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Post by Tiggs on May 5, 2009 21:13:50 GMT
OOC: Set in winter so there's lots and lots of snow and before any of the Nevmare matings! I hope this is all alright, tell me off if it's too dictating!
The snow had eased by the time the white stallion and the mare Myrrina reached the Bogong. It fell slow and quiet, the patter of it landing on the already knee-high blanket audible. Nevada led Myrrina across the open country, coming upon a copse of snowgums. Before he entered, he stopped and turned to her.
“You sacrificed all you knew to come with me; I hope I can make my commitment to you just as motivating. You’ve chosen me as your mate, and I will not disappoint you. While the snow falls, we will dance together and when it has melted away, we will race across the snowgrass like a summer snowstorm.” He reached to nuzzle her, feeling calmer than he had for a long while when his dark muzzle touched her pale pink one.
“This is the Bogong where I make my home. My mares were scattered after the men chased us across the country but there are a couple waiting for me here. They are new to the herd as you are, but I am not sure how long the darker one will be staying. It is my hope that you will enjoy the company of all my mares when I find them…” He trailed off, head lifting and lip curling as he scented the slight breeze. “It can’t be…” He whispered to himself. He stepped toward the trees, gesturing for Myrrina to follow.
There under the trees were not just two mares, but a whole mob! Nevada squealed and trotted as briskly as his sore muscles would allow. It seemed that his mares had found him! Not all of them were here, but the majority, including Taworri, Durroon, Jannali and her sister Kala were standing there as clear as day! Durroon looked thoroughly pleased with herself, and Nevada greeted her with a firm nuzzle and an excited whinny. “This was your doing?” His mares were all lovely, but it was Durroon that had the most bush-sense. It seemed that the wise old mare had brought his herd home for him.
“Oh Durroon, you sly night heron, how can I ever repay you?!” He nipped her playfully and rushed around to greet Taworri, Jannali and Kala with equal excitement. Baramay, Dilali, Mayrah, Brael and Calca were missing along with the young chestnut filly Skittles, but it looked as if all the mares that were here still had their fillies at foot. He greeted his daughters with more gentle nuzzles before he found Kirrike and Luz. He greeted the paint mare with a gentle nuzzle, and even Luz was met with an excited bump of his muzzle.
Once he’d performed his greeting, he ushered Myrrina in closer. “This is Myrrina, the newest addition to our mob.” He said proudly. He didn’t need to tell them to welcome her, he knew they would. The only mare that might not was missing, but Nevada still missed the overbearing presence of Brael. The absence of Dilali and Baramay was most worrying, but he was determined to find them, and only hoped Dilali was with Baramay to keep the fragile liver chestnut safe.
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Post by Corowa on May 6, 2009 4:35:34 GMT
Grazing quietly with the rest of the mob in a fringe of snowgums, Durroon listened to the wind moaning in the boughs of the trees, streamers of bark creaking and groaning in the gale. The blizzard had worsened, and the snow fell in thick white curtains. Suddenly the mare stilled, throwing up her head, nostrils quivering and ears straining. Then there was a white stallion, stepping proudly through the trees and beside him like a ghost, there followed a queer roan mare. With a joyous whinny, Durroon eagerly stepped forwards, for Nevada had returned to them.
Trembling with excitement, she extended her nose and nipped him roughly. “I bought them to lower country, but it was through Taworri’s cunning they escaped capture. She is a fine mare, and her filly with her,” Durroon said, nibbling on the stallion’s shoulder. “But what of you my mate?” she asked, for there was a gash on his wither from a vicious strike, and there seemed some terrible sadness about the mare beside him. Durroon was troubled, for the old mare sensed Nevada had brought danger to them all.
Myrrina was too tired to do more than greet the curious mares with a shy gentle whinny. While Nevada pranced about foolishly, the mare looked towards the south, filled with longing, listening only for the call that never came. Myrrina had no interest in the other mares and fillies, looking only southwards, from whither those clouds of swirling snow were borne. Through the blizzard came the high, weird calls of a flock of black cockatoos, thrown up by the wind, and Myrrina shivered. Slipping silently through the snowgums, the mare came to a standstill on the edge of the sheltering trees.
Durroon watched the mare fade into the shadows. The hairs on her back stood on end, for the ghostly limbs of the snowgums seemed strangely threatening, and the whine of the wind grew suddenly to an angry howl. Filled with foreboding, Durroon watched the pale roan mare carefully, for what had been lost to her that she sought with such desperation?
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Post by Ehetere on May 9, 2009 0:10:33 GMT
Kirrkie watched two white wraiths sliding between the trunks and was extremely pleased to see that Nevada had returned; but who was this mare he brought with him? And why was there such a feeling of sadness around her? Nevada too looked sore and hurt, more so than when she had last seen them. Nevada and a couple of the mares that were milling around in front of her called joyously to each other, but Kirrkie did not join in. She was still rather wary of other horses aside from the grey stallion Nevada and Luz, who was still standing beside her. Nevada went about greeting all of the other mares from his previous herd that had appeared on the Bogong some nights ago. Finally he reacher her, and greeted her with an affectionate nuzzle; and Luz with a playful bump on the muzzle. He then seemed to stand up more proudly, and announced that the mare that had come with him was named Myrrina.
The harder Kirrkie looked, she was more and more convinced that something had torn the mare’s heart in two. She could tell that the mare would be desirable for any stallion, but what had happened to cause her such sorrow? Kirrkie was sure an epic battle was coming, and perhaps this mare had started it off. She wanted to comfort the mare; an unusual emotion especially for her, but Nevada looked far too possessive for her to force herself out of the crowd. She was extremely worried for the strong white stallion; for what if the stallion he had undoubtedly stolen Myrrina from was stronger than him too?
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Post by yaruka on May 9, 2009 2:45:28 GMT
OOC: Gah Tiggs, you evil dictator! I'm going to have to pull all my mares out of all your stallion's herds!  BIC: Jannali raised her head with excitement as a familiar scent was carried by the breeze to her nostrils. Could it really be? Yes! Nevada had finally returned to them. Exctitedly, the blue roan mare tossed her head and called to the silver stallion, a call that held all the longing and concern of the past few months when they had been seperated. She barely even noticed the new mare beside him, so relieved was she to see that the grey stallion had made it home safely. As the stallion mingled with his mares she nuzzled him happily, eyeing his obviously new wounds with concern but not saying anything, for now. She had a feeling it might be a long story better saved for later. Beside her Kala was also clearly relieved to see Nevada back, reaching her chestnut nose out to touch Nevada's grey one. Bindaree nickered sweetly to her father and little Wyralla bounded through the snow to squeal excitedly to the large grey under he rmother's watchful eye. -------------------- As the scene she had longed for for months unfolded before her eyes, Taworri stood beside Durroon, body frozen still as she watched the stallion approach, afraid to move initially lest he disappear with the snow and wind. Nevada approached Durron first, complimenting her on her wise decision to bring the herd to the boggy. Taworri nodded, for Durroon was indeed wise, and ducked her head modestly when Durroon complimented her own actions. When Nevada came within a few feet of her she nickered to him, a quiet sound but one full of love and relief. Taworri moved forwards to greet him with the others, touching his nose shyly with her own. He had brought a new mare with him and Taworri glanced at her kindly, concerned by her obvious unhappiness. "Welcome Myrinna" she said when Nevada had introduced the newcomer, and the moonfilly's voice was full of sincerity. She wished she could comfort the other mare but could see now was not the time. As Myrinna slipped from the main group she turned her attention back to Nevada, noting each move the stallion made, unfooled by his obvious attempt to conceal his injuries. While the othe mares were still mingling among one another, talking happily of their stallion's return, Taworri slid closer to Nevada, reaching out with out words to begin grooming the dried blood from his stiff white coat. Her two daughters stood nearby, having also greeted their father and the new mare. Out of the corner of her eye Taworri could see Boorana standing with ears pricked forward out of curiousity, watching Myrinna from a distance. The Moonfilly could tell that her daughter wished to go over and introduce herself properly to the new mare and flicked her tail in warning. Not now her actions said gently but clearly. Boorana sighed and wandered over to see Durroon, the little grulla was fond of the older mare. Biara followed shyly behind her older sister. Taworri continued to care for Nevada in silence, her actions expressing more of her concern and relief than words ever could. ---------------------------------- Luz stood awkwardly beside Kirrkie, watching the return of Nevada to his herd. It could not be clearer that she was an outsider here, completely out of place. Even Nevada's greeting served to exemplify this, clearly he was still treating her as a guest and not one of his herd. To this the filly did not object, though she was beginning to wonder how long she could stay here. She nodded to the new mare, noticing the other mare's aura of sadness with surprise. But there was nothing she could really say to this new mare, not yet at least. Luz knew from experience that overly helpful strangers only served to indimidate, not help. Sighing softly, she dropped her head to graze, still standing by Kirrkie. She had mingled very rarely with the other mares, preferring to distance herself out of shyness and the awareness that she would likely end up not staying here. She didn't want to make anymore bonds that would end up broken. The dark mare with the flaxen mane and tail had been kind to her, but still Luz preferred to keep her distance. |
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Post by Tiggs on May 9, 2009 11:23:26 GMT
OOC; Eek, okay, its a bit short, but with so many mares, poor Nev is overwhelmed to cope with them all XD Nevada nuzzled Durroon thankfully, turning on Taworri with affectionate nibbles. “I truly do possess the most spectacular mares in the High Country.” He revelled in their attention, returning it with equal enthusiasm. Even with only half his herd present, there were many of them, not to mention the multitude of his daughters, each one beautiful and perfect.
Durroon expressed concern over his wounds, and a flash of worry moved over his expression before he managed to hide it. “Do not worry about me, Durroon, they may leave a mark, but I assure you we are safe.” He brushed her muzzle, franticly hoping he was right. He craned his neck to nuzzle Taworri who groomed the wounds, and he relaxed in the presence of his mares. Winter rages around them, but they were together and safe. He need only find the last half of his mares and he would be able to rest.
He glanced to where Myrrina stood, seeming lost in her own thoughts. He nickered to her gently, encouraging her closer to the warmth of the mob. She was welcome here, she would be safe, and soon she would lose her worries in the joy of their union. She fit so perfectly into his herd of stunning mares, surely a prize for any stallion. And she was his. His heart swelled with pride and he nickered to all his mares, to collect them together under the snowy boughs of the trees. While Taworri tended to his flank, he rested his tired noble head on Durroon’s back, so content that he might drift off this moment.
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Post by Corowa on May 9, 2009 12:56:29 GMT
With a soft whickering noise, Durroon turned and gently nosed Nevada. He was covered with scratches and cuts, the one on his wither so deep it was still open. Ears pricked forwards, the mare sniffed at it curiously. Nostrils quivering, she could smell the lingering scent of another, and it troubled her. “In winter perhaps,” the mare answered gently, “But what of spring my mate? A stallion that fights so furiously over a mare in the winter is not likely to forget her when longing runs swift in his veins, and the very winds seem to whisper her name.”
Gently Nevada nickered to her, and Myrrina was loath to answer his call. For one moment more, the mare looked at the spiralling snow, then she came quietly, through the snowgums to where the white stallion waited. The mares and fillies stood huddled together for warmth, and Myrrina longed for Werrilah, longed for the deep snow of Lake Cootapatamba. Suddenly with all her strength, she called to him, as if she could conjure up the white colt from the very storm itself. She missed the warmth of his breath on her flank, the feel of him so close to her; she could feel the beat of his heart.
Yet it was not just to Werrilah that she called. Memories of a fine black stallion dancing gaily there amongst the snow daises were stirred by the wind, and Myrrina trembled all over for the shadows of the snowgums seemed to shift and blur. In the strange light of the storm, it seemed as though danger loomed behind every twisting snowgum, every snow-covered bush. Loneliness and fear drove her towards the mob of mares and fillies. Nervously, she crept to the stallion’s side. Shying away when a big brown mare snorted, she stood there beside him, wondering if when she slept, it would be of that fine black stallion she dreamed.
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Post by Ehetere on May 10, 2009 10:00:55 GMT
Some of the other mares were crowding around the strange roan now; huddling and possibly smothering her if she liked her space. There was no way that Kirrkie could even get close. The mares and fillies were also massing around Nevada and nibbling at some of the fight marks on his coat. For some unknown reason, Kirrkie felt very out of place and very awkward - like she didn't truely belong. She quietly nickered to Luz who still stood loyally beside her, and began to move off in the direction on trees and cover. Perhaps she could just go for a bit of a wander...
The strange new mare that Nevada suddenly threw her head into the air and cried out, long and mournful, into the snowstorm. Kirrkie shivered slightly and stopped in her tracks; it was the very same call her mother had cried when she had been separated during that awful day when she was a foal. No real images could she remember, but that one long haunting call would stay with her always. With a determined look about her, she turned around again and moved her way around the clump of mares and fillies to near where she could see the new mare. She did not approach her directly, just stood there with an understanding expression on her face. Without a single word of confirmation she knew what it was that saddened the mare; loss, heart-break and pain of losing those she loved. Kirrkie knew all too well about these things, and was oh so empathetic for the poor mare who was being forced to endure such trivial things like greeting others and being polite, when all she probably wanted to do was be alone or with Nevada, since it must have been for him that she sacrificed all of the things she was grieving about.
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Post by yaruka on May 11, 2009 23:58:47 GMT
OOC: my post with Taworri, Jannali, Kala, Bindaree, Boorana, Wyralla, and Biara is going to be fairly short as they are basically doing the same things they were last time round...
BIC:
Biara heard the new mare's heartwrenching cry and trembled with the strangeness and sadness of it all. For the filly, like her dam, was unusually perceptive, and it wrenched at her own heart to see the other mare's despair. Pressing closer to Taworri, who was still caring for Nevada's wounds, she gazed with troubled eyes about the clearing filled with horses she loved and cared about. For Durroon was right, Biara could feel it. She may know little of the world as of yet, but she understood that Nevada had brought danger on them all. Beside her Taworri stirred in response to her daughter's agitation, nickering quietly to her daughter "I too am concerned," she whispered, half to the stallion and grey mare, half to her daughter 'But what is done is done. Come what may, there is nothing to be done now."
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Jannali and Kala also felt the restlessness that came with a sense of impending danger, but were less affected by it for the time being than were the queer fillies of the moon. They grazed beside their fillies, the most anxious one of of all the willowly silver-grey roan, Bindaree.
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Boorana caught sight of the strange painted mare, moving towards the main group of horses at least. With out hesitation she bounded over to the pinto's side, tail raised in a friendly fashion and ears pricked all the way forward in curiosity. Bouncing right up to Kirrkie and whinnied excitedly. "I am Boorana, named for the smoke whose colour my coat posesses. I haven't had a chance to talk to you yet!" she exclaimed brightly.
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Luz followed after her friend, the one horse currently on the planet that she felt comfortable around, slipping after her like some dappled shadow. She mirrored the pinto's movements, stopping when Kirrkie did to glance sympathetically at the new mare. Luz also felt pity for this mare, clearly she had lost much in her life. But her shyness inhibited her from going any closer, at any rate she had a feeling the mare simply wanted to be alone for now. The closest experience Luz could match up with the expression in the mare's eyes was from when she was much younger, when she had been forced to leave her herd by her father. Oh how she had mourned for the safety and familiar companionship of her kind dam. But she had brought unwanted attention to the group, being the only filly of breedable age, and her sire had not wanted daring colts hanging about his mares. So she had been forced to leave, and had wandered as a loner, too afraid to make contact with other horses, until now.
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Post by yaruka on May 12, 2009 0:29:31 GMT
OOC: Hope you don't mind, Koonaka was bored. Please excuse his blunt rudeness.
BIC: Through the brush moved a sly blue stallion, well concealed in spite of his loudly coloured coat. For Koonaka was no foolish colt, he'd had years of experience in the bush. The sounds of other horses met his ears, and, interest piqued, he made his way silently towards them. Peering out from the trees, he saw a large herd milling about a grey stallion. Snorting derisively at the attention the sappy mares were lavishing on the white brute, Koonaka was about to turn around and head back the way he had come when a familiar figure caught his eye. Well not familiar really, but he definately recognized her. For horses with colour such as Myrrina's were not common in the High Country. Stepping boldy from his place of concealment, he strode towards the herd, not bothering to stop and introduce himself. Stopping a few feet from the outskirts of the bunch, he eyed Myrinna carefully, noting the absense of her queer white foal. Glancing at the lightness of the stallion's coat, he spoke "Ah, so surely this is the stallion from whence came your pale colt," he called to her, for seeing the mare with this stallion had made him wonder if the strange colt had ever been of Tingara's blood. "I'd had my doubts that a stallion as black as coal could father the ghostly likes of your son. The king," and here he snorted mockingly on the word "did well to leave you. For an unfaithful mare must surely reflect poorly on his status."
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Post by Tiggs on May 14, 2009 11:15:46 GMT
Nevada nuzzled Durroon, his head feeling gradually heavier. “Winter might be my solace, but when spring comes I will be fit and well. There is no need to worry, my wise mare. I am in my prime; there will be no threat to us.” He glanced over to Myrrina, and Durroon was right. The winds were calling her name, and she was agitated. He distracted himself from flinching with her ethereal beauty as his doting mares tended his wounds.
She was longing for something, her colt, most likely. A flush of guilt filled him. He had not wanted to separate her from the colt, despite his unfortunate heritage, as the sorrow she exuded now was not something her ever wanted to be the cause of. All of a sudden, she called out. Nevada pushed away from his mares to be with her. He did not miss the longing for her black stallion in that call, and he was impatient to wean her away from that. She had chosen him over Tingara; it was almost unfair to still call for her old King.
He embraced her, nuzzling her shoulder and nibbling her mane. He hoped the combined company of his warm and compassionate mares might help calm her. “Hush, Myrrina. You are welcome here.” Calling would draw undue attention to them, attention he would not be keen on in his current state.
As if his thoughts came to life, a mottled and spotted blue-black-white stallion departed from the trees and came toward the herd. He jostled his mares as he stepped out from them, baring his teeth in warning. “Stop your words and be gone, stallion, or face my fury.” He snorted angrily, stamping a hoof and arching his neck in a display of strength. He could hardly fight like this, but hopefully the show would be enough of a deterrent. Was there no rest for the wicked?
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