To Be Proud Of What You Are

[Shanza]

Jyla

Jyla watched as Rylion easily loped back to her side after he had greeted Venka and his group. She watched as a pale golden filly, a favorite of his, easily led the group into the holding corral, then came back out on his request. She was a delicate filly, though well built, and would make a fine mare someday. Showing her training the filly bowed low when Venka dipped his head, then Jyla diverted her gaze back to the dun stallion. "You are looking fine today, although your slaves are a little ragged. That is what this is for, correct?" Never one to love useless banter, the tall chestnut tended to avoid formalities and would go straight to the point with her close friends. She nodded back at Venka, her pleasure showing clearly in her eyes. "Your herd will be safe with Evinlil, he is a hired guard but is loyal to the utmost." She grinned slightly, "And he has an annoyingly loud voice that can be heard in the next territory."

"The southern grove I have claimed as the master's area, and all trainers, slaves, and workers here know not to enter without specific invite. For as long as you stay you are welcome with your personal slaves in the place. I believe I have made some improvements since your last visit, including several small holding facilities for 5 to 10 pegasi, and am working on a large training ground. Would you like to see them?"

Jyla smiled, it was nice that he was here again; his visits were uncommon and getting rarer. She knew his line of work took him all across the Kingdom, and he stopped in whenever he could, but she still found the situation frustrating. Not that she minded not having her parents' sidelong glances that could kill a rattler whenever he was present, but her brother was determined that he would find her a suitor, a respectable one. Not like the scum Venka was in his eyes. It wasn't so much that the lineback dun was born to a low standing family, it was more of the so-called curse that killed his three other brothers. She didn't believe in curses, she never did. Venka's oldest two brothers couldn't fight well enough to save their lives, and the last one was just plain messed up in the head. Besides, if anyone wanted to come at him, they would have to go through her and her magick.

Rylion loped back to Jyla and Aqulion from when he greeted Venka and Araceli. She was about his age, and he hoped they would get a chance to play together. She was really cute as well, which didn't hurt anything. Aquilon leaned over to him, hissing, " What is that bastard doing here! I thought that when Jyla bought me, I would be done and never had to see him again."

He looked at her in slight surprise, curious at her tone and her words. In a low voice, hoping not to be heard by Jyla, he answered her. "You do remember that I told you they were 'together?'" Apparently, she didn't. "Besides, he can't discipline you, and can't rightfully give you orders. If he does ask you to do something, it would be correct to comply, as he is a guest in her home, and," he grinned slightly, muffling a giggle, "They are together." He glanced around to make sure Jyla wasn't listening and Venka wasn't coming yet, then continued. "It would be fine for you to avoid it, but you shouldn't ignore him, especially if he speaks. If Jyla gives him respect, you give him deference and obedience. If she is near when he gives you an order, you can silently check with her for a nod before going to do whatever he wants. That is also a good way to see if she wants anything as well. Just remember, he can't punish you, he can't reprimand you, he shouldn't even abuse or insult you. That is Jyla's job, and her job only." He paused, and his face screwed up in thought. "Scratch that, there is an exception. If you are owned by Jyla, then her mate can discipline you, but you don't have to worry about that."

Glancing sideways, he noticed that Venka was on his way with Araceli at his side. "Oh, time to stand tall!" he finished in a whisper, coming to stand next to Jyla. His wings were folded tight along his back, legs straight and square, hind legs out just slightly, back tight, chest out, neck arched nicely, and head in just barely so the wind could play with his forelock. His movements to achieve this position were slight, and none stood out which created a pleasant, attentive, and natural position that displayed attractiveness to the utmost. Jyla and Venka greeted each other, and as Jyla dipped her head, he bowed to Venka. He must have done it a thousand times under Jyla's critical eye, and then a thousand more. Picking up his left leg as he dipped down, he held it off the ground under his belly so no dirt could stick to it. His head arched in, and he sunk back on his haunches. Nose almost, but not quite, touching the ground, he held for a count of two, then straightened into his previous position. Now for the holding still. That was always the hardest part, as he had always been one who was more comfortable in motion.



Word Count: 940
Characters: Jyla, Venka, Araceli, Aquilon, & Rylion
Place: Jyla's home facilites (W. hills?)

[saetta]

Aquilon was just not wanting to be here, in fact she just wanted to take to the air and leave. But she was not going to be doing that anytime soon. She was now stuck here and Aquilon knew that. So all she did was listen to what Vy had to tell her. And to also watch how he acted and move. After all she was the stranger in the strange land here. Plus Rylion and her had a sort of trade system going now between the two pegasus. She was telling him everything she knew about flying. And so he was telling her everything about etiquette and customs here. And so it was what ever Jyla said that was to be followed. But Aquilon also was told not to go and press her luck with Venka either. So she quietly watched Vy bow before Ven. And then return to his regular stance.


Now it seemed it was Aquilons turn and she really wanted to just charge at the smirky dun and be done with this. But she knew she wouldn't get but a few steps before being cut down. So she just sighed heavily, and then just dipped her head down until her lips touched the ground. And then turned her head away from Venka. What would be the worse that would happen to the blood bay mare. Probably just another beating, but right now Aquilon could care less about it. She just did not want to show any respect or acknowledgment to the one that had taken away her freedom. So Aquilon just stood there in a self defeating pose. And was waiting on what would happen next.

[ϞSymreeϞ]

V E N K A

The dun stallion listened attentively to Jyla as she described the modifications she had added to her holding facility. As she did, he felt a twinge of regret that he had not been around to see all of it done. Any other stallion would have been there for her, helping to design and build, and pay for some of the construction costs. Not he, he was off catching wilds and training young slaves. It seemed regrettable that she had chosen him for her boyfriend, and yet she never let him hear a word of complaint. He smirked to himself, perhaps she could only handle him in small doses and liked him being "away" so often. He couldn't say that he blamed her if that was the case, but somehow, that did not seem like Jyla.

"Yes, of course I would like to see what you've done," he said with a smile. He glanced over the familiar faces of Rylion and his most recent wild catch. The former was the picture of a mannerly slave...the latter...not so much. He frowned slightly at her, stifling his temptation to slap the mare silly. She was not his slave anymore, and he no longer had the right to harm her. Unfortunately. That happy honor rested with Jyla.

Ven shook his thoughts away from the irksome wild mare, and glanced down at the palomino filly by his side. Something in his gaze seemed to shift slightly, and he gave a slight gasp before chuckling lightly and smiling at the red mare before him. "Before we do that though, Jyla, there was a small matter that I wished to settle with you. I am sure that you remember Araceli? Yes, well, she has been a very faithful slave to me, but I have little use for one as young and small as she is. I could sell her for a good sum at auction, but I think I found a rather better way of solving this problem." The dun paused, grinning, "I would like to gift her to you, Jyla."

A R A C E L I

The pale golden filly allowed herself to relax into an alert and attractive position beside her master, glancing hopefully at Vy every once and a while. For all of her training, she was still young, and wanted a game just as much as the next foal. She kept an ear on her master, listening as he agreed to view the improvements, and sensing his displeasure at the lack of respect the wild mare showed him. Thaylee found herself looking at the blood bay mare with curiosity. Why did she hate it so much here? Jyla was kind and was not as prone to beating her slaves as Venka was. She couldn't help but grin. He was known for being harsh and brutal, but never once had her harmed her.

At the sound of her name, she glanced attentively up at her master, thinking that he had just given an order. As she listened, it became clear that he was telling Jyla about her. The palomino filly felt rather embarrassed, but truly pleased with his praise. Loyalty was worth more than Curyants to Venka, and that was saying something. As she listened, her pleasure turned to terror. He spoke of how she was too young and small to fit his needs, how she could fetch a good price at auction. Pain flared in her chest, white hot like fire. She rocked back slightly on her haunches, no longer looking at Venka, but unable to force herself to. He had had her since her suckling days...he had named her. She straightened her stance as Venka presented her to Jyla, and the knot in her stomach tightened. Had she ever been special to him at all?
Thaylee managed to pull herself together, and fell back on her training, a pleasant smile resting daintily on pale lips. She looked first at Venka, and then at Jyla, hoping that by some miracle, the red mare would not want her.

[Shanza]

Jyla

Jyla, observant as always, watched Rylion and Aqulion out of the corner of her eye as she dipped her head to Venka. Rylion bowed as soon as her head began to drop, and his form was near perfect. The mare on the other hand... was she being purposefully disrespectful or was she just clueless? Clenching her jaw just slightly was the only outward indication she was displeased. Jyla supposed it was possible that the mare had never been taught proper manners, as that wasn't Venka's job. His job was just to capture them and get them to start listening. There were a few he fully taught, but when she bought them off him shortly after they were caught, like she did with Aqulion, he just didn't have the time. But really! Not only did she not sink down, but she sighed, clearly showing her displeasure, and her form was a complete monstrosity. At least she didn't spread her wings as a salute. Jyla couldn't understand why some unicorns found the spreading of wings as attractive, for they were large, unwieldy, and when a youngster did it was likely to knock someone. She could see a few, highly experienced pegasi guards, standing well off to the side of the path were their master was to go, spread their wings as they sunk down, but not as a salute to another. The pegasi off to the side with spread wings could much more easily form an intimidating barrier to perhaps harmful persona wishing to target the main convoy, but that was one of the few reasons Jyla knew of. Anyway, she would have to correct the errors later, for now she was busy entertaining an important guest.

She stifled her irritation, focusing back on Venka. "Yes, of course I would like to see what you've done," he said with a smile. She smiled back as she saw he glance at Aqulion, knowing as he frowned slightly what he thought of her behavior. Jyla heartily agreed with him, but this was neither the time nor the place to do something about it.

Jyla turned her head slightly to Rylion, intending to give him a few orders, especially concerning the new mare, which were to be carried out as she gave Venka the tour of the new facilities. He looked at her expectantly, although with just a shadow over his face. Likely he didn't approve of how Aqulion reacted either. She turned back to Venka, slightly surprised, as he began to talk again.

"Before we do that though, Jyla, there was a small matter that I wished to settle with you. I am sure that you remember Araceli?"

"Of course I do, one of your favorites, no?" She smiled at the filly, for she was indeed a very good slave for her suitor. "And a very beautiful one at that." The golden filly looked pleased at the compliment, and Jyla sneaked a glance at Rylion. He was trying desperately hard to conceal a blush, for she was certain he had been thinking the same thing. She would really have to talk to Venka about a match between the two when they were old enough.

"Yes, well, she has been a very faithful slave to me, but I have little use for one as young and small as she is. I could sell her for a good sum at auction, but I think I found a rather better way of solving this problem." The dun paused, grinning, "I would like to gift her to you, Jyla."

Jyla, not exactly following as well as she should have been, stood stock still for a moment before it sunk in. Her smile, wide and clear, was happy and full of laughter, but not for the exact reasons one might expect. "Rylion, would you please take Aqulion back to the living meadow three? As for you," she said, looking over at the new mare. "We will have to do something about your despicable lack of manners at a later time. For now, please excuse us." She watched them leave, making sure Aquilon was well out of sight and hearing range before bursting out in laughter. No matter how she acted with Rylion only around, it was not fitting for a low ranked slave to see their master as anything other than composed. "You?" She laughed, starting to quote him in a ridiculous voice. "'But I have little use for one as young and small as she is. I would sell her at auction,'" she broke off with a snorting laugh. "You? Sell that little thing? Never. I'll kneel over and die of idioticus-stufficus-high-classiness disease before you do." She shook her head, still smiling softly. "You're going soft, is what's happening. I can look after her for you and introduce her to court life, but I'll not accept her as a gift from you, Venka. Not until we are officially wed." She smiled, hoping that Venka would take the opportunity and get over to her already. She had spent enough time away from his side and acting formal. Her land was large, and was barely populated. There was plenty of room to run, frolic, and have fun in general without being seen. She was quite ready to have some fun.

"Rylion, would you please take Aqulion back to the living meadow three? As for you," she said, looking over at the new mare. "We will have to do something about your despicable lack of manners at a later time. For now, please excuse us." Rylion listened to Jyla's orders with full attention. He wasn't pleased about being sent away, but he would not let it show for anything in the world. He had better training than that.

As he led Aquilon through a sparsely forested section, he found that for the first time since meeting her, he resented her presence. It was a rare thing to see Jyla happy and laughing, and he was annoyed to be taken from her side, not able to enjoy the moment. Unable to keep his tongue still any longer, he blurt out words he regretted as soon as they left his mouth. "Do you not have any idea of proper conduct or are you just being obstinate?" He flushed, shaking his head in embarrassment. "I'm sorry, I should not have said that." Quietly, he kept walking, head down slightly, wondering what her reaction would be.


Word Count: 1088
Characters: Jyla, Venka, Araceli, Aquilon, & Rylion
Place: Jyla's home facilities (in W. hills?)

[saetta]

Aquilon was still not liking that Venka was here. This was the cause of all of her suffering and torment. And to top it all off she was suppose to show him respect. Aquilon just put it through her mind that she would rather die than to submit. The old Aquilon was starting to bubble up again. The Aquilon that wanted her freedom back no matter what the cost. But right now she just stood there not moving or showing the slightest emotion. She did not hate Jyla per say. In fact the unicorn probably saved Aquilon from a fate worse than death. No Aquilons fight was with the dun unicorn and only Venka. Everyone else around here was innocent. Aquilon just then followed Rylion when Jyla told him to lead her away. She let the small pegasi lead a few steps and then followed behind.

She then was sort of taken aback by how irritated he was with her. And Aquilon didn't blame him over this, because she did make a scene. And a very bad and troublesome one at that. When he snapped at her over her disrespect and lack of proper conduct. Aquilon just shuffled her wings and lowered her head down to the very ground. Vy was the last equine on this planet that she wanted to hurt in all of this. But she also needed to tell him what and how she really felt in all of this. So clearing her voice she spoke softly almost at a whisper.

" Rylion I am sorry about hurting you. But there is just no way, that I can bring myself to even giving that bastard the satisfaction of seeing me kneel before him. He took my most precious thing. And that is my freedom, it was what made me, me. It would be like me coming up to you and taking one of your wings Vy. I want my freedom back and I do not care how I get it either."

She then stopped and shut up Aquilon had no idea how or why she said this. And it was right at Rylion also, would he go and tell Jyla though. That was the only thing that needed to be answered now. If he did she knew that a punishment would be delt and swiftly. She just shivered slightly waiting on her answer. But what ever did happen the blood bay pegasus would face it head long, and would not shrink from it.

[ϞSymreeϞ]

V E N K A

Jyla responded kindly to Venka's mention of Thaylee, but he knew as soon as the smile broke out on her lips that he had been caught. Guiltily, he shifted his gaze to the turf beneath his hooves as though suddenly fascinated with it's texture and consistency. He was a fool to think that he could suggest something of the sort to Jyla about Thaylee. She knew exactly how fond he was of her, but even that was not as startling as how well she knew Venka himself. It was widely known that she was the only unicorn in Sunthara that truly understood him, and did not cringe away from the "curse" that surrounded the stallions in his family line. He wasn't dead yet, right? He smiled a little to himself at the thought of it as Jyla sent Vy and the wild mare away.

"You?" She laughed, once her slaves were out of earshot. She quoted him obnoxiously, trying to mimic his voice, and then broke off with wild, snorting laughter, "You? Sell that little thing? Never. I'll kneel over and die of idioticus-stufficus-high-classiness disease before you do."

Venka grinned, "Oh, is that a fact, madame? Idioticus-stufficus-high-classiness disease is highly contagious this time of year, you know."

The mare sobered slightly, shaking her head at him," "You're going soft, is what's happening. I can look after her for you and introduce her to court life, but I'll not accept her as a gift from you, Venka. Not until we are officially wed."

He grinned and took the opportunity to close the distracting distance between them. He wrapped his neck over hers in a tight embrace, an action that many within their kingdom would have had a heart-attack to see him preform. They could not imagine such tenderness and affection from a stallion that did what Venka did for a living in Sunthara.

After a few moments, he broke away from Jyla, nipping playfully at her shoulder before powering into a full gallop away from her, hind legs flying up in a buck as he ran. Only once he glanced over his shoulder, beckoning to her with a care-free smirk before continuing on his run.

[Shanza]

The colt saw his friend's head drop, and he saddened for her. It was likely that Jyla would have preferred for him to stay out of this; of course, he didn't. He was already regretting his interference, reprimands and punishments were to be dealt out only by an overseer, an excutor, or a master. He was none of these things; he could give her advice, but he should have refrained from anything more- it lead to awkward pauses, silence, and guilt for all parties concerned. Even though he was held in the highest regard by Jyla, his inexperience and youth prevented him from being able to properly critic other slaves.

"Rylion I am sorry about hurting you. But there is just no way, that I can bring myself to even giving that bastard the satisfaction of seeing me kneel before him. He took my most precious thing. And that is my freedom, it was what made me, me. It would be like me coming up to you and taking one of your wings Vy. I want my freedom back and I do not care how I get it either."

He listened to her soft words, coming to a stop as she spoke. He knew how much it meant to him to be allowed to fly, he, who had only the skill of a butterfly in a storm and the experience of a hatchling bird. His heart ached for all she had lost, for all she had known. He shook his head, however, in reaction to her statement. "Thy words, if changed to actions, shall bring death to your door," he grinned slightly. "Sorry. When I'm moody I tend to act proper." Rylion sobered quickly, looking up at her again. "If you want to control the air under you again, you are going to have to live with being near Venka. He is a Trader, and a Trapper of Wilds. That is his job, and that is what he excels at. Do not hold it against him. He is a socially awkward unicorn, and due to the fact he doesn't deal with others fairly or well. He does what he is good at; there is no other place in this world for him." He smiled softly, feeling at least some of her pain, but none of her hatred. "I do not know how, or when, you will be able to set easy with the facts, but I pray peace will come to you soon."

He looked out across the acres of plain and forest which Jyla claimed as hers; chewing his lip he wondered how to speak next what was on his mind. "If you wish your freedom to ever be yours again, I beg of you to learn our ways and our customs. Learn to speak with the cultured tongue; learn the manners of the skilled. Only then will you be granted the chance at flight." He smiled at her, continuing, "Thy hath promise, thy have skill. Others shall see that which hides only if thy can conquer her pride and bring thy hidden talent to the surface." He shook his head. "I should not have spoken in determent, it was not my place. The advice which I give, I give to you freely and with as little as judgment as I deem I can possible achieve. All I wish is for your well-being, and hopefully, happiness." He shook his head, dropping into a more informal speech as he continued. "I have absolutely no clue 'bout what your going though; I can't even begin to comprehend what it would be like to always know flying and then have it taken away. Aquilon, if you still wish to, I would love to continue my tutelage again when we have time." He hoped she would agree; Rylion didn't think he had gone far enough to truly endanger their friendship, but he had gone farther than he should have.

Jyla

She grinned at his embrace, hugging him back. It was nice to be with him again, to be able to laugh and shout and romp around with no fear of the stories returning to others of the high life. It was part of the reason she had first began spending time with him; he was a loner and had absolutely no interest in court politics. She loved the fact that she could speak freely and not fear that her words would reach other's ears. Over time, their friendship deepened and became something more. Her family had not yet given up on convincing her that this relationship was a bad idea; in fact, her brother came over almost every weekend to try to convince her otherwise. She didn't blame them, if she followed though as she intended it was very likely that her position would be hurt. The match definitely wouldn't improve her standing in the court, but it wouldn't hurt it much either. There would always be the few high-class nobles who would shun her, but there were always the nobles who married outside their class, like she would. And besides, a good, high-class, quality trained pegasi was always in demand. She wasn't worried about her future, so now she wished to enjoy the present.

Venka nipped at her shoulder and bolted away, launching himself into a buck as he ran. She hesitated before following him, looking over at the pale golden filly. "My home is your home, feel free to come with us, meet up with Rylion, or explore on your own. Be careful near the borders however, there likely is someone who would spirit you away in a heartbeat. The edge of my land is marked by white rocks piled in small pyramids, as I'm sure you know." She smiled at the filly, firmly planting the notion in her head that her and Rylion should pair before too long. They were a good match, and liked each other to boot.

With a toss of her head, Jyla surged after the stallion, fully intending to enjoy the day. (And hoping her brother wouldn't show up- it was about that time when he made his ritual stop-in.)


Word Count: 1049
Characters: Jyla, Venka, Araceli; Aquilon, & Rylion
Place: Jyla's home facilites (W. hills?)

[saetta]

AQUILON

Aquilon knew that she had hurt the one pegasus. that could help her the most here. Then he told her that she needed to learn all she could about how things worked around here. Which was fine to the blood bay mare. She was still the total stranger in Jyla's entire entourage. And Aquilon also knew that Jyla's patients only went so far and then no more. She could then risk of either being traded or not to be trusted. And that would then not be good because she would then always be under surveillance. She continued to follow what Vy told her. When Rylion said that he wished for her to continue teaching him. She just meekly shook her head yes. And then spoke to him slowly.

" Yes that was the main reason that Jyla bought me. Was to teach you and I better start doing it or risk getting traded or sold. And so it looks like it is one of those deals Rylion. And that is I scratch your back and you scratch mine. And I'll just avoid Venka as much as possible. That way I can't possibly get into to much trouble."

Aquilon then fell silent in a long pause. There was one thing now on her mind. And it scared her to death ever since she turned into an adult mare. And that was she feared stallions and the whole breeding thing. She didn't fear breeding but the aftermath and giving birth. She did know that it was painful and in some cases even death of the mare sometimes. She heard Vy telling her that this was the other reason she was bought. When she was up for sale at the auction. And now she needed to get this off of her chest and out in the open. So she smacked her lips and spoke in a reserve tone.

" I need to tell you this so that there is no secrets between us. And that is I got a very deep fear and mistrust of stallions. And I also fear that I could even die going into labor Vy. And since your a stallion you have no grasp on how that feels or works on my mind. The last time I flew away when a stag tried to corner me. Plus since I was bigger I sort of sent him packing. But this time around I have no defense and so just am dreading when my time comes up this time Rylion. Because I can not take to the air and am not built for running. And you already told me that was the main reason I was sold."


She now wanted the very ground to open up and swallow her whole. But this was a fear that she didn't want to face not now not ever. Aquilon then lowered her head and grabbed a few bites of grass. She was more nervous then anything else. So she was trying to find things to do and put her mind at ease. She then looked over to the smaller pegasus and wonder what would he say or think about this.