"But the dream, the echo, slips from him as quickly as he had found it and as consciousness comes to him (a slap and not the gentle waves of oceanic tides), it dissolves entirely. His muscles relax as the cold claims him again, as the numbness sets in, and when his grey eyes open, there’s nothing but the faint after burn of a dream often trod and never remembered." --Brigade, written by Laura
The svelte mare canters up to the border of The Field then, without missing a single beat, crosses over the invisible line that divides the wilds from the civil world. At least, that's what the civilized ton want you to believe... that a line, the idea of a line, could keep what lives beyond at arm's length.
Regardless of who believes what, the sweat darkened chestnut looks travel worn despite her elastic stride. There's a shadow of weariness in her gaze that suggests she's seen more than her fair share of what lurks in the wild places, that she's probably not as sheltered as one might guess simply by looking at her.
Sides heave slightly as she slows to a gliding walk, sweetly sculpted head tossed back in an effort to shift tangled forelock from bottomless brown eyes. A deep breath is drawn in before it's released in an exaggerated huff,
"Well... now that the easy part is over,"
There's a tartness to her words that warns the delicately constituted this creature is not the sort to curb her thoughts and comments to spare anyone from her opinions. Balanced by a genuine warmth and an almost tangible sense of curiosity, the mare draws all walks of life to her and has the right devil-may-care attitude to form bonds with the most unlikely combination of personalities.
04-06-2016, 08:26 AM (This post was last modified: 04-06-2016, 08:27 AM by Chemdog.)
When she canters by she brings with her a warm wind and it swept passed his face as he bent down. He grazes on the bright long blades of sweet grass that waves like emerald ribbons in the slight breeze, but her fly-by gets his full attention. Grass hanging from his black muzzle, still chewing it while his eyes follow her easy strides. What a fit looking lady... His mind murmurs perverted encouragement and his body tingles at the sight of her glistening....body... She's slick with sweat and her eyes burn hungrily as she speaks to no one and everyone. Chem's coal lips curl into a grin and he finishes his mouthful of delicious fodder before taking off onto a rolling canter.
He swallows up the soggy ground with wide thumping beats that grab effortlessly for the terra firma below, grounding his massive body as he moves with oily elegance. He doesn't glisten like her, nor does he breathe as heavy, but his display of athleticism are still just as clear. He finds a place to stand facing the chestnut mare comfortably, his ears and head stretched upright and his tail spilling over each hip with wild slashes. “Hey there,” His voice is chipper, almost making it obvious that he doesn't have innocent intentions. He speaks into the small space between them (a few feet), smirking deviously at her, his eyes hidden behind a mass of chunky forelock. She won't be able to see them molest all over her fine dips and curves, but they do.
Recruiting, he feels, is somewhat beneath him. Not in the manner that you would assume, of course, but in the way that you had to go about it - carefully, so as not to step on toes or wound another’s pride. Lupei isn’t exactly mindful when he opens his mouth, therefore he’s kept a wide berth from the field. But Dacia is here - he can smell her close by - and he needs to see her, to talk to her. His secret had become too large to hide in the wilds of Beqanna, and for once in his life he needed his siblings help. Besides, he supposes she’ll want to know that she’s officially become an aunt. He’s in his wolf form now; it’s much easier to be a wolf than to be a horse. Of course, being an incredibly thick-furred, black, blue-eyed one with a lion tattoo isn’t what you’d call ‘flying under the radar’, but this body suits him better when he’s hunting down a specific target. His inky nose has never led him astray.
But it’s the field. It’s open, and there are literally groups of prey animals lazing about. A large wolf lurking at the borders of this area won’t be welcomed. With a huff, he changes, curling inward before bubbling outward, twisting and reshaping before smoothly shedding one skin for another. Practice had worn away the pain of the shift, perhaps in old age it would return. But he’s still young, still fresh and vivacious and wholly stallion now. If his wolf body hadn’t been the thing to give him away, his horse pelt surely would. Mint green, a color that runs rampant across half his body, bleeding slowly to a teal that covers his hard belly and legs. Not to mention the fact that he’s completely bald - not a single hair to sport on his neck or tailbone. One look and the image of him would stay with you for years.
But he likes his individuality. Revels in the notion that out there, even in the great expanse of Beqanna, there is no duplicate of himself. So, as he stretches his legs into a ground-eating trot, there’s an unmistakeable hint of pride with each footfall. Lupei, the wolf. Lupei, the seafoam wonder. Lupei, the fire wielder. A smirk tugs against his lips. There’s plenty to choose from, but he’s not looking for just anyone. It’s not until his eyes dart to an oddly-marked stallion and an equally appealing mare that he makes his choice. Introductions on his part would be rough, but Killdare was King now, and his word was Lupei’s duty. Recruit, regardless of status.
“Hey yourself.” He calls out, hearing the clippings of the black brute’s speech. He would flick his tail, if he could, in hopes to brush away the tense air around them, but he can’t, so he settles for clicking his tongue aloud instead. “Beautiful weather, wouldn’t you agree?” He jokes, eyes glancing between them. “Spring is always a favorite season of mine.” He tells them, a wicked smile toying with his mouth. “Lupei, at your service.” The oddity exclaims, head nodding briefly. But he remembers that he’s not here to mess around, even though the idea seems incredibly appealing to him. He focuses on the mare, eyes never straying from her bold face. “What brings you to the Field?”
OOC: not sure if this was a thread for strictly the both of you, but if you'd like me to remove this post then let me know! Just couldn't help popping him in here
04-06-2016, 11:31 PM (This post was last modified: 04-07-2016, 12:02 AM by Sayden.)
Just as she lowers her muzzle toward the lush, new grass the sound of another’s words draws an attentive ear a moment before she cocks her head to look up… and up… as the stranger draws closer. Well proportioned weight is shifted in such a way as to angle her much smaller frame away from the night-stained male without actually taking a step back.
“Well, there are less creative ways to greet another… though, given your structure, I suppose you get an automatic redo on first impressions.”
Saucy, considering Chemdog’s 17-hands trumps her 15.3 and there’s really no point in pretending that she’d be able to do more than possibly out-run him. And, even then, only if she had the Areion looking out for her comfort. Nevertheless, there is nothing but airy confidence and high spirits in her own voice. His porn-star charm not seeming to phase her beyond the gleam of a smirk in her dark eyes.
Before she’s able to settle herself too far into the notion of havoc, an unexpectedly high tide rolls up to center stage. That step back that she hadn’t taken at Hade’s approach is stolen from the land now. And then another. It was one thing to cross wits with the devil, but only a fool ignored Poseidon.
Silence meets the oceanic hued stallion’s blithe interjection as she tries to wrap her more-than-open mind around the unique equine standing so deliberately in front of her. Several heartbeats continue to be the only sound from the mare other than the soft whisper of air being captured then set free by her lungs. Pleasantries about the weather and the season go unoffered. Instead,
“The scenery,”
Is offered in way of answer to Lupei’s ‘What brings you here?’. Sculpted head turns to one male and then the other,
“Yes, I’ve definitely come for the scenery. Now, it’s your turn, the lot of you, as it’s obvious neither of you are here to simply harold the coming of yet another earthen hued lady.”
More of that boldness. However, her stance remains that of alertness; readiness. A smartass knows the importance of a quick exit, afterall.
04-07-2016, 07:01 AM (This post was last modified: 04-07-2016, 07:02 AM by Chemdog.)
“Hey yourself!”
The silence between his new stranger friend and himself made it a perfect time for the minty guy to interject. He greets the other with a friendly smile which is actually legit in all appearances. Other men are much easier to interact with most of the time, he finds, especially if they're like minded. Slightly misogynistic? I think that's what you call that women-are-petsies-to-collect sort of attitude. Though he bares no hatred and never denies the strength of an intelligent woman....he'll never tell them that, however. When the other stallion takes his place in the small circle (triangle?) the charcoal behemoth gently side steps to give him room, all the while secretly taking a sniff at the air that came in with the mans arrival.
The Chamber.
Fuck yes.
Beneath his forelock his teal eyes blink, as if clearing the other thoughts from his mind. He's had plans for his approach to the Chamber for sometime now and perhaps this is his opportunity to weasel his way through their stony disposition. He dips his black head in shallow nod when Lupei states his name and declares his affections for the springtime. Chems crooked smile still there but fading into something a little less maniacal looking and a little more casual. He keeps quiet for now, watching the woman for her answer to Lupei's very relevant question.
Her attitude melts from her mouth, from her eyes, from her confident stance. Thoughts of politics fade and he's now faced with his original intentions. She looks through him, far passed his act. Some girls swooned for his pirate ways and others simply sized him up with the flames licking behind their gaze. Those are his women. The women he wants for himself. The valkyries that look down their nose at fear or death itself. He forgets Lupei for a moment. “Well how do you know I am not here for the scenery too? Shit. I love this place.” He looks around, feigning a bit of pleasure in what surrounds him. “But really I think I've come for you.” He looks over to the vibrant Chamber-guy, and then back to her. “This guy too. He's going to invite somewhere and so am I. If you're looking for a blunt answer, there it is.” His eyes are still veiled behind that spill of inky hair but his sly grin grows and remains on display at the end of his white painted face.
He can’t read minds, (thank the Gods) but if he could he’d be rather pleased with himself. This recruitment bit might not turn out to be so shabby an ordeal after all. What a pleasant surprise for the otherwise unsuspecting Chamber member. However, what he can interpret is actions, and the reaction that results from his presence is, well, a negative one. Poor Lupei - he tries his best, you know. His head tilts, mouth falling sideways in a disappointed grimace at the mare’s shocked silence. Was the hair loss so horrible? Zojja hadn’t been so affected by the change, but then again she was Zojja. He doubts that she would care if he was a hairless, pink mole. His tailbone twitches with the phantom movement of a tail swish, while his pride checks itself. “Effing magicians.” He thinks, silently cursing Prague.
But the ruddy chestnut is quick to regain her senses, and with a tongue bold enough to spark his interest again, she turns the tables back upon the two males. Politely, (which is a new thing he’s trying on for size) his gaze flickers to the dark stallion, only to find that those eyes too are momentarily stuck to him. It’s been a good long time since Lupei’s been out into normal society, but he doesn’t remember ever being this interesting. He clears his throat, irritation gnawing at him before the black one speaks up, finishing with a note that draws Lupei into a circle he’d rather not be generalized into. “Eh, not really.” He mentions, shrugging gently before looking out into the open expanse of the field.
“I came to find a victim and you looked pretty weak, so you’ll do. You’re grass-fed, right? I don’t like the taste of a horse that eats strange things.” He casually concludes, letting a moment of empty silence stretch between the three of them. With the snap of his head he’s pinning the mare down with a stare, maniacal grin stretched across his mouth. He chuckles, letting the sound build up to a laugh before wheezing out into an elongated sigh. “Just kidding, of course. Pretty much what your new friend here said. I’m a Captain of the Chamber, a notorious kingdom around these parts. If it’s purpose you’re looking for, look no further.”
He settles again into a rested state, finding that for once in his life he actually enjoyed the company of strangers. He’d forgotten how much fun these interactions could be. “We’re on the lookout for worthy new recruits, so if you feel yourself up to a challenge then you’re welcome to come and test your metal.” He explains, letting his eyes flicker between the both of them. “Of course, herds can have their benefits too. But, luckily in this land you can have your cake and eat it as well. Choose one or the other, or both, whatever suits your fancy.” He jibes, saving the details for her more pointed questions, if she had any.
04-08-2016, 10:50 PM (This post was last modified: 04-08-2016, 10:55 PM by Sayden.)
Snorts daintily at a shockingly vivid dragonfly that lands, albeit only for an instant, on the soft velvet between her nostrils as she watches the exchange between the two stallions with a good amount of interest. Weight shifts once again, distributing more evenly, more comfortably over her hooves… she doesn’t reclaim those two steps, that distance, she’s placed between herself and them, however.
When both males turn their attention back to her she cocks her head curiously to one side, one neatly pointed ear swiveling toward Chem-D as he speaks while the other flicks lightly, collecting any other interesting sounds that waft past the trio. A nod,
“Fair enough… but, let’s just say that I’m more than a little doubtful that the scenery - in and of itself - is what brings a midnight shadow to frolic in the light of day.”
That smirk that had brightened her gaze earlier glints again, accompanied by a curving at one corner of her sweet mouth to match. Another nod,
“Ah, see. Now that makes more sense. An invitation. Hmm…”
The chestnut femme sounds contemplative… but it’s difficult to peg her tone as genuine or simply one to placate the massive black’s game. Mocha pools settle on the mint one as he makes his offer as well, taking in his oddities without any hint of distress of ill-at-ease now. A moment of silence, then another, as she absorbs his words.
“You both bring generous offers. Herds and Kingdoms, however, are not something I’m entirely familiar with. Their pros and cons beyond me, to be honest.”
Shoulders roll in a light shrug. An odd statement from a mare, to be sure. Was she rouge? Abandoned? Independent? Anti-social? A liar? Who could tell, really, for the slender creature stands unabashedly before both of her potential conquerors with a flippant air equal to their own. A long beat of silence is allowed to stretch on for an almost uncomfortable amount of time.
“As grand a meeting as this has been. And, I will admit, it has been quite grand. I’m not a great player of games. So, the point is that there is no point in asking what you fine examples of testosterone can do for me. It’s fairly plain what that is.”
She pauses again, a playfully coy expression dancing across her features, before continuing.
“What I will ask is this: what do you want from me? What benefit do you expect from a fresh-off-the-wilds gal like myself when there are so many more interesting dance partners to choose from?”
Chemdog is massive, a bruiser who is likely not wanting for female attention. Lupei is himself, truly unique and also likely not to be lacking from whatever attention he wishes to have. Both leaders in their own right.
“I cannot fly, I do not glow, and my figure is far from exception given the scenery currently present. You have no proof that I’m decent breeding stock or even a good lay. And, I will tell you now, I’m an awful house-keeper. So. Am I to be a new concubine tucked away at the back of your current, ever expanding collection?”
There’s a hint of sarcasm edged with… frustration? A rather sudden and complete switch of emotional currents. The idea of a cage souring her lighthearted sass. She has no real desire to rule as a lead mare and less desire to be some drone used as nothing more than a means to continuing bloodlines.
Idle as her pointed questions may seem, it should be more than obvious that whichever male could provide the correct answer - whatever it may be - would be given the opportunity to live up to their offers; to claim her.
At first he Chem completely fails to notice Lupei's hairless, tailless, maneless appearance but once the stallion begins speaking those hidden eyes slide to the minty furless horse. He has no outward reaction, betraying nothing of surprise or curiosity, only a casually bent ear to listen carefully to Lupei's words. He laughs at the perfect moment after the Chamberling delivers a little joke. He listens on, delicately picking apart the stallion's tone. Captain? His thoughts spark. A smile wants to play at his whiskery lips but he resists and retains his neutral expression.
He nods and knocks his forelock from the view of his right eye. “Yup.” He agrees cordially. Now he grins and tosses his tail across each speckled hip, “He's telling truth.” His words fade with the breeze and she seems to bore through him with her hardened stare. Chem wonders for a moment...a short, very weird moment, if she isn't even alive. She seems so stoic compared to all other women he's ever met...with her leering eyes slicing through anyone when she settles a look onto them. She speaks again and he's no more encouraged than he was a moment before.
Well she's not a zombie... I suppose.
It's his turn again. He doesn't fumble but wrestles with some prospects of what to say at first, only for a half second and then promptly decides to simply tell the bland truth. “Though I am flattered you think I may be some vagina connoisseur, I am afraid no.” He laughs, looking briefly to his new hairless buddy (yeah, they're def bros now) and then back to the chestnut lady. “I have one other friend.” His tail tosses and his jaw chews briefly before emitting his gritty voice once again, letting it rumble naturally from deep in his chest. “And a forest that will be all our own – there are better, delightfully interesting details and plans ahead but i'm afraid you need to be in the club to hear that sort of juiciness...” He winks his exposed eye and takes a step back and turns slightly to the left, as if going to walk away, preparing for the inevitable moment that is right around the corner.
If she chooses to follow him, then he'll head east with her. If she takes the Lupei up on his offer then Chem will politely say goodbye and head east anyway.
Sure, they could be bros. Lupei doesn’t have ‘friends’, in the sense that one would think. Instead he’s chosen to live two equally fulfilling lives: one with the Chamber as a warmonger, the other as a sperm donor to countless mares not so much unlike the chestnut mare he’s conversing with. Women always had a weakness, Lupei just happened to be good at drawing it out of them. His male companion seems to feel the brush of defeat - doesn’t sound like this gal is looking for a herd. But Lupei catches his interested glance from the corner of his own eye and contemplates how he could possibly make a two-for-one out of this ordeal.
“Well don’t come looking to me if you’re in search of a guy to take care of you.” Lupei chortles as a response once the conversation has turned his way. “I’m a fighter in the Chamber. My job is to patrol the borders, occasionally spar with other battle-horses in the surrounding Kingdoms, and to defend my homeland in the case of an all-out war here.” He explains, choosing not to focus on the fact that the entirety of Beqanna has just come out of a war itself. His head tilts, curious eye glancing over her once more.
“Then again, if you feel that your talents lie in more … diplomatic affairs, the Chamber could use you as well. With a tongue as sharp as yours, I doubt you’ll make a name for yourself there in no time.” He predicts, shifting his weight so that he can regain a comfortable position. Talking had never been his strong suit (in case that wasn’t already obvious enough to the girl) but he hopes he’s laying out the Chamber in a sensible, easy-to-follow manner. “The only horse you’ll answer to will be King Killdare, a stallion I’ve known since I was a colt. He’s just, but not to be taken lightly.” Lupei regals. The magma King was by far a ruler worthy of the title, and should the mare choose to join him, she’d find out herself soon enough.
“If you’re still unsure, you’re more than welcome to come and see it for yourself. The same for you, Chemdog.” He speaks, turning his head to pinpoint the black male with an eager glance. “It’s not often I come across a stallion that I like enough to spend time with, but I’m more than impressed with you. Hell, I’m sure you could give me a run in the mock arena.” He offers, laughing briefly once more.
04-15-2016, 07:21 PM (This post was last modified: 04-15-2016, 07:23 PM by Sayden.)
She remains silent as she listens to Chemdog, clearly paying attention to what he’s saying… she even laughs - a quiet, silvery sound - at his ‘vagina connoisseur’ comment. The dark female watches as he takes that step back, starts to turn, but she doesn’t make a move to follow him.
It was a risk, on her part, to have been as blunt as she had been. But, as Chem has already realized, for better or worse, she is not a zombie. She is not a frill or a ruffle. Not a sparkly piece of glitter or a warm ray of sunshine.
The bait is tempting; the lure of mystery and shadowy paths through the woods.
Bottomless pools turn to Lupei as he speaks. Left hoof lifts a few inches then resettles it in the print that was left behind. She tosses her head and snorts.
“No. I’m not looking to be taken care of. I’m not looking to be coddled. I’m not looking to be a harem girl or a uterus on four legs.”
A rather inelegant snort follows her statement and it’s clear from her tone that she means what she says.
“I’m female, not a piece of glass or a brainless baby machine.”
A sigh and another shrug, lean muscle flexing under her glossy coat.
“I’m willing to work for my position in the herd, I don’t expect to be given anything, but I need to know I have the opportunity to obtain a higher rank than broodmare.”
Her gaze shifts away from the ocean-hued shape shifter to the umbra stained titan then back again.
“The opportunity to get into politics...”or learn the cloak and dagger arts“..is what I’m looking for and what I feel I can provide.”
Turning to look at Chem she bows her head in a show of respect before meeting his gaze.
“I’m honored by your interest and invitation but I must decline.”
Finally, she turns to the mint stallion and takes one step toward him.
