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 Posted: Sat Aug 23, 2008 10:32 am
He should have seen it coming, it was long overdue... And yet, even now as the mare navigated her way down the slopes he was still surprised. She had brightened up considerably in the course of the last few months. Her optimism had returned with the news that all her children were safe and that glow that she had... Well, it had been another fateful encounter with the Seer of the Islagiatt herd that had blessed her with greater news. His mate was once again pregnant and was positively bubbling with excitement. No stallion in the world would be able to contain it and as a result there was no point in trying.
Not only that, but the stallion had long been aware of the fact that while his mate was happy she could also be a tad hormonal. Ensuring that she remained in good spirits was paramount during such a critical period. He for one liked to remain in the warmth of his cave, his mate curled up against his side - angering her and being banished onto the chilly slopes didn't really appeal to him. It wasn't that he was whipped, he simply had his priorities in order and besides...he didn't exactly savour the moments when his mate was upset. The gods only knew she (and his family) had endured more than enough.
Thus it was with baited breath that the Phoenix soquili awaited the new arrival and simply took precautions to protect the fiery red mare as she bumbled about. This morning was no exception either; having woken early she had announced that she wanted to explore the lower reaches of the Islagiatt territory. Confessing that she hadn't met many of the younger members of the herd, she deemed it her duty to greet them formally. At least the stallion could be safe in the knowledge that she wouldn't be adopting anyone anytime soon with her own tiny tot on the way!
"Slow down, pet..." Grencia spoke up as he followed behind the mare. Emerald eyes remained focused on the mare as she waddled her way down the rocky paths, but his ears sought out any potential threats. As usual he was please to discover that his territory was at peace but this didn't mean he would let his guard down.
"Might miss someone!" Yei announced in a sing song voice, glancing over her shoulder before prancing forward at a slightly quicker wait. However she was aware of her delicate condition and that 'prance' didn't last for too long. She wasn't weak and she could be excitable but she wasn't about to place her baby in jeopardy.
"I am sure they will wait a little longer," the stallion pointed out with a small chuckle, breaking into a trot to catch up and then promptly matching the strides of the mare. Really it was at times like these when he declared he had the patience of a saint - he would be worried terribly about the risks of her pregnancy but he would still permit her to act silly sometimes. Urgh, but when she stumbled...
"Maybe, maybe..." she agreed softly, casting her azure gaze towards him thoughtfully. "You aren't going shy on me after all this time, are you dear?"
"Unlikely I would have just preferred it if you had taken to resting up a little more..."
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Posted: Sat Aug 23, 2008 11:13 am
Nakia landed quickly and gracefully, her hooves clicking against the rocky slopes of the mountain. It was quiet all around her, save for the distant call of a waterfall as it fell from the slopes. Folding her wings against her body, the young mare turned and started up the slope with determination in her eyes.
The mist started clinging to her fur and feathers as she slowly walked. Such a strange place this was...It was as if time itself had froze when she crossed the barriers between here and the plains. Ears flicked slightly as the voices of the wildlife rang out but nothing slowed or stopped the silver mare. She had heard from others about the knowledge these Soquili possessed, that there was even a seer who could see into the future. Perhaps they would be willing to help her.
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Posted: Sat Aug 23, 2008 11:39 am
Besides his confused thoughts about Nakia's feelings, he needed to learn what so called 'love' is. Dinyin never seeked his parents out for anything, through out his whole life, he learnt everything by himself. There wasnt much to teach himself to in order to stay alive. Dont move, go around looking for food if you're hungry. Drink from the river, dont always eat or you'll get fat. Everything else was not important to him. That was until he ran into Nakia. Love, that had a question mark beside it as it popped into his mind. Was it just about two soquilis having babies and nothing else? Or did it mean something more? It had to mean something more, you cant just have babies and then go your seperate ways. Dinyin never wanted to leave Nakia. Hes seen some soquilis 'break up' near his river spot. Come to the think of it, he is pretty creepy. Spying on two soquilis, and now stalking Nakia. Dinyin shook his head and lifted it. Ok, well they both were for a good reason right? One, he learnt that relationships, what ever the hell those do, can be broken. Then there was this other fuzzy feeling that made him bubbled whenever he saw her. By this time, Dinyin looked to his left and saw that he was pretty high up. Feeling proud of so far what hes accomplished, the stallion stretched his neck to look higher. Still....so.....tall. Damn.
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Posted: Sun Aug 24, 2008 7:07 am
The mountains were arguably one of the roughest terrains in existence. The deserts only just defeated such steep slopes given the horrid heat and the lack of water they provided. Admittedly, the slopes didn't provide as much water as one might like but there were at least a few streams spattered here and there. Survival was much higher on the slopes than in the deserts provided that the individuals dwelling in such a location were aware of the necessities and where to find them. The Islagiatt had long since explored the reaches of their territory and knew exactly where everything was and usually...where everyone was.
You see, the herd was all but scattered across the territory. The lands of this herd were divided into those of specific families. The darkest reaches were controlled by the most fiercesome families while the lower borders were patrolled and guarded by the more amicable family of Tai. Yei Umeko and Grencia's family sat at the 'seat' of power - patrolling the largest territory that joined all the families together. It was near the very peaks where the mists dwelled that they had made their home.
Nevertheless, both 'children' were in luck given that both mare and stallion had travelled a considerable distance down the mountain. Accustomed to the terrain, they found it significantly easier to move with speed and grace. Combine this with their incredibly vibrant coats and they wouldn't be missed even by the most blind sighted Soquili. The firey reds and oranges would be seen miles off... That being said, more often than not this particular pair saw their guests before the guests saw them.
"I told you they would wait," Grencia mused softly as his emerald eyes drifted further down the slopes. Both soquili had eased their pace to a more relaxed saunter, partially due to Yei feeling the strain on her legs (though she refused to admit it). His observation came of course, as he caught sight of the panda coated Soquili down below. Granted the stallion made no attempts to make further contact but he did alert his mare to the other soquili's presence.
...Not that she would be quite so subtle about it.
He was right in his assumptions that her response would be almost immediate and somewhat abrupt. Her expression brightened considerably and she seemed to dance from hoof to hoof again. Dismissing her swollen joints, she offered a soft whicker and picked her way towards the stallion just a little more quickly.
"Oh ho ho ho, hello there!"
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Posted: Wed Sep 03, 2008 1:35 pm
Nakia had been told another kin of her family lingered in this mountainous area, her mothers' adoptive father and a kalona to boot. She shivered slightly as the natural fear of Kalona crept into her mind but she quickly shoved it away and stood up tall; Azumoth could not have been all that evil! He did take her mother under his wing and Ignacia was a protective and loving mother...when she wasn't mad at someone. Giggling at the memories of her childhood, the winged mare turned and started down the trail at a slow pace as she went over the reason as to WHY she came here. That reason was a curly-maned, dark-brown stallion with a beautiful smile and a laided-back view of the world.
Dinyin...just his name made her heart flutter with that warm, gushy feeling. Ever since she had met the stallion a few days beforehand his presence had dominated her mind and soul...of course, she had approached her father with question about these feelings. His instant reaction: ultimate freak-out. Now she had the intentions of approaching someone who had more experience in the world...and hopefully wouldn't shoot her down at first question. Was it love in her heart? Or lust? Or something else entirely? SHe didn't know...she was still a young child, out to see the world for the first time...
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Posted: Wed Sep 03, 2008 5:27 pm
A call was made to someone. Dinyin lazily looked up to see a pair coming his way. One pregnant and the other with wings and looked very...mature. He wasnt sure if someone had just called to him or to someone else. However both soquilis had their eyes on him. Dinyin turned around to see if anyone was behind him, no one was. The dark stallion turned back front and smiled slightly. He had only wanted Nakia, now hes got company, hoped they wouldnt want him trotting around so much. The sun was truly beating down and he was starting to feel a bit drowsy. Perhaps this was the furthest he could go. No, Nakia, he must remember Nakia. A slight breeze brushed by and felt like it was pushing him foward to the two. Were the spirits telling him to go to them. Dinyin sighed and watched the pregnant mare, perhaps it was best he went to them. However she looked perfectly fine managing on her own. Who was behind her, he did not know. Perhaps her brother? Father even. Or maybe her mate. Mates. Thats something he had secretly wanted with Nakia. She felt so special within him. Taking rather slow steps to the pair, he grinned and bowed as he did with many other soquilis. "Hi there," he replied back with the 'there'. It was 'there' when he reached the two. It was now 'here'. Dinyin kept his friendly grin, in his mind he wish he could just flop down and sleep for a few hours. Then again, something in him kept his interest on these two. Was it the fact the mare was pregnant? Dinyin had no idea. "I must congratulate you on your...pregnancy," he hestitated for the word. Turning slowly to smile at the stallion now, if he said thank you, perhaps he was the husband. If he was...it wouldn't have been a bad idea to ask a few questions of his own. But how could he approach that opportunity?
The dun was getting harsher and he swore he could smell himself being cooked just right. Still looking rather friendly, his gaze followed up the mountain. Trying to see if he could spot Nakia walking along the edge or something. Nothing. No one was in sight except for him and these two. They looked nice but who knows if one wrong move, they could easily over power him and kill him if they wanted. Then again, they did not look like the type to kill or overpower. He just kept his eyes up on the mountain as he waited for an answer back. It wasnt the first time he had seen a pregnant mare. Occasionally there'd be one trotting around the forest looking for food. However, he did wonder what it was like to carry life, besides your own, in you. Then he wondered, will he ever get that chance with Nakia. To bring life to this world. Dinyin stood deep in thought, still watching the mountain sides.
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Posted: Thu Sep 04, 2008 4:28 am
[[Duelist, Azumoth is a mutant not a Kalona lol.]]
Everything in the Islagiatt herd was connected - Nakia could wander as she pleased and would ultimately end up beside Dinyin. It was simply a case of wandering round in an absentminded fashion. For the Soquili of this particular herd they knew exactly where to go when they needed it, but for safety's sake they had ensured that the territories in question roughly appeared in a circle. The final destination was the home of the Alpha, a home that lay at the top of the mountain where the mists formed a border round the peak. However, it was not unusual to encounter said Alpha away from home - after all, she was right here.
Yes indeed, the very pregnant mare was none other than Yei Umeko and she was the Alpha of a rather extensive herd. Over the course of many years she had developed and grown. Wisdom had most certainly come with age, even if her excitable and quirky behaviour had not mellowed. And as for materal instincts? Well, these instincts had positively skyrocketed! With the birth of five children already and twins on the way, she absolutely adored children. They could be her own, or they could be someone else's...she didn't care. That being said, in the process of raising her own children she had also come to advise those around her...and the quality of the advise had improved considerably.
Flicking her tail against her flank, she came to a halt beside the stallion and offered a warm smile as he offered his congratulations. She was positively glowing at having yet another set of gorgeous children. She was proud of her children, but to be gifted with more made her squeal with delight. All she had ever wanted was a big family and Grencia was more than happy to oblige!
"She is indeed pregnant," Grencia's response was easy. His relaxed tone indicating that he was as harmless as a cuddly toy bear. Granted he could be a beast when provoked but he sincerely doubted that Dinyin would cause issues.
"I'm not always this fat!" Yei announced with a giggle and shook her head, her expression one of good humour.
"Mhm," Grencia nudged at the mare fondly before returning his gaze to the stallion. "But you do have my thanks for the well wishes, they were unexpected to say the least," clearing his throat, he adjusted his weight and fixed his gaze on the panda-like stallion. "To what do we owe the pleasure of your company this afternoon?"
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Posted: Mon Sep 08, 2008 11:53 am
She was getting nowhere quickly...and she knew absolutely nothing about this territory; for what Nakia could guess, the path she was walking down was leading her straight back to the entrance. So, was it worth it? To wander around in circles, alone in this strange place?
Perhaps, perhaps not...Nakia wasn't sure anymore.
Looking around, she spread her wings absentmindly as though to take flight; maybe the mare would beable to see if anyone else was lingering from the air? "Perhaps that is the best choice for now." With that, she crouched and flapped her wings before taking to the air with a sweep of her broad wings. Nakia had so many questions to ask, but more importantly...
Would he answer to her heart, if this throbbing in her chest was love? Of course, that was considering he still wanted to see her face-to-face after their simple day of being together by the river.
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Posted: Mon Sep 08, 2008 12:40 pm
Dinyin listened to his company chatter. The mare seemed absolutely filled with joy. Then again who wouldn't be when you've got lovely family coming your way. The stallion had thanked him, Dinyin now considered that this was probably the father. He hoped his assumptions werent wrong. The question asked was too complicated for such a lazy stallion as himself to understand. So he just pretended it meant 'what are you doing up this mountain today?'. He smiled weakily before answering back "I was..." he hestitated, stating he was stalking Nakia was just plain creepy. Then again it was the truth, and nothing to be ashamed of if you said it differently. "...looking for a friend." He smiled, his eyes fell onto the mare's tummy. If he was lucky, one day him and Nakia could start a family. The stallion shook that thought, not possible, specially not when he doesnt even know her feelings in return. Being dark had its advantages, he remembered how his step-aunt told him darker colors attract sunlight more. Or at least traps heat. It was definetly true, his back felt burning and he was a rather dark colored stallion. Those two looked rather cool. Perhaps it was their color or maybe they were use to it or maybe they were feeling just the same. Dinyin decided after this trip, it was time to head straight to the river bank to take a bath indeed. Feeling all filthy all over. The river, Nakia...the first time they met. He let his head dip low as he thought over the questions he wanted to ask these two. Dinyin relifted his head and looked up at the mountain top, looked ncie and cool up there, as well Nakia was probably wondering around somewhere. He did not see her flying. Turning his attention back to the two, he smiled. "You two...must be experienced in all this............love stuff." The word refused to roll off his tongue until he shoved it out. Love. It gave another tingly feeling in his heart.
The stallion let his eyes fall upon the rocky ground they were all standing on. Breathing slowly, and thinking about his next question plus more. Should he wait for them to answer back? No, they were together and they have foals coming already, they sure were experienced by the least somehow. "What......what is love?" Pink apeared over his cheeks, and he looked down, ashamed at the fact he did not know. However, it was not a subject or 'thing' anyone could understand easily by explanation. It has to be felt. Dinyin believes he'd felt it, now he needed the explanation.
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Posted: Mon Sep 08, 2008 2:47 pm
Was love as simple as being defined as 'stuff'? Grencia and Yei exchanged bemused glances as the stallion made reference to their close bond. In their eyes it was sacred and the feelings ran so very deep - however to explain such feelings was just a little bit complex. As eloquent as both expectant parents were, neither could truly define what love was on the basis that all individuals had different views upon the subject. Their immediate assumption was that he had at least linked it with 'family' but other than that, he remained naive to the complex nature of such an expressive emotion. Love had many facets after all...
"You could say that," Yei mused after a few moments of careful consideration. She didn't want to mislead the stallion or lull him into a false sense of security. However, the very least she could do was attempt to explain what love was on a 'general' level. The stereotypical, ever romantic 'love' that creatures sought out so desperately when they were idealists. Alas, there were cynics who declared 'true love' didn't exist but this mare knew better. Stereotypical as the definition might have been, it still existed and dominated the lives of quite a few individuals.
"But your question is very vague," she confessed, glancing briefly at her mate who had lifted his head and was otherwise inspecting his surroundings. On occasions, this stallion knew when it was his wife's turn to take the stage. "Although from what you're asking I'm gathering that you mean how a stallion and a mare feel towards one another. If that's the case then love is a very, very dear thing. However, it's also a very intense feeling..." She sighed softly as she struggled to come up with suitable words to express the bond that she shared with her lover.
"Love isn't something that can be defined so much as felt. It usually feels as though that other soquili completes you... You don't need words toexpress yourself, simple acts of kindness and affection are all that's required. If that feeling is strong enough you might even feel that you could lay down your life to ensure the survival of your counterpart..." She furrowed her brow, so far her words seemed very simplistic but there was really no other way she could express herself. Eloquence on such subjects was inappropriate given that it came off as superficial.
"In my case, I would give the world to keep him by my side," she flicked her gaze towards Grencia whose eyebrow had risen at the phrase. Though his expression was otherwise unreadable he did provide her with a gentle nuzzle of gratitude. "Why do you ask...?" she enquired softly.
"Visitor..." Grencia interrupted as his gaze flicked upwards again, his emerald eyes catchign sight of the pale soquili flying above.
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Posted: Tue Oct 07, 2008 2:02 pm
What was love? Nakia pondered the same question that Dinyin had asked far below while hovering and trying to find out more about her surroundings. Was it a one time thing that resulted in the next generation by mistake or was it something.....deeper?
She sure as heck didn't know and both her parents were fairly unwilling to answer her questions. Heck, her father had completely lost it when she brought up the subject about being with a stallion and Mother....well, Nakia simply hoped that whoever she chose didn't end up burnt.
Giggling a bit at the mental image, Nakia glanced downwards and what she saw made the young mare panic: A phoenix-colored Stallion and a crimson mare were talking with him. The one who had stolen her heart on that day. But...oh dear! Flustered and confused as to why Dinyin was in the same place as herself, Nakia swiftly darted down to land and hide. She had not realized that the phoenix stallion had seen her fly by.
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Posted: Tue Oct 07, 2008 3:14 pm
A bit of rustling came from the side of him, Dinyin flicked his head over but had not seen anything. He frowned then turned back to Yei and nodded when she had said he meant the love between a mare and a stallion that were not blood related. As he flicked up his ears from sticking on his head, the stallion listened intently making sure he doesnt miss one bit. As she explained that love is better when you feel it rather than hear about it. Dinyin nodded one last time. He still was a bit puzzled about his feelings but the mare had mentioned she would do anything to keep the stallion with her. He did want to spend his life forever with Nakia, although was this a temporary thought? Or what? The dark stallion pondered as the pregnant one questioned him why. He opened his mouth slowly ready to reply, but wasnt quite sure how to explain it. Whatever comes to mind. "I.....I guess I met a mare that......makes me feel rather special.....and.....shes someone I would do anything to keep her by my side..." he paused as he thought about his mind being set on climbing this mountain just to see her. A beat was skipped in his heart as he thought he heard another rustle. "Her name is....Nakia." The stallion had spoken out, but Dinyin didnt quite catch his words as his mind was set on telling the mare about his feelings. He looked at the stallion who seem to have noticed something. Searching around, his eyes curiously wondering if it could be who he wants it to be. A sweet scent filled the air, one he could not deny.
Getting excited he searched around more and turned to face the area where the scent is strongest. Could this be....he did not see anyone around. Perhaps the stallion saw wrong? No, her smell was unmistakeable and she was definetly nearby. A shiver ran down his back as he realised if this was her, could she have heard what he was saying? Oh dear. Dinyin placed a frown and he looked down. Part of him hoping it wasnt her then the other part he was rather excited for her. The stallion gave a curious look and started his way towards the place where the source of the scent seem to stand. It was rather odd how one always held the same scent no matter what, that is onless you decided to cover yourself with something that ruled over your original smell. Fuzzy and warm inside, the stallion slowly advanced his pace and whatever it may be that held his love's scent will be found if they chose to run or hide. Hard to not be noticed as three pairs of eyes were on the search. He was sure the winged stallion was watching and obiviously he was curious, not so sure about the mare but most likely as well.
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Posted: Wed Oct 08, 2008 2:21 am
Yei Umeko knew that body language all too well, the shivering had been difficult not to notice. It brought a smile to her lips and with a small chuckle she proceeded forward to nudge briefly at the stallion's neck. By the manner in which her mate had spoken, it appeared that a distraction was in order and she was the perfect mare for the job. Thus, she was soon in front of him again and tilted her head to the side. Inquisitive (and teasing) as always, the impish smile climbed on to her equine lips and she raised a brow at his behaviour.
"You know it is terribly rude to walk off when you're speaking to another," she pointed out quietly, almost in a motherly and chastising tone. They were on Islagiatt territory and therefore her land but this didn't concern her. Really, she simply wanted to give her mate room to investigate what he had seen. By the manner in which the younger stallion had reacted it appeared to be his unofficial beau. That lovely mare who made him feel 'special' and caused his heart to soar. Admittedly in this case Yei wasn't entirely certain of how to go about opening his eyes to his emotions towards the mare and so she left it in her mate's capable hooves.
"If you would excuse me," Grencia spoke at last, bowing low as he unfurled his wings and beat them once to increase the bloodflow and to remove tension. "We have had reports of Kalona in the area recently, it is necessary for me to doublecheck that we have not been compromised..." He offered a slight smile and motioned to his mate with a nod. "Keep my darling mate out of trouble for a few moments while I check?"
"Be careful!" Yei chimed, her voice surprisingly optimistic though this was a given due to her confidence in her mate.
"As always," Grencia reassured her and with a short gallop he leapt into the air and took flight. It wasn't long before he had circled out of sight and around to the otherside of the thin forest where the mare was hiding. He had made certain that Dinyin wouldn't see him land and slowly he drifted through the trees until he had crept up behind the mare, his eyebrow arched in knowing amusement and good humour. He remained silent for a short while and then finally murmured in to Nakia's ear. "You know, it is rude to spy on others..." he chided gently.
"Oooh, I hope the Kalona didn't hurt anything, that would be somewhat troubling news..." Yei could be heard speaking nearby, her voice now grim as she mused over the 'possibilities'. Really though, it had all been a ploy and she knew it. Her mate was a terribly good actor in that regard and had feigned a potential predator. Combine that danger with the quivering excitement in the stallion and perhaps they may get a reaction out of him. Then Yei should have been more than capable of confirming if he was in love or not.
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