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 Posted: Fri Aug 02, 2013 4:53 am
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Posted: Fri Aug 02, 2013 5:06 am
Neo was up bright and early, but found herself sheltered for most of the morning as a cool rain washed through the land. She loved rain. If she could have it her way she would have danced back and forth and let it drip throughout her mane. Unfortunately the last time she did that, a couple of mares could not stop laughing at her as they walked by. It wasn't that Neo was embarrassed.. but they had ruined her moment. She wouldn't let any snarky snarks do that again. If she had been a foal, they would have found her actions cute. Why so much laughter for a mare her age?
So she waited like a good 'adult' for the rain to clear. Lucky for her the rain was a quick shower, and within an hour the sun was back and visible through some light clouds.
She broke free of the trees she was hiding under and decided to continue on in the calm forest. Droplets of water still dripped from tree to tree, and everything looked so happy and healthy. Despite the summer heat, the water was not only saving the plants around her, but she notices colors become more vivid almost instantly. This was why she loved rain. It made everything better.
Every now and then she found her nose sniffing droplets as they slid off of branches. A couple dripped from high trees on to her snout, and she lightly giggled from the sensation. She was lucky that she could keep herself so entertained. Independence and adulthood meant she could explore constantly and have a great time on her own. She was still working on the 'friends' and 'meeting others' part...
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Posted: Fri Aug 02, 2013 6:57 am
He had come from a world that worshipped water, deeming it to be life's blood and as a consequence, worthy of divine consideration. It should therefore have come at no surprise to find that he had been pained when, as a child, he had been torn from the shores and 'born' into another, entirely different, purpose. The moment he had become an adolescent he had been stripped of his rights and thanks to his 'education' he had thought nothing of it, in those dark days he had done as he was 'expected' and thus he had journeyed away from his home to battle against the land spirit, she had had the advantage in that respect... After all, move inland and water became much rarer.
Alas, those dark years had now passed and with the assistance of a series of individuals, Nikandros had found himself capable of escaping the indoctrination that had dictated his life for as long as he could remember. What had once seemed to be a matter of life and death now seemed to trivial and insignificant. This wasn't to say that Nikandros didn't appreciate the spirituality of the world and the forces that made it up, but to assume that they would battle each other seemed unrealistic. No, after years of meditation Nikandros had come to the conclusion that those battles were a manifestation of his own herd's brutality. Incapable of diplomacy, they had instead settled on a barbaric practice that had settled the nerves of the herd and in a rather sadistic way, quenched their blood list.
In certain respects his 'duty' had been a sport for them, while they understood the significance of him 'losing', this did not mean that they didn't enjoy the reports regarding himself and his opponent.
Ah, but this was all in the past and the scaled, blue Kirin, now found himself idling his way through life with no defined purpose. At one point when he had broken free of his indoctrination, he had been left distressed that he had no 'purpose', but after careful ministrations of another Kirin, he had quickly realised that one made their own purpose. An individual did not have to be active, they did not have to conduct themselves in society if they chose to avoid it. He had been open to a whole array of possibilities and as a consequence he had decided to think on it... unsurprisingly, those thoughts soon became meditation.
He had soon discovered that a creature only had one true purpose, they were put on this earth to survive, to live, and to be happy in their own right. Given that the scaled Kirin could find food and water, he was content. The stallion had seen more than enough of the world for the time being and as a result, he had no desire for more. This realisation, coupled with his meditation, soon led him to a state of enlightenment...and with it, a set of amusing abilities.
Thus, he had soon taken to meditating on the water's surface, unaffected by wind, rain or noise. Water was in essence, one of the lifebloods of the world, one that he was highly attuned to, and it worked in perfect balance with everything else. In a similar fashion, wind and noise were much the same, they were natural, and so he allowed them to flow through one ear and out the other without too much consideration. It was for this reason that he failed to 'hear' Neo's giggle, too similar to the sound of a chirping song bird to give him cause for concern.
Now if it had been a scream...
Nevertheless, the Kirin remained where all had 'discovered' him so far, lying with his legs folded perfectly under him, neck straight and head bowed, in the centre of his favoured lake.
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Posted: Fri Aug 02, 2013 7:59 pm
Neo continued on the path she was on while blissfully chasing water droplets as they fell from the trees. From an outsiders perspective she probably looked a bit ridiculous, but at this point she was too happy to even care. She had created a little game for herself, and started racing throughout the forest at a faster pace.
She kept running and found herself next to a familiar lake. How lucky was she to be around so much glorious water? The sky's reflection looked epic upon the still and silent glowing water.
Although. Her eyes darted forward on some sort of figure. How could there be something on top of the lake? Neo now was entirely focused on what was going on in front of her. Was she seeing things?
There didn't seem to be any movement. That seemed strange. Her eyes blinked repeatedly until she even made herself dizzy. "Hello?" she finally yelled, in a bit of a panic. "Is someone out there or am I going crazy?" Both scenarios seemed completely logical at this point.
She dipped her hoof into the water wondering if that would help the situation at all. Instead she just saw familiar ripples, and still no movement ahead. "What is that?"
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Posted: Sat Aug 03, 2013 6:18 am
It was certainly not a giggle and the alarmed calls had their desired affect. He was coaxed out of his meditative state far more quickly than normal, as the ripples of her dipped hoof touched his underside, his eyes opened and he set his gaze on the curious mare. She was certainly responding to his existence in a very unique way, while most were curious, they had never seemed as disturbed as she - ah, but everyone responded to curious abilities in their own way. It was for that reason that the Kirin thought better than to dwell for too long, staring would not resolve the issue in these circumstances.
Instead he pulled himself to his feet and with considerable ease, strode across the water's surface to the shore. It wasn't long before his hooves touched the bank and when he had settled upon it, it would have been clear to Neo that he was very real indeed. Admittedly up close he was somewhat 'different' to other Kirin, with soft scales that extended beyond his back and chest - with coral attached to each of his legs, he seemed to be a creature of the sea rather than land.
...Though if he were challenged to breathe under water he would most certainly fail.
"You are not going crazy," he replied, indicating that he had heard her despite the distance. "And as to what 'that' is, I would be so bold as to say I am a Kirin?" he offered a mild smile as he examined the mare, tilting his head to the side once, then twice. It wouldn't have taken a genius to see she was full of energy, it was fairly obvious to say the least!
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Posted: Sat Aug 03, 2013 6:40 am
Neo felt her heart stop as she noticed the figure walk her way. When her eyes showed a stallion, she was cautious on any possible danger, for he obviously had some kind of powers. But there was no danger in front of her, and before she could even take a breath to calm herself, he assured her that she was not going crazy.
It was kind of him to think that she particularly wasn't, but internally it had been a different story.
"A Kirin." she repeated, while looking at him up close. She had never seen or heard of a Kirin before. This must have been one of those rare encounters her parents had told her about, but unlike a Kalona, perhaps this Kirin would not eat her? "Your so cool." she finally said, while her eyes got even bigger. "You look like a magical dragon."
Even though he was obviously awesome to her, she couldn't understand or get over the fact that he had been standing on top of the lake. "Walking on water looks amazing. Is that something you taught yourself or you are able to just do?" Neo knew that if she had tried to show off and walk on water perse, the Kirin would quickly encounter a soaking wet mare.
"I'm Neo by the way." She finally added, while keeping her eyes on his sparkling scales. "My only super power is disturbing others, it seems." She winked at him lightly while finally bringing her eyes on his with a big smile.
She may have been making light to that joke, but unfortunately it was something she was good at, so she had to at least own it. Just because her personality had been a bit overbearing her entire life, she chose the loneliness she faced rather then changing herself for others.
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Posted: Sat Aug 03, 2013 8:26 am
"To disturb someone would indicate that they were doing something that belied importance," Nikandros pointed out mildly, his lips pursing gently as he noted her self-deprecating manner. Evidently someone had been inclined to chastise her for her vocal and boisterous nature before her, but he failed to note why. Just as there were quiet individuals in the world, there were also loud ones, and each served their purpose in the grand scheme of things...to stifle them was to invite problems in the future.
"What I do is not of great importance, so much as a state of being," he shrugged his shoulders loosely and glanced back towards the lake, pondering over her declaration that he had super powers. He was fairly certain that he did not have super powers, from what he understood all of his kind (provided they were pure of blood) could attain this level of enlightenment with enough focus. It was no different than walking lightly across the grass, failing to bend a single blade... Or at least that was how he had come to understand it as he had developed his skills.
Nevertheless he did release a chuckle as she referenced him to a dragon, and having glanced over his back briefly he allowed a smile to form on his lips. "A dragon without wings, perhaps," he offered and nodded beyond the mountains, he'd heard tales of soquili that were more dragon-like than he. "Though I suspect that title is reserved for the Suti that live in the desert," he mused.
Alas, an introduction?
"I am Nikandros," he gave a small nod. "It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance Neo," he paused briefly and tilted his head to the side. "As to the ability to walk upon water, it requires considerable focus and a deeper aware of one's capabilities, only pureblooded Kirin can do so, and even then, only those who are not so easily distracted."
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Posted: Sun Aug 04, 2013 12:04 pm
Neo was bright eyed and interested as he spoke. A part of her wanted to hear everything he said because he was like this amazing mythical creature to her who not only was kind but was also sparkly as he moved in the sunlight.
It felt even better that most of her was interested to hear all he had to say. Perhaps that was a step up in her maturity. Despite being cool and all, she could tell he was really intelligent. There was this calmness and confidence in the way he spoke. And yet... he wasn't bringing her down in any way because of it. He was just being himself. That was extraordinary even for her to take in. She wondered what that felt like...
"It is also great to meet you." She bobbed her head lightly and did a goofy curtsy as best as she could. "Well I'm on team Kirin from now on, you've given me a new type of hero to look up to."
Her declaration may have seemed all in good fun or just innocent, but she was serious. Dragons weren't cool anymore. He was a new type to look up to for many reasons. "How long did it take you to get used to walking on water? Was it a skill you honed on your own?" She, being the most distracted of all, could see Nikandros being quite the expert. "What else do you like doing? Any other powers or Kirin secrets? I won't tell." She hushed herself as she smiled in delight.
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Posted: Sun Aug 04, 2013 12:14 pm
Team Kirin?
Nikandros gave a warm bout of laughter at that, thoroughly amused by the youthful enthusiasm that Neo seemed to be swept up in. She was quite unlike those he had met before, and she didn't seem to be nearly as obsessed with propriety - more than once he had been subject to a soquili who stressed some form of manners or traditional order of conversation, neither of which he conformed to. Granted he could demonstrate manners when he needed to but for the most part he tended to find them a waste of time; they took up more words than they should have and did little more than show that you had an understanding of uh...
Well...
Rank and submission?
"If you deem it fit to look upon my kind with affection then I am not about to dissuade you from that, any positive sentiment is a good one," he confirmed, a warm smile creeping onto his lips as he regarded her. He couldn't quite put his hoof on it but she seemed to be a lot more youthful, or at least her view of the world hadn't developed into a jaded one as of yet. She still had that carefree attitude that was lost on most. Nevertheless she was asking him more questions and it was only fitting that he try to answer them, even if it did require him to think back.
"Three years...?" He wasn't entirely certain but after a moment he nodded, that seemed to be the correct time frame. "As to what else my kind can do," he considered her question before providing her with an impish grin. It was without warning that he soon tilted his head forward and prodded her shoulder with his horn in just the right spot to make her leg go limp.
"We're rather good at making your limbs go tingly."
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Posted: Sun Aug 04, 2013 3:38 pm
Three years was a very long time. But all in a good sense. Neo wondered what the heck she had been doing for the last three years. She needed to master something, and although she'd never walk on water perse, if she had worked as hard as he did in something, she could have been equally marvelous! "That's amazing." was all she could say quietly, while musing in her thoughts.
His next action took her for complete surprise, so much so she couldn't even finish her inner thoughts. She had no idea what he had done to her, but in the complete opposite motion of grace, she stumbled lightly while almost falling over.
Most Soquili would have had a heart attack, or fled from embarrassment. As if it was in the count of one, two, three, Neo blinked repeatedly before a huge laugh echoed in the forest. "Now THAT..." she said, while full of giggles. "Would be an amazing prank. You totally just got me." Light tears filled her eyes but all from humor and hilariousness. "Ok ok, I'll keep that secret for you, its too good to share. That must be a personal one for you, rather then a Kirin one!" She would have loved to do that to her siblings daily.
"You know, I really should thank you, I haven't had this much fun in a long time." Well, Nikandros didn't need to know her lame life story and loneliness factor, but it was weird. Here she was talking to a stranger and she was getting along with them. This was a big accomplishment! "I really appreciate your kindness." She quieted her laughter and gave him a big smile. "So if you are so nice, why are you all over here by yourself? I hope you don't get lonely?" That would instantly make her sad. Or perhaps he had chosen it like herself?
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Posted: Mon Aug 05, 2013 4:58 am
Nikandros was pleased to see that the mare had taken his actions in good humour, he was never one to cause intentional harm and when another asked what his species could do, he often found it much easier to show than explain. After all, all creatures got pins and needles now and then, it just wasn't every day that another creature could inflict it by triggering pressure points. Admittedly he had absolutely no idea how to use them in a healing environment, but such an ability had always been invaluable in combat... a way to disable an opponent, a way to remove it from the equation.
"I am firm in the belief that all Kirin can do the same thing," he replied smoothly and shook his head. "Though the vast majority use it for healing, rather than as a practical joke," he mused. He lapsed into silence as he considered his only other Kirin friend, she had been the one to pull him from the depths of his uncertainty and indoctrination - he'd seen her use the ability for healing, more often than not on her mate when he pulled a muscle or had a spasm... The effect she'd had was rather staggering.
"While unicorns can heal wounds, sometimes a soquili may reopen them if they spasm, no? We can stop that soquili from doing such a thing, in essence they do not feel the pain if the limb has been made numb," he clarified and then rolled his shoulders. He had the decency to look sheepish at that, as he had no idea how to do it. "However I haven't the slightest idea how to do that, I wouldn't know which pressure points to touch," he confessed.
Nevertheless when she thanked him, he did lift a brow in mild surprise, for one so bubbly he would have assumed that she had many friends. Social butterflies, especially the most enthusiastic, seemed to be embraced by social circles everywhere. "Kindness? I suppose you are most welcome to that, though I fail to see how you have wandered the world without entertainment for so long," he replied, his tone a touch doubtful as he tried to comprehend her gratitude... since when was conversing worthy of thanks?
...Was this another rule he was oblivious to?
Ah, but she was asking another question.
"I live alone," he clarified and offered a lazy smile. "When I was seeking greater awareness, interruptions were an obstacle, I hadn't yet learnt to block them out," he glanced at his lake and then chuckled. "So I found a quieter place and suffice it to say that any time I am lonely, there is always someone who finds me," he pointed out.
"In many respects I am never alone, the world is exceedingly vocal, even if it is not necessarily at the behest of my own kind."
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Posted: Tue Aug 06, 2013 7:07 pm
Nikandros was like this wealth of knowledge every time he spoke. Neo was surprising quiet as he explained more Kirin customs, and she was amazed at their abilities. Growing up, she was always taught to be careful and avoid injury, especially while living on her own in the many places she visited. Good to know a Kirin would be useful like a unicorn was for her father in the past. She wondered if her parents knew the wonders of Kirins.. she'd have to tell them soon!
"Everything you say, you are like this complete expert! Are you taking applications as a life coach?" She giggled lightly. "I'm in dire need of someone with your personality to strengthen my mind." Yeah yeah, she knew she probably sounded crazy by throwing THAT out there, and her mother would have wonked her on the head for that one. But it was true! She wanted to become as wise as he was. That was impossible, right?
"Hmm well, it may be and sound strange but I really do appreciate it." She shrugged lightly while beginning to kick at the ground. "Entertainment you say? Well, you have been an amazing entertainment, more then I am used to. And so kind. But I keep myself entertained for the most part." There was a lot of her to take in, so she kept to herself to protect others.. and maybe her too. Most of the time her conversations ended terribly as her 'filter' was still being worked on. Lots of training and talking to herself was helping the cause.
"Don't worry, I do this all by choice! Just like you, but you are doing much grander things." She stared out onto the water again, imaging him floating over it daily. "We all get to have our opportunities to shine with others and new relationships, I'm just waiting for the right moment for mine." She smiled back at him with delight. "I'm weird, but secretly awesome."
Sure, she could go on being negative and everything like she used to, but that was so sad. Staying positive was all she had, and once in awhile she was lucky to meet a new, kind acquaintance. So maybe things were looking up!
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Posted: Wed Aug 07, 2013 5:49 am
Weird, but secretly awesome, indeed. Neo was positively brimming with energy and he did have to wonder where on earth she got it from. Perhaps some individuals had an ever-flowing font of it? He wasn't entirely certain, but she was in striking comparison to the more lethargic soquili he had met. She was both refreshing and an oddity, but given he was a bit of an oddity himself, it was safer to assume that he found her more refreshing than peculiar. That being said she did ask the most unusual questions, he'd never heard of a 'life coach' and could only surmise from her next remark that it had something to do with improving another individual.
...He'd barely improved himself, could he improve another? He wasn't entirely certain that it would be wise to test that theory!
"To strengthen your mind?" he enquired lightly, shaking his head from side to side. It should have come at no surprise that the bemused expression drifted on to his features as he regarded the mare. "I would say that your mind is more that strong enough? You do not give any indications of mental instability or hysteria," he pointed out. Granted there were some individuals who hid their personal problems better than others, but he often prepared to take an individual at face value until they gave him grounds not to. "Unless you refer to settling it to the point of finding enlightenment," he added as an after thought and shook his head.
"Though you do not necessarily strike me as someone who would enjoy sitting in silence all day," he observed and lifted a brow. "There are some individuals who always seem to be in motion, much like hummingbirds," he remarked and pointed at Neo, in fact, that was exactly what he was reminded of when he saw her. "In fact, you are very much like a hummingbird - so vivacious and frantic, you live for the moment," he murmured.
"I fail to see how that is something to apologise for."
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Posted: Thu Aug 08, 2013 8:49 pm
Unfortunately for Neo, there were some in her family that might argue she did have some unstable or hysterical features. They just didn't understand her, and that was ok. She had accepted it. At least with a new acquaintance he was disregarding any of those comparisons, and not calling out her unusual energy in a negative way. If anything, he was gently praising it.
Perhaps he was right in also calling out that silence was not her forte, or her friend for that matter. When he did mention a hummingbird, her ears perked up in delight. "I LOVE hummingbirds!" They were so unique as a bird breed, and tended to do their own thing while others marveled at their specter. They were regarded for their beauty and their mad flying skills. So perhaps they were the perfect comparison to her crazy self? She would take it and keep that one for the books. Now she just needed to find a hummingbird as a friend, and she would be set.
"I suppose I do like to live for the moment..." She added, a bit shyly. It was not worth it to go into her silly baggage on the situation, so she perked up in usual Neo fashion. Baggage was best when swept under her hooves, especially in a fun moment. "You are doing so well as my new life coach already!" She danced around him lightly. "See? You didn't even mean to, but you totally made my day and helped me realize I have my own specialties, too. I may not be able to fly but I hover just as well as a hummingbird." Was she hovering around him too much? Probably!
Although... how could she repay him for his ultra kindness? "Is there anything I can do to help you? I feel like I've been talking too much." Well, duh. "Maybe I have some unusual wisdom somewhere that you are looking for?" She paused, and stuck her tongue out gently. "Prrroooabably, not."
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Posted: Fri Aug 09, 2013 4:24 am
Well, whatever had been dragging her down had been pushed to the side for a time. The mare had perked up after a brief hesitation and while the stallion wasn't entirely content in her decision to ignore her problems, he was mindful that Neo would address them in her own time. If she were pushed, she would rebel, just as he had, and her answers would not come to her so easily. Provided that she did not allow them to plague her or cause lasting discomfort then he could be satisfied with this, or rather he would have to satisfy himself with it as it wasn't his life to live!
He permitted the mare to prance around him, musing over the similarities between herself and a hummingbird. When she made reference to a life coach again he couldn't help but chuckle; it had never been his intention to exist in this world as a guide, but if that was what was meant to happen then he wouldn't run. On the contrary, a voice in his head remarked that if anyone was capable of finding him in this bizarre and isolated place, then they were more than welcome to request his guidance in some form or another...
"You have talked about as much as I thought you might," Nikandros replied with a dismissive shake of his head. Whoever Neo had encountered that had chastised her for her energy were, he failed to see how her harmless behaviour was worthy of derision. He would sooner be in the presence of someone bubbly and energetic, rather than someone who could cause significant harm or strife. "I would say that if there was one thing you could do for me..." he paused as he considered what this might be before a warm smile crept on to his lips.
"It would be look inwards and address the hesitations and burdens you are carrying," he said at last and tilted his head to the side. "You exist in a world of perpetual motion and yet it seems as though you have been shackled by a force the rest of the world cannot see..."
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