Ryan stood in the field, watching it blow waves through the grass before it stilled. A soft smile came across his muzzle as he absently contemplated the perfectness of the day, memories ricocheting through his mind. It was so peaceful here since he had left his traveling acrobatics. But something inside him felt a little empty in the loneliness. It had been hard work, and he had always thought of taking a break, but calm days like today reminded him of the halcyon days of found family and traveling friends. He scanned the hill again, wondering if there was anything that sprang to mind to get him out of his day-dreaming head and into enjoying the day. He was sure there could be more that could contribute to the budding perfection of this slow day.
"Papa are you sure about this? I mean does he even know we exist??" Kitti's long tail curled and uncurled as she padded along after her small father. She wasn't sure what had prompted this visit but it seemed to matter a great deal to him so she had slipped away from Rue to join him on his trip.
"Sweetheart, he will be thrilled to meet you. While not part of my conception, Uncle Ryan has very much been part of my foalhood and adulthood. Of course, he will want to meet his granddaughters. So don't worry so!" Conall chuckled as he trotted along, his wings fluttering as he was eager to see his step-father.
Kitti shook her head again amused at her father's eagerness, but kept her pace slow in response to his short legs. From the sideways grin he shot her, she knew he was keeping this pace on purpose just to annoy her. Ugh! Parents!
Posted: Wed Mar 27, 2024 10:03 pm
Ryan's wing feathers danced in the breeze and he couldn't decide if he wanted to stretch them or remain on the ground. One of the reasons he had left the traveling show was all the aches and pains he had been starting to feel after a show. The pains made him feel old and were the bane of his lifestyle. It made him weary, but at the same time, his feathers itched to spread and soar for an audience. He realized it was also getting close to the annual fair their troupe would join and perform for. His cheeks blushed slightly, though it was hard to see with his black pelt. He welcomed the reminder of how he had met his besotted, Takoda. Laughter slowly bubbling within him as he remembered the doggerelinterpretation of the poem he had tried to perform in front of him. He had always been better at flying than with words though, and luckily Takoda hadn't held it against him and loved him all the same for his silly performance. Ryan was mostly glad Takoda had been more interested in him than some of his more draconically strong flyers. From the first conversation they had had, Takoda had broken his pre-concieved notions of his special someone and leapt into his heart. Being around him had felt familiar, like finding a home you hadn't known you'd lost.
Just then, Ryan noticed two figures topping the small hill at the edge of the field. "oh?" he thought to himself. "Who could be visiting me?" he wondered.
"Uncle Ryan!" Oh! Oh, he knew that voice! Sure it had matured over the years from the breathy little squeaks of a wobbly-legged foal to the cheerful nickers of a bouncy young colt and now the deeper tones of a grown stallion but still he knew that voice. The word may have been uncle, but it had always meant father when spoken by the adoring voice of Takoda's firstborn son. A son that was racing to him with a wide grin.
Conall pulled up before he slammed into his stepfather, instead happily butting his head against the older male even as he rubbed their wings together. If he could purr like his daughter he would, but the happy little noises he was making left behind no doubt how overjoyed he was to see him.
Kitti, however, had slowed to a stop as Conall raced forward her ears laying back some as her tail continued its anxious curling and uncurling movement. Just from words she knew how much Conall loved his dads, but seeing him so openly affectionate with someone other than their own little family was startling. Still, she had to trust that what he said was true and that this 'uncle' would want to meet her.
Posted: Thu Mar 28, 2024 9:25 pm
Ryan's heart swelled with joy when he realized his visitor was little Conall. One would think it would rupture any moment if they could see inside his chest. He chuckled happily as he felt the soft headbutt to his chest and leaned into the nuzzles happily. It seemed like just yesterday his besotted was fawning over his baskets, then introducing him to the tiny foal that would capture part of his heart. He had never imagined having family would cut him to his core and leave him feeling like he would do anything to protect this growing bunch.
A slough of emotions crossed over his face as he saw the large mare standing a little farther away. First, a need to protect Conall if this pony was not friend. He had noticed her feline paws and could feel the fear of a skinwalker start to scald the edges of his flight or fight response. Then he noticed her colorings and saw how closely she reminded him of his precious Conall. What finally made his face soften was the small look of trepidation on her own.
Ryan bent his neck to nuzzle Conall once more. "Don't be rude, sweet child. Introduce me to who you've brought to join us today." Ryan always tried to keep manners in mind, but his voice showed no sign of disapproval as he tried to remind his son from another father that there was someone waiting patiently for them to finish their welcome.
He knew those blue eyes, they were his beloved's eyes, his son's eyes, just set in a new face. Kitti's tail was twitching faster when Conall nodded for her to come over. In all reality the two small stallions should have been afraid of the larger predator, but it was clear she was scared of them..well of him?
"Uncle Ryan, I want you to meet Kitti." There was so much pride in Conall's voice as he padded over to nuzzle the tall mare's shoulder smiling up at her adoringly. "One of your granddaughters."
Kitti flashed him a hopeful smile trying not to flash her fangs at him, "Hello grandfather."
Posted: Fri Mar 29, 2024 8:44 pm
Ryan's eyes melted with admiration and pride at his still young son. A wing tip wiped away a small tear before his face burst into a smile. "Hello Kitti! I am sorry I am so late to say it, but welcome to the family!" He turned slightly to look at a near by circle of fruit trees someone had planted long ago.
"I have an array of fruit if you'd like? I think there is apple, pair, maybe something else." He led the two towards the grove, asking questions as he was excited to learn more about his granddaughter and her siblings. He was overjoyed to spend the rest of the day with them, his wings no longer itching.
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