Welcome to Gaia! ::

Nagual cludded along. Her swelled belly was uncomforable, and making the mare more irritable than she usually was. With every step, she cursed in a strange language. Why was this happening to her? If she had known the berries were baaaaad.....

A twig snapped. Much as she wanted to twist around quickly to see what was there, Nagual only managed a slow turn of her head. When she saw it was only Viola with Kislin riding along, the mare grumbled. "Why are you even here?" she snapped, her usually bright eyes glazed over.

Viola knew Nagual was not feeling too well, so continued to walk over without faltering. "We daren't leave you alone."

The gray mare snorted. She didn't say anything else, just continued to walk awkwardly. All she wanted to do was enjoy the day and forget her swollen stomach.

-It'd been a long while since Ashling had been out and about to play. With all the strange activities going on lately.. the scary men with smoke sticks.. the bad soquili that played mean tricks on others.. Ashling's tiny little two legger had been filled with terror. And as much as he wanted to go, he couldn't bear looking at those scared young eyes fill with pain.

So he'd stayed in the village.. not leaving to play, simply keeping the little one company, finding ways to amuse himself among the two leggers.

But slowly peace had returned to the little indian, her nightmares fading, and slowly her rein on Ashling was slipping once again. And today for the first time in what felt like ages Ashling was free to play as he wished, while Nova hung around the women, watching them weave beads into intricate things.

The world seemed new, the oncoming fall changing the surroundings from what he remebered.. but even time hadn't changed his memories, and as the familar flash of color touched his eyes, his trot was brought to a halt.

It was Nagual wasn't it? That flash of color? Perhaps it was another with her same pattern...? He called out hopefully, a loud whinny to cross the distance between them. -

Nagual heard the call, but faintly. She stopped, lifted her head, and looked around with blurry eyes. Her nostrils flared to try and catch a scent, but failed. The mare grumbled something wistfully.

Viola was nearby Nagual, and finally caught up to the mare. Her sight found the little flutter soquili. He was small, like her! And somewhat the same coloring. Her ears perked towards him, and she tried to learn everything about him without saying so much as a word. Finally, she noticed that he was watching Nagual. Viola turned to the other mare, "A friend of yours?"

Nagual shook her head, her stringy-unhealthy mane flopping, "I don't know... who is it?"

"A stallion," Viola cocked her head to the side, trying to see over the distance. "He is smaller, like me, and with wings. He is also a similar color, but darker.... I cannot tell a whole lot from this distance."

Nagual wracked her failing mind. That sounded familiar..... a breeze picked up, and bit of scent came over. She had it for ooooone moment.... that smelled like... oh who? Pausing, she held tight to the thought, "ASHLING!?"

The mare looked around. She might as well be blind for how well she could see.

-Ever the bundle of energy and excitement, Ashlings ears perked with the faintest sound of his name, before his hooves began to carry him with feverish joy in her direction.

The bright splash of purple at her side drew his attention for a moment, eyes locked on the.. mare?.. as he drew nearer. Already his voice was calling over the distance with childish excitement- "Nagual! Is that really you! What strange and fortunate luck I have! I even have something for...."

-His words cut off abruptly as he found himself near enough to truely see his old friend. The obvious wear and discontent on her body.. her stomach swollen and bloated. Brows furrowing, he slid to a halt a few lengths away, finding suddenly the words didn't want to come out anymore.

What'd happened to his friend while he was gone!? Instead he stood silently, muzzle twisting in a soft frown, body held still as if he were afraid to touch her. The strange curse had taken her over.. hadn't it? Some male stuffed her fat so she couldn't run away... -

Nagual and Viola waited. Mostly, because Nagual simply didn't feel like running up to greet her friend. Her heart was in it, but her body resisted her every move. She was able to lift her head without too much naseaua taking over. Good thing Ashling was smaller; if he was a different kind of stallion he'd be towering over her. "You were saying....?" A small smile broke on her face, the only hint that she was indeed happy to see him.

Viola smirked at Ashling. She didn't really understand how Nagual managed to get so fat -they had eaten the same berries- but she was starting to get used to Nagual 'new look'. "Awww, don't frown like that, it is so not becoming of you!"

"Oh ummm.." -He tried to recover, looking to the flutter lightly, before answering lamely.- "I was just surprised is all.."

-Eyes turning back to Nagual he tried his best to smile despite the scene before him, and finally his eyes dragged away, muzzle rummaging into his mane in hopes that the carrot had remained twisted in his locks, he finally found it, pulling it free with tender teeth.

Holding the large root out for the mare, he spoke simply, the few words he could manage between clenched teeth.- "Fur you"

-He was curious about the little flutter.. heck.. had things been different he'd already have baited the two into playing. But Nagual just looked so.. sad.. and fat, her sparkle from before dulled. Why had she let some male do that to her! Hadn't she promised? Way back when.. hadn't she promised to stay away from stallions so they didn't stuff her fat.

The flutter mare.. had she helped her escape? This was so confusing..-

Nagual stared blankly at the carrot, uncomprehending. She saw the orange morsel, but because she had never seen one before the mare didn't understand what exactly was going on. She couldn't remember that he had promised her one so long ago. It was too much to move to take it... or so her body told her. She didn't want to stand, didn't want to move, didn't want to lie down, didn't want to stay.... why could she get no comfort? At least when she slept Sanika helped with it all.

"Ahhh..." Nagual started, questioningly.

Kislin came forward, to be helpful. He eyed the stallion, seeing if this Ashling understood what had happened to Nagual. Neither of the mare understood it. The small ferret, delicately grabbed the carrot from Ashling, and went back to his mare. Being careful, he dangled from Nagual-An's matted mane, holding the carrot in from of her muzzle.

Nagual saw what the ferret was doing, and stood still, thankful for his intervention. Finally, she took a bite from the carrot.... and felt immediately sickened. He stomach rolled and the mare flinched. "Eeeeerrrmmm...." She dropped her head, that did not feel good.

Kislin frowned, but climbed back on the mare's head to tie the carrot in her mane. He was hoping the carrot might have helped.

Viola frowned as well. She had held her breath while Nagual tried the morsel, and let her breath out when Nagual announced her discomfort. "Well, we tried," she looked as Ashling forlorn. "She hasn't been able to eat much of anything..... only the strange foods that the two-legger makes...."

-He didn't understand it.. He loved carrots! He had been so sure she would too. Oh how he longed to see that face once more.. the happy and delighted look on his friend's face as they hunted berries.

Not the worn and torn creature before him. She was sick... and that was the fault of whatever nasty stallion had kept her prisoner and forcefeed her belly to swell.

Wings fluttering with a soft nervousness, his voice came out strained, obvious worry on his voice, and for perhaps the first time in his life, anger touched him.- "Who is the male that fattened you up so!?"

"I... I'll go tell him he can't have you..." -His voice slowly drifted, if only he knew what exactly lie ahead for him if he actually took up that theat.- "He needs to know that you can't just forcefeed and hold captive mares! Ecspecially not my friends."

Viola looked heart-stricken as she watched Ashling. She could see why Nagual was such friends with him. He seemed so similar to the gray and black mare, and those were the kind of soquilis that when they were sad the whole world seemed more dreary. Though, just like Nagual, the purple mare was just as clueless about the stallion's part in swollen bellies. "Male?" She looked from Nagual to Ashling and back. "I thought she was having a reaction from bad berries."

Nagual tried to smile, but it only came half-way, when she heard Ashling's statement. Her clogged ears only got bits and pieces, but she shook her head. While she did that Viola spoke, so the mare didn't hear anything as to what her companion said. "No, there was no male. I think I had a bad reaction to some berries."

Kislin frowned from his perch and looked at Ashling. He knew exactly where babies come from, and he also knew that berries did not cause some extended waistlines for mares. "We don't know, she won't explain it to us. I personally think it's that dark firey one.... I never trusted him!"

The mare slowly turned her head to glare at Kislin to the best she could. It wasn't as menacing as she had hoped; what with her half-closed eyelids and runny eyes. "Ramoth? Why would he, how could he....? No, he couldn't. It was the strange-tasting berries."

Kislin only shook his head, his frown deepening on his soft face. He forgave Nagual, she was still so young, and pregnant.

Viola took a deep sigh, "But... Nagual, I ate those berries too, and I am not fat." She twirled her head to peer at her flanks. Nope, not fat.

Nagual turned her gaze on to the purple mare, "I said it was the berries!" That was the best she could do to snap at Viola, but since her voice was harsh and cracking it didn't have the effect she might have hoped for.

Viola threw her head in surprise but dropped it in submission. Under her breath, the mare added, "We try not to get her to excited. One time she fainted." The flutter lifted her head again to Asling, "I am sure you know she is not usually like this? The poor thing."

Kislin jumped from Viola's back and to the ground. He ran in his ferret-ish way to Ashling and hopped lightly to the stallion's back. He twirled the dark mane, "I'll make sure she eats the carrot when she's better. And, I'll be sure she gets your... message. You are a good friend." He added a wink, wondering about the stallion and Nagual.

-Ashling watched the exchange between the three, mouth openning from time to time. But always another voice rang out before his could, and he found himself shushing to an uncomfortable silence, darkened muzzle twisting in another frusterated frown. So much information, so many confusing things to sort through. And a Nagual so unlike the one he'd spent days with in the past.

Fidgeting uncomfortably, another wave of guilt washed over him, and finally he spoke, taking his friends word, even despite the protest of the her companions.- "I didn't know berries could do such a thing... That they brought happiness.. not pain."

-He was saved thankfully, by the sudden pressure on his back, and he offered a mild smile to the ferret's offer, and a nod.- "I hope you feel better soon..."

-Wings fluttering with soft uncertainty he wondered if the ferret was perhaps.. trying to get rid of him. If he was inadvertantly getting Nagual 'too excited'. Oh how quickly his day had crashed..

Silent for a moment, he gave another soft nicker to Nagual, before offering with as much politness as he could manage.- "Would you like company to where you're going? Or... perhaps I should just head back to the meadow?"

Nagual lifted her head. She walked the short distance to Ashling and nuzzled his neck in thanks. Obviously, she hadn't fainted like Viola had warned. What did the younger mare know anyways? In its wake, her nose had left a string of snot. Nagual didn't know what she had done, but did say, "Thanks Ashling!" She tried to smile again, but it probably lost its appearance with a yellowish glob hanging down.

Kislin jerked back, retreating to the stallion's hind quarters. "Oh Nagual, that's just.... " The ferret made a noise, but in his attempt to escape further, he jumped off Ashling and ran to Viola to hide among the mare's wings.

Nagual stepped back in confusion, her eyes a little more runny than they were a moment ago, "What did I do? What happened? Where are we going?"

Viola made a face. It really wasn't a very pretty sight; poor Ashling. He probably won't want to see Nagual again after that. She gave the stallion a half-smile that proved how sorry she was. "We weren't intending to go anywhere in particular, just to get Nagual out for awhile."

-His expression bolstered momentarily, at the tiny sign of the friend he knew that appeared in the brief moment of her own smile. More taken aback by the reaction of the others then the actual 'gift' that'd been left from the mild affection.

His tongue stuck out in soft discontent at the foreign goo, but instead of escaping he simply stood. It wasn't the first time some strange fluid of sickness had gotten onto his coat. In fact it rather ran in the territory of having such a young two legger. Children didn't have the concept of sickness in the way that adults did. In fact.. it was when Nova was sick that she clung closest to the stallion. Letting him carry her around on his back until she fell asleep. He could see it now, the silly little smile on her tiny face as she tried to clean away the mess she'd made on him. The simple "Ewwww" that seemed to sum up and complete the whole experience.

So that was simply all he gave himself, a soft snort, though his tail still twitched softly from the affection that had proceeded the infliction.- "It's alright, really. I needed a bath anyway."

Nagual's drooping ears perked a little. While the other two ran off, Ashling stayed. She didn't quite know what had happened, but that didn't matter. The mare was about to say something when her stomach lurked uncomfortably. Nagual groaned in discomfort and swayed. "I think.... I think I need to rest..."

Viola nibbled her bottom lip. Nagual was regularly tired, but she had never done /that/ before. The small mare didn't know what to do. "Are you okay?"

The swollen one sighed deeply, "I don't know." Slowly, she sank to her knees and lied on the ground. "Just for a minute." Her stomach lurched again ((as one of the babies kicked)).

Kislin jumped back to the ground. He had an idea what was going on. The ferret gingerly touched his companion on the cheek, "Just breathe.... breathe. Deep breaths, Nagual, it'll pass."

Nagual did as the little ferret told her. The feeling passed, but she was still tired. Looking up, she eyed Ashling and then to Viola, "Could you two get me some ferns?" That was one of the she kept craving.

Viola nodded and gave Ashling another look, "And maybe get that.... present off your neck."

-A startled huff escaped the small stallion as his friend faltered, words and sounds of displeasure only making worse the pitiful sight of the mare.

But luckily the others were already tending to it, obviously used to this sort of thing? How long had she been like this? He watched helplessly, trying hard not to show his worry, though his wings gave sign with the tiniest of flickers.

And he nodded dutifully with the request, eyes turning to the uniflutter, as he motioned soft.- "Let's hurry."

Viola nodded her head, "This way, I think I know where there is the kind they've been eating." With that, she turned and walked in the direction she had seen a few different kinds of ferns.

Kislin twitched his nose at the retreating soquilis, "I'll watch over her."

As the walked off, it was heard that Nagual snapped at the ferret, "Don't poke me there!"

Viola snorted and looked at Ashling, "I guess Kislin went to inspect her ankles again. She's very particular about them right now." The mare grumbled in the pit of her throat. It wasn't quite a laugh, but it was close.

They walked for a little while, and then Viola spotted the spotted ferns Nagual liked right now. "Ferns are one of the only things she could stomach right now," Viola spoke to break the silence. "Which is strange, because usually she doesn't like them. She says they're bitter." The mare shook her head and gathered some of the ferns and walked to another bush that had blue-green ferns.

-His ears swiveled as the sound of pain and displeasure touched his ears, but before he could turn, the little flutter was reassurning and explaining, and he gave a limp nod, turning his eyes to try and search the path.-

"Ferns huh?" -They were pretty gross actually, but atleast they were unique, and he knew the kind of places they grew in. Had he needed to find berries for the mare, they'd probably have been out for far longer.

Eyes searching across the expanse for the characteristic pinnas he prodded softly.- "How long... has she been sick?"

The gently wind blew on a crisp winter night. Snowflakes danced as they were carried by the light wind. It was a relatively dark night due to the thin layer of fluffy gray clouds that spread all the way across the sky. The moon tried to shine through the clouds, but only left a silhouette, barely visible to see. A light fog lingered afoot, making it even harder to see on such a night. Trees swayed in the wind, loosening the snow amongst the branches and making it slip off in large quantities. Not any fun for any beings that strays under the trees.

Rudolph walked amongst fresh snow, a light crunch and a jingle from the bells his harness with each step. The snow clumped onto his fetlocks and snowflakes were scattered across his coat. For almost any being, it would be hard to see in such fog cast upon the land, but not for Rudolph. His bright red nose glowed brightly, cutting through the fog, making it much more visible for him. Each step he took was carefully thought out, for he was afraid that if he mistook a step, that he'd accidentally trip over some sort of object. Let it be a rock, tree root, or hole, all he knew is he didn't want to take any chances.

As he walked further down the path, a clearing became more evident. He quickened his pace, glad that he'd get out of the seemingly endless forest. These lands were unfamiliar to him and he was lost, though one can not be lost if they do not know where they are going.

It seems he had stumbled upon a small valley. As he made further in the valley, he would paw at the ground almost every other stride to uncover the snow and make sure he wasn't on top of any frozen lake. No sign of one yet for which he was grateful for. It would be a bummer if he had walked upon thin ice and it was to break.

He then uncovered a small patch of dying shrubbery. Now, dried up dead plants weren't his favorite things to eat, but his stomach growled softly telling him that it might not be a bad idea to eat. It didn't look poisonous. He took a mouthful of the dead plant. It was bland and soggy from being under the snow. A look of distaste could be seen on his face as he slowly chewed and swallowed. It'll take awhile to get that bad taste out of his mouth.

The snowflakes were seemingly starting to feel more and more, heavier. It seems that the snow was turning to ice cold sleet. He was used to cold weather, but he hated sleet more than anything. He trotted back to the forest's edge opposite the direction he came from and found a very large evergreen tree amongst the smaller trees. He thought it'd serve as a decent shelter for now. He looked for a good place spot under the tree. He chose to lay down close to the trunk, a little too close to be exact. His back bumped into the trunk causing a load of snow to topple down from the branches on top of him. He stood back off and shook off as much snow as he could, causing his bells to jingle quite audibly.

-Why oh why did she have to come on a night like this!? She hadn't know what to expect really, on that night of assencion, but certainly not this. This scary and chilling world, as the snowflakes fell harshly around her. It was so so cold, so so lonely, and dark, very very dark. She couldn't see a thing other then the darkness and the quickly swirling white flakes. Elarinya shivered in cold fear.

Her dual wings curled about her body as best they could, shielding as much skin as they could manage, and softly, as her dispair began to rise a soft glimmer of light shimmered as another set of wings extended from the mare, and those too curled around her body.

Maybe she'd appeared in such a nasty place because someone needed help? And softly her eyes lifted, thankfully shaded mostly behind her golden locks. And though she couldn't see, she slowly began to trudge across the valley. Yes that was it. Someone needed help, and she needed to be strong.-

..............

-Today was a very different day. Instead of hiding as she usually did, happily tucking herself away in the meadows and hills, Elarinya was actually TRYING to hunt someone out.

It wasn't that she was particuarly lonely.. She was quite intent enjoying nature and solitude. But she'd met some really nice soquili by chance.. and after a few days of debating with herself, she decided it was best she try and get over her shyness. However it was harder then she'd imagined, even with noone around. Simply the thought made the feathers of her dual wings shiver delicatey. And her eyes hid protectively behind those golden locks despite her best efforts.

She had to try! She just had to be a little brave.

Traveling slowly across the forest path, she kept her ears turned forward, hunting for the sound of another amidst the regular sounds of the day.-

The day was a beautiful day. The sun was out, shining its bright, warming rays down upon the earth. There were barely any clouds in the sky and a small, pleasant breeze blew by every now and again.

It was a fine day to take a walk down a forest path. In fact, some probably were... just down this particular path, it seemed baron. Actually, besides the wind rustling the leaves in the trees, a few crickets here and there and a few birds chirping, it was pretty quiet.

Speaking of birds, did the chirping seem to get louder? From the once quiet path, the twittering and chittering of a bunch of small birds... a flock perhaps? Just then, a scream rang out from the trees, followed by a stallion being pecked by numerous of birds. "I'm sorry... I didn't know you had your nests in those bushes." He whined, trying to get them to leave him alone.

He didn't even notice the mare that he was heading toward because of his paniced state.

-Elarinya paused abruptly as the scream sounded, eyes widening, and ears flashing forward even more on alert. Someone was in trouble? A male she could tell, but she didn't really have much time to think on it, before her body was dragging her forward, her protective nature seeming to dismiss the shyness before she could fight it.

Hurrying down the path, headed in direction of the obviously angry twittering, she slowed once more as the scene unfolded before her. It wasn't a life or death situation thankfully, and she tried to settle her pattering heart. But she was sure the poor male wasn't enjoying the attention anyway.

Unfortuntely for him however, now that things were as they were, the overly gentle mare was slipping back into her usual timidness. And instead of helping run the birds away, she simply called meekly to them, stomping one golden hoove.- "Stop it stop it! Leave him alone!"

-Smart enough to know that her soft voice and self might not be intimidating enough, she shrank back a little, fretting softly, before gently she began to glitter and shine, another dual set of irredestant wings appearing from her.

She might not be able to stop the birds? But atleast she might be able to stop the pain and calm the stallion? Gently a coat of white magic enveloped the stallion, and though it wasn't much, as the birds weren't really evil enough to allow the true exertion of her powers, it would dull the pecks some, making them more an annoyance then a sting.-

Continuing to run, Abel hoped that he would venture far enough away from the nests, the birds would return to the unprotected eggs. So far... it wasn't working. Well, except for one or two, but that wasn't enough.

The stallion was still not aware of the mare, his head held low so not to get pecked in the eyes. In an attempt to free himself from the bird's 'wrath' he spread out his black wings and brushed them away. Boy, birds were persistant... they just came right back.

It was when he faintly heard the sound of a soft, feminine voice when he looked up and stopped. Wait... why'd he do that? He screamed again when the birds seemed to swarm around him, bucking about to get them away.

Thinking he was going to be pecked to death. Such optimistic thinking. He tucked his head in and closed his eyes shut. It'll be all over soon. Or so he thought. His eyes quickly opened when he didn't feel the sharp pain that he got from the bird's beeks. With that, he brought his head up to see that the birds were still trying to get at him -though some more were leaving- but he didn't feel a thing. He then looked to the mare, who had gained another set of wings. He let out a gleeful squeal. She's an angel and she came down to save me from my torment.

-Concern laced her features as she watched the stallion struggle along, so consumed in the 'attack' that as of yet she hadn't come to question the strange appearance of the male. No, she simply stood her ground.

Until she actually thought about what she was watching. What if she were helping the wrong person? What if the birds were simply paying back a theif, or murderer! No no.. that couldn't be right. She'd just have to get everyone to settle down. Then perhaps she would know.

Stepping forwards a few more steps, she hoped the birds wouldn't turn to her as well, but readied herself just incase they did.- "Shoo birds. Leave him alone. Please.."


His red eyes watched as the birds started to give up and eventually disband from circling around him. When the last one finally fluttered off, the stallion sighed in relief, his body slumping from releasing his tension.

Once calming his nerves, he brought his head up and tossed his mane, causing his 'ponytail' to flop over his shoulder. That's when he remembered the mare with the odd wings, the one that had helped him with the birds.

With that thought, Abel turned to face the mare, smiling awkwardly at her. "Thank you very much Ma'am. I greatly appreciate your help. I was in a bit of a pickle with those birds." At the word 'pickle', the odd stallion thought. Mmm... pickles. How I wish I could get a bite to eat.... possibly some berries. That's when he remembered, that's how he got in this predicament and shook the thought off almost as quickly as he thought of it.

-Relief as the birds began to depart soon changed to that familar little nervousness as the stallion's attentions turned to her. And slowly she let her eyes divert behind golden locks as the transparent wings faded once more.-

"You.... you're welcome.." -A soft sound, barely over a whisper. And after a moments thought, she added curiously.- "Why were they so.. angry?"

-Her curiousity was beginning to get the better of her shyness, and as she waited for an answer she slowly let her eyes take in his pressence. The black and gold wings, the pulled back mane, and the strange something that seemed to lay over his body. What was it? She'd never seen such a thing before.-


When the mare spoke, he tilted his head as his ears perked forward to catch the soft-spoken words. Either she was just shy or he scared her. He wouldn't be surprised if it was the latter, especially with the scene that just happened not too long ago.

At her question, an awkward chuckle joined his smile. "Well, I got hungry while on my stroll. So I checked some bushes for berries. That's where the birds flew out and started attacking me. I'm guessing they thought I was going for their nests." He explained, another embarrassed chuckle escaping his lips.

"O...oh!" -The embarrasment and open chuckle soothed the mare, and before she could think to stop it something of a smile crossed her muzzle, a relieved little nicker escaping her.

He'd meant no harm. And though she'd never run into such a problem herself, she quite understood how protective some of the smaller animals could be. What a strane perdiciment he'd been in!- "So I suppose you scared each other really."

"What a strange thing!" -The exclimation was like one of child, soft awe in the statement as she mulled over the situation. She'd had her share of being scared, but never in her days had she scared anyone else. Intentionally or not.

Seeming finally to notice just how silly and outright she was being, she shifted a little timidly, adding lightly as her eyes once again settled curiously on the stallion's appereance.- "I'm glad you are alright now."

Just like the mare was glancing over his 'attire', his own red eyes were scanning her. He was getting a better look at her since when he first saw her, he was in his paniced state... he could have seen her wrong. But he wasn't. The mare was adorned in multiple feathered wings. Was she really an angel? He beamed at the thought, but quickly came back down when he heard her voice.

"Oh, yes. I'm glad I'm alright as well. Thanks to you My Dear." He told her, giving her a warm smile. "If it wasn't for you, I don't know how long I would be running for." He added before shaking the feathers that rested on him off, watching them flutter to the ground before looking back to her.

-Tilting her head just a bit, she let her golden locks slide forward to half hide her eyes when she noticed his returned glance, dual wings giving a subconcious little shiver.-

"I quite like to help.. It feels nice.. right even." -Was the answer to his thanks, and gently she glanced from the path she came, and then back to him. Her body and fluttering heart told her to go.

But she had been trying to find someone today.. and he did seem nice.. and made her smile.. Silently her head and will tried to fight with her reflexes. Until finally the ebbing of nervousness began to weaken, and her curiousity perked, sheepish smile touching her.- "What is? I mean..."

-She paused, uncertain of how to even explain her question, simply staring helplessly at the many symbols and ornate details that hung from his cloth. Was it a part of him? Or was it something on him? Was the something on him alive? Skeptically she glanced at the way the fabric shifted, feeling that want for flight returning.-


"I will have to agree whole heartedly. Helping others is a wonderous thing and a marvelous feeling." He replied. He looked to his disheveled wings and sighed. He couldn't help but wonder why these types of things happened to him as made to preen at the dark feathers. He promptly stopped though when he thought, would it be rude to just lose interest in the mare and concentrate on his wings... or at least, until they were 'fixed'. He wasn't quite sure, but he didn't want to risk it, so he put it off for now and looked back to her.

It was when he noticed her gazing over his clothing. Was something on me? Did the birds leave a 'mess'? He thought as he looked about his form, then looked back to her, especially at the beginning of her question. With a confused, curious tilt of his head, he asked. "What is it you're trying to ask me, Miss?"

-Indeed she hadn't minded the preening. Though most might have, it was somewhat more comfortable for her to talk when she knew his eyes weren't staring her down. But when he looked up, she wasn't nearly as scared as she thought she would be. Instead the feeling was.. sheepishness? Embarrassment?

"Ahhh.. I" -She drew back minutely at the question, letting her golden strands fall so that her eyes were almost completely shielded from his sight, only the slight hint of blue shimmering through.-

"Your back.. and your sides.. I've never seen.. something like that. It is a part of you?" -It's strange. But she kept that last little bit to herself as she turned her eyes once again to the cloth that adorned him. Ignorant 'child' she was.-

He seemed to have noticed her awkwardness around him, though he couldn't imagine what it could be. Inwardly, he hoped that he didn't say or do anything for her to feel this way toward him, it would be a shame if he unwittingly did something to offend her. Slowly, he backed up lightly, hoping that the slight increase in space between them will give her a bit of comfort.

When she spoke up again, his ears flicked toward her and waited. He tilted his head when she seemed to cover her face. Does she think I'm a maniac? The way the birds were attacking me... He thought worriedly.

The winged male sighed in relief when she finally told him what was on her mind. But it was his clothes? His red eyes scanned over his jacket before looking back to her. "My clothes? I've had these as far as I can remember."

-The added space, and the draw to her curiousity as he explained, albeit vaguely, seemed to do the trick, and Ela's fidgeting settled minutely.- "Clothes..?" -She tested the word on her tongue, trying to find a place she'd heard such a term before.-

-Tail twitching softly, she motioned back at the red ribbon that wrapped around the base of her golden tail, eyeing the black one that adorned his mane.- "Like my ribbon? It's been there since I can remember... but it does come off. Only then I need help putting it back on..."

-Last time in fact it'd been a two legger that'd helped to put it back. Luckily a small one, so it wasn't nearly so scary, and she'd done a good job really.-

"That's neat." -She finally proclaimed, almost like a foal as she nodded, letting her hair slide back once more, as not to completely shield herself.- "What does it look like under it?"

-Large golden wings splaying out softly, Elarinya slowly made her descent, watching the blue of the sky begin to slip into the green and brown of the trees. A few strong flaps to slow her, before finally her hooves rest once more upon the ground, and delicately she shook her waterfall of a mane, not even attempting really to come out from behind it. Simply to pull herself back to where she was, and become comfortable as she settled into the small clearing. There was nothing like a morning flight, to pull yourself up into the sky high above and simply watch over everything. It was solitary, and yet the wind almost seemed to sing when you were up there.

But Ii was beautiful here as well. The cool morning air and shimmeing early sunbeams. The dew making the grass sparkle. A sigh of absolute bliss escaped the angeni, and soft, slowly she began to wander around the clearing.

Should she eat? Maybe she might like a nap? Or perhaps she was just content enough to watch the day age? Ear and side feathers ruffling softy, she pondered making her way around and around, path weaving around in soft indifference.-

Coming

Coming

coming