[PRP] Open Skies (Elisheva & Swiftwing)

[CitrusCupcake]

Elisheva pushed herself further, wings beating the air as she strove to fly as high as her body could, feeling the cold wind up here whip through mane and feather, blowing waywards strands in her face, and taking hold of her tail, causing it to snap behind her like banner.

As she climbed, her breath became more laboured, the air thinning and then she could go no further, her head was feeling light and so she turned in the air, pointing herself downwards and she slowly spiralled towards the ground, her muzziness clearing as the air became better the lower she went. Her heart was thumping in her chest; her body was flushed with exertion and exultion as she glid to the ground, not believing she had just done that, but excited that she had tried all the same.

If her mother had seen her..Nivriti would probably have chewed her out for trying something potentially dangerous without anyone around, but she'd done it to prove that she could, that she could be a strong and independent female. She loved her family, was close to her sisters especially but she wanted experiences as well.

And just now, that had definately been one. She giggled to herself, giddy as she landed finally on slightly wobbly legs and let out a long breath, trying to steady her body and her nerves. She would take a short break, maybe take a drink at the river she'd seen from the sky and then take another flight. She folded her wings and trotted off. She crossed an open area of grass and flowers, scattering fluttering butterflies and industrious bees as she did so, enjoying the sun on her back, warming her air cooled limbs.

Approaching the water, she slowed slightly, on guard now for anyone else around, eyes scanning the area, ears listening.  

[Lunadriel]

Poky crossed the land on the opposite side of the river. She looked up lazily, blinking as she watched a blur of soq descend from the sky. Smacking her mouth open, with a big yawn, she continued her slow walk to the waters edge. Once to the river, she looked over to the stranger. A wind, and a mare. Poky assumed she was the one that was dare deviling through the skies. She blinked her eyes slowly to the wind on the other side of the river, an instinctive action, to show she was at ease by her presence. Poky then twitched, feeling a bit of fur out of place, and lifting her leg at the same time. She then looked at the culprit piece of fur, then leaned in with one hind leg high in the air, and fixed it. Behind her, a rustle of wing and feather could be heard flapping towards her. The scrawny black leg went back to the ground, then she daintily folded her front legs under her, collapsing down to her front knees. The back two legs adjusted, before swinging round and bringing her all the way down to a comfortable position. A devilish smirk spread across her face, as she heard the voice of her master. She almost looked too pleased, before she laid her head on the ground, and pretended to take a nap.

Swiftwing's morning had begun with with a hearty breakfast, rich in oats and protein filled greens. Two days to train, one day to rest. In order to build muscle, one had to relax or be reduced to over exertion. The time to rest, was not today! After a long rest, he was ready to beat his current record. First he stretched on the ground, then did some light flying routines. The first trial was always speed. Then onto the more trickier parts of his training. His race companion, was his faithful companion, Poky. Though, not to be fooled by her name. She was a speed devil. Words were exchanged that morning, about how he was going to keep up with her this time. All that morning assurance, wasn't that he would beat her in a race, but that he would at least be faster than he was three mornings ago. When he wore his shackles, he never expected to be faster than Poky. They had both sped neck in neck, until they reached the forest. This was always the place where his speed was reduced. Sure, he could fly above the trees, but where was the challenge in that? He had tried it, and it was rather dull. Today, just as usual, he had lost sight of Poky. Popping out the trees, he couldn't even see her! She was farther ahead than normal. He hadn't gotten any slower...Poky had gotten faster.

He flew towards the river, where the finish line was. He could see Poky, already there...

"You little brat!" he huffed out. He could barely talk, he was so winded. Talking wasn't wise. It made you lose precious oxygen to your lungs. Swift beat his wings as hard as he could, giving that last bit of go he had in him.



His landing was not graceful, but he remained standing at least. Two balls of iron thudded to the ground, like a ship throwing anchor. The stallion had a branch in his wing, and was dripping wet in sweat. He panted a few times, trying to catch his breath. He shook his head. So far, he hadn't noticed that they had company. He was too wrapped up in the small amount of pride he just lost. "You." he panted a few times more, then took in a deep breath. "You've been holding back..." It was as he said. Poky had been holding back. He wanted to be challenged, so she delivered, constantly keeping him on alert. One can not only learn from the same routine over and over. Poky kept her eyes shut, continuing her charade of an afternoon snooze.

Dramatically, Swift exhaled and closed his eyes. He had to focus his strengths, and try to calm his thudding heart. He would give himself a minute, before drinking some water. A belly ache was not something he was looking for, and it was never wise to drink when he could barely breathe. An ear twitched and rotated, listening to his surroundings, though a bit too late to do so. Like the mist of the darkest night, black eyes snapped open and looked over his shoulder. He slumped his shoulders down, and lowered his head. Awkwardly, he waved a wing but remained silent, for he knew what the next words he heard were going to be, before he even heard them.

This pronghorn had been waiting for him to notice her, and wasn't surprised he didn't notice her sooner. "Had the Lady been a predator, you'd be dinner." Poky said in an almost sing-song mock, as soon as he noticed their company. stretching out her legs and neck, then going limp again. Swiftwing did have great speeds. Thus far, he was faster than any they had come across. But! He had the awareness of a newborn foal, when he focused on speed and flying. A great flyer, or at least one aiming to overcome any situation, must be prepared for any situation.

Swiftwing was beyond embarrassed. He did his best to raise his chin, and not show it, gritting his teeth to keep from blushing.  

[CitrusCupcake]

Elisheva was swishing a mouthful of water around her mouth when she saw the pronghorn doe, and gave a little nod as she swallowed the cold liquid, giving a quick but genuine smile towards the thin-legged creature. Her elder sister Nalani had recently acquired a sweet,and soft spoken friend of the same species, though her patterning and colouration was more natural.

She debated going over and saying hello, but for now she stayed where she was and a moment later was glad for that decision as she watched with slightly widened eyes at the stallion's arrival and caught something of the exchange between him and the doe. Now she felt slightly awkward, and wasn't sure whether to just make a discreet exit, but two things kept her in place. One, the stallion had wings, which meant flight, as she had already seen, and from his speedy appearance she hoped he was as skilled as he had seemed in that short moment.

Secondly, she had promised herself new experiences, and he was new, he was unusual to her eyes, and she was curious. So, she took herself a few steps forward, and gave a small bow when she was a shorter distance from the pair;
'Greetings.'  

[Lunadriel]

Poky sat up and opened her soft colored eyes. She nodded her head once in a forward bob and replied back to the mare. "Hello Miss." The nod and the greeting were as one. Four black legs stretched and brought her upright. Her legs were lean, and cut. Starting with her head, she gave herself a good shake. The motion rippled down her body out out her hooves. Pushing past Swiftwing, she then skipped across a few stones to the other side of the river. Her movement seemed effortless.

Once on the other side, Poky approached the mare, and began to evaluate her physique. The mare was healthy and fairly young from what she could tell. She might be of some benefit as a training partner for Swift, in today's lesson. Just an after thought though. "Hellooo." she cut in with a smile, not wanting to stare for long.

Swift glared at Poky for a moment more, before letting it go. The playful banter between the two, was just that. He didn't get angry. Life would be dull without Poky around to keep him on his toes. He turned to approach the stranger, and was cut off by the little pronghorn. She was always one step ahead of him.

Following in pursuit, he wadded through the water to the other side. The cool water was like ice against his sweaty, hot legs. About mid way across the river, it got deeper than he expected. The cold waters lapped up to his underside, and he shrieked. It was so cold! At least it was a guy sounding shriek, and not a girly one. Quickly, he moved out of the water, and stood by the edge of the river for a few seconds. He let the water drip off of him to some degree, before moving to approach Poky and the chestnut colored mare.

Poky grinned when Swift yelped from the waters cool bite. That's why she had hopped across on rocks. She knew he was going to wade through the water. He had just got done exhausting himself with flying after all. She didn't laugh, even though the site was humorous. Her enjoyment was written across her face.

"Hi. How's it going?" he smirked, realizing he might of looked silly, but willing to laugh at himself and still be polite. "My name is Swiftwing." hooking Poky with one of his legs, and drawing her in close, he introduced her too. "This is my train..uhh, my friend, Poky." He was about to say trainer, but he guessed friend would make more sense to someone he had just met. He laughed as Poky wiggled away from him, not wanting to share in his wetness. Payback.