Sorry about the random ass title. And Gen, if any of the powerplay here isn't okay with you, please let me know and I'll fix it. <3
Lexington did not mind carrying the weight of two upon his sturdy back, but Kansas had decided to leave the stallion home. It was only a short walk to AniWaya, where he and his son would meet Liliana Vess. Kansas had been excited for this day for a long while, and he was relieved that it had finally come. He owed this to Silvano, and the young man deserved it, though it was little more than an escort. Kansas could not deny to himself that he had been emotionally unreliable to all of his children for the past several months, and he wished to reconcile, slowly, at a pace of their choosing, and not his. There were no words to describe the happiness he felt, for he was obviously still accepted enough by Silvano to join him on what Kansas hoped would become a special mission for his son.
It was a sunny day, and it was perfect. Every so often, the older Sadira stole a glance or flashed a grin at the agouti-furred youth as they advanced toward AniWaya, but their short journey was otherwise comfortably silent. At the borders of the allied pack, the tall man paused, and this time when he looked at Silvano his eyes were bright, a subtle smile of encouragement remaining fixed to his expression. "Go 'head," he said softly, for Silvano had to be the one to lead - this day was his alone. Kansas was simply privileged enough to be coming along.
So today was the day he did not really think would ever actually happen. He had been eager, so eager, to get his own horse, ever since that first ride with Lexington. But he thought it was farfetched. Few had horses with the Dreamers, and there were no broodmares for the proud stallion his father kept. Trading would have to be big and impressive to pull off a foal or even a trainable horse. Hell, a trained horse would have probably cost the Sadira male his first born daughter. Honestly, a horse would be wonderful but to pay a child? No, thanks. He was alright if the AniWayans would raise the - this was getting far too distant in the future for him to really be thinking about this. He would not trade an unborn variable for a horse.
But instead of taking his father's large horse, they had opted to walk. More like Kansas has opted to leave the horse at home. Not that the youth minded. He cared for his father and felt like he had seen so much of his mother lately and not enough of his father, from whom he took his last name. He wondered who had suggested that he ought to take Sadira rather than Marino. By now, it just sounded so much better to his ear. The walk had been long, but not terribly so. After they had exhausted some light topics, they grew quiet, but the Sadira was content to just let the summer sounds take over their voices.
By the time they had gotten to the border, Silvano had felt the fluttering in his stomach of excitement and anxiety. His father had told him this was not something he could be helped with. His father was just there to be support. Swallowing slightly at his father's nudging, the youth took a few steps past him and raised his head and howled for the one person he knew could help them. Liliana.
Liliana Utina Some pretty lyric goes here trallala
OOC:Any way we could post date this to the 24th? She had her pups on the 20th and I don't think she'll be walking for a few days, if this is a bad time, maybe predate, if you want a predate, let me know and I'll change my post :3. Also Grace has no Tack on
Liliana had a family now. Two beautiful children and a mate, though she needed some time to get away herself, she’d been sorely missing riding, and it seemed Nayati knew it too, and he said he’d watch the children. Liliana had been torn but she took the chance to get away, knowing she wouldn’t be able to get time alone like this for some time. Liliana got Grace ready, who was anxious herself and set out. She had almost forgotten how wonderful it was to sit on the back of her horse, as she had kept herself off during her pregnancy just in case it could do something to them. They were not inside her womb now and as she pounded through the valley near the forest she felt free, but something caught her ears and she pulled up, making Grace stop. She’d heard a howl at the boarders. Turning the horse towards the borders she raced to the spot she heard the howl from. She did not make Grace go more than a trot through the forest. No matter how much they knew it, there was always some hidden stump or a rock that could possibly hurt the horse. She came upon not one but two wolves. The lighter seemed older, and protective, while the younger.... she smiled, she recognized instantly as the boy Silvano, but he was no boy anymore! Once she was near them she pulled Grace to a stop, still having the weight from the pups, she was still slow with her own movements, though nothing without the finesse she had before her pups. She smiled remembering when she had met him.
“Good day, was it Silvano? It is good to see you again, and who’s this?”
She turned to the older man, her eyes bright, and ears perked. She could tell the two were related, though she would have never guessed this would be the boys father as they looked almost as different as anything could be. She smiled warmly at the man and then added, bringing her attention between the two.
“Is there anything I can help you with?”
She smiled figuring they were here for a reason, but how would she know if she didn’t ask? Grace moved forward snorting a little wondering who came that brougth a stop to her time with Liliana.
i guess i have to reply next since it's more or less implied I should xD
Liliana approached them atop a horse and that only made the young man's excitement mount, pardoning the pun. He had hoped she would come and she had come astride that which they sought her out for. However, she did not look as lean as she has before. Perhaps she was ill or maybe pregnant with someone's child? He did not gawk, but he did not bother asking about it either. She recognized him and Silvano smiled back at her. "Oh, you remembered. That's awesome," still in his teen speak months. He was fast approaching his full adulthood, but for now he was still more or less a juvenile in some respects.
However, Silvano turned briefly to eye his father, whom the woman had addressed. "This is Kansas Sadira; he's my father," he introduced, gesturing toward him to add anything that he would like to the woman. Then, after the greetings and pleasantries were over with, the Sadira male turned back toward the dog woman and finally got the point. "Liliana, we're here to talk about horses, getting one, training one, maybe more, I don't know. I do know that I would like to find a way to get myself one." There was no way to see how she would react to that, or if AniWaya even had any horses to spare. Maybe a mare was due to breed or due for a foal soon? He had come a calling before about them but had not made any leeway. Perhaps now they would?
WC: 388 OOC: Whee fun come over my pretties you know you want to!!
Liliana was happy she got his name right, and it seemed he was very happy that she remembered him. How could he, he was a nice young man, and he had made a good impression on the woman. She turned to Kansas when Silvano introduced him and bowed her head.
“It is lovely to meet you Kansas, you have a very bright young man.”
She said to the older of the three of them. Her attention turned back to Silvano as he spoke about horses. He definitely came to the right place, and she smiled at him, knowing he wanted some help with these things.
“Well I’m afraid AniWaya has very few selections.... though you could catch one in the wild.”
She thought, trying to think if she could trade any horses, but she was very reluctant. The ones she had she needed. Then it struck her, the unexpected foal that had come early was not claimed, and though she loved him very much, he would need a good home... she would miss him dearly if he left. Her thoughts were a whirl as she fought herself with the idea, then she nodded, not at anyone in particular, but just nodded.
“We have one horse, he is very young though. He’s only four months old, but he has not been quite trained yet, so if you want to learn about training them it’s best to start with a young one. He won’t be able to be ridden for another year or so though.”
She said, looking at the boy then his father, slightly surprised they were that closely related. Then again, many wouldn’t think her little ones were Nayati’s as they did not hold the pure white pelt, though they both had the build of the wolf, thankfully.
“How about I bring you both to the stables and we can decide there?”
She asked beckoning the two past the borders. Grace seemed to agree as she threw her head up and down. She could seem to understand what was going on and the foal had gotten far more attention than she did, though she knew for a reason, but if the foal left the attention would be greater on her part.
Kansas stood beside his son with that goofy yet genuine smile remaining in place, as he expected that it would for the duration of their venture. He could not help but notice Silvano's nervousness, and with a shock he was reminded of himself at that age, although he was sure Silvano had much more confidence than he had when he was in that stage of his life, probably because of the boy's wonderful mother.
It was not long before a dog woman approached them, mounted upon a pretty little mare. She carried the bit of extra weight of a woman who had just delivered puppies, a look he knew well from the pregnancies his love had gone through, and felt a connection to the kindly spoken woman right away. Kansas looked over at his son and sensed his excitement immediately, and his own grew more than he expected that it could. Yet, he stood silently, allowing the two to exchange their business on their own terms. When he was introduce he nodded to the woman cordially and waved a hand at her. "'S a pleasure to meet you, miss," was all he said as Silvano spoke up again, stating the details of their purpose within AniWaya.
Kansas felt a bit disappointed at the woman's initial words, and crossed his arms casually as he awaited any addtional thoughts she might have. Meanwhile, he glanced anxiously at Silvano, aware that the boy might be even more disappointed. Catching a wild horse was not something Kansas was familiar with at all, and he was not confident in his ability to do something like that. Just as he was beginning to despair, however, Liliana spoke up again, drawing the Sadira man's bright blue gaze back to her with expectancy and hope. His eyes lit up as she explained the situation of the foal. To him, a foal seemed like an even better choice than a fully grown horse, for Silvano would be able to bond personally with a younger horse more easily than one that was fully grown. It had taken some time for Lexington to trust Kansas, although the roan beast was particularly docile, more so than most adult grown stallions.
Liliana generously invited them into her home, and Kansas gestured forward with his large pale hand, speaking to his son in soft tones. "What you think? Go have a look?" His smile had become slightly sly, for he anticipated his son's likely thrilled reaction, and was joyful to see it. In the satchel he wore over his shoulder was a surprise, the item that he intended to trade, and that he had already read in preparation the the possiblity of a situation like this. But that would come later, after Silvano had made his decision.
Silvano was a little flustered by her praise, especially to his father. But that faded away as they all settled to the business at hand. He wanted to get things sorted through and decided fast so that things could hurry and happen. He nodded along to the woman, but frowned when she admitted the selection was small. The Sadira youth was not terribly picky, but he did want to know what they had to offer before asking for help with a wild horse. And he did not particularly feel up to going out to catch a wild horse with help or not. It did not appeal to him.
But AniWaya had a foal available for training and raising. And that excited the Sadira, just because of the fact that they had a beast for him to potentially raise. He did not know what to say to that at first, but his excitement started to rise. Liliana had said it was a male foal, so a colt, but that was not terribly what he had wanted; he had wanted a mare to potentially breed to Lexington, so that the Dreamers could raise their own stock of horses. But that was just a small downside to have a male horse as his own. But he figured he could always find another mare to breed with their horses. Probably catch one, then.
Yet.. a year before he could be ridden? Was it worth the sacrifice? Yeah, the youth figured it was; to have a horse trust him and then be able to ride him eventually. He knew from his father that Lexington had taken a little while to trust him. Liliana offered to take them both to the stables, to see the foal. How could Silvano refuse? He wanted to see the colt. He smiled at his father, nodding. "Sure. Came all this way, didn't we?" Following after the woman on the horse, he kept beaming, wondering what the horse looked like.
OOC: Sorry for lack of table I might just end up keeping it this way for a while, it feels a bit easier right now :3
As Kansas spoke she gave him a smile acknowledging him, but it seemed this trip was mostly for Silvano, and she only smiled and nodded at the man, but turned to Silvano who seemed to contemplate what she had said. It was a hard decision. Especially since it would be some time before the young man could ride the animal, not to mention the training he would endure. Liliana had confidence that the boy would do just fine. She laughed a little at his comment
"Yes that is what you are here for, follow me, the stables aren't too far."
She said nickering for the horse to follow her and started at a slow pace for the men to catch up to her. She wasted no time, not even to let them get the full effect of the village, she knew they were here for a trade. She wondered what they would have to trade. She knew Crimson Dreams and AniWaya were quite friendly with each other and she would gladly give the foal to the male, but something in return would have been spectacular to her.
"He's right in here, he's still feeding on his mother, but he's weening. He was born in February, during that storm we had."
She said as they entered the stables, and moved to the stall where the chestnut mare stood Strawberry looked out with interest, though the foal did not see what was going on. He was still much too short to see over the wooden panels of the stables.
Even a foal might not be exactly what Silvano wanted. The book Kansas intended to trade had contained one chapter about training, but the rest of it was laden with worn, but still quite stunning pictures of the various breeds, as well as a few chapters on horse behavior and care. He knew that a foal of such a young age would take a while to train and ride, which was probably rather disappointing for Silvano. However, the pale werewolf would find some way for his son to ride a horse of his own, perhaps talk to this woman about catching and taming wild horses so that Silvano would have one to ride while the colt matured
Liliana had beckoned them to follow her, so Kansas forced himself to stop musing and set off after the lady and her mare. Soon they were at the stables, where Kansas lingered at the door, admiring the well-crafted structure and wondering if he could create anything comperable to this, and probably not, unless he had a lot of help. He waited for Silvano to go after Liliana before following them closer to the stall where the mare and her foal were boxed together. He leaned against the stall opposite the one occupied by the mare and foal, where from his exceptional height he could gaze over the panels. The foal was a cute thing. Kansas crossed his arms and relaxed to watch and listen.
000+
i claim vacay delay, still on it but need to post :C
Silvano did not say a word as he followed the woman with his father beside him. His mind was lost in thought as he wondered about the foal he would potentially one day claim as his horse. The village of the AniWayan's passed by in a blur and the Sadira youth did not pay remotely any attention to it. On the way back, perhaps he would, when his excitement waned or he suddenly stopped staring at the horse's rump with glossy, unfocused eyes. His father had said little to distract him, so he continued his blank mind set until they arrive at the stables, where the woman led them to the stall with the mare and the sorrel foal.
A broad smile wrapped around the male's face as he caught sight of the small creature, still tiny in comparison to his mother's bulk. Silvano, already pretty tall even though his tallest was ahead of him, peered over the edge of the stall. The mare eyed him but he, more or less, ignored her to gaze at the foal underneath her belly. He was a pretty little thing, he had to say. "He's adorable," he said, grinning down at the creature. "Has he got a name?" he asked, turning his emerald gaze upon the woman whom raised him.
WC: 316 OOC: So sorry for the horrible delay, I have no excuse....
The walk was silent and quick and she was glad for it, She wasn’t feeling up to prolonging walks especially since she’d been walking most of the morning and she just wanted to relax, it was rare for her to wish this but with taking care of two children now, she was tired every day, even with the help of her mate, the two young pups needed so much attention. She also wanted to get back to them quickly, though she loved visitors all the same.
She watched the fascination in the young mans face as he saw the young foal and couldn’t help but smile more. She was happy that he liked the young animal, and he would no doubt be able to ride him within the next year. She was quietly contemplating what to train the horse to do for Silvano when he asked if the colt had a name. Liliana shook her head.
“He has not shown any signs of a good strong name yet, I tend to name them for something they are known to do, or their color, like Strawberry here, and it would have to fit, so I think it would be proper for you to name your own horse, don’t you say?”
She asked, a warm smile formed on her face. It was fitting to have the owner give their own horse a name even if they could only visit it. He would be able to ride the young colt in no time.
“Also I can train many different ways, as a working, cart, riding, hunting, and even battle horse, though I’m not partial to the last one, just something my mother had taught me because sometimes she would get requests for such things.”
Liliana admitted. Looking at the young man to see what he would say to her.
Silvano looked up from the sorrel colt, glancing at the mare who had dammed him. She was a brighter color than the foal, and fit her name. But he did not know what to call the foal himself. Maybe it was far too soon to do so. He would have to wait till the horse grew bigger, but the naming could not wait. "I.. would be honored to name him." He would have been alright with Liliana naming him, but naming the foal was something he truly had to think about. The name had to mean something, something good. Silvano could not give the colt a weak name nor could he give an ill-fitting one. He could not name him Midnight or Revenge, for example. Those were wrong and harsh for the colt. But something grand.. something grand would do.
He was quiet as she listed what the colt could one day do. Hunting? That sounded fun, but Silvano never hunted in his life off horseback. He hunted best on four legs with jaws wide open. That and there was no way for him to use a bow; he did not know how. "I think just riding. I don't need a warhorse.. nor can I really hunt off a horse's back.." It was obvious to anyone that Silvano was no field worker nor did he have a cart.
Standing silently for a few moments, the Sadira kept his gaze on the sorrel horse, watching it fumble at his mother's teats. "What about Heritage?" asked the young man, throwing a name that only just came into his head.
Liliana smiled at Silvano, who showed interest in the foal immediately and it seemed he was taking to heart her suggestion of haming the young colt. A simple request from the man made Liliana nod. That was easy enough work. Nothing extra for the horse, maybe when he grew older and wanted more training for the horse. Liliana wasn’t going to put any added strain on the animals. She looked at the young colt as Silvano gave thought to either naming him or just basking in the knowledge that the colt now belonged to him. The named that came from Silvano’s mouth seemed natural, pleasant and strong. The colt’s ears pulled back in acknowledgement to the sound and that was enough for Liliana.
“I think that is a very handsome name.”
Liliana said smiling. Her words were quite truthful, but it would be up to Silvano to name the colt and he could change his mind at any time.
Silvano nodded at her words, happy that the name was not totally out of left field. "Good. But I will keep thinking if something better comes along for him." It was possible it would, but there were hardly any names better that he could think of. Maybe he would find himself a name book in the library that would help him. Or maybe he would look through his favorite stories for characters that fit the colt. He needed to know the foal better before he could do that though.
The colt eyed him, and the young male felt him fill with care for the little male horse. Emerald eyes gazed at dark brown ones. And Silvano smiled broadly. "How long do you think it'll take before I can ride him?" He knew it would be a while, for the colt to grow into his full size for a safe ride. "Should I come and help with the training?"
Liliana smiled at Silvano and nodded, it was perfectly fine to change a horses name, though she was sure he would keep the one he had, it seemed so fitting for the colt. Then came a barrage of questions, ones she was waiting to hear him ask.
“Well I would say about a year to walk him, and a year and a half to be able to go all out with him. He is quite sturdy already and looks to have plenty of potential as a great runner, and as for the training you can come any time to visit, I do not think Dawali will mind you coming in and seeing to your horse, I will let him know, but I do not need you present, though if you wish to come by once in a while, by all means I would be happy to allow it.”
Liliana explained. Yes she’d be happy for the help, and to know the young man was interested in taking this horse as a life partner, but she wouldn’t need him for all of the young colt’s training. She was satisfied enough that he would take good care of the horse when he was given over to Silvano, and she would do what she could to prepare the horse to live with the man, though it wouldn’t be too hard as he only wanted him for a riding horse.
Silvano nodded at the woman, knowing it was going to be a while before the colt would be anything close to a riding horse for him. But he could wait. It was plenty enough to know that he was going to get his own horse, like his father had with Lexington. There was nothing else he could do here anymore, not after meeting the colt and determining what his name was. It was all agreed to and Silvano knew it was getting close to their leaving. Time ticked on, and Liliana surely had things to do that did not include touring visitors from nearby.
Smiling at the woman, Silvano pushed away from the stall, feeling sad that he could not have the colt near him now. But it needed it's mother and Liliana far more than he himself needed the sorrel colt. He would best stay here under his mother and with the one who knew best how to handle him. "Thank you, Liliana.. I really do appreciate this.."
“It’s my pleasure, I’m sure that you will take good care of him once he’s in your care. If you wish I will escort you both out so someone doesn’t think you are trespassing.”
She said, she knew it was the end of their visit, and the only reason they were here, she was sure they would offer something but for now she wasn’t going to demand anything, even if she trained the horse and they didn’t give her something she felt it might help with pack relations, though she did not like giving away horses for no reason. Though it seemed that the young man really wanted this horse.
Kansas was silent, listening to the two of them discuss the little colt that stood serenely in the box of the corral. He watched his son's face and was filled with happiness to see the glint of joy and excitement in his eyes. There were many things to do with horses, and he was sure Silvano would have plenty of fun figuring out what he wanted for himself and the colt.
Silvano gave his first idea for the colt's name, and after Liliana had given her approval, Kansas looked over at the boy and smiled. Great name, he commented softly. It was very creative, but there was the possibility that the small horse would earn another name, which Kansas was sure would be equally creative.
Their visit was winding down, and Liliana offered to escort them home. Oh, wait, here... before we go... Kansas opened his satchel and removed a large, hardcover book full of glossy pages. He brushed the cover of the horse book off and passed it over to the woman. Not much, but it's all I could think to bring you. It eh, has some tips about horses, and pictures... His shoulders rolled into a shrug. Now that he had given her the book, it was time for Silvano and him to go home. Thank you for your help, he spoke with gratitude.
000+
I was really not sure if i was supposed to reply?
Silvano pushed away from the stall with some remorse. He wished he could stay with the foal longer, but it was not his time to be with him. Liliana had to train him, and he himself was unable to do such a thing. The foal had to be here and Silvano knew it. But he wished he could help more. A quick glance back at the mare's flank, and the youth looked back to his father and the feathered woman. He watched their exchange and saw the book pass hands. The young male smiled at the book, and at Liliana.
"Thank you so much for this. I don't know what I could do to make up for it or really give you in return. So you'd have to tell me." Silvano would do anything that he could to pay for the colt and the companion he would have for the rest of his life. He looked at his father. He would have to find a way to thank him too; if Kansas had not taken him here or had thought to ask about it, Silvano would be as he was before.
