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 Posted: Sat Nov 08, 2008 1:13 pm
 This was not going to be an easy task.
He'd known that from the very beginning; known that it could take months or years to achieve his goal, if he even could. However, that didn't prevent the familiar sense of hopelessness from briefly rising up in Guiliaume's mind as he surveyed the endless stretch of forest before him.
Like so many other landscapes, it seemed insurmountable, but after a brief moment of self-doubt Guiliaume lifted his chin and squared his jaw. Hadn't he walked through forests like this before, flown over meadows, been buffetted by mountain winds? None of this was new to him in theory, it was merely the next region in a very vast world.
That was the problem with chasing a Wind, though; wings provided freedom, but they meant that it was that much harder to try and track one.
Still, he was nothing if not determined. Giving one last backwards glance to the shore behind him, he turned and started down the path into the trees. This could be a looooooong walk.
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Posted: Sat Nov 08, 2008 1:24 pm
Things couldn't be better, according to Ever Sacrifice. Her family was united and whole once more, even if each daughter was off learning some individual skill that suited their taste. But it didn't dampen her joy to have her family and herd beginning to thrive around her. And today she was at the task of checking on everyone within her lands, seeing what disputes would need to be settled and what news would have to be spread by eagle to the others.
Speaking of eagles, one of the hawks flew towards her to inform her of a bright red wind making his way through the forest and directed her to the best location to intercept him. Not that she found him a threat, but to have someone new enter their lands always seemed to draw attention. So she thanked the red-tailed hawk and made her way to wait for his appearance.
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Posted: Sat Nov 08, 2008 1:38 pm
So far, so good. As he made his way down the path, Guiliaume was taking note of many things; the airiness of this part of the forest, the lightness, the comfortable spacing between the trees. It was a beautiful place, but even more advantageous (to his mind), it afforded clear views in either direction for several yards. Granted, thus far he had yet to see anything other than vegetation, but he didn't doubt that this would help him if and when he finally met someone else.
Assuming that the trees didn't get too thick prior to that point.
He wasn't going to let it bother him, though; no sense in wasting energy being depressed and mopey when he could make something positive out of this experience. And really, it was such a gorgeous day...
It was the flash of red that snapped him back into his hunting mindset. Red, for better or worse, always grabbed his attention immediately, as it was the color of his target. Unfortunately, it was a rather common coat color, so such glimpses tended to result in disappointment. Today was no different.
He wasn't about to take that out on the mare in question, though. What had at first been a mere glimpse became more pronounced as he realized that the red mare seemed to be waiting for him. Though he had no idea why this was the case, he couldn't help but be pleased; every person he met was a potential source of information. Consequently, as she came into polite viewing range, he stopped himself and gave a slight bow. "Good afternoon."
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Posted: Sat Nov 08, 2008 1:51 pm
She had watched him progress towards her with careful scrutiny. He was indeed colored as brightly as the Cardinal birds that periodically graced her two-legger's dwelling. Of course, all Soquili came in an assortment of color and breed, but still deserved the respect equal to all.
Her smile was genuine as she lowered her head into a bow, "Afternoon to you as well, sir." She stood back to her full height and gave a rather idle flick of her flaxen tail. He had a wonderful manner that made her as gracious as a cool breeze on a hot day. "Welcome to the Unega'Gohunvhi herd lands. I am the alpha, Ever Sacrifice, at your disposal."
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Posted: Sat Nov 08, 2008 2:33 pm
Well, that was unexpected. Thus far in his travels, Guiliaume had encountered home territories, but never before had he stumbled so early into a herd land. This might quite possibly be the biggest stroke of luck he'd ever gotten!
Asssuming, of course, that things worked out for him, of which there was no guarantee.
Still, the mare's demeanor was pleasant and her tone kind, so he was more than willing to return her graciousness with some of his own. "My thanks for your kind words of welcome, Ever Sacrifice of the Unega'Gohunvhi. I am Guiliaume, newly arrived to these lands, and it a pleasure to meet one with such kindness so early on. Tell me, do your herd lands extend very far?"
Through trial and error, he had come to realize that being too direct about his mission too early on tended to offend rather than garner information; as a result, he did his best to be as cordial and mannerly as possible. That said, he did his best to keep himself slightly aloof; at this point in his life, there was no room for attachments of any sort and the last thing he wanted was to create warm friendships that would only end in parting. At THIS point.
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Posted: Sat Nov 08, 2008 2:46 pm
She had know keen to just what it was Guiliaume sought, but readily answered his question, since she was often found wandering the lands regularly. "Indeed, our lands start just at the fork in the river that winds through the trees and extends to either side of it until it reaches the roots of the mountains. My mate is currently in the air on patrol for another hour or so while I attended business with the individuals."
She laughed quietly as she continued, "It's not just Soquili that inhabit these grounds, but a few other woodland creatures like foxes, wolves, and birds. Everyone does their part here or I wouldn't have known of your arrival. In fact, you are perhaps one of the few visitors to have entered since the formation, if you were curious about the speedy appearance of myself."
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Posted: Sat Nov 08, 2008 2:54 pm
"I see." Though Guiliaume's tone remained mild, he was rather surprised at the fact that Ever had actually known he was there and deliberately intercepted him, rather than them simply encountering each other as he'd originally thought. It was really rather remarkable how different social groups cooperated with each other; though that kind of group mentality was foreign and slightly unpalatable to his own way of doing things, it certainly seemed to work well for them!
And really, it would be foolish to not try and take at least a little advantage of that group awareness. Nodding thoughtfully as she described their communication system, he queried, "I suppose that as an alpha, you would be the most aware of your herdmates and their doings, then? I would imagine that such a powerfully pressing responsibility would be almost crushing for you at times."
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Posted: Sat Nov 08, 2008 3:08 pm
She shook out her mane as if to dissuade him that the burden was not as troublesome as it sounded. "Being alpha does indeed put you to the top of everything--most matters being finalized by them and keeping the peace among the 'rabble', but I am blessed to be dealing only with family affairs presently."
Indeed the herd was composed of mostly her family as well as the extension of those who lived with her two-legger. Family matters were easier for her to handle than the multitude that appeared years ago around harvest time. "But to answer your question, yes, I am the most aware of my herdmates and their interactions. As stated, the formation of Unega'Gohunvhi was only during the spring of this year. Each member has started to venture on their own to learn different trades and talents to bring back."
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Posted: Sat Nov 08, 2008 3:20 pm
"Well, it sounds as though your herd, for all of its newness, is more than adequately preparing to face potential future challenges. I wish you all the best in your skill acquisitions and hope that the time apart proves rewarding for you all as a herd."
Indeed, it sounded to Guiliaume as though this herd was very much on top of things. It was a smart move to diversify, as that tended to result in less mental stagnation. If one was only interested in one thing with no other skills or interests, then in the end one was doomed to a life of endless monotony...or at least, that had been his opinion on the subject. Not that he was biased or anything, of course...
However, pleasantries out of the way it seemed as though now was as good a chance as ever to get the important question out there. Straightening himself up to his full height, he gave the mare a querying look and asked, "Does your disbursed herd include any individuals by the name of Guilian, by any chance?"
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Posted: Sat Nov 08, 2008 7:55 pm
She smiled graciously at his compliment. Indeed she was reminded of the humility of another herd alpha and could finally agree wholeheartedly with the mare that it wasn't a matter of just one, but all. "As the voice of the herd, thank you. I shall pass on the words of esteem."
She paused momentarily in thought, sifting through her memory of whether she had ever met anyone of that name. There was definitely no one in the herd by that name--five daughters and the flower family--no one. It didn't sound familiar to her and sadly she shook her head. "Unfortunately, no."
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Posted: Sun Nov 09, 2008 9:02 am
It would have been far too easy if Ever had told him yes, yet it was a pity all the same. Thus far in the course of his travels, he had encountered a few Soquili who remembered Guilian from years past, but all of those encounters had ended with the speaker saying that he had moved on. One of these days, he hoped to hear the response that he was waiting for...or else hear that Guilian was dead, allowing Guiliaume to at least get some closure. Not that he hoped to hear that the stallion was dead, of course, but if he WAS, it would make things a lot simpler if Guilaume actually knew that fact.
Still, it was nice to be able to cross this area off of his mental list, if it was as large as Ever had indicated. Inclining his head slightly to the mare in thanks, he showed no traces of either pleasure or upset at her response, merely calm acceptance. "I see. Well, thank you very much for the information regardless, Ever Sacrifice; you and your information have been most helpful. However, if it is not too pressing on you and your time, I would like to request another favor of you."
At that, he smiled, a smile of great charm and magnetism identical to one sported by another cardinal stallion. "I do not wish to keep you from your daily tasks, but if you would be able to either escort me to the border or see if one of your deputies would be able, I would most appreciate it. Lovely as your lands are, I regret to say that at this point in time I can't stay to admire them any longer."
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Posted: Sun Nov 09, 2008 10:32 am
She merely nodded in respect. "You are most welcome. I am sorry I couldn't have been more help in locating this--Guilian. If I hear anything, I'll send an owl in search of you if that might give aid to in locating him." Indeed, she wouldn't necessarily go wandering outside of her lands, but news did have ways of traveling. It was the least she could do.
He surprised her with his next request. She needed to return to her duties so her mate would not worry about her being late, one never knew what dangers might befall them. "I'll have my second eldest see you safely to the border. She has returned home momentarily to visit with her younger sisters and teach them what she's learned so far."
Ever moved towards the red-tailed hawk that had found her earlier, perched in one of the beech trees. He flew off at once to go seek out the pale mare. "Vidia will accompany you to the edge. She has been away to our ally herd bettering her mannerism; though I don't understand why she felt she needed improvement," she said with a flippant air.  And it wasn't long when the pale mare trotted into view with the hawk leading the way. She slowed her speed down to a graceful walk, even in the rough terrain of the woods. She looked towards her mother for a proper introduction. "Vidia this is Guiliaume. He is a guest in our lands and wishes an escort to the border. Guiliaume, my second eldest daughter, Vidia," the chestnut mare said with a smile as her daughter dipped into a formal bow. Indeed, a proud mother to have her child back in good graces.
"It has been a pleasure to meet you, Guiliaume. I wish you the best on your journey. Until we meet again." Ever Sacrifice bowed to the cardinal stallion before departing their company to return to her duties.
Vidia had remained silent as her mother had spoken, but finally flashed an endearing smile to the wind before her. "Follow me, sir, and I shall get you to the border with no further hindrances."
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Posted: Sun Nov 09, 2008 11:01 am
Again, Guiliaume acknowledged Ever's kindness with a nod. "I appreciate the gesture; thus far, I have been largely unsuccessful in my searching, but I don't doubt that things will work themselves out in the end. Without struggling a bit, one really can't appreciate what positives they have, wouldn't you agree? But regardless, my thanks. I only hope that it will not be too great of an inconvenience for your daughter."
Having said that much, Guiliaume lapsed into a somewhat formal silence, waiting patiently with ever in the few brief minutes before the hawk appeared, closely followed by a very pale mare. At Ever's introduction, he gave Vidia a nod, straightening up from it with a pleasant smile. "It is a pleasure, Vidia, and my thanks for the escort." Turning briefly back to Ever, he stepped back slightly into a deeper, more formal bow. "Your kindness and assistance has been most helpful, Ever Sacrifice; I wish you well in your ongoing endeavors."
Then he turned and strode up to Vidia. "Whenever you're ready, I am as well."
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Posted: Sun Nov 09, 2008 12:02 pm
She turned on her heel to walk a little ways ahead of him, jerking her head in the general direction they would be taking to get them to the edge. Always one to keep pleasant conversation she made sure he was of level footing before speaking. "How long have you stayed in these lands, sir? Is it vastly different from where you come from?"
She was mildly curious, but she also knew that most, like her mother, had come from lands beyond the sands and mountains. And since he was blessed with wings like her father, the place he called home might indeed be farther than her imagination could fathom. "I hope I'm not being too intrusive. It's just that I was born here and have never traveled beyond the snow capped mountains."
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Posted: Sun Nov 09, 2008 12:49 pm
Following after the mare at a polite distance, Guiliaume was a little surprised by the question at first but quickly came to realize that without conversation, the walk would be very awkward. Not that he really had a lot to say; locations tended to all blur together for him, likely because they were so unimportant in the grand scheme of things.
So it was with a slightly apologetic look that he answered the mare, "I actually just arrived yestereve; I spent the night at the beach, and this is my first time venturing into the woodlands. I have to say, though, that this is the most captivating forest I've ever been in, including the region of my childhood."
Not wanting to reflect on THAT particular time any more than necessary, he was quick to change the subject, addressing instead the second part of her comment. "Travel can be rewarding, but it's also very tiresome. You are very fortunate to have pleasant herdlands and, if your mother is any indication, a kind family."
More fortunate than she might possibly realize.
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