This place was definitely not Alkyone's favorite place she'd ever been. There was a disturbing amount of graying fog that surrounded her, with her dark daggers dipping into inordinate puddles of mud and decaying plant life. She hissed out a noise of disgust through her nostrils and sighed, continuing on the path, because otherwise she knew she'd be hopelessly lost. Actually, she knew she was pretty much lost anyway. There was no denying that she had no idea where she was. This place was foreign to her. None of the vague horse scents were familiar and she'd seen no sign of any life, other than that of a few shabby birds and bugs, which was disturbing in of itself. Alkyone wasn't a pretty little damsel-in-distress, who needed saving from a few creepy beetles the size of her foot, but still. Who wanted to live in a jungle filled with such ill creatures? Not she. The femme took another few steps and swept a slight path around a dip in the path, one that, once she'd peered down into the dark crevice, appeared to lead down a steep ravine that provided no safe haven for any hooves. Any horse who fell that way would've been felled instantly by the extreme height and lack of footholds. Alkyone didn't deny the shoulder that rippled through her light bodice, only skipping ahead with an extra huff in the troublesome hole's direction. She was no foolish filly; little holes in the ground would not stay her.

A few more paces of her long legs, an exceptional feature that Alkyone was sure had come from Thoroughbred lineage, or perhaps that of a spectacular sort of Warmblood, and she was arriving in front of a meadow. The place was warm and welcome, considering the travels she'd just endured to get here. Alkyone spun around on her nimble legs, checking to see if she'd been stalked by any predators or if any horses were around. Right about now, she'd be welcoming either sign of life. It felt like she'd wandered into the after life, if there even was such a thing. Alkyone's nostrils flared widely, her teacup nose bobbing in the air as she danced over the grass for a moment, long legs eating up the distance until she was staring down at a cave. "What in the world..?" She wondered out loud, peering down at it in a similar manner to the way she'd stared down at the hole in the pathway that had led her here. There was no doubt that it led somewhere, but she was loathe to wander where she wasn't sure she'd resurface, and so Alkyone hesitated, staring down at the empty space for a moment longer. She wasn't a coward, but she wasn't risking her neck. But then again, she'd come so far, through all of that fog and forest, so why not give it a try? But right as she started forward toward the cave, a crackling noise echoed in the forest behind her and she spun, front daggers waving dangerously in the air as she reared up instinctively. Coming down, Alkyone surveyed the densely-misted woods with wary orbs, flashing with lights that could not be found in such a dreary place. "Who's there? It's rude to stalk someone, y'know." She'd feel pretty idiotic if she was talking to a squirrel, or Heaven forbid, a panther or cougar of some sort, but that was better than doing nothing at all.


Notes;; Hope that gives you something to work off of! <3
Word Count;; 579 words
To and From;; Alkyone to Aedan
Muse;; Average, for my first horse post in years!
Lyrics;; none used.

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellpadding,0,true][atrb=cellspacing,0,true][atrb=height,688,true][atrb=width,500,true][atrb=background,http://i48.tinypic.com/jsewld.png,true] The mist urged him forward, swirling in a frantic fashion that had him alerted to something unfamiliar within his lands. He worked his way through the ghastly forest, warping his body around the skeletal trees that were only beginning to show the promise of regrowth with the coming spring time. The jungle-type land was indeed thick and full of life, but even it grew to be lifeless and awkward during the colder seasons. Sure the boiling lake around his land kept the terrain variably alive, but even it wasn't enough to defend against the colder months. He moved forward, following the trail of agitated mist that had been left in the wake of the outsider. The steam in the forest, keeping it hot, and yet so full of life, was swarming at his body, crawling up long, ivory pistons to scatter across his white splashed crimson form. His ears were erect, his neck faintly arched, as his mix-matched eyes (one blue, one brown) surveying the land as he passed through the last section of the forest, only to stop to see someone standing in his meadow, at the base of his caves that would lead them to his herd members. He put a foot down, snapping a twig and watched as the trespasser rose up, slashing out with finally shaped front limbs, hooves flashing in the air . . . hmm, a female trespasser, at least he didn't have to worry about she being a thread, did he? He smirked when she called out, Who's there? It's rude to stalk someone, y'know. He raised an eyebrow as he trotted out into the open, his gaze calm, eyes attentive, "I think it be far more rude to waltz into someone's home and threaten to walk into the private caves which house my still slumbering herds members." He retorted, trotting forward with the elegance and grace, as well as mantle of power of someone in his title. "I am Áedán, King of Avalon, who are you, trespasser, and what be your business with in my Kingdom?" He voiced out, standing tall, waiting silently, eyes attentive on her, "If you be with virus, I ask you leave at once. I have foals with in my terra, and I will not risk their health, or the health of their dam." THOUGHTS WORDS

Only a moment later, another equine was stepping out, and Alkyone was relieved, at that moment at least, to know that there were horses around here and she wasn't completely alone. Then his scent hit her and she frowned internally. Great. Of course it's a stallion. For all she knew, he'd been following her this whole time, and that was definitely a disturbing thought, one that had her dancing again with slight nervousness. It was perhaps a tick, this dancing thing, that had her daggers skidding lightly over the ground and pistons lifting her up easily. She wasn't built light, exactly, for she was very firmly-muscled and strong for a femme. But that only helped to add to her looks, for the way her musculature fitted beneath her silken pelt was attractive enough that Alkyone was able to overlook the scars on her hind legs and flanks. She knew most horses did too, for the scars had mostly healed over, and now fur was beginning to sneak its way over the ropey knitted flesh. It was a relief to know, except now, because the same old fear came rushing back, and Alkyone stared at this stranger with wary eyes. Was he here to hurt her? He very well could be. Alkyone could ignore any attractive stallion, no matter how handsome and flashy they were, so long as she knew they were a possible threat. Not every brute wanted to hurt her, but Alkyone was a cautious creature. Experience had taught her the virtue of that.

"I think it be far more rude to waltz into someone's home and threaten to walk into the private caves which house my still slumbering herds members." However, his words stopped her wayward thoughts in their tracks. Harks pricking forward, her nostrils flared as she took in that information. This meant that he had a family, so to speak. Perhaps she was not correct to assume that he meant harm to her well-being. Alkyone could not be sure, and simply remained silent for the time being, noting that he meant to speak more. She remained quiet to give him time to express himself, keeping close to the only exit she had that he was not blocking. However, Alkyone did not deem to grow too close to the cave's opening, as he'd already established that he was protective of it, for perfectly understandable reasons, so she saw no need to force anything, and kept an unthreatening posture without losing the squareness in her shoulders and the eye contact. She didn't want to appear a threat, even if he might be a stallion who thought femmes could not do damage, but Alkyone didn't want to lose any standing in this little conversation they were having. She wanted to present herself as cool-headed and someone to respect. Alkyone was less likely to get hurt that way. "I am Áedán, King of Avalon, who are you, trespasser, and what be your business with in my Kingdom?" Alkyone tilted her head just a bit at that, recognizing now why he'd approached her. It was reassuring enough, and she relaxed a bit. She meant no harm to his kingdom and would leave soon enough, if her presence here now was a problem. This was a solution easily found and acted out.

"My name's Alkyone." The femme replied, banner lifting on the slight breeze that twirled the fog behind the stallion, Aedan, drawing her light orbs away and back to him in a matter of miniscule seconds. "I'm alone and have no quarrel with you or your Kingdom, or whoever else stays here alongside you." She could promise this. Alkyone did want to be safe, but this place had done nothing but unnerve her so far. It's only pro thus far was that Aedan was proving to be.. nice enough. Time would only tell if her first impression was correct, and Alkyone was ready to flee at any time. Her pistons were straight and ready to dart away should he come at her, her diadem held high and orbs always watchful and alert. She was never caught off guard these days. Well, except in misty forests, it appeared. "If you be with virus, I ask you leave at once. I have foals with in my terra, and I will not risk their health, or the health of their dam." But at the word foals, her eyelashes fluttered over her golden-lit orbs, a slight sadness welling in her heart. But Alkyone dismissed the feeling just as quickly, making sure to reply with conviction, "I am not. I am new to this place, and have only just heard of the virus, let alone come in contact with it." Alkyone did not glance back at the caves, but she had to admit; she was quite curious as to how they worked. Horses underground? She'd never heard of such a thing.


Notes;; a much better post, starting to get the hang of her. <3
Word Count;; 848 words
To and From;; Alkyone to Aedan
Muse;; Good, getting better!
Lyrics;; none used.

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellpadding,0,true][atrb=cellspacing,0,true][atrb=height,688,true][atrb=width,500,true][atrb=background,http://i48.tinypic.com/jsewld.png,true] The stallion watched the way the mare seemed to be relieved as he stepped out, his eyes on her, cautious, watchful, a frown on his muzzle, ready to run her out if she proved a threat to his herd, his family. he had promised Belle that he wouldn't let anything happen to them and he intended to keep that promise. He moved forward slowly, noticing the way that she danced now, more from a nervous tick, making her feminine physique bounce slightly, her strong, muscled form with silky hide gleaming in the sun that reached the meadow (even if it didn't reach the forest he had emerged from). He watched the mare in silence for a moment, silently judging, taking her in, trying to see what she was about, why she was here . . . What she wanted. At one point he might have approached flirtingly, playing games to force her to stay. Now, he'd rather have her out then a toy to play with if she was a threat to the family he already had. How on earth had Belladonna changed him so much, he wondered? He didn't know but in truth he didn't care. He was going to protect her, and that . . . well that was that, and nothing would change his mind. He spoke then, watching as her ears perked forward, nostrils flaring, mind processing the information he'd given. He stood tall and fast, ready to defend his home, his foals, his mare should he need to. Instead though she seemed to just stand, waiting for him to speak, not growing any closer to the cave opening, trying to appear unthreatening while still holding her own ground. Interesting. He watched her as he gave his name, demanding to know who she was, why she was here. Her head tilted a bit, as she spoke, wind swirling and causing her gaze to bounce away then back to him in a split second. my name is alkyone. Alkyone. Original. Different. But it didn't answer why she was here in his land, his kingdom. And that is what he wanted to know. Especially if she was carrying the virus. I'm alone and have no quarrel with you or your Kingdom, or who ever else stays here alongside you. There was a faint flutter of relief on his face, but still his guard wasn't let down. It didn't mean she might not bring trouble unwittingly. He watched in silence for a moment, before questioning about the virus, watching her face at the mention of foals, thinking he saw something off. She replied though, I am not. I am new to this place, and have only just heard of the virus, let alone come in contact with it. Only then did the stallion relax and survey her quietly, watching her. "The virus is striking hard, and with my son so young I do not wish to risk his health. If you are certain that you're not of the infected, then I implore you forgive me for my brashness." He said calmly. When the hell had he become so gentlemanly. He was certain it had a lot to do with his sister's return and the mare in the caves with two foals. He watched the female slowly, "However, you never answered my question, Alkyone. What brings you to Avalon? It is not an easy land to reach, and it takes careful determination to arrive. It has but one entrance, so tell me. Why have you come to my home. For what purpose are you here?" He question, neither friendly nor unfriendly. Merely the over protective father making sure his son was safe. THOUGHTS WORDS

"The virus is striking hard, and with my son so young I do not wish to risk his health. If you are certain that you're not of the infected, then I implore you forgive me for my brashness." Alkyone was surprised, she admitted that. After all, he had yet to make a move toward her and seemed entirely focused on protecting his herd from her, instead of converting her and herding her in like she was a stray cow. Alkyone preferred not to be herded, thank you very much. But so far, Aedan had quite a.. a gentleman. It was astounding, to be honest. But she was still wary, and did not relax fully. No, she would not trust anyone on their first few words, that was foolishness. Anyone's temperment could change on the dime, especially when things started going there way. No, for now, she would continue to remain cautious and see if she could find a way out if this situation before everything went downhill and she began to regret ever attempting the excitement of navigating this treacherous place. Even with stallions as well-spoken and handsome as this, Alkyone was still on edge. "I have taken no offense. Your concern makes sense, now that I know its cause." It made sense for any father to protect his son. Alkyone supposed she could respect that.

But then he spoke again, and once more, she was tensing up again. It took a lot of focus not to dance in place like a nervous hen, and instead she dug the front tip of her left dagger hard into the ground, trying to stay as still as possible as he continued to speak. "However, you never answered my question, Alkyone. What brings you to Avalon? It is not an easy land to reach, and it takes careful determination to arrive. It has but one entrance, so tell me. Why have you come to my home. For what purpose are you here?" Well, that was answered easily enough. She twitched her harks and brought her crown up, orbs fixing on him as Alkyone explained, "I sought an adventure." She felt slightly embarrassed at that, but carried on without further ado. "I'd heard tales of Avalon, and its misty banks. I thought I'd see if I could prove everyone wrong and step through myself without harm." She flexed her pistons, well aware that he might take offense at that, adding, "I certainly did not account for you." Amusement made her lips curve, even as she prepared to make haste, should he advance now at what might be presumed insolence.


Notes;; n/a
Word Count;; 454 words
To and From;; Alkyone to Aedan
Muse;; not too bad
Lyrics;; none used.

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellpadding,0,true][atrb=cellspacing,0,true][atrb=height,688,true][atrb=width,500,true][atrb=background,http://i48.tinypic.com/jsewld.png,true] Right now, with the virus affecting the lands, well . . . the suave stallion's primary intention was keeping both his son, and Kazimer (who he'd become to consider his son by association) safe and out of harms way. Them, and their mother. Belladonna had gone through a lot as of late, and he had no intention of letting anything else bother her, get to her, send her to her knees. No. She, and her sons would be safe with in Avalon, he would ensure it. So of course he'd approached the female as if she were a potential threat, but now that he knew she didn't have the virus, he allowed a bit more of his cocky, confident, womanizer side to show through . . . well, not so much womanizer, as much as the manipulator that lead to the womanizing actions. He indeed was a manipulator, and as he let an easy smile cross his features, he apologized to the mare, noting her surprise. Was she not used to the apologizing, or coming across a stallion who's first intentions were towards his herd . . . hmm, perhaps he could work with that, spin his web with that before capturing her in. He could play the role of a gentleman, now that he'd been reminded what one is. He moved forward, keeping a respectable distance, as he told him that she took no offense, that the concern made since with the cause now known. He nodded once, glancing at the mare as if just now realizing how terrible of a host he'd been, "Oh, please, forgive me - again. I suppose I've forgotten my manners, what with the threat of the virus looming down my back. You look like you've wandered for a while, perhaps I can show you to some green grass, water?" He offered with a polite bow of his head, before asking for her to answer his question on why she was here in Avalon. He watched her ears twitch ever so faintly before she was raising her head, eyes focusing on him, I sought an adventure. He raised an eyebrow, noting the embarrassment, and allowing the faintest sign of amusement to pass over his facial structure. An adventure? So she came to Avalon. He couldn't help but find it relatively impressive. Quite a big adventure for such a female to take on though. Did she not know the ta- I'd heard tales of Avalon, and its misty banks. I though I'd see if I could prove everyone wrong and step through myself with out harm. He frowned then, his mind going to what lay between the fiery waters surrounding the island, to this centermost point. She though to defy the land to make it through. I certainly did not account for you. This time laughter bubbled up as he looked upon her, a faint conspiring smile on her face as he lowered his head, and lowered his voice, "Let me tell you something, dear." His tone was lightly, playful, completely hiding the fact he was about to tell her something so dangerous, "With out me, you wouldn't have made it through. It took me many months, all through fall, winter, and a large portion of this spring, to claim, tame, and prepare this land for other dwellers. THere are . . . creatures in this land not seen in thousands of years. Monsters of gigantic proportions, who'd take you as a delectable little snack. There are creatures more dangerous then the most untrustworthy stallion. I've made peace with them, created alliances, allowed them to keep some of their own domain with in this land, and they serve me now as something a kin to guard dogs." A deafening roar echoed across the lands then at the words 'serve me', and for the briefest moment the stallion's expression lit up with unguarded amusement and life, as he spun and trumpeted back a response to the very creatures he'd been discussing, obviously solving what ever situation they though he was putting them in, "As you can see from their roars alone, they are capable allies." He declared, turning back to the mare with a grin, "With out having tamed the land, it would have been near impossible to survive the first ten minutes in the land. Now we leave side by side, but they still get testy from time to time." He watched her now, for her reaction to these monster-beasts. Amused and waiting. THOUGHTS WORDS

"Oh, please, forgive me - again. I suppose I've forgotten my manners, what with the threat of the virus looming down my back. You look like you've wandered for a while, perhaps I can show you to some green grass, water?" Alkyone blinked at that, startled by the question. So he'd changed his mind about her being a threat- was this him showing his true colors? Was he a gentleman beneath the overprotective exterior? Something inside her certainly agreed with that idea; it was an attractive one to her. But she refused to be swayed so easily; no brute was going to capture her on words alone, he had to prove he wasn't just a handsome pelt filled with hot air, like some ridiculous balloon. Nonetheless, Alkyone found herself slightly charmed by his words and she shifted, startled at this revelation. Where had all her wariness and well-founded caution gone? Disturbed, she only just tuned in to his words and hesitated for a moment before replying, "I- I would like that, thank you, Aedan." She murmured, long curtain shifting over her lightly muscled boa as she bent in a nod, eyes still watching him with a great deal of wariness, even though it was significantly less than her usual amount.

Then he started talking about monsters. Alkyone's skin shivered of its own accord, rippling with the affect as she flattened her harks to her skull, unsure if he was just toying with her now, or if the truth was spilling from his lips like gold and she should take it and run with it now. Then a great howl split the air and Alkyone jumped in surprise, instinctively scooting toward Aedan as if to put herself behind something strong, and then blinked at what she'd done, stiffening slightly. Why was she acting like some damsel-in-distress? Because if he's telling the truth and that noise just came from some horrible beast, then I have no choice, because otherwise I have no way of escaping out of here, unless he helps me. Alkyone swallowed at that realization, orbs cutting back to the stallion in her vision, moving away from him slightly when she realized she was entirely too close, close enough to share his warmth, thanks to her frightful movement seconds before. "As you can see from their roars alone, they are capable allies. With out having tamed the land, it would have been near impossible to survive the first ten minutes in the land. Now we leave side by side, but they still get testy from time to time." Okay, now she was impressed, entirely despite herself. "You tamed them?"


Notes;; Blargg, sorry that took so long!
Word Count;; 479 words
To and From;; Alkyone to Aedan
Muse;; n/a
Lyrics;; none used.

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellpadding,0,true][atrb=cellspacing,0,true][atrb=height,688,true][atrb=width,500,true][atrb=background,http://i48.tinypic.com/jsewld.png,true] it appeared that he was definitely keeping her on her toes apparently, do to the fact she looked so startled by his question. He tilted his head, waiting quietly for her response and grinned slightly at the way she murmured, nodding slightly, watching him with wariness - though not as much now - I- I would like that, thank you, Aedan. She said and he nodded with a kind smile, "Of course ma'am, no need to thank me at all.

[/color]" He spoke quietly. He watched the way she shivered at his comment on the monsters, her ears flattening, and then the howl echoed and she jumped - instantly moving closer to him, before blinking and stiffening. He nudged her shoulder lightly, "Fear not, the creatures and I have an understanding . . . they do not attack those with in my land, as long as they are in this meadow, on the path, or they smell of my scent marking them members of my herd.[/color]" He assured her, incase she worried they'd be heading out now. Ready to kill her. She looked back at him, before moving away, and he laughed at her voice when she spoke, You tamed them? He shook his head, "Why tame such magnificent creatures. They are not pets to command around. No, rather, they and I . . . we have worked out an alliance, and understanding. It is this land I have tamed. The creatures and I inhabit side by side. As equals. No one has tamed one another, my dear.[/color]" He explained, before smiling and nudging her lightly, friendly, "Now, let me show you to the meadow? The underground one, if you are still worried about the creatures." He suggested, turning towards the cave system. "It has the best grass, and water, in my opinion. So, please, come . . .[/color]"

THOUGHTS
WORDS [/div][/td][/tr][/table][/center]