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Prompt: In the aftermath of the winter storm, Kawani's denizens greet the approaching spring with cautious hope. Though the frost lingers in the mountains' reaches, the thaw has arrived, and hints of the new season appear in the form of leaf buds on branches no longer bowed by snow. The following hush is broken by bird song, and the tell-tale sign of new life on the way. In some circles, now is the time to seek out alliances and renew bonds with friends and family separated by winter's grip; in others, individuals might be twitterpated, seeking out a potential mate, ever eager to show off and impress. Others still are simply eager to travel to greener pastures and savor the building warmth and the hope of an early spring. Some among the Soquili and familiars alike may be all too used to this dance, but others may find it very foreign indeed.

As the world begins to wake from the winter thaw, more and more Soquili find themselves out and about. Perhaps the winter weather had kept them at bay, but now they are here in full force, crowding the Kawani with their presence. While the competition for resources may be made all the more fierce with these strangers in the mix, some Soquili may not find their company so very loathsome after all. Then again, the rites of spring are never without some degree of drama.

How does your Soquili or familiar respond to the burgeoning Spring? Are they ready to get out there and spread their figurative (or sometimes literal) wings now that the weather is warmer? Are they out seeking new friends, new locations, or a mate? Or perhaps they are put off by all the incessant birdsong, chatty new neighbors, and twitter pated fools? Is love in the perfumed air? Or is your soq just trying to make it through the day unbothered and on a hunt for peace and quiet? The world is teaming with new life -- is your Soquili or familiar ready?

Oshima had been the one to adopt Lenette and convince Amadia to help her get out of the cold the past Winter. To be fair, Oshima had adopted Amadia too. She had a knack for the needy, and taking them under her paw. Amadia though far from your typical needy Soquili, Oshima knew she had a different type of need. Amadia needed Oshima in her life, to help give her a healthy and brighter view of life. This is why Oshima decided to befriend Amadia. Amadia could be cold and distant towards things. Oshima, even though the same age as Amadia, wanted to help bring more to her disposition on life. Together the two traveled from their homeland to Kawani, and met shortly after arriving there last summer. Even though they weren't as young as Lenette, they were still new to Kawani Spring. They had both heard rumors for the Spring Field last summer. Or the Spring Fling Field as some would call it. Though that could leave you with a bad reputation if you weren't careful. Oshima wanted to take both her beautiful friends there to show them off. Romance isn't something they were seeking, but the idea of just trying something new sounded exciting. Meeting new Soquili, seeing the new area, maybe seeing a few cuteys. Oshima could barely contain herself! Though for Oshima, that meant a couple gently laughs with a bright smile.

"I don't think it's much further. I heard it's past the Kawani Village, and towards the South." she said as they walked on a beaten path past the two leggers homes. "We'll get here, find us a spot, and watch the fun!" she said. "I cant' wait to see all the pretty Soquili."

"And all the pretty flowers!" Lenette burst out, then blushed at her own excitement. The mare tended to be so shy, just not when it came to flowers apparently.

Oshima smiled at Lenette. "Yes, flowers and birds. I adore those that you picked and added to your bow. Great choice. They highlight your pretty hair color."

Lenette blushed even more at the compliment. "Thank you!" she squeaked back at Oshima.

WC: 360

Amadia continued to lead the way till they came to a large expanse field, with a few trees throughout. Flowers covered the field in various colors. Soquili clustered in groups, divided by a small stream that ran through the center then curved down towards the path. A rock bridge guided them into the area over the stream. Birds sung a greeting to them as Amadia looked for a place for them to set up.

"Looks like we are early. There's only a few here." she observed the few quite groups that were about, standing on their own. She turned to assist Amadia without even being asked.

"Better to come early and get a good spot." Amadia replied. She walked over towards a hillside with shade from an oak tree. The area had a giant stone that blended into the grassy hill. Amadia didn't want to stay standing, and was quite pleased no one had taken this spot before. Biting at the shawl over her hair, she let Oshima assist her in taking it off. Then she laid the shawl over the rock before lazing on it, with her hair cascading around her and down off the side.

Lenette stood awestruck, eyes glistening. She made a few squeaks, but no words came from her mouth. She thought she might cry! All the butterflies, bees and flowers had her filled with delight. Coming to an area and meeting other people had been a scary thought. Lenette was anxious and intimidated at the whole idea of this trip. Getting here and seeing the beauty of Spring ebbing and flowing in the wind, made her forget all about her nerves.

A stranger called out to Amadia, with a snide remark to her. Oshima blinked at her. "Amadia, do you know him?"

"Shh! Ignore him, or he'll come over here." she glowered at him and Oshima. Not that she had any anger towards Oshima. Her face tended to look that way and retain it's look of annoyance. It would rest that way unless she smiled.

Lenette still remained quiet, but absolutely did notice the stallion that had called out to Amadia. His hair full of curls that almost touched the ground, and in his hair, flowers. Perhaps he liked flowers as much as she did? The young mare swooned at the thought. Her cheeks turned bright red and she did her best not to stare at him.

Several others called out to Amadia as more and more Soquili arrived. Oshima raised an eyebrow. "I'm beginning to think this isn't your first time here Amadia?" Her rainbow feathered friend didn't answer, not denying the accusation. "Hmm." Oshima hummed as she thought, putting more pieces together. They had met over the summer, and Oshima had assumed they were the same age. If Amadia had been here before, that meant she was in fact the eldest of them all. Just how old was Amadia then? "Amadia, that means you are older than I thought."

Amadia gasped at Oshima, then scowled. How rude to say such a thing to her!

Oshima paused. "How MUCH older are y..?" she dared to toss out at her friend, but didn't get to finish her question.

"Don't you dare!" Amadia angrily whispered as she twacked a wing on Oshima's mouth. "Don't you look at me that way either!" she rebutled to Lenette, who had only been innocently watching things happen, and still hadn't said a word.

Oshima gave a startled yelp, then had to use every ounce of her being to contain the urge to laugh. Age seemed to be a touchy topic with her winged bestie. Oshima would absolutely bring the topic up again. Until Amadia got bored of her teasing her about it. Today though, she left it be. With a grin, she shrugged at Amadia and joined her to laze on the rock. She used her nose to push some of Amadia's hair out of the way. "Lenette, come join us." she said with the sweetest tone.

Lenette went and stood on the other side of Oshima, down from the hill. Too intimidated to go laze near Amadia after she snapped at her.

"Amadia, you scared the poor filly. Honey, she won't bite you with those fangs of her. Come lay down with us." she insisted.

"Okay!" she squeked then laid next to Oshima, half on the rock, half on the grass, with a leg popped off the side. She curled her tail around herself for comfort. Sure, she'd join them, but she wasn't laying next to Amadia.

Amadia looked off into the distance, and didn't try to help soothe Lenette's concern. Still a little salty about the topic of her age. She shifted a foot, and adjusted her posture. Almost posing as she laid there.

The afternoon went on with Oshima pulling Lenette out of her shell to talk about stallions in the area. Lenette would blush and Oshima would giggle. Amadia smiled once when the breeze went through the trees and tickled her ears. Today had been a nice day. No one really came over to talk to them, due to Amadia's unapproachable glower she gave when anyone dared to come near. Again, that was just the way her face was! Good thing the stallion with the flowers in his hair didn't try to come over, or that would not have ended well. Amadia did not like him, but didn't want to tell her two friends he was full of himself.

Spring Field had welcomed all, and given the gift of friendship to some. Others had met future mates. Some would make the mistake of letting their longings get the best of them. Their foals might be here the following Spring!

All in all, Spring had arrived, and these three enjoyed it while keeping to themselves. Well, except for the dozens of flowers Lenette had adopted! The three returned home, and Amadia even seemed to be in good spirits. They were all exhausted and slept well that night.

<3

WC: 1000