Baby Shower [Tingara's and Nandalie's Herd]

[yaruka]

WIP-- yikes, this is taking me forever-sorry!!

Wirruna had finally given birth to her first foal, a little pinto filly she had proudly named Kooraloo. As she made her return to Tingara's herd she kept an anxious eye on the filly, eyeing her every movement for a hint of fatigue or fear. She need not have worried, the filly was incredibly robust and independant already. She walked confidently at her mother's side, the only sign of surprise she showed when they reached the valley was a slight widening of the eyes to take in the sheer number of horses.

Seeing that Tingara was busy talking some strange horses, Wirruna moved straight into the thick of the mares, heading for gentle Crayola and her latest spotted baby. She also caught sight of Valatone, who she vaguely remembered from when she first joined Tingara's herd, and was glad to see the mare looked well. Muyan was also there with her foal and Wirruna greeted them all pleasantly.

"This is Kooraloo," she said happily "I named her for the swan, what did you call your own lovely foals?" As she spoke she noticed some of the mares Tingara had won over from Nevada still standing apart from the herd. WIrruna's mood dampened slightly, she hated to see others unhappy, but she quickly cheered up again at the sight of Kooraloo boldy stepping forward to extend her nose to Crayola's spotted colt.

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Jannali was also returning to the herd today, though less willingly than Wirruna had. She had seriously considered leaving to find Nevada after the birth of her latest foal, but grudgingly she had decided that it would be too risky to go in search of a battered stallion with a newborn foal in tow. Besides, Kala would never forgive her if she left. As she approached the herd, Jannali watched her latest foal proudly, noting how much she reminded her of her beloved Nevada. Jiba was well behaved and beautiful, a fine foal at any time, and Jannali was especially attached to her because she was the closest remaining link she had with Nevada. Her other foals were growing up now, Bindaree even at an age where a colt may come and woo her away, but Jiba was still mercifully dependant on her mother. The blue roan mare doted on her, and it was with bittersweet pride that she led her daughter towards Kala, wishing it was Nevada's herd she returned to, not that of noble Tingara.

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Kala was glad to see Jannali dark figure approaching, nickering warmly to greet her half-sister and best friend. She had worried that the blue roan would not return but instead go off in search of Nevada and was intensely releived to see her familiar shape. Trotting over to Jannali, one ear still focused on the frolicking twins, she touched her sister's nose gently, "I am glad you have returned," she said softly, looking Jannali straight in the eye, before she dropped her head to nicker gently to little Jiba. "She is beautiful," said Kala to Jannali "What have you named her?"
"Jiba," replied Jannali proudly "Does she not remind you of Nevada?" Kala's gaze turned troubled at these words, "Yes, a bit," she replied. Jannali seemed not to have noticed her sister's concern. "But where are your foals?" she asked. Kala's good spirits returned, though she kept a cautious eye on Jannali as she replied "Over there, the liver chestnut dun and the bay dun."
"Twins!" exclaimed her sister and Kala nodded proudly.
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It was with good reason that Kala constantly kept an eye and an ear on her playful twins. As Omeo squealed his response to Kurrawa, Kaiela froze beside her taller brother. Then, Omeo was off, charging towards the silver dun colt, Kaiela hot on his heels. Reaching their half brother, Kaiela stayed close by Omeo's flank, reaching out shyly to touch the nose of her half brother in front of her. Kurrawa was delighted by all the two faces, and stood boldy before them all, touching Kaiela's pro-offered nose before nickering to all the horses suddenly surrounding him.
Taworri looked on happily as Kurrawa confidently greeted his siblings, catching Kala's eye from across the clearing. She had assumed that the colt and filly belonged to both Kala and Jannali, but catching sight of Jannali's little Jiba still beside her mother her eyes widened in surprise. It seemed Kala had had twins! Delightedly, Taworri nickered gently to the new foals, snuffling them softly before nickering to Jannali and Kala to come over.

Biara hovered protectively over Kurrawa, concerned that all these new horses may intimidate him. She really needn't have worried. Kurrawa was loving it. Seeing that her brother was unconcerned, she dipped her head to the other foals, sniffing at them as her mother had done.

Boorana stood beside her dam, watching everything with an air of bright excitement. Soon, though the activities of the younger foals bored her, and she wandered off, in search of someone to play more boistourously with.

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Bindaree had greeted her returning dam with a soft nicker, but had not gone over to her just yet. It was true, she was becoming more independant, nearly at the age to leave her mother. She had grown into a fine filly, nearly as tall as her mother now, though her blue roan coat was softer and less clearly defined that Jannali's.
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The excitement of the younger foals was infectious to Wyralla. Squealing excitedly, she bucked, before racing over to incite Quinja and Castelle into a good game of tag.

[Corowa]

Myrrina
The large mob of mares and foals grazed in the shallow grassy basin, sheltered from view by the gentle slope of snowgrass upon which the black stallion stood. Myrrina rested further down the slope, reassured by his presence. There were so many mares and fillies, and feeling suddenly shy, she had come to find Tingara so she might be left alone. Every so often, her hide would prickle with the queerest of feelings, and she would feel his gaze upon her, would tremble with the strength of her affection. Dropping her head to graze, Myrrina moved purposefully towards the stallion, longing for nothing more than his companionship on this fine day.

Then suddenly, Tingara stilled, and Myrrina sensed the strain in every line of his body. Stirring fearfully, the mare tossed up her head and stood listening, nostrils dilated as she caught the sharp scent of those other brumbies. Softly snorting, Myrrina hurried up the slope, wondering whether Tingara intended to drive the strange stallion away. Worried now, the mare quietly followed when he started down the slope at a purposeful trot. While he gently sniffed his sons and daughters, Myrrina glanced once towards Werrilah, the white colt dancing nimbly about those mischievous young fillies. However, Tingara was once more weaving his way through the mob of mares, and Myrrina who possessed not his swiftness, struck off at a lively pace so as not to be left behind.

The stallion stood watching them, his small mob of mares strung out behind him. Clinging closely to Tingara’s side, Myrrina wondered whether she should have stayed with the other mares. However, she was mate to the King of the Cascade brumbies himself, and so breathless with excitement, she stepped lightly from his side, neck proudly arched, the terrible thumping of her heart quietening to a steady murmur. For only when Tingara greeted the strawberry roan kindly, did Myrrina, ears curiously pricked, extend her own nose in greeting. “I am Myrrina,” she said gently. “Mate of Tingara, King of all the Cascade brumbies. I see your mares and fillies are fine as any that I have run with, and I welcome you to this valley. Perhaps both mobs could graze together, for the snowgrass here is rich and grows high in many places.”

Werrilah
Werrilah threaded through the large mob of mares, fillies and foals. Nostrils quivering with the scents of those strange brumby mares and their foals, he came to a standstill when he could not find the one he sought. Filled with this wild excitement, which made every nerve tingle, Werrilah gave a throbbing neigh, calling to the beautiful brown filly Boorana, who seemed elusive as the smoke for which she was named. Surely, she could not have left, for he had watched her carefully, fascinated by that fine proud carriage and high, light step. Ears flicking uncertainly, the colt stood listening for a moment, and then swung about and cantered a wide circle around the grazing mob.

There were other fillies to run with, to tease with his swift nips, and so Werrilah sprang away after the chestnut filly, Wyralla. Jittery with high spirits, he gave a lively buck and with a toss of his head, pranced towards the others. For though these fillies were older than him, Werrilah felt himself strong enough to join in their rough play. Then there was the queerly blotched brown and white filly, Castelle and grey Quinja, and he was barely able to contain the excitement singing in his blood. Giving a shrill whinny, the colt went up on his hind legs, hoping the fillies would notice him. Muscles rippled beneath a brilliantly white hide, and he glistened brightly as snow in the sunlight.

[Valatone]

Valatone remembered Wirruna vaguely, but was aware that the mare was of her own herd. Yet another foal arrived with her, this one a pinto filly. "Kooraloo, such a pretty foal," She admired, smiling. "This is Cooma," The perlino mare motioned to her own silver foal, who as far as Valatone knew was playing with some other half siblings of hers. There seemed to be many more than last year, which was good but also meant less food.

Grazing a little, the mare brang her white neck down to the ground and ate what she could find. "There are a lot of foals this year," She commented to Wirruna. Looking over her shoulder, she saw Tingara with the strange and elusive mare she'd seen once before.

Valatone didn't know everyone in her herd, she was content with the small group of friends she knew. Although she was happy to make new friends too. Arching her neck up again, like Wirruna she noticed how the mares from Nevada were alone in a group. A sad sight, but she did not move to comfort them for now.

Looking back to the strange Myrrina, Valatone continued grazing for a short while. "Who is that mare with Tingara?" She asked anyone who was around to hear. Maybe it was a prick of jealousy, that the mare was so close to Tingara, but Valatone put aside such feelings. There was no need for them in this herd.

[yaruka]

OOC: Ok, I think it's my turn with the Nandalie mares right? I'm not neglecting my Tingara mares but I think Tingara gets a post before I get to post with them again


Camira ducked her head shyly as Nandalie turned to nuzzle her, pleased that the stallion so willingly accepted her company. She was well aware that he was not that fond of her dam, and was glad he didn't hold her accountable for Wyuna's sour attitude. At Irawaddy's greeting Camira turned, happy that the older mare had returned safely with her newborn, and glad that this source of worry would now be lifted from her beloved Nandalie's mind. She worried he stressed far too much than was healthy for him. As the red roan trotted off to greet the bay mare and his foal, Camira snuck a glance at her mother, sulking a ways away. Sighing softly, the little palomino filly wished Wyuna could just let go of the past. It was like life held no joy for the bitter seal brown mare. Camira hated to see anyone in distress, not the least of which her mother.

At Nandalie's whinny Irawaddy felt her heart rise in happiness. She was more than glad to see her mate, she hated to be away from them, even though it had been necessary. Nandalie was a kind, protective stallion, Irawaddy could not ask for more from him. The bay mare returned his affectionate greeting with her own, nodding at his spoken words. "I am glad to be back too," she answered softly, nuzzling his cheek and watching with pride as Nandalie complimented and then greeted their fine filly. It seemed they had caught up just in time, for just then Nandalie announced his intentions to go farther down the valley. Obediantly Irawaddy followed, keeping Kiata close to her. Though naturally trusting, Irawaddy was a watchful and doting mother. Little Amarina fell into step just behind her, watching her younger sister curiously and Irawaddy gave her second daughter a gentle nuzzle as they followed the red roan stallion.

Wyuna waited until the rest of the herd had all but disappeared before finally following. She came solely out of curiousity, knowing it was likely that a powerful stallion resided in the valley below. Wyuna was definately interested in another potential beau. Perhaps Nandalie would fight him, and in that case he would either prove himself worthy of her and her daughter or not. In any case, she could not resist checking out what horses lived below them. She caught up to the others in a fringe of trees surrounding the massive herd of horses. The sour tempered mare couldn't help but be impressed as she realised that it was one stallion who held all of the horses she saw before her. Her eyes flickerd through the herd of horses, searching for the stallion, the one impressive creature who could hold so many mares and such a prime grazing spot. Finally she saw him, a nice looking black stallion. Wyuna was favourably surprised. She hadn't supposed that the stallion could be clever and good looking at the same time. Nandalie told them all to stay put and Wyuna's ears flickered back in annoyance. Why should she listen to him? He was weak and ill-suited to be her mate. But she forced herself to relax, for now she would bide her time, play the patient, good mare. It would not do to give the black stallion an unflattering impression of her, whether or not he turned out to be as interesting as this first impression suggested. Nandalie extended his nose to each of them in turn, and though Wyuna had decided to be mostly good (for now), she couldn't help but snap at the stallion's red nose. How presumptive of him! Like she was his to nuzzle. Ugh.

OOC: pretty sloppy :/ , but better than nothing right? I'll get back into the groove...I hope.

[Tiggs]

OOC: If I missed something, yell and I'll add it on XD

Nandalie was relieved at the greeting from the King. He had been half expecting a challenge for daring to approach his herd. So this King was fair. Nandalie returned the greeting with enthusiasm, and came to a halt at a respectful distance, sparing a glance and a polite nod to the exotic grey beside him. As the King, he undoubtedly had collected the most beautiful mares in the High Country and while the strangely coloured mare was definitely interesting, Nandalie’s tastes tended toward the mundane. He found beauty in common colours that other stallions neglected.

“I am Nandalie, it is an honour to meet you.” He bowed his head in respect. “Oh there is no bother, this is rightfully your valley. I was coming to meet with you to enquire if you wished us to leave. If not, our numbers are small, and we would not mind grazing with your herd for a while.” He nodded to Myrrina, glad of her suggestion. He glanced over at the huge mass of mares. “By the looks of it,” he started wryly, “A few more would not make much difference.”


Crayola nuzzled Tingara as he passed, beaming with pride as he investigated his newest son before moving on. Tinar was definitely going to grow up just like his father. Handsome and kind. She nuzzled him and after he greeted Kooraloo, she finally let him shuffled back to her side after all the excitement of meeting his siblings, aunts and father. She nuzzled his white-spotted rump as he ducked his head under her stomach to nurse.

Tinar had been a little daunted by Cooma’s greeting, and he was glad when he could scurry back to his mother’s side. Hopefully he’d done enough hellos today. He wanted to sleep, he was exhausted.


Quinja raced about with Castelle and Wyralla, their game of tag loud and exciting. There were so many horses; they had to be careful not to plough into the newborn foals with every turn! She squealed and bucked, gleeful on this fine spring day. She was not the only one in high spirits, as that white son of Tingara’s who had been chasing after Boorana had decided to share his favours with some other deserving fillies.

With not one iota of shyness, Quinja wheeled and reared, dancing up on her hind legs in response. She called for the white colt to join them; Werrilah, the handsome yearling. His fine form was not lost on her budding appreciation for stallions. He was still young, but he was a good-looking boy. Quinja whinnied shrilly and pranced to one side, coaxing him closer. She and her sisters were too young for games that older fillies and colts might play, but he was more than welcome to join their game of tag.


Omeo was having a good time also, and after greeting Kurrawa noisily, he led his sister and brother if he would follow across the meadow in the direction of his mother to investigate yet another sibling. Jiba blinked lazily at Omeo and purposefully folded her legs up and pretended to go to sleep before he could reach her. She was much too tired for games, and a good nap seemed more in order.

[yaruka]

OOC: WORK IN PROGRESS, SORRY! SHOULD HOPEFULLY BE FINISHED TONIGHT

Boorana had quickly grown bored with the older mares' chitchat and her younger siblings' unfocused play. She was just considering challenging quiet Bindaree to a race when an immature, yet strangely thrilling, whinny rent the air. It was Werrilah, calling for her. Boorana snorted in amusement at the younger colt's forwardness, but sensing a good time, nonetheless deined to find him. Perhaps she would tease him some more, for it was ever so fun to lead the colt on a reckless dance about the valley. Trotting off, head held high and proud, ears flickering she circled the group of younger foals, coming to a halt at the other end of the herd in time to see Werrilah's proud rear, coat gleaming white in the sunlight. Quinja came boldly foward, rearing up to join the colt and Boorana's ears flickered backwards ever so slightly. Werrilah had joined in the others' games and suddenly the smoky brown filly wasn't quite sure what she felt about that. But Boorana wasn't one to brood or be left behind. She lept forwards suddenly, into the midst of the other young horses, and twirled about to face the colt, a glimmer of mischeif lighting her dark eyes. Half-rearing she neighed imperiously to him, answering his previous call with a compelling one of her own. Tossing her head she then bounded off, stopping a few feet from the main body of the herd. She half-turned to look at the shining white colt, her eyes daring him to follow.

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Wyralla was having ever so much fun with Quinja and Castelle, racing the two bigger fillies and playing tag. But when the white colt Werrilah suddenly leapt after her, Wyralla couldn't help but squeal and kick out, flying over to stand by her half-sister and the grey Quinja, feeling much more at home with the two girls than this bigger, stronger colt. But the bright chestnut soon overcame her shyness as Quinja bounced forwards to take up Werrilah's invitation to play. She followed her friend, prancing with with light, high-spirited steps, not to show off but simply for the joy of it. She was just wondering where mischievious Boorana was, for the white colt hardly ever seemed more than a few feet from Taworri's eldest daughter, when the grulla filly appeared, spinning about the the little circle of young horses with unconcious grace. Boorana half-reared then, in front of the colt, and Wyralla, for one, was happy to let her try and reclaim the colt's attention. In time, Wyralla too, would find her Werrilah a handsome male, but for now she was not interested in flirting with colts.
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Kurrawa was delighted with Omeo's invitation to run. He sprang after the colt and his smaller sister, stumbling only slightly over his overly long, gangly legs. Kaiela too, had whirled about to follow her brother, staying permanently by his right flank, never gaining nor losing distance to her twin. It was like the chestnut roan was her brother's shadow. Suddenly, though, she seemed to remember the dark coloured Jiba, and half-turning she called to her half-sister, urging her to join in on their game.
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Kala watched contentedly as her two youngest raced off to play. They were safe enough, here in the midst of so many horses, and she now had two extra pairs of eyes to help keep watch on the energetic youngsters. Keeping an eye on twins was certainly hard work, and the red roan was concious that she needed to feed well this spring and summer so that she would be able to take the best possible care of her newest foals this winter. Bearing this in mind, she lowered her head to graze, cropping at the grass while still keeping her ears trained on the foals, ever so often raising her head to watch them.
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When Kaiela called to Jiba to join in the foals' games Jannali nudged her youngest daughter, urging her to join her half-siblings, all related through Nevada, and Omeo and Kaiela even more closely related because she and Kala were half-sisters. Watching the multi-hued youngsters play was bittersweet for the blue roan, they each reminded her of her beloved Nevada insome way, Kurrawa through his bold confidence, Omeo in his strength and leadership, Jiba's strong build and paling colour. Nevada's influence shone through in even petite Kaiela, for the little roan was, in her own way, surely just as tenacious and strong as her father. Sighing softly, the blue roan mare dropped her head to graze beside Kala, thankful that at least she had not lost her half-sister and that she had given birth to a strong filly that Nevada would be proud of, when he came for them again.
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It was a good thing Boorana hadn't tried to engage Bindaree in a race just then. The willowly filly was all played out, having just spent the morning chasing after younger members of the herd. For now all she wanted to do was graze quietly in the shade at the edge of the valley, keeping a concious ear on the conversation going on between Tingara and this new stallion. It was strange to her that none of the other mares seemed the least bit concerned with the new arrivals. It was true they had been smelling them for days, and that Tingara was more than capable of defending them. But Bindaree could never imagine letting her guard down that much. She just had to always know what was going on, not because she was nosy, but so that she could make the best decisions. Bindaree hated leaving anything to chance.
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Wirruna was pleased that Kooraloo had taken to her brothers and sisters so easily, though it seemed the filly had a slight bossy streak that she may have to keep any eye on and curb, if necessary in the future. For now though, most of the foals were resting, Kooraloo no exception, lying in the shade of her dam's shadow as the pinto mare cropped at the grass.
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Biara was still by her mother's side, also keeping an eye on bold Kurrawa as the silver dun colt raced and played with his half-siblings. Though the little silver grulla could see how exhausted her dam was, she could also see the love in pride in the Moon Filly's eyes with each movement of her newest foal. Happily, Biara thought of the future, when her own young foal would frolick and play before her.

OOC: ok, some are a little lame, I'm too tired to do more, but I think they are all here...correct me if I'm wrong.

[Ehetere]

Uralla laid back her ears and squealed as her palomino half sister bit and nipped at her. Pulling free and throwing a kick out behind her ash she cantered off, she came around to stand behind her mother’s protective bulk, her ears still laid back with evident displeasure. She shot a glare at the pretty filly, beginning to think that all these horses weren’t so nice after all. Tinar seemed nice enough, if a little shy; but the sheer multitude of animals here was starting to make her uncomfortable. And annoyed. Her mother had told her to be independent, her own horse, and in the short time since she had been born the hints of independent spirit had already begun to emerge, and with that a loathing to being bossed around and told what to do.

* * *

Muyan glanced anxiously down as Uralla’s squeals alerted her to her daughter’s distress. It seemed as though Valatone’s filly was being a bit of a bully. Muyan flattened her ears; warding the little palomino from coming any closer. This place was too crowded, she decided. Perhaps it would be better to be separate from the herd until the volume of horses decreased…

She gave Uralla a comforting nuzzle, before lifting he head again and nodding to Crayola and Valatone in turn, although to Crayola much more warmly. “This is madness, I am going to take Uralla to graze away from the herd,” she announced, not caring what Valatone thought of her for wishing to be separate from the herd. It was also a silent invitation for Crayola to come if she wished, although Muyan knew that she was far more likely to enjoy herself here, socialising. So nudging Uralla in the direction of the trees, she set off at a swift trot, Uralla following closely on her heels.

[tingara]

”It is a pleasure to meet you Nandalie, named for the flame,” Tingara too bobbed his head out of respect to the red stallion. ”I wish you to stay, this valley was once rightfully the great Yarraman’s, it was never mine,” the King said happily, ”come, bring your herd to mingle amongst my own, as you said; a few more would not make a difference.” The black stallion beckoned Nandalie to bring his mares to where his own vast herd grazed. There was logic to his apparent madness. In numbers the herds were safer, with more eyes to spot danger but the bulk of horses was also larger. Tingara was confident the herds would be safe here though; men had never been seen in Yarraman’s Valley before.

Feeling Myrrina sidle beside him, the black turned his head around and nuzzled the oddly coloured mare affectionately. ”This is Myrrina, my mate, and this is Nandalie,” Tingara introduced the two of them proudly. He would have introduced his lead mare too if she had been around but Brael was probably off bossing the others around and telling them how much prettier she was than them. The moonfilly never ceased to make Tingara laugh, but only behind her back. If he was ever caught laughing there would be Hell to pay.

***

Sides heaving from exertion and laughter, Castelle was having the time of her life playing tag with so many other young horses. She whinnied, bucked and pranced joyously before tearing off whenever one of the others drew close to her. After awhile she chose to break away from near where Werrilah was showing off, dancing off in a game of her own. Her nimble legs carried her over the ground swiftly as she raced back to the large herd. With what seemed like practised precision the few spot appaloosa dodged around the grazing mares, turning this way and that on her neat little hooves.

Out of the crowd loomed her mother, an easily recognised colour amongst the others. Even then the filly didn’t slow down. Castelle raced head on straight for her mother then came to a perfect sliding stop beside the leopard spotted mare, showering her younger brother with dirt. ”Sorry little brother,” the yearling laughed apologetically, snuffling at Tinar’s dark fluffy mane. In an effort to hide from the others for a moment, the filly dropped herself onto the ground beside the new foal. She had to get her breath back before she went running around again. Though, soon the warm sun proved too much for her and the appaloosa filly fell asleep.

***

Cooma pinned her ears back at Muyan and Uralla, they were boring and not worth her attention anymore. Soon the palomino became thoroughly disinterested in her surroundings and found that she was very hungry. She trotted to her mother and forced her head underneath Valatone’s belly to nurse. As soon as the warm milk had filled her belly, like Castelle, Cooma to begin to doze as she leant against her mother’s flank.

[Valatone]

Ooc: My turn? I've forgotten the posting order xD'