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haven
Feb 28, 2011 22:26:52 GMT -6
Post by fORTE on Feb 28, 2011 22:26:52 GMT -6
The sorrel mare's breath caught in her lungs and her mane whipped and stung her face as a strong icy gust washed over her from the east where the mountains were. Winter was almost upon her, and she was fleeing to lower elevations where she would hopefully find the cold months more endurable. The mountains directly behind her were already encased in snow and ice and the snow in the foothills would surely soon reach its spindly fingers into the valleys.
The mare reached the top of the ridge she had been climbing and balked at what she saw. Hestia, you fool, you've gone and trapped yourself! What was spread out beneath her was a vast, flat valley that went on for ages—it must be ten miles, or fifty, or seventy! And far in the west, where that measureless distance ended, she saw only more white-flecked ridges that rose abruptly out of the still-green basin floor.
Hestia contemplated her situation. She couldn't go back the way she had come—the warmer temperatures from down in that valley were already beckoning to her. The mere thought of returning to those cold hills made her uneasy. But once she was in that valley she had nothing more to look forward to but the hills opposite her current position. And a vast endless wasteland to the south, as far as she could see, and looming mountains to the north. The mare heaved a sigh, which billowed wetly above her and then dispersed. She would go into the valley. The grass was green down there, and and even that small fact decided her.
Hestia walked quickly down the rocky ridge, sliding in some places, several hundred feet until the land leveled out rather suddenly and she found herself in a very pleasant place compared to where she had been for the past week or so. The grass was surprisingly long and a light shade of yellow-green. The temperature was at least ten degrees warmer than up on that ridge, and the mare could finally hear herself think instead of being drowned out by irregular gusts of wind. She was much calmer now.
Unsure of what to do next the mare lowered her head to graze a bit, and soon spotted an irregularity in the land far in the distance. From what she could see it was a gigantic hill. That's interesting, she thought, chewing thoughtfully and flicking her tail. I might as well go check it out. Being a stranger in anyplace was unpleasant, but it was much less so when one had a goal. Hestia's new goal was to reach that hill.
It took the mare about four hours to reach the hill, with frequent breaks to graze and reset. Halfway through she found a small, clear stream that was running toward the hill and she followed it, glad to have a water source that would help keep her strength up.
The bluff was larger than it had looked from far away, and there was a forest of broadleaf trees around its base, through which the stream Hestia had been following, flowed. It took the mare about 20 minutes to trot a circle around the hill, getting a first impression. It was longer north-to-south than it was wide, and the west face was steep and rocky and would be shady and very cool in the mornings. The forest at the base was clear of undergrowth but for the long grass, which was greener than in the open because of the creek that fed the foliage there. Hestia next explored into the forest, finding the grass to grow up to chest-height near the south face of the hill.
It was a lovely place, apparently free of predators since she had smelled none during her traversing of the area, and the sorrel mare soon became enamored of it. She wanted to explore more, but the sun had dropped behind the western ridges and the temperature was cooling, so she decided to turn in for the night. She returned to the spot where the grass grew tallest, flattened a small swatch of it and laid down to sleep.
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haven
Mar 1, 2011 11:43:07 GMT -6
Post by Kailolu on Mar 1, 2011 11:43:07 GMT -6
“Damn that stallion, damn that mare, and damn this wind!” Xavier held his head in close to his chest, trying not to let the mighty gusts sting his eyes and ears even more than they already were. Not mad, he was, more so his ego was injured. He didn’t like letting them pass, and taking a walk out of the Rebel lands might have helped. It only made things worse, because now, seeing them leave was the only thing that was replaying in his mind. He gave a forceful snort when the cold current blew several leaves into his face. He shook them away and looked up, seeing himself standing atop a hill, a fairly large hill at that. The charcoaled brute looked around, cranium lowering faintly. This was a valley, with a small number of trees sprinkled throughout the land like the leaves on the ground. Xavier flicked his ear and braced himself before another sharp gust tried to topple him over. Perhaps standing on a mound when it was this blustery wasn’t his best pick.
Instead of turning back to his home, he started down the hill, head bobbing with every step he took. His trip to the floor was steeper then he thought, and he nearly slipped a few steps down. The stag kept his head raised, and his optics alert. He hadn’t known this was here, so he didn’t know what kind of predators lurked in the grass. Upon making it to level ground, he noticed the grass was nice and lengthy. His stomach rumbled at the thought of settling down to graze for a bit, and it didn’t take him much thought to give into the urge. He lowered his aristocratic head and filled his jowls with the vegetation, finding it not tasting as good as he thought. He lifted his head and chewed at his food, glancing around warily. He wasn’t going to let his guard down around here. Munching on some more grass, it was only then he realized the wind wasn’t ripping at his tresses anymore. And it was surprisingly warmer. He pondered staying her a while longer, the temptation was difficult to refuse. He’d make the decision later.
Xavier had his fill and continued to walk, throwing his head to the side at times, looking for someone to play with. Surely there must be more horses around here other then him. This valley was a beacon, the temperature was warmer, the wind wasn’t as harsh, and the food was plentiful. Why wouldn’t they come? Venturing further into the foreign lands, Xavier thought he spotted deer clumped together, traveling toward a string of trees. He stopped and watched, cocking his head to the left. Deer don’t do that while walking, they’d walk single file. It was then he realized it was a horse, a mare to be precise, a pretty little sorrel. Well, what was she doing here alone? Being a Rebel, it wasn’t his job to be watching out for an unclaimed mare’s welfare. Tch, oh well. The tar colored brute started to walk after her, watching her we swallowed by the trees and grass. He came at a trot, going at a different angle into the forest. He was positive he didn’t want to come right behind her and startle her. She may kick him, and a kick to the chest would be incredibly painful. A kick to the head…Ouch. Xavier pushed into the trees, not sure where the mare had gone. With her pelt, it wouldn’t be hard to see her against the green. Boy was he wrong. He couldn’t see her anywhere.
With the grass growing longer the farther he walked, he lowered his head and snagged a few strands in his mouth. He chewed on them while he searched, sniffing around for the sweet perfume of the dove hiding away. Unknowingly, he walked not more than ten yards from her. He hadn’t seen her because she had been lying in the tall grass. He’d definitely scold himself for that. Xavier pressed on, searching for the mare he had already passed. His hooves tapped against some rocks that were on the side of the steadily moving liquid. “Where the hell did she go?” He grumbled to himself, flicking his tail in irritation.
Oh, I'm sorry fORTE! I lost my muse after the first paragraph. It's been so tempermental lately, forgive me. And I also put this post a little in the future since Xavier was already going to let Winter and The Turtle pass, so that's why he'd grumbling. I hope that's okay.
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haven
Mar 1, 2011 22:00:28 GMT -6
Post by fORTE on Mar 1, 2011 22:00:28 GMT -6
((no prob—totes okay with me. =) )) Hestia gently drifted into the colorful periphery of sleep, soothed by the gentle rustling of the long grass and the chatter of water, and was about to sink deeper into sleep when an irritated voice, magnified and raucous due to her half-conscious state, woke her immediately and almost fully. Startled, her head shot up, her eyes wide and her ears erect. After a few silent moments she lunged to her feet, adrenaline rushing in her veins and quivering with readiness to fight or flee.
In the gathering darkness the mare saw a large shape, and she looked around for others to see if she was outnumbered. The first form was the only one around and she assumed, since she had understood the words spoken, that it was a horse. Hestia hesitated before speaking up; this horse might be hostile, but she decided the odds of that weren't great enough to prevent her attention-seeking self from doing her usual.
She pranced a few steps closer to the horse, her neck arched and hocks and knees high—showing off already. "Looking for me?" she called just loud enough for the nameless shadow to hear.
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haven
Mar 3, 2011 9:29:06 GMT -6
Post by Kailolu on Mar 3, 2011 9:29:06 GMT -6
Xavier shook his head as he sniffed at the ground. He could smell her scent, he just couldn’t figure out where she was in this wooded area. Stopping suddenly, the brute brought his head up. His auds rigid, he listened carefully for what he thought was the stirring sound of an animal. He hadn’t thought about predators around here, and he was clueless until now, that they could be stalking him through this broad drawn out grass. The first instinct that coursed through his body urged him to escape from the woods, but then, he’d lose his toy, for good perhaps. He turned and raised his head, his legs set to run, or brawl if he must. But instead of being ambushed by a pack of wild animals, he heard the sweet voice of the mare he’d been looking for. Or at least he hoped.
The burnt stallion turned his body and head to see the sorrel mare flashing off her body. It immediately drew him in. He made his way closer, slowly but surely. He came close enough to reach out and bump her cheek with his muzzle. “Yes I am,” He said quietly into her ear. He was going to make himself right at home at her side and if she objected to him, he’d just chase her down. He’d love a challenge. He rubbed his maw on her soft pelt, sniffing her body as he did so. It was obvious to him, that she wasn’t claimed by another stallion, but the smell of one on her was faint. Perhaps she had been taken in previously? He pondered the thought before taking a step back to reach her neck. He gave her a nip, assuring his dominance over her. It wasn’t a hard bite, it was even almost a gentle one, just a small message to her, letting her know he was in charge of the situation.
He let his deep voice drip from his maw and seep into her ears once again, “What brings you here?” It didn’t sound like a question the way he said it, but it had the same meaning. And he was curious to know why she was here. If it was the usual, ‘I'm looking for a bad boy’ or ‘oh sir, I’m looking for a herd’, he’d take advantage of her either way.
This is a crappy post, sorry. I wanted to try and squeeze it in before I have to go to school.
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haven
Mar 4, 2011 22:31:00 GMT -6
Post by fORTE on Mar 4, 2011 22:31:00 GMT -6
((I hope you don't mind if I talk about his wounds—if you have a different idea for the other thread, I'll modify this one.)) Hestia stood still while the stallion approached, her eyes following him closely and her nostrils flared. She took a step forward, almost tripping as the long grass caught at her hooves, as he reached out to her with his muzzle and she took in his scent, committing it to memory. Finally, some attention, she thought gratefully. It had been too long since she had met a stallion, and the herd-less mares she had so often encountered were boring, timid, and more interested in themselves than anything else, which was one thing the sorrel mare could not stand.
She again walked forward as he sniffed along the length of her body, doing the same to him. There were a few small, fresh nicks here and there on his otherwise smooth black coat, which Hestia assumed had been caused by the stallion whose scent she detected. Whoever this black steed had tussled with must have lost, for his wounds were minor. A winner, she thought with approval.
But there was another scent on him too, a bit fainter but equally fresh—a mare. Immediately the sorrel's attitude toward him shifted. Though she had only just met him and had no idea yet if she would be staying with him for a while, she was already jealous of this mystery mare who, Hestia assumed, belonged to this huge black beast. She wasn't looking forward to grappling with anyone for a top position at the moment—she just wanted to get one and keep one. She would be reserved toward the black stallion. If he wanted her then he could have her, but he would have to work to prove that he would treat her right in the future.
She tossed her head a bit at the steed's pinch, and she backed up so that she was facing him instead of standing with him head-to-tail. "I'm just looking for a place to wait out the winter," she answered his question simply, shifting her weight from side to side rapidly.
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haven
Mar 5, 2011 9:40:41 GMT -6
Post by Kailolu on Mar 5, 2011 9:40:41 GMT -6
It’s fine ^^
Xavier’s ear swerved to listen as she spoke. He blinked slowly, uninterested by her reply, but it was acceptable, and he respected it. Winter would soon be here, and all the horses were trying to find quick homes, each not wanting to be caught in a whiteout unaided by a warm herd. Xavier watched her charily as she shifted, at first not knowing what she was doing. He decided not to ask. Perhaps he should tell her that she could stay with him in the Rebel lands. But then again, she could be driven away quite easily by finding out he was a Rebel. He wasn’t that bad… Should he lie and tell her he was a herd stallion?
Xavier wasn’t one much to lie, but for a mare such as this one, he was tempted. He wasn’t sure what about her he liked, virtually everything. Choosing it would be useless to fib, seeing as she’d probably find out when she got to the Rebel lands, he would just offer her a home. “I’d be more then willing to allow you to stay with me throughout the winter. At the end, you may stay or leave, but that would be your choice alone.”
Surprisingly, he wasn’t fibbing about anything in his offering. He did have a little respect for mares, but often only when they did what he wanted. Xavier was a confusing horse indeed. He could give you all the respect you could ever want, and even more. Then, the next second, he’d take it all away and treat you as if you were disposable at his will. He just couldn’t decide which one he liked doing more.
Xavier’s head dipped slightly, his ears perked forward to listen for her answer. He was tempted to take her either way, but to someone with a last resort, the offer must be too appealing to resist. The stallion bit back the urge to step closer to her, take advantage of her. He wanted to, but he should at least wait a few minutes. His tail twitched up against his side at an itch, and he jerked his head back to bite at it.
Incredibly horrible post! My muse is being temperamental with me at the moment. If we manage to get more posts in through this day, I’m sure my posts will get better.
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haven
Mar 5, 2011 11:57:14 GMT -6
Post by fORTE on Mar 5, 2011 11:57:14 GMT -6
The sorrel mare was unsurprised at the stallion's offer. It was only polite to make such a suggestion, and she was inclined to accept despite the other mare she smelled on him. She would see what kind of mare she was, and if she would be easily dominated. If not she would just leave again.
But she didn't want to let the stallion know how eager she was for a place to spend the cold months. As usual she had on her, I-know-what-I'm-doing, I-don't-really-need-your-help, facade. Hestia decided not to let him know she wanted to go with him just yet, and stood silently for a few moments, pretending to think it over.
"I might like to stay with you," she said at last, "If you would consent to tell me your name."
The mare truly wasn't particularly interested; again it was common courtesy's turn to play a hand, and she at least needed a name to call him.
((sorry for the shortness, I'm a bit without a muse too.))
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haven
Mar 5, 2011 14:08:32 GMT -6
Post by Kailolu on Mar 5, 2011 14:08:32 GMT -6
Xavier took in a deep breath and suppressed a yawn. He was tired, and he wanted to go home with this mare in tow. He blinked his big eyes and listened as she finally answered, giving a slight nod. “My name is Xavier,” He said, almost briskly.
Xavier wanted to get going soon, not sure when the clouds would give way to the snow. Surely on the mountains it would be encrusted with the coldness, and soon the lower lands as well. It might even start to snow on the way back. He tilted his head and smiled at the thought of taking this mare under his wing until the Winter ended. Breeding season would then soon be here, and if she stayed, he’d get a foal out of her one way or another.
“And yours, my dear?” He asked, raising his head and lifting his ears. He was curious what to call her, though he may rarely use her name. He usually used little nicknames, like the one he had just called her. But, one occasions, he’d refer to her by her natural calling. After getting formally introduced to each other, Xavier would hurry her back to the Rebel lands. Out of excitement, and instinct.
No comment...
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haven
Mar 6, 2011 13:23:10 GMT -6
Post by fORTE on Mar 6, 2011 13:23:10 GMT -6
"My name," the mare replied, "is Hestia." She tried to keep any vanity out of her tone but it was very difficult while saying her name. It was a habit to say her name as if it were holy or divine, and she couldn't help raising her head a bit as she said it. The mare shrugged inwardly. If this stallion wanted to keep her the whole winter he would have to get used to her temperament.
It was getting darker and colder and Hestia was getting antsy. She wanted to get going—moving would keep her warm while she travelled. But still she felt it best to stall a bit.
"Where do you live?" she asked, and although she hadn’t inquired solely out of curiosity she did need to know in what kind of place she would be spending the longest season.
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haven
Mar 6, 2011 14:42:43 GMT -6
Post by Kailolu on Mar 6, 2011 14:42:43 GMT -6
Xavier bit back words that spiraled onto his tongue. He wanted to tell her he lived in one of the territories, and that he wasn’t a Rebel. He didn’t want to have to run her down and force himself on her, not if there was an easier way around it. He slapped himself mentally, scolding his mind for having to think so hard about this. It shouldn’t be that hard.
He sighed quietly, and open his mouth, “The Rebel lands, though at the moment I live alone.” Xavier wasn’t sure why he had added the last part, it wasn’t exactly necessary. It might have given her some reassurance, but how can you be reassured by a Rebel of all things?
Not waiting for a response, he stepped around her and nudged her in the direction of his home. “If we don’t leave now, we may get stuck out here.” His words were honest enough. There could be a sudden blizzard without warning. It had happened on Horse Mountain before, and he didn’t doubt the weather. Hopefully, he thought, nudging the mare gently again, hopefully she'll just walk and not complain.
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haven
Mar 6, 2011 19:14:03 GMT -6
Post by fORTE on Mar 6, 2011 19:14:03 GMT -6
Hestia waited for the stallion’s reply, failing to notice any outward sign of the turmoil that surrounded his next few words. But as he spoke them the young mare tossed her head with surprise and took a small step back. "A rebel?" she repeated incredulously. At that moment a seed of contempt was planted in the mare’s heart and immediately sprouted. "How interesting...." She had heard of the rebels. It was common for a herd stallion to steal another’s mare, and rebels did the same thing and yet thought themselves special for it and demanded respect for that specialness. Or so she had been told by her mother when she was a filly, and since she had never encountered a rebel before now she had had no reason to doubt her mother’s wisdom. Her mother’s opinion was Hestia’s, and in Hestia’s mother’s opinion rebels were deluded attention whores.
This new morsel of information made the mare think twice about sheltering with him, but she reminded herself that, despite her previous assumption he had no other mares. Perhaps the mare she had smelled on him belonged to the stallion he had fought. In any case she would not have to claw her way up any social ladder to reach Xavier's favor. She would go with him.
The mare snorted irritably as the stallion pushed her gently. She didn’t like being told what to do, especially by someone whom she had no respect for, but his words were true. In the distance she could make out in the low light some looming clouds that spoke loudly of the storm they harbored within. She pranced a few steps in the direction Xavier had pushed her, then stopped to let him take the lead.
Once he did so she decided it was a good time to start a conversation. "Tell me, Xavier," she began, "have you fought anyone recently?"
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haven
Mar 6, 2011 19:35:57 GMT -6
Post by Kailolu on Mar 6, 2011 19:35:57 GMT -6
Xavier took pilot and started to guide Hestia toward his home. He didn’t turn around when she spoke, but let his ears fall back to hear her. He refrained from rolling his eyes and saying, ’No, I just like to shred myself up for fun’. He didn’t respond until a few seconds after they exited the small forest like area. “Yes, a stallion and his mare were trespassing, and I didn’t take to kindly to it.” True, he had had a little skirmish with the brute, but it wasn’t a true fight, just a few kicks, cuts and bites. If Xavier had wanted the rival to be hurt, he would be dead. His pride fell toward how many mares he had and how well of a fighter he was.
Xavier wouldn’t go into detail about the fight, lest Hestia thought of him as unfit to her liking. That was one of Xavier’s weaknesses, rejection. He couldn’t stand it, and for the fear alone, he’d move mountains and tame seas to be accepted, even if it were by the lowest of horses. He had the desire to be needed and appreciated, and it often made him look foolish.
Xavier glanced back every now and then to make sure she was still behind him. They still had quite a ways to go, and he was starting to pick up his pace. He may have to hurry her even more, which he’d try to refrain from doing.
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