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 Posted: Sun Jan 18, 2009 11:56 am
 It had been awhile since she'd taken some time for herself. Or rather, headed out on her own. She had been so busy dealing with her family, her children, and Toku that she had forgotten how wonderful winter really was. It was a much needed breath of cold air. And she would enjoy herself to the fullest while she had the time.
Her morning consisted of her favorite pastime. She had awoken with the intention of staining the snow. And, with all of the creatures wandering around for food, finding a suitable meal for herself took record timing. Although the doe and fawn that she did end up devouring were rather thin in meat, she was thankful for the catch and the warmth that came from the blood. The snow around her took a much needed color change, and when she finished licking the bones she kicked at the left overs and sighed very heartily. She hated that Toku was always the one hunting now. She needed her fun, dammit!
So, with a large and luxurious stretch, the female Kalona sniffed the air to sense what else was roaming in the deserted area. So far she was clear from her family. But something or someone else seemed to be lingering around. Who should could not calculate...
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Posted: Sun Jan 18, 2009 12:46 pm
 Having brought down a stag the previous afternoon, hunger was something that Ire was not the least bit troubled with. One day's digestion had done nothing except make him feel a bit leaner, and he was content to pass on the hunt for the time being.
Still, he was beginning to reconsider his usual vow of 'no killing unless hungry', because he was starting to get really bored. He wasn't sure why, either; there was a great deal of potential to be found in the unpopulated areas. Less chance of encountering the sniveling non-kalona types, less chance of being harassed by the inferior and ignorant. Sure, he could always just bash in a skull or two, or break a spine if he was feeling waspish, but the facts of the matter were that it was just an annoyance. If it weren't for the fact that they helped keep his skills at their peak...
Ah well.
The facts of the matter were that he was bored, and when he was bored there was nothing to do but try and get UN-bored. Today, boredom saw him sharpening his horns on a full grown oak tree; sharpening and stabbing both.
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Posted: Sun Jan 18, 2009 1:32 pm
Ah, the smell of youth. Malice knew of that scent all too well, and she launched her body forward and away from her death-trap. She was over her meal. Now she could at least entertain herself with something else. The young smell was a new one she had never experienced before. So, it wasn't anyone in her family? She felt her defenses increase a bit at that realization. Well, this would be interesting indeed.
She moved quickly and silently throughout the area, and her dark body blended in rather easily amongst the rotten looking trees. Her breath would quietly appear in front of her nose every few seconds, and the bitter frost was making it hard for her to stay warm even in her running state. The cold was painful, yes, but she still loved the feeling. It made her veins work extra hard, and it made her skin even tougher than in any other season. Those who could survive winter's edge with no problems or complaints were the strongest of all.
Her mind then focused on a noise that followed an even stronger scent. Oh, so she was getting close?
Close was an understatement just a moment later, and through and archway of trees she could see a very bright figure. Well, he was a Kalona at least. A young male of many many colors. The details on his body made her think of one distinct female, and she felt a gulp develop in her throat.
Anevay had a son?
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Posted: Sun Jan 18, 2009 2:28 pm
Anevay had three sons, as a matter of fact, though Ire resembled his mother the most in his mottled coat pattern. Still, it was unlikely that he'd be discussing such things with strangers, especially lurking strangers. Breathing heavily, he whirled around and finished his 'horn sharpening session' by delivering a strong kick to the tree, one that left the faint outline of his hoof firmly imprinted on the trunk. Turning away, he snorted once, then paused.
Something new was out there. He wasn't born yesterday, a careless foal to dismiss his surroundings until he'd been killed and eaten by something he should have noticed. It was true that his boredom had made him a bit more lax than usual, but facts were facts; someone else was out there. He could smell them, smell Soquili and fresh blood on the wind. Either someone was hurt, or someone HAD hurt; either way, he was no longer alone.
Wiping off his sweaty brow with one spiked wing, he glanced about the area with narrowed eyes. Bright and somewhat easy to see himself, he knew all to well that others were blessed with natural camouflages; this was looking to be just such a case. But wait! A glimmer of red through the trees...
"Show yourself, Watcher; such lurking is befitting only cowards and predators. If you're the former, have the courage to admit it; the latter, then understand you're not facing an easy fight." A bit cocky, perhaps. But Ire knew his own capabilities well enough to know that bringing him down wouldn't be easy for anyone, and he wasn't one to hide behind false modesty. Or real modesty, even
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Posted: Sun Jan 18, 2009 2:52 pm
"Who says I am looking for a fight? Or rather, a meal?" The mare then slithered out of the shadows and chuckled as she moved. Her body movements were comfortable and relaxed, though her mind was ready for anything at this point. The only reason the other smelled blood on her is because she always wore her prey by accident. She was a messy eater, that she would admit to any day. But for now, she had a stallion to focus on.
When she stopped many feet in front of the other creature, she arched her neck and narrowed her gaze. Her moments-ago pose was now more controlled and stiff, and her tail lashed from side to side as she stared. "Two categories can't possibly describe what I was doing. I smelled you not far from here, and obviously came over to investigate because this territory is very close to my herd's land." A light pause came after she bore her teeth, and her voice transformed into a low growl. "I thought it best to warn you to not creep much forward, for I'm afraid the others may not be so helpful in their warnings."
There was another issue to investigate, and Malice found herself enthralled with his colorings. She hadn't seen or heard from Anevay in ages, so, how could it be? Had she really bore children, like her?
"But, that wasn't my only reason for disturbing your peace." her voice was more normal now, and her eyes trailed off to the side as she thought to herself. "Is Anevay you're mother?"
If she wasn't, well, then Malice would have lost interest!
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Posted: Wed Jan 21, 2009 7:10 pm
"And who says that you're not?" Ire's voice was level as observed the mare, his orange eyes moving with rapid intensity. That it was a mare was immediately obvious, as was the fact it was a kalona mare. She was smaller than him, but having a mother like his had been a sharp lesson in why not to underestimate mares merely because they were smaller; often they made up for a lack of sheer brute strength by being extremely flexible and quick, and it was only a foolish stallion who would dismiss them as a threat. On top of that, he was quick to note the bloodstains on her dark coat, evidence that it was definitely she who had attracted his attention.
As she slunk across the clearing towards him, he held his ground, observing the catlike manner in which she moved. Undoubtedly she was a good hunter, with her silent and stealthy way of moving. However, he was of no inclination to be hunted, impressed, or even intimidated. The growled warning, whether meant to aid or to discourage, warranted nothing but a flick of his spaded tail. "Your warning is unnecessary; I would have to have had my nose lopped off to have missed the scent of so many kalona. I have no intentions of trespassing, nor any interest in doing so."
Unlike some, Ire had no delusions of proving his worth by suicide; he had no reasons of hunger, aggression, revenge, or stupidity to motivate him to risk his neck against so many. That didn't mean that he was going to stand in one place forever, though. "However, with as many of us as there are in the world, it is somewhat impossible to avoid coming 'close' to the territory of several others. Such has been my experience, anyway."
With another flick of his tail, he regarded the mare for another moment, mildly amused at her almost off-handed question. An interesting concern, though one rather understandable; he DID look a great deal like his somewhat notorious mother. That was his business, though. "And what difference would that make, my parentage? We live and we die on our own merits." Though that wasn't entirely true. In actuality, Ire was very proud of his bloodlines and would fight to the death to defend his family's honor; he just felt no reason to indulge the curiosity of a total stranger without a good reason.
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Posted: Sat Jan 24, 2009 10:28 am
Malice was quiet for many moments and her silence was probably unsettling. She watched the stallion ever-so-carefully and tried to determine who could possibly be the father! She knew that her own brother had become a sort of slave to Anevay, and she knew without a doubt that he couldn't possibly be the mastermind behind this ordeal. Anevay would have never allowed that, he was like a son to her, but not really. So who was the mystery Kalona? Her mind picked quickly at every piece of information she could find. But so far, she had nothing.
"Well, it's good to know that you are not an idiot." she finally said, in response to his answers towards trespassing and whatnot. She had to drag herself back into the conversation, as usual. She wasn't the best listener- nor did she usually care to pay attention. But she was trying at this moment since her interest was focused on the specimen in front of her. "Nor shall I complain that there are many of us Kalonas healthily roaming our lands these days. But as a member to my clan, I have to say what must be said and announce what territory exists." she shrugged rather nonchalantly before staring at the other once again.
"But as for your mother." she then said, while eying the black spots on his body, "It makes a huge difference. Hell, if you asked me who my own were I would have proudly answered." Her eyes then narrowed while she clanked her teeth together grumpily. "I suppose not all Kalona are lucky enough to admit to such bloodlines. I thought if anything a son of Anevay would have attacked me for not knowing." Pft, only since such a habit felt similar to her genes. "But then again, my observations may be very off target." His colors though... they were all too similar. "But I do know your mother, rather well actually." she then admitted with a wide smile on her maw.
When she was finished with her proposition, she nipped at an itch on her leg and moved herself closer to a nearby tree. The meal she had devoured not long ago was settling in her stomach, and by instinct she would always rest herself against or by a tree. Her body made her do this because she almost always ate too much. When her positioning felt slanted and comfortable enough, she eyed the stallion again and grinned to herself. "Seeing you makes me wonder what my own boy is doing." Ah, memories. She never actually thought that she would enjoy having children. Her daughters were unknown to her, but her son was a chip off her own father. And that was the best result she could have ever achieved.
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Posted: Sat Jan 24, 2009 3:01 pm
Ire's only response to the mare was a slight brow raise that very cleared carried an 'are you kidding me' implication. Good to know...good to know? And why, pray tell, was it 'good to know' anything regarding the mental faculties of a random stranger? It wasn't as though he was applying for herd membership or courting her daughter or anything even remotely connected to her other than trying to alleviate his boredom within earshot. Obviously this herd of hers was much more particular on their neighbors than anyone else he'd ever met, or else she was much quicker to 'latch' onto her conversation partners than any other kalona he'd met.
How...charming.
Well, she could be that way all she wanted, he saw no reason to indulge any perceived desire for chitchat or challenge to his family pride. Oh yes, he saw THAT game, and wondered idly just how often she'd used that tactic. He didn't doubt that there were many kalona youths, puffed up with pride and self-worth, who would fall over themselves with all of the grace of a randy teenager at the suggestion they weren't proud of their lines. He had no reason to be like them; his line WAS epic, and no amount of suggestion to the contrary would be enough to shake him. His mother was a legend, and his father a member of a proud and noble lines, one of the Sins themselves. As far as pedigrees went, his was impeccable. So impeccable that he merely eyed the mare and wondered what motivated her to be so nosy. And she thought that he would attack her for not knowing who his parents were? Pft.
All that needed to be said could be said without actually saying anything. Consequently, he responded to each challenging comment with nothing more than a glance, a glance of extreme antipathy and disinterest. He knew better than to turn his back on another kalona, but that didn't mean he would descend into idle chitchat.
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Posted: Sat Jan 24, 2009 5:50 pm
... Silence? Well, this was surprising.
Malice continued to lean against the itchy tree, and her eyes trailed past the stallion on a flock of birds in the distance. They seemed to have the right idea. They were off and flying somewhere, and she supposed if she wanted, she could be doing the exact same thing too. But alas, she wasn't a quitter. She may have had an awful temper, but it wasn't like the stallion had done anything to piss her off yet. But, if things did change, well, then the situation would as well.
But for now... "Ok, I get it. You're not the talking type. I'm used to that." Fachtna almost never opened his mouth, unless he was devouring something. She had spent many of hours with her son with almost no communication. Sometimes it just wasn't needed. Though in the current moment, Malice was a bit shocked to see a stranger using the same sort of tactics. Was he intimidated or something? Or was he at a loss of words?
Well, whatever. She sighed then and left the comfort of her tree and crept a few paces forward. "But, I only put up with silence if its for my son. So I'm afraid my patience can't always hold up for strangers." That was obvious, at least. But the stallion in front of her didn't have to be a stranger, he was choosing to at the moment. It was strange for even Malice to try and be social, but now she was wondering if it was worth her time and effort.
Hell, she could have been napping right now!
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Posted: Sat Jan 24, 2009 10:20 pm
Bully for her. Ire wasn't sure exactly what it was that the mare hoped to accomplish with her continued chatter, chatter that was by turns challenging and brass, by others nauseatingly repetitive. He wasn't sure what she meant to imply by constantly referring to her son; it could be to indicate to him that she was older and to be listened to, or to try to lull him into a false sense of security by implying she was old and doddering. She could be trying to establish a bond based on history, though if she expected him to simply take her word that she knew his mother, a mare so notorious that every clan for miles could very well know of her...he failed to see any reason why he should reasonably believe her.
That, and he REALLY disliked being 'talked down to', which was what he got the distinct impression this mare was doing. Between the warning and the 'my son's and 'my patience', it was quite honestly starting to grate. Which, for all he knew, might be her intent. This was a strange kalona, after all, and he had no way of knowing what she was after. Always assume the worst and you were most likely to walk away with your skin intact.
But he could throw her at least one verbal bone. His tone wry, he remarked, "Yet you continue to stand there and talk, even while you're losing your patience. It's almost tempting to provoke that patience to break, but what can I say, I'm a giver." Though after saying that, he paused a moment, then stated. "You seem to talk a lot, though."
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Posted: Sun Jan 25, 2009 4:49 am
He seemed to misunderstand her statement, and with a chuckle she shook her head sternly. What was up with this guy? Was he trying to pick a fight? "My patience is not lost, yet, was what I meant. That's why I continue to remain, or 'talk' like you say." But hmm, did he want her patience to run out? Was that his goal in this meeting? Her eyes were less comforting now, and her nerves were boiling up as usual. But she held herself together because she was still able to at this moment.
If things continued to go downhill in this meeting then Malice would certainly forget about venturing out again. Her brothers and sisters ventured out and ran into new Kalona all the time. They even consulted her to get the hell away from Toku and see other creatures. But so far that idea didn't appear as striking for her. Especially since her efforts were being lost with this youngin' in front of her. Toku may have been a grumpy ******** half of the time, but at least he did what other creatures did to be social and responded to her measly efforts.
So finally, she decided to just ask him. Since he seemed so perplexed with the idea of talking... "Is it strange to talk for you? I mean, with everyone else I've met we've started the meeting and continued it with communication. But if that isn't your way, I am curious." she blinked then and kept her voice sturdy. Maybe he wouldn't see it but, she was serious and calm in her question. And if he honestly didn't want to talk or answer, then fine, she would leave.
But that was her last try. She'd be lying to herself if she stuck around this guy. She wasn't a good individual, nor was she a Kalona that usually gave others the time. But she had talked to her father recently and he had convinced her to keep herself strong as a Kalona individual. That meant allowing time for others even if Malice didn't understand why. She did trust her father, though. And knew he meant well in his lesson. Unfortunately for Malice, his lesson wasn't being of much help at the moment, so she was perplexed at how to handle herself at all.
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Posted: Sun Jan 25, 2009 10:22 am
That was a singular problem with meeting new Soquilis; without having some sort of preconception as to their usual behaviors and habits, it was easy to be easily overly cautious or overly lax in dealing with them; beyond that, it was easy to frustrate and be frustrated, especially when one was dealing with Soquili that had practically invented the term 'stoic'. The mare was striking Ire more and more as the emotional sort; emotional for a kalona, anyway. She was direct, but in a casual talking-down sort of way, and also seemed to be much more demonstrative than many he'd met. Honestly, curiosity? She was a grown mare, after all, and one that was apparently old enough to be his mother!
But whatever, that was her thing. She wasn't attacking him, and as long as she didn't decide to go back to that inane challenging act, he supposed he could humor her. She was a kalona, after all, so even with her obvious behavior problems she was one of the Superior Blood.
So he gave the mare a shrug in response to her question, but this time followed it up. "Depends on your definition of strange. Talking itself isn't unusual, but I'm not usually in the habit of approaching strangers and inquiring into their lineage or their life history. It would seem that your herd has different customs." That was putting his opinions rather simply, but he wasn't ALWAYS abrasive. "Is it just the way of things with your herd, or of you yourself, or am I just fortunate to have attracted such scrutiny?"
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Posted: Tue Jan 27, 2009 6:37 pm
(( Things would probably get violent.. and I don't know any other way crying Sorry. ))
Yeah, no.
Malice wasn't entertained by this stallion anymore. And if he wasn't going to treat her with the respect she deserved, then she certainly wasn't going to waste her time acknowledging his existence. She had tried doing the whole 'I know your mother' thing, but he wasn't having any of her attempts. If only he knew. But whatever, this was life. And this was why she hated socializing.
"You can say whatever you like about ME." she finally mustered, while stiffening her body and bulging her eyes a bit. "But don't talk about my herd as if you know anything." Her front hoofs wanted to lead her forward in some kind of attack, but inside she knew that was stupid. She wasn't looking to fight some amateur. If she wanted an actual battle she could go disturb a few acquaintances that would give her a real challenge.
"Well, thank goodness you have your silence." she finally said, with a grand old chuckle. And with that, she turned herself and slowly walked away from the stallion. Her shoulders shrugged lightly when she was finally facing the opposite direction from him, and she smiled contently as she looked forward. Why would she even waste her anger on em'? She'd rather go use that on Toku!
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Posted: Wed Jan 28, 2009 8:31 pm
((He's so gosh darn charming. Bet you're glad you picked him whee ))
Touchy, touchy. But whatever, if she wanted to get bent out of shape about a trifle, that was her prerogative. Awfully twitchy mare, though; if that was what all of them were like out here, he'd have to watch his back a bit more closely. Better yet, find a different place to work off some steam and alleviate his growing boredom; the last thing that he needed was to encounter an entire herd of twitchy, overly-chatty head cases. He didn't need THAT sort of excitement in his life.
Though in all honesty, he had no idea what exactly to make of that mare as he watched her walk away. She was definitely a strange one, he would give her that. And a brave one, turning her back on him; for most, it would be regarded as foolhardy, but he had more respect for his own kind than that. Perhaps it was that respect that prompted him to toss out, in his same level tone, "Yes, I do; mine to keep and mine to break as I see fit." He doubted she was listening anymore, but the least he could do was finish a conversation. "And you are correct. Anevay is my mother, which should also tell you something about me."
Having satisfied himself on that point, Ire started off in the opposite direction as the mare. If everyone was as protective as this mare, then there was no enjoyment to be had in THESE parts...
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