Goennec Pen #: 13

Name:
Flip
Height:
2'4
Weight:
53"
Why do you want this goennec?:
I don’t even know where to start, the second I saw Flip I knew I loved him and I just had to try for him, something about him just said “pick me”. It wasn’t a case of choosing who to go for this week, as pretty as this weeks round is, once I saw Flip he took my breath away and the others paled in comparison. I am literally giddy with excitement this round.
For starters Flip’s design is just so gorgeous, that soft grey gradient against the pale pink of his hooves and horns is simply gorgeous, he’s such a handsome boy. The dappling along his coat is so sweet, it’s a really nice effect and I love dapple coats on hoofers. I adore green eyed-dark haired combinations and it looks so nice on Flip I couldn’t resist him, the combination just makes him come alive to me.
I’ve been keeping my eye out for the perfect male that I would just click with and I feel like he had finally come along, everything about Flip is perfect. Every time I flick past his picture it makes me smile. Flip really would be the perfect first male to go into my herd.
How would you use this character?:
First off this guy would be going straight into my herd as the prince, I don’t feel he’s quite mature enough yet for the spot of prime but he hopes to one day hold that title.
He would definitely become a treasured head mate and as my first male Goennec he would always be special to me. Plus he’s already such a little character in my head I don’t think I could push him out (if I wanted to, which I don’t) I just adore him so much already.
I already have inspiration for drawing him so I cannot wait to get started on that, he’s one of those characters I could sit and doodle all day which is brilliant. He would get very spoiled art wise.
As I always say I am an avid writer, so he would be getting used in my little stories all the time, his own history and background in detail of course as well as him being part of the herd story along side my other two Goennec’s.
Personality:
Courageous: Bold Goennec’s are foolish, they rush into the unknown without a care in the world, unafraid and reckless. The courageous however, they acknowledge their fear, allow it to help them stay wary and alert, they are afraid but go on anyway. These are the true brave. - Unknown Elder.
Though Flip recognises that fear in small doses is healthy for safety reasons he never lets it paralyse him. If faced with a challenge he can face his fear and process it leaving him able to proceed without panic, he wont turn away because he‘s scared but it makes him cautious. If faced with a fight Flip wont turn away and he will defend his heard with valiant loyalty.
Loyal: Flip is very passionate about his herd and all the Goennec’s in it. He couldn’t imagine turning his back on any member, be it family or friend. Prepared to fight to the death and lay down his life for his herd, Flip will do anything for those he loves.
Confident: Born strong and healthy to a wonderful mother Flip had an amazing start to life, even as a youngster he was leader of the pack, many of the other kids falling in line behind him during games and play. His natural calm friendly disposition and confident aura draw the others of the herd towards him and he welcomes their attention without being cocky, he just loves company. Flip is usually the first one to try new things or speak to new people.
Friendly: Really, you couldn’t meet a nicer Ram if you tried. Flip has a tendency to see the good in everyone, though his instincts serve him well. Though he understands the need to be tough on rebellious members of the herd he somehow manages to do it with a smile. His naturally warm attitude has served him well so far and the herd responds to his firm-but-fair outlook. It isn’t often he has to butt heads with anyone and when he does he doesn’t do it lightly and always tries to find a better way.
Flirty: Yes, he is a typical male and tends to spend a lot of time practising his fledgling flirting skills on the doe’s. Not that they mind. Flip is a charmer when in comes to the ladies, being relaxed and lazily confident gives him a smouldering charm which the girls find irresistible, not that they let on.
Playful: Though he’s very laid back Flip has a real cheeky playful side to his personality that can appear at anytime. He takes great joy in the simple things in life and the smallest thing can make him happy. As a youngster he often played with the other kids, usually being the first one to come up with a new game.
Likes:
Company: Flip is a real herd Ram, he loves the company of the other Goennec’s and will never stray far from them. Some of his earliest memories are of dozing in the sun with his mother and their friends in the height of summer and he still enjoys the lazy companionship of hazy summer days. Flip is the kind of guy who just likes being around others and gets along with everyone.
Stars: The twinkling lights appeal to his more playful side and Flip loves to lay in the long grass and watch them on moonlit nights. It gives him a chance to relax and think while the rest of the herd are at rest. A simple time to reflect on life, full of simple happiness.
Razzy: The best kept secret in the history of the herd, Flip has a little bit of an innocent crush on the sassy doe and secretly keeps a special eye on her. Her natural shyness and Flip’s slightly over zealous method of flirting tend to keep them apart, but on the occasions they do speak they balance each other nicely, Flip’s natural calm confident attitude meshing with Razzy’s scatter-brained, dizzy shyness.
Mud: Thick, cool, squashy mud really appeals to the playful side in Flip and he loves the feel of it on his skin. Quite often in rainstorms he will run along the river bank, especially enjoying squishing it with his back paws and wiggling his toes around in it.
Strawberries: His favourite food in all of the world, the little red berries are the highlight of spring and summer and Flip is always excited to see the first little white flowers appear on the wild bushes that sprawl through his valley home.
Dislikes:
Fights: Within the herd at least, Flip doesn’t like to see any members of the herd fighting about anything, tension within the group means they aren’t functioning as well as a herd and enemies can exploit weakness which puts the rest of the herd in potential danger. In Flips opinion if you can’t get on, keep out of each others way.
Thunder: despite being a big brave Goennec when it comes to most things, Flip is secretly scared of thunderstorms. Though he doesn’t mind lightning and thinks its quite pretty, it’s the huge rolls of thunder across the sky that make Flip quiver. Sensibly he knows thunder cant hurt him and reminding himself of this is the only way he can stay relatively calm in a storm.
Flies: they are annoying, the make a silly loud buzzing sound and never leave you alone. The height of summer on hot sticky days are terribly annoying for Flip, he hates the tickly way flies land on him and tries to keep out of their way preferring the cool of the river bank to the shade of sappy trees.
Define your Goennec:
Just like one star shines brighter than the rest, one Goennec is born among many with a spark brighter than the rest. This young ram entered the world early one morning, when dawn had yet to bleed into the night and chase the shadows away. His birth was short and easy on his dam, she had borne many kids before and experience made his birth smooth and calm. As the young ram entered the world and his eyes fluttered open for the first time a brilliant star shot across the sky, lighting the dark with fire. Blinking with amazement he took in this first sight of the world with wonder and awe, only a nuzzle from his mother breaking the magical spell.
It was time to start his life.
2 months on
Skipping through the long grass with a smile and a flick of his short fluffy tail Flip tipped his head to the sky and the warmth of the sun. Happiness radiated through him and a small contented sigh escaped his mouth. It was a gorgeous day and running around on thin, but stronger everyday, legs was the best way to spend an afternoon. Squeals and giggles sounded the arrival of the small gathering of kids behind Flip and he spun round to face them, his little heart beating with excitement.
‘Where to Flip!’ a young doe cried skidding to a halt in front of him, her eyes shinning with excitement, mirroring his own.
‘The river!’ he shouted spinning in the direction of the rushing sound of water ‘onwards soldiers!’
The little group charged onwards again, Flip at the head of the charge grinned from ear to ear as they ran, his little chest stuck out he ran with his head up. Bounding down the short hill as if charging into battle, the grass whipping past hooves and paws.
Laughter rang out as the kids played in the shallows of the river, butting heads and splashing each other with enthusiasm. Time seemed to stop here while the kids played together in the warm late spring sun, enjoying the games of youth.
‘Oi! You lot’ an elder Goennec suddenly appeared above the kids, standing on the hill and silhouetted against the sun the older female possessed the authority earned with age.
The noise and laughter stopped as the kids, shocked, skidded to a halt, as one looking to Flip as their expressions mixed between worry and guilt.
Taking a step forwards in front of the others Flip lowered his head slightly, offering a small, soft smile to the older Goennec ‘sorry, did we disturb you?’ he asked gently.
‘No, but your too far from the herd. No one can see you’ the gruff voice replied.
‘We’re very sorry’ Flip said softly shooting a glance over his shoulder, the other kids all came forwards with him ‘we’ll come right back’
The older doe frowned and tilted her head to the side, staring at Flip ‘well see you do’ her voice softer she allowed herself a tiny smile ‘play closer to the herd, we don’t want you ending up in trouble’
‘Of course’ Flip smiled and trotted to the top of the hill ‘thank you!’ he called bounding away across the wild grass of the meadow floor, the rest of the kids streaming behind him in a colourful line.
‘Weren’t you scared?’ a young doe asked as the stopped, her chocolate coat shinning with lustre under the sun.
‘A bit, I thought she was going to tie us up by our tails!’ Flip laughed tucking his tail under his legs ‘she isn’t that scary though’
‘Wow. Your so brave’ she said with shinning eyes, smiling a little before turning to graze.
Flip felt his little heart swell up slightly, brave. He was brave! Smiling ear to ear and feeling warm and fuzzy Flip gazed across at the young Goennec’s happily, bending his head to graze with them.
3 months on
Flip wondered trough the herd, he was taller than most of the other kids already and stood shoulder to shoulder with a few of the smaller adult females so it was easy to see who was around. The doe he was hoping to see didn’t seem to be around though and he sighed softly, looking for her when she wasn’t with the herd was usually difficult and he didn’t have time, the Prime wanted to speak to him.
Moving forwards with an easy stride he noticed the elder doe who had told him and his friends off that day down by the river. He’d seen her around a lot since then and wondered why, she always seemed to be looking at him. Maybe she was lonely, he smiled happily at her making a mental note to go and speak to her when he was done speaking with the prime.
As he drew closer to the trees ringing the clearing where herd meetings went on Flip felt his heart speed up, he’d have been lying if he said he wasn’t nervous, after all it wasn’t a usual occurrence for kids to be asked to see the Prime.
Stopping he took a few deep breaths to calm himself and closed his eyes, a method he’d been using since he was born when he was worried. It always helped to centre him again, letting out a deep sigh he opened his eyes smiling and feeling relaxed.
Pushing his way through the thick bushes in front of him he stepped into the clearing and glanced around at the empty ring of trees, it was quieter in here than outside and Flip sighed feeling calmer. The Prime stepped from the trees a moment later, gazing at Flip curiously as he came to a halt in the centre of the ring of trees.
‘You wanted to see me?’
‘Yes, a wise elder came to see me not long ago. She told me she had seen the next Prince and I must waste no time in selecting him for training’ the Primes voice was deep and slow ‘do you know who it was she told me to seek out?’
‘I do not’ Flip replied confused.
The larger ram let out a low chuckle ‘tell me young one, you do not seem wary of me like so many of the kids, you do not seem bothered by me at all?’
‘I’m sorry Prime, of course I am wary of you because you’ve called me here for some reason which I haven’t seen you do to anyone before. I don’t like to be scared though, so I don’t let myself be’
‘You don’t let yourself’
‘No’ shaking his head Flip smiled ‘I know when I’m nervous or scared, but then I tell myself its ok, take a deep breath and carry on’
‘That’s a very unusual talent’ The Prime gazed at him with obvious curiosity now ‘it is you that the elder recommended to me for training’
Shock hit Flip and his jaw fell open for a moment before he managed to pull himself together and stand up straight. ‘I see, why did she recommend me?’
‘I was told that you were a strong confident young ram, I see the elder was right, you handle yourself with confidence’
‘Thank you’ Flip tilted his head to one side slightly ‘I’m only a few months old though, aren’t Rams usually older when they are selected to become prince?’
‘Yes, but you show unusual promise and our current prince is drawing near to retirement. You won’t take over his role for a year or so yet but I feel your training should start soon’
‘I see’
‘The elder who spoke to me mentioned that the kids seem to look to you for direction, had you noticed?’ the Prime asked amused.
‘Well, I always seem to be the one running in front. I thought it was just because I’m faster than the others’
‘There’s that too. You have a natural air of authority about you young one. Your training will start soon’
With that the older ram turned walked away, vanishing into the darkness of the trees and leaving Flip stood pondering what the Prime had told him. With a flick of his scraggly tail the ram turned and left the clearing shaking his coat out as he walked back into the sunlight.
Flips third spring. (3 years old)
As the sun sleepily started to rise in the sky a proud handsome face lay silently in the long grass nose inches from a thick dark bush. Peering at the thick green leaves he waited patiently for the sun to light the world, a sense of calm settling over him as he lay in the pastel light of dawn.
A soft breeze stirred the thick fluffy mane along his back and neck, ruffling the dark strands like a playful friend. The smell of cool grass and wild flowers filled the early morning and he took a deep breath, filling his nostrils with the wonderful scent.
Excitement tingled in his blood as the sun slowly crowned the horizon, a glowing orange-yellow orb hanging easily in the sky, chasing the shadows away from the land and turning everything for a moment to gold. This day had been fixed in his mind for the last few weeks, he had been waiting for it all winter and now it had arrived. As the sun took its position high in the, now brilliant blue, sky a shiver ran through the ram. The first strawberry of the year.
Standing and shaking the drops of dew from his fur a smile lit Flips face from ear to ear, the first fully ripe strawberry of that year hung red and fat only inches from his nose. Stretching his muzzle out he plucked it gently from the bush and bit down gently on the soft fruit, wiggling with pleasure as the juice burst from the berry.
(Art
http://i853.photobucket.com/albums/ab93 ... erries.png )
Stood chewing happily he gazed out over the meadow, Flip had grown a lot in the last three years and was every inch the budding prince. Standing taller than nearly every other member of his herd the ram was stocky with muscle and his coat gleamed with health, his horns had come in thick and strong and his scraggly short tail was now long and thickly fluffy.
Breakfast dealt with Flip trotted away from the strawberry bush and down towards the herd, some already awake and grazing, a few still sleeping. Wondering towards the herd he slowed to a walk, smiling and saying hello to everyone he passed, shooting the occasional wink at some of the females, making sure everyone was there and alright. New mothers laughed as kids jumped around on spindly legs, falling as often as they landed on all four legs and Flip shook his head in amusement, remembering his own days of kidhood fondly.
His eyes roaming the herd he noticed again that his favourite face was missing, as she so often was. Flicking his tail with concern he wondered where she was this morning, there were so many places she could be.
In a while he would look for her, half because he just liked to see her and half because Flip just liked to make sure everyone was alright each morning and one Goennec left unchecked was unacceptable.
Suddenly grinning he pounced at a small butt sticking out of a bush, gently ramming the other Goennec’s behind with his horns before rushing off laughing. A squeal of playful indignation sounded behind him and Flip pushed his little legs faster, racing along the tree line and dashing behind a pile of bushes. Holding his breath and biting back a giggle Flip waited to be discovered. Gearing nothing after a few moments he poked his head through the leafy green bush, yelping as a set of horns locked with his.
Laughing Flip pushed his way through the bush head to head with the other ram. Free off the foliage the two rams backed away from each other with a chuckle, eyeing each other.
‘Morning Flip’ the smaller ram grinned.
‘Morning, caught you by surprise again!’
‘Aw I was just testing you’
‘Sure’ Flip grinned and shook himself free of leaves ‘keeps me on my toes’
‘That’s why we’re buddies’
‘Of course’ turning Flips grinned over his shoulder ‘I’ll catch you later, got to keep an eye on the herd’
‘Yeah right buddy’ rolling his eyes the other Ram turned and trotted away ‘good luck finding her’
Flip blushed slightly and headed along the edge of the forest ignoring the last comment his friend had made. A sudden loud squeal came from his right and Flip stopped in his tracks, his ears swivelling towards the trees and he listened intently. A loud growl floated towards him on the wind and Flip instantly crept forwards, creeping low to the ground through the trees, his eyes darting around looking for any clues as his heart slammed in his chest. Whimpers and desperate scuffling sounds came from just in front of him and taking a deep breath and relaxing himself Flip crept around a clump of small bushes and trees, moving round towards the growling. Lifting his head over the low bush in front of him and breathing quietly Flips eyes widened and he suppressed and growl. Fear radiated through him alongside anger, in front of him a young kid, a ram, sat panting, shaking and panicked, desperate to find escape from the growling predator in front of it.
The fox like creature slunk closer to the kid, drool dripping from its jaws, his eyes glazed over with hunger it hadn’t yet noticed Flip behind it.
Not keen to attack any predator Flip knew it was the only chance the kid had at survival, swallowing his fear Flip pulled his head up and tilted his horns forwards, leaping over the bush and driving his curved horns into the side of the small fox. The creature gave a yelp and tumbled to the side, half Flips size the ram knew it wouldn’t stay down long.
Turning to the kid Flip pushed his with his head ‘go! Run! Get away from here!’ the kid gazed up at him in shock, his little body shaking violently. Nosing him forwards again and trying to get him to run Flip yelped as teeth grabbed his back paw, spinning himself around he drove his front hooves into the fox’s side, the creature yelped and snapped at him, flinging his head at the animal Flip smacked him with his horns. Whimpering the fox skidded across the ground before fleeing through the bushes. Panting Flip lowered his head, testing his bitten paw on the ground he hissed as pain flashed through his paw.
Turning back to the kid Flip smiled softly ‘you alright?’
‘Yo..your foot’ the little ram gasped mouth open, eyes wide with fright.
‘Its fine little one. Come on, lets get you back to your mom’
‘Sure…thank you Flip’ he mumbled getting shakily to his feet.
Nosing the youngsters back Flip smiled, raising his eyebrows slightly and gazing seriously at the little ram ‘your welcome, but this is why we stay close to the herd remember. Your not to wonder off alone’
‘I know, I’m sorry’ he mumbled walking ahead of Flip, head down.
‘Good, its alright, just remember that and you’ll be fine’ Flip winced limping along behind the kid.
They made their way slowly back to the safe numbers of the other Goennec‘s, the sun warm on their coats Flip figured was probably good for the shock. The kid running bleating softly to his mother as she appeared in the crowd, her worried gaze replaced by a relieved one as she saw him. Sighing softly Flip began to explain to the curious crowd.
The sun was drifting back down over the hills as night crept over the sky. Flip stood in the river, letting the cool water run over his slightly swollen back paw and sooth the soreness there. Smiling softly as he watched the water drift past him making pretty patterns with the last of the sunlight. His head lowered he let his nose dip gently into the cool water, closing his eyes and sighing happily.
‘That was pretty brave what you did earlier’ a soft voice said behind him.
‘Oh’ pulling his head away from the water and smiling easily Flip shrugged ‘Thanks, anyone would have helped the kid though’
‘Nah’ wondering towards him she smiled awkwardly ‘I don’t think so’
‘Sure they would’ limping out of the water and stretching his back legs to flex his toes Flip decided his leg felt much better.
‘Maybe, I’m glad your ok’ the doe paused and smiled awkwardly.
‘Thanks, me too’ He smiled back at her walking up the grassy incline with long easy steps, without even realising it Flip had his head up high and his chest puffed out, radiating confidence and self assured calm. The doe half smiled and nodded, making her way past him with a kind of awkward grace.
‘See ya Flip’ she mumbled as she trotted past him.
‘Bye Razzy’
(Art
http://i853.photobucket.com/albums/ab93 ... ikeyou.jpg )
Eyes ahead of him he made his way up the hill to the meadow, leaving the river behind and crossing the grassy bowl of the herd’s land. Around him Goennec’s settled down for the night, mothers shushing their young gathered in lazy circles with each other, the elders sat together talking easily with one another, everyone had their own way of spending the evening.
Flip making his way up his favourite grassy hill overlooking the meadow felt himself relaxing with each step, the herd was close enough he could still see them but he felt like this little spot was all his own, a private place. Gazing up he watched the sky turn from brilliant blue to velvet black, tiny stars dotting the blackness as the moon took the suns place in the sky.
Yes, this was Flip’s home, his herd, his friends and his life. Soon he would take his place as Prince, and protect those in the meadow below him with everything he had.
(Art
http://i853.photobucket.com/albums/ab93 ... tvigil.png )