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 Posted: Wed May 06, 2009 12:31 pm
More and more, as days passed and the world turned warmer, Gaspard wondered if he hadn't already made the decision to stay in this place without really intending to. His sister's presence was a strong influence, to be certain, but not the be-all and end-all of his decision; he'd spent many years traveling with nothing but his own thoughts, and while it had been lonely at times, he had found out a great deal about himself through reflection. He wasn't arrogant enough to believe that traveling would do him no good at this age, as there were still undoubtedly a near infinite amount of things for him to learn, but he thought he had come to a good place in his life.
His hooves had led him on various adventures since he was barely an adult, and not nearly that in his father's eyes. Though many assumed him to be much older than he was, he was still young enough to consider the prospect of carving a niche for himself in the world, perhaps finding a mare to settle with and raise a family. Spirits knew he didn't have the best example with his own parents, but with the right sort of mare beside him, they might not make a complete mess of things.
Ears pinning, he wondered at himself. He'd never had such domestic thoughts before. While the other young stallions were off wooing and flirting with the pretty mares, he'd been bidding his father and sister goodbye. He'd met many a pretty face on his travels, but none had inspired thoughts of long evenings in the company, nor of foals dancing around them. Was he really just getting to be that age? His father would know, likely, but then - Auguste wasn't here. He was back in their homeland, with his mother.
He could ask Corine, but as far as he knew, she was as inexperienced in the matter as he. Still, she often offered a valuable perspective contrary to his own, and however embarrassing a topic it might have been, perhaps some good would come of discussing it.
Spirits cheered a bit, he stepped over a fallen log and cast his glance around, ears pricking for the sounds of company. To his left, he thought he heard the stirrings of another's presence, and he paused, wondering if he ought to seek them out.
Perhaps having the distraction of conversation would force his own restless mind to take a break from troublesome thoughts.
Shifting direction, he approached the faint noises of grasses that could only be stirred by hooves, and stopped short. Before him, like a vision out of a legend, stood a unicorn, her coat bright splashes of color, hair tumbling down over her shoulders in impossibly sleek waves. It wasn't her beauty that stopped him short, however, nor did that have his stomach pitch.
It was the simple fact that she was a she.
Closing his eyes, wondering how he could have managed to anger the spirits enough to send another mare into his awkward, bumbling presence, he exhaled a long, troubled breath. When he opened his eyes, he peered across the way to her, wondering if perhaps she had not noticed him.
No luck; she was looking right at him.
Well, it wouldn't do to be rude. Stepping forward, tail swishing behind him in mild agitation, he greeted her in a quiet, deep tone. "Good afternoon, miss. I hope I did not startle you."
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Posted: Sun May 10, 2009 8:03 am
They certainly weren't grieving the loss of their daughters.
How long had it been since she last bumped in to her beloved Miki? The last she knew was that the story-teller had found herself smitten with her dearest friend. Leave it to the silver and pink mare to find herself actually living some sort of sweet fairy tale!
And what of her sweet voiced Rupali? Though the shyest in the family, the young mare could only wonder where she might have found herself. With luck strength would always guide her sister, even without her sisters presence continuously in her life.
Zara, on the other hand, knew where she had been though not where she was going. She had taken up to roaming and had lately allowed herself complete freedom from her family's strict embrace. She was older now, and not a silly, thoughtless filly. She had her own dreams, her own aspirations and she wouldn't tolerate being told when and where and what to do any longer. The most bold out of all three siblings, Zara was only too happy to soak up everything life had to offer. . .
Including pale stallions that stumbled across her dinner. Having been grazing in a clear meadow, she too had heard the soft foot-falls that were reminiscent only of another soquili. Pink eyes lifted as she waited to see who it was that approached, and she found herself staring at that of a pure white stallion.
Maybe not entirely pure, as his face harbored darker grey. . . but for the most part it was safe to say he was all white. Very white. And one of the first pale creatures she had the opportunity to meet. Ironic how all of her foal-hood companions had been black as night. . . . At least she was getting more varied now that she was older, right? Of course Baldev would throw a complete and utter fit at the fact he was just a regular. . . No horn, no cloven hooves, nothing of the 'great' unicorn race within his blood. . .
But Baldev wasn't here, now, was he? Of course not~! That meant the young mare could enjoy whomever's company she so choice!
Not at all perturbed by his presence, her long tail gave a little swish in pleasure as a bright smile crossed her features. It was a good thing she was no mind reader else she would have been appalled by the fact he was slightly aggravated by her gender. He should be so lucky to meet her, or so her most confident side would proclaim. She was royalty, after all, and furthermore she was a unicorn.
"Pleasant afternoon, my fine sir," she responded lightly, dipping her head in to a slight bow in greeting. "Let me assure you I'm not as flighty a creature as one might think. Nothing surprises me much anymore." And wasn't that the truth~!
Remembering her manners, the mare gave a little shake of her hair, blowing a couple stray locks out of her face. "If the stranger is hungry, might I suggest these grasses here? They're still sweet and tender from the rains that blew through the other night."
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Posted: Wed May 13, 2009 2:39 pm
Well, there was clearly no escaping a conversation. He was almost appalled at himself, thinking of interacting with others as more of a chore than anything else, but perhaps it was true that he was growing more and more to resemble his father. Certainly Auguste would have only offered a curt nod and a few lines in an exchange, and then gone on his way if the mare was inclined only toward small talk. He wasn't quite at that level of social isolation yet, however.
Bowing his own head in response, he watched her as she spoke, dark eyes not leaving her decorative, animated face. There truly were all types in the Kawani lands; he had met many eccentric Soquili in his travels, both in personality and appearance, but never so diverse as cluster as he had seen here. In his own homeland, the dominant color scheme had been more natural, he blending in very well with the surrounding families. Still, despite his own background, he didn't find vibrant colors to be at all unappealing or offensive; they just were not what he was used to.
Variety was the spice of life, however, or so they said.
Coming more fully into her presence, though still maintaining a respectable distance, Gaspard swept his gaze over the grasses briefly. They did look rather appealing, but he wasn't hungry. If anything, food was the last thing on his mind - when troubled by his own thoughts, he found that eating went by the wayside, as the last thing he needed was an overfull stomach and head.
He didn't want to be rude, though. Would it be rude to refuse an offer of grasses so generously given?
Either way, it was probably awkward at the very least to be silent for so long.
Bringing his gaze back to her face, he replied, "Thank you, but I am not hungry." After a slightly awkward pause, he added, "My name is Gaspard. It is a pleasure to meet you, miss, and I'm glad I didn't disturb you."
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Posted: Wed May 20, 2009 6:46 am
The colourful unicorn thoughtfully studied the pale figure before her. She refused to stare, knowing such an action could be impolite, but she did want to get a good look at the stranger. He was pale, most definitely male, and of a regular breed. It wasn't often she met those not of the unicorn variety and as it was, she was pleased. Just one more way to defy her parents' prejudice.
The silence drew on, and if Zara found such a thing to be awkward or odd, she made no comment. Instead, the blue eyed mare calmly averted her gaze and took a few lady-like nips of the sweet grasses she had been eating. No need for him to think she was staring him down while he decided. . . . Perhaps she shouldn't have been so forward in offering the stranger a chance to linger? Goodness knew she had meant no harm, but until he answered, for some odd reason it seemed to be quite the decision. Perhaps she should have started with a different ice breaker. . . .
Oh well. No time to go back now. Ah ha, but it seemed the gods smiled down upon the mare and Gaspard actually spoke. It was rather amazing. . . . "So the gentleman can speak. I was afraid I had offended you with such an offer," she teased, tossing him a wink to show her bemused nature. Moving quickly on, not wanting to offend him if he were a more sensetive soul, Zara offered the stallion a great bow. It wasn't exactly over the top, but perhaps unneeded. . . Still, she was brought up to always be a lady, and though she didn't agree with her family on certain topics, the unicorn understood that it was necessary she always be on her best and most cordial behavior. Introductions were very important when it came to meeting others. . . .and she did want a small spot of company this day.
"A pleasure to meet you, sir Gaspard. I'm Zara, and I'm quite glad to have been blessed with your company. The grasses, though tasty, aren't exactly known for their conversations." She flashed him another grin, tail swishing happily behind her.
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Posted: Wed May 20, 2009 2:36 pm
Flushing slightly, it all too obvious against his pale, freckled face, Gaspard wondered if he would ever become adept at interacting with mares. Not likely, if constant exposure to a variety of different personalities hadn't helped so far. There were days he wished he could be more frank and straightforward, like his sister; she wasn't plagued by the shy, awkward nature that he seemed to have inherited from no where, really.
At least this mare - Zara - seemed amused by him rather than offended. Spirits knew he'd been on the receiving end of both responses in the past, and while it either could wound the pride, he preferred the latter.
The blush had faded from his face, and when he spoke again, it was in the same quiet, even tone that he deployed for any manner of news or conversation. It had been called boring and passionless in the past, and his voice in and of itself had been reason enough for many mares to turn tail and search for more lively company.
"I would imagine not." His own tail swinging behind him, he angled his head slightly, expression solemn but not unfriendly. "I am very difficult to offend, so please do not worry yourself with regards to that."
No, it seemed he was much better at offending than anything else.
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