Don't believe me, ask the dishes - open -

[Dyzzie]

[atrb=cellspacing,0,true][atrb=cellpadding,0,true][atrb=border,0,true][bg=#000000][atrb=width,600,true] Where is it I have wandered? I fear I no longer know. I let my hooves carry me in a random direction - and now, I am not sure where it is I have come from. I've crossed water, headed towards other random locations, come through a forest, ventured past a set of springs - and now. I'm not sure where I'm going. I've been headed somewhere towards the north of this island for a while, and . . . I won't lie. The unfamiliarity of this land was only constantly making me feel nothing less than nervous. Delicate hooves, surrounded by the twirling hairs of light, but long feathering seemed to silence each step the gentle creature took as she ventured through the forest - waiting for the jungle to end to present itself into something anew. Not that she minded the jungle that is. She'd been wandering through it for the better part of the day, and it had given an unreasonable amount of shade from the more harsh lighting of the sun, so that her delicate skin was free from radiation emitting from the sun. The added protection of the overcast sky only helped her relaxation, and the feeling of comfort as she wandered. The land was truly comfortable at the moment, that much was true. The shadowy jungle was set into a dreary setting from the weight of the clouds, and fog was visible over the water that surrounded the island, reaching in towards the land. The dank air allowed a hint of precipitation to cling to her coat in a soft, wet hold. Her cream colored cloak was darkened slightly to a more creamy-tanned tone, both from the weight of the water vapor clinging to her form, along with the shadows created by the overcast - and the near void of sunlight. Her lightly tuned red mane appeared a larger contrast against her cream body, taking on a more darker tone of red. But not even the greatest of shadows could hide the delicate, and bright pale blue of her eyes. Her eyes held the light in her soul, the natural warmth, as well as the strong spirit held with in her tiny body. And she was rather tiny, only standing roughly fifteen hands. She continued to make her way through the abundance of jungle, and just as she was beginning to assume that it would go one forever, she finally caught a hint of a lighter spot in the far distance, up ahead. With a delighted, hopefully whinny, the mare threw herself into a half rear, before pushing off in a canter. Her gait was smooth, her canter carrying her easily over the land, her tail flagging artfully behind her, the curls dancing in the wake of the wind she created as she cantered along. Each strike of her hoof seemed to be a soft, even dull thud, her steps so light. And with each step - she grew closer to the white light of the promised outside world. Slowly the mare found herself walking out of the jungle and into a meadow. Her pale blue eyes took in the almost desolate lands, noting the seemingly emptiness, the lack of other souls. And slowly a smile spread across her features and she trotted into the meadow, her steps alive, and yet graceful, her tail flagged elegantly. If she had the place to herself, she might as well enjoy it, should she not? The long grass tickled her belly, coiling around her body protectively, and yet bending away from her oncoming step as she ventured further, and further from the shelter of the jungle, and into the northern expanse of meadow. The grass was so long, that Belle was completely unsure as to how on earth the land could possibly continue to survive so well, with out killing itself off with an over population. Her gaze continued to travel across the land, until it landed on that of a young fawn following it's mother. A hint of a small smile rested on her muzzle as she watched them, before a bending in the grass had her attention turning else where, and to her horror she watched a wolf jump from the grass, attacking the fawn, and tearing into it. A startled squeak left the mare, as she jumped back, stumbling over her own hooves as she stared at the mauling wolf in horror. Wolves. Wolves, here? Why must they be here! Why? "Why must there be wolves?" "Belle’s words" Belle's thoughts

[/blockquote]
[/td][/tr][/table][/center]

[Lady B]

Thus far, exploring has been quite the delightful experience. Took a lot to venture out away from her strict herd but she wished not to remain in the confines of it.
Though all the varied landscapes, now she ventured into these fine meadows. Though always felt as though there was a nagging danger here, she always pushed it aside otherwise it would grip her with utter terror that she would never be able to shake off and most likely would succumb to it. She could not allow that, what would be the point of exploration if she found herself at the mercy and demise of danger?

Glancing about, her soft brown eyes soaked in the view of the meadows as the grasses waved and rippled with the wind as it brushed invisibly over the tall thin green and golden gentle blades. That same wind invisibly caressing over her as well.
Raising her head just ever so slightly and closed her eyes, feeling the wind upon her face as it caressed through her black silky mane, taking a few wisps here and there and flinging them in every which direction possible. Likewise done with her tail as it was liken to that of a sideways obsidian waterfall. It almost felt like a storm was approaching. If one was, she'd welcome it nevertheless.

As her head remained high, upon the shifting winds she caught the scent of another equine not far off.
Opening her eyes to reveal those soft browns again as the immediately began to scan the vast landscape for this other equine she knew was nearby. But there was also the rank smell of blood upon the wind, too. A bit of worry flooded her wondering if that other equine met her demise at the teeth and paws of a predator.
Standing there, she waited. Wondering if she should progress forward to find this other equine, perhaps they were in trouble. Or to stay where she was, be safe or flee. So many decisions.
With one hoof before the other... followed by another... then another... she subconsciously decided to seek out this other equine. For perhaps that equine needed her assistance, whether they wanted it or not.

[Dyzzie]

[atrb=cellspacing,0,true][atrb=cellpadding,0,true][atrb=border,0,true][bg=#000000][atrb=width,600,true] When one was relatively homeless – no true land or herd to call one’s own . . . well it is then that wandering and exploring becomes a past time, such as it had for Belle. Not that she minded having to wander about so much, for the lack of a home . . . in fact, she enjoyed it. If she had to be alone, to enjoy life as fully as she can now, then so be it, as long, in her opinion, as she could enjoy. Besides, in many ways, Belle had been raised as a loner. Split off from her birth herd, raised by her father, with no mother to balance out what he father taught her. With no mother at all . . . to many the fact that their mother left them early on might be described as depressing, but to Belle, she had no memories of her mother, and the only ideals that she feels she missed out on, was that she’d have no mother to teach her how to be a mother. Luckily, Belle had no desire to be a mother, at least . . . not yet she didn’t. She was more than happy to be alone, had no desire for a mate right now, or a herd, or a family. But then again, that could be because she was waiting for the arrival of the one she calls her mate. The one who’d sent her ahead to save her from the danger running through their home. And, there was no lie in one thing, she did miss the depressed, anti social Monte Cristo. She missed the way she could get him to smile, and as soon as she called him out on smiling, it’d vanish. She missed the way he could seem so worried when ever he hadn’t seen her in a while, or the way he’d tease her when she’d mess something up. She missed the way his entire position would change the moment they were reunited, the way he would go from a depressed individual, to someone who looked like there might be one thing in the world worth living for. That one thing – being her. Or at least, that’s how she’d like to think of her position in his life, as if she’d made a positive impact, rather than a negative. But either way . . . she missed him. She shook such thoughts from her mind, as she turned her attention back onto the meadow, venturing further away from the safety the jungle represented, into the unknown world of the meadow she’d found. She ventured further though the tall grass, allowing to bow back in welcome, as she wandered along. Much of the land was silent, it seemed, a void of individuals, a void of life. The occasional deer jumping, the random bird call, the rare jumping of a jack rabbit. But as she ventured further, Belle began to see more of the wild side. The deer and fawn, grazing quietly. The wolf lunging, the blood of the fawn. The violence. Belle was quick in her reaction, jumping back, as her entire body seemed to tremble at the sight of the wolf. Wolves, who could ever like them? She shivered slightly as she watched the doe jump away, the fawn already dead, covered by blood, and wolf. She shivered slightly as she turned from the sight of the mauling, the sight of the life being taken from one so young. She slowly moved back, attempting to separate herself from this aspect of the circle of life. Separate herself from the wolf. The wolf. . . . Just the thought alone had her shivering again. A wolf. Was there anywhere that could be ‘safe?’ "Belle’s words" Belle's thoughts

[/blockquote]
[/td][/tr][/table][/center]

[Lady B]

Slowly striding along at a steady pace while the winds blew gently over the tall luscious grass that continued to dance. Gently the tall greens would bump against her dark form, seeming to swallow half of her up, the golden and green mixing so well with her long black waterfall like tail and the mane that the wind obviously adored to handle as it kept caressing the long strands or tried taking off with the ebony locks. Locks that remained well grounded to the Friesian filly-mare.

The scent came and went with the shifting winds, but it remained there along with the fear of another creature, blood and the overwhelming strength of a stench. Matted fur, rank breath, meat mixed with death. It was a very unwelcome scent that almost made her stomach churn. A scent she rarely had experienced. And so, she continued on, curious to know what it was.

As the sound began to approach her ears, twitching and shifting to capture the best direction of sound. It was a horrible sound of gnarls and growls, sloshing and barks that grew louder and louder as she approached the epicenter.

At that same time, her soft brown eyes spotted the figure of another equine. Tilting her head just slightly as she watched the other horse and slowly made her way towards the other figure with a smile.
"Hello?" she shouted out.

Unfortunately, that alerted the wolves. Growls increased as a couple heads rose, while other heads laid low and branched out. A large horse was a better meal than a tiny, scrawny fawn.
A wolf, the pack leader growled and continued to stare her down.
"Oh,... dear. " Fear began to take hold of her. The scent of blood, death, musty, matted and vile all around her. Afraid to look around, she swiftly glanced about to see other wolves were beginning to surround her.
Stiffening as her nostrils flared, perking up her ears as her head was held high, prancing now ready to fight... or try and fight. She really was feeling stupid to walk right into a feasting pack of wolves. Her breath quickened as she silently prayed but cried out. "Gods and Fates, help me!"

[Dyzzie]

[atrb=cellspacing,0,true][atrb=cellpadding,0,true][atrb=border,0,true][bg=#000000][atrb=width,600,true] Everyone has fears, horrendous fears that keep them up all night. Fears that make them quiver at the mere thought of them. Fears that have them hyperventilating should someone just name the fear. Oh yes, you know what it is that I speak of. Those fears that make you weaker than a new born foal. The fears, that should they come alive, that will be your undoing. Yes – those kind of fears. I am not surprised you have heard of them. We all have one fear, or another; that leave us feeling like that. Well – my fear will always be wolves. The sound of their growls sends my heart racing, their teeth have me cowering. Their scent has me running the other way. And yet – here I was stuck. A pack of feasting wolves before me, safety behind me . . . but should I make a run for the safety – would the wolves see me and follow? Such an idea would be disastrous, I fear. Extremely dangerous. And I can’t help but wonder – how do I land myself in such horribly dangerous situations? Was my luck really this bad? I could feel my limbs shifting nervously, as I slowly backed up another step, my eyes on the wolves, my eyes never leaving the area the wolf had taken the fawn down. Or at least, it didn’t until I heard the shout. Hello?

[/s][/color] Belle’s head snapped up, eyes going wide as she turned to see the growls from the feasting site increase, heads rising, before the wolves began to string out, as if preparing to take down the other mare. Belle’s ears pinned, as she felt as if ice began to form in her veins. And for that brief moment, Belle was frozen solid, only able to watch as the other mare seemed to take on her own fright, at the sudden disaster. Why does she not run?! Head towards the jungle?

It’s what Belle would have done. The jungle was safety in her mind. The thickness of the trees and vines would keep the wolves at bay, the darkness would protect from the sight of the wild creatures so intent on your destruction. And yet, the mare didn’t move. She merely stared, ears perked, head high, breath fast, and then she spoke, Gods and Fates, help me! Belle’s attention turned back to the wolves who now appeared to be moving towards the mare, or at least in her general direction. They had the same calculating look on their faces, that another pack had nearly two years ago. A look Belle knew well. They were going to be going in for the kill. And if that mare didn’t move soon, there would be no future for her. It was nearly impossible to fight off that size of a pack alone. And Belle was hardly any help.

Help, that’s what the mare had asked for – nay, what she had prayed for . . . what she needed. But how was Belle to help when she feared those creatures so terribly much. She was nearly frozen with the fear of what it is she should do. Should she rush to the other’s aid, should she run into the forest and close her ears to the screams bound to follow. What was she to do? It only took a few seconds, before Belle’s desire to help those in need to kick in. She took merely a moment to pray quietly, to herself, before she rushed forward, jumping cleanly over one wolf, to slide to a stop at the mare’s side, spinning to face the wolves. She gulped, her eyes wide with fear, and yet calm as she tried to plot out how to get out of this alive – or at least get the other mare out alive.

“The jungle. We need to get to the jungle, it’s our only hope. They’ll not be able to follow us there. The foliage is far to thick for them to run through with out getting caught up.” Belle instructed, watching as the wolves paused from her arrival before continuing their stalk forward. She just had one more question to answer – before freedom and safety was theirs, and that was . . . how to get past the wolves and into the forest. And of course, to make it all harder – naturally, Belle just had to be deathly afraid of them.

[/blockquote]"Belle’s words"
Belle's thoughts

[/justify][/color][/size][/blockquote][/blockquote]
[/td][/tr][/table][/center]

[Lady B]

Staying alert as she kept her eyes upon the Leader of the pack, knowing full well none of them will take action without some approval from the Alpha.
Ears twitched to take in the locations of the other wolves that now surrounded her completely. What on earth had she done. Her poor heart pounded as well as crying out a silent prayer that she make it out of this alive.

Movement made her eyes shift to see the other equine she'd spotted moments ago, before the mix up with the wolves. The momentary blur soon enough gave way to realization that this other equine, a mare, was beside her as well. Daft, but grateful that now there was two of them against a pack. There was still a chance. Always a chance in greater numbers.

Watching the wolves, she barely glanced at the other mare. "The Jungle?!?? If it's so dense, wouldn't it be more difficult for us to get through it than they?" she raised a valid question. Wolves were usually more agile than a half ton horse. Lighter and more agile. They could wiggle their way through tight squeezes.

Just then as her eyes shifted forward back to the Leader of the Pack, she noticed a change-
"Oh , no-" and at that point a wolf from behind jumped at her and another leapt at the other mare. "Time to fight so we can flee!" she snapped as she rolled onto her forelegs and kicked out her haunches, giving the wolf a good smack with her hooves, sending the canine airborne several feet and knocking it out. Another attempted to go for her as the Leader of the pack was stalking towards her.
"Fine! Jungle! RUN... NOW!" And with that, she lept forward to stomp at the Alpha wolf, then while it was distracted, she lept and went airborne then bolted towards the jungle. Believing the wolves would still follow. Her attention was divided as she was looking forward towards her path of escape and her ears back to make sure the other mare was escaping as well.

[Dyzzie]

[atrb=cellspacing,0,true][atrb=cellpadding,0,true][atrb=border,0,true][bg=#000000][atrb=width,600,true] The overcast had the air feeling cold, but it was nothing compared to the ice flowing through her veins at the sight of the wolves and the unfortunately mare who’d gotten herself stuck in the midst of the wolves. Wolves, it had to be wolves that came in between her desire to run away, and to help another. She had hesitated only long enough to make a decision before she’d jumped into action, leaping over the wolves, and whirling around in one movement to join the mare, standing side by side with her, facing the wolves who were soon approaching, The jungle?!?? If it’s so dense, wouldn’t it be more difficult for us to get through it than they? Belle glanced at the mare, seeing her point, but she also gave a tiny grin, “I live in that jungle, at the moment, I know how to move through it. Trust me, I promise, nothing will happen.” She assured, just as a change happened in the wolves. Oh no-

[/i] Belle’s head snapped around towards the wolves, diving from the one that had jumped at her, quickly standing abruptly, eyes wide, trying to remember all the words her beloved Cristo had spoken about when it came to wolves. How to deal with them, how to deal with them. Time to fight so we can flee! Belle’s ears pinned at the snapped words, even as she acted, kicking and bucking out at wolves to send them scurrying away, although she never allowed herself to lower her head to bite, not willing to give the canines a better target. She glanced towards the mare, Fine! Jungle! RUN… NOW!

The commands were not something Belle enjoyed being given. She snorted, before racing forward, instantly wings unfolding from her back, the perlino feathering catching the air, helping her sail higher over the pack of wolves, landing with her front legs, before following with her hind, and folding her wings as she bolted towards the jungle, a step ahead of the other mare, peering through the greenery for the white that would mark the best entrance for an equine. And then she saw it, the tiny fox waiting with anxious eyes, “This way, follow me.” She said, instantly leaping over the heavy brush that blocked the opening.

She stopping long enough for her companion, a tiny fox the size of a small domestic cat; to leap onto her back before she cantered along the small trail, the dense foliage being difficult for a smaller animal to move through, but for a horse who had longer legs, it was easy to fly over it, as she glanced back at the other mare, slowing to a trot, before a walk once she no longer heard the baying of the wolves. For the moment it appeared that they were at least ‘safe.’ “Are you alright?” She asked, as she turned her head to nuzzle the shivering fox hidden in her pale red mane, as her eyes remained focused on the mare, who she’d voiced the question to.

[/blockquote]"Belle’s words"
Belle's thoughts

((OOC:// Sorry it took so long to reply . . . ))
[/justify][/color][/size][/blockquote][/blockquote]
[/td][/tr][/table][/center]

[Lady B]

Stunned that this other mare moved so swiftly. She really did need to get out more often.
Following the other mare at a good pace to keep up, racing away from the wolves that attempted to give chase, towards the green brush that lay before them known as the jungle. Putting all her faith blindly into this other mare, believing that she could save them both from the hungry wolves otherwise they would both end up as hefty feasts for the canine predators.

Baffled for a moment as the other mare slowed down for but a moment. That is, until she noticed the small little creature upon her back now.
The little white fox.
Baffled as she gazed at the little fox while galloping, what an odd little companion she thought. But was even more baffled when the other mare asked the little fox if it was alright.
Alright? It wasn't even in the melee, was it? Or did she utterly miss something while surrounded by the wolves?
Ahhh, no matter. She was safe now... he hoped.
Glancing back to see if the wolves were chasing them, ears at full attention forward then flicked about before coming full attention forward again. "They are gone," she said softly, stunned.

Turning her eyes and attention to the other mare, "Thank you. Can't believe I stumbled upon a pack of wolves," and felt rather ashamed of it, too. How blinded and ignorant she must seem.
"My name is Maxima, by the way," she tried to smile to break the ice and hopefully not incur the wrath of this other mare for being so stupid to walk into a feasting pack of wolves and nearly get the both of them killed.

[Dyzzie]

[atrb=cellspacing,0,true][atrb=cellpadding,0,true][atrb=border,0,true][bg=#000000][atrb=width,600,true] She’d lived in the jungle since she’d come to these lands, awaiting for the love of her life who’d sent her ahead to keep her safe. She’d learned how to handle these lands, how to mix the power of her wings, with the ability to escape. She was small, light footed, she had befriended most of the animals, knew how to call to the right ones to get the help she needed. How to speak with them. She moved quickly, effortlessly in her escape, a combination of wings and hooves to carrying her to safety, but never moving fast enough to leave the other mare behind. She would never leave a fellow equine to the mercy of wolves . . . Unless it was her mate. In which she’d just wait calmly for Cristo to finish making friends and then run like hell. She kept a decent pace, as the two mares ran from the wolves, immediately bounding into a section of the jungle, only pausing long enough for Flower to scramble upon her back, refusing to leave behind the only friend she had in this place. She felt the fox shift on her back, to gaze at the follower, before moving into her usual spot between Belle’s shoulder blades, where the pale red threads of Belle’s mane acted like a blanket to the silky, white furred fox. She only slowed when she’d felt far enough away that the wolves would stop chasing, and her ears flicked back to the other, They are gone. A small smile fell on Belle’s face as she turned to the other mare, tilting her head, unusually pale blue eyes seeming bright against the pale cream of her pelt. “I live in this jungle, I’ve learned how to run, where to go, and how to keep the wolves at bay . . . The animals of the forest tend to help me a lot, with that though.” She nudged the tiny fox who was still clinging tightly to her pelt, nails creating small pricks of red upon the pale cream. “We would have gotten out of their faster, but I refused to leave Flower behind. She’s been my best friend since I’ve come to these lands. I pray you understand?” She asked. Thank you. Can’t believe I stumbled upon a pack of wolves. Belle smiled warmly nodded her head slightly, “Oh, think nothing of such an action. Truly, I’ve done it myself plenty of times. Much to my dismay, and my mate’s amusement. He’s rather fond of wolves, and I’m terribly frightened of them.” Terribly frightened, however, didn’t even begin to cover it. Cristo was half wolf, she was certain that if you pulled him apart, you’d find one hell of a large wolf beneath his equine pelt. But regardless, as long as he was around, she didn’t scare as easily as before. She believed, nay trusted that he’d never let one of his ‘brethern’ allow them to destroy her. My name is Maxima, by the way. Belle nodded, “Enchante, Maxima. My name is Belle.” She said no other words, as she watched the mare, her gaze polite, and gentle as she tilted her head, “Do, please, walk with me. It’s been far so long since I’ve enjoyed any company. . . .” Belle said, as she took a few steps, her gaze on the mare who had run from the wolves with her. "Belle’s words" Belle's thoughts

[/blockquote]
[/td][/tr][/table][/center]

[Lady B]

Glancing back as though a reflex to be sure those wolves were not following before she turned to look at the other equine. Just... baffled now at this mare and the little companion that had joined them, seated so comfortably upon her back as though it was meant to be there the whole time.
Nodding as she strode along with this other mare turning her gaze forward as she tried to think but found it rather difficult to do so. The heat of the moment still pumped he adrenaline through her body as her heart tried to slow and calm her. It would be a while before that would happen.

A slight smile as she walked with Belle. Indeed these lands seemed sparse now. What more could an equine do.
"Of course," with a moments pause. "You mentioned you had a mate?" As she glanced sideways to look at Belle. She had no mate and wondered what that was like. Perhaps someday.
Then her eyes wandered the mare but was not about to say anything by pointing out how uncommon and immortal she appeared. Wings? An animal companion? None of which she had at current. Doubtful she would at this rate. She was so.... simple. Bland.