. don't . stand . in . the . rain .

[Olivia]

Unlike some of the mares that wandered into these desolate lands, Olivia knew exactly where she was. At two years old, you wouldn't expect her to be in such a place. Though it wasn't like she had much of a choice in the matter, these lands were relatively new to her and she didn't have anywhere else to go. Claiming was a hard place to miss and she'd spotted it instantly, a towering mountain covered head to toe in mares just like herself. Mares who wanted something better for their lives, wanted companionship and someone to support them. It didn't matter what alliance you were, all mares who came here sought one thing, attention. It'd been several weeks since she'd last seen her parents and though they were probably worried over her, the thought had barely crossed her mind. She was in a new land, there was so much to see and to do!

The young mare picked up her pace, moving her painted frame into a trot. Defiantly not her most graceful of gaits and the rough terrain certainly didn't help her voyage. It took several minutes of this harsh land before she reached a flat area. Not the paradise that claiming was made out to be, but never the less, it was at least flat. The summer heat had dried the land to stone and Olivia didn't even bother with attempting to graze, it would be a waste of her energy. Her frame slowed until she was halted in her clearing, harks flicking around as she listened for noise from around her. Other mares walked within a few hundred feet but she ignored them, never one for the social side of the spectrum.

A gentle sound was emitted from her parted maw. It was low and soft and invited any of the light alliance to join her. She wasn't looking for love at first sight and really didn't believe in that nonsense anyway, just a friend for now. Be her friend before you think of being her love, that was the way to Olivia's heart.

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[Requiem]

The sun sent its bright rays violently down to the earth today. It was summer, halfway there, and as such this time of the year was the hottest. The lithosphere was dry indeed, and at some places there wasn’t much grass. Like here, for instance. This may be the alabaster steed’s favourite season – used to warm weather as he was – yet he did try to avoid some places in summer. Places who clearly couldn’t stand the heat. It varied. Just like there were other equines who preferred winter over summer. Requiem just couldn’t understand that. However, he knew there were some odd minds out there, and kept quiet.

A sigh filled the air before him as the andalusian advanced. So many mares looking for stallions, so many stallions looking for mares. He didn’t quite get the idea of claiming. It was like, recruiting mares into your herd, after which they’d just become property, slaves if you wish. Requiem had never claimed a mare. He had once invited Hadia, because they had gotten into a conversation and somehow had ended up talking about his lands. She had wanted to see them, and he had showed his territory to her. She had stayed. Requiem did want to get ‘famous’, which usually required having a large herd. The dirty white czar thought about it a lot.

It all gave him a head ache though. He tried to avoid thinking too much about these kinds of things, and rather thought about the simple things in life; a sunset, a rabbit zig zagging under your belly; the morning songs of birds... It were the small things, that made life worth living. Sure, there were the ‘big’ things, like love, yet those things only happened occasionally. You shouldn’t wait for them to happen before deciding to be happy with what you’ve got. Requiem had learned that throughout the years. Be content with what you have.

At an easy stroll he had been advancing, though halted and raised his heavy skull in the air when a soft neigh, almost a whisper, reached his auditives. He turned his crown to where he thought the voice’s owner would be, and tilted his skull a tad aside. A young fae, very young. She couldn’t be a full grown mare; her frame looked to be stuck inbetween the frame of a filly and that of a mare. Would she know where she was standing? Perhaps Requiem indeed didn’t know much about claiming, yet he knew it was rare to see such young equines in this place. Appendages carried him forward after a slight adjustment of direction, and a few minutes later the baroque physique halted at the respectable distance of two metres away from the young naiad. “Good day, young miss,” he dipped his head in greeting, raising it to normal height quickly after. “Do you know what place this is?”

[Olivia]

Her voice echoed about the trees of the mountain and Olivia felt confident her message would reach at least one pair of interested ears. Black and white frame moved a few feet from where she had originally stood, light blue optics turned downwards on the off chance that a green blade of grass had survived the rising temperatures. The summer months were merely a changing period for Olivia, the amount of time between her two favorite seasons that always seemed to hog so much time to itself. Though spring was the season she enjoyed the most, fall had made a name for itself aswell. The temperature was always just right during these seasons and, in the case of Spring, everything was blooming and beautiful. Back in her old homeland, she would walk among the flowers, spending the time with nature rather then with her equine counterparts.

The hard earth masked the movements of the czar who approached her well but Olivia had grown accustomed to hearing those who interrupted her alone time. Although it didn't count as an interruption when he had come invited, she still heard him all the same. A large white brujo entered her clearing and stopped a good distance away, something Olivia silently appreciated. She'd seen plenty of stallions who upon first glance considered the mares there and whisked them off to the breeding grounds, usually whispering things along the lines of rank or love. How one could love in so short a time was beyond her young mind and she didn't bother to think about it, knowing she wouldn't succeed in finding an answer that would satisfy her. Instead of flicking around, her harks remained forward now, listening to his words. His tone was gentle and invited conversation, something Olivia wasn't all that fluent in when speaking with another of her own species. She'd spoken with flowers, deer, and other small animals, but never for very long with an equine, minus her parents of course. Gathering her courage she looked this stag in his eyes, speaking with a confident tongue despite her shyness. Indeed I do sir, the lands of claiming are not easily missed. Maw shut quickly after she had finished her words, letting them float in the air between them for a moment.

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[Requiem]

The vixen didn’t seem surprised when he parted his jaws to her for the first time. For some reason, he had thought she would; that she would even jump. She didn’t seem very comfortable. Yet, how would that be possible? She was too young... Visionairies shot a few glances in every possible direction, without having to twist his neck, and yes, there were many other brujos. If he would have known he could do it, Requiem would have frowned at that moment. Right now, there was just a small twitch visible right above both optics when the baron turned his head back to the filly-mare.

Whereas colts could leave their parental herd at the age of two already – similar to what had happened to Requiem; after he age of two he had been alone too – fillies usually had to wait until they were three, four, or even five years old. And this multi-coloured persona definitely hadn’t reached that age yet. He just couldn’t understand it. Had she wandered off during a game? Had she lost her parents? No, she didn’t seem sad. She would not be this... calm and reserved, with a hint of shyness dwelling around her. She knew where she was. Her polite words comfirmed the male’s thoughts. “Indeed I do sir, the lands of claiming are not easily missed.”

It put Requiem before another mystery though. Then why was she here? Not to be claimed, for sure. She, truth may be told, didn’t look like she was waiting for her prince charming to arrive. She wouldn’t find him here either. There were a few nice mascu’s out there, yet most of them were just out to make their herd larger, holding the promise of eternal love in front of naive mares’ noses. Who usually got stuck in dreams and followed their newly found love, prancing on clouds.

Jaws clenched, the stallion redirected his attention back to the nymph and he nodded. He wouldn’t know, unless he would ask. Still, he found it inappropriate that a pure naiad as this one, had been allowed to enter these lands, knowing what they were. “Pardon me now,” he began. What he was going to say definitely wasn’t part of the etiquette, and would seem rather... rude. “But aren’t you a bit young for these lands? What do your parents think about this?” For one, you didn’t just ask a lady’s age. And two; he spoke to her as if she was a young young filly now, involving her parents. He didn’t want it to sound like that, though he had to know why she was in this situation.

[Olivia]

She could feel the tension building in the air as her words reached him for something about this conversation made him as uncomfortable as it made her. This caught her a bit off guard, for if the stories she had been told of this land were true, the stallions basically ran the show here. Sure if you were dark you put up a bit of a fight, but in the end, all you were waiting for was their offer. Stallions were supposed to the confident and smooth talking type, the ones that always knew what to say and when to say it. It had never occurred to Olivia that a stallion could have a personality equal to her own. Then again, this one didn't seem quiet or shy, just concerned about her young age. And who wouldn't be? Heck, even she was. But with her unwanted passage into this new land, she didn't want to spend her evenings alone in an unknown land. She wasn't looking for parents or a love now, just a friend. Someone who she could begin to trust and rely on in times of need, and vice versa. And age had nothing to do with friendship, she had been friends with a few other foals when she was younger. So maybe if this stallion knew of her reason for being here, he would lay off the age factor.

It didn't take long for his own vocals to take up the space between them and Olvia's harks flickered back at bit at this words. Just as to be expected the czar took on a parental tone, questioning her about why she was here at such a young age and if her parents knew about it? She should have expected it but still, the words made her question his motives for coming here. He probably figured she needed a babysitter, and though she never liked to put words in other horse's mouths, it was most likely true. As for my being too young to be claimed sir, I would agree. Friendship however, has no age barrier. And my parents? I haven't spoken to them in several weeks now, they live off in a distant land.

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[Requiem]

Sometimes it’s odd, how males and females of the same species can seem so different, not only of looks, yet of mind and soul as well. Differences sometimes become so grand that they can’t relate to each other anymore, and become strangers, wondering how the other’s mind works. Requiem sometimes felt this unfamiliar feeling when in a conversation with a mare. They often thought of stallions as a complete different being, not looked down upon, though not look up to either. Just, different. Requiem though had to admit he did that too. His mind sometimes raced, trying to follow the chain of reasoning a dove found obvious.

Right after he had spoken, he saw the vixen’s pinnacles move backwards. Had he said something wrong? Well of course, he had already know he was doing wrong while pronouncing his words of earlier. He could not blame her. He just would feel guilty if he had said nothing about it. He had heard her soft call; ignoring it would have been unacceptable. And he did not know what would have happened if another hunter would have answered her call. He wasn’t so arrogant to think of himself as a unique stallion; there would be other males out there who wouldn’t have taken advantage of this female either. Though truth be told, they were part of the minority. Most others would just come up to this ebon x ashen nymph and would start the traditional conversation.

What would she do, if such a thing would have happened? The answer to this question came not long after. “As for my being too young to be claimed sir, I would agree. Friendship however, has no age barrier,” the filly spoke. She wasn’t a fool, oh no she sure wasn’t. So she knew what she wanted, and despite her age seemed to be able to stand up for herself. It pushed Requiem’s concern down a level. She would not be taken advantage of. She was looking for friendship, not to be claimed. A glance was sent to the right, where most claimable mares had gathered, still not too close to each other. For some reason they refused to talk to each other. Mares talking to mares? Stallions talking to stallions? “To find friendship here is a rare thing...” the brujo murmured, hardly aware of his own vocals.

“And my parents? I haven't spoken to them in several weeks now, they live off in a distant land.” A second pair of vocals demanded Requiem’s attention again, and he turned his apex towards the young naiad. This was a rather unusual case. A young mare who could stand up for herself, who had apparently left her parents to travel through lands, onto a new, unknown land. He hadn’t seen her before, so she must have arrived only today, or perhaps yesterday. The mascu wandered a lot, mostly by himself, and as such knew about most things going on in the lands of Galloping Free.

This meant however that she had just arrived. That she didn’t have a place to sleep, didn’t know the nice spots to reside, eat, drink, and the list goes on. Requiem felt a sudden urge, he couldn’t leave this fae just like this. He felt responsible for her. His mind suddenly lit up with a bright idea. “I see...” he nodded to her words. He wouldn’t ask about it any further. Either she had run away, or her parents were fine with it. None of his bussiness, anyway. “Well if you care about the words of a stranger, I’m sure they miss you.” Speaking of being a stranger, they were strangers. She did not even know his name. He was being very rude today. “Pardon me again for my rudeness. I am Requiem,” he added within moments. A short pause, leaving both the time to think. “I take it you have no shelter for the night, hm?”

[Olivia]

Frame relaxed a bit as her words left her parted maw, feeling as though her reason for being here was now known. Optics followed his own down to where several mares stood a few feet apart, none of them wanting to break the silence between each other. Pathetic to some, but Olivia knew she shouldn't judge them, for she'd do the same thing. It was in fact, a miracle that she was even speaking to this stallion, the gender held such a negative tone sometimes. The brujo's of both alliances had their stereotypes, and Olivia had been around enough to see these. She would sit in hiding, watching while mares were taken away by their new kings. Lights acted like robots during claiming, both genders rehearsing a specially written script just for the purpose. First came the names, then he would want to know a little about her and talk of himself, then he "pop the question" and she would swoon and scream her love from the mountain tops.

Darks on the other hand were a bit more reserved. They had a reputation to hold up and many of them tried desperately to hold up to this standard. Be tough, nip at each other, keep your harks pinned back, act like your always angry but yet still always know what is going on. The thought made her crack a smile, releasing some of the tension of this talk. His comment about friendship returned her attention to the czar before her and her optics followed suit, resting gently upon his frame. Lucky for me I know how to find it then. Her vocals held a confident tone but Olivia was anything but. She'd seen friends come and go like the seasons, both her own and otherwise.

Harks flicked back into a normal position now, accepting this neutral position of friendship. Not pricked forward as if she were extremely interested, but not pinned back telling him to back off either. That was what Olivia was all about, being in the middle of the two extremes. I'm sure they do, but I was never happy where I lived, I wandered off frequently anyway. And you are correct, my shelter for the evening is wherever I am invited to

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[Requiem]

-- ooc -- sorry, will reply asap ! if not this week, then this weekend; but coming before next week for sure --

[Olivia]

[ okay ]

[Red♥]

THe red stallion walked into the terra. He hadn't been to this place in some time. Ebony ooc's searched for anything. THey landed upon a ebony and ivory tainted mare and a stallion. He released a whinnie from his maw. His whipcord smacked at his sides as she stoped a few feet away. He would not fully approcache until the mare allowed him to. he gazed softly at her with gentle orbs. he pawed softly at the grass with slight bordom. Giving his dial a soft toss. He flared his nares softly. Takeing in her gentle scent. He smiled a soft but chariming smile before his maw parted to reveal his lyrics.
Greeting's Madian, Sir. Im Red Raven, King of Enchanted Woods. What might i be able to call both of you?

[Olivia]

She hadn't expected her company to grow from one to two and so was a bit surprised when another stallion entered her clearing. He was of a more reddish color, a dark contrast to Requiem's off white appearance. But difference was good, Olivia didn't mind it. Expression remained the same as he spoke, introducing himself as Red Raven, a fitting name. He made some mention of being a king but Olivia didn't bother listening to that part, knowing that his rank didn't matter. His last question lingered in her mind and she mulled over it for a moment. Her name, she'd yet to offer it up yet, did she really want to now?

A gentle breeze blew the leaves from the trees in the claiming grounds and Olivia knew the season of fall was upon them. One of her two favorite seasons for sure, she always loved the changing of the colors and the brisk freshness of the air. It revived her, made her feel a bit better. Optics moved to those of the red stallion as she responded, though quickly looked back to Requiem aswell, seeing as her lyrics were directed at the both of them. I'm Olivia, second daughter to Purple Snow and Arrojo Her lyrics were uttered with a bit of pride as she was proud of her parents. They'd grown up together and had gotten through so much, she envied them. Her life would never be as good as theirs had been but she was going to try and atleast get close to the record they had set.

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[Requiem]

The silence which followed his words didn’t last for long, as the female let a small smile appear on her mug – as a result of his earlier vocals, or thoughts he knew nothing of, he didn’t know – and replied soon after. “Lucky for me I know how to find it then,” she wisely said. To Requiem, it seemed as if he had just made a new friend, no matter what the age difference between them was. Four years ? It did not really matter. As a cold he had talked to the elder teachers as well, and though he had never felt friendship for them, he had felt a great deal of respect, and had known friendship was possible. He dipped his crown lightly in gratitude.

For sure, this young naiad was pretty different from most others. Still, this didn’t take away that she was young and needed not be claimed yet, only needed a place to stay. Her next lyrics only comfirmed his thoughts. If she had indeed not been happy where she had lived, then leaving had been the right choice. The chance on a happier life, no matter what the possible risks are, is always better than the certainty of a life without joy. Requiem’s twin harks swiveled back at the sounds of another equine approaching, probably to this very spot. He wasn’t sure though, so decided to just continue the conversation. “Well, in that case I – ”

Another stallion arrived and the alabaster king shut his maw, turning his head to look at the newcomer. A fmale hued one, it was. He introduced himself as Red Raven, king of Enchanted Woods. It all sounded pretty impressing. The only thing the filly-mare knew about him, was that he was Requiem. Not king of this or that. Would she be impressed? A quick glance in her direction told him nothing. The nymph wore the same expression as two minutes ago. Red Raven probably wasn’t aware of the fact that he had interrupted Requiem, yet that was Requiem’s own fault. He had just shut up when the other had appeared. It wasn’t really the other brujo’s fault.

“Requiem,” the male replied, unsure of whether to add his ‘title’ or not. Red Raven had stated his, though he had only asked how he could call them. Requiem wished to be called Requiem, and only Requiem. Swishing his banner against his haunches, the baroque baron silently stared up at the sky for a short while. Should he continue ? It would be rude... Unless he would know a way... Yes... He knew how to let Olivia – so that was her name – know he hadn’t forgotten that he had been talking to her, yet he would also let both know there was time. “What I wanted to say, was that you’re always welcome where I live, for this night, a month, as long as you wish. And you are, of course free to leave whenever you wish. If you would need anyone to talk to or to protect you, I will be there, and when you’d feel the time is there to come back to these Grounds you are free to do so.” As such, he offered her what he had wanted to offer her. When she would be of the right age, she could come here to find a nice stallion. Red Raven obviously was here to claim. Maybe Olivia liked him. “But,” with a small nod in Red Raven’s direction, “Perhaps you should wait a little while before deciding...”

[/blockquote]

[Olivia]

[ I'll post this evening when I have more time ]

[Red♥]

my post is COMIN!