.:Stand in the Rain:.

[Wildfire]

Artemis

Muscular pillars pounded the ground beneath her, though she wasn't anywhere near her normal speed. New daughter in tow, she had made her way across the herd lands in search of Quixtant. It was her job as a member of the herd and mother to introduce new members to the lead. Harks flicked about constantly vigilent for any movement whatsoever. Predators could strike at any moment and they needed to be ready, but she was also searching for Quix. After their encounter with Jeannie. A snort was emitted from her nares as she recalled the events that had unfolded. Masquerade was definitely popular with the ladies of the herd. Snapping out of the flashback, she swept the surrounding area with her jade orbs, still hoping for some sign of Quixtant or even another member of the herd.

Stella

Dainty bodice followed behind her mother's. All she knew was that they were in search of a particular equine. Her mother hadn't really explained what they were doing since they had left her father and that other essa. Orbs glanced about at the world before her. She had grown a lot in the few days she'd been alive. In that time they hadn't met any others of the herd and they had kept up their search for what her mother called the lead stag. Tiny tail brushed about at her hind quarters as they kept their pace, cantering across the sea of emerald green.

[.r e e d.]

The stag had watched Jeannie want her rightful mate back. He watched Artemis try to win Jeannie's mate. Black auds back sadly and frettfully. He had to tell her, although he hated to take away her foal's sire, but he wanted Jeannie and Masquerade together for foal reasons. If they had one set of twins, they would have another. Once the white arabian was in veiw of the black freisan, he spoke, "Artemis, I need to talk to you." he looked down at Stella sadly. "I need you to stop seeing Masquerade and let Jeannie have him. The young vixen is only two and is trying to have a family like normal. With you interfearing, she can't. I'm so sorry to say this, but I need all my members happy. And the stag already has himself in enough trouble as it is. He's a addict, I can't keep him off the breeding grounds. I'm afraid he was just using you to get his pleasure. He did love this other mare, but Jeannie stopped that when she had his foals. She's only two with twins, and that doesn't work well single. Masquerade needs to be seeing Jeannie only, but I'm sure you can find another, or you can talk to me." he looked into her optics. "I'll find you a mate, I'll gather up all the stags I can find. I want you and Stella happy." The stag smiled down at Stella. Forbidden foal....

[Wildfire]

Artemis

Harks flicked at the sound of an approaching equine. Much to her delight she spotted Quixtant. The mare changed direction and met up with him, kissers spreading into a smile. Hello Quixtant. Vocals wrang out, but her greeting was cut short by his statement. Great... That didn’t sound good. Maw nuzzled Stella in reassurance. Harks stood at attention as he got out what he needed to. The smile once etched upon her facade, faltered quickly. She had always known that Masquerade got around. That was what he did as a stag and she was fine with it, but she had never felt like she had gotten in the way with him and another mare. True Masquerade had bred her and he was Stella’s father, but she hadn’t seen him in a while and had never stopped him from being with another. Jeannie just needed the stag for herself. Sure...family...right. She thought of how flirtatious the “two year old” mare was with Masquerade. He’s just a sex toy to her...but whatever. Orbs rolled absentmindedly and her nares flared as she sighed. I will follow your command and let Masquerade do whatever he wishes, but I do want him to see Stella. Orbs glanced down to her young daughter. He is rightfully her father. A sad look crossed her features. If I did have a mate, he could take on that role, but she will need a male figure in her life... Vocals were twined with worry. She knew that she could trust Quixtant to help them. Occs locked onto his, waiting for what he would say to her.

Stella

Stella followed her mother as she switched her direction and began toward a new eqine, one that she hadn’t met before...but then again, she hadn’t met too many. She understood that he was the leader of the herd, so she gave him a space of respect and dipped her dome slightly as they approached him. Bodice held patient and still as her mother conversed with him. How boring adult talk was… If only there were another to occupy her time or attention. Orbs flitted across to a butterfly that held suspended in the air about a foot above the ground. Harks barely caught the discussion going on between the two. Her attention wandered about, getting caught for a moment on all of the wonders in the world around her.

[.r e e d.]

The stag shook his head. "Yes I understand he's her father, and you want her to see him, but he doesn't care. I could arrange some custody thing, where he gets her for a day or something. But, I'm afraid I can't let you go by yourself. Jeannie, Martini, or I will have to acompany you, I'm afraid. Or I could be her figure, but not sincerly your mate." he said quietly. [/color] Low muse. o-o

[Wildfire]

Artemis

Artemis shook her dome. No. Vocals answered firmly. She will not be passed between the two of us. She will just have to deal with seeing him periodically if we ever run into him. Orbs glanced down to her precious daughter, so innocent. No, you have your own mate to worry about and with her twins, you will have your hands full. For now she would just have to deal with being a single mom and raising Stella. Thank you for your help, Quix. Maw reached out to touch his. She was truly greatful for his advice.

Stella

Stella continued to be preoccupied with the random things that caught her attention, slowly drifting from her mother and the stag, but glancing up every now and again for comfort. Tiny pillars frolicked amist the tall grass and her harks swiveled around atop her crania.