Oh, How Embarassing: Scythe, Sengdroma, Vara, & Maion [PRP]

[Dixie]

It was a beautiful day. Gentle breezes danced through the family's land, the sun shone down in a brilliant array of light. Thought it was day time, Sengdroma still caught herself thinking of her night time companion from time to time. During the day, she was able to free her mind of him for the most part, but once night fell...she wasn't so lucky.

Sengdroma had made her way to visit her parents, it had been several days since she had visited and she wanted to reach out to her mother. Her mother always seemed to know what was on her mind even though Sengdroma never told her. She lie in the shade of a tree near by, waiting for her mother to join her.

Scythe had all but forgotten of the encounter with the angeni. As the days had passed, he wondered if the rose Maion had found had been suitable for his lady friend he sought so desperately to impress. With each day, the hunt for the rose became just a memory. He doubted he would see the stallion again though he had mentioned coming to visit from time to time.

Scythe grazed lazily near the trees, his tail swatting at insects that landed on his rump and legs. Nothing planned for the day, he would enjoy it with the visit from his daughter. For the time being though, Sengdroma had seemed to want the company of her mother, Scythe didn't want to impose so he had distanced himself. He had taken a short walk around the bend, he would head back before long, but he wanted to give the ladies plenty enough time to 'discuss' girl things.  

[Syaoran-Puu]

Maion wandered around his cave, it was a pleasant day and his duties had been completed early. He had found himself watching the waves as the blues and whites swirled together before crashing into the cliff side below him, it had been enthralling to watch though he felt lonely. His mind wandered to his recent encounters, he had met three females attempting to drown their sorrows away in the Ocean yet he did not fancy their company now. He felt he wanted some sensible and intellectual company that was when he remembered Scythe. Smiling he remembered how he had been invited around to their family home any time he wanted, he could still taste the delicious berries that he had helped to deliver.

Walking towards the entrance he allowed his eyes to view the landscape in all its glory, it seemed different somehow, as if his eyes had been opened to the wonders around him and he felt as if he now needed to experience everything it had to offer.

Jumping from the cliffs face he slowly start to sink to towards the Ocean, flapping his mighty wings he started to ascend into the sky once more, skimming the surface of the ocean gently so that the hairs around his hooves became damp. It was cooling and refreshing as the breeze evaporated them as he rose into the sky, the sun sparkling in the world around him. He flew towards the land; crossing over the valley he had found the perfect rose for Moon, its white colour reflecting her beauty although it did not match it. It had brought him some satisfaction to him to know she had accepted it and allowed Elijah to tie it onto her delicate flowing locks of hair.

Scanning the land he smiled as he noticed the landscape change into the familiar surroundings of Scythe and his family. Lowering himself towards the ground once more he landed sharply, trotting quickly towards his location before slowing down his eyes wildly examined his environment, he longed for some company.

 

[Revolutionary Roniel]

Is there anything truly more wondrous than being in the company of family? Vara mused on this as she stood in the early autumn sun. Sengdroma was due to visit that day and Vara couldn't help but be filled with cheer at the prospect. It was such a pleasure watching Sengdroma grow from the small and quiet filly into the self-possessed mare. She was silent, yes, but lately Vara had been sensing the growth of a quiet strength about her. It made her proud as a mother to see, or so she was fond of telling Scythe. He never seemed to grow tired of her endless wondering about the beautiful nature of their children. That was just one of the many things she had grown to adore about him.

She had walked a quick circuit of the usual places she met with Sengdroma but to no avail. No matter. I'm certain she'll be here shortly. She walked back to where Scythe was still grazing, fixing him with a bright smile beneath bright eyes.

"I don't suppose you've seen our daughter yet?" She shook her head in bemusement at herself as she stepped closer to join him. "It's still a little early so I don't know what I'm getting so worked up about. Maybe I'm becoming one of those hovering mother types... Next thing you know I'll be hunting them down and demanding grandchildren from them, though they've been pretty good about providing those so far." The thought of her grandchildren filled her with pride. She shut her eyes happily and leaned against her mate while thinking upon the family they had created. Six children, four grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren... all of them perfect. She only wondered whether-

Her eyes blinked back open. "Did you hear that, dear?" It had sounded like a hoof beat but she couldn't be certain. Was it Sengdroma finding them?  

[Dixie]

Shilo lay across Scythe's withers as if she were a fur scarf, she had found it much easier to keep up with the stallion if she just rode along with him. She stretched in the sunlight, the sound of Vara's voice rousing her from her nap. "I saw her," she mumbled her voice still sleepy. "She's resting around the bend...the big oak you normally meet her at." Shilo adjusted her weight, but never opened her eyes. She was a firecracker when fully awake, it was still early.

Looking over to his made he laughed at her thoughts, "No, not you." he teased at her before nipping lightly at her mane, taking a few strands in his mouth to chew on playfully. "And, I think you've demanded a few already...Poor Tuli doesn't know what to do with herself." Scythe mused over his eldest daughter, poor girl hadn't so much as found her first boyfriend yet.

He turned his thoughts to Sengdroma, she still hadn't spoken so much as a word. Scythe no longer thought she had a choice, he had settled on the fact that she was born mute. It didn't bother him as long as she was close...but he knew that danger lurked within the forest that she called home. He worried about her out there in her lonesome, she wouldnt' be able to call for help. Shaking his head he tried to let that terrifying thought escape him. "Shilo says she not fa..." He stopped at the sound of hooves.

"If she's at the oak, that's not her..." his ears adjusted to focus in on the hoof beats that neared he and his mate. They weren't expecting other company. "That's the wrong direction..." In his usual manner when strangers approached, Scythe puffed up his chest and extended his wings just a bit. The larger he looked, the less likely a soquili would be to attempt to bother them. Intimidation worked wonders.

Letting out a heavy sigh, Sengdroma rolled over onto her side. She knew it was dangerous for a Soquili to rest in such a manner, it was hard to get up and away quickly if needed, she didn't care. She closed her eyes and listened to the birds sing and the wind rustle through the leaves over head, she knew her mother would be along soon.

As she lie there, her body relaxed and her mind wandered. The image of Maion against the sunrise flashed in her head, she smiled. He was such a gentleman, something about him tugged at her. She couldn't help but to be mesmerized by his voice and captured by every promise he made to her. He said he would return...but that had been several days ago. She sighed again.

His gift, the dried white rose, was still attacted to her mane near her ear. She had been so careful while walking through the forest, careful not to snag it on low limbs. It was the only piece of him she had, she would be crushed if something happened to it.

She exhaled again, snorting slightly as the blades of grass beneath her tickled her nostril. Where was her mother? Did she forget she was visiting?  

[Syaoran-Puu]

Digging his hooves into the soft ground sharply he came to a sudden stop, his eyes surveyed the surroundings wildly to ensure he was in the correct location. He saw trees, the mountain, and could hear the trickling of running water nearby. As he continued to scan his environment his eyes lay upon the familiar blue figure that was Scythe, yet as he watched he noted the defensiveness’ tone within his posture and stance, perhaps he should have provided warning of his arrival. Elijah wiggled softly within his mane, she seemed to be finding it hard to settle these days and he worried that she was growing too big to be carried in such a manner, yet he knew he would not be able to leave his friend behind. She had been within him since before his Mothers death, he had rescued her from the jaws of a wolf who had slaughtered her family for sport, he still felt a guilty twang within himself as he recalled the scars that lay raw upon her skin, he was not fast enough to save her from the terrible harm she was forced to bear, he could only comfort her and protect her now, a task he did without question.

Taking a deep breath he stepped cautiously forward, he remembered all too well the terrifying streak that resided deep within Scythe, Kalona or not he did not want to get in the way of him if he attacked, especially if he considered himself protecting the family that he cherished so dearly. All Maion could do now was to come over as no threat, enough at least to calm the spirit of Scythe down.

His eyes changed focus as the figure of Scythe and his mate became closer and closer, he was pleased to be gifted with such good sight knowing there could have been consequences for an abrupt entrance into their home. With each step he approached, his black coat standing out against the world of green and blue that was the day. When he reached a decent distance for his words to be auditable for them he spoke, his voice laced with an unseen power and strength, "Scythe," he paused for a moment desperately attempting to recall his mates name, or at least he assumed it was his mate, yet as he searched his memories no name appeared all he could remember was it sounded unusual to his flicking ears. Giving up he continued, a coy smile peeled across his face, "and I assume your beautiful mate." He bowed his head low in welcome, but also as another gesture that he meant neither of them any harm, he simply longed for company and with no family of his own he felt that this place was the next best thing.

His head still low to the ground he spoke once more, his tone more apologetic than before, "I hope you do not mind the sudden intrusion." Lifting his head back up towards the sky, his horn capturing a glint from the sun so that it sparkled with a pure silver glow, his mind wandered briefly to the world around him, and a sudden flash of jealously struck deep within him. He longed to have a place of his own, a family to protect, and a mare to love and cherish till the end of time and space itself, yet as he stood and watched the two Soquili before him he felt he was an eternity from such treasures of his own. An image of Moon flashed within his mind, perhaps there was hope that lingered within his soul, but the question was how could he ever win such a beauty over and what would he need to sacrifice to be with her forever.

Elijah’s shallow breath echoed in his ear causing it to flicker more frequently as a dopey smile remained peeled upon his lips, it was rare for his little companion to venture so high into his main, usually she nestled in the foot of his neck, her warmth tenderly adding to his own, it felt somehow bare without her presence there. Yet a strange curiosity filled his mind as he contemplated the reasons behind such a strange manoeuvre on her part. Perhaps she was attempting to grasp a better view of those he had addressed so formally, shaking away the thought he reverted his full attention back towards Scythe and his delicate mate, his eyes wandering to the markings that curled around her legs. They seemed oddly familiar; it was parallel to those similarities he had noted in Scythe on their quest for the Rose, yet he was still unable to place the source of such a sensation. Perhaps this encounter would reveal their purpose; after all he believed that fate played an integral part in his daily life. It guided him to each location, leading him so that he always knew which direction to head and whom he should stop to speak to, fate had now guided him here, yet the song that the fates sang was still being sung, only time would reveal their true purpose.
 

[Revolutionary Roniel]

Vara stood beside her mate as he made his usual show of puffing up for a stranger. She had always found it amusing, their opposite reactions to meeting new people. Scythe was always the protective one, making certain that any potential enemy would know him to be a force to be reckoned with should they make an approach. Vara was always the opposite. She'd put on her warmest smile when meeting a stranger, even one who seemed dangerous at first glance. Scythe standing beside her looking so frightening when underneath it he was a sweet and caring father and mate attested to the difference between looking scary and being scary.

Of course, sometimes her method hadn't worked out for the best. Vara didn't let herself dwell on the times that her trusting friendliness had gotten herself hurt. It wasn't about to happen while she was next to her mate, anyways, so there was no point in being skittish or broody about it.

While these thoughts ran through her head she did smile in greeting, smile growing wider and more interested when she saw the soquili emerge. "An angeni," she murmured to herself and to Scythe, a whisper that would not carry to the stranger. His four wings and ethereal form made his species obvious. Vara had never seen an angeni before and his beauty was breathtaking.

What a world we live in, that wondrous creatures like these just walk out of the underbrush. It was because of these internal observations that for a moment she didn't realize what the angeni had said. When it did she blinked in pleased surprise. "Scythe? You know him?" She turned to her mate, an incredulous smile upon her face before looking back at the stranger. "And I suppose I would be Scythe's... 'beautiful mate." She inclined her head in greeting to the angeni. "But you can call me Vara."  

[Dixie]

His eyes searched, falling on the body of a soquili nearing he and Vara. Once the form got clear enough, a smile broke on his face and his wings instantly came back to his body tucked in tightly. His ears flickered at the sound of his name being called out.

"Maion!" Scythe tossed his head a few times in greetings. "Welcome, Friend!"

Scythe turned to Vara, offering a wide fangy smile. "This is Maion, the angeni I told you I met a few days back." he whispered so that only Vara could hear him. "I didn't think I'd see him again, honestly."

Turning his attention back to Maion he trotted out, meeting him halfway between he and Vara. "Welcome again!" He motioned towards Vara, "Come, meet my mate." Turning, he took up next to Maion's side escorting him over to Vara. "Maion, this is Vara, the lady you helped me bring berries home for on your last visit." He then looked to Vara, "Honey, this is Maion. The soquili I told you about...the rose?"

Hearing the comotion, Shilo began to stir again. Her eyes focusing in on the large stallion that was standing next to she and Scythe. Quickly she made it to her feet, her beady eyes looking over the angeni. "Wow..."

"Oh!" he turned his head towards Maion. "And that," he tossed his head in Shilo's direction, "That's Shilo. Keeps me in line..most of the time." He laughed.

"What brings you down the mountain today? I didn't think I'd see you again, Son." The word 'son' rolling off of his tongue without thought.  

[Syaoran-Puu]

Ever watching he noted the sudden change in Scythes stance, and a great relief lifted from his heart. He did not want to cause anyone discomfort, and if he had not been welcomed here he would have left, soaring back towards his cave deep in the Mountains. His mind wandered to his home, its emptiness, and void of colour. For his childhood all he had known was the blank canvas that was his home, his Mother had always insisted that he must never leave until he could fly, that way he could always return to her. This had made his childhood rather sheltered to say in the least, and since the day he could fly he had searched the world for all its wonders. Yet sometimes he wondered about himself, most of the Soquili he met these days seemed amazed that an Angeni walked among them, some even went as far as to give him special treatment, others tried to force themselves upon him, and then there were those few like Scythe who simply offered warmth and friendship.

As the wind blew carrying his curled locked billowing along with it, he found himself adjusting his wings and stance to prevent being swept away with it, after all he knew how little effort it usually took for him to soar among the clouds, yet now was not the best moment to leave in such a rude and abrupt fashion.

Nodding in response to Vara and Scythe’s words of welcome he spoke once more, he voice shining with a friendly tone as a smile spread upon his face, "The pleasure is all mine." He looked the small group over; it seemed to be a colourful array of all shapes and sizes, very different in appearance but with something that connected them all together like points along a map. Perhaps his Mother had been wrong after all, she had always preached that those of Angeni blood should always mate with others of the same breed, it was her method of keeping the blood ‘pure’, yet it was a concept that Maion had always resented, why should he be forced to tinker with the affairs of the heart simply to satisfy some pathetically closed-minded view? A mild anger played in his mind, but it subsided as he ran the names of those standing before him through it. Vara, she appeared to be a painting of the landscape, clouds and Lilly pads, there was still something about them that he could not shift from his mind. Next there was Scythe, strong and different from any Soquili he had ever seen, yet he had not settled for one of similar blood, not even one with wings of their own. His Mother was wrong about the world, it was far more accepting that she could have ever imagined. Finally there was Shilo, at first Maion strained his eyes in an effort to find the small creature but as soon as it moved it became obvious that just like Elijah when she had entered his companionship Shilo had also changed colours to adapt to those of Scythe. There was no mistaking the resemblance.

Scythes laugh was always slightly intimidating to him, his great fangs revealed with every chuckle, and a flash of his past would appear for only a moment. He hated the Kalona with a burning passion, they where heartless, killing for sport and simply because they could, ripping apart families and destroying everything he sought to protect. Once again he forced himself to stop, Scythe had already demonstrated on their quest that he was not like that vial breed, and the attitude he took around his mate also proved it. A calming wave trickled through him as he began to relax. He looked at Vara for a moment, her blue eyes reflecting his image in their watery shine they looked like two jewels that sparkled like stars in the day, they too looked so familiar. Pulling his gaze away so not to be rude he turned to Scythe, the words from his question still tumbled around in his mind as he attempted to search for an answer but there was only one question he could focus his energy upon, did he just call me son? He had never been called son before, his Mother had always made a point about using his name, and those that he had met tended to also, yet Scythe did not. Surely that was not a hint about his past? Could that be where the similarities came from? After all he did not know his Father, and for all he did know he was dead now. Shaking his mane playfully he abruptly attempted to suppress the thought completely, it did not feel right, it was not the similarity he saw within the couple.

There seemed to be a staleness about the air now, was he intruding upon something? As he continued to run Scythes question endlessly through his mind he pondered it still further, what had brought him down the Mountain today? A gentle warming smile pieced his lips as he looked upon them both, he spoke in an equally warming manner, "Company," within his mind he extended the sentence; the Mountain is a cold and cruel place today.

Elijah wiggled once more, pushing his main into many directions as she attempted to see more of their surroundings, he doubted she would show herself. Reserving herself for his eyes only, yet he recalled how she had acted around Moon.

Moon, she still shone brightly within his mind, he could see every detail of her pelt, could still smell her fragrant scent, and recall how her hair was carried by the gentle wind. They had danced, they had played and they had swum around the lake that reflected the night sky so perfectly, he would never forget. He knew he should have returned to see her already, yet deep within him there was a screaming apprehension. Perhaps he should ask for advice while here, he had never been very competent around the opposite sex and usually offended them by grunting or asking them to leave, but on every encounter with Moon so far it had been different. He had wanted to linger in her company for longer, only forced to leave by the rising of the sun. Was that a sign?

As he continued to smile and watch his surroundings he thought just one more thing, fate you are a cruel and vulgar creature.
 

[Revolutionary Roniel]

With a sudden chagrin, Vara remembered that Scythe had indeed told her about this angeni. It wasn't that she had forgotten that Scythe told her about him... she could still remember the detail about the rose. It was more like she had focused on the romance without remembering the details. Just like me, to forget a name and a description but remember that there was something romantic about it. She wanted to roll her eyes at herself but it would probably be taken the wrong way at this moment. She doubted that Scythe would be terribly pleased if she offended his friend after first meeting him.

She also noted the familiar way which Scythe addressed him. "Son."It was a sweet touch, she thought. She enjoyed using endearments but tended to save those sorts for the ones they actually referred to. Haya, Karma, Mel, and Aether were her sons. It would feel odd to apply that title to someone else. But somehow it seems to fit when Scythe addresses this one that way.

Before she had a chance to let her mind wander further Vara refocused herself. "If it's company you want then you've come to the right place." She gave Scythe's mane an affectionate and familiar nibble. "We love company at just about any time. Well... I do, at least." She laughed fondly at that. "Scythe might wear out a bit faster than I do, but if you're already friends then that must mean he enjoys spending time with you."

She looked in the direction of the oak tree where Seng was probably still waiting. "We might even have some more company around soon. If it's a problem then I can leave you boys together. Otherwise..." Her eyes twinkled brightly in the afternoon sun. "We can have some introductions and all get to know each other."  

[Dixie]

"Ah, she's right on that point," he grinned and laughed as Vara began to nibble on his mane. In the past, he would have been embarassed to have such affection shown in front of others, but things all changed once he met Vara. To this day, his heart still melted when she touched him. "My conversations don't last as long, but, that's what she's for." playfully he tried to n** at his mate.

Seeing Vara look towards the oak, Scythe added, "Why don't you go see if she's waiting? I'd like for her to meet Maion." he nodded, then turned his attention back to their guests. "I have a daughter who has come for a visit, you should meet her as well. She's not the most talkative soquili, but she's sweet." His chest puffed out just a little as he talked about his daughter. He was proud of all of his children...and his grandchildren...and great grandchildren.

"Once Vara comes back, you'll have to tell us how the delivery of your rose went." he nudged Maion in the shoulder, "Vara here thinks you probably made the poor girl swoon...but then, she gets lost in the romance." he looked over to Vara and winked.

Shilo, the opposite of Elijah, was not intent on being ignored. As the large soquili chattered away, she had worked her way down Scythe's leg and now stood at the front hooves of Maion. Shilo was quite...obsessive. Tapping on Maion's hoof, she almost demanded that he speak with her. "Hey....Hey you! Where's our gifts? Did you bring fruit? Food?" she chattered away in her usual high pitch.

Laughing, he shook his head. It was just like his smaller companion, the only thing she ever thought of was gouging her small belly. "Shilo..." Scythe tried to get her attention. "Shilo!" he snorted at her.

"What?" she turned to look at him. Seeing him shaking his head, she knew he was telling her to back off. She quickly turned back to Maion before scampering back over to Scythe, "Next time...bring nuts!"

Scythe looked over to Vara, "Dear, why don't you take Shilo with you?" he almost pleaded. He didn't want the small creature to embarass him too badly in front of his new found friend. "Teach her...manners...."

Shilo shot Scythe a distasteful look, "Manners? I have manners!" she chidded at him. Shilo always spoke so quickly it was a wonder anyone could understand her. "I was only asking him if he brought food." She eyed his large wings again, "Foods good up there?" she refered to the tops of the mountains, she had heard the stories of where angeni lived. She wondered if they had any foods that would be foreign to her. New fruits or the likes.

"Shilo, enough." Scythe spoke in a low "I mean it" tone.

"Fine Fine. I'll go with Vara." With that, Shilo made her way over to Vara, looking back at Scythe and Maion still not understanding why Scythe didn't like when she asked others for food. Looking up to Vara she huffed, "Men."


Beginning to think that her parents really had forgotten that she was visiting today, Sengdroma righted herself and scanned the horizon one more time. Of all days, she couldn't believe her mother was late today. Sengdroma sighed. She needed advice, she needed to ask her mother's opinion of what Maion could really want. Was the rose a sign? Was he hiding something by not staying past day break? What was she supposed to do? What was this feeling in her chest every time she was around him? She shook her head, all these questions....but she knew she wouldn't ask. She had only spoken to one soquili....the very stallion that she didn't understand. She stretched out laying her head on the dancing grass blades beneath her. She would wait a bit longer before setting out to search for her Mum.  

[Syaoran-Puu]

[Ron just so you know Maion always calls Sengdroma Moon]
[Just a random note, I had a bad day today so I am sorry if its not as good as usual or has lots of errors, will do better tomorrow]


Maion watched as the couple exchanged pleasantries, it was warming to them, yet it also felt slightly strange. He had never watched anyone exchange their affections in front of company before. His Mother had been a very solitude creature since the departure of his father, yet it was strange that he felt that they too would have acted in a similar manor. He moved his wings softly, the feathers fluttered gently in the breeze as the grey tinge sparkled in the shimmering light. His thoughts wandered to Moon, he felt guilty for not returning to her, if it had not been for his duties he would have willingly stayed by her side for as long as she would have permitted. Sighing softly he stamped his front hooves softly on the ground, his bandages shifting softly around his legs, as the odd speckle of freshly drawn blood splash upon the ground. Calming himself he brought his mighty wings towards his sides once more, all four of them had a strange tingle about them.

As Shilo spoke a dim smile spread across his face before a soft chuckle ignited from his lungs, food seemed to be a popular topic around him lately, but at least it had reminded him of the gift he had Elijah hold for them, perhaps that had been the source of her discomfort. Still smiling he turned his head towards his neck as best he could and spoke in a gently voice, its vibrations sending minuscule ripples along the air. "Elijah, our gift please." He found he spoke most of all to Elijah, although recently he had found more words to direct towards Moon. It was easier to talk to stallions, they did not seem to care too much about the content of words, whereas mares were a completely different story, he had found the attempted to interpret everything as a romantic gesture, from his stance to his mane flowing on the breeze, the swooning of others had started to bore him, he longed for a challenge, and even as that thought lingered in his mind he thought about Moon. She had not spoken to him till near the end of their second encounter, and even then she said naught but five words. She was a fascinating beauty, and someone he was sure he wanted to remain in his life, yet he wondered if that would be as a friend or something more, something as close as Scythe and his mate Vara.

Elijah wiggles through his mane some more; a lump stumbled and moved along his neck before he lowered his head to the ground in an effort to aid his small companion. Slowly a star-studded leg began to appear, followed closely by a tail and rump of a small fox. As she broke free of his great mass of hair the small creature pulled out a parcel made from the leaf of a banana tree, they had recently flown towards the warmer climates in search for a sign. Maion believed that the spirits of his ancestors could help him on his journey he just needed to connect with the correct spirit. It was legend that the spirits of the Angeni resided in the place of their demise, and so he strove to find his Mothers only sibling, he was supposedly a natural at charming the ladies. Yet no advice could be reached. Demoralised he retreated but before he left he asked Elijah to collect him a souvenir of his journey. Within the small leave wrapped parcel was a collection of the ripest berries Maion could find in the forest, although he knew his eye was not as finally tuned as that of Scythe. Maion tended to starve himself until his body gave the calling of food, although he had taken berries from Moon. Shaking his head he tried to get rid of that thought, he couldn’t allow her to consume his day as well as his night, even if he did long to be with her once more. Connecting once more with the reality around him his smile increased in size and he bowed his head to Scythe. "A gift," he paused for a moment before raising his head once more, "for your generous hospitality." He had not expected to see a creature like Shilo, especially since she seemed to have thoughts centred mainly on food. It was a pleasant change; yet he felt something strange stir within him, to him food had always been a sacred gift from above.

Elijah pulled the parcel closer towards Scythe before leaving it beside his hooves before moving slowly back towards Maion. She sat on the straggling stands of Maion’s hair lazily. Silently watching the world around her as her gentle giant stood proudly in all his day time glory. Her starry pattern blended carefully with his own. A pair made in the heavens above.

Maion’s ears peeked up once more; he recalled how Scythe had briefly mentioned a daughter who could not speak. He wandered if perhaps like Moon she would one day talk if she found someone she wanted to talk to? The thought never occurred to him that Moon could be the very one Scythe and Vara wished for him to meet.

He nodded his head in acceptance to their invitation, company of any description was enjoyable and acceptable, he had always loved meeting new people and getting to know them. Being a man of very few words he actually preferred those of similar tendencies. Perhaps that was the truth behind why he found Moon so fascinating, yet he also knew if she would to speak, even for an belonged period of time he would listen, his heart lingering on every spoke words, the shape her mouth as she moved it delicately and deliberately to form each gentle tumbling word. Shaking the thought softly from his mind he forced himself back towards reality, before speaking once more. "It would be a pleasure."
 

[Revolutionary Roniel]

Vara watched with interested curiosity as the fox emerged. She always found the familiars of other soquili intriguing. What most interested her was the way their coats would match the ones they were bound to. When she had been only a filly she had thought that there might be one familiar for each soquili there was born into the world. She liked to imagine that somewhere out there was a golden and lotus-marked fox or falcon waiting for her. She had been a little disenchanted when she found out that most of the matching coats she had seen occurred after pairing, not before.

She watched as the fox set her parcel down beside Scythe. "How thoughtful," she said with quiet pleasure. "I'll leave that to you, shall I, dear?" She began to walk away but kept looking over her shoulder to say a few last words. "I'll go fetch our daughter in the meantime."

She gave Maion and Scythe a parting nod and trotted down the trail. It wasn't far to their meeting place and she could already see the top branches of the tall oak. "Seng?" she called out as she drew closer. "Darling, are you there?" Fall leaves swirled up around her hooves where she stepped.

Ordinarily she would have lingered to enjoy the fall colors but she didn't want to be even more late for Seng. The beauty of autumn, though fleeting, would be in that grove for longer than her daughter was. Or maybe we can enjoy them together sometime today. That would be nice but she wasn't certain how long her daughter intended on staying.  

[Dixie]

Her ears perked as she heard her mother's voice before she could see her on the horizon. Lifting her head first she looked around, finally making her way to her feet. Seeing her mother nearing, a wistful smile planted itself on her face. She longed to talk to her mother, to spill her heart out and ask for advice. Today would not be that day. Shaking her body, she worked to remove any debris that would have settled on her coat and in her mane. Careful though when shaking her head, she didn't want to accidently toss her delicate rose to the ground. She laughed to herself inside her mind, she'd much rather be dirty than loose her rose. As her mother drew closer Sengdroma took to a light trot meeting her a few paces from the tree, reaching out with her muzzle she gently greeted her mother by nuzzling her neck.

She sighed slightly, her mother would understand....Sengdroma knew she would. After all, Mother and Father weren't that similar before, were they? To this day, Sengdroma loved to hear their stories of days past. It didn't matter to them that Father had wings and Mother didn't. It didn't seem to bother her father at all that her mother was earth bound. Would it be possible for Maion to feel the same for her? She could only wonder.

"Thank you, Maion," he smiled down to Elijah as she left the berries at his feet, then returned his gaze to Maion. "Now, we will expect a gift every time you visit," he said playfully, in no way being serious. Scythe couldn't recall the last time anyone had brought a gift when they had come to their land.

Watching Vara for a moment as she began to walk away, he nodded and winked at her when she turned back to them for a moment. "We'll be here." His eyes lingered on her a moment longer, he loved to watch her golden locks flowing in the breeze. "I never would have imagined...." his words trailed off.

Turning his focus back to Maion, he noted the bandages. He had seen them on their first encounter, but he dared not ask. Now, he considered them friendly enough that it wouldn't be prying too badly. Scythe was well aware that some weren't one for talking if it became to personal. "Maion, might I ask what you've done to yourself?" he used his nose to motion towards the bandages that allowed the slightest bit of blood to seep through. "Are you injured?" Of course Scythe knew he was injured, he was bleeding, but if it were serious he would have Vara tend to him when she returned. He would have no friend or ally in an unwell state if he or his family could tend to their needs.

Continueing on in friendly converstaion, Scythe had no idea of the events that were about to unfold. He had heard Maion speak of a wordless soquili, and had even searched for a rose to gift her with....little did he know that his youngest now bear the gift that he had helped to find. He had dealt with his sons becoming smitten and taking to a mare....but he had yet to deal with one of his daughters finding a stallion that they fancied. His oldest, Tuulikki was still searching, and Padma...Padma was not one to settle...At least Scythe didn't believe she was. Scythe and Vara had spoken of the girls all finding mates and starting families, Scythe was not ready to accept the fact that his girls were no longer fillies...but instead young adults. To him, it just wasn't time yet.

As he and Maion spoke, he continued to glance down the path, wondering what was taking the ladies so long. He wanted Sengdroma to meet Maion, but more on terms of she could learn a lot from him. It wasnt' every day that Angeni came down from the mountains for a personal visit.  

[Syaoran-Puu]

Playfulness appeared in his stance as Scythe spoke of always bring a gift when he visited, he knew that such an action was simply polite when intruding upon the territory and home of another. Plus he pondered the thought that Shilo would also favour that option. Nodding he spoke in a happy yet strong tone, "deal."

Maion nodded in response to Vara, he was never one for goodbye pleasantries’ as he always hoped they would return shortly or that he would see them once more after completing his duties. Today seemed to be quite out by the Ocean, the waves tumbled towards the shore in a playful manner and the shore itself seemed all but abandoned, he had observed the usual Stallion walking towards the forest but it seemed to be a ritual that he completed everyday. The birds flew high in the cloudless sky, chirping their songs of courtship. Everything seemed to be so much easier for everyone else, affairs of the heart were defiantly not his strong point, although he did hope that he would only put himself through such motions the once. With every beat of his heart within his chest he pondered the possibility of Moon being his one. After all he had gifted her with the most symbolic name he could think of, a symbol so powerful to him that he longed for her to remain his Moon forever. Shifting himself back towards reality Scythes question flowed towards his ears like the water stumbling over the edge of a waterfall. It was a topic he tended not to share with most, but that was mainly because it still upset him and those who asked simply wanted to divulge in his past in order to feel closer to him. That was a concept he wished to reserve only for those who he truly wanted to know him. He smiled, his eyes gazing towards the ground as he noted the speckles of blood drops upon the grass below his hooves. Directing his gaze back towards Scythe he chuckled softly, it was not a situation he wished to portray in a negative light, nor one that he wished to share all the details of, being a family man Scythe would most likely be equally disturbed by his tale.

He paused before speaking, contemplating the correct approach before speaking, "I am afraid my duties lead me towards danger often," still smiling he allowed himself to look towards the sky, the scream of young mare as she guarded her three children still echoed in an unsightly manner, it was something he longed to forget yet knew it was not possible. Continuing he spoke, "protecting the innocent from Skinwalker’s usually comes at a cost." Although he spat the last word out distastefully he allowed himself to chuckled once more, it had been years now since the vicious attack yet the scars upon his legs simply refused to heal. Elijah had tended to his wounds many times before yet even this was beyond her knowledge, yet it did not bother Maion, it was a reminder of his naivety and the sacrifice the young mare had made for young, his only regret had been that he was too slow to save her from meeting her end so suddenly. It seemed in his earlier days as an earthbound guardian he had allowed many of the innocent to perish before him, Elijah’s family where yet another example. He strived to be stronger, forcing himself to train and protect those around him during his waking hours of the day, only then would be allowed to indulge in the events of the night. That was his sacrifice, and sometimes he wondered if it would ever be fair to curse such actions upon any mate, perhaps he was destined to remain alone for all eternity.

Looking towards Elijah who nestled softly around his hooves he smiled once more, he always felt guilty that she had become injured on several occasions, the scars that covered her body where a reminder of her pain, a pain that he aimed to erase from her world one day. Lifting his head he looked in the direction Vara had moved, a gentle scent flowed upon the air towards his nose as he took every breath, it smelt like the forest was changing, preparing for its long and laborious battle through the cold and the ice. "Beautiful." He spoke but one word as his eyes swiftly attempted to absorb its beauty, returning his attention once more towards Scythe a silly smile peeled across his lips as a gentle flush of pink covered his cheeks. It was not often he spoke of such things, especially in front of a stallion, and as his eyes scanned Scythe he was forced to remember the ‘accidental bumping’ between himself and Scythe as he took the rose from between his lips. That was most defiantly a situation he did not wish to relive. Yet he once again allowed himself to think about the rose. His search for Moon had taken an extra week from that point, by which time the rose was no longer fresh and supple but instead dry and fragile, Elijah had guarded it well for him, hiding it deep within his mane. It often caused him to wander what else she hid there, perhaps food for herself to indulge upon or a treasure that was particular special to her, either way she was a master at keeping such precious things safe from harm. He imagined that now the rose would be near its end, so fragile that the slightest touch would destroy it, or a strong breeze would carry each petal away. Sighing he looked to the ground once more, holding his head low as he allowed himself to nibble upon the tips of the grass playfully.

It was no use trying to erase Moon from his thoughts, she always seemed to find a way to sneak back in, he had been very gratefully to Scythe for his assistance and so forcing himself to lift his head again once more, his eyes capturing the blinding light from the sun so that he winced slightly before he regained his composure and spoke in a gentle voice, "Thank you, once more for you assistance." He figured that Scythe would need no reminding of there short quest for the rose, it was ironic that he had originally set out that day to find bedding for his home, he had planned to dry it instead he ended up drying a rose for the beautiful Moon. A huge smile shone upon his lips as he spoke his next words, he had considered telling Scythe about this earlier but the figure of his mate Vara had shifted such thoughts from his mind completely, "she accepted it as a gift." He flipped the image of Elijah pulling it gently from its hiding play before carrying it towards her, he could still see her expression and feel the nerves that ran a marathon throughout his body at the anticipation of her reply, it was satisfying to know she had accepted. He would have been crushed if she had rejected him. From this point Elijah had tied a few strands of hair delicately around its stem; it was image he would remember forever. The way the sun danced upon her pelt, the way her smile shone as brightly as the Moon, and the way that the rose complimented her own spectacular beauty as they stood to say good-bye once more. It had been hard to leave, but he still felt guilty for not returning in the few nights that had passed, it had been a punishment to himself more than her, yet he had considered the possibility that she would not interpret it that way. He had now spoke to Scythe more than he had to most, yet he wanted to indulge him in one more detail before the silence settled into his mind once more. "Elijah," he paused, the small little fox stirred gracefully upon his hooves, "tied the rose into her hair."
 

[Revolutionary Roniel]

Vara happily returned the nuzzle and tugged a loose strand of Seng's mane from her face while she was close. "There you go," she crooned. "It's so nice to see you, dear." She drew her head back enough to look at her while still holding her body in contact with her daughter. Vara had always been one to believe in the great power of physical contact. It could solve a world of woes and she had heard of far more problems arising from the lack of it than from a surplus.

It was when she drew back that she noticed what Sengdroma had tucked into her mane. It was a rose! "Isn't that lovely?" Her smile grew conspiratous, as if her words were meant for Sengdroma and her alone. "Did a stallion give you that? If so, he has a good eye. I have traveled the world and seen no mare as beautiful as one of my daughters."

All of a sudden something was nagging at the back of her mind. A stallion had given Seng a rose. It lit up a flash of recognition in her mind. Maion had given someone a rose, hadn't he? Vara also had great belief in the power of fate... but sometimes a coincidence was just a coincidence. That, and certainly Scythe would have realized from Maion's description that it was his own daughter.... Strange.

She cut through her own thoughts with a topic change. "Seng, there is a friend of your father visiting. Would you like to go say hello before we have our fun? You don't have to stay long but I think you might enjoy meeting him."