tick.<arrival>.tock

[`anntho]

I o d i n e ::

As he spoke my interest flared again and I sidestepped back and away from his playfull nip, muzzle thrown up and another sly smirk curling the edges of my lips. As he moved off my gaze fallowed him, and I pivoted, watching him move off towards his land, slowly, as if I couldn't keep up with him.


Into The Marshes


The damp, dank air swirled around my harks that had slide back to keep dirt out of them, from which I kicked up with my hasty retreat from the grounds, and into the marshes. Slowly only sliding from a pelting gallop and into a silent trot, I glanced around in my surroundings for the brute that had offered me a home, and like any wise mare, I took it, no need to wander and be tooken in as a slave, or worse, impregnanted by a rogue stallion.

Again I pivoted, snapping my tail against my hocks and haunches, the darkness pushing in on my silver dappled form. My one hind-leg poised just below my underside, as if I were to strike out at the next thing to get to close, which was mostly true. At the moment, I was in a new area, knew very little of my surroundings, nor anything in the surroundings. Besides, I didn't need another scar like the one I already possessed on my face. My gaze faded over as I dropped away from reality, hurtling back to the time that the scar had happened, way back in time.

A dappled filly stalked along behind her Father, the scar that she possessed in the future no longer present on her features. Dad..I'm tired.. The little child had whined, only to receive a snort of distaste from her Father, and him to quicken there pace. The filly had sighed and grunt, galloping after her father to keep in behind him, until he slowed into a lope and allowed her to run alongside him, they were returning home, from her birthing place. They had stayed there until she was old enough to eat grass, and then her father had banished her mother, like he did to all his mares, and took the filly back to the herd, to rule heiress alongside his son.
She had a different plan. Once she found out that she would be sacraficed for the good of her family, like her brother, she ran away, as fast as she could, but at that time, she had grow into a yearling, and wondered onto the wrong land, that of nasty stallion. She was unaware of her surroundings, and so when he approached her to claim her, she had lashed out, tooth and hoof, and he decided against keeping her then, and instead, lashed back out, creating the scar on her face, while she scared his chest, and then again, she left, but no longer did she run, she would never run again.

I came back into reality, shaking away the thoughts of my past and now focusing on my present, I knew Yarraman, or atleast I knew what he smelt like, and so he would have to try hard to sneak up upon me. Lifting my muzzle like that of a canine I inhaled deeply, trying to sort his scent, the cunning shine of my gaze returning.

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[steph]

[glow=green,2,300]Y A R R A M A N [/glow]

The trees swayed slightly with the wind, and the fallen leaves stirred. It was a perfect night to hide amongst the shadows. I had arrived about five minutes ago, and I waited near the entrance for the wench to come. I had heard her hoof beats behind mine, so I had made sure to leave signs of the path here. But, I wanted to test her senses, to make sure I had chosen wisely.

Aud’s came erected with the sound of another’s hoofs, nares widened to take in the scent… and sure enough it was Iodine. Senses honed in on the equines location, and I moved stealthy in on her, but still stayed in the coverage of the trees. My deep blue pools, captured her frame, he dappled silver coat gleamed against the darkness of the night. She was truly stunning. How did I always end up with the best looking mares? Oh that’s right cuz I am stunning. I laughed in my head at my remark. But it was true, I hadn’t ever been turned down by a mare, that had to mean something.

Anyways. I could see that she was keen on her surroundings. Ready to strike out at an attacker. Which there wouldn’t be one, I kept my realm free of predators, well with myself as the exception of course. I stood motionless and took shallow breaths, as to not give away my presence. Iodine’s gaze became glazed, she seemed to be going back into the past, which was something I had done a lot in my life. But that was a story for another day.

Figuring that it wouldn’t be fare of me to intrude on her now, I stood and admired the sight before me. Then when her orbs had returned, intelligence and wittiness shining threw. But, Iodine still hadn’t detected my presence. Rearing I let a high pitched call echo of the tress, which caused the bats to fly over head, they where my spies in this terra. They also obeyed me as king. I charged out of my hiding place, my carcass surrounded by the blood suckers and as we neared Iodine a came to a halt and the bats flew back into the tress. Well Iodine. I am glad to see that you found your way. Welcome to Taunting Marshes.

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[`anntho]

I o d i n e ::

I was still fading in and out of awarness so when he thundered upon me after his shrill cry, I gave a crowhop, furry harks flipping back in a threat, but then I only saw it was Yarraman. Pushing forward I thrusted my muzzle against his masculine nape, shoving roughly, but there was another deeper meaning, as was in all of my motions, I never did anything because it was an impulse, I was proactive, not reactive. Again my gaze faltered over him and I dipped my muzzle against my breast, bumping it there once or twice as if I was thinking before gazing up to the half moon and the roosting bloodsuckers, but these ones, were the kind I could get along with. Friends of yours? I inquired carefully, furry harks finally flipping up as I returned my gaze back to him.

Finally I figured that he was complimenting me when he said that I had made my way back, and I guess the right thing for any mare to do was say thank-you, but I wasn't any mare was I? No, I was one of a kind. My narels expanded again and I exhaled shallowly in a whuff like noise, a cloud of foggy breath rolling from my muzzle to his. My kinked whipcord dusted across my haunches, stirring away more debris, being as there were very little insects here, thanks to my new kings little flying friends. And a fine marsh it is, especially for taunting I replied coyly, a hint of mischevious glint echoing out of my gaze and the famous smirk just up turning the corners of my lips, forelock shielding away a single eye and the scar that ran along it, a mysterious shroud enveloping my history and future.

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[steph]

[glow=green,2,300]Y A R R A M A N [/glow]

A deep rolling sound came from my chest accompanied by a smirk. Her reaction was quite comical and I had to admit that I was pretty genius coming up with the ambush in a matter of minutes. However, the laughter subsided quickly and my orbs traveled over Iodine’s physic, making sure that she hadn’t gone under too much panic. As I had suspected she had just gotten slightly spooked and her demeanor was still sassy.

I stood still with the fae’s touch. I was not usually a touchy feely equine but for some reason Iodine’s touch didn’t bother me. Maybe it was because it was the opposite of how Sophie was, and right now I needed to be taken away from those memories. My gaze followed the mares and I flung my head at the bats. They immediately flew away. I don’t have friends. They are allies. I have come to find them rather useful… for who would expect bats to be spying? Once again I marveled at my cunning abilities. Most stallions had wolves or even other equines to spy for them but I had chosen a smaller more durable creature, one who wouldn’t pose a threat to my mares.

Only when the bats became specks far in the distance did I take my orbs from the skies and towards the mare. I was done testing her abilities I had them pretty much figured out and she had passed my standers, once again. I would only choose the finest. The taunting is just the tip of the ice berg. I replied as I looked at what was surrounding us. Taunting Marshes had many hidden mysteries they had taken my nearly a season to figure out. It was amazing at what this terra held, and I wouldn’t be surprised if Iodine figured them out as well. So why did you decided to join me? My voice was deep and sly.

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[`anntho]

I o d i n e ::

My gaze fluttered after the blood-suckers and my fore self left the ground only by a few inches as if I were to fly after them, but then I landed again almost as softly as I walked. To answer that question, would require a deeper investigation of the equine heart. I murmured, still not looking at him, my gaze zoning out but soon enough I came back to earth and turned to him with my sly expression matching his. So, what were the reasons I had joined him? Other than he had met all my standards, I felt watched over in his prescence, and I had a feeling he wouldn't force anything upon me, I couldn't think of anything else. I mean, he had met my other standards, but they were far to complex to list.

A sigh escaped my compressed diaphram, though it wasn't a depressed one, or an angry one, it was a fatigued noise, the journey from the old home to the grounds, then from the grounds to here had wore me out, and now with the impending darkness all my instincts resigned my body to signal a slower actions, as to not draw attention to myself. Something a body naturally did when you grew up on the mountains. As I glanced at him and a sudden thought struck me and I stepped forward again to extend my muzzle towards his ear, my voice low and sweet, something most didn't hear, but this was his first time to know me, and I wanted on his good side, as to not end up as a slave in the lower ranks. And dear, do not tell me you lack a heart. Beleive me, it's in there My voice echoed quietly into his ear as I withdrew my muzzle and flicked my kinked whipcord again, gazing at him quietly.

[/right]

[steph]

[glow=green,2,300]Y A R R A M A N [/glow]

A deep sigh came from my frame, as a small cool breeze ran a shiver throughout my bulk. Iodine calmed my temper this was an aspect of my personality that I rarely showed, soft and laid back. It was a huge change from a few months before when my temper was completely unpredictable, but yet again that was with Sophie and boy did she love to piss me off. But it was ok if I got physical with her she liked the pain hell she enjoyed it. However, with this silver dapple I felt drawn to her in a different way. My ways would have to change with Iodine. For she was calmer more fragile, I felt drawn to protect her. Don’t get me wrong though I knew that she could turn feisty and aggressive in an insist I could see it in her eyes.

Turning my dished face to the fae, yes fae she was not a wench like my other mare, I listened to her soft voice. My visage held a knowing look she was a smart. Her replies where mulled over before spoken and they always made sense. The complete opposite of my ways, I laughed possibly a little too loudly. I was a rather rash equine, my actions where the first thing that came to my mind and usually got me into even more trouble, however I was cunning and so far that had gotten me out of the ditches. Her ways complemented mine and mine hers… she was perfect. But I was still resigned on making her queen a part of me was still holding on to Sophie.

Hearing the sweet sigh of the mare I realized how late it was, and how stupid I had been. Of course she would be tired the travel from Zukura Brooke to Taunting Marshes was not a short or easy travel and when I had meet her in the land she was still fresh off her journey to Midnight Acers. I went to speak but, Iodine had stepped towards me. It took everything I had not to step back, and still I had taken a small step.

Her whisper tickled my auds and it twitched has her warm vocals flowed into it. I held in my laughter at her words. Sure once a long time ago I had a heart, but it had disappeared long ago. With the death of my friends, yes I had had them so long ago when I had built my army. I suppose it still existed since I cared for those who I had lost. But with the death of Sophie my heart had sucked deeper into my chest. And now I felt guilty about it, for Iodine wanted to see it but my love had been dormant for years it would take a miracle to bring it to life.

When her voice stopped I stepped back from her and shook my head. You seem tired Iodine. I will show you to the caves. I acted as though I had not heard her whisper although it was impossible, but I did not know how to respond she had stumped me. Turning I headed off towards the caves, the heart if the terra. This was a big step taking her here It was Sophie’ favorite place.

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[`anntho]

I o d i n e ::

As he spoke I gazed at him quietly, his body posture told everything. True, I was asking for him to show more emotion then spite - which I knew he had, and malicious humor. Now, I know he laughed at me and my antics, and that was good enough, but he was like most of the brutes I knew in the way that they thought they had no heart, when in all reality, it just needed to be dug out again. As he moved along I joined back off his flank in a respectful manner, and then, I decided better of myself and pushed forward to keep pace alongside him, a fair distance between are horizontally aligned bodies.

The caves? The thought echoed around in my mind and I could only nod, I thought that when I left the sea that I would never see caves again, but then..These caves wouldn't be full of salt water and sea air, and would most likely be much more peaceful without the relentless beating of the ocean tide. You seem to have read my mind, Yarraman I could only murmur before going silent again and flicking my harks sideways.

Almost as if I were asleep on my hooves, my scull dropped down towards the ground infront of me, but truly I was scenting and exploring without leaving his side, again, one of the many things that made me unique. Just then I found what I had been looking for. My haunches rolled under me and I pivoted sharply, trotting off towards the source of such interest, it was a small pile of snow, one of the few piles around Midnight Acres. As my muzzle pushed into the snow my pink tongue flashed out and slurped up the frozen liquid, feeling it melt and slide down my parched throat, a sigh of releif expanding from me, but I was only there for a little bit before I returned back to Yarraman and fell back into step beside him.

[steph]

[glow=green,2,300]Y A R R A M A N [/glow]


Auds swiveled as Iodine moved behind me and then next to me. Orbs glanced sideways at her sleek frame; it was nice having another walk beside me. Most where to afraid and walked behind. We were nearing the caves, and my heart… yes I had one deep down… begin to pound against its cage. It had been a long time since I had traveled this path with another equine, never mind a mare. My pace slowed a little and my movements became stiff, I should have brought her somewhere else. I wasn’t ready for this, but it was too late now they where only a few minutes away.

I sensed that she was uneasy about the caves. But why? Clearly it was something with her past for I had not found her in Coco Bay. I swallowed hard and tried to ease my movements, but they didn’t give and my heart was still pounding. Do you have something against caves dear? I didn’t look at her when I spoke I knew that my orbs would show my worry and past. Jese Yarraman get a hold of yourself. I didn’t need to read your mind Iodine. Only listen to your body. Vocals where low and held little emotion for I was afraid if I showed any it would be my fear. I was afraid that I was making the same mistake twice. I shook my head then in disgust. No I would not let him near any of my herd this time.

When the dapple moved off I stayed on coarse if I stopped I wouldn’t be able to take her to the caves. I needed to get over this, it was a long time ago and it couldn’t be undone. But revenge was something I could get and I would be sure that justice was served. With the thought of a fight my orbs became a dark blue and my pace more fluid, my excitement could be seen through my movements, Perhaps tonight I would travel to the battle grounds.

Raising my dished visage I looked ahead and saw the cluster of caves, and sighed. It was one of the best parts of Taunting Marshes. The caves where the only source of shelter from the marshes, it was where the herd would sleep and spend the winter. There were a half a dozen caves each big enough to fit three or four full grown horses comfortably. A small part of the river ran through the cluster of caves and big pine trees provided shelter from the wind. It was the safest place in the terra; even the fog was less thick here. I stopped a few feet from the main cave, my cave. This was the biggest cave and it faced the only entrance to this secluded area, it was also for the royals. I wanted to put her here to make her queen but there was still so much unknown and Adelina deserved a chance as well. I walked past the first cave, she would go in the seconded for it was the lowest rank she would recive. Well this is where the herd sleeps; you can pick any cave you wan besides the first. But this cave is bigger than the others and closer to the exit.

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[`anntho]

I o d i n e ::

As I glanced upwards I snorted heavily and then looked down again as he seemed to notice my uneasiness around the caves. Glancing sideways to him I forced a pleasant expression before stepping past him boldly and into the cave he had designated, but it echoed with my steps and again I shied backwards, obviously resolving to venture around to a much smaller one, just a crevice between to other large caves.

Care if I stay in this one? I murmured quietly as I withdrew my scull and turned to him, both furry harks thrusted upwards and the dank fragrance flowing out of my narels as my history came rushing back to me and my scull dropped as if I were to shake it away the horrible thoughts, but the still came, but then they left and a final quiver rushed through my body.

Yet again another sigh echoed out of my diaphram and I stepped forward to greet Yarraman, and tentavily my muzzle reached out to his own jaw line, my narels expanding and my gaze searching over his, and then, a soft touch left me. My muzzle bumped his in an affectionate gesture, kinked whipcord flopping around my haunches and then pausing as I jerked my head back from his and retreated a few steps away from him, my gaze still on him though and my harks still up.

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[steph]

[glow=green,2,300]Y A R R A M A N [/glow]



As the silver dappel procided into the cave I knew she was uneasy, she hid it well but I could see under her cover. I followed behind Iodine our hoofs echoed off the cave floors and she shied bumping into my chest. Her action took my buy supirse but I recovered as soon as the collisoon occurred. I said nothing, as we exited the cave but I gave her a reassuring nod.

I followed her silently has we neared the smaller caves. These where for the lower ranked mares but heck if she wanted a smaller one it was fine by me. I parted my maw to speak but then the fea’s head drooped and I ceased my actions. Stepping closer to her I rested my head on her back and nibbled at her pelt. I stood there untill she quived a last time.

Stepping back I walked intp the cave, to check it out. I had been in all of these caves many times but recently I had only use my own. Coming back out of the cave I looked towards the sky the sun was now gone and the moon shone in its place. You can have any vae you like… But I do have one question for you a paused for a few moments thinking of how I would word it but I wasn’t one for small talk. What happned in your past that made you so afraid of caves? My voice was soft and possibly… held a hint of care?

[`anntho]

I o d i n e ::

His question seemed to turn my blood to ice. Had I appeared weak to him? Had I betrayed my disposition? Most likely..yes. With a sideways glance and then one upwards I heaved yet another sigh, something I seemed to be doing lately, and then, only then did I begin, all of my history, not just the caves.

Most of it has to do with...the rest of my history. I was born in a cave, my Father was there and so was my Mother, of course. I was like any other foal, until I stopped suckling from my Mother, and then Father banished her from the herd with a heavy amount of lacerations..I just..Well, I associate caves with my Father...Now, don't get my wrong. My Father wasn't bad to me in any way, just his other mares and the yearling colts, he'd always chase them off, and I learned why. My brother and I were both heirs, like the rest of his children, and I really didn't take my duties seriously, I didn't want to walk around with my nose in the air. I wanted to have fun.

When he found out that I disobeyed all of my training, he got together with one or two of his elder mares, the ones that never foaled to him and so were kept in the herd..and they decided that my brother and I were "bad blood" and so, they were going to sacrafice us to make sure that my Father remained in rule. I remember finding out, I was so stubborn back then, and I was just turning into a grown mare, and I really didn't know the dangers of life, and so I thought that the rest of the world was exactly like the one in my herd. Without a good-bye or a glance back, I left my Brother and fled, I kept running, and running, and then I came across the same cave I was born in..sadly enough, there was a pack of wolves in it, and I was ran off, into some other stallions land.

As I stood in the land, all I could do was keep alerted, and when he finally did arrive, thinking he would claim my spirit, he came up behind me and I lashed out, I didn't like being approached from behind, I'm getting better at it though. So..the scar that runs my face is a reminder that life wasn't like my herd, and that I had to grow up..and so I did, and I came here....Understand?

Was the only word's I could mumble before stepping back again, now he most likely thought me as a coward, but strangly enough, I felt that he, in some way, understood what I was talking about. As I pivoted gently, I flicked my harks at him before retreating into the crevices of the rocks and retreated to the very back, almost as if I wanted him to fallow me out of the night, and back into someplace warm and safe, despite it being a cave, I had a feeling, he would stand up for me if need be.

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[steph]

[glow=green,2,300]Y A R R A M A N [/glow]




The wind found its way between the caves and has it floated over my bulk a warm feeling came with it. It was a spring wind, calm and soothing; not cold but not so warm ether. It was mysterious and I liked it. However, my blue orbs watched Iodine, they never moved from her face. How would she respond, would she answer the question? I wanted to comfort her when she sighed, Iodine was making me do and think things that where far beyond my nature. With her it was like I was a different horse. But I didn’t follow through with my desire, she needed to say what she was going to say otherwise I wouldn’t be able to help her.

Harks came forwards as her first sweet words where emitted from her velvets. It took her a few minutes to revel her history, and she did well. I cold tell that she was still hurt but yet she didn’t get overly emotional. It was ironic how much our sires seemed a like both afraid of their understudies. Both afraid to loose power. Except our actions had been different. The silver dapple had fled and I had murdered. But that was who we where, both different yet the same in many ways.

When the fae came to her last few sentences I wanted to cut her off and find who had done this to her. What kind of a brute would attack a mare that entered his terra? Ya I know that I had twice but Sophie and Adelina where different. They were not hurt when they arrived but bicthy and dark to the core. He should have sensed that she was hurt, and never come after her. Especially with such force to leave her that kind of scar. It was absurd.

As Iodine spoke her last word it echoed through out my body. Her tone was once again feisty she was protecting herself and I couldn’t blame her. My pillars raised and I followed her deep into that cave, and I that moment I knew I would follow her anywhere. The cave was dark the shine of the crescent moon could not be seen, here it didn’t exist. My orbs adjusted quickly though, I was used to travailing at night, but those where events in the past and right now it was all about the equine that stood a few feet from me. Reaching out I rested head against hers, our coats blended in with the back of the cave, hers with more shine and mine darker. Thanks for telling me. He was a bastard. The stallion that gave you that scar. And as for your father I can realte my sire was the same way. You now live in my home Iodine and as long as you stay I will be here to protect you. Even from the caves. And if you want to sleep else where I can find you a spot. My vocals where whispered and I tried my best to keep the dark out of them but not make them fall flat.

[`anntho]

I o d i n e ::

As he fallowed me in I exhaled again, not a sigh nor a grunt, just a chuff of compassion. Feeling his body against mine made my vitals race and my head spin, him and him alone made me feel like this, but why? I knew why, but I doubt he would ever truly understand the depths. My harks twisted around to him as he spoke and my ivories landed on his withers gently, scraping the dentals on the area, sharing a mutual groom with the brute of my life now.

I knew there was truth in his words and I could only response by stepping closer only slightly to allow his masculine aroma to flood over my more femine aroma. And I take your word for truth Was all I murmured before removing my ivories from his withers and tapping my nose lightly onto the side of his face, near his cheek, carefull not to cause him any discomfort, I was happy in this home, I was happy with him, and I knew he could careless that I had a softer side.

No..No, I need to get over my fears. I'll stay here in this cave, I preferr the smaller area while I'm alone. Maybe once you get other mares around here, I'll move out and into a bigger one. I murmured lightly, in a voice barely a whisper, and as I heard a far off hooting of an owl, outside of the cave, and then the flutter of bat wings, my haunches bumped against his haunches and my shoulders left his as I looked behind me to investigate the source of the noises, to find out it was only bats who had taken some roost in the cave roof, and then, like I had said earlier, the owl off in some tree. Turning back to look at Yarraman, I stepped back in against him, feeling the departure of his warmth like a gaping wound, or perhaps, did I need more than his warmth?

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[steph]

[glow=green,2,300]Y A R R A M A N [/glow]


I soft sigh caused my body to fully relax. My hind hoof rested comfortably on the cool ground of the cave, and my auds drooped to the side. There was something about Iodine that changed who I was; she was the only mare that I would ever act like this with. But why, I hoped that one day I would figure out the answer. Or perhaps it was better left as a mystery? When I felt the gentle touch of her ivories on my back I allowed the contact, which I was rather surprised at. It was so strange how I had become even darker and more demon like with Sophie’s murder and yet with the silver dapple I was as sensitive as I had ever been. And that scared me for what would she think of my darker nature which was who I really was? Would she be scared? Would she want to leave?

As her honey sweet vocals broke the silence my ears pricked up and my eyes flew open. Its good that your trust me Iodine, but why do you? Don’t you know that this is not who I am? I backed up and looked her in the eyes by deep blue orbs wanting her to understand. Would I start to push her away if she didn’t? But she had to know what she was getting into before she went in to deep it would be unfair, if I didn’t tell her. I flinched at her touch but did not fully back away. I looked back into her eyes, a
and let my own orbs show the darkness I possessed.

You will be accompanied by others soon Iodine. There are two other mares here Adelina, and Twisted Insanity. My daughter Cocaine has also returned, but beware of her, she is the spitting image of… I stopped the words my queen almost came from my maw. This would be the first time that I would have spoken of Sophie. But I couldn’t do it still hurt to know she was gone. Luckily however, the owl spooked her and it over rode my mishap. For now at least…

[`anntho]

I o d i n e ::

Again his nature slackened and I could only thrust my muzzle at his shoulder, stepping away as he stepped away to. Swinging my haunches about and facing him, peering back into his blue gaze, my own flashing once, almost defiantly, didn't he think I knew more than he let on?

It doesn't bother me. I would still fallow you to the end and back if all you could do was bitch and moan at me. I know better than outwardly appearance I replied cooly, keeping my head about me, the defiance leaving my eyes, the light of cunning knowledge returning into them, swimming through the color and depths. Gently one harks flicked forward sharply, but the other still lounged at the side of my head, obviously I was adjusting well back into the new lands, as if I had liven here all my life.

Moving onto his next statement, I nodded gently, I had noticed it before, but he did have a mingled scent about him, and in honesty, I didn't mind that he had other mares. As he spoke about Sophie, my other hark came up, it was the first time I had ever heard him even refer to her, and it seemed like he was making abit of progress, I knew he would always mourn over her, and that he would always miss her, but at least he was getting able to speak about her, to some extent. I'm looking forward to meeting your daughter and the rest of the harem


[ooc;; x.x im so sorry about getting grounded and some other problems with my computer. I'll try and stay active]