|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Mon Feb 16, 2009 11:35 pm
A dark body shook, shaking the remnants of sleep from itself as it stepped to the entrance of the cave. Pale eyes took in the sparkling river just beyond, the gray-green forest that, albeit dead, was awakening just a pace or two slower than the old stallion.
He snorted at the thought, a smile gracing his muzzle. "Old"... was that something that could truly describe him now? Just because he had children of his own, a history behind him, knowledge in his brain? Was he really such an "Elder" because of all of this commonplace things?
His mind wandered, taking in the mare he called his mate, the fiery spirit that astounded and thrilled him all at the same time; the ever child-like daughter of his and her equally flamboyant brother, reflections of their sire and dam yet complete individuals with their untold stories; the strange pale mare he called both friend and herdmate, her combative nature something he both respected and held watch over; the new comer from a distant land, her sharp eyes and kind words a welcomed addition to the make-shift family. Then there was the other who came with her, a strange youth of his own history and oddities. What a strange little collection all were, something he once would have never thought possible.
What strange twists life can take when you're not watching.
Chuckling to himself, Jaci picked his way carefully down the step incline from the cave's gaping maw to the squishy riverbank, lowering his head to indulge himself with the sweet icy waters. Though winter was still in the seasonal power seat, the lands were given a short reprieve from the harsh cold, relatively warm temperatures flowing in inviting more color into the scenery and for more creatures to spend time outdoors without worry of frostbite. Far to the south he could make out the wisps of smoke from the dwelling of the two-legger he tend to visit time and time again, the strange creature having long since choosing to keep herself secluded from her kind. Always she welcomed those like him to her fire though - and, as odd as it was, she was good company.
He'd spend many years with her, stumbling across her quite literally as a foal, she now had a tendency to speak to him as she always did, calling him "old friend" in her strange tongue. He couldn't understand her language perfectly yet, but he was getting there - that phrase, however, he knew just fine. There it was again - "old." He was her "old" friend, her "old" companion... once upon a time, she called him "little one" or her "little friend," now that title was reserved for his daughter and son.
Of course, he was also guilty of calling them such names, so he could hardly blame the half-blind hume.
Picking his head from the water, the multi colored stallion looked out over his home, content despite his mental delve into the strangeness of terming and odd people he'd met in his life. Such a strange, ever changing world they lived in, that's all.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Feb 17, 2009 8:23 pm
 Bella’s words still rang in his ears as he walked aimlessly through the forest. The knight within was angered that he hadn’t figured out what was going on earlier. When she had told him his reaction was most likely less than satisfying. He merely stood there, cold exterior still upon his countenance. He should have said something to at least express happiness rather than sheer terror or shock. Catching his hoof on a root he lurched forward with a grunt. It was blatantly obvious that he wasn’t his usual self, he was acting more like a klutz at the moment than the strapping knight he was. His wits were submerged in a miasma that seemed to be suffocating his process of thought. One word in particular haunted him, a word that he had seldom come to know in his own childhood. Father. With this simple word terror forced adrenaline to pulse through his body in turn causing him to shiver uncharacteristically. He had no education on how to act when a foal did certain things. For instance, what was the proper reaction for when they cried? Was it to do what knights do best? Tell them that they are fine and that they need to get to their feet and not display such weakness? Something within him decided no. He tried to remember what he had wanted when he was a child but he could not seem to remember. The prospect of foals in his future was not the only thing keeping him from sleep. What was it that he was meant to do for Bella? Protect her of course. Love her. He knew these things but at the same time he also knew that he had trouble expressing them.
Lowering his eyes he stared intently at the ground as he allowed himself to become completely absorbed in thought. Out of the many titles he had received over his life this one was by far the greatest. It carried with it the burden of devoting his time and love into molding the ways of a living, breathing creature. It wasn’t at all like training new mounts to learn to fight as he had done in the past. He knew that being gruff with children wasn’t something often spoken of. Or was it? For once he cursed himself for being such a loner for most of his life. If only he had associated with others perhaps he wouldn’t feel so lost.
Just then a familiar scent carried on the breeze caused his nostrils to flair. All thoughts of how scared he was were replaced with curiosity. It would be very coincidental if it were who he thought it was. Emerging from the dense forest he scanned the area and inhaled deeply in an attempt to pinpoint the being. His heart became light when he noticed a dark colored Stallion in the distance. Of all people Jaci had to be the one that he ran into in this time of inner conflict. Though he would never admit to it, he held a certain respect for the tranquil male. It wasn’t because he was wise or preferred to remain on the side of peace. It was because he was devoted to being a loving father and mate. Callan faintly recalled something his mother had once told him. That his father was incapable of loving them and therefore she decided to just leave. What if Bella did the same? Throwing back his head he pushed himself into a lope and headed toward Jaci. The rattling of his armor was enough to alert anyone that he was on his way.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Feb 19, 2009 2:43 pm
A jingle and rattle caused the stallion's ears to twitch, purple radars flicking side to side until facing one particular direction where not only the sound was loudest, but coming closer. A visitor? More than that. Electricity surged in his brain, cells sending charge from one cortex to the other, sending various sensations and emotions collecting together to form what the social world knows as memories and recollections.
It wasn't long for him to pick out the pale male against the dark backdrop of the early morning forest, a friendly smile coming to rest upon his muzzle. Ah, one of those "strange oddities" he just was thinking of. Still adorned in all that armor, glistening and clattering up enough visual and audio tells of his presence to wake the dead. The youth wore the clamor well, turning the strange additions into a rather respectful sight. Had Jaci still been in his combative years, he might have actually taken a thoughtful pause or two before challenging this fire-haired newcomer. Something about this one seemed...
Almost intimidating.
"Callan," he called out as the other drew near, bowing his head in greeting. "Good morning."
It was strange, he'd admit, for him to get a visitor that wasn't blood related, but not something he was opposed to. Ever since he and his daughter caught the young man escorting Bella "home," she'd been one to speak highly of him in his defense, the kind gesture marred only by her grumbles and glares should someone mention how nice he seemed, how much of a gentleman he was. Something about... tripping up in front of him? Something like that, he was never quite sure what the girl was grumbling about.
He did seem nice enough though, so had no objections to seeing the other male around his home. Even his daughter and herdmate, Beatrice, welcomed his company - which, again, seemed to spring up an interesting response in the brunette.
But the latter was not present. Actually... she'd been absent for the past few days, more he thought on it. He was good to keep the frown from his features as he made his way towards Callan, keeping up only the look of warm welcome. Was there perhaps a reason the youth came to him this morning?
"I trust all is well?" Just keep smiling, just keep smiling~
All questions will be answered in due time so long as you just keep smiling.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Feb 19, 2009 3:38 pm
His breathing came out in a rhythm of perceivable puffs. His nostrils flared in order to increase the oxygen intake into his lungs. If there was one thing he truly enjoyed doing it was running. The solidity of his legs beneath him and the ground beneath them caused his tension to ease and his mind to mellow. Whenever he had been troubled in the past he would always take off running so as to clear his head and relax sore muscles. He had gotten chastised for it a few times but that was mostly when people thought he was running due to a fear of what was to come. As if in further disagreement his shook his head side to side, his mane creating a crimson wave for a moment. Then a voice called to him, a voice of reason, which aroused him from the recollections troubling him on a day to day basis. Jaci had called a greeting out to him, something he still was not used to. Back when he was training any male that called to you was calling out in a challenge. A ripple ran through his muscles as testosterone flushed through his system. It was different this time though. Jaci was not pitching him a challenge to prove who was stronger; he was merely being polite to the one who had most likely interrupted his tranquil morning.
“Tis morning,” Callan replied simply, “though good is easily contestable depending upon one’s outlook.”
Rocking his body backwards he put pressure upon his hind legs in order to skid to a stop before the dark male. The plates grew taut on his chest as his front legs drew together and lifted a few inches from the earth a moment. Though not the best way to stop it was something he had been taught that had remained with him. It was called the quick stop, it was more so for show than anything else. It was truly strange what habits stuck with you and what did not. Looking up at the stallion he attempted at a warm smile but ended up with a swift upturn of the corners of his mouth. Smiling was definitely not a practice that had lingered with him.
He was still amazed at how kind Jaci could be to a stranger such as himself. The first time they had met Callan was helping Bella home as compensation for her fall. He was pleased to find that, even though he wasn’t social, he wasn’t socially awkward. He used the manners befitting a knight and it seemed he had gained some allies. He hadn’t had many males that weren’t either considered his teachers or his sparring partners, it was a nice reprieve. Normally he would have to keep alert and watchful for any sign that Jaci would attack him, but that was unnecessary.
Jaci’s question was harder than it should have been. The response was not immediate nor was it the general answer. Turning his head to his side he focused on a boulder in the distance. He was partly concerned about what Jaci’s reaction would be to the news that he bore. Would he be angered? Happy? Enraged even? Shaking his head he inhaled deeply and looked back toward his comrade. Mentally he ran the sentence through his mind, checking to be sure that it didn’t come out in a strange manner. He also didn’t want it to imply in any way that he was unhappy. He wasn’t right? Clearing his throat to be sure that his voice wouldn’t waver he looked into the lighter green eyes before him.
“Bella is-“ the next words caught in his throat causing him great frustration, “pregnant.”
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Feb 21, 2009 4:02 pm
(Like I said, even if it's short, just get it out... x'D;;; -dies-)
Uh-oh. That kind of answer's not a good sign.
Jaci raised a brow, calmly waiting for a further explenation as to why the lad would be feeling as such. His eyes were light as he watched the other come to a strange stop before him, taking note of the unnatural nature of it all. Didn't that hurt? "Where did you pick up such a habit?" The inquiry was generally spoken, but to deny the stallion his curiosity would be like keeping breath from the living. But he wasn't used to such a formal sight, not at all the usual methods of the two-leggers' companions or any foreign soul he'd met in the past.
The more he thought on it though, more he realized he never had much of a chance to ask of Callan's origins before. It wasn't that the other seemed to withhold the information, but rather... there was never much of a need to search for an opportunity.
Now of course Jaci still recalled he'd posed his oh so general and casual question, and was fully aware that he had yet to receive an answer. The sudden tension in the air, the redhead's apparent difficulty in answering such a simple little thing...
Then came the words, the choke up, the final point...
And just like that, everything made absolute perfect sense in the world once more.
His smile softened into one of understanding, recalling all too well his own first experience with "the stork." "Would a congratulations be in order then?" Perhaps it was a tad too presumptuous to assume whom the father was, but he'd seen the mare with no one else as of late. The gentle expression lingered though as his voice lowered slightly, head tilting to the side ever so faintly. "Or are you yet unsure if this is a source of celebration or not?" Not like he'd be the first guy in history to get cold hooves upon first finding out the bloodline had been extended.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Mar 12, 2009 9:48 pm
The question posed by Jaci was a welcomed intervention to his nervous thoughts.
“Habit? Oh, you mean the way I come to a halt?”
He thought for a moment as he attempted to form the explanation into something that would come out and, hopefully, make sense. There was a lot of history crammed into something that was seemingly simple. Clearing his throat he spoke loudly and clearly as a teacher would when instruction a class.
“I learned it from one of the stallions I had trained with. It is said that by stopping in this manner it improves your position on a battle field.”
All at once he felt utterly foolish. He was able to admit what he had done was a bit excessive but it was something he had done for as long as he could remember. His countenance did not change as he looked over Jaci’s expression. For some strange reason he felt as though he were a mere colt again trying to impress those around him.
His thoughts were abruptly ended when Jaci brought up the pregnancy again.
“You would think so.” Callan replied quietly.
Lowering his head he felt his stomach once again filling up with a flitting feeling as though wings were brushing its walls. All of the thoughts of self doubt he had encountered earlier once again filtered into his mind like a slow acting poison. His breathing was suddenly constricted as though he had been running for a very long distance. Leaning back on his hocks he angled one of his rear legs awkwardly and leaned slightly to the side. Normally this is what a horse would do when relaxed, but with Callan it was a completely different movement.
“I don’t know what to do Jaci.”
He hated the fact that the wavering of his voice was not something he had imagined. Generally he was able to control such things with ease.
“I know that I should be happy to be having foals from such a wonderful mare but I...”
Suddenly the words that were meant to complete his sentence escaped from him. Never had his brain been so scrambled before, and he had fought in many wars. Frustration caused his brows to come together and his lips to tighten. Staring at the ground partly of shame and partly of confusion he tried to hide the emotions that were obviously flashing across his face. He had not intended upon approaching Jaci and sounding like a whining colt. Setting his jaws and straightening his shoulders he lifted his head and peered up at the wise stallion.
“I apologize for disturbing you. I suppose upon seeing you I lost my composure and, well, that is how I came to be here.”
A humorless chuckle rumbled within his chest as he turned his head to the side.
“If only Bella could see the sire of her foals now.”
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
