The Lost Islands
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Common

Force-claiming is allowed here once a week per character, as is blocking force-claims by the Peak/Lagoon (as a whole) once a week. Rollover is on Sundays.

bite me
Posted on March 17, 2021 at 02:26:45 AM by CAIN



He liked seeing the shy mare come to life before them, apparently blossoming under the gentle flirting offered by Solomon and his own gentle demeanor. He had no doubt she would thrive in any environment, whether she chose to go to Tinuvel with the taller stallion or to the Desert with himself, or perhaps somewhere else altogether. Solomon still seemed to be struggling with something, his emotions all over the place as the mare spoke her name. The Vanner couldn't help but glance his way a time or two, still trying to get a good read on the other stallion since this was only their second time meeting. The first wasn't really a good time to figure the guy out, since they were in battle and all. He did seem relieved that she was showing more spirit, however.

As he spoke to the mare, he could feel Solomon's curious gaze. Maybe he should have made Salem look more heavenly or talked about the chilly winters on Tinuvel, but that wasn't how Cain wanted to win her over. If he couldn't do it with honesty and integrity, then he didn't deserve her in the first place. At least, that's what the draft told himself. When he turned the attention over to the slender stallion beside him, he almost expected Solomon to throw up a grand speech of his own. At the stallion's short words, the stallion couldn't help but smirk in amusment, instead. He listened as Solomon then proclaimed himself as neither selfless nor pure in heart and said that he simply wanted her to go home with him. He had to hand it to the grullo paint, blunt honesty worked for him, too.

He could still see the wary glint in Chelle's eyes and while he wished he could wave a wand and make her see he was truly what he presented himself to be, he knew that wouldn't be the case. Maybe she were to take an invitation to his home as a guest and meet some of the Desert mares then she would see that his offer was true. Cerosi and Chimeras could tell her how they were once guests in the Desert, free to leave, and yet they chose to stay and call it their home. Any of the mares could tell her how they weren't kept there by force and they could visit other places at will. He liked to think he'd worked to build a strong foundation with his herd and every mare there knew his true character.

Of course, he also saw the admiration in her eyes as Solomon spoke, obviously liking his rougher approach. Solomon had a way with the ladies; there was no doubt. He pricked his ears patiently as the mare then spoke, thanking them both for their honesty before admitting that she didnt' know them well enough to make that decision on who to follow. She asked them one thing: to convince her. The Gypsy stallion tilted his head, studying her for a moment as he considered what to say. He didn't mind putting in the work and whatever she asked of him to gain her trust so he decided that's what he would focus on. She obviously had bad luck with stallions like him in her past and couldn't trust his character enough to take his words as they were. Dipping his head in acknowledgement, he began.

"I know my words sound too good to be true. To be fair, I wasn't always this approachable. When I first came to the islands, I knew only pride and ego and they led me down a dark path. It took some resilient mares and a lifetime's worth of regret to change my mindset and make me see that I wanted to forge a different life for herd members in the Desert. I have offered the open invitation to many a mare before and they've come to Salem with no strings. So far, the mares who came as guests asked to make the Desert their home, at least, for now. I'm not going to call the land prosperous or make it seem like paradise. It's not for everyone. What the Desert is rich in, is family. I don't have a huge herd, but we are close knit. The mares have a voice and know that I will listen. They recently chose their own Lead Mare for the herd and are to talk about it some more in the coming months.

"They know they are respected and cherished. They know every choice is their own to make. If you like sand and sun, the Desert may be your cup of tea, but the summers are hot and the winters are lukewarm at best. I would be honored to give you a tour or escort you there as a guest to see if you like it. There are many treasures to be found there if you know where to look or if you know someone who can show you. I know that time is about the only thing that can help you learn to trust again, but I just want you to know that there's not a point of no return where I am concerned. The invitation is always open, even if you don't choose today. No matter your decision, this meeting was not in vain. If you ever need anything, I will be there." He finally turned his gaze on the stallion at his side, sure that Solomon had something witty to follow up with that would have her swooning in no time. He'd been nothing but honest with her and now it would be up to her to make that decision. He just hoped he'd done enough to show her what he could offer: stability, freedom, family. Maybe it wasn't what she was looking for, but maybe it was.

Maybe he should have talked up the Desert more or told her about the underground caves with the cool breezes that larger horses like her and him could use for relief from the hot sun, but he didn't want to paint an unrealistic picture of his home. He was proud to call it that and he'd never turn his back on it, but he wanted her to know the truth of what she would be walking into if she chose to go to Salem so there'd be no rude surprises later. She could find the good in it herself if she chose to take that leap of faith with him. That's really what he was asking for at this point, for her to give him that chance to earn her trust, to show he could be the very stallion he appeared. Now the ball was in her court.


Cain_stallion_7yo_Gypsy Vanner Mutt_16.3hh_black and white tobiano coat_white mane & tail_dark brown eyes_bound to none_Salem Desert

Father to: Akello(x Vihaan), Legolas(x Geneva), Paisley(x Primrose), Carbon(x Geneva), Zena(x Zubeia), Twinge(x Harlequin), Vulcan-adopted (x Berit), Enoch(x Berit), Ahimsa(x Vihaan), Sinai (x Berit), Ryolette, (x Harlequin), and Phoebe (x Melisma)

photo by DeadlyLupine@Deviantart



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