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 Posted: Fri Mar 21, 2008 12:55 pm
Althalus couldn't wait any longer. He had given himself a few days to stay away from the brown wind he had met previously, but the red maned stallion was impatient; he wanted to find his new friend once again and be blessed with her company for a second time. Staying away had been torture, and his keen intrigue to meet up with his new found friend surprised him; though he loved Aiolos and Caely, the sunset male had never grown this impatient to be reunited with them. The stallion had pondered such a reaction and had come to the conclusion that he did indeed enjoy Nivriti's company. . . . And perhaps because she was one of the very few friends he had made upon his journey as an adult, that perhaps he wanted to be sure their friendship was set firmly in stone. . .
Aiolos and he were all but inseparable, at least they had been as colts. And his friendship with Caely was just as close! He had no fear of losing them, no matter how long or far he strayed. But Nivriti, she was something else; she was something new and he feared that she might very well forget him with the distance. Unlike those that he drifted upon in his past, oddly enough, he did not want to lose her friendship. . . . Not in the least.
As it was, Althalus had refused to see her before, no matter how much he yearned to. He didn't want to jeopardize their friendship by coming off as pushy or creepy, and thus he had waited. Today though, today was long enough and so with a hopeful heart the sunset male raced through the fields. Where she was, he hadn't a clue; but he refused to yeild in his search until he came victorious. He knew where she WOULDN'T be, near the kalona lands where dead things littered the fields, so he avoided such an area. But aside from that, there were fields and woods to explore. But as always, he kept an eye to the sky - perhaps the beautiful wind might grace the sky with her presence. . . .
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Posted: Fri Mar 21, 2008 1:33 pm
 
'Nivriti?' the older mares head jewellery made a soft jingling noise as her head went to one side, an ear flicking as she regarded her daughter. That was about the third time that Nivriti had seemingly drifted off into silence in the middle of a sentence.
'Are you okay?' Aishwarya asked, a searching look on her face as she looked at the winged mare.
'Hmm? Oh yes, yes,' Nivriti said, flicking her gaze guiltily back towards her mother.
'What were we talking about?'
'Well, obviously not anything terribly interesting, just your old mother talking about it being spring, the changing of the seasons, and that it's a time of new life.'
They hadn't actually been talking about that, but something inside Aish had clicked, remembering her own early confused feelings for Shikoba, all that time ago when they first had become acquianted.
'Mo-theer,' Nivriti rustled her wings, giving her a look.
'We weren't talking about that at all, we were..err well it wasn't that,' she took a glance towards the Lake, smiling at the thoughts that standing on the bank by the water invoked.
'That's perfectly fine, if you don't tell me, I shall have to guess, and I'm sure I'll get it right eventually.' she grinned softly, her tail braided flicking gently on the ground behind her.
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Posted: Fri Mar 21, 2008 2:37 pm
Over the hills Althalus raced, his braids bobbing against his neck, while his tail was strewn out behind him like a banner. Silver eyes searched for any sign of life; of brown intertwined with a lovely shade of cream; of wins touched with red and black, and of ebony mane that framed a beautiful face. Somewhere out there was his lovely lady, and the male couldn't help but grin.
Nostrils flaring, chest heaving as he ran, the stallion refused to give up or give in. She had to be around somewhere, if not on sky than on land. As it was, he had his made his way towards the edge of the lake, hoping that maybe - just maybe - he might catch a glimpse. . .
Thankfully, Althalus was in luck.
The breeze carried a familiar scent, one that caused his spine to tingle and the hair to stand up on his neck. It wasn't out of fear or fright, but excitement as memory made his legs run faster. There was another scent carried, one similar but not the same. . . . Nituna? No. . . not quite. Ah, but what did it matter? Nivriti was close, and as he peered along the horizon, the lake to his side, the sunshine male rose over a small hill and caught the sight of not one, but two lovely ladies.
Nivriti and one he'd never seen before. A double take and silver eyes were reminded of Nituna, but . . . not quite. This one was graced with golden patterns along her legs, of jewels, and a coat of the richest purple. Lovely locks of ebony were present, and the sunset male could only guess that this was some relation to his friend. She was beautiful - very much so - but Althalus couldn't help but let his gaze slide towards the brown and cream wind at her side. There was true beauty, quite the sight for sore eyes.
Althalus hesitated in his run, unsure whether or not his present would be welcome. He didn't want to interrupt or force his company upon either of the mares. Still, he was a good distance away. . . Where the breeze had given him an advantage to their location, he didn't want to come unannounced. Rearing back on to his hind legs, he gave a loud whinny (he couldn't help but show of just a little; where Nivriti had wings and flight, Althalus could only work with the earth) the stallion couldn't help but grin.
There.
He was still far enough away that should either mare not want to be bothered, they could leave; or at the very least change their conversation. Mares were a mystery even Althalus couldn't always understand, hard as he tried, and sometimes their conversations weren't for stallions ears. Still, while he didn't run, he did trot eagerly around the rest of the lake, ever alert for any sign of welcome or dismissal. He hated to bother or interrupt, but depending upon the reception, would either linger or make a hasty - but polite and gentlemanly - retreat.
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Posted: Fri Mar 21, 2008 4:41 pm
'Mother, there really isn't anything to guess,' Nivriti injected a slight tone of irritation into her voice, hoping that Aishwarya wouldn't carry on in the same vein. She really didn't want to start talking about Althalus, it was bad enough that she was falling into moments of silence, lost in her thoughts about the stallion. If she had to vocalise those feelings for her mother; well Aishwarya would definately sense there was something new and jump to conclusions. Pre-emptive conclusions because she'd not had chance to..unfortunately for Nivriti it was at that moment that she heard Althalus's whinny, she turned immediately at the noise and upon sighting him, her nose coloured.
Damn.. she thought, her wings rustling as her heart did a little flutter.
Nothing huh? Aishwarya had about to say something when she heard the stallion's call, her head and golden eyes flashing over to where the fiery stallion stood, proud..and young. She smiled as she looked at Nivriti, but bit back a comment about the 'blush' and instead asked in a casual way;
'You know him?'
'I met him before yes,' came the answer, the younger mares voice deceptively calm. Inside. She was very pleased to see Althalus, she wanted to giggle at the show he had just done and could so tease him for that...but she was with her mother, and so she would have to greet him as though he was a passing acquiantance so that her mother wouldn't ask anything, well, awkward.
'He's nice.' she followed Althalus with her eyes as he moved around the Lake, silently inviting him over. Even with Aishwarya by her side, she would not pass an opportunity to talk to the stallion again.
'I'm sure he is, I shall be happy to meet your friend.' came the quiet reply.
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Posted: Sat Mar 22, 2008 9:25 am
Althalus was unperturbed with two sets of eyes landed upon him. At least he'd caught their attention, and neither turned away or gave any sign of irritation. At least that he could visibly see. Silver eyes bright with good humor, the sunset male picked his way over to where the two mares waited though he did allow his gaze to linger just a moment upon his dear new friend. Stopping a polite distance away, the male dipped his head cordially in a bow before the pair, looking up at both. Nivriti was as beautiful as he remembered, but so much more lovely face to face. . . .
Tearing his silver gaze off his friend, he smile just as amicably at Aishwarya. "Greetings m'lady, Nivriti," he spoke to each in turn, giving his wind blown braids a little shake back in to their proper positions. "Forgive my intrusion, I do hope I haven't interrupted your afternoon." The sunset stallion was still testing the waters of his reception - he very well might have to cut the visit short should one or the other seem too uncomfortable.
He hadn't expected a third party to be present, but the change in numbers was just as well. Whomever the dark violet beauty besides Nivriti was, he was more than happy to meet them. It wasn't Nituna, certainly, but it was obvious she was some sort of relation. Mother, perhaps, as no other siblings had been mentioned; aunt? Cousin? Just how large her family extended, Althalus knew not. . . but the markings on one matched the other. It would be hard to deny that they were family in some form of the word.
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Posted: Sat Mar 22, 2008 11:29 am
Nivriti caught herself staring; flicked her gaze to the side but thankfully her mother was as polite as she normally was and her attention was towards the newcomer.
'And hello to you as well Althalus,' she replied, greeting him as warmly as she dare with Aishwarya probably paying very close attention to her behaviour.
'And no, you haven't, I was just talking with my mother.' she looked towards Aish, and introduced her.
'Mother, this is Althalus, I met him a few days back at this very Lake.' she looked to Althalus, her nose colouring.
'This is Aishwarya, my mother.'
Aishwarya looked at the young stallion in a thoughtful, appraising manner, her head slightly canted to one side as she looked at him with a faint smile.
'Very nice to meet you,' she said, lowering her head in a graceful motion towards the stallion. She straightened, wondering if this handsome fellow was the reason for her daughter's lack of attention. She would be pleased if he was, and she resolved to stay as long as was polite and then leave them alone.
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Posted: Sat Mar 22, 2008 2:42 pm
Ah-ha~! So the most lovely, black maned lady was indeed related. Nivriti had said that her mother harbored great beauty, and such a statement was true. It was indeed no wonder where her beauty had been found, though it seemed her colours were more prominant from the father. Still, his silver eyes gleamed bright in delight as he turned to further acknowledge the mother. "The pleasure is mine, I assure you," he replied, quite sincere. Yet another fortuitous event to meet not just the daughter, but mother as well! The spirits must have been smiling down upon him this day, or so he could hope. He might have spent all day tracking his friend, and yet here she was, and in such company of her family.
Turning his attention back to his friend, the sunset male gave a little smile. He truly was delighted to meet both mother and daughter, and could only hope he wouldn't make too much of a fool of himself. Pawing lightly at the ground, the male couldn't help but add, "Forgive me for being so forward, but I now see where the grace and beauty of Nituna and Nivriti stems. Let me say that you have the most charming daughters." Oh, he was blessed to be friends with Nituna in his younger and wilder days and to have chanced upon Nivriti near the lake days previous.
Silver eyes settled back upon his friend, eyes gleaming in good humor. Parents. Or at least parent. This wasn't like meeting his best-friends parents, Twilight and Cosette; in fact, outside of Aiolos he'd never had a chance to meet the parents of his friends. This was quite the rarity for the male. "Nivriti," he directed his next comment towards his friend, "I trust you've been well, m'lady?"
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Posted: Sat Mar 22, 2008 4:11 pm
She wondered if Althalus was thinking how very plain she looked next to her exotic mother. She didn't often think of herself, her looks, in such a way. They were just 'there', she'd always been more pleased that she'd gotten so much from her father that she'd been given a freedom to move between two worlds; sky and ground were hers for the exploring. For some reason though it seemed necessary to also be..striking. Uncomfortable thoughts and she stopped them abruptly.
'A silver tongue to go with your silver eyes.' Aishwarya said, though her tone wasn't really teasing, and she merely smiled. An ear flickered, and she spoke again;
'Oh you have met Nituna as well? She spent much of her growing time with her father, which will explain why we have not crossed paths, even though you have been in the company of both my children.' there was a slight emphasis to the last word.
She would always be protective of both her daughters, and one of the things that she knew could bring strife in a family was a quarrel over affairs of the heart, though she was probably worrying needlessly. She would hope that if either daughter found a significant other they would actually drop word of it to Aish.
'My daughters are both lovely, in looks and personality, and I appreciate your compliments to them and myself.'
Aishwarya paused;
'You are well favoured yourself.'
It was amazing how being with one of your parents made you feel like a filly again. She positively squirmed as her mother spoke in an enthused tone about Nituna and her, and even more so when she remarked on Althalus's own looks. When he spoke, she started a little and gave a smile whilst she recovered enough to answer;
'Very well, thank you. You look well yourself, have you been staying in this area since I saw you? I hope you are finding it pleasant to be here.' her words came out a little quickly, and she forced another smile, imagining that Althalus would think her a twit compared to the last time they met.
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Posted: Sun Mar 23, 2008 9:05 pm
Unbeknownst to Nivriti, Althalus couldn't possibly think of his new friend in such terms. To dub her a twit was to offend his very spirit, and the sunset male could only seem to look upon her with a growing pleasure and light. Like many of his friend, he could find little flaw in the brown and cream wind, and understood that his biased heart would cause him to overlook any that might be apparent.
"A silver tongue that speaks but the truth, I assure you," he nodded to violet mare. Still, Althalus heard her stress upon her reminder of her place as mother, and the male decided he'd best keep his compliments and obvious admiration in check ever so slightly. It wouldn't do well to irritate or aggravate the parent, especially should she fear for her daughter around such a 'silver tongued' stallion as he. He was harmless, wasn't he? The majority of his friends were female - from Nituna, to Caely, to Cicely and Porsche! Still, he had made such friends but only as a young colt. . . Did it make such a difference now that he was grown?
. . . . yep.
Althalus wasn't stupid when it came to the art of mares and stallions. Though he'd never crossed a line that the ladies in his lives had never wanted, didn't mean that one couldn't see that his charm was completely sincere. Some charmers and flirts harbored notorious reputations that were far from good, and far from what a parent wanted around their children. Knowing Nivriti for but a day, and this being his first moment meeting Aishwarya, well, if he weren't careful his slick words and compliments could be his own upset.
But all he sought with Nivriti was friendship. . . . . wasn't it?
Bah.
Dipping his head, Althalus chuckled lightly as the compliments were turned upon him. Even his own nose flushed ever so slightly; it was true he wasn't entirely used to such compliments. Though he personally thought he was handsome, fluffy bangs and all, one could never assume that others thought the same. "Thank you. . . Great beauty seems to be the theme of the day." He chuckled before turning his attention back to his friend.
He tried not to look too eager. Parents, and all.
Grinning back, silver eyes captured her own as he listened, red tail swishing happily behind him. "I am pleased to hear as such, and yes, I have lingered on these plains. I find the area to be lovely and a refreshing change from the mountains and dry grasslands that I have previously traveled. I do plan on staying for a while yet, to better acquaint myself with its charm." And that included a particular soquili named Nivriti.
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Posted: Mon Mar 24, 2008 12:49 pm
'I'm sure you are my dear, I don't believe I ever said anything to the contrary,' Aishwarya replied, chuckling a little. He seemed to be taking pains to be on his best behaviour, as the young often did when they are around parents of their friends.
She noted his reaction to her complimentary words, silently pleased that he at least showed a sense of modesty. Stallions sometimes - well even mares as well, she corrected her own thoughts - coupled youth with arrogance. Althalus appeared pleasant enough, and though those could be deceiving, she trusted her daughters to be sensible in the company they chose to keep.
'And you have family in these parts yourself Althalus?' she inquired politely, aiming to make a little conversation before she extracted herself from this little group.
He was so..Nivriti had drifted again, taking the opportunity to have a lingering stare whilst his attention was diverted by her mother. She watched with interest as he seemed to be a little embarrassed at Aishwarya's compliment and swished her tail, trying to squash the strange feelings so that she would not give anything away.
'I'm glad to hear that. You already know I'd be happy to keep you company whilst you're in the area.' she said, giving him a sweet smile.
'I mean..well, whenever you want company of course.' she added, trying to make it sound casual.
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Posted: Tue Mar 25, 2008 6:15 pm
Althalus felt a moments relief as Aishwarya continued to speak. She didn't seem nosy nor 'too good' for him; she was polite and he suspected just as charming and intelligent and bright as her daughter! Beauty did indeed seem to be the theme of the afternoon, on every sort of level, but the sunset male didn't mind in the least. The discomfort being around Nivriti's mother was slowly beginning to fade, especially as he remembered she was nothing more than another mare. He wasn't afraid of the ladies, or of anyone really, so what made Aishwarya different? Why should he feel odd around her anyway?
"Hmm?" The stallion tilted his head at Aishwarya, before giving a hearty chuckle and dismissive shake of his head. "Oh, no, no! My family lives quite a trip north of here, within the mountains. Outside of your daughter, and now yourself, I know no one here." The stallion gave a little shrug, tail swishing lightly behind him. "But the area is quite lovely and the warm weather is a nice change from my previous travels." Snow - it was beautiful as well, but cold, very cold. And no, he wasn't exactly a fan of such weather despite the joy of sliding on ice and watching snow fall.
Turning his attention back to the brown beauty before him, Althalus couldn't help but grin at her words. "Why thank you, m'lady, I have enjoyed my time spent with you considerably! And, I must warn you now, that I fear I shall be seeking such companionship in the days that follow. Traveling is wonderful, but to go solo for so long can get tedious." Silver eyes bright, he tossed Nivriti a good-humored wink, hoping her mother wouldn't interpret his words as alarming.
He wasn't like most stallions; he liked to think himself as a gentleman.
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Posted: Wed Mar 26, 2008 12:42 pm
'You like to wander, to see new places then?' Aishwarya asked this time after Althalus had replied in a negative to her question about his families whereabouts. The purple mare wasn't sure if a disposition to travel far and wide was a good thing or not. On one hand, it meant that wanderlust was satisfied at a young age - on the other it might mean he would always be wandering. She chastised herself; after all, she didn't have a firm idea that Nivriti was particularly partial to this stallion.
Fretting only gave one lines after all.
'Nivriti is good company, and knows the area well.' she merely said, with a smile.
'You'll be in good hooves if you do spend any length of time with her whilst you are in this part.' she gave a small chuckle to herself, after speaking her piece, she heard what Althalus said to her daughter. There was a small hint in his words, unless she was very much mistaken.
'Mother..' Nivriti muttered, rolling her eyes. Now she knew her mother had suspicions, she could sense the little pushes within Aishwarya's words. Her attention switched quickly to Althalus when he spoke though, finding herself searching out his eyes with her own, before quickly flicking her gaze away.
'I really wouldn't mind that.' she managed to reply, giving a smile at his wink.
'You shouldn't be alone after all, that won't do at all.'
Aishwarya gave a discreet little cough, looking between both, her braided tail swishing in a sedate manner.
'Well my dear, I think I shall go search out your father. Take care until we see each other again.' she looked at Althalus and dipped her head once more.
'It was good to meet you Althalus. I hope enjoy your time here whilst you stay.'
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Posted: Thu Mar 27, 2008 3:25 pm
Althalus listened to the violet and ebony haired mare, giving a small nod at her words. "I do love to travel - I've been wandering since I've been old enough to walk, I'm afraid. I told myself once I'd walk to the ends of the world if only to see it all, but lately I've come to discover it might be easier said than done." He grinned a rueful grin, silver eyes gleaming with good humor. The world was much larger and much more difficult to conquer, or so age and experience told him. Still, he wasn't a wanderer for life, oh no! In fact, lately he'd been missing home and his family- especially after speaking of them with Nivriti previously.
Having been raised with three siblings and two adoring parents, as well as their herd, the young sunset male was a family man. He adored Yei and Grencia like none other, and his siblings could do little wrong. In fact, as he'd talked of returning to the mountains in the north, the young male had felt a tug to regroup and revisit. The mountains were his home, and would always have a fond place in his heart. "Such a desire is fading though," he hastily assured both mares, "a stallion can only see so much in his lifetime without growing weary."
Unlike Nivriti, who had dominated both land and air, Althalus was at the mercy of his hooves. He was long gone from the mountains where Yei and Grencia settled; it would be a just as long return.
As the conversation continued, the young male's smile broadened as Nivriti spoke her pleasure. It pleased him that she didn't mind his exclusive company, and was glad that she was so ready to help him navigate the lands. But before he had time to answer, her mother decided to take her leave.
"Ah, my lady Aishwarya, tis been a pleasure indeed! Fare well in your travels and may you have clear skies ahead. Until we meet again," he dipped his own head in a graceful and deep bow, showing her the respect he thought she deserve. A lovely lady, but he couldn't help but be glad that now he'd be able to focus solely on his new friend. The awkwardness having a parent present would - hopefully - be gone as soon as the violet and gold lady took her leave. . .
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Posted: Fri Mar 28, 2008 10:49 am
So he wanted to settle soon? Nivriti wanted to ask that, but it seemed too forward a question so soon in their..friendship. She almost didn't register her mother leaving them, but blinked, and turned.
'Oh, really? Tell Papa I'll come see him soon, there is something I want to show him.' she gave her wings a little flick, referring to the Lake skim that she had managed to finally perfect only days before when she had first met Althalus.
'Be good..' Aishwarya said with the smallest of winks, she pressed her nose quickly against her daughters shoulder and then with a small nod to the stallion, clipped sedately away from the pair.
Nivriti let out a breath when Aishwarya was out of hearing distance, and faced Althalus once more.
'Sorry for that..I didn't think she'd be so..I don't know. You don't have to stick with me whilst you're in this area, but as I said, it really wouldn't be a burden.'
It would be far from a burden. It would be a joy something akin to the freedom of flight, but that was a thought scary to think, let alone articulate, so she merely gave him a smile, just letting the joy she felt at being alone with him again show on her face.
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Posted: Mon Mar 31, 2008 5:53 pm
Althalus heaved a quiet sigh when Aishwarya finally turned and took her leave. It wasn't as if the mother intimidated him - her personality was kind enough and she seemed a gentle sort - but as she left the pair the sunset male couldn't help but be relieved. It felt as if he'd been holding his breath and waiting for a lifetime to breathe.... It seemed only now his lungs would cooperate.
Silver eyes turning away from the retreating, black and violet form, the young male couldn't help but admire his friend. Had it not been the golden flower upon her hip, he would have never guessed Aishwarya and Nivriti were related but seeing her now, with the wind ruffling her feathers and hair, he couldn't help but grin. Such a beautiful one. . . And to think, she was his friend! How was it that the spirits shined down upon him to give him such good hearted companions? Porsche, Nituna, Caely, Aiolos and now Nivriti. . . . Ah, but she was special she was. He couldn't put his hoof on it, not exactly, but there was something. . . . something else. . .
Ah, but what did it matter? Orange ears pricked forward as the brown lady began her apologies, and the stallion couldn't help but be confused. What on earth was she talking about? Althalus chuckled deep in his throat, pawing at the ground before reaching over to brush her cheek lightly with his nose. "Come now, no apologies are necessary, m'lady. I'm quite pleased I've had such an opportunity, and can only hope I didn't look too much the fool." Giving his hair a little shake, Althalus captured her gaze in his own and held it. "Furthermore, beautiful, I have every intention and hope that I might be allowed the blessing of your company a few hours more. I've looked forward to seeing you again, I'll admit, and shan't want to lose your companionship so swiftly." Oh wasn't that the truth!
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