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 Posted: Wed Sep 17, 2008 10:04 am
This RP is for Lady Evelyn Nyht's Ever Sacrifice and Epine de Rose's Yei Umeko.
They are in the Islagiatt's forest edge.
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Posted: Wed Sep 17, 2008 10:15 am
 Her daughter had made a very short visit back home before venturing off to seek further tutoring. The red mare didn't understand Vidia's desire to better herself in all ways, but she knew enough not to leave her in a territory they weren't familiar with. What kind of mother would she be if she didn't check things out for herself? But there were always other underlining issues that needed to be addressed.
She was more concerned that they would be constantly fighting over the borderline with others. What better way to keep everything clear than to strike up an alliance? It would give them free passage, but still keep their own individual identity as a herd. And she had heard quite a bit about the Islagiatt herd. She may not be here as a mother to the full hundred, but she had to plan ahead for the herd growth that might spring up in the coming winter.
How she wished that she had Omani'ceta still with her to send as a messenger before her appearance, but the best she could do was send one of the Islagiatt's own to announce her arrival and her desire to speak with the alpha. So she waited.
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Posted: Wed Sep 17, 2008 10:31 am
Islagiatt's 'own' had come in the form of an unlikely member. While the mare may have made contact with one of those who lurked in the lower regions, they lacked the prowess to reach the peaks where the Alpha lay. Thus it had been through a variety of methods that the message had eventually reached the ears of the Elder. What had started as a quiet request of introduction had become nothing more than a 'curt' request due to the various interpretation of the message between those involved. It was just as well that the Elder was aware of the difficulties in communication that the herd often experience.
Thus it had been with a small nod of understanding that the Elder had dismissed herself from the peaks and had picked her way down the slopes with her youngest son in tow. In the approaching autumn the lands were becoming decidedly more treacherous and as such her progress was slow. Her son or her mate would have been much more suited to such a journey but given that she had been requested eprsonally, she was not so rude or pompous as to reject such a request. It was rare after all, to be asked to meet with another individual - in a manner of speaking she hoped that the drama caused by her son hadn't been quite as extensive as his anger brother had declared!
A small smile lined her lips as she at last came to more level ground. There was a slight slant in the land, but nothing the mare or her child couldn't handle. That being said, she wasn't entirely aware of who she was meant to be looking for either. With a quick glance behind her, she took note of her playful son and made certain he was nearby before continuing on. Her mate needed the rest, this much was true but she also had faith that despite his excitable nature, Fenghuang would remain well behaved for the time being.
"Oooh, mama!" Fenghuang was quick to spot what Yei hadn't and with an enthusiastic whicker he gave his mother a nudge and pointed towards the mare nearby. Yei's pale eyes soon followed him and the Elder at last laid eyes upon the mare she hoped was the one she was set to meet. The smile deepened on her features and she returned the nudge of her son affectionately.
"Well spotted, you can play but remember not to go where I can't see you."
"Mmmkay," Feng gave a little giggle and abruptly vanished into the grasses, though given his rather bright coat he could be seen with ease even from a distance. With her child now out of the way though, Yei was more than capable of greeting the mare and gave a courteous bow in recognition of her existence.
"I received word that there were those who desired to speak with the Islagiatt Alpha, though due to limitations in communication it appears the name was lost - I apologise."
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Posted: Wed Sep 17, 2008 10:44 am
She put a darkened hoof forward and gave as formal of a bow as she could with her head dipping over her leg. "Ever Sacrifice and Alpha of the Unega'Gohunvhi," she said before standing fully once more. The latter of her title was still so new to her that she had stumbled over some of it. After all, she was more accustomed to Lakota than Cherokee.
She smiled brightly. "I'm afraid I'm not as well versed with your herd so I'm unaware of your name. My apologizes." So this was what Vidia lacked, manners and a better disposition. "I hope my appearance didn't cause you too much trouble to meet me, but as a mother first and head of herd second, I'll try to keep it as brief as possible."
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Posted: Wed Sep 17, 2008 11:01 am
Yei's smile remained pleasant and she nodded in recognition, the introduction was a quick one and she appreciated the swift nature of such things. She was a mother herself, of eight children no less and as such she was able to recognise the strain it posed on an individual's time. That being said, she had wisened over the years and had developed the ability to watch her children through one eye while addressing another with the other! Ah, multitasking truly was the skill a female was most proud of, especially this mother.
"It was no trouble," she reassured her after a few moments of consideration. Admittedly the message had been a puzzle after it had been muddled so much but she had gotten the rough idea of it. "I am Yei Umeko, as you may have gathered I am the Alpha of Islagiatt." She confirmed and cleared her throat, glancing briefly towards the flicker of red nearby. So long as her son remained in her sights she would be able to accomodate Ever for as long as was necessary.
"Though there is no need to apologise for a lack of awareness, my presence in the lowland has lessened considerably over the years," she added after a few moments. Adjusting her weight, she made herself more comfortable and fixed her gaze on the mare more closely. She seemed reasonably approachable though there was an uncertainty in the way she acted. She obviously wasn't accustomed to her position in society quite yet.
"That being said, to what do I own the pleasure of such a summons?" she enquired at last. It would be easier for her to cut to the chase to save the younger mare face, no doubt that if she was still adjusting she would struggle just a little to find her footing. Eventually, Yei hoped she would cotton on to the fact that the elder mare was a little less formal than people first assumed. Yei had after all come to the conclusion that life was too short to obssess over formalities.
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Posted: Wed Sep 17, 2008 11:10 am
"With my daughter having ventured into your lands to better herself, I'm concerned about her well-being. But there's another matter aside from maternal. I was hoping to propose an alliance between our herds," she said with another smile. It would indeed make things easier for both herds. "I know my herd isn't strong enough for borderline squabbles that could arise and I'm certain there is something we can both benefit from aside from free passage betwixt the two."
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Posted: Wed Sep 17, 2008 11:22 am
Yei mused over her words for a brief period of time, there are been a great deal of movement and activity in Islagiatt as of late. Most of the activity had been around the Elderwillow Camp but for the most part Yei was aware of it. She still to this day trusted the Protector and the rest of this camp to ensure the security of the lower borders and as such she hadn't felt the need to question it. However, it was very rare and unusual for another herd to have such respect (and concern) for one of their own - enough to call another Alpha to discuss their worries.
While Yei was not immediately aware of Vidia's exact identity she was more than prepared to listen to the mare. Her concerns were warranted given the recent conflicts and potential dangers within Islagiatt. There had been rumours of the Elderwillow children seeking their own adventures while those in the far reaches had fought against other foes. The lands had been unsettled and respite wasn't guaranteed for long... Ever had more than enough reason to be worried.
"Though I have yet to meet your daughter I assume this means that she has joined the Elder Willow Encampment in our southern reaches," Yei was referring to the closest outpost in the Islagiatt territory, that of Flame and Blais. "I can assure you she is more than safe, there are more than enough capable knights capable of protecting her," she continued softly with a small chuckle. However, at the mention of an alliance her brow did raise slightly.
"While I would deeply appreciate the security of further lands for the children explore, I am uncertain of exactly what it is you seek...?" Yei was entirely aware of the qualities and strength her herd possessed. Whether it be the seers, the knights or even playmates...they offered much. Unfortunately she was just a little wary of how much 'use' another intended to make of them. Islagiatt had never been adverse to mentoring others but this did not mean they were completely at another's disposal.
"I apologise for my wariness, but given I speak for so many at this moment in time I must be sure..."
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Posted: Wed Sep 17, 2008 1:56 pm
Ever wasn't entirely relieved, but it was the best guarantee another Soquili could give about her blood. What could she do after all? Her daughter was well into adulthood now and it was only right to be exactly what she and her mate were trying to be, a beacon. Still, it didn't help that she would worry like most mothers do when they care deeply for their children. "Yes, Vidia felt it was necessary to expand further on what she already has and learn new things. She was very insistent on it."
She wasn't an overly calculating mare thankfully, so her cheerfulness and smile were entirely true and probably showed there was no political shrewdness in her body--which was either a weakness or a godsend. "Perhaps open borders for easy travel, trade, and mentoring. I may be over reacting to the change in the winds, but it's all I have to offer from my own herd."
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Posted: Thu Sep 18, 2008 5:31 am
Vidia...
A flicker of recognition appeared in the Elder's eyes as the name was mentioned and her smile deepened somewhat. So this mare's daughter was the female that had caused a slight hiccup in family proceedings? While Yei had found the entire thing entertaining to watch, she had always wondered what the mare was like. Now aware that said mare was in her territory made things decidedly more interesting - it gave Yei an even greater excuse to visit her relatives down in the Elderwillow encampment! Not that she needed an excuse, she could gate crash at any moment but Tai was as bad as she was in his love for gossip...she needed at least something to coo and whisper at him.
Ah yes, the Elder had found the disgruntled Eldest son to be highly amusing to behold as he stormed about the peaks and then finally got hold of his younger brother. A little spat later and the air seemed to have cleared but it was the first time in which she had seen a semblance of emotion from her eldest. While he may have returned to his stoic expression shortly after, the Elder did have to thank Vidia (albeit silently) for at least restoring the faith a mother had in her son. Until that point, Yei had always worried that he wouldn't be able to express himself properly...
"A small world," Yei murmured after a few moments and offered a soft chuckle. The simple awareness of Vidia's existence in her lands had been enough to seal the deal. She would have to inform both sons of her existence but she doubted either would cause hassle. Ambroise would take note of it and monitor her as a temporary member of the herd, Althalus would perhaps greet her...She had faith in them. "I wish her luck in her endeavours," she offered, echoing her eldest son's sentiments...oddly enough.
"Open borders is something that we can provide to an extent," the Elder murmured after a few moments. "However there are certain locations in Islagiatt that are potentially dangerous and are off limits even to members outside of the leadership," she explained quietly. "Provided you can respect these limitations yourself then I would consider this," she offered at last. However, her brow did furrow and she closed her eyes for a brief moment.
"One must also be aware that there are some who cannot enter our lands under the jurisdiction and judgement of those who lead Islagiatt. I would question your stance on these limitations if one of those who was forbidden...attempted to join your herd?" she enquired smoothly. It was a valid question, open borders were one thing but they could be abused by those who lacked respect and Yei was not born yesterday.
She would address the rest of what was offered later, she simply wanted to iron out the specifics first.
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Posted: Thu Sep 18, 2008 9:19 am
Both brows raised in mild surprise and curiosity when the mare finally spoke, but she smiled again. "Thank you." She knew her daughter needed all the luck she can get. What with falling out of the basket so early and scratching her eye so badly on her first day out--so graceful.
She shifted to another hoof absently as she listened. "Considering that most have to be accepted by either myself or my mate and we try to keep the peace for the families that will in the future reside on our lands, I'm more curious to these limitations than to question them."
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Posted: Thu Sep 18, 2008 11:14 am
"There are individuals that are not enter our lands due to offences against our kind," Yei repeated calmly, sighing softly as though the entire issue were a bit of a headache for her. While she had no desire to ostracise a Soquili from another herd entirely, she also wasn't prepared to let said Soquili abuse Herd treaties to explore forbidden areas. Regardless of whether said Soquili were to join the Unega, they would have to remain banned from Islagiatt land - it was a little bit awkward from that point of view. However, Yei's greatest concern was for her own herd and as such those boundaries and limitations had to be understood.
"While we have many enemies that are chased from our land by our protectors, there are those we spurn in more subtle ways. If you are to be bound to Islagiatt you must understand that these individuals must remain banned from our territories. Your other members are free to roam but if the individuals - such as Inali, should choose to join your herd they are not free to trespass." There, she had said the name and perhaps it would underline so issues that needed to be addressed. Her eldest still had a very sore spot from his encounter with the mare. Such disrespect had been one thing but the stubborn mare had later gone against the wishes of Islagiatt and entered again - though given communication limitations, the Elderwillow had been unaware at that point.
"I am uncertain as to whether or not you would be prepared to uphold such a divide," she herself would have been a little uncomfortable trying to limit one soquili's movements while another was free to do as they pleased. "Howeverm Islagiatt does not tolerate utter disrespect for our members or our land and as such we are firm and unmoving when it comes to such punishments..."
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Posted: Thu Sep 18, 2008 11:59 am
Everything seemed fair enough considering if she'd been in Yei's shoes, she'd want the same terms for her own lands respected. Of course, the shock of hearing Inali's name mentioned from another was evident on her face. There was still a troubled past between the look-a-like mare and her mate that she didn't feel necessary to stick her hooves in just yet.
"Agreed. The same can be said of any we have a ban against in ours. It would only be fair to respect the individual herds' rules and wishes considering it's not a union where one loses its name and merges. If others join our herd in the future that you place this punishment upon, they will have to respect your wishes and won't be granted access to cross your border or we may seek joint counsel in removal of the individual?" It seemed a fair system, but was better put as a question so they may discuss this option should anything of the sort happen.
She looked up towards the skies briefly in thought. "I highly doubt a certain Wind will wish to join your herd considering I heard he has his own, but Wild Wind and any of his brood are not allowed on ours as well. We've had enough encounter from his high-horse attitude that has rubbed my family wrong for many moons." An evident warning, but she couldn't think why any Soquili would want to have him as part of a herd unless they held the same beliefs as he did.
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Posted: Thu Sep 18, 2008 1:44 pm
It was settled then as the two mares met in open understanding in regards to what some would consider a questionable topic. No doubt stallions would have disputed over such technicalities...it was just as well that the Alphas were therefore female! A small smile lined the mare's features and she gave a slight not in recognition of Ever's words. While Yei was unaware of any immediate problems in regards to other wind soquili it would be something she would watch for...
"We will respect your wishes, just as you respect ours," she confirmed after a few moments and cleared her throat. With such a specific issue out of the way she could move on to the other issues. Ever had mentioned mentorship and trading - both of which were somewhat awkward subjects (again). It wasn't that Yei didn't have a problem teaching others herself but she couldn't promise that others would have the time to teach... Nor could she guarantee that certain individuals (mostly her eldest son) would be inclined to accept such requests.
At most...
"In regards to mentoring young Soquili or even matured Soquili," she began at last, a small smile lining her features. "I cannot promise mentorship amongst Islagiatt but I can openly permit your herd to seek out any member they require," she continued softly. "Whether or not said herd mates choose to accept the request is up to them, but I am more than happy for your herd to seek them out for whatever purpose they feel that they can assist with - " She hesitated for a few moments before shaking her head and releasing a small chuckle.
"I apologise for being so awkward, it is difficult to be exact with so many to take into consideration...I hope you don't mind."
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Posted: Mon Oct 13, 2008 7:15 pm
"Understandable. The individual choice always takes precedent," she said with a small smile. It was very true that her own members may or may not accept anyone that came to them for help--if the time came. Perhaps it would be time to seek out someone who could teach, no that would be a thought for another day.
She was taken slightly off guard when the other mare laughed, but she quickly joined her. "Oh no. It's quite all right. To be the voice of many is probably the most difficult task to handle, but it's better to have someone who can than to have a rambling mass trying to speak for each other at once."
Ever allowed herself to relax further. "I must admit that I am impressed with how well you've handled it all. It must have taken time for you to come to such an amiable level with so many. It's very inspiring."
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Posted: Sat Oct 18, 2008 6:44 am
"Perhaps you should experience one of our annual reunions!" Yei gave another laugh, this one much warmer. It was true that Islagiatt lived in a very extensive territory and as such the members remained apart. However, at least once a year a reunion was held and during that period that 'rambling mass' became a reality. Generally speaking it was a rather good thing that the topics often addressed weren't particularly serious or else they'd never get anything done. It really didn't help that there were quite a number of Soquili who were so loud and exhuberant when it came to such things but in the end... Things were addressed when necessary.
That was what the eagles were for!
"We have quite a loud 'mass' but then again, one can only love them more for it," she continued. Her expression was one of fondness and she had the decency to look embarassed when the mare declared her achievement to be 'inspiring'. Truly, she couldn't take all the thanks for such a thing given that it had been the culmination of effort from a great many individuals that had ensured success. "One can only take such a compliment on behalf of the family, we achieved such relationships because that it was the majority of us seek..."
"It is difficult not to be on an amiable level with one's family," she teased softly, though she was aware that there were soquili families within the lowlands that had been torn asunder by disputes and violence. It was unfortunate and she regarded them with sympathy but it was not her place to try and 'save' any creature from their fate. If they needed shelter she would provide it, but she couldn't simply tell them the solution - that would be barging in.
"They are good Soquili, I cannot say that my achievements are inspiring in relation to myself given that so many echo them. You know?"
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