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 Posted: Sat Feb 19, 2011 10:15 pm
It was ice.
The stallion snorted, pausing to watch as the air before him billowed like a cloud from his breath. As if it was a spirit granting his very wish. Shaking his head as the small snowflakes continued to fall in a lazy drizzle, Manjii' stared at the obstacle before him. And here he had thought that he explored the depths of his mother's home terrain many years ago. But he should have known better, as this western woodland was vast and endless....and nearly recognizable due to the winter's snowy claim. Once familiar trees and paths were smoothed away and replaced with bare features, pale and misguiding. So in all honesty, it shouldn't be of any surprise for the soquili to stumble upon this long-lived river, a needed resource for the network of life often found in woodlands.
Then why was he so still?
Lifting an onyx hoof, the male tapped the glossy surface of the river, frowning as it clicked soundly in return. It was an unforeseen problem, considering his intentions to go further into the eastern lands. Taking firm steps back, the male continued his long trek along the frozen body of water. If he was lucky, he could find a narrow bend or even a cross path that he could use.
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Posted: Sun Feb 20, 2011 11:00 am
Heaving a small sigh, the young mare looked down at the frozen river. Part of the mare gazed out at the still rush of water, comparing it to her own life. She could relate to the ice, to the cold, as she couldn't help but feel her own life had taken an unexpected pause. She felt stagnant, as if her life had stilled to a halt. Life had looked so bright, so beautiful when she had been younger. And now . . . well, there as still beauty, but sometimes she couldn't help but wonder why things had happened the way they had.
While she still stuck close to her family, she seemed to see less and less of them. And what of her foal hood friends? She had long since lost ties to them. It was strange how the world kept moving, even if she felt as if life was passing her by. Oh well. She still had a family, she still could smile, and things would work out one way or another. There was no reason to get upset, no reason to let the quiet of her world bring her down.
Shaking aside her thoughts, the violet mare peeked out and down at her hooves. She didn't expect the ice to be thick enough to walk upon, but she also knew there was cold and refreshing water beneath its thick coating of cold. Her mouth was parched, and while she was a bit chilled, a drink sounded most delightful. Stepping forward, the mare kicked down upon the ice, listening to it crack. It was deceptively thick, or she was just a touch on the weak side, and so it took another few kicks before she had pierced its shell. Still, Ecclesia needed to break apart a larger hole, so her muzzle might fit. The shattering of the ice broken the silence of the world, and so focused on her task was she that the mare hardly noticed the approach of another.
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Posted: Mon Feb 21, 2011 8:46 pm
Crunching through the thin layer of snow along the bank, Manjii' weaved between thin and bare trees that barred his path. The whole landscape seemed an endless gray, having the earth and sky blur with the trees acting as the feeble pillars in between. Just how much longer until the rest of the sky fell, dumping a heap more of snow on the poor lands? And the blasted river.
Casting pale eyes to his left, the soquili watched as the wide river followed along beside him. At some moments, it was even hard to tell the edges of the water and the land with the snow powdering over both textures without concern. And the male couldn't help but think like his mother that....it was such a safety hazard. And him being, well, him with his past experience of ice and now his blurred vision, continued to stay at a far distance from the frozen water. He didn't care if he had to clear the whole woodlands just to get around the body of water, but he was not going to go anywhere near it without a substantial bridge. With a nod of stubborn confirmation to himself, Manjii' trotted onward, before he almost twisted his neck as his eyes scanned back for a moment. He could have sworn he heard something....
Taking a pause from his trot, the male leaned forward to peer down the snowy slope, a good five feet down. And standing there, as placidly as a Cerynei, was a lone mare. Her striped back to him, he watched as she tinkered with the edge of the river with her small hoof. Ugh, why....whyyyy did he have to meet a fool on his journey? The male pouted his lip as he rolled his eyes, in no mood for this type of 'adventure', but his mood immediately passed as a sharp crack hit his ears.
Bristling his mane in both agitation and a hint of fear, the stallion stomped his hoof in the fluffy snow with a shout. "Do you have to do that? It's driving me mad ye standing so close." >c
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Posted: Wed Feb 23, 2011 8:57 pm
Ecclesia blinked as something broke the silence of the air. It was a shout, a call, and someone who seemed most irritated. Her purple ears swiveled, and the black eyed mare winced a bit. Part of her felt a bit irritated that she would be yelled at - as far as she had known, no one else was around! But, apparently her initial assessment had been wrong, and she was disturbing the peace.
Heaving a small sigh, knowing that it was time to play the diplomat, the mare gave her tail a little shake before turning around to find the source. "I'm sorry. I just wanted a ---" The words died on her lips as she caught sight of the stallion. He was a pale blue, with the most unusual markings. A darker blu stained his cheeks and around his eyes, and there were cloud like paler blues and whites on his legs. She didn't catch much more of him, what with him facing her, but that hair. Orange and blue, a mess. . . . Why did it look so familiar?
Of course, the stallion was a complete stranger, or at least he seemed to be. She couldn't recall ever bumping in to one like he, and yet . . . there was something a bit familiar all at once. " . . .drink." She finished, her eyes narrowing for a moment before going wide with surprise.
A memory, of a little foal stuck in a log. He had been much smaller, albeit a bit gruff and grumpy, but Ecclesia couldn't forget that name or that face. She hadn't thought much of her young foal hood friend, but then they hadn't had long to really bond. Her family had moved shortly after their meeting, but he had been one of her one and only friends at such an age.
"Jumanjii . . .?" She questioned tentatively, ears pricked and body alert. The name had come, as if from a dream, a past memory long forgot. It was one of the few names she did remember, since there weren't many outside of her family that had ever touched her life. He was one of the few. Part of the violet mare doubted her own eyes, certain of some sort of coincidence. Perhaps this one merely looked similar, he couldn't possibly be the friend she had lost so long ago. And even if he was, she highly doubted he remembered her! How could he? She'd just been the silly foal at the time, and she too had grown and changed.
Still, her black gaze waited to see a reaction. She was almost prepared for him to dismiss her, and while she desperately wanted to introduce herself, she also wanted to make sure this really was her old friend! How time had flown, and how he had changed!
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Posted: Tue Mar 01, 2011 9:51 pm
Well, it was a pleasant enough thing to know that the other individual wasn't deaf. The stallion stood his ground on the chilled slope, watching as the other took their time, contemplating whether to acknowledge him or not. It was then that he pondered what exactly he would do should the other tell him off. After all, it was his own paranoia that was even causing this ruckus to begin with. Narrowing his eyes with a frown, Manjii' figured he'd handle the situation as it came.
Perking ears as the other spoke up, he focused his attention to the matter at hand. The mare had addressed him, but then paused with a look of some alarm. Checking himself, the half-troll turned his eyes to send a glance to his surroundings, expecting to see some sort of predator amongst them. But there was nothing there, only bare trees and frozen earth. So why had the mare stuttered so strongly? Turning back with an exasperated quirk to his brow, Manjii' inspected the curious individual. Her form seemed physically well, so there was no injury yielding her speechless. Though her mane and tail seemed almost powdered over with snow, and her eyes were as glossy as ice....
Then her voice cut the silence. With his own name on her lips. The male stiffened as he regarded the other with a touch of caution now. Just who was this individual, to know his name to his face? Searching through his memory briefly, the male soquili could find nothing. But if familiarity could appease this situation, then he might as well use it to its fullest. Crouching forward an inch on the hill, he spoke out with a crooked smile.
"Aye, that's right. Now, would you kindly be stepping away from that river? Tell you what, we can find water else where if that's your goal." His front hoof seeped into the snow at his angled weight, and Manjii' scowled as he stepped back. Even with such simple hills, he hated how the snow led to such deceitful security. Especially for one of his build, heavy and a tad clumsy. Sighing to himself in a puff of chilled air, he glanced back down at the other. "Unless ya be enjoying your tranquil space. If so, then I'll leave you to your fountain. I suppose." But it bothered him immensely knowing how fragile a river's surface could be. And he hadn't a clue if this mare was as clumsy as himself, thus leaving him in a conflict.
Leave the individual be at her request? Or pester her for the benefit of his own conscience?
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Posted: Wed Mar 02, 2011 8:51 pm
So he didn't remember. Well, part of the violet hued mare wasn't entirely surprised. It had been a very long time go, and he had been very young. The only reason she remembered, or so she could figure, was because there were very few soquili in her life. Her mother, father, brother, a few relatives certainly. But no one else gave her life color or meaning.
Leilan and Jumanjii had been it when it came to the few 'others' she had managed to romp around with as a young filly. Unfortunately though, none of those friendships had been able to last. She had drifted, she had been taken wherever her family roamed. In fact, Jumanjii really wasn't so much a friend as an acquaintance. They had played once, with him stuck in a log. Memorable, if not entirely exciting. And how had things gone with Leilan? Not much better. A game of butterfly chasing and that was the extent of it. Unfortunately, Ecclesia had never been terribly bold as a filly, and as such hadn't roamed until her youth had long since passed. Even then, her wanderings didn't take her far from the familiarity of her families territory. There was no reason to travel the world, no reason to go sight-seeing, not when everything she held dear was so neatly packaged together.
Strange how the fates would bring back one of the few faces that had given some small joy to her young life. A shame he didn't remember, but it was unfair of her to expect such a thing. It wasn't as if she were particularly memorable, or so she understood. Her smile remained even as he confirmed he was indeed the little troll. He had certainly grown and changed! "I've had far too many years of tranquil space," she added with a small chuckle and self-deprecating grin. "I'd appreciate the help finding some water that isn't frozen solid."
"I suppose you don't remember me," she added, black eyes bright with good humor. "I wouldn't expect you to, of course, since it was such a long time ago but I'm Ecclesia. The last time we met you had become well acquainted with a log." And she, in turn, had assisted him in his great escape by ramming him out of it!
How times had changed. She wouldn't fit in any fallen shrubbery, and from the looks of 'Manjii, no log would be able to keep him trapped. He looked strong, albeit disheveled, and sported more than a few scars. Obviously his life had been much more exciting than her own. He likely had a slew of stories. . . . what did she have but blank and empty pages?
All the while, Ecclesia eyed the hill upon which he stood. It was snow covered, and hooves didn't afford much traction. She'd wait just a moment, see if he would come down before she struggled up. Otherwise there had to be a way around that was less slanted. But where would they find any source of water that wasn't already chilled?
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Posted: Tue Mar 15, 2011 8:19 pm
Despite her dark eyes, the male canted his head as he notices her slight change of demeanor. A sort of brooding aura as she stood there in the snow, her posture and expression seeming caught in time. "Oy." His voice kept low, as if concerned to break the silence that fell between them. As much as he concerned over the visual of ice cracking loudly to equally break the peace.
Manjii' flickered his ears back as the mare smiled up at him, her mood brought back to life in the frozen present. Whether it was real or feigned though, he could hardly begin to guess. It was always hard for him to read the body language of other individuals. Let alone mares, who were famous for doing something while thinking or representing other things. So the male took her outer face as whatever he was granted by her, grinning crookedly in return. "Years of it, eh? Something like that might be to drive me mad." And to think he had once traveled to find such tranquility.
"Hn, it might be a hard feat, but I'm sure we can find some." He shivered then, smaller snowflakes teasing his ears and short fringe as it fell like whispers from the sky. The motion peeled him back from the sloping hill, though his eyes were sharp and forward as the other continued to speak. Remember her? Then his pale face flushed over as the memory of mud and bark scratched against his thoughts. It had been so long ago, and yet that was the only tree since that he had made such...an encounter with. And the fellow youth that had helped him out of that dilemma. "Ecclesia.." He spoke it belatedly, not realizing that his statement was already confirmed by the mare herself.
Then he smiled and leaned forward with a curious step. "Well then, you'll have no choice now but to forgive my manners. After all, you're already acquainted with them!" Manjii laughed then at the peculiar crossing, but it came out more like a low huff. He hadn't braced himself for any visits with people from his past. Shuffling sideways, he tested the depth and stability of the snow before him. It was deep enough to crunch up to his bracelets.
"Now then, where should we be a' going? Unless you're fond of skirting the unyielding river?"
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Posted: Sat Mar 19, 2011 2:38 pm
The violet coated mare gave a small chuckle as he spoke about the peace driving him to madness. Part of the mare had to wonder if perhaps it wasn't true; she wasn't crazy or anything, but to be shrouded in solitude and loneliness for so many years did take its toll on the body and brain. Ecclesia found herself a bit more shy when it came to approaching strangers, and found herself a bit more uncertain when leaving home. She was curious about the world outside of her homelands, but she also wasn't so certain she could stand to be in the unknown for so long. The world was a frightening place, after all, or so she'd been told, and she knew her strengths and abilities were limited.
But, at the same rate, did she want to stay wrapped around the familiar all her life? Maybe not, since there was much she might miss. But that was neither here nor there. Her focus was on the stallion before her, and she gave a little shrug and smile. "The peace can definitely be a bit maddening, though I can appreciate such a quiet lifestyle. Sometimes though, a little diversion from the quiet would be a refreshing change."
Eyeing the hill on which Jumanjii stood, the mare prepped herself and tightened her muscles as she suddenly pushed herself up the snowy hill. Her hooves slipped a bit, but with minimal struggle she was able to make her way up to the top of the hill. Laughing a bit, the mare was glad she was on firmer ground, albeit it was still snow covered. "I'll be happy when the snows melt," she added, glancing over her shoulder at the frozen river and the icy riverbank.
Ecclesia was pleased to know that he had some recollection of her. They hadn't spent a lot of time together, but she was glad that he did seem to get hit by the recollection. She hadn't expected him to, but it was nice to be remembered, even a little bit. "No need to apologize about your manners. I remember getting well acquainted with them, and trust me, I'd much rather you be yourself!" She did remember his somewhat gruff and unusual nature, but he had been friendly enough, especially after she'd managed to help him out of the tree! "I do hope you've been well since then." It was hard to tell - he was battle scarred, and had seen a lot of the world, for better or worse, if she had to take a guess.
Glancing around their surroundings, the female gave a little shrug and another rueful grin. Smiles came easy for the violet mare, that much hadn't changed n all her years. Even the years touched with regret or uncertainty. "I'd imagine following the river would be the obvious choice to find a less frozen patch of water. But if you're feeling adventurous, we can seek other places too. We may find a pond or . . .a stream that isn't made up of ice. I'm not sure which way you're heading though, and don't want to interrupt your day any more than I have." Her words were slightly apolgetic, since it had been her attempt at cracking the ice in the river that drew his attention. Who knew what he'd been up to before that?
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Posted: Sun Apr 03, 2011 10:06 pm
Ears and mouth perked as the other gave a sound of joy, though it may be small and hushed. All the same it was there, and it helped ease away any tension Manjii may have held earlier, if only a little. But the cold air was a constant reminder to their elements and surroundings, and so he remained taunt.
Clicking his tongue in thought, Manjii could only grin in response. "Well, they often be saying that the mad are happy. But no need to go that extreme to find peace, eh?" Then he noted her stance and how her dark focus was shifted on the earth before her. Taking a step back, the stallion made room just in time with when the mare lurched forward, her stride was sure despite a few sinking through. "Oy, who knew ya had it in you." He chuckled as he turned, his tail swinging to the momentum. "You 'n me both." Pale eyes cast down to the paler snow as he mentally counted the days left to expect such chilly weather. Even with previous experiences with Winter, it always seemed to be a guessing game on how stubbornly the snow would remain on the ground.
"Ng, nah I'm sure it is necessary." The stallion knew he had a history of foul mood swings and arrogant logic. And it was something he feared that he still carried around unknowingly, still inflicting upon those around him. So it was simply a cautionary statement for him to apologize so early in greetings. Though he did glance back with a quirked brow to the other soquili's statement. "Really? Ya make it sound like I'd be the same brash fellow I was so many moons ago. Should I be expecting the same from you?" He stepped lightly on the hill, skirting slowly between thin and ill-struck trees. There were so many options now on where to go, now that the guide of the river was behind them. But which covered route to take.
"I've been well enough; still breathing and healthy. I pray your days have been just as kind?" Then he nodded his chin towards the east, looking at the vast expanse of soft white and tan bark. The coverage of the woods was now so sparse that the low and distant curves of the mountains were an easy sight. I know of an elderly watering hole in that direction. However, if that's beyond your terrain or interest, we can be searchin' closer within?" Manjii shook his head confidently and with the chimes of hair bangles, letting her know that he had no scheduled path that he must follow today. "It's of no bother to me."
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Posted: Thu Apr 21, 2011 11:00 pm
Ecclesia listened to the blue coated stallion as he encouraged his apology. Sure, he had been a bit gruff and outspoken when she had met him stuck in the tree, but part of her had chalked it up to being so incapacitated. If she'd been stuck in a log, her mood likely would have gone to tatters too. Still, the mare gave a small gasp and shake of her head when he questioned her assumptions. "Oh. Oh I didn't mean to assume anything," here she went, putting her hoof in the mouth after only a few minutes of meeting.
It was the story of her life.
"It's just . . .Well . . I'd much rather you be yourself, however that may be. That's all. I'm prepared if you haven't changed, of course, but . . . " She grinned and gave a little shrug and flick of her tail. "I guess the only projection of you I ever knew was that day way back when. Amazing how one meeting can stick with someone for so long." But, then again, he had been one of the very few she had met outside of her family. It was easy to remember someone who wasn't Luca, Tobias, or Atreus.
"I've . . . I've grown up . Matured. Not really sure I've changed dramatically on the personality front." She offered another smile before quickly moving on. Life had been wonderful as a filly. But somehow, somewhere, something shifted and life had lost its shine, its saccharine sweet taste. Maybe that was the problem all along. It had all been artificial. She'd traded having a life for one of security, and where had it gotten her? No where.
But that wasn't something she could think about, not here at any rate. "I've been well, thank you. It's been quiet. . . just seems to be the story of my life . . .but that's not necessarily a bad thing. I'm still standing, still have breath, and the last I checked that was a good thing to have!" Glancing over at the mountains, Ecclesia considered for a moment. She was already close to the edges of her families territory, and really hadn't had the chance to go anywhere. Not that this watering hole was likely far . . . but . . .
"Lead the way then, my fine sir!" She gave a formal bow (and a cheeky grin) to the stallion, stamping her approval with his idea by way of shooing him off to start. She was completely unfamiliar with the territory outside of her families small bit of land, so she wouldn't know where to go even if he had wanted her to begin! So long as she didn't wind up lost (but even that could be beneficial, she always had secretly wished to travel, hadn't she?) everything would be fine. It was amazing how life could suddenly transform from mundane to intriguing within minutes.
Not only had she met an old, old acquaintance, but she was getting to go on a mini-adventure! Now, finding water might not seem particular adventuresome, but for the very sheltered Ecclesia, it was something new. Something she never would have done on her own, and something a small part of her desperately wanted to hang on to. A new memory, a good memory, thus far, and she wanted to keep it that way for as long she were able.
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Posted: Mon May 02, 2011 9:53 pm
Manjii' quirked a brow before returning beside the other soquili with steady steps. Glancing side to side, he then bent forward, as if to whisper a grand secret to the mare before him. "Ecclesia, that be called sarcasm dear." Then he chuckled lightly, his breath ghosting in the chilled air as he stepped away. My, he had nearly forgotten the qualities of his childhood friend! Including her amusing sense of sincerity.
Kicking up short flurries of snow with his steps, the male tilted an ear back as she stumbled to explain herself. Though there was no need, as her opinion was just as welcome to be announced as any other. Pausing in his movement, as he could hardly stand still for long in such a frozen landscape, he peered back at the other with honest curiosity. "Hn, the same could be said of you, on projections that is. But change or not, it's a pleasant surprise ta run into you again. This time on all four hooves." His pale face peached over lightly as she mentioned remembering one another, as that was something he had failed to do. "I do agree, even if my recollections aren't as strong as yours."
Nodding to her optimism, the stallion couldn't help but agree. One didn't have to live a lavish lifestyle to still appreciate it. And a story is just that, a cycle of events unique to one person alone that could never be replicated. He'd be a fool to even try judging or comparing one's story to another; so long as they were happy then what was there to dispute?
"Well then, lets take that standing breath of yours 'n get it pulsing!" And with that he took her invite, making the lead and heading through the spiny trees of the woods at a leisurely pace. So long as he was moving, the half-Troll felt more at ease, and was content to muse quietly to himself. Such as where to find a source of water that wasn't part of the river. .__.'
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Posted: Sat May 14, 2011 12:24 pm
Ecclesia blinked in a moments confusion and then embarressment as she was corrected. Sarcasm? How had she missed it! Oh bother, she was a very sincere female, and while she had a good heart and could often be full of good humor herself . . .well . . .sometimes things went completely over her head. Like sarcasm. Dipping her head a bit, the violet mare gave a gentle chuckle and added softly, "Oh." What else could she say? Thankfully her coat was dark and hide any flush that she could feel coloring her cheeks.
Thankfully though, there were other things to focus on. Like the snow and cold surrounding them, her thirst, and of course moving the conversation forward. Her black eyes brightened a bit as the stallion admitted his own pleasure in bumping in to her again. Sure, she realized for the most part he had forgotten about her, but she couldn't blame him. It wasn't as if they had been able to spend a lot of time together, but she did remember bits and pieces. Besides, it wasn't like there were many faces to color her world outside of her family. Where Manjii had managed to live an active life, she had done nothing but amble around her home. Adventure just wasn't something she had been able to grasp, and while part of her desperately wanted to see some of the world, she wasn't so certain she could do it alone. She also wasn't entirely sure her mother would ever forgive her if she left for any great length. . . . Cassiel was sensitive, after all.
But that was neither here nor there. Right now, she was experiencing a great adventure! It might not be terribly epic, but she was reunited with an old acquaintance, and they were off on the search for water! Given, it was a little silly since a river was just behind them, but he had seemed so concerned with her breaking the ice! Furthermore, she hadn't exactly had the power or weight to shatter the thick layer . . . no . . .discovering a source of water elsewhere seemed like a good idea.
"So have you traveled all over during the years?" She quietly questioned, curious about the places he might have seen. Where had his hooves taken him? He probably had a terribly interesting life and terribly interesting friends that made her life terribly boring in comparison. And truly, it was. Oh well. The mare made light work, keeping up with the larger troll. Snow wasn't the easiest thing to travel in, but they had yet to reach any deeper snow drifts.
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Posted: Mon Jun 20, 2011 9:37 pm
Oblivious to any of the inner musings of his traveling companion, the cloud-marked stallion marched onward through the snowy landscape. It was easier now to tred that they had left the congested slope of the riverside in favor of the shallow hills among the trees. It helped tremendously to take the edge off his mind, and he glanced back to make sure his worries hadn't scared the other soquili away. After all, he would have been annoyed if not slighted if someone had pestered him in such a random manner too. Sigh, so much for thinking before acting.
"Keeping up back there?" He took a rest as he waited for the other to catch up, more out of courtesy than her actually falling behind. Hopefully he hadn't put her in a sour mood with his sporadic demands. His mother would have swatted him with her tail, had she been present. But it was all in the best of intentions! And it's not like he wasn't bothering to correct the situation for the mare; pray she care to tolerate his efforts. Especially now if he couldn't locate another source of water for the other. All these thoughts rattled in Manjii's mind as he kept a clam smile as Ecclesia approached. If anything, her tone of voice didn't sound annoyed at the situation.
"Me? Traveling would be an understatement. It was more as if I was towed around all these years, back when I was still too young to venture on my own. And then when I did grow into my bones, the habit was too instilled to let go. All locations are home for me, but only in small degrees." He gave a crooked grin as he flicked his tail from frost crystals. "Hn, come to think of it, I do apologize. I never did pause to return to that place with the log, even if just to say hello. But I suppose I've done that to many." Shaking his mane, he switched gears by repeated the question back for the other.
"What of you? I'm sure you have tales to speak of since last we met?"
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Posted: Fri Jul 08, 2011 1:53 pm
Thankfully for Manjii, he was in very good company. Ecclesia had never been one to be short of temper or ill mannered, and certainly didn't think poorly of her companion! While his fear of her being so close to the river had been a bit odd, she understood that everyone had worries and concerns. Ultimately, he had been looking out for her safety and that was something she wouldn't begrudge him. She appreciated his concern, even if it might have branched from a personal fear or phobia.
"Indeed I am, though I apologize if I hold you up. You'd think I'd be used to walking through the snow covered landscape, but it still can be a bit slick underhoof," she gave a small chuckle and shrug of her shoulders, picking up her pace so she might walk next to him as opposed to behind. This way neither one strayed too far, and she didn't feel like she was too slow. Thankfully though, now making their way further from the river, the landscape was much more flat and easier to navigate.
Ecclesia listened as the blue coated stallion explained some of his upbringing. It was interesting to learn more of him now that they were grown, and get a new perspective of his lifestyle. They had only met once, but it had turned out to be a memory Ecclesia hadn't forgot. "I'm still amazed at everything you might have witnessed. How different the world must look to be days or months away from here." Her words were almost wistful as she considered what a desert or jungle might look like. Or the ocean. . .how she longed to see a body of water that was endless.
Black eyes widened somewhat as he then apologized for having never returned. This stopped the mare in her tracks before she gave a warm laugh and a small shake of her head. "No no," she reassured, resuming her pace and hurrying to make up for her missed steps. "Really, there is nothing to apologize for! It sounds to me that you possessed a busy lifestyle what with all your roaming. We were young, after all, besides," she added with a cheeky smile. "Technically you have returned, albeit unknowingly. We're really not terribly far from where the log incident occurred. That area was my homeland as a filly, and is my homeland even today."
Everything was going smoothly, until he inquired of her own tales and history. For a moment she said nothing, considering his words and considering her life as it had passed. Her brows knit for a moment before she heaved a sigh and gave a small shake of her head. ". . . . I must admit, my life is fairly bland in comparison. You see I . . . " She hesitated, trying to find out how to word the lessons of her life.
"I haven't really gone far from my homelands. I have an obligation. . rather a. . duty I suppose, to my mother. It's just her and I at the moment, and she has some deep rooted fears of abandonment. With my brother and father away, it . . . it isn't easy to stray far. Someday though, I hope to make up for all the travelling I've missed out upon. But . . . until then . . . " Her voice was a bit strained as she gave a small flick of her tail. Life had always been quiet and simple for the mare, but she did fear she was missing out on a lot.
"I suppose there isn't much to say." She could dream of adventure, but dreaming was about all she was good for. Unlike 'Manjii, she couldn't so easily travel or roam or plan an escape. What she wouldn't admit is, after years of living a terribly sheltered life, even if she could stand up to her mother, she was a little afraid of travelling alone. She wasn't strong, she wasn't quick, she was as average a mare as one might get. She'd never been alone before, and while the idea sometimes had a beauty about it, she also knew how dangerous the world could be.
Her mother had made sure she knew that much.
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Posted: Wed Sep 28, 2011 10:14 pm
Arching his neck and lifting his chin as he grinned, the male could only hum to himself to her apology. It was an unfounded statement, so he didn't see why she felt compelled to say so. This was nothing more than a leisurely encounter, with the snow indeed making it a leisurely stroll. "I must say, if anything is holding me up, it's not you. Haha, I imagine you're too petite to even try such a feat." Kicking up a weak wave of snow, he continued on with ears perked as she spoke.
Hn, days and months away. Had things really been that long ago? Why, he sincerely remembered it like yesterday when his slight mother seemed to tower over him! And his own legs and body hadn't seemed so heavy or slow....why, were he and Ecclesia already considered 'old'? The very idea shook Manjii physically to the bone, skulking at the wandering thought. There were still plenty of days and months ahead to enjoy!
Blinking as soon as it fell silent, he stopped and peered around at his traveling companion. "Ecclesia? Are you alright?" Then he scanned around, wondering what possessed her to make such a sudden stop. "Well, I suppose it was a busy life, if one had to choose a single word for it." Manjii quirked a brow as he regarded the other. "Are we now? Is this really the same land? You sure know your way around Missy." Glancing to the side, the male eyed the bare trees as if to find some hint or memory of them from long ago. But everything looked so different in winter and with one poor eye. Then he belatedly blushed, thinking that the mare would know better than he if there even was a chance of another source of water being nearby. x,x;
Sobering up at her hushed replies, Manjii gave his friend plenty of time to find her words. It seemed that, despite her calm resolution on remaining at her mother's side, there was still that tremor in her voice for freedom. Was she even aware of that yearning? "Eh, there is no crime in supporting one's family. And though I won't inquire why, but it'd seem a better role fit for your mother's suitor." But situations were different for everyone, so he dare didn't say it as loosely as if they were still a family and the 'suitor' her blood father. Who knew? "Why not take on an adventure with your mother?"
Ducking under a branch as they moved forward, the stallion smiled to himself as he found what he was looking for. Just some feet away laid a shallow scoop in the earth. And even with the layer of powdered snow on top, the sun revealed the gleam of an ice covered puddle.
This should do just fine.
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