Am I doing this right? (Crow'sia)

[`Swish]

Lailiana

Her eyes rolled around in their sockets in a paranoid way. She couldn't even hear the thuds of her hoof beats against the soggy earth, or the chirps of birds in trees. Why was everything muted? It seemed that this particular part of the forest was deserted. It was thicker than the other areas and much more stuffy. Thin beams of light fought their way through the thick leaves over head. But it was a pathetic effort, the dusty brown mare continuously bumped into the trees all around her. She snorted loudly in frustration and looked up towards the canopy, hoping to see some sign of thinning. She smiled slightly when she saw larger open patches further on. There was a scuffling sound from somewhere behind her, she yelp and leaped around only to find a little brown bird hopping out of a bush. She sighed. Get a grip.

In only a few more minutes the trees began to thin out. The further she walked the faster the trees and shrubs seemed to disappear. The forest was surely coming to an end now? At least let there be a clearing. She began breathing faster with anticipation, her chest expanding and deflating rapidly. Then suddenly, there was no longer damp earth underneath her, but thick green grass, golden in some places because of the season. The fresh Autumn wind suddenly hit her, she hadn't noticed it in the forest. It played merrily with her mane and tail, sending the blond tassels flying in all directions. The sun was bright, casting rays of golden light onto the beautiful grass. She could see no forest in the distance, only long, lush grass. She was evidently no longer in the forest.

She smiled happily to herself. It seemed she hadn't known it until she found it but this was the kind of place that she'd been looking for. The mare was terribly claustrophobic. She culdn't have stood much more time in that dreaded forest. So dark, so confined. She needed space to run. She shook her head playfully and half reared, once her pillars hit the ground, she was off in a rapid gallop. Her body moved and flowed as if it was part of the swaying grass, or the wind tumbeling over it. She had no trouble pushing down the blades of lovely green and gold. She was completely at ease. The scent of others had not once entered her nostrils. It could have been because the wind was being pushed into them far to hard for her to concentrate on smells. Once she had run so far that the forest was way over the horizon and the only trees she could see were a few clumps here and there, she stopped.

She thought she ought to find out if she was on somebody's land. She found only the scent of one mare. But the scent was strong, this land had been marked by a lead mare. Excitment suddenly struck her. To live with a herd in this land! That would be fulfiling her childhood dreams. She never did have a herd, she couldn't remeber for how long she had wanted one. But then she frowned. How did one join a herd. She thought for a while, rehersing a few scenarios in her head. "Oh well", she muttered. She took in a very deep breath and shut her eyes. After a few seconds her lips parted and from them errupted a enormous squeal. It rang out over the land like music, and echoed just slightly. If that didn't get somebody's attention, what would? She retreatd to the shade of a large lone tree, locked her knees and stood contently.

notes; muse ain't so great right now.
tags; Ms Lailiana
status; complete

[Crow'sia]

Gypsum, Gertrude

Gertrude, self proclaimed lead of the Fields, wanderer extraordinaire, had somehow survived the storm, the second in her life. Now with the sun so warm on her back, and the meadows so untouched and welcoming, she felt a sort of reckless pride. She could survive anything, do anything- if only there were other with her, a sneaky voice said. And the mare found that she was okay with this revelation. She didn't need to do everything by herself. Finally her all her mother's rambling speeches were clicking into place in her mind.

There were others here now, although few. She saw them on occasion, ran with them now and then. When the nights were cold they huddled together, when someone needed water, they traveled together. The wolf saw to that often enough, and in her own way Gertrude was grateful for the predator's presence. He kept them together. Poor luck for the mare, that this hadn't been true since the storm. Gertrude hadn't so much as caught a whiff or a whimper of a single mare in the last two days on the meadow. Until now.

--

They were concealed by the few lingering leaves of the forest, with the grassland just a footstep away. Gypsum stood shoulder to shoulder with Nagisa, having made the journey from the mountain valley, eying the grassland as if it might be poisonous. His nose traversed every bush and his ears twitched with every noise. There was no sign of anyone.

The journey had been an adventure of its own sort, although Gypsum wouldn't aptly admit that to anyone. Once they'd been lost. He credited Nagisa with finding the path that led them successfully out the the unexpected valley, although pride kept that quiet. She'd mastered, he thought, the 'Tralala!' song he had invented, although her voice could use some work. Still, he rather liked the strange lilt it had. Perhaps, if she stayed with Gertrude, he could visit and they would practice together. The thought sent anxiety twisting through his guts. It surprised him to think how much he wanted Gertrude to let him remain in the meadows. For now, he pushed the thought aside, content to snuffle the ground. That's when he heard the trill cry. It lingered in his ears like a song.

"There are others!" he cried, loud enough that across the meadow the stranger might even hear. He didn't recognize the voice, but maybe it was Gertrude. She was very young after all, too young in his opinion to be a lead, and her voice might have changed in his time away. He took a deep breath, trying to suck in something of a scent. Nothing. It might as well have been a breath of air.

"I don't recognize her. Suggestion: we approach with caution, miss Nagisa!" he said, turning just enough so that he could she her face.

Despite the warning here, Gypsum didn't feel particularly inclined to being careful. He could feel his veins and guts bubbling with excitement. Things were going right. That morning, the stallion had taken time to bath in a riverbed, and found himself once again nicely coated in clay. When others found them, or when the pair found others, they would see a pale, and oddly filthy stallion, and a pretty, much cleaner mare beside him. It would work all out. Life had suddenly become more than just a purpose, it had become worthwhile.

[/blockquote]


I hope no one minds this strangeness. I never thought to start a continuation of one topic in another, oddly. But I think the combination of these strange fellows might be amusing!

So Fuléao will be joining also. Hope that's okay! =D

Notes since two charries gets convoluted:
Gertrude is in transit.
I took upon myself to describe a couple of the events of Nagisa/ Gypsum's journey, add more if you like, Ful!

[« F u l é a o]

Plodding along beside Gypsum, Nagisa caught herself humming softly again; her companion's hobby was infectious. Indeed, their trip had been full of music, as well as plenty of banter and lovely autumn scenery. But the trek had also given her plenty of time for her worries to subside into excitement, and that excitement was now bordering on impatience. The mare was eager to see her new home, and to be part of a herd again.

Of course, it was hard to completely rid herself of her doubts, considering the way Gypsum was behaving. The stallion had recoated himself earlier, which she had known to avoid commenting on. Now, as the trees gave way to a golden ocean of grass, he hesitated to proceed, instead poking around and listening in agitation. Nagisa just watched at first, theories springing unbidden to her mind. The quarab had to remind herself that she didn't even know if this meadow was the famed 'lush fields'. It was quite possible they still had many miles ahead of them, and whatever was bothering Gypsum had nothing to do with their destination. She was just about to ask him what was wrong when a resonating call broke the silence.

With a little searching, she spotted a dark palomino mare off in the distance. It didn't bother her that the wind kept away any scent; the lone mare's smell would have meant much to Nagisa anyway. Problem was, when Gypsum gave his input, he said didn’t know the other horse either. She couldn't be sure if he was serious or not about being careful. On the one hand, he hadn't seemed very concerned with secrecy when he'd cried out. On the other, his previous behavior suggested they might actually have cause for apprehension. "'Kay, uh...well, I think y'already dun blown our cover, so does we approach head-on, or go all sneaky like?"




o.o.c. - Hi! -waves at Swish- I am the aforementioned Fuléao who will be joining you guys. =)

[Crow'sia]

Gypsum, Gertrude

Gypsum's ears fell, he practically sagged. "Oh. Good point," he said. He probably had blown their cover, although he was too far to see if the other mare had reacted. He could see her thought. A small dark shape in the meadow. Gypsum shook it off and cheered himself some. Nothing could take away the pleasure that company had been bringing him. With the herd, somewhere out there in the meadow, there would only be more. So was the hope. Still, that same old nagging feeling, that he'd have to leave, chewed at him like an old wolf. He shook it away.

"Oh well! Might as well just greet her then, right? There's two of us!" he cried, and with that, the stallion erupted from the cover of the trees. He skipped in a circle, singing, "Welcome to the Lush Fields, Nagisa! Welcome home!" which may have been a little bold, before bounding onward. Grass tickled his knees. The sun burned softly on his back. He took in a breath, completely content, when a second squeal, very close, practically a scream, suddenly exploded over the meadow. He recognized it immediately.

Gertrude's black body rose over the last small dip of a hill, a little ways off, between the pair and the stranger. She seemed drawn for a moment on who to greet first, but eventually banked towards Gypsum and Nagisa. He watched her carefully, as a father might watch a child, surprised at how she'd grown in the time gone, surprised at how smooth her gallop had become, when not so long ago she had stumbled everywhere after her mother. All these things he'd seen from a distance even then. Gypsum had never spoken to the mare when she was young.

The wind was still blowing away from them, but away from the lead mare also. When she approached she gave a sharp, shrill greeting which quickly devolved into a squeak of surprise.

"Gy- Gypsum! I did not expect you," she said. He shrugged and moved to the side, to make sure she noticed Nagisa. Of course she would though. Who wouldn't?

"Lady Gertrude," he began. She wrinkled her nose at the title, which was his own invention, but he pressed on. "This is Nagisa. I was hoping that you might let her stay here, in the Fields, with the herd."

Gertrude scoffed and her eyes rolled in her head, but he did not understand why. She seemed lost in thought a moment, when she said, "You're welcome here, Nagisa. We've food and shelter. And stories, if you like those sorts of things," she said, with a small laugh, almost hysterical, he thought. "Oh, Gypsum, don't look like that. You know what they say about the Fields." She shook her head.

"Well, my good friend? What do you think?" Gypsum asked.

[/blockquote]



Sorry to break post order. Murr. It has been three weeks, yessum. :/

Also, sometimes I read over what I write and go, 'Wth? O.o' XD

[« F u l é a o]

After that, all attempts at subterfuge were dropped. The little mare giggled at Gypsum's antics, watching for a moment before following him out of the shadows. Arching her neck, she broke into a smooth, animated trot, stockings flashing as she traversed the amber-tinted grass. If he wasn't worried, then neither was she, even if they were both a little smaller than most horses. Her mind turned to other things, doelike eyes roving over the Fields. In truth it was pretty ordinary, not a lot different than other meadows they had crossed. But it was by no means dull, and made even more beautiful by the fact that it was going to be her home. If everything worked out, anyway.

Another call rent the air and her train of thought. The voice was shrill, different than the one before. Not long after, the owner showed herself. A mare, about Nagisa's height, but more willowy. Her coloring was much like the horse in the distance; dark body, flaxen mane. Perhaps those were popular genes here. Gypsum stopped, and Nagisa followed suit. She couldn't help but feel a little apprehensive, considering how fast the mare was approaching. "How 'bout this'un? Know her?" she whispered.

There was no time for him to answer; the mare ran swiftly. Nor was there any need; the ensuing exchange answered her question. In fact it identified the mare as Gertrude, the mare Gypsum mentioned so often. She realized the stallion was trying to draw attention toward her, and as Gertrude's gaze fell on her, she flashed a smile of greeting. There was no need to speak, however. Gypsum introduced her, and even did the asking for her.

At the latter, the newcomer's expression turned scornful. Nagisa was taken aback, though she managed to keep this from leaking onto her face. Her confidence faltered. Did the new mare really find her distasteful? Gypsum's little quirk had given her the impression that some people back home weren't very accepting, but certainly not Gertrude.

When she spoke, though, her tone was congenial. Her initial reaction had to be unrelated. Nagisa put aside her worries and smiled warmly. It didn't matter what this stranger thought of her, or whatever it was that 'they say about the fields'. The quarab had decided long ago that backing out was not an option. "Think it's plenty good 'n' fine. Don' see no reason not to take y'up on y'offer, miss lady Gertrude." She was careful to be respectful, just in case.

[Crow'sia]

Gypsum, Gertrude

The stallion gave Gertrude a pointed look, wondering indeed what they did say, and knowing full well she meant the demons that stalked the Fields. Evil spirits, and predators, but predators were everywhere. Indeed, what he didn't think she should be doing was saying this in front of Nagisa, a mare whose company he very much wanted to keep. What if she went and scared her off? Predators were one thing, and Nagisa could very well take care of herself. But spirits, those were a whole new meadow of horror. And Gypsum, well he knew all about demons, but he wondered in the mares did.

It was not without pangs of guilt that he said, "There will be nothing more to say about the Fields, Gertrude. Mark it." He waited for her to take in the measure of that, but she just shook her head. Maybe Teheki was right and she was losing it.

Still, the mare was right enough in ignoring him. She seemed to have regained her composure, and smiled at Nagisa all the same. A little comforting, but he felt she'd been too harsh. "Forgive me? It's been hard for me here alone." Then, with more enthusiasm, "You are welcome to stay! Please, don't feel like an outsider among us."

[/blockquote]
ooc: I am right out of shape. This is terrible. Does it give enough to work with, even? Murr. I'm afraid I am out of practice with character drama.

[« F u l é a o]

The curiosity was maddening. In all likelihood, whatever they were hinting at really would scare her, if she were to inquire further. It was sorely tempting to do so, though. Nagisa wanted to kick herself. She didn't have the guts to pry, much less for information she might regret.

"Thank ya kindly," she said, giving a quick duck of her head in respect. Gertrude seemed to realize how unfriendly she had come across, and possibly regretted this. "An' y'ain' got nuthin' t'be sorry 'bout, miss Gertrude. No offense taken, really!" That wasn't quite true, but Nagisa didn't want to get off on the wrong foot with anyone.

Furtively, she glanced over at Gypsum. Plenty of people would come into her life and leave just as quickly, true. But she certainly hoped that wouldn't be the case here. Long, cross-country trips are a very good way to figure out your opinion of someone, and Nagisa hadn't even needed that long to know that she was fond of the stallion. She very much enjoyed his company; their banter, the way he could be so foal-like when he was happy, his strangely beautiful music. And it would also be nice to not be alone in this new place.

After all this time she still wasn't sure what his intentions were, and she wasn't sure how to ask. The mare didn't want to influence Gypsum's decision with her own feelings, and was afraid she might let on accidentally if she said anything. Now seemed like a good time to go for it. She tried to speak casually, tried to hide what she was hoping the answer would be. "You gon' stick around, big fella, or's you rather go back to rovin'?"

Nagisa was good at casual. More than she realized.


o.o.c. - That's only because Foolie didn't give you anything to work with. She started a positive-feedback system.

I'm afraid this didn't help much. =/