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 Posted: Mon Oct 06, 2008 7:16 am
[[PRP between Epee's "Nan Fang Zhu Que" and Fatal's "Inara". Please do not post without permission or invitation~!]] 
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Posted: Mon Oct 06, 2008 7:26 am
Autumn, the season of change. It was a time when many creatures, spirits and plants alike fell in to a deep slumber in order to wait out Mother Nature's cleaning spree. It wasn't the most conventional approach to tidying up, humans would probably argue with her methods on occasions but it was Mother Nature's way. She would thrust her hand across the lands and in doing so, would brush away the sickness and impurities that had been birthed in summer. The land will gain it's fill of water and on certain occasions, would be cut in to an entirely different shape by the great glaciers of pristine ice that lurked in the mountains. It was certainly a wonder to behold though progress in regards to certain aspects of her cleaning were slow.
For the last few weeks the Uni-Angeni had watched quietly as the world around him had shifted. The lush greens had been replaced by vibrant reds, yellows and brows as the tree leaves began to tumble from the branches. Even the grasses were beginning to gain yellowish-gold tips as the seasons shifted. Already things were adapting and changing in accordance with the Divine One's whims and they really were quite fascinating to watch. It seemed that only one leaf would be surviving this winter and that was his pet - the green leaf snuggled deep in his furled wings. It had been plucked from a bush when he was a foal, adopted as a pet and since then it's health had been preserved by the Angeni blood and magic that coursed through his veins.
He would never part with it.
Alas, it was with a wistful smile that he surveyed the horison with his pale brown eyes and savoured the ever shanging colours of the sky. As the sun rose they would alter, the sky would come alive in its own way but the pale pinks, purples and darker blues were truly beautiful. It was terribly inspiring for the stallion, so much so that he eventually drew the leaf from his wings and propped it against his hooves. This in mind he lowered his head, closed his eyes and began to blow upon the leaf until it began to make a soft and harmonious 'whistling' that drifted easily through the breeze and across the meadow in which he stood...
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Posted: Mon Oct 06, 2008 7:57 am
Inara closed her eyes and breathed deeply the scent of Autumn, her favorite season. She sighed as she exhaled, a smile passing across her gentle face. A profound silence had entered the area, as most of the migrating birds had gone and the hibernating creatures were preparing for slumber. There was a chill to the wind, but the mare was merely refreshed by the change from the summer heat. A few of the colorful leaves had already begun to fall and she shook a few out that had strayed into her mane. She took another refreshing breath and continued on her journey, her hooves sloshing through the ocean of leaves loudly.
Another noise caught her ear and she paused once more, trying to discern what the noise was and where it might be coming from. She moved in the direction she thought it was coming from and it wasn't long before she spotted the stallion hunched over and making some sort of music. She crept on him as quietly as the scattered leaves would allow, not wanting to alarm him. She tried to peer over him to see what he was making the sound with, but was unsuccessful. Intrigued, she make a deliberate sound to catch his attention and alert him to her presence. "That's a rather unique skill," she smiled as she spoke, her voice rich and lovely. "Where did you learn to do that?"
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Posted: Tue Oct 07, 2008 3:15 am
For the most part the Uni-Angeni had been aware of her approach through his periphral vision. There had been brief flickers of pink and brown from the corners of his eyes when he had chosen to open them but he had remained largely unconcerned. There were those in the world that chose to creep passed others to avoid social contact, they attempted to merge with the shadows to stop another approaching. In the case of the Uni-Angeni he simply preferred to leave them be and as such he hadn't made any attempts to turn around. On the contrary he merely closed his eyes again and continued to coax his leaf to sing it's harmonic tune.
Alas, as fate would have it the individual who had 'crept' by had indeed decided that he was of interest. As he entered the second part of his melody he was gently interrupted by the sound from his left. He continued to play for a little while longer, finishing off to a particular point and only then did he lift his head, unfurling his right wing he carefully slotted the leaf back into his feathers and closed the rather large appendage to secure his treasured companion. Satisfied with its safety the stallion snorted the rose-pink locks of hair away from the immediate vicinity of his eye and turned round.
His movements were slow and yet graceful, one who moved without any semblance of worry or rush. His ears swivelled and pivoted in her direction and then he appeared to be facing her. Pale eyes regarded the mare for a few moments and yet that serene and ever amiable expression remained on his handsome features. Despite the interruptions he was not offended or irked by her company, he merely accepted it and having made note of her existence he bowed his head in thanks to what he viewed as a veiled compliment.
"You have my thanks," he offered silkily, his smile deepening as he made reference to his pet leaf. "I learnt it as a child, my companion taught me how to sing with him..."
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Posted: Tue Oct 07, 2008 11:04 am
She waited patiently for him to finish and watched as he tucked the treasured possession away. She was pleasantly surprised to find his movements matched her own both in grace and in the luxury of taking one's time. She bowed with him, returning the respect he showered her. A kind smile remained on her face, which only deepened at his explanation for the music. "A wonderful companion this must have been to teach you such a thing that can be carried with you always." She gave him a slight bow once more, acknowledging her respect for the unnamed companion.
"Forgive my intrusion; I did not mean to be so rude. I was caught up in the magic of the season, I'm afraid, and your music coaxed me to its source." She chuckled softly. "Do you live near here? I'm a bit of a traveler so I don't know this area. It's quite lovely." She looked about at the colorful leaves as they made their way to the ground lazily. The breeze was still, coming only in soft gusts that barely turned the tips of Inara's elegant hair. The sun seemed to have a haze over it, casting the area in a soft light as though it were later in the day than it was. "The days are getting shorter already," she commented softly as she gazed at the sky.
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Posted: Tue Oct 07, 2008 12:28 pm
It was strange but the Uni-Angeni had never given much thought towards names and as such his pet leaf (and companion) remained nameless. Many individuals had adopted nicknames to address him by and yet they were fleeting. He wasn't deliberately enigmatic but for the most part this was how he lived his life. He'd never received any compaints and as a result thought nothing of it, thus his lack of manners in terms of introductions could be excused on some level. She was a mare, a pretty mare and one of grace - yet she was an acquaintence and so as their meeting progressed she would become a friend. From that point on, her name would be 'friend', it was really a very simple process.
Nevertheless he bowed his head in both gratitude and recognition of her words. He would not be one to deny that his leaf had been with him always, had respected and taught him well. Admittedly it spoke in a voice that only he could hear and the conversations were rather one sided but the Uni-Angeni couldn't fault it. Truly he couldn't express his gratitude enough when it came to his companion, the leaf deserved the credit when Zhu considered himself to be the instrument.
"The plains are free for all to roam within, it is not my place to dictate who should choose to dwell within it," Zhu offered smoothly, dismissing her apology as unnecessary. "However I am pleased to know that my music has attracted some interest, I did not expect to receive company so soon." He coiled his tail around his hind leg and released a soft sigh, not so much from weary but more so to gather his composure. Extended periods of playing his flute often left him a little more breathless than one might realise.
"Though I must confess that your question is somewhat more complex," he lifted his rose gaze once more and regarded her thoughtfully. "I live everywhere and nowhere," he explained quietly, indicating that he was much more than just a traveller. "That being said I am familiar with this place, I was raised nearby,. If you are in need of assistance, I am sure I can provide some."
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Posted: Tue Oct 07, 2008 4:27 pm
There was something different about the stallion that she could not quite grasp, but something that made her rather comfortable in his presence. He seemed possessed of a mind, which was rare enough in her experience. He did not offer his name to her, but neither did she find it rude or unusual coming from him. She left the question of her name unanswered as well, wondering if the stallion would even ask her for it. She cast her eyes downward thoughtfully, tilting her head down. She turned her eyes back upwards, gazing at him from under her lashes.
"What a wonderful place to have been raised," she said as she examined the stallion more closely. "I'm in no need of assistance, thank you, but if you know of anything nearby that is of particular interest or beauty, I'll be glad to hear of it." Her voice was colored by gentle laughter. "So you are a true wanderer, then, never in one place?" She seemed interested in that sort of adventurous life, an independence that she admired. She, herself, enjoyed a great deal of wandering but her future would someday lie in a rooted home. For now she enjoyed spreading her teachings wherever they would be heard.
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Posted: Wed Oct 08, 2008 1:44 am
Zhu was inclined to agree, he couldn't fault his parents for having selected this area to raise his siblings and he. For the most part they had stayed within the privacy of the forest, in a Grove that lay by a bubbling stream. It was the picture of innocence and perhaps a scene where fairytales were born. However, no sooner had Zhu lifted his head than the winds had whispered to him and he had found that the inquisitive side of him had been born. With such curiosity inside him it should have come at no surprise that the foal had explored from a very young age - why, it was during one of those minor trips away from 'home' that he had found his leaf!
Ah yes, he had always loved to travel.
"I would be inclined to agree, my parents chose well," he confirmed with a soft smile. He was never one to hide his feelings and it was clear that he thought well of this region. His features had a warmth to them that only fondness and love could coax on to any face. However, no sooner had he spoken such words than the wistful smile returned to his equine lips and ge gently snorted a rose-pink lock of his hair away from his eyes. "You would be correct, I am a traveller," he added after a few moments, coiling and uncoiling his tail around his hind leg as though it were a habit since birth.
"Though they say that travellers always return home now and again, the same can be said for one such as I. It is nice to return to one's birthplace and visit family," he explained, though a part of him suspected she already knew this. Behind her overall serene front, there was an intelligence in those brown eyes that she couldn't hide. Perhaps it didn't help that he wasn't swayed by her behaviour either. Any other stallion would have shifted somewhat uncomfortably, or might have been distracted as she looked through her eyelashes but for him...it washed over him in much the same way as water off a ducks back. Oh he wouldn't deny that she was pretty, but it didn't affect him in quite the same way as it would others; as a result, he could speak with ease before her.
"Though in regards to 'particular' beauty, that is not a question one should ask of me," he chuckled softly, the deep yet calming sound rumbling from somewhere deep in his chest. "Everything and all things have their beauty. For one such as I, they are not in competition but blend seamlessly with one another to create a most magnificent sight - no?"
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Posted: Thu Oct 09, 2008 6:19 am
She sighed wistfully as he spoke of his family. She didn't know her parents, nor did she know of any siblings. She often wondered what might have become of them, but she wouldn't dwell on it now. "It sounds like you have quite the fulfilling life," she said, offering him a charming smile. "With a home like this to return to, it's easy to see why even the most adventurous of travelers would return." She gave an easy laugh, amiable and gentle. She would not begrudge the stallion his family and happiness, nor would she burden him with her own shortcomings. After all, she felt that someday she might find a lost family member and hoped her life would be richer for it.
His words gave her pause to consider their meaning. Again, she felt impressed by the depth of his mind and soothed by the ease with which he spoke with her. She turned her head to look out at the trees surrounding them. "I suppose your words have truth to them," she said slowly, as though still deliberating her words. "There is beauty in all things. Still, if it all melds into one masterpiece I'd like to see all the most memorable components." She chuckled softly, shaking her hair slightly to rid it of a leaf that had landed on her head. She looked up as a breeze kicked up, sending a shower of fiery colored leaves spiraling all about the two. Her eyes were wide with wonder at the dizzying display and she began moving with the rhythm of their fall, giggling as she danced around in the falling foliage. She looked to the stallion with a smile. "Isn't Autumn lovely?" She came to a stop and shuddered away a few stray leaves.
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Posted: Sat Nov 01, 2008 8:21 am
"I certainly have no complaints in relation to the quality of my life," Zhu replied smoothly, canting his head to the side at her words. By the sounds of things she didn't have family, or like so many others she may have fallen into the unfortunate line of those who had simply lost their family or knew not of their existence at this point. It was a rather startlingtrend but it was not for Zhu to judge or question those in regards to their own existence and their choices in life. If they had no family they would in time make their own or find what was lost, he was simply their to console and offer words of support or to be completely honest he was there to entertain.
When they were happy then he would leave, when they were sad or lonely then he would appear. He would carry their stories with them and tell tales of their adventures and losses. Their names would become recognised as examples of strength and integrity while his remained a mystery - a nameless bard. None needed to know his exact heritage, the point was moot and as such he much preferred to lead his life as an enigma. Besides, names held to much power over a being and he was not one to be tied down or controlled!
Nevertheless as she made reference to the 'memorable' components he had to nod in agreement with her. "There are many memorable components, as you call them," he mused quietly, smiling somewhat as the mare danced within the leaves and savoured the coming of autumn. "However what makes something memorable is entirely up to the individual involved. In all honesty I consider every small thing to be memorable, with the smallest often responsible for the finishing touches," he explained. He then nodded at her own actions and shifted his weight somewhat.
"For example, while the coming of a season is delightful - would you not say that it is made more magical by the laughter and appreciation that it is shown by another?"
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Posted: Mon Nov 03, 2008 7:35 pm
She paused in her dance to look at him, grinning. "Yes, laughter can make anytime magical." Her grin broadened. He seemed a complicated stallion, but she was impressed with his appreciation of even the smallest of things. The leaves rustled under her hooves as she walked back towards the stallion, leaves clinging to her long tail and garments that dragged on the ground. She didn't mind or even take notice of it. "You seem a worldly stallion. Please, favor me with a story of your travels?" She, herself, had always dreamed of adventure but had only recently struck out on her own. It's true she'd never really had a home, but she had never ventured this far away from the apparent safety of the Kawani village, let alone to the farther reaches of the lands. She gazed on the stallion with wonder and respect, finding him an inspiration to go even farther away from her more comfortable territories into the unknown. After all, such adventuring had lead her to this intriguing male and she had found no danger. She felt invigorated and ready for adventure and looked pleadingly to the male for a story.
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Posted: Tue Nov 04, 2008 8:26 am
He was only young, a child himself by all rights. He was fairly certain that he wasn't much older than her and yet from a very young age his parents had begrudingly allowed him to explore. His travels had taken him further and further away from home, often leading him to encounter both good and bad things. He wouldn't call himself 'worldly' but despite his young age he had seen and experienced quite a bit - he regretted none of it, but suspected that he had much more to see before he could ever begin to call himself worldly or wise in any way, shape or form. That being said he did have the decency to appear flattered and offered a small smile of gratitude. Clearly she was as polite and well raised as he had been.
Nevertheless he found it pleasant to observe the mare as she embraced the shifting seasons. She was young and didn't necessarily view the world as he did, but she could at the very least appreciate where he was coming from. It wasn't the most intensive discussion he had ever had but it was the first he had the pelasure of experiencing without being disagreed with or corrected. Admittedly he chose not to argue when he was corrected but he did find it somewhat disappointed when one walked through life with blinkered eyes.
He was impressed.
Alas when she requested he tell her a story his vision clouded for a few moments. He could think of many stories, but young soquili always wished for a particular genre and he was never certain of which was most appropriate. He found all his tales to be special, all his songs to be meaningful and yet only some would be understood. So which would she most like...?
"Have you any particular type of tale you wish to hear?"
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Posted: Sun Nov 16, 2008 7:53 am
She moved closer, settling in to listen to a new tale. The villagers had told her many stories, though she never understood them. She could piece together what they might be about simply by the tone of voice and expression of their strange faces, but she looked forward to being told a proper story. She remained thoughtful for a few moments, debating what she'd like to hear. Smiling, she asked "Tell me about the strangest creature you've come across?" There were many ways to be considered "strange" either in looks or deed and she was curious which might stand out in this stallion's mind. She hoped the story would take place in an exotic place that she could dream of visiting one day, though a story from around this area wouldn't displease her either. She simply wanted to be told a well thought out story by a clever stallion. She shook a few errant leaves from her hair absently, the soft waves bouncing slightly with the motion. The breeze had died down, as if it too was hushed and ready to hear the upcoming story.
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Posted: Tue Nov 18, 2008 1:24 pm
By all definitions, the majority of soquili considered Zhu to be strange and as such he found it somewhat ironic that he would be asked to describe the strangest he had seen. Truly the world was a colourful place and contained many unique creatures, but Zhu had never judged an individual by appearance or mannerism. He had accepted them for what they were and if they chose to do what others considered unusual then that was their choice - it was not considered strange if they were comfortable in their decisions. Such was his stance on the matter and as such he had to consider her words carefully.
Ruffling his wings against his sides, he pursed his lips briefly in quiet contemplation before shuffling through various encounters he had been a part of. He had been in fairly 'mundance' encounters and then he had been in more 'memorable' ones. It was then that he recalled the laughter and the obvious amusement in one particular mare's eyes as he had spoken with her male companion.
...The day he met a cross dresser.
"I cannot say that I have met many strange creatures so much as unique. The world is a vary large place filled with much variation," he began at last, offering a bemused smile. "However I can perhaps appeal to such tastes with one tale that you may find entertaining," he continued. Coiling his tail around his leg he tilted his head to the side and oddly enough, motion towards a small hillock not far from where they stood.
"Many weeks ago as I was playing my flute I had the rare pleasure of observing and speaking with an interesting pare of individuals. They did not partake in traditional activities as is expecting by so many Soquili. At first glance I assume that the first was male and the other was female but upon closer observation it became clear that I was mistaken..." he paused briefly and offered a small chuckle.
"The 'male' walked with grace and without a typical saunter to the point that it was apparent that I had mixed the pair up," it wasn't strictly true as he had known in an instant that they were the opposite gender. The mare had been unintentional in her games but the stallion had been determined to look like a male. The untrained eye might have been fooled though...
"Thus I approached the pair and offered to play them a song - I cannot say they were terribly grateful for my offer, for the cried out in agony and requested a stop but it was enough to confirm that the mare was in fact a stallion! A good disguise I might add butt clearly lacking in musical taste methinks..."
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