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Post by ♥ A R i E L A on Feb 24, 2008 21:44:01 GMT -5
As I fall into your eyes
Midnight blue gorgeous disguise
I dream of the times we used to have
When you would laugh and the angels would sing
When you said you loved me and heaven would ring
But a dream is just that... a dream.
As the wind whistled gently through the breeze, a dark nymph weaved through the trees, her dark eyes cast to the ground. Her dark banner swept the ground and her locks cascaded down her arched neck, dark and wavy. When the fae reached a small clearing, she raised her crown and gazed towards the heavens, mixed tears in her eyes. A new chance, a new start. She was free... but freedom never came easy, and it could never last. Years under a tyrant had taught her at least this.
She was good looking to most standards, nothing special. Her Arabian blood was clear in her petite form, well arched neck, and dipped face. Her delicate legs were small and her ribs showed through her sides, although she was fell-fed. Muscles were scarce on her small figure and although she had the build of a good runner, she had never been very fast... yes, physically she was quite weak except in looks. But she was more intelligent than most, even if she rarely used it to it's greatest potential.
Her mother had always told her she was a fighter, a lioness. Lately however, she'd been feeling more like a mouse. Shy self-conscious, she was afraid of so much and even when she did feel that surge of passion, she could rarely do anything about it. Perhaps she had been more lion-like as a foal... or perhaps her mother had different standards on how a lion should act. Anyway, the bay vixen was often far-off in daydream land, immersed in her own thoughts... lions were supposed to be alert as far as she knew. The way she felt now, the only link she had to a lion was her name, which meant 'lioness'.
Lowering her gaze, she realized she'd been staring at the bright afternoon sun for at least five minutes, just thinking. She did so many stupid things sometimes... if only she wasn't such a ditz. A small green leaf fluttered to the ground beside her, torn from it's safe haven and thrown into the harsh world far too early... just like the fae who watched it with a mild interest. Her brown orbs sparkled down at the leaf and for a moment they looked emerald green... or at least hazel. Her father had always predicted that her eyes might be able to turn green, but it had never happened yet. So many things that had never happened yet... she'd never found love, she'd never ventured outside her home until now, she'd never done much, really. She'd never been the daring type no matter how much she wished she were. So many things she wished, to...
Her mind drifted back to all those times as a foal wishing upon stars, lucky eclipses or such. She had been such a believer in luck and wishes and karma as a filly, but now she knew that it was all crap. Life handed you what it handed you and you got what you got. There was no higher power or karma which determined who lived and who died and who suffered and who lived in luxury. Life had taught her that much. Because if that wasn't true, how could Oasis be dead and how could Rhyde have taken his place? How could Caria be so weak and small and sickly and how could Keenu be so strong and well-liked? If that were true, how could she be here?
Will I ever see you smile again?
Will I ever fish you out of a world of men?
And if I ever do, will you recognize me?
When I gaze into your eyes, will you see?
Will you see how far I've fallen without you?
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Post by horselover4ever122 on Feb 25, 2008 18:12:49 GMT -5
Numaric Light walked past a bush. He saw a bay mare; her coat shimmered the perfect shade of gold and her black tresses gleamed a hidden brown. He stepped back a few, startled by her unnerving beauty. He bowed his head and at last spoke M'Lady may I have the pleasue of hearing your name? He pulled his head back up and looked into her eyes. They were fathomless, he was lost in the deepness of her sea-green eyes. Returning back to his own nody, he reared. When his hooves crashed to the ground he shook his head. Whoops, he said to the silent mare.
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Post by Mage on Feb 28, 2008 16:17:01 GMT -5
The wind howled and blew the cold winter air around, he was sick of winter already but he couldn't change the seasons. He made his way down into the claiming grounds. His black form moving easily through the snow and he layed his eyes upon a dark fae. His head was tucked in slightly his banner and tail blowing in the wind and he made his way over laying his eyes upon another stag as well. He ignored it though and spoke to the fae.
I am Zodiac, may I know your name? |
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Post by ♥ A R i E L A on Feb 28, 2008 20:55:03 GMT -5
New beginnings always die
If you can say hello, why can't I?
Where does my speech go?
And why can't you see
The girl who I look like
Isn't really me.
But if that's not me.. who am I?
The chocolate fae raised her small head towards the stags who stood before her. Her instinct jumped at the sight of companions, but years under tyranny had taught her to be cynical and she watched them with a scrutinizing eye. The first one, a dapple gray stallion did seem a bit of a show-off with his whole big-strong-stallion-rearing-high-into-the-clouds-majestically thing, and with the other black one she couldn't much tell... except that he wanted to know her name.
In reply to their questions, she wanted to say something clever, something smart and hard-to-get and appealing. She even had the lyrics formulated in her cranium, ready to leap out and dance tauntingly around the stags. But, losing her composure as she always did with new introductions, she stumbled over her words and spoke in a soft, non-melodic and non-enchanting voice.
My name is Ariela...
Can I trust you?
First impressions you can never know
Whether our smiles will die or grow
Whether you are true or false
Whether you'll say yes or no
How am I to know
If the man you look like
Is really you
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Post by Mage on Feb 28, 2008 22:32:11 GMT -5
Zodiac stood his head bent slightly but his forelock tossed to the side so he could see the fae. His ears pricked forward as she spoke and he picked up her name. Though how she spoke seemed like she was not a strong mare at heart and with that he wasn't sure if she would be able to get along with Lace, but something still kept him here. Perhaps it was shyness at first, so he would speak again to see if perhaps it was just jitters that got to the mare.
Welcome to the Arrowheads Ariela.
His voice was strong yet still had a gentleness to it towards the shinny bay mare. Though when he looked into her eyes he could see a very beautiful sea green tint to them that made her unique from others. But he would leave that for something to say later for bragging upon a mares beauty sometimes annoyed them.
What brought you here to the Arrowheads Ariela?
His question was firm and perhaps her answer would give them something to talk about to maybe break the ice with the mare. He wanted to get to know her and maybe get her comfortable around him but yet there was still another stag here that maybe she would choose instead. |
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Post by ♥ A R i E L A on Feb 29, 2008 20:31:29 GMT -5
Coffee orbs sparkled and as the sunlight fell upon them, they became a strikingly bright and inquisitive sea green color. She tilted her head slightly at the stallion's query but her cynicism took over. He was so repetitive. Welcome to the Arrowheads, Ariela. What brought you here to the Arrowheads, Ariela? His voice was firm however, and she knew at least that he wasn't an undecided suck-up.
Her thoughts turned to his question. She knew what had brought her here- escape from a dictatorship, a longing for something new, and hope that the betrayal which had torn her heart would fade, and an unusual burst of courage. It was true that Ariela was a natural leader, despite her shyness and self-consciousness, but she lacked the unwavering bravery which defined many great leaders. She had always been afraid. Afraid of the smallest things- but she had later learned that the thing she was most afraid of was pain- and fear itself. She was afraid of the pain she would feel if she were attacked or fell ill. Afraid of the grief of losing one so dear to her heart. And she was afraid of another betrayal, another day which turned to night, another glimpse into the evil and greed which lay in the heart of every being. She was afraid that of she had stayed another one like Rhyde would take over. Yes- she knew the answer now, she had come for fear although it was courage which allowed her to leave. But if this stag -Zodiac- thought she was going to tell him that, he knew nothing.
Ariela had never been one to reveal her heart. Often, she had lied to seem more normal, to seem one of them. No matter how much she reminded herself; If they don't like the real you they aren't good enough, she could never bring herself to show her true colors. Instead, she hid behind a mask of innocence, a mask of everlasting joy, forever untouched by the pains of others. But the mask was the opposite of her true self. She was touched a million times by the pains of all the world. She was not innocent, because her lying about herself lead to more and more lying and soon enough lies fell from her tongue as easily as rain fell from the clouds. Truth had no meaning save for a virtue which the pious valued. She did feel guilty about it, but she did not care enough to do anything about it much. She chose to live the easy life.
Zodiac's question still hung in the air, stale and and unanswered. She had to answer now, but she knew it would be naught but another lie. Another lie among thousands. And yet there was no resistance save for the smallest of inner scoldings as the lyrics slid from her mouth, smuggled gold, still laden with fingerprints waiting to give her away.
Oh, nothing special. She tried to smile. Just wanted something new, I suppose.
Yes, she knew it was the world's stupidest answer. She knew the lying had to end. But she simply couldn't stop. Because with a life like hers, it was far easier to be someone else. |
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Post by horselover4ever122 on Mar 1, 2008 10:41:55 GMT -5
Numaric Light looked from one horse to the other. They were ignoring him! Giving an indignant snort he said Well if you want something new would you care to join me in my terra? I mean only if its not to soon. Inwardly he kicked himself for his ramblings. Now Ariela would think that he's a loser! Dang. He stood nervously, shifting his hooves and tossing his mane, waiting for her answer.
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Post by Mage on Mar 2, 2008 21:17:27 GMT -5
Zodiac wasn't much on words but even he noticed how repetitive his question had become, but he couldn't take it back now. He let her ponder the question around but still he knew that it was a fake answer but he would let it go. His ears then turned to Numaric whom stood beside him. But Zodiac didn't say anything, if Ariela decided to go with Numaric then it was her choice and she wasn't ment to be with him so he would let her answer the grey stag. |
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Post by ♥ A R i E L A on Mar 3, 2008 17:34:26 GMT -5
How insensitive. For a split second, Ariela considered saying yes, but the more reasonable part in her pushed the thought away immediatly. She hardly knew him, what was he doing asking her to join him? His ego needed to shrink a few sizes anyway before she considered him. No. Sorry. She said, her voice quiet but snappy all the same.
Inwardly, she kicked herself. She was so tactless. Why couldn't she say just one intelligent word to a stag? The only stallion she had ever been able to speak normally to was Barley- don't think about him! With a pang, his golden coat flashed before her eyes, his big, deep dark eyes and his laugh... how he would laugh and the angels would sing, when he said he loved her and heaven would ring. How could anyone ever compare?
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Post by horselover4ever122 on Mar 3, 2008 17:55:19 GMT -5
Okay, its your decision. I apologize if I asked to soon He nodded his head. If you don't mind, then I'll be on my way. With that he turned and cantered away.
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Post by Mage on Mar 3, 2008 18:06:41 GMT -5
Zodiac watched Numaric leave, he hadn't even given the mare his name but asked for her to go with him all the same. Zodiac turned back to the bay vix, her voice had a little snap to it and that showed that she wasn't to shy just wasn't sure about her words was all. Zodiac seemed to have the same problem though, he wasn't good a long conversations when meeting mares or even with those in his terra. Zodiac was never one to talk about himself but always had an open ear for those that wish to speak.
What is it that you enjoy to do Ariela?
The question was a bit strange but every horse was different. Some horses just liked being in a terra and raise foals have a family but some didn't like that. Others tended to be more adventerous and actually, being stuck in a terra made them depressed. He also hoped that the question might open her up just a little. |
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Post by ♥ A R i E L A on Mar 3, 2008 18:30:05 GMT -5
The coffee chasms brightened and a gleam of flame lit them up. Her first reaction was that he was just another idiot. But then she began to really think about his question. What did she like to do? She liked to laugh, she liked to stay up late and dance the night away. She liked words, she liked to tell stories. She liked foals... but she would never be content spending her life on a terra having foals all her life. She liked to watch the sunset... she liked to dream. But how could she tell Zodiac that? She hardly knew his name. But instead of muttering a snappy reply, Ariela felt the words spilling from her maw.
I like to tell stories and I like to dream... I guess I like to be someone else for a change. I like to dance and stay up late into the night, watching the stars and the sunset. I like...
A wave of self-consciousness washed over her. She was spilling her heart to this stallion and she hardly knew him. For all she knew, he could turn around and use her words to break her heart. Or he could just quietly walk away and reject her. She made a little non-committal gesture and mumbled something incoherent, cast her gaze to the ground, and her orbs darkened as they tended to do when she was feeling shy. The dark tresses fell into her face and her heart pounded against her chest.
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Post by Mage on Mar 3, 2008 18:42:14 GMT -5
Zodiac pricked his ears forward catching her lyrics as she did open up a little but seemed to sulk away shyly. He lowered his ebony dial his words soft and kind towards Ariela.
There is nothing wrong with that Ariela.
A smirk crossed his face, she wasn't sure about opening up and he understood that. She didn't know him and opening up ment that she would be letting part of her guard down. He decided to go ahead and answer his own question since she had been kind enough to share her answer with him.
I like to gallop through the trees with the wind in my face, watch the stars at night, and see the moonlight on the waterfall that lays within the Hidden Falls. |
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Post by ♥ A R i E L A on Mar 3, 2008 19:50:15 GMT -5
Is Hidden Falls where you live? The words were blurted from her maw before they had even fully formulated in her mind. But something told her it was okay. He hadn't turned on her like so many others... he could turn around and betray her like Rhyde did to everyone. Or would he? He had shared with her, she didn't know if it was true or not, but something in his voice sounded sincere. Then again, everything about Rhyde had seemed sincere. You could never tell if a horse was true or false, if they would betray you or if they would lead you to your wildest dreams. You could never tell, from the outside.
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Post by Mage on Mar 3, 2008 20:32:44 GMT -5
The ebony stag let a smirk cross his maw and gave a nod of his dial,
Yes, I live at the Hidden Falls.
He still figured it was too soon to ask Ariela to see if she would join him there but he wasn't sure what to do for a conversation either. He had found everything that was hidden in the terra but it still seemed that every day there was something new that presented itself to him. It was beautiful but it also held dangers and thats what gave it its challenge. He shook his dial, shaking away thoughts.
Im afraid I have run out of questions. Is there anything you would like to ask about me?
This would be her chance to maybe open up and get to know him a little. |
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Post by ♥ A R i E L A on Mar 4, 2008 21:00:24 GMT -5
Wind whistled gently through the trees and snowflakes drifted lazily from the heavens. Sea-green orbs darkened momentarily as his words, Why did he have to ask her questions to hold a normal conversation? Why couldn't they just... talk? Yes, she did have a question to ask him- that. But she couldn't quite seem to muster up the courage to make such a bold statement. Looking up again, she tossed dark tassels from her gaze and fished for a suitable reply.
Not really. Was all she could muster, a small, half-hearted little mumble which would not have been heard if one wasn't listening very closely.
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Post by Mage on Mar 13, 2008 21:27:40 GMT -5
Zodiac wasn't sure what to do now, he wasn't much of a talker and this mare seemed to need a stallion good with words. Holding a conversation was not his strongest area for he wasn't sure how to get a good conversation going. Perhaps Ariela wasn't ment to be with him but Zodiac wasn't sure what to do now.
Would you like to join me at my home Hidden Falls Ariela?
He still thought it was too soon to ask her the question but he didn't know what else to say to her, she was kind yet he still thought she was hiding a bit of herself from him but only time would let her open up and Zodiac never really liked spending too much time from his terra for he prefered to be in his home with his mares not out getting as many mares as he possibly can. He awaited Ariela's answer, if she still chose to stay here it was fine with him and she could try the other stallions, for some were better with words then he. |
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Post by ♥ A R i E L A on Mar 13, 2008 21:37:12 GMT -5
It was all too soon. Yes, Zodiac was kind and she felt like she could be open with him... but it was all to soon, far too soon. How could she know if he loved her... if she loved him? Her chocolate orbs widened and she looked up into his gaze. He was good-looking, but what did that say? She did like him, but she just didn't know him well enough.
I... I hate to turn you down but I just can't say yes yet. But I would like to get to know you better.
She spoke softly, hoping he would understand. This, in way, was her test. If he understood, if conversation flowed as easily between them as it had between Ariela and Barley, if she felt that same laughter in her heart, if the angels would sing when they were together, as Barley always used to say...
But then it hit her. He wasn't Barley; he was Zodiac, a completely different stag. Barley was bold yet sensitive, a word-weaver who understood Ariela completely. Zodiac was not so good with words, he liked to watch the stars at night and he lived at Hidden Falls, a seemingly beautiful place. As for understanding Ariela... she would simply have to find out. |
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Post by Mage on Mar 13, 2008 22:19:33 GMT -5
Zodiac knew it was all to soon, perhaps that was why he hadn't gotten to know Shan Ten as well. Yes she came with him but ever since he took her to his home had hadn't seen her and with that hadn't gotten to know her either. A smirk seemed to cross his black maw though, he really did want to get to know Ariela better and the only way for him to really get a good idea of who she was so he could understand her better was for him to learn a little about her past. He shifted his weight, would she actually tell him or try and hide it. It didn't want to make her uneasy around him but then he spoke.
Could I know a little about your past Ariela? If not its alright and I would understand for sometimes others don't like to bring it up but perhaps it would help me get to know you better.
His words were firm but sincere and gentle. He wanted her to open up but on her own and not him forcing her too, if not now then eventually he could gain her trust more and later gain her past to better understand her. |
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Post by ♥ A R i E L A on Mar 14, 2008 18:40:13 GMT -5
Ariela's past, her personal life, her heart all lay well-guarded under a layer of cynicism, laughter, and well-chosen lies. Years ago, she would have opened up wide to anyone who had asked, grateful to spill her heart and receive sympathy, understanding. But now she knew differently. With a flash of irony, Ariela realized that it was exactly her past which made her so reluctant to share it. She was about to spin another delicate lie as her tongue was so adept at doing, but something stopped her as she looked at Zodiac's deep, honest orbs. Her maw opened ever so slightly and the lyrics which spilled forth were the first true ones she had spoken... not counting the ones she had spoken to Zodiac earlier. Could it be that Zodiac made her honest?It's okay... I can't tell you everything but I can tell you this.She paused, taking a breath and readying herself, preparing a delicate skimming-over-the-truth. But when she spoke, something entirely different and yet entirely true fell from her lips.
When I was a filly, my life was near perfect. I had friends, I was good at most things except running and I had incredible parents and a brother who treated me well. Life was good. But months passed and, well, everything changed.
You see, we lived in a very large with herd surrounded by other large herds. We fought often, but our herd seemed most battle-prone. But our herds were different from the ones here because one horse- mare or stallion lead the herd and the others had their own separate families. We elected a leader through popular vote. When our old leader was killed by a cougar, a new leader took his place. This new leader, Rhyde, seemed competent at first, but soon he was waging battles with three different herds and not bothering to help the herd members with anything- unless they gave him something in return. Rhyde was leader for two years- killing hundreds. Soon enough, he was killed in battle and it was time for a new election... and the two horses looking for the position seemed promising.
Yes, she remembered it clearly now. Oasis, so strong and dark and amazing and Selena with her well-thought out plans and gentle manner.
Oasis offered hope, healing from the wrath which Rhyde had left behind. Selena offered clearer plans but less vigor. Oasis was the more popular and it was almost decided that he would be our leader. One day before he would take up the role, everyone was positive that our leader would be Oasis. And the next day... we found Selena dead.
Ariela's voice dropped to a whisper. She remembered it well- Flame running desperately to Ariela's herd, her eyes wild with pain as she told of Selena's death.
And who had been standing above her with blood on his talons but Oasis. Yes, the one we loved, the one we trusted to make us a better world, a murderer.
Our trust was shattered, mine especially because I had always been skeptical with my wild imagination. I left the herds in shambles and here I am.
She stopped, but she knew there was more. It simply wouldn't come though, it wouldn't come! She bowed her head and her eyes darkened, but as Ariela glimpsed something it pulled her gaze back up and she stood facing Zodiac, knowing she had to tell him.
Throughout all this... I was in love.
Her voice was a whisper now, barely audible as it blended with the wind.
His name was Barley, he was beautiful and strong and funny and I though we were meant for each other. We were never apart, my heart belonged to him. Until the day be broke it.
Ariela's voice caught and she choked, pausing to let the lump in her throat fade. But it didn't... it wouldn't. So she kept speaking, hoping he didn't hear her tears as she looked to the ground to hid her shining eyes.
We were alone, days before our new leader would be chosen. Barley had been acting strangely all day but I assumed it was the stress of the election. We heard a whinny in the distance and Barley freaked out. He made some excuse about... oh I can't remember but it was stupid and-and... he went into the brush without me towards the whinny. He was taking so long there and I was tired of waiting and when I found him... he was breeding with my best friend.
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