Fresh Beginnings [Cookie/Open]

[Azure]

The blue roan made his way through the forest to his own lands, sighing with delight. He truly loved Crystal Lagoon; the immensely clear water and moist pale grasses. They did take some getting used to, but Shaman found them quite delicious. "Sorry about the vegitation; don't worry, you will become used to it."

[/b] He assured as he spoke to his mate, Kayan. He had just met her, and they had had a connection from the very start. Although she was Neutral, and he was Light, they were both willing to do whatever it took to stay together. In truth, Shaman was beginning to question his own choice...[/blockquote]

[Cookie Monster]

There was a light in Kayan's eyes that obviously showed a particular love for this new place. But buried deep underneath the excitment and ectasy her disguising brown eyes were showing, there was a large flame of anxiety consuming her. What would happen if the Lights tried to harm her, or worse, kill her? She shook her mane violently, erasing those thoughts from her mind.
"The vegetation isn't a problem." she said lighty, throwing a reassuring look at Shaman. But he wasn't the nervous one. No, he wasn't the one who needed the reassurance. If the lights were to harm me, would Shaman protect me? Despite the horrid sound of the thought, she couldn't help herself. Would he protect me? She snorted, and returned her gaze to the silky grass below.

[Azure]

Kayan seemed on edge, and Shaman could tell. Was she worried she would not fit in? Or would be injured? Deep in his heart, he knew this was not true. Lights may not be the kind souls are they supposed to be, but they would never kill another unless thay were a dark, or made them very, very angry. He couldn't help but think: What if? What if they are irked by her prescence? He knew he would fight for her. How could he bear to be without her now? Putting this life on the line was easy, especially for the ones he loved. He moved closer to her, and spoke the answers of the questions that he thought must be raging through her mind. "You know I will always take care of you. No matter what happens.

[/b] Shaman spoke quietly, laying his muzzle on her back.[/blockquote]

[Cookie Monster]

Kayan felt comforted as he lay his muzzle on her back. She let out small breath, closing her eyelids for a moment. She soon looked up and continued walking, enjoying the beach view. As will I, thought Kayan as a reaction to Shaman's statement. "No matter what." she said to herself, her mane ruffling a little in the cool ocean breeze. Will this be my home forever? Kayan pondered, guiltily hoping the answer was yes. Although she'd only just met him, she knew that she wanted to be with him forever. And anyone who stood in their way had something coming. Lights, Darks, and Neutrals....they all didn't matter to her now. All that mattered was Shaman and her future, whether it was with the Lights or all alone with Shaman. She was positive that if the Lights didn't approve of her, that Shaman would stay by her side anyway. She hoped he loved her as much as she did. She took a sidelong glance at him, curiously wondering what was going through his mind. She looked into his eyes; hypnotized, and was not able to find out what thoughts, good or bad, were going through his mind. She was his, and he was hers, and nothing would seperate them.

[Azure]

"No matter what." He smiled as they began to walk down the sandy beach, silent. He was overjoyed that she seemed happy here. She had given up her own alliance without even looking back. Why couldn't he be as brave as her? He knew he wanted to be with Kayan forever, and nothing could change his mind. He nuzzled her gently and mumured into her ear, "I wish I could stay like this... forever."

[/b] He was finally able to take his thoughts off of his worries, and concentrate solely on his beautiful, wonderful mate. And for now, he could stay peacefully at her side.

Or maybe not.

He looked up, all senses alert as soon as he heard the hoofbeats, quietly at first, but growing louder. He knew that the only ones who would be bold enough to walk into his lands would be Mira and Rain, the two mares who lived in the neighboring territory. They were not the Light Royals, and were, to be quite blunt, of little importance in truth. Yet they acted as if they had power over everything, and many just went along with this. Shaman was one of those exceptions, and for that reason they were always nosing in, making sure he wasn't causing any trouble, especially something that may result in humiliation to themselves. They act like children, he thought until finally, they made their way over. "Shaman. I see you have a friend." Mira spoke, as she usually did. Shaman resisted the urge to shoot her a look, or roll his chocolate orbs. "Who are you, mare?"[/b] Rain piped up. He sighed, opening his maw to speak. "Don't you find it rather rude to speak in such a tone to a guest? Please, just leave her alone."[/b] In the few weeks they had lived near each other, Mira had seemingly figured him all out. Now she squinted at him, scanning him over before speaking. "What are you hiding?"[/b] She demanded, and Shaman looked away. Rain kept her gaze on Kayan, making it known that she still expected an answer. [/blockquote]

[Cookie Monster]

Kayan met Rain's gaze with her own hostile amber one defiantly. "We," she said, emphaiszing the we, "are hiding absolutley nothing." Her eyes narrowed at the venomous look coming from the orbs of Rain, but her gaze held steady. "Do you really think your darling Shaman would hide something from you?" She wondered silently if either of the two mares had any affection for Shaman. Cold, amber fire burned inside her eyes, piercing enough to make someone hurt. Rain's gaze faltered momentarily and dropped to the ground. Kayan smirked trimphantly and snorted victoriously to herself. She wondered if she would stay here, and if she did stay here, would she get to be enemies with these two mares. She thought so gleefully, picturing the amount of fun she could have with these two as her enemies.

[Azure]

Shaman looked at Kayan, bemused. She seemed to be having a load of fun, staring down Rain. "I agree with Kayan."

[/b] So now they knew her name. It was bound to happen sometime; after all, Mira would not allow such things to just slip by. Ignoring Kayan, she spoke again. "Where do you come from, Kayan?"[/b] She was really growing to dislike this mare. She certainly had an attitude, unlike most of the mares she dealt with. Shaman snorted, wondering what she would think of Kayan once they really got to know her. A small smirk crossed his features, but he refused to fight on. Rain and Mira were more like the stepsisters of Cinderella; certainly annoying, but fairly harmless. He was too big to let them get to him, just he would not betray his alliance attributes and let something like this get in the way. Though he could see Kayan getting into many fights with them - hopefully small ones, he thought. Though it would be nice to see someone with a fiery personality stand up, and it made him proud that the someone was his mate. He smiled up at her gently, watching as the mares grew more annoyed. For once, they kept their mouths shut, waiting for Kayan to speak. [/blockquote]

[Cookie Monster]

"Where do I come from?" Kayan repeated, an unreadable look in her eye. "I come from the Neutrals, if you haven't noticed already by my foreign scent. But I wouldn't expect you to notice that, not anybody as dull as you two." A bemused look sparkled in her eyes as their irises lit up with rage. "Of course, you would never notice that." She smirked, their indignant looks feeding the flames of her self-confidence. With that, she swished her tail in victory, waiting for them to make another sttutering comeback. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Shaman and winked reassuringly, seeming to say, I got this. He needn't interfere. She was in total control of the mares and the entire situation. Her firey attitude was becoming obviously too much for them. She could handle anything now, the whole herd of Lights if need be. And these two were just proving her point more and more every second they sttutered for words. The Neutral mare had too much wit for them, and Kayan could tell they were beginning to figure it out. Kayan was here and they'd better watch out.

[Azure]

For the first time ever, the mares seemed speechless. It was very amusing, but Shaman kept himself composed. Kayan winked at him, and he smilled back. He knew she could handle them; but now they knew. Fear gripped him for some reason, as if this simple fact could rip Kayan away from him. Finally, the two mares seemed to compose themselves, their eyes turning to slits. Mira was in pure rage, that much he could tell. She looked dead at him and uttered one simple word. "Traitor."

[/b][/i] She stepped toward him, like she wanted to rip out his throat but knew she couldn't. Her whole body was shaking. Shaman could tell that Rain was humored, but kept it hidden. He wondered about her... she seemed to just go with whatever Mira said, always backing her up. Shaman took a step back, away from Mira. "You turned to the Neutrals, hm? I know they might just be weaklings - cowards who say they want peace - but I didn't know you would go so low as to round them up over here. I'll make sure everyone knows."[/b] She spat the words harshly, as if she was trying to rip him to shreds with a few words. But Shaman merely blinked, looking up at her as if she were simply telling an old story and not threatening him. She had no valid reason to turn everyone on him. But she could, and he knew it. Still, the stallio was not afriad. Mira turned to the mare. "And you can stay out of this or get lost. Run back to where you belong."[/b] With that, she turned quickly and flicked her tail before galloping off, Rain following at her rump. Shaman sighed, relieved and upset, all at the same time. "Don't mind them. They may be able to turn everyone on us, but they cannot kick us out."[/b] He could see the Neutrals, finally being dragged into the middle of this war. Secretly, deep inside, he hoped that they would succeed. At the same time, he had to stick by his fellow Lights. Another sigh. Why couldn't he be like Kayan, ready to give up anything when it meant victory? Oh well, it didn't matter now. He knew he would always do what was best for them...[/blockquote]

[Cookie Monster]

Kayan couldn't explain why she hadn't stepped in while the mares were targeting Shaman. She was too pleased with herself...she had never really realized how fun it was to aggrivate brats like them. She nudged him gently, and smiled, completely calm. "It's not like they can do anything to us." she said, looking up passionatley into his irises. "What are they gonna do about me being here? The Lights are too-" But she stopped mid-sentence, realizing that Shaman himself was a Light. She'd have to get used to the Lights ways and tactics. She took a deep breath. Why didn't they just run away and start a herd of their own? It seemed so much easier than dealing with all these snotty Lights that were bound to neglect her for the rest of her life. But I wouldn't make Shaman leave his herd like that! she snapped back at herself in her head. Whatever was the best for him was the best for her. Or so she thought...

A violent wind rushed at her, pinning her ears flat to her head. They'd better get to the herd soon. Would this be her first night without her herd? They'd wonder about her. She'd gone and left them without a flick of a tail. She could've at least notified them somehow. But that was the past. This was the present, and the mare needed to worry about her present and future. She had to learn to discard the past.

[Azure]

"It's not like they can do anything to us." Kayan said, reassuring Shaman. "What are they gonna do about me being here? The Lights are too-" She was about to insult the Lights, he could tell. But it did not hurt him too much. After all she had done for him, and what she had given up... It was too much for the blue-hued brute to comprehend. "Maybe this is a bad idea,"

[/b] He mumured. It would probably be much safer... better in the Neutral lands. He didn't know if he wanted to leave, but he knew he could - and would. Neutrals were probably much kinder, anyways. And he could do as he pleased - raise a family, own a land and live happily ever after with his love. He looked at Kayan with lots of love and affection. Night was setting in. "I'm afraid it's just me and you." He said, hoping she wouldn't mind that he had no other herd members. In truth, he had just claimed his lands, and had spent most of his time meeting other Lights before setting off to look for his own herd members. [/blockquote]

[Cookie Monster]

"I'm afraid it's just me and you." Kayan herd the stallion say. And she wasn't afraid about it. She looked away from him, setting her gaze lightly on top of the clear, blue ocean. The sun was setting, and there was a beautiful glow from the sun radiating off the surface of the ocean. The waves crashed on some boulderf below her, making a glorious noice. She closed her eyes lightly, letting the salty ocean wind blow through her mane and tail. Despite the natural beuaty of the place, Kayan just wasn't sure whether she could picture herself residing here for the rest of her life. The exotic aura of Crystal Lagoon was drawing her in, but her heart screamed desperatley for her old home. She shut out her feelings, knowing that her heart belonged to Shaman now, and wherever he went, she went. "Yeah..." she mumbled, her amber irises opening. She turned to Shaman."Where next?" she asked, trying to force some emotion into her voice.

[Azure]

He could tell she wasn't happy here. He sighed. "Follow me. I know a secret grove where we can rest up for tomorrow."

[/b] He made his tone light. He knew what to expect for tomorrow, and he had made his descision. He knew what was best for them, and that was what he would do - before they were chased away. He wondered if it would bring any troubles to the Neutrals. Although, they would probably enjoy some attention by now, huh? The Lights and Darks had ignored them, but Shaman had a hunch that things might change. Slowly, he headed forward, and hoped he wasn't imagining the sound of hoofbeats behind him. Soon, he had made his way to the small oak grove. Protected by the tall, strong trees, Shaman felt better as he nuzzled Kayan and slowly closed his eyes. However, he kept his ears alert, showing that he would listen if Kayan chose to speak. He got the feeling he would never grow tired of her sing-song lyrics that rang in his ears like soft bells. Sighing contentedly, he rested his back left hoof, shifting his weight on to his other three legs. As long as he was with his love, he was happy.[/blockquote][/size]

[Cookie Monster]

As Kayan was led into the beautiful grove, she looked up in awe. The tall trees were beuatiful, their roots weaving in and out of the ground like waves on the ocean. She couldn't deny the natural beauty of Crystal Lagoon, but her heartache was worse. She nuzzled him genetly after he nuzzled her, and she rested her head on his back. She sighed, all over content for now, although she knew she would want to go home soon. But she wanted Shaman more than she wanted home. Maybe she didn't want to go home..maybe she just wanted to be alone with Shaman. Because at this moment, she didn't long for the normal plains of the Neutral lands, she didn't feel torn between her home and Crystal Lagoon. She realized all she wanted was to be alone with Shaman. Forever. And wherever he went, so did she. Home didn't matter so much now, just Shaman. She felt like he was all that would ever matter...until...but she didn't think about that now. That may never happen...she thought, pushing it out of her mind. Not for a long while anyway.

[Azure]

Sighing contentedly, Shaman began to doze, comforted by the feel of Kayan on his blue roan coat. It wasn't long before he was fast asleep, tired from the day's events. To think that so much could happen so quickly! He had obtained his lands only the night before, and today he had met the mare of his dreams. Sure, there had been a few downsides to the day, but overall, it had been his best yet in Equine Paradise.

Ooc;; Short post to end the thread. I've put the finishing touches on our epic plot idea.

Tomorrow, Shaman says he has a suprise for Kayan and his suprise is them back in the home lands. However, the Neutrals have heard of them - things travel fast, I guess - and the "ruckus" they caused in the Light lands, which makes the alliances angry at each other. Shaman gets into an angrument (well, as much as an agrument as my goodie-two-shoes can get in anyways) with some Neutrals, and they are banned from the lands and are without a home. I have a future plot that will make it work out later, but for the meantime they go back to Crystal Lagoon until I create the Outlands and -shh- the spies. o.O -blurted out too much-

[Cookie Monster]

When the sun rose in the morning, Kayan removed her head from Shaman's back. She inhaled deeply, smelling the salty ocean breeze. She looked to Shaman, who was beginning to stir. "Morning." she said brightly, her tail swaying back and forth carelessly. She looked up into the blue sky, and a few cirrus clouds were floating high up in the atmosphere. She sighed, shaking her mane, and blinking the sleep out of her amber irises. She swiveled her ear, to ensure no equines were nearby. There were none, and she was happy. Just her and Shaman once more, like it was meant to be.

[Azure]

Shaman sighed, offering his love a kind smile. He could tell she was not fully happy here. Maybe, they should just drop alliances altogether. Crystal Lagoon could become the first un-allianced land, and the Lights would not bother them. But as much as he loved Crystal Lagoon, Kayan must have loved her old home. Wouldn't she want to go back? He wanted whatever she wanted... didn't he? Shaking off the confusing thoughts, he nuzzled her, trying to figure out what he wanted to do. It was so puzzling to him. Right now, he was not fully content. Was he just afriad to cross over to the Neutral side? Afraid of rejection? He was a Light. It ran in his blood. They protected all against evil. But was that still true? Lights had grown almost as nasty as Darks - seeking nothing but to bring down the opposite alliances. The Lights were protectors, not killers. Did he really want to be a part of that?

[Cookie Monster]

Kayan gave Shaman a nuzzle in return and looked into his eyes passionately."So what are we doing today?" she asked cheerfully. She shook her mane. She had many confusing thoughts flaoting around inside her mind, and she tried her best to conceal them. It was all up to him. Whatever he wanted was what she wanted. And she couldn't let her own miniscule feelings interfere with her love for him. She knew that was what her heart desired more than anything. More than even home. He was what she waited for her entire life, and she didn't plan on losing him.

[Azure]

With a small sigh, Shaman began to speak. "I'm not sure if living in the Light lands is best for us. Kayan, I can tell you are at least a slight bit unhappy, and that's not what I want."

[/b] He nuzzled her under her neck, a small smile on his maw. "I may be wrong, and if I am, please let me know. Otherwise, I have been thinking and these are probably our best options." [/b] He loved Kayan so much, he thought his heart might burst if he loved her any more. He wanted to be at her side for as long as possible, and always would be. He hoped he was doing the right thing... "If you wished, we could go back to the Neutral lands where you came from, and join them."[/b] He paused. "Or, we can stay here, only under no alliance. Then the other Lights will not be able to bother us."[/b] He smiled at her before adding, "If you have any other suggestions, feel free to share them with me. I want whatever you want, and promise to stay by your side for as long as possible."[/b] With that, he laid his head on her back, closing his eyes with pure bliss. "How did I get so lucky and find you?"[/b] Shaman mumured before straightening and waiting to hear what she had to say.[/blockquote]

[Cookie Monster]

"Oh, Shaman!" Kayan cried, laying her head on his back. "I just want whatever you want, and where you're happy, I'm happy. I'll follow you, where ever you go. You know that, don't you?" she lifted her head and looked into his eyes inquiringly. "And I believe I'm the lucky one." she said, a smirk lighting up her entire face. She nuzzled him gently, before looking up and out into the distance. She flicked her tail, thinking deeply about the descision they were about to make. But her heart was set on Shaman, and she knew that was where it would stay. She turned to face him once more. "You choose." she said stonily, firmly planting her front hoof on the ground.

[Azure]

"Oh, Shaman!" Kayan cried, laying her head on Shaman's back. "I just want whatever you want, and where you're happy, I'm happy. I'll follow you, where ever you go. You know that, don't you?" He knew that - just, deep down, he felt like he wasn't making any sacrifices that they should have to make as a couple. What was wrong with him? "And I believe I'm the lucky one." He smiled at her, and watched as her expression grew stony. "You choose." She said firmly, and he chuckled. This was the Kayan he knew and loved - and he knew he wasn't ready to make such a big decision. "I'll think about it during the day, and have an answer for you tonight."

[/b] He promised. "But for now, let's enjoy the lovely weather and I will show you around Crystal Lagoon."[/b] He said with a wink.



OOC: So, do you want to go with one of the other options or stick with the original plan? [/blockquote]