Can You Catch A Ghost? (Nala)

[rhianna4554]

I’ve always been a creature of the shadows unwilling to be in the open for too long. I have never felt comfortable in full view even when there is no one else around even before I had been kidnaped. Maybe that is why I had always stuck to Drulan Woods. Not only was it a magical place but it was easy for me to hide myself away in the thick vegetation if I wanted to avoid coming into contact with others. So really the woods were my only friend ad for as long as I could remember the woods had helped keep me hidden from others. For some reason my wanderings had taken me towards Kilburn the place where the kings of old had always gone to for shelter. Although I did not go there often due to the fact that the rest of the herd was always found there it did have me wallowing in amazement I guess. There was just an alluring energy to the place those ancient trees always sending my imagination running wild. I never had the courage to explore the very centre of this grove though simply because there had always scents of other horses around in the heart of this place. Scents that were always fresh and heavy in the air.

My approach was cautious as always my small frame making almost no sound at all despite the fact that I am not built like some hot blooded equine. My heritage is more of a mix between the Arabian and the Andaulsian so although I retain parts of the delicate Arabian appearance I have enough muscle to back me up should I need to defend myself. It puzzles me to find a lack of scent when I do reach Kilburn a frown forming quickly when all my nostrils pick up on are stale scents. Surely the herd hasn’t disappeared? Granted I had never had much to do with them but the fact that I was alone in such a big wood was a little…daunting. At the same time I welcome it happily for at least it means that I will feel a little more comfortable in my own skin. Now that there isn’t any sight or smell of anyone else nearby I ease forwards my pace remaining at a lazy walk as I take my time ever focused on my surroundings. Really I wanted to explore the dark mysteries that might be lurking at the heart of this place but at the same time I knew that a young stallion would come and claim this place soon…or such a claim might have already happened without me knowing. Strides paused at that after though a bolt of panic dancing through my panic. What if he was tucked away somewhere already watching? A shudder broke free at the thought nostrils quivering as my whole body tensed. I should not be here.

[nala]

Pilate had a certain swag when he walked. His newly found position at the head of Drulan, although an extremely nonexistent herd, was adding to his self confidence today. His mass wasn't cooperating however, and he found his large body to be slow and clumsy as he wove through the huge trees of his new and official home. A loud snort blew from his lungs and through his nostrils as he came to a stop between to particularly closely positioned trees. He wasn't stuck, just slightly wedged.

Pilate's forelock hung long past his eyes, and it was coarsely tangled with small twigs and leaves as he stood between the two trees. He had to admit he was a bit of a mess. This mess was not the makings of a king, but nonetheless he found it all quite amusing. Pilate didn't chuckle at the thought, he let out a full on hearty laugh, deep with the tones of his bass. Being king was a joyful matter. Being stuck in the position made things all the more humorous.

ooc: Sorry for the super quickness of this post. I haven't had much time to get on lately! I didn't have him see her yet cause she seemed rather skittish. so excited!!!

[rhianna4554]

Fear is an emotion that I have long lived with and one that I often hate simply because it controls so much of my behaviour. Trust is a concept I struggle with…how can I trust when I have never had anyone worthy of trusting? Sure there had been him but that had simply been blind misjudged adoration…after all I had been raised by the bandits brainwashed into believing all that they said. Whatever tender trust that had been blooming was broken when I came of age. Now I am left alone in a world that I not always fully understand…a world where I do not always feel comfortable. So I am not surprised when the trembling starts even as my body refuses to move from its spot. Even the silence, which I normally welcome, grows unnerving as I find myself torn between remaining as still as a statue due to terror or making a run for it. The sound of a twig snapping has me flinching but it’s the laugh that has my body bolting forwards even though I have no idea of where the hell that deep sound came from. I run blindly ducking under looming branches and dodging round looming trees easily enough…..only to then have the outline of another horse form in my line of vision.

With eyes wide with fear I slam on the brakes my small frame sliding to a stop only to then scramble backwards a little. The strangers scent is quick to overwhelm my sense of smell only to be identified in a fraction of that time as being one belonging to a stallion. It has my ears flicking back muscles tense fully prepared to hurtle myself away as I exhale heavily through my nostrils. I am too nervous…too terrified to stay still my dancing hooves churning up the ground as I sidestep to and fro. I cannot bring myself to meet the strangers gaze so instead I allow me eyes to trail over his frame a flicker of appreciation stirring at the sight. Even though I have no idea what he might do to me he is an impressive specimen…and apparently a stuck one at that. My body pauses at the revelation one leg poised in the air as my head tilts and one ear inches forwards just a little. How the hell could he get stuck? I have no idea of course since it is a foreign idea to me when I have lived in the area all my life….at least as far back as I can remember. My guard slips a bit those tense muscles uncoiling just a little though as my head tilts a fraction. With the fact that he is stuck giving me some flicker of reassurance I dance to the right curiosity filled eyes eying where his side is wedged against a tree.

I can only hope it will hold him for a while…at least until I am gone but then again now that he is stuck leaving doesn’t seem to as important. As long as he is silent and does not expect any words from me. The staring…the leering he will probably do is bad enough although I am probably not the prettiest he has seen. My hide is mostly maize coloured with dark points covering my face as well as creating dark baring lines on my shoulders, legs and along my dorsal line. There is white on my legs never fully covering the dark skin that lies beneath those leg barings. Sometimes however the white is broken by the odd ermine spot. The dark skin is broken also on my face in the form of badger face with only one side extending to eye level. Slight dapples and a slight rabicano along my stomach is the last distinguishing feature I have. Probably nothing that another would find mesmerizingly beautiful. I don’t bother to hide my face behind those silver lock of mine due to my low self worth especially when it would just mean that I may not be able to see the studs every move. So instead I begin to slowly sidestep around once more one emerald eye and one sapphire eye sweeping back and forth across his frame.

OOC: she is always a bit skittish xD hehe so excited as well

[nala]

After having a good hearty laugh, just as anyone in his position should have, Pilate lowered his head until his nose brushed the ground. It took a bit of effort to un-wedge himself from the tree. He imagined he looked somewhat like a cat, arching his back and all. He groaned as he shook free from his fortress, taking in a breath of overcompensation as he no longer felt the trees pressing against his sides. With a shake a few of the sparse twigs escaped his tangled mess of forelock and mane. He needed to find Ffion again, she'd straightened out his hair the first time they'd met, perhaps she'd know what to do so he wouldn't always be such a mess.

Before stepping forward and continuing his border walk, the smoke colored stallion looked up just into the right place. "Why, excuse me ma'am. I'm afraid I didn't see you there." Intuition and an experience with equines of slightly less social capabilities told Pilate to stay where he was. "Welcome to Drulan. I am Pilate the knew king." His eyes were kind as he looked her over, drifting softly from her hooves to her face. She wasn't injured, just slightly spooked looking. "Unfortunately there aren't very many but me just yet." He offered her a smile, continuing to remain planted in his place. Please don't run.

[rhianna4554]

Panic flares up again as soon as the stallion starts to try and break free. Head jerking a little I scrambled backwards on shaky legs praying that he had not seen me and would not. If I wasn’t so afraid of being in the company of others I might have found the sight of him arching like a cat amusing. When he does finally break free I can’t stop myself from flinching one more my ears pinning back upon my crown. I watch him warily when he shakes out unsure on whether to flee or remain and just hope I am not spotted. Surely if I attempted to flee he would hear me and just follow anyway? After all the bandits had always done that to other mares before I had come of age. A voice breaks me from that train of thought sending me stumbling several steps back automatically.

His first sentence doesn’t have my muscles relaxing in the slightest just like it doesn’t have me surveying him with anything else other than suspicion. Why should I trust him? Thankfully he makes no attempt to approach me for I am sure it will have me fleeing from him. King…well that’s just great. I take a step back and then another a flicker of panic creeping into my eyes as I watch his own trail along my body. Sure his eyes seem kind but it has me flinching anyway. A faint relieved sigh slips free though when he mentions that there is no one else around one ear slipping forwards a little as my muscles relax a bit. It’s probably stupid of me to lower my guard a bit but I am torn…so torn. He still hasn’t tried to approach me though…and there are those eyes of his. I’m finding them increasingly mesmerising something which isn’t helped by the slight pleading glint in them. The silent plead confuses me a little my muscles unknotting a little as my head drops just a little. Submission. I’ll stay for now for I am unable to bring myself to leave when some part of me is willing to hear him out.

OOC: okay jopefully this is alright for you she is still very uncertain bless her

[nala]

Pilate could nearly smell the fear rolling off of the mare's body like a cold sweat that shook your spine. He tried smiling, but something told him that it wouldn't make much of a difference. Pilate's mind wandered back to his mother, a shy being herself. How had the great Caiaphas calmed her when she was upset? Or even better, Lycia, his mute half sister. She had more nerve then Eleazar, but still she had been one to lurk rather then confront. Pilate searched his memory base frantically trying to come up with something to ease her worry. She didn't need to stay of course, he would never force that upon anyone, but she'd be much safer with him then without no matter what her mind was currently screaming.

Without another thought Pilate lowered himself to his knees. With a bulk such as his, Pilate's coldblooded body looked quite awkward positioned between standing and laying. It wasn't long before he had to complete the position, landing with a light thud on the mossy forest ground. It was all he could think to do. Get low. If you're lower she will feel in the advantage. Pilate didn't speak to her, but looked up, not tracing her body but penetrating her eyes. He wanted to know what she was thinking. He wanted her to know that he didn't want anything to happen to her should she run.

ooc: silly Pilate. XD

[rhianna4554]

It is a relief when this Pilate doesn’t bother attempting to try to ease my fears with words again. Instead he falls silent an almost thoughtful edge to his eyes which is probably due to him attempting to figure out how to best approach me. When he does move it isn’t towards me like I expect instead he starts to lower himself to the ground. Surprised by the gesture my ears inch forwards slowly curiosity creeping into my eyes. What are you doing? The sight of him caught between lying and standing has a faint smile forming due to amusement. I’ve ever seen someone of his size and build lie down before after all…and even the slightest possibility that he is doing it for me only has my amusement growing stronger. The smile faltered however when his gaze settled on mine and while I was somewhat gratefully that he hadn’t tried talking again it was a little unsettling to have his eyes fixed so intently on mine. It was almost as if he was trying to read my very soul. Unbidden a shiver escaped skin twitching as my miss matched orbs dropped to the ground briefly only to be once more drawn to his. Why do you stare? Sure I had dealt with males staring at my body before…but this felt different.nMy confusion…my uncertainty has the slightest of frowns forming as my gaze once more drops to the ground. For a little while I stand there sometimes sidestepping back and forth a little as I try to sort through conflicting emotions. Eventually however my body moves to again my head lowering a little as I ease a hesitant step forwards. Just don’t hurt me. Eying him with a mixture of wariness and curiosity I inch closer bit by bit until I am within touching distance.

Don’t you dare move. The wordless warning comes in another brief glance at him eyes locking into place with his before sliding away to assess his frame my nostrils flaring a little as I breathe in his scent. I skirt around him a little o nimble legs before I dare reach out inly just brushing skin with my muzzle. Expecting the worst I leap away tail raising a little I bound several strides from him before coming to a standstill. Snorting slightly I toss my head a fraction eyes trained on him…watching and waiting with a burning intensity to see if he will chose to give chase. Some part of me thinks he won’t but I am a cautious creature. Still I relax after a minute or so only to once more make a silent cautious approach and this time when I reach out curiosity has me being a little more adventurous. My muzzle presses more firmly against his pelt exploring a small area of his neck before it moves to nose at his mane teeth tugging on a strand slightly. Feeling a little more comfortable I half clamber over him neck stretching so I can nose at his ears teeth nibbling at very tips ever so slightly but such an action has me pulling away from him again my uncertainty in how well he will react sending my mass dancing back to a safe distance again.

OOC: A little bit of relaxing here xD

[nala]

In. Out. In. Out. His breath was even and deep as he listened to her advance. His eyes shut gently when he hit the ground. His lashes, grey in color, rested gently over his cheeks. Pilate had no white on his body, but his nose still gave the illusion of a delicate pink. Overall, this moment was the definition of delicate and calm. He felt her close in slowly, inching rather then stepping in his direction. The king, sprawled out on the forest floor, made sure not to move a muscle. Pilate had always been the inventive child, finding the oddest and most successful ways of communication with anything and everything. This was no different to him. She was no different then any other frightened mare he'd ever made contact with.

When she touched him he breathed in. When she spooked away he breathed out. It was like a push - pull reaction and Pilate instantly blinked, trying harder to focus on himself rather then her position. She re-approached slowly, but approached nonetheless. He slowed his breathing and relaxed his muscles, feeling her muzzle as she felt his neck and face. It seemed she was searching for something. He let her search for at least five minutes before his side began to feel numb. Pilate slowly blinked open an eye, searching for her body, now closer then the average stranger interaction and yet so distant. He stayed still, watching and waiting for her next move. He would wait until she let him get up.

[rhianna4554]

It didn't matter how or where I touched this stallion he remained unresponsive...as still as a statue. Still I danced away after having nipped at the tips of his ears, but even so his lack of movement was reassuring allowing my own body to slowly relax fully as I adjusted to his presence. For a second I hung back simply observing him sprawled out before me once more taking amusement from the sight. Feeling almost certain that he was no threat to me I dance forwards again ears slipping forwards when my muzzle reaches out for contact again. It's halfway there when he opens an eye slowly and this time I do not retreat instead I remain my muzzle carrying on towards its goal even as I meet his gaze. When skin meets skin I exhale slightly my muzzle lingering a little as I then breathe in his scent once more. The caution in his eyes has me feeling a little guilty because I know all too well how difficult I am. I lack the means to express myself as well as a normal equine and the past has left me the shy creature I know am. Why then am I finding this stud so intriguing? Why do I go so close to him so willingly? Suppressing a sigh I pull away slightly my body twisting alongside his with a grace that comes naturally to me. Head dipping it turns a little to face him my gaze clicking back into place with his...and I simply just look. What for I have no idea but still I watch. The longer I look the more intrigued I simply become something which only makes me wonder if staying with him would be so bad. What use could I be to him though when I am mute and skittish? That thought has the sorrow forming. Up you get then just don't try anything. It's the only message I offer him before I reach down to nudge him underneath the neck...a silent act of encouragement.

OOC: managed to snag Internet for a quick post...will be home in three or four days

[nala]

Pilate was listening to every breath he breathed slowly. This experience, although intriguing was more of a learning experience then anything for the large stallion. The king watched and waited as the flighty mare made her decision about his positioning in her presence. Then, as if nothing had ever happened, she allowed him to get up. Pilate's mass went to one knee then the other, spread evenly upon all four hooves as he drug himself to his feet. The stallion was big and this feat was all but effortless. A large gasp of air released from his under worked lungs as he relaxed in his knew, upright position. 

The smoke colored king was patient in his new position, choosing that words were not quite appropriate after everything the pair had already gone through. The stallion's eyes wandered over the mare's own face, searching for some explanation. He didn't quite know what to say or do but he wanted to be no other place but there in this moment. 


ooc: LATTEEE. sooryyyy!

[rhianna4554]

I knew all too well how quick my demeanour could change and for most it was confusing...for most my rapid changed in behaviour were too quick to keep up with for long periods of time. No doubt Pilate was finding it just as confusing. He seems to get the idea however when I encourage him to stand though that great mass of his shifting as he struggles to riseeven guiltier. Eventually however he manages to find his feet and I can not find any reason to stop myself from inching closer to him my body pressing tentatively against his own. With him having been so considerate around me so far I can not help but feel some concern for him as well as a sense of gratitude. Even when his eyes turned on my face again I can not bring myself to move away from him just like I do not feel any desire to mask my emotions when his gaze became searching. So I let the hints of gratitude and concern remain in my miss matched orbs as well as the guilt…and when the sorrow begins to stir again I let that show too. The silence lingers stretching on and for once it hurt…for once the silence that has for long been my friend was becoming unbearable.

I want to hear his voice again and for the first time there is a sudden desperate longing to be able to talk back in return. He intrigues me…he draws me in for a reason that is unknown to me and god I want to get know him better. I want him to want to get to know me in return. They were foolish longings my mind knew that all too well but the heart wants it so badly. Too badly. Even as the lump formed in my throat I can't bring myself to look away from him and those midnight orbs of his though. I am so trapped in his gaze that I do not realize the tears have come until my mind registers the wetness. The shame is enough to break whatever hold he has on me, but instead of turning away I reach for him burying my face into his neck as I struggle to make sense of the longings and emotions. His scent does not help things not when it fills my nostrils assaulting my senses in a way that I was not used to…yet the feel of him and his scent made me feel safe. The last time I had felt such a thing with a stallion had resulted in him betrayed me in the end. Would Pilate do the same if I stayed?

OOC: O.o I...have no idea what happened *facepalm* buuut i'm findng these two so cute together xD

[nala]

Pilate wasn't even trying to hide the confusion that he was feeling. He was conflicted mostly about the state of the mare. His face was calm, a strong nose rising and falling down to his velvety nose. His eyes looked ahead now, thinking about all that had happened. In the far reaches of his mind he could feel that his side had become slightly numb from his moments spent on the ground. She was silent next to him, but warm nonetheless. She was no ghost no matter how much she seemed like one. She mimicked the persona of the wisps of legend. Pilate had never actually seen one so her warmth was the only thing convincing him that she wasn't a mystical being.

With his thoughts, Pilate lowered his head more to her level. She was parallel to him now, nearly plastered to his side. The stallion didn't complain. He loved companionship with every fiber of his being, having been starved of it for most of his childhood. Still, though, she seemed unsure. A bubbling began in the stallions stomaching, quickly moving into his throat and tickling his voice box. "Silence is golden." He whispered in his deep bass. He was testing. If she didn't respond this time he didn't know what he'd do. His ears flicked back, his forelock moving over his curved nose in the breeze.

[rhianna4554]

Some part of me wonders whether he finds me similar to something that is supernatural. The bandits always did my muteness and shyness causing them to compare me to a ghost…a silent presence that was there and yet never fully existing. It had never really bothered me before and in most ways it still didn’t as long as you put my curiosity aside. It doesn’t bother me when his head lowers to my level. As his warmth seeps through my skin I lean further against him unconsciously my head burying itself in his neck after the tears have started to flow. I’m not sure if he has noticed the tears…not when he has made no remark on them something which I cannot help but feel grateful for. I’m still struggling to rein them in when his vocals once more pierce through the silence the proximity of his whisper to my sensitive ears causing a shiver to form. It isn’t out of fear though or unease instead it is out of something that I dare not dwell on. When I do manage to get the tears to stop I’m hesitant as my cranium pulls back miss matched orbs sliding back into place with his. The sight of his ears pined back has my gut twisting and gaze dropping as I lower my head into a nod. I can hardly offer him any other response to his words. Does he even realize that I have no voice? A frown forms at that thought frustration stirring as my frown turns into a glare…something which I make sure is directed at the ground and not my companion. I do not know what to do to make him see that. I do not know how to make him understand that I am merely a ghost in this world for without a voice I am useless. Without a voice I do not fit into society for society will never understand me. Without a voice I cannot…should not be around him and that hurts more than it should. Blinking back the threat of more tears I shift heavy legs easing my mass away from his and all to quickly I find myself missing his warmth. Still I know I cannot return to his side something which gives me enough strength to slip even further away from him, and all the time I refuse to let my eyes wander back to his. My resolve doesn’t remain for long though…only for a couple of meters. Slowly my strides shorten each step even more reluctant then the last until I am once more at a standstill.

OOC: hopefully this is okay for you...had to fight with my muse xD

[nala]

Pilate remained planted to his placement as she wandered. Something told him she wouldn't go far or be long in her abandonment. He felt a connection to her aching soul. The sadness she carried mirrored his past and all he wanted was to make it bearable if not better completely. When she stopped he waited a few more moments to see if she'd test herself again. She didn't and he knew. He just was unsure of how to go about taking her home.

The stallion took one lumbering step after the other, quietly approaching the ghost like mare. She was truly beautiful, tragic to say the very least. His lips moved over her hindquarters and onto her back, hoping it would be an accepted loving gesture. He rested his head there, almost waiting for her to run. She didn't though, she didn't escape his grasp immediately. Still he waited.

The stallion breathed slowly, his eyes drooping with effort. He wouldn't let this one go without a fight. She was not meant to be out on her own. Her silent sadness was all to similar to that of his sister Lycia. He couldn't help but need to protect her.

[rhianna4554]

I’m not sure how long passes with me standing there and Pilate remaining where he is…at some point though I can sense him moving. Despite his size his approach is a quiet one but it still has my heart beating just a little faster with every step I hear. Unbidden my eyes close and my breathing hitches at the feel of his lips against my skin. I do not move and have no desire to when his caress draws across to my back leaving a trail of warmth behind. His touch does not stir fear only a sense of belonging and a growing yearning. He is home...and I want him. Feeling the weight of his head settle on my back my eyes open once more head turning in a bid to catch his eye. He will not let me go I do not think…no I do not think it I just know. Perhaps I know because I cannot help but feel connected to him in some way. It is a foreign feeling to me but still the thought of it has a smile forming and miss matched orbs softening as I regard him. Ask me to stay and I will. I can only silently beg him to do so and pray that somehow he understands.

OOC: Okay hopefully the length is alright for you if he wanted to Pilate could cover her now