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06-17-2015, 12:05 PM
Romani
Frostfall was among them, merciless in its grasp of winter as snow and ice fell in massive sheets, cloaking all of Helovia in a blanket of cold white. It was unsavory and unpleasant, making life miserable for nearly all of the inhabitants across the land, but no amount of snow or brutal chill could freeze the warmth in the Haflinger’s heart. She was joyful, jovial, and at peace for the first time in a long time, and for good reason! Finally, finally she had come home to the land where she belonged… Although misshapen and that of a different name, the Hidden Falls was still built of the same earth where the Foothills had once stood, and that was enough for her.
Surrounded by friends and those she considered family, Romani felt no reason to be downtrodden or melancholy, instead embracing life as it was offered and grabbing every opportunity to expand herself, both in body and mind. It was due to such an occasion, such an opportunity, that the stocky palomino mare found herself in a decent sized clearing on a sunny afternoon, yet the sun itself offered no warmth. It was time for her, as a warrior, a Conscript -- such a strange, funny word on her tongue! -- to engage in a seasonal spar, as per command of Ktulu, Champion of the Hidden Falls. Her opponent for Frostfall? Destrier.
Simple thought of his name was enough to make her heart flutter within her golden breast, but she did not dare to hope if the feeling was mutual. Destrier was confidant, strong, resilient in body and mind and so much more than Romani herself could hope to be. He was handsome and other-worldy, strong and just, kind and benevolent with a strong sense of virtue and understanding… He was the perfect stallion for one such as her, but Destrier was a colleague. A brother-in-arms. A fellow soldier.
Oh, of course he had showed her favor before, during the invasion to take the Hidden Falls as their own. He had encouraged her silently, stoically, with a few subtle touches. Surely she was blowing his affection completely out of proportion. He had, after all, made no attempts to seek her out her company outside of battle… Perhaps her infatuation with him was nothing more than a passing fancy, an unrequited crush that, rather annoyingly, would not go away. The thought was depressing and momentarily dampened her joyous mood.
Sucking in a deep breath, the palomino gypsy released a slow sigh, mist furling upwards from flaring nostrils only to disappear in the morning light. There was a slight breeze, enough to rattle the snow-covered branches, but not strong enough to be cumbersome in any way. Snow covered the ground, which would make their spar potentially dangerous, but this was simply a quick scrap, something to knock their hooves together and ensure that their minds and bodies were in shape. There was nothing to worry about.
At her side Kasai rolled lazily in the fluffy white snow, back arching, legs flailing, a deep, resonating grunt of a growl escaping the white tigress’ maw as she satisfied a rather annoying itch upon her back. Just like her equine bond-mate, Kasai was looking forward to this spar. She enjoyed spending time with Destrier and his two dragons, Suli and Merlin, although she wasn’t able to see them as often as she liked. That irked her.
“You’ll see them here soon enough, my Sweet, should he answer my call.” Romani murmured, lowering her head to nuzzle the white tigress’ cheek once the large cat had straightened up. Shaking the ice and snow from her striped coat, the feline huffed. The Haflinger’s sharp, azure eyes rolled. “Please, don’t be so dramatic. He will come.”
Turning her attention back to the surrounding snow-covered trees and bushes, Romani took in another deep breath and called out to her would-be spar partner. “Destrier!” She beckoned, lifting a hoof and stamping it firmly down into the soft snow beneath her, “Destrier, Suli, Merlin! Come! It’s time for us to spar!”
@[Destrier]
Wordcount: 694 (according to Google Docs)
Opening Post | Destrier may attack first if he wishes! Magic and Companions ARE allowed!
Setting: A cold afternoon after a night of a snowstorm. The sun is high in the cloudless sky with a slight breeze, snow underfoot and their sparring location surrounded by snow-covered trees.
You Ain't Ever Gonna Change
You Got a Gypsy Soul to Blame
And You Were Born for Leavin'
