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 Posted: Thu Jan 10, 2008 9:00 am
Dante had loads on his mind, and as he stood in a patch of mushy snow, he continued to remind himself of how frustrating and complicated life was. It had been a few days since he had heard about his brother, and he was able to help him and Rue and also find their mother in the process. But now he was alone again, and he was left with nothing but worries and confusion. Reaper was about doing his own silly games, and for months Dante thought that he had actually escaped the reality of Reaper, but now it seemed everything was back to haunt the stallion. Dante was so happy and free for awhile, but now it seemed like that freedom was over, and his mind was back where it started off so many years ago...
With a sudden head-shake, Dante tried to push away his terrible thoughts, and he breathed in deeply and reminded himself of his grandmother, and all of the positive things that had happened in his life recently. Those were what really mattered, and Dante needed to subdue his thoughts and control his anxieties. He started thinking about the friends he had, and the relationships he carried in the land. They were what kept him going, and the thought put a soft smile on the stallions face.
Even though Dante was still feeling very shaky in his thoughts, he decided to stroll forward, and walk through the landscape a bit. Whenever he stood idly by himself, he always got upset from some reoccurring thought. So instead, he decided to move himself as carefully as he could, and focus on what was around him, rather then what was going on inside of his head. It was hard, since the landscape was very empty and quiet, but it was better then staring off into space!
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Posted: Fri Jan 11, 2008 10:27 am
Eponine had decided to take her daughter out and about for the afternoon. The small one had seemed to have perked up in spirits as of late, and though she occasionally fell in to a darker anxiety, she had least shown interest in walking with her, and had even given signs of light affection. Her dark eyes hadn't burned with that bitterness and angst, at least not quite as brightly and accusingly as they had earlier.
Hopefully, her family and Ezriel were starting to rub off on the girl.
In turn, to not have to face the wretched knowledge that she had forced her daughter in to such a lowly state, it had perked up Eponine's spirits immensely. Oh, she understood and knew that Cassiel would be leaving her side to follow both her brother and Ezriel - and though it broke her heart to be abandoned by both - it was for the best. Cassiel needed her father and his attention now more than ever - so perhaps a time away mightn't be so bad.
Besides, she wouldn't begrudge the girl time with her father. Though she did wish a little to get to know her son, Rue. Ah, but she doubted he would leave his side so willingly - he adored his father. But why shouldn't he? Hell, they held every physical trait of Ezriel and practically nothing of herself - it was amazing they even saw her as mother and not merely a surrogate. Ah, but she wouldn't think of such things. . .
Not now. Not when she was to be spending time with her daughter. "D-Don't run t-t-too far ahead, love," Eponine caught herself saying, turning her walk in to a trot so as not to loose sight of the girl. Cassiel had a habit and history of running far away and fast - today was not going to be one of those days if Eponine had her way.
Cassiel, thankfully, had no intentions of running away. Like her mother, the young one knew that her time with Eponine was short - her father would soon return to take her away from the world and introduce her to his side of the family. Besides, she was excited to get to see Rue again, and to be more patient and willing with his oddities and quirks. Though she fought everyday to war with the grip of darkness, as of late light had won. Her turbulent spirit had softened and the waves of emotion that often plagued her had tamed. Temporarily at least. Inspiration ran through her veins if only to prove to both Father and Not-So-Angel-Grandpa that she too could ignore the hurt, that she too could be something to be proud of. Though the cogs of her mind still wondered what the point of life truly was, if not just a build up to ones death, well. . . she'd mull a few more days over it.
As far as she saw now it didn't offer much except trees, clouds, snow and sky. And sometimes, on occasion, another soquili or two.
Pausing at the top of a small hill, the little filly blinked when her black orbs spotted someone. Dante was a stranger, of course, and surely looked like one she'd never seen! Freezing, unsure whether or run back to her mother, or dip down low and try to hide in the snow, the shy one just stared and studied.
. . . usually she wasn't worth the time of day to bother another. And though she still secretly didn't find herself worthy, the little one knew not what to do or where to go. An overwhelming shyness over came her, and with a small gasp she belatedly whipped around and back the way she came.
Oh bother. She didn't want to meet someone today!
Of course, her retreat to hide didn't carry her far. Eponine had reached the peak of the hill, and paused, oblivious of the stranger ambling their way. Ears pricked, she turned her head down to nose at the filly that hid between her legs. "What's wrong?" Eponine spoke softly, her white man whipping in the winter breeze.
Soft, aqua eyes peeked down the hill, and she spotted a stranger not far off. She tossed the stranger a double take, catching sight of horns riding down his spine. Such spikes caused Eponine no fear, but they did remind her of someone she knew. . . . someone she came to know just a little too well.
Ah, but many a soquili had spikes - this one looked much softer than Ezriel, and even had feathers from behind his ears. Coincidence, really, but Eponine would not let her daughter be afraid. Taking a careful step over her, she smiled softly, "C-c-come along now - I'm m-m-most certain he isn't g-going to bite!" White tail swishing softly behind her, the young mare, with her daughter grudgingly ambling behind, continued on their treck. As their distance bridged, despite the weariness in her stance, she felt a small tug of her old self appear. It was one thing to be depressed around ones loved one and family, it was quite another to show that side to the rest of the world. "G-g-greetings, sir," she acknowledged, dipping her head almost shyly.
Cassiel, the little one, half-hidden in her mothers long tail, peeked out. Who was this guy anyway? A glance from her mother, before the little one heaved a heavy sigh. Dipping her head, black voids staring hard at the ground, she let her own fluffy mane drop over her gaze. ". . . hello. . ." It was hardly above a whisper, but such was her curse from her mother. Where Eponine stuttered and stammered, lil' Cassiel could speak no louder than a whisper. Thankfully, neither mother nor daughter seemed to take much notice or mind.
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Posted: Fri Jan 11, 2008 12:48 pm
The realization was enough to make the stallion fall over, and as the two females approached Dante, he felt his jaw lower inch by inch. Fate was surely laughing at him right now, for why else would he see THEM. In front of him stood Ezriel's DAUGHTER, the one that Ezriel and Rue spoke of and discussed, and that female with her was, with no doubt, Eponine. Those were the two that Dante had learned about just the other day, and it was a complete shock of awkward and surprise that continued to smack his brain. "Goodness.." Dante then muttered, while under his breath. He suddenly felt exhausted, since the blue mare was a complete shock to him. She was so pure and kind looking, and the thought of what Ezriel did.. made the entire image ten times worse. And Ezriel's daughter, Cassiel, was a spitting image of her father, and it was a sight that truly amused Dante. Cassiel and Rue were definitely Ezriel's kids, and Dante just couldn't get over that fact.
When he realized he needed to actually speak to who had addressed him, Dante tried to forge a smile before responding back. "Hello there to you both." s**t, should he tell them that he knew them? Or should he play dumb? Dante was NOT someone who was intellectual enough to understand these types of scenarios, so he blankly stared at them while feeling a large amount of sweat develop under his mane. The conversation, would no doubt, be stressful for the next few minutes. Dante just needed to act calm and respond as naturally as he could, and also think carefully about what he wanted to say. He wanted to tell them that he knew who they were, and after many minutes of thinking, he decided to go with that idea anyhow.
Dante decided that he hated the idea of lying anyways, so he should at least be forward to two very important individuals. "It is nice to meet you, Eponine and Cassiel." There.. that was probably creepy, but at the same time, it felt like the right measure to say. "I am, um, Dante." Would Eponine know who he was? The stallion was throwing a wild card into the situation, and he slowly widened his eyes while staring back and forth between the two females.
Rather then speaking more, he kept himself hushed, and decided to wait for their initial reactions.
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Posted: Fri Jan 11, 2008 1:16 pm
At the stallions greeting, Eponine found herself speechless. Aqua eyes went a bit wide, before she quickly turned her head so as not to futher gape and stare. How had he known. . . .? She'd certainly never met a stallion such as he, harboring both spikes and wings. That she knew truthfully and for certain! So how on earth had he known both their names?
Creepy was right, though she felt no fear. Whoever the powder grey and black stallion was - though she had her suspicions - he just didn't seem the sort that would harm them. Honestly, Eponine had no idea who all resided within Ezriel's family. . . . She had heard of his father, and of Nimue, Ezriel's great beloved but beyond that was a mystery to her Obviously this one had to have some relation - if his knowledge of them wasn't enough to make her wonder, than those spikes that ran down his back were now undoubted proof.
Eponine felt her throat tighten, her mouth suddenly dry. She knew nothing of Dante, nor his feelings towards his family or Ezriel. The mare suddenly felt herself embarrassed, as if she were some recognized harlot. Quickly, she dropped her gaze to her hooves, trying to find something to say. What had Ezriel told them of her? What could they think of a mare so silly and foolish to have found herself confused over the boundries of lust and love. No, Ezriel was never meant for her, but she had been there when he needed someone. . . . and she had gone along for the ride. Too far gone. Shame, not out of Cassiel or Rue, but of her own actions caused the mare to grow voiceless, and she could only softly, shyly murmur a greeting in return. "T-t-tis a pl-pl-pleasure, Dante, s-sir. . . "
Ugh. If she could have blushed it would have deepened as it occurred to her that perhaps that wasn't the best choice of words. Especially coming from a tart like her!
Though Eponine was speechless, Cassiel blinked as she stared up at the stallion before her. The pink and white washed girl felt confidence return as he spoke his name, and the black voids of her eyes lit with a new found amusement. Hadn't Ezriel mentioned something about an uncle of the same name? Oh - certainly this dark hooved stranger had to be it!
Stepping out from underneath her mothers thick mane, the black haired filly swished her tail and approached. Her shyness and reservation had vanished, somewhat, and she gave the feather-touched male a better inspection. Her rump wriggled some before she gave a whisper of a smile. Family was all right. . . . .
She could be strong and proud for them. In a voice hardly above a whisper, the little one softly, just as shyly announced, "I know you! Well. . . Papa told me of you. I din' think I'd get to see you yet~!"
But oh how the little one was delighted. Perhaps her emotions weren't as apparant as Rue, and they surely were subdued, but she was trying. A few days previous one might have found her begging to jump off the nearest cliff - but Reaper and Ezriel had talked some sense in to her. Almost. For now her residual tender emotional state had been temporarily transformed. . . . But that inner darkness and angst was inches from the surface.
Just because a battle had won did not mean the war was over.
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Posted: Sat Jan 12, 2008 7:02 am
It seemed that Dante stressed the blue mare out completely, and he shifted his eyes before feeling sort of awful. He didn't want to freak her out like that.. but what was done was done. He had already made it obvious that he knew them, and just as he was about to continue and embarrass everyone, Cassiel said some intriguing words. The filly was so so quiet, but Dante was luckily keen on listening.
Cassiel knew of him? Dante lowered his head so he could stare at the little female, and he let a wide smile mold onto his face. "Papa did? I just saw Papa the other day." But Dante would NOT go into how terrible that encounter was, and how stressful the situation actually was. "I've been meaning to meet you, since I am part of your family." Cassiel was so different from Rue, that Dante was completely surprised that she even came from Ezriel! But, if anything, Cassiel was probably more like Ezriel anyway, whereas Rue was the random one of the group.
Dante then lifted his head so he could kindly smile at the blue mare, and he hoped that things were making sense for her now. "Yes well, Ezriel is my brother you see. I probably should have said that first, rater then confuse everyone, but I was as nervous to approach as you probably were." Dante then chuckled at himself, before straightening his posture and thinking about the two females in front of him. Would they have questions for him? Dante wondered if he should act dumb around them, so that they wouldn't feel the need to ask him anything too personal.
"So how is everyone today?" The words were obnoxiously causal, and Dante continued to hold a grin while looking from female to female. That was a valid question... right?!?!
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Posted: Sun Jan 20, 2008 8:11 pm
Some part of the blue mare was pleased that the spiked stallion before her seemed receptive to the encounter. She had half-wondered if he might have been as temperamental and aggressive as Ezriel was known to be. Though she did care for the crimson haired male, she also understood that he was to be handled delicately and with caution - he often grit his teeth to suppress snarls and inward battles; he often glared out of the world with his black orbs and was often tense and anxious. Thankfully, despite her surprise and embarressment at her reputation preceding her, this Dante fellow seemed different.
Where Ezriel was anger and hostility and brokenness wove in to rage, the silver and crimson one before her seemed more . . . amicable. It was a bit of a relief, and she realized that though he might secretly judge her or look upon her with shame or disgust, he made no outward displays of such an emotion. In fact, at his casual words, Eponine almost heaved a sigh of relief. . . .
She had been afraid he might accuse her and lay blame upon her shoulders; her lack of propriety had been most outrages, and two daughters and a broken heart was the only reminder of her choice. Though the two foals she could handle, it was the residual effects of hurt that haunted her the most, the quiet whispers and wonders of what others thought, of the new label she understood quite frankly that she'd receive. Still, he was the first of Ezriel's family that she had an opportunity to meet. "Oh no - p-p-please," she hastily assured, peeking up at Danta from her bangs, "It's quite all right, r-r-really. I must admit I w-w-wondered of relation, b-b-but hadn't wanted to assume." Lifting her head to a more cordial manner, she gave a small, shy smile. "It t-t-truly is a pleasure."
Never had she thought she might get to meet his side of the family. Considering Ezriel's lack of attachment, or even his interest, she had figured that Cassiel and Rue's other relatives might remain anonymous. If not to them than at the very least to her. Thankfully though, that seemed far from being the case. Her white tail swished lightly, and the young mare was quick to jump on to the easy band of conversation - if they spoke casually of nothing in particular, perhaps they need not to roam in to more sensitive subjects. "We are d-d-doing well, thank you, sir," Eponine added, glancing down to affectionately nudge Cassiel's neck. "Isn't th-that right, love?"
Cassiel felt a surge of pleasure tug at her heart strings as Dante spoke of her father. She wasn't sure if she was jealous or not that the silver one had an opportunity to meet her father before she. Still, the little one was curious more about on particular but unspoken detail - her brother. "Didja see Rue then?" The little filly truly did hope that her brother had been well met. . . When had been the last time she'd seen him?
It truly had been far too long.
Taking a shy step out from between her mothers legs, the little one took a stride forward, reaching her neck out to carefully get a better sniff at this uncle of hers. He had spikes like papa, but strange wings on his head too. Hrm. And he was coloured much more differently too! Her dark orbs narrowed, and her little puff of black fur swished behind her. Giving a small stamp of her hoof, remembering what both her father and Reaper had told her, she did her best to stand proudly. It was a pitiful attempt, considering her own overwhelming shyness and uncertainty, but a good try nonetheless. "You dun' have to be nervous. . . . Mama doesn't bite, and I. . .I'm just me." She almost wanted to say she wasn't worth being afraid of, but Reaper's disgust in her changed her mind.
No, she was of Ezriel's lineage and was that spiked-angels grandfoal - he had told her not to care about what the world thought and to truly live. He had been right, just as Ezriel had been right that her darkness had consumed her and she only hurt because she allowed herself to. . . . No, she had made up her mind to change and thus she was going to. Even if it wasn't easy.
She still didn't believe she was worth much of anything, but even so, she could pretend. If only to make them happy. If only to try to make herself happy.
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Posted: Mon Jan 21, 2008 9:16 am
"Well I am glad I don't have to be nervous." Dante then said, while smiling a the little girl. "I tend to be nervous a lot, so I needed a break." Both the mare and the child intrigued Dante, and he could only watch them quietly before realizing that he really did have nothing to worry about. They didn't seem to be judging him, and they also didn't seem to want to be mean or anything. "I have seen Rue as well, he is something isn't he?" he then said, while looking down at Cassiel again. "You are much different them him, last time I saw him he was tugging me everywhere while screaming and shouting." Rue was so energetic that Dante wasn't sure what to do in front of that colt! Dante would get exhausted in a manner of minutes!
"I must say though, it was pretty hilarious to watch Ezriel chase after him every wherever he went, and that was probably the best image for me to see." Dante chuckled to himself, before realizing it was probably uncomfortable ground to bring up Ezriel and Rue. He was confused on how the blue mare felt about the situation, so Dante decided to watch his words and the mare carefully, since he couldn't tell if she wanted to hear him talk about Ezriel, or if she didn't want him to.
"But uh, it really is nice to finally meet you both." he then said, while wondering if it was fate or something. "I had heard about you both from Ezriel, and I am honored to finally meet you." Dante then lowered his head in a comfortable manner, before brining it up quickly. "I usually don't take part in a lot of family stuff, so it can be hard to find me sometimes. I wander and stay out of a lot of the.. drama." He wondered if drama was too bold of a word, but he decided to go with it anyhow. Both females were probably aware of the massive drama that always resided in Dante's family, so there was no use hiding it.
"But anyways, what about you two? Have any fun or interesting stories?" Dante really hated controlling the conversation, and he was seriously lagging with speech! He was working hard to do his best at the same time.
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Posted: Sat Jan 26, 2008 10:35 am
It didn't upset Eponine with the mention of Ezriel. In fact, she herself couldn't help but smile softly as she imagined the white, spiked beast to chase after their little son. Rue, though she wasn't able to spend a lot of time with the boy who absolutely adored Ezriel, she'd seen him enough to know that he was a bit eccentric and wild. A little dreamy, but at least that was something she could say she'd given him.
She could see it now - the stallion's nostrils flaring, muttering something about how damn-tastic the situation was, grinding his teeth and doing his best to keep his composure. Ah, she almost wished she could have witnessed such a scene, or at least had kept the family together a wee bit longer than had happened. One minute they were together, the next Ezriel had gone with Rue. . . .and would soon with Cassiel too. It pained her to have her children taken away - and part of her wondered if perahps they did love Ezriel more - but she refused to let such a pain distract her now while in such good company.
This Dante seemed to be a genuinely good sort, definitely different from his brother. He'd be a good influence on Rue and Cassiel both, she knew, and her children didn't deserve to go through life without knowing their relatives. It was only a shame that. . . .
Well. . . it didn't matter. Ezriel was in her children's life and that's all that mattered. So what if his true love was somewhere else?
"Ah, I'd imagine th-th-that Ezriel's learning a gr-great deal of patience," she added softly, allowing herself to smile while her blue eyes sparkled in good humor. It wasn't often she had a reason to laugh, and evne if at the moment it was at Ezriel's expense, well. . .a little bit of good humor and mirth wasn't harmful. She hoped Dante at least could understand. Pawing at the ground, she even went so far as to toss the pale stallion a wink. "Please th-though - remind him to w-w-watch his language. I d-d-doubt he'll remember himself, and I even doubt he'll listen, but. . . . " She shrugged softly, glancing down at Cassiel, small smile still painted upon her features. Eponine wasn't the swearing sort, and she knew how impressionable foals could be.
Looking back up, she listened as Dante spoke of his wanderings. She could only imagine what sort of family drama ensued, though she only really knew Ezriel. Dante seemed low key, but his brother had indeed found himself with heaploads of trouble. It was as if he couldn't stay out of it no matter how hard he tried. "I d-don't blame you - I used to wander myself, avoid the c-c-conflicts seen at home with my own b-b-brothers, but m-mostly to see the world. I d-d-do hope, at the very least, you can say you've enj-joyed yourself." What good was wandering and avoiding the rough times if the trip wasn't at least worthwhile?
At the mention of Rue, the little girl couldn't help but get excited. Her smile grew more genuine, and her black eyes sparkled with something MORE than her shy darkness. Her little rump wriggled and she danced from hoof to hoof, allowing her excitement to brew. Giggling, she smiled up at her Uncle. "Ooooh! Rue is very silly sometimes!" Or so the the little girl couldn't help but agree.
Nonetheless, she knew it wouldn't be long before her brother and she were reunited once more, and she said nothing else as the conversation continued.
Cassiel listened with partial intrigue as Dante and her mother chattered. Despite her gravity and her spot of darkness, she was still very young and wasn't easily entranced by the words of the adults. Instead, she grew more fascinated at her uncle's furry legs, and had taken it upon herself to sneak forward. She reached out her neck, poking at the thick, snow covered fur and lifted her own hoof to see if perhaps, it too, might someday grow so very thick. From what she saw, she better not get her hopes up. . . .
Her ears did twitch as suddenly Dante inquired about their stories or fun adventures. The little one gave a quick skip through his legs, curling around one only to peer up at him. He was similar to her father, and not at all. He didn't seem to harbor hurt or pain or anger; that darkness that she could feel writhe deep within her heart, though currently newly chained, didn't seem to be within this one. He was gentler. . . softer.
It made sense though - he should be soft because he was mighty furry 'n' hairy! Still, looking to her mother to speak, she gave a little smile before burrowing herself in to Uncle's hair. A muffled voice could be heard, her tail swishing back behind her. "Not really - I saw Papa a lil' while ago. . . He's gonna take me to see you - but you found us first! I may get to see Not-So-Angel-Grandpa too, and. . . and Rue. I dunno about the others though. . . ."No, she didn't know what to think of this Grandma Lady or, allegedly, some Aunt. Still - Dante was nice, and Reaper hadn't thrown her off a cliff but had helped inspire her to step away from her darkness. Along with Ezriel and his affections, she had finally gotten a dose of what she needed to help break away that ebb of self-loathment that had plagued her from birth.
What had Reaper said - to live without worrying about others? To not be so caught up in what the world saw in you and how they judged you?
That was indeed very true. Tilting her head, poking her nose out of his hair, she looked up. ". . . I haven't met them before!
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Posted: Mon Jan 28, 2008 5:39 pm
"Oh, don't worry." Dante then said, with a shifty nod. "Even though Ezriel swears all the time, Rue has learned not to pay attention to him. Its very humorous really, Rue seems to block out everything negative or degrading." Dante let himself chuckle a bit, since Rue was so lucky to have that skill. He was able to ignore everything, and Dante would have loved to grow up like that. "You have conflicts of your own? I am sorry to hear that." Dante then said, with a compassionate smile. "We can't help what family we are stuck with."
As much as he wanted to say that, he knew he DID care about his family in the reality of things. "I am slowly learning new things to enjoy in life. It is something my mother and grandmother have taught me, actually." He might have been a bit old, but learning was just a part of the fun! "I am a slow learner, what can I say!"
And sadly.. he had no shame to that fact. He was just glad that he had his own way of doing things now! "Are you able to enjoy yourself, despite family problems? It must be nice having a daughter around, its probably like a mini version of yourself." Another grin struck Dante's mouth, and he felt the exact same way when he first laid his eyes on Rue and Ezriel.
Dante then brought his eyes back on Cassiel, and he pondered her words for a moment. What was Cassiel's relationship with her father like? Since she was so different from Rue, did she need affections herself? It made Dante sort of sad, since she was a little gal afterall. "And I am glad I found you both! There is a lot of family to meet, and I am sure you will notice that soon." Dante realized it must have been overwhelming for the filly to meet everyone, since.. they weren't very normal at all...
"Not-So-Angel Grandpa? What is that, then?" Dante seemed to miss the point to the filly's words, and after he said the words himself, he realized Cassiel was talking about Reaper. "There isn't a reason to meet your grandfather.. great-grandma is much better!" he then said, while quickly correcting himself.
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Posted: Fri Feb 08, 2008 10:12 am
Eponine listened to the stallion's words, and was rather amazed by the differences between the two brothers. Their colours were different, but they both donned a set of spikes that could only dub their lineage. They were unique amongst soquili kind, and though such a thought brought her no fear, she was learning that she couldn't judge Ezriel's family to be like him. Dante thus far had yet to gnash his teeth, to snarl or grumble, or talk about how damn-tastic everything was. Though she was sure the ghost of a male before her had felt pain too, it wasn't as obvious or apparent as his brothers. Still, she was pleased to meet a seemingly gentler soquili - Eponine could only stand overwhelming darkness for so much before her own light began to suffer.
As she was told about her white and red son, the mare gave a gentle smile and even managed a little chuckle. Her blue eyes glazed over as she imagined the horror Ezriel might have felt at the antics of his son. The little one had been a bit of dreamer, like herself - full of optimism and joy. Given, she hadn't had long to spend with the little colt before Ezriel had left with him, so to be perfectly frank she knew very little of her son. "Well th-th-that pleases me, I m-must admit. He sounds sw-sweet, at any r-rate, and I'm glad to know th-th-that he's well. Both of th-them." She added with a nod, turning her attention more fully on Dante.
She listened and couldn't help but give the male a more sincere and genuine smile, one all for him. A flicker of her old self returned as the conversation touched away from Ezriel and the children, and her eyes brightened. "Ah, b-b-but regardless of the speed of absorption, you at l-l-least art still learning and th-that is the most important! It is g-g-god too enjoy yourself, and I d-d-do hope you shall continue to." Life was full of blessings, she realized, hidden amidst the hurt and pain. Shadows didn't last forever, and even a mistake could be transformed in to something wonderful, something beautiful.
Her children proved that.
Shaking out some of her white bangs from her face, Eponine canted her head at the male before giving him another smile. "My f-f-fmaily's problems are minute in c-c-comparison to some. Sibling r-r-rivalry and all th-that. But I do love th-them, regardless, and I do f-f-find joy in my daughter very much." Leaning down she gave Cassiel a gentle nuzzle, as if to prove not so much to herself but her daughter that such a statement was true. The girls darkness often left her spirits subjected only to hurt and Eponine was doing all she could to show her that she was truly, TRULY loved.
Whether or not it was working, Eponine could only guess.
Cassiel, on the other hand, continued to peek up and investigate her Uncle. She liked his hair, that much she understood, and found a comfort in his presence that was much like her mothers. She didn't, she found, have to fight for his attention or keep herself waiting with baited breath that he might acknolwedge her presence. Even though she was unsure whether or not he liked her, and she surely didn't suspect him to feel any amount of kindred or love - he at least was family, and he seemed . . . . nice.
Was he truly her father's brother?
Well, Rue was nothing like herself so maybe it truly was so.
As he spoke of this great-grandma person, the filly squinted, wondering. Wait. . . . Her black orbs narrowed in confusion and her nostrils flared slightly. She glanced up at her mother, almost concerned, and then back at Dante. "Do you mean to tell me I have another grandma that's great? Or is there yet another grandma waiting elsewhere?" The filly's brow crinkled before she offered a brief, ghost of a smile. She ran between Dante's legs, then wheeled and did the same for her mothers, before coming to a stop between the two. "How many family members do I have!? Oh, she seemed to have a lot and for some reason. . . .for some strange thing, it pleased her. Though a sliver of her darkness wanted to object, to cause alarm and concern over their judgement another part of her, a foreign part, hoped. Maybe it made her chances for being liked greater. . . . . or hated. Only time would give tell her exactly how she'd been labeled. She'd find out, soon enough.
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Posted: Sat Feb 09, 2008 3:17 pm
Dante could feel an immense sadness from the mare, and it made his own body feel incredibly uncomfortable. He definitely understood how tragic life could be, but at the same time, he knew that sadness could be overcome. Maybe Eponine just needed a light herself? Dante could barely tell at this point, since he didn't know the mare at all. It wasn't his place to to dapple anyways, since his brother had been in her past. That was enough to assure to Dante that things were definitely complicated..
His thoughts were quickly shifted, and he looked down at Cassiel while placing a comfortable grin on his face. "Well, sadly I don't have any clue just how many family members we have. But that makes it kinda exciting, don't ya think?" He still held his grin, but he felt awful for lying to the child. Family members were sprouting all the time, and Dante couldn't even count who was new or whatever. That was what his father did, and that's what made the family hardly stable. "I'm sure when you get older you will be able to meet all kinds of family members, but until then, I'll be one of the first randoms for you to meet!" Heh, and that was kinda exciting, wasn't it?
His view was moved to the mare again, and with that he nodded gently at her. "You really have raised Cassiel wonderfully, I sense that she will grow up to be a lovely mare herself. But I mean," he paused slightly, while shifting his footing. "If the two of you ever need help or anything, let me know." His grandmother had taught him to care for everyone he came into contact with, especially if they carried the terrible family bond. Ezriel surely wasn't around, so Dante made sure that he would be, for his brother and for Eponine's sake. "I doubt I can do much, but I am here anyways!"
That was good enough, wasn't it? Sometimes emotional support was what was always needed anyhow.
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Posted: Mon Feb 18, 2008 7:15 am
Eponine listened to the ghost of a stallion, and was partially amazed that he held any relation to Ezriel at all. He spoke much more freely, and held a gentleness that was soft to the soul. He wasn't all brooding anger, darkness, and bitterness; he was something gentler, something kinder and even if he had his own crosses to bear, he didn't wear them so loudly upon his bearing. No, this was one whom could communicate and speak and perhaps even feel joy and kindness. . . . .
The fact that he was being so kind and unjudging of her or Cassiel was enough to cause her throat to clench; the fact that he was actually offering to help - her, a complete stranger - was too much. Lowering her head, allowing her white hair to fall forward and hide her face, she murmured softly, "You are t-t-too kind. I . . . I appreciate th-the sentiments, t-t-truly," she did her best to keep her voice stable, else he might see how close to tears she danced.
No, she'd never purposely go out of her way and inflict Dante with her presence; of course not. It would be rude and selfish and she doubted that there ws anything he could fix. She herself had made her own bed, but maybe. . . maybe for Cassiel's sake the presence of a softer uncle would help draw her out of her shell. Out of her darkness.
Who knew?
Cassiel, on the other hand, listened to her Uncle with knitted brows. Her black tail swished back and forth as he spoke of being unaware of how large the family was. So, she might have lots and lots and lots of others to meet?
Great. . . ugh. It wasn't that she didn't like surprises, it was just that she . . well. . . didn't like surprises! She wanted to know everyone so she could better account for their views on her and her brother and how she might need to act. Ezriel saw and acted one way, her mother another, Reaper demanded this, Twilight demanded that . . . It wasn't easy trying to find her place amongst a family so different and strange. In fact, it was down right hellish.
She hated it sometimes, especially when she remembered how agonized her mother and father had been at their birth. Still, pain wasn't always a bad thing, right? That's what Reaper had said. Some wounds weren't meant to be healed, and maybe her own inner demon and darkness weren't ever to be tamed.
Nostrils flaring, she pawed at the ground as she thought. Still, it was exciting to say she'd now met an uncle, her father's brother, who seemed to have little problem dealing with her. She liked him - he spoke nice to mother and didn't glare or twitch when looking down at her. He wasn't like father, but he was in some ways a little better. He was nice without being forced to be, at least around her, and that made her feel great and worse all at once. Why couldn't Ezriel be like that? Why?
"You will be one of the first and I won't forget you neither!" She stamped her hoof as if that sealed the deal, and even graced him with a shadow of a smile. Even her own darkness could recede, regardless of her seriousness "So does this mean I can see you again and again? Seeing as your one of my first Papa Uncles to meet?" She crinkled her nose and gave a soft snort, in the most Ezriel like fashion, before adding softly, "I dun wanna have to not see you anymore or have your run away. I . . .I know I don't have spikes but - but I wanna be part of your family too!" It was as if she were begging him to let it be so, as if he were the dictator over relations. Half panting, not used to speaking so much in one sitting, the black eyed lady stared up at the long haired Dante with a desperate look.
She'd failed Ezriel, somehow, and though she was going to get to spend time with him she feared he might yet change his mind. Rue was always with him, always his favorite, as if her black and white brother wasn't good enough for their mother or she. She didn't like having to split up between them, nor did she like being away from her sibling all the time either. Maybe if Dante, her Uncle, put in a good word for her he might change his view.
Maybe if she appealed to the stormy grey male he would think better of her and therefor get Ezriel to think the same. She didn't want to have to be away all the time; though she adored Eponine and Grandpa Twilight, she was desperate to know what her other family was like too.
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Posted: Tue Feb 19, 2008 11:04 am
Dante nodded at the mare, before focusing his eyes on the filly's face. Such sadness everywhere, it truly was an awful sight to see! Had Ezriel any idea of what this family was going through? Apparently not.. and it bothered Dante greatly. He would have to talk to him about that, and whip some sense into his brother. Or if he did, he would truly realize how different he and the stallion were... brothers or not, apparently they handled things differently.
"Family is family, there is nothing to worry about. I don't vanish or disappear, since I used to have the same fears when I was younger." Just thinking about himself at a younger age was depressing, and Dante knew what the little filly was going through. "Spikes or not, it doesn't matter. You are who you are. You shouldn't analyze things like that, you will see as you get older, you will grow up and learn how to interpret things yourself. You will become stronger, and I think you will benefit wonderfully from that."
He knew his advice was weak, but Dante thought of himself as weak. He wasn't a princely stallion who was there to save the day. If anything, he was probably a dose of reality that both Eponine and Cassiel needed. Maybe his reality was to show them a different side of the family? If that was true, hopefully he succeeded? "And you are sure both of you are alright in living standards, food, any necessities like that?" he then asked, with a hint of worry in his eyes. "Its my job to worry, that's what family is for." Dante would have to rethink what family meant, since he had only known the terrible side until his mother and grandmother put it into perspective. Now it seemed there was more good around.. and where there was good, there was bound to be happiness, right?
"I just want to make sure you two are set for any season's changes and such." Dante had a long list of family members he needed to check on, and sometimes he wondered if he was becoming a servant or something to the family!
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Posted: Wed Feb 27, 2008 6:14 pm
((Back from Cali! Sorry for the delay! <3 ))
Eponine hardly knew how to respond to Dante. Was she surprised? Incredibly so but it was a good feeling nonetheless. Her expression softened somewhat as she listened to the advice he gave Cassiel and she had to remind herself that this was Ezriel's brother - the way he talked and accepted them so quickly reminded her of her own family. . . .
Not all were cursed with the spike-tailed stallion temper; not all with his blood turned out so obviously rough around the edges. That was a good thing, wasn't it? Perhaps her daughter might realize this and know that she needn't feel so outcast or different. Regardless of her appearance, she could indeed integrate in to the family; even with out Ezriel there, the young filly could also be accepted by Dante and . . . perhaps the others.
Though the ghost stallion might not think himself useful or his advice strong, he was dead wrong. It did good to both their hearts to see such kindness and such vindication and honesty about family. He didn't judge daughter for being impure, nor did he [as far as she could tell] label herself as a weak-willed tart! No. . . . Here was goodness. With a more ready grin, the blue mare smiled and gave a little shake of her head. " I ap-p-preciate your k-k-kindness and thoughtfulness, sir, b-b-but. . . But we shall be q-q-quite well, th-thank you. My f-f-family isn't far from here and shall b-b-be. . . . helping, th-thank you." She stammered slightly, averting her gaze at the admittance and a need for help - hopefully he wouldn't think less of her. But it wasn't easy raising a foal on ones own, especially with such a personality as Cassiel!
"B-b-but please, should you ever f-f-find yourself th-this way again, don't hesit-t-tate to l-look us up! We're frequent visitors along th-these parts and you'd b-b-be quite w-welcome." Ah, there was a bit of that amicable spirit from before. . . .
Besides which, having some sort of family figure in Ezriel's absence might do Cassiel some good. Exposure to gentler natures, like that of this Dante, truly could only be a blessing.
Cassiel, on the other hand, said nothing as her Uncle spoke. Her ears pricked, and her expression seemed to take on a serious look as her brows knitted in concentration; spikes or not it didn't matter? And she shouldn't analyze her life?
Ugh. Why did everything seem so confusing? Still, though the darkness whispered at her soul, she couldn't break completely. Reaper had told her to be proud no matter what, and Ezriel had told her the hurt would never go away. He had shown her a moments affection, and Eponine consistently was there with her sweetness. . . . A whisper of a smile, and a small nicker in agreement.
She would become stronger, wouldn't she?
The little one would make sure of that!
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Posted: Fri Feb 29, 2008 9:11 pm
Dante was relieved as Eponine spoke, though he didn't want her to think he was doubting them! He could already tell that the family was a strong one, he was only doing his part, since he did worry too much about everyone. "Ah, I will remember this area, I am glad to hear you have other friends and family who are around. It is always nice knowing there are others present." At least he could walked away relieved, since it was sometimes scary to think that a mare and child had to wander by themselves, and alone all the time! "I would love to stop by again, so I will take you up on that offer. I wonder if you will be grown by the next time I see you, Cassiel." He wondered what she would look like grown, and his smile grew as he considered the process of a youth aging like that.
It was a shame though, would Ezriel even see his daughter grow up like that? Ugh, just thinking about it made Dante upset.
"And for you two, if you ever need me, just come look for me I suppose. I tend to stay around the water's edge, since it keeps me motivated for some reason." Dante hated water growing up, be he adored its sound now that he was bigger and older. It helped him get motivated enough to move throughout the day with a positive attitude.
"But sadly, I'm afraid I must head off to go check on my sister, but until next time? It was a pleasure meeting you two." He bowed his head once again, before nudging the filly on the head affectionately. He hoped he was somewhat helpful.. chances were, the two females were just being nice!
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