it began with a bang and buzz; any

[Pollen]

Conception began with a bang and a buzz, or so she likes to think. Mom never told her the story, just that there had been someone and later in, along came Pollen. It had always been just the two of them and that had been just fine. Well, the two of them and the hive of honeybees that claimed Pollen as theirs. Or she had inadvertently claimed them as hers. 

She remembers being only a month old. Many flowers christened the fields she played and slept in under momma’s careful watch after the first few warm days and long hours of lazy sunshine. Some gentle rain showers helped too, and so all these flowers grew and in their growth, attracted insects the likes of which she’d never seen! Beetles and ladybugs, butterflies and dragonflies, and then - a buzz that made her tingle from the tips of her toes to the top of her brain.

Pollen felt it like a tug on her soul and she followed it until she discovered a little honeybee shaking its fuzzy little butt on a flower. Curious, she watched and mimicked it for a bit before the bee buzzed right by her nose and chose to land there. She ended up cross-eyed trying to stare at it until the bee moved her face and nestled into her forelock. It all felt so right that she didn’t think much of it until more bees began to flock to her and build a hive in the scraggles of mane that began to grow down her neck.

The bees picked a queen but really it was Pollen who ruled them because she could bend them to her will. Usually she just let them be and they buzzed and flew about, collecting pollen and making honey as she grew. Her mane and tail lengthened and grew sticky with honeycombs and tiny swarms of bees. She didn’t mind though and only once, did she have to manipulate them to keep a pesky stallion away from momma and her. 

But then there comes a time when a girl just has to set off on her own. The golden girl did just that! She nuzzled her mom’s cheek and stood close together for a long tight hug, both trying to hold back the tears that wanted to run down their faces. No promises to come back were ever made because Pollen didn’t want to say something that might not be true. Their embrace broke and they came apart, sniffling a little in sadness because goodbyes are usually always sad and Pollen drew upon her bees and all her courage and pointed her nose towards the boundless horizon.

First she walked, then she trotted and finally, as she felt brave and reckless, she began to run. Ran straight towards the sunset that set the sky on fire and burned all the light right out of the horizon that she remained intent upon reaching. The swarm followed her as her pale gummed up mane and tail streamed out behind her, buzzing in anger and frustration until she slowed and stopped. Pollen had come to what she thought was the horizon’s end.

She stared and stared, sucking in air until her lungs stopped screaming for breath and the sweat began to cool on her skin. It was a field and unrecognizable to her but it showed promise by the heavily trampled grass and multiple paths spider-webbing away from its epicenter. Some trees offered shade here and there, or a place to scratch an itch and streams burbled about fresh cold water and no more thirst.

Yes, she liked it well enough to make a small circle as she took in her surroundings and gave small nods to some of the strangers that looked her way. Then the buzzing cloud alighted upon her and though the buzz died down, her hair seemed to seethe with life of its own from the mess of bees everywhere. One landed on her cheek, threatening to sting if she took another hasty step so Pollen just settled in to wait out the night and see what the new day would bring her.

[Persephere]

A Horse Alone Can Not Thrive

It felt like butterflies were throwing a party in her stomach and a deep breath was barely enough to calm her queasiness. She'd been hiking for days until her legs seemed to ache to the point she forced herself to take a break. Perse refused to be bait for any wild animal and this place seemed safe enough. Her herd always said a horse alone cannot exist and many seemed to gather here. It was like a social event. Yet she was feeling reclusive, since being separated from her herd she had to fend for herself. Her mind full of worries and mixed emotions. Though it was hard to stay that way with the beautiful sun setting in the far north. The sky became covered with hues of purples and pinks. Perse decided to settle here for the remainder of the day and sleep here for the night. She walked over to a large tree
with clementines on it. Many of them were too high and out of reach so she settled for one on a low hanging branch. Plucking it off the branch she carried it tightly between her jaws and made her way under the tree. Wiggling her body comfortably against the trunk she moved her mane over her back and legs, creating a makeshift blanket. She enjoyed her food while in the distance a filly found her own spot in the field. For Persephere this was a temporary hideout. She was far from what she was used to but at least with some rest she could replenish her energy. She knew she was far from anywhere she remotely called home so she knew it was time to look for a new one. Without realizing it she was still looking at the palomino filly while deep in thought. She didn't want to seem like a weirdo so she whinnied out to her. "Hi, there." her voice was low and lacking confidence.


ooc: hello i had to edit the post

-- Persephere

Image by iriser

[Pollen]

Pollen is comfortable in the stance she has taken up in that particular part of the field. She looks on, as night begins to fall and the sky is set on fire by the sinking sun. The colors are too numerous to name and too beautiful to tear her gaze away from. She lets her ears wave about as the sounds of horses leaving and settling in for the night reach her.

Not once is the golden girl afraid of becoming some predator’s meal. She’d give them hell first before succumbing to such a finality as that. As if in agreement, a few of the bees lift off her in angry little buzz’s before resettling back amongst the sticky rivers of honey and pale strands of mane snaking down her neck. A smile pokes at the corners of her mouth, as she gives a slow swish of her tail.

Few predators would dare to tangle with her lest they awaken the hive and attract the bees’ attention. She would pity the predator that they’d sting themselves to death over in her defense. But these are rather dark thoughts in nature and not the kind that Pollen usually has, so she clears her mind with a deep breath and smiles broadly at the rising night.

Nearby, there must be someone else because they call out to her in a low warble that suggests they are not altogether comfortable there. She can’t blame them, her instinct is strong but Pollen represses it as it had always just been her mother and her, and the bees later on. Her gaze skips over to the tree and the pearly horse under it; it looked small and feminine and was clearly alone and not happy about it.

“Hello!” she echoed back happily before meandering over in time. “Are you new here too?” it seemed like an appropriate question to ask given their circumstances, so Pollen just smiled on as a few of the bees flew around her head. 

@[Persephere]

[Aodhan]

Aodhán

His endeavors in Ischia and later Nerine had somewhat worn him out; he antics to calm his niece had taken a lot of magic, and for now, Aodhán’s rather stick to his birth shape. He knows of course, that it doesn’t matter as long as he doesn’t shift - but he still likes to think his horse shape is his go-to state.

So it is a white knabstrup hybrid stallion then, with metallic golden spots gleaming in the sunlight, that meanders through the Field. His age is something he can alter, too - heck, if you can be a turtle and a mouse, even a timeless rock, and can combine all those, then it doesn’t matter; but he does stay closest to the age at which he receives his trait, which might make him look like 2, or 3 - his naturally baroque and draft hybrid build, usually kept pesky “alpha” stallions out of his way, as long as he didn’t bother them.

The knabstrup hybrid isn’t paying a lot of attention however; not until the surprisingly strong scent of honey and horse reaches his nostrils, and he looks up. One filly talking to another, but his ears catch something akin to being new, and he studies them a moment longer before he makes his way over. He’s not in a hurry, but if they need a home, no place is better than Ischia after all. ”Good evening, ladies.” he greets them, looking from one to another, his green eyes dancing in the setting sun’s light. ”I couldn’t help but overhear the last part. I’m Aodhán, from Ischia.” he offers as a start - it’s up to them if they want to know more, he figures.

from the ashes a fire shall be woken

@[Persephere]
@[Pollen]

[Persephere]

A Horse Alone Can Not Thrive

To her surprise the filly responded in a kind way, her own ears perked at the newly found attention. Her mind racing back to the old days when she used to play with her cousins at home- in a field that looked much like this one only with happier faces. At least this filly had a happy face, her eyes bright with something recognizable. She must be a gentle soul like herself. Unlike many Perse ran into on the road here. "I am....I am alone here, but you are not" she smiles, her eyes looking at the bee's and examining the honey which was a interesting sight. The honey had a beautiful pungent aroma that filled the air like fine perfume and Perse couldn't have picked a better field mate. For sure no one would come mess with her with bee's guarding their queen. They even flew around her heads as a makeshift halo. It wasn't long before a third form joined the young mares. He was a big 'ol tall stallion who eased over to them, taking his time. Persephere took a moment to examine his stature and it was always important to look into the eyes which are the windows to the soul. Only after being content with herself that he was friendly she offered a smile after he spoke. "This is my first time being anywhere like this place. I'm not from around here, my name is Persephere... not persevere Persephere . Everyone always messes my name up. Her face held a seriousness in it. The irony was the two words were practically the same thing. Secrectly Perse wondered why her mother didn't name her the ladder but she supposed if she saw her again she would ask.


ooc: its a partaaayyy

-- Persephere

Image by iriser

[Pollen]

Naturally, they all begin to gravitate towards one another like small planets to the sun. It is instinctual for them to seek out larger numbers than to remain as one. One seems far too lonely for most of them anyway, unless they harbor some kind of deep flaw in their character that makes them prefer it that way. So in that regard, one becomes two and two becomes three beneath the tree that offers them the broad reach of its leafy shade.

Pollen smiles; it is no surprise that it is someone clearly male to balance out the overwhelming femaleness of their two-member group. That too, was only natural and half expected as she looks at the male nearing them. He’s borderline old enough to pass for a grown stallion but there still seems to be a lanky coltishness to his mannerisms. He’s pretty to look at from the way he moves to the way the spots on his skin shine in the light. 

If she has a bit of a magpie-heart, she’d not admit to it but his shininess was appealing. So were the dancing green eyes that flicked between the other girl and her. He has good manners, introducing himself first and stating what she assumes is his homeland. Her attention splits, has to divide between the bees crawling all over her neck and hair (one slips down to her cheek to monitor the situation) and the two horses.

The girl’s comment made her chuckle; she couldn’t help herself because it was true - she had a swarm, which might as well be the closest thing to a herd that she has at the moment. “No, can’t say that I am ever alone but look - we have more company joining us by the moment, now that Aodhan is here.” Pollen beams happily, never quite able to lose her goodwill and cheer. She lets the pair talk for a moment more before adding her own comments.

“I’m not from around here either. It is a pleasure to meet you both though on such a fine summer evening as this.” She too, had been taught manners by her mother or to at least be nice enough to others. The palomino continued to smile until she realized she was the only one who hadn’t introduced herself. “Oh goodness! You’ve all been kind enough to tell us your names and here I’m dawdling, name’s Pollen.”

Simple. Momma hadn’t named her that for nothing, as if she’d known one day the bees would come and claim her daughter as their queen. That seemed far too fanciful for her momma though, and Pollen just kept on smiling as a couple of the bees ventured out to buzz around the others. 

They never quite made it close enough to catch the currents of a snort that would blow them back to her, or to be tossed off an ear with a flick, or swatted away by a tail. But they made themselves known to the point that she noticed, laughed a little, and assured her present company that the bees wouldn’t harm them. “Don’t worry, they won’t sting unless I tell them to.”

@[Aodhan] @[Persephere]

[Aodhan]

Aodhán

His arrival stirs some of the palomino filly’s bees, and he watches in amazement as they buzz around but don’t quite land on either horse, or if they do it must have been on his less sensitive spots like mane and tail, for he hardly feels them. He tilts his head a Pollen curiously, wondering if he could ask the question that popped up into his mind there and then - then figures he’ll just ask and see. ”Do you ever get tired of the sound?” he wonders. ”I’ve never tried insects before.” he explains, then realizes that that is not an explanation at all. ”Uhm, for shifting, I mean; that’s a sort of magic I have, but I’ve never tried shifting into a bee.” he adds - hopefully for the new girls, that didn’t make things worse.

He looks over to the girl on the ground, taking note of her flowers and thinking the two make quite a match. ”Nice to meet you, Pollen and Persephere. It almost looks like fate for you two meeting here,” he smiles, looking from the honeycomb mare to the flowery one. A match, for sure. ”This whole land is called Beqanna, with several lands and islands next to it. We call this the mainland, even if it is technically just a very large island; you two happened upon the recruiting Field. Each region has it’s own climate. For example, my home is an island with a tropical climate, but I was born in the far north, a place called Icicle Isle.” That doesn’t seem the place for them, he thinks, so he doesn’t elaborate- they probably agree it’s cold and not favorable for the bees.

Actually, the Pampas might be even better. Noma would certainly love Pollen.

from the ashes a fire shall be woken

@[Persephere]
@[Pollen]

[Persephere]

She blushed shyly when Aodhan shed light on her and Pollen's compatible match. Her cheeks turning into a deep pink  because even though her magic was blooming flowers she feared bees severely and was grateful that Pollen held a tight leash on her servants. She pondered if she should say it out loud and decided to keep it to herself. Unbeknownst to her more flowers began blooming in her snowy locks. Mandevilles popped up one by one and some brought a few leaves with them. "Thank you for joining us Aodhan, Its a pleasure!" She was honored that the gentleman gave them some information about the lands but started to wonder how old he really was when he mentioned shape shifting. She supposed horses were never who they seemed on the outside but never took the saying so literal. Yet, it did make her peek her curiosity to ask. "So this isn't your real self?" She spoke half humorously and has serious. Not that she didn't appreciate the form he presented, she did- he was soft on the eyes with a easy going personality to match. And listening to him speak more she took him the names of his home and birth land. "A tropical paradise it sounds like, do you have a big herd family?

@[Pollen] @[Aodhan]