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Post by yaruka on Jan 24, 2009 19:12:21 GMT
Kala was getting desperate. She and Wyralla had been travelling for a few days now, intially following Nevada's tracks. However, when they had reached the shore of the river the chesnut roan mare had been dismayed to see the marks vanish. Anxiously she watched Wyralla for any signs of weakness or flagging, blessedly finding none. The filly was remarkably srtong for her age. Sighing deeply she dropped her head down to the cool water for a drink, ears flickering to catch any sign of danger. Then she gently nosed Wyralla into the shade of the trees so that the filly could nurse. Though full of purpose Kala could not help wonder if she'd done the right thing by leaving the security of the King's herd. And the nagging guilt in the back of her mind of abandoning the kind-hearted Tingara was almost more than she could bear at times. It had been different for Jannali, she had never truly been the black's mare, not really. But she, Kala, had born him two foals, lived with him for three years. She trembled as she thought of the uncertainty she had plunged herself and her daughter into. ------------ Her mother's worry had not affected the little chesnut in the slightest. She nursed eagerly, fluffy tail whisking happily. The daily travel was more intersting than nervewracking to the adventerous filly and she relished the time spent trailing after her mother and sniffing new objects, acting much older than four days old.
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Post by Tiggs on Jan 24, 2009 21:06:42 GMT
The river was running quickly, the waters deep and treacherous. The stallion huffed and pawed at the shallow water at the shore. He had come down from the Bogong to check it, and now he knew there would be no crossing it with a whole herd to transport until the summer came and the water had lowered. He could cross it himself where the river was wide and shallower.
Nevada paced the edge until he found the spot, and tentatively waded into it. He could just touch the bottom here, thought his head was held high to stop the water from splashing into it. Thankfully the current was not so brutal today, and he managed to cross it with relative ease. He braced himself, legs spread apart and he shook his whole body, sending the dripping moisture in all directions.
With a satisfied snort, Nevada began to graze on the untouched grass on this far bank before he took on the river once more. As he ambled down the bank, he noticed he had came this way before not too long ago. This had been the root he had taken home from driving those Princes off.
The grey stallion caught a semi-familiar scent, and trotted briskly along the river edge until he came to the point where he had crossed four days ago. The water was almost uncrossable now after a fresh dose of melt-water but something else distracted him. A red roan mare and a very young chestnut filly. The stallion stopped short, bobbing his head apologetically. Mares were leaving the safety of their herds in this season to foal their young, and he was unsure if the mare would find him welcome.
He took another sniff at her scent and suddenly realised why it was so familiar. She was one of Tingara's mares but more interestingly, she was related to Jannali. A little unsure as to whether to approach, the grey stallion stood far back and nickered reassuringly to the mare. He would not harm her or her filly, though he did not hide his interest in her. She looked not unlike her darker sister and bother were fines mares. Nevada could also not resist one of Tingara's mares, though he didn't know how responsive she would be to any advances with a pretty little foal at foot. Though it was quite obviously Tingara's, she shared her mother's chestnut colouring and not her father's hideous black.
Still quite damp from his river crossing, Nevada eyed them both carefully. He was quite aware that mares could be very protective of her young, and he didn't want to worry her. He wondered if she recognised him as her sister's mate, her sister who had chosen him over Tingara -- a fact he still revelled in. He gave another enquiring nicker and took one slow step forward. "I am Nevada -- aren't you a little far from your herd?" He asked with a slight smile. His posture was open and friendly, and he stretched out his neck, extending his muzzle toward her but letting it be her choice to meet his greeting.
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Post by yaruka on Jan 25, 2009 1:37:11 GMT
OOC: aw, lol. I love Nevvy <3 BIC: Kala was surprised to hear the sound of hoofbeats coming towards herself and her daughter. She scented the air anxiously and released that whoever it was was upwind from her, so that they could most certainly scent Wyralla and herself, but she couldn't smell them. She was just about to urge her daughter into the bushes when a grey stallion appeared. He looked quite surprised to see them also and with a snort of relief and surprise Kala recognized Nevada. Suddenly nervous, she had not quite thought over what she was going to say to him when she finally met up with him, she simply stood and looked at the grey, standing protectively infront of her daughter. Nevada bobbed his head, clearly indicating he was no threat to either of them and she relaxed a bit. Jannali had been right, he was a good stallion. Then he nickered to her. Kala gazed at him uncertainly before lowering her head and nickering back quietly. He seemed to be interested in her, perhaps he had recognized her as Jannali's half-sister? Nevada nickered again, " I am Nevada -- aren't you a little far from your herd?" Kala winced guiltily but did not drop her gaze from his. "I know who you are," she answered softly and then he had extended his nose to hers, inviting her contact. Taking a deep breath she stepped forward, making sure Wyralla came with her, and shyly touched her nose to his. She withdrew her muzzle and replied "Yes, I am far from Tingara's herd. Where they are I cannot tell you. But, in truth, I have been seeking you. You and Jannali. I was not happy with the King's herd," she said, adding hurriedly "Not that it was his fault. But I could not bear to be seperated from my sister and bestfriend for any longer. And besides. We had came to the High Country seeking you. Why should I not finish the journey as well?" As she spoke her little chesnut filly danced forward bodly, starting at the grey with curious eyes.
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Post by Tiggs on Jan 25, 2009 10:37:10 GMT
It was with elation, smugness and a little guilt that he received this news. So the air had sought him together? He hastily touched the mare's muzzle again, reassuring her. Leaving her stallion had obviously caused her a great deal of anguish, but he couldn't not be pleased that she had come seeking him. He felt especially smug that she had chosen him over Tingara, but he tried to hide it. Smugness was not a becoming trait.
"Do not worry -- we are not far from my herd, and you and your foal will be welcome there. Jannali will be more than happy to see you -- I know she misses you." Jannali had mentioned her sister, and Nevada wracked his brain for her name. Kala. Yes, that was it. The little chestnut foal had come forward, and with a questioning glance to her mother, he lowered his head to investigate.
Adopting foals was not a stallion;s usual way, but Nevada had realised with Birubi long ago that an unrelated foal would grow into an unrelated mare, so it was only in his best interested to take them in. He sniffed curiously at the filly, and was glad that she smelt only minimally for her sire. It seemed she had not spent any time with the herd, and her more prevailing scent was that of her mother.
With a snort of approval, the grey lifted his head and touched his nose delicately to Kala's.
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Post by yaruka on Jan 27, 2009 1:52:39 GMT
The grey seemed to be struggling with some inner battle of emotions. Kala watched almost bemusedly as the light in his eyes kindled with satisfaction and then clouded over with self-restraint.But then she remembered how guilty she felt and it wasn't so funny anymore. Snorting softly she gladly acceptd his gentle gesture of reassurance. "Do not worry -- we are not are from my herd, and you and your foal will be welcome there. Jannali will be more than happy to see you -- I know she misses you." said Nevada and the fire returned to Kala's gaze, this had been the right thing to do. She could be welcome with Nevada's herd. She could make a fresh start. Pushing aside thoughts that she was denying Tingara the chance to meet his daughter and that she was betraying his kind and gentle spirit Kala nodded as Nevada sought permission to investigate Wyralla. She kept a mother's protective watch but otherwise allowed the grey to breathe her daughter's scent and nuzzle her perfectly miniature muzzle. With a snort Nevada seemed satisfied and Kala sighed in relief. She hadn't realized how worried she'd been that the grey would act negatively towards the little filly. Nevada touched her nose again and Kala closed her eyes and gently rubbed her red muzzle against the side of his face. She blew out softly, glad that the stressful journey and period of doubt was almost over.
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Post by Tiggs on Jan 27, 2009 10:43:57 GMT
Nevada responded affectionately to the strawberry roan's nuzzle, rubbing his cheek on her neck. His herd was getting to be almost too large. He wouldn't have to seek out any more mares to add to it. Unless he came across them... or if they came to him... or if they were as mysterious and beautiful as the King's ghost mare. He chuckled to himself. Who was he kidding? He couldn't resist a mare, no matter what th situation.
After nibbling at Kala's ears, lipping her mane and scratching at her withers, he supposed they ought to be journeying back to the herd. The going would be slow with the young foal, but once they were over the river he could leave the mare a trail to follow so he could inform the herd he might be a little while before returning to Kala and escorting her the rest of the way.
"Come, is your young one strong enough to travel? I should like to forge this river before the end of today should the current strengthen tomorrow." He glanced to the fragile filly. "There is a crossing not too impossible for her up river, I will help her of course. I think so long as she can keep her head above the water, it will be easy enough to move her across. The water is not too difficult to cross today."
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Post by yaruka on Jan 30, 2009 1:45:26 GMT
"I think you will find that Wyralla is exceptionally strong for her age," said Kala, rubbing the filly foal affectionately with her muzzle. The mare wasn't being blindsided with pride for her own daughter, it was true. However, Kala couldn't help a flicker of anxiety as she thought of crossing the swollen river. Eyeing it nervously she decided to trust in Nevada. The grey stallion was more experienced than she, and knew this country well. If he said he thought there was a place they could cross than she would give it a fair trial before refusing. Nodding resolutely she waited for the stallion to lead off. OOC: sorry this is kind of lame, I didn't want to keep you waiting too long but I've got to go work on that homework...hope it's not too bad
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Post by Tiggs on Feb 1, 2009 18:40:05 GMT
Nevada was quite used to mothers being quite proud of their young, though a river-crossing was a dangerous business, and a filly as young as this had many things to fear about it. "I have no doubt that she is capable, Kala, but I will help nonetheless." With a nudge, he led the two up the river to the wider part. "It might look more daunting, but it is shallow and the current not as dangerous. Have Wyralla stand next to me so she is upstream of me. I will walk next to her. Follow behind us, or downstream of me. My body will break the strength of the river and make it easier for you. The current will keep Wyralla against me so I can walk us both across." He smiled kindly to the chestnut roan mare. "If you are worried, I will take Wyralla first, and return for you."
The stallion was fairly sure the technique would work -- he remembered his mother using it once when he was a young colt -- but he did not explain the risks. It might worry Kala unnecessarily. The current could easily steal Wyralla away if he did not pay attention, or the filly's head might be caught under the water. He would have to hold the young foal's head up to prevent that. It was risky indeed, but leaving the pair here would be more so.
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Post by yaruka on Feb 2, 2009 1:27:41 GMT
Kala simply nodded as the stallion explained his plans. It seemed the best chance they had at making the crossing as risk-free as possible. But when he suggested leaving her behind and coming back for her she had to speak up "No," she said firmly "I will make the crossing with my daughter." To prove her point she slipped into the cold water and stood, belly deep in water, current tugging gently at her fetlocks, waiting for Nevada to enter. She nickered encouragingly to Wyralla, telling her to trust Nevada. --------- Oooh. Another new thing to try. That's all that passed through Wyralla's mind as she saw her mother enter the river. Not a flicker of fear went through the young filly's mind. She jumped the gun and bounded in after her dam, but instead of landing solidly felt her spindly legs get pulled from beneath her. With a cry of shock the filly fell on her side and Kala waded urgently over to her, nudging her anxiously to her feet. The strawberry roan mare had not expected her daughter to enter the water so boldly and felt her confidence shaken that, despite her strenght, the chesnut had been tugged under so easily. The foal stood and shook, the cold water making her shiver slightly. Kala nuzzled her anxiously and then looked up at Nevada, concern showing plainly in her eyes. Was this safe? her deep brown eyes seemd to ask him, pleading with him to keep her daughter safe.
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Post by Tiggs on Feb 19, 2009 11:42:30 GMT
Nevada gave a nod, and readied himself to enter the water with the young foal. Not expecting her to leap into the water so soon, he nickered in surprise as she jumped forward. Luckily Kala was there to help her up, and Nevada entered the water to stand beside the foal. "Keep close to be, little one. You won't fall if you lean on me." He nickered softly, gently muzzling the fillies poll.
"Think of it as a game, step when I step, and when we get too deep for you to touch the ground, try moving your legs like you're running. It's called swimming, you can do it across slow deep rivers and lakes." He nickered at Kala, already proud of the little foal despite her not being his own daughter. "Careful now. Ready?" He asked Wyralla, glancing to Kala too.
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