[PRP] Can you set me free? (Sylvanna x Aeolus)

[Teigra]

The sunlight was warm and bright...perhaps a bit too warm where it beat down on the dark colored fur of his back. His lighter wings, however, relished the warmth and he calmed his irritation with the thought that perhaps it was doing some good. The stallion was momentarily earth-bound, which pleased him not. He was a graceful creature of the air, wondrous to behold...currently stomping along the ground like some commoner.

Of course, some might argue it was his own fault. Not that he'd listen to such common babble. Clearly it was some malevolent wind spirit that had conjured that accursed updraft from nowhere that had upset his graceful flight. Of course, he'd managed to right himself, but in the process he'd felt a twinge in his right wing that was concerning. Nothing seemed to be permanently injured, but...he was proud. Not stupid. No use taking unnecessary risks, especially with his wings.

For now, he'd travel the ground like some common earth creature while letting his wings rest. As before, the sunlight warmed them nicely and helped the muscles relax, so perhaps it wouldn't be long before he felt safe taking to the air once more.

Still, it was rather warm out here.

The scenery was pleasant enough, lightly wooded, open meadows. Closing his eyes, he sniffed the air experimentally. This would have been much easier to search from the air, but down here, he'd have to make due with his other senses. Adjusting his course accordingly, he headed towards where he hoped to find water.

Success! Of course, he'd found it. However, something else lay on the wind aside from the scent of water. Another was nearby. A...mare, he believed. She could be there for the same reason as he, needing a drink of water and refreshment. Watering holes commonly brought all types from the area.

Still, better safe than sorry. Keeping his wits about him, Aeolus' eyes scanned the area warily as he approached the water. He wasn't looking for trouble here, only a place to rest and rehydrate, but he'd be prepared if trouble came looking for him instead.

WC: 352

AstoriaFallen

No worries! Been a crazy month for me, but things finally seem to be calming down thankfully!

 

[Teigra]

The stallion's wings shifted and half spread experimentally. He was testing the stiffness in the right, but it may have appeared that he was merely keeping his balance as he bent to drink. Shaded by his horns, his ears twitched at each sound until he caught sight of the mare at the edge of his vision.

The general outline of her wings moving just out of sight caused him to tense at first. Kalona. His own natural veiled aggression flared and his eyes narrowed and slid in her direction for a more direct view. No, there was something...off...about her. She had the wings of a Kalona, but the tail was wrong. And...was that a horn on her forehead?

So, no pure Kalona, but a mix, like himself. How...intriguing.

Still, he knew well the urges that came even from such mixed blood and prepared himself for signs of possible hostility. She made no attempt to hide her presence as she approached, however, and went so far as to call out in greeting. Yes, this was an odd one.

Finishing his drink as the mare took her own, Aeolus rose to his proper stance and tucked his wings calmly against his back with care. He took a moment to look the mare over before inclining his head regally. "Greetings to you as well." Unless given a reason to behave otherwise, he would remain calm and stoic. Though, the irony of her question was not lost. Yes, he had been out for a stroll, though perhaps not by choice. The air was preferable.

"Something like that, miss. And what of yourself? Out enjoying the fine weather?"

WC: 273

AstoriaFallen

 

[Teigra]

...had he seriously responded to this stranger with an inquiry about the weather? Spirits, he was out of practice in socializing. Granted, he was rather selective in those he allowed to share his company, but he hadn't realized just how long since he'd attempted to share small talk with another. Perhaps it had been a bit too long. It wouldn't do for him to look like some sort of buffoon.

Fortunately, the mare didn't seem to notice anything amiss. Was she as awkward as he at the moment, or perhaps instead highly skilled at hiding her own true thoughts? Hmm...so let the verbal dance begin...

Perhaps he was being dramatic. But...perhaps not.

He realized that they were each sizing one another up beyond the friendly pretenses. Habit? Or ulterior motive? Either way, subconsciously he puffed his chest proudly, choosing to interpret her stares as appreciative of his fine form. He noted the name she'd given and offered his own with an inclination of his head. "I am Aeolus, Miss." He had been suspicious whether she claimed this territory and if he'd intruded, but her question led him to believe they were both strangers to the area and he relaxed somewhat. "I'm merely passing through. I suppose you were doing the same? It's a relief to know I'm not trespassing. Though...I've not seen any others in the immediate area." Or smelled any until this particular meeting, he noted mentally. "I don't suppose you have either? Seems quite the pleasant spot to be so deserted."

WC: 253

AstoriaFallen

 

[Teigra]

Taking the cue from her response, Aeolus made note to refer to her by name in his next response. "I see. Well, this is my first time to this particular area, Sylvanna, so I appreciate the information. Wouldn't do for me to cross paths with any territorial types in the area. Would put a bit of a damper on such a nice day."

Was that a joke? Perhaps, given the slight upturn of the corner of his mouth. Hard to say for sure.

Her next question gave him pause, however. He was rather eager to get back home. However, traveling by hoof would take some time. If he took some time to make sure his wing was well-rested, perhaps he could fly back from here. He weighed the options carefully. Keep moving at a slower pace, or take a rest here in exchange for possibly making up the time with a swifter pace in the air? "I was a bit eager to get home," he admitted aloud. "But, if there's no reason to rush, perhaps I might stay here for a while and enjoy the surroundings." It wasn't just the watering hole that he took into consideration. Though he hadn't sought out this interaction, he had to admit to himself, it was far from unpleasant.

In what he felt was a bold move, he turned an inquisitive look on the uni-kalona. "Would you be interested in keeping me company for a short while then, Sylvanna? Perhaps tell me a bit more about yourself?" He'd never met one of her kind before, and he had to admit, she was something of a curiosity to him. Perhaps it was their commonality of mixed blood, but he found her interesting to say the least.

WC: 291

AstoriaFallen