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 Posted: Tue Dec 02, 2025 5:58 pm
This is a private RP for ToniCourtel's Lilavati Tondra & Shri LaughingStar with Insane Butterfly's Catalina. Please do not post unless invited, thank you!
Teepees: [Toni] [IB]
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Posted: Tue Dec 02, 2025 6:50 pm
Wide, pale purple eyes darted about the unfamiliar surroundings with open curiosity. Catalina had heard chatter of a lively herd in this region and had felt an inexplicable pull. The growing excitement of what lay ahead rushed under her skin and made her shiver while a glow she had to work to quell, pulsed from her horn. If it wasn't her face, her magic would let anyone know her emotions ruled her. She would never be good at being impassive.
A smile had her lips curving and while she walked, she started to hum, a low little melody she knew well that grew a bit jaunty as it went. Absently, her hips started to sway with the tune, her pace picking up too, making her tail feathers bounce and the beads in her hair click together. This was the reason she had ventured here. There was an urge for her body to move when she heard music, inevitably she would want to dance - but how? How did she make her movements fluid and effortless? She was determined to find out.
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Posted: Tue Dec 02, 2025 7:58 pm
In the steady golden light of an autumn afternoon, the latest home for the Traveling Faire had once again become a sea of aisles and stalls, cook fires and booths, stages and stanchion and slowly rising swags. Workers moved here and there with loads of rope and lumber, stones and pottery- striving to build booths for those that would cook and serve food as well as preparing tables for artisans to perform demonstrations. Many of the actors were rehearsing at the various stages, security was plotting their flight and travel patterns, and some artists were hard at work making their latest round of wares to sell.
Standing off to one side of a pleasingly smooth lawn that had been gently roped off with drapes of silken fabric to help the dancers find it amongst the other performance areas, waited the Silver Tapir Dancer. The indigo and silver mare known to her friends and Faire-mates as Lilavati Tondra was dressed in a paired down 'rehearsal' version of her trademark sashes and bells. Claws shifting in a steady step in place against the bright grass, she paced in place as she tried to cool down from her last run through of her newest routine.
"There was certainly something to be said for rest days," Lilavati murmured with quite amusement to herself, thinking fondly of the months or years when the Faire would cease its traveling and return to their home herd for recuperation and reunions. Though somewhat restful due to the fact that it was a fresh set up and rehearsal day, the Faire was still rather lively in its own peculiar way.
"I find myself missing them right now." Lila murmured with quiet thoughtfulness, eyes fixed on the swooping path of one of the security hawks. Lilavati Tondra Wordcount: 296
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Posted: Tue Dec 02, 2025 8:16 pm
Handing off some of her smaller 'mundane' bells -those that were not enchanted using her Angeni gifts- which had been carefully affixed to new leather jesses, Shri LaughingStar murmured some advice to the security hawks and then bid them a fond farewell. Unlike most herds, the familiars that attended to various tasks and callings within the Faire were just as much herd mates as the Soquili they worked alongside. They were a part of every aspect of the herd, from the security team to the artists, from performers to cooks and vendors, guiding staff, scouts, puppeteers and more. All shapes and sizes were welcome within the Faire, and their unique abilities helped the Herd and their unique art and performances to flourish.
Making her way back through the rapidly emerging Faire space, Shri noticed a brightly colored unicorn mare making her way down the avenue. Though there was a grace and a musicality to her movements, she was not familiar, which prompted a certain sense of curiosity and interest.
'Well now,' Shri thought with a swivel of her ears and an excited fluff of her wings. 'I wonder who you are, hmm? Always nice to make new friends.'
Well aware that her mate would be busy for the afternoon and happy enough to be a guide if the situation called for it, Shri fluffed her wings again and picked up a gleeful trot. Moving directly toward the newcomer in with a cheerful ringing of the bells that decorated her mane, tail and accessories- the Angeni of Bells called out a jaunty greeting.
"Hail and well-met! Welcome to the Lapsang Traveling Reenactment Faire and Market. I'm afraid I don't recognize you, and I thought I might offer my assistance. Are you looking for someone specific?"
Shri LaughingStar Wordcount: 295
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Posted: Tue Dec 02, 2025 8:38 pm
All around Cat there were other soquili that were approaching the faire, too. Pairs, groups, small families, even others traveling alone like herself - they all seemed to have the same destination in mind. Her eyes sparkled with awe as she grew closer. The bright colors, sweeping banners, and bustling sounds had her pausing on the outskirts as she drank it all in. How had she kept herself from coming here sooner?
"Ahem!" A gruff throat clearing from behind her had her startling, sidestepping and looking behind her. An impatient, older stallion stood behind her, and then further were a few others giving her curious glances, as she belatedly realized she had stopped and was blocking the entrance. Mortified, she rushed out of the way, a flurry of apologies falling from her as she cleared the way.
Red colored her cheeks as she moved further in, remaining more mindful of her space while still trying to sate her curiosity. Vibrant fabrics, intricate carvings, glittering jewels, and much more were being put on display at booths, mouth-watering scents were filtering out from stalls where she could see patrons hard at work to create their wares.
After what simultaneously felt like a life-time and a mere blink - Catalina found herself slowing to a stand still as she neared a large sectioned off area. There was plenty of bustling on the manicured lawn, her curiosity bringing her closer until she heard the tinkling of bells and an equally pleasant voice hailing her. Turning away she found a butter-yellow mare that had her thinking of spring-fresh daffodils. Instantly a smile was spreading across her face, bringing it to her eyes where excitement sparkled. “Is this your faire? It’s wonderful!” She gushed with enthusiasm, shifting from talon to talon, unable to keep the nervous excitement contained. “I came to watch the dance performances, I heard so many fantastical stories.”
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Posted: Thu Feb 05, 2026 5:36 pm
Having spent the morning helping with booth arrangements and checking that stocks of her own wares were sufficient for her next opening, Shri had already put in a full day's work before the sun was high. As things stood, she welcomed the opportunity to roam around a little now, enjoying the ambiance of a quiet but still exciting Faire day. Sometimes it was nice to just see the sights, to buy some snacks and play some games and just enjoy this mad little traveling family she had magically become a part of.
Perhaps the warmth they instilled in her was the reason she stepped forward to greet the stranger, to offer a friendly face and listening ear to someone she didn't recognize. If this stranger was just a patron, then so be it. But if she was like some of the others that had run away from their homes and herds just to 'join the Faire', well, she should have a point of contact then, shouldn't she?
The question 'Is this your faire?' took her back a little, and she pondered a moment before answering.
"Well, in some ways," Shri offered with a shrug and a gentle smile. "The Traveling Reenactment Faire doesn't belong to any single individual, nor can we really claim that it is only of one herd. The truth of the matter is that several herds have come together to supply, support, staff and host the event. As it moves, we require several different outposts to travel to, our host herds. Sometimes we gather new members -artists, artisans, performers- sometimes we lose some. Those that join and then leave for other paths, or who take time away to relax, to craft, or to raise their families... It's always a somewhat shifting thing. So while no one party owns it, it is all a little bit ours, even if just in the sense of home."
Giving an apologetic bow of her head and a bright laugh, Shri gives a shake of her head and prompts all her bells to ringing. "Sorry if that was a bit more complicated than you were expecting. All this to say I'm happy to welcome you and I can certainly show you around. We have several dance troupes and performance groups, and then quite a few individual dancers. I can introduce you around, if you like? A friend of mine is among their number, and should have the practice field for the afternoon if you want to be introduced?"
Shri LaughingStar Wordcount: 416
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Posted: Wed Feb 18, 2026 8:39 pm
The surrounding faire chatter seemed to fade while Cat listened to the angeni mare's melodic voice explain the workings and culture of the faire. She found herself nodding and hmm-ing in response. What she wouldn't give to be surrounded by the hustle and bustle and the sense of belonging. The energy was palpable here, seeming to seep into her very marrow only to flow back through her with a charge. Absently, her talons had worn anxious scores into the dirt from flexing her toes.
Her rapt attention was unwavering as she absorbed the information she was given, breaking only when the mare dipped her head, tone changing as she laughed. Cat found herself surreptitiously pulling her claws from the dirt while the busy hum of the faire returned to her senses. She was smiling with the mare, shaking her head in earnest. "No, no! I loved learning about your home. Thank you for sharing a piece with me."
Ears shooting forward and lavender eyes widening a bit, she let out a little gasp of delight. "I would love that. Oh- but I wouldn't want to take you away from anything if you're busy!" Cheeks flushing at the thought she was being a hinderance to take her up on the offer, after all, she was likely just being polite. However, she wasn't able to stop herself from glancing in the direction she indicated and imagining the possibilities. Music flowing over while performers used their bodies to give the melody corporeal form - the opportunity lay so very close.
256 wc
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Posted: Sat Feb 28, 2026 6:37 pm
More often than not, Shri found the energy of the Faire to be a soothing hum of presence. Of connection, in some ways. Here, even if others weren't speaking to her at the moment, she felt their presence, felt a bond with them, in a way. They were all herd mates, dedicated to a greater cause. A cause of fun and entertainment, of adventure and excitement and joy. It wasn't necessarily healing, or changing the world, but in some way it might save a life... might brighten a day. And that? That was worth everything to her. Some of her friends needed breaks from it all, exhausted rather than energized, but Shri found she went the other way. The bubbling excitement, like shaken up spirits, filled her up and translated to joyous movement and the joyous chiming of her bells.
"Of course, it's no trouble at all." Shri returned with a smile. "We're happy to have guests, or to welcome new members to the madness. Even if someone is here for a day, we want them to be welcome and have a most magical and entertaining time. As for taking me away from anything, you're doing nothing of the kind, I assure you."
Never had she been so glad to have finished with work ahead of schedule, and to find herself somewhat at odds. The timing worked out perfectly for her to play guide and hostess, and perhaps she'd make a new friend while she was at it.
"Now then, before we take a bit of a walk to find her, I'm afraid I've gone about things a little bit backwards and I'd like to correct that before it goes on too much longer! My name is Shri LaughingStar, and I am happy to welcome you to the Faire." Shri offered with a bow and then a questioning tilt of her head. "Might I have your name before we continue on, then?"
Shri LaughingStar Wordcount: 322
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Posted: Sat Feb 28, 2026 8:45 pm
Finally shaking off her daydreaming, Lilavati Tondra does a few stretches and then begins her next project. With her practice of a finished routine and the warm ups behind her, she moves on to one of the new routines she's started to shape with a fluid, confident air. Committed to excellence, she makes it probably two thirds of the way through the routine before something shifts in her mental landscape of the overall pattern. Paused in the middle of the field, tilting her head as she listens to music only she can hear, she rearranges a few moves and then nods in approval.
"That would work, better, I think." Lila admits aloud, doing a quick mental rerun.
The movements and arrangement of the pattern flows better this way, even if it's not yet finished by any stretch of the imagination. Still, the new change will be implemented, and it is the need to note this change that prompts her to abandon the run through and move to the edge of the field. There, sitting on a low wooden structure she calls a traveler's desk, is a fairly thin clay tablet inscribed with pictograms and elegant sweeping errors to denote movement. There's a series of tools in an upright cup, as well as a bucket of water and a dipper. Craning her head down she seizes the handle of the dipper, scooping up some water and carefully pouring a little onto the tablet. Setting aside the dipper again she reaches for a flat stamp, patting at the softened clay to erase the three or so characters and arrows that are impacted by her new plan. She seizes a bone stylus and begins carving the new pattern with a cheerful determination.
'Yes. That will work quite nicely, indeed.' Lilavati Tondra Wordcount: 296
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Posted: Sun Jul 19, 2026 1:11 pm
Cat’s eyes went wide, inhaling through her nose sharply. “I have completely lost myself in all of the excitement. I’m Catalina.” A shy grin made its way onto her face. “You can call me Cat, though!” Her words were a bit rushed, embarrassment bleeding through since she hadn’t introduced herself. Here she was, being invited to be personally shown around by this lovely lady and she had completely left her manners somewhere between here and the entrance. “All of the excitement has me so scattered, I’ve forgotten myself.” A wayward feather slipped from her mane, had Cat gently tossing it back from her eyes while her teal cheeks darkened to a purple shade, belaying her embarrassment. Taking another fortifying breath, she let it out as an awkward chuckle.
Anxious nerves had her scoring the dirt under her talons again. “What’s your name? Or, what do you prefer to be called?” Dry dirt crumbled under her fidgeting as she made herself ask, pushing past her internalized chastisement and forging in with her newfound friendship. Everything in her was saying this was the start of something extraordinary, and she wouldn’t let herself diminish because of a small hiccup. She tossed her mane from her shoulder and brought her smile back, determined not to stand in her own way. “They won’t mind horribly if we drop by? I don’t want to interrupt! I imagine they have a lot to do to make sure everything is right.”
A clatter in the nearest stall had her pulling her gaze to where a patron had (she presumed) knocked over a display and was hurriedly trying to correct it. Well, she wasn’t doing as bad as that, she was sure. …yet.
WC 284
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Posted: Thu Aug 13, 2026 5:56 pm
To those that know her it is likely to be evident that Shri's quiet, unbiased opinion of the Unicorn cross mare is that she's just sweet, truth be told. Not that she's really going to say that to a stranger unprompted, it might come across as weird. Well, then again, maybe not? It somewhat depended on whether or not the mare knew any other Angeni or mentoring types that might deliver a similar assessment with all the affection of a long lost auntie.
'Rein it in, LaughingStar,' Shri reminds herself as she regards this stranger she is hoping to turn into a friend.
Of course, then the darling talks and Shri hears herself cooing. "You're perfectly fine, sweet Catalina, and it is a pleasure to meet you."
'If Howl was here, she would laugh at you.' Shri scolds herself internally. "It's perfectly understandable. The Faire is a very exciting place to be, no one would blame you for getting swept up in it all. There's far too much to see and do and experience, we all have a moment where we get lost in it. I hope that means that you're having a good time, at the very least, even if it is early days."
Accustomed to handling herself around her friends and mate, Shri gives a gentle trill of sound like she does when she's soothing her dear ones, the fond sound instinctive. "I am Shri LaughingStar, but you are more than welcome to call me Shri; after all, no one really calls me by my full name. As for anyone here minding anything horribly, it's really not likely. We're mostly artists and performers at our core, we love to share and show off and talk about our craft. Let's head that way, I imagine our timing will be just about perfect."
Though wordless, Shri gives the patron a sympathetic glance and flicks a quick look to the vendor already speaking soothingly to them, giving an approving nod. Good, no major altercation, that means they're free to go have some fun.
"The dancers will be taking turns on practice stages and fields, maybe you'll find someone to give you a few ideas?" As she speaks she lifts her head, eyes glinting at the sight of a familiar individual. "Ah, there's one such lady now! Lila! I've a dancer to introduce you to!"
Shri LaughingStar Wordcount: 393
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Posted: Thu Aug 13, 2026 6:05 pm
Lifting her head from her planning sketch at the sound of her name, Lilavati flashes a quick smile at the dancer speaking to her. "The stage is clear, go work on your routine! Remember to drop your weight onto that hock and keep it as stationary as possible for your spins, alright? Rollback on it, it'll keep everything smoother!"
There's a flutter of laughter and maybe a polite cat call or two in response to the advice, but it's all met with pleasant attitude and acceptance. Lila won't ever be as tight with some of those ladies as she is with a few of the others, has some misgivings about their attitude when a handsome young stallion is suddenly dangled in front of their noses, but she doesn't need to bring that up on the dancing field. She can play nice just as well as any of the others, quietly keeping her guard up and gently erasing the tablet once she's gotten some things planned out. She's in the middle of moving around the far corner of the practice field to maybe take a crack at the next idea, when she sees a familiar flash of gold and hears a friendly voice.
Lila spins about in a flurry of bells and sashes, eyes brightening as she trots forward and gives a laughing greeting. "Shri! Bell Bringer, what on earth are you doing down here on the practice fields. Ready to show some of these girls how it's done with wings and grace?"
The appearance of a stranger just off Shri's flank and the fact that she now understands what the Angeni is chiming about has curiosity rising in her. "Oh, a new dancing friend? Hello there, then. I'm Lilavati, but as you heard Shri just say, Lila's just fine. Welcome to the Faire, and the dancing fields." Lilavati Tondra Wordcount: 307
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