[PRP] Under Meadow Trees || Shikoba & Alina

[DeeJaye]

The weather was pleasant today. The sun seemed to be smiling, its rays reaching out further than normal, expelling the clouds from the blue horizon. Such weather normally lifted up the spirits of Shikoba. It put the stallion in a particularly good mood when such times occurred; it reminded him of previous days when he basked in the sunlight - when he let the comforting warmth seep in his form and reassure him that only good days would be coming - when he allowed the hours to become a gentle slur that would soon become a insignificant but soothing event on the timeline of his life.

He allowed a smile to break free and he trotted along the meadow, seeking out a quiet area he could take refuge in for the time being. In the distance, he noticed a tree whose limbs were still full of leaves. Somewhat anxiously, he approached it, partaking in the idea of lying in its shade where he would be able to let nostalgia of older days sweep over him - to be in a place where he could relive memories and find himself unperturbed by silly problems of his present life.  

[DeeJaye]

Reaching the shade, he lowered himself to the ground, grunting with satisfaction as the green blades tickled his stomach. Ah, so familiar. He closed his eyes and let out a small sigh, content to lay here for the time being. He felt his moment disturbed, however, with the small flutter of motion - the grass rustled - but even though a breeze had brushed by just now, the movement was too loud and concentrated in an area a little ways off for it to be from just the wind. The stallion's ears flicked, mind assessing the situation. More than likely, it was just a small animal skirting across the field.

Motivated enough to answer his curiosity, he peeked an eye open. He found himself to be partially right about his assumption: there was a young lion running about but he could also see a cerynei - a mare, to be more specific. She was galloping along with the lion, her mane being thrown about by the wind's playful gestures. He lifted up an eyebrow, unsure if he should be amazed or amused by the way her long locks seemed to whip around in the wind. It..was a slightly comical sight. She didn't seem to see him yet, but had a look as if she knew something - he - was around. But instead of hollering out a greeting, Shikoba remained silent, closing his eye once more and lowering his head to the ground so the grass rubbed and tickled his nose. If she wanted to talk to him, she would, but in the mean time, he planned on taking it easy.  

[DeeJaye]

Shikoba peeked an eye open at the greeting, examining the femme as she pecked at the grass. "Ah, hey there," he replied. Not wanting to seem rude or disinterested in her, he slowly lifted his head from its laying position on the ground once more. He wasn't sure if he was exactly displeased or delighted that she had decided to greet him - while in most cases he didn't want to pass up a chance to socialize, this was one of those moments where he was determined to be by himself for awhile - it was one of those perfect times to spend in complete solitude, blissful of the life around, enjoying the simple comforts provided by the sun and earth...

..But it wasn't everyday that another horse came up to greet him. He never saw himself as being very inviting to start a conversation with after all. And... She was charming too - it wasn't common for ones as appealing on the eyes as her to say hello. Should he even be thinking that? Is that his basis on whether or not to ask her to go away? His mind claimed yes. He couldn't help but mentally bonk his head for being so shallow. Shaking his head as if to get rid of his though process that was bordelining nonsequitur, he instead looked at the mare and smiled at her. "No. You're not being a bother. I was just, um, resting my eyes mostly. And relaxing." He paused. Maybe she was just talking to him because he was crossing her territory or home? "I'm not in your way, am I? I can move," he hastily added in for safe measure.  

[DeeJaye]

"Sleepy silly head..?" he said softly to himself, raising a brow curiously. He...definitely wasn't expecting that. He kept his green eyes on the femme's figure, eyes starting from her dark ears, quickly outlining her pure white hair that tumbled to the ground, switching directions so he could take proper note of the small designs etched on her sunny coat, watching her energetic, bouncy movements curiously. She was definitely different than he was expecting but not in a bad way. She seemed very playful and innocent; She seemed to radiate youth and energy He felt himself feel intrigued and pulled in towards her, eager to lean closer as if he would gain some strange boost to his confidence by doing such an action.

Instead, he shuffled from his leisure position on the ground to his hooves, standing somewhat rigid and stiff. There was no boost of courage, he only felt a small rush of adrenaline course through him, getting to his nerves, and in turn pulsing waves of uneasiness. Shikoba all of a sudden felt shy and out of place. He was never prepared for the whole socializing-and-confrontation side of things. The stallion cleared his throat - it felt unnaturally dry - and quickly replied, "Nice to meet you, Miss Alina. Miss.. No, sorry, that's the wrong word. I, uh, I meant Alina. You too, Hyacinth. Let me shut up now. I'm Shikoba by the way." He mentally cursed himself out and wondered where his previous suave and smooth attitude from only minutes prior went.  

[DeeJaye]

"I see." He wasn't sure what else to say. She seemed so childish and innocent; sweet and blissful in the way she thought. It was endearing and.. Charming, even. Recovering from his slight nervousness and loss of words, he took a calming breath and replied, "Oh, I see now," he said, laughing gently. "I don't think my mom really called me anything, though." He raised a brow, trying to recall foalhood; it was a distant memory for him. Of course, there were no memory of a looming parental figure. He could remember other things: his lanky legs scampering around wild forest lands, outgrown grass pressing against his knees, playing games with imaginary creatures and friends until he collapsed on the ground, out of breath. Or days where he rested on the shoreline of a body of water, curious hooves pattering against the water, watching the elegant ripples vibrate away from him. No memory of his parents, though.

It didn't matter too much to him though. He popped out of his reminscing and concentrated back on the present; the stallion gazed at the small feline first, who obviously was very bored, before turning his attention back to the mare. He must have been giving a bad impression: her companion looked like she was about to fall asleep and she looked like she was scared of him or something. Whoops, he remarked to himself. "No, no. It's not too much at all. I just... It's just not something I've been around in awhile, I guess? If that makes sense. It's really uh...It's nice. Really pleasant. Plus it might be be sleepy-grogginess making me be rude and all." He nodded his head curtly, as if trying to keep up some gentlemanly facade.