The Aftermath [Ranger/Flan]

[crazyforhorses]

Goldust trotted into the lovely area. Her golden pelt shone brightly with health and muscles rippled. Power and grace was noticeable. Fury had lost the battle of claimance for her. A smirk came across her face and she laughed, throwing a buck in for good measure.

Everyone seemed to fight against one another because they wanted her. In the end both brutes had gotten seriously hurt. Not enough where it would kill them but enough that it would take a long time for them to heal. Maybe she'd be able to slip off away from Arrakis's annoying gaze now.

Orbs glanced about the surrounding area. The lake shone brightly and beautifully. She took a sip of the water the cool aqua quenching her thirst. The cool water hit her stomach and making her feel better. Her teeth pulled up the juicy green grass filling her up steadily. Once she had her fill if Arrakis hadn't shone up by then she'd be on the run. Then hopefully he'd be too preoccupied with his stupid queen.

ooc: sorry crappy post. Not sure how to start it off.

[Ranger]

A R R A K I S

The fight had been brutal, and Arrakis had grown a healthy respect for the other beast - whom had put up a strong fight and left Arrakis a few wounds that he knew would scar his splattered hide. However, Arrakis had remained victorious, and his pride had remained intact, though he knew not how well he would do now - with shattered jaw and open wounds. At least the weather was good for healing, not wet and damp which might encourage the spread of infection. He limped, rather irritably, onto Nepelle Plain. He snorted uncomfortably, Nepelle Plain was so far from food, but was the quickest way from the battle fields to the sweet grass of the clearing.

Arrakis followed the scent of his prize, Goldust. She had slipped away after the battle, and Arrakis had no intention of letting her escape - now more than ever. He would not suffer a broken jaw just to have her pretty hide slip out from underneath him. He flicked his eyes around for Cyprus, knowing that she would keep the gold mare under check - and looking, too, for some attention. He wondered, briefly, whether he should sneak back into the marshes.. but no, he would not slink away, tail between his legs, just because he had gotten hurt. That was not how he would have done it when he was a bachelor, so he would not do it now. His children, too, were still out and about.

He hoped that Xavier had found a mare by now - the young stallion was far too eager for his own good. So much like a young Arrakis. Bacardi and Skye had gone, too, leaving only Glory, Goldusts daughter. Glory, unlike her dam, was loyal to her sire and their way of life. She rather loved Cyprus, too, as the Queen had looked after her when her dam hadnt. There she was - that golden creature, obviously enjoying being out and about, not cooped up in the marshes. Arrakis spat blood, picking up his pace, though it pained him.

He came to Glory's side and then past her, to stand in front of her silently. He glanced around, looking once more for Cyprus, "I suppose you're quite proud of yourself. Well, don't be. You'll be watched even more closely now. And i'll be expecting a new foal to be birthed next spring." He slipped back into silence, looking again for his grey queen, wanting her by his side.

[Flan!]

C y p r u s ;

It was done. Arrakis had fought against Fury for Goldust, and had won. Granted, the stallion had very much so damaged the painted bronc, but it was not lethal. Fury fought with too much emotion and did not use tact to save his energy, and in the end he was bested. Now as they exited the Battlegrounds, the tawny mare was floating above the air as she two-beated, rather pleased with herself it seemed, Arrakis' ashen Queen mused. To her left, much ahead of her, walked the sweaty victor of the battle, dried blood making ribbons across his coat. Their harem, including king and queen, Goldust, Glory, and Larka, were all headed to the plainlands for the lake so that Arrakis could clean himself of both parties blood, and to cool his no-doubt hurting jaw.

Cyprus caught sight of the "prize" gazing around, and let out a snort that alerted the mare her time to escape had passed. The painted stallion moved faster, and she could tell he was in pain the way his muscles bunched as he moved, and she was proud of her mate; he had battled hard, and now despite his injuries he was not letting any of it handicap his duties. I'll be expecting a new foal to be birthed next spring. was all that was heard by her finely shapen harks, and knew Goldust would not be pleased with his statement. Would she ever realize it was easier to go with the flow than fight the current, and more importantly, the one who kept her safe, fed, and more importantly, away from other stallions?

Triangulars were flattened to Cyprus' skull as she approached the pair, lightly touching her mug to Arrakis' painted thigh as she did so. Come on, sexy Lyrics sang lowly, tiara flipping towards the water, and in doing so, narrowing her chocolate orbs at Goldust, who would indeed be kept under close surveillance. Glory! was called out, calling Arrakis' eldest daughter to the trio, to make sure six pairs of eyes would not allow Goldust any chance of escape.

[crazyforhorses]

Goldust was grazing when she heard hoofbeats. The stench of the stud's sweat caught her nostrils and she briefly pinned her golden auds back. 'Great. So much for that plan.' Her mood was no longer happy and proud. Now it was just plain irritated. The mare's best bet was to ignore him so that she wouldn't get herself into any trouble.

Her stomach was full and she merely stood quietly, flicking her tail at some flies and in annoyance. She hoped that Arrakis would leave her alone but sure enough the arrogant jerk came her way and stood in front of her. Gray hooves were picked up and carried her bodice backwards and began to turn away.

Words filled her auds and she spun around an incredulous look upon her face. Irritation was no longer there. Just pure fury, anger, and rage. I will NOT bear another foal for you! It's bad enough I'm stuck in this herd anyway and can't just do what I want to do when I want to do it. Just leave me alone! she snapped. Golden legs spun and carried her a small distance away.

She saw Cyprus narrow her eyes at her and the mare wanted to kill the stupid wench but knew it better not to lash out. But if Arrakis came at her or Cyprus then it would end up in a fight. She'd kill Cyprus if necessary and just aim a good swift kick at Arrakis's jaw to make him double in pain while she escaped but she'd wait for now.

[Ranger]

A R R A K I S

Obviously, his golden mare was not pleased to see him. This was to be expected, of course. She was being held against her will, and Arrakis had just told her she would bear another foal to him against her will. However, Arrakis was not one to bother with reason when he was in such a foul mood. Having a mare, a prisoner, snap at him and tell him what would and wouldnt be happening made him furious - he had had enough of allowing her to talk back to him.

She spun, trotting a small distance away and Arrakis clenched his jaw, though he regretted it soon after - it hurt terribly. In this situation, he could not give her a bite - his jaw needed to be left alone. Instead, he roared in anger, throat hoarse and dry, eyes furious. This time, anger took hold, instead of rationality. He surged toward the angry gold mare, pushing her with his strong frame, knowing that the force would likely push her over. He stood, furious, over her, blood dripping between his teeth as he growled.

"YOU INSOLENT LITTLE B*TCH. I HAVE HAD ENOUGH OF YOU."

If Arrakis did not mind being bested by a mare, he would have sent her on her way with a nasty bite. But no, she would remain his. He quietened, his temper still raging and his voice low and dangerous "Do you think you would be better off with some lowly beast? Do you think they would provide you with such protection? The men roam soon - and where do you think you will be then?! The Labyrinth is the safest place for you to be. Perhaps I should allow it to swallow you up, have your bones bleached and picked at by the birds!" His hooves snapped downward, a hairs length from her head.

"You will be bred and give birth to my foal or else I have no longer use for you, and I shall throw you to the brutes in the Rahkai army and you shall be ravaged by them! Would you like to have their foals? I am sick of your impertinent behavior. At all times now, you will have someone by your side - not a hoofs distance away. You want freedom? Well, you've just lost what little you had." He snarled, bloodied teeth baring frighteningly. "Fool!"

[crazyforhorses]

Goldust knew she had pissed The painted brute off but she just didn't care. After all she had been put through as it was because of him, it only made her want to retailiate further. Auds caught speeding hoofbeats.

Golden bodice was knocked over and had the wind practically sucked from her lungs as she landed hard not expecting Arrakis to actually ram into her. Laying down on her side the mare heard the angry stallion's words. Fear trickled down her spine but she had absolutely nothing to lose. He had forced himself upon her and forced her to bear a stupid ittle pathetic foal for him once. It would not be repeated. As for being scared of his army she wasn't. She could outrun them.

Fact was it would not be long until she was in heat again. A scream of rage and anger escaped her as she kicked upwards and rolled over quickly and jumped up. The golden body had some grass juice that stained small parts of her beautiful golden pelt but that could be cleaned off later. Right now she hoped her aim was good and she had caught him off-guard and kicked him in his jaw.

I don't see why you need foals from me! Aren't I too stubborn and not good enough tempermental wise?! I deserve my freedom, I'm not meant to be caged like some dog. I'm not afraid of your stupid army. I am ten times smarter than them and besides just think if they had their slimy pelts all over me and scarred my pelt. Although, I could survive very well on my own. I know how to avoid the humans and avoid brutes. At least now I do. she snarled angrily. Golden harks were pinned back against her cranium.

[Flan!]

L a r k a ;

Angry yelling between Arrakis and Goldust were commonplace amongst the harem Larka resided in, and it was usual for it to be ignored. They were always at each other's throats. But this time was different, and it had Larka's ebony tiara immediately thrown up into the oxygen, and hooves being picked up into a quick three-beat to attempt to pull the two apart. As she approached, Arrakis was shaking in pure rage, Goldust obviously having pissed him off thoroughly, in mention to the foal she would be bearing in the spring, like it or not. And he did something Larka had never seen him due, as he thoroughly lost his temper and shoved Goldust down with the pure mass of himself. The mare rolled and kicked, apparently hoping to catch Arrakis in his already damaged jaw. Goldust, no! Lyrics yelled as she jumped forward, trying to get between the fighting pair, and break them apart. In a submissive gesture with her head to the ground, Larka cried out again. Arrakis, please! she pleaded, Please stop, I'll keep first watch on her, I promise. Reaching up, she tugged on Goldust's mane, trying to pull her away to reduce further conflict.


C y p r u s ;

Snarls were emitted best as an equine can, from both leads, and Cyprus was a moment away from joining in and showing Goldust just who it was that was in charge in this herd, when Larka began to plead with Arrakis, not wanting anyone to get hurt, or in the stallion's case, more hurt than he already was. But Cyprus knew in the back of her also enraged mind, that the black fae was only trying to protect Arrakis, as she was about as loyal as broodmares can come. I agree. Her words came vehemently, despite wanting to tear the golden b*tch to shreds, she knew Arrakis would want to fight her more, and with his damaged jaw would not be smart.

[Ranger]

A R R A K I S

His fury knew no bounds, and he felt his control slipping as Goldust threw back angry words once more. The sun beat down upon his worn body as he reared, Goldusts surprise attack catching him on the neck and making him even more infuriated. He could feel no pain but his jaw, and it was clouding his judgement, making him angrier by the second. His hooves raked through the air, meaning to frighten rather than maim. He snarled, past the point of words. She would learn! She would learn her place and he would show her never to speak ill to him again!

He was about to do so when Larka, the sweet black mare, came between him and the object of his fury. Her words were loud, breaking through the mist of anger clouding his head. She was not defending Goldust, that much he saw - her head down in submission to him. With further snarls he lowered his muscular body down to all four hooves, stepping back awkwardly, blood and saliva bubbling from between his teeth. Still, he kept his white ringed eyes on the golden mare, not convinced that he should stop punishing her.

His choice was made soon after his Queens cold words came through, though his blood boiled with rage, his lip curling angrily. He pinned his ears, neck snaking forward as he spat at Goldust "You will do as you're told, unless you want to be hurt. Next time I will not be so kind." His lip remained curled but he looked to Larka before savagely turning away, ears still pinned. His mood had not improved. He stalked toward the direction of the Lake, jaw aching and blood boiling. He had half a mind to injure her, to maim her as he was maimed.. but that would not do. He would hold himself as a King did - not cause petty injuries just because his pride was hurt.

As it was, he did not feel in the mood to speak with any.

G L O R Y

The young gold mare watched coolly as her dam was thrown to the ground, her sire in a fit of anger. She had trotted obediently to Cyprus' side, joining to herd as they milled around the fight, keeping their distance but intrigued at such force. Glory was proud of her sire - he was a true Rahkai. Her dam, however.. Glory felt bitter. A mother that abandoned her child was no mother at all. Glory felt no loyalty to the golden mare on the ground, and would have denounced any relation to her if she could - they looked so alike, however, that Glory could not deny their connection.

She watched Cyprus with a keen eye, knowing that when she grew older, she would want what the Queen had. A devotion to a strong, royal stallion. She stepped forward when Arrakis strode away, calling out "I'll take watch, too, sire!", hoping to please him. But it was obvious he was in no mood to listen to anybody. So Glory, feeling a little insulted, snapped at her own mother "You should do as you're told. He is mighty and you do not deserve him!" It was true, Glory felt a very strong connection to her sire, perhaps too close.

[crazyforhorses]

The golden mare knew she had pushed her luck to the extreme limits. Arrakis was beyond fury and reason. Now she knew that if she pushed him again like this she wouldn't escape with her life. She owed Larka, but really in a way she didn't. The mare knew if it came down to a fight she was strong enough to take Arrakis on, especially with him injured now.

She couldn't believe the black mare interfered! The golden mare so could've taken Arrakis easily. When the black mare grabbed her mane she ripped her head sideways Leave me alone! I don't need to be babysitted. Go suck up to your pathetic king and lick his wounds and clean his bloody body up. the femme snapped sharply and went to walk away.

However, she heard the stud's daughter, her daughter, unfortunately. Listen you little brat! I carried you for eleven months and gave birth to you therefore you shall listen to me and not snap at me nor tell me what to do. I never said I wanted to even be with him and if I had it my way I wouldn't be here and I would've never had you! her voice cracked as she screamed at her daughter but the mare was sick of the entire herd.

[Flan!]

L a r k a ;

The black fae became exasperated when Goldust pulled away, and as the golden mare spoke again, Larka's heart seemed to break in her chest as Glory was basically told she was not loved, and hadnt've been born were it not for Arrakis having forced Goldust. How could a mother say that to her own child, forced or not? Goldust! lyrics cried softly, as her eyes blinked slowly, and her voice became hoarse. You don't deserve to have the blessing of being a mother. No wonder no one else had claimed you before Arrakis. You're horrible! The fighting with Arrakis could be pushed aside and somewhat understood..but telling your own flesh and blood you could care less? It was abhorrent. Without a backwards glance, the black fae lost all faith and care for the honeyed mare, and walked away. If Goldust wanted it this way..then so be it. It was her own funeral.

C y p r u s ;

You WENCH! Stupid b*tch! How DARE you speak to Glory like that! And Larka! She's been nothing but kind to you, and that's how you repay her?! Triangulars drew back, flat against her stormy-hued skull, as Cyprus drew herself up onto her hind legs, striking out. She had had enough of Goldust, and this was the last straw. This wench was going down.

[Ranger]

A R R A K I S

Arrakis bit his lip softly, rubbing his stained teeth over the tender flesh, grimacing as the pain throbbed through his splintered bones. How he was going to stay strong this summer nagged at him, for it was not just him he had to watch over, but many. And he was in no mood to deal with this troublesome mare Goldust.. but he was stubborn, so stubborn, and he would not release her - he refused to give her what she wanted. After all, he was not known for his mercy.

He slowed in his irritated pace, wondering, grumpily, where all his mares were, and why he had nobody fawning over him and making him feel better. He huffed, ears flicking backward. Did nobody care that he was hurt here? The patchwork stallion turned, preparing to seek out some attention, but was robbed of his plan when he saw his herd milling around Goldust. This would have irritated him further had it not been for the sight of Larka losing her temper. Arrakis felt a painful smirk creep onto his face - he'd never seen the peaceful black fae lose her temper at anyone, especially not Goldust, whom she'd been quite sympathetic for.

As Larka stormed toward him, Arrakis' keen eyes watched his stormy queen snap as well. He grinned. This certainly was cheering him up, infact, so much so that his pace boosted to a bouncy trot as he headed back toward the group. As he approached Larka he brushed his nose to hers affectionately - she had not been his originally, Arrakis had stolen the young mare, and it had turned out to be the best thing he could ever have done. She was a lovely creature, not suited to a Rahkai lifestyle, but lovely all the same. He drew closer, eyeing the two mares - his beloved queen and the golden mare that had caused him so much trouble.

"Ladies.. ladies." he paused, rough voice amused "Cyprus, my sweet, leave her be. She's terribly grumpy, perhaps we should let her cool off - she's got to realize she's in a hopeless fight at some point." He smirked again, his temper gone due to the situation - it was quite amusing to see Goldust alienate everybody that might have helped her. "As for you.." he lifted his bloodied chin in the direction of Goldust "Almaase and Wish will watch over you - please, don't make this harder for yourself." And with that, Arrakis turned, pausing as he looked at his young gold daughter. Briefly, he wondered at why she had not left the herd yet - she was almost old enough to have a stallion of her own now.

G L O R Y

Glory barely listened to her mother.. at least, that was what she told herself. She would not take to heart what her blood mother said - she did not see the mare as her real dam. Cyprus, Larka and the other mares of the herd were her family - they had raised her when Goldust would not. In response to the mares words, Glory just stared coldly, her amber eyes like ice. Larka responded with fury, but Glory could not have received any further indication from her dam that she was not wanted by her, and this clipped off the final thread that might have attached the young mare to her mother.

She took a few hurried steps backward as Cyprus came forward, knowing that the grey mare had a temper, just as her sire did.. though she lost it less frequently. Still, she made no sound as her sire came back up.. in an evidently better mood.. to finish what could have been a brutal fight. As he passed, pausing to look at her, she stood straighter, pride shining through her eyes. However, he passed without speaking with her. Glory hid her disappointment, following the painted stallion with one more evil glance to Goldust who had been surrounded by her watchers. Her lip curled and she flicked her tail as she left, stalking proudly after her patchwork sire.

[crazyforhorses]

The golden femme looked over at Larka who shouted at her and she didn't pin her auds back at the mare but she stood tall and looked the black mare right in the eyes. I had to bear that monster's brat for eleven months! She's just like her father. Cold-hearted and brutal. She'll grow to be a monster, so yes needless to say I disown her. If it had been another stallion that I had chosen to be with the foal would've had a great mother. I have nothing against you Larka. You just go with the flow. I on the other hand choose to fight for what I believe in and not tolerate such barbaric nature. If the brat had turned out kind I would've given her every bit of my love. But she's not. she stated.

The golden mare's words weren't harsh towards Larka just point-blank to the point. She didn't want to fight with the kind mare. She glared at Cyprus. Her auds pinned back. Call me what you like but here's how I look at it. I came her unwillingly and therefore I can be b*tchy. But you on the other hand are a true and total b*tch. As for Larka I didn't mean to snap at her. So Larka, I am sorry for the way I behaved and treated you. I let my temper go and unfortunately you caught the brunt of it. You have been kind to me and didn't deserve that. she said softly to the black mare then glared at the queen.

With a small snort the golden mare walked a small distance and stood to where it would be quiet and she'd be alone. She ignored Arrakis's words. He didn't want to mess with her right now. He had a broken jaw. If he pushed her the wrong way it'd be permanent.

[Flan!]

C y p r u s ;

Blood was boiling underneath Cyprus' stormy hued coat, as she lost her temper at the golden mare who was none too smart on how to thrive in the herd. Harks were drawn back against her fine skull, neck arched in intimidation to make herself appear taller, as she prepared to strike out at Goldust. But before the action could be taken, Arrakis returned, this time with a bounce in his two-beat. Tiara tilted slightly at him, optics narrowed. A deep snort escaped the curved nasal passages, to announce her disapproval of the painted stallion's words. Goldust spoke again, and it only urged Cyprus' anger on further. You bitch. Lyrics said simply in response.

You don't even know what cold-hearted and brutal truly is, despite you are. Maybe if you actually had raised Glory, instead of myself taking care of her, but no, it's you're own damn fault you don't like the way she is. You blame everyone else for your own problems, and I'm getting rather sick of it, as is everyone else. You aren't the only mare in the world being claimed unwillingly has happened to, and it was a long time ago, so just hurry up and get over it. Larka was stolen from being a lead mare of her own herd, and you don't hear her complaining. In fact, I don't believe I've ever heard a word about it from her. And you know why? Larka knows how the world works, and it's about time you learn too. Everything that happens around here is your own fault. You getting forced? Well boo-hoo, that was your fault too. Larka never has, and neither have I. And you know what? I was claimed unwillingly too, and now I find it's the greatest stallion I could've been claimed by that I live with and proudly bear children for. Why am I happy? Why is Larka happy? Because of ourselves. You are the only reason you hate it here.

Done with the golden mare, a dirty look was tossed at Goldust, Cyprus turning with Arrakis to walk away and tend to his battle wounds, as she was sure they were hurting, and Cyprus was also sure her painted lover would let no one else tend to him in such an intimately, non-sexual way. A glance was stolen at Glory as they walked, feeling somewhat bad for the filly. Her own mother did not love her, her siblings had all left, and Arrakis was not exactly the most playful father, despite he certainly did love his golden daughter. One day, she'll get it. Cyprus said gruffly to her painted partner, body and emotions still wound from dealing with Goldust.

ooc; Larka has already walked away..she never heard what Goldust said.

[Flan!]

*bump*

[crazyforhorses]

Is the bump for me? I was waiting for Ranger to take her turn but I can post if you'd like