wicked men tell wicked lies

[Aderalle]

wicked men tell wicked lies

begin.

Addy! Addy! Aderalle! Muscles twitched under the olive pelt. Ears flickered. One wretched black eye opened, the other remaining pressed against the red earth upon which he lay. It had been a long night. He was not well.

A foreleg stirred. Then a hind. With painstaking attention to detail, slowly, tediously, the hulking heap of sinew rose up and gathered all four hooves beneath itself. A toss of the head. A snort. Beast’s massive, chiseled skull dropped to the ground. A puff of air from his nostrils rustled the patchy grass before it. The rusty dirt smelled wet. Had it rained? If it had, Aderalle hadn’t the slightest recollection.

In fact, Addy was not even fully aware as to how he had arrived in this place. It was new to him, and he could make neither heads nor tails of the path taken to attain his position. Had he been moved? How would he have possibly been! That is silly! Was he dreaming? Brute had never had a dream so vivid, with sounds so clear and grass so displeasing to his palette. If it were a dream, the blades he grazed on would taste of something sweet… perhaps the fruits of autumn. This was no dream.

In reality, the stallion was awake and had been through his entire journey. It was merely that he had been wandering in an ill stupor, all the while in the pitch dark of night. The patchy light was playing tricks on him through the tree branches - a familiar landscape can become a stranger with a change of ambiance. Beast had laid down to rest sometime in the very early morning and slept half the day away. Now, somewhere in the vicinity of noon, he was left to figure out his coordinates.

Even with the creeping suspicion that he was lost, Aderalle did not flinch. It did not matter if he was lost! Who would come looking for him? He had been cast out of his herd for the countless inadequacies and supposed character flaws that plagued him. He thought for a moment of his mother. If the decision had been up to her, he would still be at home. But perhaps that would have been a more wretched fate than this. He had never been the model citizen. He would never be. Why bother?

He felt dizzy as his legs pondered motion. One hoof lifted. He paused, unsure. It touched back down. He was amused momentarily by the realization that such a wooded area would be the perfect home for such a recluse. His colouration was as the forest! Dusky, woody, olive green as the moss and ebon black as the shadows cast by the trees. Why even the tangled masses of his mane and tail carried in their strands vegetation - thorns, twigs and the like. Maybe he belonged here in the eternal shade. The thought could have pleased him if he had let it. A place to belong. How… grand.

Again, locomotion was attempted. As a fore hoof hit the ground, it threatened to crumble beneath him. With a blessing it held, and with renewed assurance he was off. Slowly first, a walk. Then a trot. A canter. He tucked his muzzle toward his chest, kicking up dirt, tail whipping. He dared not try a gallop. His head still spun.

He passed through the trees with relative ease, slowing here and there, following paths made by previous visitors through this seemingly endless place, jumping ditches and rocks. How far could you go into the woods before you were inevitably headed back out of them again? He did not know, but he could not find an edge to this place either. It made him happy. A place with no entrance, no exit and endless possibilities. He could become lost here and live in relative ease for years. Dare I say, delightful!

With that realization, Aderalle made up his mind. He stopped. He gazed. Endless trees. Endless shadow. This was home. He would stay here. He would protect it. He would thrive. As long as he possibly could, of course. Who knew what could happen.

The beast grunted in satisfaction.

Home.

end.

[WaT]

Snorting the female walked along one of the many trails that weaved their way through the forest. It was an endless maze of perfectly aligned trees. Making it almost perfect to walk in. Salma had been here many times it seemed but always found something new with each trip. If she only had the power of teleportation and the fae could get back to her beach faster. She had been walking since dawn and it seemed she was almost walking in a circle. Even with the lines of trees to guide her.

Sighing she finally stopped to take a look around, finding the same view in every direction. The only thing that seemed to tell her which way was north seemed to be the cliff that was now blocked by the canopy. Flicking her ears the girl was getting a bit worried now. Not that it mattered much if she was lost. Eventually she would find her way out, even if it took the rest of the week. Pawing at the soil the large animal laid down in the middle of the trail. It was either lay down or collapse.

Joints had never really been that good to begin with and now walking long distances seemed to bother her sometimes. Sal could be nimble if she wanted to be though, but had not yet found a reason to be. Flicking her ears she noticed the birds seemed to be quiet today. Perhaps a predator was nearby but that was doubtful since humans had killed them off long ago. Flaring her nostrils the air seemed fogged with too many things. Another reason why she preferred the beach. It was open and the air only seemed to hold the aroma of the sea.

Tucking her chin the female then carefully moved her head in side to side motion. The tip of her horn poked in the soil and carved a semi circle around herself in the dry earth. The dust tickled her nose causing her to sneeze and toss her head. Was her imagination or did she just hear something grunt?

Jumping to her feet the mare kicked out a cramped leg muscle trying not panic. Still she shuffled her limbs a bit turning her head every which way. The girl's ears pinned back as she couldn't really see much in here. Just trees. A nicker passed her lips as she looked around it surely had to be one of her kind. Bird didn't grunt...that she knew of anyway. Salma didn't know if they had been tortured as well.

[Aderalle]

wicked men tell wicked lies

begin.

His grunt. The crunching of leaves beneath his hooves. A distant shuffle. Or was it distant? He could not tell. In the midst of so many trees, noises seemed to crumple in upon themselves and become muffled little lies. Ears pricked up. His body went rigid. He had been alone here, hadn’t he? He felt his heart sink. Perhaps he was not the first to claim this place… Would he have to fight for it? That was not something he had ever had to do! He had always been so submissive. Then again, he had never had anything to protect. Addy was only just past a colt.

Slowly, one hoof lifted and his body craned to turn toward the noise. He peered into the cracks between the trees. He thought he saw something… but no. Just light dancing, just a shadow. Alright then! Slowly, slowly, slowly he crept forward. One precisely placed hoof at a time. Black-tipped ears fell flat against his neck which twisted itself awkwardly to peer about the trees. His breath was hard. How could he be so scared? It was probably just a fallen branch or something… something! What else could it be! And, if it were a fallen branch, there had to be a reason it fell! This was wrong! Someone was there. Someone who he might have to confront. Aderalle was the last one to get swept up in confrontation.

Faint noises continued, closer now. He caught a glimpse of movement. It was too close for comfort. He froze. A nicker. A familiar sound! In an instant he scrambled through all the possible outcomes. A horse! A rival? A friend? A fight? What to do?

He acted without thought. Front hooves left the ground, hind legs crouching back to support the weight of the beast. It was more of a shy that had been denied a retreat than a rear. Hooves hit the ground, then lifted again. Quickly, quickly. A call was sounded, something he instantly regretted. That’s great. Get all the attention. Start a fight. He fought against his body’s urge to retreat.

end.

[WaT]

Snorting the mare formed a large ring of grass around her as a way to calm herself. It seemed to snake off before stopping short and growing a small fern. Returning a softer call the mare lipped at the grass. This was no time to eat though, even if the source of this call was a horse it didn't mean that they were friendly. After all Salma didn't keep track of who owned what and perhaps she was trespassing.

Hello?[/b] she called out, looking around herself before taking a few tentative steps forward. Sighing she stamped a hoof out of frustration. Flicking her plume up and down before cautiously walking in the direction of the call, the mare kept an eye out for anything. Also she kept her horn pointed forward, it could be a formidable weapon if she wanted it to be.


Every few steps she nickered softly, trying to sound as nonthreatening as possible. She meant no harm anyway. Simply just passing through. Finally she found what looked like a horse, but it blended in with the forest slightly. Making it hard to see. Snorting she tossed her head slightly and took a few steps back. She really wasn't sure what to say or do here. It had been so long since Sal had seen another horse. Not since that skittish mare that seemed like thirty years ago. Her body relaxed a bit though, the female had to be loose to run if she needed.


uh...Hi[/b] she said a little shaken up. Still a conversation with someone else would be nice for a change. Rather than having only herself to entertain her.


^{ooc; argg. this was meant to be longer but a few things are going on here at the moment.}

[Aderalle]

wicked men tell wicked lies

begin.

Hearing the snort, Aderalle’s body tensed. His thick neck contorted to thrust his head up and back, nostrils flaring and dark eyes wide. Agression? Flight? He would not run, he decided, but he was no master in the art of the bluff. He knew all too well that whomever was on the opposing side of this silly meeting could likely see right through him.

The softer call echoed to him. The sound of it soothed his nerves, if only slightly. Then a greeting. Hello? Hello! Why, hello there! How can I help you? Can I help you out of here? Quickly?! Sure, Honey. Sure.

“Hello!” The word was excited, but soft. Brute rarely spoke, and it happened even rarer above a whisper or a mumble. Addy wished in him only slightly to take the greeting back. It was as though he was only digging himself deeper and deeper into a life of company with each childishly curious footfall or murmur. What was he thinking? He was ruining his chances of everything he had ever dreamed of! Destroying all that he had only just recently attained!

He heard her stomp, and then each footfall, each nicker. His body calmed, a snort emitted from now relaxed nostrils. She came closer, then retreated. He saw it all clearly, taking slow steps toward her. Something in him felt as though the world might crumble beneath him at any moment. That he would wake flustered, alone, wandering once again. He stopped.

“Hello.” The word came again, this time stronger, more sure, more forceful. It was awful, and probably the fault of his father or gender, but finding the intruder to be a mare and no opposing stallion quelled many of his fears. Cockiness welled up in him for an instant.

Another step forward, another, another… he pulled himself within a few yards. Aderalle found himself presenting a stallion with no confidence or authority. As inconspicuously as possible, the brute tried to correct his juvenile mistake. Head raised, posture perfected. This was his home, wasn’t it? He had to act like he had at least a little bit of say in what happened within the boundaries of his land. It may have helped if his mane and tail weren’t tangled messes and there had been no red dirt on his face from his night asleep on the ground, but he didn’t have an opportunity to fix those things.

“Can I… help you?” The question was tinged with both uncertainty and arrogance. He could almost feel the awkward vibrations swell up and fill the air around him.

end.

OOC: No problem, no problem.

[WaT]

The brute walked forward and the mare was on defense. Snorting she pointed the tip toward him and took a few steps back, before relaxing. Even if she could pull the very ground from under him, Salma chose not to use her power unless she had to. No.[/b] she spat a little harshly. Flicking her ears back and forth she regretted it a bit but this male had no concept of how to approach someone; or it seemed to her anyway.

Snorting she tossed her poll a few times before turning broad side a bit. A breeze blew pass her and circled around before ceasing to exist. Nibbling her shoulder she tried pulling the bitter tasting mud from her fur, trying to make herself a little more presentable. Though judging the appearance of the male it didn't seem that it would be of any use to look clean. Not that being dirty was a bad thing but it made movement a little easier.

Licking her lips a few times she looked around before turning her gaze back to him I hope you don't mind me passing through she said quietly. If he did there wasn't much she could do about it other than leave...or try to at least. Salma was pretty sure the edge of the forest was here somewhere. Snorting the beauty tossed her head before taking a few steps to the side, as if trying to signal she was about to leave. Be on her way and not bother him, she had her own land to wander around in; not that she would defend it much if a male wanted it. She wasn't exactly sure how that worked but she did need a place to call home.

[Aderalle]

wicked men tell wicked lies

begin.

Lady’s first word came harshly. No. No? Well fine then. His velvet muzzle tossed, an annoyed snort permitted. Anyone shaken and stomping around in the middle of his land could have been a little more gracious. She could have graveled. She could have begged or charmed. Obviously this was not someone who wanted his favour. He held back a disgusted snort, never once considering the fact that he had not been gracious to her in this conversation’s origins. Aderalle quite often overlooked the Golden Rule.

“…Alright.” The reply came slow, a mumble, untrusting and full of interrogation. Black eyes scanned her a bit. She was a unique one, he knew. No one in the herd he had left behind had such a thing adorning their mug, and he could not quite decipher what the point of such a thing would be. A defect? A decoration? A weapon? If so, his usual strategy of flight over fight would be a necessity. Was it even of herself, or simply an ornament? He was puzzled. Perhaps he should have paid more attention to the stories he was presented with as a colt. His arrogance had left him stupid.

She groomed herself. He remained tensed, carrying on his falsified act of authority. A flick of the tail, neck artificially extended above a chest distended with air. He felt as though he was being forced to think about each individual breath as it came or went. If he ceased concentration, he could forget to complete the task altogether. The great head tossed in response to a pest. Aderalle regained his manufactured composure, perfecting his regal act slowly.

When more words spilled from her, he was taken aback. No longer could he seethe in the anguish of her disrespect! Not with words such as those falling before him! He let his guard down. “I… uh… no! No, it’s fine.” He stumbled through the words precariously, embarrassed of himself. Cloven, filthy hooves shuffled a bit in the dirt, moving forward slightly. He only dared to hope that if he embarrassed himself too badly she would refrain from damaging his ego any further. He was only young. What did he know?

Her body turned to evict itself. He was unsure of what he should do.

“I mean,” the words were gentle, “I don’t mind.” His eyes left her and concentrated on some unimportant speck in the distance. He did not figure it would be wise to make an enemy of the first lass to come his way.

“I am sorry… I am Aderalle. This… this is my home.” The words floated, light and airy. He thought it strange.

end.

[WaT]

The girl nodded slightly before offering her own information. I am Salma. She hadn't minded his stammering from earlier. The brute seemed to be younger than her and perhaps inexperienced. She had to admit she was a little out of practice of the whole herd life as well. my home is Orange Beach Pawing at the ground the girl tried to think of something else to say.

At least this being was a male this time. The last few had been female though she wasn't exactly sure how that would work; considering her condition. It is nice to know that our species hasn't completely died out. I was beginning to think I was the last one. she said calmly trying to continue the conversation. Twitching her ears the old girl continued on her walk. Maybe he would walk her or maybe he would stay where he was.

This Aderalle seemed the nervous type. Oh well, she would eventually find someone to be in a herd with. Maybe he wouldn't get the hint she might want him to accompany her. Turning to the side the beauty tossed her head in the direction ahead. care to join me Aderalle? she cooed softly. Picking her limbs up in sequence the girl continued walking. She didn't need his company but found herself wanting it.

It had been so long since seeing another horse, Salma had almost gone mad and thrown herself off a cliff. Not that it would do much, sure she would lay there perhaps a day or two healing but she wouldn't die completely. No, even if she was knocked out cold and had her body dismembered it seemed to grow back. That's how perfected the formula had been. They even dissected one and threw its head with the garage, only find three months later the horse walking up to the facility.

She couldn't even count how many horrible things they had done to her kind and to herself. Shaking her head the animal wiped the pained expression off her features. Lost in her musings the girl had made a trail of grass follow and grow behind her as she moved, even a few morning glory vines had made their way in and crept up a fallen tree.

Snorting she stopped to watch the tendrils grow and move along the log. The flowers bloomed in a bright blue before altering to a more purplish navy. Of course she always fancied things that were in her own colors. A few beds of moss grew along side though were similar to the stallion's colors. Salma always liked creating things when she was depressed or in a low mood. Call it a habit of trying to bring her back to a high note.

[Aderalle]

wicked men tell wicked lies

begin.

Salma… Salma… Alright. Salma. Brute imprinted the name to his memory, burning it slowly in. He had never been so great with putting a name to a face. But a face, oh, a face! He could remember them all. He remembered faces of his youth that he could find no story or occurrence to match. Sometimes he thought of them and simply wished he knew a fraction of who they were. Orange Beach? Where was that? He did not even know where he was, let alone any other defined location. These places had names? Did his home have a name? Or was he to give it one? Brute was not creative, nor did he care to be. He thought his home perfect without a fancy title. The thought left his mind.

Her next words hit him hard. He found it difficult to believe that she could be so daft. The last one! That was a silly idea to him. He had come from a herd of upwards of twenty mares and foals, headed by his father. But they were far away now, the distance between them likely spanning the greatest distance possible on a confined island nation. Or, he hoped, at least. Addy did not plan on going back, nor did he want to risk the chance of running into them.

“Oh, no… no, no, no.” His words held a tinge of excitement, held there to mask the grief that he truly felt. “There are many… but, believe me… they are not worth it.” His words trailed off. Aderalle was done with the topic. No more would he speak of it. It was not essential. Composure regained, he found the elevated height of his crown to be almost second-nature. It seemed the brute would settle into his kingly role with time.

Her motions took her away from him, invitation echoing. Joining her may take up the form of a futile mistake, though he was not sure exactly how. Or perhaps this was the break he needed. Still, he knew nothing of this mare. He was not in the condition to be used or abused. His nerves welled up. A heavy breath escaped his nostrils in amusement, but also in insecurity.

Why not, Addy? Go ahead. If all else fails, you are swift. You can run. Never mind the fact that you are ill! Besides, she is just a mare. A harmless girl. His masculinity gushed. Charcoal-colored legs were engaged, chipped hooves pulling him along. They went unquestioningly along, strung on by her will. His body longed, his thoughts withered.

Black eyes flickered. Her bemusement was noted. She could create as he could not, and that stirred up an uneasiness in him. Addy could not comprehend the frivolous use of such powers. Flowers? The beast was no advocator of such things as useless beauty. He could, however, respect the expertise behind it all.

“Interesting,” he thought out loud, “that we would meet here… in such a maze.” His vocalized reflections were slow, revealing faintly his insecurity and uncertainty about this place. He did not know where he was, nor did he wish her to know of his lack of knowledge.

end.

[WaT]

Snorting Sal tossed her head before continuing on. yes..I guess so. Redwood is a particularly hard place to get out of she said quietly. Even after years of being here the animal still found herself getting lost if she didn't watch which way her feet carried her. She didn't expect him to know the names of such places. She only knew of a few as she dare not venture pass the mountains. Who knew what was on the other side of the island.

so....do you have any powers? she snorted softly. This forest air was starting to get to her. Surely everyone had powers? She couldn't be the only one, since they were genetic they had to be passed down. Hopping over a dead tree she stopped to see if would continue. She wasn't sure why but the old girl needed a rest. Looking up the canopy blocked out most of the light making the forest easy to get lost in. Also easy for predators to sneak up, if there were any.

Actually come to think of it she could bend the trees to her will and find her own way out. That might snap them like twigs though. Still she didn't need to flex the trees themselves just their branches. Which were most likely dry and brittle now. Sighing she flicked her ears indecisively as she pawed at the soil again. Her posture was more relaxed than the regal like pose of the stallion's.

Finally making up her mind she stared up at the trees a few hundreds yards down the trail. If they were to break at least they wouldn't fall on them. Slowly but surely they parted revealing nothing but more forest then way off in the distance a thin white area. So she had been going the right way. Sighing the trees snapped back into place with little or a few hundred branches falling down. I guess we are heading in the right way after all.[/color] she smiled a bit, what she could anyway. After all Salma still couldn't smile anymore than she could the day she was born. She could pull the corners of her mouth though.

Snorting she continued walking onward. She wasn't in any hurry but a familiar place was always nice to be in. Still the trail of grass followed her, only because she chose to keep it going. Eventually it would whither and die except for the few that were tough enough. Otherwise the floor was little with dead needles, a few sparse ferns and mushrooms that no one dared to eat.

[/color]

^{ooc; they're slowly getting longer ^_^}

[Aderalle]

wicked men tell wicked lies

begin.

A hard place to get out of. Indeed. This place seemed to him a massive maze. Most of the trees looked the same to the colt, few having any distinguishing feature. This may have been the fault of the strategic planting of the flora. That, or his inexperience. Aderalle humoured musings of marked pathways throughout his home. Follow this set of arrows to a clearing or those to a creek or even yet another set into rival territory. It would make his life easier once completed, but was near impossible whilst he himself knew not his way. He had no reply to her, but came slowly along. Addy never hurried without cause.

Powers. Powers. He thought about this. It was almost a subject he did not wish to touch - being so inexperienced in the subject. The topic threatened him with yet more embarrassment. Lovely. A sigh was stifled.

“Nothing grand.” He shook his mane, stopping as she did. One black-tipped ear fluttered back for a moment in response to a distant sound, something he told himself was a falling branch or a rotting fallen tree collapsing in upon itself... Anything at all. It still worried him, but he did not show it.

Caught in his own thoughts, the sounds of wrenched tree branches caught him off guard. He gazed down the path, adjusting himself, resting a hind hoof. “That’s good,” he murmured. “How much further do you think it is? I… really don’t have much of an idea as to how far this territory goes.” An awkward chuckle. He considered again the prospect of marking the trees as pathways. If he were to desire a bath to so called Orange Beach, now would be the time to begin that pursuit… but he could not find a reason that he would need such guidance. Would he ever need to find her or her home again? As of yet, there had been no epiphany between the two to elicit such an arrangement.

Without thinking, words fell from his lips to change the topic back, wispy and thoughtful, more to himself than to her. “I… don’t think I could ever do anything like that.”

end.

[WaT]

I would say at least ten miles away. This island is huge. she muttered picking up a trot. Now that her direction of travel was clear the female wanted to get going before it got too late. Traveling at night never proved to be good for her. It already seemed late in the afternoon though, judging by the sun's position.

Snorting she stopped, turning her head back to the beast. Thanks...for coming with me. I think I can manage the rest of the way though.[/color] She wasn't trying to dismiss him but to let him know he didn't have to follow her anymore. Not that he seemed all that keen on staying with her in the first place.

Turning back the mare continued walking, the bumpy strides had proven to be a little too much right now. Eventually she would have to heal her body again but for now it was good to feel alive. Not that she couldn't feel pain still but being in perfect shape got old after the first few years. Just as the other powers Salma could turn off the healing part, though it would never stop her from living. That part was involuntarily obviously.

Hearing his comment she chose not to answer it. Perhaps he did not know he was speaking out loud. Though in due time, if he lived long enough it might be possible but she doubted it. No one could seem to live along side of her, even the few foals she had given birth to had died shortly afterward. Healthy and full of life but still had died. Though this was at least fifty or sixty years ago. Maybe she was destined to not carry on her lineage.

Licking her lips they passed over a few flowers, she had planted a few years ago. Tearing at the thread thin vine she kept walking carrying what would come with her. Thoughtfully she chewed. There had to be someone else out there like her. There had to be. Though all she knew now was home was perhaps another day's travel away. Her feet probably wouldn't be able to carry her fast enough to the edge of the treeline...today at least.[/color]

[Aderalle]

wicked men tell wicked lies

begin.

Ten miles? He doubted that. How could that distance not be swallowed up by the span of Earth between? How could his land, which he assumed butted seamlessly up to the outskirts of hers, stretch so very far? He did not let the questions his head generated phase him. If it really was ten miles in one direction, and however far in every other, Addy had been blessed to acquire a handsome lot of land. He was pleased with himself. Selfishness kindled its flame.

Her comments fell together and the cogwheels in his brain ticked away. Ten miles. A dismissal. Dusk on the near horizon. And this mare! This mare that could hold a pace so faintly. On his land, even! Oh, how he loved to remember that it was his. He was quite taken with himself.

“Are you so sure?” The question held not the slightest tinge of any impure feeling. Something in him, besides the fierce protective instinct he felt for his home, was forming. He knew not of the extent of the girl’s powers, and had no inkling of her immortality, and therefore was daft enough to worry for her. If she had to part the trees to know he way home, she would be here for days. She would not be able to see so far ahead at night and would be forced to halt lest she lose her direction. And, beside all of that, a curiosity tugged at him. He wondered of her home and how far away it really was. He wondered how long she would deal with him and his stupidity. He wondered if maybe he could find some help from her, and she from himself.

More words were pondered, but he feared insulting her. Obviously being older and more established than himself, she probably expected at least some sort of respect. To be truthful, he was not entirely sure of how to show that. His pace kept to hers. Curiosity spurted again. He was not to be deterred.

“But… may I ask? Where are you coming from? What is so great that you’d travel so many miles from your home and back?”

end.

[WaT]

Sighing the mare let a wave of warmth rush over her frame before she finally stopped. Swallowing what was left of the foliage she turned back. Her body felt renewed. Had it really been ten years? of course I'm sure. she said with energy. Perhaps a little too fast but she now felt the need to run, something she strongly pushed back. Why this brute was asking her so much had the horse flicking her ears indecisively now and then.

It's not the only beach there and this isn't the only forest. While vast its small compared to the whole island.[/color] she snorted and pawed at the soil. She continued walking then picked up a trot again. It was a lot smoother this time around. Her estimate might have been a little high but she didn't really want him accompanying her all the way there. She would appreciate it but it was not necessary.

I was at the ruins. I was talking with this mare and then everything went black. When I awoke she was dead. I'm not really sure what killed her.[/color] She spoke with little sympathy, as she didn't know the mare personally and she was getting use to seeing death. Stopping she pawed at the ground allowing a large ring of grass to form around her and the stallion. She was immortal, not dead. Her stomach still needed to be filled with food and water.

So her neck bent down and her lips began making short work of the soft blades. Personally she preferred grass a little less sweet but oh well. I guess I could stay for the night. it's not like I'm in a rush.[/color] she said swallowing. Slowly she grazed having the grass grow as she went. There might be a clearing around here somewhere but she didn't have the time to search for it.

so where do you and your herd sleep in here?[/color] surely she didn't want to sleep out in the open. Not with it being autumn.



[/color]

[Aderalle]

wicked men tell wicked lies

begin.

Addy found himself immeasurably dumbfounded by this mare. Weak. Strong. Scared. Pushy. Dismissive. Invasive. Old. Young. He fought with himself as to whether or not he should just walk away and leave her rot. Sometimes she almost made him want to. Even so, her mixed signals made him untrusting, and he felt more of a need to act as an usher to her than to be indignant. He did not want to be as his father had been, even though it came so naturally to him. The stallion had been withered and at the end of his rope when Aderalle had been pushed from his herd a year ago. For all he knew, the beast was dead… or had at least lost his herd, Addy’s mother included, to some young, strong, useful stallion. There were many things that irked Addy about that scenario. He pushed the sentiment from his head.

She spoke, and he accepted it. What was he to say in reply to something so matter-of-fact? She picked up a trot. His muscles groaned, heart pounded, lungs lurched into action. The great mossy body grappled at speed. He was surviving, but only so. It was difficult for him to keep under the guise of health with Salma continuously creating opportunities for him to open up his stride.

When she spoke again, he was more shocked by the fact that she had even told him the story than by the tone in which she spoke. Not only that, but had she not just told him that she thought she was the only one left? Had that mare been the first in a long time, and him a shocking recurrence? What really killed that mare? This one?! Would she kill him? It did not seem so. His trust in her wavered.

She stopped. He slowed, but proceeded to pace as she summoned grass beneath them. His head lowered, a snort rustled the grass, one eye kept watch on her. He decided not to ask her about that mare. He did not want his fears to be confirmed. A shudder ran under his hide. He came to a stop a bit away from her.

With her proposition of a night spent in his home, his head thrust up. A snort, a toss of the mane. “If you please. However long you need.” A hoof lifted. He took a few slow steps forward, lowered his massive head once again… this time, taking a bite. He stifled a cough.

“My herd?” He almost laughed at her question. “I’m sorry… it’s just me, myself and I. And I sleep back… well, I don’t know where. I was trying to orient myself when we met.” He felt less embarrassed every time he told her something imbecilic. He was getting used to her, grateful that she never seemed obliged to mock him.

“There has to be somewhere fine.” Brute figured that they would eventually come across a place to lie and, when she had been returned safely home, it would become his home base of sorts.

end.

[WaT]

Snorting Salma should have assumed just as much. His herd would have been here by now...if he had one. Licking her lips she finished with her snack and watched the male eat. Stretching out a leg she then walked pass Aderalle flicking her tail from side to side as she went. Perhaps she was growing senile in her old age or perhaps just needed a change of routine. Still she could have sworn her tassels had struck him. Oh well it wasn't completely intentional. Now that she was staying the beauty found herself growing bored. lets race she said excitedly. Stretching herself out she pranced a few strides waiting for his answer.

He didn't have to join, she would run anyway and return back later. A run would do her good anyway. Meaningless gallivanting around having fun. It might do anyone some good. Rubbing up against a tree her side was scratched against the bark. It felt good but too roughly and something might bleed. Snorting she was growing anxious with standing around.

Pivoting on her hips she trotted off in a different direction, tired of waiting. Even if it had been a few minutes since she had asked. She felt young again and wanted to take advantage of it. Tossing her head she pushed out into a gallop and ran straight for awhile before veering off in another direction.

Of course she left a trail for him to follow if he didn't want to keep pace. Perhaps she was acting a little too young for her age but who cared? She certainly didn't, she would leave tomorrow and probably not see him much afterward. Jumping a few fallen trees and she slowed to a canter. Her nostrils flared and breathing was rapid. The poor girl was a bit out of shape but still had some pep in her.

Finally she did stop and looked around her, not sure if he had followed or not. Not that it mattered too much, just follow the trail back and tada! Anderalle found. Unless he moved off course. Snorting the beauty shook her tangled mane before sending out a nicker or two. Until then she grassed on the grass that had grown around her.



[/color]

[Aderalle]

wicked men tell wicked lies

begin.

Aderalle was not phased by her snort or the thought that having no herd must have made him seem more a colt than a stallion. He did not want a herd. Or need one, for that matter. He had lived a year on his own. He had been that lonesome, hopeless vagabond. He had scrounged for a place to live in peace. He had fought to be among the nothing, to avoid conflict, confrontation and fatherhood. Not that the last of those things was just thrusting itself at him. Only a mare in want of a dirty hobo-esque stud would want him.

A race? He was shocked by this exuberance, unable to muster a response. He was ill, struggling to pick up a trot, and she wanted him to open up his thin, scraggly body into a full-on gallop? She must have been blind! Or maybe just severely ignorant. Or, perhaps, he was covering up his illness well enough. The last idea was laughable.

His head lifted, he tilted it to the side. She scratched herself on the bark. He grunted in manner that could have constituted a roll of the eyes. There was no way he was going to risk collapsing a lung to appease her childish whim. Even if he had been well, Addy would have turned down the opportunity to waste energy on something so blatantly frivolous.

As Salma took off, he could only sigh. Unfazed, his head lowered to gnaw at a pest that had been gnawing at his fetlock in turn. He paused, sighed, looked about. “Fine!” He mumbled, having to fake it to sound half annoyed. She may have been crazy and off-putting, but it didn’t mean he hated her or even remotely disliked her. She hadn’t crossed him yet.

Only barely picking up her vocalizations, he lifted his head, half chewed grass hanging stupidly from his black lips, yellow teeth clenched down. “Oh, Princess,” he mocked in a mumble, “what a jokester you are.” Blackened, cloven hooves picked themselves up. He followed her trail, albeit slowly.

end.

[WaT]

Snorting the mare picked up her head and tried not to roll her eyes. How could this male survive if he couldn't even chase after her? Perhaps his appearance wasn't only by choice. Backtracking she trotted along finding she hadn't ran that far from him. He wasn't even half way there and she was disappointed. Folding her ears the girl snorted and continued walking toward him. Though her body language softened as she got closer. No need to come off as threatening.

what's wrong with you? It seems you can barely move... her tone was indifferent. How did he expect to get around and actually defend this horrid place? Surely it was nice but it needed to be molded to fit the needs of others. Even if there were no other males around she still couldn't believe he expected to be able enough. Snorting she tossed her head and swung it to the side, causing the tip of her horn to hit a tree and carve through it.

She was surprised it hadn't snapped off, though eventually the break point would smooth out if it had. This brute had to be crazy, there was no question of it. Salma would offer to heal him but doubted he would take it. Still all it had to be was one touch. maybe I'm better off going home...[/color] she muttered quietly to herself. Suddenly a cool breeze blew pass her and the beauty shivered slightly. She hated autumn's chilliness. Though that breeze hadn't been by her. I think it would be best to find a place to sleep.[/color] she mumbled. It did get darker a lot sooner in autumn and winter. Anyone knew that. Though for the life of her she couldn't think of a place to go.

There had to be a cave or a hole in the earth somewhere around here. She could make one but they rarely held up on their own. Plus, she didn't feel like it right now. Salma had to watch out for this thin sickly looking stallion, who thought he could defend this patch of land. Snorting the mare planted her feet, not wanting to take another step further. If she did she risked impaling or having to move her head at an odd angle.

[/color]

[Aderalle]

wicked men tell wicked lies

begin.

Having the girl’s presence become less of a threat was a blessing. He was unwilling to be scolded or reprimanded for having done something that was inherent to his personality and situation. Body pulled to a stop, he huffed a few times, breath returned to normal.

Her indifferent tone was a different story, however, and it angered him. “I can’t!” His voice started as a shout, but quickly died out into a frustrated grumble. “Can’t you see? I just can’t.” He huffed a bit in frustration, trying to quell the anger that threatened to overtake him. A sigh, he turned his head away from her. He did not want to look at her.

Gaze still averted, grunted. He had been alone so long that he had neglected himself. His health, appearance, relationships, mental stability. They were all about crumbled to ruin. It hurt him, but he could find no solution that he was willing to commit to. He was too stubborn and too stupid to give in and find support in the company of others. Addy was too set on being unaffected by the stupidity of family and the responsibility surrounding it. “I’m sorry… I just. I wasn’t always like this. Just… been out here too long. Alone.” He knew also that he would not remain like this forever, even though this mare seemed to lack faith in his recovery.

Her words were left unanswered for a long time. She had upset him, shaken his world, and he was inclined to hold a grudge. At the same time, he had promised her shelter for the night. Reluctantly, he gave in to the promise her had made.

“You are right.” Gaze fell on her again. He shook his forelock from his eyes. Nodding toward her, he turned to follow the path they came from, hoping faintly to find the place he had woken this morning. “Let’s go.”

end.


OOC: Ah, short and notsogreat. But my laptop is dying and my lovely puppy chewed through the cord. Next one will be better.

[WaT]

Well if that was how this guy was going to be then so be it. Snorting she pushed pass the stallion, making sure that no part of her body touched his. Who knew what disease he had. Even with healing powers, it never felt good to be ill and feel near death. I should have figured as much she hissed angrily. Salma had her suspicions but didn't want to accuse the brute of being sick, that never worked out.

Tossing her poll she carried on back to where this whole thing started. Not that it would be hard to find, just follow the trail of grass. It was one of the main reasons why she did such things in a forest. Easily one could get lost. Though it had slipped her mind her pace might a little too quick. Stopping she peered behind herself, waiting for the beast. Why he had even chosen to come with was a mystery to her. If he couldn't move that well why not stay in one place or area.

Once he got close enough she continued her brisk walk. you should take better care of yourself.[/color] she scolded. Not that it was any of her business but anyone in their right mind would take some consideration into their well being. Snorting she stepped over the fallen log from earlier. They couldn't be too much farther now or she couldn't be at least. She didn't know how behind the male was.

She was a bit bored again. The beauty was considering clearing a place out right here and letting a small meadow to be created but it wasn't her land. She would let him deal with the lack of food that seemed to plague this area. Though she herself grazed on the emerald blades that had grown around her.

[/color]

^{ooc; that's ok. this one is short as well. need to get some laundry done >.<}