only a blink away [OPEN]

[glamourkills]

Time seemed to freeze as she made her way through the tall grass. Eyes of dark brown swept from left to right, inspecting every bit of ice and snowflake that hovered in the cold, winter air. Life teemed at its peak, her heart raced with excitement as she hoped for a good spring o come. She hoped for one that hadn't been as lonely as last. Her hormones coursed through her veins, she stepped carefully over frosty dirt and rocks. Now and then, her teeth and lips ripped up grass and chewed it slowly, thoughtfully. Where could everyone be?
She couldn't have really traveled that far from her valley, could she?
Flicking long hairs on her rump to rid of the flies, her dappled coat warmed slowly in the rising sun. It was barely noon and the crook gave off a nice sparkle, it was clear and clean witha thin layer of ice covering it's sound. The fresh taste rinsed the grass and dryness rom her mouth and filled her stomach. As content as she could be, she shook out her dark colored mane and set off at a sloth-like walk. There was no direction for her, she had no trail to follow or a destination in mind other than home.
"Home," she mumbled, her muzzle pointed down with eyes barely on what was in front of her. Making a zig zag pattern, she made extra careful not to trip or slip up. Last winter, she had gotten a nasty cut along her shoulder, she had been foolish enough to cross a pass deep with fresh fallen snow and thick, black ice. Another shake of her head, she let her eyes roll. There was no use in being down when there was no reason to be.
"I'm alive ain't I? There's someone waiting for me, I know it. That's why I'm still here," her voice was quiet and melodic, a true female's voice. A voice that longed to be next to a smile.
She stopped in place to admire the dazzling sun, muzzle dark as ash tilted up with nostrils flared. All the sweet scents brought in a cold wind from ahead. Winter was in season and it made her shiver, prickles rolled down her spine.
Now she would wait, there was a promise feeling in her mind. There had to be others nearby, had to be.

character; charlotte
word count; 396
comments; yay for recycling, (: i wanted to get started, it'll probably get better once i clean the rust off. lol

[Kardia]

Sturdy hooves softly stroked the ground as long slender legs struck out at the air. The sleek smooth body propelled itself easily through the snowy air, as her legs picked up speed. Puffs of warm ear flew from the large grey nostrils as the lungs in the deep wide chest inhaled and exhaled. Abruptly the strong grey dappled hind legs dug into the cold frozen ground, bringing her to a sudden stop. Her large elegant head swung to turn into the wind. She inhaled deeply, and picked up the small of another mare.

Her large sharp brown eyes searched for the other horse she soon found her. ’Hmm you don’t see many with a coat that color.’ She looked her over; it was hard to make out much about her, except the color of her coat, and the long course black hair of her mane and tail. Kardia watched her for a while letting her own pelt warm in the rising sun. Her mind wondered to ho she should approach the mare, she knew she needed members in her ne heard, but if this mare liked the winter, her home was no place for her.

She scanned the area around them searching for more horse, or any other animals, only to come up empty handed. That wasn’t a horrible problem for her; she preferred that it only be her and this new mare. Mistikos Kardia watched the snow pond the hill her body was perched on, the wind was quite angry here. She shook her body then slowly started down the hill. On a second thought she paused and let out a high pitched whinny to let the other mare know someone was close at hand. She through her body back on her hind legs and pawed the air, then shot off down the hill faster than lighting.

She let her body take its full speed, as she advanced on the other mare. She could now see the scar on her shoulder, and the deep dappling of her coat. She pulled u on her speed carefully allowing her body to walk then halt in front of the mare. Her large soft brown eyes looked her over. Kardi’s miss trust of all things, especially mares took over her brain making her ears slant back slightly. Her voice was clear and crisp like the new snow falling slowly around them, “My name is Mistikos Kardia, leader of the Kalokairi heard. Who are you?” She looked over her stance carefully searching for a sing she might attack, or run.

[Steph]

The frost had come; taking with it the beautiful colors and crisp air of autumn. Branches sagged with the weight of the heavy snow, some had not survived last nights storm and laid dead at the base of their mother. Huge maples groaned as the wind tried to take them from the earth. The same wind bit at the flesh of those who were not protected against the harsh winter. Luckily the bite of the wind was soothed with the minute warmth of the sun battling through the bleak gray clouds. It was a little after noon and the sun was at its peak, trying to warm those bellow, but wind was gaining ground.

Already tracks covered the freshly falling snow. The creatures of forevermora were out trying to find food, what little there was that is. It was only a few weeks into winter and already the bark on the trees was stripped from equines and deer, few tufts of grass were left underneath the snow. These next few weeks would test the living creatures, and some would not pass the test. However, many of the equines of forevermora would, they where the dominate creatures here, others knew to stay clear.

White clouds formed at the end of my muzzle as I exhaled the biting winter air. My pelt was at its darkest bay, and contrasted with the pure whit of the snow. My muscles contracted and relaxed as the pushed my bulk through the thick heavy snow. Last nights snow was already crystallized and hard, and made traveling difficult. I weaved my way in and out of the dense forest, shaking every now and then to rid my carcass of snow.

I was moving mechanically one foot in front of the other, my thorns upright listening for any sounds. The snow deepened as I made my way out of the forest, the ground now longer protected by the trees. Wind whipped my dark mane and tail, and the initial sting gave me the chills. Tossing my head in the air I increased my pace to any easy trot. My muscles responded and my body temperature began to rise. Extending my pillars, I pushed my body into a canter. The snow broke off in hard checks and flew everywhere. I snorted and flung my head as sharp pieces hit my undercarriage.

Locking my knees I came to a halt, snow flew everywhere pelting my body. I inhaled deeply there were other equines around, mares to be exact. There spices lingered in my nares, and I pawed the ground. One of them was ready to breed. A cry filled the air, and I knew that they were close. I made no vocalization; I liked the element of surprise. Turning I made my way back into the woods; they wouldn’t be able to see me through the trees.

It took only a few minutes to reach the mares, and as they came into sight I slowed my pace. My senses were alert as they took in the atmosphere. My thorns swiveled picking up the faint flow of the river, the snow settling under the others hoofs. Inhaling deeply I sorted the mares smells, finding which one was in estrus, and storing them both in my memory. My deep chocolate orbs scanned the area, looking for other signs of life particularly other stallions, and then focusing on the mares.

They were both old enough to breed, and in good health. The mare facing me was the one who was ready to mate. Her coloring intrigued me; I had yet to see an equine with such pelt. She had a small stature, and was of a sleek build. My orbs traveled to the other mare, her face I could not see. Her pelt blended in with the pure white of the snow. She was of a medium build, and height. Observing the way she stood I could tell this mare was uneasy. And I assumed she would be even more uncomfortable when I revealed my presence.

My harks came forward as the white mare spoke. “My name is Mistikos Kardia, leader of the Kalokairi heard. Who are you?” Interesting, a mare with her own herd, well land at least. Not waiting for the dappled vixen to reply I entered the clearing. I allowed my irons to fall heavily on the snow, letting them know I was there. I came to them at an easy walk and stopped in line with the white mare, my body separating the two equines. I watched the two of them for their response; wondering if either of them had heard me in the woods, or if they had truly let down their guards.

“ I am Bishop, ruler of Knightly Rise.” My voice was a contrast to the white mares. Mistikos Kardia, I believe that’s what she introduced herself as. But right now she was of no interest to me. However the unclaimed dapple mare was. I turned to the smaller mare keeping my harks on the white one. “May I ask your name?”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Word Count - 846
Sound/Song - my thoughts
notes - i am a liitle rusty so bare with me!

[glamourkills]

<sub>It did not take long for her senses to pick up another. Her heart raced with anticipation, hope, and adrenaline. Could this other being be friendly or a predator? Her ears shot up to take in the sounds of beating hooves, her chocolate brown eyes on the fluttering snow cascading around a grayish white other. The smell that tingled in her nostrils told her that this one, equine she believed, was a mare, just like herself. This thought calmed her, made her feel more at ease, since no mare would beat another. She was sure of it.
Waiting, watching, she let her gaze follow the muscle movement of this fast beat mare. Through the thick wind of winter, she heard the high pitched whinny cut through the frosty air, it reached her and a shiver greeted her body. Shaking off the light dusting of snow on her dappled pelt, her legs felt frozen in place. Should she run? Should she stay? Her ears shifted down and than up, her tail whipping in an uneasy, agitated manner.
A cloud of powder brushed along her cheeks as the other mare greeted her in an also tensed manner. Assessing this one, Charlotte was still unsure of whether to run or not. There was a climbing feeling of the need to run, a feeling that there was another one watching.
Before the other mare could open her mouth, her eyes scanned the entire meadow. Everything was covered in frost, beautiful and white. A warm, mellow feeling washed over her until her eyes met the dark shadows of the forest. There had to be someone else waiting in those depths for them.
Being pulled out of her thoughts, she almost didn't catch the crisp voice of Mistikos Kardi. Latching her eyes onto the mare, she then was aware of the hidden being in the forest. Not really daring to watch this other one, she kept her thoughts else where. All along, her nose spoke to her, telling her that this was a stallion, a male extremely more dangerous than the gray mare in front of her.
The loud hoof beats made her shoulders jump, she flattened her ears for a moment while listening to the deep contrast of the two voices. Admiring the flow of his well built body, her heart was beginning to leap into her throat.
"Well, hello to both of you," she murmured, the soft melody of her voice tinging the howling wind. "I go by Charlotte and it's a pleasure to meet you both," a dancing smile and a bit of a cheery look flashed in her eyes, she wasn't about to look frightened in front of two head horses. Except, she had a thought of what was going to happen in the near future. The question for her was, who was she going to follow home?


character; charlotte
word count; 475
comments; well, i'm guessing this is going to get interesting.(;</sub>

[Kardia]

Kardia felt eyes on and this other mare, but she as unconcerned, she could tell this smaller mare was ready to breed and no stallion would pass her by. She was sweet and gentle looking mare that would most likely be a great mother. She watched the thought of flight cross the mare’s eyes and grew intensely. As she watched this, she relaxed her own body, but kept her ear cocked back to the forest. ‘What manor of stallion is amongst us?’ she thought calmly to herself. Then the sound of breaking snow attacked her ears.

“What type of ruffian walks that loudly through snow?” She grumbled just loud enough that maybe the other mare could hear. She turned her eyes on the stallion as he stopped half way in front of her. She laid her ears back in anger, ‘How rude, even of a brute of his size.’ She though angrily. She took a deep breath and relaxed herself, for some reason she was oddly calmer now a stallion was in their midst. “Nice to meet you Bishop of Knight Rise, and you Lady Charlotte” she spoke in a strong voice, full of confidence, she was sure the stallion had heard her own name.

She side stepped the stallion to stand next to him. She had heard the way Charlotte and flinched away from his loud and vexing movements. ’I wonder what he has in mind for her, besides breeding her.’ She looked him over carefully eyeing how tall and well-built he was. The wind whipped at her body and mane. Since she lived in one of the warmest paces around she was not use to this frigid weather. Her body convulsed deeply with a shiver, how she longed to go home where it was warm.

The next thought to enter her mind was if she wanted this mare in her head she would need to ask before this stallion had the chance. Taking a deep breath and relaxing her body to look friendly, she took a step forward. “Charlotte, I am looking for new members to join my quickly growing heard.” She spoke carefully making sure not to sound week to this large brute. She kept her voice strong yet warm, “Charlotte, how would you feel about joining my heard?” Kardia watched her carefully for a moment keeping her body relaxed and open, and also holding her to look like a leader. She turned her head slightly so she could see the stallion out of the corner of her eye

.

[Steph]

Everything became cast in a shadow as a deep gray cloud positioned itself in front of the sun’s rays. The prospect of a nice day disappeared with the threat of a coming storm. The cold weather didn’t bother the bay stallion, but the snow did become a nuisance. A gust of crisp wind blew through the unprotected meadow, and unhinged the snow from its resting place in the trees. A flock of startled birds took flight screeching into the gray sky.

--------------

Other than the noises of the earth, there was complete silence. The three of us stood still examining one another formulating our first impressions. I saw fear creep into the dun mare’s orbs, but it died off as she spoke. Her vocals were soft and the wind nearly carried them away. I kept my dark orbs focused on hers seeing if she would give anything away. On the surface her orbs produced a dancing cheery look but a glimmer of fear escaped her control. A smirk briefly crossed my muzzle, letting her know what I saw. But also to reassure her that my motives here where good. But I was sure are measures of good and evil were quite different. “It’s a pleasure to meet you Charlotte.”

Feeling the gaze of the other vixen I turned to face her. Her thorns were laid back in aggravation and anger. My thorns responded the same way, there bay color disappearing in my thick onyx mane. I snorted white tufts of air formed in front of my muzzle. It was not meant as a threat, merely a warning. As the mare exhaled her demeanor changed, she became relaxed and calm. I responded by raising my thorns and taking a few steps backwards giving her some space.

When the mare spoke again, she had more power. The contest for the dun mare’s approval had started, and the atmosphere of our gathering shifted. I smirked as the pearl mare spoke “Knightly Rise, Mistikos Kardia. And it is a pleasure to meet you as well.” Getting the name of another’s rulers land wrong was not a mistake one should make. I was surprised when the vixen moved closer to me, but my I did not move, but my thorns titled back. I did would not allow her to come any closer.

Instead she moved closer to Charlotte. I knew what was coming; the queen was trying to get ahead of me. I stood back and let her make her move, knowing mine would come next. Settling herself Mistikos Kardia spoke in a warm tone asking the dun mare to join her herd. I waited till she looked at me to make my move.

Unlike Mistikos Kardia I did not move myself closer to Charlotte. I did not want her to feel like I was pushing her; the choice was completely hers and I wanted her to choose freely. “Well Charlotte, you know why I am here as well. And I offer you a place in my home.” I did not change my vocals nor my stance. I was not trying to put on a façade to win this mare.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Word Count - 524
Sound/Song - my brother and sister fighting
notes - eww ewww eww... sorry this is so bad

[glamourkills]

<sub>A fighting sensation ripped through Charlotte. She saw the glances tossed back and forth between the two in front of her. She could see the dominant look in both of their eyes, but she did see other things. In the stallion, she could tell he could see through her, see the slight fear that clung to her heart. He was also more spacious and less demanding, but that to her was just a way of persuasion. In the mare, she saw care and feminism, a soft tone that no stallion could ever hold. When she was closed in on, but also given more room, her head twirled in emotions. Her mind was telling her to be smart, go with the mare. Yet, her body screamed to elope with the stallion.

Taking a deep breath, she closed her dark brown eyes for a moment. Swishing her tail with the gust of frost, she shivered fervently for a few moments. The cold was biting into her, the wind was getting harsher and harsher. As the shadows of winter covered her warmth, she only wished to be in a sunnier, drier place.

Exhaling, she let her eyes open and look between the two. They looked so eager for her to be their follower. Except, that wasn't what she was. She wasn't a follower, oh no. Charlotte would never submit to anything lower than the top. A small smile, almost too small to see curled at her ashen lips. Shifting her weight, she batted her eyes at Bishop and then gave a good look at Kardia. Her answer might come to a surprise to them or it might not, but this wasn't her decision. It was going to be theirs.

"I'm not going to pick either unless," she paused for a moment, trying to pick the right words. She had to say words that would make them double think their want for her, wanted them to second think any doubts. She may be pretty, but there was more to her than just looks. "you let me be more important than just any silly old herd member," the smile grew and grew on her face. Happiness excluding the cold from her body, she was going to get her way, whether these two liked it or not.

"If I end up choosing one or the other right away, I'm not going to be happy and it's all about the happiness of your herd, is it not? So how I see it is, I get something special out of it and I'll go along. If not," a little shrug rippled the dapples across her shoulders, "I kind of like," looking around, a minute pause to admire the scenery, "the snow. I could play here all day by myself and never get bored," once she stopped, she gave each a look. It was a determining look, trying to figure out their expressions, read their thoughts. Would they go for it? She hoped so, the cold really wasn't her thing. Holding her breath lightly, Charlotte waited for at least one response that she would favor.


character; charlotte
word count; 513
comments; (:</sub>

[Kardia]

Kardia smiled sweetly at the stallion, and taking aside step away from him to give him more room. He clearly was unhappy that she was there. She wasn’t sure why he was acting like a bee stinger was stuck in his belly, but he was quite aggravated with her. She was sure the mare, Charlotte, would pick his heard over her own. The wind whipped up her mane and tail streaming it out making it flow like the grey clouds, pregnant with snow. ‘A storm will hit us for sure if we stay out here in the open, we might freeze…’ she thought as she shook the thick blanket of snow from her back. Her eyes darted longingly to the trees wishing for their protection from the snow and wind. While looking at the trees she made it seem as if she was merely making sure there was nothing else waiting to attack them.

She turned calmly back to Charlotte as her voice stroked the frigid air. A smirk stroked her lips as she listened to Charlotte. ‘What a thinker, I could use someone like her in my heard.’ She turned to look at Bishop wondering what he was thinking. It was odd for any horse to demand such a position after just meeting the heard leader. Kardia watched her carefully mulling it over in her mind. Would someone who demanding something so strongly turn easily on their leader, or would they take what directions they were told and do them well. Suspicion crossed her mind, but she was careful to keep her face blank. How could someone that demanded be happy with only a high ranking position? Her deep brown eyes danced as she thought, her mind whirling. ‘What type of position could I offer her?’ she thought looking her over calmly, she kind of needed to see her in action, running or something of the sort.

Her mind came to two conclusions, but she needed to see her move, ‘But how to get her moving?’ Her deep brown eyes looked over the mare carefully, pausing on her legs, chest, shoulders, and hind quarters. She looked like a runner, but she couldn’t know for sure. She was just about to speak when the wind picked up to a screeching howl. She groaned and pivoted slightly as to block the wind. Her voice was loud yet gentle as she could make it and still be heard over the wind, ”Charlotte, I can tell you of two important jobs that I think you would be fit for.” She paused as the wind picked up the dropped off. ”You can pick between lead scout, or lead spy.” A shiver took over her body as the wind bit into her soft flesh. Her mind raced back to the trees; surely they could talk much easier there than out here in this damned wind and snow. She spoke up again, this time addressing Bishop and Charlotte, “This would be much easier if you moved to the shelter of the trees. It looks like a storm might hit soon. What do you two say?”

OOC; Sorry this took so long, I had three huge tests I needed to study for =p

[Steph]

Time to creep by slowly, and as each seconded disappeared the temperature dropped and I became less placid. I could feel my blood quicken through my veins my muscles twitched in response, wanting to move. The wind whipped at the trees and the bite of it hitting my pelt sent a chill through my body. I pawed lightly at the ground, trying to release some of my tension.

I watched out of the corner of my dark orb as the other “leader” took a step away from me. Smart move I thought as I followed her gaze to the trees. Clearly the wench was too thinned skinned for the cold, and I assumed for many other things as well. I did not like this other mare and as I grew less patient my hostility towards her increased. My body wanted to fight, but I knew that this white wench would flee, and although I have chased down equines. I was in the mood for a battle.

I tossed my boa in the air; my banner flapped with the slight wind and settled in a messy array. Air clouded in front of my nares as I let out a deep aggravated breath, waiting for the dappled vixen to reply. Her vocals came, and they were stronger than the other times she had spoken. As she spoke my thorns pricked forward, she had caught my attention.

A place of power? I smirked. This was not the response I would have predicted form this soft spoken, timed mare. Who when I first arrived, set an uneasy tone and quivered away from my bulk; these actions could not be present in my lead mare. Hell I was having seconded thoughts about letting her into my herd. But I was a stallion and her scent and looks were just barely keeping me grounded.

I looked over at the white whore, taking in her thoughts. Wondering if she would be foolish enough to offer Charlotte a job she was incapable of fulfilling, although I already knew she would. I chuckled softly as the “queen of Kalokaíri” gave a position that was vital to her herd’s survival away. The members of Kalokaíri would not survive, and I had plans for their leader, but now was not the time to act on them.

[color=black My thorns merged with my cranium as Mistikos kardia spoke. “There will be no need to move this gathering to the woods.” My vocals had lost there friendly tone and became flat with lack of interest. “Charlotte I will not offer you a lead position. I do not feel you have what it takes to lead others.” I paused and looked at Mistikos kardia and then back towards the dun mare. “However I will once again extend my offer to a place in my home.” I paused and took a step towards the dun mare. “A land, that will be much more prosperous and powerful then Mistikos kardia could ever dream of ruling.”


I gave my body a shake to rid my carcass of the snow. I would not wait long for Charlotte to respond. I glanced over at the other mare knowing she would take offense to my words. But I doubt she would act on them, and if she did… well I wont spoil the surprise.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Word Count - 544
Sound/Song - many songs
notes - not as good as I would have liked… Sorry it took so long

[glamourkills]

She waited calmly, patiently, knowing she would get something out of this ordeal. Her eyes flickered between Kardia and Bishop. They both looked at her back, but she could also see the tension between the two leaders. What had she created? Breathing lightly, she was a bit confused now. Rolling thoughts over in her mind, she thought quickly. Who would she pick? Folding her ears back, it didn't take long for Kardia to reply to her.

Dismay crossed her face when the white mare spoke. She was afraid to dismiss the mare and her offer. She was not a runner, oh no no. Glancing toward the trees, her head leaned back a little and before she could reply, Bishop was putting his two thoughts into the whole thing. Mulling over his words, she laughed. It was a tinkling, girlish laugh. Smiling at the stallion, took a step toward him.

"You must have mistook my words for something else. I do not want to be your lead mare, I just want respect and something other than just some dingy mare you keep as a prize. Let me give you an example, if I were to agree to go with you and later on you bring other mares, I want respect from them. I know I'm not right to lead and direct others, I just don't like being at the bottom. Of course, I would," she paused to get a breath. All these words spilled from her mouth without little thought, she was hoping she was taking the right direction. "do things to prove that I am better than other pathetic mares," she finished her sentence with a shy smile, feminine and eyes aglow.

Then, she gave a sorry, sympathetic look toward Kardia. "I apologize for this, but I do not want to spy or protect a herd. I am not a burly mare, I have no ambition to fight or do anything that requires long time away from others. Call me a socialite, a whore, whatever you may, but that is not something I would like. I would love to be friends, but your offer just isn't right," she shrugged her shoulders just a bit. Her tail flicked lazily, heavy with ice. Shivering forcefully to warm her dappled hide, she then continued to look between the two.

She then looked at her hooves and up to the two leaders standing in front of her. "Now that I've had my say, do your minds change because of right now, I'm favoring you, Sir," she smiled faintly. She did also have a conscience, a soft side, she wasn't only power hungry. Breathing deeply, the conditions were not doing her any good; they were making her more hormonal than she wanted to be. Pawing, she took a step back from the stallion and glanced at the darkening sky. What was she to do?

Continuing to think, Charlotte felt the need to do something. Being undecided was just awful. Her good, light mood had disappated into thin air. Thhey had not given her exactly what she wanted, but the bay stallion's answer had been good enough. A promising herd, most likely warmer than these conditions. It was a wonderful thought, indeed. Nibbling on her lip, she kept glancing at Bishop. There was something about this bad mood of his that she had ingnored, but also liked. It attracted her, but contradicted how she felt about Kardia. She did want a female friend and it sounded like Bishop hadn't found many others if he was still offering her a home. Pawing at the ground, she kept silent. All she could do now was wait.


character: charlotte
word count: 617
comments: oh thats a jumbled mess, but charlotte is seeming to lean that way too. :/ hmmm! ill code later.

[Steph]

what shall we do with this?

[glamourkills]

ooc; well, if kard isn't going to reply within the next day or so, charlotte was going to go with bishop anyways.

[Steph]

ok if she doesnt we can just take this to Knightly Rise

[glamourkills]

ooc; okay, i think we should give her up until the activity check is over.

[Steph]

ooc: i was thinking the same thing