|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Tue Oct 06, 2009 6:30 am
Despite Penance's reservations, despite the concerns he had when it came to her mother and sisters, Numielle wasn't to be swayed. Simple-minded as she might be, the crimson-maned mare could be quite clear on her wishes and desires. In fact, there were times she was quite bright and intelligent, small moments that often took those of the grove by surprise! She didn't play dumb on purpose, she just . . . . lived within a dream.
It had taken a day to track Nimue and her sisters, but Numielle had enjoyed reuniting with each of them. Ezriel had been scarce, distant and reserved, but Nimue remembered her (after a little encouragement, of course) and it had done her good to catch up with news from Ennuiel and Minuet! Though she wouldn't ever leave the grove permanently, she did like to see her family. . .
It still never occurred to her that there was anything wrong or skewed with Nimue's lifestyle and sin. . . It just was the way of things. And though she had worried she might forget her own children, such a thing had never happened and she made sure to remind her mate and children daily (with Esper multiple times because he hadn't been present as a foal) that she loved them all very much.
Numielle had lingered in the plains and foothills for a few days but it didn't take long for her heart to yearn to be back. And with a promise to return later, the mare had taken off in search of her beloved mate. She hadn't gotten distracted, persay, but finding Nimue was easier than finding the Grove. . . .
As it was, by the time she recognized the familiar entrance to the woods, night had long since fallen. Like a pale angel, the mare spiraled a few times above the tree line and nearby plains before coming to a gentle rest a few feet from Azumoth's woods. There was an autumn chill in the night air, cool enough so she could see her breath. . . Taking a moment to follow the wisps of 'smoke' up to the sky, black eyes studied the sparkling stars high above. . .
"Starlight, starbright," she cooed softly, voice sing-songy, "help me find my love tonight. . . " A smile instantly crossed her maw and she giggled, her spiked tail swishing happily with excitement behind her. Taking a moment to suddenly prance in a circle, the mare's wings flared lightly and she continued her song, "Numi knows he must be near! Oh take me to my dearest-dear!" Her giggles rang out once more amongst the night, a new tone of delight entering as she realized she rhymed!
Oooooh. . . she rhymed, she rhymed, she rhymed! And a song all by herself! A shame Penance wasn't near to hear. . . . It had been a song just for him too.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Oct 06, 2009 9:24 am
He wasn't one for poems, in fact he had never been the most eloquent but he could always appreciate Numielle's creativity. Unfortunately he hadn't been graced with her presence when she allowed these words to escape her lips but that didn't mean he wasn't as she expected, hiding somewhere nearby. Truth be told, since she hadn't asked but told him that she was leaving to see her family, he had been wracked with nerves. According to his father this was completely normal but that didn't make it any easier to handle - it had taken all his self restraint not to storm after his mate and inform her to come back within three days or he would come and retrieve her himself!
As peculiar as it may have sounded, it had been his father's influence and words of wisdom that had silenced him. Azumoth (bizarrely) had pointed out that this would provoke an argument and while Penance may not appreciate the family she came from, it was unreasonable to forbid her from seeing them. As a result, the stallion could do nothing more than pace about, his jaw tightened and muscles stiff. He hadn't ignored his fatherly duties and had made certain that the trio (even his newly returned son) were comfortable before fretting about his own issues.
However, as the days had passed and she stayed away for more than he had anticipated... Well, it was accurate to say he was about ready to blow a gasket. He had a right to be nervous, the events that had happened a while ago hadn't been completely forgotten. It would take a rare moment of clarity for him to realise that she was completely safe, that even Kiyoshi was on the path of 'redemption' (if that's what you could call it). Alas, it had been many sleepless nights for the stallion and his mood was becoming increasingly foul.
It would have stayed that way too...
The ticking time bomb was about to explode when it was promptly defused, that spec of white above the canopy and the scent that wafted through the trees were clearly recognisable. He hadn't heard her giggle, he hadn't heard her poem but he was well aware of who she was. His ears pricked, his eyes brightened and then rather surprisingly he felt his stomach flutter with a tiny hint of anger. Or maybe that was exasperation, relief...any number of emotions; unfortunately he was too agitated to figure out exactly what they were.
"Twinks!" He boomed before he had even reached her landing spot. "Where in the name of the gods have you been?" He roared, not entirely unaware that his behaviour wouldn't be appreciated by his adorable mate or the creatures around him.
Who cared though?
Frankly he was entitled to a lapse in judgement, it had been a while since his last one.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Oct 06, 2009 12:59 pm
The mare didn't realize that Penance had been so worried. In fact, she hardly realized that she'd upset her beloved mate due to her choice to visit home; it had been such a long time since she'd seen her mother, her sisters. . . . and while she lacked for nothing in Azu's grove, it . . . . well. . . . it wasn't the same. Perhaps it was seeing the distance between Esper and Nocturne that caused her own heart to wonder, to worry; someday might her mother forget completely? Or might Minuet and Ennuiel disappear only to be ghosts of her imagination?
She had to see them, and knowing her mate's disapproval, had decided to go alone. But she never would have expected to be reunited in such a fashion! White ears pricked forward at the call of her name. . . Strange, it didn't sound like Penance at all! She knew there was no mistake though; he was the only one who used her nickname, whom called her Twinks instead of Numielle. . . .
The smile on her face suddenly died, her tail falling still as her joy to be reunited came to a screeching halt. The stars had certainly wasted no time granting her wish but . . . he. . . . he didn't look happy at all! In fact, he looked angry and was actually yelling at her! The shock that lined her features was quickly registered and her ears pinned back in confusion; what had she done wrong? Why was he so angry. . .?
It was rare that the ebony stallion directed such a violent emotion her way; she loved him, but didn't that make everything right? Retreating a step, wanting nothing more than to fling herself at him, the mare couldn't bring herself to budge. She didn't know if her affections would be appreciated, and his anger and raised voice was like a physical wall to such a sensitive mare. When was the last time Penance had responded to her in such a manner?
"P-P-Penny. . .?" She questioned, voice stammering as she averted her gaze. Already her throat felt tight, and her stomach was doing summersaults. This wasn't how she expected to return at all! "Numi was flying fast as she could to come home, oh yes, yes she was! And. . . and Numi thought of a poem and everything all for you. . . " Her lower lip trembled as she stared at her hooves, allowing her long mane to fall in her face.
Her brows knit as she tried to figure out why he was so mad, so upset. . . . .She had made him mad. She'd been away for a few days, but apparently had crossed some line and transgression. ". . . why is Special-Special so . . . cross?" It physically pained her to say it, her voice cracking with emotion. She shifted uneasily from hoof to hoof, her wings clinging tightly to her sides as her brain tried to come up with some sort of conclusion.
Oh bother, what had she done? Whatever had she done?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Oct 07, 2009 1:10 am
Perhaps Numi would have found comfort in the knowledge that Penance outburst was moreso because he missed her and less out of anger. Unfortunately, he was handling the issue rather poorly at the moment and as a consequence he seemed to be absolutely furious. To be honest he was a little angry, but it was primarily spurred on by frustration rather than at her actions - communication definitely wasn't one of his strong points but at least he had never claimed it was in the first place! Nevertheless, the mare's immediate reaction was that of fright and upset, and it hadn't been lost on the stallion, who soon found that his 'rage' was quickly evaporating.
Ooooh boy, he'd messed up.
The stallion who was always intent on keeping his beloved mare happy had upset her, and deliberately! His brow creased slightly and after a few seconds more his jaw relaxed. His expression became decidedly more anguished and he released a rather burdened sigh. At some point in the day he would look back and laugh at this, recount his tale of stupidity to his children or grandchildren. It would all be incredibly funny a little later on but right now... Not so much.
"I gave you three days, three days!" he was no longer howling, some would have opted to call it 'whining' as he struggled to contend with the array of emotions flooding over him. "And you disappear for more than a week! Do you know how worried I was?" Frankly, anyone would have been worried if they had actually agreed on a date. Unfortunately for Penance he hadn't set a date or consulted Numi; instead he'd given a mental one - a quick note to follow up. As a result of this, his response was somewhat extreme and perhaps a little comical...as well as virtually impossible to understand for the opposing party.
Truth be told, when it all boiled down to it he may have been worried but there was also something else plaguing him. Over the course of their time together he was getting awfully possessive and the 'three days' was about as long as he could bear to stay away from the mare!
His exasperation wasn't anger, he was just suffering from withdrawal.
"I missed you," he cooed sadly before quirking a brow and canting his head to one side. Exasperation pushed aside for a brief moment, he took note of her words and blinked. "You thought up a poem for me?" he enquired curiously.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Oct 07, 2009 4:45 pm
While some mares might have responded in anger over his declaration of being 'allowed' three-days time, Numielle wasn't like most other mares. Though she was worried about his mood, confused by his response to her appearance, she was now warring over another emotion.
Guilt.
"Numi doesn't remember three days. . . " She retorted sadly, still staring at her black hooves and now feeling a little shame-faced. Three days. . . She knew she hadn't set a time table for how long she'd be away, but that was because she didn't know how long it would take to actually locate Nimue and Minuet. Her family wasn't known for sticking in one place, so there was no way of knowing how far she'd have to roam.
So if she didn't remember agreeing on three days, did that mean she forgot. . .? "Numi just wanted to see her Mommy, to make sure she was well. . . " She added softly, still unable to look up and meet the gaze of her mate.
She didn't like it when Penny was angry, and she certainly couldn't understand the reasons for such a thing. But a short visit wasn't exactly what she'd planned; she'd wanted to catch up with news of Ennuiel and Minuet. . To spend time getting to know Airlia's brood, to catch up on all the years missed. The poor mare was plagued with two types of homesick; oh how she'd missed Penny and her own children, but leaving had been incredibly difficult and tear-stained goodbyes had been said.
Even if Penance didn't approve, Numielle loved and missed her family very much.
"Numi din' mean to make Penny-face worry," she added, voice incredibly contrite and ridiculously apologetic. To see how easy she folded, how hard she aimed to please, it was fortunate Penance didn't take her good-nature for granted. She could easily be controlled by another, and already was seeking out 'errs' in her way. "Three days. . . Numi didn't mean to forget three days either." She added, spiked tail curling around her hind leg in a nervous and reassuring fashion.
But three days would have been an awful short visit. . . Oh well. That was neither here nor there. She had good memories of Nimue and flowers and Ezzie-face and Minuet and Ennuiel! Very good memories, memories she could look back upon and cherish until she visited once more.
"I missed you too," she added gingerly, stealing a shy look up at her mate now that his tone was less howling and more anxious. "Verreh much which is why I returned home so fast! Numi flew and flew and didn't even stop so she could come home," she admitted, a set of her wings flaring lightly with the emotion.
Prancing forward a few hesitant steps, she paused before her features turned crestfallen once more. "Numi had a poem and everything. . . but. . .now Numi forgets." All her rhymes, her little songs, her little love stories made up just for Penance had been wiped clean due to her confusion. She was a simple creature, and unfortunately, her memory was notorious for not lasting long.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Oct 08, 2009 1:29 am
He was an a**!
His anger completely evaporated in those moments and he released a slight groan of realisation. He really hadn't consulted her over how long she would be, he had made assumptions and now they were biting him in the backside. He really should have known better than that; she wasn't like other mares and given how long he had known her, that mistake was definitely a rookie one. This in mind, he bit down on his lower lip and shook his head as though dismissing her words - she really had no reason to apologise at all. This was all his doing and if he had been more relaxed about the whole thing then there was a good chance he would have gotten to hear her poem!
"Damn," he murmured, sucking in a breath as he calmed his own frazzled nerves. Evidently, she wanted nothing more than a hug but her own apparent guild (brought on by him no less) was placing a huge road block in the way. Frankly, it was time for him to be the grown up and without anymore hesitation he closed the gap. A few quick strides forward and he promptly nudged at her flared wings. By the looks of the feathers she really had flown for an age - the ends were battered and from previous conversation with wind soquili and Angeni alike this was usually a sign of wear and tear.
"It wasn't your fault, I never said that you only had three days," he confessed and nudged her neck, offering a sheepish smile along the way. "You didn't forget anything, it's not possible to forget something when you were never told it to begin with," he murmured reassuringly. Clearing his throat again, he canted his head to the side and grinned, "No worries about the poem either - you're so creative that you'll come up with another one in no time. I'll make sure I'm there for that one!"
Opting to change the subject to more suitable matters, he decided to bite the bullet and actually ask about her trip. He may not necessarily approve of them but he didn't wish them any ill either. "Was everything okay?"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Oct 16, 2009 12:20 pm
The mare stood there, uncertainty burning through her viens. Her black eyes were rooted firmly upon the tips of her petite hooves, tail still wrapped tight along her back leg. Somehow she'd wronged her mate, even though she'd told him she was leaving and promised she'd be back; her young babies weren't so young or small any more and she had thought the time would be right. The middle of fall, before it was too harsh of weather for her to get out. . . .
All she'd wanted was to check up on her Mommy and Sissies, to make sure they hadn't forgot her in her absense. But oh how she'd missed her mate, despite being with him for so long. Penance was her hero, her special heart and one she rarely wanted to be away from long. But he was angr. . . .
Not looking at him, his sighs sounded more or less defeated. She fidgeted from hoof to hoof, throat dry and tight as she fought tears. It was supposed to be a happy reunion, not one with him al ---
Oof! She jerked her head up as her mate had bridged the distance. First he nosed at her flared wings and then her neck. His touch was strangely electrifying, In an instant her insecurities about him not wanting her close evaporated and selfishly she turned her wigns on him, attempting to pull him closer. She wrapped her neck around his own, nose flaring slightly as she more or less 'clung' to him.
"Numi din' mean to hurt you," she whispered, still afraid that she might have caused some sort of lasting damage. She never wanted to hurt anyone, no way, no how. . . and the fact that Penance had gotten so upset meant she must have done something! Even if he dismissed such an idea.
Still, the mare's tail relaxed and swiftly resumed its hypnotic swishing behind her rump. "Numi likes to make pomes of her Penny, oh yes! She'll make you a new one that's the very best-best of them all!" It wasn't just a promise, it was a gauarantee, at least in Numielle's little world. Reaching over, she put her nose right up against his own while her black and blue gaze stared up at him. . . and the fondness within was incredibly obvious.
"Everything with Nimue and Minuet was well! There were lots of new special-specials all their own, from sort-of-sissy . . . And they were so cute and so fun! And we flew and we ate and . . . it was wonderful," she breathed, eyes bright. But her brows knit and she frowned lightly, nose still pressed up against his as she added, "But it was sad too. Because Numi missed her Penny-Face and her own special-specials. . . . Missed them so much her heart broke! But I found all the pieces and its fixed again, right now. . . promise!" She added, beaming happily up at her most beloved mate.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Oct 23, 2009 10:06 am
To some, Numi's behaviour was sickeningly sweet but for Penance it was exactly what he needed to experience the knee melting sensation that most soquili spoke of with reverence. It should have come at no surprise that Penance's knees melted all the time in that regard and thanks to Numielle's affectionate nature he was rarely one privvy to stress. All in all, he savoured the moment when she embraced him and rather greedily claimed him for herself. Apology disregarded, he was more than happy to unfurl and coil his own wings around the mare in as close to a hug as any soquili could provide - now that she was back, nothing else mattered.
...Such a cliche, somewhere someone would be groaning at the thoughts in Penance's head!
"Mmmm, no need to worry, Twinks," he murmured into her ear. He licked her nose in a gentle kiss and flashed a small smile. It was only when she had relaxed properly and was explaining her trip that he fixed his amber gaze upon her and nodded slowly. Well, the black stallion may not have necessarily approved of her family or it's questionable connections but he wouldn't wish harm on them either. The news that they were well merely ensured that Numielle remained happy too; he could deal with the connection for that reason alone.
Although the news that they had bred and provided more spawn into the world wasn't terribly well received at the back of his mind either; he could only hope his own children (even the more shy) wouldn't be unfortunate enough to encounter them. It was rather rude to think of one side of the family in that way, but he'd never catered well for the violent and disturbed.
"Well we missed you too, both your children and I are delighted to have you home sweetheart. I'm glad your family are well too," he replied and presented a half smile. "But as soon as you come up with a new poem I want to hear it, you promise?" he cooed. Rather than dwell on a subject that didn't sit well with him (and would just upset Numi) he chose to switch topics.
He could be smart when he had to be!
"All you gotta do is yell for me and I'll come running to hear it!"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Dec 08, 2009 8:40 am
The earlier upset was already being forced out her mind. It was perhaps a blessing and a curse, to forget things as swiftly as she could, and for now it was working in Penny's benefit. Completely content as he wrapped his wings about her, the petite femme relaxed against his touch and buried her face against his neck and hair.
This was what she had missed. . . . The affection her beloved mate could give her, the safety he provided, and the ceaseless comfort and protection of her heart and soul. If he was over-protective she didn't see it as a flaw but as something rather charming; he loved her so much he didn't want her to be away, and Numielle often had no reason to leave. Everything she desired and wanted was in the Grove. . . .
Everything except her sisters and mother. It was a small thing, as she was a mother now herself, and had a devoted mate and his family to surround her. . . but it wasn't something she would ever forget nor push away. She would visit and continue to visit until her legs and wings long went out.
Nimue, Minuet, Ezriel and Ennuiel would never be replaced.
Beaming under his affections, her nose flushing lightly at his kiss, she allowed her rump to wriggle lightly with excitement. "Oh yes! Numi's specials needn't worry no more, as she's back home where she belongs! And now everything can be good and well. . . . yep yep!" She giggled lightly, tail wagging happily (albeit haphazardly) behind her.
"And soon as Numi remembers to make a new one. . . Penny will hear it, oh yes! Poems for Penny are good things, yes they are!" It was amazing her mate tolerated her simpleness and wasn't driven crazy by her loving nature. She truly had been lucky and blessed to meet such a kind little one, and even more lucky to have captured his heart and affections!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Dec 09, 2009 1:52 am
For some, Numielle's behaviour would definitely have been overwhelmin and perhaps more than a little annoying. There would be those in the world who called her fake, stupid and an array of other insults because they didn't understand her. Penance may always have been aware of her flighty memory but she never forgot the important things and he had come to the conclusion many years ago that she was far from simple. Deep down the mare possessed a very special set of qualities, she had a surprising level of intelligence and could be startlingly perceptive in her own unique way. Oh; she was never direct in her observations but she had a way of showing that she recognised something wasn't right and she did everything in her power to try and fix it. Most wouldn't have noticed this as there were few in the world who appreciated Numielle quite like Penance did - but when she had worked so hard to try and 'fix' Esper his suspicions that she was far more astute than even she realised was confirmed.
He wouldn't change her for the world!
However, he was rather grateful that her memory could be so flighty as her recovery was much more swift and there was no risk of that dreaded 'grudge' that most mares seemed to hold against their mates whenever something bad occured. He knew he'd acted inappropriately but he didn't exactly relish a life in which he was reminded of it every twenty minutes as the case was for some unfortunate males in the world. The fact that she was now beginning to brighten up and was responding to his affectionate gestures with less apprehension was a good sign - she was forgiving him and more importantly she didn't think he was mad at her!
"Mmmmm!" His eyes twinkled a little at her giggle and he tilted his head to the side. "I think it's safe to say they've gone without your ministrations for quite enough period of time, wouldn't you?" he teased gently and nudged her neck. Granted, he had to watch her tail like a hawk and in one split moment raised his hoof to avoid an unwanted injury - as much as he adored his mate, he didn't really need her to cut his legs. For a start she would be absolutely horrified (even if the wound was slight) and if it was deep then he'd be in for unnecessary twinges of pain too.
"Watch your tail, Twinks," he murmured gently as a reminder. To be honest he would have been rather thrilled to rescue her again in a de ja vu moment if she ended up caught in the undergrowth again. However, the thought that she might hurt herself was still at the forefront of his mind - not one to dwell on it for too long though, his lips lifted into a smile and he flashed his fangs teasingly in a rather large beam of a smile.
"You say your siblings had children? It must feel nice to be an aunt, nyah?" If there was one thing Penance was aware of, he knew his petite mate loved to chitter about her family and despite the topic her animated state and enthusiasm were enough for him to listen!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Dec 17, 2009 4:22 pm
The young female often forgot about her tail, and usually claimed the thing had a mind of its own. In some skewed way, the pale mare could almost be considered right, and it was both a blessing and a curse that it was lined with spikes. Her appearance alone made her quite an intimidating sight to many in the world, which is perhaps what helped keep her out of trouble while alone; unfortunately, her spiked appendage also got her in to more trouble than she wished, either by getting it tangled in nearby shrubbery or slicing the backs of her legs.
Still, she tried hard to remember the thing, but it also was a great way to read her excitement levels. Depending upon its motions, one could tell if she were happy, upset, sad or unsure. . . . Though the more happy she was, the higher a chance for collateral damage.
Breaking the embrace from her beloved, if only for a moment, the mare craned her neck to look behind her and stare at her swishing tail. The thing slowed in its wag, though Numielle did give a slight sigh. "Sometimes it just dun' want to behave," she added, as if reprimanding it for its actions. Still, her attention was drawn back to her mate in an instant, as soon as he mentioned playing aunt.
Black and blue eyes sparkled in delight as she beamed a radiant and very proud smile up at her mate. "Ooooh!" She breathed, wings flaring lightly as a giggle tickled her throat. Squirming lightly in excitement, and doing her best to keep her tail still, the mare shook some hair from her face before nuzzling up to Penance once more. "Numielle's very happy to be an aunt, oh yes she is! The little foals were so little and so foalish and cute. . Sapphire was just like a black and blue Numielle!" Her little niece had been adorable and had a shining and innocent personality similar to her own. "Paradoxy-face seemed quiet like Nockey-face but din' look like him at all, and Reidan was sweet-sweet too. Black and red and white and blue's, it was very hard to leave them. . . . " Her smile faded for just a moment as she thought of her family. It wasn't that she wasn't glad to be back, but Numielle possessed so much love in her heart for anyone who even pretended to be family that it was sometimes difficult to be away from one side for any length of time.
But her smile quickly resumed as a new idea occurred to her. "Airlia had two boys and a girl, just like Numielle! Except. . . except hers were all OK. . ." Though she had been reassured time and time again that Esper was faring well under his ministrations with her Azzinoth, sometimes the poor mare wasn't entirely sure. It was a hard thing for her to handle much less truly understand with the birth of her sons, their rivalry and her unable to nurture Esper or see him grow. . . . and was perhaps the reason she hadn't tried harder for more children.
Though she'd been told it had been no one's fault, Numielle did quietly wonder how she'd 'broke' her son as a small foal. And feared for any future offspring she might bear. It wasn't that she didnt want more children, she just didn't want to cause any more unhappiness or hurt.
"Airlia made a pretty Mommy. . . . and Nimue was oh so proud! Numi was so glad to see her forgetful Mommy once more too."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Dec 18, 2009 1:47 am
Numielle's tail was most definitely a clear indication of how she truly felt, then again there were all sorts of tiny little things that gave the game away. The way her rump wiggled, the way she giggled - she was an over excitable creature and he loved it. Being able to read her was vitally important, as optimistic as the mare was Penance couldn't help but note the vulnerability underneath as well. He'd been young, reckless and foolish many years ago and he had no desire to upset her again - well, not to the point of no return at least (current issues aside). It was his duty as her mate to ensure she was happy and that she kept smiling in the most true of forms - not in a false manner that refused to meet the eye but in a pure and unadultered fashion that radiated with glee. He would only be content when she was; that was simply how the world worked according to Penance and that was how the world was going to say.
It was cliche, he knew it.
Didn't mean he cared though.
Still, her remarks were a little like a bullet to the chest regardless of how innocent they may have been and for a time he hesitated and observed his mate. She was deeply upset, she'd never truly recovered from the events with his grandfather and what had occured between their two sons was even worse. Like any mother she had been inclined to blame herself, it was definitely not her fault (if anything it was his blood) but Moppet had informed him on no uncertain terms that there were just some things that words couldn't heal. Or rather, there were some things words couldn't cure unless they were from a specific person - females were peculiar things. However this didn't mean that he didn't strive every day for a way to reassure her; he had no concern for her lack of desire to enter motherhood again and even he could understand her hesitance in that respect. She'd always worry, she'd probably worry until the day Esper said he was better himself and the twins had mended their broken bridges.
"Numielle," he murmured after a few moments and nudged her neck lightly. "Our children are okay, things will work themselves out in the end," he pointed out with a wry smile. His wing brushed lightly against her cheek and he tilted his head to the side. "They do have your blood in them afterall, deep down they'll want to make everyone happy and eventually they'll find a way to do that. I promise," he sucked in a breath and then heaved a rather deep sigh as though his shoulders had grown tense. "So long as you keep willing them on the same way you always have they'll be just fine - us males are just stubborn and a little foolish when it comes to our disputes," he finished.
He wasn't sure if this would do the trick, it was a rather delicate subject to say the least. He was aware that stubborness was a rather prominent trait in his bloodline but Numielle's optimism and gentle nature had to shine through eventually. Nocturne already possessed some of them despite his quiet manner, Dove was most certainly a peaceful creature and as for Esper... Well, deep down that boy was sure to come through in due time. Their children had gotten off to a rocky start but he would be damned if he would let his mate think they were broken; it hadn't been their fault and he had faith in his uncle's ministrations and the influence his mate did have on each of the children. True, one of their children may have been absent for a long time but a loving mother left a heavy imprint.
It'd be enough; he was sure of it.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Jan 11, 2010 11:08 am
Numielle tried hard to remind herself that everyone said it wasn't her fault. . . . But just because they claimed it didn't mean it was true. Deep in her heart, the young mare couldn't help but feel a sense of guilt over her children. Though she loved them dearly, she knew that they weren't truly happy.
Her baby Esper had been taken from her and trained in some foreign land all the while being 'cured'; and while she was grateful for such a thing, she also knew that perhaps it had been her fault in allowing him to get so sick. . . . She didn't know much of his 'illness' but it had taken years for her son to be returned. And now that he was back, he spoke a funny language and didn't seem very happy at all. . . .
And Nocturne, while he had lived a quiet life with Penance, Dove and she, there were wounds on her son she knew she couldn't heal. He too was quiet and distant and she had seen firsthand how Esper and he clashed while they were together. Even now, Nocturne avoided his brother when he could, for reasons she didn't entirely understand. He kept to himself and lived with guilt. . . . But for what, Numielle couldn't understand.
Did he blame himself too?
Ooooh, either way it drove the mare silently crazy. The happy family she had hoped to have with the arrival of her special-specials hadn't seen the light of day. Her sons fought and one was taken from her affections; now they were both haunted and awkward around one naother and no amount of cuddles and kisses and snuggles would make it right.
There were wounds at play Mother couldn't fix. . . . unfortunate for Numielle there were wounds she feared she somehow caused. Even if it truly wasn't so.
Cuddling close to her mate, she wrapped her wings about herself and buried her face against his neck. She was careful of her horn, of course, but she didn't dare want to look her golden eyed mate in the eye. When it came to her children, she just felt incapable of fixing or doing any good. "Perhaps, perhaps," she murmured in response, wrapping her tail lightly about her hind leg. "Numielle can only hope. . . . because she never wanted her special-specials to be so unhappy. Okay isn't the same as happy. . . ."
Could anyone blame her? A mother never wanted her children to suffer. . . and unfortunately suffering was all Numielle could think about. Nocturne was quiet and kept away from his brother and Esper so unhappy to be in the Kawani with his family. Things just weren't getting any better as far as she could tell.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Jan 12, 2010 4:59 am
The situation certainly looked fairly dire, both brothers were awkward and it hadn't been noticed just within the immediate family. Those in Islagiatt were acutely aware of it and while they didn't say anything, the tension was bound to impact on Numielle. It pressed down rather heavily on Penance's shoulders so he could only dread to think what it may feel like for his petite partner. His lips parted a little as she spoke and he could do nothing more than heave a sigh of agreement - okay wasn't the same as happy at all. Had he been a different sort of stallion he might have tried to persuade her otherwise but he couldn't. She was correct and no amount of silky words was going to change that, he puckered his lips again and fell silent for a while. All he could do was cuddle her close and muse over what she had and hadn't said.
He needed to do something.
Anything.
He couldn't force the two sons to get along together, he didn't know the best way to go about that. It wasn't his area of expertise and a part of him believed that this was something they needed to work out themselves. However, he was also very aware of his mate's need to understand that it wasn't her fault at all. She had been in the wrong place at the wrong time, what had fled from Kiyoshi into Esper (from what Penance gathered) was something that no amount of magic could have prevented. An unborn child was virtually defenceless in that situation. If Penance had known in more detail about whatever had happened then maybe he could have helped her more, if she could just hear the details and realise that it could have happened to anyone... would that make her feel better, would it make her feel more optimistic?
"What if we spoke to Azzinoth," he murmured after a few moments of hesitation. it was a stab in the dark so to speak, but his Uncle had been the one to appear when he was required most and he had returned Esper in due course. To Penance's knowledge he was still in the area, on call in case Esper truly wasn't happy so surely he would be able to provide Penance with the information he needed and more importantly, Numielle with the reassurance that she hadn't done anything wrong. "He took care of Esper, he may be able to tell you how to make things better?"
Not strictly true and he knew it, but there was no harm in trying...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Jan 15, 2010 10:12 am
The mare took what comfort she could within her mate's embrace; even if words couldn't soothe her heart, the affection Penance gave so freely was enough to keep her from tears. The mare tried hard not to let them know how upset the situation made her, how broken her heart was over the fact her two sons could hardly stand to be in the same area with one another. She knew it wasn't their faults, not entirely, but there was also little she could do to fix it.
Accepting a broken family was not something Numielle wanted to do, even if her own immediate family was rather dysfunctional in its own right. Numielle never thought her family broken, but she did understand and know that Esper and Nocturne weren't well.
Shuffling her wings lightly, the mare listened to what Penance had to say. Azzinoth. . . the elusive unicorn that had taken Esper and fixed him. The one who had raised him far from the kawani, far from her embrace; her little baby had left so young and innocent. . . and returned full grown and handsome. How much time had passed, how much he had missed. And yet, Numielle wondered if Esper would truly be happier away form the kawani and his family. . . .
Maybe that was the only way to make it right.
Nuzzling herself closer to Penance, cuddling her head underneath his chin, the pale mare gave a little nod. ". . . maybe he can help. . . " She weakly agreed, turning her black and blue gaze up at Penance. She forced a small smile and gave a little hopeful wag of her tail. ". . . Numi's sure someone must know. . . ." Even though part of her knew it might just be up to her two sons, and such a thing could not be guaranteed to happen.
"But all will be well, yes, yes, yes. . . Numi thinks it must be so." Unfortunately, the light didn't reach her gaze, belying her optimistic words. She mourned over her babies, quietly, silently, and made sure no one (Penance included) had to see.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
