Training on the plains (Jalen, Open)

by **Bolden Denusk** on July 23rd, 2011, 8:32 pm

Striders were such intelligent animals that many underestimated their ability to comprehend the Drykas people. Nightwind showed Lily a green bit of grass to the left with his nose. The large stallion stood as big and unmoving as a mountain. He explained to Lily that his rider had an aching leg from a bad break many years ago. When it hurt, he would proudly lend his shoulder or back to help Bold.

The Striders shared each others full history and that of their riders with a language only they understood.

They look like mates, Nightwind nickered to the mare. Lily seemed to wink in agreement with him.

The Denusk felt a wisp of images from the stallion, clearly not meant for him. Bolden turned suddenly to look over his shoulder at Nightwind.
"Seriously man, do you keep anything to yourself?"

He laughed and hooked a lazy arm over the animal's thickly muscled neck.
"Don't believe everything he says Lily--he's just trying to impress a pretty mare! He's too charming for his own good!"

Nightwind nudged the man's shoulder to tease him and whinnied a horse laugh.

The young Drykas turned back to the lovely woman, laughter still brightening his eyes.

"Have you ever wondered just how much and what they show each other? Is it as hazy as it is with us or clearer? And how deeply do they understand?"

Bold knew he'd have to end the banter soon and get down to serious business, but he wanted to see the woman happy for just a bit longer. She at least deserved that after all that had happened. At least as far as he knew from the hazy images from Nightwind.

by **Jalen Cleardawn** on July 24th, 2011, 12:21 am

Lily whinnied lightly a consoling message to Nightwind for his rider's injury. How terrible it must have been, to still be ailing him so! She would have done the same for her own rider, had she experienced a similar accident. The mare shared with Nightwind a story of how Jalen liked to sit under her belly for shade during the hot summer days, and for warmth during the cold winter days. She prided herself in being able to assist Jalen even in the simple things.

Lily expressed to Nightwind the sadness Jalen held deep inside her heart. She had been set to wed a man that her mother and father approved of from the neighboring Pavilion. They thought highly of him, but Jalen hadn't the heart to turn him down. She was a free spirited woman who loved to see her family happy. While she certainly found the bachelor a sensible man with high ideals, she knew she would be his second wife, a fact she was unable to cope with. She wanted to wed a single man, to be his everything, and to mother his children.

Lily sensed the happiness under Jalen's mourning shell. She felt what Jalen felt as she conversed with Bolden. She insisted to Nightwind she had never seen Jalen glow so fervently in the presence of a man. She knew what Jalen wanted, but she knew she was heavily burdened by the loss of her Pavilion.

She whipped at Jalen with her tail, and shifted so as to nuzzle her. She gave Jalen a shove forward, a little closer to Bolden.

Jalen swatted back at Lily.

"I'm not sure how much they share, but they certainly understand us! I'm sure they partake in secret-telling..." Jalen looked at Lily accusingly.

Lily nickered at Nightwind. She shared with him her longing to see Jalen whole and happy.

She crossed to Nightwind and chomped at a fly near his haunches, as he had swiped at them for her. It was an affectionate display, meant to show her appreciation for his attentive help.

by **Bolden Denusk** on July 24th, 2011, 3:59 pm

He felt Jalen nudged into him and he looked in surprise at Lily. He narrowed his gaze on Nightwind accusingly.

"Yea. I'd say they probably know more about ourselves than we do. Nice scheming you two!" Bold commented as he chuckled.

Nightwind blew softly through his nostrils, expressing thanks and approval at the mare's story and her actions. The stallion shared Bolden's coltish trust in him; of how during the journey, the rider would stretch out on his back, along the Stallion's spine, his limbs dangling in sleep each night. Complete and total trust that the Strider wouldn't let him come to harm.

He illustrated how every morning they played for hours with each other. Practicing their walking, trotting, cantering, galloping and making shapes. The stallion admitted he hadn't been so cared for since his own mother, and that his rider shared everything with him.

But his rider never truly loved a human mare. Never became a herd stallion although there were human mares aplenty. ' It seems as though he dances with them, but never gets close enough to graze together,' the Strider shared with Lily.

He needs a mare to graze with...

Bolden let the comfortable silence draw out as he was comforted by Jalen on one side and Nightwind on the other. He picked up a long piece of grass and stuck it between his teeth, rolling it around thoughtfully. It was so peaceful that he tried to draw out the moment, savoring the closeness, the scents and the feel of the warm bodies nearby.

by **Jalen Cleardawn** on July 24th, 2011, 8:18 pm

Jalen cut her eyes at Lily, but she was listening attentively to Nightwind's stories. She thanked him again for his sharing, and bucked her head up and down in agreement with Bolden's accusation of their cunning thoughts. She expressed her approval of their protective yet gentle nature with one another, and admired their bond. Lily projected unto Nightwind her guilt for what happened to Jalen's herd. If she had just gotten there sooner, maybe someone - anyone - could have been saved. There was a deep regret that had been weighing her down since the clash. She wasn't sure if she could ever forgive herself, even though Jalen had insisted that it was no one's fault. Justice would be served in due time, she told Lily, but Lily wasn't so sure she could just forget the pain she shared with Jalen.

Lily shared flashes of her memories with Jalen, most of them pointing out her subtle avoiding of men. She played and wrestled with children, taught them about horses, helped those around her. She was laughing and smiling her big hearty smile. She was energetic and playful by nature.

Next came flashes of her tears, her sorrows, her weaknesses. She wanted her parents to be proud of her and to rejoice when she was wed. Always eager to please others, but always at the expense of her own well-being and happiness. When her herd had been struck down by the Zith, she became but another worthless smear on the face of the land. Lily had tried to soothe her, to persuade her that she just had to find her place amongst another herd. She could only hope Jalen would understand.

Jalen's eyes met Lily's, and her tears came once more, though lightly this time. Lily whinnied at her, encouraging her to dry her tears and to smile her bright smile. Jalen but barely grinned.

The silence compelled Jalen to fill it, but she wasn't sure what to say. She began to feel as if she were intruding on Bolden's time with Nightwind. She knew they would probably be on their way soon, yet....

She didn't want him to leave.

by **Bolden Denusk** on July 24th, 2011, 8:43 pm

Bolden looked up the sky to judge the time--three bells had passed! He'd better get back in time for the evening meal or Kavala would give him ..the look.

He frowned a moment, trying to work things out in the proper place. He shifted around to adjust the twisted Yvas and attach the depleted water skins to it.

"You should probably know that uh....I'm..." How do you explain these things to a Lady?! He cleared his throat and tried again, keeping his hands busy with rolling up the fabric and putting it away.

"I have a tent of my own, almost adjoining my sister's and she usually leaves the evening meal for me that I could share with you. I need to get back home, but I can't leave you, but I can't...compromise your virtue."

Even the young man's ears turned as red as his face. Still brighter as he continued in an embarrassed tone.

"I have a bit of a errr reputation and I'm not sure it would be fair to expose you to that. I'm not exactly the pride of the Denusk Pavilion.....I could invite you to my tent, but it would tarnish your name..."

by **Jalen Cleardawn** on July 24th, 2011, 9:24 pm

Jalen smiled as she noticed Bolden's ears and face flush with embarrassment. She pondered over what he was trying to tell her. He had offered to share his dinner with her, and hadn't wanted to leave her on the plains. Alone... Again....

He seemed to fidget with gathering his things as he spoke. Was he trying to avoid coming right out and saying it? Then it came out, something about how he wouldn't compromise her virtue. Her virtue? What about his virtue? He had been such a kind, compassionate person! He had exhibited the utmost respect and selflessness! What was he going on about?

A reputation, he said. A reputation with...?

Surely not! She pushed the thought far from her mind, but it floated back up. A reputation with women? Not this man. He must be exaggerating. She eyed him carefully and contemplated her response, weighing his words.

If Bolden had such a terrible reputation, why was he warning her? Why would he be so concerned with her virtue? In her opinion, if a man was known to have a reputation for anything, he acted without care or consideration of his repute with others. If anyone cared about how they were viewed, they would avoid giving others a reason to spread rumors. Bolden seemed to mind that he had such standing with his pavilion.

"Bolden, I find you to be a kind, gentle man. I'm not sure what it is you've done to develop the reputation you speak of, but I'm sure there must have been a misunderstanding of some sort. The fact that you would warn me of said reputation, and express your concern for mine, shows me that you are wary for me. I think...." She thought before continuing, her face also turning red. "I think the fact that you care to any extent means you want better for yourself. I'm glad you stopped for me today, and I find your company most enjoyable. If you truly don't mind, I would be honored to accompany you. And I'll take whatever is thrown at me with a grain of salt. I'm a strong woman. I would like to prove those accusing you wrong."

by **Bolden Denusk** on July 25th, 2011, 6:50 pm

For a moment his expression was unfathomable as she spoke so eloquently.

'Is she for real? There wasn't even a hint of the coy banter or head games over word choices. No flirting or exaggerated mannerisms at all. She's a genuine, trusting, honest to goodness Lady. -This- is the kind of woman Kavala said to wait for.'

Bolden couldn't be more stunned and he was totally unable to keep the amazement from his eyes and face. He breathed deeply to get himself back under control, but could only mange two sentences.

"The only reputation I seek is the one you assign me, Lady Jalen."

He moved to Lily's side and cupped his hand for Jalen's dainty foot to assist her.
"Need a leg up?"

OOC: :

by **Jalen Cleardawn** on July 25th, 2011, 7:54 pm

Jalen tried to read Bolden's expression as he stared at her. At last, a look of amazement crossed his face, washing him over and out of his moment of thought. As he finally breathed in and spoke, offering her his assistance onto her mount, she, too, smiled. She took the offer, and up she went onto Lily's back.

"I wish not to assign you any sort of reputation. You're simply kind, in my eyes. Thank you, Bolden."

Lily, overcome with Joy, bobbed her head and jittered excitedly. She expelled a breath from her nose and nuzzled Bolden. She gave him a couple light shoves towards Nightwind and whinnied. Her happiness warmed Jalen in a way that could only be matched by Bolden's smile. At last, a small laugh escaped her, at Lily's behavior.

"She's, uhmm, happy!"

As Lily pranced about, she paused to nuzzle Nightwind as well, showing her gratitude for his humble sharing of his stories and thoughts. She nickered at him, urging him to forward her thanks to Bolden as well.

Jalen's heart jumped a little as she thought, Lily was right. She just needed to be patient and loving to everyone, and in the end, she would reap bounty. Bolden had been endlessly compassionate towards her in the seemingly short amount of time they were together. The thought of meeting his Pavilion gave her an almost nervous feeling, but she shoved it down to the far corners of her mind. She would do what she had to in order to dispel the rumors and reputation he so spoke of. She felt she owed him at least that much.

by **Bolden Denusk** on July 25th, 2011, 11:59 pm

Bolden's face lit up like a little boy at Lily's antics. He beamed a big smile, thoroughly enchanted with -both- mares. When she head bumped him in happiness he couldn't help but laugh.

He softly blew his scent to Lily's nose and caressed her with a large but very gentle hand, feeling the silk of her ivory hide and the warmth of her strong neck. The young Denusk waited for her to accept his smell before touching her face. He tenderly cupped the mare's velvety muzzle with one hand and patted her soft cheek.

"You are a credit to your rider and all your Strider ancestors lovely Lily. Nightwind sends me your gratitude so I get to once again see, like Strider, like rider. You've done a great job of caring for her he tells me."

The large calloused hands lightly stroked the mare's nose to thank her and he turned to leap astride Nightwind.

Bolden and Nightwind stood beside Jalen and Lily, all four of them unaware of the beautiful picture they made.

"You are most welcome my Lady Jalen and lovely Lily." The mare's charming head bob was an adorable display of high spirits and his amber eyes glinted with gold flecks as he watched her.

He noted the lengthening shadows but didn't worry a bit; they had Striders!

"Let's see how fast your pretty little mare is Lady Jalen!"

The young Denusk called out to her, spontaneously leaning forward on Nightwind and urging him to instant speed.

For the first time in a long time, he forgot his worries as they raced across the plains toward home.

by **Jalen Cleardawn** on July 26th, 2011, 2:30 am

Jalen sat comfortably atop Lily, enjoying the sight. Lily was a playful mare, and held herself in high esteem. As she nuzzled and prodded at Bolden, Jalen smiled as she finally won over some of his attention for herself. The touch of his warm hands against her hide zipped through Lily to Jalen. She shivered as Lily shared the sensation with her, and much to her surprise, she couldn't help but smile. The young man's gentle nature with her mare instilled in her a sense of trust and pride. How could anyone belittle such a kind spirited man? Why?

Lily nickered quietly in response to Bolden's generous compliments. Jalen noted the gorgeous amber hue of his eyes, and could compare their likeness only to that of the setting sun. She thought of her sky blue-green eyes. Sky and sun. Lily noted the perfect allusion, and pitter-pattered her hooves on the ground as he mounted Nightwind.

Bolden and Nightwind soon took off in a blaze, his challenge to test their speed still lingering. She leaned down and whispered into Lily's ear before patting her neck. She reared slightly off the ground before lunging after them. No doubt Bolden had spent a great deal of time working with Nightwind. What a fast pair!

Lily worked her muscles to their limits to try and catch up with them, but they still could only manage to trail them. Jalen urged Lily not to push herself too far, but she was intent in her pursuit. This Bolden and his steed made it hard for her to concentrate on her sorrows, though they still loitered near the surface of her thoughts. Perhaps this was her key to beginning anew.

Her father once told her that when he was dead and gone from this land, he would require her to hold her head high always, and not to shed tears, for he was surely headed to happy place.

She smiled at his memory, and held tighter to Lily, eager to see where Bolden took them.