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 Posted: Sun Mar 13, 2022 9:52 am
Quote: March 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? Quote: March Prompt Cont. (From Rules/Clarifications) The prompt is a bit more open ended. Spring is usually teaming with life, and with the warming weather, soquili tend to be stirring. Some are eager to make new friends and explore the land; others still are on the hunt for something more significant, like a mate. Winter hasn't left completely, but there's warmth on the wind, and flowers starting to bloom. How does your soquili feel about spring? Are they eager to seek out greener pastures or looking for friends? Are they hoping to find a mate and be struck by Cupid's arrow? Or maybe they just want everyone to get off their lawn and leave them alone. After such a long winter, it seems many creatures, great and small, are here to enjoy the break from the cold. How does your Soquili or Familiar fare? If you're stuck -- you could simply have it revolve around Spring, a change in the season, new grasses and flowers growing, melting snow, thinning ice, and a lot more Soquili and Familiars out and about for whatever reason. Foal season's right around the corner after all (though we know Soq/Fams can have kids anytime) but it is the traditional time for much of nature. Think of it as spring break -- what's your Soq going to do? 
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Posted: Sun Mar 13, 2022 2:10 pm
The Autumnalis Wanderers Band was formed by something of an accident, or a happy intersection of coincidences, depending on how one looked at it. They were several unrelated individuals that happened to be traveling in roughly the same direction after one grand festival or another, as there was much revelry in Fall and this suited them all quite well. Somehow, traveling from these different gatherings they wound up introduced, attended a few more such events and when winter began to set in they were a rather well-acquainted company. Tajvar, as the native that met them by his attendance at the varying festivals, gatherings and Faires. Somehow he'd wound up collecting the odd little tribe of strays, keeping an eye on them as winter set in.
Askúta had been the first, a fiery Cerynei mare in autumn tones. Her black and sunset shades coat was easy to spot, and for one reason or another she had danced over to greet Tajvar when they glimpsed each other across the festival grounds. Whatever had become of her home herd or family, she'd left them behind in pursuit of her own path and taken to shining brightly when opportunity arose. She almost always had a partner for the firedances, but also could be counted on to sing a song to some wide-eyed foals.
Avert had been after her, a strange blend of oranges and purples, a Suti stallion growing a rainbow of crystals down his back. His expression was of a reserved kindness behind the strange mask-like markings he bore, and while his steps were not as light and dancing as Askúta's he was still a relatively cheerful sort. Merrymaking in the autumn season clearly agreed with him, and he was happy to tell foals a scary story, or hand out snacks or trinkets at a Festival, or play a game or two so long as they were not too terribly embarrassing. Tajvar had been surprised to find himself cheering when Avert won at bobbing for appples, and he and Askúta had both laughed when Avert had been caught playing 'Pickitywitch'.
The last one to join them was perhaps the strangest, though Tajvar wouldn't ever say so... Kokaji Noh Nara was a cloud-marked kitsune stallion, brandishing several lashing tails and carefully guarding a glimmering pearl swirling colors like a cool-toned galaxy. He was the most dramatic of their band, first spotted on a small festival stage and prone to appearing there whenever one was available. Sporting jingling bells and bright colors, the black stallion was certainly a memorable sort of character, especially once one had seen him perform.
When winter had hit, Tajvar rather expected that everyone would return to their home herds or lands, or otherwise find new herds to join. Instead, he'd encountered the odd little individuals here and there, and when the local weather witch cautioned against an incoming blizzard, he'd gathered the trio up to keep an eye on them. It had been a good thing too, they had managed to get to shelter before the absolute blanket of snow fell, and Tajvar's fiery nature had kept their dwelling warm against the imposing chill of the outside world. Now they were stepping out into a fresh spring world with a new appreciation for each other's artistic skills, a firm bond of friendship, and perhaps just a touch of cabin fever. Tajvar Wordcount: 560
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Posted: Sun Mar 13, 2022 4:18 pm
 The sunset Cerynei mare known as Askúta Moschata Revontulet was pleased to have made such marvelous friends as she had. It was quite by accident, but to have their chivalrous company in a blizzard was worth more than words could say. As pleased as she was to have such friends, she was even more pleased to be stepping out into the soft spring sunlight and feeling the first kiss of warmth on her coat. The weak golden light had yet to melt off the think carpet of snow, but it had made progress, leaving the ground slushy in some areas, and gently heaped in white where the shadows were deepest. Soon enough the snow would be melted, and soft spring blooms would take its place. Even now chill in the wind was settling into a weak sort of warmth. It was a promising change.
Revontulet could scarcely wait to see what sort of wildflowers bloomed in this land, her new home now that she had determined she'd wandered far enough from the herd's branching reach. Already her life here had gotten off to a marvelous start, the autumn months so thick with revelry she'd virtually forgotten everything about her life before. Here was a place of roaring fires and great tales, of songs and dancing and large gatherings, of herdlands open to travelers and festivals, of socials that went from dawn to dusk to dawn again without pause. She had danced by the firelight, told stories from the shadows, helped herd foals back to their parents for bedtime, made friends with bright new ladies and dashing new gentlemen... All in all, it was definitely a good life here.
Then she'd spent the last week snowed in, with the company of her good friends to keep her entertained while the wind roared outside. Which, by Revontulet's way of thinking, was certainly not a bad way to spend such time. Her companions were all handsome, agreeable gentle stallions. Good manners, good humor, mostly willing to either tell a good story or sing a song for the evening's entertainment. A mare could do worse than to have such company, and she knew it, make no mistake. But they were friends, at the end of the day, very good friends. Not the sort she'd go courting.
Watching Tajvar step into the spring sun had Revontulet prancing after him, her hoof steps even lighter in her joy. Now was the season of spring, of fresh grass and soft flowers, of darling baby animals capering... Now was also the season of romancing, of fresh relationships or at least dalliances. She couldn't wait.
"As charming a snow day as this has been, my good friends," she chirped brightly, giving them an affectionate look over her shoulder. "I do hope it won't be hurting your feelings as I take my leave. While I do treasure your friendship and hope to see you again soon, I am of a mind to find myself a different sort of company. The spring festivals are sure to be hitting their stride, and I am certain there is any number of dashing stallions who would agree to pass some time with me. I am sure I'll see you again." Askúta Moschata Revontulet Wordcount: 536
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Posted: Sun Mar 13, 2022 6:52 pm
Kokaji Noh Nara, the traveling smith and actor, was not quite certain how he'd fallen in with his strange new companions. A stranger in a strange land, he had come this way seeking employment with one of the larger Faires or traveling bands, if one would have him and if he could make enough through his craft to support his continuation in the hobby. He had missed the majority of the Faires and Festivals that traveled Spring to early Fall, and contented himself with attending the remaining Harvest and holiday festivities. It was through his attendance of these that he'd crossed paths with his varying companions, though during his first and even second and third impressions he hadn't foreseen being snowed in with the odd little group. Then again, when in a strange place and offered shelter by a stranger, the choice was rather simple. One either accepted the unexpected offer, or remained out in the thick of the blizzard and likely met their demise amidst the falling snow.
He had made the most logical, rational choice. Better denned down in warmth and safety than left to his own devices in the snow. He was quite certain that the severity of the storm would have easily consumed him if he had refused, and the howling winds would have surely posed a threat to his hoshi no tama. As it was, the strangers turned companions had shown no interest in the glowing pearl carried atop his tails, further reinforcing he made the right choice in these new friendships.
Of the three only one of them moved on stealthy paws like himself, and that was Tajvar, who seemed the most taciturn. True enough, beneath the imposing exterior there was a warm heart, literally, but at a first impression the furnace-hound was fierce and not to be trifled with. Tajvar was also reserved with his words, when he had the choice, though with some practice they had all learned how to coerce him into conversation. Sometimes he even shared an opinion, if the inquiry was posed just right.
Avertus, who looked rather fierce, seemed more quiet and reserved than truly dangerous. Strange markings aside, his glittering cape of crystal growths meant he cast a shimmering rainbow of prismatic sprites. He could weave an entertaining tale or two, his face haunting in the flickering light of the fire, which was certainly a factor he played up when the mood struck. He had told them little about his past and his family but was happy enough to relay stories he'd heard at the various festivals he had attended before making their acquaintance.
Revontulet was the brightest light among them, her pelt half the dark gleam of the sky above a harvest bonfire, and half the gleaming glow of the flames themselves. She was always ready to chime in with a story, a snippet of entertainment, a 'ghost-tail' she had gathered in her wanderings. By the end of their confinement, she felt like a little sister they should all strive to protect, a companion and confidant but by no means a romantic interest. It seemed that she felt the same since her first priority was to go in search of a different kind of company.
"And just like that, our friendship is over?" He teased, eying the capering mare. "Kicked right out the back of the cave as Revontulet abandons us for the embrace of some as-yet unaware stallion. Poor unsuspecting victim, we salute you."
He bowed his head in the direction of the distant herd lands that Revontulet seemed to have selected, then gave his companions a sidelong glance. "It was nice getting to know you all, I suppose. Perhaps not her, since she is leaving us so easily. Mayhap my next effort in the arts will be to write a play about a brokenhearted lead who is abandoned by his friend at the first turn, thus spurring him away from his herd and into the wild unknown. Maybe he will be rescued by a gentle-hearted fire spirit and a haunting soul that is surprisingly gentle... and he will tell them of his woes at the hooves of bonfire-painted turncoat." Kokaji Noh Nara Wordcount: 695
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Posted: Wed Mar 16, 2022 3:19 pm
Avertus Maxima Calacas was something of a wanderer, a solitary soul meandering into a new land in search of a new life. Though it was often one of the first questions strangers asked of him, he was beyond reluctant to tell stories of his past. The family and herd he left behind was not one he bring into his new life, a choice that was often and easily respected, so he spun no tales of them when standing fireside. On the surface he was a reserved and imposing figure, not terrifying enough to prevent a certain type of stranger from asking invasive questions, but the sort that made foals hesitate to approach at first.
Harvest festivals were among his favorite entertainments. He enjoyed the wide variety of produce for sale, the various artists and artisans selling their wares, the blending of herds uniting in a common interest. He'd spend an afternoon playing harvest games without hesitation, running mazes or participating in racing games, playing guessing games, bobbing for apples. He'd happily snack through a dozen booths, candied apples and roasted veggies, honey glazed oats and grains. Fortune tellers, card readers, and a variety of others of a similar nature were always intriguing. He'd trade coin or bell for their wisdom with good cheer.
As he often preferred the company of inquisitive younglings to obnoxious adults, Avert got into the habit of offering a spooky story or three as the sunset or beside the bonfire. In autumn it was likely that the young single adults would begin looking for a companion around that time, and Avert would rather avoid the fluttery courtships and entertain those too young for such games. His markings and general demeanor lent themselves to a haunting air, though his noticeable lack of fearsome details such as tooth and claw meant that he could often spook or startle the audience but not lose them to abject terror. They might squeak or shrill in fright, but often they laughed at each other and settled down to hear the next part of the tale.
He's not sure when he first noticed those that would become his companions, but he knows Tajvar was among the first of the adults to stop and listen to one of his tales... and that the stallion had stood at the finish line when Avert and his familiar companion crossed it with their burden of various, nonsensical challenges. (Avert is fairly certain he even saw the stern-faced furnace-hound stallion smile.) At some point he noticed Revontulet weaving among the dancers, laughing like sunlight, and Kokaji was among the last, eying Avert across the flames as he scared and entertained his audience of wide-eyed foals.
Then they wound up in a shelter together and Avert found a whole new audience, telling his haunting tales to these strangers that became friends that became a strange sort of temporary herd. They feasted on purchased harvest fare, stayed warm due to their shelter and Tajvar's fiery nature, made room for Revontulet to dance and laugh, listened to Kokaji recite memorized plays and poems, and encouraged Avert to tell more stories. Now spring was upon them, and though they began to go their separate ways, there was a sense they would all see each other again, and rather soon.
Well, not Revontulet, perhaps.
"Off to find a temporary paramour to make you forget about us?" Avert questioned in a low, amused tone. "Once you grow tired of him, or the next, find a good stallion to keep... And then bring him to us. He should be friends with your good friends before you settle down happily mated. Do you not agree, Tajvar?" Avertus Maxima Calacas Wordcount: 611
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Posted: Wed Mar 16, 2022 5:08 pm
Quote: Askúta laughed at Kokaji's feigned outrage, shaking her head. "Not completely over, of course, dear Kokaji. I shall remember you fondly in the afternoon, when I will miss your theatrical tales from your homeland. Perhaps I shall insist that my partner do his best to meet your lofty standards? And I will miss Avert at sunset, when I will expect them to tell me marvelous stories. And I shally certainly miss how Tajvar roasts vegetables, and keeps a den warm, and hums strange melodies at night..." Quote: The FurnaceHound Stallion blinked in surprise, not having expected that his new friends might have heard his gentle humming in the deep night. Trust Revontulet to have heard and kept it to herself until she could tease him at the optimum time, but he could hear the kindness and admiration behind her laughing words.
"I thought we were friends," Tajvar jests in a tone that is heavy with disappointment. "And yet, here you are telling my secrets and running off into the sunset. Perhaps we are glad to be abandoned by our fairweather temptress of a former friend."
He left off in his disappointed frowning at Avert and turned at the inquiry, quirking one amused eyebrow at the stallion before giving a serious nod. "Indeed, Avert makes a good point, if we were to continue to be your friend after you so casually abandon us... We would need to insist on thoroughly interviewing your mate. I think we shall insist on it, to make sure that he is good enough for you." Quote: Avert was careful not to bat an eyelash at the news that Revontulet had caught Tajvar singing and humming to himself. He had heard it once, though he had thought it was part of his dreams. To hear the sunset Cerynei mare confirm it meant he revised his own estimations of the fierce, fiery stallion. He wouldn't say it, but it was a pleasant sort of depth to a character that seemed to only enjoy their art, but not have one to share himself. Then again, Tajvar had knowledge of the area and some of the local faires cooking techniques, that was a kind of art in itself.
"I do not resent her abandonment of us," He sighed softly. "I am only saddened by the thought of her absence. If then, she promises to visit us again with this future dreamboat of a stallion, I will bid you farewell with a light heart." Quote: Taking a moment to listen to his companions in silence, the Kitsune stallion nudged his pearl onto one of his tails and curled another around it, hiding the gleaming orb from sight. Avert's words struck a cord, so stoutly Kokaji nodded, rumbling in agreement as he rejoined the conversation. "Not farewell, then... merely a 'until we meet again' if you like. Will you promise us this, Miss Revontulet?" Quote: Revontulet hesitated for a moment, giving them all a smile as she pranced back to touch her nose to each of their dark cheeks. "Very well, my friends, if you insist on getting emotional about it. Not a farewell, but until we meet again. May you enjoy this spring break, and may you all be fortunate in your friends as I have been."
She spun away from them with a cheerful wink, and began trotting off. "You three take care of yourselves while I'm gone... I'll see you again soon, and be quite cross if you wind up injured." Quote: Avert chuffed in a soft, pleased way at the gentle brush of her silken muzzle against his cheek. The affection he felt for his friends was different from his life back in his old herd, he was somewhat reluctant to part ways with them so soon... but hopeful he might make other good friends in his travels in this new land. "I will miss you, so don't stay away too long." Quote: Kokaji stepped to one side, preparing to drift away into the woods for his own wandering. "I am certain we'll see each other again and soon, so I will hope you are all well until then. Thank you again for your companionship and care, and happy spring." Quote: Before this moment in time, Tajvar thought he might be pleased to be back to his solitary wandering ways. Faced with the scattering of his strange band, he found that the opposite was also true, but he gave them a fond nod instead. "Until we see again then, my friends. Be well, and may you find all you seek in this land."
Taking his first steps away from them, he hoped it wouldn't be too long.
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