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 Posted: Tue May 19, 2009 11:06 pm
She was lost.
Celandine hated being lost.
It wasn't that she hated it so much because she didn't know where she was; more, she hated it because she had a very tough time finding her way to anywhere familiar on her own. Independent almost to a fault because of her disability, she disliked asking for assistance when she actually needed it, much preferred to pluck her way along and figure things out as she went. She'd been doing fine until it had started to rain; seeking shelter, she'd lost track of where she had been, and when the rain had stopped, everything had smelt very different.
Still, she wasn't going to just sit back and wait for someone to find her. For one, no one would even be looking! She'd met a few others since descending to the Kawani lands, but none bore any real responsibility toward her, and that was the way she liked it. For most of her life she'd battled against the notion that she needed to be coddled, and she wasn't going to change that particular aspect of her personality, especially not now that she was well into her adult years.
Being lost was just a little setback! She'd find her way soon enough.
Stepping out into a spill of sunlight, she lifted her head, swinging it from side to side as she listened and smelled the air for anything familiar. Nope, nothing.
"Well, at least it smells nice out here. Hm, fresh grasses covered in fresh rain." Smiling, she began to walk briskly, knowing that the sunlight wouldn't last long. It wouldn't be too difficult to find shelter for the night, but she wanted to at least make some progress.
Birds chirped somewhere above her, and she listened to their song, enjoying them as much as they must have been enjoying the reprieve from rain. Swishing her tail behind her, she lifted her head to the sky, smiling, and began to take less care with her direction while she walked.
Mistake.
The grass gave way to mud abruptly, and her front hooves lost purchase, sending her slipping forward. It happened too quickly for her to attempt to get her balance, and before she knew it, she was slipping and sliding rapidly downhill. Panic seized her for only a moment before instinct took over and she spread her wings, beating them powerfully and rising up from the slope awkwardly.
Hovering in place a moment, she muttered, "Just my luck!" and turned, ears pointed behind her. Well, she knew she'd slipped downhill, but she didn't know how long downhill lasted. The only safe thing was to go back up and find another direction to walk in.
The sound of snapping twigs caught her attention, however, and she looked down again, surprise on her face. It sounded very close, and judging from the rustle of the grasses, it was likely another Soquili.
Tentatively, she inched forward, stretching her front legs out to see if she could touch on solid ground. When she couldn't she kept going forward, nose stretched out in case a tree suddenly showed up in front of her.
"Hellooooo?" She called out, working to keep the slight irritation she felt at her predicament out of her voice.
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Posted: Wed May 20, 2009 8:33 am
 The rain that had poured down from the heavens had come at the most inopportune moment for the black stallion. He had been skirting the edge of the forest when the downpour had started. The decision to seek shelter inside had been a difficult one. Ever since winter's last snow he had been living away from the woods, avoiding them with everything he had. Inside he was unwanted, an intruder and there were those that wanted to kill him upon sight. In the end the storm forced him inside where he had waited until the last drop had been squeezed out of the great gray clouds.
He wasted no time at all in moving out. Like a frightened cat he bolted from his waiting spot only to have his hooves meet with a slick patch of mud. He slid forward a ways, legs wobbling, but managed to keep himself up right. When he stopped he cast a vicious look down to the Earth below him. Mother nature seemed to enjoy tormenting him for reasons he could not understand. Heaving a sigh he set off once more, though slower this time to avoid slipping and falling.
As he moved branches clawed at his face, chest and legs. They pulled at his mane and tail like as though trying to hold him back. For the most part he ignored them and simply snapped them with ease. This only made them fight harder. He snorted furiously preparing to do battle with the inanimate beings when a rather eerie voice reached his ears. 'Hello', it cried. He froze. He had been to preoccupied with the trees to notice anything approaching. He imagined one day this would be his downfall.
Quietly he took in a deep breath and worked to free himself from the grasp of the trees noiselessly. He was not about to be caught like this.
Once freed from the random dense patch of trees he stepped slowly towards the sound, keeping his head low to avoid catching any thing's eye. Stepping past a few more trees he caught sight of something moving ahead of him. It wasn't coming his way but he still ducked back behind a trunk of a large oak quickly to keep out of sight. After a moment he peered out from around it's rounded side to see what was calling.
From the looks of it the voice belonged to another horse, though he could have been mistaken easily. He had never before seen a horse with so many wings. He took a few steps closer and cursed as a dried twig snapped beneath his front hoof. Why did he never pay attention when he needed to?
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Posted: Wed May 20, 2009 2:03 pm
One of the particular advantages she enjoyed due to her blindness was a rather acute sense of hearing. As such, even over the beating of her own wings, she was able to pick out sounds of the environment and filter through them. She'd been certain she heard some twigs snap earlier, but because there had been no response, she'd begun to wonder if it was just the sound of the trees rearranging themselves after the storm. If it had been in her nature to be cynical, she might wonder if it was some sort of predator, but just as easily as the thought crossed her mind, she dismissed it.
What kind if predator would stomp on twigs and let the prey know where it was?
Finally feeling earth bump against the tips of her hooves, she let out a sigh of relief and dropped down, fluttering her wings in slight annoyance until all the feathers settled back where they ought to have been. One of the most disagreeable things in the world was having to take flight all of a sudden with four different wings; one of them always got itself bent out of shape somehow.
Carefully testing the integrity of the ground, she was relieved to find it mostly solid, though her right front leg was a little sore after her small spill. Nothing she couldn't handle or walk on, but it did mean that she'd probably ought to find a place to rest for the day sooner than she'd like. Well, she still had a few good hours left either way.
Another twig snapped and she lifted her head quickly, ears flicking immediately to the source of the sound, she stilling. Ahah! So there was something there. Perhaps the creature was just shy? She didn't have any feeling or sense of impending doom, so at the very least, she didn't suppose she was going to be attacked and eaten.
Extending her neck, she sniffed, taking in all the usual smells of wet earth. Quite pleasant in and of themselves, but not really what she was looking for. Then -
"Ah! A wet horse." Beaming, she canted her head, lifting her sore leg and flexing it to relieve some of the pain. "Hello there, and don't worry - I might not be overly graceful, but I'm not likely to take a second fall in as many minutes. You're quite safe around me."
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Posted: Thu May 21, 2009 7:46 am
Silently crimson eyes watched and narrowed as the other touched down. No part of this creature screamed 'threat' to him but still he stuck to close to the tree using it for as much cover as he could. It didn't seem as though he had been seen yet but the way her ears moved left no doubt in his mind that he had been heard. After years of living not knowing who was an enemy he had grown quite adept at recognizing signs. Particularly signs that said 'I know you're there'.
When he was called to his eyes went wide for a split second.Not only could she hear him but she could see him. Or could she?
She wasn't looking in his direction. Either something else had caught her attention or he hadn't been spotted. Then how had she known? He glanced down to his soggy coat and tentatively sniffed at it. The scent was definitely stronger than any he gave off when dry. It was possible she smelled him. It didn't seem all that likely to him but it was either that or she was purposefully looking away which didn't seem all that likely. The way she spoke sounded like she had a few screws loose somewhere. He wasn't scared of her.
Or was he?
He scowled at the thought before slipping away from his cover to come out in the open. He wasn't scared of her. She was just some freak with extra wings and a strong sense of smell. "I wish I could say the same to you." He all but growled in response. Really he didn't intend to sound so threatening but until he knew who she was she was trouble, just like everyone else.
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Posted: Thu May 21, 2009 2:36 pm
When he spoke, she swung her head in the direction of his voice, expression still pleasant despite his tone. Well well! Someone sounded a little grumpy. If anything, she thought she ought to be the one throwing irritation around, considering she'd just about landed on her rump in a pile of mud because of one careless step. Still, she could imagine how unpleasant it might be to suddenly have a fully grown mare come flying down a hill near you, so she would forgive him.
She must've made quite a sight! How lucky that she hadn't landed on him. Then he would certainly have been quite cranky, and she wouldn't have been able to do a thing about it except apologize. While she didn't dislike apologizing in the least, she was quite against having to make excuses for herself because of her handicap, and was glad all around that that particular scenario had been avoided.
Resting all four hooves back on the ground, she remained silent a moment longer, debating. Though less than pleased in general, she didn't sense that he was out to hurt her, and so she didn't feel any great alarm. If she needed to, she knew how to defend herself, or fly away if it came to that, but at this point, Cela didn't think it would be that kind of situation. More than likely, she'd stumbled upon his home or something similar, and he had every right to be annoyed with her.
That in mind, she took a couple of steps toward the direction of his voice, rustling her wings at her sides as she did. She was in no rush to come upon him, and her manner was far from threatening, but she made certain to be extra polite when she spoke.
"I'm very sorry if I disturbed you. It wasn't my intention in the least," she added airily, dismissing the notion as easily as she would offer a greeting. "I slipped in the mud up above, and suddenly found myself skating down the hill. Not my idea of a good time."
Snorting lightly, she shook her head, mane fluttering around her face. "But I'm glad I didn't land on you! How awkward that would have been." Her teacher used to say she could talk a rock to death if she set her mind to it. Cela didn't think she was that bad, personally, but of course it seemed that way when she was given long stretches to chatter about whatever she chose.
"I'm Celandine." Sounding merry, she cocked her head to the side, fanning her wings out to either side of her. "What's your name?"
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Posted: Fri May 22, 2009 8:23 am
The silence that followed his comment left him hopeful. Hopeful that she would take the hint that he didn't want to deal with her and leave. As she came towards him he reminded himself that hope was for fools. Trying to convey that he really wasn't interested in having company he scowled at her.
As she began to speak he decided that he wouldn't mind having fangs, claws, or other sharp appendages. It wasn't often creatures like that were bothered by friendly idiots after all. Her little mini speech went on and slowly his scowl transformed into a disbelieving and displeased look. His eyebrows came together and his mouth parted slightly on one side as though he were unsure whether he wanted to laugh cruelly or tell her she should seek help.
He was considering turning and leaving, he wanted to be free from the woods anyway, when it came. The chipper introduction. For the life of him he couldn't understand why everyone was so happy to give a name. He also could find no fathomable reason why they would want his in return. It wasn't like they were friends. It wasn't like he wanted friends in the first place.
Instead of leaving the mare in the dust he settled for what he considered to be a crueler approach. "You're joking...right?" A cold and somewhat arrogant tone clung to the words as the slipped from his mouth. He followed this with a short bark of laughter. "I'm not telling you my name and I sure as hell don't want yours." He snorted and then straightened up his posture to give himself more height.
He had a naturally larger build but with her wings fanned out she still seemed larger then him. He didn't like that. He needed to intimidate her so that she would leave. He couldn't do that if it seemed like she could thrash him soundly with those feathered limbs. If he had known that she could not see him there was no way he would have been trying so hard.
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Posted: Mon May 25, 2009 2:00 pm
She couldn't help it; she giggled, though she tried to bite it back at the last second. He likely wanted her to be very demure, apologize for taking up his time and shuffle meekly off, but that really wasn't her style. Given his tone, he was less than pleased with her, though she suspected that was more of a general attitude than a specific affliction.
Expression contrite, she put her two front hooves together and bowed her head slightly, wings fluttering at her sides. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to laugh at you. It's just, you remind me of someone."
It was true enough; he reminded her of her mentor, the persnickety old man who had taken her under his wing and done his level best to educate her in the ways of Angeni. He'd been successful for the most part, though she'd been a hoof full to say the least. Still, underneath his gruff exterior, she'd known her mentor was a good, kind stallion. It had just taken a lot of digging to find his warm, gooey center.
Well, and a few cloutings. She'd still like to debate a couple of those, as a matter of fact, but he was in the heavens and she was, well, down below. So that would have to wait for another day.
Regaining her normal posture, she pointed out, "And, you know, you already have my name. And a smile," she added, lips turning up into a wide, amused smile. "Neither can be taken back, you know. I suppose you'll just have to live with having received them."
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Posted: Mon Jun 01, 2009 9:35 am
Again he was being laughed at.
He scowled at the mare. Would no one take him seriously? All his efforts had proved to be futile. There had been few that had ever taken the hint and left him in peace and those few had been surrounded by numerous encounters with those that laughed at and mocked him. It was beyond frustrating and each time was like a blow to his pride.
The look on her face only caused him to raise an eyebrow. She was sorry? He scoffed. Yeah right. He believed that about as much as he believed that he was like someone she knew. He was fairly certain that there wasn't a single person in the world like him.
As she straightened up he let his expression slip into somewhat neutral disinterest. He was unable to keep this face a she spoke again. His eye twitched first and then his mouth turned to a sneer. "I don't want your damn smile..." He muttered. He had had enough of this stupid mare. She had a screw loose and was just messing with his head now.
Slowly he lifted one foot after another bringing them forward. "I want you to turn tail and get the hell away from me." He was very serious about this and it showed. His gaze was locked on the mare, his ears lay back against his head and he made sure that with every step he snapped or twig or crunched a leaf or at least made a loud thud when he connected with the earth.
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Posted: Wed Jun 03, 2009 12:44 pm
One of her most trying qualities, in the eyes of others, was her stubborn nature. Once told not to do something, it only made her want to dig in her hooves more and see it through to the end. Sure, this stallion seemed determined to see her on her way, but she was just as determined to continue exploring as she had been, his good favor or not. After all, no one owned the land they were standing upon, so if he didn't want her company, he could leave.
The smile on her face cooled, but otherwise, she didn't look any less at ease. Her ears remained perched forward and toward him, her head cocked slightly as if in confusion. "You want me to leave? That seems kind of silly, I think."
As he stomped his way toward her, she had to fight not to laugh again. Really, was he so intent on being big and intimidating that he thought he had to make a ruckus and growl at her? A polite explanation of why he wished to be alone would have been quite enough for her, but now that he'd decided to try to scare her away, she wasn't going to have any of it.
Idly, she drew a hoof along the ground, stirring the leaves and twigs in front of her. "If you really didn't want to be around me, you'd turn around and leave, wouldn't you? There's really nothing keeping you here, talking to me, but yourself."
Angling her head down, giving him a somewhat amused look, she added, "I'd almost think you were afraid of me, but that's just ridiculous, isn't it? I'm just a mare, talking a walk, and you're just a stallion, taking a walk. There's no reason for us to be arguing, unless I'm standing in your way - which, by the way, can be easily fixed with a simple and polite, 'please step aside for a moment so I can pass'."
It didn't occur to her to let him get away with acting however he chose, and though there could have been some danger of her being struck for her cheek, Celandine was more than capable of defending herself. She just hoped it didn't come to that, for both their sakes.
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Posted: Wed Jun 17, 2009 9:53 am
There was no sign on her body or face that she was even a tiny bit startled. Quite frankly it was pissing him off. Hearing her logic didn't make anything better but it did cause him to cease his approach. What she said was true. He could just turn around and leave, the only things keeping him there were himself and the fear that he refused to believe was there.
As she mentioned how silly it would be for him to be frightened of her he almost nodded in agreement. It was completely ridiculous for him to be afraid of her and yet he was unwilling to turn his back on her. He couldn't risk leaving himself so open even if it were in retreat. He scowled at each cowardly thought that entered his mind. He wasn't like that. He wasn't afraid, especially not of some empty-headed mare.
"I don't want to be around you." He said slowly letting every ounce of hatred he had for the mare at this very second seep into his voice. He wasn't scared of her. He wasn't frightened and he was not going to let her treat him like he was. "But there is no way in hell I'm just running off!" With that he lunged at her aiming to catch a wing between his teeth. He had no natural weapons but a well placed blow could pack a powerful punch even without them.
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