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 Posted: Tue Feb 26, 2008 6:17 am
Ardia was feeling her age. Seven children..and she knew from second hand knowledge that she had at least one lot of grandchildren, who knew how many she really did have? She'd become a little distant from Sheridan as well, hadn't seem him in a while, and was feeling pangs of loneliness on top of the maudlin.
She'd taken to wandering further though, had in fact gotten slightly braver as time had passed. After all, she'd travelled to the mountains. Yes it had been with Sheridan, but if she could do that there was no reason she couldn't go much further afield than the Village where she had spent her life before Sheridan and her family.
The lake was pretty today, and she stood at one side, watching waterfowl skim across the surface, an odd cold breeze causing her curled mane and tail to lift.
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Posted: Sun Mar 02, 2008 3:34 pm
 Takoda was alone seeking Ascoscoi as the lasting days of winter finally were breaking into spring. He still stepped high with hooves that danced smoothly amongst the ground as if it were flowing with him. A lyrical poetry set in motion as his head bobbed and his tail swayed towards the destination he set out towards. Coming near the Kawani village where the lake lied, he paused noticing a familiar form not too far ahead of him.
Call it sense of remembrance but the livid appearance and beauty of this particular mare was unmistakable. He longed to find his beloved sweetheart once more but his respect for his parents was much greater. His father of course was inspiration undefined to the contribution of Takoda's fluid steps and thinking. He was quick to comment but yet not as openly as his father when it came to a pretty face he chanced upon. He was rather laid back and liked to soak things in before doing something rash and unwanted.
"Mother?" he spoke with a softness yet deep tone as he addressed her with open appreciation. Sadness filled him for as a foal he never really got to know his mother that well. Time had passed under his father's watch and he lost connection to everyone except his sister Kitara. Even these days his father had vanished, therefore the oldest son was indeed alone.
He waited standing there patiently for her to respond hoping she too would want to rekindle family ties. Ascoscoi would wait for him, he knew she would. For now he wanted to spend time with his mother.
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Posted: Tue Mar 04, 2008 1:17 pm
'Hmm?' Ardia almost didnt hear her son call to her, she had been about to turn on her hoof and clip away to see if she could find one of the friendlier mares like Aishwarya that she had an acquaintance with.
For a very brief moment she thought that Sheridan was fooling with her, then she realised.
'Takoda!' she exclaimed. Her first born son. So like his father in appearance that she felt her nose tingle, a pang of sadness washing over her. She missed her partner. She wanted to be bitter as she looked at the stallion. Maybe if she was someone else, not her, she could be about the fact that this was the first time that she could recall seeing Takoda since he'd been old enough to leave her side. Instead she simply said;
'You look well. What brings you around here?'
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Posted: Tue Mar 04, 2008 3:27 pm
Takoda stood there calm as the breeze played his mane letting it rise and fall in a bouncing motion upon his neck. His mother seemed distraught if not forlorn, he almost wondered if she'd seen his father Sheridan. Eyes of deep chocolate soaking in that calmness of his mother he waited as she spoke.
"Mother have you been well? he asked with concern in his voice as he studied her, "I haven't laid eyes upon you since I was a colt. Its been so long hasn't it?" Idle conversation. Takoda felt odd talking like he was but he wanted to console that hurting that showed deeply within her gentle eyes.
"I'm actually on the way to find someone but you are more important right now, "he blew out softly wondering why she looked so saddened. "Have you seen father lately or my siblings? It seems that everyone has just vanished upon adulthood. Almost as if seeing you here, we are the only two that stayed in this area." His eyes were searching her with compassion though he remained calm and full of sincerity. Had his father abandoned his mother all together? No, Takoda refused to believe Sheridan would desert his mother like that. If he did wander there had to be a damn good reason, for Sheridan always had stated that Ardia was the love of his life.
Takoda pondered many things yet he'd let his mother explain. He was worried now and hoped his thoughts weren't betraying him.
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Posted: Sat Mar 08, 2008 12:58 pm
'I have been as well as can be expected,' Ardia answered after a moments hesitation. It wouldn't do for a mother to burden her children with her own problems, it wasn't what she was there for after all.
'It has been a long time, but I suppose I should count myself blessed to have strongly independent children that can obviously take very good care of themselves.'
There was a note of pain in her voice; her children had all barely needed her after they had grown out of foalhood. She was proud, but also a little hurt.
'Meena and Adrienne drop by every now and then.' she replied, flicking her gaze away from Takoda. She saw Sheridan in him, and there she was as well, the curls of his mane coming straight from her.
'I have not seen him for a while,' Ardia answered in a casual manner, although her voice was now even more strained.
'I suppose he can survive apart from me as I have done from him.'
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Posted: Wed May 07, 2008 4:58 am
Takoda listened to that pained voice feeling a layer of guilt felling in the pit of his stomach. While he had been trying to find his childhood sweetheart, his mother was alone and wary seeking love from her family that seldom came apparently. Takoda since his growth to adulthood had wanted to be nothing more than his father; the dancing debonair with an eye for the ladies. Though Sheridan would always hold his heart for Ardia whom Takoda viewed as the most beautiful mare in the world... well besides Ascoscoi anyway.
"I'm apologize that I haven't been around much mother. It pains me to see you feeling saddened and unbalanced like this. I wonder what Dad has been up to since even in my wandering I never see him around the clearing," his head swaying back and forth taking in the melted chocolate essence that his mother radiated, "I hope he hasn't done anything foolish..."
Letting those words trail off his tongue he decided to give his mother hopeful news, "Mother I'm not sure if dad mentioned my antics as a foal but I made a friend a long time ago. And she.." his heart melted praising that she like he loved to dance, "well I think I'm in love with her mom. She's charming and very sweet... and loves to dance as I do." He smiled with an air of lovesick words as he expressed his desire to be with that pretty mare that shared his passion. He knew he loved her even if his words expressed doubt.
Smiling he leaned forward and nudged his mother playfully, "Mom. Teach me how to say the right things to her. I want her for my mate but always I can't seem to tell her that I... I love her. Even when we were last together my words couldn't express what I truly wanted to say. Please help me."
Perhaps his mother would feel a little more at ease focusing not on the bad, but on her son who was reaching out for motherly advice he never experienced.
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Posted: Wed May 07, 2008 5:38 am
A hurt look crossed Ardia's face at his words. As if she hadn't thought about that during her darker moments! She tried to cover it quickly with a small smile.
'I am proud of you, that you made your way into the world and grew into such a fine stallion. You just, look so much like your father.' she let out a wistful sigh.
Her head canted at his words though, through the melancholy he had piqued her curiosity.
'You boys were always hanging with your father, I had your sisters. You did?'
She waited for his sentence to complete, he seemed to have more to tell, for why would he mention her if there wasn't something new that had happened in their relationship?
She nodded at his confession, her smile warm, touching her eyes for she was genuinely happy that Takoda had found someone to light his life.
'I will help you as much as I can,' she returned his nudge with a show of affection of her own, giving a soft tug on his mane.
'Do you believe that she holds the same feelings for you as you do for her?'
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Posted: Mon May 12, 2008 5:59 am
She was proud of him, a sentiment that his own mother had uttered in appreciation. Growing as a foal Takoda wished nothing more to grow up and be like his father, though now he wasn't so sure on it. His mother seemed distraught, lonely even with Sheridan's disappearance. He was thinking hard and praying his father wasn't off flirting elsewhere. That would totally destroy Ardia with one fell blow.
"I think so... no I know so." he nodded with deep eyes flickering his adoration for that little mare he danced with, "The way she looks at me... my heart just wants to beat out of my chest and tell her I love her. But, thinking on it I just feel like I'm getting too far above myself and clam up." he smiled with an anxious look to him seeking his mother's advice whole heartedly.
"Tell me... what did dad say to you when you knew it was the right time mother? How did you know is my actual question. Is it a feeling or something else when it just hits you as my dancing does when it inspires my sooul? Oh mom I want her by my side! To dance step by step and be perfect in the way our feet mingles with the ground. Oh mom its a dream I have ... with her I mean."
Now the poor boy was getting excited as he sounded like a little foal, but its his heart that was crying out the most. He knew his mother would help him, it was something Takoda looked forward to.
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Posted: Fri May 23, 2008 12:28 pm
It was sweet. Takoda was tripping over his words, finding it hard to express himself. She gave him a nudge with her nose.
'Well first of all, calm down and breath right now. If you're getting this worked up just telling me about your feelings for this lucky mare of yours, than I worry for how you'll be when you have to face her.' she tried to give him an encouraging smile.
'Just relax. She's probably just as nervous over her feelings for you, as you are with yours for her. I think you should just tell her. Talk to her of what you hope for your life, and tell her that what you hope most of all is that she'll be there alongside you.'
Ardia closed her eyes, thinking back to when Sheridan and she had confessed their own hopes, and told of their feelings. She could almost smell the salt of the sea, hear the wind and feel the sand beneath her hooves once more.
'We talked of our dreams. For family, and long lasting love. We seemed to have accord. We both wanted the same thing. And we wanted to share that future with each other. And even now, when I am alone, I think of that day and it warms me. I know I'll see your father again.'
It was the first time she'd spoken with optimism since Takoda had come upon her, but the remembering had triggered a fresh wave of hope.
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Posted: Sun Jun 01, 2008 8:20 am
His heart was alive and full of pure hope as he hung on his mother's advice as baby opossums cling to their own mothers. So gentle and insightful he was understanding why Sheridan had sought her for his mate. Dad so help me if you've abandoned her... But now wasn't the time to curse his ideal of a dream he was born flesh and blood from. Sheridan wasn't stupid and would never intentionally hurt one he loves. He just had other places to be in the great scheme of life Takoda guessed.
So he simply had to express how he felt and see if she felt the same. Sounded easy enough yet when your heart was beating with fierce intensity you tend yo forget your head. Feeling a bit unbalanced and full of doubt in yourself, you start feeling things that speak negative results.
Takoda just had to keep his head straight and his ideal in his mind. Definitely he wanted to stay with her because she was the burning flame that illuminated his heart. He wanted to be in his father's eyes just like him, raising a family and dancing till his afterlife proud and strong.
Decided he smiled blowing out softly, "Mom... I know I can do this. I have both you and dad that run in my blood. I'm proud to be the first son of that proud line..." raising his head tall he stood with a distinct proudness before her, " Would you tell me again how you and dad met and when he asked you to stay with him? I love hearing that tale as dad would always speak so fondly of you.... ".
He knew his mother would spin a different tale letting her heart speak and be fulfilled. Her eyes were gaining happiness and that was Takoda's goal right now.
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Posted: Mon Jun 02, 2008 11:53 am
'I know you can as well, you have to make me proud and grab opportunities like this when they present themselves. I don't want any of my children to ever feel unhappy in their lot in life.'
Ardia fell quiet. After all, if something had happened to Sheridan, if she was going to be on her own, then maybe she could simply live in the knowledge and comfort that her children were happy in their own families.
'Hmm?' she looked at Takoda and nodded. It had been a long time since she had gone over when Sheridan and she had first met. She supposed it would do little harm to herself in re-counting it, and might give her son the courage he required to confess his feelings to the mare.
'Well..your father was quite bold when he met, and openly flirtatious. He spoke of finding a mate, and complimented me on my beauty. I thought he was handsome, but not entirely serious, though he left a definate impression on me, despite how fleeting our first meeting was.' she paused, lost down memory lane for a time, before giving a small cough.
'Where was I..I think it was only a few days after that intial meeting that we happened upon one another again. We talked, and then had a little race.' she chuckled that recollection.
'I remembering winning, but I am sure your father let me, he is fleeter on foot than I am by far. After that, Sheridan suggested we go down to the beach. We stood by the ocean, watching the never ceasing waves as we spoke of our hopes and our feelings, as I told you. When we left for the Village as night was closing in, we were a couple. I felt then that I had become whole, found the missing piece of me...'
She looked at Takoda again, back in the present day.
'Your father has my heart for always. Even if he never returns to me.' she said with a half smile.
'I could not imagine anyone else taking his place. If that is how you feel about the one you have loving feelings for, I would tell her as soon as you are able.'
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Posted: Fri Jun 06, 2008 9:14 am
Takoda settled into a trance as his mother's words blessed his confidence with a tale he'd heard many times from his father on sunny days and moonlit nights. They both recollected the same state of feeling, a powerful bond two lovers shared when they were with one another. This made the adult colt proud that his parents were of one mind, body, and soul. Their spirit carried wings of hope, something that would find happiness when they touched once more.
He thought to himself as his mother's words lifted him how he'd maybe take Ascoscoi to the beach too. Like his father ask her, confess his greatest longing to the pretty girl that he adored when he was little. Such a bright and beautiful girl, he would of died on the spot if she were there right now.
Smiling with his deep brown eyes that shined back at her, he waited till her tale was woven. Then he nodded with gratification and thanks to hearing it once more, "Ascoscoi is .. well I want her to be like you mom. She loves me I know she does... just need to find her." He is words were carried with a bit of excitement just there for a moment, the admiration he was holding for that pretty girl was second to none.
"I want to raise a family with her... Grow old with her." he paused with a deep breathed sigh, "And when I have foals... I want to tell them the story of how my mother and father mat and stayed together even when they were apart. I promise mom I will always love her with all my heart..."
His breath was nearly knocked out of him longing to find her, speak with his beloved on what he was feeling. He also knew his mother was happy hearing him express his feelings openly to her. Perfect optimism for the both of them that was needed.
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Posted: Mon Jun 09, 2008 6:31 am
Ardia smiled once more at her lovestruck son. There was sadness there as well, just a trace. She remembered being that young and full of the first flush of love. And now she was still feeling abandoned, a middle aged mare that's raised a family and been cast aside by children and partner. She wouldn't speak of it anymore to Takoda though, she didn't want to cast shadows on his mood, despite her words previously to him, she still felt a bit downcast.
'I would go find your lucky mare than,' she suggested.
'Your heart is already with her, and so you should be also. Find her, and tell her all you've told me. I know she will return your affections just as much.'
Ardia moved to his side and gently nudged him.
'I hope you will bring her to meet your old mother, and let me know if I am going to be a grandmother again?' she winked, a touch of humour returning.
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Posted: Tue Jun 10, 2008 9:36 am
Takoda was listening as intently as he could, hanging on his mother's words as if they were his salvation. She was right about Ascoscoi for did did love him. His heart was beating like distant drums of the villagers he usually heard on certain nights. He wanted to find her so badly that every fiber in his being was screaming right now. But on the other hand his mother's body language held him there in concern. He would have given anything for his father to come dancing over that ridge, his long mane playing in the breeze as his feet "danced" upon the strong earth. That was Takoda's vision of his proud father who was granted elderhood in his fine age. It was something that the eldest son immortalized in his mind about his gallant father.
He stood tall those deep eyes settling on his mother, "If she wants the same then I will bring you grandchildren mother. That I promise you with all my sou. She is my love- my dream- my soul... and I will tell her as soon as I see her." He grinned with a nostalgic nod of his head.
"But I don't want to leave you alone mother... you seem much happier when I'm here." Right then and there he was torn on what to do as he leaned outward nuzzling his mother with great adoration. She deserved to be happy as well.
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Posted: Thu Jun 12, 2008 11:55 am
Ardia could see how much Takoda wished to go; she did know that he was only wanting to do so because of his feelings for the mare, and not out of a wish to be leaving her, so she put on her best face so that she could persuade him to go.
'My dear boy, I am happy because you are happy. I always wanted my children to have nothing but the very best in life, and I would not wish to stop you now from finding your lady and letting her know your feelings. Go, I will be well.' she nudged him, giving Takoda an encouraging smile.
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