Cold Front

[Tiggs]

Nevada rubbed his cheek on her flank, ears flickering as she spoke. This was good news. She had not made a promise to the King, so he had no claim on her if he came searching. With a contented nicker, he nibbled at her shoulder, shifting his front to encourage her to groom his shoulder and lacerated withers. "If he does come, I will tell him he had his chance. You're welcome to run with me, Jannali." Nevada rubbed his teeth absently against her withers, the thrill of having another new mare setting his heart galloping. It seemed that fillies related to the moon were drawn to him!

His mother had once said his pelt would one day shine like the moon, as hers did. Perhaps that was it. Now his pelt was in its full colour, all hints of his birth pelt hidden under the guise of white, he did indeed shine like the moon itself. First Brael had run with him, and then Taworri had found him. And now Jannali, named for the moon had come seeking him. Nevada thanked his mother for his pelt. While it hadn't helped against the Black, it was certainly drawing the right attention for the mares in the High Country.

[yaruka]

Jannali was soothed by the rythmetic movement of his teeth against her side and relieved that he still wanted her to join him. She paused in grooming him for a second to nicker her thanks, then set back to grooming the stiffness out of his wet coat. As she groomed she was careful to avoid the worst of his wounds, although it was clear they were clean and had begun to heal she could imagine that they must still hurt quite badly. His touch on her own being sent warmth flowing through her body and eventually she stopped feeling cold. As she worked her way down his withers and along his back she thought about her half-sister Kala and felt a pang of longing for her friend. Though she was thrilled to have found Nevada, and better yet to have been asked to join his herd, she wished her sister had come with her. After all, they had set out for the South together in search of the grey, even if Kala's heart had never truly been into the search. But being with Nevada, though she had been with him for little more than a few minutes, was more thrilling than anything else she had ever been through. She knew she was meant to run by his side.

[Tiggs]

As they groomed each other in silence, Nevada wondered how his other mares would take to her. Brael would no doubt say something inappropriate and possibly embarrassing, but Taworri he was sure would greet her as graciously as possible. Yarran might be nervous at first, but he had taken easily to Taworri and Nevada thought he would adapt just as well to the kind and gentle Jannali.

The grey stallion spent a while to be fascinated by the jet black of her mane against the creamy blue of her neck, excited to see her standing next to the moon fillies. She was almost the opposite! After resting his head on her rump for a few minutes, he decided he ought to call the others over before Brael managed to get lost, or stolen, or buried. Lifting his slightly convex head, a throwback to his Spanish heritage, he whinnied to Brael and Taworri. The call was private enough that it shouldn't be heard further than it needed to be carried. The snow would dampen it, and he called once more just to be sure that the mares heard it and could follow its origin.

"I apologise for Brael now... She can be a little abrasive but she means no harm really..." He gave a wry grin and nibbled her ear, making use of the fleeting time alone they would have left before Brael came on the scene like a flock of chattering gang-gangs. That mare knew how to make a racket enough for the whole herd.

[yaruka]

Taworri lifted her head as she heard Nevada's call for them, carried on the cold wind that managed to permeate even the thickness of the trees surrounding herself and her two herdmates. She looked to Brael, watching to see if she had heard their stallion too. Not wanting to be the leader lest Brael take offense (after all she had been with Nevada longer that she had) Taworri waited anxiously for the other mare to move off so that she could follow.

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Jannali listened nervously as Nevada called for his other mares. Though she stood happily beside him as he groomed her, she couldn't help but feel a flicker of uncertainty that she couldn't quite conceal in her body language. She kept grooming his grey coat, hoping he wouldn't notice. When he apologized in advance for Brael, Jannali just nodded, puzzlement expressed in her soft brown eyes. Why would he need to apologize for one his own mares? Surely she couldn't be that bad? Jannali had never met a mare as loud and as fickle as Brael before, she was in for quite a shock.

[Illu]

It was cold. It was wet. It was miserable. Brael was not happy, Jan. She’d spent the whole time for Nevada pacing back and forth, occasionally slipping past Taworri a little way as thought about to hunt him down herself then thinking better of it. Where was that infernal stallion of hers? The nerve, running out on them like that the moment it started snowing and after her absolutely mortifying experience with the black. Did he care about her feelings?

Yarran was now very good at avoiding Brael whenever it was necessary. For a few weeks, he’d been with Taworri most of the time even when Brael was calm. This time was an exception, he’d never seen snow before, and for the first time he had left both of their sides in order to race up and down the icy ground, taking much pleasure in kicking around to watch the glittering crystals cascade back to the ground. He’d gotten Brael once by accident and gotten such a yelling at he didn’t move from Taworri for about ten minutes.

He didn’t look like the same Yarran any more either, day by day he was resembling his father more and more, not just in shape, but his body had started lightening, his father’s legacy. He looked a bit like a light faced roan now, as his legs, mane and tail hadn’t been touched by the process yet. There was no disappearing into the snow yet, at least for this year.

When Nevada’s cry called out softly, Brael’s head shot up with a distinct look of displeasure. Argh! Finally! In the flash she was trotting in the direction of the call without waiting for Taworri, ears set back determinedly. Yarran quickly stopped what he was doing and followed behind at a reserved distance. Brael of course, predictably got lost despite the short distance and when she slowed up to collect her bearings again, she was quite surprised to watch Yarran walk right past her and keep going. She followed him with a look of mild surprise and sure enough, he found them all right and walked right up to stand next to Nevada, all the while watching Jannali with interest.

Wait, what? Who in the HELL was that roan sitting so contently next to Nevada like she’d been klonked in the head by a happy stone rainbow? She’d been sitting around in snow for Nevada to go hit on someone ELSE who might try and usurp her? Gah! As if Yooralla hadn’t been enough! In a self righteous huff she shook her wet mane to make it look fluffy and arched her neck to try and leave little doubt as to who was the Prettiest Of Them All*.

”Nevaaddaa? Who is this and why is she here?” There was reason for this, of course. Obviously Jannali had latched onto Nevada like a lovesick puppy and he needed help getting rid of her. ”Just tell her she’s not pretty enough and she’ll get the hint. God, you're useless without me now aren'tcha.”

||OoC| If we staged a Kossie Character enactment of Snow White, Brael would be the evil Queen, just watch. (Who wants dibs on Snow White? xD)||

[Tiggs]

Feeling a slight tension along Jannali's back, the stallion nickered a soft comforting sound and nuzzled her flank. It was important she was not worried when meeting his other mares. Taworri would be as sweet and tentative as always, but Brael would stamp all over any perceived weakness and no doubt scare Jannali out of her wits. Taworri had been lucky, Brael had taken pity on the second newest mare and had even been the one to suggest that she join his herd. Nevada was convinced by now that it had been her strategy to increase the wealth of his herd purely so she could brag that her stallion's herd was the most beautiful. Nevada of course had eagerly welcomed the second moon filly into the herd and he'd been dumbstruck when it was revealed that Brael had a part in her appearance.

The white stallion flicked his ears, hearing the sound of hoof steps in the light dusting of snow that had found its way under the cover of the trees. He was surprised to see that Yarran lead the way, with Brael looking a little bit lost before her eyes settled on Jannali. Nevada greeting his firstborn with a proud nicker and beckoned him over. Typically his mother began to rant, and Nevada greeted her with a proudly arched neck and an expression of admiration for the vain mare. "Brael, this is Jannali, she is joining us. Don't worry, no mare could replace you, my love." He flashed a charming smile and began to fuss over Yarran, sniffing his short mane and paling face. The last comment to Brael would most likely be interpreted as a reference to her great beauty, though he had phrased it as such that the other two mares would hopefully realise he humour in it. Indeed, no mare could ever replace Brael as the most vacuous mare in the High Country. "I dread to think what my life would be like without you Brael."

Giving Yarran a playful nip on the rump, he turned to Jannali. "This handsome colt is Yarran, mine and Brael's son." He looked behind Brael, to the second stunning moon filly. "And this is Taworri. And of course, this is Brael." He said proudly as he nodded to each mare in turn, though he cast an apologetic smile over his shoulder to the roan. Brael could be too much for anyone, and he hoped Jannali wouldn't have second thoughts about coming to seek him out. The thought occurred to him that Brael might be more lenient if she knew his reputation had brought the roan here. Brael loved fame.

Trying his hardest not to limp, he closed the distance between himself and Brael, lowering his voice so he didn't appear to be bragging. "Jannali came looking for me, Brael. She's followed stories of me across the High Country. She came from Tingara's herd to join our herd. Be kind to her, my beautiful moon filly, we wouldn't want her to leave and tell the mares or the King's herd that his herd is not welcoming. Your beauty had made his herd famous, Brael, and I love you for it. But please, welcome Jannali and I'm sure this will not be the first mare that by reputation alone we have wood away from the King's own herd." He didn't mention that Jannali had never truly pledged herself to Tingara, though the slight embellishment he knew would encourage Brael to behave how he wanted even though she would assume it was her own idea.

OOC: Nevada is blatantly Prince Charming.

[yaruka]

Ok. Now she could understand why Nevada had apologized in advance on behalf of Brael. Jannali watched in astonishment as Brael marched her way onto the scene, declaring that she, Jannali, lacked the beauty required to be in the herd and bluntly suggested that Nevada simply tell her this and shoo her away. Jannali could not believe anyone could be so insensitive and rude. Though Nevada had tried to comfort her before the arrival of the other two mares, Jannali was now seriously concerned. Both of the other two were rare, exotic colours and delicately built, moving with a natural grace and beauty that she was afraid she could never compete with. She was surprised Nevada had even looked twice at her compared to these mare's who were practically aglow. Of course, she thought suddenly, they were Moon Fillies! Oh great. She'd heard how captivated stallions were with the breed of the moon, how was she supposed to be able to hold her head high as a part of this herd? She would be like a shadow mare, lurking behind the other two. But Jannali didn't express any of this. She merely nodded to the newcomers, "Greetings, Brael, Yarran and Taworri. It is a great pleasure to meet you all." At least the colt and the other Moon Filly seemed decent. Jannali didn't know what to do with herself so she stood awkwardly looking at the others as Nevada moved over to talk to Brael.

---------------

Taworri had been watching Yarran play in the snow with amusement and affection in her gaze. She had been just about to join him in his game when Brael suddenly moved off in the direction of Nevada's neight. Taworri pranced over to Yarran and pawed the snow so that a small amount of it was flung at his back, then she nudged him affectionately and followed Brael at a fair distance behind, Yarran ahead of her. Once Brael got obviously lost, and though Brael knew exactly which direction to take she did not pass Brael for fear of embarassing her, and simply let Yarran take the lead. As they moved towards Nevada, Taworri could scent another horse and she raised her head anxiously. However, the scent mingled with Nevada's and she figured that it must be safe to go on. Brael marched through the last stretch of trees before Nevada's cluster and Taworri stopped to wait, knowing full well that an outburst was imminent. As Brael began shrilly complaining to their stallion Taworri's ears flickered back in discomfort. She hated being around during one of Brael's outbursts, preferring to remain unseen while distracting Yarran from his mother's quick temper. She heard Brael's closing remark and though unsurprised she winced. The poor mare. Whoever she was she definately didn't deserve Brael's judging remarks. Sighing, Taworri emerged from the trees, attempting to make an apologestic gesture at the other mare while Brael's back was turned. The poor blue roan looked flabbergasted, but eventually regained her speech and greeted all of them graciously, even Brael. Taworri nodded in greeting to her, then stepped forward to touch noses with the newest member of the herd.

LOL>Prince Nevvy : )

[Illu]

||OoC|| Yus, I have been very bad. Tiggs distracted Caity and I with a new Rp and I’ve been writing a massive 10 page profile this whole time rather than post like I’m supposed to. *Pokes Mackenzie* ||

Ohhhh that made sense! Whoa, if her stallion was awesome enough to be drawing mares from left and right without him even having to try, she’d totally hit the jackpot.
Okay, so he hadn’t even won a fight yet, but at least the black had done her a favour by getting rid of Baramay and Dilali. Baramay was way too common coloured and Dilali annoyed her.

Honestly, she had no idea why she hated Dilali, probably because of all the effort Nevada had decided to spend to go get her in the first place. Of course, that meant if he lost her to some colt, it was going to impact negatively on his standing, so she’d have to do something about that.

”Oh, alright then. Well, welcome to the group, I suppose.” she said dismissively, her voice nonchalant but her eyes locked on the roan. It was almost… too easy… Ah! Tingara spy! She was tooottally a Tingara spy. She had to get Nevada on his own later to bring it up. And little miss roan thought she was so clever!

Yarran in the meanwhile was enjoying the attention from the two adults and eventually drifted off to stand next to Nevada. He wasn’t watching Jannali anymore, Nevada and Taworri trusted her and he believed in their judgement a right side more than his mothers. Still, he was looking a bit anxious, shifting his weight from side to side and occasionally glancing up to try and catch his sires eye.

[tingara]

.:Ooc: Insert Ellin again! XD:.

Something small moved through the snow followed by something else small. Both were moving quite quickly through the ever thickening blanket of snow. One was terrified, one was eager. The dingo and the wallaby drew closer to Nevada in the mad dash of life and death.

Ellin's eyes were wide with fear and were beginning to cloud with exhaustion but still she had to keep moving. She squeaked out small terrified grunts as she felt the dingo snapping at her tail.
"Uff," Ellin slammed into something solid, but invisible, and without thinking she clung to the invisible object that was Nevada's leg for dear life.


Kambigo chased the wallaby as quickly as she could. The black dingo had no pack and winter was beginning to take its toll. She was so hungry and already she could taste the wallaby, feel the warm, life giving blood slipping down her throat and filling her belly. Suddenly the wallaby was down for a split second. Kambigo readied herself to launch but stopped. She gazed up at the magnificent grey stallion with her tail between her legs. She flashed a dingo smile before tearing back to wards the trees to hide. Her amber eyes watched the brumbies hungrily, the stallion looked ill but definitely not weak enough for her to take down, alone at least.

[Tiggs]

Nevada gave a sigh of relief as Brael greeted Jannali. His new roan hadn't fled as soon as Brael opened her mouth, so that was a good start. Taworri didn't disappoint, as she stepped forward to greet her new herd mate properly. The stallion stood and watched the exchange, glad that his herd was not dwindling so much. He noticed Yarran glancing his way, so he lowered his head and nuzzled his son's neck. The yearling was growing quite well, and his coat was looking quite fetching, dusted with white while his chestnut mane and tail were as yet untouched.

Suddenly out of the snow, a small brown blur came running under his feet. Only the fact that he was still too tired after the fight kept him from striking out in panic. The brown thing appeared to be a rather stressed wallaby, and a larger darker shape lingering nearby was probably the cause. Nevada gave an angry snort at the dingo as it rushed off to hide, and was very glad that Yarran was not quite a small enough to be an easy target for the hungry canine. Telling Yarran to keep a watch on the direction the animal had taken, the stallion lowered his head to peer upside-down at the small marsupial clinging to his leg.

"You're a lucky one. Do you mind?" Nevada shifted his leg a little, quite politely, hoping the skittish fur-ball would stop clinging so tightly. Her panic made him nervous, and he wished not for the first time that he was healed enough to have full use of all his legs. "I don't think the dingo will bother you now."