R e f l e c t i o n s

[espionage]

ooc: She's not always so dreary, I just couldn't figure out what to write. I've never been good at starting posts.

IC:

L e a v e s carpeted the sod like a fiery hued blanket, ghosts of spring. A phantom wind rustled the still flames, orange, red, and yellow leaves, making them dance to life in a chilly autumn breeze. With dark tassels fluttering, Nara stepped lightly upon the blanket, but she could not escape the soft crunching of the leaves. Roaring waters that lay ahead of the mare masked all other sounds, but did not extinguish them completely. Nara could hear a songbird twittering about in the pale morning light that shone in shafts through the trees surrounding her.

The bella was at the bottom of a shear cliff, where a formidable waterfall spilled into a serene pool. As she reached the waters edge, she peered into it. Staring back at her was a young mare, short, and the color of an evening storm. The reflection was not her. She did not want it to be. Why couldn't she have looked like her mother instead of a father she'd never known? As sadness washed over her, Nara softy touched her maw to the water's surface. Rings flowed around her muzzle as she drew it up, no logner wanting to look into the pool.

She had not made a single friend in this herd. She wasn't even supposed to be here. 'If they knew I was descended from Cimarron, would they kick me out?' The thought always haunted her. Though she tried to let it fade, the past remained with her. However much she tried, she couldn't wipe away the past, but, perhaps, she could make a better future. " How am I to do that when I hardly know anyone in this herd?" Nara wondered if she would ever fit in.

[[R].ebel]

A young, elegant black colt walked quietly through the dying forest, the colors of red and gold falling all around him. It was good to get out and away from his brother every once in a while. It gave him time to think and not have to worry about training, for his brother was bent on keeping him in shape and ready for battle if the need arose. The sun was just rising, shining through the baring branches of the trees, giving the black stallion a purpleish hue as he moved through the forest, following the water's edge, much like he had before when he had met the young fae Eclipse.

Upon reaching the water's edge, his eyes yet again fell upon another and this one looked just as the other only not as quite as frightened as the last. Thunder found it strange that in two seasons he met two fillies and in the same exact place. He wondered where Eclipse was now for a moment, then his mind focused on the filly in front of him across the pond. Thunder, having been trained by his brother to be polite, nickered in greeting to the filly and made a bow of his head in respect for the opposite gender. Having already look much older than he was due to his aged look like his brother, bowing only made him look, and feel, older than he was, making him feel very stallion like.

"Good morning to you, lady."

[espionage]

The crashing of the waterfall muffled the sound of hoof steps, so Nara didn't hear the colt until he nickered. Her dark mane had blown into her face, hiding him from view. Hazel pools closed briefly and opened with a false sense of serenity. With her new identity hiding her true feelings, Nara opened her eyes. Crown was turned to face him, and lanterns saw him nod in respect to her. Copying his action, the bella nodded back. I was impossible not to notice that he looked perfectly fit, and Nara had to wonder why. Was there going to be a war or something? Nara wasn't very informed on those matters, but she didn't really know which side she'd choose if it ever did come to war. When he spoke, his voice didn't match his appearance at all. It was almost immature sounding, but he appeared older than herself.

"I wish." she mumbled in a whisper, and cast her eyes to the ground. A torrent of sadness threatened to brake the fake mask of happiness she'd created for herself. That foreboding made her look up again. The answer he was actually supposed to her came out in a soft voice. "Good morning to you, too." For good measure, she plastered the best smile she could muster across her maw. If he had been expecting any more from her, he was mistaken. Out of habit, she would not say much when she first met someone.

[[R].ebel]

The young colt's eyes showed barely any emotion as she spoke, except for maybe interest. It was a gaze he had seen his brother set on many others and it was one he learned to do himself. Eventually, a small smile set upon his features and Thunder, yet again, made a deep bow of his head, again out of respect. Being very well mannered, Thunder knew he should introduce himself, being he had not yet met the fae nor had he thought she had met him. The black colt made no move to approach her because he didn't want to frighten her like he had done Eclipse, yet the fae in front of him showed no fear, just some form of happiness.

"I am Thunder of the Darksun. My brother is Thor of the Darksun. And, fair lady, who may be gracing me with thier presence?"

Thunder was always polite to a fae with those words. He always found that the opposite sex was far fairer than his own gender, another trait taught from his brother. And he always treated them with respect, no matter how rude they could be or get.

[espionage]

Facade let the smile slowly fade, returning to the normal, bright look. Unlike the colt, it appeared that Nara was a bit more expressive... If you count phony emotions. Her ears were turned toward the colt as she strained to hear what was being said. The noise of the waterfall was distracting her, so she moved away from it, along the water's edge. She hadn't gone far, just enough to hear him better.

She swished her tail from side to side for a moment as Thunder spoke of his brother. She hadn't heard of him, either. "Should I know who they are? Are they important to the herd?" Nara didn't want him to think she knew nothing of the Darksun herd, but what was she to say? This time that Thunder nodded, Nara did not. She was too absorbed in what to reply. "I guess... I could lie about knowing Thor. But, it would be awkward if I met him later in front of his brother. I wouldn't even know who he was. Best not say anything."

"Pleasure to meet you, Thunder," the bella said kindly. "I am Nara, of," The mare paused in her sentence.. How could she tell him she was from his herd when she knew no one from it? She couldn't. It was like she didn't belong to the Darksun herd at all. Continuing, Nara said, "actually, I haven't been here long."

A chill ran up her spine as she glanced Thunder over. For some strange reason, he made her a little nervous. Perhaps it was that he was ready for battle and had muscles more powerful than her. Then again, it could just be his color. He looked almost purple in the morning light. She wondered what her own, blue coat looked like in in the morning. She'd never really taken the time to look, but she guessed it looked sort of purple.

[[R].ebel]

Again, the colt bowed in respect at the mention of her name. The roar of the falls was kinda getting on his nerves, like a pesky fly would. He snorted and stepped around the water's edge, moving closer to who he now knew was dubbed Nara. Thunder stopped a distance away so as not to frighten her, his eyes still holding very little emotion except for a mild interest in Nara.

"Those falls are a bit loud, however, in the evenings, thier noise grows for some reason. I could barely hear you over the thunderous noise."

Thunder thought it best he explain his reasoning for moving closer. He was always conciencious about how others felt in his prescence. The black colt, shook his mane, it drapping over both sides of his thick, muscled neck and returned his gaze upon the filly.

"Nara... That is a beautiful and unique name. I... I can't say that I have heard it upon this region before. Well, it is a great pleasure to meet you but a colt must know... why are you here alone?"

[espionage]

Blowing again, the wind picked up strands of her mane and tail. the wisps danced for a moment before dropping back down, and leaves tumbled across the ground. The colorful foliage continued to roll, but only for a few seconds, after the breeze stopped. Water droplets from the waterfall had been carried through the air in the direction of the two horses. With a surprised nicker, Nara tossed her crown, and smiled as Thunder explained why he'd moved closer to he Harks were trained on the colt as he began to speak again.

"Thank you, Thunder. My name came from a land very far away." She would not tell where, but she at leas told him that. His own name was powerful. It suited him well. Feminine bodice uneasily shifted her weight from one side to the other, as he asked why she was here alone.Because everyone leaves me, the bella wanted to say it, but she didn't. Instead, tunes rang out clearly with a different reply. "I was just... wandering. I guess I got lost." She gave him an innocent smile, hoping that her little lie would suffice his curiosity. In reality, Nara had easily navigated toward this exact spot. She'd been here many times before, but this was the first time she'd met anyone.

[[R].ebel]

'Thank you, Thunder. My name came from a land very far away.'

A soft smile twitched at his lips at her words, memories of his own young past filling his head. He nodded his head in gratitude for her thanks, forelock falling over his eye. At her words upon getting lost, he cocked his head to the side, the slight curiosity never leaving his dark eyes.

"This land is large and thick with forests. I can understand getting lost. When I first came here with my brother, I couldn't leave his side, lest I get lost. Two winters ago is when I and my brother wandered upon these lands. My name as well came from a land far away. Tell me, how far away is your home?"

[espionage]

Curiosity was a tiny ember in the colt's eyes, which made the contessa uncomfortable. Would he ask anything else? As if to answer her question, a sparrow chirped what sounded like a 'yes.' Eyes were averted to the brown bird, which flapped away as soon as they met gazes. Thunder's voice began to ring back into hearing, so the bella returned her attention to him. Nara nodded slowly as he told her that it was easy to get lost, but she felt drawn to the spot. His question about her home, made her realize why. It was beautiful, and it reminded her of where the tribe lived. If you could somehow erase the cliff and waterfall and paint more trees, Nara was sure it would look just like her old pond. She remembered it well, and decided that it couldn't hurt to Thunder about it.

"I once lived in a place similar to this, many hoof beats away. It took me all of winter and part of spring to make it here." Memories flooded to her as she spoke of her journey. It had not been pleasant, as it was a very harsh, bitter winter. "Did it take you and your brother as long to get here?"She wondered if they'd come from the same area, but did not want to ask. if she asked, surely he wold, too.

[[R].ebel]

Listeners stayed perked as the filly spoke of where she had come from, dark gaze never leaving the young mare. At the words that formed a question directed to him, the black colt cocked his head, eyes shifting to the sky as he thought. He searched his mind, finding the answer she had asked for and yet again began to speak.

"My brother and I left our homeland when I was but two... It was four seasons later before we set foot upon the lands called Darksun and it was here we made our home. So, aye. It took much longer for us to wander here. I was born to a tribe of ruthless warrior Indians as was my brother. It is how I managed to carry this marking on my cheek and rump and my brother has one as well, only different in shape."

The colt turned his head slightly, the sunlight shining on his silky coat, throwing off his purpleish look... but on the side of his face, there was a pattern that would not shine in the sunlight, dulled by the fire that had branded his hide. It was in the shape of a broad arrow, pointing downwards, with many elaborate Indian symbols scarred within it.

[espionage]

When the fem saw the arrow branded on his skin, she couldn't help but draw a sharp breath. She'd never known pain of any kind, only scratches now and then, but nothing worse. Her eyes followed all the strange markings. She wandered what they meant, but knew that Thunder probably wouldn't know. The Indians that had taken care of her were peace-loving. They did not believe in war unless their people were dieing. Likewise, they did not brand their horses. Instead, they braided feathers and clay beads in their manes and tails. Nara still had a the charcoal-stained, clay beads strung into her mane, but they were hard to see, as her banner was dark. There were a couple of red beads, but they were almost always hidden. A few steps were taken toward the colt, but Nara stopped and looked back up to his eyes.

"Why did you leave?" She was curious, but knew that she wouldn't speak of her own, and added more. "If you don't want to answer, that's fine." She didn't want to stir up old memories if he didn't want to talk about them. She didn't even know this young stallion. All she was sure about were his name, what his brother was called, and that it hadn't taken him a very long time to get here. Nara looked up at the fiery display above them, and then at the blanket underneath them. "The leaves are so beautiful this time of year." Tunes were hushed and thick with memories, but she said nothing more.

[[R].ebel]

It seemed the sight of his branded mark must have sent a wave of pain through her for she drew in a sharp breath at the sight of it. Thunder couldn’t remember a more terrible pain and, though it no longer hurt his body now, he could very well remember the day it was branded into his skin with hot iron that felt like the flames of fire liking him. After taking a few steps towards him, she spoke to him again, question filling the air.

‘Why did you leave?’

Eyes fell blank at the mare’s question. He searched for a reason why, not wanting to have no answer but to this question he could think of none. It was his brother who had told him to leave and Thunder left without question, always following his brother’s will. After a long moment of silence and a statement about the leaves from the mare, Thunder finally spoke.

“I know not why we left our homeland… my brother is the one who decided to leave. It would be him to talk to on the matter.”

Eyes were drawn to the same leaves that the mare was talking about and head rose to get a closer look. A half smile appeared on his maw as a particular leaf he had set eyes upon fell to the ground below, falling victim to the wind that blew the leaves out of their home.

“Yes, they are… Though I do not find them quite as beautiful as the flowers that bloom in the spring… If I even had time to look upon them.”

The black colt snorted, forcing his eyes to return to their nearly blank look but holding interest in the mare as he had looked upon her before. This gaze was very difficult for him to keep because he was not his brother, who could hold that gaze for longer than any other stallion he ever knew.

[espionage]

The mare thought it was a bit strange to leave just because your brother decided to, but she had no siblings and didn't understand what it was like. However, she nodded and smiled, as if she knew exactly why he left. Her own abandonment had happened so quickly, but she kept that to herself, as she always would.

"The flowers of spring are striking with their delicate petals and vibrate colors. " She smiled as a memory flooded to her. "I used to run through a field of little pink flowers with my mother." Nara let the smile fade slowly fade. "Spring is like a new beginning, a second chance." At least, it had been for the flicka, just as the fall had been her demise. Yet, her she was, already forgetting that she was sad earlier. Instead, she was wondering why the colt kept switching to this 'gaze'. It wasn't frightening... but an odd mixture of interest and blankness. Very strange indeed.

[[R].ebel]

'I used to run through a field of little pink flowers with my mother.'

Gaze was frozen upon the mare at these words, showing nothing. No emotion at all; not care nor interest nor even sorrow. The black colt seemed to black out; going to some far off place to his mind as if escaping something. But in the blink of his eye, he was brought back with her second statement.

'Spring is like a new beginning, a second chance.'

"Yes, it is."

Thunder could find nothing else to say to this but ears soon pricked to the sound of hoof-beats and head turned to see his brother trotting for them. Head held high and proud, legs flowing gracefully under his body as he carried himself towards them. Thunder couldn't help but admire his brother, even if he was tough. The elder of the two came to a graceful stop beside the younger and Thunder bowed his head in respect to his brother.

Stern gaze was carried over to a filly who stood near by the younger. Head cocked in suspicion as he had not seen her before.

"Who are you?"

"This is Nara of the Darksun. She has kept me company while you were gone. Nara, this is my brother, Thor."

His words were blank, much like his brother's and he held the same gaze as his elder too. They were very much brothers, indeed.

[espionage]

A reply to Thunder's short sentence had been on the tip of her tongue, until the other walked up. The way he looked at her made shivers run down her spine. She got the feeling that he was loyal to Alasdi, and she would have to watch what she said now more than ever. With a graceful bow of her head, though she wasn't sure why, Nara listened to the two speak. Her reply was long forgotten. Now, both of them held her in an equally blank gaze. If it wasn't for the suspicion plain in Thor's voice, she might've left. As it was, however, Nara felt like she would be gigging herself into a hole by lying to both of these war-ready stallions.

"I am new to the herd. You probably haven't seen me around." Despite her obvious discomfort, Nara's voice was steady. "Come to think of it, I've never seen either of you, why is that?" She smiled mischievously at her attempt to pry into the affairs of the Darksun herd. Any information would suit her, especially since she felt these two were at least of a little important to Alasdi.