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Post by themoonphase on Mar 19, 2015 20:02:40 GMT -5
Salvatore | Exile | Guard
Bite. Tongue. Deep. Breaths.
Though Salvatore had asked her for her touch once more, not a segment of his mind expected her to comply. The dunalino embraced the mare's touch regardless and held completely still, not wanting to cut the moment too short. Io's nose was soft, like the petals of a rose, and he hoped she would refuse to let go. Never before had he felt a mare so close, and now that he knew the feeling, he hoped it wouldn't end. Slowly, with eyes closed, he moved his nose up and down Io's - over her lips and back up her forehead, then down the side of her face to place his cheek to hers. "As it appears, nothing is fair. Getting through it all is just something we have to do." Sometimes, he really hated being so philosophical. The truth wasn't always the most delightful thing to hear, he knew that, but Salvatore preferred being brutally honest over telling a lie to make anyone feel good. He could only hope that Io would agree.
Still holding his cheek to hers, he took their break from eye contact for granted and traced back to the sadness he saw in her eyes just moments before, trying to imagine what it could be that was troubling her. Confronting her about it crossed his mind, but he decided that he wouldn't. The day was much too beautiful for sad conversation, so he decided to leave it open to her. "If anything is troubling you, please know that I am open to discuss it. Rest assured I will not judge you, I only want to see you well." Speaking to her softly, he scanned his blue eyes along the pond behind her. Within it sat a small patch of striking white lotus flowers; he remembered his mother, who seemed to know it all, telling him that the white lotus was a symbol of spirit. Stepping back to look at her, he gave her a smirk and turned to walk toward the flowers. He peered through the pond to find the biggest and most beautiful bloom, and when he located it, he gently plucked it from its stem. He returned to Io, but stopped when he reached her mane where her tiger lily was located. "May I?" His voice was muffled because of the flower in his mouth, so he nodded toward her mane, asking if he could place his gift there.
[408 Words] |
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Post by raveniice on Mar 19, 2015 21:28:23 GMT -5
Io | Exile | Scout ________________________________________________
Io slowly opened her eyes, almost as if she was waking from sleep when his voice reached her ears. Her response to him was an understanding smile and a small nod as she leaned against his cheek, not wanting to ever let go. But that hint of sadness never left her eyes, she merely hid it. She would not let it trouble her, not for today. Perhaps she would take the time on some other day, but not here, not now when the day was still so young and beautiful. It was only fitting that they took advantage of it, island whether was always quite...unpredictable.
Suddenly her ears twitched as she watched him walk off from her. She tilted her white head in curiosity before her eyes rested on the flower bush. Why haven't I seen those before? Her sunset red eyes widened slightly in surprise, and when Salvatore walked towards her with one in his mouth, she couldn't fight back a smile. Io closed her eyes for a moment at his question before she gave him a nod. "You may."
This reminded her very much of the day Kanu had given her that very lily that was clasped in her mane, just behind her ear. Back then she had even thought that perhaps she'd even developed feelings for him, but now she knew just how wrong she was. She had been hurt at the news that his heart had already been claimed, but now, as she gazed onto Salvatore's handsome face, she realized-no, she knew, that she had found something better.
"Thank you." She whispered softly. "It's a beautiful flower, I've never seen the likes of it before."
[284 Words] |
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Post by themoonphase on Mar 19, 2015 22:19:08 GMT -5
Salvatore | Exile | Guard
Being careful not to tug on her mane too hard, Salvatore tied the lotus carefully into Io's hair right behind the tiger lily. The white of the lotus reflected the orange of the lily beautifully, and not to mention they smelled absolutely heavenly. "Magnificent," Salvatore exclaimed, proud at his work. Quickly, he moved back in front of Io, his face inches from her. "Excquisite. You are too divine for words," he abruptly told her, unable to control himself any longer. "I know, I know. I understand we just met, and this may seem too soon, but my parents once told me that the Unicorns had planned their acquaintance, and they had a love at first sight. I did not believe it, such things do not seem possible, but by the looks of it, the Unicorns are telling me it's my turn, now. I was supposed to find you in that field. I am supposed to take care of you. That is my calling in life." He tossed his head into the air with a wide grin as the sea breeze passed them. Looking back at her with a gentle smile he continued, laughing ever so slightly. "Maybe I am just crazy. Or delusional. Please tell me if I am."
And with that, he felt a rush of excitement embrace him. Perhaps it was this feeling in this heart - this feeling that so greedily took over him, this feeling that made him feel invincible. It was a feeling that made him literally leap for joy. The grin on his face only grew wider before he leapt back, shouting with excitement. He bounded for the tide and galloped right in, colliding with a wave that was nearly the size of him. For reasons unknown, he was suddenly packed with adrenaline. He fought the wave, swimming forward in the opposite direction of it, leaping about like a dolphin. Letting the happiness take over he continued to shout; love was an exhilarating feeling, and he hoped he would never have to forget the feeling of it. [342 Words]
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Post by raveniice on Mar 20, 2015 1:20:39 GMT -5
Io | Exile | Scout ________________________________________________
A rosy blush blossomed on Io's cheeks at his words. W-what is he saying? Quickly she flattened her ears and looked away, unsure of what to say. But there was a part of her that said that perhaps he was right. After all, what was this feeling that overtook her whenever she looked at him? C-Could this be love? Maybe not now, but it could be...
"Well I..." Her voice faded as she watched him gallop into the ocean surf. Slowly her ears flicked forward again. What is he doing? "Salvatore!" Io started toward the shore and stopped at the water's edge. A look of worry washed over her for a moment. "Salvatore, please be careful!" She bounded into the ocean after him, a smiling making it's way onto her face again as the cold water seeped around her knees.
[146 Words] |
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Post by themoonphase on Mar 20, 2015 13:00:50 GMT -5
Salvatore | Exile | Guard
As he turned to face Io moving toward the water, a look of serenity grew on his face. The excitement was still there, but the burst he just let out had satisfied him. Salvatore waded toward her as she shouted for him, and once his hooves could touch the sand again, he closed in to caress the side of her face with his. "It's okay," he reassured her, knowing that she may not feel the same way. This new feeling was just far too exciting for him to comprehend. However, he began to visibly worry that his words would push her away instead, and regret instantly swelled within him. Why did he have to say that? Why couldn't he just control his foolish self. Now you are going to lose her, you fool.
A curled ear flicked back as the rumble of another wave approached them. With a glance he realized the sheer size of it would likely sweep them out to sea, and with a nudge of his muzzle to Io's he warned her, "We better get out of here," and he bounded out of the surf before the wave could claim him.
[194 Words] |
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Post by raveniice on Mar 20, 2015 13:19:46 GMT -5
Io | Exile | Scout
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Io's eyes were fixed on the vastness of the ocean in front of them before Salvatore's nudge caught her attention. He was right indeed. At this hour the tide would be coming, but she didn't want to leave the beach just yet. Like a carefree filly the splashed mare kicked up her back legs and skipped towards the beach, surprisingly keeping steady footing on the warm sand. It was the shade of a tall tree that peered over a small cut-off of land. It was a perfect place to simply relax.
Pulling herself out of the sand bank she trotted up to the little hill, onto the grass and beneath the tree before she lowered down onto her front legs and took a quick roll in the grass, which was full of dew from the night's rain. The cold drops felt great on her wounds, which had already began to scab over, much to her relief. But now, after she was satisfied with her quick roll, she folded her legs beneath her and stared out at the ocean again before heaving a sigh of contentment.
"It's a beautiful day," she began, her ears flicking forward as she turned to look in Salvatore's direction. "There's going to be a beautiful sunset."
[214 Words] |
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Post by themoonphase on Mar 20, 2015 23:20:26 GMT -5
Salvatore | Exile | Guard
Watching the pale mare before him, mesmerized as she moved, graceful as a swan. His attention turned toward the lotus pond a few steps away, and he paused for a drink, eyeing the tiny tadpoles swimming in the crystal clear water beneath him. The thought rest of their herd suddenly invaded his mind, and Salvatore wondered how they were doing, and figured they were probably wondering where he and Io were. It was probably smart that they returned to them, wherever they were. Staying this far away from them for this long was not something Salvatore was confident in doing; after all, he was supposed to be watching over them.
Io seemed rather keen in her own activities, though, and Salvatore was tolerant of that. He gazed upon her, smiling as he watched her roll in the grass and seeing she was perfectly content in doing her own thing. The herd can wait.
Perking up as she spoke, Salvatore tilted his head slightly, looking toward the slowly setting sun as she mentioned it. Closing his eyes, he embraced the rays upon his blonde coat. It had been far too long since he had seen the sun, and while the rain was not something he minded too much, the sun was definitely a welcome guest. Moving in her direction, Salvatore passed Io, blocking the sun and cascading his shadow upon her. With a wiggle of his brow, he looked in her direction while still moving and spoke with a suggestive tone. "Why, I am sure of it, but I have all the beauty I need right here."
[266 Words] |
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Post by raveniice on Mar 20, 2015 23:51:24 GMT -5
Io | Exile | Scout ________________________________________________
A small gasp escaped her when a shadow had cast upon her and she looked up to see Salvatore standing before her. "What are you-" Her ears quickly flattened at the words that followed shortly after his actions, and she looked off slightly to the side as a blush warmed her cheeks. "Salvatore..." She began, smiling in embarrassment. "There are far many mares more beautiful than me." Io's ears slowly swiveled forward, her smile disappearing as her red eyes stared up at him.
An odd feeling suddenly came over her as their eyes met again, and she could feel her heart beat quicken and it felt like her breath was caught in her throat. All of this sweet attention was beginning to go straight to her head and...she liked it. It was something she was starved of for so long, and she missed it. She didn't want him to leave, just the thought of it made her frown.
[149 Words] |
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Post by themoonphase on Mar 21, 2015 0:23:48 GMT -5
Salvatore | Exile | Guard
"Really?" Salvatore couldn't help but chuckle slightly at her remark. "If that is the case, I would love to meet them." Who was he kidding? He couldn't even trick himself. "But I do not believe you. No offense, genuinely, but I cannot say I have met a mare more captivating, both in looks and in soul." He gave her a gentle smile with curly ears perked, standing at a distance now. Being brutally honest was what Salvatore did best. But it was true, she was the most beautiful creature he had ever seen, no matter how cliché it sounded. And if getting her to believe it meant repeating himself, then he would gladly do so.
Slowly, the smile faded off of his face as he gazed at the scar that took over her forehead and her sad expression. Does she not want to be beautiful? Suddenly he felt remorseful, and he pinned his ears before lowering his head slightly and looking away from her. "I apologize," he told her quietly, before turning to walk back toward his pond. He kept his head bowed and tail low as he retreated.
[189 Words] |
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Post by raveniice on Mar 21, 2015 0:36:29 GMT -5
Io | Exile | Scout ________________________________________________
When his shadow suddenly gave way, letting the light of the setting sun warm her face once again, she quickly turned her head to see him walking away. She held back a gasp of surprise. No...No, please don't leave me here! Io quickly pushed herself to her feet, wincing slightly at a small sharp pain that emitted from her knee at the quick action. But once she was standing she stood still for a moment. What was she thinking? She didn't have any right to keep him here. "No, I can't just let him walk away..." She whispered gently under her breath, her eyes beginning to glisten with tears that she fought to hold back. "Salvatore!"
Io quickly trotted after him, poking his shoulder with her nose once she reached him. "Please...don't leave without me." There was a hint of a whimper in her tone, and her eyes were pleading.
[156 Words] |
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Post by themoonphase on Mar 21, 2015 12:36:20 GMT -5
Salvatore | Exile | Guard
Salvatore, you imbecile, the stallion scolded himself. Apparently he was really good at screwing things up, so why couldn't he just keep his mouth closed? Things would be much better if he did, and he would probably have more friends if he could just shut the hell up once in a while and conceal his emotions. But the sound of a mare calling his name snapped him out of it. Raising his head to look behind him with perked ears, he saw Io chasing after him. Leave her there? He couldn't do such a thing. He wouldn't go anywhere if she didn't suggest it.
"What? Io, no, I would never-" cutting himself off as he looked into her glazed eyes, a hole suddenly punched itself right through his heart. "No, please. Please don't, I would never forgive myself if you-" he couldn't even finish his sentence before he wrapped his neck around her, holding her in place and breathing in the sweet scent of honey that still lingered on her coat. Tears suddenly began forming in his own eyes, and he didn't know why. Salvatore never cried, he didn't even cry at the death of his parents. This mare clearly made him feel something else - something on an entirely different level. That was probably why he was crying; because he had never felt this way before and he wasn't sure how else to deal with it. He did his best to conceal them, but by silencing himself he began to shake uncontrollably, and he hoped to the Great Compromiser that Io wouldn't notice.
[263 Words] |
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Post by raveniice on Mar 21, 2015 14:12:36 GMT -5
Io | Exile | Scout ________________________________________________
Io's eyes widened instantly when she suddenly felt herself pulled slightly towards him, and the warmth of his embrace made her heart pound so loud she swore there was no way he couldn't hear it. "Salvatore..." She closed her eyes gently and pressed her cheek against the side of his neck. She couldn't deny the way she felt around him, even though a part of her told her to run from what was unfolding. You'll get hurt again, Io. This won't end well. She shut her eyes tighter and leaned against him at the thought, as if she would fall if she didn't do so.
"I-I don't want you to leave." She repeated, as if she hadn't heard what he had said. She didn't have any friends. Sure, she knew quite a few horses in her herd, but never were they her friends. She had more fun with Salvatore in this single day than she'd ever had in a long while, and she knew that meant there must be something special about him. That was pure truth.
But suddenly Io's attention switched when she felt him shaking, and in an instinctive response she held him tighter, as if promising to never let go. She would never let him go. "H-hey, it's okay." The words slipped right out of her mouth in a surprisingly soft tone. A small chuckle escaped her as she kissed his shoulder gently, hoping to lighten the mood that she seemed to have dimmed.
[252 Words] |
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Post by themoonphase on Mar 21, 2015 19:22:45 GMT -5
Salvatore | Exile | Guard
Dammit. It was evident now that Io could feel Salvatore's shaking, and his face immediately flushed red. Snap out of it, he scolded himself. It seemed to be the common scenario these past few days. He smiled with still teary eyes at the feeling of her lips on his shoulder, and sniffed slightly before beginning to pull away. "Not to worry, I am just, hmm... this cool sea breeze is getting to me," he snickered; it was obviously a lie, but he was too embarrassed to admit he had been crying. Any stallion would be, wouldn't they?
"I would never leave you, Io. I think you are stuck with me. How unfortunate for you." With a wink he turned to continue walking onward, looking back and nodding in her direction as a cue to follow. "Come, your grace. We should find the others."
[143 Words] |
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Post by raveniice on Mar 22, 2015 1:52:06 GMT -5
Io | Exile | Scout ________________________________________________
With light laughter Io nodded, a happy smile on her face. She was a bit hesitant to return to the herd, but she knew it was better than lingering out here without them, and she couldn't deny the fact she missed some familiar faces. She took a place by his side as they headed back, her head slightly turned towards the ocean as she watched the sun bleed into the sea, coloring the sky the same shade of her eyes. Drawing in a steady breath she turned her attention on the land ahead of them, her ears flicking forward, trying to pick out any curious sounds. "Salvatore," she suddenly asked. "I don't believe I ever asked you," she turned to look at him. "What's your rank in the herd?" She was rather curious.
[137 Words] |
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Post by themoonphase on Mar 22, 2015 21:33:14 GMT -5
Salvatore | Exile | Guard
The dunalino nodded at the smaller mare's remark. No one ever really bothered to ask; it was his duty to watch over the herd while they went about their daily business, and he typically preferred to do so from afar. Is it not a given? Perhaps not. I clearly do not look my part. The Riddle Mountains slowly began to come into view from the north. It was so strange how such a scene could be so beautiful, yet so very deadly at the same time. He squinted, extracting as many details about their surroundings as he could. "Well, my dear," he began, snapping out of his deep focus and continuing his prior thoughts. "I never did think it would be obvious." Glancing down at his long, dainty legs and behind at his bony rump, he sighed ever so slightly, rolling his eyes at his pathetic appearance. "I am a guard. Unbelievable, I know, I know. However, I would like to say I am good at what I do. Or at least I think so." With a slight nod he tilted his chin toward her, hoping she would take the hint that he had, in fact, been guarding her all this time.
The day truly could not be more perfect. A crystal clear sky shedding light on a picture perfect scene was more than what Salvatore expected given the previous events. With a toothy grin he inhaled the fresh air as a butterfly floated by. But the peaceful scene was quickly cut off with the crack of a branch behind a gathering of trees. The sound nearly escaped him, and with it came a delayed swivel of a curled ear. Stomping to a halt, he immediately perked up with bulging eyeballs. The stallion was absolutely still, jerking his head in all directions trying to locate the source of the sound. Subconsciously, his legs lead him closer to Io to the point of nearly leaning on her. "Shh. Don't make a sound." His baritone voice at a shockingly quiet whisper, he lowered his head in attempt to peer through the bush in which he finally determined the sound came from. And there it was. Out of the bush trembled a single lone Grass Beast, looking absolutely clueless in his lonesome. Do these things not normally run in packs? Salvatore cocked a brow at the sight of it. Truly a pathetic looking Beasty, likely defenseless on its own. "You have got to be shitting me," Salvatore rolled his eyes, completely unamused at their newly interesting predicament.
[424 Words] |
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