A Family

[Viper]

Four horses galloped across frozen ground, hooves pummeling the frost as it bit their bare flesh. Two stallions ran on either side of two mares, nipping their shoulders when they slowed. They had to get away, just away. The largest and most beautiful of the stallions guided the blind mare through obstacles. Her silver pelt blended with the snowy ground and frosty air.

The younger stallion nudged the younger mare just to feel her pelt against his.

They had to get away, and their only comfort was one another.

[x..Vilifier..x]

Powerful strides carried the stallion towards the other horses. He came from behind them, his powerful muscles standing out as he went towards them at a fast speed that no normal horse would be able to reach. He slowed as he neared them and matched their speed perfectly, the rythm of his movements smooth and under control. He had the effect of looking like he was going really slowly, almost as if he was suspeded in the air for a moment or two before taking his next stride. He wasn't though. There was no sight of sweat on his beautiful coat and no sign of him even starting to tire. His handsome features held only peace and his dark brown eyes showed warmth and friendliness. He let out a neigh, a musical sound that echoed around the empty land, boucing off the air itself. A smile spread across his face as he lowered his head and went a bit faster.
His neck was now beautifully arched as he went alongside them and matched their speed again. He was a picture of perfection as he ran there. His movements were so fluent, like liquid that you couldn't even see where one movement stopped and the next one started. He watched them, waiting for them to show that they had noticed him. He would wait and see if they would act violently towards him or not. He would fight back only if he needed to but he wasn't here for a fight and he wasn't going to steal the mares. He had no need for mares, he wanted companionship but not that of mares, that of any horse. He bucked once, not even losing speed or letting is strides change. It was as if the buck had had no effect on his movements at all.

[Viper]

The stallion's ears caught the sound of an approaching stallion long before his vision did. He smiled to himself and nipped his mare, hearing the speed of the equine that was coming, and urged her to go her fastest. He called to his herd and told them the same, "Move faster!" he called. He sensed no threat from the other, but an aura of playfulness. He had no problem moving fast enough to race for pleasure.

The four horses matched pace with the blurred figure of the stallion before he even slowed down, but moved his new speed as he accomodated their previous gait. The younger herd sire nipped the shoulder of the newcomer lightly, letting him know he was welcome at their side as long as he didn't try anything funny.

The two stallions traded places so that the leader ran beside the new stallion. The young stag knew his duty to the blind mare and immediately brushed his pelt against hers and blew in her muzzle to let her know he was her herdmate. As the new stallion bucked, so did the leader of the small herd, their twists in unison, his own movements water-like in the way they flowed.

[_|X|SHZAM|X|_]

Artic Peak was a miserable place, thought the newcomer sourly. She had never had the need to go here, since it was her birthright to be a leader. The only need to come here would be for herd members. Watching the small band of horses with a blank stance, the mare saw the arrival of the other stallion. My what a beauty he was. Smirk grew upon black velvetines. Her brother was awefully playful this day. She wondered what had brought him from his usual calmer moods. He couldnt have an eye on one of the new mares could he? Perhaps the beast did get lonely after all. Or perhaps he already had a sweetheart hidden away. These thoughts rushed around inside the vixens cranium. Whatever it was that put her kin in high spirits, she was sure she could use it for something. For now thought, first things first. This small herd of newcomers might just be the sort she needed for her home. She was positive her mate wouldnt mind. She grinned at the thought before replacing it with a look of serene sweetness. She was a burnished gold mark upon the white, grey icelands. Her black pillars led a wandering eye to her fine body. The gold was marked with her fine black dreads and black tipped harks and mug. She was a fine creature all together, glazed ith stunning beauty and elegance. She would use this. They passed her, some distance away. Slowly the minx turned to the same direction and cantered smoothly off. She did not match them yet she did not lag. Clear in view she kept them, only waiting for them to halt to make her approch. She was curious as to what her brothers actions would be but it did not trouble her in the slightest

[x..Vilifier..x]

The small herd of horses had accepted him, it was a good thing for it made it much easier for him. He didn't need to show them he wasn't a threat now, they already knew. He knew that the one mare was blind and he let his warmth and friendship go to her, like a cloud of emotion drifting from him to her. It might give her a bit of a suprise but he was sure that it wouldn't have too bad an effect and she would be happier if she knew that he was their to befriend them. He went faster than they did after a while, they wouldn't be able to match his speed now. When he was in front of them he spun around though and looked out at the land behind them. He saw her now nd he snorted as he saw her coming towards them. He knew that she was going to cause trouble now, it was what she always did but it couldn't be helped. At least he was there to help these innocent horses out by protecting them from her, if he could that was. He knew that she could outwit him if she really wanted to.
He reared up and neighed a loud warning to her, letting her know that he wasn't going to let her have too much fun. He knew what fun was for her and it was never a good thing for others, only for her. He also felt suddenly very protective of the blind mare, knowing that she wouldn't even know what was going on. He felt protective of the others too but not so much as for her. And he doesn't even know what her name is. The small herd of horses would have to either stop or swerve around him when they got to where he was not too far ahead of them. He snorted again as he came back down onto the earth, landing so softly that the thin layer of snow on top of the ice wasn't even disturbed. He left no tracks where he had run along the snow even though he wasn't one of the smallest horses. He was quite large, well very large if you want to compare him to most horses. He was gentle though and knew how to do things without hurting others, something his sister probably didn't know how to do.

[_|X|SHZAM|X|_]

Cantering smoothly along, Shabri watched her brothers antics and chuckled to herself. Speeding up now she closed in on her siblings still form. Her was glorious and large, just like herself. All their family was large and mighty beings. Dangerous too. Either with mind or build they could destroy if they wished. Closer, closer. She wondered what the herd would do. For they were where her interest really lied. Halting some distance before her brother she stood, a beautiful stain upon this barren land. Keen orbs locked on the stallion and dial was dipped in mocking greeting of respect. She smiled her sweet, cunnning smile and parted her blacked maw to speak her intoxicating words
'Lo brother of mine. Tis good to see you looking so well
her words were sweet enough and the tones seductive and powerful as always. Though there was a hint of mockery behind them
Isnt it nice of our dear mother to make such a desolate, barren place the first place for those new and searching for a home to go to? She is lucky that her offspring tries to right her wrongs and offer poor homeless beings a home more fitting with comfort
never would she have said this if her mother had been present but she knew how fond her mother and her brother were of each other. They held a bond that her dam never had with her other children. Shabri did not care much for it and nor did she desire it. Though it was plenty for her to play on when conversing with her brother. She flashed him a pleasent smile and her gaze travelled to the other horses. She was larger then them all, yet her body was strongly femine and beautiful. More stunning then any of them, the mares and the stallion. Her deep purple orbs travelled over each and every one and as they fell upon the blind mare she clucked her tongue
Dear, dear, dear look at them. Wandering this horrible, unwelcoming land when I have a whole kingdom that is empty and open to those in want of a home

her crystal voice cut over the ice and snow, full of liquid smoothness and sweetness. Purple orbs glittered as they fell upon the stallion before her once again[/center]

[Viper]

Viper's hooves slid to a stop, his voice calling to the herd, "Halt!" It was the first time he'd spoken to them since they began running from their old home and his voice was deep and loud with an aged crackle. It was not that he was an old stallion, not at all, his voice was simply not used to being shouted so commandingly. Most commands were felt in this herd where so few could truly understand them any other way.

The small blind mare flicked her ears as the kindness of the newcomer washed over her and she smiled, sensing his location and nodding to him. He smelled differently than they. Their scent was of sweat and pine, a scent of hard running and the need and desire to escape. Suddenly a new scent was there as well and she knew almost immediately that this was a different spirit. She whispered into the ear of the younger stallion and he lifted his head high, his eyes locking with the new mare for only a moment before he snorted at her. She was cruel, and her desires would not lead them to a safe place.

Viper signaled to the stallion to bring the mares forward and he turned to stand at the side of the other stallion. Though he was much smaller in height, his muscle stood out under his shining pelt, matching the other's perfectly. His tail glided over the one eared mare's back, leading her to the young one's side, taking the blind mare to his own. The four seperated to stand on both sides of the other, knowing that if it came down to it, they would fight at his side with the power of ten.

No longer were they 5 equines, they were one.

[x..Vilifier..x]

The stallion was completely relaxed as he watched his sister. When the horses all moved to stand by his side he shook his head slightly, this was not the way to fight his sister. Not that they were going to. He moved forward, towards his sister. He had not really liked her comment about their mother and he knew that she had said it in the hope that their mother wasn't there, she would surely be punished if she was.
"Our dear mother only did what was neccessary for the world to survive. You should watch your words, Shabri, mother won't like them."
He was close to her now and he smiled at her. It was a friendly greeting smile. He didn't really care about what she always did to others and usually intended to do to them, she was still his sister and he would treat her like one. He wouldn't let her do anything to these horses, they could choose for themselves where they wanted to go. They didn't need anyone else to tell them where they should go.

[_|X|SHZAM|X|_]

The magnificent minx glanced in the diresction of the others and her brow furrowed slightly at the stallions snort. Her regal pride urged her to punish but her cunning mind told her to remain calm. In truth, she had a short temper but it was rarely let out of its cage, for her mind and willpower were much stronger then anything else. Besides, what use was a stallion to her. Her mate, the king of Grisken, would only want to prove his dominance and push them around. The mares were what Shabri would focus on. Stallions could be overcome with charms and sweet words but mares. Mares needed that little bit more. Shabri was only too happy to deliver. Her brother's movement and words recaptured her attention. A smirk formed upon her maw at his words yet it melted away at his greeting smile
I am not some foal, dear brother, I am Grisken Queen and I do not need to watch any of my words for I say what I like. I am in control of myself and if you wish to be a puppet to mothers little fortune telling and missions then be my guest but I have more important priorities, and I need my tongue as free as possible
her tones were not angry, nor haughty. Strangly soft, and one could say in a way pleading. Her features were of matching softness. It was strange, an onlooker might see an older sister looking upon a younger brother with much fondness, as Shabri's pools gave away at the moment, or they might see a younger sister in loving awe of her older brother. Either way, there was that sibling connection between the two where both were pleasent toward each other. Shabri was calm, serene and beautiful but it was gone in a moment when her orbs locked and once more became steely. Her whole features changed and the cunning, intelegent gleam rested deep within once more. Turning from her kin, she took in the horses before her. She could squash them all in a heartbeat, her mate could make them wish they never looked at her sideways but she did not wish for it.
What is this? You cannot be scared of little old me could you? I am only one mare. Oh my poor, poor brother. You think him so incompitant that he could not defend himself against me?
she laughed sweetly
You all will learn who we are soon enough. For now though, I must exchange pleasentries with you all. I am not some devil beast in which to be feared. It is only if you get on my badside that you should fear me. Or if you happen to be in the possesion of something which I desire. Lucky for you all, none of you fall into that catagory. Except my dear brother. Though I am not foolish enough to take from him
another silvery laugh and she shook her skull sending her dreads cascading like a ebony waterfall. Her pools were lit with delight and she took in each of them with a silvery glance
I am not here to fight, I only came in the hopes of giving those less fortunate something they need
she shrugged and scanned them all again. She went over them all, stopping at the other mare, the one with one ear standing next to the younger stallion. Shabri sensed a bit more cunning in the blind mare then in this one. Directing her next words to this mare and this mare only, the Grisken queen spoke. Her tones were different though. They were monotone yet silvery, and slid forth on the ice laden air
What be your calling sweet child?
even if she didnt want to or was unsure if she wanted to give her name, she would not be able to resist this simple question. Shabri did not blink or let her purple gaze wander from this other mare's orbs. Her last words were layered with essence of supernatural powers that had been the queens birthright. No mortal could resist

[Viper]

((I assume you are talking to the one eared mare? I can't really tell.))

The young mare searched the eyes of the other, the one that spoke to her with such kindness and silky words. Even if there hadn't been a power in action over her thoughts, actions, and words, she would have given her name. It was simply a question that could do no harm. Could it? She was almost positive that nothing would come of it, but she would give only her name, not those of her family and friends.

"My calling is Tide Breaker for my pelt and for my headstrong will to get through everything I begin. My herdmates call me Tide, but it is because they have my blessing to do so." The blind mare inched closer to Tide and spoke quietly.

"My calling is Silver Sickle, or Sickle if I have given you the right to call me such. Named for my pelt and silver eyes. I am the lead mare of our herd." She snorted, not happy that she had told this newcoming mare the name of herself and that she knew the name of her herdmate, but knowing that there was no choice and no harm in it.

The lead stallion stepped forward, "We were all renamed after our herd was formed, to start afresh." He did not feel any need to tell this beast the reason for their desire to start anew. He did not feel any reason to try and befriend her. To him, she seemed evil, he could sense it. But he had to give her a chance and find a place that was right for his herd.

It was his duty as a leader, and his responsibility as a mate.

But his hunger as a stallion.

[_|X|SHZAM|X|_]

Shabri felt the thrill of success and she smiled with genuine happiness. Nodding her beautiful dial with elegance and grace
Tide and Sickle. Good names, strong yet femine and beautiful. Tis a pleasure to meet you both
an eye was shifted to the two stallions
Your names oh powerful titans???
tones were sweet and seductive. Flattering, always flattering. She was always careful to always flatter those she spoke to, if they were on good terms. Flicking her ebonite banner across her powerfully muscled quarters as her gaze slid to each and every one of them, her mind power whispering through each of them

[Viper]

The stallions stepped forward, all to pleased to offer their names to the newcomer, regardless of what power she held over them. The older stallion nodded respectfully to her, sensing a power stronger than his own running in her veins. His black pelt gleamed, red legs and mane shining to match and his copper banner flowing in the breeze. He had taken his father's bay pelt and flipped it around so that the colors were inverted. The odd handsome product was stunning, one that drew every fae to him with a hope of his love in return. Of course once they were drawn in by his appearence, they were taken by his charm nearly immediately, "I am Viper Fang, lead stallion of this herd. They call me Viper, and rightly so for my foes die as if from poison." A flash of challenge snuck into his eyes for only a moment.

The younger stallion was next to speak, his red pelt shining brightly and handsomely, though not nearly a match to his leader. He held his weak leg up so he would not stress it. He, of the three that Viper had rescued, was best off, bearing only a twisted and mangled back right leg. It still brought him great pain, and on rainy nights it gave him horrible discomfort, but he bore it with the strength that Viper had brought to all of them. "I am Jalapeno, no more than that, but no less. Along with my mate Tide, I am herd beta."

Viper spoke again, against the powers of the mare before him, "We demand respect from all we meet, and take the life blood from those that defy our power. You need not use your gift on us, we will tell you what we feel is lawful without a magical influence." He'd sensed her magic working over them, and did not appreciate the control and superiority she imposed upon them, "What we say, we choose to say, do not make the mistake of forcing it upon us the way your have done. We will fight you with every ounce of strength and every drop of blood."

[_|X|SHZAM|X|_]

Shabri listened to them all carefully, storing away all the information in her intellegent mind. A grin travelled over her features and she giggled at the stallions last words. Looking to her brother she spoke, her vocals slightly singsong and filled with light laughter
Do you hear that brother?? They are fearful of me. I think that is somewhat your fault. Talking me up to be alot more scarier then I really am.
gaze narrowed as it slid back to the foursome yet her grin was still in place as was the humerous flame that danced in her orbs
Such words. If there is truth behind them, you would be valuble members of my kingdom. Forgive me, for I have not introduced myself. I be Shabri, Queen of Grisken. We are not evil, only rebels. I know what you feel and think of me, and what you think about yourselves. You command respect, but careful who you try and command. I am an easy going creature but others might not be
with these words, she was thinking about her aggressive mate. If these horses made the mistake of agrivating him, they could be in trouble. Herself included, would punish the lact of respect others showed her. Yet she was in the need of a herd and they had some qualities she thought well of. Rethinking Vipers last words she gave a chuckle.
Do not bother. By the looks of you, you all need all the strength and blood you can keep. You are all travel worn and marked by past lives. You need a home and I offer one
she did not comment on her powers, but ignored the subject. Let them think that she was not as powerful as she was. They thought it was a minor gift. She smiled pleasently enough and waited for any responce they cared to give.

[x..Vilifier..x]

The stallion tolled his eyes and would walk away was it not for the fact that he knew what his sister was capable of and what she might attempt if he was not there. He would let these horses go with her if they chose to do so but he would make sure that she did not force them in any way to choose her over something else. He would protect them for as long as he could but as soon as they chose to go with her he could do no more for them.
He snorted and shook his head slightly at his sister's accusations, he had not made them fear her but had only spoke to her as he would in front of any horse. They chose to fear her themselves. She said she was not evil but she was, the same evil streak that was in her was in him as well but he shared the niceness of his other two siblings as well and so they balanced each other out, ending with him, a mix of both and more dangerous than either.
If he was offended enough he could easily destroy them with a flick of his tali but his concience would not let him do so as freely as a dark horse's conceince would let it. He watched and waited to see what these horses would choose and whether it would be a wise decision or one of misinformedness.(woah, long word). He would not say a thing to turn them either towards or away from his sister's suggestion.

[Viper]

Viper snorted loudly at her words, "Fearful? This we are not, simply cautious and respectful..." He paused, then spoke again with a hint of sarcasm in his voice, "Oh great one." He snickered under his breath, daring her to tell him otherwise without words escaping his mouth. Yes, he had a sharp tongue, but he used it wisely and did not speak without thinking. As she spoke more of herself, he listened pleasantly, sure that she was not what she said she was, but in no mood to dispute it.

As she offered a home, his ears stood to attention and Jalapeno's relaxed stance became wary and stiff, "What home could you offer us Majesty? Surely it is not one that would please a herd of such independancy that they run alone with only four? I have a herd, and I am a lead. Why should I give up that role to join a herd that will place me at the bottom ranks, my companions below me where they are spit upon and trampled as if they do not exist? What reasons are strong enough to make me do such a thing?"

[Shzambeing lazy]

Shabri was posed indifferently and she yawned most unlady and unqueen like. Cunning orbs were laid across them each over and over like a whip cutting through the icy air. She was getting rather bored yet she had nothing else to do to keep her entertained. Not untill there was other horses about. Yawning again, her full set of dangerous fangs reflecting like the surrounding icicles, Shabri shuffled her wieght and slowly replyed. her tones bored and dull yet she still managed to give a harsh chuckle
Please, do not try to act intellegent with your words and what you think to be the truth. You know nothing of my kingdom. Actually its looking rather dull and empty at the moment, so there would be none to 'spit' upon you. Really, its pathetic you jump to those conclusions dear. All i offer is a place for your lot to run. The only payment is your loyalty and respect, which is true in any kingdom any horse chooses
she looked to her brother, also a royal. He also demanded respect yet he was a secretive loner horse
I just wish to build my numbers in my land. It only consists of three at the moment, not including the wildlife that i consider friends
she shrugged and wandered a little, pawing at the ground
really brother, this place is such a desolated lump of nothing
the stunning minx scrunched up her nose as she looked at the blank whiteness with disgust