[PRP] Recovery is a Slow Process. (Manji & Nyreen)

[Nyhility]

Nostrils flared and lips sneered as the pale stallion shook his head as if to ward off bee stings, only to pause shortly after with a groan. The quick motion only brought on a headache, and that was one thing he couldn't tolerate at the moment. Clenching his eyes shut and sucking air through his mouth in slow repitition, Manjii remained still until he could regain his sense of balance. He couldn't still be this battered from that tussle he had what was it....just two nights ago? Sure his body was sore, what could one expect after that encounter. But to have his head feel like it was trying to split open hours later?

Finally composing himself together, the half-Troll lifted his head with a wince. Brows furrowed as he slowly opened his eyes, or at least the one that bothered to obey. His left side was still in darkness, and he was reminded of his maimed skin there each time he tried to bring light to that eye. It was too heated and dry, with each movement bringing a warm fluid to his lashes. Manjii was left to the imagination of just what it could be, and knew that either way he'd have to rinse it as best he could in water. Ugh, cold winter water.

A twig snapped behind him, and the male skittered on his hooves as he peered at his surroundings. It took a few frantic seconds, but he eventually found the source to be nothing more than an owl settling above. A hunter of a different kind, and what a great relief that was to the stallion. But it was enough of a thought to keep him moving again, and with a kick to his step he was off, skirting through the woods with focused familiarity. A river was not too far from here.


If there was one thing he appreciated about winter, it was that there were hardly any chances for a sneak attack, and he could run with a clear view through the nimble trees. Hopefully.


 

[musicaloner7]

With the cold front moving in fast, it left for many migrations to ensue earlier than normal. Plenty of geese and birds were making their move, as were large herds of deer and the like. Soquili herd's were no different, making their way to warmer lands, so as to keep their family safe and comfortable, especially if little one's were on the way. Left behind in the wake of the creeping winter were those who were either adapted to such climates, or those who didn't really have a reason to. Nyreen was in the latter group. The single mare was always alone, lonely, and had no need to travel to brighter pastures. She'd lived in such a way all her life, so it was all she knew. Come Winter, Spring, Summer, or Fall, she could endure it all without a problem. To her, it was the natural thing to do. In truth, she was afraid to travel too far from what she knew. For fear of entering dangerous grounds, or territories, running into unpleasant company, or becoming lost. Many fear's gripped the withdrawn female. Those fears had morphed into a shield, guarding her from any sort of interaction, or contact with another life... aside from the greens that she ate from, and the few woodland creatures that she tolerated being close to her; mostly small herbivores. They wouldn't cause her harm. Anything larger was usually cause for distress...

On this day, Nyreen was wandering the thinning forest in search of the common area's that held rich vegetation for grazing. It would be awhile until they began to lose their source of nutrition. But she'd have to take it easy, and visit each respectively so as not to run out. The first spot was found with ease, and untouched so it seemed. Perhaps a few nibbles from rabbits, but nothing too substantial. The grass was lush, and the surrounding bushes were too. She took some calm samples from both, nipping and chewing consistently and thoroughly, ears perked and alert for any sign of another presence. All that was registered in the area were some birds, rodents and bugs. Nothing to be worried about. There was actually a slight relaxed vibe from the mare at this moment, tail giving a lax sway after awhile. It'd been some time since she'd had a run in with an unexpected visitor, which had put her a little off the edge she rode on. Not completely, but a small enough amount to allow her to really enjoy this moment.

It was ended swiftly though, with the sound of rustling. Quickly, the mare rose her head, ears perked firmly, eyes darting about semi-frantically. Heavy placed steps... something big. She didn't wait around to see what it was, instead turned and slipped further into the forest, towards the stream, in a means of instinct. She could cross it, and hopefully gain some ground. Or perhaps just get further away from the unknown source of her distress. She traveled at a rushed trot, not wanting to make too much of a disturbance, but at the same time not risk the chance of being picked up on. In doing so she reached the stream in a timely manner, quietly, and took to it's side as if a means of comfort. She stared behind her for a good long while, listening, and waiting.... but it was quiet... the playful licking, and lapping of the water was enticing enough to draw the mare's eyes over to the crystal like water. So pure, and refreshing... slowly, her neck lowered, and lips dipped into the liquid, sipping at the water which aided in soothing her anxiety, and restless spirit.  

[Nyhility]

Left hoof, right hoof, left hoof, right...right....

The male continued his heavy march through the woodlands without a second glance to the terrain behind him. Even with the rushed pace of his travel bringing him some comfort, he still had no intention of tempting hesitation or karma to the forefront of his mind. And surely to look back with a lack of confidence would spell out trouble for the stallion, or so he cautiously assumed. It was just the way the world worked, bringing relative actions in response to relative thoughts of an individual. And so Manjii' continued to think cheerful and positive thoughts, mumbling them out in beat with his steps, not caring if the spirits thought him silly in doing so.

Catching himself in a stumble over a tangle of root, Manjii' skipped a few steps to regain his balance before sighing over his error. His nerves were still too shaken, even in the face of a tyranic little root! Thankfully he was in no mood for anger, and he could only look on at the ground with an unamused chuckle. Maybe it was a subtle sign from the spirits? Were they comparing him to this little root, small and stubborn while making its own path? Perhaps it was like him, wandering too far from home...his own 'tree', would you. And in those wanderings he's grown as battered and worn as this kicked root...

Or perhaps he was just delirious and tired, as he shook the thoughts from his head while continuing his walk. He could afford such silly thoughts at a better time than this.

Watching as the scenery around him chanced from secure woodlands to open fields, the stallion grew cautious once more. However all he was met with was the cool wind on his face, the soft 'tinkling' of yellowing leaves falling behind him, and the familiar hush of a river some distance ahead of him. It couldn't be too far now, not with the earth beneath him changing steadily into a scattering of pebbles. Feeling nauseous with the chilly air stroking his heated face, Manjii ducked his head low as he clicked forward through the last remaining trees. He was almost there...

 

[musicaloner7]

Her moment of solitude drinking the refreshingly cool water went unhitched. The only things that could distract her or cause a pause were the innocent and harmless sounds of small critters scurrying about, or joining at the body of water to take advantage of for themselves. The cautious mare would simply pause for a brief moment, watch them a short while, and continue on enjoying the liquid. It wasn't all that bad having a little company... especially since it was company that couldn't harm her in any sort of way. Well... they could, but it was highly unlikely, unless they were deranged, or possessed, what have you. Tail giving a leisurely sway once, brushing some pesky bugs away, and few grasses grazing her hind legs, Nyreen finished up with her share of the pleasing resource.

Head lifting, a shake was given to her two-toned mane, tongue brushing lightly along her lips to clear up any droplets that clung or threatened to drop. Feeling a bit more content, and less on edge about that earlier sound, though still quite alert, she found it time to move on. Stepping from the quiet stream, she headed for the open meadow. She'd have a better chance of seeing any danger there, and most likely have an easier time escaping it. It was hard to hide in such a barren area, anyway. Exiting the thickly dense wooded area, she took a small survey of the open plain, savoring its sweet scent of withdrawing wildgrasses and flowers. Soon it would be covered in a thick sheet of snow... cover would be harder to find then, too...

As she ventured further out, walking calmly, ears and eyes perked to cue intently on her surroundings. So far so good... Perhaps she could travel to a denser woods, maybe closer to the mountains? Not many Soquili traveled out there, besides Cerynei. They were lithe, and built for them, unlike large, stocky regular breeds.. Ears flattening back slightly just at the thought, she froze suddenly, eyes widening a touch before flickering up. There... just a little over the horizon... was a figure... Another horse.. A large one, at that, just the type's she feared. Immediately, she watched him, the smallest bit relieved to see that he was going at a slow pace, but still... his presence alone was enough to make her uncomfortable. Panic began to stir in her stomach like a single fluttering butterfly. Maybe if she kept a wide berth, he wouldn't bother her.... Eyes staying averted from him, she began to slow her roll, and turned a little to give him a bigger area of space. If she just kept to herself... hopefully.. he'd keep to himself..  

[Nyhility]

Trees continued in their idle passing, all looking the same and all shedding their leaves. Amazing how something so bland and common could make for a useful distraction, as the tired Soquili kept his sight up at the branches as he walked. The mixed colors of red and gold against the soft blue skies distantly reminded him of his own mane and pelt, and it was enough to attempt a small smile across his face. Couds drifted by serenely and the occasional bird would flitter across his vision, causing him to nearly stagger as his head spun at the quick motion. It was only an avian, calm down.

The stallion trugged just past the final tree, and it felt almost as if he was now at ease with the clouds. Why, he could hardly feel the ground beneath his hooves since he was in so much peace! Sighing softly, he turned his eyes from the empty sky to the path before him and was just able to see the glistening surface of the river in the distance. If he focused his sense of hearing, he could make out the soft bubbling of its current against the land. At last, he could use for a good awakening and he could think of nothing better than icy cold water splashing against him. Shallow, icy cold water that is.

A small shuffling of colors caught his attention to the right, only thanks to that being his better side. His brows narrowed and he halted his steps, turning his attention over to the other presence in the meadow. The colors were not the same as his last encounter, and in the corner of his mind that put Manjii into some sense of ease. However, the other Soquili was moving stiffly and slowly in such an odd manner that he couldn't easily ignore. And she was obvious of his presence in this open field, but then again who wouldn't be. Then anger simmered under his skin as he deduced the reasons why the other was behaving so edgy. It only insulted him further to remember the wounds of his failed scuffle were still sheared across his face. It was one things to be able to lie about frustration, but another to hide a physical evidence of it.

Shaking his mane with a breath through his nostrils, Manjii stepped forward brashly to continue towards the river. The best he could do with his fevered aggravation was mumble to the other.
"Don't travel in that direction."  

[musicaloner7]

Those blue eyes continued to avoid the stallion, relying on the movement seen from the corners of her eyes to tell her of his actions and position. By the way his movements were somewhat labored, it told her just a small bit of relatively assuring realization. He wasn't in any condition to chase her, nor maim her... At least she hoped. Either way, she thought it best to avoid any sort of confrontation, lest she be wrong. The mare picked up her gait a little, not quite to a trot, but just a bit quicker than a walk.

The grass shushed below her, as her legs crossed fluidly, ears flicking back and forward restlessly as she listened to the stranger; whether it be from his airways, or heavier steps. Keeping tabs was key in any encounter... for Nyreen, that is. Teeth clenched firmly behind her somewhat relaxed lips, though she did falter slightly as a voice picked up. It was slightly gruff, and startled her subtly, though it only showed when her eyes flickered over to actually look at him. This caused her to only look away just as fast, a grip clutching to her gut from the discomfort. Then... his words registered... don't... go this way...? Instantly, conflict began to bubble inside her. Ears flicked forward, then back, head turning slightly to try and glance at him, but catching itself last minute to stop. What did that mean...?

And then all at once, she simply... stopped. She was a good ways behind him now, but.. still close enough that communicating was possible at a comfortable volume level, "What... do you mean..." she mumbled... it was more in a statement, than a question, oddly enough. As if speech, and socialization was something she wasn't quite accustom to; which was true...