The boy was really no longer a boy. He was almost a yearling, ranking high with in the court and on his way to making his place in the stables. Alder did not consider himself an adult yet, still living in his brother's house and staying close to the pack lands. He had heard of other packs to the north and east, though had yet to go anywhere near them. They were strange places, too far for him to go and through miles and miles of neutral lands. Who knew that kind of beasts he might meet there.
He moved west instead, partnered with the bay mare that was his companion in most traveling situations. Black hand held her lead rope and on her back she carried blankets and a few pelts. He had tied a rope around her stomach, tethering the gifts he hoped to trade to her. The tall male's pace was constant, moving briskly but not so that he was out of breath by the time he made it to the borders of the tribe. Thoughts went back to Nayati, thoughts that had been whirling in his mind since their meeting. He came back to see his mate, a horse caretaker.
Alder couldn't picture her, not even a muddled image of what the female could look like. Nayati was tall, noble looking and with eyes and a pelt that were clear and spotless. What would the woman he had taken as his partner look like? Black foot-paws found themselves at the fence, familiar scent filling his nose to the brim. He would find out soon, tipping his head and reaching deep in his chest to sing a baritone call of someone who smelt of horses and had worn strong hands and one voice to speak with wolves and another to speak to horses.
Liliana was taking a walk, not with Grace as she normally did, she couldn’t ride the horse for fear of hurting her pups, but alone, happy yet miserable at the same time. Her pups were not due for a good three weeks still but she felt as though she was ready to have them now. She moved forward through the trees that were just inside the borders. So when the call came she was quite close, thanking the stars and any god out there that she wouldn’t have to hurry, but it did take her a second to get to the caller, for she was laden with puppy, and it took her some time to waddle where she wanted to go. When she came upon the wolf who’s howl caught her ears, she was surprised, the shape in the background presented a man, but now she could see he was just a large, very large... well he wasn’t a boy, but neither did he look like a man, but all she could tell was he was bigger than even Nayati.
“Hello, My name is Liliana Utina, I heard your call, may I help you with anything?”
She said, then her eyes turned to the horse next to him. It was a fine looking horse, one who was well built for carrying, even working, but she was not built for the man’s sheer size and hoped he had not ridden her at all, but as laden as she was she doubted it. Liliana did have a welcome smile on her dark face, her arms settled in front of her belly, though she was not trying to hide her pregnancy, she was conscious of the man’s size and wasn’t sure what to think of him,but she was sure that he wasn’t here to harm her.
Alder waited, patience something that he held plenty of. He decided that he would wait, until the dark of the setting Sun and then he would return to the court. Of course Alder hoped that someone would answer him, but he would not press the tribe to do so. The man took to straightening the pelts on the mare's back, petting her nose and shuffling his large foot-paws until there was a change in the scent around him. He stood tall, chest puffed slightly and watched as a female approached.
Though he could not picture her in the past, she was what he had expected. Her lines were curved, feminine and her pelt a mix of black and browns that he could picture standing strong against the placid bright hue of her mate. The scent of Nayati covered the fey, and so he was confident in his assumption. But he did not speak, not until she did. Yes, she held the hunter's name. Alder had found the right wolfess, his voice sounding properly through the wind. He gathered his courage, cleared his throat and replied with words he had practiced.
Hello. I'm Alder of Cour des Miracles. I believe I have met your mate, Nayati. The native name sounding odd on his tongue. He told me you had many horses, and I was wondering if you were open to barter. The black handed wolf paused at that, wondering if she would cast him away at the sight of his offerings or if agree to see what he had brought.
She was with a litter, young ones inside her belly. Having witnessed Princess in her pregnant state it was easy for him to pick up the signs. But he didn't feel the joy that had come over him when Haven spoke of his soon to be born children, first it was something else. But then, only after he corrected himself did he force himself to be happy for the mated pair.
Liliana Utina Some pretty lyric goes here trallala
OOC: I do not have any colors specifically picked out or the breed of horse, so you can choose the right one for Alder. Lili has no mind of mix breeding the breeds as most are all mixed now anyway
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Liliana watched the young man, to see what he wanted, listening, he mentioned her mate, she couldn’t help but smile and nod a little. There was no doubt in her mind they were mates for sure. The puppies nestled inside her was proof of that, but she didn’t have to do much more than nod. He then mentioned horses Yes they had horses, but at the thought.... none she could spare. Most belonged to one of the members, there were the work horses even the ponies. Thinking hard she remembered the six horses she’d gathered from the southern lands where she had went with Nayati to meet his family. But they were for breeding? She looked over the man in front of her, seeing that he would surely need a bigger horse. She nodded slowly.
“I do have one that might be for a man of your stature, though I really was hoping to breed him with one of my mares.
She thought for a moment... Cour des Miracles wasn’t that far, and if she gave him the male, she wouldn’t have to keep him in the pack lands the whole pregnancy. Her idea was nice, but she wondered if he would be willing to accept her offer
“I’ll tell you what. If you could let me use him as a stud this and next spring, he’s all yours. I do think he will be good for you. He’s a gentle soul too.”
She said, smiling a little All six horses she gathered were all gentle souls, she didn’t want any lively spirits on the way home as it had been a very long way home. She moved her arm over the land of AniWaya as a welcome She was sure he wanted to see the horse in case he did want him.
The observant male took in each change of her features, noting that she had a pleasant demeanor. But he expected that, figuring that Nayati would only have a mate that was pleasant in every way. Looks, as well as her personality. When she spoke he found that he was deep within his thoughts and he blinked to break his train of thinking. She was interested, and that was a good thing. Alder slowly smiled, though she was still a bit unsure at first. He lost his grin while she concentrated and then she gave him a proposition. To bring the stallion back would not be a problem for the young man, he would be happy to do so. Perhaps he could speak with her mate again when he did, for he hoped to keep that friendship. His smile returned, and he moved with the mare behind him as she gestured for him to follow. I would be happy to bring him back. He spoke as they walked, agreeing to the terms of the trade before he had even seen the beast. He desired to ride, having watched so many others do so. He had read so much, talked to Haven many nights as well as Anann. He desired the feel of the saddle, more then just a moment or two. He never wished to push the horses of the Court, who either belonged to another pack member or were smaller then he could ride for more then a moment or two.
We have many others in the Court, you are welcome to visit and choose other stock for breeding. They are not as large as I need though. He said with a bit of a laugh in his tone, he was a pretty large wolf. Visit, when you are able of course. He added, understanding her condition and that motherhood would soon take much of her time.
Still he wondered if what he brought would be enough for the horse she had in mind. They walked in silence (for Alder was a silent creature), until the fields and stables came into view. He tried not to stare at the small huts that they passed and other structures that were on the way to the horses. They were homes, and he didn't wish to intrude on anyone's privacy. He focused instead on the smell that drew near. The mare knew it too, her ears stood forward and she nickered her delight to meet new friends. Alder hoped she would be happy here.
Blue eyes looked at the group that stood beyond the fence, eager to meet this stallion. He wondered which one among the band that Liliana had spoken about, but then he saw the tall beast standing in the shade of a bushy tree. He was dark, larger then all the rest and preoccupied with the sweet grass that lived beneath the hawthorn's branches. Alder's tail waved behind him, knowing that black stallion was who she had spoken of. Is that him? Beneath the tree? He asked, even though he was certain.
Liliana Utina Some pretty lyric goes here trallala
Liliana would miss the boy, but she knew she couldn’t keep all her horses, and as long as she could use him, there would be more horses in the future, the young man answered her, making her feel better and she gave a warm smile, not knowing it had been a worried frown. Her emotions played with her face easily since she’d gotten pregnant, and she had a hard time hiding what she was thinking lately. She did hope that would end with the pregnancy. They moved in silence. Liking the boy for just that reason, though usually they had questions all over to ask, but he seemed so shy. The masked boy seemed to get excited as the mare beside him nickered. She smiled and looked at him, noting he had the same colors as she, but not for the same reasons, she knew he was not even close to the breed of dog she and her mother was, but she was intrigued that he had the same color types though her white bib was more white than grey, when he asked she looked over to the tree he indicated and nodded.
That would be him. He is a shy creature, but he warms up fast.”
She said as they came up to the gate. She opened it for him, to let them through.
“You can leave her with me if you like and have a look over him. He is in top health, and is from down south, I got him not too long ago. He’s broken, but I’ve only had a little time to train him. He’s still skittish about the saddle.”
She explained. She wondered how much alder knew about horseback riding, if he needed help or he had learned from his pack he lived in now. She could see he was a caring soul and would never harm anything on purpose, but that didn’t mean a naive move would not hurt the horses.
Alder took his black from his father, a man he had only met once and long long ago. He had hid behind his mother's legs at the time, hoping the dark circles around his eyes hid the fear he felt. But the male did not think of his sire often, for his mother had filled the paws of both parents. What he had was normal, in his mind. The pack had helped in his upbringing, and their presence and support had done him well. Of course it had been the push Anu had given him to leave the nest that had forced Alder to come into his own. She was willing to give up her son in the hopes he would stand without her. She had been right in her choice.
He wished to meet him, and nodded at the woman's words. The information would be helpful but his eagerness only allowed him to nod. He handed the lead to the AniWayan, and did not looked back at the mare as he stepped closer. The tall wolf hopped the fence with an easy stride and walked among the horses with ease. He called to them, as he did with the horses of the Court and spoke his peaceful greeting. They hardly looked at him, some walking away to search for a less disturbed patch of grass and some were curious enough to approach. But Alder did not search for their attention, watching the white blazed stallion with soft blue eyes.
His excitement vanished, and calm filled him to the core. It was the way he came to be when he was in their presence, at ease. The horse's head rose when he noticed Alder, dark eyes watched him as the wolf came forward as an arch. Alder made a sound, accented by his wolfish tongue but still close to the language of the low speaking kind. It was a greeting, but the stallion simply watched as if he was waiting for the wolf to figure out what he wanted with the large beast. His back came up to the wolf's chest, and his head seemed longer then Alder's arm and certainly heavier then both. He had young eyes, and his coat took in the Sun's light and reflected it with hues of blue and purple. The white on his face was pure, like unstepped snow.
Moments passed, and they spoke short simple words. He was happy here, and Alder noticed that there were enough mare's among the herd to make any stallion happy. The wolf laughed, and reached to pet his nose. The horse accepted him, but after a moment or two he began to nudge his hand playfully. Alder remembered what was proper and looked him over as if his heart hadn't already made the choice for him. He was stunning, spoke with the boy willingly and understood his low speech. And he was big enough. Alder had not known such love other then what he felt for his family.
The wolf turned to the horse mistress, and he stepped away from the stallion so that his voice and excitement would not startle him. Would this be enough? He asked eagerly, The mare and the furs? I can bring another horse and some hares if you do not think its an even trade. The horses in the Court were plentiful and no one claimed most, and Alder would have given her anything she wished in order for him to take the stallion home with him.
Liliana took the rope from Alder and watched as he seemed to talk to the other horses but he was more interested in the one near the tree. She smiled as he approached, and he could see that somehow he was talking to the horse, could he really talk to him? It was something that interested her. She understood the animals, but she could not speak with them, though she wanted to, she had no one to teach her. She watched as he looked the horse over then turn to her asking if the mare and the supplies she held was worth the horse in question. Looking at the mare she had no doubts the horse was a good trade, and the furs would help too, not to mention, she was sure that AniWayans could have some use for fur items. She turned and smiled at him.
“They will be just fine! Thank you.”
She was happy he had something good to trade, and she seemed like a very nice horse. She was a beauty and Lili was sure the horse could be taken easily by a member. Then remembering she thought she heard him speaking with the horse, and not at him, she knew she had to fufill her curiousity.
“Were you just talking to the horse? Like actually low speak talk?”
She knew of low speech, but she had never really been near anyone who knew it. It could be interesting, and quite helpful if she learned how to talk with the animals too.
The male could hardly wait, and yet he was trained in the virtue of patience and brought that talent forth as he watched the woman with a twitching tail and forward alert ears. Their was a bit of anxiety bubbling inside, worried that she would say no. It was in her every right to do so, she claimed these horses and could put any price on their heads. Alder would respect that, and honor it if she chose a higher payment then he had brought. But he hoped and wished and silently pleaded that he would have enough. She spoke, light feminine voice bringing him the sweet words she hoped to hear. Alder grinned a toothy smile and felt his heart lope and bound in his chest. But he kept him composure, a son of Anu would keep his wits about him. No, thank you miss. This is very nice of you. It was all he could say, happiness bubbling and frothing at his brim.
Alder turned to look at the black stallion, and as he thought of a name for the horse. He had never named the mare, she hadn't asked for one nor had anyone ever really claimed her. But she seemed right here, beside the tribeswoman. There was a kindness among them all, a tranquility that made the horses at ease and the mare was easily affected by it. He was certain that here she would find her name and true place. As the black and white stallion would find those things at the side of the masked man and in the Cour des Miracles Court. His head turned at her voice and he nodded slightly. Yes, I was taught by Element. He is a cat. Alder explained. I have been practicing with the horses in the Court, their dialect is pretty easy for me now. Birds are harder though. He said as he thought about the black feline that he had seen those months ago. He enjoyed Element a lot, and appreciated his teachings even more.
He nickered at the stallion, who still lingered under the tree, asking if he would follow him in the hopes that he would approach the fence and come with Alder beyond the pasture. His black nose rose upwards towards the branches and pulled at the small leaves. It was hawthorn tree, his mother had taught him their names as a pup. It's size was not as impressive as an oak or a pine, but its shadow stretched outwards in the lowering light. Maybe I'll call him Hawthorn. Alder added when blue eyes returned to Liliana, a crooked smile showing his happiness. The stallion came to his back, his voice loud and his head and neck shaking long dark mane about.
OOC: Sorry for the delay, I have no excuse and you can whip my knuckles for not trying to reply sooner. also we can end this soon sadly I <3 rpin with ya, and what are the colors of the mare? I am too lazy to look back lol
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Liliana watched the bonding of the two males, of totally different backgrounds. One was predator the other prey, and it made her feel that they all could live life in harmony if they really wished to, but carnivore had to eat and herbivore had to live. It was a natural thing it couldn't be helped. She smiled at his thanks and waved her hand as if it was nothing. She really was happy to do this. He seemed like a very nice man and if he proved he wanted to have a horse he would need one special for him, one who was big and able to carry his weight. It seemed this was the horse for it. He mentioned about learning low speech from someone she actually knew too! Her ears perked up and she smiled brightly.
"Oh I met him once, he came visiting here before. He's really nice... maybe I should try to learn low speech, maybe it would be better for me to work with the horses that way."
She said offhanded. When Alder revealed the name he was thinking of the horse her smile grew, yes, that sounded like a great name, but she didn't want to spoil the meeting by saying too much. She was just happy to see such a wonderful union. She was happy for Alder he seemed to have found his match and both of them were young. The horse would be his Alders whole life she was sure of it.
Element was a good friend of Alders, or so the masked male felt. The cat had told him stories before when he was very young, and then he had taught him one of the greatest lessons Alder had ever received. It only compared to the day he had met the lost Marshal of the Court. Heath had told him a lot about the ways of the horses, and how to read their body language and how to care for them. Of course it was nothing like the hands on approach he later took to gain more knowledge. It was same for low-speech, he could be taught the ways but it wasn't until he tried and tried again with the native talkers that Alder learned the most.
This day would certainly go down in history as one of the best in his life. He hadn't always thought it possible for him to find a steed that would be large enough for him. But the day had come and the horse was here. Alder smiled at the AniWaya woman, someone he would be indebted to for the rest of his life. He didn't know how else to thank her, even if she waved it off as nothing. It was a big deal to the boy, who had looked forward to this dream becoming reality since he was a small pup.
The bay mare would enjoy her life, he knew this was certain. The tribe would care for her as he would care for the stallion. The boy would dedicate his life to do so.
