Taking a Stroll through the Lands (OPEN)

[casanova]

It was a beautiful day. The sun was shining and the few trees dotting the flat landscape rustled softly in the breeze that blew through the valley. The beautiful twin lakes shone like twin crystals as the light from the sun shone down on them. It was peaceful and relaxing. Nostrils flaring to catch the scents on the wind the pretty spotted mare standing underneath a tree for shade gazed across the land with calm but surveying eyes. Snorting she shook the hair from her eyes and lowered her head to graze on the sweet smelling grass below her. Ears still perked in case there was something she was missing happening around her. Crosszeria was never without being alert at all times and the gentle ripple of her coat as she shifted showed off the bunches and tensed; ready to face danger position her muscles has come to shift into. 

Her peace was halted though when her straining ears caught the sound of on coming footsteps. Not feline, nor canine. but a familiar sound. Snorting she jerked her head up in alertness; her hair flying straight back over her face as she surveyed the lands before she squinted to see the on coming figure approaching her. She took a small step back and prepared to meet the stranger. 

She grew up with a military like sire; she could deal with strangers. She wouldn't take any crap from whomever this new horse may throw at her. She was the soldier, the survivor. Her gaze hardened and she straightened up even more just like her father taught her. 

"Can I help you?" she quipped in a icy tone that harbored no emotions other then getting straight to the point. 

[LadyLux]

It wasn't like him to venture to lands such as this. This place was so quiet, it made his ears ring. The silence was only broken by the scurry of small animals and the songs of various birds. Spring had blossomed fully now and many of Atera's creatures had begun to stir. Jigsaw as just happy to be out of winter's grasp. Winter had been rough and he'd lost all of those he'd held dear. Not to death, no. They'd simply decided to leave him. Now, he could only hope they were safe and happy.

As the sun warmed his onyx pelt, the brute shook his dome viciously, wanting nothing more than to never think of them again. As much as he wanted to believe they'd abandoned him for no reason, he knew that was not true. They had their reasons, even if they would not tell him what they were. Snorting softly, Jigsaw finally made his way to lake's edge. He dipped his maw for a drink before scanning the horizon with his burnt orange eyes. It seemed as if he was the only soul present.. for now. A sigh escaped him as he turned from the edge of one of the lakes and began to move forward again, picking up his pace to a trot. His black hair bounced with his stride and the soft thump of his feathered legs seemed to carry on the wind as he moved smoothly. Getting deeper into the territory, he was thankful to see a few scattered trees not far in the distance. He would find ample shade there to cool.

As he moved closed, he could make out the rough shape of another equine. She was spotted and seemed to already be aware of his presence. Her body tensed, and she held herself straight and stiff, a stance Jigsaw had seen and known himself. Being a warrior, it was often the stance that he and his brothers took when receiving their daily orders, whether those orders come from him or their father. In his herd, however, this was a sign of respect and willingness to do as you were told. From the mare that began to appear more clearly before him, it seemed more defensive than anything. He could hardly blame her. It was wise to be on guard, especially when you were a lone mare wandering around. Jigsaw had seen many times what happened to those who let their guard down, even for a moment. It often times didn't end pretty.

As he moved closer, he kept his head level with his withers and back, displaying a calm disposition and showing that he was no threat to her. While he wasn't particularly interested in company at this time, he was willing to pay his dues for some shade. His dark belt attracted the sun and it's heat so adamantly and all he wanted was relief. Stepping within the shade of the trees' canopy, he knew that was probably too close to this mare for comfort. Her tone as she questioned him was sharp and seemed almost demanding. 'Mares..' He thought to himself with a roll of his eyes. He turned so that the white half of his face was facing her and offered a small smile, though it felt fake. "I'm afraid not." He spoke softly. His voice was deep as it escaped his maw. "I am simply passing through and needed to find someplace to cool off until the sun sets a bit." He explained, suddenly wondering to himself why he was explaining himself to her at all. He had as much right to be here as she did.

[casanova]

Cross eyed the larger stallion with a wary look. She had a thing about disliking stallions that seemed to have some kind of god complex; thanks to her father raising her but she wasn't too sure about this stallion yet whether he had one or not. She tossed her head lightly and looked away from him but did not protest the explanation; it was rather hot out here. She wouldnt mind going for a swim later she mused thinking as she eyed the twin lakes in longing. She turned her dark gaze over to the other male and took a few steps back to give them some space before lowering her neck to resume grazing on the grass but keeping a close eye on the black horse from the corner of her eyes.

The spotted mare didn't like the presence of others very much due to her temperament but as long as he did not get too close and crowd her she could pretend that he wasn't even there. She didn't realize just how strung up she was until she heard splashing in the lake and she snorted jerking her head up in alarm and stared over at the waters' visibly relaxing when there was not threat. She had been awful skittish of late having had nightmares that her father was trying to find her again to bring her home. She shook her head lightly in her own thoughts before noticing Jigsaw still standing there and stared blankly.

"I don't often see stallions alone...You don't have a herd?" she asked wonderingly ad a bit suspicious. Was he from her father's herd? she didn't know but she couldn't help but ask.

Tagged: LadyLux

[LadyLux]

When she simply went back to grazing, Jigsaw lowered his head wordlessly and closed his eyes, cocking one hind leg as he soaked in the coolness of the shade. He paid no mind that her eyes were locked onto him and instead, inhaled deeply and softly as the faintest breeze caressed the air. He felt relief that the mare spoke no further. He was not skilled in the art of carrying on a conversation and his track record with mares didn't seem to be doing too great either. For now, he was at peace with having no companionship and no herd to lead; he had no responsibilities. For once, it was nice to just be. Jigsaw had never known a life outside of patrolling a herd or leading a small band of mares. In his life, there had always been a routine and he'd always had to have a take-charge attitude as captain of his father's patrol or when travelling with three testy mares and their young. Now? Now he could go and do as he pleased. There was no one and nothing to worry about, just himself. It was refreshing.

When the mare suddenly jerked her head up with a snort, Jigsaw jumped slightly, ears pinned. He eyed her curiously as she settled, and he too relaxed again. He glanced back at the lake and then to the mare, somewhat confused. Jigsaw wasn't quite accustomed to equines who behaved as she had so far. She was so on edge, or so it seemed. Deciding not to ask, he face forward again, still keep her to his right side. He opened one orange eye ever so slightly when she spoke, letting out a soft huff that was inaudible to even him. His mouth tugged at the corners in an amused smirk at her question. That was always the million dollar question, wasn't it? He'd been asked that by each mare that had decided to join him and Eve, but back then, the answer was simple. He did not have a place of land to claim for his own; or at least none that he liked. But now, that question was a little complex.

He pondered for a moment in the comfortable - at least to him - silence that fell between the two equines. "I suppose the simplest answer would be that I do not have one, yes." He replied. Are you here to take a break from your herd, or do you also not have one? He asked, turning his head to look at her quizzically.

[casanova]

Crosszeria felt a bit awkward at how she had reacted to the sound of the water which was nothing more then just a fish jumping from the water. But, she couldn't help it being so on end but she didn't need to explain to him. The stallion didn't seem to care about her presence and was relaxing although he did seem kind of confused as to her reaction but she didn't tell him why she freaked out. She shifted her weight and looked away from him to look up at the sky; ears perked when she heard his voice and her attention was turned back to him.

"Oh? That's a surprise. You seem like one who could lead a herd." she huffed a breath and pawed the ground looking at the grass with a frown.

His question irked her for some reason due to the fact she wasn't prepared to be asked that question; was it that rare for a mare to be without a herd? She didn't know but she wasn't prepared to answer but she tumbled out a rushed.

"No I don't care for them." She cleared her throat and looked away from him obviously not willing to dive in deeper into explaining her answer; he didn't need to know after all. They were just passerby to each other.

LadyLux

[LadyLux]

He chuckled at her observation and turned to fully face her. Well, thank you. I'd like to think that it is something I would be good at, but it seems that I am not." He said, closing his eyes once more as the words left his lips. The spotted mare seemed uneasy when she began to reply to Jigsaw, and it was apparent that there were things in her life that were too much of a burden to bear. Or, at least, bad enough to cause one to be so shaken by everything around her. Nevertheless, the brute couldn't help but be amused by her simple answer and stand-offish manner. A smirk tugged at the corners of his mouth as he shifted his weight to his left hind leg.

He paused for a moment, pretending to ponder over her answer in his head. "I guess for now, that is also how I feel." He agreed with a sigh. He didn't want to probe into the why's and how's of her life. Not because he was a gentleman and could take a hint; no, he just didn't care. It wasn't like he'd tell her his life story. She was a stranger, someone who he may never cross paths with again after today. But then, perhaps that's why some didn't mind telling their stories to those they're hardly acquainted with. Even so, that was not something could do or probably ever would do. The only one to know his story are those from his homeland and Eve, and as vast as Atera was, he was certain they would never cross his path again. At least, he hoped not.

A shiver slithered down his spine and he shook his body suddenly, realizing he'd begun falling asleep while standing there with his eyes closed. He didn't know how long they'd stood there silently. Or had she spoken and he not heard her? Jigsaw looked at her from the corner of his eye before turning his body to face the opposite direction, overlooking the lake, before shaking his head slightly. "Forgive me, but I'm afraid I've forgotten my manners. My name is Jigsaw; leader of none." He said with a soft chuckle, mimicking how most stallions with land and an established harem seem to greet every mare they cross. It was a silly cliche that had seemed to far outlive it's time. He looked over to her now. "Have you been on this side of Atera long?" He asked her.

[casanova]

Cross looked over at him strangely at his easy and relaxed response. Was it funny? Was it supposed to be? Why was he laughing? She didn't know but at least he didn't seem offended by her statement so she let it pass and turned back to gazing at the land; she liked a bit of peace and quiet after having to deal with her old memories and new nightmares that give her lack of sleep. She didn't even realize that neither of them had spoken for awhile until the stallion spoke up surprising her as much as he seemed to come to awareness. Crosszeria blinked tired eyes at him and for a second envied him for being able to actually get a nap in. She was too afraid to sleep but it was obvious she was starting to lag. Her lack of sleep was effecting her the longer they stood there together in the pretty weather and the coolness of shade.

She hummed a soft sound at his words and gave a small smile although it was only half hearted. "A pleasure, I'm Crosszeria," she replied as she pondered what to say. "Mare of soldiers." she lamely put, which to be honest wasn't too far off. She had been her father's soldier at one point until she fled to find a better life and get away from his nightmarish orders.

"No, I haven't, I just arrived earlier today and decided to stay here for the night..." she let the rest of her statement trail off. She was hoping this place would give her some peace to be able to get some sleep tonight.

"What about you?" she offered not looking at him but shifting her weight warily in a restless manner

LadyLux

[LadyLux]

The mare before him seemed almost as tired as he felt just now. She looked at him with tired eyes, and he was relieved that she hadn't spoken while he'd been drifting into sleep. She did her best to muster a smile as she said her name. Jigsaw nodded his approval. "That is certainly unique." He said, not feigning that he was impressed. "It is very nice to meet you, Crosszeria, mare of soldiers. He tipped his head to her slightly and gave her a half-smile that made his amusement obvious. It found in very strange that a jumpy little mare was ever a soldier. Then, couldn't it be so that there were different types of soldiers? Jigsaw and his brothers never had to time to think about fear. They were always coming up with a strategy and taking out threats. When there was nothing of the sort to do, they were training or just being boys. Jigsaw has never really felt fear. Nervousness, yes. But never actual fear.

Her next statement trailed off and Jigsaw cocked his head at her before chuckling softly. "Well, these lands are pretty safe for the most part." He reassured her with a nod of his head. He opened his sienna colored eyes and smiled when she returned the question. "I've been here for a few months, actually. I mostly roam around through the territories quite a lot." He said. "Actually, these are the lands I think I visit the least." He laughed and shook his head.

After a moment of silence began to draw between them again, Jigsaw cleared his throat softly and looked over the lake as he spoke. "Is there any place in particular you are trying to get to? Many equines go to Sweetwater Hollow." For once in his life, he was acting like a civilized being. It was strange to act in a nature that he did not know or understand. It made him feel like he wasn't in his own skin. But, that was precisely what had brought him so far from his homeland when he was exiled. He wanted to do things differently than his father. He wanted to do things better. In order to do any of that, he would also have to be better than his father. More forgiving and understanding; more sympathetic.

[casanova]

The spotted mare looked over at him a short moment and gave him a brief smile at the comment at her unique name. It was unique because her father was a odd stallion. Heaven only knew how he managed to sire any foals at all with his temper and personality but somehow still managed to create Crosszeria. Only foal of his that she knew of as of right now. She had been a soldier; and not of the good kind. She wasn't her father's right hand or anything but she had been chosen to do important stuff a lot. That no one should ever have to do. It gave her nightmares sometimes and even made her question her sanity and morals. But, that was how she was raised but she had enough strength left to see her chance and leave the herd before it got too out of hand.

The topic about the lands made her pay a bit more attention to and she looked at him a bit more focused and interested. He had lived here for awhile then? Maybe he would have heard or seen something if a herd came by would they? She had purposefully gone a different route then her father would have assumed and then backtracked which took her as long as it did to reach her so hopefully her father had come through already and gone.

"Have you come across any herds thus living here as long as you have?" she asked hesitantly. At the question of her travel plans she shook her head and gave a waning smile.

"NO, I'm just trying to run." she replied honestly. "Just running away from my nightmares. I don't have a destination as long as it's no where near him..." she murmured looking down at the ground with a haunted look she tried hiding.

[LadyLux]

She paid attention when he spoke and then asked more questions about the land. He Shook his head, looking over to her. "None that I have come across. Though, I did hear of someone claiming territory a few days back." He responded. "I haven't a clue where they are or who they are, which means that so far, it is no one important." The words almost sounded sharp on his tongue, and for a moment, he felt like he was back home, snapping at one of his lower ranking members for asking a question they didn't need the answer to. He gave Crosszeria an apologetic glance, reminding himself that he was no longer the captain of his father's army. "Forgive the tone. Old habits and whatnot." He said, resisting the urge to roll his eyes at himself for having to use that apology again.

Her next words came as no surprise. Mares, often times when wandering alone, were doing so to escape someone or something. Always fleeing little doves, they were. It almost made Jigsaw's heart ache as he wondered if that's what his mares had thought and said of him. Bottling up the hurt that still clawed at his insides, the onyx brute gave her a forced smile instead. "We're all running from something." He said in agreement, looking away from the mare briefly as memories flooded his mind. He glanced at the ground below him and snorted softly. He had grieved for this small band very much, but he didn't want to be so stuck in his past anymore. When he looked back at Crosszeria, she looked.. well, he couldn't quite describe the expression across her face. Jigsaw gave a grunt and eyed her suspiciously. "You look like you've seen a ghost." He finally said in a monotonous tone.

Jigsaw didn't know how to handle his own emotions, much less have the capacity to understand and deal with someone else's. The look she bore was not one he recognized and it perplexed him. Was like really so bad where she came from? If so, just where in the hell was she from anyway? Mares had always been looked over tenderly where he was from. They were treated as delicate flowers and pampered to the fullest extent, especially those that were favorites to his father. The only time he'd ever seen a mare injured or attacked was when Eve attacked his other mares. Otherwise, most mares he came across wandered alone because they'd been allowed to leave, or they were part of a herd that they loved dearly. It was rare that he'd come across mares that were abused or treated badly in general. Perhaps the side of Atera he was from was simply more accepting of what herd members needed to be happy, even if that happiness only came from freedom.

[casanova]

Cross knew she had said too much on her past and the fact the stallion himself was from a military background so it came to sound like she didn't know if staying near the stallion was a good thing or not. She was after all just passing through. But, she didn't have anywhere to go and frankly...She didn't know if she would ever find another herd for her own or start one or what but running constantly was getting tired not just physically but emotionally too. She was tired of feeling watched and hunted by her own father who did not love her m=past her capabilities. Her father scared her and her robbed her of a normal foal hood. Shaking her head Crosszeria turned to look at Jigsaw and gave him a tired smile that pretty much told him she didn't want to talk about it anymore so she quickly went and changed the subject.

"I'm just tired is all it's been a long journey." was all she wanted to say on the matter; he didn't need to hear about her troubles or her nightmares when it came down to it they were just strangers with names and faces.

"If it matters any I am a bit tired...of running. I am not too thrilled about thinking of hunting for a herd of my own to live in because i'm a bit wary of them but...I can't do this lonely road anymore." she confessed and gave him a look.

"Have you ever thought about finding a new herd for yourself Jigsaw? Or are you a lone stallion just living the dream? I don't see that being any better then what I am doing; I know you are running from something too, no stallion like you would be without a herd of your own." she shrugged and looked up towards the lake.

"If you care to join me it's a bit hot right now even under this shade so i'm going to go for a swim." she tossed her head and began walking out from under the shade of their tree and towards the twin lakes.

She needed a distraction and she was speaking the truth it was bloody hot out here and the shade wasn't helping with no breeze too much so she decided to stop all the talk about their pasts that was obviously making bad memories rise in both of their minds and went to distract herself and hopefully him. She didn't know how long she would have to be around him or if they'd see each other again so she decided to make the most of it. She never really had friends and it was kind of a surprise she would find comfort and companionship with a random stallion she met on her lonely journey.

[LadyLux]

Just what he expected her to do, and what he was planning on doing, she changed the subject. Jigsaw felt relief inside, though it did not change the tired, calm look of his exterior. He related to her in the words she spoke and gave his head a single nod in agreement. He, too, had traveled far, but he was not physically tired. His body felt solid as ever on his steady legs. He was mentally exhausted and it shone through his sienna hued eyes.

Crosszeria passed him a look as she continued and Jigsaw simply stared at her for a moment. "It's only as lonely as you make it." He said after a brief pause. He looked away from her and closed his eyes again, taking a soft, slow breath as he did so. "But, that is precisely the reason so many go to Sweetwater. It is not a place of herds, really. Mostly just small bands of equines traveling together because they want to. Most of them just did not enjoy the herd way of life, others simply weren't good at it." He added, opening his eyes just slightly to look at her.

At her question and observation, Jigsaw gave her an amused look and chuckled. It was a sound that came from deep within his chest and carried on the tune of humor, like he found something genuinely funny. "I'm one of those who is not very good at it." He said, still chuckling as he shook his head slowly. "My talents lay in tracking down and taking care of threats, not ruling a land." He tone was somber now and the humor was all but stripped from his tone. He closed his eyes once more. The stallion hadn't even been able to rule a small band of mares. What could he possibly know about ruling a harem and protecting his own lands alone? He wasn't wired for that sort of life.

Crosszeria interrupted his thoughts as her voice broke through the short silence that had begun to fall around them. As she moved into the sunlight to get to the lake, Jigsaw eyed her carefully. She was a lovely mare, but seemed to be such a fragile, yet feisty, little thing. "I think I'll pass. The shade is nice enough for me." He said gently, wanting to slip back into his dreamland, if only for a moment. Even though it did not refresh his tired mind, it helped more than being awake.

[casanova]

SHe didn't let his words haywire her brain to asking more questions than she wanted to ask or really care for the answer; instead she kept her silence and parted ways with him for a bit so that she could enjoy herself in the sunlight and the cool waters to calm her heated skin and troubled mind. It had been awhile since she let herself be as silly as a foal but she wouldn't dare lose her guard. She finally reached the twin lakes and stepped foot inside it's waters; coming up to her knees she dipped her head to take a long drink. She hadn't realized just how thirsty she actually was. After she had her fill she raised her head and looked over back at Jigsaw; she wondered why he decided to keep his distance from others and why he commented that he wasn't one to lead a herd. But, that wasn't her place to say or to judge.

Humming contently she dipped her head down into the water and jerked it right back up to fling a cascade of water droplets that twinkled in the sunlight before it hit her spotted coat to cool her off even more. It felt wonderful on her coat and she fought the urge to roll in the shallows until she was soaked. But, she had an image if anything to keep so she just shook her wet mane and retreated back up to land. Looking up at the sky she wondered what it would be like to travel in another herd. Or at least a herd without a proper hierarchy; where some could bond and become friends and travel together like a herd of their own instead of a large herd guided by one stallion. Her opinion of herds were not too great but things could change as she thought over Jigsaw's words.

[LadyLux]

Jigsaw has never been a man of many words, so to speak. Or perhaps it was that he was bad at speaking casually with others since most of his life thus far had been spent as his father's right hand; a trusted and devoted son who was fit to control his father's army. Either way, he was content with the peace that came with the silence. In a large group like his father's, there was never any silence. Eve had shot his nerves when they'd traveled with the other mares and Jigsaw's young and now that there was nothing but silence, the onyx stallion relished in it. Which made it no surprise that he'd begun nodding off as soon as the mare began to move towards the lake. He shook his body fiercely and yawned before moving a few steps forward to get the blood pumping through his legs again. He settled, closing his eyes as the softest of breezes blew past.

When Cross began to hum, Jigsaw perked up a little, peeking through his right eye at her and smirking. He watched as she threw her head back, bringing a shower of water droplets down on her coat. He chuckled softly, then opened his eyes and raised his head as the mare began walking back. Jigsaw lifted a brow in confusion at her as she gazed at the sky. "That's what you call "going for a swim?" He asked her, humor in his voice as he chuckled. "You could have at least waded in the water." He said jokingly, giving her a smile that did not feel familiar to him. It was forced, but it was also somehow.. genuine. Just moments ago, she was not too fond of him having been around at all. Now they were having a casual chit-chat under the shade of a tree. He had to admit that she had a pretty quirky personality. One moment she seemed shy and innocent, almost like a damsel in distress. The next she was behaving as if she had no fear and no cares in the world. It was odd, to say the least, but then, some of the most wonderful things were always the oddest.