Post by Sohtoh on Feb 19, 2010 17:12:52 GMT -5
Starring:
Nukpana - Female Horse
Pauwau - Female Horse
Takala - Female Horse
Starlight - Female Horse
Lootah - Male Horse
---------
It's mid-afternoon and, though she hasn't been in the lands for very long, Nukpana has taken full advantage of the time since her arrival to graze. And though she's more certain of her safety now, she still can't shake her habitual need to remain on guard. A part of that is her ancestry, and a part of that is her personality. And so her head rises with every mouthful to survey her surroundings, even though she's quite relaxed.
Pauwau wanders onto new lands, a territory which she is unfamiliar with. Her red-rimmed nostrils flare as she picks up on the smells in the immediate area. The scent of other mares is a comforting one, but the scent of a stallion has her lip curling with disgust. To others it may smell good, but to her it is like a fetid stench in her nostrils. She scrapes one hoof along the ground uneasily and considers whether or not to leave. The last thing she wants is some uppity stallion trying to control her and this land obviously belongs to a herd. Pauwau knows full well that she is capable of defending herself but it would put the herd at a disadvantage if she ends up hurting their stallion. Still, she doesn't see one at the moment and the grass looks rather inviting. Her stomach rumbles and eventually she gives into the base nature of her species and begins to graze. Her teeth nip off the tops of the grass as she moves along, only grazing lightly. Her muscles are tense and she keeps shifting her weight to the edges of hooves, as if ready for any aspect of danger. For now she doesn't see the other mare since she's upwind of her and has her head down. But it's likely the wind will carry Pauwau's scent towards the other mare.
And as soon as the other mare's scent reaches her, Nukpana turns to see who it's coming from. The mare she sees is unfamiliar, but she's too new to the lands herself to know who belongs and who doesn't. Still, whether a part of the herd or not she's not one to rush over and greet a horse she doesn't know. She whinnies just loud enough for the other mare to hear, not a greeting or an invitation, just letting the other mare know of her presence. And then she waits to see how the stranger will respond, a neutral expression in her face and body until the other gives her reason to feel differently, but she doesn't return to her grazing.
Pauwau immediately jerks her head up and perks her ears forward as the sound of a whinny. It doesn't sound aggressive, nor is it the typical ringing neigh of a stallion. Pauwau looks to the direction that the sound came from and scans the land with her dark eyes. A moment later she spots the blood bay mare in the distance. Pauwau isn't sure how to react to this new development. Her contact with other mares has been limited. However, if she wants to find out more about this area she'll have to talk to someone. And she definitely prefers talking to another mare than some unruly stallion. Pauwau gives the area another quick look-over to make sure no stallion is approaching before she finally makes the decision to go and greet the other mare. She moves to the south stiff-leggedly and tense, unsure as to how this mare will greet her. As she gets closer she starts to feel an itching sensation right above her left front hoof. She stops to look down for a moment and sees ants swarming up it. Apparently she has stepped in the middle of an ant hill. The mare gives an angry huff and stomps her front hooves down, completely destroying the ant hill and burying most of them. She gives the ground a few good stomps for extra measure and then finally continues on her way towards the other mare again. She then comes to a stop a few meters away and stares for a good several seconds before finally introducing herself, "I am Pauwau, a traveler. And who are you?" She inquires, blunt and to the point.
As the other mare approaches, Nukpana does nothing but stand and watch a little too carefully. Even the incident with the ant hill is noted and interpreted. By the time Pauwau introduces herself, there's a slightly friendly tilt to her head; don't ask her why, but she thinks she's going to like this mare. "My name is Nukpana," she replies in her deep alto, "I'm new to these lands, but have been granted permission to stay." So don't bother asking her anything, because she likely doesn't know. Though she's decided to be friendly, there's a certain superiority in the way she lifts her head so high as she looks over Pauwau.
Pauwau is equally cautious around the other mare and watches her closely. But even from the looks of her she can tell that she's not a push-over. It's not mares that she has a problem with anyway, only stallions. The slightly friendly tilt to the other mare's head is encouraging. It's only a nuance but it's not something that Pauwau would miss. Perhaps the mare might be a possible friend, though it is too soon to tool. Friends are rare for Pauwau, especially with her normally aggressive attitude. A slight nod of her head is given at the introduction, "Well met then. I only just arrived on these lands now and you're now the only one I've spoken to." She informs her, wondering if she'll have a problem with her being on the lands without the permission of the stallion. Probably not, or so she hopes anyway. The mare might be new and not know much, but she must have spoken with the resident stallion at some point. So she does ask one question, "Do you know who the stallion of these lands is?" She inquires. There's a certain hint of distaste to her tone. It's not that she wants to talk to him, but she is trying to decide whether she should stick around these lands for a while. It's not exactly safe wandering, and there is plenty of good food around. It's an ideal place to stay if the stallion isn't too pushy.
The assumption turns out to be incorrect, and Nukpana's answer is, "I have seen him, so I know what he looks like. But no, I don't know him." Disdain would be the wrong word for the way Nukpana's tone changes as she speaks of the stallion herself; it's more that she lacks any interest in him. She doesn't think much about the stallion, meaning that she's both not very impressed by him and also that she hasn't spent much time thinking about him. So no, she's not concerned that this mare is here without the stallion's permission. Come to think of it, she doesn't have the stallion's permission to be here either; her permission comes from the lead mare.
Pauwau grows to be more confident since the stallion isn't around at the moment. A soft snort is given is response, "It's just as well." She remarks dismissively. If he comes then she will deal with him, otherwise she will stay as long as she wishes. The other mare's aloofness in regards to the mention of the stallion only improves her standing in Pauwau's eyes. Any mare that won't let herself be pushed around by a stallion is fine in her opinion. So she decides to drop the subject of the stallion and asks a different question instead, "So how did you come to be here?" She ask curiously with both ears perking forwards curiously.
At a tingling sensation in her left front leg she looks down to see that not all of the little critters were shaken off during her stomping attacking. She shakes her one leg in an attempt to dislodge the few ants that remain. Annoying and insignificant creatures, or so they seem to her. With that out of the way she looks back up at Nukpana and asks a different question, "And your name, does it have a particular meaning? I know for some names it does, and others don't." She remarks.
"I will have a foal in spring, and it would be better for it to be born in a herd," Nukpana answers the first question easily, glad for the change of subject. Or at least she is until the second question, which was probably not the best one. Still, she answers it honestly, "The meaning of my name is not important. But if you simply must know, it means 'evil' in one of the old languages." The look she casts Pauwau is both irritated at the question but also curious; what will this mare think of that answer?
Coming in from the east, Lootah's white hooves carried him at a briskly paced trot, his deep brown eyes fixated on the lands that the herd had kept to all this time. Where he had been was anyone's guess, but it was likely to blow off some steam from his miniature argument earlier that afternoon with the pregnant Starlight. Something he'd said had been taken out of context, and he didn't want to have to deal with a hormonal, angry mare. In fact, he'd just as soon have conversed with another mare, even flirtatiously, but he didn't want the wrath of Starlight's hooves upon him. Wandering away for a few hours to graze in the east and to catch a drink slightly to the north was just as good an option, he felt. Returning now, the gold and white stallion immediately cursed his timing. Nukpana, the mare who he didn't even bother to become aquainted with after she'd dismissed him so eagerly the few days prior was there, along with a pale visitor whom he'd never seen. The stallion's hooves hit the ground with slower intervals as he began to simply walk in their direction, white tail flicking at a few trailing mosquitoes and whatnot behind him. Clearing his throat, he lets out a soft sort of nicker, establishing his presence in a more subtle way.
Pauwau nods in understanding, finding that to make sense. There was safety in a herd after all. Pauwau is not pregant and so she doesn't have the same need for safety as Nukpana. However, were she in the same situation, she might have made the same decision. The answer about Nukpana's name has the mare looking quite amused, "No, it's not always important but it can be interesting sometimes. Mine actually means something similar. A particular form of evil I believe, though at the moment I cannot put a name to it." She replies. Her name does suit her though, in its own way. Pauwau does seem to take a bit of interest in the pregnancy, if only because she might one day find herself in the same situation, however doubtful it is that it could happen. But the question itself is a bit of an awkward one so she switches it up a bit, "Will this be your first foal?." She askes curiously. Suddenly the smell of the stallion grows sharper in her nostrils and her ears pin back. She hastily backs away with her lip curling up to reveal her teeth and she anxiously paws at the ground. She is obviously not too happy about the arrival of the stallion. So long as he doesn't try to force her to join the herd or drive her away she won't attack, but there is a tenseness to her muscles and a rather crazed gleam to her eyes. The look in her gaze is something akin to hatred, even though she hasn't even spoken to the stallion once. It is something that goes deeper, something buried in her past. But one thing is clear, she is not pleased that the stallion has arrived at last. She does not speak to him but gives him a baleful glare. If Nukpana was not there she would have taken off already.
Takala is thoroughly bored. And restless. And in the mood to talk. So far, she hasn't exactly made friends with any of her herd-mates and it's a little disappointing. She's used to a close-knit group. Where is that older mare? Or Nukpana? She looks around. Her location at the edge of the meadow is not good for sight-seeing. It's her good fortune to catch Lootah trotting by, albeit briskly and with intent, but she is quick to fall into step behind him. She canters a little in order to catch up to him, nickering to let him know that she's coming. It's then that she sees where they are headed. "Nukpana!" she calls out with a smile, as though they are old friends. If only. She slows to a walk as she continues her approach.
Nukpana's mouth opens to answer Pauwau's question, but her answer is distracted from her when the mare's reaction alerts her to something possibly important happening. But when the scent of stallion reachs her nose and the gold and white stud comes into view, she shakes her head. Nope, that's not important. Then again, the other mare's overreaction is enough for her to change her mind. Perhaps he /is/ important, if only because he's upsetting someone. And so she deigns to turn and look at him, her expression clearly indicating that she's not pleased. Her expression softens somewhat when she sees Takala on his heals, but she's clearly not in a good mood anymore.
As /soon/ as he enters the prairie.. which was more /his/ land than theirs, though he didn't consider arguing territory with any mares, but as soon as he arrived, immediately he was shot dirty looks, and he stopped suddenly, tilting his head to a side and blinking with confusion. What? What did he do? Flicking his ears back a bit, he kept his distance and instead looked to Takala, who'd taken up the rear and begun to follow him not long ago. A half-smile was given, and he cautiously looked back at the other two, shaking his head and rolling his eyes. "Just what the herd needs.." he muttered to Takala, and let out a quiet chuckle. "/More/ moody mares."
Pauwau paws a deep furrow into the ground and continues to glare at the stallion with an expression of pure malice. Gone is the friendly creature that had been conversing with Nukpana earlier. Her ears pin back against her head so far that they almost look as if they have been cropped. She looks like she's about one step away from either charging or running, and the arrival of other mares just puts her all the more on edge. Her keen ears pick up on the stallion's little comment and her voice is rough with anger when she speaks, "I hope you are not including me in that little statement of yours. I am not of your herd, and currently have no wish to be. If you wish to dispute that point you can try." She warns him in a recalcitrant tone. She almost seems to be expecting a fight and it shows in her stance, which has become somewhat defensive. In fact she's angry to the point where she's nearly shaking. Definitely not the reaction one would expect from a normal mare. The scars that mark her body are perhaps a clue to her extreme overreacting, though she's far from ready to talk about her past. The other mares seem to have ceased to exist to her. She takes a few more steps back to give herself more room, in case she chooses to either flee or fight. For the moment she merely holds her ground and watches the stallion, waiting to see his reaction to her outburst.
Takala combats Nukpana's irritated expression with a carefree, youthful smile. She's happy to see a familiar face, and one with whom she feels she has something in common -- being that they both found and joined the herd within hours of each other. Hey, at least it's something! She smiles at Lootah's teasing and replies in a whisper, "The spirits must really be out to get you!" However, the gentleness and fun quickly leaves her expression upon witnessing the reaction of the unknown mare. At first, Takala looks worried, as the mare is practically shaking with rage! Takala's ears flick anxiously to and fro, and her tail thrashes behind her like a whip. She takes an instinctive step towards Nukpana and looks up at Lootah. The spirits must /definitely/ have it in for him!
Well, that certainly proves that Nukpana's instinct to like Pauwau was not a bad one. Still, it'd be a shame to see this turn into a fight or for the other mare to run, so Nukpana takes a not so subtle step forward, as if protecting Pauwau. "And if you have a problem with me, I have Starlight's permission to be here, so take it up with her. I am not here to be insulted by the likes of you," she says, her alto hitting a new depth in her irritation. She hopes that the stallion will have the good sense to backtrack a little, and that Pauwau will be reminded that she and the stallion aren't the only two here. But if not, the situation is clearly out of her control anyway. Takala is completely ignored, as the young mare seems irrelevant in the present situation.
Lootah is far from intimidated by the unruly mare. In fact, he finds it to be rather amusing. His half-grin that was aimed at Takala turns into a cocky smirk, and he tosses his head in a bit of a tease to the white female. "No one has welcomed you into our herd, it's a mistake on your part to even feel like a .. creature like you would be accepted here." He says with a taunting chuckle, though he isn't aggressive at all. There won't be any fighting on his part, not unless the mare starts it herself. With his size and weight on the higher end of the spectrum, it'd be foolish to go after him. Plus, he hadn't even done anything. Looking to Nukpana, his brows furrow and he flicks his tail in a few different directions, one hoof raising to paw at the ground. "It isn't my place to say what mares can and cannot be here.. it is Starlight's decision." He says, and gives a highly sarcastic, highly mocking bow of his head, and lets out another burst of laughter, both at Takala's comment; which he agreed with, and the level of intensity the scene took on with just his arrival. "Doesn't mean you'll be accepted by anyone else. With your attitudes.. good luck to you."
Starlight is in fact at the moment still quite angry, and she is several yards away. She snorts and paws at the ground, her head tossing. She doesn't seem to see any of the others, or is perhaps just so annoyed she does not wish to acknowledge them.
Pauwau is surprised when Nukpana takes a step protectively in front of her. That's never happened before, nobody has ever stood up for her. She barely knows her, and yet the the other mare is protecting her. Is that what being part of a herd is about? The adrenaline is pumping through her veins at an alarming rate, making it hard to come down from the anger, or to hold onto the little shred of sanity that Nukpana had managed to evoke. Any chance of the situation calming down at that point was lost once she heard the stallion's words. A look of apology is given towards Nukpana, but she can't help what she is about to do next. If the herd has a lead mare, then they don't need the lead stallion in her opinion. The mare plans to teach the loud-mouthed brute a lesson. With a squeal of rage the mare launches herself into a charge. His size doesn't intimidate her, it'll just make it all the more easier for her to target specific parts of his body. He's used to fighting stallions, but she highly doubts he's used to fighting mares. Her style is entirely different than what stallions use. Dust is churned up beneath her hooves as she moves quickly over the ground, to the point where the grass around her seems like nothing but a green blur. Just as she's within a few meters of him she locks her legs and allows her hooves to skid over the grass, throwing up a cloud of dust. For a moment she seems to disappear within the dust, due to her cremello coloring which is remarkably similar. When the dust clears it's apparent that she's actually come to a full stop and isn't pressing the attack, yet. But now she *is* trembling with an unbridled rage and the crazed look in her eyes has returned, "I dare you to say that again, you scum. All you stallions are alike. I am warning you now not to press me. You have no idea what you are dealing with. All I am, is what stallions like you have made me." She informs him, her voice nearly quivering.
Takala looks from Lootah, to the cremello mare, and then to Nukpana, who has boldly moved to stand beside the newcomer. She practically flinches at Lootah's words, knowing full well that it's just fuel being added to the fire. With nothing to add, she takes a careful step backwards, but is caught off-guard when the mare suddenly charges. A short, high-pitched squeal escapes her mouth in surprise, and she quickly trots away from the rising cloud of dust. Right now, it's safer to hang back and watch from a distance.
"Well, that's our business then, isn't it?" is all Nukpana cares to say to the stallion. But then a snort draws her attention, and Nukpana smiles when she spots Starlight. Good! Let her take care of this. Sorting out this sort of thing is exactly the sort of thing she doesn't want to have to do, and that's probably the only reason a mare of her ego would so easily allow another to be her leader. And that opinion is taken to the next degree when Pauwau goes at him. Yeah, she definately doesn't want to be responsible for any of that. At least it's a verbal attack, so far. She stays back; while stallion disliking is something she can support, going completely unhinged about it is not.
Starlight is angry, but...who is that? Starlight's ears perk to Pauwau, and then she sees the mare launch herself in a charge..at Lootah? Starlight tosses her head and neighs angrily, before she herself charges at Pauwau. Only...the mare has no intention of stopping.
Unlike Takala, Lootah wasn't frightened of the charging mare. Though she was clearly unstable and had an obvious, deep-seated hatred for the males of their species, he didn't believe that she would full-on attack him for no good reason. Instead, a brow was raised as she skidded to a halt, and another chuckle was given. Cocky, yes, but it was funny to him in an odd sort of way. The young stallion was going to repeat what he said, just to see how far he could test her, and went ahead with it. "I said, no one has wel--" He was interrupted by the angry sounding neigh of the pregnant mare, and blinked in surprise. Half-expecting her to keep away from him for a while, much less to defend him in such an odd battle, he grinned and looked back to Takala once more, as if noting the sides of the battle; Nukpana and Pauwau seemed to be chummy, but they were now outnumbered by Starlight, Takala, and himself. A short glare was sent in Nukpana's direction, and he let out an annoyed snort, but didn't say anything else.
Pauwau normally doesn't have a problem with other mares. If Starlight had asked her to stop, perhaps she might have been able to find her way back from the rage that now consumes her. But it is too late for that when the other mare charges at her without so much as a word. Pauwau answers the challenging neigh with one of her own. As she launches into her charge again she kicks out both hooves on purpose, so that she can throw more dust into the air. The better the vision is obscured, the better she can fight. Her fur is already dirty from earlier and a fine layer of the stuff already coats her form. Her hooves jab into the ground as she runs, only throwing up more dirt. She looks almost like a charging dust cloud the way it billows around her. At first it seems like she is going to charge the other mare head on but she angles away from her for a moment, moving diagonally at a 45 degree angle. In a single zig-zag she comes back again, only bringing herself out of the dust cloud towards Starlight's side. Well, that's what Pauwau has calculated. Whether the mare is there or not is another question entirely. Since she can't exactly see through the dust herself she snaps her head forward, hoping to bring her teeth to bear on the flank of the other mare. She doesn't want to hurt her seriously, just get her to back down from protecting the brute of a stallion. For the moment everyone else is ignored, even the stallion.
Starlight whinnies in surprise as teeth contact her flank, but the pain just ends up infuriating her further. This mare has the nerve to enter her territory, and then charge at her horses? Starlight won't stand for this. She neighs again and she rears up, front hooves kicking at Pauwau's exposed flank, her own ears flattened against her head.
She's being lumped with Pauwau now? Because her first instinct was to try and avoid this by making the other mare feel safer? No, any sort of support Nukpana may have given has been taken back. In fact, if she sees any opening to assist Starlight she would take it, but the dust makes it impossible for her to be sure which mare she's be helping and which she'd be harming. Instead she backs away in order to keep herself from getting in the way, finding herself next to Takala.
Normally, Lootah would've let any other two mares duke it out to establish dominance and to let them blow off steam. Battles were needed, and he knew this. But for the mare that was carrying his foal to be targeted by an outsider did all to infuriate him, and he wasn't going to stand idly by when not only he, but Starlight was threatened as well. Though he was sure the lead mare could defend herself against this crazed, wild-eyed mare, he was still going to offer his help. If the battle leaned on him again, so be it. His ears pinned back and his front hooves raised, flailing wildly at the dust, aiming for the lighter figured of the two. His lips pulled back to bare his teeth as well, and soon he was snapping at Pauwau, when he could see her. The dust-strewn mare was hard to find in her self-induced coverage, but he was doing all he could to hit her, and to avoid Starlight.
Pauwau tries to shuffle to the side a bit but accepts the blow upon her flank, feeling one of the sharp hooves tear a nice slice. It isn't deep but it is long and narrow, and she can feel the wetness of the blood trickling down. But by rearing up Starlight has left her an opening, which is why she hadn't bothered to completely dodge the blow. She is about to attack the exposed underbelly when she notices how large it is. As crazy as Pauwau is, she doesn't want to kill an unborn foal. She brings her front hooves up as if she's about to rear, and then quickly darts forward in an attempt to slam her forehead up against Starlight's chest. The move is intended to temporarily knock the breath out of the other mare, and hopefully knock the intent to fight out of her as well. Why would she go so far as to throw herself into battle for a disgusting stallion? Either way she's following through with the move in those precious few seconds. The dust has been helping her so far, and thankfully it's been acting as a sort of cloak. But she isn't completely out of Lootah's range and gets a couple deep scrapes along her rump. Her rear end is getting wet with blood but she hasn't been fighting long enough for it to weaken her, at least not yet. With any luck her headbutt might score, and there is also the slight possibility it could throw Starlight off balance. All her hopes seem to be resting on that one move, though she'll have to turn around and deal with the stallion soon. Like before she follows through with her momentum by kicking out her back hooves, hoping to launch more dust and buy her a little more time.
Starlight's breath is knocked out with a quick huff, but as Starlight drops back to her front paws, she tries to shove Lootah away. "Stay OUT of this!" she tells the stallion, before she kicks at Pauwau again after rearing up, fighting with force despite what feels like bruises on her chest. She swings her head to knock against Pauwau. She's fought battles before, and this is her defending her herd.
The younger black mare is practically prancing with agitation as she watches the drama intensify. Now there are three horses fighting. Dust is soaring, teeth are clacking, hooves smashing against the earth, an occasional infuriated squeal all Takala can do is watch, but seeing isn't believing and she honestly can't believe what she is seeing! "What's going on?" she murmurs aloud, aware that Nukpana is standing beside her now, though the question is more a product of her baffled musings than one that requires a response. She's never seen a mare as angry as this. Though, she's led a pretty sheltered life and is not entirely conscious of the struggles that others face.
It's all Nukpana can do to keep herself out of the fight, though the dust continues to hold her back. If she had any sense her own pregnancy would hold her back, but the last thing that Nukpana would have in order is her priorities. Watching the fight as intently as she can from the sidelines, she hears Takala's question and in her distraction she doesn't realize she's not meant to answer. "Starlight will win," she predicts confidently, though she's not very certain how long it will take.
Knowing that he and Starlight were doing good teaming up against Pauwau, he isn't about to stop attacking the intruder. She had it coming, even if it would only make her hate stallions more. So what? It wasn't like he was out to win her fancy or anything of the sort. A few deep toned and gruff neighing vocalizations escaped through his kicking and scraping, and one was even aimed at Starlight as she attempted to shove him away. However, he wasn't so easily defeated. Just as she was defending the herd, he was too, and he was defending her and the unborn foal as well.
Pauwau is satisfied when she feels her head impact, though it does give her a headache. Thankfully she has a broad skull, or that might have hurt her more than Starlight. A pair of hooves cleave the dust in front of her, though she can only see the trail. She's being attacked from both sides, and so she knows she only has one choice. The fact that there's still lots of dust in the air only works to her advantage. She doesn't rear up, which is what one might expect her to do. She feels a glancing blow as a hoof skids over her shoulder, opening up another gash. At least it's not on her flank or rump this time. Starlight's swing against her impacts her side. Just as she's dropping down this time Lootah's hoof slices a much deeper gash into her flank. The blood is sticky, but the dirty is getting mixed in. The wounds will likely get infected later, if she survives this encounter. All she can get out is an indignant squeal as she drops onto the ground. But this gives her a chance to pull off one of her favorite moves. She goes with the momentum and rolls until her belly is upwards, but she's not giving up. Instead she begins to flail wildly with all four hooves, while lying on her back. She's bruised, bleeding, and not int he best position but it probably won't be possible for them to come too close without being caught by one of her flailing blows, or so she hopes. And it's not like they can see much of her with so much dust still being churned into the air. It's foolhardy though, since she could get stomped on.
Starlight turns to nip firmly at Lootah. "Get away from me!" Her neigh is close enough to a snarl. She turns, and she heads further into the dust. Flailing hooves catch her more exposed underbelly, and she backs up. Whinnying, she shakes her head to clear it, and snorts with heavy breaths. "Just...get out." she breathes to Pauwau, though she feels at the very least unsteady now, and definitely sore. She just hopes the foal's okay.
Nukpana twitches as she sees a brief opening, but she stops herself from charging in when it gets closed by a wall of flailing hooves. Hmm, maybe not. And she can't help but wince when she sees the blow to Starlight's belly, knowing of the other mare's pregnancy. Not good. Still, there's nothing she can do about any of it, so once again she stays back, though this time she relaxs slightly as she realizes that she's not going to end up involved at all this time.
The nip and the yell didn't improve his attitude toward Starlight at all. Keeping his ears pinned back, the stallion nips back at her, nostrils flaring, and turns on his hind hooves in a bit of a rush. Fine, he wasn't wanted here anyway. With two mares throwing insults at him just as he arrived to having the one he was trying to help even attack him.. he didn't need these mares. Not with the way they were acting, not right now. With no words to any of them, the young male disappeared back to the east in a blur of gold and white, his ears still pressed hard against his skull even as he galloped off.
Pauwau continues with her wild flailing but she's getting tired. Blood is steadily trickling from her many wounds. She could probably push herself a little longer, but it would be pointless with two against one. Still, she's done a pretty decent job of defending herself against two. Many others would have been out of the fight already. She's surprised when there's a sudden impact, and only after does she's realize what she's done. But she can't stop just yet, lest the stallion come in at her. A thunder of hooves tells her that the stallion has left, which takes her completely by surprise. Her beef was never with Starlight to begin with. The fight has allowed the adrenaline levels in her body to run their course, and now more than ever she is feeling the pain of her wounds, and especially that dirt that's been ground into them. At the order she quickly rolls onto her belly and pushes herself up, standing with rather shaky legs. She decides she's have enough, though she does have a few parting words for Starlight, "It was foolish of you to get involved. My fight was supposed to be with him, not with you. Stallions fight all the time, it is their way. And now this one has deserted you. He was hardly worth it, but your choice is yours. I will leave as you ask, it was the stallion I was after in the first place." She explains, breathing heavily. At last she whirls and moves off at a swift trot, too hurt to break into a canter.
Takala watches Lootah break free of the fighting and gallop off. She takes a step after him, but then the dust settles and she sees Starlight, who has been kicked in the stomach, and takes a step towards her. She isn't sure who needs comforting and who just wants to be left alone. These personalities aren't familiar to her yet and she's having a hard time figuring them out at this point, as no one seems to be getting along. The cremello mare's farewell is a bitter one, and Takala feels bad for even her, but makes no move to stop her as she trots off with her cuts and bruises. "This isn't exactly what I expected when I came here," she admits quietly, looking up at Nukpana.
As the fight breaks up into individuals going their own way, Nukpana feels no need to follow after any of them. She'd have something to say to any one of them about what just happened, but if she says any of it then it will be the next time she sees them. Instead her attention turns to Takala, who seems to be the only one remaining. "Hmm, stuff happens," is all that she can say in response. Did she expect this? Well of course not. But she expected something would happen sooner or later, so this isn't a total surprise.
For some reason, Takala finds it funny that just the two of them are left standing, literally, in the dust. She breathes a sigh, which turns into a quiet laugh. "Well, now what?" she asks, shaking off some of the dirt that happened to waft her way during the scuffle. The lowlands suddenly seem twice as large now that everyone has disappeared.
Does anything phase Nukpana? Not very often. And not this. Without missing a beat she answers, "Now we wait for Starlight." She's fully confident that the lead mare will gather herself together and then figure out how to fix all of this. All that she, and by extension Takala, needs to do is to follow her lead. Life is so much simpler as a follower. She doesn't bother worrying about Lootah or Pauwau; she couldn't care less one way or the other about whether or not the stallion returns, and she can only guess whether or not they'll ever see Pauwau again. Which is a pity, as she knows that she and that mare could become great friends despite all of this. If she survives her injuries, anyway. And if she's allowed anywhere near the lands again.
Nukpana - Female Horse
Pauwau - Female Horse
Takala - Female Horse
Starlight - Female Horse
Lootah - Male Horse
---------
It's mid-afternoon and, though she hasn't been in the lands for very long, Nukpana has taken full advantage of the time since her arrival to graze. And though she's more certain of her safety now, she still can't shake her habitual need to remain on guard. A part of that is her ancestry, and a part of that is her personality. And so her head rises with every mouthful to survey her surroundings, even though she's quite relaxed.
Pauwau wanders onto new lands, a territory which she is unfamiliar with. Her red-rimmed nostrils flare as she picks up on the smells in the immediate area. The scent of other mares is a comforting one, but the scent of a stallion has her lip curling with disgust. To others it may smell good, but to her it is like a fetid stench in her nostrils. She scrapes one hoof along the ground uneasily and considers whether or not to leave. The last thing she wants is some uppity stallion trying to control her and this land obviously belongs to a herd. Pauwau knows full well that she is capable of defending herself but it would put the herd at a disadvantage if she ends up hurting their stallion. Still, she doesn't see one at the moment and the grass looks rather inviting. Her stomach rumbles and eventually she gives into the base nature of her species and begins to graze. Her teeth nip off the tops of the grass as she moves along, only grazing lightly. Her muscles are tense and she keeps shifting her weight to the edges of hooves, as if ready for any aspect of danger. For now she doesn't see the other mare since she's upwind of her and has her head down. But it's likely the wind will carry Pauwau's scent towards the other mare.
And as soon as the other mare's scent reaches her, Nukpana turns to see who it's coming from. The mare she sees is unfamiliar, but she's too new to the lands herself to know who belongs and who doesn't. Still, whether a part of the herd or not she's not one to rush over and greet a horse she doesn't know. She whinnies just loud enough for the other mare to hear, not a greeting or an invitation, just letting the other mare know of her presence. And then she waits to see how the stranger will respond, a neutral expression in her face and body until the other gives her reason to feel differently, but she doesn't return to her grazing.
Pauwau immediately jerks her head up and perks her ears forward as the sound of a whinny. It doesn't sound aggressive, nor is it the typical ringing neigh of a stallion. Pauwau looks to the direction that the sound came from and scans the land with her dark eyes. A moment later she spots the blood bay mare in the distance. Pauwau isn't sure how to react to this new development. Her contact with other mares has been limited. However, if she wants to find out more about this area she'll have to talk to someone. And she definitely prefers talking to another mare than some unruly stallion. Pauwau gives the area another quick look-over to make sure no stallion is approaching before she finally makes the decision to go and greet the other mare. She moves to the south stiff-leggedly and tense, unsure as to how this mare will greet her. As she gets closer she starts to feel an itching sensation right above her left front hoof. She stops to look down for a moment and sees ants swarming up it. Apparently she has stepped in the middle of an ant hill. The mare gives an angry huff and stomps her front hooves down, completely destroying the ant hill and burying most of them. She gives the ground a few good stomps for extra measure and then finally continues on her way towards the other mare again. She then comes to a stop a few meters away and stares for a good several seconds before finally introducing herself, "I am Pauwau, a traveler. And who are you?" She inquires, blunt and to the point.
As the other mare approaches, Nukpana does nothing but stand and watch a little too carefully. Even the incident with the ant hill is noted and interpreted. By the time Pauwau introduces herself, there's a slightly friendly tilt to her head; don't ask her why, but she thinks she's going to like this mare. "My name is Nukpana," she replies in her deep alto, "I'm new to these lands, but have been granted permission to stay." So don't bother asking her anything, because she likely doesn't know. Though she's decided to be friendly, there's a certain superiority in the way she lifts her head so high as she looks over Pauwau.
Pauwau is equally cautious around the other mare and watches her closely. But even from the looks of her she can tell that she's not a push-over. It's not mares that she has a problem with anyway, only stallions. The slightly friendly tilt to the other mare's head is encouraging. It's only a nuance but it's not something that Pauwau would miss. Perhaps the mare might be a possible friend, though it is too soon to tool. Friends are rare for Pauwau, especially with her normally aggressive attitude. A slight nod of her head is given at the introduction, "Well met then. I only just arrived on these lands now and you're now the only one I've spoken to." She informs her, wondering if she'll have a problem with her being on the lands without the permission of the stallion. Probably not, or so she hopes anyway. The mare might be new and not know much, but she must have spoken with the resident stallion at some point. So she does ask one question, "Do you know who the stallion of these lands is?" She inquires. There's a certain hint of distaste to her tone. It's not that she wants to talk to him, but she is trying to decide whether she should stick around these lands for a while. It's not exactly safe wandering, and there is plenty of good food around. It's an ideal place to stay if the stallion isn't too pushy.
The assumption turns out to be incorrect, and Nukpana's answer is, "I have seen him, so I know what he looks like. But no, I don't know him." Disdain would be the wrong word for the way Nukpana's tone changes as she speaks of the stallion herself; it's more that she lacks any interest in him. She doesn't think much about the stallion, meaning that she's both not very impressed by him and also that she hasn't spent much time thinking about him. So no, she's not concerned that this mare is here without the stallion's permission. Come to think of it, she doesn't have the stallion's permission to be here either; her permission comes from the lead mare.
Pauwau grows to be more confident since the stallion isn't around at the moment. A soft snort is given is response, "It's just as well." She remarks dismissively. If he comes then she will deal with him, otherwise she will stay as long as she wishes. The other mare's aloofness in regards to the mention of the stallion only improves her standing in Pauwau's eyes. Any mare that won't let herself be pushed around by a stallion is fine in her opinion. So she decides to drop the subject of the stallion and asks a different question instead, "So how did you come to be here?" She ask curiously with both ears perking forwards curiously.
At a tingling sensation in her left front leg she looks down to see that not all of the little critters were shaken off during her stomping attacking. She shakes her one leg in an attempt to dislodge the few ants that remain. Annoying and insignificant creatures, or so they seem to her. With that out of the way she looks back up at Nukpana and asks a different question, "And your name, does it have a particular meaning? I know for some names it does, and others don't." She remarks.
"I will have a foal in spring, and it would be better for it to be born in a herd," Nukpana answers the first question easily, glad for the change of subject. Or at least she is until the second question, which was probably not the best one. Still, she answers it honestly, "The meaning of my name is not important. But if you simply must know, it means 'evil' in one of the old languages." The look she casts Pauwau is both irritated at the question but also curious; what will this mare think of that answer?
Coming in from the east, Lootah's white hooves carried him at a briskly paced trot, his deep brown eyes fixated on the lands that the herd had kept to all this time. Where he had been was anyone's guess, but it was likely to blow off some steam from his miniature argument earlier that afternoon with the pregnant Starlight. Something he'd said had been taken out of context, and he didn't want to have to deal with a hormonal, angry mare. In fact, he'd just as soon have conversed with another mare, even flirtatiously, but he didn't want the wrath of Starlight's hooves upon him. Wandering away for a few hours to graze in the east and to catch a drink slightly to the north was just as good an option, he felt. Returning now, the gold and white stallion immediately cursed his timing. Nukpana, the mare who he didn't even bother to become aquainted with after she'd dismissed him so eagerly the few days prior was there, along with a pale visitor whom he'd never seen. The stallion's hooves hit the ground with slower intervals as he began to simply walk in their direction, white tail flicking at a few trailing mosquitoes and whatnot behind him. Clearing his throat, he lets out a soft sort of nicker, establishing his presence in a more subtle way.
Pauwau nods in understanding, finding that to make sense. There was safety in a herd after all. Pauwau is not pregant and so she doesn't have the same need for safety as Nukpana. However, were she in the same situation, she might have made the same decision. The answer about Nukpana's name has the mare looking quite amused, "No, it's not always important but it can be interesting sometimes. Mine actually means something similar. A particular form of evil I believe, though at the moment I cannot put a name to it." She replies. Her name does suit her though, in its own way. Pauwau does seem to take a bit of interest in the pregnancy, if only because she might one day find herself in the same situation, however doubtful it is that it could happen. But the question itself is a bit of an awkward one so she switches it up a bit, "Will this be your first foal?." She askes curiously. Suddenly the smell of the stallion grows sharper in her nostrils and her ears pin back. She hastily backs away with her lip curling up to reveal her teeth and she anxiously paws at the ground. She is obviously not too happy about the arrival of the stallion. So long as he doesn't try to force her to join the herd or drive her away she won't attack, but there is a tenseness to her muscles and a rather crazed gleam to her eyes. The look in her gaze is something akin to hatred, even though she hasn't even spoken to the stallion once. It is something that goes deeper, something buried in her past. But one thing is clear, she is not pleased that the stallion has arrived at last. She does not speak to him but gives him a baleful glare. If Nukpana was not there she would have taken off already.
Takala is thoroughly bored. And restless. And in the mood to talk. So far, she hasn't exactly made friends with any of her herd-mates and it's a little disappointing. She's used to a close-knit group. Where is that older mare? Or Nukpana? She looks around. Her location at the edge of the meadow is not good for sight-seeing. It's her good fortune to catch Lootah trotting by, albeit briskly and with intent, but she is quick to fall into step behind him. She canters a little in order to catch up to him, nickering to let him know that she's coming. It's then that she sees where they are headed. "Nukpana!" she calls out with a smile, as though they are old friends. If only. She slows to a walk as she continues her approach.
Nukpana's mouth opens to answer Pauwau's question, but her answer is distracted from her when the mare's reaction alerts her to something possibly important happening. But when the scent of stallion reachs her nose and the gold and white stud comes into view, she shakes her head. Nope, that's not important. Then again, the other mare's overreaction is enough for her to change her mind. Perhaps he /is/ important, if only because he's upsetting someone. And so she deigns to turn and look at him, her expression clearly indicating that she's not pleased. Her expression softens somewhat when she sees Takala on his heals, but she's clearly not in a good mood anymore.
As /soon/ as he enters the prairie.. which was more /his/ land than theirs, though he didn't consider arguing territory with any mares, but as soon as he arrived, immediately he was shot dirty looks, and he stopped suddenly, tilting his head to a side and blinking with confusion. What? What did he do? Flicking his ears back a bit, he kept his distance and instead looked to Takala, who'd taken up the rear and begun to follow him not long ago. A half-smile was given, and he cautiously looked back at the other two, shaking his head and rolling his eyes. "Just what the herd needs.." he muttered to Takala, and let out a quiet chuckle. "/More/ moody mares."
Pauwau paws a deep furrow into the ground and continues to glare at the stallion with an expression of pure malice. Gone is the friendly creature that had been conversing with Nukpana earlier. Her ears pin back against her head so far that they almost look as if they have been cropped. She looks like she's about one step away from either charging or running, and the arrival of other mares just puts her all the more on edge. Her keen ears pick up on the stallion's little comment and her voice is rough with anger when she speaks, "I hope you are not including me in that little statement of yours. I am not of your herd, and currently have no wish to be. If you wish to dispute that point you can try." She warns him in a recalcitrant tone. She almost seems to be expecting a fight and it shows in her stance, which has become somewhat defensive. In fact she's angry to the point where she's nearly shaking. Definitely not the reaction one would expect from a normal mare. The scars that mark her body are perhaps a clue to her extreme overreacting, though she's far from ready to talk about her past. The other mares seem to have ceased to exist to her. She takes a few more steps back to give herself more room, in case she chooses to either flee or fight. For the moment she merely holds her ground and watches the stallion, waiting to see his reaction to her outburst.
Takala combats Nukpana's irritated expression with a carefree, youthful smile. She's happy to see a familiar face, and one with whom she feels she has something in common -- being that they both found and joined the herd within hours of each other. Hey, at least it's something! She smiles at Lootah's teasing and replies in a whisper, "The spirits must really be out to get you!" However, the gentleness and fun quickly leaves her expression upon witnessing the reaction of the unknown mare. At first, Takala looks worried, as the mare is practically shaking with rage! Takala's ears flick anxiously to and fro, and her tail thrashes behind her like a whip. She takes an instinctive step towards Nukpana and looks up at Lootah. The spirits must /definitely/ have it in for him!
Well, that certainly proves that Nukpana's instinct to like Pauwau was not a bad one. Still, it'd be a shame to see this turn into a fight or for the other mare to run, so Nukpana takes a not so subtle step forward, as if protecting Pauwau. "And if you have a problem with me, I have Starlight's permission to be here, so take it up with her. I am not here to be insulted by the likes of you," she says, her alto hitting a new depth in her irritation. She hopes that the stallion will have the good sense to backtrack a little, and that Pauwau will be reminded that she and the stallion aren't the only two here. But if not, the situation is clearly out of her control anyway. Takala is completely ignored, as the young mare seems irrelevant in the present situation.
Lootah is far from intimidated by the unruly mare. In fact, he finds it to be rather amusing. His half-grin that was aimed at Takala turns into a cocky smirk, and he tosses his head in a bit of a tease to the white female. "No one has welcomed you into our herd, it's a mistake on your part to even feel like a .. creature like you would be accepted here." He says with a taunting chuckle, though he isn't aggressive at all. There won't be any fighting on his part, not unless the mare starts it herself. With his size and weight on the higher end of the spectrum, it'd be foolish to go after him. Plus, he hadn't even done anything. Looking to Nukpana, his brows furrow and he flicks his tail in a few different directions, one hoof raising to paw at the ground. "It isn't my place to say what mares can and cannot be here.. it is Starlight's decision." He says, and gives a highly sarcastic, highly mocking bow of his head, and lets out another burst of laughter, both at Takala's comment; which he agreed with, and the level of intensity the scene took on with just his arrival. "Doesn't mean you'll be accepted by anyone else. With your attitudes.. good luck to you."
Starlight is in fact at the moment still quite angry, and she is several yards away. She snorts and paws at the ground, her head tossing. She doesn't seem to see any of the others, or is perhaps just so annoyed she does not wish to acknowledge them.
Pauwau is surprised when Nukpana takes a step protectively in front of her. That's never happened before, nobody has ever stood up for her. She barely knows her, and yet the the other mare is protecting her. Is that what being part of a herd is about? The adrenaline is pumping through her veins at an alarming rate, making it hard to come down from the anger, or to hold onto the little shred of sanity that Nukpana had managed to evoke. Any chance of the situation calming down at that point was lost once she heard the stallion's words. A look of apology is given towards Nukpana, but she can't help what she is about to do next. If the herd has a lead mare, then they don't need the lead stallion in her opinion. The mare plans to teach the loud-mouthed brute a lesson. With a squeal of rage the mare launches herself into a charge. His size doesn't intimidate her, it'll just make it all the more easier for her to target specific parts of his body. He's used to fighting stallions, but she highly doubts he's used to fighting mares. Her style is entirely different than what stallions use. Dust is churned up beneath her hooves as she moves quickly over the ground, to the point where the grass around her seems like nothing but a green blur. Just as she's within a few meters of him she locks her legs and allows her hooves to skid over the grass, throwing up a cloud of dust. For a moment she seems to disappear within the dust, due to her cremello coloring which is remarkably similar. When the dust clears it's apparent that she's actually come to a full stop and isn't pressing the attack, yet. But now she *is* trembling with an unbridled rage and the crazed look in her eyes has returned, "I dare you to say that again, you scum. All you stallions are alike. I am warning you now not to press me. You have no idea what you are dealing with. All I am, is what stallions like you have made me." She informs him, her voice nearly quivering.
Takala looks from Lootah, to the cremello mare, and then to Nukpana, who has boldly moved to stand beside the newcomer. She practically flinches at Lootah's words, knowing full well that it's just fuel being added to the fire. With nothing to add, she takes a careful step backwards, but is caught off-guard when the mare suddenly charges. A short, high-pitched squeal escapes her mouth in surprise, and she quickly trots away from the rising cloud of dust. Right now, it's safer to hang back and watch from a distance.
"Well, that's our business then, isn't it?" is all Nukpana cares to say to the stallion. But then a snort draws her attention, and Nukpana smiles when she spots Starlight. Good! Let her take care of this. Sorting out this sort of thing is exactly the sort of thing she doesn't want to have to do, and that's probably the only reason a mare of her ego would so easily allow another to be her leader. And that opinion is taken to the next degree when Pauwau goes at him. Yeah, she definately doesn't want to be responsible for any of that. At least it's a verbal attack, so far. She stays back; while stallion disliking is something she can support, going completely unhinged about it is not.
Starlight is angry, but...who is that? Starlight's ears perk to Pauwau, and then she sees the mare launch herself in a charge..at Lootah? Starlight tosses her head and neighs angrily, before she herself charges at Pauwau. Only...the mare has no intention of stopping.
Unlike Takala, Lootah wasn't frightened of the charging mare. Though she was clearly unstable and had an obvious, deep-seated hatred for the males of their species, he didn't believe that she would full-on attack him for no good reason. Instead, a brow was raised as she skidded to a halt, and another chuckle was given. Cocky, yes, but it was funny to him in an odd sort of way. The young stallion was going to repeat what he said, just to see how far he could test her, and went ahead with it. "I said, no one has wel--" He was interrupted by the angry sounding neigh of the pregnant mare, and blinked in surprise. Half-expecting her to keep away from him for a while, much less to defend him in such an odd battle, he grinned and looked back to Takala once more, as if noting the sides of the battle; Nukpana and Pauwau seemed to be chummy, but they were now outnumbered by Starlight, Takala, and himself. A short glare was sent in Nukpana's direction, and he let out an annoyed snort, but didn't say anything else.
Pauwau normally doesn't have a problem with other mares. If Starlight had asked her to stop, perhaps she might have been able to find her way back from the rage that now consumes her. But it is too late for that when the other mare charges at her without so much as a word. Pauwau answers the challenging neigh with one of her own. As she launches into her charge again she kicks out both hooves on purpose, so that she can throw more dust into the air. The better the vision is obscured, the better she can fight. Her fur is already dirty from earlier and a fine layer of the stuff already coats her form. Her hooves jab into the ground as she runs, only throwing up more dirt. She looks almost like a charging dust cloud the way it billows around her. At first it seems like she is going to charge the other mare head on but she angles away from her for a moment, moving diagonally at a 45 degree angle. In a single zig-zag she comes back again, only bringing herself out of the dust cloud towards Starlight's side. Well, that's what Pauwau has calculated. Whether the mare is there or not is another question entirely. Since she can't exactly see through the dust herself she snaps her head forward, hoping to bring her teeth to bear on the flank of the other mare. She doesn't want to hurt her seriously, just get her to back down from protecting the brute of a stallion. For the moment everyone else is ignored, even the stallion.
Starlight whinnies in surprise as teeth contact her flank, but the pain just ends up infuriating her further. This mare has the nerve to enter her territory, and then charge at her horses? Starlight won't stand for this. She neighs again and she rears up, front hooves kicking at Pauwau's exposed flank, her own ears flattened against her head.
She's being lumped with Pauwau now? Because her first instinct was to try and avoid this by making the other mare feel safer? No, any sort of support Nukpana may have given has been taken back. In fact, if she sees any opening to assist Starlight she would take it, but the dust makes it impossible for her to be sure which mare she's be helping and which she'd be harming. Instead she backs away in order to keep herself from getting in the way, finding herself next to Takala.
Normally, Lootah would've let any other two mares duke it out to establish dominance and to let them blow off steam. Battles were needed, and he knew this. But for the mare that was carrying his foal to be targeted by an outsider did all to infuriate him, and he wasn't going to stand idly by when not only he, but Starlight was threatened as well. Though he was sure the lead mare could defend herself against this crazed, wild-eyed mare, he was still going to offer his help. If the battle leaned on him again, so be it. His ears pinned back and his front hooves raised, flailing wildly at the dust, aiming for the lighter figured of the two. His lips pulled back to bare his teeth as well, and soon he was snapping at Pauwau, when he could see her. The dust-strewn mare was hard to find in her self-induced coverage, but he was doing all he could to hit her, and to avoid Starlight.
Pauwau tries to shuffle to the side a bit but accepts the blow upon her flank, feeling one of the sharp hooves tear a nice slice. It isn't deep but it is long and narrow, and she can feel the wetness of the blood trickling down. But by rearing up Starlight has left her an opening, which is why she hadn't bothered to completely dodge the blow. She is about to attack the exposed underbelly when she notices how large it is. As crazy as Pauwau is, she doesn't want to kill an unborn foal. She brings her front hooves up as if she's about to rear, and then quickly darts forward in an attempt to slam her forehead up against Starlight's chest. The move is intended to temporarily knock the breath out of the other mare, and hopefully knock the intent to fight out of her as well. Why would she go so far as to throw herself into battle for a disgusting stallion? Either way she's following through with the move in those precious few seconds. The dust has been helping her so far, and thankfully it's been acting as a sort of cloak. But she isn't completely out of Lootah's range and gets a couple deep scrapes along her rump. Her rear end is getting wet with blood but she hasn't been fighting long enough for it to weaken her, at least not yet. With any luck her headbutt might score, and there is also the slight possibility it could throw Starlight off balance. All her hopes seem to be resting on that one move, though she'll have to turn around and deal with the stallion soon. Like before she follows through with her momentum by kicking out her back hooves, hoping to launch more dust and buy her a little more time.
Starlight's breath is knocked out with a quick huff, but as Starlight drops back to her front paws, she tries to shove Lootah away. "Stay OUT of this!" she tells the stallion, before she kicks at Pauwau again after rearing up, fighting with force despite what feels like bruises on her chest. She swings her head to knock against Pauwau. She's fought battles before, and this is her defending her herd.
The younger black mare is practically prancing with agitation as she watches the drama intensify. Now there are three horses fighting. Dust is soaring, teeth are clacking, hooves smashing against the earth, an occasional infuriated squeal all Takala can do is watch, but seeing isn't believing and she honestly can't believe what she is seeing! "What's going on?" she murmurs aloud, aware that Nukpana is standing beside her now, though the question is more a product of her baffled musings than one that requires a response. She's never seen a mare as angry as this. Though, she's led a pretty sheltered life and is not entirely conscious of the struggles that others face.
It's all Nukpana can do to keep herself out of the fight, though the dust continues to hold her back. If she had any sense her own pregnancy would hold her back, but the last thing that Nukpana would have in order is her priorities. Watching the fight as intently as she can from the sidelines, she hears Takala's question and in her distraction she doesn't realize she's not meant to answer. "Starlight will win," she predicts confidently, though she's not very certain how long it will take.
Knowing that he and Starlight were doing good teaming up against Pauwau, he isn't about to stop attacking the intruder. She had it coming, even if it would only make her hate stallions more. So what? It wasn't like he was out to win her fancy or anything of the sort. A few deep toned and gruff neighing vocalizations escaped through his kicking and scraping, and one was even aimed at Starlight as she attempted to shove him away. However, he wasn't so easily defeated. Just as she was defending the herd, he was too, and he was defending her and the unborn foal as well.
Pauwau is satisfied when she feels her head impact, though it does give her a headache. Thankfully she has a broad skull, or that might have hurt her more than Starlight. A pair of hooves cleave the dust in front of her, though she can only see the trail. She's being attacked from both sides, and so she knows she only has one choice. The fact that there's still lots of dust in the air only works to her advantage. She doesn't rear up, which is what one might expect her to do. She feels a glancing blow as a hoof skids over her shoulder, opening up another gash. At least it's not on her flank or rump this time. Starlight's swing against her impacts her side. Just as she's dropping down this time Lootah's hoof slices a much deeper gash into her flank. The blood is sticky, but the dirty is getting mixed in. The wounds will likely get infected later, if she survives this encounter. All she can get out is an indignant squeal as she drops onto the ground. But this gives her a chance to pull off one of her favorite moves. She goes with the momentum and rolls until her belly is upwards, but she's not giving up. Instead she begins to flail wildly with all four hooves, while lying on her back. She's bruised, bleeding, and not int he best position but it probably won't be possible for them to come too close without being caught by one of her flailing blows, or so she hopes. And it's not like they can see much of her with so much dust still being churned into the air. It's foolhardy though, since she could get stomped on.
Starlight turns to nip firmly at Lootah. "Get away from me!" Her neigh is close enough to a snarl. She turns, and she heads further into the dust. Flailing hooves catch her more exposed underbelly, and she backs up. Whinnying, she shakes her head to clear it, and snorts with heavy breaths. "Just...get out." she breathes to Pauwau, though she feels at the very least unsteady now, and definitely sore. She just hopes the foal's okay.
Nukpana twitches as she sees a brief opening, but she stops herself from charging in when it gets closed by a wall of flailing hooves. Hmm, maybe not. And she can't help but wince when she sees the blow to Starlight's belly, knowing of the other mare's pregnancy. Not good. Still, there's nothing she can do about any of it, so once again she stays back, though this time she relaxs slightly as she realizes that she's not going to end up involved at all this time.
The nip and the yell didn't improve his attitude toward Starlight at all. Keeping his ears pinned back, the stallion nips back at her, nostrils flaring, and turns on his hind hooves in a bit of a rush. Fine, he wasn't wanted here anyway. With two mares throwing insults at him just as he arrived to having the one he was trying to help even attack him.. he didn't need these mares. Not with the way they were acting, not right now. With no words to any of them, the young male disappeared back to the east in a blur of gold and white, his ears still pressed hard against his skull even as he galloped off.
Pauwau continues with her wild flailing but she's getting tired. Blood is steadily trickling from her many wounds. She could probably push herself a little longer, but it would be pointless with two against one. Still, she's done a pretty decent job of defending herself against two. Many others would have been out of the fight already. She's surprised when there's a sudden impact, and only after does she's realize what she's done. But she can't stop just yet, lest the stallion come in at her. A thunder of hooves tells her that the stallion has left, which takes her completely by surprise. Her beef was never with Starlight to begin with. The fight has allowed the adrenaline levels in her body to run their course, and now more than ever she is feeling the pain of her wounds, and especially that dirt that's been ground into them. At the order she quickly rolls onto her belly and pushes herself up, standing with rather shaky legs. She decides she's have enough, though she does have a few parting words for Starlight, "It was foolish of you to get involved. My fight was supposed to be with him, not with you. Stallions fight all the time, it is their way. And now this one has deserted you. He was hardly worth it, but your choice is yours. I will leave as you ask, it was the stallion I was after in the first place." She explains, breathing heavily. At last she whirls and moves off at a swift trot, too hurt to break into a canter.
Takala watches Lootah break free of the fighting and gallop off. She takes a step after him, but then the dust settles and she sees Starlight, who has been kicked in the stomach, and takes a step towards her. She isn't sure who needs comforting and who just wants to be left alone. These personalities aren't familiar to her yet and she's having a hard time figuring them out at this point, as no one seems to be getting along. The cremello mare's farewell is a bitter one, and Takala feels bad for even her, but makes no move to stop her as she trots off with her cuts and bruises. "This isn't exactly what I expected when I came here," she admits quietly, looking up at Nukpana.
As the fight breaks up into individuals going their own way, Nukpana feels no need to follow after any of them. She'd have something to say to any one of them about what just happened, but if she says any of it then it will be the next time she sees them. Instead her attention turns to Takala, who seems to be the only one remaining. "Hmm, stuff happens," is all that she can say in response. Did she expect this? Well of course not. But she expected something would happen sooner or later, so this isn't a total surprise.
For some reason, Takala finds it funny that just the two of them are left standing, literally, in the dust. She breathes a sigh, which turns into a quiet laugh. "Well, now what?" she asks, shaking off some of the dirt that happened to waft her way during the scuffle. The lowlands suddenly seem twice as large now that everyone has disappeared.
Does anything phase Nukpana? Not very often. And not this. Without missing a beat she answers, "Now we wait for Starlight." She's fully confident that the lead mare will gather herself together and then figure out how to fix all of this. All that she, and by extension Takala, needs to do is to follow her lead. Life is so much simpler as a follower. She doesn't bother worrying about Lootah or Pauwau; she couldn't care less one way or the other about whether or not the stallion returns, and she can only guess whether or not they'll ever see Pauwau again. Which is a pity, as she knows that she and that mare could become great friends despite all of this. If she survives her injuries, anyway. And if she's allowed anywhere near the lands again.