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 Posted: Tue Jun 10, 2014 8:32 pm
A meeting PRP between Me (~Latonia de la Courtel~) and Uta, featuring my Daliu and her Hadrian.
The forest spread quiet around her, grass covered in dew and mist hanging heavy. There were no fireflies at this hour, but the softly distant sound of birdsong heralded the slow start of another day. Picking her way through a mist-covered forest path, Daliu swiveled her ears to catch the sound of distant calls and trills, accompanied by the distant flutter of small wings. The sound made her think of the wind Soquili she knew, and brought a smile to her face as she continued to pace amongst the trees.
She enjoyed the her regular twilight strolls, not preferring dawn over dusk so long as she was able during one or the other. The world was quiet at that time, either not yet awake or settling into sleep... Aside from the occasional birdsong, she was often left alone with her thoughts. Not that her thoughts were quite compelling at the moment, just a mild curiosity at her surroundings.
"What to do with myself today?" She mused, somewhat at odds without her friends around.
It was unexpectedly quiet without the soft singing and laughter of the phantom children, but it couldn't be helped. The sisters were off at a family reunion of sorts, and would not return until the following day... The few stallions she knew were likewise occupied, visiting with family. All of this meant she was left to her own devices. Here she was, bewildered about what to do with herself and it wasn't even noon!
Daliu scoffed and shook her head. Foolish. Perhaps she'd make a new friend, if anyone was about at this hour.
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Posted: Sat Jun 14, 2014 11:48 am
Zara and he had separated. Permanently.
While it had been a mutual accord, that didn't mean that the change came easy for him. For all that their love and affection had not been romantic -- though they had tried -- it had still been platonic, and it had been genuine. He had found the mare spirited and of good humor, while she had found him handsome and reliable. For awhile, their need and desire for companionship had won out over the truth of the matter; they had been a good pair, had even raised three children . . . though. . . . part of Hadrian wondered if their children's unique looks had cast doubt in the pink mare. She had loved her children, and still loved them he knew, but having given birth to them had been quite hard. She had always blamed herself, and he knew, quietly, she had blamed him, too.
Hadrian didn't know what had happened, but . . . there was rumor that these curses, these spirit touched foals happened periodically. Even with such knowledge, it had taken a toll on their relationship, and he wondered if it had not hurried along their separation.
Oh, it had been a long time coming. He had known himself to be different, even from a little colt. His parents had expected greatness out of him, had accepted him on all levels except his most secret. Zara knew. . . she had guessed it, and had loved him all the more. Oh, but Hadrian would have stayed with her, had she wished it. He had committed himself, he had made a vow until death and then some. . . . so to break it, to let his family down even if it was for the best, was hard on him.
So it was, the blue coated stallion had taken a small holiday. Time to heal, time to let Zara make her leave and her scent to be washed away on those beaches. It would be easier. . . so for now, he wandered the woods. There was no ocean breeze, no lap of waves along the shore in serenade; nothing but the sound of crickets and the hum of landbound insects. It wasn't bad, and reminded Hadrian of his days as some valiant knight. . .
Ah, that felt like ages ago.
Hadrian picked his way through the woods, so lost in thought he hardly realized that Daliu was not far off. He was making a beeline straight for the mare, and likely wouldn't see her, among the twilight shadows, until he was all but upon her.
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Posted: Sat Jun 14, 2014 2:07 pm
Wandering beneath the trees meant one's mind could wander too. Soaking in the quiet air the dusk-coated mare let her thoughts meander as they would, unconcerned about her surroundings. There did not seem to be danger here, at the moment. Should that change, well, hopefully she would notice before the threat did! Until then, Daliu pondered her place in the world and the band of friends she had gathered around her in lieu of a blood-bound family.
While she did not know much of her parents, Daliu had been raised by some very devoted couples and watched their family grow around her. The stallions that had brought her into their two families were best friends, brothers in name if not blood, and they along with their mates took turns ensuring she was well. As she grew she watched as her adopted parents had children, who grew and had children, who grew and had children of there own. Seeing many of them find love and happiness, cemented Daliu's belief in ever-after...
Because of them she believed in happy endings, in a true love that truly could conquer all. Foolish or not, she believed such wonderful things existed for someone brave enough, true enough, stubborn enough to search for them. And while she was not so young as some, nor so beautiful as others, Daliu was stubborn, and could be brave, so she hoped to find those things for herself too. It would probably be easier if she went looking for adventure, rather than waiting for it to find her...
Which partially explained why she wandered this stretch of woods that were less than familiar to her. She was well at home amongst the glades and beneath the trees, and occasionally wandered to the mountains to watch their inhabitants glide on the wind... But she had never been this close to the great water that was all of salt and the sands as white as the moon. She wasn't there yet, by any stretch, but at this point maybe she should just keep going?
"What have you got to lose, right?" She asked herself, and then nearly walked right into the sea-hued stallion who also seemed to be wandering the woods.
"Oops!" She murmured, back-peddling after literally walking into the stranger. "Oh, I am so sorry! I was completely distracted and not looking while I was going.. It's terribly rude of me! Are you alright?"
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Posted: Wed Aug 13, 2014 8:30 pm
Hadrian hadn’t expected to be run into by a mare. . .but the world was a crafty place! One moment he had been picking his way through the woods, allowing his thoughts to roam over all that had come to pass, and the next there was a dusk coated mare bumping into him! Ah, but his reflexes were getting rusty, or at least his perception. He should have been more alert, more on guard, as he might have been during his younger years. If the stranger had been some sort of predator, he would have been in a real jam! Still, the spirits were kind, and instead sent what appeared to be a mare to bump into him – literally.
Perhaps it was a sign to keep his head out of the clouds and stay more grounded than he currently was feeling. The message was well heeded if that were the case! So it was, the stallion gave a warm chuckle, and a little wag of his leonine tail. Stepping back a pace, to give the mare some space and not feel so crowded, Hadrian gave a low, respectful, bow. “Forgive me, Miss . It is I who should apologize – had I been paying more attention, I might have noticed your presence, and sidestepped such a happy accident. As it stands, I do hope you’re all right?” He turned his blue eyes to look over the mare, to make sure she hadn’t gotten caught on his armor. Though it was minimal, it was sharp all the same. “I’m quite well, I assure you. I’ve taken worse and have come out all right.” He wasn’t trying to boast – simply to assure. Likely, his unicorn blood aided in his constitution. . . but Hadrian liked to think he was tough enough. He might be a Prince of the Sea, but he was no delicate flower.
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Posted: Sun Sep 14, 2014 11:56 am
Daliu wanted to melt into the ground on the spot, humiliation racing up her spine in a delayed burst of panic. What would she have done if he were a Kalona or a Skinwalker? Lying in wait instead of wandering along the trails minding his own business?
'Wandered right into his jaws, that's what you would have done!' Daliu silently scolded herself. 'How foolish of you! Careless bordering on idiotic. Oh it would serve you right to be lunch right now, mooning about true love and the ocean all at once. What a tangle.'
She was sincerely glad none of her adopted kin were about to witness her woolgathering and general foolishness. Perhaps she should return home until a companion could be found to visit the ocean, if she didn't take more care she was likely to walk herself right into trouble and not even be paying attention until it had her by the throat!
'A daydreamer you are not, my girl.' She grumbled to herself. 'Shape up.'
Thankfully he seemed gently amused by her, if the low laugh and his expression were anything to go by. Daliu swallowed her burst of apologies as she watched him drift backwards enough to offer her a bow, and shyly ducked her head to hide behind her white mane and forelock for a moment.
"You are very kind to say so, but I must at least argue I am just as much at fault. A gentle crossing of paths might have been preferable to a collision, but still with the same nature." She argued gently. "I am most well, I thank you for your concern.. And I am sorry if I caused you any difficulty."
Which she rather doubted, considering he stood a bit taller and more solid than she... But at least she hadn't hurt herself on his armor or gotten him tangled in her flowing mane. There was only so much foolishness one could stand before finding the nearest cliff and throwing them-self off! And while she was still mortified to have been caught mooning about, she did agree, the accident was indeed a happy one.
"I am glad you are well, and doubly-thrilled I am not the greatest danger you have faced." She smiled and teased all at once. "For if so, I fear that many dragons will run in terror and great knights will come to vanquish -me- before long... And I must admit I could not stand the sorrow of it all!"
The indigo coated mare gave a laugh and shook her forelock out of her eyes, grinning up at him. "I am Daliu, adopted child of many Clans but true daughter of no Herd... And I find myself wandering out to see the sea, because I have heard stories that compel me to do so. May I have the name of the one I had the unexpected honor of crashing into?" Uta (*wondering what Illium would make of Aveshar* >.>)
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Posted: Wed Mar 18, 2015 6:20 pm
~Latonia de la Courtel~ I have no idea. xD But Illium lives in her own little world.
So it was, the blue unicorn gave a warm smile and a nod. "The good lady Daliu may indeed have the name of the stumbling oaf whom forgot himself; I'm Hadrian, guardian of the nearby sand dunes and sea beaches." With age he preferred introducing himself simply as guardian, as opposed to knight or prince. He was known as royalty to locals near the beaches, but even then, he knew it to be a forgotten title. He didn't flaunt it, and knew it to be mostly self-proclaimed by his parents. Zara had always wanted herself a prince. . . but he felt unworthy of the title, these days. No need to look arrogant in front of such a mare.
"Ah, the sea has been my home all of my years, so it is truly an auspicious meeting. The spirits have brought us together, clearly, and I shall offer my knowedge or service should you need such a thing. I am curious to know, if you might humor my inquisitive nature, on what stories compel such a visit? Is it the water itself? The views? The creatures? The myths and legends?'" he almost sounded like a colt, his leonine tail wagging wagging with pleasure that someone might express interest in the vast oceans.
No matter where his hooves took him, no matter where he roamed, Hadrian had always returned to his home by the sea. There truly was no place like it.
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Posted: Wed Mar 25, 2015 3:43 pm
Daliu gave a soft laugh at her own foolishness and shook her head, gazing up at the stallion with a faint grin. It was hard to do much but laugh at the situation, now they were both clearly unharmed. And it truly was a happy little accident.
"A pleasure to meet you, noble Hadrian." She returned softly, though her eyes went a little wide at the luck of such an encounter. Surely a guardian of the dunes and beaches would be the best to ask about the sea? Even if he merely made recommendations on which was the best for her to visit, his insight would be invaluable. "Considering that I am making my first trip to the ocean, I must say that our encounter is fate's way of doing me a favor. So long as you are not bruised, I will thank her for it."
His words were formal, but a noble sort of declaration than a stinted greeting. Still the invitation and offer were most welcome, and she did her best not to literally leap at the chance. "I would not have dared to ask, but since you have offered it your knowledge is quite welcome. Regarding my visit, well I suppose that is a bit silly."
She gave a little cough and shrugged. "I have friends with lovely wings that have had the opportunity to soar to the sea, and one of them was even fortunate enough to meet the great Prince of the Ocean when the first of those from the Underwater Kingdom visited. As such, I have been raised on stories of a blue-green realm that stretches beyond the horizon and soaks up the colors of each sunrise and sunset... I have heard that all mater of strange creatures live in the depths, that if you find a shell on the beach and bring it home with you the sound of the waves will always find you.. Oh I've heard so many stories that I just had to come see if they were true!"
And now she sounded like a foolish filly but she couldn't even care, because she was almost at the ocean!
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Posted: Sun Apr 05, 2015 1:44 pm
Ah, but the purple mare seemed ever excited and her excitement was contagious. The older stallion couldn't hide the smile of pleasure that lit up his features, his blue eyes dancing with mirth as the mare explained her reasons for wishing to see the ocean. It had been something he had lived next to all his life, was something he'd grown up learning, befriending, and coming to know. . . So to hear the outsiders thrill at the stories she'd heard was refreshing. He had remembered days of his youth, when such discovery was new, and often led his hooves to explore. These days, especially with the falling out between Zara and himself, he could not help but feel old and strange.
Thankfully, Daliu need not know these feelings, nor be burdened with his regrets. Right now, she could be a guest, and he could do his best to answer her questions, and guide her to what she wished to see. "Well then, m'lady fair, let me assure you that you are not far from your destination. My own beaches are about a few hours walk to the east," he nodded his head back the way he had come, "And conveniently enough, I was just about to begin the journey home when was so auspiciously crossed paths." Maybe it wasn't quite true, but now was as good as any time to return home. . . especially if this mare wished to see the ocean. He could at least guide her to its shores before letting her away to her heart's content.
"I have never met the Prince of the Ocean, but I have seen various dwellers; kelpies that have come in with the tide to feast upon crab, jellyfish, and kelp; seathi that play in the tide-pools and sun on the rocks, and even the rare mer that dances out in the deeper sides of the ocean. I've seen whales, dolphins, gulls, algae, jellies, and shark. Shells wash up on shore every day and every night; and yes,there are conch shells that we might yet be able to find so you might return to your inland home, and listen to the waves anytime you wish." He grinned, and gave his leonine tail a wag. "I think those are all grand reasons to visit, and offer my land free for you to roam and explore, if you'd like. It is quiet enough, and safe; my own children live on the beaches as well, and no one would disturb you passing through."
Land was meant to be shared, after all, and what better way for the mare to explore the sea then with those who knew it? He would leave her be and hoped, perhaps, that his offer wasn't too forward. "If, begging your pardon, such an offer isn't too forward. I know we've only but met, but my lands have always been open to all." He bowed his head again, in case she were offended by such an offering.
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Posted: Sat May 02, 2015 8:57 am
Daliu grinned up at the taller Soquili, her heart light by the prospect of seeing the sea. The fact that he was smiling down on her made her feel slightly less foolish, perhaps he was merely buoyed by her excitement rather than put off by it. There was something in his expression like understanding, like kinship.
She couldn't quite help her eagerness to visit the ocean. From what all of her friends had told her, well, she'd been dreaming of it for some time. But it was difficult to dream of a thing you had never seen, and Daliu sincerely hoped she had at least managed to do justice to the body of water governed by the moon and the storms and its own will and strength. She longed to see it calm and mid-fury, to know all the shades that lurked within its depths.
"I am glad to hear I have not made a wrong turn along the way, Good Sir. I have been looking forward to the trip, and I do not even want to think of how I would feel if I'd mussed up my chance." She smiled back at him, her tone teasing and kind. The mention of his beach made her ears perk and she let her gaze drift eastward for a moment. "Your own beach, and close too? That's fair marvelous."
His mention of planning to return home made her laugh softly, dancing faintly in place in her excitement. "If you would not mind the company, I would sincerely love to have the tour."
Daliu herself had not had the chance to greet the horses of the sea, but this stallion was a Prince of the Land by the Sea, and that was wondrous enough for her. His stories of the kelpi and their strange diets, and the small seathi or elusive mers....
"They sound wonderful, I would love to see any of these wonderful children of the ocean. I am sure I have had fewer stories of them than the sea, but your tales alone are very intriguing. As for a shell." She gave a soft sigh. "I would dearly love to find one, if it is possible, thank you.
It would be lovely to curl up in her grove or the security of one of the caves and listen to the echo of the waves captured in a small, portable shell. Then again, if she fell for it as hard as she thought she might, she may just decide to live by the ocean instead. And greet each dawn on the beach and play in the tides...
"I thank you so much for your advice and your hospitality, and any wisdom you would care to share about this place. Though a visitor I would like to make the best impression, and I would dearly love to see anything you might think to show me." She smiled at him. "No, the offer is not too forward at all. In fact I thank you for your kindness and generosity, I am sure you will not lead me astray and I hope to do credit to your instruction."
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Posted: Thu Sep 03, 2015 8:05 am
Hadrian was glad for the distraction in the purple and black mare. It had been quite some time since he was able to play host to a stranger, and he was looking forward to finding something else to focus on beside his guilt. Now was not a time to fall prey to his moping and uncertainty -- there was a lady in his presence, and he needed to be the utmost gentleman! He wasn't going to dismiss his morals just because he was having a rough time of things.
So it was, he gave a small shake of his curly blue hair, and a little wag of his tail. "Well then, if you might follow me back to my seaside abode, I'd be happy to tell you a bit of the history." He gave one last bow, before beginning to guide the mare through the small woodlands. They weren't far from the shore -- they simply had to climb up a small wooded dune to get to the other side.
"My mother lived by the ocean shore all her life. She was an elegant lady, and ever so proper. My father was a wind, and the prince of some foreign land. He had taken off during his youth to discover his fortune, and discovered my mother instead. They settled these lands, and as such, my siblings and I grew up here. They've all since left, but I've never quite been able to leave my homelands. It's where I raised my children, and where I hope one day to raise more."
Perhaps not with Zara, but . . . one day. When things weren't so . . . different. His heart ached a bit at the mention of foals, but that was due to his breaking up of his family. He felt a bit of a monster, playing some gentleman when in fact he'd just ruined his family. . . . but. . . details. This mare didn't need to know the details.
"Along with the animals of the sea, you might run into some of my family and relations while you stay. Some of them look a bit peculiar, but I assure you, I guard these lands well. Nothing will harm you here, no matter how they appear." That was the most gentle explanation of his daughter and her hair-dragon, her mate, or his own sons and their snapping and snarling creatures.
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