[PRP] Relatives and Sisters { Vanwyn x Quadrille }

[techabyte]

The morning was lovely. And though the sun was just now peaking toward the center of the sky, over the tree tops of the nests. Birds chirped happily about. Stallions walked quietly, doing tasks sent out by their Mistress' or another of the Harpies. Some lounged quietly within the safe zone, relaxing in the summer heat. One mare moved quietly about the group, her long hair and feathers shifting with the small breeze that picked up here or there. As she moved, she paused to peer into the quarantine zone. Honovi was sent to stay there for a few weeks while they ensured that he was safe. And though she missed him dearly, she wasn't going to let it stop everything that she had to do as a Harpy in the Flock. She greeted him kindly, giving him gentle comfort, before walking away, and toward the children's grounds.

Chirping lightly at the guard, Vanwyn greeted her. They conversed for a few, brief moments, before she entered. She had been asked to go and look around, to ensure the children were safe, and report back to their mothers. Though, at the same time, she didn't mind too much. She loved seeing the children, the future. She couldn't wait to have her own children. Though she knew that she wouldn't be able to until Honovi was released from his testing. Shaking out her mane a bit, before running some claws through a few tangles, she moved forward, greeting all the little fillies and colts. Lowering her head, she nuzzled a few of the little ones, before moving forward farther into the group.

The mare paused after a moment, spotting a rather familiar filly. Though she hadn't had much interaction with her aunt, Vanwyn knew that they were family. And she was rather excited to be able to greet her properly, since she hadn't yet got a chance. Moving carefully, so as not to startle her, Vanwyn gave out a gentle chirp toward the little mare, before smiling and stood in front of her. "Good afternoon, Quadrille." She said, voice gentle and sweet.  

[Nisshou H]

Quadrille kept herself at a distance from the other foals, not out of any dislike of the others, but to avoid any accidents as she practiced. She had set her sights on a beetle and was in the process of repeatedly stalking it and trying to squish it under her claws. So far she'd encountered very little success. While she had managed to sneak up on it every time she had only managed to get a foot anywhere near it once. Much to the young filly's displeasure the insect had landed right between two of her long claws.

She grit her teeth together as she silently approached the bug once again only to notice movement out of the corner of her eye. Letting her target drift out of her thoughts she turned to face the new comer smiling unabashedly at the mare. She knew this mare as family and not in the general way of the Flock but in the way of blood. She shifted to better indicate that this mare had her full attention now. "Good afternoon....Vanwyn...sister?" She replied somewhat hesitantly. The filly had never seen much interaction with those further down the line than her mother, father and siblings. Quadrille was uncertain of what exactly she was to refer to her niece as. After a few more moments of pondering she let those questions drift from her mind as easily as the beetle had.

"What brought you out here?" It was a polite enough inquiry coming from a child but it was laced with confusion. It wasn't altogether uncommon to see visitors in the nursery but in Quadrille's short experience these visitors were usually parents, nanny's or guards.  

[techabyte]

Vanwyn shifted lightly on her clawed feet. She let her eyes linger lightly on the small foal. She was lovely, much like the relatives that Vanwyn held. The Harpy knew of most of her relatives, at least those within the Flock. This one was an aunt, and though she was young, Vanwyn held a high respect for her. She dipped her head lightly and smiled very gently toward the little Harpy. She could already tell that the little female would be a wondrous addition to the Flock. She would become lovely and strong, and probably just as fantastic as her mother and father. Unable to hold her smile, Vanwyn stood her full height and cocked her head ever so gently to the side, staring down at Quadrille with gentle, caring eyes.

"You have an inquisitive mind, little bird." Vanwyn said, her voice gentle, before she shifted to give the little filly a soft nuzzle, and then lifted her head once more to continue talking. "I am just checking up on all of the children of the Great Mother, to ensure that everyone is well, and taken care of. I like to make sure all of you are safe." She said, voice soft, before she leaned down once more and nudged the mare gently against her neck, before starting for the entrance of the safe zone.

Pausing for a moment, Vanwyn tilted her head back toward the little filly. She was curious what this one had in store for her. Ambitions were strong amongst her family line, she knew this. She had witnessed not only her mother, but most of her father's side being amazing at what they do. Laveda, for instance, was going to be the next Oracle, and Vanwyn knew it, even if it wasn't so yet. Turning lightly, so that she could partially face the small filly, Vanwyn nodded her head in a "follow me" motion. "Come, I'm certain no one will be upset if I take my aunt on a walk." She said in a somewhat playful tone.  

[Nisshou H]

Quadrille smiled softly finding inquisitive to be a nice compliment. The smile only grew in size as Vanwyn nuzzled her. She quite enjoyed the moments when she got to make such connections with her Sisters. Her enjoyment over the situation seemed to be short lived as Quadrille's niece explained that she was only out there to check on the well-being of all the foals. Out of all the reasons Quadrille could have thought up that was not anywhere near the top of her list. She smiled hesitantly as Vanwyn nudged her. "Well, we're doing well." She said with little enthusiasm as she watched her niece walk away. A little half-frown settled over her features. Perhaps she should look around for the beetle she had lost. If that was all there was going to be to this visit she figured that she might as well get back to doing something useful.

She gave up the beetle hunt in an instant when Quadrille noticed Vanwyn nodding at her to come along. With a little flick of her tail she all but pranced over to her niece with her head held high. "A walk?" She asked with a chirp. That sounded like a nice change of pace especially if it got her away from the nursery area. It seemed like that was practically all she ever saw. "Where to? Somewhere far from here?" There was no disguising the hopeful tone in her voice.  

[techabyte]

Vanwyn smiled lightly, watching her. She could see the eagerness in her eyes when Quadrille realized she would get to leave the nursing ground for at least a little bit. She let out a soft chirp, calling to her, before nodding her head with a little laugh. Vanwyn was a fantastic mare, very cautious and careful. And she would not let any foal get into the trouble that she had got into as a filly. Leaning down, she smiled, before lifting a claw and carefully pulled at Quadrille's hair, removing a leaf from her lovely little mane, before starting to walk quietly, her head held high. "We won't leave the Flock territories, but we will walk for a while, if you like."

Smiling, the mare moved quietly forward. She let her claws drag lightly against the ground, enjoying the feel of of the dirt against her claws and feet. She glanced her eyes down toward the filly, smiling toward her. She could take her by the nests, and male nesting grounds, even near the work zone for the males. Of course she would return the filly by the time her parents came to retrieve her, but she could still spend some time with her. Leaning her head down a bit as she walked, Vanwyn spoke quietly, politely. "Do you have a passion for anything yet, little one?" She asked softly.  

[Nisshou H]

Quadrille's ears flicked backward and she ducked her head a little as Vanwyn moved a claw towards her mane. She felt a soft pull that sent a chill racing down her spine. As Vanwyn pulled away Quadrille shook her head to banish the tingling feeling and resettle her mane. Once she stopped she noticed that her niece was on the move. Quadrille watched Vanwyn move in awe for a moment. She moved with a grace that Quadrille never thought she would manage. Her claws felt too big for her child's body and the most graceful thing she had ever done was kick a rock directly into a knot on a tree.

Realizing that her mouth was hanging slightly slack she quickly closed it and moved to catch up with Vanwyn. She did what she could to walk like her niece did but found that she couldn't quite keep up that way. Slightly less than pleased with the results of her efforts Quadrille gave up and plodded along looking ungainly next to Vanwyn. In time she would grow into her feet. When that happened she could try walking like a real mare again.

"Well, I quite like stalking bugs around." She said keeping her eyes on the ground before them. The Great Mother willing she would not trip and embarrass herself. "Though they aren't that much of a challenge to find. Actually defeating them seems to be a different story." She thought back to the beetle that continuously evaded the death blow of her claws. Perhaps if she had turned around to utilize her hooves she would have had a different story to tell. It was too late for that now though. "I also like music...though I haven't heard much of it recently." She looked up at her niece to ask what she liked but felt the curled back of her claws hit a rock and quickly refocused her attention on the ground. She would not make a fool of herself today.  

[techabyte]

The mare smiled lightly. She was quite proud to be able to take her aunt out for a walk; even if she was younger than herself. Vanwyn tilted her head, watching the little filly move. She seemed to be trying so hard, and it made the smile move a bit more along her face. Vanwyn liked this little one. She was adorable, and would soon hold the beauty of their family line. Vanwyn could tell. She tilted her head a bit, peering down at her with bright eyes, before ducking her head lightly, so that she could whisper where only Quadrille could hear. "Don't worry. I was like you as a foal too. Claws too big, stumbling over everything. Grace comes with age. And I learned, little one, that the ones who are the clumsiest as a foal, become the most beautiful, graceful Harpies in the Flock." She winked, before lifting her head, and continued to walk forward.

Ears flicking down, Vanwyn tilted her head to watch the white mare quietly as they moved. Bugs? That was appropriate. It meant that Quadrille had the possibility of being a huntress. Vanwyn could remember how she used to go out and hunt bugs and small animals that found their way into the territory when she was young. The thought made her smile, eyes flickering ahead of her, before glancing back down to the Filly. She smiled lightly and shook her head a bit; not in disapproval, but rather just as a movement. She made a small plan to one day, while her aunt was still a filly, that she would go out and catch something small ( a rabbit or squirrel ) and bring it back. She would help to teach Quadrille how to hunt.

"You will make a fine huntress. As for music," An almost wicked smile formed on her features. She was named Vanwyn for a reason. Beautiful Music. Shaking out her mane a bit, the mare held her head up with pride. She had one of the most beautiful voices in the Flock; and if you asked her, she had the most beautiful. She wasn't second or third, she was top notch. Her voice was the best of the best. But she wasn't here to pride in herself. No. She was here to encourage this lovely little filly to grow and be what she wanted to be; even if it meant leaving the Flock every day to do it. "Music is an amazing thing to have, Quadrille. I promise you that. If you work hard, and practice, you can be one of the best. Is there anything in specific that you like about the music, or just everything?" She asked, her voice soft.

Nisshou H

Tag~ <3

 

[Nisshou H]

Once again Quadrille found herself gawking at Vanwyn; clearly a habit she would have to train herself to stop doing. It simply didn’t make sense to the filly though, how could such a graceful creature ever have been as clumsy as Quadrille herself? Quadrille didn’t suspect that her niece would lie about her own experiences. Not just for Quadrille’s benefit. Perhaps that meant there was truth in what the harpy mare said, Quadrille thought. Perhaps one day she would be as graceful as her elders. As Quadrille kicked another rock by complete accident she revised her own thoughts. Perhaps one day she would be almost as graceful as her elders. She would likely never be equally as wonderful as them.

“You will make a fine huntress.” Quadrille felt her knees wobble slightly at the compliment and she very nearly missed the rest of what Vanwyn said. A fine huntress, her? It was almost like she was in a dream right now with all the encouragement she was receiving from her niece. Quadrille could scarcely believe it was real. Being a huntress was practically all she wanted. She could do her mother proud by taking on such a position. More importantly she could be proud of herself with such an important job. As Quadrille was about to lose herself within her own fantasies, she suddenly remembered that she was meant to be conversing with her niece. There would be plenty of time for daydreaming when she was back in the nursery with all the other foals. For now it was better if she focused on the mare that had been so gracious to take her out for at least a little while.

“I like...” She started before realizing that she wasn’t entirely sure what exactly she liked. It wasn’t really the tune or the singing that spoke to her it was something else. Those were nice too, of course, but Quadrille was drawn to something else. There was something below the melody that she couldn’t remember the name of. “It’s...I like that something that’s under most of the music. It’s a very steady sort of “dnn dnn dnn” sound.” Quadrille found this all a bit aggravating. She knew that she knew the word but she couldn’t remember it. It didn’t help that she wasn’t entirely sure how they made that underlying noise. Perhaps by stomping on the ground or rocks? She sighed finally resigning herself to the fact that she likely would never be able to figure out that word on her own. At least she could try to make herself sound more intelligent with explanation on why she liked this aspect more than the others.

“When I hear it, I just feel more energized like I could take on anything. Maybe even a bear!” She grinned up at her niece. “The rest is pretty but I like how strong the under part makes me feel. Does that make sense?”
 

[techabyte]

Vanwyn blinked toward the filly. She, herself, was a graceful creature. And it was true. As she was a filly, her feet were too awkward, and she could remember stumbling around and tripping often. But now that she was older, she could easily maneuver and move around with grace and ease. She was even fantastic at climbing trees and running. Hunting being a great specialty of hers. She watched as the filly seemed to stare at her as if she had grown another head. And, it took all she had not to laugh. Vanwyn loved foals; far too much for her own good, honestly. And the fact that this little one was so amazed at every word Vanwyn said made her want to just fluff her feathers and be the perfect role-model. And, if she had any say in it, she would definitely be a good one, if not the perfect one.

After all, Vanwyn was a perfectionist of sorts.

Her mind was drawn away from her thoughts of being a role-model when Quadrille spoke once more. Peering down with bright eyes, the Harpy stared for a moment. She liked? Practically holding her breath, Vanwyn waited for the response. She loved to know what inspired children now-a-days; even though it wasn't so long ago that she was a filly herself. Smiling lightly at the memories, she shook out her head before focusing once more. She listened attentively, trying once more not to laugh as the filly tried to explain just what it was that she liked. She smiled lightly as she watched the child struggle to figure it out. After all, Vanwyn couldn't hand her the answers to everything. She had to figure them out for herself; otherwise she would expect help from everyone. And where Vanwyn wanted to aid her, she also knew that doing so could hinder the growth of a child's mind.

So, she listened. The white mare shifted lightly, pausing for a second to chirp toward another Harpy in greeting. She smiled warmly toward them, before dipping her head down to look toward Quadrille once more. Her ears perked up for a moment, before she laughed lightly and let her velvety nose brush against the filly's cheek in affection. She was so adorable! Vanwyn's mind went to the fact that soon, hopefully, she would have her own children, and the thought just made her heart beat faster. But, this was about the little mare before her right now; not about the future of her children. She lifted her head for a moment, taking a soft breath, before talking slowly so that Quadrille could follow her every word with ease. After all, she wanted to ensure not to confuse the foal. "You are very full of spirit, little one. It brings hope to my heart." She stated, smiling toward her, before she let out a happy little chirp. "I think what you are describing is the drum beat. It is what keeps the song going; the steady noise that fills ones heart and makes you want to dance and sing along with it!" She almost reared up to do a small dance move at the thought, but resisted; her claws twitching with the want to do so.

Nisshou H

Tag~ <3

 

[Nisshou H]

Quadrille's head quirked to the side ever so slightly. Her spirit brought hope to her niece-sister? This was a concept that her young mind couldn't quite grasp. The concept was too vague. She would have to ask about it or at least think about it, but later. Vanwyn was still talking and Quadrille needed to pay attention. The moment Vanwyn said the word Quadrille recognized it. That was the thing Quadrille most liked about music, the beat. Now that she had been given the word she couldn't quite figure out why it had been such a pain to remember in the first place. It wasn't a difficult word in the slightest.

"Yes, the beat. I like the beat." She said more to herself than to Vanwyn. Though she couldn't help but disagree with her niece's assessment of the beats value. She could see how it might make certain members of the Flock want to sing or dance, clearly just the thought of it was enough to get Vanwyn in the mood for it, but it certainly didn't make her want to. Whatever musical tendencies ran in her family seemed to have skipped her as there was no song in her heart and the rhythm in her feet was that of a march. When she grew perhaps she would understand that such a thing was not a problem. There were plenty of harpies that only wanted to dance and make merry but she would never be one of them. One day, if she was lucky, she would be okay with it and perhaps even proud. For now she needed to focus on the present and that meant questioning one other thing that had stuck out to her in Vanwyn's answer.

"Sister, what is a drum?" Quadrille asked choosing to use the Flock's term for all females within the herd over niece. Sometimes it was nice to have a few words to call a person by as it could get boring using the same word over and over again even if that word was the person’s name. “Is it...an instrument?” Based on what had been said that must be what it was either that or it was a term for a rock that she had never heard before. An instrument seemed a lot more reasonable but she couldn’t recall ever seeing one. If she had surely she would have remembered to link it to the beat that she so adored. “Do you have one? May I see it?” Quadrille knew she was asking a lot of questions but she so desperately wanted to know the answers. Vanwyn seemed happy to entertain her so far so Quadrille didn’t truly see the harm in pushing it a little further still.
 

[techabyte]

Vanwyn smiled down at the small filly. She really did love children far too much for her own good. The thought about having her own made her smile and feel all the more joyous. She had been trying, but of course trying didn't mean that one could succeed. She could try over and over and over again. But until that lucky night when the Great Mother blessed her with children, she would be patient, and focus on the kids that she was taking care of now. She had easily worked her way into helping to raise the children of the Flock, but she wanted more. She wanted to do more, and not just for the foals. She wanted to help the adults as well. She wanted to do everything that she could. She wanted to do anything she could to teach them the wonders of music. How much it could help every creature in the world. How it could heal souls and show the expression of freedom.

Her attention was brought back when she heard her neice speak. Bright eyes lowering, the Harpy stared at Quadrille quietly, a half smile moving onto her features. She could have guessed. She had observed the mare for a while, and quite enjoyed it. She was very gentle, but at the same time had a way about her. A way that Vanwyn could feel would hold the music in her soul. Lowering her head some, she nodded at the mention of the beat, drumming her claws as she walked with a song in her heart. She loved it, far too much. She couldn't get music out of her heart and soul. It always thrived to the point that she almost always felt it overwhelmed her. And that was an uncertainty she wasn't sure how to cover.

When questioned about what the drum was, Vanwyn blinked. She looked down and stared at the younger female for several seconds, before tilting her head to the side in order to try and think about how to explain it. Pursing her lips, she tilted her head as she walked, before shifting to where she started to walk toward the nests. "A drum is a piece of leather, stretched out and tied onto some carved wood. It makes a thump kind of noise when struck." She explained, smiling some as she moved. Her body seemed to be filled with even more grace than normal. She nodded when asked about it being an instrument, comfirming her question as truth. It didn't take her long before she wandered into the nests, and started toward her own. Thankfully, she had stairs leading up to the tree top nest. Honovi was unable to climb, so she had them built so that he could sleep with her. She moved into her nest, pushing aside some of the furs that herself and Honovi were working on, before moving toward a small pile of different things. She picked up several, moving them aside, before locating a small drum with a strap around it. She turned and walked back toward Quadrille, before placing it before the young filly.

"This is a drum, little Sister. It is a very important part of any dance or song, as well as any persons life who thrives with music in their soul." Vanwyn drummed her claws against the leather, smiling lightly as she did, before she looked back up toward Quadrille. "It is small, and not as loud as some of the larger ones, but it will be good to practice on." She stated. Picking it up by the strap, she reached and placed it over Quadrille's head so that the leather strap slid down her neck and could rest at the base. "I would like you to keep it, and practice on it. If you need any help, I can teach you many tricks. And as you get older, we'll get you better drums, and more as well. I'm sure you'll be a fantastic drummer." She said, smiling quite happily.

Nisshou H