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 Posted: Sat Jan 31, 2026 5:16 pm
It's a new year in the Kawani lands! Winter is in full swing and much of the land is covered in snow. Does your soquili do anything to acknowledge or celebrate the new year? Are they part of a herd or family that has a tradition or ceremony? Have they made a promise to start the new year with a clean slate and change themselves for the better? Or did they simply try to stay warm and wait for the snow to melt and spring to arrive? 
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Posted: Sat Jan 31, 2026 5:24 pm
Hollie blinked her eyes slowly, bright green eyes slowly adjusting to the sunny morning rays. She sighed, a puff of breath escaping her. She looked over to where Nevena was still dozing peacefully. She smiled warmly, down at her mate. Hollie got up slowly, making sure not to disturb Nevena. She had been working steadily lately and despite her protests at not needing much sleep, Hollie knew better. She moved away from the woody area where they slept each night.
She crept slowly through the woods, her cloven hooves pressing lightly into the snow. She bypassed the large tendrils of roots, carefully stepping over them. It was a quiet morning but Hollie knew that later in the day there would be much celebration, for it was a new year. As she reached the nearby meadow, she noticed a figure in the distance.
Ah, Brinley. She smiled to herself, trotting towards her daughter. Nevena and Hollie were truly blessed to be given the opportunity to raise six foals to adulthood. Although many of their children had left for their own adventures, a few stayed close, one of which was Brinley.
"Good morning, my darling." She greeted, her tone warm with affection.
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Posted: Sat Jan 31, 2026 5:33 pm
"Mama." Brinley spoke in response. Her mama nosed at her, as all mamas did, Brinley was sure.
"It is a new year, mama." Brinley said. Her mama nodded in response. Brinley could not sleep, she was excited for the new year and what it would bring. Her family would celebrate today by spending time together as they ate their meals together. It was also a time to reflect on the previous year and think about one thing they wanted to focus on for this year.
Their traditions of eating together and sharing their hopes and dreams was a simple affair but Brinley enjoyed it dearly. It was also a time that she saw family that she might not necessarily see as often anymore. It was hard for her, when her family was not together. Her mama and mother always said she had a tender soul, sensitive to the land and free with her emotions. At times she felt embarrassed at how easily she cried but she was getting better at accepting who she was.
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Posted: Sat Jan 31, 2026 5:41 pm
"Yes, and what a wonderful start to a new year." Hollie replied. "The sky is bright, the snow is beginning to melt and I am certain spring will come soon." Spring was such a special time, a time for rebirth - seeing the birds that left each fall come home again, their trilling songs would fill the air once more. Nevena would be busy at work, caring for their woods and the new blooms. Brinley, with her herbs, and her youngest, Vale, with his insects.
"What brings you out here so early? Usually I find myself alone at this time." Hollie was always an early riser, she needed to be with her mother being ill so often and her younger brother needing someone to look after him. It was different for her now, her children were grown and each day needed her less and less. She had time for solitude which she did enjoy but it was strange, to not be needed as much.
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Posted: Sat Jan 31, 2026 5:49 pm
Brinley pondered on her mama's question. "I was thinking about the new year and what I want to focus on. Last year I focused on creating a herb garden which turned out well."
"You did well, Brinley." Hollie agreed. The herb garden was indeed a success and was needed for their home was growing, with more Soquili choosing to stay.
"Before that I focused on myself, getting to know who I am. I tried to travel a little, to get outside my shell." Brinley paused, travelling was not for her. She quickly realized that for she became so sad.
"I thought being out here, with it being so quiet, would allow me a respite. Time to think before our gathering." Brinley continued. She debated internally with herself, should she share with her mama what she decided on?
"I....." Her voice trembled a little, embarrassed. "I am not sure how to phrase this." She fretted.
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Posted: Sat Jan 31, 2026 5:51 pm
Hollie was concerned, seeing her daughter troubled. "My darling, whatever you choose, your mother and I will do our best to support you."
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Posted: Sat Jan 31, 2026 5:59 pm
Brinley smiled, tears at the edge of her pale, glowing eyes. She knew this, her mama and mother will supportive. Her mother could be distant at times, but Brinley knew she cared deeply about all of them.
"I suppose I am having trouble with the words, but it is nothing bad, mama." She stated. "I see so much happiness in our home and I wonder what more I can bring. Perhaps a walk would clear my head?" She wondered aloud.
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Posted: Sat Jan 31, 2026 6:05 pm
Hollie thought about her daughter's words before replying, "take the time you need, Brinley. We will wait for you in the clearing." Hollie nudged at her daughter with her nose. Brinley smiled shyly.
"I will see you later." Hollie nudged at her once more before turning away, giving her daughter the space she needed. However, she walked slowly back to the woods, just in case her daughter needed her.
But she did not. Hollie turned her head to the side, watching as Brinley walked through the melting snow, the sun shining off the long strands of her green hair. Hollie wondered what she would settle on, would she be happy with her choice? With this last thought, Hollie turned away, walking through the woods, back to Nevena.
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