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 Posted: Sun Jul 17, 2011 6:52 pm
Needless to say, Chandar was not happy. His typical surly nature was aggravated beyond belief, and all he wanted to do was find a pond or lake or river to soak in. Unfortuanately, he hadn't a clue where his hooves were taking him, and there wasn't a trace of water on the air.
Damnit all.
With his tail swatting angrily back and forth at his flank, he pushed his way through the woods carelessly. He didn't care who heard him, he didn't care who saw him, all he wanted was for the weather to cool down and for the world to leave him alone. He was still sore from his earlier escapade with a skinwalker, a few months prior, some of the deeper and more severe wounds slow to mend. Covered in scars and walking with a limp, the stallion seemed to radiate a sour disposition.
Hopefully, the spirits would keep any and all away from the male. He just wasn't in the mood to deal with others (but when was he ever?) and could only hope he might find water soon. He couldn't be held accountable for his actions if his misery kept up any longer. Surely some good luck might come his way. . . and soon!
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Posted: Sun Jul 17, 2011 7:10 pm
 It was the hottest part of the day and Memini simply couldn't sleep any longer. Summer really wasn't one of the mare's preferred seasons, but it had its ups and downs, like any time of year. Dedisci was, as usual, still sleeping like a log. She couldn't understand how it was that he could sleep through anything at all, but it didn't really matter. She didn't have to worry about him, not when he was asleep. It was time to herself and she savored it for that.
Not that she was against meeting people, oh no. One simply got tired of spending all one's time with one's brother.
Speaking of meeting people, she could hear someone crashing through the forest. She didn't hear much else from the stranger, so she figured they might be a bit lost. And not particularly woodswise. The navy mare picked her way through the trees and underbrush in the direction of the sounds until she finally could see a black stallion with green markings, not at all bad looking, she mused, and certainly he couldn't have any idea where he was or where he was going.
"Lost?" Memini called out to the stranger, leaning nonchalantly against a tree.
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Posted: Sun Jul 17, 2011 7:46 pm
"Lost?"
The words cut through the silence and caused the stallion to stop dead in his tracks. His ears flattened some, and his bright, blue eyes swiftly located the source. Part of Chandar was irritated that he'd all but run over the mare, but the other annoyance was the fact he had been sloppy and careless. Usually he was much more alert, forever guarded, and cautious. Apparently today was not one of those days. . . .
Then again, what could the world possibly throw at him that was worse than another wretched skinwalker?! He'd already suffered through the paws and claws of that damned bearwalker, and somehow had even failed a proper slaughtering! Life had never been in Chandar's favor, so the stallion had to wonder why he continued to be so let down or disappointed.
Either way, his eyes narrowed slightly at the figure and he couldn't help but give a small snort and frown. If it was possible for his scowl to deepen, it did, and he found himself leery at the sight of the mare. She wasn't Beatrice, thankfully, but she was still a someone. . . and a someone who had inquired about his current situation.
Lost?! "It's no concern of yours," he stated, words stiff but without cruelty behind them. Honestly, he struggled curbing his acidic tongue, and wasn't very good when it came to handling conversation, much less with strangers. And heaven forbid he ever need help. No. He couldn't trust anyone, after all, and didn't dare want to appear weak. Life was strength, and that was all he had. Even though logic stated he could likely get information or direction from the mare (as her comment implied she was somewhat knowledgable about the area) he would refuse to do so. But then again, Chandar had always been stubborn and bull-headed.
"I'm just passing through." Stomping was more like it but, details, details. This way the mare would go on her merry way and he could continue pushing on through the woods. He'd figure it out, one way or another. He always had, after all.
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Posted: Mon Jul 18, 2011 5:29 am
How like a male, to refuse to ask for directions. The thought amused her in the same way as the stallion himself, little did he know. So he was rude, so were a lot of men. But this one didn't seem to do it intentionally, and that made all the difference in the world.
"Oh, aye, passing through the forest and right into the muck of a swamp," Memini replied, completely undeterred. She might be exaggerating on how close the swamp was, but no mistake he was heading straight for it. Somehow, between the heat they both had to feel and the way he was swatting flies with his tail, she didn't think he'd like the swamp much.
Not that most people did. A Skinwalker (or more than one, the rumors varied) was said to make their home in that swamp. Certainly many who went in were never heard from again, but Memini wasn't sure if it was a Skinwalker or just the dangers inherent in a bog of any kind.
She doubted he'd be grateful for her trying to save him from an untimely death. But heyla, her job to remember, right?
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Posted: Thu Jul 21, 2011 7:43 pm
Chandar took a few more steps, mostly out of pride, before stopping. He gazed out at the direction his hooves were taking him, debating whether or not he should just tell the mare to shove off and let him head wherever he damned well pleased. But, on the other hoof, he didn't necessarily want to end up in a bog. He had lurked near such places as a younger stallion, and in fact, wound up looking as ragged and scarred up and torn as he did currently in an inhospitable area. He really didn't want to make the same mistake twice. . . even if he'd rather steer clear of any and all companions.
Damnit all.
His tail flicked, this time out of irritation, and he considered how next to proceed. He didn't want a bog, but he wanted someplace cool, quiet, and preferably with water nearby! As much as he hated to admit it, the easiest way would be to request of this mare her knowledge of the land. But how to do so without looking like a lost soul? Without admitting his ignorance of the territory and land?
Chandar hated depending on anyone. He'd lived almost all of his life alone, and was accustomed to needing anothers aid. While Beatrice had saved his life, he hated admitting such a thing. And to once again appear weak in front of a stranger. . . it was almost too much. Pride was all Chandar had left, barely. . . .
Glancing over at the mare, he gave a shake of his ebony coat, considering his words. " I've walked through worse," he admitted slowly, blue eyes narrowing defensively. He'd survived through something, that much was obvious with the scars that littered his body and deep wounds that were still healing. "But I . . . suppose I'd do just as well to avoid such a place if I could." He hated saying it, and he did give what he hoped was a nod of thanks in Menimi's direction. It was awkward, everything about Chandar was just a little awkward really, but it was a start.
Maybe his time spent with Beatrice had softened him up. . . some.
Unfortunately, this left the stallion standing there with no real way to turn. If she expected him to continue to carry on the conversation, she would be sadly mistaken. As it was, he hoped the awkward quiet would drive the mare away. He'd pick a different direction and hope that was better. This way he didn't have to ask Menimi for directions. . . There.
Pride was still in tact. Sort of. If she left, there would be no need for further conversation and he could continue. He didn't dare pick a new direction with her watching. . no. All he needed was for her to rip his choices and decisions down a second time. So by not doing anything, he saved himself from further humiliation.
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Posted: Thu Jul 21, 2011 7:52 pm
Well, this was...promising, she supposed. At least he was willing to believe her, and that was more than some would do. Especially seeing as how she was just being a good Samaritan and trying to help him out. And now...gods he really was a typical male. He knew nothing about the fen except for its existence and was saying he'd been through worse - how could he possibly know?
She also didn't miss the fact that while he'd stopped walking forward, he'd also stopped completely. Likely he was still totally lost and would just pick a "probably not swamp" direction if left to his own devices.
"There probably are worse places," she admitted, "though I reckon you've not been to any of them in this kind of heat." It was far hotter than was normal for this season, and no one sane wanted to go anywhere like a bog.
Memini sized up the black and green stallion. Stubborn, male, handsome, eh, in for a nut in for a tree. She turned at an angle and started walking. Pausing, the mare looked over her shoulder at the stallion whose name she didn't even know.
"Small lake's this way." He could follow her or not, it was up to him. But she'd rather spend long minutes trying to coax him to talk in a place with a breeze and some fresh water.
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Posted: Thu Jul 21, 2011 8:26 pm
Part of Chandar was surprised at how clearly the mare seemed to read him. Not only was she far from put off from his attitude or lack of conversation, but she actually mentioned a lake and . . . was that some sort of veiled invitation to follow? Why else would she have mentioned it if she hadn't expected him to desire such a location?
Blasted females! While the stallion never did well around either gender, males pissed him off and females absolutely confounded him! Beatrice had been a bit of a unique scenario, but she had also had an awful temper herself. She hated him from the get go, even while aiding him. . . .Deep down the stallion had been grateful, but he hadn't done a great job at showing it.
And now, here he was, driven half-mad by thirst and heat. Still, for once, the female had yet to really push him over the edge. She hadn't insulted him or his intelligence, hadn't made some cold uppity comment, and really had been as absolutely neautral an acquaintence as he could have found. She wasn't trying to make small talk . . . yet. . . outside of questioning his directions, hadn't pushed him over the edge with disgust or aggravation.
Hmph.
Maybe all that time with Beatrice had softened him up some, or maybe he just wanted some damned water. And if the mare knew how to get it, well . . . he wasn't exactly in the best condition after all. And he had to look a bit of a mess. While part of Chandar hesitated, considering his location and not entirely trusting her intentions. . . he couldn't go back as there was no water the way he had come; he couldn't go forward, as that might prove unsuccessful. His only options were following what might be a native, or ambling elsewhere.
His chances, even if she lead him away from water, were still probably better off her way. He could handle a mare and possible betrayal. Besides. . .deep down he had to wonder if maybe, for once, she was genuine. Either way, he'd find out soon.
Giving a small snort, the stallion said nothing and quietly followed. He kept a good distance between himself and the mare, and kept his ears and body alert. It was default for the stallion, who had learned time and time again what it as like to keep ones defenses down. He might be following the mare, but he was ready and waiting for the attack.
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Posted: Thu Jul 21, 2011 8:30 pm
The lake hadn't been her goal earlier, but by the time they got there, Memini was glad she'd chosen to show the stallion the way. Ignoring the fact that he was somewhere behind her (distance was hard to judge when you refused to look back and were basing things only off the sound of someone crashing through the underbrush), the mare knelt down for a long drink out of the clear water.
Having drunk her fill, Memini then removed herself to the shade of a nearby tree - not right next to the lake but still enough in the open to catch the slight breeze that was blowing. She listened and watched the stallion's progress towards the lake and thought about speaking. Eh, no point in doing anything yet. Let him cool off and slake his thirst before actually trying to get him to talk. Relief tended to do good things for people's tempers.
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Posted: Sat Jul 30, 2011 8:41 am
Chandar was still doubting the mare and her intentions even as the first scent of water tickled his nose. He just couldn't understand why she was being so damned helpful. She had no reason to guide him towards cool waters, and part of the stallion was irritated by his lack of knowledge in these lands. He didn't want this mare to think he had to rely on others or was weak. . . he'd lived alone all his life, had struggled through starvation, famine, extreme heat, extreme cold, all on his own. He'd never relied on anyone, and yet here he was, following some mare.
He would have eventually found himself some water, somewhere. And he wasn't afraid of bogs or shady creatures and individuals either. Still, as his bright blue eyes turned away from Menimi, he found himself staring at a lake. The mare hadn't thrown him off course or led him astray. With this heat, he couldn't imagine anyone wanting to play games or trickery. . . it was just too damn hot for such things!
Giving his tail a flick, mostly in annoyance at himself, the scarred stallion picked his way carefully to the waters edge. He kept his ears alert, but at the moment all was quiet. Stepping in to the water, he dipped his head and drank his fill. The water was cold and felt good against his dry tongue. Chandar lingered at the waters edge, slacking his thirst and finding life less hostile now that he wasn't desperate for a drink.
. . . that still didn't mean he was glad to have had to depend on the others advice but . . . the black and green stallion wasn't completely heartless. He wasn't comfortable or accustomed to conversation, but he knew the basis of manners. Somewhere.
Making sure he drank more than his fill, and cooling off by wallowing a bit, the stallion finally pushed himself away from the waters edge. He noticed the stranger in the shade of the trees. He edged closer, though he did keep some distance just in case she did decide to attack. Pawing at the earth, Chandar considered his words. . . . "I. . appreciate your assistance and . . .help in guiding me towards water." His words were slightly stiff, and a bit rusty, but then again outside of Beatrice Chandar really had minimal exposure to others.
It was most unusual for others to aid him, and he was still trying to figure out the mares motive. Simply being helpful didn't occur to him.
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Posted: Sat Jul 30, 2011 2:28 pm
So, she'd read him aright. The mare watched him drink until she started to worry that he might founder himself. He must've done without for a fair chunk of time in this heat, to be so thirsty. She wondered if it was poor planning or some sort of macho thing on his part. Given his behavior thus far, Memini guessed the former.
He also had the strangest way of saying "thank you" without ever actually saying those two words. Probably hated being indebted to anyone. Typical male stubborness. It was almost like...like he didn't expect someone to help. The blue mare couldn't see the sense in that. You paid it forward - someone helped you today when you needed it most, then when you saw someone else in need, you helped them.
And yes, she knew that people were greedy bastards and some would do anything to satisfy their sick hungers, but that didn't stop her trying to help. She believed that a kind word could do a world of good to someone.
"You're welcome," the mare replied at last, a smile on her lips. "My name is Memini." She gave it freely, after considering and discarding the idea of telling him he had only to ask for aid. She didn't want to insult the stallion or chase him away, not when he'd given her no reason to wish him gone.
Not yet, at least. The possibility would continue to exist, especially as long as he insisted on acting like a feral child.
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Posted: Sun Aug 28, 2011 7:37 pm
Unfortunately for Menimi, Chandar was a feral child. Well, perhaps not a child but he had been raised alone and brought up only on instinct, luck, and willpower. He had been granted a series of hard knocks and unfortunate circumstance, but had struggled on as best he knew. Alas, there was very little good in Chandar's life, and truly he knew no other way. Nothing ever came easy, life was a constant battle, and therefor kept him continuously on his guard.
When it came to socializing, he was hardly well practiced in the art. Only recently, with the assistance of Beatrice, did he get pushed headfirst in to practicing things such as conversation. But he was still rusty, and trust wasn't a quality he easily acknowledged much less gave freely. He struggled continuously with having to depend on another, even if it was merely to a pool of water. Thankfully though, Memini had been good to her word, which was strange to him.
The dark coated mare was most peculiar to Chandar. She wore a smile, and offered her name. Uh-oh. . . that meant he was forced to give his own. Manners were something Beatrice had sort of taught him, though he didn't often understand all the rules or etiquette. Names were important though, and while he wasn't accustomed to others caring to know, there was little harm in giving her a name. She had come through on her end, after all. Ducking his head, looking more than a little self-conscious, the stallion flicked his tail before he added, "Chandar. It's . . . good to meet you."
That was what one said to another, wasn't it? How often had he heard Beatrice say such things, how often she had forced him to recite his name to the plains soquili they had met. Oh bother. He just wasn't any good at this. There was an awkwardness about him, and his ears flattened slightly as he looked around, constantly on guard.
This was going absolutely horrible. There were reasons he tried his damndest to stay out of the way of others. He really was like a duck out of water, not knowing where to look and giving off every uncomfortable vibe possible.
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Posted: Sun Sep 04, 2011 9:58 pm
She really should be given an award for managing not to chuckle at the stallion - at Chandar. The boy, and it was hard for her to think of him as being anything more mature than that, was clearly embarrassed by the entire situation. He looked so acutely uncomfortable that Memini just wanted to set him at ease!
Of course, if she acted on that impulse, she'd have to do it subtly, and in a way that wouldn't offend him, for she was fairly certain by now that his pride was almost all he had. That and looks, but she doubted he'd believe her if she brought that up.
"It's wonderful to meet you too, Chandar," the blue mare replied cheerfully. "Will you be in this area long?" It was a harmless enough question by her standards - and the worst he could do was answer "no." Then again, given what she'd already presumed concerning his sense of direction, he might be around longer than he wanted. Which would suit her just fine...
Ah well, enough woolgathering. She'd better pay attention to the black and green stallion.
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Posted: Sun Sep 04, 2011 10:19 pm
Awkward was the understatement of the year. Socializing without having someone to lead the way and show him clearly what to do was terribly unnerving. It wasn't that he worried he would offend or insult the mare - how many had he run off by his defensive and sometimes aggressive behavior? - but he was more aware of what he should and shouldn't do around others. He had treated Beatrice terribly when they had first met. . . and despite his wretched behavior, she had still helped to save his life.
His hadn't been a life worth saving, but she had done it. And he had quietly vowed, every day that she had spent tending to his wounds, to somehow pay her back. While he hadn't been able to do so before she had left him to his own devices, it occurred to him that keeping up social pleasantries and niceties wouldn't hurt anyone.
It was just a shame he failed so horribly at such things.
The black stallions ears pricked up a bit at the blue mares words. Wonderful? Yeeeah . . that was a blatant lie if he'd ever heard one. No one had ever thought it wonderful to meet him, but at the same rate, lately he hadn't much tried. Life had shaped him to be hardened by the world, it was the only way he could have ever survived. But it also played a wicked toll on his emotions and thoughts.
This blue mare, this . . . Menimi, was being nice. He didn't trust her idle chit-chat, but he also felt indebted to her. She had shown him the way to the lake, once again, another mare coming to his aid. Damnit all . . . the spirits were mocking him. Mocking him or testing his behavior. . . maybe a little of both. Naturally, the defensive stallion wanted to demand what it was to her how long he stayed. But he caught himself, and knew that conversation was the least he could do. "I don't plan to be. Your lands will be rightfully yours once more shortly." It was the only logic he could think of. She asked because she wanted to know how long he'd be there, and how much of her water he'd be stealing. He wasn't here for her territory, he wasn't going to loiter long so she wouldn't have to drive him off. He knew his welcome was almost up, but he'd be damned if he wasn't going to stay near the water until the heat subsided. He'd refresh himself and carry on, just like he always did.
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Posted: Sun Sep 04, 2011 10:25 pm
The stallion was thinking hard. Memini was familiar with the perplexed yet focused expression on his face - Dedisci wore it often enough for her to know. It must be hard on him - his every word and glance spoke volumes as to how uncomfortable being near her must make him, and she doubted it was because she was attractive. Had he not grown up among many girls? Or was he even more tragic than that, some kind of loner or orphan who'd just not been around many people at all? She couldn't be sure.
"It's all the same to me whether you're nearby or not," she replied genially. "These lands certainly don't belong to me - nor to anyone else I know of. They simply are, and I, like many others, happen to live upon them."
Land ownership was a foreign concept to Memini. She no more considered the waters of the lake hers than she claimed to own the cave she and Dedisci lived in. Her brother, as a stallion, tended to be a bit more territorial, but even he acknowledged that it was foolish for any mortal to think they could own something so grand and enduring in their fleeting lives.
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Posted: Sun Sep 04, 2011 11:02 pm
These lands had no owner? Had no one protecting its resources? Everything on it was free to do what they wished? His blue eyes narrowed somewhat, testing her words and not quite believing they could be true. While part of the stallion screamed that she was only trying to trick him, to get him in to trouble, to sabotage his visit, another more rational part of the stallion wasn't so sure. Why would she lie about such things or go through the trouble of bringing him to the water? She could have tricked him earlier and far more easier than this potential lengthy charade.
Instinct told him that she was at least partially right. While there were some lingering scents of others whom had been to the lake previously, there was no obvious territory markings. He hadn't passed any markers or prints that screamed this land belonged to another . . . but one could never be too careful, after all. Giving his tail a swish, Chandar said nothing as he considered her words, glancing around at area before returning his gaze to the mare.
"I see."
There was nothing else to say or speak of. It was quite clear that he was not great at conversation, and even more, her words had little effect. His defenses didn't drop, and he continued to study the world with a similar countenance of a feral cat.
Whether these lands were free or not didn't mean he would linger. Just until the sun lowered and the day cooled. Unless someone really did try to run him off.
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