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 Posted: Thu Jul 24, 2008 6:39 pm
 Little Alue had finally taken his first steps away from the safety and security of his family, and wasn't entirely sure if he liked it. The dark colt was rather meek by nature, so when it came to playing on his own without his brothers he was a little at a loss. The woods seemed a little dark and scary, and the plains were empty and foreboding, and the rivers were dark, turbulent boundaries that threatened even as they kept him from straying too far from his home. Remarkably the little guy stayed calm, fear appearing only in his slow pace and almost reluctant explorations rather than overwhelming him and sending him running back to his family.
With an uncertain expression the small foal wandered, carefully picking his way through the foliage with his fluffy wings folded tight to his back and hooves picked up high to avoid snags in his fetlocks. He wanted to go home, but he had been sent out to play because it would be good for him to develop some independence... So he was stuck timidly winding his way through the woods while waiting for it to be time to go home.
He wasn't really enjoying this 'playing' very much.
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Posted: Sun Jul 27, 2008 9:26 am
Sure, he wasn't far from where the pair were resting but he was far enough away to have to stay alert and ever aware. With every step that took him farther from Bella and Penance's side, the young colt felt a little bit of uncertainty but a whole lot of curiosity and pride. He was adventuring. . . alone . . . and wasn't it great!?
The small family had headed down off the slopes, closer to the edge of the woods and the warmth of the plains. It was substantially warmer, especially when he'd ducked out of the woods and on to the soft grasses of the plains. It hadn't taken much for the little colt to return to the shadowed embrace of the woods. . . like his family, he much preferred the cool shadows of the forest compared to the open emptiness of the grasslands. He felt far too exposed in the plains, far too alone . . . at least in the woods there were tress and birds and insects and bushes; at least here he always felt a little taste of home.
Step by step, the black legged colt moved easily through the under brush; he dipped his head now and then, so as not to knock his stubby but growing horns in to over head limbs or leaves; the little nubs itched now and then but had yet to stop growing. They were already tall enough to get tangled if he weren't careful and it seemed as if they had no intentions of slowing their growth.
He liked his little horns. . . . Allegedly his father had them, or so that's what mother had told them.
Happily slipping through the woods, Azuell stopped dead in his tracks as he caught sight and sound of a slow moving form. The first thing he heard was delicate foot steps, and it didn't take him long to see what was causing the noise! Another little soquili, just like himself! And one with wings! Fluffy, fluffy bird wings not at all like his brothers!
What luck was this! His first great adventure and his very first stranger! Thus far all he'd bumped in to were bugs and birds and snapped limbs off trees - but this fellow was real! Blue eyes turned wide with delight and he pushed his way through a few bushes and dodged a few trees, closing the distance considerably. "Hey - what's wrong?" He called out, watching the sullen movements of the winged one.
Though he wasn't old, Azuell was incredibly alert and just watching the Alue for a moment was enough to show something was out of place. He didn't move with a rambunctious and curious nature, so as far as Azuell understood, that meant the strange must have broke. Well, he'd fix that if he could help it. . . . No one stayed broke long when Azuell was around~!
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Posted: Sun Jul 27, 2008 8:26 pm
When Alue first heard the sound of something approaching, he froze and listened with his ears flattened back and his head ducked nervously. It didn't sound like it was bigger than him, but that didn't mean it would be safe... Without being able to see the creature nearby he decided to continue moving, taking the same slow, cautious pace he had adopted since leaving his family.
The little colt didn't even see the other before he heard a young voice call out, and it startled him worse than he might have expected. All four wings snapped tight against his back as he recoiled from the sudden sound, but when he whipped his head around and saw only another foal like himself he seemed to relax. A little.
"Nothing's wrong," he timidly replied, watching the bold colt bound over. Although he felt like he should provide some reasoning for his declaration, any words lost themselves in the giant space occupied by his shyness and he found himself unable to even make eye contact. Instead he settled for a meek appraisal, taking in the other foal's appearance to keep himself from looking away entirely. Maybe they were around the same age, Alue thought they might have been about the same size even though he looked bigger with his wings tucked against his body. He was certainly fluffier than the other, but the other foal had matching hooves...
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Posted: Thu Jul 31, 2008 6:45 pm
Azuell studied the little foal before him, though 'little' was slightly irrelevant. The winged foal was still bigger than him but for some reason he seemed to harbor a smaller aura. Unusual . . . most unusual. The horned colt trotted in a circle around Alue, though his blue eyes shone brightly as he studied the little foal. He tried to look as friendly as possible, but unlike Alue, there was no way he could hide or shrink down his horns.
They weren't super huge yet but they were large enough to flaunt.
So the little foal claimed there was nothing wrong. Hmm. "Are you sure?" He asked a bit skeptically, pawing at the ground a bit. "Cause you seem awfully nervous. . . " It didn't occur to the young foal that there were things to be nervous about- he lived in the woods all his life, there was nothing here that could startle him or cause him to bolt! Furthermore, he also didn't understand that some soquili were merely born with more sensitive personalities and therefor needed a bit of gentleness in their life.
Thankfully though, Azuell was a kind soul, but very protective. And as this was his father's forest, the little stallion believed it also to be his. Any that came in to his life were automatically accepted. . . unless, of course, they were dark and mean and bullies! He didn't like bullies or mean ones. . . oh no. Thankfully though, Alue didn't look much like a bully.
"I'm Azuell and these are my woods. . well. . . sort of," he added a bit sheepishly, grinning. "Who're you?"
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Posted: Sat Aug 02, 2008 4:26 pm
Alue tucked his wings tighter, and tried to follow Azuell's feet with his eyes as he was circled.
"No, I'm okay," the dark colt said, still sounding rather nervous despite his timid assurance. For some reason he didn't feel as afraid of the woods now that he had company, nor was he afraid of the other foal, this time it was only his shy nature making him look fearful. Azuell didn't seem threatening at all. Not even with those horns that Alue had caught a glimpse of the one time he had lifted his gaze above the other foal's legs, or the youthful energy that suggested he could knock Alue down in one go if he wanted.
He glanced up again, very briefly meeting Azuell's eyes before looking back down to a little hole he had started pawing into the forest litter. "My name is Alue." A pause. "I didn't know these woods were yours," he finally muttered in a timid tone. At that point he looked like he had more to say, but it took a bit more pawing before he gathered up the confidence to continue. "I've never been here before, I'm supposed to... develop some independence."
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Posted: Mon Aug 11, 2008 11:11 am
The little foal peeked up at Alue, not entirely certain he believed the winged one. He sure looked awfully nervous with the way he wrapped his wings so tight around himself. Then again, if he said he was fine than there was no reason for him to doubt; maybe the winged one looked nervous when he was all right? Or . . .or. . . . or something like that?
Whatever the case, Azuell couldn't help but feel a sense and need to protect the grey one. He'd never met another wandering the woods before and this meant he was his very first friend, outside of his brother Penance that was. And because he was his very first friend Azuell knew he had to take care of him and make sure he was happy and safe! It was a mix of traits inherited from his father's protective and guardian nature as well as his mothers need to nurture and love. Alue was in good hooves and company.
"It's nice to meet you, Alue!" The little colt beamed, blue eyes sparkling with good nature and warmth. "I'm Azuell and it's ok; these woods are my Papa and Grandpa's woods - but me 'n' my brother will get to care for them when we grow I'm sure!" Or so Azuell could only hope. No, he didn't think Cyn or Azumoth were going anywhere any time soon but because of their devotion to the woodlands the little horned colt couldn't help but lay claim to the area himself.
"Ooooh! I can show you all around if you like!" His rump wriggled in excitement as he began to stomp from hoof to hoof. So Alue really was a stranger from a stranger land and not entirely sure of the area surrounding him. Well that was an easy fix, most assuredly! "You're already being independent by walkin' around all alone," he added proudly with a grin. "But company wont hurt that either! C'mon! Where d'ya wanna go? I can take you to a stream if you're thirsty or show you where the sweetest grasses grow and all sorts of fun places!"
Azuell believed he was almost independent. He wasn't with Penance at the moment (which was a rarity) and he certainly didn't have his mama or papa nearby either! That meant Alue and he could be all sorts of independent together! What a day!
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Posted: Wed Aug 13, 2008 7:18 pm
Alue was almost overwhelmed by Azuell's bold enthusiasm, and his little ears flicked backwards for a second as he glanced back down at his hooves. He couldn't help timidly hiding his odd white hoof. "I..."
Okay, maybe he was completely overwhelmed. He had been blindsided and his fragile little world had been knocked somewhat askew just by crossing paths with the fearless colt in front of him, and he didn't know what to do or say. The timid youngster could barely take life at his own pace, being swept up in someone else's was too much all at once.
But Alue was up to the challenge, if he was given some time for it. He even flushed bashfully as his new friend so enthusiastically affirmed his brief independence. And Azuell seemed proud too. It was as though Alue was already tucked under the other colt's figurative wing, despite having only met for the first time moments earlier. He wanted to trust Azuell to stay with him, and keep the woods looking less scary and intimidating.
"I... would like to go somewhere you like," he said very quietly, almost in a whisper as he took the leadership Azuell had given him, held it thoughtfully, and then passed it back to the other colt. It made him feel all warm inside to be offered that kind of choice. Even at his young age he knew that decisions were most often made by those who were bold and insistent, not the delicate souls who spoke in soft tones and gentle gestures, so Alue had repaid the consideration as best as he could by giving the other colt free reign without belittling his own quietly muted desires.
His decision to let Azuell be his leader seemed to dissolve some of his stiff tension, and the fluffy little colt took a couple steps towards his new friend. They weren't exactly the carefree prances of a young foal about to embark on an exciting adventure, but for Alue it was good enough to be stepping forward instead of back.
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Posted: Mon Oct 20, 2008 9:57 am
Azuell wasn't accustomed to being around those that were nervous, shy or quiet. He had been blessed to have been born in a herd that was chalk full of strong spirits and his immediate family were far from coy. Though Azumoth didn't say much he was always there, a strong figure that was a constant in his life. Bella and Moppet were loving, accepting individuals that would never turn away a lost soul (such as Alue here) and Cyn made a most excellent playmate and storyteller! He had many strong figures to look upon and as such felt the need to be strong too!
Nothing would happen to Alue while Azuell was on guard, oh no! Given, there were few dangers in this neck of the woods, but that didn't mean he wouldn't be on his most cautious! He'd take care of the multi-winged soquili that was now his dear friend; he'd make sure he was the happiest little colt running around the woods!
His little tail swished excitedly behind him as he listened to Alue's soft spoken reply. Oh ho! So he had no place in particular he'd want to go? No where he wanted to see in particular? Chuckling a bit, the blue eyed colt pawed at the ground and gave a happy grin. "Well then, let's go!" Trotting happily around Alue once, he took up the lead and didn't hesitate to begin their journey.
He hadn't decided exactly where they would travel - he'd figure that one out all in due time! For now though, he wanted to get to know his new buddy. "So where are you from then, seeing as you're not from the slopes? Is it far from here or down by the lowlands? Is the ocean far?" He couldn't contain his curiosity though he really did try. He didn't want Alue to not like talking to him in case he thought he talked too much. But this was someone new. . .someone not like his family or his brother.
The more he knew the better he'd know where to take him!
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Posted: Tue Oct 28, 2008 9:33 am
Alue watched bashfully as Azuell did his 'warmup lap' and then followed before any distance could emerge between them. He was not physically fragile or incapable, and once he got moving he was able to keep the pace without any problems despite the pathetic slowness of his own explorations. He didn't pull ahead though, the little colt it was most comfortable walking alongside his new friend while still giving Azuell the obvious leading advantage.
Silence stretched out after Azuell's barrage of questions, but Alue gave a timid fluff of his wings just before it became uncomfortable. "I... don't know." He paused, running the risk of sounding mentally slow as he fought past his painful shyness. "I live in a small field, it's southeast of here. I've never seen the ocean."
The little foal glanced down at his hooves as he walked, wondering if now was the time to ask Azuell if he's ever seen the ocean, or if he knew where they were going, but the questions couldn't seem to make it to his lips. He wanted to say he had heard about the ocean, and that it was too big for even his father to fly over, and maybe say there was a little creek back in the meadow that he could glide over if he jumped high enough and spread his wings really wide. Unfortunately he was all thought and no action, at least until he settled into this new role of 'friend'. He liked Azuell and liked having someone to be independent with, but it would be a long time before he could say as much.
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Posted: Thu Feb 26, 2009 7:40 am
If Alue's shyness was obviously, Azuell didn't bother saying such a thing. In fact, the young colt had already dubbed the angeni colt to be his good friend and there would be no if, and, or but's about it! The little grey one would make a great companion and, seeing as he was Azuell's very first friend, meant that he would be his best friend too! So long as he had his way, that was, and much to Alue's dismay he would fast found out just how stubborn a companion the horned one could be. He'd get his way, regardless. . . .
"Ooooh, I've not been to the plains yet," he chattered happily as he lead him through the winding trails of his home. "But that's where my Mum is from! She said she'll take me someday to see it but for now I have to stay in the slopes." Not that he minded - with his brother, Penance, and all of his relatives within the grove there was nothing little Azuell lacked. He had no real desire to move or travel or wander far form home though perhaps someday such a feeling would change. For now though, he was quite happy finding strangers like Alue to befriend and get to know.
"I've never been to the ocean either," Azuell admitted, gracing his friend with a grin. "But maybe someday we could go. I know where it is a lil' bit, on the other side of the slopes. My mum and father go there sometimes for a few days, but my brother Penance and I aren't ever allowed to go. I hear it's awfully big though. . . . "
Yes, he was a chatty patty to his friends. And yes, poor Alue was going to have to tolerate it. Easy going and laid back, very comfortable in all situations, the young colt could talk as much as he could eat. And that was saying a lot.
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Posted: Thu Feb 26, 2009 8:07 am
Alue's gaze lifted up off his hooves for a second, and the shyest little smile crossed his face at hearing his new friend agree with his unspoken words. "I heard it was really big too," he said quietly, almost a whisper as he volunteered some information for the first time without being bidden. Although he glanced back down before Azuell would have a chance to catch his eyes, he fluffed his wings more comfortably.
This was okay, wasn't it? He didn't seem to have to talk much, and now that the abundance of questions had turned into an abundance of chatter he could happily listen to Azuell talk about all sorts of things. He was much better at listening than talking. Sometimes being made to talk too much would make his tummy squirm in a really unpleasant way, and it was like all his thoughts just vanished because they were as frightened as he was. But Azuell seemed able to talk enough for both of them and that suited the nervous little colt just fine.
But it was one thing to not talk, and another thing to talk a little, like Alue had just done. Maybe Azuell wouldn't mind, and let him say a bit every now and again too, but Alue wasn't sure yet so he lapsed back into silence as he waited for his new friend's reaction. It made him nervous, this waiting, but it was more like a hopeful nervous than a frightened nervous like when the woods had been scaring him.
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