Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Sept 3, 2014 16:58:48 GMT -5
//This is a roleplay between sateenkaarisitruuna's Nimh, ThatDenver's Ouray & POEDOGS' Cethin.//
The dappled grey mare had wandered fairly deep into the East Island. She was still astonished after meeting the great Witch Ba'Yagu. She had offered her an old scroll, imbued with magic. Nimh was currently grazing on a green meadow, fairly near to a lake that continued into a stream to the sea. She wasn't in a particular hurry, but she had thought about trying her new ability out in the water. She felt a bit worried about it, she was a heavy horse afterall and she had really no experience of swimming; she had always been too terrified to do it.
While her teeth get grinding on the grass, her mind was still grinding through the meeting. Her head would pop up from time to time, to check she was still alone. Her mind felt much more scattered than usual, she wouldn't normally even venture this far off from the shore. It was always more likely to meet Bachelor members near here, and the Fallen City wasn't that far off either. Nimh could hear the sound small waves made in the water, the birds tweeting in the sky and it was very hard not to relax.
It had apparently been too long while since she had last had negative run-downs with the herd members. It was in moments like this easy to forget that it wasn't her land she was standing on, that she should always be a little bit worried. Nimh was confident in herself and not in vain, but there was limited anything she could do against a herd of horses. Slowly she was drawn a little bit closer to the lake, not on the shore yet but not very far away. She would glance at the water, but still not be prepared to face it. Maybe later. She had all the time in the world, so why rush?
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Sept 3, 2014 17:21:00 GMT -5
Having left the Fallen City earlier that morning, Ouray had been making improvised rounds in the surrounding meadows and hills. He had allowed his mind to drift in the lonely calmness that came when leaving the bulk of the herd behind for a while - the serene silence of unnamed land. His feet brought him forward at a steady speed, eyes lazily wandering the scenery, just in case he actually came across something more interesting than another Bachelor out for air.
Nearing a small lake, a dark horse grazing the meadow caught his eye. Ouray skid to a slow halt, and perked his ears in interest. It was a mare - the wind was on his side, and he could easily tell by the smell. But it was not a familiar mare. Even if he did not pay that much attention to the broods, he would have remembered what looked to be a fairly bulky and noticeably large dark mare. Couple hundred feet were still between them, and the mare seemed preoccupied with her feeding, having moved slightly closer to the lake.
Allowing himself a half-hearted grin, Ouray resumed his steps, moving in a slow trot towards the mare. As they came within comfortable speaking distance, he uttered a greeting: "Hello there.".
After a few more steps, Ouray halted again, keeping a good few feet between the two of them. Up close, he could see the mare was indeed very large: almost as tall as he was, but far wider.
"Quite a day, isn't it?", he asked in a fairly bland, yet comfortably friendly tone.
Once again he was graceful for the lack of scar on his face - these little "getting to know you"-games would have been awfully hard with it.
Besides, he didn't like to enter fights he wasn't entirely sure he'd win.
|
|
poedogs
Bachelor Herd 
New Foalie on the way
Posts: 144 
|
Post by poedogs on Sept 3, 2014 19:01:21 GMT -5
Cethin shook his curly short mane, a habit he often did after flies got unbearable, however not diminishing their numbers. He was supposed to be watching the Exile Herd, but had been sent off to do some scouting about the land, to see if any landmarks would be of use to the herd later on. His ears flicked at a sound. A voice, yes a voice, he was sure of it. Quite distinct, it sounded like that of one in his herd. Cethin raised his head from the lush grasses and used his height to look further into the distance. There! Cethin shook his head, ahh just another bachelor stallion out for a roam. Cethin almost dropped his head before seeing the other shape close by. He peered closer, but unfortunately couldn't make out who it was.
He shook his head, Nope! Nope! Nu-uh not today! Not another chase or run in. His conscience was firmly telling him not to get involved in the other stallion's business. His curiosity won out in the end though and the young stallion found himself trotting through the grass and into the forest to see this stallion. The voice came clearer, a greeting. Yes, that was what it was. He smiled as he saw the mare. He often chatted with the mares he'd chase before engaging in the "chase". He hunkered down in an especially heavy foliage-filled area and began his eavesdropping.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Sept 4, 2014 17:56:06 GMT -5
Due to the wind blowing away from her and her mind being very scattered, she only noticed the trotting stallion once she could hear the steps tumbling against the grass. She forced herself to slowly raise her head, even though it wanted to shoot up. Her muscles twitched on her shoulder while she willed herself to remain calm. It was just one horse. Even though he had size, he wasn't as bulky as Nimh. She liked her chances. While he came closer her eyes asessed his features, stopping at his forehead and leaving his intentions as a questionmark. Nimh figured it would be answered soon enough. She had met Loners with similar scars to Bachelors, and Bachelors without scars. Anything could be anything.
"It is indeed", Nimh replied with a polite smile. "I am quite enjoying it." She was very careful to keep her tone neutral, even though she would have rather added '...so please go away, you're ruining it.'
She was standing square, her mental shields were as up as they could get while she forced her body to remain somewhat calm. He couldn't have possibly known if she was an Exile or a Loner, could he? So she could play this out, pretend to be here like it was her right. Nimh quite liked the area, and she wasn't particularly feeling like a fight. Maybe he wouldn't be up to anything, but Nimh was always skeptical. She always expected the worst outcome of all, especially when it came to stallions. Her neurotic dam had had a part to play in that particular issue.
While her eye on the stallion, she lowered her head and grasped a few nibbles of the grass, with a half-expectant expression. He had been the one to approach her, so maybe he had something to say? Nimh knew she was being a bit passive-aggressive here, but she couldn't help herself. And she was being politically correct. Sort of.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Sept 4, 2014 18:16:59 GMT -5
The mare seemed polite enough, he noted. She appeared somewhat guarded as well - not overly so, there wasn't any sign that the large mare would suddenly bolt away or towards him, but she wasn't completely relaxed either. Not that Ouray blamed her for that. He was not completely relaxed either.
He was ashamed to admit that he was slightly disappointed when silence fell immediately after the mare's short reply. This discussion attempt wasn't going quite as smoothly as he had anticipated, and Ouray knew that the longer he had to take the incentive in this little discussion, the more likely it'd be he'd fail to stay welcoming.
"Anything particular bring you here to enjoy this day, a meeting perhaps?", he asked, allowing a bit of rasp into his voice. He too reached down and nibbled on a few strands of green, just to give the idea he wasn't up to anything, and he really wasn't. Not yet anyway.
Raising his head again, Ouray cocked his head, and eyed the mare curiously, as if just now realizing something: "You're not a Bachelor mare, are you?"
Of course he knew she wasn't - unless they had somehow managed to capture and sneak in this massive tree of a mare, she really wasn't and couldn't be one of theirs. But maybe she'd tell her who she really was, Loner or Exile. A name would be nice too, he liked to know the names of the horses he got into scuffles with, even if they did happen to be mares.
There was also hope that the mare would be more convinced he himself wasn't a Bachelor, but Ouray wasn't counting on that.
Ouray turned his eyes away for a moment, as it would be quite embarrassing for him if the mare took off due to him staring at it. Their surroundings still appeared as empty as they had been when he arrived, although for a moment he thought that something was in the bushes behind him. However, a small songbird fluttered out of the bush, quickly chasing away his suspicions.
|
|
poedogs
Bachelor Herd
New Foalie on the way
Posts: 144
|
Post by poedogs on Sept 5, 2014 18:07:44 GMT -5
Cethin made his way around an edge of the forest before he'd make his appearance on the lake shore, noticing them as if it was the first time. He kept his head tilted down, his fated "X" still invisible for the time being. He sipped at the Lake's Water quietly, not daring to let his hooves splash in and frighten the mare. Cethin, being young and bold, spoke between slurps, "Good afternoon, Wanderers. What might bring you two to this lake here?" He spoke quietly, but enough to make his presence known. He cocked a hoof, faking disinterest.
"I can recognize that annoying stallion there. A pestering loner he is. Always too far into our territory." Cethin lifted his head. He was a good distance away from the mare, but still, he hoped the scar upon his face wouldn't immediately send her running. Either way the closer stallion, the Scavenger Cethin often saw around the Exiles. He should be thankful for a somewhat plausible cover story. "You sir, yes you, you should get going if you know what's good for you." He chuckled a bit and looked at the stallion, hopefully the older one would understand Cethin's "help".
(sorry for short posts. I should get to a nice posting routine further along and when I have more time : ))
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Sept 6, 2014 15:08:34 GMT -5
Nimh looked at the stallion closely. She didn't quite get what he was after; he was acting polite enough but Nimh's past made her sure there was a deeper motive here. Sure, it could be just an Exile stallion, maybe even a Loner. But Loners usually weren't very interested in why someone was somewhere; it was natural for them to wander around. She didn't know what exactly to answer, as she wasn't really doing anything special. She was not about to talk of her newly found ability.
"Nah, I'm just enjoying the peace and quiet", she said, a slight smile curling at her lips. The stallion would have probably loved for her to tell him about a secret meeting or something, Nimh was happy to disappoint. Her eyes became much more wary when it came to the whole herd issue. She guessed she couldn't really avoid it, either. She wondered if she should just lie, tell the truth or just leave it open? How long would the stallion stand for her half-truths?
"No, I would certainly make a bad Bachelor mare", she decided to say, with a playful grim. She lifted her head and shook her head slightly so her forelock fell more nicely to frame her face. How come bad, she left it to the stallion to figure out. She wasn't really sure if she wanted to disclose her name or the herd, but she figured she'd have to say one. So which one held more importance? To just say her name, a name that fairly rare invidual on this island had heard, or the L-word? "I'm Nimh", she then continued with sparkling eyes. She was sure of herself. Up until the moment her head darted to the direction of the other stallion, who had just came from somewhere.
Her large figure tensed, she gave a quick glance towards the chestnut before looking at the darker stallion. Her ears were pinned to the stallions, one to each. Her lavender eyes stopped at the x-scar on his forehead for a second. She took one step back, trying to gather the stallion in front of her, sort of, not one on front and one on back. Her impression had darkened with a certain readyness and stubborness. They could try her, but she would not be an easy loot. She'd actually be a very bad one, because she'd rather die than surrender. She considered bolting past the chestnut stallion, but figured he could still block her. She thought of just plowing through him, she had more mass than him, he could either step aside or keep his stand... She left the thought still brewing.
Nimh wasn't feeling like chatting. She glanced at the chestnut again when the other stallion pointed towards being a Loner. Her eyes were more like narrow, distrusting lines.
"Just enjoying the beautiful afternoon", Nimh answered through gritted teeth. IF this other stallion was actually a Loner, she'd be well off. She didn't trust either one, not one bit. Surely a true Bachelor knew she wasn't one of them, and why would this Bachelor be so sure of himself against two Loners? Either he was really, really stupid, or the other stallion was not a Loner. Nimh wasn't stupid like that. She tried to stay civil, though. Her mind was filled with blurting out things she could say to this new stallion, but she bit her tongue for a little bit longer.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Sept 7, 2014 17:58:40 GMT -5
No one coming to see her, then, if she was being honest. That was good. He didn't like surprises that much, and two loners would quickly overwhelm him if they felt he was a threat to them, which he certainly was on a bad day. Not that he honestly enjoyed straight out fighting that much, because fights meant bruises and no matter how big and strong you were, no one liked to be bruised all over. He much preferred the emotional abuse, and that was much easier to achieve with someone who wasn't in a position to try and kick you in the face. Unfair fights were a big second favorite - fair fights he avoided at all costs.
A bad one even? Somehow he could have guessed that. Luckily for the mare he now knew was called Nimh, they wouldn't need to find such things out either, as he had no interest in bringing more unruly mares into their fold. No, he was only looking for a bit of fun with no rules.
"Ouray", he replied, seeing no point in lies and little harm in telling. A name was just a label after all, and she had shared hers.
There was a rustle again, but this time it certainly was something. Ouray glanced in the direction of the sound, wary, but quickly recognized the other horse as a Bachelor stallion. He couldn't recall a name right now, but he had seen this one more than once. One of the proper scarred ones too, unlike him.
He had to concentrate as to not let his body language betray this. Instead, the chestnut remained vary, carefully shuffling himself in an odd quarter circle to face the other stallion, and leave the mare to his side.
He had to admit to a slight surprise when the other Bachelor lied on his behalf, claiming he was a loner. Which he well could have been. The mare seemed to be getting more nervous by the second, trying to keep both of the stallions in her line of sight, while also securing a potential route for an escape attempt. Just as he was getting somewhere. Ouray considered for a moment if he should keep trying to play the mare, or just drop the act and get aggressive.
The stallion decided to play, if only for a while. The dark stallion had gone through the trouble of giving him a cover story, after all. Would have been rude not to make use of it.
As such, he too kept his body language vaguely nervous, and let his head rise defiantly. He was a bit larger than the scarred one, and stood his ground.
"Like she said. Just making conversation here. You'd do well not to intervene, Bachelor", he stated calmly, stealing a quick glance at the mare.
He scoffed, shaking his head, and brazenly challenged the other stallion: "Oh yeah? What will you do about it, all on your lonesome?"
|
|
poedogs
Bachelor Herd
New Foalie on the way
Posts: 144
|
Post by poedogs on Sept 9, 2014 20:39:48 GMT -5
Cethin cast a wary glance at the two and backed up a step with the brown stallion's words, "I might not be able to do a thing. On my own that is. I'll have to call up an announcement of the mare being on our lands and close by to some friends before a hunt can begin." He eyed up the stallion carefully, he was a Bachelor, but say he had decided to leave the herd. Then the dark stallion would easily be overpowered. "So, loners." He drawled out the word with a slight step back, hoping they wouldn't notice, "If you two were chatting, most might not have begun one so close to Bachelor territory. So, are you two a courageous couple, fight off all. Or just passing through hoping not to be caught?" He smiled a bit, trying not to show slight unease. (I'm really sorry for short posts, just really rushed right now D: I'll be a lot more active on the weekends when I don't have work  ) |
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Sept 12, 2014 17:37:32 GMT -5
Nimh kept her stance, as wary as she could be. Her Loner light had taught her not to trust anyone, unless you had a dying wish or a desire to become a slave. Nimh would have neither of those things, she'd rather die. And this, exactly, was why fairly few decided to enter the end-game with her. What could me more terrifying than someone who has nothing to lose? Her attitude towards this meet-up here was fairly obvious from the stubborn and tight look on her face, her muscles rippling underneath her skin, ready to bounce. She was fairly bad at covering her emotions up, especially such overpowering ones. Little did she care, either. It was fine if these two gentlemen realized their options; either she was to leave or to fight 'til the bitter end. She'd much rather choose flight over fight if she could help it, but it would have to remain to be seen.
The chestnut stallion seemed to accept the claim of being a Loner. This eased Nimh's mind just a little bit, but she wasn't ready to trust the stallion at this point. She made sure there was some room in between them, but didn't comment on the fact in any way. She was more focused on this darker stallion, who was so bravely intruding. Surely he couldn't expect to beat down two strong Loners? Nimh could see him retreating, if even just a little bit. That and the threat of a call-out had the mare pinning her ears flat over her skull with a fairly hostile look on her face. She took one step forward.
"And how, exactly, did you expect to make it to your alleged friends?" she asked, her words like soft satin yet dripping with menace. If this stallion posed a real threat, Nimh would gladly see if he could be crippled efficiently so he wouldn't make it very far, not fast at least. While Nimh was never hostile to begin with, her first priority was always herself. No one else was going to look after her, if she wasn't to do it herself. She didn't fancy the idea of having a large raid on her tail, even though she liked her chances of escaping anyway. She had been on the move her entire life; she could run tirelessly for long distances, and she could keep at it with a fairly fast pace. Nimh didn't feel like playing games, and was now staring at the Bachelor stallion while having the other ear listening to the alleged Loner. She was hoping to establish her ground; would the Loner switch sides if she threathened the other stallion or stick to hers? Where did his loyalty really lie?
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Sept 18, 2014 16:09:33 GMT -5
Courageous was such a funny word, one he was not intimately familiar with. Opportunism was more his style.
The mare was brave, he could see that, and she would fight them both, even if her chances of winning wouldn't be that amazing against two adult stallions. Didn't mean she wouldn't try, and like she had said - she would make a bad Bachelor mare. That alone spoke in volumes.
However, it started to seem like he had to make his move sooner rather than later, as the black stallion had brought up calling for reinforcements, and was most likely at least half serious. If he kept playing the mare, he risked being branded a traitor for siding with her… Ouray was running out of time to act, since Nimh had now taken a more aggressive stance, and would likely attack the Bachelor to keep him from those reinforcements. That could get messy fast, and he didn't want to have that discussion with the higher ups.
The mare was standing solid, her ear on him. Ouray answered Nimh's question on the behalf of the other stud: "I am afraid I would help him."
As he spoke, he stepped closer, but simultaneously slightly sideways. He wasn't directly behind the mare, but still almost out of her field of view. If Nimh wanted to see him, she'd have to turn, and risk the other stud instead.
They wouldn't need a raid - why bother, taking the mare wouldn't go well, she would likely just keep escaping anyway. But they would need to chase her off, and it could be fun, granted the black knew what he was doing.
|
|
poedogs
Bachelor Herd
New Foalie on the way
Posts: 144
|
Post by poedogs on Sept 18, 2014 19:36:57 GMT -5
Cethin smiled as the other stallion stepped forward, "My alleged friend is right here." Both the stallions were tall, muscular, maybe not bulky like maybe Brutus or the Exile's Rambriel, but they had some strength to fight the mare with. Along with of course knowledge of the land and they fact that they outnumbered the burly mare. "So, Miss?" He smiled again and perked his ears with curiosity, "A fine day it is, is it not?" Cethin didn't always agree with the Bachelor Herd, but he wasn't just going to turn the other cheek. The wisp of a breeze ruffled his curly mane and he took a step forward.
With the two stallions to both her sides she could either run forward or into the lake and try to swim using that heavy drowning body. If she went for the escape going forward both stallions could easily close in on her and chase her off into a different predicament. If she jumped into the lake, the two lighter stallions could chase her farther out and then swim back and then block the shore. She'd probably drown in her escape.
But, if she decided to plow through one of them, Cethin didn't like his chances much. The mare would easily crush his bones and the young stallion didn't figure he could hold her off until the dark brown one came to help. He pinned his ears and took another step forward.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Sept 23, 2014 15:01:57 GMT -5
When Ouray's words reached Nimh's ear and registered, she felt a heavy, cold feeling drip and settle down to her stomach. Great. Her mouth was going try and she shot a nasty look at the chestnut stallion, ears pinned. She was fuming. Who was he to play mindgames? Nimh moved in sync with Ouray, backing up. She lifted her hind leg, offering to kick him if he did not watch his distance. Her hind leg fetlocks were already getting a slight bit wet, she looked back shortly, and as she turned back to the stallions her eyes followed the shoreline. The lake wasn't awfully wide, but one would have to be quite good at swimming to get cross safely.
Her lavender eyes had set into a darker shade, she lowered her head slightly. She considered just rushing through, like a tank. They were both fairly tall, even though Nimh was almost twice as wide as either of them. Her brain was trying to go fast, consider her options. They wouldn't be easy to knock over, the impact on her body would be great as well. And after one there would still be the other. She didn't really even want to speak to either of the stallions anymore.
She made a very short, just one or two step charge towards the dark grey stallion, her teeth snapping loudly in the air, ears flat to her skull. She didn't really mean to reach him, she was hoping to see if he would flinch away. Her thick tail swished angrily as she turned her glaring gaze at the chestnut. While she retreated from her charge, she took a couple more steps to the lake. The water was now pooling and swirling gently at her legs, her back to the water. It felt cold, but somehow comfortable. Like home.
She didn't really want to fight in water, two against one would have her drowning in no time. So it was either run past to the ground or keep going. Her pride wanted her to stay, but her survival instinct wanted her to go. And so she went. She turned 180 degrees on her haunches, taking a few quick strides until she was up to her chest in water and she pushed herself off from the bottom and started off. For a few seconds she was very frightened, but as the water surrounded her, her muscles somehow knew what to do, like they had done this all her life. Despite her heavy size, she felt graceful and light. Her hind legs kicked the water effectively, focused on the opposite shore.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Sept 26, 2014 17:14:29 GMT -5
Ouray's eyes darted between the dark grey and the mare, trying to gauge who would make the first move. The other stallion was being even more confident now, his words stinging and even cocky. Then again, it was very easy to be sure of yourself when it was a two against one scenario. The mare, on the other hand, looked more nervous now, even a bit scared. He might have imagined it, but there was something akin to actual anger in her gaze - not the kind of sterile hate towards an enemy, but true anger, with emotion and all. Interesting. Then again, he could have just imagined it, it was quite the tense situation after all.
Suddenly the mare stroke forward, towards the grey, with a kind of a desperately savage violence. She did not actually reach him, but it was a rather frightening sight. The mare might have been afraid, who wouldn't be, but she was also determined and not about to give up, that much was clear. Quite an admirable quality, in all honesty - Ouray generally found broods to be sniveling wimps who walked with their muzzles high in the air or lied to get what they wanted, yet were easily subdued with even a hint of violence.
Nimh, obviously, was made of something different. Almost like a stallion, this one.
Whatever the case may be, he had to react to such blatant aggression, and as such, Ouray, too stroke forward, snapping his teeth at Nimh and paving the air with his front legs. No contact was made, but the message was very clear - if Nimh took more steps towards the grey, she'd get a nasty surprise on her side instead.
Before he had time to think much further on it, however, the mare backed more into the water. This puzzled Ouray. Surely she understood that she would drown on the way, even if she tried to turn back and get to shore, she'd just be chased back in by them? Maybe she figured she'd rather drown than risk capture, then.
Ouray stepped closed, his own hooves now wet as well. His tail swished behind him like lash, his body telegraphing an attack soon to fall on the mare.
Then, suddenly, Nimh simply turned, nearly ran into the deep, and started swimming off. Ouray was no expert in this form of travel, but she did not seem to have any difficulty with it, and was moving at a decent pace, away from the two stallion and deeper into the lake.
Stunned, he simply stood there, gazing after the mare. He could try and follow, but what good would that do? He knew he wasn't that great a swimmer, so he'd likely drown far before catching up to the mare.
Ouray snorted, and eyed the other stud for a moment, before returning his eyes to the form of the mare, now even further away.
"I don't know about you, but I think we're done here", Ouray said lightly, and smiled for a moment. Quite a disappointing end for such a promising little game, but you simply couldn't win every time.
"Thanks for the chat", he added, turning around and wandering off into the general direction of the herd.
# Ouray out~ Thanks =)
|
|
poedogs
Bachelor Herd
New Foalie on the way
Posts: 144
|
Post by poedogs on Sept 30, 2014 17:37:33 GMT -5
Cethin looked at the mare, swimming off. He stomped the ground in frustration. She had gotten away so easily. He bared his teeth at the leaving brown horse and shook of the feeling of brisk rage. He took another look at the mare and then turned, just turned. Quickly and quietly, no longer expressing a concern for the mare or her unnatural swimming ability. As he trotted off he took one last fleeting look at the larger mare and knew, even though he wouldn't have let her go with an actual raid, that he'd have never been able to go up against her without the other horse. And, to be honest, he thought, neither of them had their wits together enough to successfully capture her.
"You have my respect, mare, not that it matters much. You have won this fight." He spoke into the now silent forest, since the brown horse was gone. He knew not if the mare had heard him or if she did and didn't care, but Cethin... it took a bit to get him to willfully accept a lost fight, especially one with such a mare.
|
|
)