she replied as though skirting around the topic wasn't advisable. She had nothing to hide after all, was perfectly content to explain the situation to anyone who would listen. Ah yes, she was blessed with the ability to adapt quickly but sometimes she wasn't particularly savvy. "He lives in a very, very, very cold place...no word of a lie," she sounded almost enthusiastic though the old weather had definitely not been a pleasant experience.
That being said, as the stallion mentioned his 'something missing' she promptly raised a brow. Really, Sparkles was right when she said that the spirits worked in the most bizarre ways. It was just typical (hell she should have even assumed) that they would do something so utterly coincidental as this!
"Ah..." her tone became sage and she motioned towards the trees, wading through the bushes until she had drawn closer to the stallion, "I believe he pranced that way..."
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Posted: Thu Sep 13, 2007 7:31 pm
Coincidence indeed. The stallion, after his own years of travels and experiences, had come to the conclusion that everything in life is connected in some way, shape or form, no matter how big or small the interaction may be. It was as delicate as the web woven by a spider, each connecting silken thread representing a single living organism. It's a popular theory that has been discussed and debated for years throughout many species of animals, and while he himself doesn't know how deeply woven those threads were, he had an idea that they were, at least, there. Perhaps Sparkles had the same inkling as well.
His head slowly nodded as he took in the information that Ash gave of her life since their last meeting. So she did find him...well, that's good, he supposed. However, he couldn't help but feel something was amiss...wouldn't someone who spent a great deal of time looking for someone else and succeed stay with them? Or the other way around? He had already searched the area for Requiem, and he hadn't seen any other soquili aside from the mare standing before him...she was alone, and a cold place doesn't sound pleasant at all.
It wasn't in his place, he decided, to question what he had thought. For all he knows, her brother probably enjoys that cold weather more than anything else in the world and refused to leave his habitat, while she herself couldn't stand it and left. He thoroughly doubted this second, but more optimistic view, and was going to respond with something clever about the weather instead until the mare's second statement and gesture.
s**t.
Of all the places Requiem could run in to get himself trouble, he certainly picked one of the most dangerous of them. His body tensely froze before a zurge of adrenaline breaks through every vein of his body, and without another word, leaps into a gallop towards the thickening trees. This was an inappropriate way of leaving the honeyed mare without thanking her and he knew it, but he needed to find and catch the colt quick before something serious happened to him.
While Brannon had spoke of many travels in his youth, this territory of the forest was one unfamiliar to him, and only stayed once in the outskirts while taking care of the basket. His train of thought in one direction at the moment, he himself may need guidence out once he calms down and settles his hooves back on firm ground.
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Posted: Sun Sep 16, 2007 6:02 am
Typical male!
The thought chimed in her mind and she cracked a wry smile as she watched him bound off after his mischievous charge. Having never raised a child herself she couldn't quite fathom the concern he held for the little one but she was aware of the immediate danger posed to him. Unfortunately, while Brannon may have known of this as well he hadn't really taken any measures to stop himself from falling into the same web as well.
So what exactly did he plan to do if he found his charge and also discovered he was lost in the very same place he had told the child not to enter. Perhaps it would certainly be leading by example in terms of what not to do but she couldn't very well leave either of the pair stranded. If he panicked and the baby panicked - both likely given what she had just seen...then it was rather unlikely they would find themselves a way out any time soon.
Silly, silly.
She continued to muse as she drifted after the charging stallion at a more relaxed pace. The trail he would leave from battering through the foliage would ultimately lead her to him. There was no need to rush!
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Posted: Wed Sep 26, 2007 6:24 pm
[x____x I hope you don't mind the longness of the post, I tried to wrap their interlude lost and seperate from each other as quickly as possible]
He sped his way down the outer slope of the forest, carefully making sure to not slip in patches of wet mud dotting the dark earth's landscape. As his hooves thudded against ground, he found himself going deeper and deeper into the forest, eyes wide and swiveling around for a glimpse of the troubling gray foal. The further he ran, the closer the trees hugged and held themselves together, pushing him to slow down to a brisk, high-stepped walk. Negative thoughts invaded his conscious mind as he flicked his ears to catch sudden clumsy noises.
I am a bad guardian.
Req wouldn't have the urge to run away if it weren't so. Had he been too protective? Too possessive, even? Perhaps all the colt really did need was a little more freedom that he himself let him enjoy.
But there are far too many dangers in the world today than yesterday. He wouldn't have been prepared, or even able, to face them if things went wrong.
He bobbed his head in agreement to his miniature arguement. Yes, had he given Requiem free reign, he would have certainly found himself in a predicament where he couldn't flee from, and it would be Brannon's fault for being a lax mentor. However..
He's still gone right now.
Shuffling hooves led to a heavy hault and a sigh escaped past his thick equine lips. Who is he trying to convince? He had failed Maestro and Vilinia, he had failed Requiem, and worse yet: he failed himself. He could not take the responsibility of a parental figure, and now an [as much as he possibly could be] innocent youngling is lost, and possibly scared in one of the more dangerous environments that he could possibly get himself to be in.
Raising his head, he continued his search, one step at a time.
Indeed, Requiem was under a lot of anxiety and fear as each attempt at getting out only caused him to go farther into the very thing he originally wanted to be in. Coming around another turn, he swore he had already seen that twisted tree three times already. Flustered, he slumped against the crooked bark and slid to the ground. How long had he been in here? Gazing upwards gave no indication of the time of day, only leaves and the branch tips they sprouted from, obscuring the light.
It couldn't have been that long, could it? It couldn't possibly be night already.
....or could it? Tension quivered in every fiber of his body as he realized how very alone, how very dark, and how very quiet it was around him. He wasn't in a predicament where, if something were to come lunging at him from the shadows, he could easily veer away and run. Oh, no no no, he was a sitting duck if he stayed here. He needed to-
Stomp, stomp, rustle, stomp
And that's when he heard the rustling. Feeling as though his heart either sped up a million beats per second or completely stopped pounding at all, Req slowly glanced at the bushes besides him. The noise grew louder with every stomping noise, and almost at once, he knew.
He was going to die.
Paralyzed with fear, all he could do was close his eyes as the predator finally burst through the shrubbery, maws gaping open with sharp, pointy teeth.
"Oh thank god I found you."
Or at least, that's what Requiem had thought. Opening an eyelid revealed a large, blury stallion, nearly tripping all over himself to get to the not-so-much-a-foal. He had never been so glad to see his guardian, and he quickly got up [after the sudden shock leaves him] to meet him halfway.
The two stop a foot from each other, both examining the other in awkward silence until Brannon turns his head and looks behind him. "Come. We'll talk about this later. Right now we need to get out of here before night falls...then it will really be impossible to find our way back until the morning comes."
Not about to argue with him, Req followed Brannon back from where the stallion had come from.
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Posted: Sat Sep 29, 2007 6:38 am
How long until they realised they were lost? That was something the mare had been considering as she drifted through the undergrowth. At certain points the ferns had sprung back as he charged through and therefore in parts it was unclear as to where he had gone. Luckily, using her common sense she had sniffed him out and it was long before her own dulled hoof falls could be heard on the soft forest floor.
Given that she wasn't charging in, the undergrowth only rustled ever so slightly and for the most part she held her composure. For all intents and purposes she still looked as regal and composed as she normally did. Her expression though appeared to be bemused as she wandered further into the dark forest and came to a halt not far away from the pair.
...By the sounds of it, the 'little' one had been found. Or rather, the little-big one as he could probably rival Ashura in size (she really wasn't that tall). It was at this point that she opted to maintain her distance and wait for them. On the whole, it would be easier for him to rant and rave without her being there...for some reason parents always became subconscious when another adult was watching.
Well, most did anyway.
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Posted: Sun Sep 30, 2007 4:14 pm
The two walked in silence, Brannon leading the way a couple of feet forward with Requiem dragging his hooves on the forest ground behind him, ears flat, ego deflated. He felt embarassed for being caught in is overreaction; he should have just stopped, calmed down, and thought for a moment or two instead of panicking. Although he had physically grown almost to the size of adulthood, it seemed that he wasn't quite ready to strike out on his own.
And that ashamed him more than anything else. He should consider himself lucky over the events of today: nobody was harmed, and nothing traumatic really happened aside from his imagination getting away with him. He winced at his thoughts, not looking forward to the talk he was going to have with Brannon....who on the other hand..
Didn't exactly know what that talk would entail. He felt that the entire situation, however small it was, was his own fault for not trusting Req enough. Had he just left the boy alone, he had no doubt that he'd return safe and sound. He coughed, uncertain as to how he's going to bring the subject up...but for now, he needed to concentrate to their whereabouts.
He had gone by so quickly, the area they were in now was completely unfamiliar to him. His eyes searching for something recognizeable, they rest on a figure out in the eastern distance that glimmered a dull golden color. Aaahh...so she had followed, he thought to himself, and started making his way towards her. "Hello again, Ash."
Req, puzzled by the sudden change of direction and the greeting, poked his head out and looked at the direction they were heading. Huh...a strange mare.
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Posted: Mon Oct 01, 2007 8:27 am
Well it would have been completely irresponsible for her to leave them in the middle of a random wood. It would go against everything she had been taught and so she had followed. Therefore, she could only offer a bemused smile in response to the stallion's greeting - it was a little like stating the obvious...or rather it was stating the obvious but she wouldn't point that out.
"I see you found him then," she offered up her response, choosing to avoid a second greeting (she deemed it pointless). That being said, she was happy to see that both were in good order despite perhaps being a little lost...Well she didn't know if they were lost or not but his body language gave off something to that effect.
"He's a lot taller than I imagined," she mused, examining Req with a critical eye. When he had shot passed her previously her chance to see him had been fleeting, it was only now that she saw just how tall he was for a baby - either that or she was just a midget.
"All safe and well?"
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