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 Posted: Fri Dec 12, 2008 12:40 pm
The mare glanced up in hopes of peering through the woodland foliage to discern the weather. Thick, grey clouds hid much of the afternoon light while delicate flakes fell quietly over the landscape; it was cool but thankfully there were no breezes or gusts to ruffles her feathers or hair any further. With luck, the weather would stay kind and gentle. . . she didn't need to get stuck out in a blizzard!
Giving her man a shake (it was a little difficult with soggy hair, the usually light strands were much heavier now that they were damp and snow covered) Kalila continued her slow trek. She had no destination in mind, daydreaming as she walked; perhaps she should have approached one of the local villages and allowed them to meddle with her mane; keeping it from dragging in the snow would have been very wise. . .
Ah, but what was past was past. There was little she could do about her hair now. Step by step, the pale wind gave her wings a strong flap, dislodging the snow that settled atop of her. Winter was all well and beautiful but she blended in far too well with the surrounding snow. A good thing it wasn't a blizzard, she mused, else she'd walk through the world like a ghost; a haunting apparition of some snow queen come down.
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Posted: Thu Dec 18, 2008 8:14 am
 Red and winter had never made for ideal camouflage, Guiliaume had often reflected. Indeed, there was no season that was particularly good at disguising his presence, unless he happened to be exceedingly fortunate in the type of trees he was around in the autumn. Of all the seasons, though, winter was the worst when it came to blending in. It wasn't that he didn't wish to be seen, exactly; no, it was the simple fact that he would like to have the option once in a while instead of sticking out like a sore thumb.
At the moment, as he trod through the snow amidst the swirling flakes, he wondered for a brief time if it wouldn't have been more prudent to take up Ever on her invitation for an extended stay in her herd lands, rather than pushing on to the north. There, at least, he would have known some Soquilis and potentially had a place of refuge if the weather turned particularly nasty. However, he soon dismissed those musings; it was always best to keep going for as long as he could; his wings would keep him warm for now, and he could always make a snow burrow if need be.
Though he did have to admit that the one snarl in this whole plan was the lack of others; it was awfully hard to obtain information when there was no one out and about to obtain information from!
These little oversights were going to kill him, they really, really, were.
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Posted: Fri Dec 19, 2008 6:15 pm
Vibrant red stood out ridiculously well, even in the thick snowfall. While the world around her was covered in winter white and grey (including her own form!) something most peculiar caught her gaze. Squinting a bit, the mare found herself staring at a blurred form of something red; as the figure moved closer, she heard the crunch-crunch of his weight through the snow.
In fact, what Kalila found herself staring at soon began to take shape as a monstrous cardinal. Well, at least that's what the markings looked like amidst the snow flakes. But best of all, this cardinal wasn't just any sort of mutant bird, it was a soquili just like her! Delighted at the prospect of meeting another, pleased that her days of lonesome traveling had been put on hold, the gentle female couldn't resist from taking a few steps closer.
Now, the question was, had he seen her? Glancing down at her hooves, the black hidden in thick snow, part of Kalila doubted it. Goodness knew she blended in with her surroundings ridiculously well; furthermore, he hadn't given any indication or sign that he recognized another. (Albeit he could be purposely ignoring her, but the mare much preferred to believe otherwise.)
Giving her wings a purposefully loud flap as she shook off the snow once again and folded them back against her sides, her gentle laughter rang out and broke the dead silence of the world. "So there is life amongst these hills," she grinned, curious as to how the strange might respond.
Some soquili and creatures weren't social; others just didn't know how to shut up or leave one alone. Kalila was a gentle spirit that fell somewhere in the middle; she was more or less quiet and a spot introverted unless she found she had something to say, or her curiosity was piqued.
For poor Guiliaume, it was a desperation; though she could be quiet and thoughtful, she wasn't an island and had yet to meet a new soul in the kawani lands. Others existed, or so various trails and scents admitted, but to actually meet another?
As of late, for Kalila, this was a first.
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Posted: Thu Jan 01, 2009 6:21 pm
In this meeting, Guiliaume definitely couldn't be said to have any advantage when it came to seeing the other Soquili. With her pale coat and feathered wings, she blended in perfectly with the falling snow to the point where he might have walked within a few yards of her without seeing her, had she not called out and purposely drawn his attention to herself. As things stood, it STILL took Gui a few minutes of staring about in the snow to finally see the mare, but when he did it was with a smile of his own in return.
Lifting one wing, he raised it up to shield his face as he bowed, then responded, "If you can call it life, yes. I'm beginning to think that it's more foolishness on my part, but we have to learn what an error is somehow."
Crunching through the snow, he closed the distance between himself and the mare with great dispatch; this way, they didn't have to yell to converse, and this way he could shield her as well as himself from the stinging snow. And while he was here...
Being a stallion on a mission, Guiliaume had never had much tolerance in 'beating around the bush'. Indeed, he preferred to be as direct as possible in most cases, as that was the best way to find out if he should stay where he was or keep moving on. Time and a few bad reactions had tempered his approach slightly, but he was still very direct in asking the mare, "Do you live in these parts, or are you a wandering stranger like me?"
Step one: Determine if the Soquili is a local, then proceed to step 2: Find out if the Soquili knew or knew OF Guilian. If step 2 is a no, then move on.
That was the usual course of action, anyway. Given the nasty weather today, though, he might just make an exception. Sort of.
But at the moment, the least he could do was be a gentleman while searching for information, he wasn't a robot, after all!
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Posted: Sun Jan 04, 2009 1:29 pm
Kalila smiled gently as the stallion bridged the distance between them. Though the day was quiet with many hiding in shelters from the storm, that didn't mean she wanted to holler a conversation at the stallion. . . if a conversation was in the cards at all, at any rate.
As it was, the spirits had smiled down upon her this day and she was to part ways from her loneliness. Oh, the wind didn't have any objections when it came to fending for herself, but a spot of company was always pleasant and she would never turn away such a chance. To find a good humored soul in the middle of a blizzard most certainly had to be fate and the mare was anxious to see what would come of it. "You're not frozen yet," Kalila smiled, her green eyes bright with gentle mischief. "I'd say the afternoon hasn't been a complete loss for you, sir." He spoke of error and yet it had brought them across one another's paths. Even if they never met again, and should these words be the only words spoken, to Kalila she could see no foolishness in such a thing.
"Forgive my rudeness; allow me to introduce myself as Kalila." Gently spreading her wings, dipping her head low to the ground, the mare gave a gentle smile for her guest. "as for your question, I'm afraid I'm not entirely sure where I am, and am unfamiliar with these parts. I've only recently found myself in these lands and am still learning the terrain." Oooh, her heart hoped the poor fellow wasn't lost or in need of some direction! She knew where she had come from but she honestly knew little else of the surrounding lands.
For shame. . . . Still, the mare would do what she could if he DID need assistance. Never would she turn her back on a soul, stranger though he might be.
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Posted: Sun Jan 04, 2009 3:36 pm
So she had a sense of humor, even in the middle of a snowstorm. Guiliaume had to admit that that was a bit of surprise, but for all he knew she might be a native "ice maiden" of sorts. It would certainly be in keeping with her coat color.
Well, scratch the 'native' part. As Kalila admitted her own newness to the land, Guiliaume had to sigh softly; so much for that theory. After a moment, though, he had sufficiently processed that knowledge to give the mare a smile. "Well, some could argue that it's an error to walk around in the snow, but it's also true that good things can come of them. It's nice to meet you, Kalila; I'm Guiliaume."
Drawing his limbs together, he gave her a slight, formal bow, flashing her the most charming of smiles as he did so. His own disappointment was no cause for rudeness, and he really had no way of knowing that she WOULDN'T prove helpful. Had she been a native, she still might not know Guilian.
Mulling on that, he realized that his sigh might not have gone unnoticed and offered a quick apology. "Please excuse me, I was hoping to obtain some information here and was told to talk to this land's Soquili. Still, you might be able to help me; I'm looking for someone, you see." Feeling that to be an adequate explanation, he gave her an apologetic look, but waited to ask his important question. After all, manners didn't allow for rushing one's resources!
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Posted: Sun Jan 04, 2009 4:41 pm
An ice maiden Kalila was not, regardless of her plush coat and mane. She was well set to handle the winter months and the frigid cold, but it was merely an advantage she inherited from her parents; two fluffy soquili whom raised a just as fluffy daughter. Where winter was a relief for the mare it was summer time that she dreaded. For all its beauty she often felt half-suffocated and tended to linger in the shade of the woodlands or near water.
Guiliaume. . . The mare repeated the name to herself, quite certain that she wouldn't forget it. He was one of the first soquili she had crossed while she traveled the lands and perhaps the most colourful of them yet. His striking red coat matched that of a cardinal and would indeed be a look difficult to forget. His manners also pleased the mare, as many she found could be rude or less than cordial. It was pleasant to meet one so dignified even in the midst of a snow storm.
Her pale ears pricked as she listened to his plight. Oh dear, she feared she might not be all that helpful. She was new to the lands and the territory she walked near and upon was unknown to her, a mystery. "Oh, I'm afraid you're one of the first and only I've met," she bit her lower lip, brows knitting in worry. She did terribly hate to be useless. . . But perhaps not all was lost. Eyes brightened, she smiled and asked, "But, if you don't mind, by all means continue. Who is it your seek?" She might not be much use to the wind now but she herself could always help him look. . . or at least perhaps help him seek out a soquili who did live upon the lands and who might further be able to assist him.
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Posted: Sun Jan 04, 2009 4:59 pm
A bitter blow, to be sure. Once again, for the umpteenth time, he had met with failure in his quest, and familiarity had done nothing to eliminate the sting that accompanied that knowledge. Once again he found himself wondering if he was ever going to be successful, if he was ever actually going to find Guilian or learn anything of him. Sometimes, it seemed as though he was simply making himself suffer needlessly, searching blindly for something that he was never going to discover.
That was hardly Kalila's fault, though, and he honestly regretted the concern that showed on her face, albeit briefly. It was very rude of him to upset her needlessly; in that behavior, he was emulating those that he had set out to leave forever! Damned but he detested them, them and the way their insidious habits managed to dog him everywhere!
Still, he wasn't so talented that he could totally hide his disappointment as he shook his head at Kalila. "No reason to apologize, it's my own problem, my own mission." And also something that he didn't choose to talk about with anyone. Call it a superstition, but he would rather everyone stay at an arm's length. This was, more than anything else, a personal journey. "I seek a stallion named Guilian, a wind like myself. I honestly have no idea if he's in these parts, if he's been through here..."
Or even, if he was being honest, if he was even still alive.
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Posted: Sun Jan 04, 2009 5:30 pm
A shame for Guiliaume that it wasn't snowing so hard that she couldn't recognize the face of disappointment. More than ever, the tender hearted mare wished that she might have proved more useful in his plight, but it seemed that was not to be. Ooooh, but such a thing couldn't be helped; if she wasn't the one to assist the stallion than someone might very well be.
Hadn't he said something about talking to those of the land? Hmmm. . . . "I'm terribly sorry I'm unable to assist," she spoke quietly, words sincere as her brow knitted once more in concern. "But I do believe in fortuitous events. If you'd allow it, these lands must belong to someone who isn't new and two pairs of eyes might be more useful than one.... especially with all this snow!" If the soquili that lived within these hills were as pale coated as she than they could indeed be easily overlooked. Especially if they weren't exactly sociable. . . .
"We're bound to find someone who could be of more use." She added with a nod and stomping of her hoof. Her green eyes peered happily up at the stallion, waiting for confirmation or denial of such thoughts. A shame for Guiliaume that he'd met a gentle but stubborn mare; she wouldn't allow him to seek this small leg of his journey without her. Together they could find local residents - he might find more news and she might learn of exactly where her wings and legs had taken her.
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Posted: Sun Jan 04, 2009 5:47 pm
He had to admit that the mare was an extremely well-mannered sort of creature; if she had taken any offense at the upset he'd suffered, she showed no indication of it. Indeed, she actually offered him her company and companionship as he looked for others!
Not that she didn't have her own reasons for looking about, if she was new. Theirs was a fortuitous meeting indeed, giving each of them a break from the monotony of solitary searching. Much as Guiliaume frowned on too much socialization at this point in time, he couldn't fault the logic of having two sets of eyes on the lookout for...well, for whoever else was out there. Maybe if they were lucky, someone else would be out in the snow. Preferably someone who knew something that could help them!
After considering the idea for a moment, he gave a nod, then offered the mare his wing. "It would be an honor to have your company, if just for a little while, Kalila. May we both find what we're looking for."
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Posted: Sun Jan 04, 2009 6:32 pm
What a gentleman she had bumped in to! Not only had the spirits guided her to a new companion but a very considerate one at that. Indeed the fates were smiling down upon her and the mare was intrigued and curious to know exactly where this new adventure might take them. It was much more pleasant to walk aimlessly with a companion than it was to be listlessly lost all alone. Much, much more pleasant.
Offering Guiliaume one more formal bow, the mare took his proferred wing and ducked underneath it for shade. "That's very kind of you," she thanked him before glancing around at their surroundings. Honestly, being at the base of many a great hill, the mare could only think of one place to go. "Well, my fine sir, shall we?" She nodded to the steep, snow covered trail ahead of them. If they walked in a zig-zag pattern it might not be so exhausting on the feet; but with how thick the snow was in particular areas, Kalila couldn't help but feel that the march would be slow going.
And flyinig in such woodlands really wasn't much of an option. "A shame the weather has to be so miserable," Kalila gave a little snort before grinning over at her companion. "But with luck we'll find a few more adventurous souls out and about, just as we are!" Oh, the wind could only hope that they might find the soquili that claimed the land as their own soon. Not so much for her sake but because she wanted to hope the red stallion might find news of the elusive Guilian. . . .
Optimistic and brightly spirited, the mare said a silent prayer to the heavens that they would indeed find what they were searching for. . . And sooner than later would be best!
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Posted: Thu Jan 15, 2009 8:31 pm
Though undoubtedly a flattering comparison, Guiliaume would be hard-pressed to explain exactly where his 'gentlemanly' tendencies had come from. Growing up, he had hardly had many stellar role-models to emulate. If anything, his behavior had been learned on the theory of opposites; he observed what went on around him, and proceeded to do the opposite.
Whatever the process, it seemed to be working out just fine, if Kalilia's behavior was any indication. Giving her a nod, Guiliaume started up the path, walking at a brisk but moderate pace...or as brisk a pace as two Soquili could manage in driving snow. In other words, not very.
"I hope so, though I have to wonder t if the locals aren't prudently staying in out of this storm. This is really rather detestable weather." Sighing, Guiliaume looked ahead up through the storm, squinting in an effort to make out what lay ahead, beyond snow. "I have to say that this doesn't really look that promising, Kalila. and this storm doesn't look like it plans on letting up any time soon."
Shaking his head, he looked from the surrounds to his companion, his own dilemma making him wonder what other motivation could possibly drive someone out into this weather. "If you don't mind my asking, what is it that brings you out here?" Visiting, perhaps?
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Posted: Sun Jan 25, 2009 10:15 pm
The snow was fierce and the winds bitter, but the pale mare wasn't one to give up so easily. It wasn't just her anymore; now that she'd found a vibrant companion who was in need of the local soquilis assistance she was not going to give in to the weather. Her soft green eyes lit up with determination and glancing over at her companion, she chuckled. "It is horrid weather, but we certainly won't find anyone holed up here. Let's at least see where and how far our hooves take us, and if the spirits are so gracious, may we find a little aid to guide us." Smiling up at Guiliaume, the mare pressed onward, ever hopeful that they would find someone within the blizzard. It mattered little for Kalila's sake, but for her new companion she wished for the very best. She always did love a happy ending, and if he could but find some information from the natives surely all would be well.
Ears pricked, Kalila couldn't help but give a soft chuckle at the stallions question. "I . . . Honestly there is no real reason. I was raised on the plains far from these lands, and the foothills called to me. Call it a bit of wanderlust, a bit of curiosity to learn about the world around me. . . or, if you'd like to be extremely particular, you could go so far as to say I was rather lost and turned around." The mare gave a self-deprecating smile, eyes twinkling in good humor as she poked fun at her situation. "I haven't a clue where I am but thankfully have all the time in the world to learn."
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Posted: Sun Feb 08, 2009 2:07 pm
A very interesting response, and not at all something that Guiliaume was expecting. It was with no small amount of surprise that he regarded the mare, looking in amazement at one who would voluntarily choose to go out into a blizzard just to indulge wanderlust. It seemed very whimsical to him, in all honesty, and he hoped that she wouldn't come to any harm as a result of that whimsy. He wasn't the sort of stallion that automatically assumed mares were weak and in need of protecting, but he WAS a very rational and thoughtful stallion who didn't believe in doing much because of whimsy.
Still, perhaps it was for the best. Her wandering had provided him with a companion, even a temporary one, and her path had crossed with his, allowing him to keep an eye on her and keep her from harm for the duration. A fitting turn of events, if he did say so, and to the advantage of both.
And he was willing to admit that, smiling in response to Kalila's explanation. "It is truly a unique situation you're in, I have to say, but at the same time I wish you the best in sorting your affairs out as well. It almost seems as though you have a harder search ahead of you than me..." Rethinking the way that sounded, he smiled again, this time in a much more sheepish fashion, and corrected, "Speaking from my own bias, of course."
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Posted: Thu Feb 26, 2009 8:13 am
The mare listened to the red stallion beside her, before giving a warm and amused chuckle. "I suppose on the one hoof that's accurate," she acknowledged, good humor causing her green eyes to sparkle. "But then again, I'm not really searching for anything. Unlike you, m'friend, there is no real destination for me in mind. . . . Whatever I find, whomever I find, is right." And wasn't that the truth!
Kalila had always been a bit of a day dreamer, her own soquili. How often as a filly had she allowed her daydreams to sweep her away in flights of fancy; how often had she wandered away from the herd, her own curiosity pulling her away from the known. Optimistic and bright, she had always held a fascination with two-leggers, and had always expected the best out of others.
Still, Kalila lacked a true definition of dreams and desires. She had left her old herd to wander the world, but exactly where she was meant to travel was of little observation to the mare. Thus far her shaggy hooves had lead her far past the plains and deserts and beaches; she was now in unknown territory near unknown mountains and slopes, and had presently gotten lost in a snow storm.
Such was the way of things, but fortunately she had met Guilliaume. She was aid him on his quest of finding a more helpful source to his own adventure before continuing her whimsy of wander. "With your search, I fear you've a much more particular case," she grinned, tossing him a wink.
Looking around the winter wonderland before them, Kalila canted her head thoughtfully. Truly there was no one about, at least as far as she could tell. With the heavy snows still raging, she did have to wonder if perhaps their hunt would be more difficult than first suspected. Ah, but no trial was ever so great. . . . if there was a will, there was a way, and Kalila wouldn't yield until someone could aid her new acquaintance.
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