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 Posted: Fri Nov 19, 2010 3:23 pm
Tired with hunger and thirst, the fatigued stallion took a few more wobbly steps. A sudden illness had befallen him mere days ago, and he had been stranded. With no herd to care for him, he had been confined to the same patch of ground for what felt like an eternity. His mind still slightly clouded, the chestnut stallion blinked slowly.
His bone-weary legs shuddered slightly. He would have to rest soon, and he had managed to wander into unfamiliar territory. Where would he find food? Water? Shelter? Although the illness was purged from his system, it had definitely taken its toll. A faint scent caught his interest briefly. Horses, and multiple ones if he was not mistaken. Would they help him?
He walked towards the way they had gone, summoning strength from some deep reserve he didn't know he had. Akinari raised his head stubbornly. He was not dead yet. And so, as the stallion approached the border of the herd's territory, under the cover of dusk, a lone raven circled overheard.
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Posted: Sun Nov 28, 2010 7:25 pm
 The herd was doing well within their new home. His family was growing strong and he enjoyed nothing more than spending time with his beloved mate and watching their foals grow and learn. But being leader of the herd he had responsibilities that extended past watching his family flourish, he needed to make sure the Spirits remained happy and that his lands were protected from those who may wish to bring harm to the herd. And so he spent many hours each day and night checked the borders with his faithful owl companion Herne.
Tonight as night began to fall upon the land Maponus was performing a final check of the border before calling it a night. The cool night air was refreshing though the bear pelt that he wore kept the chill from setting in. Then he saw the outline a horse in the distance, he knew it was not one of his herd as they were all safely tucked away in the grove for the night. Instantly he set into action, ready to protect his herd. Trotting towards the chestnut stallion Maponus looked upon him trying to determine if he would be a threat to the herd. The stallion looked weak and for a moment Maponus wondered if it would be a good idea to let him get any closer to his home, the herd was still recovering from the last bout of weakness and he could not afford to let a sick horse onto his lands. Slowing his hooves Maponus came to a stop several feet away from the stallion. "Greetings," he said in a neutral voice, "You look like you could use some help."
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Posted: Wed Dec 22, 2010 3:57 pm
At first, the stallion had been sure that the speck on the horizon was nothing but a figment of his imagination. But as it refused to leave, he began to believe it must be real, not a mere figment of his dehydrated mind. A small mammal perhaps? But no, animals did not move with such purpose. Unless it had intent to kill. A flash of panic shot through him. Adrenaline rushed through him, bringing a small surge of strength with it. But even in his vigorous state, his head hung heavy and his hooves remained plastered to the ground. This was no fight he could win.
As he prepared for the imminent end, another thought briefly crossed his confusion. No predator would move so purposefully. And then he looked properly. Not a predator, but a great stallion adorned with a bear pelt. But that did not mean the danger was over. The horse could easily take him down with but a mere kick. But he did not seem angry, nor particularly hostile. The chestnut stallion relaxed his muscles, shoulders sagging with relief. Perhaps there was hope yet. "Greetings, good fellow." He spoke around parched lips. "Help? I certainly wouldn't turn any down. I do not wish to be any burden, however." Manners kicked in even in the most dire of situations. "My name is Akinari."
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Posted: Sat Jan 22, 2011 8:03 pm
Maponus looked over the other stallion carefully for just a moment. He didn't look extremely sick, but looks could be deceiving, just look at what happened when that seemingly healthy stallion had come to their herd so long ago. That had ended in disaster and while Maponus did not wish for that to happen every again, especially since he had a family of his own now. "It would not be a burden at all." Maponus assured the other stallion with a nod. "Akinari," he bowed his head. "I am Maponus alpha of the Followers of the Moon herd."
"You look like you could use a good rest." Motioning with his muzzle for the other stallion to follow him. They could talk while traveling towards the main area in which the herd resided. "Tell me a bit about yourself Akinari." If he could find out a bit more about this stallion then Maponus would feel more at ease with bringing him to their well protected home.
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Posted: Wed Jun 15, 2011 10:55 am
"I apologize, I did not mean to trespass upon your herd's lands." Even in his weary state, the stallion could not drop his manners. He abhorred those who spoke with a vile tongue. "I have traveled for many days and nights, seeking a place to shelter. Unfortunately, illness befell me and I was severely weakened."
Akinari began his story with the most recent events, feeling he owed Maponus an explanation for a ragged stranger suddenly appearing upon his territory. "I walked about in a feverish haze for... I'm not even sure, only the spirits know how long I spent in that putrid state. When I recovered, I was highly disorientated. I had no idea which direction I had come from, and desperately needed food and water. So I staggered around and eventually came to this land."
Pausing for a moment to moisten his mouth with his tongue, the stallion pressed on, "Before that I lived with my old herd. My childhood was a happy one, but the customs of the herd stated that when a colt grew to a certain age, he must leave the herd and find his own way in life. Since that time, I have been traveling, searching for others like myself and a place to belong."
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Posted: Tue Jul 26, 2011 8:44 am
"Very few know about the herds location, so it is quite easy to stumble upon our borders without knowing where one is stepping." This was why he spent many hours of his day patrolling the borders to ensure that those who belonged stayed in the safety of the grove and those who didn't stayed away. He had not fulled made up his mind about this stallion, however he could at least offer him a place to rest and something to eat and drink, there were plenty of spots in his territory that was still safe but away from the main area the herd resided in.
The mention of spirits caught Maponus' attention. His herd was founded by the Spirits, their knowledge and guidance saw them through the best and worst of times. Perhaps this stallion belonged here, if he proved to be not a threat in disguise and that his illness had fully passed. "The Spirits watched over you to ensure you survived." He said in confidence, feeling that that was indeed the case. He could not communicate with the Spirits like Alaunus or Duska could, but every now and then they did speak to him clearly or fill him with a feeling of certainly. In time he would be able to speak with him, when they were both ready for it. "We have recently recovered from a ravenous disease ourselves, it dwindled our numbers down greatly, but the Spirits kept enough of us alive to continue on. We are not accustomed to having visitors come along, but we can provide you with whatever you need so that you may recover fully." He would not offer the stallion a permanent place to stay just yet, he wanted to see how he reacted to life here before giving him a chance to stay longer than a day or two.
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