Posted on May 19, 2020 at 01:02:53 AM by Golden Illusion
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The palomino listened carefully as the two stallions bantered back and forth. There was evidently a game afoot and she kept herself neatly between them and Raptor, protecting her daughter even if she didn't want protecting. Maslakhat played the same game, his words smooth like butter as he told the other stallion it was nice of him to come all this way just to congratulate him but Illusion could hear all the undertone of sarcasm. She could tell by the paint's expression that it wasn't lost on him, either. When she spoke up about their place here, Maslakhat surprised her by saying he was not in charge of their fate and she was free to stay or go. Her ears flicked to him cautiously, studying the golden bay's expression for a moment to look for signs of trickery. Was he not the new leader of these lands and so in fact, he was the one who could kick her out at a moment's notice or make her stay? It was always the way of things, before, but the slender bay stallion was trying to make it seem different, now. Maybe he wasn't the type to force someone to stay but the wrinkled nostrils and way he looked at them before had given Illusion every impression that he wasn't planning on keeping them here. When Maslakhat asked for the other stallion's name, Illusion pricked her ears curiously in his direction, soft brown eyes openly taking him in. When the golden bay moved, Illusion tensed and watched his movement, one brow lifting quizzically as he placed himself behind her and Raptor, putting them stoically in the middle between the two stallions. That was always the worst place to be and instantly, her ears flicked back in disapproval. Maybe he was trying to be open about her invitation to leave but it seemed almost like he was offering her up as bait and she didn't take kindly to it, especially not when Raptor was with her. As he lifted his head, she turned her body just enough to meet his gaze head-on more directly this time. He once more said that the outcome depended on what she decided and she found her skin rippling with distaste at it all. She hated the thought of swimming anywhere in her current condition but she was really starting to hate the thought of having her foal here, too. If it was a colt, would it be in danger from the new leader? She knew she could always go see Bahadir in the Badlands, but a part of her wondered why he hadn't bothered to try to contact her since he left. She knew he might not know Shaydowfax was gone or maybe he didn't want to start trouble with a new lead stallion here but she felt a little bitter that she might be raising a second foal on her own with no father figure. The golden mare turned her attention back to the grullo tobiano as he spoke, giving his name as Solomon and saying he was the leader of the Cove. She knew that was on another island so it would definitely mean a swim. Could she make it with her late pregnancy? A nudge of Raptor's nose had her glancing over to meet her daughter's gaze. "I'll help you." Raptor whispered, as if knowing what she was thinking. Illusion turned her attention back to the discussion at hand only as Solomon said he had mares missing and thought one may have come here. He used a nickname, Shay, and her ears pricked curiously, taking him in more. So he knew Shaydowfax, enough to shorten her name? Were they friends? Did they lead together? Illusion only knew a little of what Shaydowfax had been up to since being stolen by Warsaw. She knew her buckskin friend got away and went to another herd where she took over and co-led with a stallion before leaving to come back to the Dunes. She just didn't know more details than that. The grullo finished by saying he could see the mare in question wasn't here and gave her name as Harley Quinn. Finally deciding it was time she spoke, Illusion braced herself and turned to the golden bay. "I appreciate the choice and I wish you all the luck with the Dunes. It had been a good home to me for years. I do think it's time I take my leave though." With a soft sigh, she turned to Raptor, who nodded in agreement before she, too, looked at the bay stallion. "I, too, shall be leaving with my mother." Waiting to make sure he wasn't going back on his offer, Illusion then herded Raptor in front of her slightly and started making her way to the shore line. She didn't want to outright ask Solomon to escort her since that might come as a slap in the face to Malaskhat and she wasn't chancing any testosterone battles with her and her daughter around so they made their way down to the water alone before she tentatively stepped into the water with Raptor right on her heels, taking their time to wait for the grullo stallion to make his exit as well. No words had to be exchanged. Illusion would just nod in his direction to say they could speak more once they got to his own herd then she would let him lead the way into the water and have Raptor at her side to help her along, knowing she was going to need it. She just hoped she wouldn't regret swimming this late in the game. Golden Illusion_mare_5yo_Quarter Horse/Percheron Mutt_15hh_golden coat_white mane& tail_honey brown eyes_bound to none_Salem Dunes Mother to: Raptor (xKestrel), Galahad(xBahadir) photo by moem-photography@deviantart |
Replies:
- FIRE BURNS WHERE IT FALLS - By MASLAKHAT May 22, 2020 at 00:56:32 AM
- comfort me with apples, for i am sick of love [x] - By Solomon May 23, 2020 at 04:30:03 PM
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