Tristan
New Member
Ventana Warrior[M:0][M:0]
And if the sun comes up will it tear the skin right off our bones...
Posts: 12
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Post by Tristan on Dec 11, 2006 14:47:47 GMT 10
Tristan walked with a calm air clinging about him and held a rope tightly in his fist as he reached the Ventana stables. At the other end of the rope a magnificent, pearly white stallion was tied. It's muscles rippled underneath the brute's sinewy skin. It was muscular flesh that Tristan had scrubbed down many times before after a long stroll and the task had to be completed once again tonight.
The two creatures were beginning to enter the gardens, a sign that the stables wasn't too far away. Tristan did not dare board Kai here, no matter how stunning the horse was. He could not risk having one of the brood mares of some of the more privileged vampires becoming mysteriously pregnant with one of Kai's foals. Yet, Tristan smiled up at Kai. He knew the sturdy animal would make a fine blood line. Plus, the stables were a good place for Kai to wash up for the night.
Kai began to grunt as Tristan unmercifully kept yanking the rope everytime the stallion reached his equine lips towards the magnificent flowers. Sprigs of tiny blossoms covered every inch of the moist earth and Kai could not resist their rich scent.
Tristan finally reached the stables and he gently touched the crumbling doors. The whole building felt as if it would tumble into a giant heap in front of him, yet the stables managed to stay alive for all these years. Tristan led Kai inside and tethered the horse to a not so sturdy-looking pole. The structure creaked with the wind outside and the sound of snorting equines echoed through the rows of stalls. Kai stood still and flicked his tail impatiently. He never liked being groomed. Perhaps it was the male hormones in him that appreciated the stench of sweat after a good exercise. Or perhaps the brute was just plain stubborn. He only showed respect to Tristan for being able to handle his strength and intelligence but at times even those feelings were limited. Especially when it came to cleaning up. But for now the stallion was had to comform to Tristan's ways.
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Ariah
Junior Member
Ventana Warrior[M:0]
Perhaps if you actually tried you might succeed.
Posts: 99
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Post by Ariah on Dec 11, 2006 15:14:13 GMT 10
Ariah had already been inside the stables. She didn’t have a horse of her own yet, though she would probably wind up stealing one from an unworthy human later in the future. For now, she simply enjoyed the company of the horses that were stabled there. The stables were quiet, and it was how she liked things. Aranel, her companion, was resting in one of the vacant stables because she didn’t want to be stepped on by any horses when they were led in and out. The vampiress glanced back at the wolf and smiled softly before stroking a black mare’s forelock and muzzle.
It was a short time later when she heard Aranel start to growl and she looked up to see a man enter with a beautiful white horse. Ariah motioned for Aranel to be quiet, who did so reluctantly. The man tethered the stallion to begin grooming him, and the stallion didn’t seem to like it very much. She couldn’t resist. As the man groomed she approached. At first the stallion seemed wary of her but when she gently placed a hand on his muzzle he seemed to calm down and stood still. For the moment, at least, he was at peace. The palms of her left hand and tips of her fingers ran down his cheek while her right hand gently stroked his muzzle. Finally she opened her mouth and said, “You have a beautiful stallion.”
While continuing to give him attention she turned towards the man, first noticing his sapphire eyes. Something about him gave off feeling of a warrior and she blinked a couple of times before asking, “You’re a warrior? I apologize; I should have introduced myself first. My name is Ariah.”
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Tristan
New Member
Ventana Warrior[M:0][M:0]
And if the sun comes up will it tear the skin right off our bones...
Posts: 12
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Post by Tristan on Dec 11, 2006 15:33:26 GMT 10
Somehow Tristan had not managed to catch the presence of the vampiress and her canid companion before she approached. It was rare for such an occurence to happen to him, but he kept his composure. Tristan felt no threatening vibes from her. He smiled at Kai when the sturdy equine began to melt in the females tender hands.
"It looks like I'm not the only one who can tame a burly beast."
Tristan's words were firm yet soft in the same manner. His voice had always had a masculine tone to it but his vocabulary seemed so gentle compared to his other comrades in battle. Perhaps it was because he had learned a few manners through the years.
"You don't have to apologize. Yes. I am a warrior of the Ventana side in this...war. I go by Tristan."
Tristan patted Kai's sinewy neck and smiled again.
"And this brute is Kai. He rarely gets along with others."
Kai tossed his head and eyed Tristan with a sour look. The stallion did not like the sound of Tristan giving the vampiress a bad impression of himself, no matter how true the vampire warrior was.
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Ariah
Junior Member
Ventana Warrior[M:0]
Perhaps if you actually tried you might succeed.
Posts: 99
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Post by Ariah on Dec 11, 2006 15:46:25 GMT 10
Ariah smiled softly and continued to stroke Kai’s muzzle, “That makes two of us for I have yet to see another warrior for the Ventana. It is a pleasure to meet you, Tristan.” He was handsome and the stallion was gorgeous, what a pair they made. Tristan mentioned the stallion’s name as well as a little fact that Kai did not seem to like. With another smile she said, “Perhaps, but I think he can be sweet when he wants to be.”
She paused and glanced back at the wolf who was gazing out from the stall, “That is Aranel, she doesn’t seem to get along well with other people either.” The she-wolf snorted softly before retreating back to her dark corner, falling asleep now that she knew no harm was going to ensue. Once more her hand began to move, but this time it was down the stallion’s neck. She kept her fingertips at his mane and let her hand spread out to cover as much of it as she could, which was about half, maybe.
Ariah’s eyes lit up with a thought and she turned to Tristan again, “Do you like the rain?”
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Tristan
New Member
Ventana Warrior[M:0][M:0]
And if the sun comes up will it tear the skin right off our bones...
Posts: 12
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Post by Tristan on Dec 11, 2006 16:03:27 GMT 10
Tristan knowingly followed Ariah's eyes to where the she-wolf was watching them and nodded as she explained who the canid was. It seemed the wolf and the vampiress made a successful team much like Kai and himself.
"Ariah and Aranel. Tristan and Kai."
Tristan spoke as he stroked Kai along the nape of his neck with Ariah, but did not look up at the vampiress. His eyes seemed lost in deep thought and his dark hair fell around his face like a dark chocolate curtain. He brought his hand up and swept a chunk of hair behind his ear to keep it out of his eyes. This always happened to him when he felt far away but he never seemed to notice his quirk.
Tristan finally looked up to the vampiress at the mention of rain. Kai glanced from one vampire to the other as they spoke. If the fine stallion were human he would've held a smug look upon his face. It didn't seem so bad to him if she stuck around a little longer. He liked neck rubs.
"The rain is the best time for riding, and afterwards, the earth feels fresh. It's ideal weather."
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Ariah
Junior Member
Ventana Warrior[M:0]
Perhaps if you actually tried you might succeed.
Posts: 99
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Post by Ariah on Dec 11, 2006 16:29:19 GMT 10
Ariah smiled softly and soon her hands began to run through his mane while Tristan was far away. When he responded what he thought of the rain her smile widened and then she held up a hand, signaling him to wait. She closed her eyes and focused on the air high above in the sky. A few moments later, the sky was covered with dark clouds and thunder rumbled softly. Finally, the pitter patter sound of rain was heard as it began to fall in a steady beat. When she opened her eyes they seemed to be filled with laughter to accompany the small smile that still remained on her face. “I love the rain too.”
In a way, the rain had made her who she was. The storms may have been summoned, but they still were the link to her family’s death and her own turning, into another life that bound her with rules. Now that she was here in Nullius she did not feel the restrictions that held the rest of the world, and it truly made her happy like nothing else ever did. Not even her sire, who had been her lover for a short time, had been able to match that feeling.
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Tristan
New Member
Ventana Warrior[M:0][M:0]
And if the sun comes up will it tear the skin right off our bones...
Posts: 12
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Post by Tristan on Dec 12, 2006 15:18:47 GMT 10
Tristan stopped dead as Ariah signaled him to do so and he looked up to see the weather begin to change in the ink black sky above. Despite feeling stunned, the only astonishment showed in his sapphire eyes. They seemed to burn with interest as to how the vampiress was able to conquer the very forecast and bend it to her will. At the same time, Tristan soaked up this knowledge of Ariah. She was even stronger than she appeared.
Tristan picked up on Ariah's delighted emotions and smiled. He could tell his love of the rain could not reach the amount of passion she carried for it. But there was no time to stare up at the sky. Kai was stamping his hoof out of impatience. Kai learned to love the rain just as much as Tristan and clealry wanted to have a stroll. Without second thought, Tristan let the waxen equine free to romp in the downpour.
A loud whinny echoed down the rows of stalls as Kai burst from the stables and into the drizzle. He tossed his mane gleefully and trotted back and forth.
"I see you like to show off for our friend Ariah!"
Tristan half laughed the words at Kai. He had known Kai for too many years not to know the stallion liked the vampiress's company. Kai stopped for an abrupt moment and snorted at Tristan's remark before continuing his romp. The Ventana warrior laughed again at this and turned to Ariah, a smile spread across his face. Yet, the emotion wiped clear once he realized what he was doing. He was getting comfortable with her. Tristan brought his fist to his lips and coughed half-heartedly before looking back into the distance. He did not like creating relationships with others, no matter how friendly they seemed. A friend was just another weight to hold you down. He hated worrying about those who are close to him.
Tristan walked out into the rain with Kai and patted the stallion's shoulders as a gesture to calm down. The vampire glanced back at Ariah, his hair now sopping wet and hanging in his midnight blue eyes again. Should he end this now before something start? Or should he stay a while longer? It seemed the warrior never stayed in one place for a long time, almost as if he were running from something. Kai could feel the sudden tention and nuzzled Tristan gently. But the stallion could not decide for Tristan. He had to make a decision and make it quick...
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Ariah
Junior Member
Ventana Warrior[M:0]
Perhaps if you actually tried you might succeed.
Posts: 99
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Post by Ariah on Dec 12, 2006 15:57:48 GMT 10
Ariah watched the astonishment in his eyes and then watched as Kai let it be known he wanted to go out into the rain. Everyone usually was surprised with her ability, but then again she had only shown it to a few people, all but two were in the Ventana. One of those two were dead. He would not be easily left behind, it seemed, though she had moved on from her sorrow. Her eye’s smiled softly where her face did not as Kai showed off. Tristan mentioned it before he seemed to catch himself doing something he didn’t want to and tried to cover it up.
She glanced at him, one eyebrow raised inquiringly but she didn’t ask and once more turned her attention to the stallion outside. Without moving her eyes followed the other vampire as he walked back, trying to convince himself to do something or not to do something or simply trying to figure out what he was going to do at all. Curious. Her attention didn’t stay on them long since a bay stallion nickered for her attention since she was right beside his stall.
Ariah turned gently scratched along the bay’s forehead, her mind going blank as usual with the rain in the background and something to occupy her hands. It was odd, how she would do that sometimes. Her face would go completely emotionless and her eyes would blank out just like her mind, though she didn’t realize it because no one had ever told her about it. However, it didn’t really matter because for those few minutes to several hours there was nothing that could bother her, nothing sorrowful and nothing joyful. In those moments, if she didn’t come to, she would simply act or react. Sometimes in those moments of action and reaction something come out from inside of her, something animal-like with only the instinct to survive spurring her on.
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Tristan
New Member
Ventana Warrior[M:0][M:0]
And if the sun comes up will it tear the skin right off our bones...
Posts: 12
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Post by Tristan on Dec 13, 2006 13:51:31 GMT 10
Tristan looked back at Kai and then again at Ariah as she moved towards a stallion kept in a stall. He felt torn in two. On one hand, there was a chance to not be so alone anymore. He knew friends were the only family you can choose. But on the other hand, he would have to worry about her safety. What would he do if they grew close and she was ripped away from him? A part of Tristan didn't want to take the chance but his mind was edging him on.
With a swift motion, Tristan jumped onto Kai's sinewy frame, rain water whipping out behind him in sprays. Tristan grabbed handfulls of the ivory brute's locks and nudged his heels gently into his sides as a signal to move forward. Riding bareback was no major challenge for Tristan but Kai became incredibly cooperative, as if the equine felt pity for his master. With confidence and ease, Kai trotted back towards the stables in smooth strides.
"Would you like to ride?"
There. He did it. There was no going back, and if she refused...It wouldn't make much of a difference. Or would it...
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Ariah
Junior Member
Ventana Warrior[M:0]
Perhaps if you actually tried you might succeed.
Posts: 99
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Post by Ariah on Dec 13, 2006 14:08:07 GMT 10
Tristan approached and said something, but she barely heard and it didn’t register for a while. She did turn her head to gaze at him, but her eyes were still blank. After a few short moments, about thirty seconds perhaps, awareness entered her eyes again and she blinked. A few more seconds and then his words registered. She smiled lightly and nodded, “I would love to.”
Ariah looked to the stallion she had been rubbing and he tossed his head back before she could even ask. She laughed lightly and then opened the stall door, letting the older brute out. She mounted up with years of practice behind her and nudged the stallion forward with her knees, keeping one hand on his mane but not gripping. There was no major need as of right now. As she passed the stall the canine was sleeping in she called out softly, “Aranel.” Automatically the she-wolf looked up and then raced out ahead of the two horses into the rain, waiting, and her tail wagging.
Ariah glanced back at Tristan and then they were out in the rain. There seemed to be a change in her posture as soon as the first bit of water dripped, it seemed almost reverent, though perhaps it was only the fact that her clothes and hair became soaked almost instantly. She tilted her head back for a moment, glancing skyward towards the clouds before turning straight ahead again. Tristan seemed to be more at ease now, a choice finally decided upon. She only hoped it was the right choice, whatever it had been.
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Tristan
New Member
Ventana Warrior[M:0][M:0]
And if the sun comes up will it tear the skin right off our bones...
Posts: 12
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Post by Tristan on Dec 14, 2006 15:32:36 GMT 10
Tristan was pleased to find that Ariah didn't need assistance to get on her horse. It was a relief to not have to worry about another's welfare. Perhaps the right decision had been made when he stayed. A pleased smile crossed his face as Aranel joined them. He was sure the she-wolf wouldn't need aid in watching over the vampiress. After all, a wolf's sense of smell was far better than his, even if he was a vampire.
Once Tristan slightly quickened Kai's pace, he noticed the change in the vampiress. The rain once again proved to ignite something in her. But what it was, Tristan hadn't the faintest clue. He rode up beside her, his dark chocolate hair in his face again, and smiled encouragingly.
"Ehem..."
Tristan tried to speak but no words came to mind. What was there to say? As if sensing his master's frustration, Kai leapt forward in a canter, ignoring Tristan's tugs on his silken mane. The stallion nickered lowly and trotted around Ariah's mount playfully in hopes something will inspire Tristan to break the silence with a conversation.
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Ariah
Junior Member
Ventana Warrior[M:0]
Perhaps if you actually tried you might succeed.
Posts: 99
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Post by Ariah on Dec 15, 2006 11:54:48 GMT 10
The rain was like a touch of heaven to the vampiress, and until recently it had been her only breath of freedom. Until her arrival in Nullius the rain always gave her a sense of relief that the rest of society had tried to strip her of. They never did succeed; she was far too stubborn for that to happen. Still, that one little fact made her enjoy the rain’s serenity more than most people could ever imagine.
She watched Tristan out of the corner of her eye as he came up beside her. He cleared his throat, but seemed uncertain as to what to say. Ariah smiled inwardly, she knew exactly how he felt. Of course, Kai began trotting around her and the stallion she was sitting on didn’t seem to like it to much. So, after Kai was no longer in front, she squeezed slightly with her knees, her hand gripping the mane somewhat tighter, and then braced herself as the bay took off at a light gallop. Ariah knew he couldn’t go for too long, because he was getting on in years so she kept an eye on him. Soon he would tire, but for now he was fine and very happy.
Ariah looked to the side, to where Kai was. She knew he would have followed even without the urging. A few bangs fell over her eye and then she just smiled and looked ahead. For the moment all she was really aware of was the two horses, the rhythm, Tristan, and the rain. Of course, obstacles went along with it, because she didn’t want the horse to go lame or injure himself, any.
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