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 Posted: Mon Oct 31, 2011 9:43 pm
  Nyx Queen of Darkness Ashe was out on the plain running. The smooth stride was soothing to flex her muscles and relax away from the herd. It was something she did daily to release some of the pent up energy. Today though, her run took her within a mile of the swamp in the early evening. Thin streaks of orange lit up the sky as the sun started to go down. The chilly breeze blowing over her as she slowed down to a trot. It felt nice to get away from the oppressive heat. The summer days ebbing into fall. The entire world seemed to be preparing itself by relaxing, and enjoying the brief respite that night would bring. Ashe walked along, allowing the breeze to chill the sweat on her back. CheshireKttty Dusk was close, the stallion could feel it. Cereus snarled as he smelled a strange scent in the air. He wasn't entirely sure what or who it was, but he didn't like it. Not a bit. His father had taught him many things as a young colt, and he had studied them all very carefully. His main lesson, had been one of survival. As much as Cereus wished he could simply charge head first into battle, he knew it was best to be cautious. Stretching out his legs, he worked out the kinks that had developed in them during the day. Preparing for whatever might happen next. Nyx Queen of Darkness Ashe stood there eyes closed, letting the wind tug at the loose tendrils of her hair for a few moments before shivering in the cold. Grazing along, she began to think of the recent developments. It was a strange feeling emotions toward Lutherian, well rather different emotions than those of him being her guardian. Was it really so strange that she had grown to love him? He after all, hadn't been that much older than her to begin with. It wasn't wrong to grow to love him, was it? Her head popped up as she heard a soft crunching sound. CheshireKttty Carefully, Cerues had made his way out of the protection of his cave. Perhaps it had been a mistake and he should turn around now? No, he couldn't. If he couldn't even do something as simple as track a scent, how could he ever prove how great he was to his father? Stepping down, his hoof landed on a bunch of dried leaves giving away his position. Cursing his carelessness, he looked to see a mare not far from him. Well, at least he wasn't about to be in any immediate danger. Nyx Queen of Darkness Ashe looked around, but saw nothing but the strange lights of the swamp. She wasn't afraid of lights, she wasn't afraid of most anything--except for the emotions that were welling up inside of her. What was she going to do? She'd tried to tell Lutherian how she felt, but well..that hadn't come out quite right. But she did love him. She really did. She began to graze again as the troubled thoughts tumbled in her head. What was she going to do if she couldn't say it to him? Well clearly anyways. Why was she afraid? She'd never been afraid before!
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Posted: Wed Nov 02, 2011 3:35 pm
CheshireKttty Cereus stood as still as possible while he surveyed the mare. At first she had acted as if she had heard him, yet, she gave no sign that she had seen him. Relaxing just a tad, the stallion began to move ever so quietly. This would be his first chance to play the game that his father loved so dearly, and he wasn't about to mess it up. Nyx Queen of Darkness Ashe felt the hair on the back of her neck prickling. What was this strange feeling? Nothing was around, no one was around. She pushed herself back into her mind, Lutherian...he would feel the same about her wouldnt--Her head snapped up quickly and her nostrils flared. She could see six eyes looking at her, she had been wrong not to trust her feelings before. CheshireKttty The mutated stallion cursed himself as the mare noticed him. His eyes, how could he forget his eyes? He made a mental note to never forget them again, but for now he had some damage control to take care of. Perhaps he ought to try something his father hadn't taught him. "Don't be frightened." He called out to the mare before she could run away. "I was only curious is all. I don't get many visitors out here." He said in a smooth, almost hypnotic voice. Nyx Queen of Darkness Ashe tilted her head warily. "I"m not afraid of you." She turned completely to face him, "I assume this is your home. You really shouldn't creep up on anyone, no wonder no one comes out here." Her voice was even, but intrigued by him. "Why do you have so many eyes?" She asked bluntly. CheshireKttty She wasn't afraid of him? Cereus wasn't sure if he believed her or not, but at least she hadn't run screaming. Perhaps she was indeed telling the truth, either way he supposed that it really did not matter. "Well, both of my parent's had a lot of eyes, perhaps the question is why don't you have more?" He asked her curiously." Nyx Queen of Darkness "Fair enough," she shrugged her shoulders. "You're quite right, right should I be the normal one?" Because really, just because she was normal to her, why would she be the normal one fo the two? She assessed him quickly, "You look shocked. Would you prefer I fear you?" CheshireKttty Cereus found himself started by the mare's reply. "Well, no, but most do seem to fear me. Not that a lot of people stray this way. Speaking of which, are you lost?" He asked her. He knew that his father would likely be displeased with the way that he was easily talking to the mare. However, there was something about her. Something in the way that she did not fear him and that she was able to talk to him as if he was any other soquili. He liked this mare. He found himself wanting to keep her around.
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Nyx Queen of Darkness Crew
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Posted: Thu Dec 01, 2011 12:09 am
"Not particularly, there's no certain place I'm going. And I'm sure if I go back the way I came, I'll be all right." She couldn't help but smile, "Why? Are you lost? She smirked lightly playfully.
He was quiet interesting. Something about him was amusing, but also sinister. Yet, she was very much not afraid.
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Posted: Fri Dec 02, 2011 3:09 pm
Cereus eyed the mare cautiously. He wasn't entirely sure what to think of her. She seemed a bit... odd. He wasn't used to other soquili not running from him in terror. Let alone teasing him. At least, he thought that was what she was doing. Perhaps she actually thought he was lost? The stallion supposed that it was possible. "No." He replied, humoring the mare. "I am not lost. I just don't receive many visitors and suspected that you might have wandered a tad too far from home. If you're not lost, then may I ask what you're doing here?"
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Nyx Queen of Darkness Crew
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Posted: Wed Dec 07, 2011 2:58 am
Ashe considered for a moment as she watched dusk approach. The fireflies flashed in the dimming light, as she sought how to phrase it. "Sometimes...I feel kind of," she searched for the word. "Kind of lost at home. I feel the need to be alone. Something is missing, and I can't quite put a hoof on it. So I go for a walk or a run. It helps me clear my head, it makes me able to put aside the feeling and go about my normal life again."
She looked up into his many eyes. They were very interesting, so very unusual. And yet, there was something unfamiliar connected with them. She didn't know what it was, but she pushed it away. "My head is so full it feels nice to free it of some thoughts. Do you know what I mean?" She tilts her head as she asks him.
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Posted: Fri Dec 30, 2011 9:56 pm
Cereus Zeridae studied the mare curiously. He couldn't remember the last time that he had had just a normal conversation like this. Outside of his family, he didn't think he'd ever had any real conversations. Just soquili that seemed to be terrified of him. Most ran in fear as soon as they saw his eyes. This mare was different though, she actually seemed rather intrigued by him. She didn't run as all of the others had, and she certainly didn't seem to be afraid in the least. She talked to him as if he were anyone else, as if he were a normal soquili. For some reason it warmed him, at least he thought that was what it did. It was the sort of feeling that he had only ever felt with his family.
Cereus decided then and there that he wanted this mare. Willingly or not. He wasn't sure how long the feelings that he seemed to have for her would last, but he was determined to keep her. The only issue was going to be getting her home. Once he could get the mare into his cave, keeping her there would be quite easy. Then again, getting her there might not be all that hard either.
"I think I understand what you mean." He told her quietly. Life can be so full of ..." He trailed off as he tried to think of the word. "Well, so full of life." He grinned rather sheepishly. "Sometimes life just catches you by surprise, Even I need a bit of time here and there to try to catch up to it. I tend to find myself on walks like this rather often when that happens. It sort of calms my mind down, helps me relax. It really just makes things a bit easier to take in." He told her. Well now, didn't he sound rather silly? Here's hoping he hadn't made a complete fool of himself.
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Nyx Queen of Darkness Crew
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Posted: Fri Dec 30, 2011 11:50 pm
Ashe eyed him, for a moment there seemed something different about him. And yet...She didn't consider leaving, no warning bells sounded in her mind. She nodded her head as she closed her eyes for a moment, "Wandering can do the mind good. Sometimes if you're body is lost you can find your mind. If that makes sense."
This soquili that was watching her with luminous eyes was keeping secrets, and she was intrigued as to what they were. She would figure it out...what was lurking behind all those eyes. Eyes are mirrors to the soul someone once said...If you have more eyes, does that mean you're fractured? Or your soul? Or does it mean nothing at all?
Her eyes looked back over to him. And something strange struck her, and she smiled gently, "I don't think I asked your name. I'm Ashe."
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Posted: Sat Dec 31, 2011 6:21 pm
Cereus was taken aback by the mare's response. How had he overlooked names? How rude of him! Then again, when you never met anyone it was rather easy to forget that sort of thing now wasn't it? "Do forgive me." He spoke. "You see, when you alone for as long as I have, you tend to forget such things. Not that I've forgotten my name, no, just that I never really meet anyone. At least, not that I can remember. Perhaps I've had a few strangers come and go. But no one really stays long. Definitely not long enough for a name. Except, I suppose for you. Since you're here now and asking for my name." He continued on with a grin. "I suppose I still haven't given it yet have I? Well, my name is Cereus. My full name is Cereus Zeridae but I don't think anyone but my mother calls me that." The stallion rambled on. "You know, it's a bit dark and cold here. If you'd like, I could show you my cave? There isn't any wind there and it helps with the cold. Plus you never know what sort of creatures you might encounter out here." He grinned, hoping she would take the bait.
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Nyx Queen of Darkness Crew
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Posted: Thu Jan 05, 2012 7:40 pm
Some part of her said no. She didn't know him after all, why should she go with him? But some part of her called out for it. There was some sense of danger, but...overall saying no seemed more the danger. If it was a simple invitation with now hidden agenda then it wouldn't hurt to go. If there was...something underneath, then saying no could be more deadly and lead to force.
With cool blue eyes, she watched him. Her heart speeding up a little, but her face calm. "I suppose I could. You only live once right?" Something in the way his face changed when she agreed, told her she had been right...
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Posted: Thu Jan 19, 2012 1:43 pm
Cereus felt a smile begin to cross his face, but he suppressed it. Yes he was exceedingly happy to have her come along with him, but he didn't need to give away any of his intentions to her. No, he didn't want to have to take the mare by force, it was so much easier when they came willingly.
"Good," He told her. "It's much too cold out, wouldn't want you freezing to death." He continued on. "Just be sure to watch where you step. This swamp is full of many traps and surprises. One wrong step could cost you your life. But don't worry, as long as you're with me I will keep you safe. If you stick close and only step where I step you should be just fine."
He motioned with his head for her to follow him, and then turned to move towards his cave. Pausing only a moment to make sure that the mare followed him. The walk to his cave wasn't too far, and their journey shouldn't be too eventful. Cereus had learned to live with the creatures of the swamp, and they had learned to keep away from him in turn.
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Nyx Queen of Darkness Crew
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Posted: Thu Jan 19, 2012 8:18 pm
She nodded her head gently, moving after him. Her thoughts were becoming swift as she tried to take in the area she was in. She needed to make sure she knew where she was going, it might be what saved her. Was there any other choice?
Her mind darted back and forth in dizzying rounds trying to figure out something. But all in all, this seemed like the best idea. She was a fighter, but against the odds she knew when to wait. She'd be missed and followed. How long would that take? How would Lutherian take it? The herd...
They'd come for her surely. But...what if they got hurt coming after this male. He could easily hurt them, she knew that. What if they saw her hooveprints and thought she'd followed him willingly and left willingly?
But Lutherian wouldn't, he couldn't.
But with a great sense of dread, she watched as the heaven opened up and poured forth. So much for luck. There would be no hoofprints to follow.
She kept her eyes on Cereus as she stepped in his footprints. She had to play along.
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Posted: Tue Jan 24, 2012 8:34 pm
Cereus couldn't help grinning as he felt the rain begin fall in fat droplets to the ground. Good, it looked as if there wouldn't be any evidence left for the mare to excape. Cereus loved his toys, and hated when they were taken from him. The stallion turned his head to check on the mare before continuing on any further. She seemed to be willing enough to keep up with him. He wasn't sure if she had caught onto his plan or not yet, but at the moment she was calm.
Satisfied that the mare wasn't about to cause him any trouble, Cereus continued on forward. The rain was a relief as far as covering their tracks, but he still wanted to get back to his cave and out of it before long. Looking around, he examined the area in front of him. There was the forked tree to the left, and the half rotted log over to the right. Good, they were just about there. Only a few minutes longer now. "Don't worry." He called back to the mare. "We're almost there now, I'll get you out of this rain very soon, don't worry." He said cheerfully.
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Nyx Queen of Darkness Crew
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Posted: Tue Jan 24, 2012 8:54 pm
She could feel the droplets pulling the ringlets of her hair straight. Maybe it was foolish, but she was going to ask. Her footsteps didn't falter, she couldn't--wouldn't run. It simply wasn't wise. "Cereus..." Her voice was too soft, so she said it louder but still just as firm. "Cereus, how long do you plan on keeping me?"
She waited to see what he would say to her. Maybe it was the wrong thing--maybe she should have just kept her mouth shut. But she'd find out soon enough and she wasn't running, was she? She had a right to know, didn't she?
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Posted: Thu Jan 26, 2012 8:46 pm
The stallion frowned at the mare's words. Damn! How had she figured it out? Had he been that obvious? No, he hadn't thought so. Perhaps this mare just had more brains than he gave her credit for? That was certainly possible. Cereus wasn't used to company of any sort. He wasn't used to interacting with others. He must have done something that let his intentions slip without noticing or meaning to. Well, no way around it now. He could try to lie, but he doubted that the mare would believe him. No, he would simply have to tell her the truth. As it was, she still wasn't struggling. And from the way that she spoke, he didn't think she was about to start planning an escape. Either way, if she was smart enough to figure out his plan, he would need to be more careful.
"I suppose there isn't much use in trying to keep it from you." He continued slowly. "You're too smart to lie to. Not to mention I have far too much respect for you. Honestly though, I hadn't really considered how long I would keep you. I figure until I've grown weary. You are such a pretty little thing, I suppose I'll keep you for quite some time." As he spoke, they reached the entrance to his cave. "After you." He grinned to the mare.
Cereus hadn't shown his home to anyone in quite some time. He knew that caves weren't often attractive, yet he had found something rather rare. His cave was rather beautiful. It had several crystals hanging from the ceiling and when the light of the moon hit them they shone down upon a small pond inside of the cave. Yet somehow, even through their beauty, they still remained eerie.
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Nyx Queen of Darkness Crew
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Posted: Fri Jan 27, 2012 3:21 am
Ashe felt her heart thrumming louder in her ears. The hard surge of adrenaline was hitting. She'd always heard it was fight or flight. She'd never been much for flight, even when maybe it was better to run.
Here she was on the edge of his cave, like on a ledge. She had to walk a line. He'd made his intentions quite clear, she was pretty and young and he'd be keeping her as a pet. The best thing to do was go along with it, no matter how horrible or creepy or angering it was. She'd have to wait until she could either escape--learn her way out or be rescued or else there would be no chance of getting out alive.
Raising her head, she moved into the cave. The crystals glinted off the ceiling and in the cool water. "Is it safe to drink this?" Her voice echoed around the cave.
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