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 Posted: Thu Jan 07, 2010 6:28 am
She knew he had parents. She was positive he had parents, in fact his grandparents and her grandparents were friends! She hadn't known this originally of course, it had only been a chance conversation with her grandfather that had revealed this tidbit of information and yet she'd never once met them. It was weird and just a tad exasperating, she had decided that on no uncertain terms this geeky stallion was hers and not once had he suggested that they make it official and meet his parents. Granted, she hadn't told him to meet her parents either but she had rather hoped he would take the metaphorical bull by the horns and ask himself. After all, he had demanded that she state her exact intentions and then he had disappeared again to study! Hell, the only time he stopped studying when she made her appearances and was deliberately distracting.
...That being said, she did know he watched her even though he was pretending to study something, she wasn't that naive.
It should have come at no surprise that the determined mare had decided that with or without Chetan's approval, she was going to make her presence and identity known. She'd even taken the necessary steps to get into the Islagiatt territory (he should be proud), that Sylph one had been decidedly awkward until he had been chastised and nagged by the faceless grandmother who recognised her lineage in passing. Ah, she had to be thankful for meddling mothers and meddling mares in general, meddlers like her had a way of getting things done when they needed to. Thus, she was unhindered as she traversed the slopes and flew over the more questionable and severe terrain. She definitely had little inclination towards the temperatures up here, her leather wings didn't appreciate the cold in the slightest and she made a note to migrate downhill for the winter if it was decided she would park her pretty backside here.
Oooh but even the prospect of having to move for love was a novelty to her, the giggling and overly romantic side to her nature couldn't help but shiver and coo in her head. It was ridiculous but she quite liked it - not that Chetan would ask her to move though, he was far too quiet and she got the feeling he sometimes felt overwhelmed by her!
Eventually, she landed on what seemed like a plateau half way up the range. Her wings furled inwards and cuddled against her coat in an attempt to act as a wind shield and she pressed on. Curly locks flicked and tossled here and there as she trudged through the snow and she released a weary sigh from her lips, pausing only to gawk at the mist that rose up in response. It was really that cold? She had a rough idea of what the father may have looked like too, her grandparents had mentioned a firey coat in terms of the elusive grandparents so surely he would have one too...
In all honesty she probably hadn't thought this one through very well, but at least those in charge knew she was here and maybe they'd passed on the word. This was assuming that Mr. Sylph Forcas had gotten over his wounded pride at being chastised of course.
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Posted: Thu Jan 07, 2010 7:16 am
Word had traveled through out the hillsides and it was fortunate that the fiery stallion had herd of a strangers arrival. It arrived in the form of a chipmunk, one of the few creatures sent out to scour the hillsides to track down the stallion. Though surprised to be sought out, the silver eyed stallion was quick to make his move. . . . He was rather amused by the prospect of a visitor and was curious what it is this mare sought. Word also had it she was a kalona which made the adventure all that more exciting.
Really, this day was just getting better and better. . . .
Making his way through the hill side, well at ease amidst the snow and frozen cold, he began to track down the stranger. Even though she was given peace amongst the territory, news traveled fast and her current whereabouts were by no means a secret. She wasn't incredibly far, but the snow would slow his travel some. Thankfully, like his mother, he was adept at maneuvering through out the steep snow covered slopes. He'd lived in Islagiatt, and though he'd talked with Nivriti of traveling south to her homelands for the winter, that hadn't happened.
Fortunately for him, at any rate, lest he miss this news!
Pushing onward, Althalus eventually came across the source of the days stirrings. It was indeed a delicate mare, though her appearance naturally gave him pause. While news spoke of a kalona, instinct was a hard thing to change especially with Islagiatt's standards. Still, it was most beneficial that the outgoing stallion was quite a friendly creature, and he knew that she posed no threat. . . .
"Greetings and salutations, m'dear," he called out, silver eyes bright with good humor. "It isn't often we get visitors this late in the season. . . Tis a bit cold and chilly, even for us natives. . . " And she did look very cold keeping her wings tucked so close around her.
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Posted: Thu Jan 07, 2010 10:05 am
"Cold?" came the incredulous reply as the mare looked over her shoulder and slowly turned round. She hadn't yet taken the necessary time required to look the male over, too uncomfortable in the foul weather and more inclined to spout her discontent to a sympathetic ear. Admittedly, his may not have been sympathetic but he had started her off on the topic and she was going to keep it going until she had expressed herself to a level she deemed fitting of the occasion. "This place is the definition of cold!" she announced with a small puff of her cheeks, her wings gave a ruffle in agreement and she finally fell silent. It was then, and only then, that she inspected her stranger and her lips lost their thin frown to be replaced by a silent 'o' of realisation.
...He had Chetan's hair.
What luck!
Never one to beat around the bush, always one to get what she wanted, the mare didn't waste any time in introducing herself. If she had gotten her stranger's identity wrong then she was sure he would correct her and point her in the right direction. He seemed like a pleasant enough stallion, he had just started a conversation with a dreaded kalona after all and as a result she opted to give him the benefit of the doubt. "You must be Chetan's father," she poke at last.
Pulling herself to her full height, the mare ensured that her posture was good and her rather lazy and flirtatious smile was replaced with something a bit more respectable. There was a time and a place for everything, as peculiar as it was to her, she wanted to make a good impression on him even if Chetan didn't know she'd been to visit! She couldn't be flirting with his own father and be labelled as a hussy, no, that wouldn't do at all and so she decided to be a good girl. She could flirt later at family reunions when he realised she wasn't a threat, that was more appropriate.
"Well, it's a pleasure to meet you!" Her smile grew and she waved a wing (albeit stiffly) to indicate her point. "My name's Azelle and I just wanted to introduce myself, I'm Chetan's beau!" Her news delivered the mare furled her wing back into her side and rested her weight on her hind hoof for a while, her head tilted and eyes expectant. She was doing everything in her power not to shiver and was doing a rather good job of it if one could overlook the insistance of her wings which were clutching desperately to her body for additional warmth. Suffice to say the mare wouldn't be flying for quite some time until she found some heat for them.
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Posted: Thu Jan 07, 2010 10:27 am
Amused and full of good humor, the stallion was pleased to note that the kalona in question was not some female he'd besotted himself with during his travels. He didn't recollect ever courting anything other than a wind, and even then, Nivriti was the only one he'd ever truly courted at all~!
Still, after the upset with Vidia's confusion, Althalus knew that there might have been more than one mare who had misread his kindness. . . And while he'd never gotten close to kalona territory, well, who knew. It was many years ago, an honestly some memories blurred in to one another. . . .
Still, while the stallion got a good look of the shivered mare, he had no idea that this was the mare his son had become besotted with. In fact, when all was said and done Althalus was thoroughly shocked by all the news. First, she pegged him accurately as Chetan's father, but his ears pricked in curiosity of what his young son had to do with anything. . . .
But to find out that she wasn't just some friend or acquaintance but his beau . . . Now that caused his usual silver-tongue to fail. He was rather speechless. It had never been confirmed that there was some female interrupting Chetan's studies, but the young stallion had his guesses. Small things, such as catching him fawning over his appearance a bit more, or speaking of 'relationships' with various wildlife. There were 'friends' in his hermit-like son's life, but an actual beau. . . ?
And a beauty at that! Though he was and would forever be besotted himself by Nivriti, he still prided himself in finding beauty in the world and still thought quite highly of all mares of all races. Now, he'd never actually met a kalona mare, but this one was unlike the treachary he'd been tought. Past her race, she was very striking. . . with waves of the brightest red framing her features and a lovely coat colouring to boot.
Really, though he hated to think it, to imagine her with Chetan was rather . . . .shocking. He didn't want to say she was out of his league but . . . . seriously?
On a level of looks, he was quite impressed and past the surprise, was rather proud of his son. Though he'd never admit to doubting his son could fetch a proper lady and a good mate, he honestly just didn't expect such an exotic mare as Azelle! Still . . .there was more to a mare than looks and Althalus could only hope she harbored some intelligence and had no angles or schemes. . .
This was his son, after all, and proud as he was of the boy he was still his father and still protective. "Well now. . . "" He finally spoke, clearing his throat and giving a shake of his head. "Forgive my stare and surprise, I just hadn't realized Chetan had found himself such a friend. Allow me to introduce myself, m'lady. . . I'm Althalus, and indeed the father of Chetan." He bowed properly before the mare, a gentleman as always albeit perhaps a bit more rusty than usual. He hadn't had many guests of the female persuasion in awhile. "But before we get to conversation proper. . . might I insist we go somewhere a bit warmer? There's shelter not far from here, deeper within the woods, that will provide more warmth than standing about out here. " He grinned lightly, giving a small shake of his head. "A perfect spot to better get to know one another, if you'd be so inclined . . ."
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Posted: Thu Jan 07, 2010 10:48 am
At first she'd mistaken his shock for horror, then it had dawned on her that it wasn't quite so severe. He was stunned, astonished, any other array of emotions that might have been related to such an occurance. It did beg the question as to whether or not she had even made a dent enough in Chetan's life to make it obvious he had someone, or rather, had she made a dent and he hadn't even mentioned her? Momentarily puzzled, the mare could do nothing more than murmur her gratitude and follow him obediently towards the warmth that he offered. Warmth would be nice, it would be more comfortable and she would be able to chatter without any interruptions - this in mind she had no qualms of walking further into the territory of the stallion she had regarded with such interest for a few weeks now.
Who'd have thought it? She could see where Chetan got his looks from even if he was slightly more scrawny than his father. Chetan wasn't unfit, but he certainly didn't exercise quite as rigorously as his father - if he did, she rather thought she'd never let him out of the woods again, so intent would she be on keeping him for herself! Nevertheless she banished such dodgy thoughts from her mind and trailed after her perspective father-in-law without any protest. It was best he didn't know about her musings at this stage in the game, for all she knew she was still on tenderhooks!
However it was only as she was walking that she was permitted to dwell on his initial reaction and her expression clouded. Sure, she had seen shock in there but was there a hint of disbelief too? She knew she was attractive and took pride in her lineage but was he shocked at that or at the fact that Chetan had caught her eye despite his obssession with study... A tiny part of her began to tingle with irritation and a voice chittered in her head in relation to the potential injustice of it all. Surely he would give his son more credit? Her jaw tightened considerably as she tried to maintain her composure but she had never been one to hold her silence and she couldn't help it any longer...
"Why would you think Chetan wasn't capable of attracting others?" She blurted out, brow furrowing as she inspected the stallion carefully. "I mean yes, he can be incredibly antisocial and he sucks some major a** at socialising," she definitely didn't mince her words and puckered her lips a little, resisting the urge to drop in to full rant mode. "But when he finally stops poking his nose in the flowers or conversing with owls about the types of fruit in the trees he's so sweet - the way he always looks so startled when others say hello is adorable!" She puffed out her cheeks, resembling a chipmunks and her hair fell into her eyes as though the facial expression wasn't a powerful enough gesture on its own.
"Anyone who ignores him is stupid, don't you think you should give him more credit?" she demanded. For the time being the cold was ignored, her indignation at his facial expression had riled her and unfortunately, Althalus was to be subjected to the might of the Kalona of Pride's bloodlines! It was rather amusing to discover that violence wasn't the favoured form or rage despite Kalona stereotype, it was nagging.
...She was definitely female.
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Posted: Thu Jan 07, 2010 11:07 am
Guiding the young mare away from the main trail, taking them deeper in to the woods of the hills everything was going smootely until Azelle spoke. He didn't mind conversation, he'd held back from barraging the girl with questions, but he didn't exactly expect to be scolded.
His ears pricked and he cast Azelle a sidelong look as she spoke, staying quiet until she was quite finished. Thankfully though, the sunset male wasn't upset or bothered in the least by her thoughts; either she was a mind-reader or she was cunning enough to actually read his body language and expressions.
As mind-readers didn't exist, he could only peg her as one incredibly observant mare. Very good. . . . it might bode well for her if she truly intended to be with his son. Quiet a soul as he was, unlike Althalus who was very in-your-face, Chetan had much more subtle body language and expressions. Stoic and stuffy he might seem on the outside, he actually felt a great deal and always had . . . If she could discern his own surprise for disbelief, than she might be able to better relate to his son.
Very good indeed.
Chuckling lightly, Althalus grinned and gave a shake of his head. "Truly, madam, I meant not insult to either you or my son. I believed he could attract another, certainly, but to actually keep them interested is a slightly different story. Relationships take work, are a two way street, and unfortunately we both know that Chetan is hard pressed to do anything but study. . . ."
Flicking his tail lightly, he did give an apologetic shrug and dipped his head. "Still, m'dear, you put me to shame and I do apologize. I suppose I was foolish for not giving him more credit. I don't know how open he is to you, but around me he's often been quiet and a bit distant. He's rather notorious for being the book worm, not just in the family, but in all of Islagiatt."
Bookworm or not. . . somehow he'd managed to charm his way to keep Azelle interested. Althalus was quite curious how he acted without any parents around. Was he a secret Casanova. . . ?
. . . . unlikely but Althalus could hope. "I might hope you're the reason he's been elusive these past few weeks. . . From what I've heard, he's been catching up on his poetry." And boy had he been upset to have been discovered~! "If he hasn't recited it to you yet, I dare say hold out. . . The little I've heard was surprisingly charming."
If Chetan was present, he'd kick his father for ruining the surprise. Thankfully, the stallion was completely oblivious.
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Posted: Thu Jan 07, 2010 11:23 am
Poetry?
Her mind positively shrieked in surprised and she couldn't help but look astonished. Why in the name of all that was holy was Chetan practising his poetry? She had known he had pottered off now and again but she was almost certain he'd been researching something obscure and just a trifle boring. Her brow lifted at this and she made a note for future reference to stalk her beau much more frequently, she'd grown very good at tracking him and was thankful for her predator like blood on that score, but she'd only ever bombarded him with her attention a few times a week to avoid ticking the unsuspecting stallion off. If only his father knew what she made his son do! His mother would probably have living kittens at the thought too but even Azelle had the decency and decorum to keep that a secret.
Bookworm her a**, if they knew those little secrets they wouldn't be able to look at their son in the same way! That being said, she professed to be an incredibly bad influence in a very good way. She'd never heard any grumbles of complaint and as she had noted before, she gave the stallion ample time to recover and continue with his bookwormy and scholarly activities.
"Poetry?" she spluttered after a few moments and then gave a roll of her shoulders in a haphazard shrug. If she thought about it for a suitable amount of time, she would recognise that it was a little peculiar but still very like Chetan. He never specified exactly what he wanted to study, sometimes she thought he made a list and then picked a random number. If he chose to study the stars one week, then as far as she knew he could be studying different types of worms the following month. Perhaps poetry had been a new piece he had picked up and had taken an avid interest in but that still didn't stop her from wanting to hear it - this in mind she snorted her hair out of her eyes and regarded Althalus for a few moments.
...There were those veiled jibes again, though she was smart enough to recognise they were said in kind and loving jest. He meant no harm by them, the soft criticisms were meant more for observation than anything.
"To be frank, Sir," she murmured and tilted her head to the side. It was rare she called anyone by such a term of respect but after she'd nagged him, she felt the need to recover her standings. "Chetan doesn't have much choice when I get ahold of him, I chatter him senseless and his research has to take a back seat," she smiled warmly and sincerely hoped she didn't come across as being domineering. Granted she could be fairly pushy and did force herself on him when he least expected it but she believed he had enough backbone to shoo her away if he really wanted space!
"He's always quiet, for all the study he does he's not very good at expressing himself," she was frank in this and gave a soft sigh. "He's rather introspective in that regard, but he does have his moments of clarity, you know?"
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Posted: Thu Jan 21, 2010 3:16 am
As they spoke, Althalus guided the mare deeper in to the safety of the woods. The thick pine trees and other conifers that lived all year within the mountains made for better shelter than some parts of the slopes. Though the ground was still covered in snow, the wind was better blocked and helped cut the drifting snows. The thick canopy also helped keep in warmth which would surely help the young mare. If one wasn't used to the weather, the slopes could indeed be bitter cold.
Hopefully this would help.
"Poetry indeed," Althalus confirmed, silver eyes bright with amusement. "It as a love poem, from what little I was able to hear, something about . . . stirring affections, adoration's delight in a winged embrace. . . silver eyes that rival star light. . . bah, I don't know. He heard my approach and got ever so frustrated with my untimely arrival. I guess it was a secret, or at least not meant for my ears." While Althalus hadn't thought much of the poem at the time, the few lines he had heard seemed to make much more sense upon seeing Azelle in person.
Winged embrace indeed, there really could be no other it as for. Chetan would have been furious at his father for spoiling some of the bits, but what his son didn't know couldn't possibly hurt him. And thankfully, as far as Althalus could discern, his young son wasn't even near the slopes. He'd traveled farther south for the winter, or had it been for Azelle? Either way, he wasn't nearby and couldn't and wouldn't find out.
It somehow didn't surprise Althalus that Azelle shook up his sons little world. It actually rather pleased the sunset stallion, whom couldn't help but chuckle at the thought. To see his son with Azelle would be quite interesting indeed. . . And to see her 'interrupt' his studies of the world, well, perhaps his son was more forgiving with her than when Althalus did it. "Ah, but it is good for him to step away from his studies. And I daresay you will be good for him. As quiet he is, no offense meant m'lady fair, but you seem far from meek or mild. You may be just the thing he needs to help him step away from his observations and live life not solely for knowledge's sake, but for his own sake." He didn't doubt Chetan was happy with learning of ancient runes or what rock structure made up his homeland, but . . . . sometimes Althalus wondered if it wasn't just some ruse. He knew how to study, yes, but did he really know how to live?
Althalus glanced at the mare before adding, "But speaking of life and living . . . I love my son. I'm proud of all that he's become, as his intelligence and knowledge far out weighs my own. He's cunning and has a good heart and always means well despite his social-awkwardness. But I do hope you understand that though he has trouble expressing things, it doesn't mean he doesn't feel. . . . You do realize what you're getting yourself in to, don't you?"
His son could change and evolve and could blossom in to conversation from time to time. Althalus didn't know how long his son had known Azelle, and outside of her being his beau, didn't know what she intended to do with him. Some mares thought they might change a stallion and make them 'better' then what they were. . . .
But that wasn't fair and it certainly rarely ended well. Chetan was stubborn and would likely stay a book worm all his life. Hopefully, Azelle realized this, and though she might put some spice and life in to his son, wasn't planning on transforming him in to something he wasn't.
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Posted: Mon Jan 25, 2010 5:20 am
Azelle had realised this. The day she had met him she had become aware of this, he had been easily distracted and it wasn't by her. He would see something of interest and his attention would be drawn to it, conversation would cease and he would inspect whatever it was that had drawn him in. Admittedly he had always been polite and apologetic when he had realised that he still had company but that didn't stop him from doing the same thing over and over again. Some would have considered this incredibly rude, there were very few in the world that understood the eccentricities of an intelligent creature but Azelle had regarded it more as a challenge. Each time he had zoned out she had placed a bet on herself, she had to find new and invented ways to make him look at her. Granted, it hadn't always worked but it had definitely made for some memorable experiences.
...For example there had been the time she'd attempted to learn botany, only to discover she suffered from appalling allergies to particular flowers and her eyes had gone puffy. She'd been an absolute beauty that day, her siblings had laughed at her and more than one cousins had informed her that she looked ridiculous. Alas, she had tried her best to involve herself in his hobbies and she had to admit that there was a certain appeal to the pursuit of knowledge even if she found it exhausting. She had broadened her horizons considerably in those fews weeks but had come to the conclusion that the life of a scholar wasn't for her. However, in that time she'd also developed an appreciation for his tenacity.
Chetan may have failed miserable at social interaction on occasions but there was a light in his eyes and there were rare moments when he was incredibly insightful. Easily distracted he might have been but Azelle had mastered the art of getting him to look at her when she wanted him most. That being said it had taken her a bit longer to adapt to the fact that he was entitled to his space and would not shower her with attention all day (as much as she would have enjoyed it).
"If I wanted a social butterfly I would have pursued a casanova or a politician," she pointed out defiantly and lifted a brow. She certainly wasn't meek and his father had gotten her to a T on that score but to infer that she would attempt to change him? Well, at one point when she was more naive she might have tried but now she wouldn't even dream of it. If he changed then he wouldn't be the stallion that had caught her eye anymore, he'd be someone and something else! "And more to the point, if I didn't know what I was getting myself into then I never would have introduced myself, I would have kept assuming he would introduce me!"
Now here she chose to pause and frowned just a little, was there a reason he had opted not to introduce her?
"Oh I say, you aren't anti-kalona are you and he was only trying to keep me away from the overly critical?" She lifted a brow and then shook her head, her doubt clear. "You certainly don't look like a racist," she added thoughtfully and canted her head to the side.
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Posted: Thu Feb 18, 2010 5:42 am
Thus far, Althalus was pleased with his sons choice. Certainly she was beautiful and quite an exotic creature, but she also had intelligence and wit as well as good humor. Really, Azelle looked to be a well-rounded individual and Althalus saw no reason to doubt her good intentions. She had taken the time to seek him out, as well as properly introduce herself. Exactly why Chetan kept her a secret was the question of the hour. . . Still, it was his son, and sometimes the young stallion moved at his own pace.
The breezy smile that crossed Al's features was relaxed and sincere. He was tickled pink by the idea that his son had found a beau, and her sass was charming. She certainly was a woman who knew what she wanted and if that was Chetan than Althalus could only grant her his blessing. His son, though avoidant from time to time, had changed these past few weeks. Althalus hadn't been able to place exactly what it had been but things were beginning to make sense.
His son. . . in love! The romantic in Althalus couldn't help but be pleased and proud. Strangely enough, one of the first of his children to return with a beau. . . . Given, he knew little on Puchi's whereabouts but he also hadn't heard of any stallion sweeping her off her hooves either. (And heaven forbid that day ever come!) "I can only hope you take no offense to my curiosity and questions. Thus far you've proven yourself to be exemplary, and have a good understanding of my son. His mother will be delighted to hear of such news and of course will want to meet you as well!"
With the worst of the cold mountain winds lost amidst the thick woodlands, Althalus came to a rest within a small grove. A frozen stream ran nearby, iced over on top but with enough strength one could manage to break away the layers of ice to drink. Various mountain shrubbery and winter foliage that hadn't been overwhelmed decorated the surrounding scene, allowing one a tasty treat if they so wished it.
Giving his thick hair a little shake, the stallion nodded in approval. "This shall do to take the worst of the cold away from your limbs. Depending how long you wish to stay, we also have hot springs available to our guests and caves to keep dry in should the weather turn foul." He knew not how long the mare was going to stay, but he wasn't going to let her go without making sure she was comfortable and rested for a return journey.
At her inquiry to being racist, the stallion laughed out loud. He couldn't help it - him? Racist!? "Though one can never judge a book by its cover, I assure you that neither I or Nivriti, my mate, are such a thing. In fact, my mother is good friends with a pair of kalona and while I have never met them, they are welcome. There are very few we turn away. . . Still, there are some families within Islagiatt that are racist, but it is quite unlikely you'll merely stumble upon them by happenstance. The patriarch of the family tends to stick to his familial territory . . . "
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Posted: Thu Feb 18, 2010 7:38 am
"Ooooh how intriguing," Azelle couldn't help herself at that moment. Of course, the very fact she was dwelling on this patriarch was rather ironic given he had been in a dispute with her mother many years ago. She wasn't privvy to this detail, very few were but to think she was related to Loveless and he had shooed her away long ago. Oooh, he'd even met her mother when Loveless was fighting desperately to toe the line as a proper kalona. It had been before she'd found her way, before she'd drawn her conclusions that she wasn't like other Kalona and had finally surrendered herself to Antony. Alas, Azelle was no fool and while she was curious as to this wayward male she had no intention of disrupting his day - she'd sooner keep her nose clean. After all, if she was to be embraced as part of the family it wouldn't do well to provoke a herd mate deliberately. Instead she would do everything she could to avoid him and should an invitation ever arise to meet him then she would accept it.
Yep - that seemed acceptable to her!
Nevertheless she was glad that he saw humour in her remark as she had intended it to be and smiled pleasantly in return. She was relieved that his family didn't seem to have any major objections to her stealing their son and it brought comfort to the mare to know that his mother would approve. She was usually a very confident sort but that didn't always last when she was trying to impress an individual. If they weren't important then strutting about here and there was easy enough but in the face of someone who mattered it was a little different. She couldn't really afford to offend them, especially if they had the ability to jeopardise whatever she was aiming for. In this case she was aiming to claim a certain stallion completely and if she offended his family then that would leave her in rather dire straights...
"Oh, is she?" her head tilted to one side as she regarded him, her eyes full of question. She'd briefly heard of Chetan's grandmother before, in fact she'd heard the name touched on once or twice by her own grandparents but had never put the connection together. "That's rather nice, the Kawani Province is definitely a small world for some!" She cleared her throat and ruffled her wings lightly. Now that she was sheltered from the worst of the weather she was regaining her senses and the tingling in her wings was becoming just a touch unpleasant... It was at times like these when she occasionally envied those with feathers but this envy didn't generally extend to the moments when they were soaked to the skin!
"Oh but I won't keep you terribly long," she shook her head at the thought of overstaying her welcome, it wasn't that she doubted their hospitality but she really ought to get back at some point or continue on her hunt for other family members. "I don't suppose you happen to know where your mate is? I'd quite like to introduce myself to her as well, provided that she has some time to spare and isn't preoccupied with anything else," she mused thoughtfully. There was no doubt about it, the mare was making surprisingly good progress but eventually she was going to have to confess to Chetan that she had taken the initiative...
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Posted: Fri Mar 05, 2010 6:31 am
Althalus gave a slight snort, though the amusement on his features didn't wane. "Intriguing is one way to put it, I suppose," he murmured, thinking of Azumoth and all that he knew of the stallion. He was a bit too prejudiced for Althalus' tastes, but he had his reasons and there was goodness there despite it all. No one was perfect and just because one stallions' convictions weren't the same as his own, it didn't necessarily make them a bad individual. Merely different.
Besides, it was unfortunate but many kalona were less than savory or civil creatures. While some families like Azelle and the few that were welcome in Islagiatt did walk a different path, it was a rarity and something one could not assume every kalona would embrace. So the fact that some were against the species as a whole wasn't entirely surprising. . . . "But you'd be wise to avoid him." He could assume Azelle was smart enough to do such a thing, but she was young and might be an idealist. Even his own grand-daughter, Puchi, spirits bless her heart, often walked the line of danger due to her naivety. Without knowing Azelle long, and only getting a hint of the spitfire within, to cross her with Azumoth might cause doom for both involved.
Yep. Best to just avoid that circumstance at all cost.
Still, Althalus refocused his attention back on the winged mare. "You're as welcome as long as you wish, though I do understand if you'd prefer not to dilly-dally. If you're seeking Nivriti, she shouldn't be far unless she took to wing. There's a faint trail not far from here that heads north and will run directly to our home. It's where Chetan and his siblings were raised, and where my love and I frequently linger. Otherwise, your guess is as good as mine though speaking to the neighboring mice or winter birds might give you a few clues. They're good at relaying messages as well, which is how I came to find you." He grinned, bemused at the efficiency of gossip that traveled throughout the herd.
News in general never seemed to stay secret long.
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Posted: Sat Mar 13, 2010 2:52 am
While Azelle was intrigued by the possibility of meeting a male she couldn't charm she also had a strong sense of self preservation. She'd been attacked before, she'd been so very upset at the possibility of her rump scarring permanently so to go and deliberately seek someone out was foolish. She knew better than that and unless another soquili introduced her to him she wouldn't hold her breath. As entertaining as it would have been to try and win him over, she'd also been brought up to recognise when it really wasn't a good idea. With this in mind she accepted his rather hesitant murmur and flashed another of her smiles.
"Oh don't worry, I have no intention of going to say hello!" she reassured him and extended a wing to give him a gentle pat on the nose. "I'm not quite so foolish, though if I ever have the pleasure of his company I'll be sure to show him there's another side to us batty sort," she gave a nod in part to show her determination. The Kawani Province was a small place and she was bound to stumble upon him at least once, she just hoped he wouldn't devour her before she'd been able to squeak and wave a white flag.
...She couldn't quite muster a serious enough expression or a meek enough manner to utter the words 'I come in peace'.
"I dilly dally quite frequently," she confessed. When she wasn't out getting what she wanted she tended to loiter, it drove certain friends to distraction. Suffice to say it was better when she had a plan, she didn't get under anyone's hooves that way. "But I do have a goal in mind today, I wanted to make myself known -" she confessed. Her smile grew a little strained for a few seconds and then she recovered her composure. "Just in case it was a bit of a shock when he brought me home, you know?"
If he'd ever brought her home, that is.
"But erm...what does his mother look like? You resemble him quite well but the hair helps a bit with that, I am not certain I'll be able to spot her as easily?" She murmured and canted her head to the side. "Although I would assume she's the same colour as Chetan, since he's not burnt orange like you..."
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Posted: Sun Mar 14, 2010 2:02 pm
Althalus was pleased by his son's choice. While the sunset male might never have guessed that Azelle would fall under his son's socially-awkward charms, now that he'd met the winged female he couldn't be more happy. She was beautiful, certainly but most importantly she was smart. As they said, opposites did attract, and where Chetan fell under occasional hermit-like ways, it woulds eem Azelle would be there to get him out now and again. . . or at least go in and join him.
Yes, Althalus couldn't help but approve of the pairing. Still, his silver eyes didn't belie the fact that her features seemed a bit strained as she spoke of being a 'surprise'. Part of the father wanted to assuage any hurt feelings, but unfortunately, he understood that it would ultimately be up to Chetan to breach such a subject, or at least heal any concerns or anxieties she felt. Unfortunately, the dark brown stallion honestly worked at his own pace. . .
Chuckling lightly, Althalus gave a small shake of his head. "Any mare brought home by Chetan would have been a surprise, but I can't say he hasn't spoken of you. Perhaps not by name, but through actions he wouldn't normally take or the mention of red locks and silver eyes." It was all he could offer the mare and could only hope that she might communicte her concerns to Chetan later.
Chances are, he didn't realize how putting off a meeting of the parents or speaking more boldly of Azelle might have hurt her.
Well. . . . best of luck to them both. He could only wish them all the happiness Nivriti and he felt. Speaking of the wind, Althalus laughed. "I suppose describing her might be fitting, as there are a handful of brown coated mares in the area. She is, of course, the most beautiful of them all but as each has their own opinion, I shall be more descriptive." He winked at the mare before continuing, "Her coat was indeed gifted to Chetan, though her face and undersides are more cream than orange. She has a pair of feathered wings, tipped cream and red, and long ebony tresses. Her eyes are a bright and mischievous gold, and like Chetan, she too harbors an intricate floral pattern upon her flank. Her name is Nivriti, and I can only imagine she'll be most delighted to meet you.
"If the lady wishes, I could send word ahead through bird or raccoon, to at least give her warning that someone is seeking her out. . .?" It would cut down her search, certainly, and make sure she avoided ambling in to . . . unpleasant territory. Not that Azumoth or his family weren't well liked, but he knew the notorious prejudice that resided against kalona. Best to keep her as far away as possible.
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Posted: Sat Mar 20, 2010 10:59 am
It wouldn't be like Azelle to dally around a subject and to be perfectly honest, the mare had dallied around this one for quite some time. It went against character for her to sit on her hands (figuratively speaking) and worry about why something or someone was behaving they were. Chetan hadn't really mentioned his parents and he certainly had any attempts to introduce her, but Althalus had been the epitome of charm and good grace. There was no way Chetan could have been ashamed of his family, not if they all acted in this manner so it had to be something to do with her? Deep inside her, something tweaked and the fire that often burned deep within spurted back into life with avengence - outwardly, her cheeks did nothing more than puff up briefly before she released a rather deep seated sigh. Suffice to say she had beaten around the bush for long enough and she did deserve to know where she stood.
Oh she knew he liked her and this was all very nice, but what if he was embarassed by what she was? Tisk, she didn't even eat meat so she was hardly the appalling sort and she did come from a rather amiable background. Despite the kalona blood within her line (and there was a significant amount of it) they were all a pleasant sort and while some may have eaten meat they didn't revel in it like the more brutal of her species. She shook her head dismissively to rid herself of these thoughts and quickly shuffled her mind back to the immediate matters at hoof, she could ponder over these issues at a later date.
...Probably when she was flying home.
Then she'd corner the poor stallion and ask him straight out what was wrong, either he'd explain himself properly or he'd crash and burn - either way she'd get her answers and know where she stood, thus restoring all lost confidence. It was the perfect plan, even if a small part of her did murmur in warning that she may find he would flounder anyway if a preemptive assault was launched on his decidedly shy self. She would have to take this into consideration, just in case.
She listened patiently to Althalus's description and smiled pleasantly at the obvious bias the male possessed. Well he certainly doted on his mate, that was for certain, but he was also able to give her a very accurate description. With a description and a name to put to a potential face it would certainly speed up proceedings and stop her turning into a mimic as she enquired as to whether or not said mare was Chetan's mother. However, when he mentioned that it would be possible to send a message the mare was smart enough to recognise that this was definitely not an opportunity to be missed. She was a sassy sort, but she knew better than anyone that you shouldn't look gift horses in the mouth, especially when it was going to make your life easier and give you exactly what you wanted!
"A message would be lovely, if she's expecting me then there's less chance she'll move about quite as much," she replied with a smile of gratitude.
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