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 Posted: Tue Jun 10, 2014 9:13 pm
The Kawani lands played host to a myriad of dangers that Zara had been swift to warn Nanda about. He had not been there since his foalhood; matters had changed rather for the worse, it seemed, and he had no desire to encounter any of the things his spirited friend had mentioned. Nanda had taken Zara's warnings to heart, carefully traversing the plains, keeping to areas where the herds abounded. He did not dare to wander into the mountains, but the sea did call to him. Never in his life had Nanda ever seen anything so immense as the sea, and he was utterly fascinated.
Oh, he was fond of water as a general rules, for he could admire his own reflection upon still pools, but the ocean was quite different. It was wild and untamed. It teemed with life. He was fascinated by the way his hooves crunched upon the sand, the way the wind caught up his mane and flung it about! It was really very thrilling. Pausing, the unicorn gazed out over the water, caught by the sheer beauty before him.
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Posted: Tue Jun 10, 2014 10:05 pm
Ah, but that seemed like years ago.
His children had long since grown and taken off on their own. While Aquitaine remianed in the general area, she was busy now with her own children. Aurelian and Arcadius were long since gone, and while his heart ached to see them, to know how they were fairing, he knew it was not his right to chase, to cling, to keep them close. Zara and he had been happy together, for all that they had discovered they were not in love. . . but that lack of true romance had strained their relationship.
They were both romantics, but their love was one of convenience. Hadrian did not find himself passionate about the beautiful mare, and Zara had never truly been swept off her hooves as she had yearned to be. They had found comfort in one another so as not to be alone in their youth. . . but in such a sacrifice, they had put off the inevitable, and were now bound to be alone as adults.
She had drifted out along with the tide weeks ago, and her scent was almost completely gone. All he had were memories, uncertainty, loss, and loneliness. His wasn't a bad life, and he was very lucky to have his good health and these lands. . . but the loneliness that gripped him was severe and far more substantial than he could ever have realized. He missed his family. He missed Zara. What good was having a territory or being dubbed prince of the sea, when there were none but seabirds to appreciate it?
Ah, but his thoughts were heavy this day. Walking down the beach, the blue eyed male, donned in his very best, sparkling armor, earrings, and pearls, continued his way down the shoreline. The wind played with his curls, and he looked well in the sunlight. . . but he was just a shell of his former glory. He walked these paths so he might continue his duty -- to protect his land, his home from outsiders, to keep it safe in case his children did return. So it as, though he noticed a unicorn a ways down the beach, he kept his gait deliberate. He was in no rush, so long as the unknown figure was did not appear to be a threat.
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Posted: Tue Jun 10, 2014 10:22 pm
Nanda's gaze was caught by a faint, distant sparkle. He glanced up, quirking an eyebrow slightly, an ear swiveling forward. The attached chain clinked softly, settling upon his forelock just above that very brow. He tossed his head and tried to decide whether he ought to bridge the distance between himself and that so distant figure. Who might the shimmering stallion be? For a stallion he certainly was. Of that there could be no doubt. Hmmn. Perhaps he might return to his enjoyment of the nearby waters. The crash of the waves against the shore caught his attention, and he turned his head once more to gaze admiringly upon their foaming forms. What shapes they made, bubbling up like the most beautiful of pearls.
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Posted: Mon Aug 04, 2014 4:21 pm
Hadrian continued his walk down the ocean shore, blue eyes studying the stranger that appeared to be admiring the great waters. As he approached, he began picking out small details -- the glint of sunshine against golden jewelry, the soft yellow pattern amid such a vibrant orange coat, and of course, the tell-tale signs that this was indeed a unicorn! The stallion was pleased to find such a guest among his home. . . It had been some time since they'd hosted visitors, and with his children dispersed and living their own lives, and his ex-mate now gone to find greener pastures, things had been incredibly quiet. All he seemed to do was think. . . so perhaps this stallion might prove a pleasant distraction.
"Salutations," he called out as he neared, giving his blue tail a little swish of pleasure. His smile was warm, his head held high in confidence, even if it were perhaps more so out of habit than legitimate feeling. Even though his split with Zara had been mutual, there was still a sense of loss and sadness that gripped his old bones. Parting ways was never easy, no matter the cause or encouragement. "She's quite the sight, isn't she?" He stated, turning his blue eyes out towards the open waters. The ocean had always been there for him -- he had been lulled to sleep by its waves as a foal, had played among sands, shells, and salted air as a youth, and had raised a family it shores as an adult.
The ocean was the one constant in his life, and the prince of the sea appreciated it.
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Posted: Mon Aug 04, 2014 5:24 pm
Who... was this stallion? Nanda found himself utterly caught by the other's gaze. Never had he been so struck by another, and he could hardly contain himself. The lovely blue stallion seemed to rise like foam upon the sea, and he was captivated by the other unicorn's beauty and dignity. It was easier to turn his gaze back to the ocean than to face what he had seen when he had looked into the stranger's eyes. "..." Words failed him for a moment, and he felt silly to be so tongue tied. Nanda had never expected that when he had heeded Zara's advice and come to this place he would find himself face to face with such splendor. The magnificence of the ocean humbled him; an impressive achievement, given his usual arrogance and narcissism. Yet all that he had seen here seemed to him to be far more lovely than he. Strangely enough, he found that he didn't mind that at all.
"Hello," he said, knowing himself for a fool, when his voice all but cracked. "She is. She's beautiful."
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Posted: Mon Aug 11, 2014 9:16 pm
It was a good thing Hadrian was no mind-reader, lest he be taken aback by the thoughts running through the orange stallions head! He would have thoroughly blushed and been rendered speechless had he known how much of an effect he had on Nanda. Thankfully, ignorance was bliss, and the stallion could only be ever the gentleman. He was not only a knight, but Prince of the Sea. . . or at least of this seaside territory. His mother and father were long gone, but his title remained, as did his diligence and devotion to the land. This was his home, and he would care for it, whether or not his children ever returned to its shores.
So it was, the blue coated stallion was glad for the unexpected company. The orange stallion had a certain sort of flash with the golden jewelry, but it was no different than his own silver. He had armor -- a little bit -- but he wound up mostly inheriting his mother's precious jewels and gems. While other might arch a brow, Hadrian liked his pearls, his earring, his necklace. . . they were his, and reminders of the eccentricities of both his parents. "And her beauty is as great as her wrath." Oh, how the ocean could be as cruel as it could be lovely. The storms he weathered, the loss of those sucked out in currents, and the things that washed upon shore. "Ah, but forgive me. It seems in my age I've lost all semblance of manners and etiquette." So it was, the stallion offered the other a formal and low, respectful bow. "I do hope I have no interrupted your evening. I'm Hadrian, and I hope you might forgive my rusty formalities." It had been a very long time since anyone outside of family had run along the coasts. . . And now that seemed like ages ago.
The coast was no longer as intriguing a world as it used to be...or so it appeared to Hadrian. It was almost a shame.
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Posted: Mon Aug 11, 2014 9:36 pm
Zara really should have warned him. ... Then again, if Zara had warned him, would he have sought out this beautiful locale? As startled as Nanda was, as struck as he truly felt, he still possessed a modicum of manners to his name. "You speak as one of great age, and yet I see a stallion in his prime before me. Forgive me for trespassing. My name is Nanda, and there is nothing to forgive." Oh bright spirits, what dream was this? Truly, Nanda had been enjoying the ocean's beauty, but nothing could have prepared him for this! To be so caught by another before even knowing his name! Oh, it was not for stallions as well versed in such arts as he! And yet there he was, making an utter fool of himself over a handsome stranger.
"There is nothing quite so beautiful, nor so terrible, as the ocean. She is by all rights a fickle mistress, and a powerful force to be reckoned with. That is the nature of mares, after all. As, I'm sure, you can attest." For surely this stallion had known many in his life! No, he was too bold. But how could Nanda hope but be otherwise with such a vision before him? Everything about the stallion, down to that string of pearls, spoke of worldly delights. Such was undoubtedly a misleading impression, but he'd cherish it for at least a moment longer.
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Posted: Fri Aug 15, 2014 12:31 pm
Hadrian couldn't help but give an amused chuckle at the stranger's flattery. A stallion in his prime? Perhaps that wasn't entirely inaccurate -- it wasn't as if he was old and decrepit, or made lame by years of travel and arthritis. He was no spring chicken, and he suspected he even had a few years on this brightly colored stallion, but he supposed he also needn't have one hoof in the grave, either. "You are far too kind, good sir, though I shall accept the compliment readily. I may not be so ancient yet, but I've at least a good number of years on me. I suppose I could claim the term dignified...or at least experienced." His leonine tail gave a little wag in amusement, watching the other stallion with curiosity.
It had been such a long time since he'd had company and guests. Where did this other hail from? He reminded him, strangely enough, a little bit of Zara -- perhaps it was the bright colors, the henna markings (though not nearly as intricate as the pink mares!), the delicate jewelry. Perhaps it was simply the fact this stranger looked to be a pure unicorn, sporting cloven hooves where he lacked. There was a delicateness to the other that wasn't entirely feminine, but . . . noted all the same. Maybe, he amused, he was simply desperate for a little company. With his ex long since gone, and his children on their own, sand pipers, crabs, and the rogue, washed up, fish could only humor him for so long.
"She is much like a mare, yes, though my mate. . . ex-mate. . . was of more composed humor. She did her best to keep her temper in check. Thankfully, we had an amicable, friendly relationship, so I was not oft on the receiving end of such vicious rebukes." Ah, it as strange having to clarify his new position as a single stallion. . . . Did ex-mate suffice or was that too cold? Old mate? No, Zara would object to being called such a thing, even if the context was not meant to describe her personally. Hadrian supposed it didn't matter. . . Zara would say he was over-thinking it, troubling himself where there was no trouble in sight.
"If it is not a bother, might I ask where you hailed from?" A little conversation could go a long way, after all, and he was not ready to continue his patrols.
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Posted: Sat Jan 31, 2015 10:59 pm
Nanda was making a fool of himself, he knew. Yet he could hardly help himself. The other was... exceedingly handsome. ... Not to mention that the other was also sporting a most fabulous string of pearls around his shapely thigh. That had definitely drawn the stallion's eye, to be sure. He knew that he cut quite a figure with his lovely hair, carriage, and jewelry. He was an exceptional stallion. Yet... oh, how struck he was by this most beautiful of stallions. "Kindness has very little to do with it, I do assure you," Nanda protested. No, he was not prone to superlative compliments. If anything, Nanda was vain and self-centered... or he had been. This other had half convinced him that his eyes had been directed the wrong way. Clearly he should have been gazing at Hadrian this entire time.
"You are a very handsome stallion. Surely you're aware of that?" he asked, knowing that coming out and stating that was probably pushing things. ... He also didn't care. Sometimes it was important to be frank. He felt that this was one of those situations. "... 'Dignified' or 'experienced' would both be suiting," he added upon reflection. He particularly liked the latter of the two adjectives, yet... the former did seem fitting. The other was a most dignified male.
... She. Of course. Of course such a handsome stallion would find his interests... elsewhere. In the fairer sex, no less. Nanda did everything that he could to conceal his disappointment. He wasn't sure that he did a fantastic job of it, but it was... hard to hide. After all, he had been very disappointed. "Your ex-mate?" he said politely. Ah, yes... that was so very predictable. All of the handsome stallions were either taken or straight. Or so his experience should have told him. "My condolences that the relationship was terminated." Except, of course, that... he... very definitely did not feel badly about that. Unless his disappointed.regarding the other's potential interests counted.
"As it so happens, I am from the plains," Nanda said, glad to be able to redirect the conversation away from that mare to a more fitting object of discussion: himself. ... He suspected that he was very soon going to have a much more favored topic in the form of this other. Ah, yes. He... definitely wanted to linger here for at least a little while. "A friend of mine directed me this way... and so I have come. I didn't expect company, however. Strange that she didn't warn me about your existence. I should think that, given her familiarity with the region, she would have done so." It was of no moment, however. He intended to get to know this stallion very well indeed, if Hadrian were interested. ... Even if that meant simply being his friend.
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Posted: Sun Apr 12, 2015 12:32 pm
Hadrian felt his stomach churn, and his body went just a little flush with heat at Nanda's confession. He hadn't expected the other to call him handsome, and his own response to it caught him well off guard! While he knew the orange coated unicorn was only being kind and complimentary, the blue stallion couldn't help but be thoroughly flattered, and doubly pleased. Certainly, it was more than his male ego! Ah, but Hadrian felt a little bit a fool. . . . was it just because this was a stranger? Or was it that the stranger was a he . . . and a very good looking he at that?
Er.
Well.
As soon as the thought crossed his mind, the stallion felt his stomach twist again and he did his best to squash the feeling. It was a feeling, an attraction, and admittance Hadrian had never given voice to, and it had caused Zara to call it out long after they were mates. She had told him it was nothing to be ashamed of, and yet, Hadrian hadn't fully accepted it. His family had made disapproving enough comments while he was a foal, had taught him to be as pure as any unicorn. . . and that meant looking at mares.
Just because a new door was open didn't mean he had to walk through it. Besides, the orange unicorn was simply being nice. . . had to be. "I don't know about handsome, but if you believe it to be so, then I will take your word for it." He explained with a smile, and a dip of his head. "It's. . . been a long time since I've heard such kindnesses, much less from a stranger." And never from a stallion! Zara had always thought well of him, yes, but their relationship was less romantic and more platonic. He couldn't actually remember the last time Zara had complimented his looks or called him attractive. "I'm glad you think so, all the same."
. . . should he have said that?
Oh, spirits, what was wrong with him today?
Thankfully, Hadrian was no the sort to fall into pieces. The chances that this unicorn was at all like Hadrian was slim-to-none. Zara had encouraged him to find some stallion to fall madly in love with, but she didn't seem to understand that the chances of him finding one were extraordinarily small. Hadrian was a particular stallion, after all, and he didn't even know how one went about looking for stallions like him. Besides, he almost felt as if he didn't deserve to find one, even if he could. This had hurt his relationship with Zara, was upsetting the family balance, and his children were heartbroken over the news. And all because what? Because he . . . couldn't have faked his interests better. Because he couldn't pretend to be normal.
"Ah, it . . . it was my own doing, I'm afraid. There were some irreconcilable differences in what we were looking for in a partner, but . . . may she find every happiness with this new chapter." And that was all he was going to say about that. There was no sense in drawing a stranger into his personal affairs, but he wasn't going to lie, either. Thankfully, Hadrian wished to turn the conversation away from him, and better get to know the new beach dweller. Good thing for Hadrian that the unicorn had brought up a most interesting of admittance! "Her familiarity with the region? Not to pry, but do you simply mean the ocean beaches in general, or this area in particular? We have so few that live in this region, I'm curious to know if I've ever crossed paths with this other." Or if perhaps, it was his daughter or mother! Hadrian hadn't seen his mother in years, and doubted she would ever return, but maybe . . . maybe she had taken to the plains? His daughter had also been a traveler before she had settled on the neighboring stretch of beach a few miles down. Perhaps Nanda was a friend?
"Regardless who sent you, I'm very pleased for the company. If there is anything I can do to make your visit more comfortable, or any advice on the best sights, please don't hesitate to ask. These lands are as familiar to me as my own hooves, and I would like to ensure you have the best of visits before you carry on." It was what he had been trained to become, really; not just a protector of his family's lands and beaches, but a source of knowledge, an ambassador to those who visited. Not only was Nanda such fair company, but it would be a great distraction from his woes and guilt.
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