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 Posted: Thu Mar 19, 2009 10:18 am
It had been approximately three months since his mate and he had parted ways. They hadn't had a fight, nor a disagreement. On the contrary, they had parted ways on friendly terms and with their own duties in mind. When he really thought about it, this separation had probably caused a stir and some worry within the herd but he would be the first to confirm that he was still very deeply in love with his 'wife'. The time they had spent apart had been necessary simply because he had needed to deal with issues in their former herd and she had been required to return to their present herd as it's alpha. Now that said issues had been handled accordingly though, Grencia had to admit that he deeply missed the rather eccentric red mare that had made his life so entertaining.
He had been incredibly glad to take his leave from his former herd the previous week. With a wave to his friends and a stiff nod to his 'family', he had launched himself into the air and hadn't looked back. His heart stirred within his chest as the Kawani lands came into view and his spirits lifted considerably as the familiar scents touched upon his nose. Ahhh - long ago he would never have anticipated that these lands would hold such love for him but now... He wouldn't change them for the world, this was his home and that was all there was to it.
Nevertheless he had flown all through the night to reach these lands and as Dawn approached he was required to land. His wings were aching in protest and it was with this in mind that he landed. When Grencia had first appeared in these lands he had been described as a firebird and over the years this had not changed. As he descended through the skies his radiant wings glowed, illuminating his form even in the dark. He stood out just as brightly as any star and it would be difficult for those who were awake to miss him.
Still, he had grown so accustomed to his 'glow' and the warmth that radiated from him that it was of little concern to him. He landed with a rustle of the grasses and furled his wings close to his sides. For all intents and purposes he had landed as softly as possible, if only to ensure that he didn't disturb anyone. Satisfied that he hadn't disrupted the slumber of those in his immediate vicinity he then began to drift forward. He knew where he was headed and while he was anxious to return to the embrace of his mate he had to pace himself...lest he end up exhausted and colapse at her hooves instead.
The gods knew that a reunion like that would be far from romantic!
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Posted: Fri Mar 20, 2009 6:54 am
"Brioso, heroine in training, starts her day with a great breakfast!" She exclaimed to herself, grinning happily as she straightened herself. Then, she started on a trot that gradually became a gallop; she wanted to give a cheer as the wind rushed past her, but she knew that doing so would wake up those still asleep... She gave a soft sigh and gave a mental cheer instead, leaping into the air and landing with a 'thud'. Rearing up, she grinned, "And Brioso's morning run is done!"
It was then that she noticed a glow out of the corner of her eye... There was something... Weird about the glow, and she found herself rooted to the spot, her eyes fixed on the source of the glow. As the glow became brighter, and its source nearer, the filly's eyes widened with a mixture of fascination and shock.
Is that a Soquili with feathered wings?
She found herself drawn towards the figure, her eyes filled with curiosity as she approached the other Soquili; who is this stranger to these lands? An enemy? A friend? Is this finally the time for her to prove herself as a heroine? The female's heart started racing, and she increased her pace, as if afraid to lose sight of the glowing Soquili, while maintaining a distance that she deem as 'safe'.
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Posted: Fri Mar 20, 2009 9:21 am
He knew when he was being followed, that sixth sense and intuition that developed with age. Over the course of the years he had become accustomed to the slight jab against his neck when he was being watched. For a time he was content to continue on, parting the undergrowth beneath his huge hooves. His pace was relaxed and he seemed unconcerned by the small filly's insistance on stalking him. However, the longer this event began to draw out the more he became aware that he wasn't going to shake whatever it was that happened to be following him. This in mind the glowing stallion came to a halt and glanced over his shoulder, his eyes partially hidden beneath his rather long forelock. Suffice to say, the light that illuminated his own path extended far enough to catch sight of the petite soquili trailing him.
...He knew a foal when he saw one.
His brow creased somewhat at the concept of a child being up quite so early without parental supervision. It was an idea he couldn't fathom, he raised his children with great care but in recent years it seemed the lowlands had opted for a more laissez faire stance. He didn't approve of it (if he was honest) but it was not his place to tell anyone how to lead their lives. The concerned expression vanished from his features at this point and was replaced by a more bemused one. There was no use is growing angry on behalf of the small child's parents when they could be one of the newer generation. At least she was still alive and more to the point, Grencia wasn't inclined to maul her alive.
"It is rude to stare," he spoke clearly, the sultry voice rumbling from somewhere deep within his chest. It had been one of his finest features and still was, that voice that had charmed so many mares. Of course now he had been wrangled it served the purpose of a more diplomatic tone rather than anything more risque. "If you wish to ask questions, it is advisable to speak up rather than trail after a stranger...not everyone will treat your intrusion with such kindness, Little One."
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Posted: Fri Mar 20, 2009 10:48 am
Brioso blinked when he suddenly stopped, and something in her screamed at her to take cover. Of course, there was nothing around her that could hide her whole body, and the filly decided to stand her ground, sticking out her chest. When he did turn around and started speaking to her, however, she found herself shivering a little; it wasn't due to fear nor the morning cold.
It was due to slight excitement.
There was something about this adult that impressed the filly, although she wasn't entirely sure what... Not yet anyway. Giving her most determined face, Brioso nodded, bowing her head once. Then, she looked up again, "Sorry about that, mister! I was just going to head home after my morning exercise when I saw you."
She paused, hesitating a little before approaching the stranger cautiously, her eyes locked on him as she walked. As she positioned herself in front of the stallion, she was surprised that it felt a little warmer; was that due to him too? She lifted her head and looked up, "I've never seen a glowing Soquili before, nor have I met one with wings... I felt the need to follow you, to see if you are a danger to this land."
Giving her soon-to-be heroine's trademark grin, she continued, "I conclude that you're not."
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Posted: Fri Mar 20, 2009 11:31 am
Now that was cute, it was at times like these when he recognised why his mate always seemed to want kids. They had quirks and rather unique personalities that caused him great amusement. Evidently this young girl aspired to be something more when she matured, a protector of sorts. It was certainly sweet but the manner in which she approached the situation was a little inappropriate and as a seasoned warrior he could recognise and become concerned by this behaviour. The amiable soquili in the Kawani would accept her observations in good humour but the shift in behaviour as the generations progressed meant that amiable soquili were becoming more and more rare - her lack of tact could bring her harm.
"I would agree that I am of no threat," he replied good naturally, rustling his wings against his sides as she drew nearer. It was true that he never felt the cold, he radiated with such heat that it was difficult to feel such a chill. However he had grown accustomed to this since birth and often forgot that to others it was a rather unusual experience. She was correct that there were few soquili that glowed the world but he had to admit that he was probably the only one that did to quite a degree and he hadn't been to the lowlands in years.
"Then again it is my duty to guard these lands so I sincerely doubt that I am a threat to anyone except a riminal," he pointed out wisely. A small smile flickered onto his lips in recognition of her antics and he turned himself round more fully so that he could meet her gaze without developing a creak in his neck. Once he was comfortable, he tilted his head to the side and lifted his brow - the over all affect could be quite comical as the large 'feathers' on his head gave a twitch and it became apparent they were attached to his eyebrows. So she had never met a wind soquili...
"Well allow me to introduce myself," he opted to continue on with the encounter and cleared his throat. "They call me Grencia, and you are?"
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Posted: Sat Mar 21, 2009 6:10 am
"So you're like a... A hero of sorts?" The filly's eyes widened, and she felt a little shocked and awed at the same time at the newly acquired information. Nobody had ever told her that he or she was a hero before; this was the very first time! Thus, it was the first time she had ever spoken to a real hero. Then, she blinked, narrowing her eyes a little, wondering if the stallion was lying; however, it didn't seem to her that he was telling a lie... Besides, she found him rather interesting, with his wings and his glow.
Still grinning, the female stuck out her chest in an attempt to look slightly larger next to the adult, "I'm Brioso, and a heroine-in-training! Its nice to meet you, mister Grencia." When he moved his brow, the filly noticed that there were things resembling feathers on his head... Was it another trait among those with wings? A glow, feathers on the head, and radiating warmth?
She couldn't help but stare for a little while before looking away in mild embarrassment.
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Posted: Sun Mar 22, 2009 10:45 am
"A hero?" he repeated with mild amusement evident in his voice. He knew what a hero was, he had also been called one a few times but this didn't necessarily mean he agreed with it. His expression remained good natured as he dwelled on her query for a few moments. As a child she wouldn't fully comprehend the response he could give, well this was how most adults would perceive it. Frankly he was a stallion who thought highly of those who demonstrated that they had modesty and as a consequence he was not above teaching it - a hero was all well and good, it was flattery to some but that didn't mean an individual should carry it like a badge of honour... that didn't make them a hero at all, not in his eyes at least.
"I suppose there are those who would place such a title on my shoulders," he agreed slowly before shaking his head. The burnt orange mane rippled delicately against his muscled neck and he regarded her carefully. He seemed to be assessing her, deciding whether or not the filly possessed the intelligence to understand deeper explanation. He had known all his own kids would understand but when it came to lowland children he was no longer certain, for the most part they all appeared to be rather slow given the failings of their parents... "However I do not regard myself as such," apparently he had taken the plunge and regarded the child as possessing some potential.
"A hero to one creature is not a hero to others, to others he will be the devil... Therefore the status I am given depends on those I encounter on an individual basis," he nodded and seemed satisfied by his response. He was aware that thhere were those in the world that despised him but he also knew there were those in the world who thanked him. It was all a question of perspective really, "I do my job and that is to ensure none in my home become unwell and that none are harmed, it is my responsibility to do so. I do not need a title for performing my duty, there are more important things in life than that." This said, he tilted his head to the side at her stare and regarded her patiently for quite some time. It wasn't long before he figured out that she saw him as a foreign and unusual creature.
"You stare, I assume you have questions." This was not a question, it was a statement.
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Posted: Mon Mar 23, 2009 8:13 am
The filly listened, trying to take in all that the stallion presented to her and make sense of his words. She understood some parts of it; she knows that she cannot be universally acknowledged as a 'hero' nor liked, for the many villains and rivals will only view her as a threat... At that, she nodded briefly as he spoke, as if to agree.
However, there were a few things that she didn't understand... Or maybe refused to understand. She had always been dreaming, wishing, wanting of a title, and that title is none other than 'heroine'. To be known as a heroine, and to be recognized as one even if she had only helped indirectly... Why would anyone dismiss being called a hero?
Brioso hesitated, looking unsure of herself before tilting her head to the left and then the right in deep thought. She then looked up, nodding slowly, "I wish to become a heroine because I want to help others, and I wish to protect my family and friends... What can be more important than a tittle to show that you had succeeded in that?" Her voice faded away and she bowed her head, determined to stop staring.
"Sorry again... Its just that I've never seen anyone with wings nor feathers nor a glow." She looked up again, blinking at the older Soquili, "Are they common where you came from, mister Grencia?"
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Posted: Mon Mar 23, 2009 8:26 am
"To be a real hero, you should not need a reason to help someone..." Grencia pointed out abruptly. His brow furrowed at the fairy-tale esque stance the filly had taken. She wanted to help people just to get a title and that was something Grencia would not stomach. Those who sought titles were not heroes, they were mercenaries. Everything had it's price and in this case their help was provided for the price of a title - there was nothing heroic about that, it was positively disgusting even to think about it. His expression creased into a deeper frown as he attempted to regain control of his thoughts and sure enough, within a few moments the expression had evaporated and his features were now unreadable.
"If you require a title in recognition then you will never be a hero, you will be mercenary. You work in return for something, everything has its price and in this case your price is a title," he shook his head slowly. His eyes darkened, a slight sadness within the emerald depths. Ah, how corrupted and naive the lowlands had become while those within the slopes had been raised so 'purely'. His children and those children originating from his herd understood these facts and yet here was a child who couldn't grasp them at all. The lowlands were incredibly selfish and growing worse by the moment, apparently.
"A hero is not someone who embraces a title willingly, they have that title thrust upon them though they do not require it. They help without request, they protect without thanks. To expect a title goes against everything that a true hero stands for," he told her flatly. He shook his head, the mane lining his neck rippling once again against the contours of his muscles. His jaw had tightened considerably as he surpressed the rest of his opinions, all of which were not suitable for a child's ears...they were barely suitable for an adult's ears either. "I have never in my life asked for payment, I have never needed to help others. The knowledge that I have given them the assistance they required is more than enough to sustain me..."
Pausing in the midst of this topic, the stallion mused over her next query though and slowly shook his head. He was in a league of his own when it came to his quirks. "There are many in this world with wings, but I am the only one to possess feathers upon my head and tail in such a manner. I was once the only one to glow and radiate with warmth as well, but my son's have consequently inherited such features themselves," he explained quietly. Indeed, the majority of his son's had inherited at least one of his quirks - whether it be the alarming warmth of their fur or a glow within their coat, it was there!
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Posted: Mon Mar 23, 2009 8:49 am
"A... A mercenary..." Brioso echoed, blinking. She really does feel like a little lost child now; so all her ideas on heroism, on helping others... They were all wrong? They weren't what a real hero should be? Should think like? The filly was at a loss for words; nobody, not even her parents, had ever told her a different perspective of what a hero is, and here is a stranger she just met, telling her different things!
Different things that somewhat made sense to a filly.
She slowly nodded, finding her voice again as she put on a more serious expression, "I... I do not wish to be a mercenary." She gulped, frowning as she continued, "I want to help others, but I don't want them to... Well, to give me anything other than maybe their thanks... Yet I..." Her voice faded away, and she hung her head, clearly upset. She had wanted to said 'yet I yearn for a title', but the words refused to come out of her mouth. After all, it was something that had been contradicting everything else she had wanted; to protect those she love and those around her... And it took a stranger to wake her up.
Looking up again, she turned her head slightly to her left to look at the stallion's wing, "Many with wings..." She blinked, and gave a small, rather sad smile as she shook her head slowly, eyes closed, "I'm still I child, aren't I, mister?"
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Posted: Mon Mar 23, 2009 9:01 am
"You are still very much a child," Grencia agreed softly, his words rumbling from deep within his throat. The risk he had taken in musing over her intelligence had paid off, it had taken a blunt phrase or two to make it happen but she was finally seeing things clearly. It was all well and good for a parent to paint a fairy tale picture of knights and their damsels but when it came down to it, that wasn't how the world worked. If someone was saved in the real world and a title was demanded...the person who had helped wouldn't even get thanks, they'd get disgust. Even if she wasn't his child, the stallion couldn't permit the filly to receive that type of treatment just because her parents had been stupid and hadn't raised her properly. She would thank him in later life, in a time when she received a thankful but tearful gaze.
Words were never necessary for a hero.
When he was younger he had often demanded the thanks of those he aided, it was part of the reason he was never promoted within his former herd. He'd been cocky, he'd expected more than he should have. As his mentor and superior had said, he deserved no recognition for his deeds because he had been performing his duty - they were orders and all scouts had them... He was no different from his comrades. It had been a bitter pill to swallow but it had helped in the long run and through the guidance of his superior he had grown into a much better male. It was only when he reached maturity that he finally understood what all his lessons had been for. Sometimes words could not express the gratitude an individual felt, all they could do was stare... A hero could recognise this and without another word take their leave and receive not 'true' payment.
...That was what made them so special.
"However there is nothing wrong with being so young, it means you have the opportunity to learn," he pointed out wisely and offered a small smile. It was warm despite its small size and genuine as it creased his eyes into a very slight squint. "You have the chance to grow, to experience the world and to realise what is important in life. If you do not want to be a mercenary then you don't have to, there is always time to change..."
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Posted: Mon Mar 23, 2009 9:20 am
Part of her felt like crying, another part of her felt like smiling. She lost one dream - a dream where everyone bestows a title on her, the title of 'heroine' - but she gained a new dream, something different yet similar... Maybe this one will be better, more purposeful. Maybe it was a good thing she had followed this stranger... He said things she knew her parents will never say to her.
"I'll learn, if you'll teach me," She replied boldly, a blush creeping up her face; if not for the fact that her pelt was dark, it would be almost visible. Bowing her head, the filly continued, "I know I will have to 'experience the world' myself, but... But I'll like it if you'll... Honor me by sharing your experiences with me." She squeezed her eyes shut, her head still bowed, feeling rather embarrassed at herself.
She really is such a child.
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Posted: Mon Mar 23, 2009 9:43 am
Teach her...?
His expression clouded again though this was moreso out of confusion, as a seasoned warrior he specialised more so in combat than anything. He wouldn't be adverse to helping her develop such skills and to gain a more philosophical approach to the world but the fact still remained that such a thing could take years to achieve. He was a family man through and through and so the idea of teaching this little filly posed more than one difficulty, for a start he lived far above the Kawani on the highest peaks of the eastern mountains, that was where his family were. His mate, his children, his grand children and even his herd resided in such a grand territory and he missed them. In fact he missed them to the point that his chest ached and his head throbbed in agony if he so much as thought of them - that was why he had flown all night just to see them.
However he was a stallion who took his own advice and he remembered the numerous times when he had taught his own sons and students to pace themselves. His wings were tired, his limbs ached and he was both hungry and thirsty. He might have been in a rush to return home to the embrace of his mate but at the same time he was also in need of sustenance. There was compromise in this situation and it wasn't long before he recognised this and gave a nod. It was true that he couldn't teach the filly how to be a warrior; not without her living within herd territory at least but he could regale her with stories that she could muse over. If at a later date she decided to be trained by the protectors of Islagiatt then he would gladly sponsor her but he was not going to force her to make that decision so young.
"What you wish to learn takes many years to master," he wasn't going to lie to her and gave a frank smile. "It requires for a student to study under their master day in day out until they understand all the specifics," He paused. "But I will share some tales with you if you so desire," he added with a small nod, his ears swivelling here and there as he attempted to discern exactly where the water was so that he could quench his parched tongue.
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Posted: Mon Mar 23, 2009 10:10 am
She listened, her eyes widening as she nodded briefly, happy that he was willing to share his experiences with her. As she lifted her head, she found herself frowning at the word 'years'; she understood that it was impossible for him to teach her everything, and for her to learn everything within a short period of time - she was eager and willing to listen, but it was just plain impossible. Somewhere in her, she already knew it would be a lengthy process, but Brioso felt that it would be worth her time...
However, there was something that greatly puzzled her; although Grencia had stated that it'll take years, he also said something about a master and training 'day in day out'... Was there someone who could do that? Be her mentor and train her everyday until she was ready to face the world, and have the ability to help others out?
"Mister Grencia," The filly suddenly spoke, her voice filled with curiousness, "Where you're from... Do others train under a master for years? To learn and experience, day after day? Is there really such a place?" Although she did feel a little rude for asking one question after the other, she couldn't help herself... It seemed very fascinating to the filly.
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Posted: Mon Mar 23, 2009 10:26 am
The stallion began to walk, drifting in the direction of the water while he considered the filly's question. He was aware that her curiosity would make her follow and as a result he was happy to speak. His replies would carry through the air, his father had been obssessed with elocution lessons and consequently he would be clear. If she couldn't hear him (which he doubted) then she would simply have to reask when he had stopped walking and had come to rest at a river or small rock pool... Thus it was one hoof moving in front of the other that he dwelled on her queries and began to respond as simply as he could.
"I live on the mountains far to the east," he began with a fond smile on his lips. Visions of the snowy and mist worn peaks entered his mind and he quickly dismissed them before a headache joined them. "The herd I am part of are renowned for their prowess in combat and their expertise in the fields of warfare and diplomacy," he explained. It was a bit of an oxymoron to be both a master of war and peace but there were both lovers and fighters within his herd - they balanced one another out with ease. They had knights, ambassadors, doctors - a community hidden in the depths of the slopes and undisturbed and untainted by the degeneration of the soquili that lay in the lowlands.
"The sons and daughters who choose the path of the warrior will study under their parents and forefathers. They are subject to the tutelage of the elders and the seasoned knights of the herd..." He glanced over his shoulder to make sure the filly was following him and continued. "Their lessons begin as children and continue into adult life until their mentors and superiors deem them ready for their final test," he cleared his throat to shoo the hoarseness away from his voice and released a soft sigh through parted lips.
"If they pass the test they are proved to be adults and are ready to explore the world. They carry the name of the herd with great pride and exact themselves according to the duties and responsibilities placed upon them by their superiors without question," he paused here and came to a halt, turning his head as he at last caught sight of a river nearby. He changed direction and proceeded in the direction of the water, his glow chasing the darkness and shadows from his path as he went.
"Such places are not everywhere in the world but in select territories they do exist."
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