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Post by lazuli on Apr 30, 2007 22:50:48 GMT -5
The blue stag stepped lightly, crossing the thick grasses of the land, a mix of withering, knee-deep grains from the previous summer and fresh new blades of tender greens. The soil began to harden and roughen and soon turned into some rocky ground by which there was a cave and a pool. After his long journey, the stud longed to rush headlong into the refreshing liquid, but something stopped him-- a figure, and that of an equine.
Was he too late? Surely another young upstart hadn't come and taken this land before him. Not that it mattered, Zuli would challenge him for it. But no... his dappled nares registered the scents of a dove in the pool. She appeared a stunning dark hue of topaz throughout-- a lovely chestnut, and seemed to be deep in thought as she slowly waded in the pristine waters.
Lazuli watched curiously as the mare gazed to the heavens and stepped closer, thankfully downwind of the mare. He came to a stop above the entrance to the cavern, facing the pool. The wind shifted and put the stu d upwind of the femora. She would soon scent him standing there. As if he'd simply appeared with the fresh new breeze, the shining blue stood erect and proud, tassles and low-slung banner dancing gently upon his hide. A hushed, low nicker of greeting drifted lazily across the atmos in the direction of the lady.
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Post by Shadow on May 1, 2007 7:20:45 GMT -5
Irezu's deep mahogany gaze was fixed on the heavens, still pondering what was to be done as she waded to a deeper portion of the pool. The Arab was about to drop her head in order to take a drink from the crystalline waters all about her, when a hushed nicker drew her attention from her thoughts.
Turning, dark-rimmed ears pitching in the direction of the sound, Irezu saw a stallion. He stood tall and proud on the rocky ground not far from the pool where she had been. The Arab wondered if Tenga had seen the stranger yet. Likely he had; her half-brother was never far away from her and always on guard.
Moving slowly through the water, Irezu soon reached the bank of the pool. Water dripped from her damp flanks, but she paid it little heed. Nearly everything was wet anyway this spring.
Irezu halted a short distance from the stranger and nodded in greeting. 'I am Irezu, Lady of the Neutrals.' she spoke, her voice quiet and calm.
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Post by lazuli on May 5, 2007 15:24:15 GMT -5
Navy whipcords dangled in the breeze, dancing about the blue stag's hocks. He shifted his fores before speaking.
And a lady you are. Greeting, Irezu. I am Lazuli, lord of none.
He paused before speaking again, crickets and locusts chirping and buzzing in the short silence.
I have just arrived from a bachelor herd and I came to claim a land for my own, but it seems this one is taken. Might I meet your lord?
The scent of a stallion could barely be picked up on the lazy breeze. So his previous hunches were correct-- he was too late. Perhaps he could fit in as a royal beta instead.
Lazuli did not step closer to the lady, for fear of irking whoever it was that owned these lands. He couldn't help but admire her lovely chisled facade and fine Arab auds...
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Post by Shadow on May 7, 2007 11:29:52 GMT -5
Irezu dipped her elegant head slightly as she said, 'It is a pleasure to make your acquiantance, Lazuli.'
The breeze toyed with the Arab mare's mane in the brief silence that ensued. When the blue stud began speaking again, Irezu turned calm dark eyes on him, attentive to what he had to say.
'I have no lord.' Irezu responded quietly. She had a feeling that Lazuli had scented Tenga, and figured him to be lord of this terra. Smiling slightly, she added, 'Tenga is my half-brother and protector. He has no ambition to be Lord of the Neutrals; or of any alliance, for that matter.'
Such was true. Tenga had no interest in taking a place of leadership; for that matter, he held no interest in the politics of alliances. If Irezu was Neutral, so was he. If she were to have become Light or Dark, who would have followed either path with an ease that would anger many of the three Alliances. His main concern was keeping his half-sister safe. All other ambitions took second place to this self-appointed task.
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Post by lazuli on May 7, 2007 14:30:24 GMT -5
The blue was visibly relaxed, but managed to maintain his proud appearance. Inside, he was glad that he didn't have to mess with challenging. Surely this meant he could just come in and claim it for his own. If the fae didn't like it, then he could chase her out, no problem. Wait, lady of the neutrals, and no king? What kind of setup was this? Lazuli'd never heard of a queen with no king. Still, he supposed he would have to put on facade and respect the lady. Perhaps she wasn't as he thought she would be... but then again, were not all faes the same?
[ooc: this is my charrie speaking, not I. I made him purposely REALLY conceited and even a little sexist, but it's all in fun. gotta have some kind of drama on here ;) ]
Changing his attitude, he set out to woo the ess. Perhaps she could be of use to him, aside from amusement. He certainly couldn't let her get on his bad side.
Tenga, then. That must be the one I scent. Well, that is dandy. I, on the other hand, do have ambitions, and wish to lead the neutral side. Fair Lady Irezu (and by the way, Missy, I do love your name), would you have a problem with me setting up shop here? I mean, 'tis a terribly expansive land to govern by oneself. I would have a problem with your brother abiding here as well, as long as he vowed not to challenge for leadership or interfere with mine. Perhaps he could be beta as well. And surely you are lonely, no?
His vocals laced each syllable with a close to sincere sweetness. Lazuli couldn't make up his mind on how he should interact with the mare. He stepped closer, coming to the edge of the pond, and shifted his weight between his fores in thought. The soft breeze seemed to play with his hair, tossing his tassles lightly so that the full moon sparkled on the deep azul. This is his chance.
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Post by Shadow on May 7, 2007 22:38:53 GMT -5
((not a problem ) Irezu quietly studied the stallion before her. Experienced in detecting even minute nuances of emotion, the Arab took note the moment Lazuli set out to woo her. A faint smile curved her lips at that thought. It had been some time since a stallion had tried wooing her. 'I am honored that you are pleased with my name.' Irezu responded quietly, a mild glint of humor in her dark eyes. Growing more serious, she added, 'Whether I would have a problem or not with you taking position of Lord here would depend on how you would rule the Neutrals.' Irezu paused a moment, her gaze straying to the cave entrance where she could see the pale outline of Tenga. Quietly, she continued, 'Tenga will not challenge or interfere with you as long as he is certain that you will not harm me.' The Lady of the Neutrals did not yet respond to Lazuli's final query of how she must be lonely. True, rulng the Neutrals could be a rather lonely task at times. Especially when she had to deal with Gaara. Still, she'd always had the company of others to fall back upon. She was not yet starving for companionship.
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Post by lazuli on May 10, 2007 18:03:49 GMT -5
The stag thought for a minute, stepping closer very slowly. Lifting his cranium, he spoke in a proud tone.
I am an ambitious and hard-working stag. I would not be lazy in my task. Of course, I would never harm you, especially as lady or the neutrals, whether nobility or peastantry. Your brother should fear not on that matter.
As lord of the neutrals, I would set about building a large neutral harem, must we one day defend ourselves, so that we would be able to. I would allow you to keep your position as lady and offer your blood the position of next in line to me. Unfortunately, seeing as he is kin, I'd rather have it that he not be king after me, for kin to share royalty presents both family strife and a poor match for a foal.
I make myself to appear proud and noble, but I am not stuck-up. Consider me, mistress, for lord and king here, and a companion for you, if you would.
Eli couldn't believe he was speaking to a finch with such a tone and with such words. Femorae were designed to carry the burden of a stag, not the burden of a country. Still, in the circumstances, respecting this fae would be Lazuli's only chance to gain both the kingdom and a mate. Of course, he couldn't completely degrade his queen, nor the other esses in his kingdom (should it happen to become his), or they would be unhappy. Lazuli took one last step closer, then halted.
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Post by Shadow on May 10, 2007 22:44:23 GMT -5
Irezu listened with quiet intentness as the blue stag spoke. It was a gift of hers, this ability to listen and lead the speaker to believe that what they said was the most important thing in the world. In her homeland, where war had raged, it had been a key tactic to bring opposing sides together.
When he had finished speaking, the Arab Lady made answer.
'That you are here seeking a position as Lord is abundant evidence of your ambition.' she stated, her tone quiet and calm as always. She rarely allowed herself to become ruffled by events. Speaking to this stud was no different.
'You need not worry about presenting Tenga with the possibility of being next in line. As I have said, he cares nothing for rulership. His loyalty is mine.'
Irezu was silent a moment, carefully considering her next words. When at last she spoke, her tone was still calm. 'True nobility of character is a rare thing to be cherished and not something that should make one appear stuck-up. Pride is something that must be guarded carefully, lest it become out of control and one appear too proud.'
Another instant of silent contemplation ensued, followed by a question from the Arab Lady. 'Have you ever had experience in ruling before?'
Irezu wanted to know as much about this stag as possible before even beginning consideration on whether he ought to be ruler of the Neutrals and a companion to herself.
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Post by lazuli on May 11, 2007 16:35:59 GMT -5
The stag was a little miffed that this fae thought of herself so wise and such a good leader-- interviewing him for leadership? And she was the one preaching to him about pride...
Indeed, that I have. I am but five years, and came straight from the bachelor herd which I led. For three years I showed them water and food, adventure and safety. I waited two years after I could have left so that I could be a stronger leader.
The blue kept his tone strong and brisk, as a stag should, but he didn't appear stuck-up, only proud.
Prideful, yes, can lead to hasty downfalls, but proud convey sstrength-- an image for which I can substantiate.
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Post by Shadow on May 11, 2007 21:50:14 GMT -5
Irezu listened quietly as he spoke of his leadership experience. It would seem he had experience in leading a herd, though it had been a bacherlor herd. Would he have the right capabilities in leadering a herd that also included faes? The Arab had a feeling that the blue stud was unused to a femme in such a position of leadership as Irezu held and she wondered what his true opinion on faes was.
Quietly, Irezu said, 'Strength in a leader is important, but it is equally important to temper that strength with compassion. A leader who cannot empathize with the feelings of those under them runs the risk of becoming a tyrant.'
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Post by lazuli on May 11, 2007 22:48:27 GMT -5
At this point, the stag grew impatient and frustrated. It seemed there was no end to this fae's criticisms.
Fae, I have led a band for three years. I'm sure that is longer than what you have been leading here-- your brother, which you even stated has loyalties to you. What do you know about leadership? Is there no ceasing of your prideful wisdom? Such an attitude, let me tell you, is in no way helpful in leading a herd.
And we wonder why faes are not the ones in charge? Lazuli added in his thoughts. Such a conclusion to his little soapbox would surely have driven the femme away at this point...
I came here with the intentions of ruling and strengthening and building up a strong neutral harem that none dare attack-- and if that be so, then a side strong enough to defend ourselves. Your wonderful little world of knowledge helps me not to accomplish my task.
He paused, thinking. He did the best he could to control his temper. He'd never stricken a damsel before, but by golly, this ess would be the first if she kept on.
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Post by Shadow on May 12, 2007 7:52:04 GMT -5
In the shadowed entrance of the cave, Tenga's ears pinned back and he took an aggressive step forward at the tone he heard the stranger using while speaking with Irezu. He might have done something drastic at that point, but an unspoken signal from Irezu halted him.
'I have led a herd elsewhere, Lazuli.' Irezu corrected patiently.
Apparently her questions were beginning to frustrate the stud. Still, she felt it necessary to give advice that she felt needed. He may have led a group of stags, but many faes were very different from their masculine counterparts. They needed a strong leader -- especially with the threat of war looming on the horizon -- but they also needed a leader who was compassionate and who would care for their needs with a gentleman's caring.
'Forgive me if I have made you to believe me prideful.' she said softly. 'I have had to deal with Gaara not so long ago and it does not put anyone, fae or stud, in the best temperament to deal with a stranger who wishes to take over command of one's alliance. I simply wish to be certain that you will be the best for ruling the Neutrals. As Lady, it is my duty to protect and care for my people. That includes carefully interviewing strangers who wish to become Lord.'
A slight smile touched the fae's lips as she quietly added, 'And my name is Irezu.'
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Post by lazuli on May 12, 2007 19:42:40 GMT -5
Irezu, then. Very well. But I must ask-- you say you ruled elsewhere. What happened there, then? I will supply you a reason for my own alibi-- I wished a herd, as did any other stag, and felt I was old enough to depart from that roguish band of colts. Now, sure, I have not the experience of governing faes, but it seems an impossible task if all faes are like you.
The stag flicked his lashes behind him, then shivered his skin, ridding his pelt of blood-seeking insects.
But it is a task I am prepared to attempt. So consider my thoguhts-- with you and but your brother to protect and rule the entire kingdom, you don't have enough to make a strong neutral side. It is only my desire to protect and stand behind my loyalties, and I have none now, and it drives me mad. I promise your safety and my best effort of your happiness if I am to rule beside you, but that is all I can offer. I inquire of you now-- do you, or do you not, wish a stag as king of the neutrals, and that the stag be me? A simple answer is all I need, mind you.
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Post by Shadow on May 12, 2007 19:50:05 GMT -5
'I left when I heard of the difficulties for Neutrals here.' Irezu answered quietly. 'There was a young stallion ready to take up leadership of my old herd, and I felt my talents were needed in this land where war seems to loom on the horizon.'
A mild smile curved Irezu's lips upward. 'Fear not; there are few faes like me.'
Swishing her long dark tail, Irezu paused in thoughtful silence. She was not completely convinced that he ought to become Lord of the Neutrals. The decision placed before her was a difficult one. The Arab did not know the stag, and thus did not know whether he might have been lying to her the entire time or not. Still, he was right about one thing. The Neutrals needed a strong leader. Irezu was a wise Lady and a good ruler, but there were times when her feminine gender was a handicap.
Irezu gazed into the blue stag's eyes. An instant of indecision passed before she wordlessly nodded her refined Arabic head.
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Post by lazuli on May 13, 2007 17:28:46 GMT -5
The stag sighed, relieved.
I'll assure you it is a good decision you have made. If there is trouble ready to come, the neutrals must have a strong side to defend themselves. That will start with a strong king. And now you are my lady as well.
Lazuli paced a few feet away towards the water, then looked back at her.
So what do you wish to do now? There is no apparent trouble yet, so we are free to do as we like.
((what do you plan to do about the claiming thread?? i don't want two herd mares played by the same charrie...))
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