[for reference, go here to see what an Ayaniju looks like:
http://spiritsoftheearth.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1154 ; second post]
Graceful, long legs struck outwards, feet prancing as the keratin claws scratched soft, slight grooves in the dirt. The powrful hind limbs propelled it forwards, over a bank and up the other side with the elegance of a deer or cat. But the animal soon halted, tossing it's fine, ebony muzzle slightly, large nostrils aflare. Siomaat held the reins steady and dismounted nimbly, falling onto her slender feet. She tossed the reins over a branch, releasing it and sliding down the muddy bank, her boots causing deep trenches as she progressed across the icy water. She examined it and found some footholds, finding the best way to come across.
Sio made it across the narrow running waters to a solid gray Ayaniju, it's head drooping, sides slightly sweating while she untied the lead rope. She then examined the six, large eggs that were strapped onto her back in a cloth like basket. A sigh crossed her as she placed the blanket over the eggs, already feeling the shifting inside them. A smile touched her lips as she tugged on the lead, Meryankh following Siomaat.
Meryankh's curved horns caught on some scrambling branches, clawing at the spiraling horns. Fine, strong body carried it's load, following Sio's lead to across the bank, finding a trail upwards. The precious cargo made it safetly, Siomaat resting as they reached the top. Eaquro, the red Ayaniju cocked a hind, white socked foot, head hanging.
"I'll have to switch the eggs onto Eaquro," she mumbled qickly begining to lighten the smaller Ayaniju's load.
Siomaat carried the saddle and the other cargo Eaquro had while she lead them into the village, sniffing the air with flaring nostrils, black rimmed ears flicking about ot catch each sound. There tails flicked behind them, a perfect match to that of a deer's.
Finding a nice space she dropped the saddle and cargo onto the ground, manuevering the tired Meryankh to lead against the wall and even lay down if it so desired. Sio tossed the lead rope loosely over a shoulder, bring Eaquro over towards her. She firmly told the rather odd creature a command it knew well.
"Lay down!" And the beast replied, slender limbs folding beneath it slowly, resting it's fine muzzle on the ground, large canines holding it's head up slightly, pushing it's lips as it snorted, finding no grass to eat.
Seconds ticked and Siomaat acquired two mugs of water along with two bowls of stew. She set it in front of each Ayaniju and allowed them to eat and drink their fill. Meanwhile she pulled the eggs off Eaquro, rolling them gently and making a cloth nest around each.
Wiping the sweat off her brow she stood, waving her hand to acquire some attention from the passerbys.
"People! Oh! Good villagers! Does anyone wish to acquire a magnificient animal? 6 eggs to be sold! They are soon to hatch and you will find an animal inside like no other," she said in her selling-voice.
She brushed back her golden chestnut hair and moved to Meryankh, pushing on a special point behind the animal's neck, causing it to suddenly become a miniature form of itself, although more catlike as it bounced into Sio's arms.
"Both companionable and hard-working!" She said fondly, examining the passing crowds while the eggs shifted and crackled.