[IC] =The Thunderbird Herd=

[Kamiki]

The Formation - Barlog and Stormwild Create the Herd with Zhuri

Kamiki

Originally Posted: Fri Nov 11, 2005

It was twilight on the mountainside and Zhuri had finally fell asleep. He was very protective of his son, which made him a good father, but a boring one. Xandir had been wanting to explore for days now, but his father never let him out of his sight.

But sheer exhaustion finally won out, and Xandir had to pretend to sleep for a good half hour before Zhuri finally layed down under the thick tree trunk and got some sleep for himself. As soon as Xandir was certain he was asleep, he snuck off as quietly as he could.

He made it way up the large, slow sloping mountainside a bit, looking for the trees that produced the really good apples. So most Soquili, that wouldn't be very exciting. But to this newly emerged foal, it was an adventure!

Sabin Duvert

Balrog had, thus far, been able to keep himself entertained most days. He had still yet to encounter another Wind Soquili, but his hopes had yet to be dashed. He had seen plenty of herds and single soquili along the grasslands far below them... but Balrog had never bothered to stop to land to converse with them. It would be a waste of time - that was certain.

He had, however, been familiarizing himself with this area, and the more he thought about it, the more he was satisfied in his choice to claim this area as his home.

There was plenty of food, a good range, and the only predators he had noticed that held any threat were cougars... and one young hotheaded cub he had encountered actually kept up with his banter - enough for Balrog to return a few times. It was an odd friendship of sorts - based more on arguments than anything, but it was building to a mutual respect.

Today, however, Balrog's mind drifted back to Stormwild (though he would bite you if you suggested anything of THAT nature) and he skimmed the skies, looking for her.

Unfortunately, he had yet to spot the black and silver mare. But... something else caught his eye as he soared. A young foal, grey and black, with some... pink... and most importantly with wings. Balrog spirialed down to see who this young filly might be.

Kamiki

Xandir spotted a decently sized tree and saw some very ripe looking fruit in its branches. He studied them for a few minutes, then spread his wings. Thus far, they were very unimpressive. Small, downly, and with absolutely no muscle. He flaped them a few times, getting just enough resistance to get his upper body off the ground for a few seconds. But his body as a whole was still too heavy, and his bottom hoovs never so much as left the ground.

He landed back down on all fours with a small puff of dust. His small coltish mane fell into his eyes and he tossed his head back, just in time to see the most awe-inspiring sight of his life. The vision was thick, brawny, and black as midnight. Orange and red markings glowed off his fur like fire, and his red eyes seemed to burn into the colt.

Xandir felt his chest tighten, in both fear and curiosity and wonder as he came closer.

Sabin Duvert

Balrog landed with an impressive quietness despite his bulk and tossed his long mane. The runes seemed to burn in his pelt as he trotted over to the young wind soquili.

He nearly missed a step, however, and barely managed to save himself from making an idiot of himself when trying to make an impressive entrance when he noticed quickly that this foal was not a filly, despite its soft pink hair.

One of his ears flicked back in indignation, but he left no other sign of his disgruntledness. The only other wind soquili, and it had to be male. He wanted a harem of mares, dammit!

But, nonetheless, it was a foal, and if he made a good enough impression, he could still make a fine herdmate.

"Greetings" He boomed, tail swishing. "I am Balrog. And who might you be?" He demanded, spreading his wings - but not in a threatening manner.

Kamiki

Xandir's eyes were as round as dinnerplates as Balrog landed and introduced himself.

The little colt puffed up chest as much as he could, and, imitating the other stallion as best as he could, he opened up his not-quite-impressive-wingspan and dipped into a bow.

"x-x-x-Xandir-" he squeaked out, like a scared mouse. He cursed to himself and shook his head a little. Then, giving a frustrated whinny, tried again, this time his voice sounding not quite so meak. "My name is Xandir, sir!"

Sabin Duvert

Well, despite the pink, there might be hope for the young colt. He at least knew how to respect his elders.

"Xandir.." Balrog rolled the name out in his barratone consideringly. "I have not seen you in these parts before. Our kind is a rare one, and it lifts my spirits to meet you." He declared.

He eyed the black and grey. "I don't suppose you are familiar with a Wind Soquili mare by the name of Stormwild, are you?"

Kamiki

Xandir's wings quivered with excitement. If he didn't think he dad was overprotective and boring enough, this guy just CEMETED the idea in his head. He was the coolest thing ever and Xandir made it his life's goal - right then and there - to be exactly like him.

"Stromwild?" He thought about the name, and why it sounded to familiar. "I think thats the lady my dad met yesterday. They are sleeping not too far from here, I think. She as a colt, too. We played together yesterday.

Sabin Duvert

"Ahhh, I Seee..." Balrog drew out. So she was flirting with another stallion? How dare she!

He snorted. And her foal had emerged. Balrog wondered if his prediction had been correct. "Does her foal have wings like you? Or is he berefit of them?"

He nudged Xandir's small wings. "And you, son. What of your parents?"

Kamiki

"No, Sequoyah doesn't have no wings," Xandir said, not really understanding why it mattered. Not like he could fly yet anyway.

"My Mom and Dad are around here somewhere. Mommy has my borther and sister, and Daddy has me to look after until we find a herd. But they both have wings like me if thats what you're asking. Do you want to meet him? He's just around the bend, with that lady Soquili you asked about!"

Sabin Duvert

Balrog's ego surged as he could alreay taste the "toldyouso" in his mouth.

And this foal's parents were both wind soquili? With two other foals? Even better! Perhaps he could actually form that herd he had boasted to Stormwild... and the herd he had left... about.

Balrog shook his head. He had promised himself a long time ago that he wasn't going to go there again.

"Lead the way!" Balrog asserted. "I would indeed like to meet them. And your father is looking for a herd? I have actually been seeking to form one myself..."

Kamiki

Xandir's tail wagged like a dogs as he spun around on his hooves and started his way back to where Zhuri and Stormwild were sleeping.

"I guess so, I've heard them talk about it. They say they want security for me and my siblings, yah."

Zhuri, Stormwild, and her son Sequoyah met him halfway there.

Zhuri, a handsome and rather capable looking Stallion quickly wedged himself between Xandir and the stranger. "Xandir..." he said through gritted teeth, trying to keep his calm. "What have I told you about running off like that?"

Stormwild was right behind him, obviously Zhuri had woken her when he discovered his son was missing. She quickly nudged back the very beautiful, but very wingless, colt behind her, steeling herself for Balrog's impending gloat-fest.

Sabin Duvert

Balrog was indeed in high spirits as he saw the pair with the foal.

He spread his wings wide and lifted his head to Zhuri. "Your son is safe and sound, sir." He cocked his head to the side as Xandir looked crestfallen. "I would not have harmed the boy. But I see that he had escaped your attention." He glanced to Stormwild with an 'in a moment' grin, before looking back to Zhuri. "He tells me you're looking for a herd. Most excellent, I say. I am looking to start one, with fine Soquili such as yourself and your son. Soquili who can defend themselves... keep to the good grazing and out of harms' way where the ... groundhorses are unable to."

At this, his attention turned back to Stormwild. "Speaking of..." He shook his head with a 'tsk-ing. "What did I tell you.." he said with a sigh as he eyed the small, wingless colt with a sneer as if it were more of an animal than a true Soquili.

Kamiki

Zhuri looked over the stallion, his personality coming off a bit strong. But he was able-bodied, thats for sure, and juding by the hero-worshipping stare his son had plastered on his face, he decided to give the guy a chance. "Yeah, my mate and I have been looking to join a herd. We're new the area, and found ourselves, ah..." Zhuri lowered his voice to a 'not-appropiate-for-foals-whisper, "quite unexpectedly with three new responsibilities that mean the world to us. My name's Zhuri, by the way, and I see you met my son Xandir."

Stormwild pushed Sequoyah even further back, a dangerous look corssing her eyes. "Don't you dare think about speaking down to my son, you arrogant son a ..." she cut off her thread in the presence of two foals, but she narrowed her eyes at him. "There is nothing wrong with him."

Sabin Duvert

Balrog nodded respectfully to Zhuri. "A pleasure, Zhuri. I'm Balrog. And yes, I encountered your son while I was out flying. Seems to be getting ahead of himself. But a curious boy, and that's admirable." And he noddedly slyly to Zhuri's comment. "I understand completely. I am glad to hear, actually, that these lands are blessed" He looked pointedly to Stormwild. "With three new Wind soquili. We could begin a fine herd with you, your mate and foals."

Balrog snorted to Stormwild. "Nothing wrong? I suppose not until anything dangerous comes around. Or unless you decide that you want to go to the optimum grazing lands... Whenever youwish to stretch your wings to the sky... you must leave him behind. But I suppose that's perfectly fine." Balrog commented, dripping with sarcasm.

Kamiki

"Well," Zhuri started with a smile, "that certainly sounds.. tempting. I'll speak to Belle about it as soon as I can. I generall stay around here most of time, so you know where to find me. There's a human lady who leaves out fruit for us sometimes, hahaha."

Xandir's body was already a-quiver about starting a herd under the magnificant Balrog. Maybe he could be like.. Balrog's high-hoof guy. His wingman, yeah! Personal student of his marvelous teachings in leadership. Not even thinking abuot his actions, as Zhuri and Balrog were talking, Xandir moved from behind his father and went and stood next to Balrog, mimicing his posture exactly.

Stormwild on the other hand, turned her back to him. "I'm not going to argue with you, Barlog," she said flippantly. "I'm not joining your little exclusive club if my son can't some with me." Her son peered out from under her legs, giving a confused, a bit hurt look up at the large stallion.

Sabin Duvert

Balrog nodded again to Zhuri. "Excellent, my friend!" Balrog lifted his head higher, his heart soaring even higher. Finally, a possibility to see his dream come true...

And even better, Zhuri wasn't with Stormwild... no only if he could convince the mare to get her head out of the dirt and realize what she was doing. Damning her bloodline as well as her own safety.

"Well. When your son is old enough to join his own herd, you know how to find me. Assuming, that is, that he makes it to adulthood. I've seen lots of cougars around in my patrols. " He looked to Zhuri. "But, at least I see that you've chosen some good company to keep. Although I hope that none of you become too reliant on the humans."

Kamiki

"Momma am I going to die?" Sequoyah squeaked.

Stormwild shot a very mean glare at Balrog. "My son will be the strongest Soquili to grace this land," she said. "Wings do nothing but get you out of the way. Any real self-respecting Stallion could fight off a thread to his family or herd."

Sabin Duvert

That seemed to hit a nerve. Furious, Balrog stepped to Stormwild, his ears pressed back severely. "I CAN defend myself, and others!" Balrog said lowly. "But there are completely different defense AND offense strategies for those with wings... and those without." He said coldly.

But, starngely, as Balrog approached Stormwild and stared her down... there was ... fear? ... behind those eyes.

He shook his head and turned, starting to walk away.

Kamiki

"A most impressive herd would have the finest stock in both the winged and non-winged Soquili. For what shall happen when of your precious winged herdmates falls ill or injured and a cougar comes? While the rest of your flitter off to save your own hide and watch from the trees as a lion takes apart your friend?"

She nuzzled her son, who was now watching in confusion as Xandir was standing beside the mean stallion.

"But I see you're running away already. Good tactics." With that, he started off in the opposite direction, nudging Sequoyah along with her.

Meanwhile, Zhuri kept still, looking rather confused, and catching his son by the mane of his tail as he tried to stalk off with Balrog.

Sabin Duvert

For a fine blooded wind mare, She was really starting to piss off Balrog.

He turned his head towards her, eyes flashing with anger. "A find wind herd will have a safehaven for the sick or injured. A location that the other Winds can take her to until she recovers. We are every bit as capable as land soquili - if not infinately more so. We are of finer blood, finer everything. We don't have to scuffle with the cougars on their terms, we can use the groud to our advantage when we need, and the skies when we need. That is the point. A groundbound horse is limited to only the ground. A herd is only as strong as its weakest link."

He snorted again, and spread his wings. "I shall be seeing you, Zhuri. Confer with your Mate and I shall return."

And he leapt to the skies, pulling himself upwards to the clouds.

 

[Kamiki]

Kamiki & Azure Join the Herd - Sat Nov 03, 2007 8:25 pm

Kamiki

Kamiki & Azure Join the Herd

The warm updraft caught in Balrog's massive wings as he soared high above the wooded mountain that he and his growing family called home. Despite the little abomination that Stormwild had been taking care of recently, he was proud of the little herd that had slowly been forming what some day would be a proud, respectable clan of wind soquili. While perhaps it was a small start - his vision of some grand herd that could roam the skies instead of the lowly ground, whose wingbeats would roll across the plains like thunder.... IT was a beautiful dream, and slowly, it would be realized.

For now, Balrog prowled the skies, looking out for strangers - predators or other soquili - at the edge of the territory. Unfortunately, while the wind soquili were majestic and could claim the skies... they had to sleep, and they had to take to the ground at that point.

Kamiki had been on cloud nine since she figured out she was carrying foals. She was just starting to show, but she was certainly feeling the effects. She couldn't fly nearly as long without growing tired, and the food cravings were losing their amusingness and just becoming outright annoying.

Recently, much of her free time had been trying to stake out the best place to have her foals. She had been making her rounds around the Soquili land, but had yet to find anywhere that seemed just perfect. She decided to have a snack and then take a long nap.

Fruit was getting hard to find as winter was approaching, but she did find a tree that seemed to be dropping some rather tasty nuts. She landed near its base and began picking around the ground looking for fallen food.

A flash of color caught Balrog's eyes near the edge of his territory, near some of the choice nut-bearing trees. Catching a draft, Balrog let it do the work for him and carry him to investigate.

At first, he bristled his mane, fluffed his feathers and did his best job to look bigger, more imposing. His ears were set back and he landed heavily. It was only a moment later that he made out the smell and sway of a mare - a winged mare of a beautiful soft lavender. More than that - beautiful feathered wings caressed her back. And.... despite her slim, slight figure, a particular smell and the small bulge in her stomach told the stallion that she was eating for more than one.

His defensive posture eased and his ears flicked forward. "Why hello there..." Balrog nickered.

Kamiki looked up, dropping the nut in her mouth with a bit of a smile. "Hello," she said, seeing the impressive stallion. She
smiled and craned her neck seductively (old habits die hard). Her horn glimmered in the afternoon light as she tossed her mane. "This isn't your tree, is it?"

He tossed his head, but the aggression was gone, replaced by a curiousity - especially at the strange, spirialed horn growing from the mare's forehead. He'd never seen anything quite like that before - and it struck him as elegant... and useful. An additional weapon for a powerful wind soquili.

"Our tree... my herd's... yes, although I can see that you likely need the nourishment in... your condition..?" He nodded towards her stomach.

"I am Balrog. I am the protector of our herd. And what of you..? Shouldn't you have a herd to look after you when you are in need??
"

Kamiki's ears pricked curiously as the mention of his herd. "I've never really had a herd before," she said, rolling her shoulders. "I've been kind of a traveller until recently. But I like it here."

Balrog looked surprised. "Never had a herd? Really? I find that surprising for a mare of your obvious good breeding. I... must admit I have never seen one with such a feature before.." He nodded at her horn. "It is not just another piece of jewelry is it?"


She smiled and tossed her mane again. "No, its real. You have never seen an Alicorn before? We are children of both unicorns and wind Soquili. But no, I've never had a herd before. Its hard to keep a Alicorn is one place for too long... usually." She gave a playful wink.

Balrog couldn't help but smile, but felt frustrated by his ignorance. He had not been the most social of soquili - while he did want to increase his herd, he found himself having a difficult time tolerating most other soquili - and having to deal with those of lesser breeding.

"No, I have never seen one of your kind before... Alicorn you say? And... I am afraid to say I have never seen a unicorn before either. And perhaps you just have not found a place good enough to stay. Or company that is worthy." He smiled proudly and spread his wings while puffing his chest.

"Well," she said, pawing at the ground, "I have been looking for a good place to have my foals. They are going to be grand."

Balrog's eyes glimmered curiously and hopefully. "Who was the stallion? Why is he not by your side? Could...he not keep up with your wings...?" Despite Balrog's attempt at an innoculous question, he couldn't hide a trace of contempt at the concept.

"He's around," she said, a shadow of doubt crossing her features for only a moment. "He's also hard to keep in one place for very long. But that's typical of his kind... but he's simply gorgeous."

Balrog noticed the doubt. "IT sounds that while his breeding may be strong, his dedication to family and herd is not. Tell me about him... what is his kind?" Kamiki may not have known it, but Balrog was interviewing her, judging her and whther she was worthy of his herd. Granted, Stormwild herself had had her... indiscretions... but at least the foals that stayed by her were gifted with her wings.

"We're not really, erm.... " She rolled her shoulders. "I wanted children more than I wanted a mate, if that makes sense. But he's a good friend, and he's just out ... doing his thing I suppose. He's a flutterkind."

Once again, Balrog's ignorance frustrated him. He flicked his ears back. "Flutterkind.? I do not believe that there have been... those sort around him. And yes, passing ones blood to children is a noble reason... finding a strong father is admirable."

Kamiki nodded, but as she opened her mouth to speak a sound floated over the wind. "There you are, babe..."

Kamiki looked up and saw Azure spiraling down off an updraft. Balrog could easily see that he was certainly able to fly - but his wings were not that like he had ever seen. They resembled that of a butterfly, almost transparent in the sun, but blindingly beautiful.

However, there was also another obvious feature of the little stallion. As he landed near Kamiki and trotted over to nuzzle her belly, he stood, at most, as tall as her shoulder.

"Hello Azure. Meet me new friends, Balrog."

Balrog cocked his head. "Speak of the devil..?" He inquired, although the soquili - if... it really was a soquili - was certainly like none he had ever seen before - and the farthest thing from "Devil" that his imagination could conjured.

While it could fly... it was small. And its wings resembled more like the flittering day-bugs than the eagles.... But.. he COULD fly... and admittedly his curiosity was piqued as he looked again to the mare's stomach. THey could breed with each other... and the offspring would no doubtably fly. But what would they be like? Worthy of his herd? Well... he could take to the skies - and that - he agreed with himself... is what was important.

He stepped forward with ears forward. "You must be this unnamed mare's mate..?"

Azure blicked at the imposing stallion. "I'm Azure... and uh," he looked nervously at Kamiki.

"He's the father, yes. And my name is Kamiki, I'm sorry, I can't believe I didn't introduce myself before."

Azure nodded and stood very close to Kamiki.

He chuckled, a deep rumble in his chest. "Kamiki. It is a pleasure to meet you, and..." He hesitated, a bit of a smirk as he regarded the flutterhorse. "Azure."

He nodded. "Well... if the two of you are looking for a place to call a home, and other soquili to call a herd, then we have space in our herd. We are seeking to build a strong herd - a herd that has the freedom to take to the skies."

"A herd?" Azure looked to Kamiki.

"I think its a wonderful idea. These babies are more precious to me than anything. They would benefit from the protection of a herd."

Balrog nodded. "Children are the future. And they will have the protection of a strong herd - a herd that can reach the lushest grazing areas, and escape predators."

He spread his wings again, looking as impressive as he could. "It would be my honor to introduce you to Stormwild and the rest of the herd. We have good territory that is well suited to raise foals."

Kamiki's wings fluttered with excitement. "Sounds
wonderful. I'm honored!" She looked down at Azure and gave alittle excited whinny. "Don't you think so? We need the best for our babies..."

Azure cocked his head, looking up at the mountain and stretched his wings. A part of him was a unsure, alittle bitter that he could not protect the foals himself... but he couldn't deny that he wasn't exactly they kind of Soquili that could fight off a puma. And having foals was dangerous, even for an impressive Soquili like Balrog.

"Its a generous offer, Balrog. I would do anything for Kamiki and our coming jewels."

He nodded, his presence certainly poweful and reassuring. "Then consider it done! Welcome Azure and Kamiki. You will find a welcome home and friends here." He flapped his wing, taking to the skies. "Allow me to take you somewhere you can be comfortable, Kamiki, and you will not need to worry about foraging for your food while you are heavy with foal."


Kamiki gave an excited nuzzle to Azure then took flight herself, motioning for Azure to follow. He gave her a smile and fluttered up next to her, both of them following Balrog up the mountain.

 

[Kamiki]

Wild Wind Joins the Herd - Sun Nov 04, 2007 5:05 pm

Sabin Duvert

Wild Wind
Maelstrom, alone and sunning, encounters a handsome wind stallion, Wild Wind. She takes him to Balrog and the herd grows one stronger


Maelstrom was rarely separate from her sister. The two of them got along frighteningly well and were frequently almost of the same mind when it came to anything. However, after her last encounter with the mad skinwalker, Sirius, and her subsequent injury, Maelstrom had spent more time by herself, licking her wounds. She didn't like to show her weakness, and so she hoped to recover mostly by herself. She had learned that much from her father, at least.

So she was resting - reclining in the warm sunlight on an isolated peak of their mountain territory. The wound was healing well, thank goodness, but it was still highly embarrassing to the proud mare.
No luck, no luck, no luck. He hadn't gotten very far in any of his planning and spent most of his time flying about the mountain just looking over the area he was fond of. Everyone seemed to be against him, it seemed. His rival was of no use and was too brain washed to do anything but oogle of his mate and their children.

He gazed back at the scenery, allowing it to soothe his nerves and bring him at peace. His bicolored gaze beheld something he had never seen before. A mare? He swooped down lower, pulling his legs up towards him before he let them touch the ground. Perfect landing.

Now that he was closer, it was indeed a mare. He didn't notice the injury just that she had wings. "Harken! Another of my kind, I see. Praise be to the Gods!"

The shift of the winds as it carried another strong soquili in her direction caught Maelstrom's attention before the proud stallion touched down beside her. Her ears pricked and she got quickly to her feet as she watched him circle closer. She certainly had never seen him before. And what a sight to behold - his wings darkened the skies as he soared between her and the sun.

She tossed her mane, strategically covering the gash to her neck and ruffled her own wings, a courageous smile. "And an unfortunate rare sight these days it seems. But it seems the winds have brought you to green pastures, stranger." She flicked her tail and watched him execute a beautiful landing.

The medicine paint tossed his head, letting the beads click together with the sudden action. "I must agree, however sad that sounds." He allowed himself to take in the sight of her since it had been quite some time since he gazed upon another wind, let alone a female. But not to let wanton get in the way, he believed in keeping as close to pleasantries as he could. "The name is Wild Wind," he said as he stuck out his best leg and bowed towards her.

"These mountains remind me of my old home that is far from here," he said with a wistful sigh. He was slightly homesick, but there was no turning back now. "Do you call this realm home as well?"

The pale mare kept her head high, ascenting in acknowledgement and a friendly greeting. "Wild Wind... A name that suits you well, I must say. I am Maelstrom, daughter of Balrog and Stormwild. And our herd calls these lands home." Her eyes shone with curiousity and interest as she appraised the painted stallion.

"The mountains make for good homes for those strong enough to navigate them. Patches of the most vibrant grasses can be found in areas that many... "less fortunate" soquili could never hope to reach without injury." There was no disguising the patronizing note in her voice as she referred to other soquili. "My parents chose this territory well, a land were those who ride the winds can truly be home."

It sounded like heaven to him. A place away from all he found beneath him and it sounded like she shared the same sentiments. "That is more fortunate. It seems that while I was wandering I was hounded by female groundeds left and right." He flexed his wings in a showy manner as if to state that it was so obvious that any mare would be attracted to him. "But who could blame them."



"It seems as though great minds think alike. I had been roaming this area thinking it was a perfect place to start up a herd. Though I must admit, I'm not one to handle such politics." It was even more fortunate for him that he might have found one to fall in with for the time being.

A show of obvious distaste crossed Maelstrom's face. "Ground mares? Eugh. You poor thing. Why would you speak to those horses?" She spat. "Misguided, weaklings. It would be an atrocity for a stallion of such fine breeding as yours to weaken his bloodlines."

With a mischivious coyness, Maelstrom looked over the territory below them. "Why make the effort to start a herd when there is already a fine one building? Of course, we would never think to invite such weaklings as those who have harassed you. Besides, Balrog and Stormwild have selected a fine territory." Besides, Maelstrom would certainly not object to a stallion like Wild Wind in the herd....

He snickered and took another step closer to her. "They simple creatures to toy around with." Though he had never actually bedded any of them, it was still nice to hear such concern in case he had made that error. "But nay, I touched not a tail, though the view of the females is very pleasing to the eye. I wish not to repeat the mistakes of my rival and his mate that he picked."

He allowed his brown-blue eyes to follow where Maelstrom looked. The picked area was indeed perfect. He had have never seen it if he hadn't spotted the mare up here. "I might take up on that offer. The worse that can happen is a no."

Maelstrom whinnied a laugh. "They are indeed such simple, poor beasts. I can't imagine why a proud, wind soquili would ever think to take one as a mate." She shook her head. "Unless perhaps that wind soquili's blood was not quite as strong as he let on." She shared a conspiratoral grin with the stallion, who held obvious disdain for this unnamed rival.

"Perhaps he thinks like the ground-bound beasts." Her crimson eyes flashed with amusement.

"But come! Why don't you allow me to take you to meet my father, and you an speak to him about making our home yours as well." She spread her colorful wings in an invitation to lead him to the guardian, and her father.

He laughed along side her. This was turning out to be quite a pleasant run in. Much better than he had in the past. "'We 'ere ta protect th'm," he said, mimicking Tawali's accent as best as he could. "He was always a fool, even when he was a colt."

He chuckled at his own words and snapped his black and white wings. "Lead on, Maelstrom."

Maelstrom's laugh echoed alongside him. "What foolishness! You protect your own kind - when wind soquili gather, our strength is evident - we do not have to stoop to their level, give up good feeding grounds because of a weak link. Or to risk our own when together, we can defeat any predator - striking from the air!" Pride filled her as she took off, wings lifting her from the ground.

She spirialed, waiting for Wild Wind to take flight, and took off towards the center of the territory where she had last seen Balrog.
He took off at a gallop and allowed himself to drop from the edge, his wings catching the wind and allowing him to glide after her. A few flaps of his wings to keep the same altitude was all that was required before his white hooves skimmed along the ground. Now that he had an invitation, he allowed himself to look around himself. The sight was as glorious as it had been from above. "Wow."

Maelstrom's ego expanded even more at the stallion's obvious respect for their territory. "It is home." She responded, chipping in an extra note of temptation, even if it was unnecessary at that point in time.

The weather was perfect, the skies perfectly clear to see the lush forrest that clung to the sharp cliffs. Trickling crystal rivers cascaded down the slopes, and Maelstrom took a quick detour to skim the running river with the tips of her hooves, showing off. Then, careening at a nearly right angle, she flapped her wings a few times to gain altitude before heading towards a grassy area on another peak where a massive black stallion waited below, tribal markings seemed to burn in his hide that Maelstrom's were an obvious derivation of, and his crimson eyes watched the pair steadily as they approached.


His grin was large as he took in the rest of the sights, even if the best one was flying in front of him. It was then that he caught sight of Balrog. His smile was quickly removed as he sobered up for this meeting. Here was someone that gave the vibe of authority and respect. This was the same feeling he had from the Protector of his herd. Would he be fit enough to remain in such a peaceful place away from the rest of the populace?

Maelstrom gave Wild Wind one last fleeting encourging smile before touching down and nuzzling her father in greeting. Taking a place by his side, she let Balrog stride forward to regard the newcomer. "Father, this is Wild Wind. He seeks a herd.."

He lifted his wings as his voice rumbled in his throat. "Wild Wind is it, then?" He looked over the stallion, pausing at the wings with a look of momenary approval before the stern, ascessing returned. "You seek a herd, then? You seem to carry strong bloodlines. Unfortunately, there is precious little of such. But... it has been a promising week. " A ghost of a smile graced the stallion's face.

"What do you seek in a herd?"

The blue and green feather behind his ear moved a bit in the wind as he paused a moment to think. He reflected back on the reasons his parents had first joined their herd. "To protect and be protected." His father had said that very same thing to Wild Wind before he had left home. Strange that those words would ring so true.

He took a deep breath and allowed his body to relax a bit. "My old herd was nothing but winds soring the skies. They migrated like birds because most of the grounded took the better part of the lands. I left because I detested their philosophy that Winds are meant to be like guardians to the grounded." His voice was thick and heavy with the distaste of that motto he had heard most of his years. Of course, the crime he had done many years ago had finally come out. Why did one dead grounded bring such a high price? She would have been food for the wolves anyways.

Balrog's ears pricked and Wild Wind could sense the approval before Balrog even spoke.

"Your plight is familiar, friend." He whickered. "When wind soquili are burdened to be the protectors of the ground, then it holds back the our potential and leads the ground-horses to a false security. They grow fat and prosper from our work. And it is rarely even appreciated just... expected. I have been building just such a herd - one that is not limited by the weak. One that can reach the most exclusive feeding grounds, the safest spots to raise the foals, and have the protection of the strong."

Balrog looked back to Maelstrom with an approving nod before looking back to Wild Wind. "You are welcome here."

He couldn't believe his ears at first. He was accepted. He stood there in a few moments of silence, pulling his head towards his chest and looking down at the ground. His gaze darted on different pieces of grass while he grasped the reality around him. When it finally sunk in, he looked into the crimson hues of Balrog. He smiled brightly, "Thank you."

His gaze shifted slightly to Maelstrom. What a stroke of luck. "Thank you, Maelstrom," he said quietly. He finally felt like a piece of himself returned. He was part of a herd. And one that accepted his viewpoint.

 

[Kamiki]

Introducing the Herd
Post Order: Kamiki, PandaLily, Sabin Duvert


It had been a week since her sons where born, and just as anticipated, it was the calm before the storm. Kamiki and Azure had been running non-stop with hardly any sleep having to keep up with three young colts. The largest was Nimbus, who at the naming ceremony was named by a traveling eagle after the two-legged’s ancestor’s word for cloud.

Closely behind him was their odd-child, Sumi-e. Sumi-e was named in the naming ceremony but a small finch who claimed her mother’s mother came from a land beyond the Big Water and told stories of people who painted on parchment with ink, writing stories in letters so beautiful it looked like artwork. This calligraphy was called sumi-e, and since the young one reminded the finch of paper and ink, he was so named.

The smallest one was Spellbound, named by his father, Azure, who had seen a traveling gypsy once do magic. ’It was at night,’ he said, ’And all I saw from my vantage was this beautiful dancing purple light..

So they had been named, and growing like wild weeds. For something so helpless at birth, Kamiki was amazed with how quickly they were running, kicking, bucking, and causing general havoc. Today, she was hoping to present them to Stormwild and Balrog, the leaders of her herd.

Sumi-e was busying himself with pulling Spellbound’s tail, causing the smaller boy to cry out and kick at his bigger brother. For the sixth time that hour, Kamiki wedged herself between them.  

[PandaLily]

Nimbus lay on the ground a little away from his two brothers. He didn't believe that harm should be caused in the family but he also did not believe that he should get into the fight just to stop it. He watched as mom broke up the fight with her authority over the crew. He looked up to his mom. He saw her as the feminine touch in the family of all boys. He wished he could stand tall like her some day.

He snapped out of his daydream as the fight got dispersed, for who knows how long, Nimbus stood up from his warm spot as he trotted softly over towards his brothers. He smiled as he approached the two colts.

 

[Sabin Duvert]

Right on time, the wingflaps of a large wind soquili stallion could be heard, and moments later, Balrog's distinctive silhouette came from around the mountain.

He circled twice before his heavy hooves touched down in the clearing. Especially to the small foals, Balrog was a massive stallion, muscles rippling beneath his glossy black fur. Holding his head high, the stallion proudly walked around the new family. "Kamiki! Azure! Let me congradulate you on your new arrivals! It is always wonderful to hear of fine soquili passing on to a new generation." His voice rumbled approvingly.

He directed his gaze downwards, first at the little blue colt. Smiling approvingly he looked him over, nodding smugly at the wings on his back and horn growing from his head. "A fine young colt. What is your name, little one?"

Balrog had not yet turned his attention to the rest of the new arrivals.  

[Kamiki]

Stormwild followed Balrog’s decent, her demeanor, while still one of great authority, was more feminine and definitely less imposing than Balrog’s. She nodded her congratulations to Kamiki, but didn’t interrupt her mate as he looked over the herd.

Kamiki motioned for Azure to keep a close watch on Sumi-e and Spellbound so she could go over to Nimbus. She nuzzled his neck and face, encouraging him to stand up straight and poke his chest out. She smiled and forced herself not to jump in and start introducing him herself, for Balrog had addressed him.  

[PandaLily]

Nimbus backed a little as the black furred Soquili's voice boomed at him, complimenting him. He looked over to the pretty female wind Soquili as she landed with grace. She looked gorgeous like his mother. She stood without disturbing what this male wind was doing. Nimbus had wished she imposed so that he could avoid talking at all.

He was soon nuzzled by his mom to stand tall before this male. He did as his mom had motioned him to. He tried his best to get as tall as he could so mom would be proud of him as well as this Stallion that landed with power upon the earth. "m- m- my name s Nimbus" He said as his newly found voice cracked a little as he introduced himself.

 

[Sabin Duvert]

Balrog couldn't keep a bit of a smile from his muzzle as the little foal, with the backing of his mother gathered the courage to speak his name.

"Nimbus" Balrog repeated, in a much stronger, more assured voice. In Balrog's voice, the name seemed to have a much different connotation: respectable and something to be proud of.

He nodded assuredly. "It is a fine name for a fine young colt! Many praises to you, Kamiki and Azure. He will make a fine addition to the herd!"

He moved to appraise the next foal - one that had the dark fur of both of his parents, and shimmery purple wings more like his father. There was a crook of a bemused smile at the tiny foal with the butterfly wings. Perhaps he wasn't a wind soquili, but he bore the shining silver horn of his mother, and he would fly high - even if it was less noble than perhaps his sibling.

"And you, little one, what is your name?"  

[Kamiki]

"Welcome, Nimbus," Stormwild said to the little blue colt, bowing her head. She smiled a comforting and warm smile to him, then looked up to Kamiki.

Kamiki nodded her thanks and went to her next son. Azure was already there, puffing out his chest proudly. The little flutter, small compared to his brothers, had none of Nimbus' shyness. "My name is Spellbound!" he said, in a voice that was trying to be much bigger than it was. His little wings fluttered excitedly, lifting his front half off the ground just a bit as he looked up at Balrog.  

[PandaLily]

Nimbus bent his knees a little as the booming voice of this male. He stood taller as the female spoke to him. She sounded much more warming than the male. He dipped his head to the lady as he peered over to see what the Stallion was going to do with his brothers. He seemed to go over to Spellbound.

He looked up to his brothers even though Spellbound was smaller and Sumi-e liked to pick on others. He smiled a small smile as he wanted to go eavesdrop on what the male had to say. Also he wanted to try gather the courage to ask him his name. But he ended up asking the female instead...

"ec- ecsuse me but... what is your name?" He asked the black and purple coated female. She didn't sound like her voice could shake the earth.  

[Sabin Duvert]

A rumbling chuckle echoed at the tiny foal's bravado, however, this time the smile on the stallion's face was a bit more genuine; the patronizing twinge that was present when he first addressed the little fluttercorn was gone.

"Spellbound..." Balrog echoed again, much like he did with Nimbus, almost testing the name and seeing how it sounded in his booming voice.

"It is a fine name, for a fine young colt. Perhaps one day you can grow to be big and strong like your mother." This time, there was a hint of a smile - but more in a friendly tease than the scathing criticism that the stallion was known to deliver.

He stole a small smile as he watched the first colt approach stormwild before moving onto the third and final foal.

However, as his smoldering eyes lit on the white foal, his ears set back against his head. Where were the wings?? He looked again over the colt, making sure. Well.... there were some strange... whispy growths from his shoulder blades. Perhaps they were underdeveloped wings? An ear flicked back. He had had such high hopes for these new additions to his herd - and indeed, they produced two fine young colts. And three boys! But this one... it looked like something had gone wrong with the formation of his wings... and his eyes... there were four of them. Balrog's head lifted with an anxious expression. Had Kamiki eaten some poisonous plants during her pregnancy?

Instead of asking in turn this colt's name, instead, Balrog's voice boomed, "What is wrong with your wings, young one?"  

[Kamiki]

The dark mare looked down on the icy foal and gave a motherly smile. “My name is Stormwild,” she said, nodding her head. “I am the alpha of this herd. And he,” she motioned to Balrog with her muzzle, “is the protector.”

Kamiki and Azure were both beaming with pride at Balrog’s seeming acceptance of Spellbound. Kamiki had gotten the impression that he was critical of the flutters, but so far Azure nor Spellbound seemed to let him down.

That was, of course, until it was time to meet Sumi-e.

The little defiant foal gazed critically back up at Balrog, no trace of fear and a suspicious sneer planted on his lips as he asked about his wings. “Not wings, there ain’t nothing wong wit dem,” he said said, puffing his chest. “Not that’s its any of yer bidness,” he said around teeth that looked more fang-like than a normal Soquili’s should.”

Azure looked to Kamiki who looked back at Azure. They stood there for a moment before Kamiki finally stepped up. “We think it must be a sign from the Gods,” she said, trying to keep her voice quit. “No one in either Azure or my family have any kind of … features like Sumi-e.”  

[PandaLily]

Nimbus overheard the 'approval' of his small brother. He smiled softly even though the booming voice still rattled him. He turned back over to the dark mare. He bowed his head a little to this mare while eavesdropping upon his brother and the Protector of the herd that Stormwild spoke of.

He could hear the harsh spats of his brother to the stallion. The light blue foal tucked his head down, a little afraid things might get bad around now... But he heard his mother cut in with her tender voice. Young Nimbus nodded a farewell to Stormwild and trotted over quickly to his brother, Spellbound. He wanted to know the whole story but this wasn't the time to ask about it...  

[Sabin Duvert]

Balrog was obviously rankled that this young foal, less than two weeks of age, had the gall to stand up to him. And a wingless foal no less! Balrog's ears flattened while he snorted his disapproval.

Balrog looked steadily to Kamiki. "Sign from the gods?" He asked, dripping with skepticism. "Sign of what? It looks as if he sports malformed wings. Perhaps a result of one with the wings of birds breeding with one with the wings of the butterflies? Something that is neither? Perhaps you were not properly nourished while you were carrying the foals? Or did something happen to his basket?"

Balrog stopped himself, seeming to swallow down an ire. "The cause of this foal's... unfortunate malformed traits is irrelevant. What matters is that this is another weak c***k in our herd if he is unable to learn to fly." He eyed the white foal out of the corner of his eye.