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 Posted: Mon Jan 18, 2010 11:07 am
So it was with a fond farewell the mare had taken a trip down to her homelands, away from the slopes and quite prepared to make a small adventure of it. Though the scenery of her old homeland remained mostly in tact, the plains had lost their pull on her completely. While she enjoyed the flat ground and the openness of everything, home was now at Azumoth's side within the heart of the Grove.
After revisiting her old home and old hot-spots of her youth, Bella had decided to do a bit of travelling in near by lands. She wouldn't stay gone from the Grove long, but a little sight seeing might do her some good. Like now, she was in unfamiliar territory and was curious where it might lead. She knew the signs of danger, of course, and she knew ho to handle herself even without her sons, grandsons and mate around so she was confident of her safety.
She was no spring chicken, that as for sure, and she'd learned her lessons long ago. Ever alert the mare picked her way forth through the foliage, ever content and ever curious what she might discover on the way.
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Posted: Mon Jan 18, 2010 2:23 pm
 Wincing, Rynia touched one wingtip to the long gash that curved around the right side of her face. Judicious application of snow had numbed it to the point that it was more cold than painful, so she was able to actually to touch her face and take stock of the damage.
It looked nasty at first glance, but a careful study of her reflection allowed her to relax a bit, knowing as she did that facial/head wounds tended to look worse than they actually were. This one had bled a fair amount, but her cheekbones were fine, the wound hadn't affected her eyes, and she was able to move her head around properly. Considering the angle at which she'd been kicked, she was lucky that this was all she had to show for it. Vainer mare than she might still be freaking out, worried that the injury would leave a permanent scar, but scars had never been a worry of Rynia's. Good thing, too, or else she would have been driven into permanent depression years ago.
Sighing, the mare stepped away from the hole in the ice through which she had been studying her reflection, ducking to avoid being brushed by the branches of the surrounding evergreens. That would be just what she needed at the moment, to be stabbed by a tree branch on top of everything else.
At least there was one thing she could be content about: training was done for the day, and all she had to show for it was a bruised shoulder and a sliced face. Definitely one of her better post-training appearances, and now she was free to go mend in peace...
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Posted: Thu Jan 21, 2010 3:55 am
Two scents tickled Bella's nose, both of them strangely familiar. The first she easily discerned was the scent of water; while she might have pegged it as the snow surrounding her within the woodlands, instinct and experience quickly proved that it wasn't as hollow as snow fall; it was fresh and clean and pure water. A pond or lake might be nearby, which pleased the traveling mare.
But the other scent took a little more thought. Unfortunately, it destroyed any desire she felt to drink, as concern overwhelmed her the minute she placed the second! Blood. Someone, or something out there, was injured. Or perhaps feasting? Either way, it put the blond mare on edge and she couldn't help but strain her ears for something that was nearby.
Sure enough, she heard foot steps and the soft touch of foliage being moved. Unfortunately for Bella, whatever was out there was moving right before her. Pushing through the foliage herself, concern more of a driving force than fear, the maternal mare had to stop when she picked out the form of a wind soquili.
The mare in question was dark haired and natural coloured; she had feathered wings that were stained crimson and looked to be a little roughed up. Worse, the scent of blood was from a nasty looking gash righ on the mares face! Oh dear. Whom had dared to harm another in such a fashion!? Ooooh, if Bella could only get her hooves on some bully of a beast, she would teach them a lesson.
But at least the mare was still moving. If she'd been attacked by something, someone, it could have wound up dangerously worse. "Excuse me, Miss," she called out softly, knowing full well how skiddish one could be after an attack. She didn't dare approach the stranger, giving her space and room especially as they were strangers, "But are you all right, dear?"
It was hard to ignore the blood or how roughed up the wind looked. Unfortunately for Bella, she couldn't possibly understand or know this was some common occurrence.
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Posted: Sun Jan 24, 2010 10:36 am
Ladius was fond of saying how Rynia's continued failure to observe and be aware of her surroundings would be the direct cause of her death, at the time that happy event occurred. Rynia herself was too aware of that fact; unlike the rest of her family, she couldn't detect the presence of others unless she was immobile herself. The rest of the time, the footfalls of others were disguised by her own tread and she was susceptible to being 'surprised.'
Rather like right now.
The voice came from behind her, causing Rynia to give a start and whirl around to face her unknown companion. When it doubt, it was always best to meet assailant's head on...just like it was always best to assume that unknown creatures were assailants unless proven otherwise.
The mare that had caught her unawares might at first glance seem unlikely assailant material: she was rather small (compared to a stallion, in particular), lacked wings, horns, or any other potential weapon/speed aids beyond her limbs, and at first quick glance bore no obvious scars or wounds that might indicate fighting prowess. However, Rynia was far too wary and had been far too indoctrinated to write off ANY potential threat because of such circumstantial evidence. Ladius was a small regular mare, after all.
Watching Bella with a wary eye, Rynia closed her wings over her body in a protective fashion and shook her head, realizing a bit belatedly that the other mare had asked a question. Conversing with strangers always made her nervous, but rudely ignoring strangers might make them mad. Ducking her head, she watched the other mare's feet and replied in barely above a whisper, "I'm fine, thanks."
Conversation: not Rynia's strong suit.
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Posted: Thu Feb 18, 2010 5:03 am
Bella watched as Ryna started, whirling around to face her. The poor dear seemed so skiddish, with her body language screaming defensiveness, but after some attack who wouldn't be? Bella most certainly didn't blame her, but the ever-present spirit of a mother wanted nothing more than to scoop Rynia up and coddle her. Nothing bad was going to come of this meeting, and if whatever attacked Rynia chose to show face, well, Bella wasn't completely helpless.
She had trained under the best, after all.
With the mare facing her, golden eyes quietly accessed the wound. It certainly was bloody but she could only hope that it wasn't as bad as it appeared. Her ears strained to hear the voice the spoke up and responded to her question. . . .
Fine?
Hmm. . . . An easy answer anyone could give. Still, Bella gave a little shake of her head as a warm smile crossed her features. She wanted to approach but held back, the wariness within the other a little too obvious. Still, the mares brows knit with concern as she studied the beaten wind before her. "I see. . . ." Somehow Bella wasn't entirely convinced. Fine was a good cover-up, and while Rynia did indeed look to be breathing and her wounds far from fatal, something told the mare fine wasn't the case. "A little bayberry or calendula after washing it out might help with infection." She couldn't help herself - she was a mother through and through and couldn't stop the need to fuss. The poor girl seemed to be holding her own though, despite looking a bit anxious. "Might I ask what happened, dear? I didn't expect these woods to be hostile to soquili. . . " And such was the truth. If there was a beast out there that would take on such a large creature it would be best to know of it.
Of course Bella could only guess. . . the damage wasn't so severe to be the work of a kalona or skinwalker, but who knew? Even a snappy bear or surly wolf could leave marks. . .
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Posted: Thu Feb 18, 2010 9:21 pm
It was just as well that Bella kept her instincts to mother under control, as Rynia definitely would not have understood. In her life of experience, "motherly instincts" had translated into a desire to abuse, belittle, and emotionally repress in the name of superiority and improvement, hardly something to recommend to others and hardly something that she wanted to experience from another.
That being said, even with Bella keeping physical distance between them Rynia was unsatisfied and concerned. It had been surprising, even pleasant to see the very nice and friendly smile, and the other mare's voice was kind, not the least bit abrasive. Still, her gaze was much more intense than Rynia would like and seeing the slight creasing of the blond mare's brows made Rynia shift uncomfortably, nervous as she always was to be the center of attention. Nice as this stranger seemed, she was still far too intense for comfort.
And she seemed to want to stick around, too, unlike other Soquilis that took 'fine' as a dismissal. Unused to much interaction with any but her parents and sister, Rynia felt, as she always did on these very rare occasions, like she was out of her element. She knew that she had to respond, but how? In what way could she address a question that seemed to demand such a specific response?
Such a response was naturally out of the question; Ladius would be truly ashamed if she were to learn that her daughter had 'whined' to a stranger. Personal business was personal business, and life held no place for satisfying the inane curiosity of the masses, that was what Ladius would say. Even thinking about her mother and her mother's thoughts on the matter caused a shadow to cross over Rynia's face, and she shuffled slightly away from the other mare as she spoke in the same very soft, humble voice. "Thank you, but you needed worry. I-"
Shameful as it was to admit to weakness (another proverb of Ladius'), Rynia determined after a moment of deliberation that her best bet in answering Bella's question was the take the fall. "-had a minor accident. I really am fine, it's nothing to be concerned about."
After all, as she relfected in sad irony, it was totally believable that she would have hurt herself. She was prone to such things happening to her.
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Posted: Fri Mar 05, 2010 7:32 am
There was something incredibly coy about the mare before her. Something that seemed off-kilter and not entirely right. Perhaps she was merely unaccustomed to extremely shy creatures, or perhaps it was her maternal concern getting the best of her. Still, Bella knew she had a tendency to fuss over everything and as such she wasn't going to over think the situation.
No, she'd let Rynia be. Sort of.
"I'm sorry, m'dear," she cooed lightly, though her words were completely sincere. She still looked as if she'd gotten in to some sort of scuffle, but if the mare in question claimed it to be an accident. . .well. . . . Bella wouldn't push or press. To each their own, unfortunate as it might be. Besides, she didn't know Rynia well enough to be able to argue with her so she would let her have her peace. "I've been prone to an accident or two in my time as well," she stated softly, hoping to ease any embarrassment the mare might feel. "These scars prove it!" Her smile went back to being a warm and gentle thing, and the concern earlier shown relaxed.
"I hope you make a swift recovery regardless and might such things avoid you in the future." Dipping her head ever so formally, the mare continued with a small chuckle. "If you'll forgive my mothering ways, perhaps I can make a proper introduction now that my worrying has been subsided. I'm Bella."
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Posted: Tue Mar 09, 2010 2:27 pm
Rynia's wariness was compounded by confusion as she listened to the mare, and in spite of her best instincts found herself cocking an ear in Bella's direction. It was very perplexing: Bella sounded very kind and friendly, her voice warm, her conversation casual, and her body language unthreatening. At the same time, she was a stranger, had appeared unnoticed, and spoke of "mothering ways," which in Rynia's world translated directly into the natural desire of a mother to see her children strong, powerful, and able to see after themselves without dying.
Very perplexing.
In spite of Bella's assurances, Rynia continued to hold herself stiffly, guardedly. However, by now she had ascertained that in spite of Bella's words, the other mare sported no truly serious scars, meaning that she was likely not of a fighting type...or else so good she managed to avoid injury. However, the idea of a fighter that talented seemed implausible to Rynia, given how very scarred Ladius was, so she found herself leaning towards the former. Reassuring thought, actually..
"Thank you, your encouragement is very kind....Bella." The name was added as almost an afterthought, more something to commit to memory (just in case) than something to be remembered for its own sake. Still, it was a step! "I'll try to be more careful."
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Posted: Fri Mar 26, 2010 5:34 am
Bella still didn't believe Rynia's words. It was most unfortunate but she wasn't blind to the sight of wounds previous or scarring. The mare before her was either strangely aggressive (which was almost laughable at how skiddish she seemed, the poor baby) or afflicted by something or someone.
Still, being but acquaintances, the elder mare wasn't going to push. Perhaps though this was the start of a delicate friendship? There was something in the young mare that made Bella want to reach out and show some tenderness and gentleness; was it her wily nature or the fact she seemed so on edge and on guard? Well, this was Bella after all. She'd cuddle and coddle anyone of any age or appearance if given the chance. . . .
Lowering her head down, the mare nipped at a few softer grasses while she considered her next move. She wasn't keen on leaving Rynia's side quite yet, but she also didn't want to overwhelm the young one either. The spirits were meddling creatures and this meeting could be mere chance or rather fortuitous. Only time would tell how things might pan out. . .
Lifting her head, the mare gave Rynia another gentle smile. "And I hope that the local flora and fauna might leave you alone as well. It's not fair for unruly branches and roots to trip unknowing soquili, especially as pretty a girl as you." Nodding lightly, the mare gave her thick tail a little swish before looking around at her surroundings.
"Have you lived in this area all your life, or are you a traveler passing through? I'm from the mountains myself, taking a holiday from my mate and family to stretch out my limbs a little. This woodland isn't quite unlike my own home. . .though completely unfamiliar." She added with a chuckle. "I'm surprised as old a mare as myself hasn't wound up getting completely lost!"
She couldn't help but chatter to the young one, though she kept her voice and tone calm and warm. If Rynia felt like responding than so be it, and if sh appeared to agitate the mare than Bella would most happily take her leave. She worried if she left she might never see the wind again. . . but if such were the fates desires than so be it. She'd rather leave the mare with a happy experience than something that seemed forced or strange.
Truly a little conversation never hurt anyone though, right?
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Posted: Wed Mar 31, 2010 5:33 pm
Rynia would never have regarded herself as aggressive, strangely so or not. Whether that statement would cause the mare to laugh at the absurdity of the idea or simple get more nervous, unsure at what would prompt such a comparison. Knowing Rynia, the latter was far more likely; to bare one's teeth in laughter was the epitome of self-serving confidence, an action she neither expected nor deserved.
Then again, this meeting was proving to be unexpected in a lot of ways. Once again, she found herself wondering what the other mare's motive was, why she was being so nice and pleasant, and when the other shoe would drop. She hadn't felt this clueless since the time she had been encountered but the multi-winged mare, Kaiya; that meeting had ended without the dire things she expected happening, but that didn't mean that this meeting would end so fortunately.
She honestly didn't know how she was expected to respond to most of Bella's comments, so she simply stayed silent, watching the other mare and shifting slightly back and forth in the snow.
Well, silent until she was asked a direct question. If she weren't thinking, she might have answered it honestly, that yes, this area had been her home for entire life. She knew it like the back of her hoof...and at times, she hated it. It wasn't her home; no, it was her mother's territory, territory that Ladius used to train and to fight and to police. Here she lived, but here was not, and never would be, home.
But you never told a stranger where you lived. "I do live in this forest, but not here. I'm just passing through myself, actually..." Passing through this little clearing, anyway, on her way to her own secluded retreat!
Though she had to admit that she was slightly intrigued by the mare's comment about being from the mountains. She had seen them before, on the rare occasions that she was allowed to fly: seen them off in the distance, mentioned casually by her incredibly imposing father during their flight lessons. But she'd never seen them up close, and never even thought about anyone making that journey. She wondered if they were as black up close as they were from a distance, and what it was like to live there. As far as she knew, they were big rocks; that hardly seemed hospitable!
But asking questions could potentially anger the mare, so Rynia kept her ponderances to herself...as usual.
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Posted: Thu Apr 29, 2010 3:58 am
Bella was no mind reader, which was rather unfortunate. She would have loved to know what the pretty brown furred mare before her was thinking and give her a clue on how to appropriately respond. The cream mare had never been particularly shy, but thankfully, she'd many years practice when it came with those less social than she. Azumoth, for one, while he hadn't been shy was one of the least social creatures she had ever encountered. It had been only with persistence, stubbornness and an optimistic attitude that she managed to get him to call her friend. . . . and then some.
While Rynia was certainly no Azumoth, she was incredibly quiet and her body language just screamed uncertainty. Whatever might have happened to cause her to be so shy was a mystery, but Bella hoped she might be able to spread a little sunshine to the pretty female. It wasn't often she got to meet others, and her natural maternal instinct wanted nothing more than to the coddle the stranger. She couldn't help it. . . Bella would coddle and coo over a bed of tulips if she thought they needed a little love and affection!
"I see!" Bella exclaimed delightedly, amber eyes bright with warmth. "Well I do hope you've had some good travels then on your way to your home. . . If I were a younger mare, these woods might very well have scared me." She chuckled at the memory of her foal hood and youth. "I lived most of my life in the open plains, so such foliage, shadow and overgrowth was intimidating to me. Life changed that, though, and I don't think I could ever leave the woods for long." Pausing a moment, the mare took to admiring the scenery. The winter snows were thick and painted the scenery in soft white, quite lovely really. It wasn't so cold as to look barren, as happened up in the heavier and more extreme mountainous winters. "The winters are warmer here than up in the mountains . . . It's quite a pleasant. I can only imagine the warmth of summer is divine!"
Ah, but Bella was chattering. Perhaps Rynia had other places to go? Realizing she was prattling on like an old granny, Bella blinked and gave a small self-concious chuckle. "Oh, but forgive my chatter. I've been without company since I began my journey, so I'm afraid I'm boring you to tears while I make up for lost company. Please, don't let and old granny like me hold you up if you've other places or destinations to travel." She beamed again up at Rynia, her actions and apologies quite sincere. While she wasn't exactly old, she was a grandmother . . . . Something she'd never thought herself lucky enough to be!
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Posted: Thu Aug 05, 2010 11:23 am
Rynia didn't know what to make of Bella, in all honesty. There was a great openness and warmth about the other mare that was quite pleasant; very reminiscent of Kaiya, if she were being honest. It was the sort of warmth that tried to draw you in, that made one feel very comfortable and at-ease.
Or it should, if that one weren't Rynia. Being so used to isolation and coldness, warmth was both welcoming and terrifying to her. It was rather sad, and would probably make a stronger mare than Bella mourn to see the internal working of Rynia's mind as the natural attraction to comfort warred with the conditioned paranoia of strangers and mistrust of anything that seemed to be too good to be true. Goodness could not possibly exist; goodness appeared only to mask the sinister intentions of the person posing as good.
This had actual been a concept that Rynia had warred with when she was younger, as it had seemed suspiciously like she was good herself. She hated violence of any kind, and was the sort of mare that hated harming so much as a bug. But Ladius quickly set her straight that what others might regard as goodness was actually weakness; something to be abhorred and detested. Though that in turn had confused Rynia even more, because if her perception of goodness was actually weakness, then it seemed like it should be possible that those that projected goodness were actually only weak, weak like her, and therefor not a threat.
Except that everyone, even weak people, could be dangerous when provided with the right opportunity.
All of these thoughts worked through Rynia's mind as she stood silent, shuffling her hooves anxiously and making sure that proper distance was maintained between the two of them at all times. She managed to keep a smile on her face, but it was a timorous, nervous sort of smile, the sort of smile that didn't fool anyone except the person wearing it. "It's been an unexceptional trip. I have had no complaints...I actually like the woods. I find the region exceptionally pleasant, really." And this was the actual truth, utterly and completely. The serenity, the closeness, the large amount of available hiding places...the woods was, for a Soquili as skittish as Rynia, a dream. Unfortunately, it also harbored her demons, but dreams weren't necessarily cheery, were they?
If this meeting was a dream, it was a rather suspenseful one, or maybe a choose-your-own adventure story. Yes, definitely the latter, she determined, when the other mare basically gave her the choice to move on or stay. Leaving and being alone would be more comfortable, but if she left there was a chance she could be followed...what an agonizing choice to have to make!
After a long pause, she finally managed an answer. Sporting the same nervous smile, she shrugged her shoulders at the cream mare. "I am in no hurry, and this is a pleasant stopping point for now. Please do not worry on my account."
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